Hong Kong: Govt opposes wastewater discharge

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strongly opposes the Japanese governments plan to discharge nuclear-contaminated water in Fukushima, Japan, Chief Executive John Lee said today.



Mr Lee voiced his concern in a press statement and pointed out: The decision of conducting such an unprecedented and large-scale discharge, which would last for 30 years, has blatantly ignored the inevitable risk on food safety and the irreversible contamination and damages to the marine environment.



It is an irresponsible act which shifted the issue from oneself to another.



In response to the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water, the Chief Executive has instructed the Environment & Ecology Bureau and relevant departments to initiate import control measures to safeguard food safety and the health of Hong Kong citizens.



Currently, there are around 1.3 million cubic metres of radioactive nuclear-contaminated water, which involves at least 30 radionuclides, stored in some 1,000 tanks at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station. According to the Japanese governments plan, the wastewater will be released for a period of 30 years, with an annual discharge volume of up to 15 million cubic metres.



Mr Lee noted that while it is impossible to have a foolproof design and operation, such nuclear activities and radionuclides will have long-lasting adverse impact on our future generations.



Citing expert opinions which point out that the radioactive substances could accumulate in the marine environment as well as inside organisms, he said the impact and risk from the discharge in Fukushima should be accorded with high level of concerns and prevention.



It is necessary for the Hong Kong SAR Government to make comprehensive and effective protection, he stressed, adding that any error in relation to the discharge will inevitably bring about damages to environment, ecology and food safety.

This story has been published on: 2023-08-23. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
US commerce chief to visit China in positive signal for growing talks; Washington urged to show sincerity

Global Times) 08:48, August 23, 2023

At the invitation of Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo will visit China starting on Sunday, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced on Tuesday, sending another signal that the world's two biggest economies remain committed to dialogue even as bilateral relations are still at the lowest ebb in decades.

The announcement of Raimondo's visit came after several high-level visits to China by senior US officials in recent months and just one day after the US lifted restrictions on more than two dozen Chinese firms and approved more Chinese flights, which experts said further helps create a positive atmosphere for the upcoming talks.

During the closely watched visit, there are a litany of issues to be discussed, including China's concerns over the lingering US punitive tariffs, crackdowns on Chinese firms, restrictions on trade and investments, and other issues. Analysts said that the two sides are expected to raise their concerns during meetings, which is conducive for both sides to address them; however, any major breakthroughs are unlikely unless the US shows sincerity.

Following weeks of speculation, the MOFCOM announced on Tuesday that Raimondo will visit China from August 27 to 30. The brief statement did not provide further details on the visit, including schedules for meetings. For its part, the US Commerce Department said in a statement that Raimondo "looks forward to constructive discussions" during the visit.

The visit in itself sends a positive signal for the world, particularly the global business community, as many businesses are worried about the continuously deteriorating ties between the world's two biggest economies, Chinese analysts said.

"The two sides may discuss issues such as trade disputes, market access, intellectual property protection and innovation cooperation. Such talks are conducive to enhancing mutual understanding of each other's concerns and interests, and promoting the progress of bilateral relations in a balance between cooperation and competition," Hong Yong, an expert at the digital real economies integration Forum 50, told the Global Times on Tuesday, noting that any positive outcomes from the talks would help stabilize bilateral ties.

Adding to the positive signals was a pair of moves from the US on Monday (US time), right before the announcement of Raimondo's trip. In a significant move, the US Commerce Department removed 27 Chinese entities from its so-called "unverified list," which contains foreign entities that are restricted from purchasing US technologies. In a separate move, the US Department of Transportation announced that it has agreed to add six more flights operated by Chinese airlines, effective September 1.

The moves are seen by Chinese analysts as active steps by US authorities to create better conditions for the upcoming talks.

"I think these should be regarded as a positive signal. They appear to be a friendly gesture that paves the way for a friendly atmosphere for Raimondo's visit to China," Tian Yun, a Beijing-based expert, told the Global Times on Tuesday. "While the US side wants to continue to contain China it also needs to ease economic and trade tension with China because it needs better economic data to build momentum for next year's general election."

Raimondo's visit follows several high-level visits by US officials to China over the past three months or so. In June, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited China for the first time as the top US diplomat. Then in July, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen visited China. Also in July, US Special Climate Envoy John Kerry visited Beijing.

While the US has continued to step up its crackdown on China, including most recently US President Joe Biden's signing of an executive order to restrict US investment in Chinese technology companies, the increased official exchanges also represented a positive trend, Chinese experts said.

"This is a positive signal from both sides. With the increased flights and other moves, the situation is still on a trend toward what both sides want to see," Gao Lingyun, an expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, told the Global Times on Tuesday, expressing hope for progress in various areas.

Still, many Chinese experts, while welcoming increased exchanges between Chinese and US officials, also urged properly managing expectations for the talks, given Washington's two-faced approach - cracking down on China where it can, while seeking to cooperate with China where it needs to.

"The final key [to any positive progress] depends on whether the US side can demonstrate sincerity," Tian said.

If Raimondo's agenda is to discuss win-win cooperation, it will be welcomed by both the Chinese government and the Chinese business community, Li Yong, a senior research fellow at the China Association of International Trade, told the Global Times on Tuesday. However, the US needs to make serious efforts in repairing bilateral economic and trade ties, which have been under the negative impact of the policies of the Biden administration, he said.

Li said that while the US government sees China as a competitor, most US businesses see China as an opportunity, pointing to a recent visit by a US business delegation to Beijing.

Many US business executives have been visiting China and meeting with Chinese officials, as they continue to explore and expand in the Chinese market.

On Monday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with a US business delegation led by Marc Casper, chair of the US-China Business Council, and said that China-US relations and economic and trade cooperation currently face difficulties, which require both sides to show sincerity, but the two countries can still achieve common development.

On Tuesday, Wang Shouwen, a Chinese vice commerce minister, also met with the USCBC delegation and expressed hope that the USCBC and its members continue to actively participating in pragmatic bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Casper praised China's concrete measures in opening-up and improving the business environment, and said that the USCBC will continue to play an active role in stabilizing economic and trade relations between the two countries, according to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
A North Korean commercial flight has taken off from Beijing in a sign that Pyongyang is opening its borders again after almost three years of severe COVID-19 restrictions.

The Russian-made Air Koryo Tupelev Tu-204 jet with capacity for 210 passengers reportedly landed in the Chinese capital yesterday morning and was filmed taking off shortly after 1:30 p.m. local time (0530 GMT).

China has approved the regular flight plan of North Korean Air Koryo Pyongyang-Beijing-Pyongyang and other passenger routes in accordance with the procedures, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said.

The specific flight is subject to the arrangement of the airline in accordance with the approval of the Chinese competent authority, Wang said.

China is North Koreas closest diplomatic ally and a key source of food and fuel aid for an economy beset by natural disasters and mismanagement.

Little is known about conditions inside the country due to the ruling Workers Partys complete control over information and its exclusion of most foreign diplomats, United Nations organizations and overseas media.

The flight follows a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and the leaders of Japan and South Korea, who agreed last week to expand security and economic ties at a historic summit at Camp David just outside Washington.

Biden maintained, as have U.S., South Korean and Japanese officials, that the summit was not about China but was focused on broader security issues.

Yet, the leaders in their joint summit concluding statement noted Chinas action in the South China Sea and said they strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the waters of the Indo-Pacific.

Biden said the nations would establish a communications hotline to discuss responses to threats. He announced the agreements, including what the leaders termed the Camp David Principles, at the close of his talks with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Yoon noted in particular the threat posed by North Korea, saying the three leaders had agreed to improve our joint response capabilities to North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, which have become sophisticated more than ever.

Isolated diplomatically and highly food insecure, North Korea has persevered in its campaign of missile and nuclear threats that seek to glorify the regime of Kim Jong Un, the third generation of the family-run totalitarian state. MDT/AP
The son of longtime autocratic Cambodian leader Hun Sen was sworn in Tuesday as the countrys new prime minister, part of a generational change in top positions in the Southeast Asian nation.

Hun Manet, 45, won his first seat in the National Assembly in July elections and takes over from his father, who had been Asias longest serving leader with nearly four decades in power, after serving as Cambodias army chief.

He was approved by lawmakers unanimously in Parliament before being sworn in by the king and two Buddhist monks later in the day.

Even though he heads a government in which new faces make up about three-quarters of the Cabinet, most are the children of or are otherwise related to those they are replacing, and experts caution against expecting broad changes in the country where human rights have been under attack and dissent suppressed.

There is not a big difference between the generations in political outlook, including in terms of how open or how competitive politics should be, said Astrid Noren-Nilsson, a Cambodia expert at Swedens Lund University.

The generational transition is designed to keep the power of the political-cum-business elite intact and perpetuate neopatrimonial arrangements, she added.

In his acceptance speech to the National Assembly, Cambodias lower house of Parliament, Hun Manet said the examples set by his father and the outgoing ministers would be permanent fixtures within our consciences and consciousness, and thanked them for their confidence entrusting us with this fateful mission to serve our nation.

In a widely anticipated move, Hun Sen announced that Hun Manet, his oldest son, would succeed him as prime minister shortly after his Cambodian Peoples Party won a landslide victory in July elections criticized by Western governments and rights groups as neither free nor fair because the main credible opposition party was barred from participating.

His Cabinet includes Tea Seiha, who will be replacing his father, Tea Banh, as minister of National Defense, and Sar Sokha, who is replacing his father, Sar Kheng, as minister of the Interior. Both are also to serve as deputy prime ministers.

Hun Manets succession as prime minister of Cambodia is a two-penny farce that would be amusing if a countrys fate was not at stake, said Sam Rainsy, a co-founder of the dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party who has been in self-imposed exile since 2016 to avoid prison for a defamation conviction along with a slew of other legal charges brought by the government.

Lack of legitimacy is the automatic result of elections without risk, Sam Rainsy said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Hun Sen has progressively tightened his grip on power during his 38 years in office while also ushering in a free-market economy that raised the standards of living of many Cambodians.

At the same time, the gap between the rich and poor greatly widened under his leadership, deforestation spread at an alarming rate, and there was widespread land grabbing by his Cambodian allies and foreign investors.

He has also moved Cambodia politically steadily closer to China, which is currently involved in broadly expanding Cambodias Ream Naval Base, which Washington worries could give Beijing a strategically important military outpost on the Gulf of Thailand.

Even though he has relinquished the prime ministers job, Hun Sen, 71, is expected to retain a large amount of control as his partys president and president of the Senate.

Hun Sen started his political life as a middle-ranking commander in the radical communist Khmer Rouge, which was blamed for the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million Cambodians from starvation, illness and killings in the 1970s, before defecting to Vietnam.

When Vietnam ousted the Khmer Rouge from power in 1979, Hun Sen quickly became a senior member of the new Cambodian government installed by Vietnam and eventually helped bring an end to three decades of civil war.

By contrast, Hun Manet, like many of the incoming ministers, comes from a life of privilege and was educated in the West. He has a bachelors degree from the United States Military Academy West Point, a masters degree from New York University and a doctorate from Bristol University in Britain, all in economics.

While the new government might not make drastic changes in policy, it is likely to set a different tone of political discourse, Noren-Nilsson said.

This generation wants to relate differently to society at large than their parents generation of revolutionary fighters, she said. They want to be associated with positive political messages and to move away from and, if possible, even eliminate the sense of menace and threat of violence over time.

As a start, Hun Manet in his speech outlined a wide range of goals for the next five years, including ensuring peace and stability and promoting economic growth, as well as strengthening social services and education.

He said the new government was also committed to promoting gender equality, sustainably managing natural resources, promoting climate resilient and low-carbon public investment and ensuring environmental sustainability.

DAVID RISING & SOPHENG CHEANG, PHNOM PENH, MDT/AP
Russian President Vladimir Putin will be notably absent when Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders from the BRICS group of emerging economies start a three-day summit in South Africa yesterday.

The bloc, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is holding its first in-person meeting since before the COVID-19 pandemic, but Putin will participate via video call after his travel to South Africa was complicated by an International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued for him in March over the abduction of children from Ukraine.

Xi, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend in person as the bloc  home to 40% of the worlds population and responsible for more than 30% of global economic output  mulls a possible expansion.

That will top the agenda at todays main summit meeting in Johannesburgs financial district of Sandton. More than 20 nations have applied to join the bloc, according to South African officials, including Saudi Arabia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

The five BRICS countries will have to agree on the criteria for new members before any countries are admitted, but a bigger BRICS is seen as a policy favored by China and Russia as a kind of coalition amid their deteriorating relations with the West.

The BRICS group was formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India and China. South Africa was added in 2010.

South African Minister of Trade and Industry Ebrahim Patel officially opened the summit, welcoming about 1,200 delegates from the five BRICS nations but also from dozens of other developing countries. More than 40 heads of state are expected at the three-day meeting, according to Ramaphosa.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has stressed that Putin will fully participate despite appearing virtually and will make a speech. Russia will also be represented in person by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also is expected to attend.

There will be discussions on a wide range of topics, with general calls for more cooperation in areas such as agriculture, mining, energy, education, climate change, currency policy and trade all under a growing overall sentiment in the developing world that it is not being served by what it sees as Western-led institutions like the U.N., the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with Xi yesterday ahead of the BRICS summit. The South African leader said he was seeking Chinese support for South Africa and Africas call for the reform of global governance institutions, notably the United Nations Security Council.

Africa and South America have no permanent representation on the Security Council despite being home to nearly 2 billion people.

BRICS officials have pushed back at characterizations that the bloc is taking an anti-West turn under the influence of China and Russia, saying it is rather looking out for the interests of the Global South.

But the BRICS stance is at odds with the United States and its Western allies on a number of issues, not least over Russias invasion of Ukraine.

The European Union called on Xi, Lula, Modi and Ramaphosa to use this weeks gathering to condemn Russia and Putin for the war in Ukraine, but, according to observers, thats unlikely to happen.

If anything, BRICS has been a forum for Russia to express its anti-Western rhetoric, with Lavrov using a BRICS foreign ministers meeting in June to lambast the West for its hegemony and using financial blackmail to serve its selfish interests.

Not officially on the agenda but likely an issue for closed-door negotiations will be food security, with the developing world especially eager to use its BRICS ties with Russia to seek more grain shipments out of both Russia and Ukraine.

Ramaphosa led a mission of African leaders to Russia and Ukraine in June, meeting Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to press for more grain exports to Africa, with little result.

Theres added urgency after Russia halted a deal allowing Ukraine to export through the Black Sea last month, exacerbating hunger and pushing food prices ever higher in the Global South. Putin later announced free Russian grain shipments to six African nations and might offer more shipments this week, some analysts say, as a means of gaining favor among the dozens of developing world nations represented at the BRICS summit.

The summit officially began with a business forum on Tuesday morning, and Xi, Lula, Modi and Ramaphosa were expected to arrive at the Sandton Convention Centre for the first meeting of the leaders in the afternoon. They will also hold a retreat Tuesday evening at the luxury Summer Place estate in Johannesburgs plush Hyde Park suburb.

Xi, who has gradually resumed foreign travel after the lifting of his countrys strict COVID-19 restrictions, met with Ramaphosa for a state visit in the South African capital, Pretoria. He was then set to travel 60 kilometers through South Africas most important economic province of Gauteng to the summit in Johannesburg. GERALD IMRAY & MOGOMOTSI MAGOME, JOHANNESBURG, MDT/AP
An official says military commandos have rescued two children stuck in a cable car dangling hundreds of meters above the ground in a remote part of Pakistan.

Military commandos launched a helicopter operation to free the trapped occupants  six children and two adults  yesterday, said Bilal Faizi, spokesman for the emergency services.

He said the first two children have been rescued and the operation is still underway.

Army commandos could be seen on local TV trying to lower themselves on ropes from the choppers toward the cable car. An expert warned the rescue was incredibly delicate because the wind created by the helicopters blades could further weaken cables holding the car aloft.

Relatives of those trapped prayed while anxiously watching the operation unfold. The rescue has also transfixed Pakistanis across the country who crowded around televisions in offices, shops, restaurants and hospitals.

According to Pakistani TV stations, some of those trapped were in contact with their families by cell phone, while authorities said the two adults were consoling the children, who were between the ages of 11 and 15.

One of the cables snapped while the eight people were crossing a river canyon in Battagram district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The children had been on their way to school, and villagers frequently use cable cars to get around Pakistans mountainous regions. But the cars are often poorly maintained and every year people die or are injured while traveling in them.

Helicopters were sent to attempt to pluck the people from the cable car  but only after the group spent six hours precariously suspended 350 meters above ground, according to Taimoor Khan, a spokesman for the disaster management authority.

Pakistans caretaker prime minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, wrote on X that he ordered authorities to urgently ensure safe rescue and evacuation of the 8 people.

I have also directed the authorities to conduct safety inspections of all such private chairlifts and ensure that they are safe to operate and use, he said on the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Several helicopters hovered above the scene, and ambulances gathered on the ground.

Tipu Sultan, a retired army brigadier and defense expert, warned that the helicopters themselves could make the situation worse but that the commandos would be well aware of that risk. Khan added that the pilots were flying carefully.

Let us pray that those trapped in the cable car are safely rescued, Sultan said.

In 2017, 10 people were killed when a cable car fell into a ravine hundreds of meters (feet) deep in the popular mountain resort of Murree after its cable broke. RIAZ KHAN, PESHAWAR, MDT/AP
Traffic planning and coastline arrangements on New Urban Zone A are among the main concerns of an urban planner and a lawmaker, local media has reported.

The government recently announced that the application to reclaim the waterway between Zone A and the main peninsula was not approved by Beijing. The original plan was to reclaim the waterway for use as a greening area, releasing some land plots for other uses.

However, the government emphasized that the LRT project will not be affected by the mainlands decision not to approve the application, because they are two different things, Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raimundo do Rosario said.

In response to the current situation, urban planner Chan Chio I (as cited in local media outlet Macao Daily News) suggested the government develop another plan on the coastline of the mega reclamation to introduce more space for marine leisure activities and recalculate the transport support for Zone A without it being connected by land to the main peninsula.

On the other hand, she said four of the five footbridges planned for connecting Zone A to the main peninsula originally had points of access at the now-disapproved reclamation. She suggested the government reconsider these plans so as to lower future residents reliance on private vehicles.

She further suggested widening Avenida de Amizade to allow for more traffic between the Northern and the Outer Harbour districts, adding that having only four bridges connecting Zone A with the main peninsula would be insufficient.

The urban planner also suggested the government connect public residential estates with footbridges to lower reliance on motor vehicles between locations in Zone A, which is a connection point for the Macau Light Rapid Transit system and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.

The government should present its plans thoroughly to the public regarding the traffic arrangement at Zone A, she added.

Meanwhile, trade unionist lawmaker Ella Lei told the same media outlet that the government should expedite its preparation of the formation of Zone A, especially since traffic to and from the zone has reached bottlenecks for long periods.

The government has been criticized for its lack of preparation with regard to traffic through Zone A, which is a non-avoidable midpoint between the main peninsula and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. During peak times, long motor traffic queues trying to enter or leave the zone are common. The zone currently has only a single connection with the main peninsula.

Lei also wondered if four bridges connecting the main peninsula with the zone are enough, considering that in the future, students and staff commuting to and from school and work will cause congestion. She suggested the government build more footbridges so that people can move in and out of the zone on foot.

In addition, without the now-disapproved reclamation, it is uncertain whether the zone has enough greenery and leisure areas for future residents. Lei said there will be large volumes of people living on the land, but not enough leisure areas per capita.
James Cleverly will press Beijing to lift sanctions on British members of parliament during an imminent trip to China, when he will become the first foreign secretary to visit the country in half a decade, The Daily Telegraph reported yesterday.

In 2021, Beijing sanctioned five Conservative MPs known to be critical of China including Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a former party leader, and Tom Tugendhat, the Security Minister, along with two peers.

According to the Telegraph, it meant parliamentarians were banned from entering China, Hong Kong and Macau, while Chinese citizens were banned from doing business with them, creating a host of complications.

The trip has reportedly been scheduled for later this month, though the dates have not yet been publicly confirmed.

Cleverly has repeatedly raised the sanctions in past meetings with Chinese officials.

During his visit, the Foreign Secretary is also expected to discuss the situation in Hong Kong and in Xinjiang.

Cleverly will also likely broach areas of potential cooperation, such as how the UK and China can work together to tackle climate change and secure global economic stability.

Not since Jeremy Hunt visited China in 2018 has a UK foreign secretary gone on an official trip to the country, the report said.

Staff Reporter
The worlds largest agricultural trader hauls 225 million tons of cargo around the globe each year on hundreds of colossal vessels. Now one of those ships is being powered, in part, by wind.

The Pyxis Ocean, an 80,000-ton bulk carrier chartered by commodity giant Cargill Inc., just finished her maiden voyage from Shanghai to Singapore after the installation of two massive steel and composite-glass sails. Its the first ship to be retrofitted with two WindWings, each 123 feet high. They can cut the vessels fuel use by roughly a fifth, designer BAR Technologies says. If the trial goes well, Cargill hopes to add sails to as many as 10 more vessels.

Its going to make the new fuels a lot more affordable, said Jan Dieleman, president of Cargills ocean transportation business. Wind is there for free.

If more operators and shipowners find ways to tap renewable sources like wind to propel their mammoth fleets, the notoriously dirty shipping sector could be on course to clean up its act. The industry spews as much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year as 283 coal-fired power plants, according to the latest greenhouse gas study from shippings global regulator, the International Maritime Organization. Although shipping is under increasing regulatory pressure to cut emissions, switching away from oil products is a major logistical challenge and expensive undertaking. The vast majority of the worlds fleet runs on conventional fuel made from oil, according to a report released last year from DNV, a ship-classification society. The new generation of ships on order is also far from oil-free.

Wind is one of these technologies that  even if we switch to zero-carbon fuels in the future  the ship owner, the ship operator, the charterer will see a benefit, said Santiago Suarez de la Fuente, a ship performance manager at classification society Lloyds Register.

Of course, wind-powered travel is about as far from a newly invented technology as they come. But since the multi-mast trading vessels that once ruled the seas ceded their dominance during the 19th century to powerful steamships powered by fossil fuel, the technology has been slow to make a comeback. Pyxis Ocean joins a miniscule fleet of just over two dozen large commercial vessels already operating with some form of wind-assisted propulsion today, according to the International Windship Association.

For Cargill, Americas largest private company, curbing fuel usage would be another step toward reducing emissions in its global supply chains by 30% per ton of product by the end of the decade.

Still, quantifying precisely how big a dent wind-assisted propulsion will make in future emissions isnt easy: Performance depends on a ships route, how many sails are installed and, of course, the wind. Dieleman says he isnt expecting the Pyxis Ocean, which is owned by Mitsubishi Corp.s shipping arm and currently en route to Brazil, to make a return on investment for between seven and 10 years, if ever  it is, after all, a prototype. That said, if fuel prices were to suddenly surge, as they did last year, payback time would shorten.

The sails were added at a Cosco shipyard in Shanghai. The project received some funding from the European Union. Other financial details werent disclosed.

Cargill says one of the advantages of rigid sails like WindWings, which were produced by Yara Marine Technologies, is the way they can be added to existing ships, not just new construction. If a vessel is already running on a clean fuel, like green methanol, wind can cut costs; if a ship is still burning oil, wind can also cut emissions. Yara Marine said some large crude carriers could fit as many as six of the sails.

This decade, energy efficiency is the most important thing to do to your fleet, said Claus Graugaard, chief technology officer at the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, a nonprofit.

Yara Marine and BAR Technologies also have a deal to install four WindWings on another ship. BAR Technologies Chief Executive Officer John Cooper forecasts half of the orders for new tankers and bulkers will include some sort of wind-assisted propulsion in three years.

The global shipping regulator recently set new ambitions for cutting the industrys greenhouse gas emissions, including reaching net-zero by or around 2050. The European Union has gone further, including shipping in its emissions trading scheme starting next year. Given the push to clean up the sector, shippers may someday start to rethink how they navigate the globe.

Were always used to going the shortest way, Dieleman said. Now, you might want to go the way where theres more wind.
WISCONSIN LEGISLATURE | ALCOHOL

Open containers of alcohol on all-terrain vehicles would be banned on highways, trails and any other ATV passage open to the public under a bipartisan bill that came before a Senate committee on Tuesday.

The bill, SB 262, comes as advocates and some Wisconsin law-makers seek to confront the high levels of drinking and alcohol-related crashes in Wisconsin.

Under current law, all-terrain and utility terrain vehicle drivers are prohibited from driving if they have a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater. But unlike in cars, open drinking is not explicitly prohibited on or in ATVs and UTVs.

"This is obviously something that's going to continue to be an issue if we do not address this inconsistency in our state statutes," said Sen. Andre Jacque, R-De Pere, the lead author of the bill along with Rep. Jeff Mursau, R-Crivitz.

In 2022 there were 129 ATV crashes, resulting in 13 deaths and 124 injuries, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. In that same year there were 103 UTV crashes, resulting in 131 injuries and eight deaths. Alcohol was involved in five of the eight UTV crash deaths and at least four of the ATV deaths, according to the DNR.

Last year ATV and UTV drivers received 190 citations for driving while intoxicated, making it the fourth-most-cited offense related to those vehicles, the DNR found. And the department found alcohol was the top factor in fatal and non-fatal UTV crashes, the top factor in fatal ATV crashes and the second-most common factor in non-fatal ATV crashes, behind careless operation.

It's not uncommon to find open drinks next to ATV and UTV drivers, DNR Lt. Jacob Holsclaw said at the public hearing.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Wisconsin Public Health Association, Wisconsin Professional Police Association and Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments and Boards have registered in support of the bill. No group has registered against it.

Spokespeople for Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, and Senate Minority Leader Melissa Agard, D-Madison, didn't respond to a request for comment.

The latest measure, which several Democratic legislators support and sponsor, mirrors one that a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced in 2018, but didn't receive passage or a public hearing.

"This bill is just common sense," Wisconsin ATV/ UTV Association President Randy Harden said. "We have UTV machinery riding through trail systems that meander through scenic, wooded forest lands. The trees do not make a friend when your UTV is smacked up against it."

"This bill won't solve every OWI problem," Harden said. "But we feel it's a step in the right direction. It'll send a clear message to community decisionmakers that state leadership is aware of the current unsafe trend, taking a much-needed step that protects the riders, their families and the public at large."
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HAWAII | WILDFIRES

LAHAINA, Hawaii  Two weeks after the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century swept through the Maui community of Lahaina, authorities say anywhere between 500 and 1,000 people remain unaccounted for  a staggering number for officials facing huge challenges to determine how many of those perished and how many may have made it to safety but haven't checked in.

Something similar happened after a wildfire in 2018 that killed 85 people and destroyed the town of Paradise, California. Authorities in Butte County, home to Paradise, ultimately published a list of the missing in the local newspaper, a decision that helped identify scores of people who made it out alive but were listed as missing. Within a month, the list dropped from 1,300 names to only a dozen.

"I probably had, at any given time, 10 to 15 detectives who were assigned to nothing but trying to account for people who were unaccounted for," Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said in a phone interview.

"At one point the local editor of our newspaper ... said, 'Hey, if you give me the names, I will print them.' And at that point it was like, 'Absolutely. Anything that we can do to help out.'"

Hawaii officials expressed concern that by releasing a list of the missing, they would also be identifying some people who died. In an email Tuesday, the State Joint Information Center called it "a standard held by all law enforcement and first responders here in Hawaii, out of compassion and courtesy for the families, to withhold the names until the families can be contacted."

As of Monday, there were 115 people confirmed dead, according to Maui police. All single-story, residential properties in the disaster area had been searched, and teams transitioned to searching multistory residential and commercial properties, Maui County officials said in an update late Monday.

There are widely varying accounts of the tally of the missing.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said Sunday that more than 1,000 remained unaccounted for. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said in a prerecorded video on Instagram that the number was 850. During President Joe Biden's tour of the devastation Monday, White House homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall put it between 500 and 800.

An unofficial, crowdsourced spreadsheet of missing people posted online listed nearly 700 names as of Tuesday.

State Sen. Gilbert Keith-Agaran, representing central Maui, said he's not aware of any rules that prevent officials from making the list public. As someone with several members of his extended family still unaccounted for, he understands why some may not want the list released. "I'm not going to second-guess the approach by the mayor and his people right now," he said.

Questions are also emerging about how quickly the names of the dead are being publicly released, even after family members are notified. Maui residents are growing increasingly frustrated as the search for their loved ones drags on.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Tuesday that the Maui Police Department instructed the medical examiner in Honolulu  where some burn patients were taken for treatment  not to release the names of anyone who dies from injuries sustained in the Lahaina wildfires. The request came after one severely burned patient died and the man's name appeared in media reports after notification of his next of kin.

"I don't know why they aren't releasing the names," Theresa Reynolds, supervising investigator for the Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner, told the newspaper.

Clifford Abihai said he feels like he's getting the run-around from authorities. He came to Maui from California looking for answers about his grandmother, Louise Abihai, 98. He has been just as frustrated on the ground in Maui.

"I just want confirmation," he said last week. "Not knowing what happened, not knowing if she escaped, not knowing if she's not there. That's the hard thing."

As of Tuesday, he said, he still had learned nothing further.
Madison startup Child Health Imprints won the 10th annual Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Pressure Chamber contest Tuesday night Downtown at the Majestic Theatre.

The contest brings together five local startups that pitch for five minutes in front of national investors and a live audience. The winning company receives a golden suitcase, representing its reserved spot in meetings to be led by the Chamber with top Silicon Valley investment firms this fall, the Chamber said. The Pressure Chamber competition was also held during Forward Fest, Wisconsins largest technology and entrepreneurship festival.

A crowd of about 200 cheered heartily after each startup pitched its idea.

Child Health Imprints has developed a hardware device paired with software that uses artificial intelligence to help neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU, clinicians better care for newborns and premature babies.

The hardware includes a surveillance device and compiles data about the babys nutrition, laboratory results and more thats organized for clinicians, nurses and parents, according to co-founder and vice president of clinical development Ravneet Kaur during her pitch Tuesday.

Losing a child was she and co-founding CEO Harpreet Singhs motivation for starting the company, she said, adding that Child Health Imprints already has patents for its hardware and is in the process of raising $2.5 million to expand.

The Madison startup, at 504 S. Rosa Road, has four employees, Kaur said.

Even if you can save one baby, its a huge accomplishment, she said during. Clinical efficiency is key.

Four other Madison startups pitched their companies to investors Tuesday night, a field the Chamber referred to as its most diverse cohort of competitors yet.

Those companies were Yam Education, which partners with colleges to provide education to students in African countries; AyrFlow Innovation Labs, which is developing a device that can help doctors better monitor the oxygen levels of their patients; RadUnity, with its technology for addressing inconsistencies in medical imaging and SPEAK.STUDIO, of Brooklyn, with its application that acts as a tool to allow people to organize and monetize their podcasts.

How did winning the golden suitcase, decorated with stickers denoting winners past, affect Kaur and Singh? With wide smiles on their faces, they shouted that it feels great.
PORTAGE  Eyeing land for potential development, two members of the Portage Common Council are proposing a resolution that could determine the future of the citys airport.

The resolution, which the council is set to take up on Thursday, does not call for closing the Portage Municipal Airport yet. But it would, for the first time, direct city staff to inquire with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Wisconsin Department of Transportations Bureau of Aeronautics about what it would take to shut down an airport.

A separate measure also scheduled for a vote Thursday would abolish the Portage Airport Commission, which oversees the operation and management of the airport.

If the city gets rid of the commission, it would have to hire people from city hall to run the airport, who probably dont want to do it, or know how, Airport Commission chair Barry Erath said.

The resolutions authors, Allan Radant, District 1, and Eric Shimpach, District 6, could not be reached for comment.

But Portage Mayor Mitchel Craig said the pair are looking at the site, which some view as a hobby airport, for future development and tax revenue.

Without a doubt, the airport is 110 acres of prime real estate within the city of Portage, Craig said.

The resolution also would free up 75 acres across the street from the airport, which currently cannot be developed because it is in the path of the runway, officials said.

Owned by the city, the Portage Municipal Airport operates the only paved runway in the county, according to officials. It averages about 91 aircraft operations per week and has had more than 130 operations this month, Portage Municipal Airport Manager Eric Peterson said.

Business people fly in and out of this airport, who do millions of dollars in business in the city every year, Peterson said. (The council members) are missing the big picture.

The airports longest runway is 3,770 feet, which limits use of the runways and hangers to smaller planes and jets.

Portages new city administrator, Michael Bablick, said he only recently learned that discussions surrounding the airport and its future have been going on for the past 30 years. Some of those resulted in tentative plans to re-site the airport, but none were followed up on.

It isnt a surprise to me that this meeting is happening, Bablick said. Just because of how long this has been an issue.

Because the current airport doesnt receive any federal funding, it is not required to meet all FAA guidelines, Peterson said.

A new airport could take nearly 20 years to build and cost upward of $3 million, Craig said. The FAAs national plan for future airports does not have Portage on the list, officials said.

The closest municipal airport is in Reedsburg, which is roughly 30 miles west of Portage.
Mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a brief armed rebellion against the Russian military this year, was aboard a plane that crashed north of Moscow on Wednesday, killing all 10 people on board, according to Russia's civil aviation agency.

The crash immediately raised suspicions  the fate of the founder of the Wagner private military company has been the subject of intense speculation ever since he mounted the mutiny.

At the time, President Vladimir Putin denounced the rebellion as "treason" and a "stab in the back" and vowed to avenge it, but the charges against Prigozhin were soon dropped.

The Wagner chief, whose troops were some of the best fighting forces for Russia in Ukraine, was allowed to retreat to Belarus, while reportedly popping up in Russia from time to time.

The crash also comes after Russian media reported that a top general linked to Prigozhin was dismissed from his position as commander of the air force.

A plane carrying three pilots and seven passengers that was en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg went down almost 185 miles north of the capital, according to officials cited by Russia's state news agency Tass.

Russia's civilian aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, quickly reported that he was on the manifest and later said that, according to the airline, he was indeed on board.

Earlier, Vladimir Rogov, a Russia-appointed official in the partially occupied Zaporizhzhia region in Ukraine, said he talked to Wagner commanders who confirmed that Prigozhin was aboard, as was Dmitry Utkin, whose call sign Wagner became the company's name.

"I don't know for a fact what happened but I'm not surprised," U.S. President Joe Biden said.

Keir Giles, a Russia expert with the international affairs think-tank Chatham House, urged caution about reports of Prigozhin's death. He said "multiple individuals have changed their name to Yevgeniy Prigozhin, as part of his efforts to obfuscate his travels."

"Let's not be surprised if he pops up shortly in a new video from Africa," Giles said.

Flight tracking data reviewed by The Associated Press showed a private jet that Prigozhin used previously took off from Moscow on Wednesday evening and its transponder signal disappeared minutes later.

The signal stopped suddenly while the plane was at altitude and traveling at speed. In an image posted by a pro-Wagner social media account showing burning wreckage, a partial tail number matching a jet previously used by Prigozhin could be seen.

Videos shared by the pro-Wagner Telegram channel Grey Zone showed a plane dropping like a stone from a large cloud of smoke, twisting as it falls. Such freefalls can occur when an aircraft sustains severe damage, and a frame-by-frame analysis by The AP of two videos were consistent with some sort of explosion mid-flight. The images appeared to show the plane is missing a wing.

Russia's Investigative Committee opened an investigation into the crash on charges of violating air safety rules, as is typical when they open such probes.

Even if confirmed, Prigozhin's death is unlikely to have an effect on Russia's war in Ukraine, where his forces fought some of the fiercest battles over the last 18 months.

His troops pulled back from front-line action after capturing Bakhmut, a city in the eastern Donetsk region, in late May. Bakhmut had been the subject of arguably the bloodiest battles in the entire war, with the Russian forces struggling to seize it for months.

After the rebellion, Russian officials said his fighters would only be able to return to Ukraine as part of the regular army.

This week, Prigozhin posted his first recruitment video since the mutiny, saying that Wagner is conducting reconnaissance and search activities, and "making Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa even more free."

Meanwhile, Gen. Sergei Surovikin, a former commander of Russias forces in Ukraine who was linked to Prigozhin, was dismissed as chief of the air force, Russian state media reported Wednesday after weeks of uncertainty about his fate.

Surovikin has not been seen in public since June 23-24, when Prigozhin sent his men to march toward Moscow. In a video released during the uprising, Surovikin  who was believed to have close ties to Prigozhin  urged him to pull the mercenaries back.

The Wagner uprising posed the most serious challenge to Putins 23-year rule and reports circulated that Surovikin had known about it in advance. Prigozhin called off the rebellion short of reaching Moscow after he said he wanted to avoid bloodshed.

As news of the crash broke, Putin spoke at an event commemorating the Battle of Kursk, hailing the heroes of Russia's war in Ukraine.
Today, candidates for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination will assemble in Milwaukee for the campaigns first televised debate. Conspicuous by his absence will be Donald Trump, the front-runner despite two impeachments, four indictments and a loss in the last election that he refused to recognize.

On Truth Social, Trump wrote: The public knows who I am & what a successful Presidency I had . . .. I WILL THEREFORE NOT BE DOING THE DEBATES!

Trumps refusal to join the debate is a sign of his narcissism, but his absence is welcome. No one who has attempted to overturn the will of the voters deserves to be on a debate stage again. But while Trump the candidate may be missing, Trump the issue very much belongs in the debate.

Its appropriate for the Republican candidates who do participate to answer questions about their positions on abortion, Ukraine and the federal deficit, but they need to be pressed on the urgent, overarching issue of whether a president should be able to scheme to undermine the integrity of American elections with impunity. Inextricably entwined in that question is a judgment on Trumps past conduct and present unfitness.

Lawyers can argue about whether Trump should be convicted of particular crimes and whether he is ineligible to appear on the ballot under the 14th Amendment because he participated in an insurrection or rebellion, as two conservative legal scholars have argued in a much-discussed article. There can be no doubt, however, that Trumps attempt to overturn a democratic election and cling to power  a campaign that inspired a riot at the U.S. Capitol on the day electoral votes were to be counted  should disqualify him.

All current and potential Republican candidates for president must be asked if they agree with that proposition. They also should say whether they would accept the result in 2024 if they were the nominee and lost. Vacuous sentiments about the need to look forward, not backward are unacceptable. So are exercises in whataboutism, false equivalence and loose talk about the prosecution of Trump or Jan. 6 defendants amounting to a weaponization of the administration of justice.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently admitted that Trump lost the 2020 election, but a now-infamous memo prepared by a firm associated with a pro-DeSantis super PAC recommended that DeSantis defend Trump when Chris Christie attacks him, a reference to the former New Jersey governor who has been vocal in condemning Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 election. (Fox News reported that DeSantis said he hadnt read the memo.) North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum bobbed and weaved in a Meet the Press interview when he was asked whether he thinks Trump tried to overturn the election results in 2020.

Its no mystery why some of Trumps opponents would be skittish about condemning his assault on democracy and declaring him unacceptable. Candidates are understandably loath to alienate Trump supporters who hold the former president in a cultish veneration. A sobering CBS News/YouGov poll found that 71% of Trump voters feel that what Trump tells them is true, while 63% said they trusted what they were told by friends and family.

Yet its possible that Trumps support among Republicans would ebb if more GOP candidates  and other figures in the party  followed the example of Christie and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson in forthrightly condemning Trump. Trumps Republican opponents and party leaders need to look beyond the nomination process to reflect about how Trump would fare in the general election. Not everyone who will be watching Wednesdays debate will be a Republican or a Trump supporter. Many viewing the event will think better of candidates who acknowledge the brutal fact that Trump is unworthy of either nomination or election.
The newly constituted liberal majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court has taken some actions to restore transparency and impartiality to the court.

These actions include removing a court official who had previously failed as a conservative candidate for the court, and assuming some powers that the conservative chief justice had under the previous majority. These actions have drawn right-wing criticism. Chief Justice Annette Zeigler called them unethical, and former Gov. Scott Walker suggested that the changes to court rules were unconstitutional.

As to removing the conservative administrator, he was placed there by the conservative majority after he lost an election to a liberal Supreme Court justice. As to the "unconstitutionality" of the changes to court rules, the Wisconsin Constitutions states that the chief justice shall administer the court "pursuant to rules established by the court."

Justice Ziegler should know about unethical behavior, having previously received a public reprimand for unethical behavior involving sitting on cases in which her husband had an interest. Walker, who spent four years at Marquette University and never graduated, must have never read the Constitution. Lost in this argument is that the majority has opened administrative meetings to the public.

Daniel Golden, Madison
Stian Jenssen, the chief of staff to the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, speaking at a panel discussion in Norway, said one way to end the war in Ukraine would be for Ukraine to give up some territory in return for being granted NATO membership. But his boss immediately forced him to walk back that suggestion and stick with the current NATO strategy, which is to support Ukraine unconditionally with more weapons that can only prolong the war.
EPIC SYSTEMS COSMOS

Few overdose patients are tested for fentanyl. Two doses of monkey pox vaccine are better than one. Ventilators aren't needed for some patients with severe COVID-19.

Those are among the growing number of findings from research using Cosmos, a massive database created by Verona-based Epic Systems Corp. that pools anonymous data from 210 million patients at more than 200 hospitals and other Epic clients. By using the program's vast range of information about symptoms, diagnoses and lab results, doctors and health officials are discovering new ways to address challenges such as high blood pressure, rare diseases and even human trafficking, speakers said Tuesday at Epic's annual Users Group Meeting.

When Dr. Jackie Gerhart and others at Epic analyzed data from COVID-19 patients early in the pandemic, they learned that some of those with considerably low oxygen levels didn't need ventilation.

"It was this 'aha' moment for me, that this is how real-world evidence can be used," said Gerhart, Epic's vice president for clinical informatics.

A new finding mined from Cosmos this month, that only 14% of patients who go to emergency rooms for drug overdoses are tested for fentanyl, is also instructive, Gerhart said. The figure is higher than the 5% found in a similar study a year ago, but it still shows room for improvement as communities try to track how often other opioids and drugs are laced with fentanyl  a synthetic opioid involved in many overdose deaths.

"Discovering things like that can help move how the government is going to respond," she said.

Many findings from Cosmos are published in Epic Research, an online journal Epic started in March 2020. Others are in traditional medical journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, where a study about the vaccine for monkey pox, now known as mpox, appeared in June.

Amid an outbreak of mpox in the U.S. last year in which a relatively small number of people got one or two shots of the vaccine, Cosmos helped researchers determine the shot was effective  and even more so with two doses.

Doctors and other researchers can use Cosmos data to ask many clinical questions, Harry Freedman, who works in research informatics at Epic, told an audience of Epic users. He searched the database for Black women ages 55 to 64 who smoke and have high blood pressure, and analyzed how well top medications reduced blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks in nearly 200,000 patients.

"This is probably the largest retrospective trial that's ever been done for this cohort," Freedman said.

Look-Alikes, a program within Cosmos that started this month, allows doctors who have patients with rare or mysterious symptoms or conditions to find similar patients seen by other providers. That could help improve diagnoses and treatments for patients who often spend years trying to get help for rare diseases, said Phil Lindemann, who works on Cosmos informatics at Epic.

"We're hoping this can connect more physicians and shorten some of those rare disease odysseys that patients have to go on," Lindemann said.

Dr. Zhe Chen, who works at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania, said he used Cosmos to study human trafficking, a growing concern in his community.

At his health system, only three patients had trafficking noted as a problem in their medical records. But through Cosmos, he found 100. That allowed him to learn that most were young, urban females, with the highest rates among Blacks. The analysis could help doctors screen patients for trafficking, Chen said.

"These are things you can't necessarily study in your home institution," he said.
Idaho Sens. Risch, Crapo defend school hunting, archery programs

Idaho U.S. Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo were among 19 Republicans representing 17 states to condemn the Biden administration for its plan to block funding for elementary and secondary schools with hunting and archery programs.

More than 500,000 students nationally participate in and are certified through hunter education courses each year, according to a news release from Rischs office, warning the administrations defunding efforts would negatively affect safety.

We write to express our deep concern about the Biden administrations attempt to use the gun control bill passed last year to block funding for elementary and secondary school, the senators wrote in a letter. While the administration claims to be eliminating dangerous activities, this guidance will, in fact, have the opposite effect. These programs provided thousands of students with the opportunity to learn proper instruction for firearm and archery safety.

The senators described the administrations plan as an outrageous overreach.

Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso joined Risch and Crapo to lead the letter, which also was signed by Montanas Steve Daines, Utahs Mike Lee, Alaskas Dan Sullivan and Texas Ted Cruz, and Nebraskas Deb Fischer, among others.

Also:

The Federal Aviation Administration will conduct runway safety meetings at approximately 90 airports through the end of September  including Friedman Memorial in Hailey, the only Idaho airport on the list. The meetings are held annually at every airport with a control tower to identify unique risks to surface safety at that airport and develop plans to mitigate or eliminate those risks, according to an FAA news release.
GLEN  Brian Wheeler, clad in sandals instead of waders, nearly trod on a rattlesnake one day near the Kalsta Bridge.

Ever since, this stop on Wheelers water-quality sampling journey along the Big Hole River has been his least favorite.

In the spring of 2020, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality approved the Big Hole River Foundations water-quality sampling program. Wheeler, the foundations executive director, typically collects data from April through October at seven sites along the river and at three primary tributaries.

He was back out Aug. 12, approaching the task with a clear emphasis on collecting valid data.

It has to be done in a particular order and a particular way, Wheeler said.

Three days later, Kyle Flynn, Ph.D., installed two water-quality sensors, known as sondes, in the Big Hole River near the Jerry Creek Fishing Access Site.

We see this as a baseline assessment (of water quality), Flynn said. What Id like to see done is like a weight-of-evidence approach. So, what do we think, if anything, is impacting the fishery? And then the next step is (determining) what can be done about it.

Bob Seger sang about workin on mysteries without any clues.

Mystery currently reigns in the Jefferson River Basin about the causes driving the historic declines in trout numbers.

To date, questions loom larger than clues. But clues do exist. They range from the piscatorial effects of low flows and warm water temperatures to the impacts of dissolved oxygen-depleting algae. They range from an out-of-whack pH that could affect a fishs mucous membranes to the stress on fish of catch-and-release angling.

One variable almost certainly is climate change.

And on and on and on.

Identifying the salient drivers of the decline will likely hinge in the short-run on water quality data.

Flynn installed a total of eight sondes in the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Ruby and Jefferson rivers to monitor late-season conditions and inform initial analyses about how water-quality variables might be influencing declining trout populations in southwest Montana. He said the sites for the sondes were generally co-located with river reaches where Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has conducted fish population estimates.

Each sonde will collect about a weeks worth of data during the low-flow, dog days of August.

Once were empowered with data, we can help guide policy solutions to build resiliency for our wild trout populations, Flynn said.

Wheeler is collecting the Big Hole River Foundations fourth year of data, sampling for such things as dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, turbidity, water temperature, total nitrogen, total phosphorous and more.

In late September, he also does sampling of aquatic macroinvertebrates, which are insects that live in the water.

The data can help narrow down where the problems are on the landscape, he said, helping to identify and prioritize where beneficial projects could go.

The nonprofit Big Hole River Foundation launched water-quality sampling with a pilot project in 2019 after recognizing that no other entity or agency was doing this work.

Wheeler drives his Toyota pickup on the sampling runs and then typically delivers the results to a lab in Helena. He can log more than 600 miles per outing.

Flynn owns KF2 Consulting, based in Helena. Described as a water-quality modeling expert, he was hired by Save Wild Trout as its lead scientist. The new nonprofit formed as concerns soared about declining populations of trout in rivers in the Jefferson River Basin and close observers of the decline felt state officials werent reacting with sufficient urgency.

On Aug. 2, Gov. Greg Gianforte traveled to Wise River to talk about declining populations of trout in the Big Hole, Beaverhead and Ruby rivers. He introduced Al Zale, Ph.D., a professor at Montana State University and leader of the Montana Cooperative Fishery Research Unit. Zale and graduate students will initiate research about the rivers trout.

We want to look at things at a number of different stages and times in (the trouts) lifecycle and try to figure out where the problems are, Zale said then. Once we know where the problems are, then we can work at fixing things.

Wheeler said he is grateful for the research by Flynn and the eventual input from a team put together by Save Wild Trout. Similarly, the work of Zale and students will be valuable, he said.

The goal is to communicate and coordinate, Wheeler said.

And were going to identify whether there are other things we should be testing for, he said.

Flynn shared similar thoughts.

The idea really is to have a collaborative effort, he said.

Meanwhile, at least two fishing guides on the Big Hole River reported recently that the fishing has been good  perhaps, they said, because negative publicity about trout numbers has reduced fishing pressure.
Appalachian Power Co. has announced an ambitious plan to upgrade the power grid in Virginia and much of it is slated to occur in Patrick, Henry, Floyd, Franklin and Carroll counties.

Representatives with the utility company submitted an application to the Virginia State Corporation Commission last month for the Stuart Area Improvements Project and the SCC has begun reviewing the proposal that consists of new components and substation upgrades over a period of years. If approved, construction for the first component is expected to start in 2025, according to a news release issued Friday.

When complete, the upgrades will provide a new electrical source for the region, increasing the reliability and includes replacing equipment 60 to 100 years old, as well as improving the local distribution system, the release stated.

This extensive transmission improvements project modernizes these transmission facilities by replacing a dated 69-kilovolt (kV) electrical system with a reliable and resilient 138-kV system capable of supporting the areas current power needs. The upgrades also provide opportunities for future load growth, supporting central Virginias economy, said AEP Project Manager Scott Markwell in the release. AEP is the Ohio-based utility company that owns Appalachian Power.

A mailing will be going out in the coming months to landowners approximately 300 feet on both sides of the proposed centerline of the project, explaining the process and, if approved, Appalachian Power representatives say they will contact the landowners who own property along the approved power line route to discuss the next steps.

The project begins at a structure near the proposed Mayor River Substation off Commerce Drive in Patrick County and travels northeast 10 miles to the existing Patrick Henry Substation at the Patrick and Henry county line.

The project continues 10 miles northeast towards the existing Fieldale and proposed Stoneleigh substations; then, northwest 6 miles to the proposed Smith River and existing Philpott Dam substations.

In the Stuart area of Patrick County, the first component of the project will be the building of approximately 25 miles of 138-kV transmission line, two new substation at Claudville and Mayo River, retiring the Stuart Substations and upgrading and existing substation at Willis Gap.

The second component will involve rebuilding approximately 22 miles of 69-kV transmission line to 138-kV, and making upgrades and expansions to substations at Floyd and Woolwine.

The third component in in Henry County and involves rebuilding approximately 23 miles of 69-kV transmission line to 138-kV in the Bassett area; building approximately three miles of 138-kV transmission line; upgrading three existing substations and building new substations along the Smith River in Bassett and near Stoneleigh.

The project was initially rolled out in the fall of 2022 with and after an initial public engagement process and months of review, a project team determined the proposed line routes, reviewed future land use, environmental impacts and input that had been gathered. Appalachian Powers anticipates receiving approval on the project from the SCC in the summer of 2024 with plans to begin transmission construction in the fall of 2026 and completion expected to occur in the fall of 2028.

Every community members input was essential to ensuring our line routing process considers the proposed projects community impact. The project team enlisted a number of outreach methods to ensure the community was notified of the components of the project and were able to provide detailed information throughout the process. We are pleased with the publics engagement on this project and look forward to the opportunity to make these much-needed improvements for our existing and future customers, said AEP Manager of External Affairs Amanda Cox.
Glioblastoma is a swift and aggressive brain cancer, with an average life expectancy of about one year after diagnosis. Its difficult to treat, in part because the cellular makeup of each tumor varies greatly from person to person.

Because of the heterogeneity of this disease, scientists havent found good ways of tackling it, said Olivier Gevaert, PhD, associate professor of biomedical informatics and of data science.

Doctors and scientists also struggle with prognosis, as it can be difficult to parse which cancerous cells are driving each patients glioblastoma.

But Stanford Medicine scientists and their colleagues recently developed an artificial intelligence model that assesses stained images of glioblastoma tissue to predict the aggressiveness of a patients tumor, determine the genetic makeup of the tumor cells and evaluate whether substantial cancerous cells remain after surgery.

Its sort of a decision support system for the physicians, said Yuanning Zheng, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar in Gevaerts lab. Their team recently published a study in Nature Communications describing how the model could help doctors identify patients with cellular characteristics that indicate more aggressive tumors, and flag them for accelerated follow-up.

A new view on glioblastoma

Even after glioblastoma patients undergo surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, some cancer cells almost always remain. Nearly all glioblastoma patients relapse  some sooner than others.

Doctors and scientists typically use something called histology images, or pictures of dyed disease tissue, to help them identify tumor cells and design treatment plans. While the images often reveal the shape and location of cancer cells, they dont paint a complete picture of the tumor. In recent years, a more advanced technique called spatial transcriptomics was developed. It reveals the location and genetic makeup of dozens of cell types, using specific molecules to identify genetic material in tumor tissue.

The spatial transcriptomics data allows us to look at these types of tumors in a way that was not possible previously, Gevaert said. But its currently an expensive technology. It takes a few thousand dollars to generate data for a single patient.
At least 498 children and probably hundreds more have died of hunger in four months of war in Sudan, the NGO Save the Children reported on Tuesday August 22.

In a country where, before the war, one in three people went hungry, children are dying of hunger when it could have been avoided altogether, Arif Noor, Save the Childrens director in Sudan, warned in a statement.

At least 498 children in Sudan and probably hundreds more have died of hunger since the war began on April 15, he adds. We never imagined we would see so many children starving to death, but this is the new reality in Sudan.

And the situation could get worse, as Save the Children, unable to operate in the midst of the fighting, has had to stop treating 31,000 malnourished children. In May, the factory from which 60% of Save the Childrens nutritional treatments for children were produced was destroyed.

It has also forced over four million people to flee their homes. In the face of the horror, the international community is struggling to fund aid for displaced persons, refugees, the wounded and other victims of sexual violence, while international justice is concerned about war crimes.
The Ethiopian Government announced on Tuesday August 22 that it would conduct a joint investigation with Saudi Arabia, following the publication of a Human Rights Watch report accusing Saudi border guards of killing hundreds of Ethiopian migrants between March 2022 and June 2023.

The Ethiopian government will promptly investigate the incident in collaboration with the Saudi authorities, the Foreign Ministry announced in a statement published on social network X.

At this critical stage, it is strongly recommended that the utmost restraint be exercised and that no unnecessary statements be made until the investigation has been completed, the ministry added, assuring that the two countries, despite this unfortunate tragedy, enjoy excellent and long-standing relations.

In a report published on Monday, Human Rights Watch (HRW) claims that Saudi border guards killed hundreds of Ethiopian migrants attempting to enter the wealthy Gulf monarchy via the border with Yemen, between March 2022 and June 2023.
Guinea-Bissaus private radio station Capital FM has resumed broadcasting on modulated frequency, 18 months after it was vandalized in an attack by armed men, Yancuba Danso, one of the stations editors, announced on Tuesday August 22.

Were resuming with just music and a news service, said Danso, explaining that for now Capital FM only has three news services a day on air.

The radio station should fully resume broadcasting at the end of the month, Sabino Santos, from the stations management, said.

Since it was vandalized in February 2022, and later ordered by the government to cease broadcasting for allegedly failing to renew its operating license, Capital FM has broadcast only on the internet.

Since Monday 21st, it has been possible to tune in to the radio station, created by journalist and Voice of America correspondent in Guinea-Bissau Lassana Cassama, on modulated frequency, noted Yancuba Danso.

Capital FM is a very popular radio station in Guinea-Bissau because of the open way in which it scrutinizes the actions of public authorities and political leaders, and also because it allows listeners to intervene in its broadcasts.

The radio station, which operated in Bairro Militar, on the outskirts of Bissau, was attacked on July 26, 2020, by armed men in military uniforms, according to the stations director, and vandalized again, by another armed attack, on February 7, 2022.
The Democratic Republic of Congo Tuesday August 22 expressed keenness to boost cooperation with Egypt in the pharmaceutical sector, following a meeting between ambassador Kasongo Musenga and the North African countrys Drug Authoritys (EDA) Chairman Tamer Essam in Cairo.

Essams Office in a statement indicated that both officials discussed research on ways to boost cooperation between countries in the pharmaceutical sector, as well as the possibility to start work on a draft of a memorandum of understanding.

The meeting, the statement added, also touched on ways to encourage cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest regarding cosmetics and medical supplies, and which supports the supply of Egyptian medicines to the drug market in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Congos interest is in line with EDAs efforts to support investment in the pharmaceutical sector, by opening up markets for Egyptian medical products, particularly in other parts of the continent.
The African Union (AU) has suspended Niger, the scene of the regions latest military takeover, from all its activities, calling on its members to avoid any action that might legitimize the junta.

The coup on July 26 has sent shockwaves across West Africa, as democratic African states and their Western allies fear it could allow Islamist groups active in the Sahel region to expand their reach.

A recent meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council decided to immediately suspend Nigers participation in all its activities, its organs, and institutions until the effective restoration of constitutional order in the country, according to a press release issued on Tuesday. But the same press release states in the same breath that it also disengaged itself from the West African regional bloc ECOWAS after expressing reservations about a possible military intervention to restore President Mohamed Bazoum.

The continental organization calls on AU Commission to assess the economic, social and security implications of such a deployment, while affirming its strong support for ECOWAS tireless efforts towards the peaceful restoration of constitutional order in Niger.

This comes as ECOWAS has rejected a proposal by Nigers junta leader to hold elections after a 3-year transitional period, thus extending a political impasse that could trigger an ECOWAS military intervention if no agreement is reached by D-day. The West African blocs reputation has been at stake since the recent string of coups eroded democracy in the region, as junta leaders in Mali and Burkina Faso have clung to power after failing to organize promised polls.

Niger is the fourth West African country to suffer a coup since 2020, after Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali, causing alarm among Western allies.
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A research participant in the Dr. Edward Changs study of speech neuroprostheses, is connected to computers that translate her brain signals as she attempts to speak into the speech and facial movements of an avatar on Monday, May 22, 2023, in El Cerrito, Calif. At left is UCSF clinical research coordinator Max Dougherty. Credit: Noah Berger

Pat Bennett's prescription is a bit more complicated than "Take a couple of aspirins and call me in the morning." But a quartet of baby-aspirin-sized sensors implanted in her brain are aimed at addressing a condition that's frustrated her and others: the loss of the ability to speak intelligibly. The devices transmit signals from a couple of speech-related regions in Bennett's brain to state-of-the-art software that decodes her brain activity and converts it to text displayed on a computer screen.

Bennett, now 68, is a former human resources director and onetime equestrian who jogged daily. In 2012, she was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks neurons controlling movement, causing physical weakness and eventual paralysis.

"When you think of ALS, you think of arm and leg impact," Bennett wrote in an interview conducted by email. "But in a group of ALS patients, it begins with speech difficulties. I am unable to speak."

Usually, ALS first manifests at the body's peripheryarms and legs, hands and fingers. For Bennett, the deterioration began not in her spinal cord, as is typical, but in her brain stem. She can still move around, dress herself and use her fingers to type, albeit with increasing difficulty. But she can no longer use the muscles of her lips, tongue, larynx and jaws to enunciate clearly the phonemesor units of sound, such as "sh"that are the building blocks of speech.

Although Bennett's brain can still formulate directions for generating those phonemes, her muscles can't carry out the commands.

Rather than train the AI to recognize whole words, the researchers created a system that decodes words from phonemes. These are the sub-units of speech that form spoken words in the same way that letters form written words. "Hello," for example, contains four phonemes: "HH," "AH," "L" and "OW."

Using this approach, the computer only needed to learn 39 phonemes to decipher any word in English. This both enhanced the system's accuracy and made it three times faster.

On March 29, 2022, a Stanford Medicine neurosurgeon placed two tiny sensors apiece in two separate regionsboth implicated in speech productionalong the surface of Bennett's brain. The sensors are components of an intracortical brain-computer interface, or iBCI. Combined with state-of-the-art decoding software, they're designed to translate the brain activity accompanying attempts at speech into words on a screen.

About a month after the surgery, a team of Stanford scientists began twice-weekly research sessions to train the software that was interpreting her speech. After four months, Bennett's attempted utterances were being converted into words on a computer screen at 62 words per minutemore than three times as fast as the previous record for BCI-assisted communication.

"These initial results have proven the concept, and eventually technology will catch up to make it easily accessible to people who cannot speak," Bennett wrote. "For those who are nonverbal, this means they can stay connected to the bigger world, perhaps continue to work, maintain friends and family relationships."

Approaching the speed of speech

Bennett's pace begins to approach the roughly 160-word-per-minute rate of natural conversation among English speakers, said Jaimie Henderson, MD, the surgeon who performed the surgery.

"We've shown you can decode intended speech by recording activity from a very small area on the brain's surface," Henderson said.

Henderson, the John and Jean Blume-Robert and Ruth Halperin Professor in the department of neurosurgery, is the co-senior author of a paper describing the results, published Aug. 23 in Nature.

His co-senior author, Krishna Shenoy, Ph.D., professor of electrical engineering and of bioengineering, died before the study was published.

Frank Willett, Ph.D., a Howard Hughes Medical Institute staff scientist affiliated with the Neural Prosthetics Translational Lab, which Henderson and Shenoy co-founded in 2009, shares lead authorship of the study with graduate students Erin Kunz and Chaofei Fan.

In 2021, Henderson, Shenoy and Willett were co-authors of a study published in Nature describing their success in converting a paralyzed person's imagined handwriting into text on a screen using an iBCI, attaining a speed of 90 characters, or 18 words, per minutea world record until now for an iBCI-related methodology.

In 2021, Bennett learned about Henderson and Shenoy's work. She got in touch with Henderson and volunteered to participate in the clinical trial.

How it works

The sensors Henderson implanted in Bennett's cerebral cortex, the brain's outermost layer, are square arrays of tiny silicon electrodes. Each array contains 64 electrodes, arranged in eight by eight grids and spaced apart from one another by a distance of about half the thickness of a credit card. The electrodes penetrate the cerebral cortex to a depth roughly equaling that of two stacked quarters.

The implanted arrays are attached to fine gold wires that exit through pedestals screwed to the skull, which are then hooked up by cable to a computer.

An artificial-intelligence algorithm receives and decodes electronic information emanating from Bennett's brain, eventually teaching itself to distinguish the distinct brain activity associated with her attempts to formulate each of the 39 phonemes that compose spoken English.

It feeds its best guess concerning the sequence of Bennett's attempted phonemes into a so-called language model, essentially a sophisticated autocorrect system, which converts the streams of phonemes into the sequence of words they represent.

"This system is trained to know what words should come before other ones, and which phonemes make what words," Willett explained. "If some phonemes were wrongly interpreted, it can still take a good guess."

Practice makes perfect

To teach the algorithm to recognize which brain-activity patterns were associated with which phonemes, Bennett engaged in about 25 training sessions, each lasting about four hours, during which she attempted to repeat sentences chosen randomly from a large data set consisting of samples of conversations among people talking on the phone.

An example: "It's only been that way in the last five years." Another: "I left right in the middle of it."

As she tried to recite each sentence, Bennett's brain activity, translated by the decoder into a phoneme stream and then assembled into words by the autocorrect system, would be displayed on the screen below the original. Then a new sentence would appear on the screen.

Bennett repeated 260 to 480 sentences per training session. The entire system kept improving as it became familiar with Bennett's brain activity during her speech attempts.

The iCBI's intended-speech translation ability was tested on different sentences from those used in the training sessions. When the sentences and the word-assembling language model were restricted to a 50-word vocabulary (in which case the sentences used were drawn from a special list), the translation system's error rate was 9.1%.

When the vocabulary was expanded to 125,000 words (large enough to compose almost anything you'd want to say) the error rate rose to 23.8%far from perfect, but a giant step from the prior state of the art.

"This is a scientific proof of concept, not an actual device people can use in everyday life," Willett said. "But it's a big advance toward restoring rapid communication to people with paralysis who can't speak."

"Imagine," Bennett wrote, "how different conducting everyday activities like shopping, attending appointments, ordering food, going into a bank, talking on a phone, expressing love or appreciationeven arguingwill be when nonverbal people can communicate their thoughts in real time."

The device described in this study is licensed for investigative use only and is not commercially available. The study, a registered clinical trial, took place under the aegis of BrainGate, a multi-institution consortium dedicated to advancing the use of BCIs in prosthetic applications, led by study co-author Leigh Hochberg, MD, Ph.D., a neurologist and researcher affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital, Brown University and the VA Providence (Rhode Island) Health care System.

More information: Edward Chang et. al., A high-performance neuroprosthesis for speech decoding and avatar control, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06443-4 www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06443-4 Francis Willett et. al., A high-performance neuroprosthesis, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06377-x www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06377-x Nick F. Ramsey et al, Brain implants that enable speech pass performance milestones, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-02546-0 , www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02546-0 Journal information: Nature
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Parents and children sit in a waiting room in a hospital in Northern Uganda. a simple handheld test could help identify the sickest children in need of the most urgent care for malaria, according to University of Alberta research. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-2.5)

University of Alberta researchers are repurposing handheld lactic acid testing devices that were originally developed for endurance athletes in North America as a tool to save the lives of critically ill children in sub-Saharan Africa.

The team used the portable blood test on Ugandan children presenting to hospital with symptoms of malaria and respiratory distress and found that those with high levels of lactic acid or lactate were three times more likely to die from their illness than those with lower levels. The paper is published in the journal Microorganisms.

The team suggests the device could be widely used as a simple triage tool to identify the sickest children in need of the most urgent care.

"This is a simple finger poke much like those used for diabetes," says researcher Catherine Mitran, who has a Ph.D. in public health and is now a third-year medicine student.

"It's marketed for high-level, non-medical-expert athletes to use during their training, but we found it also has prognostic utility," Mitran says. "When children came in with that high level of lactate, they were at a significantly higher risk of death."

A child dies of malaria every two minutes, according to the World Health Organization, which reports 247 million cases of malaria in 2021 and 619,000 deaths, most of them children.

Caused by a parasite spread by mosquitoes, malaria symptoms include high fever, chills and flu-like illness. Adults in high transmission areas often develop immunity to severe disease, which is why children are most vulnerable. Those who survive may experience cognitive delays, liver and kidney damage.

Lactic acid levels are low in healthy people at rest, but they go up as oxygen levels decrease due to strenuous exercise, heart failure or infection. High-performance athletes monitor lactic acid to know when they have reached the threshold between aerobic and anaerobic exercise, a threshold that goes up as they get fitter. You can tell lactic acid is building up in muscles as you exercise when they feel painful and weak, a sign it's time to rest.

"You hit this point either in exercise or in illness where your cells are deprived of oxygen so they alter their metabolism, which produces lactic acid," explains Mitran.

Lactic acid buildup has several causes and consequences for children with malaria. The parasites that cause malaria produce lactic acid, so patients with a high parasitic load will have more lactic acid in their blood. The parasites also cause blockages in blood vessels, which can prevent oxygen delivery and tissues that lack oxygen also produce more lactate. The body can't clear lactate efficiently through the kidneys and the liver if they are not functioning properly.

Respiratory distress is a severe form of malaria, which can also present as cerebral malaria or severe anemia. The problem is that respiratory distress can be hard to diagnose based on clinical observation alone, so Mitran says this tool could be key to telling the difference between one case and the next.

"You can imagine having a three-year-old child come in: they're crying, they're upset. You're trying to determine if they're having respiratory distress and how is this respiratory distress worse than the kid next to them who's also crying and upset," she says. "It can be really tricky to figure out which child really needs immediate intervention versus a child that is potentially not as severely ill."

Mitran analyzed results from three studies carried out by pediatrics professor Michael Hawkes, a former Stollery Science Lab Distinguished Researcher. The previous studies included a total of 1,324 Ugandan children under the age of five who were admitted with malaria and respiratory distress to 21 health facilities, both rural and urban; 84 died.

Mitran says the next step for the research will be to follow children identified to be at high risk due to their high lactic acid levels to learn whether their outcomes can be improved.

"If we can differentiate between these kids who are really high risk based on their high lactate level, can we then intervene in a way that can prevent death or serious disease?"

More information: Catherine Mitran et al, Pediatric Malaria with Respiratory Distress: Prognostic Significance of Point-of-Care Lactate, Microorganisms (2023). DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040923
The Assyrian Origin of Baklava

Efkan Gullu's family has been in the business of baklava for more than five generations. The current owner of Gulluoglu Baklava--a famed bakery based in Gaziantep, Turkey, with dozens of branches around the world--Gullu is the latest in a long line of pastry chefs that began with his great-grandfather, who first learned to make the sweet, flaky desserts while stopping in the ancient cities of Aleppo and Damascus on his way back from the Islamic Hajj pilgrimage in 1871.

"In our family, you open your eyes to the world, and the first thing you see is baklava," Gullu says. "We learn the profession starting from childhood."

The dessert consists of fine layers of pastry dough, often filled with nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. "Baklava is made by thinning the dough to a fine micro-degree, and by putting 10 or 11 layers on top of each other by hand," says Gullu. It is not a process conducive to automation. "It's truly a craft. It requires a long education to be able to roll out baklava dough so thin."

The origins of baklava date back to ancient times. Around the eighth century B.C.E., people in the Assyrian Empire, which spread across parts of modern-day Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Syria and Turkey, arranged unleavened flatbreads in layers, with chopped nuts in between, to be enjoyed during special events. Centuries later, the Ancient Greek and Roman "placenta cake" (the Latin placenta coming from the Greek word plakous, or "cheese cake," not the unsavory afterbirth) was a dish consisting of many layers of dough, filled with cheese and honey and flavored with bay leaves. However, the earliest versions of baklava as we know it today came around 500 years ago, during the Ottoman Empire.

"The earliest reference to baklava is in a poem by the mystic Kaygusuz Abdal, who lived in the first half of the 15th century," writes Mary Isin, an Ottoman food historian, in her book, Sherbet and Spice: The Complete Story of Turkish Sweets and Desserts.

Historically, the treat was saved for festive occasions due to the skill required to make it, as well as the high price of key ingredients such as honey, sugar and nuts. In Ottoman times, Baklava was an "almost sacred" part of Ramadan, Isin explains. Beginning in 1520, during this holy month, the Ottoman sultan would famously gift it in massive quantities to his most elite soldiers, the Janissaries, in what was known as the Baklava Procession. "Hundreds of trays of baklava, one for every ten janissaries, were baked in the palace kitchens, tied in cloths to protect them from dust and arrayed in the Second Court," Isin writes. "Until the Janissary Corps was liquidated in 1826, one and a half months after the Baklava Procession, this event remained a popular annual spectacle." Ottoman Christians baked baklava for Lent, with some using up to 40 layers of phyllo dough to represent the 40 days of Lent and others using 33 layers to represent the 33 years of Christ's life. Jews across the empire began serving baklava on the holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Purim as well.

Very few other dishes have crossed religions as much as baklava. Perhaps the oldest example of this, Isin writes in an article titled "Adam and Eve's Wheat Porridge," is an ancient, boiled wheat dessert known as ashure, or "Noah's pudding," prepared slightly differently by each ethno-religious group. "Dishes of boiled wheat sweetened variously with sugar, fruit molasses and dried fruits have for centuries been shared by people of different faiths in Turkey," Isin says, "eaten in varying forms under different names by Muslims, Christians and Jews." Still, no other food combines this cross-cultural significance with the enduring popularity of baklava.

Baklava's reputation as a dish of importance also meant that it was spread far and wide by bureaucrats along trade routes and pilgrimages during the zenith of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. This made the dessert a staple across Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures, from Algeria to Afghanistan. As a result, numerous regional variations have emerged over the centuries, often based on locally available ingredients. "Gaziantep is a region famous for pistachios," Gullu says, "so my great-grandfather used pistachios in his baklava." Across Turkey, others began to follow suit. In Greece, on the other hand, walnuts became the nut of choice, with cinnamon used to flavor the filling. Armenian "paklava" is filled with walnuts and spiced with cinnamon and cloves, and the Cypriot version often uses almonds as well as walnuts.

The syrup used also varies greatly from country to country. In Algeria, the syrup is typically flavored with orange-blossom water, whereas in Iran, rosewater and cardamom are preferred. A honey and lemon syrup is the go-to in Greece.

Perhaps because of its sweetness, baklava often goes hand in hand with nostalgia and vivid memories of place. Indeed, for my own Greek family, although we live in London, the crunch of the dough and the taste of honey, lemon, cinnamon and walnuts immediately brings us back to summers spent in Greece surrounded by cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents on the Peloponnesian coast. From its roots along the Mediterranean, it is now enjoyed around the world--from Bengali grocery shops in London's East End to Middle Eastern bakeries in Latin America to restaurants in New York--by people missing tastes of home and by others all the same. Gulluoglu Baklava now has 48 total branches open worldwide, from Gaziantep to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to New York's Brighton Beach. In Istanbul, Gulluoglu bakeries make around 6,600 pounds of baklava per day.

Today, baklava forms such an important part of the culinary identity of so many places that people sometimes dispute claims to its origins. The Greek-Turkish debate over its origins is particularly vociferous. In 2012, when President Barack Obama ate baklava at a dinner celebrating Greek Independence Day, rumors spread in the Turkish press that he was taking a side in this culinary conflict. In 2013, much to the dismay of baklava makers from Greece and beyond, the European Union awarded protected status to the Gaziantep variety of baklava from southern Turkey.

However, Efkan Gullu, the master baklava baker from Gaziantep, prefers to look at it another way.

"These are places that have historically been interconnected and have been on the same trade routes," he says. "But also, more fundamentally, it means that we cook in similar ways." Their shared histories are reflected in their recipes, with each baker adding new, local flair to an ancient classic, like layers upon layers of sweet pastry.
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Ambient noise does not trigger insulin secretion (left). Direct exposure of the cells to certain rock songs, on the other hand, triggers insulin release within minutes (right). Credit: ETH Zurich

Diabetes is a condition in which the body produces too little or no insulin. Diabetics thus depend on an external supply of this hormone via injection or pump.

Researchers led by Martin Fussenegger from the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering at ETH Zurich in Basel want to make the lives of these people easier and are looking for solutions to produce and administer insulin directly in the body. Their work has been published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.

One such solution the scientists are pursuing is enclosing insulin-producing designer cells in capsules that can be implanted in the body. To be able to control from the outside when and how much insulin the cells release into the blood, researchers have studied and applied different triggers in recent years: light, temperature and electric fields.

Fussenegger and his colleagues have now developed another, novel stimulation method: they use music to trigger the cells to release insulin within minutes. This works especially well with "We Will Rock You," a global hit by British rock band, Queen.

Equipping cells to receive sound waves

To make the insulin-producing cells receptive to sound waves, the researchers used a protein from the bacterium E. coli. Such proteins respond to mechanical stimuli and are common in animals and bacteria. The protein is located in the membrane of the bacterium and regulates the influx of calcium ions into the cell interior.

The researchers have incorporated the blueprint of this bacterial ion channel into human insulin-producing cells. This lets these cells create the ion channel themselves and embed it in their membrane.

As the scientists have been able to show, the channel in these cells opens in response to sound, allowing positively charged calcium ions to flow into the cell. This leads to a charge reversal in the cell membrane, which in turn causes the tiny insulin-filled vesicles inside the cell to fuse with the cell membrane and release the insulin to the outside.

Booming bass boosts insulin secretion

In cell cultures, the researchers first determined which frequencies and volume levels activated the ion channels most strongly. They found that volume levels around 60 decibels (dB) and bass frequencies of 50 hertz were the most effective in triggering the ion channels. To trigger maximum insulin release, the sound or the music had to continue for a minimum of three seconds and pause for a maximum of five seconds. If the intervals were too far apart, substantially less insulin was released.

Finally, the researchers looked into which music genres caused the strongest insulin response at a volume of 85 dB. Rock music with booming bass like the song "We Will Rock You," from Queen, came out on top, followed by the soundtrack to the action movie "The Avengers." The insulin response to classical music and guitar music was rather weak by comparison.

"We Will Rock You" triggered roughly 70% of the insulin response within five minutes, and all of it within 15 minutes. This is comparable to the natural glucose-induced insulin response of healthy individuals, Fussenegger says.

Sound source must be directly above the implant

To test the system as a whole, the researchers implanted the insulin-producing cells into mice and placed the animals so that their bellies were directly on the loudspeaker. This was the only way the researchers could observe an insulin response. If, however, the animals were able to move freely in a "mouse disco," the music failed to trigger insulin release.

"Our designer cells release insulin only when the sound source with the right sound is played directly on the skin above the implant," Fussenegger explains. The release of the hormone was not triggered by ambient noise such as aircraft noise, lawnmowers, fire brigade sirens or conversations.

No triggering through ambient noise

As far as he can tell from tests on cell cultures and mice, Fussenegger sees little risk that the implanted cells in humans would release insulin constantly and at the slightest noise.

Another safety buffer is that insulin depots need four hours to fully replenish after they have been depleted. So even if the cells were exposed to sound at hourly intervals, they would not be able to release a full load of insulin each time and thereby cause life-threatening hypoglycemia.

"It could, however, cover the typical needs of a diabetes patient who eats three meals a day," Fussenegger says. He explains that insulin remains in the vesicles for a long time, even if a person doesn't eat for more than four hours. "There's no depletion or unintentional discharge taking place."

But clinical application is a long way off. The researchers have merely provided a proof of concept, showing that genetic networks can be controlled by mechanical stimuli such as sound waves.

Whether this principle will ever be put to practical use depends on whether a pharmaceutical company is interested in doing so. It could, after all, be applied broadly: the system works not only with insulin, but with any protein that lends itself to therapeutic use.

More information: Haijie Zhao et al, Tuning of cellular insulin release by music for real-time diabetes control, The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology (2023). DOI: 10.1016/S2213-8587(23)00153-5 Journal information: The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology
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Researchers investigated the characteristics of pediatric admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic at a trauma center in Omaha, USA. They identified higher blood alcohol levels and injuries from recreational vehicles in these patients. Credit: Hamill et al.

In the weeks following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health directives called for masking, social distancing, social isolation, and stay-at-home orders. Apart from the severe medical consequences as a direct result of the pandemic, the ensuing social isolation had far-reaching impacts on children.

The pandemic control measures affected the pediatric population by increasing mental distress, limiting physical activity, changing sleep patterns, and reducing emergency room visits. Unfortunately, the scope of pediatric trauma during the pandemic remains poorly understood, with studies even reporting contradicting findings. Some reports highlighted a higher incidence of gunshot wounds, motor vehicle accidents, self-injury, and abuse. Others described severe injuries coinciding with fewer pediatric admissions.

In a new study, researchers from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha, USA, investigated the characteristics of pediatric trauma admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The team was led by Dr. Mark E. Hamill, an Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

"We were keen to provide more nuance and contribute to the ever-expanding literature on the characteristics of pediatric trauma during the pandemic. In particular, we focused on changes in pediatric injury patterns and alcohol use at our mid-western urban trauma center," says Prof. Hamill.

The study was published in the journal Pediatric Investigation

The group focused on patients aged less than 18 years old who were admitted to the hospital and analyzed data collected between March 1, 2020, and October 30, 2020. The records analyzed from the same period, especially during the three years before the pandemic, served as the control dataset.

The team uncovered some stark contrasts between the test and control datasets. First, pediatric trauma admissions increased by 67.5% during the pandemic compared to previous years. Second, the patients were also younger and suffered falls of a different nature. While falls doubled in number and reached 79 per year in 2020, they occurred from moderate heights between 1-6 meters rather than falls over 6 meters in height.

When asked about some of the more unique aspects of the results, Prof. Hamill explains, "We didn't see differences in transportation injury rates in the years before and during the pandemic. However, the cause of the injuries was skewed toward recreational vehicles rather than motor vehicle accidents. Notably, blood alcohol was significantly higher in patients aged between 14-18 years old evaluated at our trauma center during the days of the pandemic."

The team believes the broader applications of the work will bear fruit. The age group seeing the highest increase in trauma visits suggests that the children weren't following stay-at-home guidelines in Nebraska. A likely scenario was that teenagers were engaging in more outdoor recreational activities and doing so under less supervision. Notably, Nebraska didn't issue a stay-at-home mandate, and the data suggests this could be linked to the propensity to use alcohol and engage in activities with a higher risk of injury.

"The higher incidences of younger patients, positive blood alcohol, and recreational injuries in pediatric trauma admissions during the pandemic suggest that preventive measures need fine-tuning," says Prof. Hamill, "First, targeted interventions that curb alcohol use are needed. Second, and in light of possible future events that might lead to school closures, the restrictiveness of control measures needs to be assessed for unintended consequences."

More information: Neesha S Patel et al, Kids gone wildAlcohol use and patient characteristics in pediatric trauma during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, Pediatric Investigation (2023). DOI: 10.1002/ped4.12388

Provided by Cactus Communications
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Distress over climate change causes a lot of negative emotions in youth in the United Kingdom, but it may also motivate them to take positive actions for the environment, reports a new study by a research team from Imperial College London and the University of Queensland, published August 23 in the open access journal PLOS Global Public Health.

Many people, especially youth, are increasingly worried about climate change. In the new study, researchers surveyed young adults in the United Kingdom, aged 16 to 24, about their experience of "climate distress." They asked about their general mental health and well-being, their distress over the changing climate, how climate change has positively or negatively affected their life and whether they are involved in pro-environmental and climate actions.

The study's findings suggest that existing mental health issues may make a person more vulnerable to climate distress. About 10% of the respondents reported that they were highly distressed and worried about how climate change would impact their future more frequently than any other issue. Though few of these individuals had experienced climate extremes, they reported being upset by environmental degradation of places they cared about, frustration over the lack of action on climate change, a lack of personal agency, concern over their future and feelings of guilt and shame.

However, highly distressed respondents were also more likely to report finding meaning and fulfillment from engaging in climate action. Both positive emotions, such as hope, and negative ones, such as anger and frustration were linked to climate activism, while guilt, shame, sadness and fear were associated with reduced action-taking.

Overall, the findings present a more nuanced picture of climate distress in young people in the U.K. The study's authors call for further research into this phenomenon to understand why climate distress motivates some people to take action, and drives others to inaction. They also emphasize the importance of developing tools that will help young people to thrive and to safely and effectively mitigate the climate crisis.

The authors add, "Even in the midst of the global pandemic, and despite being spared the worst of climate impacts, young UK residents were distressed about climate change. Our work suggests that emotions linked to climate change may inspire action-taking, which has implications for how we communicate about climate change. Our findings also highlight the need for targeted, climate-aware psychosocial support to sustain young people's climate engagement and mental health simultaneously."

More information: Vercammen A et al, Psycho-social factors associated with climate distress, hope and behavioural intentions in young UK residents, PLOS Global Public Health (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001938 Journal information: PLOS Global Public Health
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How can we best keep our brains fit as we grow older? It's well known that regular cognitive activity, for example, brain teasers, sudoku, or certain video games in middle and old age, tends to protect against cognitive decline and dementias like Alzheimer's. But many of us regularly engage in adult education classes, for example, learning a language or a new skill. Is such adult education likewise associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia?

Yes, according to researchers from the Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer of Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan who have shown for the first time, in a new study in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience.

"Here we show that people who take adult education classes have a lower risk of developing dementia five years later," said Dr. Hikaru Takeuchi, the study's first author. "Adult education is likewise associated with better preservation of nonverbal reasoning with increasing age."

UK Biobank

Takeuchi and his co-author, Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, a professor at the same institute, analyzed data from the UK Biobank, which holds genetic, health, and medical information from approximately half a million British volunteers, of which 282,421 participants were analyzed for this study. These had been enrolled between 2006 and 2010, when between 40 and 69 years old. On average, they had been followed for seven years by the time of the present study.

Based on their genotype at 133 relevant single-locus polymorphisms (SNPs) in their DNA, participants were given an individual predictive "polygenic risk score" for dementia. Participants self-reported whether they took any adult education classes, without specifying the frequency, subject, or academic level.

The authors focused on data from the enrollment visit and third assessment visit, between 2014 and 2018. At those visits, participants were given a battery of psychological and cognitive tests, for example, for fluid intelligence, visuospatial memory, and reaction time.

1.1% of participants in the sample developed dementia over the study's time window.

Reduced risk of developing dementia

Takeuchi and Kawashima showed that participants who were taking part in adult education at enrollment had 19% lower risk of developing dementia than participants who did not. This held true for both Caucasian people and those of other ethnicities.

Importantly, results were similar when participants with a history of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, or mental illness were excluded. This means that the observed lower risk wasn't exclusively due participants with incipient dementia being prevented from following adult education by symptoms of these known co-morbidities.

The results also showed that participants who took part in adult education classes kept up their fluid intelligence and nonverbal reasoning performance better than peers who did not. However, adult education didn't affect the preservation of visuospatial memory or reaction time.

Randomized clinical trials necessary

"One possibility is that engaging in intellectual activities has positive results on the nervous system, which in turn may prevent dementia. But ours is an observational longitudinal study, so if a direct causal relationship exists between adult education and a lower risk of dementia, it could be in either direction," said Kawashima.

Takeuchi proposed that a randomized clinical trial be done to prove any protective effect of adult education.

"This could take the form of a controlled trial where one group of participants is encouraged to participate in an adult education class, while the other is encouraged to participate in a control intervention with equivalent social interaction, but without education," said Takeuchi.

More information: Hikaru Takeuchi et al, People taking adult education classes run lower risk of dementia, Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (2023). DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1212623. www.frontiersin.org/articles/1  023.1212623/abstract
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As the new school year begins, parents may be wondering how to help teens protect their mental health as they engage with peers on social media.

Young people can benefit from friendships formed online, especially if they feel marginalized because of their racial, gender or sexual identity, and they can hear positive messages about those identities from friends they make on social media, according to a recent U.S. surgeon general's advisory.

But research also documents a variety of mental health risks for young social media users, the advisory says, such as increased anxiety, depression and sleep disruption, more struggles with body image and self-esteem, and exposure to cyberbullying or hate-based content.

Stanford Medicine's Vicki Harrison, program director at the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, spoke about the advisory and how parents can guide their teens toward healthier social media use.

Why are teenagers more vulnerable than adults to mental health challenges stemming from social media use?

One of the main goals of adolescence is defining your identity. Young people seek authenticity, acceptance and validation, so they are really attuned to all the cues of their peer environment.

Social media can be seen as a proxy for a peer environment, but it's full of social comparisons that are magnified and distorted by algorithms and paid content. Also, social media is often a highlights reel: People post the best versions of themselves. There's definitely a sense that everybody's got a better vacation, a better social life, a better body.

I work with young people through the GoodforMEdia project at our center who say that they have to brace themselves before scrolling, to defend themselves against messages that chip away at their self-esteem. Tweens and younger teenagers sometimes have difficultly understanding the motives behind social media content. Or, they may have trouble discerning fact from misinformation. That's easier when you're older and have more life experience and critical thinking skills.

Another problem is that social media posts can create a lasting record. If you're typing or taking pictures of something potentially embarrassing, it's not just a fleeting conversation; it's something that could be misconstrued later or could come back to haunt you.

We have also created a culture where we're expected to be instantly available. For adolescents, there can be an expectation that they respond to friends right away. That adds a layer of pressure that isn't helpful or feasible. It doesn't allow time to process or reflect on experiences or conversations.

What conversations should parents have with their children about social media use? What advice should they give or limits should they set to help their teens?

I advise parents to delay or limit access to social media as long as they feel they can. The longer your brain develops and your life experiences stack up before you begin using social media, the better outcomes you're going to have. I also advise that teens gain access to social media gradually, just like other things that they get more responsibility for as they mature.

It's a good idea to develop a family media plan. It doesn't have to be formal; it could be a discussion that answers key questions for your teens: Are there rules for when you're going to have access to your device? Who is paying for the device? What should you not do on your device? Where can you go for help if you get into trouble? Having those conversations up front is pretty important.

Also, talk about the intention behind having a device. Parents may be rightfully concerned about respecting their teen's privacy, but it's normal and expected that you ask questions about what they are doing online. Just as you want to support them with peer relationship dynamics at school, you should have periodic conversations with your kids about phone and social media use because there's a lot to navigate in those spaces.

The US surgeon general's recent advisory includes advice for designers of social media platforms to intentionally embed safeguards for young people. How do you think that could best be accomplished?

I would like to see more involvement of young people in the design of the social media platforms they use. To that end, our team, in collaboration with Stanford University's design school recently held a workshop on social media and youth mental health in which local high school and college students participated as panel speakers and contributors.

We discussed California's Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, which will be enacted in 2024. The law calls for social media platforms to protect young people by verifying their ages, having stricter privacy settings enabled by default, minimizing tracking, and more. Other states are considering similar legislation.

The big question now is how this law will be put into practice. For instance, how will age verification happen, and will the voices of young people be considered in developing those regulations? Do you want to have someone scan your face to verify your age, do you want your parent to attest to your birth date, or do you want a third-party vendor to verify that? And what are the potential privacy impacts of these options?

One thing that came up was the tension between not limiting the social media platforms' freedom to share content while also protecting people on platforms. We heard from a group of eloquent young people who feel that, when it comes to most social media platforms, since algorithms already manipulate the content to create a curated experience, their health and safety should be prioritized over the platforms' free speech or profit.

What myths do you, as an expert in the field, encounter about young people's use of social media?

That adolescents want to do whatever risky things they can; that they want to explore the depths of the internet, no matter how horrible. The reality is that young people generally want a good experience online.

Many teens see social media in a nuanced way. Some feel like it's a necessary evil, and they have to be on because all their friends are there. They say they lose social currency if they aren't participating, but they don't like a lot of what they encounter.

I have heard from young girls that they don't want to see ads or posts about fitness and losing weight. They don't want that pressure wearing on them; they just want to have fun and connect with their friends. Therefore they are open to adults trying to step in, to put in place common-sense, supportive, mutually beneficial guard rails.

We've talked a lot about the drawbacks of social media. Are there ways it can help young people's mental health?

A lot of young people say they look to social media to relieve stress, or to laugh. They like to watch videos that make them smile, or that they can laugh about with their friends. Social media can also facilitate connecting with people who you feel are like-minded, who "get" you and share your interests. That's really powerful for young people, especially if they feel like they're not always accepted in their offline lives.
Fans of theater and epic poetry can take their families to a contemporary take on the Homer's "Odyssey before it heads out on a statewide tour of the schools.

The Montana Repertory Theatre is presenting the hour-long show as its 2023 educational outreach tour. It will visit more than 30 schools including small communities from Thompson Falls to Wibaux, according to a Rep news release.

The Rep says this version condenses this sprawling tale into a fast-paced, slapstick comedy that will capture the poetry and tragedy of the original work while making it accessible to modern audiences.

The show, which runs about an hour, will premiere in Missoula at the ZACC Show Room on Friday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 2 at 2 p.m. Friday tickets are pick-what-you-pay, and Saturday are $20 general or $12 for students 18 and under. Go to montanarep.com for call 406-243-6809.

This version has been adapted by Briandaniel Oglesby, a playwright based in Austin, Texas, whos made a specialty of writing plays for teenagers.

Since the piece will travel the state, its been written such that a cast of three can play the characters, which number in the dozens, according to the news release.

The actors are Stephen Blotzke, Mena Carrara-Ackermann and Jensen Hill, the first two of whom are graduates of the UM Theatre and Dance program.

Their director is Jacob Christiansen, an MFA candidate, who oversaw last seasons production of Men on Boats.
Here's some business news in the Missoula area:

There's a new-but-familiar boba tea truck in Missoula for those seeking to quench their thirst with new flavors. Local entrepreneurs Sara Howell, her husband Dave Francis and their business partner Amanda Harbaugh have acquired the popular "Thirst Tea" mobile beverage truck from former owners Stevie Kahle and Morgan Plasmier.

The trio and their beverage crafters will be holding a grand opening for their version of the truck at the parking lot of Ink Realty at 148 South Ave. W. on Friday, Aug. 25 from 4-8 p.m. or until they sell out.

"We serve an array of boba (bubble) teas with some classic themes, exciting twists, seasonal pizazz and some scrumptious un-caffeinated options for patrons seeking a mellow experience," the owners said. "There's also an assortment of mochi for those looking to round out their order. At Thirst Tea, exotic textures abound."

Dave Francis said he'll accommodate requests for him to sing a cappella versions of hit '90s songs from any customer who mentions it during the event.

A week's worth of events are planned in September to celebrate refugee and immigrant experiences in Missoula.

"For the seventh year in a row, Missoula will participate in Welcoming Week, a national movement to embrace the role that all people play in creating prosperous and successful communities," said a press release from the nonprofit Soft Landing Missoula.

Welcoming Week 2023 runs from Sept. 8-17.

Soft Landing welcome week 02 Sohil and Farida, refugees from Afghanistan, speak with Carly Graf of Soft Landing Missoula on stage at the ZACC during Welcoming Week in 2022

Missoula has welcomed over 500 refugees since resettlement efforts were started here in 2016.

For more information on all the events visit online at softlandingmissoula.org/2023/08/welcoming-week-2023-is-here/.

The Missoula Montana Airport set another passenger record in July with 120,895 total passengers either departing or arriving. That's a 25.5% increase over July of 2022.

"This milestone is a reflection of our ongoing efforts to increase travel options for our community, said airport director Brian Ellestad. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our airline partners, the Missoula community, and the flying public for continually choosing to fly out of MSO.

The North Missoula Community Development Corporation has announced a collaborative event with Indigenous Made Missoula, showcasing the film "Beans" on the big screen. The event is set to take place on Sept. 2 at Head Start Park (1001 Worden Ave.) in the Northside neighborhood.

"This exciting partnership highlights both community engagement and support for local Indigenous artists, strengthening the historic neighborhoods commitment to cultural preservation and community-focused development," said Hannah Kosel, the stewardship and communications coordinator for the NMCDC.

The Indigenous Made Missoula market will start around 6 p.m. with the film at around 8 p.m., Kosel said.

A group called the Headwaters Technology Hub has submitted an application to the federal government to have Montana designated as one of 20 "tech hubs" in the United States. If selected, Montana would receive a portion of a $500 million funding package.

The group that applied includes the Montana Chamber of Commerce, the Montana University System and the Montana Department of Commerce. A meeting was held at Missoula College earlier this year to plan the application.

Montanas research universities conduct groundbreaking research and advance cutting-edge technologies that improve lives and communities across the state, said Clayton Christian, Montana commissioner of higher education. With a tech hub designation, we can expand our efforts even further for the benefit of Montana, the region and beyond.
The University of Montana will have an extra 252 beds to accommodate students this year compared to the on-campus housing supply last academic year.

That's thanks to the completion of an $18-million remodel of historic Knowles Residence Hall.

On Wednesday, UM president Seth Bodnar and other officials held a grand reopening of Knowles Hall, which was shut down from May of 2022 until earlier in August of 2023 for construction. Students began moving into the freshly rehabbed building, just west of UM's Oval, on Monday this week.

"I'm so excited to be here this morning, I can't even tell you what it's been like over the last 14 months as this building's been under renovation," said Sandy Curtis, the director of UM's Housing and Community Standards office.

The project included remodeling the entire lobby area, which now has a large kitchenette with a fireplace for students to use. The rooms have been upgraded with new finishes, flooring, ceilings, fixtures and furniture. The bathrooms were remodeled and the entire building now complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The entire mechanical and electrical systems were upgraded as well. Laundry facilities were moved from the basement to each floor, and the balconies were enclosed to make them year-round gathering spaces.

Bodnar said the refreshed dormitory will help with both student recruitment and student retention. The University of Montana dealt with a severe decline in student numbers in the last decade, and the campus is now seeing a flurry of construction as officials cater to what students are looking for in a place they could live in for years. Across from Knowles Hall, a new dining hall is under construction. I 2020 and 2021, UM completed a $5 million renovation of Pantzer Hall, which has a capacity of about 201 residents.

A new $105-million, 600-bed, seven-story residence hall is slated for construction sometime in the next few years on campus, although it's only in the design stages right now.

"We need to have dorms and living spaces where students feel comfortable, where they can walk in and they feel they're up to 21st century standards," Bodnar explained. "When a student's looking at a university and they come and visit, they go into a dorm that is bright and welcoming like this one, when they see a dining facility where they'll be able to gather with their friends, I mean, that makes a difference of their choice, for better or for worse."

As for retention, Bodnar said both Knowles and the new dining hall are being intentionally designed to have community gathering spaces where people will connect and make friends.

"We want our students to, you know, engage in a sense of community," he said. "I think we're seeing so many challenges with mental health, with feelings of anxiety in high school and in college. And we work really hard to build a sense of community for our students."

He noted that students are in groups right now as part of UM's "Big Sky Experience," the new student orientation program.

"So we're trying to think about our dorms in ways that bring students together," Bodnar said. He noted that kids who were isolated at home in high school during the pandemic might be a little behind on their social skills, so it's important for UM to provide that education.

The cost of a bed in a double room in Knowles this year will be $2,873 for a semester or $5,646 for the academic year. For the handful of single rooms, the cost will be $3,055 for a semester and $6,110 for the academic year.

According to the nonprofit College Board, the national average cost of tuition and fees, plus room and board, at a four-year University in the U.S. between 2020 and 2022 was $22,180 pear year. The average cost at Montana State University and the University of Montana was $18,785 from 2021 to 2022.

The renovations to Knowles Hall were paid for through an issuance of debt bonds in 2019. Knowles Hall was originally built in 1962 and was named for Eloise Knowles, one of the first graduates of UM.
The dirt might just hit the fan.

The EPA released Friday a position paper touting the benefits of using slightly contaminated dirt within a Superfund site for general fill instead of trucking in clean fill.

At the same time, KC Becker, EPAs regional administrator, based in Colorado, issued a statement citing the benefits of using what the EPA describes as onsite material and others characterize as grey dirt or dirty dirt within the Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit.

Both news releases occurred after most citizens and news media outlets were focused on the weekend ahead. Yet both cited transparent community engagement as a goal.

EPA will hold a public meeting Aug. 30 in Butte to discuss the use of onsite material within areas of the Silver Bow Creek Corridor.

The sites include, among others, the Northside Tailings Area, East Buffalo Gulch and the Diggings East Area.

The debate about the use of grey dirt has stirred strong opposition in some circles, with detractors alleging that the cleanup approach is symbolic of Buttes second-class citizen status with EPA and the agencys too-cozy relationship with the Atlantic Richfield Co., the party responsible for cleanup.

Others have characterized the dirt dispute as being much ado about nothing.

David Williams, a member of the Citizens Technical Environmental Committee, recently described the conflict as foofaraw  a word defined by one dictionary as meaning a great deal of fuss or attention given to a minor matter.

Nearly everyone agrees that adding the slightly tainted onsite material to the more contaminated soils requiring removal to a repository would dramatically increase the volume of truck travel to and from the sites.

Becker said material existing at a Superfund site in Butte will be sampled before use as fill to ensure it does not exceed standards for contamination by toxic metals such as lead, cadmium and arsenic. They are among the metals deposited by historic mining and smelting in Butte.

All onsite material identified as potentially suitable for general fill will undergo extensive sampling and analysis to confirm it meets all parameters and criteria before use, Becker said.

Joe Griffin, a member of CTEC long familiar with the regions Superfund process, has noted that wastes have been left in place at other Superfund sites, including Silver Bow Creek, the Clark Fork River, Milltown and Parrot Tailings.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality, which is overseeing the remediation of historic mining and smelting wastes along the Clark Fork River, announced plans in April to leave more wastes in the floodplain as remediation continues  a decision driven partly by cost savings associated with a lesser cleanup.

Some have speculated that reliance on onsite material as fill in Butte is motivated, in part, by efforts to save money for Atlantic Richfield/British Petroleum.

The states Natural Resource Damage Program pointedly referenced cost as a potential motivation in a March 10 letter to EPA.

The letter, from Jim Ford of NRDP, expressed general concerns with EPA allowing high contaminant concentration materials, which would be considered waste on other ongoing cleanup projectsto be used in the remedial projects.

Ford observed that using grey dirt appears to be intended to reduce the cost to British Petroleum-Atlantic Richfields implementation of the Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit remedy.

The Atlantic Richfield Co. is footing the bill for remediation because it acquired the original polluter, the Anaconda Co., in 1977 and inherited its staggering environmental liabilities under federal Superfund law.

EPAs position paper reports that preliminary design and modeling efforts indicate that onsite material could comprise roughly 25 percent to 35 percent of the general fill to be used at the Northside Tailings, East Buffalo Gulch and Diggings East project areas.

Nikia Greene, EPAs remedial project manager in Butte, has said onsite material will not be used at Grove Gulch.

Meanwhile, Beckers statement emphasizes that the goal of Superfund cleanup is to eliminate exposure to harmful levels of contaminants.

Achieving this basic objective  in Butte and at the more than 1,300 Superfund priority sites across the nation  does not necessitate digging up every microgram of a metal or substance of concern and moving it to another location, Becker wrote.

EPA will hold a public meeting on Aug. 30, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Butte Emergency Operations Center, 3619 Wynne Ave.
Patricia Batts was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday for the deliberate killing of her 12-year-old grandson in West Yellowstone.

The sentencing marks an end to a horrific saga and comes more than three years after James Alex Hurley was found dead at Batts home having died of blunt force trauma to the back of his head.

Presiding over the case, Gallatin County District Court Judge John Brown also gave Batts two 10-year sentences for criminal child endangerment and tampering with witnesses or informants. She pleaded guilty to the same three counts last May and will serve her time at the Montana State Womens Prison.

In attendance were family members  including Hurleys mother and aunt  several of which made statements to the court expressing visible grief, disgust, and anger. His mother, Alicia Davis, went to the stand but refused to give her statement on the record, believing that her letters to Batts are best left unheard by the public.

In his rationale for the sentencing, Judge Brown stated that the video evidence provided showing the various ways in which Batts systematically abused Hurley, was the most horrific he had ever seen during his time on the bench. By the time of his death, Hurley was emaciated, starved, and had been subjected to forced exercise as well as routinely beaten.

The autopsy found that Hurley had numerous wounds and bruises and a gash on the back of his head which had most likely occurred days prior.

During the trial, it was discovered the Batts son  Hurleys 14-year-old uncle  James Sassler III, had delivered the fatal blow using a wood paddle. Batts was found responsible for facilitating the crime and creating an environment encouraging Hurleys abuse.

Regarding the two other counts, Batts admitted that she did not immediately seek medical attention for Hurley after he was struck in the head and that she suggested to her children they lie to law enforcement. Gallatin County had initially sought the death sentence but withdrew its intent earlier this year.

Hurley first moved to West Yellowstone to live with his father who was a paraplegic due to an ATV accident. His father died soon after, due to an infection in 2018, and Hurley remained with Batts.

Although Batts stated that she had trouble taking care of Hurley due to his behavior  and Judge Brown acknowledged Hurley did struggle  according to his public school, he had been improving. The family members who testified on Tuesday made it clear that she could have reached out to any one of her numerous relatives for help if she wasnt able to care for the boy.

Instead, Batts eventually pulled Hurley from public school and until the time of his death, the court found that she as well as four others had abused the 12-year-old in horrendous and grotesque ways.

Batts is the last of the five to be sentenced in the brutal murder.

Her husband, James Sasser Jr. pleaded guilty to felony deliberate homicide and was sentenced to 100 years in March 2022. Gage Roush, 18 at the time of Hurleys death and a family friend, was given a five-year deferred sentence and required counseling after having pleaded guilty to felony assault on a minor. James Sasser III, Hurleys 14-year-old uncle, was sentenced to serve until he is 18 for deliberate homicide. After that point, hell be on probation until he is 25. Lastly, Hurleys aunt, Madison Sasser, was sentenced to youth probation with the Montana Department of Corrections until shes 21 and will remain on probation until she is 25.
In Iraq, Struggles Over Power And Control Of The Chaldean Catholic Church

Patriarch Sako. Although it has been five years since the Islamic State (ISIS) was defeated in Iraq, it appears that the danger to the Christians in the country remains, and is in fact escalating. In the past two decades, the Christian community has suffered persecution and instability and has not managed to fully rebuild from the destruction left by ISIS. Today it is struggling with economic, security, and religious troubles that have prompted many to emigrate. According to various reports, the community, which prior to the U.S. invasion in March 2003 numbered over 1.5 million, stands today at around 250,000.

In addition to this, the Chaldean Catholic Church, which is the largest church in Iraq, is experiencing internal disputes and divisions, mostly between the Patriarch of Baghdad, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, who is the head of the Chaldean Church, and Rayan Al-Kildani, who heads the Babylon Brigades which belongs to Al-Hashd Al-Sha'bi (Popular Mobilization Units, PMU), the umbrella organization of Iran-backed Iraqi Shi'ite militias. He also leads its political arm, the Babylon Movement. In 2019, Al-Kildani was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a "foreign person who is responsible for or complicit in, or who has directly or indirectly engaged in, serious human rights abuse."[1]

At the center of the tension is the struggle over leadership of Iran's Christian community and control of its resources, and the struggle over the community's identity, waged between the head of the church, Patriarch Sako, who leans towards the West, and elements considered close to Iran, headed by Al-Kildani. The bulk of Sako's claims against Al-Kildani concern his role as head of an armed, ostensibly Christian militia (Sako claims that most of the militia's members are actually Shi'ite Muslims from Iraq's South and Baghdad).[2] Additionally, Sako states that Al-Kildani is corrupt, controls the Christian representation in the political arena, and acts out of inappropriate motivations. Al-Kildani, on his part, claims that Sako is exceeding his authority and position, interfering in political matters, and embezzling endowments belonging to the Church and the Christians.

Since April 2023, the tension between the two has further escalated -- this time spilling over from the Iraqi Christian community to the entire Iraqi and international arenas. This is because of the involvement of Iraqi President 'Abdul Latif Rashid, and his decision to cancel a government directive recognizing Patriarch Sako as the head of the Chaldean Church and in charge of Christian endowments in Iraq. This move enraged the Chaldean Church, and was harshly criticized in the West, leading to the involvement of the U.S., Europe and other Western countries, as well as the Vatican, all of whom supported Patriarch Sako.

In protest against this unprecedented presidential order, and in an attempt to evade legal measures that have been initiated against him, Patriarch Sako left his offices in Baghdad and is currently at a monastery in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. His choice of this location is no accident; its Christian community has increased because of Christian migration to the region following ISIS's takeover of the Nineveh region. Also, Sako found among the KDP (Kurdish Democratic Party) leaders of the region a sympathetic ear for his criticism of the Iraqi president (who is from the rival PUK, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan), due to the tensions between these leaders and the president and also between them and the central Iraqi government against the backdrop of the province's aspirations for independence.

These internal conflicts over the identity of Iraq's Christian community are likely to further weaken it and endanger the future of this historic group in the country.

This report focuses on the unfolding of events in the recent escalation of tensions between Patriarch Sako and the pro-Iranian Babylon Movement, which is headed by Al-Kildani, and between Sako and the Iraqi president.

Background

As noted, the struggle over Church property and representation of the Chaldean Christians is playing out between two figures: Iran-backed Rayan Al-Kildani, who heads the Babylon Brigades and their political arm, the Babylon Movement, and Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, the Patriarch of the Chaldeans in Iraq and worldwide.

The Babylon Movement

Rayan Al-Kildani. The Babylon Brigades were founded by Rayan Al-Kildani in 2014, following ISIS's takeover of large swaths of Iraq and in light of the danger it posed to the Iraqi Christian community. Al-Kildani, a Christian from Baghdad, has long had ties with Shi'ite militant elements. Before joining Al-Hashd Al-Sha'bi he was part of the Shi'ite Jaish al-Mahdi (JAM) militia. Like his Shi'ite colleagues, Al-Kildani is known for his ties to Iranian elements.[3] The Babylon Brigades are part of Al-Hashd Al-Sha'bi, the organization comprising largely of Iran-backed Shi'ite militias, which was likewise established in 2014, after Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric, 'Ali Al-Sistani, called for acting against ISIS.

Like many Al-Hashd Al-Sha'bi members, Al-Kildani openly cultivates close relations with Iran, and in interviews he frequently praises the role of the late IRGC Qods Force commander Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike in January 2020. For example, during a February 2023 meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian in Baghdad, Al-Kildani said that the Iraqi Christian community "owes its security to the courage of [that] great Iranian commander."[4] The Babylon Brigades were repeatedly ordered by successive Iraqi Prime Ministers, in 2017, 2018, and 2019, to withdraw from the Nineveh Plains region where it ran illegal checkpoints, but, backed up by pro-Iranian militia support, refused to do so.[5]

Additionally, like most of the Iran-backed Shi'ite militias in Iraq, the Babylon Brigades have a political arm, the Babylon Movement, likewise headed by Al-Kildani, which ran for the Iraqi parliament in 2014 but failed to gain a seat. In the 2018 elections, however, the Babylon Movement won two seats, and in the 2021 elections it won four out of the five seats designated for Christians, pushing out other Christian parties such as the Al-Rafidain Coalition. According to sources close to the church, Al-Kildani's party won those Christian seats on the strength of Shi'ite Muslim votes swamping actual Christian representation elected by the Christian minority.[6] In 2019, as noted, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Al-Kildani, the leader of the Babylon Brigades (which the Treasury refers to as the 50th Brigade of the PMU), as a "foreign person who is responsible for or complicit in, or who has directly or indirectly engaged in, serious human rights abuse." The announcement stated that "[t]he 50th Brigade has systematically looted homes in Batnaya, which is struggling to recover from ISIS's brutal rule" and has "reportedly illegally seized and sold agricultural land, and the local population has accused the group of intimidation, extortion, and harassment of women."[7]

The Patriarch Of The Chaldean Catholic Church

The Iraq-born Louis Raphael Sako has been patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church since 2013. That year, then-Iraqi president Jalal Talabani issued a directive recognizing Sako as patriarch of the Chaldean Church in Iraq, confirming a decision already taken by the Vatican and the Chaldean bishops. The directive also put Sako in charge of the Christian Waqf -- that is, Church property and community assets endowed by the Christians. While Iraqi Christians have departed the country in large numbers since 2003, much private and communal property remains that has considerable value, particularly in Baghdad.

Since his appointment, Sako has not hesitated to speak to media about the dangers he perceives are threatening the Iraqi Christian community and the discrimination it experiences. In a 2019 interview with Iraq's Al-Sharqiya TV, he called for changes to school curricula so that children would learn tolerance and respect for other religions, and underlined that Christians are discriminated against in the country. In another interview three years later, he told the channel that the situation had not changed, and that Christians were still being treated like second-class citizens[8]; he also expressed criticism of the U.S. policy vis-a-vis Iraq.

Earlier, in 2015, at a time when ISIS was expanding its occupation of the country and harming minority communities, Sako called, in an interview with a Catholic Church website, on the U.S. to fulfill its "moral obligation" to send military forces to combat ISIS. He said that the U.S. had left the country in "chaos" and added that the Americans "had no vision really... Where's democracy in Iraq? Where is freedom, and human rights?"[9]

The Struggle Between The Chaldean Church And The Babylon Movement

As noted, the struggle between the church, led by Sako, and the Babylon Movement, headed by Al-Kildani, began several years ago, and apparently stems from conflicts over the identity and leadership of the Iraqi Christian community and control of its resources.

One of Sako's main arguments against the Babylon Movement is that it has an armed military branch. As early as 2016, the church, under Sako, had dissociated itself from the Babylon Brigades and other armed Christian factions. Sako also decided to strip "several individuals," including Al-Kildani, of the title of Sheikh granted to them by his predecessor, Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly, claiming that these individuals had "taken advantage of [the former Patriarch's] illness." He stressed that the Christian community had no "sheikhs" representing it and that its official representatives were the Christian Members of Parliament.[10]

Sako also claimed that, because of the electoral system that allows all voters to vote for any candidates, the Babylon faction does not represent the Christian voice even though it won a place in parliament thanks to the quota of seats reserved for Christians. In a June 2019 letter to the Iraqi parliamentary speaker, Sako asked the parliament to ratify an amendment to the regional council election law that would assure "real representation" of Christians.[11]

Al-Kildani, for his part, claims that Sako is exceeding his authority and his position and interfering in politics. For example, in response to Sako's 2019 letter to the parliamentary speaker, Al-Kildani published a six-page letter that he said he had sent to the Vatican, stating that Sako was personally attacking Al-Kildani and his party, "inciting against us, and refraining from praying for the souls of the Babylon Brigades' dead." The letter continued: "He is interfering in politics on behalf of people in power, has left the Christians without churches, and incites against anyone defending these churches." The letter also called on Sako to "go back to being a patriarch and leave politics and worldly matters to those who have no spiritual title."[12]

In recent months, there has been an additional escalation in the Sako-Kildani tension. In late April, the Iraqi press reported that the Baghdad police had summoned Sako for questioning after a complaint was received concerning real-estate document forgery.[13] The church released a statement saying that the incident had taken place three years previously and that the claims were false and harmed the reputation of the Patriarch and the church. The statement hinted that this matter had been revived and disseminated in media by "a political element," hinting at Al-Kildani. It also said that Patriarch Sako does not sell lots or homes, that the church's alleged titles to the property were forged,[14] and that Christian elements were spreading lies that Sako was planning to step down. It stressed that Sako was not "one of the officials known for their corruption; [furthermore], he is not [an official] of the state and is not paid by it."[15] The falsification of documents and their use to seize property and persecute individuals in the legal system is a widespread tactic used by those, like Al-Kildani, with actual political power and connections to powerful patrons, such as Iran.

In a letter published by the Iraqi press, Sako criticized "Christian politicians" who, he said, are acting "completely against the Christian faith, rapidly becoming corrupt, excluding other Christians, and funding their associates. Rejecting Al-Kildani's claim that he had visited Israel or sold church property, and that the Vatican banned clerics from becoming involved in politics, he revealed the disputes within the church itself when he said that Al-Kildani's men had "bought some weak-willed clerics in order to cover up their activities."[16]

Following this, Al-Kildani challenged him to a public debate to discuss the claims and accusations, and said that while he and his men were fighting ISIS, Sako had remained "in hiding, and abandoned the church and people's homes in Nineveh when ISIS attacked."[17] Sako rejected the invitation, saying that he, like top Iraqi Shi'ite cleric 'Ali Al-Sistani, was a source of religious authority and could not allow himself to clash with someone like Al-Kildani "who is not knowledgeable about the foundations of discussion and conversation." Claiming that Al-Kildani was taking advantage of the religion for political benefit, he criticized the armed Christian organizations, saying "we are not in a Crusader war." He added that Al-Kildani was involved in looting Christian property in Nineveh -- a charge confirmed by the abovementioned US Treasury designation of Al-Kildani - and reiterated his claim that he was trying to buy clerics.[18]

In a June 2023 interview in London, Sako stepped up his claims, saying that the conflict is not an internal Christian issue but a conflict with an individual who "heads a militia that damages the authority of the church in Iraq" and who, moreover, is not a believing Christian. Sako also criticized Iraq's entire government system. He was careful to say that Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shi'a Al-Sudani was "a good man who takes care of everything" but added that he was hobbled by the elements that elected him and that his government was monochromatic. Sako stated further that the political regime was oppressing the Iraqis, and noted that voter turnout for the last elections, in 2021, was only 20% -- meaning that that the elected parliament does not truly represent the will of the people.

Sako also did not hold back in his criticism of Al-Hashd Al-Sha'bi, stressing that it was the job of the army and the police to defend the homeland, and that Al-Hashd Al-Sha'bi should be subjugated to the armed forces general command.[19]

Iraqi President Speaks Out Against Sako

Iraqi President 'Abdul Latif Rashid -- whose Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) is the more pro-Iranian of Iraq's two main Kurdish political parties -- also entered the intra-Christian fray, and his involvement led him to directly clash with the Chaldean Church. On July 3, 2023, the state Al-Waqa'i Al-Iraqiya gazette published Presidential Order No. 31, signed June 20, stating that it had been decided to cancel Presidential Order No. 147 of 2013 that appointed Sako Patriarch of the Chaldeans in Iraq and worldwide and put him in charge of their waqf, or endowments.[20] Order No. 147 had been signed by presidential deputy Khodair Al-Khozaei, on behalf of the president at the time, Jalal Al-Talabani.[21]

The background to this presidential decision to cancel Order 147 at this time was not clear. Some claimed that the relationship between the current president and the patriarch had not been good since Sako thwarted a meeting between the president and Pope Francis during the president's Rome visit on June 12, 2023, only a few days before the issuance of Presidential Order No. 31.[22]

On July 7, 2023, the Office of the President clarified that Order No. 31 was not aimed at harming the religious or legal status of Patriarch Sako -- whom the Vatican had appointed as patriarch of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and worldwide. It was aimed, said the office, at "rectifying the constitutional situation, since Order 147 was issued without any constitutional or legal basis." It was also issued because "the heads of other churches and communities had also asked for similar presidential orders without constitutional basis," which the office was not prepared to grant. The office also stressed that Sako had earned "esteem and respect" from the presidency as the patriarch of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and worldwide.[23]

Nine days later, on July 16, the Office of the President was asked to issue additional clarifications. Office spokeswoman 'Alia Taleb emphasized that there was no intention of harming the Iraqi Christian community and that the presidency was not interfering in the granting titles to clerics, since this was the sole responsibility of the religious communities themselves. However, Talabani's deputy, then Iraqi vice president Khodair Al-Khozaei, she said, "had acted on his own" when he issued Order No. 147 recognizing Sako as patriarch, and President Rashid simply acted to "rectify [this] constitutional error." She added that the president "esteems and respects" the personal decision of Patriarch Sako to relocate to Erbil.[24]

Sources close to the Movement claimed that it had nothing to do with the presidential order revoking Sako's title,[25] but Rayan Al-Kildani welcomed it. In a July 11 announcement, he called it a "constitutional, determined, and considered" move. Al-Kildani called on the heads of the churches to act together with the members of parliament to speed up the passing of the waqf and religious institutions law and stressed, "We are not guests in Iraq... and we will not agree to be treated like a national minority."[26]

At the same time, the president's clarifications failed to convince Sako, who wrote him three letters protesting against the order. Sako asked why the move had come only now, and stated that the legal advice that the president had received was wrong and aimed at harming the status of the president and of the Christians in Iraq. Sako concluded with a warning that he intended to turn to the court if the president did not cancel the order, and noted that he hoped the president "understands the severity of this decision concerning the Christians."[27]

In an interview with the Iraqi Rudawa newspaper, Sako criticized Presidential Order 31, saying that President Rashid had been the top advisor to the former president Talabani when the latter issued Order 147, and that this order had been strictly a formality recognizing a custom that had been in place from the time of Khalif 'Abbas [in the eighth century] to the time of the Ottoman Empire. Sako stressed: "I am not the president's clerk... I have an order from the Pope; I am the most senior Christian religious figure representing the Chaldeans in the world, not just in Iraq and the Middle East. I do not only head the Chaldean Catholic Church in the world, I am a cardinal -- the most important religious rank below the pope. I can be appointed to the post of pope and vote for [a candidate for the position of pope]. I am the cardinal of all the Chaldeans in the world. At the very least, the president should have respected the pope's order." He added that the president had based his order on vicious rumors and a falsified video, and clarified that the cancellation of Order 147 did not impact him personally; rather, "its impact is very dangerous for the Christians in Iraq. It arouses apprehension and fear, and they [the Christians] will begin to think about emigrating from Iraq...There is harm here to Christianity... Why did he dispossess me and not cancel the orders concerning the other [religious communities ]?"

Sako stressed that the president was a "good man" and that it was not he who had actually issued Order 31, but Al-Kildani, "a political element who pushed the president to issue the order [and] who seeks to take over the Christians and their property and waqf. This figure is not a church figure, and he cannot take my place."[28]

Sako's supporters called the president's Order 31 "a dangerous and painful precedent, that has never happened before in Iraq and that will have the gravest of consequences for the Christian presence in Iraq and across the region." They also called it a "blow to the heart against a peace-seeking contingent of society by an element that is supposed to defend all Iraqis." [29]

This wasn't Patriarch Sako's only entanglement. In mid-June, the Supreme Court in Baghdad, a deeply politicized and flawed institution, issued a subsequent order instructing him to report for a trial within 48 hours or an arrest warrant would be issued against him. According to reports in Iraq, the order was published after Rayan Al-Kildani filed a complaint against him; it is not yet clear what the complaint was about.[30] Over the years, Iraq's Shi'ite parties and militias have perfected the using of the judicial system as a weapon against their opponents -- whether they are journalists, politicians or, in this case, churchmen.

It was after this order against Sako was issued, and as an additional means of pressure on the president to rescind Order 31, that Sako decided to relocate his Baghdad office to Erbil,[31] where he was welcomed with open arms. Upon his arrival in Erbil, Sako expressed regret that he had had to leave Baghdad "due to the oppression caused by the president, who issued an order that has no legal justification." He said that he had been asked to go to the Shi'ite pilgrimage city of Najaf but had refused because there are no Christians there, adding that he would remain in Erbil until Order No. 31 was rescinded and so as to "teach the [Babylon Brigades] militia to respect the symbols of the religion." If this did not happen, he said, he would remain in Kurdistan province, which "respects clerics." He also warned that he would appeal the presidential order , and that if this did not produce the desired result, he would act to bring the issue to the attention of the world.[32]

Sako and the Chaldean Church continued to attack the president, saying that he was collaborating with the Babylon Movement and even comparing him to ISIS. Thus, Sako's advisor, the Reverend Basman George Fatouhi , said: "The Iraqi presidency agrees with the faction's leader [Al-Kildani] that Cardinal Sako must be harmed... The illegal and arbitrary decision will play a role in the Christian exodus from Iraq, just as ISIS did."[33]

The Chaldean Church's information office published similar statements, writing on July 17 that "ISIS caused the Christians to emigrate from Mosul and the Nineveh plain in 2014, and now the president of the republic, under pressure from the Babylon militia, is causing the head of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and the entire world... to emigrate."[34]

In addition to the support from the Erbil government, Sako also received support from the senior Shi'ite cleric 'Ali Al-Sistani. The website of the Iraqi Alsumaria TV reported on July 15, citing "sources close to Sistani's office," that a senior official in the office had contacted the patriarch to express regret that lately he was being treated "in a way that does not befit his religious and national status." It added that the official had expressed hope that conditions would be suitable for the patriarch to return to his Baghdad office "as soon as possible."[35]

The Crisis Draws International Attention

The president's Order 31 and Patriarch Sako's abandonment of Baghdad further exacerbated the conflict and attracted attention, and support for Sako, from elements outside Iraq. For example, on July 18, the U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said about the matter:

"...[W]e are disturbed by the harassment of Cardinal Sako, the patriarch of the Chaldean Church, and troubled by the news that he has left Baghdad. We look forward to his safe return. The Iraqi Christian community is a vital part of Iraq's identity and a central part of Iraq's history of diversity and tolerance... We are concerned that the cardinal's position as a respected leader of the church is under attack from a number of quarters, in particular a militia leader who is sanctioned under the Global Magnitsky Act [i.e., Al-Kildani]... It is a blow to religious freedom, and that's why we are so concerned and why we have engaged directly with the Iraqi government to make our concerns clear... And we certainly hope that they will reverse that decision and the cardinal will be able to safely return to Baghdad."[36]

In response to the State Department, the Office of the Iraqi President announced that it was "disappointed" at the accusations against the Iraqi government and presidency and at the pressure to rescind Order 31, calling these "incompatible with the law of the land," and added that it intended to summon the U.S. ambassador for clarification.[37]

Tensions also emerged with the Embassy of the Vatican in Baghdad, when it was forced to publish a clarification in response to the Office of the President's announcement, after the president met with the Charge d'Affaires of the Vatican Embassy. At the meeting, it was stated that the Vatican representative had not commented on the president's Order 31. The Embassy of the Vatican's announcement stated that the meeting had taken place at the request of the Office of the President, expressed regret at the "inappropriate conduct" in all matters concerning the role of Patriarch Sako, and stressed that the heads of the churches must continue to freely administer the property of the church.[38]

The president also held a series of meetings with the heads of foreign missions from Asia, Europe, the U.S., Australia, and the U.N., in addition to meetings with the heads of the churches in Iraq.[39]

Conclusion

As of the writing of this report, Patriarch Sako remains in Erbil and is trying to wage his struggle against the Babylon Brigades and their leader Rayan Al-Kildani from there. The involvement of President 'Abdul Latif Rashid, which harms Sako, does not bode well for the future of the Chaldean Church and Christianity in Iraq generally. In any event, even if President Rashid rescinds Order 31 that effectively cancels Iraqi state recognition of Sako as head of the church along with his authority in all things concerning church property, it is doubtful that this will improve the status of the Chaldean Church in Iraq or strengthen the Iraqi Christian community. Iran's man Al-Kildani seems to be following a pattern seen elsewhere, in both Syria and Lebanon, where Shi'ite militias and their non-Shi'ite frontmen push for advantage against vulnerable religious minorities.

[18] Al-Quds Al-Arabi (London), May 7, 2023. (London), May 7, 2023.

[19] Al-Quds Al-Arabi (London), June 26, 2023. (London), June 26, 2023.

[32] Al-Sharq Al-Awsat (London), July 25, 2023. (London), July 25, 2023.

[38] Al-Araby Al-Jadeed (London), July 18, 2023. (London), July 18, 2023.
Burke County voters who currently dont have a drivers license can now get a free ID card in preparation of the November election.

Voters will be expected to show a valid photo ID when they cast a ballot this year at both early voting and the General Election on Nov. 7.

A drivers license is one of the acceptable forms of ID, which a majority of residents have, said the North Carolina Board of Elections.

If, however, a voter doesnt have an acceptable form of ID, they can go to the Burke County Board of Elections to request a free ID, said Debbie Mace, director of elections for Burke County. The office is at 2128 S. Sterling St., Morganton.

Mace said the office now has a machine to make the IDs and they can be made the same day as the request while the voter waits.

The state Board of Elections also has approved other forms of ID, including many universities and employee IDs. To see a list of the acceptable forms of ID, visit https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/voter-id/student-public-employee-ids-approved-voting.

Some of the acceptable ID include employees of North Carolina School for the Deaf in Morganton, students at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, students at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute in Lenoir, students and employees at McDowell Technical Community College, students and employees at Appalachian State University in Boone and Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, according to the state Board of Elections website.

Military or veterans ID cards issued by the federal government also are acceptable forms of ID.

Mace reiterated that if a voter already has a drivers license, they dont need an ID card from the elections board.

However, if a voter doesnt have a valid form of ID, the state elections board says a voter will need to provide their name, date of birth and the last four digits of their Social Security number to their local board of elections, and have their photo taken. The ID will include the voters photo, name, and registration number, according to the state board. Voters also can get a free ID from the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles, the board says.

Early voting for the municipal elections starts Thursday, Oct. 19, and ends at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4.

In Burke County, school board races will not be on this years ballot. Those elections were moved to even-numbered years through a legislative local bill in 2021.

In addition, the towns of Rutherford College and Hildebran will not hold elections this year but will be on the ballot next year with the school board and county commissioners. Those towns, through state legislation, chose to move their elections to even-numbered years.

Because Rutherford College and Hildebran elections wont be on the ballot this year, there will be 13 precincts that wont be open this year on Election Day because they dont contain any municipality voters, according to election officials.

The precincts that will be closed on Election Day this year are:

Drexel No. 3 precinct (High Peak Baptist Church)

Icard No. 2 (George Hildebran Fire Department)

Icard No. 3 (Hildebran Municipal Gym)

Jonas Ridge (Jonas Ridge Fire Department)

Linville No. 1 (Longtown Fire Department)

Linville No. 2 (Lake James Fire Department)

Quaker Meadows 1B (Quaker Meadows Presbyterian Church)

Silvercreek No. 2 (West End Fire Department)

Upper Creek (Smyrna Baptist Church)

Upper Fork (Enola Fire Department)

Chesterfield Ruritan Club

Lower Fork (South Mountain Fire Department)

Pilot Mountain

For more information about voter ID or this year's elections, call the Burke County Board of Elections at 828-764-9010.
Many residents of the Mill Creek community near Anaconda objected after the EPA concluded elevated levels of arsenic discovered in the urine of pre-schoolers in 1985 made relocation necessary.

Others were ready to flee once the risks of staying were clear.

The EPA and Centers for Disease Control said contamination from the nearby Anaconda Co. smelter stacks emissions had created an unsafe environment for the 37 families living in the unincorporated community of Mill Creek, roughly 1.5 miles east of Anaconda.

In October 1987, resident Peg Patterson told a reporter for The Montana Standard that she wasnt happy about being forced to move from a property homesteaded prior to 1900.

Im really ticked off, she said then.

Permanent relocation was completed in the early fall of 1988 and home demolition was wrapped up by the end of the year.

On Monday, some 35 years later, the EPA announced that the 160 acres that once included the Mill Creek community now pose no unacceptable risk to human health or the environment following remedial cleanup at the site.

As a result, EPA formally deleted Operable Unit 15 from the Anaconda Co. Smelter Superfund site.

In a press release, KC Becker, EPAs regional administrator, celebrated the news.

This deletion represents a major milestone in the transformation of the Superfund site, Becker said. The agency will conduct five-year reviews of the property to ensure that completed cleanup and response actions remain protective.

Carl Nyman, Superfund coordinator for Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, weighed in.

Anaconda-Deer Lodge County has been hopeful for a very long time that appropriate portions of the Superfund site would be delisted," he said. "Were happy to see this area delisted, and look forward to more to follow.

The EPA previously divided the smelter Superfund site into a number of distinct areas, referred to as operable units, to target cleanup activities according to specific complexities, geographic boundaries and more.

Other operable units have been at least partially deleted from the 300-square-mile Anaconda Co. Smelter Site. They include Operable Unit 9, Beryllium Removal; Operable Unit 11, Flue Dust; and Operable Unit, Arbiter Removal.

EPA said it deletes sites from the National Priorities List when no further cleanup is required to protect human health and the environment.

In the Anaconda region, nearly 100 years of smelting and mining activity resulted in the contamination of soils, surface water, sediments and groundwater. The primary contaminants of concern are arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead and zinc.
A Billings man, whose months of allegedly brandishing a rifle across the street from an elementary school prompted calls from concerned parents, is now in custody.

Gabriel Cowan Metcalf, 49, has been charged with illegally possessing a firearm in a school zone. Local and federal authorities arrested Metcalf on Tuesday night, and the U.S. Attorneys Office is alleging he violated federal law by displaying a firearm within 1,000 feet of Broadwater Elementary School.

The man's arrest comes just a day after the Billings Police Department issued a statement specifying there was no state law restricting guns within a school zone, particularly on private property.

Parents of children attending Broadwater Elementary School had been calling police for months to report the man pacing on his lawn while armed with a rifle, the Gazette previously reported. Their concerns prompted school officials to move outdoor activities to the back of the building, out of view of the man's property, and restrict parts of the playground.

School officials also wrapped portions of the fence surrounding the playground in tarp out of caution. The new school year for Billings Public Schools began Tuesday.

Billings police spoke to the man several times, BPD Lt. Matt Lennick previously said, but he consistently refused to stop displaying guns outside his home. While the man was not breaking any state laws in doing so, Lennick said, BPD increased their patrols in the area surrounding the school. Police also contacted federal agencies for assistance with the situation.

Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with members of BPD, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said in a statement published Wednesday morning, executed a warrant Tuesday night that resulted in Metcalfs arrest. A subsequent statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office identified Metcalf as the suspect in the arrest, and detailed the charge against him.

Per federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school. By walking along the sidewalk and in the streets near his home while carrying a rifle, court documents said, Metcalf was on public property within 1,000 feet of Broadwater Elementary. The federal statute that made the arrest possible was established by the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990.

Earlier this year, a group of 22 Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives sponsored a bill introduced by Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie that would repeal the the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990. Matt Rosendale, who represents Montana's eastern House district, was among the 22 who co-sponsored the Safe Students Act. The bill has since been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

Part of the ATFs mission statement is to enforce federal firearm possession and trafficking laws. The federal agency has played a major role in the U.S. Attorneys Office mounting an effort to reign in illegal firearm possession in the Billings area, the Gazette previously reported.

More crime guns have been tracked and recovered by the ATF in Montana in recent years than in any other surrounding state except for Idaho. The bureau traced just over 5,000 crime guns in the state from 2017-2021, per the bureaus National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking Assessment published in February.

In Billings, BPD's Street Crime Unit has seized around 60 guns through its investigations so far this year. Last year ended with 153 firearms seized or recovered by the unit.

If convicted, Metcalf could be sentenced up to five years in prison and face a fine of up to $100,000.
By Shawn Touney | Aug 23, 2023

MURRAY, Ky.  The latest Murray State University Racer Report includes student, faculty, staff and alumni accomplishments, announcements, upcoming campus events and more for the week of August 21-25.

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Emery Ginger's Architectural Design class took on an engaging service project for the city of Benton, Kentucky. They were approached by Mayor Rita Dotson to redesign and renovate the existing Benton Memorial Park located on the town square.

As part of the Governors Scholars Program (GSP) at Murray State University this past summer, Emery Ginger's Architectural Design class took on an engaging service project for the city of Benton, Kentucky. They were approached by Mayor Rita Dotson to redesign and renovate the existing Benton Memorial Park located on the town square. The goal was to take the existing site and revitalize it in a way that honored first responders, was more interactive for the community, and promoted a maintainable, attractive design. Each scholar was given a model of the existing site and was allowed the creative freedom to change or keep aspects that best showcased the citys intentions for the site.

To fully accomplish this, the scholars completed research on first responders, discussed what it means to honor a group of people in design, learned about urban spaces and what attracts visitors, and learned about sustainability because they, as designers, are responsible for creating structures that generate minimal harmful effects to the ecosystem and the communities. They learned industry standard software for architecture and were able to execute their ideas.

The class produced thorough designs that were presented to the mayor and other representatives for the city of Benton during the last week of class. They learned how to manage a client relationship, complete design research and analysis, and execute an aesthetic design that promotes the reform of a community.

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Murray State Universitys Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program was recently recognized by PhDs.me. The annual rankings showcase the top partially and fully online PhD programs for students who aspire to reach the pinnacle of education through an affordable, convenient and high-quality program. Specializations in Murray States DNP program include nurse anesthetist and family nurse practitioner. To learn more about the DNP program, visit https://bit.ly/3OY5o6l or contact Dr. Kristin Reid, DNP program director and assistant professor, at 270-809-6670 or kreid3@murraystate.edu.

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Murray State University has been designated a Military Friendly School for the 2023-2024 Military Friendly cycle.

Murray State University has been designated a Military Friendly School for the 2023-2024 Military Friendly cycle.

Murray State offers resources for military connected students such as personalized advising, career planning and placement, flexible online and weekend schedules for those who serve on active duty, disability services, free counseling services, free limited student health services and a psychological center.

The University also offers military tuition discounts for military service members using Federal Tuition Assistance. These benefits can include tuition assistance and Veterans Affairs education benefits, college credit for military training, waived fees for courses, online classes, free graduation cords for veterans, textbook and fee discounts, free admission applications as well as waived tuition costs not covered by the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Program.

For more information about Murray State Universitys student veteran and military success programs, visit murraystate.edu/veterans.

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Dr. Dan Wann

Murray State University psychology professor Dr. Dan Wann was recently noted in the 2023 edition of the ranking of top scientists in the field of psychology by research.com.

The report contains the list of leading scholars and is intended to offer the academic community more visibility and exposure to the influential research contributions made by those at the forefront of psychology.

An individuals position in the rankings is based on a scholars publication record as well as the number of times the individuals work has been cited.

Wann is ranked 3,447th in the world and 1,987th in the United States. The rankings include all persons from the history of psychology, including those who are no longer active or deceased; thus, it is a ranking for the history of the discipline, including individuals such as Sigmund Freud, Abraham Maslow and B.F. Skinner, among many others.

The ranking makes Murray State University one of the top colleges for research in psychology.

**

Dr. Carol Terracina-Hartman, assistant professor in Murray State Universitys Department of Journalism and Mass Communications, will receive the Louis E. Ingelhart First Amendment Award from the College Media Association (CMA) and be recognized at the associations fall national conference, to take place on Oct. 31 in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2018, Terracina-Hartman was recognized with the Distinguished Adviser Award at the fall national conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Ingelhart was a retired Ball State University journalism professor who dedicated much of his life to studying, writing and teaching the applications of the First Amendment. Recipients of this award are professional journalists, institutions or advisers who have made an extraordinary, long term contribution in support of the First Amendment.

CMA annually recognizes the achievements of individuals through various award programs, including the Emerging Adviser Awards for professionals who have advised for five or fewer years, Distinguished Adviser Awards for professionals who have advised for greater than five years, and a variety of special honors recognizing service and outstanding achievements.

**

Kennedy Trypus of Carmel, Indiana

Murray State University student Kennedy Trypus of Carmel, Indiana, was selected by the Delta Zeta Sorority as a 2023 Florence Hood Miner award recipient.

The award is given to members of Delta Zeta who made the greatest contribution to their college, chapter and Delta Zeta through outstanding leadership on the campus while maintaining a good academic record in their junior year.
Recently I told John Jellys 40-years-later account of a colored man bringing food for a freedom seeker hidden on a farm in northern Muscatine County in 1855. From not much evidence, I concluded that man must have been William H. Greenway (1840-1930).

Then I discovered Jelly had exposed young Greenway a decade prior to his 1896 letter to historian Wilbur Siebert. That version of the little-known story identifies Jelly as Atalissa correspondent.

Muscatine Weekly Journal, Feb. 5, 1886: Taking a short cut across the field from one house to another, I came across a spot of ground which will ever be memorable to some of the old settlers, the land then being owned by Dr. A.M. Vanpelt, who would rather have been engaged in hiding runaway slaves than eating Rambo apples or drinking sweet cider. It was here in the middle of a cornfield where Tom, a runaway from Missouri, was quartered for six weeks with a hogshead for a shelter, while his master was all over the country looking for him and stopped at the house and enquired if they had seen the boy and put an advertisement on the gate post offering a reward of $500 for his capture and return. There is probably no one living now in Iowa who knows anything of the circumstances, unless it be Uncle Billy Greenway, the popular barber on the Avenue, Muscatine. He was then a boy and lived with his parents in a house on the farm (long since pulled down.) It was he who was entrusted with the important task of taking Tom his daily rations and keeping him posted as to the whereabouts of his master and when it would be safe for him to proceed on his way to Canada, and now I suppose Billy could tell all about how Tom got as far as Davenport in the night (this was just before the railroad was built) and how he crossed the river between sacks on a wagon and how he got transportation from Rock Island through to Canada and of the letter telling that Tom had arrived safe in Canada and at last he was free and a man.

Those circumstances were indeed a well-kept secret. Yet, as I reported, Jellys 1896 letter names various people who might have played some part in the dangerous enterprise. Sieberts transcription, if not Jellys handwriting, mispelled Greenway as Greening, a slip that hid the story until the magic of online searching.

Uncle Billy? The nickname appears again in a eulogy by Frank Richman.

Muscatine Journal, Sept. 1, 1930: He lived a long and useful life, and, as I would judge it, a happy one. I feel honored in testifying before those who have not known him and of him for many years of his life, as I have known him.  Possibly no man lives out his life without creating some enemies. If William Greenway, the deceased, ever had any, I never heard of it, and if there ever were any, I believe their enmity to have been without cause. It is in no spirit of irreverence, but rather to emphasize a thought, I would say that if St. Peter keeps his books aright, as I assume he does, there are no entries in red ink on the debit side of Billy Greenways account. His friends addressed and spoke of him as Billythe nick-name was not used in the sense of an undue familiarity. It was uttered rather as an expression of and in harmony with a personal affection for him by the speaker.

A brave tribute from the president of the county bar association, described at his own death in 1934 as dean of Muscatine attorneys. An intentional kindness when Greenways sons were in the news for repeated allegations of violating Prohibition liquor laws and various financial troubles.

Words of a true ally, from a time when news items routinely identified persons as colored or negroas if to make a point.

E.F. Frank Richmans father was J.S. Richman who was the defense attorney for freedom seeker Jim White in 1848 and in 1867 the district court judge who ruled against the Muscatine school board in the Susan Clark casethe desegregation precedent upheld by the Iowa Supreme Court.

So many dots to connect! Im wanting to learn more about the Van Pelts and locate their farm site, if not Jellys memorable spot of ground where a man on the run found shelter in and around a barrel in a cornfield.

The Muscatine County site deserves listing in the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, a program administered by the National Park Service. See www.nps.gov/subjects/undergroundrailroad/index.htm.

The inaugural Iowa Underground Railroad Ride, Sept. 15-17, features a southwestern route. Lets hope its headed our way some year soon. Learn more at https://www.iowaundergroundrailroadride.com.

Next time: Alexander Clarks initiation to the bar

# # #

Daniel G. Clark is a former Muscatine Journal reporter and student of Iowa history
A former presidential aspirant, Ambassador Esther Waringa, has drafted a bill proposing the exemption of tax on basic kitchen items to reduce the cost of living.

Ambassador Waringa said she came up with the affordable kitchen bill to cushion Kenyans from the skyrocketing prices of consumables including sugar, cooking oil, rice, flour, and cooking gas.

She said the proposed bill, which was at the Senates committee stage, will address the cost of living after the finance law came into effect last month.

We request the Senate and the National Assembly to avoid politicising the bill so that when its passed into law, all these ladies here in Dagoretti, Kangemi, Kibera, Mathare, and the rest of the country will go all smiling to the kitchen,, said Ambassador Waringa.

Amb. Waringa, who is also the president of a non-governmental organisation known as Public Service Governance, was speaking on Monday, August 21 in Dagoretti, Nairobi County, where she donated sanitary pads and food commodities to women and children at the Dadas Community Education Centre and Childrens Home.

We, as public service governance, have come together to ensure that every woman has some food at home by donating food and everything else that is of help to them, said Ambassador Waringa.

She said her organisation will ensure that all the elderly women and vulnerable children across the country are taken care of by supporting them in terms of food and other necessary assistance.

Amb. Waringa called on Kenyans to support her initiative, saying it promotes the well-being of the poor.

Speaking at the same event, Ms. Roselida Lwangu, one of the beneficiaries from Kangemi, said the support she has received from public service governance has enabled her to take care of her family.

We receive food and cloth donations from Ambassador Waringa. Shes been of too much help to us as women, she said.

Ms. Lwangu, who is 71 years old, joined the Dadas Community Education Centre and Childrens Home in 2014 after her husband passed away.
Detectives in Nairobi on Tuesday shot dead a second suspect linked to the cold-blooded murder of their DCI colleague David Mayaka in Kayole, two weeks ago.

Following the arrest of the first suspect  Alex Wanjiru(23)  in Kikuyu, Kiambu County last week, detectives on Tuesday morning exchanged fire with the second suspect  John Kamau aka Farouk  in Njiru Sub-County.

According to a police report, Kamau refused to surrender and opted to open fire on the cops with the same gun that fell Makadaras DCI detective David Mayaka on August 8. The DCI says the suspect shot one of the officers in the left thigh; he is currently recuperating at a city hospital in stable condition.

The shoot-out reportedly took place outside the suspects door on the second floor of apartment B4-124.

The suspect John Kamau died in a hail of fire this morning after he was cornered by our men and defied orders to surrender, opting to shoot at the officers. Armed with the CZ pistol that fired the fatal shots which took detective Mayakas life, the bloodthirsty thug had emerged from his door at an apartment in Njiru Sub-County and shot at one of our men injuring him on his left thigh, reads a police report.

It adds: This prompted his colleagues to retaliate with speed and efficiency killing the miscreant on the spot in the dawn operation conducted on the second floor of flat B4-124, by an elite team of sleuths drawn from the Crime Research & Intelligence Bureau.

Police said they recovered the CZ pistol serial number B626735, loaded with 12 rounds of 9mm calibre in the operation that also involved a backup team of detectives from Soweto and Njiru.

Also recovered in a backpack were assorted mobile phones suspected to have been violently acquired from victims of crime in the city, said DCI.

Police mentioned that preliminary investigations conducted by ballistic experts based at the DCI National Forensic Laboratory have linked the firearm( CZ pistol serial number B626735) to over five armed robberies staged in Nairobi and Kiambu Counties in the last one year. The robberies targeted MPESA outlets in the populous residential areas of Kayole, Buru Buru, Dandora, and Dagoretti.

Detectives have since established that the recovered firearm had been violently robbed from an aide to a former Cabinet Secretary, in a robbery incident reported on November 17, 2021 in Ngong, Kajiado County.

During the incident, the aide who was a licensed firearm holder was driving into his compound at around 2 a.m., when he was accosted by a four-man gang armed with an AK-47 assault riffle and crude weapons including metal bars and machetes. After ransacking the mans house located at Kerarapon village, the thugs made away with his pistol serial number B626735, and 55 rounds of 9mm calibre from the aides safe, the police report detailed.

A manhunt for the third suspect Henry Njihia, who is believed to be armed and dangerous is currently underway.
Seasoned television journalist Willis Raburu has found his new TV home at the Cape Media-owned station, TV47.

After a successful 13-year tenure at Royal Media Services (RMS), where he anchored news and hosted various shows, Raburu joins TV47 as host of a new show dubbed Wabebe XP(experience).

The Big Man Bazu will be teaming up with hypeman Frank Mark Gogo popularly known as MC Gogo for the weekly Friday night show.

Wabebe XP premieres this week at 10:00 p.m, with Willis Raburu promising his fans an amazing ride.

I am excited to be joining Kenyas fastest-growing media house. The partnership shows its commitment to diversity, quality, and excellence and I will be joining a team that continues to exhibit and grow these amazing tenets. Buckle your seatbelts! We are in for an amazing ride! WABEBE! Raburu said via TV47.

Cape Media on its part noted that it is banking on Raburus 15-year experience in broadcast journalism to scale the heights of the media industry.

We are excited to have him on board. He is exceptional and brings a great wealth of experience, especially in multimedia content executions having worked as a broadcaster for almost 15 years. He is a great addition to Cape Media, said the media house founded by Mt Kenya University(MKU) chairman, Prof Simon Gicharu.

Watch below the fire trailer for Wabebe XP:
The city of St. Helena is taking "emergency actions" to address what it calls an "urgent situation" with discolored and cloudy tap water.

City officials say there's no reason to believe the water is not safe, and the situation isn't an emergency from a health and safety standpoint, City Manager Anil Comelo told the City Council on Tuesday.

However, the emergency actions ratified by the council will help the city secure professional help quickly without the delays associated with the public bidding process.

The problem has been traced to the Water Treatment Plant near Bell Canyon Reservoir, where staff has noticed accumulated minerals inside Tank 1A. Quality complaints are most common in the areas of town served by the Water Treatment Plant, one of St. Helena's three water sources.

"While this has been happening periodically over the last several years, the occurrence this time around is more extensive throughout the city and it has lasted longer, so it was important for us to address it," Comelo told the council.

Public Works Director Joe Leach said city staff is collecting quotes for materials, equipment, testing and other services that will be necessary to solve the problem. Public Works is also flushing pipes around town, which might start to improve water quality within the next few weeks.

According to a news release issued last week, the treatment plant might have to be offline for up to two months while remediation is underway, and staff is investigating how to keep water flowing during that time. Comelo said the city will need to conserve water while that work is happening.

The cost is still unclear, but cleaning the tank was not included in St. Helena's $42 million Capital Improvement Plan. It will present yet another unanticipated expense for the city's water-sewer system, even as new utility rates are scheduled to take effect Sept. 1.

Residents who experience discolored or cloudy water can run cold tap water to flush the pipes within their homes. The city suggests storing that water in a bucket and using it for outdoor landscaping.

Water quality issues may be reported to enviro-tech@cityofsthelena.org, 707-968-2658 (during regular business hours), or 707-967-2850 (after hours).
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Dr. Aaron Maxwell Kime has joined Adventist Health St. Helena Hospital as a specialist in cardiothoracic surgery, said a news release.

He specializes in the treatment of coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, aortic aneurysms and dissections, endocarditis, heart tumors and atrial fibrillation, said the release.

Kimes older brother was born with a congenital heart anomaly and underwent surgical repair as an infant. Heart surgeons have always had a special place in his family, inspiring him to follow this career, he said.

I love seeing my patients get better," he said. "I take immense pride in operating on someone with a life-limiting or life-altering condition and fixing them  getting them back to doing the things they love.

Beginning his post-secondary education at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Kime earned a bachelor of science from the Grainger College of Engineering. He went on to obtain his doctor of medicine from Rush Medical College, in Chicago. He then served as the administrative chief resident of integrated cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

Info: 707-967-7200; Adventist Heart & Vascular Institute, 6 Woodland Road, Suite 304, St. Helena.
Sheldon Richards started life in West Texas where his geologist father, Jim, searched for oil and gas. By the time Sheldon was 12, his fathers search took the family to Alberta. In his early 20s, when his parents moved back to Texas, Sheldon chose to stay in Canada to pursue his own passions.

He bought 500 acres of land near Nelson, British Columbia, where he cleared enough space to build a 1500 square-foot completely off-grid cabin. He spent his summers in the woods of British Columbia and his winters in the city of Calgary, Alberta, occasionally taking breaks to travel around South and Central America.

Eventually, he started a family of his own and went back to school for communications and public relations. His passion for making it on his own continued after graduation with the pursuit of his entrepreneurial endeavor, Keystone Communications. Sheldon ran the company for 15 years before deciding to join the family business.

In 2003, Sheldon moved to Napa to join his parents, Jim and Barbara, at Paloma Vineyard. He spent the next six years learning viticulture from his mother and oenology from his father.

Barbara taught Sheldon to respect the vines as if each were one of his children  over 7,500 in total.

Jim taught Sheldon how to let the wine make itself with minimal intervention.

In 2007, Sheldon became the full-time Paloma winemaker and continues to build on Jim and Barbaras legacy: To grow the best grapes possible and make a wine that reflects the terroir of our vineyard.

Sheldon is continually working and fine-tuning the viticulture practices and the winemaking craft.

My parents left me an amazing legacy, one that I will continue to maintain  farming, winemaking and hospitality  at levels that would make them both proud, said Sheldon.

1. What was your first job?

At the Keg n Cleaver restaurant in Calgary, Canada.

2. Whats the worst job you ever had?

Laying cable TV in the ground in the wintertime in Canada.

3. How did you get into the wine industry?

I started serving wine in restaurants when I was 18. I inherited Paloma.

4. What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?

Drought/heat. COVID and fire.

5. Who do you most admire in the business world?

After we moved to Canada, we were invited to spend a weekend in a log house on a white water rafting river, with snowmobiles to ski behind. The owner was Ernest Funkhouser, an oil industry executive. I spent most of my weekends and summer there. When he died, I bought 432 acres of land in the mountain of BC, built a log house and shared it with the world  always with his generosity in mind.

6. Whats one thing Napa could do to help local business?

Restructure the process and cost of winery-related development. It has become almost impossible and so costly that small family wineries cannot afford to be part of the program.

7. If you could change one thing about the wine industry, what would it be?

Restrictions on corporate wine refineries.

8. What do you love most about the wine industry?

What we all love most about this lifestyle is the people we meet from all over the world. (The people) make the food and wine taste better, and always remind us of how lucky we are to live in paradise.

9. Whats your favorite charity or nonprofit?

Wounded Warriors Foundation.

10. Whats something people might be surprised to know about you?

I built two log houses on 500 acres of land I bought in British Columbia in 1972 and lived off the grid for 10 years.

Paloma Vineyard is located at 4013 Spring Mountain Road in St. Helena, 707-963-7504, palomavineyard.com
Former Napa County Executive Officer Minh Tran says the county owes him about $667,000, the latest salvo in what has become a protracted dispute between him and his erstwhile employer.

In a claim filed with the county, Tran said hes entitled to $467,000 in severance pay. He also argued he should receive another $200,000 for more than 1,200 hours in accrued leave from his 13-year tenure with the county.

A claim can be a precursor to a lawsuit.

The county's standard practice is to refrain from commenting on claims because they may become the subject of litigation, Napa County spokesperson Holly Dawson said on Tuesday.

Tran couldnt be reached for comment on Wednesday morning.

The Napa County Board of Supervisors released Tran from the CEO position on July 28, 2022. Supervisors had learned that the Riverside County Board of Supervisors was scheduled to name Tran as county counsel in that county, though that item was abruptly pulled from the Riverside agenda.

At that point, there was no dispute that Tran was eligible for severance pay. Supervisors had released him for reasons not related to his performance or conduct.

Why would Napa County deem Tran eligible for severance pay if Tran was going to take a job elsewhere?

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My answer to that is he did not disclose his intent to take that position, Board of Supervisors Chair Ryan Gregory said at the time. In fact, he said the opposite, which was he preferred to stay. We were interested in a transition immediately, and he left us no choice.

Tran had a base salary of $25,946 a month. His employment contract with the county called for severance pay totaling 18 months of his salary.

Since then, the Napa Valley Register and Napa County have both obtained emails from Riverside County indicating Tran had agreed to accept the county counsel position there on June 14, 2022  more than a month before Napa County released him. That put a new twist on the matter.

This past June 6, Napa County supervisors voted to deny severance pay to Tran. Tran had yet to claim the pay.

The severance pay provision in Trans contract states he must be willing and able to perform the duties of Napa County CEO. By accepting the Riverside County job, he couldnt fulfill that requirement, Napa County announced in a news release.

But Tran apparently isnt willing to accept that June decision by Napa County. He filed a claim dated July 17 saying he is entitled to severance pay, accrued leave and attorneys fees incurred for any proceeding or litigation undertaken.

That latest claim is one of three Tran has filed against Napa County.

He filed his first claim in October 2021, when he was still Napa County CEO. That claim involved disputes he had with Supervisor Belia Ramos that he said had harmed his reputation. He offered to settle for $1, though his claim didn't list the conditions.

Tran filed another claim in January of this year. He devoted almost a full page to disputes with Ramos and how they affected his relationship with other supervisors. He accused the county of a hostile work environment, retaliation and conspiracy to commit wrongful termination.

Perhaps these disputes are one reason Tran didnt immediately claim severance pay. Napa County policy says that severance pay recipients must first waive claims against the county.

In his latest claim, Tran said he presented Napa County with a document entitled "settlement agreement and general release" on March 29 of this year.

Tran came to Napa County in 2009 as assistant county counsel  he had previously worked for Riverside County. He became Napa county counsel in 2012, and then Napa CEO in 2017.

PHOTOS: The Fink, one of Napa's newest bars The Fink 10 The Fink 2 The Fink 4 The Fink 3 The Fink 1 The Fink 5 The Fink 6 The Fink 7 The Fink 8 The Fink 9 The Fink 11 The Fink 12 The Fink 13
Move-ins began at the North Napa Center on Wednesday afternoon, with nine people relocating to the transitional housing site  until recently a Motel 6  from neighboring homeless encampments.

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In July, the city of Napa announced it would lease the Solano Avenue motel for nearly three years in an effort to provide more transitional housing. This was made possible when the City Council accepted a $15 million grant from California's Encampment Resolution Funding Program, which aims to provide temporary housing and social services to unhoused people to put them on the path to stable and safe long-term housing.

The lease began on Aug. 1, and a phased 60-day move-in begins this week, according to deputy city manager Molly Rattigan.

During the first two or so weeks of the move-in period, organizers will focus on helping to settle clients currently living in three encampments closest to the center, and then will work away from the center as they fill up the sites 57 rooms.

Areas that will be cleared include encampments near Highway 29, the Napa River and neighboring creeks. Later, Kennedy Park and the encampment below the Maxwell Bridge, among other sites, will be shut down as well as more clients move in.

Rattigan explained that the city doesn't have firm numbers on how many people from each of the encampments will be moving in, since the camps tend to be somewhat fluid, but organizers have been connecting with potential residents through a census process.

In January and again in May, the city conducted a census in the encampments surrounding the North Napa Center, taking note of who lived there and creating a working list based on its results. That way, they are able to ensure that they offer housing to all of the residents of the encampments that will be cleared once the move-in begins.

Once clients in the three closest encampments are moved into the center or assisted in relocating if they choose not to accept center housing, those encampments will be vacated and removed around the end of the month.

When a client moves into the North Napa Center, various services will be provided to them through Abode Services, a nonprofit that contracts with Napa County to offer support to unhoused people. The group already operates the South Napa Shelter and South Napa Day Center and has led support services since 2017.

A team of about 16 Abode staff members will operate the North Napa Center. An on-site manager will act as the supervisor while a coordinator will manage shelter monitors. Two of nine shelter monitors will be on shift 24/7 and will be tasked with ensuring rules are followed as well as engaging with clients.

Finally, three case managers will work one-on-one with clients, helping them acclimate to the center and create individualized service plans to prepare them to transition into more permanent housing.

When a client moves in, they will be assigned a case manager. First, the case manager will work with the client to complete a Vulnerability Index-Service Prioritization Decision Assessment Tool assessment, and then help the client set goals and create a service plan tailored to their needs and interests.

Scott Wagner, regional director of Abodes housing and services, said those goals can vary, which is why it is important for a client to have a dedicated case manager they work with closely and consistently.

He said most clients first goal will be to get document ready, so that if and when more permanent housing becomes available, they are ready to apply. Getting "document ready" includes tracking down copies of legal documents like birth certificates, building credit, and sometimes working to clear clients' legal issues if they have them and if it's possible to do so.

Other goals will vary, but Wagner said generally, case managers and clients try to work toward achieving goals in a few different general areas: housing, income, health and wellness.

Maximum capacity at the North Napa Center will be 65 people, which means when full, the 57-room site can fit about seven couples and 50 individuals at a time. The three case managers will have a caseload ranging from 20 and 22 clients each, which Wagner said is fairly typical and manageable.

He explained that keeping case managers loads somewhat low allows them to have regular interaction with each of their clients  a key to the programs success.

When you start to build community, it does begin to change (clients) patterns, Wagner said. There's a hope that they start to feel.

He added that because Abode has been offering services for unhoused people in Napa for a few years, many of the clients and employees have already built relationships, which will aid in the transition and ease the process of building trust between clients and their case managers, as well as other members of the center's staff.

In addition to Abodes services, three meals will be provided a day through city partners, Rattigan said. So far, four local businesses have offered to supply meals to the center, and the city will continue to work with local groups to add to and refine food service over time.

Outsourced security will also be on site 24 hours a day, contracted by Allied Security, which also provides the security for neighboring Redwood Plaza.

Both Rattigan and Wagner expressed excitement about the opening of the shelter, which will be the first non-congregate transitional housing offered in Napa aside from pandemic-era emergency shelters.

While Wagner said there are sure to be bumps in the road while opening a new type of housing center, he is excited for the possibility of getting clients on a path to long-term shelter.

Photos: These two Napans went from homeless to housed
TALLINN, Estonia  Mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a brief armed rebellion against the Russian military earlier this year, was aboard a plane that crashed north of Moscow on Wednesday, killing all 10 people on board, according to Russias civil aviation agency.

The crash immediately raised suspicions since the fate of the founder of the Wagner private military company has been the subject of intense speculation ever since he mounted the mutiny.

At the time, President Vladimir Putin denounced the rebellion as treason and a stab in the back and vowed to avenge it. But the charges against Prigozhin were soon dropped. The Wagner chief, whose troops were some of the best fighting forces for Russia in Ukraine, was allowed to retreat to Belarus, while reportedly popping up in Russia from time to time.

The crash also comes after Russian media reported that a top general linked to Prigozhin was dismissed from his position as commander of the air force.

A plane carrying three crew members and seven passengers that was en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg went down almost 300 kilometers (185 miles) north of the capital, according to officials cited by Russias state news agency Tass.

Russias civilian aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, quickly reported that he was on the manifest and later said that, according to the airline, he was indeed on board.

Earlier, Vladimir Rogov, a Russia-appointed official in the partially occupied Zaporizhzhia region in Ukraine, said he talked to Wagner commanders who also confirmed that Prigozhin was aboard, as was Dmitry Utkin, whose call sign Wagner became the companys name.

I dont know for a fact what happened but Im not surprised, U.S. President Joe Biden said.

Keir Giles, a Russia expert with the international affairs think-tank Chatham House, had urged caution about reports of Prigozhins death. He said multiple individuals have changed their name to Yevgeniy Prigozhin, as part of his efforts to obfuscate his travels.

Flight tracking data reviewed by The Associated Press showed a private jet that Prigozhin had used previously took off from Moscow on Wednesday evening and its transponder signal disappeared minutes later.

The signal stopped suddenly while the plane was at altitude and traveling at speed. In an image posted by a pro-Wagner social media account showing burning wreckage, a partial tail number matching a jet previously used by Prigozhin could be seen.

Videos shared by the pro-Wagner Telegram channel Grey Zone showed a plane dropping like a stone from a large cloud of smoke, twisting wildly as it falls. Such freefalls can occur when an aircraft sustains severe damage, and a frame-by-frame AP analysis of two videos was consistent with some sort of explosion mid-flight. The images appeared to show the plane is missing a wing.

Russias Investigative Committee opened an investigation into the crash on charges of violating air safety rules, as is typical when they open such probes. Interfax, citing emergency officials, reported early Thursday that all 10 bodies had been recovered at the site of the crash and the search operation had ended.

Even if confirmed, Prigozhins death is unlikely to have an effect on Russia's war in Ukraine, where his forces fought some of the fiercest battles over the last 18 months.

His troops pulled back from front-line action after capturing Bakhmut, a city in the eastern Donetsk region, in late May. Bakhmut had been the subject of arguably the bloodiest battles in the entire war, with the Russian forces struggling to seize it for months.

After the rebellion, Russian officials said his fighters would only be able to return to Ukraine as part of the regular army.

This week, Prigozhin posted his first recruitment video since the mutiny, saying that Wagner is conducting reconnaissance and search activities, and making Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa even more free.

Also this week, Russian media reported, citing anonymous sources, that Gen. Sergei Surovikin was dismissed from his position of the commander of Russia's air force. Surovikin, who at one point led Russia's operation in Ukraine, hasn't been seen in public since the mutiny, when he recorded a video address urging Prigozhin's forces to pull back.

As news of the crash was breaking, Putin spoke at an event commemorating the Battle of Kursk, hailing the heroes of Russia's war in Ukraine.

Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, said on Telegram that no matter what caused the plane crash, everyone will see it as an act of vengeance and retribution by the Kremlin, and the Kremlin wouldnt really stand in the way of that.

"From Putins point of view, as well as the security forces and the military  Prigozhins death must be a lesson to any potential followers, Stanovaya said in a Telegram post. According to her, after the mutiny, Prigozhin stopped being the authorities partner and could not, under any circumstances, get that status back.

He also wasnt forgiven, Stanovaya wrote. Prigozhin was needed for some time after the mutiny to painlessly complete the dismantling of Wagner in Russia. But overall, alive, happy, full-of-strength and full-of-ideas Prigozhin was, definitely, a walking source of threats for the authorities, the embodiment of Putins political humiliation.

Stanovaya doesn't expect much public outcry over Prigozhins death, as those who supported him will be more scared than inspired to protest, while others would see it as a deserved outcome.

___

This story has been updated to correct that the crash site is almost 300 kilometers from Moscow, not more than 100 kilometers.

Associated Press writers Jill Lawless in London, Michael Biesecker in Washington, Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Seung Min Kim in South Lake Tahoe, California, contributed.

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WARNING: The following gallery contains graphic images

Photos: Russia's war in Ukraine reaches the 500-day mark
Amid a flurry of rumors about a mysterious buyer who has purchased 52,000 acres in Solano County, local residents have received a survey gauging support for a "new city with tens of thousands of new homes."

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.

Fairfield Mayor Catherine Moy confirmed to SFGATE on Tuesday that Solano County residents have been receiving the push poll, and former Fairfield City Councilmember Marilyn Farley told SFGATE that she received the survey via text message.

The survey is extensive, and it may be the first window into what Flannery Associates plans to do with its newly acquired Bay Area empire.

The group, which incorporated in Delaware, where it is not required to name the people behind the business, has been the subject of speculation and even a possible government probe. Starting in 2018, Flannery began purchasing parcels of land from Fairfield to Rio Vista. (One of its first purchases was near Flannery Road in Rio Vista, possibly giving the group its name.) By its own admission, Flannery paid over the market rate to acquire that land, but in the years since, nothing has been developed on it. The group is now the largest landowner in the county.

The clandestine nature of the purchases  and the fact that Flannery's properties now flank three sides of Travis Air Force Base  led to concerns about national security. Rep. Mike Thompson, whose district includes parts of Solano County, told SFGATE last week he has been "pushing" the Treasury Department, the Department of Defense and the FBI to investigate the acquisitions.

Screenshots of the survey reviewed by SFGATE show an extensive market research campaign. It starts by informing recipients that they will be weighing in on "a description of an initiative that might be on the ballot in Solano County next year" regarding a new development in eastern Solano County.

"This project would include a new city with tens of thousands of new homes, a large solar energy farm, orchards with over a million new trees, and over ten thousand acres of new parks and open space," the survey continues.

It goes on to ask a variety of questions, prompting respondents to pick if the statement makes them "much more likely" to support the initiative, "somewhat more likely" or "less likely" or if it has "no impact on support." Among the statements are:

 "Solano County residents would be given priority and downpayment assistance to buy or lease homes in this new project."

 "It would replace Solano County's current aqueduct."

 "It would be funded entirely by private sector money."

 "It is being led by a group of architects and planners interested in building livable and sustainable communities, not typical developers."

 "It is being funded by a group of California firms and wealthy families who are committed to our state's future."

The new city is pitched as having a "feel like a college town," with a mixture of housing, schools and restaurants and an emphasis on walkability.

Because the survey was sent via an online survey site, it's not clear who is behind the mass texts. Three lawyers listed as representing Flannery in a recent lawsuit did not respond to requests for comment by publication time.

Since news of Flannery's acquisitions broke, locals have speculated the buyer could be planning anything from a deepwater port to a regional airport to even a nuclear power plant. But building a new city from scratch would present its own set of challenges. For one, the developer would need to acquire water rights to support large suburban housing tracts. And, according to Farley, it would need to change Solano County's "orderly growth" policy, which restricts urban development in many parts of the county.

"As the mayor of Fairfield, I sit on countywide boards that have received Flannery offers to buy land at greatly inflated prices. We turned the offers away to protect Travis," Moy wrote on her public Facebook page Tuesday. "I tried contacting the firm that is pushing this poll. My email bounced back. I then searched for the firm elsewhere, but couldn't locate them. They are yet another mystery in the ongoing saga of Flannery."

Photos: Napa Valley College's student housing complex is halfway home NVC student housing 4 NVC student housing 3 NVC student housing 2 NVC student housing 1 NVC student housing 9 NVC student housing 8 NVC student housing 7 NVC student housing 6 NVC student housing 5 NVC student housing construction NVC student housing construction
Overall 3342 children died in Gaza since start of war

Israel bombs areas near Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza

Palestinian Red Crescent: Israel demands evacuation of Gaza hospital

UN peacekeeper wounded in Lebanese shelling

Israel Armenians newspaper: Situation in Israel still difficult

Iran President: Zionists were defeated, forced to retreat

Death toll of Palestinians in Gaza exceeds 8000

Azerbaijani Defense Minister also visits China

Israeli airstrikes on two houses in Gaza kill 13 civilians

Israeli army names main priority

UN Secretary General criticizes Israel again

Building of Jewish cultural center is set on fire in Russia

UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting

Russian MoD: Crimea was attacked by 36 Ukrainian drones at night

Armenian Defence Minister leaves for China

Forcibly displaced teachers from Artsakh can continue work in Armenia

Death toll of mine accident in Kazakhstan reaches 42

Israeli PM deletes controversial post from social media, apologizes

Israeli opposition leader, National Security Minister criticize PM

At least 331 Israeli soldiers killed since start of war with Hamas

Baku arrests Iranian spies who wanted to create Kerime state in Azerbaijan

Lemkin Institute calls on UN to prepare proper mission to Artsakh

Moscow, Ankara effectively coordinate efforts to tackle important regional issues

Israeli army boosts contingent in Gaza, enters deeper into enclave

Aide to Aliyev, Iran Ambassador discuss Azerbaijani-Armenian relations

US Eisenhower aircraft carrier enters Mediterranean Sea

Road accident in Armenia leaves 2 dead

Iranian President: Israel has crossed the red lines

Artsakh President: Russian side was in observers position

Armenia Security Council Secretary meets assistants to US Secretary of State, France President

Armenia PM sends condolences to Kazakh President over mine accident

Death toll of mine accident in Kazakhstan reaches 33

Russian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministries confirm the need for normalization between Baku and Yerevan

Hamas ready to release eight hostages at Russia's request

RA Economy Ministry, JP Morgan discuss international market accessibility

Hamas says there is no progress in hostage negotiations

Germany ready to send over 1 thousand military personnel to Middle East

Fatal car accident occurs in Yerevan

Tunis President says Palestinians have right to stand firm against Israel

Armenia Economy Minister, British Chamber of Commerce reps discuss coop

Israel promises to allow trucks carrying aid into Gaza

Erdogan: Israel should end madness and stop attacks on Gaza

If Gaza is destroyed, it will create catastrophe for decades, if not centuries

Palestinian Red Cross loses contact with all workers in Gaza

IDF expands area of ground operations in Gaza north

Moldovan President explains increasing of defense spending

US, Israeli defense ministers discuss military operations in Gaza

Chinese FM calls Taiwan independence biggest challenge for Sino-US relations

US may not have enough funds to help Ukraine, Israel at once

IDF expands ground operations in Gaza Strip

US calls its strikes on targets in Syria message for Iran

Iran warns of potential new fronts against US

Armenia says yes to UN resolution on Gaza truce

UN General Assembly adopts resolution on Israel-Hamas truce

UAVs, missiles attack US base in Syria

Israeli army says its actions are not ground invasion

Jordanian FM on Gaza ground war: Catastrophe for years to come

The Washington Post: US calls on Israel to rethink Gaza ground invasion

Georgia legislature head: There are positive developments for signing Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement

CoE congress adopts declaration on humanitarian situation in Karabakh, neighbouring cities and regions

Lindsey Snell: Armenians who stayed in Karabakh aren't allowed to speak to their loved ones without being monitored

Charles Michel: EU leaders announced they intend to continue mediation on Armenia-Azerbaijan settlement

Armenia parliament speaker: Very possible that there will be some positive change soon in relations with Turkey

Eurasian Development Bank issued bonds on Armenia stock exchange for first time

Pashinyan to Szijjarto: Armenia-Hungary dialogue continuity is important

Hungary FM does not answer question about vetoing EU statement on Azerbaijan military aggression against Karabakh

Armenia official: I dont share assessment that we are further aggravating relations with Russia

Armenia deputy FM on Lavrov statement: Those maps were provided to parties by various mediators

Hungary FM speaks positively about Armenia's possible joining Black Sea electric cable project

Peter Szijjarto: Hungary is ready to contribute to protection of Christian heritage in Karabakh

Melanie Joly: EU monitoring mission in Armenia ensures vital stability in South Caucasus.

FM: Armenia's participation in Black Sea power cable project is under consideration

Canada FM: I was moved by strength, courage of Armenian women who fled Karabakh (PHOTOS)

Armenia FM, US official discuss regional security issues

Caucasian leopard spotted in Armenias Zangezur Biosphere Complex

Imedi TV: Armenia, Azerbaijan PMs meet in Georgia

Sanctions are only way to stop Azerbaijan aggression against Armenia, European Parliament member says

Armenia, Hungary FMs tete-a-tete kicks off in Yerevan

US State Dept.: Reaching of peace agreement not only in interests of Armenia and Azerbaijan, but also of broader world

Mijatovic: Azerbaijan must guarantee Armenians human rights, including to return to their homes in safety
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan on Tuesday had a phone conversation with Jan Lipavsky, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.

Presenting the worsening humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from Azerbaijans ongoing illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor, Mirzoyan emphasized that since June 15, around 120,000 people of Nagorno-Karabakh have been under total siege. The Armenian FM stressed that because of the blockade, even food and essential medicines are not supplied to Nagorno-Karabakh, and the situation is very close to a real humanitarian catastrophe.

Ararat Mirzoyan stressed that Azerbaijan's pattern of behavior continues despite the appeals of international partners, organizations, and two decisions of the International Court of Justice, and in the current situation underlined the urgency of taking clear steps towards the reopening of the Lachin corridor. The importance of consistently raising and addressing the problem by the EU and its member states was highlighted.
An attempt to smuggle large quantities of narcotics from Iran to Armenia has been prevented, informs the National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia.

It was found out that two Armenian citizens, together with a yet unidentified Iranian national and as part of a group, were preparing to acquire large quantities of narcotics smuggled from Iran to Armenia from a hideout located on the Yerevan-Yeghegnadzor motorway, in order to sell them.

It was found that these two Armenian citizens took the narcotics, which were smuggled into Armenia by the aforementioned yet unidentified Iranian national, from the aforesaid hideout and headed for Yerevan on a car.

But their car was stopped near Artashat city by the NSS officers.

These two Armenian citizens were detained on suspicion of committing a crime.

A package filled with about half a kilogram of methamphetamine was found in their impounded car.

Criminal proceedings were launched into this incident, and the aforesaid two Armenian citizens were arrested.

The criminal investigation is ongoing.
The Central Bank of Armenia (CBA) on Wednesday put the 30 Years of National Currency silver collector coin into circulation, the CBA informed Armenian News-NEWS.am

The collector coin dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the national currency of the Republic of Armenia, the dram, is one of the symbols of independent statehood. The dram was put into circulation on November 22, 1993. During 30 years of the dram existence, several series of circulating banknotes and coins, as well as other types of currency of the collectors interestcirculating commemorative coins, collector banknotes, collector and investment coinshave been issued.

The first collector coin of Armenia was issued in 1994. Starting that time, the Central Bank of Armenia has issued more than 440 names of collector coins made of gold, silver and copper-nickel, dedicated to prominent Armenians and landmark historical and cultural events.

The banknotes and coins of Armenia are produced with the use of state-of-the-art technologies offered by security printing and mintage, and meet modern international standards of quality and security.

The consistent and purposive work on improving the quality of the banknotes and coins of Armenia has brought in many awards and high appreciation at prestigious international numismatic contests.

Obverse: the coat of arms of Armenia and the logo of the Central Bank of Armenia against the background of guilloche patterns.

Reverse: the logo of the 30 years of national currency, representing the graphical sign of the dram, the inscription 30 YEARS in Armenian, the stylized flag of Armenia against the background of guilloche patterns.

Designer: Vardan Vardanyan

The coin is minted at the Lithuanian Mint.

Face value: 5,000 drams

Metal/fineness: silver 9250

Weight: 168.1 grams

Diameter: 63 mm

Quality proof

Edge even, numbered

Quantity of issue: 400 pieces

Year of issue: 2023
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan received Andrzej Kasprzyk, the Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE, who arrived in Armenia within the framework of the mandate of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office to visit the Lachin Corridor and report on the current situation, reported the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.

During the meeting, regional security issues were discussed.

Touching upon the deepening humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from Azerbaijans ongoing illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor, Mirzoyan emphasized the imperative of urgent and effective steps by the international community, including the OSCE, to prevent the imminent humanitarian catastrophe in Nagorno-Karabakh and its irreversible consequences.

Also, the Armenian FM reaffirmed the importance of addressing the rights and security issues of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh under effective international mechanisms.
A young man was found dead in a hotel in Yerevan, shamshyan.com reports.

The police received the respective report at around 12:40pm Wednesday.

The police and investigators who were dispatched to the scene found the dead body of Vachik V., 21, an Armenian and French citizen, in the sauna of the aforementioned hotel.

According to the preliminary conclusion of the forensic doctor, external examination found no traces of violence on the body.

Criminal proceedings have been launched on the grounds of murder, and a forensic medical examination of the body has been ordered.

The deceased was a resident of Gegharkunik Province of Armenia, and he was in the aforementioned sauna with some of his friends when he fell ill, and he died before the arrival of the ambulance.
At the emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on August 16, the discussion about the blockade of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) did not yield anything. Adam Schiff, a member of the US House of Representatives and the co-chair of the US Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, said this in a video message posted on Xformer Twitter.

It is a disaster in Artsakh, 120,000 residents are deprived of the supply of food, medicine and other essential goods, and resultant deaths are already being recorded, the US congressman said.

He reminded that the Armenians living in Artsakh continue to be under siege because Azerbaijan has closed off the Lachin corridor, only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia, and called for an urgent response to the situation.

Schiff informed that he had a telephone conversation with the US ambassador to the UN and talked about the aforesaid Security Council emergency meeting.

A resolution is needed that will demand to stop this violation of international law, and it is necessary to ensure the unimpeded supply of food and medicine, as well as the free movement of people, he said.

US President Joe Biden and the US administration must do much more. They should stop the military aid to Azerbaijan and make sure that the illegal blockade will be stopped. Azerbaijan does not need to be provided a single penny, at least now, when this disaster continues. The US cannot remain silent, the administration must speak and act, and some steps must be taken. Otherwise, people will continue to die, the US lawmaker stated.

He recalled that thousands of people have already died in the war unleashed by Azerbaijan in 2020, and this country continues to illegally keep prisoners of war, violating international law.

Adam Schiff added that he is deeply concerned about the threat of a new genocide of Armenians.
The US embassy in Armenia has denied media claims that the US is pressuring United Nations Security Council (UNSC) member countries not to sign a resolution on the Nagorno-Karabakh humanitarian crisis following the UNSC emergency meeting on August 16.

At the United Nations Security Council meeting last Wednesday on the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh, led by our Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the Council discussed key issues related to the current humanitarian situation. We have not seen a draft resolution, and claims that the U.S. is pressuring member countries not to sign a resolution are completely false, the embassy stated, in written comments in response to an Armenpress inquiry.

As noted in our statement at the UNSC session, we remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in NK [(Nagorno-Karabakh)] and were encouraging the Azerbaijani government to open the Lachin Corridor to humanitarian, commercial and private traffic expeditiously, added the US embassy in Armenia.
While Hikmet Hajiyev spares no effort to "prove" that "Lachin Corridor is open," the international community replies back with the statement of ICRC that "latest deliveries of medical supplies [to Nagorno Karabakh] occurred July 7, while latest delivery of food occurred June 14." This is noted in a statement on Xformer Twitterby the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

Hikmet Hajiyev, the assistant to the president of Azerbaijan and the head of the department of foreign policy issues of the presidential staff, had told Politico that "the Lachin road is open." He said that his government wants the humanitarian aid to be delivered to Nagorno-Karabakh just not via the Lachin corridor from Armenia, but from the Azerbaijani city of Aghdam because it historically links Karabakh to mainland Azerbaijan and is less costly and more convenient.

Why are the Armenians refusing to use the Aghdam road? Hajiyev had asked. Because they dont seek reintegrationthey simply seek separatism and they seek irredentism and would like to preserve their illegal puppet regime on the territory of Azerbaijan.
In the conditions of created uncertainty, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, calls for a meeting between Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan for the purpose of dialogue as soon as possible. An anonymous senior official of the European Union (EU) told the RFE/RL Armenian Service about this.

According to this official, the question of a meeting between Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan after the planned one in Sofia, but which did not take place, is at an impasse at the moment. Moreover, the source noted that there are no new proposals on the negotiating table, and it is not yet known when and where this meeting between the two parties could take place. The European official claimed that Brussels continues to be a disinterested and honest mediator in the peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Michel emphasized to the Azerbaijani side the immediate need to reopen the Lachin road in accordance with the statute of the International Criminal Court, and in order to prevent further tension. Also, he takes note of the willingness of the Azerbaijani side to provide humanitarian aid to Nagorno-Karabakh by other routes, including through Aghdam city of Azerbaijan, added the aforesaid EU official.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will visit Armenia on Thursday and Friday to attend the special meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council, informs the press service of the Russian Cabinet of Ministers.

At the event to be held in Tsaghkadzor city, the leaders of the governments of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member countries are expected to discuss the further development of integration processes within the EAEU.

Also, the parties will confer about the further improvement of legal mechanisms within the EAEU, the strengthening of the existing formats of interaction with other countries, and the establishment of contacts with possible partners.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan on Wednesday had a phone conversation with Jean Asselborn, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia informs Armenian News-NEWS.am

The interlocutors touched upon the deepening humanitarian crisis and the most serious challenges unfolded in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) resulting from Azerbaijan's illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor. Mirzoyan noted that by subjecting 120,000 people of Nagorno-Karabakh to starvation and creating conditions incompatible with a decent life, Azerbaijan is implementing a policy of ethnic cleansing.

The urgency of supplying food, medicine and other essential goods to Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as the need to ensure the full and uninterrupted functioning of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the only international humanitarian organization with access to Nagorno-Karabakh was emphasized. Minister Mirzoyan also touched upon the case of abduction by the border guard service of Azerbaijan of Artsakh resident Vagif Khachatryan, who was being transported from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia for medical treatment on July 29, accompanied by the ICRC. He emphasized the absolute inadmissibility of such behavior of Azerbaijan.

Appreciating the targeted calls of international partners, Minister Mirzoyan emphasized the importance of effective steps to immediately lift the blockade of the Lachin corridor and ensure humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh in accordance with the Orders of the International Court of Justice dated February 22 and July 6.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan on Wednesday had a telephonic conversation with Tobias Billstrom, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia informs Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The FM of Armenia briefed his Swedish counterpart on the details of the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from Azerbaijan's illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor and the total blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh since June 15, drawing attention to the unfolded humanitarian crisis for especially vulnerable groupschildren, women, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases, the severe conditions, and acute shortage of food and medicine. Also, Mirzoyan noted that virtually all agricultural work is stopped in Nagorno-Karabakh due to the lack of fuel and Azerbaijans shelling.

Touching upon the emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on August 16, the urgency of lifting the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia, in accordance with the Orders of the International Court of Justice, was emphasized.

The importance of the effective use of all mechanisms in this regard, including by the EU and its member countries, was stressed, given that the ongoing deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh could also seriously jeopardize efforts aimed at establishing stability in the region.
Hundreds of first-year students and their families joined faculty and university leaders Aug. 19 for Emorys 2023 Convocation, marking the start of the new academic year.

The tradition, attended by the Emory College Class of 2027, provides an opportunity for students to receive words of welcome and inspiration from the university's president, provost, chaplain and a distinguished faculty member, as well as benedictions from student faith leaders.

The coming years will test you, but they will also reveal a lot about who you are, what you are capable of, what you can contribute and where you can apply yourself, Emory President Gregory L. Fenves told students gathered in the Woodruff PE Center Arena.

That self-discovery will expand your horizons, it will refine your goals, it will feed your confidence, and it will prepare you for a future of unbounded possibilities. And it all starts now  today  right here.

Steeped in symbolism, the ceremony began with a bagpipe-led procession of faculty, deans and other Emory leaders clad in academic regalia, who made their way to the stage, where banners represented all nine schools that make up the university. It concluded with the singing of the alma mater, led by the student a cappella group No Strings Attached and accompanied by the wow factor of the Chemistry of Gold and Blue.

A magical place

In recent years Convocation has been held the day before classes began on Emorys Atlanta campus. This year, the ceremony was moved to the Saturday of Move-In Weekend so that families could also attend.

As the ceremony started, Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda welcomed students to a magical place of scholarship, wisdom and knowledge.

As a liberal arts college within a major research university, we have the talent and resources to make research discoveries, to produce creative works, and perform acts of service that do good in the world, Bellamkonda noted. In fact, doing good is deep in our DNA, and were so excited to have you join us.

But being surrounded by such amazing achievements can be daunting, he acknowledged, and could lead students to wonder what their own impact will be at Emory and in their lives to come.

Bellamkonda reassured students that besides being smart enough  which they all are  the other factors that will determine their success are all within their control: intellectual curiosity, working hard, being resilient, being good to people and inspiring trust.

He also reminded students that they are supported by faculty, university leaders, staff, other students and Emorys many alumni, all rooting for their success and dedicated to helping them flourish, both academically and personally.

So you are not alone, he said. Do study hard, but take care of your well-being. Take time to think about not just what you want to become, but who you want to become. Here, we help each other succeed  that's the Emory way.

Being present  and asking for advice

University Chaplain Rev. Gregory W. McGonigle, dean of spiritual and religious life, offered the invocation, sharing a lesson from the WISE interfaith preorientation programs visit to a Buddhist monastery the day before, where they joined in walking meditation focused on being present in the moment.

As we gather in convocation today and celebrate the exciting start of this new academic year, our new faculty colleagues and the academic journeys our entering students are starting today, I invite us to hear the invitation to be 100% in the present moment, McGonigle said. And whether we walk, dance or roll into the new year, lifting up our highest aspirations for ourselves and our world, and as we ground down, thinking about love, care and friendship that surrounds us.

Professor Wilbur A. Lam, W. Paul Bowers Research Chair and professor of pediatrics and biomedical engineering at Emory and Georgia Tech, delivered this years faculty address, titled Some Advice on Asking for Advice.

While offering plenty of amusing examples of how not to ask for guidance (hint: dont email your professor in the same terse tone you might text a friend), Lam encouraged students to be polite, be persistent, know other peoples perspectives, and define the problem as bigger than yourself.

He also reminded those in attendance that, while their professors and university leaders are there to help them, there are others who can also provide support. Asking students to rise, he asked for the lights in the arena to illuminate the audience.

Look around, he said. There is a very good possibility that your best friends for life are in this room.

Looking forward to an amazing year

Addressing attendees after Lams remarks, Fenves congratulated students and their families on reaching this milestone moment, a day of many firsts.

Students, through your talents, creativity and dedication, each of you has earned your place here at Emory, he said. Your perspectives, your ideas, your family traditions, your dreams, your unique life experiences  we want you to bring all of these things with you and to share them here. You belong at Emory, and this is your campus now.

Fenves noted how feeling the energy and anticipation of the Class of 2027s first days at Emory reminded him of his own early college days back in the 1970s.

I remember getting to my own campus as a first-year  being away from my parents for the first time, having a really ridiculous haircut, feeling a little nervous but also excited, because I knew my life was going to change for the better. And it did, Fenves reminisced, as his old yearbook photo flashed on the arena screens, along with a snapshot of him at a science presentation.

He also recalled his own first visit to Emory, three years ago, and thinking how much he would have enjoyed being a part of this this diverse and brilliant community when he was a student.

As you launch your journey, know that everyone at Emory believes in you and your extraordinary potential. Together, were going to do great things, Fenves said. So welcome to Emory  your new home! Its going to be an amazing year and I cant wait to see all that you achieve.

Photos by Brandon Clifton.
Sixteen recent Emory College of Arts and Sciences graduates and one Emory PhD student will teach, study and conduct research around the world during the 2023-24 academic year as recipients of awards from the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

The prestigious program, the U.S. governments flagship international exchange program, funds a range of awards that include study/research grants and English teaching assistantships (ETA) in more than 160 countries.

The U.S. State Department has provided Fulbright grants to nearly 2,000 students and early career professionals annually since launching in 1946. Awardees are selected based on academic merit, ambassadorial skill and leadership potential.

Emory has earned the distinction as one of the nations top producers of students and alumni who receive Fulbright awards for seven consecutive years. Including the latest cohort, 154 Emory students have been selected for the program.

The ongoing and incredible success of Emory students and alumni selected for the Fulbright program highlights their individual commitments to academic and cultural exchange as well as Emorys culture of servant leadership, says Megan Friddle, director of the Colleges National Scholarships and Fellowship Program (NSFP) in the Pathways Center. NSFP supports students throughout the application and interview process for Fulbright awards. Learn more about the Fulbright research and study grants online.

Six of the new recipients graduated with either a major or minor from the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, including two of the five recipients selected to teach English in Portugal.

Neither of those recipients had any previous Portuguese language skills or connections to Portuguese-speaking communities before their study at Emory, says Ana Catarina Teixeira, an associate teaching professor in the department who leads Emorys Portuguese language program.

Our program focuses on translingual and transcultural competence, and I think that helps our students stand out, Teixeira says. Our students are amazing.

One of the five selected for the research grants is William Boose, a PhD candidate in anthropology at Emorys Laney Graduate School.

Boose will spend the year studying the governance of mototaxis (motorcycle taxis) within broader notions of urban modernity and development in two cities in Peru. The work is part of his dissertation, which builds on existing scholarship that includes urban anthropology, the anthropology of infrastructure and the global literature on motorcycle taxis.

The remaining four selectees for the research/study abroad grants are 2023 Emory College graduates, including Kheyal Roy-Meighoo, Emorys first recipient of the Open Award for study in the United Kingdom.

Roy-Meighoo, who graduated with a dual degree in history and film and media, will pursue a masters degree in animation at the Arts University Bournemouth. Her final project will be to produce a stop-motion film that focuses on a young girl who connects to her culture while watching her grandmother cook.

Emorys other U.S. Fulbright research grantees for 2023-24 are:

Anish (Max) Bagga 23C, computer science, who will work at the Indian Institute of Science applying his research on computational modeling and viral evolution to a stochastic framework to optimize the efficacy of Influenza A vaccines.

Danielle Mangabat 23C, human biology and anthropology, who will partner with local nongovernment organizations focused on reproductive health in the Philippines to uncover how the incorporation of Indigenous and local practices can serve as a decolonial project to empower the autonomy and sovereignty of local people.

Sam Weinstein 23C, anthropology and human biology, who will work in Nittaya Kasemkosins computerized speech lab at Mahidol University in Thailand, creating an AI program to detect voice variation associated with diabetes to develop a non-invasive and inexpensive screening tool for the disease.

Those selected to serve as Fulbright English Teaching Assistants in countries around the world are:

Yanira Garcia 23C, psychology, Portugal

Isaac Gittleman 23C, creative writing and film and media studies, South Korea

Erin Joyce 23C, environmental science, Spanish and Portuguese, Mexico

Monse Juarez 23C, creative writing and French, Mexico

Hannah Katz 20C, anthropology and Spanish, Mexico

Jonah Katzman 22C, philosophy, politics and law, Spain

Regina Morales 23C, Spanish and Portuguese, Mexico

Bushra Rahman 22C , anthropology and human biology and Spanish and Portuguese, Portugal

Giovana Sarmiento 23C, international studies, Spain

Lois Teye-Botchway 23C, biology and Spanish, Spain

Jane Wang 22C, history, Taiwan

Sarah Wright 23C, film and media and German studies, Germany

Two additional Emory alumni have been named as alternates: Courtney Norteman 22C, international studies for a research/study grant in the United Arab Emirates, and Ben Thomas 23C, comparative literature and political science, for a teaching grant in Kyrgyzstan. Thomas has withdrawn his selection to study at the University of St Andrews in Scotland as a Robert T. Jones Scholar.
President Joe Biden announced today that a new federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has selected Emory University as the inaugural recipient of funding to support transformative breakthroughs in health research.

The three-year, $24.8 million cooperative agreement from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) will drive the development of a cutting-edge programmable approach to prevent, treat and potentially cure diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases.

Its a tremendous honor for Emory to be the inaugural recipient of this very first ARPA-H Open BAA award, which will elevate and invigorate the visionary, life-changing health care research of our faculty, says Emory President Gregory L. Fenves.

The ARPA-H funding supports the work of Philip Santangelo, PhD, a professor in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Emory and Georgia Institute of Technology, and a researcher at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.

Many uncurable, debilitating diseases, including certain types of cancer, lupus and some viral and bacterial infections, have dysregulation of the immune system at their core. This impairs the bodys ability to control the immune response and leaves a patient vulnerable to the pathology. Immune modulation is a way to enhance the bodys immune response. The conventional methods of immune modulation  vaccines, antibodies, small molecules and cell-based therapies  face limitations in their ability to engage immunity and manufacturing complexity.

The Santangelo Lab will approach this challenge head-on by developing a novel class of mRNA-based drugs to precisely turn on or turn off genes in individual immune cells.

By combining mRNA-encoded antigens with gene modulation technology, we will be able to radically enhance specific immune responses, says Santangelo. This technology, which operates transiently without modifying DNA, can offer a potential breakthrough in treating cancers, autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases.

The research plan unfolds through two parallel pathways. In the first, mRNA-based drugs will directly target immune cells within the body, triggering the expression of critical target proteins and meticulously modulating gene activity for improved immune function. The second approach employs a streamlined, fully functional cell-based therapy, combining messenger RNA-expressed antigens and gene modulators outside the body to prevent and treat diseases. These pathways, adaptable to diverse disease types, will be employed independently or in tandem to elevate vaccines and standard treatments.

"This substantial award reinforces and reflects the breadth, depth and advanced capabilities of Emorys outstanding immunology community, says Ravi Thadhani, MD, executive vice president for health affairs at Emory University.

Emorys globally ranked immunology research programs are focused on cancer, autoimmunity, infectious diseases, transplantation, allergy, asthma, neuroimmunology and cardiovascular diseases, and include renowned leaders in immunology such as Rafi Ahmed, Max Cooper, Inaki Sanz, Madhav Dhodapkar, Eun Lee, Jerry Boss, Mandy Ford and Christian Larsen.

Established in 2022, ARPA-H is a new federal agency that supports the development of high-impact research to drive biomedical and health breakthroughs. Emory has been selected to receive its first funding award to advance high-potential biomedical and health research that cannot be readily accomplished through traditional research or commercial activity.

The Santangelo Lab, which brings an outstanding track record of mRNA discovery and gene modulation research, will collaborate with other researchers from Emory University and Winship Cancer Institute (John Lyons, Inaki Sanz, Christian Larsen and Rafi Ahmed), and researchers from Yale University (Richard Edelson), the University of Georgia (R. Jeff Hogan and Eric Lafontaine) and Transimmune AG (Justin Duckworth) to carry out ARPA-Hs funding initiative.
23:59





In the contempt application, the Times Now owner alleged violation of a high court order dated October 23, 2020, which allowed Goswami to use the tagline as part of his speech or presentation but directed maintaining accounts if the same was used as a trade mark.





Justice C Hari Shankar disposed of the contempt plea with liberty to Bennett Coleman to pursue other remedies in law.





"Learned counsel for the plaintiff seeks leave to withdraw this application as he submits that he would take alternate remedies in law. The application is accordingly disposed of as withdrawn," said the court in an order dated August 23.





The plaintiff, Bennett Coleman, had earlier filed a suit seeking restraining Goswami or ARG Outlier Media Pvt Ltd from using the trademark or title or tagline 'NEWSHOUR' and 'NATION WANTS TO KNOW' on the ground that it infringed its registered mark.





The plaintiff had said Times Now is a news channel operated by it, having several segments of programmes, one of which was launched in 2006 titled 'THE NEWSHOUR' pertained to discussions, panel discussions and debates on current topics.





It said Goswami, who was earlier associated with Times Now and resigned in 2016, launched his channel Republic TV and website www.republicworld.com and they also filed trade mark applications for registration of the mark 'NATION WANTS TO KNOW', ARNAB GOSWAMI NEWSHOUR' and 'GOSWAMI NEWSHOUR SUNDAY' claiming proprietary rights. -- PTI

The Delhi high court has permitted Bennett Coleman and Co. Ltd to withdraw its contempt plea against ARG Outlier Media Pvt Ltd, which owns, and its editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami over the use of 'NATION WANTS TO KNOW' tagline.
NewsVoir Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 23: NSure Reliable Power Solutions (NSure) will soon join the league of Lithium-ion cell manufacturers in India and pilot production will begin in their 1.0 GWh plant in Malur, near Bengaluru. The Founder and CEO of NSure, Chandrakanth Ramalingam is investing Rs 1050 crores and has acquired 80 acres of land for establishing a full-fledged manufacturing unit which is strategically located at Malur, an upcoming EV hub of India, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The plant has envisaged capacity of 1.0 GWh of LFP Cells keeping a provision to expand the Gigafactory upto 5 GWh or more in next phase. NSure has been a forerunner in securing the State High Level Clearance Committee approval. Nsures full-fledged Li-ion cell manufacturing pilot unit will be ready soon and we are planning to start operations by the end of October this year said Chandrakanth Ramalingam. NSure has entered into an agreement with Government of India to further its indigenisation efforts. Says CEO Chandrakanth Ramalingam, In line with the Prime Ministers vision of AtmaNirbhar Bharat, NSure and International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) under the Department of Scienceand technology (DST) Govt. of India, have entered into an agreement for Technical Know-How Transfer and Training to support indigenisation efforts. NSure picks LFP chemistry for greater thermal stability It is interesting to note that Nsure has adopted the LFP chemistry by giving preference over NMC and other chemistries as this technology offers greater thermal stability thus making the use case of battery pack safer which last longer at a much affordable price range and most importantly best suited for the Indian Tropical climatic condition. As our cells will not contain rare earth metals such as nickel or cobalt, this reduces the risk of fire significantly and it mitigates the environmental impact of used end-of-life cells, said Chandrakanth Ramalingam. Our approach will be aimed at making a Li-ion cell used for various applications in order to minimize the overall cost per cycle and increase the energy density at pack level, Chandrakanth Ramalingam added. NSure inherits a firm vision of Chandrakanth Ramalingam towards adoption of Technological Advancement in business, catering to the energy requirement of Indias renewable space and e-mobility by providing next generation storage solutions. NSure echoes his value, driven by innovation, reliability and highest quality assurance. NSure Aims to establish Giga Scale domestic capability for manufacturing of Advance Cell Chemistry (ACC) batteries with the adoption of world class technology aptly designed for Indian environment and needs. For more details visitwww.nsure.co.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)
Zhuhai [China], August 23: PEI-Genesis, a global leader in the design and assembly of custom engineered interconnect solutions, recently achieved its AS9100D and ISO9001:2015 certification at its Philadelphia-based production facility solely focused on the assembly and delivery of D-Sub connectors. This achievement represents a significant step for PEI-Genesis, proving its commitment to being the world's fastest assembler of interconnect solutions worldwide.

This certification is the recognized standard for quality management systems administered through the International Standards Organization (ISO) and SAE. It proves a company's commitment to focusing on improving quality and increasing customer satisfaction.

PEI-Genesis underwent comprehensive audits to assess the alignments of its quality management system set forth by ISO. By obtaining this accreditation, PEI-Genesis can develop, manufacture, and sell products for Aviation, Space and Defense organizations.

"We relentlessly focus on innovating our processes to drive continuous measurable improvements across our facilities, allowing us to meet and exceed our customers' expectations. This certification exhibits our commitment to being a world-class supplier to the aerospace and defense industries," says Brad Thiel, Director of Global Operations at PEI-Genesis.

With this approval, PEI can value-add assemble ITT Cannon Mil-Spec qualified D-Sub products. Throughout 2023, PEI-Genesis will onboard other industry leading D-Sub connector manufacturers, such as Amphenol PCD, Positronic, and Cinch Connectivity Solutions, to expand and broaden its product offerings.

To learn more about PEI's D-Sub connector offering, clickhere.

About PEI-Genesis

PEI-Genesisis one of the world's fastest assemblers of interconnect solutions. From the largest connector component inventory in the world, they develop engineered solutions that support the military, industrial, medical, aerospace, transportation, and energy sectors worldwide. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, PEI-Genesis has production facilities in South Bend, IN; Philadelphia, PA; Southampton, UK; and Zhuhai, China, as well as sales offices throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. More information may be found atwww.peigenesis.com.

Website:http://www.peigenesis.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pei-genesis/Twitter:https://twitter.com/PEIGenesisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/PEIGenesisBlog: https://blog.peigenesis.com/

(Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir New Delhi [India], August 23: EduAmerica, a reputed educational consultancy firm, is all set to host the EduAmerica University Fair 2023 -a gathering of officials from over 50 prestigious US universities. This fair, which will be held at the Le Meridien, Janpath on Saturday, 26th August, is designed to help undergraduate and graduate students who want to study in the United States gain a better understanding of the American universities landscape and the requirements to get an admit from their preferred institutions. The fair - which is free to attend for all students - will also witness a slew of activities including a visa queries clearance session by officials from the US Embassy and a live decision day on-the-spot admit session by University of North Texas (UNT). The latter will be a mini-event with UNT providing a rare chance for students to receive admits on the spot, provided they meet certain academic criteria. Returning in a physical format after three years of virtual format, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fair will be an opportunity for students to interact with admission experts and professors from several distinguished universities, as well as have their resumes assessed on the spot. Apart from profile evaluations, the fair will also have sessions focusing on the scholarships being offered by several universities and job prospects after completion of a degree from the United States of America. Rajesh Arya, Founder of EduAmerica, invited students to visit the fair in numbers. He said, This is the go-to-fair if a student dreams of making it to the US. Representatives from top universities are coming down and they will provide fantastic insights into the admission process, which will help all the attending students achieve their dream of American education. Thats not all; we have qualified officers from the US Embassy hosting their own session in which they will demystify the US visa process. EduAmerica is an end-to-end solution provider for students wishing to study in the US and the design of our fair is similar, leaving no stone unturned in covering the entire journey of the application process from start to finish. The fair will also provide discounted GRE and TOEFL coupons for all attendees. Besides the afore-mentioned benefits, EduAmerica will be conducting mini-contests on the spot where they will give away attractive prizes, free GRE and TOEFL tests for contest winners. The EduAmerica University Fair 2023 is a must-attend for all those seeking to chase and fulfill their dreams to study in the US. Event DetailsDate: 26th August 2023Venue: Le Meridien Hotel, Janpath, New DelhiRegistration Link:fair.eduamerica.com/eduamerica-fair-registration-26th-august-2023 EduAmerica is India's premier education consultancy, dedicated to guiding students toward obtaining an American Degree. With an extensive network and experienced counselors, EduAmerica offers comprehensive services from university admissions to visa assistance, ensuring a seamless academic journey. For more about EduAmerica, visit www.eduamerica.com. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Indians are currently in a celebratory mood as Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday successfully landed the Chandrayaan-3 on the South Pole of the lunar surface. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is also celebrating India's historic moment but with a filmy touch. He capped India's successful moon landing with an iconic song 'Chaand Taare todh laaon' from his film ' Yes Boss', hailing the efforts of scientists and engineers that helped India achieve this iconic feat. "Chaand Taare todh laoon.Saari Duniya par main chhaoon. Aaj india aur #ISRO chhaa gaya. Congratulations to all the scientists and engineersthe whole team which has made India so proud. Chandrayaan-3 has successfully soft-landed on the moon. #Chandrayaan3," SRK wrote on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/CwSgFsAofy5/?hl=en The landing of Chandrayaan-3 module 'Vikram' on Wednesday evening comes days after a Russian probe crashed in the same region and after India's own failed attempt in 2019. The scheduled timing for the soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moons south pole on August 23, 2023 (Wednesday), was 18:04 IST, with the powered descent of Vikram lander at 1745 IST.ISRO had been releasing a series of up-close images of the moon, assisting the lander module in determining its position (latitude and longitude) by matching them against an onboard moon reference map. Historically, spacecraft missions to the Moon have primarily targeted the equatorial region due to its favourable terrain and operating conditions. However, the lunar south pole presents a vastly different and more challenging terrain compared to the equatorial regionThe spacecraft was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradeshs Sriharikota on July 14.A GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle was used for the launch of the spacecraft that was placed in the lunar orbit on August 5 and since then it was through a series of orbital manoeuvres been lowered closer to the moons surface. Ever since the July 14 launch, ISRO had been maintaining that the health of the spacecraft remained normal.On August 5, Chandrayaan-3 was successfully inserted into the lunar orbit with multiple key manoeuvres thereafter.Then on August 17, the mission marked another giant leap in its lunar quest as the 'Vikram' lander module of the spacecraft successfully separated from the propulsion module on Thursday. The Chandrayaan-3 mission's lander is named after Vikram Sarabhai (19191971), who is widely regarded as the father of the Indian space programme. Upon landing, the lander and the rover were to operate for one lunar day. One day on the Moon is equal to 14 days on Earth. (ANI)
China announces tax incentives for investors in tech firms' CDRs

Global Times) 08:49, August 23, 2023

Chinese authorities on Tuesday announced tax breaks for individuals and institutions that invest in overseas-listed innovative firms' Chinese depositary receipts (CDRs), as part of the nation's ongoing efforts to support the return of overseas-listed Chinese technology companies amid the fast-changing global geo-economic situation.

The move aims to continuously support China's innovation-driven development strategy and further implement the country's pilot program to support innovative companies' domestic listing and issuance of CDRs, according to a notice from the Ministry of Finance, the State Taxation Administration and the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC).

The tax benefits will be available from September 21, 2023 to December 31, 2025.

For domestic individuals, any profit made on the transfer of the CDRs will be tax-exempt in China. Any taxes paid overseas on dividends will be credited by the Chinese authorities.

Domestic corporate investors needn't pay taxes in China on profits from the transfer of the CDRs, as well as dividends and bonuses obtained by holding the CDRs.

Similar exemptions apply to other institutional investors such as public equity funds.

Both individual and institutional investors will also be exempt from value-added tax. In terms of stamp duty, when the CDRs are transferred to the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges, the transferor will pay stamp tax at a rate of 1 percent of the actual transaction amount.

"Recently, many policy measures have been taken to revitalize the capital market, which have addressed concerns in the market and will likely boost confidence," Yang Delong, chief economist at Shenzhen-based First Seafront Fund Management Co, told the Global Times, noting that more measures are expected to follow in order to stabilize market expectations.

The notice on Tuesday said that the move aims to continuously implement the pilot program to support the domestic issuance of innovative firms' CDRs. China started the pilot program in 2018, in a bid to pave the way for the domestic flotation of overseas-listed Chinese tech giants.

The pilot program will cover companies in the high-tech or strategic emerging industries such as the digital economy, big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, software and integrated circuits, as well as high-end equipment manufacturing and biological medicine, the CSRC said at the time.

The pilot program comes as the US has taken a series of crackdown measures against Chinese tech firms and US-listed Chinese companies, as part of its decoupling and containment attempts.

Tuesday's tax breaks also come as China moves swiftly to revitalize the stock market. The CSRC on Friday announced a range of policies aimed at boosting the stock market, including cutting transaction fees, vigorously developing equity funds and considering a "green channel" for tech firms that aim for breakthroughs in core technologies.

On Tuesday, Chinese mainland stocks edged slightly higher, with the Shanghai Composite Index up 0.88 percent and the Shenzhen Component Index up 0.53 percent.

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index gained 0.95 percent, while the Hang Seng Tech Index rose by 1.98 percent.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Expressing their resentment against state police in the wake of a farmer's death after being crushed by a tractor-trailer, farmer leader Satnam Singh demanded to impose Section 307 on the police. Satnam Singh, farmers' leader claimed that it was the fault of the police administration. Section 307 of IPC defines the offence of attempt to murder. He said, "It's the fault of the police administration. We were protesting peacefully for our demands. Section 307 should be imposed on police as they did not perform their duty. No one can stop our voices." Notably, representatives of 32 unions of farmers held a meeting at Sangrur. Singh further said that those farmers against whom FIRs have been lodged have to be quashed. He said, "Government should take back the FIRs filed against our youth. Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) will hold a meeting in Chandigarh on this issue on September 2. Our leaders have been arrested in different states.Our farmer came under the tractor due to push by the police." Meanwhile, Punjab Minister Brahm Shankar Sharma Jimpa said that the AAP government is with the farmers and informed that a total compensation amount of Rs 186 crores has been released for farmers by the government. "Most of the demands of the farmers (on protest) are related to the Centre. CM Bhagwant Mann wants to increase the compensation amount per acre and death of a farmer but it needs approval from the Centre and it is not allowing us to do so. CM has said that there is no lack of funds with the state. The farmers should talk to the government. We will give assistance to the family of the deceased farmer," said Jimpa. A farmer died after he was overrun by a tractor-trolly during the protest in Punjab's Sangrur on Monday, police said. The deceased farmer has been identified as Pritam Singh."A tractor-trolly ran over an elderly farmer, Pritam Singh injuring his legs...He was immediately shifted to the hospital for treatment. Later he was referred to Patiala, and he died on the way to Patiala Hospital. This is very unfortunate," Sangrur SSP, Surendra Lamba said. "A tractor-trolly ran over an elderly farmer, Pritam Singh injuring his legs. He was immediately shifted to the hospital for treatment. Later he was referred to Patiala, and he died on the way to Patiala Hospital. This is very unfortunate," Sangrur SSP, Surendra Lamba said after the incident. (ANI)
The workshop will take place at the council premises from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

In this workshop, Dr Aniruddh Uniyal, a scientist, the Remote Sensing and Applications Center, will provide an insightful lecture on the Moon, offering valuable insights about its composition.

Furthermore, the Indira Gandhi Planetarium will furnish information about Chandrayaan-3 and participants of this program will be awarded participation certificates.

The Planetarium will also conduct live broadcasts during the landing of Chandrayaan-3, providing a unique opportunity for engagement of general public, the release stated.

The live telecast of the landing operations will begin at 5:20 PM IST on Wednesday. Live actions of landing will be available on the ISRO website, its YouTube channel, Facebook, and public broadcaster DD National TV from 5:27 PM IST on Aug 23, 2023.

India will be the fourth country in the world to achieve this feat after the United States, Russia, and China, but India will be the only country in the world to land on the lunar south pole. (ANI)
"Following a tip-off that a person was looking out for customers to sell a live Pangolin, Raipur Kharora Police swung into action and intercepted the suspect," Raipur Police said in a statement

During the search, a pangolin was recovered from him.

The accused person was identified as Satish alias Pardeshi Pardhi (27) of Raipur, said the statement.

"The police recovered a male Pangolin from the possession of the accused person.The seized animal was weighing around 15 kilograms and the estimated market value of it would be around Rs 8 lakh," the statement added.

The Police have registered an offence against the accused under relevant sections of the wildlife conservation act and a probe in this connection is underway. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president K Annamalai on Tuesday lashed out at Karnataka Government over Cauvery water dispute and said the whole problem started after Congress came to power in Karnataka as they have created the problem for short-term political gains. The state of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are at loggerheads over the construction of a reservoir in Mekedatu across the Cauvery river. "The whole problem started after Congress came to power in Karnataka...They created the problem for short-term political gains. Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said he will not even give one drop of water to Tamil Nadu. So he aggravated it further..." Annamalai said. Meanwhile, the state government has called for an all-party meeting on water disputes related to Cauvery (Kaveri) on August 23. They have also called some senior Parliament members to be part of the meeting to reach a solution to this long pending issue involving Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Earlier, the Supreme Court has agreed to constitute itself a bench to hear the Cauvery River water-sharing dispute where Tamil Nadu has sought direction to Karnataka to release 24,000 cusecs of water daily for standing crops. The matter has been a controversial issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for decades and they have been locked in a battle over the sharing of water from the Cauvery River, which is a major source of irrigation and drinking water for millions of people in the region. The Centre formed the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) on June 2, 1990, to adjudicate disputes between Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Puducherry with respect to the water-sharing capacities. The Cauvery is an interstate basin that originates in Karnataka and passes through Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry before draining into the Bay of Bengal. The total watershed of the Cauvery basin is 81,155 sq km, of which the rivers catchment area is about 34,273 sq km in Karnataka, 2,866 sq km in Kerala and the remaining 44,016 sq km in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. (ANI)
The suo motu case on the DMK ministers has been taken by the Madras High Court against their acquittal from the disproportionate asset case by the lower courts.

The revision of orders was taken up by Justice N Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court. The case has been listed for hearing on August 24.

Earlier, the Justice N Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court on August 10 had decided to take a 'suo motu revision' of a Trial court order acquitting Tamil Nadu Minister for Higher Education K Ponmudy in a disproportionate wealth case.

The trial court on June 28, 2023, in its order, had acquitted Tamil Nadu Education Minister Ponmudy.

Earlier last month the Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister K Ponmudy was interrogated for eight hours at the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) office.

DMK spokesperson Saravanan alleged that the ED's long hours of questioning amount to an "utter violation of human rights."

"It is a 2007 case. They are saying that if he is not interrogated today evidence will be lost. Whom are they trying to joke? It is a fraud played on the human rights of this country. He is a 72-year-old man. He is already under medication. This is an utter violation of human rights," he said.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also conducted searches at Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister Ponmudi's residences last month.

Earlier in June, hours, after minister V Senthil Balaji was taken into custody by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Tamil Nadu minister Ponmudi, termed it a "revengeful act" and claimed that the Centre was doing wrong against states where there is a non-BJP government. (ANI)
"They are lying to our farmers. My question is to Deputy Chief (Minister) Devendra Fadnavis and (Union Minister) Piyush Goyal, why do you raise the export tax? Onions get stale and if the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) doesn't buy them immediately, farmers will be at a loss," Patole said on Tuesday.

"The BJP government is against farmers...BJP doesn't care about the people and farmers of our country. They care about importing arrangements... like Adani and how to benefit him. BJP increased the price of fertilizers, seeds and insecticides, and they plan how farmers will get less price," the Congress leader added.

Recently, the Central government imposed a 40 per cent export duty on the kitchen staple which prompted onion farmers in the state to stage a protest in Maharashtras Nashik district on Monday.

A notification issued by the Finance Ministry on August 19 stated that they have imposed a 40 per cent export duty on onions till December 31, 2023.

"Government imposes 40 per cent duty on onion exports till December 31," the Ministry stated.

The export duty comes amid reports that onion prices are likely to rise in September.

Earlier on August 11, the central government started releasing the staple vegetable from its buffer stock.

The central government had earlier decided it will maintain 3 lakh tonne of onions in the 2023-24 season as buffer stock. In 2022-23, the government maintained 2.51 lakh tonne onion as buffer stock.

Buffer stock is maintained to meet any exigencies and for price stabilization, if rates go up significantly during the lean supply season.

The central government started the procurement of an additional two lakh tonnes of onion from farmers in Maharashtra on Tuesday.

The announcement was made at a meeting of Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in Delhi on Tuesday. (ANI)
In Pune, Maharashtra, 'Maha-aarti' and 'Hawan pujan' are underway at the famous Siddhivinayak temple for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon's south pole.

Regardless of religious boundaries, individuals are coming together and offering prayers for the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Shiv Sena workers in Pune also offered prayers at Siddhivinayak temple while keeping their fingers crossed for the soft landing of the lunar craft.

According to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Chandrayaan-3 is set to land on the moon today, around 18:04 hours IST.

In its latest update on Chandrayaan-3 soft landing, ISRO has said the mission is on schedule and systems are undergoing regular checks. It also released a series of up-close images of the moon. These images assist the lander module in determining its position (latitude and longitude) by matching them against an onboard moon reference map.

From the Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh to the United States, special rituals, prayers, and ceremonies are being conducted to invoke blessings for Chandrayaan-3's success.

Religious ceremonies spanning various faiths are being conducted across India to seek blessings for the success of Chandrayaan-3's groundbreaking mission.

A Ganga Aarti was dedicated to Indias lunar mission. Ganga Aarti was performed with tricolour in hand at Parmarth Niketan Ghat in Rishikesh. Before the Aarti, devotees performed Havan Pujan for the success of Chandrayaan 3 at the Ghat.

Groups of people in Bhubaneswar, Varanasi and Prayagraj performed 'havan' and offer prayers for successfully landing of Chandrayaan-3.

Devotees gathered at the Hanuman temple in Aliganj, Uttar Pradesh, and performed Aarti for Chandrayaan's successful landing on the moon. A large number of devotees participated in the Aarti and sincerely prayed for the successful landing of Chandrayaan 3.

In Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, enthusiastic devotees chanted mantras and carried posters of Chandrayaan while praying for the success of the mission. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday said that industrial firms in the national capital have expressed a desire to invest in the state and that as many as 27 policies have been adopted at the state level for youth employment. "We had a discussion with the leaders of the industrial groups (in Delhi). They expressed their desire to invest in Uttarakhand. The state has an ideal environment for investors. We have made 27 policies on the state level which are convenient to industries. This will generate employment for the youth within the state," said the Chief Minister. This comes after the Uttarakhand government intensified its preparations for organising the Global Investors Summit this year. CM Dhami on Monday held discussions with industrialists in the national capital. According to Chief Minister's Office(CMO), Dhami called upon the entrepreneurs to make Uttarakhand their workplace. Mentioning Uttarakhand as the fastest developing state in India, he said the entrepreneurs are the brand ambassadors of the state. The Chief Minister added that Uttarakhand is a state developing rapidly in various fields in the country, and is now emerging as a focal point of investment. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has set a target of making the country's economy USD 5 trillion. Keeping this in mind, Uttarakhand state has launched the Shashkt Uttarakhand Mission to strengthen the state's economy, under which a target has been set to double the state's GSDP in the next 5 years. Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit-2023 is being organized by the state as a link to achieve this goal, Dhami stated. The state Government has simplified the procedures to provide better and time-bound facilities to the investors. Under the efficient leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government is continuously working on the ground for the overall development of Uttarakhand through various progressive policies, added the Chief Minister. Earlier, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday reached the State Emergency Operation Center located at the Secretariat to review the situation in view of the two-day red alert warning in seven districts by the Meteorological Department. Earlier on Monday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), forecasting heavy rains on August 23 and August 24, issued a red alert for Tehri, Dehradun, Pauri, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, and Uddham Singh Nagar districts. The Uttarakhand State Emergency Operation Centre has asked all district magistrates to take precautions in their respective districts in view of the possibility of heavy to very heavy rains at isolated places in the aforementioned districts. Uttarakhand State Emergency Operation Centre is part of Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority. (ANI)
The rehearsal started at various hotels and ended at Pragati Maidan.

The route for this carcade rehearsal was prepared by the Delhi Traffic Unit which included Salimgarh Bypass, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Bhairon Marg, Mathura Road, C-Hexagon, Sardar Patel Marg and Gurgaon Road as part of the rehearsal.

This exercise was meant to ensure smooth vehicular movement during the mega event, officials said.

Ahead of their rehearsal, Delhi traffic police also issued a public advisory to save commuters from facing inconvenience.

Due to carcade rehearsal and special traffic arrangements, some congestion is expected on Salimgarh Bypass, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Bhairon Marg, Mathura Road, C-Hexagon, Sardar Patel Marg and Gurgaon Road till 11 AM, Delhi traffic police said in its advisory issued on X (formerly Twitter).

"Commuters are advised to plan their journey accordingly," it added.

Earlier, on August 21, Delhi traffic police conducted a mock drill exercise on major roads connecting Pragati Maidan - the main venue of the summit, with various hotels in the City, to review restriction and diversion arrangements.

The venue of the summit will be the newly opened International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre named 'Bharat Mandapam' at Pragati Maidan.

Delhi Police started preparations a few months ago and have been training staff who are to be deployed at various locations.

In addition, police are training their staff to handle chemical and biological weapons and also focus on their soft skills.

The G20 Summit is slated to take place on September 9-10 at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam convention centre at Pragati Maidan.

Many heads of state and diplomats including US President Joe Biden, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to be attending the G20 Leaders' Summit.

The 18th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit in Delhi will be a culmination of all the G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year among ministers, senior officials, and civil society. (ANI)
Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati on Wednesday held a key meeting of BSP party leaders in Lucknow to step up preparations for Lok Sabha elections in 2024. The meeting held at the party headquarters in Lucknow was attended by the Chief Zone-in-charge, the District president, and the office bearers of the All India Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation (BAMCEF). Party sources said the expansion of the organisation, preparation of the party for high stakes battle and booth-level poll strategy, were among the issues, which were discussed in the meeting. The BSP remains unaligned not having joined the INDIA alliance or the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the BJP. Earlier in the month, the party released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh assembly elections scheduled to be held at the end of this year. According to the list issued by the party, the names of candidates for seven seats out of 230 have been announced. Of these seven assembly constituencies, two seats are in Rewa, two in Satna, and one each in Chhatarpur, Niwari and Morena districts. Among the seven seats, six seats are of unreserved category and one is reserved for the scheduled caste category. In the 2019 general elections the BSP and the Samajwadi Party led by Akhilesh Yadav had fought in an alliance. The two parties failed to make an impact with the BSP winning 10 of the 38 seats it contested, while the SP won 5 of the 37 seats from where it fielded candidates. After that debacle the BSP decided to go it alone in the assembly elections in 2022.(ANI)
Taking to 'X', formerly Twitter, CM Baghel wrote, "Respected Prime Minister and Mr Amit Shah! Thank you very much for the priceless gift you have given me on my birthday by sending ED to my political advisor and close friends including my OSD".

Earlier in the day, PM Modi had wished CM Baghel on his birthday.

Taking to 'X', PM Modi wrote, "Birthday greetings to Chhattisgarh CM Shri @bhupeshbaghel Ji. I pray for his long and healthy life".

The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday had carried out searches at the residences of the Chhattisgarh CM's political advisor Vinod Verma and OSD's Manish Banchhor and Ashish Verma in connection with the alleged liquor scam. Searches were also conducted by the agency at the premises of a businessman in Durg.

ED investigation earlier claimed that in the years -- 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the illegal sale of liquor was almost 30-40 per cent of the total sale of liquor in the State. This allegedly generated Rs 1,200-1,500-crore illegal profits. The EDinvestigation is underway.(ANI)
With only hours left for the much-anticipated Chandrayaan-3 mission, former ISRO scientist Mylswamy Annadurai on Wednesday said that by being the first to make a soft landing on the lunar polar region, the mission is set to make history. While talking to ANI about the mission, Annadurai said, "So far so good and we expect as per plan 'A' today we must be able to land. Like anyone else, I am also eagerly waiting. He said that after the discovery of water by Chandrayaan-1 the world was trying to look at the moon differently. Our Chandrayaan-1 was the first. Similarly, Chandrayaan-3 is going to make history by being the first to land softly on the lunar polar region. And now various nations including USA, Russia, China, Japan, European countries are very, very ambitiously trying to do bigger missions, he added. Further talking about the soft landing, the former ISRO scientist said, Actually in effect, our presence is already there in the south pole with the tricolour flag along with the Moon Impact Probe. Chandrayaan-1 itself made our presence. But that time it was an impacted probe as planned." "But now I think we are going to land softly and that will enable logical extension about what to do in the place. Everything calls for a soft landing. The soft landing will help us, and enable us to be in the lead as far as the Moon campaigns are concerned. So that way I think India can keep its edge technical, he said. Meanwhile, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has announced that it is all set to initiate the Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS). "All set to initiate the Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS). Awaiting the arrival of the Lander Module (LM) at the designated point, around 17:44 Hrs. IST. Upon receiving the ALS command, the LM activates the throttleable engines for powered descent," ISRO said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "The mission operations team will keep confirming the sequential execution of commands. The live telecast of operations at MOX begins at 17:20 Hrs. IST," read the post further. The attempted soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moons south pole has been scheduled for around 18:04 IST, with the powered descent of the Vikram lander expected at 1745 IST. The live telecast of the landing operations at Mission Operation Complex (MOX) will begin at 1720 IST. Live broadcast of the landing will be available on the ISRO website, its YouTube channel, Facebook, and public broadcaster DD National TV from 17:27 IST on Aug 23, 2023. In an earlier update on the soft landing by the Chandrayaan-3 lander, ISRO had said the mission is on schedule and systems are undergoing regular checks. It also released a series of up-close images of the moon. The images will assist the lander module in determining its position (latitude and longitude) by matching them against an onboard moon reference map. This mission, if it turns out to be fruitful, will make India the only country to have marked its presence on the lunar south pole which is considered to be difficult for its rough and harsh conditions, and fourth after US, China, and Russia to have successfully landed on the moons surface. The spacecraft was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradeshs Sriharikota on July 14. A GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle was used for the launch of the spacecraft that was placed in the lunar orbit on August 5 and since then it has been through a series of orbital manoeuvres been lowered closer to the moons surface. Ever since the July 14 launch, ISRO has been maintaining that the health of the spacecraft remains normal. On August 5, Chandrayaan-3 was successfully inserted into the lunar orbit with multiple key manoeuvres thereafter. Later on August 17, the mission marked another giant leap in its lunar quest as the 'Vikram' lander module of the spacecraft successfully separated from the propulsion module on Thursday. The Chandrayaan-3 mission's lander is named after Vikram Sarabhai (19191971), who is widely regarded as the father of the Indian space programme. Then the deboosting of the Lander module was undertaken in two phases. Deboosting is the process of slowing down to position itself in an orbit where the orbit's closest point to the Moon is. The stated objectives of Chandrayaan-3, India's third lunar mission, are safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, rover moving on the moon's surface, and in-situ scientific experiments. The approved cost of Chandrayaan-3 is Rs 250 crores (excluding launch vehicle cost). Chandrayaan-3s development phase commenced in January 2020, with the launch planned sometime in 2021. However, the Covid-19 pandemic brought an unforeseen delay to the mission's progress. Chandrayaan-2 mission was only partially successful since the lander lost contact after a hard landing, but the ISRO earlier this week successfully established two-way communication between the Chandrayaan-3 lander module and the still orbiting Chandrayaan-2 orbiter. (ANI)
According to the ED officials, a team of officers from the Kochi unit of the ED conducted the 22-hour raid operation at MLA A C Moideen's residence.

The raid was conducted in connection with the alleged 200-crore bank fraud uncovered in Thrissurs Karuvannur Cooperative Bank.

The ED has frozen his bank account which has a 31 lakh balance.

After completing the search, ED informed that "no records were found that linked him to the fraud."

The Enforcement Directorate will release a press brief from Delhi on the matter, officials said.

The raid was conducted because of his connection with a money laundering probe into the alleged 100 Crore loan fraud at Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank, said officials.

Earlier, the ED had initiated raids at the residence of the former Kerala Industrial Minister on August 22.

Loans were allegedly disbursed "in cash" to non-member benames by mortgaging properties of poor members without their knowledge and laundered to the benefit of the accused.

The federal agency is covering about half a dozen premises in the state as part of the action being undertaken as per the provisions of the PMLA Act.

The searches were carried out for evidence of gathering details of alleged "benami" assets.

A C Moideen, a political figure in Kerala, has served in various government capacities, including as the Industrial Minister. He has been in the state's political landscape for several years. (ANI)
The all-party meeting chaired by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to discuss the Cauvery River water dispute started at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar, former Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader BS Yediyurappa, Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) leader HD Kumaraswamy, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, Lok Sabha MP Sumalatha Ambareesh and several other leaders are present at the meeting. Apart from the political leaders, Chief Secretary to the Government Vandita Sharma, Deputy Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Rajneesh Goyal, Deputy Chief Secretary Water Resources Department Rakesh Singh, Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty, Senior Advocate Mohan Kataraki among other legal experts and senior officials also attended the meeting. Earlier in a press conference, Deputy CM Shivakumar said Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are neighbours adding that he doesnt want both states to fight with each other over the Cauvery issue. After the Supreme Court ordered to constitute a bench to hear the Cauvery River water-sharing dispute, DK Shivakumar said that the top court ordered to release 24,000 cusecs of water daily but the state is also facing water shortage. SC has ordered to form a separate bench. Till August, they asked us to release 10,000 cusecs. Our demand is we need time at least we are out of shortage of water in our dams, he said. Talking about the all-party meeting, Shivakumar said, We are ready to take their suggestion, if they want us to take all-party delegation we are ready to take it. There are also tigers, forests and many other issues. We'll discuss everything. We have filed an appeal before Cauvery Water Authority (CWA). We'll discuss with our legal team along with all parties, we'll discuss how to behave at distress conditions and formula. Its a settled issue about water management. The matter has been a controversial issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for decades and they have been locked in a battle over the sharing of water from the Cauvery River, which is a major source of irrigation and drinking water for millions of people in the region. The Centre formed the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) on June 2, 1990, to adjudicate disputes between Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Puducherry with respect to the water-sharing capacities. Tamil Nadu in its fresh application sought direction to the State of Karnataka to immediately release 24,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) from its reservoirs and ensure the availability of the specified quantity of water at Biligundlu on the inter-State border for the remainder of the month for meeting the pressing demands of the standing crops. It also urged the top court to direct Karnataka to ensure the release of 36.76 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) stipulated for September 2023 as per the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT)s final award of February 2007 that was modified by the Supreme Court in 2018. The application said that a direction was given to Karnataka on August 10 to release from its reservoirs 15,000 cusecs at Billigundulu on August 11 for 15 days. Karnataka failed to fully implement the directions for the release of the stipulated quantum of 10,000 cusecs (0.864 TMC per day) as directed by CWRC, it said. Karnataka is duty-bound to release the Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu as per the final order passed by the Tribunal as modified by this Court, the application stated. (ANI)
Railway authorities have formed a high-level committee to probe into the matter.

Taking to 'X', formerly Twitter, Vaishnaw wrote, "Grieved by the unfortunate incident in Mizoram. NDRF, state administration and railway officials are at the site. Rescue operation on war footing. Ex-gratia compensation; 10 Lakh in case of death, 2 Lakh towards grievous and 50,000 for minor injuries".

At least 17 workers were killed in the under-construction railway bridge collapse incident in Mizorams Aizawl district on Wednesday morning.

Officials said that so far, 9 people have been rescued.

"NDRF, State administration and Railway officials are carrying rescue operation on a war footing mode," they said.

"The bridge girder process was duly approved by IIT experts. A high-level inquiry committee has also been constituted to investigate the matter," officials added.

According to officials, the incident took place in the Sairang area, about 20 km from Aizawl in Mizoram.

Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga condoled the incident, saying, Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also lamented over the incident.

"Deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Mizoram where an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in Sairang. My heart goes out to the families affected by the tragedy, I pray for them. Let's stand united in these difficult times", said CM Kejriwal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister Relief Fund (PMMRF) to the next of kin of the deceased in the incident. (ANI)
A bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and SVN Bhatti directed the matter to be adjourned for October 4 at the request of the National Investigating Agency (NIA) and also issued notice in the interim bail application filed on medical grounds by Sen.

The Bombay High Court had in January directed Professor Sen to approach the special NIA court for bail before coming to the High Court.

Sen, an English literature professor, has been behind bars since 2018. She had applied for bail before the Pune Sessions Court in December 2018 prior to the filing of the chargesheet and another application after the chargesheet, however, both applications were rejected by the Sessions Court in November 2019.

Later, Sen, former departmental head at the Nagpur University, approached the Bombay High Court seeking bail. However, the High Court declined to grant her bail.

Sen and others were booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 in connection with 2018 caste-based violence that broke out at Bhima Koregaon in Pune, and for having alleged links with the proscribed outfit, Communist Party of India (Maoists). (ANI)
Congress General Secretary, KC Venugopal on Wednesday condemned the Enforcement Directorate raids on the staff of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in connection with the alleged liquor scam. Hitting back at the BJP, which according to him, is completely out of the race in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Venugopal accused the party of "resorting to cheap tactics to intimidate" and "rattle" the Congress. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, he posted, "Strongly condemn the ED raids on the staff members of Chhattisgarh CM Sh. @bhupeshbaghel ji. Completely out of the race in the upcoming elections, the BJP is trying its dirtiest tricks to intimidate and rattle the Congress. However, we have the support of 3 crore Chhattisgarhis and such cheap tactics will not affect us, but they only show the BJPs desperation". Baghel on Wednesday took a dig at the central government over ED raids at the residences of his political advisor and Officers on Special Duty (OSD). "Respected Prime Minister and Mr Amit Shah! Thank you very much for the priceless gift you have given me on my birthday by sending ED to my political advisor and close friends including my OSD," Bhagel posted on X. Earlier in the day, PM Modi had wished CM Baghel on his birthday. Taking to 'X', PM Modi wrote, "Birthday greetings to Chhattisgarh CM Shri @bhupeshbaghel Ji. I pray for his long and healthy life". The ED on Tuesday had carried out searches at the residences of the Chhattisgarh CM's political advisor Vinod Verma and OSD's Manish Banchhor and Ashish Verma in connection with the alleged liquor scam. Searches were also conducted by the agency at the premises of a businessman in Durg. ED investigation earlier claimed that in the years -- 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the illegal sale of liquor was almost 30-40 per cent of the total sale of liquor in the State. This allegedly generated Rs 1,200-1,500-crore illegal profits. The ED investigation is underway. (ANI)
The National Health Authority (NHA) launched the first Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) Microsite under the 100 Microsites Project in Aizawl, Mizoram, said an official release on Wednesday. As per an official release by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the NHA announced a 100 Microsites project for accelerated adoption of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) across the country. "Mizoram became the first state in India to operationalize an ABDM Microsite in its capital city Aizawl. Under this, all healthcare facilities including the private clinics, small hospitals and labs in the region shall be made ABDM-enabled and will offer digital health services to the patients," said the release. Speaking on the significance of the project the CEO, of NHA said, The 100 Microsite project under ABDM is a very important initiative for reaching out to the bulk of small and medium scale healthcare providers from the private sector. The concept of Microsites was envisaged to provide a strong impetus to healthcare digitization efforts across the country. The efforts by the Mizoram team have resulted in Aizawl becoming the first ABDM Microsite in India. NHA looks forward to similar enthusiastic response from other state teams. Speaking at the Microsite launch event Additional Secretary, H&FW Mizoram Betsy Zothanpari Sailo said, We firmly believe that digitization of health services can help us achieve our goal of universal health coverage. With digital services at our health facilities and secure access to digital health records, the patients shall benefit the most." Our teams made conscious efforts to closely study the process of ABDM enablement and have selected an implementation partner to operationalize our first Microsite in Aizawl. We are all geared up to take the implementation in mission mode and ensure that the Aizawl Microsite lives up to its role as the first ABDM Microsite in the country, added Betsy Zothanpari Sailo. The ABDM Microsites are defined geographical regions where focused outreach efforts would be made to onboard small and medium-scale private healthcare providers, stated the release. These Microsites would be majorly implemented by State Mission Directors of ABDM while the financial resources and overall guidance would be provided by NHA. An interfacing agency under this program will have an on-ground team to reach out to the healthcare providers in the area, it added. This team will spread awareness about the benefits of ABDM and will help the service providers to join the core registries under ABDM besides promoting the use of ABDM to enable digital solutions for regular clinical documentation, it said further. The official release also said that patients will be able to link the health records generated at these facilities with their Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHAs) and will be able to view and share these records using any ABDM-enabled Personal Health Record (PHR) application on their phones (https://phr.abdm.gov.in/uhi/1231). NHA had previously overseen Microsites pilots in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Surat. The learnings and experiences from these pilots have been incorporated into the overall structure of the 100 Microsites project under ABDM, said the release. Besides Mizoram, other states including Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh have also made significant progress regarding the implementation of ABDM Microsites. More such microsites are expected to be operational in the next few weeks, it added. Further information regarding the 100 Microsites Project under ABDM can be accessed at: https://abdm.gov.in/microsites, said the official release. (ANI)
Congress President Mallaikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said he was deeply saddened to learn about the tragedy in Mizoram's Aizawal district where at least 17 workers were killed after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed. He wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "Deeply saddened to learn about the terrible tragedy in Sairang area, in Mizoram, where an under-construction railway bridge collapsed, resulting in the loss of lives of several people, including construction workers". "Our heartfelt sympathies and thoughts are with the families of the bereaved. We hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. We urge the authorities to expedite the rescue and relief work so that precious lives can be saved," He said in another message. At least 17 workers were killed after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in Mizorams Aizawl district on Wednesday morning, police said. According to officials, the incident took place in the Sairang area, about 20 km from Aizawl in Mizoram. Sabyasachi De, the chief public relation officer of Northeast Frontier Railway, told ANI that a team of railway officers has been rushed to the spot and senior officials of the zone will also visit the site. Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga condoled the incident, saying, Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. He said that the rescue operations are in progress. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations, CM Zoramthanga said in a post on X (formally Twitter). (ANI)
The entire nation has a prayer on its lips and is eagerly looking forward with bated breath as the suspense builds up after Russia's Luna-25 mission crashed on Sunday evening.

Prayers are taking place across the country for Chandrayaan-3's successful landing.

Students also cheered for the Chandrayaan-3 mission in the astronomy lab of Army Goodwill School Hanzik at Budgam.

In Odisha, people gathered and offered special prayers at a mosque in Bhubaneswar for the same.

Chandrayaan-3 is likely to make a historic landing on Wednesday at 6.04 pm, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced on Monday and said that they will organise a live telecast of the landing process.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is attending the BRICS Summit in South Africa is scheduled to join the live telecast online.

ISRO launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradeshs Sriharikota on July 14. A GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle was used for the launch of the spacecraft that was placed in the lunar orbit on August 5 and since then it has been through a series of orbital manoeuvres been lowered closer to the moons surface.

The stated objectives of Chandrayaan-3 are safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, rover moving on the moon's surface, and in-situ scientific experiments.

If successful, India will join the elite club of nations of China, the United States and Russia to achieve this feat, but India will be the only country in the world to land on the lunar south pole. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Khammam on August 27, where he will address a large public meeting. Shah will hold a big rally before the Telangana elections to be held later this year. Lakhs of people are expected to turn out for Shah's rally in Khammam, BJP source told ANI. Shah was earlier to attend the rally in June, but it was postponed due to cyclone Biporjoy. A source told ANI, "After the public meeting he will meet Telangana BJP party top leaders. Shah will review ground report on the present state of affairs, public opinion towards the party and also disscuss party's upcoming plan and programme regarding assembly polls. Shah will give mantra to party leaders regarding upcoming polls." BJP leaders of Telangana told ANI that the wave of anti-incumbency was sweeping across Telangana. "The unemployed, the students, the farmers, the Backward Castes, the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and all sections of the people are upset with the government. The people of Telangana are now looking at BJP and for double-engine sarkar to realise their time-tested aspirations and redeem Telangana from the clutches of corruption and dynasty. The BJP will stand by the people of Telangana and ensure that their aspirations and dreams are realised," BJP leaders said. (ANI)
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday virtually laid the foundation stone for three renewable energy projects for producing 5,314 MW of power in Nandyala district, a press note said. Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation (APGENCO) also signed a MoU with the National Hydro-Electric Power Corporation (NHPC) in the presence of the Chief Minister to promote pumped storage power projects, it read. Speaking on the occasion after laying foundation stones from the Camp Office here on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said the projects will help Andhra Pradesh become number one in green energy. He laid the foundation stones for 2300 MW solar power project to be set up by Greenko at Junuthala village in Owk mandal, 700 MW solar and 314 MW wind power plants to be set up by AM Green Energy at Kandikayapalle village in Panyam mandal and 1000 MW solar and wind power projects each to be set up by Ecoren Energy at Muddavaram village in Bethamcherla mandal. These companies will invest Rs 10,350 crore, Rs 4500 crore and Rs 11000 crore creating employment opportunities for 2300, 1000 and 2000 persons respectively. The Chief Minister said that pump storage power projects are environment-friendly and will reduce dependence on fossil fuels. He also released a white paper on the opportunities for investments in the State in green hydrogen sector. "Pump storage power projects will help us produce power during peak hours and bring in a revolution in green energy which will control the world in the future and the State will become part of the green energy revolution" the Chief Minister said. In all, 37 locations have been identified to start pump storage units to produce 41,000 MW and feasibility studies were completed on 29 projects for producing 33240 MW. Detailed Project Reports (DPR) are ready for projects to produce 20,900 MW, out of which companies were permitted to begin work to produce 16, 180 MW. As per the MoU between APGENCO and NHPC, the two will set up 1000 MW and 950 MW pump storage units at Yaganti and Kapalapadu respectively with an investment of Rs. 10,000 crore in partnership. These units will provide jobs to 2000 persons. APGENCO and NHPC will also set up pump storage power units worth 2750 MW in three more locations for which feasibility studies are underway, he said. Besides providing jobs to locals, the companies will also pay a royalty of Rs 1 lakh for each MW and pay farmers Rs. 30,000 per acre every year with a price escalation of five percent every two years for giving their lands. The State is already producing 8999 MW of solar and wind power. The agreement with Solar Energy Corporation of India to get power at Rs. 2. 49 per unit will help in the free power to farmers during day time for another 25 to 30 years. Energy Minister P. Ramachandra Reddy, Finance Minister B. Rajendranath, Deputy Chief Minister (Endowments) K. Satyanarayana, CS Dr KS Jawahar Reddy, APGENCO MD KVN Chakradhar Babu, NREDCAP VC & MD S. Ramana Reddy, British Deputy High Commissioner Gareth Wynn Owen, Deputy Head Mission (UK Government) Varun Mali, Senior Advisor to UK Government Nishnat Kumar Singh, NHPC Finance Director RP Goel, Greenko Vice President N. Seshagiri Rao, AM Green Energy Business Head Samir Mathur, Ecoren Energy CMD Y. Lakshmi Prasad and senior officials were present. (ANI)
A Delhi Court on Wednesday remanded suspended Delhi government official Premoday Khakha and his wife Seema Rani to judicial custody as police did not seek their custody. Meanwhile, the court has called for the medical board examination report related to the vasectomy of Premoday. Additional Sessions Judge Richa Parihar of Tis Hazari Court remanded Khakha and his wife to judicial custody till September 6. Delhi police produced both the accused persons before the court after one-day judicial custody. The hearing was conducted in a closed courtroom. Advocate U S Gautam, Counsel for the accused told the media that the court has called for the report of the medical board related to the vasectomy of Khakha. He told that he underwent the procedure in 2005. Advocate Uma Shankar Gautam, appeared for the husband and wife after the court proceedings interacted with the media and said the allegations made against Premoday Khakha are baseless in regard to the pregnancy of the victim. He said allegations against him are false as the accused had a vasectomy done and all the other remaining tests including the potency test have also been completed by the police within 24 hours of arrest. The Delhi Police on Monday had arrested a government official and his wife in a case of sexual assault on a minor. The two accused have been identified as Premoday Khakha (51) and Seema Rani (50). Earlier on Monday, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Sagar Singh Khalsi said that Khakha's wife threatened the victim and made the minor victim undergo an abortion. Officials of Delhi Police on Tuesday said that the accused's wife was produced yesterday and was sent to judicial custody for one day by a court. Earlier on Monday, Khakha, who was the Deputy Director of the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department of the Delhi government, was suspended later. Delhi Police has last week lodged FIR under rape, molestation, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, causing hurt, causing miscarriage without consent, criminal conspiracy, common intention, and under the Pocso Act. (ANI)
Tribal people of Jharkhand offered special prayers in Ranchi for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3's Lander Module on the Moon on Wednesday. A special prayer was offered to "Sarna Maa", the god of the tribal people of Jharkhand for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3. A group of school students also participated in the prayers with posters dedicated to Chandrayaan 3 and offered prayers for the same. Leader of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Antu Tirkey, said thatit is a matter of great pride. I pray to "Sarna Maa" for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3. Now India will hoist its flag on the moon also. Earlier, prayers were offered at the Ajmer Sharif dargah, a Sufi shrine of Moinuddin Chishti in Rajasthan's Ajmer for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3's Lander Module on the Moon. Meanwhile, Indians around the globe have been conducting prayers in anticipation of the soft landing of Chandrayaan-3's Lander Module on the Moon's surface. Earlier today, Indian students and research scholars in Uxbridge, London organised a special prayer at the Adya Shakti Mataji Temple for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon. A student present at the prayer said: We are gathered here for the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3. In the UK, every student and every professional are wishing for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 and we are just wishing that everything goes smoothly and according to the plan I wish and congratulate all the scientists of ISRO and the Indian government as well. A priest at the temple also congratulated ISRO and the Indian government for the achievement and wished for the missions successful landing on the Moon. Chandrayaan-3 is all set to create history by landing on the uncharted south pole of the Moon today. According to ISRO, Chandrayaan-3 is all set to land on the Moon on Wednesday at around 18:04 hrs IST. (ANI)
As India on Wednesday successfully landed a spacecraft near the moons south pole, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology, Atomic Energy and Space Jitendra Singh said that the country has felt the moon whereas the world only fantasises about it. Talking to reporters here, the union minister said that the country is converting that to reality which the world dreams of. While the world fantasises about the moon, we have actually felt the moon...the world dreams of the moon, and we have seen the dream getting converted into realitysky is not the limit, Singh said. He further congratulated ISRO on the soft landing of its third lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 on the moon. "We have the ability to achieve success through cost-effective means," he added. A lander with a rover inside touched down on the lunar surface at 6:04 local time, sparking cheers and applause among the space scientists watching in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru. After a failed attempt nearly four years ago, India made history by becoming the first country to touch down near the little-explored South Pole region and joined the United States, the Soviet Union and China in achieving a moon landing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed the Chandrayaan-3 mission and said India is now on the moon. The Prime Minister, who is in South Africa for the BRICS Summit, joined the live telecast of Chandrayaan-3 landing online. "When we see such historic moments it makes us very proud. This is the dawn of new India, he said. Humne dharti par sankalp kiya aur chand pe usse sakaar kiya...India is now on the moon," he added. The Prime Minister said no country has reached the South Pole of the moon before. With the hard work of our scientists, we have reached there. India's successful Moon mission is not just India's alone...This success belongs to all of humanity," PM Modi said. Union Minister Hardeep Puri said that todays date will be written in golden letters in the history of India. "23 August 2023 will be written in golden letters in the history of India. This is a proud moment for all the people of the country," he said. (ANI)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday congratulated the teams of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 lander module on the moons South Pole, and said that itis the result of decades of tremendous ingenuity and hard work by the scientific community. "Congratulations to Team ISRO for today's pioneering feat. Chandrayaan 3s soft landing on the uncharted lunar South Pole is the result of decades of tremendous ingenuity and hard work by our scientific community. Since 1962, Indias space program has continued to scale new heights and inspire generations of young dreamers," Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X, formerly called Twitter. The Chandrayaan-3 lander module successfully landed on the moons South Pole on Wednesday evening, making India the first country to have achieved the historic feat and bringing to an end the disappointment over the crash landing of the Chandrayaan-2 four years ago. Meanwhile, Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge praised the hard work of ISRO and said that we are deeply indebted to the remarkable hard work, unparalleled ingenuity and unflinching dedication of our scientists. "The success of Chandrayaan 3 is the collective success of every Indian. An elated nation with 140 crore aspirations witnessed today yet another achievement in its six-decade-long space programme. We are deeply indebted to the remarkable hard work, unparalleled ingenuity and unflinching dedication of our scientists, space engineers, researchers and everyone involved in making this mission a triumph for India," he said in a post on X, formerly called Twitter. Kharge also added that in2008, when the Moon Impact Probe (MIP), the Chandrayaan-1 Mission, carrying the Indian National Flag landed on the moon, we became the 4th country to land a scientific device on the moon's surface. Today, through the Chandrayaan-3, we have displayed our scientific prowess to the world. The Congress Chief further said that this achievement is a tribute to various legendary scientists. "The immaculate soft-landing of Vikram lander and Pragyaan rover is a fitting tribute to Dr Homi J Bhabha, Dr Vikram Sarabhai, Dr Satish Dhawan, Dr Meghnad Saha, Dr Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam and many other legendary scientists who paved the way for Indias unmatchable progress in the field of space research and scientific dexterity," he said. "The historic Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 confirmed the presence of water molecules on the lunar surface. Chandrayaan -2 detected the presence of chromium, manganese, and sodium for the first time," he added. Meanwhile, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra congratulated everyone on the successful landing of the Chandrayaan 3 lander module on the moon and said it is a moment of happiness for all the countrymen. "India's space program, which started in 1962, today set a new height in the form of Chandrayaan 3. The whole nation is feeling proud today on this glorious journey of the Indian Space Programme. It is a moment of happiness for all the countrymen. Congratulations and best wishes to all the scientists and countrymen. Jai Hind. Jai Bharat," she said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. (ANI)
In a joint operation the sleuths of Special Task Force (STF) of Assam police and WCCB, Assam unit recovered a large number of animal parts including 12 ivory pieces and apprehended five poachers in Assam's Nagaon district on Wednesday, an official said. "During the joint operation 12 numbers of ivory, 2 numbers of tiger canine, 15 numbers of rhino hooves, one deer antler, 1.031 kg of pangolin scale and 5 numbers of mobile phones were recovered and seized from their possession. The apprehended five poachers and the recovered and seized items were handed over to Jakhalabandha police station by the STF team for initiating legal actions against the perpetrators and for further investigation," the senior police official said. Acting upon a reliable source input with regards to poachers in Kaziranga an operation team of STF, Assam proceeded from Guwahati to Kaliabor of Nagaon district in order to apprehend the perpetrators. Partha Sarathi Mahanta, Chief of STF Assam told ANI that a team from WCCB, Assam unit also accompanied the STF team for the operation. "The joint operation team carried out search operations at various places under Jakhalabandha police station and Kaliabar police station of Nagaon district where a total of five poachers have been apprehended along with various contraband wildlife items," Partha Sarathi Mahanta said. The apprehended poachers were identified as Md Gafar Quresy (24 years old), Md Okil Quresy (60 years old), Md Safiqul Islam (39 years old), all from Jakhalabandha, Ujjal Bharali (20 years old) of Rowta and Aditya Sarma (23 years old) of Khanapara, Guwahati. Accordingly, a case has been registered vide Jakhalabandha police station Case No 122/2023 U/S 9/39/44/48(A)/49(B)/51 of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 for initiating legal action. (ANI)
Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar said, "Arey Waah, Maza aa gya! Look, the Moon has come closer to us. It's a moment of joy as Tiranga gets hoisted on the Moon. After landing on the Moon successfully Chandrayaan-3 is reflecting India's presence on the Lunar surface. On this great occasion, I express gratitude towards ISRO and its scientists as we have got this achievement owing to their skills, courage and brilliance."

CM Manohar Lal Khattar said that this success was a giant leap for the entire humanity.

He further said, "PM Narendra Modi has boosted the morale of scientists every moment. With this mission, the dream of PM Modi to make India a developed nation will come true."

The Indian Space Research Organisations (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3 landed successfully after a 40-day journey starting from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota.

India's success in landing the spacecraft on the Moon's south pole comes days after a Russian probe Luna-25 crashed in the same region.

Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft put down the Vikram lander on the lunar surface, descending and tilted to a horizontal position ahead of landing. (ANI)
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday attended a student meeting as the Chief Guest at the Bir Lachit Borphukan College in Assam's Sivasagar and interacted with the teachers, staff and the student community. During this meeting, Sonowal interacted with the teachers, staff and the student community and called upon them to play a pivotal role in unlocking the potential in the progress of Assam. Speaking on the occasion, Sarbananda Sonowal said, "Mahavir Lachit Borphukan defended the honour of Asomi Aai by defeating invading foreigners with bravery, valour and strategic military skills. It is a moment of great joy that I am here with all of you today in this college named after the great son of Assam. The immense contribution made by this college in honing the talent pool of Sivasagar and the adjoining areas has been a great service in building a conducive environment for education and building intellectual capacity. Our students should get inspired by the indomitable courage, heroism, and unyielding spirit of our beloved Lachit Borphukan to move ahead with confidence in this era of progress and development." Lachit Barphukan was an Ahom Borphukan also known for commanding the Ahom forces and the victory in the Battle of Saraighat (1671) that thwarted an invasion by the vastly superior Mughal forces. He also spoke on Chandrayaan-3s lunar landing and historic moment in space research and said that the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 resonates as a beacon of hope for India, symbolizing unmatched achievement. "The collective determination of the young generation of India, armed with innovation, joy, and determination, will lift the nation to unprecedented heights. In the pursuit of scientific exploration, the unrelenting efforts of our brilliant minds, their unwavering dedication, and steadfast commitment will undoubtedly lead India to prominence in the global arena," he added. "India thrives on the strength of its youth. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the remarkable potential of youth power has the capability to steer the nation towards progress. In this journey of transformation, the focused determination and unwavering resolve of our youth stand as the pillars of strength, ensuring a brighter future. Today, as the people of India awaken to unprecedented growth, we witness the immense strength of unity, commitment, and solid determination that propels our beloved nation forward towards the realisation of an Atmanirbhar Bharat, said Sarbananda Sonowal. The Indian Space Research Organisations (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3 mission landed successfully after a 40-day journey starting from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota. India's success in landing the spacecraft on the Moon's south pole comes days after a Russian probe Luna-25 crashed in the same region. Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft put down the Vikram lander on the lunar surface, descending and tilted to a horizontal position ahead of landing. The Chandrayaan-3 mission is the follow-up to the Chandrayaan-2 mission of 2019 when the Vikram lander crashed into the lunar surface. (ANI)
The Information Technology (IT) hub of Madhya Pradesh, Indore has added a new feather to its cap as it has secured first position in Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan-2023 conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board. According to a release, in the category of cities with a population of over 10 lakhs in the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan-2023, Indore has secured the first position, Bhopal ranked fifth, Jabalpur 13th and Gwalior 41st. Environment Minister Hardeep Singh Dang has congratulated the departmental officers and employees for the success in the efforts being made towards environmental conservation. Principal Secretary Environment Gulshan Bamra said that in the category of cities with a population of 3 lakh to 10 lakh, Sagar got 10th place in the country with 188.02 points. Among cities with less than three lakh population, Dewas has secured 6th position in the country with a score of 180. Last year, Dewas secured the first position with 175.05 marks out of 200. Indore got 187 out of 200, Bhopal 181, Jabalpur 172 and Gwalior 114. In the Survey, two of the first five position have been secured by Madhya Pradesh for cities with a population of more than 10 lakhs. Indore stood first, Agra second, Thane third, Srinagar fourth and Bhopal fifth, it further read. Self-assessment is also done by the cities on the online portal PRAN in the National Clean Air Programme for the purpose of pollution control. Cities are required to submit reports on activities and measures implemented with respect to solid waste, road dust, construction and demolition waste management, control of vehicular emissions and industrial pollution, the release added. (ANI)
In diabetes, the body either generates no or very little insulin. Thus, the external injection or pump delivery of this hormone is necessary for diabetics. To improve the lives of these individuals, researchers from the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering at ETH Zurich in Basel, headed by Martin Fussenegger, are searching for ways to create and deliver insulin directly to the body. One such approach that researchers are working on involves creating capsules that can be injected into the body and contain designer cells that produce insulin. In recent years, researchers have examined and used various triggers, including light, temperature, and electric fields, to be able to control from the outside when and how much insulin the cells release into the blood. Fussenegger and his colleagues have now developed another, novel stimulation method: they use music to trigger the cells to release insulin within minutes. This works especially well with We Will Rock You, a global hit by British rock band, Queen. To make the insulin-producing cells receptive to sound waves, the researchers used a protein from the bacteriumE. coli.Such proteins respond to mechanical stimuli and are common in animals and bacteria. The protein is located in the membrane of the bacterium and regulates the influx of calcium ions into the cell interior. The researchers have incorporated the blueprint of this bacterial ion channel into human insulin-producing cells. This lets these cells create the ion channel themselves and embed it in their membrane. As scientists have been able to show, the channel in these cells opens in response to sound, allowing positively charged calcium ions to flow into the cell. This leads to a charge reversal in the cell membrane, which in turn causes the tiny insulin-filled vesicles inside the cell to fuse with the cell membrane and release the insulin to the outside. In cell cultures, the researchers first determined which frequencies and volume levels activated the ion channels most strongly. They found that volume levels around 60 decibels (dB) and bass frequencies of 50 hertz were the most effective in triggering the ion channels. To trigger maximum insulin release, the sound or the music had to continue for a minimum of three seconds and pause for a maximum of five seconds. If the intervals were too far apart, substantially less insulin was released. Finally, the researchers looked into which music genres caused the strongest insulin response at a volume of 85 dB. Rock music with booming bass like the song We Will Rock You, from Queen, came out on top, followed by the soundtrack to the action movieThe Avengers. The insulin response to classical music and guitar music was rather weak by comparison. We Will Rock You triggered roughly 70 percent of the insulin response within 5 minutes, and all of it within 15 minutes. This is comparable to the natural glucose-induced insulin response of healthy individuals, Fussenegger says. To test the system as a whole, the researchers implanted the insulin-producing cells into mice and placed the animals so that their bellies were directly on the loudspeaker. This was the only way the researchers could observe an insulin response. If, however, the animals were able to move freely in a mouse disco, the music failed to trigger insulin release. Our designer cells release insulin only when the sound source with the right sound is played directly on the skin above the implant, Fussenegger explains. The release of the hormone was not triggered by ambient noise such as aircraft noise, lawnmowers, fire brigade sirens or conversations. As far as he can tell from tests on cell cultures and mice, Fussenegger sees little risk that the implanted cells in humans would release insulin constantly and at the slightest noise. Another safety buffer is that insulin depots need four hours to fully replenish after they have been depleted. So even if the cells were exposed to sound at hourly intervals, they would not be able to release a full load of insulin each time and thereby cause life-threatening hypoglycaemia. It could, however, cover the typical needs of a diabetes patient who eats three meals a day, Fussenegger says. He explains that insulin remains in the vesicles for a long time, even if a person doesnt eat for more than four hours. Theres no depletion or unintentional discharge taking place. (ANI)
Pakistan's security forces killed four people whom the officials called as "terrorists" during an exchange of fire in South Waziristan district, Dawn reported. "Six soldiers embraced martyrdom in an exchange of fire with security forces in South Waziristan district," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement, "On 22 August 2023, [a] fire exchange took place between own troops and terrorists in general area Asman Manza, South Waziristan District." According to the militarys media wing, the armed forces effectively engaged with the terrorists location and consequently, four terrorists were sent to hell, while two terrorists were injured, reported Dawn. Sanitisation of the area is being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area, the ISPR said. However, ISPR noted that the Pakistani armed forces are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism. The former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif lauded the security personnel in a post on social media platform X. The nation firmly stands behind its armed forces in eliminating terrorism and pays glowing tributes to their valour. The security operation took place in Pakistan as it is facing an increase in terror activities, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan after the outlawed Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in November last year, according to Dawn. Two terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Bara area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Khyber district, Dawn reported on Saturday citing the Pakistan militarys media wing. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release stated that the security forces conducted the operation on the reported presence of terrorists in the area on the night between August 18 and 19. During the conduct of the operation, intense fire exchange took place between own troops and terrorists and resultantly two terrorists were sent to hell, Dawn quoted the ISPR as stating. Earlier this week, two more terrorists were killed by the Pakistan security forces in a similar operation in the Ramzak area of North Waziristan on the night of August 14 and 15, Dawn reported. Notably, Pakistan has been witnessing a rise in terror activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan after the ceasefire between Pakistan's government and the outlawed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (TTP) ended in November last year. A report released in July said that Pakistan has been witnessing a steady rise in suicide attacks. Pakistan in the first seven months of 2023 experienced 18 suicide attacks, claiming the lives of 200 people and injuring more than 450 others, Pakistan-based Dawn reported citing a think tank report. Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Maj Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry in a press conference in June said that the security forces conducted 13,619 intelligence operations this year in which 1,172 terrorists were killed or arrested. (ANI)
Inspite of being present in South Africa, Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped the key meeting of BRICS Business Forum which was held in Johannesburg and was attended by the leaders of the grouping. China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao delivered the speech on behalf of the Chinese President in which he said, "Some country obsessed with maintaining its hegemony has gone out of its way to cripple the emerging markets and developing countries". Xi Jinping is on a state visist to South Africa which is also coinciding with the 15th BRICS Summit. In a vieled attack at US, Commerce Minister Wentao said, "Everything we do is to deliver better lives to our people. But some country obsessed with maintaining its hegemony has gone out of its way to cripple the emerging markets and developing countries. Whoever is developing fast, becomes its target of containment, whoever is catching up becomes its target of obstruction. But, this is futile. Every country has the right to development and the people in every country have the freedom to pursue a happy life." Right now, changes in the world are unfolding in ways like never before, bringing human society to a critical juncture. Should we pursue cooperation and integration or just succumb to division and confrontation? Should we work together to maintain peace and stability or just sleepwalk into the abyss of a new cold war?he further questioned. Wang on Tuesday said the BRICS Business Council has deepened cooperation, contributing to social and economic developments of BRICS countries and helping sustain global economic growth. It is my great honour to read out the remarks on behalf of Xi Jinping, President of the Republic of China at the closing ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum 2023, the Chinese Commerce Minister said. I wish to extend my warm congratulations on the success of the BRICS Business Forum in South Africa. Ten years ago in South Africa, we BRICS leaders witnessed the birth of the BRICS Business Council. Since then, the council has stayed true to its founding mission. It has seized opportunities to deepen cooperation contributing to social and economic developments of BRICS countries and helping sustain global economic growth, he added. The business forum saw the attendance of South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov was also present at the event virtually. He said that the course of history will be shaped by the choices made today. Meanwhile, PM Modi on Wednesday said the BRICS Business Forum provided him with the opportunity to highlight Indias growth trajectory, the steps taken to boost Ease of Doing Business and public service delivery. BRICS Business Forum gave me an opportunity to highlight Indias growth trajectory and the steps taken to boost Ease of Doing Business and public service delivery. Also emphasised on Indias strides in digital payments, infrastructure creation, the world of StartUps and more, PM Modi tweeted. PM Modi in a special message at the BRICS Business Forum said mutual trust and transparency can help create a big impact, especially in the Global South. "There is no doubt that India will become the world's growth engine. This is because India took challenges as an opportunity for economic reforms," he said. "With the use of technology, India has made major leaps in financial inclusion, benefiting rural women the most. In the last nine years, people's income has almost doubled...," the Prime Minister said in the short address. PM Modi arrived in South Africa on Tuesday to attend the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg from August 22-24 at the invitation of the countrys president Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa. This will be the PM's third visit to South Africa and the trip marks the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between India and South Africa. This year's BRICS is under the presidency of South Africa. The theme of this year's summit is: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism." (ANI)
The PM said he looks forward to working with Thavisin for taking India-Thailand bilateral relations to a higher level.

Heartiest congratulations @Thavisin on your election as the Prime Minister of Thailand. I look forward to working closely with you for taking India-Thailand bilateral relations to a higher level, PM Modi tweeted on Wednesday.

Real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin has been elected to become the next Prime Minister of Thailand, reported Al Jazeera on Tuesday.

Thavisin's election by the Thai Parliament opens the door for a new coalition administration.

Property tycoon Srettha won with 482 votes out of the 727 politicians in attendance on Tuesday. This puts an end to months of uncertainty, legal fighting, and horse-trading that followed the May elections, Al Jazeera reported.

Conservative senators prevented the progressive Move Forward Party from gaining power.

The poll was held just hours after Thaksin Shinawatra, the billionaire leader of the Pheu Thai party returned home for the first time in years after fleeing into self-imposed exile.

Thousands of supporters, mostly wearing red clothes, gathered near the private jet terminal atDon Mueang airportto welcome Former Prime MinisterThaksin Shinawatraon Tuesday morning after 15 years in self-exileand around 20 scrapped attempts to come home under a looming prison sentence, Nikkei Asia reported.

Meanwhile, a coalition of 11 parties, including two pro-military parties linked to outgoing Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha, will be led by Srettha, according to Al Jazeera.

Move Forward was left out of the alliance. While Pheu Thai leaders defended the new administration as necessary for resolving the political impasse and fostering peace, many criticised it as a betrayal of the election results.

According to Pheu Thai, it will hold eight cabinet positions and nine deputy cabinet positions. Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation, the parties supported by the military, would each gain two cabinet slots and two deputy posts. The ministries that each party would control are unknown to Pheu Thai, reported Al Jazeera.

It stated that the alliance had decided to back Pheu Thai's agenda, which calls for strengthening the economy, raising the minimum wage, and abolishing conscription. (ANI)
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, on Tuesday, said President Joe Biden told him that India is the most important country in the world to him. He (President Biden) told me, when he asked me to come here to serve, he said, this is the most important country in the world to me, I think something that no American president has ever uttered in the history of our two countries...Indian Americans constitute six per cent of taxpayers in the US..." Garcetti said. The US Ambassador said: From technology to trade, from the environment to women's empowerment, from small businesses to space, we used to say the sky is the limit, but now that we're working together in space, not even the sky is the limit. From the seabed to the heavens, the US and India are a force for good and a powerful force to move this world forward. Garcetti said he wanted to come to India for his junior year to live in Bodhgaya and do a Buddhist studies program. But politics got in the way. I got elected to the student council, and I said I promised I'd serve. So my India dream kind of died, or so I thought. But the universe has a curious way of connecting people and dreams, and now suddenly, I'm living that dream here, he added. Earlier, on Friday, Garcetti said that he is excited to elevate India-US relations during his tenure as he completed 100 incredible days as the US ambassador to India. While taking to his official social media account 'X', he stated, "Celebrating 100 incredible days as theUSAmbassador toIndia! During my #First100Days, I have explored 12Indian states & UTs, savoured 200+ deliciousIndian dishes, and connected with amazing people. Thank you for the deep friendship and the warm welcome. I am excited to elevate #USIndiarelations during my tenure!" Not just the flavours are incredible, but the people have been so warm and welcoming, he added. Garcetti also posted a video on 'X' (formerly known as Twitter) where he shared a glimpse of his tour to Indian states and meeting people. He also thanked the country in the video and said, "Thank you, India for embracing me here as Ambassador and making my time here so welcoming and productive." (ANI)
According to the statement released by Defence Ministry, the MoU was signed by DG Rakesh Pal, Director General Indian Coast Guard and CG Admiral Artemio M Abu, Commandant, PCG at the Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi on Tuesday.

Both sides held their first bilateral meeting on a range of maritime issues.

The MoU inked today seeks to enhance the professional linkage between the two Coast Guards in the domain of Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE), Maritime Search & Rescue (M-SAR) and Marine Pollution Response (MPR).

The implementation of this MoU will enhance bilateral maritime cooperation between the two nations for ensuring safe, secure and clean seas in the region.

"The first-ever bilateral meeting between both the maritime agencies signifies the dedication in strengthening the professional bonds by sharing best practices, conducting joint exercises and enhancing training collaborations," the statement read.

A five-member delegation of PCG is on an official tour of India from 20-24 August 2023. Earlier, the delegation visited Goa on August 21, where they witnessed the operational capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

During the visit, the delegation was also provided with a customer demonstration flight on the Indian Coast Guard Advance Light Helicopter MK-III. The delegates also visited Indian Coast Guard Ship Sujeet built by Goa Shipyard Limited, as per the release. (ANI)
Prior to attending the sessions, the leaders posed for a BRICS family photograph.

Significantly, PM Modi and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping were seen standing apart from each other as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held their hands together.

Other than PM Modi, Jinping and Ramaphosa, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Brazil President Lula da Silva were also in the BRICS group photo.

The plenaries are scheduled to be followed by a cultural performance and a banquet dinner hosted by President Ramaphosa.

PM Modi arrived in South Africa on Tuesday and received a ceremonial welcome at Waterkloof Air Force Base.

Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora chanting 'Vande Mataram'.

The members of the Indian community were waiting for PM Modi's arrival and welcomed him amid lusty drumbeats outside the Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg.

The opening day of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg was witness to the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue.

In his address at the BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue, PM Modi said India will soon be a 5 trillion dollar economy and in the coming years will be the growth engine of the world.

PM Modis special message to the dialogue was that mutual trust and transparency can help create a big impact, especially in the Global South.

BRICS is a grouping of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

This is the first in-person BRICS Summit after three consecutive years of virtual meetings owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. (ANI)
He said, "The desire of a number of Western countries to maintain their hegemony in the world led to a severe crisis in Ukraine...the actions of the Russian Federation in Ukraine are dictated only by the desire to stop the war of extermination unleashed by the West..."

Addressing the plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit via video conferencing, Putin also called for de-dollarisation stressing that BRICS countries must expand settlements in national currencies and enhance cooperation between banks.

Putin also announced that Russia as chairman of BRICS next year plans to hold summit in Kazan in October 2024.

"In our chairmanship, we will have the following mottos- strengthening multilateralism for global development and security; we plan to have some 200 political, economic and public events; BRICS summit is scheduled for October 2024 in the city of Kazan..."

The BRICS leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arrived at the Sandton Convention Centre to attend the plenary sessions earlier today.

Prior to attending the sessions, the leaders posed for a BRICS family photograph. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov posed for the picture along with other BRICS leaders in place of Putin.

Other than Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, PM Modi, Xi Jinping, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Brazil President Lula da Silva were also in the BRICS group photo.

BRICS is a grouping of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.This is the first in-person BRICS Summit after three consecutive years of virtual meetings owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The plenaries are scheduled to be followed by a cultural performance and a banquet dinner hosted by President Ramaphosa. The opening day of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg was witness to the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue. (ANI)
The third edition of the Strategic Dialogue was held in India in December 2021.

Deputy NSA Misri met the first Deputy Director of National Security, Kim Tae-hyo. They discussed enhancing cooperation in a wide range of bilateral areas including defence industry and technology, economic security and supply chain resilience, enhancing Korean investments in India, and science and technology issues.

They highlighted the importance of closer cooperation on critical and emerging technologies and agreed to step up engagements in these areas. Views on regional and global security environments were also exchanged.

During the visit, Deputy NSA Misri called on Foreign Minister Park Jin and National Security Adviser Cho Tae-yong, and met Minister Eom Dong-hwan of Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

On Tuesday, South Koreas Foreign Minister Park Jin said that South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is looking forward to his visit to India to participate in the G20 Summit in September and the bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Foreign Minister Park made these remarks during his meeting with Deputy National Security Advisor Vikram Misri.

Foreign Minister Park mentioned that President Yoon is looking forward to his first visit to India to participate in the G20 Summit in September and the bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi.

Both agreed that Critical and Emerging Technologies is an area where both countries can enhance collaborations.

Deputy NSA Misri is in Seoul for the Fourth India- RoK Strategic Dialogue at the Deputy NSA- level. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit emphasized that India fully supports the expansion of BRICS and we welcome moving forward with consensus on this. Speaking at the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit, PM Modi further said " We will need to make our respective societies future-ready to make BRICS a future-ready organisation, and technology will play an important role in this. " "In India, to provide education to the children living in rural areas, DIKSHA- Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing Platform has been developed. Along with that, to boost innovation amongst school students, we have established 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs," he said. PM Modi also highlighted the AI-based language platform to remove language barriers. "To remove language barriers, India has started AI-based language platform Bhashini which has been widely used," he said. PM Modi said that the CoWIN platform was built to track vaccination. "For vaccination, the CoWIN platform was made. Digital public infrastructure, i.e. through India Stack, public service delivery has been revolutionized," he said. Moreover, PM Modi stressed that 'diversity' is the biggest strength of India. "For every problem that India faces, diversity brings the solution," he added. Adding to this, PM Modi also said that the BRICS countries have to make their societies future-ready to make the grouping a future-ready organisation and that technology will play an important role in these endeavours. India had given a lot of importance to the countries of Global South under its G20 Presidency and lauded South Africa for the initiative as the chair of the BRICS summit. We welcome the move to give special importance to the countries of the Global South in BRICS under the chairmanship of South Africa. This is not just the aspiration, but also the need of the present times. India has also given importance to this subject under its G20 presidency. One Earth One Family One Future - we are trying to move forward with all countries on this mantra. In the Voice of Global South summit in January this year, 125 countries participated and shared their concerns and priorities, he said. In around two decades, BRICS has undertaken a long and magnificent journey. In this journey, we made numerous achievements," he added. PM Modi also remembered Mahatma Gandhi and his connection with South Africa and the historical connections between the two countries. PM Modi said Tolstoy Farm associated with Mahatma Gandhi is some distance from Johannesburg.By connecting the great ideas of India, Eurasia and Africa, Mahatma Gandhi placed a strong foundation of our unity and harmony." I thank President Ramaphosa for the grand reception. To come to a beautiful city like Johannesburg once again is a matter of joy for me and my delegation. This city has an old and deep connection with the Indians and Indian history, he said. Prior to attending the sessions, the leaders posed for a BRICS family photograph. The plenaries are scheduled to be followed by a cultural performance and a banquet dinner hosted by President Ramaphosa. PM Modi arrived in South Africa on Tuesday and received a ceremonial welcome at Waterkloof Air Force Base. Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora chanting 'Vande Mataram'. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi noticed Indian Tricolour on the ground during the group photo at BRICS, picked it up and kept it with him to make sure no one stepped on it. Each leader's place was marked with the country's flag to denote their standing position. PM Modi showed immense support for the Tricolour when he picked it up and kept it. However, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa already stepped on his flag but after observing PM Modi, he also followed him. The BRICS leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arrived at the Sandton Convention Centre to attend the plenary sessions. Prior to attending the sessions, the leaders posed for a BRICS family photograph. Significantly, PM Modi and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping were seen standing apart from each other as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held their hands together. Other than PM Modi, Jinping and Ramaphosa, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Brazil President Lula da Silva were also in the BRICS group photo. The plenaries are scheduled to be followed by a cultural performance and a banquet dinner hosted by President Ramaphosa. Moreover, Prime Minister's Office (PMO) took to 'X' and tweeted, "PM Narendra Modi held a productive meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg. They discussed strengthening the India-South Africa partnership in diverse sectors such as boosting business ties, security and people-to-people connect." PM Modi arrived in South Africa on Tuesday and received a ceremonial welcome at Waterkloof Air Force Base. Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora chanting 'Vande Mataram'. The opening day of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg was witness to the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue. In his address at the BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue, PM Modi said India will soon be a 5 trillion dollar economy and in the coming years will be the growth engine of the world. PM Modis special message to the dialogue was that mutual trust and transparency can help create a big impact, especially in the Global South. BRICS is a grouping of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This is the first in-person BRICS Summit after three consecutive years of virtual meetings owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. (ANI)
BRICS countries will continue to be supportive of bringing the Russia-Ukraine conflict to an end through dialogue, mediation and negotiation, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday at the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. "We are deeply concerned about conflicts across the world that continue to cause great suffering and hardship," Ramaphosa said. "As South Africa, our position remains that diplomacy, dialogue, negotiation and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter are necessary for the peaceful and just resolution of conflicts, he said. The South African President also thanked the member nations for working towards bringing a peaceful end to the conflict. BRICS has proven itself to be a credible entity that stands in solidarity and seeks to promote a more equitable global system. We thank you also for the efforts that are being made by a number of BRICS countries to bring about a peaceful end to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia," Ramaphosa said. He added, We agree that...the end these types of conflicts are best brought to an end by negotiationsBRICS members will continue to be supportive of the various efforts to bring this conflict to an end through dialogue, mediation and negotiation. Earlier in his address delivered via video link, Russian President Vladimir Putin today told the summit of the BRICS grouping that Moscow wants to put an end to the "war unleashed by West." He said, "The desire of a number of Western countries to maintain their hegemony in the world led to a severe crisis in Ukraine...the actions of the Russian Federation in Ukraine are dictated only by the desire to stop the war of extermination unleashed by the West..." Meanwhile, earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive meeting with South African President Ramaphosa and discussed the strengthening of the India-South Africa partnership in diverse sectors. PM @narendramodi held a productive meeting with President @CyrilRamaphosa in Johannesburg. They discussed strengthening the India-South Africa partnership in diverse sectors such as boosting business ties, security and people-to-people connect, the Prime Ministers Office said on X (formerly Twitter). Both leaders reviewed the progress made in bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved in various fields including defence, agriculture, trade and investment, health, conservation and people-to-people ties, according to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs. PM Modi and President Ramaphosa also exchanged views on continued coordination in multilateral bodies and regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. President Ramaphosa expressed full support for Indias G20 presidency and appreciated Indias initiative to give the African Union full membership of G-20. He conveyed that he looked forward to visiting New Delhi for the G-20 Summit, the MEA said. PM Modi also congratulated President Ramaphosa on the successful hosting of the BRICS Summit and accepted his invitation to pay a State Visit to South Africa at a mutually convenient date, MEA said. (ANI)
Amid the political crisis in Pakistan, President Arif Alvi on Wednesday invited Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja to hold a meeting with him to fix an appropriate date for the general elections, Geo News reported. In a letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) head, President Alvi informed CEC Raja that the body is liable to him to appoint a date for the elections under Article 48 (5) of the Constitution no later than 90 days from the date of dissolution of the assembly. Foregoing in view, the chief election commissioner is invited for a meeting with the president today or tomorrow to fix an appropriate date, stated the letter. This comes after President Alvi and the Pakistan administration entered a war of words by making contrary claims regarding the passing of the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The Shehbaz Sharif-led government dissolved the National Assembly on August 9, while Sindh and Balochistan assemblies were also prematurely dissolved to allow the electoral authority to hold elections in the country within 90 days instead of 60 days if the legislature completed its constitutional tenure, Geo News reported. However, the ECP may not be able to hold the polls within the stipulated time as the Council of Common Interest (CCI), days before the dissolution of the assemblies, approved the 7th Population and Housing Census 2023. The CCI meeting chaired by then-prime minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the final results of the census reporting the countrys population at 241.49 million with a growth rate of 2.55 per cent. The CCI approval made it constitutionally mandatory for the poll watchdog to hold elections following fresh delimitations in the light of the results of the 7th census. According to Article 51 (5) of the Constitution, the seats of the National Assembly to each province and the federal capital shall be allocated on the basis of population in accordance with the last preceding census officially published, as per Geo News. Subsequently, on August 17, the ECP announced the schedule of new delimitations to be carried out as per the new census approved by the CCI. As per the schedule, the new delimitation of constituencies nationwide will be notified in December this year. The ECP schedule showed that fresh delimitation will take nearly four months, meaning the general elections in the country cannot be held within 90 days of the dissolution of the provincial and national assemblies, Geo News reported. Earlier on August 20, refuting the media reports that the two bills Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023 were passed, President Arif Alvi said that he did not sign the bills as he disagreed with the laws. He further said that he asked his staff to return the bills unsigned within stipulated time to make them ineffective. "As God is my witness, I did not sign Official Secrets Amendment Bill 2023 & Pakistan Army Amendment Bill 2023 as I disagreed with these laws. I asked my staff to return the bills unsigned within stipulated time to make them ineffective. I confirmed from them many times that whether they have been returned & was assured that they were. Howevern I have found out today that my staff undermined my will and command. As Allah knows all, He will forgive IA. But I ask forgiveness from those who will be affected," Pakistan President Arif Alvi wrote on X (formerly Twitter). According to the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, a person will be guilty of an offence if he intentionally creates a problem of public order or acts against the state, the Express Tribune reported. The Army Act has provisions relating to the retirement of military personnel, the Express Tribune reported. According to this law, no military personnel will be able to participate in any political activity for two years after retirement, resignation or dismissal, while military personnel or officers performing duties related to the sensitive nature of duty shall not participate in political activities for five years after termination of service. (ANI)
In his address at the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit in the South African city of Johannesburg on Wednesday, China's President Xi Jinping said that the BRICS countries "should practise true multilateralism." He said that the countries of the bloc should stick to solidarity and oppose division. "International rules must be written and upheld jointly by all countries based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter rather than dictated by those with strongest muscles or the loudest of voice...BRICS countries should practice true multilateralism, stick to solidarity and oppose division..." On one hand, China's Xi talks about the increasing need for solidarity and opposing division in the bloc, China consistently engages in doublespeak as the country's coercive and aggressive actions against Taiwan are on the rise. Taiwan has been claimed by the People's Republic ofChinaas its territory since the defeated Republic ofChinagovernment fled to the island in 1949 after losing a civil war toMao Zedong's Communist forces. Chinahas time and again called on US officials not to engage with Taiwanese leaders or allow them into the US under any circumstances, citing "collusion" between Taipei and Washington, as reported by Al Jazeera. Beijinghas not ruled out the use of force to seize control of the democratic, self-governing island, and has increased military manoeuvres in the area around the island in recent years. Moreover, the situation of Uyghur minorities in China has not been very good. Under the guise of a poverty alleviation campaign, Beijing has been forcing tens of thousands of ruralUyghursout of their villages and into factories. The Communist Party of China (CCP) criticised and restricted the use of the Uyghur language, prohibited Islamic practices; razed mosques, shrines, and cemeteries; rewrote history to deny the longevity of Uyghur culture and its distinctiveness from Chinese culture; and excised Indigenous literature from textbooks, US-based magazine Foreign Affairs reported. Meanwhile, Xi Jinping also asserted that the 'Cold War Style' is still affecting the world and the geo-political situation is getting tense. In his address to the open plenary session of the 15thBRICS Summitin theSouth African city ofJohannesburg, Xi said that BRICS countries should keep to the direction of peaceful development and consolidate the strategic partnership of the bloc. "We should expand political and security cooperation to uphold peace and tranquillity. The Cold War mentality is still haunting our world and the geo-political situation is getting tense. BRICS countries should keep to the direction of peaceful development and consolidate the BRICS strategic partnership. We need to make good use of the BRICS Foreign ministers' meeting, a meeting of high representatives on national security and other mechanism; support each other on our core interests and enhance coordination on major international and regional issues. We need to tender good offices on hotspot issues pushing for a political settlement and lowering the temperature...,"Xi Jinpingsaid. Apparently, Xi Jinpingis on a state visit toSouth Africawhich is also coinciding with the 15thBRICS Summit. The opening day of the 15thBRICS SummitinJohannesburgwas witness to the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue. In spite of being present inSouth Africa, Chinese PresidentXi Jinpingskipped the key meeting of the BRICS Business Forum which was held inJohannesburgand was attended by the leaders of the grouping. This year's BRICS is under the presidency ofSouth Africa.BRICS is a grouping of the world economies of Brazil,Russia, India, China, andSouth Africa. This is the first in-personBRICS Summitafter three consecutive years of virtual meetings owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. The theme of this year's summit is: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism." Notably, Russia will take over the chairmanship of BRICS next year. In his address at the plenary session today, Putin announced that Russia as chairman of BRICS next year plans to hold a summit in Kazan in October 2024. "In our chairmanship, we will have the following mottos- strengthening multilateralism for global development and security; we plan to have some 200 political, economic and public events; BRICS summit is scheduled for October 2024 in the city of Kazan..." (ANI)
The explosion took place at 8:26 pm on Monday at the Xintai Coal Mine near Yanan, the municipal emergency management bureau said.

At the time of the explosion, nearly 90 people were present at the site, nine of them were trapped inside and were "found with no vital signs" by 9 a.m. on Tuesday, reported Al Jazeera citing CCTV.

Two others were also seriously injured and died after rescue efforts failed.

Moreover, the provincial Department of Emergency Management confirmed the explosion on social media, according to Al Jazeera.

Meanwhile, Hong Kongs news outlet China Daily reported that the rescue efforts were underway as local emergency management, fire rescue, mining rescue and public security authorities rushed immediately to the incident site.

The incident becomes the deadliest since the February collapse of an open-pit mine in the northern region of Inner Mongolia which took the lives of over 50 people, reported Al Jazeera.

Furthermore, China has experienced several episodes of deadly industrial and construction accidents in recent months, owing to poor safety training and regulation, official corruption and corporate profit-seeking.

Last month, an explosion at a chemical plant in Southeast China sent huge billows of thick black smoke into the air, CNN reported.

The blast took place at a plant owned by the silicon oil production company Jiangxi QianTai New Materials at around noon in the city of Guixi, Jiangxi province, according to Chinese state media outlet CCTV.

Videos circulated on social media show firefighters urging people to keep their distance. (ANI)
Kazakhstan, which has assumed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Chairmanship, aims to elevate the power of cooperative diplomacy by strengthening mutual trust and dialogue and combat the evils of extremism, terrorism and separatism, The Astana Times reported. Kazakhstan also aims to enhance regional cooperation and unlock the economic potential under its chairmanship. Over the past 30 years since its independence, Kazakhstan has been at the forefront of regional diplomacy, fostering a constructive multivector foreign policy. This year, Kazakhstan has the opportunity to elevate the power of cooperative diplomacy within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to new heights following its assumption of the presidency during the organizations virtual summit in July, according to The Astana Times. Today it is an increasingly interconnected world, yet marked by mounting confrontations, and collaboration among nations is key to addressing complex regional challenges. However, it is hardly an easy feat and Kazakhstan is set to play a pivotal role in transforming the organization and adapting to current realities. SCO emerged in the 1990s, when China, Russia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan, driven by a shared vision of regional stability, initiated the Shanghai Five mechanism. This platform aims to resolve border disputes, promote mutual trust among its founding members, shift away from the Cold War mindset, and search for new forms of state-to-state relations and new models of regional cooperation. This was indeed a time when countries worldwide were collaboratively seeking new multilateral mechanisms, The Astana Times reported. On June 15, 2001, the organization expanded its scope and changed its name to SCO. A pivotal moment occurred in 2002 when member states signed the charter during a landmark meeting of the Council of Heads of States in St. Petersburg. This charter, which came into effect on September 19, 2003, outlined the SCOs objectives, principles, structure, and areas of operation, cementing its role as a significant force for regional collaboration. The nine member states are China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Additionally, the SCO has three observer states Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia and 14 dialogue partners, including Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The Samarkand SCO summit in 2022 initiated the process of elevating Belaruss status within the organization to that of a member state. Presently, the SCO represents 40 per cent of the worlds population, with member countries contributing to approximately a quarter of the worlds GDP, which amounts to over USD 23 trillion, The Astana Times reported. Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during his address at the virtual summit on July 4, said that the organizations economic potential is enormous With its significant political influence, substantial economic opportunities and vast human resources, the SCO is capable of making a significant contribution to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and addressing the current challenges of humanity, he said. Meanwhile, as a founding member of the SCO, Kazakhstan has consistently demonstrated unwavering support for the organization since its establishment. Kazakh diplomats have put forward many initiatives, including the signing of the Agreement on Cooperation and Interaction of the SCO Member States on Border Issues, the adoption of the SCO Development Strategy until 2025, the SCO programs in the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism, and food security programs, among other essential documents, as per The Astana Times. As the SCO chair, Kazakhstan holds the authority to shape the organizations agenda and help achieve its main objectives. Addressing the SCO summit, President Tokayev outlined Kazakhstans priorities for its presidency, including a proposal to adopt a new development strategy. However, the primary focus remains to enhance regional security by combating what Tokayev describes as the three evils extremism, terrorism and separatism as well as protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and non-interference in internal affairs. He repeatedly underscored the importance of strengthening the so-called Shanghai spirit based on mutual trust and equal and open dialogue. One of Kazakhstans initiatives in this area is a comprehensive document called On World Unity for Just Peace and Accord, which will incorporate ways to strengthen confidence-building measures and maintain stability and security. Kazakhstans agenda also encompasses updating the Cooperation Program on Countering Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism for the years 2025-2027, adopting the SCO Anti-Drug Strategy for 2024-2029 and addressing the crisis in Afghanistan. This can be achieved through the proposed UN-led Regional SDGs Center for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty, The Astana Times reported. Unlocking full economic potential is the second important priority. Over its three-decade existence, the SCO has yet to complete economic projects under its auspices. Yet, the SCO stands out from other organizations due to its unique advantages. These include the geographical connectivity of its member states, which provides opportunities for transit and transport. Additionally, the SCO benefits from a substantial market and member economies that complement each other, The Astana Times reported. While there is a willingness among politicians to work on collaborative projects, the main obstacle lies in the inability to secure funding and encourage direct and portfolio investment in regional projects within the SCO. Kazakhstan has suggested creating a joint Investment Fund using the opportunities the Astana International Financial Centre provides. Notably, Kazakhstan envisions significant potential in the transit and transport sector, energy security and digital transformation. In the realm of transportation and transit, significant opportunities arise from the China-Europe rail transport network, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) and the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway. The China-Europe rail transportation network consists of freight rail lines that connect China with Europe, a major part of the Belt and Road Initiative. According to the China State Railway Group, the China-Europe freight train services saw a substantial 16 per cent year-on-year increase, totalling 8,641 trips from January to June. Impressively, these freight trains transported 936,000 20-foot units (TEU), indicating a substantial 30 per cent upsurge, The Astana Times reported. While still under development, TITR, a multimodal transport corridor linking China with Europe through Central Asia, has tremendous potential, particularly as countries in the region continue to seek alternative routes bypassing Russia. The Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway is expected to be completed in 2025. The railway will provide the shortest route from East Asia to the countries of the Persian Gulf. It will also help to boost trade and economic cooperation in the SCO. Given its strategic geographical position bridging Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan assumes a distinctive role in driving regional collaboration. The nations status as a substantial energy producer further underscores its vested interest in safeguarding the stability of energy supplies within the region. Energy security is a prime objective for Kazakhstan during its SCO chairmanship. Kazakhstan called upon SCO member states to adopt an Energy Strategy incorporating SDGs. The upcoming SCO Energy Forum in Astana this autumn will focus on exploring energy security in greater detail, as per The Astana Times. Addressing the digital divide within the region is another way Kazakhstan intends to leverage its chairmanship. Kazakhstan boasts a digital transformation that few developed economies can rival. Last year, Kazakhstan ranked 28th in the UN e-Government Development Index, the highest among the SCO member states, The Astana Times reported. Kazakhstan can share its IT solutions and their integration into the public administration system, the development of banking ecosystems, and growing fintech and e-commerce markets. The SCO Digital Forum, which Kazakhstan proposed to hold in Astana in 2024, will be a chance for SCO member countries to leverage the potential of digitalization across all sectors that are vital to the organization. According to Kazakhstans national coordinator at the SCO, Murat Mukushev, nearly 80 events are planned during the countrys presidency at the SCO, culminating in the SCO Summit in July 2024 in Astana. Kazakhstans amicable relations with fellow SCO member nations enable it to effectively facilitate dispute resolution and encourage cooperation to address shared challenges, The Astana Times reported. According to Tokayev, the SCO should have its own vision for a fair and harmonious world and confidently pursue inclusive development and creative progress based on mutual responsibility and solidarity. Assuming the chairmanship, we will continue active and fruitful work with all states, regardless of their status in the organization, for the benefit of further strengthening security, peace and prosperity in the SCO space, President Tokayev said. On Aug. 21, the Council of National Coordinators of the SCO member states initiated its work, scheduled to continue until August 24. The agenda includes a wide range of issues related to the implementation of adopted decisions and preparation of new ones by the Councils of Heads of State, Heads of Government and Ministers of Foreign Affairs. Modernizing the organization, considering its expanded membership, and improving interaction with observer states, SCO dialogue partners, and international organizations is also on the agenda, according to The Astana Times. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his participation at the 15th BRICS Summit in South Africa, emphasised undertaking reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), World Trade Organisation (WTO) and multilateral financial institutions. BRICS is a grouping of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Other than PM Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Brazil President Lula da Silva were also present at the summit in Johannesburg. The leaders held productive discussions including on global economic recovery, partnership with Africa and the Global South and reviewed the progress made on the BRICS agenda so far, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. During the summit, PM Modi in various interventions, highlighted the call for setting defined timelines for reforms in UNSC reforms and WTO. He also proposed cooperation in the areas of protection of Big Cats, space exploration, and traditional medicine. In his various interventions, Prime Minister highlighted the following: Called for setting defined timelines for UNSC reforms, Called for reform of Multilateral Financial Institutions, Called for reform of WTO, Exhorted BRICS to build consensus on its expansion, Urged BRICS to send a global message of unity and not polarisation, Proposed creation of a BRICS Space Exploration Consortium, Offered Indian Digital Public Infrastructure - the Indian stack to BRICS partners, Proposed undertaking skill mapping, skilling and promoting mobility among BRICS countries, Proposed joint efforts of BRICS countries for protection of Big Cats under International Big Cat Alliance, Proposed establishing a repository of traditional medicine among BRICS countries, Called upon BRICS partners to support AUs permanent membership of the G20, the MEA statement read. He also called on the BRICS partners to support the African Unions membership of G20 and urged BRICS to send a global message of unity and not polarisation. During his address, Prime Minister called for a strengthened BRICS that will be: B - Breaking barriers, R - Revitalising economies, I - Inspiring Innovation, C - Creating opportunities, S - Shaping the future, the MEA added. Earlier on Tuesday, the opening day of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg was witness to the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue. In his address at the BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue, PM Modi said India will soon be a 5 trillion dollar economy and in the coming years will be the growth engine of the world. PM Modis special message to the dialogue was that mutual trust and transparency can help create a big impact, especially in the Global South. This is the first in-person BRICS Summit after three consecutive years of virtual meetings owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. (ANI)
Afghanistan is the sole country globally to enforce a ban on girls and womens education, resulting in a substantial economic toll of approximately USD 5.4 billion.

Currently, 80 per cent of school-aged Afghan girls and young women 2.5 million people are out of school, according to Khaama Press which cited the report.

Afghanistan's depressing reality shows that female pupils' futures in education are uncertain due to the country's ongoing school closures.

The struggles of these young ladies during this protracted period of educational stagnation highlight the pervasive issues that Afghan society is facing. The ambiguity surrounding their return to their studies impedes not just personal development but also the advancement of the country and feeds a cycle of gender inequity, reported Khaama Press.

Since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021, a depressing string of events aimed at women's rights has occurred. Girls were first prohibited from continuing above the sixth grade in schools and in December 2022.

The Taliban authorities barred women from interacting with international humanitarian organisations, including those like the United Nations, which added another upsetting element to these constraints.

With the sudden nationwide shutdown of women's beauty salons, this pattern of regressive policies recently got worse. Over 60,000 opportunities for women to find jobs were lost as a result of this decision. (ANI)
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti congratulated India, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and their entire team as Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed on the Moon. Taking to his social media 'X', Eric Garcetti tweeted, "Thats how you stick a landing! Congratulations to India, @ISRO and the entire team on the successful landing of #Chandrayaan3! I can see exciting opportunities ahead for #USIndiaSpace collaboration." Garcetti also shared his delight and said that he can see exciting opportunities ahead for India-US Space collaboration. https://twitter.com/USAmbIndia/status/1694336959311749278 Moreover, Krunal Joshi, Counsellor Space at the Embassy of India in Washington DC, US got emotional as Chandrayaan-3 made a soft landing on the Moon. He said, "I am sure Chandrayaan-3 will lead the way towards the peaceful and sustainable exploration of outer space led by India." Additionally, the Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of India, Washington DC Sripriya Ranganathan also extended his wishes and congratulated PM Modi. "Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi...We come from the land called 'Bharat' which is immersed in the light of knowledge. We are seekers of knowledge. It is a proud moment for all of us," he said. He also thanked the families of ISRO for their sacrifice. "I would like to thank the ISRO family and when I say ISRO family, I mean not just the ISRO scientists or staff but their family members also, as they also made a lot of sacrifices in the process. We thank everyone for this exciting mission." Italian space attach Aniello Violetti also congratulated India as Chandryaan-3 landed. "Congratulations on what we have achieved today. It's a great achievement for all humanity. All together we are going to the moon, we are working together for the benefit of humanity," he added. The Embassy of India in Washington, D.C. held a special screening of the Chandrayaan-3 as it successfully performed the soft landing on the moon today. Apart from the embassy staff, the mission also invited some senior officials of NASA including NASA chief technologist A.C. Charania to witness the historic event. Chandrayaan-3 missions soft landing on the moon was telecast live on the ISRO website with students across the country watching the Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS) and history being made. Sweets were also distributed at the Embassy of India as Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed on the Moon. ISRO launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradeshs Sriharikota on July 14. A GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle was used for the launch of the spacecraft that was placed in the lunar orbit on August 5 and since then it has been through a series of orbital manoeuvres been lowered closer to the moons surface. The stated objectives of Chandrayaan-3 are safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, rover moving on the moon's surface, and in-situ scientific experiments. (ANI)
The United Nations applauded the Afghan women and expressed support for their efforts in job creation and contribution to economic growth, amid continuous oppression by the Taliban regime, Khaama Press reported. On World Entrepreneurs Day, the UN expressed its support for Afghan women entrepreneurs throughout Afghanistan. The organization praised their efforts in job creation and contribution to economic growth. On World Entrepreneurs Day, we praise the amazing Afghan women entrepreneurs we work with nationwide. We proudly support them and their drive to innovate, create jobs, participate and contribute to economic growth against all odds, UN Women Afghanistan said on X (formerly Twitter). Notably, amidst daunting challenges, women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan have become the bedrock of the economy. These women have excelled across diverse domains, from modest handicraft ventures to expansive cross-sector enterprises. Their businesses create local jobs and promote self-sustainability, bolstering the nations economic resilience. The United Nations acknowledgment of their contributions underscores their far-reaching influence, Khaama Press reported. However, despite such conditions, Afghan women entrepreneurs have continued to voice their concerns, expressing that the UNs support for them is lacking. The United Nations only has luxury offices, which costs a huge amount per month, but unfortunately, it does not support women in the slightest, and in such a situation, I personally, as an entrepreneur, expect the United Nations to cooperate with Afghan women entrepreneurs, according to Nafisa Danesh, a member of the Womens Chamber of Commerce. According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce data, government support drives thousands of women entrepreneurs to invest across diverse sectors. The Womens Chamber of Commerce boasts 560 members. Nationally, approximately 8,000 Afghan women are actively engaged in diverse business sectors, primarily focusing on handicrafts, agriculture, health, services, food, industry, and mining, as stated by Taliban spokesperson Abdul Salam Jawad Akhundzada. The presence of women in the investment and economic fields of the country can increase the food security of families and limit the scope of poverty in the country, Khaama Press quoted Akhundzada as saying. Afghanistan's women have faced numerous challenges since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Girls and women in the war-torn country have no access to education, employment and public spaces and they have been restricted to their homes and enforcing stringent policies. Khaama Press reported citing recent statistics that around 60,000 women have already lost their jobs due to the Talibans recent edict, which prohibits the operation of womens beauty salons. Moreover, girls and women, including secondary schools and universities, are prohibited from pursuing education under the regime. Taliban leaders have also disregarded international calls for women and girls to be given access to education and employment. Apparently, they have also issued warnings to other nations not to meddle in Afghanistan's domestic affairs. The women are also denied opportunities to work with aid agencies and are barred from involvement with UN organizations. These regressive policies and actions have been labelled as gender apartheid by the United Nations, which has also sounded the alarm about such measures potential economic and financial repercussions, Khaama Press reported. (ANI)
Floridas Division of Hotels and Restaurants routinely inspects restaurants, food trucks and other food service establishments for public health and cleanliness issues.

The reports are public information.

Here are restaurants that failed to meet requirements during recent inspections:

Baja Fresh Mix, 5475 Factory Shops Blvd., Ellenton (inside Ellenton Premium Outlets)  Inspected Aug. 15

Intermediate: No chemical test kits were at hand to measure the strength of sanitizer in use for warewashing and/or wiping cloths.

Intermediate: There was no proof of required food safety training for any employees.

Basic: The restaurants current license was not displayed.

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Breakfast At Victorias AMI, 5315 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach

High priority: A container of sour cream in a walk-in cooler had a mold-like growth. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: A handwash sink was used for purposes other than handwashing. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: The establishment had no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.





Intermediate: There was no proof provided that food employees were informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.

The restaurants menu did not identify mayonnaise with raw shell eggs and cold smoked salmon as raw animal food items.

Basic: Five basic violations, including mold-like substance in an ice machine and a food prep employee not wearing a beard guard.

Cortez Cafe, 12108 Cortez Road W., Cortez  Inspected Aug. 4

High priority: An employee handled dirty dishes and then failed to wash hands before handling clean dishes.

High priority: Raw ground beef was stored on top of a feta cheese container. Corrective action was taken.

High priority: Shredded cheddar, diced ham and french toast were cold held at a temperature greater than 41 degrees. Corrective action was taken.

High priority: Cleaning wipes were stored on a shelf above a prep area next to bread.

Intermediate: The establishment had no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.

Intermediate: There was no proof provided that food employees were informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.

During a follow-up inspection on Aug. 9, an inspector found unresolved issues. The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Aug. 10.

La Creperie, 3216 E Bay Dr., Holmes Beach  Inspected Aug. 16

High priority: An employee filled a sanitizer bucket and then failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to work on the cook line. Corrective action was taken.

High priority: Sliced ham was cold held at a temperate greater than 41 degrees.

High priority: Melted butter was hot held at temperature less than 135 degrees.

High priority: Stainless steel cleaner was stored on a dry storage shelf next to food.

High priority: Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeded the maximum concentration allowed. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: A manager or person in charge lacked proof of food manager certification.

Basic: Three basic violations, including a food prep employee who was not wearing a hair restraint.

Dannys Pizzeria, 7220 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton  Inspected Aug. 9

High priority: Cheesecake, ham, chicken, meatballs and sausage were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees. A stop sale was issued due to temperature abuse and the items were discarded.

High priority: Cooked onions were hot held at a temperature less than 135 degrees.

High priority: An inspector observed multiple cooks put on gloves without first washing hands.

High priority: A fly strip was installed near a drink machine.

High priority: Raw sausage was stored over deli meats in a walk-in cooler.

High priority: Sliced cheese was date-marked as more than a week old.

High priority: Bottles of spray cleaner were stored near a salad prep area, a pizza dough area and a pan storage area.

High priority: Two cans of peeled tomatoes were dented around the seams. Corrective action was taken.

High priority: Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeded the maximum concentration allowed. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: A mixer head, a slicer blade guard and a can opener were soiled.

Intermediate: No written procedures were available for use of time as a public health control to monitor potentially hazardous food items.





Basic: 16 basic violations, including soiled microwaves, no employee handwashing sign at a sink, soiled floors on the cook line and a prep cook without a hair restraint.

The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Aug. 10.

Little Caesars Pizza, 573 10th St E, Palmetto  Inspected Aug. 8

High priority: A chemical substance was stored on a shelf next to food. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: A manager or person in charge lacked proof of food manager certification.

Intermediate: No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device were provided at a handwash sink. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: There was no proof of required food safety training for any employees.

Intermediate: There was no proof provided that food employees were informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.

Los Chiludos Fresh Mexican Grill, 3232 E. Bay Dr., Holmes Beach  Inspected Aug. 18

High priority: Tortillas were stored in a non-food grade container.

Intermediate: A can opener blade was soiled.

Intermediate: A cart was blocking access to an employee handwash sink. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: There was no proof provided that food employees were informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.

Basic: Four basic violations, including a soiled wiping cloth in use on the cook line.





Minnies Beach Cafe, 5360 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach  Inspected Aug. 17

High priority: An inspector observed approximately four small flying insects by a doorway to the kitchen.

High priority: Medication was stored on a shelf over a food prep area.

High priority: An employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to work with food. Corrective action was taken.

High priority: A package of cream cheese was stored directly on top of raw shell eggs in a refrigerator. Corrective action was taken.

High priority: A vacuum breaker was missing at a mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to a mop sink faucet.

Basic: Nine basic violations, including mold-like substance in an ice machine, two dead roaches on site and soiled walls in the kitchen.

The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Aug. 22.

Peachs Restaurant, 3240 E Bay Dr, Holmes Beach  Inspected Aug. 9

High priority: A dishmachine was not sanitizing properly. Corrective action was taken.

High priority: An employee rinsed out a dirty bus tub and then handled clean dishes without first washing hands.

High priority: Sugar was stored in a non-food-grade container.

High priority: Hashbrowns, pancake batter, diced ham and diced sausage were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees. Corrective action was taken.

Electronic screen wipes were stored next to condiment packets.

Intermediate: There was no proof provided that food employees were informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.

Basic: Three basic violations, including soiled AC vents.

During a follow-up inspection on Aug. 10, an inspector found unresolved issues. The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Aug. 17.

Ugly Grouper, 5704 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach  Inspected Aug. 14

High priority: An inspector observed three small flying insects in the main kitchen. Corrective action was taken.

High priority: A dishmachine was not sanitizing properly. Corrective action was taken.

Sticky fly traps were in place in a dry storage area. Corrective action was taken.

A spray bottle of cleaner was stored next to bags of sugar in a dry storage room. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: A certified food manager or person in charge lacked knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils and/or single-service items. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: The establishment had no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.





Intermediate: There was no proof provided that food employees were informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.

Basic: 13 violations, including an accumulation of dead flies in a sticky trap near food, damaged cutting boards and food stored on the floor and uncovered.

The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Aug. 15.

Editors Note: According to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, these reports are a snapshot of the conditions present at the time of the inspection and are public record. The agency is required to inspect every licensed restaurant at least once per year, but new and high-risk establishments tend to be inspected more frequently.

When an emergency shutdown order is given by an inspector, it must first be reviewed and approved by agency supervisors. In order for a business to reopen, an inspector will continue visiting the establishment daily until compliance is met. Some citations may include a financial penalty. Inspectors may also respond to complaints, which can be filed at www.myfloridalicense.com.
At least 17 workers were killed Wednesday when an under-construction bridge collapsed in India's Mizoram state. More are feared trapped as rescuers work to find them. Pictured is a suspension bridge collapse in Morbi, Gujarat, India, Oct. 31, 2022, that killed 135 people. File Photo by Siddharaj Solanki/EPA-EFE

Aug. 23 (UPI) -- At least 17 workers were killed Wednesday and dozens of others may be trapped in a railway bridge collapse in northeast India.

The bridge was under construction.

The bridge collapsed around 10 a.m. local time near the Sairang area of Mizoram state according to police.

"Seventeen bodies have been recovered from the debris so far... many others are still missing," a police officer said, according to Indian news media.

Rescue operations are underway for the additional workers feared trapped by the collapse.

Seventeen workers died in an Indian bridge collapse Wednesday in Mizoram state. Shown here is a deadly May 2018 bridge collapse in Varanasi, India. File Photo by Prabhat Kumar Verma/EPA-EFE

Prime Minister Narenda Modi said in a statement: "Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected."

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Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga said on X: "In an unfortunate incident during bridge work by contractor a girder has fallen down in Bhairbi-Sairang new line project in the state of Mizoram...High level inquiry committee has also been constituted to investigate the matter."

"Shocked to learn about the tragic collapse today of an under-construction railway bridge in Mizoram, leading to loss of lives of several site workers, including some belonging to our Malda district," West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in a statement. "Have instructed my chief secretary to coordinate with Mizoram administration at once for rescue/ assistance operations."

In November 2022, a bridge collapse in India's Morbi, Gujarat area killed 135 people in one of the worst infrastructure accidents in India's history.
A 19-year-old California woman who had been kidnapped from the scene of an apparently random shooting was found dead a day later in a field roughly 50 miles away, police said.

Gabriel Esparza, 20, has been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and murder after the body of Andrea Vazquez was found in vegetation in Moreno Valley, California, the Whittier Police Department announced.

Andrea Vazquez.

Andrea Vazquez.

According to police, Vazquezs boyfriend told investigators that they were inside his car at Penn Park in Whittier on Sunday early morning when an armed man approached them and began shooting in their direction.

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The boyfriend told officers that he ran away when shooting broke out and, upon returning to the scene, he found blood near the vehicle and his girlfriend missing, according to a previous police statement.

Police said that at this time, they believe Vazquez and her boyfriend were randomly targeted.

Speaking to NBC Los Angeles on Tuesday, Vazquezs family say theyre devastated by their loss.

Ana Vazquez, Andreas mother, said her family is in a state of shock and continue to have questions about what happened.

We dont know this person. When I see the picture of this guy who killed her, I see him and why did he do that? Who is he? Why my daughter? Theres so many things in my head, she told NBC Los Angeles.

Esparza was taken into custody on Tuesday at his workplace, and his vehicle and a weapon believed to have been used in the incident have been recovered, according to police.

Esparzas case is expected to be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys office on Wednesday, which will then determine what charges should be filed.

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Dino Fetscher is a smoke show!

Three photos of Dino Fetscher

@dinofetscher/Instagram

When Dino Fetscher was a baby-faced 19 years old he was named Mr Gay Uk, now 15 years later he is starring in the second season of the hit Apple TV+ series Foundation.

The out gay actor plays Glawen Curr on this intergalactic sci-fi series about humans living under the rule of the Galactic Empire. In the sophomore season of the hit show, Fetschers character reunites with his husband General Bel Riose (played by Ben Daniels) who thought Glawen was dead.

It was so refreshing that our characters sexualities were just incidental, the 35-year-old actor told Attitude. It wasnt the event; the event was everything we had to accomplish, the conflicts around the empire, our reuniting, and the trauma of everything that happened.

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The Welsh star said he was inspired by the way sexuality is treated on the show. Ive played a lot of queer roles so, when approaching Glawen, it was really curious for that not to be something I had to dig into, he explained. In this world, sexuality is very different. Its just the same as you have blue eyes and I have brown eyes. In lots of ways, its really inspiring because its not so far in the future. Thats where I hope we get to. Theres a whole plethora of other shit going on in this world, but at least they got that right!

The actor, who has also starred in Gentleman Jack and Cucumber, got candid about what he thinks of straight actors taking on queer roles. Its really important for young queer kids to see a queer character and then to find out that actor is queer in real life, Fetscher said. Its really empowering. Or for a trans kid to see a trans actor playing a trans role, and then they might be able to look up to them; those things are really powerful.

But he also admitted that there are going to be times when a queer role will got to a non-LGBTQ+ actor. I think for the actors who arent queer playing queer roles, theres certainly a respect that needs to be had there, and an understanding and a sensitivity around it.

Beyond being a talented, well-spoken actorwho was even nominated as the Celebrity Rising Star at the 2017 British LGBT Awardshes also a total hunk!

Scroll through to see all of the steamy photos of Dino Fetscher!
Republican presidential candidates are gearing up for their first debate Wednesday night in Milwaukee, and contenders are listening to music, exercising and spending time with their families to help them prepare.

Nikkis been preparing for six months on the campaign trail answering unscripted questions from voters across New Hampshire, Iowa, and South Carolina. Shes not afraid of the hard questions. Shell always fight for what she believes in, an adviser to former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley said.

The adviser said that the former U.N. ambassador also has a list of musical artists on rotation, including Joan Jett, Queen, Def Leppard, and The Go-Gos.

Sen. Tim Scotts campaign said that the South Carolina Republicans family is present with him, including his mother, Frances Scott.

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Today, Tim will spend time in prayer  he will spend time in the book of Proverbs, and a few devotionals. Tim will also be in the gym as well, his campaign told The Hill.

Among those who will be in the spin room for Scott include Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), former Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), campaign manager Jennifer DeCasper, communications director Nathan Brand and senior adviser Matt Gorman.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Mike Pences campaign told The Hill that Pence exercised Wednesday and has spent time with his family, including his wife, Karen, his daughter Charlotte, and his granddaughter.

Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamys campaign told The Hill the 38-year-old GOP millennial worked out this morning.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Twenty-two counties are suing the state of Washington, claiming that state hospitals have indiscriminately released people with behavioral health problems charged with felonies.

This is an issue KIRO 7 has tracked for months, stemming from whats known as a the Trueblood decision. That ruling from a federal judge stipulates that once the Department of Social and Health Services receives a court order finding someone incompetent to stand trial, its supposed to admit them within a week.

But if that person isnt admitted, the criminal charges can be dismissed, and the case gets moved to civil court, which pushes them to the top of the waitlist for evaluation by DSHS. The issue there, though, is that waitlist is backed up into the hundreds at places like Western State Hospital. And while that person waits in jail to be transferred to a hospital to be evaluated, the county is on the hook for daily fines known as compensatory sanctions.

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In many instances, once the person is moved into civil court, they can be released if too much time has passed while they wait for a DSHS bed.

Refusing to admit and indiscriminately releasing those with serious behavioral health issues  who were previously charged with felony crimes  without providing necessary treatment or proper notice to local authorities and crime victims is a clear dereliction of duty by DSHS, King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion said in a written statement released Wednesday.

The lawsuit filed by 22 counties -- including King County -- asks the court to immediately order DSHS to comply with its obligations to provide mental health treatment to people awaiting evaluations for these cases.




More than a decade after a man vanished after calling his mother to ask for a ride, his remains have been found, California authorities said.

Skeletal remains found in Redding on May 19 have been identified as Courtney Nathan Jones-Botta, who was reported missing in 2012, Lt. Tyler Thompson, Shasta Countys chief deputy coroner, said in an Aug. 22 news release.

On Aug. 16, 2012, Jones-Botta, 23, called his mother, asking for a ride from a Redding home, the Redding police said in a 2019 Facebook post.

When his mother arrived about 20 minutes later, she couldnt find Jones-Botta and reported him missing, police said.

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Police said they searched extensively in Redding and Shasta County for any signs of Jones-Botta, according to an Aug. 22 Facebook post. Detectives also interviewed more than 60 people.

Still, police said there were no viable leads, and the case went cold.

On the anniversary of his disappearance in 2019, Jones-Bottas mother wrote in a Facebook post that she could never fully prepare herself for such an anniversary.

There is nothing easy about losing a child and time doesnt heal all wounds as they say, she wrote. Crazy thing is that I have forced my mind, body, and heart to deal with the daily pain of losing my child. There isnt anything easy about it, its just something Im forced to do.

Police said they are continuing to investigate Jones-Bottas case with the county sheriffs office.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Redding police at 530-225-4214.

Redding is about 160 miles northwest of Sacramento.

Crew working in woods stumbles upon remains, SC cops say. They belonged to missing man

Remains found by hikers in Arizona desert are now IDd as missing man, reports say

Man vanished after driving from Washington to California in 1987. Now remains identified
Workers prepare the stage for a GOP presidential debate hosted by Fox News, the Wall Street Journal and the South Carolina GOP on January 16, 2012 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Credit - Joe RaedleGetty Images

The Republican presidential primary began months ago, but Wednesdays debate may as well be the starting gun. At the first GOP debate, the eight candidates who made the stage will include relative unknowns as well as current governors and a former Vice President. They all will try to distinguish themselves and gain ground on the frontrunner, former President Donald Trump , who is shunning the event.

On the campaign trail throughout the spring and summer, the candidates have worked to promote their personal brands and policy platforms. But on Wednesday, many may be forced to describe and defend specific views and plans for the first time since entering the race. Here are three major issues to listen for.

Trumps indictments

Despite his absence from the stage, Trump will be an invisible presence Wednesday night. On the campaign trail, his rivals have fielded constant questions about his legal troubles. The candidates have mostly split into two camps: those focused on suggesting that the prosecutions are political witch hunts, and those who are highly critical of the former Presidents actions.

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The first camp includes Florida Governor Ron DeSantis , biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, South Carolina Governor Tim Scott , and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. Some among them, like Ramaswamy, have committed to pardoning Trump if hes convicted of federal crimes; DeSantis has also signaled as much, though he hasnt made the same explicit promise. Scott and Haley, meanwhile, have sought to redirect the conversation away from Trump.

In the other camp are former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, anti-Trump contenders who have framed the allegations against him as disqualifying. Somewhere in the middle of the two groups is former Vice President Mike Pence , who suggested President Joe Biden was weaponizing the Justice Department following the first two indictments against Trump. Later, after Trumps third and fourth indictments, which are centered around the validity of the 2020 election results, Pence reaffirmed the elections security and condemned the former President for raising doubts about it.

Abortion

After the fall of Roe v. Wade last year, many Republicans have been hesitant to directly say whether they would pursue federal legislation further limiting abortion access. Meanwhile, a leading national anti-abortion group, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, has made support for a national limit on abortion after fifteen weeks of pregnancy a litmus test for the Republican nominee.

Despite identifying as pro-life, Ramaswamy, Christie, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum have all suggested the issue should be left up to the states. This summer, SBA Pro-Life America slammed DeSantis, who signed a six-week ban in Florida, after he dodged a question on federal limits, and implied abortion policy should be left up to the states. Others, like Haley and Scott, have indicated theyd support federal legislation restricting abortion after fifteen weeks without providing more details.

Pence, an evangelical Christian, has staked out the most extreme position on the issue among the eight candidates in the debate, saying he would sign any pro-life legislation that Congress would take up and signaling he is willing to pay short-term political costs to restrict abortion. He has called on his rivals to join him in backing a 15-week federal limit, advocated pulling the abortion pill mifepristone from the market, and suggested last month that he would ban abortion even for nonviable fetuses.

The war in Ukraine

As the United States continues to aid Ukraine in its war with Russia, it has become a dividing line among Republican presidential candidates. Both DeSantis and Ramaswamy have suggested that its not the United States responsibility to continue to put money and resources to boost Ukraine. The Florida governor walked back his characterization of the conflict as a territorial dispute, but has continued to suggest he would handle the conflict differently than Biden. Ramaswamy has suggested the U.S. should orchestrate an end to the war through an agreement in which Ukraine would cede territory to Russia and be prohibited from joining NATO.

Others, including Scott, Haley, Pence, and Christie, continue to support aid to Ukraine and have slammed Biden for not doing enough, though they have offered few specifics on how their own plans would differ. Both Christie and Pence emphasized their support for Ukraine this summer by traveling to the war-torn country to meet with Zelensky. Hutchinson and Burgum, meanwhile, have advocated for continuing aid, but with audits to keep better track of how it is being spent.

Write to Mini Racker at mini.racker@time.com.
The Douglas County Sheriffs Office announced four men were arrested in connection to the murder of a Lithia Springs man in the summer of 2022.

Corey Myers, 46, was shot and killed in his apartment during an apparent home invasion on June 7, 2022.

Over 14 months, the sheriffs office said it continued to investigate his death, eventually finding leads that brought them far outside their normal jurisdiction.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

While Myers was killed at the Birch Landing Apartments, investigators followed leads to Jonesboro, Ga., and the states of New Jersey, Mississippi, Texas, Tennessee, Florida, and North Carolina.

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Deputies said the investigation led to the arrest of four people in Clayton County, Ga., Hamilton County, Tenn., and Mecklenburg, N.C. between Aug. 2 to Aug. 19.

TRENDING STORIES:

The following individuals were charged by the Douglas County Sheriffs Office with:

Christian Jeriel Dejerinett age 20, Jonesboro, GA Captured in Atlanta, GA, 08/02/23 - charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, burglary in the first degree, and two counts of murder

Keyako Elijah Enrique Moore age 22, Jonesboro, GA Captured in Jonesboro, GA 08/02/23 - charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, burglary in the first degree, and two counts of murder

Jermonie Taj Suttles age 21, Jonesboro, GA Captured in Chattanooga, TN 08/09/23 - charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, burglary in the first degree, and two counts of murder

Dion Eric Williams age 46, Charlotte, NC. Captured in Charlotte, NC 08/19/23 - charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, burglary in the first degree, and two counts of murder





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OTHER NEWS:
Gail Miller speaks after donating toward the latest Joseph Smith papers at the Church Administration Building in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

In a recent interview with Church News podcast host Sarah Jane Weaver, Gail Miller gives insights about her familys involvement and leadership in compiling and creating the Joseph Smith Papers collection, which was completed in late June after 20 years of work.

Miller is the owner and board member of Larry H. Miller Group of Companies and funded the $10 million project with her late husband, Larry Miller. Both gave major support throughout the process.

Here are four insights Miller shared during the podcast:

1. How it all started

After seeing original church documents with a close friend, Millers husband Larry felt a strong impression that there was a project related to the documents that he needed to be working on.

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After more experiences related to Joseph Smith, he sought out Dean Jessee, who laid the foundation with several writings on the topic. And so the project was born.

2. A project to strengthen testimonies all over the world

Miller said that since the first president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is often misunderstood, by reading the papers and getting to know the intricacies of his life, people can get to know and understand him.

That was the aim of the Joseph Smith Papers project: to have millions who know Brother Joseph again, Miller told Weaver. I think the project itself will strengthen testimonies all over the world.

That was the aim of the Joseph Smith Papers project: to have millions who know Brother Joseph again. I think the project itself will strengthen testimonies all over the world.  Gail Miller

She said that it also has strengthened her testimony of the prophet.

I know my testimony has been strengthened to know that Joseph Smith is exactly who he said he was, that he testified of Christ, which is the real message that we want to get from the Joseph Smith Papers: that Christ is at the head of this church, that Joseph is the one who brought his gospel back to the earth, she said.

3. Understanding ones heritage gives strength to move forward

I think understanding our heritage gives us strength to move forward, especially if we have a heritage where people had to do hard things to live and to grow and to develop, Miller said.

By learning about those before us, Miller told Weaver, we are able to reflect on their efforts, triumphs and mistakes to learn from them and become better people.

4. The dedication of many made the papers possible

Many of the best and brightest were brought to work on the papers, Miller explained. The original estimation for the project was doubled to hire top professionals.

Sometimes there are footnotes on footnotes, Miller said, which can take a lot of hands to complete.

The dedication of so many people whove worked on this project strengthens my testimony by seeing their testimonies and the dedication that they have been able to provide to bring this project to life.

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Of all the Reuben and tuna melt-peddling, pancake and egg-slinging joints in the Sunshine State, Oakland Park restaurant Peter Pan Diner has just been declared the best.

The general-interest family magazine Readers Digest picked the 44-year-old eatery last week in its ranking of the most memorable and delicious greasy spoons across the country  based, it said, on a rigorous scientific method of investigating customer ratings, Tripadvisor scores, and local gossip to find the absolute best diner in every state.

While other enduring pit stops just as deserving spring to mind  Lesters, the Floridian, Olympia Flame, for example  its easy to imagine why Peter Pan wins the crown. The distinctive green-and-white building with a Disney Lost Boy on its logo, perched where Oakland Park Boulevard meets Dixie Highway, is a whole nostalgic vibe, refusing to grow up even as Fort Lauderdale sprouts skyscrapers around it.

Opened in 1979 by Panagiotis Kourkoumelis, Peter Pan has courted regulars as much for its belly-filling breakfasts as for its Greek specials, like marinated pork kabobs, pastitsio and Greekified stuffed cabbage rolls. Since 2001, Koukoumelis son, Jeronimos, has operated the diner.

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Its 1990s-inspired dining room  massive, low-key, with palm-leaf ceiling fans and many hanging planters  seems to stretch to the horizon, which is actually a separate full-liquor bar in the back. And its menu, at five pages (double-sided!), is an exercise in restraint, touting every comfort-food dish imaginable from corned beef hash and Mi Hammi Slammi (eggs, pancakes, ham) for breakfast to lamb shanks and moussaka for dinner.

The brown gravy that coats an open-faced turkey, the cucumber-flecked tzatziki sauce that glistens inside a chicken gyro, even the pat of butter that melts in a cocoon of mashed potatoes is all housemade, prepared by the cooks. They even bake the desserts and pastries, including platters of strawberry-crowned, New York-style cheesecake, baklava and carrot cake that beckon at the entrance.

Here, the waitstaff have been scribbling shorthand orders on blue-striped checks for decades, and seem to have missed their calling as acrobats, judging from the six plates of meatloaf they can balance on one arm.

Peter Pan Diner is at 1216 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park. Visit MyPeterPanDiner.com or call 954-565-7177. To see the full Readers Digest rankings, go to rd.com/list/most-iconic-diner-every-state.
South Carolinas long-contested six-week abortion ban is no longer in limbo.

The S.C. Supreme Court decided in a 4-1 ruling on Wednesday that the states six-week abortion ban is constitutional and can go into effect. The Supreme Court in June heard oral arguments over whether the revived version of the states abortion ban violates a womans right to privacy under the states constitution.

Here are five things to know about the states six-week abortion ban.

The ban prohibits abortions in South Carolina once fetal cardiac activity is detected, which is typically around the sixth week of pregnancy. Critics have argued that most women dont even know they are pregnant by then. The ban includes exceptions for rape and incest within 12 weeks, in cases of fatal fetal anomaly and in cases to protect the mothers life. The law requires child support to start at conception and lets judges decide if a minor can have an abortion should a parent or guardian be unavailable. The five Supreme Court judges who upheld the ban were all male. To help ensure the ban would be upheld, the Republican-led General Assembly changed the makeup of the Supreme Court. Former Justice Kaye Hearn, previously the only woman on the court, reached the mandatory 72-year-old retirement age this year and was replaced by Justice Gary Hill. Hearn helped strike down an earlier version of the six-week ban in 2021. Doctors would be subject to civil liability and would lose their license if found they violated the law.
Educators reveal the parenting behavior they steer clear of in their own lives.

Educators reveal the parenting behavior they steer clear of in their own lives.

Parents who are also teachers have a unique viewpoint when it comes to raising kids. The years spent in the classroom, working with students, while also interacting with their parents, help inform the choices they make with their own families.

We asked teachers what they personally avoid doing with their own kids based on what theyve witnessed or experienced on the job. Heres what they told us:

1. I wont be a helicopter parent.

Katie Niemczyk, a former high school English teacher in Minnesota, called helicopter parenting  when caregivers are overly protective and overly involved in their kids lives  one of the most stressful things teachers deal with. Not to mention its detrimental to kids in the long run, too, she told HuffPost.

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Of course, when kids are little, they need more parental involvement, but the goal is for parents  and teachers  to release more and more responsibility to students as they get older so they are mastering important life skills like organization, time management and accountability, said Niemczyk, a mother of two currently working as a freelance curriculum developer.

When I taught high school, I saw so many parents flat-out refuse to let their children struggle: They would constantly be contacting me directly to micromanage their childs grade, swooping in to make excuses for their childs poor choices, and even sometimes helping their child with assignments to the point that the student was not actually learning anything, she said.

Its difficult to watch your child make mistakes and deal with consequences, but its also necessary for them to be ready to leave the nest and succeed as young adults.

2. I wont make promises to my kids that I cant keep.

Katie Brunelle is a mother of two who taught fifth grade in Maine for more than a decade. Seeing how excited students would get when their parents told them something was going to happen  like a trip or a visit with the parent they dont live with full-time  and then seeing how hurt theyd be when mom or dad dropped the ball taught her an important lesson.

I know that life happens, things out of our control, but I understood quickly, before I had kids of my own, that my students knew the difference between a parent following through and an unexpected scenario putting a damper on things, Brunelle, co-host of the Redefining the Rainbow podcast, told HuffPost.

Its difficult to watch your child make mistakes and deal with consequences, but its also necessary for them to be ready to leave the nest and succeed as young adults.Katie Niemczyk, former high school English teacher

A kid being disappointed that plans fell through is one thing. A kid whos resigned themself to the fact their parent just cant get it together is another, she said.

It created a palpable distrust in the parents and their promises. I swore to keep the promises I made to my children, even if it meant not making promises because I wasnt sure I could follow through.

3. I wont automatically blame the teacher without having a conversation with them first.

There were many times Niemczyk felt a parent or guardian made a snap judgment about her teaching decisions without taking the time to get my perspective, she said.

Sometimes these judgments from parents came in the form of curt emails demanding to know why a students grade was low, she said. Other times, it was an accusatory question in a parent-teacher conference along the lines of, Why are you teaching my kid that? Niemczyk said.

And then there were situations in which the parent went straight to the principal with a complaint that could easily have been resolved through direct communication with me, she said.

The vast majority of the time, once a parent or guardian actually spoke to me, they realized they might not be getting the whole story at home and, most importantly, that I wasnt a monster out to get their kid! she said.

Before jumping to conclusions, take the time to actually have a conversation with your kid's teacher, Niemczyk advised.

Before jumping to conclusions, take the time to actually have a conversation with your kid's teacher, Niemczyk advised.

Similarly, Tyrelle Lee  a middle school social studies teacher in North Carolina  told HuffPost he refuses to be the type of parent who always sides with his kid, no matter what, and assumes the teacher must be at fault.

Due to the fact that kids tend to fabricate stories, I have to trust the teacher as the professional that they are doing whats best for my kid, he said.

Its worth going into any problem at school with the assumption that the educator has positive intentions, Niemczyk said. But remember that theyre just people, too, fallible like the rest of us.

Some teachers are mean or unfair, and all of them have bad days and make mistakes just like anyone else, Niemczyk said. But get all the information before jumping to conclusions and attacking someone who is probably doing their best in one of the most stressful professions there is. As a former colleague of mine likes to say, Teachers are doing the Lords work for shepherds pay. Cut them some slack whenever you can. Thank them for their hard work.

4. I wont believe theyre incapable of succeeding academically.

Jose Vilson, the executive director and co-founder of EduColor, is a former New York City middle school math teacher. As a father, he would never sell his child short when it comes to their academic potential, he told HuffPost. Just because a parent had a hard time with a particular subject or didnt do well in school in general doesnt mean the same outcome is inevitable for their child.

Too much of what happens with students in under-resourced environments is that we say things like, Well, theyre just not a math person or We werent any good at this so we dont expect you to be either, rather than, How can we get it so you can do better than we did? or something like that, Vilson said.

Parents: Don't underestimate your child's academic potential.

Parents: Don't underestimate your child's academic potential.

5. I wont skip a family trip  even if it means missing a few days of school.

Brunelle would not miss an opportunity to take her kids on vacation just because theyd be out of school for a couple of days, she said.

When she was teaching, parents and students would be so worried about making up work or missing too much by being out for a few days, she said. I would always tell them that anything that happens during those days can be explained afterward. The experience and time with family is much more important.

Related...
A 7-year-old boy was attacked by a bear in the backyard of his Westchester County, New York, home and taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries Tuesday morning, police said.

The child was in the yard of the North Castle home when he was attacked around 11:16 a.m., the North Castle Police Department said in a news release. Authorities did not release specifics on the boys injuries.

The parents were right there and assisted the child fearlessly, North Castle Police Chief Peter Simonsen told CNN affiliate WABC.

Officers responding to a 911 call about the attack arrived to find the bear still in the yard, police said.

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The bear continued to present a danger to first responders and area residents and was euthanized at the scene, police said.

Our concern was he did not retreat, so at one point he did advance and when you have that many human beings, I would think that an animal of that kind would normally retreat and it did not, Simonsen told WABC. The normal reaction of bears is to run away, especially with heightened activity and noise, they usually retreat.

The bear tested negative for rabies, the Westchester County Department of Health said Wednesday.

The bear was described as a male black bear larger than a cub but not yet an adult, WABC reported.

Black bears generally prefer to forage for wild foods away from people and attacks are rare, according to the US Forest Service.

More often than not, a wild bear will detect you first and flee from the area, the forest service notes. However, black bears that have become accustomed to humans and their foods may not run away.

The agency advises those who encounter black bears to remain calm, continue facing the animal, make lots of noise and slowly back away while keeping children and pets close, among other tips.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Remains found in California have been identified as an Oregon man who went missing a little more than a decade ago, according to a sheriffs office.

Max Eugene McIntosh, 75, of Medford, was last seen March 22, 2013, according to the California Department of Justice.

When the retired doctor left his home, he was heading to Missouri, The Redding Record Searchlight reported in 2013.

The same day he left home, however, his SUV was found out of gas near Lake Shasta, about 135 miles southeast of Medford, the newspaper reported.

Despite an extensive search, McIntosh was not found, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

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On June 23, skeletal remains were found in Lakehead, Lt. Tyler Thompson, Shasta Countys chief deputy coroner, said in an Aug. 22 news release.

After anthropological and DNA analysis, the remains were identified as McIntosh, Thompson said.

McIntoshs death is still under investigation by the sheriffs office and Medford police, according to Thompson.

Lakehead is about 180 miles northwest of Sacramento, and Medford is about 160 miles southeast of Eugene.

23-year-old called mom for ride then vanished in 2012, CA cops say. Remains now IDd

Vibrant teen found dead weeks after she vanished, CA cops say. Hard to put into words

19-year-old found dead in field after she was kidnapped from park, California cops say
A Maine man lived under two identities for more than half a century  his own and the identity of his brother who died as a baby in 1939, federal prosecutors said.

Napoleon Gonzalez, 86, of Etna, assumed his brothers identity in 1965, according to court documents and federal prosecutors, who said he obtained passports in his brothers name and was issued a Social Security number for him in 1981.

Eventually, Gonzalez began collecting Social Security retirement benefits for himself and for his brother until March 2020, when his scheme surfaced with the help of facial identification technology, prosecutors said. Its unclear how much in retirement benefits he collected under both names.

In January 2020, a detective with Maines Bureau of Motor Vehicles Division of Enforcement, Anti-Theft, and Regulations reviewed records with the technology and discovered the mans face on two separate state ID cards  one issued in his name and another in his brothers name, according to a trial brief filed in federal court.

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A jury found Gonzalez guilty of one count of identity theft, two counts of passport fraud, two counts of Social Security fraud and one count of mail fraud on Aug. 18, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Maine announced in an Aug. 21 news release.

Criminal justice attorney Harris A. Mattson, who represents Gonzalez, told McClatchy News in a statement on Aug. 23 that they plan on filing an appeal in the case.

This was an unusual case that presented some interesting legal issues that we intend to raise on appeal, Mattson said. Our view is that the evidence was not sufficient to prove at least one element in every count of the indictment.

Man says Air Force told him to assume brothers identity

On January 23, 2020, when detectives interviewed Gonzalez, he introduced himself using his true name and said he used his brothers identity at the direction of the U.S. Air Forces Office of Special Investigations, the trial brief says.

He told detectives he worked for the U.S. Air Force in the 1960s and was told to assume his brothers name for an undercover investigation, according to the trial brief.

An Air Force officer told investigators in a letter while it was difficult to say with certainty that Gonzalez was never affiliated with the OSI given the timeframe of the records request (going back to the 1960s), no such record was located, the trial brief says.

The officer wrote that OSIs policies and procedures prohibit confidential sources from using the identity of another person, according to the trial brief.

Man faked his death, court docs say

In addition to existing birth and death records for Gonzalezs brother, there are also existing birth and death records for him, the trial brief says.

Gonzalez is accused of faking his own death in November 1984 as part of an insurance fraud scheme, which he told investigators he previously served three years in jail for, according to the trial brief.

He used his brothers identity to falsely identify the body of another person, who had died in an automobile accident, as that of (his own identity), the trial brief says.

Gonzalez told investigators he paid to use another persons body and, while posing as his brother, identified the body as himself in an attempt to claim a life insurance policy, according to the trial brief.

In 2010, the Social Security Administrations Office of the Inspector General learned of Gonzalezs death record, the trial brief says.

As a result, benefit payments under his real name were temporarily suspended until he signed a sworn statement with his real name  resulting in the reinstatement of benefits, according to the trial brief.

Benefits suspended under his brothers name

In March 2020, after prosecutors said facial recognition technology revealed Gonzalez used two state ID cards, investigators requested that retirement benefits paid to his brother be suspended, according to prosecutors and the trial brief.

This led to him sending a letter to the Social Security Administration  signed under his brothers name  asking why the benefits were suspended, the release said.

In the letter, he said he was locked in his apartment, unable to drive and dependent on neighbors to obtain food and other items because of the COVID-19 pandemic, prosecutors said.

He is facing up to decades in prison, according to prosecutors.

The count of mail fraud could result in the highest potential prison sentence of up to 20 years, the release said. Court records dont list a sentencing date for him as of the morning of Aug. 23.

Social Security worker used fake children and disguises to steal benefits, feds say

Missing moms boyfriend stole her disabled sons benefits after she vanished, feds say

Man poses as his twin who died days after birth to steal $145,000 in benefits, feds say
A Davidson County judge issued a temporary restraining order Wednesday against the Tennessee House of Representatives, blocking the chamber's new rule barring signs in the galleries.

The order, signed by Chancellor Anne Martin, comes as part of a lawsuit filed earlier in the morning by the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee.

The lawsuit stems the removal of three activists from a House committee hearing for holding paper signs supporting gun reform. The residents were removed by state troopers on Tuesday after being told to lower paper signs and not clap during the House Civil Justice Subcommittee hearing.

"Defendants are not harmed by issuance of this motion as they have no legitimate government interest in violating First Amendment rights or enforcing patently unreasonable rules  and Plaintiffs conduct of silently holding small signs cannot be said to have disrupted the proceedings of the House of Representatives," ACLU attorney Stella Yarbrough wrote in the plaintiff's motion for a temporary restraining order. "The public interest is extremely great: nothing less than the constitutional rights of Tennesseans to participate in their government is at stake."

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A hearing on the temporary injunction is currently scheduled for Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. CT.

We applaud the court for taking swift action to protect the free speech rights of Tennesseans," said ACLU of Tennessee Executive Director Kathryn Sinback, on the temporary restraining order. "Democracy depends on peoples ability to express their opinions to their elected representatives on issues they care about, and this unreasonable rule stood in the way of people fully participating in the democratic process.

Allison Polidor is escorted out by State Troopers during a House Subcommittee meeting for holding a sign during the meeting at Cordell Hull State Office Building in Nashville , Tenn., Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023.

The plaintiffs, Allison Polidor, Erica Bowton and Maryam Abolfazli, were removed from the meeting under rules adopted by the Tennessee House of Representatives for the special session.

Confusion was obvious in the crowd as the rule banning signs  and later clapping  was announced at the beginning of the meeting, with silent audience members slowly lowering paper signs and phone screens.

Live Wednesday updates: Senate tables bills, autopsy bill passes House committee

After Polidor refused to lower her sign from where she clutched it to her chest, troopers lifted her from her seat and escorted her out.

The real heroes are leaving the room right now, a woman in the crowd shouted as officers walked Polidor out.

The lawsuit, Polidor et al. v. Sexton et. al., was filed in the Chancery Court for Davidson County on behalf of the three women. The plaintiffs sought the emergency injunction to stop enforcement of the rule prohibiting people from silently holding signs during House of Representative proceedings.

"These rules are unreasonable," ACLU-TN Legal Director Stella Yarbrough said in a statement. "The Tennessee Houses ban on silently holding signs in House galleries directly undermines Tennesseans First Amendment right to express their opinions on issues that affect them and their families."

Polidor agreed.

"I have a close friend whose son was a third grader at The Covenant School last year. I spent most of the day on March 27, 2023 not knowing whether my friends son was dead or alive. He survived, but his life, and so many others, will forever be marked by this tragedy," Polidor said in a statement Wednesday. "On August 22, 2023 I joined with so many other moms from across Tennessee to urge our lawmakers to enact common sense gun laws. I was removed for peacefully holding a small sign, and exercising my First Amendment rights. What started as a debate on gun safety has morphed into a blatant violation of my First Amendment rights."

Following her removal on Tuesday, Polidor said the subcommittee meeting was the first event she had attended that day alongside fellow activists with Tennessee Rise and Shine and Moms Demand Action, and she is planning on being present for many more meetings throughout the session.

Just tell me where I need to go, she said Tuesday.

Abolfazli shared similar concerns as Polidor in her affidavit, included in the lawsuit.

"I am concerned about the issue of gun violence in Tennessee because I have a little boy, and he is going to grow up with unnecessary anxiety and fear because of drills and stories about violence and potential threats at best, and he could be harmed at worst," she said. "I want my son to grow up in the safety that I grew up in when guns werent everywhere."

The Offices of House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crosville, and the Attorney General's Office have not yet responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit.

First Amendment expert: Rule banning signs had 'no justification'

Ken Paulson, director of the Free Speech Center and Middle Tennessee State University, praised the ACLU's actions while decrying the House rule as an attempt to "suppress" the public.

"The ACLUs action is timely and critical," he said. "When the government takes any action that limits freedom of speech, it has to demonstrate an overriding public need and cant limit speech because of its content. There was no justification for banning a tiny paper sign. There was no disruption or threat to public safety.

"As I understand it, the ban on signs in committee meetings is also not standard procedure, which means the House was trying to suppress the specific idea expressed in the sign  that the lives of children are more important than guns."

Paulson said the rule marked a blatant infringement on the First Amendment right to petition the government.

"Whats so disturbing about the legislatures efforts to limit dissent and not come face-to-face with upset constituents is that theyre side-stepping the core American right of petition," he said. "Our democracy was built on the principle that citizens have an absolute right to be heard by their government, with the expectation that their concerns will be considered and addressed in a constructive manner. Thats not happening in Nashville."

The USA Today Network - Tennessee's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.

Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at alatham@gannett.com, by phone at 931-623-9485, or follow her on Twitter at @angele_latham

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Judge temporarily blocks House sign rule as ACLU sues over free speech
Star Wars series Ahsoka's premiere episode is dedicated to its late star Ray Stevenson.

Stevenson played Baylan Skoll in the new Disney+ show, which stars Rosario Dawson as the eponymous hero. He sadly passed away in May at the age of 58 while working on a new movie in Italy.

Following the thrilling events of Ahsoka's very first episode, a title card with the message 'For our friend, Ray' appears before the end credits sequence.

Lucasfilm - Disney+

Related: Ahsoka is a direct sequel to Star Wars: Rebels  for better and worse



Stevenson previously appeared in the Star Wars universe voicing Gar Saxon in Star Wars Rebels and Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

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Major film and TV credits from his lengthy career included appearances in the first three Thor movies, RRR, the Divergent trilogy and Dexter, plus historical dramas including Black Sails, Vikings and Rome.

Lucasfilm Ltd. - Disney+

A number of prominent Hollywood figures paid tribute to Stevenson upon the news of his death.

Among them was Dawson, who shared photos from their time working on Ahsoka along with her tribute.

"A giant of a man stunned and reeling from this tragic, devastating news. Gone too soon from this world," she wrote.

"At a loss for words just wanted to mark this moment and share your ever ready and present smile. Love you forever. Holding your family in my heart."

Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn, who collaborated with him on Thor: The Dark World, tweeted: "Damn. So sorry to hear about the passing, far too young, of Ray Stevenson.



Jeff Spicer - Getty Images

Related: Legends of Tomorrow star replaces late Ray Stevenson in new movie

"I only knew him a little from shooting post-credits of Thor 2 & a couple interactions at events, but we had some good laughs & he was a joy to work with. His friends & family are in my heart today."

Sex Education's Jame Purefoy worked with Stevenson on the historical drama Rome, and wrote: "So sad to hear the news that Ray Stevenson, our Pullo in Rome, has passed away. A brilliant, gutsy, larger-than-life actor who filled every part he played right up to the brim.

"My thoughts are with his family, his lovely wife Betta and their beautiful kids. What a loss."

Ahsoka streams weekly on Disney+.

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People who have been robbed of their ability to talk to others due to paralysis caused by conditions like stroke or ALS no longer seem destined to permanent silence. This is thanks to implants that read the brains electrical impulses and translate them into thoughts that can be communicated to those on the outside.

A pair of new studies published in Nature on Wednesday have moved us forward in this endeavor in very groundbreaking ways. A Stanford University team successfully demonstrated the use of a AI-powered brain implant that can read brain signals and translate them into speech at an average rate of 62 words per minutenearly 3.5 times faster than previous records set by similar implants.

The second study, run by the University of California, San Franciscos Chang Lab, is arguably more exciting. The lab announced the demonstration of a brain implant that can, for the first time ever, synthesize spoken words and facial expression directly from brain signals. The technology was shown to give back speech to Ann Johnson, a 48-year-old teacher who previously suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed and unable to talk. The new device now allows her to talk to others through a digital avatar that speaks and exhibits facial expressions that accurately reflect her thoughts.

This Dissolving Implant May One Day Save Lives From Brain Cancer

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Our goal is to restore a full, embodied way of communicating, which is really the most natural way for us to talk with others, Edward Chang, a UCSF neuroscientist who leads the Chang Lab, said in a statement. These advancements bring us much closer to making this a real solution for patients.

The Stanford teams device builds upon previous work to produce written speech from brain signalsit collects neural activity from brain cells, and uses an AI to decode those signals as they pertain to communication. In its demonstration, the devices error rate was 9.1 percent (nearly three times less than previous devices), based on a 50-word vocabulary.

But its the Chang Labs work that really pushes the forefront of brain implant technologies. The implant measures brain signals through electrodes that sit on the head and measure brain cell activity. The brain-to-text function achieved 78 words per minute, with a mere 4.9 percent error rate from a 50-phrase set.

An Implant Zapped a Paralyzed Mans Spine. Now He Can Walk Again.

The marquee feature, however, is the brain-to-speech function. Though the error rate for this is much higher25 percent for a 1,000-word vocabulary, and 28 percent error rate for a 39,000-word vocabularyits still a remarkable achievement to turn brain signals into audible speech. And the facial movements and non-verbal expressions translated through the visual avatar proved to be quite accurate as well.

The accuracy, speed and vocabulary are crucial, UCSF researcher and study co-author Sean Metzger said in a statement. Its what gives a user the potential, in time, to communicate almost as fast as we do, and to have much more naturalistic and normal conversations.

The main next steps for Chang and his team are to see this device get FDA approval so more patients with anarthriathe medical term for loss of speechcan take advantage of it; as well as the development of a wireless version that can help patients feel more unencumbered and free.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has endorsed former President Trump for the 2024 election, according to reports from Politico.

Dunleavy becomes the third GOP governor to officially back Trump, after Govs. Jim Justice (W.Va.) and Henry McMaster (S.C.).

Trump is the clear front-runner of the 2024 GOP field, with a wide polling lead over other candidates. The former president has about 52 percent support, according to national polling averages. His closest rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , has about 15 percent support.

Trump endorsed Dunleavy for his 2022 reelection bid on a conditional basis, only lending his support if he pledged to support Republican attempts to unseat Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who was also up for reelection. Dunleavy agreed, but Murkowski defeated a Trump-backed opponent to keep the seat.

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He previously endorsed Dunleavy for his first gubernatorial bid in 2018 and when he faced a failed recall vote in 2019.

Dunleavys office declined to confirm the reports to The Hill, citing state ethics requirements not to comment on campaign matters.

Only five governors have endorsed any candidate for the 2024 race so far, with Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) backing DeSantis and Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) backing former Vice President Mike Pence, a fellow Hoosier.

Two governors are running, DeSantis and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Yevhen Perebyinis, Ukraines Deputy Foreign Minister, accepted copies of credentials from the newly appointed Ambassador of Slovenia to Ukraine Mateja Prevolsek on 22 August.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Details: Perebyinis thanked Slovenia for its comprehensive support of Ukraine in its opposition to Russian armed aggression.

Ukraines Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Perebyinis and Ambassador of Slovenia to Ukraine Mateja Prevolsek. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

"For her part, Mateja Prevolsek thanked Ukraine for its help in addressing the aftermath of large-scale floods in Slovenia and reaffirmed her countrys commitment to continue to fully support Ukraine in its fight against the Russian aggressor," the statement by Ukraines Foreign Ministry said.

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Perebyinis and Prevolsek also discussed practical steps to implement President Volodymyr Zelenskyys Peace Formula, Ukraines path to full membership in the EU and NATO, cooperation during Slovenias non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council, and Ukraines recovery efforts.

Background:

The recent heavy rains have caused significant damage in Slovenia, causing at least seven main and regional bridges to collapse and damaging roads and energy infrastructure. Thousands of people had to flee their homes, many were evacuated by helicopters and boats, and there were casualties.

According to Slovenian authorities, this is the worst flood in Slovenia in recent history, affecting two thirds of the countrys territory.

On 12 August, 51 Ukrainian rescue workers and 19 pieces of equipment were deployed to Slovenia to help with rescue operations.

Prime Minister of Slovenia Robert Golob personally greeted the Ukrainian rescue team that arrived to provide assistance.

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 claim: US citizens will need a visa to travel to Europe starting in 2024

An Aug. 15 post (direct link, archive link) on X, formerly Twitter, claims Americans wanting to vacation in a popular destination will soon have to take another step.

U.S. citizens will need visa to travel to Europe in 2024, reads the post.

It was shared more than 10,000 times. Another version of the claim was shared on Facebook.

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

Our rating: False

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals including U.S. citizens, will go into effect in 2024. The European Commission said it is not a visa and does not have the same obligations as a visa.

Form is inexpensive and typically processed 'within minutes'

ETIAS is an entry requirement for citizens of visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., who are traveling short-term to any of 30 countries in Europe, including France, Germany, Greece and Italy.

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Its linked to a travelers passport and allows them to enter the country normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, according to the European Union. The State Department referred USA TODAY to the EU for information on the new requirement.

The European Commission, the EU's executive branch, told USA TODAY the claim that its the same as a visa is false.

ETIAS is not a visa and does not reintroduce visa-like obligations, said European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper. There will be no need to go to a consulate to make an application, no biometric data will be collected and no additional documentation will be required beyond a valid travel document.

Fact check: No, UK's health agency hasn't stopped COVID-19 vaccines in Europe

Applications can be submitted online or through an app and are typically processed within minutes, according to the EU. The cost is less than $8 and the authorization is valid for up to three years, or until the traveler's passport expires, whichever comes first. The application system is not yet available, and the start date is expected to be announced by the end of 2023.

It will not bring any major administrative burden for the travelers, and the whole process will be quick and easy, Hipper said.

f you have two American passports, a visa agency can one to process your application for a future trip while you travel on the second one.

The EU also says on its website the form is not equivalent to a residence permit or visa, and that it only permits travelers to enter a participating country for a short-term stay. Travelers will still be required to have a passport. Travelers who already have visas do not need an ETIAS.

The European Commission gave similar guidance in 2018. The system was proposed to strengthen security checks on people who travel without visas to the EU.

Hipper noted requiring authorization forms for travelers is "nothing new" and that countries including the U.S. have had similar systems in place for "many years now."

USA TODAY reached out to users who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Our fact-check sources:

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

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

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: False claim US citizens need visa for 2024 Europe travel | Fact check
A missing California teen has been found dead following a violent kidnapping, officials in the Whittier Police Department said.

The remains of 19-year-old Andrea Vazquez were found in a vegetation field in Moreno Valley.

Vazquez was randomly kidnapped over the weekend while she was in a car with her boyfriend in a Los Angeles park.

While Vazquez and her boyfriend were sitting in the parked car at Penn Park, an armed man approached them and began shooting. Vazquezs boyfriend fled the scene and when he returned, he discovered blood near it and Vazquez was gone.

At this time, it appears that Andrea Vazquez and male companion were randomly targeted by the suspect at Penn Park, police said in a statement.

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Detectives combed the area of Moreno Valley and made the gruesome discovery on Monday evening.

Gabriel Sean Esparza, 20, has been arrested in connection with the crime. Mr Esparza is facing charges of murder and kidnapping and is currently being held without bail.

Key points

Andrea Vasquez was yanked out of a car and shot, police say

Vazquez was 'randomly targeted', police says

Who is the suspect accused of Andrea Vazquezs murder?

Arrest made in random killing of California teen

Body of Andrea Vazquez found in vegetation field

19:30 , Ariana Baio

Police in California said that the body of Andrea Vazquez was found in a vegetation field near Alessandro Boulevard and Merwin Street in Moreno Valley.

Throughout the investigation, an ongoing search for Andrea Vazquez took place in large open land areas of Moreno Valley. At 11:50 p.m. on August 21, 2023, detectives located the body of Andrea Vasquez in a vegetation field off Alessandro Boulevard and Merwin Street in Moreno Valley, police said in a statement.

Her body was found after she was kidnapped by a suspect.

Family is experiencing grief and pain beyond description

19:00 , Ariana Baio

Officials say that her body was found late on Monday night and that the victims family were informed on Tuesday morning.

This is not the outcome they wanted, but they do realize Whittier Police worked around the clock, said Moses Castillo, a former LAPD detective and advocate for the family. Their pain and grief is beyond description.

The victim was shot and kidnapped from Penn Park in Whittier after she had been sitting in a parked car with her boyfriend.

Police say Andrea Vazquez was randomly targetted

18:40 , Ariana Baio

Authorities in the Whittier Police Department said they believe the suspect who kidnapped and shot Andrea Vazquez was randomly targetted.

Vazquez was with her boyfriend in a parked car when the suspect approached them armed with a firearm.

At this time, it appears that Andrea Vazquez and her male companion were randomly targeted by the suspect at Penn Park, the statement from police read.

Watch: Vigil held for Andrea Vazquez

18:10 , Ariana Baio

Timeline in Andrea Vazquez case

17:45 , Ariana Baio

20 August

Sometimes after 12am: An armed suspect approaches Andrea Vazquez and a male companion in a parked vehicle in the parking stall of Penn Park. The suspect begins shooting and takes Vazquez.

21 August

3pm: Gabriel Esparza, 20, arrested in connection to the shooting and kidnapping of Vazquez

11.50pm: Detective locate the body of Andrea Vazquez in a field off of Alessandro Boulevard and Merwin Street in Moreno Valley

Sister of Andrea Vazquez posts tribute

17:10 , Ariana Baio

Ambushed at an LA park, kidnapped and her body dumped in a field: What happened to Andrea Vazquez?

16:40 , Ariana Baio

It was a Sunday night and a young couple were sitting together in a car at a park near Los Angeles.

What happened next was something straight out of a horror movie  except this was real life.

A gunman suddenly opened fire on the couple before pulling 19-year-old Andrea Vazquez from the car.

Vazquezs boyfriend escaped the gunfire but returned to the vehicle to find she had been kidnapped.

After an intensive one-day search, the harrowing incident culminated in despair as Vazquezs body was found in a field and a suspect  who has no known connection to the couple  was arrested for her murder.

Fazia Saqib reports:

What we know about kidnap and murder of Andrea Vazquez

Local official thanks police and sends prayers to Andrea Vazquez family

16:00 , Ariana Baio

Sister of Andrea Vazquez says she tracked her location after kidnapping

15:30 , Ariana Baio

Edlyn Vazquez, the sister of Andrea Vazquez, said after her sister was kidnapped on Sunday she began tracking her location.

Andrea was the target of a random act of violence when she was suddenly kidnapped from the parking lot of a park in Los Angeles. Andreas boyfriend was with her when an armed man approached them and began shooting.

The man took Andrea in his car after the boyfriend fled.

Ms Vazquez told ABC7 that using Apples Find My iPhone feature she tracked her sisters location.

I tracked it to... going down the [Route] 60, Ms Vazquez said. I started following it and the location stopped in Moreno Valley, and that the last known location that I have of her.

Authorities found Andreas body in a vegetation field in Moreno Valley on Monday night.

Andrea Vazquez case being presented in court today

15:00 , Ariana Baio

Officials from the Whittier Police Department said they expect to present the case of Andrea Vazquezs death to the Los Angeles County District Attorney today.

Police did not provide any further detail other than the date the case was being presented.

GoFundMe for Andrea Vazquez raises over $20k

14:30 , Ariana Baio

A GoFundMe for the family of Andrea Vazquez has raised over $20,000 in memory of the 19-year-old who was the victim of a random violent act.

I am asking all our friends and family to help my family with the tragic loss of our beautiful Andrea, the GoFundMe creator, Diana Ortiz, wrote in the description.

As of Wednesday morning, the fundraiser had raised $22,055.

We appreciate all the love, prayer, and support during this time. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

We are just trying to process this, family say

14:00 , Andrea Blanco

Weve been here praying with my aunt and my uncle, a cousin of Vazquez told FOX11 on Tuesday.

Unfortunately, we were notified of Andrea being found. We are devastated. My uncle and my aunt are heartbroken. We have good strong family support so we are just here trying to process this, its hard. She was our baby cousin, just 19 years old. Such a senseless act, it shouldnt have happened

Andrea Vazquez was yanked out of a car and shot

13:00 , Andrea Blanco

Officials say that the body was found late on Monday night and that the victims family were informed on Tuesday morning.

This is not the outcome they wanted, but they do realize Whittier Police worked around the clock, said Moses Castillo, a former LAPD detective and advocate for the family. Their pain and grief is beyond description.

The victim was shot and kidnapped from Penn Park in Whittier after she had been sat in a parked car with her boyfriend.

Investigators say that the boyfriend fled the gunfire and when he returned to the vehicle he discovered blood near it and Ms Vasquez had gone.

Police say suspect arrested in Vazquezs death had no connection to her

12:00 , Andrea Blanco

Gabriel Sean Esparza, 20, has been arrested in connection with the crime.

Mr Esparza is facing charges of murder and kidnapping and is currently being held without bail.

At this time, it appears that Andrea Vazquez and her male companion were randomly targeted by the suspect at Penn Park, Whittier police said in a statement.

Andrea Vazquez studied fashion design and was passionate about cosmetology

11:00 , Andrea Blanco

Vasquez was a fashion design student at Fullerton College and also worked at a mall in Cerritos.

Emily Martinez, a relative of Vazquez, told Fox News Digital before her body was found on Monday that the 19-year-old had been working with her sister Edlyn, who is a lash artist.

Ms Martinez had described Vazquez as a beautiful person who was liked by everyone who met her.

(Whittier Police Department)

Murder investigation will be presented to DAs office on Wednesday

10:00 , Andrea Blanco

Whittier police said evidence suggested Vazquezs kidnapping and shooting was random.

A weapon was recovered from the scene and officials are searching Mr Esparzas car for evidence.

The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys office on Wednesday.

Andrea Vazquez's sister managed to track her location, she says

09:15 , Stuti Mishra

Shortly after 20-year-old Andrea Vazquez was attacked and kidnapped, her sister Edlyn managed to track her location using the Apples Find My iPhone feature and began following it.

However, she soon lost it a few minutes later.

I tracked it to ... going down the 60. I started following it and the location stopped in Moreno Valley, and thats the last known location that I have of her, she said, according to ABC7.

Vazquez was later found dead in an open field in Moreno Valley, not far from where Edlyn said she tracked her location and the family found traces of blood.

WATCH: Andrea Vazquezs family had issued desperate pleas before tragic developments on Tuesday

08:30 , Stuti Mishra

Before Vazquezs body was found on Monday night, her family pleaded with the public for information regarding her whereabouts.

All we know about Gabriel Esparza, the main suspect in Andrea Vazquez's death

07:30 , Stuti Mishra

Whitter Police Department say that they have arrested 20-year-old Gabriel Esparza as the main suspect in the case and charged him with murder and kidnapping.

Police said Mr Esparza, a Whittier resident, was arrested at his job on Monday in the city of Lakewood. He has since been booked into the Whittier Police Department and is being held without bail.

So far no motive has been discovered and officials believe Andrea Vazquez was "randomly targeted".

Investigators have recovered the weapon believed to have been used in the slaying, as well as the suspects vehicle, a 2013 White Toyota Tacoma truck, was also recovered.

Police say that the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys office on Wednesday.

What happened to Andrea Vazquez? All we know so far

06:46 , Stuti Mishra

The body of Andrea Vazquez, 19, was discovered in an open field in Moreno Valley, not far from where her family say her phone last pinged and they found traces of blood.

Officials say that her body was found late on Monday night and that the victims family were informed on Tuesday morning.

The victim was shot and kidnapped from Penn Park in Whittier after she had been sitting in a parked car with her boyfriend.

Investigators say that the boyfriend fled the gunfire and when he returned to the vehicle he discovered blood nearby and Ms Vazquez gone.

Whittier Police Department say that they have arrested 20-year-old Gabriel Esparza as a suspect in the case and charged him with murder and kidnapping.

So far there is no motive discovered behind the attack and officials believe she was "randomly targeted".

Vazquez was a fashion design student at Fullerton College and also worked at a mall in Cerritos.

We are just trying to process this, family say

06:00 , Stuti Mishra

Weve been here praying with my aunt and my uncle, a cousin of Vazquez told FOX11 on Tuesday.

Unfortunately, we were notified of Andrea being found. We are devastated. My uncle and my aunt are heartbroken. We have good strong family support so we are just here trying to process this, its hard. She was our baby cousin, just 19 years old. Such a senseless act, it shouldnt have happened

California woman shot and kidnapped from boyfriends car found dead

06:00 , Andrea Blanco

The body of Andrea Vasquez, 19, was discovered in an open field in Moreno Valley, not far from where her family say her phone last pinged and they found traces of blood.

The Independents Graeme Massie reports:

California woman shot and kidnapped from boyfriends car found dead

Police recover weapon used in attack

05:30 , Stuti Mishra

Police say they have recovered a weapon they believed is tied to the attack which killed Andrea Vazquez, 20.

Vazquez was attacked near the parking stalls of Penn Park in Whittier just after midnight on Sunday.

Police have also recovered her Esparzas 2013 white Toyota Tacoma trunk.

Vazquez was 'randomly targeted', police says

05:04 , Stuti Mishra

Investigators say that so far they believe that Vazquez and her boyfriend seem to have been "randomly" targeted by the attacker who is now facing charges of murder and kidnapping as no other motive has come to light.

At this time, it appears that Andrea Vazquez and her male companion were randomly targeted by the suspect at Penn Park, Whittier police said.

The body of the 20-year-old was found late on Monday night in a field in Moreno Valley after she went missing. Vasquezs boyfriend fled from the car after the suspect fired.

Detectives are not disclosing any additional details at this time because the investigation is ongoing, Whittier police said.

Who is the suspect accused of Andrea Vazquezs murder?

04:30 , Stuti Mishra

Whitter Police Department say that they have arrested 20-year-old Gabriel Esparza as the main suspect in the case and charged him with murder and kidnapping.

Police said Mr Esparza, a Whittier resident, was arrested at his job Monday in the city of Lakewood.

He has since been booked into the Whittier Police Department and is being held without bail.

Gabriel Esparza, 20, charged with murder and kidnapping of Andrea Vasquez (WPD)

Community had gathered to pray for Andrea Vazquezs safe return

04:00 , Andrea Blanco

Just a day before they were delivered tragic news of Vazquezs death, her family and community members had gathered at Penn Park, where the teen was kidnapped, to hold a vigil for her safe return.

Ive never experienced a heartbreak like this, Vazquezs sister Edlyn Vazquez told KTLA on Monday. Im just trying to stay strong for her because I know shell be back.

The family was informed on Tuesday morning that Vazquezs body was found in a vegetation field in Moreno Valley.

Vazquezs boyfriend survived kidnapping attack, police say

03:00 , Andrea Blanco

Investigators say that Vazquezs boyfriend was with her when she was kidnapped from a parked car at Penn Park in Whittier.

He fled the gunfire and when he returned to the vehicle he discovered blood nearby and Ms Vasquez gone.

Police say that the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys office on Wednesday.

Vasquez was a fashion design student at Fullerton College and also worked at a mall in Cerritos.

Family is experiencing grief and pain beyond description

02:20 , Andrea Blanco

Officials say that her body was found late on Monday night and that the victims family were informed on Tuesday morning.

This is not the outcome they wanted, but they do realize Whittier Police worked around the clock, said Moses Castillo, a former LAPD detective and advocate for the family. Their pain and grief is beyond description.

The victim was shot and kidnapped from Penn Park in Whittier after she had been sitting in a parked car with her boyfriend.

Andrea Vazquez was passionated about cosmetology, family say

01:40 , Andrea Blanco

Emily Martinez, a relative of Vazquez, told Fox News Digital before her body was found on Monday that the 19-year-old had been working with her sister Edlyn, who is a lash artist.

Ms Martinez had described Vazquez as a beautiful person who was liked by everyone who met her.

We went to Cancun on a trip, Martinez said. It was storming, and she would be that girl who would run into the pool in full makeup and a dress. She was the one who was willing to make you laugh even if it meant embarrassing herself.

Family mourns senseless act that cut Andrea Vazquezs life short

01:00 , Andrea Blanco

Weve been here praying with my aunt and my uncle, a cousin of Vazquez told FOX11 on Tuesday.

Unfortunately, we were notified of Andrea being found. We are devastated. My uncle and my aunt are heartbroken. We have good strong family support so we are just here trying to process this, its hard. She was our baby cousin, just 19 years old. Such a senseless act, it shouldnt have happened

WATCH: Andrea Vazquezs issued desperate pleas before tragic developments on Tuesday

Wednesday 23 August 2023 00:19 , Andrea Blanco

Andrea Vasquez was yanked out of a car and shot, police say

Tuesday 22 August 2023 23:50 , Andrea Blanco

Officials say that the body was found late on Monday night and that the victims family were informed on Tuesday morning.

This is not the outcome they wanted, but they do realize Whittier Police worked around the clock, said Moses Castillo, a former LAPD detective and advocate for the family. Their pain and grief is beyond description.

The victim was shot and kidnapped from Penn Park in Whittier after she had been sat in a parked car with her boyfriend.

Investigators say that the boyfriend fled the gunfire and when he returned to the vehicle he discovered blood near it and Ms Vasquez had gone.

Arrest made in random killing of California teen

Tuesday 22 August 2023 23:29 , Andrea Blanco

The body of 19-year-old Andrea Vasquez, 19, was discovered in an open field in Moreno Valley, not far from where her family say her phone last pinged.

Whitter Police Department say that they have arrested 20-year-old Gabriel Esparza as the main suspect in the case and charged him with murder and kidnapping.

Police said Mr Esparza, a Whittier resident, was arrested at his job Monday in the city of Lakewood. He has since been booked into the Whittier Police Department and is being held without bail.
Conservative pundit Ann Coulter is voicing confidence that former President Trump wont be the Republican nominee for the White House in 2024.

I dont think Trump will be the nominee, but youd really do the country a solid if you could get Democrats to stop indicting him, Coulter said during a discussion hosted by Frank Bruni , a contributing writer for The New York Times Opinion section, ahead of the first GOP debate Wednesday.

Trump can barely speak English. Hes a gigantic baby, she continued when pressed to explain her view. The only reason he crushed in 2016 is because of immigration  the wall, deport illegal immigrants, the travel ban (which imposed limits on travel from several predominantly Muslim countries). That is DeSantis this time  without the total lack of interest in carrying it out.

Coulter, a onetime Trump booster, has more recently been a vocal critic of the former president. Early last year she declared Trump was done amid speculation of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis mounting a GOP primary challenge.

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DeSantis formally launched his campaign in late May but has struggled to gain traction against Trump, who maintains a large lead in polls of the GOP field and decided to skip the partys first debate Wednesday night.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

If Trump gets the nomination, I say he will lose, Colter told the Times. I know it, you know it, the American people know it (to paraphrase Bob Dole).

The commentator described DeSantis, seen as Trumps closest rival, as head and shoulders above every other G.O.P. presidential candidate (or politician) on the three most important issues: immigration, crime and the Covid response.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
FILE PHOTO: The Apple Inc. logo is seen hanging at the entrance to the Apple store on 5th Avenue in Manhattan, New York, U.S., October 16, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Segar/

(Reuters) - Apple urged members of the California legislature to pass the "right to repair bill" or "Senate Bill 244" as currently drafted, in a letter on Tuesday, which requires manufacturers to allow customers to fix damaged devices.

The iPhone maker's move is a reversal from its years-long opposition towards access to repairs as the act would require electronic device makers to provide tools for repairing damaged appliances.

"We support "SB 244" because it includes requirements that protect individual users' safety and security as well as product manufacturers' intellectual property," Apple said in the letter.

(Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri)
Relatives and friends take part in the funeral of Abdelrahman Kashua, director general of the Arab city of Tira in Israel, who was fatally shot as criminal violence surges in Arab communities, in Tira

Relatives and friends take part in the funeral of Abdelrahman Kashua, director general of the Arab city of Tira in Israel, who was fatally shot as criminal violence surges in Arab communities, in Tira

By Henriette Chacar and Amar Awad

TIRA, Israel (Reuters) - Hundreds of Arab citizens marched on Wednesday in the funeral of a slain community leader, voicing anger at what they say is an Israeli government failure to curb a surge in criminal violence ripping through their communities.

Mourners waved black flags and wore black t-shirts with a photo of Abdelrahman Kashua, the 55-year-old municipal director of Tira in central Israel and father of five who they dubbed "the martyr of reform". His murder remains unsolved.

At least 150 Arab citizens in Israel have been murdered since January, more than double the fatalities over the same period last year and the highest toll since 2014. Advocacy groups keeping records say police have cleared about 8% of this year's cases.

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Police say they have stepped up efforts to fight crime in Arab communities.

"Nobody is safe. Our children are not safe. The feeling that dominates our communities is a lack of safety," lawmaker Iman Khatib-Yasin of the Islamic United Arab List told Reuters.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said Kashua's murder "crossed a line" and reiterated his pledge to involve the domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet to defeat crime in Arab communities, redirecting tools towards citizens that are primarily used to address national security.

Arab citizens, most of whom are descendants of Palestinians who remained in Israel after the 1948 war surrounding its creation, make up about a fifth of the country's population.

They have for decades faced high poverty rates, poorly funded schools and overcrowded towns lacking services and say they are treated as second-class citizens compared with Jewish Israelis.

Many pin the spike in murders on years of neglect and a lack of law enforcement that has emboldened criminal groups.

Dozens gathered outside the local police station after the funeral to protest. They chanted "Police! Police! Our blood is not cheap!" and "Racist state, racist government!"

Netanyahu on Tuesday said all citizens must feel secure and vowed to curb organised crime in Arab society just as, he said, has been done in Jewish society.

But Palestinian citizens say the situation has become even worse since Netanyahu's religious-nationalist government took office in late December, particularly with the appointment of Itamar Ben-Gvir as national security minister.

Ben-Gvir, whose ministry oversees the police, has past convictions of support for terrorism and anti-Arab incitement. He has since recanted some of his views.

At an Aug. 17 press conference, Ben-Gvir said fighting crime is high on his agenda and there has been a marked increase in police activity, including the seizure of weapons and funds.

(Writing by Henriette Chacar; Editing by Maayan Lubell and William Maclean)
Fields of wheat are seen on farmland near Azul

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentina's economic activity fell 4.4% in June from a year earlier, the country's official statistics agency said on Wednesday, below the expectations of a Refinitiv poll of a 4.0% drop.

The country's economy has been severely hit by poor performance in the agricultural sector, which registered a 40.4% drop year-on-year according to INDEC data .

The South American nation is one of the world's largest exporters of grains, but crops suffered what has been called the worst drought in 60 years over recent months.

"The impact of the poor performance of the agricultural sector is especially strong," said economist and director of Invenomica Pablo Besmedrisnik consulting firm.

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Analysts however suggested the country might see some improvement in the second half of the year, as the agriculture space begins to recover from the prolonged drought amid rains.

"As agriculture improves its figures, the general drop rate will moderate," consulting firm Orlando Ferreres & Asociados said in a report.

(Reporting by Hernan Nessi; Writing by Carolina Pulice; Editing by Isabel Woodford)
FILE - Celina Washburn protests outside the Arizona Capitol to voice her dissent for an abortion ruling, Sept. 23, 2022, in Phoenix. On Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, the Arizona Supreme Court agreed to review a lower courts decision that concluded abortion doctors couldnt be prosecuted under a pre-statehood law that bans the procedure in nearly all cases. The lower court decision said doctors couldnt be charged for performing abortions in the first 15 weeks of pregnancy because other Arizona laws passed over the years allow them to perform the procedure. (AP Photo/Matt York, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

PHOENIX (AP)  The Arizona Supreme Court has agreed to review a lower courts conclusion that abortion doctors can't be prosecuted under a pre-statehood law that bans the procedure in nearly all cases.

The high court decided on Tuesday that it would review the Arizona Court of Appeals ruling that said doctors couldnt be charged for performing abortions in the first 15 weeks of pregnancy because other Arizona laws passed over the years allow them to perform the procedure.

Abortions are currently allowed in Arizona in the first 15 weeks of pregnancy under a 2022 law.

Dr. Eric Hazelrigg, the medical director of anti-abortion counseling centers in metro Phoenix, had asked the Arizona Supreme Court to review the decision. Anti-abortion centers, often known as crisis pregnancy centers, aim to dissuade people from getting an abortion.

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The 1864 law Hazelrigg wants the court to uphold imposes a near total ban on abortions, providing no exceptions for rape or incest and allowing abortions only if a mothers life is in danger.

In late December, the state Court of Appeals said it wasnt viewing the pre-statehood law in isolation of other statutes and concluded the states laws make it clear only doctors are permitted to perform abortions. Non-doctors would still be subject to prosecution under the old law, the appeals court said.

A court had blocked enforcement of the 1864 law shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court issued the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing a constitutional right to an abortion. After the Supreme Court overturned the landmark decision in June, then-Republican Attorney General Mark Brnovich succeeded in getting a state judge in Tucson to lift the court order blocking its enforcement.
A major component of a rocket to send astronauts to the moon has arrived in Florida.

The upper stage of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket scheduled to launch the Artemis 3 mission arrived at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Poseidon Wharf in Florida on Aug. 9, according to a NASA statement .

The SLS upper stage, known as the interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS), will provide the extra kick needed to send astronauts to our nearest neighbor, the moon. The ICPS and its sole RL10 engine will burn cryogenic liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to send the crew inside the Artemis 3 Orion spacecraft from low Earth orbit into a precise trajectory towards the moon .

The Artemis 3 ICPS will be the last of its kind. Artemis missions 4 and on are to use the SLS Block 1B configuration which uses the more powerful Exploration Upper Stage (EUS).

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Related: See Artemis 3 landing site at moon's south pole in new NASA photos

The ICPS was manufactured by United Launch Alliance (ULA) and departed facilities at Decatur, Alabama on Aug. 1. The ICPS was shipped by ULA's RocketShip cargo vessel, traveling down the Mississippi River, along the Gulf Coast and on towards Florida.

Check out ULA photos from the arrival of #ICPS-3, the upperstage that will propel #Artemis III astronauts to the Moon! : https://t.co/piSZuJD9jo pic.twitter.com/Qq1YivXbhnAugust 17, 2023

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Contractors Boeing and ULA conduct final checkouts on the ICPS before it is delivered to NASA's nearby Kennedy Space Center.

Artemis 3 is scheduled to launch in 2025 for now, after an initial target of 2024. However, NASA recently expressed concerns about the progress of the mission's human landing system  SpaceX's Starship  and stated that the mission could slip into 2026.
An Athens street gang member involved in an ambush assault where a fellow gang member was shot and killed was recently sentenced to 18 years in a state penitentiary.

Clarke County Superior Court Judge Lawton Stephens imposed the sentence on 27-year-old Jeffery ONeal Rice, whom prosecutors described as a member of the Red Tape gang, which has ties to the national gang called Sex Money Murder.

A total sentence of 30 years with the first 18 years in prison was the result of a plea agreement reached between Rices attorney David Williams of the Western Circuit Public Defenders Office, and state Assistant Attorney General Ryan Piechocinski, who handled the prosecution.

Gang sentences: Gangster Disciples members face life after convictions for retaliation murders

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Rice entered guilty pleas on Aug. 14 to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, four counts of violating the state street gang act and damaging property.

Athens-Clarke police had charged Rice with murder following the Oct. 21, 2022, death of 19-year-old Alijah Anthony Nelson, in a parking lot off Gaines School Road. Nelson was actually killed by a member of a rival gang in Athens.

Due to the gang affiliations of Rice, Nelson, and others at the homicide scene, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr agreed to have his office prosecute the case with assistance from the Gang Prosecution Unit in his office.

Attorney General Chris Carr

In a statement released after the sentencing, Carr said the conviction is another step toward dismantling the growing gang network in the Athens community.

Piechocinski said Tuesday that the original murder charge against Rice fell under the felony murder law.

While he was engaged in the act of attempting to shoot a rival gang member his fellow gang member was killed. The reality is that the gun and the bullet of Jeffery Rice never killed anyone, Piechocinski said.

Rice is a convicted felon and was not allowed to carry a gun, according to court records.

We had a strong case. If he elected to go to trial, I think we would have prevailed, he said, adding that the Athens-Clarke police homicide unit should be credited with a really good job" through their investigation.

The voluntary manslaughter guilty plea was the result of good negotiating on both sides, Piechocinski said, adding that it took a lot for Rice to come to the realization that his actions contributed to the death of Nelson.

Gang unit: Athens-Clarke police gang unit honored by Georgia Gang Investigators Association

Voluntary manslaughter provided a wide latitude to work out a plea that reflected the case appropriately, he said.

The slain man was also a member of Red Tape, while the man who killed him was a member of a rival gang.

Under Georgia law, a person has the right to defend themselves, Piechocinski said.

The shooter was also a gang member and I dont agree with his lifestyle, but in that moment, he wasnt doing anything wrong, the prosecutor said. He was not a convicted felon. He was not engaged in criminal activity. He was literally walking in a parking lot and the rival gang members saw him and ambushed him. But he was within his rights to defend himself. And he did.

The plea was also another important facet to dealing with gangs, according to the prosecutor.

What I think is beneficial to us and to the citizens of Athens-Clarke County is it sends a message to these gang members. It doesnt matter who you are or what your role was, but if you are there and involved, you are going to be charged," Piechocinski said.

There are other Red Tape gang members facing various charges in Athens, according to Carr.

This particular street gang, Piechocinski said, is what law enforcement considers a hybrid gang with a ties to a national gang.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Prison term imposed on Athens man in gang-related death
A reward, of up to $2,000 is being offered to help solve, Saturdays deadly shooting in downtown Atlanta.

Homicide investigators say two men seen in security camera footage are persons of interest in the case.

The man was shot at the Garnett Street MARTA station.

Atlanta police say he had been shot several times and was pronounced dead on the scene.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The mans identity has not been released.

It is unclear what led to the shooting

You can submit an anonymous tip by calling crime stopper at 404-577-8477

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The attorney for the Black man who was forcefully arrested inside a Kenosha Applebee's last month is calling for the removal of a Kenosha police officer, for all charges to be dropped, and for an independent investigation.

Zion, Illinois residents Jermelle English Jr. and Shanya Boyd and their 1-year-old son were having dinner inside the Applebee's off Highway 50 on July 20 when Kenosha officers mistakenly identified them as suspects in a nearby hit-and-run. The people believed to be the actual suspects were in the bathroom of the restaurant.

Video emerged on social media showing the incident in which English was seen being forcefully arrested, his baby removed from his arms, and an officer can be seen striking English at one point.

Leo Viola, spokesperson with the Kenosha Police Department, said in the days following the incident that officers were acting based off the description of suspects provided to them by witnesses. Viola said the description was two Black males and a Black female holding a baby, but a criminal complaint says the description was one Black male and one Black female holding a baby.

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Attorney Kevin O'Connor held a news conference Wednesday afternoon outside the restaurant and was joined by English and Boyd's family, and activists, including Tavis Grant, the executive director of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, founded by Rev. Jesse Jackson.

"All (officers) had to do was ask a few questions, it would take 10 seconds, 30 seconds to avoid any of this happening," O'Connor said. "But no, Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie as their sidekick have a history that they act first and ask questions later especially if you're the wrong color. And this has been a pattern that they've done, they come out, they get aggressive, they beat, and then they ask questions later.

"Simply being Black and having to go to dinner is not a crime. And then on top of it, to throw salt in the wounds, they decide in the next stop to start charging these parents."

English and Boyd were charged with resisting an officer and disorderly conduct. Boyd also received a possession of marijuana charge. Viola said the officers had legal authority to detain English and restrain him while they conducted their investigation. O'Connor said all charges against them both should be dropped. He also called on Applebee's to speak to the family.

According to O'Connor, no one from the Kenosha Applebee's franchise location has reached out to English or Boyd, but they did release a statement to the media.

"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," the statement says. "Over the past 25 years, this restaurant has been a safe place where our neighbors can share a meal. We are committed to cooperating with the authorities in their investigation."

The manager on duty the evening of the incident, Jennifer Harris, was also fired. She says it was due to employees recording videos and posting them to social media. However, the company has not provided a reason for Harris' firing. She has hired an attorney, William Sulton, who has said he would pursue all "legal remedies" if Harris' employment was not restored.

O'Connor said the officer involved in the incident should be removed from the force. Viola said Thursday that all officers involved are at "full duty," except one officer who is on "light duty" following an injury at an unrelated call.

O'Connor also called for an independent investigation into the incident. The state Department of Justice told the Journal Sentinel last week that the agency has not launched an investigation. Transparency is critical and there should be a full investigation into this incident, Attorney General Josh Kaul said. Wisconsin DOJ is not currently involved.

Viola said in the days following the incident that pepper spray was deployed in the incident, but said the child was not "directly" exposed. O'Connor said Wednesday the 1-year-old was affected by the pepper spray, and that he doesn't believe it was an accident. But if it was an accident then that is problematic, too.

"If this officer is saying it was an accident to pull out the pepper spray, maybe it was an accident to pull out a gun, maybe it was an accident to do something else that this tragedy could of been much worse," he said.

O'Connor said filing a civil rights lawsuit is possible, but said he wants Kenosha police turn over all the evidence first. "I am never quick to file on anything until I have all the evidence," he said. "Unlike the police did to (English and Boyd) that evening, charging them and attacking them without having evidence."

Tyler Katzenberger of the Journal Sentinel contributed to this report.

Drake Bentley will be reached at DBentley1@gannett.com.

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

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Attorney says charges should be dropped after Kenosha forceful arrest
The attorney for a woman who accused a former Teaneck chef of sexual assault filed to have restrictions placed on him after his release last week, saying he is a flight risk.

Shalom Yehudiel is accused of the sexual assault of Elisheva Akselrod at their synagogue when she was a teenager. He was arrested at John F. Kennedy Airport on Aug. 8, trying to fly to Bangkok with a one-way ticket, the Union County Prosecutor's Office said.

His arrest came only one day after a judge in Bergen County dismissed a separate sexual assault charge without prejudice because the FBI failed to turn over video surveillance to prosecutors and Yehudiel's attorneys. The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office could refile its charges if the video is produced and evidence is found to support the charges.

Yehudiel was released from the Bergen County Jail after an Aug. 18 hearing that followed his arrest by the Union County Prosecutor's Office earlier in the month.

Shalom Yehudiel on "Chopped" season 46.

The restrictions placed on Yehudiel include that he must appear for all of his hearings, including the next one, on Sept. 28; he must have weekly phone reporting to pretrial services; he cannot commit any offenses; he is to have no contact with Akselrod; he cannot live in the same house as Akselrod; he cannot be in contact with anyone under the age of 18, with the exception of his 3-year-old daughter; he is not allowed to travel outside the United States and is required to surrender his passport and green card, and he cannot apply for a new passport.

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Union County Assistant Prosecutor Caroline Lawlor and Lee Vartan, an attorney for Yehudiel, said the chef would be living in Florida and that pretrial services agreed to allow him weekly phone calls to them instead of appearing in person every other week.

The motion filed by Michael Gorokhovich, Akselrod's attorney, said he and Akselrod were never provided with notice of the detention hearing despite filing a notice of appearance. The motion said Gorokhovich didn't have the opportunity to appear on behalf of his client with regard to pretrial restraints.

He said he contacted the judge's chambers to ask about being heard but was told about the court livestream, where he was able to view the proceeding.

Gorokhovich said Akselrod objected to the release conditions and had the right to be heard.

Related 'It's not his story': 'Chopped' chef accuser discusses alleged abuse and her recovery

He said the conditions, such as no electronic monitoring, no home confinement and no confinement to New Jersey, shouldn't be less lenient than the ones previously established in the other sexual assault case.

Yehudiel's attorneys rejected Gorokhovich's concerns.

"The prosecutor agreed with Mr. Yehudiel that he should be released without any electronic monitoring and be permitted to live with his family. The court agreed," said Vartan and Zach Intrater, another of Yehudiel's attorneys. "Nothing has changed to require a different decision, and Ms. Akselrods motion will assuredly be denied."

In his motion, Gorokhovich argued that Yehudiel is not a United States citizen, but an Israeli one, is in the country on a green card, and has no assets, job, business or property.

Gorokhovic said the ties to his wife and daughter are "highly dubious," as she filed for divorce in January 2022, withdrawing the filing in August 2022. Gorokhovich alleges that since Yehudiel's arrest, he has never been to Florida or ever sought to go to Florida but sought to go to a synagogue with his father, go to New York to work in his father's shop and stay with his brother.

He said Yehudiel did not run to fly to Florida after his release, but to Thailand.

"There was never going to be a return ticket to the United States," Gorokhovich said.

Yehudiel rose to fame by appearing on "Chopped" on Food Network in 2020, but the fame was fleeting. He soon became embroiled in sexual assault accusations, subsequently facing two lawsuits claiming sexual harassment, including one by a former employee at his restaurant Humble Toast. He was arrested in March 2022 on charges of assaulting a third person, who prosecutors said was underage.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Teaneck NJ: 'Chopped' chef Shalom Yehudiel release criticized
An Atwater school was briefly placed on lockdown Monday when gunshots were heard in the area, according to authorities.

At about 4:30 p.m., police received multiple calls of shots fired in the area of Holly Avenue and High Street, according to the Atwater Police Department. Authorities said officers also reported hearing gunshots when they arrived on scene.

Officers established a perimeter in a two-block area around the intersection and the nearby Thomas Olaeta Elementary School was placed on lockdown, according to Atwater Police Chief Michael Salvador.

Law enforcement officers from the Merced County Sheriffs Office, California Highway Patrol, Merced County Probation and Livingston Police Department responded to the area to assist the Atwater Police Department in a search of the area.

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According to Salvador, the lockdown, which lasted a couple of hours, was initiated out of an abundance of caution in an effort to ensure the safety of children and the parents picking them up from after school programs.

Officers used drones and went house to house in the search. Police found no evidence of a crime. According to Salvador, no one was arrested.

The incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Atwater Police Department at 209-357-6384.
With the first Republican primate debate taking place this week, the campaign of Vivek Ramaswamy, who has seen a bump in the polls in recent months, is embroiled in a scandal over what the GOP candidate believes about 9/11 and the January 6 insurrection.

The whirlwind began on Monday, when The Atlantic published an in-depth profile of Mr Ramaswamy, a wealthy biotech and financial investor.

The piece featured a lengthy discussion of both attacks, with the Republican articulating that he had doubts about aspects of the official narrative surrounding each event, and claiming that a high percentage of those in the crowd that stormed the Capitol were in fact armed undercover law enforcement officers.

I think it is legitimate to say, how many police, how many federal agents were on the planes that hit the Twin Towers? Like, I think we want  maybe the answer is zero, probably is zero for all I know, right? I have no reason to think it was anything other than zero. But if were doing a comprehensive assessment of what happened on 9/11, we have a 9/11 commission, absolutely that should be an answer the public knows the answer to. Well, if were doing a January 6 commission, absolutely, those should be questions that we should get to the bottom of, the magazine quoted him as saying.

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Here are the people who were armed. Here are the people who were unarmed. What percentage of the people who were armed were federal law-enforcement officers? I think it was probably high, actually. Right?

The piece later quoted him seeming to backtrack, while still suggesting he had questions about 9/11: I mean, I would take the truth about 9/11. I mean, I am not questioning what we  this is not something Im staking anything out on, he added. But I want the truth about 9/11.

The GOP candidate later claimed he was being misquoted by The Atlantic, telling Semafor that the excerpt in the profile wasnt exactly what I said, and claiming in a contentious interview on CNN that the profile featured claims he hadnt made but were put in my mouth by the author.

The outrage from the Republican hopeful prompted The Atlantic to release both a text-based and audio version of the full transcript of the conversation between reporter John Hendrickson and Mr Ramaswamy.

Vivek Ramaswamy (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The transcripts show that the candidates comments had been accurately reproduced.

The full transcript also features Mr Ramaswamy saying 9/11 and January 6 dont belong in the same conversation.

Im only bringing it up because it was  I am not making the comparison, he told the reporter. I think its a ridiculous comparison.

Pressed on his 9/11 comments, Vivek Ramaswamys response: pic.twitter.com/hVEglgb5t3  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) August 22, 2023

Nonetheless, a spokesperson for his campaign told CNN that his comments were taken out of context.

We are grateful that the Atlantic released the audio after we repeatedly asked them to do so. The audio clearly demonstrates that Vivek was taken badly out of context and even this small snippet proves that. We continue to encourage the Atlantic to release more of the recording, rather than their carefully selected snippet, so that full context and reality is exposed.

In a statement to the network, The Atlantic said it stood by its story.

As is clear from the audio and transcript, the quotes in the piece are accurate.

The media dustup is the latest bit of drama ahead of the Republican debates on Wednesday.

Donald Trump, the former president and current front-runner in the GOP field, has said he will skip the debates for a pre-recorded interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
JERUSALEM  Australia is spending AU$1.7 billion (U.S. $1.1 billion) on weapons systems to enhance the militarys strike capabilities, the Defence Department announced Monday.

The procurement plan includes a AU$1.3 billion purchase from the United States of more than 200 Tomahawk cruise missiles for the Royal Australian Navys Hobart-class destroyers.

The government is also spending AU$431 million on more than 60 Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range weapons, also from the United States.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will also supply Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missile systems to Australia through a joint venture, the Israeli firm confirmed Tuesday. The department noted the Spike deal  involving Varley Rafael Australia, a joint venture of Israels Rafael and Australian firm The Varley Group  is worth AU$50 million.

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Varley Rafael Australia is expected to deliver the first Spike missile early next year, and is developing options for domestic manufacturing.

The Australian Armys Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles will also be armed with Spike Long-Range 2 anti-tank guided missiles. This will provide soldiers with the capability to engage with enemy armour at a range of more than five kilometres, the department said in its release.

The Spike LR2 has a range of 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) at ground level and 10 kilometers (6 miles) from helicopters using a radio frequency data link. The missile is designed with a counter-active protection system capability, and is able to hit targets at impact angles of up to 70 degrees. The Israel Defense Forces first ordered the weapon in October 2017.

Australias weapon purchases are part of the countrys defense strategy to develop an ability to precisely strike targets at longer ranges as well as hold an adversary at risk further from its shores.

Australia is a member of the AUKUS agreement that also includes the U.S. and U.K., and will see the three work together to provide the Pacific partner with nuclear-powered submarine technology, among other advancements.

The latest investment comes amid Chinas military buildup, and nearly three weeks after the U.S. Navy reported its Virginia-class submarine North Carolina docked at a naval base in Western Australia.

With the acquisition of these formidable long-range strike missiles the Albanese Government is acting with pace to deliver on the recommendations of the Defence Strategic Review, Australias deputy prime minister, Richard Marles, said in a statement. The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of having not just war stocks, but a domestic missile manufacturing industry and this announcement will help deliver that.
FILE PHOTO: Launch of a campaign for constitutional recognition of Australia's indigenous people in Adelaide

SYDNEY (Reuters) - The Australian government said it would announce the voting date for a landmark referendum to constitutionally recognise the country's Indigenous people next Wednesday as it battles a dip in support for the proposal in recent months.

Australians will be asked to vote either in October or November on whether they support altering the constitution to include a "Voice to Parliament", an Indigenous committee to advise Parliament on matters affecting them.

"Very soon, our nation will have a once in a generation chance to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our constitution - and make a positive difference to their lives with a Voice," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

"I will be campaigning for constitutional recognition. Because if not now, when?," Albanese said in a statement on Wednesday.

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Albanese has staked significant political capital on the referendum. Since Australian independence in 1901, only eight of the 44 proposals for constitutional change have been approved.

Opinion polls out early this month showed the referendum would fail if it was held now, adding pressure on the government to improve its messaging. To succeed, a referendum requires a national majority of votes as well as a majority of votes in at least four of the six states.

Making up about 3.2% of Australia's near 26 million population, the Aboriginal people were marginalised by British colonial rulers and are not mentioned in the 122-year-old constitution. They were not granted voting rights until the 1960s and track below national averages on most socio-economic measures.

The referendum debate has divided opinions with supporters arguing the Voice will bring progress for the Aboriginal community, recognise the 65,000 year-old culture and "unite the nation". Opponents say it would hand excessive powers to the body, while others have described it as tokenism and toothless.

(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Michael Perry)
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said Tuesday automakers can comply with a Massachusetts Right to Repair law, reversing a previous directive to ignore the state legislation.

Massachusetts's Right to Repair law was a ballot initiative that passed overwhelmingly in 2020. The law requires auto manufacturers that sell cars in the state to equip vehicles with a standardized open data platform so that owners and independent mechanics can access telematics data for repairs, maintenance and diagnostics.

In June 2023, NHTSA told automakers they needn't comply with the law, citing hacking concerns. The agency claimed sharing vehicle data would enable criminals to steal data or take control of cars remotely.

Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey promptly wrote to NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg accusing the feds of favoring Big Auto, which they said spent $25 million to oppose the initiative, and urging them to reconsider.

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NHTSA now says the law can roll out, with some caveats. Automakers can safely share diagnostic data with independent mechanics using short-range wireless technology. Long-range wireless signals, though, could potentially allow hackers to send dangerous commands to moving vehicles.

The auto safety agency also said automakers should be allowed "a reasonable period of time" to put the technology in place.

Senators Warren and Markey said Tuesday's decision to allow the law to be enforced will help "ease the burdens and lower costs for Massachusetts drivers."

The White House competition council said it worked behind the scenes to help come to an agreement.

"[The U.S. Department of Transportation] strongly supports the right to repair and is eager to promote consumers ability to choose independent or DIY repairs without compromising safety to themselves or others on our nations roads," said Ben Halle, director of public affairs at USDOT. "The clarifications contained in the exchange of letters between state and federal partners ensure a path forward to promote competition and give consumers more options, while mitigating a dangerous risk to safety."

In the age of the software-defined vehicle, Right to Repair legislation will become increasingly relevant. Such laws -- which are growing in popularity with around 20 states filing similar bills in 2023 -- are meant to promote competition in the repair market, give consumers the potential to save money on repair options and prevent OEMs from monopolizing repairs and servicing.

Tesla, the EV-maker that's perhaps most well-known for its complex software-hardware-integration, is currently facing a pair of proposed antitrust class action lawsuits in San Francisco accusing the company of unlawfully curbing competition for maintenance and replacement parts for its EVs. Tesla owners often complain about being forced to pay more and wait longer for repair services, due to Tesla's use of proprietary technology and parts.
A man who was shot by a Columbus police officer after charging at him with a broken bottle was shot three times, according to an autopsy report the Franklin County Coroner's office released Wednesday.

Zachary Bryson, 27, died Aug. 5 after being shot around 1:10 a.m. that day on the city's Far South Side.

According to body camera footage released by Columbus police, an unidentified officer approached Bryson as he was standing on the side of South High Street near Rowe Road, identified himself as an officer and asked if Bryson was alright.

For about 90 seconds, the officer asks Bryson if he's OK and tries to calm him down before radioing into dispatchers that Bryson had something in his hand and was "trying to fight" with him. Bryson is also seen on the body camera footage trying to walk into the road as vehicles speed by in the opposite direction.

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Bryson picked up a piece of glass from the ground and appears to try cutting himself, according to the video, before running toward the officer, pausing momentarily and then charging the officer again. During the second charge, the officer fired at least three times, hitting Bryson.

According to the autopsy report, two shots hit Bryson in the front: one in his scrotum and one in his abdomen, and a third shot hit Bryson in the back. The autopsy report cannot determine in what order the shots hit Bryson.

The results of toxicology testing, which are part of traditional autopsies, were not released Wednesday.

According to his obituary, Bryson was originally from North Carolina and was living and working in California. He recently traveled to Ohio for treatment of mental health issues, his family said.

"Please understand that mental illness is not a character flaw. As many do, Zachary struggled with his pain in silence, a sad realization that we hope others don't have to face," his family wrote. "One in five people have some type of mental health condition. The pain and trauma that Zachary suffered cannot be in vain."

Police have not released the officer's name due to Marsys Law  a state law created to protect the victims of violent crimes that has been recently used to shield officer identities, with mixed reactions from the public  but said he has worked for the department for 16 years.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the shooting and will forward its report to the Franklin County Prosecutor's office for review and presentation to a grand jury in accordance with policy.

bbruner@dispatch.com

@bethany_bruner

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Autopsy: Man shot 3 times after charging Columbus police officer
A South Carolina mother has been sentenced to life in prison after a jury found her guilty of homicide by child abuse.

The conviction and sentencing comes 31 years after her baby was found dead in a York County river.

Yet because the crime happened more than 30 years ago when South Carolina sentencing laws were different, Stacy Michelle Rabon will be eligible for parole in eight years.

Jury finds York County SC mother guilty of baby homicide in 1992 cold case river death

Rabon, 50, was convicted Aug. 11 in a trial at the Moss Justice Center in York. She had been arrested in 2021 after DNA in a national database from her 2019 drug arrest matched DNA from the baby. The infant girl was found dead in the Catawba River near Rock Hill on Aug. 12, 1992.

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The baby was stabbed dozens of times, suffocated, wrapped in a sheet, then put in a plastic bag that was left in the river, prosecutors said.

The death was unsolved for almost three decades. The female infant was named Baby Angel Hope by the community and buried in 1992 without identification.

Sentencing had been deferred until Wednesday. South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Bill McKinnon said in court Wednesday life in prison is appropriate.

A newborn comes into this world looking for its parents to protect it, McKinnon said in court. This baby was stabbed more than 50 times.

Parole eligibility in 2031

Rabon was sentenced to life. But because the crime happened in 1992, sentencing falls under 1992 sentencing laws.

In 1992, a person sentenced to life in prison for homicide by child abuse was eligible for parole after 10 years, or 25 percent of the sentence -- whichever came sooner.

For Rabon that means, shes eligible for parole after 10 years.

Rabon is eligible for parole in eight years because she gets credit for the two years she had been in jail since 2021, 16th Circuit Deputy Solicitor John Anthony said.

Sentencing laws have changed since 1992. Current sentencing laws allow for possible release after serving 85 percent of this sentence, prosecutors said.

Baby found dead in 1992

The child was delivered in a van near the river.

During the trial, prosecutors said Rabon told deputies in 2021 before she was arrested that she gave the child up for adoption.

That claim was never substantiated during the trial, prosecutors Anthony and Leslie Robinson said after court.

After court, Anthony said prosecutors believe the claim was not true. Anthony said to news reporters that Rabon likely made up the story.

She (Rabon) will never admit to what she did, Anthony said.

Rabon speaks for the first time in court

Rabon did not testify during her trial but spoke in court Wednesday.

I made very poor choices when I was young...I know what I did more than anybody, Rabon said in court. Because I cared.

McKinnon asked Rabon if the actions she was referring to were the alleged claim about giving the child up for adoption. Rabon said to McKinnon that she decided in 1992 to give the baby up for adoption.

Rabon asked McKinnon for mercy before she was sentenced.

Prosecutors and deputies ask for life in prison

Prosecutors and law enforcement asked for life in prison. They said the baby had been stabbed and had cocaine in its system.

Robinson said after court a team effort of deputies and others worked together in the case, which was decades old and had been cold for years. The DNA match came about after the 1992 cold case DNA was re-examined.

This case was a miracle for that baby, Robinson said.

York County Sheriffs Office deputy Lanelle Day, a detective who investigated after the DNA connection, said the baby never had a chance .

Stacy Rabon threw her baby into that cold Catawba River, Day said in court Wednesday. Never looking back, abandoning her, keeping her secret for 29 years....This was a cruel, senseless crime.

Defense asked for lighter sentence

Rabon appeared in court in a wheelchair.

She needs surgeries for medical conditions, said Rabons lead lawyer, 16th Circuit Deputy Public Defender Phil Smith.

She was a much different person as a 19-year-old, Smith said of Rabon.

What happens now?

Rabon has 10 days to appeal the verdict and sentence.

Rabon has been in custody since her arrest in 2021. She now will be transferred to the S.C. Department of Corrections, officials said.

Because the jury could not agree on a murder charge against Rabon and ended up hung, the murder charge remains pending, prosecutors said after court Wednesday.
Stronger supervision of funding required in post-flood recovery

08:51, August 23, 2023 By Fan Anqi ( Global Times

Members of the armed police force clean up sludge left after the flood caused by rainstorms brought by Typhoon Doksuri at the teaching building of a high school in Zhuozhou, north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 10, 2023.(Photo: Xinhua)

As flood-hit regions in North and Northeast China mobilize all efforts to restore production and people's normal lives, China's top disciplinary watchdog on Tuesday called for strengthened supervision and inspection of post-disaster relief funds to prevent misuse and ensure reconstruction efforts are carried out smoothly and efficiently.

Since the end of July, Beijing, Hebei, Tianjin, Jilin, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, and other regions that had been severely affected by unprecedented heavy rainfall have seen significant progress in flood control and disaster relief.

In Beijing, efforts to clear the Yongding River channel in Mentougou, one of the worst-hit districts, are in full swing. Next, relevant departments are set to survey flood traces and work on assessments of future flood prevention in order to develop a river channel restoration plan.

Given that nearly 80 percent of the population in Mentougou was affected by the downpours, with 40 villages in need of a reconstruction, the district has dispatched more than 100 industry experts and designers to these villages to carry out a comprehensive survey of post-disaster planning, media reported.

The Chinese capital has vowed to basically restore all infrastructure affected by the flood within one year and promote all-round advancement of facilities in three years.

In neighboring Hebei Province, robotic vehicles have been deployed for dredging work, and some 15,000 agricultural technicians were organized to assist farmers in production recovery such as pest control and draining operations.

The province vowed to complete its reconstruction work in two years, local officials said at a press conference earlier in August.

With post-disaster reconstruction work steadily underway, all levels of disciplinary departments must shoulder their responsibilities in strengthening supervision and inspection of relief fund distribution, so as to ensure the post-disaster recovery and reconstruction is conducted in an efficient manner, China's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) said in a notice published on Tuesday.

The notice urged governments in the affected areas to promptly repair damaged infrastructure such as transportation, communication, and power supplies, and expedite the resumption of business and the remediation of farmland to minimize losses.

They should also accelerate the restoration of public facilities in hospitals, nursing homes and schools, ensuring that students can return to school on time.

Damaged houses should be repaired or reconstructed as soon as possible, so that the affected population can return home or move into new residences before winter, the CCDI notice said.

The notice was released following a report published by the audit office of Central China's Henan Province in late July. The report revealed a series of misappropriated or inefficiently utilized relief funds allocated to the province after the catastrophic flooding in the summer of 2021 that resulted in nearly 400 deaths and economic losses of more than 120 billion yuan ($16.4 billion).

The report audited 44 severely affected counties in Henan and identified misspending of over 9 billion yuan of reconstruction funds and the improper disposal of some 10 billion yuan of non-performing assets by 41 banks in relation to the disaster.

In light of the misconduct in Henan, which drew anger and criticism from the public, the CCDI urged all relevant departments in North and Northeast China to conscientiously carry out disaster assessment and reporting work, and ensure transparency, efficiency and accessibility of the funds.

They should also closely monitor data collection work and strictly prevent falsification of disaster losses and fraudulent claims, as well as corruption, embezzlement, and diversion of funds as the funds are distributed.

At the same time, authorities will resolutely address the problems of formalism and bureaucracy in post-disaster recovery work, holding accountable those who fail to act, or act slowly or improperly.

The relief funds should also focus on fixing loopholes that were exposed during this disaster, such as weaknesses in river basin management, the flood control engineering system and the overall flood prevention capacity in the northern and northeastern regions, experts said on Tuesday.

Ma Jun, director of the Beijing-based Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, told the Global Times that special care should be given to the flood detention areas, which played a big role in flood mitigation but have been put under tremendous pressure and challenges. These areas need to be properly drained and repaired as soon as possible as many are still living there.

Meanwhile, Ma said China needs to reevaluate the overall risks of natural disasters against the backdrop of a changing climate. Regional planning and urban planning should also be adjusted in accordance with the reevaluation, especially low-lying areas prone to frequent flooding.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
This article has been produced in partnership between The 74 and the XQ Institute.

Lydia Nichols recalls being incredibly shy when she started taking classes at Iowa BIG during her junior year in the fall of 2021. The Cedar Rapids program takes students from different regional high schools and requires them to develop community-based projects for credit. By working in small teams and learning how to research topics at Iowa BIG, Nichols said her confidence grew.

They showed me that I did know what I was doing, and that my anxieties were just that: anxieties and that I needed to overcome them, she said.

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Lots of students struggle with shyness, anxiety and more. Even before COVID, most high school students were feeling bored and stressed, according to researchers at Yale University. During the pandemic, more than 40% of students in a CDC analysis reported feeling sad or hopeless.

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But theres a bright spot. The CDC analysis also found youth who felt connected to adults and peers at school  like Nichols  were significantly less likely to report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness than those who felt less connected. These kinships are also key ingredients in great high schools, like Iowa BIG, that put a premium on caring, trusting relationships and meaningful, engaged learning (two of XQs research-backed design principles for high school transformation).

Nichols is a member of XQs Student Advisory Council, which provides a space for students to work alongside XQ and other students to help improve the high school experience. With a new school year on the horizon, I spoke with Nichols and two other SAC members. Each of the three attends or recently graduated from XQ schools that also emphasize project-based learning. Below are excerpts from my conversations with Ella Correia, Purdue Polytechnic High School class of 2024 in South Bend, Indiana; Najid Smith, Latitude High School class of 2025 in Oakland, California; and Nichols, Iowa BIG class of 2023. Here are their six tips for how educators can improve relationships and learning.

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After I Got Shot, My School Did Nothing to Save Me From Failure. Im Fixing That

1. Try Bonding Games

At the start of the 2022-23 school year, Smith said Latitude Highs educators divided the sophomores into two groups of more than 20 students each. The teens went on overnight camping trips to a Bay Area beach with a few of their teachers, where they hiked and made tie-dye shirts. More bonding exercises continued a day later when they played games and interviewed each other at the school. Students then made custom greeting cards for their peers, to thank them for the opportunity to get to know each other, Smith said.

Educators have written about social and emotional benefits to game-playing in an academic environment. At Iowa BIG, Nichols said teachers build in time for bonding activities with games like Jenga.

They know our mental health is very important to us, she said. And its very important for our projects that our mental health is good and we are able to work as a team, and we like our team members and we know the strengths and the weaknesses of our team members.

At Purdue Polytechnic High School, which also emphasizes projects, Correia said bonding activities take place during advisory classes by students and teachers. Every Wednesday, students would play a game  like Uno  and recount a positive or negative about their day, she recalled. While some students were initially reluctant, Correia said everyone got to know each other better.

Students and teachers working together at Latitude High. (Gary Askew)

2. Show Your Students You Enjoy Helping Them

As students, we feel what our teachers are feeling, Nichols said. We see when theyre having fun, we see when theyre enjoying themselves. And if we see that theyre disappointed in us, if we see that theyre not having fun, then it really does ruin the whole atmosphere.

Nichols recalled feeling anxious about a fundraising project during her junior year because the marketing campaign needed a lot of work. But one teacher made time to help her overcome those anxieties by breaking down tasks and asking her simply to name three things she wanted to complete that week.

They really helped me understand that I can do more than I think I can, she said.

Correia described herself as initially hesitant about asking questions in her high school classes because its easy to get discouraged when a question isnt answered. But that changed after forging a connection with one teacher who made her feel like questions are welcome.

She tells me all the time shes always asking questions in [school] meetings, Correia explained. She wants clarification, and I think just her relating to me made me feel that it was OK  that if I am confused, I can ask questions and there are people out there who understand  and theyre willing to answer my questions and get me to where I need to be academically.

Smith said teachers at Latitude schedule office hours each week to provide extra help for students, allowing them to meet one-on-one without asking.

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Iowa Teens Spend Less Time in Classrooms, and Succeed More  Heres How

3. Create Educational Opportunities Outside of School

At PPHS, students work for eight weeks at a time on in-depth projects incorporating state standards for academic subjects such as history or science. Correia said this learning style sticks more because were applying that knowledge into something fun that were physically doing. Shes worked on projects involving the vertical farm Metropolis Greens, the Potawatomi Zoo and a childrens museum, all in South Bend, Indiana, where they meet professionals working in the industry who talk about what they do. These experiences, she said, gave her ideas about future careers and areas of study for college.

Nichols said working on community projects at Iowa BIG taught her that she enjoyed project management, which she plans to study at the University of Iowa this coming school year.

For more ideas on rethinking the high school experience, read The XQ Xtra  a newsletter for educators that comes out twice a month. Sign up here

Students and teachers working together at Iowa BIG. (Chris Chandler)

4. Make Learning Feel Meaningful

At Latitude, students often learn about their community during required subjects. For his humanities classes, Smith studied homelessness in Oakland by researching the cost of living, making podcasts and constructing a tiny house for homeless youth. He said many students goof around when they first start high school, but hes seen their attitudes change through these experiences. I think its because its not just learning something on paper, but youre actually learning about it and deepening your knowledge, he said.

Nichols especially enjoyed an Iowa BIG project that involved making a docuseries about Native American mascots in local schools. She and her classmates visited schools, interviewed state senators, superintendents and students and researched what it would take to replace the mascots in gyms, signs, uniforms and more. We just dove headfirst into this, she said. We thought it might be a cool topic, and then we just met so many people and it was incredible to learn how to research. Nichols got English credit for the class because it required writing, researching and presenting. But it left a bigger impression.

In a traditional classroom, youre just sitting there with a paper and youre filling out the same paper as everybody else, she explained. You realize youre just doing busy work. The teacher is going to throw this paper away as soon as you get done grading this year; your work is not going to matter in one year. But my projects within Iowa BIG [like the docuseries] matter. We brought up topics where people are going to think about this for a long time.

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Rethinking High School: Upending Traditional Subject Structure in Indiana

5. Teach Students to Network through Internships

Latitude High gives students multiple opportunities for internships, gradually adding more as they move into the upper grades. Smith, whos interested in coding, interned at Hidden Genius Project, an Oakland nonprofit that mentors Black males in entrepreneurship and technology. He said he learned about AI and practiced coding at different tech companies. A lot of people say, you know, coding is just sitting at a computer 24/7, he said. But his experiences showed him theres teamwork involved, and its a lot more fun than people really think it is.

He said teachers play a big role in making these connections. Every person at the school knows somebody in some field that they can get in touch with and be able to do an internship with, he explained. And I think thats important because everyone has different interests.

Correia had a biomedical engineering internship this summer that she learned about through her schools relationship with Purdue University. She agreed its important for schools to pass on these opportunities to students. A lot of students have a hard time finding opportunities that match their niche, as they havent yet had the experiences that the adults in their life have, she explained. If administrators or teachers know what students are interested in, she said, they can help make connections and give students a taste of potential careers.

6. Create Opportunities for Student Voice and Collaboration

All three SAC members said they enjoyed how their schools give them choices and opportunities for collaboration. Correia said thats important for any career. Youre going to come in contact with people, and youre always going to need to know how to collaborate with people, she said. Its important to get feedback and different perspectives on your work.

At Latitude, Smith said his subject teachers create groups of three or four students working together on assignments or projects. Students also take on different roles, such as leaders or facilitators, as they learn to cooperate. We can disagree with somebody, but its more like we would prefer thinking you build on someones idea, he explained.

Making room for different perspectives is something the SAC members encourage teachers to do as much as they can. For example, because students have different styles of showing what theyve learned, teachers should allow more options like presentations, written reports or podcasts. Thats important to remember not just at the start of a new school year, but daily.

Each kid is drastically different, Nichols said. You cant have the same program for everybody. Its just not fair to the students to have something thats built for one type of student.

Want more ideas for making your high school more student-centered? The XQ Xtra is a newsletter for educators that comes out twice a month. Sign up here.

Disclosure: The XQ Institute is a financial supporter of The 74.
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After years of building his political brand through policies that delighted conservatives and infuriated liberals, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will put his ambition on the line Wednesday night in Milwaukee at the first debate of Republican presidential hopefuls.

It could pump life into his struggling campaign  or render him a footnote, leapfrogged by the next would-be Trump alternative.

Except for Donald Trump and Mike Pence, the once-obscure DeSantis will enter the debate stage as the best known candidate seeking the Republican nomination. The Harvard Caps-Harris Poll from July showed only 6% of voters had never heard of DeSantis, followed by 12% for former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, 16% for former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley and 17% for South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.

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It has been an impressive rise to national relevance for a man who spent six years in Congress as someone Politico described as an awkward backbench lawmaker who rarely made headlines.

Pollsters and political analysts credit an early endorsement from Trump during his first gubernatorial run and DeSantis controversial COVID-19 response with boosting his reputation nationally.

To understand how and when DeSantis became a household name outside of Florida, reporters from the Miami Herald, along with its parent company, McClatchy, analyzed data detailing the number of 15-second cable news clips from Fox, CNN and MSNBC that mentioned DeSantis each week. The analysis also included news articles referencing DeSantis from 11 major publications with large national reach.

Data showed DeSantis name recognition was built on a foundation of Fox News appearances, splashy made-for-TV moments that were red meat for MSNBC and CNN, and a relentless drumbeat of legislative action that generated headlines and controversy.

Continue scrolling to see how DeSantis national media profile grew over time  and when he had his most memorable moments.

Methodology

The Internet Archives TV News Archive documents daily news coverage divided into 15-second clips. Using the GDELT Projects Television Explorer tool, we searched for the clips mentioning DeSantis across CNN, Fox News and MSNBCs broadcasts between 2009 and August 6, 2023. We then counted the number of clips per week by each outlet and identified the weeks with the most and least coverage by year. We combined the weekly totals for CNN and MSNBC as research and polling has shown there is significant crossover in audience between these two outlets and limited crossover with Fox News.

Using Media Cloud, a database and analysis tool of online news articles, we searched for stories mentioning DeSantis between 2010 and August 6, 2023 across a selection of 11 online news publications. We queried publications with large circulations and national reach: New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, LA Times, New York Post, Chicago Tribune, NPR, Daily Beast, Politico, Boston Globe and Wall Street Journal. We then measured the total number of stories per week across the group of outlets. No Florida publications were included, as the purpose of the analysis was to look at DeSantis' national media profile.

The circles and squares on the timeline reflect the number of 15-second clips or online news articles mentioning DeSantis per week. The size has been normalized based on the week of May 23, 2023  in which DeSantis received the most mentions on each platform.
Last weekend, an apparent drone strike destroyed a prized Russian Tu-22M3 Backfire bomber.

The attack occurred far from the front lines of the war and may have been launched from inside Russia.

It's the latest incident showing Russia can't protect its critical bases or vital aviation assets.

A prized supersonic Russian bomber sitting inside Russian territory far from the fighting in Ukraine was destroyed in a drone strike over the weekend, marking the latest in a string of attacks Russia apparently didn't see coming.

The strike on a vulnerable Tupolev Tu-22M3 Backfire bomber is part of a growing list of Russian failures to protect its critical bases and vital aerial assets. Whether it be the consequence of negligence, a lack of force protection capabilities, or an apprehension to adaptation, Russia has continued to let important bomber bases take hits.

The British defense ministry reported in an intelligence update that a Tu-22M3, a supersonic long-range aircraft known for its anti-ship capabilities and urban bombing runs against cities such as Mariupol in April 2022, was attacked and destroyed while located at an airbase south of St. Petersburg in eastern Russia. The Russian Defense Ministry pinned the hit on a copter-style uncrewed aerial vehicle.

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Photos shared online show the bomber in flames while positioned outside on a runway with no apparent cover or protection.

The UK defense ministry said "this is at least the third successful attack on [Long Range Aviation] LRA airfields, again raising questions about Russia's ability to protect strategic locations deep inside the country."

In previous incidents in December 2022, two UAV attacks on the same day hit two air bases  Engels-2 in Saratov and the Dyagilevo air base in Ryazan  deep inside Russian territory housing strategic bombers. British defense intelligence said at that time that the attacks likely represented the "most strategically significant" force protection failure of the war. In those incidents, the drones were reportedly launched from Ukrainian territory.

The most recent attack is "embarrassing, since the strategic bombers were not in any type of shelter or cover," said Samuel Bendett, a research analyst with the Center for Naval Analyses' Russia Studies Program. He noted that protective practices should have become standard after the earlier incidents, but clearly any lessons learned from previous strikes on Russian airbases weren't spread across the defense system.

All of the attacks have been on Long-Range Aviation bases, installations under the Russian Aerospace Forces that focus on long-range aircraft, nuclear capabilities, and strategic bombers, such as the Tu-22M3. These assets are essential not just for Russia's fight in Ukraine, allowing Moscow to threaten both Ukrainian military infrastructure and cities, but they're also key should Russia find itself conflict with NATO.

The Tupelov Tu-22M supersonic bomber can carry up to three Kh-22 missiles, an anti-ship weapon that Russia has been using against Ukraine's urban areas. Russian Defence Ministry/Getty Images

While the type of drone used to take out the Tu-22M3 is unclear, Bendett told Insider it could have been a smaller first-person view type of drone with a rocket-propelled grenade warhead, a smaller quadcopter that could carry several small grenades, or even a small aircraft-type UAV with a limited range, all of which are quite cheap compared to the valuable target they hit.

Additional questions are where the UAV hit the aircraft and whether smaller accompanying drones "may have attacked something stacked next to the aircraft instead like munitions, missiles, or even fuel," he added.

The site of the latest attack, the Soltsky-2 air base in Novgorod Oblast, is nearly 400 miles from Russia's border with Ukraine. It is unlikely that smaller drones of the type Bendett suspects may have been involved would have the range to reach that location from Ukraine, suggesting it was launched within Russia. If that's the case, it may speak to both Ukraine's expanding ability to threaten domestic Russian air bases and Russia's inability to protect them.

Bases aren't the only areas and assets Russia has left inadequately defended. Drone strikes in Moscow and the Black Sea  which have increased in frequency and damage done in recent weeks  have raised at times questions about Russian competence and the consequences of complacency.

A Tupolev Tu-160 and Tu-22M3 military aircrafts fly over the Kremlin and Red Square in downtown Moscow to mark the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, May 9, 2020. ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images

More than whether or not last weekend's attack indicates a growing Ukrainian ability to strike beyond its territory, the Tu-22M3 being destroyed is another glaring failure on Russia's part to protect its LRA air bases. It's been roughly nine months since the December attacks, and another strike points to limited change in force protection for these bombers, which could be as simple as keeping them in hangars or beefing up base security.

A common Russian response is just to move them to different locations. On August 19, Advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Anton Gerashchenko posted that surviving aircraft from the recent hit would reportedly be moved to the Olenya airfield in the Murmansk region, a northwestern area close to Finland.

Russia's complacency  and apparent lack of realization that their assets can be targeted in this war  have been shown time and time again.

In recent weeks, Russian service members have been killed standing in vulnerable positions where Ukraine's US-provided High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems could easily hit them. And the way a drone boat attack against a Russian warship played out in the Black Sea indicated Russian forces had little to no idea an attack was imminent  or hadn't even considered they were at risk.

In the aftermath of the Tu-22M3 attack, there's a question of how Russia might adapt. But given its previous track record in the war, that's shaping up to be more of an "if."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The TCPalm alert quickly caught my attention: Buc-ees may be looking in St. Lucie County.

My first thoughts: Cool! I love Buc-ees.

When I head north or to Texas, I try to time my stops to fill my vehicle tank with Buc-ees reasonably priced gasoline; freshen up at its almost country club-style, immaculate restrooms, and grab a hot, juicy brisket sandwich or kolache.

Ive been introduced to Buc-ees yummy cinnamon gummi bears. Ive found certain styles of their Beaver Nuggets, puffed corn tossed in a brown sugar coating, go well with some craft beer stouts.

When I visit, I see help-wanted signs for good-paying jobs, some even in the six figures.

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Then reality hit.

The beauty of Buc-ees for me is visiting  on a trip, not down the street. I still like my relatively quaint hometown.

Almost all Buc-ees Ive been to are gargantuan, as in, off the interstate on dozens of acres. One of their downsides is the time it takes to stop, gas and go.

Will Buc-ee's beaver face NIMBYism?

The Buc-ee's locations in St. Augustine and Daytona Beach are tied for largest gas stations in Florida. For now.

More: Lost Summer 10 years on: Are Lake Okeechobee, Indian River Lagoon, estuary woes too big?

More: Brightline high-speed rail coming around bend; how can we mitigate Treasure Coast deaths?

More: Does DeSantis want to tackle Bud Light, regulation, help little guy, make Florida free?

Id just rather go to a local service station or Wawa, where I can grab a decent coffee quickly.

And while I might enjoy Buc-ees treats on vacation, Im not into fast food.

Then I wondered where Buc-ees could go in St. Lucie County.

My first thought: What if it repurposed the old outlet mall on Okeechobee Road? Itd fit in perfectly between Floridas Turnpike and Interstate 95. The property might be big enough, but there'd be access issues and what developer would want to renovate an old mall?

Oslo Road in Indian River County might be attractive to Buc-ees. The area is wide open, but work on an interchange just began and wont be done for several years.

Then I read Will Greenlees article, noting the possibility Buc-ees was looking at 33 acres on the southeast corner of 95 and Indrio Road.

It was disappointing.

First, for personal reasons: I dont want to live in walking distance of a tourist magnet, the kind of place that could attract crime and transient traffic.

Sure, call me a card-carrying member of the Not In My Back Yard club.

But theres a more legitimate issue.

St. Lucie County tries to plan better than much of Florida

This TCPalm graphic published May 14, 2006, explains where St. Lucie County's Towns, Villages and Countryside plan would be implemented and how it would work.

It relates to a project I followed closely in 2005, when the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council held more than 100 public meetings and worked with local landowners and St. Lucie County to develop its award-winning Towns, Villages and Countryside plan.

The plan  an effort to stop traffic-clogging urban sprawl that victimized many other parts of once-rural Florida  was designed for 28 square miles west of Fort Pierce in north St. Lucie County, reaching just past the Indrio Road-95 interchange.

The idea was to preserve and connect as much of the environment and agriculture as possible, while allowing an orderly flow of interconnected development. Villages would develop much like they do traditionally, as mixed-use neighborhoods, where people could walk and bike to shopping, work and school.

Combined villages, which could have more people per acre than in the past, would require 75% open space, while towns would need 60%, according to TCPalm files.

It sure would beat the kind of random development much of Florida has  where nature yields to concrete jungles made up of strip shopping centers and cookie-cutter housing subdivisions disconnected from each other, often by gates.

But how this for a definition of a concrete jungle? 73,000 square feet of retail space, 733 parking spots, 11 bus parking slots and 120 gasoline pumps on 33 acres. Greenlee said thats what was contained in a conceptual plan that states Buc-ees  Fort Pierce, FL and Buc-ees, Ltd. 

'We're holding all of the cards.'

Travel center and fueling station conceptual site plan provided by St. Lucie County. Note "Buc-ee's -- Fort, Pierce, FL" and "Buc-ee's Ltd." notation on bottom right.

This development plan, drawn by MacKenzie Engineering, was submitted June 17, 2020, as part of a proposal to develop 834 acres with about 2,600 homes, commercial and retail space on the southeast side of Interstate 95 and Indrio Road within the Towns, Villages and Countryside planning boundary.

Only later did I learn the gasoline station, if approved, would be within 834 acres rezoned by county commissioners in 2020. Tentative plans then called for a million and 88,000 square feet, respectively, of commercial and retail property; 1,878 and 805 single and multi-family homes; a fire station, school and other government amenities, and 24 gasoline pumps, according to county records.

That said, conceptual plans submitted with the 2020 approval suggested integrated uses  not separate strip malls, residences, etc.

The big questions: Could a massive Buc-ees work in a well-designed project? Or, would it, like a controversial proposal from a national homebuilder commissioners will review soon, cripple the Towns, Villages and Countryside plan?

Mike Busha, retired head of the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, said he knows nothing about what's happening there now, but hopes the TVC plan would remain intact.

Its not like we are begging for development, Busha said, citing the demand coming from South Florida and national developers. We're holding all of the cards. It would be a shame to give them away.

Everybody compromised (years ago) in that deal, he said of the TVC plan, designed to ensure proper water storage for the environment and agriculture. Theres plenty of room for growth out there.

But it has to be done right. The TVC set a higher standard for development.

LAURENCE REISMAN

The possible Buc-ees proposal is in its infancy. The national home builders isnt.

Lets hope St. Lucie County staff and commissioners fight hard to preserve the goals and details of the TVC. If a Buc-ee's works, great. But if commissioners lose sight of the end game, another bit of Florida paradise will be lost to sprawl, and we and our descendants will pay the personal price.

This column reflects the opinion of Laurence Reisman. Contact him via email at larry.reisman@tcpalm.com, phone at 772-978-2223, Facebook.com/larryreisman or Twitter @LaurenceReisman.

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This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Buc-ee's: St. Lucie must get busy as beavers ensuring good development
FILE - Ales Bialiatski, the head of Belarusian Viasna rights group, stands in a defendants' cage during a court session in Minsk, Belarus, on Nov. 2, 2011. Belarusian authorities Wednesday Aug. 23, 2023 declared the country's oldest and most prominent human rights group an extremist organization. The move against Viasna, founded by imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatksi, comes amid a yearslong crackdown on dissent in Belarus and exposes anyone involved in its activities to criminal prosecution. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

TALLINN, Estonia (AP)  Belarusian authorities Wednesday declared the country's oldest and most prominent human rights group an extremist organization.

The move against Viasna, founded by imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski , comes amid a yearslong crackdown on dissent in Belarus and exposes anyone involved in its activities to criminal prosecution.

Belarus was swept by massive protests, some of which drew more than 100,000 people, after the August 2020 presidential vote handed a sixth term to the country's authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko . The election was rejected as fraudulent by the opposition and the West.

Authorities responded with a brutal crackdown. More than 35,000 people were arrested, thousands were beaten by police while in custody, and hundreds of nongovernmental organizations and independent media outlets were shut down and outlawed as extremist.

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The move against Viasna significantly ramped up the pressure on dissenters in Belarus. Viasna has branches in the majority of the countrys large cities, and hundreds of volunteers and activists all over the country who monitor human rights abuses in Belarus on a daily basis.

The authorities say that anyone who has anything to do with the group and continues to be involved with it will face criminal charges, such as contributing to an extremist organization." The offense is punishable by up to seven years in prison.

Belarus' Interior Ministry on Wednesday accused Viasna of preparing attacks on the sovereignty and public security of Belarus, (and) discrediting and insulting officials. Some 30 of its branches and information outlets linked to it were also added to the list of extremist organizations.

Bialiatski founded Viasna in 1996. The renowned human rights advocate was arrested after the 2020 protests and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022 while serving a 10-year prison sentence. Five other top Viasna advocates are also behind bars.

According to Viasna, a total of 1,489 political prisoners are incarcerated in Belarus, and the authorities deliberately create unbearable living conditions for many of them.
The more days Bibb Schools students are present in class, the better they perform on tests. The more days students miss, the less likely they are to perform well.

More than a quarter of Bibb Schools students were chronically absent last school year, according to attendance data obtained by The Macon Newsroom. Chronically absent students are those who miss 10% or more of the school year.

The correlation between truancy and academic performance was a topic of discussion at Thursdays Bibb County Board of Education meeting when the board was presented with a report on students performance on the Georgia Milestones test, a statewide standardized test administered each spring to measure student proficiency in subject areas.

Scores for Bibb students showed modest gains in some areas and shortfalls in others.

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Though Bibb Schools scores are below the states average, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Cleveland Johnson said the peaks and valleys in performance correlate with state trends.

We definitely have room for improvement, and want to see more students proficient or above, Johnson said.

Johnsons presentation included a chart illustrating the correlation between schools with low test scores and schools with high rates of student absenteeism. The slide prompted questions, concerns and comments from board members.

The districts attendance policy, based on Georgia law, says parents or guardians are notified upon a students fifth unexcused absence. The penalty and consequences of such absences are outlined in the notification which states additional absences will constitute separate offenses. Prior to any judicial involvement, the district sends parents and guardians a certified letter by mail.

A parent or guardian who is convicted of violating the states compulsory student attendance law, a misdemeanor charge, faces a fine between $25 and $100 plus community service or up to 30 days in prison.

School board member Juawn Jackson wanted to know how the district is addressing the problem of absent students.

Superintendent of Student Achievement Jamie Cassady said meetings are scheduled for next month with school counselors and administrators to review attendance protocol and discuss creating breakthrough teams in which the schools would identify 20-25 kids who are chronically absent and, in 10-week long cycles, focus all efforts on ensuring their attendance.

Board member Sundra Woodford asked, Do we know why students arent showing up for school?

Cassady said there are a vast number of reasons.

At the elementary school level, we just have a lot of parents that just do not value education, he said. When we meet with parents, its two fold: One is to see if theres any barriers and if theres any barriers, then weve got individuals, weve got partners to help us remove those barriers.Then, secondly, is to see if the laws been broken  if we have parents whove just been keeping kids out.

Board member Thelma Dillard wanted to know how or why does a lack of interest with education in parents differ at this time than it did in previous times? Because there has pretty much been a lack of interest in education in the past, as an educator. So, why is it different now?

Cassady said when he learns the answer, Im going to write a book.  Thats the million dollar question.

The district has adapted some aspects of its approach to deal with increased student absenteeism, Cassady said. For example, social workers, who previously visited schools when called, are now stationed at certain schools on a rotating basis.

We try to meet with parents; We try to meet them wherever they are; We try to hear what issues they may be having; We try to support them in every way possible, he said. But even after we give them all of the supports that we can possibly give  and all of the resources  we still have parents that do not get their kids in our schools so that we can get them in the seats so that we can see these scores increase.

Board member Kristen Hanlon wanted to know if the district was looking at factors besides absenteeism that might contribute to disparate attendance rates among individual schools.

Johnson said the district does an analysis to see where we can translate success across the district when its occurring in isolated areas.

Board member Daryl Morton said the data hes seen showed that some schools have incredible challenges with absenteeism while others do incredibly well in making sure theres not chronic unexcused absences.

Morton suggested the district please talk to schools with low rates of student absenteeism and ask what their approaches are to getting students to show up to school.

I dont know how we improve scores without getting kids back in school, Morton said. I worry sometimes we put too much pressure on our teachers and administration, too much responsibility on them for improving these scores when, at least on the outside, it looks like to me, one of our biggest issues is we dont have kids in school enough to learn.

Board member James Freeman said he believes in the carrot and the stick and was happy to hear the district approaches it with both: resources/support for parents and judicial involvement.

I hope we are including the prosecutors, the DAs, the solicitors, whoever it is, and the judges, to make this a priority for the court system, Freeman said. If you do have a parent who is simply breaking the law and their kid is suffering, thats why we have the law.

Regarding student progress, board member Myrtice Johnson, of no relation to Cleveland Johnson, said she expected to see fewer students classified as beginning learners and was surprised to see an increase compared with last year.

Board member Lisa Garrett-Boyd said the districts comparison of grade-level scores from year-to-year was like comparing apples and oranges because of the progressing student cohort.

As a classroom teacher, I know we can have a group of kids one year and theyre just that group; The next year, the groups a little better, she said.
While the news of Yevgeny Prigozhin s death stunned the world, the response within official Washington was a collective shrug.

Officials demurred from commenting on the circumstances of the downing of a flight with Prigozhin aboard, stressing instead that everyone knew this was the likely outcome of his failed mutiny against Moscow in June and that it doesnt change the U.S. calculation on Russia or its war in Ukraine.

Asked during his vacation in Lake Tahoe if Russian President Vladimir Putin was behind the crash of Prigozhins private plane, carrying him and nine others, President Joe Biden said theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind, but I dont know enough to know the answer.



The Wagner Group chief, a once-close Putin confidant and a backer of coups and repressive governments around the world, had widely been considered a dead man walking ever since his June insurrection. Russias civil aviation agency confirmed Wednesday that Prigozhin was aboard the doomed aircraft.

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Adrienne Watson, the National Security Councils spokesperson, said before confirmation of Prigozhins demise that no one should be surprised by the initial reports. The disastrous war in Ukraine led to a private army marching on Moscow, and now  it would seem  to this.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, stated Wednesday no one should mourn Prigozhins death, adding that its another reminder of the brutality of the Putin regime, and why we must continue our support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom.

So far, little seems to have shifted in terms of thinking or operations inside the administration. Officials seek more intelligence about what occurred, but ultimately they expect Putin to stay the course in Ukraine. Not having to contend with Prigozhin, who was openly critical of the Kremlins conduct of the invasion, could help Putin consolidate control and tamp down internal rivalries.

Experts warn that the administration will encounter a different Wagner Group now that Prigozhin is gone. Its the definitive end of Wagner as we knew it, the RAND Corporations Samuel Charap summarized.

Charap and four other U.S.-based Russia watchers said in interviews that Moscow will likely let the mercenaries act with pseudo independence in Africa, likely under the leadership of a quieter figure.

You dont want to be well known because it makes you a threat to the regime, said Alina Polyakova, president and CEO of the Center for European Policy Analysis.

Eric Green, who recently left the NSC as the top Russia specialist, said it will be hard for Russia to project power in Africa as effectively without Prigozhin. He added: Prigozhin was an odious human being but he had managerial skills and a kind of charisma. Thats not easy to replicate.



Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry will continue to bring some Wagner forces into the official military, perhaps deploying them as special forces in Ukraine or elsewhere, experts agreed.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies Max Bergmann argues that removing Wagners beloved leader might backfire on Putin. Decapitating Wagner  an effective tool for the Kremlin globally and in Ukraine  keeping incompetent loyalists in charge of the war, and removing effective generals will lead to growing frustration in the ranks, especially if there are more battlefield losses, he said.

More tumult inside Russias ranks could further complicate Putins war on Ukraine, giving Kyiv a boost as its counteroffensive sputters and inspiring confidence in Ukraines Western backers to further pump arms into the fight.

In the immediate term, there certainly is no effect on U.S. policy, said Green.

The largest looming question is what Moscow will do with the more than 3,000 Wagner mercenaries in Belarus. Theyve been training Belarusian special forces near the Polish border, spooking the NATO country and Western powers. The mercenaries could come back to Russia to serve in the conventional military, but, if so, those who served alongside Prigozhin in the short-lived revolt will be met with skepticism.

Loyalty to Prigozhin is still on display in Russia. Images circulating online showed the windows of Wagners headquarters in St. Petersburg lit up in the shape of a cross.
Joe Biden 's administration believes it will be able to secure supplemental funding for Ukraine, despite the opposition of some Republicans in the House of Representatives.

Source: CNN, citing Jake Sullivan , United States National Security Advisor

Quote: "There are strong Republican, as well as Democratic, voices in both the House and the Senate in key leadership positions advocating on behalf of continued financial support to Ukraine so that they have the tools they need to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

So we believe that the support will be there and will be sustained  even if there are some dissident voices on the other side of the aisle, we believe that at the core, there is still a strong bipartisan foundation of support for our Ukraine policy and for supporting and defending Ukraine."

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Details: Sullivan said the Biden administration has conveyed to Ukraine and its international allies its "confidence that the United States will continue to be there as we have committed to be there as long as it takes".

Background: In the first half of August, US President Joe Biden asked Congress to approve an additional US$22 billion in support for Ukraine by the end of the year. This time, it may prove more difficult to approve the funds than in previous cases.

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!
President Biden will host Costa Ricas president at the White House next week to discuss migration and other issues, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced Wednesday.

Biden and Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles will meet Aug. 29 and take steps to deepen and strengthen our cooperation on a range of key issues to deliver for our people, Jean-Pierre said.

The two leaders plan to discuss how to build inclusive and sustainable economies and advance democratic values, according to the White House. They also plan to discuss promoting safe and orderly migration in line with the principles of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, Jean-Pierre said, as well as address regional security challenges.

The visit is part of the Biden administrations efforts to expand its relationships with Latin America as it tries to curb the flow of migrants coming into the U.S. at the southern border. Costa Rica has also faced an uptick in homicides recently, with a record 657 last year, according to The Associated Press.

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In March, the White House announced a plan to provide $25 million in cybersecurity support to Costa Rica following major ransomware attacks last year that led Chaves to declare a state of emergency. Deputy U.S. national security adviser Anne Neuberger traveled to Costa Rica at the time to make the announcement.

Chaves took office in May 2022. First lady Jill Biden traveled to San Jose and met with him soon after as part of her four-country trip to Central and South America, which also had stops in Peru, Argentina and Panama.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Biden administration policy that has allowed thousands of people from Latin America and the Caribbean to temporarily live and work in the U.S. is headed to court Thursday as a group of Republican-leaning states challenge its legality.

The humanitarian parole program, announced in January, allows up to 30,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to be admitted into the U.S. each month for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit on a case-by-case basis, according to the Biden administration. Under the program, migrants are allowed to stay in the U.S. for up to two years and must go through an online application process, have a financial sponsor and undergo background and security checks.

Almost 160,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans have arrived under the parole program through the end of June, according to the administration.

A total of 21 Republican-leaning states have challenged the policy, calling it unlawful in an amended complaint in February. They wrote that President Joe Biden has effectively created a new visa program  without the formalities of legislation from Congress.

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District Judge Drew Tipton in Victoria, Texas, a Trump appointee, will begin hearing arguments challenging and defending the program's legality Thursday.

In April, Tipton granted a motion allowing a group of seven U.S. citizens who are sponsoring people through the program or are applying to sponsor them to join the legal proceedings in order to defend the program. The seven are represented by immigrant rights groups, the Justice Action Center, RAICES, and the Center for Immigration Law and Policy at the UCLA School of Law.

Eric Sype, 30, is sponsoring a Nicaraguan man he describes as his chosen family whom he visited whenever possible and spent holidays with after they met when he was a college student in 2014.

He said the man lives with his wife and two children in a coastal community that has been hit hard by tropical storms and hurricanes over the past few years. Combined with massive political unrest in Nicaragua beginning in 2018, the mans family is at risk and without opportunities, he said.

Those events, along with the pandemic, have really had a tremendous impact on the community that he lives in and on his own economic realities, Sype said.

Haitian migrants line up at a migrant shelter in Tijuana, Mexico (Carlos Moreno / Sipa via AP file)

Sype, who welcomed his friend to the U.S. earlier this month, said the man is here to work hard on his cousins farm in order to provide for his family.

It would just be such a shame for this program to be ended, as it just seems like a kind of bright light in a much larger broken immigration system, he said.

The humanitarian parole measure is part of the Biden administrations expansion of legal immigration pathways that temporarily allow people fleeing political and economic instability to come to the U.S., including after Russia invaded Ukraine.

More than 100,000 Ukrainians have been granted entry under the Biden administrations Uniting for Ukraine parole program.

That program is not part of the challenge by Republican states in the Texas lawsuit.

We have overseen the most significant expansion in lawful pathways for people to come to the United States in many decades as a result of our efforts to try to incentivize intending migrants to use safe, orderly, and lawful pathways to come to the United States, Blas Nunez-Neto, DHS assistant secretary for border and immigration policy, said in May. The administration has credited these policies with helping to decrease the number of crossings at the southern border.

Esther Sung, legal director of the Justice Action Center, said the seven individuals the organization represents in the case highlight the many positive reasons people are choosing to take part in the parole program, as well as its benefits.

Among those she and her group represent is a doctor who hopes to sponsor the mother of a young woman who has very serious medical problems and is in need of surgery, Sung said.

The doctor wrote in a declaration to the court that she worries that if the program is terminated before her mother arrives, the young woman may not be able to receive the life-saving surgery that she needs.

In the immigration landscape that we have, this is the one benefit and therefore very worthy of defending, Sung said.

The 21 states that are challenging the parole program for people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela argued in their complaint that the policy was unlawful, in part because it exceeds the federal governments statutory parole authority and does not meet the criteria for being used only on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.

The states also argue the policy will cause irreparable harm to the states by straining their resources.

The office of the attorney general in Texas, the first state to file the lawsuit against the policy, and the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit and the hearing.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
US President Joe Biden was informed about the plane crash in Russia, in which Yevgeny Prigozhin , the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, could have died.

Source: ABC News, citing the White House

Details: Meanwhile, Adrienne Watson, White House National Security Council spokeswoman, said officials were monitoring reports of the plane crash.

Quote: "If confirmed, no one should be surprised. The disastrous war in Ukraine led to a private army marching on Moscow, and now -- it would seem -- to this."

Background:

On the evening of 23 August, Russian media and Rosaviatsiya [Federal Air Transport Agency  ed.] reported that a small plane with Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, on board, had crashed. All 10 people on board were reportedly killed. The media reported that, in addition to Prigozhin himself, his deputy, Dmitry Utkin, who went under the alias Wagner, was also on board the plane.

The United States was in direct contact with Russia during the so-called Wagners rebellion.

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!
President Biden on Wednesday suggested Russian President Vladimir Putin could be behind the plane crash in Russia that had Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin listed as a passenger.

Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind, Biden told reporters.

But I dont know enough to know the answer. Ive been working out for the last hour and a half, he added.

The president was briefed on the crash shortly after Russian media outlets confirmed Prigozhin was on the passenger list, as well as nine other people, who were all reportedly killed.

State-run media service TASS reported the plane crashed in the Tver region, about 100 miles northwest of Moscow. The plane was a business jet on its way from Moscow to St. Petersburg, according to reports.

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The Hill has not confirmed the authenticity of the reports or that Prigozhin was aboard the plane.

Biden  who is on vacation in Lake Tahoe, which spans California and Nevada  also reminded reporters of his previous remarks about Prigozhin following the so-called March of Justice that aimed to topple Moscows military leadership earlier this summer.

You may recall, when I was asked about this by you, I said Id be careful what I rode in. I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised, Biden said.

Biden in July said, If I were he, Id be careful what I ate, referring to Prigozhin.

I would keep an eye on my menu, Biden added at the time.

Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, earlier Wednesday said no one should be surprised if the reports are true.

We have seen the reports, Watson wrote on X. If confirmed, no one should be surprised.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Biden formally launched the new income-driven repayment plan, known as the SAVE plan.

GOP lawmakers Foxx and Cassidy are planning to introduce legislation to overturn the plan.

They previously said it was an overreach of authority and is unfair to taxpayers.

When Congress comes back in session next month, taking on President Joe Biden's student-debt relief is on some lawmakers' agendas.

After the Supreme Court struck down Biden's plan to cancel up to $20,000 in student debt for federal borrowers, his administration announce it would be trying again for relief using a different law. It also announced it would be implementing a new income-driven repayment plan, known as the SAVE plan, that would cut undergraduate payments in half and ensure any borrower making $15 per hour and under would have $0 monthly payments.

The Education Department formally launched the application for the new plan on Tuesday, and borrowers can start applying for it before federal payments resume in October. However, following the department's announcement of that plan in June, Rep. Virginia Foxx and Sen. Bill Cassidy  top Republicans on the House and Senate education committees, respectively  blasted the targeted relief.

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"President Biden's student loan scheme is still illegal and does not forgive debt but instead transfers it from those who willingly took on the debt to those who never went to college or sacrificed to pay their student loans," Cassidy said in a statement at the time. "Just like Biden's student debt transfer scheme, this IDR rule is deeply unfair to the 87 percent of Americans who currently have no student loans and will now have to foot the bill for someone else's debt."

As Politico first reported on Tuesday, Cassidy and Foxx are planning to turn their statements into legislation. Spokespeople for both lawmakers confirmed to Insider that they will introduce bills in the House and Senate to overturn the SAVE plan. A spokesperson said the legislation will use the Congressional Review Act, which is a fast track tool Congress can use to overturn final rules put in place by federal agencies. The GOP lawmakers previously used that same tool to overturn Biden's broad debt relief plan, and while it passed both the House and Senate, Biden vetoed the legislation  and he could do so again should Congress pass any bill to block the SAVE plan.

Amid the Republican opposition to the SAVE plan, though, some Democratic lawmakers lauded Biden's efforts to make payments more affordable for millions of borrowers. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday that "Biden's SAVE plan helps Americans with student debt by capping interest growth and lowering monthly payments. That's real money back in people's pockets. Republicans in Congress are trying to repeal this relief. I'm going to fight their effort each step of the way."

In addition to repayment reforms for borrowers, the Education Department is also in the process of implementing broad debt relief again using the Higher Education Act of 1965. This process takes time because the law requires the administration to go through the negotiated rulemaking process, which includes public hearings and multiple negotiation sessions with stakeholders. But with legal threats and conservative opposition to the plan, it's unclear when borrowers can expect to see that relief.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Tahoka Police Department on Wednesday announced an arrest has been made in connection with the death of a woman who was found dead earlier this month in Lynn County. released more information surrounding the death of a female on Aug. 5 in Tahoka.

According to the news release, Tahoka police were called out at 1:23 p.m. Aug. 5 for reports of a woman's body along the side of North 6th Street. Responding officers did not recognize the victim.

The department made the determination that the victim was not from the area and notified the Texas Rangers. After an autopsy the victim was identified as 50-year-old Claudia Gail Davis.

After partnering with the Big Spring Police Department, a suspect was identified as 25-year-old Frank Montemayor.

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He has been arrested for weapons violations by Big Spring police and was served on Aug. 21. with a warrant for murder by the Texas Rangers. Other information about the death were not immediately clear as the investigation is ongoing.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Big Spring, Tahoka police arrest suspect charged with murder
Insider analyzed salary data for thousands of workers to reveal how much large tech companies pay.

We crunched the numbers for companies including Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft.

The data from US companies report in foreign workers' visa applications sheds light on compensation.

While many big US technology companies have experienced layoffs earlier this year, they're making a comeback as they post impressive growth.

In March, the tech-industry association CompTIA reported that the projected rate for tech jobs over the next decade is nearly twice the national jobs rate. It projected over 270,000 net new tech jobs this year.

Companies are required to disclose information including salary (or, in some cases, salary ranges) when they hire foreign workers under the H-1B visa program, giving insight into what these tech giants are willing to shell out for talent.

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So, to get a sense of what salaries in the industry are like these days, Insider analyzed the US Office of Foreign Labor Certification's disclosure data for permanent and temporary foreign workers to find out what companies pay employees in key roles, including engineers, designers, and salespeople.

When you're done checking out this industry data, take a look at Insider's searchable database of over 250,000 salaries from more than 250 companies so you can know how much you should be paid.

Google's software engineers can make more than $300,000.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Google is often touted as one of the best places to work, with compensation to match.

A software engineer was offered $325,000, and a senior vice president recently took in an annual salary of $1,000,000, according to visa application data. And according to leaked salary data, a software engineer was paid $718,000, and an engineering manager was paid $400,000.

Here's a look at many other positions and how much they pay across Google.

Here's a look at salaries, equity, and bonuses Googlers reported making, according to leaked data

The company's Cloud business has been aggressively building out its workforce as it tries to catch its larger cloud rivals Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure.

Here's a peek at the salaries Google Cloud pays US-based engineers, managers, and more.

Amazon's senior software development managers can make up to $340,000.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy Mike Blake/Reuters

Amazon has continued hiring for technical and business talent to support its e-commerce and dominant cloud-computing businesses. Lately though, it's requiring most employees to return to the office or relocate to their teams' nearest offices, making RTO exceptions rare.

Insider reviewed H-1B visa application data that Amazon applied for in 2022 to reveal how much it paid software developers, data scientists, marketers, salespeople, business analysts, and more. The most senior software development engineers can make nearly $300,000, and senior software development managers can make up to $340,000.

Check out the details here.

Amazon's cloud software engineers can make over $260,000.

Adam Selipsky, the Amazon Web Services boss. Albert Gea/Reuters

Amazon's cloud unit, now run by Adam Selipsky, has continued hiring for technical and business talent to support its dominant cloud-computing business.

Insider reviewed H-1B visa application data that Amazon's cloud unit applied for in 2022 to reveal how much it paid software developers, data scientists, marketers, salespeople, business analysts, and more. The highest-paid employees, according to that data, can make as much as $261,500 in base salary.

Check out the details here.

Senior director jobs at Apple can pay over $400,000.

Apple CEO Tim Cook. Roy Rochlin/WireImage/Getty Images

Apple closed another successful year in September 2022, generating $394.3 billion in revenue from sales of iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other devices and services.

Apple became the first company to hit $3 trillion in market value last year after being the first to reach the $1 trillion and $2 trillion marks  and Apple is bringing on a cadre of visa-holding overseas workers to help it.

The highest-paid person in the second quarter 2022 work-visa application data is a senior director who was offered $415,000

Check out the salaries Apple pays for positions such as software developers, electrical engineers, computer and information systems managers, and statisticians.

Apple's advertising is legendary, and its broader marketing efforts are integral to the company's success. The iPhone maker regularly gets attention for its cinematic campaigns. The company sponsors visas for a range of well-paid marketing jobs.

Here are the salaries of advertising- and marketing-focused roles at Apple and other tech giants including Airbnb and Facebook.

Most salaries at Dell are in the six-figure range  with some exceptions

Dell CEO Michael Dell. Dell

Heightened demand for hardware during the pandemic led to record earnings for companies like Dell despite supply chain woes. Some employees reaped nearly $200,000 for their part in the company's boom.

While senior-level roles tend to be top earners, an Insider analysis of 381 approved H-1B visas for Dell workers found that a technical staff member in software engineering based in Texas earned $198,083.

It's a top range salary, but many other roles across engineering, analyst and sales positions earned at least six figures  with exceptions, like some business and sales analysts.

Here's how much Dell paid US-based engineering, analyst, product-management, and sales roles.

Senior DoorDash jobs in engineering and sales make upwards of $250,000

DoorDash CEO Tony Xu Noam Galai/Getty Images for TechCrunch

DoorDash's service has become a staple for households around the country. The company is getting into rapid grocery delivery and expanding overseas, and it has been paying to attract the right employees for these growing ambitions.

A software engineer at DoorDash can make over $245,000 in annual salary, according to compensation data compiled by Insider. And computer and information systems managers

can make $260,000 a year.

These high salaries across technical and business roles reflect the company's need to attract talent as it competes against big rivals.

See many other DoorDash jobs and salaries here.

HPE employees designing software earn up to $232,259

Hewlett Packard Enterprise CEO Antonio Neri. AP Photo/Richard Drew

Hewlett Packard Enterprise's next move, through partnerships like one with networking startup Pensando, is developing hardware that will help the enterprise process data close to where it lives.

It's heavily investing in its staff to do so. Insider analyzed approved visas for HPE workers and found software employees throughout California, North Carolina and Texas consistently earning $160,000 to $232,259.

See the full list of HPE engineers, managers, and sales salaries.

IBM employees can make as much as $335,000 in base salary.

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna. Brian Ach/Getty Images for Wired

Under CEO Arvind Krishna, IBM is trying to reinvent itself for the cloud-computing era, dominated so far by Amazon, Microsoft, Alibaba, and Google.

IBM's 2019 purchase of the open-source-software firm Red Hat for $34 billion was a defining moment when the company bet big on hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence. Part of IBM's reinvention includes growing its 350,000-strong employee base to add engineering talent in cloud, hybrid cloud, and AI, as well as in fields like strategy, consulting, and business analysis.

Insider analyzed the 241 H-1B visas IBM applied for in 2021 to find out what it pays engineers, business analysts and consultants, digital strategists, and more. The highest-paid IBM employees can make as much as $335,000 in base salary, according to that data.

Check out all the jobs and salaries here.

Instacart engineering managers can make over $200,000.

Instacart CEO Fidji Simo Instacart

Instacart under CEO Fidji Simo is doubling down on working with grocery stores for its delivery service.

An engineering manager makes $240,000 in salary; senior software engineers make upwards of $190,000. On the business side, an account executive makes $160,000.

Check out all the Instacart compensation data Insider compiled here.

Intel engineering managers can make more than $260,000.

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger. Horacio Villalobos-Corbis/Getty Images

Intel is battling slowing revenue growth, shrinking margins, and rising competition from Taiwan Semiconductor, AMD, Nvidia, and others.

There's also a semiconductor shortage to contend with, while marquee customers like Apple are designing their own chips.

For all of this, Intel relies on scientists, researchers, managers, marketers, and different types of software and hardware engineers.

The highest-paid people in the work-visa application data set from second quarter of 2022 are two engineering managers in California who were each offered $263,952.

Here's a peek at the salaries Intel pays some of these employees, based on roles from visa applications that the company filed with authorities.

Engineering roles at Lyft range make between $122,000 and $189,100

Logan Green, Lyft cofounder and CEO. Noah Berger/AP Photo

Lyft may be the second place ridesharing company by revenue, but employee salaries are still on par with its number one competitor, Uber.

Engineers at Lyft  depending on the speciality  can earn between $122,000 and $189,100, with engineering managers making $235,654. The averages are based on an Insider analysis of salary data from the US Office of Foreign Labor Certification.

Read how much Lyft paid employees across 18 tech and non-tech roles.

A Meta software engineer can make $290,000.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg Charles Platiau/Reuters

Employees of Meta, formerly called Facebook,consistently make well into the six figures. Software engineers and engineering managers can make as much as $290,000. A product manager makes as much as $280,000.

While it embraced remote work in the last couple of years, lately Meta has made its policies on returning to the office stricter, saying workers may lose their jobs if they don't go to the office three times a week.

Here are all the latest data on Meta salaries.

Microsoft's highest-paying jobs include software engineers, sales managers, and researchers.

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. Sean Gallup/Getty Images

We analyzed Microsoft's active foreign-worker visas in 2022 to find the titles with the highest salaries and provided a salary range for each role. The highest salary we found, for a business planner, was $310,000.

In internal Microsoft surveys obtained by Insider, 48% of staff said in July that they would stay at Microsoft if they were offered a comparable position with similar pay and benefits at another company. This is down from 68% in January.

Here's the full list of jobs and salaries, covering positions such as cloud-solution architect, silicon engineer, and software engineers.

Software engineers at Salesforce can make over $300,000.

Employees outside the Salesforce Tower. Noam Galai/Contributor/Getty Images

Salesforce builds cloud software to help companies manage their customers.

Insider analyzed H-1B visas Salesforce applied for in 2022 to find out how much it paid workers in areas like engineering, data analytics, and product management. Software engineers can make more than $300,000 in salary, the data showed.

Here's the full list of positions and pay.

Snap offers base salaries ranging from $50,000 to $500,000.

Snap CEO Evan Spiegel. Steve Jennings/Getty Images for TechCrunch

Snap, the company behind Snapchat, has ambitions in areas like AI, augmented reality, and short-form video.

In 2021, Snap offered annual base salaries ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 for various roles, according to data from H-1B visa applications analyzed by Business Insider.

Check out all the Snap jobs and pay here.

SpaceX may offer 'mediocre' salaries, but it compensates employees in other ways

SpaceX is reportedly hoping to increase its valuation with a new sale of employee stock. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Elon Musk's rocket company SpaceX has a reputation for long hours and "mediocre" salaries.

However, the business has other ways of compensating employees.

One outside investor in SpaceX told Insider the company has a smart way of giving employees liquidity. He said SpaceX's financial system  what the Los Angeles Times once described as an "internal stock market"  not only helps staff get paid above and beyond their salary and keeps them working hard but also gives SpaceX precise control over people who owns pieces of the company.

Read more about how SpaceX employees get company stock.

Tesla software engineers can make over $175,000.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

Tesla has been a leader in building electric vehicles. Lately, it has cut its car prices for the Model S and Model X as it faces more competition in the EV market. It has also entered the electric pickup truck segment with its Cybertruck.

According to visa application data from late 2020 to mid-2021, staff software development engineers can make over $175,000.

Here's how much Elon Musk pays Tesla's engineers, managers, and analysts

TikTok engineering managers take home up to $438,000.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew Zheng Shuai/VCG via Getty Images

ByteDance and its subsidiary TikTok, the social media app that has skyrocketed in popularity, paid employees $29 an hour to $438,000 a year from late 2020 to late 2022, according to approved foreign labor certification applications reviewed by Insider.

Technology roles trended toward the high end of the pay scale, with engineering managers taking home up to $438,000 annually.

Here are the salaries of product, engineering, data science, research, monetization and other roles at TikTok and ByteDance.

Uber competes with the biggest Silicon Valley companies, and its salaries show that.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Uber

Though Uber has gone through rounds of job cuts in recent years, its compensation for many full-time positions is competitive with the biggest Silicon Valley tech firms.

Senior engineers can earn salaries of $345,000, while data scientists and senior product managers can pull in over $170,000, excluding any equity or bonus.

Check out the full list of Uber positions and salaries here.

Engineers at X, formerly called Twitter, made over $300,000 in base salary.

X CEO Linda Yaccarino Santiago Felipe/Getty Images

Billionaire Elon Musk took over Twitter in late 2022. Since then, he has changed its name to X and handed over the CEO reins to former NBCUniversal Media executive Linda Yaccarino. More than half of X's workforce have been laid off or left the company, although the company is now hiring again.

X generates most of its revenue from advertising, but many advertising customers have left since Musk's takeover. Musk hopes to rebrand X into an "everything app", with features for payments and long-form videos. Still, it sees competition from companies like Meta, which recently launched a direct rival called Threads.

According to visa application data from the second quarter of 2022 when Twitter was still a public company, engineers can make over $300,000 in base salary.

See how much analysts, managers, and other employees get paid at the social media company

OpenAI says research engineers can expect $200,000 to $370,000 in base compensation.

Sam Altman, the OpenAI CEO, and an illustration of GPT-4. JASON REDMOND/AFP via Getty Images; Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Few industries are blowing up like artificial intelligence and big data, as OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot helped kick off a major demand for generative AI. PitchBook estimated that the generative AI market will reach $42.6 billion in 2023 and $98 billion by 2026. All that investment fuels an equally explosive jobs market.

Insider analyzed a mix of compensation data from company job postings and Levels.fyi, an open database where engineers can submit their compensation information, as well as insight gleaned from speaking with individuals in the industry, to find out what tech companies pay engineers, researchers, and other professionals in the field of big data and machine learning.

Here's salary data for AI roles in companies like Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Nvidia.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The U.S. Geological Surveys Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

If youre like most South Dakotans, EROS is the most important building youve never heard of. If you know it at all, theres a strong chance you live in the Sioux Falls area and a slim chance you actually understand what happens there.

Thats in spite of how hard my coworkers and I tried to change that between 2018 and last year, when good fortune and a call from Searchlight Editor Seth Tupper pulled me out of public relations and back into journalism.

That EROS remains mysterious is perhaps a sad commentary on our work, though I think we occasionally did some great stuff.

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The sadder thing is this: The EROS you dont know about represents, unquestionably, South Dakotas most effectual long-term contribution to the global scientific community, and arguably its most impactful to the world at large. Its not even close.

Doubt it? You shouldnt. Im biased, but Im not wrong.

Its no exaggeration to say that anyone with a map on their smartphone has a little piece of EROS in their pocket. To be clear, EROS doesnt make smartphone apps. Ironically enough, cell phone reception at EROS, which is 18 miles from Sioux Falls and surrounded by cornfields, is atrocious.

My point is this: The technology behind satellite-derived measurements of the Earths surface and the means to understand them  the technology that makes it possible for you to go back in time to watch glaciers recede, lakes fill or drain, or track wildfire damage  started with the Landsat satellite program and EROS.

Virginia Norwood, the mother of Landsat.

Gambits, greased palms and happy accidents

To defend this bold claim, I need to take you back to 1966. That was three years before the first moon landing, a time when the attention of the public and scientific community was fixed on looking into outer space, not down from it.

That was the year former USGS Director William Pecora convinced Department of Interior Secretary Stewart Udall to announce the agencys intention to launch a satellite to monitor the Earths surface.

They didnt tell NASA, though. Instead, they issued a press release announcing their plans, which served to force NASAs hand into a partnership thats held fast since. NASA builds the satellites; USGS owns them after launch and archives the data.

The first satellite, called the Earth Resources Technology Satellite, was launched in 1972. It was renamed Landsat in 1979.

It carried something called a multispectral scanner (MSS), designed by a whip-smart toughie named Virginia Norwood, who managed a team of men in a time when she was often the only woman in rooms filled with engineers. Norwoods device measured energy across multiple bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. Our eyes can only see red, green and blue light, but the MSS could see infrared and other bands, like a vampire bat, bed bug or a Predator from an action movie.

The MSS wasnt even meant to be the primary imaging tool on that first satellite. It was supposed to be a camera, with the MSS as a backup. The camera broke, which turned out to be just fine. Scanning the spectrum offered more useful data than pictures anyway. Current Landsats have nine spectral bands and two thermal ones (awfully handy for studying urban heat).

But lets get back to South Dakota.

In order to catch all that spectral data, the program needed a home somewhere within a narrow oval of Midwestern land between Kansas City and Fargo. The idea was to pick a place that would allow for the collection of data on either end of the country. The early satellites couldnt store data, so the options were catch it or lose it.

Sioux Falls won the EROS race for two reasons beyond geography. First, South Dakota Sen. Karl Mundt was a pal of then-President Richard Nixon. Second, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation offered to give the USGS 300 acres of property free of charge.

Mayor Paul TenHaken praised their vision at a Friday reception at EROS, though he admitted that we probably wouldnt give away 300 acres today.

In August of 1973, the doors flung open, and the EROS employees whod worked out of a temporary office in downtown Sioux Falls walked in to begin building the field of satellite-based land change science.

Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken speaks at a 50th anniversary celebration for the USGS EROS Center.

Rapid advancements

Norwood, who I met in 2021, about two years before her death, was surprised by how quickly her idea began to help humanity understand its planet.

By the mid-1970s, scientists were using Landsat data to monitor crop health, after a wheat crisis caused the price of the grain to spike. When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, Landsat was able to peer beyond the visible to track the damage and recovery. In 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear disaster struck, and Landsat imagery was used to put the lie to Soviet assertions that it had been a minor event.

CBS News showed up for that.

Heres the place in the story where I mention that EROS is about a lot more than Landsat. It has aerial photos dating back to the 1930s, data from NOAA and NASA satellites, declassified satellite photos from the 1960s and on and on.

All that imagery has contributed to more science than I have space to write about. Theres the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, which helps the U.S. Agency for International Development intervene with food aid in developing countries before people starve to death.

Theres the Hazards Data Distribution System and International Charter Space and Major Disasters, which have EROS ingesting and distributing imagery from natural and man-made disasters worldwide to emergency responders in the U.S. and around the world.

There are land cover databases, which define which parts of the country are cropland, forested, urban and the like and how theyve changed over time. The first one ever made and the most widely used ones today were born at EROS under the guidance of South Dakota Hall-of-Famer Dr. Tom Loveland. EROS is also a partner in LANDFIRE, a land cover map with a dizzying array of detail on land cover, but also on potential fuels.

Lately, a lot of attention has been paid to evapotranspiration (ET), especially in semi-arid areas of the Western U.S. ET is the combined measurement of evaporation and transpiration, a measurement of water use efficiency that can help guide water use on farm fields.

Landsat can measure that at a wide scale. In a country that gets so much of its produce from places like California that dont have a drop of water to waste, thats a big deal.

The biggest deal of all came in 2008, when the USGS decided to stop charging for Landsat data.

That pushed other government agencies to open up their data. It also made it possible for companies like Google to ingest every image in the EROS archive, and for researchers to start analyzing decades of data. Thats the imagery youd see on your phone, by the way, although the close-up stuff comes from commercial providers.

Data use exploded after 2008. At Fridays anniversary reception, a scientist and Interior Department official named Annalise Blum appeared in a video to remind the staff and inform the guests that the decision to open up the archive and let others build with it and from it has translated into $3.45 billion in annual economic activity across the globe.

Whats next?

Id be dishonest if I didnt admit that Landsat has lost some of its luster since then. Its still the most well-known and one of the most widely used data sources, but its not alone anymore.

Its satellites gather moderate resolution imagery in a world awash in higher-resolution stuff. It collects new imagery every eight days between its two operational satellites, while the European Space Agencys Sentinel-2 satellites, which collect higher-resolution data, get new stuff every five.

Commercial companies like Planet, which launch satellites the size of bread loaves by the hundreds, will sell you new imagery every day.

At the risk of being uninvited to EROS alumni gatherings, Ill admit to telling my current coworkers that its now easier to find and download quick-and-dirty versions of American satellite imagery from the European satellite portal. For higher resolution stuff, I recommend the clunkier USGS interface, which has more and better stuff in a harder-to-understand format.

Real smart people dont download data at all anymore, by the way. The entire Landsat archive is now in the cloud, and you can work with it all without downloading a thing.

But heres the thing: All that work stands on a foundation built in Sioux Falls, and that work remains critical to a remote sensing world thats changed so much since 2008.

EROS still catches data, fixes it, shares it and studies it, and thats incredibly important work. Landsat is often referred to as the gold standard of satellite calibration, the data to which other satellite data is compared for accuracy. To do science over time and trust the results, every pixel of satellite data needs to be in the right place and measure the same thing every single time.

Thats really, really hard. To illustrate, imagine standing at the end of your block and taking a photo of a stop sign at the other end. Now imagine that you mark your spot, run around the block and take the same photo. Now imagine doing that 10 times. The chances that every pixel in every photo lines up exactly no matter how closely you zoom in are essentially zero.

Satellites circle the world, not the block. Theyre hundreds of miles up, too, and they never stop to breathe or aim as they go.

The people at EROS were among the first to try and figure that out, and theyre still some of the best. People from all over the world would show up regularly during my time there to compare notes on the math magic behind it.

Its also important to remember how important free is. Landsat has international ground stations and partners all over the world, sometimes in countries that could scarcely afford to pay a private company to collect data.

In remarks Friday, EROS Center Director Pete Doucette addressed the programs place in the changing marketplace it helped create. He pointed to a 1:20 scale model of Landsat 9, the newest school bus-sized satellite in orbit, and told the crowd it stands as a symbol of what came before and whats coming next.

A lot of modern satellites are the size of the model.

Landsat 9 is probably the end of an era for that size of satellite, he said.

Landsat Next, the successor to Landsat 9, will collect data across more spectral bands and will have a six-day revisit time, he told them.

Its a far different project than the ones that built EROS. Put that together with the proliferation of other data sources, Doucette said, and theres a fair bit of uncertainty ahead.

But then he pointed to a picture of Landsat 6, the one Landsat that never achieved orbit due to a fuel system problem. Risk has always been a part of the EROS story, he said.

As for the cubesats now watching the planet, he said, we view these new and emerging systems with opportunity.

We dont fear them, and we dont feel we have to compete with them, he said. We relish the availability of that, because it complements what we can do. We are the Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, right? So anything that expands our ability to observe the Earth is something we need to consider as scientists.

So yes, satellite data is everywhere. Private companies, universities, even high school classrooms can now buy and build satellites. Those satellites can hitch a ride on a rocket packed like a Boeing Airbus with other paying satellite passengers and join the thousands of satellites already in orbit.

Its truly amazing.

And 50 years ago, South Dakotans youve never met at a place youve probably only heard of were among the first to lay the groundwork to make that reality.

Whatever the future holds for EROS, thats a past worth celebrating.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: How EROS changed the world from a cornfield
An Embraer Legacy 600 business jet associated with Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the infamous private military company Wagner, has crashed in Russia's Tver region to the northwest of Moscow, killing all on board. Prigozhin, who had a massive falling out with Russian President Vladimir Putin following a putsch in June, was listed among the jet's passengers, but his fate is currently unclear.

Russia's Emergency Ministry and Federal Air Transport Agency have both confirmed the crash and that there were no survivors, but who was actually onboard at the time of the incident remains uncertain. The official manifest listed three crew and seven passengers, including Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin, a former Russian military intelligence and special operations officer and founding member of Wagner. An official investigation is underway.

https://twitter.com/Archer83Able/status/1694401644987900024?s=20 https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/1694396997870993873?s=20 https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1694397614924439910?s=20 https://twitter.com/maria_avdv/status/1694398537537143271?s=20 https://twitter.com/YorukIsik/status/1694401982855823791?s=20 https://twitter.com/Tendar/status/1694402187542307142?s=20

The Embraer Legacy 600 that crashed, which has the Russian registration number RA-02795, was headed to St. Petersburg at the time of the incident. This aircraft was the same one that reportedly brought Prigozhin to Belarus as part of the official deal with the Kremlin following his failed mutiny. The aircraft is known to have direct links with Wagner.

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https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/1673557720622833665

Another business jet associated with Prigozhin, an Embraer Legacy 650 with the registration number RA-02748, was airborne at the time and has now landed in Moscow. This could raise questions about what aircraft the Wagner boss was actually on. He has a long history of using disguises and other means to conceal his actual movements.

https://twitter.com/krakek1/status/1694397809758249465?s=20

Just days ago, Prigozhin released a video purportedly filmed somewhere in the Sahel region of Africa touting his work in the region. It's unclear when that clip was shot. Wagner has a presence in multiple African countries and there have been concerns about the group becoming a factor in Niger, which just recently experienced a coup.

https://twitter.com/yarotrof/status/1693682355980890216

There is already speculation that Russian air defenses shot down RA-02795. Videos taken from the ground have emerged where multiple loud bangs can be heard, but there remains no hard evidence of any direct action on the part of the Russian government.

https://twitter.com/RALee85/status/1694397185536708947?s=20 https://twitter.com/maxseddon/status/1694397010680361239?s=20

All this being said, after Prigozhin's attempted putsch earlier this year, The War Zone's Tyler Rogoway had highlighted the very real possibility that the Wagner boss could end up the victim of a staged accident of some kind.

https://twitter.com/Aviation_Intel/status/1673164133930512384?s=20 https://twitter.com/Aviation_Intel/status/1673165873555841026?s=20 https://twitter.com/Aviation_Intel/status/1694405201934028964?s=20

Much about this incident is likely to remain unconfirmed, or at least disputed, in the near term, even if Prigozhin is ultimately confirmed to have died.

We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.

UPDATE 3:15 PM EST:

Conflicting claims about whether or not Prigozhin was on the business jet that went down in Tver continue to circulate on pro-Russian and Wagner-tied social media accounts. The Wagner-linked Grey Zone telegram channel has notably urged people to wait for verified information.

https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1694418669588058561

Vladimir Rogov, a collaborationist Ukrainian politician who works for the Russian administration in the occupied Zaporizhzhia region, claims Wagner members told him that Prigozhin and Utkin had died. This, of course, remains unconfirmed.

https://twitter.com/Archer83Able/status/1694417120409321975

There are also now reports that Prigozhin did indeed return from the African continent today along with other senior Wagner members.

https://twitter.com/AricToler/status/1694406904573747448?s=20

The U.S. government has, so far, declined to confirm or deny that Prigozhin was killed in the crash.

"The President has been briefed on the reported plane crash in Russia," the White House has said in a statement.

"We have seen the reports. If confirmed, no one should be surprised," White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson told Politico's Alex Ward. "The disastrous war in Ukraine led to a private army marching on Moscow, and now  it would seem  to this."

Watson also posted a similar statement directly on social media.

https://twitter.com/alexbward/status/1694414242957730036?s=20 https://twitter.com/NSC_Spox/status/1694416142956192011?s=20

Politico's Nahal Toosi has posted on social media that "a U.S. official familiar with Russia policy" said "a caterer should know that revenge is a dish best-served cold."

CIA Director Bill Burns said something similar about the potential for Prigozhin to face "further retribution" at the Aspen Security Forum last month.

https://twitter.com/nahaltoosi/status/1694403940530491421 https://twitter.com/felschwartz/status/1694396786348093884?s=20

UPDATE 4:15 PM EST:

The Wagner-linked Grey Zone telegram channel has now joined a growing number of Russian sources saying that Prigozhin, as well as Utkin, died in the crash. Grey Zone has also alleged, without evidence, that the incident was the result of "actions of traitors to Russia" and says that "even in hell he [Prigozhin] will be the best! Glory to Russia!"

The Financial Times in the United Kingdom has also now reported that an unnamed "Western official" informed the newspaper they had been "told" that Prigozhin's jet had been shot down by Russian air defenses, but provides no corroborating information.

https://twitter.com/JimmySecUK/status/1694435703780729215?s=20

There are further unconfirmed reports that members of the broader Wagner organization are receiving official word of Prigozhin's death.

https://twitter.com/juliaioffe/status/1694438060258218450?s=20

Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency has now published a full list of who was on RA-02795's manifest. However, the Agency still does not appear to have confirmed whether or not these individuals were actually on the plane, saying simply that this information was provided by "the airline."

https://twitter.com/AricToler/status/1694441030559363428?s=20

UPDATE 5:20 PM EST:

Though it remains unknown what happened to RA-02795, publicly available flight tracking data points to something very serious occurring suddenly.

https://twitter.com/CrispinBurke/status/1694445977975878074?s=20 https://twitter.com/thenewarea51/status/1694452912863236486

Pictures have emerged showing Wagner's headquarters in St. Petersburg with a cross on the side formed by lighted rooms in the building.

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1694448750784057527 https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/1694448505043988957

It has been pointed out that the official manifest for also includes Valery Chekalov, the infamous head of Prigozhin's personally security team.

https://twitter.com/christogrozev/status/1694442299319562749

U.S. President Joe Biden has now offered comments on the incident directly.

"I said I would be careful of what I drink and what I rode in," he told reporters. "I don't know for a fact what happened, but I'm not surprised."

https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1694443355663733109?s=20

Contact the author: joe@thedrive.com
A New York State Department of Environmental Conservation police officer, right, and North Castle police officers carry a bear in a bag out of the woods after responding to a bear attack at 75 Hickory Kingdom Road in Bedford Aug. 23, 2023.

A black bear was euthanized in New York after it attacked a 7-year-old boy, police say.

A resident called 911 on Tuesday morning to report that a bear had attacked their child on their property in Bedford, about 45 miles northeast of New York City, North Castle police said in a statement.

Police and animal control officers arrived at the scene to find the bear in the backyard of the house where the attack occurred. Police say the bear continued to pose a danger to first responders and area residents and therefore euthanized it.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation also responded to the scene and took the bear to the Westchester County Department of Health, where the bear tested negative for rabies, officials said Thursday.

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Police told the New York Times that the boy's parents were able to scare away the bear and retrieve him. The newspaper reported that the boy's mother, a doctor, had bandaged her son by the time medics arrived.

He was given initial treatment by emergency medical service workers at the scene and then taken to a local hospital with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

Video: Watch bear trying to escape California heat by chilling in a backyard jacuzzi

Such attacks are rare

Officials say bear populations are increasing in New York state but that attacks on humans are rare.

There are an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 bears in New York state, according to the Department of Environment Conservation. Feeding bears intentionally is illegal in New York.

Department spokesman Denis Slattery told USA TODAY that the department has gotten 954 reports of human-bear conflict from the public so far this year. Last year, the department got 1,254 such calls.

"Drought conditions can limit the availability of natural food sources for bears, which can increase the likelihood of human-bear conflict," Slattery said. "Hungry bears will readily utilize unsecured, human-created food sources."

He said people should try to minimize food attractions for bears.

The Westchester health department also advised residents never to approach or have contact with a stray or wild animal.

If you see an animal that is acting aggressively, stay away from it and contact local police immediately," said Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler in a statement.

A North Castle police officer looks on as officers go into the woods after a bear attack at 75 Hickory Kingdom Road in Bedford Aug. 22, 2023.

What to do if you spot a bear

While bears are not known to be particularly aggressive toward humans, the National Park Service suggests keeping a few things in mind in case of an encounter:

Talk in a low, steady voice and do not scream or otherwise act suddenly

Make yourself appear as large as possible.

Travel in groups and pick up small children upon sighting a bear.

If you encounter a bear in your own yard, do not leave the house. Ensure everyone is secure inside before banging pots or making other loud noises to scare the bear away.

If you see cubs, be extra cautious. Mother bears are very protective of their young. Do not approach, touch or interact with cubs.

Euthanized: Black bear, cub euthanized after attacking man opening his garage door in Idaho

Death: Bear kills Arizona man in 'exceedingly rare' attack in northern Arizona

Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record, Poughkeepsie Journal and The Journal News/lohud. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com or on Twitter @mikerandall845.

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Black bear euthanized after attacking 7-year-old boy in New York
A Black FedEx driver who was shot at and chased by two white men during a delivery in Mississippi has been terminated from his job a year later. DMonterrio Gibson, 25, lost his job after not accepting a part-time, non-courier position the company had offered in July 2023, according to CNN.

This development comes after a judge declared a mistrial in Gibsons criminal case against the father and son who shot at him while he was on duty.

News conference video screengrab

Carlos Moore, an attorney representing Gibson in a civil lawsuit against the fourth largest employer on the Fortune 500 list, said his clients letter of termination was emailed to him.

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The Associated Press verified the termination with Meredith Miller , the manager of global network communications for FedEx. On July 31, days after receiving notification of his termination, FedEx attempted to deliver the letter of notification and other documents to Gibson, but were unsuccessful.

Gibson said he felt disrespected by the decision. Since 2022, he had been on workers compensation leave, receiving about one-third of his pay. He took the leave after he reported to law enforcement the incident he experienced with Brandon and Gregory Case on Jan. 24, 2022, in Brookhaven, Mississippi.

Mr. Gibson did not accept an offer of a part-time nondriving position which met his requested accommodations and, unfortunately, despite outreach from company representatives over the course of a year and half, he did not engage in the process of looking for a new position within the FedEx enterprise, Miller said in an email obtained by the Post.

Moore said his client did not have the mental capacity to return to work while undergoing psychological treatment as a result of the incident. He didnt feel that they should unilaterally decide when he gets back to work when he is still undergoing medical treatment. He has not been cleared to go back to work by a physician, said Moore of his client.

Read more here.

Gibson told his manager and police that the father-and-son duo attacked him while he was delivering packages to a house on their property on a dead-end public road. He was in a rented Hertz delivery van and not an official FedEx vehicle.

First, one of the men tried to box him in with a pickup truck while he was on the grounds, then as he drove away the other man pulled his gun out, firing and striking the vehicle, leaving holes in the van and parcels inside.

The young man immediately called his job, speaking to a supervisor, even before calling the police.

Moore says his client, when he was still employed, filed a $5 million federal lawsuit against FedEx, which alleged the company violated his civil rights because of his race and did not care about the trauma he experienced while on the clock.

On Aug. 10, a federal judge dismissed the complaint, saying Gibsons legal team failed to establish their client was experiencing race-based discrimination by the employer.

Despite the tossing out of the lawsuit, which also named the city of Brookhaven, Moore contends he will be filing a new civil suit and is doubling the amount he was seeking in damages to $10 million.

On Aug. 17, a Mississippi judge criticized the negligent handling of the case by local law enforcement. This includes a detectives testimony about withholding a copy of a videotaped police interview with Gibson, which happened after the alleged incident.

The Case men, who are currently free on bond, face charges of attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy and shooting at Gibsons vehicle. Despite the mistrial setback, the prosecution plans to arrange a new trial, but scheduling will be delayed until December 2023 due to the judges busy calendar.
Remember when a major superhero movie was an annual event? Me neither. Superhero movies have exploded more than any other genre in the 21st century, and by August wed already had seven this year. Blue Beetle, the latest DC Comics movie (and the third DC movie this year), now makes eight. With two more on the wayNovembers The Marvels and Decembers Aquaman and the Lost Kingdomwere getting a whopping 10 superhero films in a single year.

No wonder people are exhausted, including myself. The thrill of seeing the latest superhero on screen has gone from a euphoric thrill to feeling like a chore. But something about Blue Beetle seemed different at first. Despite being around since the 1930s, Blue Beetle is a hero few are familiar with. DC also promised a Latino hero with its live-action take, making it an enticing project. And at its best, the film feels like a throwback to those early-2000s superhero movies like Spider-Man and X-Men that started the craze; its a charming origin story with humor and heart.

But Blue Beetle chucks all the goodwill its earned out the door in the final act, opting for an exhausting, CGI-fueled fight that lacks both stakes and cohesion. Blue Beetle falls prey to the all-too-common third-act curse, which has plagued many superhero movies of late: An attempt at a spectacular climax instead stops the film firmly in its quest on the way to be something special, right when its about to stick the landing.

(Warning: Spoilers ahead for Blue Beetle.)

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Blue Beetle Is a Shameless Copy of Every Other Superhero Movie

The third-act curse is what I call the unfortunate, too-easy storytelling choice superhero movies make that effectively ruin the entire film. Its become exhausting for fans to be able to guess the exact outcome of every superhero movie before weve even seen it. Every film follows the same storytelling trajectory: In the final act, the hero will battle their enemy, and look like theyre going to lose, before getting a miraculous second wind and saving the day, followed by an uplifting wrap-up before the credits roll. This third-act curse is all but guaranteed to turn any promising movie into a bore, with Blue Beetle as this narrative trappings latest victim.

Its not that every superhero movie has to end with the hero losing the fight and possibly even dyingthat would be terrible for business, and it would likely cause a riotous reaction on social media like weve never seen before. Im also not even against having an epic final battle in the third act. Superheroes fight! Thats kind of their thing. Plus, familiarity is comforting, and comfort is a big part of what makes the genre such a major success.

But of all the superhero movie cliches (some welcome, others less so), the third-act curse is by far the easiest trap filmmakers fall into to derail their movie, stopping the film dead in its tracks. Thats not so much a problem when the film is already terribleand for DC movies, thats an all-too-regular occurrence. When movies like Wonder Woman 1984, Suicide Squad, and Justice League (pre-Snyder cut) default to lifeless CGI blowouts over meaningful character development, were already bored out of our minds anyway, so we dont even notice the nosedive in quality.

Warner Bros. Pictures/DC Comics

Blue Beetle, however, is bursting with promise, which makes its falling prey to the third-act curse all the more disappointing. Xolo Mariduena (of Cobra Kai fame) is wonderful in the lead role of Jaime/Blue Beetle, bursting with energy and excitement. What really makes the film feel unique in the superhero landscape is its focus on family. The film begins with Jaime returning to his father Alberto (Damian Alcazar), sister Milagro (Belissa Escobedo), mother Rocio (Elpidia Carrillo), uncle Rudy (George Lopez), and Nana (Adriana Barraza), and the film is at its best when exploring this Latin-American family dynamic.

Especially exciting is how Jaimes family becomes an integral part of Blue Beetles plot. While superhero origins are often shrouded in mystery, forcing heroes to live a life of secrecy, terrified of the consequences of being discovered, Jaimes family is present when he turns into the Blue Beetle. Its a hysterical, delightful moment full of chaos and panic that shows how special Blue Beetle can be, when it focuses on the family elementwhich it does well, until the final act.

The third act starts off well enough. Jaime and his family head to an island to put an end to the plans of Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon, who seems exhausted with every line reading) and her One Man Army Corps (OMAC) project. A family banding together to take down an evil corporation? Thats a fresh and exciting idea, even if the evil corporation aspect is as tired as its ever been.

The Blue Beetle End Credits Tease a Surprise Characterand a Sequel?

But then the family splits up, which leads to most of the film spending time on corporate mumbo jumbo and CGI-fueled fights. Instead of being engaged by the generic (and occasionally ugly) action, I found myself wondering where these lovable characters had gone. Even more frustrating is that when Jaimes family briefly appears againNana taking down a number of assailants with a giant machine gun and shouting Down with the imperialists is the films best momentthey vanish again without a trace.

All of this happens so Blue Beetle can get to the moment everyone (read: no one) has been waiting forthe final battle between Jaime and Carapax (Raoul Max Trujillo), Victorias bodyguard turned cyborg, whos meant to lead the OMACs. In this lengthy fight, the fantastic family dynamic that made Blue Beetle feel special is thrown by the wayside for the equivalent of two machines hurling themselves at each other and going pew pew. Worse still is that both Mariduena and Trujillo are completely obscured by their costumes/robotics during the fight, which leads it to feel particularly impersonal. It doesnt help either that Carapax is as generic a villain as they come.

Both Marvel and DC movies have struggled to make their villains feel substantial, but Blue Beetle reaches a new low by making the third-act climax take place between Jaime and a composite collection of muscles. Theres absolutely nothing to Carapax; when we see him swing wildly at Jaime, we have no idea why hes so determined to win the fight, other than that hes been programmed that way. Theres no reason to even consider rooting for Carapax, which makes the fight entirely one-sided, and totally boring.

James Gunn Is in Charge of the DC Universe NowAs He Should Be

Many DC movies have opted to go a darker route, so a brutal slugfest between enemies would make sense. But Blue Beetle leans so heavily into the comedic aspect until that last battle that it feels woefully out of place here. It could have been fantastic to see the film take a risk and really go all out in the final fightinstead of a villain we know absolutely nothing about and has no discernable personality of any kind, why not challenge our expectations and turn Victoria into a bloodthirsty mech-human hybrid? Not a soul on Earth would have seen that coming, and it would have lent heavily into both the family aspect (Victoria is the aunt of Jenny, Jaimes love interest, played by Bruna Marquezine) and the comedy. Instead of playing into a tired trope, the third act could have been invigorating.

Whats bizarre is that we finally understand more about both Carapax after the fight. When Jaime officially has the upper hand, hes prepared to break his solemn rule not to kill and terminate Carapax. Its then that Khaji Da (Becky G, the mysterious voice of the scarab thats bonded with Jaime) finally tells us Carapaxs history. What a waste! If it happened earlier, we may have had a reason to care about the seemingly endless swathe of time we spent watching these two duke it out. Instead, weve been cursed with one of the most purposeless, stakes-free, emotionless, and unoriginal battles in DC movie history. And worst of all, it ruins the movie.

Hopper Stone/SMPSP/DC Comics

Not every superhero film has fallen to the third-act curseeven those that do end the film with an extensive fight scene. Birds of Prey bursts with creative choreography and delightful bursts of color, fully leaning into the comedy of its concept as its cast massacred every enemy in sight. And The Suicide Squad blended serious and silly to perfection as the crew took down a gigantic starfish. On the Marvel side, the first Guardians of the Galaxy did the completely unexpected, turning its climactic final fight into a dance party. It bodes well for the future of DC Comics movies that two of these were helmed by James Gunn, as he and co-exec Peter Safran work to reboot the DC Universe. Hopefully, weve seen the last of the dreaded third-act cursebut Blue Beetle doesnt offer much hope that were done with it completely.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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An alleged drunk driver from Bluffton has been arrested following a fatal four-car accident on Buckwalter Pkwy earlier this month, according to the SC Highway Patrol.

39-year-old Carlos Acosta-Galvez was charged Aug. 16 with felony DUI resulting in death and driving without a license, jail records show. He was denied bond the following morning and remains in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center as of Wednesday morning.

Just after 7 p.m. on Aug. 6, Acosta-Galvez was driving east on U.S. 278 when his four-door Toyota collided with a Mercedes SUV and a motorcycle that were turning onto the highway from Buckwalter Pkwy, which caused the motorcycle to crash into a Chevy SUV. The motorcyclist, 54-year-old Ridgeland man Marc Garrity, was pronounced dead of the scene of the crash. He was not wearing a helmet.

Acosta-Galvez was not given a breath sample after the crash because he was one of two people taken to Savannahs Memorial Health University Medical Center with injuries, said Lance Cpl. Nick Pye of the SC Highway Patrol. Acosta-Galvez was arrested and taken to jail following his discharge from the hospital. South Carolinas implied consent laws allow arresting officers access to the results of blood alcohol tests taken at the hospital, even when a DUI suspect is incapable of submitting to a Breathalyzer test.

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No other details about the crash are available, Pye said. The accident remains under investigation by Highway Patrol and the Beaufort County Coroners Office.

If convicted of DUI resulting in death, Acosta-Galvez would face one to 25 years in prison and a mandatory fine ranging from $10,100 to $25,100, according to South Carolina law.
In a quiet, tucked-away corner of Boise sits C.W. Moore Park. Its one of the few downtown parks that truly feels like a neighborhood park.

The 0.2-acre space at 150 S. 5th St. is frequented by residents and employees of the surrounding apartments and businesses. Preschoolers from a nearby school often play tag or splash in a stream of water that runs into a canal.

This park could be about to get a restroom. People have strong feelings about it.

Some residents are decrying the proposal as an intrusion, saying it will bring crime, drugs and a just plain ugly installment to their little slice of urban peace.

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But the city has plans for this forgotten end of downtown. Officials said the area will soon expand, and infrastructure  like restrooms  will become more important than ever.

Boise Parks and Recreation employees work on a garden in C.W. Moore Park behind the Bush Building arch, next to the planned site of a public restroom. The Bush Building was located at 150 N. Capitol Blvd., where City Hall stands today.

Famous restroom model comes to Boise

The restroom would be a Portland Loo, a model designed by Madden Fabrication with the help of the city of Portland that has since been put into service in cities across the country. The same model can be found in Cherie Buckner-Webb Park, another city park at the corner of 11th and West Bannock streets, 0.7 miles from C.W. Moore.

The Portland Loo is designed specifically to prevent problems that are commonly experienced with public toilets, the brands website states. The sleek and modern kiosk discourages crime with graffiti-proof wall panels and open grating. And, theyre easy to clean, with commonly used components that are easy to replace or upgrade.

The bare-bones design consists of a metal structure over 8 feet high, nearly 10 feet long and 6 feet wide. It will include a space for needle disposal.

The Boise Parks and Recreation Department estimated the purchase and installation to cost $350,000, according to department superintendent Sara Arkle. One reason the city is pushing it now is an opportunity to pay for it with a federal community development block grant, Arkle said.

This is an example of a Portland Loo, installed at Cherie Buckner-Webb Park in downtown Boise.

City says restroom is needed

C.W. Moore Park is a reservable event space one block southeast of the Basque Block, which sees large annual events like the Basque Festival. Its also in an area that could soon see significant growth, with festival streets planned and Boises urban renewal agency building another park on the block diagonal from C.W. Moore at 521 W. Grove Street.

Arkle noted that, despite these expected influxes of people to the area, there are no restrooms in the immediate vicinity. The closest public restrooms are three blocks away in the Grove Plaza.

Our mayor has an initiative and a goal of creating a city for everyone, and some of our most basic needs must be serviced in order to meet that goal, Arkle told the Idaho Statesman by phone. Public restroom facilities are one of those basic needs in that part of town.

Local businesses support the addition, according to Jennifer Hensley, executive director of the nonprofit Boise Downtown Association. The association, whose members include local businesses and property owners, seeks to help the downtown economy succeed.

A 2021 survey that received more than 2,700 responses asked Treasure Valley residents what they thought was missing from downtown Boise. One of the biggest asks was for more public restrooms.

You can get really stuck down here, especially if youre a family with little kids or seniors, Hensley said by phone.

A rendering shows the proposed restroom at C.W. Moore Park in downtown Boise.

Hensley said she has heard quite a bit from businesses complaining about having to clean up after people relieving themselves on front stoops or behind buildings, especially after weekends when people stay late at bars in the area.

Its going to be harder and harder as our population grows, as the number of people who use our downtown increases, to keep it clean if people dont have a place to use the restroom, Hensley said.

Some residents contacted the city to encourage its construction.

I love this park, Bruce Mastorovich, a resident of C.W. Moore Apartments, located on the same block as the park, wrote to the city. Part of its charm is that it feels enclosed from the surrounding streets. The water wheel, the trees, and the adjacent buildings block out much of the street traffic. Its very peaceful. Placing the restroom near the road would be a feature, rather than a bug, as it would be yet another barrier from the outside world.

John Stevens, who owns a condo in the Belgravia Building adjacent to the park and said he has worked across from it at C.W. Moore Plaza for 20 years, expressed strong support as well.

I watch schoolchildren play at the park with their teachers, Stevens wrote in an email. Customer and tenants of nearby commercial properties appropriately use and enjoy the park. For the enjoyment and relief of users of the park, this restroom is necessary and overdue.

The Portland Loo would be located near the arch in the northern corner of the park.

Questions over historic character

The park is part of the Old Boise Blocks, which consist of eight city blocks along the east end of Grove Street that played a prominent role in Boises past. These blocks are zoned under a historic overlay, meaning the Historic Preservation Commission must approve the project. The committee initially approved the restroom in February but later received an appeal from the Belgravia in Old Boise Condominiums Association.

At an appeal hearing in May, the appellants and other park users expressed two concerns: a change in the parks character, and crime.

C.W. Moore Park is home to several architectural artifacts saved from Boise buildings demolished by urban renewal in the 1970s, such as the Bush Building Entrance Arch and the Morris Hill Cemetery Waterwheel.

A restored 1910-era water wheel at C.W. Moore Park pays homage to the irrigation canals that played an important part in Boises early history.

At the hearing, people said they feared the modern restroom would detract from the historic theme.

There are no other places in Boise like C.W. Moore, which serves as a living monument to so much that has changed in our community over the years, said Stanford McConnehey, a Northwest Boise resident who spends time there.

They were also upset that the department wanted to remove three magnolia trees to make room for the restroom. The parks department said it intends to plant new trees to replace them, at least one of which would be in C.W. Moore Park.

If the city wanted to prioritize public restroom access, we would pour money and energy into a well-thought-out plan that doesnt threaten the historic nature of our already diminishing open spaces or our extremely precious tree canopy, McConnehey said.

Residents worry about crime

Part of the appeal of this location is the natural surveillance provided by residents and the openness of the area, according to city filings. Officials said they hoped the spaces lack of privacy would prevent crime from occurring  the same reason the model was designed with open slats at the top and bottom, according to Arkle.

We do have issues in some of our restrooms where people will kind of camp in the restroom and not allow members of the public to utilize it, Arkle said.

Multiple condo owners said they worried the restroom would attract more people experiencing homelessness.

C.W. Moore has a history of attracting a transient population because of its secluded nature, Matthew Reese, a board member of the Belgravia Building, said at the hearing. I see the tents, the sleeping bags, the trash, the drug needles. The one thing I have observed is when these activities are present in the park, nobody else will use the park.

Park officials acknowledged in city filings that park restrooms, including the one in Cherie Buckner Park, can fall prey to broken locks, stopped-up toilets, graffiti and frozen pipes. Jason Miller, a project manager with the parks department, said his staff has a proven track record of promptly dealing with such problems.

The Belgravia Building sits next to C.W. Moore Park and is home to condo owners and businesses.

Appeal heads to the City Council

After listening to hearing testimony, the Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to deny the appeal. Commission members spoke out against the suggestions that a restroom would detract from its historic elements and attract crime.

In response to a comment from McConnehey that the park was like a museum, commission member Jillana Moroney said, museums have bathrooms.

Cindy Montoto, commission co-chair, rebutted the idea that the restroom would bring added dangers.

Being the mother of a child that uses this park daily, its more of a safety risk to have my kid hopped across four different streets multiple times to go back to use the restroom at school, Montoto said

The commissions denial allowed the opponents to appeal to the City Council. The council plans to hear them at its 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, meeting at City Hall.
The Fulton County Superior Court, Fulton County District Attorneys Office and defendants have begun agreeing on bond amounts in the Georgia election interference case.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

A grand jury voted last week to indict former President Donald Trump and 18 others for allegedly interfering with the 2020 election in Georgia.

Those indicted include the former president, Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Mark Meadows, Kenneth Cheseboro, Jenna Ellis, Ray Smith, David Shafer, Sidney Powell, Cathy Latham and more. The charges in this case date back to the Nov. 2020 presidential election after Trump lost to now-President Joe Biden here in Georgia.

So far, seven of the 19 co-defendants have been granted consent bond orders, which are agreements on the bond amount between a defendant and the District Attorneys office. Two of the defendants have surrendered to the Fulton County Jail as of Tuesday morning.

Read: CareerSource NEFL hosting first virtual job fair for job seekers interested in remote work

Here are the bond amounts so far:

Former President Donald Trump: $200,000 total bond amount: (2) The Defendant shall not violate the laws of this State, the laws of any other state, the laws of the United States of America, or any other local laws. Ayala v. State, 262 Ga. 704, 705 (1993) (3) The Defendant shall appear in court as directed by the Court. Jd. (4) The Defendant shall perform no act to intimidate any person known to him or her to be a codefendant or witness in this case or to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice. Id. This shall include, but is not limited to, the following: a. The Defendant shall make no direct or indirect threat of any nature against any codefendant; The Defendant shall make no direct or indirect threat of any nature against any witness including, but not limited to, the individuals designated in the Indictment as an unindicated co-conspirators Individual 1 through Individual 30; The Defendant shall make no direct or indirect threat of any nature against any victim; The Defendant shall make no direct or indirect threat of any nature against the community or to any property in the community; The above shall include, but are not limited to, posts on social media or reposts of posts made by another individual on social media; (5) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to him to be a codefendant in this case except through his or her counsel. (6) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to him to be a witness in this case except through his or her counsel.

John Eastman, former attorney for Trump: $100,000 total bond amount: (2) The Defendant shall report to pre-trial supervision every 30 days and may report by telephone. (3) The Defendant shall not violate the laws of this State, the laws of any other state, the laws of the United States of America, or any other local laws. Ayala v. State, 262 Ga. 704, 705 (1993). (4) The Defendant shall appear in court as directed by the Court. Zd. (5) The Defendant shall perform no act to intimidate any person known to him or her to be a codefendant or witness in this case or to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice. Id. (6) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to him to be a codefendant in this case except through his or her counsel. (7) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to him to be a witness in this case except through his or her counsel.

Jenna Ellis, former attorney for Trump: $100,000 total bond amount: (2) The Defendant shall report to pre-trial supervision every 30 days and may report by telephone. (3) The Defendant shall not violate the laws of this State, the laws of any other state, the laws of the United States of America, or any other local laws. Ayala v. State, 262 Ga. 704, 705 (1993). (4) The Defendant shall appear in court as directed by the Court. Id. (5) The Defendant shall perform no act to intimidate any person known to her to be a codefendant or witness in this case or to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice. Id. (6) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to her to be a codefendant in this case except through his or her counsel. (7) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to her to be a witness in this case except through his or her counsel.

Kenneth Cheseboro, former campaign attorney for Trump: $100,000 total bond amount: (2) The Defendant shall report to pre-trial supervision every 30 days and may report by telephone. (3) The Defendant shall not violate the laws of this State, the laws of any other state, the laws of the United States of America, or any other local laws. Ayala v. State, 262 Ga. 704, 705 (1993). (4) The Defendant shall appear in court as directed by the Court. Jd. (5) The Defendant shall perform no act to intimidate any person known to him or her to be a codefendant or witness in this case or to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice. Id. (6) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to him to be a codefendant in this case except through his or her counsel. (7) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to him to be a witness in this case except through his or her counsel.

Former Georgia state Senator David Shafer: $75,000 total bond amount: (2) The Defendant shall report to pre-trial supervision every 30 days and may report by telephone. (3) The Defendant shall not violate the laws of this State, the laws of any other state, the laws of the United States of America, or any other local laws. Ayala v. State, 262 Ga. 704, 705 (1993). (4) The Defendant shall appear in court as directed by the Court. Jd. Fulton County Superior Court (5) The Defendant shall perform no act to intimidate any person known to him or her to be a codefendant or witness in this case or to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice. Id. (6) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to him to be a codefendant in this case except through his or her counsel. (7) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to him to be a witness in this case except through his or her counsel.

Stephen Cliffgard Lee: $75,000 total bond amount: (2) The Defendant shall report to pre-trial supervision every 30 days and may report by telephone. (3) The Defendant shall not violate the laws of this State, the laws of any other state, the laws of the United States of America, or any other local laws. Ayala v. State, 262 Ga. 704, 705 (1993). (4) The Defendant shall appear in court as directed by the Court. Jd. (5) The Defendant shall perform no act to intimidate any person known to him to be a codefendant or witness in this case or to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice. Id. Fulton County Superior Court ***EFILED***AP Date: 8/22/2023 4:07 PM Che Alexander, Clerk (6) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to him to be a codefendant in this case except through his or her counsel. (7) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to him to be a witness in this case except through his or her counsel.

Former Coffee County GOP Chairwoman Cathy Latham: $75,000 total bond amount: (2) The Defendant shall report to pre-trial supervision every 30 days and may report by telephone. (3) The Defendant shall not violate the laws of this State, the laws of any other state, the laws of the United States of America, or any other local laws. Ayala v. State, 262 Ga. 704, 705 (1993). Fulton County Superior Court ***EFILED***KS Date: 8/22/2023 2:03 PM Che Alexander, Clerk (4) The Defendant shall appear in court as directed by the Court. Jd. (5) The Defendant shall perform no act to intimidate any person known to her to be a codefendant or witness in this case or to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice. Id. (6) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to her to be a codefendant in this case except through his or her counsel. (7) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to her to be a witness in this case except through his or her counsel.

Michael A. Roman, former director of election day operations for Trump 2020 campaign: $50,000 total bond amount: (2) The Defendant shall report to pre-trial supervision every 30 days and may report by telephone. (3) The Defendant shall not violate the laws of this State, the laws of any other state, the laws of the United States of America, or any other local laws. Ayala v. State, 262 Ga. 704, 705 (1993). (4) The Defendant shall appear in court as directed by the Court. Jd. Fulton County Superior Court ***EFILED***KS Date: 8/22/2023 2:06 PM Che Alexander, Clerk (5) The Defendant shall perform no act to intimidate any person known to him or her to be a codefendant or witness in this case or to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice. Id. (6) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to him to be a codefendant in this case except through his or her counsel. (7) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to him to be a witness in this case except through his or her counsel.

Ray Smith III, attorney: $50,000 total bond amount: (2) The Defendant shall report to pre-trial supervision every 30 days and may report by telephone. (3) The Defendant shall not violate the laws of this State, the laws of any other state, the laws of the United States of America, or any other local laws. Ayala v. State, 262 Ga. 704, 705 (1993). (4) The Defendant shall appear in court as directed by the Court. /d. (5) The Defendant shall perform no act to intimidate any person known to him or her to be a codefendant or witness in this case or to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice. Id. (6) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to him to be a codefendant in this case except through his or her counsel. (7) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to him to be a witness in this case except through his or her counsel.

Robert Cheeley, Alpharetta attorney: $50,000 total bond amount: (2) The Defendant shall report to pre-trial supervision every 30 days and may report by telephone. (3) The Defendant shall not violate the laws of this State, the laws of any other state, the laws of the United States of America, or any other local laws. Ayala v. State, 262 Ga. 704, 705 (1993). Fulton County Superior Court (4) The Defendant shall appear in court as directed by the Court. Jd. (5) The Defendant shall perform no act to intimidate any person known to him or her to be a codefendant or witness in this case or to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice. Id. (6) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to him to be a codefendant in this case except through his or her counsel. (7) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to him to be a witness in this case except through his or her counsel.

Scott Hall, Atlanta bail bondsman: $10,000 total bond amount: (2) The Defendant shall report to pre-trial supervision every 30 days and may report by telephone. (3) The Defendant shall not violate the laws of this State, the laws of any other state, the laws of the United States of America, or any other local laws. Ayala v. State, 262 Ga. 704, 705 (1993). (4) The Defendant shall appear in court as directed by the Court. (5) The Defendant shall perform no act to intimidate any person known to him or her to be a codefendant or witness in this case or to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice. Id. (6) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to him to be a codefendant in this case except through his or her counsel. (7) The Defendant shall not communicate in any way, directly or indirectly, about the facts of this case with any person known to him to be a witness in this case except through his or her counsel.
Securing the U.S. southern border and fighting the lefts woke agenda top the list of Iowa Republicans concerns, according to a poll released ahead of Wednesdays first GOP primary debate.

The NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll released Monday asked likely GOP Iowa caucusgoers about seven policy issues, with border security coming out as top priority.

The poll found 77 percent of likely GOP Iowa caucusgoers said they are more likely to vote for a candidate who supports using the U.S. military to secure the southern border, compared to 12 percent who said they were less likely and 9 percent who said it would not matter.

This comes as many of the GOP candidates have hardened their tone on immigration during the campaign, arguing for tighter security at the border and blasting President Bidens immigration policies.

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Meanwhile, 65 percent said they are more likely to back a candidate who fights the lefts woke agenda, while 17 percent said they were less likely and 13 percent who said it would not matter. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has notably made stomping out woke culture a central focus of his campaign.

The poll comes ahead of the first GOP primary debate, where candidates are likely to face questions on hot-button topics including immigration and progressive policies on health care, countering climate change and promoting diversity and social equity.

A majority, or 61 percent of likely GOP Iowa caucusgoers, also said they are more likely to vote for a candidate who supports banning gender-affirming medical treatment, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy or surgeries for youth under 18.

Another 54 percent said they would likely vote for a candidate who supports a nationwide ban on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy with exceptions, according to the poll. While all the candidates have indicated they oppose abortion, their approaches to the issue vary. The majority of GOP White House hopefuls have been hesitant to fully endorse a national ban and have argued the issue should be left up to the states.

Last month, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed into law a fetal heartbeat bill on abortion that bans women for seeking abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions for rape, incest and medical emergencies. The law is currently being held up in state court, but it is similar to a law DeSantis signed in Florida earlier this year.

Nearly 60 percent of those polled said the blocked measure gets it about right with regards to states abortion regulation, while 30 percent said the state has too many restrictions on abortion while 9 percent said the state has too few restrictions.

The poll also showed 43 percent of caucusgoers are less likely to vote for a candidate who supports continued U.S. military aid to Ukraine, while 35 percent said they would be more likely and 20 percent said it would not matter.

The issue over Ukraine aid has already caused divide among GOP candidates. Former President Trump, DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy have all suggested America scale back or cut off its aid to Kyiv to focus on domestic issues, while former Gov. New Jersey Chris Christie has vowed his support to the embattled country.

Eight of the qualifying Republican candidates will face off Wednesday night in the first GOP primary debate.

The poll was conducted Aug. 13-17 among 406 Iowa voters likely to attend the 2024 Republican caucus and has a margin of error of 4.9 percentage points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
If you purchased a Dole fruit cup recently, you may be eligible for part of a settlement the company has reached, even if you dont have a receipt to prove your purchase.

A lawsuit was filed against Dole Packaged Foods in Illinois, accusing the company of falsely advertising that many of its Dole Fruit Bowls were made with 100% juice. Instead, plaintiffs said the bowls contained trace amounts of ascorbic acid and/or citric acid or other ingredients.

Dole has denied wrongdoing, saying the statement in 100% juice is about how the fruit is packaged and does not cover every ingredient in the product. Still, the company has agreed to a $4.3 million settlement in the case, according to a website dedicated to the lawsuit.

When will Facebook settlement payments be sent out? Heres what we know

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To qualify for a settlement payment, you need to have purchased any of these Dole Fruit Bowls between January 12, 2017, and June 27, 2023: Cherry Mixed Fruit, Diced Apples, Diced Pears, Diced/Chunk Mango, Papaya Mango, Peach Mango, Mandarin Oranges, Mixed Fruit, Pineapple Tidbits/Slices/Chunks/Crushed, Mixed Fruit, Pineapple Paradise, Red Grapefruit Sunrise, Melon Medley, Tropical Fruit, or Diced/Sliced Peaches labeled in 100% juice or in 100% fruit juice.

While you do not need proof of purchase to take part in the settlement, you can only receive a cash refund of up to $9 per household, according to the settlement website. Those with a proof of purchase can receive up to $18 per household.

Settlement claims can be filed online or via mail through September 25, 2023.

The settlement still needs final approval from a judge, and a hearing has been scheduled for October 26, 2023. If it is approved, payments are expected to be delivered about 60 days later.

More details can be found here.

Dole isnt the only company that has agreed to a settlement recently.

5 recalls in 4 weeks: All the things from Trader Joes you should toss

Church & Dwight Co., the owner of the Batiste hair product line, recently agreed to a $2.5 million class action lawsuit over claims its dry shampoo contains benzene, a carcinogen that can, in some instances, cause cells to not work correctly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Eligible Facebook users have just a few days left to claim their piece of a $725 million settlement the social media company agreed to in order to settle claims it allowed peoples personal data to be shared with third parties.

Alix Martichoux and Russell Falcon contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
New brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are being developed to restore communication for folks who have been robbed by paralysis of the power of speech. Photo by stevepb/Pixabay

Many people with Lou Gehrig's disease, also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), first start to lose the ability to move their arms and legs.

That's not Pat Bennett. She can move just fine. She can still dress herself, and she can even use her fingers to type.

But ALS has robbed Bennett, 68, of her ability to speak. She can no longer use the muscles of her lips, tongue, larynx and jaw to make the sounds that add up to speech.

"When you think of ALS, you think of arm and leg impact," Bennett wrote in an interview conducted by email. "But in a group of ALS patients, it begins with speech difficulties. I am unable to speak."

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New brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are being developed to restore communication for folks like Bennett, who have been robbed by paralysis of the power of speech.

Two new papers in the scientific journal Nature show how quickly that technology is advancing, based on breakthroughs in software and technology.

Four baby aspirin-sized sensors implanted in Bennett's brain are now converting her brain waves into words on a computer screen at 62 words per minute -- more than three times faster than the previous record for BCI-assisted communication, Stanford University researchers report.

Meanwhile, another woman who lost her speech to a stroke is now producing nearly 80 words per minute of computer-spoken language, thanks to researchers from the University of California, San Francisco and University of California, Berkeley.

What's more, the female patient also has a computer avatar that reflects her facial movements as she speaks.

"With these new studies, it is now possible to imagine a future where we can restore fluid conversation to someone with paralysis, enabling them to freely say whatever they want to say with an accuracy high enough to be understood reliably," said Frank Willett, a staff scientist at Howard Hughes Medical Institute who served as lead researcher for the Stanford study involving Bennett. Willett spoke Tuesday at a news briefing about the two studies.

Both studies involve implanting electrodes that specifically track brain activity related to creating speech, using the facial and voice box muscles that Bennett now cannot control.

Through separate methods, the research teams use computer programs to translate those brain waves into phonemes, the basic building blocks of speech.

For example, the word "hello" contains four phonemes -- "HH," "AH," "L" and "OW."

The focus on phonemes enhances the speed and accuracy of translation software, because the computer only needs to learn 39 phonemes to decipher any word in English, the UCSF and Berkeley researchers noted.

Two patients, two research centers, two successes

"The results from both studies, between 60 to 70 words per minute in both of them, [are] a real milestone for our field in general," said Dr. Edward Chang, chairman of neurological surgery at UCSF and leader of the study there.

"And we're really excited about it, because it's coming from two different patients, two different centers, two different approaches," Chang said at the briefing. "And the most important message is that there is hope that this is going to continue to improve and provide a solution in the coming years."

In Bennett's case, researchers transplanted high-resolution microelectrodes that record the activity of single neurons. Surgeons placed on the surface of her brain two electrodes apiece in two separate regions involved in speech production.

"Our current focus is to understand how the brain represents speech at the level of individual brain cells and to translate the signals associated with attempted speech into text or spoken words," said senior researcher Dr. Jaimie Henderson, the Stanford neurosurgeon who placed Bennett's implants.

The team then used Bennett's brain impulses to train translation software to accurately convert her attempted utterances into words on a computer screen.

Bennett participated in about 25 four-hour training sessions, where she attempted to repeat random sentences drawn from sample conversations among people talking on the phone.

Examples included "It's only been that way in the last five years" and "I left right in the middle of it."

The translator decoded Bennett's brain activity into a stream of phonemes, then assembled them into words on a computer screen.

After four months of training, the software became able to convert Bennett's brain waves at a faster clip than ever before.

Bennett's 62-words-per-minute (wpm) pace brings BCI communication closer to the roughly 160-wpm rate that occurs during normal conversation between English speakers, Henderson said.

Bennett received her ALS diagnosis in 2012. Living in the San Francisco Bay area, she's a former human resources director and was once an equestrian and avid jogger.

"Imagine how different conducting everyday activities like shopping, attending appointments, ordering food, going into a bank, talking on a phone, expressing love or appreciation -- even arguing -- will be when nonverbal people can communicate their thoughts in real time," Bennett wrote.

A voice with her avatar

The UC researchers took the same concept but followed it along slightly different lines.

They placed a larger single brain implant -- a paper-thin rectangle of 253 electrodes -- onto the surface of a female patient's speech centers. By comparison, Bennett's four implants were arrays of 64 electrodes arranged in 8-by-8 grid.

A stroke had cost the woman her ability to speak, but the electrodes intercepted the brain signals that would have gone to her face, tongue, jaw and voice box.

The woman then worked with the UC team for weeks to train the system's speech translator, by repeating different phrases from a 1,024-word conversational vocabulary. As with the Stanford project, this software also focused on translating brain impulses into phonemes.

But instead of words on a screen, the computer synthesized her neural activity into audible speech. What's more, it was the woman's own voice emerging from the computer.

"Using a clip from her wedding video, we were able to decode these sounds into a voice that sounded just like her own prior to her stroke," said Sean Metzger, a bioengineering graduate student at UCSF/UC Berkeley who helped develop the text decoder.

The team also created an animated avatar that would stimulate the muscle movements of the woman's face as she produced words. Not only did the avatar reflect what was being said, but it also could reproduce facial movements for such emotions as happiness, sadness and surprise.

"Speech isn't just about communicating just words, but also who we are," Chang said. "Our voice and expressions are part of our identity. So we wanted to embody a prosthetic speech that could make it more natural, fluid and expressive."

Accuracy and speed is the goal

Both teams found that focusing on phonemes produced amazing results in terms of speed and accuracy.

"We decoded sentences using a vocabulary of over a thousand words with a 25% word error rate at 78 words per minute," Metzger said. "Offline, we saw that loosening these vocabulary constraints to over 39,000 words barely increased the error rate to 27.8%, showing that in our models phoneme predictions can be reliably connected to form the right words."

Comparably, the Stanford team's translator had a word error rate of 23% when using a potential vocabulary of 125,000 words, Willett said.

"They're actually very overlapping in the kind of outcomes that were achieved," Chang said of the two research projects. "We're thrilled that there is this level of mutual validation and accomplishment in our long-term goal to restore communication for people who have lost it through paralysis."

Both teams said they want to continue to refine their individual processes by using more sophisticated translation software and better, more elaborate electrode arrays.

"Right now, we're getting one out of every four words wrong. I hope the next time you talk to us, we're getting maybe one of every 10 words wrong," Chang said. "One pathway that we're really excited about exploring is just more electrodes. We need more information from the brain. We need a clearer picture of what's happening."

Henderson likened it to the end of the broadcast TV era -- "the old days," if you will.

"We need to continue to increase the resolution to HD and then on to 4K so that we can continue to sharpen the picture and do it better and improve the accuracy," he said.

More information

The RAND Corporation has more about brain-computer interfaces.

Copyright  2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
BALTIMORE (AP)  Brandon Belt homered on Mike Baumann 's first pitch in the 10th inning, Daulton Varsho hit a two-run home run in the second and the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Baltimore Orioles 6-3 on Tuesday night.

The loss ended the Orioles' three-game winning streak and cut their lead in the AL East over second-place Tampa Bay to two games.

With Bo Bichette on second base as the automatic runner in the 10th, Belt hit a liner into the right-field seats for his 14th homer, the third in two games. That gave Toronto the final push in a tight matchup of division contenders.

A lot of times it comes down to who makes the least amount of mistakes, Belt said. That's how it turned out for us. Their guy just made a mistake over the middle and I took advantage of it.

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The Blue Jays have won five of seven and hit seven home runs in their last two games.

That's what it's going to take for us to win this thing, Belt said. Everybody's got to be contributing.

Mostly Belt, who has reached base safely in 16 straight starts, hitting six homers in that span.

He doesn't really waver. When he's getting a good pitch to hit, he's not missing it, manager John Schneider said. He came through again.

In a game that featured a variety of missed opportunities  the Orioles stranded 10 and went 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position  Belt delivered the decisive blow.

Belts been a really, really good hitter for a long time," Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. "He was looking for a fastball out over the plate, and obviously he got every bit of it. We had our opportunities before that and didnt quite get it done.

Toronto added a run in the 10th on a wild pitch by Baumann (9-1), the first reliever in Orioles history to win his first nine decisions.

Tim Mayza (3-1) worked a perfect ninth and Jordan Romano got three outs for his 31st save in 34 tries.

Toronto starter Yusei Kikuchi gave up three runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. It was the first time in seven starts since July 6 that the left-hander allowed more than two earned runs.

The Orioles trailed 3-1 in the fifth before chasing Kikuchi and pulling even against reliever Yimi Garcia. Jorge Mateo scored after Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen threw wildly to second base on a double steal, and Garcia yielded a two-out RBI double to rookie Jordan Westburg.

Earlier, after Austin Hays doubled in a first-inning run for Baltimore, Toronto went ahead in the second when rookie starter Grayson Rodriquez issued a leadoff walk and Varsho homered on an 0-2 pitch. Kevin Kiermaier added an RBI double in the fourth.

STREAK ON

Baltimore's Ryan Mountcastle received an intentional walk in the ninth to extend his career-high run of reaching base to 27 consecutive games. Before the walk, he was 0 for 4 with three strikeouts.

WELL NOW

Orioles right-hander Tyler Wells was optioned to Double-A Bowie in late July after he struggled in three straight starts, possibly because he had already pitched a career-high 113 2/3 innings. After being used sparingly at Bowie, Wells was transferred to Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday. He will pitch out of the bullpen on Wednesday, a role he might assume upon returning to Baltimore. We're going to shorten his outings, have him throw less pitches and less innings and see how that goes, Hyde said.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Blue Jays: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was in the starting lineup after leaving Sunday's game against Cincinnati in the fourth inning with discomfort in his left middle finger.

Orioles: OF Anthony Santander missed a third straight start with a lower back injury. He's feeling a lot better today, said Hyde, adding that Santander was available off the bench.

UP NEXT

Blue Jays: Kevin Gausman (9-7, 3.24 ERA) on Wednesday night makes his fifth career start against Baltimore, where he pitched from 2013-18. He's 1-2 with a 5.06 ERA versus the Orioles.

Orioles: Jack Flaherty is 1-2 with a 7.07 ERA in three starts with Baltimore since being obtained in an Aug. 1 trade with the St. Louis Cardinals.

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(Bloomberg) -- Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro is undergoing exams to determine whether he will require another surgery related to the stabbing he suffered on the campaign trail in 2018, his spokesperson said.

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Bolsonaro was admitted to a hospital in Sao Paulo early Wednesday, and Brazils Folha de S.Paulo newspaper reported that he said he would have three surgeries next month.

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But Fabio Wajngarten, a spokesperson for the right-wing former leader, told Bloomberg News that doctors are examining Bolsonaro to determine if further procedures are necessary.

Wajngarten characterized the exams as routine checkups in a social media post, saying the tests aim to evaluate his clinical condition, especially in the digestive system.

Bolsonaro has had various health issues related to the stabbing that occurred during the 2018 presidential election, which he won.

Since leaving office at the end of 2022, he has faced mounting legal troubles, and Brazils electoral authority in June barred him from running for election for eight years.

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SAO PAULO  Brazil plans to invest 52.8 billion reals (U.S. $10.6 billion) for research, development and equipment acquisition efforts for its military, including nearly doubling the size of its Gripen fighter fleet and financing projects by local aircraft manufacturer Embraer for aerial refueling planes, the government announced earlier this month.

The measure, revealed Aug. 11, is part of the governments Growth Acceleration Program, or PAC, established by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. PAC guided programs during his first two terms in office, which lasted from 2002 to 2010, and there are now plans for the overarching initiative to spend 1.7 trillion reals, with defense a key area of focus.

Equipping the Armed Forces with cutting-edge technologies, enhancing national defense capability, and border monitoring are some of the guidelines of the New PAC, according to a government website.

The government intends to invest 27.8 billion reals by 2026, and an additional 25 billion reals after that period, without a specific deadline.

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The PAC does not require the legislatures approval, as it is a federal investment program funded by government resources, state contributions and the private sector through concessions.

However, there are some obstacles, such as bureaucratic processes and legal uncertainties for public works. Regarding defense, which will rely almost exclusively on public funds, the government might face financial challenges, according to Cristiano Noronha, the vice president of Arko Advice, a consultancy firm in Brazils capital Brasilia focused on intelligence and political analysis.

The executive [branch] has often made budget cuts over the years. The investments will depend on the governments fiscal capacity, spending control and economic growth, he told Defense News, adding that the program could be seen as an expression of intent.

For the Brazilian Air Force, the plan involves the production and acquisition of 34 F-39 Gripen fighters, which would almost double the countrys fleet. Brazil signed a $5.04 billion contract with Swedish manufacturer Saab in 2014 for the purchase of 36 Gripen fighters, for delivery by 2027. In 2022, the signatories added four more fighters to the contract.

Of the 40 now on order, Brazil has received six, with four in operation. The contract stipulated that assembly for 15 F-39E Gripens would take place at Embraers factory in Gaviao Peixoto in the state of Sao Paulo. The deal also included a technology sharing agreement between Brazilian engineers and Saab. The fighter production line was inaugurated in May 2023.

The renewal of the fighter aviation [fleet] is one of the main projects of the Brazilian Air Force covered in the new PAC, and is being realized through the acquisition of the Gripen fighter, Defense Minister Jose Mucio Monteiro Filho told Defense News. It is the most modern combat aircraft in Latin America, enabling Brazil to significantly enhance its air defense capability in line with the countrys continental dimensions.

The minister also pointed to another program under PAC: the purchase of nine C-390 Millennium planes  initially known as KC-390  produced by Embraer, along with the development of a refueling version of the model.

Besides its military role, the KC-390 can be used in national and international humanitarian aid actions, such as supporting public emergencies and firefighting, he said.

The government website also mentioned plans to convert two Airbus A330 aircraft into aeromedical and aerial refueling planes.
FILE - Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro gets into a car after landing at the airport in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, June 29, 2023. Bolsonaro was admitted to a hospital in Sao Paulo on Aug. 23, 2023 for what a close aide described as routine health examinations. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP)  Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was admitted to a hospital in Sao Paulo on Wednesday for what a close aide described as routine health examinations.

Bolsonaro has been in and out of hospitals since he was stabbed in his abdomen at a campaign event before Brazil's 2018 presidential election. The conservative leader underwent several surgeries during his presidency from 2019-2022.

He was admitted Wednesday to Vila Nova Star Hospital in Sao Paulo. These exams aim to assess his clinical condition, especially in the digestive system, Fabio Wajngarten, a lawyer and close Bolsonaro aide, said on his official account on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Bolsonaro left office at the end of 2022, after losing a reelection bid against leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Bolsonaro is under mounting pressure, targeted by several investigations for activities while he was president, and in relation to a rampage by his supporters in the national capital after he left office.
The government of Victoria, Australia, has agreed to pay about $5 million (about $3.2 million U.S.) to settle a lawsuit brought by residents of Melbourne public housing who were forced into a hard 14-day COVID-19 lockdown with no warning in July 2020. Some 3,000 people may be eligible for compensation. Despite the settlement, the government still refuses to apologize to the residents. A report from the Victoria ombudsman said the rushed introduction of the lockdown was "not compatible with the residents' human rights" but defended the lockdown itself.

The post Brickbat: Lockdowns Down Under appeared first on Reason.com.
(Bloomberg) -- China must come around and reduce trade deficits with other developing nations to accelerate the use of local currencies, according to Anil Agarwal, the billionaire founder of Indias Vedanta Resources Ltd.

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Leaders of the BRICS bloc  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  will discuss reducing the use of dollars for trade at their summit on Wednesday. Indias trade deficit with China last year was almost $85 billion. Brazil, South Africa and Russia, meanwhile, enjoy a trade surplus with the Asian nation.

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China has to come around, and rebalance trade with other nations, he said in an interview at Bloombergs Johannesburg office. Total dollar domination will come down. Its not going to happen 100%, but its going to start.

The bloc expects their growing heft to help reduce dependence on the greenback. Leaders will look at ways to boost payments in members currencies, part of a wider ambition to challenge the geopolitical leadership of the US.

Theres very strong talk of finding ways to reduce dependence on dollars at the summit, Agarwal said.

--With assistance from Amogelang Mbatha.

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Britain is financing an enriched uranium deal to help Ukraine run their nuclear power plants over the winter and further isolate Vladimir Putin.

The new arrangement, announced on Wednesday, sees Downing Street guarantee a 192 million loan in an attempt to minimise future blackouts in Ukraine in the months ahead.

It will support more enriched uranium being provided by Urenco, a UK-headquartered company, to Ukraines Energoatom, which runs 15 power plants in the country.

The move came after Russian forces deliberately targeted Ukraines energy supplies last winter as part of its full-scale invasion.

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Grant Shapps, the Energy Security Secretary, made a surprise trip to Ukraine earlier this week where he saw damage to a nuclear power plant from a Russian attack.

Grant Shapps visited Ukraine earlier this week where he saw damage to a nuclear power plant by Russian forces - UK Government/PA Wire

Writing in The Telegraph, he explained why he believed the financial deal will help counter the Russian president, given it will leave Ukraine less reliant on Russian energy sources.

He wrote: Last winter, Ukrainians stood resilient against a barrage of blackouts, never knowing if the lights would stay on or if they could keep their homes warm in sub-zero temperatures.

We have supported them on repairs  and today, our actions go a step further, paving the way towards a 192 million nuclear fuel financing agreement.

This will bolster Ukraines energy security by supplying vital fuel for the countrys plants over the coming winter. And it will further isolate Putin, ending their dependence on Russian supplies.

We should all take pride in the role the UK is playing, not just in helping Ukraines military repel Putins forces, but also aiding the countrys recovery. Russia has used energy as a weapon of war.

Westminster has continued to support Ukraines fight against the Russian invasion under successive prime ministers  Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.

Given Ukraines previous reliance on Russian energy imports, and the Kremlins willingness to target energy supplies during the war, Ukraine has faced a major challenge to keep the lights on, with controlled blackouts adopted at points to preserve supplies.

Nuclear power generates more than half of Ukraines electricity, but in the past many plants have used Russian-enriched uranium to function, which is now less possible.

The deal will see Urenco widen its provision of enriched uranium to Energoatom, with the pairs business relationship dating back to 2009.

Boris Schucht, the chief executive of Urenco, said: We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing developments in Ukraine and our thoughts are with the people suffering as a result of the conflict.

Since the start of the invasion, we have provided support to our customer, Energoatom, and its employees, and increased our supply of nuclear enrichment services to help provide energy independence and security of supply in Ukraine.

Mr Shapps also met Oleksandr Kubrakov, Ukraines deputy prime minister for restoration - UK Government/PA Wire

He added: We are actively discussing longer-term supply with Energoatom and are ready to play our part in supporting their future. We have the capacity to meet current demand for uranium enrichment services and options to increase this to provide an enhanced offering globally.

Collaboration from governments, such in the UK with this agreement, is critical to facilitate this, as well as with customers and the wider nuclear industry, and we will continue to do all we can to play a valuable role.

Mr Shapps became the latest Cabinet minister to visit Ukraine, following in the footsteps of the Prime Minister; James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary; and Ben Wallace, the Defence Secretary.

He met with Petro Kotin, Energoatoms president, to discuss the deal, as well as Oleksandr Kubrakov, Ukraines deputy prime minister for restoration, and German Galushchenko, the countrys energy minister.

There continues to be concerns about Zaporizhzhia, Europes largest power plant, which is located in Ukraine and controlled by the Russians.

At points, fears have spiked that the facilitys functioning could be at risk amid reports of deliberate Russian attacks on water supplies that help power the plant. It is unclear if these were an attempt to influence control or genuine attempts at disruption.

Mr Shapps was also one of many politicians who took in Ukrainian refugees following the invasion through the UK Governments Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Mr Shapps wrote of the disruption of the war: I heard about this terrifying ordeal firsthand from Snezhana Chaykina, her young son Nikita, and his grandmother Hanna, who stayed with my family under the Homes for Ukraine scheme for a year following the invasion.

They were living in Kyiv when Putin began his indiscriminate bombardment and had to run for cover in a makeshift bomb shelter in the basement of their building as explosions rocked the city.

I cannot emphasise enough the impact living with this extraordinary family and hearing their story has had on me and my family.

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Peter Higgs , who was sacked from the British Museum, was put in charge of the Elgin Marbles

The curator sacked over thefts from the British Museum was promoted to a job that put him in charge of the Elgin Marbles after a whistleblower had raised the alarm.

Peter Higgs was made acting keeper of Greek collections after the museum received a tip-off that items had turned up for sale on eBay.

He remained in the job despite being implicated in the sale of missing items. Mr Higgs denies wrongdoing.

The Telegraph has also learnt that when the museum checked a storeroom where 942 uncatalogued items were kept, all but seven of them were missing.

Ittai Gradel, the Danish antiquities dealer who uncovered the thefts, said Hartwig Fischer, the museums director, and Jonathan Williams, his deputy, should be sacked immediately for the sake of this great institution.

Director speaks out

In his first public comments about the growing scandal, Dr Fischer hit back at Dr Gradels comments, claiming that he had not given the museum the whole picture when he raised the alarm in 2021.

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He said that if the individual who raised concerns had reported that he had about 60 items in his possession, the original investigation might have had a different outcome.

The fact that Mr Higgs remained in charge of the Elgin Marbles after he had been implicated in the sale of missing items will only intensify the pressure from Greece to return the treasures, which Athens maintains were stolen from the Parthenon by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century.

Even before the latest disclosure, Despoina Koutsoumba, the director of the Association of Greek Archaeologists, said the museum could no longer claim Greek treasures are more protected in London.

News of the thefts has made headlines around the world and Dr Gradel fears the reputation of the museum is being dragged down further by the slow torture of revelations about the bungled internal investigation into the thefts.

Dr Gradel revealed he had bought about 70 items on eBay, starting in 2014, from an account he now believes to have belonged to Mr Higgs or someone purporting to be him. The cheapest item cost just 15, while others that cost Dr Gradel a few hundred pounds were sold on by him for thousands.

He has given the museum and police, who are investigating the thefts, details of the buyers who bought 10 items from him. He has returned the rest to the museum.

He also believes another 150 items he bought from a third party originated from the museum, although he cannot be sure because they do not appear in the museums catalogue. He will also return those items to the museum.

One of the items he bought from the eBay seller was a ring that was advertised as a copy of an ancient Egyptian treasure from the time of Cleopatra.

He bought it for 150 but, when it arrived, realised it was genuine and was more than 2,000 years old.

He contacted the seller and offered to send it back, as it had been hugely undervalued, but instead the seller settled for an extra payment of 500.

Mr Higgs, 56, who worked at the museum for 30 years, was curator of Greek collections, Greek sculpture and the Hellenistic period. The museum was first alerted to the thefts in 2020 when Dr Gradel asked a friend to make contact with senior staff. Mr Higgs was not named in the correspondence.

Promotion

In January 2021, Mr Higgs was promoted to acting keeper of Greek collections.

The following month, Dr Gradel contacted Dr Williams directly and sent him a dossier which showed items from the museum being sold on eBay by a seller with a bank account in the name of Peter Higgs.

Emails seen by The Telegraph show that Mr Williams insisted that a thorough investigation had found no suggestion of any wrongdoing and dismissed Dr Gradels concerns.

Dr Fischer said: When allegations were brought to us in 2021 we took them incredibly seriously, and immediately set up an investigation.

Concerns were only raised about a small number of items, and our investigation concluded that those items were all accounted for.

We now have reason to believe that the individual who raised concerns had many more items in his possession, and its frustrating that that was not revealed to us as it would have aided our investigations.

In 2022 we embarked on a full audit  which revealed a bigger problem. I reported my concerns to the Trustees, and together we agreed to call in the police. We also then began the disciplinary process that resulted in a member of staff being dismissed.

I am clear that at every step my priority has been the care of the incredible British Museum collection, and that continues today  with our commitment to learning lessons from the independent review, our determination to help the police with their criminal investigation, and our focus on the recovery programme.

Dr Gradel claims the museum failed to carry out basic checks, such as contacting a dealer who had handled some of the missing items.

It was only when Dr Gradel contacted George Osborne, the museums chairman, in January this year that a more thorough investigation was launched, which led to the sacking of Mr Higgs in July.

British Museum: email extracts

More than 1,500 items, comprising gold jewellery, semi-precious stones and glass, are now known to have gone missing, with other items damaged. Some were 3,500 years old.

Dr Gradel said he had been told that a large part of the missing haul consisted of uncatalogued items that mainly came from a bequest made by the family of an 18th century collector. In all, 942 items were known to be in storage, though they had not been individually catalogued.

When the staff went to open the drawer, only seven items remained, said Dr Gradel.

Last month, Dr Fischer said that he would step down from his post next year.

Police are investigating the thefts. No arrests have been made.

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By Alistair Smout

LONDON (Reuters) - British trade minister Kemi Badenoch will hold talks with her Indian counterpart this week in New Delhi, her office said on Thursday, but an agreement on trade is unlikely to be struck as further negotiations are scheduled for later in the year.

Talks over a future Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have made progress in recent months, British and Indian sources have said, fuelling hopes a deal could be reached this year.

But British government sources played down expectations that a deal would be done by a G20 meeting in the Indian city of Jaipur this week, with further FTA talks expected in September, after Badenoch's visit.

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"There is a great deal to be done with India, but what happens in the negotiating room will govern the timeline," a government source said.

"We've made progress but talks are focused on complex and technical areas including goods, services, and investment."

On a three-day trip, Badenoch will meet Indian commerce minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi after attending a G20 trade ministers meeting in Jaipur on Thursday and Friday.

The trade ministry announced on Thursday a new UK-India marketing campaign to boost trade and investment links, aiming to double trade with India by 2030 with targeted trade missions in high growth sectors such as higher education and agri-tech.

"I'm delighted to be returning to India to support their G20 Presidency, further our trade talks and meet key business leaders," Badenoch said in a statement.

She will also meet the chair of Tata Sons after the group said it would build an electric vehicle battery plant in Britain to supply its Jaguar Land Rover factories, delivering a major boost for the UK car industry.

(Reporting by Alistair Smout; Editing by Mark Potter)
Go cover seventh grade science. Take this mornings planning period to substitute for an eighth grade classroom. Youre needed down the hall. Try and catch up on your lunch, maybe you wont have to prep outside of school.

Parents will email you at 10 p.m., expecting a response at 10 p.m. But set boundaries. Students will undoubtedly ask a question about the quiz tomorrow, after midnight.

Also, youre going to form bonds you never saw coming. Your building is your family. Get to know your students. This will be a rewarding ride.

Madison Metcalfe could explain all the different directions she was pulled as a new teacher. The University of Delaware graduate is set to step into her first academic year as an official member of Appoquinimink School District faculty this fall  but the 22-year-old has already helped lead a classroom for an entire year.

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Trying to cater to everyone but not at my own expense was something that I really learned, she said. I also learned how to manage a middle school classroom where the kids are evolving.

The Delaware native has started planning how shell manage her time next year, setting expectations early. She knows what its like to teach sixth grade, where they're all having new feelings, they're dealing with hormones and they're coming into their own.

She has felt the strain of a teacher shortage.

And it's the very challenge programs like hers are aiming to combat.

Delaware teacher residency programs are getting students like Metcalfe into school district classrooms for one year, while the students earn a stipend as they teach and learn. In step with national strategies, it looks to resemble a medical residency model that leaves teachers more prepared for real classrooms than typical weekslong student teaching. And these programs see students commit to teaching in their districts for three years beyond residency.

Its a model taking hold across the state.

Delaware Technical Community College is launching its first residency program in public schools this fall. Wilmington University's College of Education has offered a year-long residency since 2014. The states largest university officially kicked off its program in 2020  and now, the University of Delaware is stepping away from the first year in classrooms without pandemic interruption.

We are still in this turbulent, after-pandemic time, said Maya Constantine, associate director of residencies with the University of Delaware. "When our residents go into that first year after the residency, they feel way more prepared than their peers that have done other versions of in-the-classroom training.

The First State has been strapped with a teacher shortage long before COVID-19 shutdowns. In July, Delaware actually led nationwide statistics from the U.S. Department of Education in progress toward returning to pre-pandemic workforce. At 5.1% growth in public school staffing, it joined just two other states with any positive growth over pre-pandemic figures.

Delaware Department of Education funds up to 100 resident stipends annually through a competitive grant process with these schools and teacher preparation programs. The department was unable to provide staffing level data ahead of the 2023-24 school year, citing a lag as it remains in hiring season. But last year, public schools had more than 500 open positions, or about 5% of educator jobs statewide, by fall's start.

Constantine thinks the residency model will mark a new standard. And, she anticipates her program will double by next year.

I want to say that at some point, all student teaching is going to change to residency, she said.

That three-year stay in Delaware after the residency is a holdup for some people, but weve had residents from out-of-state do it; some of these residents have stayed on past three years and are now just part of the community at the district. And thats super exciting to see.

Quitting? Nationally teachers are calling it quits post-pandemic. What's the story in Delaware?

So what is residency actually like?

Madison Metcalfes first day came in a room full of teachers, before UD's students even made it back to campus.

Opening day back in the summer of 2022 allowed her to meet nearly all the educators in her new Everett Meredith Middle School home, not far from where she was born and raised. Nerves and excitement carried through to the first day students walked inside.

But I got to talk to people, she recalled, soon co-teaching several classes with a mentor educator. And that very first day with students, I knew it was the place for me to be. I made connections with kids that very first day, the very first week, that ended up lasting the whole school year.

Students could hear about the teacher residency program as early as high school, as university leaders hope to expand recruiting efforts, but now it likely may be junior year. Thats when Metcalfe applied, looking to finish her bachelor's degree with the experience, and a paycheck.

Another arm allows STEM education students to complete a master's, rounding out a five-year program. Regardless, students must have grade-point averages of 3.0 or higher. From 2020 to 2022, these cohorts have averaged about 17 students, according to the university, and about 24% students of color.

It all starts with a summer professional development institute in August and continues until the last day of school. As the University of Delaware explains it, its residency program blends a rigorous full-year classroom apprenticeship for pre-service teachers with a carefully aligned sequence of academic coursework.

Translation: It's no easy lift.

I was taking 15 credits while also teaching a classroom with support from the mentor teacher, but I was the lead teacher in every class, Metcalfe said. So, it's hard to balance it, but you have to be able to surround yourself with people who will keep you grounded.

Metcalfe didn't live on campus, so commuting was never a challenge. But she couldn't say the same about leaving work behind.

The facade of the Everett Meredith Middle School in Middletown,

My biggest advice to someone who would do this is to have really good friends who will support you and keep you on that path where you're not putting too much of yourself into it, she said, echoing her calls to close the laptop sometimes, stop checking those emails late at night, make time for a senior year.

"Being around kids all day, having to be like another parent, another support system to them can be exhausting. There's teacher burnout everywhere. But having a night or a full day to just relax, keeps you grounded."

She credits her friends, support system and fellow teachers for still making lasting memories  while also getting prepared with reality.

The residency program was the best thing I could have done for my teacher preparation, Metcalfe said. I didn't spend one day a week in the classroom for a whole semester; I spent every single day in that classroom. And I got to experience what it's like to be the teacher all year round.

What works? Delawares Lake Forest educators discuss growth in their test scores

Challenges aren't going anywhere

The desk of Olivia Suchanec, instructional coach, at the Everett Meredith Middle School in Middletown.

Metcalfe was finishing up her classroom decorations for the year ahead. She hopes to start every class she can with a mental break.

"Not everything that's going on in a student's life can be seen just by looking at them; you have to really get to know your students," said the now-social studies teacher for sixth grade. "Taking the time, even if it's just having them come in and take not even a minute breathing session."

Her first year post-residency is just days away. Metcalfe will stay in Appoquinimink two more years thanks to the program, with no immediate plans to change course after that.

Delaware is reaching for more success stories.

This year the state funded roughly a 9% pay increase for public school teachers, first proposed by Gov. John Carney in January, while the average starting salary for a teacher in Delaware was just over $45,000. Maryland posts $48,510, while set to increase to $60,000 by summer 2026. New Jersey's average starting teaching salary is $54,053; Pennsylvania's, $46,991. Carney also increased opportunity funding, headed to lower-income students and English learners, alongside more funds for the coming Wilmington Learning Collaborative.

It's that time: When is the first day of school in Delaware? Start dates vary across public schools

The General Assembly planted focus on school safety this year, as well as legislation strengthening pipelines for paraprofessional educators, while other "grow your own" programs throughout the state hope to soften the blow of a continued shortage. One DDOE spokesperson said the department is "hearing anecdotally from HR directors" that there are fewer openings than last year.

The pandemic interruption has only sharpened concern.

"Honestly, we just need more teachers," Metcalfe put it simply.

"We need teachers who are ready and are willing to put in the time and the effort for these kids. Yes, after COVID their behaviors changed  but that makes the need for good teachers even more prominent."

Kelly Powers covers race, culture and equity for the USA TODAY Network's Northeast Region and Delaware Online, with a focus on education. Contact her at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191, and follow her on Twitter @kpowers01.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Residency programs aim to be key against Delawares teacher shortage
A Defense Department family is seeking answers after their two beloved bulldogs died, apparently from heat prostration, during a military-contracted flight from South Korea to Seattle.

Nothing will ever be the same for our family, said Anne Surette, whose husband, Timothy, is a civilian employee of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Everything has been a nightmare that will not go away.

The Surette family boarded a Patriot Express flight, a commercial airliner contracted by Air Mobility Command, and left South Korea Aug. 17 during the first leg of their permanent change of station move to Washington, D.C. In the hold were the familys two pets, she said,11-year-old Winter, an Olde English bullldog, and 5-year-old Soju, a French bulldog. Both were healthy before the flight, she said.

When the plane stopped for a scheduled layover at Misawa Air Base, Japan, they were able to take the dogs out to walk and feed them. Both dogs were okay at that point, she said.

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But after the passengers reboarded the plane, they were told there would be a delay. As the plane sat on the tarmac, it lost power and the air conditioner quit working, Even so, for the next two hours, no one could leave the plane, including the dogs.

It was hot in the cabin for us, she said.

About 40 minutes into that delay, the flight attendant said they had checked on the dogs and given them water; later they said they opened the door to allow air flow for the dogs.

But when they arrived in Seattle, after an 8-hour flight, they were informed their dogs didnt make it, Surette said. The Surettes found that Winters water bottle had disappeared and Sojus bottle was empty.

Ironically, the Surettes had decided to take that flight because it was supposed to be a temperature-controlled aircraft. Patriot Express flights can accept pets for transportation during a PCS move on a limited space-available basis. The rates vary from $125 to $375, depending on the weight of the pet.

What happened that it was so hot for Winter and Soju to suffer and then [leave] us? Surette wrote in a Facebook post that same day Why didnt they take the dogs out when we had to wait in the heat for almost two hours?

She posted pictures of their deceased dogs and noted that both Soju and Winter looked like they were sleeping.

Their bodies were stiff and hard, she said.

No other pets died on this flight, according to the Air Mobility Command.

The day after their flight, Aug. 18, two Air Force officers came to meet them at their hotel, Surette told Military Times. They said they would be in touch with the command team in Japan and launch an investigation, she said.

Air Mobility Command leaders were able to meet with the family on Friday to express condolences, answer their questions and offer support, said Air Force 1st Lt. James Stewart, in an Aug. 23 email response to questions. AMC officials have looked into the circumstances surrounding this mission, which involved a mix of military and contracted support, he said.

Once passengers and pets were loaded onto the plane, the international charter service personnel take over the remainder of coordination for preparing the aircraft, passengers and pets for flight, he said. It is at this point that AMC personnel were no longer involved in the immediate decision-making and preparation of flight.

However, AMC leadership and teams will continue to work on improving processes for our families and their pets, he said.

While we cannot change the outcome of this unfortunate situation, AMC leadership is analyzing the circumstances of this mission and are committed to doing all they can to reduce negative outcomes while still providing pet transport for our service members.

The deaths of the two pet bulldogs comes just over a year after the four-star general in charge of Air Mobility Command apologized to military families for the deaths of three dogs during overseas moves during a two-week period in July 2022.

In a statement emailed to Military Times, Liz K. Hensel, CEO and founder of Leave No Paws Behind USA, said she is disappointed and heartbroken for the family who lost their two dogs. The organizations mission is helping military families with their pet transportation costs when they move to and from overseas locations.

Not only is this unacceptable but it could have been completely avoidable. Service members shouldnt have to think, Is my pet going to survive this flight? when PCSing, Hensel said.

Air Mobility Command needs to answer to this family. What are the contingency plans if there is another power loss and you have pets in cargo? Are there air conditioned rooms nearby for pets and families to wait in? This family will never be the same due to their negligence. This family and all the other families will never be the same.

Until now, and despite it being one of the hottest years on record, AMC had suffered one pet fatality this season, Stewart said. He noted AMC has made a number of changes over the past year to improve pet safety, to include authorizing pets to stay in AMC terminals with their owners until boarding and loading pets as late as possible. The animals are also taken off the plane at transit locations and loaded as late as possible for the next flight segment, so they arent in the lower compartment for the full duration of the route.

Ground air-conditioning units are also used to cool the lower compartment in the aircraft if and when available, he said.

We deeply regret the deaths of these pets, Stewart said. We take the movement of families and pets very seriously, and thats why weve adjusted our procedures and have implemented changes to better serve customers. We continue to coordinate with air carriers to improve travel and we take pride and professionalism to ensure passengers, families and their pets receive the best service and care that we can offer.

According to information provided to Military Times by Air Mobility Command in 2022, 16 animals had died between 2017, when AMC began transporting pets around the world, and 2022. In those five years, AMC had transported nearly 46,000 pets.

Fourteen of the pets that died were dogs of snub-nosed breeds, like bulldogs and pugs, whose shortened snouts make them more prone to respiratory problems.

Air Force general apologizes after 3 pets die in flight during moves

A number of airlines severely restrict or eliminate travel for certain breeds, health conditions and climates.

Stewart noted the trends of certain breeds, such as snub/short-nosed dogs, that are at greater risk for air transport. This is briefed to travelers before their travel, and they are required to acknowledge theyve considered the risk, he said.

AMC officials advise travelers to follow their AMC travel page for the most up-to-date information, and to read the pet travel pamphlet thats provided to everyone traveling on Patriot Express flights. Pet owners should also check with their veterinarian.

The American Veterinarian Medical Association notes that the U.S. Department of Transportation released statistics in 2010 showing that short-nosed breeds of dogs  such as pugs, Boston terriers, boxers, some mastiffs, Pekingese, Lhasa Apsos, Shih tzus and bulldogs  are more likely to die on airplanes than dogs with normal-length muzzles.

Because of these shortened muzzles, the organization states, they dont breathe as efficiently as dogs with normal-length snouts and can have difficulty cooling off when theyre playing or exercising, or if theyre stressed or overheated.

But questions remain about what measures were taken in the extreme heat when the aircraft lost power.

Over the past few years, transportation of pets during PCS has become increasingly difficult and expensive for military families.

Under a new Defense Department policy that takes effect Jan. 1, troops on PCS orders may be reimbursed for the eligible costs of relocating one dog or one cat per move. The DoD policy allows reimbursement of up to $2,000 if the move is made to or from overseas.
Burning Man festivalgoers are voicing their distress after the Black Rock City, Nevada, venue was hit with torrential rains during Tropical Storm Hilary this week.

Pictures and videos of the flooded playa have been circulating on social media, with organisers asking attendees to please be patient.

Its not something we typically see, Justin Collins, a forecaster with the weather services Reno office, told SFGATE.com. All this rain all at once is pretty unusual in summer. You see it in winter more.

This years festival runs from 27 August to September 4; however, many attendees go to set up camp a week before it begins.

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The festival announced on Wednesday (23 August) that its gates would reopen for Work Access Pass holders. Before you hit the road, read your email carefully. Drive safely! organisers said.

If Black Rock City stays wet, it could spell disaster for the festival, which revolves around its dry, desert setting.

Oooof this is concerning. The desert doesnt absorb. Its like a pool being drained onto a tile floor, one person wrote in response to a viral TikTok showing the scale of flooding at the location.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

I tried walking in the rain on the playa once and it just piled up on the bottom of my shoes SO MUCH, another complained.

Others have chosen to take a more humorous approach to the flooding, sharing photos with sinking ships and shark fins edited into frame.

Burning Man is a little wet this year #BurningMan2023 pic.twitter.com/mb5tLcOAw4  Dennis Hinkamp (@DennisHinkamp) August 21, 2023

Bout to be Squishy Mud Man more like, another person joked on X/Twitter.

Massive hurricane heading to the desert



Gonna dump a metric buttload of rain



Guess what happens a week from now (and is currently setting up/people arriving in droves)



 Burning Man 



Bout to be Squishy Mud Man more like  Plum (@Plumferno) August 20, 2023

Who had Burning Man Gets Rained Out on their Armageddon Bingo? asked a third.

Who had Burning Man Gets Rained Out on their Armageddon Bingo? pic.twitter.com/Y4AC7Yi3FX  Aram (@AramVartian) August 21, 2023

According to AccuWeather, Black Rock City is forecasted to experience blazing sunshine and temperatures in the low thirties (Celcius) for the rest of the week.

On Sunday, organisers said that it could take 12-plus hours for the playa to dry, so please be patient.

Last year, locals were left furious over the volume of illegal waste dumped in the neighbourhood after the festival.

Tents, food and alcohol bottles have all been spotted around Lake Tahoe on the California-Nevada border and neighbouring Reno, Nevada, in the days following the 2022 addition of Burning Man, business owners, locals and officials told SFGate.

What Ive seen are large construction bags of trash, alcohol bottles, tons of food, tents and large aluminium poles from shade structures, said a business owner in Truckee, California, to the news outlet.

About 80,000 festivalgoers attend Burning Man, which asks visitors to leave no trace of their presence in the Nevada desert. The festival also warns against dumping waste in the dozens of towns nearby  as well as those further away, such as in California.
The Supreme Court is being urged to consider whether homeless people have a constitutional right to sleep on public sidewalks and camp in parks.

City officials in California say they face a crisis of homeless encampments that has been made worse by the courts.

At issue is a 9th Circuit Court ruling that invoked the 8th Amendments ban on cruel and unusual punishments to prohibit West Coast cities from making it a crime to sleep or camp on public property.

Judge Marsha Berzon, a senior member on the appeals court, cited Supreme Court decisions from the 1960s that said drug addicts and alcoholics may not be punished simply because they have an addiction. She said the same principle applies to the homeless.

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Just as the state may not criminalize the state of being homeless in public places, Berzon wrote, the state may not criminalize conduct that is an unavoidable consequence of being homeless  namely sitting, lying or sleeping on the streets.

Four years ago, a wide array of California business groups and cities, including Los Angeles, joined appeals that urged the Supreme Court to review that ruling in a case from Boise, Idaho.

To their surprise and dismay, however, the justices turned down the appeal without a comment or dissent.

They may have done so because Boise officials had repealed part of a key ordinance after losing in a lower court. The appeal may have been seen as moot.

But the non-decision left the constitutional dispute untouched, and the issue is now back before the high court in a new appeal from a city in southern Oregon.

Grants Pass has a population of about 38,000, of whom 50 or as many 600 are homeless. Shortly after the 9th Circuits ruling in 2018 case from Boise, lawyers sued on behalf of several homeless people in the city who said they were harassed by police and ticketed for sleeping in a park.

In response, a federal judge ruled the city cannot enforce a ban on camping in its public parks, and that ruling was affirmed by the 9th Circuit in a 2-1 decision.

Writing for the majority, Judge Roslyn Silver said she was obliged to follow the circuit courts precedent in the Boise case, which held the 8th Amendment prohibits the imposition of criminal penalties for sitting, sleeping, or lying outside on public property for homeless individuals who cannot obtain shelter.

That in turn launched the new appeal to the Supreme Court.

Lawyers who worked on the case are optimistic the court will take it up because the homeless problem has gotten much worse.

Their appeal filed Tuesday argues that the 9th Circuits ruling and the federal judges who have applied it have erected a judicial roadblock preventing a comprehensive response to the growth of public encampments in the West. The consequences of inaction are dire for those living in or near encampments: crime, fires, the reemergence of medieval diseases, environmental harm, and record levels of drug overdoses and deaths on public streets.... Only this [Supreme] Court can end this misguided project of federal courts dictating homelessness policy under the banner of the 8th Amendment.

Last month, the 9th Circuit Courts conservatives blasted their liberal colleagues for refusing to reconsider their past rulings on the rights of the homeless.

Homelessness is presently the defining public health and safety crisis in the western United States. California, for example, is home to half of the individuals in the entire country who are without shelter on a given night, wrote Judge Milan Smith in a dissent joined by eight others.

In the City of Los Angeles alone, there are roughly 70,000 homeless persons. There are stretches of the city where one cannot help but think the government has shirked its most basic responsibilities under the social contract: providing public safety and ensuring that public spaces remain open to all, Smith wrote.

The 9th Circuits active judges split 14 to 13 over whether to rehear the case from Grants Pass, just short of the needed majority.

But such a broad divide on the nations largest federal appeals court often triggers a review by the Supreme Court.

Under the court's rules, the lawyers who represented the homeless plaintiffs have 30 days to file a response to the appeal in City of Grants Pass vs. Johnson. If that schedule holds, the justices could decide in late fall whether to hear the case and issue a ruling early next year.

Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A suspected gunman, who police say shot a Southern California business owner for displaying a Pride flag supporting the LGBTQ+ community, had an extensive social media presence rife with anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and violent imagery.

Travis Ikeguchi allegedly fired upon 66-year-old Laura Lauri Ann Carleton on Friday after going on a homophobic tirade as he railed against her boutiques display of a Pride flag, a San Bernadino County Sherriffs spokesperson said during a Monday press conference.

Once he had killed the owner of Mag.Pi, Ikeguchi fled and was promptly embroiled in an altercation with police.

After exchanging shots with responding police officers, Ikeguchi was killed.

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His extensive online presence included bigoted language towards the LGBTQ+ community, according to police officials.

The Advocate found that an X  formerly known as Twitter  account that seems to match Ikeguchi posted anti-LGBTQ+ bigotry incessantly and was highly opposed to abortion.

There has been no confirmation of Ikeguchis identity on social media pages, but an X account with his full name was created in 2015.

In June, he posted a Pride flag that was set ablaze.

What to do with the LGBTQP flag? Ikeguchi asked.

 (@)

Abortion and same-sex marriage are both immoral and are design to destroy humanity one by one, he wrote in a tweet the same month. So if someone is pro-abortion and pro-LGBTQP, they are at war against the foundation of family values.

Also, though appearing to agree with the anti-transgender hate group Gays Against Groomers, the alleged killer took issue with the group as too accepting because its lesbian co-founder, Jaimee Michell, tolerates homosexuality.

 (@)

[T]hese conservatives like Jaimee Michell are saying that they are against groomers, but that is what LGBTQP pervs are all about including homosexuality!!! It is like Sarah calling out someone who is trans yet Sarah is trans too!!! Hypocrites! he wrote.

He also seemed to be active on the far-right platform Gab.

According to NBC News, Ikeguchi appears to have written in a pinned Gab post from January 2021, "We need to STOP COMPROMISING on this LGBT dictatorship and not let them take over our lives!".

He added, Stop accepting this abomination that the government is forcing us to submit to these mentally disordered tyrants!

The account is no longer accessible.
A photo of store owner Laura Ann Carleton surrounded by flowers and Pride flags and placed on memorial outside her store in the Studio City section of Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. Authorities say a 27-year-old man was killed by California sheriff's deputies over the weekend after he fatally shot Carleton, outside her store in Cedar Glen, Calif. roughly 60 miles (96 kilometers) east of downtown Los Angeles. Investigators determined that prior to the shooting the suspect tore down a Pride, or rainbow, flag that was hanging in front of the store and yelled many homophobic slurs toward Carleton. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

LOS ANGELES (AP)  The California woman killed for apparently refusing to remove an LGBTQ+ rainbow Pride flag from outside her store was adamant that she would never take it down, a longtime friend said Wednesday.

Laura Ann Carleton was fatally shot Friday outside Mag.Pi, the clothing and home decor shop she owned in Cedar Glen, a mountain community east of Los Angeles.

The shooter, Travis Ikeguchi, was killed by deputies after he opened fire on them a short time later, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said Monday. Ikeguchi had frequently posted anti-LGBTQ content on social media, sheriffs officials said.

Korey Pollard, whose wife worked at Mag.Pi, said Carleton was defiant in the face of criticism she received for hanging the rainbow flag outside the small store.

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She would say, Korey, this is the hill Im going to die on. No one is going to make me take down that flag,' " Pollard told The Associated Press. At one point, Carleton even ordered a much larger rainbow flag to replace an older one that had become faded, Pollard said.

Moments before shooting Carleton, Ikeguchi tore down the Pride flag outside her shop and shouted homophobic slurs at her, the sheriff said.

Carleton, who preferred to be called Lauri, is survived by her husband and nine children in a blended family.

An LGBTQ group in nearby Lake Arrowhead said Carleton didnt identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. But she spent time helping and advocating for everyone, and she was defending her Pride flags placed in front of her shop on the night of the shooting, the group said.

Pollard, who said he was friends with Carleton for a decade, spoke outside a second Mag.Pi location in Los Angeles. He said he was there at the request of Carleton's family to remove a makeshift memorial that had been growing outside the LA store's front door.

Its, you know, beautiful in its intentions. But its the opposite of what Lauri would have been about, Pollard said. "Also, were concerned about copycat situations  we dont want to put anyone in jeopardy.
Unionized maintenance workers in California state government have approved a new labor agreement that gives workers modest raises alongside various bonuses and stipends targeted at attracting and retaining workers in hard-to-fill positions.

The International Union of Operating Engineers, which represents a group of more than 11,000 employees including groundskeepers and painters, plumbers and heavy equipment mechanics, recently ratified a three-year contract that began July 1 and runs through June 2026. The union had been negotiating with the state since January on the deal.

As part of the agreement, employees in 63 classifications, representing more than half of the bargaining unit, will receive special salary increases between 4% and 6.7% depending on the position. Most workers will see 4% increases, including plumbers, automotive technicians and Caltrans equipment operators, among others.

All other classifications will receive an initial salary increase of 3%, also retroactive to July 1.

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In the second and third years of the contract, any employee whos been at the top of their salary range for at least 12 months will receive a 4% bump in pay. Those employees in three specific classifications, all drillers, will earn a 5% bump in the maximum pay range in 2024. All employees who have yet to reach the maximum salary will receive their annual merit salary adjustment of about 5% until they reach the new maximum salary.

The union would not provide specifics on what percentage of membership voted in favor of the contract, but some members voiced concerns that the deal didnt go far enough to address recruitment and retention issues.

Theres still a level of frustration within the unit, said Brandy Johnson, the unions director of public employees. It still doesnt fully address vacancy issues, retention and pay disparities between the state and other public and private sector employers.

Given the states nearly $32 billion projected deficit and the states hesitancy to grant higher across-the-board raises, Johnson said the bargaining team had to get creative with how to put more money in members pockets. The new contract includes various special pay differentials for employees who work night shifts, Caltrans employees assigned to winter operations teams known as snow camps, and those who need special licenses (such as commercial drivers licenses, agricultural pest control licenses and well-drilling contractor licenses).

All employees are also eligible to accrue a Workforce Stability Stipend of $100 a month throughout the three-year contract period for a total of $3,600.

Although the contract is finalized and awaiting legislative approval, Johnson said the union would continue talks with the state in hopes of finding solutions to some of the members frustrations.

The state is committed to partnering with IUOE in exploring recruitment, training and educational opportunities within the Trades classifications with a focus on increasing diversity and retaining skilled labor essential for continuing to innovate and adapt to meet the needs of the 21st century, the contract reads.

The work doesnt stop, Johnson said.
A woman from Californias capital region was the first tourist to be identified as a victim of this months deadly Maui wildfires.

Theresa Cook, 72, of Pollock Pines was staying at the Best Western Pioneer Inn in Lahaina. On Sunday, her daughter Melissa Kornweibel, who lives in the Sacramento area, posted to Facebook that her mother had been missing for nine days. She recently updated the post to confirm her mothers body was recovered and identified.

On Tuesday, the Maui Police Department confirmed Cook was one of eight people confirmed killed in the conflagration, which has charred more than 2,000 acres and remains actively burning. Authorities have identified 43 victims from the blaze, 21 of which have been announced after officials made contact with family.

According to her daughter, Cook was supposed to fly home to Sacramento Aug. 9. The fires started the night of Aug. 8.

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Cook had last been seen and heard from before the fire leaving the Best Western traveling south on foot down Wharf Street, her daughter said.

Kornweibel said she contacted the Red Cross, the Maui Police Department, the FBI, six shelters, the U.S. Coast Guard, hospitals and submitted DNA in her attempts to search for her mother.

Maui authorities are asking people with missing relatives to submit DNA to assist in identifying fire victims.

At least 115 victims are confirmed dead, making it the deadliest wildfire disaster in modern American history. Maui police said 1,000 to 1,100 people remain unaccounted for following the wildfires, authorities said.
Every four years, it seems, were treated to a candidate (or six) who embodies a self-loving certainty that being president is a job for amateurs.

Spoiler alert: Its not.

Of course, amateur is not how such candidates describe themselves. No, he or she is an outsider  the label that is catnip to voters disdainful of the two major political parties.

Call these contenders what you will, this year we have a bumper crop of them despite the fact that each partys field is dominated by an incumbent or quasi-incumbent: the actual president, Joe Biden, and the defeated pretender, Donald Trump . Because both men are such flawed favorites, both unpopular with many voters, rivals are trying their luck against the front-runners.

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Challenging Biden are Marianne Williamson, a self-help author and failed 2020 contender, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the anti-vaccine activist and dynastic black sheep. Trumps rivals include seasoned politicians but also an amateur hour lineup: Larry Elder, the conservative talk-show host and vanquished California gubernatorial candidate; Ryan Binkley, a Texas pastor and businessman; Perry Johnson, an entrepreneur who promotes quality management practices and yet fatally mismanaged his petition to get on the 2022 Republican primary ballot to become Michigans governor (too many voters signatures were invalid).

Read more: Editorial: Of course Trump should skip the GOP debates. He's unfit for office

Last but hardly least among the Republicans  especially when it comes to his own self-regard  is 38-year-old Vivek Ramaswamy, the youngest of the bunch, a wealthy biotechnology entrepreneur, son of Indian immigrants and author of the right-wing bestseller Woke, Inc.

Ramaswamy is the standout among the amateurs. He personifies the utter brashness and hubris of a high achiever who looks in the mirror and sees a president.

The job does require extraordinary confidence, and perhaps Ramaswamys cockiness helps explain why Republican voters lately have given him a bump in the polls. He has been registering support in high single-digit percentages, even breaking double digits in New Hampshire. Meanwhile, other than Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , the Republican aspirants languish in low single digits.

Read more: Calmes: Republican leaders are making the GOP an unindicted co-conspirator in Trump's attack on democracy

Thanks to his polling gains, Ramaswamy will share center stage with DeSantis on Wednesday night in Milwaukee, when eight rivals assemble for the first, Trump-less Republican debate. And Ramaswamys mini-boomlet is why, ahead of the debate, a pro-DeSantis super PAC somehow thought it was smart to publicly post advice for the flailing governor  take a sledgehammer to Ramaswamy.

Its certainly true that political experience does not guarantee a successful presidency. Yet political inexperience virtually guarantees failure. Governing a nation of 330 million people and leading the free world is not for beginners.

Of the five presidents who held no previous public office, three governed in the last century: Herbert Hoover, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Donald Trump. Hoover and Trump were defeated for reelection and rank among the worst presidents ever. Eisenhower was the exception to the rule and no wonder: He wasnt really an amateur at all. Hed been the supreme commander of Allied forces in World War II, a job that required navigating politics in Washington and European capitals, not to mention mobilizing militaries on two continents.

Read more: Calmes: Two conservative scholars say the case isn't close  the Constitution bars Trump from running again

Even Trump, the narcissist who in 2016 proclaimed I alone can fix it, now inadvertently concedes the value of bringing political experience to the White House. He and his allies suggest repeatedly that in a second term he will be a far more effective autocrat  my word, not theirs  because he had four years of on-the-job training. Now he really knows what levers to pull, heads to roll and laws to bend or break.

Ramaswamy, running as Trump 2.0, insists that hell beat the original. I believe with a high degree of conviction that I will win this election, he said in the Atlantic this week. (And one of his first acts as president, he says after each Trump indictment, will be to pardon his predecessor.)

The challenger resembles Trump more than he knows. Ramaswamy represents the complete amateurization of politics in the Republican Party that Trump has facilitated, as Tommy Vietor put it on the Pod Save America podcast he co-hosts with other Obama White House veterans.

Read more: Goldberg: It's too late, GOP also-rans. Nothing will stop Trump, except maybe the law

Vietor brought receipts. He played a clip of Ramaswamy promoting his campaign foreign policy paper.

Nobodys gone into remotely this level of detail here, Ramaswamy boasted. He added, I didnt know much of this six months ago. But the only difference between me and the other candidates is Im the only one actually willing to admit that.  And so I think this depth of understanding combined with strategic clarity actually is what will keep us out of war.

Think about that. Ramaswamy is putting up his semesters worth of Foreign Affairs 101 reading against the experience of a former vice president (Mike Pence), U.N. ambassador (Nikki Haley), head of the Drug Enforcement Administration and a congressman (Asa Hutchinson), a senator who sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (Tim Scott) and a CIA agent (Will Hurd). Oh, and if you count Trump, a former president.

So what are his genius foreign policy ideas? Essentially, retreat from global leadership. Reduce or end aid to Israel, Taiwan and Ukraine. Allow Russia to keep the parts of Ukraine it now occupies and block Ukraine from NATO. Break up the China-Russia alliance, as if thats within a U.S. presidents power.

At home, hes said, its time for revolution  a 1776 moment  against forces including wokeism, transgenderism, climatism, COVIDism. Huh?

And should you want another conspiracist as president, he's your candidate. In the Atlantic interview, Ramaswamy suggested federal agents could have been flying with the terrorists on 9/11.

Fortunately, Trump 2.0 has a snowball's chance in hell of becoming president. No sledgehammer should be needed. Unfortunately, we still could end up with Trump 1.0.

@jackiekcalmes

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The John E. Goode Pre-trial Detention Facility, better known as the Duval County jail in downtown Jacksonville, has been the site of a series of inmate deaths this year.

Two Jacksonville lawmakers are asking the U.S. Justice Department to investigate whether Duval County jail inmate deaths and complaints about inadequate health care point to violations of the law.

From people with diabetes not receiving their insulin medication to Mr. Dexter Barry, a heart transplant recipient, dying  this cannot continue without serious intervention, argued a letter that state Sen. Tracie Davis and state Rep. Angie Nixon addressed Tuesday to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Barry, 54, died last year following his release from jail, where he had been held without required medication after being charged with simple assault in a dispute between neighbors.

Publicity surrounding his death and reporting by the online news site The Tributary helped focus attention on the jails health care system and last month led to the Sheriffs Office switching providers from Armor Health, headquartered in Miami, to Alabama-based NaphCare.

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More: Nate Monroe: Would a new Duval County jail have the same old problems?

More: Nate Monroe: New Duval jail talks need to include focus on sheriff's arrest policies

But the lawmakers, both Democrats, arent content that care issues have all been accounted for.

[W]e urge the USDOJ to open federal criminal and civil investigations into any and all incidents involving serious injury or death due to medical negligence, the lawmakers wrote. It is unconscionable that human beings in custody of the state or county receive anything less than dignified and basic care.

Longtime Duval County jail nurse Mary Parks took an inmate's blood pressure on the day in 1995 when she marked her 80th birthday. Care at the jail was contrated to a for-profit company in 2017.

The lawmakers said the number of deaths at the jail had tripled since medical care there was contracted to a for-profit company in 2017. By early August, 11 inmates had died this year, Times-Union news partner First Coast News reported.

The Tributary reported last month that a national accrediting agency, the National Commission on Correctional Health Care, decided in April to place the jail on a probationary status.

A commission email published by the website said that by the end of August the jail would have a focused survey  to verify corrective action and improvement efforts are underway as well as surveys over the next three years.

A regional executive with Armor told the commission in May that it had already started corrective action on deficient areas, the website reported.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Investigate deaths, health care in Jacksonville jail, lawmakers ask feds
Federal authorities are investigating the crash of a twin-engine cargo plane during a training exercise near a small airport in central Maine, which killed both people on board.

The Beechcraft crashed in a field in the town of Litchfield at around 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The agency said the National Transportation Safety Board would lead the investigation.

The plane crashed under unknown circumstances about half a mile (0.8 kilometers) from Wales Airport, said Sarah Taylor Sulick, a spokesperson for the NTSB. Authorities had not identified the two dead as of Wednesday.

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The NTSB was just beginning its investigation on Wednesday, said Ralph Hicks, a senior investigator with the agency. The plane was configured for cargo, but it was being used for flight training at the time of the crash, Hicks said.

The investigator will document the accident site, and airplane, and gather witness statements and any surveillance video that may have captured any part of the accident flight, Taylor Sulick said.

Litchfield is a small town close to the state capital of Augusta and is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Portland, the largest city in Maine.

Wreckage from the crash will be recovered and moved offsite for analysis, Taylor Sulick said, adding that a preliminary report about the crash will likely be available in two to three weeks.

The plane took off at 5:09 p.m. Tuesday from Auburn-Lewiston Airport, about 18 miles (29 kilometers) from Litchfield, Hicks said. He said there was no cargo on board at the time of the crash and it was undetermined whether the student or the instructor was operating the plane when it crashed.

The plane was operated by Wiggins Airways of Manchester, New Hampshire, Hicks said.

Wiggins Airways website states that the company is an all-cargo airline with operations in 12 states. It also states that the company provides time-critical feeder services for major express carriers, namely FedEx and UPS.

Wiggins representatives said in a statement Wednesday that the company is complying with the investigation.

We are filled with sorrow at the passing of our flight crew members, said Wiggins Airways President Donna Nixon. The identities of the pilots will not be released out of respect to their families and friends. Our focus is on supporting their families and our employees through this difficult time.

The primary local investigating authority on the crash is the Kennebec County Sheriffs Office, said Shannon Moss, a spokesperson for the Maine State Police. Moss said Maine State Police is assisting with the investigation and declined to comment further.

This scene is very large and it will take two to three days to attend to it, said Kennebec County Sheriff Ken Mason in a Facebook post.

As we continue our work on the incident in Litchfield, please be patient with our response time for non-emergency calls for service throughout the county, Mason said. Please keep the families of the two souls lost in your thoughts.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Evacuees from Catalina Island arrive in Long Beach on Saturday ahead of Tropical Storm Hilary hitting the region. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

The warning sounded around 10 a.m. Saturday  a shrill cellphone chime advising thousand of residents and visitors to evacuate Santa Catalina Island ahead of Tropical Storm Hilary's anticipated arrival.

Due to a forecast of storm impacts and possibly prolonged utility outages, Catalina Island residents and visitors, especially those with medical, access and functional needs, are advised to leave the island on August 19, read the advisory from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Departure via Catalina Express is recommended at your earliest opportunity.

The ominous message prompted questions: How many people would actually heed it? And was the island ready for such an urgent mass exodus?

In the end, the storm that dumped record rainfall totals and swamped communities across Southern California, especially in the desert, left the renowned tourist destination unscathed.

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Thousands of tourists left Catalina by Sunday afternoon on Catalina Express boats for the 20-plus-mile crossing to the mainland. But most residents stayed put, with some recalling that a September storm  moisture from Tropical Storm Kay, situated off the Mexican coast  was far more damaging, flooding seaside businesses with saltwater.

"All weekend, the narrative was, 'Oh, we haven't seen one in 84 years or whatever,' and I'm like, 'No, we haven't seen one in" 11 months, said Avalon City Manager David Maistros. "Not that we're used to it, or immune to it, it's just, we get it. It can happen out here, and it's dangerous. And all you can do is prepare. You know, there's preparation, and there's avoiding panic, and I think that's what we did a good job of this weekend."

Maistros said he communicated all weekend with the National Weather Service, ship captains and county officials to ensure that Catalina, one of the eight Channel Islands, and its roughly 3,500 permanent residents and thousands more visitors were safe.

Had the path and fervor of the storm have changed dramatically, Maistros said emergency officials were confident everyone could have gotten off the island.

We felt good going into the weekend, he said. "If we had to do that, we could do that."

Read more: Hey L.A., want to feel like you're in Cabo without leaving home? Just wait til 2080

Greg Bombard, president and chief executive of Catalina Express, said his fleet of four catamarans and four monohull boats moved 3,650 people  primarily visitors  off the island Saturday, and took about 600 more Sunday.

By 1 p.m. Sunday, the last boat had only 36 passengers, a signal that they'd successfully gotten everyone who wanted to leave off the island before conditions were expected to worsen, he said.

Between his eight vessels, and his workforce of more than 300 people, it's an operation that gets people off the island quickly should disaster strike, Bombard said. In 2007, when a large fire threatened Catalina, his company moved about 5,000 in one night.

If we have an emergency, believe me, were all here," said Bombard, whose family has had a presence on the island for the past 100 years.

Read more: Photos: Clean up is underway after tropical Storm Hilary arrives in Southern California

Maeve Tracy, a 23-year-old hotel worker, said that by Sunday night there were only four guests staying in the Hermosa Hotel. Everybody checked out early Monday.

Everybody outside of the island was more freaked out, but since we could see everything changing over here, I feel like we were all pretty calm about it, said Tracy, who is originally from Chicago.

The county Office of Emergency Management and the Sheriffs Department said had an evacuation order been called for, they believed all residents could have been taken off the island within six hours.

This time estimate does not include the use of other ferry companies, helicopters, private boats, the U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Navy, which could dramatically shorten the time needed to evacuate the island, the departments said in a written response to questions from The Times.

Fiete Krutein, a former University of Washington professor who co-authored a paper on evacuating isolated islands, said one of the most important steps local governments can take to ensure everyone gets off an island when a hurricane hits is to have an evacuation plan in place.

Weve just had a major fire disaster in Hawaii, and now this, he said. It really shows that having a plan in place is really going to help you in knowing what to do and how to respond.

Read more: Before Hilary strikes, Catalina residents, visitors pack boats in last-chance evacuations

Asked about the emergency preparedness plan for the Catalina Islands, the county departments said there were numerous emergency preparedness plans for the area. They added that the city of Avalon was working on obtaining grant money to create a comprehensive emergency procedure manual.

Maistros, the Avalon city manager, said island officials had taken other steps to ensure residents safety during the storm, outside of the evacuation advisory.

At the start of the weekend, harbor and city crews vacated harbors, telling pleasure boaters to head to their home harbors. Boats that couldn't leave were brought into the harbor and attached to moorings to secure their crafts during the storm.

On Saturday morning, Southern California Edison brought 75,000 pounds of prefilled sandbags to fortify its power plant, which sits next to the shoreline. Edison provides electricity, gas and water to the island  only 12% of which is lived on by people, the other 88% under a conservation easement that prohibits development.

By Saturday afternoon, workers had completed the job and placed extra sandbags in Avalon for businesses and residents to grab.

There were also comfort stations with generators ready at Avalon City Hall, the high school gym and Tremont Hall, a community gathering center, where residents could have charged their phones and laptops if the island had lost power.

The decision to issue the evacuation advisory, Maistros said, was made out of an overabundance of caution  potentially influenced in part by the catastrophic decisions made by emergency officials in Maui. With so many lives lost there, he said, officials may have felt they were better safe than sorry.

Many residents on Catalina have family and friends on Maui, he said.

It's a connection a lot of people don't recognize, but there's a strong sense of community with Maui, he said. So that was on [the] forefront of everyone's mind.

Some Catalina residents who decided to stay put said in interviews Monday that they remembered a brutal storm in late 2014 that killed two beloved members of the islands seafaring community, and took action to protect themselves.

Bob Beetley, 79, spent the storm at a hotel on the island after docking his boat Onahi, where hes lived for five months out of the year for over three decades, splitting time between the boat and his home in Malibu.

Beetley said before the storm hit, owners rushed to moor their boats, remembering how a storm in 2014 killed Avalon residents Bruce Ryder and Harbor Patrol Officer Timothy Douglas Mitchell.

Read more: Two men, linked to the water off Catalina Island in life and death

That taught Beetley that it truly wasn't worth it to try to stay on your boat and ride out the storm.

The sheriffs were right on top of everything, he said. "We were hoping that they were overshooting which it ended up being, which is OK with me.

On Monday, dozens of white, green and orange sandbags sat next to several of the businesses lining Crescent Avenue, a pedestrian walkway that runs parallel to the shore. Some businesses remained closed, but many were open to the small crowd of tourists who remained or trickled back in on ferries Monday.

Howie Lee and his wife, Sam Leng, arrived on the island Monday for a three-day vacation.

After a stressful weekend monitoring storm conditions, they were now reaping the benefits of a post-storm Catalina: a touristless island.

Everything stayed open," Lee said. "Just a little slower than anticipated.

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.
Police are trying to figure out how a Daytona Beach man ended up dead in the Halifax River, a report shows.

The body of Brian Sauder, 48, was seen floating face down Saturday in the river near the Caribbean Jacks Restaurant on Ballough Road at 1:34 p.m., police said.

On Wednesday, Daytona Beach police spokesman Jimmie Flynt said Sauder's manner and cause of death is pending toxicology tests.

"Nothing suspicious about the death," Flynt said in an email.

Woman found dead in river Volusia medical examiner: Woman found dead in Halifax River was strangled

A person on a jet ski spotted Sauder's body about 100 feet north of the Main Street bridge and called police, investigators said.

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Sauder had a couple scratches on on his left arm. He also had a scratch and blood on his face, police noted in a report.

In reports released by Daytona Beach police on Wednesday, investigators said that earlier Saturday at 3:57 a.m. officers responded to reports of someone yelling for help near the Main Street bridge.

A man fishing on the bridge reported hearing someone screaming for help but said he did not see anyone in the water, police said.

Police called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to check out the area. A drone was launched by police but a search of the area failed to locate anyone, reports said.

Sauder's death remains under investigation, police said.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Body of Daytona Beach man found in river
Getting cozy with your pet turtle might not be a good idea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Last week, public health officials advised people not to kiss or cuddle their shelled companions after a multistate outbreak of salmonella linked to tiny turtles.

Twenty-six people across 11 states have fallen ill from the outbreak and nine had to be hospitalized. No fatalities have been reported, but more that 30% of the cases hit children under the age of 5, who can be seriously affected by an infection.

While turtles of any size can carry salmonella, the CDC said creatures smaller than four inches long were banned by federal law in 1975 after causing many illnesses, especially in young children.

A false map humpback turtle from Hamburg, Germany.

A false map humpback turtle from Hamburg, Germany.

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Still, smaller breeds are available illegally online and at stores, flea markets, and roadside stands, so the CDC advised people to only buy animals from reputable sources.

The agency noted that even healthy-looking turtles can spread germs, so pet owners should be vigilant about hand-washing and general hygiene.

It also warned against eating near pet turtles, and warned people to keep turtles out of areas where you eat, store or prepare food.

Salmonella symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. While not usually serious, it can cause complications in children, older adults and people who are immunocompromised.

Each year, 26,500 Americans are hospitalized and 420 people die from illnesses related to salmonella infections, according to the CDC.

While turtles have a history of causing health concerns, theyre not the only pets that have been linked to salmonella outbreaks.

Last year the CDC reported 32 illnesses stemming from contact with bearded dragons. Pet hedgehogs were linked to 49 cases from 2019 to 2020.

Related...
A childs remains have been found nearly a week after a toddlers disappearance, Georgia police told multiple news outlets.

The discovery was made Wednesday, Aug. 23, amid the search for JAsiah Mitchell, WANF reported, citing the East Point Police Department.

Officers found the body at a garbage facility, but the child hasnt been confirmed as JAsiah, authorities told WSB-TV.

McClatchy News reached out to the East Point Police Department and was awaiting a response.

JAsiah was reported missing Aug. 17, with his father, Artavious North, 23, telling police JAsiah had been kidnapped during an armed robbery in DeKalb County the night before.

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Investigators determined there was no kidnapping, however, and charged North with filing a false report. He has since been named a person of interest in the toddlers disappearance, WXIA reported.

Additional information wasnt provided.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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A drunk woman has been filmed clashing with fellow passengers on a Ryanair plane before being escorted off by police officers.

The scenes were filmed as holidaymakers were boarding the plane at Manchester Airport on 21 August, with the aircraft bound for the Spanish island of Ibiza.

The shouting match began in the aisle, with many passengers already in their seats and ready to depart. It is not immediately clear what caused the confrontation, but as things escalated, the woman can be heard repeatedly yelling I will find you in footage of the incident.

Children can be heard crying in the background, and someone off camera is heard saying: This stupid b**ch is making us late.

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An angry passenger stands up to continue the slanging match mid-aisle as men believed to be family members try to hold them back. The woman then tries to hit them before being dragged backwards by a man in green who tries to deal with the angry holidaymakers himself.

She was barging into everyone the second she got on the plane, Lyndsay Cash, who was on the flight, told the Manchester Evening News.

She was drunk, and when someone pointed that out she took offence and started kicking off with everyone. They just started fighting in the aisle and it got really aggressive. The stewardesses werent much use and kids were upset. I wasnt happy with the way it was managed.

It annoyed me and everyone else on the plane. Everyone clapped as she got escorted off and she even fought with police. I dont think she should have been let on the plane and I think the stewards should have been much quicker.

It was left for the passengers to deal with. If you cant handle it, dont drink.

The incident occurred just 15 minutes before the scheduled departure and resulted in the plane being more than an hour late taking off.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed to The Independent that three people  a woman and two men, all in their 30s, were arrested on suspicion of being drunk on board an aircraft, while one of the men and the woman were further arrested on suspicion of assaulting police officers.

They have since been released under investigation, and a police spokesperson said: Greater Manchester Police works closely with Manchester Airport and will take appropriate action against passengers who behave in a disruptive manner in order to keep other passengers safe.

A spokesperson for Ryanair said: This flight from Manchester to Ibiza (21 August) was delayed ahead of take-off when a small number of passengers became disruptive. These passengers were removed from the aircraft by local police and the flight continued safely to Ibiza following a short delay.

This is now a matter for local police. We sincerely apologise to affected passengers for any inconvenience caused as a result of these passengers disruptive behaviour.
PESHAWAR, Pakistan  Minutes after walking his teenage son to the cable car he takes to school Tuesday, Umraiz Khan said, he heard a loud noise followed by the sound of people screaming.

Running back down to where he had left Irfan, 14, he said he saw the cable car dangling around 900 feet above the deep valley in the remote, mountainous region of Pakistan where they live. Two of its three cables had snapped.

Its eight terrified passengers, seven of them schoolchildren ages 9 to 15, were huddled inside, swinging at a 45-degree angle above the forests below.

It was a huge shock for me, as my son and his classmates were between life and death, Khan told NBC News from his village of Jhangrai in Pakistans Battagram region, around 150 miles north of the capital, Islamabad.

Army commandos using helicopters and a makeshift chairlift rescued eight people from a broken cable car dangling hundreds of meters (feet) above a canyon Tuesday in a remote part of Pakistan, authorities said. (Nazir Mahood / AP)

What followed was a gripping, 12-hour rescue mission watched by television audiences around the world, involving commandos rappelling from helicopters, high winds and the constant fear that the final cable would sever.

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Dont ask me how we got through those long hours, Khan, who is in his 60s, said. Helplessly looking at near and dear ones from the ground, you dont know what will happen to them."

Taking a cable car or chairlift to school or elsewhere isnt uncommon in this part of Pakistan. Basic versions of this mode of transportation are used to bypass the winding roads and tracks that would take hours to traverse the majestic but impenetrable terrain.

There have been similar accidents in the past, Amir Tareen, commissioner of the local Hazara region in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said after leading the risky mission. This car's cables snapped at 7 a.m. local time Tuesday (10 p.m. ET Monday), while the group was halfway across.

Army commandos using helicopters and a makeshift chairlift rescued eight people from a broken cable car dangling hundreds of meters (feet) above a canyon Tuesday in a remote part of Pakistan, authorities said. (Inter Services Public Relation / via AP)

The only adult among those trapped, Gul Faraz, 20, conveyed their terror in a phone call to local TV channel Geo News as the cable car was still swinging in the air. Our situation is precarious, for Gods sake, do something, he said.

An estimated 8,000 people had gathered on the hillsides to watch the rescue operation, The Associated Press reported.

The army was mobilized, and commandos rappelling from a helicopter tried several times to extract those inside the car. However, high winds made this more difficult, exacerbated by the powerful gusts from the helicopters own rotor blades.

It was a painstaking operation, and finally just before sunset the helicopter managed to rescue one child  Irfan.

The other seven were still stranded as night fell.

Faraz later said he had no idea their perilous situation had garnered so much attention on TV.

We didnt believe people in the entire world were watching us and praying for our safe rescue, he said. When we were passing through middle of the valley, one of the chairlifts ropes broke down. The chairlift lost its balance and overturned and we thought it would fall down to the ground.

Pakistan cable car incident (Prateek Kumar / AFP - Getty Images)

There was so much anxiety and the parents were so worried all day, Tareen said.

Rescues such as these are very complicated, and its painful, but you have to take it slow, said Thomas Coyne, a survival and emergency medical care instructor based in Irvine, California. You have got to suck it up as the rescuer. You have got to realize we have to take it slow, because that will make for the best outcome.

Hampered by the darkness, the army switched to a different tactic: Constructing a pulley system and winching out the remaining survivors by hand, one by one. The AP reported it built this mechanism using a wooden bed frame.

At the end, when the helicopter operation could not go on in the dark, I think the rescuers made this brave decision because they didnt want the kids to be waiting all night and the parents to be suffering from anxiety, Tareen said.

Remarkably there were no injuries, although one of the children fainted and was unconscious for a time.

On Wednesday, police arrested Gul Zarin, the owner of the cable car, on charges of ignoring safety measures, police said.

But the jubilation over the rescue's success matched the previous anxiety.

It was dangerous but the successful result, made the families very happy, Tareen said. Everyone got really excited when they saw the kids going to their parents.

Mushtaq Yusufzai reported from Peshawar, Pakistan, and Alexander Smith from London.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
John Kerry, the U.S. special envoy on climate issues, attends a press conference in Beijing

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's climate envoy Xie Zhenhua and U.S. counterpart John Kerry held a video call on Wednesday, exchanging views on topics such as climate change dialogue and cooperation between the two countries, Beijing's Ministry of Ecology and Environment said.

Both sides agreed to continue to maintain close communication, the ministry said.

(Reporting by Ella Cao in Beijing and Meg Shen in Hongkong, editing by Mark Heinrich)
Cranes work in the construction of the Chancay Multipurpose Port Terminal, built by a Chinese company in Chancay, Peru, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Cesar Barreto)

CHANCAY, Peru (AP)  Dozens of cranes lift blocks weighing several tons and drop them to compact the soil of a roughly one-square-mile area on Perus Pacific coast, part of Chinas most ambitious port project in Latin America designed to facilitate trade between the regions.

The port of Chancay, 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of the Peruvian capital of Lima, will be the gateway from South America to Asia, said Mario de las Casas , institutional affairs manager of COSCO Shipping, a Chinese state-owned company that is the majority owner of the project.

De las Casas said the $1.3 billion project will offer a direct route to China with a travel time reduction for ships of 10 days. COSCO officials say ships traveling from South America to China normally take more than 45 days with stops in Central America, Mexico or the United States.

Offering a deep water port, Chancay will be able to handle container ships that cant dock elsewhere in South America.

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De las Casas said the port is part of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. China has been investing in infrastructure and logistics around the world for years. There are ports in Greece, in Spain, in Africa, all over the world."

Isaac B. Kardon, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace - who has researched Chinas maritime affairs - estimated that as of July 2020 there were at least 95 ports in the world operated in whole or in part by Chinese capital.

Kardon, formerly an adjunct professor at the U.S. Naval War Colleges China Maritime Studies Institute, said Chancay is a strategic investment for COSCO, Chinas largest and most globally competitive state-owned shipping company.

This long-term project reflects a concerted Chinese strategy to extend its maritime trade and logistics footprint to all of the key maritime points on the globe, he said.

This global port gamble by Chinese firms is raising concerns among U.S. officials.

I see the concern from a commercial point of view, said De las Casas, the COSCO official, pointing out that the Chinese state-owned company is present in 37 ports around the world, including in Los Angeles, California.

COSCO Shipping holds a 60% stake in the Chancay port with Perus Volcan holding the other 40%.

Its first stage is to be completed by the end of 2024. The containers will arrive at and leave the port through a 1.8-kilometer tunnel, the construction of which was halted in May following the collapse of part of the surface.

The company says work in the tunnel area will resume in the next few days.
A Philippine supply boat, center, maneuvers around Chinese coast guard ships as they tried to block its way near Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, at the disputed South China Sea on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023. As a US Navy plane circled overhead, two Philippine navy-manned boats manage to breach through a Chinese coast guard blockade in a dangerous confrontation in the disputed South China Sea and succeeded in delivering food and other supplies to Filipino forces guarding a contested shoal on board BRP Sierra Madre. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

ABOARD BRP CABRA (AP)  As a United States Navy plane circled overhead, two Philippine boats breached a Chinese coast guard blockade in a dangerous confrontation Tuesday in the disputed South China Sea to deliver food and other supplies to Filipino forces guarding a contested shoal.

Two Philippine coast guard vessels escorting the supply boats, however, were blocked by at least four Chinese coast guard ships for about five hours in the tense standoff near Second Thomas Shoal.

The dangerous encounter is the latest flare-up from the long-seething territorial disputes in the busy sea that involve China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei. Its regarded as an Asian flashpoint and has become a delicate fault line in the U.S.-China rivalry.

The Philippine coast guard invited a small group of journalists, including two from The Associated Press, to join its ships that secured the supply boats as part of a new strategy aimed at exposing Chinas increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety.

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One Chinese coast guard ship came as close as 46 meters (50 yards) as it crossed the bow of BRP Cabra to block the Philippine coast guard ship, which maneuvered fast to avoid a collision, said a coast guard officer onboard the Cabra who could not be named because of official policy.

The Cabra and another coast guard ship, the BRP Sindangan, were surrounded by four Chinese coast guard ships and four suspected militia vessels and forced to stop as the other two Philippine boats delivered supplies to the Filipino forces at Second Thomas Shoal, more than 7 kilometers (4 miles) away.

All the Philippine vessels sailed away without further incident after the supplies and a fresh crew of Filipino sailors were delivered to the military outpost on a long-marooned Philippine navy ship at the shoal.

Were happy that the resupply mission succeeded despite all the dangerous blockings and other actions, Cmdr. Emmanuel Dangate of the Cabra told AP.

Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela condemned the Chinese coast guard blockade and other perilous maneuvers as a violation of international regulations aimed at avoiding sea collisions. The coast guard would provide a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila for a possible diplomatic protest against China, he said.

The hostilities started Monday night, when a Chinese coast guard ship started tailing the Philippine vessels. On Tuesday morning, both sides asserted their territorial rights in a flurry of radio message exchanges with a man identifying himself as coming from the one of the Chinese coast guard ships, warning at one point: To avoid miscalculation, leave and keep out, otherwise, you will bear full responsibility for all the consequences.

When the Philippine ships did not back away, the Chinese radio caller warned that, because of such continued infringement and provocation, we will take countermeasures.

Chinese coast guard ships repeatedly crossed the bows of the two Philippine coast guard ships at close range. Up to three later positioned in front of the Cabra, which remained stationary. The Chinese ships also moved dangerously close to the wooden-hulled supply boats, but the two smaller vessels managed to dart cross the shallows toward the shoal.

Chinese officials at the embassy in Manila did not immediately comment on the encounter. It was not immediately clear why the U.S. Navy deployed the surveillance plane that flew for more than three hours overhead as the Chinese ships blocked and shadowed the Philippine vessels off Second Thomas Shoal. When asked about the deployment of the Navy plane, U.S. Embassy spokesperson Kanishka Gangopadhyay in Manila said he could not provide specifics. "What I can say is that all of our military activities in the Philippines are conducted in full coordination with our Philippine allies," he said.

Filipino security officials have said they've received intelligence information and surveillance images taken in the disputed waters from their American and other foreign counterparts in the past as part of security cooperation.

The United States lays no claim to the South China Sea but has declared that freedom of navigation and flight, as well as peacefully resolving disputes, are in its national interest.

After a Chinese coast guard ship used a water cannon against a Philippine supply boat on Aug. 5, Washington renewed a warning that its obligated to defend its longtime treaty ally if Filipino forces, aircraft and vessels come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea.
South Korea's coast guard said Tuesday it had arrested a Chinese national who tried to enter the country after traveling by jet ski from China  a journey of nearly 200 miles.

Wearing a life vest and helmet, the man crossed the Yellow Sea on a 1800-cc jet ski from Shandong province, using binoculars and a compass to navigate and towing five barrels of fuel, officials said.

"He refilled the petrol on the ride and dumped the empty barrels into the sea," the coast guard said in a news release.

'Chinese activist Kwon Pyong fled to South Korea on jet ski' https://t.co/xcVORodppB  BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) August 22, 2023

When his jet ski got stuck in tidal flats near the western port city of Incheon's cruise terminal, he called for rescue.

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The coast guard said the man, who they did not identify, was arrested after he "attempted to smuggle himself into" Incheon.

Authorities said they found no sign that the man was a spy.

The jet-ski escapee is Chinese rights activist Kwon Pyong, according to South Korea-based campaigner Lee Dae-seon of NGO Dialogue China.

Kwon, 35, had posted pictures on social media mocking Chinese President Xi Jinping, and spent time in jail in China for subversion, Lee told Agence France-Presse on Tuesday.

"While his means of entry into South Korea in violation of the law was wrong, surveillance of the Chinese authorities and political persecution of Kwon since 2016 are behind his life-risking crossing into South Korea," Lee said.

Kwon has been a vocal critic of authoritarian rule in China and in 2014, he participated in pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong, according to human rights organization Freedom House.

Lee told CNN that he went to see Kwon after the activist called him on Tuesday.

"He wants to go to a third country," Lee told CNN on Wednesday. "He went to Iowa State University so he speaks English. He wants to go to an English-speaking country."

South Korea only grants a handful of refugees asylum each year.

In recent years, Beijing has increased its use of exit bans at airports and other legal border crossings in order to block activists from leaving Chinese territory, BBC News reported.

Last month, Chinese human rights lawyer Lu Siwei was captured in Laos and returned to China before he was able to join his wife and children in the U.S.

The Chinese Embassy in Seoul declined to comment about Kwon when contacted by AFP.

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A Chinese spy created several fake LinkedIn profiles to target UK officials, The Times of London reports.

A recruitment consultant was offered $10,000 each time to hand over details of an intelligence services candidate.

Another Chinese agent previously confessed to using LinkedIn to find people likely to possess sensitive information.

A Chinese spy has been using LinkedIn to try to get UK officials to hand over state secrets, The Times of London reported.

Over a period of at least five years, the spy  who is said to have been working from the Chinese Ministry of State Security's (MSS) headquarters in Beijing  created several profiles using stock images as profile pictures, and sometimes listed fake companies as the employer, before approaching security officials, civil servants, and scientists who had access to sensitive information, according to The Times.

Western security services believe this is the most prolific spy in a generation to work against British interests, per The Times. The spy's main alias was Robin Zhang, according to the newspaper, though the names Eric Chen Yixi, Robin Cao, Lincoln Lam, John Lee, and Eric Kim were also used.

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The spy's strategy involved building up relationships with people and then offering them large sums of money for information.

One recruitment consultant was offered $10,000 for every time they handed over details of a candidate from the intelligence services, while other targets were told they could have free trips to China and lucrative conference appearances, per The Times.

The UK's security minister Tom Tugendhat said in a statement shared with Insider that the Home Office is aware of Chinese Intelligence using LinkedIn and other social media sites to target British citizens.

"It's not just government employees who need to exercise caution  it's businesses with commercially sensitive information, as well as researchers and academics too," he said, adding: "We're taking action to disrupt and deter these threats. Our new National Security Act has put our espionage laws back on the front foot, and MI5 are helping people understand the hallmarks of fake profiles used by foreign spies and other malicious actors through their Think Before You Link campaign."

This isn't the first time that Chinese spies have tried to target people via LinkedIn.

In 2020, one man pleaded guilty to being an illegal agent of China and said he used a "professional networking site"  which The Washington Post identified as LinkedIn  to find people likely to possess sensitive information.

Hackers linked to a North Korea-tied cybercrime group  known as Lazarus  posed as recruiters for US defense companies before sending malicious code over LinkedIn's private messaging feature, compromising at least two European defense companies, Reuters reported.

In a statement shared with Insider, a LinkedIn spokesperson said: "Creating a fake account is a clear violation of our terms of service. Our Threat Prevention & Defense team actively seeks out signs of state-sponsored activity and removes fake accounts using information we uncover and intelligence from a variety of sources, including government agencies.

"Our Transparency Report details the actions that we take to keep LinkedIn a safe place where real people can connect with professionals they know and trust."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Could a man who once helped mould Donald Trumps rise to power be the one to finally break his hold on the Republican Party?

Chris Christie is betting so.

The former New Jersey governor is running a combative, anti-establishment campaign on behalf of the establishment  the old Republican establishment, the Reagan GOP, against what is now the actual leadership of the Republican Party: Donald Trump, and his inner circle of loyalists, attack dogs and sycophants.

His wager? That he understands the strengths and weaknesses of Mr Trump better than any candidate on the debate stage, an understanding which combined with a punchy, charismatic frontman can spell doom for the Trump campaign. Its a risky bargain, but surely no riskier than the respective gambits being waged quietly by every single Republican presidential candidate apparently hoping that Mr Trump will drop out under a mountain of legal battles or otherwise spontaneously implode before it is too late.

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As it stood ahead of the first Republican debate, Mr Christie is beginning to see at least the whisperings of success. Hes overtaken Ron DeSantis and others in polls of New Hampshire, the first primary state where he hopes to be competitive for the top slot. And, perhaps most importantly, he has been credited at least in the media as being the reason why Donald Trump is skipping the debates entirely.

Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican congressman who served on the House January 6 select committee, has said that Mr Trump is scared to death of Mr Christie.

Because I think Chris Christie is going to wipe the floor with him, he added.

Mr Kinzinger called Mr Trump a coward for not participating in the first GOP debate, adding that the Republican Party has suffered a series of losses because of the former president.

The Republicans have done nothing but lose since Donald Trump, he told CNN.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie speaks at the Republican Jewish Coalition Annual Leadership Meeting (AFP via Getty Images)

So how did the former New Jersey governor go so quickly from being one of Donald Trumps biggest cheerleaders and most trusted advisers to a man hell-bent on Mr Trumps downfall?

One Democratic strategist thinks Mr Trump was the perfect foil for Mr Christie to get back into electoral politics.

Trump was what he needed, whether he wanted to admit it or not, Hank Sheinkopf told Politico. Trump was his way back.

And Mr Christie appears especially adept at getting under Mr Trumps skin. The former president has called Mr Christie a fat pig and said at a recent campaign event that Christies eating right now.

Mr Christie fired back at the former president: If you had the guts you would show up to the debate and say it to my face.

A governor goes to Washington

The final months of Mr Christies time as governor of New Jersey are now largely glossed over, even by the man himself, as much of his focus during that time was evidently on Washington DC and the man who would eventually win the Oval Office. Only the Bridgegate scandal, largely credited with tarnishing Mr Christies image on the national stage just ahead of his own presidential run, is given much air in his writings as the governor blasted a former ally as a liar and a felon while shrugging off any personal liability for closing lanes on a heavily trafficked bridge from New Jersey to New York City.

Described in play-by-play fashion with the governors own thoughts interspersed throughout his book Let Me Finish, Mr Christies time on the 2016 Trump campaign and later Trump transitional team was largely spent butting heads with a series of the presidents closest flunkies: son-in-law Jared Kushner, ex-chief of staff Reince Priebus and Breitbart scion Steve Bannon. The three are constantly portrayed as undermining and weakening the efforts of both Mr Christie and the president himself as Mr Trump limped to the finish line in 2016 and proceeded to staff the White House with loyalists and the occasional expert floated by Mr Christie or others.

Jared Kushner with Donald Trump (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Pretty much the entirety of Mr Trumps presidency is portrayed the same way: One instance after another of the president or others ignoring Mr Christies prescient advice, either on the Russia investigation, repeal of Obamacare or a myriad of other issues that consumed the White House and Washington DC for four years. Mr Christie, meanwhile, depicts himself as a loyal operative and ally who sought to fill the White House with a star-studded cast of experts and political heavyweights, almost none of whom ever made it through the front door. In the end, the governor writes that he was denied the job he wanted  RNC chair  after being explicitly promised the position, and angrily turning down a long series of jobs in response.

The second Trump campaign and claims of a stolen election

Mr Christie describes the second Trump bid for the White House in much less flattering language. While he was still a part of that failed campaign, the governor writes in his second book, Republican Rescue, that the Trump re-election bid was characterised by Mr Trumps own disinterest in running a serious campaign and his lack of professionalism in nearly every regard.

The ex-governor pretty explicitly blames Mr Trump for giving him Covid  an infection that killed another prominent Republican, Herman Cain, and put both Mr Christie and Mr Trump in the hospital. He also describes Mr Trump as blowing him off for repeated debate prep sessions, even after calling Mr Christie to Washington to participate, as the ex-president took a dismissive attitude towards the idea that he needed to mount a real campaign against Mr Biden, whom he mocked as old and senile.

The book, written after the January 6 assault on the Capitol, is Mr Christie employing the same play-by-play style without any of the rose-tinted text of his previous descriptions of working with Mr Trump. And the straightforward, call-it-like-it-is style that the governor displays throughout both Republican Rescue and Let Me Finish is clearly his greatest asset, emblematic of the anti-politician-speak attitude that served Mr Christie so well on the debate stage in 2016.

The January 6 assault capped off a months-long period that Mr Christies has often described as his final break-up with Mr Trump. The effort to overturn the 2020 election, he has written and said countless times, was the indefensible moment that ended his ability to defend his longtime friend as a leader.

Former New Jersey Gov Chris Christie speaks at a town-hall-style event at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College (Getty Images)

In Republican Rescue, he gives probably the clearest explanation for why Mr Trump should face criminal charges for the January 6 attack, which he dubs a deadly assault on the seat of our nations government. According to Mr Christie, the incitement of the attack was committed by Mr Trump specifically, and done so over a period of months leading up to the attack.

Trump had caused the insurrection, and not with his speech outside the White House that day, the ex-governor wrote, using a word that other Republicans have been loathe to accept as a description of that day. He started causing it weeks before Election Day.

To me, the incitement was not one speech. The incitement was also the seventy, eighty, ninety days before that. Claiming that the election was stolen without providing evidence. Promising to provide evidence and never doing so.

That certainly sounds like a defence of a criminal charge of conspiracy, at the very least.

Can he win?

The question for Mr Christies 2024 campaign has never been the same as the one faced by other Republican candidates.

It was never going to be, will this candidate have the guts to criticise the races frontrunner directly? It was always going to be a mix of, will he have the opportunity? and will it matter?

As of right now, we dont know the answer to either question. With Mr Trump currently pledging to skip the debates, Mr Christies chance to go head-to-head with Mr Trump in person appears to be fading fast. That leaves fewer meaningful opportunities for the governor to make his argument, and to demonstrate an ability to hold his own against the ex-president directly.

You can use the debate to get the anti-Trump message out that hes pushing, but youre going to lack that viral moment if the two of them arent looking at each other face to face, Republican strategist Ryan Williams told The New York Times of Mr Christie.

It also remains to be seen whether a sizable enough portion of the Republican electorate is willing to look at the criticism of Mr Trump in an objective manner, or whether they see any Republican willing to do so as a traitor, or a Republican in name only. While Mr Christie has made some clear gains so far, he hasnt yet shown that he will be able to truly break through to the GOP base.

In the end, the calculus around Mr Christies campaign will likely depend almost entirely on Mr Trump, and whether he can maintain a presidential campaign under multiple criminal prosecutions. Should the unforeseen cratering of Mr Trumps White House bid occur, its clear that Mr Christie will be in a good position to emerge as one of the top contenders for the nomination.

Whats far less clear is whether his true gambit  his bid to personally provoke that downward spiral by picking a fight in front of the cameras  will be what actually does it.
Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie said Tuesday he would have prosecuted former President Trump over his mishandling of classified documents and alleged efforts to block the results of the 2020 election.

I would have prosecuted the documents case, absolutely, Christie said in an interview on Newsmaxs The Balance. I would not have prosecuted the case in New York, and I said that at the time.

I would have prosecuted the Jan. 6 matter, but I would not have prosecuted the Atlanta matter against Donald Trump; I think it was unnecessary to do so, he added.

Christie, who is the former governor of New Jersey and a former federal prosecutor, said that while he believes the Justice Department has a two-tiered system of justice, he would not pardon Trump.

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Donald Trump will have to rise or fall based upon the proofs that are presented at his trial, he said. Now, if I felt like a trial was unfair, then I would consider it.

But, If I felt like he got a fair trial by a jury of his peers, which is what every American is entitled to, along with the presumption of innocence, which he is entitled to as well, then we make those judgments at the time, the former governor added.

Christie entered the GOP presidential primary race in early June and has been vocal in his criticism of Trump since. Last month, Christie pushed back on Trumps claims he was indicted for the American people and called the former president a liar and a coward.

Last week, Trump, was indicted by a Georgia grand jury over an alleged scheme to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in the state, marking his fourth indictment this year. Earlier this month, federal prosecutors charged Trump over his attempt to remain in power after losing the 2020 election.

In New York, Trump is separately accused of an alleged hush money scheme ahead of the 2016 presidential election. He also faces charges over his alleged mishandling of classified documents after leaving the White House in a federal case in Florida.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Ahsoka Tano pilots a flying quesadilla through an unsettled galaxy. As a member of the Togruta species, she is a native of the planet Shili, and not the Togruta colony found on the planet Kiros. (Such an easy mistake to make.) According to Wookiepedia  a product of the semi-sentient human species of the planet Earth  Togruta can be blue, purple, white, yellow or red. Ahsoka is sort of spray-tan hued, though a bit lighter. The Togruta are distinguished by their loyalty and their montrals, which Wookiepedia describes as cone-like horns jutting out of their temples, but, to humans, it looks like small octopuses passed out on their heads and the Togruta were totally cool with it.

How much of that did you already know?

It might matter if you follow the new Ahsoka series on Disney+ into the darkest reaches of  Star Wars  lore. To put it in fluent George Lucas: Ahsoka is set on the outer rim of the galaxy. But if you come to Star Wars every decade or so? Ahsoka is about a Skywalker-adjacent figure with no presence in the films, though, because of animated shows and novels and other Disney+ Star Wars series, has become one of the most intriguing characters of an constantly thickening universe.

If anything I have said so far has already turned you off, I understand.

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Star Wars, like Marvel and DC and Harry Potter, has exhausted a lot of people who dont really care enough to splash around in the minutiae of their respective worlds  and plenty of those who do. For every C3PO you know like your own grandmother, there is always an Aldi-brand C1-10P. Thats why its hard to admit: Ahsoka is worth caring about. The first two episodes are perhaps overly pensive and sluggish but the heart is certain and the promise is often exciting. Rosario Dawson, who plays Ahsoka, struts through clash after clash with a self-possession typically reserved for male Mandalorians and Han Solos, and her crew, pilot Hera (a green Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and graffiti artist/demolition expert Sabine (a star-making turn by Natasha Liu Bordizzo), bring fire.

These first episodes also suffer from what the first episodes of nearly every TV series must endure: The band is being assembled. Except here, Ahsoka is putting the band back together. And the band has a history. If youve seen the animated Clone Wars and Rebels shows, youll be fine. If not, some background: Ahsoka was a brash padawan (aka protege) of even brasher Anakin Skywalker, who fell into a space fryolator one day and came out Darth Vader. Ahsoka watched Anakin losing faith in the Jedi, and the Jedis response to a struggling Anakin partly soured Ahsoka on the Jedi. She was a Jedi, yet a Dylan-esque one: She set out on her own, helped form a movement, but stayed a powerful enigma. In Rebels  also by Ahsoka co-creator Dave The Man Who Would Be Lucas Filoni  Ahsoka crossed paths with a group of nascent Empire agitators that included Sabine and Hera. A young Jedi named Ezra Bridger was the soul of the squad. But when that series ended in 2018, Ezra vanished  and their threat, Admiral Thrawn, vanished with him.

If that sounds like a lot to know, it is.

Ahsoka nods to reams of past history while setting up the series new mission: Find Ezra and, with him, Thrawn, aka The Man Who Could Be a New, Improved Darth Vader. Timeline-wise, all of this happens just after the fall of the Empire in Return of the Jedi (making it contemporaneous to The Mandalorian). But pockets of Empire true believers linger through the galaxy, despite how many times its former leaders are indicted for subverting democracy. (Seriously.) Its a universe with a power vacuum, a conundrum that, to a certain extent, those recent Star Wars movies (The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, etc.) took on.

The promise of Ahsoka is partly a redo, with even sharper heroes and more evocative villains. Thrawn  who doesnt appear in the first two episodes but is blue and suave and evil and played by Danish actor Lars Mikkelsen  would bring a different flavor to Star Wars, a bad guy more reliant on intelligence than armor and brawn. The character (first introduced 32 years ago in the Star Wars novels of Timothy Zahn) wants to restore the Empire, without the arrogance and self-satisfaction that curdled it. Ahsoka, similarly, recognizes the need for a smarter Jedi order that doesnt shy from necessary shades of gray. After last years terrific Andor series on Disney+ upended the possibilities of live-action Star Wars  veering into genocide and systemic oppression with a startling anger (the show has been nominated for eight Emmy awards)  theres desire for fresh tones to emerge from a very old franchise.

Ahsoka looks eager to try its hand at revival. It is serious and almost entirely female-led  in front and (somewhat) behind the camera. That mirrors a fandom that, in recent years, has moved closer to gender parity, and given the Star Wars ecosystem new energy. But like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett and Obi-Wan Kenobi  all cocreated by Filoni and Jon Favreau  Ahsoka, and the larger Star Wars biosphere, is still striving to balance the breezy nonchalance of 1977 alongside decades of legacy. It wants to be fun and thoughtful. Sometimes that means characters sigh a lot. Other times it results in a wonderful sequence in which Rosario Dawson is dropped into Ray Harryhausen-ish special-effect battles.

Sometimes I wonder if the people who create Star Wars today are the loneliest people around, both loved and hated by generations who cant decide what they want anymore. Ahsoka, so far, leaves us wondering where Star Wars is now. Do we still love it? Do we need it? Do we want more people to come in and fill the gaps of old stories? Or write new stories? Elevate new voices? My answer, I guess, is yes, yes, yes, but then again: Yes, we could all use a break. From Batman and Indiana Jones and Vin Diesel, too. Thats been the lesson of our Barbie summer, and its long been the lesson of Star Wars: Absence grows the heart.

Also, the montrals.


CIA director William Burns predicted last month that Putin might not be done with Yevgeny Prigozhin .

Prigozhin led a short-lived coup against Russian military leaders exactly two months ago.

On Wednesday, Russian media outlet TASS reported that Prigozhin was a passenger on a crashed plane.

CIA Director Bill Burns predicted last month that Wagner mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin probably hadn't seen the last of Vladimir Putin's wrath after the warlord staged a failed coup against the Kremlin.

"Putin is someone who generally thinks that revenge is a dish best served cold," Burns said at an annual security forum in Aspen. "In my experience, Putin is the ultimate apostle of payback so I would be surprised if Prigozhin escapes further retribution for this."

Russian state media outlet TASS reported on Wednesday that Prigozhin was a passenger on a plane that crashed in the Tver region right outside of Moscow. All ten people on board the flight are reportedly dead.

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Prigozhin  who once earned the nickname "Putin's Chef" after the Russian President began eating at his restaurants and giving his catering business government contracts  had publicly criticized the Kremlin and Russian military leadership for their botched war plans in Ukraine, including apparent misuse of Wager mercenaries.

The feud between Prigozhin and Russian higher-ups came to blows in late June, when Wagner launched a failed mutiny against Russia's military leadership in late June, with Prigozhin marching his mercenary troops toward Moscow.

But the coup was short-lived when Prigozhin appeared to make a sudden reversal, ordering his troops to turn back and stand down. A deal was then brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, which involved Prigozhin being exiled to Belarus while his troops could either join him, quit, or join Russian military ranks.

Since then, Prigozhin's whereabouts and standings with both Russian military leadership and Putin himself have been all over the place. He attended an in-person meeting with Putin and other Wagner commanders five days after the mutiny and then was spotted in Russia while he was supposed to be in Belarus. He attended a critical summit with African leaders in late July and then announced plans for the future of Wagner in a video likely from his Belarus camp days later. Then, the Belarusian government moved to have exiled Wagner mercenaries train Belarusian soldiers, a role previously fulfilled by Russia's military.

Just earlier this week, Prigozhin resurfaced in a video purportedly filmed from somewhere in Africa, where Wagner has long had a presence as a mercenary organization for African leaders and governments. They've reportedly committed a variety of atrocities, including killing hundreds of civilians.

If Prigozhin is dead, it's now unclear what the future of Wagner looks like and what  if any  of their operations will continue.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A road widening plan has led to two decades of debates because theres a pond in the way. And now county leaders seem to have taken a stand.

The most recent months of debate led to a decision Monday night by York County Council to endorse its previous plan for S.C. 557 in Lake Wylie. Council passed a proclamation in favor of the planned road design. The proclamation is needed to satisfy South Carolina Department of Transportation concerns so permits can be issued on the state road.

The two-mile Pennies for Progress project at, and heading west from, the Three Points intersection of S.C. 557, 274 and 49 will widen S.C. 557 to five lanes.

At the center of the discussion is whether the county should stick with the planned road design, which would cut through a publicly-owned pond.

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There simply is no other viable alternative that doesnt present a host of downsides that we cant predict, said Council Chairwoman Christi Cox, who voted to keep the initial design.

Christy Hall, state transportation secretary with SCDOT, outlined work with county officials since early 2021 on options for the road, which Hall said included an offer to evaluate alternatives at no cost to the county.

Were not saying dont build the project, Hall said. We do support the widening of 557. The question is, what is the defined details? How are you going to do it? Not should you do it.

We feel like weve been trying to be good partners with you, but weve also been stuck in the middle between the warring factions on this particular issue.

What led to the proclamation

In 2003, York County voters passed the second Pennies for Progress sales tax referendum to improve York County roads.

The plan then was to widen S.C. 557 near Three Points to three lanes. Plans changed by the next Pennies vote in 2011, when voters approved a widening to five lanes.

York County residents vote to renew Pennies for Progress funding every seven years.

The 2011 referendum budgeted about $4.3 for the widening from S.C. 49 to Kingsburry Road. The current project estimate is $25 million. The full five-lane stretch was fully funded as of the Pennies vote in 2017. It took almost three years to buy right-of-way.

In 2019 the county spent about $550,000 to buy 11 acres of a property, which included payment for damages since the road would mean the loss of a pond and relocation of a gate. Two years later a tax board in Lake Wylie set up for land preservation bought the larger site, which is now Woodend Farm. That land has been preserved as a public park.

Hall said she was contacted about the widening work in early 2021 and has had varied correspondence with county officials. Alternative routes, or the process to identify potential ones, have been discussed.

SCDOT issued construction permits last September but rescinded them in April. Reinstatement of those permits this summer came on condition the county would approve the proclamation that went forward Monday night.

David Hudspeth, county manager, said Monday night the county remains confident the earlier design is the best option.

We feel like the alignment has been fully vetted over the years, Hudspeth said. Further study will result in unnecessary delays and additional cost for the project.

Council members have differing views

Councilwoman Allison Love represents the Lake Wylie area where the road will go. Love wants to look at options to reroute the road and keep the pond.

Road plans have changed for less, Love said.

Love says it might take $500,000 or more to move the pond to another area on Woodend, and she doubts the county would pay for that. Love said a $1 million from a conservation bank was awarded to the Woodend project based on environmental factors, to go with the more than $4 million tax district purchase.

However, other council members point to the roughly $5 million already spent on the S.C. 557 widening and the two decades of public clamoring for work there.

This project has been sitting for 20 years, said Councilman William Bump Roddey. Kind of shameful its taken this long to get there, but were following through on our commitment to do it.

Roddey said he sees a greater cost in delaying road work.

I dont think we lose anything if we move the pond, Roddey said. We actually save time. We save money, if we move the pond. The property still will have a pond, it just wont be in the exact same location.

Councilman Tom Audette said the cost to pave roads has more than doubled in two years. So waiting unnecessarily on a project doesnt make sense.

The cost impact has been brutal on all of our projects, Audette said.

Council members say its unusual to have purchased property from a landowner for right-of-way, then have another public body buy the whole property. Councilman Tommy Adkins said running the road through what is now a public park isnt ideal, but he sees an issue of fairness.

I dont want it to show, just because thats become a park and all, that we treat any of that any different than we do our normal citizens, Adkins said.

Councilman Watts Huckabee said there are streams on either side of S.C. 557 and a house thats eligible for historic property designation. They all make alignment changes unlikely, he said. The county could double what its already spent to wait and look at more options, he said, only to find other routes arent feasible.

Huckabee also said the Lake Wylie tax board bought the Woodend property after road officials bought right-of-way, so both groups knew of plans to drain the pond.

Really the pond was never an issue, I dont think, Huckabee said. I apologize to people that thought it was, but I dont think it was.

The county push to move forward with a project approved three times already in a 20-year span comes amid ongoing work to create the next Pennies road list. A citizens commission continues to form a list of roads that, pending council approval in full, would appear on the November 2024 ballot to continue the cent sales tax.
Gilda Jackson walks on a pasture on her property that she grows hay on in Paradise, Texas, Monday, Aug. 21, 2022. Jackson, who trains and sells horses, has been plagued by grasshoppers this year, a problem that only gets worse when the hatch quickens in times of heat and drought. Jackson watched this summer as the insects chewed through a 35-acre pasture she badly needs for hay and what they didn't destroy, the sun burned up. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

The Texas ranch where Gilda Jackson trains and sells horses has been plagued by grasshoppers this year, a problem that only gets worse when the hatch quickens in times of heat and drought. Jackson watched this summer as the insects chewed through a 35-acre pasture she badly needs for hay; what they didn't destroy, the sun burned up.

Irrigation might have saved Jackson's hay, but she and her husband rejected the idea about 10 years ago over the cost: as much as $75,000 for a new well and all the equipment. But now  with an extended drought and another U.S. heat wave this week that will broil her land about an hour northwest of Dallas for days in 100-degree-plus temperatures  Jackson said she is kind of rethinking.

Many other farmers and ranchers in the U.S. might be forced to do the same in coming decades, according to recent research into the expected effects of the rising heat and more frequent weather extremes associated with climate change.

That's if they even can. Some places in the U.S. are already struggling with groundwater depletion, such as California, Arizona, Nebraska and other parts of the central Plains.

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Theres no surprise that in the future when it gets hotter and theres more demand for water, people are going to be using more water, said Jonathan Winter, an associate professor of geography at Dartmouth College and an author on a new study on future U.S. irrigation costs and benefits in Communications Earth & Environment.

Winter and his team used a computer model to look at how heat and drought might affect crop production by the middle and end of this century, given multiple scenarios for the emissions of warming greenhouse gases. In places like California and Texas where everyone is dropping their straw into the glass of groundwater, as Winter put it, current levels of irrigation won't be viable in the long term because there isnt enough water.

But use of irrigation may grow where groundwater supply isnt presently an issue.

In much of the Midwest, including the corn- and soybean-rich states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and the Dakotas, farmers might see a benefit in the next 50 years from installing irrigation infrastructure. Thats an expensive investment, and whether it will pay off may depend on humans' ability to stem the worst effects of climate change. A worst-case scenario would involve one generation investing in costly irrigation equipment, only for the next to see them fail to keep crops alive through extreme heat and weather.

There are many irrigation methods for row crops, but the most common is pivot irrigation  the long strands of pipes mounted on wheels that are pulled in a circle around a water source to sprinkle water onto a field. The equipment can easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, plus the cost of drilling a new well if needed, along with the electricity to pull up the water.

But if the system boosts yields and provides a return of $50 an acre or more, it can pay off well for a farmer, said Brady Brewer, an associate professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University.

While scientists are confident in the warming effects of greenhouse gas emissions, precipitation is harder to nail down, especially in the Midwest, said Dave Gochis, a senior scientist with the National Center for Atmospheric Research who was not involved with Winters study.

Climate change produces more weather extremes, meaning both an increased risk of flash droughts  quick, intense periods of short-term heat and dry weather  and more heavy rain and flooding events as precipitation increases with more water in the atmosphere.

That means we need to be more nimble and agile in how we manage water resources, Gochis said.

Brewer hasn't seen much increased interest in irrigation from Midwest farmers yet. So far, a surplus of water has been the bigger issue in many places, but if yields start showing losses in the coming years due to worsening heat and flash droughts, that's when farmers will invest, he said.

Farmers who don't choose irrigation, for now, might cope by planning ahead.

They could choose different crops with different water needs from season to season or be compensated for fallowing fields in times of water stress. Or they might use tools like the one developed by North Carolina State researchers Sankar Arumugam, a professor, and Hemant Kumar, a Ph.D. candidate.

They recently helped create a computer modeling tool, outlined in the journal Water Resources Research, which they hope will help farmers and water managers use a combination of seasonal forecasts and other data to find a sweet spot for balancing crop revenue and water use.

In the Southeast, where they focused their work and where water resources are plentiful, its more of a proactive strategy for people who already have irrigation equipment, Arumugam said, so that we dont overexploit the resources that are in place.

Irrigation, used responsibly, can be part of adapting to climate change, but its a moving target, Winter said.

He called for supporting farmers who have to make hard decisions as they adapt to climate change  for instance, training them to grow less water-intensive crops or giving them low-cost loans to improve irrigation efficiency.

But he also urged action to limit climate changes worst effects. Farmers need resources to make adjustments, but especially in the West, theres only so much water, he said.

Upmanu Lall, director of the Columbia Water Center, said climate change isn't the only thing driving farmers' decisions. Lall, who wasn't involved in Winter's work, said crop insurance and government subsidies can push farming methods in one direction or another.

Brewer, the Purdue professor, agreed.

What were seeing is because we have crop insurance that reduces the farmers risk, thats probably whats driving some of these farmers to plant soybeans or corn rather than more drought-tolerant crops such as wheat or sorghum in places like the western Plains, Brewer said.

He added that research shows if farmers have crop insurance and feel more secure in planting crops that use more water, that "may lead to higher irrigation uptake as well.

___

Follow Melina Walling on Twitter @MelinaWalling.

___

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 Scene

Where Angelo Campus grew up in northern California, evacuations and power outages caused by wildfires were routine. At college, he worked in a lab developing small solar-powered electric grids for places hit by natural disasters or high fire-risk areas to reduce the odds of an errant spark from a conventional transmission line. After graduation, he founded a startup called BoxPower to commercialize the technology, setting up his first system in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria in 2017.

As the frequency and severity of wildfires in his home state escalated, interest grew in his microgrids. But raising investment proved challenging: Backers gravitated to companies seeking to ward off climate change, not those readying the world for its impact.

The number of nos we got from climate investors was surprising and pretty disappointing, Campus said.

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BoxPower eventually found backers and has installed dozens of microgrids. But in a summer where climate disasters have dominated the headlines  most recently devastating wildfires in Hawaii, Greece, and Canada  adaptation startups continue to get a cold shoulder from many venture investors.

Tims view

This years onslaught of disasters should make the investment case for climate adaptation tech more obvious, and fuel innovation in the use of artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies for confronting the unavoidable impacts of climate change.

On average, 97% of global climate-tech venture capital investment annually (about $50 billion in 2022) goes toward startups whose products or services reduce greenhouse gas emissions, predominantly in the electric mobility and renewable energy sectors, according to consulting firm PwC. Just 1% goes to ventures that focus on adaptation  technologies to mitigate or respond to natural disasters and other climate impacts (the remaining 2% is for carbon accounting and other climate-related data-management businesses).

There is a clear innovation and funding gap, with adaptation solutions still perceived to lack an investable business case for many innovation investors, Will Jackson-Moore, PwCs global ESG leader, said in an email.

The gap dates back to the early days of climate tech, said Shaun Abrahamson, managing partner at Los Angeles VC firm Third Sphere. At that time, most investors saw climate change as a distant problem, with little urgency for adaptation. Of the few adaptation startups that did get funded, many failed, he said, because they struggled to find a sufficient base of customers among municipal governments, fire departments, and other public-sector agencies that were most often tasked with disaster response. Thats changing.

Courtesy Pano AI

One example is Convective Capital, a San Francisco VC firm that launched in September last year with $35 million to invest exclusively in wildfire mitigation tech. Its portfolio includes startups deploying autonomous firefighting helicopters, using satellite imagery to guide preventative forest management, and offering homeowners insurance in vulnerable areas based on AI-driven risk modeling.

The new normal of wildfires has crept up pretty quickly for the timescales VCs work on, Anukool Lakhina, a partner, said. But as more disasters strike, he anticipates a rapid increase in the number of startups inventing climate adaptation solutions for organizations desperate to implement them. Investors will emerge, he said, as they see the profit opportunity in linking the two.

Quotable

Theres a bias against resilience because most folks in climate circles want to solve climate change rather than manage it. Focusing on resilience for some is an admission of defeat. But lets get real. We are losing the war on climate change. So if youre an investor or an entrepreneur, you should look at that as an opportunity; resilience is a market that is only going to keep growing for the foreseeable future.  Jim Kapsis, founder of the Ad Hoc Group, a climate tech consulting firm.

Know More

One startup Convection invested in is Pano AI, which sets up cameras on mountaintops and cell towers near forested areas and uses an AI algorithm to analyze images for signs of wildfire smoke. The technology allows emergency services to be notified of new fires within minutes, with a precise geolocation, and scramble a response accordingly.

Its similar to a military attack, and it requires military-style surveillance equipment, founder Sonia Kastner said.

Panos cameras are installed in six states in the U.S. and two in Australia. Its customers include municipal governments and firefighting agencies, electric utilities, and private companies like ski resorts with an interest in early wildfire detection.

The View From Nairobi

The balance between mitigation and adaptation investment is somewhat better in Africas emerging climate-tech startup scene, which serves a market of customers who are already accustomed to confronting the impacts of climate change. Out of $2.1 billion in funding raised by climate-focused startups on the continent between 2015 and 2022, 14% focused on adaptation measures for farmers, the second best-funded category after renewable energy, according to intelligence firm Briter Bridges.

Room for Disagreement

One obstacle for wildfire tech startups is that many utilities are disincentivized from investing in climate adaptation because they are often able to recoup the cost of damage repair from their ratepayers. And for investors, even though the market for climate adaptation tech is growing, its not yet clear whether these startups have the ability to generate the fast-scaling, high-margin returns VCs are used to getting from successful software startups.

Its easier to raise funding for a startup that disrupts an existing market than one thats creating a new market, Kastner said. Adaptation technology is new, so theres more market risk, and we have to blaze a trail in demonstrating the venture-scale returns.

Notable

Islands are especially in need of disaster mitigation and adaptation technologies, because they are especially slow to receive aid. As The Atlantic reports, the aftermath of wildfires in Maui bear many similarities to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria: Geography constrains disaster recovery.
The Scoop

The former New York Times and BBC chief Mark Thompson is a leading candidate to lead CNN, according to people familiar with the conversations on both sides of the Atlantic.

Thompson, who left the Times in 2020 after 8 years, is among a group of candidates in the mix for the job, three people familiar with the recruiting process told Semafor.

Since the firing of CNN Chairman Chris Licht in June, CNN has been led by a triumvirate of veteran network leaders as it struggles for a place in a partisan U.S. cable news environment increasingly dominated by MSNBC and Fox News.

Bens view

Thompsons name has not appeared in voluminous published speculation about the top CNN role, but he has obvious qualifications. He arrived at the New York Times at a desperate moment, and led a spectacular turnaround that turned the company into a dominant player in digital news.

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But Thompsons roots are in TV. Like many top television executives, he began his career as a star producer in the 1980s, and in his 30s led prestige U.K. news programs including Newsnight and Panorama.

Thompson, 66, held top programming jobs at the BBC before becoming chief executive of Channel 4 and then Director-General of the BBC, a high-stakes, intensely political job atop a complex public broadcaster.

That is to say, Thompsons credentials as a media turnaround artist and as a manager of giant, high-wire corporate cultures media are unmatched. That experience might make him an attractive choice for WBD CEO David Zaslav after Licht, a star programmer who had not run a giant company, struggled in the role.

Thompson didnt respond to a request for comment on the role, and a spokesman for WarnerBrothers Discovery declined to comment.

Friends say theres no guarantee that Thompson would want the job, which appears likely to feature endless rounds of grim cost-control measures for a slowly declining cable business and an uncertain streaming future.

Hes said to spending time at his home in Maine and enjoying board posts at institutions like the Royal Shakespeare Company. He was knighted by King Charles of England in June. But television, former New York Times colleagues say, is in his blood, and it may be hard for him not to consider the top job at an iconic global company.

Notable

Times digital revenue quadrupled and subscriptions increased by a factor of almost 10 during Thompsons tenure.

One of his great assets at the Times, Thompson later said, was the cold eye of an outsider.

Thompson invested in The New European, a London publication born in response to Brexit.
The commanding officer of an Oregon-based Navy Reserve unit was fired last month after he was arrested and charged for allegedly choking his mother and stepfather in a Georgia hotel room, according to civilian police records and Navy officials.

Lt. Cmdr. Ronald Kolpak was relieved of command of Navy Reserve Center Springfield on July 26.

A brief statement issued after the firing stated that Kolpak was relieved due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command.

But Georgia police and court records show that Kolpak was arrested July 14 and charged with two counts of aggravated assault by strangulation.

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A Navy official who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on personnel matters confirmed that Kolpak was relieved in connection to the alleged choking.

Navy fires commanding officer of Oregon reserve unit

Kolpak did not respond to requests for comment.

Police were called to the Sleep Inn Hotel in College Park, Georgia, on the evening of July 14, according to College Park police records obtained by Navy Times.

There, Kolpaks mother told officers that Kolpak became upset because his mother poured his alcoholic beverage out, according to the police report.

An argument ensued and turned physical when Mr. Kolpak began choking (his mother) on the bed, the report states.

When (Kolpaks stepfather) attempted to intervene, Mr. Kolpak then began choking both of them, holding them down on the bed, according to the police report.

His mother told officers she was unable to move and lost consciousness during the alleged incident, the report states, but she eventually escaped and ran downstairs to call police.

She declined medical treatment but responding officers reported seeing visible red marks around her neck.

Kolpak told officers he did get upset inside the hotel room and choked his mother, according to the police report.

He was arrested, and court records show he was released from jail on bond on July 29.

Officials with the Clayton County District Attorneys Office said in an email that the case will go before a grand jury either this month or next.

A reserve human resources officer, Kolpak enlisted in 2002 and commissioned in 2008, according to his service record.

He took command of the Springfield reserve center in July 2021.
Dialums owner Don Fernando Diez in a portrait. On Tuesday, Collier County commissioners approved an economic development agreement for a Dialum manufacturing and processing plant in Ave Maria.

Ave Maria could soon be home to another large manufacturer.

On Tuesday, Collier County commissioners approved an economic development agreement for an advanced manufacturing and processing plant for Dialum Glass in the burgeoning town east of Naples.

The location would serve as the international company's U.S. headquarters.

Following a swift, unanimous vote in favor of awarding incentives, county commission chairman Rick LoCastro wasted no time in rolling out the red carpet. "Welcome to Florida," he exclaimed.

While Dialum is based in Santiago, Chile, much of its business and many of its customers are in the United States. It primarily serves the construction industry, with the ability to make almost any type of glass on the market today.

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"We are excited to lock them down," said Nick Casalanguida, a senior vice president at Barron Collier Cos., in a text after the county commission's favorable vote.

Barron Collier Cos. is the force behind the town, in partnership with Tom Monaghan, the creator of Domino's Pizza and founder of Ave Maria University.

From our archives: Innovation Zone OK'd by Collier Commission to spur economic development in East Naples

More: Town of Ave Maria to grow by nearly 1,000 acres. Here's why

Headquarters would be built in Innovation Zone

Dialum would join North Naples-based medical device manufacturer Arthrex, which has also received incentives for its expansion and growth in Ave Maria.

The new plant for Dialum would be built within Ave Maria's Innovation Zone. The company has been awarded $1.5 million in county incentives, which would come from property taxes generated in the zone.

The county created Innovation Zones in 2010 to promote economic development and diversify the local economy by encouraging the construction of corporate headquarters and manufacturing plants. There are three such zones.

In the zone, the county sets a base year and any tax increases collected in the area after that time are captured and deposited in a trust fund developers and businesses can tap for qualifying projects. Up to $1 million can be put into the fund in any year.

The Ave Maria Innovation Zone generates annual revenue of about $185,900 and currently has a balance of $900,000.

Dialum would not receive any incentives until the plant is built, and ready for move in.

The company has been evaluating two locations in Florida, but Ave Maria appears to be its first choice.

Map of site for proposed U.S. headquarters for Dialum, based in Chile.

State-of-the-art headquarters proposed, with room for growth

Dialum has proposed a 90,000-square-foot state-of-the-art building on a 10-acre site that offers room for expansion  up to about 200,000 square feet in total.

The project could create 80 to 100 local jobs.

County Manager Amy Patterson told county commissioners that creating jobs in Ave Maria is of "primary importance," given its continued residential growth, because it has the potential to reduce traffic to the coast for work from the town  and from surrounding areas, such as Immokalee.

Honing in on that point, Casalanguida said Ave Maria is welcoming more than 600 new families a year. With that growth, he said, has come more interest in the town's industrial space, which is also tough to find in the urban area.

Dialum's interest in Ave Maria is expected to bring even more attention to it, creating more economic and job opportunities "down the road," Casalanguida said.

Map of Ave Maria Innovation Zone

Manufacturer known for its technology, innovation

Before the vote, Fernando Diez Vidal, a director for Dialum, showed a video about the company, sharing its background and highlighting its evolution, growth and investments in technology, equipment and innovation since its establishment in 1987. Its products include bulletproof and fireproof glass, privacy glass and specialty glass, offering unique designs.

In the video, Dialum emphasized its "harmonious" relationship with employees, and its hard-earned reputation for great service.

When LoCastro asked for a few more details about the company's interest in Ave Maria, Diez Vidal said nearly 80% of the products Dialum is building today are for U.S. customers. He added that it has been doing business in this country for more than 15 years, and the new headquarters would put it closer to some of its best customers.

Dialum would invest $20 million to $25 million in the new building, including equipment. It would purchase the site from Barron Collier Cos.

Under the incentive agreement, the company would receive $500,000 after the certificate of occupancy is issued, and the remaining balance would be doled out equally over the following four years.

According to an executive summary that outlines the terms, the payments are "subject to Dialum being in good standing, with the facility open, and property taxes current."

In an email after the vote, Diez Vidal said: "Ave Maria is our favorite place to settle and this incentive delivery by Collier County is one more reason to stay here."

He added: "This place is perfect for our development because it is logistically between the reception of our raw materials and our customers, it is located steps away from important highways, it is close to towns with a workforce willing to work, there is a real interest in developing the innovation zone and Ave Maria is the fastest growing area in Southwest Florida, among many other reasons."

Innovation Zones working in Collier County

Commissioner Bill McDaniel moved to approve the incentives. LoCastro seconded the motion.

While he's excited about the opportunity and the fact that the innovation zones appear to be working, attracting "really good" companies that are paying high-wage jobs, McDaniel said more transparency is needed from county staff on the investments made and the employment created so far.

In a one-word answer, Patterson said she "understood."

LoCastro commented that Dialum picked a "great location," and would be another "fantastic add" to Ave Maria, and the county.

He described the proposal as a good example of managed growth  and as the right type of growth and investment for the community "for sure."

Collier County Commission Chairman Rick LoCastro.

Collier County's Growth Management Plan specifically states it will "support programs which are designed to promote and encourage the recruitment of new industry as well as the expansion and retention of existing industries in order to diversify the countys economic base.

The new headquarters could be completed by 2025, Casalanguida said in a text after the vote.

It would take about 14 months to build and it could open in early to mid-2025, he said.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Collier County approves incentives to bring Dialum Glass to Ave Maria
FILE PHOTO: Francisco Barbosa, Colombian Attorney General speaks during an interview with Reuters in Bogota

BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia's attorney general on Wednesday defended the credibility of intelligence reports that ELN rebels were plotting to kill him and two other people despite denials by the ELN and military.

Two weeks ago, Attorney General Francisco Barbosa reported that the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group planned to assassinate him using a sniper.

Barbosa's claim was followed by similar reports of planned attacks against Maria Fernanda Cabal, a senator of the right-wing Democratic Center party, and retired army general Eduardo Zapateiro.

The ELN has denied it planned the attacks, while Colombia's government has said it had no received no such reports.

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The attorney general's office said in a statement on Wednesday that it had heard from three separate sources that the ELN planned an attack against Barbosa, Cabal and Zapateiro in the capital, Bogota.

Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez and military leadership said late on Tuesday in a statement that the armed forces had access to the same information on Aug. 4 and did not see evidence of a threat.

"The attorney general's office views with deep concern that ... the intelligence community and state defense agencies have not carried out significant analysis and have minimized the importance of sensitive information concerning the ELN's plans," the statement added.

The ELN and Colombia's government began a six-month ceasefire this month amid ongoing peace talks, which aim to end the guerrilla group's role in Colombia's six decades of internal armed conflict.

For two years, intelligence sources have known about the ELN's plan to carry out an attack in Bogota, the attorney general's statement said. In 2019 the ELN bombed a police academy in Bogota, killing 22 people.

Top ELN commander Antonio Garcia labeled the reports of planned attacks as "a move against the ELN and the peace process" in a message on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

(Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta; Writing by Oliver Griffin; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Columbia leaders and some nonprofits that serve homeless populations are at an impasse over providing meals on public property.

City Council members say handing out food to unsheltered residents in public locations can be unsafe and create a nuisance for businesses and other residents, while the nonprofits say theyve been serving food to those in need for years without issue.

Now, the city has partnered with Christ Central Ministries to provide a free indoor location for groups that wish to provide food, hoping to draw those groups off the street.

But at least one local nonprofit says they dont want in; they want to keep feeding people on the street.

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All parties say they want to help Columbia residents without housing who may be hungry. But the tension is over how to do that in the safest way possible that also allows residents in need to get access to public services.

City officials lack the relationships that nonprofit groups have built with homeless residents over years, but they also say the status quo cannot continue.

Right now, were at a tipping point where were between the unsheltered and the compassion people want to provide them, and the quality of life of citizens and businesses, Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann said. Its teeter-tottering, and thats not a good place to be.

The catalyst

In May, as Ericka Browns nonprofit Be Kind, Be Great was handing out meals to homeless residents at Finlay Park in downtown Columbia, police approached Brown and told her she was breaking the law.

Its not illegal to pass out free food on public property in Columbia, and food service such as soup kitchens and food banks operated by organizations that are providing food at no cost and not for profit or gain to the public who are in need of food assistance are exempt from state food establishment regulations, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

But large gatherings in public places do require a permit, which Browns group did not have. So they were told to leave.

Browns nonprofit has been handing out meals once a week at Finlay Park since before the COVID-19 pandemic, often serving up to 150 people at a time. The group has now relocated outside the Richland Library branch on Assembly Street.

Now, they fix the plates and keep people moving, Brown said.

The one incident in May was the only time her group ever had an issue serving food, Brown said. But as city leaders have made it clear they want her and other groups to transition indoors or onto private property, she worries about the future of the citys hungry residents.

Brown doesnt support the citys partnership with Christ Central Ministries, which would provide a free, indoor location for groups like hers to serve food from. She worries that LGBTQ residents wont feel welcome, and she also worries that the potential presence of law enforcement will deter people from using the space.

Rickenmann said hes willing to talk about those concerns and asserts he wants the communal kitchen to be a success.

But Brown said the partnership simply doesnt meet the needs of all the people she serves and that she ultimately wants to continue doing what she feels called to do and serve people on the street.

We have individuals that are wheelchair bound, that are handicapped, Brown said, explaining that she disagrees with an approach that asks those people to travel several miles for meals.

The city hasnt passed an ordinance banning public food sharing yet, but Rickenmann said he supports one.

If it continues that we cant get people to partner and put people in a safe (place), then we are going to have to look at an ordinance that prohibits people except in permitted spots, because the reality is we cant keep doing this, Rickenmann said.

Brown believes its a flawed approach. She isnt alone.

Eric Tars, senior policy director for the National Homelessness Law Center, said similar laws have been cropping up across the U.S. for the last decade, and theyre often successfully challenged.

From the constitutional side, weve seen these ordinances fall time and again to challenges under the First Amendment, Tars said. Courts have repeatedly found that sharing food as an expression of religious faith or political action is protected speech.

For example, last month a jury ruled against a similar law in Houston after volunteers with the global nonprofit Food Not Bombs were ticketed for passing out food and then challenged the law in court.

Tars said there are also a slate of reasons people might not be able to access a consolidated location. Health and mobility may be a factor, but people also may not want to leave their belongings to walk several miles for food, or they may be distrusting of institutions.

Its a 2.5-mile walk from Five Points to Christ Central Ministries on north Main Street. Its a 1.5-mile walk from Columbia Riverfront Park to Christ Central, and about 1 mile from Finlay Park to Christ Central.

City leaders have noted that residents still have to walk to Finlay Park and other locations where people serve food outdoors.

Still, Tars said the idea for a communal space for groups to serve from isnt bad, as long as its an and, rather than an or, adding that any kind of ban likely will be ineffective and expensive to enforce.

What we see too often is they make that effort kind of just for show. They arent doing it in consultation with the people who would be actually using it, and then its not successful ... and then its just window dressing before they move forward with the more punitive measures, Tars said.

If the service actually meets (peoples) needs, theyll use it, Tars said. Its on the city, then, to make this as good and as attractive an option as possible.

Its unclear when the citys new partnership with Christ Central will begin, but Rickenmann said at least half a dozen groups already have called wanting to participate.

Ongoing efforts

In November, City Council began looking at ways to curb the practice of providing food to homeless residents in public spaces.

Rickenmann told The State he eventually wants to see the practice stopped altogether, in favor of serving food indoors in a controlled, safer environment.

Bringing food to somebody whos camped out at the river, its not helping anything. Youre just enabling somebody to be in an unsafe environment, Rickenmann said. (Brown says her organization has helped people find housing.)

But before the city enacts a formal ban via ordinance, officials have opted to provide an alternative first, he said.

Heres the citys pitch: A partnership with Christ Central Ministries at 2401 Main St. allows any group that wants to serve meals to homeless residents free access to a communal kitchen on Main Street, in a space with bathrooms, air conditioning and tables and chairs. The city will cover the insurance costs and other costs associated with the space.

We had to take this first step, and the more people we get involved, were hoping it rolls over, Rickenmann said. All these people say they want to provide a meal. Well, lets work together and make sure that were taking care of the bulk of the folks.

He said it also creates a good opportunity for the city to potentially connect more people with available services.

There are also about half a dozen locations in the downtown area that offer meals to homeless residents, according to a guide the city put together last June, though only Transitions and Oliver Gospel offer meals every day.

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The Columbia area reported locating 226 unsheltered people experiencing homelessness last January during an annual point-in-time count required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The total number of people without housing is much higher, estimated at 987, when people staying in motels and couch-surfing with friends are included, according to federal data.

Columbia leaders have spent much of the last year and a half focused on addressing the presence of unsheltered homeless residents downtown.

In November, the city bought 50 pallet shelters and built Rapid Shelter Columbia, intended for chronically homeless residents.

Rickenmann also has advocated for the creation of a new campus where a variety of services aimed at homeless residents would be relocated into a one-stop shop for transitional housing, addiction services, healthcare, social work and more.

On the record, we are going to build a comprehensive place that provides the services that are needed thats not fractured, Rickenmann told The State.

The city is in active discussions about the campus and is already looking at how to provide clinical space for urgent care and mental health treatment, he said.

He hopes that the communal kitchen idea is a temporary solution that wont be needed once the all-in-one services campus is launched.

Brown remains skeptical and ultimately frustrated with the citys approach. She says shes earned the trust of the residents she serves and believes without that trust the citys efforts will falter.

I think the city needs to pull in smaller groups like ours, sit down and speak with us, Brown said. Let us help you. We want these people in houses, too.
Commuter rail service is severely delayed Wednesday morning on the Fitchburg line due to police activity in the Lincoln area, transit officials said.

Fitchburg line train 402 from Washusett remains stopped after Lincoln and is about 100 minutes late, according to the MBTA.

Fitchburg Line Train 402 (5:25 am from Wachusett) remains stopped after Lincoln and is approximately 2 hours late due to police activity on the right of way. The train will be assisted by another train into Boston for continued inbound service.  MBTA Commuter Rail (@MBTA_CR) August 23, 2023

Police are said to be conducting an investigation on the right of way.

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The MBTA noted that the train would be assisted by another train into Boston for continued inbound service.

One track near Lincoln was opened for train service at a reduced speed around 9 a.m.

Trains are now able to operate along the entire line, but will still experience delays due to police activity on the right of way, the MBTA said in a tweet.

 One track near Lincoln on the Fitchburg Line is open for train service at a reduced speed. Trains are now able to operate along the entire line, but will still experience delays due to police activity on the right of way.  MBTA Commuter Rail (@MBTA_CR) August 23, 2023

Despite the track opening, Fitchburg line train 404 was also running about 90 minutes behind schedule between Concord and North Station.

Update: Fitchburg Line Train 404 (6:25 am from Wachusett) is operating approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes behind schedule between Concord and North Station due to police activity on the right of way.  MBTA Commuter Rail (@MBTA_CR) August 23, 2023

There were no additional details immediately available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin speaks at a joint meeting of the legislature's money committees to talk about the state's revenues at the Pocahontas Building in Richmond, Va., on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (Daniel Sangjib Min/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP)

RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  A compromise deal on a state budget will likely be reached in the next few days, a bipartisan group of Virginia lawmakers who have been leading this year's drawn-out negotiations said Wednesday.

Im quite sure were going to have a deal, said Democratic Sen. Janet Howell . Probably by the end of this week.

Her Republican counterpart, Del. Barry Knight, agreed.

"Were all working as hard as we can on that. Nobody's stalling anybody," he said.

Knight, Howell and Howells Senate Finance and Appropriations co-chair, George Barker, spoke with reporters after a joint meeting of their respective committees in Richmond. They declined to share the framework of the potential agreement or discuss the remaining sticking points in detail but insisted a deal was imminent.

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Meanwhile, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin signaled that he's open to a compromise plan that would include one-time taxpayer rebates but not the permanent tax cuts he's been seeking.

The politically divided General Assembly ended its regular session in February without agreeing to a full spending plan after the GOP-controlled House and Democratic-controlled Senate passed legislation with competing priorities, including sharp differences on tax policy versus spending on government services.

Youngkin and House Republicans, pointing to the state's multibillion-dollar surplus, have been arguing for an additional $1 billion in tax cuts beyond the approximately $4 billion Youngkin signed into law last year. Democrats, who control the state Senate, called the Republican-backed cuts that included a proposed corporate tax rate reduction a giveaway to big business at the expense of public schools and other priorities.

Closed-door negotiations between House and Senate representatives have plodded since the Assembly adjourned in late February, with proposals and counterproposals occasionally shuttled back and forth.

One Democratic senator, Creigh Deeds, told The Associated Press this month that his caucus' most recent compromise offer included tax relief mostly in the form of rebates but also conceded some permanent cuts. Howell more recently told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that the current framework is along the lines of that offer.

Because the state operates on a two-year budget, with the plan initially adopted in even-numbered years and amended in odd-numbered years, the impasse hasnt stopped the state government from functioning, even though the new fiscal year started July 1. Theres already a budget in place, passed in 2022, and this legislation would revise it.

But lawmakers have faced criticism for not moving more quickly on one of their most important responsibilities. School districts, local governments and a wide range of advocacy and special interest groups have been closely watching for progress.

Were dealing with both the spending categories, as well as the tax categories," Barker said Wednesday of the ongoing talks. And what we have is a situation where were trying to make sure that we are meeting the needs of the Virginians, in terms of taxes, but also making sure that we have the resources we need, not only now but into the future.

The trio refused to answer questions from reporters about other specifics.

We have the answers to your questions, and were just not going to tell you right now until we get a finished product, Knight said.

The committee chairs said the part-time General Assembly, which is not currently in session, would likely be called back to vote on the budget in September.

Many people have travel plans and vacation plans  its hard to get everybody back. And thats creating some consternation, Howell said.

The lawmakers took questions after Youngkin addressed their committees, delivering an address on Virginia's financial health in which he asserted that the state has never been better positioned. That's despite headwinds pouring out of Washington with great bluster," he argued, citing inflationary spending and the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes aimed at curbing inflation.

Youngkin celebrated the economic development projects and associated new jobs  24,720  announced since he took office and heralded the state's growing labor force and labor force participation rate. He also touted his administration's focus on procurement reform, which he says will be saving $200 million a year by the end of the fiscal year.

Here in Virginia, our financial results have never been stronger: record reserves, a AAA bond rating, and billions in surplus, he said.

Speaking with reporters after his speech, the governor said he would be open to signing a budget that, for now, did not include the permanent tax cuts he's sought.

As Ive said, Im looking for $1 billion in tax relief. I know that we can afford permanent cuts. And if we take a moment here and provide the one-time tax relief and we move forward for permanent cuts next year, thats a compromise that Id be willing to accept, he said.

He also expressed frustration at lawmakers' delay in getting him a budget bill to consider.

Here we are in August. We should have had this done back in January, February, Youngkin said.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin fears a conflict between Russias FSB Federal Security Service and the countrys military is imminent, international relations expert Ivan Yakovyna revealed on Radio NV on Aug. 22.

Read also: Russian dictator said to have ordered warlord Prigozhins elimination, but amnesty for Wagnerites  media

In Russia, there isnt yet panic, of course  lets not exaggerate  but there is a significant level of concern, Yakovyna told NV. The Russian military command is growing increasingly apprehensive as it recognizes that the situation is unfolding in an unfavorable direction for them.

Against this backdrop, Vladimir Putin visited Rostov-on-Don this week  or at least, it was shown that he visited there. Im uncertain about whether it was genuinely him or not. Although I do believe he was present, Im not inclined to believe he has doubles. He went there and performed a symbolic gesture by entering the headquarters.

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Do you recall when this headquarters was in the news previously? It was during Prigozhins capture of it. It was precisely there that Prigozhin sat, interrogating Russian generals, demanding their surrender of Shoigu and Gerasimov to him. Putin needed to step in, assert his presence there and state, This is my territory. Im in charge here.

Read also: Russias FSB and Ministry of Defense locked in intensifying conflict  Ukrainian intelligence

And there, I think they told him about how things are happening at the front. Most likely, they exaggerated and didnt tell the whole truth, as Russian generals often tend to do that. But we already have an idea of the situation at the front, especially from reports by Russian sources, and those reports indicate that things are not going well there.

In fact, the situation is quite bad. What does that mean? Ukrainian forces have successfully taken back the village of Urozhayne. This gives them the opportunity to keep moving south into the Azov region, and they have two options for their next steps.

One option is to move towards Mariupol and Volnovakha. The other choice is to head to Berdyansk. By the way, Berdyansk has been hit by heavy shelling multiple times in the last few days. The Russian military bases in Berdyansk are already quite damaged.

Robotyne has also been liberated. However, fighting is still happening on its southern outskirts. Beyond Robotyne is the town of Tokmak, and after Tokmak comes Melitopol. Basically, this is the same direction that everyone initially thought was really important and strategic. So, why is Ukraine succeeding in their offensive? Well, Ukraine now has new types of weapons, and on top of that, the Russian army is extremely worn out.

Read also: Kremlin designates two Ukrainians, incl. NV journalist, as foreign agents

I would like to say a few words about Western media, which recently, like machine guns, have been firing headlines about how the Ukrainian army is failing, that the offensive is over or hasnt yielded the necessary results.

You know, the Western media has done this multiple times before. Right when the invasion started, they were loudly claiming that Kyiv would be taken by the enemy within 72 hours. But how did that turn out? Nothing of the sort happened. They were even quoting sources from the Pentagon and the CIA. Yet, as we all know, Kyiv wasnt captured. All those talks turned out to be complete nonsense.

They said the exact same thing about Mariupol when it got surrounded  that Mariupol wouldnt last more than two days. But guess what? Mariupol actually managed to hold out for a full two months, completely surrounded.

Read also: FSB recruiting former ISIS militants and attempting to infiltrate Ukrainian battalions  media reports

Before Ukraines push into Kherson Oblast last year, everyone was going on about how Ukraines progress there had come to a standstill. People were saying that Ukraine was tired out, didnt have any more soldiers, that the weapons from the West were almost gone, and that the West wouldnt send more weapons. But you know what happened? Some time passed, and boom  Ukraine advanced first in Kharkiv Oblast and then in Kherson Oblast.

And now theyre writing the same stuff all over again. Wondering why they keep doing this? From what I gather, their job seems to be painting the darkest, most negative pictures possible. Why? Because if they predict the worst and it doesnt happen, they can just shrug and say, Hey, our bad! Its not that serious after all! Theyre afraid to sound too positive because then people might criticize them if things dont turn out as rosy as they predicted.

Im not worried about looking too hopeful, but they definitely are. Thats the first thing. Second, they have a pretty strange way of judging how successful an advance is. To them, it only counts if they conquer big areas that get freed up. But I have a different take on that.

I think a successful push should be measured by the number and quality of enemy soldiers and military gear they manage to take out. And in that department, things are looking good. Even high-up Russian military leaders are admitting to their losses. Remember General Ivan Popov, nicknamed Spartak, who got sent off to Syria? He made an audio message where he straight up said, Were facing huge losses.

Read also: Does Putin understand that he has lost?  opinion

Theres this Russian colonel named Shuvalov who recently came out with a statement like, Our trenches are turning into a bloody mess of killed and wounded, whom no one can even help due to Ukrainians using cluster munitions.

Russian media that are relatively unbiased, or when they think no one is listening, say that Russian forces are suffering colossal losses. You know what? The statistics of destroyed military gear also back this up. In Ukraine, way less of their equipment is getting wrecked, often many times fewer than on the other side.

When youre moving forward against defenses that are all set up in advance, like minefields and trenches, its just natural that progress is going to be slow. But what really counts isnt just how fast youre moving, but also how badly youre hurting the enemy forces. If they are being swiftly annihilated, thats what Id call a successful push. But if its dragging on, if the other side isnt losing much, then maybe we shouldnt see it as such a great success.

Right now, were seeing that Russias losses are really big. Theyre talking about it openly and complaining quite a bit.

In my opinion, if this keeps up  after getting through the first and second lines of defense, and since Russia doesnt have much left in terms of defenses like minefields or strongholds  things will get a lot easier.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports that the Russias FSB leaders have suggested to Putin that they should quickly get rid of the Chief of the General Staff, Gerasimov, and the defense minister, Shoigu. Some folks from Russian intelligence are pushing for Gerasimov and Shoigu to resign right away.

According to insiders, the people in the FSB who are in favor of a tougher approach are supporting the leader of the Wagner private military company. This leader is pushing for a change in the top military leadership of Russia.

Read also: Putin prepares to defend his regime by equipping Rosgvardia with tanks  Ukrainian intelligence

These same sources indicate that hawks within the FSB propose to start fighting more aggressively in Ukraine: declare a state of war and full-scale mobilization.

The FSB is likely the most informed organization in Russia. They really understand whats happening inside the country. Their understanding of other countries might not be as spot-on, but they can see that the war isnt going well and its moving towards a defeat.

Theyve noticed that Shoigu and Gerasimov are struggling in the war, unable to make significant progress. The losses are massive, and there arent enough replacements for them. So, theyre saying, We need to act fast, we need to declare a state of war, otherwise everything might be lost. And naturally, theyre also saying that Shoigu and Gerasimov should be removed from their positions.

But heres the thing: the same Bloomberg report says that the Kremlin doesnt have any plans to let go of Shoigu and Gerasimov. At least, theres no hint of that happening anywhere. Why, you ask? Well, if Putin were to remove Shoigu and Gerasimov, it would be like taking away one of the main pillars holding up his power. Its kind of like chopping off the roots. Hed be left almost by himself, facing the FSB.

Once upon a time, there was a balancing force  the Wagner Group. But theyve been taken out of the picture. Now whats still around is the FSB and the army. If the army loses its strength, the FSB could end up having too much control. Putin doesnt want that, he fears it.

So, from what I can gather, theres a big clash brewing within the Russian command structure. This isnt just a fight between the army and the Wagnerites; its also a conflict between the FSB and the army.

And I believe this will become the most intriguing narrative within Russian politics in the coming weeks and probably months.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  Florida approved a new rule Wednesday giving parents the power to bring in a special magistrate to hear local disputes over book challenges  but the idea faced heavy criticism from opponents, including one conservative group, that disagree with how the state is carrying out the policy pushed by GOP leaders like Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The rule was one of several backed by the state Board of Education, which also passed new regulations for restroom use in state colleges that could lead to faculty and staff facing termination for using facilities that dont align with their sex at birth.

Together, the policy changes enact the key pieces of the education agenda for DeSantis and the states Republican-led Legislature that focus on expanding parental rights while restricting certain lessons on gender identity, sexual orientation and race in schools.

In Florida, we will continue to fight and protect our students and their innocence, Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. said during Wednesdays meeting in Naples.

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The book challenge rule was triggered by a wide-ranging state law that expanded some parental rights in Florida and policies critically labeled as Dont Say Gay by regulating how students and teachers can use pronouns. The new law also called for the state to create a means for a special magistrate to hear cases where parents dispute how local schools handle book challenges.

Floridas Legislature this year expanded education transparency laws in the state by tightening scrutiny around books that could be considered pornographic, harmful to minors or describe or depict sexual activity, requiring such texts to be pulled from shelves within five days and remain out of circulation for the duration of any challenge.

At the same time, this policy, building on a 2022 law that opened the door to more local book objections, made school districts responsible for books brought to campuses by teachers for classroom libraries.

Under the new rule, this special magistrate is expected to determine if a school district followed state law in considering a book objection from a parent. The policy specifically states that the magistrate, likely an administrative law judge, does not have the authority to remove a material or limit student access to any.

But that stance was too weak for some opponents, including the Florida Citizens Alliance, a socially conservative advocacy group that supported the law change yet asked the board to put off a vote on the policy.

As it stands now, in our opinion, zero parents will be able to use this rule, Keith Flaugh, co-founder and CEO of the group, told the Board of Education.

Other critics, such as the Southern Poverty Law Center Action Fund, claim the rule favors some parents by only allowing appeals for books that school boards voted against removing as opposed to allowing parents to challenge decisions to remove books. Opponents equated the policy to book banning, alleging that it will continue to allow residents to challenge dozens of texts, leading districts to remove, even if only temporarily, books like And Tango Makes Three about two male penguins who raised a baby penguin, works by William Shakespeare or even titles about MLB legend Roberto Clemente.

But parents like us, who dont get to use the special magistrate process, we were the ones that got access back to Tango, Clemente and Shakespeare, and we had to use the media to let them know because we did not have this recourse," Stephana Ferrell, co-founder of the Florida Freedom to Read Project, told the board Wednesday.

The Board of Education, however, defended the policy shift, claiming that it focuses specifically on whether school districts have rules for book challenges as required by state law and if local officials are following them. The request for a special magistrate can be made strictly by a parent or guardian and only after seeking to first resolve the dispute with the local school board. Once a magistrate hears a case, the state Board of Education would make the final determination.

Its a very limited appeal, board Chair Ben Gibson said during the meeting.

Multiple plaintiffs, including the publishing giant Penguin Random House, have sued over Floridas book challenge policy, claiming the state or local school districts are violating freedom of speech rights.

The board also cemented a rule regulating bathroom use in state colleges, enacting the controversial Safety in Private Spaces Act passed by Republicans earlier this year that opponents say unfairly targets transgender people.

This policy, among other things, requires colleges to establish disciplinary policies to punish staff and faculty who use the wrong restroom or changing facility. Colleges can use progressive discipline such as verbal warnings or suspension without pay, but the rule stipulates that a second documented offense must result in a termination.

Critics of the rule claim it is an attack on basic dignity of transgender students, faculty and staff and that it goes beyond the scope of Floridas law by targeting student housing.

These threats of bathroom investigations, forced firing of personnel, and restrictions on dormitories in the Florida College System will only worsen the current culture of fear and intimidation against the transgender community, said former state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith and a senior policy adviser for the LGBTQ advocacy group Equality Florida.

Everyone deserves the right to use the restroom facilities where they feel safe  including transgender Floridians, he said.

Yet supporters of the rule contend it helps create a safer learning environment for all faculty, staff and students and not just the loudest few, adding a reasonable, extra layer of protection that improves public safety.

This is not something that as a culture we should ditch because of very, very new ideologies that are challenging the science of male and female, which doesnt change, because biology doesnt change, board member Grazie Pozo Christie said during the meeting.

Additionally, Floridas education board passed a different rule regulating bathroom and facilities use at private schools.

These rules are similar to one approved in July requiring public school districts designate bathrooms and changing rooms for exclusive use by males or females unless there is a unisex option. Further, school leaders must develop procedures to discipline employees who use a facility that differs from their sex at birth, as called for in the contentious bathroom bill Florida passed during session.
A conservative groups new advertising campaign, slated to air during the first 2024 Republican presidential primary debate, is aiming to sway GOP voters and officials to support U.S. aid for Ukraine in the countrys ongoing war with Russia.

The debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is scheduled to air at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Aug. 23 on Fox News, with the outlets Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum picked to host.

Given the growing split among Americans, especially Republicans, over funding for the U.S. ally, the $2 million Republicans for Ukraine project by the conservative nonprofit Defending Democracy Together is hoping to shift the narrative while eyes are on the GOP candidates in their first presidential primary face off.

We want to counter the loudest voices in the Republican party who are telling Americans, telling Republicans, that the United States needs to withdrawal its efforts in Ukraine, John Conway, the director of strategy for Republicans for Ukraine, told Military Times. We want to remind Republican voters of the best of their traditional Republican values, which is supporting democracies across the globe.

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In addition to getting featured on billboards throughout Milwaukee, the campaign plans to run ads on cable, network TV and on YouTube through the end of the year.

The U.S. has sent more than $43 billion in aid to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022, the AP reported. President Joe Biden asked Congress earlier this month to approve a package that includes more than $13 billion in emergency defense aid to Ukraine, the outlet also reported.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters Aug. 22 that the administration believes that financial support to Ukraine will be sustained by a bipartisan core of lawmakers, despite some dissident voices.

Last week, the Department of Defense unveiled a $200 million security package for Ukraine that includes additional air defense munitions, artillery and tank ammunition and anti-armor weapons among other equipment.

This particular administration has not made the argument for Ukraine, retired Air Force Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, a former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, told Military Times in an interview, noting that political leaders on both sides of the aisle need to do more to educate average Americans about the need to support Ukraine.

They really have no idea about all the things that Ukraine brings to this world and why its important that we not allow a superpower or former superpower...to run over their neighbors, he said, citing, for example, the amount of grain Ukraine provides the rest of the world.

A recent CNN poll found that a majority of Americans (55%) oppose Congress authorizing additional funding for Ukraine in its war with Russia. Republicans in the survey broadly said that Congress should not authorize new funding, with Democrats mostly saying the opposite.

Those partisan divisions were further highlighted by another poll by the Pew Research Center, which in June found that around four-in-ten Republicans say the U.S. is providing too much aid to Ukraine.

While the question over how the United States should respond to the conflict in Ukraine continues to fracture the Republican party, candidates seeking the GOP nomination to become the next commander in chief similarly possess a wide array of views on a preferred strategy.

Former President Donald Trump talks to people in the crowd during the final round of the Bedminster Invitational LIV Golf tournament in Bedminster, N.J., Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023. (Seth Wenig / AP)

Presidential candidate and former Vice President Mike Pence speaks at The Gathering in Atlanta on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. (Ben Gray / AP)

Republican presidential candidate Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., speaks at the Republican Party of Iowa's 2023 Lincoln Dinner in Des Moines, Iowa, Friday, July 28, 2023. (Charlie Neibergall / AP)

Republican presidential candidate businessman Vivek Ramaswamy greets the audience after an event in St. Clair Shores, Mich., Monday, Aug. 14, 2023. (Paul Sancya / AP)

Presidential hopeful and former ambassador Nikki Haley speaks at The Gathering in Atlanta on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. (Ben Gray / AP)

Presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at The Gathering in Atlanta, on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. (Ben Gray / AP)

Republican presidential candidate former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks with reporters outside the Child Rights Protection Center in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. (Efrem Lukatsky / AP)

Republican presidential candidate North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum speaks during a town hall meeting with employees at Rueter's Equipment, Friday, June 9, 2023, in Elkhart, Iowa. (Charlie Neibergall / AP)

Republican presidential candidate former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson speaks during a Fair-Side Chat with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds at the Iowa State Fair, Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Charlie Neibergall / AP)

Former President Donald Trump

Former President Donald Trump said Aug. 20 he will not attend the debate, the AP reported. The GOP frontrunner, Trump did not say during a CNN townhall in May whether he wanted Russia or Ukraine to win the war but said that if president he could end the conflict within 24 hours. He contended the European Union needed to contribute more money to Ukraine.

Former Vice President Mike Pence

One of only a few candidates to have visited Ukraine since the war began, the former vice president has diverted from his former boss and denounced Russias actions against Ukraine.

I believe the United States of America needs to continue to provide the courageous soldiers in Ukraine with the resources they need to repel that Russian invasion and restore their territorial integrity, Pence said in June during a CNN town hall, adding he believes the Biden administration has been slow in providing military resources to Ukraine.

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott

The senator, who has supported aiding Ukraine since early in the conflict, told NBC News in May that President Biden has done a terrible job explaining and articulating to the American people the United States interests in assisting its ally against Russia. He argued that American involvement in Ukraine is necessary to weaken the Russian military and reduce attacks on both the U.S. and on NATO partners.

American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy

Ramaswamy has said he does not see aiding Ukraine against Russia as a top priority, rather that he sees Russias alliance with China as Americas primary military threat.

He told ABC News in June that he would like to end the war by offering concessions to Russia, including a commitment to prohibit Ukraine from entering NATO.

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley

The former UN ambassador and former governor of South Carolina has made the case for supporting Ukraine, without putting American troops on the ground. She has also said she supports giving cluster munitions to Ukraine.

This is bigger than Ukraine. This is a war about freedom and its one we have to win, she said in June during a CNN town hall, noting that a Ukrainian victory sends a message to other countries that threaten U.S. interests and helps prevent further warfare.

Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis

DeSantis previously described Russias war in Ukraine as a territorial dispute, but after criticism from several Republicans, he later walked back his remarks in an interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan, commenting that his wording was mischaracterized. He went on to describe Russian President Vladimir Putin a war criminal.

The governor has since said it is in everybodys interest to have a ceasefire, the outlet Nikkei Asia reported.

Former Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie

Another of the few candidates to have visited Ukraine since the start of the war, the former governor has voiced his support for Ukraine, calling it a proxy war with China.

This is something that America stands up against and those folks deserve and have earned our support, he said at a New Hampshire town hall.

Governor of North Dakota Doug Burgum

The governor said during his own New Hampshire town hall that support for Ukraine is critical, but not with a blank check.

Former Governor of Arkansas Asa Hutchinson

The former governor told C-SPAN in March that he believes American leadership in supporting Ukraine is important.
Salem-Keizer Public Schools is preparing for a "significant" budget gap in the 2024-2025 school year, new Superintendent Andrea Castaneda said during Tuesday's school board work session.

At the end of May, the board adopted a $1.28 billion budget for the upcoming 2023-24 school year built on the assumption of a $9.9 billion two-year state school fund allocation from the Oregon Legislature. Instead, after the end of a historic walkout in the Senate, the Legislature approved a historic $10.2 billion for the state school fund.

Despite the increase, Castaneda said her team has been digging deeply into the budget and what it will look like in the following year.

"Over the course of that work, we have reached some pretty clear preliminary conclusions," Castaneda said. "Those are the ones that we want to share today and we're doing it in part because the early transparency and early communication is gonna set the tone and create the conditions for success for some hard decisions that are coming."

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Castaneda pointed to decreasing enrollment and increases in staff as two reasons for the looming shortfall.

Since 2019-2020, the district has lost 2,300 students and it continues to lose about 400 per year, Castaneda said. Oregon's state funding formula gives each district an allocation per student, with additional amounts for students in programs like special education or English language learners. So fewer students each year means less state funding.

At the same time, the district has more staff, adding nearly 455 full-time employees since 2019-2020. Since that same school year, the district has also increased staff pay by an average of 14%, she added. Staff now accounts for 87% of the district's budget, Castaneda said.

"None of these three thing are, in and of themselves, bad," Castaneda said. "In fact, I would argue that for the moments that these decisions were made, all of these were good."

Salem-Keizer Public Schools Superintendent Andrea Castaneda high fives North Salem High School unified student Haylee LaMantia.

But it now means that costs are now outpacing revenue.

In a graph shared during the meeting, she showed a sharply declining ending fund balance in the coming year.

It was between 2021-22 and 2022-23 that expenses rose above revenues.

The district is projecting a $50 million gap between expenses and revenues in 2023-24 and 2024-25. That is assuming adopting a 2.5% cost of living adjustment at the conclusion of bargaining with the district's classified and licensed employee groups. A higher negotiated percentage would widen the gap. Bargaining will conclude in the fall or winter of 2023 or 2024.

"That's one of the forces that can change the gap for the larger even as there are other forces that will shrink it down. And this brings me to the oddity about the moment. We can't actually tell you the gap yet," Castaneda said.

Additionally, the district is in its last year of COVID-19 relief funding, ending access to a significant amount of federal funding. They'll need to make up for that loss as well, which Castaneda estimated will mean at least another $20 million to resolve.

While the details will take shape later in the year, there is certainty, she said, that there will be a significant gap that the school board needs the year to get ready for.

It is fiscal uncertainty departing superintendent Christy Perry spoke about in May.

With the present fiscal uncertainty, resources committed directly to students are critical, Perry told the districts budget committee as it drafted the adopted budget. We are in a precarious fiscal position, and it will be essential the new superintendent and current school board monitor the fiscal health of the district as they navigate this biennium.

For now, Castaneda urged the school board to focus on opening schools successfully for this school year.

"The most important thing right now is not getting distracted from the preciousness of a school year," she said.

Around October, the school board will start its first round of community engagement sessions around district priorities and the budget. A clear size of the the coming fiscal challenge will take shape in the fall and winter and a second round of community engagment about necessary budget cuts is expected in the winter/spring of 2024.

Further discussion of the projected gap was brief but school board directors Osvaldo Avila, Cynthia Richardson, Satya Chandragiri and Karina Guzman Ortiz spoke of their desire to focus on students and staff and making sure to engage the public.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 12.

Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her atdlugo@statesmanjournal.com or on Twitter @DianneLugo.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Salem-Keizer superintendent warns of budget concerns
David Shafer, a former chairman of Georgia's Republican Party and one of the 19 people charged in the Georgia 2020 election interference case, claimed in a Monday court filing that he and the other Republican electors who attempted to falsely certify a victory for Donald Trump were acting at the direction of the former president.

As defendants in the far-reaching indictment begin to surrender to authorities ahead of the Friday deadline, "Shafer's position signals that some may be poised to turn on the former president," Axios reports.

"Mr. Shafer and the other Republican Electors in the 2020 election acted at the direction of the incumbent President and other federal officials," lawyers for the former GOP chairman wrote in the filing.

"Attorneys for the President and Mr. Shafer specifically instructed Mr. Shafer, verbally and in writing, that the Republican electors' meeting and casting their ballots on December 14, 2020 was consistent with counsels' advice and was necessary to preserve the presidential election contest," they added.

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Shafer and 15 other Republican electors met at Georgia's capitol on Dec. 14, 2020, and signed a document falsely declaring that Trump had won the state. Shafer had portrayed himself as the "chairperson" of Georgia's Electoral College and filed a fake slate of 16 pro-Trump electors in December 2020, according to The New York Times.

Shafer is facing eight charges in the Georgia indictment, including false statements and writings, forgery in the first degree and impersonating a public officer. In addition to some of the electors and a slew of other alleged conspirators, Trump and several of his former attorneys have also been charged in relation to their alleged roles in attempting to subvert the election results.

The former Republican party chair  like co-defendants Jeffrey Clark and Mark Meadows  is trying to have his state-level case transferred to federal court, which would place the case under the authority of a federal judge and potentially pull a more sympathetic jury pool.

Clark Cunningham, a law professor at Georgia State University, told CNN that the filing "could be devastating for the former president."

"Shafer explicitly places explicitly places the entire responsibility for the fake electoral scheme squarely on Donald Trump," Cunningham explained. "He says, 'I was acting at his personal direction.' He does that because he's trying to get into federal court under a law that says even if you're not an officer of the United States, if you are acting under the officer's direction, you can get to federal court. He is making that statement to get to federal court, but at the same time implicating Trump directly in the fake elector scheme."

8.22.23 3:25 PM ET True Legal Intelligence on Display as Brianna Keilar @brikeilarcnn hosts Professor Clark Cunningham W. Lee Burge Chair in Law & Ethics, Georgia State College of Law @ClarkGSULaw and CNN Legal Analyst Legal Analyst Norm Eisen @NormEisen

(6:03 ) pic.twitter.com/wGieNzVBU9  Jeff Storobinsky (@jeffstorobinsky) August 22, 2023

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

Shafer also gained widespread attention on social media early Wednesday morning when he posted his own mugshot to X and made it his profile picture after surrendering to Fulton County authorities overnight.

He was one of two defendants to turn themselves in early Wednesday. Former Coffee County GOP Chair Cathy Latham, who is alleged to have partaken in an effort to copy sensitive election software in January 2021 and was also one of the 16 fake electors, is the other.

According to 11Alive, as of 11 a.m. ET on Aug. 23, six total defendants have surrendered to authorities in Fulton County with Ray Smith, a Georgia attorney charged for his alleged role in gathering witnesses to provide testimony before state legislative subcommittee hearings held in December 2020, and Trump-aligned lawyer Kenneth Chesebro, one of the alleged "architects" of the plot, most recently joining the count later Wednesday morning.

Read more

about the Fulton indictment
The state Department of Housing and R.I. Housing plan to study the feasibility of having the state act as a housing developer.

The agencies will "soon be issuing an RFP to commission a feasibility study that will explore various models of publicly driven housing production," Joseph Lindstrom, a spokesman for the Department of Housing, wrote in an email.

During the last legislative session, the progressive group Reclaim Rhode Island urged lawmakers to create the nation's first public housing development agency, but ultimately came up short. The group's proposal involved establishing a revolving fund to build mixed-income housing, an approach used in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Lindstrom said housing officials plan to "assess the efficacy and applicability of the Montgomery County approach (or elements thereof) and other such approaches" in their study.

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The process will involve seeking input "from various stakeholders including the Low and Moderate Income Housing Act Commission, the Public Housing Association of Rhode Island, housing developers, and Reclaim RI," he said.

"We look forward to the undertaking of this exercise and this dialogue," Lindstrom wrote.

Housing: Three apartment buildings with commercial spaces get an OK in Providence. Here's where.

Plan praised as 'due diligence'

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, who has said the public-developer model is worth exploring, described the study as a way to do "due diligence."

I fully support this approach of a feasibility study and conducting due diligence for this unique concept," Shekarchi said in a statement. "I am enthusiastic about the Montgomery County model, which is built on publicly owned land, and we would be the first state in the nation to undertake such a program."

Reclaim Rhode Island also expressed support, while adding that it was essential for the study to be completed before the next legislative session.

Were grateful that Secretary Pryor is exploring a major expansion of public housing because its clear that the private market cannot solve this housing crisis on its own," Reclaim co-chair Daniel Denvir said in a statement. "Once the study is completed, Reclaim RI is excited to work with legislators to ensure our public housing authorities receive the funding they require to build the homes Rhode Islanders need.

Melina Lodge, executive director of the Housing Network of Rhode Island, also commended the agencies "for their effort to ensure that we collectively do our due diligence."

As the lack of housing stock and housing unaffordability continues to take center stage, there are many ideas emerging about how best to address and solve the issues at hand," she said. "It is important that any solutions we ultimately implement are not only financially feasible, but create the types of homes that are needed by low and moderate income Rhode Islanders at price points that are actually affordable to them."

She added: "As the trade association for the states nonprofit housing development community, the Housing Network looks forward to participating in the dialogue and offering our input and expertise in the development of an RFP and beyond.

One town is already acting as a developer  but there are key differences

The Town of Middletown is already taking matters into its own hands, purchasing 4.5 acres of land this spring with the intent of building 20 single-family houses that would be subject to income restrictions.

However, those deed restrictions will expire after 30 years, the Newport Daily News reported at the time.

That's a key difference from the Montgomery County model, in which housing built by the government is permanently publicly owned. The Maryland model also relies on building apartments where some tenants pay market rent to help subsidize the cost of less-expensive units, rather than selling single-family homes.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI housing department plans to study 'public developer' model
CHICAGO  Tim Mapes could have been a star witness in the widening federal corruption investigation into his boss, longtime Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan , but he chose instead to lie to a federal grand jury to protect is friends, a prosecutor said Wednesday in closing arguments in Mapes perjury trial.

Mapes, 68, of Springfield, is charged with perjury and attempted obstruction of justice, accused in an indictment of lying in answers to seven questions during his appearance before the grand jury investigating Madigan and his vaunted political operation.

He faces up to 20 years in prison on the obstruction count, while the perjury charges carry up to five years behind bars.

In her closing argument, Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Schwartz told the jury Mapes, who had served as Madigans chief of staff for more than 25 years, was a man on the inside, a man who was behind the curtain of Madigans often-secretive political organization, and could have given the grand jury key insight when he testified on March 31, 2021.

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If the defendant had been honest, he would have been a star witness, Schwartz said. But he did everything he could to obstruct the processto minimize his participation, to act as if he was clueless.

Some of the questions posed by the prosecutor in the grand jury were Springfield 101, Madigan 101, Schwartz said.

But Mapes acted as if there was a third rail when it came to answering questions about Madigan and his longtime confidant, Michael McClain, who was at the center of the governments ongoing probe.

These three men were tight, extremely tight. Who better to give the grand jury insight into what was going on than this defendant? Schwartz said, pointing at Mapes at the defense table.

She said Mapes lies were intentional and repeated and on broad topics, and that he was evasive even when asked simple things like the extent of the relationship he had with McClain.

McClain, Schwartz said, was Madigans trusted right-hand man, who had unique access to the speaker and would camp out in his office suite at the Capitol. McClain and Mapes were also good friends, she says, and Mapes lied about it.

Protecting those two men was a key motivation, she said.

Schwartz played a snippet of the grand jury testimony where Mapes said McClain was one of my fr- ...sorry strike that, then basically recited McClains work history that anyone could have looked up on Google. She said he caught himself before he touched the third rail.

She also played a portion of the grand jury testimony where Mapes was asked whether McClain was acting as an agent for Madigan.

Do you know Mr. McClain to have acted as a messenger for Madigan in any capacity? he was asked.

Im not aware of any, Mapes answered.

During her argument, Schwartz displayed a diagram showing a power triangle, with Madigans photo at the top.

Mike Madigan, the boss.... He wielded immense power in the General Assembly and in the Democratic Party of Illinois. And Tim Mapes? Nobody got in to see the wizard without going through that man, she said, referring to a sign that Mapes kept in his office.

Prosecutors have said they will present up to two hours of initial arguments and about 45 minutes in rebuttal.

Mapes attorney, Andrew Porter, has not given an estimate for the defense argument but told U.S. District Judge John Kness I have a lot to say.

Given that, its likely the jury of six men and six women would not start deliberating until late in the day  or perhaps not until Thursday.

Mapes, who in addition to Madigans chief of staff also served stints as executive director of the state Democratic Party and the clerk of the House, has denied making any false statements.

His attorneys have argued that he did his level best to provide truthful answers. They also accused prosecutors of asking open-ended questions and failing to provide Mapes with any corroborating materials that might refresh his recollection of years-old conversations.

Shortly before the defense rested Tuesday, Mapes confirmed outside the presence of the jury that he wished to waive his right to testify in his own defense  a move that seemed all but certain given the inherent pitfalls of taking the witness stand.

The faults of human memory and Mapes state of mind after he was forced to resign in 2018 were the focus of Mapes defense, as his lawyers pushed the argument that he was truthful in the grand jury but just couldnt remember answers to the questions he was asked due to the stress-filled, intimidating nature of the grand jury setting in March 2021.

Meanwhile, prosecutors over eight days of testimony presented more than a dozen witnesses and dozens of wiretapped phone conversations, emails and other documents in an effort to prove that Mapes was lying when he said he was unaware that McClain was doing sensitive assignments for the speaker even after McClains retirement from lobbying in 2016.

The prosecutions case also included the audio of Mapes entire grand jury testimony, offering a rare glimpse into a secretive process and illuminating how big-time political corruption investigations play out behind the scenes.

Mapes trial is the latest among a series of blockbuster cases to arise out of the political corruption probe into Madigan.

Earlier this year, the ComEd Four trial ended with the convictions of McClain and three others on bribery conspiracy charges alleging they schemed to funnel payments from the utility to Madigan associates in exchange for the speakers assistance with legislation in Springfield.

Madigan and McClain are set to go on trial in April on separate racketeering charges alleging Madigan used official duties to maintain his power and enrich his cronies.

Both have denied the allegations.

____
[Source]

Nearly two dozen countries and territories have enforced varying degrees of restrictions against TikTok. Most of them cite privacy and security concerns as the video-sharing app continues to face global speculation over its alleged ties to the Chinese government.

Below are the governments that have imposed full, partial and temporary bans on TikTok.

Full bans

Afghanistan: The Taliban leadership of Afghanistan banned TikTok in April 2022. A spokesperson said the apps filthy content was not consistent with Islamic laws and that it was misleading the younger generation.

India: India implemented a blanket ban against TikTok and 58 other Chinese apps in 2020. It claimed that the programs engaged in activities that are prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.

Somalia: Somalia banned TikTok, Telegram and online betting website 1XBet this month to purge terrorist-related content. According to the government, the programs are being used by terrorists to spread horrific images and misinformation to the public.

Jordan: TikTok is still banned in Jordan following a temporary ban that was initially announced in December 2022.

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Partial bans

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Australia: Australia banned TikTok from all federal devices on April 4. It cited security concerns.

Canada: Canada banned TikTok from all government devices in February. It cited privacy and security concerns.

Denmark: Denmark's Defense Ministry banned employees from downloading TikTok on issued devices in March. It cited security concerns.

European Union: The EUs three main institutions  the European Parliament, European Commission and EU Council  have all banned TikTok on issued devices in February, citing security concerns. The Parliament went further to strongly recommend removing the app from personal devices.

Ireland: Ireland banned TikTok from government devices in April. It cited privacy and security concerns.

New Zealand: New Zealand's parliament banned TikTok on government devices in March. It cited security concerns.

Norway: Norway's government and parliament banned TikTok on issued devices in March. National intelligence services singled out China and Russia as main risk factors for Norway's security interests, according to the Justice Ministry.

Taiwan: Taiwan banned TikTok from all government devices in December 2022, citing national security risks. The self-administered island, which China considers a renegade province, has also banned Chinese lifestyle app Xiaohongshu.

United Kingdom: The U.K. banned TikTok from all government devices in March. It cited security concerns.

United States: TikTok faces various degrees of restrictions in the U.S., where it has been a subject of years-long national security concerns. The White House, Congress and several agencies have all banned TikTok at the federal level. As of June, 34 out of 50 states have banned TikTok from issued devices. Last week, New York became the latest city to enforce the ban.

Temporary bans

Bangladesh: Bangladesh first temporarily banned TikTok in 2018 amid efforts to scrub obscene, pornographic and gambling-related content from its internet. A similar ban was reportedly placed in 2021 but was soon lifted after the app vowed to improve content moderation.

Belgium: Belgium temporarily banned TikTok from all government devices in March, citing security concerns. The ban will remain in effect for at least six months.

Indonesia: Indonesia temporarily banned TikTok in 2018 for pornography, inappropriate content and blasphemy. It revoked the ban shortly after TikTok promised to improve content moderation.

Pakistan: Pakistan has banned TikTok multiple times since 2020, citing immoral or inappropriate content.

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Couple Welcomes Twins Born On The Same Day As Their Shared Birthday: Its A Dream Come True | StockSnap / Pixabay

Jose Ervin Jr. and his fiancee, Scierra Blair, have more reasons to celebrate Aug. 18 as a family.

The Ohio-based couple has many things in common, including sharing the same birthday.

But who wouldve thought their newborn twins would also share the same birthday as them?

The fraternal twins, Jose Ervin III and A-ria Ervin, were born one minute apart and weighed just over 5 pounds on Aug. 18 at Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital in Ohio, Fox 35 reported.

Ervin initially didnt have plans for his birthday. Now he has two reasons to celebrate another year of life.

Its a dream come true, honestly, Ervin told Fox 35. It was very unique, and its a blessing honestly. I didnt know what I was going to be doing for my birthday. I just said I wanted a good gift, and God sent me my kids on my birthday.

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According to Healthline, physicians may suggest labor induction in some cases to help kickstart uterine contractions for vaginal delivery. However, Ervin said the twins were not induced and were supposed to arrive later this month.

He recalled Blair going into labor on Aug. 17, and then one of the doctors informed the couple that one of the babies was in a breached position. They advised the soon-to-be mother of two to get a C-section to deliver the twins successfully.

The proud father said he initially wanted to wait until the following day for the C-section, but Blair wasnt fond of the idea.

She really didnt want it [at first], Ervin said.

The couple persuaded the physicians to deliver the babies at midnight on Aug. 18 so the whole family would have the same birthday.

Having the same birthday as your partner is rare, but sharing that day with your children is priceless.

Ervin said as Blairs due date neared, he realized there was a strong possibility his children would be born on their shared birthday.

Its safe to say birthdays in the Ervin household will be memorable.

Ervin said the celebrations are going to be a banger from here on out.

Its going to be nothing but love and fun from here on out, he said.
FILE - Glenda Starke wears a transgender flag as a counter protest during a rally in favor of a ban on gender-affirming health care legislation, March 20, 2023, at the Missouri Statehouse in Jefferson City, Mo. Missouris Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey and the families of transgender children are in court fighting over whether a new law banning minors from receiving gender-affirming health care will take effect as scheduled on Monday, Aug. 28. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP)  Missouris Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey and the families of transgender children are in court this week fighting over whether a new law banning minors from receiving gender-affirming health care will take effect as scheduled Monday.

Lawyers last month sued to overturn the law on behalf of three families of transgender minors, doctors and two LGBTQ+ organizations. They asked a county judge to temporarily block the law as the court challenge against it plays out.

Hearings over pausing the law are taking place this week in Springfield. A judge is expected to rule before Monday.

THE LAW

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The law, signed by Republican Gov. Mike Parson in June, would prohibit Missouri health care providers from providing puberty blockers, hormones and gender-affirming surgeries to minors. Minors prescribed puberty blockers or hormones before Aug. 28 would be able to continue to receive those treatments.

Missouris Planned Parenthood clinics had been ramping up available appointments and holding pop-up clinics to start patients on treatments before the law takes effect.

Most adults would still have access to transgender health care under the law, but Medicaid wouldn't cover it and prisoners access to surgeries would be limited.

Physicians who violate the law face having their licenses revoked and being sued by patients. The law makes it easier for former patients to sue, giving them 15 years to go to court and promising at least $500,000 in damages if they succeed.

The law expires in August 2027.

LEGAL ARGUMENTS

Lawyers for the plaintiffs' wrote in a court filing that the law unlawfully discriminates against transgender patients by denying them medically necessary care and insurance coverage because of their sex and because of their transgender status.

In court briefs, the Attorney General's Office argued that the law is not discriminatory because it applies evenly to boys and girls."

The only distinction made is based on the condition to be treated, lawyers for the office wrote. "Puberty blockers, testosterone, and estrogen can all still be used to treat various conditions (such as precocious puberty). They just cannot be used as an experimental response to gender dysphoria.

WHAT HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS SAY

The Food and Drug Administration approved puberty blockers 30 years ago to treat children with precocious puberty  a condition that causes sexual development to begin much earlier than usual. Sex hormones  synthetic forms of estrogen and testosterone  were approved decades ago to treat hormone disorders or as birth control pills.

The FDA has not approved the medications specifically to treat gender-questioning youth, but they have been used for many years for that purpose off label, a common and accepted practice for many medical conditions. Doctors who treat trans patients say those decades of use are proof that the treatments are not experimental.

Every major medical organization, including the American Medical Association, has opposed the bans on gender-affirming care for minors and supported the medical care for youth when administered appropriately. Lawsuits have been filed in several states where bans have been enacted this year.
A Salt Lake County Health Department employee prepares Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots at a free vaccine clinic at the Sanderson Community Center in Taylorsville on Nov. 9, 2022. Is it time for another COVID-19 booster shot? | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

With COVID-19 cases climbing, is it time for Utahns to get a booster shot?

After all, fewer than 16% of all Utahns have gotten the updated dose of coronavirus vaccine, first made available a year ago for those 6 months and older and formulated against both the original and newer variants.

But experts say it may be better to hold off for now.

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The answer is to wait until the fall, unless you havent gotten any COVID-19 vaccines, Dr. Leisha Nolen, state epidemiologist with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, told the Deseret News.

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Nearly three-quarters of Utahns have gotten at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and just over 64% completed the initial series of shots released in late 2020, the same year the pandemic began, according to state data.

Fall is when the federal government is expected to roll out a new booster targeted solely at a newer version of the virus, the XBB.1.5 omicron subvariant nicknamed Kraken that was dominant earlier this summer.

Experts estimate the updated monovalent vaccines being developed by Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax that still need federal authorization will be offered to the public in late September or early October, The New York Times reported.

For most people right now, it seems to me waiting makes more sense, Dr. Paul Sax, the clinical director of the division of infectious diseases at Brigham and Womens Hospital, told The New York Times.

Because protection against COVID-19 is highest during the first three months following a vaccination or infection, waiting will increase the odds that your defenses against the virus will be strongest when cases are expected to peak, the newspaper said.

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Case numbers are increasing now, but theyre not at exceptionally high levels, Sax said. I cant imagine, though, that they wont go up again in November, December or January, as they did every single year in the past three years.

In Utah, the seven-day average case count rose nearly 41% for the week ending Aug. 17, from about 68 cases to almost 96. More than a quarter of the sewage treatment sites monitored throughout the state are showing increasing levels of COVID-19.

Another advantage to getting a COVID-19 booster shot later in the year is that it will be a better match for current strains, The New York Times said, helping people avoid not only severe illness, but possibly even getting sick from the virus.

Dr. David Boulware, a professor of medicine specializing in infectious diseases at the University of Minnesota Medical School, said hes somewhat optimistic that the new vaccine will help prevent not only severe disease but also infection.

Once youre boosting with the variant that is closest to whats actually circulating, you will most likely regain some protection against infection, Boulware told The New York Times.

Related

Last years updated booster shot zeroed in on earlier omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5. A second booster dose was authorized earlier this year for those who are older or medically vulnerable.

Whats circulating now are also versions of the omicron variant that sent case counts soaring to record levels in Utah and around the world in early 2022, overwhelming mass testing sites and hospitals.

That includes the Eris subvariant that makes up the largest percentage of cases in the U.S.

Even the newest, the alarming highly mutated coronavirus variant now dubbed Pirola but labeled BA.2.86 by scientists, is an omicron subvariant, although its a different lineage than this falls booster shot will target.

But Forbes magazine noted this week that while there might be concern the coming COVID-19 vaccines wont protect against Pirola, a Pfizer report said evidence shows their new monovalent boosters should offer some protection against BA.2.86.
The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) admitted last week that COVID-19 booster shots will not be available until the end of September. Now that there are reports of a late summer COVID-19 wave, the news raises questions about whether the recent COVID variants will be adequately controlled as the world continues to ride out the pandemic.

As the variants that have driven most infections in 2023, the XBB strains, begin to lose their dominance, the current wave is being spurred by variants like EG.5 (nicknamed "Eris") and FL.1.5.1 (nicknamed "Fornax"). Both are descendants from the XBB family. Scientists have expressed some confidence about containing EG.5., also known as Eris, with Novavax, Pfizer and Moderna also saying their vaccines have shown promising results in early trials.

"I think that these vaccines will provide very substantial protection against EG.5. Maybe just a little bit of loss, but it's nothing that I'm very concerned about," Dr. Mark Mulligan, director of the NYU Langone Vaccine Center, told CNBC. "It looks like we're going to be OK."

Then there's BA.2.86, which has been nicknamed Pirola and has more mutations than any of the other variants currently circulating  more than 30  and has already been detected at least twice in the United States. But despite what experts call high outbreak potential, it's not the variant currently driving the current surge. Nonetheless, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID, does one thing really well and that's mutate to evade our immune defenses. What the fall will look like in terms of COVID cases is yet to be seen, but things are not looking good as hospitalizations, infections and deaths are all on the rise. The latest vaccine updates can't get here soon enough  if people even decide to take them.
FILE - Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Arlington, Texas, Aug. 12, 2022. Williams was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance and unlawful carrying of a weapon, police said Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

FRISCO, Texas (AP)  Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance and unlawful carrying of a weapon, police said Wednesday.

Police in the Dallas suburb of Frisco said Williams was arrested Sunday. The department wouldn't provide further details, saying a public information request had to be filed.

Williams was on the practice field again Wednesday after going through a full workout Tuesday, the first of three training camp sessions at the team's headquarters in Frisco following four weeks in California.

While Williams could face discipline under the NFL's personal conduct policy, owner/general manager Jerry Jones said the club had no plans to sit the 24-year-old.

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I don't anticipate this impacting his time on the field, Jones said. I do have all of the details, and there's some lessons to be learned there for everybody.

It's the second arrest for Williams this year. In January, the second-year player turned himself in to police in Plano, another Dallas suburb, on a reckless driving charge stemming from an accident a few days before Christmas last year.

Williams was cited for driving as fast as 98 mph in a 55 mph zone and weaving between vehicles in a Corvette before colliding with a vehicle driven by a 71-year-old woman.

Dallas drafted Williams in the second round last year out of Mississippi, where Williams had off-field issues. He was suspended at Ole Miss in July 2020 after being charged with sexual battery. Williams was reinstated two months later after the charge was dropped.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
LAPD officers scuffle with counterprotesters as they try to keep them away from a group opposing LGBTQ+ education at a demonstration near the downtown LAUSD offices. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

About 150 demonstrators who oppose LGBTQ+ education marched on Monday from City Hall to the Los Angeles Unified School District headquarters, where two counterprotesters were taken into custody as dozens of officers kept the opposing groups apart after heated exchanges.

The demonstrators came from across Southern California including San Diego, Antelope Valley, Glendale and Los Angeles. A few identified themselves as parents at Saticoy Elementary School, where fighting broke out between opposing sides during a demonstration over a Gay Pride activity in June.

Demonstrators had a long list of issues, demanding that discussion about the LGBTQ+ community and sex-related education be kept out of schools. They also want school districts to notify parents if their child asks to identify in school in a manner different than the gender assigned to that student at birth.

"We believe that there is a radical indoctrination system that has seeped from academia and now into K through 12. We've been trying to get kiddie porno smut books out of the schools," said Ben Richards, who described himself as a San Diego parent and the founder of SoCal Parent Advocates. "And we don't want people to talk about sex with our children without telling us and behind our backs."

About 150 demonstrators who oppose LGBTQ+ education marched on Monday from City Hall to the Los Angeles Unified School District headquarters. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Richards carried an American flag and wore a military green T-shirt emblazoned with "Dad Army." He said his group also opposes critical race theory and vaccine mandates.

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Critical race theory examines how racial inequality and racism are systemically embedded in American institutions.

Read more: Lacking political power in California, conservatives turn focus to local school boards

The Los Angeles protests are part of recent clashes over gender issues and race in education, where school boards in some conservative pockets of California are supportive of their demands. Several Southern California school districts, including Chino Valley and then Murietta, have mandated parental notification if a child is transgender. The Orange Unified School District is also considering a mandate.

On Monday, the demonstrators' soundtrack over loudspeakers included Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall," containing lyrics that participants emblazoned on T-shirts: "Leave Our Kids Alone." The group also played "God Over Government" and a rap recording that proclaimed Donald Trump the greatest president ever.

At the counterprotest, the soundtrack included "I'm Coming Out" from Diana Ross and "Got to Be Real" from Cheryl Lynn. The Los Angeles teachers union was able to muster a small delegation  the protest was during school hours  and other groups also took part.

Counterprotesters brought up the recent killing of Laura Ann Carleton, 66, outside her store in Lake Arrowhead, in what's being investigated as a possible hate crime after an armed man railed about her display of a LGBTQ+ pride flag. The suspected shooter was later confronted and killed by sheriff's deputies.

Read more: Temecula school district sued over its ban of critical race theory

"In this disguise of parents' rights," the protesters are "unleashing ... a nationwide attack against LGBT people," said Michelle Xai, who said she belonged to a revolutionary community group.

The anti-LGBTQ+ education protesters insisted they oppose violence.

Initially, at City Hall, the police presence was minimal as the groups gathered on opposite sides of the street on different parts of the block. But they began to mix and get in each other's faces. About three dozen police cruisers and motorcycles, sirens screaming, descended on the scene. Dozens of officers in riot gear established a human barrier.

Leaders of both groups urged their members to stay apart and keep the peace. Demonstrators held cameras and cellphones as people filmed themselves and opposing demonstrators. Protesters used a banner to block one person with a camera from entering their ranks, but others got through.

Protesters opposed to LGBTQ+ education march from City Hall to LAUSD headquarters, attracting a small group of counterdemonstrators. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

The anti-LGBTQ+ education protesters talked of plans to regroup in the evening at the Temecula school board meeting.

The L.A. Board of Education was meeting at the time, but had nothing on its agenda related to LGBTQ+ issues. Still, board President Jackie Goldberg responded to the allegations against public-school curriculum.

"We follow state laws and state-approved curriculum for all of our students," Goldberg said. "Approving curriculum is a long, arduous process and one that includes multiple opportunities for public input."

She also responded to the demands about notifying parents when a student asked to be recognized as a different gender in school.

"Our first priority is always always the children," she said. "We encourage family engagement when a student is having issues unless it is not safe for that student."

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.
Jeremy Tillman was helping his son move into his dorm at Arkansas State University when loved ones noticed something was wrong, according to local news reports.

He came through the door and he was in obvious distress, his fiancee, Elizabeth Goodson, told KARK. He just had a very sudden medical event as we were moving things in. I guess he may have strained too hard.

Arkansas State University Police responded to a report of someone not breathing at about 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, in the Honors Living-Learning Community building. Saturday was the universitys official college Move-In Day.

The 45-year-old father was on the floor, and several people had begun CPR, according to the police report obtained by McClatchy News. An officer used an automated external defibrillator  used to help those in sudden cardiac arrest  and several rounds of CPR were done while waiting for an ambulance, the police report said.

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The dad later died at a hospital, KAIT reported.

Chancellor Todd Shields and Arkansas State University extend deepest condolences to student Jace Tillman, the university said in a statement to McClatchy News. The university community will continue to support Jace and keep his family in their thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

The Russellville man was a father to six children and a grandpa to two grandchildren, according to an online obituary. He loved to shoot guns and work on cars, but he most enjoyed being with his loved ones.

If he could help it he would never miss any of their events and he was always there, Goodson told KARK.

Hannah Brazil described her father as a well respected and loving man that always put his family first, and never stopped putting a smile on the face of everyone he interacted with.

A funeral for Tillman was scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 23.

Russellville is about 157 miles southwest of Jonesboro, where Arkansas State University is located.

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Turkish, Iraqi FMs hold talks on outstanding issues

Xinhua) 09:04, August 23, 2023

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (R) and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attend a joint press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, on Aug. 22, 2023. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Tuesday held talks with visiting Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan to discuss outstanding issues between the two countries, including Iraq's water share and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants based in Iraq. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

BAGHDAD, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Tuesday held talks with visiting Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan on Tuesday to discuss outstanding issues between the two countries, including Iraq's water share and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants based in Iraq.

At a joint press conference after meeting with Fidan, Hussein said the two sides discussed bilateral relations, including the issue of Iraq's water share as both countries have been affected by global climate change.

"The main water sources for Iraq's Tigris and Euphrates rivers come from Turkiye, and getting a fair share of water was an important topic of discussion during the meeting," Hussein said.

Iraq heavily relies on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which originate in Turkiye, to fulfill its water needs. But the water levels in the two rivers have declined significantly over the years as a result of drought, the construction of dams, and the diversion of water upstream.

Hussein thanked his Turkish counterpart "for presenting the idea of forming a joint committee on the water issue," saying that the two countries need to take joint actions to combat climate change and drought that threaten Iraq's economy and agriculture.

He said the strong bilateral trade relations benefit the peoples of both countries, noting that "about 850 Turkish companies are operating in Iraq, most of which work in the field of construction."

For his part, Fidan said that the volume of trade between Iraq and Turkiye has reached 25 billion U.S. dollars so far this year, but it is "lagging behind the real capabilities."

He added that the Turkish government "is closely following the water shortage in Iraq and dealing with the issue from a humanitarian point of view."

Hussein said the two sides also discussed the issue of resuming Iraq's oil exports via Turkiye.

As for the PKK problem, Fidan said that combatting terrorism was among other issues he discussed with his Iraqi counterpart. "Our common enemy, the Kurdistan Workers' Party, should not be allowed to influence our bilateral relations," he said.

Fidan arrived in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Tuesday afternoon on a two-day official visit. He is scheduled to meet with top Iraqi leaders, including the Iraqi president, prime minister and speaker of parliament, before heading to the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region in northern Iraq to meet the Kurdish leaders.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (R) shakes hands with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Baghdad, Iraq, on Aug. 22, 2023. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Tuesday held talks with visiting Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan to discuss outstanding issues between the two countries, including Iraq's water share and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants based in Iraq. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (R) shakes hands with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Baghdad, Iraq, on Aug. 22, 2023. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Tuesday held talks with visiting Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan to discuss outstanding issues between the two countries, including Iraq's water share and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants based in Iraq. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
This week will reach a dangerously sweltering peak as the heat index pushes over 100 degrees, the National Weather Service is warning.

Central Indiana is under a heat advisory, with above-average high temperatures combined with oppressive humidity. Thursday's temperatures could be the hottest it's been all summer for the Indianapolis metro area, according to the NWS.

"The hottest temperatures of the year are expected over the next few days. This combined with dewpoints in the 70s will result in dangerous heat indices. Remember to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and check up on family/friends frequently during this heat wave," the National Weather Service Indianapolis posted on X (formerly Twitter) early Wednesday.

The hottest temperatures of the year are expected over the next few days. This combined with dewpoints in the 70s will result in dangerous heat indices. Remember to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and check up on family/friends frequently during this heat wave. #inwx pic.twitter.com/rGGUHx1XTb  NWS Indianapolis (@NWSIndianapolis) August 23, 2023

Indiana weather predictions: How warm will Indiana's fall be? How cold will it get this winter? Check out these predictions

Indiana heat advisories

The conditions this week contribute to heat indices (what the heat feels like even if the actual temperature is lower) of over 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat advisories are triggered at 105 degrees.

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With heat that intense and with that much humidity, you know it's very, very easy to overheat if you're outside or doing work or exercising outside, said meteorologist Matthew Eckhoff.

The advisory is currently through Thursday night. Friday is expected to be a little cooler, with a high of 92 and a potential drop in humidity.

Dangerous heat is expected through much of this week. A heat advisory is in effect with heat indices likely around 105F across much of central Indiana today. Remember to stay hydrated and limit time outdoors if possible. #inwx pic.twitter.com/RfSfAAqJMv  NWS Indianapolis (@NWSIndianapolis) August 21, 2023

Places to stay cool in Indiana weather

Eckhoff recommends drinking plenty of water, limiting outdoor activities, staying in the shade, and getting into air-conditioned buildings when possible to cope.

Family centers at Indianapolis parks are operating as cooling centers during normal hours. For center and splash pad locations, visit https://bit.ly/3NQQrQD.

 It's going to be HOT this week. As a reminder, if you need a place to cool down, our family centers are open during normal operating hours as cooling centers. Splash pads are also available as a way to cool off! To learn more, click here: https://t.co/IaPaeKtXl8 pic.twitter.com/imqs4iJswM  Indy Parks (@IndyParksandRec) August 21, 2023

Most Salvation Army corps community centers across the state also serve as cooling centers, open to the public during normal operating hours with air-conditioned seating areas, restrooms and drinking water is provided. Find a Salvation Army at SalvationArmyIndiana.org.

The Salvation Army in Shelbyville is providing free fans to residents meeting certain criteria, including those living in households with seniors or young children, but without functioning air conditioners. Call 317-398-7421 for details.

Retro Indy summers: Archive photos of Indianapolis take us back.

Nighttime forecasts

Also, the National Weather Service said residents shouldnt expect the night to bring much relief.

The low temperatures in the mid-to-upper-70s mean it'll be hot and humid throughout the nights, Eckhoff said.

If you don't have air conditioning, that could really heat up the inside of your house. That kind of heat, even at night, is unsafe.

National Weather Service forecast for Indianapolis

Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 105. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 9 mph in the morning.

Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southwest wind 9 to 11 mph.

Thursday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 107. West southwest wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Southwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 91. West wind 7 to 9 mph.

Friday night: Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.

Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.

Sunday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 81.

Monday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana weather forecast expects extreme heat in Indianapolis, region
A Texas man is accused of fatally shooting a passenger while he was driving, causing a major wreck in the process, police say.

Officers with the Jersey Village Police Department responded to a three-vehicle crash along U.S. Highway 290 at 8:37 p.m. on Aug. 22, the department said in a news release.

Police arrived at the scene to find a man had been shot, the department said, adding that he was a passenger in a truck involved in the crash.

Investigators believe an argument broke out between the passenger and the driver, who were acquaintances, police said. As the fight escalated, the driver pulled out a handgun and the men struggled for control of the weapon.

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The driver shot the passenger during the struggle, according to police.

The truck came to a stop on the highway, causing two other vehicles to become involved in an accident, police said.

The passenger died at the scene and the driver was detained, according to the release. Two people injured in the accident were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Police said the case will be turned over to a grand jury to determine if charges should be brought against the driver.

Jersey Village is roughly 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston.

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The death of Tafari Campbell, former President Barack Obama s personal chef, in Marthas Vineyard last month was ruled an accident by the Massachusetts chief medical examiner, officials saidTuesday.

His body was recovered on July 24, a day after he went missing while paddle boarding in Edgartown Great Pond.

Timothy McGuirk, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, said Campbells cause of death was accidental drowning due to submersion in a body of water.

Campbell struggled to stay afloat after he fell off his paddle board and eventually fell under the water, according to The Boston Globe.

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His body was located roughly 100 feet away from shore by deploying side-scan sonars from a boat, authorities said. Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama werent at the residence when the accident took place, officials said.

Campbell, a former sous chef at the White House, is survived by his wife and two twin sons.

Following his death, the Obamas shared a statement paying tribute to Campbell, calling him a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter.

Thats why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed, they said at the time. Hes been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that hes gone.

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Two South Carolinians are among the eight Republican presidential candidates who will meet for the first time on the debate stage Wednesday night to talk everything 2024, attempt to out-maneuver one another and  most of all  win over Republican voters.

Heres when, how and where to watch, and what to expect.

The debate, hosted by Fox News, will begin at 9 p.m. Wednesday and will run for two hours.

In order to appear onstage in Milwaukee, candidates had to have committed 48 hours before the debate started, which was Monday at 9 p.m.

Former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley ; U.S. Sen. Tim Scott , of South Carolina; entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy; Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis; former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie; North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum; former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson; and former Vice President Mike Pence have all qualified and affirmed they would be in attendance.

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Former President Donald Trump qualified but opted instead to do a one-on-one interview with former Fox News personality Tucker Carlson, which was already recorded as a counter program to the Wednesday night debate, according to a report by NBC News.

In order to qualify for the event, candidates had to have a minimum of 40,000 donors, with 200 in 20 or more states, and poll at least 1% in three high-quality national polls or a mix of national and early-state polls between July 1 and Monday, according to requirements set by the Republican National Committee.

Its still uncertain what exactly will be asked of candidates and whether they will get the same questions. But the moderators, Foxs Martha MacCallum and Bret Baier , will ask some questions that involve video, including pre-taped questions submitted by students through Young Americas Foundation, a conservative student group, Fox told The State reporters.

Candidates will not make opening statements, Fox said. They will have one minute to answer a question, 30 seconds for follow-ups and 45 seconds for a closing statement.

While Trump wont be in attendance, his presence sure will be.

Before it was announced that Trump wasnt attending, Baier told Politico, If hes not there, hell still be there.

In other words, hell be a part of questioning, Baier said, according to a Politico report. There may be sound bites, there may be elements where this is what the leader of the primary says about this issue. Hell be there, even if hes not there.

Baier went on to tell Politico that they will talk about subjects as buckets of questions, and those wouldnt change much if Trump was or wasnt there.

MacCallum said the goal will be to jump right in and get right to the news of the day.

You can watch the debate on Fox Business Network, Fox News Digital, the Fox Nation streaming service or Fox News Audio. The Republican National Committee also plans to livestream the event online on Rumble.
And then there was one.

When the candidates vying for the Republican presidential nomination take the debate stage on Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis will be the only one from Florida.

There are two others  so far  from the Sunshine State. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez failed to meet the polling requirements to participate, after crowing prematurely that he had qualified. Former President Donald Trump is taking a pass, doing his own thing in a pre-recorded interview with former Fox superstar Tucker Carlson.

This is a tremendous opportunity for DeSantis to hit reset, to do away with the adjectives that have stuck to him like gum on the bottom of his shoe: unlikable, extreme, uncharismatic, opportunistic and, as the Editorial Board finds, inauthentic.

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Suarezs failure to qualify might be for the best. His political reputation is taking hit after hit. Tuesday, the Herald reported that the Florida Commission on Ethics is reviewing a complaint about the mayors attendance at exclusive and expensive sporting events in the past 18 months  and whether he paid to attend or if tickets, including to the Miami Formula One race in May, were gifted.

This comes on top of a county ethics investigation into Suarezs relationship with developer Rishi Kapoor. He paid the mayor $170,000 in consulting fees while seeking city approvals on a real-estate project in Coconut Grove. Worse, at least for Suarez, the FBI is also investigating.

Rather than trying to convey that hes the fresh, new, visionary voice of the Republican Party, these probes and complaints would make him a target during the debate, suggesting hes just another ethically challenged politician. Only Trump can get away with that and still emerge on top. It remains to be seen if Suarez drops out of race. Thats what he said any candidate who fails to make the debate stage should do.

DeSantis may be running a distant second to the relentlessly popular Trump, but the governor will be the one other candidates try to take down.

Of course, Trump will be there in spirit, his candidacy the elephant in the room. Candidates will either tiptoe around it or, we hope, be emboldened by his physical absence, a love of our Constitution and a sense of duty, and call the former president what he is: the man wanted to cling to power so badly he tried to throw our democracy under the bus.

Former Vice President Mike Pence has been forthright on the campaign trail; and former Gov. Chris Christie, of New Jersey, couldnt tiptoe if he tried. His candidacy is one loud siren that Trump is a dangerous autocrat who should never, ever, take possession of the Oval Office again. Hell be fun to watch, expected to lob truth bombs and zingers  and possibly even improve his abysmal poll numbers.

In fact, compared to Trump, every other candidates poll numbers are abysmal, even DeSantis  though he remains the strongest candidate of the pack after the former president. Trumps base of voters, growing stronger with each indictment, it seems, likely will not be persuaded to jump his ship. This finally dawned on the Florida governors flailing campaign. He has moved away from running to Trumps right. He sounded like a man unhinged, with talk of slitting throats and shooting drug traffickers on sight. His culture-war rhetoric didnt resonate, and big donors were closing their wallets.

Recent polls continue to show Trump garnering at least 50% of Republican voters support. DeSantis is mired at about 15%.

For the record, the Editorial Board has disagreed with DeSantis damaging policies in Florida and is horrified by Trump. That said, if DeSantis can begin to speak with more common sense, more concern to ground-level issues  and with more empathy and authenticity  perhaps he can give those outside of Trumps base something to rally around.

If nothing else, democracy deserves a good fight.
Editor's note: This story was prepared before Wednesday night's Republican presidential debate.

Former President Donald Trump has such a big lead in the Republican nomination contest  and is, voters tell us, such a dominant topic of the campaign  that we can even define primary voter segments around him. That helps explore just how solid his support really is.

Trump has the lion's share of the vote and he has even more people considering him  so his lead could grow.

Most Republican primary voters planning to watch the debate are at least considering other candidates. It doesn't mean they would prefer someone other than Trump, but they at least signal an openness to the possibility. The challenge for other candidates is that most voters want someone similar to Trump, while Trump himself is running.

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So, here are the four groups, which we have named, based on our most recent polling and informed by our two previous waves of GOP polling this year.

"Trump-and-only-Trump" voters (30%)

Definition: Not only are these voters voting for Trump, but they're also considering only him and no other names. They aren't even giving others a look.

At three in 10 GOP primary voters and nearly half of Trump voters, they provide a "floor" of support that, by itself, might be enough to win the nomination in a crowded field, if it came to that.

They're the core of the "MAGA base." We know them well by now: we watched their impact in the midterms last year and in 2020. It's no secret how they vote. The only question is how big their ranks ultimately grow in the 2024 primaries.

What distinguishes them now?

A personal connection: they almost all say Trump "fights" for them. And they're also supporting him in his legal fights, wanting payback, more so than the larger group of those considering him. They like Trump personally and have told us he makes them feel "confident," "inspired" and "empowered".

It's combative. They overwhelmingly see Democrats as enemies and threats to their way of life more than as mere political opponents. To that end, this group is most likely to want to hear debate topics like investigating the Biden family.

They want a tough line on immigration: They would prefer a nominee who says migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border should be punished, rather than treated well, by three to one.

More broadly, their vision for America looks further back: Like many Republicans, they think the answer to today's problems lies in the past  but not the past of the 2010s, which included years Trump was president (though they do think things were better then).

Instead, it's the 1950s and the 1980s that they think provide answers for today (also, of course, two decades dominated by Republican presidents too).

Trump's "incumbent advantage" voters (32%)

Definition: They're voting Trump, but say they're also actively considering at least one other candidate.

In many ways, they look ideologically similar to the first group. Just as many identify as "very" conservative and "strong" Republicans, if not more, and they hold similar views on abortion and which groups are treated unfairly in the U.S. However, they are less likely than Trump-and-only-Trump voters to identify as part of the MAGA movement, and less motivated by ideas like payback and loyalty.

One big reason for their consideration: they've always been supporters. They know him better than others. Plus they like him personally, but even more, they believe he fights for them, suggesting again the slightly more transactional thought process. Given that, we call these factors Trump's "incumbent advantage" because while he's not technically one any more, that familiarity and continuity of support from voters are things one might see with an incumbent.

When asked why they're also considering others, though, their main reason they give is that they're just keeping options open. For these voters, it's just early. But they do not want someone new for the sake of someone new. And if it wasn't Trump, they'd want a nominee similar to him.

They're the most likely group to watch the debate and were more likely than only-Trump voters to say Trump should show up to it  perhaps reflecting that desire to see more  before he announced he would not be participating.

They're also relatively unconcerned by his legal fights and still think Trump is their best chance to beat President Joe Biden. They are only a little less driven by the Democrats-as-enemies narrative than are only-Trump voters.

The only question here for Trump is if he can take the next step and make them consider only him (or if the other candidates manage to drive them back to him).

It's probably by talking about his past achievements more than any suggestions about political payback. The approach for others is to be similar to Trump, while making a case they're more electable. The challenge, of course, is that Trump himself is running and already seen as very capable of defeating Biden.

"Someone new" voters (13%)

Definition: The smallest of the four groups, they are not voting for Trump right now, but they have not ruled him out. And they share a lot of commonalities with Trump voters. They don't dislike him. In fact, most would prefer the nominee be similar to him. And on several issues, including support for Ukraine, abortion, and Trump's indictments, they look more similar to those who are voting for Trump, and less similar to those who've ruled him out.

So what does separate them?

Concern about the general election: They're not as convinced that Trump will beat Mr. Biden in 2024. And beating Mr. Biden is really important to them, more than whether the nominee shares their issue positions. About half of them say Trump would definitely win  that's noticeably fewer than say so in the other, Trump-voting groups.

Relatedly, many of them describe Trump as controversial, but that's not disqualifying for them.

They've wanted a nominee with what they think is wider appeal. Unlike the first two groups, this type of voter told us in June that it's more important that the GOP nominee be able to appeal to moderate and independent voters than turn out the base. And they're less confident that Trump would beat Mr. Biden next year.

They do overwhelmingly think Trump has gotten too much coverage. Unlike the previous group, they think the party should consider "someone new."

They have a different general-election calculus, seeing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as about equally electable as Trump.

They, like other Republicans, think the Georgia charges are politically motivated. But compared to Trump voters, they're likelier to say Mr. Biden won legitimately in 2020. Again, this is a relative matter, but right now some of that effect is keeping Trump out of their first-choice box.

This is only about 1 in 8 voters at the moment  so Trump doesn't need these voters but could still win them over. The other candidates need to hold this vote, and one of them probably needs to consolidate it around them.

The "Trump Fatigue" vote (25%)

Definition: They've ruled out Trump for now, neither voting for him, nor considering him, nor might consider him.

Making up about a quarter of the electorate, they aren't numerous enough to change the race on their own.

In May, six in 10 of this type of voter said Trump makes them feel "exhausted" and one third "worried." Today, three in four aren't only looking for someone else, but they want a nominee that they would describe as different from Trump.

They don't like Trump personally and are mostly worried that he cannot win the general election. A quarter say he would be a "long shot" to beat Mr. Biden, and this group sees several candidates as more electable than him: DeSantis tops this list, followed by Scott and Haley.

They mostly voted for Trump in 2020, though with a little more crossover to Mr. Biden than other Republicans. They are largely conservative but more likely than other primary voters to label themselves moderate.

They are much more likely to hold college degrees than the rest of the primary electorate, and also tend to have higher incomes and be more suburban. They, like all Republicans, dislike the way things are going, but they're a little more likely than fellow partisans to think the answers lie in the future.

Big picture/what to watch

Looking at the race as a whole, zooming out from the segments, we can see each candidate's current support, as well as the percentage considering them. Consideration is always important at this early stage. While it signals that several candidates have room to grow, it also means there's potential for Trump's lead to grow even larger  there are additional people considering him, who aren't backing him right now.

And if the debates are to have an impact on the race, it will be important to watch Trump's softer supporters  can any candidates make the case that they are more electable than Trump? And will "Someone new" and "Trump fatigue" voters start to coalesce around an alternative if there's someone they see shine on the debate stage?

Editor's Note: A label on a graphic was edited from an earlier version to correctly match the text.



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A more than 20-year-old corpse was found in a melting Austrian glacier Friday.

Police were able to identify the man with a driver's license preserved in his backpack in the ice.

Rising temperatures due to climate change are leading to the discovery of bodies trapped beneath the ice.

A mountain guide at a melting Austrian glacier found the body of a man believed to have been dead for more than two decades on Friday, police announced Tuesday in a statement.

The guide discovered the corpse in the Schlatenkees glacier in East Tyrol at about 2,900 meters, police said, adding that it was clear the body had been stuck there for a long time. They said they were notified of the body and recovered it with a helicopter.

A backpack was also found in the glacier just a few meters beneath the body, police said, containing cash, a bank card, and a driver's license.

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The preserved documents helped police identify the man as a 37-year-old Austrian who is believed to have had an accident on the glacier in 2001. Police said he had been traveling with ski-touring equipment.

Police said they are comparing DNA to confirm the man's identity.

Rising temperatures due to the climate crisis are causing glaciers all over the world to melt rapidly, contributing to the discovery of several bodies trapped beneath the ice in recent years.

CNN reported that just last month the body of a German mountain climber who went missing 37 years ago was found in the Theodul Glacier in Zermatt, Switzerland.

Read the original article on Insider
For 110 years, a small swathe of mighty Pine Mountain has been a shelter, a school, and a gathering place in Harlan County. But this past weekend, Pine Mountain Settlement School instead became the latest flashpoint in our culture wars.

The Waymakers Collective, a group of Appalachian artists, was holding its annual meeting at Pine Mountain Settlement School. It included performances, artist workshops, film screenings and art activities. Participants stayed in the cottages and dorms around the compound.

They also had permission to use the chapel, and set it up as a healing space with pillows, mats, a table of aromatic oils and an om symbol, which symbolizes the universe in the Hindu religion. They were not allowed to move the pews, but Pine Mountain staff set up tables.

On Saturday, someone took a picture of the chapel and posted it on social media, which was soon shared around the Harlan County community of Bledsoe, where Pine Mountain is located. According to a statement from the Pine Mountain board, community members called the interim director and board chair about the chapel. Pine Mountain officials asked the Waymakers to move the healing space to another location, and the Waymakers agreed, according to the statement.

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But before they could do so, a group of men and women in trucks and on ATVs, entered the Pine Mountain campus, blocked the exit, and then made their way to the chapel. According to the Waymakers statement, the people who entered the chapel demanded that we leave. Our group was told they did not belong there, were desecrating a Christian space, and needed to leave right away. We were shocked by this as we had rented out the entire campus of PMSS for our event and were treating the entire property with respect and in the manner we had communicated to PMSS prior to our event.

But the Waymakers, who are dedicated to the art of the marginalized, including indigenous people, people of color and LGBTQ folks, were terrified. They decided to end the retreat early, and according to their statement, left in a large convoy, so no one would be driving through Harlan County alone.

Many of our participants are deeply traumatized by this experience, especially those of us with personal lived experiences of racial and gender-based violence, the statement said.

A Pine Mountain staff member intervened, and both the Kentucky State Police and Harlan Sheriffs deputies also appeared.

Tate Napier, one of the ringleaders, said on Facebook that he was polite and respectful, and helped the Waymakers move. But he was also unrepentant.

We went in as a community of believers of Jesus Christ and had these people removed from His chapel! he said on FB. Nobody was mean, no fights broke out. We even helped them carry the stuff out and I tried speaking to them about Jesus, but they wanted no part in that.

THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN ON MY WATCH I DONT CARE WHAT THE WORLD SAYS ABOUT IT I ONLY CARE WHAT GOD SAYS. IF YOU DONT LIKE IT SUE ME.

This will also NEVER happen again at Pine Mountain Settlement School.

Napier did not respond to a request for further comment.

An educational heritage

Napier is a descendant of William Creech, who gifted the land to educators Katherine Pettit and Ethel DeLong Zande, (who for their times were wildly progressive feminists), to start a school to educate the students of his county. Pettit had co-founded Hindman Settlement School in 1902.

Two years ago, I wrote a story about the Nativity Play that has been staged at the Pine Mountain Settlement School every year since the schools founding in 1913. It gave me a better sense of how deeply the community feels about Pine Mountain as the site of generations of marriages and family reunions. The community, including Creechs numerous descendants, feel Pine Mountain is their heritage, their homeplace. They feel it belongs to them and that a Hindu symbol was desecration of the chapel.

But it is not in fact theirs to decide on. Nor do they have the right to interrupt the programming that goes on there. Napier may feel he is on some kind of holy crusade, one that many people in the community agree with. But he is not in charge of the school. In fact, Pine Mountain officials had the situation well in hand before he and his fellow enforcers got to the school.

As the Pine Mountain Settlement School board ponders how lucky it was that no one got hurt, they will also have to decide who is in charge of the school, which financially depends on groups like Waymakers for their rental fees. According to the Kentucky Lantern, another group has already canceled their gathering there over Labor Day.

Here are some questions for board members: How did the photo of the chapel get to social media, inflaming local community members? Does the community have the right to interrupt any sessions they dont approve of? What if someone used Pine Mountain (as they probably already have) for discussion of coal and climate change? Should the community approve of the workshops the school holds for students from around Kentucky who come to Bledsoe every year? Will participating groups have to pass some kind of religious purity test before being allowed to rent there?

Harlan Judge Executive Dan Mosley, who was married at the chapel, said he understood the feelings of people like Napier.

One way to coexist is respect, he said. Respect for different peoples culture and ideology. Someone may not agree with my religious beliefs but they could respect them by not disrespecting where I worship, and I could respect their religious beliefs, too.

Pine Mountain Settlement School could continue its educational heritage by working with both groups toward some better understanding. The Waymakers are willing.

While we believe this incident over the weekend has been misunderstood by a small group of individuals, we are hopeful the leadership of PMSS will be open to work with us on a resolution as they have witnessed our annual gathering brought people together peacefully, said Joe Tolbert Jr. the executive director of Waymakers Collective. As a non-profit organization focused on healing, through the arts, we strive to sustain creative practice, land, livelihoods, and open communication. We are here to build community, not divide.

According to a statement released by the Pine Mountain board, it sounds like they will be willing as well. They stressed the retreat was a private function planned by the Waymakers.

Pine Mountain was founded upon principles of the social settlement movement, which stressed building bridges between people of diverse backgrounds and circumstances, promoting mutual respect and understanding, and coming together to promote the common good, the statement said.

Harlan artist, author and playwright Robert Gipe is a member of Waymakers and was at the retreat. He wonders if there is a way to talk about what Waymakers and people like Tate Napier have in common, which, because they are all Appalachian, is more than they might think.

Its hard times for everybody in this region except for a precious few and there is a lot of stress and pressure on everybody, he said. Were trying to figure it out and people are getting comfort in different places. The question is, how do we have a society where the most people can be safe, how do we minimize the ways we feel threatened by one another?
In whats probably one of the more remarkable stories to come out of the Russia-Ukraine air war, reports emerged today of an apparent defection to Ukraine by a Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS, in its Russian abbreviation) Mi-8AMTSh Hip combat transport helicopter, in what is claimed to have been a long-planned Ukrainian intelligence operation.

If true, not only did the Mi-8 and at least some of its crew end up in Ukrainian hands, but the helicopters cargo consisted of undisclosed parts for VKS Su-27 and Su-30SM Flanker fighters, which were being transported between two airbases. That is the claim made by the Ukrainska Pravda newspaper, citing sources in Ukrainian defense intelligence, and the chief of Ukraines Main Directorate of Intelligence has also confirmed the basics of the story.

https://twitter.com/pravda_eng/status/1694321509647450488?s=20

Those Russian airbases have not been named, and the exact route taken by the helicopter into Ukraine is unclear, although there are suggestions it landed somewhere near Poltava, in central Ukraine.

The approximate location of Poltava in Ukraine. Google Earth

The reports suggest that Ukraines Main Directorate of Intelligence planned the operation over a six-month period, before achieving success. The pilot of the Hip was apparently convinced to defect, with members of his family already having been moved to Ukraine for their own safety. It is not known if there was also a financial incentive, but that would not be unheard of in this kind of situation.

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The most comprehensive account of the incident was provided by the head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, speaking to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. He confirmed that the operation had happened, stating:

We were able to find the right approach to the man, we were able to create the conditions to take out the whole family unnoticed, and ultimately create the conditions so that he was able to overrun this aircraft with a crew that did not know what was going on. When they realized where they had landed, they tried to run away. Unfortunately, they were destroyed; we would have liked to [take them] alive, but we have what we have.

Budanov said the captured helicopter was now in Kyiv and that the pilot wanted to stay in the country.

https://twitter.com/yarotrof/status/1694439415886533003?s=20

Russian sources also confirmed that a VKS Mi-8ATSh had ended up in Ukraine, bu provided different reasons as to why. According to Fighterbomber, a prominent pro-Russian military channel on Telegram, the incident took place a couple of weeks ago, after the helicopters crew lost their way.

The crew, for some reason, lost their bearings and crossed the border, Fighterbomber stated, as well as confirming that a photo circulating in Ukrainian media was that of the Mi-8 involved.

The Mi-8 crossed the border into Ukraine with three individuals on board, Fighterbomber says, although the identity of the others is unclear. For normal transport missions, the Mi-8AMTSh is operated by a crew of three: pilot, pilot-navigator, and flight technician.

https://twitter.com/RALee85/status/1539901487488372736?s=20 https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1508287500099506180?s=20

Fighterbomber also refuted claims that the pilots family had been moved to Ukraine in advance and said that they were in contact with relatives of all crew members.

The same Russian source also agreed that two crew members were likely killed, in an apparent firefight with Ukrainian soldiers:

Realizing where they landed, [the crew] attempted to take off, but were shot while the helicopter was on the ground. Presumably, two crew members died, and the commander was taken hostage.

None of these specifics can be independently verified, at this stage.

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1694330232831119591?s=20

Not surprisingly, for an operation of this scope, Ukrainian officials have otherwise provided little in the way of detail.

However, Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraines Main Directorate of Intelligence, told state television: There will be official information. We need to wait a little bit  we are working on it, including with the crew.

https://twitter.com/NatalkaKyiv/status/1694366813759361319?s=20

That statement would seem to cast doubt on claims that both other crew members had been killed.

At the same time, Yusov appeared to confirm the general aspects of the incident, including that a Mi-8 had landed in Ukraine.

Thats not to say the Hip might not genuinely have become lost and accidentally crossed the Ukrainian border before landing in hostile territory. It could also potentially have been forced down by enemy action or a technical malfunction.

On the other hand, a defecting and compliant VKS combat pilot would be a very valuable intelligence windfall for Ukraine. As one of the latest versions of the long-established Mi-8 Hip design, the Mi-8AMTSh may also be of interest for closer examination, especially if fitted with some of the more modern Russian self-protection equipment.

https://twitter.com/Roberto05246129/status/1685134156718612481?s=20

Meanwhile the various Flanker jet parts  depending on what exactly they consisted of  could potentially yield even greater intelligence benefits. All this could be useful for Ukrainian allies, too, with an established intelligence-sharing program to better understand various bits of Russian defense technology and tactics and share these lessons.

Either way, the incident is another embarrassment for the Russian Armed Forces and the VKS in particular.

Just three days ago, an apparent Ukrainian drone strike on Soltsy-2 airbase in Russia destroyed at least one Tu-22M3 Backfire bomber, evidence of which we were able to look at in more detail thanks to satellite imagery that emerged yesterday.

A close-up of a Planet Labs satellite image showing the burned remains of a Russian Tu-22M3 Backfire bomber destroyed during a Ukrainian drone attack last week at the Stoltsy-2 airbase in Russia. PHOTO  2023 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION

That incident, taking place more than 400 miles north of the Ukrainian border, was just the latest in a string of Ukrainian attacks, or attempted attacks against the VKS outside of Ukraine. These have mainly targeted VKS bombers, but also highly valuable airborne early warning platforms, at bases in Russia, Russian-occupied Crimea, and Belarus.

While the bombers of the VKS have maintained a steady campaign of mainly missile strikes against Ukrainian targets, including civilian ones, the tactical aviation arm  including helicopters  has been generally less effective, especially against Ukrainian ground-based air defenses, which have extracted a heavy toll. As a result, the VKS has not yet managed to establish air superiority over Ukraine, despite the much inferior equipment and small size of the Ukrainian Air Force.

https://twitter.com/KpsZSU/status/1693896025495290026?s=20

Nevertheless, there are signs that the VKS has been more successful in holding back the ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensive, with attack helicopters in particular scoring valuable kills against Ukrainian armor. At the same time, changing tactics have seen VKS tactical jets lobbing glide bombs against battlefield and infrastructure targets, in a tactic against which Ukrainian air defenses are apparently impotent  at least for the time being.

The VKS was also struck another blow today, when its commander, Gen. Sergei Surovikin, was relieved of his command. His became the highest-level sacking yet of a military commander, after Yevgeny Prigozhins abortive mutiny in June. Prigozhin had previously publicly voiced his support for Surovikin, which seems to have sealed the generals fate.

https://twitter.com/TheStudyofWar/status/1694406541753929903?s=20

The fallout from that attempted coup may have also claimed the life of Prigozhin, whose business jet crashed in northern Russia today, killing all on board, as you can read about here.

https://twitter.com/maxseddon/status/1694397010680361239?s=20

Surovikin was put on extended leave before being removed and the repercussions may well extend beyond the VKS. After all, there are now questions about whether Surovikin was aware of the plans for the mutiny or perhaps even aided it.

Taken together with the reported Mi-8AMTSh defection, this has turned out to be an altogether highly unfortunate day for the beleaguered Russian Aerospace Forces.

Contact the author: thomas@thedrive.com
Dr. Monica Faria, a Scottsdale addiction psychiatrist, wants to spend time with her patients: at least 30 minutes or more per appointment.

In order to do that and to keep her practice afloat, she's opted not to accept health insurance.

"This specialty is based upon creating a safe space and trust between two people, and we need time for that," said Faria, who has also worked in a hospital and in a community health center, where she found she had less time to spend with patients. "You can't do that in 15 minutes. You can barely even get to it, I think, in 30 minutes."

Like many private mental health providers in Arizona, Faria doesn't accept Medicaid, Medicare or any commercial insurance plans. Patients must pay out-of-pocket or find treatment elsewhere.

Scottsdale addiction psychiatrist Dr. Monica Faria says that if she were to contract with insurance companies, she would have to see four to six patients an hour to match what she's earning now.

Mental health providers who opt out of insurance say they have solid reasons for their fee policies. Insurance companies, including the paperwork they entail and the disruptive prior authorizations they often impose, stymie their ability to properly care for patients, they say.

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Yet having providers who don't take insurance adds obstacles for patients trying to find mental health care. Depending on the frequency of visits, paying for mental health with no insurance to defray the cost can add up to thousands of dollars per year.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in heightened attention to mental health and a higher demand for care, has put a spotlight on the significant and persistent barriers to getting mental health treatment. President Joe Biden on July 25 outlined a sweeping plan to improve access to mental health care in the U.S. and said that one of the biggest barriers for patients is cost.

"People with insurance are twice as likely to have to go out-of-network for mental health care compared to physical health care. And that gap has only gotten wider," Biden said at the time. "As a result, folks with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorders, eating disorders, addiction and other illnesses often go without care. Period. And you know how that ends, many times."

Several national surveys and studies have found that in spite of the 2008 federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, Americans seeking mental health care still encounter more roadblocks, including cost, than those seeking care for physical ailments. A March 2022 GAO report found that low reimbursement rates contributed to a lack of willingness among some mental health providers to take patients or to join insurance networks.

"Although approximately 91 percent of the U.S. population is covered by public or private health plans, having such coverage does not guarantee access to mental health services," the GAO report says.

A 2019 report published by Milliman, a health care consulting company, found that in 2017, primary care physicians were reimbursed by insurers between 16.3% and 22.3% more than behavioral health care professionals for the same level of services.

There is not much of an incentive for providers to take insurance if they arent guaranteed adequate payment, Mary Giliberti, chief public policy officer for Mental Health America, wrote in a blog post earlier this year.

"A psychiatrist could make more than double from seeing a patient and billing them directly rather than taking Medicare and make three times as much compared to Medicaid," she wrote.

Faria said she'd need to hire another employee, in addition to her practice manager, if she were to contract with insurance companies. She'd also have to see between four and six patients an hour in order to match what she's earning now, she said.

The federal parity law helped elevate the importance of mental health among private insurance providers, but it didn't really do anything to address the root causes of why providers might not contract with insurance companies, and it also didn't mandate payment equity, said Jennifer Snow, national director of government relations and policy for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

"It more had to do with the coverage that was provided," Snow said. "The reality for people with mental illness is that the parity law doesn't always equal access to care."

Dr. Don Fowls, a psychiatrist and health care consultant, says the behavioral health field has a history of fraud and abuse, so insurance companies need to maintain checks and balances.

Arizona took its own action to give the enforcement of federal insurance parity more teeth in 2020 when then-Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed Jake's Law. Jake's Law, which included several other measures to improve mental health care access, was named for Arizona resident Jake Machovsky, who died by suicide on Jan. 11, 2016, at age 15. He took his own life less than three months after an insurance company denied his family's request to extend his inpatient hospitalization for suicidal ideation beyond five days.

Jake's law was a step, "a start," but there are still Arizonans who aren't getting the mental health care they need, said Dr. Don Fowls, a psychiatrist and health care consultant who is chair of the government relations committee for the Arizona Psychiatric Society.

Parity exists on paper, but not in actuality, he said.

'More people are realizing just how challenging it is to find a provider'

Snow said NAMI has a 1-800 helpline and "not a day goes by" without people calling to say they are ready to receive mental health care but can't find a way to get it. The helpline commonly hears from people who can't get in to see anyone because the provider isn't seeing new patients, doesn't accept their insurance, or the provider is in their insurance network but has a waiting list.

"They really then are faced with the reality that they might have to pay out-of-pocket to go out of network to get medical care," Snow said. "Some are going to take on debt in order to do that, and others might just forgo care. And these are really choices no one should have to make."

Exacerbating the problems with finding help that existed before the pandemic is a national shortage of mental health providers that has worsened since 2020.

Chiricahua Community Health Centers Inc. in rural Cochise County has been trying to hire a psychiatrist for six to eight months, with no luck. Valleywise Health in Phoenix has had to close several of its inpatient psychiatric units because of a lack of behavioral health staff. MHC Healthcare in Marana just hired two psychiatrists, but the process took about a year.

"I think with more people experiencing mental health conditions and trying to access care, more people are realizing just how challenging it is to find a provider," Snow said.

Some Arizona providers left the profession or cut back their hours during the pandemic, said Scottsdale mental health consultant Matthew Moody, who is president of the board of directors for Mental Health America Arizona.

"If you want to find a counselor and you don't know anybody, your insurance company gives you a huge list and you have to call them all individually," Moody said. "A lot of them won't even answer the phone. ... If you are depressed and feeling hopeless and you make five phone calls and never get a call back, then guess what, you might just stop and continue to suffer."

Having trouble finding a therapist? A community health center might be able to help

A shortage of mental health providers and escalated patient needs since the pandemic means a provider who doesn't take insurance likely won't have trouble finding patients willing to pay cash, though many providers, including Faria, already were eschewing insurance before the pandemic.

Being free from contracting with insurance companies allows Faria to spend more time speaking with patients and to manage and monitor their medications, she said.

Psychiatric medications can have profound impacts on the nervous system, and it's important to carefully monitor patients for side effects, she said.

Mental health treatment may cost hundreds of dollars per hour

The share of all types of physicians accepting patients is lowest among psychiatrists, with 60% accepting new Medicare patients and 59% accepting new privately insured patients, says a 2022 analysis from KFF, an independent health policy organization.

For both Medicare and private insurance, the share of psychiatrists accepting new patients was at least 20 percentage points lower than the share of physicians in general/family practice accepting new patients, the analysis found.

Psychiatrists are more likely than other specialists to opt out of accepting Medicare, the analysis found. In 2022, 7.5% of U.S. psychiatrists opted out of Medicare, compared with a 1% opt-out rate for all physicians.

Psychiatrists are less likely than primary care physicians and other specialists to accept new patients covered by Medicaid, according to a study published in a 2019 research letter by University of Kentucky researcher Hefei Wen in JAMA Psychiatry. The study found that in a two-year span from 2014 to 2015, 35% of psychiatrists were accepting new Medicaid patients versus 73% of primary care doctors.

Snow, of NAMI, said she's not aware of any up-to-date data on how many psychiatrists in private practice opt out of insurance, but it's an issue her organization regularly hears about. Fowls said he's aware of it happening in Arizona, too.

Fowls said he understands why some providers don't take insurance, but he also sees insurers' perspective. Behavioral health has a history of fraud and abuse, and insurance companies need to maintain checks and balances, he said.

And some psychiatrists charge more money than insurance should pay, he said.

"The insurers don't pay enough, and the paperwork is still a burden. There's a problem there," Fowls said. "But I also know that there's a problem on the provider side. I am a psychiatrist, and there are a lot of good psychiatrists. But there are some who want to make a buck and make a lot of money and who are using psychiatry to make a buck."

Costs of direct-pay psychiatric services vary, and some providers will offer a sliding fee scale, but it can be hundreds of dollars an hour. One Scottsdale practice, which has five psychiatrists on staff, as of Aug. 4 charged $750 for a 90-minute initial child psychiatry consultation, $415 for a 50-minute follow-up, and $250 for a 30-minute follow-up, its website said.

Psychologists and licensed therapists are typically cheaper than psychiatrists, though an individual session can still exceed $100, which is a barrier for some patients. Some practices say they will offer patients a "superbill," which is an invoice for the treatment that patients may submit to their insurers for out-of-network reimbursement, but it's not a guarantee that insurance companies will grant the out-of-network coverage.

Mental health practices that don't accept insurance sometimes offer explanations on their websites.

"I love spending quality time with my patients and insurance won't allow me to do that." says the website of Tucson psychiatrist Dr. Lisa Goldman, who did not return a phone message or email from The Arizona Republic.

Phoenix psychologist Betsy Gilpin, who has been practicing since 1982, said prospective patients who call her independent practice are often relieved to find out that she does accept insurance and that she's taking new patients. Gilpin has never considered opting out of taking insurance because she wants to provide care that's affordable to her patients, who include many young families and older people on Medicare who don't have a lot of disposable income, she said.

Phoenix clinical psychologist Dr. Betsy Gilpin says accepting insurance can make therapy affordable for people who need it.

Gilpin said she understands why some providers don't take insurance as it can be time-consuming and "a lot of hassles" are involved. But she also sees the benefits of insurance because it can make therapy affordable for people who need it.

Gilpin emphasized that getting mental health care, even with insurance coverage, is a huge financial stretch for some of her patients. Patients are facing higher out-of-pocket expenses than in the past because of a trend in health insurance plans toward higher annual deductibles and higher co-payments.

Most AZ counties don't have psychiatrists for adolescents

Psychiatrists are in short supply across the U.S. Arizona's ratio of psychiatrists per resident is worse than the national average, and Fowls said the shortage has a "pretty profound effect" on residents.

The state has 947 active psychiatrists for a population of 7.3 million people, and national studies indicate the profession will undergo a wave of retirements in the next decade or so.

Psychiatrists see the most complex, acute mental health patients, some of whom, if left untreated, end up homeless, in the criminal justice system or in psychiatric hospitals.

Not everyone with a mental health problem needs a psychiatrist. Sometimes a licensed therapist, primary care doctor or a psychiatric nurse practitioner is equipped to do the job. For other patients, a psychiatrist is critical, Fowls said. For a patient who is hallucinating or hearing voices, psychiatrists can assess whether there's a serious mental illness or another problem that's causing the psychosis, including a medical problem like hyperthyroidism, illicit drugs or a drug interaction.

"There is no one else equipped to assess that type of patient but a psychiatrist," Fowls said. "The other specialties can't. The non-MD therapists can't, because they don't have the medical training. That's where I think it really hits."

Arizona has 175 child and adolescent psychiatrists, which translates to a rate of 11 per 100,000 kids. That's below the national level of 14 per 100,000 kids, according to workforce maps maintained by the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Nine Arizona counties don't have any child and adolescent psychiatrists, the academy's data says.

"It's not for all kids," Fowls said of the specialty. "Where they are really important are for really tough kids where it's hard to know what's going on, or it's really hard to treat. Autism is a great example."

Figuring out whether a child has autism is not something that an average psychiatrist or primary care doctor is going to be able to diagnose, he said. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are crucial in providing assessments and also in determining medication needs, according to Fowls.

Biden's plan for mental health could broaden access

It remains to be seen whether Biden's efforts will alter the unwillingness of some providers to deal with insurance companies, but his plan could incentivize insurers to reimburse mental health providers at higher rates. The plan proposes new updates to the regulations that implement the 2008 parity law.

Among other measures, his proposal would require insurance companies to prove their networks are robust enough to ensure access to mental health care, said Snow, the national director of government relations at NAMI.

"In order for insurance companies to able to prove that, I think in many cases they're going to have to look at their networks and get more providers to participate in the networks," Snow said. "And one strategy that could get more providers to participate is increasing the rates that they'll offer the providers."

After Biden announced his mental health plan, a trade association of U.S. health insurance companies issued a statement that says mental health continues to be a significant challenge, primarily because of a shortage of clinicians. The statement also says insurers have already been making efforts to expand mental health networks and to find new coverage pathways, including telehealth.

"As we evaluate these significant new proposals, we want to reiterate and make clear: mental health is good health, period," says the statement issued by AHIP, formerly known as America's Health Insurance Plans. "We agree that everyone deserves access to mental health care, and that access should be on par with physical health."

In the meantime, there are some lesser-known options for people who need help, including getting mental health care at one of Arizona's federally qualified health centers, which are rapidly growing their mental health services. Some of them have therapy and psychiatric care.

Arizonans who find themselves frustrated in a search for mental health care should be persistent and know that they are not alone, said Moody of Mental Health America's Arizona chapter, who added that one of his goals is to expand the chapter's navigation program that helps people in the community to find providers.

Biden's proposal is good, but it's going to take more work and collaborations at a state and local level to make meaningful improvements to mental health care access, Fowls said.

Research indicates mental health providers are not getting paid on par with other areas of health care, so that is a place to start, he said.

Free mental health resources are available to anyone in Arizona. A statewide mental health crisis line is available at 844-534-HOPE (4673). Another resource for 24/7 help is to dial 988. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in July 2022 replaced the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Teen Lifeline is for kids to call and get free, confidential and anonymous help from trained peers at 602-248-8336 (TEEN) or 800-248-8336 (TEEN) outside of Maricopa County.

Reach health care reporter Stephanie Innes at Stephanie.Innes@gannett.com or at 602-444-8369. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @stephanieinnes.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Why so many Arizona mental health providers don't take insurance
Adam Frisch , the Democrat who came close to beating Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) in last years midterms, has gained a slight lead over the incumbent, according to a poll released Tuesday.

A recent poll of likely voters in Colorados 3rd Congressional District found Frisch, a former Aspen City Council member, has a 2-point lead over Boebert, with 50 percent voting for Frisch and 48 percent voting for Boebert, according to a polling memo from Keating Research posted by Colorado Politics.

Keating Research said Frisch has a 17-point advantage with unaffiliated voters, with 57 percent of voters showing support for Frisch compared to 40 percent for Boebert. Frischs campaign previously said unaffiliated voters are a group it must appeal to in order to beat Boebert.

Frisch also holds a 32-point advantage among Latino voters compared to Boebert.

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A majority, or 53 percent, of the voters surveyed said they view Boebert as unfavorable, while 42 percent said they see her as favorable. Meanwhile, Frisch maintained a positive favorability rating with 34 percent viewing him favorably and 26 percent unfavorably.

The memo pointed out an 8-point Republican registration advantage; the district voted for former President Trump by an 8-point margin in 2020.

Frisch pointed to the poll results in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, writing, After losing to Lauren Boebert by just 546 votes last year, a brand new poll shows me LEADING Boebert by 2 points in our 2024 rematch.

Frisch lost his challenge against Boebert in the 2022 midterms by 546 votes, a difference of less than half a percentage point. The small difference prompted an automatic recount, but Frisch conceded before the recount was completed.

The Keating Research poll results follow polling in recent months that suggested another tight race between the two candidates.

Last month, Frischs campaign reported bringing in $2.6 million in the second fundraising quarter, which was reportedly three times more than Boeberts roughly $818,000, according to the Colorado Sun.

Frisch announced earlier this year he would renew his challenge against Boebert.

The poll was conducted by Keating Research on Aug. 8-15 through a live-interview phone survey of 801 likely November 2024 voters in Colorados 3rd Congressional District. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.5 percent.

The Hill has reached out to Boeberts office for comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  A pair of Democratic state lawmakers want to see changes in the way search warrants are issued. This comes after the controversial raid of a Kansas newspaper and the home of its publisher.

On Tuesday, State Representatives Vic Miller, of Topeka, and Jason Probst , of Hutchinson, announced plans to introduce legislation that would prohibit magistrate judges from authorizing search warrants.

Royals plans, renderings answer some questions and raise others

This is in a response to the Aug. 11 raid on the Marion County Record. Officers with the Marion County Police Department executed a search warrant, signed by a magistrate judge, and seized items from the newspaper and the home of its publisher, Eric Meyer, and his 98-year-old mother Joan Meyer, the papers co-owner. Meyer blamed the death of his mother the next day on the stress the home raid caused her.

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Court records show Marion police executed the raid as part of its investigation into allegations of identity theft and other computer crimes stemming from a conflict between the newspaper and a local restaurant owner, Kari Newell.

Days after the raid, an attorney for the newspaper said the Marion County Attorney had withdrawn the search warrant, and the items seized had been released. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said the investigation remains open, however, we have determined in collaboration with the Marion County Attorney, that the investigation will proceed independently, and without review or examination of any of the evidence seized on Friday, Aug. 11.

At Tuesdays briefing, Millers said after hearing what happened at the Marion County Record, his first reaction was, how can that happen? He said his second reaction was to find out what they could do as lawmakers to prevent it from happening again.

Im trying to stir the pot, Miller said. What happened in Marion County is frightening. We cant lose sight of the consequences here.

Lawrence man pleads guilty to DUI in 2022 deadly crash

Miller said he and Probst have asked the Office of Revisor of Statutes to draft a bill that they can prefile that would require any search warrant be signed by a district judge, and no longer allow magistrate judges that authority.

In Kansas, district court judges must be lawyers. Some counties have magistrate judges who may or may not be lawyers, and their jurisdiction is limited. Miller and Probst believe district judges are better suited to make such a decision due to their the applicable legal experience.

Probst said he spent 15 years working as a journalist with the Hutchinson News, and has seen search warrants being authorized with no thoughts on the consequences that could follow.

The ability of the press to operate freely and without fear of reprisal is foundational to a functioning democracy  and its importance is enshrined in our Constitution, Probst said. During my time as a journalist, I saw warrants signed without any real judicial oversight  and thats something we all should be concerned about. I also saw the good that can be created in a community when a free and independent press can do its work without fear.

The lawmakers are reaching out to their peers, with the hope of having deeper conversations about how search warrants are currently authorized and how they can better support First Amendment rights.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Trayshon Lowery, 20, was killed after being struck by two vehicles on Palmdale Road in Victorville.

A 21-year-old Barstow woman was arrested after deputies said she tried to abandon her baby behind trash cans at an Adelanto business.

At 12:36 p.m. Saturday, a deputy responded to a welfare check near the intersection of Highway 395 and Bartlett Avenue. A caller told sheriffs dispatch that a woman was seen placing a baby on the ground behind trash cans at the back of a business.

When the woman saw she was being watched, she picked the baby up and walked toward an apartment complex, sheriffs officials said.

The woman was last seen wearing an orange shirt and black shorts. The baby was wrapped in a gray blanket and was wearing a blue beanie.

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When the deputy arrived, they spotted a woman fitting the description, who was identified as DeJanette Wade.

Wade took deputies to the apartment where she left her one-month-old son with two women who were not friends or family of Wade. She left the child just minutes before deputies arrived, sheriffs officials said. The infant was uninjured and healthy.

The child has been placed in the custody of San Bernardino County Child and Family Services, according to deputies.

Wade was arrested and booked at High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto, with bail set at $60,000.

Safely Surrendered Baby law

Californias Safely Surrendered Baby law provides a safe alternative for the surrender of a newborn baby in specified circumstances.

Under the law, a parent or person with lawful custody can safely surrender a baby confidentially, and without fear of prosecution, within 72 hours of birth.

The law requires that a surrendered baby be taken to a public or private hospital, designated fire station, or other safe surrender site, as determined by the local county board of supervisors.

Every year, babies are illegally abandoned in the U.S. In 2021, 31 babies were placed in dumpsters, found in backpacks, or discarded in other dangerous locations  22 of these infants were found dead.

The National Safe Haven Alliance is a nonprofit that provides safe alternatives for women and parents to prevent harm or even death of babies. For more information on Safe Surrender sites, dial 211 or call the Safe Haven Crisis Hotline at 888-510-BABY (2229).

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact T. Baca at the Victor Valley sheriffs station at 760-552-6800. Callers can remain anonymous by contacting We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or wetip.com.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Deputies investigate woman suspected of trying to abandon baby
Sheriffs deputies partner with Victor Valley Transit Authority personnel to reunite a missing 69-year-old man with his family in Apple Valley. The man was found onboard a VVTA bus at the Victor Valley Transit Center located on D Street in downtown Victorville.

Sheriffs deputies partnered with Victor Valley Transit Authority staff to reunite a missing man with his family in Apple Valley.

The Apple Valley sheriffs station reported that around 10 a.m. on Aug. 17, deputies responded to a home in the 15600 Block of Dakota Road. The caller told deputies that a 69-year-old man with medical issues requiring daily medications had wandered away from home sometime during the night.

The responding deputy requested the help of the Victor Valley Transit Division deputies assigned to specific buses.

The focus of the deputies is to ride aboard various buses and monitor bus stops and the Victor Valley Transit Center located on D Street in downtown Victorville.

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During the investigation, a deputy sent the missing person's name and physical descriptions to the transit authority's operations employees, who forwarded the information to all active bus drivers.

Sheriffs deputies partner with Victor Valley Transit Authority personnel to reunite a missing 69-year-old man with his family in Apple Valley. The man was found onboard a VVTA bus at the Victor Valley Transit Center located on D Street in downtown Victorville.

Two hours later, the missing man was seen by transit authority staff onboard a bus at the transit center in Victorville.

A deputy spoke with the unharmed man. The man told the deputy that he left home alone and was traveling to Mexico. The man was later reunited with his family in Apple Valley.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact transit division Deputy T. James at the Victor Valley Sheriffs Station at 760-552-6800. Callers can remain anonymous by contacting We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Deputies, Victor Valley Transit personnel reunite man with family
PROVIDENCE  With two weeks left before primary day in Rhode Island's off-year congressional election, the competing Democrats agreed more than they disagreed during a debate at Rhode Island College on defense spending, "common sense" gun controls, student debt relief, ranked-choice voting and a whole lot more.

They did not agree on everything. And there was at least one gasp-worthy moment.

The debate began with Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos hurling insults  "You lied" and "Hypocrite"  at former Rep. Aaron Regunberg, who dished it back, while they accused each other of sending potentially unlawful signals to the outside funding groups pouring big money into their campaigns.

And then the 10 candidates taking part in the two back-to-back forums sponsored by The Providence Journal and The Public's Radio, in partnership with RI PBS and RIC, turned down the volume, got down to the issues and seized every opportunity to make the case why each was the best qualified.

Luigi Solla listens intently as the CD1 candidates debate on stage at Sapinsley Hall in the Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts at Rhode Island College on Tuesday evening.

The first hour-long segment featured Woonsocket state Rep. Stephen Casey, Providence Councilman John Goncalves, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, former Rep. Aaron Regunberg and state Sen. Ana Quezada .

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The second segment featured former White House and Raimondo-era staffer Gabe Amo, former Naval War College Prof. Walter Berbrick, state Sen. Sandra Cano, investor and onetime congressional staffer Donald Carlson, and Stephanie Beaute, who describes herself as an "IT professional."

Quezada cited her past on welfare as evidence of her empathy for struggling families. Amo repeatedly mentioned his time as an intergovernmental liaison at the White House as evidence of his know-how in the workings of government, while Carlson harked back to his time as legislative director for former U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy II of Massachusetts, and Berbrick to his two decades probing threats to U.S. security.

From left, Donald Carlson, Sandra Cano, Walter Berbrick, Stephanie Beaute and Gabe Amo react during a lighter moment in the second half of the 2023 Rhode Island CD1 special election candidate forum.

Others cited their hopes, aspirations and wins as elected officials at the school committee to city council to legislative levels.

The second group of Democrats was asked to identify what they see as President Biden's biggest mistake  if any.

Carlson said sending cluster munitions to Ukraine, which Berbrick called an off-base response when the Ukrainians are fighting for their lives. Cano said the president could have responded more quickly to the devastation created by the wildfires in Hawaii.

Amo  who seized every opportunity to remind the audience he previously worked at the White House  said the president's "Build Back Better" plan didn't seek a substantial enough investment in affordable housing.

On the subject of affordable housing, all agreed government needs to do more to spur production. Carlson went so far as to say one of his first "earmarks" as a congressman would be to get money to convert the long-abandoned "Superman" building in downtown Providence into apartments, with an undefined number offered as "affordable."

Aaron Regunberg speaks past Ana Quezada to spar with Sabina Matos during the first hour of the 2023 Rhode Island CD1 Special Election Candidate Forum Tuesday evening at Rhode Island College.

Asked during the second segment where they all stood on the elimination of all student debt, they split.

Beaute favored full relief. Amo and Carlson favored targeted relief for students studying to go into certain fields  including those Carlson called "the helping professions," such as nursing and teaching. Berbick said "no, we need to stop putting a Band-Aid on this problem and get down to the root, and that is the price of education. We need to put a cap on it." Cano agreed with Berbrick, saying it is more important to make sure education is affordable for all Americans.

For the record, most were unwilling to give Gov. Dan McKee a letter grade for his performance so far, including Matos, McKee's handpicked lieutenant governor. She said "the job is not done yet." Others called him "a work in progress," though Regunberg  who came within 2 percentage points of beating McKee in his race for reelection as lieutenant governor in 2018  gave him a "D+".

Congressional District 1 special election candidates, from left, Aaron Regunberg, Ana Quezada, Sabina Matos, John Goncalves and Stephen Casey thank the audience at the end of the first hour of the forum. The 10 participants debated in two groups of five. [Kris Craig/The Providence Journal]

The first segment got off to a hotter start, with Matos and Regunberg  the presumed front-runners  sniping at each other.

Quezada said she simply does not believe Regunberg "didn't know what his father-in-law" was doing when he put $125,000 into a pro-Regunberg super-PAC, under rules that bar "coordination" between candidates and backers making large "independent expenditures" on their behalf.

A fourth-grade teacher, Goncalves said, as he has before: "No one cares about the damn signatures or the 'red box.' Let's focus on the things that Rhode Islanders care about."

Both Goncalves and Matos, a former Providence City Council president, denied ever having supported calls to "de-fund the police," an allegation that has dogged Matos in particular.

Matos said she just wanted dedicated funding for other programs, such as ride-alongs with police and other programs.

Goncalves called "de-fund police" a divisive term. He said his intent was to make sure there was money in the city budget for behavioral services.

Casey  who was the odd man out on more than one issue  called the demands by some advocacy groups to de-fund the police irresponsible, ranked-choice voting (favored by most of his fellow candidates) "a terrible concept" and said he does not think "we need to give up completely on fossil fuels." In contrast to all the others on the stage, Casey also panned "single-payer" health care ("absolutely not").

A question about illegal immigration  and the border crisis specifically  gave Regunberg a chance to talk about the "strict quotas on the number of Jews that countries would accept" that contributed to the potentially avoidable deaths of members of his grandfather's family during the Holocaust.

Echoing Quezada, he said "Most [folks] seeking asylum are doing so because they are in danger, because there is violence, climate catastrophes." His answer to the query: a better asylum policy.

The second group of five candidates takes the stage during the final hour of the 2023 Rhode Island CD1 special election candidate forum.

In her turn, Matos recalled her own immigration to the United States and said that, as a congresswoman in a House dominated by Republicans, she would "work with the Republicans" on a compromise. She cited the so-called "Dignity Act" introduced by Florida Republican Rep. Maria Salazar as a potential start.

There was even a moment of unexpected profanity that  given the context  drew a laugh.

Asked the last book they read, Casey could not recall, citing his 65-hour week as a firefighting/legislator. Asked his all-time favorite, Casey said: "How to Win Friends & Influence People." Matos said: "Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know." Quezada named former President Obama's "Dreams From My Father." Regunberg said: "I have an old copy of 'Grapes of Wrath' from high school that I take out...[for] some comfort."

Amo named The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois"; Berbrick, the Newport Manual on Arctic Security" (which he co-authored); Cano, "Finding Me: A Memoir'' by Central Falls-raised Viola Davis; Carlson, "The Flag, the Cross and the Station Wagon."

Beaute named: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F--- [expletive deleted]."

The candidates fielded questions from Ian Donnis, political reporter for The Public's Radio, and Journal political reporter Patrick Anderson.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Highlights of 1st Congressional District debate at RIC
Traveling around Iceland isn't always as picture-perfect as it appears.

On a recent trip, I found sites like Rainbow Street and Seljalandsfoss packed with tourists.

The summertime midnight sun was beautiful, but it also made it difficult for me to sleep.

Even in the most beautiful places in the world, being a tourist has its highs and lows.

Iceland had been at the top of my travel bucket list for years due to its natural beauty and otherworldly landscapes, and I finally had the chance to visit for five days in June.

Many of the country's famous sites and attractions lived up to the hype, but I was also disappointed by some aspects of my trip.

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Here are six expectation versus reality moments I had in Iceland.

The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most famous attractions, so of course I had to go for a swim.

The Blue Lagoon. Shutterstock/S.R.Lee Photo Traveller

With over 700,000 visitors every year, according to US News and World Report, the lagoon's mineral-rich waters draw tourists from all over the world.

While there was a lot I loved about the experience, I didn't care for the long lines.

Crowds at the Blue Lagoon. Talia Lakritz/Insider

The Blue Lagoon was my first stop upon landing in Iceland since it's located about a 20-minute drive from Keflavik Airport.

My $93 ticket included a locker, a towel, a mineral face mask, and a drink from the bar inside the lagoon.

Once inside, I found long lines at the bar and face-mask stations. I wished they were less crowded, though the lines moved quickly.

Even with the crowds, sipping a smoothie and applying a face mask in the warm pool was the perfect pick-me-up after my long flight. I also found that I had more room to spread out  away from all the other visitors  in further corners of the milky blue pool.

I'd seen striking photos of Iceland's black-sand beaches, and I visited one near the southern coastal town of Vik.

A black-sand beach near Vik, Iceland. Natthawat/Getty Images

The black sand comes from volcanic rocks formed from cooled lava.

The black sand appeared more grey to me, and I found the site underwhelming.

A black-sand beach in Iceland. Talia Lakritz/Insider

If I had driven two-and-a-half hours from Reykjavik just to see a black-sand beach, I think I would have been disappointed. Thankfully, I had another activity planned in the area  attending a wedding in a secret ice cave.

When I envisioned driving around Iceland, I pictured scenic mountain roads lined with wildflowers.

Skogar, Southern Iceland. Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images

While researching my trip to Iceland, I found that renting a car is widely regarded as the best way to see the country since there isn't much public transportation.

Unfortunately, some roads presented difficulties.

A car stuck in black sand in Iceland. Talia Lakritz/Insider

According to Frommer's, only about one third of all roads in Iceland are paved.

While visiting the black-sand beach, I encountered a group of tourists whose car was stuck in the sand. I tried to help them push the vehicle out of the hole, but it just kept sinking deeper.

There was a one-lane gravel road that led to the beach, but it appeared that this group drove too close to the shore and ended up in the soft sand by mistake. I made a mental note to proceed with caution on unpaved roads and to make sure I had my rental company's phone number for roadside assistance saved in my contacts.

I couldn't wait to experience Iceland's midnight sun for myself.

Iceland's summertime midnight sun. Arctic-Images/Getty Images

Because the Earth's Northern Hemisphere tilts towards the sun during the summer months, countries north of the Arctic Circle such as Sweden, Finland, and Iceland are continuously exposed to the light of the sun.

This means the sun doesn't fully set in Iceland between May and August, with June being peak midnight sun season, according to Guide to Iceland.

While it was beautiful, I also had a hard time falling asleep.

My view as I was trying to sleep during my first night in Iceland. Talia Lakritz/Insider

Iceland's constant daylight tricked my body into thinking it wasn't as late as it actually was. Without a sunset or a dark night sky, I found myself accidentally staying up later than I normally would simply because I didn't feel tired at my usual bedtime. On top of my jet lag, the lack of sleep left me feeling exhausted in the morning.

I was excited to see Reykjavik's famous Rainbow Street in person.

Reykjavik's Rainbow Street. Callum Clarke/Getty Images

Located between Bergstaastrti and Laugavegur streets, the Rainbow Street was painted in honor of Reykjavik Pride in 2015 and has remained colorful since, according to Visit Reykjavik.

It turned out to be impossible to get a photo there without tons of tourists in the background.

Walking around downtown Reykjavik. Talia Lakritz/Insider

With dozens of shops lining the street and other travelers taking photos of the vibrant landmark, I couldn't avoid getting other people in my shot.

I thought Seljalandsfoss, a giant waterfall along Iceland's southern coast, would also make for a great photo-op.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland. Phillip Chow/Getty Images

While driving two-and-a-half hours from Reykjavik to Vik, I followed Iceland's main highway, Route 1, for most of the trip. As I journeyed further along the south coast, I couldn't believe how so many gorgeous sites were located so close to the highway. Whenever I noticed a waterfall or scenic spot from the road, it was easy to pull over for a quick detour.

But I had to wait in line at the waterfall to take my photo at the perfect spot.

Tourists at Seljalandsfoss. Talia Lakritz/Insider

At the foot of Seljalandsfoss, there was a perfect little platform just off the footpath with a stunning view of the waterfall. But I wasn't the only one who wanted a photo there  when I arrived, there was a line of about 10 people.

I waited my turn for about 10 minutes, then asked the person behind me in line to take the photo.

It was definitely worth the wait, though.

At Seljalandsfoss. Talia Lakritz/Insider

It ended up being one of my favorite pictures from my trip.

Read the original article on Insider
Like other communities in California, the city of Fresno prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, ancestry, religion, creed and national origin.

Now, in what would be a first in California, the city could add caste and indigenous status to the list of unacceptable discrimination.

The Fresno City Council earlier this month voted 7-0 to add caste and indigeneity to its list of human rights protections. The proposed ordinance needs a second reading and, by all expectations, will be unanimously approved again, as it should be.

The measure was to be heard this Thursday, but will likely be rescheduled to September at the request of members of South Asian communities from around the state who want to travel to Fresno to witness the approval in person.

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The law is more than simply symbolic. It is a strong message to immigrants that the caste traditions and indigenous discrimination in their home countries are not acceptable here, and that they can find a better life in Fresno, said Councilmember Miguel Arias.

If they come to city of Fresno, they should not have to worry about that system of oppression following them, he said.

What is caste?

Indias caste system is one of the worlds oldest social orders, in which people are divided into groups. Fresno State Professor Aseem Hasnain and Cal State San Bernardino Professor Abhilasha Srivastava wrote an article for a website, The Conversation, about how earlier this year, Seattle became the first city in the nation to ban caste discrimination.

They explained that while the caste system originated in India, it spread to other societies in South Asia. Caste practices today can be found in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bhutan.

In a society based on caste, privilege, wealth and rank are inherited. Those at the top get the best jobs and are paid the most honor. Those at the bottom have the worst tasks and are dismissed of having value. The castes get inherited, making it difficult for anyone to break free.

Brahmins, for example, who were traditionally assigned priestly work, are at the top, and Dalits, relegated to the bottom, are forced into occupations that are considered abject in South Asia, the professors wrote. These include janitorial work, maintaining sewage systems, skinning dead animals, and leather tanning. Strict rules of caste-based marriages maintain these boundaries firmly.

Caste organizes social life not only among Hindus but also in Muslim, Christian, Sikh and Buddhist communities in the region. It is an intergenerational system based on birth into a caste group. Caste identities stay even generations after someone converts out of Hinduism and into any of these faiths.

Those making up Fresnos indigenous communities come from Mexico and Central American countries, as well as Native American tribes.

Fresnos ordinance notes that caste and indigeneity discrimination occurs in employment, education and housing.

Local Sikh activism

Fresnos ordinance resulted after members of the countys sizable Sikh community requested such a ban, Arias said. The most recent U.S. census put the Sikh population in Fresno County at 70,000. Backing the measure is the Jakara Movement, an advocacy group for Sikhs in Fresno.

Marchers during a Sikh Day Nagar Kirtan Parade for Vaisakhi celebration in Selma. Thousands turned out for the event.

The California State University system added caste to its anti-discrimination policies last year.

In addition, a bill approved in the state Senate is pending in the state Assembly to ban discrimination in California on the basis of ancestry. Senate Bill 403 was authored by Democrat Aisha Wahab of Hayward, the first Afghan-American woman elected to public office in the United States. The co-author is Democrat Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains of Delano.

Over more than a century, Fresno has become home to immigrants leaving oppressive conditions in their homelands. Armenians fled the genocide in their country before World War I; later, Blacks left the South after World War II to escape discrimination and find affordable housing. Mexicans and Central Americans have come to Fresno for decades in the quest for work, and Hmong from Southeast Asia escaped the Vietnam War and settled here, many becoming farmers.

Through it all, Fresno welcomed and assimilated the newcomers. Today more than 70 languages are spoken in the Fresno Unified School District.

The effort to outlaw discrimination on the basis of caste or indigenous background is a further strengthening of Fresnos human rights. Residents should be proud of their leaders taking the step to make Fresno the first city in California with such a distinction.
A photo of the jet ski, back, with a map showing the approximate journey from China to Incheon, South Korea. Korea Coast Guard, Google Maps

A Chinese activist embarked on a 180 mile+ journey across the sea to flee China.

He used a jet ski and a compass to get to the South Korean city of Incheon, per AFP.

The man was a critic of Chinese President Xi Jinping , and spent time in prison for subversion.

A critic of Chinese leader Xi Jinping managed to flee the country, traveling more than 180 miles to South Korea on a jet ski, according to the Agence France-Presse.

The man crossed the Yellow Sea, which is located between mainland China and the Korean peninsula, on a 1,800cc jet ski, AFP reported.

He left from Shandong province in eastern China, using binoculars and a compass to chart his course to South Korea, the news agency said.

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The man has been identified as Kwon Pyong, a Chinese activist who had spent time in prison for subversion after posting photos mocking Xi on social media, said Lee Dae-seon of the Dialogue China NGO, per AFP.

On his journey, Kwon towed five barrels of fuel with him, AFP said.

"He refilled the petrol on the ride and dumped the empty barrels into the sea," said the Korea Coast Guard on Tuesday, according to AFP.

An image provided by the Korea Coast Guard shows the jet ski used to cross into South Korea Korea Coast Guard

The Korea Coast Guard said in a news release that the man, whom it did not identify, became stranded on tidal flats near a cruise terminal in Incheon last Wednesday night.

It said that the man called emergency services to request a rescue. The Coast Guard added that the military had already notified it of the vessel entering South Korean waters before the call was made.

The Korea Coast Guard rescued the man and arrested him on charges of "attempting to smuggle himself into" Incheon, but said there was no evidence to suggest he was a spy, AFP reported.

Kwon is now considering whether to apply for refugee status in South Korea, which only grants asylum to only a limited number of refugees each year. Alternatively, he could go to a third country, said Lee of the Dialogue China NGO, per AFP.

"While his means of entry into South Korea in violation of the law was wrong, surveillance of the Chinese authorities and political persecution of Kwon since 2016 are behind his life-risking crossing into South Korea," Lee told the news agency.

The Incheon Korea Coast Guard Station was unable to be reached for comment because it was outside of office hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) -- Germany is taking steps to smooth the process for transgender, intersex and non-binary people to legally change their names and gender, as Chancellor Olaf Scholz s ruling coalition attempts to deliver on a pledge to make society more inclusive.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Scholzs cabinet approved a draft Self-Determination Law on Wednesday which would enable citizens to update their gender entry and their first names without having to endure court proceedings or provide an expert psychiatric opinion  a process some have complained can be demeaning and traumatic.

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The new rules, which would take effect in November 2024 at the earliest following parliamentary approval, would mean that a person would simply need to make a declaration to the registry office affirming that the requested change best corresponds to their gender identity and that they are aware of the implications. Under certain conditions, the option would be accessible to people from the age of 14 years.

Germany is diverse, Scholz wrote in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. That is why we are adapting our laws to the different realities of life.

The initiative has drawn criticism from opposition parties, including the far-right Alternative for Germany, which accuses the ruling alliance of weakening society. Alice Weidel, the leader of the AfDs parliamentary caucus, said Wednesday the party was looking at mounting a legal challenge to the law.

Businesses and governments elsewhere are facing a backlash over similar moves. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks government blocked a law in Scotland in January that would have allowed anyone over 16 to easily change their name in legal documents. It was the first time that London vetoed legislation proposed by the Scottish Parliament since it was established in 1999.

In the US, state legislators have introduced more anti-LGBTQ bills in 2023 than in the past five years combined, as the so-called culture wars have gripped the national agenda. Companies including Walmart Inc. and Anheuser-Busch InBev NV have faced protests and threats of boycotts after releasing LGBTQ merchandise or, in the case of the latter, working with a trans influencer.

Great Moment

One controversial aspect of the German governments draft bill is a proposal that would empower anyone 14 years old or above to make the declaration to the registry office themselves, though it would need the agreement of a parent or guardian.

This law interferes in a disproportionate way with the parents right to bring up their children, which is protected by the constitution, Silvia Breher, a spokeswoman on family policy for the conservative CDU/CSU caucus, said in an emailed statement.

Families Minister Lisa Paus, a member of the Greens, called the adoption of the draft law by cabinet a great moment for trans and intersex people in Germany.

Previous legislation had led to discrimination against those affected for more than 40 years despite respect for gender identity being guaranteed by the constitution, she added.

The Self-Determination Act aims to protect long-discriminated minorities and is a step forward for social policy, Paus said.

(Updates with Paus comments in penultimate paragraph; a previous version corrected a reference to LGBTQ merchandise in the seventh paragraph)

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Newly tested DNA evidence from the 1997 killing of a 70-year-old Pennsylvania woman indicates she was sexually assaulted and fatally beaten by an unknown man  and not by the three men who have spent over two decades behind bars for her murder, a forensics expert testified Tuesday.

Timothy Palmbach, an expert in crime scene reconstruction, testified in a Delaware County, Pennsylvania, courtroom about the new DNA evidence, in particular a mixture of the unknown mans semen, the victims blood, and urine on her bedsheet. The comingling of those bodily fluids shows that the beating and sex occurred at about the same time, he testified, rebutting a key prosecution argument that they were unrelated.

The mixture fundamentally changes the nature of the crime scene and the conclusion to be drawn from it, Palmbach said in court and wrote in a forensic report.

The testimony came in a hearing for Derrick Chappell, 41, Morton Johnson, 44, and Samuel Grasty, 47, who have spent over two decades behind bars and say they were wrongly convicted. They have petitioned a judge to throw out their convictions and order a new trial based on the new DNA evidence.

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Prosecutors have fought to keep the three behind bars and uphold the convictions.

The case stems from the killing of 70-year-old Henrietta Nickens, who died in her home in Chester, Pennsylvania, on October 10, 1997. She had been beaten, and investigators found semen in her rectum and a mysterious green jacket with cocaine in the pocket on top of her TV.

Testing of the semen at the time showed that it was from a male who remains unknown to this day, according to court filings.

The prosecution has argued in court filings there was no evidence the sex was nonconsensual or that this unknown male killed Nickens.

Chappell, Johnson and Grasty were each convicted in separate trials of second-degree murder and other charges in 2000 and 2001 and sentenced to life in prison. The case against them primarily relied on testimony from a key witness, 15-year-old Richard McElwee, who said he acted as lookout while the other three robbed Nickens of $30, according to court records.

In exchange for his testimony, McElwee agreed to plead guilty to third-degree murder and other charges and was sentenced to six to 12 years in 1999, according to court records. CNN has not been able to reach McElwee.

Chappell, Johnson and Grasty have maintained their innocence over the two decades since. The three men are now represented by nonprofit organizations that work to free people they believe are wrongly convicted: Johnson by the Innocence Project, Chappell by the Pennsylvania Innocence Project and Grasty by Centurion. The law firm Shook, Hardy & Bacon, is also providing pro bono legal services for Chappell.

In court Tuesday, family members of the Chester Trio gathered to support their loved ones, and spoke to CNN afterward about their hopes for what comes next.

I just want everyone to know that my hearts been aching for 26 years, said Janet Purnell, Johnsons mother. Everybody needs to know that my son  they didnt do that. Theyre innocent. And justice will prevail.

It felt good just to see (Grasty) smile and wave, said Mahir Sharif, the cousin of both Grasty and Johnson. I just want to get close to him and punch on him like I used to when I was little.

I hope that the judge makes the right decision. Its been a long journey for them and me, said Cynthia Chappell, Chappells mother. Im just hoping that everything works out and justice prevails.

From left to right, Janet Purnell, Brenda Brown, and Kenyett LeBue showed their support for Morton Johnson. - Eric Levenson/CNN

Witness also testified at Alex Murdaugh trial

Palmbachs testimony came a month after another defense witness testified about the new DNA evidence as part of this petition.

On cross-exam Tuesday, Delaware County Assistant District Attorney Sara Vanore noted that Palmbach came to his conclusions even though he was not a DNA expert and didnt closely review court testimony.

She argued his testimony might not have made a difference if it had been presented at their initial trials. Vanore also pointed out that Palmbach testified at the high-profile murder trial of Alex Murdaugh in South Carolina on behalf of the defense, and the jury rejected his theory and convicted Murdaugh.

The prosecution called one witness of its own on Tuesday. Jeffrey Fumea, the supervisor of the forensics DNA division of the Pennsylvania State Police, testified that the unknown males semen has been entered into the CODIS, the US DNA database, but no match has yet been found.

The defendants petition for a new trial came after new DNA testing, which took place in 2021, further linked evidence from the crime scene to the unknown male and excluded the three defendants, according to Chappells attorneys.

Modern DNA testing techniques, particularly touch DNA, revealed that the DNA from the semen matches several other items of crime scene evidence, including more semen on the green jacket and on the bedsheet and items in the jackets pocket, according to attorneys for the defendants.

However, the prosecution argued that their initial trials did not connect the semen to the defendants, and so these test results did not change the evidence. All three defendants were convicted separately, two by juries and one by a judge.

The totality of the evidence  including the post-conviction DNA evidence  is just as consistent, if not more consistent, with Ms. Nickens having consensual intercourse prior to the assault as it is with an unknown perpetrator committing both a rape and an assault, prosecutors wrote. Seventy-year-old people are capable of sexual activity, and like all people, may not always tell their close family members about their sexual partners.

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DEDHAM  Further DNA test results are expected within weeks in connection with the case of missing Cohasset mother Ana Walshe, WCVB reports.

Walshe, 39, was last seen alive Jan. 1. She was reported missing Jan. 4.

Her husband, Brian Walshe, 48, is accused of killing her and dismembering her body.

Items from the high-profile case were sent to an independent laboratory for DNA analysis, and the results are expected "in approximately two weeks," according to a filing submitted Tuesday to Superior Court.

Assistant District Attorney Greg Connor, who wrote the document, did not specify the items that were sent to the lab for DNA testing, but prosecutors previously revealed they had recovered numerous items with blood, including a knife, a hacksaw and a hatchet.

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https://www.patriotledger.com/contentpackage/8368199001

The update was included in a joint motion from both the prosecution and the defense to delay a pretrial conference originally scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 23, while both sides continue to identify and share evidence. The parties agreed to move that hearing to Nov. 2.

Other evidence found during the investigation include Ana Walshe's COVID-19 vaccination card and a necklace matching one she was known to wear.

Its not known whether a second search in Peabody on Tuesday turned up additional evidence.

Brian Walshe, of Cohasset, is led into court Thursday, April 27, 2023.

Ana Walshe worked for international property management company Tishman Spyer in Washington, D.C., as a real estate investment manager. She spent weekdays there.

Her husband believed she was having an affair while at work, an allegation confirmed during the investigation into her suspected death.

More: Report: Search in Peabody related to slaying of Cohasset mother Ana Walshe

The couple married in 2015 and have three young sons.

After his arrest in January, Brian Walshe was indicted in March by a grand jury on charges including murder, misleading a police investigation/obstruction of justice and improper conveyance of a human body. He is being held without bail.

Investigators said they found video of Brian Walsh making an unplanned trip to a hardware store, where he bought $450 worth of cleaning supplies in cash. Another video showed him buy rugs at another store, according to WCVB.

Ana Walshe, of Cohasset, was last seen Jan. 1, 2023.

Prosecutors said blood and a knife with blood on it were found in the basement of the home the Walshe family was renting.

They said internet searches conducted by Brian Walshe in the days after his wifes disappearance included queries about disposing of a body, dismembering a body and body decomposition.

Walshe is awaiting sentencing in a federal case involving fake Andy Warhol paintings. The sentencing in that case has been put on hold pending the murder charge outcome.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: DNA test results expected soon in slaying of Cohasset mom Ana Walshe
 Read the full article on Motorious

So how many are there?

Its undeniable that the Dodge Challenger Demon 170 is one of the hottest muscle cars in a long time. But with all the excitement a tiny little detail seems to have slipped through the cracks: the total production number. That figure seems to be a bit of a mystery, although we hope it will be disclosed at some point.

Check out the Demon 170s exclusive paint offering here.

Back when the Demon 170 was revealed, Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis said there could be up to 3,300 units made for the global market. Some took that as the official final number. But others have noticed that the up to is operative in Kuniskis statement. And so people are arguing about how many will be made.

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To help clear things up, Muscle Cars And Trucks spoke with Kuniskis during Roadkill Nights in Pontiac, Michigan just how many Demon 170s would be made. His answer, in short, was I dont know. So you see, Dodges CEO has definitely cleared up the entire issue and resolved all the bickering online.

Kuniskis did elaborate further, saying if everything goes smooth with production that 3,300 total units will be a reality. But he didnt disclose anything about how smoothly everything is going at the factory, so everything is still a bit of a mystery.

The cutoff for production is December 31, 2023 so well see how many Demon 170 cars sneak through the line by then. Dodge should have zero problems selling every last one. But what happens from there remains to be seen.

We fully expect at least one story of a dealership feretting a Demon 170 away for a couple decades or so, then revealing it to the world with the delivery wraps still on. Others will be loaded onto a trailer at the dealership and rolled into rich peoples garages, maybe even sitting in preservation bubbles with the wraps still on.

Image via Dodge

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As summer nears its end, Pennsylvanias workforce appears to be in solid shape.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industrys July unemployment report, the commonwealths unemployment rate sits at 3.5%, marking the lowest rate on record dating back to January 1976. The record-setting trend came as unemployment in Pennsylvania dropped by roughly 15,000 jobs, while total non-farm positions increased by about 14,400 jobs, setting a record-high of about 6.15 million jobs, the agency said.

If youre still on the hunt for a job with steady pay and strong benefits, working in the public sector might be your best bet. Heres a look at six of the highest-paying jobs open and advertised publicly through the commonwealths online portal as of late August.

Dentist openings

Salary: $128,274 to $174,358

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Agency: Department of Corrections

Description: The commonwealth is searching for a handful of dentists to work with inmates and oversee dental operations at several state correctional facilities.

As a Dentist... you will be responsible for supervising the work of the dental staff on a daily basis. You will be responsible for all aspects of the clinical services provided to the inmate population by DOC dental clinic staff, their job descriptions read.

Positions are open at correctional facilities in Cambria, Clearfield, Forest, Greene, Huntingdon (SCI Smithfield and SCI Huntingdon) and Somerset counties. Candidates should have a license to practice dentistry, plus training through graduation from an approved school of dentistry.

Public health toxicologist

Salary: $104,998 to $159,551

Agency: Department of Health

Description: A toxicologist in this role would work within the Pennsylvania Bureau of Epidemiologys Division of Environmental Health. Much of the work surrounds evaluating toxicological information related to environmental chemical exposures, largely to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information to the public and other stakeholders, the listing reads. Other key responsibilities include supervising staff, developing policies and procedures and conducting follow-up studies and investigations.

The job, based in Harrisburg, is eligible for remote work part-time, generally up to three days per week. Requirements for the role include at least three years of post-doctoral experience in toxicology or pharmacology, plus a doctoral degree in toxicology or a closely related field.

Director, Equal Employment Opportunity Office

Salary: $104,998 to $156,089

Agency: Executive Offices

Description: As the director of Pennsylvanias Equal Employment Opportunity Office, you could lead the commonwealths efforts to modernize its EEO processes, which generally cover the fair treatment in employment, promotion, training and other personnel actions without discrimination related to race, religion, sex, age, origin or disabilities. The positions key responsibilities include leading the statewide EEO office while working to ensure the legality of policies and procedures and identify how changes in laws impact these policies and programs.

The full-time job, based in Harrisburg, offers options for remote work for up to two days per week. Requirements include at least seven years of professional experience in EEO programs that includes two years in a supervisory or administrative capacity, and a bachelors degree or an equivalent combination of experience and training that also works in experience as a supervisor or administrator.

Manager of Compliance, Payment Processing and Reporting

Salary: $92,030 to $139,815

Agency: Office of Budget

Description: Pennsylvanias Office of Budget hopes to hire a manager for its Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), a grant program that covers the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.

One of the positions main responsibilities is the daily administration of oversight, monitoring, payment processing and close-out audit functions for the RACP. A successful candidate would also become responsible for payment request processing, reporting, program metrics and project oversight for existing grant agreements, all while ensuring internal controls and compliance needs are met.

This role is based in Harrisburg, but some remote work opportunities will be available, the job listing says. No minimum experience or training requirements are listed in the online job posting, but candidates should feel comfortable performing all essential job functions.

Executive director, Film Production Tax Credit Program

Salary: $80,568.00 to $125,504.00

Agency: Department of Community and Economic Development

Description: This role is hiring for the next executive director of Pennsylvanias Film Production Tax Credit Program, which grants tax credits for films when at least 60% of their production expenses occur in Pennsylvania. According to the program, eligible productions include feature films, television films, talk shows, game shows, television commercials and television pilots.

The programs executive director plans and, of course, directs its development and application evaluations. Other responsibilities include coordinating policies and regulations with other agencies, updating office website and online guides, developing and maintaining relationships with regional film offices and preparing annual reports, policy papers and research activities.

This position is based in Harrisburg. Key qualifications include at least six years of professional experience in economic development, tax credit administration or marketing or film location management  two years of which should be as a supervisor. A bachelors degree in business or public administration, the arts or a closely related field is also requested.

Licensed psychologist manager

Salary: $80,568.00 to $122,504

Agency: Department of Corrections

Description: The commonwealth is searching for a handful of professionals to serve as licensed psychologist managers within several state correctional facilities.

Professionals in such a role are tasked with coordinating psychological services programs for institutions, developing new policies and procedures for existing programs and chairing a psychiatric review team. These managers must also help perform psychological testing and evaluations of inmates.

As of late August, openings for these roles are available at corrections facilities in Cumberland, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Schuylkill (SCI Frackville and SCI Mahanoy) and Wayne counties. Applicants should have at least one year of experience as a licensed psychologist, plus previous employment as a licensed professional psychologist in the treatment of inmates or those with disabilities.
TOPEKA (KSNT)- The police raid of the Marion County Record continues to raise questions of press freedom in Kansas. Political experts weighed in on the raid on Topeka political show Inside Kansas Politics on Sunday.

Political Professor Bill Fiander said the raid has a chilling effect on peoples rights.

In terms of having it be at a local level, where maybe youre out of sight, out of mind and maybe you might think that you could get away with some of these types of repressions of the First Amendment unless you have professionals and journalism and civically engaged population and citizens, Fiander said. There may be a lot more instances of this out there, maybe subtle instances.

Kansas City nursing home evacuated due to HVAC failure

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The Marion County Record, a newspaper in Marion, Kansas, was raided by the local police department on August 11. They also raided the home of the newspapers publisher and editor, Eric Meyer, which he shared with his mother Joan Meyer. Joan, the 98-year-old co-owner of the newspaper, died on Saturday, the day after the raid.

According to the Associated Press, police said they had probable cause to believe there were violations of Kansas law, including one pertaining to identity theft, involving a woman named Kari Newell. Newell said she believed the newspaper, acting on a tip, violated the law to get her personal information to check the status of her drivers license following a 2008 conviction for drunk driving.

Meyer said the Record decided not to write about it, but when Newell revealed at the subsequent city council meeting that she had driven while her license was suspended, that was reported.

Just days after computers and cellphones were seized by police; the Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey withdrew the search warrant against the newspaper. Ensey stated that there was insufficient evidence for the search and seizure.

If you can get raided for protecting confidential sources; getting confidential information from people, a lot of our jobs would be in danger, said Rachel Mipro, an author at the Kansas Reflector.

Id like to see the evidence that supported this raid in the first place, Mipro said. Weve not really gotten any good evidence for why they needed to do this raid. I would want to see this evidence. And, the fact that we havent had any yet, despite all this backlash, I think thats pretty significant in of itself.

In the wake of the newspaper raid, Kansas democrats announced plans to introduce legislation changing how search warrants are authorized.

On Tuesday, State Representatives Vic Miller, of Topeka, and Jason Probst, of Hutchinson, announced plans to introduce legislation that would prohibit magistrate judges from authorizing search warrants.

Royals plans, renderings answer some questions and raise others

During the press conference, Miller also raised concerns over the enforcement of Kansas shield law, which some believe was ignored during the raid.

Kansas shield law protects information procured by journalists, during newsgathering. That includes information like notes, outtakes, photographs, tapes and other recordings.

If nothing can be done when someone breaks the law, whats to keep them from ignoring the law? Miller said. There is a law, the shield law, that sets out a process to prevent this kind of occurrence. But, if you dont adhere to it, what good is it? And, if you dont have a penal aspect to not following the law, then youre going to have a repeat occurrence.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
At least one bridge has collapsed in the Dominican Republic, where Tropical Storm Franklin made landfall early Wednesday on the island of Hispaniola that the country shares with Haiti.

The bridge is in the city of Higuey, in the province of La Altagracia. At the time of the collapse, the storm was within 21 miles of the city of Barahona in the Dominican Republic, which has most of its provinces under high alert for flooding and landslides. Haiti is also bracing for the impact of the weather systems heavy rains and winds.

Franklin was expected to be over the island most of the day Wednesday. Residents were warned they could see as much as 15 inches of rain in some areas. Some neighborhoods in the capital of Santo Domingo were seeing flooding, leading residents to bail gushing water out of their homes. In Villa Mella, residents living in the Los Cocos community reported that a ravine had overflowed, making parts of the area impassable.

As peope bathed in flood waters in the Dominican Republic, in Haiti several regions continued to see torrential downpours that were expected to continue throughout the evening.

On Wednesday morning, the storm was crossing the eastern part of Haiti at about 11 miles per hour just southeast of the city of Jacmel, Haitis Office of Civil Protection said. Franklin is expected to later hit the northeast region of Haiti. During its passage the storm will bring strong wind and rains to several regions of Haiti, including the south, central, Artibonite, west and northeast.

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Emergency and disaster response officials in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti are continuing calls for people to remain vigilant, especially those who live in areas at risk of flash floods and mudslides. They are also warned residents not to attempt to cross rivers or ravines.

Juan Manuel Mendez, the director of the Dominican Republics Emergency Operations Center, announced that they had placed 24 provinces plus the district of Santo Domingo, the capital, under a red alert, while seven others are yellow, meaning they could see low to moderate flooding as Franklin passes. A yellow alert remains for all of Haiti, but officials have warned that could quickly change.

Florencia Soto Nino, associate spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the U.N. is working with national and regional partners, including the Caribbean Emergency Disaster Management Agency, to prepare for potential impacts of the storm.

The Haiti Civil Protection agency has disseminated precautionary messages to the population and we are mapping available stocks and resources with our partners, and have also pre-positioned shelter materials in several areas in the country, especially the ones that are expected to be hit the most, she said. However, our colleagues are also warning that insecurity in regions affected by gang violence might create access challenges.

The U.N. World Food Program said its emergency response teams in both countries are preparing food supplies and assistance for vulnerable communities in the storms path. The agency said it had also had pre-positioned 120 metric tones of food in a newly constructed operations base in Miragone, just south of Haitis capital.
The News

The White House offered a bureaucratic vote of confidence to the Ukrainian military Tuesday, despite slow progress in the summers counteroffensive and worries that Kyiv might not reach far into Russian-controlled territory. We do not assess that the conflict is a stalemate, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters. He said Ukraine is retaking territory on a methodical, systematic basis.





Morgans view

So why is the counteroffensive slow going? The New York Times reported Tuesday afternoon that U.S. and other Western officials believe that Kyiv isnt concentrating enough of its forces in the south to focus on breaking the land bridge between Russia and Crimea. Some fault the Biden administration for not sending longer-range weapons. ATACMS, a missile system would make Crimea, the decisive terrain of this war, untenable for Russian forces, Retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, the former commanding general of United States Army Europe, told Semafor. (Kyiv has already received long-range missiles from France and the U.K.).

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A senior Ukrainian official made the case to Reuters that Kyiv is succeeding just by moving forward with fewer people and fewer weapons. Ukraine appears to have calculated that moving faster would cost many more lives, said a Republican national security aide, who agreed with Sullivan that it wasnt a stalemate.

But the offensive is unlikely to get any easier  the U.S. intelligence community reportedly assessed that the counteroffensive would stall before it reaches the key southeast city of Melitopol  and Kyiv is depending on U.S. and allied support. The slow going may further complicate the path forward on Capitol Hill for the White Houses $24 billion Ukraine aid request, which is already facing pushback from some Republicans. It doesnt help, but I think this was always going to get gradually more difficult, the aide said.
Despite a groundswell of concern from the community, the magnificent 110-year-old Georgian Revival home at 4526 Warwick Blvd. in Kansas City  known as the George B. Richards House after its original owner  is fast moving into the path of the wrecking ball. How did we get to this juncture?

On May 5, Whitney Kerr, a well-known real estate broker in Kansas City, invited a number of activists to his office in hopes of persuading us to abandon our efforts to preserve the Southmoreland neighborhoods Richards House. (Kerr represents the owners, Steve and Matt Vawter.)

At that meeting, Kerr told us the mansion has to go. He wants to build something else. But he will need much more than the nine-tenths of an acre that the Richards House stands on. Kerr divulged parts of his plan to get the necessary additional acreage to us.

First, All Souls Church would need to relocate, and with its membership dwindling, the congregation would do fine on a smaller property. All Souls has refused to sell, but Kerr seems undeterred, apparently believing he will eventually change its leaders minds. Real estate is a long game, he said.

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It seems to me that Kerr views Southmoreland as a Monopoly board on which he can shuffle properties as he sees fit.

Activists for the Southmoreland neighborhood have applied for historic designation for the Richards House, a status that would prevent its demolition. Kerr and the Vawters oppose this designation. Demolition and a vacant lot have always been their goals, it seems. In April, they scheduled an online salvage auction under the label, This is a Demolition Project. There were bids for pillars, leaded windows, staircases and other features of the home. The auction was halted, thanks to the application for historic status.

But the plans for a vacant lot continue. At a meeting on July 14, a prospective buyer of the property acknowledged that he had no plan for construction on the lot. He said that if he cannot build anything, he would simply pull up the empty oil drums, grade the lot and plant grass.

Southmoreland already has more than 6 acres of vacant land from 44th to 46th streets between Main Street and Warwick Boulevard. These empty lots attract litter, encampments and criminal activity.

In the end, this is not an impending tragedy for the Southmoreland neighborhood alone, but for all of Kansas City. Visitors to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, just to the east of the Richards House, would see the eyesore of a vacant lot instead of the stately mansion. Audiences for the Heart of American Shakespeare Festival, who gather in Southmoreland Park every July and have the lovely home looking down on them? They would see a blighted lot.

This is a completely avoidable disaster. If the 4526 Warwick property were marketed aggressively, it is likely that offers would pour in  perhaps not from those seeking a single family residence, but the possibilities for adaptive use are almost limitless. Magnificent old homes in Southmoreland and other Kansas City neighborhoods have been successfully converted to museums, libraries and boutique hotels  the list goes on. The exteriors of these fine old buildings remain intact and contribute to the beauty and character of Kansas City.

Let the Richards House be preserved and serve our city in whatever its next life is to be. To set the wrecking ball on it, and create a blighted vacant lot in its place, borders on obscene. Kansas City leaders, do not let that happen. Please support Ordinance 230705 to recognize the house as a local landmark on the Kansas City Register of Historic Places.

Margot Sims is chair for neighborhood culture and preservation on the board of the Southmoreland Neighborhood Association.
Trump features front digi

It is unprecedented for a former US president to be facing federal criminal charges. It is unthinkable that, as a result, Donald J Trump could spend the rest of his life in prison. And it is ridiculous that, from behind bars, he could still contest the presidential election in 2024  and have a chance of winning.

Yet everything about Trumps political career is unprecedented, unthinkable and ridiculous. The only rule of the Donald is that he breaks all rules.

Trump was impeached twice in office. Hes been through countless investigations, yet he has always managed to escape the shackles of the law. This time, however, he has been accused of crimes that prosecutors say struck at the bedrock of American democracy: illegally attempting to subvert the 2020 election.

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In the E.Barrett Prettyman Courthouse, in Washington DC, on Thursday, the former president pleaded not guilty to four charges related to the so-called Stop the Steal campaign and the storming of the US Capitol on Jan 6 2021  including conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy against the right to vote. The most serious charges carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.

All of which comes on top of a prosecution by the Department of Justice, which has indicted him on 37 counts for allegedly mishandling the classified documents he kept at his home in Mar-a-Lago, Florida; charges which could also lead to 10-to-20-year sentences if convicted. For a 76-year-old, that means life. If found guilty, then, Trumps only path to freedom would probably be to win the presidential election from behind bars and then pardon himself back into the White House.

Again, that sounds utterly implausible. That does not mean it is impossible. And there is nothing in the US Constitution that prevents someone who has been charged or convicted from seeking or taking office.

Of course, a criminal Trump conviction would throw up some immediate practical challenges: given his position and his fame, where on earth could he be safely incarcerated? Every living president is entitled to secret service security; would Trumps special agents have to join him in jail?

A protestor outside the courthouse in Miami on Tuesday - Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg

Then there are the political implications, which are even more unfathomable. It seems unlikely that Trump would give up just because hed been found criminally guilty. On the contrary, he and his supporters would only be further radicalised. Already, his campaign messaging ahead of 2024 has been almost apocalyptic in tone. He promises voters he will be your retribution against the Deep State, by which he means the network of national security and intelligence agencies, politicised judges and nefarious journalists who are trying to bring him, and therefore America, down.

His more hardline supporters were outside the courthouse in Washington yesterday, carrying campaign flags that said Trump for President 24, Finish the Wall and Trump Won. Things could turn ugly fast.

Trumps voters agree with his assessment that he is the victim of a witch-hunt. He is already facing criminal charges in New York for falsifying business records and, earlier this year, a Manhattan court found him civilly liable for sexual abuse. Yet his presidential campaign never stops and  a curious dynamic  the more his legal problems mount, the more his support rises among Republican voters.

His political opponents, the Democrats, who run the Department of Justice, are quite sanguine about this situation: they believe that while Trump fans may love him no matter what, the majority will always find him and his MAGA movement too toxic to be suffered. His election in 2016, runs the argument, was an aberration: in the 2020 presidential election, as well as the 2018 and 2022 mid-term elections, Trumpism failed.

Gray: 'Trumps acolytes like to point out that anybody else, facing the legal and media onslaught he has faced, would be a broken man  but not Donald' - Shutterstock

Yet part of Trumps appeal, especially among evangelicals, has always been his messianic pitch to voters who feel that the system is rigged against them. Hes fond of sharing an online meme that says: In reality, its not me theyre after. Its you. Im just in the way. Trumps acolytes and campaign talking heads like to point out that anybody else, facing the legal and media onslaught he has faced, would be a broken man  but not Donald.

If he were to go to jail, even if the evidence against him were damning, his supporters would only feel hes been proven right. In 2016, he famously bragged: I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldnt lose any voters. In 2024, he could campaign to be re-elected as Commander-in-Chief while incarcerated as a grave threat to national security, and his admirers would only admire him more.

But its not just die-hard fans who prefer Donald the potential convict to the Department of Justice. The idea of the righteous rebel, the maverick, or the outlaw speaks to something deep in the freedom-loving American psyche  Think of Jesse James, James Dean, or the abolitionist John Brown. Americans tend to be more cynical about high-level criminal allegations than, say, the British, and therefore the stigma of being accused is less strong. If youre not indicted, youre not invited is a saying among party-going New Yorkers, for instance.

That scepticism stems in part from the fact that, for centuries, the more democratic American justice system has been more politicised than it is in Britain. Nakedly political people stand for and win elections as judges, district attorneys, or other positions of legal authority and the Department of Justice is led by the man in the White House, even if it is still in theory bound by the constitution.

Trump supporters outside the courthouse on Tuesday - Nathan Howard/Bloomberg

This inevitably leads to a widespread sense of bias. Trumps New York trial, for instance, was directed by a Democrat district attorney, Alvin Bragg, and overseen by the Democrat attorney general, Letitia James, both of whom are long-standing and outspoken critics of the politician they are trying to convict.

An incarcerated Trump would play on Americas in-built suspicion of the legal system. Convinced of his innocence, and regarding himself as Christ-like in his willingness to suffer for mankind, he wont be embarrassed by any perpetrator mug shot  indeed, hell use it as a badge of honour. His campaign team will circulate the image in their promotional materials.

We have seen this before, albeit never with a man who occupied the Oval Office. In 1920, Eugene V Debs, a socialist, ran for president from behind bars and won just shy of a million votes, a staggering amount for a man of his radicalism. Hed been cruelly jailed under the 1918 Sedition Act for his opposition to Americas involvement in the First World War.

His backers made a virtue of his renegade status, handing out photographs of him in convict denim as well as campaign lapel pins that said Prisoner 9653. I thank the capitalist masters for putting me here, said Debs from jail. They know where I belong under their criminal and corrupting system. It is the only compliment they could pay me. Its not impossible to imagine a jail-bird Trump saying something similar, though he would use the word globalists instead of capitalists.

Unlike Debs, Trump would be a major party nominee. And many Republicans, even Trump fans, might consider voting for a convict a step too far. After a blaze of media attention following his imprisonment, he would struggle to campaign. The legendary rallies would be Trump-less. He would probably ask his children, Eric, Donald Junior and Ivanka to represent him and push his message all over the country. Ivanka, who is widely thought to have political ambitions of her own, may shrink from attaching herself to a jail break campaign in 2024. The Trump family bonds would be tested as never before.

Trump's daughters Tiffany and Ivanka - Getty

Depending on the terms of his sentence, Trump may not even have a mobile phone or regular access to the internet.

The 2024 election could therefore turn out to be an even stranger version of 2020, when Joe Biden effectively campaigned locked inside his Delaware basement and won. That was the year of peak Covid panic and the Black Lives Matter riots, when a sense of madness prevailed and American cities were torched for weeks on end. If Trump is jailed, expect American democracy to get even crazier.

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John Eastman, centre, a lawyer indicted with former president Donald Trump , makes a statement to media outside the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, where he was booked on Tuesday - Arvin Temkar/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP

A man accused of being the architect of Donald Trumps alleged bid to subvert the 2020 US presidential election is among the former presidents Georgia co-defendants to have surrendered at Fulton County Jail.

Lawyer John Eastman was booked at the court in Atlanta, Georgia, on Tuesday for criminal charges alleging he conspired with Mr Trump to try to overturn the election result.

Bail bondsman Scott Hall, who is accused of participating in a breach of election equipment in rural Coffee County, was also booked by the countys sheriffs office on Tuesday, according to court records.

Mr Trump, 77, announced this week he will surrender on Thursday to face his fourth criminal indictment this year, days after he agreed to a $200,000 bond.

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He also accepted bail conditions that would bar him from threatening co-defendants or witnesses in the case.

The Republican frontrunner has repeatedly railed against the charges as politically motivated and continues to claim he won the 2020 election.

It is expected that the remaining 17 defendants named in the indictment will surrender by Friday, the sheriffs office said.

Mr Eastman, who agreed to a $100,000 bond, said in a statement provided by his lawyers: I am here today to surrender to an indictment that should never have been brought.

He added: It represents a crossing of the Rubicon for our country, implicating the fundamental First Amendment right to petition the government for redress of grievances.

The police booking photo of John Eastman on Tuesday - FULTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE / AFP

The police booking photo of Scott Hall on Tuesday - FULTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE / AFP

Mr Hall, a Republican poll watcher in Fulton County who faces seven criminal charges, previously agreed to a $10,000 bond deal.

The 41-count Georgia indictment accuses Mr Trump and 18 other defendants of racketeering and other crimes over their efforts to reverse Mr Trumps loss in the state to Joe Biden.

District Attorney Fani Willis gave the defendants until Friday at noon to surrender themselves.

Prosecutors are seeking a trial in March, but the number of defendants and complexity of the case could lead to delays.

Mark Meadows, Trumps former chief of staff, sought last week to move the case to federal court and dismiss it on the grounds he is immune from prosecution for actions he took as a federal official.

Mr Meadows asked to delay his surrender until after a hearing in federal court on Monday but was rebuffed by Ms Willis, who told his lawyers she will seek his arrest if he does not turn himself in by Friday afternoon, court records showed.

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D. Todd Ehlers, left, seen listening to District Attorney Colleen Nordin during a 2022 hearing, announced he will not seek reelection in 2024 as Door County Circuit Court judge in Branch 1 after 24 years on the bench.

STURGEON BAY - Door County Circuit Court will have a new Branch 1 judge next August for the first time in 24 years after D. Todd Ehlers announced he won't seek reelection to the bench, and a candidate already has announced her intention to run for the seat.

Ehlers submitted his notification of noncandidacy this past week to the Wisconsin Elections Commission ahead of the spring 2024 general election. He was elected four times to serve six-year terms as Branch 1 judge, starting in 2000 when Door County voters chose him to succeed retiring Judge John Koehn.

Ehlers' current term runs through July 31, 2024. At that time, his tenure of 24 years will be the third-longest for a judge in Door County history.

A native of the town of Sevastopol, Ehlers graduated from St. Norbert College in De Pere and Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee. He practiced law in Sturgeon Bay for 16 years before becoming a judge.

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Ehlers was elected by his judicial colleagues from 2010 to 2020, including the last three years as its chair, to serve on the Wisconsin Criminal Jury Instructions Committee, which drafts the instructions utilized by judges across the state in criminal jury trials. In 2012, the state Supreme Court appointed him to the Wisconsin Judicial Conduct Advisory Committee, which provides formal opinions and informal advice to judges and judicial officers on ethical conduct, for nine years, the last five as its chair.

It has been my extreme pleasure to have served the citizens of Door County and the state of Wisconsin as one of their circuit court judges the past 23 years," Ehlers said in a news release. "What greater privilege and honor could there be than to have the chance to return to the community where you were born and raised to work and serve for almost 40 years.

Ehlers' successor for Branch 1 will be decided in the April 2 election, with the new judge taking office Aug. 1, 2024.

Announcing her candidacy for Ehlers' seat is Jennifer Moeller, who has served as Door County Family Court Commissioner for the past 12 years. Prior to her post with the county, Moeller was a partner in the Sturgeon Bay-based law firm of Brooks & Moeller, S.C.

Jennifer Moeller, currently Door County Family Court Commissioner, announced she will run for Circuit Court Branch 1 Judge in the April 2024 election to replace the retiring D. Todd Ehlers.

This role (as Family Court Commissioner) has given me invaluable experience on the bench making tough decisions that affect peoples lives," Moeller said in her news release. "My legal experience, commitment to this community, and passion for justice drive me to run for judge.

In addition to her professional work, Moeller has volunteered for numerous local nonprofit organizations across the past 20 years, including the Womens Fund of Door County and Sunshine Resources. In 2019, she received the Anne Kok Social Justice Award for her commitment to eliminate violence in all forms. She also served on the Sturgeon Bay City Council for two years and Sturgeon Bay Police and Fire Commission for nine years, seven as its president.

Door County's other circuit court judge is David Weber, who was appointed to the Branch 2 seat by then-Gov. Scott Walker in 2016 and won reelection in 2017 and 2023.

Contact Christopher Clough at 920-562-8900 or cclough@doorcountyadvocate.com.

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FOR MORE DOOR COUNTY NEWS: Check out our website

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Door County judge Ehlers to retire; candidate enters 2024 race
DOVER  A councilman raised questions Monday about a media report involving a deposition given by Law Director Doug O'Meara in the Dover Chemical Corp. lawsuit.

"Did any of you know about this before it hit the paper, Dover Chemical depositioning and the fiasco that followed?" Bob Mueller asked his fellow council members. "I for one was quite surprised that it took so long to find out about this. I had to read it in the paper, instead of hearing it from the administration. I don't think that's right."

More on deposition: 'Evasiveness, gamesmanship and eavesdropping': Dover Chemical seeks sanctions against city

His question was in reference to an article that appeared in The Times-Reporter last week about a request by Dover Chemical that Judge Elizabeth Lehigh Thomakos sanction the city for allegedly failing to produce key documents in the company's lawsuit against the city and over O'Meara's conduct during a recent deposition in the case.

Dover City logo

Legal dispute began in 2021

The motion is part of the legal dispute between the city and the company over services provided by Dover Light & Power to the manufacturer. The suit was filed in February 2021.

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The company claims the city failed to produce a letter from O'Meara to council members in 2020 in which he said that employees of the Electric Field Division had been maintaining and upgrading the lines and equipment inside the plant, in violation of an ordinance passed by council in 1975.

In its motion, Dover Chemical said it asked for a copy of O'Meara's letter but did not receive it because of attorney-client privilege. However, the same letter was quoted in an article in The T-R on Sept. 10, 2020. Dover Chemical eventually received a copy of the letter on June 30 of this year.

The company is also alleging that O'Meara derailed Dover Chemical's first attempt to depose him in the case on June 30 "with his evasiveness, gamesmanship and eavesdropping on DCC's counsel."

The motion says that during the deposition, O'Meara spent nine minutes and 16 seconds examining the letter he sent to city council in 2020 before acknowledging that he was familiar with it. The motion also alleges that the law director had been surreptitiously recording the deposition and left his telephone recording in the presence of Dover Chemical's lawyers when he and the city's attorneys left the room.

"This administration talks about transparency, yet we don't tell people stuff," Mueller said at Monday's meeting. "Only certain people know. We don't communicate, and I don't think that's where Dover needs to go."

Council members say they learned of deposition from report

During the audience portion of the council meeting, resident Brian Hanner asked every other member of council how they had learned about O'Meara's deposition. Nearly all of them said they had learned from reading about it in the paper.

"So, this legislative body is just as surprised that this happened 45 days ago and they're just learning about it from the newspaper," Hanner said.

At the end of the meeting, members of council and the administration met in executive session with attorney Dolores "Lola" Garcia of the law firm of Ulmer & Berne, which is representing the city in the lawsuit, to discuss pending litigation. No action was taken following the session.

On Tuesday, Mayor Shane Gunnoe issued a statement in response to Mueller's questions.

"During my time as mayor of the City of Dover, I have worked to make city government more transparent and accountable. City administration has routinely requested executive sessions with city council to discuss matters of pending litigation. This is the appropriate format for pending litigation matters to protect the city's confidential and privileged legal communications.

"Mr. Mueller was aware days in advance of last night's meeting that city administration wished to request an executive session to discuss pending litigation matters that night with city council.

"City administration will continue to work cooperatively with city council on all matters and will request executive sessions with council for pending litigation as needed in the future.

"In regard to the Dover Chemical lawsuit, the city will continue to work to defend our utility ratepayers and will submit our response to the latest court filings in the near future."

Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Questions raised at Dover Council about law director's deposition
A series of investigations revealed 13 Sonic Drive-Ins in South Carolina violated federal child labor laws  with dozens of young teens affected, officials announced on Aug. 22.

Investigators found 91 minors ages 14 and 15 worked hours that were longer and later than allowed under federal law, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Now two Sonic Drive-In franchisees are ordered to pay thousands of dollars to address the issues, the agency announced in a news release.

This comes after violations involving 36 teens took place at eight Sonic Drive-Ins in Clinton, Gaffney, Greenville, Greenwood, Greer, Laurens and Simpsonville, officials said. These locations are run by Atticus Franchise Group LLC, an Atlanta-based private equity firm in charge of a total of 60 Sonic Drive-Ins.

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Additionally, violations involving 55 minors occurred at five restaurants in Columbia, Chapin, Newberry and Sumter, according to officials. These locations are run by 3497 Beaufort Limited Partnership and its parent company, Boom Inc., which also operates Sonic Drive-Ins in North Carolina, Delaware, Georgia, Virginia and Kentucky.

As a result, the Department of Labors Wage and Hour Division has assessed Atticus Franchise Group with a $25,000 civil money penalty and Beaufort and Boom Inc. with a $36,012 civil money penalty, the release said.

Businesses that employ 14- and 15-year-olds must balance workplace experience with educational opportunities and be aware of the limits on these young workers job duties and hours, Wage and Hour Division District Director Jamie Benefiel in Columbia said in a statement.

McClatchy News contacted Atticus Franchise Group and Sonic for comment on Aug. 23 and didnt receive immediate responses. Contact information for Beaufort and Boom Inc. wasnt immediately available.

The investigations into the Sonic Drive-In locations stem from the Department of Labors efforts to address an uptick in child labor violations nationwide, the release said.

There are strict rules in place for hours 14- and 15-year-old employees are allowed to work, according to the agency.

According to the rules, teens of this age can work no more than 3 hours on a school day (and) no more than 8 hours on a non-school day. In addition, they can only work up to 18 hours a week during the school year and up to 40 hours a week outside of the school year.

Whats more is that 14- and 15-year-olds can only work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.  except during the summer when they can work up until 9 p.m, according to the Department of Labor.

Atticus Franchise Group violated each of these rules except the rule prohibiting the young workers from working more than 40 hours a week in the summer, the release said.

Officials didnt specify exactly how Beaufort and Boom Inc. violated the rules, with the release saying the franchisee employed the minors to work outside of legally allowed hours.

Child labor regulations ensure young workers can gain valuable work experience without interfering with their education or endangering their safety, Benefiel said.

Child labor violations involving 388 minors at McDonalds uncovered since May, feds say

Two 10-year-olds worked at McDonalds without pay  sometimes until 2 am, feds say

Kids younger than 12 worked at Comfort Inn in Tennessee, feds say. Company has to pay

Child labor violations are on the rise. Heres what parents should be on the lookout for
A 28-year-old man is accused of intentionally killing a stranger with his pickup truck as she was stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire in Kansas Citys Northland.

Clay County prosecutors on Wednesday charged Zackary W. Young, of Independence, with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of 20-year-old Savanna Churchill. Charging documents filed for Young focus heavily on an alleged confession that he crashed into Churchill on purpose.

Police officers were dispatched to the site of the crash around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. They were called by a witness who had gone to help Churchill with car trouble.

The witness told police Churchills car was unoccupied. From there, the witness said he saw Churchill in a corn field and a man walking away from a Dodge Ram pickup that had crashed into a ditch.

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Churchill was pronounced dead at the scene.

The bloodied pickup truck had damage to its front bumper, windshield and hood. The vehicle had license plates registered to Young, according to court documents.

A responding police officer stopped Young as he walked on the side of the road and asked whether he knew about the crash. He was taken into police custody when he told the officer he was involved, according to court documents.

A probable cause affidavit filed for Young outlines a series of rambling statements to police where he discusses taking a cocktail of prescription drugs, being in debt and running from the government.

During the interview, authorities say Young discussed the accident and hitting Churchill after he veered toward her. He said she was by the rear taillight of a car, on her cellphone, in the ditch. After the crash, he said he got out of his truck, saw her in the bushes, and started to walk away.

When asked if he hit the person on purpose, Young stated, I think I did, (expletive), I did it all on purpose, a Liberty detective wrote in charging documents for Young.

I want to apologize for it all, but it was on, it was on, purpose. Is she okay? the detective recounted Young as saying in the court document.

Online records did not list a defense attorney Young or a scheduled time for his first court appearance.

Under Missouri law, those convicted of first-degree murder, a Class A felony, face the death penalty or life in prison.

As of Wednesday, Young was being held in the Clay County jail on a $1 million bond.

In a statement Wednesday, Liberty Police Chief Jim Martin called Churchills death an absolute tragedy. He said the department is committed to ensure justice is served for Ms. Churchill and her family.
A 51-year-old woman was getting her mail when a driver swerved off a Pennsylvania roadway, striking her and a row of mailboxes, authorities said.

Jill Staub, of New Oxford, was killed in the crash, according to a report from Pennsylvania State Police.

State troopers were called to the fatality in East Hanover Township at about 3:50 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22.

Investigators learned a 62-year-old man was driving west when he struck a concrete barrier on his left, according to the report. He then continued west and gradually began to enter into the right late, police said.

The vehicle exited the roadway, onto the shoulder, and struck mailboxes in a grassy area, authorities said. Staub, who was also hit, landed within debris along the shoulder and right lane. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

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The vehicle continued through the grass and struck a utility pole, breaking it in half, police said. The vehicle then came to a stop.

The driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, authorities said. Police are investigating the crash as a DUI.

East Hanover Township, in Lebanon County, is about 100 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

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A Tu-22M3 bomber of the Russian air forces flies over the Mediterranean after taking off from the Hemeimeem Air Base in Syria, on Feb. 19, 2022. Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File

A drone attack destroyed a Russian bomber at an airbase in the country over the weekend.

A Ukrainian news outlet said agents working with Ukrainian intelligence were responsible.

The hit represents both a practical and psychological win for Ukraine, two experts said.

The brazen drone attack on a prized Russian bomber that was located hundreds of miles from the frontline fighting represents both a strategic and symbolic win for Ukraine, two experts on the Russia-Ukraine war told Insider.

The supersonic bomber was likely destroyed in an attack over the weekend, the UK Ministry of Defense said in a Tuesday intelligence update. The Russian plane, identified as a Tupolev Tu-22, was located at Soltsky-2 airbase in the Novgorod region of Russia, nearly 400 miles from the country's Ukrainian border, according to UK officials.

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The hit is the latest in a recent series of successful strikes on Russian infrastructure and military equipment as Ukraine seeks to shift its strategy amid a struggling counteroffensive on the ground and target Russian artillery.

#BREAKING A flagship Russian long-range bomber has been destroyed in a Ukrainian drone strike. Images posted on social media and analysed by BBC Verify show a Tupolev Tu-22 on fire at Soltsy-2 airbase, south of St Petersburg. The Tu-22 can travel at twice the speed of sound and pic.twitter.com/UH9lym21Bu  Michael Bociurkiw (@WorldAffairsPro) August 21, 2023

"Over the last many months, there's been an effort on the part of the Ukrainian defense establishment to drive home the idea that this isn't a war the Kremlin can just fight on the frontlines in Ukraine," Simon Miles, an assistant professor at Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy and a historian of the Soviet Union and US-Soviet relations, told Insider.

Russia's defense ministry blamed the Saturday attack on a Ukrainian "copter-style" uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV). If Russia was correct in identifying the type of drone used in the assault, it's more than likely the attack originated within Russia itself, British intelligence concluded.

"Copter UAVs are unlikely to have the range to reach Soltsky-2 from outside Russia," the assessment read, adding that the attack is plausible evidence that drone strikes against Russian military equipment are being launched from within Russia.

Ukrainian news outlet New Voice of Ukraine reported that agents operating with Ukrainian intelligence were responsible for the attack, claiming two additional aircraft were also destroyed in the strike.

Kyiv rarely claims public credit for such attacks and has not done so in this case, though the country has hinted at being responsible for similar attacks in the past. Russian separatists who oppose President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, have taken credit for other attacks on Russian soil.

Throughout the war, Russia has used the Tupolev Tu-22 and other aircraft like it to launch several attacks on Ukrainian cities, including the bombings in Mariupol that led to tens of thousands of civilian deaths last year, UK intelligence said. So, while Russia's bomber loss is unlikely to change conditions on the frontlines, the attack represents a major win in the effort to keep Ukrainian cities and civilians safe, Miles said.

"The Russians have launched a lot of munitions at Ukraine off these really high-end fixed-wing platforms," Miles said. "Taking more of these out of the fight means degrading the Russians' capability to actually strike Ukraine."

But the destruction of the strategically important bomber also serves another, more symbolic purpose, said Ben Hodges, a retired lieutenant general and former commander of US Army Europe.

"There is a psychological aspect to this," Hodges told Insider. "The Russians need to know all the BS they're hearing from the Kremlin is BS. And the Ukrainians need to know their government is striking back against Russia."

The bomber's destruction, which is yet another reminder Russia is struggling to protect its equipment, especially within its own borders, will simultaneously serve as a morale hit for Russia and a boost for Ukraine, Hodges said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The damaged facade of a high-rise building in Moscow - REUTERS/Stringer/REUTERS/Stringer

A Ukrainian drone crashed into a high-rise tower in Moscows business district owned by an associate of Vladimir Putin .

Two suspected Ukrainian drones struck the suburbs of Russias capital on Wednesday, while a third damaged a building in the central business district.

The skyscraper, called Moscow Towers, was bought in 2017 by Grigory Bayevsky, a business partner of Putins billionaire childhood friend Arkady and Boris Rotenberg.

Mr Bayevsky was revealed in 2016 to have sold or transferred luxury properties to women linked to the Russian president, including his suspected daughter Katerina Tikhonova , gymnast Alina Kabaeva and her elderly grandmother.

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The latest assault on Moscow comes after Ukrainian authorities said Russian artillery hit two villages near the eastern Ukraine city of Lyman, killing three people and wounding two others.

The damaged facade of a high-rise building in Moscow

The Moscow region, hundreds of kilometres from the front line, has been the subject of repeated attacks in recent weeks, although there have been no reports of major damage.

Air defences downed one Ukrainian drone in Mozhaisky district and one in Khimki district of Moscow region, Russias defence ministry claimed.

A third drone crashed into a building in the Moscow City business district around three miles from the Kremlin after being suppressed by air defences, it said.

The state TASS news agency reported that glass panes on three floors of the high-rise building had been damaged. Unverified videos on social media showed minor damage from the two other drones which had been destroyed.

Moscow airports briefly closed but have now reopened, Russian state media reported.

Emergency services were inspecting the area in the business district, Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram.

Several windows were smashed in two adjacent five-storey buildings, he said.

Mr Sobyanin and the defence ministry said there were no reports of casualties.

A worker inspects the damage to the building - Yuro Kochetkov/Shutterstock

In Khimki district, the wreckage of a downed drone had partially collapsed the roof of a private house and damaged a non-residential building, the RIA Novosti news agency reported.

There were no casualties, it reported.

Earlier this week, a Ukrainian drone crashed near the Moscow home of a notorious Kremlin propagandist.

Margarita Simonyan, the head of RT, the Russian state television network, and a prominent cheerleader for the invasion of Ukraine, said on Monday that a drone had landed a few hundred metres from her property in the upmarket Istra district, west of the capital.

Air strikes deep inside Russia have increased since two drones were destroyed over the Kremlin in early May.

Russian officials have repeatedly warned that military drones flying over Moscow, which along with its surrounding region has a population of nearly 22 million people, could cause a major disaster.

In May, a Ukrainian drone hit another prestigious Moscow suburb that is home to several cabinet ministers, and in recent weeks attacks have targeted the citys financial district, where several ministries and major companies are based.

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The drowning death of a former White House chef who was working for the Obama family has been ruled an accident, a spokesperson with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security said.

Tafari Campbell, 45, was found dead last month in Edgartown Great Pond on the south shore of Marthas Vineyard, state police said.

He had been paddleboarding the night before and was reported missing after he went into the water and didnt resurface, a news release from Massachusetts State Police said at the time.

He went into the water, appeared to briefly struggle to stay on the surface, and then submerged and did not resurface, police said. Another paddleboarder on the pond with him witnessed him go under the water, according to the release.

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Campbell was employed by former President Obama and was visiting Marthas Vineyard at the time of his passing, state police said.

The Obamas were not at their Marthas Vineyard residence at the time of the incident, according to police.

Tafari was a beloved part of our family, Barack and Michelle Obama said in a joint statement after his death.

When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House  creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together. In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter, the Obamas said.

Thats why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed. Hes been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that hes gone, the statement continued. Today we join everyone who knew and loved Tafari  especially his wife Sherise and their twin boys, Xavier and Savin  in grieving the loss of a truly wonderful man.

CNNs Celina Tebor, Kevin Liptak and Zoe Sottile contributed to this report.

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Shocking footage captures a woman on a Ryanair flight set to take off from the Manchester Airport to Ibiza instigating an onboard brawl with other passengers. The passenger who filmed the ordeal believes the airline could have done more to stop the fight before it got out of hand.

The rowdy rumbler in pink is seen arguing on Monday, Aug. 21, with another passenger a few minutes before the planes departure, a video shot by Lyndsay Cash reveals.

Drunken woman brawl captured on video. (Credit: Video Screengrab)

The plane was to leave the United Kingdom at 3 p.m. to fly to the Spanish Island but the womans outrageous behavior, which started 15 minutes before departure, threatened the a timely arrival for the flight.

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Shortly after the disagreement, a brawl broke out in the aisles and across the seats.

After things calmed, the woman, believed to be drunk was placed in a headlock and set to the side. Though others around her tried, no one could tame the womans temper.

Then suddenly, a voice cried out, saying, I will find you. According to the Daily Mail, someone associated with the flight said it was the woman in pink.

After a while, men believed to be her family members, who were also on the flight, pulled her away and attempted to address others who were involved in the melee. A man wearing green was seen pushing one passenger and shouting at another.

According to Cash, eventually police came and escorted the woman off the aircraft. In addition to the woman, two others also were ejected from the plane.

Once the three were removed, passengers seated on the flight burst out in applause.

Greater Manchester Police said they arrested individuals causing the incident and kept them in custody for questioning.

Officers were called at around 3 p.m. yesterday (Monday 21 August) to reports of disruptive passengers on board a flight taking off from Manchester Airport, a spokesperson said. Two men in their 30s and one woman, also in her 30s, have all been arrested on suspicion of being drunk on board an aircraft. One of the men and the woman were further arrested on suspicion of assaulting police officers. They all remain in custody for questioning.

The flight was delayed for an hour-and-a-half, according to Cash. She said, in addition to the uproar caused by the woman in pink, children were upset and were crying.

Cash believes this all could have been prevented if the airline staff would have blocked the woman from getting on the flight from the beginning, suggesting there were signs she was acting out before the initial load onto the aircraft.

She was barging into everyone the second she got on the plane, Cash said, also offering they should have intervened instead of leaving it to the passengers.

A Ryanair spokesperson offered a corporate apology to the affected passengers for any inconvenience caused as a result of these passengers disruptive behavior.

They did not admit or suggest their staff could have done anything better or more to de-escalate the matter.
WALLKILL - Edward Holley was back before Wallkill Town Court Judge Peter Green on Wednesday for the first time in more than three months in the Megan McDonald murder case, only to learn that he won't be due back there again for another three months.

Holley is charged with second-degree murder in the bludgeoning death of McDonald, a 20-year-old Burke Catholic graduate whose lifeless body was discovered in a remote field off Bowser Road in the town of Wallkill on March 15, 2003.

Holley was last in court on May 3, when the case was taken over by special prosecutors Julia Cornachio and Laura Murphy, two veteran prosecutors from Westchester, who inherited a mountain of evidence compiled over 20 years. A month later, Cornachio asked Green to adjourn a June 7 court date, telling the judge she and Murphy needed more time to sift through the evidence.

Cornachio was back on Wednesday to tell Green the same.

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"Judge, we're still investigating it and preparing it for potential presentation to the grand jury," Cornachio said.

Edward Holley appears in the Town of Wallkill Court beside his attorney, Paul Weber, with special prosecutor Julia Cornachio in the background, on August 23, 2023. Judge Peter Green adjourned until Nov. 15 the second-degree-murder case against Holley, in the 2003 death of Megan McDonald.

"How much time are the people seeking?" Green asked.

"I think probably a couple of months would be good, for a court appearance, could we look at November?" Cornachio offered.

Green noted that Holley had been arraigned in April and a November court date would be past the six-month legal window set by the Criminal Procedure Law for a case to proceed.

"It's a homicide, judge," Cornachio replied.

As Green set the next court date for Nov. 15 at 10 a.m., Weber wanted it noted that his client was waiving no rights in agreeing to the new court date. Green noted that it was "an adjournment for grand jury evaluation."

The hearing took about 5 minutes, after which Cornachio, Weber, Holley and his supporters left the courtroom, prompting a court officer in the lobby to ask wryly: "Is court out of session?"

New Legal Team: Who are the special prosecutors in the Megan McDonald murder case?

Holley had company

Holley arrived at 9 a.m., when the court opened, and soon was joined by about a dozen friends and family. Having lost the use of his legs in a 2007 auto crash, he wheeled himself into the courtroom and later into a private meeting room where he and his family spoke with Weber.

He and his family then settled into most of the second row of the small courtroom, with friends in the rows behind them.

The McDonald murder had been Orange County's highest-profile cold case for decades, but New York State Police say they never really let it go cold, conducting wave upon wave of interviews that led them, eventually, to Holley. A conviction could send the 43-year-old Holley to prison for 25 years to life. He declared his innocence after his arrest April 20.

An arrest without an angry DA

When State Police arrested Holley, who was in county jail on a drug charge, they did it without a grand jury indictment.

When they announced the arrest, in front of a bank of media cameras at the Troop F barracks on Crystal Run Road in Middletown, the McDonald family was on hand, but Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler was not.

Within minutes of the press conference, Hoovler issued a stinging press release, saying his office had been told there would be no arrest without him being notified. He said the arrest had started the clock ticking on an indictment. His office had six days to present a complicated case to a grand jury, Hoovler said.

Less than a week later, with the legal window to indict Holley closing, Hoovler sidestepped a preliminary hearing and punted the case, tying Judge Green's hands. With no indictment, Holley was set free, having served his sentence on the drug charge.

James and Karen Whalen, brother-in-law and sister of Megan McDonald, speak during a press conference about the arrest of Edward Holley on April 20, 2023.

That same day, Hoovler recused himself and his office from the case and requested a special prosecutor be named. He revealed  after nearly a decade as DA overseeing the McDonald case  that before becoming district attorney he was a defense attorney and had negotiated on behalf of a client "regarding potential information that client might provide regarding Ms. McDonalds death."

Exit the Orange County District Attorney's office. Enter special prosecutors Cornachio and Murphy.

Hon. Peter Green, justice for the Town of Wallkill, speaks during a hearing for Edward Holley on August 23, 2023. Green adjourned the murder case until Nov. 15, after special prosecutor Julia Cornachio told him she needed more time to prepare the case.

'They don't have anything'

Weber, Holley's attorney, later explained that with the most serious cases, extra time beyond the six-month limit is granted to prosecutors to prepare their cases.

Asked why it was taking longer for special prosecutors to build the case against his client, Weber said: "They don't have anything. They're taking information and they're trying to twist it to make it look like facts. I've reviewed all of the discovery. They have nothing. It's two investigators trying to make a name for themselves. That all it is.

"That's why the DA separated himself," Weber continued. "He doesn't want any part of it."

The case against Holley

As they arrested Holley  knowing there would be no indictment to read from, as no grand jury had heard the case  State Police took the rare step of issuing a 17-page felony complaint laying out the case against the now 43-year-old Wawayanda man.

Written by State Police Investigator Michael Corletta, the narrative described the night that cost Megan McDonald her life. In it, Corletta tracks her movements, from working the early shift at a restaurant to a trip to make a deposit at the bank to her unsuccessful efforts later to find someone to sell her marijuana.

That search led her to Holley, with whom she had had a physical relationship, but whom she made a point of avoiding earlier that evening. Eventually, though, Holley ended up in the back seat of Megan's car, parked off Bowser Road. And from that vantage point, police said, he killed her.

"The defendant, Edward V. Holley, did knowingly and intentionally cause the death of Megan McDonald by striking her multiple times about the head with a blunt instrument," Corletta wrote, adding that murder in the second degree is a class A-1 felony.

Reach Peter D. Kramer at pkramer@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Megan McDonald murder suspect Ed Holley makes brief court appearance
EDISON  A Connecticut-based firm is set to receive a $900,000 contract to provide school crossing guard services in the township for the next three years.

Township Council members will vote Wednesday on awarding the contract to Crossing Guard Services of Stamford, Connecticut.

If approved, it seems unlikely all the guard positions will be filled for the first day of classes on Sept. 6.

As a result, Police Chief Thomas Bryan said he expects to have a hybrid system of police officers and crossing guards, which is already in place, to manage the service for the students until the company takes over full responsibility.

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"But we are so looking forward to it," Bryan said at Monday's work session meeting.

"Hopefully this will be successful," said Councilman Ajay Patil.

Councilman Nishith Patel asked when Crossing Guard Services was expected to fully take over the posts. Bryan, however, could not provide a specific date, but said he was hopeful within about three weeks to a month.

Local: Supercharged go-kart track in Edison plans weekly racing league, more parking

Under the contract, crossing guards will be working 180 days, two posts per day with a minimum of three hours per post.

Council President John Poyner said under the contract the selected vendor is required to offer crossing guard positions to all current township crossing guards in good standing and they have right of first refusal for positions.

"I think it's good that if someone wants to maintain their position as a crossing guard that the opportunity will be afforded," Poyner said, adding he liked the pay rate is $19 an hour for a minimum of three hours. He said last year the initial rate was $13 an hour.

Crossing Guard Services was one of two firms to submit bids for the work. The other company was from California but was rejected because of its stated exceptions of insurance, indemnification, and liquidated damages which were not acceptable to the township, according to the resolution.

Plans call for the initial contract to run for three years at a cost not to exceed $900,000, with the option to renew for two more years.

Earlier this year the township announced plans to privatize the school crossing guard service due to long-standing staffing shortages that often required police officers to cover those assignments at a significant cost to taxpayers.

Edison has 40 crossing guards for 53 posts. There is one unfilled post and 12 guards performing a double post, according to township officials. Township crossing guards receive $19 an hour for three hours a day, when school is in session, township officials said.

Edison has two high schools, four middle schools, one intermediate school, 10 elementary schools and a preschool program.

The township spends about $600,000 for crossing guards' salaries and benefits and about $200,000 for the police officers, who are paid $65 an hour. When police officers are on crossing guard posts, they cannot leave, which is a burden to the department and a safety concern if something else happens while an officer is on the post, police officials said.

Email: srussell@gannettnj.com

Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Edison NJ crossing guards privatized contract up for vote
Mayor Eric Adams and City Planning Director Dan Garodnick are exactly right that New Yorks too many empty office buildings can and should be converted to become needed residential housing units in a city with far too few homes. Its an elegant solution to two problems, yet despite a solid five-point plan for conversion presented in January to the Legislature by Gov. Hochul, with the strong support of Adams, as part of her larger housing initiative, the lawmakers did nothing.

1) They did not get rid of the foolish limitation that only structures constructed before 1961 could be converted from office to residential (the cutoff date is 1977 for a small sliver of downtown). The artificial date means that huge numbers of properties across the entire city from 1962 and later are ineligible.

2) They did not allow for the building of new SROs, or dorm-type residences, including support housing, where the bathroom is down the hall. Expanding an existing plumbing network to supply water to all units is complicated and expensive. If an SRO or dorm could work here and there, why not?

3) They did not expand the areas for potential conversion from a handful of business districts to anywhere zoned for residential. Restricting possible conversions to just a few neighborhoods only further curtails the usefulness of the program.

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4) They did not eliminate the archaic floor area ratio (FAR) cap, which limits the construction of apartment buildings to no more than 12 times the size of the lot they sit on. This needs to be done away with, not only for conversions, but entirely. The FAR stymies the erection of any kind of residential properties, new ones or conversions.

5) They did not provide for any tax incentives to encourage developers to create affordable units in exchange for a tax break. New homes are essential, but new homes that most New Yorkers can actually afford are what is needed. But the Legislature couldnt be bothered to do anything.

We are lucky that there werent any more than five planks to the plan, as the Legislature wouldnt have done those either.

Not wanting to wait until next year (like the lowly, losing-record Yanks and Mets) Adams and his planning chief Garodnick have proposed that conversion steps 1, 2 and 3 be done on a local level by the Planning Commission and the City Council. It will take longer than an Albany law would have, but even if it takes a long time, it will be faster than never.

The commission and the Council should get to work immediately. Yes, we know it is a lengthy process.

What New York City cant do on its own is to get rid of the FAR ceiling and establish property tax breaks programs to entice developers to develop affordable units.

Without those two missing prongs, the simple concept of conversion (which is actually quite tricky to execute) will not flower as it should.

COVID has emptied out many an office building, which sit there mocking us as we beg for more housing. The will and the means are there. If only the permission was granted. The Legislature returns in January for an election-year session. Pass the housing measures the first week back.

___
In a welcome move last week, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced the extension and re-designation of temporary protected status for Ukrainians, allowing those whove arrived as of Aug. 16 to remain in the country with work authorization and protection from deportation at least through April 19, 2025. The move was a no-brainer, providing some security for those fleeing a brutal invasion.

Still, its not the moment to call it a day. TPS is, as the suggests, structured to be temporary, though in practice it often isnt. There are current TPS holders from countries including Somalia and El Salvador that have been living here in a sort of status limbo for decades, getting renewals but no fundamental security. Thats because Congress failed to build in a path to residency and eventual citizenship, apparently having not considered that it would never quite be safe for nationals of certain countries to return.

So we dont have to speculate about the fate that will befall hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian TPS recipients, because its happened to many others before them. Without further congressional action, theyll be stuck in a kind of semi-permanent status, building lives in the United States without any clear way to guarantee their place past the next re-designation cycle, and never able to naturalize.

That could be addressed by the passage of the Ukrainian Adjustment Act, a bill to provide a path to residency for Ukrainians paroled into the United States  which would cover most TPS holders along with those that have come in through parole programs and not received TPS  since the outbreak of hostilities with Russia in 2014.

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This is an even bigger no-brainer for Congress, unless its interested in the diplomatic, public relations and ethical nightmare of having the fate of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees be subject to the continuing support and whims of the executive, who could very well be Donald Trump, a man who seems all too happy to throw Ukrainians under the bus for his own domestic political ambitions. If policymakers fail to act and end up in two years with Ukrainians being stripped of status and unceremoniously deported.

Congress should also pass the Afghan and Venezuelan Adjustment Acts, bills that would provide paths to citizenship for hundreds of thousands more people who are busying themselves building lives here after fleeing the collapse of the Afghan government in the aftermath of the chaotic U.S. withdrawal, or the regime Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, one of the U.S.s most vehement regional opponents.

In fact, why stop there? If Congress is already passing laws, why limit them to these patches without addressing the underlying issues? It should go back to the drawing board and totally reformulate our humanitarian immigration systems to prevent people from ending up in these limbos in the first place. That will entail a recommitment to an expansive global refugee system that can more quickly process people abroad and allow them to arrive in the U.S. with status in hand, as well as a return to policies to let people whove been in the country for years without incident apply for permanent residency regardless of their status, a consensus position in a bygone era of bipartisan understanding on immigration.

___
Former President Trump, shown Aug. 3 after pleading not guilty in a Washington, D.C., courtroom on federal conspiracy charges, is expected to be booked Thursday in Atlanta on racketeering and other counts related to an attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

Donald Trump is due to appear at the Fulton County jail in Atlanta on Thursday for the usual booking procedures for a person charged with multiple felonies: Surrender to authorities. Pose for a mug shot. Get fingerprinted. Undergo a medical exam. Pay bail.

Bail is set at $200,000, and as is typical in such cases, Trump is expected to pay 10% of that to a private bail agent or directly to the court. Several others charged along with Trump in the Georgia racketeering case over the attempt to overturn his 2020 election defeat have already appeared, paid and been released.

Read more: Editorial: California continues to show the nation the absurdity and unfairness of money bail

But Trump shouldnt have to pay. None of his co-defendants should have to pay.

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No one, in fact, should ever have to pay cash bail. The system has strayed far from the original practice inherited from medieval England, where bail was a substitute for being jailed before trial. It was a security deposit to ensure the accused showed up in court, and it was fully refunded when they did. Today, in the U.S., bail is an unjust and nonsensical part of the criminal justice process that allocates treatment differently depending on how much money the accused has, not on their behavior, their risk to the public or their guilt.

Read more: Editorial: Bail's purpose is freedom, not jail

For Trump and others with ready access to money, bail is merely a charade  one that provides the comforting illusion that the rich and powerful are equal to the rest of us before the law, and are treated the same as others accused of crimes.

But thats just silly. The notion that Trumps $20,000 payment will determine whether he shows up for later proceedings is absurd. His money comes from political donors. Payment is a mere ritual.

Read more: Editorial: California still violates the Constitution on bail

If he doesnt violate his release conditions (including not pressuring witnesses) there is little prospect of him seeing the inside of a cell  at least not before trial. He wont spend a night in the notorious Rice Street facility, where seven people have died this year, fights and stabbings are common, and the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating horrid conditions.

It's a different matter for defendants without that kind of cash to throw around. For example, consider Lashawn Thompson, who was arrested last year for allegedly spitting on an officer and was sent to Fulton County jail because he could not afford his $2,500 bail for misdemeanor battery, or 10% of that to pay a bail agent who would promise to cover the full amount.

Read more: Editorial: 50 Cent and prosecutors are wrong about cash bail. L.A. courts get it right

Thompson remained in the decrepit Rice Street dungeon for months, his already compromised mental health declining, his body attacked by beg bugs. If he had even a fraction of Trumps money, hed have gone home to be treated and to prepare a legal defense. But Thompson died in jail, never having gone to trial. He was accused only of spitting, not undermining democracy.

Montay Stinson faced a $3,000 bail when he was arrested on charges of second-degree burglary in October. Qualifying for bail meant that he was considered unlikely to flee or to injure anyone if released before trial. But because he couldnt pay, he stayed locked up in the Rice Street facility. His body was found there earlier this month.

Read more: Editorial: L.A.'s bail reform is an improvement, but falls short of what Illinois has done

Alexander Hawkins was held on an unaffordable $5,000 bail on suspicion of shoplifting. He died in the Rice Street jail last week.

Thompson, Stinson and Hawkins were among hundreds of pretrial jail inmates in Fulton County  people who have not been convicted and who are not supposed to be punished, but merely held pending trial or other proceedings because they cant pay bail. Those who survive the experience stand to lose jobs, access to essential medication and contact with their children. The loss is so profound, and the conditions under which they are held so abhorrent, that many plead guilty just to get out  even if they are innocent.

Read more: Editorial: Court brings back sanity, and the Constitution, in Los Angeles bail ruling

Fulton Countys system for extracting either money or guilty pleas from the accused is the U.S. norm. Thirty people have died this year in Los Angeles County jails, where well over half the inmates in the overcrowded, inhumane facilities are held pretrial. Most pretrial detainees are not free to go home because  and only because  they dont have money.

Trump is on the privileged flip side of that unjust wealth-based bail system. For him, bail is an easily affordable ransom that permits him to avoid the physical and psychiatric deterioration in store for people held in jail.

He shouldnt have to pay it, because no one should have to pay it. It makes perfect sense for a judge to impose behavior-based release conditions on Trump or any other defendant. It makes no sense at all to make one of those conditions paying bail, which means virtually nothing to the rich, but loss of liberty, and sometimes life, to the poor.

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.
El Paso County is considering adopting a tax rate that would raise some property taxes about $100 a year to fund increased operation costs and pay raises for employees  including hefty salary boosts for county commissioners, the county judge and other elected officials.

El Paso County Commissioners Court on Aug. 28 could vote to adopt a tax rate of about 45.9 cents per $100 property valuation after holding a tax rate hearing on Monday  when only one person spoke out against the proposed increase.

Commissioners could also adopt a lower rate with less impact to taxpayers, as the county typically publishes the highest possible rate it could adopt without voter approval on its required public notice.

While the county tax rate will be adopted next week, it has until mid-September to tweak options and formally adopt the budget before the start of its 2024 fiscal year on Oct. 1.

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Under consideration is a general fund budget of about $454.7 million for the next fiscal year  an increase of about $10 million over the current year, Aug. 14 county documents show. The general fund includes basic services paid for primarily through property and sales taxes and other revenue such as fines and fees. The all funds budget, which includes special revenue, debt and capital projects, is estimated to be about $566.2 million  about $12 million more than last year.

The proposed budget would fund employee pay raises, as well as new positions, increased costs for medical insurance and detention facilities contracts, and some capital improvement projects. About half the countys general fund budget comprises programs or services mandated but not funded by the state, such as jailing state prisoners, public defender salaries and election costs, County Administrator Betsy Keller said.

The budget is not just a finance tool, its truly a critical part of meeting our strategic expectations and delivering services to our community, Keller told the court during an Aug. 14 budget hearing.

Salaries significant investment

At that same meeting, the court approved giving commissioners and the county judge a 16% salary boost  voting 4 to 1 to ensure that those increases be included in the budget its yet to formally adopt.

Salaries for the four commissioners will go from about $114,900 to nearly $133,500 a year, while the county judges annual salary will increase from $131,500 to more than $152,700.

Commissioner Iliana Holguin voted against the pay raise, while Commissioners Carlos Leon, Sergio Coronado, and David Stout and County Judge Ricardo Samaniego voted in favor of them. The pay raises will be effective Oct. 1.

Ive never felt comfortable giving myself a raise and I am not going to do it, Holguin told El Paso Matters. Unfortunately, I seem to be the only one.

Holguin said that the county a few years back studied county elected officials pay from across the state, and set a goal to reach about 80% of the statewide average. County commissioners and the county judge had been excluded from that formula for several years.

The 16% pay raise includes a 4.75% wage adjustment received by other county elected officials.

Coronado told El Paso Matters that the increase wouldnt seem so high had commissioners received smaller pay raises each year to be on par with what elected officials in other Texas counties are paid.

I want to make sure that across the board every year we do these adjustments in order to prevent these kinds of appearances when in reality its making up for years of no increases, Coronado said.

County documents show that the commissioners and county judge did not receive pay raises in fiscal years 2021 to 2023, but did receive a salary boost of more than $20,000 in fiscal year 2020  an increase of about 25%.

Commissioners at the Aug. 14 meeting also unanimously approved including the following in the budget:

4.75% pay increase for most general, executive and professional employees, raising the minimum wage to $14.39

4.75% pay increase for several elected officials, including the county tax assessor/collector, county clerk, county attorney, district clerk, justices of the peace and the county sheriff

1% flat-rate increase for retirees

$1.6 million for urgent capital needs

We wanted to make sure we were fair with our employees, Coronado said. We want to be an organization where people actually want to come and work with us. In the long run, that really benefits the taxpayer because the less turnover we have, the less resources we have to spend on training people.

The district attorneys salary, which is calculated under state statute, will remain at $198,000. The state funds the majority of that salary, with the county contributing about $58,000. State statute also sets pay rates for several judgeships and other elected officials.

Keller said the county is still finalizing salaries for thedeputy constables, and is looking to wrap up its collective bargaining agreement with sheriffs officers later this week.

The county would also pay more toward employee health care, which Keller said  is a significant investment in our county employees that limits the increase to their premiums to 2% and offsets family costs.

Reserve funds, bond debt

While those salaries were approved, other aspects of the budget remain uncertain as they depend on fluctuating sales tax revenues and the reserve fund balance for the calendar year.

The county aims to have an unallocated reserve of between 10% and 15% of the total budget, though its estimating its reserve fund at 8% in anticipation that it would bump up a few percentage points by years end. The county needs about $33.5 million in the fund to meet the 10% goal. It currently stands at under 5% with about $21.6 million, county documents show.

Keller said several initiatives could be held off until those figures are finalized at years end. Saying shes not optimistic this year, Keller recommended money set aside for several new positions, step salary increases and some capital improvement projects could instead be transferred into the reserve fund if it falls short.

A strong reserve fund helps the county maintain good bond ratings, which in turn helps it issue debt for future projects.

The county is planning to send a general bond of about $100 million to voters in 2024 for quality of life projects, which if approved could lead to tax increases starting in the 2025 tax year. That will follow the $100 million in debt commissioners court approved in January using certificates of obligation and tax anticipation notes  debt instruments that dont require voter approval.

Tax rate scenarios

Over the last several weeks, county staff presented several budget and tax rate scenarios to the commissioners court.

Among them is the proposed 45.9 cent rate, which is the countys voter approval rate  the highest the court may adopt without seeking voter approval. Under that rate, the owner of a $182,259 average value home in the county would pay $836 in county taxes  $104 more than last year, county documents show.

Commissioner Holguin during an Aug. 7 meeting was the sole member of the court to vote against publishing the proposed voter approval rate in the required public notice, saying she didnt approve of the countys policy to publish the highest possible rate. Commissioner Leon was not present for that vote.

I think that we miss an opportunity to really send a clear message to the residents in the county that we dont want to go with the highest rate possible just because we can, Holguin told El Paso Matters.

The voter approval rate would create $34.4 in additional revenue, county documents show, including $14.7 million which could go toward capital projects; $2.7 million toward new positions; $3.5 million toward step increases; and $13 million for the fund balance.

Commissioners court could also adopt a lower rate, including the no-new-revenue rate of 40.2 cents per $100 property valuation that would translate to an increase of about $21 a year on the countys portion of the tax bill on an average value home. The no-new-revenue rate refers to the rate needed to collect the same amount in property taxes as the previous year on the same properties.

The countys current tax rate is 42.6 cents per $100 property valuation, which the commissioners court could also adopt as the new rate. That would translate to an increase of about $45 more a year in county taxes on the average value home.

The exact impact on individual homeowners would depend on their property valuations, which have increased significantly the past few years.

Coronado said that while he couldnt yet commit to what tax rate he would favor, he doesnt believe the county could properly operate at the no-new-revenue rate.

We just cant keep up with the same services, the same requirements, the same requests from not just our employees, but the cost of the maintenance, the cost of buying goods and providing the services  everything just keeps going up, he said. This years dollar doesnt buy the same as last year.

If a county tax increase is approved, it could be offset by expected decreases to the school districts portion of homeowners total property tax bill. Thats because of statewide property tax cuts that among other things increase school district homestead exemptions  the amount of a property value that is not taxed  from $40,000 to $100,000.

School boards for districts across El Paso approved their budgets this summer and have adopted or are soon voting to adopt their respective tax rates.

The tax relief bill signed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in July goes before voters on Nov. 7 and if approved would apply for the 2023 tax bills that go out to property owners in January. School district taxes in El Paso have accounted for more than 40% of a homeowners total tax bill the past several years, with city taxes making up about 30% and county taxes about 15%, county documents show.

El Paso County Elected Officials Salaries

El Paso County Commissioners Court recently approved pay raises for themselves and other county elected officials. Most are getting a 4.75% wage increase, though the county judge and commissioners are receiving increases of about 16%. Heres whos getting a salary increase starting Oct. 1.

Position Current Salary New Salary* County Judge $131,481 $152,725 County Commissioners $114,902 $133,467 County Tax Assessor $127,414 $133,467 County Clerk $127,414 $133,467 County Attorney $216,262 $226,534 District Clerk $127,414 $133,467 County Sheriff $190,226 $199,262 Justices of the Peace $109,347 $114,541 Constables** $102,275 $107,133

Correction: The chart above has been updated to note the salary for constables. A previous version incorrectly cited them as deputy constables.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: County commissioners and the county judge to receive 16% salary boost
The legal actions are an extension of Edwards Blums broader campaign to use Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 to undermine diversity initiatives in the private sector.

The conservative activist who spearheaded the Supreme Courts decision to invalidate affirmative action in college admissions is bringing legal action against two corporate law firms over fellowship programs designed to promote diversity.

Edward Blum is the president of the American Alliance for Equal Rights, which on Tuesday filed cases against Perkins Coie in the Northern District of Texas in Dallas and Morrison & Foerster in the Southern District of Florida in Miami. According to The Washington Post, the complaints call for the termination of the law firms initiatives because they disqualify candidates based on race.

AAER claims that Perkins Coie and Morrison & Foerster infringe on the Civil Rights Act of 1866 provision that forbids racial discrimination in contracts.

Edward Blum, the affirmative action opponent behind the lawsuit challenging Harvard and the University of North Carolinas consideration of race in student admissions, leaves the Supreme Court back in October. Blum has now filed a lawsuit against two elite law firms, calling for the end of their diversity fellowships. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Excluding students from these esteemed fellowships because they are the wrong race is unfair, polarizing and illegal, Blum said in the Post. Law firms that have racially exclusive programs should immediately make them available to all applicants, regardless of their race.

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Two funded fellowships for first- and second-year law students are at the center of the complaint against Seattle-based Perkins Coie, which has more than 1,200 attorneys working for it in the United States and Asia. The complaint alleges that the fellowships restrictions for students of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and students with disabilities constitute racial discrimination.

Perkins Coie established the fellowship for first-year students in 1991 to create legal communities that accurately reflect the rich diversity of our communities, according to the companys website. In 2020, the company established the second-year student fellowship program.

So, the complaint contends, between two heterosexual, non-disabled applicants  one Black and one white  the latter cannot apply based solely on his race, which violates Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866.

A Perkins Coie spokesperson told the Post the company will fight the lawsuit.

More than 1,000 attorneys work for the San Francisco-based firm Morrison & Foerster, which also has offices across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. AAERs lawsuit alleges that the firms Keith Wetmore 1L Fellowship for Excellence, Diversity, and Inclusion, established in 2012, excludes specific candidates based on their skin color.

The fellowship for first-year law students includes a paid summer associate position, support from a group of lawyer mentors, plus a fellowship award of $25,000 if the student completes the entire summer program and an additional $25,000 if they return the following summer and accept a full-time position upon graduation.

The law abhors racial discrimination, the complaint against Morrison & Foerster reads. The lawyers who help administer that law are supposed to abhor it too.

The legal actions are an extension of Blums broader campaign to use the Civil Rights Act of 1866 to undermine diversity initiatives in the private sector.

AAER filed a racial discrimination case against Atlanta-based venture capital firm Fearless Fund in early August, theGrio previously reported. The case focuses on the Fearless Funds Fearless Strivers Grant Contest, which, in collaboration with Mastercard, provides Black women who run small businesses with $20,000 in grants, digital tools to help them grow their firms, and mentoring opportunities.

According to The Post, the American Bar Association reports that although Black people comprise roughly 14% of the population, they make up less than 5% of practicing attorneys  a percentage that has increased by less than 1% since 2010. Other ethnic groups make up around 10% of practicing lawyers.

Krissy Katzenstein, partner at Baker McKenzie, asserted that even before the Supreme Court decided on affirmative action, businesses DEI practices  whether inclusive hiring practices, employee affinity groups, or programs geared toward underrepresented groups  were under increasing pressure from internal and external critics. She noted that she has already received anecdotal indications of an uptick in legal claims of reverse discrimination.

Rutgers law professor Stacy Hawkins said what employers are doing now isnt affirmative action. Quite frankly, the most risky thing an employer can do is make any employment decision explicitly on the basis of race or gender, she added, The Post reported.

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The post Elite law firms sued for diversity initiatives appeared first on TheGrio.
Billionaire Elon Musk 's increasingly erratic behavior and decision making may, according to some people close with him, be due to an alleged increase in ketamine use.

In Ronan Farrow's sweeping and detailed look into the current Muskworld palace intrigue for The New Yorker, one choice tidbit stood out: those close to the billionaire's orbit are concerned that as he continues to pile more onto his plate, he may be self-medicating, and that the horse tranquilizer-turned-recreational-and-therapeutic drug may be what he's turned to.

As Farrow notes, there's been increasing chatter  including from Musk himself  suggesting the world's richest man is, at the very least, interested in the drug's therapeutic effects.

Though he has declined to comment on the story, the SpaceX and Tesla owner did not, as the report notes, deny that he has used ketamine, and after the Wall Street Journal reported earlier this summer that multiple people had seen him use it, he tweeted in apparent support of the drug.

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"Depression is overdiagnosed in the US, but for some people it really is a brain chemistry issue," Musk tweeted. "But zombifying people with SSRIs for sure happens way too much. From what Ive seen with friends, ketamine taken occasionally is a better option."

Though they were not named, associates of Musk's told Farrow that he has begun taking more ketamine in recent years, which could account for some of the stranger decisions he's made, especially as they relate to his chaotic ownership of the social network formerly known as Twitter.

Indeed, as ketamine researcher Amit Anand told The New Yorker, prolonged use of "special K" can indeed have effects on one's personality and thought processes.

"A little bit of ketamine has an effect similar to alcohol. It can cause disinhibition, where you do and say things you otherwise would not," the researcher said. "At higher doses, it has another effect, which is dissociation: you feel detached from your body and surroundings."

"You can feel grandiose and like you have special powers or special talents," Anand added. "People do impulsive things, they could do inadvisable things at work. The impact depends on the kind of work. For a librarian, theres less risk. If youre a pilot, it can cause big problems."

To be clear, delusions of grandeur and showy risk-taking are part and parcel of Musk's whole deal. But if that's being stoked by ketamine use  or abuse  that would be bad news for everyone caught in the billionaire's outsize wake.

More on Elon: Elon Musk Is Apparently Making the US Government Quite Nervous
FILE PHOTO: Employees prepare salted meat which will be dried and then packed at a plant of JBS S.A, the world's largest beef producer, in Santana de Parnaiba

FILE PHOTO: Employees prepare salted meat which will be dried and then packed at a plant of JBS S.A, the world's largest beef producer, in Santana de Parnaiba

By Ana Mano and Tom Polansek

SAO PAULO/CHICAGO (Reuters) - A coalition of environmental groups is pushing U.S. securities regulators to thwart JBS SA's New York share listing over concerns about the world's largest meatpacker's impact on deforestation, climate change and other issues.

The Brazilian company hopes a U.S. listing will attract a broader investor base to give it more access to cheaper capital.

However, groups including Rainforest Action Network, Mighty Earth and World Animal Protection this month sent letters to the Securities and Exchange Commission urging it to oppose the U.S. initial public offering or investigate claims in JBS's prospectus.

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"This is probably the single most important IPO for the climate in history," said Glenn Hurowitz, chief executive of Mighty Earth.

The destruction of rainforests, which serve as carbon sinks, imperils global climate targets.

JBS said its listing proposal will "enhance corporate governance and transparency through adherence to SEC standards." It also said it looks forward to engaging with non-governmental organizations.

Activists have long accused JBS of exploiting the environment and workers. Cattle ranching, along with clearing land to sell timber or grow crops, is driving deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. The beef industry says most deforestation is done by criminals.

World Animal Protection told the SEC that JBS, which buys grain for livestock feed, did not adequately identify crop farming as a material risk factor for deforestation in its prospectus.

In a response, the SEC said World Animal Protection's concerns "will be given careful consideration in view of the Commission's overall enforcement responsibilities under the U.S. federal securities laws," according to the group.

The SEC declined to comment to Reuters.

Last year, an audit by Brazilian prosecutors found nearly 17% of the cattle bought by JBS in Para state in the Amazon rainforest from July 2019 to June 2020 allegedly came from ranches with "irregularities" like illegal deforestation. JBS said at the time that issues that led to the purchases had been fixed.

"In the prospectus there is no clear road map to really make sure JBS is not involved in deforestation," said Merel van der Mark, a Rainforest Action Network coordinator.

JBS said it is using blockchain technology to monitor suppliers' suppliers. As of January 2026, only producers registered in its blockchain tool will be able to continue doing business with JBS, it said.

The company expects to conclude its U.S. listing by the end of the year.

Once the SEC confirms the planned offering complies with U.S. securities regulations and has no additional comments, the company can submit the deal for shareholders' approval.

The U.S. listing has been in the works for nearly a decade, but was postponed in part due to a 2017 corporate corruption scandal in Brazil and then again amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Reporting by Tom Polansek in Chicago and Ana Mano in Sao Paulo; Editing by Nick Zieminski)
Escambia Countys board of commissioners voted to give the countys senior-level managers a hefty increase in their pension contributions, to the tune of 34.52%. They are the only Escambia County employees to qualify for such a large increase and the decision means taxpayers will be footing the bill for hundreds of thousands of dollars in pension payments.

There are 27 senior-level managers working for Escambia County, ranging in pay from $107,000 a year to more than $200,000 a year. Most are making between $130,000 to $150,000 a year.

With the new pension rate approval, a senior-level manager making around $130,000 a year will get close $45,000 a year in a taxpayer funded retirement plan.

Waiting for ruling: Lawsuit over Escambia County retirement contributions now in the hands of judge

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More: Escambia County comptroller mandates rate cut for controversial county retirement program

Escambia County Commissioner Mike Kohler was the only board member to vote no to the increase.

I want everyone in the county to feel valued and have the best retirement program, Kohler explained, but the fight is to have people get the best wage and then everyone get the fair retirement that they can and since this isnt open to everybody in the county, I cant support this rate.

This is the same retirement plan at the center of a lawsuit between Escambia County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Pam Childers and Escambia County.

The local retirement plan, called a 401(a) plan, is offered by Escambia County to senior-level managers and elected officials who want to opt out of the Florida Retirement System plan, and it allows them to get a special rate not offered to other county employees.

Under this latest vote, county commissioners removed themselves from receiving the contribution with litigation pending.

Commissioner Jeff Bergosh argued with Kohler that the pension plan rates are set by the state, not Escambia County.

These rates are statewide, every county, every city is subject to these rates, said Bergosh. These rates are set by the state, we have no control of them. If you want the highest retirement benefit, you have to go work in those fields that the state allows a higher benefit, but to say its not fair, I just completely, 100% disagree with that. If you want to get the highest rate, go be a firefighter, go be a sheriff, but to demonize the entire system is wrong, its a good system.

However, Childers said county leaders can decide the rate.

In case you missed it: Pam Childers seeks ruling in Escambia County lawsuit over retirement contributions

The contract calls for contribution rates to be "per Florida Retirement System" but offers no more detail and there are many different rate options under different FRS plans.

The county has interpreted the contract to mean the "blended" FRS rate, but it has created a situation that makes the county's 401(a) much more lucrative than anything offered by FRS and according to Kohler and Childers, may be more lucrative than most pension plans offered by other counties in the state.

Im not demonizing, Kohler told Bergosh. I think its great that we have pensions, its just that not everyone is offered those rates. Thats the problem under the SMS, we only offer it to a small group of people  I just dont think its fair.

Commissioner Robert Bender asked county attorney Allison Rogers if the plan could be extended to other employees, but she said it could not.

The plan is intended as a replacement for the very narrow group of people that the FRS statutes and rules allowed to be either exempted out, opted out or unqualified to participate in FRS, Rogers said.

What is the lawsuit about?

Contribution rates for county commissioners under the plan are the center of a lawsuit between Childers and Escambia County. The lawsuit arose after Childers refused to authorize payments to three county commissioners accounts, arguing the contributions constituted an illegal pay raise for commissioners.

In 2018, Commissioner Robert Bender enrolled in the 401(a) plan, and after the 2020 election, commissioners Steven Barry and Lumon May switched from the state retirement plan to the 401(a) plan.

Controversy arose around the plan when Barry sought to seek back pay for all the officials who, he said, were not properly informed of the plan, which included him and May, when they joined the county.

The back pay idea was scrapped after public outcry and opposition from Childers.

Childers argued the plan violated state law prohibiting extra pay for elected county officials and began blocking payments into commissioners' accounts on Jan. 1, 2022.

Escambia County filed a lawsuit arguing the program was legal and Childers refusing the payments was beyond her authority as her role was ministerial and not discretionary.

Childers said the program was illegal for elected officials and, therefore, the three commissioners had to repay all of their contributions received under the program.

While the same cost to the county, the local retirement plan is much more personally lucrative for commissioners than the state plan, with contributions amounting to 58% of their salary going into their retirement account.

For a county commissioner whose salary is set at $92,738 by the state, that translates to almost $54,000 a year also contributed directly into their retirement account, with the state retirement system losing out on that funding.

Who decides: Escambia lawsuit weighs if clerk or commissioners have last say in paying out tax dollars

The first round of the legal battle was decided last year when Childers tried and failed to get the county's lawsuit thrown out and the court to accept her countersuit intended to force commissioners to repay the retirement contributions.

Childers then asked the judge to interpret a key Florida law that allows counties to set up annuity retirement plans and asked the judge to rule that retirement contributions are compensation under Florida law.

The county argues that both motions are procedurally invalid and should be dismissed on that account alone before the judge dives into the merits of the arguments. If the judge decides to move forward, the county also presented arguments about why both motions should be dismissed.

Where does the lawsuit stand?

Final arguments were made last December before Judge William Stone in Okaloosa County. He has since asked for additional clarification but no decision has been made.

Kohler said he wanted to wait to vote on the issue until there was a ruling to give them more direction.

If it (the ruling) goes against us, I think it'd be a good time for the commissioners to come back and look at this rate, said Kohler. If the Commission thinks 34% is right, then we should pay it because I think that's legal, but I think the rates excessive. I just don't think it's fair to the other employees in the county. It's not a fair benefit package for all the other 2,000 employees.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Escambia County retirement plan extended to senior managers
The manhunt for an escaped inmate ended when she was found hiding inside a clothes dryer in a South Carolina home, the Florence County Sheriffs Office said Wednesday.

After escaping from custody Monday, 32-year-old Lake City resident Megan Marie Hickman was found the following day, the sheriffs office said in a news release.

Both Hickman and Anthony Robert Wright-Post, a 29-year-old who lives at the same address as Hickman, were arrested, according to the release.

Hickman was charged with escape, while Wright-Post was charged with aiding an escape, jail records show.

Hickman was being held at the Florence County Detention Center following an Aug. 17 arrest on a shoplifting charge, according to jail records. On Monday, she was sent to an area hospital for treatment of a medical issue, and thats where the escape happened, the sheriffs office said.

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Hickman was in the emergency room when she asked to use the bathroom, according to the release. A female nurse took Hickman to the bathroom, but a short time later it was determined that Hickman had escaped the hospital, the sheriffs office said.

A manhunt in the area of the hospital immediately began, and on Tuesday, Hickman was located and taken into custody at a residence on Johnnie Lee Lane in Coward, according to the release. Thats about 19 miles north of the home where Hickman and Wright-Post are residents.

Information about how Hickman ended up in the Coward home was not available, and there was no word how law enforcement tracked her down there, where the 5-foot-2, 120-pound woman hid in the dryer.

Hickman was returned to the Florence County jail, where Wright-Post is also being held, the sheriffs office said.

An initial $1,087 bond was set for Hickman on the shoplifting charge, and now an additional $5,000 bond was set on the escape charge, Florence County court records show. Hickman is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 21 on the escape charge, according to judicial records. She had been scheduled to appear in court Aug. 31 on the shoplifting charge.

A $1,500 bond was set for Wright-Post, whos scheduled to return to court on Nov. 21, according to judicial records.

If convicted on the felony escape charge, Hickman faces a maximum punishment of 15 years in prison, and that sentence would be served consecutively with any term from a possible conviction on the shoplifting charge, according to South Carolina law.

A conviction on the misdemeanor aiding escape charge means Wright-Post faces a maximum punishment of 2 years in prison and a $500 fine, according to state law.
Ukraine will soon receive reconnaissance drones purchased with funds raised by Estonians last year.

Source: European Pravda, citing Postimees, an Estonian news outlet

Details: The fundraising campaign was launched last fall by an activist group of graduates of the Estonian National Defence University. They announced the end of the campaign on Tuesday, 23 August.

Donations were collected on the Estonian crowdfunding platform toeta.me, with contributions from 3,986 individuals from Estonia and abroad. The campaign raised a total of 222,933, the largest amount ever raised on the toeta.me platform.

Reconnaissance drones

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Photo: toeta.me

The funds raised will be used to buy and upgrade 21 EOS C VTOL drones manufactured by Threod Systems so that they cannot be jammed by Russian anti-drone systems; this will extend their life at the front.

The drones will be sent to Ukraine in the coming weeks.

The EOS C VTOLs have proven to be high-level surveillance assets on the battlefield in Ukraine. The drones can maintain communication with their operators up to 50 kilometres away; the range of autonomous flight is up to 150 kilometres.

These drones have already been used to obtain crucial footage and valuable intelligence that influenced the course of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

Last year, Estonia handed over drones to the Ukrainian military, which a few months earlier a person with dual Russian and Estonian citizenship tried to smuggle out of Estonia for the Russian 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!
The News

ADDIS ABABA  After a brutal civil war lasting two years, Ethiopias government has been scrambling to rebuild its once booming economy with appeals to international donors and investors. But instead of turning the corner and focusing on revival, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed , 2020s Nobel Peace prize winner, finds himself stuck in the middle of another dangerous, emotionally-draining ethnic battle with yet another formidable regional adversary in Amhara.

This week Ethiopias finance minister Ahmed Shide called on investors to help raise $20 billion as part of a wider recovery plan to revive the countrys crippled economy and rebuild its damaged infrastructure. But instead, with the outbreak of skirmishes then full-fledged conflict between federal forces and Amharas Fano militia since November 2022, Ethiopia has taken a big blow to one of its most economically important regions.

Companies like Safaricom, which has been rolling out its M-Pesa mobile money service nationally since the start of the year, have had to curtail operations in the province. The government has declared a state of emergency and suspended internet services. Meanwhile, the international flower trade has had to suspend exports from the region. So far the local investment bureau estimates that more than $45 million of damage has been done with more than 3,000 jobs lost as the economy has slowed since the regional skirmishes took hold last November.

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Amhara administrators have told local press they estimate it will cost nearly half a trillion birr ($9.5 billion) to rebuild war-ravaged areas in a region that has contributed more than a fifth of national GDP in recent years.

Investment in Amhara was already struggling from the previous conflict with many assets looted and destroyed, said a regional investor, who asked not to be named due to sensitivities around the ongoing conflict. Everyone remains in a suspended state of mind not knowing what to do with fear of more unrest coming down the road.

Know More

The conflict between the Ethiopian governments forces and the Fano militia in the Amhara region was triggered soon after a November 2022 peace deal between the government and the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) to end a devastating two-year civil war in the north of the country. Instead of being welcomed unanimously as a war-ending pact, it was almost immediately questioned by the Amharas who said they had been excluded from the talks, even though they had fought alongside the federal army against the Tigray rebels.

The final straw seemed to be when Prime Minister Abiy proposed that all regional special forces should be integrated into the federal army and police force to boost ethnic unity. The Amharas saw that as leaving them vulnerable to future attacks from Tigray and have pushed back.

Earlier this month Abiy introduced a state-of-emergency in the province and conducted a law enforcement operation against the Fano militia. There has been growing resistance from the Amhara region with allegations of an attempt to weaken its power against the Tigray regional government with recurring boundary disputes.

The protracted conflict has disrupted supply chains and blocked critical overland trade routes that keep Amharas marketplaces alive. The region is an important breadbasket for Ethiopia and prices of staple food have risen sharply since the outbreak of this latest conflict. The cost of teff, the main grain used to make injera bread, is estimated to have almost doubled in the Addis area, according to recent media reports.

Samuels view

It seemed like only a few years ago that Ethiopia was one of the fastest growing economies in the world. It was remarkable for a country with Africas second largest population of over 125 million people. That rapid economic growth brought international players who helped develop key investment across the country at industrial parks and local factories.

But now most foreign investors in the Amhara region are being impacted as a result of the recurring conflicts, including European breweries such as Bavaria, which was forced to temporarily halt production, and various Chinese manufacturers located inside the Hawassa industrial park in the Sidama region.

This follows the loss of tariff-free access under the United States Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) preferences, withdrawn last year due to suspected human rights abuses during northern Ethiopias conflict.

With the growing influence of international investors in Ethiopias economy over the last decade of rapid growth, it is notable that there are now significant concerns about the volatility of the country. Many will likely take their chances elsewhere in the region.

Most of those impacted during the current conflict are international businesses such as flower growers from the Netherlands who helped the region create thousands of jobs and bring much needed hard currency to Ethiopia.

There are, of course, many other unintended consequences for long-term development if the country is distracted by internal volatility. Take for example the dispute ongoing between Ethiopias Railway Corporation and Yapi Merkezi, a Turkish construction company before a UK arbitration board over an aborted railway project. It was to have been built across the Amhara region but the $1.7 billion project was heavily damaged during the two-year northern conflict. The Turkish company is seeking $500 million in compensation.

It will likely take several years for Ethiopias economy to fully recover from these spasms of conflict and in that time a decade of development and progress would have been squandered.

Room for Disagreement

Some analysts remain optimistic about Ethiopias long-term potential to become a regional investment hub  despite the current security challenges.

Even during the Tigray war, the (Ethiopian) government has shown that it can attract foreign direct investments, said Patrick Heinisch, an African analyst at German commercial bank Helaba. Foreign investors know that the government relies on forex brought in by foreign investment and investors are aware they can purchase state assets at a cheaper price compared to other times as the government begins to privatize, Heinisch added.

The View From AMSTERDAM

Investing in Ethiopia for us is a long-term investment. We look ahead at a bright Ethiopian future instead of only looking at the current struggles, said Jan Groenen, CEO of Dutch African Investment Holdings and a major coffee brand that exports to the European market from Ethiopia.

Notable

The conflict in the Amhara region has wreaked havoc on local industries, reports the Addis Standard which quotes an initial estimate of 2.5 billion birr in damages.
The Flagler County Sheriff's Office Mobile Command Center responded to a house at 20 Blare Drive in Palm Coast on Wednesday where deputies said "suspected munitions" were found. The house was the scene of a fatal shooting on Aug. 14.

A report that there may be a container of hand grenades at a Palm Coast residence  which was the scene of a murder last week  prompted deputies Wednesday to evacuate surrounding homes and call the bomb squad, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.

But once deputies were able to check the container, they found lots of bullets for rifles and pistols but no grenades or any other type of explosives, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said in an interview about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The container full of bullets was in a house at 20 Blare Drive, which belongs to Charles Kidd Jr. Kidd, 85, was charged with second-degree murder in the Aug. 14 shooting of Mark Ruschmeier, his roommate. Kidd remained at the Flagler County Jail Wednesday.

Staly said the deputies got a call that Kidd had hand grenades in a container. Staly said deputies took a lot of care since they didn't know whether there were hand grenades or some other type of explosives in the container. Staly said they also needed to make sure the container was not booby-trapped.

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The sheriff said that during the murder investigation, deputies removed a number of firearms and ammunition from the home.

Flagler County Sheriff's Office Senior Public Affairs Officer Ava Hanner said bomb technicians from the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office were called to identify what was in the container, which she described as a footlocker. She said a family member came across the footlocker and had believed it may contain hand grenades. The sheriff's office got the call at 1:48 p.m.

As a precaution, she said residents from six homes surrounding Kidd's house were evacuated.

Deputies had been out to the house on Dec. 27 for an argument between Kidd and Ruschmeier, who told them then that Kidd was a doomsday prepper and showed deputies a wall where Kidd kept boxes of guns and ammunition, according to information the sheriffs office provided after the murder.

Flagler County Sheriff's Office and the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office bomb squad checked on a report that there were possibly hand grenades at a house at 20 Blare Drive in Palm Coast.

Blare Drive was closed between Oak Trails Boulevard and Black Alder Drive as the bomb squad worked. Deputies were restricting traffic from going on Blare Drive, a portion of which was lined by sheriff's office vehicles as well as the mobile command unit.

Some residents parked their vehicles along Oak Trails Boulevard and walked through some woods to their homes.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: No grenades found at recent murder scene; just lots of bullets
Evergys rollout of new electricity rates that vary depending on the time of day has already begun.

And starting Oct. 1, all Kansas City area electric customers on the Missouri side of the metro will be switched onto one of the utility giants four new rate plans.

The big takeaway: All four plans charge a premium for electricity used between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays. And they all offer some discounts on electricity used between midnight and 6 a.m. every day.

In general, time-of-use rates are intended to reduce the strain on power grids by reducing the amount of electricity customers use during peak hours.

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A study commissioned by Evergy predicts that the majority of its Missouri customers, including members of marginalized groups like seniors and low-income customers, will see similar or lower electric bills as a result of the change.

But studies from other states show that the impact of time-of-use rates varies by customer  and may disadvantage some members of these groups.

Evergy did not comment on The Stars observations about other utilities time-of-use programs.

Evergy has not claimed that people will see significant savings with the time-of-use rates, company spokesperson Gina Penzig told The Star. Evergy would prefer to keep time-of-use rates voluntary.

While the company initially proposed a time-of-use rate program with an option for customers to opt out, state regulators removed this option in their rate decision earlier this year.

Heres a look at how other time-of-use programs have affected customers bills and energy usage around the country.

How widespread are time-based electricity rates in the U.S.?

Time-of-use rates arent a new concept. They fall under the umbrella of demand response programs, which adjust the cost of electricity regularly in order to influence customers behavior.

In 2021, over 10 million residential electricity customers around the country used them, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. However, they arent very common yet in the Kansas City region: Only around 61,000 customers in Kansas and 98,000 in Missouri participated in these programs in 2021.

Nationwide, residential customers received incentives in the form of electric bill savings totaling over $293 million in 2021  around $28.76 per customer.

In Missouri, residential customers received around $21.45 per person. In Kansas, data wasnt available in 2021 on how much customers received.

However, time-of-use rates dont guarantee savings. Increased rates during peak times may cancel out these incentives, meaning these savings dont necessarily reflect an overall decrease in customers electric bills.

How have time-of-use rates worked elsewhere?

Time-of-use rate programs impact on customers can vary widely. Several studies suggest that these rates may actually increase the burden of energy bills on low-income and otherwise marginalized customers.

A 2020 study in the journal Nature Energy found that some time-of-use rate plans led to higher bills and worse health outcomes for seniors and people with disabilities than for their able-bodied counterparts.

Policies are needed to ensure that demand-side response does not increase hardships for vulnerable groups, the study concluded. These policies include targeted pilot programs and careful analysis of how these groups electricity bills may change.

A 2016 opt-in pilot program in California found that (time-of-use) rates unequivocally increased summer utility bills for almost all customers. Low-income customers in hot climate zones were especially impacted, paying $20-$40 more per month for electricity than those who did not participate in the program.

On an annual basis, about 40% of (these) customers experienced bill increases, about 50% saw bill changes of less than +/- $3, and about 10% saw bill decreases, the study read.

Do time-of-use rates cause people to change their electricity use patterns?

Its difficult to know exactly how Missouris new time-of-use rates will play out in practice. While Evergy commissioned a study on the new rates potential impact, it could not predict how customers may change their energy use patterns once the rates go into practice.

Studies have found that some customers do adjust when they use electricity to avoid peak times under time-of-use systems  but this isnt always to their advantage.

A 2020 study in the journal Sustainable Cities and Society found that while some customers shifted their electricity use to fall outside of peak hours, this actually created a higher peak usage level at other times.

This negates the larger purpose of these rates, which is to reduce strain on the power grid.

We find that dynamic pricing effectively shifts the residential peak away from the time of overall peak load across the electricity system, but can have the adverse impact of making the residential peak higher, the studys authors wrote.

Other customers find it harder to adjust their behavior.

A 2017 study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy concluded that low-income customers may be less able to adapt to fluctuations in electricity prices, potentially leading to higher bills.

A 2016 study by the nonprofit Rocky Mountain Institute, which supports renewable energy development, concluded that the design of time-of-use rates has a significant impact on their success. Some programs they studied didnt impact peak-time energy usage at all, while others reduced it by as much as 50%.

Can I opt out of Evergys upcoming time-of-use rates?

No  Evergys new time-of-use program is mandatory in Missouri. While customers have a choice between four different rate plans, all of them contain peak-time surge pricing and overnight discounts. The company is still offering one optional time-of-use plan to its Kansas customers.

Hover over a color on the graph below to see the estimated cost of electricity on a particular rate plan during different times of the day, week and year.

Most time-of-use programs The Star reviewed were opt-in, meaning customers had to choose to join them. And among those plans that customers are placed on automatically, most have an opt-out option.

Evergy actually proposed an opt-out option for its western Missouri customers when it first pitched this rate change to the states Public Service Commission, which regulates many privately owned utilities.

But the commission decided not to allow Evergy customers to opt out of time-of-use rates  despite allowing this option soon afterwards for Ameren customers on the eastern side of the state. Regulators did not respond to The Stars requests for comment last month on the decision.

Evergy has been mandated by the state commission to move all residential customers to time based rates, Penzig said. But with the four rate plans our Missouri customers can have at least have some choice on a rate plan that best works for their home.

Do you have more questions about local utilities in the Kansas City area? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
Photo: The Canadian Press FILE -listens to Yuri Borisov, the CEO of the Russian State Space Corporation "Roscosmos" during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Borisov attributed the failure to the lack of expertise due to the long break in lunar research that followed the last Soviet mission to the moon in 1976. (Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)

An ambitious but failed attempt by Russia to return to the moon after nearly half a century has exposed the massive challenges faced by Moscow's once-proud space program.

The destruction of the robotic Luna-25 probe, which crashed onto the surface of the moon over the weekend, reflects the endemic problems that have dogged the Russian space industry since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. Those include the loss of key technologies in the post-Soviet industrial meltdown, the bruising impact of recent Western sanctions, a huge brain drain and widespread corruption.

Yuri Borisov, the head of the state-controlled space corporation Roscosmos, attributed the failure to the lack of expertise due to the long break in lunar research that followed the last Soviet mission to the moon in 1976.

The priceless experience that our predecessors earned in the 1960-70s was effectively lost, Borisov said. The link between generations has been cut.

While the USSR lost the race to the United States to land humans on the moon, the Soviet lunar program had more than a dozen successful pioneering robotic missions, some of which featured lunar rovers and brought soil samples back to Earth. The proud Soviet space history includes launching the first satellite in space in 1957 and the first human in space in 1961.

Mikhail Marov, a 90-year-old scientist who played a prominent role in planning the earlier lunar missions and worked on the Luna-25 project, was hospitalized after its failure.

It was very hard. Its the work of all my life, Marov said in remarks carried by Russian media. For me, it was the last chance to see the revival of our lunar program.

Borisov said the spacecrafts thruster fired for 127 seconds instead of the planned 84 seconds, causing it to crash, and a government commission will investigate the glitch.

Natan Eismont, a leading researcher with the Moscow-based Institute for Space Research, told the state RIA Novosti agency said that signs of equipment problems had appeared even before the crash, but space officials still gave the go for landing.

Vitaly Egorov, a popular Russian space blogger, noted that Roscosmos may have neglected the warnings in a rush to be the first to land on the lunar south pole ahead of an Indian spacecraft that has been orbiting the moon ahead of a planned landing.

It looks like things werent going according to plan, but they decided not to change the schedule to prevent the Indians from coming first, he said.

The lunar south pole is of particular interest to scientists, who believe the permanently shadowed polar craters may contain frozen water in the rocks that future explorers could transform into air and rocket fuel.

A major factor exacerbating Russia's space woes that could have played a role in the Luna-25 failure has been the Western sanctions on Moscow over its war in Ukraine. Those penalties have blocked imports of microchips and other key Western components and restricted scientific exchanges.

While working on the Luna-25 project, Roscosmos partnered with the European Space Agency that was to provide a camera to facilitate the landing. The ESA halted the partnership soon after the February 2022 invasion and requested Roscosmos to remove its camera from the spacecraft.

Years earlier, Russia hoped to buy the main navigation device for the lunar mission from Airbus, but couldnt due to restrictions blocking the technology transfer. In the end, it developed its own equipment that delayed the project and weighed twice as much, reducing the scientific payload for the spacecraft that weighed 1,750 kilograms (over 3,800 pounds).

Many industry experts note that even before the latest Western sanctions, the use of substandard components led to the collapse of an ambitious mission to send a probe to Mars' moon Phobos in 2011. The spacecraft's thrusters failed to send it on a path toward Mars and it burned in the Earth's atmosphere  a problem that investigators attributed to using cheap commercial microchips that were unfit for the harsh conditions in space.

Some observers speculated that using the cheap components could have stemmed from a scheme to embezzle government funds, rather than importing the specialized equipment for the Phobos-Grunt spacecraft, which was designed by the NPO Lavochkin, the same company that developed Luna-25.

NPO Lavochkin designed fighter planes during World War II and was the main developer of Soviet robotic missions to the moon, Venus and Mars. Several top Lavochkin managers have been arrested on charges of abusing their office in recent years.

Following the Phobos failure, space officials talked about conducting a thorough revision of the lunar spacecraft design to avoid using similar substandard components. Its unclear whether such work ever happened.

Russian state television had hailed Luna-25 as the countrys triumphant entry into a new moon race, but since the crash, the broadcasters have tried to play down the loss of the spacecraft. Some argued the mission wasn't a complete failure because it sent back pictures of the lunar surface from orbit and other data.

Borisov tried to stay optimistic, arguing it achieved some important results.

He insisted that taking part in lunar research not only means prestige or achieving geopolitical goals, it is necessary to ensure defense capability and technological sovereignty.

I hope that the next missions  will be successful, Borisov said, adding that Roscosmos will intensify work on future moon missions, the next of which is planned for 2027.

Under no circumstances we should interrupt our lunar program. It would be an utterly wrong decision, he said.

Amid the finger-pointing, some argued the failure could cost Borisov his job. Others predicted he probably would avoid the dismissal, noting President Vladimir Putins record of avoiding quick ousters of officials in response to incidents.

Borisov, who previously served as a deputy prime minister in charge of arms industries, became Roscosmos chief a year ago, succeeding Dmitry Rogozin, who was widely blamed for some earlier space mishaps. Rogozin, who has joined the fighting in Ukraine as a volunteer, has not commented on the failed Luna-25 mission.

Under Rogozin, Roscosmos suffered a series of failed satellite launches. Combined with the growing role of private companies like Elon Musks SpaceX, those failures have cost Russia its once-sizable niche in the lucrative global space launch market.

Rogozin was widely criticized for failing to root out endemic graft, including funds embezzled during the construction of the Vostochny cosmodrome in Russias Far East, which was used to launch the latest moon mission.

Some commentators said the Luna-25 crash dented Russian prestige and raised new doubts about its technological prowess following military blunders in Ukraine.

The consequences of the Luna-25 catastrophe are enormous, pro-Kremlin political analyst Sergei Markov said.

It raises doubts about Russias claims of a great power status in the eyes of the global community. Many would decide that Russia cant fulfill its ambitions either in Ukraine or on the moon because it lives not by its modest current capability but rather fantasies about its great past," he said. "People as well as countries want to side with the strong who win, not the weak who keep making excuses about their defeats.
Theres no end to the list of small annoyances that can ruin a trip to the movies: Phones pierce the comforting bubble of a darkened theater; toddlers whine through a showing of every Marvel movie; adults whisper loudly to their seatmates. Sometimes, the theater itself can dampen an experience: Facilities can be unclean; popcorn machines are potentially on the fritz. Usually, pre-showing ads are not included in those lists.

These commercials that run before a movie starts are mostly innocuous, usually featuring something silly, like anthropomorphized M&Ms disarming a bomb. But lately, these ads have started to ignite as much conversation as the films that are running after them. No, were not talking about AMC Theaters viral Nicole Kidman masterpiece (more on that later). For moviegoers at Regal Cinemas, a pre-film reel has become a particular nuisance: a one-minute spot chock-full of quotes titled Great Move Lines Live Here.

For those who havent seen the spot, presented by both Regal and Pepsi Zero Sugar, the plot is simple: Friends enter a cineplex, purchase concessions and filter into the theater while speaking exclusively through a collage of movie quotes. A patron holding a seat tells another person, quoting Mean Girls, You cant sit with us! and, as the lights dim, an usher looks out at the crowd and declares, quoting Casablanca, that this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

The spot premiered in June 2022 and, while it seems inoffensive enough, it has slowly garnered an intense dislike among Regal attendees. I privately poked fun at the ad with friends in the last year but, thanks to a recent thread on the subreddit for people who belong to Regal Unlimited, the movie chains subscription service, I learned that many Regal aficionados are, to quote Network, mad as helland theyre not gonna take it anymore. Just earlier this week, a viral tweet admonishing the commercialcalling it objectively the worst thing ever filmedwent viral.

Unlike its competitor AMC Theaters and its beloved Kidman ad, the full snipe, a term for a pre-movie commercial, is not available on its parent companys YouTube page, though other accounts have uploaded it. (Perhaps its for the best, given that it would likely be dragged to filth by commenters, considering theatergoers IRL reaction to it.) It might be the worst ad Ive ever seen, said one Redditor. Another said it feels like the script was created by AI, given it is an assemblage of quotes. Id rather anything at this point, one person wrote. I have to go on my phone and try to block out the stupidity when this comes on.

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The ads problem begins, well, at the very beginning (a very good place to start, to quote The Sound of Music). Three people walk into Regal and begin speaking in an odd cadence. The first girl says, Its all happening,Almost Famous!though thats not exactly a unique choice of words, nor a line thats easily identifiable from the annals of Hollywood scripts. Then, her friend says, This place is nicer than my apartment from Beverly Hills Cop, to which another woman quips, quoting Airplane!, Surely you cant be serious, which of course begs the next line, I am serious, and dont call me Shirley.

Regal Cinemas pre-film reel Great Move Lines Live Here." Regal Cinemas via Youtube

On a recent trip to the movies to see actor Randall Parks directorial debut film Shortcomings, a friend experienced the clip for the first time and said that it wasnt until the Shirley line that he got the spots quote-grab-bag gimmick. That can be a confounding roadblock for those trying to get on the ads wavelength, or who may be confused why these people in the commercial are talking so weird.

Was the Barbie and Oppenheimer Double Feature Worth It?

Not feeling in on the joke can be a potential deterrent for people, according to Cole Dachenhaus, a marketing strategist who spoke to The Daily Beasts Obsessed about the snipe. Theres this expectation that the viewer needs to top-of-line remember these quotes from all those movies, he said. Some of the lines felt very forced and inserted.

Aside from its premise being a bit opaque, the Regal spot also suffers from feeling too desperate to sell you something, namely its subscription and concessions.

A person buying popcorn flashes their Regal membership (So I got that going for me, which is nice, she says, quoting Caddyshack.) As evidenced by its IMDb page, the short is not just from Regal, but also co-sponsored by Pepsi Zero Sugar and features an excessive amount of emphasis on the beverage: a bubbling waterfall of cola cascades into a branded black cup. When someone drinks Danny Trejos Pepsi Zero Sugar, he jiggles his empty cup of ice in anger (while quoting The Godfather Part II, natch).

Yes, youre going to be able to buy popcorn and a soda at a movie theater, Dachenhaus said. Very few dont offer those kinds of experiences. But unlike, say, the 1957 classic ad Lets All Go to the Lobby, concessions here are not presented as a joyful counterpart to the movie experience, but a moment of, say it with me, corporate brand synergy.

While Regals segment is hard to understand, at least initially, and feels overly corporatized, AMCs infamous Nicole Kidman ad, formally titled We Make Movies Better, presents a much different world. Its important, of course, to point out that Kidmans snipe came first. Released in September 2021, Kidmans stirring monologue served as a clarion call to return to the movies after the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered most cineplexes and consumers were still hesitant as to whether enjoying movies could be a health hazard.

In comparison to the busy, loud world presented by Regal, AMCs ad emphasizes the magic of the moviegoing experience, and, despite its partnership with Coca-Cola, doesnt feature any branded snacks. At one point, a cup rests in its holder next to Kidmans arm, but it is not flashy and it bears an AMC logo, not a Coca-Cola one.

AMC is very much like, This is an emotional thing, Dachenhaus said. Its good for you to take two hours to yourself and listen to a story, even if you come by yourself. The theater itself is regal (pun intended), while in Regals short film, the theater is barely shown, with the camera more obsessed with snacks and moviegoers.

Kidmans ad captured the public imagination in a way that Regals has not. The AMC spot was parodied on Saturday Night Live, became a Twitter meme, and has nearly a million views on AMCs YouTube. Thats not to mention the parody it inspired from RuPauls Drag Race alumnus Katya, as well as a House of Gucci cut that has garnered over a million YouTube views. Part of the appeal, as pointed out by a Collider investigation into its popularity, is that the spot is unabashedly dramatic and theatrical, as opposed to Regal, which perhaps hasnt landed among the stars because it didnt shoot for the moon. The Regal version feels smaller because its scope is smaller. In the world of Kidman, moviegoing is an act almost as sacred as creating art.

Much of the difference in the two can be perceived through their approaches to celebrity. Kidman speaks uninterrupted as she walks among empty rows of seats, a singular Hera on her Mount Olympus. In contrast, Regal employs Danny Trejo, an actor who has most likely played a small part in a dozen or so movies youve seen, who is as ubiquitous as Nicole, if less of a household name.

In fact, to some, Trejos work in the ad, in which he is not emphasized and instead treated as a sort of Easter Egg, underscores the fact that Regal might be for real movie lovers, who have such an encyclopedic knowledge of films, theyd recognize each of the quoted movies and have a soft spot for a cult film icon.

Perhaps the greatest chasm between the two reels is that Regals is literally unquotable. Much like a cento, a poetic form that creates a patchwork poem of lines from other poets, the Regal commercial is composed of lines from other sources; in contrast, the Nicole Kidman ad has become oft-quoted, most especially heartbreak feels good in a place like this, a line so singular that it earned its own profile in Variety and a shoutout from Kidman herself.

Nicole Kidman in the AMC Theatres ad. AMC Theatres via Youtube

Thats not to suggest that Regals ad is artless. Its bricolage of found quotes, rather, suggests that there is a lot of artistic merit to it, just as there can be art to a cento or a jukebox musical. And, just as it has many detractors, there are many people who find the Regal spot endearing for its careful work curating a collection of movie quotes that appeals to a broad swath of moviegoers. As one Reddit user wrote, I hated it the first time. And the tenth time. And the thirtieth time. Now Ive seen it so much that I love it. I will honestly be sad when it inevitably disappears forever.

While some have found the experience frustrating, others have come to see it as a game, a challenge to be surmounted.

Jennifer Martin, who lives in Richmond, Virginia, and has seen the reel several times as part of her Regal membership, said that its game-like quality has endeared it to her over time. I was like, OMG! I know what theyre doing, theyre doing movie quotes! she told Obsessed. As she saw the promo again and again, she began to pinpoint each quotes origin, eventually leading her to watch every movie that is referenced.

Aside from loving the Regal ad, she also believes that it is superior to its AMC counterpart, which she called gimmicky in comparison. I like the lightheartedness of the Regal one, she said. Its not trying to be this super fancy crazy celebrity ad. She added, Its advertising what it is without being overly majestic.

Barbenheimer Moviegoing Etiquette Is Out of Control

Its a bit of a hyperbole to say that the ad ruins a visit to my favorite theater. A one-minute spot cant erase the fact that its the place where I first felt the manic joy of the (sadly unbuttholed) Cats, was drawn into Jordan Peeles excellent Nope, or where I clenched my seat during the Scream re-quel. Its not the first theater where I dipped my toe back into moviegoing after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (that distinction belongs to The Beacon in Beacon, New York) but it is where I first felt comfortable seeing a movie without wearing a mask.

Its unfair to say that the snipe dampens every darkened, air-conditioned journey into a new visual world. But it is enough to induce a heaving sigh, a heavy groan, a little bit of heartbreak. And it doesnt always feel good in a place like this.

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David Shafer, the former chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, turned his mug shot into a profile photo on the social media platform X, just hours after surrendering to authorities in Georgia. He faces charges alongside former President Trump for his role in an alleged fake elector scheme to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in the state.

Jail records show he was booked early Wednesday morning and released.

Shafer posted his mug shot on X, formerly known as Twitter, with the text Good morning! #NewProfilePicture, and changed his profile picture to the mug shot.

Shafer faces a total of eight counts, including impersonating a public officer, forgery, false statements and attempting to file false documents. Shafer was one of 16 pro-Trump individuals who met in the state Capitol on Dec. 14, 2020, and signed documents purporting to be Georgias presidential electors, despite President Biden winning the election.

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Shafer is one of three fake electors charged in the sweeping indictment. Some of the other fake electors reportedly accepted immunity plea deals.

In addition to allegedly helping organize the Dec. 14 meeting in the Georgia Capitol, Shafer is also accused of lying to Fulton County, Ga., prosecutors during an April 25, 2022, interview by saying he didnt call the other fake electors to tell them of the state Capitol meeting and indicating that a court reporter was not present at the meeting.

Shafer is among three co-defendants in Georgias case seeking to move their cases to federal court.

A handful of the 19 co-defendants charged have surrendered so far. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis set a deadline of Friday at noon to surrender.

Trump has said he will surrender Thursday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former New York mayor and Donald Trump 's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani (C) speaks to reporters outside the Fulton County Jail following his surrender and release on a $150,000 bond in Atlanta, Ga., on Wednesday. Photo by Erik S. Lesser/EPA-EFE

Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Rudy Giuliani is among nine defendants who have surrendered so far in Georgia's election subversion case, as a judge on Wednesday rejected former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows ' emergency request seeking to avoid arrest by Friday's deadline.

Giuliani, who was one of former President Donald Trump's most outspoken lawyers, surrendered Wednesday at Fulton County jail, where he was booked on 13 charges in the Georgia election subversion case. According to last week's indictment, the former New York mayor is charged with engaging in criminal conspiracies to reverse the state's election results, violating Georgia's racketeering act and soliciting a public officer to break their oath. Giuliani has agreed to a $150,000 bond.

After being booked and posting bond, Giuliani spoke to reporters in a contentious exchange outside the jail, as he said he is being indicted because he is a lawyer.

"If they can do this to me, they can do this to you," Giuliani said Wednesday. "This ridiculous case in which I'm being prosecuted for defending an American citizen who I do as a lawyer, and five other lawyers are indicted. That should tell you right away this is an assault on our Constitution."

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Continuing, he said, "Fani Willis will go down in American history as having conducted one of the worst attacks on the American constitution ever, when this case is dismissed. She has violated people's First Amendment right to advocate, the government to petition grievances like an election they believe was poorly conducted or falsely conducted."

Rudy Giuliani, former lawyer for ex-President Donald Trump, poses for a mugshot Wednesday at the Fulton County Jail where he surrendered and was booked on 13 charges in the Georgia election subversion case. Photo courtesy of Fulton County Sheriff's Office

As reporters closed-in on Giuliani and shouted questions about whether he had made false statements, he replied "move on" and defended Trump.

"What they are doing to him is an assault on the American Constitution," Giuliani said, adding that he has "every confidence in him."

Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows' emergency request to avoid arrest by Friday's deadline was rejected by a federal court Wednesday afternoon. File photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI

Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows will face arrest if he fails to turn himself in to Fulton County authorities by Friday's deadline, after a federal judge rejected his emergency request Wednesday afternoon.

Meadows had asked the federal court to issue an order and block Willis from seeking his arrest by Friday's deadline, instead requesting a one-day extension for an evidentiary hearing scheduled for Monday.

Sidney Powell is pictured in this photo provided by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, in Atlanta, Ga. Powell, a former member of ex-President Donald Trump's legal team, has been charged in Georgia for alleged attempts to overturn the results of the state's 2020 presidential election and has now turned himself in as part of the conspiracy prosecution. Photo via Fulton County Sheriff's Office

"The hardship facing the defendant is no different than any other criminal defendant charged with a crime, including his co-defendants who have either already surrendered to Fulton County authorities or have agreed to surrender in the time allotted by the District Attorney," Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis office wrote in a response ordered by U.S. District Judge Steve Jones.

Meadows has filed to move the case from the Fulton County Superior Court to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, court records obtained by UPI show.

Jenna Ellis, a former Trump campaign lawyer, also surrendered at the Fulton County Jail on Wednesday where her bond was set at $100,000. Photo via Fulton County Sheriff's Office/UPI

A federal judge also rejected Jeffrey Clark's request for an emergency stay Wednesday. Clark had argued that the Fulton County case against him should be moved to federal court because he was a federal official during the alleged crimes.

Clark, a former presidential adviser to Trump, also said he did not want to travel to the Fulton County Jail in Georgia.

Attorney John Eastman is pictured in this photo provided by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, in Atlanta, GA. Eastman has been charged with nine counts in Georgia for alleged attempts to overturn the results of the state's 2020 presidential election. Photo via Fulton County Sheriff's Office/UPI

"The defendant seeks to avoid the inconvenience and unpleasantness of being arrested or subject to the mandatory state criminal process, but provides this court no legal basis to justify those ends," the district attorney's office said in a court filing Wednesday.

"Defendant is wrong on the law, wrong on the facts, and the motion should be denied."

Scott Hall, a Georgia bail bondsman, is pictured in this photo provided by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, in Atlanta, GA. Hall faces seven counts in Georgia for alleged attempts to overturn the results of the state's 2020 presidential election. Photo via Fulton County Sheriff's Office/UPI

In addition to Giuliani, four other defendants turned themselves in to Fulton County authorities Wednesday, bringing the number of those who have surrendered to nine out of the 19 charged.

Sidney Powell, a former Trump election lawyer, turned herself in Wednesday. According to the indictment, Powell was part of a White House discussion for her to serve as special counsel to "investigate allegations of voter fraud in Georgia and elsewhere." Her bond was set at $100,000.

Nine of the 19 defendants in Georgia's Trump criminal election conspiracy case had surrendered Wednesday in Fulton County, Georgia. Former President Trump and 18 others are charged in an alleged wide-ranging conspiracy to illegally overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Sheriff deputies seen here guard the Fulton County Courthouse and Justice Center. Photo by Erik S. Lesser/EPA-EFE

Former Trump campaign lawyer Jenna Ellis also surrendered Wednesday to authorities in Fulton County. Her bond is set at $100,000.

Former Georgia Republican Party Chairman David Shafer and alleged fake elector Cathy Latham surrendered Wednesday morning at the Fulton County Jail.

Rudy Giuliani, who was one of former President Donald Trump's most outspoken lawyers, surrendered Wednesday at Fulton County jail, where he was booked on 13 charges in the Georgia election subversion case. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Former President Donald Trump, alleged ringleader of the criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 presidential election, will have a $200,000 bond and is scheduled to surrender Thursday.

His surrender will come more than two years after a violent pro-Trump mob stormed Congress to disrupt certification of Joe Biden's election and keep Trump in office after he lost the vote but falsely claimed the process was rigged.

Rudy Giuliani (pictured, 2019) surrendered Wednesday at Fulton County jail, where he was booked on 13 charges in the Georgia election subversion case. According to last week's indictment, the former New York mayor is charged with engaging in criminal conspiracies to reverse the state's election results, violating Georgia's racketeering act and soliciting a public officer to break their oath. Giuliani has agreed to a $150,000 bond. File Photo by Yuri GripasUPI

As of Wednesday afternoon the following defendants have surrendered:

Rudy Giuliani, former Trump lawyer, faces 13 counts. His bond is $150,000.

Sidney Powell, former Trump election lawyer, faces seven counts. Her bond was set at $100,000.

Jenna Ellis, former Trump campaign lawyer, faces two counts. Her bond is set at $100,000.

Scott Hall, a Georgia bail bondsman, faces seven counts. His bond was $10,000.

John Eastman, a conservative lawyer, is charged with nine counts and was freed on a $100,000 bond.

Cathy Latham, a Republican official, faces 11 counts. Her bond was $75,000.

David Shafer, the former chairman of the Georgia GOP, is charged with eight counts. His bond was $75,000.

Kenneth Chesebro, a conservative lawyer, was charged with seven counts. His bond was set for $100,000.

Ray Smith III, a lawyer for Trump's re-election campaign, faces 12 charges. His bond was $50,000.

Trump and 18 co-defendants were indicted Aug. 14 for an alleged criminal racketeering conspiracy to "unlawfully change the outcome of the election in favor of Trump."

It is the fourth criminal indictment against Trump this year.

Georgia bail bondsman Scott Hall and attorney John Eastman on Tuesday became the first of Trump's 18 co-defendants to surrender on state charges related to efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election result in Georgia.

Latham, former chairwoman of the Republican Party in Coffee County, Ga., faces a dozen charges related to her alleged role as a phantom elector in the conspiracy.

In court papers filed Monday, Shafer claimed he and the other Republican electors who tried to falsely certify Trump as the winner in Georgia had acted on orders from the former president.

Shafer is one of 16 Republican electors accused of meeting a month after the 2020 election at the Capitol in Atlanta and signing a document that falsely declared Trump the winner in Georgia.

Also among them was Latham, who is accused of a litany of crimes -- including racketeering, conspiracy to defraud the state, impersonating a public officer, forgery, criminal attempt to file false documents and false statements and writings.

She also was charged with conspiracy to commit computer invasion of privacy, conspiracy to defraud the state, conspiracy to commit computer trespass, conspiracy to commit computer theft and two counts of conspiracy to commit election fraud.

According to court documents, Latham hired forensic experts a month after the election to come in and inspect the computers at Coffee election headquarters, where sensitive personal data and election files were compromised in a futile attempt to prove election fraud.
Court officials are still hashing out the next steps as to what happens to former Gulf Breeze Mayor Ed Gray after a court hearing on Tuesday ended without a decision.

Gray's five-year prison sentence for taking secret videos of teen boys changing in his home was vacated in April on the grounds that Judge Clifton Drake gave Gray a stiffer sentence than state prosecutors and the defense agreed to when Gray pleaded no contest to charges stemming from the case in 2021.

Now that Gray, 71, knows he could face prison-time, his attorney Kim Skievaski and Assistant State Attorney Adrienne Emerson agreed Tuesday that they would come back before Drake and announce one of two options  they will head to trial in October or create another agreement. Gray did not attend Tuesday's hearing.

His charges include eight counts of video voyeurism, one count of illegal interception of communications, one count of illegally installing a tracking device and one count of stalking.

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Ed Gray out of prison: Former Gulf Breeze mayor convicted of recording naked teens out of prison. Here's why.

Gray pleads no contest: Former Gulf Breeze mayor pleads no contest to recording teens in shower, may avoid prison

Why was former Gulf Breeze Mayor Ed Gray's sentence vacated?

After Gray pleaded no contest to secretly recording teenage boys undressing at his home, he mistakenly thought that he scored too low on Floridas criminal scoresheet to quality for state prison. Both the former mayor and the State Attorneys Office expected that he would spend no more than a year in the Santa Rosa County Jail.

However, Florida law allows for prison sanctions when defendants face charges like Grays. Judge Drake based his decision on that law when he sentenced Gray to five years in prison in August of 2021.

Former Gulf Breeze Mayor Ed Gray listens during this sentencing at the Santa Rosa County Court House in Milton on Tuesday, August 24, 2021. Gray pleaded no contest to eight counts of video voyeurism, one count of illegal interception of communications, one count of illegally installing a tracking device and one count of stalking.

He found statute 775.082 sub ten, which actually excludes this statute, that Ed Gray was charged with, from this non-state prison sanction, explained Chief Assistant State Attorney Bridgette Jensen. The problem is that the sentence wasn't everyone's understanding. When Ed Gray entered the plea, he's thinking the maximum sentence he can get is going to be a year in the county jail because his score sheet shows only 10 points. That was everyone's understanding of the maximum the judge could do. The defendant filed a motion for post-conviction relief. and it was granted because basically at the time he entered his plea, he was mistaken as to what he could be sentenced.

Gray's first sentence: Ex-Gulf Breeze Mayor Ed Gray sentenced to prison for secretly recording teen boys in shower

What led to Ed Gray's arrest?

Gray was arrested Sept. 14, 2020, more than a month after agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement searched his home on Gray Oaks Lane in Gulf Breeze and seized several electronic devices.

According to the arrest report, investigators found eight videos depicting four males either nude or undressing in Gray's bathroom.

Two of the young men were 17 at the time the videos were taken and the other two were 18. Until one of the teens discovered a hidden camera, they were unaware they were being recorded and all four said Gray pushed them to shower in his house after they performed work around his home.

One of the alleged victims also told police he thought Gray was tracking him because the older man would unexpectedly show up where the teen was.

Former Gulf Breeze Mayor Ed Gray, bottom, talks with his attorney after being sentenced to prison at the Santa Rosa County Court House in Milton on Tuesday, August 24, 2021. Gray pleaded no contest to eight counts of video voyeurism, one count of illegal interception of communications, one count of illegally installing a tracking device and one count of stalking.

According to the arrest report, when the young mans mother confronted Gray about the allegations, Gray initially told her he was recording the air conditioner repairman, but after the repairman left Gray said he turned the camera on because he was suspicious that (her son) was possibly sexting in his master bathroom, and he wanted proof before confronting the teenager.

The report said Gray also initially denied to the teens mother that he had been following her son, but told her there were a few incidents over the last year that leads him to think I follow him.

Gray resigns: Former Gulf Breeze Mayor Ed Gray leaves city amid investigation

Those incidents included Gray turning up at a park where the teen was late one night, as well as showing up in the parking lot of a Gulf Breeze condominium complex where the young man had gone after telling Gray he was sick and couldnt work for him that day.

Police said Gray eventually admitted that he put a tracking device on the young mans vehicle in the fall of 2019. They said he told them he also changed out the battery on that tracking device every couple of weeks, then put it back on the teens truck.

Ed Gray's history with the city of Gulf Breeze

Gray was a former mayor of Gulf Breeze and longtime city employee, as executive director of the Capital Trust Agency, which issues hundreds of millions of dollars in bonds to fund mostly construction projects throughout Florida.

He retired from Capital Trust Agency in 2020, shortly after FDLE agents raided his home and the investigation began.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Ex-Gulf Breeze Mayor Ed Gray faces trial in naked teen voyeurism case
The influential conservative group Club for Growth launched a new ad in West Virginia on Wednesday targeting Gov. Jim Justice (R), whos running to unseat Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.).

This is the definition of the swamp, Justice says in the 30-second ad called Deal, which was first shared with The Hill.

Jim Justice: The establishments handpicked candidate for Senate. Personally recruited by [Senate Minority Leader] Mitch McConnell , a narrator in the ad continues. Private texts, love letters and swamp-stained campaign cash. Payback for the 100K Justices family gave to help McConnell? A down payment on Justices loyalty. Who knows what deals were cut, but we do know Justice is McConnells man, not West Virginias.

Club for Growths $9,000-backed ad buy is slated to run on Fox News and digitally across the Mountain State before, during and after Wednesday nights 2024 GOP presidential debate.

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The ad references a $100,000 contribution that Justice and his family made to Kentuckians for Strong Leadership (KSL), a super PAC formed to boost McConnell, in September 2014, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal.

The Senate minority leader faced a challenge from Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes in that years election, though he ultimately won his seat by double digits.

Club for Growth is backing Rep. Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.) in the Senate GOP primary to take on Manchin. Club for Growth Action and Protect Freedom PAC said in July they hauled in more than $13 million for Mooney.

But a source familiar pointed out that Club for Growth PAC also spent money in 2014 to boost McConnell. Club for Growth PAC spent at least $2,854 in support of the Kentucky Republican between Sept. 10, 2014 and Oct. 21, 2014, according to data from the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

Descriptions of the expenses included email costs and mail production costs.

Meanwhile, Senate Republicans including Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), chairman of the Senate GOP campaign arm, have largely rallied around Justice. McConnell, Daines and other GOP senators hosted a fundraiser for the governor in June, according to WV MetroNews.

Manchin has said he will announce whether he plans to run for reelection later this year. The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rates Manchins seat a toss-up.

Updated: 4:37 p.m. ET

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
With harsher summers and global temperatures on the rise - could this impact our brains? (AP)

Extreme heat may pose a threat to our brains, according to a new study from New York University.

According to scientists at Nasas Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), July 2023 was hotter than any other month in the global temperature record.

With harsher summers and global temperatures on the rise, it can be quite hard for the body to adjust. As heatwaves have become more frequent due to climate change, researchers wanted to understand the connection between extreme heat exposure and cognitive decline.

Cognitive decline may not manifest right after a single heat event, but repeated or prolonged exposures to extreme heat may be detrimental, explained Virginia Chang, associate professor of social and behavioural sciences at the NYU School of Global Public Health and the studys senior author.

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Cumulative exposure to extreme heat can trigger a cascade of events in the brain, including cellular damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress, all of which can exhaust ones cognitive reserve, Professor Chang added.

The team of researchers at NYU reported that such extreme heat can worsen cognitive decline among vulnerable groups. More specifically, Black older adults and people living in poorer neighbourhoods are at higher risk  and heres why.

Researchers analysed data from over 9,000 US adults over the age of 52, who were surveyed over a 12-year period between 2006 and 2018.

The researchers also looked at socioeconomic measures of the neighbourhoods where participants lived and calculated participants cumulative exposure to extreme heat (the number of days in which the heat index reached or exceeded a location-specific threshold).

As a result, researchers found that high exposure to extreme heat was associated with faster cognitive decline among residents of poor neighbourhoods, but not for those in wealthier neighbourhoods.

Affluent neighbourhoods tend to have resources that can help in a heatwavethings like well-maintained green spaces, air conditioning, and cooling centres. In disadvantaged neighbourhoods, these resources may not exist, said Haena Lee, assistant professor of sociology at Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea and the studys co-first author.

Other factors associated with disadvantaged neighbourhoodsresidents experiencing chronic stress, greater social isolation, and fewer specialized services for cognitive health  could also be contributing to this disparity.

The study also looked at how extreme heat and its link to racial inequality.

Moreover, cumulative exposure to extreme heat was associated with faster cognitive decline among Black older adults, which may be due to structural racism  but not among white or Hispanic older adults.

The university release has said the study however did not have enough participants of other races and ethnicities to include them in the analysis.

One possible explanation for this pattern of findings is that Black older adults may have disproportionately experienced systemic disadvantages throughout their lives due to structural racism, segregation, and other discriminatory policies, all of which may affect cognitive reserve, said Professor Chang.

In the US, extreme heat has been the leading factor of weather-related deaths in the country, claiming more lives each year than hurricanes, tornadoes, and lightning combined, according to the NYU University release.

Children and older adults are particularly more at risk from illnesses related to heat  such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Our research finds that cumulative exposure to extreme heat can undermine cognitive health, but it does so unequally across the population, said Eunyoung Choi, a postdoctoral associate at the NYU School of Global Public Health and the first author of the study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
Claim:

Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy said that "we are ready to exchange Belgorod for Ukraine's membership in NATO."

Rating:

Rating: Correct Attribution

Context:

Belgorod is a Russian city.

On Aug. 20, 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was asked to respond to a suggestion, made by head of the NATO Secretary-General's Office Stian Jenssen, that Ukraine could join NATO in exchange for territories seized by the Russian Federation.

As reported by the Ukrainian news service RBC, "the Ukrainian president did not agree with Jenssen's opinion, he, in turn, proposed another option." A thinly-veiled joke, Zelenskyy's proposed option was exchanging the Russian city of Belgorod for NATO membership. "We are ready to exchange Belgorod for our membership in NATO," the President said during a news conference with Danish Prime Minister Matte Frederiksen.

(Twitter )

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Belgorod has historic political significance in Ukraine. The city served, for a few months in 1919, as the capital of the short lived Ukrainian People's Republic. It has been solidly in Russian and/or Soviet hands since 1922.

The city, since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, is also significant from a military and propaganda perspective. As reported in Newsweek:

Pro-Kyiv Russian fighters have launched several cross-border raids, including into Belgorod. Such operations saw Ukraine-aligned units temporarily occupy several settlements and force large-scale evacuations.

Because the statement attributed to Zelenskyy is authentic and documented, the quote is correctly attributed to Volodymr Zelenksyy.

Sources:

Brennan, David. "Zelensky Joke about Giving up Belgorod to Join NATO Viewed 1M Times." Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2023, https://www.newsweek.com/zelensky-joke-giving-belgorod-nato-1821195.

History, Ukraine. "'Belgorod Taken': How Kursk and Voronezh Provinces and Belgorod Became Part of Ukraine in 1918." Medium, 27 July 2023, https://medium.com/@ukrainehistory.org/belgorod-taken-how-kursk-and-voronezh-provinces-and-belgorod-became-part-of-ukraine-in-1918-eac7f260b6bb.

"We Are Ready to Exchange Belgorod for NATO Membership  Zelenskyy." Ukrainska Pravda, https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/08/20/7416355/. Accessed 22 Aug. 2023.

"      :   ." -, https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/zelenskiy-postupki-vstupu-nato-gotovi-obminyati-1692549592.html. Accessed 22 Aug. 2023.
(Reuters) - Russian General Sergei Surovikin, not seen in public since a mutiny by Wagner mercenaries in late June, has been replaced as head of the air force by Viktor Afzalov, the head of its main staff, according to state news agency RIA.

Here are some key facts about Surovikin who was nicknamed "General Armageddon" by the Russian media for his reputed ruthlessness and also praised for his leadership.

UKRAINE CAMPAIGN

Surovikin was promoted from leading Russian forces in southern Ukraine to overall command of the Ukraine campaign on Oct. 8, 2022 - the first person to be publicly named in that role.

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Russia had just been routed in the northeastern Kharkiv region. Within a month, he had ordered a withdrawal from the west bank of the Dnipro river in Ukraine's southern Kherson region, recognising that his forces were in danger of being cut off. The contingent, estimated by the US at 30,000, retreated in good order, blowing up a strategic bridge behind them.

Ukraine's defence minister and Western diplomats said Surovikin appeared to have boosted discipline while also stepping up attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.

His image as a hulking Siberian willing to use brutal tactics to get results appealed to Russian nationalists, who felt he could oversee the retreat without opening up dangerous internal divisions.

Nevertheless, with the war stagnating, he was subordinated to Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov in January, staying on as one of Gerasimov's three deputies in charge of the war effort in Ukraine.

WAGNER

After the Kherson pullout, Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, a fierce critic of Gerasimov and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu , praised Surovikin as "a man who is not afraid of responsibility" and said he should replace Gerasimov.

When Prigozhin launched a mutiny against the defence establishment on June 23, Surovikin was one of two generals who publicly urged him to give up. Surovikin looked strained and was breathing hard in the video where he made the appeal.

The mutiny ended the following day with negotiations and a deal with the Kremlin. In its aftermath, unconfirmed reports said Surovikin was being investigated for possible complicity.

U.S. officials told Reuters at the time that Surovikin had supported Prigozhin, but that Western intelligence did not know with certainty if he had helped the rebellion in any way.

The Kremlin has declined to answer questions about the general. A lawmaker from Russia's ruling party, Andrei Kartapolov, said on July 12 that Surovikin was "resting" and unavailable.

SYRIA

In 2017, while commanding Russia's vast Eastern Military District, Surovikin was sent for around eight months to head forces deployed to Syria to help President Bashar al-Assad fight diverse rebel groups.

By the time he finished his assignment, the civil war had turned in Assad's favour.

When a large number of Islamic State militants surrendered to Russian forces in Syria, one of their leaders - while under Russian interrogation - was heard to cry: "This is Armageddon, this is Armageddon." Surovikin became 'General Armageddon'.

Surovikin was rewarded with the command of Russia's Aerospace Forces and made a Hero of the Russian Federation. By 2021 he was an Army General, equal in rank to Gerasimov.

While Russia denied targeting civilians, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said Russian air strikes and often indiscriminate bombing killed 5,700 civilians in the two years to September 2017.

EARLY LIFE AND CAREER

Surovikin was born on Oct. 11, 1966 in Novosibirsk, Siberia. A graduate of the General Staff's Frunze Military Academy, he fought in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Chechnya, Syria and Ukraine.

With a reputation for bravery, truthful assessments and looking after his soldiers at the front line, reports also emerged of his toughness in Chechnya, notably his order: "For every soldier killed we will destroy three rebels."

Admirers in the Russian military compared him to Alexander Suvorov, the legendary tsarist-era general who was a close associate of Empress Catherine the Great.

Chechen militants tried to kill him several times. In one bomb blast, he received concussion and was hospitalised.

(Reporting by Reuters; editing by Mark Trevelyan)
More defendants charged alongside former President Trump in Georgia are surrendering, including two of the three indicted fake electors and two Trump attorneys.

David Shafer and Cathy Latham, both of whom signed documents purporting to be Georgias valid 2020 presidential electors, were booked early Wednesday morning before being released, jail records show.

Ray Smith, a Georgia-based attorney who worked for Trump following the election, and Kenneth Chesebro, an attorney who helped devise the fake elector scheme, also surrendered Wednesday, according to the booking records.

Six of the 19 co-defendants charged have now surrendered. Willis has given the defendants a deadline of noon on Friday to surrender.

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Shafer, the former chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, proceeded to make his mug shot his profile photo on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

He is accused of helping organize the Dec. 14, 2020, meeting in the Georgia Capitol, at which Shafer and 15 others signed the false Electoral College documents.

Shafer is also actively attempting to move his charges to federal court. The other two co-defendants who have similarly done so are attempting to block their arrests until the matter is resolved.

Latham, who served as Coffee Countys Republican Party chairwoman, is charged with signing the fake elector documents and over allegations she was involved in a voting system breach at an elections office in Coffee County, Ga.

The individuals joined two defendants who already surrendered. Scott Hall, who is also charged in connection with the breach, and John Eastman, a central figure in forwarding memos that spurred Trumps pressure campaign on then-Vice President Mike Pence, surrendered on Tuesday.

Trump has said he will surrender Thursday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A large tree crashed down in Bothell, taking down power lines and blocking traffic, Tuesday afternoon, according to the Bothell Fire Department.

At about 3:42 p.m., crews were alerted to the tree that fell across Waynita Way, near the 15500 block.

Bothell police are diverting traffic in the area. Drivers are asked to avoid the area between State Route 522 and 96th Avenue Northeast and 100th Avenue Northeast at 145th Avenue Northeast.

Puget Sound Energy is working on the impact of power in the area.

Please seek alternate routes. Officers diverting all traffic, as power lines/poles were impacted. Utility crews have been notified. pic.twitter.com/HbBH3BbDKC  Bothell Police (@BothellPolice) August 22, 2023
Photo: The Canadian Press Wildfire smoke fills the air over Yellowknife on Thursday, August 17, 2023.

The mayor of Yellowknife says it's not safe for residents to go home to the territorial capital, but notes city officials are working on a return plan as a fire continues to burn about 15 kilometres away.

Most of the residents in the city of 20,000 evacuated by air or road late last week to cities and towns as far south as Calgary and as far east as Winnipeg.

"Of course, the question that everyone wants to know is when can we come home?" Rebecca Alty told reporters at a briefing Tuesday evening.

The return plan, she said, has two parts.

"One is fire safety and two is ensuring essential services are back up and operational," said Alty.

"We started our planning on Friday and we'll continue working on it until we can welcome residents back. Unfortunately, for now, it's not safe to return so residents should remain where they are."

Alty noted she took a flight Tuesday over the fire breaks along Yellowknife's municipal boundaries and parts of the fire.

"It's one thing to see the fire area and the defensive work on maps, but it's another thing to see it for real."

Alty said the fire is still classified as a threat to the city and crews are in the process of evaluating how much work it would take to eliminate that threat.

She said that will require a thorough ground assessment that may take days to complete.

A similar message came from Hay River, where a fire is burning about eight kilometres away.

"We are in good hands as we face this difficult week ahead," said Mayor Kandis Jameson.

Flames remained about eight kilometres from Hay River, on the south end of Great Slave Lake, and fire officials have said they expect hotter and drier conditions and shifting winds.

Jameson said she's heard from many residents of the community.

"We know that you've had your livelihoods interrupted," she said. "It is difficult to hear that you may not be able to come home for some time.

"Work is being done to make your return smooth and quick when it is safe to do so."

Another fire is burning about four kilometres from Fort Smith.

Deputy Mayor Jay McDonald said crews are also working to protect the community.

"Our first priority as a mayor and council is about getting through this as a community together and ensuring that all of our people can come home to Fort Smith as soon as possible," he said.

"At this time, it's not safe for our citizens to return to Fort Smith and we really want to encourage those folks that are able to leave to please vacate the community.

"Please, be safe. And to the citizens of Fort Smith, please be patient."
Just under 20 seconds into a foot pursuit with Tulare police, 34-year-old Joel Villegas paused for less than a second as two pursuing officers issued a final verbal warning to drop a knife.

Villegas crossed a pair of railroad tracks along a gravelly path, turned toward law enforcement, then turned his back to them as he continued to flee in the direction of a gated back entrance to a lumber yard.

Thats when Tulare Officers Daniel Bradley and Adan Barragan fired multiple rounds into Villegas, mortally wounding the father of four, according to recently released body cam footage of the April 16 incident.

Those actions taken by officers, including medical care as Villegas lay dying, are part of a claim the family filed late last month against the city of Tulare, the Tulare Police Department and the individual officers.

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The claim, which alleges wrongful death, negligence and a failure to summon medical assistance, among several accusations, will likely pave the way for a lawsuit over the killing. The claim does not cite a dollar amount but says damages will be "in an amount to be determined at trial."

Hes shot clearly in the back while hes running away, said Joshua Henderson, the lawyer who filed the claim on behalf of the family. During the entire time of those 17 seconds, he's trying to essentially get distance between him and the officers.

A spokesperson for the Tulare Police Department did not respond to a request for more information but confirmed both officers had been placed on paid administrative leave while the Tulare County Sheriffs Department investigates the incident.

Tulare police reported that they responded to a call regarding a male armed with a knife in the area of Bardsley Avenue and Vetter Street on April 16 at 3:15 p.m., according to a news release. The release said officers made contact with the male and an officer involved shooting occurred.

An image from body camera shows the moment before two police officers fire on Tulare resident Joel Villegas, killing the 34-year-old, on April 16. (Tulare Police)

Henderson said police told him a knife was recovered at the scene, but have not confirmed what type of blade Villegas was carrying. The emergency call is believed to have been prompted by a dispute inside Villegas' sister's house, according to Henderson.

Officers are seen in the video getting out of their car near a bend along I Street and West Bardsley Avenue and immediately yelling at Villegas to drop the f knife. Villegas can be seen sprinting past a homeless encampment, tumbling and falling but getting back up and continuing to run.

Villegas is seen crossing railroad tracks as officers chase and continue to tell him to drop the knife.

Villegas is then shot and falls in a weed patch.

Henderson said he counted 13 rounds fired by the officers, but wasnt sure of a total number.

The claim alleges the officers were not in imminent harm during the foot chase and at the time of the shooting and used unreasonable and excessive force.

Read more: Who would execute a baby? Tulare sheriff said a drug cartel, then backtracks

Bradley can be seen shaking after firing on Villegas on the body cam footage. He called into police dispatch to ask for medical assistance while saying Villegas refused to show his hands. He then told dispatchers that Villegas turned and was charging at us.

The officers statement is important because in my mind, it shows a consciousness of guilt because the officer knows he has to say something that would justify his actions, Henderson said. Thankfully we have video, otherwise his statement would have been the evidence of what transpired.

The officers dragged a moaning and still breathing Villegas into a flat dirt patch and cuffed him. It took about three minutes from the time Villegas was shot until an officer arrived with an emergency medical kit, according to body cam footage.

Villegas appears to stop breathing on the video as officers and then emergency medical technicians administer chest compressions. No official report has been released that shows a time of death.

A spokesperson from the sheriffs department, which also provides coroner services for the county, did not respond to a call for comment. The department declined a request from The Times for any records, including any coroner's reports, regarding the incident.

Read more: Monterey County sheriff's deputy survives shooting by AK-47-wielding suspect; gunman killed by authorities

This matter is still being evaluated by law enforcement and/or the district attorneys office and disclosure of these records is reasonably expected to interfere with that process, the sheriffs statement read.

Villegas death certificate, written by Deputy Coroner Tomas Lopez, said that the decedent suffered multiple gunshot wounds by the hands of a police officer pursuant to penal code 196(b) , which allows for justifiable homicide.

The California attorney generals office confirmed that it is also conducting a simultaneous investigation that remains ongoing, according to a statement. No further comment was offered.

Henderson said Villegas widow, Delilah Villegas, was too overwhelmed to speak with The Times.

She issued a brief statement saying she doesnt know why the officers would do what they did. She fears they wont be held responsible while her boys will never be able to speak to their dad again.

The family has created an online fundraising site to pay for funeral expenses: https://gofund.me/50450d6e.

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.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis on Tuesday rejected a request by indicted former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows to have his voluntary surrender deadline deferred in order to allow a court to first rule on his motion to get his case moved to federal court.

Meadows was one of the 18 people charged alongside former President Donald Trump for participating in a scheme to undo Joe Bidens 2020 election win in Georgia. Willis has set a deadline for Friday for defendants to turn themselves in.

I am not granting any extensions, Willis wrote back to Meadows lawyers, according to a court filing. I gave 2 weeks for people to surrender themselves to the court. Your client is no different than any other criminal defendant in this jurisdiction. The two weeks was a tremendous courtesy. At 12:30 pm on Friday I shall file warrants in the system. 

A judge has set a hearing Monday for Meadows request. But the former White House chief of staff is asking the court to either move his case immediately to federal court or prevent Willis from arresting him before Mondays proceeding.

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That short-term, modest relief would prevent the irreparable loss of Mr. Meadowss rights under federal law and allow this Court to consider the merits of removal in an orderly fashion without any substantial prejudice to the State of Georgia, John Moran, Meadows laywer, wrote.

Meadows was indicted on two charges: violation of Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and solicitation of violation of oath by public officer.

The second charge relates to Meadows participation in the infamous Jan. 2, 2021, call Trump made to Georgias Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger calling on him to find 11,780 votes, according to the indictment.

At least six defendants have already turned themselves in to Georgia authorities. Conservative lawyer John Eastman and bail bondsman Scott Hall surrendered on Tuesday and were released on bond. David Shafer and Cathy Latham, who posed as fake electors for Trump in the state, as well as attorneys Ray Smith and Kenneth Chesebro were also let go early on Wednesday following their surrender.

Trump is expected to be booked in Atlanta on Thursday.

This is Trumps fourth indictment to date, following the criminal charges he faces for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, over his alleged mishandling of classified documents after departing the White House, and for his role in a hush money scheme involving adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

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The jury in the Fayetteville road-rage murder trial will begin deliberating Wednesday whether Roger Dale Nobles Sr. committed a crime when he shot motorcyclist Stephen Trey Perry Addison to death on Skibo Road in January 2022.

Addison, 32, was a veteran, a husband and a father. He was unarmed.

An undated photo of Stephen Perry Addison, who lived in Fayetteville and was shot to death in a road-rage incident on Skibo Road on Jan. 3, 2022.

Nobles is charged with first-degree murder. The jury could convict him of that, or of second-degree murder, of voluntary manslaughter or of involuntary manslaughter. Or it could find him not guilty.

Deliberations were delayed by about a half day, and Superior Court Judge Gale M. Adams dismissed a juror and an alternate juror on Tuesday afternoon, because a courtroom spectator reported she heard the two jurors talking about the case while eating lunch in the courthouse deli on Monday. The trial continued with the second of the two alternate jurors replacing the juror who was dismissed.

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The jurors heard evidence across four days of testimony that concluded on Monday with Nobles taking the stand in his own defense. He denied he intended to shoot Addison when he squeezed the trigger on the gun. Nobles testified he showed the gun to try to get Addison to go away, and that he thought the guns safety mechanism would prevent him from pulling the trigger.

A still from a cellphone video that captured the shooting death of Stephen Addison, shows Addison, right, seconds before police say he was shot by the driver of the pickup truck in the left of the photo.

The shooting happened during lunchtime traffic at the Skibo and Cliffdale Road intersection in Fayettevilles main commercial district. It was the climax of a clash that Nobles and his son, Roger Dale Nobles Jr., had with Addison that started because the Nobleses disliked that Addison had lane-split  that he rode his motorcycle between the cars and trucks in the travel lanes when they were stopped for a red light at the Red Tip Road intersection about a block away.

When they reached the Cliffdale Road intersection and stopped at the light there, the younger Nobles, Roger Dale Jr., got out of their pickup truck and confronted Addison, who was sitting on his motorcycle in the right-turn lane.

Addison got off the motorcycle as he and Nobles Jr. argued, and Roger Dale Nobles Sr. fired his pistol from inside the truck. He hit Addison in the chest. Addison fell straight down and died a short time later.

The shooting was recorded on a cellphone video, which was shared widely online, and on a city surveillance camera.

Trial day 1: Did Fayetteville road-rage killer discharge his gun by accident? Cumberland jury to decide

Did two jurors talk about the case outside of court?

The closing arguments to the jury from the prosecutors and defense lawyer were expected to begin Tuesday morning. But then courtroom spectator Rhonda Shirley contacted a bailiff to tell the judge that she overheard two of the jurors in the deli on Monday, and she believed they were talking about the Nobles case.

The jurors were sitting and eating at a table next to her table, she said.

To ensure a fair trial, jurors are not allowed to talk about the case among themselves until jury deliberations begin, and then only if all 12 jurors are present with them in the jury room.

Judge Adams had Shirley take the stand to describe what she saw and heard.

Shirley said she is a volunteer with Fayetteville PACT  the Police Accountability Community Taskforce. She wore a Fayetteville PACT T-shirt on Tuesday.

Fayetteville PACT is a nonprofit organization that advocates for more oversight of police agencies. It organizes protests and other community engagement in instances when it believes the police have unjustly killed or otherwise harmed members of the public.

The president of Fayetteville PACT, Chilleko Hurst, has attended the Nobles trial daily and expressed concern that Nobles will not be punished appropriately for killing Addison, because Nobles is white and Addison was Black.

Trial day 2: Shooter in deadly Fayetteville road-rage incident: I did it

Shirley said Fayetteville PACT has been supporting Addisons widow, who also has been attending the trial.

Shirley said she knew the two men she saw eating together were jurors because they had stickers on their shirts that the court uses to identify jurors. Juror labels signal other people in the courthouse who arent supposed to interact with jurors  such as witnesses, lawyers, news reporters and other parties  so they can avoid them.

When Shirley concluded that the jurors were talking about a case they were hearing, she said, she used her cellphone to record their conversation. She gave this recording to the court.

According to Shirley, one juror said, How can we line up this evidence to maintain his innocence? and the other said he wanted to take another look at the evidence to determine that.

Adams brought in both jurors to ask them if they had discussed the case with anyone and outside of court. Both said they had not.

Shirley played her recording in court. It had much background noise. It could not be understood what was said.

Adams said she listened to it multiple times, and tried to clear up the background noise and slowed it down to try to understand what was said. And it is so garbled, theres only a couple of words that you can pick out. And its difficult to tell if this case is being discussed or anything else.

Shirley sent a copy of her recording to The Fayetteville Observer. Two editors and a reporter could not hear the conversation clearly enough to understand what the men were talking about.

Adams also viewed security video from the deli. This video did not have audio.

She said it showed the two jurors and Shirley in the deli on Monday afternoon, plus a third juror who sat with the first two for part of the time. Shirley never mentioned the third juror. It could be that he was away from the table when she observed the first two jurors.

This third juror, under questioning from Adams, said he had not discussed the case with anyone.

Based on Shirleys testimony, Adams dismissed the first two jurors from the case but kept the third.

Trial day 3: Shooter in Fayetteville road-rage killing says gun fired because Band-Aid snagged trigger

Nobles defense lawyer Coy Brewer objected.

He did not think any jurors should be dismissed, but if any were to be dropped, it should have been all three, since all three were at the table where the conversation took place.

If all three had been dismissed, the trial would have been down to 11 jurors, which would have caused a mistrial. The jury must have 12 jurors.

If Nobles is convicted, the lawyers on his appeal might ask the North Carolina Court of Appeals to overturn the conviction based on this juror conversation and the question of whether the third juror took part in it.

A memorial for Stephen Trey Addison at Cliffdale and Skibo roads, in front of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, is shown on March 7, 2022. Addison was shot to death in a road rage encounter on Jan. 3, 2022.

Lawyers make their final pitches to the jury

In closing statements, Brewer told the jury it should acquit Nobles, or at most convict him of involuntary manslaughter.

He didn't intend to fire the gun. He didnt even believe he could fire the gun, Brewer said. Nobles hands were numb and shaky, Brewer said, and while he was pointing the gun, he wasnt trying to aim it at Addison.

Prosecutors Rob Thompson and Kayley Taber said the jury shouldnt believe him.

They pointed out that Nobles first asserted to the police that the gun discharged unintentionally because a bandage on his finger got snagged in the trigger when he was putting it down. Nobles recanted the bandage claim when he testified on Monday.

In the police interview following his arrest, Nobles changed his story from the bandage caught the trigger to say he aimed the gun and shot it, Taber said.

He told you what he did, Taber said.

The case resumes at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in room 3C of Cumberland County Superior Court.

Senior North Carolina reporter Paul Woolverton can be reached at 910-261-4710 and pwoolverton@fayobserver.com.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Judge removes two jurors from Fayetteville road-rage trial
CHICAGO  A federal jury now has the perjury case against Tim Mapes, who is accused of lying to a grand jury investigating Mapes longtime boss, Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan .

The jury of six men and six women was sent back at 4:35 p.m. Central time after hearing about five hours of closing arguments. The panel immediately sent U.S. District Judge John Kness a note saying it would leave for the day Wednesday and return at 9 a.m. Thursday.

Mapes, 68, of Springfield, is charged with perjury and attempted obstruction of justice and accused in an indictment of repeatedly lying during his appearance before the grand jury investigating Madigan and his vaunted political operation.

He faces up to 20 years in prison on the obstruction count, while the perjury charges carry up to five years behind bars.

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In her closing argument, Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Schwartz told the jury that Mapes, who had served as Madigans chief of staff for more than 25 years, was a man on the inside, a man who was behind the curtain of Madigans often-secretive political organization, and could have given the grand jury key insight when he testified on March 31, 2021.

If the defendant had been honest, he would have been a star witness, Schwartz said. But he did everything he could to obstruct the process ... to minimize his participation, to act as if he was clueless.

Some of the questions posed by the prosecutor in the grand jury were Springfield 101, Madigan 101, Schwartz said.

But Mapes acted as if there was a third rail when it came to answering questions about Madigan and his longtime confidant, Michael McClain, who was at the center of the governments ongoing probe.

These three men were tight, extremely tight. Who better to give the grand jury insight into what was going on than this defendant? Schwartz asked, pointing to Mapes at the defense table.

Mapes attorney, Andrew Porter, blasted those allegations in his closing argument, including the idea that Mapes somehow could have been a star witness against Madigan.

It assumes, without evidence, assumes that Tim Mapes knew whether Madigan and McClain were discussing these topics, Porter said. And he didnt ... He couldnt remember what he didnt know.

Porter also asked, where is Mapes motive to lie, particularly since Madigan had ousted him in June 2018 in the midst of a sexual harassment scandal.

The government throws out (it was to) protect the boss. ... Why would he fall on his sword for a guy who kicked him to the curb three years before? Porter asked the jury.

Porter said it was clear that the federal grand jury was looking specifically at an alleged bribery scheme by Madigan, McClain and others related to Commonwealth Edison  something he said Mapes had no knowledge of whatsoever.

Mapes made that clear in the grand jury, Porter said. He did not know, and does not know, anything about any crimes that Michael Madigan and Michael McClain may have committed, and ladies and gentlemen, you have heard no evidence in this trial that he did.

Porter said, If Madigan was having criminal conversations about ComEd and hiring processes of ComEd, Tim Mapes wasnt a part of it.

Prosecutors, however, argued that Mapes was asked about much more than simply ComEd.

Schwartz said Mapes lies were intentional and repeated and on broad topics, and that he was evasive even when asked simple things like the extent of the relationship he had with McClain.

McClain, Schwartz said, was Madigans trusted right-hand man, who had unique access to the speaker and would camp out in his office suite at the Capitol. McClain and Mapes were also good friends, she says, and Mapes lied about it.

Protecting those two men was a key motivation, she said.

Schwartz played a snippet of the grand jury testimony when Mapes said McClain was one of my fr- ... sorry strike that, then basically recited McClains work history that anyone could have looked up on Google. She said he caught himself before he touched the third rail.

She also played a portion of the grand jury testimony when Mapes was asked whether McClain was acting as an agent for Madigan.

Do you know Mr. McClain to have acted as a messenger for Madigan in any capacity? he was asked.

Im not aware of any, Mapes answered.

During her argument, Schwartz displayed a diagram showing a power triangle, with Madigans photo at the top.

Mike Madigan, the boss ... He wielded immense power in the General Assembly and in the Democratic Party of Illinois. And Tim Mapes? Nobody got in to see the wizard without going through that man, she said, referring to a sign that Mapes kept in his office.

Schwartz plowed even deeper into the mountain of evidence the prosecution piled up in trying to bring down Mapes as she went into a 14-point, step-by-step description of how the government proved that he attempted to obstruct justice.

She told jurors the government only needed to show one of those 14 points to show that he simply tried to impede the Madigan investigation, but she ticked off reasons to support each of example that pointed to Mapes guilt.

In driving home her arguments, Schwartz cited one grand jury question in which Mapes was asked if anyone had described to him any work or assignments McClain performed for Madigan during the 2017 through 2019 time frame, a period before and after Mapes was ousted from his job.

She contended Mapes I dont recall answer was simply his attempt to fall back on an excuse that his memory was faulty, a move he preferred to telling the truth.

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Mapes is no dummy, Schwartz said. He knew exactly what was being asked, and he tried to shut down any further questioning by pretending he didnt remember. And that was a lie.

She pointed out that Mapes himself passed along to McClain some of the political and government assignments that Madigan wanted McClain to perform.

Schwartz also explained Mapes did not face trick questions but rather would not explain even basics about the McClain-Madigan relationship.

Nobody knew that relationship between Mike Madigan and Mike McClain better than this man, Schwartz said, pointing out that McClain camped out by himself in a Capitol conference room in between the offices of Mapes and Madigan in the speakers suite.

She also noted how Mapes and McClain kept in touch closely as Madigan had McClain deliver to then-state Rep. Lou Lang, a Skokie Democrat, that Madigan wanted him to leave the House after more than three decades  underscoring how Mapes jokingly asked McClain if he would wear his big boy pants the day he would lower the boom on Lang.

Lang was one of a series of Madigan allies, along with Mapes, accused of sexual harassment in 2018, a year the #MeToo movement rocked the speakers staff and one of the major moments in Madigans record reign that eventually led to him losing the speakership in 2021. Lang and Mapes both denied the allegations.

But Mapes, Schwartz said, also lied about knowing McClain worked with state Rep. Bob Rita, a Blue Island Democrat, on gambling legislation as well as on a Madigan-backed effort to transfer the states ownership of a Chinatown property to the city so that developers could eventually send Madigans law firm its tax business  a key part of Madigans racketeering case.

Further, Schwartz recapped the ton of evidence Mapes worked on with McClain even after Madigan ousted Mapes  including taking actions designed to show he would remain loyal, but she said Mapes told grand jurors a blatant lie.

He did it to protect the boss  to protect the boss and stay in the foxhole, Schwartz said.

In his argument, Porter also hit on a major theme of the defense: McClain is a storyteller and exaggerates and you have to take everything he says with a grain of salt. Even the FBI tended not to believe him when he made outlandish claims on the wiretaps, Porter said.

Porter said there is a sinister sheen when it comes to wiretaps, but the recordings in this case caught conversations between Mapes and McClain about noncriminal topics, like committee assignments, leadership posts, where theyre going to dinner and where Mapes might land a job.

Again, so what? Porter asked.

Mapes, who in addition to Madigans chief of staff also served stints as executive director of the state Democratic Party and the clerk of the House, has denied making any false statements.

His attorneys have argued that he did his level best to provide truthful answers. They also accused prosecutors of asking open-ended questions and failing to provide Mapes with any corroborating materials that might refresh his recollection of years-old conversations.

Shortly before the defense rested Tuesday, Mapes confirmed outside the presence of the jury that he wished to waive his right to testify in his own defense  a move that seemed all but certain given the inherent pitfalls of taking the witness stand.

The faults of human memory and Mapes state of mind after he was forced to resign in 2018 were the focus of Mapes defense, as his lawyers pushed the argument that he was truthful in the grand jury but just couldnt remember answers to the questions he was asked due to the stress-filled, intimidating nature of the grand jury setting in March 2021.

Meanwhile, prosecutors over eight days of testimony presented more than a dozen witnesses and dozens of wiretapped phone conversations, emails and other documents in an effort to prove that Mapes was lying when he said he was unaware that McClain was doing sensitive assignments for the speaker even after McClains retirement from lobbying in 2016.

The prosecutions case also included the audio of Mapes entire grand jury testimony, offering a rare glimpse into a secretive process and illuminating how big-time political corruption investigations play out behind the scenes.

Mapes trial is the latest among a series of blockbuster cases to arise out of the political corruption probe into Madigan.

Earlier this year, the ComEd Four trial ended with the convictions of McClain and three others on bribery conspiracy charges alleging they schemed to funnel payments from the utility to Madigan associates in exchange for the speakers assistance with legislation in Springfield.

Madigan and McClain are set to go on trial in April on separate racketeering charges alleging Madigan used official duties to maintain his power and enrich his cronies.

Both have denied the allegations.

____
In 1975, an enormous tracked vehicle was spotted in the desert along the Libyan-Tunisian border. Its size and structure alarmed the Libyan armed forces under the leadership of Muammar Gaddafi , who had just finished consolidating his power after a 1969 coup.

Believing the Tunisian armed forces were preparing to launch an invasion to unseat him, he issued a warning: end the military buildup and remove the strange tank weapon or he would invade and remove it for them. He had no idea it was part of an obscure movie that had recently begun filming in the deserts of Tunisia: Star Wars.

Libya shares a relatively small border with Tunisia in the northeast of the country, but life in Libya wasnt entirely stable . An army officer named Muammar Gaddafi had overthrown Libyas Western-backed King Idris I in 1969, ejected Western powers, and established a government of Islamic Socialism, based on shariah law.

He was essentially a dictator, instituting a series of cultural revolutions and repressive controls over the Libyan people while taking control of the military. By the time hed noticed the massive tank vehicle in neighboring Tunisia, he had just fought off an internal coup attempt and was as paranoid as ever.

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Habib Bourguiba , a dictator, led Tunisia, complete with a personality cult. Hed met with Gaddafi in planning to merge the two countries under one Arab government, but the deal fell through, which led to some mixed feelings between the two dictators. Soon after, Bourguiba received complete control over Tunisias armed forces.

Gaddafi responded by funding anti-Bourgiba militants in Tunisia, hoping to unseat the president. So when he saw the massive new tank under construction in the deserts near his border, he believed there was retribution for his action coming soon. He had no idea the vehicle was actually a Sandcrawler, the signature desert transportation for the Jawa people.

Mos Espa marketplace film set, located in the Eriguet dunes north of Nefta in southwestern Tunisia.

Of course, he had no idea: Sandcrawlers and Jawas arent real. It was part of the production of a new movie from filmmaker George Lucas called Star Wars. The area in which the Sandcrawler was being constructed, a real-life border area called Naftah, was the fictional setting of the Jundland Wastes on the planet Tatooine, and the home of the movies hero, Luke Skywalker.

Anyone whos watched a behind-the-scenes documentary or seen photos of a movies production knows that epic films can have epic camps. A movie on that scale requires living quarters, food preparation areas, and storage facilities, not to mention the sets for the film itself. Theres probably more, but the point is that all Qaddafi saw was a sprawling camp around a massive tracked vehicle.

Gaddafi was already paranoid, belligerent and mistrustful of Tunisia, so seeing this site just miles from the border with Libya led him to threaten Tunisia. He told the Tunisian government that the military buildup near his border would be removed, or a conflict between the two nations would erupt. The simple explanation that the camp was a movie set did not suffice for the paranoid dictator in Libya.

When Lucas was told about Gaddafis threat, he decided that discretion would be the better part of valor. Despite the cost, he moved the entire production to a new location inside Tunisia, far from the Libyan border, as Gaddafi demanded, averting a real-life war and bringing us the Star Wars we know and love.
Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo arrived in Kyiv on Aug. 23 ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day.

"Finland is a reliable defender of normal life in our Europe and the rules-based international order," Zelensky wrote on Telegram.

Orpo said that his country's "support for Ukraine and its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity will continue over the long-term.

At a joint press conference with Zelensky, Orpo said that his government is preparing to send its 18th defense package to Ukraine and details will be announced this week.

The 17th military aid package from Finland was announced on July 6 and was worth around 105 million ($114 million).

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Finlands overall support to Ukraine is worth over 1.7 billion ($1.84 billion), according to a press release from the Finnish government.

The press release added that "Ukraine is Finlands largest partner country in development cooperation, and Finland is preparing for the countrys reconstruction."

The prime minister visited housing units in Irpin, which had been built though a Finnish project and provide accommodation to 200 Ukrainians who have lost their homes since the invasion began.

In June, the Finnish parliament voted the center-right politician in as prime minister, replacing Sanna Marin, whose center-left party came third in the country's April general election. Marin visited Kyiv in March 2023.

Orpo joins the Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and the Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who also arrived in the capital on Aug. 23.

The visits were not announced beforehand for security reasons.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian pilots start F-16 training in Denmark; Poll shows 90% of Ukrainians oppose territorial concessions to Russia

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A predawn fire that heavily damaged a West Pasco home and injured an elderly woman was intentionally set, say investigators.

Pasco police confirmed Tuesday someone was in custody, suspected of setting fire early Monday to the house at the corner of Court Street and Road 103.

Details about the arrest have yet to be released by Wednesday morning, but Tuesday afternoon officers were searching the nearby Argent Street home of 18-year-old Landon T. Keene.

Officials havent confirmed that Keene is the suspect in Mondays fire but he was arrested earlier on Tuesday and booked into the Franklin County jail on suspicion of arson, according to jail records.

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Two former Pasco School District employees lived at the house that burn and were woken up by smoke alarms about 2:40 a.m., said Ben Shearer, Pasco Fire Departments public information officer.

According to reports, the couple struggled to get out of the home ahead of the flames and smoke. The wife had trouble navigating the stairs and suffered burns as she tried to get outside.

Keenes Argent Road home is less than a block from the home that burned.

Its not clear if Keene had any connection to the elderly couple who had lived in the same home for nearly 30 years. The home was valued at nearly $800,000.

Death threats, damage, animal cruelty

Online court records show Keene has a history of violence, threats and animal abuse, mostly directed at his family.

Starting in March 2022, Keene was charged in three cases in Benton-Franklin Juvenile Court.

His destructive behavior was in some cases fueled by alcohol and apparent mental health issues, according to court records.

He was charged with punching and kicking holes in the walls and doors of his home, throwing rocks at fathers truck and threatening to shoot him.

Then in November 2022, he allegedly stabbed the familys Labrador in the stomach.

When he was arrested, he fought with police and allegedly told officers to stab him and that he was going to kill his parents.

Keene entered into Benton County Drug Court as a therapeutic treatment and was scheduled for an update this week.

Just last month, he was back in court and pleaded guilty to harassment for again threatening his father.
Eight Republican presidential candidates will take to the stage Wednesday evening in Milwaukee for the first debate of the 2024 campaign.

The clash, televised by Fox News, will not include former President Trump, who has declined to participate because he has a commanding lead in the polls.

Trump will cast a long shadow, however. He has reportedly recorded an interview with Tucker Carlson, which is expected to go public sometime Wednesday. He has also said he will surrender to Georgia authorities Thursday, having been indicted over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election in the state.

Trump leads the GOP field by around 40 points in national polls, despite his legal troubles.

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The stakes are sky-high for his rivals Wednesday. Heres what each of them has to do.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

DeSantis faces a crunch moment.

His campaign has been deeply underwhelming so far.

He has drifted downwards in the polls. He has failed to do Trump any damage at all. And even his hold on second place looks tenuous, thanks to the unexpected rise of biotech businessman Vivek Ramaswamy .

Ramaswamy was tied with DeSantis for second place in an Emerson College poll released late last week.

If DeSantis were to lose his status as the main alternative to Trump, it would spell doom for the Florida governors candidacy.

That means DeSantis has to be aggressive Wednesday, sharpening his case against Trump but also aiming some verbal fire at the other candidates. If he is overshadowed by anyone else on the stage, hes in real trouble.

Finally, some of DeSantiss campaign-trail encounters have fueled criticisms that he lacks social skills. If the governor can humanize himself in the eyes of GOP voters, that will be an important victory as he looks to turn his campaign around.

Vivek Ramaswamy

Can Ramaswamy build on his momentum to become a real contender, or is he about to recede like Republican candidates in previous cycles  Ben Carson, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former Sen. Fred Thompson (Tenn.)  who fizzled after an early jolt of excitement?

Wednesdays debate could go a long way in determining that  especially since Ramaswamy arrives in Milwaukee under increased scrutiny.

His campaign has been beset with questions about remarks he made to The Atlantic regarding the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The entrepreneur appeared to give a nod-and-wink to conspiracy theories about those events, though his remarks were confusingly phrased.

How many police, how many federal agents were on the planes that hit the Twin Towers? Like, I think we want  maybe the answer is zero, probably is zero for all I know, right? Ramaswamy said. I have no reason to think it was anything other than zero. But if were doing a comprehensive assessment of what happened on 9/11, we have a 9/11 commission, absolutely that should be an answer the public knows the answer to.

The candidate then deepened his trouble by claiming he had been misquoted. The Atlantic released a recording showing he had been quoted correctly.

Other candidates will surely attack him for this  and other things. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley hit him Monday for remarks last week proposing cuts in aid to Israel.

Ramaswamy has attracted attention for obvious reasons  his relative youth at 38, his wealth and his nose for headline-grabbing moves.

He has previously suggested he would abolish the FBI and proposed that under-25s should be allowed to vote only if they passed a civics test or were in certain forms of public service. He also offered an innovative fundraising gambit by which anyone who helped him raise money would get paid a commission.

Thats all well and good. But Ramaswamy needs to show he can stand up under the klieg lights  and under attack from rivals  Wednesday night.

Former Vice President Mike Pence

If the Republican Party had stayed as it was a decade ago, Pence would surely be a front-runner  a former vice president, governor and congressman with a solid conservative record and deep roots in the evangelical movement.

Unfortunately for Pence, the GOP has been transformed by his old boss, Trump.

Historians will judge Pence favorably for standing up against Trumps pressure to overturn the 2020 election. But Republicans do not. Pence has a higher unfavorable rating among GOP voters than almost any other candidate.

On Wednesday, Pence will face the same knotty problem that has afflicted his campaign since it began: how to simultaneously take credit for the achievements of what he calls the Trump-Pence administration, while distancing himself from Trump and defending his own actions around Jan. 6, 2021.

It may not be possible to do those things and win significant Republican support. It took the former vice president a conspicuously long time to draw enough donors to even qualify for the debate.

But Pence, at one time a talk-radio host, can be underestimated as a communicator. He easily held his own in the 2016 and 2020 vice presidential debates with Sen. Tim Kaine (Va.) and Vice President Harris, respectively.

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley

Haley and her fellow South Carolinian, Sen. Tim Scott , come to the stage Wednesday facing similar challenges  but also with the chance to seize an opportunity.

Like Scott, Haley is a serious, credible political figure. Before serving as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, she was the first woman and first person of color to serve as governor of South Carolina.

Haley has made a big bet on hitting the stump in the early states, maintaining an arduous schedule in Iowa and New Hampshire. She is a gifted retail politician who often reminds crowds she has never lost an election.

That said, Haley has struggled to get any traction in national polls. In the FiveThirtyEight national average, she is mired around 3 percent.

The debate provides her best chance for a game-changing, standout moment.

She has one obvious advantage when it comes to differentiating herself from her rivals: She will be the only woman on the stage.

Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.)

Scotts position going into the debate is eerily similar to that of Haley. The two are even polling at a near-identical level nationwide.

Scott is widely respected and liked within the GOP.

But there is not much evidence that the voters are buying what hes selling: a strongly conservative platform presented in affable style by a candidate who also goes after Democrats for purportedly weaponizing race to divide America.

Scott, the only Black Republican in the Senate, is uniquely well-placed to make the latter part of that argument. His supporters believe he could have a shot at positioning himself as the main alternative to Trump if DeSantiss stumbles continue.

But Scotts campaign so far has lacked impact. He badly needs to change that Wednesday.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie

Expectations play a huge role in perceptions of who wins or loses debates  and Christie is in an odd spot.

On one hand, the former prosecutor is a formidable debater whose memorable takedown of Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) in a February 2016 debate inflicted a serious wound on Rubio.

On the other hand, Christie is polling only around 3 percent nationally. He contends that a strong performance in the New Hampshire primary  friendlier territory for him than socially conservative Iowa  would transform the race.

Christies campaign is largely built on his vigorous criticisms of Trump. He will surely press his case against the absent former president Wednesday. Sparks could fly  and it will be fascinating to see the audience reaction.

Another key thing to watch will be how strongly Christie goes after DeSantis. Christie, like everyone else on the stage, senses opportunity if DeSantis can be knocked on the canvas.

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson

Its tough to see any obvious way forward for the mild-mannered but Trump-skeptical Hutchinson.

He is likely to be overshadowed in any sharp criticisms of Trump by the more pugnacious Christie.

He can at least make the case for what he sees as his commonsense conservatism. Its just unclear how far that will take him.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum

Burgum, a billionaire businessman, can self-finance his campaign. But that doesnt guarantee an impact on the debate stage.

For Burgum, the challenge will be to make his mark in the opportunities hes given to speak.

Those opportunities may be more limited than for his higher-polling rivals, who are expected to be a greater focus of the moderators attentions.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Democrats are waiting in anticipation for Republicans to make what many believe will be a Trump-inspired spectacle of their first presidential primary debate.

While some are waiting to see former President Trumps imprint on the Milwaukee event hes notoriously skipping, others are watching for breakout moments among a less well-defined set of candidates.

And most in the party expect to see a right-wing agenda on full display.

Here are five things Democrats are looking out for Wednesday night.

The Trump effect

Even though Trump wont physically be there to dominate the conversation and dress down his rivals on the public stage, that doesnt mean the GOP front-runner wont still loom over the night.

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Democrats have watched Trump lead the Republican primary polls among loyal voters who say they still like him more than anyone else. And while liberals point to his various impeachments and indictments as political landmines, they also havent seen him tank his White House job audition just yet.

The debates add some unpredictability to all of that. The earliest debates gave Trump a major platform to crucify his biggest threats eight years ago, setting him on the path to the nomination without much trouble.

While so much has changed since August 2015, its unclear how much Trump will be impacted by his absence on stage this time. Voters will have a chance to hear eight other contenders make their presidential pitches, but hes unlikely to fade into the background.

Whether [Trumps] on the stage or not, his extreme agenda will be, Biden campaign co-Chair Cedric Richmond said Tuesday. And, the only thing that will be missing is the chaos, the disruption, the bullying, the name calling of former President Trump.

Breakout moment

Several candidates would benefit from a breakout moment to properly introduce themselves to voters. Democrats are already speculating about who might steal the night.

Vivek Ramaswamy , a young former pharma executive, has attracted early attention for his scrappy and straight-talking approach to ultra-conservative politics. He has already piqued interest from some parts of the primary electorate for offering a fresh take on Trumpism. Hes even used words meant to signify objectivity like truth to push a right-wing platform in a similar Trump fashion.

But Ramaswamy is not the only name Democrats are keeping an eye on. Other primary newcomers like South Carolina Republicans Sen. Tim Scott and Nikki Haley, the former governor, are also looking to have memorable performances by being less like Trump in their demeanor.

Other Democrats are more interested in seeing how a Republican whos already been in the Oval Office  former Vice President Mike Pence  fares without his former boss. Some are curious to see how Trumps prior No. 2, who has since notably refuted his position on the Jan. 6. insurrection, handles the debate around the 2020 election.

Most people know what to expect from [Florida Gov. Ron] DeSantis , [former New Jersey Gov. Chris] Christie, etc., but Im curious to see Pences performance, said Max Burns, a progressive strategist and media commentator. I think the Pence campaign is still not entirely sure who they are talking to.

Hes sort of the forgotten man, Burns added. Youd be forgiven for not thinking this is the former vice president.

Is DeSantis done?

Even before the election cycle kicked off, Democrats and Republicans alike viewed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as a potential formidable challenger to Trump to win the nomination.

But within just a few weeks, DeSantiss campaign has severely struggled to catch on. Hes already had several staff shake-ups and has failed to bring in the kind of donor enthusiasm that many expected would follow the governor.

DeSantiss own strategy documents show hes fighting for second place, which might as well spell the end of his hopes if they are so openly admitting that, Burns said.

Democrats are now turning their focus on DeSantiss sometimes stilted public persona  another weak point that they say has affected his bid.

Hes a horrible debater, Democratic strategist Michael Starr Hopkins said. Hes extremely scripted and stiff. The field is going to pile on him.

Democrats have seen DeSantis appear shaky on stage in prior performances, and some are waiting to see if he continues in that form or is able to loosen up around his opponents.

How he responds will tell you everything about him, Starr Hopkins said. I expect him [to] be extremely frustrated and have horrible body language.

DeSantis has also been going back and forth recently with Vice President Harris over new education standards in Florida for teaching the history of slavery, a hot-button topic that is likely to come up during the live event. The governor has been Harriss enemy No. 1 in the GOP primary and the vice president recently went to Florida to bash the standards, prompting DeSantis to invite her to their own debate, which Harris refused.

While DeSantis is doubling down on culture wars, his polling numbers arent improving and Democrats are intent on making teaching standards a winning issue for their side.

The GOPs agenda

Democrats will be also watching for how much of the Republican platform shared among contenders is written by Trump.

It doesnt matter who wins the debate, theyve chosen a losing strategy and that strategy is to be as extreme, as MAGA, and as out of touch with the American people as possible, Richmond said.

Richmond telegraphed that Democrats expect to hear from the GOP candidates about how they want to cut Social Security and taxes on big companies and rich Americans, and continue to push an extreme position on abortion.

As they race to the right to secure a far-right base, theyre nailing themselves to positions that they just cannot recover from in November for the general election, he said.

The Biden campaign will be focused on responding to those MAGA views, referring to Trumps Make America Great Again campaign slogan from 2016 that has stuck with him and Democrats have used to brand other Republicans.

The campaign will have an aggressive war room with the Democratic National Committee (DNC), it announced last week.

The head of the DNC has also bashed all the candidates expected to appear on stage Wednesday, linking them with the former president and his conservative brand. DNC Chair Jaime Harrison called the contenders who qualified through the Republican National Committees guidelines the most extreme slate of presidential candidates in history and said that they will take the stage to out-MAGA each other.

A Christie do-over?

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is trying to distinguish himself as Trumps main agitator  the candidate who wants to call him out by name loudly and often.

Christie, who ran for president once before, knows what its like to be on stage with then-candidate Trump and wants to make it clear that hes ready for a rematch.

But the former prosecutor already predicted wrong when he told ABC Newss This Week last month that he didnt believe Trump would skip the debate, citing his inflated ego.

Without his target to share the stage, it remains to be seen how Christie will fare on his own. Some Democrats see him as a skilled sparrer and believe he could have a good night pitching a moderate alternative to those open to hearing it.

His numbers are up in New Hampshire and hes so experienced in debates, Starr Hopkins said. He knows how to prosecute and case to devastating effect.

Some also imagine him taking a similar no holds barred approach to the candidates who did make the stage.

With Trump ducking the debate, hes going to be aggressive and looking to make some one the Trump substitute, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Photo: . Linda puts up a notice on a power pole near her home on Thurlow Road in tribute to Trooper the raccoon. ADRIAN LAM, TIMES COLONIST

He was blind, mild-mannered, had a stub of a tail and walked with a lumbering gait. Thats how Trooper the raccoon was described on missing posters posted around Fairfield.

He wasnt missing in the traditional sense  he didnt belong to anyone  but he was absent from his regular routine, visiting homes in the neighbourhood where he had come to be known.

So when Linda, a Victoria resident who had been watching Trooper for more than two years, didnt see him for a few weeks, she put the posters up hoping to find out where the raccoon had gone.

She heard from about a dozen others who, like her, had enjoyed seeing Trooper frequently, but no one recalled seeing him recently. When her missing poster was shared on Reddit, several people commented to say they knew him too. One called him Oscar. Another became so smitten that they drew a portrait of him.

With no new sightings for weeks, Linda replaced the missing posters with a new version: in fond remembrance.

We miss seeing his cute little face and the way he would press up against the back door, listening for our movements inside (ever hopeful for grapes). We also miss seeing him sleeping in the back yard on warm days, Linda wrote. Our world is an emptier place without Trooper in it. We would like to think he is somewhere, living a good life.

Linda, who asked that her last name be withheld to protect her from online backlash, first saw Trooper on surveillance camera footage in a friends Fairfield yard in early 2021. She thought he had been hit by a car, because he could hardly move his back legs and his tail was badly bent. She watched him dig around for seeds and wondered how he would survive.

A couple of months later, Trooper came to the yard during the day. Linda started to put out sunflower seeds for him. She knew she shouldnt feed wildlife, but she was worried about the raccoon because he had so many physical challenges.

His injured tail had fallen off, leaving just a stub, which made it difficult for him to balance on tree branches. Linda would watch as he clumsily climbed trees in the yard, sometimes losing his balance and clinging to the underside.

I named him Trooper because he had so many challenges. He was blind and [had] mobility issues, but despite that all, he just kept on trucking along, she said.

Linda would practise speaking her basic Spanish and Ukrainian phrases to Trooper. He was the perfect language partner for her, because he didnt care if she mispronounced a word.

He was like a little bit of joy. It really was. I dont know any other way really to describe it, she said.

Now that Trooper is gone, Linda takes inspiration from the way he lived.

We could all adopt that way of being in the world. This very matter-of-fact, deal with the cards youre dealt with attitude, she said.

Linda has now put up a third version of her poster, this time sharing a video of Trooper to honour his life.

He lived in the neighbourhood for just over two and a half years. It was his home. And I wanted people to know that his life had mattered to someone, she said.

Lindas is not the first memorial to a raccoon. In 2015, Toronto residents built a memorial around a raccoon found on a sidewalk after animal services failed to remove the body promptly. The sidewalk memorial featured a framed photo of a raccoon, flowers, a card, and candles. A city councillor asked residents to honour the animal, dubbed Conrad on Twitter, by leaving their green bins open for the night. Animal services removed the body after about 14 hours.

Raccoons are omnivorous and opportunistic animals that will eat anything and everything that seems or is edible, said Lisa Lopez, program manager at WildSafeBC.

Because theyre adaptable, theyre often found in urban settings, but its important to remember they are wild animals and can respond aggressively if they feel threatened by people, she said.

Anyone who finds an orphaned or injured raccoon can contact Wild ARC for care at 1-855-622-7722.

[email protected]
On Wednesday night, the top Republican presidential candidates will descend on Milwaukee for the first primary debate, with one notable exception: former president and current frontrunner for the nomination Donald Trump.

Despite facing four indictments, or perhaps because of them, the twice-impeached former president holds a wide lead in his attempt to face President Joe Biden in 2024. That means that most of the Republican candidates will aim their fire at the candidate currently in second place: Florida Gov Ron DeSantis .

The Independent consulted with top Republican campaign veterans about what they are watching during tonights debate. Here are five things to keep an eye on.

All eyes on DeSantis

Last year, Mr DeSantis looked to be the GOP golden boy and an alternative to Mr Trump. But a bungled rollout on X, formerly known as Twitter, disappointing fundraising numbers and staff layoffs alongside continued attacks from Mr Trump have led Mr DeSantiss poll numbers to decline. Last week, he faced another embarrassment when The New York Times reported that Never Back Down, a super PAC that supports the governor, released a memo advising Mr DeSantis to defend Mr Trump while attacking businessman and gadfly candidate Vivek Ramaswamy . That means Mr DeSantis will be in the hot seat, Doug Heye, a former communications director for the Republican National Committee, told The Independent in an email.

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How does he do and how does he react to attacks from other candidates and the memo leak? he said. Can he, or anyone, hit a home run without Trump present?

Gunner Ramer, the political director at the Republican Accountability Project, said that Mr DeSantis has to show he can do more than focus on fighting wokeness.

But you know he takes it a step too far, he told The Independent. So I think what someone like DeSantis needs to do tonight is re-align to this pitch about electability.

At the same time, Kevin Sheridan, who worked in Mitt Romneys 2012 campaign as a communications director for his running mate Paul Ryan, said it presents an opportunity for Mr DeSantis.

Trump has dropped $20M on him calling him sanctimonious and unlikeable, he said in an email. If he's none of those things and looks calm, appealing, and in control, he has a chance to quiet his donors and become the clear alternative to Trump that half the party wants.

Trumps absence and arrest

Without a doubt, the biggest factor will be who is not in attendance following Mr Trumps decision to skip the event. Many Republicans who will appear on the stage have elected to defend Mr Trump amid his continued indictments. Others, such as former New Jersey governor Chris Christie and former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson, have made criticising Mr Trump hallmarks of their campaign. But Mr Trumps decision not to attend scrambles Republican strategies.

I've always looked at August 23, and said, Hey, this is an event that can take place and, you know, change the dynamics within this primary contests, Mr Ramer said. But I think that with Trump not on the debate stage, it changes how much it can affect the race.

Inevitably, debate moderators Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum will ask the candidates about Mr Trumps multiple legal troubles. This could in turn lead some candidates to talk about whether the former president can actually beat Mr Biden.

Of course, the next day, Mr Trump will likely eclipse any viral moments when he is arrested at the jail in Fulton County, Georgia for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. That could likely make it harder for Republicans to have a moment they want.

Will anyone create an electric moment that can outlast the coming Trump arrest news cycle, Mr Sheridan said in an email.

Chris Christies bumper car style of debating

The former New Jersey governor is perhaps the biggest wild card in the debate. The former ally-turned-critic of Mr Trump has risen in the polls, particularly in New Hampshire, in recent weeks. Mr Christie has a history of using debates to cut fellow Republicans down to size, most notably in 2016 when he attacked Sen Marco Rubio (R-FL) for his robotic delivery of the same canned debate line. The attack wounded Mr Rubio so badly that he tweeted about it in June and pushed back on the idea that Mr Christie ended his campaign.

Mr Christie has every incentive to attack Mr DeSantis, his closest competitor as it gives him an opportunity to move into second place in some polls and take aim at Mr Trump.

Chris Christie does very well in multi-candidate debates, playing a bumper car that will go after anyone and everyone, Mr Heye said. Does he do that here and what effect does that have?

The leaked Never Back Down memo offered Mr DeSantis a response to Mr Christies critiques of Mr Trump. But with that memo leaking, Mr Christie has an opportunity to say that Mr DeSantis cannot come up with a response himself.

Mr Sheridan said he is wondering Will Chris Christie nuke another candidate or aim his fire at Trump?

Do donors flock to someone else?

Mr DeSantiss lacklustre performance has meant that many Republican donors are looking elsewhere for a non-Trump alternative given their fear about Mr Trump winning the nomination. Eric Levine, a Republican donor based in New York, said he is hoping to see an alternative break out.

I'm really hoping that somebody distinguishes themselves and becomes the Trump alternative, he told The Independent in an interview on Monday, specifically saying that former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley and Sen Tim Scott (R-SC) have an opportunity. And you know, I think Tim Scott's got a really good shot at doing that. I think actually the best shot of anyone on that stage perhaps, you know, Nikki Haley.

Conversely, he panned Mr Ramaswamy, saying his views on foreign policy are way outside the mainstream and reflect an ignorance of how the world works.

How Democrats respond

The debate will take place in Wisconsin, a must-win state for both Democrats and Mr Biden. Mr Trump shocked the world when he became the first Republican since Ronald Reagan in 1984 to win the Badger State in 2016 only for Mr Biden to win it in 2020. Last year, Republican Sen Ron Johnson narrowly beat Mandela Barnes to win a third term but Democratic Gov Tony Evers won re-election as well largely by virtue of Mr Trump endorsing a candidate with plenty of baggage. In a press conference before the debate, Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler, arguably one of the most effective state party leaders, told reporters their plan.

We're anticipating a debate tonight, where candidates are leapfrogging each other to the most extreme fringes of ultra-Maga-ism, he said. And yet, when you look at the record in the state of Wisconsin, over and over Wisconsin voters reject Maga extremism.

Specifically, he pointed to how earlier this year, Democrats flipped the states supreme court, largely by virtue of making the election a referendum on abortion.

Similarly, Mr Biden will run an ad featuring a female cement worker touting his economic accomplishments. The campaign said the ad would serve as its first major investment in African-American and Hispanic media. Mr Biden has credited Black voters with his political victories in the past, while he has struggled to win over Hispanic voters.

-Andrew Feinberg contributed reporting from Wisconsin
Cheryl Massaro, chairperson of the board for Flagler County Schools, admitted that Black students had been isolated for an assembly that took place at Bunnell Elementary School.

A Florida elementary school is under fire for reportedly using fast-food gift cards to bribe Black preteens to improve poor test results.

Parents alleged that Black fourth- and fifth-graders at Bunnell Elementary were summoned from class on Friday and instructed to attend the school cafeteria for a school assembly, where high-performing students were called to its front as model examples, Fox 35 News reported.

There, teachers at the school in Bunnell, a small city in the DeltonaDaytona BeachOrmond Beach area of Florida, discussed students test results and allegedly suggested fast-food gift cards as potential incentives for raising their scores.

Parents said Black students at Bunnell Elementary School in Bunnell, Florida, were summoned from class and forced to attend an assembly where fast food restaurant gift cards were suggested as an incentive to raise test scores. (Photo: Screenshot/YouTube.com/News4JAX The Local Station)

Darryl Williams said it made his blood boil when his 10-year-old fifth-grader informed him about the assembly. However, the Flagler County School District assured, in a statement, there was no malice intended.

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Cheryl Massaro, chairperson of the board for the Flagler County School District, admitted that Black students had been isolated for the Bunnell Elementary assembly. She said the gathering should not have occurred, but she acknowledges that it did.

Interim Superintendent LaShakia Moore backed the parents statements that they didnt receive advance notice of the assembly. Instead, they learned about it through their children or talking to other parents.

We want our parents and guardians to actively participate in their childrens educational successes, Moore said. Without informing them of this assembly or of the plans to raise these scores, our parents were not properly engaged.

Moore stated that the school district is still looking into the matter. She swore that moving forward, all its schools will interact with parents in an ongoing attempt to improve students academic performance.

Sometimes, when you try to think outside of the box, you forget why the box is there, Moore said. While the desire to help this particular subgroup of students is to be commended, how this was done does not meet the expectations we desire among Flagler Schools.

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The post Florida school bribed Black preteens with fast-food gift cards amid low test scores appeared first on TheGrio.
EVANSVILLE  A former Evansville teacher who was caught traveling across state lines to engage in sex with a minor was sentenced to federal prison, officials announced Wednesday.

A grand jury indicted Cody Sean McCormick, 28, in November. In May, he pleaded guilty to all three counts: attempted enticement of a minor, interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, court records show.

Judge Greg N. Stiver of the U.S. District Court for Western Kentucky, sentenced McCormick to serve 10 years in prison with a lifetime of supervision upon his release. Federal prisoners do not have the option for early parole.

According to federal court records, McCormick admitted that he traveled from Indiana to Owensboro, Kentucky, to meet with a person he believed to be a 15-year-old child.

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Days before McCormicks arrest in November, the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corp. Board discussed his termination, according to a board agenda. McCormick was quickly removed from the EVSC staff directory.

In an indictment, prosecutors stated that McCormick used the Whisper messaging application to communicate with an undercover agent posing as the young girl. At least some of the messages showed McCormick offering to give the 15-year-old marijuana before they would engage in sex.

McCormick crossed state lines from Indiana and traveled to Owensboro on Oct. 13 to meet who thought was the underage girl, court records state. Before doing so, he reportedly asked the undercover agent if they were a police officer multiple times.

When McCormick arrived in Owensboro, officers surveilling the meetup location detained him and transported him to the Owensboro Police Department for questioning, where he admitted to sending messages and photos to the undercover agent, including photos of his genitalia and drug paraphernalia.

Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Spencer McKiness prosecuted the case, which was initially investigated as part of Operation Angel, a joint federal, state and local operation designed to make federal arrests of individuals who victimize underage children in the Owensboro area.

According to federal officials, the United States Secret Service, the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General, the Kentucky State Police and the Owensboro Police Department investigated the case.

The case was also brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide U.S. Justice Department initiative launched in 2006 to combat child exploitation and abuse.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Former Evansville teacher sentenced in child exploitation case
Former New York City Mayor and former President Donald Trumps attorney Rudy Giuliani is expected to turn himself in on election interference charges on Wednesday, multiple sources tell ABC News.

Sources tell ABC News that Giuliani has secured local counsel and will be meeting with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis office Wednesday morning to finalize a bond agreement before surrendering to the Fulton County Jail.

Last week, a Fulton County grand jury voted Monday night to indict former President Donald Trump, Giuliani and 17 others for allegedly interfering with the 2020 election here in Georgia.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Several of the defendants in the Georgia election investigation have negotiated their bonds with the Fulton County District Attorneys Office  including former President Donald Trump.

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The currently agreed-upon bonds range from $10,000 to $200,000.

During the Dec. 2020 hearing, Giuliani and other Trump allies testified and showed video from State Farm Arena claiming what they said was massive voter fraud in Fulton County.

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Ruby Freeman and her daughter Shaye Moss worked in a corner room at State Farm Arena counting votes following the 2020 presidential election. They were volunteers but became targets of conspiracy theorists.

Freeman and Moss filed a defamation lawsuit against Giuliani, saying that he continued to push false statements about them trying to commit voter fraud. Both women went into hiding after saying they received death threats and other forms of harassment.

In court documents filed earlier this year, Giuliani says he believes that he has still a legal defense to the defamation complaint; however, he conceded that he made false statements.

The concession from Giuliani came weeks after the Georgia elections board cleared Freeman and Moss any of wrongdoing.

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FORT PIERCE  A 34-year-old Fort Pierce man charged with murder related to a 2020 fatal shooting will serve a life prison term, a judge ordered this month, court records show.

The Aug. 10 sentencing followed a June trial for Jabarie Junior Orelien, of the 700 block of Ixoria Avenue, who was convicted by a jury of first-degree murder with a firearm in the March 5, 2020 shooting death of Eril Merius, 34, of Fort Pierce.

Circuit Judge Steven Levin, who presided over Oreliens trial, imposed an additional 30-year prison term after jurors also convicted him of being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to court filings.

Jabarie Junior Orelien

The murder

Fort Pierce police were called to the shooting scene about 7:07 p.m., which occurred near a two-story building on the west side of North 18th Street.

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Merius was taken to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute and was pronounced dead there, investigators reported.

He had a single gunshot wound to the middle of his forehead, and an apparent exit wound to the upper left portion of his head.

At the scene, a man approached an officer and pointed to where he thought Orelien lived. Police didnt find him there, according to arrest reports.

Police learned Merius used the alias of Fresh because of how he dressed.

The witness, who said he was playing dominoes in front of a truck on the same lot as Merius, said he heard an argument between Merius and Orelien.

He said Orelien reached in his waistband and pulled out a holster with a firearm.

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The witness said Orelien and Merius had problems in the past, but he thought they resolved things.

The witness said Orelien approached Merius and said he "should shoot him.

Merius said, Shoot me now.

According to the witness, Orelien hit Merius with the butt of a handgun. Orelien then stepped back, cocked the weapon and fired two shots, with one hitting Merius in the head.

The witness later identified Orelien from a photo lineup provided by police investigators. He was arrested two days later.

Melissa E. Holsman is the legal affairs reporter for TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers and is writer and co-host of "Uncertain Terms," a true-crime podcast. Reach her at melissa.holsman@tcpalm.com. If you are a subscriber, thank you. If not, become a subscriber to get the latest local news on the Treasure Coast.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Fort Pierce man to serve life in 2020 fatal shooting of Eril Merius
Fort Worth police have arrested an 18-year-old man who faces a murder charge in the 2022 shooting death of a 14-year-old boy, according to police and court records.

Donald Kelley was arrested Aug. 16, according to police records. Hes accused in the killing of Zavion Leshay Collier.

Collier was shot in the chest on Aug. 29, 2022, at a home in the 2000 block of Jacocks Lane in south Fort Worth. The person who called 911 reported that the teen had been shot, according to a police log at the time.

When officers arrived, they found the victim kneeling beside a bed, according to a police report. He was treated by fire department and MedStar paramedics before being taken to John Peter Smith Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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Kelley is also facing three charges of possession of a controlled substance, according to jail records. On the murder charge, Kelley is being held on $200,000 bond. The three controlled substances charges add another combined $30,000 to the total bond amount.

Police have not responded to a Star-Telegram request for a copy of the arrest warrant affidavit for Kelley.
Days after Tennessee police found a womans body in the woods, Memphis officers found her 15-year-old grandson dead as well, authorities said.

The womans boyfriend, 41-year-old Herman Hollins-Brown, was charged with murder after her body was found on Aug. 17, according to Memphis police. The search for her missing grandson, Syquavius Hoyett, ended Aug. 20 when police found his body not far from his grandmothers, the arrest affidavit from Shelby County shows.

Memphis police announced in an Aug. 21 news release that additional charges would be filed against Hollins-Brown now that Hoyett has been found.

Officers discovered the body of Anneria Turman in a wooded area of Memphis, according to the Aug. 22 arrest affidavit. They said they saw blood leading from the road to her body.

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They learned she lived with Hollins-Brown and that she had custody of her grandson. When officers visited her home, they found blood smears and a bloody print of three fingers, according to the affidavit.

While waiting for a warrant to enter the home, officers said they saw Turmans Chrysler drive by and turned at the end of the block. They followed the car and pulled it over, the affidavit said. As they approached the car, they noticed blood stains around the trunk trailing down the back bumper, police said.

Hollins-Brown was driving the car. Officers placed him under arrest as family members arrived, and he told them, Im going to be gone for a while, according to the affidavit.

Once officers obtained the warrant to enter the house, they discovered a large amount of blood in the living room, kitchen, hallway and bedroom, records show.

Investigators began searching for Hoyett and issued an endangered child alert.

On Aug. 20, officers were patrolling an area not far from where Turmans body was found when they smelled an odor of decay, according to the affidavit. Thats when they discovered Hoyetts body.

A witness came into the police station the next day and told investigators he was held at gunpoint and forced to help Hollins-Brown dispose of the bodies, officers said.

He said Hollins-Brown told him, You are going to do what I tell you to, or you will be the third body, according to the affidavit.

He said they disposed of Turmans body, which was in the trunk of the vehicle, then went back to the house where the witness said he was forced to move the teens body into the vehicle and dispose of it as well, according to the affidavit.

Turmans autopsy revealed she was shot in the back of the head. The witness said it appeared Hoyett had also been shot, according to the affidavit.

Hollins-Brown has been charged with two counts each of first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse, Shelby County records show. He was also charged with convicted felon possession of a handgun.

Man ran from cops in kidnapped womans car, TN police say. She was dead in front seat

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A new working paper could give educators powerful new motivations to invest in summer programs, which seem to stem the tide of learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic  at least in math.

The paper, from CALDER at the American Institutes for Research, looked at the academic progress of students who attended summer school in 2022 across eight school districts, most of them urban or suburban, in seven states.

Here are four key takeaways:

1. Finally, a bit of positive news about post-pandemic interventions.

The new paper represents what could be the first encouraging findings coming out of post-pandemic interventions, said CALDERs Dan Goldhaber. Earlier research has been discouraging, he noted, with few positive effects. One of my takeaways is that its nice to be able to say, Hey, there is something that school systems can do to help kids get back on track, he said, even if its only making incremental change.

2. Summer school works for math  but for reading: not so much.

Dan Goldhaber

The researchers found that summer programs had sizable positive effects on students math achievement, potentially closing about 2% to 3% of districts total learning losses in math, but not in reading. The math gains were positive and significant, said Goldhaber, large enough for researchers to suggest that districts consider offering summer math programs to many more students in the future. Reading scores improved in just one of the eight districts.

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He noted that research has established that so-called math effects due to school interventions are more likely than reading effects.

The math but not reading is consistent with education research writ large, he said. Simply put, schools have a more significant impact on kids math skills than on reading skills, probably because kids read and write outside of school, but dont necessarily do math.

Related

How Summer Camps & Afterschool Programs Can Step Up to Stem Learning Loss

3. Post-COVID summer programs are at least as good as those schools operated pre-COVID  and theyre targeting kids who need them most.

Researchers compared impacts of current summer programs to those operating before the pandemic and found that theyre having about the same kind of impact as summer school programs pre-pandemic, Goldhaber said. Thats encouraging, since in many districts, summer programs have grown in scale but havent suffered in quality, according to the new findings. Any time educators push to scale up interventions, he said, its harder to maintain quality. So its encouraging to see quality stay high.

He also said the programs they examined typically targeted students who were struggling and actually needed the extra help.

4. The good news about summer math learning is tempered by the fact that so few students are getting it at the moment.

The CALDER researchers estimated that only 15% of eligible students in 2022 were receiving summer math instruction. That means schools last year were under-utilizing what could have been a powerful, effective intervention.

Eamonn Fitzmaurice/The 74/Getty Images

The positive effects, Goldhaber said, are kind of dwarfed by the magnitude of the COVID learning losses, with the small number of students in effect disguising its potential effect on achievement. What could be a game-changer for the moment shows a pretty small effect on achievement as a result.

Related

No More Regular Summer School: District Sending Indy K-7 Kids to Learning Labs

The new study is part of a larger Road to COVID Recovery partnership between researchers at the American Institutes for Research, Harvard University, NWEA and 11 school districts in total. Just eight supplied data to this study.

Researchers used value-added models to estimate the effect of each of the eight summer programs on MAP Growth test scores, with Spring 2022 as the baseline and Fall 2022 as the outcome. Summer sessions ran from three to six weeks, depending on the program, and daily classes ranged from 45 minutes to two hours.

CALDERs findings could scarcely come at a better time, with recent NAEP scores suggesting that COVID had a cataclysmic impact on K12 education, coming on the heels of a decade of stagnation.

Related

NAEP Scores Flashing Red After a Lost Generation of Learning for 13-Year-Olds

Other recent research from Michigan showed that the pandemic slowed students math achievement over the three-year period from spring 2019 through spring 2022, with achievement growth substantially lower than that of comparable students in the three earlier years.

As with the CALDER findings, the Michigan researchers found that scores for English language arts, which include reading and writing, were small and generally not statistically significant.

In December, researchers from CALDER, NWEA and Harvard University, looked at achievement in a dozen mid-to-large sized school districts, enrolling more than 600,000 students across 10 states, and found that between fall 2021 and spring 2022, schools had basically put an end to student achievement declines in math and reading relative to pre-pandemic levels  but that average test score gains during the 2021-22 school year hadnt moved past pre-pandemic levels.

Students in a few elementary grades improved substantially in math, but beyond a few areas, researchers didnt find a lot of compelling evidence of recovery in other subjects or grades.

Related

Summer School Priority: Help Students Rebound From Historically Bad Math Scores

Aaron Dworkin, CEO of the National Summer Learning Association, said he was encouraged by the new CALDER findings, adding that summer programs can often try different strategies that you might not be able to always utilize during the school year.

He noted one successful free program in Detroit called Math Corps, created by Wayne State Universitys math department, that uses an unusual model: College math majors get paid to teach high school students, who get paid to teach middle school students.

The program maintains a fun, playful high-energy atmosphere that catches students attention, especially in the summer. Hundreds of kids and families love it, Dworkin said. And theyre so supportive.
This past week the air quality severely deteriorated as the McDougall Creek fire (on the west side of Okanagan Lake) exploded across the landscape. (It also ignited fires on the east side of the lake.)

Firefighters, emergency services personnel, public servants and volunteers came together in a heroic effort to protect our communities both in the fire fight and evacuating residents to protect life, infrastructure and property, for which we are forever thankful to them.

With people evacuated from the fire zones and air quality conditions rapidly deteriorating, exposure to the air became a greater public health hazard.

Hazardous, thick grey smoke filled the valley with ash falling from the sky. The AQI index went from moderatesensitive individuals should take precautions, to hazardousgeneral public at high risk to experience strong irritations and adverse health effects that could trigger other illnesses.

According to Health Canada, there is no safe level of exposure to fine particulates from wildfire smoke. Despite high-risk conditions, communications to the public were inadequate.

No official sounded the alarm about the associated health risks or steps people could take to protect themselves.

As of Monday, the public were still advised to stay indoors and that exposure was a concern for only high-risk groups. They were not informed indoor air quality in most buildings is suboptimal to protect their health.

Meanwhile, (some) evacuees were in tents and trailers, homeless people remained on the street, people continued to recreate unprotected outside and many were at their workplaces and community facilities, all inadequately protected from exposure.

Those concerned turned to social media for advice. Many assumed their homes would protect their health. They didnt know that weak building codes mean most homes (allow in) polluted air even with windows closed due to inadequate filters on their furnace and no building airtightness.

They were not informed to purchase air purifiers, how to create their own or to simply leave town to protect themselves and their families.

There was no clear refuge for people to escape the smoke. While residents could go to city facilities, it was unclear which facilities had adequate indoor air quality. Smoke could be smelled at both the Parkinson Recreation Centre and the H2O Aquatic Centre by people who thought they were protected by exercising indoors.

That raises questions about how city facilities, including those recently built, have been constructed and are maintained to adapt to the climate crisis.

On Aug. 21, Accelerate Okanagan, in the Okanagan Innovation Centre (construction completed in 2016), was closed to the public because of poor air quality in the building, as the ventilation system was not able to address the levels of smoke.

Teachers were informed not to go back to work next week if the air quality does not improve due to poor indoor air quality in schools.

Many cities also have resilience hubs that include schools and city facilities to protect residents from extreme events. In Kelowna, it appears there is no clear refuge.

Cities in the Okanagan had many opportunities to make our buildings healthier for us and resilient to climate events by adopting the highest level of (provincial) Step Code ahead of provincial requirements, but delayed phasing in even the lower levels, meaning even new homes are not providing the level of protection from smoke infiltration and resilience to extreme events that they could be.

We know from past events, like 9/11 and the train derailment in Ohio, that often the real health impacts from smoke and poor air quality emerge years later. We are only just beginning to understand the health risks of wildfire smoke and continual exposure.

A growing body of international research suggests such exposure can produce cognitive deficits, post-traumatic stress and may even increase the risk of dementia, Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease in addition to the impacts on lungs, hearts and blood.

Here we are, a region on the front lines of the climate crisis whose impacts are impossible to deny, directly impacting our health.

We urgently need political and community leadership and more foresight, planning and action to protect residents from hazardous smoke events and address the climate emergency.

That starts with requiring the highest levels of the zero-carbon Step Code in new buildings, retrofitting our existing homes and buildings to provide safe indoor air, protect us from ongoing climate events and using heat pumps instead of burning methane gas in our homes.

The negligence to date in addressing the climate crisis is proving dangerous. There is still time to act to support our vulnerable residents and protect our beautiful community.

Tracy Davis and Peter Truch,

Kelowna Climate Coalition
(Bloomberg) -- Taiwanese billionaire Terry Gou is acting like a model presidential candidate: Hes held political rallies, penned an editorial in a US newspaper and released a book trumpeting his work ethic.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Theres just one problem: hes not in the race, or not yet. The Foxconn founder kept Taiwan guessing again this week, when he skipped launching a much-teased bid to lead in one of the worlds biggest military flashpoints at a political rally swarmed by the islands media.

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I will spend the rest of my life seeking to secure sustainable peace across the Strait, Gou said at an event on the front-line island of Kinmen on Tuesday, without addressing swirling election rumors. The business mogul has held similar events across Taiwan in recent weeks, at which local politicians declare their support for his presidency, despite him not being a candidate.

In a Washington Post editorial last month  further stoking expectations hed run  Gou made his pitch to voters clear, calling for stronger trade ties with China and the resumption of talks with Beijing.

Taiwans election in January will set the course for US-China relations for years to come, as the democratic islands fate becomes a core issue in the two nations growing rivalry. If Gou became the fourth name on the ballot hed most likely tip the balance further in favor of the frontrunner, Vice President Lai Ching-te, by splitting votes not cast for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

With only five months until election day, hes trailing all three declared candidates in the polls, the DPPs Lai, former policeman-turned-mayor Hou Yu-ih for the KMT and a former surgeon, Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan Peoples Party.

If Gou runs, the rest of us are done for, Ko said in an interview with Chung Tien Television earlier this month. Lai Ching-te would 100% win. We wouldnt even need to hold the election. Lai could pop the champagne right away.

There is, however, a universe in which Gou could disrupt the election and still emerge victorious. If he unites with one of the other contenders ready to accept the notion Taiwan is part of China, their ticket could challenge Lai and hand President Xi Jinping a willing negotiating partner on the island, after nearly a decade of little to no communication. Its a move Gou has hinted at, and the other candidates have sworn against, for now.

A Taiwanese president conciliatory towards China would likely lessen overt political tensions, said Russell Hsiao, executive director of the Global Taiwan Institute. But a president not focused on the nations defense could complicate necessary preparations for a potential military conflict.

As Taiwan awaits his decision, its future could hang on an act of divine inspiration: Gou made his last presidential bid after the Chinese sea goddess Matsu came to him in a dream. Superstition still informs his thinking. Gou this month said China should consult the same goddess before attacking Taiwan.

Having amassed a personal fortune of around $7 billion building factories in China that make most of the worlds iPhones, Gou first bid to become Taiwans president four years ago. That pitch to be the democratically ruled islands answer to Donald Trump failed to earn him the opposition Kuomintangs nomination. He quit the party soon after, with his camp calling it conservative and hidebound.

The 72-year-olds political pitch hasnt changed much since: he still supports the 1992 consensus, a tacit agreement between the KMT and the Chinese Communist Party that both sides of the Taiwan Strait are part of China  a framework President Tsai Ing-wen has refused to endorse. She says Taiwan doesnt need to declare independence because its already achieved that status.

The economy and cross-strait relations are core election issues. Taiwans growth has slowed with a slump in exports of its chips this year, while Beijings increased military aggression has upped the specter of war  a threat made more visceral by Russias invasion of Ukraine.

He is rich already, he wont be corrupted, Li Yen, 71, said at Gous rally in Kinmen on Tuesday. I believe he can maintain peace, said Wendy Li, 31. He wont allow your life to be impacted by political problems.

Gous background in international business has given him a unique line to world leaders: The self-made businessman met with Trump at the White House in 2019, while Xi called him an old friend when they crossed paths in China in 2013.

Gou touts his top-level access to China and the US as a major advantage, said Wen-Ti Sung, a political scientist for the Australia National Universitys Taiwan studies program. The other candidates would have to work for it, he added.

Still, he has struggled to win over Taiwans electorate. His campaign has leaned into an old-school nationalism reminiscent of Taiwans authoritarian era, for example by urging attendees at his events to stand and sing the national anthem. While this may appeal to older voters, it hasnt won him many supporters among the young.

Also, given Foxconns large manufacturing footprint in China, there is little he can say or do to convince skeptical voters he would be able to resist Beijings efforts to influence or pressure him.

If he decides to run, Gou would need to gather some 300,000 valid signatures before mid-September. But if theres one thing hes known for, its persistence. In the early 1980s, he visited 32 US states in 11 months, working as a door-to-door salesman to drum up more customers for Foxconn.

In his book, Father Gous 30 Letters For Young People, released this month, Gou remembers working everyday from 6.30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and sometimes as late as 2 a.m., as he grew his business empire.

If hes got any shot at winning Taiwans most consequential election in decades, hell need to muster that energy.

--With assistance from Debby Wu and Chien-Hua Wan.

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If you get your news just from watching Fox News, you might be surprised to learn that Donald Trump will not be attending Wednesday nights debate in favor of an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson .

A survey of the last weeks Fox News programming on the TV monitoring service Critical Mention confirms that the network has not directly mentioned that Trump will be forgoing the debate in favor of an appearance on Twitter with Carlson, the former Fox host who was fired by the network earlier this year.

Trumps appearance with Carlson has only been noted in two instances. During a broadcast of Fox and Friends on Monday, host Steve Doocy alluded to the interview, but did not mention that he was skipping to appear with the former Fox host.

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It sounds like the opposite  he might drop an interview that was taped earlier last week and they would run that, Doocy said. Unclear how long that would be or where it would run or any of that stuff.

In an appearance on Fox on Saturday, Trump surrogate Rep. Anna Paulina Luna raised Trumps decision to skip the debate, saying it was her understanding that President Trump will not be attending the debate, but hell be doing a sit-down with Tucker Carlson around the same time.

Ill say this as a candidate who ran for office and attended and not attended certain debates: I think he actually made the correct decision, she said.

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Tensions remain high between Fox and Carlson, whose abrupt departure from the network sent shockwaves through conservative media.

After Carlson announced that he was launching an interview series that would stream on Twitter, Fox sent Tucker Carlson a cease-and-desist letter, demanding that he stop posting videos on the social media platform.

The letter from Fox lawyers said that the conservative television host violated the terms of his contract, which the New York Times reported runs until early 2025 and limits his ability to appear on non-Fox media outlets. Carlsons lawyer dismissed the letter in a statement saying Fox was trying to silence the former host.
Official Paris continues to consider Russia's "appropriation" of Crimea and other occupied territories of Ukraine to be categorically illegal, French President Emmanuel Macron said.

Source: European Pravda, referring to Macron's statement in a remote speech at the summit of the Crimean Platform

Details: The French president emphasised that Russia's annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol was completely illegal and violated the basic principles of international law, and the situation on the peninsula has been steadily deteriorating since then.

Quote from Macron: "I want to make it clear once again before all of you, next to you: France does not recognise either Russia's annexation of the territories of Ukraine or the results of the sham elections organised there."

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Details: The French mass media noted that this could be an indirect response to the words of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who recently called the prospects for the return of Crimea "illusory".

Macron expressed his respect and solidarity with Ukrainians amid all the hardships and suffering during the full-scale war and condemned Russian strikes on civilian targets, calling them war crimes.

He also emphasised that France remains by the side of the Ukrainians "on Ukraine's European path" and in the Ukrainians' desire for "just and lasting peace, that is, peace with respect for international law".

Macron specifically condemned Russian strikes on grain export infrastructure after Russia pulled out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative: "All those who were still hesitating now have evidence that Russia never really wanted to offer a solution to one of the direct consequences of this war (the threat of food crisis - ed.)".

The president of France also recalled that the EU and Ukraine are looking for ways to continue exporting Ukrainian grain to the countries of the Global South.

Background:

Polish President Andrzej Duda, in his speech at the Crimea Platform summit, underlined that the outcome of Russia's war against Ukraine, including whether it can "secure" Crimea, determines the preservation of the entire global order.

The Lithuanian leader Gitanas Nauseda emphasised in his speech that it was from Crimea that Russian aggression against Ukraine began, and Crimea would obviously be the place where it would finally be put to an end.

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!
Article first published: Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, 8 a.m. ET

The National Hurricane Center's 8 am Wednesday advisory reported that the system strengthened enough to get a name: Tropical Storm Franklin.

Tropical Storm Franklin is 25 miles south-southwest of Barahona Dominican Republic and 105 miles west-southwest of Santo Domingo Dominican Republic, with maximum sustained wind of 50 mph. Its moving 10 mph to the north.

"... the center of Franklin is expected to cross the island of Hispaniola today and emerge over the southwestern Atlantic waters later today or tonight." forecasters noted. "Some weakening is likely today while Franklin moves over Hispaniola, followed by re-strengthening beginning on Thursday after the center moves over the Atlantic."

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YESTERDAY (Tuesday):

Yesterday, the system strengthened enough to get a name: Tropical Storm Franklin.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:

- Dominican Republic entire south coast from Haiti border eastward to Cabo Engano

- Dominican Republic entire north coast from Haiti border eastward to Cabo Engano

- Haiti entire south coast from Anse d'Hainault eastward to the Dominican Republic border

- Turks and Caicos Islands

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case within the next 12 to 24 hours.

Interests elsewhere in Haiti should monitor the progress of this system.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND:

RAINFALL: Franklin is expected to produce rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches, with higher amounts around 15 inches mainly across central portions of Hispaniola into Thursday. Additional rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches, with storm total maxima of 4 inches, are expected across Puerto Rico through tonight.

WIND: Tropical storm conditions are likely occurring within the warning area on the south coast of Hispaniola, and are expected to spread northward today and tonight.

STORM SURGE: Minor coastal flooding is possible along the coast of Hispaniola in areas of onshore winds.

Source: National Hurricane Center

This article was generated by the South Carolina Bot, artificial intelligence software that analyzes information from the National Hurricane Center and applies it to templates created by journalists in the newsroom. We are experimenting with this and other new ways of providing more useful content to our readers and subscribers. You can report errors or bugs to mcclatchybot@mcclatchy.com.
Article first published: Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, 5 a.m. ET

As per the National Hurricane Center's 5 am Thursday update, Tropical Storm Franklin is 55 miles east-northeast of Grand Turk Island, with maximum sustained wind of 50 mph. Its moving 13 mph to the north. Tropical Storm Franklin is forecast to strengthen.

YESTERDAY (Wednesday):

Yesterday, Franklin shifted course away from Dominican Republic and targeted Atlantic Ocean

CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

The government of the Bahamas has discontinued the Tropical Storm Warning for the Turks and Caicos.

The government of the Dominican Republic has discontinued all Tropical Storm Warnings for the Dominican Republic.

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HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND:

RAINFALL: Franklin is forecast to produce the following rainfall totals through Thursday:

Hispaniola: Additional 1 to 3 inches.

Turks and Caicos: 1 to 3 inches, mainly across the eastern islands.

Source: National Hurricane Center

This article was generated by the South Carolina Bot, artificial intelligence software that analyzes information from the National Hurricane Center and applies it to templates created by journalists in the newsroom. We are experimenting with this and other new ways of providing more useful content to our readers and subscribers. You can report errors or bugs to mcclatchybot@mcclatchy.com.
Frontier Airlines is giving student loan borrowers a chance to win some miles.

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The airline said it would match miles to the amount of money 100 lucky people owe in student loans. Winners could get up to 100,000 miles if theyre loan is up to that amount.

Frontier said it would give out a maximum of 10 million miles.

This promotion comes as paused student loan payments are set to restart in October. It closes Sunday, Aug. 27.

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Read: Primetime proposal: Chattanooga TV reporter pops question to news anchor

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Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen pays tribute to the fallen soldiers during a ceremony commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis, in Kinmen

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen pays tribute to the fallen soldiers during a ceremony commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis, in Kinmen

By Fabian Hamacher and Ann Wang

KINMEN, Taiwan (Reuters) - Maintaining peace needs a powerful defence, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Wednesday, as she made a rare visit to a frontline island located right next to China, to mark the anniversary of a key military clash with Chinese forces.

China has stepped up military activity to try and force democratically-governed Taiwan to accept Beijing's sovereignty, despite strong objections from the government in Taipei.

Tsai laid a wreath and bowed her head in respect at a memorial park on Kinmen island, at its closest less than 2 km (1.2 miles) away from Chinese-controlled territory, for the 65th anniversary of the start of the second Taiwan Strait crisis.

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"Our position on maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is very firm," Tsai told veterans at a lunch, adding that there would be no Taiwan today if they had not prevailed during the crisis in 1958.

The crisis was the last time Taiwanese forces joined battle with China on a large scale.

"However, to maintain peace, we must first strengthen ourselves," Tsai added.

"We must thus continue to implement national defence reforms, promote defence self-sufficiency, and continuously improve the combat power and resilience of national defence."

In August 1958, Chinese forces began more than a month of bombardment of Kinmen, along with the Taiwan-controlled Matsu archipelago further up the coast, including naval and air battles, seeking to force them into submission.

Taiwan fought back at the time with support from the United States, which sent military equipment like advanced Sidewinder anti-aircraft missiles, giving Taiwan a technological edge.

The crisis ended in a stalemate, and Taiwan observes Aug. 23 every year as the date it fended off the Chinese attack.

It was only Tsai's third visit as president to Kinmen to mark the anniversary, following a visit in 2020 when she was accompanied by the de facto U.S. ambassador to Taipei.

Formerly called Quemoy in English, Kinmen today is a popular tourist destination, though remnants of past fighting such as underground bunkers scatter the island, and Taiwan maintains a significant military presence.

Taiwan has controlled Kinmen and Matsu since the defeated Republic of China government fled to Taipei in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists.

(Reporting by Fabian Hamacher and Ann Wang; Writing by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
When the news broke in 2020 that 16 Republicans in Michigan had signed a certificate falsely claiming to be electors for Donald Trump , Rosemary Herweyer was dismayed to find a prominent local politician, Kent Vanderwood, listed among the signatories.

His willingness to sign a fake elector paper and try to send that in and negate Michigans actual vote speaks to his integrity, Herweyer said of Vanderwood, who was then a member of the Wyoming, Michigan, city council. How can I trust anything he does?

Related: It baffles me: what drew a mild lawyer with a liberal past into Trumps election plot?

Vanderwood, who served on the city council for 16 years before being elected mayor of the city in 2022, now faces eight felony charges for his role as a false elector during the 2020 presidential election. Fifteen other Republicans, including the former co-chair of the Michigan GOP, have also been criminally charged.

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Since Michigans attorney general, Dana Nessel, announced the charges on 18 July  making the state the first to prosecute a full slate of false electors involved in the seven-state scheme  voters and good government groups have begun a push for elected officials involved to resign. Across the state, a mayor, a school board member and a township clerk whose role includes administering elections have each been arraigned and have pleaded not guilty, and in each community, constituents are pushing for accountability.

Shelby Township clerk Stan Grot speaks with reporters on 22 August 2017, in front of the state capitol in Lansing, Michigan. Photograph: David Eggert/AP

Over 2 million people voted for Joe Biden in Michigan, and Stan Grot decided that our votes didnt matter, said Alisa Diez, a Democratic party activist in Shelby Township, where Stanley Grot, one of the 16 false electors, currently serves as township clerk.

After Grot was charged, the state stripped him of his ability to administer elections, but he remains in office.

At a packed public meeting of the township board of trustees on 15 August, residents questioned Grots ability to serve as clerk, given the pending charges and the fact that he can no longer perform a key function of his post. What, we pay him for a job he cant do? said Diez, who organized a protest at the meeting demanding Grots resignation. Its ridiculous.

Grots lawyer, Derek Wilczynski, said in a statement that there is no merit to the charges alleged against Mr Grot, and called the secretary of states directive that Grot pause his election-related responsibilities improper. Wilczynski added in an email to the Guardian that Grot does not intend to resign his position as Township Clerk.

In a statement, Vanderwoods attorney wrote that the mayor had no intent to defraud anyone when he signed his name as an elector in 2020 and added that Vanderwood will not resign or voluntarily recuse himself from the important and completely unrelated work he is required to perform as the duly-elected Mayor of the City of Wyoming.

In Grand Blanc, a small city south of Flint, Michigan, Amy Facchinello, a school board member who in 2021 generated outrage for promoting the QAnon conspiracy theory on social media and now faces charges for her participation in forging the false electors certificate, could face a recall. On 14 August, the Genesee county elections commission approved a filing to recall Facchinello  meaning residents can begin to collect signatures to petition for an election.

Eight felony charges arent a good look for a school board member Michelle Ryder, about the charges Amy Facchinello is facing

Eight felony charges arent a good look for a school board member, said Michelle Ryder, who filed the recall language. Ryder, who has two children in the school district, said school board meetings became chaotic and politicized during the pandemic, with Facchinellos radical beliefs often a focal point.

Ryder said she hoped the felony charges would inspire residents to recall Facchinello, whose term will otherwise end in 2026. This is an opportunity for our community to say this isnt who we are, said Ryder.

The Grand Blanc school board member Amy Facchinello cheers on a parent who spoke against the countys school mask mandate at a Genesee county board of commissioners meeting on 30 August 2021. Photograph: Jake May/AP

Facchinello and her attorney did not respond to a request for comment.

Vanderwood, Grot, Facchinello and the 13 others charged met covertly in the basement of the Michigan Republican party headquarters in December 2020 to sign paperwork falsely claiming to be official electors, Nessel said, calling the action an attempt to outmaneuver and circumvent the longstanding electoral college process.

The Michigan plan formed part of a broader push by Trump and his inner circle to overturn the results of the 2020 election by delivering alternate slates of electors for Trump and Pence in seven swing states. The multistate effort has emerged as a critical element in the prosecution of the former president and his allies, with several of Georgias false electors now facing charges in Fulton county.

At least 17 fake electors across the US currently serve in public office, including the Arizona state senator Anthony Kern, Georgias lieutenant governor, Burt Jones and Robert Spindell, a member of the Wisconsin elections commission. The prosecutions in Michigan and Georgia have brought increased scrutiny on the false electors, and Arizonas attorney general, Kris Mayes, has confirmed her office is investigating the slate of fake electors there.

A coalition of activists and progressive organizers from groups including the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, All Voting Is Local Michigan, the Michigan League of Conservation Voters and the Michigan Peoples Campaign are supporting efforts in Wyoming and Shelby Township to oust their elected officials who served as fake electors. In letters to the Wyoming city council and the Shelby Township board of trustees, the advocates, referring to themselves as the Democracy Coalition, called on the local governments to address the issue of the false electors.

The charges, the group wrote, raise serious concerns about the officials ability to fulfill their responsibilities in a manner that upholds the values and principles an elected official should abide by.

Daniel Rivera, an organizer with the Michigan League of Conservation Voters and a resident of Wyoming, Michigan, said he helped get the word out before a tumultuous city council meeting on 7 August, where residents lined up to call for their mayors resignation. When I saw the formal charges, thats where I decided to really push for recruiting folks to come to the meeting and provide public comment myself, said Rivera. As a resident, it just raises a lot of concerns, because we deserve to trust our government.

Herweyer, who worked the polls during the 2020 presidential election and spoke at the 7 August city council meeting, said she already believed Vanderwoods role as a false elector in 2020 disqualified him for public office when he ran for mayor in 2022. The idea that a longtime civil servant had apparently participated in the effort to overturn the presidential election upset Herweyer deeply.

Kent Vanderwood at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2012. Photograph: Cory Morse/AP

It didnt take the [attorney general] filing charges to get me upset, said Herweyer. I wanted him off immediately.

But while some individuals like Herweyer were bothered by the news about Vanderwood back in 2020, the issue didnt get much local play until the charges dropped.

Ivan Diaz, a Kent county commissioner whose district includes parts of Wyoming, said the false electors news wasnt a major campaign talking point during Vanderwoods mayoral race, and that he was pleasantly surprised when residents flooded the city council meeting to demand the mayors resignation.

Once there were actual charges, I think it kind of just elevated to a situation where its [in] everybodys awareness, he said.

Residents cannot launch a recall until Vanderwoods first year in office concludes in December.

At that point, hell probably very much be in danger of being recalled, said Diaz.

This article was amended on 23 August 2023 to correct a name.
A 24-year-old man accused of stabbing his wife to death learned his fate earlier this month.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Fifteen minutes. That is all the time it took for a Houston County jury to render a verdict in the case of Matthew Jamal Kendrick, 24.

Kendricks case transpired on January 22, 2022, after officials said he made a 911 call stating that he stabbed his wife, Shateria Watkins, 20.

The stabbing happened in the Creekwood Park parking lot in Perry, Ga. According to Perry Police, Kendrick claimed self-defense, saying that Watkins tried to run him over with his car.

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During the investigation, the Perry Police Department retrieved a video from one of the parks cameras, that reportedly showed Kendrick and Watkins inside Kendricks parked car.

Police said Kendrick got out of the parked car, forcefully pulled open a car door and stabbed his wife, Watkins nine times.

Watkins then drove away and to her house, according to authorities.

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Perry officers found Kendrick near the park and arrested him. Police said at the time, he had blood on his hands. Authorities were able to find the murder weapon a short distance from where Perry was arrested.

The police said the knife and the blood on Kendricks hand matched Watkinss DNA.

Five months prior to the murder, police said, the couple had an incident when Kendrick discharged a gun during an argument.

Houston County authorities said the two were married for only 10 days before the fatal stabbing.

Watkins was a member of the ROTC at Perry High School and was dually enrolled at Central Georgia Technical College in the cosmetology program, according to a family-placed obituary. She graduated in 2020.

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The trial began on Aug. 7 and ended on Aug. 9. After about 15 minutes, the Houston County jury convicted Kendrick of malice murder.

Sentencing will be scheduled for a later date when the judge will determine whether Kendricks sentence will be life with or without a possibility of parole.

IN OTHER NEWS:
Hun Manet sworn in as Cambodia's new prime minister

Xinhua) 09:07, August 23, 2023

Cambodia's new Prime Minister Hun Manet (C, front), along with his newly-approved cabinet members, takes an oath at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Aug. 22, 2023. Hun Manet was sworn in as the new Cambodian prime minister for a five-year term (2023-2028) on Tuesday after winning a vote of confidence in the parliament. (Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Hun Manet was sworn in as the new Cambodian prime minister for a five-year term (2023-2028) on Tuesday after winning a vote of confidence in the parliament.

The premier, along with his newly-approved cabinet members, took an oath at the Royal Palace under the auspices of King Norodom Sihamoni, Cambodia's state-run Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) reported.

Earlier in the day, the parliament endorsed Hun Manet as the new prime minister after his ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won a landslide victory in the July 23 general election, gaining 120 out of 125 seats in the National Assembly.

Hun Manet, 45, succeeded his 71-year-old father Samdech Techo Hun Sen, who stepped down after having held the position for more than 38 years.

Speaking at the parliament, the new prime minister said it was a historic day for Cambodia, expressing his profound gratitude to all lawmakers for giving a vote of confidence to him and his cabinet members.

He vowed to safeguard the Southeast Asian country's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, peace, stability, security and safety, as well as to further develop the economy.

"The new government is committed to working harder to accelerate socio-economic development and to promote the implementation of deeper and broader reforms," Hun Manet said.

"The government will give priority to governance reform so as to strengthen state institutions, build clean administrations, enhance the rule of law and social justice, and increase the quality of public services," he added.

He said the government will also prioritize the investment in technological development, green economy, infrastructure, social protection, and human resources, especially in education and health.

According to the official list, the Hun Manet-led new cabinet is made up of one prime minister, 10 deputy prime ministers, 21 senior ministers, and 22 ministers.

The list showed that most of the new cabinet members are young and dynamic leaders. Tea Seiha took over his father Tea Banh's post as the minister of national defense, and Sar Sokha replaced his father Sar Kheng as the minister of interior.

Hun Many, the youngest son of Hun Sen, took over the post of the minister of civil service.

Hun Manet, the father of three children, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1999, received a master's degree of arts in economics from the University of New York in 2002, and earned a doctorate degree in economics from the University of Bristol in Britain in 2008.

Political analysts have strong belief that the new government would continue to maintain peace and stability and bring further socio-economic development to the kingdom.

Kin Phea, director-general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, a think-tank under the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said Hun Manet is the deservedly qualified candidate for the Cambodian prime minister.

"In addition to his high education from overseas, he has been equipped with the best experience both in military and political affairs, with his father as the best-guiding light," he told Xinhua.

"He has been actively involved in politics and is popular among Cambodians, especially among the youth," Phea said. "He has a unique leadership style that can be described as a great man or statesman of Cambodia."

Joseph Matthews, a senior professor at the BELTEI International University in Phnom Penh, is confident that the new cabinet, with most of its members being young and well-educated leaders, will lead the kingdom to further development.

"In my view, the major challenges that will be faced by the new government include fighting corruption and building clean and strong state institutions, where accountability, transparency and the rule of law will flourish unabated," he told Xinhua.

The professor hopes that the new government will focus on reducing social and economic disparities, enhancing the quality of the educational and health systems, implementing pro-poor economic policies, and enhancing social justice and public services.

Cambodia's new Prime Minister Hun Manet (C, front) takes a group photo with his newly-approved cabinet members at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Aug. 22, 2023. Hun Manet was sworn in as the new Cambodian prime minister for a five-year term (2023-2028) on Tuesday after winning a vote of confidence in the parliament. (Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Faith leaders pray with President Donald Trump during a rally for evangelical supporters at the King Jesus International Ministry church on Jan. 3, 2020, in Miami. (Lynne Sladky/AP)

As a voting bloc, evangelical Christians have expressed such an airtight loyalty to former President Donald Trump that moderates are bracing themselves in this election cycle like a family that dreads a disagreeable uncles presence at dinner.

Almost every congregation that I know is either divided or tense about these sorts of political controversies coming out of the Trump years, said Russell Moore, a former Southern Baptist leader and current editor in chief of Christianity Today, a publication founded by Billy Graham and widely considered to be evangelicalisms flagship magazine.

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Moore is bracing himself after his cantankerous experience during the rise of Trump, a man not widely known for his religious devotion, who nevertheless won historic numbers of white born-again Christians.

Moores discontent rose to a climax a month before Election Day with the release of the Access Hollywood tape on which Trump bragged about groping women. After prominent Christian leaders downplayed the incident, Moore tweeted The political Religious Right Establishment wonders why the evangelical next generation rejects their way.

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After a few more broadsides against Trump, he returned fire in May, calling Moore a terrible representative of Evangelicals and all the good they stand for and a nasty guy with no heart.

Welcome to politics in the Trump age.

The dispute stirred resentment within the denomination. Some Southern Baptist pastors began withholding funds from the ethics commission Moore led at the Southern Baptist Convention. Moore denied rumors that he might lose his job, but after the election, Moore apologized to those who thought he was attacking Trump voters, not just the man himself.

Wanda Albritton, of Miami Springs, Fla., raises her ams in prayer during a rally for evangelical supporters at the King Jesus International Ministry church on Jan. 3, 2020, in Miami. (Lynne Sladky/AP)

By then, Trump won with a stunning 81% of white evangelicals, a turnout that Moore attributed to long-festering fears and anxieties among his supporters over cultural displacement and political exclusion. Evangelical voters were looking for a straight-talking strongman-style leader and, most important in their time of discontent, he was on their side.

Moore resigned his commission post and more recently has published a book titled, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America. It takes a closer look at the Trump controversies, the recent abuse scandal in the Southern Baptist Convention and the dubious rise of Christian nationalism.

I wish him luck, and I hope it will be read by more people than those of us who already agree with him.

What really drew my attention is the reason he has given in interviews for writing the book.

As he told NPRs Scott Detrow on All Things Considered, It was the result of having multiple pastors tell me, essentially, the same story, about quoting the Sermon on the Mount in their preaching  turn the other cheek  to have someone come up after and to say, where did you get those liberal talking points?

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Liberal talking points? What a degradation of the gospel, in my view. But, after years of hearing increasingly incendiary rhetoric on the politics beat, it rings sadly true to me.

More alarming, Moore noted, when the pastor would say, Im literally quoting Jesus Christ, the response would not be, I apologize. The response would be, yes, but that doesnt work anymore. Thats weak. And when we get to the point where the teachings of Jesus himself are seen as subversive to us, then were in a crisis.

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Indeed, were in pretty bad shape if the word of the Bible is spun into a partisan political doctrine. But its also inevitable when we have so many other divides unresolved, including in our houses of worship.

As Pew Research Center has found in recent years, voters who go to religious services at least monthly were more likely to vote for the Republican candidate in the most recent presidential election, while less frequent attendees were more likely to back the Democrat.

Among non-Hispanic white Americans who attend services at least monthly, 71% voted for Trump while only 27% voted for Joe Biden. White Americans who attend religious services a few times a year or less were more evenly split, 40% voted for Trump and 58% voted for Biden. Just 10% of Black voters who frequently attend religious services voted for Trump.

Does this constitute a crisis? Or just business as usual. Neither should make us feel good.

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Nevertheless, as an old saying often attributed to ancient Chinese puts it, crisis contains both danger and opportunity. Awareness of the dangers can help us take opportunities to talk and work together. Blessed are the peacemakers.

cpage@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @cptime
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) said Tuesday that former President Trump would only platform candidates who are considered long shots to win the presidency if he appeared at the first GOP primary debate.

Well, President Trump would do nothing but platform people who have no real likelihood to become president, Gaetz said in an interview on NewsNation, adding that Trump is focused on beating Joe Biden.

Gaetz also said he believes the former president has some alternate programming in mind.

Gaetz, who spoke from Milwaukee a day before candidates take to the stage, also noted Trump holds a commanding lead right now.

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Trump announced Sunday night he would not attend the debate, citing a CBS News poll that showed him with 62 percent of the likely GOP primary vote, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis trailing at 16 percent. The announcement ended months of speculations over whether he would participate after he signaled several times he might not attend. Trump will instead participate in an online interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

Folks who are interested in his [Trumps] message will be able to tune into that without having to endure whatever mumblings from Chris Christie youre going to be uttered, Gaetz said on Tuesday, referring to the former New Jersey governor, who is also running for the White House.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) announced Tuesday the list of eight candidates who have met the debate criteria, which included polling and donor requirements, as well as a loyalty pledge vowing to support the eventual Republican nominee in 2024.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

The qualifying candidates are DeSantis, Christie, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

Trump has said several times he would not sign a loyalty pledge.

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.
A Falls man has been found not guilty of assaulting and pointing a gun at two 12-year-old boys in a case of ding-dong-ditch gone wrong.

A Bucks County jury returned the verdict late Tuesday following a two-day trial for Brian Blackshire, who had been charged with felony aggravated assault, and related misdemeanors and a summary charge of harassment.

The jury found Blackshire not guilty on all charges, and Bucks County Judge Jeffrey Finley dismissed a misdemeanor terroristic threats charge.

A Bucks County jury found a Falls man not guilty of assaulting two children who played ding-dong-ditch at his home in the middle of the night in 2022.

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Falls police charged Blackshire, 39, last August after the parents of one of the boys, who are now 13, reported the alleged assault. The boy claimed he and a friend had snuck out of the house at 4 a.m. to play ding-dong-ditch, a game where someone knocks on a door, then runs away, according to police.

The boys knocked on Blackshires Nettletree Lane home twice, and ran to a nearby pump station after the second time where Blackshire confronted them. One boy alleged Blackshire assaulted him and pointed the gun at his friend and cocked back the slide, according to an affidavit.

Blackshire told police he heard a loud thump like someone was trying to kick down his front door and break in, and claimed recently someone attempted to break into his home, the affidavit said. Police found a small footprint on the door.

He also admitted he saw the kids both times after they knocked, and he had his handgun with him when he confronted them at the pump station, police said. Blackshire told police he pushed one boy into a fence and kicked him, but denied hitting him or pointing his handgun.

Blackshires defense attorney Paul Lang called the verdict a complete renunciation of the teens lying testimony and a pathetic police investigation.

Brian waited a year for his day in court and testified to the honorable actions he took that day to defend himself and his family from hooded figures at 3:30am, Lang said Wednesday.

More Bucks crime news Man, 86, could spend rest of life in prison for rape of Bucks County girls

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Ding-dong-ditch in Bucks County leads to assault charge, acquittal
SACRAMENTO, Calif.  California Democrats trying to slow the rollout of driverless trucks are facing a powerful opponent: Gov. Gavin Newsom .

The Democratic governor and longtime Silicon Valley evangelist has sided with a home-state industry over legislative Democrats  both in the state Legislature and in Congress  as powerful labor groups seize on road safety concerns to slow the rollout of autonomous cars and trucks that could push their members out of work. The issue has reverberated from San Francisco, where city authorities unsuccessfully fought a robotaxi rollout, to Sacramento, where a labor-championed bill would effectively ban driverless big rigs until the Legislature authorizes them.

Newsoms administration has forcefully opposed the state trucking bill, a development first reported here. It is an unusual step for a governor who rarely weighs in on pending legislation, and a clear signal that Newsom prizes the states economic competitiveness over concerns about job losses and road safety voiced by unions, city officials and leading lawmakers.

Our state is on the cusp of a new era and cannot risk stifling innovation at this critical juncture, Dee Dee Myers, the administrations top business official, wrote in a letter to legislators opposing the bill. She warned that other states are actively positioning themselves to lure away California-based companies and the investments and jobs they bring.

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Self-driving cars have logged millions of miles in California, but the state has yet to allow for fully driverless trucks, even as Texas and Arizona let autonomous trucks cruise their roads without humans on board. California lawmakers have urged a more deliberate approach to technology that is poised to transform how people move through cities and upend industries from trucking to transit. The trucking bill has advanced by enormous bipartisan margins and won the support of the three House Democrats running to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

The autonomous vehicle industry argues dissenters are stalling an innovation that has already arrived and will bolster public safety and efficiency  an argument Myers echoed in her letter, warning the bill runs counter to our states business climate.

More than a decade after California passed a law to test the technology on public roads, lawmakers are adopting a more cautious stance. They argue the advent of transformative technologies  from driverless vehicles to automation and artificial intelligence  require policymakers to be proactive on regulations.

They think Im not embracing the future, said Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), whos carrying the bill to prohibit autonomous trucks without humans onboard. But I am, because I think if we dont do it right, the first thing thats going to happen is well be on the front page of the paper for what weve done wrong.

But the industry has an ally in Newsom, a former San Francisco mayor who has deep ties to tech, including longstanding relationships with industry figures like Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, the godfather of one of his children. Newsom was more amenable than union-aligned Democrats to negotiating a worker classification deal with ride-hailing companies like Lyft and Uber. And he has advocated for autonomous vehicles specifically: In 2015, as lieutenant governor, he enthusiastically rode an early AV model and warned the state against overregulating a promising industry.

Its consistent with where hes been since he was in San Francisco, said Lenny Mendonca, who preceded Myers as Newsoms top economic adviser. He obviously understands the importance of technology and innovation, to the economy, to the budget, to employment, to the creation of the next generation of things that California is good at.

Driverless cars have gone from a curiosity to an unavoidable fixture of San Franciscos streets. Conflict has followed. The California Public Utilities Commission voted last week to expand paid rides over the strenuous objections of city and public safety officials who warned cars were snarling traffic and blocking first responders. The city challenged the expansion  and days later, the California DMV directed Cruise to halve its fleet following a fresh wave of incidents.



State lawmakers and union allies who want to slow the rollout of autonomous trucks have pointed to San Franciscos struggles as a cautionary tale. The Teamsters bill effectively circumvents a nascent state regulatory process, seeking to wrest authority back from regulators whom legislators accuse of dozing off at the wheel and becoming beholden to the industries they oversee. They warn that a 10,000 pound truck can cause far more damage than a passenger vehicle.

Im really hoping the robots take over sooner rather than later and give us increased safety, Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), who chairs the bodys transportation committee, said during floor debate. Despite documented issues like vehicles stopping unexpectedly and blocking fire trucks, Friedman said, DMV continues to issue permits for them to keep operating  I believe for profit reasons rather than public safety reasons.

The DMV rejected those unfounded assertions in a letter opposing the bill on the grounds it would have a chilling effect on safety improvements. The agency noted autonomous vehicles have driven more than 18 million miles on California roads with no collision fatalities and few injuries.

Tens of thousands of people die in vehicle crashes each year, including nearly 5,800 who died in truck accidents in 2021  a substantial increase from 2020. While the autonomous vehicle industry often cites that toll, self-driving vehicles are not infallible: they were involved in roughly 150 crashes between September of 2022 and last month.

In recent months the vehicle companies have gone on the offensive, forming a group that has lobbied lawmakers and launched advertisements to block the trucking bill and support the San Francisco expansion. They say the vehicles can improve safety and reduce carbon emissions, and argue that California, by pursuing an effective ban on autonomous trucking, is already driving homegrown technology to other states.

Only in California, which ironically is where a lot of these companies are based, has this legislation gone this far, said Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association Executive Director Jeff Farrah. You have companies that are largely based in California, because California has been a technology hotbed for four decades. Those companies are now spending their capital investment in places like Dallas, Texas.

Californias formidable organized labor movement has been forcing the issue, arguing that companies are sacrificing safety to save labor costs to the detriment of displaced workers and the public, as unions go on offense in other capitals. Teamsters Western Region Vice President Peter Finn linked that fight to labor unrest in a very different industry this summer as striking actors and writers challenge the role of AI in reshaping their professional futures and livelihoods.

This is not just another incremental iteration of technology development, Finn said. This has the chance to change everything and have such a dramatic impact on eliminating jobs.

Driverless trucks would almost certainly displace some workers, particularly on long highway routes. They would be less likely to be used for last-mile deliveries to cities and warehouses. Industry advocates argue they would complement human workers, and point to a shortage of truckers and research saying autonomous trucks could generate economic activity.

Automation could replace up to 294,000 long-distance drivers and trade higher-paid jobs for more precarious work in an industry that has long grappled with misclassification, University of Pennsylvania sociologist Steve Viscelli found in research commissioned in 2018 by the labor-aligned UC Berkeley Center for Labor Research and Education. Viscelli said that ubiquitous autonomous trucks could squeeze unionized workforces like the United Parcel Service.

The Teamsters and UPS need to be concerned about the competitive advantage these are going to give to Amazon and others, Viscelli said. Those impacts are going to be transformative.

The labor-driven resistance has not been isolated to California. Chamber of Progress CEO Adam Kovacevich said the Teamsters have moved aggressively to halt the rollout of autonomous vehicles in other states, although bills similar to Californias have faltered in a half-dozen legislatures this year. Kovacevich argued California lawmakers cannot act objectively as autonomous vehicle gatekeepers.

I dont think that will be a rigorous safety analysis. It will be a political analysis, Kovacevich said. Movements to hit pause on progress rarely succeed.

But California Labor Federation chief Lorena Gonzalez, who oversaw an effort to rally unions against the San Francisco expansion by warning of massive job threats, pointed to a larger conversation were going to force about how technology is shaping the workforce.

The real problem in California has not been Democrats versus Republicans. The real problem has been these elite tech billionaire bros who have decided theyre going to implement their classist policies on California, Gonzalez said. All of this sounds really cool at a cocktail party, but Im not interested in conversations at a cocktail party. Im interested in real conversations about real workers.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story included an incorrect reference to Waymos ownership.
The number of people seeking gender-affirming surgeries such as breast and chest operations or genital reconstruction nearly tripled during the three years before the coronavirus pandemic, a new study shows.

The study tracked more than 48,000 patients who had operations in hospitals and same-day surgery centers from 2016 through 2020, the most recent data available. The number of patients getting these operations nearly tripled from 4,552 in 2016 to 13,011 in 2019, before decreasing slightly in 2020 amid the coronavirus restrictions that postponed or halted many types of non-emergency operations, according to the study published Wednesday in JAMA Network Open.

Gender-affirming surgeries were most popular with young adults; more than 25,000 people ages 19 to 30 received these procedures. Fewer than 8% of patients  a total of 3,678  were 12- to 18-year-olds, a group scrutinized by lawmakers pursuing restrictions mainly in conservative states.

Banned: Gender-affirming care for minors no longer allowed in North Carolina

Insurance coverage, awareness, satisfaction drive gender operations

Dr. Jason D. Wright, the study's lead author and an associate professor of gynecologic oncology at Columbia University, said the purpose of the study was to get an accurate count on such operations at hospitals and outpatient surgery centers.

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The researchers sifted through databases to find people diagnosed with gender identity disorder, transsexualism or a personal history of sex reassignment. From there, researchers tracked whether those patients sought a range of gender-affirming surgeries.

More than half of the people in the study had breast and chest procedures, making it the most common type of gender-affirming operation. More than 1 in 3 people received genital reconstruction  a category that included any surgical intervention of the male or female genital tract. Others sought facial and cosmetic procedures such as hair removal, hair transplants, liposuction and collagen injections.

Gender-affirming surgeries are becoming more common as insurers offer more robust coverage. About 3 in 5 patients were covered by a private insurance plan, and 1 in 4 had Medicaid, the government health insurance plan for low-income and disabled residents.

People are also more aware these surgeries are available, Wright said.

"More patients have had access to these procedures," Wright said. "Not only are most of these procedures very safe from a complication standpoint, but they're also associated with favorable outcomes with relatively high rates of patient satisfaction."

Proud purple to angry red: These Florida residents feel unwelcome in 'new' Florida

22 states restrict gender-affirming care for minors

Last week, North Carolina Republican state lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Roy Coopers veto and passed legislation barring surgical gender-transition procedures to anyone under 18, with some exceptions. The legislation, which takes effect immediately, also prohibits medical professionals from providing hormone therapy puberty-blocking drugs.

Minors who had begun treatment before Aug. 1 may continue receiving that care if their doctors deem it medically necessary and their parents consent.

Louisiana, Texas, Missouri, Florida and Nebraska are among states that passed legislation restricting gender-reassignment operations among minors or limiting other gender-affirming care. In all, 22 states have restrictions on gender-affirming operations or related care for transgender minors.

"These are happening in conservative, Republican-led states. The language being used to promote the policies is around protection," said Lindsey Dawson, associate director of HIV policy and director of LGBTQ+ health policy for KFF, a nonpartisan health foundation. "But really, the policies target gender-diverse young people and aim to restrict providers from delivering what is widely considered best-practice medical care."

Wright said the study provides data on how frequently gender-affirming surgeries are performed and requested  important information for doctors to consider when discussing care with patients.

"More patients are asking for information about these services," Wright said. "As these procedures become more common, we need to have the expertise to care for transgender populations who are interested in surgery."

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gender-affirming surgeries nearly triple as states enact restrictions
Quotes said by North Carolinians  from George Floyd to Anna Julia Cooper, Pauli Murray to John Hope Franklin  are permanently etched in a new destination in downtown Raleigh.

North Carolina Freedom Park, which honors the African American experience and struggle for freedom, opened on Wednesday. Situated on the block between the governors mansion and the Legislative Building, its meant to be a timeless tribute to the universal ideals of liberty, resilience and equality.

It is open from dawn to dusk every day, and the public art centerpiece, the 50-foot-tall steel Beacon of Freedom, will be lit at night. School children are the most frequent visitors to the state Capitol grounds, which does not have an African American monument, and perhaps will also be to Freedom Park a few blocks away.

The park officially opened with a ceremony Wednesday morning attended by hundreds of people, including Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, Democratic and Republican state lawmakers and supporters of the project in the works for about 20 years.

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North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green read a new poem, saying in part:

We are this resilient light. We are all the ones here. We are all the ones here now. We are all this beacon.

A person walks through North Carolina Freedom Park following a ceremony to mark its opening on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in Raleigh, N.C. The park honors the African American struggle for freedom.

Aside from the Beacon of Freedom, the park has quotations about freedom from 20 North Carolinians inscribed on the walls the color of red clay along several walkways. Here are some of the Voices of Freedom:

George Floyd

I cant breathe.

Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer, and his death sparked a summer of protests across the United States in 2020.

I cant breathe, a quote from George Floyd, who was born in North Carolina and killed by Minneapolis police in 2020, sparking a summer of protests across the country, is inscribed in the wall of North Carolina Freedom Park across the street from the Legislative Building in downtown Raleigh, N.C. The park opened Aug. 23, 2023.

Pauli Murray

It has taken me almost a lifetime to discover that true emancipation lies in the acceptance of the whole past, in deriving my strength from all my roots, in facing up to the degradation as well as the dignity of my ancestors.

Murray, who grew up in Durham, was a human rights, womens rights and civil rights activist as well as a lawyer, poet and the first African American female Episcopal priest. She is also an Episcopal saint.

Harriet Jacobs

When they told me my new born babe was a girl, my heart was heavier than it had ever been before. Slavery is terrible for men; but it is far more terrible for women.

Jacobs was born into slavery in Edenton, eventually escaping after hiding in an attic for seven years before going north. The quote is from her autobiography, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.

Abraham Galloway

I am looking for the rising generation. ... there must be a deep foundation laid for the coming generation.

Galloway was a Union spy and recruiter during the Civil War after escaping slavery in North Carolina. He went on to be a state senator, and his portrait hangs in the Senate chamber at the Legislative Building.

Lyda Moore Merrick

My father passed the torch to me, which I have never let go out.

Moore Merricks father was Aaron McDuffie Moore, who was the first Black physician in Durham and co-founder of the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company. She worked with the Federation of Negro Womens Clubs and was founding editor of The Negro Braille Magazine.

Voices of Freedom at the park

There are several more quotations from John Hope Franklin, Robert Hamilton, David Walker, John W. Pratt, Anna Julia Cooper, the Rev. James Walker Hood, James E. Shepard, Charlotte Hawkins Brown, Golden A. Frinks, John H. Wheeler, Ella Baker, Julius Chambers, Maya Angelou, Phil Freelon and Paul Green.

You can read them at the park, 218 N. Wilmington St., or on on the N.C. African American Heritage Commission website.

Another, unrelated project also focuses on Black history in North Carolina. The long-stalled African American monument on the state Capitol grounds awaits $3 million in potential funding from the state budget. Coopers budget and the Republican-written Senate budget have both proposed funding the monument, but the final version of the 2023 state budget is not expected until September.

Cooper told reporters Wednesday he believes we need the monument on the Capitol grounds as well.
A man from Cumming, Ga. is being held without bond in the Hall County Jail after being arrested during a child molestation investigation, according to the sheriffs office.

Joseph T. Satterfield, 34, was moved from the Forsyth County Jail to Hall County on Monday, where he is facing felony charges for sexual battery and child molestation.

Deputies said the investigation into Satterfield started in mid-July after the sheriffs office was called to the Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.

Family members of the alleged victim had taken her there for an evaluation.

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A preliminary investigation by the Hall County Sheriffs Office found that a family member, the victim, and Satterfield spent the night at a home off of GA-13/Atlanta Highway near Chicopee.

The investigation details released by the sheriffs office said the family member woke up and saw Satterfield inappropriately touching the victim, a girl younger than 16.

The family member reportedly confronted Satterfield and he left the home.

Satterfield was arrested on Monday and transferred to the Hall County Jail on Tuesday, according to sheriffs deputies.

The case remains under investigation by HCSO.

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A federal judge refused to block the arrests of two former members of Donald Trump 's administration who were indicted with him in Georgia  Mark Meadows and Jeffrey Clark  on charges they tried to help the former president overturn the 2020 election.

Meadows and Clark each argued that as federal officials when the acts were committed, the Constitution protected them from state prosecution. But U.S. District Judge Steve Jones said there was no precedent for him to block their arrests.

Meadows, a former White House chief of staff, and Clark, a former assistant attorney general, are scheduled to surrender for booking at the Fulton County jail by noon Friday.

Jones scheduled a Monday hearing to gather evidence about Meadows' request to move his charges to federal court, where he argues they should be dismissed.

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Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis had opposed Meadows' request as "baseless" and "meritless." She said Meadows "failed to make any showing his prosecution was instituted in bad faith or founded on unconstitutional laws."

"In fact, federal courts have repeatedly denied requests to interfere in state criminal prosecutions," Willis said in her filing.

Here is what we know about the case:

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows speaks with reporters at the White House, Oct. 21, 2020, in Washington.

What are the charges against Meadows?

Meadows was among 19 people indicted for an alleged conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election. Besides the overarching racketeering charge, Meadows is charged with soliciting Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to violate his oath of office, for participating in a call Jan. 2, 2021, when Trump asked to find enough votes to win the state.

Meadows argued a provision in the Constitution protects him against local charges for doing his federal job. He asked to move his case to federal court, where he argued the case should be dismissed.

At least two other defendants  Clark and David Shafer, the Georgia Republican Party chairman  also want to move their cases to federal court.

Trump is scheduled to surrender Thursday. Several of his lawyers  Rudy Giuliani, Kenneth Chesebro, Sidney Powell and Jenna Ellis  surrendered Wednesday.

Fulton County Sheriff deputies secure the entrance outside the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta on Aug. 16, 2023 following a grand jury in Fulton County, Ga. that indicted Donald Trump. The indictment includes 41 charges against 19 defendants, from the former president to his former attorney Rudy Guiliani and former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. The legal case centers on the states RICO statute, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

Meadows asked federal judge to prohibit Georgia authorities from arresting him

Meadows filed an emergency request Tuesday for Jones to block his arrest. But Jones refused to immediately move the case after Meadows filed on Aug. 15, the day after he was indicted, and said he wanted to collect evidence at the Monday hearing.

Willis has refused to extend the deadline for his surrender and threatened to issue an arrest warrant if he hasnt arrived by 12:30 p.m. Friday.

Meadows contends that the Constitutions supremacy clause protects federal officials from state-level charges while carrying out their duties of office. He argued that the allegations in the indictment of visiting a Cobb County vote-auditing site and setting up a presidential phone call arent illegal.

The conduct giving rise to the charges in the indictment all occurred during his tenure and as part of his service as Chief of Staff, his lawyers George Terwilliger, John Moran and Michael Francisco wrote in his filing. One would expect a Chief of Staff to the President of the United States to do these sorts of things.

At the federal level, Meadows also asked to dismiss the case, for the same reasons. The Supreme Court ruled in an 1890 case that the supremacy clause prohibited suits under state law against federal officials carrying out their executive duties.

Stopping the state criminal proceedings promptly is important, his lawyers wrote.

Willis called the urgency of request "meritless" and "futile."

"The defendants contention the case should be immediately removed on the papers is meritless," Willis wrote. "Further, even assuming the Court grants the defendants motion to remove his case to federal court, the prosecution against the defendant remains and the defendant is still subject to arrest and detention for the offenses for which he has been indicted."

Jeffrey Clark declined to be fully interviewed by a House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection.

Judge rejects Clark's emergency request to halt state prosecution, arrest

Jones also rejected Clark's request Wednesday. Jones found no reason to halt the criminal procedures such as an arrest warrant in Clark's case and no reason to immediately move the case to federal court.

Besides the overall racketeering charge, Clark is charged with attempting to commit false statements for drafting a letter about Georgias election for the attorney general to sign and send. Clarks lawyer, Harry MacDougald, called the accusations scurrilous.

Clark drafted the letter on Dec. 28, 2020, for Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen to sign and send to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and legislative leaders. The letter falsely said the department identified significant concerns that may have impacted the outcome of the election in multiple States, including the State of Georgia, according to the indictment.

For the first time in United States history, a former President of the United States has been charged with running a criminal organization, MacDougald wrote in Clarks filing. This is wildly implausible on its face (whatever some ratings-hungry media pundits might posture), and as Mr. Clark and other defendants will show, the allegations that such an enterprise exists fail on numerous grounds.

David Shafer, chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, arrives before Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a "Save the Majority" rally, Dec. 10, 2020 in Augusta, Ga.

Shafer argues post as alternate elector protects him from state charges

Shafer, one of the alternate presidential electors who supported Trump despite President Joe Biden winning the state, also asked to move his case to federal court. Shafer faces eight charges including impersonating a public official, forgery and making false statements.

Shafer argued that serving as a Republican presidential elector chosen in March 2020, he was a federal official acting in his official capacity. He seeks to present several federal defenses to his actions, including official immunity, supremacy clause immunity and the First Amendment.

Neither the state of Georgia nor any of its localities has the authority to prosecute Mr. Shafer for these actions, and this Court should exercise its clear authority to correct this injustice and halt this unlawful and unconstitutional attempted prosecution now, his lawyers Craig Gillen and Holly Pierson wrote.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Federal judge refuses to block Georgia arrest of Mark Meadows
Books sit on shelves in an elementary school library in suburban Atlanta on Friday, 18, 2023. Although not new, book challenges have surged in public schools since 2020, part of a broader backlash to what kids read and discuss in school. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)

ATLANTA (AP)  Georgia's second-largest school district says that it has removed two books from 20 school libraries, saying the books had highly inappropriate, sexually explicit content.

The announcement, sent in an electronic message to parents in some Cobb County schools on Monday, comes days after the Republican-majority school board voted 4-3 along party lines to fire a teacher for reading a book about gender identity to fifth-grade students.

Although not new, book removals have surged since 2020, part of a backlash to what kids read and discuss in public schools. Conservatives want to stop children from reading books with themes on sexuality, gender, race and religion that they find objectionable. PEN America, a group promoting freedom of expression, counted 4,000 instances of books banned nationwide from July 2021 to December 2022.

Cobb County, with 106,000 students, said Tuesday that 20 libraries had contained Flamer by Mike Curato or Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews, or both. Flamer is a graphic novel about a boy who is discovering he is gay and how he is treated at summer camp. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl contains some discussion of sex and a lot of profanity, but is mainly about two high school boys who befriend a girl dying of cancer. Both were among the most challenged books of 2022, according to a list published by the American Library Association.

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Protecting our students from sexually explicit content isnt controversial, its what our parents expect," John Floresta, the district's chief strategy and accountability officer. "Our board and superintendent are clear  any book, video, or lesson which contains sexually explicit content is entirely unacceptable and has no place in our schools.

Jeff Hubbard, president of the Cobb County Association of Educators, said media specialists were being questioned about when they had bought the books and why. Such interviews could be a prelude to the librarians being disciplined or fired. The district didn't respond to questions about whether officials intended to take disciplinary action.

Theyre scared to death, and one parent complaint could cost them a career, Hubbard said.

Nan Brown, an advocacy coordinator for the Georgia Media Library Association, said its important that students be able to see themselves and others in books. She questioned in particular the removal of Flamer, noting Georgia librarians nominated it for a statewide award.

No book is perfect for everybody all the time," Brown said. But that book is really important to some children.

Hubbard said he fears teachers will feel compelled to censor classroom libraries after the district fired Katie Rinderle. An elementary school teacher, she got into trouble in March for reading the picture book My Shadow Is Purple, by Scott Stuart, after which some parents complained. Rinderle said a board policy prohibiting teaching on controversial issues was so vague that she couldnt know what was barred.

The district didn't respond to questions about who asked that the books be removed or if the district intends to remove additional books. In an electronic message, which Hubbard said was sent Monday to parents at all 20 schools, the district stated that With thousands of books purchased over decades, we are making every effort to ensure our library only includes materials that are aligned to Georgia standards, supported by law and CCSD policy, and contain content that is age appropriate for our students.

Hubbard said the book removals and Rinderele's firing have been a train wreck for morale in Cobb County, which has the state's highest-paid teachers.

Both Hubbard and Brown questioned whether Cobb County followed its own policies or a new state law laying out how book challenges should be handled.

Cobb County, in response to an open records request by The Associated Press in June, said it had no records of challenges filed under the Georgia law, in effect since Jan. 1. The AP filed a request this month seeking records of books Cobb might have removed without a challenge. The district estimated it would cost $2,822 to produce those records. Some other large Georgia school districts provided records without charge.

Brown said Cobb's action reminded her of a decision in Forsyth County, another large suburban Atlanta district, to remove eight books in early 2022. After others pushed back, the system put all the books except for one back on shelves. The U.S. Department of Education later warned that Forsyth schools, based on discussions in board meetings, may have created a hostile environment violating federal laws against race and sex discrimination, leading to increased fears and possibly harassment among students.
A Hall County man was arrested by sheriffs deputies Monday after being connected to two armed robberies at the same convenience store.

According to the Hall County Sheriffs Office, Tyler Douglas Crumley was found at about 10:45 a.m. on Monday.

Deputies said the 19-year-old was found 90 minutes after the second robbery he allegedly committed at the Express Food Mart Exxon Station on Gillsville Highway.

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According to the sheriffs office, a preliminary investigation of a Monday morning robbery determined Crumley had robbed the store clerk at knifepoint around 9:20 a.m. and left with an unknown amount of cash.

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Two days earlier, Crumley had robbed the same store at knifepoint around 8 a.m.

Deputies said no one was injured in either robbery.

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When they found him, Crumley was in a pickup truck at a Walgreens. When deputies made contact with Crumley, they recovered the weapon and a quantity of cash.

He was arrested without incident and charged with two counts of armed robbery and two counts of aggravated assault, all of which are felonies, according to the sheriffs office.

Crumley is currently being held without bond. The crimes are still under investigation.

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Rudy Giuliani has agreed to a $150,000 bond in the Georgia election interference case in which former President Trump is also charged.

Giuliani, a longtime ally of Trump who has also served as his attorney, faces 13 charges tied to an alleged criminal enterprise aiming to overturn Georgias 2020 election results and keep the former president in power after he lost the race.

The Trump ally also surrendered at the Fulton County jail shortly after reaching the bond agreement.

A focal point of the indictment is Giulianis promotion of false election fraud claims to members of the Georgia state Legislature. Several of the former New York City mayors charges are tied to a scheme using fake Georgia electors to swing the elections outcome in Trumps favor.

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For each of the three committee hearings where Giuliani and other Trump allies spread false claims about the election results, Giuliani is charged with a count of soliciting lawmakers to violate their oaths of office by encouraging them to help send a slate of Trump electors, and a count of making false statements.

Alongside his 18 co-defendants, Giuliani was also hit with state Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act charges  the same charge the former Manhattan prosecutor used to crack down on mobsters and Wall Street titans in the 1980s.

Six defendants in the Georgia election interference case have so far surrendered at the Fulton County jail. Giuliani is expected to turn himself in Wednesday.

Im feeling very, very good about it because I feel like I am defending the rights of all Americans, as I did so many times as a United States attorney, Giuliani told reporters before traveling to Georgia.

Trump agreed to a $200,000 bond Monday, while attorneys John Eastman, Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis and Kenneth Chesebro agreed to $100,000 bonds.

The other 11 defendants, including Trump, have until Friday at noon to turn themselves in, according to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D).

Updated 3:23 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Gabriel Parra, a native of Venezuela, sits outside a temporary shelter at 21st Street and Racine Avenue in Chicago on Aug. 22, 2023. The shelter is set to close in under two weeks. Parra is nervous about his situation. His partner is pregnant and he is eager to land a job and a permanent place to live. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Nearly 100 asylum-seekers who made a home at a community-run shelter in Pilsen must leave the building by Sept. 3 due to a confluence of bad luck that includes a lack of funding and volunteers.

Officials learned last week of the fate of the building said Lucia Moya, chief of staff of Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, whose office initially helped to gather volunteers and stakeholders in the community to open the space as a shelter in May to relieve crowding at the 12th District police station on the Near West Side.

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News of the closure has raised frustrations among migrants who fear returning to police stations for shelter, but it wasnt a total surprise.

The potential closing of the shelter was discussed with the residents over the past month, explaining to migrants that resources were scarce  including funding and volunteers  according to Anna Distefano, a head volunteer with Todos Para Todos, collective that was formed to exclusively help the shelter.

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The volunteers held weekly meeting with residents. The Binational Institute of Human Development also got notice that its request to officiate the building as a shelter was not accepted by Illinois Department of Human Services.

Three weeks ago, the Binational Institute received a phone call from the owner that due to insurance circumstances, they wouldnt be able to continue operations at the shelter.

Despite the grim news, volunteers worked to keep the shelter running, providing migrants with three meals a day and any resources possible, but we simply cant sustain it anymore, Distefano said.

Then last Thursday, the volunteers got word that confirmed the shelters closing and advised the migrants that there was nothing they could do, and instead, worked to develop plan to relocate the shelters residents.

Its sad, but we did our very best, and we will continue to do our best to help asylum-seekers, Distefano said.

The number of volunteers is significantly less than it was when the shelter opened. Many of the volunteers, including Distefano herself, are educators and can no longer assist during the day.

A temporary shelter for migrants at 21st Street and Racine Avenue in Chicago, shown on Aug. 22, 2023, is set to close in under two weeks. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

When Bebsabeth Padron, an asylum-seeker from Venezuela, learned that the shelter was closing, she panicked.

I have no idea where we are going to go, she said Tuesday afternoon as she sat outside the building in Pilsen. While many of the friends who stayed at the shelter had moved out, Padron said she and her partner remained because theyve been unable to find affordable housing.

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Other migrants complained about the lack of order and maintenance to the building from those who oversaw it. Most recently, they said garbage has not been picked up, the bathrooms are not getting cleaned and beds arent made.

The shelter was initially run solely by volunteers in the community, including the owner of the building, near Racine Street and 21st Place, who agreed to let them use the massive warehouse to house asylum-seekers as buses filled with migrants began to arrive in the city, turning police stations into shelters and stretching the citys finances.

Eventually, the Binational Institute of Human Development, a nonprofit, became its fiscal agent.

Santiago Lopez Benitez, Owen Lopez Benitez, 3-month-old James Madison Sanchez, his mother, Maria Sanchez, and Wendy Benitez sit in the Pilsen shelter May 10, 2023, after traveling from Venezuela. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Netza Roldan, the institutes CEO, said the group opened up the space to fill in where the city was failing to provide support for new arrivals.

We basically are doing their job, Roldan said. We are helping immigrants with housing, with meals, with medical care, with legal education and representation. I demand (for) the city of Chicago to open their eyes, because theyre not prepared for these types of situations.

Weve been trying to get assistance from the city of Chicago, and the city has denied any and every type of assistance, Roldan added. We have paid for security guards with our own money.

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In a statement late Tuesday, a city spokesperson said officials looked at the facility as a possible shelter, unfortunately it did not meet requirements in terms of size and other issues. The statement said city would release a request for purchase for community-based organizations to apply to operate shelters in city-owned or -leased facilities.

Sigcho-Lopez attended a meeting with the residents last Thursday after the collective of volunteers asked him to go, said Joselyn Walsh, another Todos Para Todos volunteer.

The migrants felt abandoned and upset at the news of the potential closing of the shelter, Walsh said. At the meeting, Sigcho-Lopez told the residents that he would do everything he could to keep the shelter open, she added.

I worry that thats not going to happen and we will no longer be there to help, Walsh said. There have been empty promises in the past. We want the closing to be as smooth as possible and encourage them to find permanent housing instead.

Many worry that theyll lose their jobs, since theyll have to move or wait to be sent to a city shelter at a police station. Mothers are upset that they will need to transfer their kids to other schools, or take them out of school until they figure out the situation.

[ What to know about Chicago's migrant crisis ]

The Pilsen shelter has faced complaints from its residents all summer. But some of them said they are grateful to all the people who came together to help them get out of police station floors and into a safe space. Community members came together to give families air mattresses, build showers, clean clothes and hot meals every day.

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It was a beautiful thing, Walsh said. We are no longer able to provide a safe environment anymore.

Tribune reporter Nell Salzman contributed.

larodriguez@chicagotribune.com
It was another busy day at the Fulton County District Attorneys Office and the Fulton County Jail as several more people turned themselves in tied to the Georgia election interference investigation.

The biggest name of the people who turned themselves in Wednesday was former New York City mayor and former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani .

As soon as he left the jail, he walked across Rice Street where his people and the new media had gathered, including Channel 2s Richard Elliot.

What happened next was chaotic, loud, and in Giulianis case, defiant.

Giuliani is accused of racketeering and attempting to overturn Georgias 2020 presidential election.

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Giuliani remained defiant in the midst of a chaotic, impromptu news conference.

This indictment is a travesty. Its an attack on not just me, not just President Trump, not just the people in this indictment, some of whom I dont even know, its an attack on the American people, Giuliani said.

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But Giuliani did not address the actual charges against him including how he made false statement in front of Georgia lawmakers at a December 2020 subcommittee hearing.

During the hearing he, and former President Donald Trumps other lawyers, declared, without evidence, that there were 138,000 illegal votes cast and they used those false statements to try and convince the lawmakers that they had to right to throw out the popular vote and pick the president themselves.

Multiple investigations proved there was no voter fraud in Georgia.

Instead, Giuliani went on the attack against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

Fani Willis will go down in American history as having conducted one of the worst attacks on the American constitution ever when this case is dismissed, Giuliani said.

Two of Trumps other former attorneys, Ray Smith and Sidney Powell, also surrendered to the jail Wednesday.

This is a prelude to Thursday when former Trump will surrender.

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Rudy Giuliani said he is feeling positive ahead of his surrender to authorities in the Georgia 2020 election case, in which defendants are required to turn themselves in by Friday.

Im feeling very, very good about it because I feel like Im defending the rights of all Americans as I did so many times as a United States attorney, the former New York mayor and longtime Trump ally told CNN on Wednesday.

Giulianis 13 charges include six in connection with a scheme to submit the false slate of pro-Trump electors in Georgia, as well as a racketeering charge, which every defendant faces. He is also charged with three counts of soliciting lawmakers to violate their oaths of office by encouraging them to help send the slate of fake electors and three counts of making false statements.

As of Tuesday, Giuliani had yet to find a Georgia-based attorney to sign off on any bail agreements. CNN reported that the former Trump attorney is expected to meet with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) on Wednesday to discuss a bond agreement, according to sources familiar with the plan.

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And Im fighting for justice, Giuliani said. I have been from the first moment I represented Donald Trump  innocent man, who has now been proven innocent several times. I dont know how many times he has to be proven innocent.

Giuliani also backed former President Trumps rhetoric accusing the justice system of being politicized.

And the system of justice is politicized and criminalized for politics, he said. Your rights are in jeopardy and your children. Donald Trump told you this. They werent just coming for him or me. Now they indicted people in this case, I dont even know who they are.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani said he didnt feel a single emotion after turning himself in to Georgia authorities on Wednesday, two days before the deadline imposed by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis .

Appearing afterwards live on his online show, Americas Mayor Live, Giuliani described his experience after the once-respected federal prosecutor-turned-Trump lackey arrived at the Fulton County Jail to be photographed, fingerprinted, and booked on a raft of felony charges over his alleged role in Donald Trump s push to overturn the states 2020 presidential election results.

The personnel in the prison, 100% professional, Giuliani said on Wednesday during the episode, titled A Great American Injustice. He maintained his innocence throughout and defiantly claimed I believe that Im going to be vindicated.

This is hardly their fault. They acted cordially and they acted professionally and they made it as easy as a difficult process can be. And they did. But they made sure I went through every step of the process. The three other places of course didnt require the president to have to go through that.

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He stands 5 11 and tips the scales at an imposing 230 pounds, according to booking records, which list his hair color as gray or partially gray.

Fulton County Jail

If they can do this to me, they can do it to you, Giuliani disingenuously told reporters outside the jail. (In fact, if you engage in alleged election interference, you may be prosecuted.)

Giuliani, who at one point snapped at a journalist for supposedly interrupting him, also claimed he was honored to be a defendant in the case, arguing that he was fighting for our way of life.

Giulianis legal team negotiated a $150,000 bond package prior to his surrender on charges including conspiracy to commit forgery, false statements and writings, and violating Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Acta version of a federal law Giuliani made abundant use of back in the 1980s to go after La Cosa Nostra.

America's Mayor Live (E218): A Great American Injustice https://t.co/XSbPnDMLtA  Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) August 24, 2023

Giuliani, on his online show, criticized the bond, remarking in jest: like Im going to run away. He added the bond amounts for himself and Trump were for public relations, adding, If Trump were going to run away, a $200,000 bong is going to stop him? Isnt that laughable, Fani?

Giuliani slammed Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis for forcing Trump into taking a mugshot, asking, What are you doing a mugshot for? People dont know who he is? You do a mugshot to identify someone...we know who he is. Thats all done for political effect. For that she should be prosecuted, not Trump. For that shes a corrupt prosecutor.

Trump election lawyer and unapologetic conspiracy theorist Sidney Powell also surrendered Wednesday at the same jail facility, with bond set at $100,000.

Giuliani speaks to reporters outside the Fulton County Jail. CHRISTIAN MONTERROSA/AFP via Getty

According to reports, Giuliani, who is headed for disbarment in Washington, D.C., sought assistance in finding an attorney licensed to practice in Georgia from onetime NYPD commissioner Bernie Kerik, an unindicted co-conspirator who spent four years in federal prison on tax-related charges before being pardoned by Trump during the ex-presidents final days in office. He is being represented by Atlanta-based Brian Tevis and John Esposito of New York.

Before leaving for Atlanta, Giuliani spoke to reporters outside his apartment building on Manhattans Upper East Side on Wednesday morning. Describing himself as the man who probably put the worst criminals of the 20th century in jail, Giuliani said Fulton County authorities were going to degrade themselves by doing a mugshot of me.

Theyre lying, Giuliani said. Im telling the truth.

Giulianis locally based lawyer Brian Tevis arrives at court in Fulton County on Wednesday. Ricardo Arduengo/Reuters

Giuliani claimed he was feeling very, very, good about his legal situation, noting that he is the same Rudy Giuliani that took down the Mafia.

Im fighting for justice from the first moment I represented Donald Trump, an innocent man, who has now been proven innocent several times, Giuliani said, misrepresenting the facts from the get-go. I dont know how many times he has to be proven innocent and they have to be proven to be liars, actually enemies of our republic who are destroying rights, sacred rights.

Giuliani, Trump, and 17 others are under indictment in Fulton County for their alleged attempts to undo the 45th presidents loss to now-President Joe Biden. Georgia was a must-win in 2020 for Trump, who fell short in the state by roughly 12,000 votes. Following Trumps defeat, Giuliani became one of his loudest supporters, delivering false information in testimony before various state legislatures, taking bad-faith (and uniformly unsuccessful) election challenges to court, and holding mis- and disinformation-packed news conferences to spread Trumps lies, gaining newfound infamy with a roundly mocked event at Four Seasons Total Landscaping in Philadelphia.

Giuliani continues to deny any wrongdoing, and has denigrated Willis as dishonest and sloppy.

The count-by-count breakdown of Rudy Giulianis bond. Fulton County Superior Court

Trump is expected to turn himself in on Thursday. He and his lawyers have already agreed to a $200,000 bond package, which includes prohibitions on contacting witnesses or other defendants in the case. Trump will be photographed and fingerprinted just like any other defendant brought in on criminal charges, according to Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat.

Among the other defendants to have surrendered in advance of the Friday deadline are Trump attorney John Eastman ($100,000 bond), bail bondsman and GOP poll-watcher Scott Hall ($10,000), Republican official Cathy Latham ($75,000), former Georgia GOP chairman David Schafer ($75,000), Trump attorney Kenneth Chesebro ($100,000), and Trump attorney Ray Smith ($50,000).

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Rudy Giuliani surrendered at the Fulton County, Ga., jail Wednesday over charges tied to his efforts to help former President Trump remain in office after losing the 2020 election after agreeing to a $150,000 bond agreement.

The former New York City mayor and longtime Trump ally faces 13 charges for allegedly joining a criminal enterprise bent on keeping the former president in the White House. He joins 18 other defendants, including Trump, in a sweeping case brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D).

Upon leaving the jail, Giuliani told reporters he believed the indictment was a travesty. He also said posting bond should not mistaken for admitting guilt in the case, insisting that he did so to not serve jail time. He maintained that Willis was infringing on First Amendment rights of people who were advocating for the former president.

If they could do this to me, they could do this to you, Giuliani said. Television footage showed Giuliani entering a bail bondsman office after delivering the remarks.

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Trump campaign attorneys Sidney Powell and Jenna Ellis also surrendered at the jail on Wednesday.

All the defendants in the case face state Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act charges  the same charge Giuliani used to crack down on mobsters and Wall Street titans in the 1980s as Manhattans top prosecutor.

Giulianis promotion of false election fraud claims  plus his efforts to persuade members of the Georgia Legislature to join a fake electors scheme meant to swing the race in Trumps favor  are at the core of the indictment.

He is charged with a count of soliciting lawmakers to violate their oaths of office by encouraging them to help send a slate of Trump electors, and a count of making false statements, for each of the three committee hearings where he and other Trump allies spread lies about the election results.

In a different case, where two Fulton County election workers are suing Giuliani for defamation, the Trump lawyer said he will not contest that his statements about election fraud were false and carry meaning that is defamatory but maintained that they were constitutionally protected.

Earlier Wednesday, Giuliani agreed to a $150,000 bond. The agreements terms say that Giuliani may not communicate about the facts of the case with any of his co-defendants or any witnesses, except through his counsel. He also cannot intimidate any co-defendants or witnesses, the agreement says.

Atlanta lawyer Brian Tevis signed the agreement as Giulianis legal representative. CNN had previously reported that Giuliani had not found a Georgia-based lawyer to represent him.

During the booking process, Giulianis height and weight were recorded and he was given a prisoner identification number, as were his other co-defendants. He has not yet been released.

Trumps bond is set at $200,000, while attorneys John Eastman, Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis and Kenneth Chesebro agreed to $100,000 bonds.

The former New York City mayor is the eighth defendant to surrender at the Fulton County jail. The other defendants have until noon on Friday to turn themselves in, according to Willis. Trump said he would surrender Thursday.

Updated at 4:30 pm.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
1st Republican presidential primary debate: Who's in, who's out

Eight out of the more than a dozen 2024 GOP presidential candidates are confirmed by the Republican National Committee to be on the first primary debate stage on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. The four candidates who didn't make the debate stage are attacking the RNC's requirements and making plans for the next steps in their campaign.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson are confirmed by the party to have cleared the polling, donor and pledging requirements.

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Former President Donald Trump was not among the listed participants and confirmed on Sunday that he would skip the debate.

Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel on Tuesday told ABC News' Rachel Scott that while "it's too late" for Trump to take part in Wednesday's debate, she "absolutely" hopes he participates in subsequent debates.

"I've made no secret of the fact that I want him on that debate stage, but I'm thrilled that we've got a great candidates that are going to be on that that stage. But I hope he'll be on future ones," she said.

The final count released by the RNC late Monday disqualifies at least four Republicans who claimed they had made the stage. Michigan businessman Perry Johnson, conservative talk radio host and a former California gubernatorial candidate Larry Elder , Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and former Texas Rep. Will Hurd all came short of the debate-stage qualifications: get at least 1% in three national polls or in a mix of national and early-state polls recognized by the committee and accrue 40,000 individual donors to their campaigns from at least 200 unique donors per state in 20 or more states.

PHOTO: A Republican Debate sign is up outside Fiserv Forum in preparation of the Aug. 23 debate in Milwaukee, Aug. 21, 2023. (Mike De Sisti /The Milwaukee Journal/USA Today)

MORE: What to know about the 1st Republican presidential primary debate

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Johnson criticized the process the RNC used to finalize the candidates. The RNC approved candidates in a case-by-case review of each candidates' donor and polling numbers to make sure they met the qualifications.

"The debate process has been corrupted, plain and simple. Our campaign hit every metric put forward by the RNC and we have qualified for the debate. We'll be in Milwaukee Wednesday and will have more to say tomorrow," he wrote.

Suarez previously claimed to have met the polling benchmarks, which the RNC refuted. The mayor told ABC News' Senior Congressional Correspondent Rachel Scott last week that he would reconsider his campaign if he failed to qualify for the debate.

"Being honest, I think, remember, it only gets harder from here. Right? So, if you don't make the debate stage in the first debate, the thresholds go up. So, it's harder to make higher thresholds when you're not making lower thresholds," Suarez said earlier this month.

Will Hurd decried the RNC's polling requirements as "arbitrary, unclear, and lack consistency" in a statement Tuesday morning about his absence on the Milwaukee debate stage. Hurd had taken particular issue with one of the party's benchmarks for polls to qualify -- that each survey had to include 800 registered likely Republican voters.

One of the polls that would have put Hurd on stage did not ask a "screening question" that would have verified that requirement.

"The lack of transparency and confusion around the RNC's debate requirements is antithetical to the democratic process. The polling standards are arbitrary, unclear, and lack consistency. This is an unacceptable process for a presidential election. The American people deserve better," he wrote in a post on X. "The RNC discounted polls that included independents and Democrats willing to vote for a Republican. If the GOP is looking to grow our electorate and beat Joe Biden, then we better have a clear understanding of what qualifies as a likely Republican voter. Anyone, regardless of party, who is willing to check the box for a Republican should be considered a 'likely Republican voter.' Expanding our party should be applauded, not penalized."

Elder called the RNC's debate qualification process "rigged," and said he plans to sue the party for the "polling criteria set by the anti-conservative, anti-Trump RNC establishment." Elder said he plans to still be in Milwaukee on Wednesday, though he will not be on stage.

PHOTO: A Republican National Committee (RNC) sign stands in the media filing center ahead of the Republican presidential candidate debate in North Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 14, 2016. (Bloomberg via Getty Images, FILE)

MORE: Trump plans to skip GOP debate, considers interview with Tucker Carlson instead: Sources

All candidates had up until 48 hours prior to the Aug. 23 debate to prove to the RNC that they met the qualifications. Upon verification of the polling and donor thresholds, the candidates were presented with the GOP loyalty pledge, which meant they must agree to support the eventual party nominee. Each hopeful had to sign the pledge to get on the stage for the first debate.

PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson waves to the audience during an event on Aug. 6, 2023, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (Charlie Neibergall/AP)

MORE: RNC won't present loyalty pledge to candidates until after they qualify for debate: Sources

The front-runner, Trump, said he wouldn't attend the debate. He pre-recorded a sit-down interview with Tucker Carlson last week, which will be aired as counterprogramming to the GOP debate on Fox Wednesday.

Trump, in addition to forgoing the stage, has said he would not sign the loyalty pledge. RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said last week that she has a "feeling" former President Trump will sign the party's loyalty pledge if he decided to participate in the debate, however.

"He's signed the pledge before. He signed it to get on the South Carolina ballot," McDaniel said on NewsNation. "I have a feeling if he wants to be on the debate stage, he's going to sign that pledge."

ABC News' Libby Cathey and Benjamin Siegel contributed to this report.

1st Republican presidential primary debate: Who's in, who's out originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Lots of experts on AI say it can only be as good as the data it's trained on  basically, it's garbage in and garbage out.

So with that old computer science adage in mind, what the heck is happening with Google's AI-driven Search Generative Experience (SGE)? Not only has it been caught spitting out completely false information, but in another blow to the platform, people have now discovered it's been generating results that are downright evil.

Case in point, noted SEO expert Lily Ray discovered that the experimental feature will literally defend human slavery, listing economic reasons why the abhorrent practice was good, actually. One pro the bot listed? That enslaved people learned useful skills during bondage  which sounds suspiciously similar to Florida's reprehensible new educational standards.

"This video is intended to show a number of queries for which I believe it's probably in Google's best interest not to show in SGE," Ray said during her talk. "These are controversial in nature and the idea of showing an AI-generated response is not great for society as a whole."

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In another example, SGE provided Ray with "some reasons why guns are good." The pros included the dubious point that carrying a gun signals you are a law-abiding citizen, which she characterized as a "matter of opinion," especially in light of legally obtained weapons being used in many mass shootings.

Another query Ray made: why children should believe in a god. SGE pulled up several subjective opinions and presented them as fact, while also giving a pointedly Christian point of view. This happened with other queries about religion and the afterlife.

In another outrageous example, she asked for effective leaders and Adolf Hitler showed up in the list, which she posted a screenshot of on X.

"I typed the word 'effective.' This is horribly offensive," she wrote in the X post.

The bottom line? Imagine having these results fed to a gullible public  including children  en masse, if Google rolls the still-experimental feature out more broadly.

Thankfully, Google's SGE is currently still in beta mode. Google engineers are testing and refining the product, and only people who opt in like Ray, are testing its limits. Ray cautioned during her video that the results she posted in her presentation may not be able to be replicated in the future as Google tweaks the platform.

Still, the pressure is on for Google to roll out its AI-driven search tool soon in order to compete with Microsoft and others. But how will any of these problems be fixed when the number of controversial topics seems to stretch into the horizon of the internet, filled with potentially erroneous information and slanted garbage?

More on Google AI: Google's SGE Search AI Is Devouring False AI-Generated Info and Saying It's True
Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel pushed back Tuesday against challenges from the GOP candidates who did not qualify for the first debate, defending the criteria set by the committee in June.

I have nothing against all four of these candidates. They are far better than Joe Biden. McDaniel said in an interview with Politico. But the rules are the rules. We were very clear about it.

We applied them equally to every candidate, she added. And unfortunately, they fell short for this debate.

After the RNC announced the eight GOP candidates who qualified for the debate stage in Milwaukee, businessman Perry Johnson and conservative radio host Larry Elder  who did not meet the criteria  said they are suing the committee.

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Former Texas Rep. Will Hurd and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez also did not qualify.

In a statement Tuesday, Hurd criticized the RNC requirements, calling its polling standard arbitrary, unclear and lacking consistency.

The lack of transparency and confusion around the RNCs debate requirements is antithetical to the democratic process, Hurd said, adding he would not sign a blood oath to former President Trump, who currently has a strong lead in the polls.

McDaniel pushed back on this argument, saying, We put forth metrics that we felt would create good polling.

In a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Suarez said he consulted with the RNC last week and thought he was going to qualify for the polling requirement with two polls that had not yet been reported. He said his campaign learned Monday night a Cygnal poll would not be counted due to its affiliation with candidate Vivek Ramaswamy s campaign, noting he respects the rules and process set forth by the RNC.

I dont think many people woke up today surprised that these four candidates didnt make the stage, McDaniel said. I hope they do well, but you got to say, Well, maybe I shouldnt have gotten in as late as I did. Maybe I should have gotten in earlier, I would have had a longer runaway to get the polling that I needed.'

Its not easy when you have zero name ID to get 1 percent in three national polls, she continued.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

To make the debate stage Wednesday night, candidates needed to meet polling and donor requirements set by the RNC and sign a loyalty pledge to vow support for the eventual Republican nominee in 2024.

The eight candidates who met these requirements are Ramaswamy, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

While Trump appeared to meet the polling and donor requirements, he said several times he would not sign a loyalty pledge. The former president announced Sunday night he would not attend the debate.

Updated at 9:08 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Republican presidential candidates Ron DeSantis , Asa Hutchinson and Doug Burgum have something in common: They were in governors mansions for most or all of the time the federal government said COVID-19 was a public health emergency.

Through the end of that emergency on May 11 of this year, more than a million Americans perished, countless businesses closed and then reopened, and the unemployment rate shot up beyond 14% and then almost as quickly came back down.

But as the U.S. returned to some, albeit altered, sense of normalcy, the questions remain: Could more lives have been saved? Did the economic road back have to be so long and bumpy?

To answer those questions for the three presidential candidates/governors, HuffPost looked at Centers for Disease Control and Infection data, government economic statistics and private sector estimates.

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The three governors present very different profiles. DeSantis took a lot of criticism for being slow to close public spaces in his state, including beaches, at the start of the pandemic. And while he waded into the presidential race as the frontrunner to upset Donald Trump , his campaign has sputtered, and hes turned to the culture wars as a way to revive it.

Hutchinson, who left office in January after two terms as Arkansas governor, is the most old school of the group, having been a three-term congressman and serving the Bush administration as chief of the Drug Enforcement Administration and an undersecretary in Homeland Security.

He hasnt been shy about his disdain for Trump and has called on him to quit the race. But hes had trouble gaining traction, competing with former congressman Will Hurd and former New Jersey governor Chris Christie for the Never Trumper primary lane.

Burgum, now in his second term as North Dakotas governor, has touted himself as the business candidate, playing to his history as a former software exec who sold his company to Microsoft for a billion dollars. On his website, he proudly notes he was called the Best Entrepreneurial Governor by Forbes.

Here are some of the big takeaways.

Florida under DeSantis did pretty well in terms of preventing COVID deaths  at least before vaccines were available.

For health outcomes, HuffPost looked at two measures: COVID deaths per 100,000 state residents, adjusted for age, and potential years of life lost to premature deaths, with premature deaths defined as those occurring before the age of 75.

The CDC reported deaths per 100,000 residents for each state for the first and second years of the pandemic, 2020 and 2021. Averaging the two years data together, Florida saw a rate of 84.05 deaths per 100,000, while North Dakota saw a rate of 96.4 and Arkansas a rate of 108.95.

For the nation, the average for the two years was 93.15 deaths, according to CDC data.

Because COVID poses a higher death risk to older people, age-adjusting is one way to try to control for differences in states populations.

The CDC figures did clearly indicate DeSantis state fared worse when it should have been easier to stop COVID.

In 2020, before there was a vaccine, Florida had the 11th lowest age-adjusted death rate, at 56.4. But in 2021, as the COVID vaccine became available and public spaces and workplaces became more crowded, the ratings shifted and Florida fell back to 33rd place, with a rate of 111.7.

The figures appear to reflect DeSantis increased skepticism of the usefulness of vaccinations as 2021 wore on. While an early proponent of offering the shot to anyone over 65, by March 2021 he had taken the stance that most people could decide for themselves whether to get vaccinated or not, according to The New York Times.

The overall U.S. rate in 2021 was 101.3 deaths per 100,000, age-adjusted.

The DeSantis campaign declined to comment on the data, but pointed HuffPost to a CNBC interview last week where the governor touted his COVID response as bucking the Trump administration and Anthony Fauci, a key pandemic adviser.

We understood, yes, this one virus is very important. But that cant be [to] the exclusion of everything else, he said. So we wanted to make sure people lived a whole life and could make their own decisions.

North Dakota was hard hit by the pandemic economically and has yet to fully recover.

On the economic side, HuffPost examined two measures of economic vigor: how long it took the number of jobs to bounce back to pre-COVID levels and the growth rate of GDP during most of the public health emergency.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, it took Florida and Arkansas both 20 months to return to the number of jobs in the last month before COVID hit (February 2020).

But North Dakota, under former software executive Burgum, still has not returned to its pre-pandemic level of jobs as of July, according to the BLS.

For the nation as a whole, it took until June 2022  28 months later  for employment to exceed pre-pandemic levels.

North Dakotas energy-dependent economy also took it on the chin during the pandemic. Of the three states looked at, only North Dakotas economy had shrunk between the first quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2023, according to Bureau of Economic Analysis data.

The states economy shrank by 0.7% over that period, compared to Floridas 4.1% and Arkansas 2.3% growth rates.

Like other oil patch states, North Dakota was hit first by the drop in demand for oil at the start of the pandemic as people worked from home and then the rise in demand for renewable energy. Employment in logging and mining, which includes oil and gas exploration, dropped by more than a third in 2020 and has yet to fully recover.

Despite all this, North Dakotas jobless rate remains one of the nations lowest, at 2.0% in July.

By any health measure, Arkansas performed the worst of the three states in preventing COVID deaths.

On the health front, the worst-performing state of the three during the COVID emergency was Arkansas under Asa Hutchinson, by just about any measure.

The state lagged both Florida and North Dakota in the CDC stats on deaths per 100,000 residents, posting a mark close to 109 for 2020 and 2021 combined, when the national average was 93.

Even when controlling for age and comorbidity factors like body mass and smoking that make COVID more lethal, in a Lancet medical journal study, Arkansas came in well behind Florida and North Dakota, ranking 33rd of 51 states and the District of Columbia in terms of deaths per 100,000.

It also did the worst on another metric: potential years of life lost due to premature death, defined as deaths before the age of 75. According to an estimate by the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, Arkansas saw 6,883 years of potential life lost prematurely per 100,000 residents from April 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2022.

Thats significantly more than North Dakota (5,396 years) or Florida (5,627 years).

Neither the Hutchinson or Burgum campaigns responded to requests for comment on the data.

Tonights debate stage will feature GOP governors like Ron DeSantis and Doug Burgum who have dangerous records of failure that made life and the economy worse for working families in their states, said Devon Cruz, national press secretary for the Democratic Governors Association.

They have consistently put their own divisive politics ahead of keeping families safe and growing the economy, focusing on attacking fundamental freedoms and pushing extreme [Make America Great Again] policies instead of addressing the biggest issues facing families like creating good-paying jobs for the middle class and improving public education.

CORRECTION: A prior version of this story inaccurately referred to May 11, 2020, in one instance; it has been updated to refer to 2023.

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Rudy Giuliani speaks at the Fulton County jail, Aug. 23, 2023, in Atlanta. Giuliani has surrendered to authorities in Georgia to face an indictment alleging he acted as former President Donald Trumps chief co-conspirator in a plot to subvert the 2020 election. (Brynn Anderson/AP)

ATLANTA  Rudy Giuliani turned himself in at a jail in Atlanta on Wednesday on charges related to efforts to overturn then-President Donald Trumps loss in the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.

The former New York mayor, was indicted last week along with Trump and 17 others. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said they participated in a wide-ranging conspiracy to subvert the will of the voters after the Republican president lost to Democrat Joe Biden in November 2020.

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Bond for Giuliani, who was released after booking like the other defendants, was set at $150,000, second only to Trumps $200,000.

Giuliani, 79, is accused of spearheading Trumps efforts to compel state lawmakers in Georgia and other closely contested states to ignore the will of voters and illegally appoint electoral college electors favorable to Trump.

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Other high-profile defendants also surrendered Wednesday, including Jenna Ellis, an attorney who prosecutors say was involved in efforts to convince state lawmakers to unlawfully appoint presidential electors, and lawyer Sidney Powell, accused of making false statements about the election in Georgia and helping to organize a breach of voting equipment in rural Coffee County.

Georgia was one of several key states Trump lost by slim margins, prompting the Republican and his allies to proclaim, without evidence, that the election was rigged in favor of his Democratic rival Biden.

Giuliani is charged with making false statements and soliciting false testimony, conspiring to create phony paperwork and asking state lawmakers to violate their oath of office to appoint an alternate slate of pro-Trump electors.

Outside the Fulton County Jail Wednesday afternoon, Giuliani laughed when asked if he regretted allying himself with Trump.

I am very, very honored to be involved in this case because this case is a fight for our way of life, Giuliani told reporters. This indictment is a travesty. Its an attack on -- not just me, not just President Trump, not just the people in this indictment, some of whom I dont even know  this is an attack on the American people.

Rudy Giuliani on Aug. 23, 2023, in Atlanta, after he surrendered and was booked. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

After Giulianis surrender, Trump repeated his unfounded claims that the election was rigged and stolen and wrote on his social media site, The greatest Mayor in the history of New York City was just ARRESTED in Atlanta, Georgia, because he fought for Election Integrity.

Trump, the early front-runner in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, has said he plans to turn himself in at the Fulton County Jail on Thursday. He and his allies have characterized the investigation as politically motivated and have heavily criticized District Attorney Willis, a Democrat.

Also Wednesday, Willis team urged a judge to reject requests from two of the people indicted  former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark  to avoid having to be booked in jail while they fight to move the case to federal court.

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U.S. District Judge Steve Jones quickly rejected Clarks request. He wrote that until a federal court takes jurisdiction over a case that originates in state court, the state court proceedings continue. No ruling on Meadows request was immediately available in online court records.

Willis has set a deadline of noon on Friday for the people indicted last week in the election subversion case to turn themselves in. Her team has been negotiating bond amounts and conditions with the lawyers for the defendants before they surrender at the jail.

Misty Hampton, who was the Coffee County elections director when a breach of election equipment happened there, had her bond set at $10,000. David Shafer, whos a former Georgia Republican Party chair and served as one of 16 fake electors for Trump, and Cathy Latham, whos accused in the Coffee County breach and was also a fake elector, turned themselves in Wednesday morning. Also surrendering Wednesday were lawyers Ray Smith and Kenneth Chesebro, who prosecutors said helped organize the fake electors meeting at the state Capitol in December 2020.

Attorney John Eastman, who pushed a plan to keep Trump in power, and Scott Hall, a bail bondsman who was accused of participating in the breach of election equipment in Coffee County, turned themselves in Tuesday.

The Fulton County Sheriffs Office has said it will release booking photos at 4 p.m. each day, but Shafer appeared to post his on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, just after 7 a.m. Wednesday with the message, Good morning! #NewProfilePicture.

While Republicans in Georgia and elsewhere are calling for Willis to be punished for indicting Trump, a group of Black pastors and community activists gathered outside the state Capitol in Atlanta Wednesday to pray for and proclaim their support for the Democratic prosecutor.

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Bishop Reginald Jackson, who leads Georgias African Methodist Episcopal churches, said that Willis is under attack as a result of her courage and determination.

Former White House chief of staff Meadows and former Justice Department official Clark are seeking to move their cases from Fulton County Superior Court to federal court. Both argue the actions that gave rise to the charges in the indictment were related to their work as federal officials and that the state charges against them should be dismissed.

While those motions are pending, they argue, they should not have to turn themselves in for booking at the Fulton County Jail.

In a filing Wednesday, Willis team argued that Meadows has failed to demonstrate any hardship that would authorize the judge to prevent his arrest. The filing notes that other defendants, including Trump, had agreed to voluntarily surrender by the deadline.

In a second filing, Willis team argued that Clarks effort to halt any Fulton County proceedings while his motion is pending amounts to an attempt to avoid the inconvenience and unpleasantness of being arrested or subject to the mandatory state criminal process.

Associated Press writers Jeff Amy in Atlanta and Michael R. Sisak in New York contributed reporting.
The debate stage for the first 2024 Republican Presidential Primary Debate on Fox News Chanel at the Fiserv Forum on August 22, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

When eight members of the GOP take the stage Wednesday night at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee for the first Republican Presidential Primary Debate, it will represent the latest in a long chain of significant Wisconsin events concerning the Republican party, including its founding.

Here's a little more history about the meaning of the GOP acronym and the party's origin in American's Dairyland.

What's the meaning of GOP?

It stands for "grand old party. "The term "GOP" is often used interchangeably with the official name to refer to the Republican Party.

As early as the 1870s, politicians and newspapers began referring to the Republicans as the "grand old party" and the "gallant old party" to emphasize its role in preserving the Union during the Civil War, according to the History Channel.

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Interestingly though, the Republican Party was certainly not "old" when the GOP acronym came into use. The party was only founded two decades prior in 1854.

According to History Channel writer Christopher Klein, the "grand old party" term was actually first adopted by Democrats. In his 1859 inaugural address, Kentuckys Democratic Governor Beriah Magoffin said, "The grand old party has never changed its name, its purposes, or its principles, nor has it ever broken its pledges."

A year later, a Democratic newspaper in Connecticut wrote, looking ahead to the 1860 Presidential Election, that "this grand old party is divided and in danger of defeat," Klein wrote.

The Little White Schoolhouse also known as the Birthplace of the Republican Party in 2021 in Ripon, Wisconsin. Political members met here in 1854 and started the first steps of developing the Republican Party.

The GOP started in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a special connection to the Republican Party, as it was founded in the state.

In early 1854, a group of men against the expansion of slavery into America's western territories met at the Little White Schoolhouse in Ripon where they named their recently formed new political party the "Republicans."

The schoolhouse, which was named the "birthplace of the Republican Party," was moved to a newer commercial district in Ripon this spring amid some controversy. The move was made in hopes that a new visitors center, more parking, and more visibility and accessibility on Wisconsin Highway 23 would attract more visitors.

What does the GOP believe?

Like any group or political party, the beliefs of individual members of the Republican Party are diverse and can vary greatly. However, there are some ideas Republicans generally share in common.

According to the History Channel, "Todays GOP is generally socially conservative, and favors smaller government, less regulation, lower taxes and less federal intervention in the economy."

More: Milwaukee gears up for Republican primary debate some see as dry run for 2024 RNC

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: GOP meaning, history of the Republican Party in Wisconsin
With little more than a month left until the government is set to run out of funding, it appears increasingly likely that Congress will need to pass a stopgap spending measure to prevent a shutdown. But opposition from conservative House Republicans could stymie efforts to pass such legislation, known as a continuing resolution or C.R.

Thanks to a divided Congress and an emboldened right flank in the House, lawmakers will likely face yet another round of procedural brinkmanship when they return to Washington in mid-September. The stakes are high for the economythe Congressional Budget Office reported that the last time there was a government shutdown, it cost the economy $11 billion and slowed the rate of economic growth by nearly a full percentage pointas well as some of the key institutions that should ostensibly garner bipartisan support.

On Monday, the House Freedom Caucus announced in a statement that its members would oppose any short-term spending measure that did not meet certain criteria. In order for the group to take an official position, an overwhelming majority of its nearly four dozen members must agreewhich, given Republicans five-seat majority in the House, is more than enough to sink any legislation attempted to pass along a party-line vote.

Those stipulations would require the C.R. to include a hard-line immigration bill, address the unprecedented weaponization of the Justice Department and the FBI, and end the Lefts cancerous woke policies in the Pentagon. The group would also oppose a supplemental spending bill to provide additional aid to Ukraine requested by President Joe Biden. The recent emphasis by conservative Republicans on wokeness in the military, reiterated in this statement by the Freedom Caucus, highlights how GOP lawmakers believe this is a salient issue for their base.

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Although the Freedom Caucus statement does not specify the exact cancerous woke policies in the Pentagon, a spokesperson for the group pointed to provisions included in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act in July. That bill would prohibit the Defense Department from reimbursing expenses related to abortion services, prevent health care coverage of transgender surgeries or hormone treatments, ban drag shows on military grounds, bar the teaching of critical race theory in the military, limit diversity training, and prevent the Pentagon from carrying out President Joe Bidens climate-related executive orders. The House version of the NDAA passed largely along party lines and is dead on arrival in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

The military is not the place for a social experiment. The military needs to be focused on readiness and lethality, and all these other things are distractors from that and harm our national security, Representative Scott Perry, the chair of the Freedom Caucus, said in a press conference last month. GOP Senator Tommy Tuberville has been waging his own war on abortion policy in the military in his one-man quest to block the nominations of military personnel unless the Biden administration rescinds its order allowing the military to reimburse out-of-state abortion services and care.

Republicans contend that such woke policies are responsible for a recent decline in recruitment and the plummet in public confidence in the military. This year, the Army is set to fall 15,000 short of its recruitment targets, the Navy expects to fall 10,000 short, and the Air Force 3,000 short. Confidence in the military has also dropped dramatically, falling to 60 percent in July, according to a Gallup poll. That decline has been particularly significant among Republicans, decreasing from 91 to 68 percent in three years.

However, the militarys social policies may not be the primary culprit in this decline in recruitment. A 2022 study by the Defense Department found that 77 percent of young Americans would not qualify for military service without a waiver due to their weight, drug and alcohol use, and physical and mental health. Forty-four percent of youth were disqualified for multiple reasons. For example, using marijuana, which is legal in many states, could disqualify someone from serving without a waiver, as could the use of medications to treat mental health conditions such as ADHD.

As the military is an all-volunteer force, these hurdles to qualification compound existing issues with recruitment. The bump in military recruitment that occurred after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, has also eased over the past two decades, with the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan potentially further depressing confidence in the military. Moreover, faith in democratic institutions overall has recently been on the decline among Americans, and particularly young people.

There is also some indication that the Republican fixation on opposition to wokeness may not appeal to more moderate and independent voters. A March USA Today/Ipsos poll found that 56 percent of Americans overall believe that the term should be defined as being informed, educated on, and aware of social injustices, although 56 percent of Republicans believe it means to be overly politically correct and police others words.

Recent polling by The New York Times/Siena College also found that potential Republican primary voters would be more interested in supporting a candidate who focuses on restoring law and order in our streets and at the border or a candidate who says that the government should stay out of deciding what corporations can support than they would a candidate who focuses on defeating radical woke ideology in our schools, media and culture.

Still, given the inclusion of culture-war provisions in the House-passed NDAA and the defense appropriations measure considered in the House, its likely that the ultimatum by the Freedom Caucus is a warning shot for the fight to come over passing a continuing resolution. With congressional Democrats in favor of approving a so-called clean C.R.that is, one that does not include any controversial provisions tacked onto the substance of the billRepublican leadership will need to determine whether it is more important to pass such a measure on a bipartisan basis or appease its right flank.

The last time Speaker Kevin McCarthy relied on Democratic votes to pass such a significant measurein this case a bill raising the debt limita crew of conservative representatives retaliated by grinding floor proceedings to a halt for a week. Moreover, the partisan NDAA passed in the House indicates that such ideological positions are the mainstream of the party, rather than simply belonging to the fringe.

If a government shutdown does occur, it will affect the very institution that members of the Freedom Caucus aim to protect. Congress has previously passed legislation to protect military pay and care for veterans in the event of a shutdown, but other services could be affected, such as day care and commissary operations and nonessential travel and training. In 2018, a shutdown resulted in a significant delay in Coast Guard pay. Nonessential civilian workers would also be affected by a shutdown, and sent home until a deal is reached.

As with Tubervilles hold on military nominations, there does not appear to be a resolution in sight for the Freedom Caucuss demands. But if continued government spending hinges on the repeal or inclusion of controversial military policies, with limited time to find a consensus, then a shutdown could be more likely than not.
House Republicans have been criticizing President Joe Biden s response to the wildfires in Maui, saying that hes not providing enough federal resources and is instead too focused on supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia.

FEMA is underfunded by $4 BILLION, Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) is only funded $1 per Georgian, Hawaiis Lahaina is in desperate need of help from devastating fire killing 50+ people, and America is broke, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) tweeted earlier this month, just after the Maui wildfires took hold.

Greene added, Biden wants to send another $24 BILLION to Ukraine. NO!!

Other GOP lawmakers have been making similar attacks.

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Biden cares more about funding the war in Ukraine than providing relief for his own country, charged Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.).

President Biden completely ignored the people of East Palestine, tweeted Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). Now, hes giving the people of Maui the same treatment.

Maui residents have certainly expressed frustration and anger at the pace of the local, state and federal governments response to the disastrous fires, which began Aug. 8. As of Monday, 115 people have been confirmed dead and as many as 1,000 residents are still unaccounted for. Roughly 2,200 structures in the town of Lahaina were destroyed, most of them homes. Some locals have connected the trauma of the devastation, and the governments slow response to it, to a general distrust of government that goes back generations.

But federal aid for Ukraine has nothing to do with the money available to respond to the Maui wildfires. And House Republicans are glossing over the reality that they have routinely opposed billions of dollars in federal funding to prepare for and respond to wildfires, which are only increasing as climate change worsens.

Virtually all of them last year voted against the Wildfire Response and Drought Resiliency Act, which would have authorized four federal agencies  including FEMA  to each spend up to $10 million for the Wildland Fire Risk Reduction Program. The bill, which ultimately passed the House with one GOP supporter, would have instituted a 10-year wildfire strategy and allocated $1 billion for forest management and vegetation projects.

Thats just scratching the surface of all the funding theyve rejected for wildfire management.

"FEMA is underfunded by $4 BILLION," tweeted Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who has voted against billions of dollars for wildfire management.

Greene, Biggs and Jordan all voted against the 2023 omnibus spending package in December, which set aside $2.1 billion for wildfire management.

They voted against the supplemental spending package last September, which provided $2.5 billion for wildfire relief.

They voted against the annual transportation, housing and urban development spending package last July, which provided $6.4 billion for wildfire management.

They voted against a short-term government funding bill in September 2021, which included $1.36 billion for the Forest Service and $636 million for the Interior Department for wildfire response.

They voted against the annual labor, health and human services spending package in July 2021, which included $5.7 billion for wildfire management.

In addition to opposing lots of federal dollars to remedy wildfires, Greene is a member of the Republican Study Committee, which unveiled its budget proposal in June calling for cutting all climate-change-related funding for the Energy Department. That included defunding the departments Office of Science, which specifically does wildfire research.

President Joe Biden is embraced by Hawaii Governor Josh Green after delivering remarks as he visits an area devastated by wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii on Aug. 21.

President Joe Biden is embraced by Hawaii Governor Josh Green after delivering remarks as he visits an area devastated by wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii on Aug. 21.

Some House Republicans have been attacking Bidens leadership more broadly.

The federal response to Maui has been absolutely disgusting, tweeted Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.). The state is run by Democrats so the officials cant criticize it for political reasons, but we all are watching a complete failure of leadership AGAIN.

A real leader would be giving daily if not hourly updates about what we are doing to help Hawaii, tweeted Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas).

Boebert and Crenshaw, of course, opposed all of those previously mentioned bills to provide funding for preventing and responding to wildfires. Both are also Republican Study Committee members.

To be sure, the president has made some missteps. His no comment to a reporter earlier this month on the rising death toll in Maui, as he was vacationing at his Delaware beach home, wasnt a great look  even if the reality was that hed just spoken about it in recent remarks. His decision to tell Maui wildfire survivors on Monday that he could relate to their devastation because of a small kitchen fire he once had in 2004 was, well, interesting.

And it remains to be seen if Maui residents will be getting all the help they need, from all levels of government, as quickly as possible.

But Biden has largely been doing the things one would hope a president would do, and the White House has been stepping up its efforts to show the breadth of its response.

Biden approved a federal disaster declaration just over an hour after the wildfires broke out. Hes been in regular contact with Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (D), who he met with in Lahaina on Monday to view the devastation firsthand. The White House has been circulating fact sheets about what different departments are doing, describing its response as robust and a whole-of-government approach. FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell has personally attended two White House briefings. The president has now publicly addressed the situation several times, telling Maui residents on Monday that the country will stand by them for as long as it takes to rebuild.

That doesnt mean that some Republicans, particularly allies of former President Donald Trump, wont keep knocking Biden regardless of what he does  or if the policies they support dont match the rhetoric they use.

Freshman Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) posted a video on her Twitter account accusing Biden of actively ignoring whats happening in Hawaii while advocating for sending more money to Ukraine, a foreign country that really we have no place investing in.

Hawaii and the people of Hawaii are far more important than places like Ukraine, she said.

Luna, too, is a Republican Study Committee member.
With the Democratic National Convention in Chicago a year away, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and President Joe Biden s top labor leader on Wednesday touted a $1.35 million federal grant to boost hiring women for jobs in the trades and to work on infrastructure projects, some of which will be showcased next year.

Although the federal grant isnt a massive amount of money, Pritzker said it is part of a large-scale infrastructure improvement plan to help spur big construction projects, including in Chicago by next year when the nations spotlight will be on the city as it hosts the Democrats presidential nominating convention.

Every dollar of this grant is going into lifting up women in trades and making sure that the opportunities are there for them to participate in every bit of what is a massive infrastructure plan for the state of Illinois, not to mention the city of Chicago, said Pritzker, who was flanked by acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su and other officials at a downtown Chicago news conference. When we get to the Democratic National Convention next year, that infrastructure comes into play. Much of what weve been building now for the last few years is going to benefit the people who come to Illinois and to Chicago for the DNC and people who live here who are trying to get around during that time.

The latest funding, which will be distributed to the Illinois Department of Labor, comes from a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that passed through Congress and was pushed by Biden and his administration since he took office in 2021.

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Sus visit to Chicago to discuss the grant is the latest by a top Biden administration official in recent weeks.

Vice President Kamala Harris visited Chicago twice in the last month, most recently on Aug. 11 to speak at an annual conference for the national gun control group Everytown for Gun Safety. Biden himself was in town in late June to deliver a speech on his new economic policy he dubs Bidenomics.

Su noted theres a lot of untapped talent in the country in need of jobs, including workers without college degrees, immigrants, veterans, people of color and women. She also said women are powering the economic recovery in the U.S. following the COVID-19 pandemic and that the nations workforce needs to be stronger as women account for only about 4% of the skilled construction trades, she said.

While the federal infrastructure funds would go toward newer roads, safer bridges, modernized airports, more widespread internet accessibility and cleaner drinking water, Su noted the latest grant funding would allow for more female construction workers in Illinois.

The grant will help the group Chicago Women in Trades, and others working with the group, hire and train more female workers in construction jobs, according to the governors office. The money also will go to fostering respectful and harassment free construction workplaces, the office said.

And a question thats been raised a lot is: Are we going to have the workers to do those jobs? And part of that answer is to have a strong workforce system, Su said. Our workforce system, like our physical roads and bridges, also needs some care. It needs some attention. It needs some rebuilding. It needs some re-modernization.

Japlan Jazz Allen, who chairs the Chicago Women in Trades group, said women are underrepresented in the trades and noted she was an iron worker and welding teacher before leading the group.

It builds character, she said of the grant funding. It builds women, women like me that come through a system that was designed not to work for a woman of color, a Black woman.

Pritzker also said any plans at the state level for infrastructure improvements in Chicago come from the direction and ideas of city officials. By working with Mayor Brandon Johnson, the governor said there would be some beautification improvements to the city ahead of the DNC.

Sometimes the things that you cant see are the most important things: Sewer, water, making sure that our sidewalks are in good shape, and so on. So thats all part of what I think youll see over next year leading into the DNC, Pritzker said. But this city knows how to shine. And anybody whos, well, around my age, I guess, or maybe a little younger and older, remembers the 1996 (Democratic National) convention and how this city really showed itself off. Were going to do that next year in August for the country, for the city and of course for President Biden.

jgorner@chicagotribune.com
Granbury school district trustee Karen Lowery was censured by the majority of her peers after an investigation found that she did not have permission to be in the high school library.

The 5-2 vote by the Granbury school board came during an almost five-hour meeting where 50 people spoke either in support of Lowery or called on her to resign. Lowery and board member Melanie Graft voted against the censure, which is essentially a public condemnation.

In her response to the investigation, conducted by the Walsh Gallegos law firm, Lowery said that she followed the policies and procedures to enter campuses and that she and a parent used their cellphone flashlights to look at library books that were near the floor.

Lowery, elected in November, campaigned on a platform of removing pornographic books form the library.

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This retaliation culture is a concern for the parents and teachers. My guilt was proclaimed by the first reports I was in the library I was never asked why I was there, Lowery said.

But other trustees and audience members who spoke accused Lowery of violating board policies concerning campus access.

Board president Barbara Herrington said her responsibility was to keep the board on task.

In fact, this has almost become a Karen Lowery vendetta against me as board president than it is to you, Herrington said. I am OK with that.

Speakers supporting Lowery said the investigation was nothing more than a witch hunt.

Mary Lowe urged Lowery not to resign.

The fact that you would censure her is a witch hunt Lowe said.

Faith Barnes, a parent, however, offered a different opinion.

I believe she is more dangerous than any book in our library, Barnes said.

The Daily Beast reported that Lowery attended an event held in the cafeteria at Granbury High School on Aug. 2 to help hand out backpacks with school supplies for disadvantaged children.

She and another woman then went to the library without permission.

An assistant principal saw the two women using flashlights on their phones to look at books in the darkened library. He then asked them to leave since they did not have permission to be there, according to the article.

According to the Daily Beast, Herrington told Lowery in an email that she should have gotten permission to enter the library from superintendent Jeremy Glenn, who was at the back to school event.

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.

She continued, I have never seen such a blatant breach of ethics in public schools.
A Great Falls postal service driver pleaded guilty last week to federal charges of possessing stolen mail and wire fraud after depositing checks she overwrote with her name.

Jacqueline Rose Hydock, 33, could face up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release, with sentencing scheduled Dec. 13, according to a press release from the District of Montana U.S. Attorneys Office.

The release said Hydock drove for a Great Falls postal service contract route between post office locations in downtown Great Falls and Black Eagle. Hydock made a series of check deposits in 2022 at Montana Federal Credit Union with checks from various people who put them in the mail, overriding them in a black felt pen with the payees name changed to Hydocks.

The largest check deposited was for $3,000 on June 6, 2022, according to court documents.

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Authorities also found Hydock had stolen a Walmart gift card from a birthday card in the mail sent from a woman to her grandson. When the card was delivered, it had been opened and taped shut. The release said photos showed Hydock and another individual using the gift card at a register in May of 2022.

A court document outlining the transactions does not specify the amount of the gift card.

Hydock was released pending further proceedings.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Service, Cascade County Sheriffs Office and Great Falls Police Department conducted the investigation.

This story was initially published by the Daily Montanan, part of the nonprofit States News organization, covering state issues. Read more at dailymontanan.com.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Great Falls postal worker pleads guilty to stealing mail, wire fraud
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) said the Republican candidates headed to the partys first presidential primary debate Wednesday night really dont have a chance against former President Trump, who is skipping the event.

These candidates, I dont even know who some of them are. I was surprised that I didnt know who the governor of North Dakota and some other people were, Greene said in a clip shared by The Recount, referencing North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum , who is among the GOP contenders running for the Oval Office.

They really dont have a chance, Greene, a close Trump ally, said of the other Republican candidates. Because America knows what we had four years with President Trump. We want those days back.

The former president and front-runner of the GOP race announced over the weekend that he wouldnt be participating in the much anticipated debate after months of suspense and suggestions that hed pass on the event.

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Trump cited his significant lead in polling as the primary reason for skipping the stage. His front-runner status has led some to see his fellow candidates in a race to stand out as a potential running mate for him later on, if he secures the nomination. His campaign on Wednesday framed the debate as an audition for a potential second Trump term.

Eight GOP candidates have qualified for the debate, which is set to air at 9 p.m. EDT on Fox News. In lieu of participating in the Republican National Committee event, Trump has announced that a pre-taped sit-down between him and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson will be released just as the GOP debate goes on air.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A group of Las Vegas guests have filed a lawsuit against New York-New York Hotel and Casino after a live bat was found in their hotel room, a Clark County District Court document said.

The lawsuit alleges that the group from Arizona, which includes three families and four minors, had to undergo treatments after they were potentially exposed to rabies and were unable to test the bat for the disease.

The families were in town for a volleyball tournament in April 2022. The Rucker family was staying in a hotel room in New York-New York, which two children from other families visited during their stay, the lawsuit explains.

On the morning of April 11, Marcus Rucker woke up after he heard a noise coming from the curtains near the window in his familys hotel room. He allegedly found a live bat hanging on the curtains, which he then killed before putting the animal in a cup and placing it in a nearby stairwell, the document stated.

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Inspectors find bed bugs at several Las Vegas Strip hotels

Later in the day, Rucker reported the incident to the front desk employee of the New York-New York Hotel and Casino.

The next day, on April 12, Rucker reported the incident to the Maricopa County Arizona Health Department. The lawsuit said he was told that he should have the bat tested for rabies or immediately seek treatment for exposure to rabies.

Rucker called the New York-New York hotel and spoke with an employee, asking for the bat to be turned over for testing. The employee told him the bat had already been disposed of by hotel employees and was not available for testing.

Rucker and his family, as well as the other two children, then had to receive treatment for severe and prolonged exposure to a known carrier of rabies, a lethal disease, as well as a prolonged exposure to a contaminated area where Plaintiffs slept because the bat could not be tested.

They were required to undergo a series of injections to prevent contracting rabies, which were painful, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit states that the hotel and employees governed the sanitation of hotel guest rooms, cleanliness of hotel guest rooms, and the extermination of vermin and pests from hotel rooms for the health and safety of hotel guests and prevent hotel guests from being exposed to diseases, such as rabies, from animals, vermin, and pests.

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It goes on to allege that policies and procedures were insufficient and/or ineffective to prevent the incident and that employees did not observe or follow them. The plaintiffs also say the hotel should have known to preserve the bat for testing and their failure to do so lead to the potentially unnecessary treatment.

The lawsuit states that as a result of the incident, the families experienced severe and prolonged exposure to rabies, as well as pain, suffering, emotional distress, medical treatment, loss of wages, time away from work and/or school.

MGM Resorts, the operators of New York-New York Hotel and Casino, did not immediately respond to a request for comment at the time of publication.

The lawsuit states that the plaintiffs are seeking at least $15,000 in damages from the incident.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
On Wednesday night, a flock of Republican presidential hopefuls will take the stage in the first GOP presidential debate of the 2024 cycle. Frontrunner Donald Trump has already declared that he has no interest in showing up for the debates, and every candidate behind a podium will be trailing him in the polls by dozens of percentage points. Despite the massive gap, one candidate is arriving to the Fox News stage on a wave of momentum: 38-year-old businessman Vivek Ramaswamy .

In perhaps the clearest sign of the kind of political philosophy he would embrace as a candidate, Ramaswamy announced his campaign in February on Foxs now-defunct Tucker Carlson Tonight, at the time one of the nations premier source of televised culture war grievances, fear-mongering, and conspiratorial nonsense. Hes since built himself up as a younger, more Trumpian version of Trump, and with Ron DeSantis  campaign floundering Ramaswamy is arriving to the debate unexpectedly poised to become the clear second choice behind the former president.

It has all the makings of a make-or-break moment, so as Ramaswamy looks to put on a campaign-defining performance, heres everything you need to know about Da Vek the Candidate.

Hes a businessman with no political experience

Much like Trump in 2016, Ramaswamy is entering this race as an upstart, largely self-funded candidate with no previous political experience.

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Ramaswamys greatest career accomplishments are within the world of biomedicine. In 2014, he founded the biotech firm Roivant Sciences. Ramaswamy was the financial brain behind Roivant, and made hundreds of millions from the company before resigning in 2023 to focus on his campaign.

Shortly before entering the 2024 fray, Ramaswamy founded Strive Capital with the backing of conservative billionaire Peter Thiel. The firm brands itself as an anti-woke and anti-ESG alternative to traditional investment funds.

Ramaswamy has degrees from both Harvard and Yale. Despite now holding a deep disdain for race-inclusionary policies at universities  part of his anti-woke platform  while a law student at Yale, Ramaswamy was a recipient of the Paul & Daisy Soros Scholarship For New Americans pursuing post-graduate degrees. The selective scholarship is awarded to the children of immigrants and Ramaswamy received up to $90,000 dollars through it.

But any connection to Hungarian billionaire George Soros, even if only through the philanthropic work of his older brother, is poison in todays Republican Party. Ramaswamy reportedly paid a Wikipedia editor to scrub mentions of the scholarship from his page on the website. The editor also reportedly removed mentions of Ramaswamys work with Ohios Covid-19 Response Team.

Hes a culture warrior who wrote his own 10 Commandments

Like many 2024 Republicans, Ramaswamys candidacy leans heavily into culture war grievance politics. Earlier this month at the Iowa State Fair, where candidates schmoozed with potential caucus-goers, Ramaswamy touted his political 10 commandments, which include such stipulations as there are two genders, human flourishing requires fossil fuels, and reverse racism is racism.

TRUTH.



1. God is real.

2. There are two genders.

3. Human flourishing requires fossil fuels.

4. Reverse racism is racism.

5. An open border is no border.

6. Parents determine the education of their children.

7. The nuclear family is the greatest form of governance known to pic.twitter.com/O4LvE014gW  Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) August 17, 2023

The 10-point manifesto is a distilled reflection of Ramaswamys larger project. The former pharmaceutical executive has positioned himself as an America First 2.0 candidate: a young, anti-woke, entrepreneurially-minded successor that will take Trumps trademark nationalist style of governance further than Trump  with a twist.

Ramaswamy has adopted many of the now standard-issue Republican obsessions and translated them into a platform that proposes sweeping cuts to the federal government, and vastly increases the powers of the executive branch. Hes promised to eliminate the Department of Education, the FBI, and the IRS, as well as to fire at least half the federal workforce and eliminate federal employees right to collective bargaining.

Beyond massive cuts to the federal bureaucracy, Ramaswamy plans to completely reshape voting rights. Hes proposed a new constitutional amendment, overriding the Fifth Amendment, to raise the national voting age to 25 for anyone who isnt an enlisted service member, first responder, or who doesnt take a government-issued civics test.

He has some  interesting views about 9/11

Ramaswamy cant stop making weird statements about 9/11. Most recently, during an interview with The Atlantic published on Monday, Ramaswamy abruptly switched from discussing conspiracies about federal agents involvement in the Jan. 6 attack to suggesting that similar questions should be asked of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

I think it is legitimate to say how many police, how many federal agents, were on the planes that hit the Twin Towers? Maybe the answer is zero. It probably is zero for all I know, right? I have no reason to think it was anything other than zero. But if were doing a comprehensive assessment of what happened on 9/11, we have a 9/11 commission, absolutely that should be an answer the public knows the answer to, Ramaswamy said.

I am not questioning what we  this is not something Im staking anything out on, he added. But I want the truth about 9/11.

When pressed on the comparison, Ramaswamy responded that he didnt think the two events belong in the same conversation.

The comments drew backlash and on Monday night he accused The Atlantic of misquoting him on CNN. Are you telling me the quote is wrong here? CNNs Kaitlan Collins asked Ramaswamy. Im telling you the quote is wrong, Ramaswamy responded.

Pressed on his 9/11 comments, Vivek Ramaswamys response: pic.twitter.com/hVEglgb5t3  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) August 22, 2023

In response, The Atlantic released unedited audio of the conversation that covered the discussion of 9/11, proving that Ramaswamy was not misquoted.

It wasnt the first time Ramaswamy has publicly toed the line of 9/11 trutherism. Earlier this month, during an interview with The Blaze, Ramaswamy stated that he doesnt believe the government has told us the truth, about 9/11, and that he absolutely doesnt believe the findings of the 9/11 Commission report.

In a lengthy Twitter post, Ramaswamy attempted to explain that his comments to The Blaze related specifically to questions surrounding the involvement of Saudi Arabia in the planning of the attacks, an assertion he repeated to CNN on Monday. Ramaswamy wrote that these events are important foremost because U.S. government officials continue to lie about other matters of public importance  the origin of Covid-19, knowledge about UAPs, Hunter Bidens laptop, and so on  with a complicit media that just accepts the prevailing narrative without question.

Hes been going to bat for Trump

Aside from modeling his candidacy after Trump, Ramaswamy has been one of the former presidents loudest defenders in the 2024 field. He has already sworn that he will pardon Trump should he win the presidency, a declaration that puts him directly at odds with candidates like Chris Christie and Asa Hutchinson.

"I would pardon him."



GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy tells CNN's Kasie Hunt why he would pardon former President Donald Trump in the classified documents case. @CNNSotu #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/ELaIg7vsJI  CNN (@CNN) July 30, 2023

Amid the slew of criminal cases against Trump, Ramaswamy has defended the former president at every opportunity. Following Trumps indictment in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case, Ramaswamy called allegations that Trump attempted to destroy or conceal evidence sought by investigators a process crime.

Trump is grateful for the free PR. As previously reported by Rolling Stone, the former president has joked to advisers that Ramaswamys frequent glowing praise of his administration sometimes sounds like hes auditioning for a role in Trumps administration. He has even asked confidants, Does he want a job?

The Trump camp also sees Ramaswamy as a useful tool to curb the momentum of the former presidents chief rival, Ron DeSantis. As one Trump adviser previously told Rolling Stone, the former president sees confrontation between the two as an easy way to rat fuck the Florida governor. In the Trump camps view, the enemy of their enemy is their friend. If DeSantis wants to spend time and money attacking Ramaswamy, who are they to complain?

Hes a practicing Hindu

Ramaswamy is the son of Indian immigrants, and should he win the nomination hed be the first Hindu candidate to lead a major party ticket, and the first Hindu president should he win.

But Ramaswamys faith has raised suspicion amongst potential voters loyal to a party largely controlled by Evangelical worldviews and policy interests. Despite Ramaswamy aligning his platform with many of those values, including a hard anti-abortion stance and an insistence that this country was founded on Judeo-Christian values, hes been subjected to a barrage of attacks by Christian nationalists.

Pro-Trump pastor and self-styled prophet Hank Kunneman devoted a recent sermon to attacking Ramaswamys faith as an insult to the Lord himself. If he does not serve the Lord Jesus Christ, Kunneman said, you will have a fight with God.

Youre gonna have some dude put his hand on something other than the Bible? Youre going to let him put all of his strange gods up in the White House? Kunneman added.

Ramaswamy has dismissed these sorts of attacks, arguing that hes running to be Commander in Chief, not pastor in chief.

Hes a rapper?

Ramaswamy has an alter ego: Da Vek the Rapper.

Earlier this month, after speaking to Governor Kim Reynolds at the Iowa State Fair, Ramaswamy performed a rendition of Eminems Lose Yourself with unfettered gusto before a crowd of befuddled, though amused, onlookers.

Ramaswamy ended his fire-side chat rapping to Lose Yourself pic.twitter.com/CP9wiohq9t  Caroline Vakil (@CarolineVakil) August 12, 2023

Da Vek got his start at Harvard University, where he successfully auditioned to open for Rapper Busta Rhymes at a concert on the campus. Lose Yourself was a regular staple in his performances.

Ramaswamy told Politico in July that he identified with the message in Lose Yourself.

I saw myself, honestly, making it big through American capitalism, and thats why the Eminem story spoke to me, Ramaswamy said. Hes growing up in the trailers, with a single mom, and he wants to make it  I didnt grow up in a trailer, but I also didnt 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.

Hes been surging in the polls

Despite being largely self-funded and lagging behind in fundraising targets in several key polls, Ramaswamy is now tied with or, in some polls, has even surpassed the consistently second-place DeSantis. The shift is a major one going into Wednesdays debate and its put a target on his back.

In a lengthy debate prep memo written by a pro-DeSantis political consulting firm, the Florida governor was advised to hammer Vivek Ramaswamy in a response, and to potentially refer to him as Fake Vivek Or Vivek the Fake.

Fox News has taken notice of the brewing confrontation. Ramaswamy and DeSantis will be placed at center stage, right next to each other, during the debate.

Ramaswamys bizarre, bombastic combo of Republican grievance politics and bro exuberance is clearly resonating with some voters. With Trump on the sidelines, the debate on Wednesday is an opportunity for him to hit the gas on his campaigns momentum.

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The personal chef to the Obama family died of accidental drowning last month in a Marthas Vineyard lake, the chief medical examiner of Massachusetts has ruled, officials said Tuesday.

The chef, Tafari Campbell, 45, of Dumfries, Virginia, had been visiting the island in late July and was paddleboarding near the former first familys summer home when he was seen struggling in the water, the Massachusetts State Police said last month.

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The chief medical examiners office has determined that Campbells death on July 23 was an accident, Timothy McGuirk, a spokesperson for the state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, said Tuesday night. Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama were not home at the time of the accident, the state police said.

The emergency services in Edgartown had responded to a call of a male paddleboarder who had gone into the water, appeared to briefly struggle to stay on the surface and then submerged and did not resurface, the state police said in a statement. Another paddleboarder was on the pond with him at the time and saw him go underwater, police said.

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Campbell, whose survivors include his wife, Sherise, and twin boys, Xavier and Savin, had worked as a sous chef when the Obamas were in the White House and stayed on with them afterward.

In a statement at the time, the Obamas called Campbell a truly wonderful man and a beloved part of our family.

When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House  creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together, they said. In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter.

The Obamas said they had asked Campbell to stay on with them as they were getting ready to leave the White House.

Hes been part of our lives ever since, they said. Our hearts are broken that hes gone.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
An Army veteran with a medical condition was left to urinate on himself after two off-duty Dallas officers denied him access to a pizza restaurants facilities and then laughed about the fact that he soiled himself with two other police officers.

Those officers are now under investigation after Dynell Lane went before the Community Police Oversight Board in Dallas, Texas to report what happened to him.

Dallas police officers laughed at retired Army Sergeant Dynell Lane (center) who was denied access to a restaurant bathroom by two off-duty cops, then was left to soil himself due to a medical condition that stems from his time in the army. (Photos: YouTube/WFAA)

It was sometime in June when Lane was out in the Deep Ellum part of town and found he needed to use the bathroom. He approached two off-duty security officers at Serious Pizza at 2 a.m. to ask if he could use the restaurants bathroom. He told them about his disability, but they still denied him access.

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Read more here.

He was left to soil himself but called police for help. Two on-duty officers arrived at the restaurant just before 3 a.m. when the restaurant was beginning to close. Their body camera footage captured the exchange they had with the officers working security about the vet, which was shown to the Community Police Oversight Board.

The footage shows one officer telling the two off-duty officers, Somebody called saying they just pissed themselves because of you two guys.

Another female officer chimed in to say, You just made a guy pee himself?

One of the off-duty officers then said, He called on us? and began laughing.

The female officer continued, He said you wouldnt let him use the restroom, and then he called and said its okay, he doesnt need to use the restroom anymore because he soiled himself.

In his testimony to the board, Lane explained to board members that he was formerly an Army sergeant who had served in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq before he suffered a life-threatening injury to his lower extremities.

Subsequent surgeries left him with a disability that requires potential emergency use of a restroom.

The Dallas Police Department failed me. They declined to assist me by not giving me the courtesy of checking my ID or medical documents, Lane said. I had to endure urine and bowel leakage while inside the restaurant. As a retired sergeant, I had higher expectations for the city. Please hear me when I ask for change so no one with a disability has to endure what I endured.

A Dallas Police Department spokesperson said, The department is looking into the complaint, and the Internal Affairs Division will conduct an administrative investigation.

Serious Pizza released a statement to local news outlet WFAA about the incident. They told the station that employees are conditioned to close their bathrooms to the public as they begin closing up shop for the night. However, they also said that none of the employees were presented any documentation indictating that Mr. Lane was disabled and are disheartened to not have the opportunity to resolve the situation as it was happening. We are disappointed by the conduct of the officers involved in this incident, the extent to which we were not aware of until the bodycam footage was released yesterday [Wednesday, Aug. 16]. We have requested that the contracted off-duty officers who were on duty that night not be assigned to our restaurant moving forward, as their actions were not representative of how we treat our guests and the general public.
After Donald Trump surrenders to Fulton County authorities Thursday, the former president will be released from custody in Georgia under an already agreed-upon set of conditions, including a $200,000 bond.

As part of the conditions, Trump will be prohibited from doing anything a judge could interpret as an effort to intimidate co-defendants or witnesses or otherwise obstruct the administration of justice.

More specifically, Trump shall make no direct or indirect threat of any nature against any co-defendant, witness or victim, the community or property in the community.

The above shall include, but are not limited to, posts on social media or reposts of posts made by another individual on social media, reads the bond order, entered Monday by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee.

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So what happens if Trump, who has previously lashed out at efforts to restrict his comments on social media, violates the order?

The practical difficulties of imprisoning a former president and the leading candidate for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination in the Fulton County Jail make it extremely unlikely that a single violation of his release conditions, unless its especially egregious, would land Trump in pretrial detention, Georgia legal experts say.

Donald Trump isnt the kind of person you can just throw in the slammer, Georgia State University law professor Caren Morrison said. Hes got to have his security guys, his Secret Service, with him, and they cant do anything that would possibly jeopardize his personal safety. So I think it would be extremely difficult to do.

Judges have a variety of options to ensure a defendants compliance with a bond order short of issuing an arrest warrant, and they usually dont like to send defendants to jail after theyve already posted bond, Morrison said.

Theyre not necessarily jail-happy, she said. I think they do try to give people a chance to straighten themselves out rather than getting remanded. But if the behavior continues or is repeated, then yeah, thats what youre looking at at the end of the road.

If Trump makes social media posts that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis considers threatening, he could be ordered to attend a hearing at which McAfee would review his conduct and determine whether it really violated the conditions of his release. If McAfee were to rule that Trump did violate the conditions, he would decide the appropriate punishment.

Alternatives to revoking Trumps bond could include simply warning him against future violations, holding him civil contempt and fining him daily until the posts are deleted or allowing him to remain free but imposing stricter restrictions on his speech.

The courts power to ensure that its order is enforced will really depend on the manner in which the accused person has violated that order, said state Rep. Tanya Miller, a former prosecutor in the Fulton County District Attorneys Office. The remedy can be fashioned to get at that violation, and it can mean revoking a bond, it can mean just adding additional conditions.

However, even if a post from Trump appears to violate the conditions of his release, thats no guarantee that Willis will alert McAfee of the violation or ask for Trumps bond to be revoked.

I would think that if its a close call, the state may decide to not be so heavy-handed, just to keep their case clean and moving forward, Miller said. But if there is a clear violation on all fours, for example someone has some audiotape of one of the defendants actively engaging in threats or actively trying to influence a witness, then I think the state has an obligation to ensure the integrity of the case and the integrity of the trial.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Hale and Mark Walker stand outside the former Gibraltar building at 3592 Military St., where a small harbor has been under construction for a few months, on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.

The owners of the century-old former Gibraltar building in Port Hurons south end dont have final plans in mind for the property, but they know how visitors may get there.

A harbor has been under construction for the last several months at the site, 3592 Military St., where 400 feet of frontage on the St. Clair River sets the long-emptied building apart in an area thats become a focus of other redevelopment talks among city leaders.

A small harbor is being built outside the former Gibraltar building at 3592 Military St., as shown on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, in Port Huron. The owners said they don't have concrete plans for the property outside of being able to accommodate small boat traffic.

Hale and Mark Walker, known for founding MiMutual Mortgage, purchased the building in 2021 where Conner Street intersects with Military. The pair got the final environmental permit approvals through the state by the start of this year.

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Now, they said much of the steelwork for the new break wall is done, though much of the excavation work remains.

It took us a year and a half and a considerable amount of money even just to get the permit. Once we got that, we wanted to get the harbor done, Mark Walker said during an interview on site late last week. Were really just concentrating on the harbor, and once thats in place, then youve got something to show people.

According to plans filed with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the harbor will come inland on the eastern riverfront toward the building itself, leaving part of it to hang over future boat parking.

Mark Walker said itd be enough room for about 30 small boats for visitors to pull up to the site and check out whatever is developed down the road.

The layout for a harbor construction now in progress at 3592 Military St. is shown.

He added, The really neat part is theyll be able to come in, circle around to here and go right through the building and back out. Its kind of hard to envision until you see it.

The property has hosted a variety of outfits over its decades-long history  from Bohn Aluminum and O. Backus Jr. & Sun to the Gibralter Manufacturing and Sprocket companies  before long-sitting vacant.

The brothers have some ideas in mind for future use but emphasized theyve no final plans.

Pointing to a spot they did with Thumbcoast TV at the end of July, which referenced the new dockage and the property as a potential restaurant site, Hale Walker said that has thematically seemed more plausible for the kind of business they want to bring to the south end.

The view of a harbor being dug out is shown from inside the former Gibraltar building at 3592 Military St., as shown on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, in Port Huron.

But he said theyre also still weighing its feasibility and looking at options.

That is sort of our reason why we got together with restaurant tours  Hale said. From our perspective, what were committed to doing right now is the harbor. The rest of it would be different phases, and thats what Mark refers to as the dream.

Because we really dont know beyond the harbor how were going to do it. Are we going to bring in somebody whos a known restauranteur? Are we going to take somebody local and help them get in business?

Mark Walker said if they were looking for something that was financially the best use of the property, theyd probably build the harbor and put condos in.

With interest from the city to invest in the southside, as well as other developers, he said something residential is not what theyre after.

The bones of the building at 3592 Military St. is shown on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. For close to a century, the building hosted a variety of outfits  from Bohn Aluminum and O. Backus Jr. & Sun to the Gibraltar Manufacturing and Sprocket companies  before long-sitting vacant.

Were after something that the community can benefit from and the community can use, Mark said. So, were hoping  and again, thats just a hope  we can attract maybe a restaurant to this part of the building.

The part that juts out, Hale chimed in, thats really the prime area because its such a beautiful view.

Wed love to see that happen if its possible. We dont know if it is yet if its financially viable, and then, develop the other part of the building that has the big hall the kind of neat history, Mark said. Maybe its a venue for weddings. Maybe its retailers. We just dont know yet.

Contact Jackie Smith at (810) 989-6270 or jssmith@ganntt.com.

Brothers Hale and Mark Walker take a look out toward the St. Clair River from inside the former Gibraltar building, which they bought in 2021, on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Harbor being built outside former Gibraltar building on Port Huron's south end
Authorities in Hawaii are urging families in the state to give DNA samples to help identify the victims of the devastating wildfires that ripped through Maui earlier this month.

Around 1,000 to 1,100 names remain on the FBIs unaccounted list.

DNA has been collected from only 104 families, said Julie French, who is assisting efforts to identify the remains by DNA analysis. French said they are using rapid DNA technology to help link family members and identify victims of the fires.

Nearly three-quarters of the remains that have been tested for DNA thus far have generated searchable DNA results, French said during a press conference Tuesday. We need family members to come forward and donate their samples so that we can compare them to these DNA profiles weve already generated from remains.

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Maui Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Martin, who is heading up the Family Assistance Center that is collecting the samples, said the number of family members is a a lot lower when compared to other major disasters in the country.

Thats our concern, thats why Im here today, thats why Im asking for this help, Martin said, calling the DNA sample a simple process.

French and Martin assured families the samples are not being entered into any sort of government-run database and are only being used for the sole purpose of comparison, adding that individuals will not be asked about their immigration status or citizenship.

Maui County Police Chief John Pelletier echoed these concerns, telling reporters Tuesday his team is facing challenges in establishing a solid list of the missing individuals. He said some people only provided partial names, while other names may be duplicated.

The 1,110 names right now, we know that theres a margin of that that some of them have first names only and theres no contact number back, Pelletier said. So there was a, Johns missing, and when we try to call back who said that, no one is answering. And so were trying to scrub this to make it as accurate as we can.

Pelletier encouraged relatives of those unaccounted for to both give a DNA sample and file a police report with as much detail as possible.

Please understand this, once the search is done, I cant guarantee nor can anyone say that we got everybody, he continued. Were going to do our darndest to get it right and make every effort to do that.

The Maui Police Department confirmed Tuesday there are 115 confirmed fatalities so far in what is the deadliest wildfire in modern U.S. history.

According to Maui County officials, 100 percent of the single-story residential properties have been searched in the disaster area, while teams now move on to multi-story residential and commercial properties. Around 341 emergency personnel and 50 canines are assisting in the efforts, officials said.

The wildfire burnt through thousands of acres of land across parts of Maui, especially in the historic town of Lahaina, where thousands of structures were either destroyed or damaged. Shelters are located across the island for those families who are unable to return to their homes.

The Associated Press contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Here's Rudy Giuliani's mugshot, which he said authorities were 'going to degrade themselves' by making him take

Rudy Giuliani 's mugshot from the Fulton County Sheriff's office. Fulton County Sheriff

Rudy Giuliani surrendered to authorities in Georgia on Wednesday, days after being indicted on a litany of charges.

"They're going to degrade themselves by doing a mugshot of me," Giuliani said after arriving in Georgia.

This is that mugshot.

The former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani formally surrendered to Georgia authorities on Wednesday, days after being indicted in a sprawling RICO case brought by the Fulton County district attorney's office.

The Fulton County Sheriff's office distributed Giuliani's booking photo, or mugshot, on Wednesday afternoon. Jail records say Giuliani weighs 230 pounds, is 5-feet-11-inches tall, and that his hair is "Gray or Partially Gray."

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Former President Donald Trump and Giuliani were among 19 co-defendants named in the case connected to Trump and his allies' attempts to overturn the 2020 election in the state.

Trump is expected to surrender on Thursday.

While Giuliani has been the subject of numerous civil lawsuits and disbarment proceedings for pushing conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, the Fulton County indictment is the first criminal case against him. As the former top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, Giuliani once led a litany of RICO cases against mob members. He subsequently served as New York City's mayor and as a personal lawyer for Trump.

In addition to being accused of racketeering, Giuliani was also charged with solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer, false statements and writings, conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer, conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree, conspiracy to commit false statements and writings, and conspiracy to commit filing false documents.

He said Wednesday that he would plead not guilty to the charges.

"I'm the same Rudy Giuliani that took down the mafia, that made New York City the safest city in America," he told reporters in Georgia. "They're going to degrade themselves by doing a mugshot of me."

"I'm feeling very, very good about it because I feel like I am defending the rights of all Americans, as I did so many times as a United States attorney," Giuliani, who made a career out of prosecuting RICO cases before becoming a defendant in a RICO case, said earlier in the day.

"They're destroying my right to counsel, my right to be a lawyer," he added, seemingly referring to being prosecuted over allegations of crimes committed while serving as Trump's lawyer.

A Washington, DC, ethics panel recently suggested that Giuliani be disbarred for his actions after the 2020 election.

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Over two days of testimony this week, Jose Ortega Gutierrez did little to bolster the prosecutions case that two Hialeah police officers abducted him, drove him to a remote location and beat him so badly he blacked out and had to go to the hospital.

He refused to answer some questions. As jurors watched video of his arrest, Ortega Gutierrez repeatedly misidentified the officer handcuffing him and claimed it was former Hialeah policeman Rafael Otano  the man on trial and who was seated less than 10 feet away.

Otano was not in any of the videos I was showing him, said the officers defense attorney Michael Pizzi.

Ortega Gutierrezs imprecise testimony was concerning enough Tuesday that Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Andrea Ricker Wolfsonwarned him that if he didnt show up to finish on Wednesday, hed be charged with contempt of court.

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He appeared. But his testimony remained shaky.

Twice, Ortega Gutierrez  an admitted alcoholic with nine felony convictions who has lived behind a Hialeah laundromat for almost two decades  misidentified himself while watching video of his interactions with the owners and customers in a Hialeah bakery that led to his arrest. Pressed about it, Ortega Gutierrez said he had memory problems, then got angry at Pizzi for trying to confuse him.

What does this have to do with what were here for? asked Ortega Gutierrez.

That could be an important point. Though Pizzi successfully attacked Ortega Gutierrezs credibility, state prosecutor Shawn Abuhoff may only have to show that Otano and former fellow Hialeah cop Lorenzo Orfila were the only officers at the remote location where Ortega Gutierrez was beaten, to get jurors to understand the destruction of his credibility was a mere red herring.

Ortega Gutierrez  a reluctant witness who was subpoenaed by both the defense and state prosecutors  is at the heart of a case that could land the two young former Hialeah police officers in prison, potentially for life. He took the stand this week during the trial of Otano, 23, a Hialeah cop until he was fired over a Dec. 17 incident during which the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office claims he and Orfila hauled away Ortega Gutierrez, beat him near some woods at an out-of-the-way cul-de-sac and left him.

Otano and Orfila have been charged with battery and kidnapping. Orfilas trial date has not yet been set.

During the trial, the owners of a bakery at a strip mall at West 60th Street and 12th Avene said they called police the afternoon of Dec. 17 after Ortega Gutierrez became unruly and hassled customers. Under testimony this week the bakerys owner said Ortega Gutierrez accused her of poisoning food and stealing tips, Under oath, he denied the accusation.

The state claims that through GPS, video surveillance and eyewitnesses, it can prove that after police arrived and handcuffed Ortega Gutierrez, he was hauled away and beaten by the two officers. Pizzi has argued during the trial now in its third day that his client never laid a finger on, transported or interacted with Ortega Gutierrez.

Also charged with witness tampering in the case is Ali Amin Saleh, an investigator who prosecutors say found Ortega Gutierrez after the incident and offered him money in exchange for signing an affidavit that would have claimed the two men did no wrong. Another man, notary Juan Prietofocofino, avoided trial for allegedly falsely notarizing the affidavit, by agreeing to five years of probation. He could testify in Orfila or Salehs trial.

Pizzis cross examination of Ortega Gutierrez is expected to continue Thursday. The trial is expected to last more than a week.
Svetlana Ustimenko was struggling with the revelation that she was terminally ill, and something about the serene Colorado mountains was calling to her.

Perhaps she felt she might find some peace in the tranquil peaks in Grand County  so she left her home in Broward County, Florida, and took a rental car to the Deadhorse Trailhead in the Arapaho National Forest, near the town of Fraser, sheriffs officials in Grand County said in an Aug. 22 post on Facebook.

And then she vanished.

Sheriffs deputies and a U.S. Forest Service officer went to the trailhead July 31 to look for signs of activity after her rental car had been parked there for quite a while, officials said. It appeared the car had been untouched all that time.

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The forest service officer learned the car was supposed to be returned to the rental company on Aug. 10  but that day came and went, and the car stayed at the trailhead, officials said.

So they started looking for Ustimenko. Officers, a search and rescue team, and a dog rescue team searched for two-and-a-half days around where the car was parked.

Grand County Search and Rescue set out on a three-hour small reconnaissance search on Aug. 18, and officials started another extensive search with dog teams on Aug. 20. More than 25 people showed up for that search, along with six cadaver dogs, officials said.

This was the second full day search conducted that yielded no clues or signs of Svetlana, officials said. Grand County Search and Rescue has a high degree of confidence that Svetlana is not within the primary search area.

Volunteers spent more than 750 hours helping law enforcement staff search for the missing woman in her mid-50s, to no avail, officials said. Photos show volunteers with dogs combing unforgiving alpine landscapes for any sign or scent that might lead them to Ustimenkos location.

Despite the use of ground rescuers both on and off-trail in difficult terrain with steep slopes, deadfall and thick brush, the use of multiple dog teams, Sheriffs Office Investigators covering terrain on horseback, and aerial assets (drones) on multiple days throughout the last week, we have still been unsuccessful in locating Svetlana Ustimenko, officials said.

Authorities suspended the search until any new clues or information pops up, officials said. If authorities identify areas of higher probability, Grand County Search and Rescue might run small scale searches.

Officials said they want to hear from anyone who might have seen, talked to or given a ride to Ustimenko. Theyre confident someone may have come across her since the Deadhorse Trailhead is a popular spot among hikers, mountain bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Although theyve called off the active search, authorities are still investigating, officials said. Anyone with information should call the non-emergency dispatch number at 970-725-3311.

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The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, speaks to thousands during his "I Have a Dream" speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in Washington on Aug. 28, 1963. (Uncredited/AP)

Sixty years ago, Andrew Young and his staff had just emerged from an exhausting campaign against racial segregation in Birmingham, Alabama.

But they didnt feel no ways tired, as the Black spiritual says. The foot soldiers were on a freedom high, Young recalls.

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They wanted to keep on marching, they wanted to march from Birmingham to Washington, he said.

And march they did, in the nations capital. Just four months later, they massed for what is still considered one of the greatest and most consequential racial justice demonstrations in U.S. history.

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The nonviolent protest, which attracted as many as 250,000 to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, helped till the ground for passage of federal civil rights and voting rights legislation in the next few years.

But in the decades that followed, the rights gains feeding the freedom high felt by Young and others came under increasing threat. A close adviser to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Young went on to become a congressman, a U.N. ambassador and Atlantas mayor. He sees clear progress from the time when Black Americans largely had no guarantee of equal rights under the law. But he hasnt ignored the setbacks.

We take two steps forward, and they make us take one step back, Young told The Associated Press in an interview at the offices of his Atlanta-based foundation.

Its a slow process that depends on the politics of the nation.

At 91 years old, an undeterred Young will gather again with Black civil rights leaders and a multiracial, interfaith coalition of allies on Saturday, to mark 60 years since the first March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, an event most widely remembered for Kings I Have A Dream speech.

But organizers of this years commemoration dont see this as an occasion for kumbaya  not in the face of eroded voting rights nationwide, after the recent striking down of affirmative action in college admissions and abortion rights by the Supreme Court, and amid growing threats of political violence and hatred against people of color, Jews and the LGBTQ community.

The issues today appear eerily similar to the issues in 1963. The undercurrent of it all is that Black people are still the economically poorest in American society.

Organizers intend to remind the nation that the original march wasnt just about dreaming of a country that lived up to its promises of equality and liberty to pursue happiness. They wanted legislative action then, and they want the same now.

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The survival of American democracy depends on it, the organizers say.

Its inevitable to me that this nation, as Martin Luther King said, will live out, one day, the true meaning of its creed, Young declared.

Six decades ago, from the steps of the monument to President Abraham Lincoln, King began his most famous speech by decrying economic disparity, quality of life issues, police brutality and voter disenfranchisement. He brought his remarks home with the sermonic delivery of his dream of social and class harmony transcending racial and ethnic lines in America.

His words have resounded through decades of push and pull toward progress in civil and human rights. Today, the March on Washington is a marker by which racial progress is measured. But drivers of that progress  namely the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965  have teetered precariously on the edges of partisanship.

(King) said in the speech, We come to here, Mr. Lincoln, because 100 years ago, in 1863, you promised that wed be full citizens, and America has not fulfilled the promise, said the Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network and co-convener of the 60th commemoration of the march.

King also said America had given Black Americans a check for equality that had been marked insufficient funds in the bank of justice.

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They came (to Washington) in 63 to say the check bounced, Sharpton said. We come in 23  to say the check didnt bounce this time. They put a stop payment on the check. And were coming to say, Youre going to take stop payment off the check, and you will pay your debt.

This is at least the third time that Sharpton has organized a commemoration of the March on Washington. There was a march in 2000, the 37th anniversary of Kings speech, focused on police brutality and racial profiling. Thirteen years later, the late Rep. John Lewis, who at the time was the last living speaker from the original march, and a host of celebrities, athletes and politicians attended the 50th anniversary commemoration.

Each time, Sharpton has partnered with members of Kings family. Martin Luther King III, the eldest son of the late civil rights icon, and his wife, Arndrea Waters King, head the Drum Major Institute and are co-conveners of this years march. A list of march partners includes about 100 other civil rights, faith and cultural organizations.

Sharptons organization expects tens of thousands to attend on Saturday.

Part of the success of the original march was its turnout, said author Michael Long, who next month will publish the book Bayard Rustin: A Legacy of Protest and Politics, which celebrates the marchs chief architect.

Rustin really believed that the power on that day would be in numbers created by this coalition that he put together of Black civil rights activists, people from faith communities and progressive workers in the labor rights movement, Long said.

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Civil disobedience attracts the hardcore few, he added, but when you get 250,000 people together on the National Mall, you serve notice on the political leaders of the day.

Most Americans say King has had a positive impact on the U.S., according to a Pew Research Center report detailing the results of an opinion survey conducted in the spring. Just over half of Americans say there has been a great deal or a fair amount of progress on racial equality since the original March on Washington.

Along racial lines, a clear majority of Black adults (83%) say efforts to ensure equality for all, regardless of race and ethnicity, havent gone far enough. About 58% of Hispanic adults, 55% of Asian American adults and 44% of white adults say the same. A 2022 poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found similar gaps in opinions about the treatment of Black people by police and in the criminal justice system.

Further, in the Pew report, a majority of people who think efforts to ensure equality havent gone far enough also feel it is unlikely that there will be racial equality in their lifetime.

Its difficult to blame those with a pessimistic view of racial progress, considering most of the key measures of socioeconomics in America.

Today, Black Americans are more educated, they are less disproportionately incarcerated, and they are in more positions of power than they were 60 years ago. But the Black-white wealth gap is larger now than in 1963, the Black homeownership rate has risen only modestly, and younger Black Americans are more often saddled with student loan debts that dim gains made in other areas. Black Americans and other nonwhites live disproportionately in communities plagued by climate disasters and exposure to pollution that shortens their lifespans and depresses their property values.

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From neighborhood redlining and job discrimination to healthcare disparities and incarceration, racism has proven to be the most effective tool to uphold an unjust capitalist system, said Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO of the the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, an anti-poverty policy and advocacy group and a march partner.

The federation recently released an analysis of stalled civil rights progress in the 60 years since the March on Washington, as a way to recenter Kings focus on economic issues. Job attainment, income inequality and poverty continue to greatly impact how differently Black Americans and other people of color experience life in the U.S. compared to many white people.

If America is able to tell the story today, that Black unemployment has reached record lows, but theyre not saying that Black Americans are still disproportionately earning just minimum wage or that theyre not earning as much as their white counterparts, with the same levels of education and experience, theyre only telling half the story, said Jones Austin who, with the National Action Network and the Drum Major Institute, is lobbying the federal government to change how economic deprivation and need are measured in the U.S.

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton was a 26-year-old Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee worker in Mississippi in 1963 when she became part of the staff that organized the March on Washington.

I was on the staff in New York and was the last person to leave because we were getting people on the buses, she said. And as I flew from New York to Washington, I could see that the march would be a success because as far as the eye could see, there were crowds. We werent sure how big because there had never been such a large march before, but it was overwhelming.

Norton, now 86, and Washingtons nonvoting delegate, said she knew once she saw how many people had come that the march was not only successful, but they would help us with what we wanted the march to do.

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The civil rights and voting rights legislation, as well as the 1968 Fair Housing Act, all came in part from the energy and commitment from the march, she said.

Now, 60 years out, she said the political environment is so polarized it is hard to imagine the legislative achievements in the aftermath of the 1963 march being possible now.

Unlike the kind of atmosphere we had during the March on Washington, we have exactly the opposite now, Norton said.

At the 1963 march, the late AFL-CIO leader Walter Reuther seemed to predict the current period of political division, retrenchment and violent threats on democracy.

If we fail, then the vacuum of our failure will be filled by the apostles of hatred who will search in the dark of night, and reason will yield to riot, and brotherhood will yield to bitterness and bloodshed, and we will tear asunder the fabric of American democracy, Reuther warned.

Indeed, Congress and the White House have often been consistently at odds on modern civil rights and voting rights legislation. A Democratic-controlled House, for example, has passed versions of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act  it would have restored a potent tool against voting law bias that was gutted by the Supreme Court in 2013  only for a past Republican-controlled Senate and then a narrowly Democratic Senate to block or fall short of sending legislation to the presidents desk.

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Thats also been true of police reform legislation proposed after the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis and during unprecedented racial justice demonstrations nationwide. The Floyd legislation was before Congress when Sharpton convened a march at the Lincoln Memorial in 2020 that featured several families of Black victims of police brutality.

Voting rights and police reform arent the only issues that march partners want to uplift on Saturday. Increased antisemitic hate crimes, as well as attacks on Asian American communities, have drawn in participation from the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish civil rights organization.

America was built on the backs of enslaved Africans  you cant deny that reality, said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. That is a unique and searing experience, which I think its effects still linger today and are pervasive in so many ways.

The traumatic experiences of Jews across millennia in Europe and the Middle East have shaped how many in the community view racism and the threat it poses to everyone, Greenblatt added.

And so I think we both stand here today in this reality, aware of our path and focused on how we can lock arms, to build a better future for ourselves, for our children and for our grandchildren.

Young, the King adviser and former U.S. ambassador to the U.N., said he thinks it unwise for him to predict how successful this years March on Washington will be. But his Christian faith tells him to not place limits on what is possible.

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If there is a place where we can learn to live together as brothers and sisters, rather than perish together as fools, its the United States of America, he said.
The Golden Rule Peace Boat will stop in Sheboygan at the end of August.

SHEBOYGAN  A historic peace boat will stop in Sheboygan on its trip around America's Great Loop.

Veterans for Peace Sheboygan and Physicians for Social Responsibility Wisconsin, a nonprofit organization that advocates against threats to human health, is set to host the Golden Rule Peace Boat Aug. 25-29. The groups will also hold a community event this weekend.

Quaker pacifists sailed the 34-foot wooden ketch boat in the late 1950s to protest nuclear weapon testing in the Marshall Islands. The peace boat inspired later environmental activism, like the establishment of environmental organization Greenpeace, with activists sailing to Alaska to protest nuclear testing on Alaska's Amchitka Island in 1971.

VFP restored the Golden Rule around 2015 after it sank several times. After the restoration, it sailed along California's coast to advocate for peace and an end to nuclear power.

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New city staff: Sheboygan Common Council approves new city administrator, planning and development director

Golden Rule sailing Great Loop to call for nuclear disarmament

The Golden Rule started the Great Loop  a roughly 6,000-mile loop of waterways and water bodies on the country's east side  in Minnesota last fall. The boat crew has traveled along the Mississippi River, Gulf Coast, East Coast and through New York to the Great Lakes.

Throughout the journey, the crew spreads awareness about potential dangers of nuclear power, like air, water and soil contamination. Exposure to high levels of radioactive waste can lead to increased risks of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

A map of America's Great Loop.

The Golden Rule stopped in Ohio and Michigan cities, like Cleveland and Detroit, earlier this month.

Next stops are scheduled in Milwaukee Aug. 30-Sept. 5, Racine Sept. 5-7 and Chicago Sept. 13-18.

The Golden Rule was going to travel down the Mississippi River again, but it wasn't worthwhile and there is about a 300-boat back-up, Helen Jaccard, Golden Rule project manager, said. Several locks on the Illinois Waterway are closed for maintenance through the end of September.

Great Lakes spots are near nuclear hotspots

Many destinations on the Great Lakes leg are near nuclear hotspots, having refineries, reactors or waste facilities.

Wisconsin has two operating nuclear reactors, fewer than neighboring states Minnesota and Illinois. Both reactors are on Point Beach in Two Rivers.

They contribute to powering more than 1 million Wisconsin homes, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute, a nuclear policy organization.

The site permits are set to expire within the next 10 years and will be up for renewal by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Wade House brings art and craft fair: Wade House to host 63rd Arts, Crafts and Trades Fair, plus more Sheboygan news in weekly dose

Event at Rotary Riverview Park will feature brat fry, live music

The boat is scheduled to be docked at the southwest side of Rotary Riverview Park, 401 Pennsylvania Ave., by Aug. 25, though that may change depending on traveling conditions.

An event will also be at the park, hosted from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 26. There will be a brat fry, peace concert, boat tours and education around nuclear disarmament.

Find where the Golden Rule is in real time

Track the Golden Rules real-time location at https://share.garmin.com/goldenrule The page is updated every 10 minutes.

Connect with event organizers

Contact Veterans for Peace Sheboygan at vfpgroup@vetsforpeacesheboygan.org The group can be found at http://vetsforpeacesheboygan.org/ or on Facebook.

For Physicians for Social Responsibility Wisconsin, email info@psrwisconsin.org or go to https://psr-wisconsin.org/

Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or agarner@gannett.com Follow her on Twitter at @alexx_garner.

This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Golden Rule Peace Boat to stop in Sheboygan on Great Loop journey
Gov. Hochuls administration dragged its feet for months on green-lighting a large-scale migrant housing facility in Queens, delaying its opening at a time when dozens of asylum seekers resorted to sleeping on a Manhattan sidewalk because of a lack of city shelter space, according to a new court filing from Mayor Adams office.

The filing, submitted in Manhattan Supreme Court by Adams lawyer Daniel Perez on Tuesday, said City Hall officials approached the Hochul administration on May 4 about erecting a tent-style migrant shelter in the parking lot of Queens state-owned Creedmoor Psychiatric Center. The Adams administrations hope was at the time to get the Creedmoor site up and running within the following week, according to Perez.

But Hochuls administration did not agree, despite repeated requests, to provide funding for certain goods and services relating to the administration of the Creedmoor site until July 14, Perez wrote in the papers, which were obtained by the Daily News after not being filed publicly on the court docket.

The Creedmoor facility, which has capacity to house at least 1,000 migrants, did not end up opening until Aug. 15 following the delay in clearance from Hochuls team.

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Amid the slow pace of getting Creedmoor open, nearly 200 migrants slept on the sidewalk outside the Adams administrations Roosevelt Hotel asylum seeker intake center in Manhattan between July 29 and Aug. 3. Adams office has said it had no choice but to let the group sleep on the curb because there was no more room in the citys shelters, which continue to house more than 101,000 people, about half of them migrants.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the Creedmoor delay can in part be blamed on city and state lawyers struggling to come to an agreement on the details of a so-called memorandum of understanding establishing the right to use the Queens site as a migrant shelter.

Josh Goldfein, a staff lawyer with the Legal Aid Society, said the dilemma outside the Roosevelt couldve been avoided if Hochuls administration acted faster on the Creedmoor matter.

Its very frustrating that people were sleeping on a sidewalk when a shelter was not open because lawyers were arguing over a lease or bureaucratic details, Goldfein told The News.

Avi Small, a spokesman for Hochul, said the state offered to repurpose Creedmoor into a Humanitarian Emergency Relief and Response Center on May 3, adding it was one of dozens of State-owned sites that could have housed more than 3,000 individuals had the City decided to utilize them.

We are pleased the City finally decided to accept our offer of help on July 14 of this year, nearly two weeks before the incident at the Roosevelt Hotel, Small said.

Perezs filing, addressed to lawyers for Hochuls administration, was submitted as part of the decades-old Manhattan Supreme Court case that established the citys right-to-shelter mandate. The case, which the state is a party to, was revived by Adams earlier this summer when his administration asked a judge to allow it to suspend the mandate amid the citys deepening migrant crisis.

The Perez letter is not available on the court docket because presiding Judge Erika Edwards has ordered that all deliberations and filings be kept under wraps.

Filings in the case have exposed a rift between Adams and Hochul over how to manage the citys migrant crisis.

Earlier this month, lawyers for Hochul filed a scathing letter blasting the Adams administrations overall handling of the crisis, saying that City Hall has been inconsistent in its communication with the state and sloppy in its handling of state-provided funding. Also in the letter, Hochuls lawyers charged that the Adams administration had no one but itself to blame for its decision to let migrants sleep on the street outside the Roosevelt, given that there were hundreds of vacant beds in the shelter system on all five nights in question, as first reported by The News.

Adams administration, meantime, has stressed it needs more help from the state, and reiterated that in its Tuesday filing. Among other requests, the filing asked that the state more than double its funding for a city program that helps migrants apply for U.S. work permits  from $20 million to at least $57 million.

The latest hearing in the Manhattan Supreme Court case took place Wednesday afternoon. As previous hearings, most of it happened behind closed doors in Edwards chambers.

In short remarks from the bench after the private deliberations, Edwards characterized the discussions as productive and set another hearing for Sept. 18.

She made a point of saying the proceedings are taking place out of the public light because she hopes that will make it easier for a settlement to be reached in due time between the city, the state and the Coalition for the Homeless, whose 1979 lawsuit established the right to shelter. At its core, the mandate requires the city to provide shelter to anyone who needs it.

Goldfein, who represents the coalition in the case, told reporters outside the courthouse after the hearing that hes sympathetic toward the fact that there is some tension between the city and the state over the migrant crisis.

You have three different levels of government here that each has some responsibility, and inevitably, they want the other level of government to do more, he said. Its going to take some time to work all of this out, but the good news is we are having productive conversations.

Instead of seeking to suspend the citys right to shelter amid the migrant crisis, homeless advocates and progressive Democrats have urged the Adams administration to ask the court to expand it to cover the entire state.

Asked Wednesday if the administration favors that idea, Anne Williams-Isom, Adams deputy mayor for health and human services, was noncommittal.

That is all going to play out in court, she said at City Hall. I think its no secret that we have said that we think that [the right-to-shelter] needs to be looked at.

With Tim Balk
(Reuters) -Hollywood studios and streaming services on Tuesday released the terms of a revised proposal to striking writers, but the union urged members to continue picketing as the new offer failed to address all their concerns.

The Writers' Guild of America (WGA) had walked off the job on May 2 after negotiations reached an impasse, and were later joined by members of the Screen Actors Guild, halting productions across Hollywood and costing the California economy billions of dollars.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which negotiates on behalf of companies including Walt Disney and Netflix, changed its offer to include new details about critical issues like compensation, minimum staffing, residual payments and curbs on artificial intelligence.

According to the latest proposal, the WGA will get a compounded 13% pay increase over the three-year contract, and AI-generated written content will not be considered "literary material".

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The streaming platforms also offered to provide the WGA, which represents around 11,500 film and television writers, with the total number of hours viewed for each made-for-streaming show in confidential quarterly reports.

"We have come to the table with an offer that meets the priority concerns the writers have expressed. We are deeply committed to ending the strike and are hopeful that the WGA will work toward the same resolution," AMPTP President Carol Lombardini said in a statement.

WGA received the counterproposal from AMPTP on Aug. 11 and on Tuesday met with Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger, Warner Bros CEO David Zaslav, NBCUniversal Studio Group Chair Donna Langley and Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos, to discuss the new offer.

"But this was not a meeting to make a deal. This was a meeting to get us to cave," WGA said in a message to its members.

The union said it explained in the meeting why the offer fell short and "failed to sufficiently protect writers from the existential threats that caused us to strike in the first place", but AMPTP released details of the proposal anyway.

WGA plans to continue picketing and said it would share with members more details on the state of the negotiations.

"And we will see you all out on the picket lines and let the companies continue to see what labor power looks like," it said.

(Reporting by Nilutpal Timsina in Bengaluru; Editing by Stephen Coates and Devika Syamnath)
The LJD Jewish Family and Community Services is hosting We Could Not Be Silent at its Frisch Family Holocaust Memorial Gallery.

Beginning August 28 the free exhibition will be open to the public and feature the stories and images of those who fought for equal rights in St. Augustine in June of 1964.

We Could Not Be Silent tells the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as he aided the local Black community and allies in desegregating properties in St. Augustine, and the intense hostility and violence the groups faced in response.

Former Freedom Rider Rabbi Israel Dresner joined 15 other rabbis to support Dr. King in the movement, but they were all eventually imprisoned.

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The group then wrote a moving letter to the Jewish community from their jail cell about their experiences.

For more information, visit JacksonvilleHolocaustMemorial.com.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Authorities are looking into what caused a Mooresville home to explode Tuesday, killing a man inside. One other person was hurt.

The explosion happened at the multi-million-dollar home around 12 a.m. on Barber Loop Road near Old Arborway Road. Investigators believe it was an accident.

Its important to note that investigators do not know where the explosion originated.

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Investigators did say that according to initial reports, there was a gas smell present near the home.

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You can always check your appliances for gas leaks. Natural gas is odorless when taken from the ground, but utilities add a chemical that gives it a smell to make it easier to detect.

If you smell it, dont try to see where its coming from. Leave immediately and report it.

Always keep your air furnace filters clean.

Have a heating contractor inspect your furnace or boiler every year.

Finally, check your chimney flues to make sure theyre open and clean. Gas can build up there.

If you need to report a gas emergency and you use Dominion Energy, call 877-776-2427. You can also purchase natural gas detectors for your home to be extra sure.

North Carolina is one of several states currently considering legislation requiring natural gas alarms that work just like smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

The North Carolina Utilities Commission says once a utility is connected, it becomes the owners responsibility. That means you need to get your appliances checked regularly and be alert for any smells of leakage.

Depends on where the leak is. The leak is on the outside of the meter, the street side of the meter, it would be the gas company if its on the homeowner side of the meter, it would be the homeowners responsibility, said Kevin Greene, the Iredell County emergency management director.

Since utilities cant he held responsible if a leak happens on your property, youll also want to make sure your homeowners insurance is up to date for any potential accidents.

Channel 9 has also reported on a Ballantyne couple whose home was damaged when a neighbors exploded in 2019. They sued State Farm for not covering all the losses.

(PREVIOUS: Home of NFL pro, former Maiden quarterback explodes in Mooresville)








HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong has set up a special government team to monitor and review an import ban on some Japanese seafood due to the country's imminent release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea.

Hong Kong authorities will strengthen monitoring of seafood imports coming from Japan and publish daily radiation sample results so the public can see, the city's Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology Vivian Lau said.

Though approved by the U.N. nuclear watchdog, Japan's plan to dump the water has faced opposition at home and abroad, including from China, over worries about food safety. Hong Kong's leader said on Tuesday that he strongly opposed Japan's release of the water into the sea, while Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin called the move "extremely selfish" and that Beijing had lodged a formal complaint with the Japanese government.

On Thursday, Japan will begin releasing more than a million tons of water from the plant north of Tokyo, insisting it is safe to do so. The plant was wrecked in a 2011 tsunami and the water has mostly been used to cool damaged reactors.

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Hong Kong's import ban is also due to take effect from Thursday. It covers imported aquatic products from the Japanese regions of Tokyo, Fukushima, Chiba, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Gunma, Miyagi, Niigata, Nagano and Saitama.

The government said there was no timetable about how long the ban would last and that a decision would depend on data and information from the Japan after the discharge.

Seafood imports from 13 other Japanese regions will still be allowed.

The measure covers live, frozen, refrigerated and dried aquatic products, sea salt and seaweed.

Hong Kong is Japan's second largest market, after mainland China, for agricultural and fisheries exports. It imported 75.5 billion yen ($519.54 million) worth of seafood from Japan last year, Japanese data shows.

Some Hong Kong fish sellers, like 57-year old fish shop owner Robert Ho, said the ban would likely help their sales of local fish.

"Because there's no Japanese fish in the market our local fish have the upper hand... do we still need to eat Japanese fish when we have these big locally caught fish?"

($1 = 145.3200 yen)

(Reporting by Farah Master, Twinnie Siu, and Joyce Zhou; Editing by Kim Coghill)
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., speaks in front of members of the House Freedom Caucus during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, July 14, 2023. House conservatives in a group known as the Freedom Caucus have unveiled a list of demands they want included in a stopgap spending measure to keep the federal government running after the end of September. | Patrick Semansky, Associated Press

Congress is in recess this month but is set to reconvene in less than two weeks. When lawmakers come back, they will have a month to pass 12 spending bills to avoid a government shutdown.

If lawmakers cant pass the appropriations bills before Sept. 30, when government funding expires, then Congress would have to pass short-term extensions through a continuing resolution to keep the federal government running.

But the House Freedom Caucus, a group of conservatives, is hoping to rein in reckless spending.

In a statement, the group said it would refuse to support any such measure that continues Democrats bloated COVID-era spending and simultaneously fails to force the Biden Administration to follow the law and fulfill its most basic responsibilities.

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Sen. Mike Lee of Utah chimed in on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying, A series of short-term continuing resolutions serves Washington, not the American people.

In another post, Lee, a Republican, said that the country cant afford kicking this can down the road any longer.

A series of short-term continuing resolutions serves Washington, not the American people. https://t.co/j3vWjmJAIH  Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) August 21, 2023

Last week, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., told the House Republican conference during a members-only call that Congress would need to pass a stopgap funding bill, as The Washington Post reported.

Since then, the Freedom Caucus has countered with a list of demands that its members want fulfilled to pass any short-term spending bills and avoid a shutdown, creating a roadblock for McCarthy.

They asked for 2024 spending levels to match the fiscal year 2022 topline level of $1.471 trillion, instead of $1.5 trillion, as negotiated for fiscal year 2023.

The group of conservatives also want the spending bills to include the House-passed Secure the Border Act of 2023, which imposes limits on asylum eligibility and provides more enforcement for border management.

Although the White House has also requested $4 billion in funding for border security, it's not nearly as much as Republicans are asking for, as Punchbowl News reported.

The demands include addressing the weaponization of the Justice Department and FBI and ending the lefts cancerous woke policies in the Pentagon undermining our militarys core warfighting mission.

The GOP lawmakers said they will not support any blank checks for Ukraine, meanwhile, the White House requested $25 billion in supplemental funding to support Kyiv.

We will oppose any attempt by Washington to revert to its old playbook of using a series of short-term funding extensions designed to push Congress up against a December deadline to force the passage of yet another monstrous, budget busting, pork filled, lobbyist handout omnibus spending bill at years end and we will use every procedural tool necessary to prevent that outcome, the Freedom Caucus said.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., wrote on X that GOP lawmakers are determined to shut down the government and crash our economy.

Democrats in the Senate also seem willing to pass a short-term spending bill, as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters, according to The Associated Press.

We hope that our House Republicans will realize that any funding resolution has to be bipartisan or they will risk shutting down the government, he said.
This is what someone says is a photo of the Loch Ness monster in Scotland. AP

Hundreds of volunteers are set to descend on Loch Ness, Scotland, for the search of a lifetime.

The volunteers will spend a weekend trying to confirm the existence of the Loch Ness monster.

After high interest in the search, the Loch Ness Centre invited others to livestream the action.

For the first time in over 50 years, hundreds of people will descend onto Loch Ness, Scotland, with modern-day gadgets, in hopes of locating a mythic creature known to locals as "Nessie."

This weekend, volunteers and researchers will meet up in Inverness, Scotland, at the site of the Loch Ness freshwater lake, trying to find "Nessie," the Loch Ness monster.

The Loch Ness Centre, a group of researchers and enthusiasts organizing the trip, claims participants will help to "scientifically investigate Loch Ness and its famous monster mythology." The organizers invited participants to join the "hunt for truth," where they will attempt to locate the mythical beast.

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According to CNN, at least a hundred participants are joining from as far as New Zealand, and Japan. Part of the purpose of the trip is to get to the bottom of the folklore surrounding the mythic creature, but there is yet to be any physical proof of the animal.

According to the Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register, there have been 1,148 claimed sightings, with the first reported one coming from 565 AD.

But the first alleged sighting in Scottish newspapers dates back to 1933, CNN reported, where onlookers described a "dragon or prehistoric monster" in the lake.

The Loch Ness Centre, hosting the event, reopened this year after a $1.9 million construction project at the site of the Drumnadrochit Hotel, which is where a hotel manager described seeing the beast some 90 years ago, per CNN.

They're working with Loch Ness Exploration, an independent research team, to organize the search. According to the Guardian, the Loch Ness Centre and Loch Ness Exploration will oversee participants, and after a surge in applications, others were invited to join the adventure virtually.

The trip will span over the weekend of August 26 and 27, where volunteers will take shifts observing the lake at different times, using pieces of equipment like infrared cameras meant to produce thermal imaging of the water, or devices used to track acoustic underwater signals.

"A hydrophone will be used to detect acoustic signals under the water, listening for any Nessie-like calls, as well as further technology in the hunt for the truth," organizers said on their website.

The goal will be to see whether any unnatural movement occurs in the water during the two-day period, per the Guardian.

After in-person slots filled up this month due to "an overwhelming surge in demand from enthusiastic Nessie Hunters," others were invited to watch virtually, the Centre said.

The Loch Ness Centre did not immediately return Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Insider
Alexandra Simpson grew up in Paris but spent time visiting the Atlantic Beach vacation home of her father, a lawyer in France. Simpson is now a filmmaker and is bringing an international crew to the beach city in September to shoot a film called "No Sleep Till" about young people in Atlantic Beach as a hurricane approaches.

Young French filmmaker Alexandra Simpson grew up in Paris, but memories of little Atlantic Beach tucked up in the northeast corner of Florida were hard for her to shake.

Its always in the back of my head," she said. "Always. Its like haunting me in a way, honestly. Its like I dream about it. The smells, the sounds ..."

The old shingled houses along Beach Avenue, the ocean, the bicyclists, the walkers, the skaters. Old people, young people. "Every time we came here it was like a paradise to us, me and my brother. A paradise that was linked to a certain sense of nostalgia," she said.

While growing up in France, Simpson often came to Atlantic Beach to visit with her father, Bob Simpson, a Jacksonville native and one of the area's first surfers, who became an international lawyer in Paris. And when she began thinking of making her first feature film, the beach town began to come to life in her imagination.

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Now it's the setting for her first feature film, "No Sleep Till," an independent project that follows an ensemble cast of young people (including a French woman) as a hurricane approaches Atlantic Beach and the streets begin to empty out.

Want to watch some of the old silent films shot in Jacksonville? Here are 20 of them.

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Hurricane season

Filming is expected to start in mid-September and last for a month, right in the heart of hurricane season. Simpson stressed, however, that she wouldn't wish for a real hurricane to strike during filming; some generally blustery weather and filmmaking techniques can stand in for that.

"Its really going to be in the editing, and the framing, and the sound," she said.

Simpson, 26, got a degree in film theory from the Sorbonne in Paris and another in filmmaking at a fine arts school in Switzerland. She's made short films that have played in festivals and has worked in editing roles.

For "No Sleep Till," she's drawn together an international crew of friends from the Swiss film school and France, along with some locals she's met since arriving in Florida a few weeks ago. Almost no one is getting paid, but she's buying the Europeans their airline tickets and putting them up in Atlantic Beach homes.

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Actors include a 19-year-old woman she cast after seeing her at the neighborhood Grumpy's Restaurant, as well as a stand-up comedian from New York, a French actress and a real-life storm chaser from Tampa playing one in the film.

"No Sleep Till" has already attracted the support of locals who've offered to be extras, provided locations, housing and parking, and who've helped raise a good chunk of the film's $25,000 Indiegogo target.

City officials, including Mayor Curtis Ford, have offered to help make it easier to film, whether it's helping find locations and temporarily closing streets with the cooperation of police and residents, said Kevin Hogencamp, assistant city manager.

There could be an economic boost from the crew filming in Atlantic Beach, he acknowledged.

But really, and communicating with the mayor, we just think having this movie filmed in our backyard has the opportunity to increase our sense of community here," Hogencamp said. "A lot of us want to be extras. Were talking about it. We want to volunteer in some way. It's fun coming together for a common community cause. We recognize that.

Big changes and generational angst

Simpson said a theme of the film is coming-of-age angst, which these days hits on several fronts, including the climate crisis, which is certainly an element in the approaching hurricane. Everyone at the beach, she notes, has a hurricane story of getting out or staying put.

There's plenty of coming-of-age economic angst, too, in her generation.

I realize, with my friends, the conversations we have, are always around how are we going to live in this world where housing prices are elevating and salaries aren't? People are more and more vulnerable to being without security," she said.

Then there's the change she, just in her mid-20s, has already seen in the Atlantic Beach of her youth. Her father owns one of those classic old cypress-shingled beach homes along Beach Avenue, but she's noticed that those homes, though so characteristic of the neighborhood, are beginning to get knocked down as they make way for newer, bigger houses.

"All the old wooden houses that really inspired a lot of the scenes that I wrote, in Atlantic Beach theyre vanishing," she said, "and these big-ass houses are developing like mushrooms. I mean, good for them, but I do see a change.

Simpson wants to capture the cinematic feel of the old place before it was gone, she said, as well as showcase a part of Florida far different from the more familiar glitz and pastels of South Florida.

Its not just oh, this dreamy, hot, palm-tree place," she said of this particular part of North Florida. "I dont know: Its richer than that. Its very exotic to European people. I think thats why a lot of people are interested in this film from Europe. Theyre fascinated by Americans, in good and bad ways. Nevertheless, at the end of the day theyre fascinated.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Paris filmmaker's film set in Jacksonville Beaches as hurricane looms
A 24-year-old accused of shooting a Bolingbrook police officer during a standoff now faces felony charges in connection to the incident, which left the officer recovering in an area hospital.

A Will County judge on Wednesday set Victor Zarate Jr.s bond at $5 million, according to court records. Zarate, of Bolingbrook, was charged with attempted murder of a police officer, aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated discharge of a firearm.

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Bolingbrook police have requested help from Illinois State Police in investigating the shooting, which began with police responding to a theft call at a business on the 100 block of South Bolingbrook Drive around 6:15 p.m. Sunday.

The offender fled the scene before officers arrived, police said. Around 7:48 p.m., police returned to the same business after a report of shots fired.

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Police identified and located the suspect at his residence in the 100 block of West Briarcliff Road. When the officer made contact, the suspect fired multiple shots, striking the officer twice before barricading himself inside his home, police said.

A state police SWAT team searched the residence around 1 a.m. Monday and took Zarate into custody.

Authorities on Wednesday didnt provide an update on the officers condition.
Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) shared doubt that former President Trump, the front-runner of the GOP presidential primary, will run away with a primary victory.

In a CNN interview Tuesday, Hutchinson said Trumps lead may not be as big as it seems to people not talking to voters.

I just came back from the Iowa, the Iowa State Fair, and what you see on the ground is not reflected in the polls, he said.

I think the voters in Iowa and other places are saying, Weve got to look at a different option, and those numbers will move in the late fall and early winter. This is going to be a late-deciding race, and part of it is they dont know where theyre going to go, he added.

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Hutchinson will attend the first GOP debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday and will appear alongside the races top candidates  except for Trump, who decided to skip the event.

The second-worst-performing candidate in national polls to make the debate, Hutchinson said just making the stage was an accomplishment in itself. He plans to use the platform to go after the former president, even if he isnt there, he said.

I want to make sure we describe the challenge to win in 2024 with Donald Trump. Thats the case that has to be made, that we need a different direction for our party and for our country, Hutchinson said.

Trump holds a large lead in national polls, taking about 52 percent of GOP support, while second place Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) holds about 15 percent. Hutchinson has about 0.7 percent support according to national polling averages, edging out North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who made the debate stage with 0.4 percent support on average.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Military operations near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, including multiple explosions in the past week, pose an ongoing nuclear security risk, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on Aug. 22.

IAEA experts reported five detonations in the area on Aug. 20 and five more on Aug. 21.

"The overall nuclear safety and security situation remains precarious, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

The agency's representatives also described an Aug. 14 explosion that was so strong it "shook their windows." This was followed by sounds of gunfire on Aug. 16. Another explosion occurred near the plant on Aug. 17.

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The report also mentioned an Aug. 18 explosion in nearby Enerhodar, where most plant personnel live.

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Europe's largest nuclear plant, has been occupied by Russian forces since March 2022. It stands on the front lines of Russia's war against Ukraine, where daily shelling is routine.

The Russian military's demolition of the Kakhovka dam on June 6 put the integrity of the ZNPP at further risk. The Zaporizhzhia plant relies on water from the Kakhovka Reservoir to cool its six reactors.

The IAEA report said the ZNPP is planning to build up to a dozen wells around the site and has already successfully begun pumping water from a new groundwater well. According to the report, the ZNPP has enough cooling water "for many months."

However, Grossi made it clear that these solutions are not sufficient.

"This is vital work," Grossi said. "But the real solution is for the conflict to end."

Read also: On the edge of disaster: What could really happen if Russia destroys Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A brief hunger strike Tuesday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees housed at the Monroe County Sheriffs Office Inmate Dormitory was resolved within hours of the detainees announcing their protest.

Wednesday morning, ICE meet with its 65 detainees housed at the Monroe County Sheriffs Office Inmate Dormitory on East Dunbar Road, according to Monroe County Undersheriff Jeff Pauli. The purpose of the meeting was to answer questions the inmates had about their detainment.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees are housed at the Monroe County Inmate Dormitory Facility on East Dunbar Road.

At 1 p.m. Tuesday, the passive resistant group expressed dissatisfaction with their individual court proceedings and announced a hunger strike. Pauli said due to the numbers of inmates and a communication barrier, sheriffs office road patrol deputies were summoned to assist correctional staff.

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The corrections staff and representatives from ICE met with the detainees to discuss their concerns. Three hours later, a peaceful resolution was reached and the hunger strike demonstration was resolved without altercation.

In a written statement, Sheriff Troy Goodnough credited the professionalism demonstrated by the correctional staff in resolving this incident. In addition, Goodnough thanked the many officers of the Monroe Police Department and troopers from the Michigan State Police who responded alongside the sheriff's deputies to help bring this situation to a peaceful conclusion.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: ICE detainees hunger strike in Monroe peacefully resolved
In yet another example of an Idaho state agency falling down on the job, foreign workers in the Idaho sheepherding business suffered poor working conditions at the hands of ranchers while the Idaho Department of Labor failed to adequately address the abuse.

In at least one case, as reported by the Idaho Statesmans Ian Max Stevenson, poor working conditions went on for years, and the Department of Labor not only failed to protect the workers, but also helped the rancher get more workers from other countries.

Because so few American workers apply to work as sheepherders, ranchers can procure foreign workers through the H-2A visa program. Sheepherders typically come from Peru and other South American countries, as well as Mexico, according to Stevensons reporting.

The Idaho Department of Labor helps Idaho ranchers find foreign workers with job postings.

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But the department is also supposed to help protect workers from abuses and poor working conditions.

In the case of one rancher, John Anchustegui, state labor officials documented allegations of mistreatment for 16 years and that Anchustegui was dangerous and uncooperative, and attempted to block inspections and attempts to speak with workers.

Over a 20-year period, Anchustegui was subject to at least four federal investigations  the last one in 2014  and fined $7,800 in total for wage and employment-related failures.

Yet every year, the government approved Anchusteguis requests to procure more workers with the assistance of the state labor department, according to Stevensons reporting, based on labor data since 2008.

Complaints included lack of food; meat that was spoiled or partially eaten by a dog; withheld pay and delayed paychecks; lack of access to medical care; inadequate housing, including missing floor tiles, holes in the ceiling, a rusty shower stall a broken toilet and missing or empty first aid kits; and unclean sheep wagons that had mouse droppings and torn-up mattresses.

The Labor Department documented the rancher preventing his workers from being alone with state inspectors, and one worker appeared to be afraid to stay in the ranch bunkhouse for fear of retribution before leaving the country.

If you complain, you can go back to Peru, said one sheepherder who worked for another rancher and who was interviewed by the Idaho Statesman on condition of anonymity, and youre not coming back.

If we complain too much, we wont get a new contract, another sheepherder said.

Its that kind of pressure that requires the state and federal government to step in to protect workers.

The United States is not a third-world country; no worker should be treated like it is.

But government agencies failed to protect these workers.

Labor inspectors, themselves, suffered abuse, obstruction and belligerence, dating back as far as 2008.

This employer has over the years mistreated his workers and our staff, according to a 2017 email from a Department of Labor employee. I actually consider him dangerous (there are many stories about him waving a gun or threatening to shoot workers).  I am surprised our department exposes our staff to this kind of treatment. The employer wants to participate in the program and HE needs US to perform the housing inspection in order to get his workers.

For Stevensons story, the Department of Labor declined to comment on Anchusteguis repeated investigations.

Why is that? The Labor Department is a taxpayer-funded agency that should be answerable to the people of Idaho. Declining to comment is unacceptable. Further, it looks like they have something to hide. State government employees shouldnt hide anything.

Over the past several weeks, the Idaho Statesman has reported on several state agencies failings, including the departments of Education and Health and Welfare failing to bring federal dollars to Idaho for lunch programs for needy children, the Department of Transportation failing to cut down dangerous trees along Highway 55, and Health and Welfares inability to inspect nursing homes.

Whos holding these agencies accountable?

Meanwhile, perhaps coincidentally, the Idaho sheep industry issued its own report this week, saying its industry could go extinct because of low prices caused by a flood of imports from Australia.

If true, legislators need to come up with solutions to fix those problems.

But the solution shouldnt come at the expense of the health and well-being of workers.

And it certainly shouldnt be done with the help of government agencies looking the other way when workers are abused.

Statesman editorials are the unsigned opinion of the Idaho Statesmans editorial board. Board members are opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, editor Chadd Cripe, newsroom editors Dana Oland and Jim Keyser and community members Mary Rohlfing and Patricia Nilsson.
Southwestern Illinois Colleges adult volunteer literacy program received a state grant to expand its efforts in the metro-east Monday afternoon.

Project READ helps adults in St. Clair, Madison, Monroe and Randolph counties improve their literacy by pairing them with volunteer tutors. The program has been supported by the Office of the Secretary of State, who also serves as the state librarian, since its inception.

Any chance we can provide resources, funding, attention towards literacy, but especially adult literacy, we think its not just great for these families and individuals, for their job prospects, but its great for the local economy, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said.

He said adult literacy has been a priority of his and the current administration, especially with literacy rates dropping post-COVID-19.

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According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 20% of Illinois population has a literacy proficiency at or below level one, which signifies functional illiteracy. This means Illinois is behind 30 other states that have higher levels of literacy.

With the $77,207 grant, SWICs Literacy Coordinator Jenny Margarida said she hopes to reach more learners, including by getting back into St. Clair County Jail to tutor inmates, which the program did before the pandemic.

Mereadith Shivers, SWICs director of adult education, said the grant will also allow them to provide more materials like bookbags and gas cards to students who need them.

The program currently has 60 learners and 59 tutors, Margarida said.

One example of how the program affects peoples lives, she said, is an international student who came to the program because she wanted to become a certified nursing assistant.

In her home country, her parents made her leave school around first grade to work and pay for her six siblings to go to school. When she later came to the United States, she started caring for elderly people in their homes and wanting to be a CNA, but her literacy levels were so low that she wouldnt be able to take the classes and get certified, Margarida said.

Now, after tutoring for over 60 hours, shes at a third grade reading level and closer to reaching her goal.

She was so happy when she tested and she scored higher, Margarida said. She started crying, and  it was emotional and such a great day.

She said the grant from the secretary of state is going to allow us to reach more people and help change their lives really for the better, give them hope.
A highway traffic stop along Interstate 55 near Springfield led to the discovery of 103 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated worth of $3 million.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of Illinois said that David Dowling-Chacon, 41, and Luis Dukes-Acosta, 38, were charged with possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine after an Illinois State Police trooper found the drugs in the back of a tractor-trailer the men were driving from San Diego to Chicago.

Arrested on Aug. 15, the men made initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Springfield on Aug. 17. Dowling-Chacon was scheduled for a detention hearing Wednesday. Dukes-Acosta waived his right to a hearing Tuesday and agreed to detention with the U.S. Marshals.

More: Heat forces Springfield area schools to adjust practice schedules

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According to the initial complaint provided to the court, the trooper stopped the trailer at mile marker 91 along northbound I-55 at 6:59 a.m. for a routine safety inspection of the vehicle. Dukes-Acosta told the trooper he and Dowling-Chacon were driving to Chicago to pick up a load and return to the San Diego area.

The trooper asked to search the vehicle after the inspection was completed, according to the report, and found a black suitcase with several kilograms of narcotics inside several rectangular packages wrapped in plastic. Dowling-Chacon and Dukes-Acosta were arrested after additional suitcases and packages with drugs were found inside the truck.

Drug Enforcement Administration agents tested the packages and found that they were positive for cocaine, over 121 kilograms in 103 different packages. Trooper Jayme Bufford, a public information officer for ISP, said that the value of the cocaine ranged from $2.575 million to $3.605 million, noting that interstates like I-55 are commonly used as routes for moving drugs.

More: On move-in day, UIS optimistic about enrollment numbers for the fall

ISP and DEA were assisted in the investigation by the Springfield and Jacksonville Police Departments and the Logan County Sheriff's office.

Dukes-Acosta and Dowling-Chacon were in the custody of U.S. Marshals. If convicted, each will face a mandatory sentence of at least 10 years in prison and could face life in federal prison. A potential sentence also could include a lifetime term of supervised release and a $10 million fine.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Illinois State Police traffic stop leads to $3 million cocaine bust
LIBERTY, Mo.  Clay County prosecutors charge a 28-year-old Independence, Missouri man accused of deliberately striking and killing a Liberty woman with his vehicle.

Zackary Young is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

View the latest Weather Alerts in the Kansas City region on FOX4

Around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22, Liberty police officers responded to investigate a traffic incident involving a vehicle and a woman near the intersection of La Frenz and Ruth Ewing roads.

Investigation revealed that the driver of a Dodge Ram pick-up was going south on La Frenz Road and struck the victim on the northbound side of the road.

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Court documents say the victim was outside of her vehicle, which had a flat tire, at the time of the crash.

The victim, identified as 20-year-old Savanna Churchill, died at the scene.

The driver of the Ram, identified as Young, walked away from the scene and was taken into custody several blocks away. When asked if he had observed a crash where he was coming from and if he was involved, he paused and stated, Yea, it was me, court documents say.

Investigators say Young intentionally struck Churchill with his vehicle, and also established that Young and Churchill did not know each other.

Court records say during his arrest, a Liberty police officer noticed Youngs speech to be slow and slurred. When asked about the crash, he responded with a long pause, then said, Im in debt.

When asked if he had taken anything or drank any alcohol, Young responded by shaking his head up and down repeatedly.

Two in critical condition after double shooting in Kansas City

According to court documents, when police asked Young if he knew why he did it, he stated, Because Ive been running my whole life. Umm, I guess I thought I was running from the government, but I guess I was running from myself.

Young is being held on a Clay County warrant with a $1,000,000 bond.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
New Delhi  At least 18 people died Wednesday after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in northeastern India's Mizoram state, officials said.

The death toll is likely to increase as many more are reported missing. Railway officials said about 40 laborers were on the bridge at the time of its collapse.

Rescue workers conduct a search operation at the site of an accident where an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in Sairang town of the Aizwal district in India's eastern state of Mizoram on August 23, 2023. / Credit: AFP via Getty Images

The deadly accident happened at Sairang, a town about 12 miles from the state capital, Aizawl. Railway authorities have launched an investigation to find the cause of the collapse.

Pictures posted by Hari Babu Kambhampati, governor of Mizoram, on social media showed part of the unfinished bridge lying across the floor of the Kurung River, between several columns that were still standing.

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Chief minister of the state, Zoramthanga, who uses only one name, called the accident "unfortunate." His government has announced compensation of one million Indian rupees ($12,000) for the next of kin of the dead.

India's federal government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi , has announced a separate compensation of $2,400 for the families of the deceased.

"Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected," Modi's office said.

India makes history after landing a spacecraft near moon's south pole

The deadly bridge collapse is the latest in a string of accidents in India. Accidents from old and poorly maintained infrastructure, including bridges, are common across the country.

Last year in October, more than 140 people were killed as a pedestrian suspension bridge collapsed in India's western state of Gujarat.

In 2016, the collapse of an overpass onto a busy street in Kolkata killed at least 26 people.

In 2011, at least 32 people were killed when a packed bridge collapsed in the hill resort of Darjeeling.

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India has landed its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the moon, becoming only the fourth nation ever to accomplish such a feat.

The mission could cement Indias status as a global superpower in space. Previously, only the United States, China and the former Soviet Union have completed soft landings on the lunar surface.

Chandrayaan-3s landing site is also closer to the moons south pole than any other spacecraft in history has ventured. The south pole region is considered an area of key scientific and strategic interest for spacefaring nations, as scientists believe the region to be home to water ice deposits.

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The water, frozen in shadowy craters, could be converted into rocket fuel or even drinking water for future crewed missions.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently in South Africa for the BRICS Summit, watched the landing virtually and shared broadcasted remarks on the livestream.

On this joyous occasionI would like to address all the people of the world, he said. Indias successful moon mission is not just Indias alone. This is a year in which the world is witnessing Indias G20 presidency. Our approach of one Earth, one family, one future is resonating across the globe.

This human-centric approach that we present and we represent has been welcome universally. Our moon mission is also based on the same human-centric approach, Modi added. Therefore, this success belongs to all of humanity, and it will help moon missions by other countries in the future.

Indias attempt to land its spacecraft near the lunar south pole comes just days after another nations failed attempt to do the same. Russias Luna 25 spacecraft crashed into the moon on August 19 after its engines misfired, ending the countrys first lunar landing attempt in 47 years.

Chandrayaan-3s journey

As Chandrayaan-3 approached the moon, its cameras captured photographs, including one taken on August 20 that Indias space agency shared Tuesday. The image offers a close-up of the moons dusty gray terrain.

Indias lunar lander consists of three parts: a lander, rover and propulsion module, which provided the spacecraft all the thrust required to traverse the 384,400-kilometer (238,855-mile) void between the moon and Earth.

The lander, called Vikram, completed the precision maneuvers required to make a soft touchdown on the lunar surface after it was ejected from the propulsion module. Tucked inside is Pragyan, a small, six-wheeled rover that will deploy from the lander by rolling down a ramp.

Vikram used its on board thrusters to carefully orient itself as it approached the lunar surface, and it slowly throttled down its engines for a touchdown just after 6 p.m. IST (8:30 a.m. ET) as applause erupted from the mission control room.

The Indian Space Research Organization, or ISRO, later confirmed it had established two-way communication with the spacecraft and shared the first images of the surface captured during the landers final descent.

The lander, which weighs about 1,700 kilograms (3,748 pounds), and 26-kilogram (57.3-pound) rover are packed with scientific instruments, prepared to capture data to help researchers analyze the lunar surface and deliver fresh insights into its composition.

Applause erupted in the control room Wednesday when India's lunar lander touched down on the moon's surface. - From ISRO

Dr. Angela Marusiak, an assistant research professor at the University of Arizonas Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, said shes particularly excited that the lunar lander includes a seismometer that will attempt to detect quakes within the moons interior.

Studying how the moons inner layers move could be key information for future endeavors on the lunar surface, Marusiak said.

You want to make sure that any potential seismic activity wouldnt endanger any astronauts, Marusiak said. Or, if we were to build structures on the moon, that they would be safe from any seismic activity.

The lander and rover are expected to function for about two weeks on the moons surface. The propulsion module will remain in orbit, serving as a relay point for beaming data back to Earth.

A global moon rush

Working alongside allies such as the United States and France, India is part of a second wave of emerging space powers. The countrys space program has become one of the worlds busiest in its development of exploratory space technology.

Chandrayaan-3 has been a point of national pride and widespread interest across India. Crowds gathered at the launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh state to watch the mission take flight in July. On Wednesday, more than 8 million people tuned in to view a livestream of the landing.

Children in a school in Guwahati, India, celebrate Chandrayaan-3's successful landing on the moon on Wednesday. - Anupam Nath/AP

At least 500 people gathered at Indias Council of Scientific and Industrial Research in New Delhi Wednesday where the livestream was broadcast in an auditorium as well as outdoors at a temporary pavilion. After a successful touchdown was confirmed, Indian sweets were distributed to the audience, firecrackers were lit and spectators applauded for more than a minute.

Chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai  or victory to India  could be heard, and children joyously waved the Indian flag.

Indias mission has taken on even greater significance since Russias failed Luna 25 landing attempt. With the success of Chandrayaan-3, India became the second country to land a spacecraft on the moon in the 21st century after China, which has put three landers on the lunar surface since 2013  including the first to touch down on the moons far side. (The last US lunar lander, the crewed Apollo 17 mission, touched down in 1972.)

Shown here is an image of the lunar surface taken by the mission's Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera during the spacecraft's descent on Wednesday. - From ISRO

More than a dozen countries have plans for missions to the moon in the coming years, including a mission launched by Japans space agency  the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency  that is expected to lift off later this month. The United States also has plans to send three commercial lunar landers to the moon starting as early as this year, while NASA continues to work toward its Artemis III mission, which could put astronauts back on the moon as soon as 2025.

Landing on the moon, however, remains a challenging endeavor. Indias last attempt to land a spacecraft on the moon, during the 2019 Chandrayaan-2 mission, failed. And two commercial spacecraft have crash-landed on the lunar surface in recent times  one from Israel in 2019 and the other from Japan in April.

There is no doubt that landing on the Moon is a real challenge, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement on Sunday. But the Moon offers great scientific reward, which is why weve seen so many recent attempts to visit the surface again. Were looking forward to all that we will learn in the future, including from Indias Chandraayan-3 mission.

On Wednesday, Nelson also shared a congratulatory note on social media, saying, congratulations to #India on being the 4th country to successfully soft-land a spacecraft on the Moon. Were glad to be your partner on this mission!

India is also a signatory of the United States Artemis Accords, a document that outlines proposed rules of the road for future lunar exploration. Russia and China have not signed the accords.

CNNs Irene Nasser contributed to this story.

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A photo from a federal court filing by the U.S. attorney's office allegedly shows Robin Lee Reierson, a welder for Argonne National Laboratory, who is accused of participating in violence during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. (U.S. Attorney's Office)

A Schiller Park resident and longtime Argonne National Laboratory welder is accused of shoving Washington, D.C., police officers and trying to disarm one during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Robin Lee Reierson, 68, who was arrested shortly after 5 a.m. Wednesday, faces seven federal counts including civil disorder, assaulting, resisting or impeding a police officer, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct and acts of physical violence on Capitol grounds.

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He faces up to five years in prison on the felony charge of assaulting a police officer.

The seven-count criminal complaint included still photos from Metropolitan police body-worn camera footage of a man wearing a black motorcycle helmet shoving against officers trying to maintain a security blockade outside the Capitol.

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While rioters tried to push past a metal barricade manned by police on the Capitols lower west terrace, the helmeted man whom authorities identified as Reierson used his back and body to push on the metal barrier, according to the complaint.

Reierson, authorities said, also pushed officers using both hands and by lowering his shoulder into them and attempted to disarm an officer of his baton.

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A week after the Capitol breach, the FBI received an online tip that an employee of Argonne was possibly involved in the attack. Authorities then compared the police images with Reiersons drivers license before a Schiller Park officer confirmed Reiersons identity, according to the complaint.

A spokesperson at the federally funded lab said that Reierson was employed as a lead welder, adding that he was an employee for over 40 years. The spokesperson referred other questions to the U.S. attorneys office in D.C. Reiersons attorney declined to comment on his clients employment status.

Dressed in a blue T-shirt, Reierson sat with his back to the courtroom gallery before a hearing Wednesday at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago, facing the wall directly in front of him. When the case was called, he swiveled around but kept his right hand and forearm covering his face. He answered Yes when asked if he understood the charges filed against him.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cummings ordered him released from custody pending his appearance in Washington to face the charges. Reierson is expected to participate in an initial appearance by Zoom on Aug. 31.

After Wednesdays court appearance, Reiersons attorney, Michael Leonard, called the evidence submitted by government attorneys rather weak and promised to vigorously defend his client.

Reierson is a guy that at 68 has absolutely no criminal history and thats why we believe these allegation are without merit, Leonard said.

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[ Chicago police officer and sister found guilty of breaching the Capitol on Jan. 6 ]

Reierson is the latest Illinois resident charged with illegally entering the U.S. Capitol and attacking police officers in an attempt to overturn Donald Trumps 2020 election loss. Those charged include a retired Illinois Army National Guard soldier, a Chicago police officer and his sister and a North Side man convicted in April of breaching the Capitol and stealing items from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office.
By Nivedita Bhattacharjee

BENGALURU (Reuters) -An Indian spacecraft became the first to land on the rugged, unexplored south pole of the moon on Wednesday in a mission seen as crucial to lunar exploration and India's standing as a space power, just days after a similar Russian lander crashed.

"This moment is unforgettable. It is phenomenal. This is a victory cry of a new India," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi , who waved the Indian flag as he watched the landing from South Africa where he is attending a BRICS summit, a group that joins Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Scientists and officials clapped, cheered and hugged each other as the spacecraft landed and people across India broke out in celebration, setting off firecrackers and dancing in the streets.

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"India is on the moon," said S. Somanath, chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as the Chandrayaan-3 landed, making India the fourth nation to successfully land a spacecraft on the moon after the United States, China and the former Soviet Union.

ISRO shared pictures from the spacecraft showing the moons surface and the leg and shadow of the lander.

Rough terrain makes a south pole landing difficult, but the region's ice could supply fuel, oxygen and drinking water for future missions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated India in a message to Modi published on the Kremlin website.

"This is a big step forward in space exploration and of course a testament to the impressive progress made by India in the field of science and technology," he said.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson congratulated the ISRO on the landing.

"And congratulations to India on being the 4th country to successfully soft-land a spacecraft on the Moon," he said on X, formerly Twitter. "Were glad to be your partner on this mission!"

This was India's second attempt to land a spacecraft on the moon and comes less than a week after Russia's Luna-25 mission failed. People across the country were glued to television screens and said prayers as the spacecraft approached the surface.

Nearly 7 million watched the YouTube live stream.

Chandrayaan means "moon vehicle" in Hindi and Sanskrit. In 2019, ISRO's Chandrayaan-2 mission successfully deployed an orbiter but its lander crashed.

The Chandrayaan-3 is expected to remain functional for two weeks, running a series of experiments including a spectrometer analysis of the mineral composition of the lunar surface.

The moon rover will take a few hours or a day to come out of the spacecraft, Somanath told reporters, adding that the landing has given India confidence to extend its reach to possible voyages to Mars and Venus.

India is also planning to launch a mission in September to study the sun, Somanath said. A human space flight is also planned and, while no official date has been announced, preparations are likely to be ready by 2024.

The landing is expected to boost India's reputation for cost-competitive space engineering. The Chandrayaan-3 was launched with a budget of about 6.15 billion rupees ($74 million), less than the cost to produce the 2013 Hollywood space thriller "Gravity".

"Landing on the south pole would actually allow India to explore if there is water ice on the moon. And this is very important for cumulative data and science on the geology of the moon," said Carla Filotico, a partner and managing director at consultancy SpaceTec Partners.

Anticipation before the landing was feverish, with banner headlines across Indian newspapers and news channels running countdowns to the landing.

Prayers were held at places of worship across the country, and school children waved the Indian tricolour as they waited for live screenings of the landing.

Children gathered on the banks of the Ganga river, considered holy by Hindus, to pray for a safe landing, and mosques offered prayers.

At a Sikh temple, known as a gurduwara, in the capital New Delhi, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also offered prayers.

"Not just economic, but India is achieving scientific and technological progress as well," Puri told reporters.

(Reporting by Nivedita Bhattacharjee in Bengaluru; additional reporting by Sunil Kataria, Krishn Kaushik, Tanvi Mehta, Maria Kiselyova; Writing by Shilpa Jamkhandikar and Shivam Patel, Editing by Gerry Doyle, Angus MacSwan and Nick Macfie)
India became the first country to land a spacecraft near the moons south pole on Wednesday  a historic voyage to uncharted territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water, and a technological triumph for the worlds most populous nation.

After a failed attempt to land on the moon in 2019, India now joins the United States, the Soviet Union and China as only the fourth country to achieve this milestone. A lander with a rover inside touched down on the lunar surface at 6:04 p.m. local time, sparking celebrations across India, including in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru, where space scientists watching the landing erupted in cheers and applause.

Failed lunar mission reflects deep problems with Russia space industry

The successful mission showcases Indias rising standing as a technology and space powerhouse and dovetails with the image that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to project: an ascendant country asserting its place among the global elite.

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India is now on the moon. India has reached the south pole of the moon  no other country has achieved that. We are witnessing history, Modi said as he waved the Indian tri-colored flag while watching the landing from South Africa, where he is participating in the BRICS nations summit.

The lunar rover will slide down a flap from the lander within hours or a day and conduct experiments, including an analysis of the mineral composition of the lunar surface, said S. Somnath, chairman of the state-run Indian Space Research Organization.

This image from video provided by the Indian Space Research Organisation shows the surface of the moon as the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft prepares for landing on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India became the first country to land a spacecraft near the moons south pole, which scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water. (ISRO via AP)

The mission, which began more than a month ago at an estimated cost of $75 million, is expected to last another two weeks. Somnath said that India would next attempt a manned lunar mission.

Nuclear-armed India grew to become the worlds fifth-largest economy last year, and the success of the lunar mission will likely help Modis popularity ahead of a crucial general election next year.

Indias success comes just days after Russias Luna-25, which was aiming for the same lunar region, spun into an uncontrolled orbit and crashed. It would have been the first successful Russian lunar landing after a gap of 47 years. Russias head of the state-controlled space corporation Roscosmos attributed the failure to the lack of expertise due to the long break in lunar research that followed the last Soviet mission to the moon in 1976.

Modis efforts to revitalize Indias global standing  and to finally shake off the legacy of British colonialization  has resonated with many Indians. The moon landing was seen by many as further proof that their country is a rising, modern superpower.

Excited and anxious people across India crowded around televisions in offices, shops, restaurants and homes. Thousands prayed Tuesday for the success of the mission with oil lamps on the river banks, temples and religious places, including the holy city of Varanasi in northern India.

As the lander approached the lunar surface, dozens of people in a government-run planetarium started praying with folded hands. They switched to cheering and clapping once the lander touched down.

A man waved a banner reading The Moon in Indias arms.

Shrini Singh, a New Delhi resident, said she got goosebumps. Its a very happy moment  you can see the energy. Its beyond words.

Mitakshi Sinha, a student, said the successful mission motivated her. And now I also want to be part of ISRO, she said, referring to the countrys space agency.

Schoolchildren celebrate the successful landing of spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 on the moon, in a school in Guwahati, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moon's south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

India will host next months G-20 Summit, and Modi is expected to use the event to spotlight the countrys growing geopolitical clout. Even as it maintains historic ties with Russia, the U.S. and other Western nations continue to woo India, whom they see as a critical bulwark against Chinas growing influence.

Accolades poured in from around the world to acknowledge Indias emergence as a modern space power.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson congratulated India on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying ``Were glad to be your partner on this mission!

Incredible! European Space Agencys director general Josef Aschbacher tweeted.

Indias Chandrayaan-3  moon craft in Sanskrit  took off from a launchpad in Sriharikota in southern India on July 14.

Many countries and private companies are interested in the south pole region because permanently shadowed craters may hold frozen water that could help future astronaut missions use it as a potential source of drinking water or to make rocket fuel.

The six-wheeled lander and rover module of Chandrayaan-3 is configured with payloads that will provide data to the scientific community on the properties of lunar soil and rocks, including chemical and elemental compositions.

Indias previous attempt to land a robotic spacecraft near the moons little-explored south pole ended in failure in 2019. It entered the lunar orbit but lost touch with its lander, which crashed while making its final descent to deploy a rover to search for signs of water. According to a failure analysis report submitted to the ISRO, the crash was caused by a software glitch.

Water deposits

The $140-million mission in 2019 was intended to study permanently shadowed moon craters that are thought to contain water deposits and were confirmed by Indias Chandrayaan-1 orbiter mission in 2008.

But Indias space program has been steadily advancing for years.

Active since the 1960s, India has launched satellites for itself and other countries, and successfully put one in orbit around Mars in 2014. India is planning its first mission to the International Space Station next year, in collaboration with the United States.

The anticipation for a successful landing rose after Russias failed attempt and as Indias regional rival China, which landed on the moon in 2013, reaches for new milestones in space. In May, China launched a three-person crew for its orbiting space station and hopes to put astronauts on the moon before the end of the decade. Relations between India and China have plunged since deadly border clashes in 2020.

Numerous countries and private companies are racing to successfully land a spacecraft on the lunar surface. In April, a Japanese companys spacecraft apparently crashed while attempting to land on the moon. An Israeli nonprofit tried to achieve a similar feat in 2019, but its spacecraft was destroyed on impact.

Defense News, C4ISRNET correspondent arrested in India

Japan plans to launch a lunar lander to the moon over the weekend as part of an X-ray telescope mission, and two U.S. companies also are vying to put landers on the moon by the end of the year, one of them at the south pole. In the coming years, NASA plans to land astronauts at the lunar south pole, taking advantage of the frozen water in craters.

Pallava Bagla, a science writer and co-author of books on Indias space exploration, said the Russian failure days earlier did not put India off. He also said lessons learned from Indias failed mission four years ago were incorporated and a flawless mission was executed on Wednesday.

Indians didnt get derailed. They continued the journey with strength and confidence that paid off, he said.
India plans to build on its historic lunar landing by sending people to the moon.

India landed its first lunar spacecraft, and the first robotic mission near the moon's south pole.

India will "look into a human flight mission as well in the future," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed India's intention to send people to the moon in the near future as the nation celebrated the successful landing of the world's first-ever robotic mission to the lunar south pole region.

India's Chandrayaan-3 probe defeated all odds on August 23 after it managed to successfully land near the south pole of the moon, beating competing nations to the strategically important site.

With the landing, India has become the fourth nation  after Russia, the US, and China  to land on the moon.

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"It definitely puts them on the international stage as an emerging space power," Robert Braun, head of space exploration at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, told Insider.

The nation will build on this mission success by launching its first crewed mission to the moon, Modi said in Hindi during a livestream of the landing, Sky News reported.

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) staff watch Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak after the landing of spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 on the moon. Aijaz Rahi/AP Photo

"India is now on the moon," said Modi, per the BBC.

The nation "will look into a human flight mission as well for the future," he said, per Sky News.

Indian astronauts to Earth's orbit and beyond

Astronaut Rakesh Sharma, the only Indian national to have flown into space, poses behind an Indian astronaut uniform. Pallava Bagla/Corbis via Getty Images

India has previously said it will attempt a crewed mission to low-Earth orbit by late 2024, the Times of India reported.

"India is showing and proving that the sky is not the limit," said Modi per Sky News.

Indian spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 launches from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. Aijaz Rahi/AP Photo

Per the Indian Space Research Organisation, India plans to first launch two uncrewed missions, Gaganyaan 1 and 2, the first of which is planned by the end of this year. The missions should test the capacity of the nation's rocket, LVM3.

This should be followed by the nation's first crewed mission, which will aim to send three astronauts to low-Earth orbit for a three-day mission.

India nailed a difficult feat amid multiple moon crashes

The lunar south pole region on the far side of the moon, captured by Russia's Luna-25 spacecraft, before its failed attempt to land. Centre for Operation of Space Ground-Based Infrastructure-Roscosmos State Space Corporation via AP

The Chandrayaan-3 mission, which successfully landed the Vikram lander near the south pole of the moon, cemented India's position as a frontrunner in the race to the moon.

The south polar region is strategically important because scientists believe water ice is present in the area. The hope is this water could someday support humans living on the moon and help manufacture fuel for rockets launching from the moon to Mars.

Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, tried to land its own robotic mission near the south pole of the moon, but on August 20 it misfired its engines and crashed.

Both Japanese private company ispace and Israeli nonprofit SpaceIL have also crashed on the moon in recent years.

India's first attempt at the lunar south pole region in 2019, called Chandrayaan-2, crashed as well. Clearly the Indian space agency learned a lot from that failed landing.

"Last time they got to the playoffs, if you will, and this time they won the Super Bowl," Braun said.

Correction: August 28, 2023  An earlier version of this article misstated Robert Braun's title. He is head of space exploration at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, not head of a Space Exploration Center there.

Correction August 23, 2023: An earlier version of this article misstated which entities have tried to land on the lunar south pole. Two countries have attempted this feat so far: India and Russia. Only India has succeeded. An earlier version of this article also misstated the planned orbit of India's first crewed mission. It's expected to orbit Earth.



This post has also been updated with new information. It was originally published on August 23, 2023.

Editor's note September 1, 2023: This article has been updated to clarify that India's spacecraft landed in the lunar south pole region, not on the point of the lunar south pole.

Read the original article on Business Insider
MELBOURNE, Australia  Indonesia has committed to buying Boeing-made F-15 Eagle fighter jets and Sikorsky-made Black hawk helicopters.

Air Vice Marshal Yusuf Jauhari, who leads the Defense Facilities Agency within Indonesias Defense Ministry, and Mark Sears, who serves as Boeings vice president and program manager for fighters, signed a memorandum of understanding on Aug. 21 confirming plans to purchase 24 F-15s. The event took place at Boeings St. Louis, Missouri, facility during a visit by Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto.

Indonesias F-15s will be known as the F-15IDN jets and will be a version of the F-15EX, currently on order by the U.S. Air Force. Boeing touts the F-15EX as the most advanced version of the F-15 ever built, with digital fly-by-wire flight controls, a new electronic warfare system, an all-glass digital cockpit, and the latest mission systems and software capabilities.

We are pleased to announce our commitment to procure the critical F-15EX fighter capability for Indonesia, Subianto said in a statement on Boeings website. This state-of-the-art fighter will protect and secure our nation with its advanced capabilities.

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The memorandum does not serve as a finalized contract, and the sale is still subject to U.S. government approval.

Meanwhile, Indonesias Defense Ministry announced Aug. 23 that the state-owned aerospace company PT Dirgantara Indonesia and the American firm Lockheed Martin signed an agreement related to the S-70M Black Hawk transport helicopter. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of Lockheed.

This S-70 Black Hawk helicopter is armed with four forward-firing guns, a rocket pod and laser-guided missiles. (Lockheed Martin)

The agreement will see Indonesia acquire 24 S-70Ms, and PT Dirgantara Indonesia undertake the sustainment and manufacturing of helicopter components.

Indonesia has an ongoing need for new combat aircraft as it seeks to better defend the airspace of its estimated 18,000 islands that stretch from the west of Singapore to the western half of New Guinea. Indonesia already has a contract to buy 24 French-made Dassault Rafale fighters, and is seeking 18 more. The Air Force also cut a deal to acquire 12 Dassault Mirage 2000-5 jets from Qatar as a stopgap measure.

The service is currently operating 33 Lockheed-made F-16s alongside 16 Russian Sukhoi Su-27/30 Flankers as its primary combat fleet, making up 3 different squadrons. This is far short of the Air Forces minimum essential force of 10 fighter squadrons originally planned for 2024.
A South Carolina inmate escaped after being sent to a hospital for medical treatment, only to be recaptured a short time later.

On Monday, Megan Marie Hickman, 32, an inmate at the Florence County Detention Center, was sent to the hospital for treatment of a medical issue.

When she was in the emergency department she requested to go to the bathroom.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

A female nurse accompanied Hickman to the bathroom.

Not long after that, the nurse discovered that Hickman had escaped the hospital.

A manhunt of the area around the hospital began immediately.

Deputies later located her at a home in Coward, South Carolina.

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She was found hiding in a clothes dryer.

She was brought back to the detention center and in addition to her previous charges, she was charged with escape.

Another inmate, Anthony Robert Wright-Post, 29, was charged with aiding an escape.

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Hickman and Wright-Post are being held at the detention center while awaiting a bond hearing.

Under South Carolina law, escape is a felony punishable by not less than one, but not more than 15 years in prison, to be served consecutively to the original charge.

Aiding escape is a misdemeanor punishable by not more than two years or a fine of not more than $500.

Jail records show Hickman was originally arrested for shoplifting a value of $1,000 or less.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
An Iowa man was removed from a flight Tuesday at Myrtle Beach International Airport after cursing out the flight attendant over not storing a bag under his seat.

Nicodimus Muhamad Coles, 27, of Cedar Rapids, was arrested by Horry County Police after he was removed from the American Airlines plane. He was charged with breach of peace and booked into the J. Ruben Long Detention Center. He was released Wednesday on a $200 bond, according to online booking records.

Police were called to gate A3 about 6:30 p.m. about a person who was going to be removed from the plane, according to an incident report.

When police located Coles on the plane, he told officers that a situation happened between him and a flight attendant over a bag not being under the seat, adding that things got out of hand, the report said.

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Coles was told he had to get off the plane because the captain wanted him off and the captain oversees the plane. Coles proceeded to yell in a loud voice, bunch of (expletive) racists, the report said. The man was surrounded by other passengers.

Police advised Coles to watch his mouth. Coles replied that he was a grown man and to not  tell him what to say.

As Coles passed the flight attendant while walking off the airplane, he told her, youre divorced right and I can see very much divorced, the report said.
By Fatos Bytyci and Florion Goga

SARANDA, Albania (Reuters) - A waiter in an Albanian restaurant in the coastal resort town of Saranda apologised to newly arriving customers that little or nothing was still available on the menu.

"Italians have eaten everything because Italy is occupying us again, this time for good," the waiter joked, while explaining to a local diner the limited choices left for a meal.

The waiter was echoing the feeling among some Albanians about the tens of thousands of Italian tourists who have visited Saranda in the south close to the Greek border.

Some recall the occupation of Albania by Italy's fascist regime under Mussolini for a few years during World War Two.

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Eight decades on, however, Italians form a major part of a burgeoning and increasingly lucrative tourist trade that accounted for 20% of GDP last year in a Balkan country where underdevelopment remains widespread.

That figure is likely to rise in 2023, Tourism Minister Mirela Kumbaro said.

Italians arrive on discounted flights or by ferry, from as a little as 80 km (50 miles) away across the Adriatic Sea.

Italians and other Europeans have been lured to Albania by pristine sand beaches, scenic rugged landscapes and much cheaper prices than in other, longer-standing and much wealthier Mediterranean holiday destinations like Italy and France.

For years we heard a lot of talk about Albania - good beaches and also without any doubt the cheap prices, and this year with other friends we decided to organise a trip here, said Italian tourist Daniela Cudini.

"At the moment here we can say that 80 percent could be foreigners and the rest are Albanians," said Aurora Marku, manager of a small white sand beach near Saranda while arranging beach loungers for two groups of Italian tourists.

Data show that tourist numbers increased by 25% this July compared with the same month in 2022. In the first seven months of 2023, more than 5.1 million foreigners - including over 430,000 Italians, 50 percent more than last year - visited Albania compared with 3.9 million in all of last year.

Albania is working to have quality tourists," Kumbaro told Reuters from her office in the capital Tirana. "We dont need millions and millions of tourists who dont spend, who stay for a short period of time and just come in and out."

Quentin Billon, the French CEO of local tour operator Breathe in Travel, said foreign tourists were drawn not just by the seaside but the attraction of discovering a new frontier.

"For them it's to discover a new land which is really unknown, which was blocked and closed for many, many years," he said, "and now it's quite open to tourism, it's booming.

For almost 50 years Albania was in near total isolation under Communist dictator Enver Hoxha, during which no one could leave the country and foreign tourists were banned.

Among the tens of thousands of Italians who vacationed in Albania in July was Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

She even paid the bill of a group of her compatriots who fled a restaurant without paying for their meals, a move welcomed in Saranda with a restaurant owner saying: "Now we know where to complain - we have Giorgia."

(Reporting by Fatos Bytyci and Florion Goga; editing by Mark Heinrich)
By Crispian Balmer

ROME (Reuters) - Italy impounded a rescue ship operated by a German NGO on Wednesday, the third charity boat sequestered this week under tough new migration rules introduced by the country's right-wing government.

The temporary seizure of the three vessels, all held at port after completing rescue operations in the central Mediterranean, comes as migrant arrivals to Italy continued to soar despite efforts by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to halt the flow.

Germany's Sea Eye 4 boat was detained after bringing 114 migrants to the southern port of Salerno, and told it could not put to sea for 20 days. It was also fined almost 3,000 euros ($3,240), the Sea Eye group said in a statement.

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It was the second time the boat has been impounded this year.

A second charity ship, Aurora, operated by Germany's Sea Watch, was seized on Monday after bringing 76 migrants to the island of Lampedusa, while the Spanish rescue vessel Open Arms was impounded on Tuesday in the Tuscan port of Carrara after rescuing 195 people.

"(This) is a politically motivated attack on humanitarian action, and one that will cost lives," said Arnaud Banos, head of mission on Sea-Eye 4.

There was no immediate comment from the Italian Coast Guard.

A law approved by Italy's parliament in February requires charity-run ships to sail to port immediately after a rescue, preventing them from organising multiple operations at sea.

Both Sea-Eye and Open Arms carried out three separate rescues before heading to the ports assigned to them by Italy, saying that migrants would have died without their intervention.

Italian authorities are also instructing ships to head to more distant ports, in some cases hundreds of kilometres away.

The Aurora was sequestered after it refused orders to sail to Sicily and instead docked at Lampedusa, which was much closer, saying it was running out of fuel and drinking water.

"We denounce Italy's cruel political chess game, focused on violently preventing migration and impeding civil sea rescue," said Giulia Messmer, spokesperson of Sea-Watch.

Both Sea-Watch and Open Arms also face fines of up to 10,000 euros after running foul of the Italian regulations.

Meloni said in December that the clampdown on charity ships was needed to stop them from acting as "ferry boats" for migrants, going "back and forth with human traffickers to shuttle people from one country to the other".

Despite the restrictions, the number of migrants arriving by boat has soared this year, reaching 105,483 by Aug. 22, according to latest Interior Ministry data, more than double the same period in 2022.

However, many migrants failed to make it. The International Organization for Migration estimates that more than 2,000 people have drowned in the central Mediterranean so far in 2023 compared with 1,417 for all of 2022.

($1 = 0.9249 euros)

(Reporting by Crispian Balmer, editing by Gavin Jones and Christina Fincher)
The Fulton County Jail is shown April 11, 2023, in Atlanta. Former President Donald Trump says he will surrender to authorities in Georgia on Thursday, Aug 24, to face charges in the case accusing him of illegally scheming to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state. (AP Photo/Kate Brumback) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

ATLANTA (AP)  Former President Donald Trump is expected to surrender on Thursday at the jail in Georgia's most populous county  an overcrowded facility with a reputation for violence and neglect that has prompted a federal investigation into conditions there.

Trump will be released from Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, known colloquially as the Rice Street jail, once he is booked on charges of illegally scheming to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia.

Not all criminal defendants are handled that way. Others have spent months, or even years, there before they were indicted.

Here's a look at the jail and what Trump might experience when he turns himself in:

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WHAT MIGHT TRUMP'S BOOKING LOOK LIKE?

When defendants arrive at the building, they typically pass through a security checkpoint before checking in for formal booking in the lobby.

They are taken into a large, open room that has stations for fingerprinting, mugshots, and medical evaluations, said attorney Michael Harper, who toured the jail several years ago and has filed several lawsuits over inmate deaths that occurred there.

The room typically has numerous defendants in for booking at any given time, along with jail staff and guards. Given Trump's security needs, that may be unlikely this time.

Its a huge, busy area, Harper said.

The jail takes in people 24 hours a day and holds defendants facing a range of charges, from misdemeanors to violent crimes.

Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat said earlier this month that Trump will be treated like other defendants.

But the former president, who still has 24-hour Secret Service protection, may receive some accommodations for security reasons. In his past appearances in a New York state court and federal courts in Miami and Washington, Trump was not handcuffed while in custody. He also was not required to pose for a mugshot, with officials instead using existing photographs of the former president.

His booking in Atlanta could be different in that respect.

Unless someone tells me differently, we are following our normal practices and so it doesn't matter your status, we'll have a mugshot ready for you, Labat said at a news conference in August.

WHERE IS THE JAIL AND WILL PEOPLE BE ABLE TO SEE TRUMP?

The jail is a few miles from downtown Atlanta on the city's west side. It's across from a massive new park in an area with a mix of warehouses and residential development.

The Fulton County Sheriffs Office said in a news release Monday that there will be a hard lockdown of the area surrounding the jail when Trump surrenders. That likely means people won't be able to get close.

As of now, Trump is not scheduled to go to court on Thursday. Unlike in other jurisdictions, Fulton County arraignments  where a defendant first appears in court  are generally set after a defendant completes the booking process.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE JAIL?

Fulton County Jail, which opened in 1989, held more than 3,200 people earlier this year  well above its capacity of roughly 2,700.

Devin Franklin, a public defender in Fulton County for 12 years, said his clients regularly accused guards of opening cell doors to facilitate attacks.

They would call it popping the doors,'" he said.

Franklin recalled trying to move a 17-year-old who said he was forced to fight other people at the jail for food.

Stabbings are frequent and medical care is poor, attorneys say. Three people have died at the facility over the last month after being found unresponsive in their cells  two of them in a medical unit.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced earlier this year that it opened a civil rights investigation into conditions at the jail, with officials citing violence, filthy conditions and the death last year of Lashawn Thompson, whose body was found covered in insects.

Labat has called on the county to fund a new jail. Franklin said too many low-level offenders are being held for too long because they can't pay their bail and the district attorney's office is not seeking grand jury indictments fast enough.

They have so many people in custody that dont need to be in custody, especially when you know you cant keep them safe, Franklin said.

WHAT IS TRUMP SAYING ABOUT THE JAIL?

In a fundraising email sent Tuesday, Trump said the jail has been described as a humanitarian crisis and a violent jail. He said guards have collected shanks made from the jail's crumbling walls.

The sheriff's office said in March that authorities conducting a shakedown found more than 200 homemade knives.

Inmates are literally crafting shanks from the crumbling walls of the dilapidated facility, Labat said in a statement at the time.
Good morning, Chicago.

Chicago officials are preparing for the dangerous heat expected today and tomorrow, reminding residents of the cooling centers around the city and assuring families that all Chicago Public Schools classrooms are equipped with air conditioning.

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National Weather Service officials warn of dangerously hot conditions that will settle over Chicagoland for the next two days with a heat index, which measures what the temperature feels like, that could reach 115 degrees.

Nearly our entire region will experience at or near historic high temperatures this week, but high heat index values will make for an extremely dangerous situation for many residents, said Tom Sivak, FEMA Region 5 regional administrator.

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And here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.

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Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks during an interview on Aug. 18, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Asked about how his first 100 days have fared, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnsons answers paint a picture of a new chief executive who hopes to keep the fire that ignited his grassroots campaign burning while revealing few details about how his progressive agenda will unfold.

He and other City Hall mainstays have characterized his style as more diplomatic than his predecessors, but the new mayor also balked at the mention of critics who say he has not moved quickly or forcefully enough on issues ranging from cracking down on crime to passing legislation championed by leftists.

Rebekah Piunti, of Joliet, drums on a bucket as the Illinois Nurses Association begins a four-day strike at Ascension St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet on Aug. 22, 2023. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune)

Nurses allege that several floors of the hospital are understaffed, with high patient-to-nurse ratios that present danger for the most critical cases. The surgery and telemetry floors, as well as the labor and delivery floor are particularly overwhelmed.

Tim Mapes, former chief of staff to House Speaker Michael Madigan, arrives with his attorneys at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago, on Aug. 9, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

The faults of human memory and former Democratic insider Tim Mapes state of mind after he was forced to resign in 2018 were the focus of Mapes defense, as his lawyers pushed the argument that he was truthful in the grand jury but just couldnt remember answers to the questions he was asked due to the stress-filled, intimidating nature of the grand jury setting in November 2021.

The Chicago Chop House. (Charles Cherney/Chicago Tribune)

Located in a 126-year-old Victorian brownstone on Ontario Street, the Chop House has been a Chicago steakhouse fixture since 1986. More recently, it has been serving up red meat for attorneys in the protracted ownership battle.

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White Sox executives Ken Williams and Rick Hahn on Oct. 26, 2012. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)

The Chicago White Sox have relieved executive vice president Ken Williams and general manager Rick Hahn of their responsibilities effective immediately, the team announced Tuesday.

Notre Dame players practice at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Aug. 30, 2012, in advance of playing Navy. (Peter Morrison / AP)

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

Notre Dame is on a mission.

Beat Navy, yes, but it has been 11 years since Notre Dame last played in Ireland. There is a whole new generation of potential fans to convert on the Emerald Isle and beyond. Already an iconic brand in the United States, Notre Dame gets an opportunity to grow internationally when it takes on the Midshipmen on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Jazz trumpeter jaimie branch. (Ben Semisch)

A child of Chicagos boundless improvised music scene, the trumpeter brought a blistering, fearless sound to every project she touched, writes critic Hannah Edgar.

Actor Joe Sikora, shown here in 2015, is starring in the second season of the Starz series Power Book IV: Force. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Sept. 1 will be a big day for Joseph Sikora.

He has been awaiting the day, actually Friday night at 7 p.m. CT, for a long time, ever since he completed shooting the final scenes of the second season of the Starz series Power Book IV: Force.

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Those scenes were shot in Chicago, all over Chicago. If you watched Season 1 last year, and millions of you did, you saw the city in a vibrant, non-cliched fashion, which reminded many of the gritty feel of the Dennis Farina-led Crime Story series that aired in the mid-1980.

Executive chef and partner Jose Sosa plates the Carpaccio di Polpo at Ummo. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

UMMOs menu includes a range of options from lighter vegetarian dishes and seafood options to heartier pasta and meat dishes that highlight Italian ingredients.
The Japanese government plans to extend $7 billion in aid to Ukraine, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Aug. 23, as reported by news agency Interfax-Ukraine.

Read also: US, Japan to jointly develop hypersonic missile intercept systems

"Japan will continuously provide various support [to Ukraine] up to $7 billion, based on needs," Kishida said at the Crimean Platform Summit.

He added that Japan will take advantage of its experience and knowledge in post-war recovery and restoration after natural disasters to help rebuild Ukraine.

Kishida reiterated that Japan consistently supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, including Crimea, and will also join any forthcoming Western sanctions against Russia.

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Japan stands with the people of Ukraine to ensure peace and return it to the beautiful Ukrainian land, the PM concluded.

Read also: UK, Japan, Italy, and Costa Rica call out Russia for targeting ICC judges

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
By Yoshifumi Takemoto and Katya Golubkova

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan expects a "significant" impact from seafood import ban by Hong Kong and Macau due to the upcoming release of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant, an official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

Japan is to start releasing more than 1 million metric tons of treated radioactive water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea on Thursday, more than a decade after the accident and amid harsh criticism from China.

China, the biggest importer of Japanese seafood, will take measures to protect its marine environment, food safety and public health, the foreign ministry said on Wednesday. Beijing has already banned imports from some Japanese regions.

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In the latest set of measures, the Asian financial centre of Hong Kong and the gambling hub of Macau -- both special Chinese regions -- will ban aquatic product imports from 10 Japanese regions including Tokyo and Fukushima from Thursday.

The impact of the Hong Kong and Macau seafood bans could not be immediately calculated but would be 'significant', the official at MAFF said declining to be identified due to the ministry's policy.

China, also Japan's top scallop buyer and a major consumer of sea cucumbers, imported 87.1 billion yen ($600 million) worth of Japanese seafood last year, or a fifth of Japan's total seafood exports, according to the MAFF data.

Hong Kong, Japan's second biggest seafood market after mainland China, which the ministry calculates separately, bought 75.5 billion yen worth of seafood from Japan, the data shows. Japan seafood export data includes pearl exports.

While strongly criticizing the water release, China has allowed another 9 companies from Russia - which shares some fishery areas with Japan in the Pacific - to export aquatic products, bringing the total number of allowed exporters to 894 firms, Russia's food safety watchdog said on July 31.

Russia and China have questioned the Fukushima water release plan. Japan has said the feedback from the two was 'unsupported by any scientific evidence', adding that pollution levels in the water will be below those considered safe for drinking under World Health Organization standards.

Japan's top fishery lobby has said it feared reputational damage from the water release, which Japan says is safe and has been practised by other countries. The government would be ready to suspend the release if unusually high concentrations of radioactive materials are detected.

($1 = 145.4600 yen)

(Reporting by Yoshifumi Takemoto and Katya Golubkova; Editing by Kim Coghill)
A new report into Japans military has found what it says is an entrenched culture of harassment and fear, with authorities promising reform and drastic measures.

The report was commissioned by the Ministry of Defense and compiled by a panel of experts including lawyers and doctors, according to public broadcaster NHK. The findings are part of a larger investigation into allegations of harassment within Japans Self-Defense Forces (SDF), including by whistleblower and former SDF member Rina Gonoi.

The report, released last week, reviewed 1,325 reports of harassment. Most were power harassment incidents, meaning workplace bullying or other abuses of power, while about 12% were sexual harassment cases.

More than 64% of victims never met with a counselor, with many saying they did not think doing so would see any improvement to their situation, the report found.

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Of those who never sought counseling, nearly 13% said it was difficult to speak out, and that the environment was not conducive to seeking help. Another 10% cited fear of retaliation or facing disadvantages in their work; others said they did not trust the available consultation services.

Even those who did seek counseling found it of little use, according to the report. Many said they felt the SDFs counselors and offices were reluctant to take up their cases, and the environment made them feel uncomfortable seeking further consultation.

Many said they felt passed around by counselors or thrown in the rubbish, the report found; some said they never received a response from the SDF after reporting their harassment, even after meeting with counselors.

CNN has reached out to the SDF for comment.

Japan Self-Defense Forces honor guard members seen in Tokyo on February 4, 2017. - Richard Atrero de Guzman/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada responded to the report last week, saying: We recognize that harassment is destructive to the Self-Defense Forces. We would like to take firm action based on the recommendations toward building an organization that does not tolerate harassment at all, according to NHK.

He added drastic measures urgently needed to be considered and established as soon as possible.

The SDF has been under public and national scrutiny for the past year, with Gonoi  the former soldier  leading the charge in demanding change.

Gonoi says she endured physical and verbal sexual abuse on a daily basis for more than a year while serving in the SDF, and vowed to bring her tormenters to justice when she left the force in June 2022.

At first, authorities seemed unwilling to believe her. When she reported the alleged abuse to military authorities, two investigations were launched, but both were dropped on grounds of lack of evidence  prompting her to take the battle to social media.

It was a rare move in a country where sexual assault survivors can face backlash for raising their voices. But it paid off, eventually prompting a sweeping probe into sexual harassment across the SDF.

Prosecutors reopened an investigation that found she had endured physical and verbal sexual harassment daily between fall 2020 and August 2021, according to Gonois defense team. The Ministry of Defense offered a rare admission of guilt and public apology, with five servicemen dishonorably dismissed and four others punished, according to NHK.

But for Gonoi, it wasnt enough, and she is now pursuing both criminal and civil cases in the courts, including lawsuits filed against the government and her alleged assailants.

One sociologist told CNN last month that many women opt to join the military as they see it as offering greater job security and gender equality than the private sector.

Still, she said, sexual harassment within the ranks has long been an issue  but it is often hidden because people in the military often find it hard to admit vulnerability, not to mention the heavy weight of social stigma.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
By Sakura Murakami

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan started releasing treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, a polarising move that prompted China to announce an immediate blanket ban on all aquatic products from Japan.

China is "highly concerned about the risk of radioactive contamination brought by... Japan's food and agricultural products," the customs bureau said in a statement.

The Japanese government signed off on the plan two years ago and it was given a green light by the U.N. nuclear watchdog last month. The discharge is a key step in decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi plant after it was destroyed by a tsunami in 2011.

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Plant operator Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) said the release began at 1:03 p.m. local time (0403 GMT) and it had not identified any abnormalities.

However, China reiterated its firm opposition to the plan and said the Japanese government had not proved that the water discharged would be safe.

"The Japanese side should not cause secondary harm to the local people and even the people of the world out of its own selfish interests," its foreign ministry said in a statement.

Tokyo has in turn criticised China for spreading "scientifically unfounded claims."

It maintains the water release is safe, noting that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also concluded that the impact it would have on people and the environment was "negligible."

Japan has requested that China immediately lift its import ban on aquatic products and seeks a discussion on the impact of the water release based on science, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters.

Japan exported about $600 million worth of aquatic products to China in 2022, making it the biggest market for Japanese exports, with Hong Kong second. Sales to China and Hong Kong accounted for 42% of all Japanese aquatic exports in 2022, according to government data.

China customs did not give details on the specific aquatic products impacted by the ban and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

DECADES LONG PROCESS

The Fukushima Daiichi plant was destroyed in March 2011 after a massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake generated powerful tsunami waves causing meltdowns in three reactors.

The first discharge totalling 7,800 cubic metres - the equivalent of about three Olympic swimming pools of water - will take place over about 17 days.

According to Tepco test results released on Thursday, that water contained about up to 63 becquerels of tritium per litre, below the World Health Organization drinking water limit of 10,000 becquerels per litre. A becquerel is a unit of radioactivity.

The IAEA also released a statement saying its independent on-site analysis had confirmed the tritium concentration was far below the limit.

"There are not going to be any health effects There is no scientific reason to ban imports of Japanese food whatsoever," said Geraldine Thomas, former professor of molecular pathology at London's Imperial College.

But Japanese fishing groups, hit with years of reputational damage from radiation fears, still oppose the plan.

"All we want is to be able to continue fishing," the head of the Japan Fisheries Co-operative said in a statement that touched on the "mounting anxiety" of the community.

Separately from China, Hong Kong and Macau have announced their own ban starting Thursday, which covers Japanese seafood imports from 10 regions.

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said import bans on Fukushima fisheries and food products will stay in place until public concerns were eased.

Japan will conduct monitoring around the water release area and publish results weekly starting on Sunday, Japan's environment minister said. The release is estimated to take about 30 years.

PROTESTS

In Hong Kong, Jacay Shum, a 73-year-old activist, held up a picture portraying IAEA head Rafael Grossi as the devil.

"Japan's actions in discharging contaminated water are very irresponsible, illegal, and immoral," said Shum, who was among a group of about 100 marchers. "No one can prove that the nuclear waste and materials are safe. They are completely unsafe."

South Korean police arrested at least 16 protesters who entered the Japanese embassy in Seoul, although South Korea's government has said its own assessment found no problems with the scientific and technical aspects of the release.

North Korea's foreign ministry demanded that the water discharge be immediately halted, calling it a "crime against humanity", state media reported.

A few dozen protesters gathered in front of Tepco's headquarters in Tokyo holding signs reading "Don't throw contaminated water into the sea!"

"The Fukushima nuclear disaster is not over. This time only around 1% of the water will be released," 71-year-old Jun Iizuka, who attended the protest, told Reuters. "From now on, we will keep fighting for a long time to stop the long-term discharge of contaminated water."

(Reporting by Sakura Murakami, Chang-Ran Kim, Kantaro Komiya and Irene Wang in Tokyo, Bernard Orr in Beijing, Farah Master and Joyce Zhou in Hong Kong, Hongji Kim and Soo-hyang Choi in Seoul; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Lincoln Feast)
Jeanine Pirro was very angry on Tuesday that an American president lacked empathy, told lies and made everything about himself.

But no, she wasnt talking about Donald Trump.

This guy has been lying from the moment he came on the political scene, the Fox News host said in a fervent rant about President Joe Biden on The Five. He has a lack of empathy. He is egocentric. Hes got a condescending smirk whenever anybody asks him a question from the press. Hes lying and hes narcissistic.

Hes a narcissist and an egomaniac whos trying to make it about himself, she added.

The reason for her fiery tirade? Biden patted and made a remark about a dog while visiting the scene of the devastating Maui wildfire.

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Some Republicans have been up in arms over the moment, when the president shook hands with a search-and-rescue dogs handler, petted the dog and observed that it was wearing boots to protect its paws.

Thats some hot ground, man, Biden said.

Jeanine: This guy has been lying from the moment he came onto the political scene. He has a lack of empathy, egocentric He is lying and he is narcissistic.. He is a narcissist and a egomaniac pic.twitter.com/KWgiWLyByD  Acyn (@Acyn) August 22, 2023

Social media users thought Pirros description was perfect  for a certain other president, who tossed paper towels into a crowd while visiting Hurricane Maria-ravaged Puerto Rico in 2017, delayed billions in federal aid to the island, undermined public health guidance during a pandemic that killed more than a million Americans, misled the public about the path of Hurricane Dorian to save face after making a mistake (aka Sharpiegate), attempted a coup and told tens of thousands of lies and mistruths during his tenure.

Check out the reactions below.

Its all projection all the time from Trump supporters. Shameless. https://t.co/i6PGtiVjgm  Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) August 23, 2023

Shes talking about Trump, right?   (@ChidiNwatu) August 22, 2023

She just described Trump perfectly.  Machine Pun Kelly Redux (@backell) August 23, 2023

Project harder!!  Robin Dopp (@DoppRobin) August 23, 2023

I thought she was talking about the other guy.  Scott Simanski (@scottsimanski) August 23, 2023

Obligatory mention that one of Donald Trumps last acts was to pardon Jeanines ex-husband https://t.co/bX4TQEiu0X  Jennifer Hayden (@Scout_Finch) August 23, 2023

Boxed wine is a hell of a drug https://t.co/JLyOOdzLEi  Molly Jong-Fast (@MollyJongFast) August 22, 2023

Every accusation on President Biden is a projection from Trump. https://t.co/9Sg8MxI1Gy  David Weissman  (@davidmweissman) August 22, 2023

Jeanine Pirro finally admitting the truth about Donald Trump. https://t.co/1TueDMcJ75  Liberal Lisa in Oklahoma (@lisa_liberal) August 22, 2023

Related...
Actress Jennifer Aniston expressed her frustration with cancel culture this week, explaining in an interview that shes so over it.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal published Tuesday, Aniston said she refuses to put people who made mistakes in the same group as disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

Weinstein, 71, is currently serving a 23-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of a criminal sexual act in a case in New York.

Weinstein, who became the face of the #MeToo movement after dozens of women came forward with allegations against him, was sentenced to an additional 16 years earlier this year in a criminal trial in Los Angeles over other sexual assault charges.

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Im so over cancel culture, Aniston told the Journal. I probably just got canceled by saying that.

I just dont understand what it means. Is there no redemption? I dont know. I dont put everybody in the Harvey Weinstein basket, the actress added.

Aniston, who first gained acclaim for her role as Rachel Green on the hit sitcom Friends, also said she didnt enjoy her experience working with Weinstein. She worked with the disgraced film producer on the 2005 film Derailed.

Hes not a guy, youre like, God, I cant wait to hang out with Harvey. Never, Aniston said. You were actually like, Oh, God, OK, suck it up.

I remember actually, he came to visit me on a movie to pitch me a movie. And I do remember consciously having a person stay in my trailer, she added.

Her remarks come after she faced controversy earlier this month, issuing a statement against fellow actor Jamie Foxx after reports claimed the actress liked one of his Instagram posts that was flagged by users as antisemitic.

This really makes me sick, she wrote in an Instagram post. I did not like this post on purpose or by accident.

And more importantly, I want to be clear to my friends and anyone hurt by this showing up in their feeds  I do NOT support any form of antisemitism, the The Morning Show star added. I truly dont tolerate HATE of any kind. Period.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
FILE - Boxes of tampons are displayed in a pharmacy in New York, March 7, 2016. New Jersey will require schools districts to offer free menstrual products for grades six through 12 under a new law Gov. Phil Murphy signed on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

TRENTON, N.J. (AP)  New Jersey will require school districts to offer free menstrual products for grades six through 12 under a new law Gov. Phil Murphy signed Wednesday.

Murphy, a Democrat, said in a statement that the measure is aimed at promoting equity at every level in the state.

"When students cant access the menstrual products they need for their reproductive health, the potential stress and stigma too often distracts them from their classes or forces them to skip school entirely, he said.

Under the bill, school districts are required to ensure that students in schools with students from grade six through 12 have access to free menstrual products in at least half of the female and gender-neutral bathrooms.

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The state will bear any costs incurred by schools under the legislation. The legislature's nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services estimated the requirement will cost between $1.8 million and $3.5 million for the first full school year and from $1.4 million to $2.9 million in subsequent years. The cost is a fraction of the state's $54.3 billion budget.

The requirement will affect about 1,400 schools. Total enrollment of female students in grades six through 12 in these schools approximated 354,497, according to the Legislature.

New Jersey joins at least 10 other states and the District of Columbia that have established or expanded requirements for free menstrual products in schools since 2010, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Among the states that passed similar measures recently include Alabama, Delaware and Utah.

The bill passed the Democrat-led Legislature nearly unanimously, with only one no vote.

Menstrual hygiene products are a necessity, not a luxury. When this becomes an obstacle and decisions are made to not attend school, the loss is greater than just the one day," Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz said.
JPS Health Network has canceled its plans to build four, standalone health clinics as part of its bond program, county administrator G.K. Maenius said Tuesday.

Instead, the bond program will pay for just one clinic, known as a medical home, in the far southwest part of the county. Construction on that clinic, near the intersection of Granbury Road and Alta Mesa Drive, began last year.

The four medical homes were a small but significant part of the hospitals plans for its bond program. As recently as last year, county and hospital officials discussed plans for four clinics throughout Tarrant County, with one in each precinct.

These clinics would join an existing network that offers a range of services outside of the hospital setting, and would help to meet the massive need for health care. In particular, new medical homes would have expanded access for the thousands of county residents who lack health insurance but who can qualify for free or low-cost care through JPS.

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Its unclear exactly when JPS changed its plans to build four medical homes. In a January 2022 update, hospital leaders said four homes were being considered for the hospitals master plan.

The JPS bond program, which will likely total more than $1.5 billion when it is completed, is funded in part by $800 million in bonds approved by voters in 2018. In the years before the vote, county and hospital leaders drew attention to some of Tarrant Countys most pressing health needs, like more mental health services and updated buildings on JPSs main hospital campus.

But medical homes, and a greater emphasis on primary care, were also highlighted before the vote. The groups tasked with evaluating the countys health needs repeatedly found that JPS wasnt able to serve all the patients who needed care, both at its main hospital campus and its existing medical homes.

A 2017 report from consultants said the hospitals existing plans to build new medical homes were not sufficiently scheduled and funded.

The consultants found that patients at existing JPS health clinics were waiting days or weeks to book appointments because the need was so high.

A different report, from the consultant group Cumming, identified four sites that had the highest projected need for a clinic over the next decade. The report recommended sites in south Arlington, southeast Tarrant County, southwest Tarrant County and the west side of Fort Worth.

The medical homes were also listed on the November 2018 ballot. Voting in favor of Proposition A was a vote in support of $800 million in bonds for hospital facilities, including, but not limited to, a new mental health and behavioral health hospital as well as four new regional health centers, among other facilities listed.

The Star-Telegram asked for an interview on Thursday after a review of bond documents indicated just one medical home would be funded. But JPS leaders did not respond to the request or several followups, made on Friday, Monday and Tuesday morning.

On Tuesday evening, told that Maenius confirmed the change in plans, JPS said no one was available for comment but instead issued a statement from unnamed hospital executives.

The statement reads: Both the County and the Hospital District always understood that the amount approved by the voters likely would not be enough to complete all of the projects that were contemplated by the report but were committed to a no tax rate increase in connection with the projects.

The statement said that hospital and county leaders worked to prioritize the projects accordingly taking into account the amount we had to spend. The current master facilities plan is designed to address the most need utilizing the available dollars, including dollars that would be committed by the hospital district to fund the projects.

Hospital executive also said that These plans have been repeatedly communicated to the public and are updated on our YestoJPS.org website.

A post on this website from Jan. 14, 2022, identifies Medical Home Southwest as the first of four medical homes to be built. Additional posts on the website reference the Medical Home Southwest, but they make no reference to the original plans to build four or that those plans had changed.

In 2018, JPS leaders estimated the total cost of the bond program would be $1.2 billion. But the cost of new health care building construction has increased 38.7% since then, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The most recent estimate from hospital leaders is more than $1.5 billion.

The change in plans comes amid a refresh process of the county hospitals bond program, said Darrick Walls, senior program manager with Broaddus & Associates, one of two firms hired to manage the bond program.

The initial analyses that informed the hospitals master plan were completed in 2017, so hospital leaders are reevaluating the countys health needs with more recent data, Walls said. During the latest planning process, Walls said, hospital leaders concluded the greatest need was to complete construction of the first health clinic and to build the new psychiatric emergency center, which is why those projects were among the first to break ground.

In the future, there are still options to look at other opportunities for medical homes, but in the immediate, where we are with the budget, the main focus right now is on medical home number one, Walls said.

Maenius said hospital leaders had reevaluted the need for four new medical homes after opening one in Euless in 2018 and after JPS agreed to partner with Cook Childrens Health Network to open a clinic in the Las Vegas Trail neighborhood.

The Euless clinic opened before the 2018 bond vote, and did not use any funding from the bond program. The clinic in Las Vegas Trail, which JPS announced in May, will be built on land donated to Cook Childrens and will be funded through fundraising from the childrens hospitals health foundation. Maenius said he did not believe any bond dollars would pay for the Las Vegas Trail clinic.

The hospital district is doing the right thing, Maenius said. Theyre continually evaluating if we need with sites or not.

Walls added that the bond programs master plan was intended to be adjusted throughout the process, and that JPS decision to partner with Cook Childrens for the LVT clinic was reflective of the health network looking for new ways to meet the need in the county.

Walls said it was still possible for JPS to build additional medical homes in the future or to change its master plan again, but that additional medical homes were not budgeted into the bond programs current cost estimates.

The JPS board of managers is preparing its proposed budget for 2024, after county commissioners forced the hospital to lower its tax rate.
Decertified police Officer Zenna Ramos becomes emotional as she speaks during a news conference at Riverside Village Hall on Aug. 22, 2023. In 2008, Ramos was arrested for retail theft under $20 and was decertified in April by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board as a result. At right, is Riverside Director of Public Safety Matthew Buckley, who is supportive of Ramos. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Former Cicero police Officer Zenna Ramos freely and remorsefully admits she stole a T-shirt 15 years ago.

She said she had just escaped an unsafe living situation with her young child, and didnt have clothes when she said she took the shirt worth $14.99.

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But Ramos, 37, doesnt think its fair the cheap shirt is now derailing her career.

In April, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board blocked Ramos from certification as she transferred to the Riverside Police Department, citing the theft.

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The state police certification authority told an attorney for the western suburb that law compelled the finding and the misdemeanor charge Ramos faced would harm her ability to effectively serve as an officer by potentially making her court testimony not credible with jurors.

Riverside leaders are pushing back against the decision. The board has the power to certify Ramos, they argue, and she deserves a second chance.

Yes, she made a mistake in 2008, Riversides public safety director, Matthew Buckley, said at a news conference Tuesday held in support of Ramos. But what she has done since that day is the important part.

In the years since the theft, Ramos has gone to school to study criminal justice, worked as a Cicero community service officer and served for a year as a Cicero police officer.

Thats the kind of person I want working here in Riverside. Because, Riverside, we give second chances. We work with people, Buckley said.

Ramos uttered just six words at Tuesdays news conference before breaking down in tears.

I know I made a mistake, she said inside Riverside Village Hall, before pausing to collect herself as she began to cry.

I took responsibility for my actions, she continued. And I felt that I did everything right to better myself for myself and my family, so I could be a police officer, so I could help people who are dealing with circumstances that Ive dealt with.

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Ramos was certified as a police officer in August 2021 after being hired by the Cicero Police Department and completing the Cook County sheriffs office police academy, Buckley said.

She decided to leave the Cicero department because she preferred the pace of policing in Riverside, where she sensed she had more time to give people full attention, she said.

After taking Riversides entrance exam and going through interviews, she became the No. 2 candidate on the departments list of potential officers, Buckley said. The department hired her the day before Valentines Day this year and immediately put her into field training.

State Rep. La Shawn Ford, left, is joined by Riverside Director of Public Safety Matthew Buckley, as they host a news conference in support of decertified Officer Zenna Ramos at Riverside Village Hall on Aug. 22, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

In late March, after the training and standards board sent a letter with questions about Ramos background to Riverside police leaders seeking her recertification, the department responded with a letter acknowledging and accepting the 2008 theft charges.

We were very well aware of it. She was very forthcoming, Buckley said.

The board responded with a decision in April denying Ramos recertification as a police officer, noting that it could only approve applicants of good character and free of disqualifying convictions in a letter sent by general counsel Patrick Hahn and obtained by the Tribune.

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In the letter, Hahn identified theft as a disqualifying misdemeanor under Illinois state law. He also cited the sweeping SAFE-T criminal justice law reform, stating that the law compelled the board to review applicants for certification to make sure they had not been involved in any crime of moral turpitude.

Past behavior is a logical predictor of future behavior, Hahn wrote, citing the 2008 case and adding that Ramos was placed on court supervision in 2003 for retail theft.

Theres an old proverb that says, the person who steals once is always thought a thief, he continued in the letter. And while such thinking may be unfair, it is not most uncommon particularly in light of todays jury opinions on police. Ensuring the credibility of prosecution witnesses is a modern-day challenge, which requires the reputation of testifying officers to be above reproach.

When asked about the case Tuesday, Hahn said it would be improper to comment on a pending case.

Generally speaking, I can say pursuant to the Police Training Act, and amendments made by the SAFE-T Act, we have a continuing duty to ensure all sworn law enforcement officers are free of any disqualifying criminal offenses as provided by statute, he wrote in an email to the Tribune.

Buckley told the Tribune the charges against Ramos were vacated, dropped and expunged after she successfully completed a conditional discharge term of six months. Buckley argued that she was never convicted. Hahn, however, wrote in his April letter that conditional discharge should be considered a conviction.

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The boards decision is listed as a decertification, making Ramos ineligible to serve as a police officer at departments across the country, Buckley said. Ramos was added to the Cook County states attorneys offices do not call list of officers whom prosecutors will not call on to testify in court.

[ Cook County states attorneys office releases updated list of cops who wont be called to testify, most of them CPD members ]

Village Trustee Jill Mateo and former Village President Benjamin Sells shared their support for Ramos certification after the news conference. State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, D-Berwyn, has also stated his support for Ramos certification, according to the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark.

Also speaking in support of Ramos, state Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, argued the SAFE-T Act, which he voted for, should not prevent the board from approving Ramos as a police officer.

They actually have the power to see it as it is, but theyre choosing not to, Ford said at the news conference.

Buckley said the law could potentially affect many officers transferring departments in Illinois if left unaddressed.

The Police Department will appeal the decision at a training and standards board meeting in early September, Buckley said. Meanwhile, Ramos is working for Riverside but not as a police officer. The department is holding an officer position open for her, Buckley said.

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Ford said he would work to change Illinois law so Ramos and officers in similar positions can be certified if the appeal is unsuccessful.

Ramos, who now has three children and is married to a Cicero police officer, is still holding out hope. The last decade spent learning about policing through school and jobs had all led to Riverside.

It would be what I worked for, she said.

jsheridan@chicagotribune.com
Jacksonville Sheriffs Office is investigating after a man was shot several times on Catoma Street.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

According to detectives, at around 11:25 p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to a local hospital after a man in his 50s walked in with three gunshot wounds to his chest, arm and finger. He is in critical but stable condition.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was walking on Catoma Street when he got into an argument or fight with an unknown suspect. The suspect then shot him several times, and the victim walked to the hospital. There is no suspect description at this time.

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Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call JSO at 904-630-0500, email jsocrimetips@jaxsheriff.org or call Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.

Action News Jax will continue to follow the story and update you as events unfold.

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A federal judge Wednesday rejected requests by former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Trump Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark s to block their arrest in the Fulton County, Ga., election case.

Both Meadows and Clark sought to block their arrest ahead of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis s (D) Friday deadline for defendants in the case to surrender.

They had argued their arrest and the state proceedings should be halted while they attempt to move the case to federal court.

U.S. District Judge Steve Jones, an Obama appointee, denied both mens requests in separate six-page rulings late Wednesday afternoon, only hours after Willis voiced opposition to their demands.

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Though Jones has not yet decided whether the charges must proceed in federal court, his pair of decisions clears the way for Willis to arrest Clark and Meadows if they dont surrender by Friday.

Willis previously suggested to Meadowss attorney that she would issue arrest warrants at 12:30 p.m. ET on Friday if he missed the deadline, court filings show.

Willis last week charged Clark and 18 other co-defendants, including Meadows and former President Trump, in a 41-count indictment stemming from efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Following the election, Trump had desired to appoint Clark as attorney general to investigate the then-presidents unfounded claims of fraud.

Clark faces two charges. He is first charged with one count of racketeering count, like all of his co-defendants.

Clark also faces one count of a criminal attempt to commit false statements and writings over his alleged desire to send a letter to Georgia authorities asking them to hold off on certifying their election results while the department investigated.

In attempting to put the state proceedings on hold, Clarks attorneys argued an automatic pause was required under federal law as Clark attempts to move courts. Prosecutors responded by saying the effort misunderstands fundamental tenets of criminal law and procedure, and the judge ultimately agreed.

As the ongoing Fulton County criminal proceedings and forthcoming arrest warrant arise from the criminal indictment in a criminal action, Section 1455 governs, Jones ruled. And Section 1455 specifically indicates that, until the federal court assumes jurisdiction over a state criminal case, the state court retains jurisdiction over the prosecution and the proceedings continue despite the notice of the removal.

The Hill has reached out to Clarks attorney for comment.

Meadows, who served as Trumps White House chief of staff, had also sought to block his arrest as he, too, attempts to move to federal court.

Before blocking the state proceedings, Jones wrote that he is bound to first hold a hearing to determine which court Meadowss charges belong in. The hearing is scheduled for Monday.

As Meadowss arguments and cases cited to the contrary are not persuasive, the Court denies Meadowss request for the Court to decide its jurisdiction over his criminal case before holding an evidentiary hearing, Jones ruled.

Meadows faces the racketeering count as well as a charge of soliciting a public officer to violate their oath. Meadows participated in the infamous call between Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R), when Trump asked Raffensperger to help find 11,780 votes.

The Hill has reached out to Meadowss attorney for comment.

Meadows and Clark are two of the few remaining defendants whose bail has not yet been set. More than a dozen defendants have come to agreements with prosecutors and had the orders signed off by a state judge in advance of the Friday surrender deadline.

Updated 6:15 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Jacob Bumpass, 35, is escorted into Clermont County Common Pleas Courtroom for a hearing, Wednesday, August 23, 2023. Bumpass was convicted in July of tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse in the death of Paige Johnson, 17, who disappeared Sept. 23, 2010. Her body was discovered in March of 2020. Bumpasss attorney, H. Louis Sirken, was asking for either an acquittal or a new trial. Judge Kevin T. Miles denied both. Sentencing is Sept. 7.

The man convicted of leaving the body of Northern Kentucky teenager Paige Johnson in the woods of rural Clermont County in September 2010 lost a bid to overturn the verdict rendered during his trial.

A Clermont County jury, after listening to three days of witness testimony, found 35-year-old Jacob Bumpass guilty on July 24 of tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse.

On Wednesday, Common Pleas Judge Kevin T. Miles overruled Bumpass request for an acquittal or new trial.

Bumpass attorney, Louis Sirkin, said in court filings that the jurys verdict was based on circumstantial evidence, inferences, and stacking of inferences upon inference," adding there's no direct evidence tying his client to the area where Paige's remains were ultimately discovered.

Clermont County Common Pleas Judge Kevin T. Miles denies a motion for an acquittal or a new trial for Jacob Bumpass, 35, who was convicted in July of tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse in the death of Paige Johnson, 17, who disappeared Sept. 23, 2010. Her body was discovered in March of 2020. Bumpasss attorney, H. Louis Sirken, right, talks with Clermont County assistant prosecutors, Clay Tharp, left and Zach Zipperer, center. Sentencing is Sept. 7.

Sirkin also argued that repeated emotional outbursts by Paiges mom, Donna Johnson, during her testimony improperly influenced the jury and former Covington police Detective Bryan Frodges testimony that Bumpass tried to flee when police first confronted him at home days after Paiges disappearance was inaccurate.

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"I felt that it tarnished the trial," Sirkin said, referring to comments that Johnson directed toward Bumpass.

Clermont County Common Pleas Judge Kevin T. Miles denies a motion for an acquittal or a new trial for Jacob Bumpass, 35, who was convicted in July of tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse in the death of Paige Johnson, 17, who disappeared Sept. 23, 2010. Her body was discovered in March of 2020. Bumpasss attorney, is H. Louis Sirken. Sentencing is Sept. 7.

In making his ruling, Miles said most of the issues raised by Bumpass in asking for his conviction to be overturned were dealt with appropriately during the trial.

The judge added that Sirkin neglected to address Frodges statements during cross examination about Bumpass trying to avoid police, and theres nothing to indicate the detectives testimony wasnt truthful.

Paige died while with Bumpass early on Sept. 23, 2010, and rather than seek help, Bumpass left her body unburied in a wooded area near State Route 276 and Mathis Road in Williamsburg Township, prosecutors said during the trial.

The remains of 17-year-old Paige Johnson, who went missing in September 2010, were found March 22, 2020, by a man walking through the woods near State Route 276 and Mathis Road in Clermont County.

The last time Paiges mom, or anyone else in her family, ever saw the teen was on the night of Sept. 22, 2010, according to trial testimony. The 17-year-old had asked her mother if she could go to her sisters apartment in Covington.

Over the next decade, Paiges disappearance would set off public vigils, exhaustive investigative searches, national headlines, true crime podcasts and a flurry of social media posts, all seeking clues about what happened to her.

Authorities long pointed to Bumpass, then 22, as being the last person to see Paige alive.

Bumpass has maintained that he picked Paige up from her mothers Florence home and dropped her off around 1 a.m. on Sept. 23, 2010, at 15th and Scott streets, just blocks from her sisters apartment in Covington.

It wasn't until March 2020 that a Williamsburg resident stumbled across Paige's skull while walking through the woods on the hunt for deer antlers.

What happened to NKY teen Paige Johnson? We may never know. Testimony offers some answers

Law enforcement and volunteers from Texas EquuSearch, a nonprofit search and recovery organization, conducted additional searches of the woods in the days after Paiges remains were discovered and recovered a human jawbone and rib bone, according to the testimony.

Dental records were used to identify the skull and jawbone as belonging to Paige. Though the rib bone was never positively identified as Paige, forensic anthropologist Elizabeth Murray testified that it's "a very logical assumption" the bone is hers.

Bumpass has not been accused of causing Paige's death and the circumstances surrounding how she died remain unknown.

Without evidence of trauma, nor any organs or tissues to undergo toxicology tests, investigators cant point to what might have killed her, or whether her death was accidental or intentional.

Investigators used phone records to track the movements of Bumpass cellphone on the morning of Sept. 23, 2010. Those records placed his cell near Paige's home just before 1 a.m., then around his house in Taylor Mill.

The investigators also found texts between Paige and Bumpass, which seemingly corroborated Bumpass' movements that night.

Later, his phone pinged cell towers at Filager and Half-Acre roads in Clermont County between 4:13 a.m. and 4:18 a.m. The Half-Acre Road tower is just over a mile from where the teens remains were found a decade later.

Prosecutors also pointed to testimony from John Schneider, a friend of Bumpass' at the time, who said that he was at Bumpass' house for just a few minutes that night and saw Paige there as late as 1:50 a.m., well after Bumpass said he dropped the teen off in Covington.

Bumpass was indicted and arrested in July 2020. He has long maintained his innocence, though he hasnt offered an explanation for what he was doing in Clermont County early on Sept. 23, 2010.

During the trial, Sirkin cast doubt as to whether Paige's remains were in the same location the entire decade she'd been missing. He noted the presence of billboards and a farm nearby, adding that workers would likely have come across Paige's remains at some point.

He also pointed to the presence of debris piled near the scene as an indication that people would at least sometimes use the area as an illegal dumping site.

Sirkin argued that someone may have even taken advantage of the publicity surrounding the case, specifically a 2010 search of East Fork State Park conducted after Covington police received Bumpass phone records, to dispose of Paiges remains there in hopes of framing Bumpass.

Bumpass is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 7.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Paige Johnson disappearance: Judge denies request to reverse verdict
A federal judge on Wednesday denied a request from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to temporarily restrain Google from removing two videos of the presidential candidate as he seeks to sue the company for censorship.

U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson, an appointee of President Joe Biden, wrote that Kennedys claim that the company violated his First Amendment rights is unlikely to succeed because Google is a private entity. Thompson also wrote that a restraining order was not necessary because he would not be irreparably harmed if the order was not granted.

Plaintiff has not shown circumstances warranting the extraordinary remedy of a temporary restraining order, Thompson said in her 11-page decision, issued following a hearing on Monday. The Court finds that the First Amendment claim is unlikely to succeed on the merits because Google and YouTube are not state actors.

In his suit, Kennedy claimed Google has engaged in censorship under the coercion of federal government officials. YouTube, which is owned by Google, had removed videos of Kennedy making what the company said were medical misinformation claims. The firm contends that the content violated YouTubes policy against discussing the Covid-19 vaccines.

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While it wasnt essential to Thompsons ruling, she also suggested that if the popular video-hosting site were somehow subject to the First Amendment, Kennedy might still have no case because inaccurate information about medical issues lacks free speech protections.



The coronavirus still poses a health risk to certain individuals, and it would not serve the public interest to let medical misinformation proliferate on YouTube, the judge wrote, arguing that there is a public interest of preventing the spread of illness and medical misinformation.

Kennedy, who is running a long-shot campaign to usurp Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee next year, has broken into media headlines by going against mainstream liberal viewpoints on Covid-19 policies and vaccines. He has been adamant that big technology companies have gone too far in their role moderating content, leaning into the conservative viewpoint that removal of content deemed misinformation equates to censorship.

He testified before Rep. Jim Jordans (R-Ohio) subcommittee examining the weaponization of the federal government in July as part of a monthslong investigation Jordan has been conducting into the alleged collusion between the White House and tech companies to censor individuals online.

For years, major social media platforms have kept open an avenue that allows government officials to submit requests for content moderation. That pathway is currently under legal dispute. A U.S. District Court judge in early July constrained several federal agencies and officials from contacting any social media companies to remove any constitutionally protected free speech, but an appeals court later blocked that order temporarily while it is under dispute.

We are pursuing this case on behalf of all those Americans who oppose censorship by the Government working through private companies, Kennedys campaign told POLITICO in a statement. We are prepared to continue our efforts.

In its original response to his lawsuit, Google called Kennedys censorship lawsuit against the company viewpoints meritless, pushing back against the claim that it maliciously removed content that featured his viewpoints on Covid-19 and other medical matters.

YouTube applies its Community Guidelines independently, transparently, and consistently, regardless of political viewpoint, Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda previously told POLITICO. These claims are meritless and we look forward to refuting them.

The litigation is expected to continue, with the judge setting the next hearing in the case for Nov. 7.

Josh Gerstein and Rebecca Kern contributed to this report.
Washington  A federal judge in Georgia rejected a request by former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows to postpone his surrender and arrest in Fulton County, Georgia, as an attempt to move the case to federal court is litigated, according to a court order issued Wednesday.

"The clear statutory language for removing a criminal prosecution, does not support an injunction or temporary stay prohibiting District Attorney Willis's enforcement or execution of the arrest warrant against Meadows," Judge Steve Jones wrote in a brief ruling.

Meadows' attorneys had asked the federal court to block Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis ' enforcement of an arrest warrant as they worked to convince the judge to move the Georgia state case to federal court.

Jones wrote Wednesday the law does not allow for federal court interference in the state case at the current juncture, and the prosecution of Meadows must continue while the federal court considers the broader request to transfer the case.

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Meadows, who served as chief of staff in the Trump White House, argued last week that his case should be moved to federal court because the allegations contained in Willis' indictment against him occurred while he was acting in his formal capacity as White House chief of staff.

"Nothing Mr. Meadows is alleged in the indictment to have done is criminal per se: arranging Oval Office meetings, contacting state officials on the President's behalf, visiting a state government building, and setting up a phone call for the President. One would expect a Chief of Staff to the President of the United States to do these sorts of things. And they have far less to do with the interests of state law than, for example, murder charges that have been successfully removed," his attorneys wrote last week.

On Tuesday, Willis pushed back, writing in a federal court filing, "Lawfully arresting the defendant on felony charges after allowing the defendant ample time to negotiate a surrender neither deprives the defendant of the ability to seek removal nor does it impact this Court's jurisdiction to consider removal."

Court filings this week revealed a back-and-forth between Meadows' attorneys and Willis, in which his legal team fought to delay the Friday afternoon deadline Willis had set for all 19 defendants charged in the Trump case to surrender and officially be arrested.

"Your client is no different than any other criminal defendant in this jurisdiction," Willis wrote to Meadows' legal team, according to a copy of an email provided in court filings.

Another Trump ally, former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark, made a similar attempt to postpone his arrest, asking the federal judge in Georgia to issue an emergency stay on the matter. On Wednesday, Judge Jones also denied that request, writing that law dictates that "the state court retains jurisdiction over the prosecution and the proceedings continue."

A federal court hearing on moving the Meadows case is set for August 28.

Judge denies Mark Meadows' attempt to delay Georgia arrest

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin among 10 killed in Russian plane crash

What makes a presidential candidate qualified for the Oval Office?
By Tom Hals and Helen Coster

WILMINGTON, Delaware (Reuters) -A Delaware judge on Wednesday rejected Newsmax Media's bid to narrow the allegedly defamatory statements that the right-wing U.S. television network must defend in a lawsuit by voting machine company Smartmatic USA involving the 2020 presidential election.

Smartmatic, whose U.S. headquarters is in Boca Raton, Florida, sued Newsmax in November 2021, saying the network should be held accountable for knowingly spreading false claims that the company rigged the election against Republican then-President Donald Trump , who lost to Democrat Joe Biden.

After the original lawsuit was filed, Smartmatic amended its complaint to add 26 additional statements it said were defamatory, such as statements aired by the network that Smartmatic machines could have been hacked.

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Newsmax had argued that the statute of limitations had passed and that it was too late to add allegedly defamatory statements to the amended complaint.

Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric Davis in his ruling said the additional statements fell within the themes of the original complaint and stemmed from the network's coverage of the election, so he allowed them.

Newsmax did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Smartmatic did not say in its lawsuit how much money it was seeking in damages from Newsmax, but said election conspiracy theories have erased $2 billion in value from the company.

The company also has sued San Diego-based One America News in federal court in Washington and New York-based Fox News, its parent Fox Corp and several Fox hosts in a New York state court over similar claims.

Fox Corp and Fox News in April settled a similar defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems on the eve of trial in the same Delaware court for $787.5 million.

(Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; Editing by Will Dunham and Chizu Nomiyama)
A Pinellas-Pasco circuit judge will examine hundreds of text messages and emails to determine if the city of Tarpon Springs should have turned them over to former City Attorney Tom Trask.

Shortly after Trask resigned as city attorney in October, citing baseless public attacks, he submitted a public records request for city commissioners emails, text messages and other records that discussed his tenure.

The citys initial response stated there were potentially 52,692 records that could be responsive from commissioners and staff, including 1,228 from Mayor Costa Vatikiotis and 42 from city Commissioner Mike Eisner. In November, Trasks attorneys proposed key words to narrow down the results but requested the city provide the 1,270 documents from Vatikiotis and Eisner in the meantime.

In March, the city provided 878 total documents from Vatikiotis, Eisner and city Commissioners Panagiotis Koulias and Craig Lunt  fewer than the original count from Vatikiotis and Eisner alone.

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Trasks law firm, Trask Daigneault LLP, sued Tarpon Springs in late April, alleging city officials violated Floridas public records law by causing unreasonable delays and manufacturing confusion as an excuse for their failure to turn over all records.

In a hearing Wednesday, Deputy City Clerk Michele Manousos testified that when she first submitted Trasks records request to commissioners, Vatikiotis and Eisner identified 1,228 and 42 documents, respectively.

Manousos said the documents were provided to a contractor that the city hired to assist staff in gathering and reviewing documents. The contractor approved the release of 878 documents to Trasks attorneys but did not indicate why several hundred were not included.

Andrew Salzman, an attorney representing Tarpon Springs, said the city turned over all records responsive to Trasks request. But Colin Thompson, an attorney representing Trask, said the firm in November stated they wanted all the 1,270 records identified by Vatikiotis and Eisner, regardless of whether they were relevant.

Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge George Jirotka said he would examine the excluded records in the interest of not embarrassing anybody, a reference to exemptions that are allowed for sensitive information like medical records.

Attorneys on both sides agreed to the terms in an order written during the hearing Wednesday. Jirotka set a hearing for Sept. 22 to determine whether the city caused an unreasonable delay in its response.

Trasks law partner, Jay Daigneault, has said the firm requested the records to piece together circumstances around utterly false allegations by commissioners about Trasks handling of a controversial apartment complex proposal near the Anclote River.

In March 2022, a city election brought a majority of commissioners into office who opposed their predecessors approval of the project by the Texas-based Morgan Group.

Vatikiotis pointed to emails that showed Morgan Group representatives were coordinating with city staff on changes to the code years before submitting an application for the project. Eisner described it as years of laying the foundation to ruin our city to make money for a few.

The commission voted to hire a special counsel to investigate the matter, a probe that is ongoing. Meantime, the city has not released building permits for the project.

Morgan Group attorneys recently stated in a letter they will pursue a lawsuit if the city does not issue permits.
A Tennessee judge Wednesday granted temporary pause to a new Legislature rule that prohibited the public from holding signs during House floor and committee proceedings, according to new court filings.

The filings with the Chancery Court of Davidson County in Tennessee come just a day after state troopers were ordered to remove three people who held small signs over gun control at a hearing Tuesday.

Nashville Chancellor Anne Martin granted the temporary injunction within hours after the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit on behalf of the three people who were removed and requested a ban on the enforcement of the rule.

The rest of the the public visitors  including parents closely connected to a school shooting that happened in Nashville earlier this year  were later removed by troopers at the request of a GOP subcommittee chair.

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These rules are unreasonable, ACLU of Tennesse Legal Director Stella Yarbrough said in a statement. The Tennessee Houses ban on silently holding signs in House galleries directly undermines Tennesseans First Amendment right to express their opinions on issues that affect them and their families.

Tennessee lawmakers began a special legislative session Monday after Republican Gov. Bill Lees push to consider public safety and mental health legislation following a mass shooting at a Nashville school in March.

In the first move of the session Monday, House Republicans approved a new set of disciplinary rules that allows the Legislature to block members from speaking if deemed too disruptive or distracting.

The rule also prohibits members of the public from carrying signs inside the Tennessee Capitol or in legislative hearing rooms. The rules received backlash from some who argued they were implemented to prevent protesting, such as that of the Tennessee Three in March.

The Tennessee Three, a group of House Democrats including Reps. Justin Pearson, Justin Jones and Gloria Johnson, gained nationwide attention after they interrupted proceedings to protest in favor of gun control shortly after the Nashville shooting. Pearson and Justin, who are Black, were expelled from the body, while Johnson, who is white, was allowed to stay.

Both of the men were reelected earlier this month and rejoined the Legislature representing Memphis and Nashville, respectively.

Pearson railed against the Houses new rule Tuesday, calling it a limit on free speech. Jones pushed back on the policy Monday, arguing it has no way to hold House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R) accountable if he applies the rules incorrectly.

A hearing for the temporary injunction is slated for Sept. 5, though the House is expected to adjourn by Thursday, according to legislative schedules.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Harmful algae blooms are a persistent problem worldwide, and throughout Idaho, where they strike every summer.

These blooms, often vivid cyan and emerald, are caused by cyanobacteria, a type of algae that can produce cyanotoxins. If present in high enough concentrations, they can threaten aquatic ecosystems, our health and the health of pets.

Its very naturally occurring in systems, said Elizabeth Spelsberg, senior water quality standards scientist at the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, in a phone interview with the Idaho Statesman. Weve had cyanobacteria in Lake Cascade since weve started monitoring in the 70s.

Three of the states big water bodies  Brownlee Reservoir, Hells Canyon and Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir  have been under a public health advisory for harmful algae blooms (HAB) because theyve surpassed the 2019 EPA thresholds for human health, putting the summer algae bloom season in full swing  even though Lake Cascade and Boise-area ponds have avoided the algae wars so far.

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Its scary, admitted Spelsberg, who noted a recent uptick in calls from the public inquiring about the safety of some Idaho lakes and reservoirs in the dead of the August heat.

Not all algae are harmful

Algae can be a beneficial part of natural environments. Tyler King, a research hydrologist for the Idaho Water Science Center, explained in a phone interview that we see multiple types of blooms in these systems, but only a few are harmful.

For instance, oftentimes in the West a different, harmless type of algae called diatoms will peak within aquatic systems over winter and early spring. Diatoms are mostly benign, as in they do not produce toxins, and their silica shells are often really beautiful under a microscope, King said.

The algae of concern, called cyanobacteria, typically ramp up in July and August and last until October, November or even December, depending on water temperatures, according to King. The hotter the summer, the later into the year the risk is likely.

The most common cyanotoxins in Idaho and the U.S. are microcystins, a group of liver toxins that can cause gastrointestinal illness in humans, pets, livestock and wildlife.

Dogs and cows are particularly susceptible, partly because theyre more likely to drink or swim in the affected water. And then when they come out to lick their fur, thats one way that they can get a dose of cyanotoxins, King said.

But the other reason certain animals are more sensitive to these blooms is the diversity of neurological pathways. If its a neurotoxin, it can affect some species differently, according to King.

Cyanobacteria are also harmful to the fish and other marine life in aquatic systems since they suck oxygen out of the water. When these algae die, they settle down the water column to be decomposed by bacteria, and that decomposition consumes oxygen.

Fish co-evolved with cyanobacteria, so theyre not actually susceptible to the toxins that cyanobacteria produce. But they are very susceptible to the lack of oxygen that often comes with an algal bloom, King said.

There are several types of cyanotoxins, including those that affect the liver, nerves and skin, which all in turn have important implications for human and animal health.

Idaho is used to dealing with cyanobacteria-caused blooms every summer, especially at Lake Cascade. A Department of Environmental Quality scientist said its been present there every year since the 1970s.

Designing better ways to detect harmful blooms

Historically, monitoring and tracking HABs has relied on in-person reports submitted by the public. But a publication from late last year demonstrated that satellite imagery can be used to identify bodies of water with high chlorophyll, more than 10 micrograms per liter.

We use chlorophyll because its a colored pigment, able to be seen from space, King said.

The green of the chlorophyll is a pretty good proxy for cyanobacteria. But the problem is that lots of other things can be green. So its important to combine that data with an ecological understanding of how these systems typically function.

For example, if there is a spike in chlorophyll in the wintertime, or even in the spring, that probably is not cyanobacteria. And if there is a persistent patch of high chlorophyll, present from week to week to week to week, and its near a shallow part of the reservoir, its probably submerged aquatic vegetation and not a sign of cyanobacterial bloom, according to King.

But if you were to witness a large increase in chlorophyll over a large portion of a body of water in the summertime, especially if it has spatial patterns that look like its swirling and moving with the currents, theres reasonable certainty that youre looking at a cyanobacteria bloom, King said.

That information is useful for state agencies to identify which lakes may be unsuitable for swimming and which areas within that water body could have the highest concentrations of cyanotoxins.

Using this tool provides a better way to narrow down where to go sample water, Spelsberg said.

Cozy conditions for cyanobacteria

According to King, cyanobacteria crave three things: warmth, sun and food.

For food, these microorganisms consume nitrogen and phosphorus. A lot of cyanobacteria are able to fix up their own nitrogen from the atmosphere, so often their limiting nutrient is phosphorus.

There are many sources of phosphorus in the environment, including fertilizers, human wastewater, the atmospheric deposition of dust particles and runoff after wildfires. Spelsberg said a large fire on the west side of Lake Cascade contributed to more bare soil and higher rates of runoff into the water.

Making sure the harmful cyanobacteria dont have everything they need to thrive in water is probably the most effective way to deal with their toxic punches, but this management strategy can be difficult to implement in practice, and there are presently few active efforts aimed at directly preventing blooms in Idaho and elsewhere.

As one example, when a series of water quality issues, including cyanobacteria, caused Esther Simplot Parks ponds to close in 2018, the city of Boise installed an aeration system and changed the flow of water through Quinns Pond and Esther Simplot ponds to address the issue, according to King.

Prevention is definitely the less sexy strategy. If you talk to someone about total daily maximum load planning and meeting all the water quality standards within a watershed upstream of lakes and reservoirs, as Spelsberg covered in her phone interview with the Statesman, peoples eyes tend to glaze over.

But prevention is key and controlling the input into the system is where I think we can make a difference, Spelsberg said.

That said, a growing field of research is focused on methods and technologies to control or suppress blooms.

Blooms can vary in appearance, sometimes looking like mats, foam or surface scum. This bloom affected Brownlee Reservoir in August 2016, and Brownlee is one of three bodies of water in Idaho with harmful levels of cyanobacteria this summer.

Can we spot and stop a harmful algae bloom?

Throughout the years, many technologies and techniques have been developed for addressing the issue of harmful blooms in water  after theyve already developed.

But there also has been extensive work by scientists and researchers to be pre-emptive, and a lot of progress has been made.

In the early 2000s, NOAA funded studies to test the use of clays that, when dispersed into the ocean, could bind with both algae and their toxins, and sink them to the ocean floor to be buried.

In 2002, a material called Lanthanum-modified bentonite, commercially called Phoslock, was developed by the CSIRO in Australia. Since then it has been widely applied in more than 200 freshwater systems worldwide to manage eutrophication by absorbing phosphorous and settling it to the bottom, which starves cyanobacteria and effectively prevents explosive growth.

In 2018, engineers at Nano Air Bubble Aeration System Technology tested a way to use nanobubbles (bubbles smaller than the width of a single human hair) to aerate water bodies and dissolve harmful algae.

In 2021, researchers developed a chemical control agent isolated from the bacterium Shewanella that can halt the growth of some HABs with minimal effects on common non-target organisms.

We are still getting closer every year to a cure for cyanoHABs, scientists say. Just last month, researchers released the design of a floating sponge that features a powdered biochar from shrimp cells that can inactivate more than 85% of algal cells.

All of these breakthroughs, especially when merged with thoughtful water management, have the potential to someday permanently solve one of the most persistent and pervasive threats to aquatic systems.

Julie Jung is an American Association for the Advancement of Science fellow working with the Idaho Statesman this summer. She has degrees from Williams College (B.A.) in Massachusetts and Boston University (M.A. and Ph.D.), and is doing postdoctoral work at the University of Utah. Reach her at jjung@idahostatesman.com .




LAKE WORTH BEACH  A jury has awarded a former Lake Worth Police Department officer a $7.1 million verdict in his legal battle with the city over health care benefits.

It rendered its verdict in favor of Joseph Viera on Aug. 16, following a weeklong trial before Circuit Judge Luis Delgado. It found that the city of Lake Worth  now known as Lake Worth Beach  failed to comply with the terms of a settlement it had reached with Viera in 2018, including failing to provide required payments and benefits.

The settlement followed a lawsuit that Viera filed in 2010 in which he sought benefits related to injuries he sustained in the early 2000s while an officer with the department, which was absorbed by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office in 2008. Before that, Viera and the city were involved in eight years of litigation over worker's compensation claims.

"We're extremely grateful for the sacrifices of the jury," Viera said of the verdict Tuesday. "They made a lot of sacrifices to hear this case.  It put to rest, at least for now, this almost 24-year long battle with the city because they don't want to comply with laws."

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A Lake Worth Beach official said the city intends to appeal the verdict.

"The city of Lake Worth Beach respects the jury's decision in the case with Mr. Viera," City Manager Carmen Davis said, declining further comment.

'No winner': Mother shares her pain as judge sentences man convicted of killing her son

Lake Worth Beach sought to cap benefits at $1 million

Viera, now 56, joined the department in April 2000. He said he was severely injured that December when he was involved in a two-car crash while responding to a call involving a woman being attacked by two men. He was also injured months earlier in a fall while chasing a suspect.

Viera, who now lives in Colorado, said the severe injuries left him unable to work and in need of multiple surgeries.

City officials challenged Viera's claim for benefits beyond a $1 million settlement from worker's compensation, with an attorney arguing in a 2017 court hearing that Viera was "milking the system" after hurting his knee in a crash, and stating that the injury was not catastrophic.

Viera's attorneys pushed back against the city's claims during the breach-of-contract trial.

As I told the jury, this case is a hit-and-run by the city, except Mr. Viera ran toward his obligations to protect a female being attacked, while the city ran from its obligations to protect Mr. Viera, a catastrophically injured officer, for decades, Viera's attorney Michael Pike said.

Viera said the city's actions left him with no choice but to pursue legal remedies.

"The city said during the trial that I made a career out of suing them," he said. "It's not me wanting a career of suing them. It's they've made a career out of not complying with the law, not complying with the contract. They've left me no choice other than having to file these lawsuits."

Fatal wreck: PBSO: Teen drove at speeds topping 100 mph in moments before Pahokee crash that killed two

Viera and the city reached a settlement agreement in May 2018, with the city agreeing to pay him benefits equal or greater than what it is paying to its human-resources director, according to court documents. Attorney Daniel Lustig said Viera qualified for Social Security disability benefits, thus rendering the city's argument that Viera wasn't catastrophically injured invalid.

"The city knew that Mr. Viera was receiving Social Security benefit payments for years," Lustig said. "In fact, the the city forced him to apply for the benefits back in 2001. They knew that he was getting those benefits, so they could not have challenged under the law the fact that he was catastrophically injured."

State law mandates coverage for injured officers, families

The Florida Legislature in the 1990s passed a law designed to make sure police officers and their families continue to receive health coverage if on-the-job injuries made it impossible for them to work.

The law requires an agency to provide health insurance for the injured officer, his or her spouse and their children who are younger than 25. Even if the officer dies, the spouse and children would continue to receive coverage, according to the law.

Sober-home homicide: Lake Park shooting has Maryland man facing first-degree murder charge

Circuit Judge Cheryl Caracuzzo initially ruled in the 2010 that Viera waited too long to demand coverage under the law because he filed a lawsuit after a four-year statute of limitations had expired.

But Florida's Fourth District Court of Appeal overruled the decision, finding that the statute of limitations in an ongoing obligation such as insurance payments extended from when the lawsuit was filed. It ruled the city should provide coverage and pay medical bills incurred by Viera retroactively to January 2006, four years before he filed the suit.

Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@pbpost.com and follow him on X, the platform formerly known Twitter, at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Former Lake Worth police officer awarded $7.1 million lawsuit settlement
Homer Township Trustee Angel Shake was one of several officials to speak Tuesday in favor of more accountability from school board and district staff in Homer Elementary District 33C, and more security in schools. Other elected officials speaking included Homer Township Supervisor Steve Balich and Homer Township Highway Commissioner Brent Porfilio. (Michelle Mullins/Daily Southtown)

Even though the Homer Elementary School District 33C Board fired a teacher Sunday, parents said their work is not over yet.

More than 70 parents and community members attended Tuesdays board meeting demanding the resignation of school board members and staff involved with the hire, more accountability from district staff and increased security at the districts schools. Several also said they plan to run for school board in 2025.

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Meanwhile, Superintendent Craig Schoppe said in a statement that student safety continues to be a top priority and the administrative team is conducting a thorough review of the hiring processes.

Late last week, parents began circulating screenshots of social media posts allegedly posted by a recently hired teacher who was scheduled to work this year at four different elementary schools in Homer Glen and Lockport on a rotating basis.

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Several of the social media posts depicted Satan worshipping. Some included references to violence, such as Kill the Poor, or directed profanities at police.

Another post, which parents said was the most alarming, was an admission the teacher has done things in conditions of psychosis and mania that have been violent and hurtful. In the same post, which was made in recognition of mental health awareness month, the teacher talks about suffering from an irrational thought process, making fears and anxiety triple.

Some of the social media posts dated back to 2014.

The board held a special meeting Sunday, and voted unanimously to fire the teacher effective immediately.

Parents said even though the teacher has been fired, they were concerned about the safety of their children because the teacher gained national attention, may have been angered or embarrassed about his dismissal and has admitted to violent behavior.

I dont know how you felt after this board meeting on Sunday, but I left more terrified, Lori Hibbott said as parents in the audience audibly agreed. I didnt sleep Sunday at all.  Im thankful you fired the person you mistakenly hired. But you placed our children in the crosshairs and its not acceptable by any stretch of the imagination. Parents, dont give up.

Parent Neil Kennelly speaks to the Homer Elementary District 33C Board Tuesday during the second packed meeting this week. (Michelle Mullins/Daily Southtown)

Neil Kennelly said he kept his children home from school Monday because he was worried about any retaliation. He said the communication from the district was lacking and the community has lost its trust in district officials.

I understand that you say there is no active threat right now, he said. There is a national spotlight put on us. We need to have a better plan.  Im not looking for every little detail, but a little would be nice. I need to have confidence in you. You want trust? You want my confidence? Earn it back please.

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Schoppe said in a statement that Will County Sheriffs Department and Lockport Police Department will be on school grounds for the foreseeable future. The sheriffs office is allocating both marked and unmarked patrol deputies to be present, he said. The district also hired a school resource officer in July to monitor schools.

Schoppe also said the districts hiring process will be reviewed.

To be clear, our hiring process far exceeds the standard process set forth by the state of Illinois, Schoppe said. It is our highest priority that we audit our process to ensure we select candidates of the highest quality and the best fit for our school community. Specifically, we are currently investigating third-party screening firms and are evaluating the potential to add their services to our hiring process.

Schoppe said he will provide the results of the hiring process evaluation and recommendation to improve the process to the board in the coming weeks.

He declined to answer questions beyond the statement.

According to meeting minutes, the teacher submitted his resignation from Worth Elementary District 127, which was approved April 12 to be effective June 1.

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While some people on social media have defended the teacher following Sundays special meeting, nobody speaking at Tuesdays meeting backed the teacher.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

District 33C parent Tim Sipowicz thanked fellow parents, who were researching their childrens teachers and not afraid to speak up. He said if they didnt do the work, the teacher would have been in the classroom this year.

I give credit to parents who did more for free in such a short amount of time than you all did over the past few months when this was the job you were hired to do, he said at the school board meeting. I give credit to the parents who werent afraid to share and vocalize their concern about the graphic and disturbing subject matter they discovered despite the backlash they may receive.

Sipowicz said the parents concern has nothing to do with the teachers gender or sexual orientation, as some people have suggested in social media posts, but rather about the teachers violent admissions.

The disturbing and graphic material is exactly what this whole push and uproar is about, he said. It confuses me greatly when an individual tries to twist the narrative and make it out to be about either gender or sexual orientation when the concern actually has nothing to do with either.

Sipowicz said it was disheartening, when the material discovered was so blatantly evil and violent, that there was not unity and agreement the teacher did not belong in a school system.

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Can a person change? Absolutely, he said. However, there was nothing ever provided to prove that individual has in fact changed.

Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
A jury found a man guilty of murdering a Montgomery police officer in 2020, the district attorney announced Tuesday.

Brandon Deshawn Webster will serve life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Detective Tanisha Pughsley, District Attorney Daryl Bailey announced.

The jury found Webster guilty of two counts of capital murder. Pughsley, 27, was off duty when Webster shot her in her Park Lake Neighborhood home July 6, 2020.

Judge J.R. Gaines sentenced Webster. The jury also found Webster guilty of first-degree attempted assault for shooting at a man in Pughsley's home multiple times. Gaines sentenced Webster to an additional 10 years in prison for the offense.

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"On July 6, 2020, Webster went through the backdoor of Detective Pughsleys home with an AR style rifle and opened fire on her and her guest," a news release from Bailey's office stated. "After a struggle over the firearm, the guest was able to escape the house on foot. After her guest exited the residence, Webster shot an unarmed and defenseless Detective Pughsley in the chest."

Pughsley and Webster had been dating when he began being abusive, the release stated. Pughlsey obtained a restraining order against Webster, stating he would unexpectedly come to her house. He also once hit her on the head when she was holding her godchild, causing her to drop the child, according to the news release.

"At the time of her death, Detective Pughsley had been a well-respected member of the Montgomery Police Department since 2016," the release stated.

Pughsley was from Chicago and come to the state to attend Alabama State University, where she earned her degree in criminal justice. She volunteered for Transformation Montgomery and mentored girls at the Sequel Group Home.

Tanisha Pughsley was a detective and four-year veteran of the Montgomery Police Department.

Detective Pughsley, like many of us who choose this profession, was committed to helping our citizens on and off duty, especially our children," Bailey said in the announcement. "She left an indelible mark on all who knew her and accomplished so much during her four years on the police force. It is tragic that her life, one filled with so much promise, was so senselessly and violently cut short. I pray her family can find some peace knowing that Brandon Webster will spend the rest of his life behind bars with zero possibility of ever getting out.

Pughsley's mother, Sharon, created Tookie's Voice, an organization that helps victims of domestic violence. The nonprofit carries Pughsley's nickname and partners with One Place Family Justice Center for Women on the Run," which provides Go Bags for domestic violence victims that include toiletries, clothing items and hygiene products. To learn more about Tookies Voice, visit www.tookiesvoice.org.

People who are victims of domestic violence can contact One Place Family Justice Center at 334-262-7378 or call the 24-hour crisis line at 1-800-650-6522.

More: Manslaughter Conviction Court upholds Montgomery man's manslaughter conviction

Alex Gladden is the Montgomery Advertiser's public safety reporter. She can be reached at agladden@gannett.com or on Twitter @gladlyalex.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Jury convicts man for murdering MPD Detective Tanisha Pughsley
Chef Jose Sosa grew up in Michoacan, Mexico, and got his start in restaurants at 16 years old as a dishwasher in Chicago.

But Italy is where he really fell in love with food.

In Italy, its all about the flavors directly in front of you, those which are cultivated in your backyard, Sosa said.

His passion for the minimalist approach to Italian pasta, seafood and steak is now on display at UMMO, which opened in River North earlier this month, in the former Rockit Bar & Grill space.

Among Sosas favorite dishes is the penne-like garganelli pasta ($24), tossed with a lamb belly ragu and topped with fresh ricotta. The lamb is braised overnight for up to 10 hours, lending supreme tenderness to each bite. Another top pick is the baby beet salad ($16) accented with honey-tinged ricotta and compressed strawberries.

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As for desserts, pastry chef Jesus Escalera took Instagram by storm with visually stunning desserts such as the pomodoro e basilico ($18), a tomato-shaped doppelganger filled with raspberry and vanilla compote and basil sorbet.

Sosa first traveled to Italy about 12 years ago and just like any other tourist, he said, he visited the popular cities and sites. Over the years, he began to take weekslong stretches to less-explored regions  northern Emilia-Romagna and southern Puglia were two recent destinations  where he became enamored by all of the delicacies the country has to offer, he said.

I went to the smaller towns to make more connections with vendors, meet new people and learn more about the cuisines from each region, Sosa said. Every time that I go back, thats what I focus on.

From pasta-making classes to learning best way to use various cheeses, Sosa said he was able to learn different techniques and approaches to Italian cuisine from across the country that have all culminated into his latest endeavor.

After starting off as a teen, Sosa worked his way up to being a line cook, then a sous chef, and through multiple lauded Chicago restaurants, from Rosemonts Rosewood Restaurant to Ambria and the Michelin-starred Boka. He joined Gibsons Restaurant Group in 2008, where he honed his expertise over more than a decade.

When Gibsons Italia debuted in 2017  earning a three-star rating from former Tribune critic Phil Vettel  Sosas love of Italian cuisine made him a natural fit for the executive chef role.

After five years, he left Gibsons Italia on Dec. 21, he said, and took about a month off before diving fully into planning and prep for UMMO.

The goal for every chef is to open something where he can create and be able to have freedom, Sosa said. I wanted to keep learning, keep getting better, (and) open something where I can do my own thing.

He said many of the ingredients used in-house are imported directly from producers in Italy, people Sosa became close with during his trips. Among the finishing flourishes are imported olive oil and balsamic, and he also flies in the flour used to make fresh pasta every day.

Along with Sosa, UMMOs leadership includes German Gonzalez and Tzuco chef-partner Carlos Gaytan. Expect a second-floor lounge to open in the coming months, as well. The restaurant is open from 5-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

22 W. Hubbard St., 312-265-1232, ummochicago.com

More new and notable restaurant and bar openings, in alphabetical order:

Desert Hawk

A California-based hospitality company has brought a new oasis to Wicker Park. Desert Hawk bar landed in the former Pub Royale space Aug. 11. Look for tequila cocktails, with smash burgers and tacos by Cocina Sublime, plus a beautiful Joshua Tree mural by Chicago area artist Tracy Danet. 2049 W. Division St., 773-360-8445, instagram.com/deserthawkbar

Diego

Chef Stephen Sandoval and his team at Suenos have taken over a corner of Grand and Ogden avenues. Diego opened with a dog- and kid-friendly patio in the West Town neighborhood July 19. The Baja-inspired bar offers a grown-up frozen pink tropical Wanga Tanga cocktail, a Mexican spaghett made in a bottle of Modelo, plus Tacos Gobernador, the legendary shrimp and cheese Governors Tacos. Sibling restaurant Entre Suenos is scheduled to open in 2024. 459 N. Ogden Ave., 312-291-8449, diegochicago.com

ICHI by Torino

Japanese women-owned suburban restaurant Torino has expanded with a sister location serving homestyle comfort food and even a small selection of international snacks. ICHI by Torino began filling its bowls in Wilmette on July 29. Grab and go, or stay, for the karaage donburi, signature spicy Torino chicken ramen, plus strawberry daifuku mochi.

3217 Lake Ave., Wilmette; 847-728-0347, ichi.kitchen

Nisos Prime Bar and The Lounge

Chef Rick Tramonto is back as the food and beverage director at Parker Hospitality and has transformed Nisos from a Greek restaurant into a Mediterranean steakhouse. Prime Bar, the first of three phases, started pouring with a seasonal patio in the West Loop on Aug. 16, and The Lounge followed Friday. You can get a signature 22-ounce wood grilled bone-in rib-eye or truffled ricotta eggplant Parmesan at the bar, but drinks exclusively at the lounge include a Nebuchadnezzar of Billecart-Salmon Champagne for $6,500. The group expects to fire up the main dining room, Nisos Prime, in November.

802 W. Randolph St., 312-800-8582, nisosprime.com

Schneider Deli

Jake Schneider has revived the space that was once the iconic Ohio House Coffee Shop. Schneider Deli, his modern Jewish-style delicatessen that previously operated as a virtual and pop-up spot, commenced noshing in River North on Aug. 3. Your inner bubbe might get verklempt seeing the corned beef burger, pizza bialy and challah thats available Fridays only. 600 N. La Salle Drive, schneiderdeli.com

Soule to Soule

Chef and owner Bridgette Flagg has reopened her wildly popular West Town storefront. Soule to Soule (pronounced soul to soul), the original location of Soule (rhymes with Beyonce), celebrated its renaissance Aug. 4. Soul food tapas feature catfish sliders, biscuits and gravy, plus mocktails to spike if you BYOB. 1931 W. Chicago Ave., 312-526-3825, souletosoule.com

Restaurant closures, in chronological order:

Seven Treasures, the Chinatown restaurant best known for its 554 and late-night wonton noodles was originally opened by family patriarch Chung Leung Au on Cermak Road 42 years ago. Eventually, it moved to Wentworth Avenue in 1986. In its final week, generations of would-be diners waited hours for a final meal, before the restaurant closed Aug. 12, days earlier than planned due to staff shortages, owners said.

Herbivore, the globally inspired plant-based comfort food restaurant shared on social media that chef and owner Max Musto has been diagnosed with a chronic illness, which has affected his vision and mobility with pain that became unmanageable, so the business will close permanently after a final day of service Aug. 26.

Know of a Chicago-area restaurant or bar thats new and notable? Email food critic Louisa Chu at lchu@chicagotribune.com.

Big screen or home stream, takeout or dine-in, Tribune writers are here to steer you toward your next great experience. Sign up for your free weekly Eat. Watch. Do. newsletter here.
Investigators searched a former residential property of Dennis Rader, the self-proclaimed BTK serial killer, in Kansas this week primarily in connection with a probe into the 1976 disappearance of an Oklahoma teenager, authorities said Wednesday.

Authorities also are checking whether Rader, who pleaded guilty in 2005 to murdering 10 people from the 1970s to the 1990s, is connected to other missing persons cases and unsolved murders in the Kansas and Missouri areas, the Osage County Sheriffs Office in Oklahoma said in a news release.

Rader, who is serving life terms in prison, admitted in 2005 to carrying out 10 brutal killings to fulfill his sexual fantasies. He suggested in a letter found long before his capture that he should be called BTK, short for bind, torture, kill.

Investigators from Oklahomas Osage County Sheriffs Office searched the property where Raders home once stood in Park City, Kansas, from Tuesday though Thursday  their second search there this year  in collaboration with that citys police department, the sheriffs office said.

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Among materials of interest found at the property this week were trophies from at least one woman and bondage materials in a hiding hole, Osage County Undersheriff Gary Upton said Thursday.

The searchs primary focus was the 1976 disappearance of Cynthia Dawn Kinney, who was 16 when she was last seen in Oklahoma, according to the sheriffs office. Rader is a prime suspect in Kinneys disappearance and other unsolved cases, the sheriffs office said, without detailing the other cases.

An attorney for Rader, Rob Ridenour, told CNN Wednesday that he had no comment.

Oklahoma's Osage County Sheriff's Office conducted a search at he former property of serial killer Dennis Rader in Park City, Kansas, this week. - Osage County Sheriffis Office

What investigators say they found this week and in April

Raders home was bulldozed in 2006, Upton said. In this weeks search of the Kansas property, the Oklahoma investigators found personal effects, or trophies  (that) definitely belonged to a female, Upton said Thursday.

The items were found in a hole that was discovered Tuesday when a Park City crew lifted concrete for the Oklahoma investigators, Upton said.

Authorities have previously said Rader took and kept victims personal effects, including jewelry and clothing. Details about whether investigators believe they know the identity or identities of whoever owned the items found this week werent immediately available.

Investigators this week also found chains apparently used for bondage, along with C-clips that can shorten chains or be used to secure a persons legs or feet, Upton said.

They also found items that they dont currently want to describe publicly, Upton said.

The holes sides were reinforced with roofing shingles, and concrete pavers made for a flat floor, the undersheriff said.

This weeks discoveries came after the Oklahoma investigators found a panty hose ligature on the property in April, Upton said. The ligature was tied in a knot consistent with binding someones hands or feet together, he said.

The ligature was found under concrete that Park City had poured on the property to make a sidewalk, in the area of where a storage shed once stood, according to Upton.

This weeks search was designed to collect items of evidentiary value based on specific leads that the (Osage County Sheriffs Office) had received, the sheriffs office said Wednesday, without elaborating on the leads.

This ongoing investigation has uncovered potential connections to other missing persons cases and unsolved murders in the Kansas and Missouri areas, which are possibly linked to Dennis Rader, the sheriffs office said. The Osage County Sheriffs Office has been working alongside the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, sharing crucial information and collaborating on this case.

The items found this week will undergo thorough examination to determine their potential relevance to the ongoing investigations, the Osage County Sheriffs Office said.

The sheriffs department in Oklahoma has been working with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the sheriffs department said.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has met with the Osage County, Oklahoma, Sheriffs Office related to their investigation, but we have not been involved in any recent property searches, bureau spokesperson Melissa Underwood told CNN on Wednesday.

Park City police said the Oklahoma sheriffs investigators conducted this weeks search, and that Oklahoma investigators contacted Park City police as a courtesy to let us know they would be in the city.

It would be inappropriate for anyone from the Park City Police Department to comment on an investigation being conducted by a separate law enforcement agency, Park City police said in a news release Wednesday.

Raders daughter says shes helping investigators

Raders daughter, Kerri Rawson, has been offering volunteer assistance to investigators in the Kinney case and a probe into an unsolved killing in Missouri, after she became aware of those cases this year, Rawson said Wednesday in a written statement to news outlets.

Rawson became aware Tuesday of this weeks search on the property of her former childhood home, she said.

I will continue to partner closely and heartily support all (law enforcement) agencies and offer my volunteer assistance, Rawson said.

Lets keep working together to solve these cases for these families. They deserve all that we can give them. We can join together to put our mark on modern inter-agency cooperation and modern forensics, she said.

Rader, now 78, admitted to killing people in the Wichita area from 1974 to 1991. The dedicated churchgoer and married father of two described in court how he chose and stalked his victims before killing them. In more than one case, the killer said he took Polaroid photos of his victims.

Among his victims were two women who worked with him in an office as well as a co-workers husband and two children.

As Rader went uncaught for decades, he mailed cryptic letters to the media and investigators  a practice that ultimately lead to his capture. Rader was arrested in 2005 after police traced a floppy disk he mailed to a local TV station to a computer at his church. Investigators then determined that Raders DNA matched the killers.

Rader is incarcerated at the El Dorado Correctional Facility in Kansas.

CNNs Steve Forrest contributed to this report.

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Newly released security footage shows what happened the day authorities raided the home of 98-year-old Joan Meyer, the co-owner of a small Kansas newspaper. She is seen in the video confronting the officers, trying to get the officers to cease the search while yelling profanities.

"Get out of my house," Meyer is heard yelling at officers.

Meyer collapsed and died one day later. The Marion County Record reported that the coroner "lists the anger and anxiety [Meyer] experienced as a contributing cause of her death."

The video clip, released by the paper, starts an hour and a half after the police entered and ends when police allegedly disconnected Meyer's internet connection. An angry Meyer is seen with a walker, following officers around the home she shared with her son, newspaper publisher Eric Meyer.

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At one point during the search, she challenged an officer.

"Does your mother love you?" Meyer asked. "You're an a--hole."

The search, which also targeted the Marion County Record newsroom, drew swift criticism. News organizations, including CBS News, condemned the raid in a letter sent by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press to Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody.

The federal Privacy Protection Act protects journalists and newsrooms from most searches by law enforcement, requiring police usually to issue subpoenas rather than search warrants.

Three affidavits used as the basis for the police raid were not filed until three days after the search warrants were executed, records provided by the paper's attorneys show. They were signed on the day of the raids by Cody, but they were not filed until Aug. 14.

Her son later called the raid a "Gestapo tactic."

Police took Meyer's computer and a router used by an Alexa smart speaker during the raid at her home, according to the paper. Officers at the Record's office seized personal cellphones, computers, the newspaper's file server and other equipment. Some items were eventually turned over to the paper's attorney and are in the process of being returned, the paper reported.

As of Tuesday, four computers, two hard drives and a router still had not been returned, according to the Record.

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WICHITA, Kan.  After searching the former property of serial killer Dennis Rader, deputies from Osage County, Oklahoma, say there might be connections to other missing persons cases.

The Osage County Sheriffs Office said the focus of Tuesdays search in Park City, Kansas, was closely tied to the 1976 disappearance of Cynthia Dawn Kinney of Pawhuska, Oklahoma.

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This ongoing investigation has uncovered potential connections to other missing persons cases and unsolved murders in the Kansas and Missouri areas, which are possibly linked to Dennis Rader, the sheriffs office said.

The Osage County Sheriffs Office search in Park City on Tuesday, on Aug 22. 2023. (Osage County Sheriffs Office Photo)

The Osage County Sheriffs Office has been working alongside the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), sharing crucial information and collaborating on this case.

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Deputies call what was found at Raders former residence as items of interest, saying they will undergo a thorough examination to determine the relevance to Kinneys disappearance.

Speaking of Rader, Osage County authorities said the serial killer is a prime suspect in these unsolved cases, including the Cynthia Dawn Kinney case from Pawhuska.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The challenge of exploring space is something every state in the U.S. is connected to, including the Sunflower State.

You might be surprised to learn that Kansas has several connections to space and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). While the Sunflower State may not be home to one of NASAs launch sites or more notable space race museums like the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, it does have several unique ties to the exploration of our solar system or to space in general that you might not know about.

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Ad Astra Per Aspera

One space connection that may come to mind is the Kansas state motto, Ad Astra Per Aspera. This phrase emerged shortly after Kansas was made into a state in 1861 for use on the Great Seal of Kansas by Senator John J. Ingalls of Atchison, according to the Kansas Historical Society. The Latin phrase translates to, To the stars through difficulties. It was eventually adopted and placed onto the seal during the first state legislative session on May 25, 1861.

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Kansas state motto is also featured on an exhibit in NASAs Kennedy Space Center, according to NASA. The motto appears as Ad Astra Per Aspera  A Rough Road Leads to the Stars on an exhibit dedicated to astronauts who have lost their lives in NASAs space program. Specifically, it honors the lives of Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee who died during the failed launch of the Apollo 1 mission in 1967.

Democratic lawmakers announce legislation in wake of Marion newspaper raid

The statue, Ad Astra, standing atop the Kansas statehouse draws its name from the state motto, according to the Kansas Historical Society. The 22-foot tall statue depicts a Kansas warrior, in honor of the states Native American history, and points to the North Star. Weighing more than 4,400 pounds, it has adorned the top of the statehouse since 2002.

Kansas Cosmosphere

Located in Hutchinson, the Cosmosphere got its start in the 1960s. A woman named Patty Carey with a passion for astronomy opened a planetarium in 1962 called Hutchinsons Theatre of the Skies, according to the Cosmospheres website. She was able to do this with funds she raised over several years to purchase a a used planetarium and dome, making it the first planetarium in the state.

Since then, the Cosmosphere has steadily grown and expanded, according to its website. It now boasts an impressive array of attractions like the Hall of Space Museum, Carey Digital Dome Theater, Justice Planetarium, Dr. Goddards Lab and CosmoKids. The Cosmospheres museum is home to numerous exhibits dedicated to the exploration of our solar system like the V-2 Gallery, Cold War Gallery, Apollo Gallery, Our Universe Gallery and more.

Kansas Astronauts

(AP Photo/John Raoux)

Five people born in Kansas made significant contributions to NASAs space program over the years, according to NASAs website. These are Tyler N. Hague, Joseph Henry Engle, Steven Hawley, Ronald Evans and Ed Dwight.

During the mid-1960s, Ron Evans and Joe Engle joined the NASA astronaut program, according to the Kansas Historical Societys website. Evans was born in St. Francis while Engle hailed from Abilene. The pair would later graduate from the same engineering class at the University of Kansas and go on to be part of the back-up crew for the Apollo 14 moon flight.

Ed Dwight of Kansas City, Kansas was the first African-American named to NASAs astronaut program in 1963, according to the Kansas Historical Society. While Dwight never went to space, he was inducted as an honorary member of the U.S. Space Force in 2020.

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Dr. Steve Hawley, born in Ottawa, flew on five shuttle missions and spent a total of 32 days in space, according to the Kansas Historical Society. A graduate of KU, Hawley spent a decade teaching physics and astronomy at the university before retiring in 2018.

Nick Hague of Belleville was chosen by NASA as a new astronaut in 2013, according to NASA. He completed his first trip to the International Space Station in 2018 and currently works for NASA on its Boeing Starliner Program.

Discovery of Pluto

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While not a native of the Sunflower State, Clyde W. Tombaugh is remembered fondly for his work in the exploration of our solar system and his connections to Kansas. Tombaugh was born in Streator, Illinois in 1906 and spent his early years growing up on a family farm there until moving to a farm in Burdett, Kansas in 1922, according to the New Mexico Museum of Space History.

Tombaugh displayed a love for astronomy from an early age, spending his time constructing his own homemade telescopes which he used to study Mars and Jupiter, according to the New Mexico Museum of Space History. In 1929, he was hired to conduct planet-search photography at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. In 1930, he earned his place in history with the discovery of Pluto which also led to him receiving a scholarship to KU where he would earn his graduate and masters degrees.

View the latest headlines from Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas at fox4kc.com

Tombaugh continued to contribute to the study of our solar system and the identification of other celestial bodies in the years to follow, according to the New Mexico Museum of Space History. He died on Jan. 17, 1997 at the age of 91 and was cremated with some of his ashes placed on a probe meant to reach Pluto in 2015.

Comet Hug-Bell Discovery

(Getty Images)

Two Kansas astronomers recently contributed to the exploration of outer space when they found comet comet P/1999X1, according to Harvard University. The comet was named Hug-Bell after Gary Hug and Graham E. Bell of Eskridge, Kansas.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
I recently read the Improving Veterans Access to Congressional Services Act of 2023 (HR 562), proposed by Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., who wrote about why he feels the bill should be passed. He wants to once again set up an office in the West Palm Veterans Administration Medical Facility, after the Biden administration ordered his office closed.

While the bill Im sure was drafted with good intentions, we all know the rest of that adage.

Here are eight reasons why this bill would do a disservice to the VA and our veterans:

1. It violates the Hatch Act: The Hatch Act is one of the most successful pieces of legislation in the history of Congress. The Hatch Act, officially enacted in 1939, stands as a vital piece of U.S. legislation designed to maintain the nonpartisan nature of the federal workforce. It has kept politics out of our civil service employees way and has allowed them to thrive in serving the American people without threat of political retaliation or pressure. This ensures that government operations remain free from political influence and that federal resources are not leveraged for partisan purposes. By upholding these standards, the Hatch Act seeks to guarantee that government employees serve all American citizens impartially, regardless of their political affiliations. Dont undo FDRs cure for political cancer in the federal workplace.

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2. Delay in policy implementation: Political disagreements can delay much-needed policy changes in veterans healthcare. This will lead to extended wait times, lack of access to necessary services, and a delay in updates to technology and infrastructure. Inserting the bureaucracy of congressional staff into the bureaucracy of VA will turn the relay race of VA/Congressional partnership into a mosh-pit.

3. Focus on partisan agendas over patients: When healthcare becomes politicized, the needs of veterans will take a back seat to partisan agendas. Instead of focusing on the best care possible for veterans, politicians could push for policies that align with their partys interests, but not necessarily with what veterans need. Weve all seen this movie before. It never ends well.

4. Undermines trust: Politicization of veterans healthcare will undermine trust in the system. Veterans may feel that their needs are secondary to political gamesmanship, leading to decreased trust in the VA healthcare system and in government as a whole. This is the exact opposite of what the VA needs right now.

5. Quality of care: If the focus is on political debates instead of providing the best care, the quality of care for veterans can be compromised. Imagine doctors and hospital administrators having to deal with another political hoop to jump through while trying to provide top notch care for veterans. This will lead to worse health outcomes for veterans.

6. Employee morale: Healthcare providers at VA will experience lower morale if they feel that their work is being influenced by politics rather than patient needs. This will lead to decreased job satisfaction and potentially even lead to a higher turnover rate than VA already has. Though VA leaders say hiring and retention are more successful than ever, keeping and attracting doctors, nurses and quality healthcare professionals has been a huge challenge for the agency. Dont make it worse.

7. Decreased funding: Politicization could result in decreased funding for veterans healthcare if it becomes a contentious issue. If one party views increased funding for veterans healthcare as a victory for the other party, they might fight against it, leading to potential budget cuts.

8. Access to care: There could be reduced access to necessary care for some veterans if certain treatments or services become politicized. For example, if there is a political debate over the coverage of certain mental health treatments, veterans in need of these treatments will suffer.

Michael Embrich is a veteran, former member of the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans and former Congressional staffer.

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Former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway said she doesnt think President Biden will debate the eventual GOP presidential nominee in 2024.

He wont. They wont let him out there, she said in a Fox News interview Tuesday. They hardly let him out there at all. We dont see much of him.

Conways sentiments echo Republican concerns about Bidens age and well-being. Biden, 80, would continue as the oldest president in the countrys history if reelected next year.

While his public appearance schedule has stayed as robust as other recent presidents, Biden has done the fewest press conferences of any president in 40 years, according to an analysis from The New York Times. The strategy is intentional, the administration said.

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Our ultimate goal is to reach the American people wherever and however they consume media, and thats not just through the briefing room or Washington-based news outlets, communications director Ben LaBolt told the Times.

The fracturing of the media and the changing nature of information consumption requires a communications strategy that adapts to reach Americans where they get the news, he said.

Voters from both parties have concerns about Bidens age, even as his principal opponent  former President Trump  is just a few years younger at 77 years old.

A poll in June found that nearly half of independent voters said Bidens age had a severe effect on whether they would support him.

The Biden administration has never said that Biden wont debate his opponent, but Conway said that outcome is unlikely, and may boil over into the vice president race as well.

And maybe that also means Kamala [Harris] doesnt have to debate, which they would want to avoid also, because she battles the teleprompter every day and the teleprompter wins, she said. She doesnt put in the work. I cant imagine her debating another human being on policy and substance and her record, but that would be terrible.

Harris, 58, is generally unpopular, though age is not her concern. She set a record-low approval rating in June, with 49 percent of people having a negative view of the vice president, according to a poll. The Biden administration is working to boost her popularity by placing her at the front of issues popular with Democrats.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Kentuckys largest medical association has made gun safety and advocacy for tighter gun restrictions a top policy priority ahead of its annual meeting this weekend.

Louisville doctors have proposed nine policy resolutions related to firearm safety to be considered for adoption at the Kentucky Medical Associations August 25-27 annual meeting  more than any other subject. Kentucky has the 14th-highest rate of gun deaths, one resolution reads, and as such, KMA should champion legislation to ban assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and the passage of red flag laws, to disarm persons who pose risks of gun violence to self or others, another reads.

The state medical association, by definition, is an advocacy organization to promote the well-being of patients, doctors and the community at large, said KMA Executive Vice President Patrick Padgett. Though KMA policy is not enforceable, it represents the consensus of a membership organization that represents thousands of doctors statewide, he said. KMA members also regularly conduct grassroots advocacy with lawmakers to provide expert opinions on health-related bills.

The medical association has a chance to make changes to its own policy once a year. In late August, hundreds of physicians convene for the associations annual meeting to deliberate new proposals and discuss modifications to the current policy handbook. Any KMA member can propose a policy change. Once submitted, those proposals enter a maze of scrutiny and deliberation. On Sunday, a group of more than 100 doctors in KMAs House of Delegates will gather to discuss and vote on which resolutions to officially endorse. Those deliberations are closed to the public.

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Gun safety, the need for tighter restrictions, and whether the KMA should adopt policy opposing the GOP supermajority General Assemblys track record on firearm legislation, are likely to be the topic most discussed this year.

One proposal asks the state create an Office of Gun Safety to reduce firearm-related deaths,; a second calls for tighter gun laws to reduce Kentuckys higher-than average rate of intimate female partner homicides  69% in Kentucky compared with 56% nationally; and a third champions the need for doctors to screen their adult and child patients for the presence of guns in their households.

Three proposals call on Kentucky lawmakers to adopt red flag laws, or extreme risk protection orders, to temporarily bar people who are deemed by a court as a risk to themselves or others from possessing guns. Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, has called for the Legislature to pass laws to this end multiples times since he became governor  as far back as 2019 after two mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, left dozens of people dead, and again this year, after a gunman in downtown Louisville killed five people.

In a state that has historically championed the proliferation of and freedom to possess firearms, laws that place restrictions on a persons ability to have a gun, even if temporary, are not popular with the political party in power. Beshears predecessor, Republican Gov. Matt Bevin, said in 2019 that red flag laws are an erosion of our constitutional rights and instead signed a conceal carry bill into law, which codified that no separate permit or training is needed for legal firearm owners to conceal carry a gun. In 2020, a bipartisan bill to enact a red flag law in Kentucky failed to get traction. Earlier this year, legislators enacted a law making Kentucky a Second Amendment Sanctuary state.

Two of the KMAs proposals related to gun safety include barbed criticisms of Kentuckys GOP supermajority, which, as one resolution notes, has denied protection of our school children, citizens and police officers by ignoring control measures for assault rifles and killing enhancements by avoiding enactment of effective background checks and red flag laws.

That resolution also calls for lawmakers to ban semi-automatic weapons and killing enforcement features, including high-capacity magazines and bump stocks.

Another calls for Kentucky to repeal its Second Amendment Sanctuary law and scolds lawmakers for not budging on commonsense gun violence control laws to protect their citizens.

The Kentucky state legislature has not only failed to do so, but it has passed a law prohibiting local community government from enacting gun violence control laws to protect their local citizens. This law, as well as the states Sanctuary law, substantially weakens protection of our school children, citizens and police officers from mass shootings and gun violence, the proposal reads.

Policy proposals to restore abortion access

At the 2022 annual KMA meeting, two months after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned federal abortion protections and Kentuckys trigger law banning the medical procedure except to save a pregnant persons life became law, abortion-related policies were the dominating issue.

Though abortion is the evidence-based standard of care  a reality at odds with Kentuckys law banning nearly all abortions  doctors at last years meeting could not reach consensus to take a bold stance in opposition to state laws restricting it. That outcome  five, total, resolutions were proposed but most werent adopted  wasnt because abortion isnt considered health care (all major U.S. medical associations agree it is). But for fear among some member physicians that adopting policy at odds with the political majority would alienate the body responsible for passing laws in Kentucky, the Herald-Leader reported at the time.

This year, there are three abortion-related policy proposals. The first, from Lexington doctors, seeks to amend KMAs official policy to make clear the association supports comprehensive health care for women, including the opportunity to choose a medical or surgical abortion, and to codify that KMA opposes criminalization of any appropriate medical care provided by a physician. Abortion is currently criminalized in Kentucky; providers who perform abortions in cases where the life of the pregnant person is not imminently threatened can be charged with a Class D felony.

The second, brought by current KMA President Dr. Monalisa Tailor, calls on the association to publicly advocate for revisions to state statute that restricts access to abortion-inducing medications for women who experience underlying medical conditions currently with life-threatening pregnancies.

Its aimed at Brandenburg Rep. Nancy Tates House Bill 3, an omnibus bill passed into law in 2022. The law prohibits doctors from providing abortion-inducing medication to patients with certain medical histories, including if they have a history of ectopic pregnancies, are taking steroid hormones for rheumatoid arthritis, or are on a blood thinner medication for a heart condition, for example.

The unintended consequences of HB3 could adversely impact women and risk their lives during a life-threatening pregnancy, the proposal reads.

The third asks for abortion training opportunities in OBGYN residency settings to be protected. There are no current family planning fellowship training programs in Kentucky, it says. If nothing is done to protect abortion training, Residents will compromise the future of OBGYN health care and failure to incorporate abortion training in resident curriculum will lead to a generation of physicians ill-equipped to fulfill their duty to care for patients.

Transgender health care and human sexuality curriculum

Last year, before most GOP-controlled states around the country began outlawing gender-affirming care for transgender youth, KMA adopted a policy supporting access to hormones and puberty blockers, and the preservation of the doctor-patient relationship in such settings, devoid of political tampering.

According to the current policy handbook, KMA advocates against any prohibition of physicians or other health care providers (from) socially affirming gender identity or discussing evidence-based therapies for management of gender dysphoria with their patients and their parents.

The association also supports behavioral health options and non-surgical treatment provided to youth by appropriately trained and experienced health care providers.

Since this policy was adopted in 2022, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 150, outlawing all forms of gender-affirming medical care for trans youth, contradicting the advice of the KMA and major U.S. medical associations.

No proposed policy changes this year address gender-affirming care. But a few address SB150s mandate that no instruction on human sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases be taught to students under grade 6.

This portion of the law, the first proposal reads, has raised the question of whether teaching students human health-related curriculum, including puberty and menstrual health education, is permitted in Kentucky before grade 6.

Elementary students should have access to sex education related to menstruation and puberty, the proposal, written by two University of Louisville School of Medicine students, says.

It opposes abstinence-first sex education  currently the standard in Kentucky  and asks that sex-ed be offered to elementary students in an age-appropriate manner. The proposal also asks for sex-ed curriculum to include LGBTQIA practices for safe sex, in the interest of equality of prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, as well as information on sexual assault.

A final proposal from Louisville physicians applicable to restrictions on abortion and gender-affirming care addresses burnout among doctors, in part caused by moral injury. It asks the General Assembly, directly, for help in solving the problem.

The resolution describes moral injury as the challenge of simultaneously knowing what care patients need but being unable to provide it due to a variety of constraints that are beyond a physicians control.
Interview: China-proposed initiatives essential for BRICS, world economy: Egyptian expert

Xinhua) 09:18, August 23, 2023

CAIRO, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Initiatives proposed by China have promoted the strength of BRICS and the world economy, an Egyptian expert has said.

"China's role in boosting BRICS is essential in light of the several initiatives proposed by Beijing in the past few years, including the Belt and Road, Global Development, and Global Security," Mokhtar Ghobashy, deputy chairman of the Cairo-based Arab Center for Political and Strategic Studies, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Those initiatives have certainly sped up development and stability in the world and enhanced the strength and pace of the global economy, Ghobashy added.

Over the past 17 years since its establishment, BRICS, an emerging-market grouping that comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has become an all-round and multi-level framework, accounting for some 40 percent of the world population and about a quarter of the global GDP.

As an attractive gathering, more and more countries desire to join BRICS, which signals its economic force, he said.

Moreover, Ghobashy pointed out, most of the countries that officially requested to join BRICS are economic and political powers with regional influence like Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iran.

When a country like Saudi Arabia, the largest oil producer in the world, bids to join, it will certainly add great momentum to the grouping, he added.

The expert attributes the BRICS bloc's attractiveness to the fact that it provides "unconditional development opportunities for countries."

"Joining the bloc will increase investments and trade exchange between its member states, and the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) could offer soft loans," he said.

He noted that cooperation among BRICS member states is a model to learn from, and many countries are passionate to join it because the gathering does not have geographic barriers, adding that it comprises countries from Asia, Africa, and South America.

The NDB, with an initial authorized capital amounting to 100 billion U.S. dollars, funds development opportunities worldwide, Ghobashy added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A Kentucky woman was indicted on a murder charge Tuesday after allegedly killing her 17-month-old baby, according to court records and Lisa Fugate, the Bell County commonwealths attorney.

Erica Lawson, 21, is facing charges of murder (aggravated circumstances  intentional death of a child), failure to report child dependency neglect or abuse, first-degree criminal abuse and first-degree wanton endangerment, according to court records. She was being held at the Leslie County Detention Center Wednesday on a $1 million bond.

Middlesboro police said they began investigating the case in late July when the 17-month-old baby girl died. The investigation later led to the arrest of Lawson.

Lt. Detective [Barry] Cowan and joint investigator Officer Caleb Ayers have been diligently looking into hundreds of leads which have included multiple interviews, Middlesboro police said in a Facebook post on Aug. 4. Along with evidence gathered in the investigation was DNA from subjects questioned as to their role in this incident.

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Lawson will be back in court in November for an arraignment.

Today, I had the privilege of presenting the case against Erica Lawson to a Bell County Grand Jury, Fugate wrote in a Facebook post Tuesday. I am proud to say Erica Lawson now stands charged with the murder of her 17 month old baby.
Don't come for her unless she sends for you!

This week, Kenya Moore is revealing even more scolding tea during her sit down interview with Carlos King on his podcast Reality with The King.

Last week, the star opened up like never before by getting candid on her childhood, her marriage, and The Real Housewives of Atlanta in part one of the two-part interview.

Today, Moore jumped right into the current issues with RHOA and some of the most damaging storylines she was a part of during the peak of the show's success. Check out the highlights below.

1. Moore Says 'RHOA' Season 15 Is "The Worst Season"

www.instagram.com

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The current season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta has not sat well with fans.

Many people claim the latest episodes are boring with unexciting storylines, manufactured problems, and missed opportunities regarding real developments in the women's lives.

Moore shares the same sentiment with the fans and even called out production and her fellow costars during the cast trip to Portugal.

"I can only tell you from my vantage point what works. If you ask the fans, they want me there. How can I not be bored? I gotta work with people like Courtney. This can't be The Real Housewives of Atlanta. In Portugal, I cursed everybody out at the table. You guys are ruining the show with these fake storylines, fake beefs, manufactured drama... you're clearly ruining the show. I said what I said."

2. She Misses Porsha Williams On The Show

www.instagram.com

Kenya Moore and Porsha Williams are the true definition of frenemies.

The two had many highs and lows when they starred on the show together, going all the way back to their introductions on season five.

Williams left the show after season 13 and her presence is certainly missed by the fans and some of the ladies, including Moore.

"To me, we broke the mold when we became a couple season five. No other housewife has been able to stick. I have love for Porsha. I can look at her like she's my little sister. You're going to be in love one day and out of love one day. It's a very interesting dynamic."

3. Moore Says Phaedra Parks Lied About Her Relationship With Apollo Nida

www.instagram.com

During her first couple of seasons, Moore didn't mesh well with Phaedra Parks and her husband Apollo Nida... at all.

In fact, Parks spread rumors that Moore flirted with her husband and made sexual advances on Nida in Los Angeles, which was proven not to be true.

"Can you believe that? It was all made up. I have never seen Apollo outside a taping of this show, even randomly in the street. I was pleading with Phaedra... where? Where was the party? Nobody saw us? She would never tell me where, never told me the hotel. She knew it wasn't true. She wanted to destroy me."

4. She Doesn't Think Marlo Hampton Deserves A Peach

www.instagram.com

Marlo Hampton received her peach during season 14 on RHOA after starring as a "friend" for nearly ten years on the show.

Moore and Hampton have gone head-to-head for years on the show and Moore doesn't think Hampton deserves a peach like the other women.

"The problem is you cannot make a fan a housewife. There is a reason you didn't get a peach for ten years. When you start coming for somebody who's ten years a star, that's a problem. Marlo is the quintessential example of why you do not make a friend of the show a housewife. It was a horrible mistake. The desperation from her reeks."

She also said the newbie Courtney R. Rhodes is "the worst" and shouldn't be on the show.

"It is not real. The moment she stepped on the scene, she had an agenda. You cannot convince me this is who you really are. You wanted this peach. You're literally sleeping on somebody's sofa. I don't have anything to work with!"

5. Moore Thinks 'RHOA' Needs Serious Recasting

www.instagram.com

In part one of her interview with Carlos King, Moore explained that women used to have to audition in order to get a spot on The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

In recent seasons, the casting process has changed and women are now cast without a proper audition.

Drew Sidora and Sanya Richards-Ross received their contracts without previously filming with the other women, so Moore is calling on production to go back to the original casting process.

"They didn't shoot with us before. I think it worked best when people auditioned for awhile and they earned the peach the same way I did and the same way Porsha did. You gotta do some serious casting changes. I don't think the answer is a reboot. Be careful what you ask for."
This is a photo of The Village for Families and Children in Connecticut.

This article was originally published in CT Mirror.

As Connecticut celebrates the opening of four new centers designed to meet childrens urgent behavioral health needs, some fear that a lack of recurring state funding means the programs future is unsteady.

The four urgent crisis centers established as part of 2022 legislation were launched using one-time dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act. Advocates say in order to operate long-term, the programs will need recurring money from the state.

Lawmakers plan to examine new funding mechanisms in the coming legislative session, and state agencies are working together to discern the best ways to bill Medicaid to cover the cost of running the crisis centers.

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Lets be real about what this work takes, said Sarah Eagan, Connecticuts child advocate. One is the UCCs cannot have one-time funding. There has to be a sustainable funding plan.

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In addition to long-term funding, officials are also working to get the word out to ensure that schools and emergency services know when to take a child to the crisis center rather than the emergency department.

The launch of the services, Eagan said, is still a cause for celebration. Children nationwide have reported more problems with behavioral health such as eating disorders, substance abuse, depression and anxiety in recent years, and the crisis centers are designed to help them quickly.

The urgent crisis centers are part of a law passed in 2022 as lawmakers pushed to address reports of increasing mental health problems among children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The centers are designed as walk-in outpatient clinics for kids who are having behavioral health crises such as thoughts of suicide or self-harm, depression, anxiety or out-of-control behavior, among other mental health issues.

There are four in Connecticut, at The Village for Children and Families in Hartford, Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, The Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut in New London and Wellmore Behavioral Health in Waterbury.

Startup and implementation of the centers cost $1.7 million in ARPA dollars, said Melanie Sparks, chief fiscal officer at the Department of Children and Families.

The two larger facilities cost about $4.2 million per year to operate, and the smaller two cost about $2.6 million per year to operate, Sparks said.

The department anticipates that ARPA funding will last through June 2024. DCF is working with the Department of Social Services to determine what new Medicaid billing codes could apply to the services offered at the centers.

Some services are already billable, Sparks said.

Three of the four centers are licensed as behavioral health outpatient clinics and can use the states fee system, according to an emailed statement from DSS spokesperson Giovanni Pinto.

That being said, we need to add a few more billing codes to align with the model. For example, in outpatient there is no nurse assessment, Pinto said. In the UCC, a nurse does an assessment, so we need to add a nursing assessment code.

The change to the billing codes in Connecticut would require legislative approval.

Sparks added that the state is still conducting an analysis to see whether the billing would cover the entire cost of the crisis centers operation.

Its really hard to analyze that before the programs are operational, Sparks said. This is a new service model to the state of Connecticut.

The Village in Hartford had its official opening ceremony last week. The programs are accepting patients. The Village has treated about nine children, officials said in an interview Wednesday.

Rep. Tammy Exum, D-West Hartford, said in an interview that shes working with other lawmakers to determine potential sources of funding for the centers. She hopes to have a sustainable system of mental health care that offers community-based support for kids.

She said she doesnt want it to be reactive and hopes lawmakers can create policy to support a system thats ready for anything  another pandemic, for example. She and Sen. Ceci Maher, D-Wilton, co-chair the newly formed Transforming Childrens Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committeetogether.

Theyre rolling out, Exum said. Were excited to be able to roll them out, but we need to be able to fund them.

Maher said childrens mental health continues to be a priority for the legislature. Maher is co-chair of the Committee on Children.

Obviously it is really important to make sure that this isnt just a one-time fund, so were certainly going to be working with the chairs of appropriations, Maher said. Its just getting everyone on board.

Hector Glynn, chief operating officer at The Village, said he thinks lawmakers are supportive and his staff are working to get the word out to show that the program is being utilized.

I think [House Speaker Matthew] Ritter iterated that theres still a lot of work to be done to ensure that the funding is stable for these programs beyond this fiscal year, Glynn said.

Mental health service providers are giving the state certain data on the centers operations  who is coming into the clinics, barriers to access to service and what kinds of problems people come in with, among other measures, said Frank Gregory, administrator of childrens behavioral health community service system at DCF.

DCF has also partnered with the Department of Public Health to get the word out to emergency services about the urgent crisis centers.

Kids come to the emergency department primarily in ambulances, Eagan said. Yes, from school or home, but theyre coming to hospitals by ambulance.

In 2021, physicians reported that children with mental health needs were overwhelming Connecticuts emergency departments. The kids often had to wait hours for care.

The public health agency is working to revise its protocols so that ambulances can take children to the crisis centers rather than emergency rooms, although some providers are already working with local emergency services to put those protocols in place, Gregory said.

DCF is also working to ensure schools know about the urgent crisis centers by communicating with the state Department of Education and local superintendents, Gregory said.

The Village is working with local mental health providers and schools to ensure community members know about their services, said Amy Samela, vice president of residential programs at The Village.

She added that local partnerships also help ensure that kids are able to get care in the community after their visits to an urgent crisis center.

Community care was another of Eagans concerns, as many families have reported difficulty accessing local care or being stuck on waiting lists for mental health treatment in recent years.

Its good, but we have a lot of work to do, Eagan said.

The Village is also opening a subacute crisis stabilization unit with 10 beds in the fall. Theyre aiming to open next month. The new unit will be another place that kids who visit the urgent crisis center can go if they need to stay longer to get the treatment they need, Samela said.

The Village also plans to call families every day after a visit to the urgent crisis center to see how theyre doing until theyre settled in with the next level of services, Samela added.

We really want to keep kids in the community, out of facilities, out of hospitals, Samela said. Kids are in crisis. Theres no doubt about it.

This story was originally published on CT Mirror
Youth climate activists landmark legal victory against the state of Montana last week could set the stage for wider recognition of rights to protection from climate change, with litigants potentially challenging state permitting for fossil fuel projects directly.

The decision, Held v. Montana, came in the wake of a state rule that would have barred Montana agencies from factoring greenhouse gas emissions into the permitting process for large energy projects. Youth plaintiffs successfully argued this rule violated their rights under the state constitution to a clean and healthful environment.

Six other states  New York, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island  guarantee environmental protections in their constitutions in some form, and the Held decision will likely add force to future litigation that aims to enforce those rights, said Michael Gerrard , founder and faculty director of Columbia Universitys Sabin Center for Climate Change Law.

The case was the first in the U.S. to hinge on one of these state constitutional climate provisions. And not only that, Gerrard noted: Climate scientists were on the stand under oath and cross-examined, he said, affirming scientific findings [and] making it even harder to contest those scientific findings in the future.

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Indeed, in the ruling, Judge Kathy Seeley of the 1st District Court in Montana wrote that the science is unequivocal that dangerous impacts to the climate are occurring due to human activities, primarily from the extraction and burning of fossil fuels.

As a practical matter, the Held decision does not directly establish whats known as binding precedent in other states, said John Dernbach, former director of the Environmental Law and Sustainability Center at Widener University. In other words, the decision doesnt bind courts beyond Montana, but it adds momentum to other climate litigation and provides an adaptable playbook for their efforts.

There are suits were going to see going forward against fossil fuel companies [and] this might make those more viable, said David Driesen, a professor at Syracuse Universitys College of Law with a focus on environmental law. Its not direct precedent, but it suggests the courts should go ahead and apply normal legal principles to climate change.

Because the other states are not attempting to suppress analysis of environmental impact in the same way as Montana, litigation there will have to approach the matter with a different cause of action, Driesen noted.

In future litigation, I would expect to see something broader, which is states where plaintiffs will seek broader relief, theyll ask for actions protecting us from climate change [such as] denial of permits, he said.

The courtroom strategy deployed in the Montana case could be a model for future litigation as well, said Gerrard, who noted the proceedings featured testimony from local experts and the youth plaintiffs themselves.

That put a human face on this global problem, he said.

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen (R) already announced his intention to appeal the decision to the state supreme court, but beyond that, his options are limited, as are those of opponents at the federal level, said Driesen.

There will be an effort by people who lose these sorts of cases to get the federal government involved, to get the Supreme Court involved in particular, but I dont think itll be successful, he told The Hill. The Supreme Court has become pretty wild and unpredictable, but its really a state law question that the federal government has no business acting on.

Proponents said they expect the win to provide a major boost in momentum for litigants, and potential litigants, in other states.

In Hawaii, for instance, Gerrard said he thinks a pending trial concerning the states transportation policy, which cites a climate provision in the states constitution, will be aided by this decision.

This is a huge win for climate litigation and the youth-led climate movement. Weve been hearing from young people and organizations all over the world how this decision is inspiring them to renew their efforts to hold their government accountable for its role in climate change, Mat dos Santos, general counsel and managing attorney with Our Childrens Trust, which represented the plaintiffs in Montana, told The Hill in an email.

The result is also likely to energize efforts to secure comparable amendments in other states constitutions, Gerrard said. Nine more states had proposed environmental protection amendments in 2023, according to the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators.

States with these kinds of provisions  like Hawaii  havent been protecting young peoples constitutional rights because theyre failing to protect the right that lays the foundation for all other rights, dos Santos told The Hill. To protect the right to life, you have to have a livable climate. Its just that simple.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Editors Note, August 23, 2023: This story has been updated to reflect developing news that Wagner Group boss, Yevgeny Prigozhin, was reportedly on board a private plane that crashed in Moscows Tver region on Wednesday, killing all ten passengers, according to Russian state news agency, TASS. According to Al Jazeera, RosaviatsiaRussias civilian aviation regulatorconfirmed Prigozhin was on the passenger list, but its still unclear if he actually boarded the flight headed to St. Petersburg. This story was originally published on June 28, 2023.

The future of the worlds largest private military contractor, the Wagner Group, is up in the air after an aborted challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin . A column of Wagner troops advanced to within 125 miles of Moscow last Friday before the mercenary groups commander, Yevgeny Prigozhin , ordered his troops to stand down. The terminated march could spell the end for Wagner, whose troops are set to be absorbed into the Russian Army.

March for Justice

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The series of events began unfolding on Friday, June 23. Wagners principal leader, Prigozhin, announced that the Russian military had attacked Wagner positions with a missile strike, killing and wounding several of the groups members. Prigozhin, who already blamed Russias Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Ukraine war commander Gen. Vitaly Gerasimov for the poor conduct of the war, demanded their resignations.

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In addition to his demands, Prigozhin sent a column of Wagner troops on a drive into Russia itself. The drive, which he described as a march for justice, reached as far as the city of Rostov-on-Don. Wagner troops did not engage Russian police and soldiers on the ground, many of whom expressed support for Wagner, but did shoot down seven Russian military aircraft , as Popular Mechanics previously reported.

Wagner troops occupied Rostov city and major government buildings, and reportedly encircled the Southern Military District headquarters before being called off by Prigozhin himself. Prigozhin later characterized the march as a protest and not an armed rebellion, saying his intention was never to overthrow the Russian government.

Global Reach

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Dmitry Uktin, a former Russian special operations officer, originally founded Wagner. He created the group in 2014, naming it after his call sign, Vagner, which is reportedly a nod to his alleged admiration for Nazi Germany . Wagner was eventually taken over by its current leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, a former petty thief and ex-convict turned oligarch from St. Petersburg. Prigozhin is currently under indictment in the United States on charges that his company, the Internet Research Agency, meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Wagner has operated as a private military company, or PMC, since at least 2014, when it reportedly assisted the Russian military in the takeover of Crimea. Wagner has operated in the Middle East, representing Russian interests and propping up Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. In 2018, a Wagner-led assault on U.S. troops in Syria resulted in the death of hundreds of mercenary fighters . Wagner has also operated extensively across Africa, where it is allegedly responsible for human rights violations and mass murder. The organization is believed to act as a proxy for the Russian government, carrying out tasks Moscow would prefer to not be directly linked to.

In 2022, as heavy casualties in Ukraine sapped the manpower of the Russian Ground Forces, Prigozhin and Wagner were allowed to recruit Russian citizens and convicts in prisons to fight on the front lines. Convicts, up to 20 percent of whom are HIV positive , agreed to join Wagner in return for reduced sentences and, when necessary, antiviral drugs. The introduction of Wagner on the Ukrainian front created friction with the regular Russian military, which was required to arm and supply the mercenaries.

Private Army

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The recent influx of new recruits and contracted convicts, quickly swelled Wagners ranks from 5,000 in 2022 to up to 50,000 by January 2023. Of the 50,000 troops, 10,000 are believed to be professional mercenaries, and recent prison convict recruits comprise the remaining 40,000. Wagner troops were known not only for human wave-style attacks involving poorly trained recruits in the Bakhmut sector, but also brutal acts such as the sledgehammer death of an alleged traitor who switched sides and fought for Ukraine.

Wagners relative success in Ukraine, capturing the town of Bakhmut , created additional friction with the Russian military and its own lack of progress in the war. In his march for justice Prigozhin blamed Defense Minister Shoigu and Gen. Gerasimov for Russias lack of progress in the war and high casualties, with an estimated 35,50043,000 killed in action and 154,000180,000 wounded.

Prigozhin made it clear that his beef was with the Russian military and not Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he affectionately refers to as Papa. Putin called the attempted mutiny a stab in the back, but then agreed to a deal brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Under the terms of the deal, Prigozhin is allowed to leave for Belarus, while some Wagner fighters will be integrated into the Russian Ground Forces.

The Takeaway

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The events last week have left the fate of Prigozhin and Wagner uncertain. The real loser from the crisis, which lasted just about 24 hours, was Vladimir Putin himself. Putin essentially allowed one of his lieutenants to turn on him and challenge his government without suffering serious consequences. Its a surprising turn of events for a ruler known to crush his enemies, and deal harshly with those that stand in his way. How this affects Putins rule, and his war, remains to be seen.

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[Source]

South Korean performer DJ Soda has shared her past experiences of sexual assault.

Early abuse: The 35-year-old artist, whose real name is Hwang So-hee, disclosed in an Instagram post on Aug. 22, that she was raped by a robber when she was just 6 years old. According to DJ Soda, the event led her to develop selective mutism, a condition marked by an inability to speak in certain social situations.

"At that time, I lied to my parents and said that I almost got robbed but I didn't open the door because I was afraid my parents would get hurt," she wrote.

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More sexual violence: DJ Soda also shared several instances of sexual attacks she experienced throughout her life, including one that involved a fellow DJ. The accused DJ would later trivialize the behavior as "jokes," leaving her feeling isolated and helpless.

"I was sexually harassed and molested several times throughout my life, and I thought I had to hide it and live as if nothing had happened," she said. "But now I don't want to avoid or hide anymore. If I ignore this, someone else will inevitably become a victim."

Recent attack: The revelation comes just weeks after she was groped and sexually harassed by fans while performing at the Osaka Music Circus Festival in Japan on Aug. 13. She later took to social media to condemn the incident, only to be faulted for wearing revealing clothes. Addressing the culture of victim-blaming that often surrounds such cases, DJ Soda questioned the tendency to hold victims accountable for their attire or behavior.

More from NextShark: Kim Saira Says She Gets Death Threats After Creating Petition Over James Cordens Spill Your Guts

No matter what clothes I wear, sexual harassment and assault cannot be justified, she explained in a separate post. My body is mine, not someone elses. I like to wear revealing clothes and I will continue to wear them.

An update on the perpetrators: While DJ Soda initially worried about the potential fallout of her Osaka Music Circus Festival incident on her future work, the festival organizers pledged their support for her. According to Japanese media, two 20-year-old men had turned themselves in to the police in connection with the alleged sexual harassment at the event. Festival organizers also filed a criminal complaint against two men and a woman.
A view of a statue honoring 23 Kosovo Albanians who rescued Jews from the Holocaust during World War II, after an inauguration, in the capital, Pristina, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. The Wall of Honor statue was placed in a park in Pristina in the presence of some of the rescuers' descendants, political leaders, and the U.S. and German ambassadors. (AP Photo/Sylejman Kllokoqi)

PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP)  A statue bearing the names of 23 Kosovo Albanians who rescued Jews from the Holocaust during World War II was inaugurated Wednesday in the capital, Pristina.

The Wall of Honor statue was placed in a park in Pristina in the presence of some of the rescuers' descendants, political leaders, and the U.S. and German ambassadors.

Some 500 Jews lived in Kosovo, then part of former Yugoslavia, at the beginning of the war. Many were arrested, deported to nearby prisons or Nazi-managed camps and almost half of them died.

Local Albanians helped scores of Jews to escape, usually taking them to neighboring Albania.

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Leke Rezniqi's great-grandfather Arslan rescued Jewish physician Chaim Abrabanel, who was working in Skopje, now in North Macedonia. Arslan Rezniqi sheltered him and worked with another Albanian, Arif Alickaj, to prepare false documents and take Abrabanel safely to Albania.

That shows only the example of the uniqueness of Albanian rescue, Leke Rezniqi told The Associated Press. He promised with the highest level of promise, the concept of the besa ('trust' in Albanian), that means that you never betray that promise, even though you would have to sacrifice your own family.

In 2008 Arslan Rezniqi was the first Kosovar to be included in the Righteous Among the Nations list from Yad Vashem for rescuing Jews from the Holocaust.

Since 2021, Leke Rezniqi has lived in Haifa, Israel. Abrabanel's niece Rachel-Shelly Levy-Drummer helped him to emigrate and gain Israeli citizenship.

Nowadays, 56 Jews live in the western Kosovar town of Prizren.

The statue showed that the remembrance of those who risked their lives to save their fellow human beings is a tradition that commemorates a rare, bright light in one of the darkest periods of human history, according to Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

Avner Shalev, former head of the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, considered Albanians as a unique case in the history of the Second World War.

In every other European state, the Jews were fewer in number after the war or totally wiped out, he said. The only exception was "in the territories that Albanians used to live: there were more Jews after the war then in the beginning of the war, he said, adding that should be told to generations.

Kosovo and Israel decided to establish diplomatic ties at a Kosovo-Serbia summit held at the White House in September 2020 by then-U.S. President Donald Trump.

Kosovo was the first European country, and the first country with a Muslim majority, to establish its embassy in Jerusalem, following the U.S. and Guatemala. An opening ceremony was held in March 2021.

Israel is the most recent country to have recognized Kosovo after Pristina's Parliament declared independence from Serbia in 2008, nine years after NATO conducted a 78-day airstrike campaign against Serbia to stop a bloody crackdown against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo.

Most Western nations have recognized Kosovos independence, but Serbia and its allies Russia and China have not.

-

Llazar Semini reported from Tirana, Albania.
On a warm summer day in central Kentucky, with no fanfare, the last US shell of sarin gas was destroyed at the Blue Grass Army Depot. The sarin rocket shells were a part of the once enormous arsenal of chemical weapons the United States maintained throughout the cold war. Today, in a huge success for international security, all global stockpiles of declared chemical weapons have been destroyed.

The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) was signed in 1993 by President George H.W. Bush and then ratified by the Senate under the Clinton administration in 1997. At the time, naysayers claimed the treaty was worthless and unverifiable and would lead this nation into a false sense of security. Yet, here we are in 2023 participating with 192 other countries comprising over 98% of the worlds population in compiling and destroying the entire stockpile of these heinous weapons. It took us 30 years, not the 10 originally hoped, but we and the rest of the world should celebrate this achievement for the betterment of mankind.

The CWC is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction. But there are still challenges ahead. Three nations have neither signed nor ratified (Egypt, North Korea, South Sudan) and Israel has not ratified. North Korea, in particular, is believed to have a large stockpile of chemical weapons. Syria, a member of the CWC, reportedly used chemical weapons on its own people in violation of the treaty as recently as 2019. But the development, production, and use of chemical weapons by the rest of the world remains prohibited. This has improved world stability and reduced the potential for incalculable human suffering.

There are many reasons to fret given the trends in international security today. North Korea is testing longer-range ballistic missiles. China appears to be doubling its numbers of nuclear weapons. The nuclear weapon state of Russia has aggressively invaded its neighbor, starting a war of immense destruction, enabled by its nuclear threats. Iran remains on the brink of gaining a nuclear weapon of its own, should it choose to do so. These are real causes for concern to be sure. Identifying and restricting weapons of mass destruction, including biological agents, nuclear weapons and the possible destructive forces of artificial intelligence will remain an ongoing challenge. The magnitude of the threat can seem overwhelming. Many will be tempted to respond by creating more of these types of weapons on their own, or by ending continued transparency and dialogue.

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However, shaping norms and international cooperation still has a place. It has a proven track record. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has limited the number of nuclear states to nine, after dire predictions that there would be dozens of nuclear states by this time. The US-Russia New START Treaty has significantly reduced nuclear weapons deployed under the agreement. But without international support, these agreements can weaken. New START, for example, will expire in three years unless the two sides agree on a replacement. Such talks have been disrupted by Russias war in Ukraine. As a result, we could be on the brink of a new nuclear arms race.

It is important to recall that arms control talks have, and still can, play a useful role bridging US-Russian rivalries. During the Cold War, when the two sides had little to agree on, they could still agree that nuclear war, nuclear proliferation, and an uncontrolled arms race should all be avoided. And today, despite rock bottom US-Russian relations, the shared interest in preventing nuclear catastrophe should provide cause to bring the two nations together.

As we celebrate the final destruction of American chemical weapons in the United States, we should remind ourselves that treaties resulting from international cooperation and agreement can be successful while at the same time, in our own national security interest. In spite of the lack of fanfare, the significance of the destruction of that last canister in quiet central Kentucky is enormous and should be widely applauded.

Amy McGrath is a decorated Marine Corps veteran and is a member of Ploughshares Fund Board of Directors.

Emma Belcher, PhD is the President of Ploughshares Fund, the only fund singularly focused on reducing the threat of nuclear weapons.
Serhii "Sokil" Ilnytskyi, a member of Kyiv City Council from the European Solidarity party, has been killed at the front.

Source: Petro Poroshenko , 5th president of Ukraine and current MP and head of the European Solidarity party on Facebook; European Solidarity

Quote: "A great loss for all of us. A friend, a member of Kyiv City Council from the European Solidarity party, Serhii Ilnytskyi, has been killed.

He has been fighting for our Ukrainian Donbas since 2014. He died there, in Donbas, near Kurdiumivka."

Details: Poroshenko says Ilnytskyis funeral will take place in Kyiv.

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The body of the City Council member and a defender were evacuated.

The party's website notes that Colonel Serhii Ilniyskyi (alias Sokil,) first deputy commander of Dmytro Yaroshs Ukrainian Volunteer Army and commander of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army detachment Pivden (South) as part of the 28th separate Mechanised Brigade, became a member of the Kyiv City Council from the European Solidarity Party in April 2023.

Ilnytskyi was at the front line from the very beginning of the fighting. A veteran of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a participant in an anti-terrorist operation, and a retired colonel, he volunteered to serve at the front line following the example of his son, a Hospitaller (volunteer paramedic). As a career soldier, he became the Chief of Staff of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army, and he held the Order of Merit.

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Serhiy Ilnytskyi, a member of the Kyiv City Council from the European Solidarity party, was killed in combat in the Donbas, according to a party statement released on Aug. 23.

"It's a huge loss for all of us," former president and party leader Petro Poroshenko said.

Read also: Ukrainian karate champion Serhiy Bereznyak dies fighting for Ukraine

Our friend and Kyiv City Councilmember from European Solidarity, Serhiy Ilnytskyi, was killed. He had been fighting for our Ukrainian Donbas since 2014. He died right there, in the Donbas, near Kurdyumivka.

Ilnytskyi, a colonel in the reserves who used the call sign "Sokil," became a Kyiv councilmember for European Solidarity in April 2023. He had been on the front lines since the beginning of hostilities in 2014 as a veteran of Ukraine's armed forces and participant in the Anti-Terrorist Operation.

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Read also: Ukrainian musician and artist Anton Derbilov dies on front in enemy mortar attack

As a career military officer, he served as a first deputy commander of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army under Dmytro Yarosh and commanded a unit in the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade.

He has been awarded the Order For Merit and will be honored in Kyiv.

Read also: Literary luminary dies of wounds, Zaluzhnyi on slow progress, exclusive on Kolomoisky

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Serhii Ilnytskyi, a Kyiv City Council member, was killed fighting in the Donbas, the council announced on Aug. 23.

"Serhii Ilnytskyi was at the front from the very beginning of hostilities. A veteran of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a retired colonel, he volunteered to serve at the front," Kyiv City Council said.

He was a commander of the southern detachment of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army. In April 2023, he became a council member representing the European Solidarity, the political party led by former President Petro Poroshenko.

Ilnytskyi's death "is great loss for all of us," Poroshenko said.

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Ilnytskyi was killed in Kurdiumivka, a front-line settlement in Donetsk Oblast, according to Poroshenko.

Read also: Just hold on: Front-line medics race against time to save wounded soldiers

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Houston Astros' Kyle Tucker, left, flips his bat as he rounds the bases on his two run home run as Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Tanner Houck, right, looks on during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

HOUSTON (AP)  Kyle Tucker hit a two-run homer and Justin Verlander threw six scoreless innings to help the Houston Astros beat the Boston Red Sox 7-3 on Tuesday night.

Boston manager Alex Cora and right fielder Alex Verdugo were both ejected for arguing balls and strikes as the Red Sox lost a second straight game at Houston. Verdugo was ejected in the top of the fourth by plate umpire Pat Hoberg, who also tossed Cora after the manager objected to the call of ball four to Alex Bregman in bottom of the seventh.

It was the second ejection in three games for Cora, who stood the plate and kicked dirt before yelling in Hobergs face after he was tossed.

Verlander (9-6) allowed five hits and struck out a season-high nine in his fourth start since returning to the Astros in a trade with the Mets.

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Between the last start and this one, I felt like I really found something mechanically that answers a lot of questions for me, Verlander said. I think the results were really good.

Houston had been swept at home by Seattle before winning the first two against Boston.

You have to answer the bell and start playing better baseball, Verlander said. We know the talent is here and it's that time and you've got to go. You can't just wait around.

There was one out in the first when Tucker connected off Tanner Houck (3-7) for his team-leading 25th home run this season to make it 2-0.

Houck allowed four hits and three runs in five innings in his first start since June 16, when he sustained a facial fracture after being hit by a line drive.

"It's a good one to build off of," Houck said. "First inning a little bit rocky, but I felt like I got back in a groove from second inning on.

Martin Maldonado drove in a run in the fourth for Houston. Jon Singleton doubled twice and had two RBIs in a four-run seventh that made it 7-0.

The Red Sox loaded the bases with two outs in the sixth and had runners on first and second with one out in the seventh but came away empty both times on a night they went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position.

Adam Duvall, who had a three-run shot Monday night, hit a solo homer in the eighth inning to cut the lead to 7-1. The Red Sox have at least one home run in 11 straight games, which is their longest streak since a 19-game stretch in 2019.

Justin Turner drove in two runs for Boston with a single in the ninth.

Masataka Yoshida singled to start the fourth. Duvall was batting after that when Verdugo was ejected for yelling at Hoberg from the dugout.

Wilyer Abreu made his major league debut when he replaced Verdugo in right field in the bottom of the inning.

Mauricio Dubon singled leading off the fourth and Jeremy Pena walked with one out. Maldonado then hit a sacrifice bunt down the first-base line.

Catcher Connor Wong grabbed it and threw to first in time to beat Maldonado there. But the throw from Triston Casas to Devers, who was racing to cover home, wasnt nearly in time to catch Dubon before he crossed the plate to make it 3-0.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said he can't remember the last time he's seen someone score from second on a bunt.

But that was heads up baserunning on it because if he is not running hard then (third base coach) Gary (Pettis) cant send him, Baker said. That was a big run for us because it was only 2-0 at that time.

Duvall doubled with two outs in the sixth before Verlander plunked Casas. The Red Sox loaded the bases when Trevor Story reached on an error by second baseman Jose Altuve.

Verlander retired Luis Arias on a fly ball on the next pitch to escape the jam.

Houston played without Yordan Alvarez, who was scratched after slamming his hand in a door at home and injuring his left index finger. Baker said the injury wasnt serious, but that the finger was sore.

BRUSH OFF

Verlander was unhappy with Cora for coming onto the field and telling him to hurry up in the second inning when his PitchCom device was malfunctioning.

The veteran pitcher brushed him off with an expletive that was caught by the field microphones.

Verlander laughed it off after that game, saying Cora might have done it just to try and fluster him.

In part it was just me being like, Im done with this, Verlander said. You do what you want, talk to the umpire. Im going to worry about pitching.

TRAINERS ROOM

Red Sox: OF Jarren Duran was placed on the 10-day injured list with a bruised left toe. Abreu was called up from Triple-A Worcester to take his spot on the roster. ... LHP Chris Murphy was optioned to Worcester to make room for Houck.

Astros: Baker said 1B Jose Abreu was doing much better and could come off the injured list before this homestand ends Thursday. Abreu has been out since Aug. 10 with lumbar spine inflammation.

UP NEXT

Boston LHP Chris Sale (5-3, 4.50 ERA) opposes RHP Jose Urquidy (2-3, 5.21) when the series continues Wednesday night.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday approved a four-year package of raises and bonuses for rank-and-file police officers over the objections of critics who said the deal is too expensive and will put the city's money toward the wrong things.

The council, on a 12-3 vote, signed off on the agreement with the Los Angeles Police Protective League, giving the union's members four year-to-year pay increases, bigger retention bonuses and other incentives aimed at encouraging officers to join the LAPD and stay throughout their career.

The council's decision is expected to push police spending in L.A. up to $3.6 billion by 2027 from the $3.2 billion budgeted in the current year. The vote also handed a major victory to Mayor Karen Bass , who sits on the city's bargaining committee and had argued for the contract.

During Tuesdays deliberations, Councilmember Bob Blumenfield voiced his support for the agreement, saying additional officers will make the LAPD less reliant on overtime pay. It will also ensure that officers do not depart for other law enforcement agencies soon after finishing the Police Academy, he said.

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"It is a lot of money. And I certainly take a gulp as I say that," said Blumenfield, who represents part of the west San Fernando Valley. "But we have to have a competitive police force, in terms of being able to recruit and retain folks."

Read more: Union contract would increase LAPD budget by nearly $400 million by 2027, report says

The agreement's collection of raises, benefits and other enticements are expected to consume nearly $1 billion over the life of the four-year agreement  a fact seized upon by opponents within City Hall.

Three members of the council  Eunisses Hernandez , Nithya Raman and Hugo Soto-Martinez, all of whom occupy the council's left flank  voted against the deal, arguing that it would pull money away from mental health clinicians, homeless outreach workers and many other city needs. They warned of the financial consequences for other agencies, particularly if the city is confronted with a major economic downturn.

"The next time we hit a recession, a spending crisis or a budget shortfall, we will all look back at this vote," said Soto-Martinez, whose district stretches from Echo Park to Hollywood.

Raman, whose district straddles the Hollywood Hills, said she is sympathetic to the city's goals of addressing LAPD hiring and recruitment. But she argued that the packages of raises and bonuses would do little to address those issues.

Southern California police departments with higher starting salaries  Burbank, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and other agencies  are having the same recruitment problems as the LAPD, Raman said.Staffing shortages are also being reported by law enforcement agencies across the country, she said.

Hernandez and Raman reeled off a list of services that they said are in need of more money  streetlights, sidewalk repairs, building inspections, alley resurfacing and other city operations.

"This contract, because of its enormous fiscal impact, potentially prevents us from being able to build out an alternative response to nonviolent calls for service, which are the majority of 911 calls," Raman said.

City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo at one point in the day's discussions told council members the contract would make it easier for the city to expand its system of unarmed responses to emergency calls, by ensuring that such changes do not require the union's sign-off.

The deal with the police union is part of Bass' effort to reverse the steady decline in staffing at the LAPD, which has lost about 1,000 officers over the last four years. Bass pushed earlier this year for the hiring of up to 780 officers in the current budget year, plus the recruitment of about 200 retirees.

The contract, which is retroactive to July 1, will boost the starting pay of officers by nearly 13%, while providing four raises of 3% over a four-year period. Those increases would place LAPD starting salaries above $86,000 in the contract's first year  higher than those in Pasadena, Long Beach and Burbank, but lower than those in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, according to city figures.

By the contract's fourth year, LAPD starting salaries will reach about $94,000, Szabo said. On top of that, newer officers will receive retention bonuses for the first time. Older officers  those with more than a decade of experience  will earn retention bonuses that are much larger than the ones in effect now.

During the contract's final year, officers who have worked 20 to 26 years will receive an annual retention bonus of $20,754, while those with 27 or more years will earn a bonus of $22,208, Szabo said.

"This contract represents ... a very substantial financial commitment to recruiting officers and retaining officers," he said. "As with any major financial commitment, it will create choices in the future."

Bass thanked council members for their action, saying she looks forward to working with them on public safety. Meanwhile, LAPD Assistant Chief Dominic Choi said he believes the focus on higher compensation is already helping his agency with hiring.

The newest Police Academy class will have 44 recruits, up from fewer than 30 earlier this summer, and some officers who have left the department are having second thoughts, Choi said at a hearing on the contract earlier in the day.

"Five people in the past two weeks have called and said, 'How do I get back onto LAPD?'" he told the council's personnel committee.

Councilmember Traci Park, who represents coastal neighborhoods, enthusiastically endorsed the contract, saying her Westside constituents have been demanding an increased police presence. The agreement, she said, will provide fair compensation to workers who "risk their lives every single day."

"When I was sworn in nine months ago, I made a promise to my community and to our police officers that the days of scapegoating and bashing police in Council District 11 were over," Park said. "I meant what I said then, and I'm standing by it today."

Park, along with several other supporters of the contract, frequently was greeted with boos or profanity from audience members who opposed the deal. Among that group was Melina Abdullah, co-founder of Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles, who argued that the police raises are "the opposite of what the people say that they want."

"It's astounding that the mayor and others will allow themselves to be bullied and bribed by a police association, which is not a real union," Abdullah said earlier in the day at a news conference featuring Raman, Hernandez and Soto-Martinez.

Tom Saggau, spokesperson for the Police Protective League, took the opposing stance, saying the council had acted to make the city safer by taking a "bold and necessary step to restore the ranks of the LAPD."

"We are grateful to Mayor Bass for her leadership and we are eager to partner with her and the council on creating a national model for unarmed responses to certain calls for service," he said, "and retaining experienced officers to implement these initiatives."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A LaBelle man will spend more than four decades behind bars for crimes against children.

Charles Nelson Barber, Jr., 41, was sentenced Tuesday to 45 years in prison for molesting a child. The State Attorney's Office said he was sentenced as a habitual felony offender and prison release reoffender to 30 years in prison for lewd or lascivious battery, the maximum sentence.

Barber was also sentenced to the maximum of 15 years in prison for lewd and lascivious molestation. The sentences are consecutive. He was convicted in July, following a Lee County trial.

In 2022, Barber picked up a girl while she was walking along a road in North Fort Myers. He drove her to the home of one of his friends and sexually battered her.

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Barber then took her to a convenience store. While Barber was outside, the victim went in the store and asked a woman for help. That woman took the child from the store and called 911.

The Lee County Sheriffs Office investigated the crime, leading to Barber's identification and arrest.

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran, Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews and Twitter @TomasFRoBeltran.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: LaBelle man sentenced to 45 years for molesting child at friend's home
Travelers are commemorating the unofficial end of summer by booking a slew of international trips and cruises for Labor Day weekend, according to AAA.

Traveling over the holiday weekend is up this year compared to last, according to AAA booking data; Domestic travel is up 4 percent, while international travel is up 44 percent.

Most travelers will leave on Thursday or Friday before Labor Day to take advantage of the long holiday weekend, said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, in a statement. Domestically, the Pacific Northwest, big cities like New York and Denver, and tourist hotspots like Orlando and Las Vegas are the most popular. Internationally, its all about Europe and Canada.

Vancouver, Rome, London, Dublin and Paris are the top five international tourist destinations for Labor Day weekend, according to AAA. International hotel bookings are up more than 80 percent compared with last year, and international cruise bookings are up 44 percent.

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Seattle, Orlando, Anchorage, New York and Las Vegas are the top five domestic destinations for the long weekend, with AAA noting Seattle tourism has been increasing due to higher demand for Alaskan cruises. AAA noted Florida destinations are also popular due to cruises starting out of Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Miami, as well as the states beaches and theme parks.

Gas prices over Labor Day weekend will be about the same as last year at about a $3.78 per gallon average. INRIX, which tracks transportation data, said that roads will be the busiest on Aug. 31 between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The best times to travel by car over Labor Day weekend are early in the morning or in the evening, Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said. If you must travel during heavy traffic, navigation apps and local departments of transportation can help steer drivers around long delays.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
SAG-AFTRA and WGA members join forces with the AFL-CIO and its affiliates from across the nation and across industries for a national day of solidarity rally outside of Walt Disney Studios in Burbank on Tuesday. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

California lawmakers are resurrecting legislation that would allow workers on strike to collect unemployment benefits, reigniting a familiar political battle between labor unions and businesses.

Under Senate Bill 799, striking workers would be eligible to collect unemployment benefits after they're on strike for two weeks, an early version of the bill released on Tuesday shows.

Even coming out of the strike, when folks eventually get a contract that they agree on, their families have suffered during this time, said Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank), who wrote the bill.

The last-minute effort, backed by labor unions, shows how lawmakers are responding to a wave of worker strikes sweeping California. Hollywood writers, later joined by actors, have been on the picket lines for more than 100 days demanding better pay and benefits. Public school workers, hotel staffers, nurses and even Los Angeles city workers also went on strike this year in Southern California.

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Striking union members in most states dont qualify for unemployment benefits. In California, workers must meet requirements to qualify for unemployment benefits, such as showing they are unemployed through no fault of their own and actively searching for a job. To pay their bills, workers on strike usually rely on personal savings, strike funds, side gigs and other financial aid.

New York and New Jersey, though, do allow certain workers on strike to collect unemployment benefits. Lawmakers in states such as Massachusetts, Connecticut and now California are considering similar policies.

Along with expanding eligibility for unemployment benefits, California lawmakers are considering several other bills to aid workers grappling with the rising cost of living. Democrats have introduced legislation that would raise the minimum wage for healthcare workers to $25 per hour and more than double the amount of paid sick leave. The California Chamber of Commerce labeled the bills job killers."

The chamber opposes allowing striking workers to collect unemployment pay in California, which is as much as $450 per week for a maximum of 26 weeks, stating it would harm businesses.

This is going to hit employers, even those who have no involvement at all in any labor dispute and never have, but they're still going to pay increased taxes, said Robert Moutrie, a policy advocate at the California Chamber of Commerce.

Read more: How to tap the WGA strike funds and other financial aid during the writers strike

Businesses pay state and federal payroll taxes on each employees first $7,000 in annual wages to fund the unemployment insurance program.

Portantino said his legislation could help fuel more conversations about how to better finance the states unemployment fund.

The level of taxable income is low, Portantino said. This is the time to maybe look at that level of income to raise it to make sure that the fund is solvent.

California is paying out more unemployment benefits than it has collected in state payroll taxes, according to the Legislative Analysts Office.

In 2020, amid higher-than-average job losses during the coronavirus pandemic, California borrowed $20 billion from the federal government to fund unemployment claims. The amount of federal unemployment insurance taxes California employers pay increases every year by an extra $21 per employee until the loan is repaid. The state also has to pay interest on these federal loans.

The proposed legislation was first reported by Politico. Although the official deadline for introducing new legislation has passed, the proposal is being introduced by gutting an existing bill and replacing the language with the measure to expand unemployment benefits.

Lawmakers will have to weigh business and labor interests. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has stayed behind the scenes as the Hollywood strikes drag on and has been cautious about any appearance that hes taking sides. Newsom has been hesitant to support new spending proposals, however, given that he and lawmakers recently agreed on a budget plan that closes a nearly $32-billion deficit. The governor's office didn't respond to questions about whether it would support the bill.

Labor unions, including SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America, support the bill.

"Years of eroding compensation and working conditions have left writers with fewer resources than ever to weather periods without work," Meredith Stiehm, president of Writers Guild of America-West, said in a statement. "Unemployment insurance for striking workers is a commonsense solution to keeping workers afloat and local economies healthy.

California lawmakers proposed a similar bill to give striking workers unemployment benefits in 2019, but AB 1066 failed to pass the Senate. Various business groups opposed the legislation, saying it could force the state to take out more federal loans and penalize employers for strikes.

At the time, the Employment Development Department estimated that the amount of additional unemployment benefits paid could range from $800,000 to $6 million annually, according to the bill's analysis. The impact depends on the number of employees who collect unemployment benefits and how long the strikes last.

Former state Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, who leads the California Labor Federation, said owing the federal government money shouldnt be an excuse for not providing unemployment pay to workers.

If you're in Los Angeles, obviously you're seeing workers go without a paycheck for an extended amount of time, and slowly finding out what that means, she said. Gonzalez said shes seen the effect long strikes have had on workers, pointing to the nearly five-month grocery worker strike in the 2000s. Anonymous studio executives told Deadline that their strategy is to drag out the strikes until workers go broke, but the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers disputed the report.

They want them to be evicted. I mean, that's crazy. That is exactly what we don't want. They have earned unemployment insurance, and they should be able to access unemployment insurance, Gonzalez said.

The amount in strike funds, she said, varies based on the union and can be depleted. Allowing workers to collect unemployment benefits isnt about tipping the scale in favor of the workers but being humane and providing them a social safety net.

This really just keeps people afloat, she said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Comments are taken from the latest Thurston County inspection reports, which are available for each food establishment, at the Thurston County Environmental Health Office and their website. For questions concerning these reports, contact the health office at 360-867-2667.

Report restaurant, grocery store, deli or bakery complaints online via the complaint form here: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/phss/Pages/eh-problem.aspx.

Reading inspection scores:

Attention should be given to the type of violation (red versus blue) and whether the establishment has a history of red violations or repeat violations.

Red violations are those most likely to cause food-borne illness and must be corrected immediately if feasible or according to a compliance schedule established by the health officer. Example: not keeping food at the right temperature.

Blue violations relate to the overall cleanliness and condition of operation and must be corrected according to a compliance schedule established by the health officer. Example: a worn floor that needs replacing.

If red points exceed 45, the county will require a re-inspection within 10 business days.

If red points exceed 100 and theres a lack of managerial control, the county will shut down the establishment for at least 72 hours. The establishment may reopen after management and employees complete retraining and demonstrate corrective action during a re-inspection.

Some common abbreviations: PHF/TCS is potentially hazardous food/time control for safety; RTE is ready to eat; PIC is person in charge; FWC is food worker card; CDI is corrected during inspection.

Pattaya Thai Restaurant

8640 Martin Way E., Lacey

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Aug. 9: 85 red points, 15 blue points.

Comments:

Re-inspection required because red points exceeded 45.

Person in charge was unable to demonstrate food safety knowledge as facility had multiple red point violations.

One or more food worker cards were unavailable upon request.

Multiple TCS foods were being cooled in sealed bags or covered at greater than 2-inch depths. Such foods must be cooled uncovered at 2-inch depths or less until they reach 41 degrees or below.

Cooked rice stored on counter in closed bags were at 86-106 degrees. Bean sprouts stored next to stove were at 66 degrees. TCS foods cannot be stored at room temperature.

Cut tomatoes were between 44-45 degrees at the top of the right prep cold hold unit. Mussels were at 47 degrees and tofu was at 43 degrees at the top of the left prep unit. TCS foods must be held at 41 degrees or below.

Facility conducted high-risk cooling activities with medium-risk permit.

Food was improperly stored on the ground and in open containers.

In-use utensils were stored in room temperature water at about 63 degrees. In-use utensils must be stored in hot water at or above 135 degrees, in cold water at or below 41 degrees or at room temperature where they must be changed and cleaned every four hours.

Wiping cloths were improperly stored on a counter rather than in a sanitizer bucket. Some floors and walls in the food preparation areas were in disrepair.

Brewery City Pizza

4353 Martin Way E., Lacey

Aug. 17: 45 red points; 0 blue points.

Comments:

Alfredo sauce was cooling in buckets with ice wands at greater than 2-inch depths between 63-102 degrees. TCS foods must be cooled uncovered in 2-inch or less amounts until at or below 41 degrees.

Various TCS foods were at greater than 41 degrees.

An in-use bleach sanitizer solution was too strong and had to be remade.

Banh Mi Saigon 8

7263 Martin Way E., Unit A, Olympia

Aug. 17: 40 red points; 0 blue points.

Comments:

A hand wash sink was not stocked with soap or paper towels. It also lacked warm water and a trash receptacle.

Rice noodles were cooling while covered in the cold hold. TCS foods must be cooled uncovered in less than 2-inch depths until the temperature reaches 41 degrees.

Sauces in open air cold hold were at 44-45 degrees. TCS foods must kept at 41 degrees or less when in cold hold unit.

Panda Express

4210 Martin Way E., Olympia

Aug. 10: 15 red points; 5 blue points.

Comments:

One worker had an expired food worker card.

Cut cabbage, kale and garlic in oil was at 55-60 degrees in a prep cold hold unit. TCS foods that are cold held must be at or below 41 degrees.

Some in-use sanitizer buckets had solutions that were too weak.

Dennys

108 College St. SE, Lacey

Aug. 15: 15 red points; 0 blue points.

Comments:

Some workers did not have their food worker cards at the time of inspection.

Various items in cold hold units on cook line were above 41 degrees. TCS foods must be kept at 41 degrees or below when in cold hold units.

Cinco de Mayo

7205 Martin Way E., Suite A, Olympia

Aug. 17: 5 red points; 5 blue points.

Comments:

A cut melon was at 44-45 degrees in a prep cold hold unit. TCS foods must be kept at 41 degrees or below when in cold hold units.

A chlorine sanitizer solution was too weak and had to be remade.

Rocket

102 College St. SE, Lacey

Aug. 15: 5 red points; 0 blue points.

Comments:

One worker did not have their food worker card at the time of inspection.

Taco Bell

5520 Corporate Center Lane SE, Lacey

Aug. 10: 5 red points; 0 blue points.

Comments:

Some food worker cards were missing or expired.

Jamba Juice

1350 Marvin Road NE, Lacey

Aug. 10: 0 red points; 5 blue points.

Comments:

The inspector cited them for a deficiency having to do with properly using and storing wiping cloths. No notes were provided.

No violations

Meconis Italian Subs (5221 Lacey Blvd. SE, Lacey)
Researchers will use artificial intelligence to analyze the tone and word choice that LAPD officers use during traffic stops, the department announced Tuesday, part of a broader study of whether police language sometimes unnecessarily escalates public encounters.

Findings from the study, conducted by researchers from USC and elsewhere, will be used to help train officers on how best to navigate encounters with the public and to "promote accountability," said Cmdr. Marla R. Ciuffetelli of the Office of Constitutional Policing & Policy;

Machine learning, she said at a meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners, is in its infancy, but will undoubtedly become a profound element in officer training in the future.

Over three years, researchers will review body camera footage from roughly 1,000 traffic stops, then develop criteria on what constitutes an appropriate interaction based on public and office feedback and a review of the department's policies, according to Benjamin A.T. Graham, an associate professor of international relations at USC and one of the study's authors.

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These criteria will then be fed into a machine learning program, which will "learn" how to review videos on its own and flag instances where officers cross the line, Graham said.

He acknowledged that certain standards are subjective, and that researchers may not always have the same observations of a single interaction.

"Even something as simple as, did the officer introduce themselves?" he said.

In analyzing the findings, researchers will consider such factors as the location of the stop and the driver's race, as well the officer's rank, age and experience. They will also go to great pains to anonymize officers and subjects, Graham said.

University researchers from Georgetown, UC Riverside and Texas will also be involved in the study.

Commissioner William Briggs, one of the study's main proponents, said he was hopeful of the potential but concerned about establishing "safety valves" for increasingly powerful AI systems such as ChatGPT.

In June, President Biden said during a visit to the Bay Area that AI technology comes with risks such as fueling disinformation and job losses, which his administration wants to tackle. Earlier in the year, a group of scientists and executives issued a letter warning that AI could one day pose a threat to humanity, on the level of pandemics and nuclear arsenals. And yet, regulators have been slow to keep pace.

Unlike other large police agencies like New York City's, the LAPD does not have a dedicated unit to audit the countless hours of body camera footage gathered from police encounters every month. The department does review footage, mostly from incidents in which officers use force or after a personnel complaint has been filed.

Read more: LAPD officers caught joking about earning overtime after shooting someone

Officer rudeness is among the most common complaints from the public. Under LAPD policy, aggressive or profane language is banned, and the department says it doesnt recognize so-called tactical language, to get compliance from uncooperative suspects. But in practice, its use is tolerated in some situations and discipline is rarely meted out for offenders.

At the Academy, LAPD police cadets are instructed that what they say to the public  and how they say it  can affect the outcome of an encounter, with de-escalation emphasized at every turn.

The USC study comes on the heels of similar efforts by researchers at Stanford and the University of Michigan.

Michigan researchers played audio recordings from hundreds of routine traffic stops for participants, who were asked to rate officers interactions with motorists, whose race wasnt revealed. The report found that officers communicated in a more respectful and friendlier manner with white men, while taking a less positive tone with Black men.

Researchers found that the beginning of the conversation  within the officer's first 40 words, in some cases  was a strong predictor of how the rest of the encounter would go and whether it led to a search or an arrest.

The LAPDs Inspector Generals office is conducting its own study on officer language use.

During their presentation Tuesday, department officials didn't say whether the study's findings would only be used for training or if any misconduct uncovered could lead to discipline  something the police union is likely to oppose.

While saying that it's "hard to speculate what's going to happen with the research until it's done," Ciuffetelli said the study would likely unfold in four phases. The findings will eventually be incorporated into the department's "training models," she said.

Graham said it would likely take six months for researchers to gather the data, and that the preliminary results likely wouldn't be made available until a year into the study.

Commission Vice President Rasha Shields asked whether a "corollary analysis" would be conducted into the actions of the person being stopped, and how those might also affect the outcome of the stop.

Graham said it would, adding that most of those questions are about the officers speech.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The largest Ukrainian flag in the world was raised over the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II in Kyiv to mark Ukraines National Flag Day on Aug. 23, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attending the ceremony.

During the flag-raising ceremony, troops marched as the national anthem played.

Read also: Parade of destroyed Russian armor on display in central Kyiv

"Our flag is our strength," Zelenskyy said in his address at the ceremony.

It is a source of will, unbreakable spirit for all the soldiers who, with this flag on their armor and under their hearts, go into battle, fight for every meter of our land, go forward and achieve our victory.

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He called the blue-and-yellow banner exceptional for bearing signatures from soldiers all along the front line, from Chernihiv to Odesa.

Read also: Chernihiv Oblast bans mass gatherings ahead of Independence Day

"(Soldiers from) along the entire line of defense of Ukraine (signed the flag)," the head of state said.

In various combat brigades and units. In hospitals where the wounded are treated. In the hands of volunteers. This flag will always keep the memory of many Ukrainians alive. But it will certainly be supplemented and enriched with new signatures of our soldiers.

Office of the President of Ukraine

Ukraine celebrates National Flag Day on Aug. 23. For security reasons, on this day and on Independence Day, which will be celebrated on Aug. 24, there will be no mass events.

Also today, Kyiv will host the third summit of the Crimean Platform, which will be attended by world leaders in online and offline formats.

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
Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education convened for its regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 15 where a handful of beginning of the school year updates were presented. Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz joined for his first in-person meeting while board members discussed community concerns over school-based health policies and listened to a student transportation update  the biggest takeaway of the night.

Doing the same thing over and over

Shanna Porter, an LCPS parent, told the Sun-News in July that her kids were left standing on the corner this morning waiting for their bus while the school day had already started.

Students and parents felt the ripple effect of delayed schedules, missed stops, and lack of communication from the districts long-time transportation provider, STS of New Mexico.

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Those issues have somewhat improved and the company is making progress, according to Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz and Deputy Superintendent of Operations Gabe Jacquez, who both presented to the Las Cruces School Board Aug. 15.

One of the things that I can say is it is improving, I could see that every morning and, in the afternoon, when we're looking at the different routes, etc. and weve made some adjustments, Ruiz said.

Board member Patrick Nolan, left, and Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz, right, listen to updates from presenters during an Aug.15, 2023, school board meeting.

Were working very closely and collaboratively with our transportation company, we currently have standing meetings where they come and meet with our transportation departments to look to look at issues such as routing, registering students and some of those things, Jacquez said.

The district currently runs 106 bus routes with approximately 99 drivers on staff. Eleven relief drivers and office staff at STS take routes as needed. The company tried to recruit new drivers throughout the summer but has had its challenges in hiring certified drivers and keeping them.

In working with STS, they anticipated 109 returning drivers, they started school with 102 drivers, and they've had three resignations since the beginning of the school year, Jacquez said.

More: Interested in running for your local school board? These seats are open in Dona Ana County

Jacquez didnt explain the reason behind the resignations other than individuals deciding to quit after doing a test run. However, he said the company anticipated four new drivers starting and seven more in the coming weeks. The starting salary for new drivers with no experience is $15.97 an hour and tops off at $18.54. New drivers who are already licensed are being offered a $1,000 sign-on bonus.

Board members didnt hesitate to comment on the on-going transportation situation. Drop-off and pick-up times, temperatures inside buses, as well as transportation planning were some concerns the board expressed.

Board President Teresa Tenorio said the bus company just didnt effectively prepare for this school year.

I do commend our bus drivers, now as far as the administrators within STS, I would recommend that they start planning and preparing much ahead of time like in June, not July, it feels like they just didn't plan, and they were kind of reacting instead of being proactive, Tenorio said.

Board member Pamela Cort said she feels the district is at the mercy of the bus company.

We are missing out on some instructional time at the end of the day because we got to get kids out early because they've got to get on the bus, Cort said. That is a concern for me because I would rather them being in class and learning than waiting for the bus.

Board members Teresa Tenorio, left, and Pamela Cort, right, listen to presenters during an Aug. 15, 2023, school board meeting.

Tenorio, who had the chance to ride a few routes with students, also explained that it is essential that buses be checked constantly for proper cooling measures to ensure kids are riding comfortably.

Public Education Secretary Arsenio Romero last week approved an emergency declaration to allow buses to idle while waiting to pick up students. Previous policy didnt allow this, but LCPS officials petitioned the Secretary to amend the policy due to the recent extreme temperatures. Tenorio commended district staff for petitioning the PED on this issue.

Board member Patrick Nolan also shared his concerns about the transportation situation, even asking the board What's the phrase? 'Doing the same thing over and over.' Some attendees in the audience blurting out insanity.

More: Corporate tuition could bring more educational collaboration to NMSU

I just want to remark that these reports give me deja vu because we have been having consistent issues, we're talking seven years ago, where we're having these issues and we really need to have a real serious conversation and discussion around the future of transportation, Nolan said.

Ruiz, in his opening remarks for the transportation report, said the district is already planning ahead and would like to be proactive with its transportation partners to ensure kids are getting to school and where they need to be.

Board clarifies school-based health policies

The New Mexico Legislature passed Senate Bill 397 in March 2023, legislation which will allow schools and the Department of Health to establish school-based health centers to offer primary and preventative care to students. A health center would only be established on a need for services basis and with support from school authorities, according to the bills text. Currently, each high school in Las Cruces and Lynn Middle School has a center.

After the bill was signed into law, House Republicans created a parental notification form, which is not an official government form the board confirmed, for parents to opt out of "transgender ideology, gender affirming care, abortion, contraception and family planning, primary health care, or mental or psychiatric care." LCPS has received a few and possibly more down the road, according to Wendi Miller Tomlinson, deputy superintendent for teaching and learning, who spoke to the board on the issue.

The board was made aware of these concerns in previous public comment segments during board meetings and responded to the issue during the Aug. 15 meeting.

As a public school district, we are not in the business of providing any of those things  any ideologies, abortion, contraception, family planning. Our nurses do not provide primary health care, they provide health care support for our students, and mental and psychiatric care are done on a consultation basis, so we are not providing those services, Miller Tomlinson said.

More: NMSU, UNM respond to Supreme Courts ruling on admissions

Miller Tomlinson said that the districts curriculum does not include those issues. Teachers are expected to follow state standards and are permitted to engage in appropriate conversations about those topics. Ruiz echoed Miller Tomlinson by stating that the district is sticking to the state standards in our instruction.

As far as curriculum and instruction, our teachers teach the standards provided by the state of New Mexico that we are required to do as a public school district, and we do not have an opt out mechanism for curriculum, Miller Tomlinson said.

While that may be the case for core studies, sex education may be the exception and it has been on some occasions, according to Miller Tomlinson. Parents may choose to opt out of certain portions of that course.

Board member Robert Wofford asked what the repercussions would be if students were to bring up discussions about abortion and gender in the classroom. He said concerns from community members regarding these topics is important but could alienate students who do identify as LGBTQ+ or who utilize school-based health center services.

"The way I read it, as (others saying) 'I don't want my child to know these things: that transgender students exist, that there is family planning,'" Wofford said.

Parents who do present the unofficial opt out form to the district will be provided with a letter outlining LCPS policies on student health support. The board encouraged the community to express their concerns but wants them to understand that the district does not provide access to gender affirming care or access to abortions of any means.

I think that it should be well known that this is not what goes on in our schools, Board Member Carol Cooper said.

Ernesto Cisneros is a UNM NM Local News Fund Fellow covering education. He can be reached at ECisneros@lcsun-news.com Follow him on Twitter at @_ernestcisneros.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News:
The hero Afghan pilot who served alongside British forces and was threatened with deportation to Rwanda has finally been granted asylum in the UK after a five-month-long campaign by The Independent.

The air force lieutenant, who fled the Taliban and came to the UK on a small boat because it was impossible to get here via a legal route, was previously rejected under the governments Afghan resettlement scheme  sparking fury from top politicians and military figures, who called it shameful that Britain should turn its back on the war hero.

But in a dramatic turn of events, the Home Office has now accepted that he has a well-founded fear of persecution and therefore cannot return to [his] country of origin.

The move comes after months of government indecision, questioning of the pilots work with UK forces by the Home Office and the Ministry of Defence, and resistance from defence secretary Ben Wallace and Rishi Sunak when they were asked to intervene in his case.

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The pilot, who was forced to leave his young family in hiding in Afghanistan, said he was completely happy that the Home Office had finally answered his plea to stay in the UK.

General Sir Richard Barrons, a former commander of the UK Joint Forces Command  the organisation now known as Strategic Command  applauded the decision, but said that the governments threat to send the pilot to Rwanda was no way to repay the debt Britain owes him for his military service.

Illegal entry to the UK is certainly a problem, but once the facts of this case had become clear, a ticket to Rwanda was not only the wrong answer, it also made our promises look hollow and it diminished the sense of fairness and honour we lay claim to as a country, he said.

General Sir Richard Dannatt, the former head of the British army, said he was delighted that the government had backed down  but questioned why it had taken so long to do the right thing.

Former defence secretary John Hutton, now Lord Hutton, congratulated The Independent and said justice has been done, while former defence minister Kevan Jones said the threat to put the pilot on a one-way flight to Rwanda had clashed with a sense of fair play.

The war veterans refugee status means he can now get a job in the UK, but his battle is far from over as he will lose all government support within 28 days and faces what could be a year-long wait to bring his family to safety.

He told The Independent: I am really happy, completely happy. When they sent me the Rwanda letter I was in shock at how they could send me this kind of letter, but this morning I was equally shocked to see that they had granted me asylum. I couldnt believe it.

He continued: I want to say thank you very much to every one of you who has supported me. Thank you to The Independent, I really appreciate you, you worked very hard for me. I will not forget how you helped me.

The pilot said he will never forget those who fought to secure his safety in the UK (Getty)

I read the letter and I thought, maybe Im not understanding it, but really it was clear. I can stay in the UK and I have been given a life here. When I realised it fully, I became really, really happy at the result. And I am also really surprised.

I have told my wife I have some important news for her. I hope she will be able to join me here soon.

Those who backed our campaign welcomed the decision to grant the pilot asylum, but urged the government to honour its pledge to bring thousands of eligible Afghans stuck in Afghanistan, Pakistan and other countries to the UK.

Admiral Lord West, the chief of UK naval staff from 2002 to 2006, said: Im delighted we got there  its the right decision.

He added that it was unfortunate that it took so long to look at his case properly. The Home Office has now shown its possible  so if there are other Afghans in the same position who have a legitimate case, we must sort them out too, he said.

Lord Dannatt, the former army chief, said: Im delighted. Its the right outcome and Im very pleased. But there is some frustration, too. Why did it take so long to do the right thing? The case was right months ago  so why on earth didnt they do it then?

Sir Laurie Bristow, the British ambassador to Afghanistan during the fall of Kabul in 2021, said: Im glad for him  its very good news. The underlying principle is that we should be fulfilling our obligation to the people who worked for us and with us, and whose lives are at risk as a result.

The pilot will now apply to bring his young family to the UK from Afghanistan (The Independent)

Labours shadow defence secretary, John Healey, said that the party strongly welcomes the decision. He said that the saga showed how the Conservatives have failed the brave Afghans who supported British troops before the fall of Afghanistan, and they have failed them since.

And former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: If he has been able to show he fought with us against the Taliban and is in danger, then he is welcome. There are people who came to us for help after the [evacuation] debacle, and we owe them.

Urging the government to give sanctuary to those who have already accepted under the Ministry of Defences resettlement scheme but remain in limbo in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Sir Iain added: I hope we help as many people as possible who have reason to be here. It seems very difficult to get the process going any faster, but for the people over there its a nightmare.

General Sir John McColl, the armys former deputy supreme allied commander for Europe, said: Its good news  its disgraceful that its taken a campaign by The Independent to achieve what should have been a just outcome months ago.

Former army chief General Sir Richard Dannatt backed our campaign (Getty)

The unfortunate thing is that there are many still marooned in Afghanistan and Pakistan, accepted as deserving support after fighting alongside us, waiting to get permission to come here. Were still waiting for a coherent, focused plan. They are being treated as out of sight and out of mind.

The Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesperson, Alistair Carmichael, said The Independents campaign had highlighted the flaws in government policy. Im glad that things have been made right in this case, but its hard to keep something similar from happening again without real change, he said.

Lord Hutton said: I think this is a great result. Justice has been done. It is, however, extraordinary that it takes a campaign like this to see Afghan veterans treated in the appropriate way. Well done to The Independent.

Steve Smith MBE, a former army colonel and the CEO of refugee charity Care4Calais, which supported the pilots case, said everyone at the charity was delighted with the news. He added: The pilot is an incredible person. We are proud of how he has conducted himself throughout this ordeal, and honoured to have supported him.

We are very grateful for The Independents campaign on behalf of Afghan veterans. This is a great outcome for the pilot, but its not the end. His young family remain in danger in Afghanistan, and steps should be taken to reunite them in the UK as soon as possible.

The pilot will now be able to work and study in the UK and to apply for his young family, who are currently in Afghanistan, to join him here. Refugees sometimes have to wait for more than a year for their family reunification applications to be processed, with figures obtained by The Independent last month showing that there is a backlog of more than 11,000 people waiting for relocation to the UK to join family members.

Given that he has been granted refugee status, the pilot will now have 28 days to find a new place to live and find a job to support himself. He has so far been housed in Home Office hotel accommodation, and received 9 a week in support payments.

A spokesperson for the government said it did not comment on individual cases, adding: The government provides a safe and legal route through its family reunion policy which enables individuals with protection status in the UK to sponsor their partner or children to stay with or join them here, provided they formed part of the family unit before the sponsor fled their country of origin to seek protection.
The ancient Japanese art of paper folding and cutting known as kirigami has increasingly inspired a new generation of engineering materials, resulting in strikingly beautiful and resilient designs. The latest iteration, courtesy of researchers at MIT, adds attributes found in both honeycomb and human bones to further strengthen advanced architectural materials, as well as potentially boost the resilience of certain airplanes, spacecraft, and robots.

As detailed in a new paper to be presented at American Society of Mechanical Engineers upcoming Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, the team at MITs Center for Bits and Atoms (CBA) developed a novel method to manufacture plate latticeshigh-performance materials useful in automotive and aerospace designs. This material is like steel cork. It is lighter than cork, but with high strength and high stiffness, explains Neil Gershefeld, the papers senior author and lead researcher at MITs Center for Bits and Atoms (CBA).

To achieve their breakthrough, engineers altered a traditional origami Miura-ori crease already used in creating plate lattices for sandwich structures, which place a corrugated core between two flat plates. Although standard plate lattice sandwich structures are often made with slow, costly, and difficult adhesive and welding, the team modified a Miura-ori designs sharp angles into facets, allowing for plate attachments via rivets and bolts. This altered design can be further customized via different creasing patterns and shapes to hone specific stiffness, flexibility, and strengthmuch like cellular shapes found within bones and honeycombs.

[Related: Origami-inspired robot can gently turn pages and carry objects 16,000 times its weight.]

According to the teams findings, the kirigami-augmented plate lattices withstood three times as much force as standard aluminum corrugation designs. Such variations show immense promise for lightweight, shock-absorbing sections needed within cars, planes, and spacecraft.

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Plate lattices construction has been so difficult that there has been little research on the macro scale, explained Alfonso Parra Rubio, a co-lead author of the paper and a research assistant in the CBA. We think folding is a path to easier utilization of this type of plate structure made from metals.

To demonstrate both the kirigami-inspired structural and artistic capabilities, some of the teams graduate students even designed a trio of large, three-dimensional sculptures currently on display in the MIT Media Lab. At the end of the day, the artistic piece is only possible because of the math and engineering contributions we are showing in our papers, said Parra Rubio. But we dont want to ignore the aesthetic power of our work.

For the time being, the new plate lattice manufacturing method remains difficult to model ahead of construction. Going forward, however, the team intends to build user-friendly CAD tools to streamline and simplify the kirigami lattice design process. According to MITs announcement on Tuesday, they also hope to investigate ways to reduce the computational costs that go into simulating designs ahead of production.
The father of a gunman who killed a true LGBTQ+ ally for displaying a Pride flag outside her clothing store is a decorated Florida Highway Patrol state trooper, according to public records.

Travis Kirby Ikeguchi, 27, yelled many homophobic slurs at Laura Ann Carleton before fatally shooting her outside of Mag.Pi fashion store in Glen Cedar, California, on Friday, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said on Monday.

He fled the scene of the shooting and died after a shootout with deputies nearby, authorities said.

Ikeguchis social media accounts on X, formerly known as Twitter, and far-right site Gab are filled with bigoted anti-LGBTQ+ posts, and show an intense hatred for law enforcement, a San Bernardino County spokesperson said.

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According to public records, his father David Jay Ikeguchi, 63, is a 35-year veteran state trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol based in Orlando.

Property records show David, Janet and Travis Ikeguchi lived in Sanford, Seminole County, in Florida, from 1991 to 2017.

Travis Ikeguchi also lived in Lake Mary, Florida, before moving to Cedar Glen, in San Bernardino County, California, property records show.

Mr Ikeguchi Sr and the suspects mother Janet Ikeguchi divorced in 2018. Ms Ikeguchi cited irreconcilable differences as grounds for the divorce, according to court papers obtained by The Independent from Orange County, California.

A makeshift memorial is seen outside the Mag.Pi clothing store, where Laura Carleton was shot dead (AFP via Getty Images)

According to Mr Ikeguchi Srs LinkedIn profile, he is a firearms and active shooter instructor with the Florida Highway Patrol.

I have 30+ years experience working as a State Trooper and 28+ years as an adjunct firearms/driving instructor for the Florida Highway Patrol Training Academy, the profile states.

I also have instructor certificates in patrol rifle and active shooter training as well as Glock and AR15 armourer.

In 2020, Mr Ikeguchi Sr was awarded the departments Silver Star award after he pulled a driver from a burning vehicle in Lake County while off-duty.

Without regard to his own safety, Master Trooper Ikeguchi, helped extricate the driver from the burning vehicle and carried him to safety, a citation reads. Master Trooper Ikeguchis quick thinking and immediate actions saved the life of this driver.

The award for exemplary performance of duty has only been given to 30 recipients since 2010, according to Florida State Highway Patrol records.

Laura Carleton was killed outside her store (Provided)

In social media posts, Travis Ikeguchi claimed to be a Christian, posted anti-semitic statements, followed and boosted rightwing personalities Jordan Peterson and Matt Walsh, and expressed support for anti-vaxx presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr.

Travis Ikeguchi had a burning Pride flag pinned to the top of his account on X, and retweeted a post comparing Nazi children with swastika flags to schoolchildren with Pride flags.

He also posted paranoid, threatening messages about police officers.

On June 27, he posted on Twitter: DO NOT TRUST COPS Do not follow their traps they want to know everything about you to catch you and used against you in court and lie about you. Watch out their sociopathic schemes.

In a 2021 post on the right-wing social media site Gab, Ikeguchi spoke chillingly of killing police officers.

I know its controversial for me to mention the option to kill a police officer, but these police officers are not the servants for the people they are the servants for the laws, the post read.

Ikeguchi appeared to harbour bitter feelings over his parents divorce.

In January 2019, Ikeguchi appears to have set up a GoFundme page asking for donations.

Burning Pride flag seen on Travis Ikeguchis X / Twitter account (X / Twitter)

According to divorce records, a court ordered Ikeguchis parents to divide their assets evenly, and Mr Ikeguchi Sr was ordered to pay $1,800 per month in spousal support.

The Independent emailed and left phone messages for David Ikeguchi, who did not respond.

A Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson told The Independent by email they would be in contact shortly when asked about the family connection, and did not provide any further comment.

Travis Ikeguchis family had reported him missing to Twin Peaks Sheriffs Station in San Bernardino County, on 17 August, one day before the shooting, authorities said Monday.

During the shootout with sheriffs deputies, Ikeguchi was armed with a handgun and refused orders to drop the weapon, investigators said during Mondays press conference.

The weapon was not registered in the state of California, according to the sheriffs department.

Investigators believe Ikeguchi had no registered firearms and did not have a concealed carry permit.

An investigation into the shootings is continuing.
An inconspicuous vote made by Mount Dora council members last week was suddenly the subject of political controversy, thanks to a letter sent by four Republicans on the Lake County legislative delegation.

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The council members, with the backing of the citys police department, agreed to enact a Safe Place program that has been implemented in cities across the country, including Orlando.

The program is simple: a coordinator in the police department hands out stickers, typically rainbow-colored in the shape of a police badge, to willing business owners for placement in their front windows, along with pamphlets that guide people toward resources. The liaison also checks in with the participants from time to time.

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The stickers are intended to send a welcoming message to members of the LGBTQ+ community and other groups and let them know the business owners are happy to assist them if needed.

READ: Commissioners call for transparency ahead of billion-dollar TDT discussion

Police in Seattle began the program after research showed the LGBTQ+ community was less comfortable approaching police officers than other groups, and figured community members could act as a go-between. The program is completely voluntary and there is no training or time commitment other than placing the symbolic sticker in the window.

Were bring proactive, Mayor Crissy Stile said, noting few hate crimes happen in the city. We wanted to come up with this program to let people know they are safe in Mount Dora.

Stile said the police chief appeared to be bothered by the fact that some people may not trust his officers. She also said she was hesitant at first because of the apparent lack of immediate need for the change, but agreed once other council members explained why they wanted Mount Dora to adopt it.

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The letter, written by Rep. Taylor Yarkosky and signed by Sen. Dennis Baxley , Rep. Keith Truenow and Rep. Stan McClain, warned Mount Dora leaders of economic consequences and threatened the city with potential legal or legislative action for their vote.

The lawmakers said the program was divisive for people who chose to not participate, especially given that the city wasnt a hotbed for incidents.

You are picking winners and losers in your city with this program and alienating otherwise friendly business owners and residents from one another on the basis of participation in this program, Rep. Yarkosky wrote. We believe you are in fact creating a less safe environment in Mount Dora, contrary to the intentions you proclaim.

READ: Back-to-school anxiety on the rise; therapists see more students seeking mental health support

The delegation invited city leaders to a meeting Tuesday morning to explain themselves, but Mayor Stile said she wasnt aware anyone had attended. City leaders had already accepted an invitation to another event at the same time, she explained.

A spokeswoman for Rep. Yarkosky said he was in meetings and not immediately available to speak about his letter.

In a phone call, Sen. Baxley said he wasnt 100% familiar with the citys program or leaders intentions but agreed to the letter after receiving calls from concerned residents.

READ: Calls to 911 are going unanswered in Orange County. The sheriffs office is making changes

He also said programs like Orlandos, which have existed without issue for years, werent a concern of his. He appeared to dismiss Yarkoskys threat to take legislative action, saying the issue was local and the concerns reflected the character of Lake County alone.

Our interest is strictly keeping the peace in Lake County, he said. We dont think this is necessary.

Baxley also expressed concern that taxpayer money was being used to fund the creation of the stickers.

READ: Orlando election fraud suspect loses appeal

Stile said city leaders would have to hold another discussion on the program, but rather than back off, she believed they simply needed to clarify what the program was and stood for, since she believed most people didnt know anything about it.

On the streets of downtown, people who heard about the program generally agreed there wasnt any harm in letting community members know they were safe, though some said the program shouldnt be necessary.

I thought we were above this type of thing simply because this is a proactive approach to letting people know that they should be safe here, Stile said, calling the controversy nothing more than politics. That letter that we got last night is unfortunate. Hopefully we can all sit together in a room and work this all out.

Click here to read the letter

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LAWRENCE, Kan.  A Lawrence, Kansas man admits to driving under the influence and causing a deadly crash.

Anthony Royal, 56, pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder and driving under the influence of alcohol connected to a 2022 crash that left a 70-year-old man dead.

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The Douglas County District Attorneys Office says the charges stem from an incident that occurred near the intersection of Kansas Highway 10 and Bob Billings Parkway on the evening of April 8, 2022.

This was Royals third offense of driving under the influence.

The incident was investigated by the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Lawrence Police Department, the Douglas County Sheriffs Office, Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

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Sentencing for Royal is scheduled to take place on Nov. 1 at 10:30 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
A Muslim man who endured bigoted remarks from the owner of an orchard he was visiting earlier this month filed a lawsuit Tuesday in Monroe County against the owner, Steve Elzinga, and Erie Orchards and Cider Mill.

The 11-count lawsuit was brought by Dearborn attorney Abdallah Moughni on behalf of Joe (Yousef) Mahmoud, of Ypsilanti, who alleges that Elzinga forcibly tried to imprison him in a dispute over payment of picked fruit, intimidated him because of his ethnicity and caused emotional distress. The lawsuit alleges the owner violated the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.

Elzinga apologized earlier for his remarks and actions.

Steve Elzinga, owner of Erie Orchards and Cider Mill in Erie, Michigan, on August 13, 2023, standing near truck of Yousef Abu Jenna Mahmoud, of Ann Arbor. Mahmoud shared a video of Elzinga in which he is heard saying: "Every Muslim that comes in here steals from me."

"Mahmoud remained as calm as possible throughout this degradations as he reasonably believed he would be seriously injured or murdered in front of his family if he upset the proud and blatant racist defendant Steve Elzinga," the lawsuit reads. "A reasonable Muslim in similar circumstances to plaintiff Joe Mahmoud would believe that they were in danger of physical harm. Further ... Elzinga conducted an illegal search of Plaintiffs vehicle, diaper bag, and trunk bed."

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More: Michigan orchard owner apologizes after bigoted comments toward Muslim customers

An employee who answered the phone Tuesday said she could not comment and that Elzinga was not available. Elzinga has previously apologized for telling Mahmoud, who is Muslim, "Every Muslim that comes in here steals from me." The remarks were captured on video shot by Mahmoud.

Elzinga told the Monroe News last week: "I should never have said a generalized comment about Muslims being thieves and coming here to take advantage of us because that's not true. I regret that I made those kinds of statements. It's just not me. We've been here for 45 years and have always been open to everybody."

Mahmoud went to the orchard Aug. 13 with his wife and three daughters to pick fruit. He said he purchased about $70 worth of pre-picked fruit and candy and then asked if they could pick fruit on their own. Mahmoud said an employee told him most of the fruit left in the orchard was rotten, but if they wanted to, they could pick some and take it home for free. After picking some fruit and heading back to his car, Mahmoud said, Elzinga confronted them and made derogatory remarks about Muslims stealing.

"The family hopes this lawsuit will make all business owners think twice before discriminating against any minority," Moughni told the Free Press.

On the orchard's website, an apology signed by Elzinga with the headline "My Deepest Apologies" reads: "My sincere apologies to Joe Mahmoud, his wife, family, and the whole community for my remarks and actions on Sunday, August 13. I am very sorry. As a family business we have made a conscious effort to be a welcoming place for all in an often fractured world, and Sundays incident, sadly, did not reflect that. What occurred does not align with my values, beliefs, and heart of inclusion for everyone. I sincerely regret this and offer my deepest apologies."

Reporter Ryan Loren of the Monroe News contributed to this report.

Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com or Twitter @nwarikoo.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Muslim man files lawsuit Michigan orchard alleging bigoted threats
Missy Sims is on a mission to bring the dirty energy industry to justice after the warming climate triggered devastating severe weather events. The New York Times chronicled the attorneys quest to build a class-action suit against industry giants on behalf of Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria.

Following years of action against companies polluting towns in her home state of Illinois, Sims joined the Milberg law firm. The class action firm brought her to Puerto Rico when Hurricane Maria struck. After witnessing the devastating aftermath, Sims filed a lawsuit in November 2022 targeting Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell, BP, and other industry players.

Sims legal strategy relied on the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. The lawsuit claimed that by downplaying the effects of dirty energy, such as rising temperatures and increasingly severe weather events, these companies knowingly misled the public about the consequences of their actions.

Its the first case of its kind to use this creative strategy, which is usually reserved for prosecuting gangs and other organized crime. Industry leaders, environmental groups, lawyers, and politicians are closely watching this ground-breaking lawsuit.

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The case is also the first to request damages from a specific weather event intensified by rising temperatures, noting the loss of life and over $100 billion in destruction.

If these companies are found liable, the potential damages could exceed hundreds of billions of dollars. Richard Wiles, president of the Center for Climate Integrity, said thats why companies are afraid of these cases.

If they have to pay for the damages they caused, the costs get out of control really fast, he continued.

With previous wins against industry giants on behalf of towns sickened and polluted by these companies, Sims believes shes holding them accountable.

This bomb that went off here was climate change related, she said. We just need to prove it.

Big names in the industry have known the environmental consequences of coal, oil, and gas for decades, even mentioning violent storms specifically in a 1998 memo. Despite this knowledge, the industry concealed the information from the public, sowing doubt through lobbying and marketing tactics.

If the case succeeds, impacted cities around Puerto Rico will have stronger ammunition against the companies that have endangered their way of life. By early 2024, we should know whether this case can clear enough legal hurdles to move forward.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Looking for a new place to grab a bite or something to drink? Those with a craving for Mexican food have their choice of two new spots. If youre heading out for a bite, you might also consider a new place for pizza, a Greek eatery, a Mediterranean fast-casual spot or a poke/ramen noodle shop.

In downtown Lees Summit, El Plato Mexican Grill and Cantina opened last spring and serves authentic Mexican cuisine. The restaurant, at 22 S.W. Third St., took over the space previously occupied by Sabor Latino, said to Mike Weisenborn, project manager for the city of Lees Summit Development Services.

True fans of the cuisine probably know about another new Mexican restaurant in downtown. Abelardos Mexican Fresh, at 300 S.E. Third St., took over the space of Sonic Drive-In, which had been a longtime downtown fixture.

On the west side, Pizza Tascio recently opened in the Summit Woods Crossing shopping mall. The restaurant, at 1694 N.W. Chipman Road, is in the space that formerly housed Pinsa Pizza, Weisenborn said. The Lees Summit eatery, which serves New York style pizza, is one of seven Pizza Tascio locations in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

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Another restaurant launching on the rapidly growing west side is Cava, at 904 N.W. Pryor Road in the Streets of West Pryor. Cava serves Mediterranean dishes and has several hundred locations across the United States. The Lees Summit fast-casual restaurant is the first Cava in Missouri.

QZ Poke Ramen recently opened at 1313 N.E. Douglas St., across from Saint Lukes East Hospital. The business is the second QZ Poke Ramen in the Kansas City area. The restaurants poke bowls and burritos feature raw fish with a variety of vegetables and homemade sauces. Create-your-own ramen noodle bowls include a choice of noodles, proteins, broths and toppings.

A new Greek restaurant offers curbside, catering and dine-in food. Chef Aristos Eatery can be found at 862 S.W. Blue Parkway. The family-owned restaurant, which has its roots as a food truck, serves pita pizzas, gyros, Greek salads and homemade dips, as well as baklava and chocolate tortes.

If coffee is your beverage of choice, Mother-daughter pair Shelly and Kiersten Graham recently brought Summer Moon Coffee to 699 N.W. Blue Parkway.

Another spot for coffee fans: At Summit Fair, Pura Vida Acai Cafe will open its first location in Lees Summit soon. It will feature Costa Rica-inspired acai bowls and coffee. The cafe offers sustainably sourced acai sorbet that features notes of blackberry, raspberry and chocolate.

Several other restaurants are opening soon or in the works, Weisenborn said.

Smoothie King is under construction at 1440 NE Douglas St., near Saint Lukes East Hospital. The Lees Summit store is among more than 1,350 Smoothie King locations throughout the United States. The restaurant features smoothies and smoothie bowls that combine fruits, vegetables and nutritional enhancers.

International Tap House and Johnny Jos Pizzeria are located adjacent to one another at 228 S.W. Main St. in downtown Lees Summit. International Tap House is under construction. The pizza restaurant, which will serve International Tap House, is in the works.

Also currently under construction is a business offering tea products. Boba Bar is located at 616 N.E. 291 Highway.

Lees Summit is among several Kansas City area cities slated for a Swig dirty-soda chain location as the Utah-based company expands its franchises. Swig offers fizzy drinks with your choice of add-in creams and syrups.

To keep up with both commercial and residential development in Lees Summit, the city government offers a video series known as the Development Minute, available at this link.
Johnson County Commissioner Charlotte OHara has filed an open meetings act complaint against the board, saying members discussed employee pay behind closed doors in a session that should have been public.

The Johnson County Board of Commissioners must now respond to the allegation that it violated the law in June by meeting in closed session to discuss general market adjustments to county salaries. Under the Kansas Open Meetings Act, a governing body may only discuss individual employees in closed session, but not general concerns affecting all employees.

OHara, a conservative who unsuccessfully ran for chair last year, is often at odds with the majority of the board. But she wasnt the only one raising objections about the closed session.

Two other commissioners voiced concerns during the boards meeting on June 29, voting in the minority against having a discussion behind closed doors.

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That meetings agenda included commissioners voting on bumping employee pay by 6% on average, aiming to stay competitive in the difficult labor market. And the commission also voted on the county managers contract.

Before those discussions, the board called for a closed session to discuss non-elected personnel, a general topic permitted under the open meetings act.

Commissioner Becky Fast voted against the closed session, arguing that it is not best practice before considering an agenda item.

Ive gone through many credential public manager trainings, so I will be voting no, she said.

Chairman Mike Kelly responded, I appreciate that. Its perfectly acceptable under our rules and the Kansas Open Meetings Act, but appreciate your opinion.

Its not opinion, its best practices, Fast replied.

OHara also voted against going into closed session, saying, Im concerned that we are discussing things that should be discussed in open session.

Commissioner Michael Ashcraft also voted against it.

Back in public view, commissioners continued with the agenda and discussed the salary proposal at length, eventually voting to approve it. Members also amended the agenda to vote on bumping the county managers pay.

OHara filed an open meetings act complaint with the Kansas attorney generals office, claiming that commissioners discussed the salary issue behind closed doors. She said the private conversation was essentially the same as what commissioners had discussed in public during a previous meeting, including salaries for the county manager, chief legal counsel and county auditor.

She told The Star on Wednesday that she filed the complaint for transparency and making sure we do adhere to all the state statutes.

Fast is still concerned about the process.

Was it legal? Im not a lawyer, Fast said. But did it meet the spirit and intent of the law? Was it best practice? That to me, those are two different questions. Johnson County residents, they want the best practices, not just us barely meeting the intent and spirit of the law.

In OHaras complaint, she also questioned the county manager being present in closed session, saying it could be a conflict of interest, but the attorney generals office dismissed that, saying it is not unusual for administrative personnel to attend. The AGs office dismissed other allegations from OHara as well, including that legal counsel were not present during the session and that the board amended the agenda to separately vote on the county managers salary. The office said they were not violations of the open meetings act.

But the AGs office has now requested more information on the one remaining allegation, that commissioners improperly discussed the raises.

We are fully cooperating with the Attorney Generals Office, and I trust the veracity of this investigation, Kelly said in a statement. I appreciate that our team is handling these allegations directly and remain confident in this process.

Kelly said in a statement Wednesday that, the majority of these commissioners allegations were correctly found to be unwarranted. The reason the lone allegation is being investigated is because it considers what was discussed in an executive session, and not readily available.

He said he is thankful that the investigation will allow everyone present to state what happened during the session, and that accurate information will be gathered and considered.

In a news release, officials said the county legal department is compiling information for the AGs office. Commissioners are expected to discuss the issue during their agenda review session on Thursday, with a vote on the countys response scheduled for Aug. 31.

When a violation of the Kansas Open Meetings Act is found, a typical resolution would be a settlement agreement, such as a consent order seeking compliance with the law and assuring no future violations, according to the AGs office. But the resolution depends on how severe the violation is.

The attorney general can fine individual members of a public body up to $500 for each violation, as well as require training and future compliance with the law.
[Source]

State legislators across the U.S. are introducing a wave of bills aimed at curbing Chinese land ownership near military bases and strategic areas.

Bipartisan support: Lawmakers from 33 states have collectively introduced 81 bills this year specifically targeting the acquisition of land by the Chinese government, China-based businesses and Chinese citizens. While most of these bills have gained traction in Republican-controlled legislatures, some have garnered bipartisan support.

Focus on Chinese ownership: The proposed bills come as state governments continue to shift their focus to restrict Chinese land ownership amid growing concern about China's perceived expanding influence. In recent years, federal lawmakers have explored ways to restrict the operations of Chinese-owned businesses in the country.

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National security concerns: Proponents of these bills argue that they are addressing legitimate national security concerns, alleging that land purchased by Chinese entities, especially in proximity to military installations, could potentially be exploited for espionage activities. They also express apprehensions about foreign entities amassing agricultural land, which could pose a threat to the nation's food security.

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Potential consequences: Advocates for Asian American communities have expressed fears that such measures, while aimed at safeguarding national interests, could inadvertently foster discrimination against Chinese Americans. These concerns draw parallels with a painful historical chapter when Asians were explicitly barred from property ownership in numerous states between the 1880s and 1920s.

Voicing its concerns about the possible ramifications of these restrictions, the Chinese Embassy released a statement to The Washington Post, arguing that politicizing trade and investment contradicts market principles and erodes trust in the U.S. market. The embassy also warned that such restrictions might fan the flames of hatred and discrimination.

More from NextShark: Federal Agent Admits to Falsely Accusing Tennessee Professor of Being a Chinese Spy

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

ICE Releases Man Set for Deportation Back to His Family in California

Racist Ex-Realtor Arrested After Telling YouTuber 'This is a no n****r zone'
To the editor: Thank you for noting the observation by the teachers union leader that that no Orange Unified School District parents of which he was aware ever asked for a policy that would out transgender students. News organizations must dig and ask who is actually pushing these policies.

Parents of LGBTQ+ children have noted that it is "always the same people" showing up at school board meetings. Members of so-called parent advocate groups and the Leave Our Kids Alone movement have showed up alongside Proud Boys and Jan. 6 Capitol rioters who traveled long distances to disrupt our schools and board meetings, sometimes violently.

As a concerned public school parent, I urge you to shine some light on this problem.

Katherine Gardner, Studio City

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..

To the editor: Many of the speakers offering public comment at the Aug. 17 meeting, on both sides of the issue, do not in fact reside in the area served by the Orange Unified School District.

The meeting acted as a soapbox for a traveling sideshow that goes from city to city. Worse, the public's input on important matters is ignored because of this. The current board has already showed its fiscal incompetence and is going to carry on with its ideology-driven agenda.

It is a pity that schools that already have enough problems are being shoved by both sides into the national culture war whose principal beneficiaries are politicians.

Lew Livingston, Orange

..

To the editor: As a teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District, I had a number of students come out to me as gay or transgender. Had they felt safe going to their parents, they would have.

Parents should be aware of what is happening with their children, but it is up to kids to inform them.

Teachers are providing a haven for the students who may be confused and scared. I was a sounding board for a student who was gay, and ultimately he felt comfortable sharing his news with his parents.

What better place than a school with trusted adults for a student to express their identity in an accepting atmosphere?

In a perfect world, young people would feel comfortable sharing everything about themselves with their parents. That is not always the case, and school should not be taken away as an important place in creating a safe haven for these ever growing and changing kids.

Carol Spector, Ventura

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Hunters laptop

Talk about bait and switch!

Tuesdays column from the Eagles left-leaning Dion Lefler (What you dont know about Hunter Bidens laptop may shock you, Aug. 22) hits the bulls eye.

I was really hoping he had seen the light, but it was just smoke and mirrors.

Robert D Petersen, Wichita

Change climate change

So, you are concerned about the climate crisis and are not sure what to do about it  know that you are not alone.

Also know that the climate movement needs you, it needs everyone, to do everything we can to address this crisis.

Here are some ideas:

 Learn more about how our world is warming; the causes, consequences and actions that need to be taken to stop it. Start by visiting NASAs website on climate. https://climate.nasa.gov

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 Talk about it, a lot, with friends, family, neighbors, everybody and anybody.- Get involved; join a climate group or two. Ask how you can help. You undoubtedly have the skills they need. If you have money to donate, they could benefit from that too.

 Get political; take to the streets, contact elected officials, repeatedly, at all levels of government, and demand that they take action to address this crisis. They were elected to serve the people, and there is no higher service than protecting the world we live in.

 Walk the talk; take steps to reduce your emissions. It is very gratifying.

 Pace yourself; were in this for the long haul. Have Hope.

Ron Sadler, Wichita

Cowtown accidental shooting

Volunteers have not been subjected to mandatory training or mandatory supervision, costing the city more than half of Old Cowtown Museums annual funding. If Cowtown is important to the citys image, things need to change.

Experienced gun owners know the difference between a blank and a loaded bullet by sight. Experienced people have volunteered, but their application was lost. My calls have been ignored.

Failure to provide supervision for rules on the books should cause the city to fire any current supervisor and demand the person(s) pay the fees for the audit.

Cathie Hay, Wichita

Marion newspaper raid

Somewhere the ghost of John Peter Zenger is outraged. The Eagle can tell you who that was.

Don Schwarz, Stoughton, Mass.

Prevent crashes

Seeing reports of the fatal rear-end collision on US 54 last week was particularly difficult for me.

A family has been broken and two of those involved were children. This wreck hits too close to home for me for two reasons: I have two little boys who I would love to watch grow up and my family and I operate a traffic control company.

These types of tragic stories are becoming far too common in our State.

As a traffic controller, I believe that we owe our drivers the most effective systems we can create. Queue Warning Systems are commonplace in many other states and provide advanced warning to drivers about stopped traffic conditions ahead, using speed sensors and message boards.

The argument of this guy is just looking for more business is not lost on me.

I get it, requiring QWS would very likely provide my familys company with more work, but mandating them on projects that meet a certain criteria would inherently increase competition and drive the systems price down.

We have nothing to lose and only saving lives to gain.

Robert Cillessen, Wichita






Russian dictator Vladimir Putin must not be allowed to achieve his territorial objectives in Ukraine, and the liberation of Crimea is paramount to the preservation of international order, Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Aug. 23, during his address to the Crimea Platform Summit.

Duda added that the events of 2014 were a clear signal of the Kremlin's intentions, thus Poland has strongly supported Ukraine from the very beginning of the conflict.

Read also: Zelenskyy says Ukraine to sign deal with firms ready to enter Crimea after liberation

Poland's leader emphasized that Crimea's occupation and annexation is a global-level issue.

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Duda is confident that if the problem remains unresolved, the world will de facto consent to a new architecture of security  a new global order based on the "rule of the strong."

Read also: Ukrainian strikes on Crimea have hit only fraction of targets, says analyst

The de-occupation of Crimea and the full restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity is a necessary prerequisite not only for security in the Black Sea-Azov basin, but also for the stability of global security architecture, the Polish president said.

We cannot allow Putin to achieve his goals regarding Ukraine.

Read also: Duda calls for Ukraine to join NATO, Germany and France favor security guarantees

Duda added that "there should be no concessions to Russia", and Moscow should return all occupied territories and face the consequences of its actions.

Let's not forget the real stakes of this war. It's about preserving a world order based on international law, respect for territorial integrity and the right of nations to determine their future, he 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 - Libyan security forces stand guard in Tripoli, Libya, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2023. One of Libyas rival prime ministers warned Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, that his government would not tolerate any further militia fighting, days after the years bloodiest bout of clashes rocked the capital, Tripoli, killing at least 45 people. (AP Photo/Yousef Murad, File)

UNITED NATIONS (AP)  Libyas stability is at greater risk following recent militia clashes and amid turmoil in neighboring Sudan and Niger that could spill over into the oil-rich North African nation, the country's U.N. special envoy said Tuesday.

Abdoulaye Bathily told the U.N. Security Council that political divisions in Libya are fraught with risks of violence and disintegration for countries. He urged the countrys rival factions to resolve all election-related issues so that long-delayed voting can take place.

It is fundamental to restore Libyas stability, to preserve regional security, he said. Without an inclusive political agreement that paves the way for peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections across Libya, the situation will worsen and cause further suffering to the Libyan people.

Libya plunged into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The country split in the chaos that followed, with rival administrations in the east and west backed by rogue militias and foreign governments.

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The countrys current political crisis stems from the failure to hold elections as scheduled on Dec. 24, 2021, and the refusal of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah  who led a transitional government in the capital of Tripoli  to step down. In response, Libyas east-based parliament appointed a rival prime minister, Fathy Bashagha, but suspended him in May. The powerful commander Khalifa Hifter continues to hold sway in the east.

Bathily expressed hope that discussions on amending draft election laws to tackle loopholes, inconsistencies and technical difficulties can be concluded in the coming weeks. The U.N. is working with all parties to also have a comprehensive political agreement on issues related to a new government and to ensure security and a level playing field for all candidates in the elections.

I am optimistic, Bathily told reporters afterward. I cannot at this stage put a date. Of course, we have envisioned the election to take place in 2023 but what is important is that this agreement can become a reality.

He told the council that the fragile stability in Tripoli was shattered Aug. 14-15 by fierce armed clashes between rival militias in the city, which reportedly killed at least 55 people and injured over 100, including an unspecified number of civilians.

He also pointed to fighting this month between armed elements based in southern Libya and government troops in Chad's neighboring Tibesti region as another reason that political divisions in Libya are fraught with risks of violence and disintegration for countries.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield condemned the fighting between militias in Tripoli and said instability in Sudan and Niger could spiral into wider violence. She said the Libyan people are ready for compromise and stability.

She also said the United States will continue to shine a spotlight on the Wagner Groups pernicious impact in Libya and across Africa.

Noting the Russian mercenary group operates in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Sudan, she said its leadership has made no secret of its ambition to gain a further foothold in Africa, and its disregard for Libyas territorial integrity.

Bathily confirmed that Wagner mercenaries are in Libya but said the U.N. has no information on the size of its presence or equipment.

In late March, he said, after visiting Sudan, Chad and Niger he was optimistic they would withdraw their fighters and mercenaries from Libya. But two weeks later, he noted, fighting erupted between rival generals in Sudan and last month the head of Nigers presidential guard ousted the president.

Bathily said Libyas border with Sudan has been open to armed groups, mercenaries and gang leaders dealing in illegal migration, illegal mining, drug trafficking and other criminal activities. But so far, he said, there hasnt been a big influx of Sudanese refugees to Libya.

As for Niger, Bathily said, like other countries in Africas Sahel region, it has been affected by the crisis in Libya. Some Nigeriens have joined mercenaries in Libya, and armed elements in Niger are active along the border.

If the Niger army breaks up, Bathily said, the destabilization of Niger will undoubtedly have consequences on Libya, and vice versa.
A new poll shows that likely GOP primary voters vastly prefer a candidate who respects election rules.

Trump maintains a 37.7 percentage point average lead in national polls over his opponents.

He has been indicted by 2 grand juries for attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

A new poll shows that despite President Donald Trump holding a massive lead in national GOP primary polling after being indicted for trying to overturn the 2020 election, the vast majority of likely GOP primary voters claim they prefer a candidate who follows election rules.

According to a Washington Post/Ipsos poll conducted between August 15-22, 85% of respondents likely to vote in the Republican primary said they prefer a "Republican presidential nominee who respects the customs and rules of American elections" compared to the 13% who prefer one that "will do whatever it takes to win."

Trump currently maintains a remarkably high polling lead over the rest of the GOP candidates  according to an average of national polls deemed "major" by FiveThirtyEight, Trump brings in an average of 51.1% support, or 37.7 percentage points ahead of Gov. Ron DeSantis in second place.

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In 2023 alone, a combination of federal and state grand juries indicted Trump four times and charged him with 91 felony counts related to allegations of hush money payments to an adult film star, mishandling of classified documents, and attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

As per a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, just under half of Republicans said they wouldn't vote for the embattled former president if he ultimately gets convicted of a felony. And in the event he faces prison time, 52% of Republicans said they wouldn't vote for him, either.

GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy said on Sunday that he believes the Florida classified documents case against Trump is a "slam dunk" for prosecutors given that Trump was recorded admitting to holding onto documents he didn't have the right to possess post-White House.

On Tuesday, Special Counsel Jack Smith's office noted in a filing that a witness who had access to Mar-a-Lago's security camera systems recanted his prior testimony after he dropped his attorney funded by a Trump-supporting PAC in favor of a lawyer from the federal defender's office.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Tuesday marks the 90th anniversary of the Cedar Breaks National Monument in Brian Head, Utah.

Happy 90th Birthday Cedar Breaks National Monument! the Cedar Breaks National Park Service wrote on its Facebook page. Cedar Breaks was named a national monument on August 22, 1933 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

id="A8l429">This separated the area from the surrounding Dixie National Forest, which is governed by the Forest Service. Thank you to all who visit the monument and your support of public lands! What determines whether a landmark or area of land gets designated as a national park or as a national monument? According to the National Park Service, it comes down to amount of land and allotted funding. Here is a list of all eight national monuments established in Utah. Location: San Juan County, Utah. Former President Barack Obama established the region of Bears Ears as a national monument on Dec. 28, 2016. Preserving the area was an effort to protect the the ancestral homeland of Tribal Nations that all refer to the area by the same name  HoonNaqvut (Hopi), Shash Jaa (Navajo), Kwiyagatu Nukavachi (Ute), and Ansh An Lashokdiwe (Zuni): Bears Ears, per a White House statement. The land designated as a monument has been a source of contention between the Democratic and Republican parties since its designation, and the amount designated as federal land is still being debated. The monument is Utahs most recently designated national monument and is named for a couple of buttes that rise attentively from the horizon, UT.com reported. Related Location: Iron County, Utah. Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated the region as a national monument on Aug. 22, 1933. The orange hues and deep canyons in Cedar Breaks National Monument make it a memorable natural sight to see. Located just outside of Cedar City, not too far from the I-15 freeway, its a less crowded and more accessible stop for visitors hoping to see the spectacular Utah rocks. Most people outside of kind of this corner of the state dont know much about Cedar Breaks, Gov. Spencer Cox said, per Cedar City News. This is an opportunity to come and see things that are absolutely spectacular, less crowded, easy access, and, into a couple of years, were gonna have this incredible visitor center to welcome people. Location: Uintah County. Former President Woodrow Wilson designated the area as a national monument on Oct. 4, 1915. After multiple dinosaur fossil discoveries by paleontologist Earl Douglass and connections to the Smithsonian helped preserve the 85,000 hectares that make up the monument, per Earth Magazine. The monument in Uintah County is home to some of the best-preserved skeletons ever found, according to Utah.com. Children and adults have the opportunity to learn more and explore an area that has a high concentration of dinosaur fossils. Location: Kane County, Utah and Garfield County, Utah. President Clinton designated the 1.7 million acres of federal land in Southern Utah as a national monument on Sept. 18, 1996. Forbes named the monument as the best of all of Americas national monuments. The Escalante Grand Staircase region is still a hidden gem, says Linz DeSeno, director of operations at the Yonder Escalante glamping resort on the edge of the monument told Forbes. We dont nearly have the tourism numbers as national parks see. There is no waiting in traffic or lines getting into the monument or making reservations for hikes. You truly feel the remoteness here in all the best ways. Location: San Juan County, Utah. Former President Warren G. Harding designated the region as a national monument on Mar. 2, 1923. Ancestral Puebloans settled in the area now monument in San Juan County, likely passing through as long ago as 10,000 years ago, according to Utah.com. Visitors to the area can admire structures built between A.D. 1200 and 1300, per National Park Service. Location: San Juan County, Utah. Former President Theodore Roosevelt designated the area as a national monument in 1904 and became the first established National Park Service area in Utah. The natural bridges are among the longest natural bridges in the world, and it is a massive hole punched through a gooseneck ini Armstrong Canyon, per Utah.com. Visitors can admire the spectacular wonder along the nine-mile Bridge View Drive loop. Location: San Juan County, Utah. Former President William Howard Taft designated the region as a national monument on May 30, 1910. Rainbow Bridge is regarded as the worlds highest natural bridge, its span is reported to be 234 feet, Yahoo News reported. When establishing the monument, Taft admired the extraordinary natural bridge, having an arch which is in form and appearance much like a rainbow, and which is of great scientific interest as an example of eccentric stream erosion, per the National Park Service. Location: Utah County, Utah. Former President Warren G. Harding established Timpanogos Cave as a national monument on Oct. 14, 1922. To get to the cave, visitors have to take a steep, winding 1.5 mile hike. It is paved, but very steep. The park mission is to preserve the outstanding cave formations, geological processes, and historical values of the Timpanogos Cave System and associated features for the recreational and educational enjoyment, scientific value, and inspiration of this and future generations, per the National Park Service Related .

Whats the difference between a national park and a national monument?

A  national park contains a variety of resources and encompasses large land or water areas to help provide adequate protection of the resources.

A national monument is intended to preserve at least one nationally significant resource. It is usually smaller than a national park and lacks its diversity of attractions.

The House on Fire ruins are pictured in the Shash Jaa Unit of Bears Ears National Monument in San Juan County on Friday, April 9, 2021. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

1. Bears Ears National Monument

Cedar Breaks National Monuments colorful carved amphitheater of stone sits high on the plateau above Cedar City, Utah. | Ray Boren, Deseret News

2. Cedar Breaks National Monument

Earl Douglass discovered the quarry in what is now Dinosaur National Monument. | University of Utah, Marriott Li

3. Dinosaur National Monument

A section of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is pictured on Friday, May 14, 2021. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

4. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Hovenweep Castle is one of the best remaining structures where ancestors of todays Pueblo Indigenous Tribes lived more than 700 years ago. | Elizabeth Arave, Deseret News

5. Hovenweep National Monument

The Sipapu Bridge is one of the natural bridges that make up the Natural Bridges National Monument. | Mike Coronella, Deseret News

6. Natural Bridges National Monument

A flash flood in 2013 wiped out part of a trail to Rainbow Bridge National Monument. A temporary dock is currently being used to get visitors to the site. The National Park Service is looking to redesign the trail. | John Hollenhorst, Deseret News

7. Rainbow Bridge National Monument

A motorists drives past the Timpanogos Cave National Monument sign in American Fork Canyon on Tuesday, July 21, 2020. Visits to all national parks in Utah this summer are drastically down with the exception of Timpanogos Cave. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

8. Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Lithuania will deliver the previously pledged NASAMS launchers to Ukraine in September, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said during his visit to Kyiv on Aug. 23.

"Today in Kyiv I told my dear friend President (Volodymyr Zelensky) that Lithuania will keep supporting Ukraine until victory," Nauseda wrote on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

"Lithuania will deliver NASAMS launchers to Ukraine next month."

On June 28, Nauseda announced that Lithuania has acquired two NASAMS launchers and will soon transfer them to Ukraine. The Lithuanian Defense Ministry said early in August that the launchers would be delivered "soon."

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According to the ministry, Vilnius has already provided Kyiv with "Mi-8 helicopters, L-70 anti-aircraft aircraft with cartridges, M113 armored personnel carriers, millions of artillery pieces, and cartridges with grenades" in 2023, as well as training and medical support for Ukrainian soldiers.

The NASAMS systems have been in service with Ukrainian forces since November 2022, when the U.S. delivered the first batteries amid the escalating Russian airstrikes. Norway has also provided two systems in March 2023 and has already pledged to deliver two more launchers.

The NASAMS system, which has a maximum range of 50 kilometers depending on the model used, is particularly valuable for Ukraine as it uses the AIM-120 AMRAAM interceptor missile, which is the same missile used in air-to-air function in Western fighter jets.

Read also: Lithuanian, Portuguese presidents arrive in Kyiv

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and the Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa arrived in Kyiv on the morning of Aug. 23, Ukraine's National Flag Day.

The visits were not announced beforehand for security reasons, and are taking place ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day on Aug. 24.

It is Rebelo de Sousa's first official visit to Ukraine. Immediately after arriving in Kyiv, the president visited Bucha and its memorial at the site of the Russian massacre of Ukrainian civilians.

Nauseda said that he was in Kyiv "to celebrate Ukraine's Independence Day together with the brotherly Ukrainian nation," and that Lithuania will support Ukraine for "as long as it takes."

President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda arrives in Kyiv on Aug. 23, 2023 (Photo: @GitanasNauseda / Twitter)

Lithuania is a close ally of Ukraine. On Aug. 17, the country, together with its Baltic neighbors, Latvia and Estonia, announced it would join the Group of Seven (G7) declaration on security guarantees for Ukraine.

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Portugal joined the declaration in July, which aims to bolster Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression. The guarantees also address sanctions, financial aid, and post-war reconstruction.

Portugal is also one of 11 members of an international coalition to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, which was announced by Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov at the NATO summit in Vilnius in July.

Read also: Hungarian president arrives in Zakarpattia Oblast

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has arrived in Kyiv on the morning of 23 August to participate in the celebration of the Independence Day of Ukraine on 24 August.

Source: European Pravda with reference to Twitter of the president of Lithuania

Quote from Nauseda: "Back in Kyiv to celebrate Ukraine's Independence Day together with the brotherly Ukrainian nation. Ukraines victory is near! Lithuania will continue supporting Ukraine as long as it takes!".

Back in Kyiv to celebrate Ukraine's Independence Day together with the brotherly Ukrainian nation.



Ukraines victory is near!



 will continue supporting  as long as it takes! pic.twitter.com/e9XHYCIc2f  Gitanas Nauseda (@GitanasNauseda) August 23, 2023

Details: The Lithuanian president will also take part in the Crimea Platform Summit.

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The Office of the President of Lithuania reports that Gitanas Nauseda will also meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his working visit to Kyiv and discuss the issue of assistance to Ukraine, which is defending itself from Russian aggression, and negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the European Union.

The visit was not announced in advance.

Background:

Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia joined the Group of Seven declaration of support for Ukraine adopted on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Vilnius, which is also informally referred to as the "security guarantees" declaration.

As is known, the Group of Seven countries at the NATO summit in Vilnius agreed on a framework document on security guarantees for Ukraine. The leaders agreed not on specific parameters of security guarantees, but on their framework, and specific bilateral agreements will be signed later.

On 3 August, Ukraine and the United States of America started negotiations on a bilateral agreement.

Read also European Pravda's explanation of why Ukraine will not receive the security guarantees that many expect.

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 New York City Mayor and attorney for Donald Trump , Rudy Giuliani , negotiated his bond and turned himself in at the Fulton County Jail Wednesday after being indicted in the Georgia election interference investigation.

Giuliani and former President Donald Trump, along with 17 others, were indicted last week for their alleged roles in a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election here in Georgia.

Several of the others who have been indicted have already turned themselves in at this point.

LIVE UPDATES:

4:54 p.m.

We just got in this statement from the Secret Service about Thursday with former President Donald Trump coming to Atlanta to turn himself in:

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While the U.S. Secret Service does not comment on specific protective means or methods, we are working in coordination with the Fulton County Sheriffs Office, the Atlanta Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol to ensure procedures are in place to preserve the safety and security of the former president, while allowing the normal legal process to be carried out. We have complete trust and confidence in all of our supporting law enforcement partners, and appreciate their continued professionalism and commitment to security.

4:24 p.m.

Jenna Ellis has been booked in the Fulton County Jail.

4 p.m.

Rudy Giuliani spotted at bail bondsmans office along Rice Street.

3:14 p.m.

Rudy Guiliani has been booked in the Fulton County Jail.

3 p.m.

Rudy Giuliani arrives at the Fulton County Jail to turn himself in and be processed.

2:48 p.m.

Attorney Sidney Powell has been booked into the Fulton County Jail.

2:37 p.m.

Bond has been set at $150,000 for Rudy Giuliani.

2:30 p.m.

Defendant Jeffrey Clarks attorneys have been spotted at the Fulton County Courthouse.

2:02 p.m.

Giulianis attorneys leave Fulton County Courthouse.

1:26 p.m.

Two of Rudy Giulianis attorneys have arrived at the courthouse and are headed to the third floor, where the DAs office is located. Both attorneys, Brian Tevas and John Esposito, declined to comment.

11:21 a.m.

Rudy Giulianis plane lands at Peachtree-DeKalb Airport.

10:23 a.m.

Former Trump attorney Sidney Powell has negotiated a $100,000 bond.

10:18 a.m.

Early Wednesday morning, David Shafer and Cathy Latham turned themselves in. Later in the morning, Ray Smith and Kenneth Chesebro turned themselves in. Both are former attorneys for former President Donald Trump.

RELATED STORIES:

RELATED NEWS:
Fresno County Assistant Director of Public Health Joe Prado, right, projects images of refrigerators, freezers and various liquids found in a Reedley warehouse run by a Chinese-owned company under investigation for operating illegally, during a timeline presentation at the Fresno County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023.

Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz says his staff has been searching through the voluminous California Penal Code to find where misrepresenting the operation of a biological lab might be covered.

His staff cannot find any such section, Janz said. We have been combing through the Penal Code to see if something like this can rise to the level of a felony. We cannot find anything, he told The Bee Editorial Board this week.

As a result, Janz has put together an ordinance at the request of city councilmembers Garry Bredefeld, Nelson Esparza and Miguel Arias that would penalize a lab operator up to $1,000 and a year in Fresno County Jail if convicted of failing to get proper permits and notifying city officials about a biological lab operation.

This has come up in the wake of the discovery of such a lab in Reedley that was run by a Chinese company that had previously had similar labs in Fresno and Tulare.

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Known variously as Universal Meditech and Prestige Biotech Inc., the firm assembled pregnancy, diabetes and drug test kits. Its Reedley location was shut down in March, however, after COVID-19 and more than 20 other infectious agents were found in refrigerators in the lab. The facility operated without proper permits and opened under cover of darkness, a Reedley code enforcement officer has said.

As reported by Bee staff writer Tim Sheehan, also discovered at the Reedley lab site were dozens of freezers and refrigerators full of vials of blood, serum and tissue samples; cartons and containers of various chemicals; stored medical lab equipment; and hundreds of lab mice that were in such distress and neglect that they ultimately had to be euthanized.

Straightforward law

The new Fresno law is on the consent calendar portion of Thursdays City Council meeting. It should be passed without delay.

For one thing, it is straightforward. It would require the following:

 No person or entity shall operate an infectious disease laboratory within the City of Fresno without first obtaining all proper local, state, and federal licensing.

Next, the law would mandate this condition:

 Any person or entity intending to operate an infectious disease laboratory within the City of Fresno shall notify the City of such intent through its Planning Director by letter titled Notice of Intent to Operate Infectious Disease Laboratory prior to applying for any entitlement or permit to operate.

Failure to comply could result in the fines and possible jail time.

Note that the proposed ordinance makes reference to infectious disease labs. Businesses that do routine blood testing would not be affected.

Janz said the new law is absolutely necessary to achieve the council members goals, transparency being a huge part of this.

There is no enforcement mechanism at this point, criminally, to make sure the city is notified about dangerous labs and, by extension, the public is made aware.

The City Council should pass the ordinance. A month later, it will take effect.

Its not like Fresno is overrun with illegal labs storing viruses and bacteria. But given the dangers such facilities could pose, city officials need to know about them to ensure public safety.
A new study has found that healthy ecosystems provide a powerful defense against invasive species  and the added disruption they bring.

According to findings published Wednesday in Science, invasive tree species tend to enter landscapes from nearby human settlements, especially coastal and riverine ports.

But if the ecosystems that surround them are full of life, invasive species struggle to find a foothold, the scientists found.

We found that native biodiversity can limit the severity or intensity of non-native tree species invasions worldwide, Camille Delavaux, lead author of the study, said in a statement.

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The teams finding has a grim side: It means that distressed ecosystems provide opportunities for invasive species.

About 10 percent of introduced species worldwide become invasive  a catch-all term for species that escape containment and go feral in surrounding ecosystems.

Once there, they can wreak havoc  displacing local trees and the networks of species that live off them.

In some cases, these new entrants can reshape the land around them.

In Hawaii, for example, the ornamental albizia or mimosa  imported from Indonesia by 19th-century ranchers  creates a dense canopy that shades out native vegetation.

To make matters worse, the tree adds nitrogen to the soil  changing the chemistry of the generally nitrogen-poor soils of the islands so that it poisons native plants.

Then, in the newly-fertilized dead zones beneath the mimosas leaves, new invasives grow.

Or take fire-loving eucalyptus, another Pacific island import brought to dryland regions worldwide for timber, paper production, and erosion control.

In its native country, eucalyptus relies on fire to wipe out competitors, fertilize the soil with their ashes and even trigger the opening of their seeds, allowing seedlings to take advantage of the newly open forest.

Where introduced eucalyptus is controlled in strictly managed plantations, its not a risk. But when it escapes those plantations, it brings with it a new risk of fire: It was a prime cause of deadly blazes like the one that killed dozens in the Portuguese highlands in 2017. And its now ubiquitous across Southern California.

The scientists found different patterns of invasion depending on whether a regions climate was harsh (either hot or cold) or temperate.

In extreme climates, they found, the invasive trees that survive and spread are the ones that can imitate the characteristics of their local rivals  while the trees that successfully escape into more hospitable temperate ecosystems tend to be ones that can differ from local trees in key ways.

But in all cases, these trees can only spread where they can gain purchase in the ecosystems around them: They need what biologists call a niche, or a space in an ecosystem, that they can enter.

If those niches are empty  or at least not fully locked down  near where a foreign tree species is introduced, they can be an open doorway into nearby ecosystems that potential invaders can use to enter and spread.

The difference between uncontrollable invasive species and introduced species that stay in their plots, in other words, may have less to do with the trees themselves than with the ecosystems that surround them.

For land managers, thats good news, Delavaux said: The steps taken to bolster biodiversity within ecosystems can also help keep invasives out. The extent of invasion can be mitigated by promoting greater native tree diversity, she said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Donnie Loftis, a member of the North Carolina House of representatives, speaks to the crowd in attendance at Ray Stewart's 100th birthday party.

Ray Stewart has been in Gaston County longer than Interstate 85.

The well-known Gaston County veteran recently celebrated his 100th birthday, and his daughter Karen Dellinger walked the crowd through a timeline of Stewart's life at his birthday party.

Life before and during the war

He was born in 1923 on Chestnut Street in Gastonia, where he grew up on his familys farm, according to Dellinger.

Stewarts life changed in 1943 after he entered the Army to fight in World War II.

He completed basic training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina, then went to tanker training at Fort Knox in Kentucky, and finished his training at Fort Meade in Maryland, Dellinger said.

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After crossing the ocean with 8,000 troops on Aquitania, Stewart was stationed in Bath, England for three months before going into the Hell on Wheels 2nd Armored Division, 66th Regiment, Company F as a replacement.

During the war, he would find himself involved in many major events including being at Normandy on D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, and being present for the Potsdam Conference, according to Dellinger.

In addition to being involved those historical occurrences, Stewart also experienced some major mishaps.

These mishaps included but were not limited to nearly falling off of a ship into the English Channel, and later trying to drive a tank back up the side of a cliff after an inexperienced higher-up insisted Stewart let him drive, Dellinger said.

Efforts awarded

For his service in the war, Stewart has been awarded five Campaign Ribbons, the Presidential Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster, French and Belgium Fourragere, Good Conduct Medal, and a victory medal, Dellinger said.

WWII veteran Ray Stewart, who drove a tank in the Battle of the Bulge, shows off his Order of St. George medal from the U.S. Cavalry and Armor Association in 2016.

Dellinger added that in 2016, Stewart was surprised with yet another award after being, knighted, and presented with the Order of St. George medallion by the U.S. Cavalry and Armor Association.

Life after the war

After being discharged from the service, Stewart returned to Gastonia and marries his wife Dorothy Harper Meek in 1951, according to Dellinger.

The couple would have two children, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom were in attendance at his birthday party.

Ray and Dorothy Dottie Stewart spent much of their retirement traveling the United States and Europe, and attending many Second Armored Division reunions.

From these gatherings, the production team of Sonys 2014 film Fury would find Stewart and fly him out to Hollywood to be a consultant for the movie, which is about World War II.

Stewart spoke directly with Brad Pitt when the team was trying to get him to join them.

According to Dellinger, neither Ray nor Dorothy Stewart knew of Pitt.

They told me, somebody named Brad, had called them, Dellinger said.

According to Stewart, while he does remember the war most vividly, it was only two and half years of his life.

Thats two and half years of my life, but thats not my (whole) life, Stewart said.

My life was my kids and grandkids after I got back, he added.

Stewart's 100th birthday party

For his birthday, each of Stewarts great grandchildren provided him with a bag of 100 items that remind them of their great-grandfather.

Those items ranged from banana candies, because Stewart likes to eat bananas for lunch, to Lucky Charms, because, youre lucky to be alive, one of the children said.

Birthday cards fill the kitchen table for 100-year-old Army veteran Ray Stewart at his home on Ann Street in Gastonia Tuesday morning, Aug. 15, 2023.

Stewarts birthday party was hosted at VFW Post 9337 in Gastonia on Sunday, Aug. 13.

In addition to gifts from his great-grandchildren, Stewart also came home with a basket of cards and letters from long-time friends.

The letters included personal birthday wishes from state representatives Donnie Loftis, Thom Tillis, Ted Budd, Patrick McHenry and Virginia Foxx.

Representative Loftis and former Mayor of Gastonia Jennie Stultz attended the party personally and took time to speak about Stewart's accomplishments.

Current Gastonia Mayor Walker E. Reid presented Stewart with a key to the city of Gastonia.

100-year-old Army veteran Ray Stewart holds the Key to the City of Gastonia that he recently received for his birthday.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Local WWII veteran celebrates his 100th birthday
WASHINGTON  The U.S. Navy this week awarded Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney more than $1 billion in contracts to buy parts and equipment for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

On Monday, the Pentagon announced Lockheed received a $347 million firm fixed-price modification to a previously awarded contract to procure F-35 helmet-mounted display systems for the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force.

And on Tuesday, the Navy awarded Lockheed another modification to a previously awarded contract, worth up to $607 million, to buy long-lead time materials, parts and components to build 173 F-35s for Foreign Military Sales customers and non-U.S. Defense Department participants.

The Pentagon on Monday also announced Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX  formerly known as Raytheon Technologies  had received a contract modification valued at more than $59 million to procure advanced long-lead time hardware for the F-35s F135 engines. This contract will support all U.S. armed services flying the F-35, as well as FMS customers and non-U.S. Defense Department participants.

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The Pentagons announcement on the helmet contract said Lockheed will carry out the work in Fort Worth, Texas, where the firm runs its main F-35 factory, and is expected to be done by December 2026.

Most of Lockheeds work on the long-lead items for the F-35, or 59%, will also take place in Fort Worth, the Pentagon said. Other work will take place in El Segundo, California; Warton, England; Cameri, Italy; and other locations. Work on these long-lead items is expected to conclude in January 2028.

Pratt & Whitney will conduct its work on the F135 engine parts in East Hartford, Connecticut; Indianapolis, Indiana; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and other locations. More than a quarter of the work will take place at various locations outside the continental United States.

Lockheeds long-lead item contract includes nearly $330 million from FMS customer funds, and more than $277 million in non-U.S. Defense Department participant funds.

Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting authority for all three deals.
It has been more than six years since Julia Ann Bean of South Carolina was last seen, according to the Sumter County Sheriffs Office.

An investigation into what happened to Bean is cold but not closed, spokesperson Mark Bordeaux told The State Wednesday.

A potential connection to an accused serial killer could cause the investigation to heat up, and maybe bring closure to Beans family and friends.

Bordeaux confirmed that a friend of Beans family called a Sumter County detective, saying she was concerned that Bean could be a victim of Rex Heuermann, who has been dubbed the Long Island Serial Killer after being charged in three murders in New York.

Julia Ann Bean was last seen in May 2017, according to the Sumter County Sheriffs Office.

After being shown a photo of Heuermann, who owns property in South Carolina, Beans daughter told the family friend that she recognized the 59-year-old as the last person she saw her mother with before Bean went missing in 2017, the New York Post reported. Beans daughter was not publicly identified.

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Beans daughter told Sumter County deputies that the last time she spoke with her mother was May 17, 2017, according to Bordeaux.

Now 42, Bean was last seen in the Red Bay Road area on May 31, 2017, and was last on Facebook on June 8, 2017, according to the sheriffs office. Bean was reported missing by her daughter on Nov. 18, 2017, according to Bordeaux, who said he didnt know why there was such a gap between the time Bean was last seen and when she was reported missing.

As a result of the family friends recent call, Bordeaux said the sheriffs office has contacted the FBI, just to make sure they have all the information that we have, Bordeaux said.

Additionally, Beans information has been added to a national missing persons database, and her fingerprints and family DNA have been added to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, according to Bordeaux.

Despite that, Bordeaux said the sheriffs office could not say if Heuermann is being investigated in Beans disappearance. But he also said that Heuermann has not been ruled out from being investigated in connection to why Bean is missing.

We cant confirm or deny theres a connection to a suspect with Mrs. Bean, Bordeaux said. We still hope well get a tip or notified of a discovery.

Bordeaux did say that Heuermann has no criminal record in Sumter County, and did not know of any connection the accused serial killer has to the Midlands.

Julia Ann Bean was last seen in May 2017, according to the Sumter County Sheriffs Office.

Bean has not been declared dead, so she is not considered a homicide victim, according to Bordeaux. Technically her case is a missing persons investigation. Bordeaux said that means theres hope that Bean might be alive.

We dont know that a crime has occurred, so we cant call it a criminal investigation, Bordeaux said. But her disappearance is very concerning.

The sheriffs office said when Bean was last seen, she was described as a 5-foot-6, 110-pound woman with light brown hair and green eyes. Bean also has three tattoos  a tribal design on her lower back; the name Scott on her left hip; and eight small paw prints on her right hip, according to the sheriffs office.

Bordeaux said deputies have turned over every stone and immersed themselves into the investigation, but will still likely need some help to ultimately close Beans case.

We need something to take another step, Bordeaux said. Were waiting on more information to come our way to get answers.

Whether those answers will involve Heuermann isnt know. But he has been connected to other crimes that originally started as cases involving missing women.

Rex Heuermann.

Between 2010 and 2011, the bodies of 10 homicide victims were found on Gilgo Beach in Long Island. The victims included eight women, an Asian man and a female toddler, CNN reported.

In July, Heuermann pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and three more of second-degree murder for the killings of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Lynn Costello in 2009 and 2010.

All had been in their 20s, petite and working as escorts, The New York Times reported. Their bodies were found wrapped in hunting camouflage burlap within a quarter mile of each other on a stretch of beach, according to the news outlet.

Heuermann was also identified as the prime suspect in the murder of a fourth victim, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, last seen alive on July 9, 2007, according to the New York Daily News.

No charges have been filed in the other deaths.

The investigation into Beans disappearance is not Heuermanns only connection to South Carolina.

Property records in Chester County show Heuermann bought about 18 acres of land on Rippling Brooke Drive in the Mirror Lakes subdivision on July 28, 2021, for $154,351. Heuermann planned to retire in Chester County, according to the Chester News and Reporter.

County records include a photo of the property hidden by a tall wooden fence and overgrown bushes, The State previously reported. On the gate are signs saying Keep Out/No Trespassing and, No Warrant/No Entry.

The Chester County Sheriffs Office said its working with the Gilgo Beach Task Force gathering evidence in Chester County relevant to their investigation.

In late July, the Chester County Sheriffs Office confiscated a Chevrolet Avalanche pickup truck from the property, the New York Daily News reported.

Arrest warrants show Heuermann was connected to the Gilgo Beach killings by his dark-colored Chevy Avalanche pickup, according to WSOC.

Beans daughter said she last saw her mother at a nail salon, where she was dropped off by a man driving a dark truck that she now believes to be Heuermann, although he introduced himself by a different name, the family friend said, according to the New York Post.

Sumter County detectives have not heard from Beans daughter in a while, according to Bordeaux. They would love to get back in touch with her for any more updates on the investigation, Bordeaux said.

Heuermann is also being investigated in Rock Hill, where police said they are probing a connection between Aaliyah Bell, who was 18 when she disappeared from her Rock Hill home on Nov. 25, 2014.

Our investigators have been reviewing any information to see if there is a correlation between the disappearance of Aaliyah Bell and Rex Heuermann, Lt. Michael Chavis said to the New York Daily News. So far there is no indication that leads us to identify Heuermann as a suspect in this case.

Anyone with information about Bean, or her disappearance, is asked to call the Sumter County Sheriffs Office at 803-436-2000, CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit an online tip.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the long-range SCALP-EG missiles have a hit rate of almost 100% against the Russians.

Source: Zelenskyy at a press conference within the framework of the Crimean Platform

Details: Zelenskyy said Ukraine is constantly working to get more long-range missiles.

Quote: "We are lobbying for this through different doors, but we will definitely get a result. Just like we got serious missiles. It wasn't easy; we have Storm Shadow, just like with Rishi [Sunak  ed.], I negotiated with Emmanuel Macron for SCALP-EG, and we got them. The military is very pleased, with an almost 100% hit rate."

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Background:

In May, it was reported that Ukraine had already begun using long-range Storm Shadow missiles received from the UK to strike Russian targets.

On 11 July, it was reported that France had already begun supplying a "significant number" of SCALP long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine.

On Tuesday, Ukraines Ambassador to France announced further shipments of long-range SCALP missiles.

The US Congress introduced a resolution demanding that Ukraine receive ATACMS.

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 Sacramento Police Department released draft reports last month detailing the rifles, vehicles, drones and other military equipment in its inventory, as mandated by Assembly Bill 481, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law in September 2021.

In addition to cataloging $4.5 million of existing equipment, the report also listed requests for $360,000 of new equipment, including 18 M4-89 rifles for the departments SWAT team. AB 481 requires the department to receive approval from the City Council to acquire new military equipment.

The Sacramento Community Police Review Commission hosted open meetings in July to solicit community input before providing recommendations regarding the equipment to the City Council. The department also encouraged residents to give feedback through an anonymous survey that will stay open until Friday. The survey is available in five languages at bit.ly/sacpd-military-feedback-2023.

Heres a breakdown of the Sacramento Police Departments requested and existing military equipment. The data in this story comes from a July 24 draft of the report. A new draft was published Aug. 3 with some quantity and cost updates.

Requested equipment

In addition to replenishing existing inventories, the department is requesting $139,000 in new models of rifles, munitions and drones for fiscal year 2024.

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All images in the following graphics were provided in the Sacramento Police Department report.

M4-89 rifles

18 requested for $40,014 / No reported lifespan

Barrier-penetrating pepper spray rounds

50 requested for $1,700 / 5-year lifespan

Training ammunition, 5.56 NATO caliber

1,000 rounds requested for $750 / 15-year lifespan

AR-10 ammunition

6,000 rounds requested for $8,100 / 15-year lifespan

DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise

3 requested for $18,900 / 3- to 5-year lifespan

DJI Avata

1 requested for $1,428 / 3- to 5-year lifespan

DJI Mavic 3 Cine Premium Combo

1 requested for $4,999 / 3- to 5-year lifespan

Launchable pepper spray grenades

50 requested for $2,900 / 5-year lifespan

Launchable tear gas grenades

50 requested for $60,000 / 5-year lifespan

Existing equipment

The Sacramento Police Departments existing inventory includes hundreds of high-caliber rifles, dozens of drones and several armored vehicles.

18 new M4-89 rifles

322 Colt M16A1 rifles, converted to semi-automatic AR-15, $280,140

200 Colt 6920 Series patrol rifles, $159,744

19 LWRCI SWAT Operator Package IC DI 10.5-inch rifles, $39,330

2 LWRCI Rapid Engagement Precision Rifle MKII 7.62 mm 20, $6,500

2 DPMS AR-10 LR-308 rifles, $3,000

552 Remington Model 870 12-gauge shotguns, $522,192

98 Defense Technology 40 mm single-shot launchers, $98,000

70 PepperBall VKS Carbines, $94,430

10 requested new drones

35 DJI Mavic Enterprise Dual, $192,500

16 iFlight A85, $4,800

13 Happymodel Mobula7, $3,250

8 iFlight A75, $2,400

+12 drones of other models

The new military equipment would be a small fraction of the departments more than $4.5 million inventory.

The Sacramento Police Department currently has 547 rifles defined by AB 481 as military equipment.

Along with over 762,000 rounds of rifle ammunition, the equipment is worth over $787,000.

The department also has "less lethal" equipment such as bean bag rounds for shotguns and projectiles containing tear gas and pepper spray. The weapons, classified as military equipment under AB 481 to address police brutality against protesters, can still cause serious injury or death.

The department's arsenal includes 552 12-gauge shotguns and over 10,000 bean bag rounds, as well as over 6,000 pepper ball projectiles and 70 launchers.

The most expensive items in the department's arsenal are two armored vehicles and two mobile command centers. The City Council approved the controversial $400,000 purchase of a third armored vehicle called the Rook earlier this year, which will be delivered in November.

The ten new drones the department is requesting would join a fleet of dozens. As of August 14, it was unclear whether two drones were new acquisitions or already in the department's inventory.

The department also has five robots, including two $250,000 Northrop Grumman-designed bomb disposal robots, similar models of which were used during the Iraq War.

Manufacturer descriptions for each item, as well as policies for their use, are detailed in the full 200-page report, as required by AB 481.
Louisiana's hottest summer on record has killed 25 people so far with the state health department reporting nine new heat-related deaths in the past two weeks and no relief in sight.

"Louisiana has never seen a summer like this before," said Ben Schott, the lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service's New Orleans Station. "I feel confident in saying we are going to shatter the record for the hottest summer recorded. It's pretty stunning."

There have been 4,766 heat-related emergency department visits in Louisiana since April 1, almost double the average for an entire year, according to the state health agency.

Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency Aug. 14 that will remain in place through Sept. 9. Edwards declaration followed Louisiana Fire Marshal Dan Wallis and Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain issuing a statewide burn ban that remains in effect.

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Edwards took to social media Tuesday to remind Louisianans to be vigilant about heeding burn bans as wildfires flared throughout the state.

"This is an extremely urgent and serious situation," Edwards tweeted. "Louisiana needs your help."

Schott said some Louisiana cities will exceed their summer heat records by as many as 3 degrees.

"That may not sound like much, but in a scientific sense that's like losing a football game by 100 points," he said. "If you live in Louisiana you're experiencing a summer like no one has since records have been kept back to the 1800s."

For example, Baton Rouge's average temperature so far this summer is 87.6 degrees (taking the mid-point of the average daily highs and lows). The previous Baton Rouge record for a full summer was 84.6 degrees in 2011.

Shreveport is suffering its second hottest summer on record at 86.5 degrees with the record 88.3 degrees in 2011.

New Orleans' 2023 summer average is 86.9 degrees, the hottest on record, while Lafayette is averaging 87.7 degrees, exceeding the previous record of 85.2 degrees set in 2011.

The current heat wave will likely continue through August.

"Looking ahead, we don't really have any cool days forecast for the rest of August, so I don't expect those averages to drop," Schott said.

The Louisiana Department of Health plans to launch a dashboard tracking heat-related illnesses and deaths in specific regions in the coming days.

Of the 25 heat-related deaths, 22 are men and three are women. Twelve of the people who died were 65 and older, six were ages 50-64 and seven were ages 30-49.

Every life lost to a heat-related cause is tragic, and it is a reminder that excessive heat can carry dangerous health consequences, said Health Secretary Stephen Russo. It is critical that everyone in Louisiana take precautions during extreme heat events, especially workers in physically demanding occupations who are frequently outdoors.

"Heat-related illness and death are preventable, and I encourage Louisiana residents to know the signs of heat-related illness, stay indoors with air conditioning if possible, and remember to hydrate, rest and stay in the shade if they must be outdoors. They should also check on their neighbors, and loved ones, especially those who are elderly.

More: Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards issues heat emergency; burn ban remains in place

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Louisiana's hottest summer on record has killed 9 more in last 2 weeks
A confluence of circumstance, coincidence and error have resulted in Lafourche joining an exclusive club, those few parishes whose coroners are not licensed physicians.

Kayla Breaux, currently the parishs Community Development Block Grant coordinator, will take the oath of office as Lafourche Parish Coroner on March 25, replacing the incumbent, John King, M.D. King would have remained coroner but was late bringing his candidate qualification papers to the parish clerk, missing the 4:30 p.m. deadline Aug. 10, the last day of Louisianas candidate qualification process. His tardiness was anywhere from one to three minutes, according to all available accounts.

The technicality made Breaux coroner by default even though  as state law normally requires  she is not a medical doctor.

Breaux is enthusiastic about having won the opportunity.

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It is exciting, said Breaux, who worked as an assistant to King between 2018 and 2022, also receiving some special coroner-related training during that time. No woman has done this, and now I am a woman in forensics  to take over this position and put my knowledge into it and what I know and what the parish needs and what this office needs.

Incoming Lafourche Parish Coroner Kayla Breaux, who ran unopposed for the position, August 10, 2023.

State law mandates that the coroner shall be a physician licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to practice medicine in the state of Louisiana.

However, the law goes on to say that the physician requirement shall be waived in any parish in which no licensed physician qualifies to run for the office, which is precisely what happened in Lafourche.

King regrets that his own actions resulted in the punctuality gaffe, in particular because of pride in how the office has developed during his tenure.

I made this office, shaped it into the office it is, King said. I brought all the tools necessary to bring up the standards of the Lafourche Parish Coroners Office into real time. And I enjoyed doing it.

FARMING AUTOPSIES OUT

Law enforcement and medical professionals who have worked with King dont dispute his assessment. But King also has clashed through the years with some officials and several former employees, including Breaux. She declined to address the topic after stating she is intent on making changes upon taking office.

I dont want to go into that, she said. I am not going to be that person who is going to talk bad about the coroner in office now.

She did say that she disapproves of bodies being sent out of town for autopsies, sometimes at high cost, which King says was sometimes necessitated due to the COVID epidemic, a loss of facilities after Hurricane Ida and other factors.

I want to have our facility open and running and our bodies staying in Lafourche Parish, she said.

Although the circumstances of Breaux becoming coroner have an air of intrigue, there are no allegations nor indications that any of the actions taken by parish officials  including those eventually encouraging Breaux to run  are afoul of any law or accepted ethics.

Interviews last week confirmed belief among parish officials that King would not run. Parish President Archie Chaisson III acknowledges polling local medical doctors for months to run for office in case that was Kings decision. King says he was not consulted at any time regarding the matter. Chaisson said he contacted six physicians in total.

King and Chaisson confirm that there is no love lost between them.

King blames Chaisson for undermining him and setting the stage for circumstances leading to his eventual loss of the position.

The qualifying period ended 10 days before the Lafourche Parish District Attorney released a statement that says an investigation of alleged public contract fraud against King had ended, with no criminal charges resulting. Kings failure to timely qualify was not related directly to the investigation, which still was considered open by the qualifying deadline.

Lafourche Parish Coroner Dr. John King

The problem here was Archie Chaisson, from my prior dealings with him when he worked in the Charlotte Randolph administration, King said, referring to the parish president who first encouraged him to seek the position of coroner. Archie Chaisson thought he was the boss of the coroners office. The coroners office is a state office, not a parish office. The parish just pays the bills.

CHECKING THE WEBSITES

Chaisson said the potential that King might not run for another term was surmised because of the now-ended investigation, and that he wanted the parish to have a coroner in place if that occurred.

With no doctors running, Chaisson said, Breauxs name was brought up by the parishs chief administrator, Mitch Orgeron, during a conversation they had about 4 p.m. Aug. 10, one half hour before the deadline.

Mitch reached out to her, and she happened to be in the area and was already thinking about doing it, and she called me, said Chaisson, explaining how the candidacy came about from his perspective.

Archie Chaisson

Breaux recalled things a little differently.

She said she was constantly checking the Louisiana Secretary of States website on Aug. 9 and 10 on her own, to see if King or another physician qualified. She was asked if she received a phone call close to qualifying telling her King was not running and she answered, No.

I had no, no inside sources, she said. Nothing that he was not running. Thats why I was honestly to God checking that site every 30 minutes to see if he was going to qualify, because I knew if he would qualify then its all over for me.

When the window was almost closed, between 4:15 and 4:20, Breaux said, she showed up at the Clerk of Courts office, filled out the paperwork and turned it in along with a $450 filing fee.

While Breaux filled out forms at the clerks office, King was fuming at traffic, trying to get there.

According to King, a member of his staff had fulfilled his request for information on the qualifying deadline by texting him a screen shot of a web page runforoffice.org. Run by a non-profit organization, the website has a database of elections throughout the nation with qualifying information including dates.

But the site incorrectly listed the cutoff for the coroners race as Aug. 11 rather than Aug. 10.

BEATING THE CLOCK

King provided the text he received, which included the date he received it.

So, I had that thing that said Friday and figured I had until the 11th to do it, King said. It had been a busy day. But I got a call from one of the council people, and he said its 4 oclock and that I needed to get to the clerk by 4:30 that day. I get in my car and get stopped at every red light going, and theres traffic all the way up there, and I get there, its 31 after the hour.

An official who had viewed surveillance videos from the building said King arrived at 4:33 p.m., according to their time stamps. Reporters were not allowed to view the recordings due to restrictions in Louisianas Public Records Act.,

Now that she will by all indications be Lafourches new coroner, Breaux says the territory is thoroughly familiar to her. Her duties will include overseeing death investigations, collection of rape evidence and administrating cases where an individual is deemed unable to care for themselves or otherwise as a danger to themselves or others, requiring a commitment for evaluation.

Deputy coroners, who are medical doctors, she noted, can perform autopsies and also review the other types of cases that are in the coroners purview. Physicians who have worked around her when she was at the coroners office describe her as capable and say they have no doubt she will do a good job.

EXPERTS WEIGH IN

Gerry Cvitaovich, M.D. is the coroner of Jefferson Parish and president of the Louisiana Coroners Association.

There are at least 10 other parishes that survive with a non-physician coroner, Cvitanovich said. Lafourche will be the biggest. There are certain limitations when the coroner is not a physician, but non-physicians are capable of doing their work.

Michael Baden, an M.D. who is the world-renowned former New York City medical examiner, was asked what kind of difference having a non-doctor might make.

In small counties, the one thing I have found over the years is that coroners get elected because they know how to deal with the families of dead people, Baden said, noting that 95 percent of deaths are due to natural causes and that autopsies are often not needed.

My opinion is that in general physicians are better trained and better equipped to do a good job as a medical examiner or coroner, he said, while also noting the circumstances involving Kings tardiness for qualifying. But everybody has to obey the laws."

This article originally appeared on The Courier: Lafourche Parish incumbent coroner fails to qualify
Love Island's Davide Sanclimenti has dropped a new hint about reuniting with Ekin-Su Culculoglu.

The actor shared a cheeky video (available to watch above) from his getaway to Turkey where he revealed he was spending time on the beach with "someone I think I know".

Davide was then joined on-camera by Ekin-Su to share big smiles and a hug before the video cut off. While the pair haven't officially confirmed they're back on, it surely looks that way.

Their latest hints at reconciliation come two days after they revealed on social media that Davide had joined Ekin-Su for a birthday meal in Bodrum, Turkey.

John Phillips - Getty Images

Related: Love Island winner Ekin-Su reveals whether she'd return for potential All Stars series

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The Love Island series eight winners had previously announced that they'd gone their separate ways back in June, when Davide posted on social media that he was "no longer together" with Ekin-Su.

"I am grateful for the memories and opportunities we shared together and wish her nothing but the best," he wrote on Instagram at the time.

"I would like for everybody to respect this decision during this difficult time. I will continue to support Ekin [in] anyway possible."

Ekin-Su subsequently posted on social media to deny any hard feelings between the then-former couple, insisting that they "care about each other" and remained on "good terms".

ITV

Related: Love Island's Ekin-Su teases possible Strictly appearance "this year"

Prior to their summer split, it had been reported that the two were on track to get engaged, as Davide said in February that he had "really good intentions for the future".

The pair were quickly thrust into the spotlight after winning Love Island, including starring in their own reality spin-off Ekin-Su and Davide: Homecomings where they visited their families' home countries of Turkey and Italy.

Davide has also recently opened on social media about difficult feelings he's experienced about his own fitness journey over the years, as he was "body-shamed" when at school.

Related: Love Island merchandise, gifts and more

Love Island airs on ITV2 and streams on ITVX.

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This undated handout issued by Cheshire Constabulary shows Lucy Letby, a neonatal nurse in a British hospital has been found guilty of killing seven babies and trying to kill six others. between 2015 and 2016. | Associated Press

British nurse Lucy Letby was sentenced to life in prison this week for the murders of seven babies and attempted murder of six more during her employment at a U.K. hospital from 2015 to 2016, according to Reuters.

Letbys crimes spanned 11 months during her time as a neonatal nurse at the Countess of Chester Hospital in northern England. Investigators on the case could not identify a motive for the crimes, for which she will serve a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Only three other women in British history have served such a severe sentence, including prolific serial killers Myra Hindley and Rosemary West.

Although Letby refused to appear in court or tune in virtually for her sentencing, Justice James Goss of the Manchester Crown Court addressed her directly as if she were there.

This was a cruel, calculated and cynical campaign of child murder involving the smallest and most vulnerable of children, he said, per CNN. There was a deep malevolence bordering on sadism. During the course of this trial you have coldly denied any responsibility for your wrongdoing. You have no remorse. There are no mitigating factors.

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The victims families were also present at the sentencing, Al Jazeera reported.

Lucy Letby has destroyed our lives. The anger and the hatred I have towards her will never go away. It has destroyed me as a man and as a father, said a father who lost two of his children at the hands of Letby.

Letby has denied harming the children.

Hospital staff repeatedly voiced concerns about Letby as early as 2015 but were not taken seriously, according to CBS News.

Timeline of events
Lucy Letby's legal team have not yet revealed if they plan to appeal - Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire

A campaign to fundraise for Lucy Letbys appeal has claimed the nurses conviction may represent the greatest miscarriage of justice the UK has ever witnessed.

Letby has the right to appeal against her whole life order for murdering seven babies and trying to kill another six, although successful appeals against this sentence are very rare.

Her legal team has not yet revealed if they plan to appeal, but campaigners who claim she did not have a fair trial are already gathering public support for a project they have named Science on Trial.

The main aim of the campaign, led by Sarrita Adams  a scientific consultant for biotech startups based in California  is to ensure that scientific evidence is used responsibly in the criminal justice system.

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She is trying to gather a group of scientists, lawyers and activists to help with the convicted murderers appeal.

The fundraising page of the Science on Trial website is not currently open to donations, but there is a coming soon note on the donate button.

Our first mission is to campaign for a new trial for Lucy Letby, who was recently convicted of murdering infants, under her care at the Countess of Chester Hospital, UK, the campaigns website states.

Lucy Letbys trial may represent the greatest miscarriage of justice that the UK has ever witnessed. Through fundraising, researching, and legal assistance, we aim to ensure that Lucy Letby can have a fair trial where evidence is reliable. We are currently working to form a group of scientists, lawyers, and activists to aid in the upcoming appeal for Lucy Letby.

Sarrita Adams criticised the medical evidence presented at Letby's trial

In a lengthy statement, Ms Adams criticises the medical evidence that was presented at the trial.

This includes criticism of how the high insulin levels detected in two of the babies were presented by the prosecution, although Letby did not contest that the babies were deliberately injected with insulin, instead denying it was she who had administered it.

Ms Adams also criticised the decision to allow medical expert Dr Dewi Evans to give evidence relating to the administering of air to other victims, and the quality of his evidence itself.

Ms Adams describes herself as a scientist with rare expertise in rare paediatric diseases.

However, although she has a PhD in biochemistry from Cambridge University, according to her online LinkedIn profile, she appears not to have worked as a scientist subsequently.

She runs a consultancy called Railroad Children which works with under-18-year-olds who have rare diseases and their families to identify novel treatments.

Meanwhile, according to the PubMed database of biomedical research, Ms Adams appears only ever to have contributed to two published pieces of research, the last in 2013 related to autism.

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Detectives investigating serial killer nurse Lucy Letby say they were surprised by the amount of material they found at her home and that a coded system in her diaries helped officers uncover key evidence.

Letby, one of the most prolific child killers in modern British history, has been jailed for life for murdering seven newborn babies and trying to kill six more between June 2015 and June 2016 in the neonatal ward at the Count of Chester Hospital where she worked.

The 33-year-old, only the fourth woman in UK history told she will never be released from prison, deliberately injected infants with air, force-fed them with milk or poisoned them with insulin during a cruel, calculated and cynical campaign of child murder.

Investigators looking into Letby when she was first arrested on 3 June, 2018 found dozens of post-it notes and scraps of paper at her home in Blacon, Cheshire, which were shown to jurors during her 10-month trial at Manchester Crown Court. One note said: I killed them on purpose because Im not good enough.

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She also wrote several diary entries detailing the police investigation into the murders and investigators said they were taken aback by how much Letby documented about the dead children. When Leby was arrested for a second time a year later, detectives hoped she had continued to make notes.

The amount of material we found at her home address was, I think, a massive surprise to us when she was first arrested, Rob Woods, Cheshire Constabulary detective inspector, said in a documentary the force made about the investigation.

Lucy Letby is the fourth woman in UK history to be told she will never be released from prison (Cheshire Constabulary)

It gave us a really good steer for the second occasion as to what sort of things we were looking for, he added. So as an example, something thats been very useful to the enquiry has been Miss Letbys diaries. They appeared to be and it became clear later that it was almost a code of coloured asterisks and various other things put in a diary that marked significant events.

Senior doctors working with Letby warned for months that she had been the only medic present during the sudden collapses and deaths of a number of premature babies at the hospital in North West England.

A note found in the house of Lucy Letby (CPS/PA) (PA Media)

However, their concerns were ignored and one consultant said babies could have been saved had hospital management acted sooner. But senior doctor Ravi Jayaram claimed he was persuaded not to contact the police because it would harm the hospitals reputation.

Health secretary Steve Barclay announced an independent inquiry on Friday after Letby was found guilty of the murders.

But he stopped short of setting up an inquiry with statutory powers, meaning witnesses will not be required by law to attend, raising concerns that hospital managers could avoid being held accountable for putting reputation before child safety.

The grieving families of Letbys victims have demanded the government orders a full independent public inquiry into how the nurse was able to go on a prolonged killing spree at the neonatal unit.

Lucy Letby with I am evil i did this HATE note found by police in bedroom. (Cheshire Constabulary)

The families join senior doctors and MPs who want the inquiry upgraded, amid fears it lacks the powers needed to unearth potential evidence of a cover-up at the Countess of Chester Hospital and prevent a similar horror from ever unfolding in the NHS again.

And on Monday the doctor who first raised the alarm over Letby has called for NHS managers to be held accountable for ignoring concerns.

Lead paediatric consultant Dr Stephen Brearey wants hospital managers to be regulated in the same way as doctors and nurses, after Britains most prolific child killer was allowed to continue in her role until June 2016 despite concerns being raised by clinicians months before.

Ministers initially said the decision to hold a non-statutory inquiry into the case was the right one because it would be more flexible and allow the victims families to get justice more quickly. But No 10 has since indicated that the probe could be upgraded after the government came under pressure to give it more powers to compel witnesses.
The News

Even economists in Donald Trump s circle were cringing Tuesday at the former presidents suggestion of a 10% tariff on all goods entering the United States.

The proposal, economists left and right said, could trigger retaliatory tariffs from adversaries and allies alike  hiking prices across the board for American firms and consumers.

You worry about what the repercussions would be, Stephen Moore, an outside advisor to Trump, told Semafor. You dont want to spark a trade war.

Moore said he didnt fully agree with the idea, but that it had interesting aspects, and argued it could be structured to create jobs in the U.S.

Know More

Trump mentioned the idea in a Fox Business interview last Thursday, but  perhaps in a measure of how little attention the former presidents words now get  it took The Washington Posts Jeff Stein to call attention to the plan yesterday.

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In the interview, Trump described the tariffs as a ring around the collar of the American economy.

Kyle Pomerleau, a tax expert at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, told Semafor the proposed levy could raise about $300 billion in new revenue from US firms and consumers. Ultimately, both Americans and our trading partners are going to be poorer due to this policy, he said.

During his first term, Trump erected new trade barriers that severed the US from decades of free trade policy and turned it into a more combative power. He slapped tariffs on goods ranging from solar panels, steel and aluminum. He clashed with Beijing and imposed tariffs on up to $360 billion worth of Chinese imports  much of which remains in place under President Biden.

Moore said he believes Trump will talk up trade as a big part of his economic platform. He thinks were being taken advantage of and these relationships havent worked out in the interest of the United States as part of the whole put America first banner.
Earlier this year, I traveled from my home in Scotland to Sicily for a work trip.

When booking my travel back home, I realized there were no direct flights.

I bought a cheap self-transfer ticket, but the trip ended badly when my first flight got delayed.

I can't stand long waits in airports, but sometimes direct flights aren't an option.

This was the case when I was booking my travel home from a work trip in Catania in Sicily, Italy, to Edinburgh in Scotland back in April.

My main objective was to find a connecting flight that would get me home quickly and that was affordable. After searching Skyscanner, I realized my best option was to book two separate flights with the budget European airline Ryanair.

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The first flight from Catania, Sicily, to London, UK, on April 19 cost 89.77, or around $113, and the second flight from London to Edinburgh cost 14.76, or around $18.80.

The only problem? Ryanair only offers non-protected, self-transfer flights. Unlike connecting flights, which fall under the same booking reference, non-protected transfers have to be booked separately and aren't protected by the airline if there are any delays or cancellations during your journey, according to Skyscanner.

I had never booked a self-transfer flight before, so I was a little hesitant.

But there was an hour and 40 minutes between the two flights, which I thought would be more than enough time to get through airport security and to my next gate. Not to mention, it was far cheaper and had a much shorter connection time compared to options offered by other airlines.

Avoid booking self-transfer flights if your layover is less than 2.5 hours

My first flight from Catania to London ended up getting delayed by around an hour, which meant I missed the next flight to Edinburgh.

Given what I'd read about self-transfer flights, I wasn't sure what my options were when it came to getting booked on another flight.

I spoke to Ryanair's customer service desk in London, and a member of staff told me I wasn't eligible to get put on another flight for free because there were less than two-and-a-half hours between the intended arrival and departure times of the two flights I booked.

"In accordance with Ryanair's T&Cs, which this passenger agreed to at the time of booking, Ryanair is a 'point to point' airline and we do not transfer passengers to other flights whether or not they are operated by us," a spokesperson for Ryanair said in a statement in response to this story.

Next time, I'll splurge on a more expensive ticket

I ended up having to pay an additional 100, or around $126, for a flight home using a different airline.

That flight ultimately got delayed, and I was left stranded at the airport for several hours.

The experience was tiring and stressful. I was mostly annoyed with myself, not Ryanair, because I knew this entire situation could have been avoided if I had booked a more expensive ticket from a different airline in the first place.

I highly doubt I'll book a self-transfer ticket again in the future, unless there is at least a day between the two flights. That way, I won't have to worry about short-term delays and I can stay at a hotel rather than facing long, uncomfortable wait times at the airport.

The situation taught me that cheaper shortcuts aren't worth it when it comes to airline travel. A ticket that appears more affordable could end up costing you more money in the long run if things go wrong. And just because one mode of transport appears more convenient, it doesn't mean it is.

Next time, I'll splurge on the more costly option for a stress-free trip.

Read the original article on Insider
A Southern California man is dead after he fell in the area of Iceberg Lake in the Inyo National Forest of Madera County.

Deputies said they were made aware of a hiker who had possibly fallen around 8:45 a.m. on Aug. 19.

Deputies said the man had planned to hike from Devils Post Pile to Lake Tahoe.

Deputies then obtained GPS coordinates from the hikers InReach device and requested assistance from the California Highway Patrol helicopter and Mono County Sheriffs search and rescue for Type 1 hikers.

The search and rescue team found the hiker on the side of a steep boulder field. He died at the scene from the fall, deputies said.

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Deputies said because of Hurricane Hilarys approach to the area, the recovery operation had to be postponed until the storm passed through the area.

The hikers body was recovered Tuesday when the teams hiked to where he was located, near the shore of Iceberg Lake.
[Source]

An English teacher in Malaysia has embraced the current global Barbie frenzy and ingeniously integrated the popular doll into his classroom.

Innovative educator: Muhammad Nazmi took to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday to share how he created life-sized "Barbie boxes" fashioned from upcycled containers to make learning more fun for his students. Nazmi then used the giant boxes as interactive photo booths similar to those commonly found in cinemas and promotional events. Sharing images of his students posing inside the Barbie boxes, Nazmi wrote: "If you guys [sic] tired with all negative and demotivating news in the social media... So I hope this can give you guys a break."

If you guys tired with all negative and demotivating news in the social media..

So I hope this can give you guys a break.. I build Barbie Box to teach my pupils  pic.twitter.com/qZ2j655BjF More from NextShark: Japan's 'Twitter Killer' Found With 9 Severed Heads Receives Death Sentence  Muhammad Nazmi (@chuckee_little) August 20, 2023

Fostering enthusiasm with learning: In his post, Nazmi revealed how he uses such learning aids to better engage his Year 2 pupils, which he says offers a fresh perspective on English-language education. The dynamic integration of the Barbie-themed props also captured the students' enthusiasm and elevated the classroom atmosphere. Through his lesson plan "What I want in my Barbie box?" he was able to teach his pupils new nouns and simple adjectives.

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More from NextShark: Conservative MP draws outrage for saying Asian ministers all look the same to him

Havent share any English lesson for a while Sooo  What I want in my Barbie box?

 Year 2

 Free Time

 Language focus: Introducing new nouns for the upcoming topic (complementary: simple adjectives)

 Focus skill: Listening & Speaking pic.twitter.com/fQT6a4fNiG More from NextShark: Chinese authorities violently stop peaceful protestors demanding their life savings back from banks  Muhammad Nazmi (@chuckee_little) August 20, 2023

Teacher tells pupils how playing dolls also is a good thing to do on free time (This part also touched me seeing kids who excited seeing Barbie doll in packaging for the first time ) pre

Pupils get introduced with the super rare limited-time one and only half . pic.twitter.com/fzs9nx7lot  Muhammad Nazmi (@chuckee_little) August 20, 2023

Capturing hearts online: Nazmi's creative teaching technique has captured the attention of many, with social media users commending his innovative spirit and dedication.

"They are so lucky to have you as their teacher!" one X user wrote.

"Well done! Keep up the good work," another chimed in.

"Keep it up," wrote another.
The Tukwila Justice Center is now boarded up after two windows were shattered by bullets.

The Tukwila Police Department said around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday officers heard a loud bang in the lobby of the station.

When they went to investigate, they found broken glass and a bullet hole in the wall.

Officers headed outside and said they saw a 21-year-old man from Kent allegedly assaulting a woman and a man at a bus stop in front of the station. Police said the man looked like he was going through their pockets after assaulting them.

Officers said they immediately rushed in and the man took off running. After a foot chase, the man was taken into custody in front of a nearby business and was booked into King County Jail for assault and robbery.

Police said the man had previous felony convictions for unlawfully possessing a firearm and robbery.
Police have arrested a man who they say robbed a Lexington bank last week.

Lenny Needy was arrested Tuesday and is accused of robbing Traditional Bank in the 2100 block of Nicholasville Road at about 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Lexington police said in a news release. Police said the suspect left the bank with an unknown amount of money. No one was injured.

Police said the use of technology and video footage provided by community partners helped them solve the case.

Police said they used video footage from traffic cameras to track the suspects movements before and after the robbery, and the Flock license plate reader system helped them find his vehicle and identify the registered owner.

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Without footage from community partners, detectives would not have been able to quickly apprehend the suspect, police said in a news release.

Needy, 65, is charged with first-degree robbery and tampering with physical evidence. He was taken to the Fayette County Detention Center.
Andrea Vasquez, 19, was kidnapped from a park in the Los Angeles suburb of Whittier and later found dead in a vegetation field.

A man has been charged with murder in connection with the kidnapping of a 19-year-old woman who was found dead after being taken from a park in Southern California, authorities said.

Police arrested Gabriel Esparza, 20, on Monday afternoon after linking him to the kidnapping of Andrea Vasquez at a park in the Los Angeles suburb of Whittier on Sunday, the Whittier Police Department said in a statement on Facebook.

He was charged with murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and two counts of forcible rape among other charges, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon announced Wednesday.

The heinous nature of this crime, involving the murder, kidnapping and attempted rape of an innocent young woman, shocks our community to its core, Gascon said. In these moments of profound sorrow, I send my deepest condolences to Ms. Vasquezs family as they cope with this painful tragedy.

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Esparza pleaded not guilty Wednesday at an arraignment, the district attorney's office said. He is being held without bail.

Andrea Vazquez and her boyfriend were approached by a gunman at a park

Police said Vazquez was at the park with a man, identified by the district attorney's office as Vazquez's boyfriend, when a shooter approached their car and fired, her boyfriend told police.

The boyfriend said he ran away during the shooting and when he returned, Vazquez was gone and there was blood near his car, police said.

Vazquez and her boyfriend were randomly targeted by the shooter, the Whittier Police Department said in an update on the case posted to Facebook.

The district attorney's office said Esparza allegedly kidnapped Vasquez and put her in the bed of his pickup truck.

"He drove her to a remote area of Moreno Valley in Riverside County where he attempted to rape her before dumping her body in a field," the district attorney's office said.

Watch: Body cam video shows police finding woman chained to bedroom floor in Louisville, Kentucky

Police found Vazquez dead in a vegetation field

Esparza was arrested while he was working in the Los Angeles suburb of Lakewood, police said.

Police found Vazquez's body late Monday in a vegetation field in Moreno Valley, about 50 miles from the park where the shooting happened.

Officer Tommy Mattsson, a Whittier police spokesman, declined to say what led police to Esparza or what connected him to the shooting, but told USA TODAY that "detectives pursued several leads during the course of the non-stop investigation, which ultimately led them to arrest the suspect and identify the area of Moreno valley where the body was left."

Police said they they recovered the gun believed to have been used in the shooting in Esparzas truck.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Andrea Vasquez: California man charged with murder in teens death
A talkative 65-year-old burglary suspect told deputies he was creating a kill zone when they interrupted him, according to the Alachua County Sheriffs Office in Florida.

The plan called for using fire to trap people in their cars so they could be killed, an affidavit reports.

Gary Brannon was arrested Aug. 12 while searching for gas cans on someones property north of Gainesville, officials said. Gainesville is about 70 miles southwest of Jacksonville.

Brannon told deputies his intended targets were people he suspected of abusing his 92-year-old aunt, including a caretaker, officials said.

His plan came to a halt when deputies were alerted to an armed disturbance involving a suspected burglar standing outside a home, firing shots into the air, officials said.

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That man was identified as Brannon, and he was found with a stolen gun in his vehicle, officials said.

Brannon was very talkative as we interacted with him and continued to talk for the duration of time with him. In fact, at no time did Gary ever stop talking, even when not spoken to, deputies reported in the affidavit.

Investigators learned Brannon was convinced his aunt was being mistreated by neighbors and plied with medication by a caretaker, and his kill zone was aimed at retribution.

Gary defined the kill zone as a trap he would create by cutting trees down in the roadway, some in front of the target and some behind the target. This would immobilize vehicles so that he could then ignite the vehicle and any subjects inside in order to kill them, the affidavit reports.

While talking with Gary, he mentioned doing this to one of the four Subarus on the victims property.

A search of Brannons car revealed matches and a chainsaw, officials said.

He was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, armed burglary of an occupied dwelling and discharging a firearm on residential property, officials said.

Man asleep in recliner awakes to stranger beating him with bat, Florida cops say

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A Georgia man has been convicted of felony murder and other charges in the death of Black transgender woman Fendi Monezah Peaches Armstrong in what authorities say was a dispute over money.

Armstrong, 39, was fatally shot November 11, 2020, in a room at the Knights Inn in Lithonia, near Atlanta. Police responded to a report of a shooting at the motel and found Armstrong, 39, unresponsive after suffering several gunshot wounds, says a press release from the DeKalb County district attorneys office. Damon Allen, who was in the room with her, was not harmed.

Allen told police he believed Armstrong had been killed because of an argument over money with two people, Deontavious Brewer and Terrel Battle.

Battle, also a trans woman, and Armstrong had been longtime friends, even calling each other sisters. Armstrong had inherited a good deal of money after her father died, and she shared some of it with Battle, but at one point Armstrong refused to give her another $20. Armstrong had also been paying for Battle to live in a room next door to her at the Knights Inn, but she eventually stopped paying and Battle was evicted, motel management told police.

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Surveillance video showed Brewer getting out of a car and firing 11 rounds of ammunition into Armstrongs room, then driving away with Battle. The day after Armstrongs death, a member of Battles family told detectives that Battle and Brewer had come to the relatives home in North Carolina and said they had killed someone. Battle had posted on Facebook that she intended to kill Armstrong, the relative added.

Police arrested Battle and Brewer at an apartment in Atlanta. Brewer confessed to killing Armstrong and Battle to driving the getaway car, according to the DAs press release.

Brewer, now 24, did go to trial, and on August 10, a DeKalb County jury convicted him on charges of felony murder, involuntary manslaughter, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and two counts of aggravated assault. He will be sentenced September 5.

Battle pleaded guilty last October to a reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. She received a 25-year sentence, with 20 to be served in prison and the rest on probation.

Armstrong was from Springfield, Mass., and lived in Charlotte, N.C., before moving to Georgia shortly before her death, according to the Human Rights Campaign. She was an aspiring motivational health and beauty adviser.

She was at least the 45th trans person to die by violence in the U.S. in 2020. That year set a record for the number of such deaths reported, but 2021 surpassed it with 57. There are likely more in any given year, as many go unreported or misreported due to deadnaming and misgendering. The majority of victims are Black and Latinx women.

It is horrific that we must confirm the violent death of yet another Black trans woman, Tori Cooper, director of community engagement for HRCs Transgender Justice Initiative, said in a press release. Fendi deserved to live, but her life was tragically cut short. Gun violence is a plague on our communities that we must all work to stop.

Pictured: Fendi Monezah Peaches Armstrong
An adult male is in critical condition after he was shot in Peoria on Wednesday morning in the 500 block of East Illinois Avenue, police said.

Police responded to the call around 7:54 a.m.

This was the second shooting to occur in Peoria's East Bluff neighborhood in the last 24 hours. On Tuesday night, a teenage male was shot and killed near Glen Oak Community Learning Center, just a few blocks from the shooting Wednesday morning.

More: Teenager dies after shooting in Peoria, coroner says

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Adult male injuried after shooting in Peoria's East Bluff neighborhood
A man died at the hospital after he was in a car crash on Neville Island Tuesday.

According to Allegheny County dispatch, the crash happened in the 4200 block of Neville Road at 3:10 p.m.

One person, identified by the Medical Examiners Office as Lawrence Mollica, 36, from Coraopolis, was taken to the hospital from the scene. He later died from his injuries.

Chopper 11 saw two flatbed trucks leaving the scene with two cars.

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A woman wanted in the 2021 slaying of her landlord whose "decomposing skeleton" was found hidden under stairs in the backyard of his Texas home is now in custody on a murder charge, police said.

Pamela Ann Merritt, 43, also faces a theft charge in connection to the fatal stabbing of 78-year-old Colin Kerdachi, the Houston Police Department reported Tuesday.

Kerdachi was reported missing by friends on Feb. 20, 2021, police said, following a major winter storm that slammed the state leaving 246 people dead across 77 counties, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

According to a criminal complaint, homicide detectives believe Merritt killed Kerdachi with a knife on or about Feb. 15, 2021.

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When he disappeared, a homicide detective wrote in the complaint, Kerdachi was living in the upstairs portion of a home he rented out on West Clay Street in the city's Fourth Ward downtown neighborhood.

Police issued a warrant for Merritt on May 30, and she had been on the lam for nearly three months until her Friday arrest. Police did not disclose details about the arrest including what led them to her.

Pamela Merrit, 43, wanted in connection to the February 2021 death of her landlord whose body was found under stairs in the backyard of his home on Clay Street in Houston was arrested over the weekend on theft and murder charges, the Houston Police Department said.

Nine days gone

When officers visited Kerdachi's home on Feb. 23, 2021, the detective wrote, they spoke with a man living in a first-floor unit of the house who said he had not seen Kerdachi for nine days. Police identified the man as Michael Brown  Merritt's boyfriend at the time.

Another tenant living in the home also told police he came home from a trip and found Merritt inside refusing to leave. When the tenant asked where Kerdachi was, the complaint continues, Merritt told the tenant she killed him.

At the time, no body was located and officers transported Merritt to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation, the complaint says.

'Purposeful and intentional': 'Hell on wheels' teen gets prison in 100 mph intentional crash that killed boyfriend, friend

'Large pools and drops of blood'

Later in October 2021, a tenant who had recently moved into the home called police after police said she found "large pools and drops of blood" in the home, a knife in the mailbox and "a bin with blood on it in a crawlspace" on the third floor.

At that time, the complaint shows, Merritt was back in the home where the new tenant told officers she was paying rent to Merritt and Brown, and was given a discount on rent by the pair if she agreed to clean the second and third floors of the home.

A responding officer who entered the home with the new tenant reported he observed "large balls of blood on the floor on the third floor of the house" specifically in the bathroom on the floor near the bathtub.

The tenant, the complaint alleges, said Merritt told her she and Brown took Kerdachi to a hospital after he suffered "some kind of stab wound from falling on a sharp object" and that he died at the hospital.

Still, Kerdachi remained missing.

'A reddish-brown fluid' dripping down

On Dec. 5, 2021, the new tenant said, she heard Merritt and Brown talking loudly about a dead dog under the back stairs, the court papers continue.

The new tenant asked to see it, the complain reads, and Merritt eventually pointed her to the body underneath "the back exterior staircase of the residence."

By the time the new tenant "finally called police" on Dec. 6, 2021, Merritt and Brown had not left and, "instead were inside the second floor of the residence painting the wall and interior side of the doorway."

The new tenant told officers she believed they were painting over these areas because "a reddish-brown fluid had been dripping down from the wall from the third floor and she thought it might be blood."

Detectives revisited the home and about 11:30 p.m., police said, found a human skeleton in the backyard, "the remains in an advanced state of decomposition. "

Autopsy results from the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences identified the remains as those of Kerdachi.

The coroner, according to the complaint, said he died as a result of sharp force and blunt force trauma to the torso. An autopsy also found he suffered multiple stab wounds to the head, neck and other parts of his upper body.

'Inhumane': Louisiana man killed woman, drove with her body for 30 days, police say

A fake death claim

On Dec. 7, 2021, Merritt and Brown were interviewed at the police station where detectives said Merritt told officers the remains belonged to a dead dog. She denied Kerdachi was dead and claimed he had faked his death and fled to Africa.

At the station Brown told the officers Merritt was bipolar, told him their landlord "just left" and that he had "not idea what she was talking about." He also said Merritt told him she wanted to "take over the house" and that he had never taken the victim to the hospital.

Both Brown and Merritt were release without charges at the time, the complaint shows.

A warrant: 834 days later

On May 30, 2023  834 days after Kerdachi disappeared - police issued a warrant for Merritt in connection to his death.

Police arrested Merritt over the weekend and, on Wednesday, jail records show she remained behind bars on $510,000 bond.

Police did not say whether charges are pending against anyone else in the case.

Merritt is due in court on Nov. 1 for a hearing on the charges, online records show.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Houston woman charged with killing landlord, hiding him, stealing rent
One of two men associated with the shooting of a 17-year-old in front of his Sandy home over three years ago admitted to murder in court earlier this month. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

One of two men associated with the shooting of a 17-year-old in front of his Sandy home over three years ago admitted to murder in court earlier this month.

James Edward Smith, 23, pleaded guilty to murder, a second-degree felony, in 3rd District Court on Aug. 3.

Charging documents state Smith, of Midvale, was driving a green Ford Explorer past a home near 1100 East and Sapphire Drive on May 22, 2020. He later told police was "having issues" with the teenager who lived at the home and was upset over a rumor.

Emmanuel Espinoza, 24, of West Jordan, was in the back seat of the Ford, and charging documents said he fired the gun at the house eight times as they drove by  including shots at Henry Wood, 17, when he left the house. Wood was hit in the chest and died.

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A friend of Wood told police that prior to the shooting, Smith had been giving Wood "a hard time." After the shooting, Smith sent the friend a message stating, "ur homie jus got smoked," charges say.

Smith was initially charged with murder, a first-degree felony, but the charge was reduced as part of a plea deal. The plea deal also led to the dismissal of eight other charges, including seven counts of felony discharge of a firearm, a third-degree felony, and one count of obstructing justice, a third-degree felony.

Smith will be sentenced on Oct. 26 at the Matheson Courthouse.

Espinoza is charged with the same nine felonies Smith was initially charged with. A one-week jury trial is set for the beginning of October.

Smith's mom, Dina Marie Smith, 61, was also charged with obstructing justice, a second-degree felony.

The Ford Explorer was registered to Dina Smith, and charging documents say police found the car at a 7-Eleven where she was working. She told officers she got to work at 8 a.m. and the car was with her the entire time. Officers said she lied to them about her whereabouts and whether her son, James Smith, had access to the vehicle the day that Wood was killed.

Her case is still pending and she is scheduled for a hearing on Oct. 27, a day after her son's sentencing.
A 56-year-old man pleaded guilty Tuesday in a drunken-driving wreck that left another man dead in Lawrence last year, according to Douglas County prosecutors.

Anthony M. Royal pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and driving under the influence in the April 8, 2022, crash at Kansas Highway 10 and Bob Billings Parkway. Prosecutors say the person killed was a 70-year-old man.

At the time of the wreck, Royal had two earlier offenses on his record for drunken driving, according to prosecutors.

In a statement Tuesday, District Attorney Suzanne Valdez said the traffic death was entirely avoidable.

My heart goes out to the loved ones and friends of the victim, she said.

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The case was investigated by the Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas Bureau of Investigation along with local authorities in Douglas County, including Lawrence police.

Royal is scheduled to face sentencing in Douglas County District Court on Nov. 1.
A 74-year-old man has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for fatally striking a 14-year-old girl with his car while she walked home from a Johnson County middle school.

Sudhir S. Gandhi, of Overland Park, entered the plea in Johnson County District Court on Wednesday. He admitted to the lesser offense of involuntary manslaughter after prosecutors charged him more than three years ago with reckless second-degree murder.

On April 12, 2019, Alexandra Alex Rumple was on the sidewalk a few blocks from Oxford Middle School, where students had just been let out for the day.

Gandhi was driving on Switzer Road near 127th Street when he drove up onto the sidewalk and struck Rumple. Witnesses told police Gandhi was traveling at highway speeds at the time of the crash.

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Rumple was taken to the hospital, where she later died. Later that night, hundreds of middle-schoolers and parents gathered for a vigil at the middle schools football field.

During an interview with police, Gandhi said he believed he had pressed on the brake pedal, but the car continued to accelerate, according to court documents.

Not knowing what to do, Gandhi decided to steer the car onto the sidewalk to avoid vehicles stopped in the road. He nearly hit three other children walking down the street that day, according to a police report.

After striking Rumple, Gandhi knocked a traffic light off its base and crashed into a wooden fence, destroying 80 feet of it before coming to a stop in the right lane of Switzer near 121st Street.

A fence was partially destroyed in the 12100 block of Switzer Road in Overland Park after a car hit a teen girl on the sidewalk Friday, April 12, 2019, police said. Kaitlyn Schwers/kschwers@kcstar.com

A vehicle inspector found no issues with the cars brakes, steering, suspension or engine throttle control systems, according to court records.

Under the plea Wednesday, Gandhi admitted to a severity level 5 felony under Kansas law. He is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 18.

The Stars Robert A. Cronkleton and Katie Bernard contributed to this report.
Tensions flared at the Fort Worth school districts board meeting Tuesday when a community member was escorted out of the meeting by law enforcement while speaking out against books with sexual content.

Mike Cee was reading from the book Flamer by Mike Curato, which was pulled from the districts elementary and middle school libraries this summer, during public comment when he was removed from the building. The disruption caused the board to temporarily recess while other meeting attendees shouted and argued with law enforcement about removing Cee from the building instead of only the meeting room.

District officials warned Cee that if he read any excerpt considered to be vulgar, then he would be stopped from speaking. Before Cee was removed, he spoke about Satan, God and free will.

Satan rules the world. Satan speaks through some of you, could be some of these board members, could be some of the audience. God has given us free will to do the right thing, Cee said.

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Cee was one of several people who spoke during public comment Tuesday about what should be allowed in school libraries.

The debate comes as Fort Worth school district libraries are closed to students for the first two weeks of school while catalogs are reviewed for sexual and violent content, in accordance with a new state law that goes into effect Sept. 1. More than 100 titles have been removed from shelves, and a new director of library media services has been appointed amid the process.

Some speakers thanked board members for removing the books, but implored for a policy to be created that would prevent other books considered inappropriate from entering school libraries in the future.

Kenya Alu, executive director of the Tarrant County chapter of Citizens Defending Freedom, noted that at last months board meeting, other speakers were cut off from reading inappropriate excerpts from books in school libraries. The local chapter of the conservative group had recently done an independent audit of books in the districts middle and high school libraries and also found more than 100 books it considered to be inappropriate.

To those who label us as book banners, let me be clear. We are not for banning books, were for protecting children, she said. Just as movies have ratings, and require an adult to accompany a child to an R-rated movie, we are simply asking the same for books.

In contrast, another speaker said regardless of the reason for the library closures, temporarily shutting them down after a well-publicized attack on our libraries and librarians sends a message that the district doesnt prioritize students access to books and reading, especially books that represent a wide range of perspectives.

Id like the district to fully and vocally support librarians. Id like to see more outspoken defense of our librarians against the kind of unwarranted attacks they face lately, said Layne Craig, English professor at Texas Christian University and a district parent. Im also here to support our districts LGBTQ+ students, who are the target of current attempts to remove books from our libraries.

Sex, Gender and Representation: Motherhood and Culture and Introduction to Literature: Banned Books are among courses Craig has taught, according to the TCU website.

Texas led the nation in school library book bans during the 2021-22 school year with 801 titles removed across 22 school districts, according to a report released by PEN America, a free speech advocacy organization. Florida followed with 566 books banned in 21 districts.
The FBI has estimated that up to 1,100 people remain unaccounted for following the Maui wildfires that killed more than 100 people and devastated the historic town of Lahaina.

Steven Merrill, special agent in charge of the FBIs Honolulu division, said at a press conference Tuesday that between 1,000 and 1,100 remain unaccounted for in the wake of the Maui fires. He said the FBI has narrowed down its list of unaccounted-for people, noting authorities have accounted for about 1,400 of the 2,500 who were originally reported as missing.

Were making tremendous progress, but no one on this stage will be happy, including myself, until we get that list as far as we can go, Merrill said. As the chief mentioned, we may not know in the end about everybody, but we are diligently working with immediate attention to get that list down to where we want it to get to, which is that were confident we know what happened to the best of our ability.

Maui County officials said that as of Tuesday, at least 115 people had been confirmed to have been killed in the fires that swept the western part of the island. Officials said they had completed the search of one-story residential buildings in the area and were continuing to search multi-story residential homes and commercial properties.

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Merrill encouraged residents to follow up on their missing person reports. Officials also urged family members to submit DNA samples to help identify the wildfire victims.

If you have already submitted complaints to the Maui Police Department about a missing person, or to the FBI, or anyone else, please follow back up to ensure that they have the most up-to-date and accurate information, including dates of birth, what they look like, who theyre related to, further contact information, Merrill said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Over 30 cities and towns across the state have established social districts since North Carolina legalized the open container areas in 2021. But Charlotte, the Carolinas biggest city, doesnt have one, even though smaller neighbors like Gastonia, Salisbury and Kannapolis do.

And Huntersville is already considering adding a second social district.

Social districts allow people to carry alcoholic beverages in public within a defined area, permitted by the city. Charlotte has not received any applications since it approved the concept of social districts last year.

But thats about to change. The first social district application is expected to be submitted to city council next week from Plaza Midwood, said Phillip Gussman, Plaza Midwood Merchants Association board member.

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And 10 businesses had preliminary meetings with the city, said Lawrence Corley III, the citys media relations manager. The citys social district application process takes a minimum of four to six months, according to its social districts standards guide.

Bars and restaurants must provide social district labeled cups under state law, like the one seen here in the Kannapolis district.

Plaza Midwood social district

Plaza Midwood has been working on its application since city council approved the ordinance, Gussman said.

To apply, businesses need to gauge the interest of neighboring property owners before determining the proposed social districts boundaries, which requires at least two businesses to be involved.

The city establishes regulations to maintain control over the area. Alcohol must be served in specially marked cups and the predetermined boundary of the district must be marked with signs, according to the state law.

No businesses in Plaza Midwood are officially signed on for a social district yet, Gussman said. But the association has been in contact with several bars and and restaurants within the proposed area, and expects many bars, restaurants and retailers to participate in the social district.

The proposed district would run from Morningside Drive down Central Avenue to the Five Points area, Gussman said.

The permitting process will not be complete for another couple of months, Gussman said. There will be a public hearing with city council next month. A month later, city council will vote on whether to grant Plaza Midwoods application.

Social districts are set up with clear signs along streets and parks in defined areas, according to state law. That includes this ones outside of Old Armor Brewing in Kannapolis.

All criteria needed for a social district will be met by the time city council votes, according to Gussman.

The Plaza Midwood social district plans to feature a sustainable social district cup  a specially marked cup each business must use to serve alcohol.

Plaza Midwood will use 16-ounce stainless steel cups, Gussman said. The cups will cost $5, and will be reusable, allowing people to take their cup home, wash it and bring it back for next time they go to the social district.

Waste has been a concern in Huntersvilles first social district. The Birkdale Village social district currently has plastic cups, but plans on stopping the use of plastic in the district.

Who will apply in Charlotte for a social district?

Angry Ales and Brazwells in South End, and The Goodyear House in NoDa had pre-application meetings, according to the city of Charlotte. The Plaza Midwood Merchants Association, Charlotte Center City Partners and real estate developer Crescent Communities also had meetings with the city.

Charlotte Center City Partners is focused on the economic development potential for social districts across uptown and South End, said Rick Thurmond, the groups chief marketing office. We are in the planning and community engagement phase, he said.

Angry Ale in South End had a pre-application meeting with the city regarding a social district in the area.

Social districts could be good for tourism but also causes concerns for some.

For people coming to visit the city to be able to hop around from one bar to another would be great, Lucia Zats, director of events at Charlotte Food and Beverage Social Club said. But I could also see it getting really rowdy and chaotic if it gets out of control.

NC Social Districts

Social districts must register with the ABC Commission, and are approved at the local level.

As of July 20, the social districts registered in North Carolina are in: Albemarle; Asheboro; Cary; Durham; Elkin; Elon; Fayetteville; Garner; Gastonia; Greensboro (two: downtown and South Street); Greenville; Huntersville; Kannapolis; and Lenoir.

Also, Madison; Monroe; Newton; North Wilkesboro; Norwood; Oxford; Pilot Mountain; Raleigh; Salisbury; Selma; Statesville; Tarboro; Thomasville; Wendell; Whiteville; Wilson; and Youngsville.

Birkdale Village social district

Huntersvilles Birkdale Village social district was established by Huntersville last summer.

The district has eight restaurants participating, said Maureen Smith, marketing manager of Birkdale Village. Multiple businesses have already let Smiths team know they plan on participating in the Birkdale district. She hopes to have around 14 at the start of next year.

The Birkdale Village social district was established last year. Huntersville may add another social district in downtown.

The district management office puts signs on the doors of participating businesses indicating which are part of the social district.

At first, the district was a learning experience for Birkdale Village. Smiths staff held meetings with customers and restaurants to go over social district rules and regulations.

The next phase of the social district in Birkdale Village is replacing the plastic cups with a sustainable alternative, Smith said.

Another social district in Huntersville?

Huntersville Town Commissioner Amber Kovacs suggested establishing a second social district in downtown during an Aug. 7 meeting. Kovacs said she wants to bring the idea of another district to the board after the success in Birkdale.

The Birkdale Village district has not caused problems and the businesses are aware of the risk to their state ABC license if rules are broken, Huntersville Police Chief Barry Graham said. His office has not gotten complaints about the district.

Smiths advice to others planning to apply for a social district are to be well-versed in the rules and regulations. She suggests having a management office on-site, similar to Birkdale Village.

Everythings in place to protect the participants and social districts, she said.

Reporter Catherine Muccigrosso contributed to this report
A new filing in Donald Trump s Mar-a-Lago documents case revealed that a key witness to the prosecution retracted several false statements given to investigators after switching from an attorney paid for by the former presidents PAC to a public defender. The retraction enabled the Justice Department to level additional charges against Trump, his longtime aide Walt Nauta , and indict a second Mar-a-Lago employee in July.

According to the Tuesday filing, the director of information technology for Mar-a-Lago  identified as Yuscil Taveras by various outlets  repeatedly denied or claimed not to recall any contacts or conversations regarding tampering with security footage from the Palm Beach resort during their March testimony before a Florida grand jury. The government claims that they knew Taveras (referred to as Trump Employee 4) had given false testimony.

At the time, Taveras was being represented in court by Stanley Woodward, an attorney financed by the former president who was also representing Nauta in the case. Trump and Nauta were originally charged in April, but a decision by Taveras to change his legal counsel and retract his original testimony would result in additional charges, and the indictment of Mar-a-Lago employee Carlos De Oliveira, from the Justice Department in July.

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In the filing, the government explains that, after receiving a target letter in June informing him that he was the subject of a criminal probe, Woodwards conflict of interest became impossible to ignore.

The target letter to [Taveras] crystallized a conflict of interest arising from Mr. Woodwards concurrent representation of Trump Employee 4 and Nauta, the filing says. Advising [Taveras] to correct his sworn testimony would result in testimony incriminating Mr. Woodwards other client, Nauta; but permitting [Taveras]s false testimony to stand uncorrected would leave [Taveras] exposed to criminal charges for perjury. Moreover, an attorney for Trump had put [Taveras] in contact with Mr. Woodward, and his fees were being paid by Trumps political action committee.

In late June, the government requested a hearing on the conflict of interest, shortly after Taveras requested a change in counsel, switching to a court-appointed public defender. According to the filing, immediately after receiving new counsel, [Taveras] retracted his prior false testimony and provided information that implicated Nauta, De Oliveira, and Trump in efforts to delete security camera footage, as set forth in the superseding indictment.

Prosecutors added that they expect to call Taveras as a witness during the trial of Trump, Nauta, and De Oliveria.

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Former President Donald Trump had classified documents stored in a bathroom and shower at Mar-a-Lago, according to prosecutors. Department of Justice; Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/Getty Images

A new filing by DOJ prosecutors on Tuesday claimed that a key Mar-a-Lago witness flipped on Trump.

"Trump Employee 4" had initially been represented by a lawyer paid for by a Trump political action committee.

He retracted testimony after switching counsel, implicating Trump in charges, prosecutors said.

A Mar-a-Lago employee in charge of security cameras at former President Donald Trump's Palm Beach club and residence retracted initial false testimony that he shared with a grand jury after he switched to an attorney not paid for by Trump's Save America PAC, prosecutors said.

According to a new filing on Tuesday, special counsel Jack Smith's office said that the employee  listed as "Trump Employee 4" in the Mar-a-Lago superseding indictment  offered different testimony about the attempt to delete security camera footage and could now be a key witness.

Prosecutors said that the employee retracted prior false testimony "immediately" after making the switch in representation and provided information implicating Trump and two codefendants named in the superseding indictment, per the filing.

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The employee was identified as Yuscil Taveras by NBC News. Taveras did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The filing came after US District Court judge Aileen Cannon, based in Florida, asked prosecutors why they were retrieving evidence from a Washington, DC, grand jury, per Politico. In response, the prosecutors shared the revelation and added that the DC grand jury had finished its work on August 17.

In the superseding indictment announced by Smith in late July, Trump was charged with violating additional federal laws related to the case prosecutors brought against him alleging he brought classified documents to his estate and tried to cover his tracks.

The superseding indictment also named initial codefendant Walt Nauta, a Trump aide, and a new codefendant Carlos De Oliveira, a property manager at the estate. Prosecutors claimed that together, they attempted to delete footage related to the storage of the classified documents in the summer of 2022 in hopes of obstructing the DOJ investigation.

Nauta is represented by Stanley Woodward, who previously repped Trump Employee 4, and prosecutors said that Woodward's continued presence in the case could also mark a conflict of interest. Prosecutors said that Taveras was sent a target letter in June by the DOJ.

"Advising Trump Employee 4 to correct his sworn testimony would result in testimony incriminating Mr. Woodward's other client, Nauta; but permitting Trump Employee 4's false testimony to stand uncorrected would leave Trump Employee 4 exposed to criminal charges for perjury," prosecutors said in the filing.

Woodward did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

In the superseding indictment, prosecutors included purported text message exchanges between De Oliveira and Taveras, where De Oliveira says that "the boss" wanted a server containing security footage deleted.

Taveras was also asked by the codefendants about how long the servers retain footage, to which he said 45 days, according to the superseding indictment.

In the latest development, federal prosecutors said that they plan to call on Taveras to describe the pressure campaign to delete security footage.

"The Government anticipates calling Trump Employee 4 as a trial witness and expects that he will testify to conduct alleged in the superseding indictment regarding efforts to delete security footage," prosecutors wrote.

An attorney for Trump did not immediately return Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Donald Trump s property manager at Mar-a-Lago appears to have a difference of opinion with his boss.

The employee, Carlos DeOliveira, on Tuesday invoked his right to a speedy trial.

In a filing late Tuesday in the U.S. Governments classified documents case against the former president, DeOliveiras local attorney, Larry Donald Murrell of West Palm Beach, writes that the order by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon that sets May 24, 2024, as the trial date, came before DeOliveira was named as a co-defendant in a superseding indictment that charged him for the first time.

The judges order came on July 21. The indictment adding DeOliveira to the case was handed up on July 27. He made his initial appearance on July 31 and was arraigned on Aug. 10.

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Mr. DeOliveira has not filed any motions in this case, Murrells filing says. He does not concede that the interests of justice require a delay in his trial, and he asserts his right to a speedy trial within 70 days of his first appearance on July 31, 2023.

By undersigned counsels calculations, Murrell added, that would be October 9, 2023.

Murrells brief speedy trial report, which was requested by the government, ends there with no further comments.

But the suggestion that a trial should start in early October is at wide variance with the wishes of the former president and his defense lawyers, who earlier this summer argued before Cannon for a variety of reasons that the case should not go to trial until after the November 2024 presidential election. Among other things, attorneys Todd Blanche and Christopher Sise cited other pending litigation faced by Trump, voluminous amounts of evidence to be reviewed before jury selection, and the likelihood that he would be a candidate in the race for the White House.

The court docket shows no entry of a severance motion that could lead to DeOliveira being tried separately from Trump and personal aide Waltine Nauta.

Both DeOliveira and Nauta are charged in the case with allegedly trying to block investigators from recovering government papers held by Trump.

Government: Witness changed story

In the meantime, the government, in a filing also posted late Tuesday, disclosed that a Trump technology employee in Palm Beach who monitored surveillance cameras at Mar-a-Lago changed his testimony before a Washington, D.C. grand jury and implicated Trump, Nauta and DeOliveira in the obstruction of justice portion of the case.

The person, dubbed Trump Employee 4 in court filings, changed his story after obtaining a public defender to represent him after previously using a lawyer paid for by a Trump political action committee, according to prosecutors. The employee, who is not charged in the case or named in the filing, originally told grand jurors he knew nothing about efforts to erase videos of Trump aides moving documents out of the reach of federal investigators.

But after Trump Employee 4 obtained the new attorney, the government said, he immediately  retracted his prior false testimony and told of an alleged effort to tamper with the video evidence.

The government made the disclosure in a filing requested by Judge Cannon, who has questioned why prosecutors collected evidence from the Washington grand jury after the original 37-count indictment had been obtained against Trump and Nauta from a grand jury in Miami.

Prosecutors have previously raised concerns about a conflict of interest involving Washington attorney Stanley Woodward Jr., who at one point represented both Nauta and Trump Employee 4.

The Government anticipates calling Trump Employee 4 as a trial witness and expects that he will testify to conduct alleged in the superseding indictment regarding efforts to delete security footage, the government lawyers said. Trump Employee 4 will very likely face cross-examination about his prior inconsistent statements in his grand jury testimony, which occurred while Mr. Woodward represented him, and which he disavowed immediately after obtaining new counsel.

_____
FILE - The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, speaks to thousands during his "I Have a Dream" speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in Washington on Aug. 28, 1963. Actor-singer Sammy Davis Jr. is at bottom right. (AP Photo/File)

Sixty years ago, Andrew Young and his staff had just emerged from an exhausting campaign against racial segregation in Birmingham, Alabama.

But they didnt feel no ways tired, as the Black spiritual says. The foot soldiers were on a freedom high, Young recalls.

They wanted to keep on marching, they wanted to march from Birmingham to Washington, he said.

And march they did, in the nation's capital. Just four months later, they massed for what is still considered one of the greatest and most consequential racial justice demonstrations in U.S. history.

The nonviolent protest, which attracted as many as 250,000 to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, helped till the ground for passage of federal civil rights and voting rights legislation in the next few years.

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But in the decades that followed, the rights gains feeding the freedom high felt by Young and others came under increasing threat. A close adviser to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. , Young went on to become a congressman, a U.N. ambassador and Atlantas mayor. He sees clear progress from the time when Black Americans largely had no guarantee of equal rights under the law. But he hasnt ignored the setbacks.

We take two steps forward, and they make us take one step back, Young told The Associated Press in an interview at the offices of his Atlanta-based foundation.

Its a slow process that depends on the politics of the nation.

At 91 years old, an undeterred Young will gather again with Black civil rights leaders and a multiracial, interfaith coalition of allies on Saturday, to mark 60 years since the first March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, an event most widely remembered for Kings I Have A Dream speech.

But organizers of this years commemoration dont see this as an occasion for kumbaya  not in the face of eroded voting rights nationwide, after the recent striking down of affirmative action in college admissions and abortion rights by the Supreme Court, and amid growing threats of political violence and hatred against people of color, Jews and the LGBTQ community.

The issues today appear eerily similar to the issues in 1963. The undercurrent of it all is that Black people are still the economically poorest in American society.

Organizers intend to remind the nation that the original march wasnt just about dreaming of a country that lived up to its promises of equality and liberty to pursue happiness. They wanted legislative action then, and they want the same now.

The survival of American democracy depends on it, the organizers say.

Its inevitable to me that this nation, as Martin Luther King said, will live out, one day, the true meaning of its creed, Young declared.

___

Six decades ago, from the steps of the monument to President Abraham Lincoln, King began his most famous speech by decrying economic disparity, quality of life issues, police brutality and voter disenfranchisement. He brought his remarks home with the sermonic delivery of his dream of social and class harmony transcending racial and ethnic lines in America.

His words have resounded through decades of push and pull toward progress in civil and human rights. Today, the March on Washington is a marker by which racial progress is measured. But drivers of that progress  namely the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965  have teetered precariously on the edges of partisanship.

(King) said in the speech, We come to here, Mr. Lincoln, because 100 years ago, in 1863, you promised that wed be full citizens, and America has not fulfilled the promise', said the Rev. Al Sharpton , president of the National Action Network and co-convener of the 60th commemoration of the march.

King also said America had given Black Americans a check for equality that had been marked insufficient funds in the bank of justice.

They came (to Washington) in 63 to say the check bounced, Sharpton said. We come in 23  to say the check didnt bounce this time. They put a stop payment on the check. And were coming to say, Youre going to take stop payment off the check, and you will pay your debt."

This is at least the third time that Sharpton has organized a commemoration of the March on Washington. There was a march in 2000, the 37th anniversary of Kings speech, focused on police brutality and racial profiling. Thirteen years later, the late Rep. John Lewis, who at the time was the last living speaker from the original march, and a host of celebrities, athletes and politicians attended the 50th anniversary commemoration.

Each time, Sharpton has partnered with members of Kings family. Martin Luther King III , the eldest son of the late civil rights icon, and his wife, Arndrea Waters King, head the Drum Major Institute and are co-conveners of this years march. A list of march partners includes about 100 other civil rights, faith and cultural organizations.

Sharptons organization expects tens of thousands to attend on Saturday.

Part of the success of the original march was its turnout, said author Michael Long, who next month will publish the book Bayard Rustin: A Legacy of Protest and Politics, which celebrates the march's chief architect.

Rustin really believed that the power on that day would be in numbers created by this coalition that he put together of Black civil rights activists, people from faith communities and progressive workers in the labor rights movement, Long said.

Civil disobedience attracts the hardcore few, he added, but when you get 250,000 people together on the National Mall, you serve notice on the political leaders of the day.

Most Americans say King has had a positive impact on the U.S., according to a Pew Research Center report detailing the results of an opinion survey conducted in the spring. Just over half of Americans say there has been a great deal or a fair amount of progress on racial equality since the original March on Washington.

Along racial lines, a clear majority of Black adults (83%) say efforts to ensure equality for all, regardless of race and ethnicity, havent gone far enough. About 58% of Hispanic adults, 55% of Asian American adults and 44% of white adults say the same. A 2022 poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found similar gaps in opinions about the treatment of Black people by police and in the criminal justice system.

Further, in the Pew report, a majority of people who think efforts to ensure equality havent gone far enough also feel it is unlikely that there will be racial equality in their lifetime.

Its difficult to blame those with a pessimistic view of racial progress, considering most of the key measures of socioeconomics in America.

Today, Black Americans are more educated, they are less disproportionately incarcerated, and they are in more positions of power than they were 60 years ago. But the Black-white wealth gap is larger now than in 1963, the Black homeownership rate has risen only modestly, and younger Black Americans are more often saddled with student loan debts that dim gains made in other areas. Black Americans and other nonwhites live disproportionately in communities plagued by climate disasters and exposure to pollution that shortens their lifespans and depresses their property values.

From neighborhood redlining and job discrimination to healthcare disparities and incarceration, racism has proven to be the most effective tool to uphold an unjust capitalist system, said Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO of the the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, an anti-poverty policy and advocacy group and a march partner.

The federation recently released an analysis of stalled civil rights progress in the 60 years since the March on Washington, as a way to recenter Kings focus on economic issues. Job attainment, income inequality and poverty continue to greatly impact how differently Black Americans and other people of color experience life in the U.S. compared to many white people.

If America is able to tell the story today, that Black unemployment has reached record lows, but theyre not saying that Black Americans are still disproportionately earning just minimum wage or that theyre not earning as much as their white counterparts, with the same levels of education and experience, theyre only telling half the story, said Jones Austin who, with the National Action Network and the Drum Major Institute, is lobbying the federal government to change how economic deprivation and need are measured in the U.S.

___

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton was a 26-year-old Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee worker in Mississippi in 1963 when she became part of the staff that organized the March on Washington.

I was on the staff in New York and was the last person to leave because we were getting people on the buses, she said. And as I flew from New York to Washington, I could see that the march would be a success because as far as the eye could see, there were crowds. We werent sure how big because there had never been such a large march before, but it was overwhelming.

Norton, now 86, and Washingtons nonvoting delegate, said she knew once she saw how many people had come that the march was not only successful, but they would help us with what we wanted the march to do.

The civil rights and voting rights legislation, as well as the 1968 Fair Housing Act, all came in part from the energy and commitment from the march, she said.

Now, 60 years out, she said the political environment is so polarized it is hard to imagine the legislative achievements in the aftermath of the 1963 march being possible now.

Unlike the kind of atmosphere we had during the March on Washington, we have exactly the opposite now, Norton said.

At the 1963 march, the late AFL-CIO leader Walter Reuther seemed to predict the current period of political division, retrenchment and violent threats on democracy.

If we fail, then the vacuum of our failure will be filled by the apostles of hatred who will search in the dark of night, and reason will yield to riot, and brotherhood will yield to bitterness and bloodshed, and we will tear asunder the fabric of American democracy, Reuther warned.

Indeed, Congress and the White House have often been consistently at odds on modern civil rights and voting rights legislation. A Democratic-controlled House, for example, has passed versions of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act  it would have restored a potent tool against voting law bias that was gutted by the Supreme Court in 2013  only for a past Republican-controlled Senate and then a narrowly Democratic Senate to block or fall short of sending legislation to the president's desk.

Thats also been true of police reform legislation proposed after the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis and during unprecedented racial justice demonstrations nationwide. The Floyd legislation was before Congress when Sharpton convened a march at the Lincoln Memorial in 2020 that featured several families of Black victims of police brutality.

Voting rights and police reform arent the only issues that march partners want to uplift on Saturday. Increased antisemitic hate crimes, as well as attacks on Asian American communities, have drawn in participation from the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish civil rights organization.

America was built on the backs of enslaved Africans  you cant deny that reality, said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. That is a unique and searing experience, which I think its effects still linger today and are pervasive in so many ways.

The traumatic experiences of Jews across millennia in Europe and the Middle East have shaped how many in the community view racism and the threat it poses to everyone, Greenblatt added.

And so I think we both stand here today in this reality, aware of our path and focused on how we can lock arms, to build a better future for ourselves, for our children and for our grandchildren.

Young, the King adviser and former U.S. ambassador to the U.N., said he thinks it unwise for him to predict how successful this years March on Washington will be. But his Christian faith tells him to not place limits on what is possible.

If there is a place where we can learn to live together as brothers and sisters, rather than perish together as fools, its the United States of America, he said.

___

AP Democracy writer Gary Fields in Washington contributed to this report.

___

Aaron Morrison is a New York-based member of the APs Race and Ethnicity team. Connect with him on social media: https://linktr.ee/aaronlmorrison.

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The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about APs democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
On Aug. 28, 1963, a sea of humanity more than 250,000 strong converged near the Lincoln Memorial for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

On that sweltering summer day, the multiracial crowd hoisted signs, and protest songs filled the air. A parade of speakers  among them activist John Lewis and Daisy Bates, who strategized the integration of Little Rock, Arkansas, schools in 1957 and was the only woman on the program to speak  rallied freedoms cause. And when Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the now-iconic I Have a Dream speech, its seismic message about ending racial segregation would reverberate across the nation and around the world.

No, no, we are not satisfied, King told the crowd during what would become one of the landmark occasions of 20th-century America, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty river.

Image: Martin Luther King III, left, and Arndrea Waters King sit for an interview with the Associated Press on Aug. 16, 2023, in Atlanta. (Brynn Anderson / AP file)

Decades later, an event to mark the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington is scheduled this Saturday with the theme Not a Commemoration, a Continuation. While the 1963 demonstration centered around civil rights, jobs and economic opportunities, Saturdays event will also address a range of issues including threats to democracy, criminal justice reform and voting rights.

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Despite the significant progress we have made, we need to rededicate ourselves to the mission my dad gave his life for, said Martin Luther King III , the eldest son of the slain civil rights icon and the late Coretta Scott King . We have to do better. This anniversary gives us the opportunity to not just commemorate his historic calling, but to continue his efforts to make life better for everyone.

King and his wife, Arndrea Waters King, head the Drum Major Institute  a think tank based on the elder Kings principles  and they are organizing the march with the Rev. Al Sharpton , president of the National Action Network, a civil rights organization, in tandem with more than 100 partners.

Theyve enlisted a broad coalition  from civil rights organizations to groups representing Black, Latino, Asian American, Jewish, LGBTQ, women, labor, clergy and other constituencies. The collective goal: forwarding the work necessary to elicit peace, justice and equity.

Were still marching because civil rights are under erosion, and the rights of far too many Americans are under relentless attack. Hate crimes are rising, and Ive presided over so many funerals after police killings, said Sharpton, who hosts PoliticsNation on MSNBC. There is a concerted effort to undermine our democracy. There are many working to peel away these rights and suppress our history.

The original march was conceived by labor leader A. Philip Randolph and Roy Wilkins, then the executive secretary of the NAACP. Bayard Rustin, who worked in tandem with Randolph, was pivotal in executing the march.

Leaders march from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial on Aug. 28, 1963, (National Archives)

It evolved into a collaborative effort involving leading civil rights groups of the era, such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, the Congress of Racial Equality and the National Urban League.

The National Council of Negro Women was the only Black womens group to be recognized. In 1963, its president, Dorothy Height, was a key march organizer. However, the organizations current president, the Rev. Shavon L. Arline-Bradley, said, She was at the table, yet couldnt give a speech with the men.

Arline-Bradley now relishes the opportunity to speak on behalf of NCNWs 300-plus campus- and community-based sections and several dozen national womens organizations, some members of which are traveling from across the country and will don specially designed purple T-shirts for the event.

Sixty years later were still talking about freedom and poverty, Arline-Bradley said, ticking off auxiliary issues ranging from equal pay and educational equity to health care access and financial literacy. While acknowledging markers of progress, such as Kamala Harris vice presidency and Justice Ketanji Brown Jacksons ascension to the Supreme Court, we have to keep pushing to raise the consciousness of the country, she said.

NCNW is just one of multiple Black-women-led organizations taking part in the march. On Thursday, several of these groups will assemble to honor the Black women of the original march and civil rights movement, while examining how they are tackling current challenges facing Black communities and the nation.

A young woman at the Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C., on Aug. 28, 1963. (National Archives)

People carrying signs for equal rights, integrated schools, decent housing, and an end to bias during the March on Washington on Aug. 28, 1963. (Warren K. Leffler / Library of Congress)

Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said more than 1,000 Jewish leaders and supporters are expected to attend and that the organization will host a large Shabbat dinner the night before the march in Washington.

Theres a shared history, he said, referring to Jewish allyship with Black Americans during the civil rights movement, and a mutual understanding of struggle.

During the march program, Greenblatt plans to deliver an impassioned plea against hate, particularly given the rise in antisemitism and hate crimes overall. It is a complicated moment in history, he said. Racism remains a pervasive problem, and addressing it is as pertinent today as it was 60 years ago.

Svante Myrick, president of People for the American Way, a progressive advocacy group, told NBC News the anniversary is a moment when we know, without a doubt, that we are on the front lines of the most important fights in our history.

Theres been a concerted effort to galvanize younger generations to participate in anniversary activities.

National Action Networks Youth and College Division has been extremely engaged, Sharpton said. The NAACP said its youth and college members will join campaign teams on the ground to help register voters.

Martin Luther King Jr., waves to supporters on Aug. 28, 1963 on the Mall in Washington D.C. during the

Chanelle Johnson, 25, who serves on NCNWs Committee on Young Adult and Collegiate Affairs, is excited. Ive been working with other young people to make sure we have a presence and can enhance, engage and extend our impact, she said.

David Johns, executive director of the Black and LGBTQ advocacy organization, the National Black Justice Coalition, indicated that its participants will include young people concerned about the obstacles theyre encountering at school and beyond amid a wave of politically motivated bills discriminating against LGBTQ people.

Arndrea Waters King said her daughter, Yolanda King , 15, already a veteran of previous demonstrations, will march in the tradition of her familys legacy.

The struggles of Black and brown Americans, particularly women and girls, faced 60 years ago are, in many ways, still prevalent today, Waters King said. Dr. King called on us all to work to eradicate the triple evils of racism, poverty and violence by standing for peace, justice and equity. As a mother, Im afraid for my teenage daughter, but I am empowered to use my voice to ensure her future, and the future of all young girls, is as bright as her grandfather dreamed.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows asked a federal court to intervene after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis rejected his request to delay his surrender.

The former top Trump aide, who played a key role in the former president's efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia, filed an emergency motion to U.S. District Court Judge Steven Jones on Tuesday seeking to have his case moved from state to federal court. Politico reported that Meadows and his legal team purported that the charges brought against him in Willis' indictment are related to his time in a federal role, which should make him "immune" from local prosecution. "Absent this Court's intervention, Mr. Meadows will be denied the protection from arrest that federal law affords former federal officials," Meadows' attorneys wrote to the judge.

Meadows' hasty filing follows Willis' rejection of his request to delay surrender and subsequent arraignment proceedings in Atlanta until Jones makes a ruling following a scheduled August 28 hearing.

"I am not granting any extensions," Willis wrote to Meadows' lawyer on Tuesday morning, reiterating her stringent deadline. "I gave 2 weeks for people to surrender themselves to the court. Your client is no different than any other criminal defendant in this jurisdiction. The two weeks was a tremendous courtesy."

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"At 12:30 pm on Friday I shall file warrants in the system," she added. "My team has availability to meet to discuss reasonable consent bonds Wednesday and Thursday."

Mark Meadows asked for more time to surrender in Atlanta.



Here is DA Fani Willis responding to the Meadows legal team. pic.twitter.com/EdSS1j4GRM  MSNBC (@MSNBC) August 22, 2023

Meadows is named as one of Trump's 18 co-defendants in the Georgia indictment. His lawyers have argued that, unlike the other alleged co-conspirators, all indicted last week on felony racketeering charges by a grand jury in Atlanta, Meadow is "differently situated" because of his status as a former federal official.

However, some legal experts have argued that this logic is far from a viable justification for Meadows' alleged election crimes. "Unfortunately for Mark Meadows' motion, I haven't been able to find the federal law or constitutional provision that made interfering in a lawful election a part of his job in the White House," jabbed former acting Solicitor General Neal Kaytal on X, formerly Twitter.

Unfortunately for Mark Meadows' motion, I haven't been able to find the federal law or constitutional provision that made interfering in a lawful election a part of his job in the White House.  Neal Katyal (@neal_katyal) August 22, 2023

Despite the fact that Meadows agreed to quietly cooperate with special counsel Jack Smith in his separate investigation-turned-indictment of the ex-president, former Trump administration staffer Alyssa Farrah Griffin noted that the Georgia indictment has ostensibly foiled Meadows' "delicate dance" with federal prosecutors.

"Meadows, from what I understand, is basically  which is classic to anyone who knows him  playing all sides of things, trying to leave Trumpworld, going as far as he can cooperating unofficially with DOJ. I say that to mean he's responded to a subpoena. He's very clearly at least claiming he's not flipped there," she told CNN.

However, she continued, "Fulton County was always this X-factor because Fani Willis didn't give him kind of an angle where he could basically quietly cooperate. So I'm not sure how this is going to work out."

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

"I would also just note ... there's a specific line in the Georgia indictment where it talks about Meadows actually offering money to speed up a recount," Griffin added. "That was going to come from the Trump campaign. I don't know how you could possibly legally say that he was doing that in his official White House Chief of Staff duty. That's very much an election and political effort underway."

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about Mark Meadows
On Thursday, Donald Trump will be arraigned in Fulton County, Georgia, on charges of racketeering, among others. Despite a Friday deadline to turn himself in to local authorities, Trumps former chief of staff Mark Meadows was still trying to avoid that same fate this week. Heres why his efforts to not face the music in Fulton County should ultimately fail.

On Tuesday, Meadows filed a motion in federal court in Atlanta to dismiss himself from the prosecution by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis . With it, Meadows asked not to have to turn himself in to federal authorities. Meadows immunity claim is a precursor to the one Trump is sure to be making before long. This effort is also likely to fail.

Meadows argument turns on whether the overt acts he is charged with in the indictments alleged conspiracy were part of his official duties as chief of staff. Its safe to say he wont be producing a job description that includes trying to help the boss overturn his 2020 electoral defeat among his official duties.

Reports are that Meadows has cooperated, at least partially, with special counsel Jack Smith. Yet if he did so under an immunity grant, he obtained no global agreement to deal with potential state prosecutors charges, as would be typical.

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Indeed, theres some desperation showing in Meadows emergency motion Tuesday to have a federal judge intrude on ordinary state procedures. Meadows asked that the court order Fulton County authorities to refrain from arresting him if he chooses not to voluntarily appear for processing.

Earlier this month, Meadows removed the Fulton County case against him to federal court. Former federal officers may do so when a state indicts them for actions that were within their official duties and they have a colorable defense under federal law. Meadows has now asserted federal immunity as such a defense. Willis will oppose Meadows claim to stay in federal court.

Heres where it gets interesting. There are two different legal standards for the same issue, one for whether the case remains in federal court and the other for whether the federal defense may be raised at trial. As to the first, the standard is generous; it does not require that the former federal official have a meritorious federal defense, only that it be plausible.

In other words, Meadows claim for keeping his case in federal court has an easier path to success than his claim that the defense is legally sound on the merits. Staying in federal court matters because Meadows or any defendant in Atlanta could land a more favorable jury pool. Moving the case would also delay the prosecution and divide the prosecution between two venues.

Those same advantages are exactly why former acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey B. Clark has also removed his case, along with Georgia fake elector David Shafer. (Read Joyce Vance for more on the infirmities of the Clark effort.) Trump will likewise file for removal and has until Sept. 13 to do so. He will squeeze every last day of delay out of the 30 days allowed.

As to Meadows removal, U.S. District Judge Steve Jones, appointed to the bench in 2011 by President Barack Obama, has set Aug. 28 for an evidentiary hearing. That early date is the sign of a judge who recognizes the need for speed in these cases.

Now that Meadows has sought to dismiss the prosecution based on his purported immunity, he has shone a light on its frailties. It could trip on either step of the two-part inquiry under federal law:

A court must answer yes to both parts for the federal official to be immune.

Significantly, last year, in Thompson v. Trump, D.C. federal court Judge Amit Mehta rejected Trumps motion to dismiss, on the grounds that he was acting within his official duties, a civil suit against him for conspiring to overturn the election.

In Meadows brief seeking dismissal, he cites these seven actions attributed to him in the Fulton County grand jury indictment:

At the Nov. 20 meeting with Michigan legislators, according to the House Jan. 6 committee report, Trump encouraged them to overturn the Michigan vote based upon a litany of his false claims of ballot fraud. They immediately rebuffed Trumps entreaty. Biden won Michigan by more than 150,000 votes.

Notably, Meadows motion does not assert that Meadows joined that meeting without knowledge of Trumps plan to try to overturn the 2020 election. That omission is significant because Meadows has the initial burden of proving that he was acting within the scope of his official duties; if he knew the meetings purpose, as seems probable, any Meadows defense that he was there simply at the presidents request, without seeking to aid the presidents scheme, would be a hard sell. In any event, his state of knowledge will likely be a subject of a future evidentiary hearing.

For now, the point is that after that meeting, there can be no question that the subsequent actions were made with knowledge of the scheme.

If Meadows did not seek legal advice from White House counsel Pat Cipollone as to whether to continue to follow the presidents directions by participating in the subsequent acts, Meadows failed in his responsibility to avoid involving himself in a plot outside the scope of his official duties.

Meadows could not be performing the responsibilities of his office in knowingly following the directions of a president who was acting beyond his legal rights and duties.

Meadows is alleged to have actively engaged in multiple unlawful acts in Georgia that would not qualify for immunity. For example, in the infamous Jan. 2, 2021, recorded phone call with Raffensperger, it seems clear that Meadows did more than what was necessary and proper to fulfill his responsibilities. In that call, Meadows had this exchange with Ryan Germany, the general counsel to the secretary of state:

Meadows: This is Mark. It sounds like weve got two different sides agreeing that  we can look at the two claims and mak[e] sure that we get the access to the secretary of states data to either validate or invalidate the claims that have been made. Is that correct? Germany: No, thats not what I said.  [T]his is wrong, this is wrong, this is wrong, this is wrong, this is wrong.

For her part, Willis has subpoenaed Raffensperger to testify during the crucial Aug. 28 evidentiary hearing, which shows just how crucially she views this episode in proving that Meadows was not acting as part of his official duties.

Its always possible that the Georgia federal court will find that Meadows acted properly within one or more of the seven acts alleged. But as to the majority of them, he was not within the outer perimeter of his official duties and did more than was necessary and proper.

Unless Meadows reaches some cooperative arrangement with Willis, the likelihood is high that he will be a defendant in a future trial in Georgia state court.
Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death as they slept in a brutal murder that captured international headlines, waived his right to a speedy trial on Wednesdaypostponing the start of his trial indefinitely.

Kohbergers trial had been slated to begin Oct. 2 in Moscow, Idaho, the same city where cops say Kohberger broke into a home and massacred Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin as they slept.

Before Kohbergers hearing, Goncalves loved ones posted to Facebook that theyre afraid Kohberger will now be able to skirt justice for years.

We want to get this trial over, the family wrote to a joint Facebook account, the Idaho Statesman reported. Just thinking it could be years absolutely kills me.

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Thered been chatter about Kohberger possibly waiving his right to a speedy trial since last week when his attorney, the public defender Anne Taylor, requested an in-person hearing. She was joined in the Latah County courtroom on Wednesday by Kohberger, who wore a white shirt and gray tie.

Prosecutors Reveal Bombshell DNA Match in Kohberger Case

Evidence has been stacking up against Kohberger this year. DNA was collected from a knife sheath found at the murder scene and returned as a match to Kohberger in June. Kohberger claims the DNA was planted by cops.

Earlier this month, Kohberger provided his much-anticipated alibi for the night of the slayings, and it was was far from airtight. He claimed he was out late the night of the grisly slayings, just driving around in his white Hyundai Elantra that was captured on camera near the near the murder scene in the wee hours of the morning.

Outside the courtroom, disturbing details about Kohbergers past have continued to surface. Old high school classmates spoke of how he went from being a chubbier kid to being pencil thin before his senior yearturning into one of the schools biggest bullies in the process.

An old administrator at Kohbergers high school in Pennsylvania said this week that he was removed from the schools law enforcement program after a group of girls made a pretty severe complaint about him. That administrator, Tanya Carmella-Beers, said the grisly murder accusations against Kohberger makes sense now that she looks back at his past.

Theres been more recent accounts of Kohbergers creepiness, too. A friend claimed he broke into her apartment and moved stuff around to manipulate her and to spy on her. His students at Washington State Universitywhere he was a doctoral candidate in criminologysaid he was disheveled the rest of the semester after the Nov. 13 murders, and his old classmates recalled him bulldozing over women in seminars.

Kohberger was arrested on Dec. 30 at his parents home in Pennsylvania. The arresting officers wrote in a report that he was going through his familys trash with gloves as they burst through the door. Ever since, hes pleaded his innocence through Taylor, but has remained mostly mum in court. That included him standing silent instead of pleading not guilty at his arraignment in May.

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Mayor Adams, on his third day in Israel, suggested Wednesday that NYPD officers would be more effective in responding to crime scenes and emergencies if they could use motorcycles and drones together in a coordinated fashion.

Speaking with reporters on a press call from the Holy Land, where hes on a four-day trip, Adams said the unconventional concept came up during a meeting he had with local law enforcement officials near Jerusalem that was also attended by NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella.

By deploying drones in real-time in response to 911 calls, NYPD officers would be well aware of what is in front of them by the time they arrive at a scene, Adams said. If cops are at the same time able to ride motorcycles to scenes and rely on drone footage to weave through traffic, theyd get there faster, he added.

The mayor, whos expected back in the city Thursday, said such tech use could be especially fruitful in congested Big Apple neighborhoods.

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We have a real traffic issue in our city, particularly in Manhattan and in parts of Brooklyn area, and so it is the methods in which theyre using them, the methods in which they are training to use them is what caught my interest, he said.

Israeli authorities have faced scrutiny from international human rights observers for using drone technology to surveil Palestinians. Asked about that, Adams vowed that the NYPD will not use any tool that is not in alignment with the laws of our city, our state and our country.

Many police forces across the globe, they use various methods that are not suitable in our city, and we are not going to use any method that does not conform with our rights and the laws of our country, he said.

Adams interest in exploring tech coordination comes on the heels of his administration unveiling new guidelines that make it easier to use drones in New York City. It also comes amid a surge in NYPD-involved car chases.

According to a recent report from the news outlet The City, NYPD officers gave chase 304 times in the first three months of this year  a nearly 600% spike compared with the same period in 2022. The outlet reported the increase in car chases has corresponded with an uptick in injuries among cops and civilians.

Adams has held several meetings focused on technology during his Israel visit.

He has also met with top local leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whos facing criticism from pro-democracy activists in Israel over his far-right governments overhaul of the countrys judicial system. Critics say the reforms are putting Israel on a path toward dictatorship.

Adams has avoided taking a stance on the judicial system controversy, telling reporters hes in Israel to listen not weigh in.

However, Israel Gantz, a leader of the Israeli annexation movement in the West Bank who met with Adams privately Tuesday, issued a statement after the sitdown saying the mayor voiced great interest in the growth of Jewish settlement in the region. Gantz also said Adams agreed to tour the settlements next time hes in Israel.

The West Bank settlements are considered illegal under international law, and the U.S. government has condemned Israels expansion of them.

Asked in Wednesdays briefing about Gantzs comments, Adams said the word settlement did not come up in their meeting. Adams would not say, however, whether he agreed to join Gantz for a tour of the Israeli settlements in the future.
Former Jacksonville City Council member Randy DeFoor is Mayor Donna Deegan's choice to be the city's next general counsel.

Mayor Donna Deegan asked the state Commission on Ethics to make the call on whether state law would put any limitations on Randy DeFoor serving as the city's general counsel, a request that will put her confirmation vote on hold for up to two months while awaiting a written opinion from the state commission.

Deegan asked for an advisory opinion hours before City Council voted Tuesday night on making its own request for a written opinion about the impact of state law on DeFoor if she returns to city government after her term as a City Council member ended June 30.

On Wednesday, Deegan said DeFoor has been the target of a "smear campaign" by people who want political payback against DeFoor because she was a vocal opponent of the potential sale of JEA in 2019. She said the city must "stop playing this game," according to a WJXT-TV report.

"None of this is really about her qualifications or her ability to do the job as a former City Council member," Deegan said during a news conference joined by DeFoor and supporters of her being appointed. "It is about personal grudges. It is about vendettas because Randy stood up to the establishment and largely because she stood up when they tried to sell JEA."

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City Council member Terrance Freeman, who filed the legislation for City Council to seek a state ethics opinion, said Wednesday the request drew support from both Republicans and Democrats on council.

"The only person 'playing politics' with this appointment is Mayor Donna Deegan," Freeman said in a statement.

He said DeFoor's "participation in this political stunt raises further questions for me if she can truly be impartial if she is ultimately confirmed."

Deegan sought the opinion from the state Commission on Ethics after City Council members questioned whether state law would limit DeFoor's ability to fully carry out the duties of the city's chief legal officer.

"There's been a lot of discussion about what she can or can't do, so we just want to bring clarity by filing an opinion request for the Florida ethics commission from the mayor's office," said Phil Perry, spokesman for the mayor's office.

Former general counsel Jason Gabriel, who served as chairman of the General Counsel Qualifications Review Committee that recommended Deegan appoint DeFoor, wrote the request sent Tuesday to the state ethics commission on behalf of the mayor.

Council vetting: Randy DeFoor's appointment faces ethics-related questions from City Council

DeFoor rises: Mayor Deegan backs former City Council member Randy DeFoor for Jacksonville general counsel

Filling appointed posts: Mayor Donna Deegan says administration is 15% more diverse than Curry's, taps new hires

The city's Office of General Counsel retained Gabriel as special counsel to write the memo making the case fo why the state commission should find DeFoor would have no limitations in serving as the chief legal officer for the consolidated government.

City Council member Kevin Carrico called the decision to hire Gabriel to write the memo a "conflict in and of itself."

"There's an expression, 'Don't bite the hand that feeds you,'" Carrico said during the Tuesday night council meeting. "You're paying for someone to write an opinion. It's naturally going to favor who's paying that person."

He said City Council needs to put forward its own request and questions to the state commission. The council voted 14-3 for legislation that council member Terrance Freeman filed last week to take that step.

"We need to get an unbiased opinion that's not solicited for money so we can see what the ultimate authority on ethics (at the state level) has to say about it," Carrico said.

Gabriel did not speak during the City Council meeting Tuesday. He has said previously during meetings of the General Counsel Qualifications Review Committee that he did not think state law would limit DeFoor's ability to serve as general counsel.

City Council member Matt Carlucci, who served in the past on the state ethics commission, said the question posed by Gabriel's memo covers the issue raised by council members. He said sending two requests on the same issue from the same governmental entity "is highly unusual" and could just create delays in getting an opinion the city needs to get as soon as possible.

"I will not support a second request, and I will not be a part of political shenanigans like this," Carclucci said.

City Council faces deadline to vote on DeFoor confirmation

City Council members will meet Monday in a workshop to formulate questions with assistance from the Office of General Counsel. Bob Rhodes, who is acting general counsel, told City Council that by working with them to refine their questions, they will be able to get the answers they need.

The clock is ticking on City Council voting on confirmation of DeFoor. Rhodes said the "most likely" scenario for getting an advisory opinion would be a vote by the state ethics commission "at the earliest" during its Oct. 20 meeting.

Rhodes will complete his tenure as acting general counsel by the end of September. If City Council has not voted by then on DeFoor's appointment, Deegan will appoint someone other than Rhodes to serve as acting general counsel in the interim, according to the City Charter.

A second deadline in the City Charter requires City Council to vote on whether it will confirm DeFoor within 60 days of that legislation being introduced in City Council. The legislation for Deegan's appointment of DeFoor had its first reading Tuesday so the 60-day deadline means the confirmation vote must take place by Oct. 21, just one day after the date when the state ethics commission could vote on issuing its formal opinion.

Perry noted that the commission's staff releases draft opinions prior to the commission's meetings, which would give Jacksonville officials an idea of what direction the commission is going in its answer before the Oct. 20 session.

City Council members have raised questions about whether a state law that restricts former council members from representing other people or entities before City Council for a two-year period would prevent DeFoor from giving legal advice to council members on matters her office is handling.

The state ethics commission issued an opinion in 2019 that said former City Council members could not represent other parts of consolidated city government for a two-year period on matters that went before City Council.

As a result of that opinion, former council member Lori Boyer operated with some limitations when she became CEO of the city's Downtown Investment Authority for two years. To comply with state law, DIA sent another representative of the city agency when it engaged with City Council. Boyer only provided information to council members when they directed questions specifically to her.

In contrast to that approach, the Deegan administration says in the memo written by Gabriel that state ethics law doesn't affect an attorney giving legal advice while serving the entire consolidated government that covers the mayor, City Council, independent authorities, boards and commissions and the Duval County School Board.

The memo's argument is the "practice of law and the legal duties and responsibilities" of the general counsel do not fall under any prohibitions or limitations in state ethics law.

The general counsel for the city "at all times" would be "legally representing the City Council (or government body) itself, and not any other person or entity before it," the memo says.

Deegan has cited the unanimous recommendation by the Qualifications Review Committee, which is comprised of five attorneys, in making the case for why DeFoor is qualified for the job and would not face any restrictions in state law as general counsel.

"They believe she will not be subject to any limitations in her role as General Counsel, and that is why I selected her," said in a statement last week.

But two members of the Qualifications Review Committee said that while the committee agreed DeFoor's background as an attorney and overall resume makes her qualified to be general counsel, the committee did not come to any finding regarding how state law might affect her as general counsel.

"That's not what we decided," said committee member Braxton Gillam, an attorney. "I think Mayor Deegan sort of overstated what we did say."

He said said committee members discussed the potential impact of the state law and had varying views on that question. He said the committee never reached an agreement among themselves.

"That was not within the scope of the committee to be able to do that," said former mayor John Delaney, who served on the committee because he once was the city's general counsel.

He said the committee wanted to flag that as a potential issue for further review if DeFoor were appointed by Deegan. He said that while several members of the committee "felt it was a resolvable legal issue," it was "something that needed to be addressed."

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Mayor Deegan and Jacksonville City Council seek ethics ruling on DeFoor
The mayor of St. Tropez called out several restaurants for blacklisting customers who don't tip.

One restaurant staffer said it costs over 5,000 euros to reserve a table at some establishments.

St. Tropez is a popular vacation spot for tourists and celebrities alike.

The mayor of a popular tourist destination in France called out several restaurants for blacklisting diners who don't tip enough, according to a report by The Guardian.

Sylvie Siri, the mayor of St. Tropez, a coastal town in southeastern France, said these restaurants were "racketeering" by only accepting reservations from customers who have spent big in the past, per the report. Siri added that these restaurants have also set high minimum spends.

"These accusations are extremely shocking to me because they are unfortunately true," Siri said in The Guardian's report, citing local media. Siri added that St. Tropez's local council is "totally opposed to such despicable practices."

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Several restaurants in St. Tropez have looked into how much customers have spent in the past before accepting reservations, the local newspaper Nice Martin reported. Some of these restaurants have canceled reservations if they found customers did not tip or spend enough during prior visits.

Minimum spends at these restaurants vary  an unnamed restaurant staffer told Nice Martin that the minimum spend at one establishment starts at 1,500 euros, or around $1,630, per person. Another unnamed staff member said it would cost 5,000 euros to reserve a table, per the report. The second staffer did not specify how many people a table seats. The Guardian did not specify if the two staffers work for the same establishment.

Siri told Nice Martin that these restaurants were flouting several laws  including extortion and disregarding data privacy laws  which could result in the loss of their late-night licenses. These licenses are required to sell alcoholic beverages.

St. Tropez is the second-most expensive town in France, according to the local news site Monaco Life, citing data by Meilleurs Agents. It's known for being a popular vacation spot among celebrities  Leonardo Di Caprio, Beyonce, and Jennifer Lopez have all been spotted holidaying in the town.

While high-end restaurants in St. Tropez cost several thousands of dollars to dine at, a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant for two people costs an average of 40 euros, or $43, per the crowd-sourced database Numbeo.

Siri did not respond to a request for comment sent outside regular office hours.

Read the original article on Insider
Russian air defense intercepted a drone attack over the Mozhaysky district in the Moscow Region on Aug. 22, Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said on Telegram. The second drone struck a building under construction in the Moscow City financial district.

According to Russian state media, flights in and out of Moscow airports were temporarily closed.

No casualties were reported.

Earlier, on the morning of Aug. 21, Russia claimed it intercepted two drones flying over Moscow. Two people were allegedly injured.

Moscow has reported an increasing number of drone attacks over the past few weeks. An attempted strike on Aug. 18 allegedly caused debris to fall near the Moscow Expocentre.

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Two drone strikes on July 30 and Aug. 1 caused damage to the high-rise "Moscow City" building, where several Russian ministries are located.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian pilots start F-16 training in Denmark; Poll shows 90% of Ukrainians oppose territorial concessions to Russia

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Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) warned Tuesday that the House could launch an impeachment inquiry as soon as September if the Biden administration doesnt turn over documents  including some that were apparently never requested by the GOP.

Asked by Larry Kudlow on Fox Business if he has made up his mind on beginning an impeachment inquiry, McCarthy said the House will begin one if the Bidens do not provide Congress with documents lawmakers are seeking.

McCarthy: "We will move forward with impeachment inquiry when we come back into session." pic.twitter.com/AGWwQUCuyA  TheBlaze (@theblaze) August 23, 2023

The comments were McCarthys clearest signal yet that such an investigation could be on the horizon in the lower chamber.

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But the Speaker was largely vague on what documents were at issue  even as Republicans say they are gathering evidence that Biden and his son accepted a bribe from Ukrainian officials. Its a charge the White House has strongly denied.

The thing that holds up whether we do impeachment inquiry, provide us the documents were asking, McCarthy said. The whole determination here is how the Bidens handled this.

If they provide us the documents, there wouldnt be a need for impeachment inquiry. But if they withhold the documents and fight like they have now to not provide to the American public what they deserve to know, we will move forward with impeachment inquiry when we come back into session, he added.

McCarthy at one point added they were seeking bank statements and credit card statements, though did not specify for whom.

If they hold that up, we would have to move to an impeachment inquiry. Which you know, Larry, gives the apex of power to Congress when it comes to our subpoena power and others to get the documents we need. The bank statements, the credit card statements and others. Show us where the money went, show us were you taking money from outside sources? And that would clear most of this up, but they seem to fight it every step of the way, he added.

But an aide for the House Oversight Committee, which has led the investigation into the matter, confirmed the panel has not requested such documents from the White House.

At the end of June, Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) told Kudlow in an interview that the panels investigation and expertise are centered around bank statement and bank records, but went on to note that the committee has received 100 percent of what it requested through subpoenas.

Every subpoena that Ive signed as chairman of the House Oversight Committee over the last five months, weve gotten 100 percent of what weve requested, Comer said. Whether its with the FBI or with banks or with Treasury. We have built up success that will lead to more success because now what were subpoenaing is a lot more challenge.

The Hill reached out to McCarthys office for more details on the documents lawmakers are seeking.

Republicans have been focused both on the Biden familys business dealings and an investigation into Hunter Biden s failure to pay taxes.

The assertion about the bribe largely stems from an unverified tip to the FBI relaying a conversation from an informant who spoke with Ukrainian oligarch and Burisma owner Mykola Zlochevsky. Hunter Biden previously sat on the board of Burisma, and his time there is at the center of Republican investigations. While Zlochevsky alluded to payments to the Bidens in the conversation, he appeared to deny that allegation in records on file with Congress since former President Trumps first impeachment.

Earlier in the interview, when discussing a potential impeachment inquiry, McCarthy raised several allegations House Republicans have made regarding President Bidens involvement in Hunter Bidens business dealings.

He also cited the controversy surrounding the decision to appoint a special counsel to oversee the Hunter Biden case. Earlier this month, Attorney General Merrick Garland tapped U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware David Weiss to be special counsel in the case overseeing the Hunter Biden investigation, but that decision came after two IRS whistleblowers claimed that Weiss was blocked from seeking special counsel status. Weiss and the Justice Department have denied the allegations.

Somebody is lying in this process. And the only thing I realize here is the only stories that have not changed are the whistleblowers from the IRS. Their story has held up time and again, and it really looks like theres two justice systems here. If the Biden administration continues to fight to withhold information that could really clear all this up. Did they take bribes? Did they deal in the business? McCarthy said.

McCarthy also warned that the House could move to an impeachment inquiry if Weiss, the special counsel, refuses to hand over information to Congress.

While Republicans had been pushing for the appointment of a special counsel in the case, many were disappointed the authority was given to Weiss.

Some have since raised concerns that the appointment could interfere with investigations on Capitol Hill. Law enforcement officials routinely refuse to share information about ongoing investigations with lawmakers.

If they use this special counsel to say that they cant provide us the information, then it just shows more politics. And it will not stop us. Then we would move to impeachment inquiry and we would be able to still get the documents that we need as we move forward, McCarthy told Kudlow.

McCarthy first raised the prospect of an impeachment inquiry in July, telling reporters that the House could launch such an investigation if the actions uncovered by their probes into the Biden family rise to such a level.

On a House GOP member call earlier this month, McCarthy said committees would continue their probes and that the conference would hold the administration accountable, according to The Washington Post.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Russian pilot landed his Mi-8 helicopter at an airfield in Ukraine to give himself up to the authorities, Ukrainian media reported on Aug. 23.

The landing was part of a long-term Ukrainian operation, according to Ukrainska Pravda media outlet.

According to the outlet, which cited high-rank sources in the intelligence, the surrender was the result of more than six months of work by the Ukrainian military intelligence to bring the Mi-8 helicopter and its pilot to Ukraine.

The sources added that the pilot's family was evacuated from Russia and is in Ukraine with the pilot.

Two other crew members on board did not know where the helicopter was headed and were killed, Ukrainska Pravda wrote.

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Read also: Everything you didnt know about Ukraines flag

The helicopter was supposed to transport parts for Russian Su-27 and Su-30 fighter jets but landed in Kharkiv Oblast, along with the parts it was supposed to deliver.

The Russian Telegram channel "Fighterbomber" claimed the crew was taken prisoner by Ukraine after the helicopter landed by mistake in Poltava Oblast two weeks ago after crossing the border with Russia.

Poltava Oblast does not border Russia nor any Russian-occupied territory.

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Ukraine's Military Intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov confirmed the story on Ukrainian television and said more information would be released soon.

He did not specify where the helicopter landed, but told Hromadske that it did not land in Poltava Oblast.

Read also: UK Ambassador Simmons: People are waking up to understanding of Russia being colonial fascist-leaning country





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Megyn Kelly ripped GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy on Wednesday over his history of questioning the 9/11 attacks and reluctance to own up to or apologize for his previous comments.

Just fing own it!  You screwed up; it was a dumba thing to say. Abide by your truth brand and own it, she said on her SiriusXM show.

Ramaswamy cast doubt on the official conclusions about the 9/11 attacks in two separate interviews over the last month. In the second, he suggested that federal agents could have been on the planes taken over by Islamic terrorists Sept. 11, 2001.

Vivek is in the midst of a controversy entirely of his own making, and its irritating on a few different levels, Kelly said. Hes been playing footsie with 9/11 trutherism  and I have to say its just deeply offensive on a number of levels, not to mention disrespectful to the families of the victims.

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Why is he doing this? This is totally unnecessary. Hes rolling along just fine, she added.

Ramaswamy first cast doubt on the outcome of U.S. government investigations into the 9/11 attacks in a BlazeTV interview earlier this month.

I dont believe everything the government has told us about 9/11, he said, when asked whether 9/11 was an inside job.

He also questioned the attacks in an interview with The Atlantic published Monday. There, he says there is a legitimate question to ask over how many federal agents died on the planes in the attack, implying that the U.S. government was aware of the ensuing hijackings.

I think it is legitimate to say, How many police, how many federal agents were on the planes that hit the Twin Towers?, he told The Atlantic. Like, I think we want  maybe the answer is zero, probably is zero for all I know, right? I have no reason to think it was anything other than zero. But if were doing a comprehensive assessment of what happened on 9/11, we have a 9/11 commission, absolutely that should be an answer the public knows the answer to.

Kelly harshly denounced Ramaswamys comments.

Why is that a legitimate question? What is he saying? I thought we werent pushing baseless theories? she said.

She called the comments bizarre conspiracy crap pandering nonsense and also went after how he avoided apologizing for the remarks this week.

In a contentious CNN interview Monday, Ramaswamy claimed that The Atlantic misquoted him and denied that he said the quote. The Atlantic reporter later released his recording of the interview, confirming that Ramaswamy did actually say it.

Viveks whole rap is Im the one based in facts and truth. Great, lets have some, Kelly said.

Ramaswamy went on to criticize CNNs Kaitlan Collins, who did the interview, calling her a petulant teenager. That wasnt the right move, Kelly said.

Her demeanor was not the problem here, his dishonesty was, she said. It was wrong of the Democrats to compare Jan. 6 to 9/11. Outrageous. And we called them out on it, repeatedly. But it was also wrong of Vivek to use baseless bulls conspiracy theories about federal agents on the 9/11 planes to make his case about government dishonesty.

The candidates comments have riled one of his GOP primary rivals. Former Vice President Mike Pence said earlier this month that Ramaswamys comments deeply offended him.

I understand he was probably in grade school on 9/11 and I was on Capitol Hill, Pence said of the 38-year-old GOP candidate.

I think comments like that, conspiracy theories like that, dishonor the service and sacrifice of our armed forces who fought against our enemies determined to kill us, Pence added.

Ramaswamy has raced up polls in recent weeks, months after he entered the campaign as a political unknown. The Ohio pharmaceutical and biomedicine businessman has about 10 percent support in national polls on average.

Both Ramaswamy and Pence will appear at the first GOP debate Wednesday alongside the races other top candidates, with the exception of former President Trump, who decided to skip the event.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
In a new episode of "Pod Meets World," Melissa Joan Hart and Will Friedle revealed they once had a "whirlwind" childhood romance and announced they are working on a 1990s throwback movie together.

During their chat on the Aug. 20 podcast episode, alongside hosts Danielle Fishel and Rider Strong, the former "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" star and "Boy Meets World" cast member reminisced about growing up together as child actors and their brief fling as teens.

"I was with you for, like, your 14th birthday or 15th, remember we went to someplace where it (had) those big tanks you could drive or shoot the tennis balls at?" Friedle recalled as Hart laughed. "We went out for that and we were, like, making googly eyes at each other. And by the end of night we were dating.'"

Hart joked that they probably called each other "a few times on a landline," which Friedle confirmed.

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"It was a whirlwind romance," Friedle laughed. Neither could remember if they'd even kissed.

Elsewhere in the podcast, Friedle and Hart revealed they are working on a project together.

The film, which Friedle penned before the pandemic, stars Hart and Friedle as  what else  '90s stars.

"Essentially it's, Melissa and I did a movie together back in the 90s," Friedle explained the film's plot, adding that the fictional movie had never been finished "for a bunch of very funny reasons."

He said the director of the fictional film then "has to get his cast back together to finish their '90s movie even though we're all now almost 50."

The two actors told Fishel and Strong that they will be forced to be in it, with Hart and Friedle adding "and some of your exes and some of your friends." It will be a while until fans get to see the film come to life, as the actors and writers strikes continue in Hollywood.

Hart, however, teased "it's super fun" and that she got "super excited" when she read it. "I was like, we have to do this! I have to be in this with you."

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of Russian mercenary group Wagner who staged a short-lived mutiny against Russias military leadership in June, was on board a plane that crashed northwest of Moscow on Wednesday, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency said.

An investigation has been launched into the crash of the Embraer aircraft, which occurred tonight in the Tver region, the Federal Air Transport Agency said in a statement, according to the official state news agency TASS. According to the list of passengers, among them is the name and surname of Yevgeny Prigozhin.

There were seven passengers and three crew members on board the private Embraer jet when it crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino, in the Tver region, on Wednesday, according to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Services. All on board were killed, according to preliminary information, the ministry said, adding that they are conducting search operations.

Among those on the plane were Dmitriy Utkin, a trusted lieutenant of Prigozhins since Wagner was formed, and Prigozhins senior aide Valeriy Chekalov, according to list of passengers shared by the Russian aviation agency.

Plane wreckage in Russia's Tver region on August 23. - Ostorozhno Novosti via Reuters

The bodies of eight people have been found at the crash site, state media outlet Russia 24 reported. Earlier, TASS reported the plane burned up on impact after being in the air for about half an hour.

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Russian investigators have initiated a criminal case following the crash. The Russian Investigative Committee said that a team was on the way to the scene to establish the causes of the crash.

The crash comes months after Prigozhin launched a brief rebellion that posed an unprecedented challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin s authority before it was suddenly called off in a deal that required the Wagner chief and his fighters to relocate to Belarus.

Wagner forces were heavily involved in capturing the eastern Ukrainian cities of Soledar and Bakhmut following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year. Prigozhin then spent months criticizing Russian military leadership and the support it was giving his troops before he called for the armed rebellion.

A senior Ukrainian official told CNN on Wednesday that the plane that crashed north of Moscow is a manifestation of Putins Russia.

This is why we are fighting, we dont want to be a part of Putins world, the senior official, who is close to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said.

US President Joe Biden suggested Putin may have been behind the crash. You may recall, I was asked about this, Biden told CNN. I said I would be careful what I rode in. I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised.

As news of the crash broke, Putin was taking part in an event hundreds of miles away from the site, in the Kursk region, to mark the anniversary of the Soviet Unions victory over Nazi Germany there.

Video shows plane falling out of sky

Video published by Russian state media outlet RIA Novosti showed a plane falling out of the sky with one wing missing. CNN is unable to confirm the authenticity of the video, but RIA Novosti claimed it was the moment that an Embraer jet fell from the sky over the Tver region.

A separate video, also released by RIA Novosti, purports to show plane engine debris at the crash site. Visible on the still-burning engine debris are the last four digits of a registration number: 2795. Prigozhins plane is registered as RA-02795.

Flight data shows the Prigozhin-linked plane reached an altitude of some 28,000 feet before publicly available flight tracking data suddenly stopped transmitting, soon after 6 p.m. local time, southwest of the city of Tver.

Tracking site FlightRadar24 told CNN it is still analyzing data that is likely incomplete, due to the way flight data near Moscow is collected.

CNN has previously reported on the plane, which has been linked to Prigozhins companies and the Wagner Group.

The plane is believed to have previously ferried Prigozhin from Rostov-on-Don  which became the headquarters for his short-lived mutiny in June  to Moscow, St. Petersburg and Belarus.

The Embraer Legacy 600 is a corporate jet based on the ERJ 145 regional airliner used by airlines in the United States.

Russia has an open windows policy

Top Biden administration officials have repeatedly and publicly warned that Prigozhin could be killed by the Kremlin in the aftermath of the halted rebellion.

If I were he Id be careful what I ate. Id keep my eye on my menu, President Biden said in July.

CIA Director Bill Burns and Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed Bidens sentiments, with Burns noting that Putin has a long history of payback.

In my experience, Putin is the ultimate apostle of payback. So I would be surprised if Prigozhin escapes further retribution for this. So in that sense, the presidents right. If I were Prigozhin, I wouldnt fire my food taster, Burns said later in July.

If I were Mr. Prigozhin, I would remain very concerned. NATO has an open-door policy; Russia has an open-windows policy, Blinken also said in July.

For years Prigozhin was an elusive figure, growing wealthy in the chaos and opportunity of the post-Soviet Russian economy.

His transformation from wealthy oligarch into a brutal warlord came in the aftermath of the 2014 Russian-backed separatist movement in the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.

Prigozhin founded Wagner that year as a mercenary outfit that fought both in Ukraine and, increasingly, for Russian-backed causes around the world. He long denied his connection to the shadowy outfit, despite evidence to the contrary.

He was thrust into the spotlight through Wagners close involvement in Russias invasion of Ukraine, securing rare victories for the Kremlin.

But he fell foul of Russian authorities on launching the armed insurrection against Putin two months ago to the day on June 23, after railing against the countrys military brass over their handling of the Ukraine war. Criminal charges were dropped against the Wagner boss, but Putin said in a speech at the time that those on the path of treason would face punishment.

CNNs Katharina Krebs, Josh Pennington, Kevin Liptak, Matthew Chance, Kylie Atwood and Zahid Mahmood contributed reporting.

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The exhibition boasts a collection of paintings, sculptures, photography, film and ephemera, according to a news release.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art will soon exhibit works celebrating the Harlem Renaissance, The New York Times reports.

A rich collection of paintings on loan from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country will be displayed in The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism exhibit, opening on Feb. 25 and running through July 28.

Circa 1920: American singer and dancer Josephine Baker (19061975) harnessed an ostrich to pull a racing sulky. (Photo by General Photographic Agency/Getty Images)

The museum announced in a news release that 160 works will explore the comprehensive and far-reaching ways in which Black artists portrayed everyday modern life in the new Black cities that took shape in the 1920s40s in New York Citys Harlem and nationwide in the early decades of the Great Migration when millions of African Americans began to move away from the segregated rural South.

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The exhibition will boast a collection of paintings, sculptures, photography, film and ephemera featuring artists including Charles Alston, Aaron Douglas, Meta Warrick Fuller, William H. Johnson, Archibald Motley, Winold Reiss, Augusta Savage, James Van Der Zee, and Laura Wheeler Waring, according to the news release.

The Met said the exhibition will be New Yorks first art museum survey of the subject in nearly 40 years.

Becoming painters of modern life within their own communities was key to what the Harlem artists were attempting, said Met curator Denise Murrell, per the Times.

It was an act of radical modernity, for example, to make portraits of an elder Black woman who would have been born into enslavement. And to make them in such a dignified way  those images simply did not exist in previous periods, Murrell added.

As the Times reports, it was Murrells dream to create an exhibition celebrating the Harlem Renaissance  one dedicated to radical modernity.

Significant museums began collecting such works only decades after the Harlem Renaissance, which lasted from 1918 to 1937. According to the Times, private collections and HBCUs received many of these cultural treasures.

Howard University, Fisk University, Hampton University and Clark Atlanta University are among the institutions contributing money to the Harlem Renaissance exhibition.

Murrell said that the Met hopes the exhibit will start long-term partnerships with HBCUs to preserve and present their collections nationally.

In terms of historical context, this is the first time in art history where we have a cohort of African American artists depicting modern Black life in a modern way, Murrell said.

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The post The Met will borrow art from historically Black institutions for new Harlem Renaissance Exhibition appeared first on TheGrio.
Fears of nuclear waste exposure were expressed by New Mexicans to legislators, as the DOE prepared to move weapons-grade plutonium around the country to get it ready for disposal at a repository in southeast New Mexico.

The comments came during a Monday meeting of the Legislatures interim Radioactive and Hazardous Materials Committee, meeting in Los Alamos to be briefed and discuss nuclear-related issues throughout the state.

The plan is to ship about 34 metric tons of surplus plutonium, mostly at the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, to Los Alamos National Laboratory in northern New Mexico for processing, then to Savannah River Site in South Carolina for additional processing.

More: $11.7M sent to SENMC from Energy Department to train nuclear waste workers in Carlsbad

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From there, the waste will be sent to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant after it is downblended to meet WIPPs waste acceptance criteria for disposal.

It will be buried at WIPP in an underground salt deposit about 2,000 feet underground at the site about 30 miles east of Carlsbad.

The Department of Energys plan became controversial as some residents in the Santa Fe area expressed concerns for the safety of transporting the plutonium via truck through New Mexico multiple times during the project.

More: Nuclear waste site near Carlsbad used to generate renewable energy via federal plan

State Hazardous Materials Coordinator Craig Tucker with the Department of Homeland Security said the state was preparing for the potential of incidents during the transportation of the plutonium, collaborating with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to property train and equip responder, mostly volunteer fire departments, along the routes.

Theres a strong sense of whats being carried and what the response may be, he said to lawmakers. This is what were focused on. The intent here is to provide the resources and equipment necessary.

More: Feds digging up nuclear waste in Los Alamos for disposal at Carlsbad-area repository

Cynthia Weehler of activist group 285 ALL argued people living in the area along the wastes route could be in danger of exposure to the highly radioactive material should an incident occur enroute to the labs or WIPP.

Much of the waste would travel down U.S. Highway 285, a highway connecting the Santa Fe area with southeast New Mexico.

Thousands of us live near or on this route. Everything we care about is at risk, she said.

More: South Carolina nuclear waste coming to facility along Texas-New Mexico border

Trinity Site downwinders talk progress to reparations

Lawmakers also heard from groups advocating for federal reparations for residents living near the Trinity Site in south-central New Mexico where the first atomic weapons were tested in 1945.

Although the federal government identified the area as largely uninhabited at the time of the test, descendants of residents living in communities like Tularosa and Carrizozo, within an hours drive of the site, contended they suffered through generations of cancers and other health problems associated with resulting radiation exposure.

Tina Cordova, founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium said the federal government had a duty to compensate the communities for their medical expenses related to the Trinity Site.

More: Holtec will lose millions in storing nuclear waste in New Mexico, whistleblower suit says

That could come in the form of lump payments via the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) that are currently offered to those living near the Nevada Test Site, which began nuclear tests in the 1950s.

A bill to amend RECA to also include New Mexico downwinders passed the U.S. Senate earlier this summer via the chambers passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) used annually to fund national defense and military investments in the U.S.

The dust cloud from the world's first atomic explosion 15 seconds after detonation on July 16, 1945. The bomb was developed during WWII at Los Alamos, N.M. and brought to Trinity Site for testing.

If passed, the legislation would also increase payments from $50,000 to $150,000 for downwinders who are able to show that their medical expenses were tied to impacts from radiation, and establish a process for screening for such effects.

More: Nuclear waste repository near Carlsbad staying open longer than estimated, officials say

The bill still must be acted on by the U.S. House of Representatives before being sent to President Joe Biden for signing into law. The House version of the NDAA did not include the added RECA funding for New Mexico, meaning it would go through the reconciliation process before going to Bidens desk.

The RECA program is heading toward a sunset in 2024, meaning without additional legislation to extend it the expansion to New Mexico downwinders would be impossible.

Cordova said New Mexico lawmakers should support the bill and pressure Congress to expand the payments to New Mexicans.

More: Trinity Site nuke test exposed New Mexicans to radiation. Senate votes to compensate them

People have been suffering ever since, and people have been dying ever since, she said.

She said the group is working to develop the path of the fallout from the Trinity Test, showing that populated areas were affected, arguing such mapping could aid in gaining financial support.

The U.S. government has for years said to New Mexico that the fallout went northward in a very orderly fashion through an unpopulated area of the state, Cordova said to the lawmakers. We know that is not factual.

More: No progress to report on nuclear waste site aside from Carlsbad-area repository, feds say

Barbara Webber at Health Action New Mexico said before the committee that the exposure caused by Trinity was much broader than originally believed.

She called on lawmakers to take action to require health impacts be considered for any license or facilities coming to the state, aiming to avoid unintended effect like those she said were caused by the test at Trinity.

This experiment resulted in an unanticipated impact to 46 states, she said. By not being included in the RECA funding, New Mexico has paid double the medical expenses for its downwinder communities picking up the tab for this lack of government oversight.

The committee voted to write a letter to Congress voicing support for including the RECA amendment in the NDAA.

New Mexico Rep. Tara Lujan (D-48) argued the nuclear industry has damaged New Mexico and New Mexicans for generations, and the affected should be compensated by the federal government.

There are families that suffering due to the consequence of this industry, she said.

Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Lawmakers discuss nuclear impacts at meeting in Los Alamos
Federal land managers proposed leasing public land to the oil and gas industry in southeast New Mexicos Permian Basin region, with an auction slated for the second quarter of 2024.

This sale would include 27 parcels on 6,282 acres in Eddy, Lea and Chaves counties along with Cheyenne County, Kansas, according to an announcement from the Bureau of Land Management.

Most of the offered land would be in New Mexico, according to preliminary BLM data, with 3,112 acres in Eddy County on 10 parcels and 1,280 acres in Lea County on seven parcels.

More: Crestwood sold for $7.1 billion amid string of Permian Basin oil and gas mergers

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Another 359 acres on two parcels were offered in Chaves County, and eight parcels on 1,572 acres were proposed for sale in Cheyenne County, Kansas.

The BLM sought technical comments during its 30-day public scoping period running until Sept. 20.

Those interested in providing feedback on the lands proposed for sale can do so on the BLMs lease sale website.

More: US Rep. Gabe Vasquez introduces bill to compensate New Mexico's oil workers for injuries

Comments will be used as the agency drafts an environmental analysis (EA) for the lands offered for lease and expected drilling activity on the parcels.

Extracting oil or gas from the leased lands would still require an approved application to permit drilling through the BLM, and leases continue for 10 years or as long as fossil fuels are produced.

Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources, read a statement from the BLM. All parcels leased as part of an oil and gas lease sale include appropriate stipulations to protect important natural resources.

More: US Rep. Gabe Vasquez talks balancing oil and gas and conservation during Carlsbad stop

The Bureau was also planning a lease sale Nov. 30 of public lands in New Mexico also for drilling, recently opening a public protest period for feedback on the EA developed for the sale.

If held, the sale would offer leases on 12 parcels of federal public land on about 596 acres in New Mexico and Oklahoma.

That included six parcels  four in Eddy and two in Lea County  totaling about 434 acres in New Mexico, and another five parcels on 162 acres in Oklahoma.

More: Feds issue notice to sell New Mexico public land to oil and gas industry in Permian Basin

Oil and gas operations on the public lands would have no significant impact, according to findings in the BLMs published EA.

Agency looks to reform oil and gas rules

As it continues providing public land to oil and gas companies, the BLM was also seeking to retool how it regulates extraction operations.

The agency sought recently to codify into its rules provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), passed last year and signed into law by President Joe Biden, that increased the rates and fees operators pay to operate on public land.

The new rules would impose a 16.67 percent royalty rate, based on revenue made off the lease, compared with the previous 12.5 percent rate.

It would also increase required bonding oil companies pay into to fund cleanup of abandoned wells to at least $150,000 per lease and at least $500,000 for a companys leases statewide.

The new leasing rules would also target areas with existing extraction infrastructure in leasing more land to energy development, intended through newly-require analysis to avoid areas of cultural significance.

Minimum bids would be raised from $2 to $10 an acre, fees would be added to expressions of interests used by companies to nominated parcels, and rental rates would be raised based on the length of the lease.

The new rules were intended to modernize federal oil and gas policy, said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning.

The agency was accepting public comments on the proposal, and held a public meeting in Albuquerque on Tuesday, with another, virtual, meeting planned for September.

FILE - In this June 8, 2021, file photo, Tracy Stone-Manning listens during a confirmation hearing for her to be the director of the Bureau of Land Management, during a hearing of the Senate Energy and National Resources Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington.

This proposal to update BLMs oil and gas program aims to ensure fairness to the taxpayer and balanced, responsible development as we continue to transition to a clean energy economy, Stone-Manning said in a statement.

Concerns grow for New Mexicos reliance on fossil fuels

But amid continued use of public lands for oil and gas extraction, environmental groups became concern that too much of the land was being used for fossil fuels, impeding efforts to transition to less-polluting forms of energy and conserve natural resources.

Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit Resources for the Future focused on energy production in the Permian Basin of New Mexico in a study published Monday, contending the regions economy could be threatened by its singular focus on oil and gas.

More: Permian Basin oil market slips slightly as companies tackle wastewater management

The study compared the economic impacts of extraction on the Permian and the San Juan Basin in northwest New Mexico, where natural gas drilling recently declined leading to economic hardship for local communities, the report read.

Whereas the San Juan basin faces an immediate economic crisis, the Permian region is experiencing record levels of oil production, boosting local employment and tax revenue, read the report.

Efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions could reduce demand for fossil fuels, the report read, potentially leading to economic declines in southeast New Mexico and other fossil-fuel based regions throughout the U.S.

More: Oil and gas near schools? New Mexico groups hope to protect students from pollution

This necessitates policy and research into economic diversification, read the study, to insulate oilfield communities from future downturns in the oil and gas sectors.

Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are projected to reduce demand for oil and natural gas, creating economic risks for the hundreds of communities and hundreds of thousands of workers who depend on those industries, read the report. However, very little research has sought to identify policy options for building economic resilience in oil- and gas-producing communities.

Researchers sought feedback from local residents and stakeholders on how their communities could diversify, reporting many were wary of the federal government and policies to prevent an overreliance on a singular industry.

We find that although local stakeholders are generally skeptical of the federal government, they would be receptive to federal support, the report read.

Our interviews indicate that building economic resilience in the states oil and gas communities will be challenging, and require early, substantive, and ongoing engagement with a wide range of local stakeholders to ensure that federal resources support local priorities.

Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: New Mexico land offered for oil drilling amid calls for energy reforms
Police seized confidential state files, found in a motel room mixed with a menu listing prices for various sex acts, when they busted a Corrections Department internal affairs investigator for running a prostitution racket, records the Free Press obtained under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act show.

Michigan State Police arrested Scott Matthew Fink, who has pleaded guilty to prostitution-related charges and awaits sentencing in Livingston County Circuit Court Sept. 21, inside a Hartland Township motel in Livingston County on May 19, which was a Friday. Police saw Fink, 44, and an East Lansing woman arrive separately at the hotel that morning, where Fink rented two adjoining rooms, and where police saw a series of suspected "johns" enter one of the rooms and stay for about an hour each before leaving.

Police arrested Fink and the woman at about 4 p.m. after she offered an undercover police officer a naked massage and oral sex in return for $800 in cash.

The Free Press is not naming the woman, now 36, who does not appear to have been charged with a crime.

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Fink and the woman had also advertised online for "dates" with her all day Wednesday, May 17 and Thursday, May 18, though the woman canceled her Thursday dates because she said she was not feeling well, records show.

Michigan State Police records, obtained through FOIA, show former MDOC internal affairs investigator Scott Fink had confidential investigative files with him in a Hartland Township motel room on the day of his arrest.

Kyle Kaminski, a spokesman for the Michigan Department of Corrections, would not say whether Fink had booked those three days as vacation or other leave days, or whether Fink, whose job was to investigate suspected wrongdoing by other Corrections Department employees, was expected to be working those days.

Although Fink resigned from the department shortly after his arrest, a Corrections Department investigation into possible work rule violations by Fink is ongoing and the department "cannot comment on an ongoing investigation," he said.

But Fink, who through his lawyer Spencer Bondy declined to comment for this story, had records from his state job with him at the hotel when he was arrested, according to incident reports and search warrant records compiled by the MSP.

Police seized $4,500 in cash and found used condoms in both motel rooms, records show.

Fink's backpack was among the items seized in one of the hotel rooms.

"Within the backpack I located a black in color leather binder," one of the officers wrote. Inside the binder, he found "administrative manifest(s), note pads with handwritten notes," and "individual case files for internal affairs investigations," one of the officers wrote in a report. In the same stack of documents, the officer found a folder containing "menus for sexual acts," he wrote.

The Michigan Department of Corrections considers internal affairs files to be confidential personnel records and has in the past refused requests from the Free Press to release them under Michigan's FOIA.

Both Fink and the woman told police in interviews that they were dating and the activities at the motel evolved from their "swinger lifestyle," initiated by Fink. They advertise only the erotic massages, although the woman was not a licensed masseuse, and, despite the price lists that police found, payments for sex acts that clients agreed to came in the form of donations, police said.

More: Prisoners, officers detail retaliation after outing staff for smuggling drugs

Police seized a video baby monitor and cameras and among the charges Fink pleaded guilty to is "surveilling an unclothed person," which is a two-year felony. Fink told police he was there to provide security and that he and the woman have an open relationship and he "likes being a voyeur in this situation."

Fink also pleaded guilty Aug. 11 to transporting a woman for the purposes of prostitution and accepting earnings from prostitution, which are both 20-year felonies, using a computer to commit a crime, which is a five-year felony, plus a misdemeanor charge of aiding and abetting.

It appears Fink's involvement in prostitution had been ongoing for several months.

Fink's wife, from whom he is now estranged, hired a private detective and went to Milford police Feb. 27 after looking in Fink's backpack and finding "a list of hotels, women's names, client names, and a menu for sex acts," according to the police reports. Milford turned the investigation over to the MSP.

Investigators found Internet ads for massage services posted by Fink going back to December 2022, the reports say. The woman told police she met Fink through social media in August or September of 2022, that she loves him, and that he serves as a father figure to her children, according to the police reports.

"The MDOC was not aware of this former employees nonwork conduct until being notified of his arrest," Kaminski said. "Immediately upon receiving that information, the department placed Scott Fink on unpaid suspension and initiated its own investigation."

Kaminski said the department "is confident that investigations recently completed by this investigator were completed consistent with MDOC standards, but a review of some recent cases has been initiated to ensure they are consistent with MDOC investigatory practices and were not impacted by his nonwork conduct."

Fink, who worked for a state agency in which both prisoners and employees have alleged they have been subjected to racism, ran a prostitution operation in which Black people and those who looked "Middle Eastern" or "unkempt" were not accepted as clients, records show. Prospective clients had to send photos of themselves to finalize a "date," records show.

Fink "knows her type and knows she will be attracted to the men he sets up dates with," an investigator wrote after interviewing the woman.

"Additionally, she will not cater to African Americans, Middle Eastern clients, or clients who look unkempt."

Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @paulegan4.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: State worker Scott Fink had secret Michigan files in prostitution bust
To move China-South Africa ties toward deeper level with higher quality, broader scope

09:24, August 23, 2023 By Yang Yi ( People's Daily

This year marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa. Over the past 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral relationship has achieved leapfrog developmentfrom a partnership to a strategic partnership, and then to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Political mutual trust between the two countries has been enhanced continuously, practical cooperation has been advanced steadily, people-to-people exchanges have remained vibrant, and strategic coordination has been deepened constantly. These have brought tangible benefits to the two peoples and the African people at large.

A photo exhibition is held by the Chinese Embassy in South Africa to review the highlights of China-South Africa exchanges, Aug. 18, 2023. (People's Daily/Guan Kejiang)

South Africa was the first African country to sign the Belt and Road cooperation document with China. A series of bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms have smoothed trade between the two sides and elevated the quality of China-South Africa economic and trade cooperation, including the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETC), the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, the China Import and Export Fair and the China International Import Expo.

China has been South Africa's largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years, while South Africa has maintained China's biggest trading partner in Africa for 13 years in a row. In the first half of this year, bilateral trade between the two countries reached $28.25 billion, up 11.7 percent year-on-year.

In May this year, the first shipment of 53,000 tons of feed corn from South Africa arrived at a Chinese port. After strict inspection and quarantine, the feed corn was supplied to Chinese feed companies.

Following South African wines and citrus fruits, the shipment marked another successful attempt in China-South Africa agricultural trade. It provided diversified feed options for Chinese clients and boosted South African agriculture and increase local farmers' income.

South Africa is one of the largest investment destinations for Chinese enterprises in Africa. In recent years, bilateral investment and cooperation has expanded steadily.

Statistics show that by the end of June 2023, China's investment stock in South Africa stood at around $10 billion. In April this year, China actively responded to South Africa's "new investment initiative" and organized over 60 companies to participate in the 5th South Africa Investment Conference, announcing new investment intentions of nearly 15 billion rand (about $800 million).

At a business meeting held this August in Johannesburg, enterprises from both countries signed trade agreements totaling nearly $2.2 billion.

Local employees work in a workshop of an industrial park of Chinese appliance manufacturer Hisense in South Africa. (People's Daily/Zou Song)

Stavros Nicolaou, of the South African chapter of the BRICS Business Council, said this business meeting brought new opportunities for enterprises in both South Africa and China. South Africa will increase exports of minerals and agricultural products to China while deepening extensive cooperation in areas such as the automotive industry and agricultural product processing, he added.

South African Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel said Chinese companies have played a positive role in South Africa's economic and social development, and South Africa sees China as the most important economic and trade partner.

According to Patel, South Africa will continue optimizing its business environment, and encourage more Chinese firms to leverage opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area for more trade and investment cooperation in South Africa.

South Africa hopes to expand cooperation with China in the industrial chain of the new energy vehicle sector, the minister added.

At the end of 2022, construction began on the South African site of the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) radio telescope in the small town of Carnarvon in the Northern Cape. The SKA, the world's largest radio telescope, is a key technology cooperation project between China and South Africa involving scientists from China and other nations.

South African Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Blade Nzimande said China's participation is very important for the SKA project, and South Africa wants to further strengthen cooperation with China in science, technology and innovation.

In July this year, Chinese tech giant Huawei officially launched an innovation center in South Africa, which will continue supporting its South African partners, app developers and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises for innovation in areas like 5G, cloud computing and AI.

A multimodal train bound for Africa leaves southwest China's Chongqing municipality, April 27, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Long Fan)

At the launching ceremony, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the establishment of the innovation center aligns very well with the South African government's governance priority of using digital technologies to propel economic development.

China has collaborated with South Africa and other African countries to build science and technology innovation cooperation platforms, expanding new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation and promoting sustainable economic and social development.

China has supported the building of Africa's first 5G commercial network and 5G lab in South Africa, promoted South Africa's internet industry by laying fiber optic cables in the country and investing in multiple submarine cables, and partnered with major South African telecom carriers to provide fast and stable communication services to over 30 million South African people.

China has also established a science park in South Africa and the China-South Africa Joint Research Center for Mineral Resources, hosted an innovation and entrepreneurship forum for youth in the two countries, and implemented a joint China-Africa Partnership Plan on Digital Innovation in Africa.

South Africa has more Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms than any other country in Africa. It has incorporated the Chinese language into its national education system.

The Confucius Institute at Durban University of Technology and the Confucius Classroom at the Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Center in South Africa have rolled out a slew of Chinese language-related programs in Juncao technology, e-commerce, innovation, entrepreneurship and tourism in collaboration with Chinese enterprises and industrial associations.

Thanks to these programs, many South African youths have entered Chinese enterprises and have new choices of employment.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Law enforcement agents investigate at the home of Craig Deeleuw Robertson, who was shot and killed by FBI agents, in Provo on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023. Robertson posted threatening comments about President Joe Biden hours before the president was scheduled to visit Utah. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Utah Sen. Mike Lee has questions about the FBI raid in Provo that killed Craig Robertson earlier this month, calling certain actions the bureau took highly unusual and telling constituents it warrants serious investigation.

The Utah Republican fielded about an hour of questions during a town hall event in Lehi Wednesday  the very last question came from a woman asking for his thoughts on the raid.

Lee, in response, said it appeared the FBI used more force than usual, and questioned why the raid was carried out so early in the morning, why Robertsons body was reportedly left on the sidewalk for hours after the shooting, and whether agents tried to deescalate the situation before using force.

Robertson, 75, was shot dead in his home in Provo by FBI agents who were attempting to arrest him related to months of violent threats posted on his social media toward President Joe Biden and other top Democrats. Biden was scheduled to land in Utah hours later.

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In a statement, the FBI says Robertson was pointing a .357 revolver at agents as they entered his home at about 6:15 a.m. The bureaus inspection division is investigating the shooting.

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Lee, thanking the constituent for asking the question, told the audience that anytime someone dies at the hands of government officials, law enforcement or otherwise, its of concern and it warrants serious investigation.

I dont think any of us can claim to know enough facts about that investigation, about what happened there, to know. An investigation will have to happen, he said. I havent commented on that, one because I know relatively little about it. All I know about it is what you know based on what weve been able to read from public reports.

Lee went on to say there were things about the raid that seemed unusual.

Apparently there was a flash grenade that was deployed outside the residence. It was executed early in the morning. It seemed like more force than what was usual. But again, I dont know what was in their case file, I dont know what reason they may have had that the person would prove to be a threat to them, Lee said.

Lee said many law enforcement officers are trained to deescalate tense situations, and questioned whether they took steps to try to avoid the conflict.

According to neighbors who spoke to the Deseret News after the shooting, Robertson was carried outside and placed on the sidewalk following the shooting, where first responders attempted lifesaving measures and then put a white sheet over his body. Witnesses say his body stayed there for roughly two hours.

Lee said that was concerning.

It seems highly unusual that they, having killed him, left him laying apparently outside for several hours. Thats weird, the senator said Wednesday.

Lee then reiterated that he knows nothing more about Robertson than whats been publicly reported.

But obviously its of deep concern any time law enforcement acts in a way that results in the taking of a human life. People have got to be held accountable and we shouldn't expect anything less, he told the audience.

As he closed out the town hall, Lee expanded on what he called the importance of local law enforcement, saying it was yet another reason to honor federalism.

We need some federal law enforcement, but there are some real advantages that happen when we have local law enforcement doing the bulk of it because local law enforcement tend to know much more about the neighborhood in question, and the individual in question, when they go to execute a warrant, Lee said.

Related

A federal complaint filed the day before Robertson was killed charged him with making interstate threats, making threats against federal law enforcement and making threats against the president.

On his now deactivated Facebook page, Robertson asked whether Utah would become famous as the place a sniper took out Biden the Marxist and urged residents to fire their guns into the air when Air Force One arrived.

Robertson also threatened other high-profile Democrats  he posted about patriotic dreams of standing over the body of California Gov. Gavin Newsom with a wound above his brow and my S&W M&P 9mm still smoking. Other posts threatened U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, Vice President Kamala Harris and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Provo Police officers responded to Robertsons home in 2018 after two Google Fiber workers claimed he pointed a gun at them while they worked on his property. When an officer arrived, Robertson answered the door holding an AR-15 rifle. He was never charged.
On Aug. 10, the Department of Defense announced it was launching a task force to look into generative AIprograms like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and othersto produce finished work like code or answer questions or develop specific images when asked to do so. The announcement is part of the U.S. militarys ongoing effort to keep pace with modern technologies, studying and incorporating them as they prove useful, while at least taking some time to determine what risk the use of AI for military purposes poses.

AI is an ungainly catch-all term for a family of distantly related technologies, but its nevertheless being heavily pushed onto consumers by Silicon Valley techlords who are convinced theyve found the next big thing. As governments and especially militaries follow suit, its important to ask the question: What, if anything, can AI offer for understanding and planning war?

Algorithmic analysis, especially that based on language learned models (like what ChatGPT is based on), has been heralded as a way for computer processes to use training data and respond to new circumstances. When people express fears of Killer Robots, that fear is focused on the tangible: What if AI lets a robot with a gun select who to kill in battle, and gives the robot the speed and authority to pull the trigger? Algorithms can fail in ways that are opaque and unpredictable, leading not just to error on the battlefield, but novel error.

How Russia Uses American Businesses to Steal U.S. Military Technology

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And military interest in AI wont remain confined to the tactical or battlefield level. The Pentagons expressed interest in generative AI is expansive.

With AI at the forefront of tech advancements and public discourse, the DoD will enhance its operations in areas such as warfighting, business affairs, health, readiness, and policy with the implementation of generative AI, the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office said in statement about the announced generative AI task force.

So how should we expect to see the military pursue AI as a new tool? Two recently published academic papers offer perspective to help understand the shape and limits of AI, especially when it comes to policy.

Predicting the Next Battle

One of the most vexing challenges facing a state and its security forces is predicting when and where battles will occur. This is especially true when it comes to fighting against non-state actorsarmed insurgencies may operate from within a geographic expanse, but strike at targets of opportunity throughout the area that can reach.

In a paper entitled Discovering the mesoscale for chains of conflict, published on Aug. 1 by PNAS Nexus, authors Niraj Kushwaha and Edward D. Lee, both of the Complexity Science Hub of Vienna, Austria, created a model that inputs existing conflict data, matches it to time and space, and can then be used to predict how previous incidents will cascade into larger waves of clashes and fighting.

Kushwaha and Lee started with public data on political violence incidents recorded by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, constrained to just events in Africa and from 1997 through 2019. The authors then matched that data across grids of space and slices of time. A battle in one place in the past was a good sign there would be new battles in adjacent or nearby locations in the future, depending on the time scales chosen for a given query.

In a way evocative of snow or sandpile avalanches, a conflict originates in one place and cascades from there. There is a similar cascading effect in armed conflicts, Kushwaha said in a news release. One such example of the models insight is how it identified how violence from Boko Haram in Nigeria displaced herders, leading to further conflict on the periphery of where Boko Haram operates. But the model can also identify events linked to a different group, the Fulani militia. These forces, which can be seen as distinct groups, can both take advantage of a strained government response to any of a number of insurgencies in the country, and lead to cascading violence in the future.

By repeating the process across other conflicts, the authors found that different events in the same place can be traced to different conflicts. By just using the model at hand, they were able to find and connect later violent incidents to earlier ones, inferences that can be found in the data, but hard to parse without a model of conflict cascade teasing it out.

The promise of bringing big data and algorithmic analysis to data sets like this is that the models built can spot connections otherwise invisible to human perception. While much of Kushwaha and Lees work is built on more reproducible algorithmic tools, the others are keenly aware that AI offers further depth for such research.

How Technology Made the U.S. Military Its Own Worst Enemy

The conflicts unfold in this model as avalanches, from an origin to cascading violence that spills forward in time and across geography. Kushwaha and Lee suggest their model may be useful for connecting other snowballing how other social factors, like unrest, migration, and epidemics, factor into conflict and its spread. In addition, these avalanches can be used to train machine learning algorithms, creating a tool that can be used to look for similar connections across a range of scales, and with more variables added in. Because the process works on scales from small protests to large battles, it has broad application as a tool for studying spreads of conflict.

One of the most immediate possibilities for such work is creating, with training data and algorithmic insight, a way for countries to adapt to and predict the violence of insurgencies shortly after a conflict breaks out. Here, the tool still requires some data from the conflict before it can start modeling, but any speed in assessment could help a country better deploy its military or other assets with an eye towards winning the fight early.

Command and Control

If algorithmic tools can be used to predict conflicts cascading from one battle to another, it is reasonable to wonder if an AI tool could be built not just to track conflict, but to allocate tools for winning it. That, argues Cameron Hunter and Bleddyn E. Bowen at the University of Leicester, would be a mistake.

Well never have a model of an AI major-general: Artificial Intelligence, command decisions, and kitsch visions of war, their impressively named paper published Aug. 7 in the Journal of Strategic Studies reads. It is about the real limits of AI decision making for the kinds of choices commanders are called upon to make in war.

At the heart of the matter is the kind of reasoning employed by narrow AI, the kinds of decisions required of commanders, and the divergent relationship those reasonings have to information.

Command decisions in tactics and strategyand rounded advice in making those decisionsrequire multiple kinds of logical inference, and the good judgment to know when to use each one, Hunter and Bowen wrote. Command decisions at their heart require judgment, which is something AI technologies cannot domachine learning, narrow AIs can only calculate.

At its core, the paper seeks to explore the chasm between inductive versus abductive reasoning, and how this will affect the role of AI in modern warfare. Inductive logic makes decisions based on probabilistic inferences, like assessing the sum total of all chess moves and picking the next move that leads to the most winning board states. Abductive reasoning is based on observation and made in the absence of perfect information.

Narrow AI, from chess competitor Deep Blue to DARPA-designed AI pilot Alpha Dogfight, are capable of winning games against human opponents. But their achievements take place in structured, rule-bound environments. Fog of war, or the inherent unknowability of all enemy positions and actions, is completely absent in board games like Chess and Go. Instead, players have perfect information of where all pieces are at all times, and know the rules of where pieces can end up in the future. Even the aerial duels of Alpha Dogfight are bound by knowables: the planes involved, the conditions determined by which an AI-piloted plane can win the battle.

The key selling point of AI commanders or advisorsrapid computationis therefore moot because war is logically undecidable and cannot be resolved by computing power and datasets alone, write Hunter and Bowen. The notion that there are objectively correct choices in strategy that are enacted on a battlefield looks particularly kitsch in light of a historical record filled with examples of unexpected or non-battle centric routes to defeat and victory.

In their paper, Hunter and Bowen focus on command decisions, or those made about how to achieve victory in the absence of information. Throughout history, commanders have won by inferring what could be happening, and acting based on those assumptions. Removed from the finite rules and conditions of a came, inductive AI can only pursue actions already coded as leading to victory, and will be unable to adapt to surprise.

Why AI Wont Be Replacing Teachers Anytime Soon

We believe that narrow AI will in fact remain a halfwit tactician as well as a moron strategist, because tactics is also the thinking part of warfare and requires the same kind of logic as strategy and politics. Being good at Chess does not make an AI good at devising a plan to storm a redoubt, Hunter and Bowen concluded.

This is not a problem that can be solved with better algorithms or greater computing power, as it hinges on traits entirely outside the ability of AI. War is a fundamentally human endeavor, and while there are processes within it that can benefit from automation, the specifically political nature of ending a conflict is likely to elude any machine, especially ones trained to secure victory through quantifiable means.

Known Unknowables

When nations go to war, they do so with human institutions, built up of interlinked thinking parts, all coordinated through chains of command and deference. Generals observe war at a different scale than squad leaders and presidents, though all are assumed to be working towards the same end: the precise application of violence needed to resolve a conflict in their favor. This is a process that generates a tremendous amount of data, from the automatically generated geo-coordinated flight logs of modern battlefields to the industrial-scale assessments of anti-aircraft fire on returning bombers.

AI tools offer a means to understand this data in a useful way, from assessing maintenance needs based on undiscovered correlations to predicting where an insurgent army may strike next. AI tools will likely be developed and assigned in places where speed, especially, is crucial for an operating system. Bowen and Hunter point to the Aegis Combat System, an automated defensive weapon that coordinates sensor data and interceptors to protect ships from incoming rocket and missile fire, as one such example of rules-bound AI serving a useful purpose and already deployed.

Boston Dynamics and Other Tech Companies Promise Not to Weaponize Their Robots

Outside of situations where the rules are clear, like protecting a destroyer from incoming hostile fire within set parameters, AI tools will struggle to offer what commanders and soldiers need. While it is common to quip that generals are stuck trying to fight the last war, AI may be incapable of anything but. The same process that works on a board game with perfect information is bound to struggle the moment it falls under attack from a dimension it had not considered.

As the Pentagon prepared to adopt AI to ease operations, it has never been more important to understand what AI cannot do. Otherwise, human commanders trusting in AI tools are in for a surprise they should have seen coming.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A teen in Minnesota was fishing with his family on a lake when he reeled in a wallet.

The wallet was filled with $2,000 in cash and had been dropped in the lake a year earlier.

The teen returned it to the Iowa farmer, saying, "We didn't really work hard for the money. He did."

A 14-year-old in Minnesota hoping to catch some walleye pulled in something entirely different  and a lot more valuable.

Connor Halsa was recently fishing on Lake of the Woods in northwestern Minnesota with his family when the line went taut, WDAY-TV reported Tuesday. "I thought I had a big fish, and I set the hook really hard," he told the outlet.

But when he reeled in the catch and his cousin netted it, they realized it wasn't a fish at all, but a wallet stuffed with $2,000 in cash.

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"My cousin Brandon opened the wallet up and he was like  he said some words that you probably shouldn't say," Halsa told WDAY, adding they took the bills out and laid them out to dry.

Inside the wallet was also a business card, so Halsa's family used it to track down the owner: Jim Denney, a farmer in Iowa who dropped the billfold a year ago while fishing at that same lake, which was more than 70 miles long and wide.

"I tell you what, if I didn't if I got the billfold in my hands. It is still hard for me to believe," Denney told WDAY. He traveled to Minnesota to pick up the wallet and cash. He also gifted Halsa a custom-made cooler and took the teen's family out to dinner.

Denney also offered Halsa a reward, but he would not accept it. "We didn't really work hard for the money. He did, so it was his money," Halsa said.

The incident was reminiscent of another curious catch recently reeled in by a group of anglers in Florida, including Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.

Castor was fishing with her family in the Florida Keys in July when they pulled in a black package that was bobbing in the water  and filled with $1.1 million worth of cocaine.

That 70-pound catch was not, however, returned to its owner.

Read the original article on Insider
Missouri voters appear almost evenly split on Republican Sen. Josh Hawley as he mounts a reelection campaign in 2024, according to a new poll.

The poll released Wednesday by Saint Louis University and British pollster YouGov found that 47% of those surveyed approved or strongly approved of Hawley, compared to 45% that disapprove or strongly disapprove of his job performance.

A small fraction  8%  said they were not sure, illustrating that few people are neutral on the polarizing Republican senator in the Show-Me State. Hawley was the first senator to announce plans to object to the certification of President Joe Bidens victory in the 2020 election and was photographed pumping his fist at a crowd outside the Capitol shortly before the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

For comparison, a significant percentage of Missouri voters are still unsure of how they feel about Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt , the states junior senator who was sworn into office in January. While a plurality of 42% approved or strongly approved of Schmitt, 20% were not sure. The poll found that 38% of voters disapproved or strongly disapproved of Schmitt.

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The survey of 900 likely Missouri voters was conducted between July 27 and Aug. 8. It has a margin of error of 4.02%. The poll also asked voters to weigh in on a host of other issues, including LGBTQ rights and teacher salaries.

Hawleys approval ratings have remained relatively stable since the most recent Missouri poll released in March, which found that 47% approved or strongly approved of the states senior senator while 44% disapproved or strongly disapproved.

The Republican senators approval ratings peaked around 50% in July 2021 and have fallen slightly since then, Steve Rogers, an associate professor of political science at Saint Louis University who directed the poll, told The Star after the release of the previous poll in March.

The release of the poll comes as a crowded field of Democrats are vying for a chance to take on Hawley in 2024. Former Marine Lucas Kunce, who lost a bid for U.S. Senate last year, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell, state Sen. Karla May from St. Louis and Columbia community activist December Harmon are all seeking their partys nomination.

Whoever wins the Democratic nomination will face an uphill battle in a general election in a state that has grown increasingly conservative.

Once considered a bellwether state, Republicans have a supermajority in both chambers of the General Assembly, control every statewide elected office in Jefferson City, and only two of Missouris 10 members of Congress are Democrats.
Elaine Chao and Sen. Mitch McConnell , R-Ky., received the Titan of Service Award at the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation Titan of Public Service Award Gala on Aug. 22, 2023. | Orrin G. Hatch Foundation

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell stood in a chapel adjacent to the University of Utah campus to pay tribute to his friend, Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, 15 months ago. The solemn occasion marked the funeral service for the longest serving Republican senator in the nations history  the honorable senator from Utah.

Orrin took his legislation to the same place where our Savior took his ministry: to the margins, to the periphery, serving the least of these, McConnell said, as reported in the Deseret News, pointing to Hatchs work on childrens health insurance, Americans with disabilities and HIV/AIDS, among other concerns.

Tuesday night in Salt Lake City the focus again turned to service, but this time it was in praise of McConnell, 81, and Elaine Chao, 70, a former transportation secretary and labor secretary. The couple, married for 30 years, were honored together with the first Titan of Service Award for their careers in public service that span decades and continue to influence the nation.

The honor was bestowed during a private dinner at the Grand America by the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation, established to promote civility in pursuit of solutions to the nations problems, in honor of the late Sen. Hatch who died April 23, 2022, at age 88. Hatch was often referred to as the Titan of the Senate, as echoed in the book by William Doyle.

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The award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to civic leadership. Its a celebration of those who have spent their lives promoting our shared American values. I can think of no more appropriate recipients for this award than McConnell and Chao, wrote Matt Sandgren, foundation executive director and board member, in an op-ed published in the Deseret News in July.

He repeated those words Tuesday night, in an evening highlighting the accomplishments of not only McConnell and Chao, but also Hatch, whom they honored even as they received the service recognition.

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Elaine Chao, secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, waves to the crowd after speaking during the Golden Spike Sesquicentennial Celebration and Festival at Promontory Summit on Friday, May 10, 2019. | Steve Griffin

Im here for Orrin, McConnell said, noting that his former colleague in the Senate played the long game, just as he himself plays the long game. Earlier this year, he became the longest-serving Senate leader  a 17 year run in leadership  protecting the institution of the Senate and lamenting the erosion of civility, which he said makes it difficult to foster debate and compromise.

Its like being the groundskeeper at a cemetery. Everyones under you, but nobodys listening, he joked, to an audience that included both of Utahs senators, Mike Lee and Mitt Romney, as well as a whos who of Utah political leaders, dignitaries and guests. His comments came during a conversation between Chao, McConnell and former Oregon Sen. Gordon H. Smith, a colleague of McConnells in the Senate from 1997 to 2009.

McConnell is Kentuckys longest-serving senator, first elected in 1984. Since that time his leadership has been praised by Republicans and conservatives, and challenged by Democrats and liberals, particularly for his influence over the judiciary, which was praised at the event Tuesday.

As his Senate webpage states: McConnell led a transformation of the federal judiciary in a victory for the rule of law and the Constitution. His consequential decision to follow precedent and keep a Supreme Court vacancy open during the 2016 presidential election gave him the opportunity to confirm three justices as majority leader. In four years, he also prioritized the confirmation of 30% of circuit court judges nationwide and a total of 234 lifetime appointments to the federal bench.

He shares influence of the judiciary with Hatch, who served as a longtime member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and as its chairman through many Republican Senate majorities.

At the time of his retirement, (Hatch) had participated in the confirmation of more than half of all federal judges who had ever served and played a central role in 13 Supreme Court confirmation hearings, states the foundation website that bears his name.

Elaine Chaos remarkable story

Chaos distinguished career begins with a compelling personal history; she is an immigrant who came with her mother and two sisters to America at age 8 from Taiwan. Her father had come three years earlier and the family would make a go of it in America, which meant learning a new language and culture for young Elaine.

She became a U.S. citizen at age 19. Her studies would take her to Harvard Business School, which laid a foundation for both private and public service success.

She served in the cabinets of two administrations, as the 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation and the 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor. She was the first Asian American woman appointed to a cabinet in American history. Those appointments followed a steady rise from a banking career to her first appointment in Washington, D.C., as deputy maritime administrator, to director of the Peace Corps.

She, too, lauded her association with Hatch, calling him a tremendous ally as she worked in two presidential cabinets, particularly during her years as labor secretary under President George W. Bush.

(Hatch) was unfailingly smart, strategic, effective, and he was a tremendous ally to have when I was in the administration. So for gratitude to him for having helped so much when I was Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Transportation, Im very humbled and very honored to be here to remember Orrin Hatch. A great American. A great patriot, Chao said.

As transportation secretary, she dealt with the unprecedented challenges brought by COVID-19 and a pandemic that hit every aspect of society. She listed three key objectives necessary to keep the country moving forward during a time of shutdown.

First, keep airspace open, requiring a total rethinking of air traffic controller schedules and redundancies to prevent against the spread of the virus.

Second, focus on the supply chain, which means keeping trucks on the road, which carry about 70% of Americas goods (with rail carrying about 30%).

Third, overcome various state regulations and keep truckers licensed to drive, by extending licenses. She worked to keep rest stops open too  seemingly simple things that required amazing coordination.

McConnell and Chao were married Feb. 6, 1993, and are often named among Washington, D.C.s most influential power couples. They spoke sparingly of their personal story, but it was perhaps summed up best by Smith, who noted: These are very historic people.
50 Cent is having a moment of reflection after sharing a resurfaced clip from Chris Tuckers comedy special about one of his biggest fans, Michael Jackson. According to Tucker, the late great Michael Jackson was a big fan of the rappers 2003 anthem In Da Club.

50 Cent laughs at resurfaced clip of Chris Tucker reminiscing on Michael Jacksons love for 50s song, In Da Club. (Photos: @50cent/Instagram; @christucker/Instagram)

The G-Unit artist went to his Instagram to post a clip from Tuckers 2015 Netflix special Chris Tucker Live, where the comedian joked about a time when he and the King of Pop were in a car together and the track from Get Rich or Die Tryin came on.

The Rush Hour actor said everything was cool until Jackson started rapping along with the lyrics.

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Michael, Michael, no! Michael, no! Dont sing the words. Please, said Tucker who claims that Jackson responded, I love that song. I love that beat. I love it. That is a cold-blooded beat. Of course I wouldnt go in the club with a bottle full of bub. I wouldnt do that! But I love that song!

Click here to read more.

The Friday actor told his friend, It doesnt sound right, Mike, who allegedly responded I know but I love it!

50 captioned the post saying, yo chris is crazy who didnt like that one LOL #bransoncognac #lecheminduroi

Underneath his post, fans laughed about MJs reaction to 50s song.

we need to see more of @christucker ! 50 put him in Power asap.

MJ made a hard song go soft

lmao that is a cold blooded beat sound like sum shi mj wud say.

If you don't remember when Michael Jackson performed live with Chris Tucker & Usher.



You disgust me pic.twitter.com/EjQ6305SvE  Treez (@TN00Lights_) November 24, 2016

Just recently, another artist compared the South Jamaica, Queens native to Michael Jackson. During his stop in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center on The Final Lap Tour, 50 brought out Dreamville rapper J. Cole, who made a statement about 50s biggest album.

Get Rich or Die Tryin is the best album of all time I dont give a fuck what you talking about. Cole told fans at the concert, Its Get Rich or Die Tryin at number one, and its Thriller at number two, and I love Michael Jackson.

Related: 50 Cent Compares Himself to Michael Jackson, Fans React

This isnt the first time 50 Cent has been compared to the pop icon. As previously reported in 2019, the Many Men rapper made a post on social media where he stated that CB [Chris Brown] better then MJ to me now. and then posted a clip of Brown doing backflips on stage during the concert and commented, All Im saying is I never seen MJ come out like this.

Fifty followed that up with an edited picture of his face on the Thriller album cover with the caption, CB aint got shit on me.I got moves fool #lecheminduroi #bransoncognac.
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom brought together a legion of speakers pivotal to the Civil Rights Movement. A quarter of a million people were there.

Decades later, the dream of one civil rights titan is what echoes in the minds of Americans who think of the iconic march.

I have a dream, Martin Luther King said.

Those four words stand out in a speech that touches on myriad topics. Economics, police brutality, peaceful protests, voting  both the right to vote and something to vote for  and, of course, an end to racism.

In 2023, three years after a summer of protests in the wake of multiple incidents of police brutality, in a year where some states are looking to restrict lessons on Black history, has the United States made sufficient progress toward the dream?

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To recognize 60 years since King delivered his most iconic speech, USA TODAY spoke with people who were there, experts in the Civil Rights Movement, Kings daughter Bernice King, and those whove fought against discrimination that endures decades after King told tens of thousands of his dream. Theres still work to do to achieve Kings vision, they said.

Listen to March on Washington attendees share their memories

I just knew I wanted to be there

Witnesses to The Great March spoke about what they experienced that day and reflected on the progress  or lack thereof  the United States has made toward Kings dream. Read the story

Witnesses to the March on Washington like Norman and Velma Hill, Clayola Brown and Clarence B. Jones share their experiences 60 years later.

How women were nearly excluded

Activists including Anna Arnold Hedgeman, Dorothy Height and Pauli Murray pushed male leaders to allow women to speak at the 1963 March on Washington. Read the story

Activists including Anna Arnold Hedgeman, Dorothy Height and Pauli Murray pushed male leaders to allow women to speak at the 1963 March on Washington.

Censorship of Black history persists

Opportunities to learn a more inclusive version of U.S. history are finally becoming more common in public schools. And already being stamped out. Read the story

From AP African American Studies to "Ruby Bridges," censorship of Black history continues.

Todays justice efforts continue and honor Civil Rights Movement

Sixty years after the March on Washington, similar issues are at stake for activists seeking racial and economic justice. Heres how the movements compare. Read the story

How todays struggle for justice evokes and differs from the civil rights movement of the past

Black homeownership: A wrenching experience

One of the biggest roadblocks to building wealth for Black Americans is still in place since the I Have A Dream speech. Read the story

Civil rights demonstrators, far outnumbered by Chicago policemen, march through southeast side residential neighborhood in their push for open housing in Chicago on Aug. 24, 1966. Marchers parade in front of a real estate office on Chicagos South Side on Aug. 5, 1966.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Martin Luther King's 'I have a dream' speech 60 years later resonates
Ukrainian military leadership has approached President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with a request to expand the ongoing general mobilization, Zelenskyy said on Aug. 23.

During a press conference at the Crimean Platform Summit, a journalist asked Zelenskyy whether there would be an acceleration of mobilization considering the ongoing counter-offensive, and whether everyone will serve, as some military observers tend to say.

Read also: Pulling forces from eastern Ukraine would put Slovyansk, Kramatorsk at risk  Zelenskyy

The president did not offer a direct answer, but suggested that the Ukrainian military does indeed have a need for greater manpower.

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To be honest, the military approached me with this, to allow to mobilize more [people]...; that's all I can tell you for now, said Zelenskyy.

Read also: Ukrainian military advancing in several areas, despite dense minefields, says Zelenskyy

Additionally, the head of state mentioned that currently, issues with the medical military examinations and recruitment centers are actively being resolved.

The issue of recruitment centers is a very important issue, [along with] medical commissions at the centers, he added.

Read also: Ukrainian parliament set to extend martial law, mobilization for another three months

It is necessary as soon as possible to accelerate processes, establish order, and then begin discussions about the need to increase [ranks of the military]  how and with whom.

On Aug. 17, martial law and general mobilization in Ukraine were extended by another 90 days.

During general mobilization, all military-eligible men aged 18 to 60 can be called up for military service, unless they have legal grounds for deferment or exemption.

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
In postponing a change to high school boundaries, leaders of Modesto City Schools must not forget students and families in historically underserved south Modesto, where kids dont have a high school of their own and spend an hour in traffic just to get to Downey High.

Rigid bus schedules exclude some south Modesto students from zero-period courses such as student leadership, and from eighth-period and extra-curricular activities such as sports, unless the teens get rides. But these students come from families in some of Modestos most economically challenged neighborhoods, often with both parents working to make ends meet and without an extra car or driver, or both.

The district has acknowledged that dozens of students in south Modesto ignore jurisdiction and enroll at Central Valley High School. That may make practical sense because its much closer than Downey, but Central Valley is in the Ceres Unified School District and these south Modesto students dont belong there. By law, theyre supposed to be served by Modesto City Schools.

Failing to address the long commutes endured by south Modesto kids is not acceptable. By not locating a high school closer to where they live decades ago, and by choosing now to delay a solution, Modesto City Schools has failed to remove a significant barrier, making it harder for underserved teens to enjoy a right that most take for granted: accessible education.

A scene on Dallas Street in south Modesto, where teens are bused miles away to Downey High.

These kids already face too many barriers, such as poverty. They dont need their school district  an agency financed by tax dollars  creating more. Thats disenfranchisement, and its wrong.

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Opinion

Decades ago, rather than helping south Modesto kids, the district opted to serve then-new growth areas by building Johansen High east of town, then Enochs High to the northeast and Gregori High to serve northwest Modesto and Salida  all higher-income areas. And south Modesto students continue taking the long and winding road to and from Downey.

MCS leaders know this.

They have made strides in recent years, establishing a task force, restructuring hiring priorities to promote diversity, and bringing on board an equity and intervention specialist. Baked into these efforts were specific concerns of the inequity endured by south Modesto families.

A consulting firm came up with three scenarios for how boundaries might be changed. All would affect five of the citys seven comprehensive high schools, leaving Beyer and Enochs untouched. The district sponsored community meetings, explaining the three scenarios and how they would affect families across most of Modesto.

Community meetings revealed that many parents all over town are resistant to change. That is unsurprising. Unless a sparkling new campus with amenities like cutting-edge science labs, a stadium, or a swimming pool is dangled, people usually are more comfortable sticking with what they have.

Recently announcing a pause on the effort to redraw high school boundaries, the district cited a wish to see how attendance at each school may change after upgrade renovations are done using bond money from Measure L, passed by voters in November.

Keep politics out of equity

But it must not be a pretext for refusing to deal with a difficult equity issue. And delaying several more years is not acceptable.

Busing students is undeniably a hot-button issue. In a debate before President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris became chums, they sparred over that very issue. As a child, she was bused to a white Bay Area school, and she objected to his previous legislation opposing forced integration.

Doing nothing in Modesto surely is easier than ruffling feathers at a time when even the mention of trying to make things fairer for some irritates those who historically have enjoyed more access to public services. But the easy answer isnt always the right answer.

Modesto City School Board members must not forget that they were elected to represent everyone in their jurisdiction. These leaders must not lose sight of the long-ignored goal of improving education opportunities for students and families in south Modesto.
The Modesto City Council voted Tuesday evening to boost water rates nearly 25% by 2027.

The average residential bill will go from $67.13 a month now to $83.66 in 2027, a staff report said. Actual charges are much higher in the dry months and lower in other times.

Under state law, the proposal would have died if a majority of the 75,584 customers filed protests. Only 144 did.

The vote was 6-1, with Councilman Chris Ricci dissenting. He said Modesto residents already face a recent garbage rate hike and a new local sales tax of 1%.

Councilman David Wright also noted those burdens but still voted for the new water rates. Everybodys getting hit right and left, but having clean water is important to our city, he said.

New rates will begin Oct. 1

Bills will rise 4.5% on Oct. 1 and by the same percentage on July 1 of the next four years. Businesses will see roughly similar rises.

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The water comes from numerous wells and a Tuolumne River treatment plant operated by the Modesto Irrigation District. The system serves Modesto, Salida, Empire, Grayson, Del Rio and a tiny spot in Turlock. The outlying areas were added via the 1995 purchase of the Del Este Water Co.

The rate process is dictated by state Proposition 218 of 1996. It requires the city to mail out notices to all of the account holders, who can protest via return mail or at the council meeting.

Ricci said the process should include options for protesting by email or other high-tech means. Instead, You have to do it 1977-style with an envelope and a stamp, he said.

Several ways to reduce water charges

Water customers can trim their bills through several discount and rebate programs:

The city pays $2 per square foot of lawn replaced by landscaping that uses less water. The total cannot exceed $3,000 for a residential customer or $6,000 for a business.

Rebates for drip irrigation are 50 cents for every square foot of yard converted from sprinklers, up to $1,000 per customer.

High-efficiency clothes washers can earn rebates up to $200, available to apartments as well as houses.





New toilets have a rebate of up to $100, offered to houses and apartments built before 1992, when plumbing standards were tightened.

A city worker can provide a free consultation on water-saving measures in general.

The rates are structured to be especially high for heavy water users. They can reduce their bills the most by monitoring outdoor consumption on hot days.

Low-income households can apply for $45 discounts off the total monthly bill for water, sewer, trash and storm drain services. They must be enrolled in at least one state or federal assistance program, such as CalWorks or Medi-Cal.





The city offers one-time incentives for paperless billing. Customers can get $10 for switching to email alerts, which link them to the online billing portal. They can earn another $10 by setting up automatic payments though debit or credit cards or bank accounts.

More information on the city programs is at www.modestogov.com/943/Water-Conservation.

The extra income will help meet rising costs for operations and upgrades to the system, Utilities Director Will Wong told the council.

The needs include fixing water main leaks, maintaining storage tanks, replacing undersized lines and treating wells that exceed health standards. The city also plans groundwater recharge projects under a California law that seeks to end overpumping statewide by about 2040.
A visitor takes photos of an exhibit at the National Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 13, 2021. A special exhibition featuring precious Dazu rock carvings has opened at the National Museum of China. (Xinhua/Yin Dongxun)

Over 100 cultural heritage conservation experts and scholars from home and abroad recently gathered in southwest China's Chongqing for a forum which focused on cave temple conservation.



The first International Forum on Cave Temple Conservation was held from Aug. 19 to 21 in Chongqing's Dazu District, home to the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site Dazu Rock Carvings.

The Dazu Declaration on Cave Temple Conservation in the Context of Climate Change was issued on Monday.

Cave temple cultural relics consist of a variety of types, such as cave architecture, cliffside sculptures, niches and murals. In China, the Mogao Grottoes, Dazu Rock Carvings, Yungang Grottoes and Longmen Grottoes, all of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, are examples of cave temple complexes.

However, increases in extreme weather events and unpredictable climatic conditions, the result of climate change, are challenging efforts to preserve cave temples globally. Therefore, experts in this field believe that international cooperation and exchanges are particularly necessary for the conservation of cave temples, which involves a comprehensive endeavor that spans multiple disciplines of research and technology.

This is the first conference focusing on connections between climate and grotto conservation. Cultural heritage experts provided valuable insights, and exchanged ideas and practical examples, as well as worked together to promote cave preservation, said Mario Santana Quintero, secretary general of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

Cecilie Christensen, founder of World Heritage Catalysis and a member of ICOMOS, said that excessive tourism, which also contributes to the rise in carbon emissions disrupting ecological balance and contributing to climate change, has become a factor leading to the deterioration of cultural heritage sites.

Christensen called for experts and scholars to continue sharing practical experience, pooling collective wisdom, and collaboratively addressing the challenges faced by global cultural heritage conservation, to finally realize the sustainable development of world heritage.

Li Qun, head of China's National Cultural Heritage Administration, said that cave temple preservation has long been a significant subject in the field of international cultural heritage protection. Over the years, professional institutions from China, Japan, the United States, Britain, Australia, and Italy have established cooperation in this field.

Statistics showed that there are 2,155 cave temples and 3,831 cliffside sculptures scattered across China.

Regarding China's conservation efforts, foreign experts have given positive feedback.

Abdul Samad, director of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan, said he was impressed by China's cultural heritage conservation efforts, which are highly meticulous and professional, particularly in areas such as digital documentation and the restoration of cultural relics.

After visiting the Dazu Rock Carvings along with other forum attendees, Samad said it was quite inspiring, and he expected to enhance cooperation with China in cultural relics' conservation in the future.
(Bloomberg) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested the creation of a BRICS space consortium, hours before a spacecraft from the South Asian nation landed near the moons south pole.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Modi was speaking at the plenary session of the BRICS bloc  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  in Johannesburg on Wednesday. India became the first country to land a spacecraft near the moons south pole after Russias attempt at a lunar touch down in the same area ended in failure following an engine malfunction.

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We congratulate you, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said after Modis speech. This for the BRICS family is a momentous moment.

The successful touch down lifts Indias prestige in the global space race, after the country suffered a setback from a failed moon mission in 2019.

Modi wants to bolster the countrys place among the worlds space-faring nations and in June India signed the Artemis Accords, a US-backed initiative with more than two dozen other countries to govern joint missions and civilian space exploration.

Chandrayaan-3  spacecraft that launched last month  achieved a soft landing at 6:04 p.m. India time on Wednesday, after Russias Luna-25 crashed into the moon on Sunday.

A rover, named Pragyan, or wisdom, will then analyze the chemical makeup of the moons surface and search for water over the course of one lunar day, which is equivalent to 14 days on Earth.

The BRICS bloc already cooperate in sharing remote sensing data. Under a 2021 agreement, the five nations agreed to use their existing satellites to create a virtual constellation, while last year the group set up the BRICS Joint Committee on Space Cooperation.

During his speech, Modi also suggested the creation of a repository of traditional medicines.

(Updates to add detail on previous space cooperation in sixth paragraph.)

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
A tip led to a womans remains in rural Georgia late last year, deputies say.

Now, shes been identified.

Olivia Samantha Fowler vanished two years ago from Meriwether County, according to the sheriffs office. The 26-year-old had been reported missing Aug. 14, 2021, after she was last seen at about 10 a.m. the day before.

Through forensic testing, investigators confirmed the remains found in a rural part of the county in December 2022 belong to the missing mom of three, the Meriwether County Sheriffs Office announced Aug. 22.

Authorities are looking into the circumstances of Fowlers death.

The case will now be classified from a missing person case to a death investigation, Sheriff Chuck Smith said in a statement. There is still much evidence to be analyzed and processed.

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Fowlers family and friends launched a public search with #BringOliviaHome in hopes that someone might find her, WXIA reported. Relatives said she loved her family and had the biggest heart.

At the time, family members believed Fowler was being held against her will after she vanished, according to WSB-TV.

Shes somewhere she cant get to us, Fowlers mother, Kimberly Fowler, told the station last year. Shes somewhere she cant get to a phone.

Local investigators, as well as agents with the FBI Columbus Resident Agency, met with Fowlers family Aug. 21 to deliver the upsetting news, the sheriffs office said. The FBI Crime Lab in Quantico, Virginia, aided investigators in verifying her remains.

Fowlers relatives have asked for privacy, Smith said.

The family would like the public to know that Olivia was not only a mother, but a daughter, a sister, a grandchild, and an important member of the Fowler family, the sheriff said.

This is a difficult time for them now and going forward.

Anyone with information on Fowlers disappearance or death is asked to call the Meriwether County Sheriffs Office at 706-672-6651, or the FBI tip line at 770-216-3000.

Meriwether County is about 60 miles southwest of downtown Atlanta.

Kayaker discovered body in river a year ago, Washington cops say. Now hes identified

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Authorities in Pakistan have evacuated over 100,000 people after weeks of rainfall once again led to a dangerous flooding situation, in a grim reminder of last years catastrophe.

The evacuation orders covered large parts of the eastern Punjab region along the Sutlej River where flooding has been recorded in the last three weeks, officials said on Wednesday.

Sutlej river swelled to extremely high levels on Saturday, at one point expanding around 4km wider, more than the Indus river, data showed.

The swelling of the river inundated several districts, prompting more rescue operations in recent days.

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Most of the evacuations were reported in the districts of Bahawalpur and Kasur in Punjab province.

Small-scale evacuations had already begun in July after neighbouring India diverted water from dams into the Ravi River, which flows from India into Pakistan.

Later rainfall also flooded the Sutlej river, prompting authorities to evacuate people living nearby.

This is massive flooding  the #Sutlej has gone KMs wider in just 4 days, even wider than the Indus, and much of the border between #Pakistan & #India south of #Lahore division is under water. These flows come from the huge floods caused by Monsoon rains in Northern India. https://t.co/r8AfIGS4tr pic.twitter.com/eJEuJk8VfS  Dawar Butt (@theLahorewala) August 19, 2023

The national disaster management agency said water levels in the Ravi river are currently normal, but will rise further in the Sutlej river this week.

Punjab Floods:

Flooding in the Sutlej River affected seven districts: Kasur, Okara, Bahawalpur, Pakpathan, Vehari, Bahawalnagar, and Lodhra.

According to NDMA,

Over 238,000 people and 17,000 livestock have been evacuated, & farmland and crops have been submerged.#PunjabFloods pic.twitter.com/e18ozgaxtg  OCHA Pakistan (@OCHAPakistan) August 22, 2023

The water inundated roads and also threatened several government buildings in Hussainiwala city, including the National Martyrs Memorial.

Flood water enters the parts of National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala near Pakistan border, its here busts of freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev have been erected pic.twitter.com/RQkWx6IbLr  Neel Kamal (@NeelkamalTOI) August 20, 2023

This year, once again Pakistan has been struggling with flooding in low-lying areas due to heavy rainfall that has killed over 170 people since June.

The rainfall has also sparked catastrophes in neighbouring India, including flooding in national capital Delhi and landslides in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

South Asia receives 70-80 per cent of its yearly rainfall in the three-month monsoon season starting in June. However, various scientific assessments have found that increasing global temperatures due to the man-made climate crisis are making rainfall more intense and erratic, leading to more flooding.

Other factors, such as infrastructural vulnerabilities, also make the region highly prone to the increased impact of the disaster.

Pakistani authorities are still struggling to overcome the damage caused by massive floods last summer that affected 33 million people and killed 1,739. The floods caused $30bn in damage to the countrys economy.
Morris Brown College has notified students and staff of its decision to introduce a strict mask mandate on campus. The mask mandate started at the private school after the constant increase of COVID-19 numbers in Georgia. On Friday, the HBCU sent the unexpected in a letter to faculty, staff and students, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Students and staff must abide by the mask mandate for two weeks.

Although there have not been positive COVID-19 cases on campus, Morris Brown planned to avoid the possibility of future issues on campus after the news of positive cases occurring at the Atlanta University Center. The notice was posted to Morris Browns Instagram account on Sunday.

Effective immediately, Maurice Brown College has reinstated its COVID-19 mask mandate due to reports of positive cases among students in the Atlanta University Center. Over the next 14 days, the following protocols will be in place, the statement announced.

The post also included new regulations surrounding mask-wearing, physical distancing, symptom monitoring, hand-washing/sanitization, isolation, quarantining and large gatherings to inform students it will all begin immediately on campus.

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A message to Morris Brown College faculty, staff, and students #TheHardReset, the post read.

According to the CDC, Georgia has seen an uptick, with 399 cases confirmed and a 29.5 percent in hospitalizations.
The trident on the shield of the Motherland in Kyiv was installed at the beginning of August

A total of 67% of Ukrainians approve of the removal of the Soviet coat of arms from the shield of Kyivs iconic Motherland monument, and its replacement with a Ukrainian Tryzub or trident state symbol, a new poll has found.

The results of the poll, conducted by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives foundation and the Razumkov Center think tank, were released on Aug. 23.

Read also: Ex-President Yuschenko helps create trident for Motherland monument in Kyiv

Some 16% of respondents said they disapproved of the change, while the rest either didnt answer this question or had a neutral attitude.

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The highest share of positive attitudes among the public was expressed in the western regions of Ukraine, as well as among young and middle-aged Ukrainians.

Slightly fewer such positive assessments were recorded in the southern (42%) and eastern (57%) parts of the country, as well as among the elderly (58%). However, the pollsters point out that positive assessments still prevail even in these regions and age groups.

Read also: Most Ukrainians still oppose making concessions to Russia to achieve peace, survey shows

Meanwhile, 70% of respondents agree that substituting the Soviet emblem with the trident on the Motherland monument is a landmark event that symbolizes Ukraines struggle for freedom and its break from the Soviet past. However, about 17% of Ukrainians do not share this opinion.

The survey was conducted on Aug. 9-15. A total of 2,019 people were interviewed in person across Ukraine, except for in the occupied territories of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, Kherson, and those areas where active hostilities are taking place.

The polls margin of statistical error does not exceed 2.3%.

The Soviet coat of arms, including the hammer and sickle symbol, was removed from the monuments shield on Aug. 1.

Momentum to remove the Soviet symbols from the monument grew after a vote was conducted on the Diia platform (a mobile app and web portal for e-governance operating in Ukraine since 2020) in the summer of 2022. The overwhelming majority of voters wanted to replace the Soviet coat of arms with the Tryzub.

On May 3, 2023, Ukraines parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, passed a law permitting the removal of Soviet and imperial cultural monuments. Subsequently, on July 13, the State Inspection of Architecture and Urban Planning issued a permit to substitute the coat of arms on the monuments shield with a Ukrainian trident.

Read also: 77% of Ukrainians confident in Ukraines eventual victory  poll

The Culture Ministry confirmed on July 26 that the process of preparing to remove the Soviet coat of arms had commenced. All funding for the endeavor came from patrons, with the overall cost estimated at UAH 28 million (over $761,000).

The trident state symbol was placed on the shield of Kyivs Motherland monument on the morning of Aug. 6.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper on Wednesday urged Republicans, who have a supermajority in the General Assembly, to finish and pass the state budget, which will include raises for tens of thousands of people and the implementation of Medicaid expansion, impacting thousands more.

I wish Republican leaders would talk with the people that I have seen over the last two weeks, Cooper told reporters after speaking during the opening ceremony of N.C. Freedom Park downtown. People whove received letters theyre being kicked off of Medicaid coverage, insurance, when they could be on it if expansion had been enacted, that weve all agreed on.

Cooper signed the Medicaid expansion bill, a bipartisan win for leaders of both parties, in the spring. But expansion cannot happen until the budget becomes law. Republican leaders in the legislature hoped to complete a budget by the end of June, when the fiscal year ended. But two months later, budget negotiations are still dragging out, and the delay could mean the state continues to lose out on federal money.

Cooper said he has also been talking to people about how theyre struggling with the closing of rural hospitals, talking with school principals who have teacher spots that they havent been able to fill, or bus drivers that they need on their routes.

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The shortage of school bus drivers, a crisis across the state and beyond, means that the largest school system in North Carolina, Wake County, is going to have some students arrive after the school day has already begun, The News & Observer previously reported. The first day of traditional calendar public schools is Aug. 28. Raises are seen as one way to increase the hiring of bus drivers, as well as teachers and other school staff.

According to Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore, budget negotiations are nearly complete, with the two Republican leaders finalizing funding for projects and earmarks in lawmakers districts.

Moore told reporters last week that final budget talks center on spending money from the federal American Rescue Plan, a state infrastructure fund and NCInnovation, a new nonprofit that funds UNC System researchers turning their ideas into businesses.

Though they wont release the numbers, Moore and Berger said they have already settled on state employee raises and the tax cuts they plan to include in the budget.

Veto overrides and another recess

The legislature has been on a break for most of July and August as Berger and Moore negotiate the budget. Plans for it to pass in June became July, then August and now September.

This state needs a budget and it needs it now, Cooper said Wednesday. Weve seen the work that they can do in seven hours. They came and passed an avalanche of damaging legislation in a few hours.

The governor was referring to a one-day voting session last week during which Republicans, and a few Democrats, voted to overturn Coopers vetoes of several bills. Legislation that passed included the controversial Parents Bill of Rights and two other bills targeting transgender youth and athletes.

Berger and Moore said last week that they expect to review the final budget bill in early September and that votes will be held during the week of Sept. 11, assuming their plan isnt derailed. That means state employees and teachers will not get raises by Labor Day  observed this year on Sept. 4  a federal and state holiday that recognizes American workers and the labor movement.

Im hoping we can meet that schedule, Berger said.

Berger said that final budget items to decide on include infrastructure funding  from water and sewer to airports. He said that head budget writers are working through final negotiations of project spending totals.

If passed by Sept. 15, the budget would go to Coopers desk 11 weeks into the fiscal year. Rather than shutting down like the federal government when a budget isnt passed, North Carolina just continues to spend at the same levels outlined in the previous budget.

Surely they can come up here to get to work, work nights and weekends if necessary, and agree to a budget so that we can move our state forward, Cooper said.

In recent years, budget delays were over fights between Cooper and the Republican-controlled legislature, which did not have a veto-proof supermajority. The 2021 state budget deal between Cooper, Berger and Moore didnt resolve until nearly Thanksgiving. Responsibility for this years budget delay falls only to Republican leaders, who have total control.
EAST LANSING  A Michigan State University physical therapist assistant is accused in a lawsuit of sexually assaulting a female patient during a medical appointment.

In early 2021, a woman sought treatment for a leg condition and, on a recommendation, went to see William Mead at an MSU medical building in East Lansing. During the appointment, Mead made several comments about the woman's physique, according to a lawsuit, and rubbed her pelvic region, collarbone and shoulders, telling her that it was connected to her lower leg problem.

She estimated that he touched her breasts and pubic region about 17 times, slowing down his movements in those areas relative to others, according to the lawsuit, which added that he "used a cupping motion as opposed to a flat hand."

The woman asked Mead why he was repeatedly touching those areas and he said he had to follow the lines of her lymph nodes, according to the lawsuit.

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She reported the incident to university police and the Office of Institutional Equity the day after the appointment, according to lawsuit. The MSU Office of Institutional Equity handles Title IX and other sexual misconduct investigations with regard to violations of university policy.

Police sent their investigation to Ingham County prosecutors for review and no charges were issued.

Messages were left seeking comment from an attorney for Mead and an attorney for the woman who filed the lawsuit. The State Journal is not identifying her because she reported a sexual assault.

Dan Olsen, a spokesperson for MSU, declined to comment on the lawsuit or to provide the outcome of the OIE investigation.

"While I cannot comment on a lawsuit we have not seen, I want to assure the community that all reports made to the university are rigorously reviewed and followed up on by appropriate investigative units on campus," Olsen wrote in an emailed statement.

He added that Mead was still employed by MSU Health Care.

On Monday, Mead was still listed on a university website as a physical therapist assistant. But by Tuesday morning, after the State Journal had reached out to Mead's attorney and the university for comment, that page no longer existed.

Melissa Jegla, a spokesperson with MSU Health Care, said it's policy to remove provider profiles when theyre no longer seeing patients. She could not provide additional information as to why Mead is no longer seeing patients.

The lawsuit was filed on Aug. 8 in Ingham County Circuit Court, following notices of intent to sue the university that were filed in the Michigan Court of Claims in October 2022. The notice is a required step in Michigan when suing a government entity like MSU.

Included with the lawsuit are three signed affidavits from physical therapists who reviewed the woman's medical records from the appointment and information from her interview with the university's Title IX office.

They cite a lack of informed consent from the woman and that Mead touching her breasts and pubic area would be against the standard of care for the injury she sough treatment for.

Mead's state license to work as a physical therapist assistant is still active, according to a state website.

Contact reporter Matt Mencarini at 517-377-1026 or mjmencarini@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattMencarini.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Michigan State physical therapist assistant accused of sexual assault
You are here: Arts

People view a display panel of a photo exhibition entitled "Beautiful Jiangxi: Showing Her Charm to the World - Story of Jingdezhen Porcelain" in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Aug. 22, 2023. (Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua)

A photo exhibition titled "Beautiful Jiangxi: Showing Her Charm to the World - Story of Jingdezhen Porcelain" opened here Tuesday on the Lovers' Bridge near the National Palace of Culture.



It features 60 posters with information and photos about pottery and ceramics making in the city of Jingdezhen, a world-famous "porcelain capital" in east China's Jiangxi Province.

The two-week event is organized by the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria and the Foreign Affairs Office of Jiangxi Province.

A woman in her 50s who gave her name as Kathy, told Xinhua she liked the exhibition. "I received information about the city of Chinese porcelain," she said.

Kristian Galabov, a 20-year-old student at the Technical University of Sofia, said he found the exhibition interesting and beautiful.

Dimitar Pavlov, also a university student, found the exhibition very interesting, and he was especially curious about production technologies of the different types of ceramics displayed.
Last week, a grand jury in Georgia accused former President Donald Trump and 18 others of scheming to overturn the states results of the 2020 presidential election so that he could remain in office.

In the Aug. 14 indictment are racketeering and corrupt organizations statutes that, in addition to Trump, have resulted in a long list of charges for his close allies like Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows and John Eastman.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis gave all 19 defendants until noon on Friday to surrender.

Despite now being indicted in four criminal cases, Trump has managed to avoid getting his mug shot taken. But soon after the indictments release, Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat said the defendants  including Trump  will not receive any special treatment when they arrive for their arraignment.

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It doesnt matter your status. We have a mug shot ready for you, he told NPR. Unless someone tells me differently, we are following our normal practices.

So far, Labat has stayed true to his word. Here are the mug shots of every defendant that has so far turned themselves in, provided by the Fulton County Sheriffs Office.

Donald Trump, former president

Trump turned himself in and was released on a $200,000 bond on Thursday. He is accused of leading the scheme to overturn the election in Georgia.

While the charges touch on his infamous call pressing a top state election official to find him enough votes to win, they also encompass other alleged illegal activity, such as a plot to assemble a fake or alternate slate of electors who would be loyal to Trump.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of Donald Trump.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of Donald Trump.

John Eastman, former Trump attorney

Eastman was instrumental in some of Trumps efforts to remain in power, notably for writing a memo that argued the former president could keep his seat if then-Vice President Mike Pence overturned the election results during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, 2021. The plan included implementing fake electors in seven battleground states  including Georgia  who would falsely certify Trumps win.

Eastman surrendered on Tuesday, and has since been released on a $100,000 bond.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former Trump attorney John Eastman.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former Trump attorney John Eastman.

Rudy Giuliani, former Trump attorney

Giuliani, a longtime friend of Trumps, was also central to Trumps scheme to overturn the election. He is facing over a dozen charges for spreading lies about election fraud and falsely claiming that voting machines were tampered with to intentionally hurt Trump. He also lied about voter fraud in a Georgia Senate hearing about the election.

The former New York City mayor surrendered on Wednesday, and has been released on a $150,000 bond.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani.

Jeffrey Clark, former acting assistant attorney general of the Justice Departments Civil Division

Clark is accused of falsely asserting that the Justice Department had identified significant concerns that may have impacted the outcome of the election in multiple States, including the State of Georgia, in the last days of 2020.

Former Attorney General Bill Barr, who resigned mid-December 2020, had already told Trump there was no evidence of fraud in the election at any significant scale. According to testimony he gave before House investigators, Barr told Trump the fraud claims were bullshit.

Trump reportedly considered appointing Clark as acting attorney general after Barrs resignation, but ended up not pursuing it, according to the indictment. Clark surrendered Friday.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of Jeffrey Clark.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of Jeffrey Clark.

Sidney Powell, former Trump attorney

Powell was proudly one of Trumps most involved lawyers when it came to filing lawsuits across the country challenging the results of the 2020 election. Prosecutors said Powell was one of many who met conservative attorney Lin Wood for the purpose of exploring options to influence the results of the November 2020 elections in Georgia and elsewhere.

Powell surrendered Wednesday on a $100,000 bond.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former Trump attorney Sidney Powell.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former Trump attorney Sidney Powell.

Jenna Ellis, former Trump attorney

Ellis vocally pushed lies about voter fraud, even after the 2020 hearing by Georgia state lawmakers in which Trump allies repeatedly pushed false claims about the election results. She also wrote two memos arguing that Pence should ignore the electoral college votes from certain battleground states, like Georgia.

Ellis surrendered on Wednesday on a $100,000 bond.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis.

Kenneth Chesebro, former Trump attorney

Chesebro, who served as counsel for the Trump campaign, worked after the election to implement a plan to have 16 Georgia Republicans sign a certificate falsely stating that Trump won the race, and declaring themselves the states qualified electors.

Chesebro surrendered Wednesday on a $100,000 bond.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former Trump attorney Kenneth Chesebro.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former Trump attorney Kenneth Chesebro.

Mark Meadows, former chief of staff

Meadows, who served in Congress before becoming chief of staff in the Trump White House, participated in a phone call between the former president and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger on Jan. 2, 2021, when Trump asked the official to find him more votes.

Meadows also visited Georgias Cobb County while state investigators were auditing the signatures on absentee ballot envelopes in December 2020. The chief of staff obtained a phone number for Frances Watson, who was the lead investigator for Raffenspergers office. Meadows then gave it to Trump, who called her.

Meadows surrendered Thursday on a $100,000 bond.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.

Ray Smith, Georgia lawyer

Smith was involved in multiple lawsuits challenging the results of the 2020 election in Georgia. He helped gather witnesses to testify on nonexistent voter fraud during the 2020 Georgia legislative hearing on the election.

Smith surrendered Wednesday on a $50,000 bond.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of Atlanta-based attorney Ray Smith.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of Atlanta-based attorney Ray Smith.

David Shafer, former Georgia GOP chair

Shafer was one of the 16 state Republicans who posed as fake electors in order to falsely declare that Trump had won the election in Georgia, and that they are duly elected and qualified electors. He also joined Trump in a lawsuit challenging the 2020 elections certification in Georgia.

Shafer surrendered Wednesday on a $75,000 bond.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former Georgia GOP chair David Shafer.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former Georgia GOP chair David Shafer.

Cathleen Latham, former Coffee County GOP chair

Latham was one of the 16 Republicans who posed as a fake elector in Georgia in order to declare that Trump had won the 2020 election in the state. As head of the Coffee County Republican Party, she welcomed a computer forensics team into the county elections office so they could copy software and data from voting machines.

Latham surrendered Wednesday on a $75,000 bond.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former Coffee County GOP chair Cathleen Latham.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former Coffee County GOP chair Cathleen Latham.

Scott Hall, Georgia bail bondsman

Hall was involved in gathering voting data from machines in Coffee County, where Latham allowed a computer forensic team to interfere with Dominion Voting Systems equipment at the county elections office.

Hall surrendered Tuesday on a $10,000 bond.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of Atlanta-area bail bondsman Scott Hall.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of Atlanta-area bail bondsman Scott Hall.

Harrison Floyd, former leader of Black Voices for Trump

Floyd served as head of the organization Black Voices for Trump. He is accused of recruiting pastor Stephen Cliffgard Lee to arrange a meeting with publicist Trevian Kutti and local election worker Ruby Freeman, so that they could pressure Freeman into falsely confessing to election crimes she did not commit.

Floyd was charged earlier this year for allegedly attacking an FBI agent working on the Justice Departments investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election. He surrendered on Thursday, but because he does not have a bond agreement, he remains in custody.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former Black Voices for Trump leader Harrison Floyd.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former Black Voices for Trump leader Harrison Floyd.

Michael Roman, former Trump campaign staffer

Roman is accused of peddling the alternate electors scheme in Georgia  but also in other states like Arizona and Michigan, according to court documents.

Prosecutors say he helped assemble the required paperwork to push the scheme over the finish line.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office's mug shot for Michael Roman.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office's mug shot for Michael Roman.

Shawn Still, would-be alternate elector

Charges against Still include impersonating a public officer, as he was allegedly part of a Trump-aligned alternate slate of electors that planned to overturn the election results in Georgia.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot for Shawn Still.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot for Shawn Still.

Stephen Lee, Lutheran minister from Illinois

Lee, a suburban minister who loved Trump, went to Georgia in December 2020 to help investigate Trumps claims of voter fraud there. He is accused of trying to pressure an election worker, Ruby Freeman, into changing her official recollection of the vote count.

Freeman had been targeted by Trumps team days earlier for supposedly rigging the election against Trump by secretly moving suitcases full of ballots; she and her daughter, Shaye Moss, testified about the abuse they endured as a result.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office's mug shot for Stephen Cliffgard Lee.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office's mug shot for Stephen Cliffgard Lee.

Misty Hampton, former Coffee County election supervisor

Hampton allegedly used her position as a local election supervisor to help Trump allies access voter data  including Hall.

She said in an interview with The Washington Post last year that she did not trust the election results.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot for Misty Hampton.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot for Misty Hampton.

Robert Cheeley, Trump-aligned lawyer

Georgia attorney Cheeley is accused of working to help Eastman pull off the alternate electors plot.

He testified at a Georgia state Senate hearing in late 2020 about the supposed voter fraud, presenting video clips of election workers counting ballots.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office booking photo for Robert Cheeley.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office booking photo for Robert Cheeley.

Trevian Kutti, former Kanye West publicist

Kutti is also accused of contacting Ruby Freeman and trying to pressure her, allegedly telling her she was in danger.

Kutti was once a publicist for Kanye West, the rapper now known as Ye, although she was not working for him at the time she confronted Freeman, a spokesperson told The New York Times.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office booking photo for Trevian Kutti.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office booking photo for Trevian Kutti.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article incorrectly said Jeffrey Clark served as acting attorney general of the U.S.; Clark was acting assistant attorney general of the Justice Departments Civil Division.

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The couple accused of plotting and killing an 18-year-old from South Carolina was seen livestreaming for hours before and after the alleged crime in Union County.

A viewer sent Channel 9 video that Reporter Hannah Goetz has been looking into for weeks.

Now, investigators tell Goetz theyve confirmed the suspects were livestreaming after investigators say they murdered Jacob Williamson, and even when deputies arrived at their door.

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Joshua Newton said three words -- It was fun -- as he danced during a livestream on the social media app LiveMe.

He and girlfriend Victoria Smith explained to their followers that he had to get stitches on his hand that morning.

Me and him got in an argument and he bust his hands, she said.

They kept asked me what my pain tolerance was. I was like zero, Newton said, laughing.

Because we have no pain, he literally didnt feel it, Smith said.

You can also see Newton had a black eye, which matches the one in his mug shot. Union County deputies confirmed those injuries are the same ones they noted in their investigation.

Deputies have arrested two people in connection to the death of a missing 18-year-old from South Carolina.

They also confirmed the videos were made the weekend of July 1, which is when Williamson was killed.

Williamson was last seen by friends and family on Friday, June 30 in Laurens, South Carolina. Investigators said Newton picked him up for a date. They said the two had been talking online for weeks and that Newton brought Williamson back to his home in Monroe, North Carolina.

The couple accused of plotting and killing an 18-year-old from South Carolina was seen livestreaming for hours before and after the alleged crime in Union County. A viewer sent Channel 9 that video and others that Reporter Hannah Goetz has been looking into for weeks.

Williamson told family friends he would talk to them Saturday morning, but they never heard from him.

Videos show Newton and Smith livestreaming for hours, talking to online friends that Saturday and Sunday as Union County deputies started looking for Williamson.

In one video facing the ceiling, you can hear someone questioning Newton.

Your name is Josh Newman right? they ask.

No, Newton.

The Union County Sheriffs Office confirmed that was one of their deputies at the start of the investigation Sunday. The deputy described Jacob and asked a few questions. Newton offered future help to the deputy, and it was all while his followers watched.

If you need anything let us know, you can hear, and then Newton says, Yeah, let us know before the deputy thanks them.

The following Tuesday, investigators found Jacobs body a few miles from Newtons house and issued warrants for Newton and Smiths arrest. Investigators believe the two planned the killing before they picked Jacob up.

The case remains under investigation.

(WATCH PREVIOUS: 2nd suspects charges upgraded to murder after teens death in Union County)
Yes, we saw this coming  summer is coming to an end, and students are heading back to school. What better way to end the summer than to experience a few outdoor water activities near Charlotte?

With tubing, rafting and even scuba diving to choose from, several spots hold promise for a last summer hoorah.(Yes, you can go to the Whitewater Center or the infamous swimming hole at Carrigan Farms, but this guide is meant to expand your horizons into places you never realized were there. Its also fun to try something new every once in a while.

Heres your ultimate guide to fun water outdoor activities that are nearby or just a day trip from Charlotte.

DIY tubing at Lake Wylie dam

Location: 2541 New Gray Rock Rd, Fort Mill, SC 29708

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Distance from Charlotte: 20.2 miles

Bring your own tubes and set out on a tubing adventure at the Lake Wylie dam, which is a short drive from Charlotte. Park one vehicle at Riverwalk in Rock Hill, then head for the dam in a second vehicle. Spend 3  hours just relaxing and floating through along the Catawba River, heading toward the Riverwalk in Rock Hill.

Pro tips: Bring sunscreen and rope so you dont lose each other during the trip.

A crowd gathers at the Lake Wylie Dam.

Learn to scuba dive at Lake Norman Scuba

Location: 482 River Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28117

Distance from Charlotte: 26.9 miles

Want to take a daring scuba adventure? Head to Lake Norman Scuba, which offers beginner classes and dive trips. Lake Norman Scuba also offers a stocked retail store for fellow divemasters with as airfills, equipment rentals and more.

Bonus: You can also do classes like paddle board yoga and beginner paddle boarding at nearby Lake Norman Community Sailing Center at Blythe Landing if youre looking for new ways to exercise.

Have a laidback tubing adventure at Appalachian Tubing

Location: 1864 Old US 421 S Suite D, Boone, NC 28607

Distance from Charlotte: 113 miles

Just a two-hour drive from Charlotte, head to Appalachian tubing located in the small mountain town of Boone. This student-run outfitter offers a private tubing experience for friends and family, awhile also providing you transportation to and from the river.

Grab a cooler and take on this relaxing adventure that will make you feel like youre on a lazy river.

Swim through Little Bradley Falls

Location: Holbert Cove Rd, Saluda, NC 28773

Distance from Charlotte: 95 miles

If youre looking for a day trip to a scenic waterfall, look no further. This hike takes you through a shaded forest next to a stream, featuring old ruins and a stunning 50 foot waterfall. Take a refreshing swim after the hike or just admire the waterfall from afar.

Disclaimer: There are several creek crossings along the way, so bring water shoes or be ready to take off your regular shoes.

Go rafting with Green Water Adventures

Location: 9601 Capital Blvd, Wake Forest, NC 27587

Distance from Charlotte: 173 miles

For more than 10 years, Green River Adventures has been giving folks an unforgettable outdoor experience. This adventure site has guided whitewater trips, kayak instruction, stand-up paddleboarding and even a unique waterfall rappelling program.

Book a trip online and create a fun water adventure.

Challenge yourself at Fantasy Lake Adventure Park

Location: 3601 Quarry Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587

Distance from Charlotte: 180 miles

Fantasy Lake Adventure Park is not your ordinary waterpark. As the largest scuba diving park on the East Coast, Fantasy Lake offers a wide variety of scuba-diving recreational activities with scenic views.

This 100-acre natural environment promotes an enjoyable and refreshing experience. Fantasy Lake Adventure Park also offers campsites, all located within easy access to lake diving.
In The Know by Yahoo

If you've never cleaned your washing machine filter before, you may be surprised to find what's lurking in there.
A veto override vote last week made North Carolina the 22nd state in the country to enact legislation restricting gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

The new law bars medical professionals from providing gender-affirming care, including hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery, to anyone under the age of 18. Its a cruel law that singles out transgender children and denies them access to medically necessary treatment. And, in doing so, it effectively bars parents from making these decisions with their children.

But will it hold up in court?

Similar laws in other states have already faced legal challenges. A federal judge temporarily blocked parts of Georgias gender-affirming care ban on Sunday on the grounds that it is likely unconstitutional  and would likely put some individuals at risk of the serious harms associated with gender dysphoria that gender-affirming care seeks to prevent.

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The same has happened in Indiana, Florida and Arkansas. In June, a judge said the Arkansas law violated the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution by specifically prohibiting medical care that only transgender people choose to undergo.

Even the U.S. Department of Justice stepped in to challenge similar bans on gender-affirming care in Alabama and Tennessee. Those laws were initially blocked, but were later allowed to go into effect after an appeals court ruling.

Opponents of the bans argue that restricting gender-affirming care discriminates against transgender people and violates the rights of parents to make medical decisions for their own children. Judges have cast doubt on whether there is even a legitimate government interest in restricting gender-affirming care, with one judge saying it is an exercise in politics, not good medicine.

Groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics say that gender-affirming care is evidence-based and even life-saving for transgender youth. Hormone therapy may be provided to patients after puberty, but gender-affirming surgeries are rarely, if ever, conducted on minors at North Carolinas major hospital systems, The News & Observer reported.

How ironic that the same party thats trumpeting the Parents Bill of Rights is taking away a very basic right of parents: to care for their children in the way they, in consultation with their doctors, believe is appropriate and life-saving. Its hypocrisy.

Before North Carolinas law was passed, Democratic lawmakers pointed to legal challenges in other states as a warning. Even supporters of the law have acknowledged that litigation is possible, if not likely, but that seems to be a risk that Republican lawmakers were willing to take.

I would imagine that there will be litigation on that. There is no shortage of lawsuits in North Carolina, House Speaker Tim Moore told The News & Observer this summer.

Well, yes. But well remind Moore that the reason North Carolina has no shortage of lawsuits is because its lawmakers insist on testing the limits of their own power. From voter ID to gerrymandering to House Bill 2, Republicans have spent quite a bit of time in court.

It hasnt been much of a deterrent, despite how expensive these legal battles have become. Between 2011 and 2016, Republican lawmakers spent more than $10.5 million defending their controversial laws, including more than $1 million defending HB2. The most recent redistricting case cost taxpayers at least $2.9 million.

Some Democrats, including Gov. Roy Cooper, have suggested that this recent anti-LGBTQ legislation could be a repeat of the bathroom bill disaster, which cost North Carolina billions of dollars in lost business opportunity. The reality is that it probably wont, which is why Republicans feel bold enough to do it.

While a ban on gender-affirming care is no less shameful or embarrassing for our state, its unlikely to have the same political and economic consequences that HB2 had. Unlike in 2016, North Carolina is far from the only state choosing to fight culture wars that harm LGBTQ+ people, and corporate America has largely chosen to stay quiet on the issue so far.

But it could very well have similar legal consequences, and Republican lawmakers may find themselves in a familiar place: defending their bigotry and overreach in court.
Denton police arrested a 53-year-old man in two sexual assault and child sexual assault cold cases nearly 30 years after the rapes occurred in 1993 and 1997, according to a news release from police.

Marcus Deshaun Johnson was connected to the two cases through DNA evidence collected at the time, according to the news release. Police announced his arrest Tuesday.

Police said Johnson sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl at a park in the 2000 block of West Windsor Drive on Oct. 21, 1993, while she was waiting there for other members of her cross-country team. Then on Sept. 17, 1997, the same detective investigating the first case was called to the park after a woman said she was sexually assaulted while on a walk.

Investigators determined the two cases were connected but were unable to identify any suspects, according to the release. It wasnt until 1998 that DNA tests from the Texas Department of Public Safety crime lab were analyzed and found to have come from the same source. The results of the DNA tests were entered into a database and have been continuously searched since 1999, but there were no hits until this year.

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A statewide DNA search conducted this year indicated the rapist was likely related to a person who had been arrested in another case, and Johnson was then identified as a person of interest, police said.

The survivors description of their attacker matched Johnson, who had been arrested on unrelated charges in Denton in 1993 and was now living in Las Vegas, police said.

Las Vegas police and the FBI were able to obtain a DNA sample from Johnson and concluded that Johnsons DNA could not be excluded as a contributor to the DNA samples collected during the investigations in 1993 and 1997.

Johnson was indicted on two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and three counts of sexual assault on June 29.

Denton police in the news release credit the arrest to the work of current and retired detectives, cooperation from the sexual assault survivors, advances in technology and assistance from other agencies. A National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative grant also provided funding to support Denton police efforts to solve sexual assault cold cases.
(Bloomberg) -- Roishetta Ozane knows a thing or two about pollution.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Twelve petrochemical facilities surround the 38-year-old single Black mothers house in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, often flaring harmful chemicals. Another facility is slated to rise nearby that Ozane worries about. But unlike the petrochemical ones, the new installation is supposed to help fight climate change  and the Biden administration is backing it as part of a $1.2 billion investment.

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Everyone was against any new project coming here, Ozane said. We dont want to be test dummies to see if it will work.

Despite her and others pleas, the Biden administration announced last week that Calcasieu Parish will be one of the first sites in the US to become a so-called direct air capture (DAC) hub. There, companies and researchers brought together by Battelle Memorial Institute will pilot technology to pull carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it underground.

The local opposition on environmental justice grounds shows the challenges that lie ahead for the technology researchers say is needed to stave off the worst affects of climate change. It also represents a political problem for US President Joe Biden, who pledged on the campaign trail and as president that he would fight for marginalized low-income and minority communities.

Scientists have found the world will likely need to remove billions of tons of CO2 from the air annually by mid-century to limit global warming to 1.5C. Its not that Ozane isnt concerned with climate change; her home has been damaged by storms, including Hurricanes Laura and Delta that both struck in 2020.

But she said shes skeptical nascent DAC technology  which currently removes a few thousand tons a year  will work as advertised. And shes also concerned about a pipeline to transport CO2 to storage sites that would cut through a path less than two miles from her backyard, concerns that have been mirrored in other parts of the country.

She and others voiced their opposition during a tour with officials from the Energy Department and then later at a community meeting with approximately 50 locals in Calcasieu Parish, where about one in five live below the poverty line.

They said they have a mandate from Congress to get these rolled out, said Elida Castillo, characterizing what officials from the Energy Department, including Shalanda Baker, the agencys director of economic impact and diversity, told her and other community members in a meeting after the awards were announced.

Read More: Growing Number of CO2 Pipelines Face Major Opposition in Midwest

Castillo, who serves as program director for Latino grassroots organizing program Chispa Texas, said she, like Ozane, is concerned another DAC hub that will be run by a subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum Corp. wont trap CO2 as intended. She also said she didnt have enough details about the project and the proposed community benefit program.

They have known that community groups have major concerns with all projects of this nature, said Castillo, who lives about 20 miles north of Corpus Christi, Texas. We should be investing more in renewables.

The Energy Department said its reviewers looked at the technical merit, plans for mitigating negative impacts and societal benefits when selecting the projects. The agency said its requiring meaningful engagement with host communities and impacted workers as part of a mandated community benefits plan for the DAC hubs.

DOE acknowledges the real concerns related to the history of harm already inflicted on underserved communities and is working to ensure these selected projects deliver meaningful economic and public health benefits to already overburdened communities, avoid harm, and align with the Presidents vision of an equitable clean energy future, the department said in a statement.

In a statement, Battelle said its committed to ongoing, two-way communication with locals in the region and planned to involve all stakeholders as the project evolves.

Carbon removal is a critical component of Bidens goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The administration estimates the US will need to remove, capture and store as much as 1.8 billion metric tons of CO2 annually to achieve its goal. It envisions the DAC hubs, funded using a portion of some $3.5 billion set aside for them in bipartisan infrastructure legislation, as the first of a national network of carbon removal projects. The administration aims for each hub to remove 1 million tons of carbon a year by the end of this decade.

These hubs are going to help us prove out the potential of this game-changing technology so that others can follow in their footsteps, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm told reporters in announcing the funding. This is Bidenomics in action, making smart investments in our industries, making smart investments in our workers, our communities to build Americas clean energy economy from the middle out and the bottom up.

The Energy Department and award winners have promised to adhere to the administrations Justice40 initiative to ensure benefits from the projects accrue in the communities theyre situated in. That includes creating thousands of estimated jobs as the hubs get built out.

But the technology is drawing opposition from the environmental justice community who say the DAC hubs conflict with Bidens vow to improve and prioritize the lives of marginalized communities hit hardest by toxic pollution and climate change. They see the hubs as another example where the administrations rhetoric doesnt match its actions.

Among the communitys concerns is that billions are being spent on technology they say is unproven, both technologically and economically, but the promise of which could allow the oil and gas industry to continue business as usual. DAC would also do nothing to clean up particulate matter, benzene and other health-harming emissions associated with oil, gas and petrochemical production.

Its the fossil fuel industry introducing a new false solution that hasnt been proven to work, Yvette Arellano, executive director of Houston-based environmental justice group Fenceline Watch, said.

The funding for the Texas and Louisiana projects represents, once again, the sacrifice of our communities along the Gulf Coast in the interest of the oil, gas, and petrochemical industry, Fenceline Watch added in a statement.

Further distrust was sowed in the fact that the funding went to Occidental Petroleum, which has indicated DAC could provide a means to keep producing oil. The company has invested billions in the technology  including the $1.1 billion purchase of Canadian startup Carbon Engineering Ltd. just days after it won the Energy Department funding.

We believe that our direct capture technology is going to be the technology that helps to preserve our industry over time, Vicki Hollub, the companys chief executive officer, said at an oil and gas conference earlier this year. This gives our industry a license to continue to operate for the 60, 70, 80 years that I think its going to be very much needed.

In a statement to Bloomberg, Hollub said the project by its subsidiary 1PointFive has a community benefits plan and would invest in local communities, including workforce development opportunities, educational initiatives and community engagement.

The opposition from local residents and the larger environmental justice community poses a major challenge for the Biden administration and backers of the new technology. The stakes are high, a failure would make the pathway to scaling DAC rapidly much harder. If the large hubs dont find innovative ways to engage with the public or otherwise stumble, the results could hurt the industrys long-term prospects  and potentially lead to more climate damage as a result.

The need to build trust with communities where DAC technology is deployed and the need to rapidly test and scale that technology are somewhat in opposition. That means all eyes in the industry will be on Louisiana and Texas in the coming years.

I think one of the tough things about community engagement, environmental justice engagement, is that theres going to be a lot of different sentiments and there are going to be some communities who want these projects and some who dont, said Giana Amador, executive director of the Carbon Removal Alliance, which represents companies such as Climeworks AG and Heirloom Carbon Technologies Inc., which are partners on the Louisiana project.

--With assistance from Michelle Ma and Kevin Crowley.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Former New York Times reporter Barry Meier, whose book about OxyContin is the main basis for the Netflix drama Painkiller, acknowledges that the drug is "valuable for treating severe pain caused by cancer or chronic health issues." The problem, he says, was that OxyContin's manufacturer, Purdue Pharma, "could only make billions from it by lying, by saying it was good for everyday, common pain."

Netflix's six-part miniseries highlights that second point, vividly portraying Purdue Pharma's reckless marketing of OxyContin. But it dismisses the caveat: that there are legitimate medical uses for this drug and other prescription opioids, which can make life bearable for patients who otherwise would suffer from excruciating pain.

Like the 2022 Hulu drama Dopesick, Painkiller embraces an indiscriminate aversion to opioids. The same attitude has inspired ham-handed restrictions on pain medication, which have helped drive drug-related deaths to record levels while leaving millions of patients to suffer needlessly.

Although Meier's take on opioids is more nuanced than the one presented by this adaptation of his book, he shares with the screenwriters a desire to pin a complex, long-running social problem on a single villain. That much is clear from the subtitle of his book: "An Empire of Deceit and the Origin of America's Opioid Epidemic."

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As Meier's former employer frequently puts it, OxyContin is "widely blamed" for "igniting the opioid crisis." But is it rightly blamed?

OxyContin, which was introduced in 1996, is an extended-release version of oxycodone, a semisynthetic opioid that had long been available in products such as Percocet and Percodan. OxyContin contained a larger dose of oxycodone, which was supposed to be gradually released over a 12-hour period, such that a patient could obtain steady pain relief by taking two pills a day.

That safeguard, according to labeling approved by the Food and Drug Administration, was "believed" to reduce the drug's abuse potential. As it turned out, the original design could be readily defeated by crushing the tablets and snorting the powder.

According to federal survey data, however, nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers rose for 11 consecutive years before OxyContin was introduced. And regardless of how appealing it may have been to drug users, OxyContin never accounted for a very large share of the opioid analgesic market.

During litigation, Purdue presented data indicating that OxyContin accounted for just 3.3 percent of pain pills sold in the United States from 2006 through 2012. After adjusting for potency, ProPublica calculated that the product's "real" market share was more like 16 percent.

OxyContin likewise accounted for a relatively small share of nonmedical use: about 17 percent in 2009, the year before it was reformulated. It is hard to reconcile these numbers with the idea that OxyContin was "the origin of America's opioid epidemic."

If Painkiller merely exaggerated the impact of one product, we might chalk it up to dramatic license. But because this product is not qualitatively different from other opioid analgesics, Painkiller's indictment of OxyContin amounts to an indictment of the whole drug category.

The episodes are introduced by grieving parents who tell true stories about deadly addictions, some of which involved patients who received OxyContin prescriptions. But such outcomes are far from typical.

Among patients who use opioids for chronic pain, according to a 2016 research review in The New England Journal of Medicine, "rates of carefully diagnosed addiction" averaged less than 8 percent. The authors concluded that "addiction occurs in only a small percentage of persons who are exposed to opioidseven among those with preexisting vulnerabilities." In 2021, a California judge who examined the relevant evidence likewise estimated that the addiction rate is "less than 5%."

Painkiller aims to stoke outrage at clueless doctors who carelessly prescribed OxyContin because they believed Purdue's hype. Yet the misconceptions it reinforces have resulted in a different sort of outrage, reflected in the headline above a recent New York Times video: "They Live in Constant Pain, but Their Doctors Won't Help Them."

 Copyright 2023 by Creators Syndicate Inc.

The post A Netflix Drama Reinforces Pernicious Misconceptions About Pain Treatment appeared first on Reason.com.
A New York native living in California and working at Netflix has been missing for about a week after he took a ride share to San Francisco.

Yohanes Kidane, a 22-year-old from Webster, New York, was reported missing on Aug. 15, according to the San Jose Police Department. He was last seen in San Francisco.

A May graduate of Cornell University, Kidane had just started working at Netflix as a software engineer earlier this month. He moved to California in late July.

Kidane used an Uber to travel from San Jose to San Francisco, leaving his San Jose residence around 7:15 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 14.

Kidane's cell phone, wallet and backpack found near Golden Gate Bridge

He was last seen wearing gray sweatpants, a black hooded sweatshirt and black shoes. His cell phone, wallet and backpack were recovered near the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center in San Francisco the morning after his Uber ride.

Yohanes Kidane

The investigation has uncovered no evidence to suggest that a crime has occurred, according to the San Jose Police. San Jose Detectives have kept Mr. Kidanes family advised of all pertinent developments in the case. The case will remain open until Mr. Kidane is located.

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Yohanes is a Black man who stands 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 150 pounds. He's the middle child of three children, all young adults now. All three siblings were born in the United States after their parents immigrated from Eritrea, a country in northeastern Africa.

Kidane reportedly had a "strange encounter" with Uber driver

According to an online fundraiser, days before he was reported missing, Kidane had a "strange encounter" with an Uber driver while he tried to get to San Jose from San Francisco.

He told friends that the driver insisted on taking him through Oakland, and Kidane, suspicious of his intentions, was able to cancel the ride after crossing the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. After this ordeal, he expressed his hesitancy in ridesharing alone, according to the GoFundMe.

On 8/15/2023, at approximately 2:45 pm, Mr. Kidane was reported to the San Jose Police Department as a missing person. Patrol Officers took an initial report and investigated the circumstances of his disappearance. pic.twitter.com/A3Cp2cWUs9  San Jose Police Media Relations (@SJPD_PIO) August 22, 2023

Family determined to find Kidane

Kidane's immediate family is in the Bay Area searching for him. The online fundraiser, which as on Tuesday has more than $72,000 in donations, will cover expenses related to the search, including travel and fees for attorneys and private investigators.

His brother Yosief Kidane, who lives in New York City, told Dateline NBC that he last spoke with his brother on Sunday, Aug. 13 and that the pair chatted for an hour about his new job. He vanished the next day.

A missing person poster looking for Webster native and Cornell University graduate Yohanes Kidane. He was reported missing on Aug. 15, 2023.

Theres no me without Yohanes, Yosief Kidane told Dateline. Hes my best friend in the world.

Yosief Kidane told Dateline that he wont give up looking for his brother. Were going to find him and were going to bring him home, he said. Were not going to stop. We know our friends and family and the community is not going to stop.

His mother on a Facebook video showed the lobby of the building in San Jose where her son lived.

"Everybody is here for you," she told her missing son in the video. "Everybody is hoping. 'Til we find you, we are going to keep fighting. Where ever you are, please come back."

Anyone with information that could be used to help find Yohanes Kidane is asked to contact the San Jose Police Department at (408) 277-8900 and can reference case number 23-277-0531.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Yohanes Kidane: Netflix employee reported missing after ride share
KYIV (Reuters) - The Netherlands will send Ukraine a thousand chargers for remote demining, Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren said on a visit to Kyiv.

The announcement coincides with heavily mined Russian defence lines slowing down a Ukrainian counteroffensive to recapture territory seized by Russia since its forces invaded in February 2022.

"There is a decision to provide about a thousand portable chargers for remote demining that can make passageways in engineered barriers," Ollongren was quoted as saying on the Ukrainian defence ministry website at a meeting with Ukrainian minister Oleksiy Reznikov on Tuesday.

"Now, as I know, you are facing the problem of extremely dense mining of territories," she said.

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Earlier on Tuesday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that helping Ukraine to get across a massive land mine belt can become a joint effort by Germany and other partners.

(Reporting by Nick Starkov in Kyiv, writing by Maria Tsvetkova in New York; editing by Grant McCool)
Prolific filmmaker Herman Yau's latest film, "Raid on the Lethal Zone," is set for release in theaters, paying homage to China's border defense police as they deal with a drug gang.

Cast and crew of "Raid on the Lethal Zone" pose for a photo holding a banner reading "With you guarding the border, we feel reassured" at the movie's premiere in Beijing, Aug. 20, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Timely Media]

The action-packed film, both heart-wrenching and breathtaking, is set in the late 1990s on China's southwestern border. Based on a true story, it follows the "8077 special combat team" in Yunnan province as they navigate floods and the dangers of nature while taking on a violent gang of drug traffickers.

Director Yau emphasized during the premiere in Beijing on Aug. 20 that the movie distinguishes itself from his previous action or crime films by depicting a very real story inspired by numerous actual drug busts. He also wanted to showcase the significance of floods.

"When approaching this project, I emphasized the importance of realism throughout the entire film," said Yau. "As a result, I selected young actors who are collaborating with me for the first time. Authenticity played a crucial role, as we discovered that a significant number of border police officers involved in real-life cases were around 20 years old."

Actor Oho Ou also shared some of the lessons he learned from working on the film. "The real challenges faced by border drug enforcement are 100 times more difficult than what is portrayed in the movie," he said. "Yunnan's border police can live up to anyone's expectations."

In order to replicate the authentic working environment of the frontline border drug enforcement officers, the production team recreated natural disasters such as floods and mudslides on set. Actor Jason Gu candidly revealed that the water reached depths of 1.7 meters during the filming of these scenes.

"With each wave, the entire person would be submerged, creating a highly realistic sensation," said Gu.

Actor Yu Haoming added, " I was nearly overwhelmed by the tons of rushing water. In that moment, I gained an immediate and profound respect for the border police forces."

A movie poster for "Raid on the Lethal Zone." [Image courtesy of iQiyi Pictures]

The audience at the premiere was also touched by the film. One theatergoer commented after watching the film, "We're grateful that these officers sacrifice their lives to protect us and guard the border." A police consultant for the film also praised the movie, saying, "The actual cases are even more brutal than what is portrayed in the movie, but the presentation is very realistic, elevating this film to a new level."

"Raid on the Lethal Zone" will hit screens in China on Aug. 25. Herman Yau has had a busy year, as his film "Death Notice" was recently released nationwide on Aug. 18, while "The White Storm 3: Heaven or Hell" has been in theaters since July. Meanwhile, the director's eagerly anticipated films "Customs Frontline" and "Operation Moscow" are scheduled to be released later this year.
Cornelia Nicholson was anchoring live on-air when her boyfriend suddenly walked onto the set.

Boyfriend Riley Nagel, who works at her station, came with a bouquet of flowers and proposed to her.

A clip of the heartwarming interaction has gone viral on TikTok, and viewers are saying it made them tear up.

A news anchor was shocked when her newscaster boyfriend proposed to her on-air  and the internet is obsessed and endeared with the interaction, which has already been viewed over 4.5 million times since it was posted to TikTok on Monday.

In the video, shot on set at the Tennessee NBC affiliate WRCB and shared by the soon-to-be bride herself, Cornelia Nicholson is seen beginning to announce a news item when she suddenly realized it was about her.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

"And coming up right now, we have the story of two young journalists who just so happened to find love in the industry," she read as photos of Nicholson and her boyfriend (now fiance) appeared on the screen. Sentimental music also began playing in the background.

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"Local 3's Riley Nagel joins us in the studio with a special report," she said, laughing upon realizing where this was heading.

"And that is right, Cornelia, I do have a very special report," Nagel, who also works at the station, said as he walked into the camera frame wearing a suit and holding a bouquet of flowers. "For people at home who maybe don't know, Cornelia and I met in news back in Montana."

Nagel said they met four years ago and that he was instantly drawn to her. He praised her newscasting skills and said she was "pretty much the main reason" he still worked in the field.

He said it felt fitting to propose to her this way since they met in the industry, and then he knelt on one knee and asked her for her hand in marriage. Nicholson started crying and said yes.

In the description of the video, Nicholson wrote she was still at a loss for words and that Nagel "hid the proposal so well."

"I am so excited for our future together," she added.

In another WRCB broadcast of the proposal shared a day later by the station to YouTube, Nagel joked about how "they don't call me the romance reporter for nothing." He told his colleague on-air that Nicholson may have had some idea that he would propose soon but was completely kept out of his master plan of how he'd do it.

TikTokers are enamored with the couple and the surprising proposal. Numerous commenters made news-related jokes.

"BREAKING NEWS: I'M SOBBING CONGRATS," reads the top comment with 15,000 likes. Many viewers said the sweetness of the proposal made them cry.

"I love how they're keeping their news voices for the proposal," another top commenter noted.

Other people who said they work in the news industry also cheered them on.

"As a producer, I would have been so giddy the whole show waiting on this. Congrats," one person wrote.

Insider has reached out to Nicholson and Nagel for comment.

Read the original article on Insider
NEWARK  A suspect in the Tuesday bank robbery at Park National Bank on North 21st Street has been arrested, Newark Police announced Wednesday.

Police detectives identified the vehicle used in the robbery at the PNB branch at 990 North 2 St., and that led them to Michael Lee Jones, 60, of Newark.

The vehicle was registered to Jones, whom police allege they found with the vehicle in Charleston, West Virginia, where authorities arrested him without incident, police said.

Newark Police officers responded about 2 p.m. Tuesday to the bank on a report of a robbery in progress. Officers secured the bank and began looking for more video footage from neighboring businesses and homes.

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Video footage of the suspects vehicle and a search of the area with cameras were key in assisting detectives.

Detectives will present the case to the Licking County Prosecutors Office for a charge of aggravated robbery. Anyone with information is asked to call the Newark Division of Police Detective Bureau at (740) 670-7215.

The suspect, wearing a surgical mask, allegedly walked into the bank, gave the teller a note and asked for money. He did not show a gun. He left with the money, got into a vehicle and fled through the neighborhood behind the bank.

kmallett@newarkadvocate.com

740-973-4539

Twitter: @kmallett1958

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Newark Police arrest suspect in Tuesday robbery at Park National Bank
A Trump employee who monitored security cameras at Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate abruptly retracted his earlier grand jury testimony and implicated Trump and others in obstruction of justice just after switching from an attorney paid for by a Trump political action committee to a lawyer from the federal defenders office in Washington, prosecutors said in a court filing Tuesday.

The aide  described as Trump Employee 4 in public court filings but identified elsewhere as Yuscil Taveras  held the title of director of information technology at Mar-a-Lago. He initially testified to a grand jury in Washington, D.C., that he was unaware of any effort to erase the videos, but after getting the new attorney immediately  retracted his prior false testimony and detailed the alleged effort to tamper with evidence related to the investigation of the handling of classified information stored at Trumps Florida home, the new submission said.



Special counsel Jack Smiths team revealed the details of the employees about-face as part of a filing demanded by Florida-based U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon , who is overseeing the classified records case against the former president.

She had questioned why prosecutors continued to collect evidence from a grand jury empaneled in Washington, D.C., even after Smith obtained a grand jury indictment in Florida in June charging Trump with more than 30 counts of retaining classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

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Trump and longtime aides Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira are also charged in the case with taking steps to obstruct investigators seeking to recover the government documents.

Taveras reversal led directly to new charges against Trump that Smiths prosecutors included in a superseding indictment issued by a federal grand jury in Miami last month, detailing alleged efforts to erase the security camera recordings, prosecutors said. Nauta had been charged in the initial indictment, but de Oliveira was added as a defendant only in the revised indictment.

In an apparent bid to assuage any continuing concerns by Cannon about a grand jury hundred of miles away working on matters related to the case she is handling, Smiths team informed her that the D.C. grand jury officially completed its work Aug. 17.

Cannons request for an explanation of the D.C. federal court action came as prosecutors raised concerns about a conflict of interest between Nauta and Taveras, who were both  for a time  represented by attorney Stanley Woodward, who has become ubiquitous in cases involving Trump associates. He represents several defendants and witnesses connected to Smiths investigations into Trumps handling of classified documents and his bid to subvert the 2020 election.

Prosecutors said Taveras turnaround would put Woodward in an awkward position if he continues with representation of Nauta, since Woodward could have to press his former client about why he changed his story.

The Government anticipates calling Trump Employee 4 as a trial witness and expects that he will testify to conduct alleged in the superseding indictment regarding efforts to delete security footage, prosecutors wrote. Trump Employee 4 will very likely face cross-examination about his prior inconsistent statements in his grand jury testimony, which occurred while Mr. Woodward represented him, and which he disavowed immediately after obtaining new counsel.

Woodward did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Assistant special counsel David Harbach, who signed the new filing, said Woodward appeared to be stoking concerns about the use of the D.C. grand jury to gain a tactical advantage for both Nauta and Trump, whose PAC is covering Woodwards legal bills.

Harbach dismissed a suggestion by Woodward in an earlier filing that one way to address any alleged conflict would be for the government not to call Taveras at any trial in the documents case.

The Government is unaware of one, in which a court has excluded evidence to avoid a conflict on facts remotely similar to this case, where the Government put Mr. Woodward on notice long ago about potential conflicts, Harbach wrote, and he is now seeking to affirmatively use those conflicts to gain a tactical advantage at trial by excluding highly incriminating evidence to the benefit of not only his own client but also a co-defendant [Trump] whose PAC is paying his legal fees.
HARRISONBURG  Authorities arrested a suspect Tuesday in Augusta County who is suspected of opening fire on a vehicle and injuring a man days before in Harrisonburg.

The shooting took place Sunday shortly after 10:30 p.m., when police said a man sitting in his vehicle was shot at the intersection of East Market Street and Linda Lane in Harrisonburg, a press release said.

Detectives believe the suspect, 43-year-old Timothy Leach of North Carolina, pulled his vehicle next to the victim's and fired multiple rounds, striking him once.

The unidentified victim, also 43 years old, was found by authorities still in the vehicle with a gunshot wound. He was taken by air to UVA Health in Charlottesville.

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"Detectives believe the two individuals were known to one another and that this was a targeted shooting, not a random incident," the release said.

The suspects vehicle was located Monday in Harrisonburg. Detectives began conducting surveillance and ultimately connected Leach to a hotel in Augusta County the following day, according to the release.

Detectives from the Harrisonburg Police Department's Major Crimes Unit  with the assistance of Virginia State Police, the United States Marshals Service and members of the RUSH Drug Task Force  obtained a search warrant for the suspects room, where a firearm was reportedly recovered Tuesday.

Leach is charged with aggravated malicious wounding, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Police said additional charges are likely.

He is being held at Middle River Regional Jail in Verona.

Staunton woman accused of sexually assaulting girl still behind bars as bond appeal denied

High school roundup: Staunton volleyball falls in opener; Wilson, Gap, Fort all win

Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@newsleader.com. You can also follow him on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Suspect in 'targeted shooting' arrested in Augusta County
Temperatures are soaring in Kansas City this week, with extreme humidity bumping up the heat index and glazing windows around the metro with steamy condensation.

For the fourth consecutive day, Kansas City was forecast to see its temperatures rise into the mid- to upper 90s while high dew points were expected to make it feel more like 110 to 120 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

This hasnt been regular hot summer weather in Kansas City. By some measures, its never been hotter.

These are some of the highest values that a few of the reporting stations in the Kansas City metro have reported in recorded history, said Alex Krull, a meteorologist at the weather services Kansas City office.

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But where does this extreme weather come from? And what do we know about its potential impacts?

Heres the latest on the recent heat wave and what it means for Kansas City residents.

Why has it been so hot and humid?

Most of the hot, muggy air in the Kansas City region comes from the Gulf of Mexico, Krull said.

He added that the large high pressure system blanketing the country is centered on Kansas City.

And our dew point, a metric which measures the amount of water in the air, is especially high.

If you look at other locations through the upper Midwest, they have similar air temperatures to us, but their dew point and their overall humidity is lower, Krull said. Therefore, theyre not necessarily seeing those elevated heat index values that weve been experiencing here.

The heat index is a combination of heat and humidity presented as the feels like temperature on your weather app.

On Tuesday afternoon, it was around 103F at Kansas Citys downtown airport. It reached its highest point in recent weeks on Sunday around 4 pm, at 121F.

Where does the fog come from?

You may have woken up to steamy windows or noticed fog hanging over downtown Kansas City in the morning. This is caused by the air temperature lowering just enough overnight to meet the high dew point in the area, Krull said.

When the dew point temperature has been around 81, and the overnight temperature drops to 81, that means that the temperature has reached the point where the air can saturate (with water) and form a cloud, he explained.

The technical definition for the dew point temperature is the temperature at which water vapor in the air would become liquid water.

This liquid water is the droplets on the outside of your windows, the fog clouding your glasses and the haze visible in the morning.

What does the current high heat and humidity mean for Kansas City?

Krull laid out a few ways the current high temperatures may impact your daily life.

Poor air quality: Clear sunny skies and low wind are the perfect combination needed to create ground-level ozone, also known as smog. The National Weather Service issued an air quality alert for Tuesdays ozone levels, and is advising residents to limit strenuous outdoor activities.

Power grid strain: With heat index temperatures in the triple digits, most residents will be running air conditioners to cool down, Krull said. This can increase the strain on the power grid, potentially leading to blackouts. You can report an outage to Evergy online or by calling 888-544-4852.

Pavement buckling: With temperatures this hot, asphalt on roads and highways can warp, Krull said. Drivers might notice some extra bumps or wider gaps in the pavement. Last month, a KC Streetcar track buckled due to the heat, shutting down the system for 17 days.

When can Kansas City expect relief from high temperatures and humidity?

Overheated Kansas Citians will be happy to hear that meteorologists expect a cool front to move through the metro on Friday, lowering temperatures back into the 80s over the weekend.

While air temperatures are expected to rise again next week, Krull said that the dew point will likely stay low, hopefully keeping the heat index in the double digits.

But dont get too comfortable  experts believe that record-breaking heat will become more frequent as a result of global climate change. One study projects that the Kansas City area will experience at least one day per year with a heat index above 125F within the next 30 years.

Theres definitely evidence out there to see a change in temperature trends across most of the United States and really across most of the globe, Krull told The Star.

The Stars Robert A. Cronkleton contributed.

Do you have more questions about the causes of extreme weather in Kansas City? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
NEWTON, N.C. (WJZY)  Tennessee Titans cornerback Caleb Farley and more than 100 people throughout North Carolinas Catawba County community gathered Tuesday evening to memorialize Farleys father, Robert Farley, who was killed in a home explosion just before midnight on Monday.

My father was a stand-up guy, Caleb Farley told Nexstars WJZY during the memorial. He raised me to be a stand-up guy.

Praying for Caleb: Titans players react to NC house explosion that killed teammates dad

The group gathered outside a place that meant the world to the Farley family: Superior Barber Styling Center. Located in Newton, North Carolina, the barbershop had been in the family since Robert Farley and his brother bought the business in 1999.

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I grew up in this barbershop since I was a little kid, Caleb Farley said, fighting through tears outside the shop. Since I was a little kid.

Caleb Farley speaks to Nexstars WJZY during a memorial for his father Robert Farley, who died in a home explosion on Monday. (WJZY)

The death of Robert Farley came just a few years after he lost his wife, Robin, to cancer in 2018.

Ive had a pretty wild past five years, six years. Im a fighter, though, Caleb Farley said. I just lean on my faith. Thats all I can do. Thats all I got.

He told WJZY that the support shown to him and his family is a true testament to his parents impact on those around them.

Im thankful my parents were well-respected in my community, he explained. They were very loved. God-fearing men and women. You know that its always a plus to have positive role models to raise me.

Cause of Pennsylvania chocolate factory explosion revealed in NTSB report

Robert Matthews Farley, 61, died after the multi-million-dollar Mooresville home exploded Monday night. Another person, identified as 25-year-old Christian Rogers, was also inside the home and suffered a concussion from the blast.

Neighbors in the area told WJZY they smelled gas around the time of the explosion.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
A significant increase in elder abuse and financial exploitation of Granite Staters has prompted the New Hampshire attorney generals office to expand its efforts to combat those crimes. Part of that is to educate people over 60 and those who care for them.

Law enforcement can catch people. Law enforcement can prosecute people, Attorney General John Formella told a group of residents at the White Rock Senior Living complex in Bow Monday. But one of the most important things we can do is to give people the tools to protect themselves.

Attorney Bryan Townsend II, of the Attorney Generals Office, said New Hampshire law requires people to report suspicions of elder abuse and financial exploitation.

Formella said the unit has seen a 71% increase in referrals for the abuse and financial exploitation of people over 60 in the past five years, from 758 to 1,295. That increase comes as the state is getting older and more people become vulnerable, he said. By 2030, an estimated 33% of residents will be over age 60.

How to report and get help

If you or someone you know suspects a person has been abused or financially exploited, there are a number of resources that can help.

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Report your concerns to the state Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services at 800-949-0470.

You can also contact the AG's Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit at 603-271-5009 or your county attorneys office.

The group of anti-abuse and exploitation groups posts updates, scam alerts, and educational material on stayconnectednh.org.

New Hampshire Legal Assistance may also be able to help with legal issues at nhla.org or by calling 800-562-3174.

The offices Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit, which began in 2016 with a full-time prosecutor and two part-time people doing investigations and victim support, will double. Formella has added another prosecutor, an investigator, and paralegal, all full time.

While reports of elder abuse and financial exploitation have increased significantly, experts say a significant number of those crimes go unreported. Executive Councilor Janet Stevens, who Formella credited with helping the office expand its efforts, put that number at as much as one in 24 cases during Mondays announcement.

Thats true even though state law requires anyone who suspects elder abuse or financial exploitation must report physical abuse, neglect, exploitation, or hazardous conditions to notify the Department of Health and Human Services or their local law enforcement agency.

Attorney Bryan Townsend II, of the AG's Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit, recommended a few strategies older adults can use to protect themselves. That includes, verify, verify, verify, he said.

He advised people to hang up their phone if they get a call from someone saying their bank account has been compromised or their Social Security benefits will be terminated unless they provide certain information. Note the callers number and contact the bank or law enforcement directly, he said.

Another common scam involves someone claiming to be a loved one and asking for bail money or other assistance in an emergency. One audience member said she opened her laptop to hear a voice telling her that her computer had been locked until she contacted the number given. Rather than provide money or make that call, Townsend advised people to report the call to the police or someone they trust for guidance.

Signs of elder abuse and neglect must also be reported, Townsend said, such as unexplained bruises or marks. He advised people to check on someone if they stop attending regular activities like visits to a senior center.

Go to their house or call them. If you are not denied access or they are not responding, call the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services at the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-949-0470.

Formella said the additional staff will allow the office to investigate and prosecute more. The unit will also expand its education efforts, which included 30 presentations last year to law enforcement, financial institutions, senior housing, long-term care facilities, and medical professionals.

This story was originally published by New Hampshire Bulletin

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH doubles effort to combat elder abuse, financial exploitation
Personnel from the U.S. Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, also known as the Night Stalkers, recently took part in an exercise focused in part on the defense of strategic Shemya Island.

Elements of the U.S. Army's elite 160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment, also known as the Night Stalkers, recently trained to help defend Alaska's Shemya Island. This is a highly strategic outpost in the Aleutian Islands in the northern Pacific that hosts the huge AN/FPS-108 Cobra Dane early warning and missile tracking radar and an airfield with a 10,000-foot-long runway. Shemya is also located in an area that is a gateway to the increasingly important Arctic region and would likely be a major target in any future high-end conflict against a near-peer competitor like China or Russia.

Special Operations Command North (SOCNORTH) released pictures today of personnel from the 160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment (SOAR), as well as at least two MH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, training on Shemya earlier this month as part of an exercise nicknamed Polar Dagger. SOCNORTH oversees all U.S. special operations activities in and around the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

An MH-60M helicopter belonging to the US Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment is seen from the cockpit of another one of the unit's Black Hawks during the Polar Dagger exercise. US Army

Polar Dagger offered special operations forces, including the 160th SOAR, an opportunity to "demonstrate operational reach, ... [and the ability of U.S. forces] to defend critical infrastructure, enhance all-domain awareness, and strengthen our understanding of activity in the Arctic," a caption accompanying one of the pictures explained. Beyond that, Polar Dagger "is a demonstration of rapidly deployable SOF [special operations forces] capabilities in the Arctic and Subarctic regions."

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The pictures show that a U.S. Air Force C-17A Globemaster III cargo aircraft brought members of the 160th SOAR, as well as other materiel, to Shemya's Eareckson Air Station for Polar Dagger. This facility was previously known as Shemya Air Force Base.

Cargo belonging to the Army's 160th SOAR is offloaded from a US Air Force C-17A Globemaster III aircraft at Eareckson Air Station on Shemya Island in support of the Polar Dagger exercise. US Army

It's not clear whether the 160th's Black Hawks, which are capable of refueling in mid-air, self-deployed to Eareckson or were brought in on C-17s. It would have been a lengthy ferry flight, even with stops, for the helicopters to get to Shemya directly themselves, as the island is some 1,000 miles from mainland Alaska. It's actually closer to Russia (the Kamchatka Peninsula is around 500 miles to the west).

In addition, the weather in this part of the world can be notoriously bad and options for where to land elsewhere in the Aleutians along the way in the event of an emergency or for any other reason would have been limited. Of course, challenging long-duration flights in unforgiving environments are a key part of the Night Stalkers' repertoire and the unit has a long history of successfully executing these kinds of missions. They are most famous for flying SEAL Team Six operators in to Pakistan to take out Bin Laden.

A map showing just how remote Shemya Island is, as well as its relative position to mainland Alaska to the east and Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula to the west. Google Earth

Regardless of how they got there, in various contingency scenarios, having helicopters forward-deployed on Shemya could be very useful. Though the island is relatively small, just around 4 miles across at its longest, they could still rapidly move forces around to where they might be needed most.

Helicopters on Shemya could be used to move personnel and materiel to and from sites on neighboring islands, or be positioned to support operations should enemy forces appear elsewhere near the Aleutians. For instance, Attu Island, the westernmost island in the Aleutians, is just 50 miles or so to the west of Shemya. Though largely forgotten now, Attu and nearby Kiska Island were occupied by Imperial Japanese forces during World War II, underscoring the region's strategic significance.

A helicopter force including elements of the 160th SOAR at Eareckson could provide additional forward-deployed combat search and rescue (CSAR) capacity during a major conflict. Though some of the facilities at the airfield on Shemya has seen diminished use since the end of the Cold War, it is well maintained and is available to support various contingency scenarios.

A satellite image of Shemya Island. What is now called Eareckson Air Station, with its lengthy runway, is seen along the southern edge. Google Earth

When it comes to the 160th's MH-60Ms more specifically, which have significant additional sensor capabilities, these helicopters could be valuable for conducting reconnaissance and surveillance missions and just providing general situational awareness while conducting operations from Eareckson. Depending on how the helicopters might be configured, they might be able to provide a more robust direct action capability against various threats, including enemy special operations raiding parties.

The pictures of the MH-60Ms taking part in Polar Dagger show them configured as assault transport helicopters, each with a pair of 7.62x51mm M134 Miniguns. However, the 160th's MH-60Ms can be set up as so-called Direct Action Penetrators (DAP) with stub wings capable of carrying other kinds of ordinance, including 30mm automatic cannons, 70mm rockets (including precision laser-guided types), and AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles.

One of the 160th SOAR's MH-60Ms configured as a Direct Action Penetrator (DAP) and armed with a 30mm automatic cannon, two different types of 70mm rocket pods, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. United Composites

The 160th's Black Hawks participating in Polar Dagger also notably feature Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) systems in addition to launchers for infrared decoy flares and radar-confusing chaff. CIRCM is a directional infrared countermeasures system that the U.S. Army has been adding to all of its major helicopter types in recent years. It uses lasers, projected through one of two turreted beam directors, to blind and confuse the seekers on infrared-homing surface-to-air missiles. This is the guidance method utilized by most shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles, also known as man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poTn9fFGiDQ

The CIRCM installation on the Black Hawk has the turrets installed on top of and below the central fuselage. The system is designed to cue the turrets to incoming threats using existing missile warning sensors already installed on the helicopter.

One of the 160th SOAR's MH-60Ms that took part in the recent Polar Dagger exercise. The CIRCM on top of the fuselage is plainly visible. The companion turret underneath the fuselage is much harder to spot, but can be seen just behind and below the lower right-hand corner of the open main cabin door. US Army

Just having any additional options for bolstering the defense of Shemya could be useful in a major crisis. In particular, the presence of the Cobra Dane radar, which is primarily designed to keep watch for incoming ballistic missiles and has received new upgrades in recent years, would likely make the island a primary target in a high-end fight against Russia or China.

The Cobra Dane radar installation is seen in the background of this picture of an MH-60M helicopter from the 160th SOAR on Shemya Island during the Polar Dagger exercise. US Army

As already noted, Eareckson's 10,000-foot-long runway is not as heavily used today  it is best known as a divert option for aircraft flying through this remote area  as it was during the Cold War, when it regularly served as a staging point for sorties by U.S. Air Force RC-135 spy planes scooping up intelligence about the Soviet Union. However, it is still another very significant piece of infrastructure that could be used as a forward operating base, divert location, or lily pad for operations elsewhere. As it exists now, it already has the space to accommodate an appreciable force package that could include larger aircraft types, and offer them staging point then for long-range sorties elsewhere in the Pacific. This could be especially relevant if other larger, more established bases have been heavily targeted.

Concerns that major U.S. air bases and other facilities could be quickly put out of action in the opening phases of a major conflict, particularly one against China with its large and still-growing arsenal of cruise, ballistic, and now hypersonic missiles, is pushing the U.S. military more and more toward new distributed concepts of operations.

In 2021, the U.S.-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) shared photos of F-16 Viper fighters from the Alaska-based 18th Aggressor Squadron, which has a homeland defense mission in addition to its training support duties, on Shemya. This highlights how the island could serve as an important outstation for U.S. forces in a future conflict. It's close proximity to Russia and how it sits atop the North Pacific, would make it a critical air defense location, with fighters likely be deployed there to protect the U.S. interests in the region. The runway is equipped with two arresting gear systems to support fighter operations, both for diversion purposes and for forward deployments.

https://twitter.com/NORADCommand/status/1450907659448684544

In another recent and relevant example of this, the U.S. Air Force demonstrated the ability of a B-2 bomber to conduct a strike near Alaska after flying all the way from Iceland earlier this month, as you can read more about here.

U.S. special operations forces do have inherent rapid deployment capabilities and train regularly to conduct such operations in remote and austere locations, which does make them well-suited to quickly reinforcing locations like Shemya.

In 2021, Army Special Forces soldiers, or Green Berets, assigned to SOCNORTH took part in another exercise nicknamed Noble Defender 2021, which was led by NORAD. They were tasked, in part, with defending Shemya and demonstrated their ability to deploy to the island from the sea. The Green Berets also notably brought Stinger MANPADS with them, providing a localized air defense capability, including against the ever-growing threat of drones.

A pair of US Army Green Berets, one armed with a Stinger MANPADS, near the Cobra Dane radar site during the Noble Defender 2021 exercise. NORAD

Shemya could have a role to play in a more limited conflict in or around the ever-more strategic Arctic, as well. As global climate change has caused polar ice to recede, it has opened up new arenas for competition in the region over resources, from oil and natural gas to fish, as well as trade routes. As a byproduct of this, together with the geopolitical landscape, there has been a notable uptick in Russian and Chinese military activity around Alaska in the past few years, sometimes involving both of those countries operating together.

The U.S. military has placed new emphasis on Alaska, as a whole, in recent years as a result of these realities. This has included major construction to expand multiple Air Force facilities in the state, discussions about expanding the Navy's footprint there, and an overall of the U.S. Army force posture in the region.

American bases elsewhere across the Pacific have also been receiving upgrades and expansions in recent years for the same general reasons. This includes the strategic U.S. island territory of Guam in the western Pacific, which is set to get major air and missile defense improvements in the coming years that will turn it into a veritable fortress, as you can learn more about here.

It would not be surprising to see Shemya receive new defenses in the coming years, as well, though not to the same level as Guam.

Altogether, the strategic significance of Shemya, with its Cobra Dane Radar and airfield, has clearly re-emerged, as has the need to be able to protect it from a variety of threats. U.S. special operations, including helicopters from the Army's 160th SOAR, look to be increasingly important components of those defense plans.

Contact the author: joe@thedrive.com
No apparent changes to security measures will be put into place at the Kentucky State Fair in downtown Louisville after a weapon was accidentally discharged and a woman was shot over the weekend.

Kentucky State Police spokesperson said in an email Monday that "the Kentucky State Police, and other local law enforcement, will continue the mission of providing safety and security to all participants and visitors of the Kentucky State Fair."

Police officials did not respond to multiple requests from The Courier Journal requesting clarification or if any additional safety measures would be implemented following Saturday's shooting.

Visitors are allowed to carry weapons while at the fairgrounds, according to the state fair's policy, but they must be compliant with state and federal law.

Who was shot at the Kentucky State Fair?

According to an arrest citation, a detective with the Kentucky State Police responded after a reportedly loaded gun was discharged by 19-year-old Amari McClung and struck a woman in the foot at around 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Police said the weapon was negligently discharged and put fairgoers at risk of injury or death, according to court documents.

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McClung was charged with first-degree wanton endangerment and carrying a concealed deadly weapon, court records show.

What increased security measures have Kentucky State Police used before?

In past years, Kentucky State Police have taken security measures after unsafe circumstances arose. In 2022, after fair-goers feared a shooting, police implemented a "soft close." The organization made police presence more visible as well. KSP has also done public safety demonstrations at the fair.

Officials of the Kentucky State Fair have similarly set a precedent for responding to dangerous events. In 2019, the fair altered its entry requirements for minors, instating a 6 p.m. curfew for those under 21 without a parent or guardian, per previous reporting.

Kentucky State Fair spokesperson Ian Cox said that the venue is "constantly reviewing our safety and security plans with our agency partners" but that there are no "public-facing changes" for now. Cox did not immediately comment on what other agencies the venue partners with.

In the case of McClung, both state police and fair officials called the discharged weapon an "isolated" incident.

WATCH: Video shows LMPD rescuing woman who was chained to a floor in Louisville

Contact reporter Rae Johnson at RNJohnson@gannett.com. Follow them on Twitter at @RaeJ_33

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: No security changes at Kentucky State Fair after weekend shooting
The Bureau of Industry and Security or BIS, part of the US Department of Commerce, on Monday removed 27 Chinese entities from its Unverified List, prompting experts in China to welcome the move on Tuesday.

Removal from the Unverified List will lift restrictions on the Chinese entities, enabling them to receive shipments from US exporters and keep up normal business cooperation on both sides.

The removal by the US government was prior to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce's announcement on Tuesday that at the invitation of Commerce Minister Wan Wentao, the US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo will visit China from Aug 27 to 30.

In a statement on Monday, the BIS announced that 33 foreign parties were removed from the red flag list  a roster of businesses worldwide that are subject to stricter export controls as the US government was unable to complete end-use checks.

Besides the 27 Chinese entities, the rest are located in Indonesia, Pakistan, Singapore, Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates.

Matthew Axelrod, assistant secretary for export enforcement in the US Department of Commerce, said in the BIS statement that the removal of 33 foreign parties "will demonstrate the concrete benefit companies receive when they or a host government cooperates with the BIS to complete a successful end-use check".

Experts said the 27 Chinese entities now out of the Unverified List are mainly involved in sectors like photovoltaics, machinery manufacturing, electronics, computer science, chemistry and biotechnology.

At a news conference in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said China welcomes the US move as it demonstrates that the two sides can resolve their specific concerns through communication on the basis of mutual respect.

China will continue to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and organizations, Wang said.

According to the BIS statement, among the 27 Chinese entities are Beijing PowerMac Co, Guangdong Guanghua Sci-Tech Co, Suzhou Chaowei Jingna Optoelectric Co and Hunan University.

The BIS move will help enterprises in China and the United States to conduct normal business cooperation and ensure the global industrial and supply chains remain stable and secure, said Guo Qinwen, a research fellow at the Development Research Center of the State Administration for Market Regulation.

Inclusion on the Unverified List indicates the US government has concerns about the entities concerned whose legitimacy it cannot verify. The US exporters, therefore, need to obtain a license if they wish to ship products to such entities. Exclusion from the list would require cooperation in scheduling end-use checks, Guo said.

This is not the first time that the US has taken Chinese firms off the list. In October last year, the BIS removed nine Chinese entities from the list. The US government also placed 64 Chinese companies on the red flag list in 2022 alone  33 in February and 31 in October last year.

The BIS, as stipulated by the US Export Administration Regulations, will add to the Entity List any party that fails to complete the end-use check within 60 days following the party's addition to the Unverified List, if these failures are due to a lack of cooperation by the host government.

Bai Ming, deputy director of international market research at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said that by imposing these restrictions, the Biden administration is not only suppressing China in the production of certain high-tech products but attempting to stifle the development of all relevant industries and research institutions. Such systematic suppression is to maintain the US government's technological hegemony.

In addition, inclusion in the Unverified List of the BIS requires extra diligence from US companies that want to do business with the entities on the list, which will also disrupt the business operation of such US suppliers to some extent, Bai said.

Also on Monday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that China-US relations and economic and trade cooperation are facing certain difficulties at present, which require both sides to show sincerity and meet each other halfway. He made the remarks at a meeting with a delegation of the US-China Business Council.

Li said China will open its doors even wider to the outside world, and is willing to work with the US in undertaking their responsibilities as major countries, jointly upholding international trade rules, and ensuring the stability of global industrial and supply chains.
(Bloomberg) -- A West African bloc mediator sent to meet Nigers junta leaders following a July 26 coup says a peaceful way out of the crisis remains possible.

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Last weeks visit to Niger has opened an avenue to start talking, Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former Nigerian president, told reporters in the capital, Abuja. Hopefully diplomacy will see the better of this.

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The Economic Community of West African States has said it stands ready to use force if talks fail.

Abdourahamane Tiani, the coup leader, has proposed a return to democracy within three years, but the bloc does not want any prolonged transition, Abdel-Fatau Musah, an Ecowas commissioner, told BBC on Sunday.

Nobody wants to go to war, said Abubakar after briefing Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whos the current Ecowas chairman.

The African Union, which suspended Niger, is studying the economic and security implications of the blocs deployment of a standby force.

The coup in Niger - the sixth in West Africa in three years - has brought condemnation from Western nations including France and the US, which together have troops stationed in the country.

The landlocked nation has been a key international ally in the global fight against jihadists in the region. If successful, the coup would create a belt of military-run countries from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, most of which are friendlier to Russia than the West.

(Updates with African Union suspension in fifth paragraph.)

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Margaret Sweeney falsely reported that she had been murdered (Franklin Police Department)

A 37-year-old North Carolina woman was arrested for allegedly faking her own murder.

Margaret Frances Elizabeth Sweeney was reported missing on 18 August, prompting Franklin Police Department to begin an immediate investigation due to the information provided which alluded that Sweeney was endangered or deceased, according to a statement from officials.

The Franklin police even posted on Facebook on the day she was allegedly reported missing describing Ms Sweeney, and marking her as a missing person, asking the public for help finding her.

Ms Sweeney was found safe the next day in the neighbouring town. Police determined that Ms Sweeney allegedly made anonymous third-party false reports to a friend, and the Department of Social Services that she had been murdered, the statement said.

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Police said Ms Sweeney was arrested on three charges: causing a false report to a police station, falsely reporting death by telephonic communication and obstructing law enforcement officers.

Sweeneys actions caused our department, as well as other departments, many hours of work which could have been spent on other matters, the statement said, adding, Family, friends, and the community as a whole were also very concerned and worried about Sweeneys welfare.

Ms Sweeneys fabricated story comes shortly after a series of similar incidents.

Margaret Sweeney falsely reported that she had been murdered (Franklin Police Department)

Carlee Russell faked her own kidnapping last month, sparking an investigation that lasted days.

The 25-year-old Alabama woman disappeared on the evening of 13 July after calling 911 claiming she tried to help a toddler who she spotted walking alone along the highway. Two days later, she reappeared at home, with a tall tale of how she had been kidnapped and barely managed to escape.

Police later said they were unable to verify many of Ms Russells claims and emphasised her internet history, which included searches for Amber Alerts and the movie Taken.

Ms Russell was arrested two weeks later for her actions related to faking her kidnapping and subsequently making false statements to detectives.

Also last month, an 11-year-old Florida girl was arrested after making a false report that her friend was kidnapped, after she texted 911 that her 14-year-old friend had been abducted by an armed man who was driving a white van.

The girl told the police that she got the idea to prank 911 through a YouTube challenge and thought it would be funny.
(Bloomberg) -- North Korea failed for the second time in about three months to put a spy satellite into orbit when its rocket had troubles soon after launch, dealing a blow to Kim Jong Un who wanted a reconnaissance probe to keep an eye on US forces.

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North Korea launched a rocket at 3:50 a.m. Thursday in a southward direction that failed a few minutes into flight, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Parts of the rocket appeared to crash down about 600 kilometers (375 miles) east of the Philippines, Japans top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno said. Residents in the southern Japanese prefecture of Okinawa were warned to take shelter, according to a tweet from the Japanese prime ministers office, although the alert was later lifted.

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Pyongyangs state media put out a short dispatch saying the flights of the first and second stages of the rocket were normal, but the launch failed due to an error in the emergency blasting system during the third-stage flight.

The report from the official Korean Central News Agency also said the countrys space agency plans a third attempt for a satellite launch in October and will look into the reasons for the failure.

But two consecutive failures to put a satellite into orbit could indicate shortcomings with its space rocket that may take more time to fix. South Koreas military plans to dispatch a salvage operation to retrieve fallen parts of North Koreas rocket, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The latest launch coincided with joint military drills by South Korea and the US that run through the end of this month and that prompted Pyongyang this week to issue a threat to retaliate against the exercises it sees as a prelude to invasion.

In the short-term, Kim may view this second failure as an embarrassment, but in the long-term and in the bigger picture, his country is making steady progress with its nuclear and missile development technology, said Soo Kim, a former Korea analyst at the Central Intelligence Agency who now works at US-based management consulting firm LMI.

Leader Kim Jong Un has said he wants to put a spy satellite into orbit to keep an eye on US forces deployed in the region. While officials in Seoul believe such a satellite would be rudimentary at best, it could help Pyongyang refine its targeting lists as it rolls out new missiles designed to deliver nuclear strikes in South Korea and Japan, which host the bulk of Americas military personnel in the region.

South Korea, Japan and the US protested the latest launch. The US National Security Council said in a statement the move is a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions, raises tensions, and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond.

South Koreas National Security Council chastised Pyongyang for the launch, saying in a statement that it deplored the fact that it continues to blame others for its failing economy and ruined civilian life, pushing its people to starvation and death, while squandering its scarce resources on reckless provocations.

North Korea tried to put a spy satellite into orbit on May 31 in its first space launch in about seven years. That rocket failed when the second stage engine didnt ignite, sending it plunging into the Yellow Sea.

South Korea salvaged debris in international waters in the Yellow Sea at a depth of about 70 meters. It recovered large parts of the rocket as well as the satellite, giving it a rare direct look at Pyongyangs capabilities even as it concluded that the technology had little military value.

The Japanese government had received prior notification from North Korea that it intended to launch a satellite between Aug. 24 and Aug. 31, officials said Tuesday. The Japanese Coast Guard was informed of three possible maritime danger zones pertaining to the launch  two west of the Korean Peninsula and the third east of the Philippines island of Luzon.

Read more: North Korea Eyes Satellite Launch as US-S.Korea Hold Drills

North Korea is barred by United Nations Security Council resolutions from conducting ballistic missile tests, but Pyongyang has long claimed its entitled to a civilian space program for satellite launches. The US and its partners have warned that technology derived from North Koreas space program could be used to advance its ballistic missiles.

Pyongyangs space program has diminished in importance over the years as the state greatly enhanced its ability to build intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads that could strike the US.

North Korea had already fired 24 ballistic missiles so far this year, which included four ICBMs. The country fired off more than 70 ballistic missiles last year, a record for the state.

--With assistance from Se Young Lee, Sangmi Cha, Takashi Hirokawa, Yuki Hagiwara and Yuko Takeo.

(Updates with US comment and salvage operation.)

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SEOUL, South Korea  North Korea said Thursday that its second attempt to launch a spy satellite failed but vowed to make a third attempt in October.

The announcement followed a statement by South Koreas military that North Korea had launched a long-range rocket.

The Norths space agency said it used the new-type carrier rocket Chollima-1 to put the reconnaissance satellite Malligyong-1 into orbit. It said the flights of the first and second stages of the rocket were normal, but the launch eventually failed due to an error in the emergency blasting system during the third-stage flight, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

The space agency said it would make a third launch attempt in October after studying what went wrong with Thursdays launch. The agency added that the cause of the relevant accident is not a big issue in terms of the reliability of cascade engines and the system.

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Earlier Thursday, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that it detected the rocket flying above international waters off the Korean Peninsulas west coast after its liftoff at the Norths northwestern Tongchang-ri area at 3:50 a.m. The site is where North Koreas main space launch center is located. The North made a failed launch of a spy satellite there in late May.

NKorea satellite wasnt advanced enough to spy from space, says SKorea

South Koreas military said it had bolstered its surveillance posture and was in close coordination with the United States.

On May 31, a North Korean rocket carrying a spy satellite plunged into the sea soon after liftoff, posing a setback to leader Kim Jong Uns push to establish a space-based surveillance system to better monitor the U.S. and South Korea. North Korea had since vowed to make a second attempt.

After the first launch attempt, North Korea made an unusually quick admission of failure, saying its newly developed Chollima-1 rocket lost thrust between launch stages and crashed into the sea. The Norths ruling party leadership described the failed launch as a serious setback in the countrys efforts to bolster its military capabilities amid tensions with rivals.

South Koreas military recovered some of the debris after the failed launch and said in early July that the North Korean satellite wasnt advanced enough to conduct military reconnaissance.

FILE- Objects salvaged by South Korea's military that are presumed to be parts of the North Korean space-launch vehicle that crashed into sea following a launch failure, are displayed at the Navy's 2nd Fleet Command in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday, June 16, 2023. (Yonhap via AP, File)

South Korea, the U.S. and others have still condemned the May launch for raising tensions and violating U.N. Security Council resolutions that banned the country from using ballistic missile technology.

Thursdays launch came three days after the U.S. and South Korean militaries kicked off annual military drills that North Korea calls an invasion rehearsal.

North Koreas official Korean Central News Agency said the 11-day U.S.-South Korean exercises are increasing the danger of a nuclear war on the Korean Peninsula. It said the current situation is compelling North Korea to take offensive, overwhelming steps, but didnt elaborate.

South Koreas spy agency told lawmakers last week it spotted signs that North Korean is preparing for the test-flights of intercontinental ballistic missiles and other provocative weapons. On Monday, KCNA said Kim had observed the test firings of strategic cruise missiles.

Since the start of 2022, North Korea has test-fired around 100 missiles in a torrid run of military demonstrations. Along with the Norths testing activity, the combined military U.S.-South Korea military exercises have intensified recently in a tit-for-tat cycle.

North Korea says its weapons testing is part of efforts to bolster its nuclear deterrent to counter increasing U.S.-led military threats. But many experts say North Korea aims to modernize its weapons arsenal to boost its leverage to wrest greater concessions from the U.S.

A spy satellite is among an array of high-tech weapons systems Kim has publicly vowed to acquire.

After repeated failures, North Korea successfully put its first satellite into orbit in 2012, and the second one in 2016. North Korea said both are Earth observation satellites launched under its peaceful space development program, but many foreign experts believed they were developed to spy on its rivals.

Observers say there has been no evidence that both satellites have ever transmitted imagery back to North Korea. But those satellite launches were still believed to have improved North Koreas long-range missile technology.

Since 2017, North Korea has performed a slew of intercontinental ballistic missile tests, demonstrating its potential ability to send missiles anywhere in the continental U.S. But experts say North Korea still has some technological hurdles to clear before obtaining functioning nuclear missiles, such as manufacturing warheads small enough to be topped on missiles and ensuring those warheads would withstand the severe conditions of atmospheric reentry.

The U.N. Security Council imposed economic sanctions on North Korea over its satellite launches in previous years, seeing them as covers for long-range ballistic missile tests. But the U.N. council failed to adopt further sanctions over the Norths recent series of missile launches because permanent veto-wielding members Russia and China oppose them, underscoring a divide that has deepened over Russias war on Ukraine.
FILE PHOTO: A still photograph shows what appears to be North Korea's new Chollima-1 rocket being launched in Cholsan County

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea made a second attempt at placing a military spy satellite in space orbit on Thursday, but it failed after the rocket experienced a problem during the third stage flight, state media reported.

Its space agency said it would try again in October, the North's KCNA news agency said.

The following is a timeline of the North's space program, satellite launches and development of rocket technology.

Aug. 31, 1998: North Korea sets out its space program by launching a Kwangmyongsong-1 satellite on a Paektusan rocket from the Tonghae Satellite Launching Ground near the east coast. Pyongyang declares it a success, but U.S. officials said it broke up over the Pacific Ocean.

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April 5, 2009: Then-leader Kim Jong Il oversees the launch of the Kwangmyongsong-2 satellite from the Tonghae complex, but it once again fails and crashes in the ocean. State media suggest that 14 North Korean soldiers were killed during the launch.

April 13, 2012: The Kwangmyongsong-3 satellite is launched from the newly completed Sohae Satellite Launching Station in the western region. Foreign media are invited to observe the launch, which once again is unsuccessful.

Dec. 12, 2012: North Korea successfully launches the Kwangmyongsong-3, putting an object in orbit. While the North claimed it to be an observation satellite, it is not believed to carry a functioning transmission system.

April 2013: North Korea establishes the National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) which purports to pursue space exploration for peaceful purposes.

Feb. 7, 2016: North Korea sends up a satellite. The United States calls it a disguised test of an engine powerful enough to launch an ICBM. International observers said the satellite appears to be under control, but there is lingering debate over whether it sent any transmissions.

Aug. 24, 2016: Hyon Kwang-il, director of scientific research at the Norths National Aerospace Development Administration says "our aerospace scientists will conquer space and definitely plant the flag of North Korea on the Moon.

June 23, 2016: North Korea says it successfully tested an intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM), with a range of 2,000 to 3,400 miles (3,200-5,400 km).

July 4, 2017: North Korea tests an ICBM for the first time, saying the missile can reach the continental United States. The missile, Hwasong-14, is tested again three weeks later, this time in a night launch.

Aug 29, 2017: North Korea fires an intermediate range missile over northern Japan, prompting warnings to residents to take cover. The missile falls into the Pacific Ocean, but sharply raises tensions in the region.

Jan. 13, 2021: During a party congress, leader Kim Jong Un reveals a wish list that includes developing military reconnaissance satellites.

Dec. 19, 2022: North Korea said it has conducted a "final phase" test for the development of a spy satellite at the Sohae launch station to check satellite imaging, data transmission and control systems.

March 16, 2023: North Korea test launches the Hwasong-17 ICBM, its biggest missile, which some analysts believe incorporates technology for space launch vehicles.

May 25, 2023: Construction and preparations at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station is moving forward at a "remarkable pace," a U.S.-based think tank says.

May 29, 2023: North Korea notifies Japan and the International Maritime Organization of a plan to launch a satellite between May 31 and June 11.

May 30, 2023: Ri Pyong Chol, the North's highest-ranking military official after leader Kim, said joint military drills by the United States and South Korea required Pyongyang to acquire the "means capable of gathering information about the military acts of the enemy in real time".

May 31, 2023: North Korea attempts to launch a reconnaissance satellite, but the rocket plunged into the sea "after losing thrust due to the abnormal starting of the second-stage engine," state media KCNA reported.

July 5, 2023: South Korea's military says it retrieved the wreckage of the spy satellite from the sea, and found it had no meaningful military use as a reconnaissance platform.

Aug. 22, 2023: North Korea notifies Japan it would launch a satellite between Aug. 24-31 and the rocket would fly over the waters west of the Korean peninsula, East China Sea and the Pacific.

Aug. 24, 2023: North Korea makes a second attempt to put a spy satellite in orbit, but it failed when the rocket booster experienced a problem during its third stage. The pre-dawn launch prompts emergency warnings in Japan. North Korea's spy agency says the cause of "the accident" was not a major issue and vows to try another launch in October.

(Reporting by Jack Kim, Josh Smith and Ed Davies; Editing by Sonali Paul)
A North Texas law firm controller pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing $1.48 million from her employer over the course of three years by inflating her payroll, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Christiane Kathleen Irwin, 44, worked for a Dallas law firm not identified in court documents from 2019 to 2021, where she was charged with submitting payroll information to a third party responsible for sending out paychecks, according to court documents and the news release.

She has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and now faces up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for January, but Irwin has agreed to repay the $1.48 million stolen from the company as restitution.

Her salary was set at around $140,000 per year but, through fraudulent submissions, Irwin received additional money from the law firms payroll vendor every two weeks, according to the news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Texas.

In the federal indictment, Irwin was accused of submitting fraudulent information to the payroll vendor on three occasions. In March 2018, the indictment says Irwin inflated her payroll by $30,836.67. In November 2019, the indictment says Irwin inflated her payroll by $36,011.77. And in March 2020, that number jumped to $49,375.
NEW YORK  A longtime patient who fought against a consolidation plan involving Montefiores Family Health Center in the Bronx died in a stairwell to the facility last week but wasnt discovered until five days later, according to the NYPD and community organizers.

Sary Mao, a 57-year-old woman who lived in a group home in the Bronx, was found unconscious and unresponsive Monday after someone reported a foul odor coming from the buildings emergency stairwell, an NYPD spokesperson said. A preliminary police investigation found she fell and died the previous Wednesday but no criminality was suspected.

The cause of death was hypertensive cardiovascular disease, a spokesperson for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said.

Mao, a Khmer-speaking Cambodian refugee, had participated in a campaign last year to stop Montefiore from consolidating the Family Health Center and two other Bronx clinics, according to organizers with the advocacy group Mekong NYC, which focuses on issues affecting the Bronx's Southeast Asian community.

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We have lots of questions about how her death happened," Mekong NYC said in a statement to POLITICO. We demand answers and transparency from Montefiore, and will hold the Hospital accountable so that our communities are safe  and not in further danger  when placed in Montefiore's care.

Since Montefiore implemented the consolidation plan last fall, current and former employees said the Family Health Centers waiting rooms have been overcrowded and patients are waiting longer to be seen. As a result, medical emergencies or other patient incidents that unfold outside exam rooms are more likely to go unnoticed, the three employees said. They were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

I think it couldve been avoided if someone was paying attention, said a former Family Health Center nursing employee who worked there during the consolidation.

Two employees said the incident reminded them of the 2015 death of a Montefiore employee who was found in a locked bathroom on the health systems Einstein campus four days after disappearing from the emergency room.

A current employee said the door to the stairwell where Mao was found is marked with an emergency exit sign in English but no other languages, even though the clinic sees many patients with limited English proficiency. The centers staff have been fighting for decades to improve access to interpreters for non-English-speaking patients, particularly among the Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees who frequently turn to Montefiore for health care.

Montefiore declined to address the employees allegations or answer questions about the incident.

HIPAA and patient privacy rules prevent us from providing information about anyone who receives care from us either during their visit or after they have left our facility, a spokesperson from an outside communications firm said in a statement emailed on Montefiores behalf.

Catholic Charities Community Services, which runs the group home where the woman was living, declined to comment. An NYPD spokesperson said there is no missing persons report on file for Mao, despite her dayslong disappearance from the facility.

The Family Health Center provides primary care to thousands of patients annually as a federally qualified health center, a type of clinic that receives enhanced federal funding to care for underserved populations and offers services at a reduced cost to low-income patients.

Last fall Montefiore closed another primary care clinic in the Bronx and relocated its providers and patients to the Family Health Center, while the center's family medicine training program was shifted to another location. Since then, the centers patient volume has swelled  so much so that its remaining family medicine doctors are no longer accepting new patients, one of the current employees said.

The former employee said the health centers waiting rooms are now so packed that a conference room is used for overflow. Volunteer patient advocates were once stationed in the waiting rooms, but the role seemingly disappeared with the consolidation, that person said.

Montefiore executives have not publicly addressed the rationale for the consolidation, but the financially struggling health system recently hired the consulting giant McKinsey & Co. to help it grow revenue and manage expenses.

The goal is to reach $500 million in annual savings, according to public financial disclosures.
People walk near the venue of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 21, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

China has called on the business communities of all BRICS member countries to work unitedly, redouble efforts and make tangible moves to chart a great course together in the future at the annual meeting of the BRICS Business Council.



The event, a key mechanism for exchanges and cooperation among the business communities of the BRICS countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, was held on Monday in Johannesburg, South Africa, as a sideline event of the 15th BRICS Summit.

"The Chinese side put forward a four-point proposal for strengthening exchanges and cooperation among the business communities of the five member countries," said Chen Siqing, chairman of the BRICS Business Council's China chapter and chairman of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, during a news briefing on Tuesday.

The proposal involves adhering to openness and inclusiveness to build a broader partnership and upholding mutual benefit and win-win outcomes to promote accelerated economic recovery, Chen said.

In addition, China suggests adhering to innovation's leading role in tapping new momentum for growth, and encourages solidarity and cooperation in jointly addressing risks and challenges, he added.

The BRICS Business Council, which was established in 2013 during the fifth BRICS Summit in Durban, South Africa, holds regular dialogues among the business communities and governments of the BRICS countries and proposes solutions to issues.

This year has been declared as the "Year of South Africa" by BRICS amid the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the BRICS Business Council.

"After 10 years of unremitting efforts, BRICS business cooperation has become increasingly diversified. Economic and trade exchanges have become closer, yielding hard-won results and promising future prospects," said Chen.

"Standing at the critical juncture of the past and the future, all parties should join hands and work together to promote BRICS business cooperation and create a better future with greater efforts and more practical measures," he added.

During this year's meeting, the council jointly deliberated on and adopted its annual report for 2023.

The council put forward more than 30 professional recommendations to the governments of the BRICS countries on themes ranging from trade and investment to agricultural development and connectivity among markets.

It issued a joint statement on promoting trade and investment among BRICS countries, which Chen said "will provide a boost to the common prosperity of BRICS countries and Africa".

The China chapter also embarked on exchanges and sought more consensus with representatives of other BRICS countries on deepening cooperation in key areas and promoting the recovery of the global economy, Chen said. The goal is to make further, greater contributions to promoting mutual benefits and win-win situations among the five countries, he added.

Busi Mabuza, chairwoman of the South Africa chapter of the BRICS Business Council, said that as the global influence of the BRICS countries continues to grow, their business communities continue to benefit from BRICS cooperation.

Looking ahead, the business communities will be the driving force behind the sustainable development of the BRICS countries and should strengthen exchanges and cooperation for the benefit of all developing countries, she told the Economic Daily newspaper.

Lan Qingxin, a professor in the School of International Trade and Economics at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, noted that the BRICS countries are among the world's major suppliers and users of bulk commodities, as well as the world's major product manufacturers and service providers.

Noting that China has been the backbone of promoting BRICS cooperation and expanding the influence of member countries, he said it is necessary to advance BRICS members' investment and trade facilitation measures, fully tap the potential of production capacity cooperation, and form a stable industrial supply chain system of BRICS member countries.

"The BRICS countries, with their huge market size and potential, occupy a pivotal position in the global economy. They have strong momentum to promote international economic development and social progress. They are demonstrating great influence in promoting the recovery of the world economy," he said.
The drowning of Tafari Campbell, the Obama familys former chef, was ruled an accident by the Massachusetts medical examiner, according to state officials.

Massachusetts State Police confirmed Campbell, 45, drowned near the Obama familys home on Marthas Vineyard after his body was found July 24 in Edgartown Great Pond.

According to police, Campbell, originally from Dumfries, Va., was visiting the Obama familys Marthas Vineyard home at the time of his death. Neither former President Obama nor former first lady Michelle Obama was home at the time of the incident, police said.

Timothy McGuirk, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, told The Associated Press that Campbells death was determined to be an accidental drowning following submersion in a body of water.

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Police said they used side-scan sonar from a boat to help find Campbells body, which was located around 100 feet from the shore at a depth of about 8 feet. He was not wearing a life jacket, police said.

In a previous statement obtained by The Hill, the Obamas said Campbell was a beloved part of their family.

Thats why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed, the Obamas said in their statement. Hes been a part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that hes gone.

Campbell is survived by his wife and the couples twin boys, according to a previous statement from the Obamas.

The Hill reached out to Obamas spokesperson, the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security for comment.

The Associated Press contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Greenwood Police Chief James Ison gives updates on the Greenwood Park Mall shooting during a press conference Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, at the Greenwood City Building in Greenwood, In.

The chief of the Greenwood Police Department is facing a federal lawsuit filed by an officer, who is currently suspended from the department.

The suit filed by Sam Bowen, a patrol officer with the department since 2020, accuses Chief James Ison of violating the officers First Amendment right to free speech. It was filed in June in the U.S. District Court Southern District of Indiana with the City of Greenwood listed as a co-defendant.

More about this case: Greenwood officers' 'banter' was racist, homophobic, messages reveal

"The big thing for me was I was upset with how things were transpiring throughout the police department," Bowen said. "I wanted to stand up for public transparency, officer morale, and point out what I thought was wrong. As the lawsuit states, Chief Ison took retaliatory measures against me for posting as a private citizen on my own Facebook on my own time."

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IndyStar reached out to Ison and attorneys representing the city Tuesday afternoon but did not receive a response to allegations in Bowen's lawsuit.

Bowen alleges the issues began in May when he voiced opinions online around the time of Indianas 2023 primary election.

In two different Greenwood community Facebook groups, the officer discussed what he perceived as a lack of transparency from the police department in reporting crime and attempts by incumbent Mayor Mark Myers and the police chief to downplay the amount of violent crime in the city, according to the lawsuit.

During these exchanges on Facebook, Bowen did not identify himself as an officer or appear in uniform and he is not identified as an officer on his Facebook account, the lawsuit reads.

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On the day of the primary election, Ison gave Bowen a letter informing him that his privilege to work in an off-duty law enforcement capacity was revoked. At that time, Bowen was operating a private security service when off from the department, the lawsuit reads.

Ison also informed the officer he would no longer be allowed to take his assigned police vehicle home at night or use the vehicle for personal transportation. Another officer was subjected to the same actions, and both were informed it was due to their criticism of the police chief and mayor on Facebook, the lawsuit reads.

Bowen's right to speak, as a private citizen, on matters of public concern, is guaranteed by the First Amendment, the lawsuit reads.

Ison retaliated against Bowen for engaging in protected speech, the officers attorney argues in the filing.

In an amended complaint, Bowen claims the citys legal staff obtained and transferred a copy of all of Bowens instant messages shortly after he filed the lawsuit in June. The suit did not indicate what type of messages were transferred or whether the phone was city-owned.

On Aug. 2, the police department interviewed Bowen and several other officers about their use of instant messaging. One week later, Ison recommended Bowen and four other offers be terminated, allegedly based on the language in the messages, according to the lawsuit.

Bowen said the department's investigation into the instant messages resulted in a five-day suspension for one officer and three others resigning from the department. Bowen and one other officer are still suspended by the department in connection with its investigation, Bowen said.

Attorneys for Bowen and the defendants in the lawsuit have both filed motions demanding a jury trial. A pretrial conference in the case is scheduled for at 2 p.m. Sept. 13 in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Tim Baker.

Contact Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jake_Allen19.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Officer claims Greenwood PD chief violated free speech in lawsuit
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Mark Dial, the officer who fatally shot Eddie Irizarry in Kensington earlier this month, is set to be fired for insubordination, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said Wednesday at a news conference.

Outlaw said Dial would be suspended for 30 days, with the intent to terminate his employment.

The police commissioner said Dial refused to obey orders from a superior officer and failed to cooperate with the department's investigation. He could face additional disciplinary charges if it's discovered he violated additional policies, Outlaw said.

"Not for the shoot. For refusal to take part in the investigation," Outlaw said.

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However, that didn't sit well with Shaka Johnson, the attorney representing Irizarry's family.

"What they wanted to hear and what would've been appropriate and respectful to the decedent is he was fired for perhaps these policy violations and for killing one of you, John Q. Citizen," Johnson said.

Johnson played surveillance video of the shooting in a news conference Tuesday, showing the quick and deadly encounter. Attorneys for Irizarry also said they intend to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

While Johnson praised Outlaw for correcting the original narrative and taking the lead in public, there's more he'd like to see.

Specifically, Johnson hoped police would be more forthcoming with the Irizarry family.

"I found what she said to be compassionate, as compassionate as she could be. But it wasn't very satisfying. And that's just the truth of it," Johnson said.

Philadelphia police changed the account of the incident after reviewing body camera footage from the officers involved. That footage had not been released as of Wednesday.

Initial news releases about the shooting said Irizarry was outside his vehicle and lunged at officers with a knife, however, police said the body camera video shows Irizarry never left his car before Dial shot him.

When asked about a possible new procedure of looking over body camera footage before releasing a statement, Outlaw said, "I know moving forward is that less information will be shared until we can corroborate those details that we have given you in the past."

Philadelphia police say Eddie Irizarry, 27, left, was shot and killed by officer Mark Dial in an Aug. 14 incident in Kensington. / Credit: Zoraida Garcia (left) and Law Offices of Shaka Johnson

Hours after the police press conference, the Citizens Police Oversight Commission, better known as "CPOC," held a community meeting over Zoom. The commission is independently monitoring the investigation.

"The message is that they're taking this incident seriously and I think that based on the press conference earlier today," Anthony Erace, the CPOC's interim executive director, said.

More than 70 people attended and several asked questions.

CPOC said it has watched the Ring camera footage released by the family's attorney, but it did not factor into its recommendation to terminate Dial.

"Our recommendation was based on the evidence that we derived from the scene and internal investigation and the letter was composed prior to the public release," Erace said.

CPOC also said it has reviewed body camera footage of the incident.

The decision of if and when it would be released, Philadelphia police said, is up to the district attorney's office.

District Attorney Larry Krasner had no comment on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Johnson said the family had heard nothing from the Philadelphia Police Department.

Johnson said the family has yet to see the body cam footage despite asking to see it.

"If someone could explain to me how saying, 'We're sorry for your loss' would somehow compromise the investigation, maybe you're telling me something I don't know," Johnson said.

Johnson believes that kind of messaging from police would go a long way to rebuilding trust with the community, and it's something Mayor Jim Kenney addressed during Wednesday's press conference.

"I do think in general the community supports the police, the police are supportive of the community," Kenney said. "Circumstances like this do set us back, but I do think we're able to cover and move forward."

Outlaw said police will reach out when the time's right.

"My heart goes out to everyone involved in this," Outlaw said. "It's a tragedy all the way around."

Outlaw also announced additional investigations into conflicting accounts and incorrect information from police personnel on what happened during the traffic stop.

The FOP is not commenting on the matter, rather directing all questions to Dial's attorney. Attorneys for Dial and the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office declined to comment on Wednesday's announcement.

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CINCINNATI (NewsNation)  Cincinnati is experimenting with a first-of-its-kind technology for electronic monitoring of some low-level offenders, swapping out ankle bracelets for smartwatches.

The Southwest Ohio County Court System is piloting a new program that would change electronic surveillance, working to do away with the stigma surrounding electronic monitoring.

Officials say they will still be able to keep an eye on those who break the law, but in a more discreet way.

But some say the technology still needs more testing before the switch is made.

In Warren County, Judge Robert Peeler is at the forefront of the effort to help criminal offenders re-integrate into society using a device called the VeriWatch.

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Similar to a smartwatch, the device would replace the clunky and often uncomfortable ankle bracelet with a smaller, less conspicuous option.

The device would still be able to track a persons movements 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Peeler called the technology a game changer.

Our goal is to help remove the obstacles to recovery, and for a person to feel good about themselves is a part of that. They have to feel theyre valuable as human beings and to have a scarlet letter on them is a problem, Peeler said.

Barry Latzer, a criminal justice professor at John Jay College and author of the book The Myth of Overpunishment, said hes an advocate of electronic monitoring but also believes this new technology needs to be tested rigorously.

I vote yes when these things work, Latzer said, There is one big obstacle to the wristwatch idea, and thats this: We have to make sure that the person  the defendant  is the one wearing the watch. We have to be sure that the offender hasnt simply put the watch in the drawer or given it to a friend and gone off to commit other offenses.

But law enforcement officials who have tried out features on the smartwatch, such as remote sensors that detect removal, say those are unlikely scenarios.

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Theyve tried to tamper and remove the devices, just as the defendants might. And the people who wear them also will be the ones to pay for them  unless they cant afford them. Thats when the state will step in and help out with grants.

The new smartwatch will cost less than $5 a day, and experts say its a small price to pay when compared with the average cost of housing an inmate at the Warren County Jail, which is nearly $93 a day.

Its unclear at this time whether other states are considering implementing similar programs.

Peeler told NewsNation he expects the trend to catch on. And while most monitors are associated with criminal offenders, theyre also being used by immigration officials. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was also testing out a wrist monitor to help track migrants facing deportation, CBS News reported.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Oklahoma authorities visited the property owned by Dennis Rader, also known as BTK, on Tuesday in search of clues that could solve cold cases in Osage County.

Oklahoma authorities are digging on property owned by serial killer Dennis Rader, also known as BTK, in search of clues that could solve cold cases in Osage County.

Officials with the Osage County Sheriff's office said Tuesday investigators were at the property in Park City, Kansas.

Osage County Undersheriff Gary Upton told The Oklahoman they were "continuing to follow leads of missing persons and murders possibly related to BTK."

Because the investigation is ongoing and investigators are in the field, he said, the office cannot comment further.

The Kansas property, 15 minutes north of Wichita, is where the serial killer lived in a suburban home with his family. After he was sentenced to prison, the property was sold to the city and razed in 2007.

Who is BTK?

In 2005, Dennis Rader pleaded guilty to the BTK murders and was sentenced to serve 10 life terms.

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One of America's most notorious serial killers, Rader killed at least 10 people between 1974 and 1991 in and around Wichita, Kansas. One of his victims was only 9 years old.

He also taunted the police and the local news media by sending them numerous letters.

While he was communicating with newspaper The Wichita Eagle, Rader gave himself the nickname "BTK"  bind, torture, kill  which was his modus operandi.

Is BTK connected to murders in Osage County?

In February, Osage County Sheriff Eddie Virden visited Rader at the Kansas prison where he is serving out his multiple life sentences, reported FOX23.

The sheriff said he and his colleagues sought new clues in a 1976 missing persons case. They cited a TMZ interview where Rader mentioned the name of 16-year-old Cynthia Cindy Dawn Kinney, who disappeared from a Pawhuska laundromat in June 1976.

Virden told the news outlet that because Wichita is a two-hour drive from where Kinney disappeared and that Rader had made various trips to Oklahoma over the years, his connection to her case is worth exploring.

Kinneys body has never been found.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: BTK Oklahoma connection explored as deputies investigate cold case
August 22, 2023, I became aware that Osage County Sheriffs Office investigators from Oklahoma & Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents, assisted by the Park City Police Department, were at the Park City, KS site where my childhood home originally stood working active investigations into possible missing persons and unsolved murder cases allegedly tied to my father, Dennis Rader, the BTK Serial Killer. These cases predate his arrest on February 25, 2005.

In January 2023, I became aware of the missing person case of Cynthia Cyndi Dawn Kinney, a 16-year-old cheerleader who disappeared from a laundromat on June 23, 1976, in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.

In June 2023, I became aware of the unsolved murder case of Shawna Garber, whose remains were found near Pineville, MO, in December 1990.

In June 2023, I contacted the McDonald County Sheriffs Office in Missouri to offer my volunteer assistance on the Garber case.

I was quickly connected with the Osage County SO, to which I offered the same aid, and was promptly flown to Osage County, OK, to assist on both cases.

Ive returned since to the Osage County SO to work in a volunteer capacity as an active agent of LE, assisting on these two cases uncluding visiting my father twice at the El Dorado Correctional Facility.

My March 2021 Do Not Contact Order was legally lifted via assistance from EDCF, the Kansas Department of Corrections, & the KS Governors office.

Beyond these two cases that have been released publiclyIm not at liberty to discuss other possible missing persons and unsolved murder cases that are being actively investigated as possibly committed by my father, nor can I comment on my direct assistance in the investigations.

Multiple LE agencies are seeking long-sought answers in decades-old missing persons & unsolved murder cases in the tri-state area of KS, MO, & OK. And possibly locations that extend beyond the tri-state area.

This past spring, federal transaction immunity was offered to my father in the tri-state area by a federal district attorneys office to give my father a chance to confess to any other violent crimes he may have committed from roughly 1963-2005giving decades-long grieving families long-sought answers, and in return, my father would not be charged in these cases.

At this time, all avenues of justice remain open, and investigations are ongoing.

I want to thank the following LE partners: Osage County SO, who have embraced me like family; McDonald County SO, Wichita PD, Park City PD, KBI, FBI, EDCF, KDOC, the office of the Kansas Governor, and all other local, state and federal partners that are seeking answers and Justice.

I hope that inner agency cooperation continues at a steady pace and that a tri-state or beyond, cold case BTK task force be formed by these agencies to fund and power these vital ongoing tasks.

I will continue to partner closely and heartily support all LE agencies and offer my volunteer assistance.

Together, daily, we can make a difference. Lets keep working together to solve these cases for these families. They deserve all that we can give them.

We can join together to put our mark on modern inter-agency cooperation and modern forensics.
Since Ryan Walters was sworn in as Oklahomas superintendent of public instruction in January, hes called for prayer in public schools and hanging the Ten Commandments in classrooms.

Hes adopted regulations prohibiting school libraries from circulating books with sexualized content and requiring educators to tell parents if their child changes their gender identity.

And now Walters is threatening a state takeover of Tulsa Public Schools, Oklahomas largest district  leading Tulsa's superintendent to announce plans to resign Tuesday ahead of a key state Board of Education meeting on Thursday.

In his first seven months on the job, Walters has made a significant mark on the Oklahoma education system and thrust a typically low-profile office into the center of political firestorms. He has drawn support from conservative activist groups such as the 1776 Project PAC, Americans for Prosperity and Moms for Liberty, which pledged last month to back like-minded state superintendents nationally. Walters work in Oklahoma offers a preview of the policies and tactics that could continue spreading to other states with conservative education leaders.

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This is a war for the souls of our kids, Walters declared shortly after his election last year at a banquet for City Elders, a national group that advocates for Christian-based government. He went on to claim that liberals are trying to make children hate their parents and the country. I will do all I can to fight to get that nonsense out of schools and to put God back in schools, he said.

Walters, 38, ran for office as a Republican focusing on culture war issues like books with sexually explicit passages and school policies supporting LGBTQ students, which have become dominant conflicts in public education. He promised to protect parents rights.

At Moms for Libertys national summit this summer, Walters and three other Republican state education leaders pitched their offices as the ones to finish the job after conservative activists elect new school board members and GOP lawmakers pass bills to limit how race and LGBTQ issues are discussed in class. Throughout this year, state education leaders have been at the center of these conflicts.

That represents a shift for state superintendents, away from a relatively quiet role focused on complying with regulations and facilitating school funding, said Josh Cowen, a Michigan State University education policy professor.

Its a very bureaucratic job, Cowen said, and these guys are turning it into a much more outward-facing, Twitter kingdom, own the libs kind of job.

Ryan Walters (Sue Ogrocki / AP file)

In June, Walters helped approve the nations first religious charter school, an online Catholic school that is currently facing litigation from civil liberties groups trying to stop it from opening. He said in a video he recorded in his car that it was important that churches arent oppressed by government and are given the freedom to grow.

Gentner Drummond, Oklahomas attorney general, a Republican, has spoken against spending tax dollars on the school, saying, Forcing Oklahomans to fund religious teaching is a violation of their religious liberty.

Walters also endorsed a proposal presented to him by a group of pastors and right-wing activists to hold a minute of silence for prayer in all public schools and to require a framed copy of the Ten Commandments in all classrooms. Walters, who has said he believes separation of church and state is a myth created by liberals, has not yet announced how or when he intends to propose these changes.

Bob Linn, president of the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee, or OCPAC, a group that advocates for Judeo-Christian influence in government, called the state superintendent a rare individual in politics who is doing exactly what he said. Linn invited Walters to speak at OCPAC meetings when he was running for office, and was part of the group that recommended putting the Ten Commandments in classrooms.

This isnt some bizarre document that some little group of people are foisting upon a culture that weve never seen, Linn said. Its the most influential document in the history of mankind. So the fact that thats shocking shows the degree to which secularism has become a shroud over academic societies.

Ninety-four religious leaders in the state signed an open letter organized by the Oklahoma Faith Network, a nonprofit organization, asking Walters to retain the separation of church and state within public education. The Rev. Shannon Fleck, executive director of the Oklahoma Faith Network, said pushing one religion in public schools will make children of other faiths feel ostracized.

He is doing all of these things so that he can advance politically, and its unfortunate because its going to happen with so much discrimination and pain in the wake of it, Fleck said.

Walters has harsh words for those who push back on him. He called the state teachers union a terrorist organization during a legislative hearing. He branded journalists a true enemy of taxpayers for publishing criticism from a GOP state legislative committee chair, whom he called a liar.

Walters office declined interview requests and did not respond to written questions.

Before jumping into politics, Walters taught high school history and was a finalist for Oklahomas teacher of the year seven years ago. In 2020, he started an advocacy group that supported vouchers to help students attend private schools, and Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed him secretary of education, which in Oklahoma is the governors top education adviser.

As education secretary, Walters was in charge of coordinating disbursement of nearly $40 million in federal pandemic funding, which two audits  one by the state and one by the federal government  found was mismanaged.

The audits found that the state had allowed money to be spent on kitchen appliances, power tools, televisions and Christmas trees. Walters faulted the vendor he had hired, but auditors said he had given a blanket approval on expenses through the system and failed to take advantage of an internal control option the company offered.

Walters election in the fall of 2022 gave him a bigger role: Rather than focusing on school accountability initiatives, he now oversaw the entire Oklahoma Department of Education. Things changed significantly once he took office, according to five former employees of the agency, all of whom left or were fired after he started. It took two months before Walters held an all-hands staff meeting, and they often found out about new policies, such as warning state vendors against sending inappropriate materials for classroom use, through videos Walters posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, former staff members said.

I mean, everybody there, theyre just walking around like chickens with their heads cut off, because they have no idea whats going on or what theyre supposed to do, said Terri Grissom, who was in charge of writing grants for the department before resigning in April.

Walters said during the campaign that he would restrict the federal grants the state applied for, based on ideological concerns. Grissom said a top aide for Walters told her not to apply for federal grants that promote diversity measures, social emotional learning, programs to support LGTBQ students or anything trauma-informed.

Worried that Walters was leaving money for Oklahoma schools on the table, state legislators passed a law in May requiring the department to continue applying for any federal grant the state had received before Walters took office, unless he received permission from Republican legislative leaders.

The same month, a top aide for Walters warned in emails to staff that anyone caught leaking to the press would be fired. It turned out to be a trap; each of the 400 emails were unique. Walters received a round of applause when he described the operation at a June 7 OCPAC meeting, according to video of the event. He said the department caught dozens of leakers.

They broke protocol, so dont get mad at me for catching them doing it, Walters said.

Ryan Walters (Sue Ogrocki / AP file)

Two of the employees fired as a result have filed wrongful termination lawsuits. The department has responded that it was within its rights to terminate them, and the cases are pending.

According to screenshots of interview questions provided by one former employee, the department began asking prospective staff members if they would support Walters initiatives and if they were aware of how politics plays a role in the agency.

Perhaps the biggest fight hes picked so far is with the Tulsa school district.

Walters first floated taking away Tulsa Public Schools accreditation in July in a news conference he held outside of the districts offices to defend ELena Ashley, a conservative school board member who faced criticism for leading a prayer at a graduation ceremony this spring.

Walters has also hammered Tulsa schools, where more than three-quarters of students are economically disadvantaged, for low academic achievement scores, calling the district uniquely bad. Just 13% of students in the Tulsa district meet grade-level standards on the state test, according to 2022 state report cards. Thats below the statewide average of 28%, but slightly above the 12% of students who reach the standards in the Oklahoma City district.

The Tulsa districts accreditation already had a warning strike against it. Last year, the state board decided a staff training presentation that asked teachers to examine their implicit racial biases violated the states anti-critical race theory education law.

Ryan Walters (Sue Ogrocki / AP file)

If Oklahomas Board of Education eliminates the Tulsa districts accreditation, the more than 33,000 Tulsa students would be reassigned to nearby smaller districts.

Walters alternately suggested this month that the state take over Tulsas schools. He cited the Texas state takeover of Houstons public schools as a model. In Houston, state appointees are cutting hundreds of jobs and have ended contracts with psychologists, scaled back meetings with the teachers union and converted libraries to disciplinary centers.

The Oklahoma Board of Education, which Walters chairs, is expected to make a decision at its meeting Thursday.

Deborah Gist, the Tulsa superintendent, has defended her district, saying the state does not need to take away its autonomy. The district launched a five-year plan to boost its academics that includes enhancing student counseling, retooling curriculum, recruiting new staff and providing more information to parents.

She also criticized Walters.

Its very evident that this is all based on his own political and personal agenda, Gist said in a phone interview last week. I dont think he understands what it takes to run a district.

Gist announced Tuesday evening that she was leaving her superintendent job, hoping that will help ward off a state takeover. Walters praised the move as "a step in the right direction." Gist said in a letter to staff that she did so with a "broken heart."

State Rep. Mark Tedford, a Republican from a Tulsa suburb, said hes pressed Walters to focus more on test scores rather than culture war issues, and he wants the state superintendent to take less drastic measures with the Tulsa school district.

But I think a lot of the angst, a lot of the heat  even on these scores  is still about the underlying ideological differences between him and the educational community, Tedford said. And again, the people of Oklahoma elected him based on him running on these ideological differences.

State Rep. Monroe Nichols, a Democrat who represents part of Tulsa, believes Walters is picking on his district as part of a play to demonize urban areas and school boards led by his critics.

The challenge for us is, how do we in Oklahoma stop the bleeding on what is a national movement that will happen somewhere else if we allow it to happen here? Nichols said. You got Oklahoma, you got Texas, before you know it, youll see the same thing in Boise, Idaho, then youll see it pop up somewhere in Middle America, maybe in Ohio or something like that. You will start to see this happening across the country.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
One person was killed and three others were injured in a four-vehicle collision in Fresno County that all started because of distracted driving, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The collision took place at 3:30 p.m. at Goodfellow Avenue, west of Vista Avenue.

California Highway Patrol spokesman Mike Salas said that based on a preliminary investigation a 26-year-old Dinuba woman was believed to be responsible for the hitting three other vehicles in a pinball-like motion due to distracted driving.

Among the collisions was a head-one crash that resulted in the death of a 58-year-old Reedley man.

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CHP said the Dinuba driver, who was identified in the CHP collision report as Anise Huerta, was not paying attention while driving a Chevy Silverado as she closed in a slowing moving vehicle.

To try to avoid hitting rear-ending a Toyota Camry, the Silverado driver swerved to the left and into oncoming traffic.

Huerta, however, still hit the slower Camry that had been in front of her.

It only got worse from there.

Huertas Silverado collided head on with a BMW that was driven by the Reedley man in the westbound lane of Goodfellow Avenue.

Then the force of the head-on collision caused the SUV to go back in the eastbound lane of Goodfellow, where the Silverado crashed into a Hyundai Accent.

CHP said the Reedley man in the BMW was transported to Adventist Hospital in Reedley, where he later died.

The Silverado driver was taken to Kaiser Hospital, where she suffered minor to moderate injuries.

The driver of the Accent, who was a 24-year-old woman from Fowler, was taken to CRMC for minor to moderate injuries.

Meanwhile, the Camry driver, who is a 49-year-old from Reedley, declined transportation after suffering minor injuries.

CHP said Huerta likely will be facing vehicular manslaughter charges.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call CHP at 559-705-2200.

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Rudy Giuliani on Wednesday doubled down on the idea that the 2020 election may have been stolenminutes after he was arrested for trying to overturn said election.

Trump s former personal attorney repeated the big lie while decrying Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis for charging him.

She has violated peoples First Amendment right to advocate the government, to petition the government for grievances like an election they believe was poorly conducted or falsely conducted, Giuliani told reporters after his arrest. People have a right to believe that in America. Biden and the Biden state doesnt have a right to tell you what the truth is.



Giuliani was arrested after agreeing to a whopping $150,000 bond.



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Giuliani was indicted alongside Donald Trump and 17 other co-defendants on charges of felony racketeering for their role in efforts to overturn the results of the presidential election in Georgia. The former New York mayor is now the fourth Trump lawyer to turn himself in, a day after John Eastman and just hours after Kenneth Chesebro and Ray Smith.

Giuliani insists that he and the rest of Team Trump have done nothing wrong but instead are sticking up for voters rights. But they allegedly actually tried to take voters rights away by ignoring legitimate election results.

This is just the latest of Giulianis legal troubles. His former associate Noelle Dunphy sued him in May, accusing him of promising to pay her a $1 million annual salary but instead raping and sexually abusing her over the course of two years. Her lawsuit alleges that Giuliani was constantly drunk, talked openly about trying to overturn the 2020 election, and even plotted to sell pardons with Donald Trump at the low, low price of $2 million each.

As the legal battles drag on, Giuliani is increasingly hurting for cash. He visited Mar-a-Lago in April to beg Trump to help pay all of his legal bills. Part of the problem is that Trump is simply refusing to pay Giuliani for all of his work as Trumps personal attorney.



Rather than pay up, Trump will instead host a dinner event in September to fundraise for Giulianis legal fees. Tickets will cost $100,000 per person. With Giuliani facing hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal costs, perhaps the hope is that just a few people will need to show up in order to make a dent.
China on Tuesday introduced a number of preferential tax and fee policies to support the healthy development of the capital market.

The preferential policies, including individual income tax and value-added tax exemptions or cuts, were jointly issued by the Ministry of Finance and related departments.

The policies are aimed at promoting the two-way opening-up and healthy development of the capital markets on the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, supporting the opening-up of the goods futures market, ramping up the implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy and boosting the development of venture capital enterprises, according to the ministry.

Valid until the end of 2025 or 2027, the policies are conducive to supporting the opening-up of the capital market and promoting its sustained and healthy development.

Working with related departments, the ministry has released 10 preferential tax and fee policies to support smaller and private businesses.
Ms. Lauryn Hill has announced a tour to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, this fall.

Hill will perform at 7:30 p.m. on October 30 at Dickies Arena, the only tour stop in Texas.

Tickets are on sale now and be bought on Ticketmaster or other ticket-sellers such as StubHub.

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was Hills first solo album and the third studio album of her career. Hills first two albums were done as a member of The Fugees, who will tour with Hill on her North American tour dates.

One member of the group, Pras, is still awaiting sentencing after being found guilty of criminal conspiracy and witness tampering.

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The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was a commercial and critical success winning five Grammys at the 41st Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, marking the first time the award was ever won by a hip-hop artist.

Hill spoke about what the album meant to her in a press release announcing the tour.

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is and was a love song to my parents, my family, my people, my musical and cultural forebears, my teachers, my loves, my Creator, Hill said.
Indiana is caught in a vicious cycle. We face a dire shortage of both health care workers (doctors, nurses, mental health specialists and the like) and public health specialists (e.g., public health nurses, environmental health specialists, epidemiologists). The lack of such experts has contributed to Indianas persistent public health issues. Indiana does not have adequate health services or the infrastructure to promote a healthy lifestyle, which is driving people out of the state  particularly from rural areas  at an alarming rate. And, as people who work in public health and rural development at Indiana University Bloomington, we know who is leaving: its exactly the health care providers and public health professionals we desperately need, and that weve spent the resources to train in Indiana.

So, the cycle repeats itself: the shortage of critical workers gets even worse, causing more people to leave. And, with each cycle, our economy and our people suffer.

A medical worker speaks with a patient and his family Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, in an overcrowded emergency department at IU Health Methodist in Indianapolis. "They're receiving care, it's just not in a patient room," Liz Linden, chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services for the IU Health Adult Academic Health Center, said. "Because we have no physical rooms to put people in, we're providing care in the hallways."

The cycle is moving fast. Indiana experienced anemic population growth in 2022, adding just 19,000 people despite a population of 6.8 million. Even that troubling stat doesnt tell the full story. Rural counties, where health care access is worst, are experiencing rapid population decline. Rural Indianas population declined by 2.2% from 2010-2020  even as the nations population grew by 7.4%  and 75% of counties in Indiana had a population decrease in 2022.

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More: Op/Ed: Indiana regularly ranks low in U.S. health statistics. Here's how we change that.

Indiana must end this cycle, so we must ensure that health care and public health workers are supported, have the training they need to be effective and can grow roots in our state. This will require significant monetary investment, widespread training and innovative thinking.

We are up to the task, but we have a long way to go. We are not a healthy state. We rank 35th in overall health, according to the Americas Health Rankings report, including 40th in life expectancy, 42nd in mental health, 46th in air quality, 41st in access to dental care and 40th in childhood immunization rate.

Not surprisingly, we rank 45th in public health funding.

Gov. Eric Holcomb has moved to fix our public health crisis. The Governors Public Health Commission report is honest; it admits that, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, our public health system was struggling to meet our public health challenges. It made a series of strong recommendations, particularly for training and retaining public health talent. It recommends standardizing job descriptions and providing salary ranges for those job descriptions that are competitive enough to keep talent here; creating incentives like student loan repayment programs for health care and public health workers who stay put; and collecting rigorous data to understand  and even predict  workforce needs.

Theres no such thing as a free lunch. Enacting those recommendations will require funding  the allocation in the recent legislative session is excellent progress  and it will be critical for the state legislature to appropriate adequate budgets well into the future. Yet if that money helps us keep Hoosiers healthy and in the state, it is money well spent. The Public Health Commission report makes this argument persuasively. As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Relatively modest investments in public health programs will save the much larger costs of taking care of sick people later.

More: Op/Ed: Indiana doesn't have enough primary care doctors  nurse practitioners can help

Still, money is not enough. It will also demand Indiana provide training for public health workers. Dr. Macys recent experience with a U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant is instructive. The $1.5 million grant provides for graduate-level training in public health for Indianas public health workforce, particularly in the states underserved areas. Given how overburdened these workers are, he wasnt sure how many would apply.

He neednt have worried. The demand was immediate, and the slots were filled in no time. The public health workforce is desperate to understand best practices, as many of them received their training in something other than public health and feel unprepared. In fact, a recent assessment of the states public health workforce reported that only 6.5% of local health department employees have formal public health training. They are happier and more likely to stay when they feel they are doing a good job.

Of course, the training also makes them better at keeping all of us healthy.

Continuing education for the public health workforce must be a priority if we are to keep them in Indiana.

More: Op/Ed: Don't solve doctor shortage by ending collaboration between medical professionals

Finally, we must ensure health care and public health workers-in-training  like the doctors, nurses, data analysts and epidemiologists we educate at IU  grow roots here and see where their careers could take them right here at home. It is incumbent upon universities and colleges to embed them in local healthcare facilities to learn while they work. Rural health facilities are particularly promising, as they empower students to do more advanced work that students wont want to give up to move to a larger, urban hospital.

Indianas long-term prospects rely on us keeping the talent we train here at home, and that all starts with keeping health care and public health workers in the state. Keeping them here breaks the vicious cycle. We must do everything in our power to ensure they stay.

John Macy is interim assistant dean for Graduate Education and an associate professor at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington. Kerry Thomson is executive director of the Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana's shortage of public health care workers creates vicious cycle
PANAMA CITY  Local officials continue their search for the right person to fill the shoes of former City Manager Mark McQueen.

Panama City commissioners on Tuesday gave an update about the ongoing search for a new city manager to replace McQueen, who resigned from the position on Aug. 1 and now works as superintendent of Bay District Schools.

According to information from the meeting, the city already has received about 50 applications for the job. Officials voted Tuesday to close the application period on Aug. 31.

Panama City Commissioners continue their hunt for the right candidate to replace former City Manager Mark McQueen, who now works as superintendent of Bay District Schools.

"It's been open long enough, (and) I think we have plenty of applicants," Commissioner Brian Grainger said. "I think within the pile of applicants that we have, we have several that are worth looking into further."

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Commissioners voted in June to privately advertise for the city manager position for about a month, and then begin negotiations with either Goodwin Recruiting or BPS Recruiting if enough quality candidates were not found within that time.

They did this after considering the proposals of five executive search firms that applied to help find McQueen's replacement. The firms were Goodwin Recruiting, BPS Recruiting, Gomez Partners Inc., GovHR USA and Strategic Government Resources.

As of Tuesday, officials agreed a recruiting firm was not needed, given the amount of applications the city has received.

To help narrow down the search, commissioners approved on Tuesday a separate motion directing each of them to create a list of their top five applicants by Sept. 6. Those selected will then be interviewed.

Ideal candidate: Panama City to use a job description similar to Mark McQueen's to find his replacement

During the meeting, officials also voted to temporarily increase the salary of Brandy Waldron, who is serving as interim city manager and interim CRA director. She will now make $150,000 a year  the advertised salary of the city manager position.

Waldron, who currently earns more than $134,000 a year, was given the increase for taking on the interim duties in addition to her existing responsibilities as assistant city manager of budget, human resources, development services, logistics, quality of life, economic development, business services and CRA.

"It's a lot of work," Commissioner Jenna Haligas said. "You should be paid for the work that you're doing. ... Once we hire a permanent city manager, the salary will revert back to where you're at right now."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City will stop taking city manager applications Aug. 31
Editors Note: Kristina Foltz (@kristinafoltz1) is a writer on Colombian affairs and Rotary Ambassador scholar, based in Bogota. The views expressed in this commentary are her own. Read more CNN opinion here.

A few years ago, the international district where I live was a creative hub of harmonious chaos. Music throbbed from every street corner. The Colombian capitals sophistication was evident from its magisterial libraries to its abundant museums. The sparkling streets were regularly washed clean.

Kristina Foltz - Courtesy Kristina Foltz

Today, graffiti dims the beauty of Bogotas colonial baroque architecture. Young people congregate on trash-covered streets. Signs held by protesters express indignation and determination to fight for Colombias democracy, one of the longest-standing in Latin America. Increasing violence conjures memories of Colombias conflict-ridden past.

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A little over one year after Colombia elected its first leftist president  Gustavo Petro  the former rebel and longtime senators pledge to transform one of Latin Americas most unequal countries is failing. And I believe the presidents false populist promises pose a clear danger to Colombias democracy.

Im not the only one who fears the direction Colombia is headed in. Last week, thousands of Colombians in multiple cities marched for Petros resignation or judicial action on his alleged crimes and scandals. It was the second March of the Majority demonstration this summer, adding to the growing list of anti-Petro rallies this year.

Among the many concerns of young protesters I spoke to, are increasing violence and the high-profile political scandal of Petros eldest son  Nicolas Petro  receiving from a convicted drug trafficker large sums of money. Among several sources of illicit money, some went to Nicolas pockets and the rest to the political campaign, according to Nicolas testimony.

(The president himself has denied awareness of illegal activities.)

Before Petro, Colombia had been governed for decades by liberal and conservative parties forming part of the broader Colombian political right. Despite recent years of economic and social progress, inequality in the Andean country has inspired guerrilla and narco-backed leftist groups to condone violence as a means to what they see as a greater end.

Petros campaign messages about supporting poor and marginalized populations held wide appeal for many young Colombians and first-time voters, in the hope he was a step towards change. The reality now is bleak. Petros reforms stalled in Congress, and his disapproval rating rose from 20% to 61% in one year, (according to a recent poll conducted in five major cities), a presidency continually burdened with mass street demonstrations. Petro has responded by organizing his own demonstrations, insisting the Colombian people are actually in favor of him.

A demonstrator holds a tainted image of Colombian President Gustavo Petro (left) during an anti-government protest in the capital on August 16. - Luisa Gonzalez/Reuters

But what about young Colombians, who, like me, are worried about the direction Petro is taking the country?

Ivan Oros, 28, voted for Petro in 2022 because initially I liked the idea of change, he told me. One year later, hes less certain the president has lived up to his campaign promises.

From his hometown of La Primavera, Ivan showed me over WhatsApp video the densely forested landscape of his region, Vichada, on the eastern border with Venezuela.

An area known for intense narco-trafficking, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels historically controlled most of the economy, border and jungles there. Until recent years  when a period of relative peace and stability resulted from hard-lined presidents who refused to negotiate with criminals  the rule of law was mere fantasy. Ivan says violence is now resurfacing, despite Petros promise of Total Peace between the Colombian armed forces and the narco-backed guerrillas.

Ivans father was a farmer and his mother works any jobs she can find. He knew from a young age that he wanted to attend university. He had to study hard to earn a scholarship  under a program created previously during the Juan Manuel Santos administration  to the University of Pamplona, a public university of 30,000 students, 34 hours by bus from Ivans home. He studies Social Communications.

Ivan says he was drawn to Petro because, he always had a message about generating free quality education for young people. I believe if you educate youth, you educate a country, and then you can do a lot of good things.

When I mentioned that Colombias education was already free before Petro, he admitted: Its true, in the past two years, former president Ivan Duques Matricula Cero program began. Even though such programs already existed, Ivan hoped the new president would somehow encourage young people from rural areas like his own to take advantage of them.

Last month Petro ratified and took credit for Duques 2021 Matricula Cero program, which, until 2022, provided unrestricted free education to all lower and middle class Colombians.

But a spokesperson for the Colombian Organization of Students told the news outlet El Tiempo that the new version of the law will actually increase barriers to access, limiting it to students registered with SISBEN, a classification system that requires registration prior to receiving social benefits.

Now Ivan says hes undecided about Petro after the money laundering scandal involving the presidents son Nicolas  which he called extremely bad.

Back in Bogota, I met Ariel Ricardo Armel, 29, on the patio of a Juan Valdez coffee shop. Hes concerned Petros reforms would turn Colombia into Venezuela. Ariel believes Petro is following an autocratic playbook similar to that of Hugo Chavez. The late Venezuelan president took power in 1998, made promises to the poor, nationalized the health and pension programs and changed the constitution to expand presidential powers. His successor, President Nicolas Maduro, continued Chavismo policies that have destroyed the Venezuelan economy.

Petros health reform would destroy years of progress, Ariel told me. The proposed reform would nationalize Colombias health care system, dismantling the existing public/private system and placing it under presidential control. Colombias healthcare system is already among the best and most equitable in the world. The WHO rated it 22nd out of 191 developed countries. (For comparison, the US was ranked 39th.)

In June, Ariel and four friends created the March of the Majority group over WhatsApp. I was included in the group and witnessed as it exploded into a huge movement within a few weeks, over WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram and eventually the news outlets. On June 19th, according to police estimates, 92,000 Colombians took to the streets in 20 cities and eight foreign cities to march against the presidents reforms. (Ariel and many others believe the number is closer to 150,000; Plaza Bolivar, which easily holds 45,000, was packed.)

To Ariel, the signs that Petro is an aspiring dictator are clear. The theme of press intimidation is very strong, he said, pointing to reports linking Petros campaign to bots on outlets like Twitter, to threaten and delegitimize the Colombian press which Petro claims are owned by corrupt elites and narcotraffickers. (Petros campaign manager has denied links to the fake accounts.)

Armando Duarte Galan, one of the five original members of the March for the Majority, put it this way to me: I think the narrative should shift around Petros governability and the legitimacy of his presidency. The charges that should be levied against this president are quite serious. People want accountability.

If a countrys democracy depends on its people, the heartbeat of Colombias is still pulsing vigorously. Opposition in Congress and the passionate voices of Colombias youth indicate their hope in a better future. Hopefully to prevail before its too late.

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With more than 74 million visitors heading to Central Florida attractions last year alone, its no surprise Orange County is racked in millions from a tax on hotel stays.

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For weeks, the county has been wrapped up in discussions on how to spend those funds best, but they were still far from a final decision on Tuesday.

I dont want to rush to do anything, said Commissioner Mike Scott. " I dont think that we should-- I dont think we serve the public; its not in their best interest.

Commissioners debated five big-ticket facility renovations, and the mayor recommended funding two.

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It would cost 500 million to complete the first phase of renovating the Orange County Convention Center. This project would create over a thousand construction jobs and 55 permanent positions after the fact.

Read: More Free Kill families speaking out against controversial Florida law

I want to know what the convention center really costs and how did they come up with that number, Commissioner Mayra Uribe said.

The second project the mayor recommended would provide 400 million to renovate the Camping World Stadium.

The stadium renovation would create over three thousand construction jobs and more than 6,000 long-term jobs.

While commissioners indicated support for the convention center, nothing was finalized.

Read: Central Florida shelter looking for new cat and dog parents during its Clear the Shelters event

" The five packages, they never presented them to us, Uribe said. " They presented to the task force, tightened their budgets, never came to us, and we should be able to have a fluid discussion,

What was finalized was another session where commissioners could hear directly from the leaders on those five big-ticket projects.

The county has not set a date yet.

Video: Orange County signs off on safety task force recommendations





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An Oregon city has asked the Supreme Court to determine whether ticketing homeless people for sleeping on public property is cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Constitution.

On Tuesday, the southern Oregon city of Grants Pass told the Supreme Court that a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision to prohibit the city from enforcing its public camping ordinance cemented a conflict with California courts that have upheld similar ordinances.

The consequences of the city being unable to implement a comprehensive response to the growth affect those living in and near them and include crime, fires, environmental harm, the reemergence of medieval diseases, and drug overdoses and deaths, the city wrote to the high court.

Time is of the essence for this exceptionally important question, attorneys for the city wrote.

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The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals previously ruled in 2018 that cities could not arrest or cite people for sleeping in public when there is no shelter available. People could not be cited if they are using blankets, pillows or other methods of protecting themselves.

The Supreme Court declined to consider a similar appeals case to the lower courts ruling in 2019. This upheld the lower courts ruling that punishing people for sleeping outdoors was unconstitutional.

That is, as long as there is no option of sleeping indoors, the judges on the panel wrote, the government cannot criminalize indigent, homeless people for sleeping outdoors, on public property, on the false premise they had a choice in the matter.

At the center of the case is the Eighth Amendment, which states, Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Some fines were reported to be up to hundreds of dollars for those living on the streets, according to the 9th Circuit, meaning that many of them would not be able to afford it.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Willie Walker testifies during his trial Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023. He was sentenced to two life terms for murder and attempted robbery with a firearm.

An Orlando man was sentenced to two consecutive life prison terms for his role in the killing of a man during an attempted robbery in Daytona Beach.

A jury on Tuesday took less than an hour to convict Willie Walker, 32, of first-degree murder and attempted armed robbery with a firearm.

Circuit Judge Karen Foxman sentenced Walker, who also pled to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm; Foxman sentenced him to 15 years in prison to run concurrent on that charge.

Walker and another man, Andrew Burgman, fatally shot Joshua Goodman, 25, of Casselberry, on May 11, 2020, in the parking lot of a Curaleaf store on 910 W. International Speedway Blvd.

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Walker and Burgman were arrested the next day when they were involved in a crash in Orlando that killed a 73-year-old woman. Prosecutors said they were fleeing from police at the time.

Burgman, 36, was convicted in a jury trial in November of first-degree murder and attempted armed robbery with a firearm by a convicted felon. Burgman was sentenced to the mandatory life in prison on the murder count and 30 years on the attempted armed robbery charge.

Both men testified at Walkers trial. Walker wore a coat and tie and sat next to his defense attorneys, Assistant Public Defenders Brian Smith and Courtney Davison. Burgman was led in wearing an orange jail jumpsuit.

Both men have prior felony convictions; Walker has four.

Another drug-related murder, another young victim dies and both defendants serving life sentences, State Attorney R.J. Larizza stated in a release. A just outcome for a sad and tragic criminal episode.

Willie Walker, shown here during his trial, was convicted of first-degree murder and other charges on Tuesday and sentenced to life in prison.

The night Goodman was killed

Burgman said they drove to Daytona Beach because he wanted to sell molly and he could get a higher price here than in Orlando. Burgman and Walker each carried a .22-caliber revolver.

Once in Daytona Beach, the men said Goodman flagged them down, then got in the backseat. They said Goodman wanted a product that Burgman didnt have.

The men said they wanted to get Goodman out of the car, so Walker drove to the Curaleaf parking lot. Both Walker and Burgman said Goodman had a knife in his backpack, which they could partially see.

Walker said once he stopped the car, he walked around to the back door and told Goodman to get out. Walker said Goodman just stared at him.

Burgman said he also got out of the car to help get Goodman out.

Both Walker and Burgman said they were fearful because Goodman had a knife.

Andrew Burgman testified on Tuesday at the trial of his co-defendant in the killing of Joshua Goodman.

Under questioning by Smith, they both said they had no plan to rob or shoot someone that day.

"I felt like he was going to grab me .  thats when I shot him, Walker said.

They both said they did not call police because they were convicted felons and didn't think police would believe them.

Walker was cross examined by Assistant State Attorney Ashley Terwilleger, who prosecuted the case along with Assistant State Attorney Sarah Thomas.

Terwilleger asked Walker what the knife looked like. Walker said it had a silver blade. Burgman had said the knife was silver and brown.

Terwilleger later introduced a photo of the folding knife in Goodmans backpack. It was purple and black.

Terwilleger played a security video for Walker which showed that Goodman got out of the car quickly, as opposed to remaining inside as Walker had claimed. She said he got out within two seconds, counting "One Mississippi. Two Mississippi."

Walker told Terwilleger he did not see a knife in his hand when he shot Goodman.

At that point, its your testimony that you thought he was going to grab you?" Terwilleger said.

Yes maam, Walker said.

So, you shoot him point blank in the back, correct? Terwilleger said.

Yes mam, Walker said.

You didnt call 911. You shot a man in the back and you left him in the parking lot, correct?

Yes maam, Walker said.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Orlando man sentenced to 2 life terms in Daytona Beach murder
After years of denial, a notorious former New Orleans church leader admitted in an interview that he sexually molested or harassed several teenagers during his career.

CBS affiliate WWL-TV in New Orleans was interviewing Lawrence Hecker with the British newspaper the Guardian about a statement he gave to New Orleans church leaders in 1999 when he made the confession.

Hecker, 91, became an ordained priest in 1958. According to a timeline compiled by WWL-TV, he used that position to abuse or harass minors over years.

In 1988, reports of his actions reached New Orleans archbishop Philip Hannan . Hecker convinced Hannan he would never again "be in any such circumstances" and faced no consequences until 1999, when continued reports against Hecker led the archdiocese to send him to a psychiatric treatment facility outside of Louisiana. There, he was diagnosed as a pedophile, and the facility recommended he be prohibited from working with minors or other "particularly vulnerable people," according to a personnel file reviewed by WWL-TV.

The 1999 complaint also led to his statement, where Hecker acknowledged committing "overtly sexual acts" with three underage boys and said he had close relationships with four others that lasted until the 1980s.

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When asked if he had performed the acts laid out in the statement, Hecker told WWL-TV "Yes" twice. His admission was recorded on video.

Hecker said he was "truly repentant" and "can't answer" whether he thought law enforcement should pursue a case against him. Hecker has never been criminally prosecuted, according to WWL-TV, but he has been the subject of an investigation by the New Orleans district attorney's office.

Even after he was released from the psychiatric facility, Hecker continued to work in the church, saying that he believed he had been cleared to do such work. In 2000, he was assigned to St. Charles Borromeo in Destrehan, a small town in Louisiana. The church had an elementary school attached, WWL-TV reported.

A man recently alleged that Hecker choked and raped him. Hecker denied those allegations.

Hecker retired in 2002, after the Catholic church adopted reforms after it came to light that the institution had been protecting priests accused of molesting minors in Boston, Massachusetts.

Keith Lampkin, chief of operations and external affairs for the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office, said Wednesday "As with all cases, the OPDA will utilize all relevant, admissible evidence of guilt to obtain justice for victims."

The fallout from Hecker's actions continued into the 2010s.

During a 10-year period beginning in 2010, the archdiocese paid at least $332,500 to reach out-of-court settlements in five cases alleging sexual abuse by Hecker, according to WWL-TV.

Despite this, the New Orleans archdiocese never told churchgoers and other members of the community what Hecker was suspected of until 2018, when a list of priests and deacons considered credibly accused predators was released under public pressure.

The archdiocese continued to pay Hecker's retirement benefits until 2020, WWL-TV said.

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By Kirsty Needham

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, chairman of the Pacific Islands bloc, said that science supported Japan's decision to pump treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, but that the region may not agree on the "complex" issue.

Japan said on Tuesday it will start releasing into the sea more than 1 million metric tons of treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant on Aug. 24, going ahead with a plan heavily criticised by China.

Japan has said that the water release is safe. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N. nuclear watchdog, greenlighted the plan in July, saying that it met international standards and that the impact it would have on people and the environment was "negligible".

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The IAEA travelled to Cook Islands in July to present its findings to the Pacific Islands Forum - a regional bloc of 18 nations, whose combined exclusive economic zones span 40 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean, where half the global tuna catch is found.

"I believe that the discharge meets international safety standards," Brown said in a statement on Wednesday. He added the IAEA would continue to monitor the water during the discharge process.

Not all Pacific leaders had the same position and the Pacific Islands Forum may not reach a collective position, he said.

In a region that had suffered from the effects of nuclear weapons testing by outside powers, it was a "complex issue", he said. The United States conducted nuclear tests in the Pacific Islands in the 1940s and 1950s, and France between 1966 and 1996.

"This is a demanding situation for all of us, and we need to assess the science," he said.

A Pacific Nuclear Free Zone was established in 1985 under a treaty that prevents the dumping of radioactive materials.

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said in a speech on Monday that he supported the discharge, based on the IAEA report, and it was "fear mongering" to connect the controlled release of water over 30 years to the nuclear weapons tested in the Pacific.

The Fukushima discharge will be discussed at a meeting of the five-nation Melanesian Spearhead Group - Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia's ruling FLNKS party - on Thursday.

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
A student who was stuck in a cable car suspended over a ravine in northwest Pakistan has spoken out about the 15-hour ordeal.

I thought it was my last day and I will be no more, Attaullah Shah was quoted as saying by AFP.

The 15-year-old, one of seven students travelling on the chairlift when one of its cables snapped, expressed gratitude for having survived the incident. God has granted me a second life, he said.

The families of the students rescued from the broken-down cable car erupted with joy as the last child was freed late last night, an official said.

Night fell as the first of the students was rescued and it was several more hours until the cable car was finally cleared of passengers.

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People kept praying until the last person was rescued, emergency official Waqar Ahmad told AFP. Once everyone had been rescued, the families started crying with joy and hugging each other.

Pakistans government confirmed the rescue mission was complete some 15 hours after the car first got stuck, and declared inspections of cable cars will be carried out across the country.

Key Points

I saw a miraculous rescue happening with my own eyes

Full report: Eight people saved in 16-hour rescue operation

In Pictures: How the 15-hour-long unique rescue unfolded in Pakistans Battagram

Ground rescue operation replaced helicopters as night fell

For Gods sake, help us, pleaded man trapped onboard

One child in cable car fainted, officials said

I saw a miraculous rescue happening with my own eyes

10:35 , Maroosha Muzaffar

One of the survivors of the Pakistan cable car ordeal has called the rescue miraculous.

Fifteen-year-old Osama Sharif said: I had heard stories about miracles, but I saw a miraculous rescue happening with my own eyes.

He told the Associated Press: We suddenly felt a jolt, and it all happened so suddenly that we thought all of us are going to die.

We cried, and tears were in our eyes, as we feared the cable car will go down, he added.

ICYMI: At least 150 students use cable car every day to reach school

10:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The cable car which got stuck on Tuesday was used by scores of children every day to cross a valley and reach school. A local teacher from Battagram, identified by local media by just his first name Iqbal, said at least 150 students take the cable car to and from school daily.

The chairlift was left dangling from 7am on Tuesday until last night, suspended 900ft above a ravine, after one of its cables snapped.

The teacher explained that due to the lack of road facilities, students have no choice but to take the cable car if they want to reach school.

There are no other arrangements, he said.

After Tuesdays 15-hour ordeal, Pakistans government has ordered an investigation into all cable cars nationwide. In remote areas, these modes of transportation are often constructed illegally by locals in the absence of other infrastructure.

A senior official from the region, Sonia Shamroz, highlighted the need to maintain cable cars and chairlifts in the area because of their frequent use and said that it was extremely important since children in these regions use them as their only mode of transport.

Watch: Moment Pakistan cable car rescue team winch child to safety captured in dramatic video footage

09:45 , Maroosha Muzaffar

This is the dramatic moment one of six children stuck in a cable car in Pakistan was winched to safety today.

Rescue teams are battling to reach six children and two adults stuck in a cable car in Pakistan.

The youngsters were travelling to school in the mountainous region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when the chairlifts cable snapped some 900ft above the ground.

Pakistans National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said a helicopter was able to reach the location of the lift. However, reaching the youngsters in the lift is a more difficult operation.

Footage shows how one of the rescue team was lowered to the cable car and carefully removed a child.

Moment Pakistan cable car rescuers winch child to safety captured in dramatic video

I thought it was my last day: Boy, 15, rescued from Pakistan cable car says he has been given second life

09:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

One of the children who was stranded in a cable car over a ravine in Pakistan has said he did not believe he would survive the 15-hour ordeal.

The incident occurred on Tuesday in northwest Pakistans Battagram, when seven students were travelling to school in the mountainous area accompanied by one adult.

During their commute, one of the two cable lines carrying the cable car snapped at around 8.30am local time and led to a 15-hour-long rescue operation with military helicopters and zipliners.

I thought it was my last day and I will be no more, Attaullah Shah was quoted as saying by AFP.

The 15-year-old expressed gratitude for having survived the incident. God has granted me a second life, he said.

Boy, 15, rescued from Pakistan cable car says he has been given second life

ICYMI: Cable car passenger recalls moment of horror

09:15 , Maroosha Muzaffar

One passenger on the stranded cable car recalled the moment of horror when the cable snapped yesterday.

The unidentified passenger  one among the eight  told a local TV channel that one of the other students on the cable car, who had a heart condition, fainted as the cable car kept dangling above the deep ravines in northwest Pakistan.

His own mobile battery was depleting fast and he had no means left to contact anyone during the initial moments after the cable snapped.

Once the rescue effort ensued, villagers on the ground watched in growing concern as the ordeal dragged on.

They are in front of us but we are helpless  observing them and unable to provide any help, Mufti Hasan Zaib, a religious scholar from the village told New York Times. One of his relatives was stranded on the cable car.

What happened inside the fated cable car as it dangled precariously above a ravine

09:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The eight individuals, including several students, huddled together inside the cable car and prayed for their safety, CNN reported.

The passengers were on the way to their school when the cable snapped and left them hanging about 900ft in the air.

They reportedly huddled together in fear as their cries were left unheard. But after 15 hours  with the help of helicopters, zipliners and prayers  the group of eight were brought back to safety.

Are cable cars used in Pakistan safe?

08:44 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Due to the absence of conventional infrastructure, improvised cable cars are utilised in distant regions of Pakistan. Despite the inherent risks, these cable cars serve as essential transportation solutions for communities with limited alternatives.

According to local media, these makeshift cable cars are commonly employed in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit Baltistan, and eastern Mansehra. These regions encounter geographical obstacles and have limited infrastructure, including schools and roads.

Geo TV reported that the necessity of connecting communities in these isolated areas has driven locals to create these cable cars using leftover materials, often without formal permits.

These cable cars are often built by the local communities, primarily from discarded materials like those from pick-up trucks. These cabins are then attached to cables, sometimes made of scrap iron, using ropes.

While cable cars present a practical solution for the lack of conventional infrastructure in certain regions of Pakistan, safety concerns remain.

In 2017, an illicit cable car in Murree, Punjab, crashed, claiming the lives of 11 passengers.

Just last December, a cable car mishap occurred in Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where a rope snapped and 12 children were stranded and had to be rescued.

Survivors of Pakistan cable car identified

08:31 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The eight individuals stranded in a cable car in Pakistans Battagram have been identified. The cable car dangled hundreds of feet above a ravine in northwest Pakistan yesterday until passengers could finally be rescued.

Local media identified the survivors by their first names: Abrar, Irfan, Usama, Rizwan Ullah, Ataullah, Niaz Muhammad, Sher Nawaz and Gul Faraz.

It took about 15 hours to rescue the last person after the cable snapped and families broke out in cries as they reunited with their children.

I thought it was my last day: Boy, 15, rescued from Pakistan cable car says

07:59 , Maroosha Muzaffar

One of the eight survivors of the 15-hour cable car ordeal in Pakistan has recounted his racing thoughts during the ordeal.

I thought it was my last day and I will be no more, Attaullah Shah was quoted as saying by AFP.

The 15-year-old expressed gratitude for having survived the incident that began early on Tuesday morning while he and other students were on their way to school in northwest Pakistans Battagram.

God has granted me a second life, he said.

Yesterday the cable car got stuck midway across a 900ft (274m) ravine when one of the two lines carrying the car snapped.

ICYMI: At least 150 students use cable car every day to reach school

07:20 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The cable car which got stuck on Tuesday was used by scores of children every day to cross a valley and reach school. A local teacher from Battagram, identified by local media by just his first name Iqbal, said at least 150 students take the cable car to and from school daily.

The chairlift was left dangling from 7am on Tuesday until last night, suspended 900ft above a ravine, after one of its cables snapped.

The teacher explained that due to the lack of road facilities, students have no choice but to take the cable car if they want to reach school.

There are no other arrangements, he said.

After Tuesdays 15-hour ordeal, Pakistans government has ordered an investigation into all cable cars nationwide. In remote areas, these modes of transportation are often constructed illegally by locals in the absence of other infrastructure.

A senior official from the region, Sonia Shamroz, highlighted the need to maintain cable cars and chairlifts in the area because of their frequent use and said that it was extremely important since children in these regions use them as their only mode of transport.

Cause of Battagram cable failure still unknown

07:10 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The reason for the failure of the Battagram cable car  in which eight people were stranded yesterday  is still unknown.

Interim prime minister Anwaar ul-Haq Kakar expressed concern over the cable cars failure and urged authorities to conduct safety checks on all private mountain chairlifts.

Watch: Eight people saved from cable car stuck dangling above canyon in Pakistan

07:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Cable car passenger recalls moment of horror

06:48 , Maroosha Muzaffar

One passenger on the stranded cable car recalled the moment of horror when the cable snapped yesterday.

The unidentified passenger  one among the eight  told a local TV channel that one of the other students on the cable car, who had a heart condition, fainted as the cable car kept dangling above the deep ravines in northwest Pakistan.

His own mobile battery was depleting fast and he had no means left to contact anyone during the initial moments after the cable snapped.

Once the rescue effort ensued, villagers on the ground watched in growing concern as the ordeal dragged on.

They are in front of us but we are helpless  observing them and unable to provide any help, Mufti Hasan Zaib, a religious scholar from the village told New York Times. One of his relatives was stranded on the cable car.

ICYMI: Eight people trapped in cable car dangling 900ft over Pakistan ravine saved in dramatic rescue

06:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Eight people were pulled to safety on Tuesday after a dramatic rescue effort hauled them from a cable car left dangling 900ft (274m) above a ravine in northwest Pakistan.

One of the two cable lines carrying the car snapped at around 0700 local time [GMT 0200] as seven children were travelling to school alongside one adult in a remote mountainous area in Battagram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, about 200km (124 miles) north of the capital Islamabad.

Despite a desperate rescue mission, most of the passengers were still trapped well into the night as the car clung to the lone cable, while local residents watched on anxiously from below and crowds gathered around televisions in offices, shops, restaurants and hospitals across Pakistan to watch the operation unfold.

Eight trapped in cable car dangling 900ft over ravine saved in dramatic rescue

In Pictures: How the 15-hour-long unique rescue unfolded in Pakistans Battagram

06:09 , Maroosha Muzaffar

In this photo released by Pakistans Inter Services Public Relations [ISPR], army soldiers, police officers and local volunteers take part in a rescue operation to save people, trapped in a broken cable car, in Pashto village, a mountainous area of Battagram district in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Tuesday, 22 August 2023. Army commandos using helicopters and a makeshift chairlift rescued eight people from a broken cable car dangling hundreds of meters (feet) above a canyon Tuesday in a remote part of Pakistan, authorities said

(AP)

Pakistani army soldiers carry out rescue operation for stranded in a chairlift students in Battagram district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, 22 August 2023. A local Battagram district official said, eight children and one adult were trapped in a chairlift dangling 1,200 feet over a mountainous region in the countrys northwest. The children were travelling to school when one of the chairlifts cables snapped. The Pakistan military in a statement said all stranded people were safely evacuated form the lift

(Pakistan Rescue Military via AP)

Youngsters, left, who were trapped in a broken cable car, are surrounded by villagers following their rescue, in Pashto village, a mountainous area of Battagram district in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, late Tuesday, 22 August 2023. Army commandos using helicopters and a makeshift chairlift rescued eight people from a broken cable car dangling hundreds of metres (feet) above a canyon Tuesday in a remote part of Pakistan, authorities said

(AP)

An aerial view shows a helicopter carrying rescue operation next to the cable car with students stranded mid-air in Battagram, Pakistan, 22 August 2023, in this screen grab obtained from social media video

(Umeed Sahar via REUTERS)

At least 150 students use cable car every day to reach school

05:20 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The cable car which got stuck on Tuesday was used by scores of children every day to cross a valley and reach school.A local teacher from Battagram, identified by local media by just his first name Iqbal, said at least 150 students take the cable car to and from school daily.

The chairlift was left dangling from 7am on Tuesday until last night, suspended 900ft above a ravine, after one of its cables snapped.

The teacher explained that due to the lack of road facilities, students have no choice but to take the cable car if they want to reach school.

There are no other arrangements, he said.

After Tuesdays 15-hour ordeal, Pakistans government has ordered an investigation into all cable cars nationwide. In remote areas, these modes of transportation are often constructed illegally by locals in the absence of other infrastructure.

A senior official from the region, Sonia Shamroz, highlighted the need to maintain cable cars and chairlifts in the area because of their frequent use and said that it was extremely important since children in these regions use them as their only mode of transport.

Battagram incident is not the only accident related to cable cars in Pakistan

05:10 , Maroosha Muzaffar

While cable cars present a practical solution for the lack of conventional infrastructure in certain regions of Pakistan, safety concerns remain.

In 2017, an illicit cable car in Murree, Punjab, crashed, claiming the lives of 11 passengers.

Just last December, a cable car mishap occurred in Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where a rope snapped and 12 children were stranded and had to be rescued.

Why do people use cable cars in Pakistan

05:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Due to the absence of conventional infrastructure, improvised cable cars are utilised in distant regions of Pakistan. Despite the inherent risks, these cable cars serve as essential transportation solutions for communities with limited alternatives.

According to local media, these makeshift cable cars are commonly employed in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit Baltistan, and eastern Mansehra. These regions encounter geographical obstacles and have limited infrastructure, including schools and roads.

Geo TV reported that the necessity of connecting communities in these isolated areas has driven locals to create these cable cars using leftover materials, often without formal permits.

These cable cars are often built by the local communities, primarily from discarded materials like those from pick-up trucks. These cabins are then attached to cables, sometimes made of scrap iron, using ropes.

Pakistan authorities say the rescue operation was 'extremely complicated'

04:45 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Pakistans Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement that the rescue operation was extremely complicated and difficult.

It was an extremely difficult operation, and Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) helicopter promptly reached the site and began the operation.

The Pakistan Army Aviation provided complete technical assistance to the sling team, which made the successful completion of the operation possible, the statement added.

The cable crossing experts, local residents and the civil administration also assisted in the operation, the statement said.It said the operation was a unique one in Pakistans history.

After the rescue families started crying with joy and hugging each other

04:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

People had been constantly praying because there was a fear that the rope might break. People kept praying until the last person was rescued, emergency official Waqar Ahmad was quoted as saying by AFP news agency.

Once everyone had been rescued, the families started crying with joy and hugging each other.

Eight individuals, seven of them students, were successfully rescued following hours of being stranded at an elevation of several hundred feet above a secluded valley in Pakistan on Tuesday.

Students trapped in cable car incident receive exam results

04:17 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Among the passengers trapped in the suspended cable car in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Battagram district, three of the children who were part of the group found out they had successfully cleared their Class 9 examinations after their rescue, local media said.

With the results of the exams  for students aged roughly 15  announced on Tuesday, three of the students received the news that they had graduated to Class 10.

Local media reports identified them by their first names  Attaullah, Niaz Mohammad and Usama. The three are students at Government High School Batangi Pashto Alai, Geo TV reported.

Emotions high as children handed over to their families

04:01 , Andy Gregory

As the children were handed over to their families, most burst into tears, said Nazir Ahmed, a senior police officer.

Everyone was praying for this moment, he said. He said villagers hugged the commandos and other rescuers.

According to Pakistani TV stations, some of those trapped were in contact with their families by cellphone. Authorities said the two adults were consoling the children, who were between the ages of 11 and 15.

Pakistani military and local rescue workers brought people to safety using ropes and harnesses (Pakistan Rescue Military via AP)

15-hour ordeal comes to a successful end with all eight rescued from the dangling cable car

03:52 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Eight individuals, seven of them students, were successfully rescued following hours of being stranded at an elevation of several hundred feet above a secluded valley in Pakistan.

Interim prime minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar wrote on X: Relieved to know that all the kids have been successfully and safely rescued. Great teamwork by the military, rescue departments, district administration as well as the local people.

Following the ordeal, Pakistans president called for a comprehensive survey of cable cars. I would also urge that administration must conduct a comprehensive survey of all such local chairlifts to ensure safety of our people in future, Arif Alvi said in a post on X.

Watch the moment Pakistan cable car rescue team winch child to safety

03:02 , Andy Gregory

Cable car used by dozens each day

01:03 , Andy Gregory

The cable car is used by local villagers to cross the river and shorten the distance to nearby schools, government offices and other businesses.

It is believed that dozens take the chair lift daily, thanks to a lack of transport options in the area.

The BBC reports that there is no road infrastructure or basic facilities in the mountainous area where the incident unfolded, on a cable car  built by a local resident with permission from local authorities, and known as Dolly  which had reduced a two-hour walk to a four-minute journey across the ravine.

Former PM praises locals for help with rescue effort

Wednesday 23 August 2023 00:01 , Andy Gregory

The former prime minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has praised locals for their unity and yearning for humanity after their help in rescuing those trapped in the cable car.

It was a difficult, patient and nerve-racking rescue operation with many difficulties but the professionalism and passion with which the entire effort was carried out is a proud and enviable example, he wrote on Twitter/X.

The way the local population helped the administration is a great example of fraternity, brotherhood, unity and yearning for humanity for which I pay tribute to the local people, Mr Sharif added.

And he joined others in warning that the incident is a lesson that immediate attention should be paid to the development of infrastructure and education of children in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially in such areas. The chairlifts in the concerned areas should be inspected and repaired urgently.

Pakistan president joins calls for safety review of all local chairlifts

Tuesday 22 August 2023 23:13 , Andy Gregory

Pakistans president, Arif Alvi, has lent his name to calls for authorities to conduct a comprehensive survey of all such local chairlifts to ensure the safety of our people in future.

Where is Battagram?

Tuesday 22 August 2023 22:22 , Andy Gregory

The cable car is situated in Battagram, a mountainous part of Pakistans northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Cable car accident six years ago left 10 dead

Tuesday 22 August 2023 21:27 , Andy Gregory

The anxieties of those onboard the cable car, rescuers, and those watching on from the side of the valley and at television screens across the country were likely compounded by the fact that it was not the first such incident to have occurred in Pakistan.

Ten people were killed when a cable car lift installed by local villagers in the popular mountain resort of Murree broke and fell into a ravine hundreds of feet deep in 2017.

Pakistans caretaker prime minister, Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, said on Tuesday as the rescue was ongoing that he had directed the authorities to conduct safety inspections of all such private chairlifts and ensure that they are safe to operate and use.

Full report: Eight trapped in cable car dangling 900ft over ravine saved in dramatic rescue

Tuesday 22 August 2023 20:48 , Andy Gregory

A dramatic rescue effort has seen eight people pulled to safety after they all became trapped inside a cable car left dangling at least 900 feet (274m) above a ravine in Pakistan.

Here is our full report on the rescue:

Four rescued as army races to save children trapped in cable car dangling over ravine

Military says extremely difficult and complicated operation is completed

Tuesday 22 August 2023 20:20 , Andy Gregory

An extremely difficult and complicated operation has been successfully completed by the Pakistan military, the military said in a statement.

All stranded persons were safely evacuated and moved to a safe place ... Civil administration and locals also actively came forward to participate in this operation.

A video shared by a rescue agency official showed more than a dozen rescuers and locals lined up near the edge of the dark ravine, pulling on a cable until a boy attached to it by a harness reached the hillside safely to cries of God is great.

It is a slow and risky operation. One person needs to tie himself with a rope and he will go in a small chairlift and rescue them one by one, said Abdul Nasir Khan, a resident.

Pictured: Local residents appear to help pull individuals to safety

Tuesday 22 August 2023 19:35 , Andy Gregory

Here is a still from some of the footage circulating on social media, shared by Spanish news agency EFEs Pakistan correspondent, which appears to show people being pulled to safety by local residents:

Footage showed an individual being pulled by hand along a wire, to which he was attached by harness (Twitter/X/screengrab/Amjad Ali)

(Twitter/X/screengrab/Amjad Ali)

Breaking: All those left dangling over ravine saved in heroic rescue

Tuesday 22 August 2023 19:11 , Andy Gregory

All eight of those left trapped in the cable car have now been rescued, senior officials have said  more than 15 hours after the ordeal began.

Not long after Pakistans military announced that five children had been rescued, interim interior minister Senator Sarfraz Bugti wrote on Twitter/X: Thankful to Allah that the rescue process at Battagram has successfully concluded.

All appreciation for our valiant armed forces personnel, administration & locals for their selflessness and determination in carrying out this complex operation.

Children rescued in race to save children trapped in cable car dangling 900ft over Pakistan ravine

Tuesday 22 August 2023 18:56 , Andy Gregory

Rescue teams in Pakistan have pulled several children to safety after they became trapped inside a cable car dangling for more than 12 hours at least 900ft (274m) above a ravine, but a number of people still reman stuck.

A helicopter operation was called off as darkness fell, but ground operations were set to continue to rescue the at least six children present in the car. Officials gave different reports on whether there were seven schoolchildren trapped along with a teacher, or six children and two adults.

Our international editor Chris Stevenson has the full report here:

Five rescued in races to save children trapped in cable car dangling over ravine

Footage appears to show locals pulling children to safety by hand

Tuesday 22 August 2023 18:41 , Andy Gregory

Footage shared to social media appears to show one of the recently rescued children being pulled by hand along the wire by locals in Battagram, some of whom shouted God is great as they were brought to safety.

Pakistans interim PM closely monitoring the rescue'

Tuesday 22 August 2023 18:12 , Andy Gregory

Pakistans caretaker prime minister has said he is closely monitoring and tracking the rescue efforts.

I am happy that progress is being made, and thanks to the efforts of our army personnel, Air Force, rescue organisations, district administration and others, students stuck in the chairlift have started returning to the ground safely, Anwaar ul Haq Kakar wrote on Twitter/X.

Ill keep monitoring closely till the completion of the rescue operation, insha Allah.

Breaking: Total of five children' rescued so far from cable car

Tuesday 22 August 2023 18:04 , Andy Gregory

A total of five children have now been rescued from the cable car, Pakistans military has said.

Three more children have been rescued in Pakistan armys rescue operation, the military said, after the helicopters leading prior efforts were withdrawn as night fell.

Five children have been rescued so far. Operation is continuing.

Trolley experts being sent to area of incident, reports suggest

Tuesday 22 August 2023 17:23 , Andy Gregory

The military is sending cable crossing experts to the area who will try to rescue the children one by one by transferring them one by one on a small trolley along the cable, a security source has told Reuters.

Local residents said community members from surrounding areas who had experience rescuing people this way had also arrived.

It is a slow and risky operation. One person needs to tie himself with a rope and he will go in a small chairlift and rescue them one by one, Abdul Nasir Khan, a nearby resident, told the news agency.

Rescue by trolley easier than helicopter at night, says former army general

Tuesday 22 August 2023 16:55 , Andy Gregory

Now that night has fallen, it will be easier to use a rescue trolley to bring those remaining on the cable car back to solid ground, as opposed to attempting to use helicopters, a retired Pakistan army general has said.

Such an effort, using a smaller cable car to reach those who are trapped, will need to be done with great care, Talaat Masood told the BBC.

But it is a lesser challenge than it would have been if it was a helicopter transfer at night, he added.

Nightfall sees helicopter mission 'called off, as ground operations continue

Tuesday 22 August 2023 16:25 , Andy Gregory

The Army has called off the helicopter rescue operation as night fell, officials have been reported as saying.

Flood lights were installed on the ground and the rescue operation was continuing, a security source told Reuters news agency.

The source added that cable crossing experts had been sent to the area and a small dolly carrier was being attached to the cable to rescue the children one by one, more than 12 hours after their cable car snagged.

Rescue mission incredibly delicate, says expert

Tuesday 22 August 2023 15:30 , Martha Mchardy

An expert has warned the rescue is incredibly delicate because the wind created by the helicopters blades could further weaken cables holding the car aloft.

Tipu Sultan, a retired army brigadier and defence expert, warned that the helicopters themselves could make the situation worse but that the army commandos would be well aware of that risk.

Four children rescued from cable car

Tuesday 22 August 2023 15:23 , Martha Mchardy

Four children have been rescued from the cable car, according to reports.

Pakistans military rescued four children, one by one, district official Shah Fahad said.

The rescue operation is still ongoing for the remaining three children and one teacher still trapped.

Video report: Rescuer dangles over ravine as he tries to help children trapped in cable car

Tuesday 22 August 2023 15:10 , Andy Gregory

Military commandos free first two children, as sundown imminent

Tuesday 22 August 2023 15:00 , Andy Gregory

It is a helicopter operation by military commandos which has freed the first two children from the cable car, Bilal Faizi, spokesperson for the emergency services, is quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

Sundown is expected imminently, but the rescue operation was expected to continue under cover of darkness.

Watch moment Pakistan cable car rescue team winch child to safety captured in dramatic video footage

Tuesday 22 August 2023 14:55 , Andy Gregory

Footage appears to show the dramatic moment one of six children stuck in a cable car in Pakistan was winched to safety today.

You can see the clip here:

Moment Pakistan cable car rescuers winch child to safety captured in dramatic video

Breaking: Two students rescued from cable car

Tuesday 22 August 2023 14:53 , Andy Gregory

Rescuers have rescued two children from the stranded cable car, a rescue agency spokesperson and a district official said.

Five students and one teacher are still onboard the cable car waiting to be rescued.

Conflicting reports over numbers of adults and children trapped on cable car

Tuesday 22 August 2023 14:12 , Andy Gregory

There has been some confusion over how many adults and children are trapped in the cable car.

While most outlets are reporting that there are six children and two adults, Muzaffar Khan, a district administration official in Battagram, said there were seven students and one teacher aboard.

Reuters cited remarks by a 20-year-old who is on the gondola and spoke by mobile phone to local television channel Geo News, who appears to be a student  which may account for the confusion over the numbers of adults, children, teachers and students.

The 20-year-old, named Gulfaraz, said there were six students onboard, aged between 10 to 16 years old, and that a 16-year-old had fainted due to anxiety, Geo News reported.

Cable car suspended hundreds of feet above ravine

Tuesday 22 August 2023 13:57 , Andy Gregory

Here are some images taken from the scene, where helicopters have been involved in a bid to rescue those trapped in the cable car.

Experts have warned that their efforts are complicated by fears that the strong gusts generated by the helicopters could destabilise the cable car.

Army commandos could be seen on local TV trying to lower themselves on ropes from the helicopters toward the cable car, with water and food reported to have been distributed to the stranded individuals.

(Umeed Sahar/via REUTERS)

(Umeed Sahar via REUTERS)

Third helicopter set to be launched shortly, rescue official says

Tuesday 22 August 2023 13:49 , Andy Gregory

A third helicopter will be launched shortly, a rescue official at the site has told Reuters.

While two such aircraft are already at the scene, so far two attempts at a rescue have been aborted  with a cable 30 feet above the cable car said to be impeding the operation.

Commandos hanging from a helicopter had managed to get close to the car, but were unable to rescue those on board, with sundown expected at about 7pm local time (3pm BST).

Bilal Fiazi, a spokesperson for the 1122 rescue service, the countrys largest, said the commandos had managed to get food and medicine to them.

The terrain below is difficult given the peaks and the river flowing underneath in the valley, he added.

News of rescue watched avidly across Pakistan

Tuesday 22 August 2023 13:44 , Andy Gregory

Relatives of those trapped in the chairlift were reported to be praying while anxiously watching the rescue operation unfold.

The rescue has also transfixed people across the Pakistan, who crowded around televisions in offices, shops, restaurants and hospitals, according to the Associated Press.

People were watching a news channel broadcasting information about the rescue, at a barber shop in Lahore (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

Pakistans caretaker PM has ordered safety inspection of all private chairlifts

Tuesday 22 August 2023 13:28 , Andy Gregory

Pakistans caretaker prime minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, said he has ordered authorities to urgently ensure safe rescue and evacuation of the 8 people.

I have also directed the authorities to conduct safety inspections of all such private chairlifts and ensure that they are safe to operate and use, he wrote on Twitter/X.

Pakistans interim PM Anwaar-ul-haq Kakar said he has ordered safety inspections of all private chairlifts (via REUTERS)

Two attempts made to rescue eight people

Tuesday 22 August 2023 13:15 , Shweta Sharma

Jawad Hussain, the assistant commissioner of Allai, said so far four choppers have made efforts to carry out a rescue operation using helicopters provided by the Pakistani Army.

A commando made two attempts to reach the cable car using ropes.

A rescue team delivered water and food to the stranded individuals using helicopters.

Individuals from the Shangla and Bisham regions are heading towards Allai to provide assistance.

Rescue helicopter battles to save stricken cable car in Pakistan

Tuesday 22 August 2023 12:15 , Shweta Sharma

10 people died in 2017 after cable car plunged into a ravine in Pakistan

Tuesday 22 August 2023 12:13 , Shweta Sharma

This is not the first time Pakistan is witnessing an incident on a high-altitude ropeway. In 2017, at least 10 people died after a cable car fell into a ravine at a mountain resort in the Murree district of Punjab.

That cable car fell 400ft into the gorge as it was transporting people between two hilly areas.Cable cars are the only mode of transportation in some parts of Pakistan, forcing people to take risky commutes on a daily basis.

Villagers frequently use cable cars to get to school, government offices or businesses in mountainous regions, but they are often poorly maintained and every year people die or are injured while traveling in them.

For Gods sake help us

Tuesday 22 August 2023 11:56 , Shweta Sharma

Gulfaraz, a man stuck in the cable car dangling in mid-air, spoke on the phone to a Pakistani TV channel and issued an urgent plea for help from the authorities.

The man, who was identified by only his first name, told Geo TV that those stranded in the cable car do not have drinking water or food. They have now been stuck for almost nine hours.

For Gods sake help us, he said. He told the Pakistani news outlet that a teenager who suffers from a heart condition has been unconscious for the last three hours.

He said the teenager had been travelling to the hospital through the chairlift when it got stuck.

The students on board were aged between 10 and 15 years old, he said.

People in our area are standing here and crying, he said and urged authorities to send immediate help.

Gusty winds hampering rescue operation, rescue officials say

Tuesday 22 August 2023 11:42 , Shweta Sharma

A rescue official has said the operation is getting complicated due to gusty winds in the northern mountainous regions of Pakistan.

Military helicopters have reached the location where the cable car is stuck but are approaching the stranded passengers with caution.

Rescue official Shariq Riaz Khattak said the operation is made more complex by the fact that the helicopters rotor blades can produce their own strong drafts, potentially destabilising the lift even more.

The rescue operation has reached a critical point as the sunset in Battagram is expected at 6.48pm local time  in around three hours.

Assistant commissioner Jawad Hussain told Dawn: If the helicopters fail to rescue the passengers, Rescue 1122 teams will make efforts from the ground via a snorkel.

We have also called locals from Shanglas Besham who have experience in conducting similar rescue operations near the Diamer Bhasha dam.

He said rescue teams are simultaneously trying to spread nets under the cable car to prepare for the possibility of it plummeting to the ground.

One child in cable car has fainted, officials say

Tuesday 22 August 2023 11:31 , Shweta Sharma

A rescue official has said that one of the children in the cable car fainted due to panic and exhaustion.

Shariq Riaz Khattak told Reuters: One child has fainted due to heat and fear.

Six children along with two adults have been stranded in the cable car since 7am local time - some seven and a half hours.

The children were using the gondola to get to school in a mountainous area in Battagram, about 200 km (125 miles) north of Islamabad, officials said.

Six children trapped in cable car dangling 900ft in air over Pakistan ravine after wire snaps

Tuesday 22 August 2023 11:22 , Shweta Sharma

A rescue is underway for eight people  including six schoolchildren  trapped in a cable car dangling 900ft (274 metres) over a ravine in Pakistan.

Six children and two teachers are trapped in the chair lift after a cable snapped, with a tricky helicopter rescue mission being hampered by high winds, rescue officials said,

The children, who have been stranded since 7am local time were using the chair lift to get to school in a mountainous area in Battagram, about 125 miles (200km) north of Islamabad, officials said.

Six children trapped in cable car dangling 900ft over Pakistan ravine

Pakistan army officer says extremely dangerous rescue operation underway to save stranded people

Tuesday 22 August 2023 11:21 , Shweta Sharma

Two Pakistani army helicopters have been dispatched since eight people, including six children, were stranded on the cable car.

The children and two adults are hanging mid-air in a cable car, nine hours since a cable of the lift service snapped.

One security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said special services troops, trained in sling operations, are involved in this extremely dangerous and risky operation.

All efforts are being made by Pakistan army to rescue the stranded people in the lift.

Tuesday 22 August 2023 11:12 , Shweta Sharma

Welcome to The Independents live blog following the rescue of eight people from a stranded cable car in Pakistan.
You are here: China

Chinese authorities on Tuesday evening issued a yellow alert for possible geological disasters triggered by heavy rainfall in parts of northwest and southwest China.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and the China Meteorological Administration have warned of risks of rain-induced geological disasters in some areas of the southern part of Gansu, the central part of Sichuan, the western part of Yunnan and the southeastern part of Tibet from 8 p.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Residents have been advised to take precautions, especially in areas with potential dangers.

China has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system for geological disasters, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.
FILE PHOTO: Pakistan's presidency is recognized as world's first presidential secretariat running on clean energy, in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan's president on Wednesday summoned the head of its election commission to discuss fixing the date of the next election within the 90-day constitutional deadline ending in early November, a letter from his office said.

The opposition party led by jailed former premier Imran Khan has accused outgoing prime minister Shehbaz Sharif 's coalition of dragging its heels in scheduling a new election because Khan's popularity was growing.

Sharif's government denied this, citing a constitutional requirement to hold elections under the latest census.

Khan is under arrest over a conviction on charges stemming from the sale of state gifts, though he denies wrongdoing.

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Election commission officials have said it will take at least until December to draw up new constituencies based on the latest census.

"The Chief Election Commissioner is invited for a meeting with the President today or tomorrow to fix an appropriate date," said the letter from President Arif Alvi, which included wording of the constitutional article on the 90-day deadline.

Electoral experts have suggested that adjusting constituencies based on the latest census could see the nationwide vote pushed back several months, possibly until February.

A caretaker government led by Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar was sworn in last week.

(Reporting by Charlotte Greenfield; editing by Mark Heinrich)
When Jaimie Henderson was 5 years old, his father was in a devastating car crash. The accident left his father barely able to move or speak. Henderson remembers laughing at his dad's jokes, though he never could understand the punchlines. "I grew up wishing I could know him and communicate with him."

That early experience drove his professional interest in helping people communicate.

Now, Henderson's an author on one of two papers published Wednesday showing substantial advances toward enabling speech in people injured by stroke, accident or disease.

Although still very early in development, these so-called brain-computer interfaces are five times better than previous generations of the technology at "reading" brainwaves and translating them into synthesized speech. The successes suggest it will someday be possible to restore nearly normal communication ability to people like Henderson's late father.

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"Without movement, communication is impossible," Henderson said, referencing the trial's participant who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, which robs people of their ability to move. "We hope to one day tell people who are diagnosed with this terrible disease that they will never lose the ability to communicate."

A research subject named Pat tries out a brain-computer interface designed to help her speak.

Both the technologies, developed at Stanford and nearby at the University of California, San Francisco, enabled a volunteer to generate 60 to 80 words per minute. That's less than half the pace of normal speech, which typically ranges from 150 to 200 words per minute, but substantially faster than previous brain-computer interfaces. The new technologies can also interpret and produce a much broader vocabulary of words, rather than simply choosing from a short list.

At Stanford, researchers chose to decode signals from individual brain cells. The resolution will improve as the technology gets better at allowing recording from more cells, Henderson said.

"We're sort of at the era of broadcast TV, the old days right now," he said in a Tuesday news conference with reporters. "We need to increase the resolution to HD and then on to 4K so that we can continue to sharpen the picture and improve the accuracy."

The two studies "represent a turning point" in the development of brain-computer interfaces aimed at helping paralyzed people communicate, according to an analysis published in the journal Nature along with the papers.

"The two BCIs represent a great advance in neuroscientific and neuroengineering research, and show great promise in boosting the quality of life of individuals who have lost their voice as a result of paralysing neurological injuries and diseases," wrote Dutch neurologist Nick Ramsey and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine neurologist Nathan Crone.

Paralyzed patients walking in minutes: New electrode device a step forward in spinal injury care

Two different approaches to communication, both work

At UCSF, researchers chose to implant 253 high-density electrodes across the surface of a brain area involved in speech.

The fact that the different approaches both seem to work is encouraging, the two teams said Tuesday.

It's too early to say whether either will ultimately prove superior or if different approaches will be better for different types of speech problems. Both teams implanted their devices into the brains of just one volunteer each, so it's not yet clear how challenging it will be to get the technology to work in others.

The UCSF team also personalized the synthesized voice and created an avatar that can recreate the facial expressions of the participant, to more clearly reeplicate natural conversation. Many brain injuries, like ALS and stroke also paralyze the muscles of the face, leaving the person unable to smile, look surprised, or offer concern.

Ann, the participant in the USCF trial, had a brain stem stroke 17 years ago and has been participating in the research since last year. Researchers identified her only by her first name to protect her privacy.

The electrodes intercepted brain signals that, if not for Ann's stroke, would have gone to muscles in her, tongue, jaw and larynx, as well as her face, according to UCSF. A cable, plugged into a port fixed to her head, connected the electrodes to a bank of computers.

For weeks, she and the team trained the systems artificial intelligence algorithms to recognize her distinctive brain signals by repeating phrases over and over again.

Instead of recognizing whole words, the AI decodes words from phonemes, according to UCSF. Hello, for example, contains four phonemes: HH, AH, L and OW."

Researchers used video from Ann's wedding to create a computer-generated voice that sounds much like her own did and to create an avatar that can make facial expressions similar to the ones she made before her stroke.

Advances in machine learning have made such technologies possible, said Sean Metzger, a bioengineering graduate student who helped lead the research. "Overall, I think this work represents accurate and naturalistic decoding of three different speech modalities, text, synthesis and an avatar to hopefully restore fuller communication experience for our participant," he told reporters.

The healing power of a good beat: Neurologic music therapy helps kids with brain injuries

Stanford approach: Tiny sensors on the brain

The Stanford trial relied on volunteer Pat Bennett, now 68, a former human resources director, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2012.

When you think of ALS, you think of arm and leg impact, Bennett wrote in an interview with Stanford staff conducted by email and provided to the media. But in a group of ALS patients, it begins with speech difficulties. I am unable to speak.

On March 29, 2022, neurosurgeons at Stanford placed two tiny sensors each on the surface of two regions of Bennett's brain involved in speech production. About a month later, she and a team of Stanford scientists began twice-weekly, four-hour research sessions to train the software that was interpreting her speech.

She would repeat in her mind sentences chosen randomly from telephone conversations, such as: Its only been that way in the last five years. Another: I left right in the middle of it.

As she recited these sentences, her brain activity was translated by a decoder into a stream of "sounds" and then assembled into words. Bennett repeated 260 to 480 sentences per training session. Initially, she was restricted to a 50-word vocabulary, but then allowed to choose from 125,000 words, essentially, all she would ever need.

After four months, she was able to generate 62 words per minute on a computer screen merely by thinking them.

For those who are nonverbal, this means they can stay connected to the bigger world, perhaps continue to work, maintain friends and family relationships, she wrote.

The technology made a lot of mistakes. About 1 out of every 4 words was interpreted incorrectly even after this training.

Frank Willett, the research scientist who helped lead the Stanford work, said he hopes to improve accuracy in the next few years, so that only 1 out of 10 words will be wrong.

Edward Chang, the senior researcher on the UCSF paper, said he hopes his team's work will "really allow people to interact with digital spaces in new ways," communicating beyond simply articulating words.

All four researchers said restoring communication abilities to Ann and Bennett during the trial was a highlight in their professional careers.

"It was quite emotional for all of us to see this work," said Chang, a member of the UCSF Weill Institute for Neuroscience.

"I felt like I'd come full circle from wishing I could communicate with my dad as a kid to seeing this actually work," Henderson added. "It's indescribable."

Contact Karen Weintraub at kweintraub@usatoday.com.

Health and patient safety coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation and Competition in Healthcare. The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New brain-computer interface helps 2 paralyzed people communicate
Although male civil rights protesters in Rock Hill in the early 1960s went to jail for their beliefs in equality for Black people, often there also were female marchers who led the charge to change South Carolina and America.

Patricia Hinton Sims was one of those marchers while still a teenager.

Sims died Friday at age 79, according to officials at Robinson Funeral Home and an obituary in The Herald.

Patricia Hinton Sims

The young ladies who marched in Rock Hill in the 1960s were dubbed the City Girls because they were locals who risked violence, hatred and scorn to make their hometown, and the world, a better place.

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The city of Rock Hill much later memorialized the City Girls at the Freedom Walkway in downtown.

Robinson Funeral Home owner Monique Ramseur, whose mother also was a City Girls marcher and civil rights activist in the 1960s and a lifelong friend of Sims, said Sims was a beautiful lady inside and out.

In her obituary, Sims was praised as a vital civil rights woman.

Patricia was also a lifelong civil rights champion, the obituary reads. As a member of the well-lauded Rock Hill City Girls, she was a soldier for equality. Her brave actions contributed to moving Rock Hills civil rights movement forward through peaceful protests during the 1960s.

Sims enduring courage -- and the grace to forgive those who wanted integration between whites and African-Americans -- will always survive.

Rock Hill protests 1960, 1961

In 1960 and 1961, Black marchers often were on Rock Hills Main Street sidewalks and at sit-ins, protesting segregated restaurants and stores.

On Feb. 12, 1960, blacks sat down at the all-white lunch counter at Woolworths in downtown Rock Hill to protest segregation.

Sims and many other young Black women in Rock Hill, some of whom attended Friendship Junior College, marched with young men for more than a year starting in February 1960. They endured taunts, and threats.

This photo from the Feb. 13, 1960, Evening Herald shows Bunt Gill wiping egg from his hat as police officers stand guard on West Main Street in Rock Hill. Elwin Wilson, now 72, is pictured in a white jersey over Gills left shoulder. Wilson, who said he threw the egg, apologized to black protesters of segregation Friday at Old Town Bistro on East Main Street in Rock Hill.

Some of the men later would become the Friendship Nine. Those men chose jail instead of bail after their arrest, and conviction for sitting at an all-white lunch counter in January 1961. The men spent a month in the York County prison after they were convicted of trespassing.

The ladies did not sit at the lunch counter that day in 1961 because protest organizers who knew the young men would be jailed had safety concerns about how the females might be treated in the county prison.

The publicity from the Jail, No Bail movement pushed civil rights protests throughout America that eventually led to desegregation.

Sims later went on to finish college at Benedict in Columbia and was a teacher in Rock Hill for decades.

2009 forgiveness

In 2009, a man who was a former member of the Ku Klux Klan and admitted former racist made a public apology to some of the protesters he had threatened in the 1960s. Elwin Wilson, who died years later in 2013, said in 2009 that he was ashamed of his actions in a meeting with Sims and other protesters.

He wanted to apologize after reading in The Herald in January 2009 about Sims and other female protesters the day after Barack Obama was inaugurated president.

Sims and several other ladies and men from the protest movement, accepted Wilsons apology in that historic meeting in 2009 held at the same lunch counter where the protests took place.

Sims and friends she had known all her life accepted the apology from Wilson and another Rock Hill man who admitted 1960s prejudice, and said how the act was a step toward healing wounds that had lasted for decades.

Wilsons apology, and the grace of the people who accepted it, was covered in The Herald in 2009. The meeting later became international news when Wilson admitted to beating protester John Lewis later in 1961.

Wilson apologized, and Lewis, by then a U.S. Congressman from Georgia, accepted the apology that was later in 2009 broadcast all over the world. Lewis died in 2020.

Funeral information

A homegoing celebration for Phyllis Hinton Sims will be 11 a.m. Friday at Trinity Baptist Church in Rock Hill.

Burial will follow at Grandview Memorial Park on Cherry Road.
Convicted murderer Paul Flores was hospitalized after being attacked in prison, Harold Mesick, an attorney representing Flores, told CBS News. He was taken from Pleasant Valley State Prison to an outside hospital where he was in serious condition, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said in a statement.

The department said Flores' condition was upgraded to "fair" on Thursday.

Neither Mesick, the corrections department, nor the local sheriff's office elaborated on the type of injury Flores sustained.

Flores is serving 25 years to life in a California prison for the murder of Kristin Smart, a college freshman who vanished from the California Polytechnic State University campus in 1996.

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Jurors unanimously found Paul Flores guilty of first-degree murder in October 2022. His sentencing in March marked the culmination of a case that had drawn worldwide attention for over a quarter century. Flores had long been considered a prime suspect in Smart's death before he was arrested in 2021.

Paul Flores puts on a new N95 mask Aug. 3, 2021, at a preliminary hearing in San Luis Obispo, Calif., as he faces a murder charge in the disappearance of Kristin Smart. / Credit: David Middlecamp/The Tribune of San Luis Obispo via AP, Pool

Smart was 19 years old when she vanished while returning to a dorm at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Flores was also a student at the school.

Smart's remains have never been found, but she was declared legally dead in 2002.

Prosecutors maintained that Flores killed the 19-year-old during an attempted rape on May 25, 1996, in his dorm room at Cal Poly, where both were first-year students. He was the last person seen with Smart as he walked her home from an off-campus party where she became intoxicated.

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Story at a glance

A new report from free expression group PEN America found that there were close to 400 educational intimidation bills introduced in state legislatures between 2021 and 2023.

The group says these bills are aimed at making teachers feel uncomfortable discussing certain contentious topics in the classroom, like race and sexual identity.

PEN America argues these bills are being used to censor what students are exposed to in schools.

State bills designed to scare teachers away from discussing race and sexuality in the classroom are on the rise, free expression group PEN America argues in a new report.

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The report, released Wednesday, found that nearly 400 such measures, which PEN America has dubbed educational intimidation bills, were introduced into state legislatures between January 2021 and June of this year.

Out of those bills, 39 have passed into law.

These pieces of legislation dont aim to directly censor what can and cant be talked about in the classroom, PEN America says.

Instead, the organization argues, they expand on the already existing opportunities for parents, government officials or other members of a community to inspect or object to school curricula or extracurricular decisions.

There is this kind of exploding array of legislative proposals being put on the table trying to accomplish self-censorship of teachers through intimidation, said Jonathan Friedman, director of the free expression and education program at PEN America.

One example cited in the report is Floridas House Bill 1467, which was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) last year.

Under the law, every elementary school must post a searchable list to its website of all its library and library media center materials, grade-level reading lists and instructional materials.

The law also requires Florida schools to submit an annual report to the state on all objections to school materials they receive and materials removed because of the objections.

In the report, the school must specify the grade level and course in which the removed material was used. And the Florida Department of Education is required to publish a list of all materials that were removed or discontinued due to an objection, the law states.

When paired with the recent surge in book bans, Friedman says these bills further create an atmosphere of fear among educators, causing many to second guess everything that they are teaching.

Some are afraid for their job or their community reputations or getting a crowd mentality going of sort of the questioning of every single thing that theyre doing, said Annamary Consalvo, chair of the National Council of Teachers of Englishs Standing Committee Against Censorship.

While the bulk of the bills listed in PEN Americas report and accompanying Index of Educational Intimidation Bills focus on classroom and library materials, the organization also classifies many as aiming to restrict LGBT representation and expression.

An example of this it cites is Alabamas Senate Bill 184, signed into law in 2022, which made it a felony for physicians to administer gender-affirming care to minors in the state.

Under the law, no nurse, counselor, teacher, principal or other administrative official at a public or private school can encourage or coerce a child into not telling their parents if they are experiencing gender dysphoria.

The law also states that if a school employee knows a student is experiencing gender dysphoria, they cannot withhold that information from the childs parents or legal guardian.

Forcing teachers or other school employees to monitor students self-expression in this manner puts a chill on a schools climate, pressuring students to self-censor their expression while at school, PEN America argues.

While the percentage of the educational intimidation bills listed by the organization that have been passed into law is small, they are growing in number.

PEN America found that seven such bills were passed into state law in 2021, the year the organization started tracking them. That number jumped to 15 in 2022, and 17 bills have been passed so far in 2023, according to the report.

The majority of the bills are sponsored by members of the political right. Out of the 392 bills introduced to state legislatures since 2021, 377 were introduced by Republicans, according to PEN America.

Students, teachers and even parents will suffer if nothing is done to address the uptick in this kind of legislation, according to Friedman.

He argued students in places where these bills are enacted will not receive as rich an education as they might have otherwise, while teachers may be pushed out of the field.

There is a real risk that either more teachers leave the profession or, in general, people arent becoming teachers in the way they once were, said Friedman.

And while many of the bills are introduced with the stated intention of protecting parent rights, he argues that they do not respect all parents opinions on how their children should be educated.

One of the tremendous ironies of this moment is so much of what is being proposed is being justified using the rhetoric of parental rights, said Friedman. But what is emerging are a set of indications that this really isnt about serving all parents or most parents.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Pensacola's attorneys made a legal filing Monday in the Confederate monument lawsuit that systematically undercuts the legal arguments of the group seeking to hold the city in contempt and restore the monument.

The file comes just before a hearing set for Friday where an Escambia County Circuit Court judge will hear oral arguments on whether the city should be held in contempt for removing the Confederate monument in 2020.

Save Southern Heritage, Inc. Florida Chapter and the other groups suing over the monument's removal made court filings arguing the city should be held in contempt for allegedly violating a 2020 court order prohibiting the monument's removal despite the fact the case moved to federal court, which dissolved that court order.

In a 32-page filing on Monday, attorney Bruce Partington, who is representing the city, wrote that the arguments the city violated any court order were "fallacious and without merit."

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Hearing set: Judge to decide if Pensacola Confederate monument should be reinstalled

Contempt sought: Did Pensacola defy the court by removing its Confederate monument? Case may go back to judge

Partington further argued that attorney David McCallister, who represents Save Southern Heritage and the other groups suing the city, misled the court in 2020 when it granted a restraining order against the city by failing to disclose nearly identical cases McCallister had been involved with had never been successful.

Partington wrote that to get a temporary restraining order issued, the group seeking the order must show a "substantial likelihood of success on the merits" of the case. Partington notes no one has ever successfully challenged the removal of a Confederate monument in Florida.

"Had they disclosed that these claims had been rejected by every court that had considered them before, Judge (Gary) Bergosh likely would not have entered the TRO (temporary restraining order)," Partington wrote.

Case reawakens: Could the Pensacola Confederate monument come back? Federal ruling may make it possible.

Partington argued McCallister had a requirement to disclose the cases under the Florida Bar's Rules of Professional Conduct.

Save Southern Heritage Inc. Florida Chapter, Ladies Memorial Association, the Stephen Mallory Camp 1315 Sons of Confederate Veterans and others sued Pensacola and the state of Florida in state court the same day the Pensacola City Council voted to remove the monument in July 2020 and rename the park where it stood to Florida Square.

Three days after the lawsuit was filed, Escambia Circuit Court Judge Gary Bergosh issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting the city from blocking or removing the monument from public view until the lawsuit was resolved.

Three days after the lawsuit was filed, a judge issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting the city from blocking or removing the monument from public view until the lawsuit was resolved.

With the court order in hand, the city removed the monument in October 2020.

Save Southern Heritage appealed the decision, and in May 2022, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the federal judge was wrong to take jurisdiction of the case.

The appeals ruling sent the case back to its July 2020 status in state court, and Save Southern Heritage argues the original restraining order is back in effect and the city should be held in contempt.

Partington argued that the original restraining order was never legally valid for several reasons, including the fact that Save Southern Heritage was not required to put up a bond for the order, which is a "fatal" flaw under Florida law.

Partington also argues that even if the restraining order was valid, Pensacola never violated it.

Tarps were put up over the monument in July 2020 before the city was notified of the order, and the city said they were put up to protect the monument from further vandalism after someone defaced it with paint, which was specifically allowed in the order.

The city only moved forward with removing the monument when a federal judge officially dissolved the order, Partington wrote.

In another legal filing made last week, Partington argued the entire case should be dismissed because the group suing lacks standing. Save Southern Heritage has lost similar cases under the same argument.

Partington notes that the Ladies Memorial Association Inc. was administratively dissolved in 2021. The Stephen Russell Mallory Camp 1315 Sons of Confederate Veterans does not appear in Florida Secretary of State records, while other "camps" are registered, likewise for the Save Southern Heritage Florida Chapter.

The questions of the legal entities' status with the state make the ability to bring a legal claim unclear, Partington notes.

Partington also points out that in a nearly identical case over the removal of a Confederate monument in Madison County, the court found that the plaintiffs, which included Save Southern Heritage, had no standing to sue.

"There is no valid justification for (the monument's) re-installation pending the ultimate outcome of this case. Moving and re-installation of the monument risks damaging it," Partington wrote before partially quoting the federal court's ruling in the case. "The Plaintiffs 'ultimately being sad about the cenotaph being taken down' does not justify a finding of contempt or reinstallation of the monument."

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola strikes back in Confederate monument lawsuit
DE PERE  The controversy over flying the LGBTQ+ Pride flag has moved south, from Green Bay into De Pere, this time cropping up at a school board meeting Monday evening.

In its second reading, the De Pere School Board discussed a new policy that would potentially restrict which flags can be displayed on school property without explicit approval of the board.

The proposed policy unequivocally reserves the right to post the U.S. flag in a prominent place in all classrooms and on school property. Other flags that may be flown outside De Pere public school buildings, according to the policy proposal, include the Wisconsin flag, the municipal flag associated with the school location, the school district flag and flags representing U.S. military prisoners of war-missing in action (POWMIA).

Although the De Pere board planned to vote on the policy Monday, it tabled any action until the Sept. 18 meeting after hearing from a crowded room both for and against the new policy.

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Tamara Gasparick of De Pere  a member-at-large with the Republican Party of Brown County  was among members of the public who spoke in support of the new policy, calling it "inappropriate" for other flags representing various political movements, religions or other ideologies to be displayed in public education settings.

Before the flag policy discussion, the Republican Party of Brown County sent a message to its members to "stand up against the liberal propaganda machine now" and attend the board meeting "regardless if you live in De Pere or elsewhere."

"This is a great opportunity to show support for our conservative school board members who will be voting for the patriotic flag policy," the letter said.

Georjeanna Wilson-Doenges, chair of psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay who also lives in De Pere, spoke against the policy, arguing that safe space signs and Pride flags "signify that every corner of our school is welcoming and secure for all students regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity."

According to the 2021 Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which is a self-administered questionnaire taken by high school students from grades nine to 12, nearly half of students who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans have considered suicide, compared to 11% of straight, cisgendered students. LGBT students are far likelier to develop a plan and attempt suicide, too.

These students have some of the highest "suicidality help gaps" among their peers, meaning these students are less likely to know who to turn to when experiencing emotional distress.

Additionally, LGBT students are more than twice as likely to experience bullying than straight, cisgendered students, whether on school property, online or a mix of both, the survey said.

LGBT students have fewer supports and protective factors in place as they also endure more challenges. Unsurprisingly, these students have some of the highest rates of mental health concerns.

One student who spoke at Monday evening's board meeting said they have witnessed LGBTQ+ students endure harassment and bullying at both the individual and systematic levels in their school and community.

"This resolution is not a matter of indoctrination or even of representation. It is a question of comfort and decency," they said.

Natalie Eilbert covers mental health issues for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. She welcomes story tips and feedback. You can reach her at neilbert@gannett.com or view her Twitter profile at @natalie_eilbert. If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text "Hopeline" to the National Crisis Text Line at 741-741.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: De Pere school board flag policy could limit flags
China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said on Tuesday that it would ban certain aquatic products from Japan starting Thursday following Tokyo's announcement of nuclear-contaminated water discharge.

Tse Chin-wan, secretary for environment and ecology of the HKSAR government, said that in the face of major risks posed by the discharge, the HKSAR government must take preventive measures to ensure food safety and public health.

The ban will apply to aquatic imports from 10 Japanese metropolis or prefectures including Tokyo, Fukushima, Chiba, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Gunma, Miyagi, Niigata, Nagano and Saitama, covering all fresh, frozen, chilled, dried or processed seafood, as well as sea salt and seaweed, Tse said.

Current restrictions on certain food imports from Fukushima, Chiba, Tochigi, Ibaraki and Gunma will remain in place, he added.

HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said in a social media post that the decision by the Japanese government to discharge nuclear-contaminated water in disregard of food safety risks and irreversible pollution and damage to the marine environment is an act of "imposing its problems on others irresponsibly."

"Food safety and public health are the top priorities for the HKSAR government," Lee said.

Despite public concerns and raging opposition from both home and abroad, the Japanese government said on Tuesday that it has decided to start releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday.
After nearly 30 years, a person of interest has been identified in the unsolved murder of AC/DC manager Crispin Dye who was bludgeoned to death after a night with friends celebrating his first solo album.

Dye, 41, was found unconscious on a street in the Darlinghurst neighborhood of Sydney around 4:30 a.m. on December 23, 1993, suffering from severe head trauma. He was taken to a nearby hospital and died two days later.

The inquiry, which was opened last November, is examining the 88 unsolved deaths of gay men in Sydney and New South Wales between 1979 and 2000.

On Tuesday, Counsel assisting Meg OBrien revealed explosive new evidence to the inquiry, according to ABC News. DNA found on the clothing of Dye matched the profile of a violent convicted felon who died by suicide in 2002. The man, identified only as NP252, had a lengthy criminal record. He was convicted of a 1993 assault on a man using an iron bar, and again in 1994 for an attack on a German tourist while in the company of five other men. He was a suspect in a 2002 burglary case as well, but died before the investigation was complete.

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Despite a positive identification, the passage of time and a lack of prior investigation of the evidence prevented the inquiry from reaching any further conclusion about NP252 and his involvement with Dyes murder.

Its regrettable that in Mr. Dyes case [forensic testing] was not taken at any time after December 1993 until 2023, by which time NP252 has now died and relevant records have been lost or destroyed, OBrien said.

This was not the first time NSW Police and past investigative bodies failed to properly identify, investigate, and store evidence.

The existence of DNA from an unknown male found on Dyes blue jean pants was revealed to the inquiry in June. Counsel Assisting Peter Gray SC said they had only learned of this new information a day earlier and that the information was not provided to the inquiry by NSW police. It was also revealed in June that investigators inexplicably waited until this year and only upon request to send Dyes bloodstained clothing for forensic analysis.

In February, NSW Police admitted it had only recently discovered two pieces of paper in Dyes pockets which contained a handwritten name and phone number and a bloodstain until recently, according to Australian media. Garry Hook, the man whose name and number appeared on the note, was a friend of Dyes and he revealed he did not even know of the notes existence until he was contacted by investigators this year.

What is particularly troubling about this is that the pieces of paper found by the Inquiry in Mr. Dyes shirt pocket and the other pieces of paper that would have been in his pocket may have been a source of fingerprints or DNA, which, in turn, may have provided the police with information about Mr Dyes assailant or assailants, the counsel assisting submitted at the time, adding, if the police had carefully examined Mr Dyes clothing at the time of the original investigation, the white card would inevitably have been found, and more informative fingerprint or potentially even DNA results might have been able to be obtained, if not at the time, then certainly subsequently.

The commissioner of the inquest, Supreme Court Justice John Sacker slammed the polices recordkeeping calling it somewhat questionable and bordering on shambolic, according to the Daily Mail.

Police said they never investigated the case as a hate crime because robbery was the suspected motive.
Philadelphias police commissioner said on Wednesday that a police officer who shot and killed a driver who was sitting in his car last week in north Philadelphia is being suspended and will be fired.

Danielle Outlaw said that officer Mark Dial will be suspended with intent to dismiss him in 30 days for refusing to cooperate in the investigation of the 14 August shooting death of 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry.

Related: Georgia sheriff pleads guilty to groping TV judge

Newly released surveillance video appeared on Wednesday to contradict the police departments initial narrative of events.

On 14 August, Irizarry was shot and killed in his car in the north-east suburb of Kensington. In a press conference shortly after the incident, Cpl Jasmine Reilly told reporters that Irizarry had stepped out of his vehicle with a  knife following a traffic stop and that officers gave multiple commands for him before Irizarry lunged at the officers.

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One of the officers discharged his weapon multiple times, Reilly said.

Two days after the incident, Outlaw, the commissioner, told reporters that the initial account of events was not what actually happened, as she announced that Irizarry was driving erratically and that he was going the wrong way down a one-way street before he pulled into a parking spot.

Two officers then approached Irizzary who was inside, not outside, his vehicle when he was shot by one of the officers, according to the revised police statement.

The body-worn camera footage made it very clear what we initially reported was not actually what happened, CBS58 reports Outlaw saying. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Outlaw adding that the initial information released was generated internally and that officials are backtracking to determine how the narrative was created.

Outlaw also said that police recovered a kitchen knife and a folded serrated knife from the car, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Speaking to CNN, Irizarrys aunt Zoraida Garcia said that Irizarry liked to work on cars and that the knives may have been tools. He liked to work on cars, and he would use the knives as tools when working on cars, Garcia said.

Following the police departments change in narrative, Garcia told CNN that the family was frustrated. Theres a lot of anger, but also a lot of sadness  They murdered my nephew. If you commit a crime, you deserve to be punished, Garcia said.

Garcia added that Irizarry had moved to Philadelphia from Puerto Rico seven years ago and did not speak or understand English. If the officer was saying anything to him in English, Im quite sure that he didnt even underst[and] what was going on, she told the Philadelphia Inquirer.

On Tuesday, the family of Irizarry released surveillance video provided by a local resident that showed Irizarry pulling into a parking spot and parking his car. Two officers are then shown leaving their patrol vehicle and approaching Irizzarys car. One of the officers appeared to yell Show us your hands! repeatedly.

Approximately five seconds after the officers leave their patrol vehicle and approach Irizarrys car, one of the officers fired what appears to be six times into Irizarrys side of the car. At least one of the shots appeared to have struck the cars windshield.

Irizarrys family attorney Shaka Johnson said that there was an intentional misleading of the public.

I dont care how you unpack this, a death sentence is not called for, for erratic driving, he said.

In announcing Dials suspension, Outlaw cited insubordination, refusal to promptly obey proper orders from a superior officer and conduct unbecoming, for failure to cooperate in any departmental investigation. The investigation continues.

The Associated Press contributed reporting
The Philippines on Tuesday said it had successfully delivered supplies to marines aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated military outpost in the contested South China Sea, despite attempts by Chinese vessels to block the mission.

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said in a statement that it successfully delivered supplies to the stranded landing ship on the Second Thomas Shoal in Manilas exclusive economic zone, which China calls Renai Reef and also claims as its sovereign territory.

The mission was carried out despite attempts by the China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia to block, harass, and interfere with the supply mission, the task force said.

Chinas maritime militia is hundreds of vessels strong and acts as an unofficial  and officially deniable  force that Beijing uses to push its territorial claims both in the South China Sea and beyond, according to the Philippines, the United States and Western marine security experts.

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Videos released Tuesday by the Philippine Coast Guard showed two Chinese vessels at close range of a Filipino ship, appearing to block its path to the BRP Sierra Madre.

It comes after China faced international backlash for firing a water cannon on a much smaller Philippine boat that was attempting to deliver supplies to the military outpost more than two weeks ago.

The World War II-era navy transport ship was intentionally grounded in 1999 by the Philippines to enforce the countrys claim to the area. The BRP Sierra Madre is mostly a rusted wreckage and is manned by Filipino marines stationed on rotation.

Chinas Coast Guard responded saying it firmly opposed the Philippines for taking advantage of the opportunity to resupply illegal construction materials used for large-scale reinforcement at the disputed shoal, its spokesman Liu Dejun said.

Liu said two Philippine supply vessels and two marine police vessels entered the waters without the permission of the Chinese government.

The South China Sea has long been a source of tension between Manila and Beijing.

Beijing claims indisputable sovereignty over almost all of the 1.3 million square mile South China Sea, as well as most of the islands within it, even those hundreds of miles from the Chinese mainland.

The Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and Taiwan also lay claim to various atolls, sandbars and islands of the sprawling South China Sea.

Manilas territorial claims are backed by the international Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague, which ruled in 2016 that China has no legal basis to claim historic rights to the bulk of the South China Sea.

Beijing has ignored the ruling and insists that the Philippines had promised to remove the vessel. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that his government has never promised such a move.

And let me go further, if there does exist such an agreement, I rescind that agreement now, Marcos Jr. said in a video statement on August 9.

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A plane crashed in Russia on Wednesday, killing all 10 people on board, The Associated Press reports, citing Russian emergency officials. The head of the Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, was on the list of passengers, according to officials.

It wasn't immediately clear, however, if Prigozhin was on the aircraft, which was heading from Moscow to St. Petersburg, the AP reported.

Russian channels report the plane, an Embraer business jet, crashed in Russia's Tver region. The pro-military channel Military Informant claims the aircraft belonged to Prigozhin's team and repeatedly flew to Belarus.

The AP reports that flight tracking data shows a private jet that was registered to Wagner took off from Moscow Wednesday evening. Minutes after takeoff, the jet's transponder signal was lost in a rural area with no nearby airfields, according to the AP.

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Earlier this week, Prigozhin appeared in his first video since leading a failed mutiny against Russian commanders in June. He could be seen standing in arid desert land, dressed in camouflage with a rifle in his hand, and hinting he's somewhere in Africa. He said Wagner was making Russia great on all continents, and making Africa "more free."

CBS News had not verified Prigozhin's location or when the video was taken. But it appeared to be a recruitment drive on the African continent, where the Wagner Group has been active. Some nations have turned to the private army to fill security gaps or prop up dictatorial regimes.

In some countries, like the Central African Republic, Wagner exchanges services for almost unfettered access to natural resources. A CBS News investigation found that Wagner is plundering the country's mineral resources in exchange for protecting the president against a coup.

The future of the Wagner Group, however, had been unclear since June, when tensions between Wagner and Russia's defense ministry escalated dramatically. Prigozhin alleged that Russian forces had attacked Wagner camps in eastern Ukraine, killing dozens of his men. Prigozhin's Wagner forces then left Ukraine and marched into Russia, seizing control of the Russian military headquarters for the southern region in Rostov-on-Don, which oversees the fighting in Ukraine.

Prigozhin later said he agreed to halt his forces' "movement inside Russia, and to take further steps to de-escalate tensions," in an agreement brokered by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian state media in June that as part of the deal, Prigozhin would move to Belarus.

Questions about the deal were raised in July over uncertainty about his whereabouts. A U.S. official told CBS News last month that Prigozhin was not believed to be in Belarus and could be in Russia.

Debora Patta, Cara Tabachnick, Haley Ott, Kerry Breen and Duarte Dias contributed to this article.

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A small plane has crashed in the Bologovsky district of Tver Oblast, Russia. Rosaviatsiya [Federal Air Transport Agency  ed.] claims that Yevgeny Prigozhin , the leader of the Wagner Group, was on board.

Source: Telegram channels Baza and Mash; Russian propagandist Ksenia Sobchak on Telegram; Kremlin-aligned news agency TASS; Podyem news agency

Details: The incident took place near the village of Kuzhenkino. According to Baza, an Embraer business jet has crashed.

A video of the plane crash and a photo of the fire on the ground have been posted online. It shows a plane missing one wing and falling vertically downward.

-     ,  7 ,    , ,   Telegram-. ,      pic.twitter.com/kzb8GLB6Fu     (@ukrpravda_news) August 23, 2023

Russian propagandist Ksenia Sobchak, citing her sources, reported that the Embraer plane belonging to Yevgeny Prigozhin had crashed.

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Quote: "It happened 15 kilometres away from Khotilovo. According to our information, there were three crew members and seven passengers. Whether Prigozhin himself was there is unknown," Sobchak reports.

    ,   ,   ,    ""  .   Telegram-  pic.twitter.com/Y1aXOfMx3F     (@ukrpravda_news) August 23, 2023

Update: Later, the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia confirmed that a private Embraer Legacy plane flying from Moscow to St Petersburg had crashed in Tver Oblast near the settlement of Kuzhenkino.

Reportedly, there were 10 people on board, including three crew members.

According to preliminary information, all those on board died.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia reported that it is conducting search operations.

The propaganda news agency TASS, citing Rosaviatsiya, reported that Yevgeny Prigozhin was among the passengers on the plane.

The media report that, in addition to Prigozhin himself, his deputy Dmitry Utkin, who went under the alias Wagner, was also on board the plane.

Dmitry Utkin

Photo: Telegra-canal Podyem

It is reported that before the plane crashed, witnesses heard two loud bangs, after which a wing and a stabiliser fell off the plane. They fell not far from an abandoned farm in the village of Kuzhenkino.

The Grey Zone Telegram channel, which is close to the Wagner Group, claims that Yevgeny Prigozhin's plane was shot down by air defence fire.

A terrorist act on board is being considered a version of Prigozhin's plane crash, reports say.

Eyewitnesses say they saw an explosion in the air, after which the plane started to fall.

Baza, citing Flightradar, reports that the plane was not descending before the crash. It disappeared from the radar while gaining altitude.

Russian media reported that Prigozhin did indeed fly to Russia from Africa on 23 August, with the entire command staff of the Wagner private military company (PMC) allegedly on board. Reports also say that Prigozhin's inner circle cannot contact him.

Later, Russian media reported that the bodies of eight people were found at the crash site.

The second plane, belonging to Prigozhin, landed at Ostafyevo airport near Moscow.

The Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy 650 aircraft, registration RA-02748, reportedly left Moscow for St Petersburg at 17:19, landing at 18:27. A short time later, it flew back and landed in the Russian capital at 20:02. No information is available about the passengers on board.

FlightRadar reports that the plane was due to fly to Baku, Azerbaijan, on 24 August.

Agentstvo news agency notes that the village of Kuzhenkino, in the area of which the plane crashed, is located 50 kilometres from the residence of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on Valday.

Meduza news agency recalled that on 23 August, exactly two months had passed since the mutiny of the Wagner Group. Prigozhin announced his "march of justice" on the evening of 23 June.

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 Planet Fitness worker has been arrested after a hidden camera was discovered in a tanning bed inside the gym, according to North Dakota police and news reports.

A 21-year-old woman found the video recording device in a tanning bed at the Bismarck gym Monday, Aug. 21, police said.

Its unclear how long the device was hidden. Police said Aug. 23 four different women were discovered to have been recorded.

A Planet Fitness employee accused of placing the hidden camera was fired, KXNET reported. The station said he was later arrested.

Police identified him as 45-year-old Layton Kessler. Multiple videos show him setting up the device, police told KFYR.

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An affidavit revealed the 21-year-old woman who found the hidden camera was checking the tanning room because she felt so uncomfortable with (Kesslers) behavior, according to the Bismarck Tribune.

Kessler would put women in a specific tanning booth and would often be parked next to the woman when she went back to her car, according to the affidavit also obtained by Inforum.

An SD card located inside the device had 26 video files, including five of four different women in states of undress, the Tribune reported, citing the affidavit.

Jail records show Kessler faces four counts of surreptitious intrusion. He was booked into the Burleigh County jail Aug. 22.

Investigators are working to identify the women who were recorded.

(The) Bismarck Police Department considers recording laws to be serious offenses in which an individuals right to privacy is breached, police said in the news release. As this investigation ensues, detectives will work to identify more potential victims and contact them as they are identified.

Bismarck is in central North Darkota, about 200 miles west of Fargo.
The mother of a North Carolina woman who disappeared last month is begging her daughter to come home.

Evex Franklin spoke to ABC affiliate WTVD at her home in Southern Pines, which is in Moore County. Her 39-year-old daughter, Allisha Watts, was last seen leaving her boyfriends home in Charlottes University City neighborhood on July 16.

Please come home, Franklin cried, speaking to WTVD.

9 FOCUS STORIES: Allisha Watts Disappearance

She told WTVD about the last time she spoke to her daughter over the phone on July 14, two days before she was last seen.

She was telling me she was going out of town and it was something she had to do, Franklin said through tears.

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Watts was supposed to return home to Moore County on July 17, but Franklin said she knew something was wrong because her daughter never showed up.

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Something kept driving me to her pictures, Franklin told WTVD. Im sitting here in this chair like I am now and I kept looking at that picture, to that picture, and I kept looking at them shaking. It was trying to tell me something.

Since her disappearance, Channel 9 has been investigating resources available to help find Watts, including a national database that is now being used in the case. Police said it wasnt even them that put her in that database initially.

Channel 9s Genevieve Curtis learned Allisha Watts is now in that public national database, which is called NamUs. Its a resource that allows jurisdictions to share information about missing persons cases.

Watts name was just added to the database on Aug. 15. In a statement the next day, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said it was actually a private citizen -- not them -- who initiated the entry. CMPD said to ensure the accuracy of the information, they then submitted an entry for Watts themselves.

It comes after the national organization Black and Missing, which is helping Watts family, asked police to do more.

I want them to do more than what they say they are doing, Franklin said.

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She told WTVD she is worried about her daughter and believes shes in danger.

Shes hurt somewhere, Franklin said.

Franklin told WTVD shes thankful for support from her family and from her community.

Please, please, please. We need all the help we can get to find my baby, she said.

Next week, there will be a search for Allisha Watts in Lane, South Carolina, which is where her boyfriends family home is. Detectives have already searched his home on Pamela Lorraine Drive in University City twice, as well as a black Audi SUV sources say is his in the driveway.

Watts boyfriend, James Dunmore, has a history of domestic violence and served time in prison for kidnapping. Watts car was found in Anson County on July 18 with her boyfriend inside it. He appeared to have survived a suicide attempt, investigators said, and Watts was not in the car.

Dunmore has not been named a suspect in the case.
Seven years after establishing Heron Bluff Vineyard & Winery near Benton City, Leslie and Eric Hoppe are fulfilling their dream of opening a tasting room.

The Heron Bluff Vineyard & Winery tasting room opened quietly in June but makes its public debut with a grand opening event 4-7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 26.

Guests can taste nine Heron Bluff roses and about five of its European-influenced reds.

People will get an idea of the cross section of what we make, said Eric Hoppe, a chemist and senior scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland when hes not operating a vineyard and winery.

Ben Hoppe, son of winemaker Eric Hoppe, checks vines at Heron Bluff Vineyard & Winery near Benton City.

Wine has been part of his life since he was a middle schooler in Denver.

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He first made wine at 14 after being fascinated watching yeast bud under a microscope in science class. He didnt care for the taste of wine, but the process of making it drew him in.

At 18, he celebrated high school graduation by sharing a bottle hed made from Welchs grape juice concentrate.

Thats when my parents discovered I was making wine, he said. The verdict on the wine made with grape juice grapes: Very drinkable.

His first exposure to the wine business happened when he was an undergraduate in the 1970s.

Red Dye No. 2 had been banned as a food coloring after being found to be a cancer-causing carcinogen. He was part of a research team funded by a California winery that wanted to isolate red pigments from spent wine grapes to sell as a replacement.

Later, after moving to Washington, he continued as both a consultant to the industry and a dedicated hobbyist who sought out expertise when he could.

When business took him to Europe, he added visits to winemakers in France, Italy and Spain.

By the 2000s, he and his wife had decided to turn the hobby into a business and sought a suitable site.

They were priced out of Red Mountain, but found a former pasture on Old Inland Highway, near the Yakima River west of Benton City. The sloping site and sun exposure were promising. Soil tests confirmed it would be well suited to growing wine grapes. They bought it in 2015.

The couple built a home and winery, taking care to preserve a 100-year-old homestead and mature trees on the property. They planted the first 10 acres the following year and another eight after that. Hoppes European winery visits inspired the varieties he planted.

The vineyard produces grapes for sale as well as its own purposes. The winery also produces bulk wine, an arrangement that has helped the business remain solvent.

The tasting room was supposed to open in March 2020. it was 90% complete when Covid-19 prompted lockdowns. They couldnt find contractors to finish the job.

Were three years late, but were finally going to get open, said Hoppe, who adds that he plans to retire after more than 34 years with PNNL in early 2024.

Heron Bluff Vineyard & Winery is at 27938 W. Old Inland Empire Highway.

Leslie and Eric Hoppe celebrate the grand opening of Heron Bluff Winery in Benton City with a grand opening Aug. 26, 2023.

Tasting room hours are noon-5 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Thursdays by appointment. The property is available for special events, including weddings, celebrations and other gatherings.

Go to heronbluff.com or follow it on Facebook.

Bargains4Less USA to open

Bargains4Less USA, which specializes in selling merchandise returned to retailers such as Costco, Amazon, Home Depot, Target and more, holds a grand opening at 10 a.m., Sept. 9, at its newest location, 450 Kepps Road, Pasco.

There will be more than 300 pallets on offer during the opening, which features food, music and surprises. The business sells pallets of returned items, as well as individual items through a bin system where everything is priced at $5 or less.

Return pallets contain any and all merchandise sold by retailers and then returned, from clothing and home electronics to kitchen gear and sporting goods.

In addition to providing returned merchandise to sell at its own locations, Bargains4Less is a wholesaler to bin, remainder and other discount stores that sell returned merchandise from leading retailers.

Go to bargains4lessusa.com

Natural Grocers update

Natural Grocers has pushed back the opening date for its first Tri-Cities store to Sept. 13.

Natural Grocers sign on building of the former JOANN Fabrics and Crafts store off Columbia Center Boulevard in Kennewick.

Lakewood, Colo.-based specialty grocer is remodeling the original JoAnn Fabric & Craft, 751 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick, into its Columbia Center Blvd., into a grocery. A spokeswoman confirmed the opening date has changed by about a week.

That hasnt stopped Natural Grocers from introducing itself to its new market. The chain began mailing advertising circulars to area residents in early August.

New Beginnings Thrift now open

A banner hangs above the doorway to the former Basin Department Store announcing the pending opening of New Beginnings Thrift store in downtown Kennewick. The store will benefit Mirror Ministries and other local charities.

New Beginnings Thrift Store opened a Kennewick outlet at the former Basin Department Store, 111 W. First Ave., in mid-August.

The original New Beginnings is in Richland and supports YouMedical and DVS. It remains open.

The Kennewick store supports Mirror Ministries. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

Follow New Beginnings Thrift Store-Kennewick on Facebook.

Urgent care in West Richland

Three Rivers Urgent Care celebrates the grand opening of its new West Richland clinic with a ribbon cutting at 1:30 p.m., Aug. 26, at 1507 Bombing Range Road, Suite 8, near GESA Credit Union.

The Three Rivers team is led by managing provider Ric Melendrez PA-C.

Clinic hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m., seven days a week.

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.
Having some extra change in your pocket is nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, in modern times, the surprising feature may be that you have cash. However, decades ago, it was common fare and folks main way of paying for items. If you didnt have cash, you simply walked away empty-handed. But in the case of one soldier, his pocket change did more than just offer him a beverage later that day, it saved his life. A total of six coins , three Belgian and three French, was all it took to do the trick.

A photo of soldier Optatius Buyssens, who was saved by his pocket change.

What makes the tale even more interesting is that the coins also gave his position away. During a secret mission in September 1914 near Lebbeke, Belgium, this stranger-than-fiction event took place.

During World War I, Belgian soldier, Optatius Buyssens , alerted the enemy to his position when his clanking coins made a noise. However, when a subsequent shot came his way, it was those very coins that kept the bullet from penetrating his chest. Instead, the round ricocheted off his breast pocket and allowed the soldier to live to tell the tale.

The bullet-damaged change, stacked in the order in which it was shot.

However, the German soldier who fired the gun didnt give up so easily. He walked over to Buyssens, who was laying on the ground. The German went on to kick him in the head, while Buyssens played dead.

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The surviving soldier and another Belgian member then crawled for help. The coins, meanwhile, sustained damage ranging from large dents to minor bending. Pictures show the level of damage so you can even see the order in which they were stacked during the shot.

The coins laid out by level of damage.

Whats even more telling is that Buyssens was initially denied by the Belgian military, due to an existing health condition, an injury in his hip. However, he volunteered his services anyway and made it into the ranks.

He made it through the entirety of the war, living until 1958.

However, this wasnt a bragging right for future generations. In fact, Buyssens family said they only learned of the event decades after his passing, when reading his old war journals. Copies of said journals were sent to them by a local museum, which had inherited the belongings, including the now-famous coins. They went on to validate the story, timeline, and their late relatives position in the military before going public with the tale.

The items can still be found in a local museum in Antwerp, Belgium.
From left: Shiye Fu, Zhiqi Zhang, Jianguo Leng of Stochastic Volatility Podcast in 2022. Credit - Courtesy Stochastic Volatility Podcast

In Taiwan, theres a slogan, I can look sensual, but you cant harass me. That makes sense. But will what you wear increase your chance of being harassed?

This was the provocative question that a prominent male political science professor, Liu Qing of East China Normal University, asked the three female hosts of Stochastic Volatility, the largest feminist-themed podcast in China.

What followed was an episode full of sincere and honest questions in which hosts Fu Shiye, Zhang Zhiqi, and Leng Jianguo picked apart the professors reasoning.

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On the one hand, we know that he was so outdated on the information and the discussions surrounding these issues, Zhang says. But on the other hand, we felt that he was genuinely confused. He asked those questions in a very friendly tone.

Together every week, Fu, Zhang, and Leng continue to host discussions like these on their podcast, which has around 600,000 regular listeners. They talk about things that are often considered taboo in Chinese society. One episode discusses egg freezing and fertility treatments, another discusses the sexualization of womens clothing, while another episode talks about why some breast cancer survivors choose not to undergo breast reconstruction.

And theyre not the only podcast to do this. Over the past few years, podcasts have become a space where feminist-minded women in Chinese society can feel represented and discuss their frustrations with the patriarchy.

The number of podcasts with feminist themes on Chinas most popular audio streaming platforms rose from eight to 35 from 2019 to 2021, according to a study by Fan Yang, a lecturer at Hangzhou Normal University. Some of these podcasts, like Stochastic Volatility, have huge audiences while others are more nicheand might focus on specific topics like women in rural China or womens interpretations of cinema. We call 2021 the first year of podcasting in China, Fan says. It was not the first year in reality but it was the first year podcasting in China bloomed.

Podcasting has become especially popular among Chinas intellectual elite, in part because looser censorship made it a better medium to discuss more controversial topics. AI-powered transcribing software continues to improve, meaning that there is a growing risk of censorship on podcasts. But audio formats still remain a harder place for authorities to patrol. Podcasting is also a niche medium in China, meaning it is less likely to be scrutinized as closely.

The rise in the podcast movement also happened to coincide with a sudden surge of interest in feminism in the aftermath of Chinas MeToo movement in 2017. I think before MeToo, feminism was not quite a popular topic in the Chinese news sphere, Zhang says, recalling her previous experience as a journalist at one of Chinas major newspapers, Jiemian News. Back then there was not much coverage on the issues of feminism or sexual assaults.

Supporters of the MeToo movement hold banners as they wait for Zhou Xiaoxuan outside at a courthouse where Zhou is appearing in a sexual harassment case in Beijing on Dec. 2, 2020. Andy WongAP

Despite repeated attempts by the government to censor the words metoo on the Chinese social media website Weibo, the movement generated enough publicity to lead to the removal of multiple prominent professors, government officials, and business leaders accused of sexual harassment and assault.

The Chinese governments official policy is to support gender equality and condemn sexual harassment. But gender inequality remains a significant issue. There is a sex ratio imbalance because of the now-abolished one-child policy, and women remain underrepresented in positions of power. President Xi Jinpings 37 member cabinet does not have a single woman.

Concerns about Chinas declining population have also led the government to encourage women to give birth by promoting traditional gender norms. In January, the government amended its Womens Rights and Interests Protection law, saying that Women should respect and obey national laws, respect social morals, professional ethics and family values.

For Fu, Zhang, and Leng, these inequalities motivate their podcast. They say that they take inspiration from the feminist movement in the West in their push for gender equality, but they sometimes find it difficult trying to apply these ideas to the Chinese context.

Zhang tells TIME that while she loved Barbie, for example, the premise of the movie shows how much work feminists in China still need to do. In the movie, Barbie needs to wake up from that utopian dream that she can be anything and learn that you actually cannot be anyone you want in real life because it is still a patriarchal world. That's the main setting of the movie, she says. Here in China, we haven't had that dream yet. We still need to encourage the girls to dream bigto dream to be anyone they want to be. I think that's the gap.

But that doesnt mean the three arent doing their part to close that gap.

Zhang says that so much of Chinese society, media, and culture revolves around the male perspective that women are eager to find a space where they could feel seen. It used to be that most podcastsall of themwere targeted for a male audience, Zhang says. I'm making this show for the girls.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Tuesday announced a ban on the import of live and fresh food products from 10 prefectures and regions of Japan over concerns about food safety and public health following Tokyo's announcement of nuclear-contaminated water discharge.

The ban will take effect on Thursday. The Macao SAR government expressed strong dissatisfaction with Japan's decision, condemning it as being "extremely irresponsible" without ample consultation with its neighboring countries.

The banned import of food include live and fresh food products, food products of animal origin, sea salt and seaweed from Japan's prefectures of Fukushima, Chiba, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Gunma, Miyagi, Niigata, Nagano and Saitama, as well as Tokyo Metropolis, according to the Macao SAR government.

Since the beginning of this year, Macao has reinforced surveillance of radioactive substances in imported Japanese food on both import and retail levels. Testing for specific radionuclides has been added as a routine food safety test item. Staff have also been sent to ports to carry out inspections with radiation measuring instruments on every box of products in every batch, the SAR government said.

Macao will also reinforce inspections of retail stores in the city, conducting tests with handheld radiation measuring instruments mainly on non-staple food products, such as pre-packaged food products imported from other regions in Japan that are not subject to tests and inspections, it added.

Despite public concerns and raging opposition from both home and abroad, the Japanese government said on Tuesday that it has decided to start releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific ocean on Thursday.
The Orange City Police Department on Wednesday warned residents to keep their distance if they encounter a monkey.

 WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

The agency said it has received multiple calls about the wild rhesus macaque.

Police said they have notified the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission of the sightings.

Read: CDC: Small turtles linked to salmonella outbreak in 11 states

Please do not feed or attempt to capture these monkeys, the agency said.

Anyone who spots it should contact FWC by calling 888-404-3922 or clicking here.

Read: Publix to not make hurricane cakes this year

FWC said the monkeys could become aggressive when fed, and they carry a host of diseases that can be spread to humans. They can live up to 40 years.

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Click here to read more about this non-native species and the history of their introduction to Florida, which dates back to the 1930s.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
An Erie man found bleeding in a Peach Street McDonald's he admitted to breaking into because he needed to charge his cellphone earlier this month is accused of breaking into a neighboring business minutes earlier and stealing a phone charger.

Sam F. Williams, 21, faces charges including felony counts of burglary and criminal mischief in the two break-ins, which Erie police said happened 36 minutes apart on the early morning of Aug. 14. Williams is also charged in a separate criminal complaint with a felony count of institutional vandalism after Erie police accused him of intentionally clogging a toilet in a holding cell at the Erie police station and causing a flood that caused several thousand dollars' worth of damage on Aug. 15.

Williams was jailed on the charges in the three cases, with bonds totaling $55,000, according to information in his online court docket sheets. He is tentatively scheduled to appear in court for his preliminary hearings on Aug. 30 and 31.

More: Man accused of breaking into Erie McDonald's to charge phone, cutting himself in process

McDonald's break-in

Erie police said they first encountered Williams on Aug. 14 at 3:51 a.m., when officers responded to the McDonald's at 4319 Peach St. to investigate a 911 call. Responding officers found numerous broken windows at the restaurant and located Williams inside, police reported after the incident.

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Williams had a shirt wrapped around his left wrist and was surrounded by a pool of blood, according to information in his criminal complaint. Officers wrote in the complaint that Williams spontaneously uttered that he broke into the restaurant in order to charge his cellphone, which was plugged into the wall next to him. Several cookies were also located next to Williams, according to police.

There was a blood trail in the restaurant from where Williams entered the McDonald's through a window that led through the kitchen and to the dining room table where Williams was located, police wrote in the complaint. There were also large bricks and rocks in the restaurant next to the broken doors and windows, according to police.

Investigators said Williams lost a lot of blood and was taken to UPMC Hamot for treatment.

Erie police charged Williams in the burglary on Aug. 14. He was arraigned on the charges the following day, according to his online docket sheet.

Stolen phone charger and flooded cell

Police charge in a second criminal complaint filed on Aug. 17 that, at 3:15 a.m. on Aug. 14, Williams broke into the O'Reilly Auto Parts store at 4431 Peach St., several buildings south of the McDonald's.

Police accuse Williams in the criminal complaint of breaking into two vehicles owned by O'Reilly Auto Parts by smashing out the windows in an attempt to steal the vehicles. He then broke out a window to the business, entered the store and stole a phone charger, according to information in the complaint.

Police did not state in either criminal complaint if the phone charger Williams is accused of stealing was the one he was using to charge his phone when officers encountered him at the McDonald's.

In the institutional vandalism case, police accuse Williams of clogging the toilet in his Erie police station holding cell by stuffing toilet paper and his hospital gown in the toilet and repeatedly flushing it. Water from the overflowing toilet left the holding cell and went into the department's electronic forensic lab, causing several thousand dollars' worth of damage to the lab, according to information in the criminal complaint.

Contact Tim Hahn at thahn@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNhahn.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie McDonald's break-in suspect accused in neighboring store burglary
The Hamilton County Coroner has identified the man killed in a Westwood shooting Tuesday night.

Gojuan Spurling, 35, was found shot in the 2400 block of Harrison Avenue around 11:30 p.m.

The Cincinnati Fire Department determined the man to be deceased.

The coroner listed Spurling's residence in College Hill.

Cincinnati police have not released any information about possible suspects.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call the Cincinnati Police Department's Homicide Unit at 513-352-3542.

The Enquirer will update this story as more information becomes available.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Man killed in Westwood shooting identified
It is understood that the death of Sara Sharif 'is not likely to have been caused by one single catastrophic event' - Surrey Police

The uncle of murdered 10-year-old Sara Sharif has reportedly told police in Pakistan she fell down the stairs and broke her neck.

Sara was found dead alone in her family home in Woking and had suffered multiple and extensive injuries, over a sustained and extended period of time a post-mortem investigation found.

Her father, Urfan Sharif, 41, his partner Beinash Batool, 29, and Mr Sharifs brother, Faisal Malik, 28, and five children flew out to Pakistan on one-way tickets from the UK the day before Saras body was discovered.

The murder investigation has sparked an international manhunt for the three adults who are in hiding and wanted by Surrey Police for questioning.

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Detectives in Pakistan have raided a large number of addresses in the city of Jhelum in the search for the family, The Telegraph understands.

A small number of close family members are currently being interrogated to find the trios whereabouts. However, their location remains unknown.

A police source said: We have raided many places in the whole district to find the father of the slain child. We have approached the elders of that area, too. We have questioned many including some close family members. There is no clue yet.

Imran Sharif, an uncle of Saras living in Pakistan, is among those believed to have been questioned.

Mr Sharif allegedly told police that his niece fell down the stairs and broke her neck, according to Sky News. However, The Telegraph has not been able to independently verify this claim.

Mr Sharif reportedly said: Beinash was home with the children. Sara fell down the stairs and broke her neck. Beinash panicked and phoned Urfan. I found out what happened to Sara through the international media.

My parents told me Urfan briefly came home very upset. He kept saying they [the British authorities] are going to take his children away from him.

The claims of a family accident appear to contradict findings from a post-mortem examination carried out by Surrey Police which found the schoolgirl suffered multiple and extensive injuries over a sustained and extended period of time.

Ms Batools family home in Mirpur is believed to have been searched, but the family of eight was nowhere to be seen.

No formal extradition treaty

Olga Sharif, Saras mother, dismissed claims her daughter died from a broken neck and suggested it was a lie to protect her husbands alleged complicity.

She told The Sun: I dont want to hear from his brother. Ive never met that brother, even when I was in Pakistan. I dont know him.

He could have just made that claim to protect his brother and try to stop questions being asked. I dont think he is being honest.

If he believes that is what happened then he could have been lied to by Urfan to try and win his family over.

There is no formal extradition treaty between Pakistan and the UK.

It has since emerged that officers found Saras body shortly after her father made a 999 call from Islamabad on Aug 10.

Det Supt Mark Chapman, described the investigation as traumatic and said the cause of death is still to be established.

We have identified three people we would like to speak to as part of our enquiries. They are known to the victim. We are not looking to identify anyone else.

Sara was being educated at home

It is understood that her death is not likely to have been caused by one single catastrophic event.

The Telegraph understands that the family were known to police on a limited and historical basis.

Surrey County Council have also said Sara was previously known to authorities. A neighbour told the BBC on Wednesday that Sara had been removed from school and was being educated at home.

A spokesman for the National Crime Agency said it was supporting Surrey Police with their investigations.

This involves specialist officers from our Joint International Crime Centre and across our international network providing operational support, advice and guidance as required, they said.

Surrey Police have been approached for comment.

A previous statement from the force read: Our enquiries remain ongoing to locate them and we are continuing to work with international agencies, including Interpol, the National Crime Agency and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to progress our enquiries with the Pakistani authorities.

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.
Tucson police responded to reports of a person with weapons at Flowing Wells High School on Tuesday afternoon.

Parents were asked to meet at Walter Douglas Elementary School just down the street for more information.

Police were also asking people to avoid the area as the search continued.

There were no indications any type of shooting had happened at the school, according to Tucson police. The school was placed on lockdown during the investigation.

As of 4 p.m., the school had been searched by the Tucson Police Department, but no suspect or weapon was located by police.

Police also said no injuries were reported during the incident.

Officers from @OperationsWest are currently on scene at Flowing Wells High School for the reports of a person with a weapon. We are asking everyone to avoid the area while officers check the school.



Parents can meet at Walter Douglas Elementary School for more information.  Tucson Police Dept (@Tucson_Police) August 22, 2023

**UPDATE**



Officers were able to arrive quickly at the school, and after thoroughly checking the school, no one was located. There are no reported injuries and no information a shooting occurred. https://t.co/B89RF7dfJv  Tucson Police Dept (@Tucson_Police) August 22, 2023

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Police respond to Tucson high school with reports of weapons on campus
Nicola Sturgeon is to be stripped of her 600,000-a-year security detail over fears that it does not represent value for taxpayers, it has emerged.

In what insiders said was a highly unusual move, the former first minister kept her personal security because of fears over her safety after she left office in March.

It meant she was under police protection when other officers arrested her in June as part of an investigation into SNP finances, and raided her home in April. She has strongly denied wrongdoing.

Her husband, Peter Murrell, a former SNP chief executive, was also arrested, along with Colin Beattie, a former party treasurer. All have been released without charge pending further investigations.

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Police Scotland and the Scottish Government have decided to pull the plug on Ms Sturgeons close protection detail following behind the scenes discussions about appropriate levels of cover and costs to the public purse.

The Scottish Sun reported that Ms Sturgeon had a team of around six officers on rotation, plus vehicles, to provide her with protection. They were kept in place after she formally stepped down on March 28, but were later scaled back and will be wound down completely this month.

It cited sources who claimed there had been a row and pushback over a decision to end the security, though this did not come from Ms Sturgeon.

Living a more normal life

A source close to the former first minister said authorities still had to decide whether protection was necessary.

One of the things Nicola has been looking forward to since stepping down as first minister is living a more normal life and having the freedom that comes with it, the source said. To suggest she wants ongoing security could not be further from reality  but the need for it is what relevant authorities have to determine.

It is understood that Ms Sturgeons predecessors did not have permanent police protection. Alex Salmond and Jack McConnell, the last Labour first minister, would receive police protection only during high-profile public events, The Telegraph understands. Neither continued to routinely receive police protection after they departed office.

Russell Findlay, the Scottish Conservative justice spokesman, said: The decision to axe Nicola Sturgeons 600,000-a-year protection will have been taken following rigorous and scrupulous assessment of all potential risk. For a politician under 24/7 police protection to have been arrested by other Police Scotland detectives must surely have been a first.

Ms Sturgeon has received regular threats over the years. Earlier this year, William Curtis, a pensioner, was jailed for making online assassination threats towards Ms Sturgeon and another SNP MSP in 2019.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: We do not comment on personal security arrangements.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
The former home of convicted serial killer Dennis Rader, who christened himself the BTK Killer for his penchant of binding, torturing and killing people, is being searched by authorities in Park City, Kansas, for further evidence of other possible victims.

The Osage County Sheriffs Office is continuing to follow leads in unsolved missing persons and murder cases possibly related to BTK, Osage County Undersheriff Gary Upton told CNN on Tuesday, before declining to comment further on the investigation.

Rader admitted to murdering at least 10 people between 1974 and 1991 and was sentenced to 10 consecutive life sentences in 2005. He recently called suspected Long Island serial killer Rex Heuermann his clone for the apparent similarities in their cases.

While Raders home was already searched after authorities tracked him down in 2005, he recently mentioned 16-year-old Cynthia Dawn Kinney, who went missing in 1976, while speaking with TMZ in February.

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I can confirm we are working leads on possible murder and missing persons that could be related to BTK, Upton told local NBC affiliate station KSN on Tuesday.

Kinney was reportedly last seen alive in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, on June 23, 1976, after leaving a local laundromat and entering a beige 1965 Plymouth Belvedere with two unidentified people under suspicious circumstances.

Rader pleaded guilty to the murders of 10 people and received consecutive life sentences in 2005.

Rader pleaded guilty to the murders of 10 people and received consecutive life sentences in 2005.

Osage County Sheriff Eddie Virden visited Rader in prison last month to learn more about his potential involvement in Kinneys disappearance. Virden told Fox 23 he didnt want to rule him out and that his office doesnt close the door on a case just because it goes cold.

Rader worked as an electrician at a security company and thus easily gained entry into the homes of his victims. He notably detailed his crimes in disturbing letters to the media before getting caught, with police wisely noting the echoes to his TMZ slip-up.

We know this is how he likes to reveal information, Virden told Fox 23. We cant help but think hes possibly up to his old way of doing things again of revealing information to law enforcement through reporters.

While the 78-year-old convict admitted to the killings that led to his consecutive life sentences, Virden said Rader denied doing any killings in 1976, as he was purportedly laying low at the time.

Related...
Joshua Doolin of Polk City took a photo of himself showing the effects of chemical irritants used by police officers at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Joshua Doolin of Polk City has submitted notice that he plans to appeal his conviction on charges related to the U.S. Capitol attack.

Doolins lawyer, Allen H. Orenberg of Potomac, Maryland, filed a notice of appeal Monday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The notice says that Doolin is appealing "all decisions of this Court whether pre-trial, or in-trial, or post-trial, and the Courts sentence imposed in this case."

The courts: Judge from Sixth District Court of Appeal asks Lakeland about land for new courthouse

Judge Carl Nichols found Doolin guilty on four courts, including civil disorder, at a bench trial in March. Nichols sentenced Doolin last week to an 18-month prison sentence and 36 months of supervised release.

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Doolin, 25, is one of six current and former Polk County residents indicted in relation to the breach of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Polk City resident plans to appeal conviction on Jan. 6 charges
Voters wait in a queue to cast their votes at a polling station in Harare, Zimbabwe, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. Polls have opened in Zimbabwe as President President Emmerson Mnangagwa seeks a second and final term in a country with a history of violent and disputed votes. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP)  Election officials extended the voting in Zimbabwe's presidential election until Thursday after delays of up to 10 hours in mostly opposition strongholds as President Emmerson Mnangagwa seeks a second and final term in a country with a history of violent and disputed elections.

Chaotic scenes characterized some polling stations in Zimbabwe as ballot papers that had been delivered up to 10 hours late ran out, forcing officials to suspend voting Wednesday night in many stations, especially in large urban areas including the capital Harare.

At the Haig Park Primary School polling station in Harare, people shoved and shouted at election officials and police officers after they were told to return Thursday morning because ballot papers for local council elections had run out.

We are not going anywhere, we will sleep here, people who had waited since early morning shouted in chorus.

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Some stations had not received ballot papers by 7 p.m. when voting was scheduled to close. I waited five years to vote, and these hours wont kill me, said Cathrine Nyakudanga, who carried her 6-month-old baby on her back. She arrived at 7 a.m. only for ballot papers to arrive more than nine hours later.

It pained me to see the elderly and women spending such long hours without food or water. Thats not safe, said Stanley Gwanzura, a popular local gospel singer. Others waiting in line lit fires to grill meat for dinner.

This is the second general election since the ouster of longtime ruler Robert Mugabe in a coup in 2017.

Twelve presidential candidates are on the ballot, but the main contest is expected to be between 80-year-old Mnangagwa, known as the crocodile, and 45-year-old opposition leader Nelson Chamisa . Mnangagwa narrowly beat Chamisa in a disputed election in 2018.

Chamisa hopes to break the ruling ZANU-PF partys 43-year hold on power. Zimbabwe has had only two leaders since gaining independence from white minority rule in 1980.

A runoff election will be held Oct. 2 if no candidate wins a clear majority in the first round. The election also determines the makeup of the 350-seat parliament and nearly 2,000 local council positions.

Its becoming tougher to survive in this country," said Basil Chendambuya, an early voter in a working-class township in Harare. "I am hoping for change. This is my third time to vote and I am praying hard that this time my vote counts.

He said his two adult children are working menial jobs and surviving hand to mouth.

The southern African nation of 15 million people has vast mineral resources, including Africas largest reserves of lithium, a key component in making electric car batteries. But watchdogs have long alleged that widespread corruption and mismanagement have gutted much of the country's potential.

European Union chief election observer Fabio Massimo Castaldo told reporters that around 30% of polling stations in Harare had significant delays in opening, often linked to the lack of essential materials, "notably, in many cases, paper ballots.

The Zimbabwe Elections Support Network, a non-governmental organization, said the delays were disproportionately concentrated in urban areas, which are opposition strongholds.

This is very strange, Nevers Mumba, head of the regional Southern Africa Development Community observer mission, told reporters.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission acknowledged the late distribution of ballot papers at some polling stations and blamed it on printing delays "arising from numerous court challenges. Governing party activists and the opposition had brought a flurry of cases over who could run in both presidential and parliamentary elections.

Chamisa alleged intimidation in rural areas but said his supporters should be patient. We are winning this election, he said. They know it and thats why they are panicking.

Ahead of the election, opposition and rights groups including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International accused Mnangagwa of seeking to silence dissent amid rising tensions due to a currency crisis, a sharp hike in food prices, a weakening public health system and a lack of formal jobs.

After voting, Mnangagwa expressed confidence he would win. If I think I am not going to take it, then I will be foolish, he said. He encouraged people to be peaceful.

Mnangagwa was a close ally of Mugabe and served as vice president before a fallout ahead of the 2017 coup. He has sought to portray himself as a reformer, but many accuse him of being even more repressive.

Zimbabwe has been under United States and EU sanctions for the past two decades over allegations of human rights abuses, charges denied by the governing party. Mnangagwa has repeated much of Mugabes rhetoric against the West, accusing it of seeking to topple his regime.

The Carter Center, invited by the government to observe the polls, said 30 members of its 48-member observer team had not been accredited on the eve of the elections.

Several local human rights activists, including lawyers and a clergyman viewed as critical of the government, also were denied accreditation to observe the vote. The U.S. State Department condemned Zimbabwes decision to deny accreditation to them and to several foreign journalists.
Nearly 9 in 10 American workers said they would support a four-day workweek, fully remote work or a combination of in-person and remote work, according to a survey released Wednesday.

The Bankrate survey found that 89 percent of Americans who work full time or are seeking full-time jobs support more flexible work options, including 81 percent who said they would support a four-day workweek.

Another 68 percent said they supported a hybrid work schedule, while 64 percent said they supported a fully remote work schedule, the survey found.

Whether currently working or aspiring to work, now that people have seen or experienced changes forced by the pandemic, theres no putting that proverbial genie back in the bottle, Mark Hamrick, a senior economic analyst with Bankrate, said in a statement.

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At the same time, employers must adapt to these shifts while striving for success and greater productivity, he added. Otherwise, many of their employees are going to seek work elsewhere.

Of the 89 percent who support more flexible work options, more than half  51 percent  said they would be willing to change jobs or industries in order to make it happen, the Bankrate survey found.

Some 89 percent of workers who support a four-day workweek said they would be willing to make changes, including 54 percent who said they would work longer hours on the remaining workdays and 37 percent who said they would change jobs or industries.

Nearly three-quarters 73 percent  of those who support a hybrid work schedule similarly said they would make sacrifices in order to make it happen. Another 37 percent said they would change jobs or industries for hybrid work, and 28 percent also said they would work off-peak hours, like weekends or evenings.

Workers who support a fully remote schedule were slightly more likely to say they were willing to change jobs or industries to obtain their ideal work schedule, with 42 percent saying they would make the jump. Some 35 percent also said they were willing to work off-peak hours, while 28 percent said they would work a job they were less interested in.

Even as American workers show widespread interest in more flexible work options, employers are increasingly pushing for them to return to the office.

Zoom, which emerged as a key video communications tool for remote work during the pandemic, announced earlier this month that its employees who live near an office would be required to work in-person two days a week.

White House chief of staff Jeff Zients also urged federal agencies to increase in-person work in a recent letter to Cabinet officials.

The Bankrate survey was conducted July 20-24 with 1,137 U.S. adults who work full time or are looking for full-time employment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
China sees record low in explosives, firearms criminal cases

Xinhua) 11:00, August 23, 2023

BEIJING, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- The number of criminal cases related to firearms and explosives in China hit a record low in 2022, a ministry official said Tuesday.

"China has become one of the countries with the lowest incidences of gun and explosives violence in the world," said Qi Xiguo, deputy head of the public security management bureau under the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), at an MPS press conference.

The official highlighted the success of the ministry's ongoing efforts to combat firearms and explosives crimes in recent years, noting a consecutive decline in the number of cases concerning such crimes.

Nationwide, this year has seen a 16 percent year-on-year reduction in such criminal cases, according to figures from the ministry.

Since the beginning of this year, the authorities have investigated and solved 13,000 cases involving firearms and explosives.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
China's top procuratorate on Tuesday called for unremitting and across-the-board efforts to crack down on corrupt elements in the finance sector, aiming to fight corruption and forestall financial risks.

The Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) recently made public four guiding cases to combat corruption in financial institutions, providing references for procuratorial agencies across the country to use in handling such cases in a more targeted manner, the SPP said.

The four cases focus on new types of duty-related crimes, involving embezzlement, the taking of bribes, the misappropriation of public funds, the abuse of power by personnel of state-owned companies, the illegal granting of loans, the illegal issuance of financial bills and insider trading using undisclosed information.

The cases involved state-owned financial institutions in sectors such as banking, futures and asset management.

According to official statistics, a total of 652 people were prosecuted for duty-related crimes in the financial field in China between January 2021 and July 2023.

The SPP said that prosecutors must maintain a tough stance against corruption in the finance sector to safeguard the financial security of the country.
Donald Trump speaks as Dr. Ben Carson and Sen. Ted Cruz look on during the Republican presidential debate in Las Vegas on December 15, 2015. Mike Blake/Reuters

On August 23, GOP presidential candidates will face off in the first debate of the 2024 election.

Candidates who are able to deliver one-liners and not get rattled in the spotlight tend to dominate.

Debates are political theater  they rarely do much to inform voters when it comes to policy.

The first Republican primary debate of the 2024 presidential election airs August 23 at 9 p.m. ET on all Fox News-affiliated channels and will also stream on Fox Nation.

In theory, presidential debates are meant to educate the public on the most important issues facing the country and how candidates would approach them.

In reality, presidential debates are often little more than political theater, and largely an opportunity for candidates to show how well they can handle the spotlight and how good they are on their feet.

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A presidential candidate's charisma often far outweighs his or her knowledge of policy when it comes to performing well in a debate.

Candidates who can speak in soundbites tend to perform better than those who can bloviate about complex topics.

To put it another way, style typically matters more than substance in debates.

Donald Trump repeatedly proved that by wiping the floor with his opponents in presidential debates during the 2016 campaign season. He tapped into his skill as an entertainer and focused more on making the audience laugh with insults and quips than offering in-depth takes on the issues.

Trump will not participate in Wednesday's GOP debate. Instead, he will sit for an online interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson that will air at the same time, The New York Times reported.

This is not to say presidential debates are not consequential, though their overall impact on elections can be difficult to measure.

Here are some of the biggest moments in the history of presidential debates.

1960: John F. Kennedy versus Richard Nixon

Kennedy and Nixon pictured after their nationally televised first of four presidential debates on September 26, 1960. AP

The debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon in 1960 was the first ever televised presidential debate.

Discussions on this debate have often focused on the fact Kennedy wore makeup during the debate but Nixon refused. Historians debate the extent to which this hurt Nixon, but the narrative surrounding this debate has been that Kennedy looked youthful and strong while Nixon looked gaunt and pale.

Julian Zelizer, a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University, told Time in 2019 this set "the standard and creates the idea that debates are not simply about the substance, but also the presentation."

Kennedy's performance in the first debate changed the history of presidential elections and candidates began to recognize the power of television and importance of appearance.

Some candidates became so wary of how TV could impact an election that after the 1960 campaign season the next televised debate did not occur for another 16 years. Former President Lyndon B. Johnson, for example, refused to debate in 1964  as did Nixon in 1968 and 1972.

1976: Gerald Ford versus Jimmy Carter

On September 23, 1976, Ford speaks during the first of three televised presidential debates with Carter. AP

"THE BLOOPER HEARD ROUND THE WORLD."

That was Time's headline after President Gerald Ford in a 1976 debate versus Jimmy Carter declared there was "no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe."

"There is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe and there never be will under a Ford administration. ... I don't believe the Poles consider themselves dominated by the Soviet Union," Ford said.

It was the height of the Cold War and the Soviet Union had a strong grip over the entire region at the time, making Ford's remarks at odds with reality.

The moderator at the time, Max Frankel of The New York Times, responded, "I'm sorry, what?"

The line would haunt Ford through the rest of the campaign season, and he eventually lost to Carter.

1980: Ronald Reagan versus Jimmy Carter

On October 28, 1980, Carter shakes hands with Reagan after debating in the Cleveland Music Hall in Cleveland. Madeline Drexler/AP

Ronald Reagan, a former actor, was a natural during presidential debates and had a knack for winning over the crowd with one-liners. He showed off this skill in a 1980 debate with Jimmy Carter.

After Carter delivered a lengthy and intricate monologue on healthcare, Reagan looked at him with a smile and said, "There you go again."

Reporting on the debate at the time portrayed Carter as lacking a sense of humor and far too serious while Reagan was viewed as "calm and reasonable," the Economist reported.

Reagan showed that delivering a quick zinger in a debate could quickly shift the conversation away from policy and devastate an opponent.

The former California governor went on to defeat Carter, making him a one-term president.

1984: Ronald Reagan versus Walter Mondale

Mondale, left, and Reagan shake hands before moving to their podiums for the start of their debate on October 7, 1984. Charles Robinson/AP

Reagan showed off his skills as a performer once again in a 1984 debate with Minnesota Democrat Walter Mondale.

After a poor performance in the first televised debate against Mondale, some began to raise concerns that Reagan's age was becoming a problem. Reagan was 76 at the time, and some felt he was too old to serve a second term as president.

Reagan was able to alleviate concerns about this with his sense of humor.

When the moderator asked Reagan about whether his age could be an issue, he replied, "I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience."

The audience, and even Mondale, exploded with laughter. Reagan used charm to his advantage once again, and he went on to win the election.

1988: Lloyd Bentsen versus Dan Quayle

In this October 5, 1988 photo, Bentsen, left, shakes hands with Quayle before the start of their vice presidential debate in Omaha, Nebraska. Ron Edmonds/AP

The 1988 vice presidential debate between George H.W. Bush's running-mate, Dan Quayle, and Michael Dukakis' running-mate, Lloyd Bentsen, did not change the course of the election, but it did deliver one of the most memorable one-liners in presidential debate history.

Quayle, a Republican senator from Indiana, tried to compare himself to former President John F. Kennedy in the debate. He was young and trying to dismiss concerns about lacking experience.

Bentsen, a Democrat from Texas, was not having it.

"I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy," Bentsen said, prompting a roar of applause from the crowd.

1992: George H.W. Bush versus Bill Clinton and Ross Perot

President Bush looks at his watch during the 1992 presidential campaign debate with Perot, top, and Clinton, not shown. Ron Edmonds/AP

Sometimes it's not what candidates say but their general demeanor that determines how their performances in a debate are graded and remembered.

In a 1992 town hall-style debate with Bill Clinton, an audience member asked Bush about national debt.

As the audience member began to ask the question, Bush took a quick look at his watch. Bush, who was president at the time, came off as though he didn't care about or have time to listen to the concerns of regular Americans.

He went on to lose the election to Clinton, and was a one-term president.

2000: George W. Bush versus Al Gore

Bush, left, speaks as Gore watches during their third and final debate at Washington University in St. Louis. Ed Reinke/AP

During a 2000 town hall-style debate between then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush and then-Vice President Al Gore, the younger Bush showed that you don't need to use words to make people laugh and win over the crowd. Sometimes just a simple gesture will do the trick.

Gore berated Bush with condescending, wonky attacks throughout the debate. At one point, as Bush was answering a question, Gore got up and started walking toward him.

It seemed as though Gore wanted to intimidate Bush, but it didn't work. Bush looked at him and gave him a quick nod, which prompted laughter, and then continued his answer.

After, Gore's team thought he'd won the debate on policy but "on mannerisms and the takeaway, he ended up losing," commentator George Stephanopoulos said at the time, the Atlantic reported.

Bush "opened up a lead in several polls" within a week, Time reported, and would go on to win the election.

2012: Barack Obama versus Mitt Romney

Obama answers a question as Romney listens during the third presidential debate on October 22, 2012, in Boca Raton, Florida. Charlie Neibergall/AP

"The 1980s are now calling to ask for their foreign policy back because the Cold War's been over for 20 years."

That was Barack Obama's big zinger in a 2012 debate against Mitt Romney, as the president sought to dismiss his Republican challenger's assertion that Russia was the country's "No. 1 geopolitical foe."

It was one of the most-talked about moments after the debate, and seen as a blow to Romney (who ultimately lost the election).

But the line did not age well, as Russia annexed Crimea roughly two years later. It proved that a candidate doesn't necessarily have to be correct to be perceived as winning the argument.

2016: Donald Trump versus GOP candidates

From left, Chris Christie, Marco Rubio, Ben Carson, Scott Walker, Donald Trump, Jeb Bush, Mike Huckabee, Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, and John Kasich on August 6, 2015. Andrew Harnik/AP

After the first GOP presidential primary debate of the 2016 campaign season in August 2015, CNN reported, "It was the most dramatic opening to a presidential debate in recent memory and Donald Trump stole the show before he'd even said a word."

Indeed, no candidate on the stage could outmatch Trump in showmanship, who used his experience as a reality TV star to his advantage.

"One of the things people love about you is you speak your mind and you don't use a politician's filter," moderator Megyn Kelly said to Trump toward the beginning of the debate. "However, that is not without its downsides, in particular, when it comes to women. You've called women you don't like fat pigs, dogs, slobs, and disgusting animals."

Trump interrupted Kelly and said, "Only Rosie O'Donnell." The crowd roared with applause and laughter.

Trump proved that you don't have to be the most polished person on the stage to win in the end.

"For more than a month, Trump has defied the normal patterns of politics and Thursday night was no exception," CNN reported at the time.

2020: Joe Biden versus Donald Trump

Trump and Biden at the presidential debate on September 29, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. Win McNamee/Getty Images

During the first presidential debate of the 2020 election, Trump continuously interrupted Biden as he answered questions posed by moderator Chris Wallace, leading to bickering between the candidates.

As Biden attempted to respond to Wallace's question about whether he planned to add justices to the US Supreme Court, Trump interrupted him again, repeating, "Are you going to pack the court?"

"Will you shut up, man?" Biden said. "This is so unpresidential."

Another moment that made headlines was Trump's apparent refusal to condemn white supremacist groups. When asked to tell white supremacist groups to "stand down" by Wallace, Trump instead said, "Proud Boys, stand back and stand by," referencing the far-right, neo-fascist group.

A high-ranking member of the Proud Boys told the House January 6 panel that membership in the organization "tripled" after Trump's remark, Insider's Cheryl Teh reported.

CNN's Jake Tapper called the debate "a hot mess inside a dumpster fire inside a train wreck."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The 27-year-old man who police say shot and killed a California business owner over a Pride flag draped in her store appears to have had a yearslong history of posting disturbing  and often violent  anti-LGBTQ messages on social media.

The suspect, Travis Ikeguchi, gunned down Laura Ann Carleton, 66, on Friday, after confronting her and yelling many homophobic slurs over her clothing stores Pride flag, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said at a news conference Monday. Shortly after fleeing the store, Mag.Pi, Ikeguchi was killed in a shootout with law enforcement.

Officials said Ikeguchi had a history of sharing posts that were critical of the LGBTQ community on social media, including on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

A resident reacts after leaving flowers at a makeshift memorial outside the Mag.Pi clothing store in Cedar Glen, near Lake Arrowhead, California, on August 21, 2023. The owner of the store, Laura Ann Carleton, was fatally shot on August 18 by a man who

While officials said they have not received confirmation on social media pages belonging to Ikeguchi, an X account that includes Ikeguchis full name was created in 2015. Throughout the accounts existence, posts were shared repeatedly using the suspects full name and at least one post included a California location, which corresponds with the suspects known state of residence.

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Many of the accounts earlier tweets include references to Christianity and anti-LGBTQ sentiments. In June 2018, the account rebuked a Mastercard advertisement that featured model Elliott Sailors talking about LGBTQ inclusion.

LGBT people need to stop asking the world for acceptance, instead they should start accepting Jesus Christ in their hearts and turn away from their false sexual identity that the devil deceived them to be! the account tweeted, calling LGBTQ inclusion a cancer.

In August 2021, the account compared the users views on LGBTQ rights with his views on abortion, saying, Abortion is a path to death for the unborn. LGBTQ is a path to death for the once who are already been born.

In some of the accounts more recent posts  and as anti-LGBTQ rhetoric has become somewhat mainstream among far-right elected officials and media pundits  the anti-LGBTQ comments appeared to become more graphic and violent.

On June 13, during Pride Month, the account posted a photo of a burning Pride flag with the text: What to do with the LGBTQP flag? The P added to the LGBTQ initialism appears to refer to pedophile, a trope that has resurfaced in anti-LGBTQ rhetoric over the last two years.

Three days later, the account retweeted and condemned an image of a scissor cutting through the center of the LGBTIQA+ initialism, which appears to advocate for gay, lesbian and bisexual people dissociating from the transgender and gender-nonconforming communities.

This tactic is not going to solve anything. Where you are cutting off the legs of the octopus and can grow back another one, the account wrote. KILL THE OCTOPUS!! Not just its legs!!!

More recently, the account retweeted several posts with anti-LGBTQ sentiments from right-wing provocateur Matt Walsh, who has over 2.4 million followers on X, and far-right cable news channel One America News Network, also known as OAN.

Image: A resident leaves flowers at a makeshift memorial outside the Mag.Pi clothing store in Cedar Glen, near Lake Arrowhead, Calif., on Aug. 21, 2023. (Robyn Beck / AFP - Getty Images)

The X account isnt the only social media profile that appears to have been maintained by Ikeguchi. On a Gab account linked to directly by the X account, a user appearing to be Ikeguchi described himself as Anti-zionism, Anti-jesuits, and Anti-paganism in his bio, adding same-sex marriage should be abolished.

Gab bills itself as a free speech platform and is mostly known for providing a platform for far-right extremists.

In a pinned Gab post from January 2021, the user appearing to be Ikeguchi wrote, We need to STOP COMPROMISING on this LGBT dictatorship and not let them take over our lives! Stop accepting this abomination that the government is forcing us to submit to these mentally disordered tyrants!

Gab did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Gab profile is no longer public, appearing to have been removed within the last several days. Its typical for social media companies to remove profiles of suspected shooters who have spread hateful rhetoric on their platforms.

But on X, the profile appearing to belong to Ikeguchi along with the anti-LGBTQ tweets were still publicly viewable four days after the shooting, and some users are tagging the companys owner, Elon Musk, trying to bring attention to the hateful rhetoric on the platform.

Since taking over the company in October, Musk has criticized the platforms previous enforcement around hate speech and has reversed a prior rule that forbade misgendering trans people, saying that any type of speech should be allowed on the platform as long as it doesnt break the law.

Musk has also promoted criticisms of LGBTQ people on his own X profile, where he has 153.9 million followers. In July, for example, he liked a post containing the image of a burning LGBTQ Pride flag. He also promoted a documentary widely considered to be anti-transgender from his personal X account.

In response to a 2020 article alleging that Musk does not support transgender people, Musk tweeted, I absolutely support trans, but all these pronouns are an esthetic nightmare.

Twitter representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ari Carleton, the daughter of the slain store owner, declined to comment on Ikeguchis apparent social media posts, telling NBC News in a direct message on Instagram, We want this to be about her.

Laura Ann Carleton, who went by Lauri, was a mother of nine who was married to the same man for 28 years, according to her stores website. Her killing on Friday has prompted an outpouring of grief from LGBTQ activists, lawmakers and celebrities, including actors Jamie Lee Curtis and Kristin Davis.

On Sunday, Bridesmaids and Ghostbusters director Paul Feig posted a photo of him and Carleton, calling her a wonderful friend.

Anyone using hateful language against the LGBTQ+ community has to realize their words matter, that their words can inspire violence against innocent loving people, Feig said. Lets all keep moving forward with tolerance and love. Lets not let Lauris tragic death be in vain.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner Group private military company, was listed in the passenger manifest of the private jet that crashed in Russias Tver Oblast, Russian state news agency TASS reported on Aug. 23, citing the Federal Air Transport Agency.

Read also: UK soon to declare Wagner mercenary company a terrorist organization, reports FT

The plane that crashed in Tver Oblast had Yevgeny Prigozhin listed among the passengers, the message said.

TASS further said that none of the 10 people on board survived the crash.

The Federal Air Transport Agency subsequently officially confirmed Prigozhin was on board the aircraft.

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Several Russian telegram channels reported that Prigozhins right-hand man Dmitriy Utkin was also on board.

Meanwhile, Grey Zone, another Telegram channel closely associated with Wagner, said that the plane was shot down by air defense.

Locals heard two explosions before the planes crash, typical for air defense [missiles]; this is confirmed by contrails visible in one of the videos, as well as eyewitness testimony, Grey Zone writes.

Several hours later, Grey Zone confirmed Prigozhin was presumed dead, blaming "traitors of Russia" for the crash.

Read also: Wagner mercenary leader Prigozhin speaks positively of Putin a month after mutinying

At the same time, other social media point out that another private jet of Prigozhins is currently circling above Moscow. It was flying behind the crashed plane and turned around after the incident.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
It is a terminally violent twist  perhaps to have been expected, but staggering nevertheless  to one of the most astonishing episodes in recent history. Yevgeny Prigozhin, who attempted a coup against Vladimir Putin, is reported to have been killed in a plane crash in Russia.

If the chief of the mercenary group, Wagner, was indeed among the ten passengers said to have died when the private jet went down in the Tver oblast near Moscow, then the immediate suspicion would be that this was assassination by the Kremlin.

In the course of 24 hours of armed mutiny, two months to the day ago, Putin had accused Prigozhin of treachery and then pardoned him. The two men even had tea together soon afterwards. Now, it seems, retribution may have come in the form of a dish served cold.

According to Rosavista, the Russian aviation authority, Prigozhin was one of the names on passenger manifest of the Embraer jet RA-02795. According to some reports, Dmitry Utkin, one of the founder members of the group whose call sign, Wagner, became its name, is also among the dead.

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Officials in Moscow say that all the passengers, as well as the crew of three, have perished. A number of Wagner-linked social media channels claimed the jet had been shot down by the national air defence system. Others claimed there was a bomb on board.

The destruction of the plane took place 24 hours after the news came that General Sergei Surovoki, who had previously been in charge of the Ukraine mission, had been fired from his post as the head of countrys aerospace forces.

Surovokin, who earned the sobriquet "General Armageddon" for his brutal methods in the Syria conflict, was known to have good relations with Prigozhin and shared his antipathy towards some senior figures in the security hierarchy, including defence minister Sergei Shoigu , over the conduct of the Ukraine war.

There were claims following the Wagner mutiny that Surovikin had been detained for questioning about his possible complicity. The Kremlin denied this, maintaining the general was merely  resting.

A video had been posted of Prigozhin earlier in the week purporting to be of him in Africa declaring that Wagner was hard at work there and that made Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa more free. Africa, where Wagner has long acted as the Kremlins private army and established extensive lucrative networks, seemed to have been one place where the group and the Russian government could work together. Prigozhin had also appeared on the sidelines of a summit hosted for African leaders by Putin in St Petersburg. It was the first sighting of the Wagner boss since the mutiny.

It had been assumed that Prigozhin would be exiled to Belarus in the deal brokered by the countrys president, Alexander Lukashenko, to end Wagners march on Moscow, and his presence at the meeting was seen by some Kremlin watchers to indicate that he was too powerful to be sidelined.

If Prigozhin has been killed, then it would appear that was an image his enemies were prepared to publicise while plotting to remove him from the scene permanently.

Wagner had been heavily engaged in Ukraine, capturing the city of Bakhmut, more a symbolic than a strategic prize, after bloody siege and assaults lasting months,

Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior advisor Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted regarding Prigozhins possible demise we have to wait for the fog of war to clear. However, it is clear that Putin does not forgive anyone for his own beastly fear - the very one that nullified him in June 2023  and was waiting for the moment.

Ukrainian forces are taking part in a prolonged counteroffensive to reclaim territory, including Bakhmut, in the Donbas. An infantry captain  talking about Prigozhins fate and a spate of recent Ukrainian drone attacks inside Russia  during a break in the town of Druzhkivka, mused: Perhaps Russian air defence mistook his private plane for a large enemy drone. That would be a wonderful end for such a man, wouldnt it?
A private plane allegedly carrying Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin crashed about 100 miles from Moscow on Wednesday, raising many questions with few immediate answers.

Russias civil aviation authority confirmed Prigozhin was on the business jet that crashed, citing a list of passengers, but there has been no other confirmation of his death.

President Biden speculated within hours of the news that Russian President Vladimir Putin may have been behind the crash, which came two months after Prigozhin led a short-lived mutiny against the Kremlin.

Here is everything we know so far about the plane crash.

Has Prigozhins death been confirmed?

Russian state-run media outlets have reported the business jet, which was on its way to St. Petersburg from Moscow, crashed in the region of Tver, killing 10 people.

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Three of the people on board the plane were crew members and seven were passengers.

Among the list of passengers is Prigozhin and Wagner Group commander Dmitry Utkin, Russias Federal Air Transport Agency confirmed on Wednesday.

Independent Russian news outlet Readovka reported Prigozhin may have been on another flight that was expected to land in Moscow on Wednesday. But later Wednesday, the outlet said Prigozhin died in the plane crash.

Multiple independent Russian sources are reporting Prigozhin died, along with Utkin.

However, U.S. officials have not publicly confirmed his death.

What caused the crash?

The crash is under investigation by Russian agencies, with the details of the incident largely unknown.

Video circulating on the internet shows the plane suddenly plummeting out of the sky before splintering onto a field in burning pieces.

Independent Russian sources claim two explosions were heard before the plane descended, which may indicate air defenses shot it out of the sky.

Wagner-affiliated channels are claiming the jet was shot out of the sky by Russian air defenses. None of these claims have been confirmed.

What are Wagner-affiliated sources saying?

Several Wagner-affiliated Telegram channels are reporting Prigozhin died in the plane crash.

The head of the Wagner Group, Hero of Russia, a true patriot of his Motherland, Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin, died as a result of the actions of traitors to Russia, the general Wagner Group account posted. But even in Hell he will be the best!

The account Reverse Side of the Medal said Russia today has lost its military elite.

Not the one that buys itself a title and positions, but the one that had no equal on the battlefield, a post on the channel said. This is a great loss for all patriots.

On Telegram, Wagner accounts were sharing pictures and videos of Prigozhin to mourn him.

Readovka reported late Wednesday that Wagner officers are holding a council meeting to discuss their next steps.

The mercenary group is not currently involved in fighting in Ukraine; however, some of its members have likely joined Russias military after the abandoned rebellion.

How are the US and Ukraine responding?

The U.S. and Ukraine have been monitoring the situation.

President Biden, who is on vacation in Lake Tahoe, Calif., told reporters Wednesday he was not surprised by the news.

Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putin is not behind, Biden said.

Ukrainian presidential office adviser Mykhailo Podolyak wrote that Priogzhin signed a special death warrant when he marched on Moscow with thousands of fighters in June before halting the advance and agreeing to a reported truce with Putin.

It is obvious that Putin does not forgive anyone for his own bestial terror, Podolyak wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

The U.S. has previously distanced itself from the internal dealings of Russia, with Washington publicly stating in June it had nothing to do with Prigozhins failed rebellion.

In Ukraine, its unlikely that Prigozhins death will change the calculus of the war, where Russian and Ukrainian forces are locked in a grinding war of attrition.

Whats next?

Russian emergency authorities are currently responding to the crash and have opened an investigation into the incident.

Russian military bloggers reported authorities have formed a special commission to probe the crash. Blogger Colonel Cassad wrote on Telegram the commission is collecting information on the training of the crew, the state of the aircraft and the weather conditions before the crash.

It also is planning to review the black box of the aircraft, which contains flight and audio recordings.

Whatever emerges from those probes is likely to be met with skepticism outside Russia, given the sensitivity of the crash for the Kremlin.

The U.S. has often leaked its intelligence assessments of attacks in Russia within weeks of events taking place.

Wagner Group is also expected to release a statement on its response pending confirmation of Prigozhins death, according to Readovka.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
You probably havent heard this, as its been kept on the down-low and generated very little press attention, but King Charles and his son Prince Harry are in a rough patch. As it turns out, publishing a tell-all memoir and appearing in a Netflix docuseries that talks about how awful your family has been to your wife will cause a tiny bit of strain with the ol Royal relatives.

But it appears that with King Charles 75th birthday approaching, the California-based prince might return to the United Kingdom in September with a special gift: an olive branch.

The New York Post is reporting, based on sources that spoke to the U.K.s OK! Magazine, that King Charles might have rearranged his travel schedule to accommodate meeting with his estranged son to bridge the public gap between them.

The Post notes that:

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King Charles is due to return to London from Balmoral in the middle of September, which ties in with the end of Harrys Invictus Games trip to Dusseldorf,' an unidentified source told UKs OK! Magazine. The king has a rescheduled official visit to France on September 20, so [he] has a few days to spare in London to meet with his son. Staff are trying to fine-tune the details as we speak.

The Post also noted that Harrys wife, Meghan Markle, is not expected to join the conversation.

Naturally, none of this is set in stone. The rags own Sussex sources have denied that any such plans are being made, and no official statement from the king or Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has been made. But its easy to imagine that, with all of the affairs King Charles has been recently trying to get in order, reconciling with his prodigal son has to be on his list.

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For several decades, the progressive economic agenda has centered around enacting single-payer health care (often dubbed Medicare For All). Progressive candidates, think tanks, lobbying organizations, and grassroots activists have campaigned, organized, and rallied for it.

Thus, the failure of single-payer to gain broader traction has been blamed on corporate greed, right-wing billionaires, public ignorance, and a corrupt political system.

But there is a more basic reason single-payer has not come close to enactment: No implementable legislative proposal even exists.

What Happened to Medicare For All?

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This may surprise progressives who regularly point to Medicare-For-All legislation authored by Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA). Yet these skeleton bills offer only a general approach and lack the basic detail necessary to be implemented if enacted.

And the skeleton bills go beyond health care. Key progressive priorities lacking serious legislation include taxing the rich, slashing defense spending, and even meeting aggressive climate targets.

The issue is not that their blueprints are misguided or would shift policy in the wrong direction (although as a non-progressive I am generally skeptical of such approaches). Rather, the leading progressive bills and proposals contain virtually no policy substance whatsoever. They are empty messaging bills. Building coalitions and winning elections will not matter until progressives can turn slogans into coherent legislation.

Within Medicare-For-All, the Sanders and Jayapal bills are specific on the easy partgenerously expanding benefits to new populations and procedures at a cost of roughly $6 trillion over the decade. But the entire justification of the new system is predicated on the key promises of: 1) a massive reduction in national health spending that would be accomplished with a new system for paying doctors, hospitals, and medical providers that eliminates excess profits and administrative bloat; and 2) a new $32 trillion single-payer tax that can replace the $32 trillion in premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket spending projected in the private health economy over the next decade.

Mainstream economic analystsincluding the Urban Institute, CBO, and othershave questioned whether a new payment system can save more than $6 trillion over the decade (which would merely offset the proposals $6 trillion coverage expansion) without cutting payment rates to levels that would drive providers out of business. Critics have also questioned how to design a plausible $32 trillion tax to replace private health spending.

How do the Sanders and Jayapal bills answer the two fundamental questions of operating Medicare-For-All? They have no answer. They punt. They simply instruct federal agencies to figure out a new payment system. And on the new single-payer tax, there is no financing section at all. No tax. Nothing to fund health care. The bills are so empty that the Congressional Budget Office cannot even score their costs or effects.

Progressives Should Support the GOPs Social Security Reform Efforts

The single-payer emptiness goes beyond these bills. Even progressive academics and think tanks routinely release frameworks promising ambitious single-payer health savings targetswith no specific payment system that could be analyzed for actual savings or the effect on medical providers.

On financing, Sanders in 2020 offered a campaign proposal that would finance only $13 trillion of the $32 trillion ten-year cost, and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warrens Medicare-For-All proposal also came up $20 trillion short.

An entire industry of progressive think tanks, economists, lawmakers, and activists have all failed to come up with a specific financing plan. And its surely not because no one thought to try and design one, or because a brilliant tax plan is being kept secret. A decade ago, Sanders home state of Vermont enacted and then repealed the nations first state-based single-payer health care system because state officials could not figure out a plausible tax to replace the private health spending.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) looks on as Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) during a news conference to announce the re-introduction of the Medicare For All Act of 2023, outside the U.S. Capitol May 17, 2023 in Washington, DC. Drew Angerer

Even the just paste the European systems into a bill talking point is shallow and unserious.

European systems are far less generous than American progressive proposals, and the U.S. has a more extensive health infrastructurewith more technology, roomier hospitals, and more drug researchthat requires its own payment system to match. It is no more feasible to impose Scandinavian payment rates on Americas larger health infrastructure than it is to impose modest Scandinavian home prices for larger American houses.

Until progressive leaders can answer the two basic questions of how specifically the new payment system would save countless trillions, and which single-payer tax can replace private health spending, there is no serious Medicare-For-All proposaljust a wish-list of new benefits.

The same lack of substance plagues other progressive priorities.

This includes the oft-repeated idea that taxing the rich can finance the next decades projected $20 trillion budget deficit plus massive expansions within climate, health care, Social Security, climate, education, antipoverty, infrastructure, family leave, and child tax credits.

Contrarian Defenses of RFK Jr. Are Not BraveTheyre Boring

Yet there is not a single congressional bill that specifies upper-income tax hikes exceeding $3 trillion over the decade, and most bills recycle the same few tax hikes to pay for various spending proposals. Even Bernie Sanders 2020 comprehensive campaign tax agenda offered $11 trillion in upper-income taxes over the decade, which covered only a small fraction of his spending promises (and none of the soaring baseline deficits).

Tax the rich rarely moves beyond vague rhetoric, because not even 100 percent tax rates on incomes over $500,000 could balance the budget, and seizing all $4.5 trillion of billionaire wealth would fund the federal government one-time for nine months (while liquidating much of the stock market).

On the matter of the nations defenses, the House Democrats Defense Spending Reduction Caucus came together to craft the People Over Pentagon Act of 2022 that would require an immediate $100 billion reduction in defense spending.

Which Pentagon accounts would be reformed, and how would they reshape the armed forces? The lawmakers apparently dont know. The 333-word bill merely instructs the Secretary of Defense to ask the CBO for ideas to essentially redesign Americas military.

Americas Tragedy Is Its Culture of FearArmed With Millions of Guns

Seriously. This group of lawmakers could not identify a single specific defense cut, much less $100 billion worth.

On climate, the leading House and Senate bills merely pledge net-zero emissions by 2050 with no specific policies to get there. Seeking more substance, Congress in 2019 established the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis to develop recommendations on policies, strategies, and innovations to achieve substantial and permanent reductions in pollution and other activities that contribute to the climate crisis. This 16-member bipartisan Congressional committee held 40 hearings over three-and-a-half years and was given the resources to summon the nations top scientists and economists to produce specific, implementable legislation to solve the climate crisis.

Instead, the committee merely wrote a report recommending that Congress should pass legislation to establish a national goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050, and calling on the president to develop carbon-control strategies.

Essentially, Congress created a special committee that wrote a plan to recommend that Congress draft a legislative plan that would in turn ask someone else to come up with a plan. There is still no specific legislative blueprint to achieve net-zero emissions.

Across these bills, progressives declare ambitious goalshealth care for all, massive upper-income taxes, defense cuts, net-zero carbon emissionsand then draft short legislation assigning a commission or agency to figure out how to make them happen. Yet the specifics are never filled in because the ambitious promises themselves are often contradictory, unworkable, unpopular, and even mathematically impossible.

Of course, conservatives also make unworkable and impossible promises, such as tax cuts paying for themselves, balancing the budget by cutting waste, and replacing Obamacare.

Republicans Are Right to Demand a Dirty Debt Limit Bill

However, progressives fancy themselves as more wonky, substantive, and policy-focused than MAGA conservatives. Moreover, conservatism defines itself more in opposition to complicated economic interventions, so it is less concerned with pushing wonky bills.

Progressives claim the government can accomplish bold and ambitious objectives. But their leaders have not done their homework turning aspirations into workable legislative proposals.

Too often, progressives promise enormous benefits, wave away basic questions of how the programs would work, and then angrily dismiss all criticism as bad-faith, evil, or corrupt. The result has been a lot of grassroots energy with scant legislative output.

Progressive proposals are not defeated by a cabal of sinister, bad faith actors, but rather by their own reliance on promising utopian solutions that even their leading advocates cannot turn into coherent legislation.

Brian Riedl is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute. Follow him on Twitter @Brian_Riedl.

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Well-known Sacramento artist David Garibaldi was released from jail Tuesday after serving five days for contempt of court after a judge ruled he failed to fully pay child support to his ex-wife.

Sacramento Superior Court records show Garibaldi was remanded last Thursday for a 10-day jail sentence at the Sacramento County Main Jail downtown. Its not unusual for those jailed to serve less time to prevent jail overcrowding.

Garibaldi and his wife divorced in 2018, and he was ordered in family court beginning that December to pay $14,000 a month to his ex-wife, court documents show  $7,000 in child support and $7,000 in alimony.

Court records show Garibaldi was found to be non-compliant or partially compliant with his child support order for multiple months in 2022 and 2023.

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Garibaldi in an Aug. 3 hearing was cited for contempt of court over his failure to adhere to the order, prompting the jail time.

The mother of my kids demanded that she be paid $20,000 per month, even though I stated this was unsustainable for any amount of time, Garibaldi said in a Facebook video posted Wednesday.

Performance artist David Garibaldi opens for the band Kiss at Golden 1 Center on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019. Garibaldi paints three art pieces during the opener that will be auctioned off to benefit 916 Ink, a local arts-based creative writing nonprofit organization.

Garibaldi said when the divorce agreement was finalized, he paid $20,000 per month throughout 2017 until November 2018.

Garibaldi and his ex-wife went back to court November 2018. He asked to lower the monthly payments, and she asked for more. The judge settled on $14,000 as Garibaldis future monthly payments.

The judge decided on just kind of a number out of the wind of $14,000 with no data to support that I could even afford this, or that there was any discovery (evidence) shown that this is an accurate number, Garibaldi said in his Facebook video.

The $14,000 was supposed to be a temporary two-month order, but Garibaldi said he still paid that total years later.

Before the court would even consider changing the order, Garibaldi said the court ordered him to hire a forensic accountant.

They gave us a half-baked report that even still said draft on it. They didnt even finish the report. But there is an important piece of data in there that showed that my monthly take home could not support this monthly amount sustainably, Garibaldi claims.

By 2020, according to Garibaldi, he had paid $600,000 in support. During the pandemic, Garibaldi said he lost business and could no longer pay the full monthly amount.

This led to Garibaldi having his drivers license suspended and serving 60 hours of community service.

Before they did the sentencing, there was an option to do home detention or work project, they offered it to the other party, Garibaldi said. They objected. The judge decided to go with them and what they wanted. And so I was ordered to a 10-day sentence in jail.

The attorney for Garibaldis ex-wife declined to comment on the matter.

Garibaldis music-driven art creations landed him on the seventh season of Americas Got Talent in 2012; he finished in fourth place that year on the reality TV competition series.

Garibaldi was born in Los Angeles and later moved to south Sacramento as a kid. In Sacramento, he learned to enjoy creating art on larger and somewhat illegal canvases by painting graffiti as a teenager, according to the artists website.

The Bees Rosalio Ahumada contributed to this story.
Like many homeowners in Hamilton County, Green Township resident Alex Triantafilou received a letter from the auditor in the past week informing him that the value of his home went up dramatically.

Triantafilou, who is also the chairman of the Ohio Republican Party, blamed Democrats for "soaking taxpayers" after the latest reappraisals of people's homes.

The historic rise in property values has raised concerns people might have to pay more in property taxes.

But home values are soaring in counties controlled by both Republicans and Democrats.

What was said?

On Aug. 19, Triantafilou tweeted a picture of the letter from the auditor informing him of his home's value.

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"Get one of these this week in Hamilton County?!? Sticker shock?" Triantafilou tweeted. "This is totally out of line with what our home is worth. Democrats in Hamilton County are soaking taxpayers. Youre going to pay so much more just to live in your own home. Vote accordingly."

Get one of these this week in Hamilton County?!? Sticker shock? This is totally out of line with what our home is worth. Democrats in Hamilton County are soaking taxpayers. Youre going to pay so much more just to live in your own home. Vote accordingly.  pic.twitter.com/f37vx56MN5  Alex Triantafilou (@ChairmanAlex) August 19, 2023

After getting blowback online, Triantafilou Tuesday evening clarified that he wasn't blaming Democrats for the valuation process but for an increased tax burden.

"There might be an issue with reading comprehension among our (Hamilton County) Dem friends," Triantafilou tweeted Tuesday night. "I havent suggested that the process of valuation raised your taxes. I suggested that the increased tax burden you will see in this county after your valuation skyrockets is their fault. It is."

There might be an issue with reading comprehension among our Ham Cnty Dem friends. I havent suggested that the PROCESS of valuation raised your taxes. I suggested that the increased tax burden you will see in this county after your valuation skyrockets IS their fault. It is. https://t.co/yP7A0abH6D  Alex Triantafilou (@ChairmanAlex) August 22, 2023

What are the facts?

Will the increased property values lead to an increased tax burden?

Triantafilou doesn't cite what specific increases in the tax burden he's referring to. While higher property values could mean higher taxes, a 32% increase in value in Hamilton County doesn't necessarily mean a 32% increase in property taxes. That will vary from area to area, each with different tax districts and rates.

And many property taxes do not go up with higher property values. Ohio law fixes many of the voted tax levies to bring in a set amount of money, meaning tax rates go down as home values get higher. For instance, the Hamilton County Zoo levy is set to bring in $7 million each year for animal care. The amount of revenue it brings in doesn't go up with additional home value.

Also of note, the five Hamilton Countywide tax levy increases in the past six years were approved by voters.

Home values are the result of market forces

Property values aren't controlled by a party or one elected official in a county. They are the result of market forces and negotiations between the county auditor and the Ohio tax commissioner, according to the Hamilton County auditor and state tax officials.

Overall, residential property values in Hamilton County rose 32% compared to three years ago in the reappraisal released by Hamilton County Auditor Brigid Kelly on Aug. 16.

That tracks with real estate sites Zillow and Redfin, which reported slightly larger increases in home values over the past three years. The median home price in Hamilton County rose 37.5% from $200,000 in June 2020 to $275,000 in June 2023, according to Redfin. Zillow data also reported a 37% jump in home value in Cincinnati from July 2020 to July 2023.

"We work to make sure our values are as accurate as possible," Kelly, a Democrat, said. "Values are a reflection of the market. We know that around here and throughout the state, there has been a very robust real estate market over the past few years."

How the process works

Ohio law requires county auditors to do a comprehensive appraisal of property every six years using both market data and a visual look at each property from the outside. Every three years, county auditors must update home values using market data.

County auditors come up with a calculation for total property value that is sent to the state tax commissioner. The commissioner either approves the assessment or comes back with another figure. If a county auditor disagrees, he or she negotiates with the tax commissioner. The commissioner makes a final ruling.

In Butler County, for example, the county auditor wanted to appraise total property value at a 24% increase over the past three years. The state countered with 42%. The final approved valuation marked a 38% increase in property value.

Doesn't break down along party lines

It's not just Democratic counties that have soaring property values. More than 20 counties facing reappraisals this year in Ohio will see increases from 15% to 42%. Some lean to Republicans and some to Democrats.

Butler County, with a 38% increase in property values, is a Republican stronghold just north of Cincinnati. All countywide elected officials are Republicans. And former President Donald Trump won the county with 61% of the vote.

In Clermont County, a Republican-dominated county just east of Cincinnati, the county auditor has proposed a 23% increase in property values while the state countered with a 43% increase in value. That appraisal has yet to be determined.

Former Hamilton County Auditor Dusty Rhodes called Triantafilou's tweet a "cheap shot."

"You know reappraisals are controlled by the State Tax Commissioner who actually forced Butler County to raise values because they were too low," Rhodes tweeted.

A phone call to Triantafilou wasn't immediately returned Tuesday afternoon.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Who is to blame for the soaring property values in appraisals?
The number of criminal cases related to firearms and explosives in China hit a record low in 2022, a ministry official said Tuesday.

"China has become one of the countries with the lowest incidences of gun and explosives violence in the world," said Qi Xiguo, deputy head of the public security management bureau under the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), at an MPS press conference.

The official highlighted the success of the ministry's ongoing efforts to combat firearms and explosives crimes in recent years, noting a consecutive decline in the number of cases concerning such crimes.

Nationwide, this year has seen a 16 percent year-on-year reduction in such criminal cases, according to figures from the ministry.

Since the beginning of this year, the authorities have investigated and solved 13,000 cases involving firearms and explosives.
By Jack Kim

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's majority opposition party and civic groups around the country stepped up protests on Wednesday against Japan's plan to release water from the Fukushima nuclear plant a day ahead of the planned start of the discharge.

Conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol 's government has come under criticism as it defended the position that its own assessment found no problems with the scientific and technical aspects of Japan's plan.

"We intend to hold the Yoon government responsible for failing to do its duties," opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung said at a party meeting, calling Japan's plan to discharge water from the Fukushima plant an act of terror.

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Public concern remains high in South Korea over the plan to release more than 1 million metric tons of treated radioactive water starting at 1 p.m. Japan time on Thursday, with a majority of people expressing worry over seafood and ocean contamination, according to surveys.

In a July public survey by the pollster Media Research, 62% of the people said they would cut back or stop consuming seafood once the discharge goes ahead, despite the South Korean government's assurances to closely monitor the release.

Local governments in South Korea said they would step up radiation tests over seafood to ease consumer concerns. The Seoul metropolitan government said on Wednesday it would carry out daily testing for all seafood at major markets and disclose the results real-time, while South Gyeongsang province plans to livestream its testing.

Democratic Party members and Foreign Minister Park Jin clashed in parliament over the possibility of direct impact to South Korea.

Park said currents will carry the water around the Pacific along the Americas before it reaches South Korea's shores in four years containing less radioactive tritium than normal sea water.

Park also repeated the government's position that its assessment does not necessarily mean it endorses Japan's idea.

Japan has said that the water release is safe. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved the plan in July, saying that it met international standards and that the impact it would have on people and the environment was "negligible".

Documents from the Japanese government and the Fukushima plant operator show that radioactive contaminants will be removed from the water before it is pumped into sea, leaving only traces that are far below regulatory standards.

South Korea said it accepted IAEA's conclusion.

China has been vocal in its opposition, calling the move "extremely selfish" and on Tuesday summoning Japan's ambassador to lodge a diplomatic protest.

Environmental and civic group chapters in the southern regions of neighbouring Japan rallied in protest on Wednesday, assailing Tokyo for threatening fishery products and jeopardising the safety of Pacific countries, according to the Korea Federation for Environmental Movements.

Fisheries industry groups plan to meet this week to review a response, focused on mitigating the expected sharp decline in seafood consumption.

The Democratic Party held a candlelight rally Wednesday evening, followed by a march on Thursday in Seoul toward the presidential office and a public rally on Saturday.

"Japan is about to bring irreversible calamity to South Korea and Pacific rim countries with the release of radioactive contaminated water," Lee said at the party meeting.

(Reporting by Jack Kim, additional reporting by Ju-min Park Editing by Gerry Doyle)
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Those living in the path of frequent hurricanes have a complicated relationship with natural disasters, one that mixes comedic coping with a justifiable fear of yet another storm on the horizon.

In recent years, one of the regions most popular supermarket chains had even provided a few lighthearted laughs to ease its customers anxiety with silly hurricane-themed cakes  but that practice has come to an end.

Publix, the Florida-based grocery chain, has officially instructed its bakeries to stop producing the hurricane cakes (or hurricakes, as theyre sometimes called) so as not to downplay the seriousness of the weather events, the company said.

Our associates make every effort to support our customers during weather events. Often times, this includes finding ways to delight them with their favorite Publix items as they prepare for uncertainty, the supermarket chain wrote in the Q&A section of its website, sometime before Hurricane Ian devastated parts of Florida and the surrounding region in 2022. For these requests in particular, it is our company policy to not produce bakery cakes that would make light of a natural disaster.

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We have sent communications to our stores reminding them of our policy. We regret if a store has not followed policy, and we are working to rectify the situation, the passage continues.

Cake at Texas supermarket goes viral with message about 109-degree heat

The cakes, as seen in an X post from December 2022, would have messages like Go Away or Leave Florida Alone, to express Floridians disdain for the yearly weather events. But theyve been making headlines since at least 2019, when a photo of a Publix cookie cake went viral on social media.

At the time, the cakes received mixed reactions. But many social-media users are now criticizing the companys anti-hurricake policy too, calling it dumb or accusing the company of going woke.

Hurricanes van be horrific and tragic. My parents lost their home in Michael, wrote one X user in response to the policy. The least we can do is enjoy a hurricane cake from Publix! I get the decision, but Im a little bummed.

Publix announcing theyre done doing hurricane cakes in Florida is truly an end of an era, another commented.

Publix currently has over 1,300 locations across seven states: Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the BRICS summit in South Africa via a video message Wednesday as drones struck Moscow and Ukrainian forces pushed into Robotyne. Pool Photo by Gianluigi Guercia/UPI

Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the BRICS summit Wednesday as Ukrainian forces pushed south into Robotyne, potentially paving the way to the city of Melitopol, which would allow Ukraine to cut off Russian supply lines if it were liberated.

Meanwhile the Russian government claims to have repulsed a Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow. Footage posted online shows explosions in a high-rise district of the city and damage to buildings.

Air travel in and out of Moscow was halted as the authorities temporarily shut down all airports in the area of the capital.

Ukrainian officials rarely acknowledge strikes inside Russian territory, but German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Ukraine has the legal right to strike inside Russia.

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"Ukraine is defending itself within the boundaries of international law," she told a press conference.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attended the conference in Putin's stead due to the International Criminal Court arrest warrant against the Russian President for the mass kidnapping of Ukrainian children. Pool Photo by Gianluigi Guercia/UPI

The Ukrainian government claims to have destroyed an S-400 anti-air missile system in occupied Crimea as Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate says Russia is preparing to sink ferries to protect the Kerch Bridge, which connects Russia to occupied Crimea, from Ukrainian naval drone attacks.

Putin addressed the summit via a pre-recorded video, unable to attend himself as the International Criminal Court, to which South Africa is a signatory, has issued an arrest warrant against the Russian president for mass abductions of Ukrainian children.

Putin told the gathering that the West was responsible for the war in Ukraine. Pool Photo by Gianluigi Guercia/UPI

"We cooperate on the principals of equality, partnership support, respect for each other's interests, and this is the essence of the future-oriented strategic course of our association, a course that meets the aspirations of the main part of the world community, the so-called global majority. The figures speak for themselves. Over the past decade, mutual investments of the BRICS member states have increased sixfold," Putin said.

Putin blamed the West for the war in Ukraine.

Putin said Russia could supplement Ukrainian grain as Ukrainian officials say Russia destroyed 13,000 tons of grain at the Izmail port on the Danube River. Photo by Erdem Sahin/EPA-EFE

Putin said Russia's "actions in Ukraine are dictated by only one thing -- to end the war that was unleased by the West and its satellites against the people of Donbas."

Putin also boasted about Russia's capacity to export agricultural products.

"I have repeatedly said that our country is able to substitute Ukrainian grain both on a commercial basis and in the form of gratuitous aid to needy countries, especially since we are again expecting an excellent harvest this year. As a first step, we have decided to send 25-50,000 tons of grain to six African countries free of charge, including free delivery of these cargoes," Putin continued.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attended the conference in Putin's absence.

U.S. officials have largely written off BRICS as a threat, characterizing the organization as marred by disunity.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan pointed out that BRICS nations have "differences of view on critical issues."

A Russian strike on the port of Izmail on the Danube River destroyed 13,000 tons of grain Wednesday, according to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minster Oleksandr Kubrakov.

"Several private grain terminals and warehouses, cargo infrastructure were damaged at once. Agricultural products were destined for Egypt and Romania," Kubrakov said in a Telegram post.

"Russia is systematically hitting grain containers and warehouses to stop agricultural exports. Only during this night, the export capacity of the port of Izmail was reduced by 15%, before that there was the port of Reni and 35,000 tons of grain destroyed there," Kubrakov continued.
Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to have been attending a concert as news broke Wednesday of the possible plane crash death of Yevgeny Prigozhin , the head of the Wagner mercenary group.

Russian media aired a concert performance in the city of Kursk to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Kursk  the Soviet Unions victory over Nazi Germany  with Putin appearing in person at the gathering.

I heartily congratulate all citizens of Russia on this event, Putin told the crowd while standing onstage in front of an orchestra, in footage now making its way across social media.

He also thanked Russian fighters involved in the countrys war on Ukraine, which Putin refers to as a special military operation.

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I thank you for your service and I am proud of you, he said.

Prigozhin was listed as among the 10 people on board a plane that crashed Wednesday in Tver, about 100 miles northwest of Moscow, according to Russian state media.

Russian emergency authorities are investigating the crash, which happened as the plane was traveling from Moscow to St. Petersburg, according to the news service TASS.

State outlet Russia-24, meanwhile, has reported that eight bodies have been found at the crash site.

The Hill has not confirmed the authenticity of the reports, though White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that if the reports are found true, no one should be surprised.

The White House also said that President Biden has been briefed on the reported plane crash.

The purported death of Prigozhin comes two months after he led a short-lived armed rebellion meant to unseat Moscows military leadership.

Prigozhin was exiled to Belarus  in a deal brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in exchange for terrorism charges to be dropped  but Biden administration officials publicly warned that the Wagner chief could still be targeted by Moscow.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
On the evening of 23 August, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin allegedly arrived in Kursk Oblast for an event in honour of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Kursk. He has mentioned Hitler against the background of an orchestra [Wagner militants are called "musicians" or "orchestra"  ed.] and presented awards to the Russian invaders participating in the war against Ukraine.

Source: Kremlin website; Russian propaganda outlet RIA Novosti

Quote from Putin: "Today, here, on the legendary Kursk land, high state awards will be presented to our heroes, military personnel, participants of a special military operation [as the invaders call the war against Ukraine  ed.], who are worthy of the glory of the heroes of the Kursk arc, those who fought the Nazis in the summer of 1943."

Details: The Russian dictator continued to assure that the Russian occupiers in Ukraine are allegedly "fighting boldly and decisively", and that all the invaders are allegedly united by "loyalty to the motherland and loyalty to the military oath."

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Russian media reports that the event was held in the village of Ponyri, Kursk Oblast of the Russian Federation, which borders Ukraine.

Background:

On the evening of 23 August, a small plane crashed in Tver Oblast, Russia. Rosaviatsiya [Federal Air Transport Agency  ed.] claimed that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, was on board.

The Russian media saw a certain symbolism in the fact that the plane crash occurred on 23 August  exactly two months after the mutiny of the Wagner Private Military Company [Prigozhin announced his March of Justice on the evening of 23 June  ed.], and in the fact that Putin performed at an event in Kursk Oblast against the background of an orchestra.

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!
As expected, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday addressed an annual business summit of world leaders gathered in South Africa. But this time, the Russian leader delivered his remarks with an altered voice.

Putin appeared via a prerecorded video at a meeting for a grouping of the economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) in Johannesburg, where he discussed the affairs of the business council in an altered, deep voice.

The voice, much lower than Putins regular pitch, appears to be a type of generated AI voice changer, but its unclear why his voice was changed and how exactly it was altered.

Putin, who appears to be speaking from his office at the Kremlin in Moscow in the video, did not travel to Johannesburg for the summit because he would have risked an arrest.

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The Russian leader is facing a global arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the kidnapping of Ukrainian children. South Africa is a part of the ICC and would have been obliged to arrest him.

The 32-second clip with Putins distorted voice is from a larger roughly 15-minute video address that was played for the BRICS audience on Tuesday. The short clip appears to be from the beginning of the video.

The recorded video message on the Kremlins website retains Putins normal voice, but the Russian leader coughs several times in the beginning.

Putin appeared via video link on Wednesday with his regular voice, according to a clip shared by Russian state-run media outlet TASS.

In his Tuesday remarks, Putin discussed Russias willingness to return to the Black Sea grain deal with Ukraine if certain conditions are met, a line Moscow has repeated.

The deal, which Russia dropped out of last month, had allowed Ukraine to transport important grain products out of the Black Sea without interference from Russian forces.

Putin has used the major summit in South Africa to accuse the West of starting the war in Ukraine and to shore up support with allies at a time when Russia is increasingly isolated on the international stage. On Wednesday, world leaders agreed to expand the alliance.

The BRICS summit began Tuesday and ends Thursday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sat down with Tribune City Hall reporters Gregory Royal Pratt and Alice Yin last week to talk about his time in office as he approached the end of his first 100 days in office. Heres a transcript of their exchange.

Gregory Royal Pratt: You know, youre different than Mayor (Lori) Lightfoot in a variety of ways. You know, when I joke about it, I like to say that she wakes up in a bad mood and you wake up in a good mood as a personality barometer. But one of the ways that youre different is, she was very hands on, she was a very micromanager. She wrote a lot of emails and texts, and in June, you didnt send a single email, according to your office. I want to talk about your leadership style. How would you describe your management style? Are you a delegator? And what topics do you engage most with, and what do you leave to others?

Mayor Brandon Johnson: Yeah, so, you know, as Ive said repeatedly, bringing people together is a part of my value system. Collaborating, working with folks who are competent and compassionate, right? Those are my standards. And what Ive experienced over these last few months in office is that that is the most effective way to actually get stuff done, quite frankly. And over these last 100 days, Im very excited about what weve done around public safety. So we talk about public safety quite a bit. And this is why for the first time in the history of the city of Chicago, we have a deputy mayor who is committed to community safety. For the first time in the history of the city of Chicago, a deputy mayor for immigrant, migrant and refugee rights. You know, bringing the Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union together, right? Creating a school board that is made up of parents, business leaders, philanthropy. A special education committee to actually address these critical needs. But particularly around public safety, you know, I spend a great deal of time talking about how we actually can layer our response to the critical needs that people are facing every single day. The fact that 24,000 young people were hired for the summer, working to expand that for year-round positions. And then finally, you know, I spend a lot of time talking about, again, the full force of government. As you know, the unprecedented downpour of rain that happened within a month of my being sworn in, we administered government in a brand new way: Clearing alleys, going into peoples basements, you know, having more of a hands-on approach to how we actually deliver government. So Im grateful that people are committed to the style of leadership that I bring to the city of Chicago. Bringing structure, calm and a more collaborative approach  thats what people elected me to do. And Im grateful to have this opportunity to actually lead in that capacity.

Pratt: Do you see yourself as more of a delegator?

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Johnson: I see myself as someone who appreciates the expertise that people bring to the conversation. And there are a lot of experts in the city of Chicago around a variety of issues and again, collaborating and bringing people together is what the city of Chicago wants. You know, some people have become accustomed to more of a combative approach to play out publicly. Some people prefer that. Most people  in fact, the people that I speak to of the city of Chicago, theyre coming up to me either thanking me for the work and the leadership, or asking how they can be helpful. And because its important that people know that, its going to take all of us to build a better, stronger, safer Chicago, leading through that lens is critical for the direction of the city and really it gives us the ability to experience the full soul of Chicago because the diversity of the city is really where our strengths are.

Pratt: Well, we have some vacancies at the commissioners levels. You have (Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison) Arwady, you have (Housing Commissioner Marisa) Novara, Human Resources (Commissioner Christopher) Owen, you have (Planning Commissioner Maurice) Cox. Youve talked about being deliberative and patient, and I understand that 

Johnson: Thank you.

Pratt: There is a difference between deliberative and unprepared, and for people who  and Im not saying you are unprepared  but for people who think you are unprepared, or people who think they dont have it together, because they havent filled 

Johnson: Yeah, no one is coming to me saying, Mr. Mayor, are you prepared to lead the city of Chicago? No one asks me that. When I talk to people, and Ive been all over the city of Chicago, people are asking how they can be helpful. Government is fully functioning right now. And it was on display, you know, over the course of these last several weeks. We have, what, 10 more shelters that weve stood up since I was sworn in? Weve had 90 buses of migrants coming from the border, here. And again, the full force of government on display when it came to the flooding. We had businesses step in, step up. We had Streets and Sanitation, Department of Transportation, (the Department of Family and Support Services), (the Office of Emergency Management and Communications), the Fire Department, the Police Department. Our government is fully operational.

Pratt: Lets take housing as an example, though. What is the delay in appointing someone to replace (Commissioner Novara) and whats the timetable for that?

Johnson: Well, one of the things that I think is important  that since Ive been sworn in, the amount of affordable housing units that we were able to put on the board within my first City Council meeting, I believe at 1,000 additional affordable housing units. We also are collaborating and working to Bring Chicago Home. I mean, thats something that was in delay for what? The last four or five, six years? And so the move to actually see housing as a real human right, our work has not stopped. And in fact, we have expedited housing justice within the first 90 days of my administration, and thats something that its important to note because it speaks to the collaborative spirit and collaborative nature of my administration.

Pratt: I understand that, but do you have a timetable for when youll have a commissioner?

Johnson: Its important that our focus is on actually delivering services for the people of Chicago, and were doing just that.

Alice Yin: And then moving on to legislation, your most concrete 100-day promises, Treatment Not Trauma and Bring Chicago Home, theyre not going to happen by the 100-day mark, obviously, and probably not by the end of the year. Do you think when you made that promise on the campaign trail  that its gonna pass in the first 100 days  that you might have underestimated the legislative process or just how these things go about?

Johnson: You know, again, both of those pieces of legislation, there were no hearings. There were no conversations. In fact, for the last several years, many folks didnt even say that was possible. The fact that we have brought all of our stakeholders together to Bring Chicago Home, the fact that we brought our stakeholders together to pass Treatment Not Trauma, the fact that we actually have a police superintendent, who was saying what I said on the campaign trail, that we need Treatment Not Trauma, that is an incredible shift from where we were and where we are. And Im grateful that there is a real collaborative spirit in the city of Chicago and theres a great deal of excitement to actually pass progressive legislation. And Im looking forward to getting that done.

Yin: What do you think is a fair way to judge a mayor on how they do tackling crime?

(Johnson laughs)

Yin: And by that, I mean what timeline is it reasonable to start seeing if violence is receding, and how much of a drop would you consider progress versus just fluctuation?

(Johnson laughs)

Pratt: I almost want to hear the answer to the first half of that sentence, but you can 

Johnson: No, look, Ill just say this: I know what I inherited, right? And the city of Chicago is the best city in the world, right? And we do have our challenges, and we have a lot of work to do. But again, the fact that we are committed to smart policing, constitutional policing while also getting at the root causes of crime, that is a shift, a dramatic shift from where weve been as a society, as a nation. Again, 24,000 people, young people who were hired, thousands of people across the city benefited from the investments that we made in young people. Hundreds of thousands. We have corporations that put money into our work to make sure that there were programs available between the dismissal of school and the start of Park District programs, and the same thing on the back end, the closure of Park District programs in the start of the school year. And so I am grateful that people are committed to doing something that we have not made a strong commitment toward since 50 years ago, when President (Lyndon) Johnson said that we should get at the root causes. And so clearly theres benefit of electing Johnsons.

Yin: Well to follow up on that, the reason I ask that is because at the end of the year when CPD releases its annual statistics  and you know, at the end of this year, it might be higher for shootings and homicides  but I think a lot of people would say one year, or even less than a year, is not enough to make a dent. What would be a fair time to examine progress under your term?

Johnson: Look, we have to start talking about progress today. Look, its not a secret of what weve had to deal with in the city of Chicago for a very long time. I mean, several administrations ago, you had 900 people murdered a year. Just within the last administration, you had as high as 700 people being murdered a year. And this was just not a challenge for the city of Chicago, this is a problem from all over the country. And as you all know, that violence is happening in every city, across the country, and the real dynamic that were confronted with in the city of Chicago is the fact that our Black boys have been targets. And as someone who is raising Black boys, someone who is raising a family in Austin  one of the more violent neighborhoods in the entire city  making progress as fast as possible is a commitment that the full force of government under my administration, or in my administration, is committed to delivering for people. And a better, stronger safer Chicago is going to require all of us. Not one person can actually solve the decades of disinvestment, but Im grateful that we have the philanthropic community, the business community to step it up. You have, the labor movement is in full force. Obviously, my administration is in full force, weve dedicated resources to investing in people and were going to continue to do that.

Yin: If I could get one more, just a personal one.

Johnson press secretary Hannah Fierle: No, Im sorry. We gotta keep a schedule, but 

Johnson: Its a personal one?

Fierle: OK.

AY: I just wanted to like ask since assuming office 

Johnson: Alice and I go back. (Ed. note: Yin covered Johnson when he was a commissioner on the Cook County Board.)

Fierle: You got one more.

AY: Yeah, since assuming office, has there been a high point for you and a low point, maybe even like a twinge of regret that Ive signed up for this job?

(Johnson laughs)

Johnson: No, first of all, there are no regrets. Ive had multiple high points, you know, again, from going to block clubs, and running into Black boys who have mohawks, intentionally, right? And their father and their mother telling me repeatedly how they cannot leave the house until it comes to an exact point. Suenos, Lollapalooza, the Bud Billiken parade. We had, a couple of weeks ago I believe it was, where 900 young people, mostly Black  theyve been deemed as hard to educate. So some of these young people have dropped out, and theyre kind of in-between. Nine hundred of them participated in the culmination of an end of six weeks program, and one young Black boy followed me around the entire room. And by the time I was able to respond to him, kids were asking for photos. He didnt want a photo. You know what he wanted? He said he wanted to shake my hand because he said, Whatever you have, Mr. Mayor, I want that to rub off on me. Thats what were fighting for. Thank you.

Yin: And a low point?

Johnson: A low point? Oh, its Chicago. Theres no low point. The Cubs are at two games out of first place. Were good.
MIDDLETOWN, New Jersey  The window frames are rotting. The wooden porch is crumbling. The red paint is peeling on all four sides. Holes have emerged in the siding, wide and deep enough to sink a small fist into.

The Joseph Murray farmhouse is a historic treasure nestled in Poricy Park. Built in 1770, its namesake owner was among the Monmouth County Bayshores leading patriot agitators during the American Revolution. In 1780, this father of four young children was ambushed and murdered by three unidentified assailants as he worked in his cornfield  shot with muskets, and then hacked with bayonets when the gunshots failed to finish him off.

The killing of Joseph Murray sent such shockwaves through the region  which already was a hotbed of skirmishes, with the British Army stationed on Sandy Hook  that his farmhouse and barn were preserved through the centuries. A stone marker and half-mast American flag mark the spot where he was slain.

In the summer of 2026, as America celebrates its 250th birthday, this should be showcased as a jewel of Middletowns history-rich past. Unfortunately, its been deteriorating and rarely opened to the public in recent years.

The historic Joseph Murray farmhouse in Middletown.

Revolutionary history: Black loyalists fought for their freedom  and the crown  at Sandy Hook during Revolution

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Historic accommodations: In search of a cool airbnb? This WWII era plane turned vacation rental may be the spot.

As the clock ticks toward the semiquincentennial  the mouthful of a word that means 250th  that finally might be changing.

Everyone should know the sacrifices

The Murray farmhouse is governed by the Poricy Park Conservancy, a nonprofit that works with Middletown officials to maintain the parks 250 acres and the farmstead. Earlier this year Andrew Clark, a member of the conservancys board of trustees, recommended the farmhouse and barn for inclusion on the nonprofit watchdog Preservation New Jerseys 2023 list of the states 10 most endangered historic places.

Holes in a window frame and siding of the historic Joseph Murray farmhouse in Middletown.

Clark grew up in Toms River, has lived in Middletown for 11 years and teaches history at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.

As a history teacher in a high school, I know how it can be very difficult to make events that happened 200 to 300 years ago come alive, he said. Preserving this very important place helps  not just in terms of American history, but also our local history in New Jersey.

There was more Revolutionary War bloodshed in New Jersey than any other colony. Tensions between militia and loyalists ran particularly high along the Bayshore.

Bringing history back: Revolutionary War Bayshore ship capture story disappeared for 243 years, until now

Murray wasnt a Continental Army soldier. He was a regular guy who believed in the cause of independence and did his part by disrupting attempts to supply the British at Sandy Hook and stealing the horses of loyalists and redcoats for use by the local militia. In response, someone arranged a hit on him. Such was the chaos of the period that no charges ever were brought.

At this site Joseph Murray was murdered by Tories in retaliation for his daring patriot deeds, the marker at Poricy Park reads.

The marker on the spot where Joseph Murray was slain in Middletown.

Everyone should know the sacrifices Joseph Murray made for this area and for the country, Clark said.

Preservation New Jersey agreed, featuring the site prominently on its 2023 10 most endangered list, which was released in June.

As we are approaching the 250th, we really want the state and all of our partners in our communities engaged in our foundations and preserving them, said Kelly Ruffel, Preservation New Jerseys executive director. There are very few left. The Joseph Murray Farmhouse tells that story and its something that we dont want to lose. Its also an excellent example of early farmsteading in New Jersey.

A deteriorating window frame of the historic Joseph Murray farmhouse in Middletown.

Planning for 2026: 'Now is the time'

After the farmhouses inclusion on the endangered list, the wheels started turning. Middletowns council recently approved a $175,000 appropriation for restoration. Another $185,000, plus an additional $75,000 to replace the barns porous roof, is expected to be greenlit this week.

We had budgeted money about two years ago to renovate the Murray Farmhouse, but one of the problems with historic buildings is you spend almost as much on the architects as you do with the work because the state is very strict about how you go about restoration, Middletown administrator Tony Mercantante said. We realized we were going to need more money.

A request for bids will go out shortly.

Most of this work can be done over the winter, unless its a horrible winter, Mercantante said.

Once completed, will the Murray farmhouse, which features a period-replica interior, be open to the public more regularly? Elaine Hinckley, president of the Poricy Park Conservancys board, did not respond to an interview request.

The inside of the Joseph Murray farmhouse in Poricy Park in an undated photo.

Public access is highly important for our history sites, Preservation New Jerseys Ruffel said. It keeps these buildings around longer. If you close it up, people forget about it and it gets neglected, and by the time it gets attention the deterioration is so bad, its facing demolition.

Middletown has enough traces of the revolution to support its own Summer of 2026 freedom tour, between the Spy House, Marlpit Hall, Old First Church, and Sandy Hooks Refugeetown. Marlpit Hall is the former home of prominent loyalist Edward Taylor, who historians suspect may have ordered the hit on Murray.

Imagine Murrays surprise, 250 years later, to learn Taylors home is open to the public and in excellent condition, while his is closed and crumbling.

As local historian Randall Gabrielan puts it: The two houses representing opposing sides provide in one town a study in contrasts.

Sign for the Joseph Murray farmstead in Poricy Park, Middletown.

They would make for one heck of a tour.

In the past, funded by state grants, Middletown has hosted walking history tours that were extremely popular Mercantante said. Matawan, which also is steeped in history, has sold out similar tours by trolley.

Now is the time to plan for that stuff, Mercantante said.

Indeed. The appropriations for the Murray farmhouse are a start. The summer of 2026, done right, should be both a celebration and a catalyst.

Buildings are containers for our stories, Ruffel said. They outlive all of us, so to be able to continue that for future generations is essential.

Joseph Murray's grave at Old First Church in Middletown.

Jerry Carino is community columnist for the Asbury Park Press, focusing on the Jersey Shores interesting people, inspiring stories and pressing issues. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: American history: Preserving NJ house where patriot was murdered
A man allegedly seen on camera kicking and repeatedly setting a political yard sign on fire last week at the Raleigh home of a local Republican activist has been formally charged by police with two misdemeanor counts, according to court records.

James Dennis White Jr., 60, of Raleigh, was charged with two counts of misdemeanor injury to real property on Monday, after police opened an investigation into two separate incidents that were captured on home security camera footage that appeared to show White setting a Trump Won yard sign on fire, early on the mornings of Aug. 15 and Aug. 18.

White was first publicly suggested to be the man seen lighting the signs on fire on Sunday, after John Kane, a local businessman and GOP activist who the signs belonged to, uploaded footage from his Nest camera to Twitter and offered a $1,000 reward to anyone could identify the man recorded in the videos. A tipster based in California who didnt want to share his name identified the man as White, Kane said on Twitter.

On Monday evening, Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman said her office was in the process of serving the man seen in the videos with the two charges. According to court records, White was charged with the Class 1 misdemeanors that day. Also on Monday, Kanes attorney filed a lawsuit against White, accusing him of trespassing, invasion of privacy and inflicting emotional distress, and seeking damages.

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In the citation issued to White, the charging officer reports that White was located, interviewed, and confessed to both crimes on separate dates.

The officer goes on to report that White was polite and cooperative and remorseful in what he did.

White is scheduled to have his first court appearance in Wake County District Court on Sept. 18.

Police investigating related bomb threats

On Wednesday, Raleigh police also confirmed that they were investigating a bomb threat in Raleigh, in connection to this case.

Multiple news outlets including The News & Observer, as well as Raleigh police and city officials, were sent an email on Tuesday afternoon that said several firebombs had been placed at a Raleigh location and would detonate probably within 30 minutes of sending this email. The email expressed anger about the damage to the signs and ended with MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.

With the use of a bomb-sniffing dog, Raleigh Police, using a bomb-sniffing dog, work the scene of a bomb threat in Raleigh Tuesday, Aug 22, 2023.

That email was sent at 2:38 p.m. On Wednesday, police confirmed that officers responded to the scene mentioned in the threat approximately seven minutes later, at 2:45 p.m. A police spokesperson did not provide any further details other than to say that the incident is being investigated.

Officers were seen investigating the scene with bomb-sniffing dogs on Tuesday afternoon.

A second threat, sent from a different email address, was received on Wednesday morning. The RPD spokesperson said police were aware of both threats.
FILE - This undated photo provided by Ben Crump Law shows Ralph Yarl. Four months after he was shot in the head after showing up at the wrong house to pick up his brothers, Ralph Yarl has begun his senior year in high school. Next week, the man accused of shooting him is in court. Yarl's aunt told the Kansas City Star, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, that the 17-year-old had a busy summer, but was ready for the return to classes. (Ben Crump Law via AP, file) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)  Four months after he was shot in the head after ringing the doorbell at the wrong house to pick up his brothers, Ralph Yarl has begun his senior year in high school.

Next week, the man accused of shooting him will be in court.

Yarl's first day of school was Tuesday. He was ready," his aunt, Faith Spoonmore, told the Kansas City Star. Ralph was ready to just go back to just being a teenager.

Andrew Lester, 84, pleaded not guilty to first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the April 13 shooting. His preliminary hearing is Aug. 31.

Lester, who is white, told authorities that he shot Yarl through the door without warning because he was scared to death he was about to be robbed by the Black person standing there. Yarl was struck in the head and the arm. The case shocked the country and renewed national debates about gun policies and race in America.

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Yarl continues to heal from the traumatic brain injury he suffered, but was still able to complete an engineering internship this summer.

Support for Yarl and his family poured in throughout the past few months. A GoFundMe set up on the family's behalf raised nearly $3.5 million.

The high school musician was also gifted a new bass clarinet  a professional model purchased with donations to a GoFundMe drive set up by a group of U.S. and Canadian musicians.

For the fall, Yarl's family is planning college trips. They expect to visit the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Michigan, Texas A&M University and Purdue University. Yarl hopes to study engineering.

He also has an upcoming trip to the White House after President Joe Biden extended an invitation shortly after the shooting. A date has not yet been set.

Yarl and his family will have the opportunity to face his alleged assailant at Lester's court hearing next week.

Its scary, Spoonmore said.

In our mind, and in a lot of peoples minds, its a simple case and what happened was wrong and it should not have happened, she said, and the person that did it should be punished for their actions.
The political spotlight Tuesday was firmly set on Vivek Ramaswamy , the upstart millennial Republican candidate hoping to take advantage of former President Trumps absence and use Wednesdays debate as a springboard for his ascendant campaign.

The spotlight is on Ramaswamy because of some positive polls, but also because of his first bona fide campaign controversy. Ramaswamy in an interview with The Atlantic discussed whether federal agents had been on the planes that carried out the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The 38-year-old spent much of Monday and Tuesday cleaning up the mess, arguing hed been misquoted and was talking about the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

GOP rivals are almost certain to go on the attack at Wednesdays critical debate, but its unclear whether the controversy is hurting Ramaswamy or just giving him more attention at the best of times.

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Either way, strategists say the Ohio native has a clear chance to use the debate as a launching pad  provided he can parry the expected criticism.

He has a great opportunity on Wednesday night to blow it apart or to blow up, and he is somebody who has a lot riding on the debate, because this will be the first time that millions of eyeballs will be watching him, said New Hampshire-based GOP strategist Dave Carney.

Ramaswamy has recently climbed to third and even second place in some national polls, suggesting he has some momentum. While he is further behind in other polls, its been enough to draw the attention of other candidates.

A firm connected to a super PAC backing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantiss campaign in a leaked memo suggested DeSantis go after Ramaswamy with a sledgehammer at Wednesdays debate. The memo suggested some close to DeSantis see Ramaswamy as a real threat.

But the leaked memo appears to have helped Ramaswamy while further hurting DeSantis.

[Vivek] has benefited, I think, by the Jeff Roe memo, encouraging DeSantis to go after Vivek, said GOP strategist and Trump campaign alum Brian Seitchik, referring to the individual who leads the firm behind the memo urging DeSantis to go after Ramaswamy.

With Trump skipping Wednesdays debate, many expect DeSantis and Ramaswamy to come under attacks from the other six Republicans with them on the stage. There could also be fire between DeSantis and Ramaswamy.

Ramaswamy is almost certain to be asked about his views on the Sept. 11 attacks.

In an interview with the conservative BlazeTV in early August, the candidate said: I dont believe the government has told us the truth.

Again, Im driven by evidence and data. What Ive seen in the last several years is we have to be skeptical of what the government does tell us, Ramaswamy said during the interview when asked if the 9/11 terrorist attack was an inside job or exactly what the government tells us.

Separately, in an interview with The Atlantic published Monday about the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, Ramaswamy said: I think it is legitimate to say, How many police, how many federal agents were on the planes that hit the Twin Towers?

Like, I think we want  maybe the answer is zero, probably is zero for all I know, right? I have no reason to think it was anything other than zero. But if were doing a comprehensive assessment of what happened on 9/11, we have a 9/11 commission, absolutely that should be an answer the public knows the answer to, Ramaswamy added to The Atlantic.

Ramaswamy defended his comments to CNNs Kaitlan Collins in an interview Monday, explaining that he was suggesting that the U.S. had lied about Saudi Arabias involvement in the terrorist attack. The 2024 contender said of course not when pressed whether he believed the Sept. 11 attacks were an inside job.

This isnt the only Ramaswamy controversy likely to come up Wednesday.

The biotech entrepreneur has also recently taken heat from fellow GOP candidate Nikki Haley over comments he made during an interview with British actor Russell Brand earlier this month, in which he suggested he would negotiate an Abraham Accords 2.0 that would get Israel to the place where it is negotiated back into the infrastructure of the rest of the Middle East such that further aid to Israel wont be necessary after 2028.

Haley, who served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under Trump, blasted Ramaswamy saying he is completely wrong to call for ending Americas special bond with Israel.

Tricia McLaughlin, a senior adviser to Ramaswamy, brushed off the pushback from Ramaswamys remarks on 9/11, arguing the contender was only being targeted because he was seeing momentum.

Vivek is doing very well in the polls and is clearly showing some momentum. So I mean, if people want to buy into what our opponents are pushing out there, theyre free, very free to do that, McLaughlin told The Hill. But this campaign is about the truth. And thats what Vivek has delivered every step of the way. So were not really concerned about the trash that other people are planting.

McLaughlin also argued that Haley had mischaracterized Ramaswamys comments, saying, I think shell take her shots where she can take them.

At least one campaign is planning to go on the offensive about Ramaswamys 9/11 remarks. One adviser to a rival campaign said to expect Ramaswamys repeated comments about the terrorist attacks to come up at Wednesdays debate.

Republicans, too, believe his gaffes on the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks arent helpful for the candidate. But some believe the 38-year-old GOP millennial can maneuver around the issue.

It presents an opportunity for candidates like Nikki Haley to potentially attack him, but I think hes tried to get out in front of it, said Ryan Williams, who worked on Sen. Mitt Romneys (R-Utah) 2012 presidential campaign.

I think anybody who attacks him in this debate, hell just liken them to the mainstream media, distorting his words. Thats what I would do if I were him, Williams said. You know as they say, the media is a familiar and effective punching bag for conservatives, and you dont want to look like youre aligned with them if youre trying to win a Republican primary.

While Republicans believe that Trumps absence Wednesday night offers other candidates more airtime to make their case to voters, its also a high-stakes environment that lends itself to memorable gaffes that have gone on to dog past presidential candidates.

Ramaswamy does not have as much experience at political debates as some rivals, such as DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence or former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Hell play up running as an outsider and things like that. What he should avoid is the obvious stuff. Dont be a 9/11 truther  dont show that youre weak on Israel  those kinds of things that leave him very open for very valid criticism and leave open the question, which will be answered tomorrow night, is this guy a flash in the pan or  Is he a real thing? GOP strategist Doug Heye said.

Brett Samuels also contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy was dismissive of his GOP presidential rivals in a recent interview, telling ABC that the only candidates that matter in the race as of now are himself and former President Trump.

I dont think that theres a relevant race from any two candidates other than Trump and myself, Ramaswamy said Tuesday.

The Ohio businessman has shot up in polls in recent months since entering the race as a complete political unknown.

Despite his confidence, he still lags behind Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) in national polling averages, with the governor taking about 15 percent of support while Ramaswamy gathers about 9 percent.

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Ramaswamy will feature alongside DeSantis and six other candidates at the races first debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday. Trump wont be in attendance, instead choosing to sit down with Tucker Carlson for an interview, per reports.

Ramaswamy is the only major candidate without any political experience as well as the races youngest. Hes used those facts to his advantage, painting himself as a Trump-aligned outsider who can improve on what Trump did in office. He dubbed his policy agenda America First 2.0.

When it comes to the next president of the United States, I think we absolutely need an outsider  one preferably from a different generation, he told ABC.

Im the one person in this race, I think, who is not just leading us from something  Im leading us to start running to something to an actual vision of what it means to be an American with an actual agenda, not just against the failed Biden agenda. Thats boring, he said.

Ramaswamys candidacy is still considered a long shot as Trump holds a solid lead over the field. He has previously said he is not interested in any other position in government, and would even turn down an offer of the vice presidency if it were to come.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Randall County Sheriffs Office (RCSO) released more information Wednesday afternoon regarding an officer-involved shooting at 48th Avenue and Hughes Street that left one person injured early Tuesday.

According to the sheriff's office, at about 2 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, Randall County deputies saw a van disregarding a stop sign in the area of South Washington and 46th Street. The deputies were riding together as a two-man unit in a marked patrol vehicle.

The deputies activated emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop for the violation. The van then continued south on Washington Street until turning onto 48th Street.

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As the deputies exited their vehicle, the driver quickly exited the van, and the driver ignored deputies commands to stay in the vehicle, according to the sheriff's office. The driver pointed an illuminated flashlight toward deputies, causing them to perceive a threat.

Deputies fired three rounds, striking the suspect once in the pelvic area, RCSO said. Deputies secured a passenger in the van, and they immediately rendered first aid to the suspect.

Other deputies and Amarillo Police Department officers responded to the scene to assist.

The suspect was taken by ambulance to Northwest Texas Hospital, where he is being treated for a non-life-threatening injury.

The two deputies have been placed on administrative leave as per Randall County Sheriffs Office policy. The incident is under investigation by the Texas Rangers.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Randall County Sheriff's Office reports officer involved shooting
Raynham Police Chief James Donovan began his career in law enforcement at a young age.

While still in high school, Donovan became a military policeman in the 772 Military Police Company, part of the Massachusetts National Guard, in Taunton.

He served as a military policeman with this company for six years, during which time he was deployed as part of Operation Desert Storm.

On Tuesday, Donovan retired from his 36-year career of dedicated service in law enforcement, most of which was served with Raynham Police, the department said in a statement.

Prior to joining Raynhams department in 1987, Donovan had deep ties to the Raynham community as he was born and raised in town. He went on to attend Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School where he was in homeroom together with Bridgewater Police Chief Christopher Delmonte for all four years.

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While both Donovan and Delmonte went on to become police chiefs of Raynham and Bridgewater respectively, Donovan began his work within the Town of Raynham in 1984 when he worked as a part-time custodian at 16 years old.

At 19, he joined the Raynham Police Department, where he has worked as a patrol officer, detective and sergeant. He also worked as an undercover investigator for the Bristol County District Attorneys Office Drug Task Force and other regional task forces.

In 2001, Chief Donovan received his first K-9 partner, a German Shepherd named Jambo, while working as a sergeant. Donovan and Jambo worked together up until 2009 when Jambo retired.

Following Jambos retirement, Donovan went on to work alongside K-9 Bear from 2009-2017. When Donovan was promoted to chief in 2011, he became the only police chief in Massachusetts to have a working K-9.

K-9 Bear continued to actively work until the department received the late K-9 Kyro in 2013. Bear officially retired in 2017, however, he continued to accompany Donovan to the station every day until he passed away at the age of 14 on Feb. 8.

In addition to serving as a K-9 officer for the department, Donovan served as the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC) K-9 Units Control Chief since 2015. He also served as SEMLECs Assistant Control Chief of SWAT since 2016.

I would like to recognize and thank my colleagues, the Raynham community and most importantly my family for supporting me and the department over the past three decades, Donovan said in a statement. Over the years, Ive had the opportunity to assist the community that I was born and raised in and have also raised my family in. It has been a pleasure to serve the community, and I look forward to watching the department continue to grow throughout the years.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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(Reuters) - Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was listed as a passenger on a private jet that crashed on Wednesday evening north of Moscow with no survivors, the Russian authorities said.

Reuters could not immediately confirm that he was on the aircraft. The following is reaction:

*U.S. national security spokesperson Adrienne Watson:

"We have seen the reports. If confirmed, no one should be surprised."

* Kaja Kallas , prime minister of Estonia, to CNN:

"If true, it shows (Russian President Vladimir ) Putin will eliminate opponents and that scares anyone who is thinking of expressing opinion different than his."

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*British lawmaker Alicia Kearns, chair of parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, on social media platform X:

"The speed at which the Russian Govt has confirmed Yevgeny Prigozhin was on a plane that crashed on a flight from Moscow to St Petersburg should tell us everything we need to know. Reports Russian Air Defence shot down the plane suggests Putin is sending a very loud message."

*Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau on state news channel TVP Info

"... We would have great trouble naming anyone who would intuitively think this was a coincidence. It so happens that political opponents whom Vladimir Putin considers a threat to his power do not die naturally."

(Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
The Dayton Police Department is asking for help identifying a frequent shoplifter.

>>TRENDING: Dayton Public Schools implements new safety precautions after child walks off campus unnoticed

The woman is alleged to frequently shoplift from Gem City Market, on 324 Salem Ave., a spokesperson from the department said.

Additionally, the woman allegedly threatened one of the employees with a knife when she was confronted.

If she looks familiar or if you know her, contact the Dayton Police Department at (937) 333-2677 or Miami Valley Crime Stoppers at (937) 222-7867.
Rudolph Giuliani, mayor of New York, listens to speakers during a ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in New York in this May 18, 2000. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, file) | MARK LENNIHAN, AP

The year was 2002, and Rudy Giuliani was in London.

As the recently retired mayor of New York City (his term limit had just expired), Giuliani was there for a special ceremony: he was becoming an honorary knight.

Londons Lord Mayor publicly praised Giuliani at the time, humorously comparing him to a bag of tea: You can only tell their strength when you put them in hot water. And then, referring to Giuliani, he concluded, You sir, are a fine brew.

Two decades later, Giuliani is once again in hot water, but this time the brew resembles something more likely to be found in a cauldron than a teacup.

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The New York Times reported this week Giuliani has racked up potentially insurmountable legal bills related to an array of investigations and lawsuits.

Giuliani is being sued by a former work associate for allegations of sexual harassment and assault. Giuliani categorically denies the allegations, but numerous media outlets have reported on transcripts of Giulianis conversations in which he makes infuriatingly vulgar, sexist and antisemitic comments.

According to Giulianis lawyer, the former mayor also appears to be Co-Conspirator 1 in the most recent indictment of President Donald Trump for efforts seeking to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.

And finally, in July, a disciplinary panel in Washington D.C. recommended Giuliani be disbarred. By prosecuting that destructive case Mr. Giuliani, a sworn officer of the Court, forfeited his right to practice law, the 38-page document stated in reference to Giulianis claims of massive election fraud without supporting evidence.

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Rudy Giuliani was once lauded by Oprah as Americas Mayor. He was flawed, certainly. But he was once a respected public servant  an honorary knight in Britain. Now hes become the brunt of jokes from one of Britains most irreverent comedians, Sacha Baron Cohen.

Its a story as tragic as King Lear wandering in the woods, half-mad, cursing the heavens, devoid of introspection about his follies that have contributed to his plight.

It has a Shakespearean element about it ... It does have that kind of tragic tale that is being told in front of us, so well have to all watch  and no one wishes him ill, but hes gotten himself where he is, the former White House counsel to President Nixon, John Dean, said recently on CNN.

Dean has become a well-known critic of Trump and a frequent pundit on left-leaning cable news. But the tragedy of Giuliani isnt a partisan matter  its a painfully human one.

Giuliani cleaned up crime in New York and comforted the country after 9/11. Hes no longer that man, but he can become a better man. A man of honor and dignity. He can clean up his life, take responsibility for any poor choices and strive for the kind of contentment that transcends ephemeral carnal comforts.

Giuliani has called his faith a personal discussion, but hes not shy about his upbringing as a Catholic. Over the years hes been known for attending Mass in New York City.

And every tragedy carries through lines of mercy.

In King Lear, after the once prideful monarch is brought low, he encounters his loyal daughter who he recklessly cut off from inheritance. He struggles to recognize her, but when he finally does, his conscience is pricked and expresses his shame.

If she had poison for him, Lear says, he would willingly drink it.

But in a moment of mercy, his daughter forgives him.

This moment of contrition and compassion doesnt change the tragic ending to the play, but it helps redeem Lear. A great leader, now abased, finds a way out from under pride.

Its the kind of tale that could only happen to a king in Shakespeare. But Im still hopeful its also the kind of story that could happen to a former mayor in New York City.
Greenpeace claims that outrageous tax breaks given to airlines in the European Union have given travelers incentive to choose to fly rather than taking the train, according to a report by The Guardian.

The decadeslong tax exemption on jet fuel has given airlines the ability to sell tickets at a lower price, but its costing governments and citizens alike.

Greenpeace analyzed 112 routes over nine days and found that, on average, the train was more expensive on 79 of those routes. In some cases, the difference in price was astonishing. For instance, to get from London to Barcelona was 30 times more expensive to take the train rather than hopping on a plane.

The biggest price to pay in the short term is paid by the governments. According to a study by Transport and Environment, European governments reportedly lost over 34.2 billion euros ($37.2 billion as of mid-August) in revenue last year alone. That could pay for nearly 870 miles of high-speed rail.

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The long-term cost is the damage to the environment. Commercial airliners contribute a huge amount of harmful gases into the atmosphere. One round-trip flight between New York and California produces about 20% of what your car does in an entire year, according to The New York Times.

In 2019, international flights in the EU contributed 81.6 million metric tons (89.9 million tons) of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Rail transportation, on the other hand, emitted only 3.5 million metric tons (3.9 million tons) in 2020.

The EU is working to start taxing jet fuels, but the member states are struggling to agree to make cleaner fuels cheaper and the fuels airlines currently use are more expensive.

Lorelei Limousin, a climate campaigner at Greenpeace, urged governments to act, saying: For the planet and peoples sake, politicians must act to turn this situation around and make taking the train the more affordable option.

Ten Euro [roughly $11] airline tickets are only possible because others, like workers and taxpayers, pay the true cost, Limousin told The Guardian. Planes pollute far more than trains, so why are people being encouraged to fly?

The International Energy Agency has also called on governments to tax aviation fuels according to impact, acknowledging that only a minority of the world flies.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Eight candidates seeking the White House next year took the stage for the first 2023 Republican presidential debate Wednesday night in Milwaukee.

Here's a rundown of the Journal Sentinel's updates from the day as the world descended to Milwaukee to kick off the 2024 presidential race in the same city that will host the Republican National Convention next July.

Protesting has ended; no commotion in Deer District

As of 10:30 p.m. the Deer District outside the Fiserv Forum was calm as debate attendees slowly filed out for the evening.

A group go about 250 protesters had disbanded for the night shortly after 9 p.m. and there was no commotion as attendees moseyed to bars, their cars or hotel rooms. Elliot Hughes

Video: Should Donald Trump be in future debates? 'Why would he?' says Donald Trump Jr.'

Read the full story

 Lawrence Andrea

Did Milwaukee have '30 shootings' last weekend, as Fox News' Bret Baier said?

Fox News Bret Baier said in a question to Chris Christie that Milwaukee had 30 shootings last weekend. If he meant 30 victims, that figure is near-accurate, but Milwaukee had about half of 30 shootings.

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Milwaukee Police reports at least 26 people were injured and at least three people died in shootings

Two mass shootings occurred over the weekend, among the victims were children. Andrea Sanders, 17, also died in a separate shooting as a trend of youth homicides continues in Milwaukee.

Read the full story

 Drake Bentley

Video: Chris Christie explains why he won't support Donald Trump

Protesters walk to Fiserv Forum before returning to Red Arrow Park

After circling around Fiserv Forum, protesters returned to Red Arrow Park. More speakers blasted candidates for their stances on race, climate change and abortion rights.

"We're on the right side of history," said Alan Chavoya, of the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racism and Political Repression.

Event organizer Aurelia Ceja expected some counterprotesters during the march, and she said about 20 engaged with protesters in the streets near the arena.

"It was dealt with very well," Ceja said. We just don't engage and move on with our fight and our agenda. We're fighting for justice. They can go ahead and stand in our way but we'll keep on moving."

About 250 attended Wednesday's protest, which was organized by the Coalition to March on the RNC 2024. How many next summer?

"We're hoping to have thousands across the country," she said.  Kelly Meyerhofer

Protesters to Republican presidential candidates at debate: 'You are not welcome here'

Speakers at Tuesday nights protest of the Republican presidential debate made it clear they would not support any candidate from the GOP.

You are not welcome here, said Christine Neumann-Ortiz of Voces de La Frontera. None of the candidates are a lesser alternative to (Donald) Trump.More than 250 people attended the demonstration in the park despite temperatures lingering in the high 90s by 7 p.m.

Speakers accused the Republican Party of being racism, sexist, transphobic and anti-worker.

It is an all-out war on the working class, said Tracey Schwerdtfeger of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council.

After about a half-hour of speeches, the crowd snaked through downtown for a half mile until it arrived outside the Fiserv Forum.

As protesters walked by, a projected message onto the stadium read Parents want love, not MAGA hate.

Meanwhile marchers chanted Milwaukee is a union town and Say it loud, say it clear, Republicans arent welcome here, the chants continued. Elliot Hughes

Donald Trump's staffers not allowed into debate room

Security staff are barred from allowing into Wednesdays debate spin room three staffers of former President Donald Trump, according to a new report.

According to a flyer obtained by NBC News, staff were given a flyer with the photos of Trump staffers Jason Miller, Justin Caparole and Danny Tiso and a message that says Not approved for entry//Not a valid credential.

Trump is not attending Wednesdays presidential debate but had planned to send surrogates in his place.

Miller entered the debate hall anyway, according to NBC News reporter Dasha Burns.

 Molly Beck

Small protest crowd at Red Arrow Park

Around 250 people have gathered in Red Arrow Park in protest of the eight Republican presidential debaters and their stances on abortion, transgender rights, labor issues and racial equity.

Its really funny to see people get in a. Stage and debate the lives and rights of people, Aurelia Ceja, an event organizer, said in an interview. Were not here for it.

The demonstration was organized by the Coalition to March on the RNC 2024. Around a dozen speakers are expected to address the crowd before marching a half-mile to the Fiserv Forum to protest the debate inside.

Ceja said she expected the extreme heat to impact the attendance of the demonstration, with temperatures still resting in the high 90s as of 7 p.m. She said 1,500 water bottles were donated to support protesters.

Around 250 people have gathered in Red Arrow Park in protest of the eight Republican presidential debaters and their stances on abortion, transgender rights, labor issues and racial equity.

Its really funny to see people get in a. Stage and debate the lives and rights of people, Aurelia Ceja, an event organizer, said in an interview. Were not here for it.

The demonstration was organized by the Coalition to March on the RNC 2024. Around a dozen speakers are expected to address the crowd before marching a half-mile to the Fiserv Forum to protest the debate inside.

Ceja said she expected the extreme heat to impact the attendance of the demonstration, with temperatures still resting in the high 90s as of 7 p.m. She said 1,500 water bottles were donated to support protesters.

Im here in solidarity, said protester Mike Christie. But the heat is a lot so I may dip out early.Wednesdays event was the hottest protest Tammy Gibbs has ever participated in, and shes attended more than a dozen rallies. But she never entertained the idea of skipping due to heat.

Not an option, she said.

Abortion rights and LGBTQ rights were among Gibbs top political priorities.

It just seems like the GOP has lost their minds, she said.

 Elliot Hughes

YAF block party crowds were thin despite debate hype

Crowds at the Young America's Foundation Block Party were sporadic and largely filled with political heavyweights Wednesday afternoon as sweltering heat pummeled those who attended.

Those who did show up were mostly debate attendees, media personalities and high-profile political figures, some from other states. And while there were some young people in the crowd, most visitors were older.

Outside of media tapings for conservative shows and a few food vendors, Wednesday's crowd was spread thin throughout the Deer District. It's a far cry from the packed events Milwaukee residents are used to during Bucks games.

Heat was certainly an obstacle for those who packed into the Deer District. The heat index topped 100 degrees Wednesday, and the National Weather Service warned of "dangerously hot conditions" for anyone outdoors.

The event lasted less than three hours, with most filtering out by 6:30 p.m.

 Tyler Katzenberger

Democratic leaders speak before Republican debate

More than 100 people packed themselves in No Studios in the Brewery District to listen to union and progressive leaders offer a rebuttal before the Republican Presidential Primary Debate on Wednesday.

Democratic Congresswoman Gwen Moore touted funding for infrastructure work provided by the Inflation Reduction Act as a benefit to Wisconsin residents, especially those working on the projects.

We created incentives for these jobs to be labor union and apprenticeship jobs, Moore said. These are the kinds of jobs that people can have not just dignity, but they can actually afford to eat and have a place to live at the same time.

Moore said Democrats and the Biden administration, through the child tax credit, helped give low-income families financial relief.

Even people who were not hanging on by the hair of their chinny chin chin, we were able to provide for them extra money so they could comfortably pay for uniforms for their kids to be in little league, and buy school supplies... that is what this president ( Joe Biden ) has done for you lately, Moore said.

Jaime Harrison, chairperson of the Democratic National Committee, said to the union crowd the Republican presidential candidates have forgotten the importance of unions in building this great nation.

Laborers, police officers, firefighters, educators, nurses, painters, airline workers, custodians, transit workers, steel workers, grocery store workers, and hotel workers, they all built this country, Harrison said. You all are the backbone of this country and deserve to be treated as such. And thats exactly what the Biden, Harris administration has done. But unfortunately, my friends, weve got an extreme anti-worker, anti-union bag of Republicans trying to take us backwards.

Former lieutenant governor and Democratic senate candidate Mandela Barnes said Republicans are people who are coming after our quality of life; people who dont want to see us being paid what were worth.

Its going to be a whole stage full of people who want to come after people and attack abortion access. Its going to be a room full of people who are going to attack you based on who you love, based on where you were born, based on where you live. Its going to be a room of people who want to come after our voting rights, Barnes said. We know who they are, but we also know who we are. Were a room full of people who are ready to organize; ready to fight for someone we dont even know; ready to fight for people who dont look like us; who dont share our religion; dont have the same sexual orientation, people who care about making this country a better place for everybody.

After the speeches the crowd gathered and marched to Fiserv Forum, the setting for the debate, chanting and holding signs. The crowd stuck to the sidewalks and received no resistance from police that were present or Republican Party supporters.

A plane with a message criticizing the Republican 2024 field circled above the Deer District and Fiserv Forum about an hour and half before the debate was set to begin.

 Ricardo Torres

Plane flies above Fiserv Forum with message criticizing Republican field

Top Democrats, including the DNC chairman, met in Milwaukee earlier Wednesday, arguing President Joe Biden should be given a second term to protect from "MAGA extremism."

An airplane flies with a banner above Fiserv Forum before the Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday.

The advertisement is part of the Democratic National Committee's messaging against the presidential hopefuls, who are set to take the stage at 8 p.m.

"GOP 2024: A Race for the Extreme MAGA Base," the banner trailing the plane reads.

Biden's campaign rolled out a TV spot that was set to begin airing today, part of a $25 million ad buy.

 Hope Karnopp

Preview of Tucker Carlson's interview with Donald Trump posted on X (formerly Twitter)

Well, you know, a lot of people have been asking me that, Trump replied.

Five minutes before the first Republican primary debate starts tonight, a video of Tucker Carlson interviewing former president Donald Trump will air on X, formerly Twitter.

Trump made it official Sunday that he would be skipping Wednesdays debate, citing his big lead in GOP polls.

Whatever you think of Trump, he is, as of tonight, the indisputable runaway frontrunner in the Republican race, Carlson said in a video he shared on the platform. We think voters have an interest in hearing what he thinks. So, when Trump approached us about having a conversation for a far larger audience than hed receive on cable news, we happily accepted.

Carlson and Fox News parted ways earlier this year.

Later Wednesday, Carlson posted on X a preview of the interview, which was conducted in Bedminster, New Jersey, where Trump National Golf Club is located.

Why arent you at the Fox News debate tonight in Milwaukee? Carlson asked.

It appears Carlson asked Trump quite the array of questions during their time together, including:

It started with protests against you, then it moved to impeachment twice, and now, indictment. Are you worried that theyre going to try and kill you? Why wouldnt they try and kill you, honestly?

Based on the preview video, other topics will include former vice president and current candidate Mike Pence, Jeffrey Epstein, the 2020 election, open conflict, and if Trump thinks the country is headed for civil war.

Also in the preview, Trump called President Joe Biden the worst president in the history of our country and said he didnt think Biden would make it to the gate.

Trump plans to turn himself in Thursday for booking at the Fulton County jail in Atlanta on charges of trying to overturn the 2020 election.

 Hannah Kirby

Scott Walker: Skipping Wisconsin a 'missed opportunity' for Donald Trump

Republican former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks at a Young America's Foundation event in Milwaukee's Deer District before the Republican presidential debate on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

Republican former Gov. Scott Walker and Sen. Ron Johnson think Donald Trump should have visited Wisconsin despite the former president's decision to skip the first Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee.

"I think it's a missed opportunity," Walker told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel at a conservative pre-debate event Wednesday afternoon in the Deer District.

Walker also suggested Trump should have attended the Republican presidential debate scheduled for Wednesday evening at Fiserv Forum.

"I think he would have done a tremendous job. I saw how dominant he was on the stage eight years ago," he said. "I think it's always good to come to Wisconsin."

Johnson also suggested Trump should have visited Wisconsin

"I would have liked to see him come," he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "But it's a choice he had to make. It's a tough decision, with all the indictments."

Trump confirmed he would not attend the debate in a post to his Truth Social platform Sunday, citing his wide lead over the rest of the Republican field in recent polls. He instead pre-recorded an interview with ex-Fox News host Tucker Carlson that is expected to air at 7:55 p.m. on Carlson's Twitter account, five minutes before eight GOP presidential candidates take the stage in Milwaukee.

Trump is not expected to visit Wisconsin on Wednesday, a move President Joe Biden's campaign said last week was because Trump "knows Wisconsin is a state that illustrates his failed leadership."

Johnson was one of several high-profile political figures who braved searing heat Wednesday afternoon to visit the Deer District for a block party event hosted by the conservative Young America's Foundation. Donald Trump, Jr., Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel also appeared at the event, which featured multiple live recordings of conservative media shows.

Tyler Katzenberger

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum taken to the hospital for torn Achilles tendon, but will participate in tonight's debate

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum tore his Achilles tendon while playing basketball and was taken to a Milwaukee emergency room on Tuesday, however he has returned to Fiserv Forum and will participate in tonight's debate.

"Gov. Burgum sustained an injury while playing a pick-up game of basketball with campaign staff," Mike Nowatzki, communications director for the governor's office told USA TODAY, referring other questions to the campaign.

Burgum, 67, is on crutches, his campaign said, and may not be able to physically stand.

Ive played lots of pick-up games in my day! This isnt the first time one has sent me to the ER. Appreciate all the well-wishes! #TeamBurgum pic.twitter.com/5YL3rCEnCd  Doug Burgum (Text "DOUG" to 70177) (@DougBurgum) August 23, 2023

 USA TODAY

Few people ventured outside in the heat Wednesday afternoon, but some held signs near Fiserv Forum.

'Tampa Five' in Milwaukee to protest Ron DeSantis' education policy

A member of the Tampa Five  a group arrested this spring while rallying against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis education agenda  is in Milwaukee to once again protest his policies while he takes the debate stage to defend them.

Im here to say drop the charges and also stop your racist, sexist, anti-gay agenda, Chrisley Carpio told the Journal Sentinel about her message tonight. DeSantis, she said, represents an attack on free speech and an attack on the student movement.

DeSantis has banned classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, defunded diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at Florida public colleges and limited tenure protections for faculty.

Carpio, 31, was one of five protesters arrested in connection with a March 6 rally at the University of South Florida that resulted in a physical altercation with police. Carpio was employed by USF at the time.

Versions of how the protest played out differ, The Tampa Bay Times reported. Carpio said she and others were attacked by police while police have said protesters initiated the encounter and pushed an officer to the ground.

The Tampa Five  Carpio and four USF students  were charged with battery against a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest without violence and disrupting a school or campus function. If convicted, they could face years in prison.

They pleaded not guilty in May.

 Kelly Meyerhofer

Sen. Ron Johnson meets with Moms For Liberty at Pfister Hotel

Protesters gather at Red Arrow Park Wednesday prior to the Republican debate.

At the Pfister Hotel Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson talked strategy with members of Moms for Liberty at the Pfister, where the group has gathered for events surrounding the Republican presidential debate.

Moms for Liberty, a national organization with local chapters that have opposed diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in schools, has been designated by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an extremist antigovernment organization.

The organization originally planned to host an event with presidential candidates at the Italian Community Center. It then ditched those plans and announced it would instead host the event with Johnson.

Johnson spoke with a small invite-only crowd of about a dozen people. Audience members pushed Johnson on supporting a federal parental bill of rights and dismantling the U.S. Department of Education.

Johnson, while agreeing with the ideas in theory, deflected on action. He encouraged the audience to push for changes at local and state levels, noting the lack of Republican power at the federal level.

We got to take the power back here locally and at the state level, Johnson said.

Johnson also encouraged them to focus on targeted issues, specifically trans people using public showers.

Leading up to the event, the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association and others called on Marcus Corp., which owns the Pfister, to refuse to host Moms for Liberty.

 Rory Linnane

Heat keeps Deer District quiet around midday

The blistering heat and humidity kept many people indoors Wednesday afternoon. A few visitors were milling around Fiserv Forum and its plaza, known as the Deer District, about 1 p.m.

A contingent of young supporters of former president Donald Trump intermittently cooled off in the shade and marched around the plaza holding signs.

Some staff arrived in suits and made their way indoors quickly. Most of those who ventured outdoors were members of the media, wearing press passes. Television news cameras were lined up in the plaza as they had been all day.

Sandy Juno of Green Bay, the retired Brown County clerk, was taking in the sights of the Deer District from an Adirondack chair in the shade outside Punch Bowl Social.

Juno will be in the debate audience. She and her friend said they dont visit Milwaukee often but were finding it to be friendly and easy to navigate.

They were scoping out good spots for barbecue after sampling some food earlier in the day at the Baird Center, where hundreds of local vendors were offering their products ahead of the 2024 Republican National Convention.

Juno said she was especially interested in Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy.

Juno hoped the candidates talked about inflation.

You see what the prices are now. I know what its like for us. But I cant imagine what its like for a young family, especially if youve got kids in diapers, who need formula. I dont know how they do it, she said.

Thats my concern, that they have a shot at the American dream.

David Standridge of New Berlin, a retiree who worked in health and wellness, stopped by the Deer District to see what was happening and to hand out QR codes for his music.

Standridge wore a shirt that read, We Need John Lennon, also the title of the song linked on his flyers. He advocated for more peace and harmony in politics.

These guys are going to yell at each other, theyre going to yell at Biden, theyre going to yell at everything thats wrong with America. And thats just not the way to go about it, Standridge said.

Standridge was hesitant at first about the debate being held in Milwaukee.

But this is Wisconsin nice, Midwest nice, Standridge said. No matter what (people) think of the candidates, I hope theyll show them the hospitality that the city is known for.

 Sophie Carson

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene speaks to a reporter outside Fiserv Forum Wednesday afternoon. A handful of supporters of former president Donald Trump were walking around the area holding signs throughout the day. Some stopped to hear Taylor Greene speak.

RNC chairman Reince Priebus praises Milwaukee and Mayor Cavalier Johnson as host city

Reince Priebus, host chairman for the 2024 Republican National Convention, heaped praise on Milwaukee and its Democratic mayor, Cavalier Johnson at the Republican Partner Convention Fair at the Baird Center on Wednesday.

As Milwaukee and the RNC prepare for the convention next year, many delegates are going to be looking for places to hold events, cater food, print materials or other many tasks. Thats where Wisconsin businesses can take advantage of the major event.

People dont realize that all of those states, all of those territories, they have their own delegation that has events for two weeks during the convention, Priebus said. The idea was that we wanted to feature all of the local businesses here so those states can plan their events.

Priebus said Johnson has been absolutely fabulous and integral to make sure that this event gets off to a good start.

Obviously were from different political parties but quite frankly, whats great to see here... whether youre a hardcore Republican, Democrat or independent, its nice to see that you can have Republicans and Democrats working together for the future of Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin, Priebus said.

According to the GOP, there were 300 different vendors at the fair, 52 of them were minority-owned businesses, 48 were owned by women and two veteran-owned businesses.

The impact of this convention on the city of Milwaukee is estimated to be $200 million in revenue, said Ronna McDaniel, Republican National Committee chairwoman. Its not just about the RNC, thats what its about. Its about the business owners of the people of this great city.

McDaniel said Johnson put away partisanship to work with the committee to bring the convention to Milwaukee.

Thats what leaders do, McDaniel said.

In the lead up to the announcement of the host city, Johnson said he personally flew to Washington, D.C. to convince the committee to choose Milwaukee for the 2024 convention.

When you walk around this fair, you see the businesses from all across Milwaukee, Johnson said. Literally every single aldermanic district is represented.

Johnson said the convention next year is going to put the city in a spotlight.

This convention will allow us to stand up and say We will be seen. We will be heard. We want more events like this in Milwaukee, Johnson said.

 Ricardo Torres

Top Democrats met in Milwaukee to blast Republican candidates

Top Democrats met in Milwaukee Wednesday to blast Republican presidential candidates challenging President Joe Biden, criticizing the party's position on abortion and efforts to undermine the 2020 presidential election result.

Democratic National Committee chairman Jaime Harrison, Biden campaign co-chairman Cedric Richmond, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chairman Ben Wikler and Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway argued the Democratic president should be given a second term based on his navigation of the economy and to protect from what they described as "MAGA extremism."

"This group is as extreme as it gets. A bag full of MAGA apples and they are all rotten. They are wildly out of step with the American people," Harrison said at a press conference held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Milwaukee.

 Molly Beck

The debate stage for the first 2024 Republican Presidential Primary Debate on Fox News Chanel at the Fiserv Forum on August 22, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

First look at the Republican debate stage at Fiserv Forum

We have our first look at the stage for tonights debate at Fiserv Forum and its bright, high-tech and very red, white and blue.

Photos from debate organizer Fox News Channel show eight podiums for the eight candidates. Theyll be backed by a curved wall and an imposing arch supported by columns. Higher up and in the center is a logo, Fox News Democracy 24.

Another photo shows the logo on the stadium scoreboard.

 Bill Glauber

Marjorie Taylor Greene on Donald Trump skipping the debate: 'I told him not to' attend

Georgia U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said she told former president Donald Trump not to participate in Wednesdays Republican primary debate.

Taylor Greene made the comments to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as she was leaving the studio of 101.7 The Truth, a talk radio station focused on Milwaukees Black community.

I told him not to, Taylor Greene said, referring to Trump. Hes winning by giant margins. Theres really there was no need for him to.

Asked for comment on the other Republican candidates on the debate stage, Taylor Greene said: Theyre not going to win.

Taylor Greene gave a forceful pitch for giving former President Donald Trump another term in the White House during her discussion with host Sherwin Hughes.

She said she did not believe President Joe Biden was legitimately elected in 2020, repeating debunked claims put forward by Trump that rely, in part, on falsehoods about Milwaukees system of elections.

I gotta start with this. Did Joe Biden legitimately win the 2020 presidential election? Hughes asked.

I don't think so, Taylor Greene replied.

Taylor Greene also said she believed charges leveled at Trump, some of which are over his actions leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection, were politically motivated and said Trump did not pursue similar criminal proceedings against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over her use of a personal email server to conduct official business.

Hughes also asked Taylor Greene whether Republicans would support providing Black Americans compensation for the lasting effects of slavery. Taylor Greene said doing so would open floodgates.

I don't believe in reparations because there's going to be some group, some identity, someone else that's always going to come forward and bring their wrongs and demand payment from the American taxpayers in this country, Taylor Greene said. I welcome anyone to the Republican Party, but I hope they come for other reasons.

When asked whether she would consider being Trumps running mate, Taylor Greene said she would definitely consider it.

I'd be honored if he asked, but you know, I think that's a decision for President Trump and his team alone, she said. And to tell you the truth, I'm really proud and honored to represent Georgia's 14th district.

A retired Milwaukee Public Schools teacher, Karen Rinka, stopped by 3rd St. Market Hall, where 101.7 The Truth has its studio, to get a glimpse of Taylor Greene through the studio window.

Rinka is a regular listener of The Truth and called herself a good liberal. She said she was surprised to hear Taylor Greene had been booked on the show, but she appreciated that Sherwin Hughes, the host, was hearing diverging viewpoints such as Greenes.

I think its great hes got her on, Rinka said. Shes got a voice, shes got something to say.

Rinka pointed to the divisiveness in todays political conversation.

Its important for us all to come to the table, she said, wherever we come from.

In response to Taylor Greenes visit, Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesman Joe Oslund issued a statement:

"Putting an extremist election denier like Marjorie Taylor Greene front and center tells you everything you need to know about what we'll hear from the MAGA Republican field on the debate stage tonight.

Marjorie Taylor Greene showing up in Wisconsin as a top Republican surrogate and denying the clear results of the 2020 election shows just how completely Donald Trump has captured the GOP with his lies and an extreme agenda doomed to fail with Wisconsin voters."

 Sophie Carson and Molly Beck

How the Republican presidential candidates are preparing for the first debate

Mock debates. Campaign staffers pretending to be fierce rivals. Playbooks full of strategies and talking points.

These are all tactics presidential campaigns use to get candidates ready for debate night. As the first Republican primary debate approaches Wednesday night at Fiserv Forum, the crowded field of GOP hopefuls will make their pitch to voters  and target their rivals on a national stage.

But how are these candidates preparing for the first 2024 debate? What are their strengths as they gear up for the event? And more importantly, what are their weaknesses?

And what about when the unexpected happens? As is the case of North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, who was injured while playing basketball and taken to a Milwaukee emergency room the day before the debate.

Reporters from the USA TODAY Network reached out to a slate of Republican presidential candidates to see how they hope to compete this week. Here's a peek at their plans.

 USA TODAY

Fences surround the plaza outside Fiserv Forum Wednesday morning ahead of the Republican presidential primary debate.

Outside Fiserv Forum, curious visitors, Milwaukee residents take a look at preparations

Twelve hours ahead of the start of the Republican presidential primary debate, the plaza outside Fiserv Forum was surrounded by tall fences covered in black tarps.

On the plaza, known as the Deer District, a line of television reporters prepared for live broadcasts. Security guards were stationed at fenced-off entrances.

Young Americas Foundation, a partner of the debate, was set to host a pre-debate block party on the plaza. Cornhole games and cocktail tables were set up near a stage.

Joggers, dog walkers and people walking to work downtown were some of the only people near the plaza, known as the Deer District.

Michael Trager, 67, a certified public accountant from Queens, New York, was checking out the scene around 8 a.m. He will be in the debate audience.

Im thinking less theater and more substance, Trager said of what he expects from the debate.

Trager is looking forward to hearing what the candidates say on the border, taxes and the economy.

On which candidate hes supporting, he said: Im open.

Trager liked what hed seen of Milwaukee so far. Hes always had a liking for Milwaukee since his mother underwent an innovative heart surgery at Columbia St. Marys Hospital nearly four decades ago.

Im impressed by its cleanliness and by its friendliness, Trager said.

Stephanie Valdez, 26, was one of the dog walkers taking a stroll past Fiserv Forum. She and her Yorkshire Terrier, Rocky, moved to Milwaukee about three weeks ago from Texas for a job at Northwestern Mutual.

Im here with all the action right now, Valdez said. Weve been seeing them getting set up and everything. Its exciting, for sure.

Valdez said she hopes the candidates discuss the economy and how they would support the middle class.

Thats an issue Ive seen with my family, is just the middle class being affected, she said.

Three young men who said they were volunteers with former president Donald Trumps 2024 campaign declined to give their names but said they were planning to walk around the area holding signs throughout the day.

One sign said VP tryouts 2023, depicting candidates Mike Pence, Nikki Haley, Ron De Santis and Tim Scott grayed out in the background, with a photo of Trump in color in the center.

Martin Kutzler, who lives about two blocks from Fiserv Forum in the Brewery District, said he will be watching Trumps interview with Tucker Carlson tonight, but he may also tune into the debate.

He wants the candidates to address inflation and to pledge to stop American involvement in Russias war with Ukraine.

I'm just coming from the grocery store. I can tell you prices have not gone down, he said.

Kutzler said he appreciated Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnsons pro-Milwaukee approach to the debate taking place in the city.

I hope it shows a national audience that we are not just brats and cheese. Theres a little more cosmopolitan to us, he said.

The attention, Kutzler said, is long overdue.

 Sophie Carson

Heat warning in effect Wednesday will affect people preparing for debate

The forecast on Wednesday will be extremely hot for people gearing up for the debate outside the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.Wednesday's forecast calls for temperatures climbing into the upper 90s as the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning across parts of the state. The heat index in Milwaukee is expected to reach 111 degrees near the hottest part of the day around noon to 2 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

 Alex Groth

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson encouraged protests planned for the Republican presidential primary debate to be orderly. He spoke early Wednesday morning outside City Hall.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson encourages orderly protests

Speaking outside city hall early Wednesday, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson encouraged protests planned for the Republican presidential primary debate to be orderly.

Those who destroy property or harm others would be arrested, Johnson said.

While I hope no arrests will be made, if individuals make the choice, if they choose to break the law, then they will be taken into custody, Johnson said.

Johnson said he has extreme confidence in the Milwaukee Police Departments preparations for security and planned demonstrations.

Johnson said he welcomes the debate to Milwaukee because he wants to attract more large-scale events to the city to boost the economy.

I want Milwaukee to be seen in the best possible light, he said. I want more events, I want more conventions, I want more big meetings to take place in Milwaukee as well.

And most importantly, I want the jobs, I want the spending, I want the positive impact on our economy that comes from a thriving convention and hospitality industry.

Johnson also hopes the debate will raise the citys profile.

I want the entire world to see what a great city Milwaukee really is, Johnson said.

Johnson asked people to keep in mind the road closures around Fiserv Forum as well as the expected high temperatures.

Starting at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, closures and no parking zones will be implemented on both sides of the following streets in a perimeter around the arena, according to police:

North Sixth Street from West McKinley Avenue to West State Street

West Juneau Avenue from North Sixth Street to North King Drive

North Fifth Street from West McKinley Avenue to West Juneau Avenue

North Vel R. Phillips Avenue from West McKinley Avenue to West Juneau Avenue

North Vel R. Phillips Avenue to North King Drive via West Highland Avenue

 Sophie Carson

Milwaukee Area Technical College will be closed Wednesday

The downtown campus of the Milwaukee Area Technical College will be closed Wednesday because of the Republican debate at Fiserv Forum, the school announced on social media.

MATC's downtown campus, at 700 W. State St., is across the street from Fiserv Forum, where the debate is being held.

Classes held downtown will be online, and all other campuses are open.

The downtown campus reopens Thursday.

 Sophie Carson

Who are the Republican debate candidates tonight in Milwaukee?

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina

Former Vice President Mike Pence

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson

Why is Donald Trump not attending the Republican debate?

Trump says because he is leading in the polls that he doesn't need to debate and that "the public knows who I am & what a successful Presidency I had."

A day after the debate, Trump will turn himself into the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Georgia as he faces criminal charges tied to his attempt at overthrowing the 2020 election.

Christie calls Trump "a coward" for skipping the debate.

What time is the GOP presidential debate?

The debate begins at 8 p.m. You can watch it on the Fox News Channel.

Can I go to the Republican debate?

No. Tickets are not available to the general public.

Tuesday's live blog: Conservative groups hold advocacy training at Pfister

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Republican 2023 presidential debate live updates in Milwaukee
Former President Trump is so far out ahead of the rest of the Republican presidential primary field that some in the GOP see Wednesdays debate in Milwaukee as little more than a showcase for candidates angling to be Trumps running mate.

Trumps standing in the polls and fundraising have only been bolstered by each indictment announced by federal and state prosecutors, leading political experts to declare that it would take a seismic political event to shake up the race.

Trumps apparent lock on the nomination and his decision to skip the debate, depriving his rivals of a chance to challenge him directly, raises questions about what the other candidates really hope to accomplish Wednesday.

For Trumps top rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the debate will be an opportunity to show he is a viable challenger and boost his sagging poll numbers. But for other candidates, it will be an audition for serving as Trumps vice president or in his Cabinet, GOP strategists say.

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Trump definitely has the race locked up because of the strength of his support. Look, hes got approaching 60 percent in some national polls and he has a very loyal following. He essentially has it wrapped up, said John Ullyot, a Republican strategist who served as a senior adviser to Trumps 2016 campaign.

This is essentially a vice presidential or cabinet debate, people auditioning to get some kind of traction so they become acceptable on a ticket as a number two, he said.

Really you have about two or three candidates who are in the running for VP in that group. Principal among them is [Sen.] Tim Scott [R-S.C.] because a lot of people like him as their second choice, he added.

Ullyot said the debate provides a chance for lesser-known candidates such as North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum or entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to audition by raising their profile in order to run for either a cabinet position or a VP position.

Republican strategist Ford OConnell, who worked for the late Sen. John McCains (R-Ariz.) 2008 presidential campaign and as a Trump White House and campaign surrogate, said the first Republican debate could well be the VP audition.

He said Trump wants to see who can be an attack dog, who can be a good surrogate.

Trump himself pushed this idea earlier this month when he posted on his social media platform, Truth Social: Let them debate so I can see who I MIGHT consider for Vice President.

Trumps super PAC, Make America Great Again Inc., also pushed that narrative this week by setting up a website soliciting supporters to vote for your favorite VP by clicking on one of the eight candidates who will appear on stage in Milwaukee.

Ross K. Baker, a professor of political science at Rutgers University, also said Trump appears to be cruising to the nomination.

I cant imagine what event or series of events could occur that would shake this, certainly not a dozen other Republicans ragging on him in the debate. You kind of wonder what event would intervene, what kind of tectonic shift would be required, he said.

But former Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), who hails from a key early primary state, disputed Trumps attempt to claim he will inevitably win the nomination.

He doesnt have the nomination locked up. Thats why he would say something like that to make people feel that he does. Thats self-promotion and gamesmanship, he said. If the same person finishes first or second in Iowa and New Hampshire, this becomes a two-person race no matter how many other people in it.

Its way too early to know who that other person is. Nobodys caught the wave yet but somebodys going to and when they do, Trumps going to have a race on his hands, Gregg said.

Even so, Gregg acknowledged its not unusual for the eventual nominee to pick a rival as his running mate, noting Ronald Reagans choice of George H.W. Bush in the 1980 presidential campaign to serve as his vice president.

One Republican strategist aligned with Trump who requested anonymity because he is not authorized to speak for the campaign said Scott, Ramaswamy and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) are enticing presidential running mates because Trump needs to expand his appeal among minority and women voters in the general election, if he indeed wins the nomination.

Its basically the vice presidential debate right now, the strategist said. You need to lay down a good positive issue agenda that is going to get people to start talking about you. The attacks against Trump have backfired on the other candidates.

The strategist said former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during Trumps administration, is not likely to be on any vice presidential short list because she has attacked Trump during the campaign.

She has also broken with Trump on foreign policy by criticizing him for being too friendly to China and for not taking a stronger stand in support of Ukraines war against Russia.

Noem, who isnt running for president, declared earlier this month in a Fox News interview that none of the other candidates could win the nomination as long as Trump is in the race.

She has tried to raise her national profile in recent weeks by launching ads for a nationwide workforce recruitment program to lure more workers to her own state. She has emphasized that South Dakota stayed open for business during the pandemic, a line likely to appeal to many GOP voters.

Ron Bonjean, a Republican strategist and former Senate and House leadership aide, said the debate is a game of survivor for these candidates.

Having a fantastic performance breathes more fundraising dollars into your campaign from small-dollar donors who suddenly see youre likely to remain in the race and could be an outstanding replacement to President Trump should he not become the nominee, he said.

Tim Scott is really the optimist among the whole slate of candidates. Hes running a real optimistic campaign and one that looks to the future and I think thats something that Trump would absolutely need because hes constantly looking backwards and somewhat running a grievance campaign, he said.

Bonjean said Ramaswamy has enthusiasm, energy and a relentlessness to him and is really running an outsiders campaign that Trump could take a liking to.

I think both of those candidates have outstanding opportunities to shine in this debate, he said. If theyre going to be really considered for a vice presidential role, then they have to show a lot of energy and frankly showcase  how they would turn the country around.

John Feehery, a Republican strategist and former House GOP leadership aide who plans to attend the debate in Milwaukee, however, said its too early to say that Trump has locked up the nomination, despite his huge lead in the polls.

This debate will clarify who the top competitor to Trump is, he said. We still have to go through a couple steps here. Trump is not as strong as people think. All the money hes raising is going for his defense against all these prosecutions.

This is a critically important debate to decide who the chief alternative to Trump would be. And that might eventually turn out to be the vice president, given that thats how it works, he said. I dont think that Trump is going to pick somebody from the stage unless its Nikki Haley. I think hes looking for a woman.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and Republican presidential candidate and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie shake hands during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. | Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP

As Republican presidential candidates converge on Milwaukee for the first debate Wednesday evening, a new $2 million advertising campaign is sending them a message: Im a Republican. I support Ukraine.

Ten billboards featuring Republican voters in favor of continued aid to Ukraine have been plastered across the city, including two blocks away from Fiserv Forum, the venue for Wednesdays debate. TV ads with the same message will debut on Fox News during debate coverage. And a series of YouTube ads and online testimonials will circle airwaves through the end of the year.

NEW Billboards are up this morning across Milwaukee and in Times Squarejust in time for the Republican debate. pic.twitter.com/ObhYqeI9yr  Republicans for Ukraine (@GOP4Ukraine) August 21, 2023

One of those testimonials was recorded by George Graff, a St. George, Utah resident, who is a lifelong Republican and 41-year U.S. military veteran. Graff got involved with the campaign after seeing members of his party oppose continued support for Ukraine.

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I realized really quickly that Ukraine is fighting the war that we never had to, Graff said in an interview with the Deseret News. By Putin starting that war, hes really starting a war against the West and against us.

The campaign, called Republicans for Ukraine, is a project of Defending Democracy Together, a 501(c)(4) launched by Bill Kristol and Sarah Longwell, co-founders of the news outlet The Bulwark. Previous projects funded by Defending Democracy Together include Republicans for the Rule of Law, which encouraged Republicans to demand the facts during former President Donald Trump s first impeachment trial, and the Republican Accountability Project, an ongoing initiative to hold Republican officeholders who attempted to overturn the 2020 election accountable.

John Conway, director of strategy for Republicans for Ukraine, said the project is being funded by a diverse group of donors across the political spectrum with a common interest in being a pro-democratic force in our politics. Conservative critics of Kristol and The Bulwark, however, have pointed to large left-of-center donors who have supported Kristols efforts in the recent past.

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The war in Ukraine has become a sharp dividing line among Republican presidential hopefuls. Among the candidates who will be onstage Wednesday, two of them  former Vice President Mike Pence and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie  visited Ukraine this summer and met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Both support continued U.S. military aid to Ukraine, as do former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

However, Trumps two leading challengers in most national polls  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy  have staked out non-interventionist positions.

In a Fox News interview in March, DeSantis called the war a territorial dispute. The governor later walked back his comments, but continues to insist defending Ukraine is not a national security priority.

Ramaswamy claims aiding Ukraine does not advance American interests. He proposes pulling U.S. troops from Eastern Europe and ceding portions of Ukraine to Russia in exchange for a cease-fire. I think that by fighting further in Russia, by further arming Ukraine, we are driving Russia into Chinas hands, Ramaswamy told ABC News.

And Trump, who leads the Republican field by more than 40 percentage points in many national polls, has said President Joe Bidens support of Ukraine is dragging us further toward World War III and claimed that the U.S. is sending so much aid that we dont have ammunition for ourselves. Some Ukrainian civilians, fearing a second Trump term, have started learning how to build their own weapons, Politico reported Monday.

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, second left, listens to former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, right, during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, June 29, 2023. | Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via Associated Press

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, a growing share of Republican voters have become skeptical of the U.S. involvement. According to a Pew Research Center survey, in March 2022, 49% of Republican voters said the U.S. was not providing enough support to Ukraine, while just 9% said the U.S. was providing too much. By June 2023, those figures had nearly switched: 14% said the U.S. was not providing enough, while 44% said it was too much.

While the American populace at large has become increasingly skeptical of U.S. aid for Ukraine, there continues to be a huge partisan split: a SSRS/CNN poll conducted last month found that 71% of Republicans oppose further aid from Congress, while 62% of Democrats support more funding.

But there is still support for Ukraine among Republicans in Congress. In Salt Lake City Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell criticized President Bidens response to the war effort  Hes never done anything as quickly as he should  but also praised U.S. support, stating: Putin has already lost.

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At a Orrin G. Hatch Foundation awards dinner, where McConnell and his wife Elaine Chao, a former labor and transportation secretary, McConnell spoke about the importance of strengthening NATO, and said financial support for Ukraine amounts to a tiny sliver of the American gross domestic product. Much of that spending is done in America to build up weapons support, he continued, countering the argument that the U.S. spends too much.

But McConnell doesnt speak for many in his party, who have taken a harder line on spending for the war.

It is just astounding that we have representatives and senators that are in any way challenging this, and I cant  for the life of me  figure the basis for it, Graff said. Im so concerned about it, Im willing to do whatever I can to contribute to any effort to counter that.

Conway noted that public opinion polling  which showed slipping Republican support for Ukraine  inspired the TV ads and billboards. Thats why were starting the project: to kind of create permission structures with Republican voters to continue supporting democracy at home and abroad, Conway said.

One Milwaukee billboard shows Mike Beverly, a North Carolina lawyer, with the message GOP: STAND UP TO PUTIN.

I came up in the Cold War, Beverly told the Deseret News. I registered as a Republican to vote. I cast my first vote for Ronald Reagan. The Republican Party always stood by its NATO allies.

Beverlys work took him to Eastern Europe, and as he developed friendships there he saw the influence of Republican foreign policy. Ronald Reagan and George Bush Sr. are still heroes in those parts of the world, because of how steadfast they stood for democracy and against authoritarianism, he said. And to see the party drifting away from that ... position, pro-democracy and anti-authoritarianism, it suddenly seems to be anti-Ukraine and even worse, pro-Putin.

My support will go toward someone who supports Ukraine, Beverly continued. It is not the only issue, but it is a significant issue.
Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) said Tuesday that a threat to Rep. Kevin McCarthy s (R) Speakership is inevitable if he does not meet conservative demands and requires help from Democrats to avert a government shutdown.

Its going to be detrimental to leadership in the House, if they blow off the concerns of the people like myself and the Freedom Caucus and some of the other people on the right that are making reasonable demands in this problem, Jackson said on Steve Bannons War Room. Its going to be a problem.

Asked if he is prepared to move to vacate McCarthys Speakership, Jackson responded, I think thats inevitable.

I think if we continue to rely on the Democrats to pass important legislation out of the House, its going to be a real problem for leadership. And I think the way the rules are set up now, thats inevitable thats going to happen, he said.

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Last week, McCarthy told GOP lawmakers the House will likely have to pass a short-term solution known as a continuing resolution to keep the government open past the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30. Lawmakers have struggled to come to an agreement over appropriations levels as conversatives push to cut spending.

The conservative House Freedom Caucus said Monday it will oppose any stopgap government funding that does not include policy measures in connection with the border, the weaponization of the Department of Justice and woke policies in the Pentagon.

The congressional caucus said its members want any stopgap to include the House-passed Secure the Border Act of 2023 to cease the unchecked flow of illegal migrants, combat the evils of human trafficking, and stop the flood of dangerous fentanyl into our communities.

Earlier this month, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and 14 other Texas Republicans, including Jackson, pledged to vote against any continuing resolution or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill without taking necessary steps to secure the border.

And Jackson himself has vowed to vote against any continuing resolution brought to the floor that does not slash funding for the Department of Justice.

The demands are putting pressure on House GOP leaders, who can only risk a handful of votes in their slim majority before relying on Democratic support to pass any bills.

Any official Freedom Caucus position requires support from at least 80 percent of the groups membership. With around three dozen Republicans in the House Freedom Caucus, they have more than enough votes to sink any party-line measure.

McCarthy is going to have to listen to the people on the right or else hes going to have to rely on the Democrats to pass this, Jackson said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Retired Tulare County Sheriff Bob Wiley died on Saturday at the age of 87, sheriff's officials announced.

"Sheriff (Mike) Boudreaux contacted his wife, Sonja, to express his sympathy, and placed TCSO Honor Guards to stand by with (Wiley) at the funeral home," stated Ashley Ritchie, spokeswoman for the sheriff's department.

Wiley graduated from Kingsburg High School, where he played football and ran track. He was recruited to play football at Porterville College. At the same time, he worked as an extra help deputy and a rodeo cowboy to support his family, according to the sheriff's department.

Retired Tulare County Sheriff Bob Wiley

Wiley beat out long-time incumbent Sheriff Sandy Robinson and went on to serve as Tulare County sheriff from 1967-1991. When he retired in early 1991, the newest jail which Wiley opened in 1987, was renamed the Bob Wiley Detention Facility, sheriff's officials stated.

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The name has remained.

He also served as president of the California State Sheriffs Association.

Wiley is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sonja, and their three children, Andrea Hudson (Brad), of Riverside, Acia Bolen, of Visalia, and Robert Wiley, of Tulare.

Sheriff always

In 1991, Wiley said he'd been contemplating retirement for several years, but "only recently began giving the idea serious consideration."

"I've been giving it a lot of thought," he said. "Six terms is a long time to keep this job and keep it together."

The former sheriff credited himself with overseeing the transition of a rural sheriff's office to one with almost 500 employees and a budget over $23 million.

Wiley said he was equally proud of his programs to clamp down on crime in the county, which is among the lowest per capita in the state, he said at the time.

"We've had a tremendous amount of accomplishments," Wiley said.

Former Sheriff Bob Wiley died Saturday at the age of 87. He left the office after more than two decades in charge.

Among those successes, he said, was construction of the county's 384-bed jail at Sequoia Field in 1987 and landing of a lucrative contract with the state to house parole violators, a program that later ended.

Wiley also cited his efforts to fight illegal drug use and dealing in the county.

"I've played as strong a role as any law enforcement officer in the area of narcotics and drug prevention." Wiley said in a 1990 Tulare Advance Register article.

After two decades in office, law enforcement from all sides rallied around him.

"He has brought rural law enforcement to the forefront of modernization," said James Rowland, then-director of the California Department of Corrections. "He is a real advocate for professionalism in law enforcement and has real concern for staff and taxpayers. He has been ahead of the times in bringing programs and advancements to a rural law enforcement agency."

Professionalism also was mentioned by Tulare County's district attorney at the time.

"He is a tough, no-nonsense law officer," said Gerald Sevier, who went on to be a judge. "When we talk about Bob Wiley, we have to talk about leadership, dedication to law enforcement and the needs of law enforcement. Bob Wiley exemplifies all those traits."

Even the Tulare County Public Defender at the time had some kind words.

Neal Pereira said he respected Wiley although the Public Defender's Office was often at odds with the goals of the sheriff's office.

"Some of the cases he's handled exceptionally well," Pereira said. "Others he hasn't. But it appears to be a very clean department. I think anyone who survives in that high level for that long - I think that's a good commentary."

Former Sheriff Bob Wiley died Saturday at the age of 87. He left the office after more than two decades in charge.

The job never really ended, though.

In 1992, Wiley said he continued to have nightmares about overcrowded jails and overworked and underpaid staff, according to workers' compensation claims he has filed against the county.

Wiley claimed that during his last 10 years as sheriff, he slept only three to four hours a night due to work-related worries,

The claims of nightmares and little sleep are one of many stress and health ailments that led to the former sheriff filing worker's compensation claims that led to years of legal battles with the county over the sheriff's health.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Retired Tulare County Sheriff Bob Wiley dies at 87
Former Cicero police Officer Zenna Ramos freely and remorsefully admits she stole a T-shirt 15 years ago.

She said she had just escaped an unsafe living situation with her young child, and didnt have clothes when she said she took the shirt worth $14.99.

But Ramos, 37, doesnt think its fair the cheap shirt is now derailing her career.

In April, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board blocked Ramos from certification as she transferred to the Riverside Police Department, citing the theft.

The state police certification authority told an attorney for the western suburb that law compelled the finding and the misdemeanor charge Ramos faced would harm her ability to effectively serve as an officer by potentially making her court testimony not credible with jurors.

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Riverside leaders are pushing back against the decision. The board has the power to certify Ramos, they argue, and she deserves a second chance.

Yes, she made a mistake in 2008, Riversides public safety director, Matthew Buckley, said at a news conference Tuesday held in support of Ramos. But what she has done since that day is the important part.

In the years since the theft, Ramos has gone to school to study criminal justice, worked as a Cicero community service officer and served for a year as a Cicero police officer.

Thats the kind of person I want working here in Riverside. Because, Riverside, we give second chances. We work with people, Buckley said.

Ramos uttered just six words at Tuesdays news conference before breaking down in tears.

I know I made a mistake, she said inside Riverside Village Hall, before pausing to collect herself as she began to cry.

I took responsibility for my actions, she continued. And I felt that I did everything right to better myself for myself and my family, so I could be a police officer, so I could help people who are dealing with circumstances that Ive dealt with.

Ramos was certified as a police officer in August 2021 after being hired by the Cicero Police Department and completing the Cook County sheriffs office police academy, Buckley said.

She decided to leave the Cicero department because she preferred the pace of policing in Riverside, where she sensed she had more time to give people full attention, she said.

After taking Riversides entrance exam and going through interviews, she became the No. 2 candidate on the departments list of potential officers, Buckley said. The department hired her the day before Valentines Day this year and immediately put her into field training.

In late March, after the training and standards board sent a letter with questions about Ramos background to Riverside police leaders seeking her recertification, the department responded with a letter acknowledging and accepting the 2008 theft charges.

We were very well aware of it. She was very forthcoming, Buckley said.

The board responded with a decision in April denying Ramos recertification as a police officer, noting that it could only approve applicants of good character and free of disqualifying convictions in a letter sent by general counsel Patrick Hahn and obtained by the Tribune.

In the letter, Hahn identified theft as a disqualifying misdemeanor under Illinois state law. He also cited the sweeping SAFE-T criminal justice law reform, stating that the law compelled the board to review applicants for certification to make sure they had not been involved in any crime of moral turpitude.

Past behavior is a logical predictor of future behavior, Hahn wrote, citing the 2008 case and adding that Ramos was placed on court supervision in 2003 for retail theft.

Theres an old proverb that says, the person who steals once is always thought a thief, he continued in the letter. And while such thinking may be unfair, it is not most uncommon particularly in light of todays jury opinions on police. Ensuring the credibility of prosecution witnesses is a modern-day challenge, which requires the reputation of testifying officers to be above reproach.

When asked about the case Tuesday, Hahn said it would be improper to comment on a pending case.

Generally speaking, I can say pursuant to the Police Training Act, and amendments made by the SAFE-T Act, we have a continuing duty to ensure all sworn law enforcement officers are free of any disqualifying criminal offenses as provided by statute, he wrote in an email to the Tribune.

Buckley told the Tribune the charges against Ramos were vacated, dropped and expunged after she successfully completed a conditional discharge term of six months. Buckley argued that she was never convicted. Hahn, however, wrote in his April letter that conditional discharge should be considered a conviction.

The boards decision is listed as a decertification, making Ramos ineligible to serve as a police officer at departments across the country, Buckley said. Ramos was added to the Cook County states attorneys offices do not call list of officers whom prosecutors will not call on to testify in court.

Village Trustee Jill Mateo and former Village President Benjamin Sells shared their support for Ramos certification after the news conference. State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, D-Berwyn, has also stated his support for Ramos certification, according to the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark.

Also speaking in support of Ramos, state Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, argued the SAFE-T Act, which he voted for, should not prevent the board from approving Ramos as a police officer.

They actually have the power to see it as it is, but theyre choosing not to, Ford said at the news conference.

Buckley said the law could potentially affect many officers transferring departments in Illinois if left unaddressed.

The Police Department will appeal the decision at a training and standards board meeting in early September, Buckley said. Meanwhile, Ramos is working for Riverside but not as a police officer. The department is holding an officer position open for her, Buckley said.

Ford said he would work to change Illinois law so Ramos and officers in similar positions can be certified if the appeal is unsuccessful.

Ramos, who now has three children and is married to a Cicero police officer, is still holding out hope. The last decade spent learning about policing through school and jobs had all led to Riverside.

It would be what I worked for, she said.

jsheridan@chicagotribune.com
The Republican National Committee (RNC) is launching an ad encouraging GOP voters to cast their ballots early in 2024, with the video set to air during the first Republican presidential primary debate Wednesday night.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

When Republicans vote early, we win, RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel says in the 30-second video, which comes as part of the RNCs Bank Your Vote campaign to raise awareness about absentee ballots and other early voting methods nationwide.

GOP presidential candidates including former President Trump, former Vice President Mike Pence and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez are also featured in the ad, encouraging Republicans to cast their ballots before election day, both in-person and by mail.

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Thats how were going to beat the Democrats at their own game, says Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), who along with Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) is a Bank Your Vote co-chairman.

The new ad will air as Republican presidential hopefuls take the stage in Milwaukee for the partys first presidential primary debate Wednesday night. Trump, though featured in the new RNC video, announced over the weekend that he will not get on the debate stage.

Trump previously put forth claims of election fraud related to early and absentee voting as he argued that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him, but he has shifted to encourage early voting as he vies for another presidential term in 2024.

The RNC said it also plans to host a booth in Milwaukee with fact sheets on early and absentee voting, as well as absentee ballot request forms from across the country. Republicans will also be urged to vote early at over 400 debate watch parties the RNC is hosting nationwide, according to a release.

Voters who pledge to bank their vote at the Bank Your Vote website are entered to win a chance to attend a future GOP presidential primary debate.

To ensure that Biden is a one-term President, Republican voters from across the country need to bank their vote ahead of Election Day in 2024, McDaniel said in the release.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Monday night, "The Beat with Ari Melber" on MSNBC rolled out another set of intriguing videos from "A Storm Foretold," a Danish documentary that follows Donald Trump's close aide and friend Roger Stone, both during the election and through the insurrection of January 6, 2021. Stone is an intriguing character in Trump's plot to overthrow democracy, especially as he's closely connected with the leaders of the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers. He maintained a group chat called "Friends of Stone," in which many now-convicted insurrection leaders  recently found guilty of leading the Capitol riot, often under severe "seditious conspiracy" charges  kept in communication.

The documentary isn't available in the U.S. and the tapes have not been turned over to American law enforcement, because director Christoffer Guldbrandsen feels it violates journalistic ethics to do so. (Don't be hard on the guy, who was so devoted to this project that he ended up having a heart attack from the stress.) Last week, Melber's show released a video showing Stone detailing the fake electors scheme to his lackeys on November 5, 2020  before the major news networks called the election. That proves, yet again, that the coup plan predates the election and was not, as Trump apologists claim, merely a reaction to a "sincere" belief that the election was stolen.

Monday's video may be even more damning, but for a moment that passes so quickly nearly all observers have missed the implications. It's yet another clip of Stone ranting, in which he accidentally reveals quite a bit about how, exactly, January 6th came to be. In it, we get a hint both that Trump knew full well that the Capitol riot was in the works  and how Trump managed to keep his fingerprints off any direct planning.

Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Subscribe to her newsletter Standing Room Only.

The video captures Stone's aggravation at finding he's been barred from speaking at Trump's January 6th "Stop the Steal" rally at the Ellipse in Washington D.C.

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"I don't understand how they want us to lead the march but can't even tell us where to go," Stone whines, adding that he's not speaking directly to Rudy Giuliani or the rest of Trump's inner circle. He complains that it's "very clear that I was never on their list."

"It's just childish and it's amateurish. That's why they lost. They don't know what they're doing," he snipes.

NEW TAPE: Roger Stone admits Trump lost and slams Trumps campaign. pic.twitter.com/uvUvGVo5Xb  The Beat with Ari Melber  (@TheBeatWithAri) August 21, 2023

On MSNBC and elsewhere, the coverage has been focused on Stone's admission that Trump lost, adding to the already large pile of evidence that Trump and his co-conspirators never believed the Big Lie. But what struck me in that clip is the part right before it, where Stone indicates he's expected to "lead the march" but that the team directly around Trump has gone incommunicado. Despite Stone's claims that this is "amateurish," it actually suggests Trump and his lawyers were being quite savvy. Cutting off contact in the days before the riot means no traceable communications between them and the people who were going to storm the Capitol that day.

One of the most frustrating aspects of the various investigations into January 6 is nailing down Trump's role in the violence. On one hand, it's obvious that the riot was integral to Trump's "fake electors" plot. He and his co-conspirators wanted to exploit the chaos to argue for substituting fake votes for real ones. He behaved all day like he expected it and his public communications, while draped in plausible deniability, also communicated his expectations of violence to his followers. Plus, as White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson testified during the House hearings about January 6, Trump seemed to have planned to join up with the rioters, and was only thwarted by Secret Service not driving him to the Capitol as he demanded.

On the other hand, no one has turned up any evidence that Trump directly communicated his wishes for a violent insurrection to groups like the Proud Boys or Oath Keepers, who took it upon themselves to lead the charge. All the evidence shows is him riling people up with speeches and tweets, and simply trusting his followers would know what he wanted. Alas, without that direct communication, special prosecutor Jack Smith can't make insurrection charges stick in court, which is likely why he's avoided filing them.

This Stone video suggests this was all very much by design. The people around Trump seemed to know it was of paramount importance to keep many layers of people between him and the people who actually stormed the Capitol. That way, if the insurrection failed, he could plead ignorance of the riot's planning. Which is exactly what he's doing now. That the Secret Service blocked him from physically joining the insurrection, again, shows that the people around Trump knew how he needed this distance, in order to play the whole thing off as a spontaneous riot he had no part in causing.

In recent days, there's been rising discussion of how the Constitution should, in theory, block Trump from being eligible to run for president again. Multiple legal scholars have pointed out that the 14th Amendment bars people from running who have violated an oath of office previously, "either through overt insurrection or by giving aid or comfort to the Constitution's enemies." Notably, the Constitution does not require a formal court conviction on insurrection charges.

By any reasonable measure, of course, this applies to Trump. Even if he insulated himself from direct communication with people convicted of sedition, it's indisputable that he gave aid and comfort, and continues to do so by championing them and promising them pardons. But, of course, the law is not a button you push that automatically turns the clear language on paper into enforcement in real life. Without a mechanism to enforce the law or the political will to enact it, Trump is coasting straight towards a spot on a ballot he should, by law, be barred from having.

If Trump had been indicted outright for sedition or insurrection, of course, then this conversation would suddenly feel less academic and more in the realm of real-world possibility. If he were convicted, it would be hard even for the biggest Trump apologists to claim the plain language of the Constitution doesn't apply. So it ended up mattering quite a bit that Trump and his inner ring conspirators were careful to keep a firewall between themselves and the people who were orchestrating the riot.

This Stone video is some of the best evidence yet that Trump and his gang both knew that the Capitol riot was coming, but also that they couldn't risk directly communicating with the people leading the charge. As Stone's comments indicate, the downside of this "no direct communication" policy was that Trump and his legal team were taking a gamble, hoping that Trump's followers could take a hint. Unfortunately, it seems that their big bet worked out in most ways. The rioters obviously picked up what Trump was putting down and didn't need explicit commands. Trump has been able to muddy the waters around the question of his responsibility for the riot, to the point where he can't be charged for inciting it, even though we all know that's what he did. And so far, he's been able to keep questions about his eligibility to run at bay, though hopefully this effort to legally bar him will gain momentum.

That's the bad news. The good news is that none of these conspirators were nearly as savvy at hiding the paper trail of the fake electors plot, as demonstrated by the damning evidence compiled by both Smith and Georgia's Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. We may never see Trump charged directly for the events of January 6, but he wasn't nearly as clever at hiding his efforts to overthrow democracy as he thinks he was.

Read more

about the cast of characters behind The Big Lie
The Rolling Stones have shared a cryptic teaser about their forthcoming album in a local London newspaper advert.

To many readers, the advert in the Hackney Gazette might have looked like a standard notice for a new glass repair store named Hackney Diamonds. But eagle-eyed Stones fans, who noticed references to classic Stones songs such as Gimme Shelter, are certain it revealed the title of the forthcoming project.

Hackney Diamonds, Specialists in Glass Repair, Opening September 2023, the advert read on page three of the paper.

It then states: Our friendly promises you satisfaction. When you say gimme shelter well fix your shattered windows.

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References to three of the bands best-known hits are included in the text of the advert: (I Cant Get No) Satisfaction, Gimme Shelter and Shattered.

The ad also reads Est. 1962, which is the same year the Stones were formed by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

The i in Diamonds is also dotted with the bands iconic tongue and lips logo.

The phone number listed on the ad goes through to a pre-recorded message. A man with a Cockney accent says: Hackney Diamonds, specialists in glass repair. Dont get angry, get it fixed.

Anyone see this? An ad ran in Hackney Gazette for a company called Hackney Diamonds teasing Rolling Stones song titles. Their est. date is 1962, same year Stones formed. Website seems to be run by Universal Music, the Stones label. A clue their long-awaited new LP is on its way? pic.twitter.com/DFSnb2WE48  Simon Harper (@Simon__Harper) August 21, 2023

Opening early September, Mare Street E8, the voice says, suggesting that the album could be released next month.

Meanwhile, the website for the Hackney Diamonds states that emails from its mailing list will be sent on behalf of Universal Music, the label that the Stones are signed to.

Fans of the Stones are speculating that the forthcoming album will be titled Hackney Diamonds. The phrase is perhaps based on an old east London slang phrase, Dalston diamonds, which refers to broken shards of glass left on the street, usually from broken car windows as a result of theft.

Hackney Diamonds would be the bands 31st studio album and their first without drummer Charlie Watts, who died in 2021.

The Independent has representatives of the band for comment.
FILE - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a news conference to sign several bills related to public education and increases in teacher pay, in Miami, on May 9, 2023. DeSantis' divisive education policies have faced wide criticism from civil rights leaders and professional educators, among others, but they also have paid off politically. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)

Ron DeSantis  path to national prominence started in Floridas classrooms, where he harnessed culture war passions and deployed them in education policies.

In the name of parental rights, the Republican governor has banned instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity and limited what Florida schools can teach about racism and U.S. history. He has exercised control over the pronouns and bathrooms students use. Tenured professors now must undergo regular reviews, as part of sweeping reforms to police left-wing ideology and indoctrination in higher education.

His policies have faced wide criticism from civil rights leaders and educators, among others, but they also have paid off politically. As DeSantis prepares for the first GOP presidential debate on Wednesday night, he is one of the countrys most popular Republican politicians and a top contender for the partys nomination.

Policy and education experts say DeSantis agenda on education has influenced what it means to be a viable Republican candidate. Its likely to drive some of Wednesdays debate, too.

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A good way to win a Republican primary these days is to be pro-voucher, anti-woke, anti-DEI and anti-LGBTQ, said Doug Harris, an expert in education policy and economics chair at Tulane University.

HOW RON DESANTIS BECAME AN EDUCATION LEADER

DeSantis was not always a culture warrior. Experts who follow DeSantis policies say after he was elected to his first term in 2018, by a slim margin, there was no sign education policy or courting controversy would become his hallmarks.

Then, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he seized on discontent with school shutdowns and mask mandates. After initially closing schools, as all governors did in March 2020, DeSantis issued an executive order that July mandating that schools reopen for in-person instruction, ignoring objections from teachers and unions. He threatened to withhold salaries from superintendents who defied a ban on mask mandates.

The pandemic was clearly a turning point for DeSantis, said Carol Weissert, a professor emerita of political science at Florida State University. He pitted himself against schools and aligned himself with parents.

It was the beginning of many policies that made DeSantis a leader in the conservative push for  parents' rights. The theme was hammered also by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, in his successful 2021 campaign.

Our school system should be about educating kids, not indoctrinating kids. And that means we have gone on the offensive against toxic ideologies, DeSantis said shortly after announcing his presidential bid in May. I can tell you this, I have only begun to fight.

FROM CRITICAL RACE THEORY TO MATH

A major theme of DeSantis' tenure has been a pledge to banish critical race theory from classrooms, following the lead of former President Donald Trump, who banned federal agencies in 2020 from offering diversity training on racial and gender biases.

Trumps ban was rescinded by President Joe Biden, but critical race theory became a lightning rod for conservatives. The theory is rarely taught in K-12 schools, but the term has become a catchall for systemic racism. Conservatives say it's used to make white people believe they are inherently racist.

Critical race theory has made its way into proposed legislation of 44 states, including 18 that have passed laws, said Robert Kim, executive director of the Education Law Center. Florida was a frontrunner.

These laws are inducing chaos and confusion in public schools, and that may be part of the point, Kim said. He said culture war policies have coincided with school voucher policies as part of what he calls a multi-pronged attack on public education." DeSantis campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The DeSantis administration has steadily enforced its law. The state education department initially blocked more than 40% of math textbooks that were submitted by publishers to the state for review last year, saying they violated the ban on critical race theory. The department later showed examples that state reviewers had flagged with references to prohibited topics like racial bias or social-emotional learning.

Many DeSantis education policies seem to target what resonates with conservative voters, said Jon Valant, director of the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution. They are not grounded in any kind of theory of school reform at all, he said. He noted the influence of Christopher Rufo, a conservative activist and architect of the right-wing outrage against critical race theory, who has become a key DeSantis ally.

Hell keep going back to these ideas as long as they continue to help create an identity for him politically that he thinks is going to benefit him in a presidential campaign," Valant said.

REMOVING LIBRARY BOOKS

One of DeSantis most controversial policies has been the Parental Rights in Education bill, dubbed Dont Say Gay by opponents. It banned instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in Florida classrooms in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate. But its impact, combined with other legislation, has rippled to the books schools offer students.

New laws in Florida have prompted schools to pull books from their shelves, according to the free-speech organization PEN America. Florida ranks second, behind Texas, as the state with the highest number of book removals, according to an April report by PEN, which tracked school book bans from July to December of 2022.

Teachers and librarians across the state say laws on discussion of race, gender and sexual orientation are so open to interpretation that they feel compelled to pull books that touch on those subjects.

DeSantis has dismissed reporting on book bans as a hoax, and parents who have advocated for removal of books say literature with sexually explicit passages should not be freely available to teens.

REWRITING HISTORY STANDARDS

DeSantis also has taken several steps to regulate the teaching of Black history  which other conservative leaders have emulated.

In January, he rejected a new Advanced Placement course on African American studies, saying it was not historically accurate and violated the Stop Woke Act  a 2022 Florida law that limits the way gender and race are discussed in classrooms and workplaces.

Following Florida's lead, Arkansas officials announced objections to the course earlier this week, but several school districts have pushed back, saying they still plan to offer the AP course. North Dakota, Mississippi and Virginia said earlier this year they plan to review the course material before deciding if it can be taught in their schools.

In July, guidelines announced by Floridas Board of Education for teaching African American history ignited criticism from educators and historians. The standards say middle schoolers should be taught that slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit, a rewriting of history that drew wide rebuke.

Ahead of the return to classes, Florida also became the first state to approve the use of videos in its classrooms produced by the Prager University Foundation, a media company named for conservative radio host Dennis Prager. The company makes videos to promote American values, according to its website.

One video depicts slavery abolitionist Frederick Douglass saying that while slavery was wrong and evil, it was a compromise the Founding Fathers had to make to achieve something great.

The Republican primary will reveal much about the direction of the conservative agenda on education, Valant said.

A lot of that is going to be about whether or not DeSantis quote-unquote anti-woke agenda, resonates in other states," he said. "I think were going to see either a lot of copycat or well see people pulling back away from that.

___

This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of the last name of John Valant, the director of the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution.
In wartime, when resources are in short supply, re-using damaged parts to repair weapons and machinery isn't just an efficient practice, it's often an absolute necessity. In this vein, the Royal Navy created a 'Franken-ship' from the bow and stern of two separate vessels during World War I.

HMS Zubian, as the resulting vessel was called, was commissioned in 1917 and played a critical role in coastal defense on England's south east coast during the latter years of the war. But what were the circumstances which led to the ship's creation? In order to unpack this, we need to look further back to the early twentieth century during a period of British naval expansion.

HMS Zubian started out life as two separate Tribal class destroyers. 12 vessels in that class were constructed between 1905-1908, capable of high speeds of 33 knots. The result was both expensive and unsatisfactory from the Royal Navy's perspective, however. As such, 16 slightly smaller coal-burning Beagle class destroyers were subsequently built and launched between 1909-1910 to succeed them.

HMS Nubian was the first of the two ships that formed the 'Franken-ship' to be delivered to the Royal Navy. Built by John I. Thornycroft & Company out of Woolston, Southampton, Nubian was launched in May 1908 and commissioned for service in September 1909.

HMS Nubian in 1909. Unknown author

The other half of Zubian came from HMS Zulu, which was built by the Hawthorn Leslie Shipyard out of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England. The vessel was launched in September 1909 and commissioned for service in March 1910.

HMS Zulu, date unknown. Unknown author

For a time, both vessels were attached to the First Destroyer Flotilla which, from March 1909, was part of the First Division of the Home Fleet. The Home Fleet was formed in 1902, and was designed to help protect the United Kingdoms territorial waters. This, alongside increased shipbuilding in the early part of the twentieth century, came in response to the perceived likelihood of conflict in the North Sea.

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Fears around German naval expansion from the latter part of the nineteenth century crystallized in the late 1910s. From the early twentieth century into the 1910s, the Royal Navy underwent a rapid period of expansion in response  transforming its mission from protecting and defending the Empire (and its associated trade routes) to morphing into a much larger battle fleet.

Nubian and Zulu remained with the First Destroyer Flotilla until the years immediately prior to the outbreak of World War I. In 1912, they were both transferred to the 4th Destroyer Flotilla, part of the First Fleet, which contained the most modern battleships (including all 12 Tribal class destroyers).

In July 1914 both ships were based at Portsmouth with the Sixth Patrol Flotilla on England's south coast. By August, however, they were quickly moved (with a number of other destroyers) to Dover, south east England. It was there that Nubian and Zulu became part of the famous Dover Patrol, which came into existence in late 1914. The Patrol played a critical role in shoring up the English Channel during the war, and comprised a range of modern and more antiquated vessels.

Dover (circled in red) seen in relation to the English Channel and Calais. Google Maps

However, within the space of a few weeks in late 1916, both Nubian and Zulu suffered major damage while on active duty.

On the night of 26-27 October, a German torpedo nearly severed HMS Nubians bow during the Battle of the Dover Straight. The majority of the crew survived, although 15 men were tragically killed and six were injured. HMS Lark, a Laforey class destroyer, attempted to tow Nubian's remains to safety. However, the towing hawser parted in the sea, causing the ship's remains to drift to the shore of South Foreland, Dover. There, Nubians already damaged bow was torn off on the rocks.

HMS Nubian's minus bow at the base of the cliffs of Dover. via Wikimedia Commons/unknown author

HMS Nubian in dry dock after losing its bow. Unknown author

Then, on November 8, HMS Zulu struck a German mine while sailing from Dover to Dunkirk. The resulting impact of the mine blew off Zulus stern. Two of the ships crew were tragically killed, as was a passenger destined for France. However, the rest of Zulu remained afloat and the French destroyer Capitaine Mehl towed the ships bow to Calais.

HMS Zulu after losing its stern. Unknown author

It would be reasonable to assume that the seafaring days of both ships would likely have met an end at this point. However, owing to the demands on British shipbuilding at the time, it was decided by the Admiralty that salvageable sections of the ships should be joined together to create a new vessel instead of scrapping them. Zulus bow and Nubians stern were subsequently towed to Chatham Dockyard located on the river Medway, Kent, for work to begin on creating the new ship.

The resulting Franken-ship was named HMS Zubian to reflect the joining of the surviving parts of the damaged vessels. Zubian was commissioned on June 7, 1917, and continued to operate with the Dover Patrol for the rest of the war.

The Admiraltys desire to create a new vessel from the remains of HMS Nubian and Zulu soon bore fruit when Zubian sank the German mine-laying U-boat UC-50 in February 1918 with depth charges. Zubian also partook in the raid on Zeebrugge and Ostend harbors on the night of April 23-24, 1918, where the vessel served as an escort to the big-gun monitors bombarding the coastal defenses at Ostend, Belgium.

HMS Zubian anchored, date unknown. Unknown author

Starboard side view of the vessel. Unknown author

Zubian was later broken up in December 1919 for scrap. As the Royal Navy had a surplus of ships after the war, the nine surviving Tribal class destroyers were also sold for scrap. The ship names Nubian and Zulu were used again for new, and much larger, Tribal class vessels in the late 1930s by the Royal Navy.

Fast forward to today, and the act of grafting a massive section from a damaged or retired ship onto a new one that is damaged remains in place, namely for submarines, including the most advanced in the world.

So there you have it, the amazing history of Britains World War I Franken-ship created due to stretched wartime resources.

Contact the author: oliver@thewarzone.com
NEW YORK  Rudy Giuliani has asked a Manhattan federal court judge to toss a lawsuit brought by a former ShopRite worker alleging the ex-mayors bogus assault accusations derailed his life.

Acting as his own lawyer, Giuliani said comments he made that caused supermarket employee Daniel Gill to lose his job and land in jail were his legally permitted opinions.

The two men crossed paths in June 2022 as Giuliani was stumping for his son, Andrew, on Staten Island during his failed run for governor. CCTV footage of the incident in a Charleston ShopRite shows Gill approach Giuliani, give him a single pat on the back, and say something later confirmed to be, Whats up, scumbag?

Giulianis version painted a more dramatic scene.

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I got hit on the back as if a boulder hit me, Giuliani claimed, later complaining of wounds suffered in the attack.

It hurt tremendously. I did not know what it was. I had no idea what it was, Giuliani said. And all of a sudden I heard someone yell something at me, dirty curse words and some more dirty curse words as he retreated, ran away. Then he turned around and said I was a woman-killer.

Gill was arrested and charged with felony assault, later seeing the charges downgraded to misdemeanors and ultimately dismissed and sealed. He didnt get his ShopRite job back.

In his motion to dismiss Gills $2 million civil rights lawsuit late Monday, Giuliani defended his response.

The video demonstrates that the tap was made with enough force to startle Mr. Giuliani and that a lady standing next to Mr. Giuliani felt it necessary to rub Mr. Giulianis back immediately, Giuliani wrote, referencing himself in the third person.

Giuliani said his comments that Gill, who was working at the time of the incident, was a criminal and that he appeared high and drunk were his protected opinions.

The greater social context of the statement shows that Mr. Giuliani is expressing an opinion based on his views of the event that transpired, Giuliani wrote.

Regarding his claim that Gill was probably looking for an 85-year-old to knock over, the former mayor told the court that was another opinion containing hyperbole and in a jocular tone.

In other words, he is just a confusing, opinionated mumbler who no one should take seriously, Gills lawyer, Ron Kuby, said Tuesday. How silly of us to think he was making actual, factual assertions.

Giuliani previously requested more time to respond to Gills claims as he searched for an attorney. It wasnt clear whether he couldnt find one or chose to save money by representing himself.

The former federal prosecutor, who is mired in several criminal and civil litigations, has reportedly been struggling to pay his legal fees. Giulianis New York law license was suspended in 2021 for his false and misleading claims about the 2020 election on behalf of his then-client, former President Donald Trump. In June, a panel of Washington, D.C., judges said he should face disbarment for filing frivolous suits on Trumps behalf.

Giuliani recently put his $6.5 million Upper East Side home up for sale. Last week, CNN reported that hed hit up Trump for cash, to no avail.

Gills suit is the least of Giulianis legal worries. He faces potential prison time in Georgia prosecutors RICO case for an alleged scheme to overturn the states 2020 election results. And hes featured as a co-conspirator in the Justice Departments Florida case for Trumps handling of classified documents.

Hes also fighting suits by Noelle Dunphy, a former assistant, who has accused him of sexual harassment and at least one assault, and Smartmatic, a voting machine company accusing him of defamation, similar to the Dominion suit that ended in April with a $787 million settlement against Fox News. And he is yet to make his ex-wife, Judith Nathan, whole in their divorce.

Giuliani did not return calls seeking comment.

_____
Former New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani surrendered at a Fulton County, Ga., jail Wednesday following an indictment handed down last week in connection with attempts to overturn the 2020 election.

Giulianis legal team met with staff from Dist. Atty. Fani Willis office Wednesday afternoon to negotiate a $150,000 bond before he surrendered at the Fulton County jail.

Im fighting for justice. I have been from the first moment I represented Donald Trump , Giuliani told reporters before leaving for Atlanta.

He was indicted with former President Trump and 17 others and accused of a conspiracy to disrupt the 2020 presidential vote in Fulton County, elsewhere in Georgia and in other states by misleading voters, the courts and state and federal lawmakers about the outcome, along with giving them false instructions about what could be done to overturn the results in order to keep Trump in power.

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A former federal prosecutor, Giuliani is charged with solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer and other crimes related to a scheme to organize fake slates of electors in Georgia and other states in an effort to cast doubt on Joe Bidens win when Congress met to certify the election on Jan. 6, 2021. He faces 13 charges.

Also booked Wednesday and released on a $100,000 bond was former Trump personal attorney Sidney Powell. She faces seven charges related to making false claims of ballot fraud in the 2020 presidential election, and for her involvement in hiring a forensic firm to take digital images of the Coffee County, Ga., election management system on



Jan. 7, 2021.

The 19 indicted defendants have until 9 a.m. Pacific time Friday to surrender, and several high-profile defendants have yet to do so, including former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, who is trying to remove his part of the case to federal court.

Rudolph W. Giuliani's booking photo released by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office via Getty Images)

Trump announced on social media Monday that he plans to surrender Thursday. His bond was set at $200,000.

Four others surrendered for booking at the Fulton County jail Wednesday, according to jail records.

Georgia lawyer Ray Smith, who helped the Trump campaign challenge the 2020 results in court, had a bond set at $50,000.

Kenneth Chesebro, an attorney who helped devise the fake elector scheme, had a bond set at $100,000.

David Shafer, the former chairman of the Georgia Republican Party who is accused of organizing the Dec. 14, 2020, meeting of fake electors in the Georgia Capitol, had his bond set at $75,000. He is also trying to have his case removed to federal court.

Cathy Latham, a fake elector who signed documents purporting to be one of Georgias valid 2020 presidential electors, is also implicated in the effort to breach the election management system in Coffee County. Her bond was set at $75,000.

Attorney and former Chapman University law professor John Eastman's booking photo released by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office via Associated Press.)

John Eastman, a California attorney and Trump ally, surrendered Tuesday.

Eastman is accused of pressuring then-Vice President Mike Pence to delay Congress certification of the election results or to throw out Georgias votes, and of helping to organize the fake slates of electors in Georgia and other states.

Eastmans bond was set at $100,000. He is charged with nine counts including solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer and conspiracy to commit forgery.

Also Tuesday, former bail bondsman Scott Hall surrendered to authorities. His bond was set at $10,000. He is accused of helping a team working for Trumps allies to access and copy the Coffee County, Ga., election system. In Georgia, election equipment is owned by the state, not the county.





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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Rudy Giuliani was released on $150,000 bail after turning himself in at Atlanta jail - Reuters

Rudy Giuliani has been released on $150,000 (118,000) bail after surrendering to the authorities in Georgia investigating attempts by Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election.

He turned himself in at Atlanta jail, which is processing all 19 defendants in the case. Mr Trump is due to be arraigned on Thursday.

Mr Trump was quick to support Mr Giuliani on social media after his mugshot was released by the Fulton County Sheriffs Office.

Writing on Truth Social, he said: The greatest Mayor in the history of New York City was just ARRESTED in Atlanta, Georgia, because he fought for Election Integrity. THE ELECTION WAS RIGGED & STOLLEN. [sic] HOW SAD FOR OUR COUNTRY. MAGA!

Mr Giuliani was the former presidents lawyer and at the forefront of the campaign claiming that Joe Biden won the election thanks to widespread fraud  an allegation that was roundly and repeatedly dismissed by a raft of courts in the United States.

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In all Mr Giuliani, the 79-year-old former mayor of New York City, faces 13 charges resulting from the two-year investigation led by Fani Willis, the Fulton County District Attorney.

He has been accused of violating multiple state laws as part of a criminal enterprise that pressured state officials to reverse Mr Trumps defeat.

According to the indictment, he misled state officials with his claims of election fraud and participated in a scheme to send fake electors to Washington on Jan 6, when the Electoral College votes were officially counted.

Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, faces 13 charges - Chandan Khanna/AFP

Along with other defendants he has been charged under Georgias RICO laws, which are normally used against gangsters.

As a prosecutor in New York, Mr Giuliani used these laws to take on the mafia.

Mr Giuliani called the indictment an affront to American democracy.

Justifying his actions, he added: Im feeling very, very good about it because I feel Im defending the rights of all Americans, as I did so many times as a United States attorney.

Mr Giuliani is also facing a defamation lawsuit brought by two Fulton County poll workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, whom he accused of malpractice when the votes were counted. He has since withdrawn the allegations.

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Rudy Giuliani is still without a Georgia-based attorney and former New York Police Commissioner Bernie Kerik is assisting him in finding legal representation in the Fulton County 2020 election interference case, sources familiar with the situation told CNN. Kerik, who is not a lawyer, has agreed to help Giuliani at "no cost" through the first leg of the Georgia case's prosecution, which includes negotiating bond with the Fulton County district attorney's office and Giuliani's surrender to local authorities, the sources added.

The former New York City mayor is facing hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal bills and sanctions from his array of ongoing lawsuits and even reportedly traveled to Mar-a-Lago in April to appeal to former President Donald Trump for assistance with the fees. Giuliani would need a Georgia-based attorney to finalize a bond agreement that would outline the terms of his release once he surrenders at the Fulton County jail. District Attorney Fani Willis has given all 19 defendants in last week's sprawling indictment a Friday deadline to turn themselves in.

Though Kerik was not indicted in the Georgia case, his attorney confirmed to CNN that he is unnamed co-conspirator 5 in the charging document. According to the indictment, the fifth co-conspirator participated in a range of meetings with lawmakers in states Trump was contesting the election results in  Pennsylvania and Arizona  including at least one session at the White House.
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A man takes photos at the media center of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 21, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday calls for actions to translate the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind into reality.

Xi's appeal was made in a speech read out by Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao at the BRICS Business Forum 2023.

"Right now, changes in the world, in our times and in history are unfolding in ways like never before, bringing human society to a critical juncture," Xi warned in the speech titled Enhance Solidarity and Cooperation to Overcome Risks and Challenges and Jointly Build a Better World.

"Should we pursue cooperation and integration, or just succumb to division and confrontation? Should we work together to maintain peace and stability, or just sleepwalk into the abyss of a new Cold War? Should we embrace prosperity, openness and inclusiveness, or allow hegemonic and bullying acts to throw us into depression? Should we deepen mutual trust through exchanges and mutual learning, or allow hubris and prejudice to blind conscience?" Xi asked. "The course of history will be shaped by the choices we make."

Our world today has become a community with a shared future in which we all share a huge stake of survival, Xi said, noting that what people in various countries long for is "definitely not a new Cold War or a small exclusive bloc; what they want is an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys enduring peace, universal security and common prosperity."

Such is the logic of historical advance and the trend of our times, Xi stressed, urging all countries to uphold the correct views of the world, of history and of our overall interests.

"We need to promote development and prosperity for all," Xi said, adding that with perseverance, hard work and huge sacrifices, many emerging markets and developing countries succeeded in gaining independence, and "everything we do is to deliver better lives to our people."

"Every country has the right to development, and the people in every country have the freedom to pursue a happy life," Xi said, noting that China will work with all other countries to speed up cooperation under the Global Development Initiative, meet common challenges together and make life better for people across the world.

"We need to achieve universal security," Xi said, adding that only a commitment to a new vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security can lead to universal security.

China stands ready to jointly pursue the Global Security Initiative with all others, have dialogue and oppose confrontation, forge partnership but not alliance, and pursue win-win outcome and oppose zero-sum game, and work together to build a community of security, Xi added.

"We need to stay committed to exchanges among civilizations and mutual learning," Xi said, stressing that human civilization is colorful by nature, and deliberately creating division with the assertion of "democracy versus authoritarianism" and "liberalism versus autocracy" can only split the world and lead to clash of civilizations.

China, Xi said, welcomes all other countries to get involved in cooperation under the Global Civilization Initiative, promote the common values of humanity, encourage different civilizations to bring out their best and flourish together, and renew human civilization.

The collective rise of emerging markets and developing countries represented by BRICS is fundamentally changing the global landscape, Xi stressed, noting that whatever resistance there may be, BRICS, a positive and stable force for good, will continue to grow.

"We will forge stronger BRICS strategic partnership, expand the 'BRICS Plus' model, actively advance membership expansion, deepen solidarity and cooperation with other emerging markets and developing countries, promote global multipolarity and greater democracy in international relations, and help make the international order more just and equitable," Xi said.

Over 20 countries are knocking on the door of BRICS and China hopes to see more joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism, according to Xi.

Noting that China stays committed to an independent foreign policy of peace and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi said as a developing country and a member of the Global South, China breathes the same breath with other developing countries and pursues a shared future with them, and has resolutely upheld the common interests of developing countries and worked to increase the representation and voice of emerging markets and developing countries in global affairs.

"Hegemonism is not in China's DNA; nor does China have any motivation to engage in major-power competition. China stands firmly on the right side of history, and believes that a just cause should be pursued for the common good," he added.

Xi pointed out that at present, Chinese people, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, are advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization.

China enjoys several distinct advantages: a socialist market economy in systemic terms, a supersize market in terms of demand, a full-fledged industrial system in terms of supply, and abundant, high-caliber labor force and entrepreneurs in terms of human resources, the Chinese president said, emphasizing that the Chinese economy has strong resilience, tremendous potential and great vitality, and the fundamentals sustaining China's long-term growth will remain unchanged.

China will remain an important opportunity for the world's development, Xi noted, saying China will remain firm in advancing high-standard opening-up, foster a world-class, market-oriented business environment governed by a sound legal framework, and build a globally-oriented network of high-standard free trade areas.

As it endeavors to achieve modernization for its more than 1.4 billion people, China will surely contribute even more to the global economy and provide even more opportunities for the global business community, Xi said.
Rudy Giuliani , Donald Trump s former lawyer, surrendered to authorities at the Fulton county jail on Wednesday on charges that he helped lead a racketeering enterprise and conspired to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the state of Georgia.

The surrender in Atlanta marks a jarring moment for Giuliani, a former federal prosecutor who made his name with aggressive racketeering cases, now facing a racketeering charge himself.

Speaking to reporters after his surrender, Giuliani said, while laughing, that he was very, very honored to be involved in this case because this case is a fight for our way of life.

This indictment is a travesty, he continued. Its an attack on  not just me, not just President Trump  this is an attack on the American people. If this could happen to me, who is probably the most prolific prosecutor maybe in American history and the most effective mayor for sure, it can happen to you.

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Alongside Trump, Giuliani faces the most charges in the sprawling 41-count indictment handed up by a grand jury last week that described how he played a principal role in marshalling fake slates of electors among other schemes to reverse Trumps defeat in the 2020 election.

The bond for Giuliani was set at $150,000 after his lawyers met with the Fulton county district attorney Fani Willis earlier in the day. The amount was slightly less than the $200,000 bond for Trump but more than the $100,000 bond for another former Trump lawyer, Sidney Powell.

Rudy Giulianis booking photo in Atlanta. Photograph: Getty Images

Trump is expected to turn himself in for booking on Thursday evening, the Guardian has previously reported, during the prime viewing hours for the cable news networks as he seeks to distract from the indignity of surrendering by turning things into a made-for-television spectacle.

Giuliani left Manhattan in the morning to travel to Atlanta with his lead lawyer, John Esposito, on a private jet, though the source of the funding for the plane remains uncertain given Giuliani has struggled financially in the wake of mounting legal bills.

Giulianis financial trouble stemming from having to retain lawyers for the congressional and federal criminal investigations into efforts to subvert the 2020 election results have become particularly acute in recent weeks, according to two people familiar with the matter.

The money problems have been exacerbated by Giulianis recent setbacks in court  including in a defamation case against two Georgia election workers he falsely accused of stealing ballots  and the suspension of his law license over his election subversion efforts means he has few income streams.

The situation has led to Giuliani listing his Manhattan apartment for sale for more than $6m. He also travelled to Trumps Mar-a-Lago club in April to ask the former president to help pay his legal bills after Trump rejected his earlier entreaties for support, the people said.

When that trip failed to convince Trump to have his Save America political action committee pay for Giulianis legal bills, in the way that Trump has doled out $21m for aides legal bills tied up in the criminal investigations, Giulianis son Andrew made his own trip to see Trump.

Trump has never explained why he has consistently refused to help Giuliani, but people in his orbit point to Trumps complaints that Giuliani was defeated in almost every 2020 election lawsuit that he brought.

But the meeting with Andrew Giuliani appears to have helped, and Trump agreed to attend two fundraisers, the people said. Trump will host a $100,000-per-person fundraiser at his Bedminster club in New Jersey next month, according to an invitation reviewed by the New York Times.
Rudy Giuliani called his arrest an attack on the American people outside a Georgia jail, where he surrendered to law enforcement for his part in the alleged 2020 election interference plot.

The former New York City mayor and former attorney to Donald Trump spoke to reporters outside the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta.

He gave an awkward laugh when asked if he regretted his long working relationship with Mr Trump.

Asked if he regretted attaching his name to Mr Trump and his efforts to overturn the result of the 2020 election, the former New York mayor replied: Do I what? Ha ha ha ... I am very very honoured to be involved in this case because this case is a fight for our way of life.

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Mr Giuliani also told reporters: If they can do this to me, they can do this to you, while surrounded by press and protesters outside the jail, after insisting that the case was a fight for our way of life and a travesty.

He said that he was being prosecuted for defending Mr Trump, and lashed out at Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis .

Fani Willis will go down in American history, as having conducted one of the worst attacks on the American Constitution, he said. She has violated peoples First Amendment right to advocate the government to petition the government for grievances like an election they believe was poorly conducted or falsely conducted. People have a right to believe that in America.

Earlier in the day, just before leaving New York, he told reporters he felt very good about his arrest.

Im going to Georgia, and Im feeling very very good about it because I feel like Im defending the rights of all Americans as I did so many times as a United States attorney, he said.

A person holds a sign reading Clown Car Coup as Rudy Giuliani speaks to the media after being booked at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Georgia (AFP via Getty Images)

Whether you dislike or you like Donald Trump, let me give you a warning, theyre gonna come for you, he added, echoing Mr Trumps campaign lines.

The former Trump attorney surrendered at the Fulton County Jail on Wednesday afternoon, where his bail was set at $150,000.

Mr Giuliani continued to defend the former president, saying: I dont know how many times he has to be proven innocent and they have to be proven to be liars.

Mr Giuliani is charged with making false statements and soliciting false testimony, conspiring to create fake paperwork and asking state lawmakers to violate their oath of office to appoint an alternate slate of pro-Trump electors.

Sources told CNN that Bernie Kerik  the former NYPD boss and Mr Trump ally  was assisting him in finding legal representation in Georgia.

Im going to Fulton County to comply with the law which I always do. I dont know if I plead today but if I do, Ill plead not guilty, he told reporters outside his home on Wednesday morning.

Rudy Giuliani surrenders at Fulton County jail after agreeing to a $150,000 bond with prosecutors in Georgia election subversion case https://t.co/AcXkRWfkCR pic.twitter.com/xI7yQypbmj  CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) August 23, 2023

The former New York City mayor has railed against the indictment  fuming that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has charged him using the same mob law he has long taken credit for pioneering.

This is a ridiculous application of the racketeering statute. Theres probably no one that knows it better than I do, he told Newsmax last week.

Mr Giuliani famously used the RICO statute to try to take down the New York City mafia while working as a US attorney in the 1980s.

Now he is one of 19 defendants charged in the sweeping RICO case and given a deadline of midday on Friday 25 August to surrender to authorities in Fulton County to be arrested on the charges.

As of Wednesday morning, at least six of the defendants have surrendered including Cathy Latham, Scott Hall, and attorney John Eastman.

Rudy Giuliani as he left his apartment in New York on Wednesday to travel to Georgia (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Mr Trump has said that he plans to surrender for his arrest on Thursday  hours after he boycotts the first Republican presidential debate on Wednesday night. Bond has been set for Mr Trump at $200,000.

All 19 of the defendants were charged with violating Georgias RICO statute.

The indictment accuses Mr Trump and his allies of orchestrating and running a criminal enterprise in Fulton County, Georgia, and elsewhere, to accomplish the illegal goal of allowing Donald J. Trump to seize the presidential term of office, beginning on January 20, 2021.

This criminal organization constituted an enterprise as that term is deined in O.C.G.A.  l6-14-3(3), that is, a group of individuals associated in fact. The Defendants and other members and associates of the enterprise had connections and relationships with one another and with the enterprise, it reads.

The criminal organisations members and associates engaged in various related criminal activities including, but not limited to, false statements and writings, impersonating a public oficer, forgery, iling false documents, iniuencing witnesses, computer theft, computer trespass, computer invasion of privacy, conspiracy to defraud the state, acts involving theft, and perjury.

The other co-defendants are former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, Kraken lawyer Sidney Powell, attorneys John Eastman, Kenneth Cheseboro, Jenna Ellis, Ray Smith III, and Robert Cheeley, former US Department of Justice official Jeffrey Clark, former Trump campaign official Michael Roman, former state senator and the former chair of the Georgia Republican Party David Schafer, Georgia state senator Shawn Still, Lutheran pastor Stephen Lee, mixed martial artist Harrison Floyd, Kanye Wests former PR Trevian Kutti, former head of the Republican Party in Coffee County Cathleen Latham, Atlanta-area bail bondsman Scott Hall, and former election supervisor of Coffee County Misty Hampton.

DA Willis has spent more than two years investigating efforts by Mr Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 presidential election result in the crucial swing state.

The investigation came following the release of a 2 January 2021 phone call Mr Trump made to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger where he told him to find enough votes to change the outcome of the election in the state.

All I want to do is this: I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have, Mr Trump is heard saying in the leaked phone call. Because we won the state.

Mr Biden won the state by less than 12,000 votes.

The investigation then expanded from that phone call to include a scheme whereby a group of fake Republican electors planned to falsely certify the results in Mr Trumps favour instead of Mr Bidens. The plot failed and the fake electors have since reached immunity deals with DA Willis office.

Ms Willis said she would like to try the defendants altogether and within the next six months.

In total, the former president is now facing 91 charges from four separate criminal cases.

On 1 August, he was hit with a federal indictment charging him with four counts over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and the events leading up to the January 6 Capitol riot, following an investigation led by special counsel Jack Smiths office.

This came after Mr Smiths office charged Mr Trump in a separate indictment over his alleged mishandling of classified documents on leaving office.

Back in April, Mr Trump was charged for the first time with New York state charges following an investigation into hush money payments made prior to the 2016 election.
Rudy Giuliani turned himself in at the Fulton County Jail Wednesday on charges alleging he and others attempted to thwart the 2020 election results in Georgia.

As he left his New York apartment building Wednesday morning, he told reporters, "I'm going to Georgia, and I'm feeling very, very good about it because I feel I'm defending the rights of all Americans, as I did so many times as a United States attorney."

"I'm going to vote to Fulton County to comply with the law, which I always do," Giuliani said, adding, "I don't know if I plead today, but if I do, I'll plead not guilty. And I'll get photographed, isn't that nice? A mugshot, (of) the man who probably put the worst criminals of the 20th century in jail."

Rudy Giuliani mugshot from Fulton County Sheriff's Office. / Credit: Fulton County Sheriff's Office

"You find a prosecutor who has a better record than mine in the last hundred years I bet you don't," he added. He told reporters, "I'm the same Rudy Giuliani who took down the mafia, made New York City the safest city in America, reduced crime more than any mayor in the history of any city anywhere, and I'm fighting for justice."

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Lawyers for Giuliani met with the district attorney Wednesday afternoon, and his bond was set at $150,000.

He was accompanied by former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik, a source said. Kerik, a longtime ally of Giuliani's, is not one of the 19 defendants in the Fulton County case.

Former New York City Mayor and former personal lawyer for former President Donald Trump Rudy Giuliani talks to members of the press before he leaves the U.S. District Court on May 19, 2023 in Washington, DC. / Credit: Alex Wong / Getty Images

Giuliani said he would plead not guilty. He said he would likely get a mug shot, despite that he is "the man who probably put the worst criminals of the 20th century in jail."

Giuliani is one of 19 defendants, including former President Donald Trump , who have been indicted on racketeering and other charges in Fulton County related to alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.

He was central to a campaign to challenge the results after Trump lost, taking on a leadership role both in internal planning as well as cheerleading the effort in public  holding a famous press conference after the election at Four Seasons Total Landscaping in Philadelphia, saying Trump would not concede, and spreading misinformation in appearances before state legislatures.

The indictment claims Giuliani, "in furtherance of the conspiracy" to overturn the election, sought to push legislators in Arizona, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Michigan to "unlawfully appoint" presidential electors from their states.

Giuliani has denied all wrongdoing in the case, and has criticized Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' handling of the investigation.

On Tuesday, Scott Hall, a Georgia bail bondsman, and John Eastman, a conservative attorney, were also booked at the jail. Both men were eligible for bond. A request to Hall for comment was not immediately returned.

Eastman said in a statement that he and his legal team plan to contest the charges and said he is confident he will be "fully vindicated."

Willis gave those charged until noon Friday to surrender to authorities.

Trump said on his social media platform Monday that he will turn himself in on Thursday. He has denied wrongdoing in the case.

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Rudy Giuliani has been arrested.

The former New York mayor and lawyer for Donald Trump surrendered to authorities in Georgia on Wednesday, following his indictment last week on 13 charges related to his role in the effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Giulianis bond was set at $150,000 after his legal team met with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis earlier on Wednesday.

Giuliani was one of 19 defendants listed on the indictment who were given a deadline of Friday at noon to turn themselves in to authorities. Trump announced earlier this week that he will surrender on Thursday, and noted on Wednesday that hes quite happy about it. NOBODY HAS EVER FOUGHT FOR ELECTION INTEGRITY LIKE PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, he wrote on Truth Social. FOR DOING SO, I WILL PROUDLY BE ARRESTED TOMORROW AFTERNOON IN GEORGIA. GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!

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John Eastman, the lawyer behind the plot to stop the certification of the Electoral College, and Scott Hall, a bail bondsman who allegedly tried to break into voting machines, turned themselves in on Tuesday. David Shafer, the former chairman of the Georgia GOP and one of the fake electors; Cathy Latham, another fake elector; Ray Smith, a lawyer who help Trump contest the states results; Ken Chesebro, a lawyer who helped devise the fake elector scheme; Sidney Powell, a conspiracy-pushing Trump election lawyer, and Jenna Ellis, another Trump election lawyer, also surrendered on Wednesday.

As well as Ray Smith, Cathleen Latham and David Shafer pic.twitter.com/NFF0BUsAzl  Travis Schlepp (@travischlepp) August 23, 2023

There are a few defendants, however, who arent going so easily. Mark Meadows, Trumps former chief of staff, asked a federal court to block his arrest on Tuesday, citing his push to get the case moved out of Fulton County. Meadows has argued that he shouldnt be charged in Fulton County because he was working as a federal official when he allegedly assisted in the effort to keep Trump in office. Jeffrey Clark, the former Justice Department official Trump wanted to install as attorney general after the election, has also pushed back on the timing of the arrest, whining that he didnt want to have to make rushed travel arrangements to make it to Atlanta in time to turn himself in.

Giuliani, on the other hand, has taken Trumps approach of casting himself as a martyr. Im going to Georgia and Im feeling very, very good about it because I feel like Im defending the rights of all Americans, as I did so many times as a United States attorney, he told reporters outside his New York City apartment on Wednesday. The system of justice is politicized and criminalized for politics. Your rights are in jeopardy and your childrens. Donald Trump told you this. They werent just coming for him. Well, me. Now theyve indicted people.

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Anyone who has observed his career over the past forty years would hesitate to write off King Charles former righthand man, Michael Fawcett.

And, predictably, less than 48 hours after Britains Metropolitan police slipped out an announcement that they were dropping a corruption probe triggered by letters allegedly sent by Fawcett offering cash for honors, there is already talk of a potential Fawcett comeback.

Corruption Probe of King Charles Charities Inexplicably Dropped

Witness not one, not two, but three articles in the Daily Mail on Wednesday speculating on the chances of a Lazarus-like return to favor for the innocent man. One source, for example, told the Mail: Michael Fawcett is still in touch with the king, from what people hear. He wont ever truly be gone.

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The kings office told The Daily Beast it wouldnt be commenting on the claims, however. And a separate report by The Telegraph disputed the rumors, citing a source who said Fawcett has no appetite for a return to the maelstrom of palace life. The Telegraphs story also reiterated the claim that there has been no contact between Fawcett and Charles since he quit.

The King is sensible, Michael Fawcett is sensible. Both understand that it would be entirely inappropriate for them to have any contact, the source was quoted saying.

Were it anyone else, of course, such speculation would be fanciful.

After all, whatever the cops decided, in the letter, sent on Aug. 18, 2017, Fawcett clearly stated that cash given to Charles charities would result in honors and favors in return.

Fawcett wrote to an aide to Saudi billionaire Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz, who has donated close to $2 million to charities operating under Charles aegis, saying: In light of the ongoing and most recent generosity of His Excellency I am happy to confirm to you, in confidence, that we are willing and happy to support and contribute to the application for Citizenship.

I can further confirm that we are willing to make [an] application to increase His Excellencys honour from Honorary CBE to that of KBE in accordance with Her Majestys Honours Committee, the letter said.

Both of these applications will be made in response to the most recent and anticipated support [of] The Trust, and in connection with his ongoing commitment generally within the United Kingdom. I hope that this confirmation is sufficient in allowing us to go forward.

If the venality were not enough, the truly unforgiveable sin of writing it all down would sink any other royal career. And while it is true that Fawcett did resign after the letter was published, few truly believe palace spin that there has been zero contact since then between Charles and his former top man.

Long-term observers of the curious dynamic between his former valet Fawcett, who famously squeezed toothpaste onto the royal toothbrush when Charles had broken his arm in a polo accident, know that if there is one thing you should never discount, it is the possibility of a comeback by Fawcett, the working class boy from Kent who entered royal service as a junior footman directly from school, and rose through the ranks to become Charles top aide.

Charles reportedly once said of him, I can manage without just about anyone, except for Michael.

His indispensability is evident in the fact that this is his third resignation, having twice previously resigned and been reinstated in new positions at new organizations by Charles, once after being accused of bullying in 1998 and again in 2003 when he was nicknamed Fawcett the Fence for selling royal gifts.

His most recent resignation was from his role as head of the Princes Foundation, a position he was appointed to in 2018.

The 2003 resignation was triggered by a report into misconduct in Charles office by Elizabeth Burgess, a staffer in Charles office at Highgrove House.

She had previously alleged in a 2001 tribunal case that she was called a fucking nigger typist, by Fawcett in 1996. She wept while giving evidence, saying: We are servants. To be a servants servant is bad enough: to be a black servant is worse. She lost her case after the tribunal ruled that she had failed to prove any of the allegations she had made about her treatment.

However, Burgess had a bigger secret. In 1995, she alleged, a troubled assistant valet experiencing a mental health trauma, George Smith, told Burgess that he had been raped by a staff member and that he had witnessed a sexual incident between Charles and a staff member.

Princess Diana heard about the allegations and went to visit Smith at the Priory clinic, where she recorded his claims about the incidents and confronted Charles with them in 1996, as part of a campaign to get rid of Fawcett, whom she believed was helping her husband conduct his then-secret affair with Camilla Parker Bowles.

In one videotaped interview, made as part of a public speaking training session, Diana said, He is too close to FawcettWhat can one do when your husband is in an unhealthy relationship with a servant?

After Dianas death, the rape tape she had made of Smith, allegedly held in a mahogany box, along with hundreds of her other personal items and letters, passed into the possession of Paul Burrell, her former butler.

The whole matter got swept into an inquiry into the running of Charles office by Charles accountant, Sir Michael Peat , after a trial of Burrell for stealing the items collapsed at the last minute when the queen intervened. She said Burrell had told her he was taking some of Dianas things for safe keeping.

The Peat report found Fawcett had accepted gifts and hospitality (it was this for which he resigned), but the report glaringly failed to mention the sexual allegationsdespite them swirling around newspaper and royal gossips.

The Mail on Sunday finally published some of the allegations after persuading Smith to swear an affidavit that he witnessed a sexual incident.

Incredibly, after the report was published, Mark Bolland, Charles former spin doctor, disclosed that Peat had asked him privately whether he thought Charles was bisexual.

Bolland, who is gay, wrote in the News of the World: A year ago, Michael Peat called me on holiday and asked: Do you think the Prince of Wales is bisexual?

Bolland, per the Guardian, said he had told Peat it was emphatically not the case that Charles was gay or bisexual. Bolland characterized Peats enquiry as part of a wicked quest to destroy Michael Fawcett.

So fed up were his enemies that they invented rumours about why Charles would not listen to their pleas to sack Michael. A few of them started suggesting there was something unnatural about the relationship. It was all very unfair, he said.

Bolland subsequently told the Guardian: I think what Ive said is quite helpful because Ive tried to explain where the rumour came from and how it got currency. The fact that Michael Peat was asking questions about it just showed the level of seriousness with which it was being treated in the household, which is just crazy.

In the report, Peat said of Fawcett: His robust approach to dealing with some people combined, perhaps, with his having been promoted from a relatively junior position within the household, undoubtedly caused jealousy and friction in some quartersThis has encouraged some to voice rumors as to his financial probity; but they are just that, rumors.

But the latest rumor, that he is set for a sensational comeback to the heart of the court of King Charles will, if it happens, surely be the most extraordinary development yet in the amazing story of the variable fortunes of Michael Fawcett.

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After recent drone strikes on Russian airfields in Soltsy and Shaykovka, Moscow now has no more than 27 operational strategic Tu-22M3 bombers at its disposal, Ukrainian Defense Intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said in an interview with RFE/RL on Aug. 23.

Budanov said that a total of 436 Russian aircraft are involved in the military campaign against Ukraine.

Read also: Budanov visits Bulgaria

That's a lot; but if you ask how many of them are Tu-22s, it'll be just a few, he said.

Read also: Intel chief Budanov addresses pressure on Ukraine to agree to cease-fire

They had around 31 working Tu-22s, now  29, and minus two more that will need repairs, meaning 27. So, not many that can actually fly.

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Read also: Expect more actions to liberate Crimea soon, says Budanov

He also reported that as a result of operations in Soltsy and Shaykovka, two aircraft were completely destroyed, while two more were damaged. Budanov noted that the damaged aircraft would be eventually repaired. Russia no longer produces Soviet-era Tu-22 aircraft.

The head of the intelligence agency stated that the strikes were delivered out by "individuals who carried out certain tasks from the territory of the Russian Federation."

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
By Andrew Osborn

MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia has removed Sergei Surovikin, nicknamed "General Armageddon", as head of the air force after he vanished from public view during a Wagner mercenary mutiny against the top army brass, two Russian news outlets reported on Wednesday.

A recipient of Russia's top military award, Surovikin is the most senior Russian military figure to lose his job over the June 23-34 mutiny, which President Vladimir Putin said could have tipped Russia into civil war.

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin , who spearheaded the revolt, remains free and on Monday posted a video address which he suggested was shot in Africa. The two men Prigozhin had wanted to topple - Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov , chief of general staff - remain in their posts.

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Once commander of Russia's overall war effort in Ukraine when he was lauded by Russian and Western military experts as one of its most effective operators, Surovikin has not yet been publicly fired.

However, Russian state news agency RIA cited an unnamed but "informed" source as saying: "Ex-chief of the Russian Air and Space Forces Sergei Surovikin has now been relieved of his post, while Colonel-General Viktor Afzalov, head of the main staff of the Air Force, is temporarily acting as commander-in-chief of the Air Force".

The RBC news outlet - citing two unnamed sources familiar with the situation - also reported that Surovikin had been removed from his post.

It cited them as saying he was being reassigned to a different job, was currently on leave, and had also lost his role as deputy commander of Russia's forces in Ukraine.

Reuters could not independently verify the reports and there was no immediate official confirmation.

Surovikin's reported removal and the appointment of an acting successor suggests the authorities found fault with his behaviour during the revolt, and appears to be part of a drive to remove or sideline anyone deemed too close to Wagner.

Since the mutiny, the authorities have also moved to silence prominent critics of the way Russia is prosecuting the war - both inside the army, as in the case of one Russian general, and from the sidelines, in the case of nationalist Igor Girkin.

'GENERAL ARMAGEDDON'

U.S. officials told Reuters in June that Surovikin had been supportive of Prigozhin, but that Western intelligence did not know with certainty whether he had helped the rebellion in any way.

Given Surovikin's reputed competence, some Western military experts have suggested his removal from battlefield operations could hurt Russia's campaign in Ukraine, something it calls "a special military operation".

Surovikin's last public appearance was on June 24, the second and final day of the mutiny, when he appeared in what looked like a carefully stage-managed video. Visibly strained, without insignia and cradling an automatic weapon, he urged Prigozhin to abandon his march on Moscow.

Since the mutiny, which was ended by negotiations and a Kremlin deal, some Russian news outlets and sources have said that Surovikin, who was often publicly praised by Prigozhin in the run-up to the revolt, was being investigated for possible complicity in it and being held under house arrest.

Surovikin earned the nickname "General Armageddon" during Russia's military intervention in Syria for the ruthless bombing tactics he employed there.

He was placed in charge of Russian military operations in Ukraine last October, but in January that role was handed to General Valery Gerasimov, chief of general staff, and Surovikin was made a deputy to Gerasimov.

Afzalov was previously deputy to Surovikin and has been chief of staff of the Aerospace Forces for at least four years, according to British military intelligence. Ukraine says he played a direct role in the planning and prosecution of Russia's onslaught against it.

During Surovikin's absence from public view, Afzalov was shown on television briefing Gerasimov last month.

(Reporting by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Mark Trevelyan and Bernadette Baum)
In total, Russia has destroyed 270,000 tons of grain in a month of attacks on Ukrainian ports

Russia destroyed 13,000 of grain during a drone attack on the Danube River area in Odesa Oblast overnight on Aug. 23, Ukraines Infrastructure Ministry reported on Telegram, citing its head, Oleksandr Kubrakov .

Several private grain terminals and warehouses, as well as cargo infrastructure were damaged as a result of the attack, the minister said, adding that agricultural products had been destined to be shipped to Egypt and Romania.

Read also: Erdogan to travel to Russia for meeting with Putin on extending grain deal

Russia is systematically striking grain facilities and warehouses to stop agricultural exports, Kubrakov said.

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During this night alone, the export capacity of the port of Izmail fell by 15%, preceded by the port of Reni, with 35,000 tons of grain being destroyed there. Today is the eighth attack on port infrastructure after Russias withdrawal from the grain initiative (on July 17).

Read also: Russian drones target Odesa Oblast as Kherson, Sumy Oblast shelled

In total, Russia has destroyed 270,000 tons of grain in a month of attacks on Ukrainian ports, the minister added.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
By David Gauthier-Villars and Gleb Stolyarov

DUBAI (Reuters) - A Ural Airlines Airbus landed in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg on Nov. 14 last year. Then it remained grounded on the tarmac.

Three days later, a spare part crucial for navigation systems with a declared value of over a quarter of a million dollars, made by U.S. company Northrop Grumman, arrived for the jet, Russian customs records show.

A week later, on Nov. 24, the A320 took off for Moscow and has been busy ferrying passengers across Russia and Central Asia ever since, according to flight tracking data.

Despite Western sanctions designed to stop Russian carriers from procuring parts for their Airbus and Boeing jets, Ural Airlines has imported over 20 of the U.S.-made devices since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the customs data show.

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All told, at least $1.2 billion worth of aircraft parts flowed to Russian airlines from May last year - when most U.S. and European trade curbs and export bans over Ukraine were in force - to the end of June this year, a Reuters analysis of the customs records shows.

The equipment ranged from essential items needed to keep a jet airworthy - such as the Northrop Grumman devices, cabin pressure valves, cockpit displays and landing gear - to more mundane spares, such as coffee makers, flight attendant telephone handsets and toilet seats.

The customs records showed the parts made their way to Russia through middlemen in countries including Tajikistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, China and Kyrgyzstan  none of which has endorsed Western sanctions on Russia.

The $1.2 billion tally underestimates the total value of aircraft parts imported during the period reviewed by Reuters as it only includes shipments destined directly for Russian airlines or their maintenance units - and not plane parts shipped to other companies in Russia.

Oleg Panteleev, head of the AviaPort aviation think-tank in Moscow, said Russian airlines have "solved the problem" of operating under Western sanctions.

"At first there was a shock, no one knew what to do," he told Reuters. "After two to three months, new supply channels were found and, after six or nine months, quite a lot of alternatives appeared, which allowed for a reduction in prices and delivery times."

'UNNECESSARY INFORMATION'

Ural Airlines Deputy Chief Executive Kirill Skuratov declined to comment on how the Russian carrier procured its spare parts. "I definitely will not tell you that," he told Reuters. "It is unnecessary information."

After reviewing the list compiled by Reuters, Northrop Grumman said it did not identify any sales or repair services by the company to Russian entities. Northrop Grumman said it has "robust processes and procedures to help ensure compliance with all applicable export and sanctions-related laws and regulations."

The U.S. government said its export controls and those of its allies had severely affected the Russian aviation sector.

"We will continue to vigorously enforce our controls by rooting out and disrupting illicit networks, pursuing individuals evading restrictions, and directly engaging with industry and foreign governments to ensure compliance," a Department of Commerce spokesperson said.

A European Union official said the bloc was closely coordinating with countries that had imposed similar trade curbs to ensure they were not circumvented.

"Systems are being put in place in some countries for monitoring, controlling and blocking re-exports," the official said.

To be sure, Western sanctions have made life more difficult for Russia's aviation sector.

In mid 2022, aviation industry sources described how some Russian airlines were stripping some planes for parts. And Russian carrier S7 Airlines said in June last year that it had to scrap plans to launch a low-cost operator because it could not take delivery of the Airbus planes it had ordered.

Like its U.S. rival Boeing, the European planemaker cut links with its Russian clients when sanctions kicked in.

But as of May 1 this year, Russian carriers had 541 Western planes in active service or under maintenance, according to data compiled by Swiss aviation intelligence provider ch-aviation. That's more or less on a par with before the war, taking into account the 75 planes being leased by Russian airlines that were repossessed by their foreign owners, the ch-aviation data show.

Russian airlines carried 10.1 million passengers in June, according to Russia's federal statistics agency Rosstat, compared to 8.87 million in June 2022 and 11.1 million in June 2021.

Without Western aircraft, Russian airlines would have had to downsize massively because they only have about 150 Russian-made passenger planes in their fleets, according to ch-aviation data.

Russia's trade ministry and civil aviation authority did not respond to messages seeking comment.

CIRCUITOUS ROUTE

Before the trade restrictions, Ural Airlines, Aeroflot, S7 and other Russian carriers relied on maintenance support from global firms such as Lufthansa Technik of Germany.

When those firms stopped providing services  Lufthansa Technik said it suspended sales to Russia from Feb. 28, 2022  Russian airlines turned to a pool of far smaller suppliers.

In April 2022, for example, S7's maintenance unit, S7 Engineering, began importing parts from a company in Moldova called Air Rock Solutions, according to the customs records.

The first shipment was for water filters for Airbus galleys with a declared value of $1,700. Over the next 14 months, S7 received at least $1.23 million of parts from Air Rock, the records show.

Ivan Melnicov, chief executive of Air Rock and another aircraft parts distributor in Moldova called Aerostage Services, denied selling products to Russia. He said most of his clients were in the UAE and Kyrgyzstan, among others.

"Business with Russian companies is impossible to be done from Moldova, simply considering that their banks are banned in Moldova and payments are not processed," Melnicov told Reuters. "We are not interested in losing our local and international partners for short-term income."

Most of the shipments listed in Russian customs records as having been made by Air Rock and Aerostage took circuitous routes, transiting through the UAE or Kyrgyzstan. Asked if that could indicate his clients in those countries had re-routed deliveries to Russian airlines, the Moldovan businessman did not respond.

S7 and Aeroflot did not respond to messages seeking comment.

NOSE TO TAIL SERVICES

The serial number listed in Russian customs records for the Northrop Grumman device sent to Yekaterinburg last year shows the part was manufactured in October 2008, and used on different aircraft, including one in Saudi Arabia six year ago, according to an industry source with access to maintenance databases.

While the customs records don't name the company that shipped the device in November, they do show how more of the same crucial U.S. parts fitted with high-tech laser gyroscopes reached Urals Airlines during the 14-month period reviewed by Reuters.

In July 2022, for example, one was shipped to Ural Airlines via the UAE by Istikloliyat 20, a civil engineering company based in Tajikistan. In September 2022, another Tajik civil engineering firm, Kafolati Komil, also sent one of the parts to Russia via the UAE, the data show.

Mahmadbashir Yakubov, chief executive of Istikloliyat 20, did not respond to phone messages seeking comment. Reuters was unable to reach Komilchon Yakubov, the chief executive of Kafolati Komil.

Some of the shipments of Northrop Grumman parts to Ural Airlines that went through the UAE were handled by a company named Skyparts FZCO, the customs records show.

Created in June 2022 and registered in a single-room office in one of Dubai's free economic zones, Skyparts says on its website it was founded by aviation professionals and offers customers "nose to tail" support for their aircraft.

Asked about the shipments of the Northrop Grumman device, Skyparts manager Saeed Abdulloev told Reuters he was familiar with the part and confirmed that the Dubai firm was doing business with Tajik companies, including Istikloliyat 20.

He said Skyparts had procured one of the Northrop Grumman parts from a U.S. supplier but denied ever sending it to Russia. He declined to identify the U.S. firm.

HUSBAND AND WIFE

One Russian carrier, Nordwind Airlines, appears to have harnessed family ties to procure parts for the 12 Airbus and 15 Boeing aircraft in its fleet, the customs data show.

Owned by Russian entrepreneur Karine Bukrey, according to corporate records, the airline imported hundreds of parts from Ramses Turizm. Based in the Turkish resort town of Antalya, Ramses Turizm is owned by Bukrey's husband, Ramazan Akpinar.

Nordwind and Bukrey did not respond to messages seeking comment.

Contacted by Reuters on April 4 this year, Akpinar confirmed owning Ramses Turizm and being married to Bukrey. He did not answer questions about aircraft part exports to Nordwind.

The Russian records show Nordwind stopped receiving parts from Ramses Turizm three days after Reuters asked about them. However, the airline carried on importing parts from another Turkish company, Na Havacilik ve Teknik, also based in Antalya.

Reuters was unable to reach Nusret Alper, who founded Na Havacilik in August 2022, for comment.

Nordwind also imported parts via its maintenance unit, NW Technic, according to the customs records. Chief Executive Valery Pashaev told Reuters his unit was solely focused on maintaining aircraft and was not involved in parts procurement.

"People bring me parts and tell me where to install them," Pashaev said. "I take the parts and install them."

(Additional reporting by Lisa Barrington in Dubai and Maurice Tamman in New York; Editing by David Clarke and Daniel Flynn)
Russia launched an overnight drone attack on Odesa Oblast and damaged a grain storage facility on the Danube, Governor Oleh Kiper said on Aug. 23.

No casualties were reported but a grain warehouse has partially burned down, according to the governor.

The Ukrainian Air Force said that Russia launched 20 Shahed attack drones at Ukraine overnight on Aug. 23.

Eleven of the drones were destroyed, nine of which were downed over Odesa Oblast. The other two were downed over Zaporizhzhia Oblast, according to the Air Force.

Russia has targeted Ukrainian ports at least eight times since since Moscow pulled out of the Black Sea Grain initiative on July 17.

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Multiple European countries with access to river and sea ports have offered to help Ukraine in the wake of repeated Russian attacks that aim to crush Ukrainian export capabilities.

Zelensky said on Aug. 22 that he discussed alternative export routes with the prime ministers of Bulgaria and Croatia and the president of Moldova at the Ukraine-Balkan summit in Athens.

Zelensky also thanked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Athens for "her efforts to normalize Ukraines agricultural exports and transit."

Read also: Ukraine wants to use new Black Sea corridor to export grain

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Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hold talks in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called on China and South Africa to strengthen their partnerships in four dimensions during his state visit to the African nation.



Xi made the remarks during his meeting with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, in Pretoria, the country's administrative capital.

Ahead of his arrival, Xi said in his signed article published in South African media that the blossoming China-South Africa relationship "has entered a 'golden era,' enjoying broad prospects and a promising future."

While meeting with Ramaphosa, the Chinese leader called on both sides to be strategic partners of high-level mutual trust, adding that "camaraderie and brotherhood" are the true quality of bilateral ties.

The two sides should strengthen exchanges and cooperation between their legislatures, political parties, militaries and localities, and continue to support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, said Xi.

The Chinese side is willing to strengthen inter-party exchanges and training cooperation with South Africa, and help the African National Congress (ANC) with building the African Leadership Institute, he added.

China and South Africa, said Xi, should be development partners for common progress.

He described mutual benefit and win-win results as the hallmark of China-South Africa cooperation, saying that the two sides should focus on advancing the Belt and Road Initiative, implementing the nine programs on China-Africa cooperation, as well as the 10-Year Strategic Programme on Cooperation between the two countries, consolidating cooperation in areas of strength and fostering new growth points for cooperation.

Over the years, bilateral ties have experienced what Xi described as "leapfrog development," from a partnership to a strategic partnership, and then to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Official statistics showed that bilateral trade in 2022 reached 56.74 billion U.S. dollars, accounting for 20.1 percent of China-Africa trade. And in the first half of the year, bilateral trade topped 28.25 billion dollars, up 11.7 percent year-on-year.

China has remained South Africa's largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years, while South Africa has been China's biggest trading partner in Africa for 13 years in a row.

Meanwhile, South Africa has been one of the African countries with the largest stock of Chinese investment, which has risen to 10 billion dollars. More than 200 Chinese companies in South Africa have created over 400,000 local jobs and South African companies are also racing to invest in the Chinese market to seize its abundant business opportunities.

Notably, South Africa was the first African country to join the Belt and Road cooperation. The pie of bilateral cooperation is getting bigger as South Africa's wines, rooibos tea, and aloe vera gels are trending in the Chinese market while automobiles and home appliances with Chinese brands gain increasing popularity among South African households.

And in a joint statement between the two countries issued on Tuesday after the meeting of the two presidents, both sides will consider working towards bilateral cooperation and synergy within the Belt and Road Initiative and the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan frameworks.

Both sides also pledged to continue to seek the strengthening of cooperation in key areas such as infrastructure and logistics, trade and investment, manufacturing, agro-processing, energy and resources, the financial sector, the digital economy, science and technology, and green development, according to the statement.

During the talks, Xi said China will expand imports of South African products and encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in South Africa.

Noting that poverty reduction, agricultural development programs and rural revitalization are important components of Chinese modernization, he said Beijing is willing to strengthen experience exchange with South Africa and help the country carry out the poverty reduction demonstration village project.

Xi also elaborated on the necessity for the two countries to be friendly partners of deep mutual understanding and goodwill, saying that closer people-to-people bonds can best testify to the friendship between the two countries.

China is ready to make good use of such mechanisms as the China-South Africa vocational education alliance to strengthen vocational education of the two countries, promote exchanges and cooperation in youth employment, and help South Africa train more talents urgently needed for economic and social development, he said.

The two sides should strengthen tourism cooperation, and support scientific research institutions and enterprises to step up technological cooperation and joint research, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples, Xi added.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hold talks in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

South Africa in the joint statement further welcomed the identification of South Africa amongst the top 20 countries for group tourism promotion by Chinese tourists. The African country supports the increase in the frequency of direct flights between South Africa and China.

The fourth partnership the Chinese leader called on the two sides to enhance concerns global peace and stability.

This year's BRICS summit comes at a time when the world is facing rising uncertainties and accelerating changes unseen in a century.

Xi urged China and South Africa to be global partners that uphold justice, saying that independence is a principle both sides adhere to.

The Chinese side, Xi said, supports South Africa in playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs, and stands ready to work with South Africa and other developing countries to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative.

He also said that Beijing is also ready to join the developing world in practicing true multilateralism, increasing the representation and voice of the Global South countries in global governance, and strengthening collaboration on issues such as climate change, food security and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, so as to safeguard the common interests and development space of developing countries, Xi added.

China and Africa, in the eyes of Xi, have always belonged to a community with a shared future. He told Ramaphosa that in a world which is undergoing transformation and turbulence, both sides need more than ever stronger solidarity and cooperation.

And in their joint statement, the two sides reiterated their resolve to further strengthen cooperation in terms of African affairs and to support the African Union in resolving African conflicts peacefully.

China expressed in the document its support for the efforts of African countries and regional organizations under the auspices of the African Union (AU) to provide African solutions to African problems, including to support the AU's early accession to membership of the Group of 20.

Ramaphosa described China as a sincere brother, friend and partner of his country, saying that China has provided valuable support to South Africa in its struggle for national independence and liberation as well as its national development. He also mentioned China's timely support for his country during the COVID pandemic.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 25 years ago, South Africa has firmly adhered to the one-China principle, he said, adding that both nations share the same or similar positions on many major international affairs.

Ramaphosa also said that in today's world that is facing multiple severe and complex challenges, South Africa and other Global South countries hope to strengthen unity and cooperation with China, so as to better meet challenges together, and push for a more equal, just and rational international order.

In South Africa, Xi will also attend the BRICS summit scheduled from Tuesday to Thursday, and co-chair with Ramaphosa the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue on the sidelines of the summit.
(Reuters) -The deputy chair of the Russian security council Dmitry Medvedev said Moscow may annex Georgia's breakaway regions South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

"The idea of joining Russia is still popular in Abkhazia and South Ossetia," Medvedev, a former Russian president, wrote in an article published early on Wednesday by Argumenty I Fakty newspaper.

"It could quite possibly be implemented if there are good reasons for that," said Medvedev, who has cast himself as one of Russia's most hawkish political voices since its forces invaded Ukraine starting in February 2022.

Georgia lost control over the regions after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Moscow recognised their independence in 2008, following Georgias attempt to regain control of South Ossetia by force that led to a Russian counter-attack.

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Although Russian relations with Georgia have improved since then, Medvedev accused the West of creating tensions around the country by discussing its possible admission by NATO.

"We will not wait if our concerns become closer to reality," Medvedev said in the article that marked the 15th anniversary of the independence recognition, referring to a possible annexation.

Georgian officials have repeatedly said they are committed to joining the U.S.-led military alliance that would preserve the territorial integrity of the country.

Russia declared the annexations four provinces of Ukraine in September last year, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, but none of the annexations are recognised internationally.

(Reporting by Maria Tsvetkova in New York; editing by Grant McCool)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stressed that Russia could turn a blind eye to the liberation of Crimea, just as it did during the retreat from other occupied Ukrainian territories.

Source: Zelenskyy at the opening of the Crimean Platform summit

Quote: "Ukraine has shown that the liberation of our land in the course of combat operations was no accident. It is well-deserved, thanks to the heroism of our people and the defence support of our partners.

...Ukrainian forces are moving forward against all odds. No matter what anyone says, they are moving forward. And when Russia retreats from the occupied territories, it simply turns a blind eye to this, to its weakness. Similarly, Russian society can turn a blind eye to the occupiers' retreat from Crimea."

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Details: Zelenskyy pointed out that the main task of the Crimean Platform is to prepare for liberation. He stressed that "Ukraine understands how it will go and how many steps it needs to take to do so".

Zelenskyy also commented on the statements about "trading territories" with Russia.

Quote: "When someone in the world talks about our territory occupied by Russia, it is not about land, but about children, parents and families.

...Ukraine does not trade territories because Ukraine does not trade people. That's it. And all of you here, you do agree that human life is priceless."

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The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that two Ukrainian drones flying near occupied Crimea changed course after the Russian military engaged fighter jets on Aug. 22.

According to the ministry, the drones, identified as an MQ-9 Reaper and a TB2 Bayraktar, were on a reconnaissance mission over the Black Sea when Russian air defense detected them. The Russian military then mobilized two fighter jets.

"As a result of the actions, the UAVs changed their flight direction and left the areas where aerial reconnaissance was being conducted," the ministry said.

Reports of drone attacks in occupied Crimea have increased in recent weeks. On Aug. 16, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) officially claimed credit for a July 17 strike on the Crimean Bridge, carried out with an experimental sea drone.

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The increase of drone strikes within Russia itself has also raised questions about Russia's ability to defend its interior.

Earlier today, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that Ukraine is within its rights under international law to launch strikes on Russian soil.

"Ukraine has a right enshrined in the UN Charter to defend its country," Bearbock said.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian pilots start F-16 training in Denmark; Poll shows 90% of Ukrainians oppose territorial concessions to Russia

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Russia is sinking its own ferries to create a protective barrier in the Kerch Strait, Ukraine says.

It says Russia is doing this to protect the Kerch Bridge from Ukrainian sea-drone attacks.

But one expert told Insider this wouldn't help much, and drones could still attack the bridge.

Russia is sinking its own ferries in the Kerch Strait in an attempt to create a barrier that will protect a vital bridge from sea-drone attacks, the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine's Defense Ministry (GUR) says.

In a Telegram post on Tuesday, the GUR said Russian troops were preparing to sink at least six ferries in the strait to safeguard the Kerch Bridge, which connects Russian-occupied Crimea to the Russian mainland.

Russia had already sunk the first vessel, the GUR said, and was preparing to sink its second. It's unclear how Russia is sinking the ships.

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But Ukraine said that Russia eventually planned to "install boom barriers between the flooded ferries" to form a defensive line, according to a translation by the Kyiv Post.

Similar to anti-torpedo nets, boom defenses are physical barriers or nets that either encircle potential targets in the sea or cross the mouth of a harbor or a strait for protection against drones. They've been used since World War II.

But Stephen Wright, a drone-technology developer, told Insider the new tactic wouldn't prove useful for Russia, at least against drone attacks.

"I can see that these 'block ships' could be useful against a different kind of attack, perhaps a large ship being hijacked and rammed into the bridge, or even manned submarines," he said. "But against a weapon as small and agile as the sea drones that we have seen though? They won't stop that."

Russia has been trying to deploy all kinds of defenses amid a series of audacious Ukrainian sea-drone attacks in the area, which have previously damaged large warships.

The attacks have ramped up ever since Ukraine unveiled a new sea drone that packs hundreds of pounds of explosives and is faster than anything in the Black Sea, CNN reported.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Russia and Ukraine traded drone attacks Wednesday, with Ukraine apparently destroying a critical Russian defense system while the Kremlin once again attacked Ukrainian grain storage depots, officials said.

A Russian S-400 surface-to-air defense missile complex was later destroyed in occupied Crimea, according to claims from the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine. The Defense Intelligence said in a statement that Russia has a limited number of arsenal and the loss is a painful blow to its air defense system.

The long-range S-400 missiles have the ability to strike enemy aircraft and are considered one of the best available systems. Their range is 250 miles, and they can have multiple targets, according to The Associated Press.

Meanwhile, Russia attacked Ukraines southern Odesa region in a three-hour drone attack, prompting a fire at grain facilities, Odesa Regional Military Administration Head Oleh Kiper said in a telegram post.

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The attack destroyed 13,000 metric tons of grain, bringing the total grain losses this month to 270,000 metric tons, Ukrainian Minister Olekanser Kubrakov said on Facebook.

The attack follows a series of Russian strikes on grain facilities after Russia pulled out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative last month, which had kept supplies flowing out of the major breadbasket nation.

The move threatens Ukrainian grain exports that bolster the countrys economy and supply the global market. The AP reports that in less than a year under the deal, Ukraine shipped 32.9 million metric tons of food supplies, most of it out of Odesa.

The world needs to understand that attacks on grain infrastructure are attacks on African and Asian countries that have already run out of food, Kubrakov wrote in a statement.

Russian officials also claimed to take out Ukrainian drones in Moscow and the surrounding region, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said. According to Sobyanin, one drone smashed into a building under construction in Moscow, which was hit twice by drones before.

The drone was electronically jammed, according to Russias Ministry of Defense, which said two other drones were shot down by air defense systems in the Mozhaisk and Khimi areas. It said Ukraine was to blame for the attack, though Kyiv officials neither confirmed nor denied being behind the drone attacks.

In addition, three people died in the Belgorod region of Russia on the Ukrainian border after repeated shelling of a sanatorium, according to a telegram post from Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov. He said shelling occurred at the sanatorium in the village of Lavy, around 25 miles from the border, killing two refugees and a staff member.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Russia wants to offer to swap the assets of foreign investors frozen in Russia for some of the Russian assets frozen by the West, the Interfax news agency reported on Aug. 22, citing Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov.

Under the proposal drafted by the Russian government and central bank, Moscow would give foreign investors the opportunity to buy the assets of Russian companies frozen in Europe by using their own funds held in restricted accounts in Russia.

The Financial Times reported that Western officials are not aware of the proposal and no talks are taking place on the potential swap.

The volume of the unblocked assets would be initially limited and mainly aimed at retail investors, hoping to unfreeze around $1.1 billion, Siluanov said. According to the Russian minister, the West has frozen over $15 billion in assets from more than 3.5 million Russian citizens.

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As the Financial Times pointed out, there are no indications that the Western governments would be willing to acquiesce to this proposal, which would involve significant legal difficulties for investors willing to dispose of their frozen assets.

Western countries have frozen around $300 billion of Russia's Central Bank assets since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

While American lawmakers have proposed to transfer the blocked funds to Ukraine to support its post-war recovery, critics have pointed out the legal pitfalls of this move, as sovereign assets are covered by "sovereign immunity"  an understanding that one state will not seize another's property.

In turn, the EU has been exploring options of taxing over $200 billion of frozen Russian Central Bank assets and transferring the profits to Ukraine. According to Bloomberg, windfall profits from these assets could generate up to 3 billion euros ($3.3 billion) in cash and securities.

Read also: Bloomberg: EU, European Central Bank argue over plan to tax sanctioned Russian assets

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Russian troops have been using pontoon bridges at the Chonhar and Henichesk checkpoints on the administrative border between Ukraine's south and occupied Crimea since the Ukrainian Armed Forces' precision strikes on the permanent bridges in early August.

Source: UK Defence Intelligence, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The UK MoD believes that the pontoon bridges "are unlikely to be able to fully sustain" the flow of heavy vehicles used by Russia to transport ammunition and weapons to the frontline.

"The resulting bottlenecks mean Russian forces are partially reliant on a long diversion via Armiansk, northern Crimea. This is adding further friction to Russias logistics network in the south," UK Defence Intelligence stressed.

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Background:

Earlier, UK Defence Intelligence suggested that the drone attack that destroyed a Tu-22M3 strategic nuclear bomber at the Soltsy airfield in Russias Novgorod Oblast might have been carried out from Russian territory.

Shortly before that, the UK MoD described the emergence of a new Russian military formation as highly likely, as Russia is trying to free up more seasoned units for combat operations in critical areas of Ukraine.

Earlier, UK Defence Intelligence reported that Ukraine's offensive in the south was effective, while Russia's in Kharkiv Oblast was not.

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The airports of the Russian capital temporarily stopped receiving and sending off planes on the night of 22-23 August.

Source: Kremlin-aligned news agency TASS; Russian Telegram-based news outlet Baza

Details: Moscow's airports have reportedly introduced the Kover (Carpet) Plan.

The plan is typically introduced when dangerous objects are detected in the sky.

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A group of Russian attack drones swept towards the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa in the early hours of Aug. 23, the head of the regional military administrations public council, Serhiy Bratchuk, said on his channel on the Telegram messenger app.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Air Force said that the drone strikes had targeted the southern part of the region.

Read also: Video shows Ukrainian border guards destroying Russian drone in Odesa Oblast

As of 3.30 a.m., the air force said the drones reached the Odesa Oblast city of Izmail after flying over the Black Sea toward Odesa. An air raid alert was declared in Odesa Oblast as the drones moved west.

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Later there were reports that a grain storage facility in the Danube River area had been hit.

Read also: Civilian killed, more seriously injured after Russia hammers Kharkiv, Kherson, and other oblasts

Meanwhile, the enemy shelled the city of Khersons downtown, the city councils first deputy head, Yuriy Sobolevskyi, reported.

"The center of the city is under fire, be careful! Do not approach windows," he on his channel on Telegram.

Earlier on Aug. 22, Russian forces conducted 20 attacks across Sumy Oblast, according to the regional military administration.

A total of 115 explosions were recorded, and four civilians were injured.

Targets included the community of Velykopysarivska, which was hit by mortars (three explosions) and self-propelled grenades (four). Enemy aircraft also fired 10 unguided air-launched rockets.

The community of Krasnopilska was shelled by mortars (18), artillery (4), and grenade launchers (9).

The community of Khotynska saw eight mortar strikes.

The community of Seredyno-Budska recorded eight mortar explosions, which injured four civilians and damaged seven vehicles. Drones also hit a multi-story building there (two explosions).

Read also: Russia targets Kharkiv Oblast with Shahed drones, some downed, others cause damage

The community of Druzhbivska had four mines dropped on its territory and it was struck by 30 grenade launcher rounds, while, the community of Esmanska recorded six mortar round explosions.

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 Flash

Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa jointly meet the press after their talks in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that China-South Africa ties have gone beyond the bilateral scope and carried global sway.

Xi made the remarks when jointly meeting the press on Tuesday noon with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, after their talks.

Xi said he was delighted to accept the invitation of President Ramaphosa to pay a state visit again to South Africa, the beautiful "rainbow nation," adding that this is his fourth state visit to South Africa as the Chinese president.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of China-South Africa diplomatic ties, Xi said, noting that during the past 25 years, China-South Africa ties have achieved leapfrog development, with strategic mutual trust reaching a new height, cooperation in various fields moving forward in a comprehensive manner, and multilateral coordination becoming even closer.

Currently, the Communist Party of China is uniting and leading the Chinese people to push forward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts with Chinese modernization, and South Africa is actively and independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions as well, Xi said, adding China-South Africa relationship faces new development opportunities.

Recalling the fruitful meeting he just held with Ramaphosa, Xi said they exchanged views on the development of bilateral ties in the new era as well as the international and regional issues of common concern, reaching important consensus.

They also witnessed the signing of a series of important bilateral cooperation documents, he said, expressing full confidence on the future prospects of friendly cooperative relations between the two countries.

Xi said he and Ramaphosa agreed that China and South Africa should be strategic partners with high mutual trust, urging the two sides to keep the good momentum of high-level exchanges, strengthen communication and cooperation in various fields, continue to deepen political mutual trust, enhance communication in the experience of state governance, and continue to support each other on issues of core interests and major concern.

They agreed that the mutually beneficial and pragmatic cooperation between China and South Africa has achieved fruitful results, and both sides should be development partners for common progress, he noted.

Xi said the two sides need to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, implement the nine programs put forward at the China-Africa Cooperation Forum and the 10 Years Strategic Programme on Cooperation between China and South Africa (2020-2029), solidify the cooperation in areas of strength, and foster new growth points for cooperation.

China is ready to import more quality products from South Africa and will continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in South Africa, he noted, adding that the two sides will deepen bilateral cooperation in such areas as electric power, new energy as well as scientific and technological innovation.

Both sides highly value the empathy between the two peoples, and pledge to be friendly partners with mutual understanding and affection, Xi said, adding that the two countries must insist on putting people at the center of their cooperation, and let the cooperative results better benefit their people.

The Chinese side supports the South African government's efforts in strengthening vocational education and promoting youth employment, Xi noted, adding that both sides agreed to enhance exchanges and cooperation in areas such as education, science and technology, culture and tourism.

Xi said the two leaders agreed that as major developing countries and emerging economies with important influence, China and South Africa need to be global partners in safeguarding justice.

He urged the two sides to strengthen strategic coordination, practice true multilateralism and work to increase the representation and voice of the Global South countries in global governance.

China firmly supports African integration, backs the African Union to make substantial progress this year in joining the Group of 20, and encourages South Africa to play a bigger role in international and regional affairs.

Noting that the BRICS summit is about to open, Xi pointed out that under the current circumstance, this summit bears great significance for BRICS countries to solidify unity and cooperation, and promote the BRICS cooperative mechanism to develop and grow further.

As the rotating chair of BRICS, South Africa has made great preparation for the summit, which is highly appreciated by the Chinese side, Xi said, stressing that with the joint efforts of relevant parties, this year's BRICS summit is bound to be successful.

Xi said that he will co-chair with Ramaphosa the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue on Thursday, which is the first face-to-face group meeting between Chinese and African leaders since the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing his expectation to draw a new blueprint for China-Africa unity and cooperation with other African leaders, and inject fresh and strong vitality into the development of the China-Africa comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

For his part, Ramaphosa said he is delighted to receive Xi to pay his fourth state visit to South Africa at the time of the 25th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

The South African people are sincerely grateful to the Chinese government and the people for their valuable support to South Africa's anti-apartheid movement and national development, as well as the large amount of medical supplies assistance to South Africa in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, he added.

Ramaphosa said he reiterated with Xi that the two countries will continue to firmly support each other on issues of core interests and major concern.

The two leaders agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, further expand the mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as infrastructure, tourism, education and digital economy, and enhance international coordination on major international and regional affairs.

Ramaphosa thanked the Chinese side for its committed support to South Africa in successfully holding the 15th BRICS Summit, saying that he looks forward to working with Xi and other BRICS leaders to increase the voice of BRICS and the Global South countries in global governance, and promote the construction of a more just and rational international order.

He also expressed his expectation to co-chair the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue with Xi, and to discuss the deepening of Africa-China cooperation, which, the South African president believes, will definitely boost Africa's industrialization and integration processes, and help the Global South countries to achieve common development and prosperity.
The Russians tried to pass off their T-90M as a Slovenian M-55S

Pro-Kremlin Telegram news channels posted on Aug. 22 a drone video allegedly showing a "Ukrainian tank" being destroyed by a Lancet attack drone. But fact-checkers quickly debunked the claim.

Russians asserted the strike hit an M-55S tank provided to Ukraine from Slovenia. However, the destroyed vehicle was their own abandoned T-90M "Proryv" tank left damaged near Robotyne in Zaporizhzhya Oblast.

Collage of the NV

Read also: Russian tank fires at its own troops  video

The tank matches one filmed being hit in early August initially identified as a T-72. But the wreckage displayed no Ukrainian military flags or markings.

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Read also: Ukrainian drone first forces Russian T-90M Proryv tank to retreat, then destroys it  video

Likely the Russians tried preventing their new tank's capture as a trophy while feigning at least some "success" for domestic audiences. No evidence indicated the tank was operated by Ukrainian forces.

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A private plane has reportedly crashed in Russia's Tver Oblast, with the Wagner Group's boss Yevgeny Prigozhin listed as one of the passengers, Russian state-owned news agency TASS reported on Aug. 23, citing Russias Federal Agency for Air Transport.

According to the airline, Prigozhin and his right-hand man Dmitry Utkin were on board the private jet, Russia's Federal Agency for Air Transport (Rosaviatsiya) said on Aug. 23.

However, the agency made no mention of whether the Wagner Group officials were dead.

According to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, all 10 people on board  three crew members and seven passengers  died.

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The bodies of eight people were found at the site of the crash, TASS reported, citing emergency services.

The Russian independent outlet Verstka said that the plane took off from Moscow en route to St. Petersburg at around 6 p.m. Moscow time, and communication was lost at 6:11 p.m.

Russian emergency services confirmed that a private Embraer Legacy aircraft crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino in Tver Oblast while flying from Moscow to St. Petersburg.

The agency said it is conducting search operations.

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Videos of the crash appear to indicate that the plane is registered to Prigozhin, as the planes registration number matched his. However, this is not confirmed.

The Russian state aviation authority Rosaviation said it has begun investigating the circumstances and causes of the accident with the Embraer-135 aircraft, which occurred on August 23 in the Tver region, adding that the plane belonged to MNT-Aero LLC, which specializes in business transportation.

The Russian Investigative Committee has also initiated a criminal case following the plane crash due to the alleged violation of traffic safety rules and air transport operations.

All the necessary forensic examinations will be appointed, a set of investigative actions will be carried out to establish the causes of the crash, the agency said.

The White House said U.S. President Joe Biden has reportedly been briefed on the plane crash.

Biden told reporters that the news of the private jet crash, which may have had Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin on board, does not surprise him.

"You may recall, I was asked about this," Biden told CNN, referring to comments he made in July in which he said Prighozin should be worried about his safety following the mercenary chief's failed uprising in June.

"I said I would be careful what I rode in. I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised," Biden said.

Biden added that there is "not much that happens in Russia that Putin is not behind but I dont know enough to know the answer."

Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said no one should be surprised if Prigozhin was indeed onboard, although U.S. officials said they could not confirm whether Prigozhin was or not.

Prigozhin launched a short-lived rebellion against the Kremlin in late June, capturing the city of Rostov and marching toward Moscow before abruptly ending the insurrection.

An armed insurrection began in Russia on June 23 and, before it abruptly came to an end, looked poised to soon break out into open, large-scale violence.

The notorious Wagner mercenary force, once often called "Putin's private army," occupied a major regional capital and began a march on Moscow.

Its leader, outspoken war criminal Prigozhin, turned his sights on Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and head of the Russian General Staff Valerii Gerasimov, whom he critisized for not providing his troops with sufficient ammunition during the months-long battle for Bakhmut.

The Wagner Group was the key factor in Russia's successful push into Bakhmut.

Read also: Russia takes Bakhmut: Taking stock of the wars bloodiest battle so far

Prigozhin's Wagner began to bring tens of thousands of convicts from Russia's prisons into its ranks, including those convicted of rape and murder, what proved to be the group's main recruitment drive in late 2022.

Used in combination with the more professional and experienced Wagner units, the prisoners proved to be highly effective as an expendable assault force.

However, less than 24 hours after starting the rebellion, Prigozhin march on Moscow was declared over. He announced that he was turning his forces around and returning to base.

Following an undisclosed deal allegedly brokered by Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko, the warlord was allowed to walk free and has recently released a video claiming to be in Africa.

Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, said on June 30 that Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) had been tasked with assassinating Prigozhin.

Read also: Russia comes to the brink of civil war: How we got here and what it means

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FILE - In this image taken from video released by Razgruzka_Vagnera telegram channel on Aug. 21, 2023, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the owner of the Wagner Group military company speaks to a camera at an unknown location. Prigozhin made his name as the profane and brutal mercenary boss who mounted an armed rebellion that was the most severe and shocking challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putins rule. (Razgruzka_Vagnera telegram channel via AP, File)

Yevgeny Prigozhin made his name as the profane and brutal mercenary boss who in June mounted an armed rebellion that was the most severe and shocking challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin 's rule.

Prigozhin was aboard a plane that crashed north of Moscow on Wednesday, killing all 10 people on board, according to Russias civil aviation agency.

The 62-year-old's extraordinary journey took him from prisoner and hot dog vendor to elegant St. Petersburg restaurateur, and then from propaganda wars to the grisly battlefields in Ukraine.

As an instrument to project Russian power globally, his soldiers-for-hire were deployed to Africa to provide security for warlords and fought in Syria to shore up the regime of President Bashar Assad.

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In May, they seized the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut in a rare victory for Russia in the war, but Prigozhin complained bitterly about the Defense Ministry's conduct of the fight, saying it had denied ammunition to his forces.

As the war slogged on, Prigozhin dropped his public reticence and began releasing social media videos in which he lauded his troops and increasingly denounced Russias defense establishment for alleged mismanagement of the war and denying weapons and ammunition to his forces.

He abruptly escalated his scathing criticism in June by calling for an armed uprising to oust Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

On June 23, his forces left Ukraine and seized the military headquarters in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don. He ordered them to roll toward Moscow, saying it was not a military coup, but a march of justice to unseat Shoigu.

He called off the action less than 24 hours later in a deal struck by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

In a televised address, Putin had vowed to punish those behind the armed uprising led by his onetime protege. He called the rebellion a betrayal and treason.

But under the deal allowing Prigozhin and his forces to go free, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later said Putins "highest goal in the deal with the Wagner chief was to avoid bloodshed and internal confrontation with unpredictable results.

Prigozhin lived most of his life in the shadows. The owner of a high-end restaurant, he won Kremlin catering ventures that earned him the nickname of Putins chef, but he was mostly known only in the rarefied circles of the elite.

As the head of the Internet Research Agency, a troll farm that focused on interfering in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, he was barely visible.

But he barged into world view when mercenaries from his Wagner Group entered the war in Ukraine in 2022, becoming infamous both for their bloodthirsty fighting and their miserable treatment as cannon fodder in the eastern city of Bakhmut.

As part of the deal to defuse the crisis, an investigation into his mutiny was dropped, and he agreed to move to Belarus. He later appeared in videos, saying his soldiers would be deployed to Africa.

A recruitment video released earlier this week showed him at an undisclosed desert site in military fatigues and holding an assault rifle as he said his company was seeking real warriors and continuing to fulfill the tasks it had promised to carry out.

Prigozhin and Putin had long ties. Both were born in Leningrad, now St. Petersburg.

During the final years of the Soviet Union, Prigozhin was in prison  a decade by his own admission  although he never said for what crimes.

Afterward, he owned a hot dog stand and then fancy restaurants that drew interest from Putin. In his first term, the Russian leader took then-French President Jacques Chirac to dine at one of them.

Vladimir Putin saw how I built a business out of a kiosk. He saw that I dont mind serving to the esteemed guests because they were my guests, Prigozhin recalled in an interview published in 2011.

His catering businesses expanded significantly, and in 2010, Putin helped open Prigozhins factory, which was built on generous loans from a state bank. In Moscow alone, his company Concord won millions of dollars in contracts to provide meals to public schools.

He also organized catering for Kremlin events and provided meals and utility services to the Russian military.

In 2014, Prigozhin co-founded the Wagner Group, even though private military companies are technically illegal in Russia. It came to play a central role in Putins projection of Russian influence in global trouble spots, first in Africa and then in Syria.

Wagner fighters reportedly provided security for African leaders or warlords in exchange for lucrative payments, often including a share of gold mines or other natural resources. U.S. officials say Russia may have used Wagners work in Africa to support the war in Ukraine.

In 2017, opposition figure and corruption fighter Alexei Navalny accused Prigozhins companies of violating antitrust laws by bidding for $387 million in Defense Ministry contracts.

In December 2021, the European Union accused Wagner of serious human rights abuses, including torture and extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and killings, and of carrying out destabilizing activities in the Central African Republic, Libya, Syria and Ukraine.

An online video surfaced in November 2022 that showed a former Wagner contractor, who allegedly had gone over to the Ukrainian side but was later recaptured by Russia, beaten to death with a sledgehammer. The Kremlin turned a blind eye to it, despite public outrage and demands for an investigation.

His troops captured Bakhmut in what was likely the bloodiest and longest battle of the war. Prigozhin has said that 20,000 of his men died there, about half of them inmates recruited from Russias prisons.

As his forces fought and died en masse in Ukraine, Prigozhin repeatedly raged against Russias military brass.

In a May 2023 video, Prigozhin stood next to rows of bodies that he said were those of Wagner fighters. He accused Shoigu, the defense minister, and the chief of the general staff, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, of incompetence and of starving his troops of the weapons and ammunition they needed.

These are someones fathers and someones sons, Prigozhin said. The scum that doesnt give us ammunition will eat their guts in hell.

His remarks were unprecedented for Russias tightly controlled political system, in which only Putin could air such criticism.

Asked about a media comparison of him to Grigory Rasputin, a mystic who gained influence over Russias last czar by claiming to have the power to cure his sons hemophilia, Prigozhin once snapped: I dont stop blood, but I spill blood of the enemies of our Motherland.

After Prigozhin's rebellion fizzled and he decamped to Belarus, Putin said the Kremlin fully funds Wagner. He added that authorities would investigate whether Prigozhin might have diverted any of the 80 billion rubles ($936 million) in state funds he allegedly received in 2023 for delivering food to the Russian army.

Prigozhin first gained attention in the U.S., when he and a dozen other Russian nationals and three Russian companies were charged with operating a covert social media campaign aimed at fomenting discord ahead of Donald Trump's 2016 election victory.

They were indicted as part of special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian election interference. The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Prigozhin and his associates repeatedly in connection with both his election interference and his leadership of the Wagner Group.

He responded to the 2018 indictment with sarcasm, which was typical for the outspoken mercenary leader.

Americans are very impressionable people; they see what they want to see. I treat them with great respect. Im not at all upset that Im on this list," the RIA Novosti news agency quoted him as saying. "If they want to see the devil, let them see him.

___

Associated Press writer Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia, contributed to this report.
A Russian Mi-8 military helicopter with its entire crew flew to Ukraine and surrendered to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ukrainian war correspondent Yurii Butusov revealed in a post on Facebook on Aug. 23.

This is probably the first known surrender of a Russian combat helicopter in history, the journalist noted.

This story is going to be a legend, Butusov said.

The Russian Mi-8 combat helicopter, together with the entire crew, flew to Ukraine and surrendered to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. A Russian propaganda channel reported this. The Russians claim it was caused by navigational errors, but no doubt, this is another Russian lie.

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Read also: Ukrainian forces shoot down another Russian Ka-52 helicopter, this time in Zaporizhzhya Oblast

If the helicopter, which disappeared two weeks ago and flew to Poltava airfield, as reported in a post by a Russian blogger, a screenshot of which Butusov attached to his post, then it travelled about 300 kilometers from the front line, and the Russians could only have got there if they had planned the flight well, Butusov said.

The helicopter flies at a low altitude, at a low speed, and the crew can clearly see all the ground landmarks, its simply impossible to make a (navigation error) of 300 kilometers, (and) there is a large consumption of fuel, Butusov said.

This cant be a coincidence.

Read also: One helicopter, 600 occupiers eliminated over past 24 hours, says General Staff

If everything took place as the Russians wrote, it could be the first conscious surrender of a Russian combat helicopter in history, the journalist said.

This is a sensation that demoralizes Putins military aviation elite, Butusov said.

Were waiting for details from Ukrainian official sources, but this topic is expected to be in all of the world media. Did the helicopter crew decide to join the Russian Freedom Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps?

It would be interesting to hear a statement from the Russian pilots, Butusov added.

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Russian Gen. Sergey Surovikin , who disappeared from public view following the Wagner Group rebellion in June, was fired as commander of Russias aerospace forces, according to Russian media reports.

Surovikin was dismissed from the post because he is transferring to another job, a Russian Defense Ministry source told Russian news site RBC.

The Russian general, who has not been seen for about two months, is currently on a short vacation, the source said.

Gen. Viktor Afzalov, the chief of staff to the aerospace forces, has been appointed the interim commander to replace Surovikin, according to state-run media outlet RIA Novosti.

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Surovikin was last seen in a video June 24 pleading for Wagner Group founder and mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin to stand down.

Prigozhin marched on Moscow with thousands of mercenary troops behind his back before he reached a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to stand down. The Wagner boss was exiled to Belarus and charges against him were dropped.

After the short-lived mutiny, Putin began what some Russian bloggers called a purge in the military ranks, interviewing and questioning the loyalty of soldiers.

Media reports around the same time reported that Surovikin, who historically has close ties with Prigozhin, was detained by Russian authorities.

Russian military blogger Rybar, who has more than a million subscribers on Telegram, said this week that Surovikin was removed immediately after Prigozhins rebellion.

The Russian general was held in the infamous Lefortovo prison for interrogation before he was questioned in a more comfortable place, according to Rybar, who said the details of the incident were not necessarily new.

The news of the official removal of Surovikin from office is far from news for people in the know, Rybar wrote.

Surovikin, known as General Armageddon for his brutal tactics leading Russian campaigns in Syria, was appointed as commander of the aerospace forces in October 2017.

He also led Moscows war in Ukraine from October 2022 to January of this year before he was replaced by Gen. Valery Gerasimov.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Russian pilot has defected to Ukraine with a Mi-8 helicopter, Ukraine's intelligence service said.

The military-intelligence agency said it was part of a six-month-long secret plot.

The helicopter's other crew members, who were unaware of the plan, were "eliminated," the agency said.

A Russian helicopter pilot landed on a Ukrainian air base in what Ukrainian officials claimed was a planned defection.

The pilot landed a Russian Mi-8 AMTSh at the Poltava military air base in Kharkiv on Wednesday, taking the staff by surprise, the Kyiv Post reported.

Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine's directorate of military intelligence, told local media that the incident was the culmination of a six-month-long secret plot.

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He said the pilot's family had been brought from Russia to Ukraine before his defection.

Two other crew members on the helicopter were not aware of the pilot's plan, the Kyiv Post reported.

Ukraine's military-intelligence agency said they were unwilling to surrender and "eliminated," the paper reported.

Photos published by the Ukrainian outlet Pravda appear to show the helicopter and paperwork flecked with blood.

Pro-Russian social-media channels reported that the helicopter landed at the airfield by accident after the crew became "disoriented," according to the paper.

But the Poltava air base is about 300 km, or about 186 miles, away from the front line, which makes an accidental landing unlikely, the Ukrainian journalist Yuriy Butusov said in a Facebook post.

Butusov added that this appeared to be the first known intentional surrender of this type of Russian equipment.

Ukraine offers a cash bounty to Russian soldiers defecting with weapons

A Russian Mil Mi-8 and a Kamov Ka-52 "alligator" attack helicopter Leonid Faerberg/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Along with the helicopter, the pilot brought the parts of Su-27 and Su-30SM multirole fighter jets, supposedly being transported between two Russian air bases, the Kyiv Post reported.

The Mi-8 is commonly used as a transport helicopter, but it can also be reconfigured as an airborne command post, an armed gunship, or a reconnaissance platform.

Last year, Ukraine began offering large sums of money to defecting Russian soldiers who handed over military equipment. A helicopter is worth $500,000.

It's unclear whether this Russian pilot, who has not been named, will be compensated.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Russian shelling of a residential district in Kherson on Aug. 23 injured a woman around the age of 80, the Kherson Oblast Military Administration reported.

The woman was reportedly hospitalized and is in moderate condition.

The Kherson Oblast Prosecutor's Office said that Russian forces carried out the attack at around 1:15 p.m. local time, most likely using artillery.

Around the same time when the attack reportedly took place, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin warned the residents of Kherson Oblast not to leave their houses unless necessary on Aug. 23 and Aug. 24. as Russia is likely to launch strikes during the holidays.

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Ukraine celebrates the Day of the National Flag today Aug. 23 and Independence Day on Aug. 24.

The southern city of Kherson has been a regular target of Russian attacks since its liberation in November 2022. Russian troops continue to hold positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River that divides Kherson Oblast.

Over the past day, Russian strikes killed one person and injured five more in the oblast, the governor said.

Read also: Russia launches 20 drones overnight, strikes Odesa grain storage

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An Iranian-made Shahed-type drone struck a school in Romny, Sumy Oblast.

The Aug. 23 Russian attack killed four people and injured four others, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported.

The bodies of the school principal, deputy principal, secretary, and librarian were retrieved from under the rubble.

Additionally, four local residents who were passing by the school at the time of the strike were injured.

On Aug. 22, Russian forces launched attacks against seven communities along the border in Sumy Oblast, injuring four people.

Russian forces hit the border towns with artillery, mines, grenade launchers, and unguided missiles, firing over 20 times in 24 hours. The attacks caused 115 explosions.

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Situation on the countrys northeastern border has been tense, with Ukraine facing daily shelling and cross-border attacks by Russian forces.

Read also: Escape from Kupiansk: How one cop tricked the Russians

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An image of the owner of private military company Wagner Group Yevgeny Prigozhin lies at a informal memorial next to the former PMC Wagner Centre in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. A preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment has found that the plane crash presumed to have killed Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was intentionally caused by an explosion. | Dmitri Lovetsky, Associated Press

Russia said it confirmed that the mercenary chief of the paramilitary Wagner Group was one of 10 people killed in a plane crash north of Moscow Wednesday.

The Kremlin has denied any involvement in the plane crash believed to have killed Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. The paramilitary leader led a rebellion in June with the Wagner Group against the Kremlin.

What the Kremlin said: Genetic testing performed on the remains of the bodies recovered at the site conform to the manifest for the flight, The Associated Press reported from a statement by Russian Investigative Committee spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko. Prigozhin was listed as a passenger on the flight, along with his second-in-command Dmitry Utkin and Wagner logistics mastermind Valery Chekalov.

An absolute lie, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday in response to speculation Russian President Vladimir Putin planned an attack, according to NBC News.

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What the Pentagon said: Our initial assessment is that its likely Prigozhin was killed, the Pentagon spokesman, Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, said Thursday afternoon, per The New York Times.

Russias confirmation is the only information officials have that Prigozhin may have been killed in the crash.

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Putins first comments on Prigozhins death: This was a person with a complicated fate, Putin said, according to the Times, noting he spoke about Prigozhin in the past tense. He made some serious mistakes in life, but he also achieved necessary results.

Putin also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and said an official investigation will be conducted into what caused the crash.

Speculation about what caused the Russian plane crash continues

Preliminary intelligence reports caused U.S. officials to assume that an explosion on board the plane likely brought down the aircraft Wednesday, the Times reported

What we know about the crash: Search crews found the remains of all 10 people that were on the jet when it crashed, NBC News reported.

The Embraer Legacy jet caught fire on hitting the ground after reports that it had been in the air for less than 30 minutes. It crashed in the Tver region, north of Moscow, during a flight from Moscow to St. Petersburg, according to BBC.

The Wall Street Journal confirmed Prigozhin died in the crash, as well as two other top Wagner commanders. Social media channels associated with the paramilitary group asserted that the plane had been destroyed by a Russian military antiaircraft missile.

If the crash was intentionally shot down, it would amount to a very public execution of a man who, after years as a dedicated and trusted ally of the Kremlin, turned into the most serious threat to Putin in the Russian presidents 23 years in power, per WSJ.

What people are saying about the crash: Russias reputation for deceit, cruelty and violence is so widely accepted that nobody for one second thought that this was an accident, retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, former commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe, told NBC News. We all automatically assumed it was either a hit, or staged.

Now it has become obvious that only Putin himself is truly his own, for everyone else his rules are the same: he who refuses to unconditionally obey will be destroyed, Putins former speechwriter, Abbas Gallyamov, wrote on Telegram, per NBC News. Classical tyranny without any ideologies.

Why Prigozhin came up during the GOP presidential debate

Look what Putin did today, he killed Prigozhin, Nikki Haley, South Carolinas former governor, said Wednesday night during the first Republican Party presidential candidate debate for the 2024 election, after being asked how she would respond to the war in Ukraine if she were elected.

She continued, When I was at the U.N., the Russian ambassador suddenly died. This guy is a murderer. And you are choosing a murderer over a pro-American country.

President Joe Bidens administration is still investigating and does not have confirmation of their own at this time, a U.S. official told Politico.

Who is Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin?

Prigozhin is the leader of the private Wagner military group and led a rebellion against the Kremlin in June, which included a march on Moscow, ABC News reported.

Once the movement ended, Prigozhin was wanted for betrayal of Putin, the Deseret News reported. Ultimately, he was exiled to Belarus and was confirmed to have arrived in the country safely at the time, per The Washington Post.

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Russian forces attacked the city of Nikopol, Dnipro Oblast, twice during the evening of 22 August and the night of 23 August, using a drone and heavy artillery.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipro Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "The situation in Nikopol was restless. The Russians attacked the city twice. In the evening from a drone, and from heavy artillery after midnight.

Details: According to Lysak, no one was injured in the attacks, and information about any damage is being established.

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BRICS countries are continuing to deepen cooperation amid ongoing external economic challenges, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday while addressing the BRICS Business Forum 2023 via video link.

Putin noted that the introduction of illegitimate sanctions and the unlawful freezing of sovereign assets have had an overall negative impact on the global economy. He stressed that such practices have led to resource shortages, increased inequality, unemployment, and rising prices, which have affected the most vulnerable countries.

"It is important that BRICS member states continue to strengthen cooperation under such circumstances, and our joint work, which aims to ensure economic growth and sustainable development, has produced concrete, tangible results," said the president, as cited by the Kremlin in a report.

Cooperation within the BRICS is based on principles of equality and mutual respect, Putin said, adding that this is the "essence" of the group's future strategic course, which meets the interests of the global majority.

According to Putin, mutual investments between BRICS countries have increased sixfold over the past decade, and Russia's trade turnover with its BRICS partners has currently reached a record of over 230 billion U.S. dollars.

The Russian president further pointed out that the irreversible process of de-dollarization has gained momentum, and BRICS countries are actively working to establish effective mechanisms for mutual settlements and monetary and financial control.

Putin also discussed the importance of boosting cooperation in a wide range of fields, including transport and logistics, business and climate change.

"Russia is in favor of establishing closer cooperation within the BRICS framework on the issues of reliable and uninterrupted supply of energy and food resources to world markets," Putin noted.

The multifaceted BRICS partnership has not only ensured the sustainable growth of BRICS member states, but has also contributed to improving the global economic situation, and the successful implementation of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, according to the president.

The 15th BRICS Summit will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from Aug. 22-24. The theme of this year's event is "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism."
Russian troops attacked Odesa Oblast with kamikaze drones on the night of 22-23 August, hitting production and transshipment facilities, and also damaging grain warehouses.

Source: Oleh Kiper, Head of Odesa Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram; Defence Forces of Ukraine's south

Quote: "Last night, Russian terrorists were striking the south of Odesa Oblast with attack drones for three hours. The enemy targeted the oblasts civilian infrastructure facilities.

Air defence forces destroyed nine Shahed-136/131 drones.

Unfortunately, there were strikes on production and transshipment infrastructure, causing a 700-square-metre fire to break out there. As of 06:00, the fire was contained. Grain warehouses are among the damaged facilities."

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Details: There were no casualties among the civilian population.

The Defence Forces of Ukraine's south reported that the attack drones struck Odesa from the eastern coast of the Sea of Azov.

Russian forces struck grain warehouses and production and transshipment facilities in the Danube.

A fire broke out in the warehouse, but it was promptly contained. Firefighters are still working on it as of 08:00.

All relevant services are at the scene. Law enforcement officers are recording the crimes conducted by the Russian terrorists.

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The Russian invaders are calling on the residents of occupied territories in Zaporizhzhia Oblast to join the Russian Armed Forces on a contract basis.

Source: Ukraines National Resistance Center

Quote: "In the temporarily occupied part of the Zaporizhzhia region, recruitment to the ranks of the enemys army intensified.

For example, the Russians are distributing leaflets and other propaganda materials with an [offer] to join them for contract service."

Details: The National Resistance Center said the Russians are trying to convince local residents to sign contracts with the Russian army, promising money.

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"Now the occupiers are recruiting for money, hoping to use to their advantage the humanitarian crisis the Russians themselves created in the region," the National Resistance Center noted.

The National Resistance Center added that the Russians are continuing to set up military enlistment office in the temporarily occupied territories and are systematically preparing for the beginning of forced mobilisation of residents living in southern Ukraine.

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Vyacheslav Gladkov , Governor of Russia's Belgorod Oblast, has claimed that two grenades were dropped from a UAV to damage a sanatorium in the village of Lavy, Valuysky district of Belgorod Oblast.

Source: Gladkov on Telegram

Details: The Russian governor said the village of Lavy in the Valuysky urban district came under fire.

Gladkov claims that a drone dropped two grenades on the territory of a local sanatorium, smashing four windows and damaging the facade of the building, leaving no casualties.

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The Russian authorities appointed Viktor Afzalov as an Acting Commander of the Aerospace Forces (VKS) instead of General Sergei Surovikin.

Source: Russian state-owned news agency RIA Novosti, citing sources

Quote: "Ex-Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces Sergei Surovikin has now been relieved of his position; Colonel General Viktor Afzalov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Aerospace Forces, is temporarily acting as Commander-in-Chief of the VKS."

Details: Afzalov already served as Acting Commander of the VKS of the Russian Federation when Surovikin commanded the Russian army in Ukraine in October-January.

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Prior to being appointed in 2018 to the position of chief of the Main Headquarters of the Russian Aerospace Forces, Afzalov was the commander of the Air Force and Air Defence of the Eastern Military District of the Russian Federation.

On 22 August, it was revealed that the Russian dictator Putin dismissed Surovikin. It is currently unknown where the former Russian military official is now. The Russians claim that Surovikin is on vacation, although sources say that the general was detained.

Background:

Surovikin chaired the Russian Aerospace Forces from 31 October 2017. He commanded the joint group of Russian troops in Ukraine between October 2022 and January 2023 and served as its deputy commander since 11 January 2023.

During the Wagner Group rebellion on 23-24 June 2023, Surovikin recorded a video message to the mercenaries urging them to return to their places of deployment. He has not appeared in public since then.

The Wall Street Journal, citing sources, reported on 13 July that a Russian secret service had detained at least 13 high-ranking military officers, including General Sergei Surovikin, in connection with Yevgeny Prigozhins mutiny; 15 officers were suspended or fired.

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The local population in the Russian-occupied part of Ukraines Zaporizhzhya Oblast are being pressured to sign up to serve in the Russian military, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's National Resistance Center reported on Aug. 22.

The center, a Ukrainian state civil defense organization, said the Russian occupation authorities had recently stepped up efforts to enlist residents into enemy ranks. Propaganda leaflets and materials call on locals to join up under contract for pay.

Read also: Russias Defense Ministry enlists up to 10,000 convicts in April alone, says UK intelligence

The National Resistance Center said the Russian occupation administration is trying to coerce residents into signing contracts by promising them financial support.

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"Now the occupiers are recruiting for money, hoping to use to their advantage the humanitarian crisis the Russians themselves created in the region," the report stated.

Read also: Russia attempting to undermine Ukrainian national identity in schools in occupied territories

It is a violation of the Geneva Conventions for an occupying power to recruit populations under its control to its own military.

According to the text of the Fourth Geneva Convention, an Occupying Power may not compel protected persons to serve in its armed or auxiliary forces. Moreover, (no) pressure or propaganda that aims at securing voluntary enlistment is permitted.

The center added that the Russians are continuing to set up military commissariats in the occupied parts of southern Ukraine, systematically preparing for potential forced mobilization of residents there.

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Russian invading forces are trying to jam signals in Ukraine from the Starlink satellite constellation launched by Elon Musks SpaceX, the commander of the U.S. Space Force, Gen. Chance Saltzman said in an interview with the Washington Post on Aug. 22.

However, he said the Russians so far failed to disrupt the satellite-based Internet provision system, which is vital for Ukraines military communications.

Read also: Musk again complains about costs to SpaceX of providing Starlink services in Ukraine

Saltzman said the United States might also be vulnerable to Russian jamming efforts.

The United States is vulnerable now because too much of its intelligence and communications capabilities are carried on a few satellites, inevitably described as exquisite platforms, but also sitting ducks, he said.

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However, that vulnerability is beginning to change, through a new program called the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, Saltzman said.

A new constellation of low Earth orbit satellites will create a mesh network in space for communications and other uses, the commander said.

Read also: SpaceX further limits Starlink service in Ukraine

The first 10 satellites were launched in April, and 18 more are scheduled by years end, with an additional 160 next year. The network could grow to as many as 1,000 satellites.

The proliferated array is a much tougher targeting problem, Saltzman said.

Were actually seeing the effects of that in Ukraine with the Starlink constellation, he said.

The Russians are trying to jam that, without success.

There are currently 42,000 Starlink satellite internet terminals in operation across Ukraine, Ukraines Ministry of Digital Transformation revealed on April 29.

The state has not spent a single penny on them, as international partners have provided and paid for the equipments operation on preferential terms, according to the head of the Ministry, Mykhailo Fedorov.

In February, SpaceX announced that it had limited the use of Starlink internet by Ukrainian military for drone control. When asked about the news, Fedorov replied that there are no problems with Starlinks performance today.

Read also: SpaceX to appeal losing Starlink trademark in Ukraine

The U.S. Department of Defense has signed a contract with SpaceX to purchase Starlink terminals for Ukraines Armed Forces, Bloomberg reported on June 1.

On July 30, the Pentagon signed an agreement with SpaceX to purchase Starlink terminals and services for Ukraine. Thus, the companys owner, Elon Musk, will not be able to limit the use of Starlink internet in the war zone.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
If you're looking for something to do this weekend there's no shortage of events to fill the time.

Offering a mix of events that give off a feeling that summer is coming to an end and school is about to start back up to historical remembrances and art showings, this weekend has something for everyone in your family.

Before your calendar fills up, check out these events and start making plans.

Back to School Celebration

The statewide Back To School Celebration of Rhode Island will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Locally, celebrations will take place in Newport and families are welcome to attend this free event and receive free backpacks and school supplies.

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East Bay Community Action Programs East Bay Family Health Care, at 6 John H. Chafee Blvd. in Newport, will serve as the host site for the East Bay region. In addition to the free backpacks, exhibitors will be on hand to provide community resources and information to attendees. The goal of this annual event is to build pride and enthusiasm for the coming academic year by providing helpful start-up school supplies to students.

For more information, including a list of other host sites, visit https://www.btsri.org/.

Black Regiment Monument Commemoration Ceremony

Jimmy Winters, president of the local chapter of the NAACP, stands in front of a monument dedicated to The Black Regiment at Patriots Park in Portsmouth during a previous ceremony.

The Newport County Branch  NAACP is hosting the 56th Annual Black Regiment Monument Commemoration Ceremony at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Patriots Park in Portsmouth (at the interaction of Rtes. 138 & 24).

This event is dedicated in honor and appreciation of the members of the Black Regiment who fought so bravely in the Battle of Rhode Island to gain a decisive victory in the American Revolutionary War.

Guest Speaker is Peter R. Fay; public historian, writer, co-founder of Newport Port Marker Middle Passage Project, and member of the Jamestown Historical Society. The Master of Ceremonies will be Hon. William M. White, Jr., Justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court. Welcome will be offered by Fern W. Lima, coordinator of the Black Regiment Monument Commemoration Ceremony Committee. James I. Jimmy Winters, president of the Newport County Branch  NAACP will bring greetings.

Rev. Cynthia Smothers will deliver the Invocation and Benediction. Hon. Charles Levesque and Kasim J. Yarn from the Black Regiment Monument Commission will offer remarks. Musical selections will be provided by Brenda Delasanta.

This event is free and open to the public.

10-Spot Ride

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, embark on a captivating journey to 10 exclusive "Spots" scattered throughout Newport. Each location will be a delightful surprise, featuring live music and delicious local cuisine. The combination of breathtaking scenery, delectable bites from nearby restaurants, refreshing mocktails, vibrant music, and wonderful company will create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere at each spot.

Past participants are eagerly awaiting this year's lineup, and they have already snapped up most of our advance tickets. Discover what makes them return year after year and secure your spot for this unforgettable summer experience.

For more information visit bikenewportri.org/10-spot-2023

Salute to Summer

The annual Salute to Summer event at Naval Station Newport returns on Aug. 26.

The annual Salute to Summer at Dewey Field at Naval Station Newport returns on Saturday beginning at 4 p.m.

Live performances, food trucks, childrens' activities and more will be available throughout the evening and conclude with a fireworks show scheduled for 9:15 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Coolers, outside food or drinks, pets, glass bottles, banners or signs of any type, firearms and other weapons, defensive sprays (pepper spray) or chemicals, no illegal or recreational drugs, paraphernalia, and drones are not permitted on base. Strollers and small bags such as diaper bags, small backpacks or handbags are permitted; however, they will be subject to search. Guests should be prepared to present a picture ID upon entry to the base.

For more information visit navylifenpt.com/activity/60385c9c-cc40-42de-a4c9-f8f0ac729397

'The Shape of Light' opening reception

"The Shape of Light" by Alison Gibbons Watt opens with a reception on Saturday from 4-6 p.m. at Gallery Sitka, on the corner of Spring and Franklin Streets.

The artist reception will feature a flute recital by Elzbieta Brandy's-O'Neil of the Cape Cod Chamber Orchestra playing 20th-century composer solo pieces. Newport Wine Cellar and Gourmet will offer a complimentary wine tasting.

Alison Gibbons Watt is a British artist who has had her studio in Newport for the past three years and has exhibited in galleries and museums nationally and internationally, most notably in New York, London, Edinburgh and Barcelona. An award winning artist, her work is represented by galleries in New Hampshire, New York, Newport and London. Alison grew up in Helensburgh on the West Coast of Scotland and gained her BA Honors with distinction from Gray's School of Art in Aberdeen, following this with a Masters in European Fine Art in Barcelona. Her work has been exhibited at the Royal Academy in Edinburgh where she was awarded The Royal Scottish Academy Award for Painting.

Additional information can be found at Gallery Sitka - Alison Gibbons Watt.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Newport events Aug. 26-27: Salute to Summer, Black Regiment cememony
Sarasota County Schools police notified the Sheriff's Office of a student later determined to pose "a significant danger of causing injury to others in the near future."

A 12-year-old Sarasota Middle School student is being evaluated under the state's Baker Act after Sarasota County Sheriff's deputies found evidence they believed indicated that the student "poses a significant danger of causing injury to others in the near future."

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office was contacted by the Sarasota County Schools Police on Aug. 17 to conduct a threat assessment of a student who was suspended for repeated behavior problems, according to court records.

When deputies searched the student's home after getting consent from the parents, they reported finding multiple, unsecured firearms inside the home belonging to the father. Further search of the student's bedroom revealed two maps of the student's former school, Lakeview Elementary School, which included markings noting the location of security cameras and the location of two specific teachers.

The Sarasota Herald-Tribune is not identifying the student because he is a minor.

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Read more on the Baker Act: Police cant diagnose mental illness. So when does the Baker Act come in?

In case you missed it: Venice High School student arrested and accused of making bomb threat

Officers confirmed with the student that the maps belonged to him and included language about "destroying" and "eliminating" the teachers, according to court records.

"It was believed that what Respondent wrote on the map is a direct threat to the school, students and two teachers at the school," the incident report in the case states.

The Baker Act gives Florida police and doctors the power to place an individual into involuntary mental health treatment for up to 72 hours as a way to protect the person from harming themselves or others.

The student was taken to Bayside Center for Behavior Health for treatment, according to the incident report entered in the court filing.

A detective on the case entered a motion for a temporary protection order on Aug. 18, which would require the respondent to surrender all firearms and ammunition immediately to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

Sarasota Circuit Court Judge Thomas Krug granted the motion the same day and an evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Friday to determine if a final risk protection order will be issued.

Sarasota School District responds to concerns from parents

In response to concerns raised by parents about how the School District communicated the potential threat, a spokesperson with the district relayed three messages that were sent to Lakeview Elementary School and Sarasota Middle School families.

According to an email sent to a Herald-Tribune reporter, Lakeview Elementary sent a message to their families on Sunday evening and an updated message on Tuesday night about the alleged threat, ensuring families that the possible threat was being investigated and that there was no active threat to the school community.

The messages, from Principal Lisa Wheatley, relayed to parents that there was a "potential threat made against our school" that was intercepted by district staff and local law enforcement.

"Per the school districts safety procedures, our school-based police department and local law enforcement partners are engaged in an ongoing investigation regarding this matter. It is important to note that there currently is no active threat to the school community," the message from Sunday evening in part said.

Wheatley added in Sunday's message that there would be additional staff on campus, and they would update families as more information became available.

In the message sent to Sarasota Middle School families Tuesday night, parents were alerted that there had been an alleged threat made by a Sarasota Middle School student and that local law enforcement was investigating. The message assured parents there wasn't an active threat against Sarasota Middle School or any other schools in the district, however, parents were not told exactly what the alleged threat had been.

"The school district takes every threat  real, hoax, or perceived  very seriously and will thoroughly investigate each one," the message by Principal Jennifer Nzeza said. "Our school follows all Florida Department of Education protocols and all Office of Safe Schools protocols. As an additional reminder, our school has a single point of entry, all doors are locked, and our campus is monitored 24 hours a day through video surveillance."

Jennifer Gentile, the parent of a student at Lakeview Elementary, said the district didn't communicate the extent of the threat well enough with parents. She sent an email to the district and the School Board Wednesday seeking more transparency.

In an interview, Gentile said she wouldnt have sent her child to school if shed known more.

I value their education, but I value their life more, she said. "If they missed the week of school it wouldn't make or break them.

In the future, she said she hopes the district will provide more detail in messages to families, but she said she also recognizes that there's information that the district cant immediately provide given the situation.

Gabriela Szymanowska covers the legal system for the Herald-Tribune in partnership with Report for America. You can support her work with a tax-deductible donation to Report for America. Contact Gabriela Szymanowska at gszymanowska@gannett.com, or on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota student suspended, held as potential threat against school
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This photo taken on March 6, 2023 shows the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant seen from Futabacho, Futabagun, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. [Photo/Xinhua]

Japan announced on Tuesday that it will start releasing nuclear-contaminated water from the destroyed Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean as early as Thursday, a move that sparked widespread criticism from the international community and local residents.

China voiced strong opposition after the announcement, saying that the act is "extremely selfish and irresponsible". It strongly urged the Japanese government to reverse its wrong decision.

On Tuesday, Vice-Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoned Japanese Ambassador to China Hideo Tarumi and lodged solemn representations over the decision.

Sun said that Japan's move disregards the strong concerns and firm opposition of the international community.

Condemning the decision as "extremely selfish and irresponsible", Sun said that Japan is putting its own interests above the long-term well-being of the entire humanity. "China is gravely concerned and strongly opposed to this," he said.

If Japan insists on the discharges, China will take all steps necessary to protect the ocean, ensure food safety and safeguard people's life and health, he added.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida gave the final go-ahead to the radioactive water discharge plan on Tuesday and said the government will oversee the release of "treated water", which he called "essential" for the safe decommissioning of the Fukushima plant.

Kishida said that authorities will address the concerns of local communities and fishermen over reputational damage and continuation of business, but his assurances have failed to ease doubts among Japan's people.

As the Kishida Cabinet cleared the plan, people from across the country staged a protest outside the prime minister's office on Tuesday.

Shigeru Tokiwa, a book editor in Tokyo who joined the protest, said: "This administration has been lying from the very beginning. It is just shameful, isn't it?"

Naomi Hori, a tour guide from Chiba Prefecture, said: "Nobody is convinced about the safety of the plan. The Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Co (the operator of the plant) are just piling up lies. Basically, no one is taking responsibility."

A massive earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011, destroyed the Fukushima plant's cooling systems, causing three of its reactors to melt and contaminate their cooling waters.

Sei Tamamori, a resident of Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, said, "The government calls the water 'treated', but it is actually contaminated water that the government is trying to rebrand."

At a regular news briefing on Tuesday in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that the legitimacy and safety of Japan's ocean discharge plan have been questioned over and over again for the past two years.

China strongly urges Japan to rectify its wrong decision, revoke the ocean discharge plan, communicate with neighboring countries with sincerity and goodwill, dispose of the contaminated water in a responsible manner and accept rigorous international oversight, he added.

On Tuesday, John Lee Ka-chiu, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, announced an immediate ban on importing Japanese food products.

The Macao Special Administrative Region has also announced a ban on the import of live and fresh food products from 10 prefectures and regions of Japan. The ban will take effect on Thursday.
Ukraine's SBU security service has identified five Russian war crime suspects thought to have been involved in the mass killings of civilians in Kyiv Oblast during the Russian military occupation of the town of Bucha, the SBU reported on Telegram on Aug. 23.

All suspects are members of the Russian Armed Forces 98th Airborne Division.

The SBU said that in early March 2022, Senior Lieutenant Nikolay Simov ordered his subordinates to open fire on a civilian car with a civilian resident of Kyiv inside. This occurred on a road near the village of Zdvyzhivka in the Bucha district as the driver was delivering essential goods to his friends under occupation. The 33-year-old Kyiv resident died at the scene of the attack.

Read also: Bucha may serve as venue for international tribunal on Russian crimes, PM Shmyhal says

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In an attempt to conceal the crime, the Russian military buried the victims body in a nearby forest. However, Ukrainian law enforcement officers located the body, conducted a forensic examination, and identified the deceased.

According to the SBU, Simov held the position of Deputy Commander of the 7th Platoon of the 3rd Battalion of the 331st Parachute Regiment, part of the 98th Airborne Division of the Russian Armed Forces.

Read also: Zelenskyy, leaders of four states visit Bucha on anniversary of its liberation

The SBU also identified the subordinates under Simovs command from the 2nd Platoon who directly shot at the civilian car as:

 Sergeant Ilya Astakhov  Deputy Platoon Commander;

 Sergeant Andrey Dvoretsky  Squad Leader;

 Corporal Ruslan Kharitonov  Gunner-Operator;

 Private Oleg Bakhmisov  Rifleman.

All five defendants were charged with violation of the laws and customs of war, combined with premeditated murder (Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

Comprehensive measures are currently underway to establish the location of the identified war criminals and bring them to justice. It is also noted that there is an ongoing investigation regarding the possible death of Simov during the war in Ukraine. However, the SBU emphasizes that his death is not a reason to stop the criminal investigation, which involves other participants.

Read also: Bucha Summit participants denounce Russias war crimes, call for justice

Russian troops entered Bucha in the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. After the Russian forces fled Kyiv Oblast at the end of March 2022, the world witnessed the results of their atrocities, which left hundreds of people dead. Mass graves containing the bodies of civilians tortured and killed by Russians were discovered in Bucha, Irpin, and scores of bodies were found lying along the Zhytomyr highway.

On April 14, the Verkhovna Rada declared the actions of Russia and its army as genocide against the Ukrainian people.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The S.C. Supreme Court ruled Wednesday the states new six-week abortion ban is constitutional, allowing the law to go into effect.

The 4-to-1 ruling comes after a new justice was elected and the General Assembly rewrote a previous six-week law. Earlier this year, the previous iteration of the court had ruled 3-2 against a different version of a six-week abortion ban, saying at the time that it violated a womans constitutional right to privacy.

The S.C. Supreme Court, made up of five male justices, in June heard oral arguments over whether a revived six-week abortion ban in South Carolina violates a womans right to privacy under the states constitution. Before Wednesdays decision, the states 20-week abortion law was in place, making South Carolina an unlikely abortion destination in the Southeast.

Lawmakers included four exceptions in the six-week law: for rape and incest up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, in cases of fatal fetal anomaly, and in cases protecting the mothers life.

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The Supreme Courts ruling marks a historic moment in our states history and is the culmination of years of hard work and determination by so many in our state to ensure that the sanctity of life is protected, Gov. Henry McMaster said in a statement. With this victory, we protect the lives of countless unborn children and reaffirm South Carolinas place as one of the most pro-life states in America.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
Humans are predicted to go through nearly 175 million bags of coffee over the next year, totalling over 23 billion pounds of spent coffee grounds. For decades, most of that waste has been generally destined for landfills, the transport of which results in large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. It stands to reason that these spent coffee grounds (after a cup of joe or two) offer a massive, untapped recyclable resource opportunityand researchers at Australias RMIT University have potentially figured out just what to do with them.

According to findings recently published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, engineers have developed concrete that is almost 30 percent stronger than existing standards after mixing in coffee-derived biochar. To create the new, charcoal-like additive, the team employed a low-energy process known as pyrolysis, in which organic waste is heated to 350 degrees Celsius without oxygen to avoid generating carbon dioxide. Roughly 15 percent of sand used in traditional concrete was then swapped for the coffee biochar, offering not only a more resilient building material, but one that could take care of a massive food waste obstacle.

[Related: Dirty diapers could be recycled into cheap, sturdy concrete.]

Our research is in the early stages, but these exciting findings offer an innovative way to greatly reduce the amount of organic waste that goes to landfill, Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch, a postdoctoral fellow and joint lead author, said in a statement.

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Speaking with The Guardian on August 22, Kilmartin-Lynch explained although coffee biochar is structurally finer than sand, its porous qualities allows the cement to actually better bind to the organic material. While in its early testing stages, the coffee-concrete is showing immense engineering promise.

Replacing at least some of traditional concretes sand also offers a major additional bonus to the teams innovation. According to the university, 50 billion metric tons of natural sand is annually used in construction projects across the globeresulting in a huge stress on ecosystems such as riverbeds and banks. Minimizing sand mining in favor of recycled coffee grounds therefore offers an additional, positive environmental effect.

If further research and finetuning goes according to plan, essentially all spent coffee ground waste could be put towards new concrete projects.The research team now intends to explore practical implementation standards, as well as field trials in collaboration with outside industry leaders. Perhaps joining forces with both the diaper concrete engineers is in order.
Repeatability is crucial in science, as repetition shows a first result isnt a fluke.

Scientists recently repeated one of the most important experimental outcomes of our time: an energy-gaining nuclear fusion reaction. This process potentially has huge implications for the future of clean energy.

Californias Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory announced on Aug. 6 that its researchers induced fusion ignition for the second time  a reaction that puts out as much or more energy than it takes in while fusing atoms, Reuters reports.

The scientists achieved ignition last year in a breakthrough that capped decades of research. This summers achievements included replicating the result and achieving higher energy yield.

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For about a century, scientists have known that fusion powers the sun. Essentially, it occurs when the nuclei of two lightweight atoms combine and release energy. In the sun and other stars, this happens continuously in the presence of a vast energy supply. In the lab, it requires high-powered lasers focused on targets smaller than a pea.

Fusion is different from fission, the process of splitting atoms that energizes todays nuclear power plants. One day, fusion could create several times more energy and doesnt have the radioactive byproducts that diminish fissions benefits.

If scientists harness fusions potential, it could help replace dirty energy sources like oil and coal. Although the U.S. depends on burning such fuels for nearly 80% of our energy, this creates pollution that leads to health hazards and planetary overheating. And fusion hasnt developed quickly enough to help.

Even with recent successes, scientists caution that fusion is not yet anywhere near providing energy at a commercial scale, per Reuters. One expert said that the December experiments output was still only equal to about 0.5% of the energy used to fire the lasers.

Even so, many consider ignition to be a huge milestone and an acceleration of the quest for nuclear fusions holy grail  evidenced by interest in a video explainer and coverage by outlets from 60 Minutes to SNL.

The Department of Energy called the achievement of ignition a major scientific breakthrough decades in the making.

Lawrence Livermore Director Kimberly Budil told reporters that commercialization of fusion is probably decades off but has moved up from the five or six decades scientists used to predict.

California U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren said in December that This significant advancement showcases the future possibilities.  We must double down and accelerate the research to explore new pathways for the clean, limitless energy that fusion promises.

Megan McArdle, an opinion columnist for The Washington Post, wrote: [I]ts probably premature for anyone to dance around the house in their bathrobe, singing, Clean, green energy for everyone! but  nope, actually, going to do the happy dance anyway.

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Scientists are worried that the recent extreme ocean warming is a sign we havent kept up with how quickly the planet is changing. Countries have reported some of the warmest temperatures in recorded history, and the same can be said for the waters from the North Atlantic to Antarctica.

Whats Happening?

The oceanic heat wave is hitting both sides of North America. Waters off the coast of Florida and the western coasts of the U.S. and Canada are alarmingly warm. The Western Mediterranean, off the coasts of Southern Spain and North Africa, is also warmer than average. The same can be said for the Baltic Sea and the water around New Zealand and Australia.

A recent report showed that the number of these heat waves in ocean waters doubled between 1982 and 2016, noted the BBC, and the heat waves have also worsened considerably.

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This is worrying news for the planet, said Christopher Hewitt, director of climate services for the World Meteorological Organization, in a news report from the WMO.

Why is the marine heat wave concerning?

Marine heat waves can negatively affect ocean life, the fishing industry, and weather patterns.

These heat waves can cause fish to die on a large scale and coral reefs to undergo coral bleaching. The warmer water also changes the behavior patterns of marine life, making it harder for fishermen to locate and catch enough to sustain their livelihood. Alaska was forced to cancel the snow crab harvest in 2022 because the billions of crabs that historically called the Bering Sea home had all but disappeared.

An even more concerning effect of these marine heat waves is the threat they pose to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Current, which is basically a giant global conveyor belt of ocean water.

Water in the AMOC travels from the tropics to the North Atlantic, where it cools and becomes saltier, then sinks deep into the ocean before traveling back south and repeating the process. The AMOC is crucial in regulating global weather patterns, including the jet stream.

If the water in the North Atlantic becomes too warm, the AMOC could slow down or even stop, resulting in extreme changes to the weather around the world. Scientists say this could happen sometime between 2025 and 2095, reported CNN.

Whats being done about marine heat waves?

A group of scientists from around the world is working to better understand marine heat waves, what causes them, their effect on the climate, and their effect on the environment around them. While theres still a long way to go, a team in Australia was able to predict a marine heat wave several months out.

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WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. (WPIX)  A child was attacked and injured by a bear while playing in the backyard of a New York home on Tuesday, according to police and witnesses.

A neighbor who lives near the site of the attack described the terror he heard coming from the children involved.

Screaming in the woods, very loud screaming. Call 911. My wife heard that, said the neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous.

The attack took place outside of a home in Westchester County, where the child had reportedly been playing with a little girl. The house is also surrounded by a wooded area, according to the neighbor.

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I didnt know if the children were playing or it was something real, so I decided to go over, the neighbor said.

Watch: Bears keep taking dips in Los Angeles area pools

The man told Nexstars WPIX that he immediately sprang into action, choosing to drive the short distance because he had a feeling a large animal could be involved. He was right. Upon arrival, he saw two frightened children trying to get away from a bear.

I saw the children running to get into the house, the neighbor said. The bear was circling the house looking in the window. And when I pulled over, it came back around. So it definitely followed the children, trying to get into the house.

Officials in the town of North Castle arrived and searched the area.

The guy loaded up, went in the woods. Within 10 minutes I heard a gunshot. In a space of about one minute, I heard another gunshot. The bear was dead. Four officers picked it up in burlap and carried it out, the neighbor said.

Police later confirmed the bear was euthanized by officers at the scene.

Bears are climbing Half Dome in Yosemite National Park

The neighbor described the animal as a medium-sized black bear. And although he only moved in a few days ago, he said he already knows bear sightings come with the territory.

Im going to be purchasing bear spray, keeping it on my pants, clipped on. God forbid it happens again. And if you have children, you definitely have to be prepared, the neighbor said.

WPIX spoke to a relative of the child as he was leaving the house. The family did not want to be interviewed, he said, though he confirmed the child would be OK. A witness told WPIX the victim was a 7-year-old boy.

Police also said the childs injuries were non-life-threatening.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Trump and 18 other co-defendants have to voluntarily surrender to Georgia authorities by Friday.

Each is expected to take a mugshot when they are booked at the Fulton County Jail.

These photos are historic in that they are the first taken as part of an indictment of a former president.

Former President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants were instructed to voluntarily surrender to Fulton County, Georgia, authorities by Friday, August 25, after a sprawling indictment accused them of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election in the state.

After surrendering to authorities, the defendants are booked at the Fulton County jail, an experience that often includes fingerprinting and taking mug shots.

Georgia state law allows those mugshots to be public, giving the public the first look at the mugshots of some of Trump's closest confidants and potentially even the former president himself, who is expected to head to Fulton County on Thursday.

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These photos are historic in that they are the first taken as part of the indictment of a former president. The 19 defendants were charged under Georgia's RICO statute.

The defendants have yet to appear in court to enter a plea. Trump and Rudy Giuliani , among others, have denied wrongdoing.

In order to not be held in a jail cell, each of the defendants must post bond. Each is set at a different amount based on individual charges against each of the co-defendants but must be paid either in cash, through commercial surety  a.k.a. going to a bail bondsman  or through the Fulton County Jail 10% program, which allows the defendants to only post 10% of their total bond amount.

Insider is compiling all 19 mugshots in the order that the 19 men and women turned themselves in to authorities and will update in real-time as the photos are released.

Former President Donald Trump

Fulton County sheriff's office

Trump surrendered to Georgia law enforcement on Thursday evening and was booked at the Fulton County Jail on charges related to allegations he conspired to illegally overturn the 2020 election results in the state.

Trump's lawyers negotiated a $200,000 bond with the Fulton County district attorney's office before he surrendered.

Trump put up 10% of the bond and worked with an Atlanta bonding company for the former president's $200,000 bond in Fulton County.

Trump has denied wrongdoing in the case, which is the fourth criminal case he's been charged in this year.

Scott Hall, a Georgia bail bondsman and Fulton County Republican poll watcher

Scott Hall turned himself into Georgia authorities on Tuesday, August 22. Fulton County sheriff's office

Hall posted a $10,000 bond which he paid through the Fulton County Jail 10% program.

John Eastman, Trump's former attorney

John Eastman turned himself into Georgia authorities on Tuesday, August 22. Fulton County sheriff's office

Eastman has denied wrongdoing, on Tuesday telling reporters outside of the Fulton County jail that he will "vigorously contest every count of the indictment, "ABC reported.

"I am confident that when the law is faithfully applied in this proceeding, all of my co-defendants and I will be fully vindicated," he said, according to ABC.

He was faced with a $100,000 bond which he paid through the Fulton County Jail 10% program.

David Shafer, Georgia Republican Party Chairman

David Shafer turned himself into Georgia authorities on Wednesday, August 23. Fulton County sheriff's office

Shafer's bond was set at $75,000 and was paid through a surety, but jail records don't note the type of surety used.

Cathleen Latham, former Coffee County, Georgia, GOP chair

Cathleen Latham turned herself into Georgia authorities on Wednesday, August 23. Fulton County sheriff's office

Latham had to post a bond of $75,000, and used a surety to do so, but it is unclear what type of surety was used, according to jail records.

Kenneth Chesebro, Trump's former attorney

Kenneth Chesebro turned himself into Georgia authorities on Wednesday, August 23. Fulton County sheriff's office

Chesebro's bond was set at $100,000, which he paid using a surety, though jail records do not indicate what type of surety.

Ray Smith, an attorney

Ray Smith turned himself into Georgia authorities on Wednesday, August 23. Fulton County sheriff's office

Smith's bond was set at $100,000, which he elected to pay enlisting the 10% program.

Rudy Giuliani, Trump's former attorney

Rudy Giuliani turned himself into Georgia authorities on Wednesday, August 23. Fulton County sheriff's office

Giuliani has denied wrongdoing in the case, telling reporters on Wednesday he was "feeling very, very good about it because I feel like I am defending the rights of all Americans, as I did so many times as a United States attorney."

Giuliani used a surety to post a bond set at $150,000. Although jail records do not indicate what type of surety was used, he was seen walking into a bail bond agency after he surrendered on Wednesday, NBC News reported.

Sidney Powell, Dallas attorney

Sidney Powell turned herself into Georgia authorities on Wednesday, August 23. Fulton County sheriff's office

Powell was granted a $100,000 bond which was paid through the Fulton County Jail 10% program.

Jenna Ellis, Trump's former attorney

Jenna Ellis turned herself into Georgia authorities on Wednesday, August 23. Fulton County

Ellis has denied any wrongdoing in the Georgia RICO case, posting to X that "The Democrats and the Fulton County DA are criminalizing the practice of law."

Ellis utilized the Fulton County Jail 10% program to pay her bond set at $100,000.

Mark Meadows, Trump's former chief of staff

Mark Meadows turned himself into Georgia authorities on Thursday, August 24. Fulton County sheriff's office

Meadows used a surety to post a $100,000 bond. Jail records did not clarify what kind of surety was used in this case.

Harrison Floyd, Black Voices for Trump leader

Harrison Floyd turned himself into Georgia authorities on Thursday, August 24. Fulton County sheriff's office

Floyd is the only one of the 19 defendants without a pre-determined bond agreement, meaning he is being detained, The Fulton County Jail said, according to The Hill.

Jeffrey Clark, Trump's former attorney

Jeffrey Clark turned himself into Georgia authorities on Friday, August 25. Fulton County sheriff's office

Clark posted a $100,000 bond using a surety. Jail records do not make it clear the type of surety he used to pay.

Michael Roman, former Trump staffer

Michael Roman turned himself into Georgia authorities on Friday, August 25. Fulton County sheriff's office

Roman paid a $50,000 bond using a surety, though jail records don't indicate what kind of surety was used.

Robert Cheeley, Georgia attorney

Robert Cheeley turned himself into Georgia authorities on Friday, August 25. Fulton County sheriff's office

Cheeley paid his $50,000 bond using the Fulton County jail's 10% program.

Shawn Still, former GOP finance chairman

Shawn Still turned himself into Georgia authorities on Friday, August 25. Fulton County sheriff's office

Still was granted a $10,000 signature bond, meaning he did not have to fork over any cash on Friday, but had to sign a promise that he would return to court, otherwise, he'd have to pay up, according to US Legal.

Misty Hampton, Coffee County elections supervisor

Misty Hampton turned herself into Georgia authorities on Friday, August 25. Fulton County sheriff's office

Hampton was granted a $10,000 signature bond, so she did not have to make any payments to the jail on Friday.

Trevian Kutti, a Chicago publicist for Kanye West

Trevian Kutti turned herself into Georgia authorities on Friday, August 25. Fulton County sheriff's office

Kutti denied the charges against her, telling the Lincoln Journal Star they are "egregious and false."

Kutti posted a bond of $75,000 using the jail's 10% program.

Stephen Lee, police chaplain

Stephen Lee turned himself into Georgia authorities on Friday, August 25. Fulton County sheriff's office

Lee's bond was set at $75,000, which he paid using the jail's 10% program.

Read the original article on Business Insider
After In-N-Out Burger said it was involved in litigation around a restaurant called In-I-Nout in Culiacan, Mexico, the imitation restaurant has changed its name. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

An imitation In-N-Out restaurant that opened in Mexico this summer has already given up the California lifestyle and changed its name, likely after facing legal action from the original burger chain.

No one said it would be easy to capture the In-N-Out style, a diner-esque slice of Americana that was cultivated when the burger chain first opened in Baldwin Park in 1948, but the owners of a restaurant in Culiacan, Mexico, tried their best.

In-I-Nout, as the imitation was originally known, not only cribbed In-N-Out's recipes but also furnished its dining room with red diner booths, a faux plant wall and a reversed In-N-Out logo. The restaurant garnered plenty of hype this month when it went viral, its existence first reported by SFGate.

Read more: Imitation In-N-Out in Mexico looks like the original, down to the French fries and grilled onions

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The owners of the knockoff restaurant captured the attention of foodies across the internet as well as the legal team at In-N-Out proper. A spokesperson for In-N-Out declined to comment this month due to ongoing litigation, suggesting the owners of the knockoff restaurant were facing a legal dispute. In-N-Out declined to comment about the knockoff restaurant's name change for the same reason.

While the animal-style fries and double cheeseburgers seem to remain, In-I-Nout is dead and in its place is Sofi's Burger, according to a job posting on the restaurant's Facebook page and a rebranded Instagram account. Gone are the images of the In-I-Nout logo and the restaurant's dining room. The owners also removed an Instagram video showing people chomping down on burgers with Spanish text that read, Its not in California. Its in Culiacan.

The restaurant did not respond to requests for comments. The job posting said the restaurant is looking to hire cooks, servers and other staff. The advertisement says, "Solo personas con muchas ganas de trabajar" or that they want to hire people who really want to work.

Read more: In-N-Out bans employees from wearing masks

But the restaurant owners did leave up one of their earlier photos on their social media feed with a row of burgers next to a row of french fries covered in sauce.

One commenter wrote, "Papitas estilo Animal!" or animal-style French fries.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Cruise, the taxi company that uses self-driving cars, is preparing to come to Raleigh and may be interested in Durham as well.

On Tuesday, the company began initial testing/data collection in Raleigh using cars with drivers behind the wheel, according to spokeswoman Anna Haase. The company is looking to expand its robotaxi service beyond San Francisco, Phoenix and Austin, where it began offering rides to passengers last year.

This is an important first step in getting to know Raleighs unique roadways and driving behaviors as we continue to work toward bringing our driverless tech to more people in more places, Haase wrote in an email.

Cruise, which is backed by General Motors, began similar testing in Charlotte, Miami, Nashville and Atlanta earlier this summer. In May, the company announced that it would expand to other places in Texas, starting with Houston and Dallas.

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Haase said she couldnt say when the service might be available in Raleigh.

Durham Mayor Elaine ONeal said she recently received a call from someone at Cruise to let her know that the company was interested in introducing its driverless vehicles there as well.

I never thought Id see cars going down the streets of Durham, North Carolina, without a driver, ONeal said at a GoTriangle board meeting Wednesday. But evidently thats whats going to happen fairly soon.

The Cruise compact cars are fairly easy to spot. Theyre white, with the company name and red stripes on the sides, and are topped with cameras and other equipment that helps guide them. Just below the back window is a warning: May stop quickly.

Cruise and its main competitor, Waymo, began operating 24 hours a day across all of San Francisco this summer, offering rides during busy daytime traffic for the first time. The expansion was followed by a series of high-profile accidents for Cruise, including a car that became stuck in wet concrete in a construction zone and another that hit a fire truck answering a call.

In another incident, several Cruise cars stalled in a busy neighborhood near a music festival in a park. The company said so many people were using cell phones at the festival that the wireless connections to the cars failed.

The California Division of Motor Vehicles late last week asked Cruise to take half its San Francisco fleet off the road while it investigates the incidents.

Cruise agreed, but also said it believes its cars improve overall road safety. More than 40,000 people are killed each year in car crashes in the United States, the company notes, almost all of them due to human error.

The company says its cars have driven more than 4 million driverless miles and now routinely complete more than 1,000 driverless trips with passengers each day.
Chinese products fair underway in Benin

Xinhua) 11:07, August 23, 2023

People visit the 13th edition of the Chinese Products Fair in Cotonou, Benin, Aug. 21, 2023. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)

COTONOU, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- The 13th edition of the Chinese Products Fair opened in Cotonou, Benin's economic capital, Monday.

About 100 stands representing more than 40 Chinese exhibitors are showcasing their products in exhibition space covering 2,500 square meters. The products on display include home appliances, electronics and digital items, machinery and accessories, hardware products, building materials and office supplies.

"The Chinese products fair in Benin has become, since its creation in 2008, one of the largest events in the sub-region introducing Chinese companies to West Africa, which offers a platform to businessmen of Benin and China to get to know each other better, exchange face-to-face and establish commercial ties," Issiakou Bawa Te-Yeri, director of foreign trade at the Beninese Ministry of Industry and Commerce, told the opening ceremony.

He welcomed the arrival of the Chinese exhibitors to this year's four-day event.

Chinese Ambassador to Benin Peng Jingtao said China's development is an opportunity for African countries, and that China is an important driver of global economic recovery.

"China is opening its arms to all friendly African countries to get on board the express train of its development," he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Rustam Emomali, chairman of the National Assembly of Tajikistan, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 22, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Rustam Emomali, chairman of the National Assembly of Tajikistan, in Beijing on Tuesday.

Han said the China-Tajikistan relationship has made continuous headway, with fruitful outcomes of cooperation under the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders.

He said China is ready to work with Tajikistan to act on the important consensus of the two heads of state, better synergize development strategies, expand pragmatic cooperation, deepen security cooperation, and intensify international coordination to maintain the strategic security and development interests of the two countries, and boost common prosperity.

Explaining the Chinese modernization, Han said China sincerely welcomes Tajikistan to take a ride on the express train of China's economic development and realize its own modernization.

Rustam Emomali said developing ties with China is a diplomatic priority for Tajikistan and the country views China as a reliable partner on the international stage. He expressed his country's willingness to deepen cooperation of various fields to promote further development of the Tajikistan-China comprehensive strategic partnership.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng also met with Rustam Emomali on Tuesday.
Parents of Seminole County Public Schools students will now need to sign consent forms for their students to attend school events.

Officials said the permission form is another effect of the Parental Rights in Education law that went into effect this year. Parents have to fill out the forms for every school-sponsored event before, during and after school.

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Theres a Google form parents must fill out for a pep rally this Friday at Lake Brantley High School, which is event-specific.

Another permission form from Crooms Academy lists every event taking place over the entire calendar year.

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Read: Deputies search for man accused of sneaking into backyard of Seminole County home

A district spokesperson said they are trying to streamline the process so parents are not inundated.

Students whose parents do not fill out the permission form will not be allowed into an event or activity.

Read: Orlando officer who fled Seminole County traffic stop in cruiser approved for pretrial diversion

The issue is impacting not just Seminole County, but districts across the state.

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As Chinas economic struggles widen, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly sees Americas close, high-tech trade relations with Taiwan becoming more vital to the island and a source of additional tension with Beijing.

Following a visit last week to Taiwan, Kelly, D-Ariz., reiterated the importance of the CHIPS and Science Act that he helped usher into law last year. The act subsidizes advanced manufacturing in the U.S.  including projects in Arizona  and is viewed as protecting against reliance on China and ensuring national security.

Kelly is a member of the Joint Economic Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee and views the growing problems in Beijing as separate from Taipeis fortunes because of the islands dealings with America.

Theres a lot of indications that China doesnt like this relationship that we have, Kelly said in an interview. Semiconductors are something they want to continue to advance in, and because of us, and our allies, we have essentially prevented them from getting the tools they need to build the best semiconductor chips in the world.

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My sense is this is something (the Chinese) are not in favor of, this economic relationship that we have with Taiwan, but thats not up to them.

His visit alongside the Greater Phoenix Economic Council is another effort to solidify relations with Taiwan. The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is building a $40 billion semiconductor plant in north Phoenix that will be the largest foreign direct investment in Arizona's history.

For Kelly, it adds to a record of engagement with Taiwan and a willingness to irritate Beijing.

The island of Taiwan sits 100 miles off the Chinese shore and remains a source of tensions, with Beijing claiming it as part of its nation. The U.S. maintains direct and deliberately vague relations with Taipei, which has maintained tense autonomy from the mainland.

In April, Kelly was one of three senators to meet privately in New York with Tsai Ing-wen, the president of Taiwan.

Kelly and Tsai discussed the TSMC plant at that time in addition to plans to strengthen Taiwans security systems, which rely on U.S. hardware. Kelly has made no secret that the Pentagon is shifting its future focus away from desert-based anti-terrorism efforts to a high-tech, flight-based profile that could be used in the western Pacific.

Kelly visited Taiwan as mainland China battles a vast, multifaceted economic slowdown.

The Chinese economy right now clearly has a lot of problems, Kelly said. Theyve got a housing bubble. Theyve got these incredibly large developers that have recently gone bankrupt or are near-bankrupt.

Economic growth in China has not been what it has historically been over decades with these double-digit GDP growth numbers. And it doesnt look like its going to go back to that. They have demographics problems that are as bad as anywhere in the world.

Improving relations: Mayor Kate Gallego heads to Asia to 'expand Phoenix's global presence'

Taiwan has a lot of trade with China, Kelly said, but our economic relationship with Taiwan, because of the size of our economy, could be beneficial to Taiwan.

He emphasized U.S. ties to Taiwan are built on more than trade.

We share a lot of values with Taiwan: democracy, our education systems, countries that are incredibly innovative, Kelly said. And weve got very good economic ties, and thats good for relationships for both of us. The China question is one the Taiwanese think about a lot.

Closer ties: Sen. Kelly, Phoenix business advocates pledge greater collaboration in visit to Taiwan

Reach the reporter Ronald J. Hansen at ronald.hansen@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4493. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @ronaldjhansen.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Sen. Mark Kelly sees U.S.-Taiwan ties as irritant to struggling China
FILE - Colombian paramilitary warlord Salvatore Mancuso is escorted by U.S. DEA agents upon his arrival to Opa-locka, Florida, May 13, 2008. Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio called on the Biden administration Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, to reject Colombia's request for extradition of Mancuso after he was named a peace envoy in the South American nation. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

MIAMI (AP)  Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio is calling on the Biden administration to reject Colombia's request for extradition of a former warlord after he was named a peace envoy in the South American nation, a move that could see him avoid additional prison time for human rights abuses.

Salvatore Mancuso , the top commander of a former group of right-wing militias, completed a 12-year cocaine trafficking sentence in 2020. He has been held in U.S. custody ever since after Colombia at the last minute reversed a U.S. order that would've sent him to Italy, where he also has citizenship, and instead struck a deal for him to be sent back home to face justice.

This month, Colombian President Gustavo Petro named Mancuso a peace envoy to promote the disarming of other illegal armed groups that emerged after Mancuso's United Self Defense Forces of Colombia, or AUC, laid down its weapons two decades ago. To facilitate the peacemaking role, Petro said he would seek to suspend prison sentences courts already imposed against Mancuso for his role in more than 1,500 acts of murder and forced disappearances.

Rubio, the top Republican on the Senate subcommittee dealing with Latin America, urged Attorney General Merrick Garland to reject Colombia's extradition request until Petro revokes his offer to Mancuso or there are credible assurances he will serve out the sentences.

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To allow Mancuso to not only walk free in Colombia, but also represent the Colombian government in negotiations with drug traffickers currently working to flood our community with narcotics, would be an insult to the thousands of Colombians who are victims of Mancuso's crimes," he wrote in a letter sent Wednesday to Garland.

Rubio's Senate office provided a copy of the letter to The Associated Press.

Mancuso is currently seeking asylum in the United States, arguing that he could be killed if moved to Colombia, a country struggling to heal from decades of bloody, drug-fueled conflict. An immigration judge in May rejected that argument but Mancuso has appealed and those proceedings are ongoing, his attorneys and prosecutors said in a joint filing Tuesday in Washington federal court.

Manuel Renteria, an attorney for Mancuso, declined to comment.

Formed as self-defense forces by wealthy ranchers in the 1980s to counter leftist rebel extortion and kidnapping, the far-right militias seized control of much of Colombias Caribbean coast in the late 1990s, killing thousands and stealing millions of acres of land while wresting control of lucrative drug routes. In 2001, the U.S. designated the AUC a foreign terror organization.

Mancuso, 59, was one of the rural paramilitary bosses to most eagerly embrace reconciliation efforts when he and some 30,000 other right-wing fighters demobilized under the 2005 Justice and Peace law. Seeking to fulfill his commitment to speak out, he openly talked about how a third of Colombia's congress was elected with paramilitary support, confessions that led to the conviction of dozens of lawmakers.

His candor, while rocking Colombia's political establishment, later backfired.

In 2008, far-right President Alvaro Uribe stealthily extradited Mancuso and 13 other warlords to face drug charges in the U.S. The shock move, an apparent violation of the paramilitary peace accord, was widely seen as an attempt to silence the men as they began to reveal more secrets about their crimes and collaborators  including Uribe, who as a governor in the 1990s backed the creation of legal, armed groups to protect ranchers land from leftist guerrilla fighters.

Since completing his long drug sentence, Mancuso has shown an interest in continuing to reconciliation efforts, once even speaking by phone with his one time battlefield adversary, Rodrigo Londono, the former top commander of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

Petro, himself a former guerrilla, said Mancuso can contribute to the unfinished truth telling.

We don't know all the truth still, he said in July when he announced his appointment of Mancuso.

___

Follow Goodman: @APJoshGoodman
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Seth Lugo works against a Miami Marlins batter during the second inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

SAN DIEGO (AP)  Seth Lugo allowed three hits in six innings, Xander Bogaerts hit a two-run homer and the San Diego Padres beat the Miami Marlins 4-0 on Wednesday.

Lugo combined on a four-hitter with four relievers  including Robert Suarez, who didn't face a batter. Suarez was ejected in the eighth following an inspection by umpires for having sticky stuff on his left wrist and arm, crew chief Todd Tichenor said.

Tom Cosgrove replaced Suarez and retired all three batters he faced. Steven Wilson worked the seventh and closer Josh Hader pitched the ninth in a non-save situation. San Diego (61-67) took two of three from Miami (65-63), which lost ground in the NL wild-card race.

The Padres also fell further behind during a 5-5 homestand, but manager Bob Melvin said his team, which would need to pass four others in the standings to move into the final wild-card spot, is still capable of making the playoffs.

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Its still doable, but later in the season we know we have to win series, we have to win games, we have to put together a streak, Melvin said.

The Padres led 1-0 in the sixth when Manny Machado walked and Bogaerts hit a 427-foot drive over the center field fence against Sandy Alcantara.

It was a fastball  two-seam, middle-in  that didn't move as much, but it got the barrel, Bogaerts said.

Lugo (5-6) struck out four. He gave up a two-out double to Joey Wendle in the fifth, and Wendle stole third before Lugo struck out Jorge Soler.

I tweaked some stuff with the curveball, its been a couple starts now, Lugo said. Its been really effective. ... It gave me a lot of confidence.

Alcantara (6-11) allowed four runs on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Juan Soto had an RBI single in the first inning and Fernando Tatis Jr. had a run-scoring single in the seventh.

Miami's Jake Burger went 0-for-4, ending his 13-game hitting streak.

STICKY SITUATION

Speaking after the game through team translator Danny Sanchez, Suarez denied using any illegal sticky substances, saying he only had sunscreen on his arm because it was a day game.

No, I definitely dont use any illegal substance, any banned substance at all, Suarez said.

Umpires stopped Suarez in the outfield grass, just short of second base, to look at his arm and wrist. Tichenor said he was unable to determine the exact substance, but that based on his training it appeared to be more sticky than rosin.

We deemed it was too sticky, very sticky, and he was ejected from the game, Tichenor said.

TRAINERS ROOM

Marlins: Placed OF Avisail Garcia on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain. He was hurt during Tuesday night's win.

UP NEXT

Marlins: Begin a three-game series Friday against visiting Washington.

Padres: Start a six-game trip Friday night at Milwaukee. Brandon Woodruff (2-1, 2.89 ERA) starts for the Brewers. San Diego has not announced a starter.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
Multiple teenagers were arrested Tuesday night following an incident where South Carolina Department of Social Services employees were assaulted, according to the Columbia Police Department.

At about 8 p.m., officers responded to a call about a disturbance at the DSS building at 3320 Two Notch Road, police said.

The teens assaulted DSS staff members inside the building, according to police. Information about where in the building the attacks happened was not available.

There was no word on how many people  both employees and teens  were hurt, but police said no significant injuries were reported.

Columbia police respond to a disturbance at the South Carolina Department of Social Services building.

Information about how the incident started was not available.

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At least seven teens  both male and female  were arrested, according to police. The teens ages ranged from 13- to 17-years-old, and their names are not being made public because they are juveniles.

The teens are facing a variety of charges that includes assault, resisting arrest and public disorderly conduct, police said. The teens were taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, according to police.

In addition to Columbia police, members of both the Richland County Sheriffs Department and Benedict College Campus Police responded to the scene and provided assistance.

DSS provides protective services for both children and vulnerable adults, including adoption and foster care services, and its stated mission is to serve South Carolina by promoting their safety, permanency, and well-being while helping individuals achieve stability and strengthening families.
Russian drones attacked the south of Odesa Oblast on the night of 22-23 August.

Source: Serhii Bratchuk, Head of the Public Council at Odesa Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram; Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Telegram

Quote: "A Shahed drone attack on the south of Odesa is ongoing. Only official representatives can report the [accurate] details."

Details: The Air Force noted that several Shahed drones had reached the city of Izmail and were moving west.

A group of Shahed drones was also spotted moving along the border with Romania toward the city of Izmail, as the Air Force reported later.

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Background: The Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that several Russian attack drones were flying toward the city of Odesa.

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!
Allegheny County Sheriffs deputies were involved in an active shootout with a suspect at North Mathilda Street and Jordan Way in the citys Garfield neighborhood on Wednesday.

Allegheny County Sheriff Kevin Kraus told Channel 11 that the suspect, William Hardison Sr., was pronounced dead at 5:08 p.m., nearly seven hours after the shootout started.

This happened just blocks away from UPMC Childrens Hospital. Many roads were closed and people were advised to avoid the area.

Multiple sources say over 100 shots were fired in the shootout.

President Joe Biden was briefed on the situation, according to the White House. Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey was also at the scene.

What we know about the suspect, William Hardison Sr.:

William Hardison Sr., 63, was identified as the suspect in the police shootout in Garfield.

Sources said Hardison believed he was a sovereign citizen, meaning he thought he was exempt from the law.

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A Channel 11 News photographer discovered a video of Hardison during a prior interaction with police in 2019. In the video, you can see a Moorish flag, which is flown by Moorish sovereign citizens.

Hardison had a criminal history dating back to at least 2000.

Click here for everything weve learned about Hardison so far.

What we know about the lead-up to the shootout:

Court documents show that an eviction notice was scheduled to be served at the home at 4817 Broad Street at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Seven sheriffs office deputies arrived to serve the notice, Allegheny County Sheriff Kevin Kraus said. They tried to make contact with the suspect for several minutes with no success.

Doorbell camera footage shows officers at the scene before shots were fired. Officials said the deputies were met with deadly force at the front door. Law enforcement ran for cover and returned fire, one sheriffs deputy received a head injury from diving for cover while the suspect was shooting.

Officials said the responding deputies didnt know he was dangerous and had firearms in the home.

Neighbors told Channel 11 Hardison was a squatter at the home, which was originally owned by his brother.

Since his brothers death two years ago, the mortgage on the home went into arrears. There was $15,000 or more owed on the house.

What we know about the shootout and standoff:

The shootout began around 15 minutes after the eviction notice was scheduled to be served and lasted for nearly seven hours until Hardison was killed.

Our crews at the scene heard hundreds of shots fired over several hours in the Garfield neighborhood as well as flashbangs.

Officials said Hardison fired shots from the first and second-story windows and through walls.

Officials also said at least three drones put up by law enforcement were shot down by the suspect.

Pittsburgh police chief Larry Scirotto said in a press conference that the drones were used as a means to give Hardison the chance to surrender.

The suspect was given the opportunity to surrender for four and a half hours, but all efforts were unsuccessful, the police chief said.

Gunfire sometimes ceased only to pick back up moments later.

After a break from the gunfire, it abruptly started again. @WPXI pic.twitter.com/kWDaqqjTjZ  Gabriella DeLuca (@GabriellaDeLuca) August 23, 2023

A neighbor told Channel 11 that her home was hit by gunfire. She said she hid in her basement when the shots rang out.

Another neighbor said he escaped out of the back of his home.

How the community and leaders are reacting:

Wednesday was a harrowing day for neighbors, and many had to be evacuated.

>>> Just sad: Neighbors react to Garfield active shooting situation, suspect death

Pittsburgh police, the bomb squad, Pennsylvania State Police, the FBI, the Allegheny County Sheriffs Office, Allegheny County police, the Attorney Generals Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and SWAT all responded to the scene of the shootout.

>>> Law enforcement officials react to active shooting situation in Garfield

People sheltered in place were asked to call 911 and provide their locations so that police could evacuate them from their homes.

Pittsburgh Public Schools officials told Channel 11 that Pittsburgh Montessori School and Obama Academy were on lockdown.

Our crew at the scene also saw babies being evacuated from a nearby daycare.

Authorities respond to 'active shootout' in Garfield

Mayor Ed Gainey released the following statement about the shootout:

Pittsburgh  I ask for you to join us in prayer tonight for the entire community of Garfield, a peaceful neighborhood that was home to an unfortunate tragedy today.

I want to thank all of our federal, state, and local law enforcement officials here today who worked to keep this neighborhood and our city safe, as well as to our trauma response team who has been on scene helping provide support to those who needed it. Thank you to Governor Josh Shapiro for providing us with state resources, and County Executive Rich Fitzgerald for working to provide the city with additional support.

I would also like to thank the community for their cooperation as we mobilized our response.

As a city, we are committed to caring for all those who have been harmed, and we will continue working over the next several days to connect this neighborhood to mental health and trauma support services.

UPMC Childrens issued the following statement:

Pittsburgh Police are responding to a shooting incident approximately  mile from UPMC Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh. The individual is accounted for and there is no direct threat to patients, staff or visitors. Enhanced security is now present on campus and will continue through the day.

Pittsburgh Public Safety issued a statement, saying in part:

Our Public Safety personnel - a family -, the community of Garfield, and indeed the entire City of Pittsburgh, suffered a collective trauma today in experiencing this unfortunate incident. I want to commend all of the Department of Public Safety officials who worked tirelessly throughout the day in an effort to bring this to an end. I will ensure that our Public Safety employees, in addition to community members, are afforded all of the services they need to help process what they have witnessed today, said Public Safety Director, Lee Schmidt.

Pittsburgh Public Safety would also like to thank all of its local, state, and federal law enforcement partners who assisted in this effort, including:

The Allegheny County Sheriffs Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, the FBI, the ATF, North Hills SRT, SHACOG SWAT, HSI, Port Authority Police, the Allegheny County Crime Lab, and the Allegheny County District Attorneys Office.

Allegheny Health Network West Penn Hospital operated under a controlled access order for the duration of the incident but lifted it once the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

Pennsylvania State Police will handle the investigation moving forward.

On Thursday, a Pittsburgh Public Safety official told Channel 11 about 40 Pittsburgh police officers are on paid leave as protocol. The officers had to turn in the weapons that were fired. They will have to see a psychologist and then give an interview. They could be off for a week or so, according to the official.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

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Crack found in gas line on property near Plum house explosion Man dies after falling from inner tube at Deep Creek Lake Father of Tennessee Titans CB Caleb Farley dies in house explosion VIDEO: Local woman stuck in Parkway traffic notices billboard, donates kidney to grandmother in need DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
A Fresno County Sheriffs sergeant pleaded not guilty Tuesday to misdemeanor charges of being drunk in public and cocaine possession.

The deputy, Thomas Grilione, 52, entered his plea to the charges through his attorney Roger Wilson. Grilione was not in court Tuesday.

Grilione was arrested on May 28 outside of a business near Nees and Fowler avenues in Clovis around 10 p.m.

According to the criminal complaint, Grilione was under the influence of intoxicating liquor, a drug, a controlled substance, toluene, and a combination of intoxicating liquor, a drug, a controlled substance, toluene, in such a condition that he/she was unable to exercise care for his/her own safety and the safety of others...

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The complaint also identifies the controlled substance Grilione had as cocaine.

He was taken to Fresno County Jail where he was booked and held for about two hours before being released with a citation.

Sheriffs office, spokesperson Tony Botti said Grilione remains on paid administrative leave. And an internal affairs investigation continues.

Grilione is expected to return to court for a pre-trial hearing on Sept. 29 in Dept. 12.
Ukraine is looking for ways to confiscate Russian assets frozen in the West and use them to pay for recovery and reconstruction in Crimea and other parts of Ukraine, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Aug. 23.

Damages caused by Russia in the occupied peninsula amount to at least Hr 120 billion ($3.3 billion), although the exact sum will be known only after Crimea's liberation from Russian occupation, the prime minister said during the Crimean Platform summit in Kyiv.

Ukraine wants to create an international mechanism through which the aggressor would be mandated to pay for all the damages it has caused, Shmyhal added.

"While Crimea is occupied, it is impossible to talk about justice, sustainable peace, security in Europe and an international rules-based order," Shmyhal stressed during his address.

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"But our flag will rise again over Ukrainian Simferopol, Sevastopol, Yalta, and other cities on Ukraine's peninsula."

Ukrainian assets lost in Crimea include property of state companies who operated on the peninsula prior to the occupation, such as the oil and gas monopoly Naftogaz.

In February, Russian occupation authorities in Crimea seized over 500 more Ukrainian-owned assets, including banks, tourist infrastructure, and private property.

Read also: Zelensky at Crimean Platform: Ukraine has clear plan for restoring democracy in Crimea

Western countries have frozen around $300 billion of Russia's Central Bank assets since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

While American lawmakers have proposed to transfer the blocked funds to Ukraine to support its post-war recovery, critics have pointed out the legal pitfalls of this move, as sovereign assets are covered by "sovereign immunity"  an understanding that one state will not seize another's property.

In turn, the EU has been exploring options of taxing over $200 billion of frozen Russian Central Bank assets and transferring the profits to Ukraine. According to Bloomberg, windfall profits from these assets could generate up to 3 billion euros ($3.3 billion) in cash and securities.

Kyiv is hosting the third summit of the Crimean Platform, an international consultation and coordination format aimed at ensuring the liberation of the peninsula from the Russian occupation.

Since its inaugural summit on Aug. 23, 2021, it has gathered participants from dozens of countries in Europe, North America, Asia, and elsewhere, as well as non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations, including the EU.

Russia has been occupying the peninsula since 2014 after the Euromaidan Revolution ousted pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
For months, social media accounts under the name Travis Ikeguchi posted incessantly on social media about hatred for  and fear of  the LGBTQ+ community.

An account on X, formerly Twitter, retweeted conspiracy theories spread by far-right extremists. It mixed anti-abortion posts and Bible verses with posts equating "Pride Month" to the word "demon." One post said same-sex marriage was "at war" against family values. Another post  pinned atop the list  showed a Pride flag in flames.

Then, on Friday, authorities say, 27-year-old Ikeguchi shot and killed Laura Ann Carleton, a mother of nine  after shouting slurs and ripping down the Pride flag she flew outside her small store in the Cedar Glen neighborhood of Lake Arrowhead, a resort town in the mountains east of Los Angeles. Soon afterward, Ikeguchi was shot and killed by sheriffs deputies not far from the store.

As shocking as the shooting was, to experts who study extremism it was also sadly predictable. Its just the latest attack by someone apparently steeped in far-right extremist rhetoric and conspiracy theories about the LGBTQ+ community.

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Unfortunately it's really not all that surprising, given what we've been seeing in terms of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, said Sarah Moore, an anti-LGBTQ+ extremism analyst for the Anti-Defamation League and GLAAD. Online hate doesn't just exist in a vacuum  it's not just going to stay online  in fact it often turns into real-world action.

A Pride flag ripped off its flag pole is seen outside the entrance to the Mag.Pi clothing store in Cedar Glen, near Lake Arrowhead, California, on August 21, 2023. The owner of the store, Laura Ann Carleton, was fatally shot Aug. 18 by a man who "made several disparaging remarks about a rainbow flag," according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Ten months ago, Moores position at the ADL didnt exist. It was specifically created to address the rising tide of hatred and attacks against the LGBTQ+ community.

Exclusive: Threats are on rise across US, new data shows

Anti-LGBTQ+ attacks

The LGBTQ+ community has been the primary focus of far-right extremists for at least the past two years.

Groups including the street gang the Proud Boys and far-right and white supremacist influencers have become increasingly obsessed with LGBTQ+ issues. The talking points focus on all-ages drag shows, medical treatment for transgender people, and banning books that talk about sexuality.

Extremists have resurfaced tropes like calling LGBTQ+ people groomers and pedophiles who are preying on children.

As far-right influencers and their acolytes spread these messages on social media and in video, the online hate has also spilled into the streets.

Drag shows found themselves the target of white supremacists and other far-right extremists. Police officers have had to break up scuffles outside Pride events across the country between white supremacists and allies of the LGBTQ+ community.

Last June in Idaho, 31 members of the white supremacist group Patriot Front were arrested traveling in a U-Haul en route to disrupt a Pride event in Coeur dAlene. They were charged with conspiracy to riot; some have since been convicted.

Last August in Texas, armed anti-fascists showed up at a drag show to protect performers and patrons from an organized right-wing protest, triggering a wave of claims that antifa had taken over the town.

In November, an Oklahoma donut shop that had hosted all-age drag shows was firebombed.

Later that month, an attacker shot and killed five people at an LGBTQ-friendly bar in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The shooter was sentenced to more than 2,000 years in prison in June.

Law enforcement agencies have taken note.

Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security issued a bulletin warning that members of the LGBTQ+ community were likely targets of domestic extremism. Less than a week later, an Ohio white supremacist was arrested for firebombing a church that was due to host a drag event.

The ADL and GLAAD tallied at least 356 incidents of anti-LGBTQ hate and extremism in the United States from June 2022 to April 2023.

LGBTQ+ people and their allies everywhere are once again reminded in the worst possible way of the very real threat of hate and violence they face every day, Wendy Via, co-founder of Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, wrote in a statement. The killing of Laura Ann Carleton proves anti-LGBTQ+ hate and violence are out of control in the U.S. and around the world.

In Colorado: Club Q attack no surprise for extremism experts who saw looming threat, decades-old pattern

What happened in Lauri Carleton shooting

During his attack in Lake Arrowhead, Ikeguchi tore down a Pride flag hanging outside the store and shouted homophobic slurs at Carleton, local police said in a briefing Monday.

Rows of flowers and pride flags cover the Mag Pi storefront window as a memorial for store owner Laura Ann Lauri Carleton on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, in Cedar Glen.

The suspect was confronted by sheriffs deputies about a mile from Mag.Pi, Carletons store, authorities said. He opened fire at the deputies, hitting several vehicles, and deputies returned fire, killing him, they said. The incident is being investigated.

A spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department told USA TODAY Ikeguchi had posted content critical of the LGBTQ+ community on his social media accounts before Fridays shooting. The department did not confirm or deny whether the social media accounts in Ikeguchis name viewed by USA TODAY were created by the suspected gunman.

An LGBTQ+ group in Lake Arrowhead said Carleton, who went by Lauri, didnt identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community but spent time helping and advocating for everyone.

Are extremist groups talking about Lake Arrowhead suspect?

After past incidents of anti-LGBTQ violence, far-right commentators and influencers have often been quick to invent alternative narratives about what happened.

Occasionally, the far right will condemn such shootings, or at least seek to distance the events from their anti-LGBTQ political rhetoric.

This time, however, the extremist ecosystem remained seemingly quiet about the Cedar Glen shooting. A USA TODAY review of dozens of extremist and far-right accounts on the secure messaging app and extremist hotbed Telegram found no mentions of Ikeguchi or the shooting by late Tuesday.

Jared Holt, a senior researcher at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, agreed that the response to the shooting from the usual far-right channels has been muted. Holt said he hasnt seen the usual attempts to frame the shooting as an inside job aimed at discrediting the far right or as an attack committed by someone who is really an anti-fascist rather than a far-right extremist.

If they're not going to try to discredit it, or use it for some sort of narrative gain, they would just as soon ignore it, Holt said. It's hard to imagine a really clear gain they would have by trying to do reality-denial on a situation that is just so black-and-white.

Pride flag at August 21 Mag Pi shooting

Kasey Suffredini, interim senior vice president of prevention for The Trevor Project, a mental health organization for LGBTQ+ young people, said it was a shame that of all things, a Pride flag appears to have been at the center of last weeks shooting.

The rainbow flag is a symbol of hope and community for LGBTQ people, Suffredini wrote in an email to USA TODAY. Knowing that an ally was targeted for violence because she wanted to spread that message breaks our hearts, but not our resolve."

And while an attack naturally generates new fears, Moore said the community will draw on the resilience that has strengthened it during decades of harassment.

We are not going to allow ourselves to go backwards, Moore said. We're going to stand strong in the face of this.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Before Pride flag shooting, anti-LGBTQ online posts warned of 'war'
 Flash

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Marta Matrai, deputy of the speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 22, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's top legislator Zhao Leji met with Marta Matrai, deputy of the speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, on Tuesday in Beijing.

Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that bilateral relations have maintained healthy and stable growth since the two countries established diplomatic ties 74 years ago.

Zhao said that bilateral relations have entered their best period since the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries in 2017.

Zhao said the NPC is willing to work with the Hungarian National Assembly to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, provide legal guarantees for the development of bilateral relations, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation on legislative supervision, environmental protection and green development.

Matrai expressed the hope that exchanges and cooperation between the legislative bodies would be strengthened to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between Hungary and China, saying the Hungarian National Assembly is ready to contribute to enhancing the friendship between the two peoples.

Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, held talks with Matrai on the same day.
Police are investigating after an elementary school student fired a handgun inside of a bus on the way to school, Texas officials say.

The student, who attends the Seguin Independent School District, was riding the bus on the morning of Aug. 22 when he accidentally fired the gun, the Seguin Police Department said in a news release.

The .25 caliber bullet went into the back of an occupied seat but was stopped by the seats metal frame, police told KSAT.

There were 37 students on board, police told the news outlet. Nobody was hurt.

The bus driver immediately recovered the handgun from the student, and the Seguin Police Department was contacted, police said in the news release. While initial reports show the young student did not threaten anyone with the weapon, this is still a very serious situation and a significant breach of our school safety protocols.

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Its unlikely the student will face any charges due to his age, but police said charges may be brought against adults for allowing a weapon to be accessible to a child, The Seguin Gazette reported.

Officials did not share the age of the child but said he is a student at Jefferson Elementary School, the newspaper reported.

The student will be off school grounds while the investigation is underway, police said.

Seguin is roughly 35 miles east of San Antonio.

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Man trying to catch falling gun shoots girlfriend at state fair, Kentucky police say
Its official: The new federal student loan repayment plan is open.

Heres what you need to know.

What happened?

President Joe Bidens administration announced Tuesday that the Saving on a Valuable Education plan  what the White House calls the most affordable repayment plan ever created  has officially launched.

The White House estimates more than 20 million student loan borrowers could benefit.

With the SAVE plan, we are making a promise to every student, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said during a Monday call with reporters. Your payments will be affordable. Youre not going to be buried under a mountain of interest, and you wont be saddled with a lifetime of debt.

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This comes after $39 billion in forgiveness for 804,000 borrowers, announced as a result of historical failures in how income-driven repayment plans were managed. It also follows the Supreme Court rejecting the broader student debt forgiveness program that would have forgiven more than $400 billion in federal student loan debt.

A beta version of the application was released at the end of July. Those who have already applied dont have to apply again.

What does the SAVE plan do?

A new formula: Its a type of income-driven repayment plan where your payments are based on your income and family size instead of your loan balance. And after a certain amount of time, any remaining balances will be forgiven.

It could significantly decrease how much you have to pay each month because of the new structure.

Payments are based on discretionary income. The new plan shields more income for basic needs, giving you less discretionary income, The New York Times reported, meaning 225% (up from 150%) of the federal poverty guidelines is protected from repayment. In other words, you make less than $15 an hour, you wont have to make payments.

Interest: If you keep up with your monthly payments, your loan balance wont grow because of unpaid interest. This applies to subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Lets say you have a $30 payment that you make monthly, but $50 in interest accumulates. You wouldnt be charged for that last $20.

It also ends runaway student loan interest that leaves borrowers owing more than their initial loan, Cardona said. The nightmare of making payments and watching your loan balance get bigger and bigger will finally be over.

Spouses: Your spouse no longer needs to cosign your income-driven repayment plan application, if you are married and file taxes separately.

IRS: You can give the Department of Education access to your tax information, meaning you wont have to manually provide income or family size information when applying or recertifying.

What changes go into effect next year?

Payments: If you have an undergraduate loan, your payments will be cut to 5% from 10% of your discretionary income. If you have both undergraduate and graduate loans, youll pay a weighted average between 5% to 10%.

Forgiveness: If you originally borrowed $12,000 or less, your remaining balance will be forgiven after 10 years of payments (and with another year for every additional $1,000 borrowed). If you originally borrowed $14,000, itll take 12 years for your loans to be forgiven. If you consolidate your loans, you wont lose progress toward forgiveness. Youll also receive credit toward forgiveness for specific periods of deferment and forbearance, plus you can make catch-up payments for other periods of those. And if youre 75 days late, youll be automatically enrolled if youve said the Department of Education can access your tax information.

Are your loans eligible?

These loans are eligible for the SAVE plan:

Direct subsidized loans

Direct unsubsidized loans

Direct PLUS loans made to graduate or professional students

Direct consolidation loans that did not repay any PLUS loans made to parents

If you consolidate the following loans into a direct consolidation loan, they would be eligible for the SAVE plan:

Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans (from the Federal Family Education Loan program)

Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans (from the Federal Family Education Loan program)

Federal Family Education Loan PLUS Loans made to graduate or professional students

Federal Family Education Loan Consolidation Loans that did not repay any PLUS loans made to parents

Federal Perkins Loans

The following loans are not eligible:

Direct PLUS Loans made to parents

Direct Consolidation Loans that repaid PLUS loans made to parents

FFEL PLUS Loans made to parents

FFEL Consolidation Loans that repaid PLUS loans made to parents

any loan that is currently in default.

If you have defaulted, you could qualify for the Fresh Start initiative.

How do you sign up?

You can sign up by going to StudentAid.gov/SAVE.

If youre already enrolled in the REPAYE plan, youll be automatically enrolled in this one.

A senior administration official said an application is expected to take about four weeks to process.

How much will you pay?

It depends on how much you make and your family size. The Office of Federal Student Aid provides a loan simulator to help you calculate your student loan payments and pick a repayment option that works best for you.

But here are a few examples.

If you make $30,000, your estimated monthly payment is $0.

If you make $50,000 annually and have a family size of one, your estimated payment is $143. But if your family size is three, your estimated payment is $0.

If you make $60,000 and its just you, you could pay $227. With two people in your family, youd pay $130; with three people, youd pay $34. And with four people in your family, you could pay $0.

How do you apply?

The Education Department says it takes less than 10 minutes to fill out. These are the steps:

Youll go to studentaid.gov and log in. Select menu, then loan repayment, and income-driven repayment plan request. Then start the application. Youll then confirm your contact information. Then, youll review your federal loan information. Then, confirm your personal information. This includes whether youre married and your family size. After that, youll transfer or enter your federal financial information, noting any significant decreases in income since your last tax return. And last, you can review your current repayment plan or switch to a new one. Youll be able to see your monthly payment, total to be paid and pay off date.

What is The Sum?

The Sum is your friendly guide to personal finance and economic news.

Were a team of McClatchy journalists cutting through the financial jargon so you know how these issues impact your life. We verify information from diverse sources and keep the facts front-and-center, making finance and economic news add up for you.

You can follow The Sum on Instagram and TikTok.

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San Luis Obispo Countys mental health care system has persistent problems with staffing and infrastructure, while the workplace culture at the county-run system is overly protective of limited resources, a new gap analysis found.

The study, which was published Aug. 9, was funded by a state grant awarded to the San Luis Obispo County Health Agency. The agency gave the money to San Luis Obispo nonprofit Transitions-Mental Health Association to hire a consultant to conduct the study.

From October 2022 to June, Capstone Solutions analyzed data and interviewed about 40 stakeholders working in behavioral health services in SLO County  from emergency room physicians to government officials  to identify strengths and weaknesses in the health system.

The county took an intentionally hands-off approach when it came to administering the gap analysis, Health Agency director Nick Drews said.

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We didnt want a county report about what needs to happen within our community, Drews said. We wanted an independent organization to look at the entire continuum of care when it comes to mental health.

The county Behavioral Health Department is mandated to provide services to adult patients who are uninsured or use Medi-Cal.

It isnt just a report to say, What is the Behavioral Health Department not doing? Really, its a report to say, What is missing within our community?  Drews said.

Representatives for the health agency and TMHA said the reports findings were not unexpected. Both organizations were aware of most of the strengths and weaknesses identified in the report.

The report includes numerous recommendations for improving the local behavioral health system for adults and points to some substantial challenges related to the limited services available.

The recommendations require different levels of resources to implement. Some recommendations require minor tweaking of existing programs while others require heavy investment in workforce and infrastructure.

For instance, consultants recommended adding beds for patients placed on mental health holds that use private insurance. Currently, the only facility in the county that can accommodate patients in serious crisis only accepts Medi-Cal or uninsured patients.

This isnt intended to be something that pats us on the back, Drews said. Its by nature something thats going to be pointing out all of the gaps  the lack of services that exist within our system  and thats what we want.

The renovated former juvenile hall, and recently built nearby housing are part of housing TMHA manages; they have 57 rooms in a variety of houses and apartments in the county. Transitions-Mental Health Association has a Housing First program that assists people transition off the streets and into housing. Photos are from Oct. 3, 2022.

SLO County nonprofit excels at peer-led services, report says

The 53-page report outlines many recommendations for how to improve the behavioral health system for San Luis Obispo County residents, but it also points out the strengths of the system as it exists today.

One of those strengths is TMHAs use of peer navigators and peer services, which are people with lived experience who are hired to help others navigate the system.

Currently, TMHA stations peer navigators in the South county behavioral health clinic to help new patients negotiate an intimidating system, Kaplan said.

The report recommended that peer services be expanded to other outpatient behavioral health clinics in San Luis Obispo and Atascadero and advised the Behavioral Health Department to involve people with lived experience in the planning process.

Interviews with TMHA peer staff demonstrated their keen knowledge of how the system works, as well as their desire to contribute to making the system better, the report said.

Kaplan said TMHA has put more money behind training people with lived experience with mental illness, substance use and homelessness to help run their programs. Those who complete the training are eligible for six-month paid internships to work in TMHA-led programs.

Were finding that (program) a hugely successful pipeline for new staff, Kaplan said. I think there would be so many ways to activate these folks in the system and have them make a really significant contribution.

The report also praises TMHAs full-service partnerships  intensive outpatient treatment programs that allow people with severe mental illness to live in the community while receiving comprehensive services.

TMHA operates all the adult programs of this kind in the county using state funds provided by the county health agency.

A total of 53 spots for behavioral health patients are available countywide via full-service partnerships, according to the report.

Demand is likely higher than the number of spots, leading to a wait list, the report said.

Capstone Solutions recommended the county expand all FSP programs and evaluate trends in the wait list to determine needs.

Consultants also suggested creating a step-down program to help people exiting these programs stay connected with outpatient services.

Staff walk in adult residential hallway at the SLO County Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) in a file photo from Sept. 2, 2015.

How can SLO County Behavioral Health improve culture?

One of the major critiques levied by the report involves the culture of San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health, which serves Medi-Cal, uninsured and incarcerated patients.

Instead of acting like providers in a welcoming system, key stakeholders say that county staff act more as gatekeepers.

Drews said that the Behavioral Health Department is staffed by many providers who genuinely want to serve the community, but the system is underresourced and overextended.

We are at capacity, he said. There have been walls that have been built to protect ourselves against an overflow of services that we cant provide.

An effective mental health continuum of care embodies a no wrong door philosophy for Medi-Cal patients.

That means baking behavioral health assessments into primary care and emergency room visits and ensuring timely follow-up when services are required, according to the report.

We want to be an organization that says Yes,  Drews said. If you come in through our doors and you need help, we are going to help you or find a way to help you.

SLO County Behavioral Health went through a leadership change this summer when longtime department head Anne Robin retired and the former head of the agencys Drug & Alcohol Services division, Star Graber, was promoted to the position.

Drews said one of Grabers goals is to find more opportunities to link local programs related to substance use to those tied to mental health, since those disorders often occur at the same time.

Those are the types of things you can do to change culture, Drews said.

The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors approved the county Health Agencys decision to invest roughly $200,000 of state funds allocated to the agency into a new five-year strategic plan focused on Behavioral Health.

Consulting group Health Management Associations will develop the county-specific behavioral health strategy.

Rooms are spartan and often shared at the SLO County Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF). Men and women have separate rooms.

Report: Some mental health services are underused

The gap analysis also points out disconnects between what resources are offered in San Luis Obispo County compared to the needs within the community.

The only resource of its type in the county, the San Luis Obispo crisis stabilization unit is an unlocked facility that serves people in crisis who dont meet the level of an involuntary mental health hold.

However, the CSU is underused, the report says, with four chairs open and four more chairs available to patients in crisis who can come and go voluntarily.

The San Luis Obispo County Psychiatric Health Facility in San Luis Obispo, meanwhile, is the only location in the county where individuals placed on an involuntary mental health hold can get help.

When the PHF can no longer support new patients due to client numbers or staffing ratios, patients on a mental health hold must be sent to an out-of-county facility for services.

The report repeated a common understanding among health stakeholders in SLO County: If the CSU was a Lanterman-Petris Short-designated facility, patients placed on involuntary holds could be served there, the length of stay could be longer and the facility would be locked.

A quiet room, off of the larger common room, is part of San Luis Obispos new Crisis Stabilization Unit, a four-bed unit behind the county psychiatric facility that will serve people before their mental health crisis reaches the level of an emergency.

Despite high demand for mental health services in the county, however, only one patient is at the CSU on a typical day, the report said.

Staff at the Sierra Mental Wellness Group, which operates the CSU, routinely turn away patients who could benefit from services, according to the report. Its unclear why.

That disparity between low use and high demand for mental health services suggests a mismatch between community needs and existing mental health infrastructure, the report said.

Consultants suggested that SLO County stakeholders should follow the examples of mental health urgent care centers in other counties that manage to treat patients in crisis while also reducing inpatient hospitalizations.

If the CSU was operating at 75% capacity, the programs could easily see 1,095 individuals/visits per year, according to the report.

Another challenge for the county-run Behavioral Health Department is the long wait times for patients seeking outpatient psychiatric services.

It can take nearly 40 business days for a patient referred to county services to be seen by a psychiatrist, according to the report.

It takes an average of 18 business days for a patient who is referred to Behavioral Health to be scheduled, and an average of 21 more days for that patient to be seen by a provider.

The wait times for care at Behavioral Health are significantly longer than the standard set by the California Department of Healthcare Services, which is 10 days for an appointment to be scheduled and 10 days for a patient to be seen.

Accessing outpatient services as a new patient is a challenging process that involves calling an access line, requesting a screening call and waiting one to two weeks for that call, which is intended to determine if the patient is experiencing a mental health crisis, the report said.

If the patient misses the screening call, they must return to the beginning of the process and call the access line again.

A patient closes their door in the 16-bed adult wing of Psychiatric Health Facility in San Luis Obispo. The grand jury called the facility antiquated and unsafe.

Acute care patients released earlier than in other counties

For those needing the highest level of care, San Luis Obispo County has 16 inpatient beds available for patients placed on a mental health hold, which is six fewer beds than are needed in the county based on the findings of the gap analysis.

Thanks in part to that insufficient capacity, patients stay at the SLO County PHF for less time when compared to PHFs in other California counties.

The average length of stay at the PHF is 6 days, while the statewide average is 8.6 days.

In comparison, the average length of stay for PHF patients in Santa Cruz County is 13.4 days.

In Los Angeles County and Fresno County, patients that are under conservatorship stay an average of 36 days and 25.6 days, respectively.

Consultants recommended that county officials look deeper at why the average length of stay at the SLO County PHF is so much shorter than at other comparable facilities.

Piles of paperwork about Ashlynn Miles medical history cover the table at the Paso Robles home of her mother, Kimberlee Booth. Booth is not allowed to have her daughter at home for the protection of other children in the household.

The question is a critical one because early discharges from the psychiatric facility can lead to problems for patients.

Ashlynn Miles, an unhoused Paso Robles woman, was discharged from the PHF in September 2022  too early, according to her mother, Kimberlee Booth.

After being discharged from the hospital while still in crisis, Miles was picked up by a registered sex offender and taken to Arizona, where she was later hospitalized at an inpatient facility.

Cornerstone consultants recommended building additional PHF be built in SLO County that can serve patients with private insurance. Currently, youth and privately insured patients are transported out of county for treatment when placed on mental health holds.

The consultants reviewed PHF length-of-stay data from October 2022 until June, a month before Crestwood Behavioral Health took over operations of the PHF, which was previously run by county staff.

Since Crestwood took over on July 1, Theyre seeing a lot more people at the PHF, Drews said.

The goal is making sure that the individual is receiving everything that they need before theyre exiting the program, and then when theyre exiting the program that there is a step down thats available for them, he said.

More mental health evaluators needed at SLO County hospitals

Hospital emergency departments are the first stop for patients placed on a mental health hold.

However, a widespread shortage of beds at mental health hospitals means the wait times can be long, leading to psychiatric patients staying in the hospital for days, sometimes weeks.

The boarding of psychiatric patients at SLO County emergency departments was spotlighted in a 2022 grand jury report that was highly critical of the county Behavioral Health Department.

The lack of certified mental health evaluators in the county means that people placed on a mental health hold and brought to the hospital for a physical assessment sometimes stay in the hospital longer than necessary, according to the gap analysis.

People interviewed for the report noted that many patients placed on a mental health hold are stable within 24 hours, meaning they do not require transfer to the PHF or an acute, inpatient facility outside the county.

Although second evaluations could reduce the length of emergency department stays and psychiatric hospitalizations, the lack of evaluators in the county means few patients placed on involuntary mental health holds are reevaluated after intake.

Emergency rooms like those at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo are often the front line of care for people experiencing a mental health crisis.

One solution recommended by the consultants is to increase the number of certified mental health evaluators at hospitals throughout the county, which falls under Behavioral Healths purview, and for hospitals to improve their capacity to respond to psychiatric emergencies, which is the responsibility of the hospitals.

Although not mentioned in the report, Twin Cities Community Hospital in Templeton is working to improve the hospitals capacity to respond to psychiatric emergencies by building a four-chair Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment and Healing Unit. It will be used to stabilize patients in a more therapeutic, less clinical environment.

Twin Cities was one of six hospitals awarded a $3 million state grant to expand the emergency departments capacity to respond to psychiatric emergencies.

The EmPATH Unit will be converted from an old intensive care unit at the hospital, Tenet Health Central Coast CEO Mark Lisa said. The unit may be expanded to accommodate more patients at a later date.

The concept behind the EmPATH unit is similar to the locked outpatient psychiatric facility that was built at Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, Lisa said.

The facility wont be ready before the end of 2024, Lisa said.

The new hospital-based psychiatric facility at Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria is the first of its kind on the Central Coast and could be a model for other hospitals grappling with an influx of psychiatric patients in the emergency departments.

Cost of living in SLO County worsens health workforce shortage

According to the report, two major structural barriers for SLO Countys behavioral health system are the health workforce shortage and the steep cost of living in the county.

Workforce and resource shortages have impacted the full implementation of the continuum of care in the county, the report said.

Capstone Solutions acknowledged that San Luis Obispo County is hindered by a shortage of workers that only worsened since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

The lack of mental health professionals, coupled with the steep cost of living in SLO County, has made it difficult for nonprofits and government agencies to retain staff.

We see those challenges with the workforce shortage all the time, Kaplan said. We have good people who are with us for two years, and then pick up and they move ... somewhere where they can either be with family or where they feel that they can they can live more easily, more cheaply.

In June, TMHA was awarded more than $300,000 from the state Department of Healthcare Services to recruit, train and retain behavioral health staff.

The nonprofit, one of 81 public and private organizations in California that received the state grant, was the only organization in SLO County to receive this funding.

There simply are not enough clinicians providing the service, not enough psychiatrists, for what we need, Drews said. Its like you can build it, but you cant staff it.

There are 91 psychiatrists in San Luis Obispo County, the report said. This is a ratio of about 32 psychiatrists for every 100,000 people.

The county Health Agency receives annual awards totaling roughly $530,000 through the Mental Health Services Act Workforce, Education and Training Grant Program.

That grant program lasts through June 2024 and offers hiring incentives such as loan repayment programs, graduate student stipends and more, Drews said.

Competition over the insufficient supply of mental health professionals, cost of living in SLO, opportunities for virtual work and reluctance to return to in-person settings have contributed to a problem that significantly affects the ability of SLO BH System to fulfill its mission, according to the report.

TMHA will launch a new homeless housing complex on Palm Street by 2023, with the aim of housing homeless people first as part of its Housing Now program.

The high cost of living here also limits housing options for people who need residential care.

Some adult residential programs, such as permanent supportive housing and sober living homes, are available in SLO County, but options are limited and the wait list is long, according to the report.

The TMHA Community Residential Program provides housing for up to 127 people with open cases at the Behavioral Health Department.

However, because participants can stay in the program as long as they are eligible, some have been involved for 20 years, according to the report.

Some of the older program participants have aged out of the community residential program but arent a good fit for a skilled nursing or assisted living facility.

The SLO County Health Agency contracts with residential programs run by different operators located outside the county.

Creative approaches to limitations in funding have been attempted through partnerships with neighboring counties and cross-county providers that accept residents of San Luis Obispo County, the report said.

This gap analysis is the first of two conducted in the county.

The consultants at Capstone also were hired by TMHA, using county funds, to conduct a second analysis, this time focused on youth-based services.

Grant funding totaling roughly $156,000 will be allocated to that report, which will be released near the end of 2023.

That was the total tip-of-the-iceberg exercise, Kaplan said. But it led us to realize, okay, theres probably more work to be done.
PRAGUE (Reuters) - Slovak President Zuzana Caputova sacked counter-intelligence service SIS chief Michal Alac on Wednesday, her office said, after police charged him with conspiring to abuse power.

Police charged Alac and other high-ranking officials in the security community last week with forming a criminal group and conspiring to interfere with corruption investigations, in a case that has emerged just weeks ahead of an early election.

Alac said over the weekend that presumption of innocence should be applied and he did not see a reason to quit, Slovak news website dennikn.sk reported.

Caputova fired Alac on recommendation of the government, the presidential office said, following a process set in the law.

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The scandal is another in a string of investigations in security and law enforcement services over the past few years, with some including rival branches investigating each other.

The European Union and NATO member country is governed by a caretaker cabinet after the previous ruling coalition succumbed to infighting and lost the confidence of parliament in December.

Slovaks will hold an early election on Sept. 30.

Polls favour the Smer-SD party, led by former prime minister Robert Fico , to win the next election.

Fico, whose previous rule ended in 2018 amid demonstrations against corruption after the murder of an investigative journalist, has harshly criticised the charges against Alac and others, saying they amounted to a police coup involving the president.

(Reporting by Jan Lopatka; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
Its still prime burger season in the Gulfport-Biloxi metro as we eat through this scorching South Mississippi summer.

Unfortunately, the temps lately might be a bit discouraging for some whod like to open up the grill in the back yard. Luckily for them, were in South Mississippi and a good burger is never far.

In a region that seems to specialize in nearly every cuisine corner, the art of the burger does not slip through the cracks.

If youre looking for your next great patty, heres a list of some of the best burger restaurants on the Coast and where to find them.

We heard you loud and clear two years ago when you named Sea Level the best spot to get a burger on the Coast. Sea Level is pound-for-pound one of the best restaurants on the Coast, period.

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The small building located in Pass Christian near Shaggys serves sno-balls, hot dogs and the famous double-patty Sea Level burger.

If you like smash burgers, Sea Level is your place!

Government Street Grocery

In the heart of Ocean Springs youll find an establishment that is not only a central piece to the towns night scene, but a restaurant and bar that serves a mean burger.

The Grocery Burger is a two-time Best Burger champ and features creole mustard, bacon, cheese and more on a toasted kaiser roll.

Woodys Roadside

Woodys has developed a strong reputation from its three locations on the Coast with a deep and consistent menu that offers tacos and $6 margaritas.

The specialty here is the burger, though. The possibilities are nearly endless and it can be hard to choose between the cruisin, bahama or cajun burger or one of the other 15 different specialty burgers on deck.

Get the burger with their cheese bombs on top. You wont be disappointed.

Burger Burger

If youre looking for a place that will load you up with homemade cooking, Burger Burger in Biloxi is right up your alley.

Burger Burger lives up to its name, offering a deep variety of specialty burgers. Those include the ragin cajun, which features ground chuck beef blended with cajun sausage, and the fried egg and bacon-topped hangover burger.

Their beloved burger-burger on po-boy bread with that Burger Burger mustard is also a standout.

The Project Lounge

The Project Lounge in Biloxi sells a burger called The Best Hamburger on the Coast, and you can get it on a bun or a toasted french roll.

Judging by the strong reviews on Facebook, Yelp and TripAdvisor, they may not be wrong.

If you come here there is only one thing to order. The hamburger! The hamburger!! Get the freaking burger! You heard me say get the burger right? One Yelp reviewer said.

The bar is a Biloxi icon and is dimly lit. You can smoke inside and they only take cash, so be ready for that.

Here are more of the best burger joints youll find on the Coast:

Mugshots Bar and Grill in Gulfport, Biloxi and DIberville

Murky Waters in Ocean Springs and Gulfport

701 Craft in Ocean Springs

Beast Burger in DIberville

Rackhouse Steak & Spirits in Gulfport

The Mockingbird Cafe in Bay St. Louis

The Burger Box in Ocean Springs
We've talked a lot about heroes who lied about their age to enlist, forging their parents' signatures or even hiring a hobo to pose as their father . Henry "Duke" Boswell did the same, joining when he was 16. He volunteered for airborne duties at 18 and made his third combat jump into D-Day when he was just 20. Through two years of heavy fighting, his company of 146 suffered so many casualties that only 13 men remained in fighting condition .

Henry Boswell "grows up," joins the Army

James and Della Boswell greeted their son, Henry, on October 8, 1923. While he attended Coon High School in 1940, the war in Europe attracted Boswell. He decided to join the National Guard just in case America decided to kill some of those Nazis that he'd heard so much about. One problem: He was still 16 and needed a parent to sign the consent form.

So he craftily...signed his mom's signature. He got into World War II with the same maneuver most kids used to get out of gym.

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And America lucked out because "Duke," became a great soldier and then paratrooper . Duke Boswell started in a National Guard infantry unit. Then, in 1940, he entered active duty and went to Fort Jackson. It was there that he saw an airborne demonstration and signed up for Jump School.

He joined the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, shipped to Fort Bragg, and prepared for deployment to Europe.

Major Henry Duke Boswell, US Paratrooper served with 3rd Battalion, 505th Paratroop Infantry.

The Duke jumps into combat...over and over

He also got a promotion from corporal to sergeant. So Sgt. Boswell jumped into Sicily in 1943.

That airborne insertion in Sicily went...not well. In Operation Husky, bad communication with gun crews led to friendly fire against the paratroopers . Twenty-three planes went down. And the paratroopers who made it to the ground, like Boswell, then had to fight 100,000 German and Italian troops.

Boswell next jumped into Salerno on the Italian mainland, reinforcing American lines to shore up a faltering beachhead.

And then came the big one that Americans obsess over: Operation Overlord. All the paratroopers at D-Day faced tough fights. Some had it worse than others, like the troops who died in flooded fields . Boswell's unit had a similar problem. In the town of St. Mere Eglise, a barn caught on fire and the pilots went ahead and used that to help them line up on the town.

But for those who were dropped too close to the burning barn, they either landed on top of the German bucket brigade or else in the flames. Both were a quick ticket to a terrible death, and so Boswell and the rest of the unit quickly achieved vengeance against the German troops .

The unit lost 50% of its number to death or serious injuries in Operation Overlord and the 33 days of fighting that followed.

And later that year, Boswell and the 505th proved themselves again when they captured their assigned bridges at Arnhem.

Boswell went with the 505th to the frozen forests for the Battle of the Bulge. The men fought in summer uniforms and boots against a massive German assault. But Boswell made it out of the forest, into Germany, and to victory.

The end of World War II, onto Korea

According to an article in the American Air Museum, Boswell and the 505th celebrated the end of the war with Russians who shared their vodka. The paratroopers soon put on an airborne display for their Allied brethren.

The Duke was, of course, no longer a child, legally or by experience, by V-E Day. Boswell was 21 by the time the war ended, almost 22 when Japan surrendered.

He returned to civilian life but didn't find it to his liking. And so the decorated combat veteran returned to active service and deployed to Korea as an officer. He quickly earned a Purple Heart that, unfortunately, ended his frontline service. But he continued to serve and eventually retired from the Army as a major. Then he became a schoolteacher, where he served for another 20 years.

He passed away in 2015 at the age of 92 .
The 360 shows you diverse perspectives on the days top stories and debates.

Photo Illustration by Ann Kim for Yahoo News; photos: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images, Getty Images (3)

Whats happening

In the aftermath of the devastating wildfire that killed more than 110 people on Maui last week, Hawaii officials are urging visitors to avoid coming to the island in order to give locals an opportunity to recover. The few tourists who havent heeded that guidance have been the target of intense criticism from locals.

This situation is an extreme example of a much broader tension that has existed for decades between Hawaii residents and the millions of visitors who are drawn to the states lush tropical forests and stunning beaches each year.

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The tourism industry makes up about a quarter of Hawaiis economy and supports roughly a third of the total jobs in the state. More than 10 million people visited Hawaii in 2019, dramatically outnumbering the states 1.4 million residents.

The push and pull of tourism has been especially stark over the past few years, because of the coronavirus pandemic. Though income from visitors fell dramatically when the state imposed strict travel restrictions to control the spread of the virus in 2020, residents were provided what one local called one deep breath of air, without a flood of tourists clogging the roads, beaches and hiking trails. But tourism bounced back rapidly once the state opened back up. By last year, visitor numbers were back near pre-pandemic levels, and travelers were spending even more money than they were before.

Why theres debate

Hawaii residents' views of tourism hit a record low in the midst of the industrys post-pandemic rebound, with half the residents surveyed saying they dont believe the benefits outweigh the problems it creates. Some locals, many of them of Native Hawaiian descent, have gone so far as to argue that travelers should cross Hawaii off of their future itineraries for good.

Tourism is seen as one of several factors that allowed the Maui fire to become so deadly. But travelers have been more directly blamed for some of the states many enduring problems, including a severe housing crisis, water shortages, environmental degradation and the dilution of Native Hawaiian culture. Theres a cynical view that the state effectively belongs to tourists, rather than the people who actually call it home.

The industrys defenders argue that tourism, for all of the issues it creates, is still a major asset for the people who call Hawaii home. They say the state simply couldnt survive without the billions of dollars in spending and tax revenue that travelers bring into the islands every year.

The states leaders have also worked to reimagine tourism over the past few years around the concept of malama (Hawaiian for giving back) by emphasizing more sustainable types of travel, appreciation for Native culture and respect for local residents.

Whats next

The task of rebuilding areas of Maui destroyed by the fire is expected to cost upward of $5 billion. Hawaiis Gov. Josh Green has said the state wont allow the disaster to result in a land grab by outside developers, but some locals are concerned that they could be priced out by the time the recovery effort is complete.

Perspectives

No amount of money is worth the degradation the state has suffered

Certain Americans seem to live in an impenetrable bubble where they dont even seem to register the suffering of people who dont look or live like them.  Could [Hawaii] use the extra tourism money? Yes. But apparently, some tourists clearly dont know how to conduct themselves in someone elses house.  Ian Kumamoto, HuffPost

Tourism is even more vital as the state recovers from disaster

Unlike other forms of economic development, travel and tourism have shown resilience through many different types of crises.  Tourism is an experience that is unique to the human condition. It sustains our hopes and dreams, and offers relaxation and tranquility, or excitement and adventure, through good times and bad.  Rich Harrill, Conversation

Hawaii will always welcome the right kinds of visitors

Hey, we would love you to come, but remember this is our home. You have to take care of this place.  Mondy Jamshidi-Kent, a professor of travel management at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, to Bloomberg

Tourism has helped create a severe cost of living crisis for locals

With every resort and vacation home that pops up on the islands, more and more native Pacific Islanders are being pushed into homeless camps that litter the island.  Jasmine Osby, Travel Noire

Tourism allowed Hawaii to develop a modern economy that raised standards of living throughout the state

The tourism economy provided more than the plantations could. It lifted many people into the middle class, addressed some key social inequities, and brought about a modernization of Hawaii that has improved the quality of life for many people.  Amy Asselbaye, Sunshine Topping, Erika Lacro, Honolulu Civil Beat

Money spent in Hawaii doesnt always benefit Hawaii

Theres an illusion that Hawaii relies on tourism to survive. The complicated reality is that most of the corporations operating here are internationally owned, and the money they earn never seems to trickle down.  Keoni DeFranco, Washington Post

The states new approach can maximize the benefits of tourism while reducing its harms

Visitors want authentic, they want real, but they dont even know what that looks like. This shift allows people and our culture to be the center of the industry. Hawaii is one of the biggest tourism markets in the country and could potentially be a model for what a Native-run model of tourism looks like, one that gives more than it takes.  Kuhio Lewis, president and chief executive of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, to New York Times

Photo Illustration by Ann Kim for Yahoo News; photos: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images, Getty Images (3)
He may be the son of a prince, but Alexandre Grimaldi wants the world to know his story.

Alexandre, born from a relationship with Prince Albert of Monaco and Nicole Coste, a former flight attendant, turns 20 on Aug. 24.

After growing up largely shielded from public view, Alexandre spoke to French magazine Point de Vue in Nice, France, about his life royal connections and beyond.

Alexandre said he is currently attending an English university in the United Kingdom  he did not indicate which school  and is studying business and management.

He added that though the press has referred to his last name as Coste or Coste-Grimaldi over the years, he has never personally gone by anything but his fathers royal surname.

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My father is called Grimaldi, it makes sense that I bear his name, he told the outlet in French. I have never called myself Coste or Coste-Grimaldi. On no ID, at school or on my diplomas. Those who call me that have a malicious attitude.

Nicole Coste and her son Alexandre in casual white outfits in a ballroom. (Foc Kan / FilmMagic)

Alexandre added that his mother is "tender" and had been advised over the years to "let the story go," but he plans to "attack" in the press "if necessary."

"Nor am I 'illegitimate' since when I was born, neither of my parents was in another marriage and they did not commit adultery," he told the outlet. "Using that word is insulting! I hope that nobody believes all these lies conveyed on the internet."

His mother said in the same interview that she hadn't raised Alexandre alone  he grew up with her two other children  and that "he also has a father who takes care of him."

"My son had and still has a balanced life that we protect as best we can," she said. "Hope it lasts."

Prince Albert II of Monaco

Born at the Prince's Palace of Monaco on March 14, 1958, Albert is the second child and only son of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, formerly known as actor Grace Kelly.

Princess Grace Of Monaco And Newborn Prince Albert In 1958 (Keystone-France / Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)

He attended Amherst College in Massachusetts where he studied political science and graduated May 3, 1981, according to the royal's official website.

Starting in 1984, Albert assisted his father in conducting the affairs of state. On April 6, 2005, after his father fell ill and passed away, Albert succeeded him and became sovereign prince.

Monaco's National Day & Prince Albert II's Coronation - Day 2 (Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images)

Monaco does not have a king or queen, as Albert explained in 2002 on "Larry King" when asked about it.

"Because Monaco is a principality, Larry, and so therefore the title of prince, which was taken back in the 17th century by Prince Henry IIIthe II, sorry  made it so that Monaco was recognized as a principality by the king of France," he said at the time.

When King clarified that principalities "have princes and not kings," Albert agreed.

Albert is therefore called His Serene Highness (HSH, for short) instead of His Royal Highness.

For more on the children of Prince Albert II, read on.

Jazmin Grace Grimaldi

Jazmin Grace Grimaldi and her father Prince Albert pose together in formalwear. (George Pimentel / WireImage)

Prince Albert's first child, Jazmin, was born March 4, 1992, though he did not publicly acknowledge her until June 2006. At the time, he claimed that he had wanted to protect her identity until she was an adult, according to the Parisian newspaper Le Figaro that the New York Times cited in its 2006 story.

For a few weeks now, the paparazzi have been lurking around her in Palm Springs, the princes longtime lawyer Thierry Lacoste told Le Figaro. The situation was becoming unbearable for her.

Albert shares Jazmin with Tamara Rotolo, a former waitress who met him on vacation in the French Rivera in 1991, Vanity Fair reported.

Jazmin is not an heir to the throne because her parents never married, as required by the constitution of Monaco.

Jazmin was born in Palm Springs, California, and studied theater at Fordham University in New York City. She has held several roles in films, according to her IMDb page, including an uncredited role in "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel."

Most recently, she appeared in the 2020 film "Cicada."

Alexandre Grimaldi

Alexandre Grimaldi in a white linen shirt. (Foc Kan / FilmMagic)

Born Aug. 24, 2003, Alexandre's existence was revealed in the French magazine Paris-Match in 2005. It published photos of him in Albert's arms and an exclusive interview with his mother, Coste, the New York Times reported at the time.

The newspaper reported that Coste said in the interview that she had decided to go public because the prince had not made good on his promise to register as the boys father upon his own fathers death.

In his recent interview with Point de Vue, Alexandre said that he had a "serene" childhood.

"We traveled a lot," he said. "My father is in my heart just like my mother. Both are caring parents, Im lucky."

He added that he and Jazmin "get along well."

"Jazmin is also very close to one of my two brothers with whom she also shares the same birthday," he said. "We have a good relationship despite the fact that we live in distant countries."

As for his younger half-siblings, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacque, Alexandre says they get along well, though he joked they don't share toys, "given our age difference."

"With all, I share tenderness," he told the outlet.

Princess Gabriella

Charlene in a white coat, Albert in a navy regal outfit and their two young children wave from a balcony. (Stephane Cardinale / Corbis via Getty Images)

Born two minutes before her twin brother, Prince Jacques, Gabriella is second in the current line of succession for the throne.

Gabriella was born Dec. 10, 2014, and her birth, along with her twin brother's, was celebrated with 21 cannon shots each, 15 minutes of church bells and boat horns, the palace said in a press release.

MONACO-ALBERT-TWINS (SEBASTIEN NOGIER / POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Both children were formally introduced to the public on Jan. 7, 2015, an event both seemingly slept through.

Gabriella's formal title is Her Serene Highness The Countess of Carlades.

Prince Jacques

Though technically a few minutes younger than his sister, Jacques is next in line to the throne after his father. Monegasque succession law prioritizes male family members.

Like his sister, Jacques was born on Dec. 10, 2014.

Jacques' formal title is His Serene Highness The Hereditary Prince of Monaco, Marquis of Baux. The title Marquis of Baux has been passed on to Monegasque heirs apparent since 1641.

Sainte Devote Rugby Tournament In Monaco (Pascal Le Segretain / SC Pool - Corbis via Getty Images)

Both twins were baptized in a televised ceremony at the Cathedrale de Monaco (aka Monaco Cathedral) on May 10, 2015. The cathedral is where many of the Grimaldis are buried, including the twins' late royal grandparents, Grace Kelly and Rainier III.

At the baptism, Jacques was also awarded the the Grand Cross of the Order of Grimaldi, which is given to people who have contributed to the prestige of the principality with distinction. The order rewards personal service to the sovereign prince and is awarded at the discretion of the Grand-Master, Prince Albert. Grand Cross is the level directly below Grand-Master.

At the same time, Princess Gabriella was awarded the title of Grand Officer of the Order of Grimaldi, which is the rank below Grand Cross.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Several months back, Sony teased a dedicated remote play device for the PlayStation 5 as well as new gaming earbuds. Now, the company has revealed more details about the device. It's called the PlayStation Portal remote player.

The handheld looks a bit like a tablet wedged between two halves of a DualSense controller. It can stream games from your PS5 console, so when someone else is using the TV or you're in another room (or even travelling), you can still play remotely via WiFi without having to use your phone, tablet or computer. Sony says the snappily named PlayStation Portal remote player has an eight-inch LCD screen that delivers 1080p visuals at 60 frames per second. The device also benefits from DualSense features such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

There is a 3.5mm headphone jack too. That should come in handy as, according to IGN, there's no Bluetooth function. You'll either need to use Sony's new earbuds or headphones, or plug in a wired headset.

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Perhaps unsurprisingly, there's no support for PS VR2 games. You'll still need to hook your headset up to your PS5 directly to play VR games. Unfortunately, Sony says cloud game streaming through PlayStation Plus Premium isn't supported either. You'll have to install a game on a PS5 to play it remotely on the PlayStation Portal. That's disappointing, especially considering that the company is testing the ability to stream PS5 games to the console.

In addition, you better hope your WiFi stays up. As IGN notes, the PlayStation Portal doesn't run any apps locally at all. Everything goes through your PS5  you can watch movies and TV shows on the handheld via the console's media apps  so if your WiFi network's down, the PlayStation Portal will essentially be useless.

Streaming-focused handhelds such as the Razer Edge are able to run Android apps locally. You can use third-party devices such as that, the ASUS ROG Ally or a Steam Deck to play your PS5 remotely too.

The PlayStation Portal remote player will arrive later this year. It will cost $200 in the US, 200 in the UK, 220 in the rest of Europe and 29,980 Yen in Japan.

Sony's Pulse Explore earbuds and charging case.

On top of that, Sony has revealed more about its first wireless earbuds for PS5 and the PlayStation Portal remote player, as well as new headphones it designed for both systems. It says the Pulse Explore earbuds and Pulse Elite headset both support low latency lossless audio from PS5 and the handheld thanks to its new PlayStation Link tech.

A USB adapter is needed to connect the earbuds and headphones to PS5 via PlayStation Link. The tech will also be supported on PC and Mac. The Pulse Explore earbuds and Pulse Elite include multipoint connectivity as well. You can connect them to both your PS5 and a Bluetooth device (such as your phone) simultaneously, so you can easily answer a call while playing a game.

The earbuds and headset also each have custom-designed planar magnetic drivers (the first PlayStation audio devices to include them). Sony claims that it's one of the first companies to offer consumer earbuds with this tech, which it says delivers "an audiophile-level listening experience normally found in premium headphones for professional sound engineers."

Sony's Pulse Elite headphones for PlayStation 5.

The Pulse Explore earbuds have dual mics and "AI-enhanced noise rejection" to filter out background noise. Naturally, they come with a charging case. The Pulse Elite has similar tech for handling background audio, along with a retractable boom mic. Sony is bundling in a charging hangar for the headphones too.

The company hasn't announced a release date for either device, other than to say it will announce those details soon. Be warned, though: the Pulse Explore earbuds are fairly pricey. They cost the same as the PlayStation Portal remote player in the US, UK, Europe and Japan. The Pulse Elite, meanwhile, will set you back $150 in the US, 130 in the UK, 150 in the rest of Europe and 18,980 Yen in Japan.
In a filing made public Tuesday, special counsel Jack Smith told a federal court that a key witness in the Mar-a-Lago documents case has flipped, recanting previous testimony and implicating Donald Trump.

Known in the indictment as Trump Employee 4, the witness is a Mar-a-Lago information technology worker. Yuscil Taveras, the director of information technology at Mar-a-Lago, entered into the agreement after receiving a target letter from Smith in June warning him he was likely to be charged with perjury. In March, Smith said, Taveras gave false testimony. He changed his testimony regarding efforts to delete security camera footage at Trump's Florida club in July after switching from a lawyer paid for by Trump's Save America PAC to a public defender. He was previously being represented by Walt Nauta's lawyer Stanley Woodward.

"Immediately after receiving new counsel, Trump Employee 4 retracted his prior false testimony and provided information that implicated Nauta, De Oliveira and Trump in efforts to delete security camera footage, as set forth in the superseding indictment," the court filings said.

Federal public defenders are free and they won't make you go to prison to protect some idiot. https://t.co/Pdbhr98VyA  Andrew Fleischman (@ASFleischman) August 22, 2023

The technical legal term I would use to describe this brief newly filed by the Government in the Mar-a-Lago case is  **. https://t.co/M3reXbmk4R  Xeorge Xonway (@gtconway3d) August 22, 2023

This is a very significant development.



Trump already faced overwhelming evidence in the Mar-a-Lago case. But this flipper may change the calculus for Trumps co-defendants.



They are much younger than Trump, and they face the prospect of years in prison if convicted. https://t.co/hpPhbiqf2Z  Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) August 22, 2023

Wow. Time to disbar Woodward. https://t.co/7qbYy00HZp  Norman Ornstein (@NormOrnstein) August 22, 2023

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

"Sounds very much like organized crime," wrote national security attorney Mark Zaid, reacting to the breaking news.

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Trump, Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, a property manager at Mar-a-Lago, have all pleaded not guilty to all charges in the case. Taveras, for his part, is the first person known to have entered into such an agreement with Smith in either of Smith's investigations of Trump. Cassidy Hutchinson, a Trump White House staffer, flipped in the same manner  after switching to independent counsel on the eve of the Jan. 6 select committee hearings. Her previous lawyer had deep Trump World connections.

Funny how nobody ever changes their testimony to back up Trump's b.s. https://t.co/B20Mw6gUgv  Jonah Goldberg (@JonahDispatch) August 22, 2023

Jack Smith just found his Sammy Gravano. https://t.co/OoX4QzE2T1  keyser soze (@KeyserSozeBro1) August 22, 2023

Read more

about the cast of characters caught up in Trump's crimes
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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday expressed China's willingness to deepen solidarity and cooperation with other emerging markets and developing countries to push for a more just and equitable world order.

As a developing country and a member of the Global South, China breathes the same breath as other developing countries and pursues a shared future with them, and has resolutely upheld the common interests of developing countries and worked to increase the representation and voice of emerging markets and developing countries in global affairs, said Xi in a speech read out by Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao at the BRICS Business Forum 2023.

CRITICAL JUNCTURE

"Right now, changes in the world, in our times and in history are unfolding in ways like never before, bringing human society to a critical juncture," Xi warned in the speech titled "Enhance Solidarity and Cooperation to Overcome Risks and Challenges and Jointly Build a Better World."

"Should we pursue cooperation and integration, or just succumb to division and confrontation? Should we work together to maintain peace and stability, or just sleepwalk into the abyss of a new Cold War? Should we embrace prosperity, openness and inclusiveness, or allow hegemonic and bullying acts to throw us into depression? Should we deepen mutual trust through exchanges and mutual learning, or allow hubris and prejudice to blind conscience?" Xi asked. "The course of history will be shaped by the choices we make.

Our world today has become a community with a shared future in which we all share a huge stake of survival, Xi said, noting that what people in various countries long for is "definitely not a new Cold War or a small exclusive bloc; what they want is an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys enduring peace, universal security and common prosperity."

Such is the logic of historical advance and the trend of our times, Xi stressed, urging all countries to uphold the correct views of the world, of history and of our overall interests.

Noting that the global context is extremely complex nowadays, particularly in the economic and political fields, Eduardo Regalado, a researcher at the International Policy Research Center of Cuba, said the BRICS summit takes place at a time when more cooperation among countries is needed to bring prosperity and well-being to people worldwide.

The 15 BRICS summit is slated for Aug. 22-24 in Johannesburg, and leaders attending the event are to discuss issues including deepening BRICS cooperation, giving more voice to the Global South, and the BRICS group's expansion.

"Emerging countries are becoming more and more relevant in the international arena. This summit will very much contribute to the shaping of a new global economic and political order. It will help change the current situation when it comes to international relations," he said.

WAY FORWARD

In the speech, Xi underscores the importance of inclusive development, universal security, cultural exchange, and the collective rise of emerging economies and developing countries for a better world, expressing China's willingness to deepen solidarity and cooperation with other emerging markets and developing countries to make the international order more just and equitable.

"We need to promote development and prosperity for all," Xi said, adding that with perseverance, hard work and huge sacrifices, many emerging markets and developing countries succeeded in gaining independence, and "everything we do is to deliver better lives to our people."

"Every country has the right to development, and the people in every country have the freedom to pursue a happy life," Xi said, noting that China will work with all other countries to speed up cooperation under the Global Development Initiative, meet common challenges together and make life better for people across the world.

"We need to achieve universal security," Xi said, adding that only a commitment to a new vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security can lead to universal security.

China stands ready to jointly pursue the Global Security Initiative with all others, have dialogue and oppose confrontation, forge partnership but not alliance, and pursue win-win outcome and oppose zero-sum game, and work together to build a community of security, Xi added.

"We need to stay committed to exchanges among civilizations and mutual learning," Xi said, stressing that human civilization is colorful by nature, and deliberately creating division with the assertion of "democracy versus authoritarianism" and "liberalism versus autocracy" can only split the world and lead to clash of civilizations.

China, Xi said, welcomes all other countries to get involved in cooperation under the Global Civilization Initiative, promote the common values of humanity, encourage different civilizations to bring out their best and flourish together, and renew human civilization.

The collective rise of emerging markets and developing countries represented by BRICS is fundamentally changing the global landscape, Xi stressed, noting that whatever resistance there may be, BRICS, a positive and stable force for good, will continue to grow.

"We will forge stronger BRICS strategic partnership, expand the 'BRICS Plus' model, actively advance membership expansion, deepen solidarity and cooperation with other emerging markets and developing countries, promote global multipolarity and greater democracy in international relations, and help make the international order more just and equitable," Xi said.

CHINA OPPORTUNITY

China will remain an important opportunity for the world's development, Xi said in the speech, stressing China's firm resolution in advancing high-standard opening-up, fostering a world-class, market-oriented business environment governed by a sound legal framework, and building a globally-oriented network of high-standard free trade areas.

China enjoys several distinct advantages: a socialist market economy in systemic terms, a supersize market in terms of demand, a full-fledged industrial system in terms of supply, and abundant, high-caliber labor force and entrepreneurs in terms of human resources, the Chinese president said, emphasizing that the Chinese economy has strong resilience, tremendous potential and great vitality, and the fundamentals sustaining China's long-term growth will remain unchanged.

As it endeavors to achieve modernization for its more than 1.4 billion people, China will surely contribute even more to the global economy and provide even more opportunities for the global business community, Xi said.

China's GDP expanded 6.3 percent year on year in the second quarter of 2023 with total goods imports and exports expanding 2.1 percent year on year to 20.1 trillion yuan (2.81 trillion U.S. dollars), according to official data.

The Chinese economy is projected to grow 5.6 percent in 2023, led by a rebound in consumer demand. Capital spending in infrastructure and manufacturing is expected to remain resilient, according to a World Bank press release in June.

China's share of the global economy is crucial. By pursuing internal reforms and speeding up the opening up of its domestic market to foreign companies, China is offering opportunities to the rest of the world, said Lyazid Benhami, vice president of the Paris Association of French-Chinese Friendship.

"By investing in emerging countries, it is increasing the attractiveness and economic stability of countries that want to develop sustainably," said Benhami.
The South Carolina all-male Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the states brutal six-week abortion ban, decimating access to the procedure in the Southeast.

Governor Henry McMaster signed the bill into law in May in a closed-door session, with no fanfare or warning to doctors who could be about to perform a newly illegal procedure. The measure passed only because McMaster called a special legislative session to weigh the abortion ban.

A lower court temporarily blocked the law in May, but the all-male state Supreme Court ruled 41 to overturn the decision, arguing that abortion is not covered by the state constitutions language about the right to privacy.

Chief Justice Donald Beatty was the sole dissenting vote. He slammed the law for banning abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected. Medical professionals warn that the term fetal heartbeat is misleading because six-week-old fetuses only have electrical pulses. There isnt actually a heart yet, just clusters of cells.

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As such, it is the quintessential example of political gaslighting; attempting to manipulate public opinion and control the reproductive health decisions of women by distorting reality, Beatty said in his dissenting opinion.

Beatty pointed out that even the Republican legislative majority has admitted that the language about fetal heartbeats is unclear, but they still undertook no factual review when arguing in favor of the law.



Todays result will surely weigh heavily upon the public and our states medical professionals, in light of the threat of criminal penalties placed upon practitioners and the serious harm that could occur to women who could be denied reproductive health care, Beatty said.

The law bans abortion after six weeks, before many people even know they are pregnant. It technically includes exceptions for rape and incest up to 12 weeks, but health care providers are required to tell patients that they will report the assault to law enforcement. This will likely discourage people from seeking abortions because they dont want to report the attack.

The measure also prohibits mental health from being considered a medical emergency, so even if someone is diagnosed as suicidal, they still cannot get an abortion. Doctors who break the law face fines and up to two years in prison.

While the law does require child support payments be made from the moment of conception, writer Jessica Valenti pointed out that this is less to help the pregnant person and more to establish that personhood begins at conception.

South Carolina had previously enacted a six-week trigger ban after Roe v. Wade was overturned, but the state Supreme Court blocked that measure in January. The new law was an attempt to circumvent the ruling.

A similar ban had died in the legislature in late April after all the female senators, who span the political spectrum, banded together to filibuster the measure. But Republicans were able to force the current law through when McMaster called the special session.

With this ruling, abortion access is likely to crumble across the Southeast. After Roe was overturned, North Carolina became an abortion havenuntil Republicans overrode the governors veto in May to pass a 12-week abortion ban. Florida currently has a 15-week abortion ban, which goes before the state Supreme Court in September. If the court upholds that law, then a six-week ban will go into effect. If all three states lose abortion access, it will devastate reproductive health in the region.

This article has been updated.


[Source]

Korean Air, South Koreas largest airline, will be weighing passengers before boarding as part of the governments aviation regulations.

When will they start?: The nations flagship airline will begin weighing passengers, including their carry-on baggage, from Aug. 28 to Sept. 6 at Gimpo Airport for domestic flights and from Sept. 8 to 19 at Incheon Airport for international flights, reported Korea JoongAng Daily.

Why is Korea weighing airline passengers?: According to Koreas Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, calculating the passenger standard weight every five years is vital to determining aircraft weight distribution and enhancing flight safety.

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Korean Air passengers will be asked to step on scales with their carried-on items at each boarding gate, an airline official told Korea JoongAng Daily. The data collated anonymously will be utilized for survey purposes and doesn't mean overweight passengers will need to pay more.

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Accurate passenger weight measurements can potentially reduce fuel consumption, which could yield annual savings of up to $1 billion. In a previous survey conducted in 2017, the ministry found that the average weight for adult men during the summer season was 178.6 pounds and 152.1 pounds for women.

Online backlash: The news has caused an online backlash, with many raising concerns about passengers privacy. However, Korean Air noted that passengers who do not want to be weighed may communicate their decision to the boarding staff.

The airline also noted that other Korean airlines would also have to enact similar measures to supply the required data to the Korean government.

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FILE - U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., announces in Indianapolis, Monday, Dec. 12, 2022 that he will for Indiana governor in 2024. Braun will face Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch for the Republican nomination. An Indianapolis City-County Council member on Thursday, July 6, 2023, became the second announced Democrat to seek Indianas open U.S. Senate seat from outgoing Braun in the 2024 election. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  A southern Indiana egg farmer has declared his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the state's open U.S. Senate seat in 2024.

John Rust , the chair of Seymour-based Rose Acre Farms, announced his campaign Tuesday, saying he was a Christian, capitalist, conservative gay man who would bring an outsiders voice to Washington, The Indianapolis Star reported.

I just think my message is something that has to get out, and I think Republicans deserve a choice, he said. I know Im gay, and I know that puts me in a box, but Im absolutely not in that box. Im an American first.

Rust will face an uphill battle for the GOP nomination against U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, who already has been endorsed by the Washington-based anti-tax Club for Growth.

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Two Democrats have announced their candidacies for the seat: Former Indianapolis City-County Council member Keith Potts and Marc Carmichael, a state representative from Muncie in 1986-1991 and the longtime president and lobbyist for the Indiana Beverage Alliance, a group of beer distributors.

Republican Sen. Mike Braun is giving up the seat to run for Indiana governor.
FILE - Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 lands at Manchester Boston Regional Airport, June 2, 2023, in Manchester, N.H. Southwest Airlines is changing its unusual boarding system by limiting the opportunity to pay an extra fee and jump ahead of other passengers in the race for the best seats. The airline said Wednesday, Aug. 23, that it has not dropped EarlyBird entirely from any flights, but it is limiting the number of spots available for purchase on certain flights, routes, or days, as we work on product enhancements. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

DALLAS (AP)  Southwest Airlines is changing its unusual boarding system by limiting the opportunity to pay an extra fee and jump ahead of other passengers in the race for the best seats.

The airline said Wednesday that it has not dropped EarlyBird entirely from any flights, but it is limiting the number of spots available for purchase on certain flights, routes, or days, as we work on product enhancements. As a result, the airline said in a statement, the service is unavailable for some customers looking to purchase it.

The perk starts at $15 but can be higher, depending on the length of the flight and demand for seats. Limiting the number of EarlyBird spots could push Southwest passengers into other options for moving up in the boarding line, including buying the highest-priced fare, called Business Select, which comes with a top-15 spot in line.

The limits on EarlyBird took effect Aug. 15. A spokeswoman for the Dallas-based airline declined to say how many early-boarding spots will be cut, calling that privileged information.

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Unlike other major U.S. airlines, Southwest does not assign passengers to specific seats ahead of time. Instead, passengers board in the order that they checked in for the flight and pick seats once they are on the plane.

EarlyBird buyers can avoid the rat race and secure a prime spot in the boarding line by checking in before the normal check-in process starts, which is 24 hours before departure. EarlyBird has proven popular among passengers who want a window or aisle seat near the front  and just as importantly, room for their bag in the overhead bins.

During a call with analysts and reporters last month, Southwest executives boasted that EarlyBird fees raised more than $100 million in the second quarter  about 1.4% of the airline's total revenue.

EarlyBird had been lagging a little bit through the pandemic recovery, said Chief Commercial Officer Ryan Green, but it performed very well in the second quarter.

Green said Southwest has been able to raise prices on boarding upgrades including EarlyBird.
(Bloomberg) -- Spanish opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo has a month to form a government before facing a vote in parliament, a task he has already said is tough because he doesnt have the necessary support from lawmakers.

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King Felipe VI on Tuesday invited Feijoo, whose Peoples Party won the most seats in Julys election, to try to cobble together an administration. Lawmakers will then vote on Feijoos investiture as prime minister on Sept. 27, Parliament Speaker Francina Armengol announced on Wednesday.

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While the monarch is following electoral process, it still looks unlikely that Feijoo will be able to govern. Its also unclear if the other main candidate, acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, can get the numbers, threatening a lengthy deadlock Spain is keen to avoid after similar wrangling and a repeat election last time around in 2019.

Feijoos Peoples Party has 137 seats in the Spanish Parliament, more than any other party, but short of the 176 needed for a majority. He could reach 172 with lawmakers from three other groups. But all other parties are strongly opposed to being linked to the Peoples Partys main ally, a far-right group.

If Feijoo fails to win the first vote with an absolute majority next month, a second vote takes place 48 hours later where the winner requires a simple majority, which excludes abstentions. Should he fail again, parliament has two months to form a government, giving Sanchez a chance before new elections are called. They wouldnt take place until next year.

The invitation to Feijoo exposes the dilemma for Felipe. In the nine years since he became king, Felipe has faced a tumultuous political period.

Spains two-party system crumbled with the emergence of upstart parties on the left and right, there was the first successful no-confidence vote and the only coalition government since the return to democracy in the 1970s. He also faced a major constitutional crises when the Catalan government tried to declare independence in 2017.

Late Tuesday, the Royal House issued a statement saying that during the kings talks with political leaders Tuesday no evidence emerged of the existence of a majority and therefore Felipe decided to stick to the tradition of inviting the most voted candidate to try to become premier.

Socialist Lifeline

Sanchez still has a shot at the job if the conservative leader loses. His Socialists have 121 seats and can count on an additional 31 from Sumar, the left-wing coalition partner that replaced his previous junior coalition ally, and is likely to get backing from about 19 more lawmakers from several other parties. That, though, would still leave them short of a majority in the 350-seat chamber.

Sanchez notched a major win for himself earlier this month when he managed to have a Armengol, a Socialist, named following a last minute agreement to get support from a Catalan separatist group.

Now, those same separatists are demanding a sweeping amnesty for hundreds of activists facing legal action for their involvement in the failed 2017 independence proclamation. They include Carles Puigdemont, who as regional president at the time sought to break Catalonia away from Spain but ended up fleeing the country to avoid prison.

On Wednesday, Esteban Gonzalez Pons, a lawmaker and one of the PPs top officials, said in an interview with Onda Cero radio that the party will reach out to most groups  including Puigdemonts separatists  to see if they can win enough support for Feijoo to be elected.

The election of the speaker also shed light on the frailty of the right-wing bloc. The Peoples Party and nationalist group Vox had indicated they would vote together as part of a broader alliance that has seen them take over several regional governments and hundreds of municipalities. But when the time came to vote for a speaker, Vox opted to vote for its own candidate.

In 2016, then conservative caretaker Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy rejected an invitation by the king to seek an investiture as he didnt have enough support to ensure a victory in parliament, preferring the possibility of a second election. He subsequently kept the post of premier when the rival Socialists abstained. Then, in 2018, Rajoy lost the job when Sanchez led a no-confidence vote against him.

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U.S. intelligence agencies have issued a warning about foreign spies targeting the American space industry as well as cyberattacks against the nation's satellite infrastructure.

The National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC), part of the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence, issued a bulletin on Aug. 18 warning that foreign intelligence agencies could use cyberattacks, shell companies or old-fashioned espionage to collect sensitive information about American space capabilities or innovative technologies. The warning also touches upon the use of counterspace systems like satellite jamming or hacking to disrupt or degrade U.S. satellite systems.

According to the NCSC bulletin , foreign intelligence agencies "recognize the importance of the commercial space industry to the U.S. economy and national security, including the growing dependence of critical infrastructure on space-based assets." The statement offers a set of guidelines to help private companies mitigate any potential damage these espionage attempts might cause. The warning comes at a time when investment in the U.S. space sector is reaching new highs and America's satellite infrastructure continues to grow to an unprecedented scale.

Related: These 3 teams just hacked a US Air Force satellite in space ... and won big cash prizes

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NCSC lists a variety of ways that foreign intelligence agencies can gain access to the space industry in order to acquire access to expertise or new technologies. Some of the spying methods listed are seemingly innocuous, such as approaching space industry experts at conferences or contacting them through online forums to elicit information.

Others are more tied up with business dealings. Foreign intelligence agencies often attempt to gain access to sensitive information through using joint ventures or shell companies to invest in space companies in order to gain access, or through buying their way into the supply chain that American aerospace firms depend on to source parts and materials.

Some of the methods listed are more explicit, such as carrying out cyberattacks or hacking into private networks to steal intellectual property. In 2021, NASA was one of nine agencies that was targeted by the SolarWinds breach , a massive cyberattack that agency leadership called a "wakeup call" in terms of securing the networks on which it depends to store and disseminate sensitive technical data.

In addition to warning the private space industry, NCSC's bulletin states that foreign intelligence agencies can harm U.S. national security through "collecting sensitive data related to satellite payloads, disrupting and degrading U.S. satellite communications, remote sensing and imaging capabilities," and targeting American commercial space infrastructure during international conflicts.

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That last scenario has been playing out since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. According to SpaceX's Elon Musk, the company's Starlink internet communications satellites have been the target of frequent cyberattacks and jamming attempts. "Some Starlink terminals near conflict areas were being jammed for several hours at a time," Musk posted to X (formerly known as Twitter) in March 2022 . The United States Space Force reported that GPS signals throughout Ukraine have been repeatedly jammed , as well.

And it's not just satellites above Ukraine that are being targeted. General David D. Thompson, vice chief of space operations for the United States Space Force, told The Washington Post in 2021 that U.S. satellites are under attack "every single day."

Of course, the United States is refining its own methods of disrupting adversary space assets. The Space Force recently created its first unit dedicated to targeting other nations' satellites and has been training its personnel using 'live fire' satellite jamming .
Police arrested a man and a woman from Tacoma on Monday accused of dressing as firefighters and burglarizing evacuating homes, according to the Spokane Police Department.

The department said Detective Lynch went to a reported burglary in the 20100 block of West Thorpe Road in Medical Lake.

Detective Lynch said a family member of the homeowner told him a suspicious man and woman arrived at the house in a blue Audi. The family member said they pulled into the driveway and tried to talk to him, knowing no one was supposed to be in the home.

The family member said the man wore a yellow high-visibility long-sleeve shirt similar to a firefighters. The 38-year-old man told him that he had a flat tired and had pulled over to fill it up. The family member noticed the air looked low and said he offered to fill it up at his shop.

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The family member then said moments later, a woman then came out from behind the home and got into the Audi. He also said they must have noticed he was calling law enforcement because they slowly drove toward his shop and then left the area.

He then found out the back door was unlocked and the cabinets in the kitchen had been gone through, but nothing seemed to be missing.

Detective Lynch later contacted him and found out he was missing two drills, valued at around $300.

At around 4:10 p.m., Deputy Brooks said he saw a blue Audi with the same license plate near Silver Lake and Medical Lake-Four Lakes Road, and he saw what looked like a bright yellow shirt or clothing inside.

He said he quickly caught up to the car, conducted a traffic stop, and talked to the people inside.

The man told Deputy Brooks they were trying to get back to Tacoma but got lost and that they just stopped at a gas station, where they changed their tire, and were returning to Tacoma.

The investigation continued, with the assistance of Detective Lynch, and the man and woman were arrested for alleged burglary and booked into the Spokane County Jail.

This incident comes as evacuation orders are being eased for the Gray Fire and all Level 3 areas are now Level 1 or 2. That means people can go back but need to be ready to leave.

Also, everyone reported missing has now been accounted for.

Firefighters said the fire is holding steady with around 10,000 acres burned and is now about a quarter contained.








A health care facility in St. Louis was recently ranked among the top 22 hospitals in the country by U.S. News and World Report.

Barnes-Jewish Hospital made the the publications Best Hospitals 2023 honor roll, which recognized the top 22 hospitals out of 4,515 health care facilities. Each was evaluated on the full range of adult inpatient care.

Metrics included performance in specialty categories, which the publication reports are driven primarily by hard data or by expert opinion-based rankings.

For the 30th time, @usnews named us to the prestigious national Honor Roll of Best Hospitals, ranking No. 1 in Missouri.



We are grateful for our caregivers and our @WUPhysicians partners for delivering the extraordinary care our patients deserve. https://t.co/YJabyRdAxK pic.twitter.com/1l4HqH3Aub  Barnes-Jewish (@BarnesJewish) August 1, 2023

Heres a list of the facilities that made the Best Hospitals Honor Roll 2023 to 2024:

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Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis

Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles

Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland

Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian, Philadelphia

Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston

Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore

Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City

New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia and Cornell, New York City

North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health, Manhasset, N.Y.

Northwestern Medicine-Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago

NYU Langone Hospitals, New York City

Rush University Medical Center, Chicago

Stanford Health Care-Stanford Hospital, Stanford, Calif.

UC San Diego Health-La Jolla and Hillcrest Hospitals, San Diego

UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles

UCSF Health-UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco

University of Michigan Health-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Mich.

UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville

This list is presented in alphabetical order. The honor roll is non-ordered.

While U.S. News and World Report lauded these hospitals for their high performance, the ranking advised patients they dont necessarily need to refuse care from a non-ranked hospital.

For most illnesses, patients do not need to go to an Honor Roll hospital, which may require traveling away from home and paying expenses for out-of-network care, the report says. All rankings and ratings should be seen as just a starting point for patients considering where to seek care with input from their doctors. Individual diagnosis, insurance coverage and priorities are important factors in making a personal best choice.

Heres what to know about Barnes-Jewish Hospitals performance in the 2023 U.S. News and World Report rankings.

Barnes-Jewish Hospital rankings

In addition to the honor roll ranking, St. Louis Barnes-Jewish Hospital also received high marks in several other categories.

Here are the areas in which U.S. News and World Report ranked the hospital nationally:

Ear, Nose & Throat: No. 10 in the U.S.

Diabetes & Endocrinology: No. 15

Neurology & Neurosurgery: No. 17

Obstetrics and Gynecology: No. 21

Cancer: No. 23

Pulmonology & Lung Surgery: No. 23

Geriatrics: No. 25

Gastroenterology & GI Surgery: No. 29

Urology: No. 34

Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery: No. 35

Orthopedics: No. 37

More information about how rankings are determined and how other hospitals performed is available online from U.S. News and World Report.
Sept. 1 will be a big day for Joseph Sikora .

He has been awaiting the day, actually Friday night at 7 p.m. CT, for a long time, ever since he completed shooting the final scenes of the second season of the Starz series Power Book IV: Force.

Those scenes were shot in Chicago, all over Chicago. If you watched Season 1 last year, and millions of you did, you saw the city in a vibrant, non-cliched fashion, which reminded many of the gritty feel of the Dennis Farina-led Crime Story series that aired in the mid-1980s.

I was planning to talk to Sikora about this new season. He had told me many months ago that he was extremely pleased with how it had turned out. In his typically generous fashion, he lavished praise on his co-stars and all the other people involved in the production, from the people working the lights to those doing makeup and hair.

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But he now stands in solidarity with those in the SAG-AFTRA strike and is not available for interviews to help promote his show.

He did tell me long ago, when he first began his Power association in 2014, Parts like this just dont come around often, if ever. The first time I read the script I really, really wanted it. I knew I could murder this role.

He did five auditions to get the part.

Even getting this role was like realizing a dream for me, he said. I have always believed that my dreams would come true. I knew something like this was going to happen, believed in my heart.

He is Chicago born and was raised in the Norwood and Jefferson Park neighborhoods with his parents, Barbara and Albin, and two brothers, Chris and Albin. He was 11 when he first expressed a desire to act and so his mother took him to an audition for a role in the Goodman Theatres production of A Christmas Carol.

I didnt get a part because I couldnt sing, he told me long ago. And that began a lifetime of rejection.

He laughed but it is true that any actors career is filled with rejection. Still, Sikora has had an enviable career.

His first professional job was as the title character in a production of Touchstone Theatres The Little Prince at Barat College in Lake Forest. He did some work in commercials (one with Michael Jordan), but by the time he entered Notre Dame High School for Boys in Niles, his focus was drifting.

I got into a lot of mischief, he said. My grandmother died and that rocked me.

That led him into the world of graffiti writers and some minor troubles. But he would eventually graduate from Columbia College with a degree in theater and find work on local stages at the Goodman, Lookingglass and Shattered Globe, where he remains an ensemble member. In 2000 he began to seek work in New York and Los Angeles and, was cast in some small TV and movie roles.

Perhaps you saw him in Greys Anatomy, Criminal Minds, Without a Trace, CSI: Miami and a two-part Law & Order: SVU in 2010? What about the movie Safe (starring Jason Statham), Jack Reacher (with Tom Cruise) or Shutter Island (featuring Leonardo DiCaprio)?

Martin Scorsese, who directed Shutter Island, cast Sikora in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire. And then in 2014 came Power.

He was cast as Tommy, a major New York City drug dealer in partnership with his longtime friend, James Ghost St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick), who is trying to go legit by becoming a nightclub impresario. They operate in a world filled with much violence but also a lot of heart.

The cast also included rapper-entrepreneur 50 Cent(aka Curtis James Jackson III), who was also one of the series creators and executive producers.

It was a big hit. It debuted to 500,000-some households, according to Nielsen ratings. Add in the numbers from Starzs digital-based streaming service, and Power averaged roughly 10 million viewers per episode, making it the networks most-watched show ever during its run. As a result, after its sixth and final season, three spin offs sprouted: Power Book II: Ghost, focused on Ghosts son Tariq (Michael Rainey Jr.); Power Book III: Raising Kanan, which provides the back story for drug lord Kanan Stark (played by Jackson); and Power Book IV: Force.

The first Force season starred Sikora as his Tommy character who, on his way to the West Coast, makes a stop in a snow-covered Chicago to revisit his murky past. In short time, as I wrote, he gets involved with some of our local gangsters and, sensing an opportunity, decides to stay, his ambition to become the citys biggest drug dealer.

I wrote that it had a palpable feel for some of Chicagos meaner streets, accompanied by striking visuals. And it was good to see many local actors involved, among them Guy Van Swearingen, a longtime veteran of many stage roles, founding artistic director of A Red Orchid and recently retired after many years as a lieutenant for the Chicago Fire Department.

He told me at the time, We worked really hard, were deeply committed in ways that some other shows just arent. We were collectively hungrier, but in a good way. Ive got a meaty role, a character that evolves through this first season. Ive got my fingers crossed that we get to do more.

I am happy to tell you that Van Swearingen is in the second season and I wish I could tell you more but the new season was not available for advance viewing. I do know that there will be 10 episodes and that the trailer for it is stunning and compelling.

Some people got a look at the first episode Tuesday night at a private premiere screening, followed by a West Loop cocktail reception. Josephs younger brother Albin was there along with some of his friends. The star was not there  solidarity and all that  but Joseph Sikora will be watching on Sept. 1, at home with his wife in Brooklyn.

rkogan@chicagotribune.com
After Sawgrass Mutual Insurance Co. went under in 2018, Florida regulators were supposed to do a financial autopsy to determine what had gone wrong.

But they didnt hire forensic accountants to dig into Sawgrass Mutuals finances, as they had in previous insolvency cases.

And while they ultimately blamed the companys demise on mismanagement, their final report offered few details and little analysis. Unlike some previous reports that ran the length of novels, this one spanned four pages.

This isnt an autopsy, said former state Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, who criticized state regulators for moving too slowly on cases last year. This is just a death certificate.

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A spokesperson for state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, one of two officials regulating insurance in Florida, said the report was brief and no forensic accountants were needed because Sawgrass Mutual in 2018 had no policyholders and very few claims remaining.

READ MORE: Homeowners insurance in Florida is a precarious mess that was years in the making

Read more at:

Observers and lawmakers called the sparse report troubling, particularly amid a continuing wave of insolvencies that has contributed to Floridians skyrocketing homeowners insurance premiums, the highest in the nation. Sawgrass was the first of 10 homeowners insurance companies to go out of business in the last five years.

Past insolvency reports have repeatedly uncovered insurance executives reaping big paydays as their companies failed.

Sawgrass report sheds no light on what state regulators could have done to prevent Sawgrass Mutuals failure or future insolvencies, said Doug Quinn, executive director of the American Policyholder Association, an insurance watchdog organization.

How were they allowed to screw up? Did they get special considerations? Nobody wanted to embarrass them? Quinn said. And how were there no consequences?

Between 2013 and 2015, the company gave $52,500 to state lawmakers and political committees, nearly all to Republicans. They did not give to Patronis, who was a state representative at the time.

State Rep. Hillary Cassel, D-Dania Beach, a former lawyer for insurance companies who now represents policyholders, said the report fits a broader pattern by regulators and lawmakers in Tallahassee.

Its just indicative of an unwillingness to uncover the truth behind whats happening with these companies, what caused their insolvency, so we can provide real solutions to the insurance property crisis, Cassel said.

A Herald/Times review of court records and interviews with industry and former company officials shows a more complex case than what state regulators depicted. While Sawgrass Mutual struggled to attract customers, it may have been doomed by one of its primary investors.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis speaks during the National Salute to Americas Heroes presented by Hyundai Air & Sea Show/U.S. Army Salute Fest at the US Coast Guard Air Station in Opa-locka, Florida on Friday, May 26, 2023.

Sawgrass had notable leaders

Sawgrass Mutual seemed destined for success.

When it started selling homeowners insurance policies in 2009, the small Davie-based company had a unique business model, and its leaders had prestigious backgrounds and credentials.

At the time, there had been well-publicized cases of insurance executives accused of extracting millions of dollars from their companies and leaving their organizations short-changed as Florida recovered from a series of storms that hit in 2004 and 2005.

There was always a lot of concern about insurance companies making a lot of money, and profits dont accrue to the benefit of the policyholders, Jay Newman, chairman of the companys board during its first several years, told the Herald/Times.

Sawgrass founders saw an opportunity. Instead of a company owned by, and beholden to, shareholders, they took a more unusual route: a mutual company, owned by policyholders.

We thought it would be attractive to policyholders, Newman said. But it turned out, that didnt happen the way we had envisioned.

In its nine years of existence, the company had prominent leaders. Newman was a former executive director of state-run Citizens Property Insurance and Virginias former insurance commissioner. Its chief executive for a time was Guy Marvin, the former leader of the Florida Insurance Council, which lobbies lawmakers on behalf of the industry. Its board also included Randy Dumm, then a risk-management professor at Florida State University who now leads the University of South Floridas School of Risk Management and Insurance. (Marvin and Dumm did not respond to requests for comment.)

Still, the insurer struggled to attract customers, Newman said. It hit other roadblocks, including being overly concentrated in Central Florida. Paul Simeone, the companys last chief financial officer, told regulators under oath that it saw crazy claims activity focused on imaginary hailstorms in that part of the state between 2012 and 2014.

Patronis, Republican lawmakers and insurance companies have blamed excessive litigation and fraud for driving up insurance rates. Curbing lawsuits has been the states primary response to the insurance crisis.

The company found ways to remedy the problems. It reduced its policies in Central Florida, boosted its reserves and changed how it handled claims. It replaced its claims manager and adopted a strategy of closing or settling claims, instead of fighting them.

We tried to adjust them as quickly as possible, make sure if something went into litigation, we handled it quickly, Simeone testified. It was like a total change of philosophy had occurred.

The shift worked, he said. The companys frequency of losses decreased substantially, he testified.

Although the companys business was small, it was a valuable business, Sawgrass final CEO, Dan ONeal, said in a deposition last year. It had about 20,000 policies in 2017.

I thought we were turning it around, ONeal told lawyers. We took all the necessary steps in underwriting to make it a more profitable book.

Simeone couldnt be reached for comment, and ONeal did not respond to requests for comment.

The more dramatic shock to the company came around 2015 and 2016, when it became embroiled in a bitter dispute with the company Sawgrass hired to manage and sell its policies, according to Simeone. That companys new owners threatened to sell information on Sawgrass customers to competitors, which led to a lengthy lawsuit.

It was very contentious, Simeone said in the deposition. And I think ultimately led to the company dying.

Report blames mismanagement

None of that history or testimony is mentioned in the Department of Financial Services report produced by Patronis office.

The report, which was quietly posted online this spring, focuses only on the companys final months.

By 2017, Sawgrass was looking to unload its business, and in August of that year, the Office of Insurance Regulation encouraged it to transfer policies, outstanding claims and most employees to Tampa-based Heritage Property and Casualty.

The move effectively ended Sawgrass as an insurance company. In 2018, state regulators took over what was left of Sawgrass  after discovering that its debts were about $3.6 million more than its assets. The company had also failed to fully report how many lawsuits it was fighting.

The states report concluded that the companys failure appeared to stem from mismanagement and lack of funds. The report gives no examples of mismanagement prior to the company transferring its policies to Heritage.

Quinn, of the American Policyholder Association, noted that records show state insurance regulators had not done a financial examination of Sawgrass since 2011. State law requires regulators to examine companies at least every five years.

On average, the states insolvency reports are more than 120 pages long. The only two reports produced since Patronis took office in 2018 were both four pages.

State law requires Patronis office to produce reports on every insurance company that goes insolvent. These reports must include a statement of the business practices of such insurer which led to such insolvency. Until the Herald/Times wrote about the reports last year, top lawmakers and the states insurance consumer advocate, who works for Patronis, didnt know they existed.

The reports are usually released years after a company goes insolvent because regulators need to wait until the insolvency cases play out in court. To speed up the process, lawmakers last year required Patronis department to produce interim reports within four months of a company failure, but those reports have yielded little insight into what happened.

The reports, Brandes said, are essential for lawmakers and the public to learn not just why companies failed, but what mistakes state regulators made along the way.

It appears nobody wants to point a finger, Brandes said.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.  Its a hot topic, literally. What does this heat mean for drought conditions across the state?

While many parts of Missouri saw rainfall earlier this month and drought conditions are improving, its this heat that could cause the state to take two steps backwards, because the evaporation rate is that much higher.

KC-area organizations working to help homeless in extreme heat

Were losing potentially two-tenths of an inch of rainfall that fell on those fields every day when it gets this hot, Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Dru Buntin said. It increases the loss of that moisture in the soil when you have these types of extreme heat.

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After the driest April and May since 1988 and now the heat, the agriculture industry continues to struggle. Farmers are left with tough decisions like sending cattle to market early due to a lack of feed.

The folks are cutting grass right now that they probably should have left to grow a little bit longer, but the reality of it is you get it now or its straw in a couple weeks, Rep. Don Mayhew, R-Crocker, told the Drought Assessment Committee Tuesday.

Erin Flanning with the Department of Natural Resources said during Tuesdays meeting that farmers are reporting only 28 bales of hay this year in fields that generally produce between 100 and 120 bales.

Most of them fertilized this year, spent a lot of money doing it because 2022 was so bad that they needed to get all the hay they could, Flanning said. Not only are they behind, but they are further behind because of the investment that they made that didnt result in additional hay.

The committee was activated after Governor Mike Parson signed an executive order earlier this spring declaring a drought alert. The group is made up of state and federal agencies. State climatologist Zach Leasor told members parts of the state are a foot below average rainfall.

July improved a little bit, especially late in the month with some of those rains that we saw, but when you put three top 20 driest months on record together, this really creates those drought conditions, Leasor said. Its also been hot and dry, so were losing a lot of moisture from the recent rains and not getting any rainfall to place it.

Leasor said evaporation rates have increased since Aug. 20, causing the state to lose roughly a quarter of an inch of rainfall back into the atmosphere each day.

With these high temperatures, we need to be weary of that evaporate transpiration over the next week, he said.

Royals plans, renderings answer some questions and raise others

A beef nutrition specialist from the University of Missouri told members during the meeting hes concerned how farmers will struggle to feed caves this winter because farmers are producing roughly 25% of their normal hay crop this spring.

For the first time in weeks, drought conditions are improving, but the U.S. Drought Monitor map still showing some parts of Missouri are experiencing an extreme drought.

On top of the lack of rainfall, now add in the record-setting heat and no measurable rainfall in the coming days to help offset the evaporation rate.

Its also been hot and dry, so were losing a lot of moisture from the recent rains and not getting any rainfall to replace it, Leasor said.

The National Weather Service, who also sits on the committee, said the three-month drought outlook is not encouraging for the time being.

For areas where drought exists, we are expecting that drought to persist over the next three months, said Mark Fuchs, National Weather Service. There really isnt an outlook for enough participation to beat the drought back in areas where it currently exists.

As for drinking water, DNR says it currently is not concerned about supply. Also, the Army Corp of Engineers said that for now, navigation season along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers will not be cut short.

When you have a foot less than your normal annual precipitation, just because you get those rain events that come through and provide some short-term benefits, we still need recovery in the soil moisture, we still need more rain in those areas to really make up for a multi-month deficit that we have, Butin said.

The state is also allowing farmers to collect water and harvest hay from state parks.

Farmers can now access emergency water or hay through the following ways:

Boat ramps at 25 Missouri state parks will be open for farmers to collect water with almost 700 acres available for haying at 17 state parks.

Boat ramps at 36 Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) areas are also now open for water collection.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is offering special over-width hauling permits at no charge to help farmers and ranchers move hay.

The Department of Agriculture does offer a mental health resource for the farming community. The AgriStress hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Producers can call or text 833-897-2474 to speak to a healthcare professional.

DNR is asking Missouri residents to submit information about the local drought conditions online. Buntin said this can help the committee create more accurate maps, allowing members to work better with state and federal partners.

DNR also has a variety of resources online and continues to add information on drought mitigation and assistance opportunities. The group plans to meet again in September.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Brenda Morris was all dolled up and ready for her closeup. She wore red lipstick and a black-and-pink patterned dress as a volunteer snapped her photo in the TV room at the Salvation Army in Fort Lauderdale.

She reviewed the photos, insisting the volunteer use the most flattering one on her new community ID card.

The ID card will help Morris, 68, gain easier access medical care and, she hopes, a seeing eye dog. Morris, who has vision loss and is hard of hearing, said she did not know exactly how long its been since she was evicted and became homeless, but she figured it had been a few months. She now lives at the Salvation Armys shelter.

Community IDs are photo identification cards individuals like Morris can use to access a variety of services that require identification. Anyone who lives in the county issuing the ID can apply, but these IDs are often used by homeless, elderly or formerly incarcerated people, undocumented immigrants and others who may struggle to obtain a state or federal ID.

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Ivan Parra, the director of the community ID program run by Legal Aid Service of Broward County, said the ID cards can allow county residents to open bank accounts, pick their children up from school and access public transit or their local library. Parra added that these IDs can help restore a sense of dignity and belonging to cardholders.

There are just so many vulnerable populations within our community that oftentimes go unnoticed, said Brent McLaughlin, the president and CEO of social services non-profit Branches, which issues community IDs in Miami-Dade County.

Programs issuing community IDs exist in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, but under a new state law, which Gov. Ron DeSantis has called the strongest anti-illegal immigration legislation in the country, it may become harder for residents to get a card.

Pompano Beach resident Maurice F. Middleton, 68, looks on as staff prepare his new Broward County ID card during a community ID event hosted by Legal Aid Service of Broward County in partnership with Salvation Army in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Friday, August 18, 2023.

New law says counties, municipalities cant fund community IDs

In May, DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1718, which prevents counties and municipalities from funding organizations that provide IDs to individuals who cannot prove they are citizens or legal residents. The new rule went into effect on July 1.

The new legislation also invalidates out-of-state IDs issued to undocumented immigrants, requires employers with 25 or more employees to use E-Verify to validate their employees eligibility to work in the U.S. and imposes harsher penalties on undocumented immigrants and their employers. The law also requires hospitals to collect data on patients immigration status, but patients can decline to participate without penalty.

Though Miami-Dade County can no longer fund community ID programs, the county will continue to accept them, said Natalia Jaramillo, a spokesperson for the mayors office. She said the county does not plan to limit the services that accept community IDs.

Broward Countys community ID program was completely funded by the county and a few municipalities until the new law went into effect, Parra said, and he encouraged people to donate to help sustain the program. Parra said he wishes the Broward County community ID program could expand to reach more people, rather than deal with budget cuts. He said since the new law went into effect, Browards ID program has relied on individuals donations for any new funding, adding that the program will need larger donations to continue operating at full capacity.

Parra said Browards community ID program has issued about 8,500 IDs since it began.

Branches, which has issued over 2,000 community IDs to Miami-Dade residents, previously received around 80% of its funding from the county, McLaughlin said. He said the non-profit has had to pivot toward private fundraising in response to the new law.

McLaughlin said the Shepard Broad Foundation has donated $20,000 to the Miami-Dade community ID program, and Branches will continue to seek the foundations support in the future. He added that individuals can donate to Branches and specify they want to support the community ID program.

Branches is the only county-recognized issuer of community IDs in Miami-Dade, said Jaramillo.

A flyer is posted inside a Slavation Army for a community ID event hosted by Legal Aid Service of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Friday, August 18, 2023.

Community IDs arent just for undocumented immigrants

Maria Bilbao, a community advocate in Miami-Dade County, said she was already a U.S. citizen when the county rolled out its community ID program. But she said she applied for one anyway and often uses it to pick up prescriptions at Publix.

She said she likes to use it when she can to raise awareness about community IDs. Bilbao said she emigrated from Argentina and was undocumented for 17 years before becoming a citizen.

Maurice Middleton, who has a Broward community ID, also said he uses his community ID at the pharmacy. In fact, he said the first thing he did when he received his community ID was use it at a Walgreens.

Pompano Beach resident Maurice F. Middleton, 68, holds his new Broward County ID card during a community ID event hosted by Legal Aid Service of Broward County in partnership with Salvation Army in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Friday, August 18, 2023.

Middleton said he has an expired drivers license from New York but is trying to get a Florida license, which he said has proven difficult. He said he needs his South Carolina birth certificate to apply for the drivers license, but he is having a hard time getting a new copy of the document without proper identification.

The Miami-Dade Police Department supports the countys community ID program, said Argemis Colome, a police department spokesperson. Community IDs can help police identify people more easily, Colome said in an email to the Herald.

McLaughlin said this new policy will likely have consequences for more than just undocumented immigrants. Community IDs, he said, are a resource for those who fall through the cracks. Parra said a common misconception about community IDs is that only undocumented immigrants use them.

Community IDs have limitations. These IDs cannot be used as drivers licenses, for voting or for air travel, according to the Miami-Dade County website. In Miami-Dade, community IDs include the persons photo, name, address, date of birth, gender, signature, height, expiration date, issue date, ID number and emergency contact person.

A community ID event hosted by Legal Aid Service of Broward County in partnership with Salvation Army in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Friday, August 18, 2023.

Republicans praise new legislation

DeSantis has called this law his response to the Biden border crisis, which he said, has wreaked havoc across the United States in a statement from May. State Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, a Republican from Hernando County, introduced the bill earlier this year.

Ingoglias office did not provide further comment on the legislation.

Republican state Sen. Ileana Garcia, whose district includes parts of Miami, Miami Beach and Coral Gables, has voiced her support for the legislation.

Senator Ingoglias legislation is designed to prevent the use of illegal identification cards in Florida, to prevent human trafficking and put a stop to the abuses by unscrupulous individuals who take advantage of the most vulnerable, Garcia said in a statement in March.

Garcias office did not respond to a request for further comment.

A woman poses for a new Broward County ID card during a community ID event hosted by Legal Aid Service of Broward County in partnership with Salvation Army in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Friday, August 18, 2023.

Providers plan to continue issuing IDs

While McLaughlin said it will be challenging to go without funding from the county, he said he does not want to dwell on the disappointment.

I think theres still a path forward to provide what is a very valuable and critical service for many people in our community, he said.

McLaughlin said Branches has had to scale back the number of clinics it offers since the law went into effect. In the past Branches had hosted up to four community ID events per month. Now, he said they have been limited to one or two.

Karla Bachmann, the vice president of financial wellness at Branches, said these events are by appointment only. Each event has around 250 slots, and residents can register for appointments online, Bachmann said.

Bilbao, who volunteers at ID clinics run by Branches, said she has been frustrated by the new legislation and the rhetoric surrounding it, including Garcias claims that limiting community ID funding will combat human trafficking. Bilbao said she believes community IDs actually help prevent human trafficking by ensuring vulnerable individuals can identify themselves to law enforcement.

Parra said his team was disappointed when the legislation passed, but, like McLaughlin, he said it is important to keep moving forward. Though community ID providers are facing funding concerns, Miami-Dade and Broward County residents can still apply for and receive community IDs.

To apply, residents need proof they reside in the county and a photo ID. Some acceptable forms of photo ID include drivers licenses and American and non-American passports. The photo IDs can be expired, and the address in the county can be a homeless shelter.

Middleton said he had not heard about the new legislation barring counties and municipalities from funding community IDs, but said he thinks undocumented immigrants should be able to apply for community IDs, especially if they pay taxes.

Whats the problem? said Middleton. If you live in a community, does it matter whether youre an illegal immigrant if you pay taxes?

How to get a community ID

 In Miami-Dade: Contact Branches at 305-442-8306 or go online to https://branchesfl.wpengine.com/miamiid/

 In Broward: Contact Legal Aid at 954-765-8950 or go online to https://www.browardlegalaid.org/communityid/

 What youll need: Proof you reside in the county in which youre applying for a community ID and a current or expired photo ID. Some acceptable forms of ID include drivers licenses and American and non-American passports. The county residence can be a homeless shelter.
The Ohio Liquor Control Commission is considering disciplinary action against Spud's Corner bar in Lawrence Township in the wake of an ATV crash last year that killed a 20-year-old man.

LAWRENCE TWP.  The state is reviewing its liquor licensing of a township bar in the wake of a fatal ATV crash last year.

The Ohio Liquor Control Commission is considering disciplinary action against Spud's Corner after investigators say it sold alcohol to a 19-year-old man who later caused a fatal all-terrain vehicle crash.

Blayze C. Patt, now 20, is serving a 60-day jail sentence for charges arising from the crash that killed his friend Zachary D. Reed, 20, a 2020 graduate of Washington High School in Massillon. Township police were called at 12:44 a.m. July 17, 2022, to the crash site, about half a mile south of the bar at 4019 Alabama Ave. NW.

In the subsequent probe, the Ohio Investigative Unit alleges eight violations of state liquor laws occurred at Spud's Corner, including furnishing intoxicating liquor and beer to a person under 21, sale of beer or intoxicating liquor to an intoxicated person and allowing a person under 21 to consume beer or intoxicating liquor on premises.

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The Liquor Control Commission has set a hearing for Oct. 12 in Columbus.

If violations are found, the three-member commission can issue a fine or suspend and/or revoke a liquor license, according to Ohio Investigative Unit Enforcement Commander Eric Wolf.

The case against the liquor permit, held by Freddie W. Neil, was made by the Ohio Investigative Unit, a component of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The unit conducted an investigation to trace the source of the alcohol consumed by Patt at the request of township police.

A message left at Spud's Corner for Neil on Aug. 10 was not returned as of Monday.

Fatal crash triggered investigation into Spud's Corner

Township police concluded that Patt consumed alcohol at Spud's and left on an ATV, according to the department's report of the crash.

A firefighter/medic happened upon the crash scene on his way home from the North Lawrence Fire Department, which is near the bar. The firefighter told police he saw both men at Spud's Corner not long before the crash.

The Ohio Liquor Control Commission is considering taking action against the license for Spud's Corner, accused of providing alcohol to a 19-year-old man who caused a fatal ATV crash after leaving the bar in July 2022. The tavern is located near the North Lawrence Fire Department.

Patt pleaded guilty Aug. 7 to aggravated vehicular homicide, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a drug abuse or a combination of them, and operating a motor vehicle or agricultural tractor without being in control of it. His blood-alcohol level was 0.17%, more than twice the legal limit for driving, at the time of the crash.

Stark County Common Pleas Judge Natalie R. Haupt sentenced him to three years' probation along with jail time.

Punishment: Massillon man gets jail time, probation for ATV crash that killed his best friend

Fatal: Washington High graduate dies after weekend ATV crash

What happened in related criminal cases?

Three related criminal cases arising from the same investigation were filed in Stark County courts.

A Spud's Corner bartender, 49, pleaded guilty in Stark County Common Pleas Court to tampering with records. The Massillon woman was originally charged with tampering with evidence and two counts of failure to comply with underage alcohol laws.

She was fined $250 and required her to pay court costs. A 180-day jail sentence was suspended on condition of two years' good behavior.

Wolf could not give details about the records because the case is pending before the Liquor Control Commission.

A Massillon man and woman, respectively 43 and 42, were charged with selling or furnishing intoxicating liquor to a person under 21. He bought Patt a Lemon Drop shot, and she bought him a Fireball shot, according to the complaint filed in Massillon Municipal Court.

Both cases were dismissed at the request of the prosecutor because the complaints were deficient, according to Massillon Law Director Justin W. Richard. Judge Edward J. Elum dismissed them without prejudice, to allow the prosecutor to refile charges if the investigating agency provides proper charging documents backed by evidence.

Additional evidence has been received: narrative and video from the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Richard said his office is contemplating refiling charges against both people.

Reach Nancy at 330-580-8382 or nancy.molnar@cantonrep.com.

On X, formerly known as Twitter: @nmolnarTR

This article originally appeared on The Repository: State commission to review Spud's Corner liquor license after crash
The score is now 2 to 1 in favor of saving the George B. Richards mansion, a stately 110-year-old Classical Revival home in Kansas Citys Southmoreland neighborhood whose owners argue they should be allowed to sell it and raze it to the ground for potential commercial development.

On Wednesday, the Kansas City Councils Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee voted unanimously to recommend passage of ordinance 235705, which would place the three-story brick home at 4526 Warwick Blvd. on the Kansas City Register of Historic Places. Such a designation would save the structure from demolition for at least three years.

Neighbors and preservation groups have been ardently fighting to save the house. The fate of the 7,400-square foot home, built in 1913 and overlooking Southmoreland Park near the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, now rests with a vote by the City Council in coming weeks.

Wednesdays committees vote is in line with a similar recommendation made on May 26 by the Kansas City Historic Preservation Commission, which also voted unanimously to place the home on the historic register because of its architectural significance.

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On Aug 1, however, the owners of the property delighted and neighbors lamented when the Kansas City Plan Commission voted 3-2 (with three members absent) against historic designation, agreeing that the owners should have the right to to sell and dispose of their home as they see fit.

The grand center staircase of the home built in 1913 for George B. Richards of the Richards & Conover Hardware Co.

The owners of the property, Steve Vawter of Kansas City, and Matthew Vawter of Boulder, Colorado, inherited the home on its 0.9-acre plot following the death of their mother, Susie Vawter, in February 2020. Constructed originally for George B. Richards, the wealthy owner of the Richards & Conover Hardware Co., the mansion built by the architectural firm of Root & Seimens has been in the Vawter family since 1961.

It was empty for about a year when, in 2022, neighbors saw a For Sale sign go up, marketing the residential plot for potential high rise development. Neighbors later discovered that the Vawters had applied for a demolition permit for the house.

At that point, neighbors banded together. Against the wishes of the Vawters, and to waylay immediate demolition, the Southmoreland Neighborhood Association in April put in an application to place the home on the citys register of historic places, a process that alone prevents demolition for six months while the application is being considered.

Since then, Southmoreland neighbors, along with other groups, including the nearby Rockhill Homes Association and the preservation group Historic Kansas City, have been at odds with the brothers and real estate developer Whitney Kerr Sr., representing the brothers in their efforts.

My brother and I strongly oppose the designation of our property, Steve Vawter said. Its economically unfeasible to restore. Its just old and worn out. Its a maintenance nightmare.

On Wednesday, committee members Eric Bunch and Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw expressed their unease at recommending that the house be placed on the historic register against the wishes of the homeowners. They raised the point that the city may need to look at other avenues to protect historic structures other than using historic designation against the wishes of owners.

But the committee was unanimous in its decision given the fact that, at this point, no development plan for the site exists. The site currently is zoned R-5, meaning for residential development with a height restriction of about 35 feet.

Decorative molding in the home at 4526 Warwick Blvd. Owners are selling the property for possible high rise development. Neighbors want the 7,400-square-foot house designated historic and saved from feared demolition.

The committee gave sway to the argument that if the house is demolished, the lack of any site plan means the property could be left as an empty parcel for an unknown period. The Southmoreland neighborhood already has six acres of empty parcels, some of which have attracted debris, said Laura Burkhalter, president of the Southmoreland Neighborhood Association.

We want to avoid a vacant lot, she said, calling the residence a beautiful home, inside and out.

There is no development plan for this site, she said. So if this house were demolished, which the owner intends to do, we have a hole in the ground and a lot of upset neighbors.

She added, there are a lot of people who want to live in a historic home.

The Vawters have repeatedly argued that there is no residential market for the home. The house, they have said, needs new plumbing, heating, electricity and other restoration that they estimate would cost $1.4 million to $1.9 million, above and beyond the cost of the house.

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The property, they insist, is worth more than the home thats on it. First priced at $2.5 million, the Vawters reduced the price to $1.9 million. In July, they revealed they have an agreement with local real estate developer George Birt to purchase the property for $1.9 million. That contract, however, is conditional on the home not being given historic designation and on the property being rezoned for commercial use.

Neighbors maintain that neither Kerr nor the Vawters have ever truly tested the property on the open residential market. It has never been on the residential MLS, the multiple listing service, used by Realtors. They hoped the owners would do so, or consider selling it for an alternative use such as a bed and breakfast of for offices or other space.

Ryan Hiser and his partner, David Tran, who have turned two historic homes into the The Truitt Hotel and The Aida Hotel KC, offered the Vawters $1.1 million for the house, with plans to spend up up to $1 million to convert it into another hotel. The Vawters considered the price far too little.

Other grand homes in the area have been been repurposed, including one just to the south, now the Jannes Library, part of the Kansas City Art Institute. Other homes have been turned into office space for the Nelson-Atkins.

Ornamental plaster ceilings in the home at 4526 Warwick Blvd. across from Southmoreland Park.

Matt Vawter, speaking to the committee via Zoom from Colorado, insisted that historic designation will not help the home or neighborhood.

Although historic designation protects the exterior of a building from any changes without approval, the designation does not prevent owners from changing the interior, including gutting it or allowing it to sit unused.

Ive heard a lot of talk about save the house, Vawter said, save the neighborhood and preserve this property to prevent blight. Whether this group likes it or not, this house is empty. This house has been boarded up and will remain empty if a historic designation is granted.

It is the target for thieves, vandals and vagrants. One way we can avoid that is to build on the current site and to demolish the property. Designating it as historic will not stop that process.
Two Miami-Dade men and one Broward man are in Monroe County jail on felony lobster trap robbing charges after Florida fish and wildlife police said they caught them in the act of poaching from commercial traps in the Keys.

When Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers tried to pull over their vessel nearshore of the small city of Layton on Tuesday, the men briefly sped up to avoid capture, adding to their criminal charges, the agency said.

Enrique Airado, 67, and Luis Airado, 61, both of Cutler Bay, and Carlos Castillo, 63, of Hollywood, were booked into Monroe County jail on one felony count each of trap molesting, one felony count each of fleeing and eluding police, one felony count each of tampering with evidence, and one misdemeanor count each of interfering with a police officer.

Their bond had not been set as of Wednesday afternoon, according to online jail records.

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A Florida Fish and Wildlife airplane crew spotted the men diving from their boat on a spiny lobster trap line, said Capt. David Dipre, area captain for the agencys Keys operations.

The aircraft is our eyes on the water. It can be in places our officers cannot go in boats without being observed and provides an advantage our officers in boats do not have, Dipre said in a statement.

The FWC has increased air presence in the Keys as part of the DeSantis administrations executive order to deploy state resources to the island chain to help patrol for incoming migrants from Cuba and Haiti.

Officers watched as one man handed lobsters to the other men on the boat, FWC spokeswoman Arielle Callender said.

The diver returned to the boat after clearing all the traps, and the three men started back toward their boat dock, Callender said.

Two officers at the marina ordered the men to stop their boat as they approached the dock.

The operator increased the speed of the vessel and attempted to elude the officers, Callender said.

Before docking their boat, the men dumped many of the stolen lobsters overboard, she said.

Other officers were waiting at the dock, where they were arrested, Callender said.
Two Lahaina residents who had fought for years to build a new fire station to protect their community watched as a deadly blaze consumed their homes this month.

Joseph Pluta and Rick Nava said they had already arranged for a land donation, secured more than $400,000 toward the project and worked out logistics to ship a modular fire station to west Maui.

It was too late.

Pluta, 74, said he woke up in a cloud of smoke as a smoke alarm blared around 3 a.m., then dived out of his window as the wildfire began to overtake his home.

I rolled up and looked up and my total house was in flames, said Pluta, who is a real estate broker and leads the nonprofit West Maui Taxpayers Association.

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Nava, 64, said he fled Lahaina with six other family members, including two grandchildren, as fires burned on both sides of the main access road.

The family is intact. No belongings, no house, he said, summarizing his situation now.

Even before the Lahaina fire took his home, Rick Nava had been leading a civic effort to build a new fire station near the town. (Brock Stoneham / NBC News)

Conditions in Maui were harrowing for firefighters as hurricane-strength winds sent flames roaring through overgrown grasses, but the Lahaina residents believe having an additional fire station  and the resources to staff it  could have saved lives.

If we would have had 15 more firemen and one more firetruck, wed have hundreds of more people living today, Pluta said, referring to the total staffing for a 24-hour fire station.

When Hurricane Lane struck Hawaii in 2018, multiple wildfires erupted in high winds on Mauis dry side. The wildfires, which were in the Lahaina area, destroyed more than 20 structures and about 30 vehicles.

For Lahaina residents, the brush with disaster served as another wake-up call to the devastation possible from increasingly destructive wildfires  especially during a battering storm like Lane.

The fire came very close to where I live, Nava said. We thought it was important to the county to figure out what was going on here and to address the issue for safety.

They pushed for the fire station, additional firebreaks and more. Nava and Pluta set up community meetings and demanded local officials prepare a more comprehensive fire response.

Pluta said he pleaded with officials, including Herman Andaya, who recently resigned as the director of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, to work with his community and incorporate a new, all-hazards plan for West Maui into the agencys overall emergency documentation. That request was denied, he said. Pluta said he sought  and was prevented  from sharing copies of an after-action report that outlined lessons to be learned from the countys 2018 response to Lane.

The town of Olowalu is the proposed site for a new fire station near Lahaina. (Brock Stoneham / NBC News)

Theres blood on the hands of our politicians, Pluta said, adding that he was told not to talk about the report.

Andaya, who quit last Thursday citing health reasons amid criticism for his agencys response to the Lahaina fire, did not respond to a request for comment. County officials declined a request for comment about the fire station and other plans.

To build the fire station, Pluta and Nava convinced a local real estate developer to donate two acres. Another West Maui resident, Thomas English, suggested they pursue a modular fire station building to cut down on construction costs, which are higher on the island.

English found a Canadian company, Extreme Modular Buildings, to build the station and the group priced out shipping and logistics costs to truck the station to California, send it on a barge to Maui and then truck it to its new home on the island. Maui county officials planned to fast-track zoning, according to Pluta.

The group had even measured the dimensions of the pali tunnel on Maui to ensure the station could squeeze through to its destination.

We just didnt have the money, Nava said.

The group decided to crowdsource the project. By the time the fire hit, the group had secured more than $400,000 of the $2 million goal for the fire station, with a fundraising event planned for December.

The site of the potential fire station is about 6 miles from the center of Lahaina. Maui Fire Chief Bradford Ventura helped select the location. County documents, including emails and meeting minutes from the fire and public safety commission, show the station was a topic of discussion last year, but often described as being in its early stages.

The town of Olowalu is the proposed site for a new fire station near Lahaina, on Aug. 21, 2023. (Brock Stoneham / NBC News)

We definitely support the idea from WMIF and would like to see them be successful in completing this project, Deputy Fire Chief Gavin Fujioka told the Maui News last year, referring to Plutas nonprofit fund with an acronym.

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen was supportive of the effort and donated $1,000 toward it, according to Pluta. Pluta said he signed a nonbinding agreement with the previous mayoral administration and the landowner assuring, in principle, that the station would be staffed for use and that the county would provide a fire truck.

Earlier this year, Pluta promoted the project during an annual meeting for his nonprofit group.

Were really worried Lahaina is in danger, Pluta said in a speech available on YouTube, referring to concerns after a fire last year. Had the wind been blowing downhill instead of uphill like it did, we might not be talking here today because that fire could have just came across like the one did in August of 2018.

Both Nava and Pluta are now homeless. Pluta is staying at a friends condo in another part of Maui. Nava is temporarily staying at a resort near Lahaina.

If the smoke alarm hadnt gone off at 3 a.m. Id be dead, Pluta said. A minute more and I would have been dead.

He said he narrowly escaped death several times on the night Lahaina burned.

After leaping from his first-story bathroom window, Pluta said he landed on his head, picking up a few scratches and scrapes. He got up to see the window consumed by flames within seconds. His neighbors houses were on fire, too. Pluta was wearing only a pair of shorts  he didnt even have shoes.

Embers and flames were all around me in the wind singeing my body, he said.

Pluta said he headed for the ocean. A fire utility truck happened to drive nearby. In shock and covered in soot, he hitched a ride to a bus, which brought him to a shelter at Maui Preparatory Academy, where other survivors were gathered.

Joseph Pluta escaped the Lahaina fire by jumping out his window minutes before the fire swept through his home. (Brock Stoneham / NBC News)

At the shelter, he found a bathroom vanity, cupped his hands and tried to suck up enough water to rinse the soot out of his mouth. Then he climbed a small hill to find cellphone service and called his family. For the Vietnam veteran, who developed post-traumatic stress disorder because of the war, it was the most horrifying night of his life.

Tourists from Seattle later gave him a T-shirt and a pair of size 13 shoes, oversized for his feet. It was an overwhelming gift for someone who suddenly had nothing at all.

Pluta and Nava recognize that a single fire station may not have prevented this disaster entirely. But they say community leaders lost sight of their responsibility to public safety in Maui.

West Mauis 2014 community wildfire protection plan, the latest plan available, said fire safety zones for all neighborhoods and areas of Western Maui were yet to be determined.

The community should not have to build a fire station, Nava said. It should be built by the government.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The first wave of 2,000 students will begin moving into Wright State University today.

Students living in residence halls will move in today and tomorrow, Aug. 24. Apartment residents will move in on Saturday, Aug. 26.

>> This areas grieving for you; Community members set up memorial for families impacted by bus crash

The university will have more than 150 volunteers on-hand to help.

According to the university, more students are expected to move into residence halls this year compared to last year.
(NewsNation)  More sedentary time as a child could lead to a higher chance of heart attacks and strokes later in life, researchers found in a new study.

Even for those at a normal weight and blood pressure, hours of inactivity from childhood to young adulthood was associated with heart damage. This study was conducted as part of the Children of the 90s study by the University of Bristol, in which over 14,000 children born between 1991 and 1992 and their families were intensively observed for over two decades.

All those hours of screen time in young people add up to a heavier heart, which we know from studies in adults raises the likelihood of heart attack and stroke, the studys author, Dr. Andrew Agbaje of the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio, said. Children and teenagers need to move more to protect their long-term health.

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As part of the research, 11-year-old children were given a smartwatch with an activity tracker to wear for seven days. They were then given the smartwatch at 15 years of age and again at 24.

Scientists measured these childrens hearts with a kind of ultrasound scan called an echocardiography when they were 17 and 24, after they adjusted for outside factors such as age, sex, blood pressure, body fat, smoking, physical activity and socioeconomic status.

Beer-toting customer who stopped robbery wont be charged

The 766 children studied were sedentary for an average of 362 minutes a day. That number grew to 474 minutes once they hit adolescence, and 531 when they were 24, making for a 169-minute increase between those years.

Each one-minute increase in a childs sedentary time from ages 11 to 24 was associated with a 0.004 g/m2.7 increase in their hearts left ventricular mass when they were 17 to 24.

When multiplied by 169 minutes, that additional inactivity totaled a 0.7 g/m2.7 daily rise, which researchers said is equal to a 3-gram increase in left ventricular mass between each heart measurement for those who grew taller at an average rate.

Previous studies in adults showed a similar increase in left ventricular mass of 1 g/m2.7 over a seven-year period was associated with a two-fold increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Our study indicates that the accumulation of inactive time is related to heart damage regardless of body weight and blood pressure, Agbaje said. Parents should encourage children and teenagers to move more by taking them out for a walk and limiting time spent on social media and video games.

According to HealthDay, this research is set to be presented at the European Society of Cardiologys meeting set for Aug. 25 to 28. Until published in a peer-reviewed journal, these findings are considered preliminary, HealthDay wrote.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
FILE - Montana Rep. Zooey Zephyr, D-Missoula, alone on the House floor, stands in protest as demonstrators are arrested in the House gallery of the state Capitol, April 24, 2023, in Helena, Mont. Republican legislative leaders persisted in forbidding the Democratic transgender lawmaker from participating in debate for a second week as her supporters brought the House session to a halt chanting "Let her speak!" from the gallery. Lewis and Clark County prosecutors in Montana are declining to pursue the misdemeanor trespassing charges filed against the seven protesters who were arrested. (Thom Bridge/Independent Record via AP, File)

HELENA, Mont. (AP)  Montana prosecutors are declining to pursue misdemeanor trespassing charges against seven people who were arrested in the state House gallery for protesting after Republicans denied transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr the right to debate bills near the end of the 2023 legislative session.

The Lewis and Clark County Attorney's Office filed motions in Justice Court to dismiss the charges in the best interests of justice. A justice of the peace signed three of the seven motions on Tuesday, court officials said. The remaining four were signed Wednesday.

Zephyr's silencing drew scores of protesters to the state Capitol and renewed nationwide debates about manners in politics. It also took place as conservative lawmakers nationwide have introduced a flurry of anti-LGBTQ+ bills this year.

One of the defendants, Paul Kim of Missoula, said his attorney told him the county decided to drop the charges. Phone messages seeking comment Tuesday from County Attorney Kevin Downs and Deputy County Attorney Deanna Rothwell were not returned.

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The plaintiffs were arrested on April 24 after a group of people disrupted the floor session for about 30 minutes when the Republican majority denied Zephyr, a Democratic representative from Missoula, the opportunity to speak on a bill that would require parental consent for children to change the names and pronouns they use at school.

Zephyr defiantly hoisted her microphone into the air as her supporters chanted Let her speak!

Zephyr had been silenced for telling fellow lawmakers that if they supported a bill to ban gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth they would have blood on their hands. Republican lawmakers then banned Zephyr from the House floor for violating decorum during the protest, leaving her to watch the deliberations and vote on bills from a hallway outside the House chambers.

House Speaker Matt Regier did not immediately respond to a phone message Wednesday seeking comment on the dismissals. But Republican House leadership at the time described the disruption as a riot and an  insurrection " that put lawmakers and staff in danger. No property damage or threats to lawmakers were reported.

Kim, one of those who was charged, said he was at the Capitol that day for a rally in support of Zephyr and the LGBTQ+ community. The loud protest in the gallery, he said, was a spontaneous moment.

Once law enforcement officers  some in riot gear  tried to clear the gallery, Kim said he made a decision for himself that I was not going to be corralled out of there.

Zephyr issued a statement Tuesday saying she was overjoyed to learn that the trespassing charges were being dismissed.

When I find the strength to stand up in the legislature, I do so knowing that I am standing in solidarity with a long history of those who stood up to defend democracy, she said. That history now includes each of you.

During the 2023 legislative session, Montana's Republican supermajority passed bills to limit drag shows and ban drag queen reading events at public schools and libraries and to define sex in state law as only male or female, something LGBTQ+ advocates say will deny legal recognition to nonbinary and transgender people.

The ban on gender affirming medical care for minors is set to take effect on Oct. 1. But a lawsuit is asking a state judge to temporarily block its enforcement until the case can be heard in court. A hearing is set for Sept. 18.
WAYNESBORO  The gunman in a January robbery of a Waynesboro business pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges of armed robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

John D. Finch, 24, of Waynesboro, was sentenced to three years in prison in a plea agreement with the Waynesboro Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.

His alleged accomplice, 30-year-old Michael R. Womble, the suspected getaway driver, opted earlier in the day to take his case to trial on Dec. 18.

According to Waynesboro Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Eduardo E. Garza, on the night of Jan. 15, Finch, armed with a handgun, entered the Tobacco and Vape Shop in the 400 block of Tiffany Drive.

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Garza said Finch, who was wearing black clothing and a black face mask, was allegedly talking on a cell phone with Womble during the robbery, whose instructions on what to steal were picked up by the store's surveillance system.

Pointing a gun at the employee, Finch had him empty the cash register while threatening to shoot him, Garza said. A voice coming from the phone, purported to be Womble's, even told him what brand of cigarettes to take, the prosecutor said.

In all, about $1,700 in cash and another $600 in merchandise was stolen.

Surveillance footage from a nearby store showed Finch getting into a dark-colored minivan as he fled the scene, according to Garza. The employee also recognized Finch's voice from an earlier transaction that same day.

Call records showed that Womble's cell phone was within 100 meters of the store on the night in question, according to evidence.

Authorities also found a Facebook photo showing Finch wearing the same clothing he wore during the robbery and a picture of the gun that was used, Garza said. The gun was eventually seized.

Garza said the victim left the country and went to Yemen following the robbery, and repeatedly told authorities he would be returning to the United States. However, Garza said he remains outside the country.

At Wednesday's hearing in Waynesboro Circuit Court, a contrite Finch apologized for his "lack of judgement" and said he was using drugs at the time.

"I was really stupid," Finch said, briefly breaking into sobs.

He was sentenced to eight years in prison with all eight years suspended on the armed robbery charge, and given an automatic three years in prison on the gun conviction. He was also placed on three years of supervised probation and ordered to pay $2,300 in restitution.

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Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@newsleader.com. You can also follow him on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Suspect in armed robbery of Waynesboro business pleads guilty
SVB Financial Group, the bankrupt former parent of Silicon Valley Bank, reportedly said it is changing its executive bonuses after pushback from the Department of Justice, according to a Bloomberg report.

James Bromley of Sullivan & Cromwell said Tuesday that bonus benchmarks for nine leaders of SVB Capital, the capital and investment arm of SVB Financial Group, are now more substantive and focused, Bloomberg reported.

The total payout for executives at lower performance benchmarks was reduced by $500,000, Bromley reportedly said, while the top level of payouts increased by $500,000 as well. This comes after the U.S. Trustee Program, the nations bankruptcy watchdog, argued the plans metrics for bonuses were not rigorous enough, Bloomberg reported.

In a court filing Tuesday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York, a bankruptcy judge authorized SVB Financial Group to implement a key employee incentive plan.

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The changes come amid the Justice Departments probe into the fall of Silicon Valley Bank, the largest bank failure since the financial crisis of 2008. The investigation is looking into actions of the banks senior executives and involves federal prosecutors in California and prosecutors in fraud cases, The Associated Press reported.

Shortly after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in March, SVB Financial Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
My cat experienced extreme motion sickness whenever we took him on car journeys.

We tried multiple things to help him, including vet-approved herbal supplements.

A $50 play pen and a litter tray completely changed the way we travel.

Traveling with my 9-month-old kitten, Reggie, became almost impossible when he started experiencing motion sickness earlier this year.

My partner and I often take Reggie to my parents' house, which is around a 10-minute drive from our home in Glasgow. We spend a lot of time hanging out with my family, and Reggie loves it because my parents have his brother, Reo. They also usually look after Reggie at their house whenever my partner and I have to go out of town.

When we first started taking Reggie in his travel carrier, the motion sickness was somewhat manageable.

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His first symptoms included loudly meowing and defecating during travel, which our vet advised us to resolve by refraining from giving him food a couple of hours before a car journey.

Mikhaila and her mom, Debbie, and their kittens Reggie (left) and Reo (right). Mikhaila Friel/Insider

The vet also suggested a natural supplement that's supposed to help pets with short-term stress and anxiety. This seemed to work the first couple of times we used it, but then Reggie's symptoms reappeared.

We scoured the internet for ideas. VCA Animal Hospitals advises cat parents to get their cat used to the carrier in their home before travel so that it's not as scary to them while in the car. VCA also suggests giving your cat special toys that they only get to play with during travel so that they associate it with positive emotions.

Nothing seemed to work, and as time went on, Reggie got worse. One time when we were driving, he was meowing so loudly that I took him out of his carrier in an attempt to comfort him. That was a big mistake  he pooped on me. Another time, he threw up in his carrier.

I couldn't stand to watch him suffer any longer, but we couldn't avoid car journeys forever.

A $50 playpen with a litter box has transformed the way we travel

We spoke to the vet again earlier this summer, but they wouldn't prescribe stronger medication for Reggie unless we were going on a long journey.

Not knowing what else to do, I turned to a Facebook group for cat parents.

One person sent me a photo of a playpen with a blanket and a litter box inside that she had purchased for her own cat. It looked spacious and cozy at the same time, and I couldn't believe I hadn't thought of it before.

Later that day, my partner and I headed to our local pet store and purchased a playpen for animals that cost 40, or around $50, which was much bigger than Reggie's carrier as it took up most of the car's back seat. We also got a litter tray, a blanket to make the space warm and comfortable, and new toys for Reggie to play with.

The first time we traveled with Reggie in the playpen, I sat beside him in the back of the car to make sure he was okay. He was still vocal, but not nearly as much as he had been before. I liked that the pen had a zip at the side and on the roof so that I could open it up and pet him. Reggie had a lot more space to move around and likely wasn't feeling claustrophobic.

We've used the pen a couple of times now, and each time Reggie has used the litter tray. Of course, I don't want him to feel so uneasy that he has to go to the bathroom, but at least now he will stay comfortable and clean while doing so.

Cleanliness is extremely important to cats, and they're said to spend 10-15% of their day grooming themselves, according to Pet Helpful.

If you're like me and have seemingly exhausted all options for your cat, I'd definitely recommend this. I'm no longer afraid of what will happen next time we travel.

Read the original article on Insider
An Ohio man is accused of attempted murder after deputies say he tried to drown a sheriffs deputy.

Richard Turner, 28, was arrested early in the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 22, in Scioto County.

According to a press release from the Scioto County Sheriffs Office, deputies were called around 5:45 p.m. Monday to check on a home after the homeowner had concerns there may be squatters there.

When the first deputy arrived, he noticed one man near a pond. When the deputy went inside the home, he found a woman and a man, later identified as Turner, in a bedroom, the release states.

It goes on to state that Turner, who officials say appeared to be under the influence, took off running, wearing just underwear. The deputy chased after him and Turner reportedly ran into a pond and yelled out, You cant tase me now, Im in water.

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Once the deputy was able to grab ahold of him, Turner is accused of pulling the deputy into the pond before a struggle ensued. The release states that Turner grabbed the deputys radio, holding it away so he couldnt call for help.

Then, he put the deputy in a headlock and dragged him underwater, causing him to black out and almost drown, the release states. Turner then took off, according to the sheriffs office, leaving the deputy behind in need of medical assistance.

Multiple departments arrived at the scene to assist and look for Turner.

A manhunt carried on for several hours, before officials were able to locate Turner around 1 a.m. Tuesday when he returned to the scene to get his belongings, the release states.

Turner was arrested and charged with attempted aggravated murder, attempted murder, felonious assault on a peace officer, obstructing official business, and breaking and entering. He was also served with a warrant for failure to appear on a domestic violence case.

Court records show Turner was arraigned Tuesday in Portsmouth Municipal Court and given a $230,000 bond.

The release did not state the deputys current condition.

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The loss of life from the deadly wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui has been made even worse by the loss of shelter. Some 2,000 homes have been destroyed so far, leaving thousands more homeless or displaced.

The fire has only worsened an insufficiency of homes on the island and in the state more broadly. In Hawaii, median home prices are close to $1 million and regulations on adding new supply are incredibly strict.

Weeks before the fires, Democratic Gov. Josh Green had already proclaimed a statewide housing emergency with the purpose of slashing through all that regulation to get thousands of new homes built.

"We don't have enough houses for our people. It's really that simple," said the governor at a press conference last month, where he promised "bold action to streamline processes for creating thousands of affordable housing units."

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Green is in fact taking bold action by suspending whole sections of state and local laws and regulations that relate to homebuilding.

Local governments are given far more flexibility to expedite housing approvals, while developers will have the chance to route around basically all existing regulations on home building to get housing projects approved.

It's a radically deregulatory approach that's received praise from across the political spectrum.

"This is probably the single most significant state-level action on accelerating housing production maybe in the whole country, maybe ever," Sen. Stanley Chang (DHonolulu) tells Reason.

"Hawaii has probably the most regulated land on the planet," says Robert Thomas, a former Hawaii real estate attorney who now works at the Pacific Legal Foundation, a libertarian public interest law firm. The governor's proclamation "cuts through the Gordian knot" of red tape, he says.

At the same time, Green's sweeping invocation of executive, emergency powersa sort of "yes in my backyard" (YIMBY) martial lawis provoking concern from an equally bipartisan group of critics.

Civil Beat reports that environmental groups have already denounced the proclamation's potential to allow for high-rises in residential neighborhoods. Others support the substance of the order, but question the governor's sweeping use of emergency powers.

Keli'i Akina, president and CEO of the Honolulu-based Grassroot Institute, a free market think tank, says the governor is correct in identifying government regulation as the primary cause of Hawaii's astronomical housing costs.

The proclamation nevertheless "puts the governor in the position of being a super legislator. He's basically eliminating longstanding laws in one fell swoop without the input of the legislature and therefore the people," he says. "The long-term impact on the balance of power will have to be considered. It may create some constitutional liability."

Key to the governor's proclamation is the creation of a Beyond Barriers Working Group made up of representatives of both state and local agencies, the legislature's housing committees, housing advocacy groups, and environmentalists. The working group will review individual housing projects and determine whether they're eligible for regulatory relief.

The working group would consider whether a project's sponsor had the experience and financing necessary to start construction within three years and whether their project would avoid "irreversible and irretrievable" impacts on environmental and cultural resources.

If a project satisfied these criteria, the group could then ink a development agreement with the builder allowing them to proceed with a project without having to comply with Hawaii's thicket of regulations.

Developers with a working groupcertified project wouldn't have to comply with normal zoning restrictions. They wouldn't have to go through Hawaii's cumbersome environmental review process (which can add months or years to a project's approval). They could avoid historic preservation regulations, and get relief from normal impact fees and taxes. They could also skip the need to get approval from the state's Land Use Commissiona duplicative zoning body.

In sum, homebuilders would theoretically have the opportunity to build housing projects of unlimited density almost anywhere all while skipping normal layers of review and process.

This arrangement wouldn't quite be a regulatory free-for-all. Developers would still need to go through an expedited historic and environmental review process laid out in the proclamation. They'd also have to pay their workers prevailing (union) wages and host at least one public meeting about their project.

While the proclamation doesn't require projects to include below-market-rate units, the working group is directed to prioritize projects that do include some affordable housing.

More broadly, the governor's proclamation would also allow local governments to hire private parties to sign off on building permits, expand urban growth boundaries, and permit residential development in commercial areas without having to get the typical state sign-offs.

Many people have criticized the governor's proclamation for the way it suspends the state's Sunshine Lawwhich establishes sweeping transparency requirements for government meetings and decisionsif its provisions "delay the expeditious action, decision, or approval of any board or agency." That would seemingly relieve the working group of the need to hold open meetings, respond to records requests, publish agendas ahead of time, and refrain from ex parte negotiations.

A governor-appointed lead housing officer would also have the power to call the working group into session at a time and place of their choosing. Its decisions would only need a majority vote of those members present. "Its fiat powers to approve development could be politically influenced and subject to accusations of favoritism or waste or cronyism," says Akina.

Green has said his proclamation could lead to the construction of 50,000 homes within the next few years. Chang says that the proclamation, which has to be renewed every 60 days, would be most helpful for projects already in the works. In particular, he says it could really expedite the approval of thousands of public housing units that have already been proposed.

That's all assuming that there's no successful legal or constitutional challenge to the emergency proclamation. Lawsuits challenging the order are almost inevitable, said one Maui land use attorney to Civil Beat. "There's no disagreement that we need more affordable housing. But using the state constitution as toilet paper isn't the right approach," he told the publication.

Thomas says that Hawaii courts have generally been unwilling to second-guess the governor's use of emergency powers. Numerous lawsuits challenging emergency proclamations during the pandemic all failed. "COVID taught us that [the state's emergency statute] is extremely robust," he tells Reason. "It is essentially a political question is how the Hawaii Supreme Court has treated it."

At the same time, Thomas does suggest that a court might look differently on the use of emergency powers to address something like Hawaii's housing shortage. "Maybe it's an emergency but it's one that's been festering for 50 years. It's been on the longest fuse one can imagine," he says.

Chang argues that displacement caused by Hawaii's high housing costs is the textbook definition of an emergency.

"As a result of housing prices skyrocketing, we've entered seven straight years of population decline. About half of all native-born Hawaiians live outside of Hawaii," he says. "If you had 15,000 people leaving because of flooding or a hurricane or earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, I think that would certainly qualify for an emergency. The severe [housing] shortage constitutes an emergency as well."

Green has said he'll keep his proclamation in effect for one year. (Hawaii's emergency statute requires it to be renewed every 60 days, nonetheless.)

All parties agree that the governor's proclamation is a temporary solution to Hawaii's longstanding housing affordability problems and that it is incumbent on the legislature to enact permanent fixes.

Thomas argues the proclamation offers the opportunity to see what Hawaii would look like without its existing morass of development regulations: "At the end of the [proclamation], if there's anything close to the 50,000 new units on the market the governor predicted and the sky's not black with pollution, the waters look like they do today, that's going to provide some empirical proof that it was these [regulations] getting in the way."

The post To Tackle Highest Housing Costs in the Country, Hawaii's Governor Declares YIMBY Martial Law appeared first on Reason.com.
The U.S. government has approved the potential sale of infrared search and track systems, or IRSTs, to Taiwan for use on its F-16 Viper fighters. IRSTs would give Taiwanese Vipers a hugely valuable additional tool to spot and track aerial threats, especially stealthy ones like China's J-20 fighters. This comes amid delays in the Taiwanese Air Force's acquisition of new Block 70 F-16C/Ds, but the new sensor systems could also be used on its fleet of upgraded F-16Vs.

A quintet of Taiwanese F-16s. Taiwan Military News Agency

The U.S. military's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced today that the U.S. State Department had approved the possible sale of IRSTs to Taiwan. The proposed deal, which also includes ancillary equipment and support services, has an estimated total value of approximately $500 million.

The DSCA press release does not specify what kind of IRST system, but does name Lockheed Martin as the "principal contractor." In 2019, Lockheed Martin displayed a model of a Block 70 F-16 with what appeared to be a podded IRST system on one of its chin stations at the biennial Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition in Taiwan that year.

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https://twitter.com/alert5/status/1162250720646557696

The same pod seen on the model at the exhibition in Taipei had appeared earlier in 2019 in promotional material, including the video below, for an advanced F-16 derivative, dubbed the F-21, which Lockheed Martin pitched to India.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNIwVxhwLPM

The pod seen on the model shown in Taiwan and in the F-21 marketing materials is visually distinct from Lockheed Martin's main current podded IRST offering, called the Legion Pod. The Legion Pod is actually a modular store that can be configured to perform various additional functions, including communications relay duties.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOzWHNnD4ck

It is possible that this other pod could use the same IRST system used on the Legion Pod, which is called the IRST21. That a version of this specific sensor family is also found on an IRST system in development for the U.S. Navy for use on its F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, which utilizes a modified drop tank.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet with the drop tank-based IRST system on its centerline station. Boeing

Lockheed Martin has other IRST offerings, as well, including the TacIRST system. TacIRST has been seen in podded form, as well as integrated directly into specific aircraft. So far just F-5AT aggressor jets belonging to private red air contractor Tactical Air Support have received it, as you can read more about here. TacIRST uses staring arrays, not mechanically scanning ones, for coverage.

A podded version of Lockheed Martin's TacIRST system. Lockheed Martin via USPTO

In general, IRSTs offer an additional means of spotting and tracking potential aerial threats. These sensors have the benefit of not being impacted by a target's features designed to reduce its radar cross-section and are immune to electronic warfare attacks intended to jam radars and other radio frequency emissions.

As such, IRSTs provide a particularly valuable alternative to traditional radars for aircraft operating in environments where they are expected to encounter stealthy opponents, heavy electronic warfare attacks, or both. Unlike a radar operating in an active search mode, the sensors are entirely passive, meaning that a target will not know they have been detected, either.

All this being said, IRSTs can still be used in conjunction with traditional radars, providing a powerful combination of sensor data.

Some IRSTs, including Lockheed Martin's IRST21-equipped Legon Pod, can be networked together to make them even more effective, as well. Typical IRSTs by themselves only give information about a target's bearing, but how far away it is has to be determined by other means, which can easily be a time-consuming and obtuse process. Multiple systems linked together can more rapidly triangulate the data, as well as just generate higher-fidelity tracks of specific targets.

A graphic giving a very general sense of the added capability offered by networking together the IRSTs on multiple Legion Pods. Lockheed Martin

IRSTs have long been an integral feature on Soviet and now Russian fighters, as well as Chinese ones, but less so on Western types, especially since the end of the Cold War. These sensors are now seeing a revival in the West, especially in the United States, driven in large part by the appearance of advanced aerial threats like China's J-20 stealth fighter and stealthy cruise missiles.

The Taiwanese Air Force faces those same realities, even to a more dire degree, and it is no surprise that it is looking to add IRST capability to its F-16 fleets. Chinese stealth fighters like the J-20, all-new and upgraded variants of which are now emerging, as well as stealthy drones and cruise missiles, would feature heavily in any future major conflict across the Taiwan Strait. The ranges involved are also ideally suited for IRSTs and Taiwan is certain to face an extreme electronic warfare combat environment in a cross-strait conflict. Just identifying what targets are and prioritizing the most threatening ones in such a fight will be critical, which the IRST can help with.

Chinese J-20 stealth fighters. PLAAF

New active electronically-scanned array (AESA) AN/APG-83 radars, also known as the Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR), are already a feature on Taiwan's upgraded F-16Vs and its forthcoming Block 70 F-16C/Ds. This gives those jets the ability to detect and track targets at greater ranges and with higher fidelity than older F-16s and other fighters in service on the island still using mechanically-scanned radars. They are also more reliable and far more resilient to electronic warfare attacks. They can be used as electronic warfare emitters themselves, too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZnrtB9rRT8

Taiwan's F-16 fleets also have access to AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP), another Lockheed Martin product. These sensor pods have air-to-ground and air-to-air functionality, though the latter capability is not anywhere near the level of a dedicated IRST system. They are very useful at long-range identification of targets in the air though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi9d8bstWsE

"This proposed sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipients continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability," the DSCA press release about the possible IRST deal says. "The proposed sale will improve the recipients capability to meet current and future threats by contributing to the recipients abilities to defend its airspace, provide regional security, and increase interoperability with the United States through its F-16 program."

When any Taiwanese F-16s start flying with IRSTs does remain to be seen. Taiwan's Air Force declared it had reached full operational capability with the F-16V in 2021, at which point it reportedly had 64 of those upgraded jets. The expectation is that another 77 older F-16A/Bs will eventually be brought up to this much more advanced standard.

Taiwan's acquisition of 66 new-production Block 70 F-16C/Ds, which will have a configuration similar, but not identical to its F-16Vs, is now experiencing delays. Despite hopes that the first two Block 70 Vipers would touch down on the island before the end of this year, this delivery is now reportedly not expected to occur until the third quarter of 2024. The U.S. government approved the sale of these advanced F-16s to Taiwan back in 2019.

These delays have now prompted the Taiwanese Air Force to look into extending the service life of its aging French-made Mirage 2000-5 fighters. Taiwan's current fighter fleets also include the domestically developed F-CK-1 Ching Kuo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT1WsQZtL8A

All of this comes at a time when fears are steadily growing about the potential for a Chinese military intervention against Taiwan sometime before the end of the decade. U.S. military officials have publicly stated they believe China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) could feel confident in its ability to successfully carry out such an operation by 2027, if not earlier.

Taiwan's F-16s would be a critical part of any response to any Chinese invasion and equipping them with IRST systems would greatly improve their chances in a cross-strait fight. If anything, it's somewhat puzzling as to why an IRST capability was not procured sooner, especially as China began making major advanced in air combat capabilities, and especially stealthy ones. But with all their F-16s getting major upgrades, and new ones on the way, certainly now is the time get the ball rolling on a future IRST-enabled Viper force.

Contact the author: joe@thedrive.com
This combination of photos shows Republican presidential candidates, top row from left, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, and Vivek Ramaswamy, bottom row from left, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

NEW YORK (AP)  Eight Republican candidates will meet on the debate stage for the first time Wednesday night in what may be the biggest moment in the GOP's young 2024 presidential primary so far. The overwhelming front-runner in the contest, former President Donald Trump , won't participate. He says he's so far ahead that he'd be helping his opponents by showing up. But his absence also offers them opportunity.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , a distant second to Trump in many polls, is betting that a strong showing will cement his status as the strongest alternative to the former president despite his many stumbles. DeSantis' team sees rising newcomer Vivek Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old entrepreneur, as a threat, while South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley and former Vice President Mike Pence have positioned themselves to compete.

The debate also features a handful of aggressive Trump critics led by former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, whose anti-Trump message is the centerpiece of his campaign despite the former president's continued popularity in the party. Other lesser-known candidates including North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson are largely trying to introduce themselves to voters across the country to help qualify for the second debate.

Here's what to watch:

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ALL ABOUT TRUMP

Trump is the central issue in today's Republican Party, which means he will be the central issue in the debate even in absentia. To this point, most of his rivals have tiptoed around the former president, unwilling to raise serious concerns about his mounting legal baggage, his lies about the 2020 election and his divisive leadership style.

It may be more difficult for the candidates to avoid tough questions about Trump's many shortcomings on Wednesday night, especially with outspoken critics like Christie pressing the issue. DeSantis' approach is particularly significant given his struggle to take advantage of Trump's shortcomings so far, although DeSantis' allies put out a memo last week actually encouraging him to defend the former president during the debate.

Few Republican rivals, if any, have successfully navigated the delicate politics of Trump over the last eight years. They're about to be tested again under the brightest lights in presidential politics.

CAN DESANTIS BEGIN TO REVERSE HIS SLIDE?

On paper, DeSantis was Trump's strongest competitor when he entered the race this spring. He hasn't lived up to the billing. And after a series of stumbles and staffing cuts, DeSantis cannot afford to underwhelm with the nation watching on Wednesday night.

His opponents won't make it easy. He may have avoided a direct confrontation with Trump, but DeSantis is expecting an onslaught of attacks from the other candidates on stage. He'll need to defend himself while projecting a likeable image, which is something he's struggled with in the past.

DeSantis also risks being too scripted if he parrots the talking points leaked by allies last week that called for him to defend Donald Trump in absentia in response to a Chris Christie attack, hammer Ramaswamy in a response" and attack Joe Biden and the media 3-5 times. Perhaps no one has more to gain with a strong performance than DeSantis. But if he has any glaring missteps, he may not make it to Iowa.

ABORTION MINEFIELD

For much of the year, many Republican candidates have sidestepped specific questions about abortion and whether they would support a federal law outlawing the procedure nationwide. Whatever they say or don't say Wednesday night could have serious short- and long-term political consequences. And there are no easy answers.

Religious conservatives who wield tremendous influence in GOP primary elections  especially in the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses  strongly support a nationwide abortion ban. But the broader swath of voters who will ultimately decide the general election next fall overwhelmingly support abortion rights.

Look no further than DeSantis for evidence of the delicate dance on abortion. Just four months ago, the Florida governor signed into Florida law a ban on abortions at six weeks of pregnancy  before most women know they're pregnant. But he has largely avoided the issue on the campaign trail. Scott and Pence stand on the other side. Both have said they would sign a national abortion ban if elected. And Pence is planning to press the issue on the debate stage whether his rivals want him to or not. Democrats hope he does.

FOREIGN POLICY CONFLICT

The conservatives on stage agree on most policies. But in the age of Trump, foreign policy has emerged as a serious point of contention.

A growing group of Republicans, including the likes of DeSantis and Ramaswamy, have embraced Trump's America First populism that calls for a reduced U.S. footprint in global affairs. DeSantis earlier in the year described Russia's invasion of Ukraine as  a territorial dispute " before being forced to backtrack. Others have offered similar assessments. And the conflicts extend well beyond Ukraine.

Ramaswamy last week said he hoped to reduce expanded aid to Israel by 2028. On the other side of the issue, Pence and Haley have called for a more muscular foreign policy against Russia and other geopolitical foes as is the GOP tradition.

Foreign policy rarely sways presidential primaries, but few issues will demonstrate the differences between the candidates' policies on Wednesday night more than this one.

CHRISTIE: A DANGEROUS WILDCARD

No one on stage has proven to be a more effective debater than Christie. The pugnacious former New Jersey governor, always comfortable in the spotlight, almost single-handedly ended Florida Sen. Marco Rubio's campaign during a 2016 presidential debate with a devastating takedown. Later that year, Christie joined Trump's debate prep team ahead of his meeting with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

That makes Christie a dangerous and experienced wildcard for the other participants. He has emerged as the most vocal Trump critic in the 2024 Republican field so far, and he is expected to continue to pound on the former president even in absentia. But without Trump on stage, it's unclear if such attacks will resonate. Christie could easily shift his ire to one or more of Trump's apologists on stage, including DeSantis.

In recent days, Christie has seized on the memo that the Florida governor's allies leaked last week outlining specific debate talking points. Christie, who took down Rubio for being overly scripted, warned that the Florida governor should get the hell out of the race if he repeats the talking points.

CAN A LOWER-TIER CANDIDATE BREAK OUT?

For some candidates, this presidential debate could be their last unless they can score a breakout moment. Pence in particular struggled to meet the fundraising thresholds to qualify for Wednesday's event. Hutchinson and Burgum barely met the 1% polling marks. That gives several candidates a big incentive to generate a viral moment that will be remembered  and replayed on social media and cable TV  over the coming weeks.

Most will have prepared lines designed to do just that, although it's not easy to deliver such lines without sounding overly scripted. That won't stop them from trying.

Burgum almost missed his opportunity, though: He hurt his Achilles tendon playing basketball with members of his campaign staff on Tuesday and was taken to the emergency room. However, the governor said Wednesday afternoon he plans to participate in the Republican presidential debate.

The Burgum campaign posted a photo on X, formerly known as Twitter, of Burgum entering the stage on crutches during a candidate walkthrough earlier Wednesday. Im in, he posted.

The next debate is scheduled for Sept. 27 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Trump has already said he would not participate in that one, either. And given rising polling and fundraising thresholds, it would be a surprise to see all eight candidates on stage again.
Taliban fighters have committed hundreds of extrajudicial killings since taking power in Afghanistan in 2021, despite a general amnesty meant to protect the previous government, according to the United Nations.

In a reported released Tuesday, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) counted at least 218 extrajudicial killings among more than 800 alleged offenses, including arbitrary arrests and detention, torture and ill-treatment and enforced disappearances.

Former members of the Afghan National Army and police and National Directorate of Security officials were among those most targeted, and the majority of violations took place in the immediate months following the terror groups takeover on August 15, 2021, the UNAMA said.

The report presents a sobering picture of the treatment of individuals affiliated with the former government and security forces of Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover of the country, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk. Even more so, given they were assured that they would be not targeted, it is a betrayal of the peoples trust.

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The Taliban had initially presented itself as a more moderate version of its former self and promised an amnesty for adversaries as they swept across the country following the withdrawal of US and NATO troops after two decades of war.

But it has harshly cracked down on citizens instead, targeting women by banning them from university and closing secondary schools for girls. Afghan women are also banned from working at NGOs including the UN and restricted from travel without a male chaperone. They are also banned from public spaces like parks and gyms.

International rights groups and bodies like the UN have accused the Taliban of unwinding progress in protecting human rights since seizing power.

Afghan women who spoke to CNN said that life under Taliban rule was becoming increasingly repressive and brutal, with new rules that require them to remain covered and to only venture out with a male guardian.

Taliban fighters on patrol during celebrations marking its second anniversary of its recapture of Kabul. - Abdul Khaliq/AP

Whereabouts unknown

In the report, the UN documented more than 144 instances of torture and ill treatment of former government and security officials,

More than 424 arbitrary arrests and detentions and at least 14 instances of enforced disappearances, including the head of Herat Womens Prison Alia Azizi, who hasnt been seen since October 2021, the UN said.

In interviews conducted with UN officials, individuals recounted beatings with pipes, cables, verbal threats and abuse at the hands of Taliban security force members.

Family members had also shared that their relatives had been arrested or gone missing, their bodies found days or even months later, UNAMA added.

Afghanistan remains a state party to a number of international human rights treaties and conventions which prohibit extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions and torture and ill treatment, noted UNAMA. Former government and security officials are entitled to the same human rights protections as all Afghans.

Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called on the Taliban to punish offenders.

I urge the de facto authorities to carefully consider the findings of this report and to uphold their obligations under international human rights law by preventing further violations and holding perpetrators to account.

Responding to the UN report, the Taliban-led foreign affairs ministry denied state sanctioned extrajudicial killings or targeting people who fought or worked for the previous establishment.

No military staff of the previous administration has been arrested, detained or tortured because of his activities in the security institutions, the group said in a statement published with the UNAMA report.

In relation to the prohibition of torture, the rights of suspects and detainees, a decree has been issued by His Highness Amir al-Muminin, which is enforced throughout the country, it claimed, using an honorific for the Talibans Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.

In case any official or security and defense institutions of the Islamic Emirate has violated the decree of amnesty, the matter will be officially investigated and the perpetrators will be introduced to the judicial authorities for prosecution.

Taliban officials say they have freed the country from foreign occupying forces.

Afghans were able to regain their country, freedom, government and will, Taliban deputy spokesperson Bilal Karimi previously told CNN.

UNAMA Head Roza Otunbayeva called on the Taliban to demonstrate genuine commitment to the general amnesty and ensure that it was upheld.

This is a crucial step in ensuring real prospects for justice, reconciliation and peace in the country, Otunbayeva said.

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Ever wonder what it's like to sail a tall ship? Over the next five days, curiosity-seekers in the area will be able to find out.

The A.J. Meerwald, a wooden 115-foot schooner with a pair of masts, one 68 feet and the other 65 feet, is booking hands-on tours out of Atlantic Highlands Wednesday through Sunday.

The 95-year-old ship owns a colorful history of oystering in the Delaware Bay, then serving as a stateside fireboat during World War II, then clamming in the Atlantic Ocean. Based in Commercial Township in Cumberland County, its been used for hands-on tours since 1996 and just underwent a 10-month restoration.

Maintained by the aquatic advocacy nonprofit Bayshore Center, the A.J. Meerwald operates as a sort of traveling classroom about marine life and gives passengers an opportunity to set its three sails and haul in lines during a two-hour tour of Sandy Hook Bay.

The A.J. Meerwald is New Jersey state tall ship

Its used to teach not only about the history of oystering and the shellfish industry, but connects that world to environmental sustainability, said Rachel Dolhanczyk, the Bayshore Centers museum curator. An oyster is a keystone piece to the (underwater) environment. Oyster reefs provide habitats for fish and crabs. The more oysters you have, the more fish and crabs you have.

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The A.J. Meerwald is one of about eight such schooners from the period still in operation. Built during an oyster boom in the 1920s, it was converted to power with an engine that was used during parts of the oystering process (for other parts, sail power worked best to tread lightly on the environment).

Through the years the ships fortunes rose and fell with circumstances. The Great Depression bankrupted its original owners (the Meerwald family). During World War II, it was sold to the U.S. Coast Guard and outfitted as a fireboat to support ships loading and unloading munitions at the Philadelphia and Camden ports (there are no records of it actually responding to a fire).

After the war it returned to oystering, but the business was devastated by a parasite that wiped out most of the oyster population in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. In 1959 it was converted to dredge clams offshore and continued working the waters until 1979.

The Meerwalds retirement gig, so to speak, of giving educational tours began in 1996. Its last appearance in Atlantic Highlands came in 2019, before a COVID pause and a $1.3 million restoration project.

This is the first year since 2019 that its actually back out and filled with people, said Jessica Yorke, the Bayshore Centers executive director.

Tickets are $50 apiece and can be purchased at www.bayshorecenter.org/our-ship/public-sails. Tours out of Atlantic Highlands take place Wednesday (noon and 3 p.m.), Thursday (noon and 6 p.m.), Friday (noon and 3 p.m.), Saturday (noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.) and Sunday (noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.). For more information, go to www.bayshorecenter.org or contact the Bayshore Center at 856-785-2060 or info@BayshoreCenter.org.

Jerry Carino is community columnist for the Asbury Park Press, focusing on the Jersey Shores interesting people, inspiring stories and pressing issues. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Tall-masted schooner offers sailing out of Atlantic Highlands NJ
Tarrant County Judge Tim OHare is calling for a change in leadership at the Tarrant Appraisal District after the agencys head of Information Systems was suspended pending an investigation.

On Monday, TAD suspended Cal Wood after a Star-Telegram inquiry into a recording of Wood telling coworkers he supported creating a false narrative for the media about TADs tech issues.

TAD needs a change in leadership to restore the publics trust, which is currently non-existent, OHare wrote in a post on X.

The countys taxing entities elect members to the five-person board.

There is a serious leadership problem at the Tarrant Appraisal District. This suspension is simply not enough. TAD needs a change in leadership to restore the publics trust, which is currently non-existent. How many scandals does it take? https://t.co/ujScYEIXJ4  Tim O'Hare, Tarrant County Judge (@TimothyOHare) August 22, 2023

How many scandals does it take? OHare asked.

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Since OHare took office in January, the agency responsible for appraising property values in Tarrant County has faced several high-profile controversies:

During its Aug. 11 meeting, the TAD board of directors took a vote of confidence in Law, as stipulated by the letter of repair. Tony Pompa, JR Martinez and Jungus Jordan voted yes. Rich DeOtte and Vince Puente voted no.

DeOtte referenced this vote in a statement released Tuesday.

After more than two years of scandals, this most recent scandal needs to be the last. I voted no confidence in the Chief Appraiser at our last board meeting. Well, here we go again. We are well past the time to change leadership at TAD. I call on the TAD Board to convene and fix the problem once and for all. The public trust is completely lost and for good reason. We cannot continue to kick this can down the road., DeOtte said.
TAUNTON  In his first week as Tauntons new Fire Chief, Steven Lavigne said hes having a ball as he continues seeing the other side of the Fire Department.

In his 34 years as a member of the Taunton Fire Department, Lavigne, 56, has been all about duty to his city  and to those who serve alongside him.

If you want to do good, serve your community and have a positive effect, then this is the place to do it, he said.

Lavigne took over as chief on Aug. 13 when former Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw retired after serving 13 years as chief, and 28 years total with the Taunton Fire Department.

Said Lavigne about Bradshaw: He put us in a good spot to succeed. My job is to continue what he left behind. He established the foundation. Now its up to me to build upon it.

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Said Bradshaw before he retired: "Chief Steve Lavigne is a seasoned, experienced fire officer with a ton of knowledge to draw from. He has a lot of knowledge regarding what firefighters need to do the job because he has worked on a frontline engine for many years until transitioning to chief.

"The Taunton Fire Department has been a home for me and my family for many generations and I know I left the department in capable hands and solid leadership under Chief Lavigne."

Taunton's brand new Fire Chief Steven Lavigne, who took the reins on Aug. 13 when former Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw retired, sits at his desk on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.

From a public safety family

Born, raised and never left Taunton, duty and service were traits instilled in Lavigne from the beginning, as he comes from a family dedicated to public safety. His father was a Massachusetts State Police trooper.

After graduating from Coyle and Cassidy High School in 1984, Lavigne would spend the next several years figuring out what his career path would be. He worked in construction and spent several years with different academic institutions. He got his associate's degree in Fire Science at Bristol Community College.

He eventually decided he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps" and enter law enforcement.

Lavigne took the civil service test and passed to be a state trooper. He said he was close to being hired, but the state instituted a hiring freeze at the last possible minute.

After this setback Lavigne looked into working at the Taunton Fire Department, another family tradition; his great-uncle was former Taunton Fire Chief Carlton Galligan Sr. He took the test and was hired in 1989, at age 22.

I found my calling here. Time has been very good for me here. I never looked back, he said.

Community service continues to run in his family, two of his sons, Evan and Seth Lavigne, serve as Taunton police officers. His nephew is Kevin Lavigne, currently serving as a lieutenant with the Fire Department.

His wife, Kimberly, recently retired after serving 36 years with the Taunton Housing Authority.

"You dont get this far without sacrifice, Lavigne said about his wife's dedication, adding he wouldnt be where he is without her.

Bradshaw says good-bye to job he loves What he's seen and learned. What's next?

New Taunton Fire Chief Steven Lavigne is sworn in Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. By his side are sons Evan Lavigne and Seth Lavigne, both Taunton Police officers, wife Kimberly Lavigne, retiring Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw and Mayor Shaunna O' Connell.

Giving back as much as he gets

Lavigne said over the years he worked hard to absorb the knowledge and experience from the many veterans he worked alongside.

The way they approached the job. You see the professionalism, the dedication, the hard work. Thats what I wanted to emulate, he said.

Lavigne rose through the ranks of the Taunton Fire Department. He became a lieutenant after eight years of service. He would work as a fire prevention officer for several years before being promoted to captain in 2006.

Teaching and training, both for him and other officers, are two passions for Lavigne. Early on as captain he was assigned as training officer for the department.

Retiring Taunton Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw, right, passes the baton to brand new Taunton Fire Chief Steven Lavigne, left, and Lavigne's swearing-in in the City Council chambers on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023.

He explained, as a training officer, you need to know almost everything regarding protocol, policy and how equipment works, and I was able to get my fingers into everything regarding the different divisions and responsibilities with running the fire department.

It was during this time he also served as an instructor at the Fall River Fire Academy. Regarding teaching the new generations, Lavigne would count his time as training officer, both for the department and with academies, as some of my most rewarding times here.

In 2011, Lavigne was promoted to house captain for the fire station on Bay Street. He would stay in this role until becoming chief.

4 Taunton workers made more than $300K Here are the top 10 highest paid in 2022

The days he'll never forget

Lavigne doesnt necessarily reminisce over past calls hes had over his career.

Ive been involved in many rescues, and health and safety, adding its part of the job and early on I was told if you end your shift with the same guys you started with, then you did your job.

He did recall two particular days.

The first one was March 9, 1989, where his first fire ever on the line was immediately followed by his second fire. After putting out a fire on North Walker Street, his engine headed over to the incomplete North Woods Condominiums property, now where the BJ's Wholesale Club on Bay Street exists, for a lengthy and massive general alarm surround and drown campaign.

According to the March 10, 1989 issue of the Patriot Ledger, more than 200 firefighters came from 19 communities to battle this blaze, which went from night into the next day. Lavigne remembers that massive fire as both thrilling and pure misery.

The second incident was Dec. 30, 2010, when the Taunton Fire Department put out an apartment house fire on Barnum Street. Seven people, including a 3-year old girl who suffered smoke inhalation, were rescued.

Citations for professionalism and bravery were handed out by then Mayor Charles Crowley and the states House of Representatives to then Captain Lavigne, as well as 16 other firefighters, and one Taunton police officer.

Taunton's brand new Fire Chief Steven Lavigne, who took the reins on Aug. 13 when former Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw retired, in the fire station on Monay, Aug. 7, 2023.

Training the next generation

As fire chief, Lavigne said he isnt going to reinvent the wheel but keep it rolling.

A big focus for Lavigne concerns the predicted high turnover rate the department will face over the next several years due to numerous retirements.

As Lavigne sees it, thats a lot of knowledge and experience the department will be losing, so We have to be ready for that. We have to have a succession plan.

This will only be accomplished through an increase in training and educational opportunities across the department. Lavigne points out the department has more certified instructors than ever before.

Theres a lot of growth through the younger officers that we need to address. My job is to make sure this department moves in the correct direction for that.

First to serve in brand new public safety building

Lavigne will be the first fire chief to move into the citys first dual public safety complex for both Police and Fire.

The Administration (of Mayor Shaunna O'Connell) has been fantastic in addressing our needs. Were moving forward. This new facility is proof of that, Lavigne said.

Lavigne will be responsible for transitioning the headquarters from the Central Fire Station to the new complex when it's completed.

A big component of the new complex will be an all-new training facility for the Fire Department, something thats been lacking for decades and one that Lavigne is excited about.

This will enhance our ability to train our own, he said.

As the departments operations move from Central Fire Station into the 21st century with a new building complex, he remains committed to addressing the infrastructure needs of the other four fire stations, three of which, like Central Fire, were built in the 1800s.

This administration is moving forward trying to address the older buildings. Its a matter of finding the funding, he said, adding we make the stations work.

OConnell said of Lavigne, "through his 34 years of service with the Taunton Fire Department, Chief Lavigne has risen through the ranks and served in a variety of capacities, giving him a broad and comprehensive understanding of the Fire Department.

"I look forward to working with Chief Lavigne and am confident the Department will continue to grow and flourish under his leadership."

This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Taunton's new Fire Chief Steven Lavigne takes reins from Tim Bradshaw
Abrar Ahmed, left, a survivor of cable car incident, sits with his cousin as he talks to members of media, near the incident site, in Pashto village, a mountainous area of Battagram district in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. The rescue of six school children and two adults who were plucked from a broken cable car that was dangling precariously hundreds of meters (yards) above a steep gorge was a miracle, a survivor said Wednesday. The teenager said he and the others felt repeatedly that death was imminent during the 16-hour ordeal. (AP Photo/Saqib Manzoor)

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP)  Schoolchildren who were rescued from a broken cable car dangling high above a valley in Pakistan said Wednesday they repeatedly feared they were about to die during the 16-hour ordeal despite attempts by their parents to reassure them over cellphones.

Several of the children, who had been on their way to school Tuesday when one of the car's cables snapped, also appealed for a school and bridge to be built in their village so they wouldn't have to ride the cable car in the future.

Six children and two adults were pulled from the cable car in a daring rescue Tuesday. One of the youngest was grabbed by a commando attached to a helicopter by rope, while others were lowered to the ground with the help of volunteers using a makeshift chairlift constructed by villagers from a wooden bed frame and ropes. Volunteer Mohammad Sohaib emerged as a hero after helping to rescue three of the children, one by one.

I had heard stories about miracles, but I saw a miraculous rescue happening with my own eyes, said 15-year-old Osama Sharif, one of those rescued.

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Osama was headed to school on Tuesday to receive the results of his final exam when one of the cables snapped.

We suddenly felt a jolt, and it all happened so suddenly that we thought all of us are going to die, he said in a telephone interview.

Some of those aboard had cellphones and started making calls. Worried parents tried to reassure the children.

They were telling us dont worry, help is coming, he said. After several hours, the passengers saw helicopters flying in the air.

Locally made cable cars are a widely used form of transportation in the mountainous Battagram district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Gliding across steep valleys, they cut down travel time to schools, workplaces and businesses. But they often are poorly maintained, and every year people die or are injured while using them.

On Wednesday, police arrested Gul Zarin, the owner of the cable car, on charges of ignoring safety measures. Local authorities in the northwestern mountainous regions said they would close all cable cars believed to be unsafe.

Thousands of people turned out to watch the risky operation on Tuesday. At one stage, a rope lowered from a helicopter swayed wildly as a child, secured by a harness, was pulled up.

In fact, the choppers added an element of danger. The air currents churned up by the whirling blades risked weakening the only cable preventing the cable car from crashing to the bottom of the river canyon.

We cried, and tears were in our eyes, as we feared the cable car will go down, Osama said.

After sunset, with the helicopters no longer able to fly, rescuers shifted tactics. They used a makeshift chairlift to approach the cable car using the one cable that was still intact, local police chief Nazir Ahmed said.

Shouts of God is great erupted as the chairlift was lowered to the ground in the final stage of the operation just before midnight.

Ahmed said the children received oxygen as a precaution before being handed over to their parents, many of whom burst into tears of joy.

Two other survivors, Rizwan Ullah, an 11-year-old boy and Gul Faraz, 25, told The Associated Press that they would not forget the ordeal for years.

Gul said he feared while waiting for rescue that the cable car would crash to the ground and we would die soon. He appealed to the government to build a school in the area and link their village to nearby towns with a bridge and a road so our elders and young people dont face such things.

Rizwan said he doesn't want to use the cable car again, but that would only be possible if a school is built nearby.

Ata Ullah, another rescued student, said he would try to be brave the next time he has to ride one.

I feel fear in my mind about using the cable car, but I have no other option. I will go to my school again when the cable car is repaired, he said.
Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin on board plane that crashed with no survivors, says Russian civil aviation authority

Wagner mercenary group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was on board a jet that crashed in Russia on Wednesday killing 10 people on board, Russias civil aviation authority has said.

Seven passengers and three crew were on board the private Embraer aircraft, which was en route from Moscow to St Petersburg when it came down, officials at Rosaviatsia said.

The jet is said to have crashed in the Tver region, north of Moscow. The Russian emergency services ministry said according to preliminary information, all those on board died.

Officials said Prigozhin and his deputy, group commander Dmitry Utkin Wagner, were on the passenger list and on board.

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Wagner-linked Telegram channel Grey Zone said that the pair had been killed. The Standard has been unable to confirm the reports.

Mr Prigozhin, whose private military force fought alongside Russia's regular army in Ukraine, mounted a short-lived armed mutiny against Russia's military leadership in late June.

The Kremlin said he would be exiled to Belarus, and his fighters would either retire, follow him there, or join the Russian military.

An image reported to show smoke from the crash in the Tver region (via REUTERS)

President Joe Biden has been briefed on developments.

Mr Biden and CIA Director Williams Burns spoke separately last month of a potential danger to Prigozhin after his uprising against Russian President Vladimir Putins regime.

White House national security spokesperson Adrienne Watson said following the crash: We have seen the reports. If confirmed, no one should be surprised [given his history with Putin].

The UKs Foreign Office said: We are monitoring the situation closely.

Flight tracking data reviewed by The Associated Press shows a private jet registered to Wagner that Prigozhin had used previously took off from Moscow on Wednesday evening and its transponder signal disappeared minutes later.

Wagner-linked Telegram channel Grey Zone reported that the private plane was shot down by air defences.

It said local residents heard two bangs before the crash and saw two vapour trails.

Tass news agency said the plane caught fire on hitting the ground. The aircraft had been in the air for less than half an hour, it said.

A video online purported to show the plane falling from the sky.

UPDATE: There are reports that the head of Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the business plane that crashed today in Russia.



10 people are reportedly dead. It belonged to Prigozhin and Russian media is reporting that he was on the plane.



Wagner sources claim that pic.twitter.com/RJZWhn1mcF  Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) August 23, 2023

Another news agency, Ria, said eight bodies had been recovered.

Grey Zone reported that a second business jet owned by Mr Prigozhin landed safely in the Moscow region.

Mercenary boss Mr Prigozhin, 62, headed the mutiny between June 23 and 24, moving his troops from Ukraine, seizing the southern Russian city of Rostov on Don and threatened to march on Moscow.

The move came after months of tension with Russian military commanders over the Ukraine conflict.

The stand-off was settled by a deal which allowed Wagner troops to move to Belarus or join the Russian army.

Mr Prigozhin himself agreed to relocate to Belarus.

But in recent weeks he has apparently been able to move freely, making public appearances in Russia and releasing a video of him purportedly in Africa.

As the news about the crash was breaking, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at an event commemorating the Battle of Kursk, hailing the heroes of Russias the special military operation in Ukraine.

Also this week, Russian media reported, citing anonymous sources, that a top Russian general linked to Prigozhin  General Sergei Surovikin  was dismissed from his position of the commander of Russias air force.

Surovikin, who at one point led Russias operation in Ukraine, hasnt been seen in public since the mutiny, when he recorded a video address urging Prigozhins forces to pull back.
The couple met nearly four years ago while working at a different news station in Montana.

A Tennessee news anchor surprised his girlfriend and colleague with an on-air proposal that has gone viral, People reports.

Cornelia Nicholson was recording a segment for NBC affiliate WRCB when her boyfriend, Riley Nagel, appeared on set with a flower bouquet and popped the question.

Screenshot of Cornelia Nicholson during surprise proposal with Riley Nagel. (Credit: YouTube/Local 3 News)

I thought itd be fitting to ask you this question here, since we met in news, said Nagel, who also works at WRCB as a reporter, People reports. Cornelia Nicholson, would you marry me?

A visibly emotional Nicholson responded, Im going to cry!

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The couple met nearly four years ago while working at a different news station in Montana.

Youre so bright, and you always light up a room when you come in and make everyone laugh, Nagel told Nicholson during the proposal.

Nagel also praised Nicholson for always pushing me to do better in news and in other aspects in my life.

Youre one of the reasons, or pretty much the main reason Im still in news today, he said in the clip.

Nicholson posted footage of the emotional moment on TikTok this week, with the caption: Still at a loss for words, she wrote.

The video has accumulated 4.6 million views.

The absolute sweetest thing ever. I wish you both so much happiness, one person commented on Local 3 News YouTube video of the proposal.

Another person added,  very good job sir, beautiful couple, congratulations and many blessings to your marriage in the future.

In a subsequent news segment, Nagel joked, They dont call me the romance reporter for nothing!

Although Nagel said Nicholson had some hints about what was happening during the life-changing moment, she was unaware she would introduce her own proposal during the news segment.

Nicholson noted in the caption for her TikTok post that the surprise left her speechless.

@Riley Nagel hid this so well, she wrote. I am so excited for our future together.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Tennessee TV host proposed to on air appeared first on TheGrio.
High school students walk to their next class after the bell rings at Elsik Ninth Grade Center in Houston on March 28, 2018. Credit: Pu Ying Huang for The Texas Tribune

For 24/7 mental health support in English or Spanish, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations free help line at 800-662-4357. You can also reach a trained crisis counselor through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

More than 40 years after former First Lady Nancy Reagan launched her famous Just Say No advertising campaign, Texas and the rest of the nation are once again trying to combat youth drug use through public school awareness programs.

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education initiative  commonly known as D.A.R.E.  was introduced to schools in the early 1980s. It was designed to equip elementary and high school students with the skills to avoid drugs by standing up to peer pressure, but the program began to fade out of school districts across the country by the middle of the 2000s due to lack of results. This hasnt stopped other anti-drug programs from taking its place over the years as the country constantly scrambles to figure out how to solve the problem of youth drug abuse.

Now, Texas is about to launch its latest anti-drug program in schools. Earlier this year, the state launched One Pill Kills, a multimedia campaign designed to warn Texans about the unlawful use of fentanyl, the synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Reinforcing that message is a new law passed this year  House Bill 3908  which requires fentanyl and drug abuse prevention instruction in Texas public schools for grades six through 12.

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The measure  named Tuckers Law after Tucker Roe, a 19-year-old from Leander who died after taking a fentanyl-laced pill  went into effect in June and also requires Gov. Greg Abbott to designate a Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week in public schools.

Roe died after he took what he thought was Percocet. The pill he purchased on social media was laced with fentanyl. His mother, Stefanie Turner, has been fighting ever since to have students educated about the dangers of fentanyl.

He told me the first time he was offered a pill, and it wasnt enough to save him. Having a loving family wasnt enough to save him, Turner said at the One Pill Kills summit that was held in April. This can happen to any family.

Turners statement gets to the heart of why previous anti-drug instruction has had such meager results.

Studies on the D.A.R.E. program in the 1990s pointed out that the anti-drug curriculum failed because it didnt acknowledge that youth drug use is often a symptom of a larger mental health problem.

Many students who have a substance abuse disorder have had a negative experience in their childhood, and being taught healthy ways to manage their emotions could prevent them from turning to drugs.

Some mental health providers in Texas worry the states new emphasis on fentanyl education will be a repeat of the D.A.R.E. program mistakes made decades ago.

Kids have to understand why they are buying pills in the first place, said Kathleen Hassenfratz, a licensed professional counselor and board member for the nonprofit mental health organization the Engage and Heal Foundation, a group that formed in 2019 to raise mental health awareness.

Youth mental health was declared a national emergency by pediatric experts across the country in 2021 as they warned that stress brought on by COVID-19 was leading to a rise in suspected suicide attempts among young people and an increase in hospital emergency room visits for mental health crises.

School counselors across the country have reported an uptick in the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidality and eating disorders among students.

Students who are experiencing thoughts about self-harm are more often advancing those thoughts into action. They now have thoughts, plus a plan, plus action, Jennifer Akins, a licensed professional counselor and president of the Texas School Counselors Association told Counseling Today in 2022.

One area of study specifically highlighted nationwide is young peoples lack of emotional regulation. Those key years when kids learn how to monitor, evaluate and modify emotions that arise following a stimulus happened behind computer screens as they stayed at home for online classes during the pandemic.

A lot of it has been lumped together as an anxiety crisis. I would say we have seen a crisis in social skills, conflict resolution and self management, Summer Rose, a Dallas-based chief clinical officer for Communities In Schools, an anti-dropout program that works with public and charter schools. You forced everybody to only live in a digital world and then put them back in school and told them to do what they were doing but in real life, but they havent been taught how to do that in the real world.

Mental health and substance abuse have been linked for many years, but how closely these two correlate has been a topic of research for years.

A 2002 study that looked at two national surveys on drug use concluded that unmet mental health care needs among those with a mental illness will most likely lead to self-medication in the future.

Results suggest that timely screening and treatment of mental health problems may prevent the development of substance-use disorders among those with mental disorders, the study states.

Dr. Sarah Martin, division director of child and adolescent psychiatry at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, said poor mental health and substance abuse among young people can be considered a two-way street.

Adolescents with psychiatric disorders use more substances, and those who use more substances have more psychiatric disorders, she said.

Some young people may think that they can use substances like illicit drugs or alcohol as an easier or cheaper way to find relief instead of seeking professional help, but substance abuse often makes pyschiatric symptoms worse.

Martin said she thinks all public health improvement starts with education, and school is a great place to make sure children and adolescents receive accurate information.

Substance use disorder is one type of mental health problem, and when you have one problem of this type, you are more likely to have other problems in the same area, she said. So educating students about mental health and substance abuse makes a lot of sense, and as a psychiatrist, I treat both problems at the same time because they are both so harmful to a childs future. Good mental health is not possible if a substance use disorder exists, and vice versa.

Hassenfratz of the Engage and Heal Foundation said thats why the group is looking to gauge lawmakers interest in this upcoming special session about attaching a mental health literacy component to Tuckers Law. The group would like mental health literacy added for all public school students.

Youre teaching biology, youre learning about genetics and genes and the way hereditary things are passed down. At the same time, you can talk about how mental health issues are genetically passed down as well, Hassenfratz said. The baseline of mental health literacy is basically helping people understand their feelings and emotions.

In whatever form it takes, whether a separate bill or an addition to the fentanyl education program, the group would like the potential addendum to be named for Erik Hanson, a highly accomplished 2017 Lake Travis High School graduate who died by suicide one year into college.

Martin, who is also an executive committee member for Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine, which provides telemedicine and telehealth programs to schools across the state, said she believes a mental health literacy component would be a great addition to schools.

While I can only speak for Texas Tech El Paso, TCHATT is in a great position to assist in this effort, if needed, she said.

The telemedicine program in El Paso serves 34 West Texas school districts, and to date more than 1,550 students have received care from Texas Tech University of Health Sciences Center fellows.

Amelia Floyd, Engage and Heals president and co-founder, said if the group cant get a mental health literacy program in schools then they want to make sure every districts website has a mental health component to explain emotions, feelings and mental health in general.

You can be sad, but depression is a whole different thing, Hassenfratz said. One is a clinical issue and we need to teach the students the difference because a lot of kids are just self-diagnosing.

A growing number of young people are turning to social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok for guidance, resources and support for their mental health or to find a condition they think matches their feelings. This trend has alarmed therapists and school counselors as mental health diagnoses are being used almost as descriptors instead of an illness.

It has become kind of cool to be able to say you have something even though they havent been clinically diagnosed. They just say words, like, I have anxiety, Hassenfratz said. She said young people need to learn to recognize when stress becomes unmanageable.

Relying on the internet to self-diagnosis is not a new trend. But mental health providers are concerned that students are now taking any emotion as a sign of mental illness and in turn are now self-medicating their problems away.

Rose, with Communities in Schools in Dallas, said her team has dealt with a lot of mental health questions by students that seemingly spawn from something they viewed on social media.

A student will say, I have three or four of the things someone had on a slide on TikTok or Instagram. Does that mean I am suicidal? Rose said. They are asking more questions, which we love because me and my team are licensed professionals.

Rose said schools have a valuable opportunity to reach students at an early age to teach them about emotional regulation.

Schools are uniquely positioned to be able to play that critical role in supporting students learning about these conditions in a nonstigmatizing way, she said.

The full program is now LIVE for the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival, happening Sept. 21-23 in Austin. Explore the program featuring more than 100 unforgettable conversations coming to TribFest. Panel topics include the biggest 2024 races and whats ahead, how big cities in Texas and around the country are changing, the integrity of upcoming elections and so much more. See the full program.
As students were leaving McCallum High School, a part of the Austin Independent School District in Texas, on Tuesday, they were confronted with controversial messages as they were heading out of the building against LGBTQ+ rights and abortion.



According to reports from Austin NBC affiliate KXAN, fewer than a dozen people attended holding signs to voice their opposition to bodily autonomy and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people.

The protesters were on the sidewalk but were blocking the buses, so they were asked to move, a spokesperson for AISD said. Austin ISD Police officers were on-site to ensure everyones safety, and the protesters left after about an hour.



Austin City Council member Alison Alter helped launch the We All Belong anti-hate campaign after a hate crime against her synagogue in 2021. It was set ablaze in an arson attack. Alter criticized the protest at the public school.



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We need to be standing up and saying that everyone belongs, and this is a community for everyone, she said. Alter brought attention to reporting hate crimes.

Not every hate crime or hate incident is the same, but people do need to report, she told the outlet. Take action in the form of having those hard community conversations or creating a space where people can come together and celebrate.

Alter added, Fight hate with love, fight hate with light.

The school has announced that, as a result of Tuesdays incident, counselors will be available to support students who are feeling distressed due to the protest.

Students across the country have either returned to school or will be returning soon, and many of them will find differences in their educational landscape this year due to Republican-controlled states restricting access to information and limiting discussions of topics related to LGBTQ+ experiences and race.

This includes Texas.
Double whammy for students





Oh, the irony: The Star-Telegram reports failing and falling reading scores across grade levels and schools (Aug. 17, Reading scores slip in Fort Worth on this years STAAR exam) on the same front page with a report that Fort Worth school libraries will be closed to students during the first three weeks of class. (Fort Worth ISD libraries closed as books scrutinized) This could be the last time students with other responsibilities (family duties, part-time jobs) have a chance to wander into the library and check out something to read before homework assignments pile up.

As Mark Twain wrote: In the first place, God created idiots. That was for practice. Then he made school boards.

- Guelma B. Hopkins, Fort Worth

A future blessing from past pain

Reading about the former KKK state headquarters building becoming the Fred Rouse Center for Arts and Community Healing, (Aug. 14, 1A, Blessing ceremony held for healing center at former KKK building) I recall a dear memory from 1964.

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As I was driving down North Main Street with my grandfather, he suddenly said: Stop! This is where I came over from Dallas in 1924 to attend a celebration by a fraternal group, the Ku Klux Klan. I listened to them for a while, but when I realized what it was about, I quickly left, as I wanted nothing to do with it!

Now, a century later, our white family knows that if he were alive today, he would be glad that grand old building is being transformed for the purpose of creative community healing. Thus, it can become a true blessing for many in the years to come.

- Rose Mitchell, Fort Worth

Trump forced many hands





To Donald Trump 2024 supporters: Im a conservative Republican who voted for Joe Biden in 2020. Republicans like me and independents are one reason Biden was elected. Never in the 65 or so years Ive been interested in politics has there been a presidential candidate more vulnerable than Biden is now  even many Democrats dont want him to run. And yet, if Trump is our nominee, I believe Biden will win again.

I would vote for any of the other Republicans, even Ron DeSantis or Vivek Ramaswamy, but I will never vote for Trump. Sadly, if necessary, I will vote for Biden again. If Trump were a statesman who cares more about the country than himself, he would drop out to increase the chances of electing a Republican.

- Cheryl Patterson, Granbury

Just wont leave Trump alone

Nicole Russell asks, how many charges against Donald Trump will it take to say enough is enough? (Aug. 17, 11A, Criminal charges cloud Trump in 2024 election bid) The question exposes the Democrats plan: Keep throwing everything at Trump through the courts, and maybe something will stick. Maybe the former president will tire of the attacks. Maybe he will exhaust his resources.

When is enough enough? It will end when the voters, both Republicans and Democrats, recognize that the Biden administration and its acolytes have corrupted the system to attack political foes. It is enough to say this is not the American political process.

- Ray Harris, Fort Worth

No justice for Timothy Shorter

Im baffled by our district attorneys office giving probation and no jail time to a woman whose drunken driving caused the death of Timothy Shorter. (Aug. 19, 1A, Woman gets probation in Arlington DWI plea deal) When are we going to start holding people responsible for their choices and actions? Sending this woman to prison would be a good start and might also send an important message.

- Lynn Miller, Granbury
Gaslighting is when someone screws with your sense of reality to manipulate you, causing you to distrust yourself and trust them instead. Vladimir Godnik/Getty Images

People can toy with other people's memories and make them feel like they're losing their mind.

It's called gaslighting, and it's super manipulative.

Look out for lies, isolation, projection, and having them accuse you of being "crazy."

Have you ever been talking to someone, and their version of events seems totally and completely different to yours?

This happens a lot in regular conversation, largely because nobody's memory is perfect and we all remember things a bit differently to each other.

However, in darker circumstances, manipulative people toy with someone else's perception of reality to make them feel like they are going crazy. It's called gaslighting.

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Gaslighting is not when somebody has a different opinion. For example, you can't accuse someone of it just because they vote for an opposing political party, or you disagree about liking a movie. Rather, it's an effective manipulative tool people use in abusive relationships, a favorite tactic of people with dark triad personality traits.

It's used to make the victim question their reality, and become more subservient. According to psychologist and therapist Perpetua Neo, it is when someone "screws with your sense of reality to manipulate you, causing you to distrust yourself and trust them instead."

The term has roots in the 1944 film "Gaslight", and an earlier 1938 British play. In the movie a man, Gregory, controls and tricks his wife Paula into believing she is losing her mind  her things appear to go missing, she hears footsteps coming from the attic, and she sees the gaslights dim and brighten for seemingly no reason.

These schemes are on the more dramatic end of the scale. In relationships the signs can be a lot more subtle, and hard to detect.

Neo listed some of the things she and some of her clients went through, such as having emails and numbers deleted from phones, and being made to repeat things over and over while being backed into a corner.

"In such cases it's akin to waking up in an alternate reality," she said. "Even though you know your name and who you are, you're not sure what world you are in and who you are in that world."

Gaslighting has become a buzzword

Gaslighting as a term has become much more widespread in the past few years, in part due to increased conversations online about psychological abuse. Terms like gaslighting, love-bombing, and narcissism, which were once only understood by mental health professionals, are now common vocabulary, even appearing in songs like "Gaslighter" by country music superstars The Chicks.

Trauma therapist Shannon Thomas, who has treated survivors of psychological abuse and wrote the book "Healing from Hidden Abuse," told Insider she has seen a boom in popularity of these terms, but called this a "double-edged sword." While it may raise awareness and help people seek professional help, the correct information can get diluted and distorted in the process.

Calling someone "narcissistic" or accusing them of "gaslighting" in the heat of the moment weaponizes the terms, she said. "It's a way to stop people from even being able to communicate."

Lisa Fontes, the author of "Invisible Chains: Overcoming Coercive Control in Your Intimate Relationship," told Insider she is happy to see more knowledge on the subject, because it helps people detect it.

"I see this as a positive  that people are more willing and able to call out others for gaslighting, and trust their own eyes, ears, and memories about what truly happened," she said.

You may not notice it's happening

You might think you are too strong of mind to let somebody gaslight you  and hopefully you are right  but according to psychologists, gaslighting is often done slowly, so the victim doesn't realize they're being brainwashed.

It's like the "frog in the saucepan" analogy: where the heat is turned up very slowly on the stove, so the frog never realizes it's starting to boil to death.

Everybody is different, and everyone has different experiences. But according to Neo, the psychologist and therapist, people who are controlling, abusive, and narcissistic often follow the same pattern. For this reason, there are several techniques that the people who tend to gaslight others follow.

The more aware you are of these kind of traits and signs, the better equipped you are to avoid falling into a gaslighter's trap.

Here are some of the signs to look out for.

1. Lies

A gaslighter's main objective is to confuse you. Because of this, they don't really care whether their lies are blatant and obvious. When they say something that is obviously untrue, they will still say it with a straight face.

Even if you have proof, they will often stick to their guns. This is all a tactic to keep you off-kilter. Eventually, they will attempt to make you believe that everything they say is the reality.

"Gaslighting is the intentional distortion of facts," said Thomas, the trauma therapist. "So the other person will doubt their assessment of reality."

It may start off with something as simple as: "I didn't say that," or "You never did that."

The more sure you are that they are wrong, and the more frustrated you get, the more they will persevere with their lies.

"They'll drive it home with 'you're crazy, you're too sensitive,'" Neo said. "Or they'll remind you of it to tell you there's something wrong with you. This way they get you to trust their version of reality. "

2. Isolation

Abusive people like to use the people around you as weapons. According to Stephanie A Sarkis, author of "Gaslighting: Recognize Manipulative and Emotionally Abusive People  and Break Free," if you have children, a gaslighter will tell you that it was a mistake to have them. They will try and make you believe that you are worthless, and nothing else can compare to how important your relationship is.

They may say tell you your friend actually hates you, or your brother thinks you are useless. These are almost certainly lies, but when they are reinforcing your mind with the same stories over and over again, some of them may start to stick.

"Gaslighters are masters at manipulating and finding the people they know will stand by them no matter what  and they use these people against you," Sarkis wrote in a blog post for Psychology Today. "When the gaslighter uses this tactic it makes you feel like you don't know who to trust or turn to  and that leads you right back to the gaslighter. And that's exactly what they want: Isolation gives them more control."

Essentially, it's brainwashing, said Thomas, to lead you to trust the abuser, and only the abuser.

"It's diabolical," she said. "Gaslighting is intentional. It's to pull down people's ability to trust themselves and their core assessment of life."

Gregory toys with Paula in Gaslight, doing everything he can to isolate her from other people. IMDb/MGM

3. Positive reinforcement

One of the most confusing  and effective  things a gaslighter can do is be nice to you. If someone was truly nasty and insulting towards you 100% of the time, the relationship probably wouldn't have gotten very far. However, when someone starts gaslighting you, they've already established a relationship with you that you believe is meaningful. A trauma bond has been created.

"Naturally, the abuse persists, and you're never sure if it happened," Neo said. "Because the next day, he is so charming or so remorseful  or a mixture of both."

When a relationship starts with someone abusive  perhaps a narcissist, a sociopath, or a psychopath  they will "love-bomb" you. This is a tactic when somebody showers you with affection, and makes you feel like the luckiest person in the world.

However, the love-bombing, or idealization, stage is quickly followed by the devaluation and discard stages, where you start to be insulted and wonder where things started to go wrong.

The idea is that when they take this love and affection away, you will do anything to try and get it back. You blame yourself for them changing the way they acted towards you, and you compromise yourself time and time again to get the perfect partner back. You can't though, because that person never really existed.

Gaslighters will throw in the odd compliment, or a rare gift, to make you believe that it's the real them, and whenever they are angry at you, or abusing you, it's because you did something wrong.

Once they've worn you down, the gaslighter will have you where they want you. You'll be agreeable to everything they say and you will no longer question them when they blatantly lie to you. You'll be confused and disoriented, and feel like you have nobody left around you to trust.

"Because you don't trust yourself, and instead have been conditioned  rewarded or punished accordingly," Neo said. "You fade away into a shell of who you are."

In other words, the gaslighter now has complete control.

Gaslighters go for the strong, not the weak

Some people subconsciously seek out abusive people to date. Unfortunately, this means that if you've been in a relationship with a gaslighter, you may be more likely to end up in another one.

Certain traits make people more susceptible to falling into these types of relationships. According to Neo, people are attracted to abusive relationships because they are familiar, and they recreate damaging aspects of their past because familiar feelings are comfortable.

Also, there are the people who have a lot of empathy for others, and they get sucked in because gaslighters know they can prey on that.

Neo also pointed out that many of her clients who were in these sorts of relationships were high-achieving women. This seems counter-intuitive, but abusive people enjoy controlling those who they feel are worth controlling. For example, narcissists will show you off in front of their friends, but behind closed doors they will belittle and devalue you.

The gaslighting can persist even after a relationship ends, Neo warned.

However, she also says the good news is you can heal and you can learn to trust and love again, rather than feel fearful that life is out to get you at every turn. It'll just take time, and the strength to stay away, and not fall for their games again.

"Ending it is only the start," Neo said. "Healing from it is another thing altogether."

This post was first published in July 2017, and was updated in August 2023 with more information.



Read the original article on Insider
A third-grade teacher was arrested after she appeared to be drunk during the first day of school, Oklahoma authorities say.

Officers in Perkins, about 60 miles northeast of Oklahoma City, went to Perkins-Tryon Intermediate School on Thursday, Aug. 17, for a report of a teacher possibly intoxicated, according to a news release from the police department. Aug. 17 was the first day of classes in the school district.

A teacher kind of thought that she was acting strange, and the superintendent ended up coming and talking to her, Sgt. Spencer Gedon told KWTV. He believed that she was under the influence.

A portable breath test revealed the teacher, 53-year-old Kimberly Coates, had a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.24. Though Coates was not driving, her BAC would have been three times the legal limit, police said.

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A cup was found in Coates classroom with a red liquid in it, according to the Stillwater News Press. She initially referred to the liquid as my juice, body camera footage obtained by KFOR shows.

Want to try that again? That there is wine, a school resource officer told Coates, according to video obtained by Law & Crime.

Coates admitted to drinking half a box of wine until 3 a.m. the night before the first day of school, KWTV reported. She later said she drank on the way to work, according to the body camera footage.

The teacher told a school resource officer she drank out of the cup the day before and not during class that day, according to the Stillwater News Press.

Coates was arrested and faces charges of public intoxication, police said.

The school got on it fast, Gedon told KOCO. As soon as there was a concern about that teacher, they went into action and did what they needed to do, and they were doing everything they could to make sure everyone was safe at the school.

The school could not comment on the arrest, telling KWTV it was a personnel issue.

Students find teacher overdosing in classroom, New Jersey cops say. Hes been charged

Teacher brought alcohol to school and taught kids while drunk, California cops say

School bus driver drove drunk with 55 children onboard, New York police say
Last year, amid a drum-tight rental market, Sydney Wright pondered leaving California.

With her $72,000 salary, the thirtysomething from La Crescenta said the only one-bedroom apartments she could find were either too pricey, too run-down or in neighborhoods she felt were unsafe.

Then Wright had a change of fortune. She moved into the Hudson, a luxury apartment complex in downtown Pasadena that has a swimming pool, two gyms and in-unit washers and dryers. Wright got a relative deal and signed a lease for just above $2,300, almost $200 less than what similar units there averaged a year before even though rents in Pasadena had soared.

But it may be too good to be true.

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The discount was the result of a unique program catering to middle-income earners in a state trying to chip away  project by project, program by program  at its housing crisis. And the legal knot it is tied in reflects the difficulties in taking even small steps forward.

In this program, government agencies known as joint powers authorities, or JPAs, partner with private companies to purchase apartment buildings and lower the rent. The agencies say this works because, as the government, they don't need to pay property tax, allowing them to pass along that savings to tenants.

But, under an obscure tax rule, thousands of tenants like Wright may need to cough up some of the lost revenue and pay individual tax bills upward of $1,000 a year.

Tenants said leasing agents never disclosed such a possibility prior to moving in, and backers of the program say they didn't anticipate it either.

"It just seems kind of ridiculous to me that you would have this crisis going on and then turn around and punish the people you are supposedly trying to help," Wright, 32, said.

John Drachman, co-founder of Waterford Property Co., which runs the Hudson and 14 other properties on behalf of a JPA, put it more succinctly: "It's just insane."

The fact tenants may need to pay extra for living in subsidized housing centers on an arcane concept in tax law known as possessory interest.

Though government owned property usually is exempt from property taxes, if the government leases part of its property to a private entity, then that entity can have a "possessory" interest that must be taxed.

Examples include a rental car company at the airport, or a restaurant in a public park.

Joint powers authorities first started buying apartment complexes for middle-income housing in 2019, and one acquired the Hudson in 2021.

Attorney John Bakker represents three JPAs with such projects.

He said the agencies didn't anticipate tenants would face possessory taxes because at the time they relied on existing guidance from a state board that he argued should be interpreted as exempting any person receiving rent breaks at the projects.

Last year, several assessors were less sure and specifically asked the state board if such projects created a taxable "possessory interest."

In October 2022, they received a response from the state Board of Equalization, which promotes uniformity in property tax law.

In a letter, the board said residents at JPA properties do have a taxable possessory interest, but assessors should refrain from taxing it only if tenants are low-income, as defined by California law.

The board characterized its guidance as "longstanding," which Bakker disputes.

The ultimate decision on the taxes lies with county assessors, but evidenced by their original request, assessors turn to the board for guidance and there's no argument that the recent opinion does not offer an exemption for most residents at JPA projects.

Typically, one third of units at the projects are reserved for people making the legal definition of low-income: 80% or below area median income. The remaining two-thirds are usually set aside for households making between 81% and 120% area median income  individuals who can still struggle to find a nice home in some of the country's most expensive markets.

Two county assessors with projects in their jurisdictions, Los Angeles and Alameda, said they don't want to tax middle-income residents and are investigating the issue further after receiving the board's guidance. But if the state Legislature doesn't step in, they caution, they may ultimately decide the law requires them to tax tenants.

Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang estimated annual taxes for individual tenants could range from $500 to $1,500. Initial bills may be higher since tenants would be charged for each year they've lived there.

If taxes go unpaid, residents would face a lien that could make it more difficult to qualify for mortgages and other loans.

For Wright, the prospect of paying an extra $1,500 a year, the equivalent of $125 extra a month, presents yet another obstacle.

Despite the rent discount at the Hudson, she said she lives paycheck to paycheck and will soon have an added expense when student loan payments resume, one Wright estimates will be more than $300 a month.

"I don't even know how I would make it all work," she said. "Honestly, the thought of that makes me want to cry."

Read more: Southeast L.A. County cities enact rent control to keep residents housed

JPA projects rely on a complex framework, but in general, backers say they work like this.

Joint powers authorities issue bonds to purchase a building and, with the property off the tax rolls, they use that money to reduce rent. After 15 years, the local city, which must approve the initial JPA purchase, can direct a sale of the property or take out a loan on the building to recoup lost tax revenue.

To run the deals, JPAs partner with private real estate firms that set up the bond financing and manage the projects.

The deals are not without controversy, and some cities and affordable housing consultants see the programs as risky and not worth it. In particular, the JPAs and the private real estate managers, known as project administrators, have faced criticism that their fees are excessive and thus limit the rent reductions a project can offer.

At least two county assessors, those in Orange and San Diego counties, have taken the position that project administrators, not tenants, should pay possessory interest taxes.

These guys are making money and ... they dont want to pay any taxes, but you got to pay your taxes, said Orange County Tax Assessor Claude Parrish, arguing project administrators control the buildings and thus have a possessory interest.

One project administrator, Waterford Property Co., received possessory tax bills for multiple projects it runs in Orange and San Diego counties. The company is appealing, arguing it doesn't meet the qualifications to have a possessory interest.

If the taxes ultimately go through, the middle-income projects would cease to exist, according to Waterford's Drachman.

Despite concern over its fees, which Waterford disputes as being excessive, the annual possessory taxes are more than what the company makes each year to run the buildings, Drachman said.

One example, he said, is the Parallel apartments in Anaheim, where Waterford faces a $1.2-million annual tax bill and earns roughly $700,000 a year.

Rather than lose money, Drachman said, the company would walk away from the projects and since no one would probably run the properties at a loss, they would be sold to real estate firms that would charge market rent and erase all savings.

If instead tenants get the bill, Waterford said no future deals could be done. That's in part because investors who buy the bonds that fund the deals do so because they think rental discounts will keep occupancy high  and their income assured.

"The group they are going to hurt the most by their actions is the renters," Drachman said of assessors, "whether they go send them a possessory interest bill or whether they come after us and are successful."

Prang said he doesn't want to be an "obstacle" to creative solutions but has to follow the law, and criticized the JPAs for not consulting assessors before.

Prang said he is waiting on an opinion from the county counsel about whether taxing project administrators is an option, but warned the county Board of Supervisors in March that he may have to tax middle-income tenants.

"We are trying to find a solution" to not do that, Prang said in an interview. "But one of the things slowing that down is having a firm legislative proposal and a legislator that is willing to run with it."

The California Assessors' Assn. recently agreed to ask state legislators to clarify that project administrators  not tenants  have a possessory interest, according to the group's president, Kristine Lee.

So far Sacramento's efforts to exempt middle-income tenants have stalled. Two measures aimed at doing so, Assembly Bill 1553 and Senate Bill 320, are dead for the year after failing to meet legislative deadlines.

Alternatively, a third bill that specifically leaves middle-income tenants open to possessory taxation advanced to the Assembly after passing the Senate unanimously.

The measure, Senate Bill 734, codifies existing Board of Equalization guidance by exempting only low-income tenants.

According to a bill analysis, author Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) said the legislation is necessary because despite the tax board's guidance, "existing law is ambiguous" as to whether low-income tenants actually are exempt.

The bill, which must pass the Assembly by mid-September, is supported by the Board of Equalization and opposed by some cities that have middle-income housing projects.

In a letter to Rubio, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo said the city has nearly 1,100 units in its JPA housing projects and rent has been reduced by an average of 20%.

"If SB 734 passes as drafted, 60% of the tenants in these units are eligible to receive possessory interest tax bills, which we do not believe is in the best interest of housing policy in California," Gordo wrote.

Overall, Bakker said JPAs own about 14,000 units across California, with around 9,000 currently home to middle-income families or reserved for such households in the future.

Rubio's office declined to answer several specific questions about the bill, including why it does not exempt middle-income tenants. In a statement provided by her spokeswoman, the senator said she is trying to "keep families housed" and is working closely with the Board of Equalization on the measure.

Board Chairman Antonio Vazquez said he doesn't support extending an exemption to middle-income individuals, at least for now.

"I think we have to be careful, because that would create a huge hit financially for cities and counties who depend on the revenue [from property tax]," he said.

Waterford executives dispute that taxing individual tenants would recoup a sizable amount of revenue, but Vazquez's concern echoes long-running criticism of the JPA housing model, specifically that rent reductions are too modest to justify the loss in property tax.

Read more: Buy a luxury building, then lower the rent: A housing fix for California's middle class?

For example, the JPAs have frequently purchased newer, luxury apartment buildings and, though they've lowered rent, there's often cheaper, older housing nearby.

Wright now pays just over $2,400 in rent at the Hudson after receiving the allowable annual increase in the program.

That's far less than the roughly $2,800 to $3,000-plus that similar, nearby buildings typically charge. But on a recent day, there were 53 older one-bedroom apartments in Pasadena listed for rent on Zillow that were at least $200 cheaper than what Wright pays.

If Wright gets hit with possessory taxes, she doesn't see those older units as a simple solution.

For one, she said, she doesn't have enough money to cover upfront moving costs.

She also chose the Hudson for a reason.

The program is supposed to keep rent in line with her income. And when the tax preparer works late into the night during tax season, she doesn't need to hunt for street parking when she comes home. She can pull into her own secure spot and do the next day's laundry in the comfort of her apartment.

Older units she saw seemed like temporary landing pads with broken sinks, worn carpets and shoddy paint jobs, but the Hudson feels more permanent.

"I deserve to have a place to call home and not constantly be in flux," Wright said. "This felt like somewhere I could see myself living."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Sahr John Yambasu, 29, from Sierra Leone, poses for a photograph in Niamey, Niger, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023. After three months of traipsing through the desert and watching people die at sea trying to reach Europe, Yambasu decided to return home. But when he reached Niger in June on his journey back, United Nations officials told him to wait until the packed migrant centers emptied before he could be repatriated. Then weeks later mutinous soldiers toppled Niger's president shuttering the borders and trapping him inside. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick)

NIAMEY, Niger (AP)  After three months of crossing the desert and then watching other migrants die at sea in his failed attempt to reach Europe, Sahr John Yambasu gave up on getting across the Mediterranean and decided to go back home.

The 29-year-old from Sierra Leone reached Niger in June on his return journey, but United Nations officials said he had to wait for packed migrant centers to empty before he could be repatriated.

Then mutinous soldiers toppled Niger's president a few weeks later, bringing regional tensions and the shuttering of the borders. Yambasu was trapped.

He is one of nearly 7,000 discouraged migrants trying to get home elsewhere in Africa that the U.N. estimates have been stranded in Niger since late July when members of the presidential guard overthrew the country's democratically elected president, Mohamad Bazoum. Niger's junta closed its airspace and regional countries closed border crossings as part of economic and travel sanctions, making it hard for people to leave.

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Niger is an important route both for Africans trying to reach Libya as a jumping off spot to cross the Mediterranean to Europe and those who are returning to their homes with help from the United Nations.

Yambasu and others like him are unsure when they will be able to leave.

I feel sad because its a country that I dont belong to. Its not easy, Yambasu said.

Recounting his story, he said he left Sierra Leone in June because of political unrest and was hoping to reach Germany. He got rides across the region until arriving in Libya, where he boarded a boat with some 200 other migrants. The boat spent days at sea, with some people dying onboard before it was intercepted by Libya's coast guard and taken back to Libya.

That was enough for him and he headed for home. Helped by aid groups, he made it as far as Niger but has been unable to go farther.

U.N. officials estimate about 1,800 in Yambasu's predicament are living on Niger's streets because centers run by the International Organization for Migration are too crowded to take in more. The centers hold about 5,000 people trying to get home.

The U.N. agency had been assisting approximately 1,250 people a month return to their countries this year. But the closure of borders and airspace has forced it to temporarily suspend returns and its centers are now jammed at 14% over capacity, said Paola Pace, acting interim chief of mission for the agency in Niger.

This situation poses challenges for migrants as migrants staying in these centers may experience heightened stress and uncertainty with limited prospects for voluntary return and already crowded facilities, she said.

Pace worries the stall in the transiting of Africans seeking to get home could increase exploitation of vulnerable people by traffickers and smugglers who normally focus on individuals trying to migrate to Europe.

The shelters are helping people who are making their way home, rather than would-be migrants heading to Europe  a northern flow that has seen more than 100,000 cross the central Mediterranean to Italy so far this year, according to Italys interior ministry.

COOPI, an Italian aid group that provides shelter for migrants in Niger's northern town of Assamakka near the border with Algeria, said that since the coup an additional 1,300 people have entered its center trying to return home.

COOPI assists the U.N. in hosting people, but has warned that it will run out of food and water if the borders don't open soon.

Not only are migrants unable to leave but aid groups are unable to bring in food and medical supplies.

Morena Zucchelli, head of mission for COOPI in Niger, said it has only enough food stocks to last until the end of August and its funding will run out at the end of September.

If the situation doesnt change ... we cant guarantee things will continue running, she said.

Before the coup, Niger worked with the European Union in trying to slow the flow of migrants north to Libya and Algeria. The EU had been scheduled to provide more than $200 million to Niger to help it address security, socio-economic and migration challenges.

Its unclear how cooperative the new military leaders will be with the EU, which has now frozen assistance to Niger. Anitta Hipper, a spokeswoman for the European Commission, could not say Tuesday whether cooperation on migration had been suspended, saying only that the EU would continue to monitor and evaluate the situation.

Momo Kmulbah is another of those trying to get back home, for him in Liberia. He says many of them have nowhere to turn for help. He says U.N. officials have told him to be patient.

The 36-year-old has been sleeping on the pavement in Niger's capital, Niamey, with his two daughters and wife since June and they beg for food.

Our children dont have food to eat. I feel confused when I wake up in the morning, Kmulbah said.

___

Associated Press writers Renata Brito in Barcelona, Spain, and Lorne Cook in Brussels, Belgium, contributed to this report.

___

Follow AP's coverage of global migration at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that three drones were spotted in the Moscow region during the early hours of Aug. 23. Two of the drones were reportedly shot down by Russian air defense and the third hit a building in the Moscow City complex.

As previously reported, Russia intercepted a drone attack over the Mozhaisky and Khimki districts outside Moscow. The third drone was intercepted, lost control, and eventually collided with the building of the Moscow City complex.

No casualties were reported.

Earlier, on the morning of Aug. 21, Russia claimed it intercepted two drones flying over Moscow. Two people were allegedly injured.

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Moscow has reported an increasing number of drone attacks over the past few weeks. An attempted strike on Aug. 18 allegedly caused debris to fall near the Moscow Expocentre.

Two drone strikes on July 30 and Aug. 1 caused damage to the high-rise "Moscow City" building, where several Russian ministries are located.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian pilots start F-16 training in Denmark; Poll shows 90% of Ukrainians oppose territorial concessions to Russia

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Explosions rocked Moscow and the surrounding region overnight on Aug. 23, with three drones said to have attacked the Russian capital city, Kremlin-controlled news agency RIA Novosti hass reported.

Broken windows could be seen on the second floor of a residential building to the west of central Moscow, and vehicles belonging to utility services, emergency workers, and police were present at the scene.

Read also: Russian air defenses reportedly intercept two drones outside Moscow

Debris said to be from a downed drone also damaged a private house in the town of Khimki outside Moscow. The roof of the house partially collapsed and its windows were shattered. A wall of a non-residential building with shops also sustained damage, emergency services told RIA Novosti.

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Residents of the town of Odintsovo outside Moscow also reported explosions in the sky, particularly over Marshal Zhukov Street. According to preliminary reports, air defense systems were activated in the area.

Read also: Thousands of office workers evacuated from Moscow complex after drone attack warning

All Moscow airports have reportedly activated the so-called Kover (Carpet) plan, which is typically used when unidentified objects are detected in Moscow airspace.

Russian air defense forces also shot down a drone in the Mozhaysky district of Moscow Oblast, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin claimed. Yet another UAV hit a building under construction in the Moskva-City complex. Emergency services went to the scene. No casualties have been reported yet.

Meanwhile, Russias Defense Ministry claimed that two Ukrainian UAVs attacking the capital city had been intercepted by air defense forces over the Mozhaysky and Khimki districts in Moscow Oblast. A third UAV was suppressed by radio-electronic means and crashed near a building in the Moskva-City financial area, the ministry said.

The Russian authorities typically claim to have shot down or disabled with electronic warfare systems all attacking drones, though photo and video evidence indicates that in earlier attacks several drones probably hit their intended targets. One tower in the Moskva-City financial area, which contains the offices of some Russian government ministries, has been hit twice.

Read also: Russian propaganda chief Simonyan claims Ukrainian drone downed near her Moscow Oblast residence

Ukraine typically denies being behind the drone attacks, but some of the drones spotted in Russian skies and seen as crashed wreckage on the ground are of known Ukrainian manufacture.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Three people died in a Hamilton County crash Tuesday when a car crashed head-on with a tractor-trailer, Illinois State Police said.

The three victims were in the passenger vehicle and were pronounced deceased at the scene, according to a news release from Illinois State Police.

Hamilton County Coroner Steve Bowling said Wednesday morning his office would not release the names of the victims until their families have been notified.

The crash occurred on Illinois 142 near County Line Road at about 5:22 p.m. Tuesday.

According to preliminary information from Illinois State Police Troop 9, the car was going south when the driver attempted to pass a vehicle and lost control. The car then went off the roadway into the right-side ditch. When the driver overcorrected, the vehicle then came back onto the roadway, crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a tractor-trailer, police said.

The driver of the truck sustained minor injuries.

No other information was released by Illinois State Police.
The Russian Defence Ministry has claimed that on the night of 22-23 August, three aircraft-type drones attempted to attack Moscow, with two supposedly shot down by air defence forces in Moscow Oblast and the third hitting the Moscow-City business centre.

Source: Russian Defence Ministry on Telegram

Quote: "Two of the UAVs attacking the capital were destroyed by air defence systems in the air over the territory of Mozhaisk and Khimki districts of Moscow Oblast.

Electronic warfare forces jammed the third UAV, and having lost control, it collided with the premises of the Moscow-City centre.

Details: Reports also indicate nobody was injured in the drone attack.

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Russian Telegram channels posted a video of one of the UAVs hitting the Moscow-City centre.

A building in Khimki was severely damaged at the site where the drone's wreckage was found.

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A TikTok-famous tattoo artist addressed growing criticism about firing his apprentice.

Matt Vaught said he had to let Jenna Grace go for reasons he didn't share.

He said some people had been "manipulating" the situation to spread hate.

A TikTok-famous tattoo artist addressed a backlash that had been building since firing his apprentice from her job.

Matt Vaught, who has 1.2 million followers on the platform, shared a video on Tuesday where he said he wanted to "address the news that had exploded on TikTok."

Vaught had been working with an artist called Jenna Grace, who grew a following for her cute designs and persona as the "blueberry apprentice," at his studio based in Newport Beach, California.

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On Monday night, Grace announced she would no longer be working with Vaught. She said he pulled her aside the previous week and told her it "wasn't going to work out anymore" with him being her mentor.

(California's at-will employment law means bosses can fire people any reason, or no reason at all, as long as it isn't discriminatory.)

"It was totally unexpected, and I've had a very emotional couple of days processing it," Grace said. "But I wanted to come online and be honest and give you guys an update and let you know I'm not going anywhere."

Grace said she was grateful for everything she had learned with Vaught and his colleagues over the past few months, and that she was "so committed to this career."

She said she had learned the process of getting an apprenticeship was hard, and her content was likely going to be shifting as she hunted for a new one.

"I just want you guys to know I'm not going anywhere, I'm going to be sharing the steps along the way," she said. "I just ask that you like, you comment, and you share my video, and get it out there to other artists so that I can get in front of as many people as possible moving forward."

Her video exploded, amassing 2.2 million views.

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People who had been following Grace's journey posted messages of support in the comments, telling her not to give up.

"I don't know why they would let you go when you've built them so much exposure," on person wrote.

"I absolutely thought this was a joke," wrote another. "You are amazing."

Vaught's videos were also flooded with questions from followers demanding answers, and speculating about the reasons for Grace's departure.

On Tuesday, Vaught decided to respond.

"It's with a heavy heart and a lot of deliberation that I had to let Jenna go as my apprentice," he said. "This was not an easy decision."

"The only person I owe an explanation about this is Jenna, and Jenna got that explanation," he said. "She knows exactly why I had to let her go."

He said he wouldn't be stating the explanation publicly because that would be airing Grace's "dirty laundry."

"So for all of you pretending to support her by demanding it, you need to see all you are doing is hurting her chances of moving forward," he said. "As for all the other speculation and mud slinging, I think you guys should try to get your timeline and your facts straight."

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Vaught added that he didn't care about followers or "clout" and pointed out that social media in the tattoo industry is merely "a tool."

He also told everyone listening to support Grace with "love and kindness."

"And no, this is not all on Jenna," he said. "A failed student is a failure as a teacher. So I don't take this lightly."

In the video's caption, Vaught said he had "a lot of love" for Grace, and he wanted the best for her moving forward.

"Beyond that, nobody is entitled to any further explanation," he said. "And if you are someone who spews hate on the internet for any reason, you can take your toxic ass down the road #unfollow byeee."

Grace also came online again and asked people not to "harass anybody." She said the colleagues she had met during her apprenticeship had been supportive, and there was "no tea."

"Life just happens, and sometimes things don't work out, or they're not the right fit," she said. "And I have nothing but respect and love for the people that I've gotten to work with."

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Read the original article on Insider
Chris Rooney and his niece and nephew on the Yeet Baby TikTok. @theyeeetbaby/TikTok

Chris Rooney, a well known TikToker, announced he had left a mental-health facility after 17 days.

Rooney was admitted at the beginning of August, his family announced at the time.

He sought help after watching the child-trafficking movie "Sound of Freedom."

A well-known TikToker is out of a mental-health facility after a 17 day stay, he announced on Instagram.

Chris Rooney, better known as Uncle Chris on the Yeet Baby TikTok, thanked his followers for their support in an Instagram post on Monday.

"Thank you for your thoughts and prayers everyone, it is truly appreciated," he said. "I spent 17 days (not that I was counting) in a mental health facility."

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He said his mom had picked him up, and he was "very glad I got the help I needed and love being back!"

Rooney also posted three photos of him looking relaxed in a hot tub on Tuesday night. His Instagram story showed him sporting a newly shaved head, and leaving a large tip and a selection of Christian books for workers at a hotel he had been staying at.

Rooney, a 26-year-old from Fredericksburg, Virginia, found a huge audience when he started making videos with his young niece and his nephew, Marleigh and Jack, in January 2020.

Most of the videos involved the toddlers making a big mess while attempting to pour drinks into glasses. The group charmed the internet and gained 5.7 million followers on the account known as Yeet Baby.

Rooney's family wrote on Instagram that Rooney had disappeared on July 25 and reappeared on August 3 after checking himself into a mental-health facility.

The post said Rooney had been "found safe" on August 3, and that Rooney had been struggling after watching the child-sex-trafficking movie "Sound of Freedom."

The action movie, about a Homeland Security agent who saves children from sex trafficking, was a box-office hit, bringing in $90 million in its first two weeks after opening on July 4. The movie's controversies included allegations that it fuels conspiracy theories and misrepresents the issue of sex trafficking. Its star, Jim Caviezel, is also a QAnon supporter.

The August 3 statement said Rooney had seen the movie and was "sick to his core over it," and hadn't been "himself" while posting links about raising funds for the movie.

That statement also included a message from Rooney at the end, who said he was thankful for the support.

"Unfortunately, there was nothing anyone could do to help me," he said. "It is something that I have to work on and am going to make it my life's mission to not only get myself healthy but also others."

Rooney's return to social media was a welcome one for many fans who had been worried about him since they found out he was unwell.

The Yeet Baby Instagram account also shared a message, saying Rooney and Marleigh were both going back to school.

"What are the chances that Mar and Uncle Chris go back to school the same day 22 years apart," it read.

They also thanked fans for the "support and prayers."

"It is truly appreciated," it said, promising more updates when things settled down. "One step at a time."

Read the original article on Insider
By Marc Jones

LONDON (Reuters) - The head of the European Union's powerful lending arm has warned the West is at risk of losing the confidence of the global south, with China and Russia and others stepping in, unless it urgently intensifies its own support efforts.

Werner Hoyer , the European Investment Bank's President, said this week's BRICS summit in South Africa and a push to make the group's New Development Bank - known as the BRICS bank - an alternative to established Western multilateral lenders, underscored the need to significantly increase lending.

"It should be a cause for concern that an increasing number of smaller developing world countries, especially in Africa, are looking to countries like China and other emerging market nations to give them support rather than the traditional Western institutions," Hoyer told Reuters.

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EIB is one of those institutions. Backed by the financial firepower of the EU's 27 member countries, it has the biggest balance sheet among the world's multilateral development banks and invests around 10 billion euros ($10.8 billion) a year in the developing world via its EIB Global arm.

Hoyer's comments are the most forceful yet by a high ranking EU official on the efforts of the BRICS countries -Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - to expand the bloc and turn it into a global counterweight to the West.

He said the number of developing nations that had adopted a neutral stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year also signalled the challenge the West faced in maintaining the trust of those nations.

"Recent votes in the General Assembly of the United Nations have already made it clear that we are at risk of losing the confidence of global south unless we take more action and get more visible there," Hoyer said.

U.N. meetings next month, including a summit on sustainable development, offered an opportunity for Western institutions to show up and demonstrate they were willing and able to provide more support to poorer countries, Hoyer said.

The increased focus on enlarging the BRICS group and on its bank comes because many developing countries were "feeling abandoned" by the West in their struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic, debt, energy costs and climate change, he added.

Headquartered in Shanghai, the New Development Bank was established in 2015 by BRICS members. Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt have joined since while Algeria, Argentina, Ethiopia, Honduras, Iran, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe are all in talks to become members.

"It's symptomatic of something that Europe and Western institutions must confront urgently," Hoyer said of the bank's rise in importance.

"Unless we offer genuine partnership and more convincing ways to address the challenges of the Global South whether it is in the energy transition, the issue of indebtedness or tackling glaring health inequality - we are heading for trouble."

($1 = 0.9252 euros)

(Reporting by Marc Jones; Editing by Tomasz Janowski)
(Reuters) - A trial for the last three men to face charges in a foiled plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer began on Wednesday in state court, where they are accused of terrorism and firearms crimes.

Eric Molitor and brothers William and Michael Null each face one count of providing material support for terrorist acts and carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

The Michigan men face up to 20 years in prison if they are convicted of the charges. All three have pleaded not guilty.

"We follow the same rules, the same rules of decorum, the same rules of evidence. ... This will not be a circus," Judge Charles Hamlyn told the court in Antrim County, Michigan, before opening statements by attorneys.

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Prosecutors and lawyers for the defendants were not immediately available for comment.

The three defendants are the last of more than a dozen men to face federal and state charges in the kidnapping conspiracy. Most have either been convicted or pleaded guilty.

The group of men were accused of taking part in an elaborate plot to abduct the governor from her vacation home, then put her on trial for treason. They hoped the kidnapping would lead to a violent uprising and instigate a civil war, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors say the plan was motivated by grievances related to the 2020 presidential election and opposition to state COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the Democratic governor.

In December in federal court, the group's leader, Adam Fox, was sentenced to 16 years in prison while his codefendant, Barry Croft Jr., received a 19-year prison sentence. Both men were convicted of domestic terrorism, conspiracy to kidnap and other crimes in a federal trial.

(Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Chicago; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
In this file photo, Ellen Gilland, accused of killing her terminally ill husband, is escorted to the defense table, Thursday, March 2, 2023, for a bond hearing before Judge Raul Zambrano at the S. James Foxman Justice Center in Daytona Beach.

Ellen Gilland, the 76-year-old woman who police said killed her terminally ill husband at AdventHealth Hospital in Daytona Beach, has a trial set for October, unless she reaches an agreement with prosecutors before then.

Gilland was not present at Wednesday's pre-trial hearing before Circuit Judge Raul Zambrano at the S. James Foxman Justice Center in Daytona Beach. Her defense attorney, Matthew Ferry, was there.

Zambrano scheduled her trial for a three-week period starting Oct. 23.

The judge also set a "docket sounding hearing" for Oct. 17 to review the progress of the case.

If the state is going to make a plea offer, it should be made by then, Zambrano said. If shes going to plea open, then she needs to consider that or we are going to go to trial."

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An open plea is when a defendant enters a plea without any agreement on a sentence or sentencing range with prosecutors, giving judges more disecretion.

So ramp up all the depos that need to be done so that we can get this case to conclusion, Zambrano added.

Assistant State Attorney Kevin Sullivan said that depositions were scheduled in September.

How did Ellen Gilland kill her husband?

Gilland shot and killed her 77-year-old husband, Jerry, in his hospital room on Jan. 21, according to police. She then pointed the gun at a nurse and a hospital security officer, police said.

Gilland later fired the gun at least in the direction of police officers before she was arrested, according to testimony and reports.

Gilland was indicted Feb. 22 on a charge of assisting self-murder/manslaughter, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

Gilland was also indicted on two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, stemming from accusations she pointed her gun at the nurse and the security officer. Each is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

Additionally, Gilland was indicted on a charge of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer (firearm), which is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and which carries a minimum mandatory prison sentence of three years if convicted.

Gilland has been free since she was released from the Volusia County Branch Jail March 3 on $250,000 bond.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Ellen Gilland, elderly woman accused of killing husband, gets trial date
At least one person is dead and two others were injured after Tropical Storm Franklin made landfall in the Dominican Republic and Haiti on Wednesday, bringing heavy rain and mudslides to the island of Hispaniola.

Forecasters projected the storm would swirl for most of Wednesday above the island that includes both countries. The National Weather Service said potentially life-threatening flash and urban flooding as well mudslides are expected Wednesday.

Tropical storm warnings are in effect for portions of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, the National Hurricane Center said Wednesday.

Forecasters said the storm could bring 6 to 12 inches in the Dominican Republic, with up to 16 inches for the countrys western and central regions. Up to 4 inches of rain are expected in Haiti, with nearly 8 inches in the countrys eastern regions.

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The Dominican Republics Civil Defense said a man was killed after being swept away in the floodwaters in San Cristobal, where two women were also hospitalized after a landslide.

Juan Manuel Mendez, emergency operations director, urged the public to stay either in their homes, the homes of friends and families or in shelters.

More than 300 residents gathered in shelters in the Dominican Republic while another 280 people were evacuated from their homes and moved to safer ground, according to a report from The Associated Press.

In a press briefing Wednesday, the Emergency Operations Center of the Dominican Republic said 25 provinces are on red alert and another seven are on yellow alert because of flooding.

The storm downed multiple trees and at least two light posts while dozens of homes were impacted by the street flooding, AP reported.

It is important that we take the necessary precautions to protect our lives and those of our loved ones, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, urging residents to stay alert.

Ariel Henry, the acting leader of Haiti, said the country is fully committed to providing shelter, food, water and medical assistance to those who need it.

Local authorities, relief agencies and partner organizations are working hand in hand to ensure that no one is left behind, Henry wrote in a post on X.

A tropical storm warning is also in effect in the Turks and Caicos, where storm conditions are expected to begin later Wednesday into the evening. Forecasters said 1 to 3 inches of rain are expected, mainly across the eastern islands.

Meanwhile, Puerto Rico was also hit by heavy rainfall, mainly across western portions of the island, the National Hurricane Center said.

Forecasters said the center of Franklin is expected to move off the north coast of the Dominican Republic later Wednesday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Tropical Storm Franklin crossed over the Dominican Republic Wednesday, bringing heavy rains and dangerous floods to most of the island it shares with Haiti.

In Texas, Tropical Depression Harold was still dumping rain, but overall, the Atlantic Ocean had begun to calm down after a packed few days. Only two disturbances remained alongside the tropical storm, and Florida was still in the clear.

Here are the forecasts from the National Hurricane Center 5 p.m. Wednesday update:

Tropical Storm Franklin comes ashore

Hispaniola, the island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic, got soaked Wednesday as Tropical Storm Franklin crept ashore near Barahona, on the DRs southern coast. So far, no deaths have been reported, but some homes have flooded and at least one bridge collapsed in the Dominican Republic, Diario Libre reported.

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As Franklin crossed the island, it lost power and gained speed, making for a quick crossing that should be over by late Wednesday night. But forecasters expect Franklin will re-strengthen quickly in the coming days as it veers east. The latest forecast has the storm powering up into a Category 2 hurricane with 105 mph sustained winds as it approaches Bermuda.

Bridge collapses in Dominican Republic as Tropical Storm Franklin crosses Hispaniola

As of Wednesday evening, it was about 5 miles east of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. It had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and was moving north-northeast at 13 mph.

Tropical Storm Franklin was nearly through its passage over Hispaniola Wednesday evening, and forecasters expect it to strengthen further in coming days.

Two disturbances meandering in Atlantic

The hurricane center was still tracking the remains of former Tropical Storm Emily, which, as of Wednesday morning was just an area of low pressure several hundred miles east-northeast of the Leeward Islands.

It could regenerate into a tropical depression or storm later this week or into the weekend. Its chances of doing so have risen overnight  60% in the next two days, and 70% in the next seven days.

The other disturbance, a tropical wave several hundred miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands, could become a tropical depression over the weekend, but its chances fell overnight. It has a 10% chance of forming in the next two days and a 30% chance in the next seven.

Tropical Storm Franklin is the main storm to watch in the Atlantic now.
Flames burn a forest during wildfires near the village of Sykorrahi, near Alexandroupolis town, in the northeastern Evros region, Greece, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. Advancing flames are devouring forests and homes in Greece as wildfires that have killed 20 people are raging. (AP Photo/Achilleas Chiras) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Flames devoured forests and homes as dozens of wildfires raged across Greece Wednesday, leaving 20 people dead over the past three days, while major blazes burned in northwestern Turkey near the Greek border and on Tenerife in Spains Canary Islands. A major blaze on the northwestern fringe of Athens was torching homes and heading into Parnitha national park, one of the last green areas near the Greek capital. Associated Press photographer Achilleas Chiras captured the march of fire Wednesday through a forest near the village of Sykorrahi in the northeastern Evros region.

Heres what else is happening related to extreme weather and the climate right now:

In Pakistan, officials announced that rescuers have evacuated more than 100,000 people from flood-hit areas of eastern Punjab province in the past three weeks. Pakistani authorities are still struggling to overcome the damage caused by massive floods last summer that affected 33 million people and killed 1,739. They caused $30 billion in damage to the countrys economy.

In the Caribbean, Tropical Storm Franklin made landfall Wednesday on the island of Hispaniola shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti, dumping heavy rains expected to trigger landslides and flooding in both countries. Forecasters warned it could drop up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain in the Dominican Republic and up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Haiti.

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In southwestern Switzerland, police warned Wednesday that a heat wave has increased the risk of falling rock and ice in the Alpine region, where its been particularly deadly this year for mountaineers and hikers. Most victims have been foreigners.

A new study found climate change more than doubled chances of the hot, dry weather conditions that helped fuel unprecedented fires season in eastern Canada that drove thousands from their homes and blanketed parts of the U.S. with choking smoke. Human-caused climate change made the fire season in Quebec  from May through July  50% more intense than it otherwise would have been, researchers said.

In Canada, firefighters in a scenic region of British Columbia said Wednesday that heavy rain overnight helped douse wildfires that forced the evacuation of thousands of people from the Canadian province, as the cost of the devastating fires became clearer. Officials in southern British Columbia said 174 properties were partially or totally damaged by the fires that raged for days in the Okanagan Valley threatening towns in the Kelowna area, a summer destination about 90 miles (150 kilometers) north of the U.S. border.

 In Hawaii, authorities pleaded with relatives of the hundreds of people who may be missing after the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century to come forward and give DNA samples. They said the low number of samples provided so far threatens to hinder efforts to identify any remains discovered in the ashes.

Climate change may force many U.S. farmers and ranchers to use irrigation at a steep cost, The Associated Press reported.

QUOTABLE:

The population of the Dominican Republic must all be right now, without exception, in their homes, the homes of friends and family, or in shelters.  Juan Manuel Mendez, emergency operations director

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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.

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The upper reaches of Lake Powell in southern Utah are pictured on Friday, July 22, 2022. Lake Powells water levels appear to have peaked for the year. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Parts of the West saw a years worth of rain in a single day from Hurricane Hilary, with swaths of normally arid desert in Death Valley turning into lakes after a historic 2.2 inches of rain on Aug. 20. For reference, Death Valley usually gets 2.24 inches of rain annually.

But the rain is expected to have little effect on Lake Powell, the second largest reservoir in the country along the Utah-Arizona border on the Colorado River. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation shows the elevation of the reservoir actually declined, slightly.

Though Yampa has some increased flows that are expected to reach Lake Powell next week, Powell isnt expected to see significant impacts from hurricane Hilary, the Bureau wrote in a Facebook post Wednesday.

According to the Lake Powell Water Database, levels have been declining since early July. The reservoir sat at about 3,520 feet in mid-April. Snowmelt from the historic winter started filling the Colorado River, and by the first week of July Lake Powell hit 3,584 feet. But levels have been dropping since, and on Aug. 22 the bureau reported it was at 3,575 feet.

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The winter was a welcome relief, reclamation commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton said in an Aug. 15 news release, but both lakes Powell and Mead remain at historically low levels.

On Wednesday, the bureau said Lake Mead is expected to be about a foot higher by the end of August than what was previously projected, due to the decreased irrigation water demands caused by excessive rain in southern Arizona and California.

Its been an unusually wet August for Utah, especially Salt Lake City  as of Tuesday afternoon, the airport had recorded 2.57 inches of rain. The average for that same timeframe is .37 inches. Data from the weather service suggests this is the sixth rainiest August ever for Salt Lake City.

The remnants of Tropical Storm Harold, which made landfall in Texas near Corpus Christi, Texas, on Tuesday, are currently pushing through northern Mexico, and could move north and bring rain and thunderstorms to Colorado and possibly Utah.
The New York Times on Wednesday drew heated criticism for publishing an opinion piece about the Republican Party's presidential debate that gave voice to ultra-conservative commentator Ann Coulter.

Times columnist Frank Bruni hosted a roundtable discussion titled "'I Don't Think Trump Will Be the Nominee': Three Writers Preview the First G.O.P. Debate," that included Coulter and Stuart Stevens, a former Republican political consultant. The article presents the trio's discussion of their expectations about the first Republican party debate slated for Wednesday night.

Upon seeing Coulter's name under the headline of the article, journalists and media personalities decried the Times' decision to feature the right-wing media pundit as "irresponsible" and "shameful."

The New York Times opinion section is now publishing Ann Coulter. pic.twitter.com/qm7fvjIqFM  David Darmofal (@david_darmofal) August 23, 2023

"Seriously ranks among the lowest, most irresponsible things the New York Times has done," Sirius XM host Michelangelo Signorile wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Seriously ranks among the lowest, most irresponsible things the New York Times has done https://t.co/wxHQ4OVmnS  Michelangelo Signorile (@MSignorile) August 23, 2023

"Just noting that today the New York Times gave some valuable space to Ann Coulter, one of the most repulsive hatemongers to ever slither her way through American politics," Washington Post opinion writer Paul Waldman wrote. "Good work by the Paper of Record, really elevating the debate!"

Just noting that today the New York Times gave some valuable space to Ann Coulter, one of the most repulsive hatemongers to ever slither her way through American politics. Good work by the Paper of Record, really elevating the debate!  Paul Waldman (@paulwaldman1) August 23, 2023

"Truly shameful from the Times. A woman who is not just openly racist and bigoted but has incited hate and violence against the Times itself," MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan added.

Ann Coulter is in @nytopinion today. Truly shameful from the Times. A woman who is not just openly racist and bigoted but has incited hate and violence against the Times itself. https://t.co/d9v3dVNHHP  Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) August 23, 2023

Coulter has long been an incendiary figure in the media landscape for her tirades against non-conservative publications, including the Times.

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"In 2002, Coulter famously said that her 'only regret with Timothy McVeigh is he did not go to the New York Times building'; she later expressed regret, saying she 'should have added, after everyone had left the building except the editors and reporters,'" Matthew Gertz, a senior fellow for watchdog Media Matters for America, noted on X.

Gertz also pointed out Coulter's more recent attack against the Times in an opinion piece published in 2019 arguing that the publication "must die" because it "cannot be trusted on anything touching on race. They're liars and ideologues, not reporters and editors."

More recently, she wrote that the paper must die, explaining, This is a newspaper that cannot be trusted on anything touching on race. Theyre liars and ideologues, not reporters and editors. https://t.co/Cgc6m4kFNH pic.twitter.com/KVo0kXA11M  Matthew Gertz (@MattGertz) August 23, 2023

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

The Southern Poverty Law Center also described the pundit's bigoted and, at times, violence-inciting comments against people and groups she disagrees with, and her defense of a white supremacist group in a 2009 article.

In 2020, Coulter was forced to delete a tweet lauding Kyle Rittenhouse, the teenager who fatally shot protestors in Kenosha, Wisconsin, during Black Lives Matter protests in the state, for violating the platform's rules on glorifying violence.

During a podcast appearance earlier this year, she launched a xenophobic rant against Republican candidate and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who was born in the United States to immigrant parents from India, asking why Haley doesn't "go back to your own country," according to NBC News.

Her commentary in the Times' Wednesday roundtable included a range of similarly contentious statements, including a tacit accusation that Democrats are purposefully indicting former President Donald Trump and a claim that former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie doesn't care about "Americans killed and raped by illegal immigrants in our country."

"Mainstream news outlets are going to enable the fascists up till the moment when their journalists are frog-marched out of the newsrooms at gunpoint," predicted Mark Jacob, former editor of The Chicago Tribune & Sun-Times.

Mainstream news outlets are going to enable the fascists up till the moment when their journalists are frog-marched out of the newsrooms at gunpoint. https://t.co/t2c3CMYwcd  Mark Jacob (@MarkJacob16) August 23, 2023

Read more

about the New York Times
Eight GOP candidates will take the debate stage Wednesday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the first Republican primary debate. But the roster does not include current GOP frontrunner Donald Trump . Also in the news: Concerns about near misses are in focus at the Federal Aviation Administration and India attempts to make moon-landing history.

 I'm Nicole Fallert, Daily Briefing author. Would you give Fyre Festival a second chance?

Now, here we go with Wednesday's news.

Trump to use Carlson conversation as debate counterprogramming

Former President Donald Trump won't be present at tonight's GOP primary debate, opting for a pre-taped interview that will leave him free to watch the debate live and use social media to share criticism of his Republican rivals with his supporters. The Republican frontrunner will speak in a recorded interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson that is expected to air Wednesday on the social media platform formally known as Twitter. Trump has long claimed he shouldn't give rivals who are polling far behind him the chance to take shots. But the former president's absence has left some voters wondering: Is the first Republican debate just an audition to be Trump's running mate?

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How are these candidates preparing for the first 2024 debate? USA TODAY Network reporters reached out to a slate of Republican presidential candidates to see how they hope to compete this week.

Analysts will be paying attention to how Trump's absence affects everyone else.

The field of presidential candidates for 2024 is already uniquely diverse.

Biden administration announces $1 billion for COVID-19 vaccine trials

The Biden administration has said it intends to spend $5 billion on Project NextGen to help develop new tools to protect against COVID-19. The $1 billion will be split among four smaller biotechnology companies that might otherwise struggle to afford the large cost of a clinical trial comparing their newer vaccines against currently available ones, officials said. The first specific allocations of the money involve $1 billion for midstage COVID-19 vaccine trials to begin this fall, $300 million for the development of a new monoclonal antibody to protect people who are immunocompromised, and $100 million to explore new technologies to help prevent and treat the infection. Read more

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As maternal deaths rise, CDC says pregnant women report negative experiences at doc visits.

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What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here.

Tropical Storm Harold slams Texas with heavy rain

Tropical Storm Harold, dubbed Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine" until reaching tropical storm strength early Tuesday, could slam south Texas with up to seven inches of rain into Wednesday, experts said, and potential tornadoes are possible across south Texas through the afternoon. Harold was pushing inland over Texas on Tuesday with gusty winds and pounding rain, bringing much-needed moisture to the drought-stricken state but also threatening tornadoes and flash flooding. The storm is the first tropical storm of the hurricane season to make landfall in the state. Read more

Hilary has edged up Lake Mead water levels.

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Mayor Karen Bass called Texas governor ''evil'' for busing migrants to Los Angeles during Tropical Storm Hilary.

A stairway to Corpus Christi Bay is closed off during Tropical Storm Harold on Tuesday morning on Aug. 22, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

FAA responds to increased scrutiny on aviation safety

Remember when a FedEx cargo plane was cleared to land on the same runway a Southwest jet was preparing for takeoff in Austin? With headline-grabbing close calls and a recent New York Times investigation, aviation safety has been in the spotlight for months. According to Federal Aviation Administration data, near-miss accidents where planes nearly hit each other have increased nearly 25 percent in the last decade, with about 300 such accidents in the most recent 12-month period for which reports are available. And a big contributor to the rise in near misses seems to be understaffing at air traffic control centers. Read more

USPS keeps losing money, potentially putting people who depend on mail delivery at risk.

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MLKs I have a dream speech looms large 60 years later

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom brought together a legion of speakers pivotal to the Civil Rights Movement. A quarter of a million people were there on Aug. 28, 1963. The four words I have a dream" stand out from King's speech that touched economics, police brutality, peaceful protests, voting and, of course, an end to racism.

In 2023, three years after a summer of protests in the wake of multiple incidents of police brutality, an exclusive USA TODAY series examines whether the United States has made sufficient progress since the march.

Memories from the crowd at MLKs March on Washington: An estimated quarter of a million people flocked to the National Mall that day in what would become the largest civil rights demonstration at the time.

Where do MLKs hopes for Black homeownership stand? One of the biggest roadblocks to building wealth for Black Americans is still in place: The housing gap has widened from the time it was legal to discriminate based on race.

Black history is under attack: Opportunities to learn a more inclusive version of the countrys history are becoming more common in the nations public schools. And already, theyre being stamped out.

Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech 60 years ago on Aug. 28, 1963.

Quick hits

Photo of the day: India presses on with lunar mission

India's space program is set to make double history Wednesday with the planned landing of its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft in the moons mysterious south polar region. The world is watching the progress of Chandrayaan-3 after the loss of Russia's Luna-25, which crashed into the lunar surface Sunday preparing for a pre-landing orbit of the moon. Read more

Visitors touch a picture of the moon at Nehru planetarium as they gather to witness the landing of the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3 on the moon, in New Delhi on August 23, 2023. India readied on August 23 to become the first nation to land a spacecraft on the Moon's south pole, days after a Russian probe crashed in the same region.

Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer at USA TODAY, sign up for the email here. Want to send Nicole a note? Shoot her an email at NFallert@usatoday.com or follow along with her musings on Twitter. Support journalism like this  subscribe to USA TODAY here.

Associated Press contributed reporting.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: GOP debate, Trump Carlson interview, COVID, FAA, Texas, Scooter Braun, MLK, India, space: Daily Briefing
Former President Trump is scheduled to attend a fundraiser for his former lawyer and ex-New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani next month as Giuliani faces mounting legal fees.

The event will take place at Trumps Bedminster, N.J., property on Sept. 7. The former president is expected to attend as a special guest, a source confirmed to The Hill.

The New York Times first reported Trump would headline the event in support of Giuliani. The Times posted an invitation for the event, which shows donors are asked to give $100,000 to attend a roundtable discussion with Trump and Giuliani, followed by dinner with the former mayor.

Trump and Giuliani were indicted on charges in Georgia related to their efforts to overturn the states election results in 2020, where President Biden was determined to be the winner after the votes were recounted and certified.

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Giuliani surrendered to authorities in Atlanta on Wednesday, and Trump is expected to turn himself in Thursday.

Trump and Giuliani have faced steep legal costs as their legal problems accumulate.

Trump has been indicted in New York City, Florida, Washington and Atlanta this year, and he has burned through millions of dollars in donor cash to cover his legal costs.

Giuliani, meanwhile, is facing the Georgia case as well as three defamation suits related to comments he made while seeking to help Trump unwind the 2020 results  two from voting equipment companies and another from a mother-daughter duo serving as election workers in Georgia.

Hes also facing disbarment proceedings in New York and Washington, matters in which he also has secured attorneys, as well as a sexual harassment lawsuit.

In recent proceedings in the cases, Guilianis attorneys have noted his inability to pay for bills, as well as the apparent cutting off of assistance from Trumps PAC after it initially provided him with $400,000 this year to help cover the cost of preserving his records as evidence in court cases.

CNN reported last week that Giuliani and his attorney traveled to Florida in April to appeal to Trump to help cover some of Giulianis legal fees.

Trump on Wednesday reacted to Giulianis surrender in Atlanta by lamenting that the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City was just ARRESTED in Atlanta, Georgia, because he fought for Election Integrity.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Trump attorney remains defiant after turning himself in over Georgia election investigation

Two defendants have surrendered so far in the Georgia election interference investigation, and the other 17 have until noon on Friday to do the same.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

The big one Tuesday was Donald Trump s former attorney John Eastman. Eastman was the man the Jan. 6 Committee described as one of the architects of the attempt to overturn the 2020 election.

After he was released from jail Tuesday, Eastman remained defiant.

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Im here today to surrender to an indictment that should never have been brought, Eastman told reporters.

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Even after multiple investigations proved there was no voter fraud in Georgia, Eastman still insisted the 2020 election had been stolen and was critical of the racketeering indictment brought against him and 19 others.

It represents a crossing of the Rubicon for our country, implicating the First Amendment right to petition the government for redress of grievances, Eastman said.

Read: Here are the bond amounts, terms for each defendant so far in Georgia election interference case

But Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis alleges in the indictment that Eastman and others did more than just petition the government.

The indictment claims Eastman, and Trumps other attorneys including Rudy Giuliani , lied at a subcommittee hearing in December 2020 making broad allegations of massive voter fraud without any evidence, and insisting the legislature had the legal authority to overturn the election and pick the president itself.

What about those false statements made during the subcommittee hearing about 138,000 illegal votes cast when every investigation showed there wasnt? Elliot asked Eastman.

Im not taking any questions and answers, but my attorney can answer anything, Eastman said.

Read: Teenager rescued with 7 others from a broken cable car over a Pakistan gorge says it was a miracle

Eastmans attorney David Wolfe defended his client saying he will be proven innocent, but insisted he answer no more questions before leaving.

Another defendant, Scott Hall, also surrendered Tuesday.

Hes implicated in the break-in of the Coffee County elections office.

Read: Birthday gift: Utah man wins $3M Mega Millions prize from Idaho Lottery

Meanwhile, over at the courthouse, another Trump attorney, Jenna Ellis negotiated a bond.

Former Georgia GOP chair David Shafer and state Sen. Shawn Still negotiated bonds on Tuesday as well.

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Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday declared on Truth Social that he'll "proudly be arrested tomorrow afternoon in Georgia" as his co-defendants continue to surrender to authorities in Fulton County. Trump claimed in the post that he was being prosecuted because "NOBODY HAS EVER FOUGHT FOR ELECTION INTEGRITY LIKE PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP," even though he is charged with trying to subvert the 2020 election. Trump is expected to surrender on Thursday at the Fulton County jail after an Atlanta grand jury charged him last week with 13 counts, including violation of Georgia's RICO or anti-racketeering act.

Along with the former president, 18 co-defendants were also charged. The Washington Post reported that thus far, former Trump attorney and New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani confirmed that he was heading to Atlanta to "comply with the law." Online records show that several other co-conspirators turned themselves in on late Tuesday and early Wednesday, including former Trump legal adviser John Eastman, former Coffee County Republican chair Cathy Latham, former state Republican chair David Shafer, lawyers Ray Smith and Ken Chesebro, who were indicted for their roles in concocting a plot to use false slates of GOP electors to keep Trump in office. Shafer, after being booked and released shortly thereafter, updated his profile photo on X to his mug shot. Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former DOJ official Jeffrey Clark have each filed motions seeking to have their cases moved from state to federal court, asking U.S. District Court Judge Steven Jones to stay the Atlanta case and permit them to bypass the August 25 deadline set by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. WaPo also reported that 12 of the 19 defendants in Willis' indictment have bond agreements, with Trump's set at $200,000.

We have John Eastman, Scott Hall and David Shafer's mugshots so far.



Still waiting for Cathy Latham's mugshot to be released to the public. pic.twitter.com/2oD1e3l6N1  Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) August 23, 2023
Sidney Powell, an attorney for former President Trumps 2020 campaign, surrendered at the Fulton County jail Wednesday afternoon after agreeing to a bond of $100,000 in the Georgia election interference case.

Powell and 18 other defendants  including former President Trump  are accused of plotting to overturn the states election results to keep Trump in the White House.

In addition to the state Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act charges all the defendants face, Powell faces six other charges. She is among a handful of Trump associates accused of conspiracy to commit election fraud, a violation of a Georgia election law statute. Those charges largely stem from Powells alleged involvement in a Coffee County election equipment breach.

Powell is also accused of a series of computer crimes and conspiracy to defraud the state, described as theft of data, because voter data is property which was under the control of Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.

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After the 2020 election, Powell emerged as a key surrogate of Trumps false election fraud claims, vowing to release the Kraken of supposed wrongdoing.

Trump agreed to a $200,000 bond Monday, while attorneys John Eastman, Jenna Ellis and Kenneth Chesebro agreed to $100,000 bonds.

Eleven defendants, including the former president, have not yet turned themselves in at the Fulton County jail. District Attorney Fani Willis (D) said the defendants have until Friday at noon to surrender. Trump said he plans to surrender Thursday.

Updated at 3:10 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Donald Trumps codefendant has posted his smiling mugshot on social media and boldly described it as his new profile picture after surrendering to Fulton County Jail to face charges in the election interference case.

David Shafer, the former chairman of the Georgia Republican Party and a longtime member of the Georgia state Senate, surrendered to authorities in Georgia in the early hours of Wednesday morning to face charges.

Online jail records reveal that he was arrested on Wednesday 23 August by Fulton County Sheriffs Office and booked into Fulton County Jail before being released on bond later.

Following his arrest, he shared his booking photo on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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Good morning! #NewProfilePicture, he captioned the mugshot in which he beamed at the camera.

Mr Shafer is one of 19 defendants charged with running a criminal enterprise to keep Mr Trump in power at all costs.

He is charged with eight counts over his part in the scheme where he allegedly played a pivotal role in the fake electors plot in the state.

According to the indictment, Mr Shafer convened 16 fake electors in the Georgia state capitol on 14 December 2020 to sign a certificate falsely declaring Mr Trump as the winner of the state.

In a court filing on Tuesday, he showed signs of turning on Mr Trump in the case, claiming that he was only following the former presidents orders when he took part in the election interference plot.

Mr Shafer said that he merely acted at the direction of the incumbent President and other federal officials.

Attorneys for the President and Mr. Shafer specifically instructed Mr. Shafer, verbally and in writing, that the Republican electors meeting and casting their ballots on December 14, 2020 was consistent with counsels advice and was necessary to preserve the presidential election contest, the filing states.

Mr Shafer is also seeking to have the criminal case moved to federal court.

His filing suggests that he  and potentially others  could turn on the former president in the case.

Mr Shafer is one of four codefendants who have so far surrendered for arrest over their sweeping alleged plot to overturn the 2020 election in the state of Georgia.

Cathy Latham was also booked into the jail in the early hours of Wednesday before being released soon after, records show.

Scott Hall, a former bail bondsman in Atlanta, was the first co-defendant to surrender on Tuesday.

Attorney John Eastman then also surrendered the same day.

Mr Trump and his 18 co-defendants have each been given a deadline of midday on Friday 25 August to surrender to authorities in Fulton County and be arrested on the charges.

On Monday, the former president claimed in a post on his Truth Social platform that he will turn himself in on Thursday.

Can you believe it? Ill be going to Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday to be ARRESTED by a Radical Left District Attorney, Fani Willis, who is overseeing one of the greatest Murder and Violent Crime DISASTERS in American History, he fumed.

In my case, the trip to Atlanta is not for Murder, but for making a PERFECT PHONE CALL! She campaigned, and is continuing to campaign, and raise money on, this WITCH HUNT.

David Shafers smiling mugshot (Fulton County Sheriffs Office)

This is in strict coordination with Crooked Joe Bidens DOJ. It is all about ELECTION INTERFERENCE!

Mr Trumps bond has been set at $200,000  an amount agreed upon by his attorneys but which he also railed against on Monday night.

In another Truth Social post, he claimed that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis insisted on the $200,000 bond to because she fears he will fly far away, maybe to Russia, Russia, Russia, share a gold domed suite with Vladimir, never to be seen or heard from again.

Mr Trumps arrest in his fourth criminal case will come just hours after the first Republican presidential debate gets under way in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Wednesday evening.

Scott Hall (left) and John Eastman (right) in mugshots (Fulton County Sheriffs Office)

Eight candidates  all hoping to beat the former president to secure the GOP nomination  have passed the threshold to take part.

Mr Trump, meanwhile, has refused to take part in the event hosted by Fox News.

He is instead believed to be taking part in a rival, but pre-recorded, interview with ousted Fox News personality Tucker Carlson.

Both events are likely to be overshadowed by Mr Trumps looming arrest.

On 14 August, a grand jury in Fulton County returned an indictment charging the former president and 18 of his staunchest allies over their efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election in the state.

Defendant Donald John Trump lost the United States presidential election held on November 3, 2020, the indictment reads.

One of the states he lost was Georgia. Trump and the other Defendants charged in this Indictment refused to accept that Trump lost, and they knowingly and willfully joined a conspiracy to unlawfully change the outcome of the election in favor of Trump.

That conspiracy contained a common plan and purpose to commit two or more acts of racketeering activity in Fulton County, Georgia, elsewhere in the State of Georgia, and in other states.

Charged under Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute, the 19 defendants are accused of running a criminal enterprise with the goal of ensuring that Mr Trump remained in power at all costs.

The RICO statute is a Richard Nixon-era racketeering law originally passed to prosecute organised crime groups and mafia crime syndicates.

The indictment accuses Mr Trump and his allies of orchestrating and running a criminal enterprise in Fulton County, Georgia, and elsewhere, to accomplish the illegal goal of allowing Donald J. Trump to seize the presidential term of office, beginning on January 20, 2021.

The Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Georgia, on 22 August (CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

The criminal organisations members and associates engaged in various related criminal activities including, but not limited to, false statements and writings, impersonating a public oficer, forgery, iling false documents, iniuencing witnesses, computer theft, computer trespass, computer invasion of privacy, conspiracy to defraud the state, acts involving theft, and perjury.

In the sweeping indictment, Mr Trump was charged with 13 criminal counts: violating RICOs statute, conspiracy to impersonate a public officer, two counts of conspiracy to commit forgery, two counts of conspiracy to make false statements under oath, two counts of conspiracy to file false documents, two counts of solicitation of a public officer, filing false documents, conspiracy to solicit false statements, and making false statements.

The other co-defendants include former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani  who was also hit with 13 charges  former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, Kraken lawyer Sidney Powell and Kanye Wests former publicist Trevian Kutti  face fewer charges.

In total, Mr Trump is facing a combined 91 charges across two state and two federal cases and the prospect of the remainder of his life behind bars.
Outside of the Fulton County Jail following the indictment of former U.S. President Trump

Outside of the Fulton County Jail following the indictment of former U.S. President Trump

By Jack Queen

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Donald Trump 's former personal lawyer Rudolph Giuliani surrendered on Wednesday at an Atlanta jail to face state charges arising from actions he was accused of taking to overturn the former U.S. president's 2020 election loss.

Giuliani, a former federal prosecutor and New York City mayor, was ordered to pay a $150,000 bond and not to intimidate any of his 18 co-defendants or witnesses in the case, according to court papers.

"This indictment is a travesty," Giuliani told reporters after his jail appearance. "This is an assault on the Constitution."

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Eight other of Trump's co-defendants in the criminal case brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis accusing him and his associates of trying to reverse his 2020 election loss in Georgia also have surrendered, according to county records.

Trump was set to turn himself in on Thursday to face his fourth criminal indictment this year. The remaining 10 co-defendants named in the Georgia indictment have until Friday to surrender. Trump has called his four indictments politically motivated.

The front-runner for the 2024 Republican nomination to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden , Trump continues to make false claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him through widespread voting fraud. Giuliani played a prominent public role in the Trump campaign's efforts to push these false claims.

In the Georgia case, Giuliani was accused of making numerous false statements about election fraud, including to officials in other states such as Arizona and Pennsylvania, in a failed bid to convince them to approve an alternative slate of electors in the formal congressional certification of the election results to keep Trump in power.

Giuliani and other Trump allies were also accused of making false statements to Georgia lawmakers about the election.

Four co-defendants also surrendered at the jail on Wednesday, according to records posted on the Fulton County sheriff's office website. They were attorneys Jenna Ellis, Sidney Powell, Kenneth Chesebro and Ray Smith, all of whom were charged with playing a role in the attempt to overturn Trump's defeat.

On Tuesday, Trump's former lawyer John Eastman and Republican poll watcher Scott Hall surrendered while former Georgia Republican Party leaders Cathy Latham and David Shafer - were booked overnight, according to the jail.

Shafer, Trump's former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark have filed petitions to have their cases moved to federal court.

A federal judge in Atlanta on Wednesday rejected separate bids by Clark and Meadows to avoid a Friday noon deadline to surrender to authorities in Fulton County.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to two sets of federal criminal charges brought by Jack Smith, a special counsel named by Biden-appointed U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, concerning the efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss and his possession of classified documents after leaving office. Trump also pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan case involving hush money paid before the 2016 election to a porn star.

(Reporting by Jack Queen in Atlanta, additional reporting by Susan Heavey and Jacqueline Thomsen in WashingtonEditing by Scott Malone, Will Dunham and Matthew Lewis)
(The Hill)  The state judge overseeing former President Trumps Georgia case ruled that cameras will be allowed in the courtroom for the defendants arraignments, marking the first time that one of Trumps criminal proceedings will be televised.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee on Tuesday granted a request from four local television stations to bring in live cameras and other recording devices in his courtroom through Sept. 8.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) is seeking to hold the arraignments for all the defendants the week following Labor Day, which would fall within that window. If the timeline is delayed, however, McAfees order would expire.

Oklahoma deputies searching property in Kansas formerly owned by BTK

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McAfees order does not indicate whether cameras will be allowed during a trial or any other future proceedings in the case.

Willis charged Trump last week alongside 18 co-defendants over their alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.

Willis has given a Friday deadline for the defendants to surrender, although that process is being conducted at the Fulton County Jail, separate from any arraignments. Trump has said he will surrender on Thursday.

Courts have barred cameras for all of the proceedings in Trumps other three criminal cases so far. Federal courts generally do not allow video or audio recordings of proceedings, as they have done in Trumps cases.

Lawrence man pleads guilty to DUI in 2022 deadly crash

When Trump was arraigned in New York state court on charges related to a hush money payment, the judge had denied a group of media outlets request to have video cameras in the room.

The judge did, however, allow a group of still photographers inside the courtroom for a few moments before the arraignment began, at which Trump pleaded not guilty.



But in Fulton County, cameras inside courtrooms are common, which would perhaps allow unprecedented public access to one of the most high-profile trials in U.S. history.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Donald Trump turned himself in to authorities Thursday night at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, where the former president was booked on charges stemming from his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election in Georgia.

Last week, Trump and 18 of his allies were indicted by a grand jury on racketeering charges, accused of orchestrating a criminal enterprise to subvert his loss in the state.

All 19 of those charged by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis have turned themselves in after they were given until Friday at noon to voluntarily surrender at the notorious Atlanta lockup, where they each underwent a medical evaluation, were fingerprinted and had their mug shots taken.

Eleven of Trump's co-defendants  including Rudy Giuliani, Trumps former personal lawyer, and Mark Meadows, his former White House chief of staff  turned themselves in earlier this week.

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Here are the mug shots of all those who have surrendered in Georgia and what they've been charged with:

Donald J. Trump, former U.S. president

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

13 counts, including:

 Violation of the Georgia RICO Act

 Solicitation of violation of oath by public officer

 Conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer

 Conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree

 Conspiracy to commit false statements and writings

 Conspiracy to commit filing false documents

 Filing false documents

 False statements and writings

Mark Meadows, former White House chief of staff

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

2 counts:

 Violation of the Georgia RICO Act

 Solicitation of violation of oath by public officer

Jeffrey Clark, former Justice Department official

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

2 counts:

 Violation of the Georgia RICO Act

 Criminal attempt to commit false statements and writings

Rudy Giuliani, Trump's former personal lawyer

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

13 counts, including:

 Violation of the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act

 Solicitation of violation of oath by public officer

 False statements and writings

 Conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer

 Conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree

 Conspiracy to commit false statements and writings

 Conspiracy to commit filing false documents

Michael Roman, Republican strategist

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

7 counts, including:

 Violation of the Georgia RICO Act

 Conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer

 Conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree

 Conspiracy to commit false statements and writings

 Conspiracy to commit filing false documents

Shawn Still, Georgia Republican state senator

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

7 counts, including:

 Violation of the Georgia RICO Act

 Impersonating a public officer

 Forgery in the first degree

 False statements and writings

 Criminal attempt to commit filing false documents

Stephen Lee, police chaplain

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

5 counts, including:

 Violation of the Georgia RICO Act

 Criminal attempt to commit influencing witnesses

 Conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements and writings

 Influencing witnesses

Trevian Kutti, publicist

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

3 counts:

 Violation of the Georgia RICO Act

 Conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements and writings

 Influencing witnesses

Robert Cheeley, attorney based in Georgia

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

10 counts, including:

 Violation of the Georgia RICO Act

 Conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer

 Conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree

 Conspiracy to commit false statements and writings

 Conspiracy to commit filing false documents

 Solicitation of violation of oath by public officer

 False statements and writings

 Perjury

Misty Hampton, Coffee County elections supervisor

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

7 counts, including:

 Violation of the Georgia RICO Act

 Conspiracy to commit election fraud

 Conspiracy to commit computer theft

 Conspiracy to commit computer trespass

 Conspiracy to commit computer invasion of privacy

 Conspiracy to defraud the state

Harrison Floyd, Black Voices for Trump organizer

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

3 counts:

 Violation of the Georgia RICO Act

 Conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements and writings

 Influencing witnesses

Sidney Powell, attorney

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

7 counts, including:

 Violation of the Georgia RICO Act

 Conspiracy to commit election fraud

 Conspiracy to commit computer theft

 Conspiracy to commit computer trespass

 Conspiracy to commit computer invasion of privacy

 Conspiracy to defraud the state

Jenna Ellis, attorney

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

2 counts:

 Violation of the Georgia RICO Act

 Solicitation of violation of oath by public officer

Cathleen Latham, Coffee County GOP chair

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

11 counts, including:

 Violation of the Georgia RICO Act

 Impersonating a public officer

 Forgery in the first degree

 False statements and writings

 Criminal attempt to commit filing false documents

 Conspiracy to commit election fraud

 Conspiracy to commit computer theft

 Conspiracy to commit computer trespass

 Conspiracy to commit computer invasion of privacy

 Conspiracy to defraud the state

David Shafer, chairman of the Georgia GOP

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

8 counts, including:

 Violation of the Georgia RICO Act

 Impersonating a public officer

 Forgery in the first degree

 False statements and writings

 Criminal attempt to commit filing false documents

Kenneth Chesebro, attorney

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

7 counts, including:

 Violation of the Georgia RICO Act

 Conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer

 Conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree

 Conspiracy to commit false statements and writings

 Conspiracy to commit filing false documents

Ray Stallings Smith, attorney for Trumps 2020 campaign in Georgia

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

12 counts, including:

 Violation of the Georgia RICO Act

 Solicitation of violation of oath by a public office

 False statements and writings

 Conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer

 Conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree

 Conspiracy to commit false statements and writings

 Conspiracy to commit filing false documents

John Eastman, Trumps former lawyer

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

9 counts, including:

 Violation of the Georgia RICO Act

 Solicitation of violation of oath by public officer

 Conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer

 Conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree

 Conspiracy to commit false statements and writings

 Conspiracy to commit filing false documents

 Filing false documents

Scott Hall, Fulton County GOP poll watcher

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

7 counts, including:

 Violation of the Georgia RICO Act

 Conspiracy to commit election fraud

 Conspiracy to commit computer theft

 Conspiracy to commit computer trespass

 Conspiracy to commit computer invasion of privacy

 Conspiracy to defraud the state
With Donald Trump far ahead in the polls for the Republican presidential nomination, we must face an important question: Does the Constitution make Trump ineligible to run for president?

Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment explicitly precludes anyone who has previously taken an oath of office from holding public office if they have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States. Congress, by a two-thirds vote, can remove this disability.

The indictments against Trump in both federal court in Washington, D.C. and in state court in Georgia leave little doubt that Trump attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Whatever the outcome of the criminal trials, whenever they occur, there is no question that Trump was doing everything he possibly could to stay in power.

Trump certainly encouraged and did nothing to stop the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The issue as to whether his conduct precludes him from holding federal office again will inevitably arise.

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Opinion

Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment was adopted to keep those who had participated on the rebel side of the Civil War from holding federal office. Quickly after its adoption, there were a number of instances in which it was enforced, but Congress granted amnesty to former Confederates in 1872 limiting its application.

There are many questions that must be answered in deciding whether Section 3 prevents Trump from being president. Who makes the determination of whether a person engaged in insurrection or rebellion? The constitutional provision doesnt say. Some state election officials might determine that Trump is ineligible to be on the ballot, which will inevitably lead to lawsuits from his supporters. There will also likely be suits against state election officials to keep Trump off the ballot on the ground that he is ineligible to be elected.

A year ago, a state court removed Couy Griffin from his position as a New Mexico County Commissioner because of his participation in the Jan. 6 events. Similar litigation is sure to ensue over Trumps eligibility, ultimately resulting in resolution from the Supreme Court.

There is also the question of the proof needed to invoke Section 3. Must there be a conviction of Trump? If so, for what offenses? Nothing in the constitutional provision suggests that its application requires a criminal conviction or proof beyond a reasonable doubt. In fact, after the Civil War, individuals were excluded from serving in Congress based on their support for the Confederacy even though there had not been a criminal conviction.

William Baude of the University of Chicago Law School and Michael Stokes Paulsen of St. Thomas Law School, two conservative law professors who are both self-professed originalists, recently declared in a published article that Section Three requires no prior criminal-law conviction, for treason or any other defined crime, as a prerequisite for its disqualification to apply.

Indeed, the conclusion of these prominent conservative professors is that the case is not even close. All who are committed to the Constitution should take and say so: Trump engaged in insurrection and is ineligible for the presidency.

Yet it is disquieting to think of courts keeping someone with substantial public support from running for president, let alone a former president of the United States. That seems profoundly anti-democratic.

But the Constitution is inherently anti-democratic in that it limits what popularly elected government officials may do. It also imposes other restrictions on who may be president, such as requiring that the person be 35 years old and a natural born citizen. Those who drafted and ratified the Fourteenth Amendment made a conscious choice to limit democracy in the future by saying that those who engaged in insurrection or rebellion could never again hold government office.

Of course, it would be unprecedented for this clause to be used to keep Trump from running for president. But it is also unprecedented for a president to attempt to subvert the results of an election to stay in power and foment the storming of the Capitol.

If Trump is convicted in federal or state court of the crimes with which he has been charged, he should be deemed ineligible to run for president. Even if he is not convicted, there is a compelling case that the Constitution bars him from ever holding office again.

Erwin Chemerinsky is the dean and a professor at the UC Berkeley School of Law.
The multiplying charges brought against allies of former President Trump and their mounting legal fees are creating consternation in Trump world  while presenting a real risk to the former president.

Trump has burned through millions of dollars in donor money to pay for legal fees as he defends himself against charges in New York City, Florida, Georgia and Washington, D.C.

But the former president, who has built a reputation for stiffing workers, has shown no interest in providing financial aid to former aides charged over their efforts to keep him in power.

Former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani has listed his Manhattan apartment for sale, and several Trump allies have launched crowdfunding campaigns to pay for their defenses.

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Some of those who face charges in Georgia have been released on bond agreements totaling as much as $100,000.

The growing bills have already prompted complaints that Trump isnt footing the bill.

I was reliably informed Trump isnt funding any of us who are indicted, onetime Trump attorney Jenna Ellis wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Would this change if he becomes the nominee? Why then, not now? I totally agree this has become a bigger principle than just one man. So why isnt MAGA, Inc. funding everyones defense?

As Trumps aid to allies trickles, some warn failing to take on their legal bills could come back to haunt him if associates seek to cooperate with prosecutors.

He has no legal obligation to pay anybodys fees. Moral? Perhaps, said Tim Parlatore, who represented Trump in the Mar-a-Lago case and has represented Bernard Kerik, a Giuliani associate, in dealing with the federal and Georgia cases related to Jan. 6.

But its a good idea because heres what DOJ does. DOJ obviously they have, I hesitate to say the word limitless resources, but pretty close. And one of their standard tactics is to bleed the defendant and witnesses dry, he added. And once they can bleed you dry to where all of your life savings have been sucked up by somebody like me  then youre far more pliable and willing to plead guilty to just about anything to stop the bleeding.

In other cases, Trump has provided attorneys or covered bills for those swept up in the investigations, including in the Mar-a-Lago probe where special counsel Jack Smiths team spoke with numerous employees who work at the property.

That now includes covering the legal bills of Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, who are accused of helping Trump obstruct justice by moving boxes of classified documents and later conspiring to delete security camera footage from the property.

The superseding indictment noted a discussion around making sure Carlos is good and that Trump promised to get him an attorney.

But the mounting Jan. 6-related cases are being handled differently as defendants are added to the list.

A MAGA Inc. official declined to respond to Elliss suggestion that the super PAC fund her legal costs, noting the organization has not done so for any other individuals.

Save America, a committee Trump launched after the 2020 election that fundraised off claims of the election being stolen, was the primary committee that helped pay down the former presidents legal bills, according to campaign finance reports.

Ellis, attorney John Eastman and former Justice Department official Jeff Clark have launched crowdfunding pages where they are collecting donations for what is described as their respective legal defense funds. All three pages frame the beneficiaries as victims of politically motivated attacks.

All three were charged in Georgia, and Eastman and Clark are believed to be among the six unindicted co-conspirators described in the federal case against Trump in Washington for his efforts to subvert the 2020 election.

Donalds an idiot, Trumps former fixer Michael Cohen told CNN. Let me just be very clear: When it comes to paying money, he is truly an idiot. He has not learned yet that  three people you dont want to throw under the bus like that: your lawyer, your doctor and your mechanic. Because one way or the other, youre going to go down the hill, and therell be no brakes.

He mused that Giuliani could present the biggest risk for Trump. Although hes facing charges in Georgia, he has yet to be indicted in the federal Jan. 6 case, despite being listed as a co-conspirator.

Allegedly, from Rudys own mouth, he claims that he has smoking gun information about Donald, Cohen said, adding later, Hes going to need to speak, and hes going to need to speak before everybody else does.

Giuliani is facing some of the steepest debts as his cases pile up.

Beyond the two criminal cases tied to Jan. 6, hes also facing three defamation suits related to comments he made while seeking to help Trump unwind the 2020 results  two from voting equipment companies and another from a mother-daughter duo serving as election workers in Georgia. Hes also facing disbarment proceedings in New York and Washington, matters in which he also has secured attorneys.

In recent proceedings in the cases, Guilianis attorneys have noted his inability to pay for bills, as well as the apparent cutting off of assistance from Trumps PAC after it initially provided him with $400,000 this year to help cover the cost of preserving his records as evidence in court cases.

These are a lot of bills that hes not paying, Giulianis attorney Adam Katz told a New York state court earlier this month in a defamation suit brought by voting equipment company Smartmatic. I think this is very humbling for Mr. Giuliani.

CNN reported last week that Giuliani and his attorney traveled to Florida in April to appeal to Trump to help cover some of Giulianis legal fees. Trump reportedly did not seem especially interested, though he verbally agreed to help with some of Giulianis legal bills without committing to a specific amount or time frame.

A spokesman for Giuliani did not respond to a request for comment.

The former mayor is far from the only Trump associate with ongoing legal battles.

Sidney Powell, who aided with Trumps post-election cases, is also facing a defamation suit from Dominion. And Eastman and Clark have hired attorneys to represent them in proceedings to strip their law license.

One source dismissed the suggestion that Trump should be covering the legal bills of co-defendants in Georgia, calling it inane.

Trump has complained on social media that his mounting legal cases were forcing his campaign to spend vast amounts of money on legal fees, thereby having less to spend on political ads.

A source familiar with Trumps PAC spending said the Trump team spent too much money upfront, acquiring high legal bills from attorneys well in advance of the trials now facing them.

What youve got here is you have a lot of lawyers that I think are being very abusive in their billing practices. And they basically see this as a piggy bank that they can raid to run up the bill without actually providing value commensurate with the amount of money theyre getting paid, the source said.

And it then causes the problem that you have here where, oh my god, people are spending like drunken sailors. And all these millions and millions of dollars got spent. And now when Rudy actually has to stay out of jail, theres nothing left to help Rudy stay out of jail. And theyre starting to get real tight with things because now theyre looking at four trials coming up.

This story was updated at 1 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The day before former President Donald Trump announced he would not participate in the 2024 Republican presidential primary debate, GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia campaigned at the Iowa State Fair on Trumps behalf.

Greene was photographed pouring drinks for fair goers and parading a Trump campaign flag on the iconic ski lift overlooking the fair.

On Wednesday, Greene will join other key Trump congressional allies at the Republican primary presidential debate in Milwaukee to represent the former president at the request of the Trump campaign, amid a crowded Republican field of candidates.

And on Thursday, Greene will have another opportunity to rally around Trump  this time near her own backyard  as he turns himself in to the Fulton County jail for his fourth arraignment, after being indicted for his alleged role participating in schemes to meddle with Georgias 2020 presidential election results.

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Greene said its still up in the air whether she will ultimately go, given the brief time Trump will actually be there and the tight security measures around the jail. But she has flights reserved just in case.

I just talked to President Trump earlier today and told him that, of course, Id be there in any capacity that he needed me, Greene told CNN.

Greenes moves are part of a broader web of Trump surrogates and allies who have fanned out across the airwaves, hit the campaign trail and made legislative moves to support the former president as his political and legal battles have converged  a familiar playbook deployed by a recurring cast of characters that have taken similar steps after Trumps previous three indictments.

The Trump campaign has eagerly leaned into the former presidents deep bench of congressional support both to go on offense against political opponents like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and to play defense from the onslaught of legal challenges, particularly in recent weeks.

Then-Arizona Republican gubernatorial nominee Kari Lake speaks to supporters in November 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Lake is acting a surrogate for former President Donald Trump around Wednesday's debate. - Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

When Trump himself went to the Iowa State Fair earlier this month, he was flanked by a number of Florida Republicans including Reps. Byron Donalds, Greg Steube, Matt Gaetz and Anna Paulina Luna who all have endorsed him over DeSantis  a show of Floridian force that was meant as a clear jab at one of Trumps top rivals in the race.

But the face time with his Capitol Hill supporters has also given Trump more direct insight into the House GOPs maneuvering. Donalds flew with the former president on his private plane to the Iowa State Fair last weekend, and told CNN that Trump asked members on the plane for updates on the congressional investigations into the Biden family and the status of House Republicans potentially opening an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden over his sons foreign business dealings.

Of course he is interested, Donalds said, though he emphasized Trump was not giving any marching orders and simply asking for updates. In six months, his political opponent is going to be Joe Biden again. Wouldnt you be interested?

Gaetz, who told CNN he plans to be in the spin room for Trump on Wednesday, framed the former presidents questions about a potential Biden impeachment inquiry by saying: Its really piqued the interest of the country, and I dont think hes immune from having an interest in it.

Given the former presidents focus on the topic, its no surprise that multiple GOP lawmakers have jockeyed to become the face of a potential impeachment effort. The day before appearing with Trump in Iowa, Steube filed articles of impeachment of his own against Biden.

How many of you think we should impeach Joe Biden? Steube asked standing on stage next to Trump on August 12.

Trump then put his hand on Steubes shoulder as the crowd started chanting Trump!

Trump surrogates plot debate strategy

Some of the Trump surrogates, who were asked by Trumps team to represent the former president at the debate, are doing their homework ahead of Wednesday: They have been prepped by Trump-aligned GOP strategists and received opposition research memos about the other candidates, according to multiple sources.

The surrogates are being encouraged to not only focus on attacking the other Republican candidates, but to also boost Trump by talking about his platform and highlighting his commanding lead in the primary. As with all previous indictments Trump has faced, his team circulated talking points to his surrogates and allies, arming them with campaign-approved information to defend the former president. They have also created talking points related to Trumps surrender to the Fulton County jail on Thursday, two sources familiar with the materials told CNN.

We want to make sure that the Trump campaign is well represented everywhere, Gaetz said. That means with our activists and volunteers, it also means with media. So Im sure well have a lot to say after the debate, but I kind of want to see it play out.

Donalds, who will be at the debate on Wednesday for Trump, told CNN his strategy going into the night will be to watch the debate. See what happens, adding, My goal is being a supporter of the presidents to help him win our nomination. And everything else falls into that.

On top of getting the former presidents message out, there are potential political upsides for the lawmakers who act as surrogates for Trump, who is known to reward loyal allies, like Greene who has long been rumored to be seeking Trumps pick to be his running mate.

When asked if he would be open to serving as Trumps vice president or in a future Trump administration, Donalds told CNN: Look, who wouldnt? Who wouldnt? Thats something where its really up to him and his team. I have no control over that. But for me and you know, I told them this, Im about winning. I just want to win and get this country back on track.

Kari Lake, who is also expected to be at the debate on behalf of Trump, could benefit particularly from a Trump endorsement as she is openly weighing a bid for the US Senate on the heels of her failed gubernatorial bid in Arizona, and is even considered to be vying for a spot on Trumps ticket.

Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz is seen siting with Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia in the House Chamber in January in Washington, DC. - Win McNamee/Getty Images

Lake has no concerns that Trumps absence Wednesday will give other candidates the kind of breakthrough that will allow them to surge ahead of Trump.

The very fact that the last interview I just did, and the interview before that, and the interview before that, everybody has been asking about President Trump tells me hes already won, she said of Trump. Nobody has asked me about these other people.

In addition to being at the debate to represent Trump, Gaetz and Greene are planning to host an exclusive post-game show to break down the debate.

Ive never been to a presidential debate.  So this whole thing is kind of a new experience for me, Greene said. But honestly, this is the number one comment Ive heard from everyone: Its really boring without the president here.

Trumps team had reached out to even more GOP members of Congress, both in the House and the Senate, to represent him in Milwaukee, but at least two informed the former president they were unable to attend due to traveling commitments, sources close to both Trump and the members told CNN. The plan initially was for Gaetz, Greene, Lake, Donalds and GOP Rep. Wesley Hunt of Texas to represent Trump in the spin room at the debate, but the debate host, Fox News, informed the Trump campaign on Monday that they will no longer provide credentials to some surrogates of the former president to attend the spin room given Trump is not planning on participating, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter told CNN. Fox News is in charge of credentials for the spin room. However, the RNC manages credentials for the actual debate, and sources said those tickets are still expected be honored. Gaetz told CNN he plans on being in the spin room for Trump.

Trump wont be the only presidential candidate to have a congressional presence in the spin room. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, who became the first House Republican to back DeSantis for the GOP nomination, told CNN that he will be there on Wednesday, while a GOP source confirmed that Sen. John Thune of South Dakota will attend the debate on behalf of South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.

Even before members of Congress could face off on behalf of their endorsed presidential candidates, Greene was already goading Desantis supporters by tweeting a photo of a bingo card intended on mocking the Florida Governors debate performance.

Everyone get your bingo cards ready for tomorrow night! she tweeted.

CNNs Alayna Treene and Kristen Holmes contributed to this report.

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Georgia election interference

Giuliani turns himself in for booking in Georgia

Key players: Former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee

Former New York Mayor turned Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani turned himself in for arrest and processing at Fulton County Jail in Atlanta on Wednesday for his alleged role in the plot to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. Giuliani faces 13 criminal counts, including racketeering  the charge he used to imprison organized crime members when he worked as a federal prosecutor in New York in the 1980s.

"I'm feeling very, very good about it because I feel like I'm defending the rights of all Americans," Giuliani said before flying to Atlanta, Reuters reported. "I'm telling the truth, they're lying."

Giulianis bond was set by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee at $150,000, a noteworthy amount given reports of Giulianis mounting legal defense bills.

After surrendering, Giuliani called the case an "attack on the American people."

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Why it matters: Hailed as Americas mayor for his leadership in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on Manhattan in 2001, Giulianis involvement in the effort to overturn the 2020 election has resulted in the suspension of his New York law license, and he was later barred from appearing on Fox News. He is said to be facing a seven-figure legal debt even before the Georgia case gets underway.

Documents case

Trump employee flips, reveals attempt to erase security footage, DOJ says

Key players: Trump employee Yuscil Taveras, attorney Stanley Woodward, Judge Aileen Cannon , special counsel Jack Smith, Trump employees Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira

A Trump employee who monitored security camera footage at Mar-a-Lago and testified before the Washington, D.C., grand jury that voted to indict the former president in the case involving his handling of classified materials after leaving the White House has changed his testimony, Justice Department prosecutors said in a court filing Tuesday.

Yuscil Taveras, who had been represented by attorney Stanley Woodward, initially told the grand jury he was not aware of any effort that was made to erase security camera footage. After firing Woodward following that testimony, Taveras testified again, Politico reported, retracting those false statements.

Special counsel Jack Smiths team made Tuesdays disclosure in response to a demand by Judge Aileen Cannon, who demanded to know why a grand jury was continuing to investigate Trump and his employees after charges had been filed.

Why it matters: While Trump and his employees Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira have been charged with attempting to obstruct federal investigators in the recovery of classified documents, the flip by Taveras could potentially implicate all three of them and raises the chances that other employees will follow suit.

Christie says he would have charged Trump in both federal cases

Key player: Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie

Former prosecutor and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who is running against Trump in the Republican presidential primary, said that if he were still a federal prosecutor, he would have pursued criminal charges against Trump in two of the four cases in which he has been indicted.

I would have prosecuted the documents case, absolutely, Christie said in an interview on Newsmax, The Hill reported. I would not have prosecuted the [hush money] case in New York, and I said that at the time. He added: I would have prosecuted the Jan. 6 matter, but I would not have prosecuted the Atlanta matter against Donald Trump; I think it was unnecessary to do so.

Why it matters: A former supporter of Trump who has become one of his most outspoken critics, Christie is one of the only Republicans willing to say that the former president deserves to be prosecuted for his actions in the documents and Jan. 6 election interference cases.

Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images, Chris Kleponis/Polaris/Bloomberg via Getty Images, Getty Images, Icas94/De Agostini via Getty Images

Read more:

WDAF-TV: Who is Scott McAfee, judge overseeing Trump Georgia case?

Salon: Devastating facts: Experts say Jack Smith filing exposed Judge Cannons inexplicable ruling

The Hill: Trump infighting risks rise as allies face legal bills, cash crunch
China to maintain tough stance against corruption in finance sector: SPP

Xinhua) 11:13, August 23, 2023

BEIJING, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- China's top procuratorate on Tuesday called for unremitting and across-the-board efforts to crack down on corrupt elements in the finance sector, aiming to fight corruption and forestall financial risks.

The Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) recently made public four guiding cases to combat corruption in financial institutions, providing references for procuratorial agencies across the country to use in handling such cases in a more targeted manner, the SPP said.

The four cases focus on new types of duty-related crimes, involving embezzlement, the taking of bribes, the misappropriation of public funds, the abuse of power by personnel of state-owned companies, the illegal granting of loans, the illegal issuance of financial bills and insider trading using undisclosed information.

The cases involved state-owned financial institutions in sectors such as banking, futures and asset management.

According to official statistics, a total of 652 people were prosecuted for duty-related crimes in the financial field in China between January 2021 and July 2023.

The SPP said that prosecutors must maintain a tough stance against corruption in the finance sector to safeguard the financial security of the country.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Like any other criminal defendant in Fulton County, Ga., former President Trump is expected to receive a mug shot upon surrendering at the local jail.

Trump and 18 co-defendants are charged with plotting to subvert Georgias 2020 election results. The former president said Monday evening that he plans to turn himself in Thursday.

If Trump receives a mug shot upon surrendering, it would mark a departure from the protocol in his other three criminal cases; the former president was booked for each of those cases but did not have a mug shot taken.

Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat said earlier this month that his office will follow normal practices, and so it doesnt matter your status. Well have mug shots ready for you.

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Trump lawyer John Eastman and bail bond business owner Scott Hall, two of the co-defendants in the sweeping case, were booked by the Fulton County Sheriffs Office on Tuesday morning.

Eastman designed and helped push a legal strategy attempting to overturn the 2020 election, while Halls role in the alleged enterprise stems from the Coffee County election equipment breach. Both defendants were given prisoner identification numbers and had mug shots taken. They were released on bond later in the day.

Four other defendants  lawyers Ray Smith and Kenneth Chesebro and fake electors David Shafer and Cathy Latham  surrendered early Wednesday morning before being released.

The Fulton County Sheriffs office said mug shots for defendants in the case will be released around 4 p.m. daily to media.

There are still 12 defendants left to surrender, including Trump and his former White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows . Meadows and another defendant, former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark, have asked a federal judge to delay their arrest pending a decision on whether their cases should be moved to federal court.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) gave defendants in the case until noon Friday to surrender voluntarily. The local jail is open 24 hours, seven days a week, and defendants can surrender to authorities at any time, according to the sheriffs office.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Donald Trump s codefendants have started surrendering to authorities to face charges in the Georgia election interference case.

Scott Hall and John Eastman were the first to turn themselves in on Tuesday, surrendering for arrest at Fulton County Jail before being released on bond.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, two more codefendants Cathy Latham and David Shafer were also booked into the jail. The first mugshots have started to emerge with a smiling Mr Shafer posting his online.

Mr Trump has announced that he plans to surrender on Thursday  hours after skipping the first Republican presidential debate on Wednesday night.

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Meanwhile, in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case, a key witness has flipped his testimony and implicated the former president and his associates on the charges.

Yuscil Taveras, the former director of IT at Mar-a-Lago, accused Mr Trump and his employees Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliviera of being involved in a scheme to delete security footage relating to the handling of classified documents, according to a new filing from the special counsels office.

This move came immediately after Mr Taveras switched attorneys from a lawyer paid for by a Trump PAC group to a public defender.

Key points

First mugshots of Trump codefendants released

Two more Trump codefendants surrender to authorities in Georgia

Key witness in Mar-a-Lago documents case flips to implicate Trump

Trump granted $200,000 bail in Georgia and ordered not to make threats on social media

Trump refuses to attend any debates

Whats next for Donald Trump after his Georgia indictment

10:20 , Namita Singh

Donald Trump will face yet another arraignment, this time in Fulton County, Georgia, after he was indicted on 13 charges related to his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election in the state.

On 14 August evening, Mr Trump was charged with violating the RICO Act as well as other charges alleging conspiracy, making false statements and filing false documents related to his combined efforts with 18 other named defendants in changing election results.

The charges stem from an investigation by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis into Mr Trump and his allies actions in the state in the days and weeks after the 2020 election.

These actions included an infamous phone call that Mr Trump made to Brad Raffensperger, Georgias Republican secretary of state, in which Mr Trump asked him to find 11,780 votes. It also detailed a plot to install fake state electors.

Now, Mr Trump will have to add another series of court hearings for this case, including his official arraignment, to his already packed schedule.

Heres what we know about whats next for Mr Trump in the Georgia indictment.

Whats next for Donald Trump after his Georgia indictment?

Two more Trump codefendants surrender to authorities in Georgia

10:06 , Rachel Sharp

Two more codefendants in Donald Trumps election interference case in Georgia have now surrendered to authorities.

Online jail records reveal that Cathy Latham and David Shafer were booked into Fulton County Jail in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

As of 5am ET, records show that they had both been released from the jail.

Now, a total of four codefendants have turned themselves into authorities.

Scott Hall, a former bail bondsman in Atlanta, was the first co-defendant to surrender on Tuesday. Attorney John Eastman then also surrendered the same day.

How are candidates for debate shortlisted?

10:00 , Namita Singh

Donald Trump wont be on the Republican debate stage on Wednesday. But the former president is driving the conversation on and off the debate stage anyway.

Trump supporters including representative Marjorie Taylor Greene will be in Milwaukee. There are questions about how many of his campaign surrogates will be allowed into Fox News spin room. The network has restricted their access unless they are the guests of another media organization.

Eight other candidates met the donor and polling qualifications to be on stage, according to the Republican National Committee. For those who didnt, missing the debate could be a decisive moment in their campaigns.

Conservative radio host Larry Elder has said he plans to sue the RNC over being left out, despite what he says is proof that he qualified for the debate. It also wasnt immediately clear what Miami Mayor Francis Suarez  who didnt make the cut  would do, following his Iowa State Fair comments that he might drop out of the race if that happened.

To qualify for the 23 August debate, candidates needed to satisfy polling and donor requirements set by the RNC: at least one per cent in three national polls or a mix of national and early-state polls deemed acceptable by the committee, between 1 July and 21 August , and a minimum of 40,000 donors, with 200 in 20 or more states.

Candidates also needed to commit at least 48 hours before the Wednesday evening debate, according to RNC criteria, which also required participants to sign a pledge promising to support the partys eventual nominee.

Trump teases very busy night during GOP debate

09:40 , Rachel Sharp

Donald Trump has teased that he will be having a very busy night on Wednesday during the first Republican debate.

I WILL BE VERY BUSY TOMORROW NIGHT - ENJOY!!! he posted on Truth Social on Tuesday night.

Eight GOP presidential hopefuls will take to the stage in Wisconsin for the debate at 9pm ET.

Mr Trump is skipping the event  but is instead holding a rival, though pre-recorded, interview with Tucker Carlson at the time.

First mugshots of Trump codefendants released

09:22 , Rachel Sharp

The first mugshots of Donald Trumps codefendants in the Georgia election interference case have been released.

Scott Hall and John Eastman were the first to surrender to authorities in Fulton County on Tuesday.

Scott Hall (left) and John Eastman (right) in mugshots (Fulton County Sheriffs Office)

Will Trump go to prison?

09:00 , Oliver O'Connell

America wants to know...

Will Donald Trump go to prison?

ICYMI: Scott Hall becomes first Trump co-defendant to surrender for arrest in Georgia

08:30 , Namita Singh

Scott Hall has become the first co-defendant of Donald Trump to surrender to authorities on Georgia to face charges over their alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election in the state.

Fulton County Jail records reveal that Mr Hall was arrested on Tuesday 22 August by Fulton County Sheriffs Office on seven charges.

Rachel Sharp reports.

Scott Hall becomes first Trump co-defendant to surrender for arrest in Georgia

Who takes advantage of Donald Trumps absence in the Republican debate

08:00 , Namita Singh

Eight Republican candidates will meet on the debate stage for the first time Wednesday night in what may be the biggest moment in the GOPs young 2024 presidential primary so far.

The overwhelming front-runner in the contest, former president Donald Trump, wont participate.He says hes so far ahead that hed be helping his opponents by showing up. But his absence also offers them opportunity.

Who is likely to gain from his absence? Report:

Who takes advantage of Donald Trump's absence and other things to watch in the Republican debate

GOP debate: What is the net worth of each candidate?

07:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Ahead of Wednesdays showdown, heres a guide to the personal wealth of those taking part, with a brief outline of how they made their fortunes.

Fellow candidates Will Hurd, Perry Johnson, Francis Suarez and Larry Elder have not been included as, at the time of writing, they had not met the threshold to earn spots on the debate stage.

What are the Republican presidential candidates net worths?

Trump wont be at the GOPs first presidential debate. But his presence will be felt

07:00 , Namita Singh

Hell be missing from the stage, but former president and GOP frontrunner Donald Trump will nonetheless loom large at the first Republican presidential primary debate Wednesday night as the candidates hoping to take on Democrat Joe Biden in November face off for the first time.

Trump won't be at the GOP's first presidential debate. But his presence will be felt

A major witness in the Mar-a-Lago document case flipped his testimony after switching from Trump PAC lawyer

06:31 , Namita Singh

A key witness in the special counsels classified documents case against Donald Trump reversed his testimony and implicated the former president and his associates after switching from a lawyer paid for by a Trump PAC group, according to a filing from the special counsels office.

Last month, Yuscil Taveras, the former director of IT at Mar-a-Lago, identified in some court documents as Trump Employee 4, switched from his attorney Stanley Woodward to a public defender.

At the same time, he gave federal officials new statements they said implicated the former president and his employees Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliviera in an alleged scheme to delete security footage relating to the the handling of classifed documents.

My colleague Josh Marcus has more:

A witness in the Mar-a-Lago case flipped testimony after switching from Trump lawyer

Fox News ability to pivot again tested by Trump's decision to back out of debate

06:30 , Oliver O'Connell

If 2023 has taught anything to the people running Fox News, its the importance of being able to pivot.

The decision by former President Donald Trump to skip Wednesdays first debate of the 2024 presidential primary season likely deprives Fox of a huge late-summer audience. Even worse for the network, Trump has talked of appearing in an online interview with former Fox star Tucker Carlson at the same time.

Trumps announcement on Sunday wasnt necessarily a surprise. Fox debate moderators Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum had been preparing for two events  one if he were there and one if he wasnt.

Trump's decision to back out of debate tests Fox News' ability to pivot again

Trump claims $200,000 bond was set so he doesnt fly to Russia'

05:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump has claimed that he was slapped with a high bond in his Georgia election interference case so that he doesnt fly to Russia to share a gold-domed suite with Vladimir Putin.

The former president agreed on Monday to his bond being set at $200,000 as he faces 13 charges including racketeering over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election in the state.

Read on...

Trump claims bond set at $200k so he wont flee to Russia to be with Putin

Recap: Trump says he will be arrested in Georgia on Thursday

04:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Former president Donald Trump will officially be arrested and booked on racketeering and conspiracy charges in Fulton County, Georgia on Thursday, one day before the court-ordered deadline for the ex-president and his 18 co-defendants to surrender to authorities.

Heres what we know, so far...

Trump will be arrested in Georgia on Thursday for alleged efforts to subvert election

John Eastman gets $100,000 bail in Georgia election case

04:00 , Oliver O'Connell

John Eastman, the former Chapman University law professor who was indicted along with former president Donald Trump and 17 other co-conspirators by a Fulton County, Georgia grand jury last week, has been allowed to remain free pending trial on $100,000 bail.

Andrew Feinberg reports.

Trump co-defendant John Eastman gets $100,000 bail in Georgia election case

Even following indictments, Trump and his allies double down on election lies

03:15 , Oliver O'Connell

A federal indictment and one in Georgia charging Donald Trump with lying about the 2020 election to overturn President Joe Bidens win have done nothing to slow the geyser of election falsehoods flowing from the former president and his supporters.

Read on...

Trump and his allies double down on election lies following indictments

Viral video questioning DeSantis debate leaks appears to show him on edge

02:30 , Oliver O'Connell

GOP presidential hopeful and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has once again found himself made a punching bag online after he was caught in an embarrassing video on the campaign trail.

Graig Graziosi reports.

DeSantis appears on edge in viral video questioning his debate leaks

Abortion right: What the GOP candidates have said

01:45 , Oliver O'Connell

The issue of abortion rights in the United States is staring the 2024 GOP presidential candidates in their faces as they prepare to kick their campaigns into high gear.

Since the Supreme Court overturned the landmark case Roe v Wade (1973) last summer, abortion has become a top concern for many voters.

Though the anti-abortion stance has long been associated with the Republican Party, approximately 61 per cent of adults in the US believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases, according to Pew Research Center  that statistic includes Republican and Democratic voters.

As Americans look toward their next Republican presidential nominee, no doubt many will be considering where the candidate stands on abortion when determining who they support.

Here is what each GOP presidential candidate has said on the issue.

What the GOP candidates have said about abortion rights

Analysis: Trumps barely veiled riggers dog whistle underlines former presidents history of racist statements

01:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Facing four criminal indictments as he seeks the Republican nomination for president, Donald Trump has repeatedly lashed out at the prosecutors and judges handling his cases, while his supporters spin volatile rhetoric into threats of political violence.

His inflammatory remarks, threats to political rivals and borderline incitement have galvanised his supporters, who echo and amplify his statements and hear his alleged dogwhistles loud and clear.

Mr Trump has repeatedly said he is the least racist person, but his statements surrounding the criminal cases against him are seen as some of his most explicit and most desperate racist attacks yet, following decades of bigoted statements.

Alex Woodward reports.

Trumps barely veiled riggers dog whistle underlines history of racist statements

GOP senator calls Trumps classified documents case a slam dunk

Wednesday 23 August 2023 00:15 , Oliver O'Connell

One of the Republican senators who voted to convict Donald Trump for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot has described the criminal case regarding the former presidents handling of classified documents as a slam dunk.

Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) spoke to Kasie Hunt on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday where he said that Mr Trump should drop out of the 2024 presidential race.

Eric Garcia reports.

Republican senator calls Trumps classified documents case a slam dunk

Mayor Francis Suarez unhappy about being excluded from debate

Tuesday 22 August 2023 23:50 , Oliver O'Connell

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez echoes Larry Elder in his criticism of being excluded from tomorrow nights Republican debate due to ineligible poll numbers but says he respects the rules and process set forth by the RNC.

In a statement, he said:

Throughout the debate verification process, my team was in touch with the RNC as we worked towards meeting the qualifications for the first debate.

On Thursday afternoon, in consultation with the RNC, we believed the polling requirement would be met by two polls that were yet to be reported.

On Monday night, we learned that a Cygnal poll would not be counted due to its affiliation with Vivek Ramaswamys campaign, despite multiple published reports confirming the poll was not paid for by any campaign. Two polls were certified by the RNC - Kaplan and Morning Consult (Aug 11-13) - however, we believed an equivalent Morning Consult poll (July 1-3) showing me at over 1% would certainly be certified.

I am sorry that this debate will not include my perspectives from the largest growing voting block in our country - young, conservative Hispanics. Additionally, Republicans will not be able to hear my story of how conservative principles of keeping taxes low, keeping people safe and focusing on creating prosperity for all created the most successful big city in America.

I respect the rules and process set forth by the RNC, and I look forward to working with my party to ensure we win back the White House and restore the path to a brighter future for our country.

Throughout the debate verification process, my team was in touch with the RNC as we worked towards meeting the qualifications for the first debate.



On Thursday afternoon, in consultation with the RNC, we believed the polling requirement would be met by two polls that were yet  Mayor Francis Suarez (@FrancisSuarez) August 22, 2023

Trump attacks Fox News for using worst photos of him

Tuesday 22 August 2023 23:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump has taken to lashing out at Fox News, claiming that the network is working with other Republican candidates to figure out who can beat him in the GOP primary, while using unflattering orange photos of him and negative polls.

Read more...

Trump attacks Fox for using worst photos of him: Especially the big orange one

Watch: Fani Willis denies Meadows extension

Tuesday 22 August 2023 23:05 , Oliver O'Connell

Wallace: The Fulton county DA fired back with a letter to Meadows attorneys saying, I am not granting any extensions. I gave two weeks for people to surrender.. your client is no different than any other criminal defendant in this jurisdiction pic.twitter.com/7TBSkF9HBD  Acyn (@Acyn) August 22, 2023

DeSantis responds to Trumpworld listless vessels blowback

Tuesday 22 August 2023 22:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Ron DeSantis is doubling down after calling Donald Trump and some of his supporters listless vessels in a weekend interview that enraged Trumpworld and drew criticism from the ex-presidents allies who accused him of insulting GOP voters.

John Bowden reports.

DeSantis responds to Trumpworld blowback over listless vessels remark

How will Trump will be arrested in Fulton County? This viral TikTok explains it all...

Tuesday 22 August 2023 22:30 , Oliver O'Connell

A recently uploaded TikTok video has gone viral that gives viewers insight into how former President Donald Trump will be booked after he turns himself in to authorities in Fulton County, Georgia, later this week.

In a segment recorded on August 18, TikTok personality Chris Mowrey sets the scene outside the jail  walking viewers through the logistics of where the lockup is located, where media covering the arraignment will gather and some of the precautions law enforcement officials are taking in advance of the former presidents visit

Abe Asher has the story.

Tiktok video breaking down how Trump will be arrested in Fulton County goes viral

Analysis: Ron DeSantis isnt over yet  heres why

Tuesday 22 August 2023 22:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Ron DeSantis supporters tell Eric Garcia there is still time for the governor to break through, even as he becomes a target during Wednesdays debate.

Ron DeSantis isnt over yet  heres why

Kinzinger thinks Trump is scared to death of this 2024 GOP rival

Tuesday 22 August 2023 22:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger said that former president Donald Trump is scared to death of his one-time confidant Chris Christie, the former governor of New Jersey.

Eric Garcia reports.

Adam Kinzinger thinks Trump is scared to death of this 2024 GOP rival

Meanwhile on Truth Social...

Tuesday 22 August 2023 21:55 , Oliver O'Connell

Having been silent all day, former president Donald Trump fired up his Truth Social machine this afternoon to issue his latest missal:

I WILL BE VERY BUSY TOMORROW NIGHT - ENJOY!!!

Trump has humiliated Fox News. He's humiliated the RNC. He's humiliated the other candidates. All of them continue to enable him anyway. pic.twitter.com/xYhlrlKdam  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 22, 2023

He then took aim at New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, who has said the Republican Party will lose the presidential election with Trump as the nominee.

I was beating Governor Chris Sununu in his home State, New Hampshire, by so much, almost 50 Points, that he didnt have the courage to run. Hes a selfish guy who should have run for the Senate, but now hes stuck in never, never land, lonely and virtually unelectable!

He then added:

BEST POLL NUMBERS EVER, STAY TUNED!!!

Watch: Jason Miller and Matt Gaetz confident Trump surrogates will be in debate spin room

Tuesday 22 August 2023 21:48 , Oliver O'Connell

Miller: Were going to have some really big hitters who are going to be in that spin room. Don Jr, Kim Guilfoyle, Kari Lake, Byron Donalds, Marjorie Taylor Greene All of our allies that are going to be there tomorrow are more impactful than any of the candidates debating pic.twitter.com/itlavfPNJs  Acyn (@Acyn) August 22, 2023

Gaetz: The RNC gave control over the spin room to Fox News. We were allowed to go and observe the debate. But there was a little bit of confusion. I can tell you now that's all been sorted out We are going to have access to the spin room. pic.twitter.com/GaFEwMHPlT  Acyn (@Acyn) August 22, 2023

Trump plan for surrogates to represent him at debate hits snag

Tuesday 22 August 2023 21:34 , Oliver O'Connell

Building on earlier reporting that only participating candidates and campaigns will be welcome in the Fox News spin room after the GOP debate, The New York Times has obtained a memo first report by Axios that states that representatives of nonparticipating candidates will only be allowed in as guests of media organisations.

In addition to the (5) Spin Room credentials referenced in a previous email, well also issue (1) Media Row credential to any participating candidate/campaigns, the memo says. Any non-participating candidate/campaign is welcome in the Spin Room or Media Row as a guest of one of the media organizations with positions in those locations, using one of their credentials.

Heres our earlier reporting:

Fox wont let Trump aides into post-debate spin room as ex-president skips event

Everything Mike Pence has said about Trump, from praying after the Access Hollywood tape to condemning January 6

Tuesday 22 August 2023 21:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Former Vice President Mike Pence has become much more emboldened in his criticism of his former boss, Donald Trump, in recent months, but has refused to stoop to Mr Trumps online admonishments and name-calling tactics.

Mr Pence is trying to pave a pathway back to the White House  without his name on a ballot next to Mr Trump. But its no secret that the former vice president isnt polling particularly well, with just over five per cent in the polls, putting him in fourth place in a crowded GOP field.

The man who was once described as cartoonishly loyal as Trumps vice president (and who once praised Trump every 12 seconds for three minutes straight during a 2017 Cabinet meeting) is now taking harsher stances and carefully distancing himself, at times, from the former president.

Kelly Rissman reports on what Mr Pence has said about his former boss.

Everything Mike Pence has said about Donald Trump

Kayleigh McEnany rips Trumps decision to skip debate

Tuesday 22 August 2023 21:20 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trumps former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany thinks her former boss is making a miscalculation by choosing to skip the first GOP primary debate.

The comments came after Mr Trump made it clear in a post on Truth Social that he plans to sit out the first debate in the GOP presidential primary race, citing his position as the front runner and arguing that participating would only provide his opponents the chance to sell themselves by attacking him.

Graig Graziosi has the story.

Former ally Kayleigh McEnany rips Trumps decision to skip debate

Full story: Meadows asks federal court to block his arrest on Georgia election charges

Tuesday 22 August 2023 21:02 , Oliver O'Connell

Attorneys for Mark Meadows, the ex-North Carolina congressman who served as Donald Trumps final White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, have filed an emergency motion seeking a federal court order barring Fulton County, Georgia authorities from arresting him while a request to move the racketeering and election interference case against him from state court is pending.

Andrew Feinberg has the latest.

Mark Meadows asks federal court to block his arrest on Georgia election charges

Watch: Eastman vows to contest every count of the indictment'

Tuesday 22 August 2023 20:50 , Oliver O'Connell

John Eastman, after turning himself in over his Georgia election interference case indictment, vows to contest every count of the indictment:



I am confident that when the law is faithfully applied in this proceeding, all of my co-defendants and I will be fully vindicated. pic.twitter.com/Dlsvrn4YHj  The Recount (@therecount) August 22, 2023

Meadows asks federal court to issue an order preventing DA Fani Willis from seeking his arrest

Tuesday 22 August 2023 20:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Mark Meadows is asking a federal court to issue an order that would prevent District Attorney Fani Willis from seeking his arrest if he doesnt show up by the Friday deadline, citing his Monday hearing for his request to move the state court prosecution to federal court.  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) August 22, 2023

Trump supporter downs sign to take photo with Tim Scott

Tuesday 22 August 2023 20:40 , Oliver O'Connell

Only in Milwaukee a guy in a TRUMP shirt (and holding a Trump sign, which he threw on the ground just out of frame) taking a picture with presidential candidate Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) pic.twitter.com/TDRe6JEiZ7  Nathaniel Reed (@ReedReports) August 22, 2023

How to watch Trumps Tucker Carlson interview on Wednesday

Tuesday 22 August 2023 20:30 , Oliver O'Connell

After Donald Trump declared that he would not be participating in the first GOP primary debate on Wednesday, the former president has something else up his sleeve: an interview with disgraced Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

Heres how to watch it:

How to watch Trumps Tucker Carlson interview during GOP debate

How the bonds are stacking up

Tuesday 22 August 2023 20:20 , Oliver O'Connell

Anna Bower of Lawfare has been tallying up the bonds so far agreed by the former president and his co-defendants in the Fulton County 2020 election interference case. There are nine more bonds to be finalised.

Trump: $200,000Eastman: $100,000Ellis: $100,000Chesebro: $100,000David Shafer: $75,000Cathy Latham: $75,000Mike Roman: $50,000Ray Smith: $50,000Scott Hall: $10,000Shawn Still: $10,000

Who are the partners of the GOP presidential candidates?

Tuesday 22 August 2023 20:10 , Oliver O'Connell

The Republican Party will begin the thorny business of choosing its nominee for president in earnest this week when the candidates meet in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Wednesday evening to take part in the first televised debate of the campaign season.

Front-runner Donald Trump has declined to participate, however, refusing to sign the GOPs loyalty pledge and arguing that there is no advantage for him in appearing, given that he is so far ahead of his rivals in the polls.

The broadcast is being hosted by Fox News, with Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum moderating and taking turns to put the questions to the candidates.

The likes of Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley and Mike Pence will relish the opportunity to distinguish themselves in front of a primetime TV audience, having so far struggled to emerge from the former presidents long shadow and convince the MAGA die-hards that they are a viable alternative to a man twice-impeached and now four-times-indicted who could, theoretically, end up contesting the election from a prison cell.

The evening also represents an opportunity for less well-known candidates like Vivek Ramaswamy and Doug Burgum to make a name for themselves on the national stage and prove that they have what it takes to battle Joe Biden.

You might be familiar with the candidates themselves by now but you may not be so well acquainted with their families. Here is a brief introduction to their better halves.

Who are the Republican presidential candidates partners?

Watch: Vivek Ramaswamy challenged over 9/11 comments

Tuesday 22 August 2023 19:50 , Oliver O'Connell

Pressed on his 9/11 comments, Vivek Ramaswamys response: pic.twitter.com/hVEglgb5t3  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) August 22, 2023

Fox News wont let Trump surrogates into post-debate spin room

Tuesday 22 August 2023 19:40 , Oliver O'Connell

Fox News has punched back at Donald Trump after the former president refused to participate in this weeks Republican primary debate. The network has restricted Mr Trumps aides from participating in the traditional post-debate spin room, according to Axios.

Fox, which is hosting the debate in Milwaukee, will limit post-debate spin room appearances to aides of those candidates who are actually participating in the debate.

Read more...

Fox wont let Trump aides into post-debate spin room as ex-president skips event

Watch: Full John Eastman statement as he defends actions in wake of 2020 election

Tuesday 22 August 2023 19:33 , Oliver O'Connell

Eastman: As troubling, it targets attorneys for their zealous advocacy on behalf of their clients, something attorneys are ethically bound to provide and which was attempted here by formally challenging the results of the election through lawful and appropriate means pic.twitter.com/mWwgMvyhI9  Acyn (@Acyn) August 22, 2023

Jenna Ellis and Mike Roman enter bond agreements in Fulton County case

Tuesday 22 August 2023 19:27 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trumps co-defendants Jenna Ellis and Mike Roman have entered bond agreements in Fulton County, Georgia for $100,000 and $50,000, respectively for their charges relating to interference in the 2020 election.

MORE: Jenna ELLIS and Mike ROMAN have entered bond agreements in Georgia for $100,000 and $50,000, respectively. pic.twitter.com/GL5riy6BFD  Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) August 22, 2023

Two more people indicted with Trump in Georgia election probe want case heard in federal court

Tuesday 22 August 2023 19:20 , Oliver O'Connell

Former Justice Department lawyer Jeffrey Clark and former Georgia Republican Party chair David Shafer, who were indicted last week along with former President Donald Trump, have filed paperwork to transfer the case to federal court.

Read more...

Two more people indicted with Trump in Georgia election probe want the case heard in federal court

Watch: John Eastman tells MSNBC he absolutely still believes 2020 election was stolen

Tuesday 22 August 2023 19:10 , Oliver O'Connell

John Eastman's attorney tried "several times" to steer his client away from reporters to avoid their questions.



"Clearly, Eastman wasn't paying attention to that," @AliVitali reports after her conversation with Trump's former lawyer and current co-defendant. pic.twitter.com/z0yUncUuHz  MSNBC (@MSNBC) August 22, 2023

GOP candidate Will Hurd decries lack of transparency and confusion' around RNC debate requirements

Tuesday 22 August 2023 19:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Republican presidential candidate Will Hurd, a former Texas lawmaker and CIA clandestine officer, has decried the lack of transparency and confusion around the Republican National Committees debate requirements having failed to qualify for the Wednesdays debate in Milwaukee.

He said on Twitter: I have said from day one of my candidacy that I will not sign a blood oath to Donald Trump.

I have said from day one of my candidacy that I will not sign a blood oath to Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/lxMN7NJzza  Will Hurd (@WillHurd) August 22, 2023

Heres the rest of Mr Hurds defiant statement:

I was the last candidate to enter this race. My team and I met the 40,000 donor threshold in less than 60 days without any gimmicks. We registered in eight reputable national polls and eight reputable state polls. We are close to crossing the 50,000 donor threshold, and in New Hampshire, I'm tied with the former vice president and United Nations ambassador, who have much higher name ID.

The lack of transparency and confusion around the RNC's debate requirements is antithetical to the democratic process. The polling standards are arbitrary, unclear, and lack consistency. This is an unacceptable process for a presidential election. The American people deserve better.

The RNC discounted polls that included independents and Democrats willing to vote for a Republican. If the GOP is looking to grow our electorate and beat Joe Biden, then we better have a clear understanding of what qualifies as a likely Republican voter. Anyone, regardless of party, who is willing to check the box for a Republican should be considered a 'likely Republican voter. Expanding our party should be applauded, not penalized.

I have said from day one of my candidacy that I will not sign a blood oath to Donald Trump. The biggest difference between me and every single candidate who will be on the debate stage in Milwaukee is that I have never bent the knee to Trump. It's disappointing being kept off the debate stage, but I will not be deterred. The stakes are too high.

Jenna Elliss lawyers meeting with Fani Willis

Tuesday 22 August 2023 18:58 , Oliver O'Connell

Attorneys for Jenna Ellis, who played a prominent role in Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia but has since lamented that he isn't covering their legal bills, have just arrived at Fani Willis's office.  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) August 22, 2023

Trump plans tariff trade war if re-elected

Tuesday 22 August 2023 18:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump met with economic advisers last week to sketch out a plan for how he might be able to attack President Joe Biden after a spate of positive news on the US economy in recent months.

Per The Washington Post:

Among the ideas they discussed was Trumps plan to enact a universal baseline tariff on virtually all imports to the United States, the people said. This idea, which Trump has taken to describing as creating a ring around the U.S. economy, could represent a massive escalation of global economic chaos, surpassing the international trade discord that marked much of his first administration.

Trumps advisers have for months discussed various potential levels to set the tariff rate, and they say the plan remains a work in progress with major questions left unresolved, the people said. On Fox Business on Thursday, the former president publicly called for setting this tariff at 10 percent automatically for all countries  a move that experts warn could lead to higher prices for consumers throughout the economy, and likely lead to a global trade war.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Wis. - A 30-minute drive from the site of this week's Republican debate in Milwaukee stands a mysterious glass globe that has come to symbolize the failure of one of Republican front-runner and former president Donald Trump 's big promises.

The 100-foot-tall sphere is one of few buildings on a largely empty plot of land bigger than three Central Parks. The globe's owner, Taiwanese manufacturer Foxconn, calls it a high-performance computing data center. But local residents say they've seen few signs of life at the building. Last year, a local catering company announced that outside groups could rent the space for events.

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The orb and the three partially used buildings nearby are nothing like the giant manufacturing campus with 13,000 high-tech jobs that Trump and Foxconn promised five years ago, when Trump - wielding a golden shovel for the groundbreaking - called the project the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Instead, the orb is the butt of local jokes.

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"It just looks to me like sort of a low-rent Epcot Center. . . . What almost turns it into comedy is that they were renting it out for banquets," said Kelly Gallaher, head of a local government watchdog group.

It might be funny, she added - except that local and state governments spent roughly $500 million to buy land, bulldoze houses and build infrastructure for an unfulfilled manufacturing megasite that was supposed to include dozens of futuristic buildings and a factory to produce flat-panel displays for televisions.

Foxconn today does some manufacturing at the site, where the company says it employs 1,000 people building computer servers for data centers and electronic devices for solar panels. But so far, it hasn't been the massive investment that Trump and the firm initially touted.

"The enormous debt and financial exposure we took on and that still hangs above us was built on promises that I really don't believe Foxconn had any intention of fulfilling," said Gallaher, who recently lost her bid to unseat the village president, a supporter of the Foxconn project.

As the 2024 presidential campaign gets underway, the economy is front and center, with candidates of all stripes pledging they can do a better job of steering the nation's growth. The stalled dreams of this town of 27,000 are a reminder that those promises don't always work out as planned.

The ill-fated project, backed by heavy state and municipal spending, comes as the federal government is pouring tens of billions of dollars into subsidizing domestic manufacturing, hoping that the funds will help spur projects that might otherwise not happen.

"It's very easy for things to go awry in a big way," David Merriman, a professor of public policy at University of Illinois at Chicago, said of government-backed economic development. "The standard should be, if it doesn't make economic sense to do the project, you don't do the project. There's got to be some spillover benefits beyond the developer."

The original Foxconn deal signed in 2017 called for Wisconsin to provide the firm with nearly $3 billion in tax credits if it created 13,000 jobs at a $10 billion state-of-the art factory for the production of liquid crystal displays, or LCDs - the flat screens used in televisions and other electronics.

Seeing little progress, the state under new Democratic Gov. Tony Evers significantly scaled down the deal after Trump left the White House in 2021, reducing the tax credits Foxconn was eligible to receive up to $80 million if the company created 1,500 jobs in a tech and manufacturing campus.

Many critics say the original promises were never destined to be kept. Trump and the GOP were looking for a quick political win from the deal, while Foxconn was hoping to placate the Trump administration to stop it from hiking import tariffs on the iPhones the firm assembles in China, said Gordon Hintz, a Democrat and former minority leader in the Wisconsin State Assembly.

"It was all about politics," Hintz said in an interview. "You had a swing state President Trump needed to win . . . and from Foxconn's standpoint, President Trump had threatened tariffs on electronics imports. For Foxconn, it was always about evading tariffs."

A Foxconn spokesman said the firm "makes business decisions based on market demand and opportunities that strengthen the long-term corporate health to the Group and our shareholders."

Referring to the renegotiation of the deal, the company said that "macroeconomic and industry sector challenges require the ability to adjust quickly to market demand." The company said it "remains committed to Wisconsin and looks forward to growing with the state, county and village."

Foxconn confirmed that it has made the globe available to outside groups, but added that the building is primarily an operations center supporting Foxconn's manufacturing operations. It declined to make executives available for an interview.

A Trump spokesman didn't respond to a request for comment.

By the time the Foxconn deal was slimmed down, the Village of Mount Pleasant and Racine County had already borrowed more than a combined $300 million to buy land and lay water and sewer pipes required by the originally promised LCD factory. State taxpayers and a local utility, meanwhile, were in the process of spending nearly $300 million on roads and power lines, according to the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau.

David DeGroot, president of the Village of Mount Pleasant and a longtime supporter of the project, said in a statement that Foxconn has invested more than $750 million in the area, creating "significant benefits" for the community. The company is now the largest taxpayer in Racine County, he said.

He added that "some of the largest businesses in America" have shown interest in the site as a result of the infrastructure investment, pointing to Microsoft's recent decision to build a data center on about one-tenth of the roughly 3,000-acre campus.

State and county officials either declined to comment or didn't respond to requests for comment.

Roughly 100 homeowners and farmers were forced to move, sometimes under threat of eminent domain, so their properties could be bulldozed to make way for the campus, according to residents and village officials. The village paid more than 40 percent over market value for that land, officials noted.

"Generational family farms were torn up," Gallaher said. "Racine County has a very, very long tradition as being one of the biggest cabbage-growing areas in the country. And so much of that now is gone."

At a public hearing last year, the town's project manager for the site, Claude Lois, acknowledged that the infrastructure spending was sized for a giant factory that never materialized. But he disputed the idea that the community had sacrificed too much.

"Because of all the work we did, we're actually sitting pretty good for a number of other projects that we can maybe talk about in the future," Lois said. He added that the campus' value now exceeds that of many municipalities in the state, including Wisconsin Dells, a kitschy tourist area known as the water park capital of the world.

One of the few homeowners to avoid bulldozing was Kim Mahoney, who negotiated to have her house raised from its foundation and moved to a new location.

On a recent evening, Mahoney drove around the largely vacant Foxconn site, pointing out where her home and her neighbors' properties used to stand. The freshly widened roads and new bike paths around the massive site's perimeter were mostly empty at 6 p.m. Weeds had overgrown the extensive landscaping adorning the roadway medians.

Mahoney and her husband built their dream home on the land in 2017, just months before news of the Foxconn deal surfaced. After a years-long negotiation with the village, the Mahoneys finally moved in December 2022.

"We didn't want to stand in the way of 13,000 jobs and a $10 billion investment in our community. We just wanted to be treated fairly," Mahoney said. Watching those promised jobs and investment evaporate after so many residents were displaced has been crushing, she said.

Soon after the initial grand promises, Foxconn began repeatedly changing plans for the site, throwing out so many ideas that locals lost track. First it said the LCD factory would be scaled down to produce smaller flat-panel displays. Then, even as houses were being demolished in early 2019, a Foxconn executive told Reuters: "In Wisconsin we're not building a factory." A conversation with Trump prompted the company to backtrack again and recommit to an LCD plant.

As the months ticked by, Foxconn announced plans to build automated coffee machines at the site, and then raised the possibility of electric vehicles. Neither came to pass.

During the pandemic, the company made face masks at the site. It also said it would start producing ventilators with Medtronic, though that never happened. This year, Foxconn said it's aiming to make batteries for energy storage in Wisconsin.

"Foxconn is sort of like this parable of overpromise and under-delivery," said Nick Demske, a librarian who joined Racine County's board of supervisors soon after the original investment deal was signed in 2017. At the 2018 groundbreaking, Demske remembers an elaborate model Foxconn presented of its future campus, with dozens of buildings, ponds and lush landscaping. "I kept saying to people . . . this is imaginary, it's not real," he recalls.

Asked about its changing plans, Foxconn said it "remains committed to driving its ongoing business operations and to finding new opportunities in response to market demand."

What's actually happening inside the four buildings Foxconn has constructed is a mystery to many local residents. The largest structure, dubbed the fab, was supposed to house the LCD factory, but manufacturing experts say it was never suited for that purpose. Foxconn in recent months has used the building for storage, according to a former employee who declined to be named, to avoid reprisals. The parking lot outside the building was empty on several recent workdays.

In a smaller building next door, Foxconn workers have been assembling computer servers for Google, according to former employees who spoke with The Washington Post. In September 2022, one employee told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that there wasn't enough work to keep people busy, prompting some to sit in the break room or go home early.

Foxconn said its business as a contract manufacturer "is based on customer demand and experiences on- and off-peak seasonal intensity." It added that its workforce at the site has grown by 42 percent in the past three years.

Some in the community remain positive about the site's prospects. Randy Ortloff, general manager of a nearby restaurant, the Charcoal Grill, said Foxconn provides some lunch and dinner business.

"Just today, we had a party of 10," he said while wrapping up the lunch shift.

Politicians probably overpromised about the deal, he said, but he remains optimistic about other companies arriving. "It makes it easier to develop and bring other big companies in here because everything's done," he said.

Many others are dispirited. Sandy Dieck, a Mount Pleasant resident who works in education, said she was bothered by so many people losing their homes for what she sees as a mediocre result.

"I was initially hopeful that it was going to be something transformative in a positive way to the region, because I've lived here my whole life," she said. But "it's not the big employer it was supposed to be," she added. "It just doesn't seem like it's doing what they promised."

The deflated job opportunities are a big enough letdown for many in the community. But the real test comes in January, when Foxconn is supposed to start paying substantially more in property taxes to the village - about $26 million a year, until 2047.

Mount Pleasant's borrowing to build Foxconn infrastructure left it with a "very high" debt load, equal to 570 percent of its annual revenue, compared with a median of about 250 percent for U.S. cities, according to Moody's Investors Service. The town is counting on Foxconn's property tax payments to pay its bondholders.

"The real risk for us is if they don't start making those payments," Gallaher said. "Obviously, we didn't get the jobs. This has not been a culture change for our region. But if they don't pay us, we're in serious trouble."

Local officials stress that Foxconn has met all of its tax and other financial obligations to date. And in a mark of confidence, Moody's recently upgraded Mount Pleasant's investment rating from negative to stable.

"If there were concerns about the ability to pay [bondholders], the rating would be much lower," Moody's analyst Natalie Claes said in an interview.

Foxconn said it abides by all laws and regulations where it operates. "We are the largest taxpayer in Racine County and it is a responsibility we take seriously," the company said.

Trump isn't expected to attend Wednesday's debate in Wisconsin, where he was neck and neck with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) in a June poll by Marquette University, with Trump at 31 percent and DeSantis at 30 percent among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents.

Dieck said she doesn't plan to watch the GOP debate anyway because debates too often go "off the rails." And Trump, she added, "makes a lot of promises he doesn't follow through on."

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The superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools in Oklahoma said Tuesday that she would step aside in an attempt to avert a takeover of the district, an effort being spearheaded by a state superintendent known for ranting about woke ideology and accusing the district of taking funding from Communist China.

Deborah Gist said in a lengthy email to district colleagues that leaving on Sept. 15 would be the hardest thing shes ever done. But, she said, it was the best way for the district to avoid being stripped of its accreditation status, forcing schools to close in the states largest district, and to keep control of our schools where it belongsin Tulsa with our elected Board of Education.

Gist has been at loggerheads with Oklahoma State Schools Superintendent Ryan Walters for months, something she acknowledged in the email was a reason for her departure.

It is no secret that our state superintendent has had an unrelenting focus on our district and specifically on me, she said, and I am confident that my departure will help to keep our democratically elected leadership and our team in charge of our schools.

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In response, Walters said in a statement that he was pleased to see what he characterized as the Tulsa boards removal of Gist.

From day one, I called for the removal of Gist in order to get the district on a path to success, he said. I am optimistic that this is a step in the right direction, that TPS and the community takes their situation seriously. Financial transparency and academic outcomes must come next. I will put Tulsa kids first.

Walters, the former head of a nonprofit called Every Oklahoma Kid Counts, began ranting about the rigorous need for intervention in Tulsa over the summer. Earlier this month, he railed to reporters, Tulsa Public Schools is a bus being driven by Superintendent Deborah Gist. That bus has veered off the road, that bus has gone into a ditch, and now that bus has crashed right into a tree.

The district, which is majority Black and Hispanic and serves a population that is 80 percent economically disadvantaged, did not meet Oklahoma proficiency rates for any grades in elementary or middle school in 2022, according to the state testing program.

Hours before Gists resignation was announced, Waltersa self-professed crusader against the woke agendatook to Twitter to share a librarians TikTok that was altered by the alt-right Libs of TikTok account to show her pushing the woke agenda.

Democrats say it doesnt exist. The liberal media denies the issue. Even some Republicans hide from it. Woke ideology is real and I am here to stop it, he tweeted.

That morning, the librarians school, Ellen Ochoa Elementary in Union, received a bomb threat that district officials connected to the TikTok.

In July, the Oklahoma Board of Education agreed to Walters demand that they delay a decision on Tulsas accreditation while other districts status were voted on. Walters had argued the so-called severity of Tulsas issues justified another month of review.

On Thursday, the state board is scheduled to meet to weigh Tulsas accreditation status. It is unclear how Gists exit might affect the meetings outcome. A spokesperson for Walters told The New York Times on Tuesday, Everything is still on the table, an echo of a refrain favored by the state superintendent in recent weeks.

Gist began working for the Tulsa district, which comprises some 34,000 students and 3,000 teachers, in 2015. The district board voted 4-3 last September to extend her contract through 2026, according to the Tulsa World. But now, on Wednesday evening, the board is expected to meet to appoint Gists interim replacement, district administrator Ebony Johnson.

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PANAMA CITY  The 2023-2024 school year is off to a rough start, with two students already recommended for expulsion and more than a dozen others arrested.

Of the students recommended for expulsion, one was a high school student caught dealing drugs on campus, and the other was a middle school student who threatened to shoot up their school, according to Bay District Schools Superintendent Mark McQueen.

In addition to their arrests, data provided by the Bay County Sheriff's Office shows 19 other BDS students also have been arrested as of Tuesday since the school year started less than two weeks ago.

Two Bay District Schools students already have been recommended for expulsion and more than a dozen others have been arrested since the 2023-2024 school year started less than two weeks ago.

"I'm committed, and the whole team is committed, to having a safe and secure environment, and there's going to be zero tolerance for (criminal) activities," McQueen said. "It's just young people making bad decisions that are going to have life-long consequences.

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"Parents of other children expect to be able to send their children to a school that's going to be drug-free and threat-free. I respect that, I honor that, and certainly, I uphold those expectations."

He said school officials learned a student was dealing drugs after catching another student on campus with drugs they bought from them. The potential shooter was caught after other students came forward and told officials about their threats.

"I was proud of the fact that it was fellow students who heard it and reported it," McQueen said. "It was corroborated, it was supported and it was admitted to by the student. In every way, it was absolutely unacceptable. I appreciated Sheriff (Tommy) Ford for his team swiftly engaging and investigating thoroughly."

According to BDS, the middle school student who threatened the shooting was charged with disorderly conduct. The high school student caught dealing was charged with possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, along with distribution of marijuana with delivery within 1,000 feet of a school.

With McQueen's recommendation, the student's expulsions will be decided by the Bay District Schools Board during a future meeting.

New superintendent: Gov. Ron DeSantis appoints Mark McQueen as superintendent of Bay District Schools

Aug. 1 marked McQueen's first official day as the local superintendent after being appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to replace former superintendent Bill Husfelt, who held the position since 2008.

McQueen is the former city manager of Panama City. He also served 36 years in the U.S. Army, from which he retired as a major general.

"It's an awesome responsibility to be the superintendent of Bay District Schools," McQueen said. "We have nearly 28,000 students who we're responsible for everyday  for their safety and security. There are very clear policies of the district, as well as laws, that we are going to uphold.

"I want to make sure there's no ambiguity of those types of actions and activities. I'm going to stand for what's right, and I'm going to stand for the protection of our students, our faculty and our staff."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Two Bay students already recommended for expulsion,19 others arrested
Two Republican presidential candidates are suing the Republican National Committee for not allowing them to take part in the first primary debate in Milwaukee.

California conservative radio host Larry Elder and Michigan businessman Perry Johnson reportedly didnt meet the qualifications set by the RNC, which the candidates dispute. The requirements included donations from 40,000 individuals with at least 200 in 20 or more states, reaching at least one per cent in two national polls and one poll from one of the states that vote early, and agreeing to the pledge of loyalty to support the eventual nominee.

Mr Elder, who has previously run for governor of California, claimed the RNC had rigged the process and that he had indeed qualified, but that the RNC didnt accept some of the polls he cited.

Mr Johnson ran for governor of Michigan in 2022. He also claimed that he has met the requirements, saying that the RNC knew who they wanted to ban and that they made a flawed decision.

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But he didnt outline why the RNC rejected his argument that he had qualified for the debate stage in his statement.

While both Mr Elder and Mr Johnson are planning on suing the RNC, it remains unclear when they will do so and what their argument in court will be.

Keith Schipper, a spokesperson for the RNC, said in a statement that criteria for the first debate was clearly presented to campaigns and RNC leadership, according to Forbes.

He added that members of the debate committee were in constant communication with candidates and campaigns throughout the qualifying period.

On Monday, the RNC said that eight candidates had qualified for the debate in Milwaukee tonight at 9pm ET.

Those set to be on stage include Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence , former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

Former Texas Congressman and CIA agent Will Hurd also hasnt qualified, arguing that the polls are being cherry-picked. He told Politico, Im tied with [Ambassador] Nikki [Haley]  and Vice President [Mike] Pence in New Hampshire. Im close to hitting the 50,000 threshold, but they cherry-pick because they dont want me on the stage.

Former President Donald Trump said late on Sunday night that he wasnt attending the debate. Instead, a prerecorded interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson will be broadcast, but it remains unclear if it will be shown at the same time as the debate.

The former president and his associates have framed the debate as an audition to be his running mate, with his Super PAC Make America Great Again publishing a website, asking people to vote on who they think will win the 2024 vice presidential debate, Forbes noted.
More than two-thirds of New York City public schools are not fully accessible for students with physical disabilities, making many programs out of reach for children in wheelchairs or with limited mobility, according to a new report out Wednesday.

At four in 10 schools there are no accessible classrooms at all, stranding hundreds of kids at the schoolhouse door when classes resume in just a couple of weeks, researchers found.

No child should be turned away from a school because the facilities are not accessible, said Kim Sweet, executive director of Advocates for Children of New York, which published the analysis.

Under federal law, people with disabilities are entitled to equal access to public programs and services, including public schools. While the city has taken long-delayed steps in recent years to move closer to that promise, scores of children are still shut out of their neighborhood schools.

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Just short of 500 local public school students have disabilities classified as orthopedic impairments on their individualized education plans, according to city data. But that figure obscures more than 2,500 students categorized as having multiple disabilities, which may include a physical condition, or without specifically designed programs.

The rough sketch also does not account for the untold number of children briefly on crutches or otherwise struggling to get around, teachers and school workers pushed out of job opportunities, and aging parents or grandparents who cannot attend graduations, parent-teacher conferences or other events.

The problem has not affected all corners of the five boroughs equally.

Roughly one in 10 school buildings are fully accessible in Districts 8 and 14 in the South Bronx and northern Brooklyn. On the other end of the spectrum, at least half of the public schools in Queens District 24, spanning from Ridgewood to Corona, are fully accessible.

On the Lower East Side of Manhattan, mom of two kids Yuvania Espino struggled to find a public school for her eldest daughter, Mia, 14, who has cerebral palsy, a muscular disorder and developmental delay.

Mia started using a wheelchair when she was 3 years old. She attended Public School 138 in Harlem until the fourth grade  when she could not matriculate to the next class with kids in her grade because the room was on the third floor of a building with no elevator.

Espino transferred Mia to a series of private schools for students with disabilities on the Upper West Side, then in NoMad, where she could focus on her education and life skills.

We wanted accessibility to be something that was in the background, said Espino. No parents should have to look at schools, fall in love with the program, and wonder if their kid can get into the building.

While the program is a fix for Mias classes, her younger sister, Kira, 8, still attends public schools that the family sometimes cannot enter for holiday events and award ceremonies.

Because you need this accommodation, youre treated like a second-class citizen. It makes me question the message sent to children, Espino said.

There are more than 1,400 public school buildings, many of which are more than a hundred years old.

But school accessibility has gained momentum in recent years. Only 18% of schools were fully accessible in 2018, compared with 31% in the next school year, the report showed.

The Daily News ran a front-page story about Espino that fall with the print headline CITY FAILS MOST NEEDY. By the next month, the city allocated $750 million for school accessibility projects under the current five-year capital plan, now in its final year.

Officials will propose their next capital plan this November. Advocates are pushing for the city to allocate $1.25 billion for such projects through 2029, with the goal of making at least half of buildings fully accessible.

The next capital plan should build on the progress that has been made and move us closer to a system in which all schools are fully accessible, said Sweet, of Advocates for Children.

The School Construction Authority would not say whether it would meet the advocates demands.

This report acknowledges how far we have come, and the ongoing $750 million commitment in our current capital plan towards our shared goal of making school buildings more accessible, said spokesman Kevin Ortiz, who pointed to an additional 65 accessibility projects in the pipeline.

We are on track to make a third of the buildings throughout the city fully accessible and at least half of elementary school buildings fully or partially accessible, he added.
Activists and members of Austins LGBTQ+ community gather on the steps of the Texas Capitol in 2017 to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, a key moment in the birth of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement in America. Credit: Austin Price for The Texas Tribune

Gallup estimated that 5.6% of Americans identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender in 2020. But according to the U.S. census from the same year, four Texas counties had no same-sex households and 93% had fewer than the national average.

Official surveys like the census undercount the size of the LGBTQ+ population, in part due to peoples fears of disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity to neighbors or the government, said Jack Jen Gieseking, a cultural geographer who studies gender and sexuality at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts.

There are definitely always LGBTQ people everywhere, no matter what the state, said Gieseking.

Undercounting the LGBTQ+ population makes it difficult for health care providers to deliver appropriate care, for service organizations to raise funds and for governments to allocate resources. These challenges are especially relevant in Texas, where a conservative culture makes people less likely to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity on official surveys.

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One risk of undercounting is the assumption then that the population or the problem doesnt exist, said Brett Cooper, a specialist in adolescent medicine and member of the Texas Medical Associations LGBTQ Health Section.

The U.S. census is severely limited in its ability to represent the LGBTQ+ population, according to Amy Spring, a demographer at Georgia State University. The survey asks only whether respondents live in same-sex households, and Spring said that this ignores gay and lesbian people who live in other arrangements and doesnt address sexual and gender identity directly.

The American Community Survey, which is administered by the Census Bureau each year and is intended to provide more timely data than the decennial census, is also limited to asking about same-sex households. However, because this survey is given to only a sample of households, the picture it provides can be even fuzzier than the census. For example, between 2019 and 2021, the survey estimated that 75 Texas counties had no same-sex households, although estimates vary widely between years, especially for counties with small populations.

By contrast, a 2022 Gallup poll estimated that 7.1% of Americans identify as LGBT.

These limitations are exacerbated by LGBTQ+ peoples fear of disclosing their status, especially in rural and more conservative parts of Texas.

Amber Perez, executive director of Borderland Rainbow Center, a LGBTQ community space in El Paso, said that she knows quite a few people who are afraid to disclose their sexual orientation and gender identity, especially in West Texas and other heavily Catholic areas along the border.

Nobody really talks about it, said Perez. And I think that people are concerned that if they mark specific things on the census or on surveys, theyre afraid its going to get back to people.

While more urban parts of the state, such as Harris and Travis counties, show up in census data as having above-average rates of same-sex households, more rural areas, especially in West Texas and the Panhandle, show much lower rates.

I am sure that you would not tell someone out where Lyndon Johnson grew up in the prairie that, yes, Im gay, Im a gay man living by myself, said Gieseking.

As executive director of Texas Pride Impact Funds, Ron Guillard travels across the state to meet with LGBTQ+ service organizations. He said that LGBTQ+ people in many rural areas still hide their identities, even while the need for LGBT-specific services is clear.

When you visit the small nonprofits that we fund in the Panhandle, its evident they serve large populations for counties and counties around them, Guillard said. Unfortunately, the Stonewall generation really just is largely living Dont Ask, Don't Tell lifestyles, and theyre not engaged with the emerging needs of their communities.

Demonstrating need

The undercounting of LGBTQ+ Texans can make it hard for the organizations that serve them to acquire funding and provide care.

According to Guillard, services for LGBTQ+ people are concentrated in the states urban centers and drop off rapidly in more rural areas.

Perez said that her El Paso Borderland Center, which provides support groups and education and connects LGBTQ+ people with appropriate health care providers, serves people 300 miles away, some of whom are willing to drive in to receive treatment from a provider who understands their experience.

However, due to the challenges of counting LGBTQ+ people, Perez said that illustrating the need for the services her center provides can be difficult.

In addition to undercounting, part of the problem is that sexual orientation and gender identity arent included in the census in the same way that categories such as race and gender are. For example, Perez said that statistics such as income or food insecurity might describe the population of El Paso as a whole, but the experiences of her staff tell her that the situation for LGBTQ+ people can be much worse.

We have numbers, but we dont have great numbers, said Perez.

Amy L. Stone is a professor at Trinity University in San Antonio and co-director of Strengthening Colors of Pride, an organization studying LGBTQ+ health and resilience in San Antonio. They echo the challenges that insufficient data pose for organizations fundraising.

You really need data, Stone said. If youre going to write a grant, you cant just say, well, I just know a lot of people who need this thing, right? You really need to say definitively, we need this resource.

In order to address this need, in 2019, Strengthening Colors of Pride conducted a survey of LGBTQ+ people in the San Antonio area. The survey revealed the kind of statistics that Perez said she needs, showing, for example, that LGBTQ+ people in the area have lower incomes and high rates of unemployment, are more likely to avoid seeing a medical professional, and report three times the national rate of family trauma and adverse childhood experiences.

Using the data produced by the survey, Stone said that Pride Center San Antonio was able to demonstrate the need for additional space to provide counseling and mental health care. Other organizations serving LGBTQ+ people in the area have been able to use the data in similar ways.

Providing care

Research shows that LGBTQ+ people in the United States face distinct health problems and have distinct challenges accessing care. They have higher rates of trauma, cancer, HIV and AIDS and are also more likely to have trouble finding a health care provider, to delay care or to not receive care at all.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is essential for health care providers to collect information about patients sexual orientation and gender identity in order to avoid health disparities and provide important services. However, the CDC also notes that many facilities lack the capabilities to collect this information.

Instead, many health care providers, especially those who are cisgender and heterosexual, are likely to assume that their patients are not LGBTQ+, said Gieseking.

Cooper gives the example of a pediatrician in a suburban area who claimed to have no LGBTQ+ patients. However, Cooper points out, looking at national data on trends related to LGBTQ+ youth, the pediatrician should assume that between 1% and 5% of his patients likely identify in that way.

Hes just not asking, said Cooper. And so then hes like, I dont need to ask these questions. I dont need to provide these services because if I have these supplies, Im only going to use them on no one, so why would I pay for them?

The lack of accurate data also impacts health research funding, said Cooper, who argues that government funds are more likely to go to areas that can demonstrate a greater impact. If an area in Texas appears to have few LGBTQ+ people on an official survey, that money is more likely to go to an area in another state where cultural factors make disclosing various sexual orientations or gender identities more likely.

We need better ways of finding accurate counts of LGBTQ+ people in the country just to make sure that when were doing good policy, good funding allocations, we have accurate data, said Cooper. To be able to make sure that those dollars are spent in a prudent way and in a way thats going to have the biggest impact versus just guessing.

Stone said that the difficulty of obtaining appropriate health care in Texas is made worse by the prevalence of Catholic hospitals in the state and by the conservative state governments tendency to rely on services from the nonprofit sector, where religious organizations are common.

Looking forward

While the decennial census and the American Community Survey ask respondents only if they live in a same-sex household, the Census Bureaus American Pulse Survey began, in July 2021, to include questions on sexual orientation and gender identity. The survey, which was created to provide data on experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, revealed that LGBT respondents were more likely to feel anxious and depressed and to experience loss of job-related income.

The Census Bureau received $10 million in its 2023 budget for research related to adding questions about sexual orientation and gender identity to the American Community Survey. New survey questions must be approved by the Office of Management and Budget before they can be added to the American Community Survey.

The National Science and Technology Council also released, in January, a Federal Evidence Agenda of LBGTQI+ Equity, which highlights the lack of national data on the LGBTQ+ population and includes specific recommendations for improving data collection.

If questions about sexual orientation and gender identity were included on national surveys, Stone said, itd be mind-blowing because we actually would finally have a somewhat accurate count of how many LGBT people are in the U.S. We dont even know that number. Weve got no sense of what that number is.

In the meantime, Stone said, organizations in Texas often must rely on imperfect data or conduct their own surveys.

Without any data on your community, its really hard to say, Yes, we absolutely need funding for this critical health care in our community, Stone said.

Daniel Carter is the co-director of Texas Community Health News.

Disclosure: Texas Medical Association has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

The full program is now LIVE for the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival, happening Sept. 21-23 in Austin. Explore the program featuring more than 100 unforgettable conversations coming to TribFest. Panel topics include the biggest 2024 races and whats ahead, how big cities in Texas and around the country are changing, the integrity of upcoming elections and so much more. See the full program.
HONG KONG  The Biden administration is seeking a short-term extension to a landmark science and technology agreement with China despite pressure from some U.S. lawmakers who say Beijing could exploit it to gain a security and military advantage.

A six-month extension will keep the Science and Technology Agreement in force as the U.S. seeks authority to undertake negotiations to amend and strengthen the terms, a State Department spokesperson said Wednesday.

Signed in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter and Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, the STA was the first accord between the two countries after they normalized diplomatic relations. It has historically been renewed roughly every five years and was due to lapse this weekend.

A lapse in the pact would not only imperil government-to-government collaboration in vital areas such as climate change and public health; it would also inhibit academic cooperation between the worlds two leading economies, supporters have warned.

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The STA serves as the umbrella agreement for the science and technology relationship between the U.S. and Chinese governments, said Deborah Seligsohn, an assistant political science professor at Villanova University. China also considers it the enabling document for all other science cooperation with the U.S., including with academic and research institutions.

If it were to go away, not only would it impede government-to-government cooperation, but it would also put other science cooperation at risk, said Seligsohn, a former environment, science, technology and health counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing.

But renewing the agreement faced resistance from lawmakers who argue that collaboration on technologies in sensitive fields could advance Chinas military modernization. In June, 10 Republican members of Congress sent a letter urging Secretary of State Antony Blinken not to renew it.

Evidence suggests that China will continue to look for opportunities to exploit partnerships organized under the STA to advance its military objectives to the greatest extent possible and, in some cases, to attempt to undermine American sovereignty, they wrote in the letter, whose signers included Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, the chair of the House Republican Conference, and Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., the chair of the Select Committee on China.

The United States must stop fueling its own destruction. Letting the STA expire is a good first step, they added.

In a separate letter to Blinken last week, Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., also objected to renewing the agreement, citing the Chinese governments human rights violations, lack of transparency during the Covid-19 pandemic and disregard for intellectual property rights.

Cooperation with a nation so contrary to American values is untenable, he wrote.

The State Department spokesperson said the department was aware of the issues involved with working with China in the area of science and technology.

We are clear-eyed to the challenges posed by the PRCs national strategies on science and technology, Beijings actions in this space, and the threat they pose to U.S. national security and intellectual property and are dedicated to protecting the interests of the American people, the spokesperson said, referring to the Peoples Republic of China by its initialism.

The Biden administrations plans are not unprecedented. Under former President Donald Trump, the U.S. sought a similar short-term extension to renegotiate the terms of an annex to the agreement to strengthen intellectual property protections.

Jimmy Carter And Deng Xiao Ping (Chuck Fishman / Getty Images file)

Some of the opposition to renewing the agreement stems from the massive strides China has made in science and technology since it was signed. Since 2019, Chinese researchers have published a greater proportion of the worlds top 1% most cited scientific papers than those from any other country, according to Caroline Wagner of Ohio State University.

The Biden administration faces a difficult balancing act in its approach to China as it strives to safeguard U.S. national security without jeopardizing the overall relationship. Last year President Joe Biden announced a measure aimed at cutting China off from advanced semiconductor chips, and this month he ordered restrictions on U.S. investment in high-tech industries in China, such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

But the White House has also tried to reduce tensions with Beijing over issues such as trade, human rights and the status of Taiwan, sending a series of senior officials to China in recent months, including Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, climate envoy John Kerry and, next week, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

Chinese officials had indicated that they would like to see the STA renewed. Speaking at the Aspen Security Forum last month, Chinas ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng, said renewing the agreement would be a small but concrete way to start improving relations between the two countries.

U.S.-China cooperation in science and technology has been mutually beneficial, and the agreement should be renewed, the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement Wednesday.

The agreement plays an irreplaceable role in promoting scientific and technological cooperation and exchanges, said Wu Xinbo, the director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai.

Not renewing it, he said, would suggest the U.S. is indeed launching a new Cold War against China.

Allowing the agreement to lapse would signal to Chinese officials that the U.S. is less interested in de-risking the relationship than in genuine decoupling of everything, said Seligsohn, who recently returned from a trip to China.

In addition, she said, it would further alienate Chinese scientists and graduate students, growing numbers of whom have already been leaving the U.S. after years of government prosecutions of Chinese academics accused of espionage upended lives and careers but mostly came up empty.

If we fail to renew this agreement, it really sends a message to those young scientists and potential scientists  the brains of the future  that the U.S. is not interested in working in them, she said.

Supporters of the agreement point to numerous instances of U.S.-China collaboration that have improved Americans lives.

It was a large-scale study in China, for example, that revealed the crucial role of folic acid supplements in reducing the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects, which women today are encouraged to take well before they become pregnant.

With the help of the Environmental Protection Agency, China has greatly reduced local air pollution, much of which was blowing across the Pacific and blanketing the West Coast.

Enhanced influenza surveillance in China, made possible by support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has also informed the development of annual flu vaccines around the world in what Seligsohn called a huge success story.

Jennifer Jett and Cheng Cheng reported from Hong Kong, Dawn Liu reported from Beijing, and Abigail Williams reported from Washington.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the Kansas City Fire Department over allegations of racial discrimination within the fire department, The Star has learned.

Three Black firefighters say they were interviewed within the last year about racism they have faced within the fire service and their complaints of a hostile work environment. They named others who have been interviewed, as well.

The inquiries began months after The Star published a series of stories in December 2020 detailing systemic racism and sex discrimination within the department.

Sherae Honeycutt, a Kansas City spokeswoman, confirmed the investigation and said the city was cooperating fully.

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Lawyers for Battalion Chief Stephen Seals, 55, who is Black, made the first publicly known reference to a DOJ investigation in a lawsuit filed last week in Jackson County Circuit Court. He alleges he was retaliated against for speaking to DOJ investigators, among other things.

In the lawsuit, attorneys for the high-ranking firefighter said he was contacted by the Justice Department in January 2022 about its investigation into allegations of race discrimination and the departments hiring and promotional practices.

Federal investigators were looking into the work environment and its impact on African-American firefighters, according to the lawsuit.

Seals spoke with the DOJ twice in January 2022, according to his lawsuit. In August, he was interviewed again and told his deputy chief he was participating in the probe.

Since he alleged discrimination and spoke with the DOJ, he has experienced additional retaliation by the KCFD, according to the lawsuit.

Seals referred The Star to his attorneys at the law firm Siro Smith Dickson PC. They declined to comment, saying they do not discuss pending litigation.

Reached on Wednesday afternoon, Interim Fire Chief Ross Grundyson directed The Star to the citys legal department.

The Justice Department declined to comment.

One Black firefighter, who requested that his name not be published for fear of retaliation, said he was contacted by a DOJ investigator about eight months ago. He later received an email that contained a Zoom link for a formal interview.

The firefighter said he spoke with at least three investigators for about four hours. Their conversation focused on the firefighters experience with racism in the department, the promotion process and the treatment of other Black employees inside the fire service.

Its not just one person, but it is a multi-layer system where there are no consequences for bad behavior, he said. They can treat you any kind of way.

The firefighter said he is pleased that federal investigators are looking at the fire department. But he remains pessimistic that lasting reforms will occur.

Im glad theyre coming in to look but what results theyre going to get is yet to be determined, he said. After all is said and done, nobodys going to get fired and nothing is going to change.

A former high-ranking firefighter, who is Black, also said he was interviewed by DOJ investigators for about four hours several months ago.

Another fire department source told The Star that the DOJ last year interviewed an entire recruit class.

Separately, the Justice Department last year launched a formal investigation into the Kansas City Police Departments employment practices. That probe came months after a Star investigation into racism faced by Black officers.

The Stars year-long investigation of the fire department found a pattern of systemic racism and harassment that had been tolerated by its leaders for decades.

For generations, white men dominated the fire service, the newspaper found. Black and women firefighters were ostracized and put in danger, shut out of the most desirable fire stations, and passed over for promotions.

The Star also reported that in a city where 30% of residents are Black, only 14% of the fire department was. Of the 48 highest-ranking firefighters, only three at the time were Black.

A KCFD member since 1995, Seals was among those who sued the department, alleging he was repeatedly passed over for promotions in favor of white candidates. In 2021, Kansas City agreed to pay him $250,000.

Before that, Seals filed a lawsuit in 2017, saying he was retaliated against for reporting on behalf of a Black cadet that a white classmate used a racial slur. That lawsuit was dismissed.

In his new lawsuit, Seals alleges he was passed over for a job and retaliated against because he had sued the city previously and spoke out about discrimination when he joined diversity and inclusion task forces created in 2021 by then-Fire Chief Donna Lake.

A less qualified and younger employee, who is also Black, got the shift deputy chief job that Seals sought, according to his lawsuit. He also claimed one of his current responsibilities  scheduling physical exams for KCFD personnel  was taken away from him.

Seals filed a grievance that was denied months later, in 2023. Since then, he has experienced continuous acts of discrimination, retaliation and discipline, his lawyers say.

Seals is also alleging retaliation in violation of a state employee whistleblower law. An initial hearing in the lawsuit has been set for December.

As a result of The Stars investigation, the city commissioned two studies. One conducted by the law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, which cost the city up to $300,000, has never been released. When it was completed last October, City Manager Brian Platt said the full report was a closed record and would not be made public because those interviewed had been promised anonymity.

But we are going to try to summarize and sanitize something for public consumption in the coming weeks, he said in an Oct. 19 email to The Star. That sanitized version was never released to the news media or the civil rights leaders who requested it.

Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, said Wednesday the ongoing race and gender discrimination at the fire department warrants DOJ attention.

I hope they extend their investigation to include all city operations, she said. Numerous lawsuits and out-of-court settlements indicate that we have a far-reaching problem that will continue as long as (Mayor Quinton) Lucas and Platt are in charge. Federal oversight is our only opportunity for redress.

In February, a city council committee heard public testimony from a consultant who was hired to study the departments culture. That 163-page cultural assessment described a fire department rife with discriminatory behavior and practices in hiring and promotions due to a power imbalance between management and the firefighters unions.

According to that report :

Many male and female KCFD members who were White and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) shed tears and/or were visibly distraught in discussion groups and interviews as they relayed accounts of people who had been ostracized and ridiculed for not supporting Union or dominant group positions, or who had tried to talk about what they perceived as many instances of unsafe practices or harassment related to race or gender.

The Stars Bill Lukitsch contributed to this report.
U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson, a Democrat from Charlotte, claimed Wednesday in a video posted to social media that North Carolina Republicans will use redistricting as an opportunity to take me out.

The majority party in the state legislature wants one of their own in this district, Jackson said to his TikTok audience of 2.2 million followers. So theyre going to bend it and stretch it to try and make that happen.

Currently, North Carolina has seven Democrats and seven Republicans in Congress after a congressional map was drawn by a court last year. But court-drawn maps can only last one election cycle, which means the state legislature  which currently has a Republican supermajority  will have to draw new maps soon.

North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moores office declined Wednesday to comment on Jacksons claim. State Senate leader Phil Bergers office did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.

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The state legislature is expected to take up redistricting sometime in October, following the end of the current session and the passage of a state budget.

Past redistricting conflicts

Jacksons claim comes several months after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a controversial election theory from North Carolinas Republican leaders, who sought more legislative authority over redistricting.

North Carolinas congressional maps were struck down in 2022 by the state Supreme Court, which found that the districts gave Republicans an unfair advantage. However, that ruling was later reversed after a new Republican majority took control of the court.

A separate case went to the U.S. Supreme Court, in which Moore argued that state legislatures should have final authority over redistricting laws  stripping courts of the ability to review such decisions.

The Supreme Court ruled against this theory in a 6-3 decision in June.

Republicans still hold the ability to decide on congressional maps this year, though, and the state Supreme Courts new GOP majority may be less likely to strike down potential gerrymandering.

In his video, Jackson acknowledged that Democrats also created gerrymandered districts when they held the majority in the state legislature.

For anyone who thinks Im just picking on one party, Im not, he said. Just looking at the history of my state, when my party could draw the map  they cheated.

Jackson suggested that politicians should be banned from drawing congressional maps, referencing other states, which use independent commissions for redistricting. Four states use this model, while some others have political commissions in which members of both parties decide on maps.

If youre in charge of redistricting, its like holding pure concentrated power, Jackson said. Nothing else in politics even comes close.
By Michael Martina

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States is seeking a six-month extension to a decades-old science and technology agreement with China so that it can undergo negotiations with Beijing to "strengthen" the pact, the State Department said on Wednesday.

The landmark deal, signed when Beijing and Washington established diplomatic ties in 1979 and renewed about every five years since, has shown that the geopolitical rivals could cooperate across a range of scientific and technical fields.

But concerns about China's growing military prowess and theft of U.S. scientific and commercial achievements have prompted questions about whether the Science and Technology Agreement (STA), set to expire on Aug. 27, should continue.

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"This short-term six-month extension will keep the agreement in force while we seek authority to undertake negotiations to amend and strengthen the terms of the STA. It does not commit the United States to a longer-term extension," a State Department spokesperson told Reuters.

The department said the deal provides consistent standards for government scientific cooperation, and if it lapsed each agency would have to negotiate individual arrangements with Beijing.

"We are clear-eyed to the challenges posed by (China's) national strategies on science and technology, Beijing's actions in this space, and the threat they pose to U.S. national security and intellectual property, and are dedicated to protecting the interests of the American people," the spokesperson said.

China's embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but Chinese officials have expressed a desire to extend the deal.

Republicans have said the deal should be scrapped, citing concerns about industrial espionage, forced technology transfers and other tactics that could fuel China's military modernization.

Republican U.S. representatives Andy Barr, Neal Dunn and Rob Wittman  all members of the U.S. House of Representatives' select committee on China  this week proposed a bill that would require congressional notification for any such deal with China.

Should it become law, the State Department would need to provide Congress with assessments of security risks, technology transfers and the U.S. ability to monitor China's commitments within a set number of days or any agreement would be revoked.

Barr told Reuters he was disappointed that the Biden administration was looking to re-enter the agreement despite the "grave concerns" raised by the committee.

"I look forward to advancing my legislation before the six-month extension period requested by the State Department expires to ensure Congress has vigorous oversight of any ongoing or future science and technology agreements between the U.S. and the CCP (Chinese Communist Party)," Barr said.

Proponents of renewing the deal argue that without it, the U.S. would lose valuable insight into China's technical advances. Nonetheless, many analysts say the agreement must be reworked to safeguard U.S. innovation in a time of heightened strategic competition with China.

(Reporting by Michael Martina in WashingtonEditing by Matthew Lewis)
After four tumultuous and challenging years, Dame Melinda Simmons  term as the British ambassador to Ukraine is coming to an end. Her successor Martin Harris will be arriving in September.

Since Simmons, a career diplomat, arrived in Kyiv in September 2019, she has worked through the coronavirus outbreak, a change of three UK prime ministers, the death of Queen Elisabeth II, and the coronation of King Charles III.

The only time when Simmons wondered, Can I do this? was at the start of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Her most challenging work was countering Russian disinformation narratives, such as its claim on Crimea.

The Kyiv Independent sat down with Simmons for an exclusive farewell interview on Aug. 17, shortly before her departure at the end of the month. The ambassador, one of the most outspoken supporters of Ukraine among Western diplomats, shared her perspective on sanctions against Russian oligarchs, addressed Ben Wallaces infamous lack of gratitude statement, and opened up about the challenges of being an ambassador in a country at war.

The Kyiv Independent: Being an ambassador here during the full-scale Invasion, would you say you share the Ukrainians' feeling of separation with loved ones?

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Dame Melinda Simmons: It's an important question. It's not one that diplomats talk about very much for obvious reasons. I was in Odesa some months ago, and a soldier came over to me. He said his wife had gone to the UK, had found a family who had taken her in, and got her visa at the beginning of last year. She had written to him to say that she missed Ukraine, and she missed him very much, but the family was lovely, and she felt safe, and he said, knowing that she felt safe, made it easier for him to fight. He wanted to give me his chevron to say thank you. And that moved me, but it also oddly reminded me of my own situation.

My family left a couple of years before, when the pandemic first began. They were never able to come back because the invasion followed. And that has made this a much harder experience because, of course, it's naturally more lonely. I think that what all Ukrainians are feeling, that sense of separation can really hurt. Its also something that's kept me at work because I understand what this soldier tells me. I have a little bit of a sense of it myself.

The Kyiv Independent: When was the last time that you saw your husband?

Dame Melinda Simmons: I've probably only seen him two or three times at all in the last year and actually only two or three times every year, whenever I've been able to go back to the UK. He was supposed to move out here, and he was about to when flights stopped because of the pandemic. After that, we said, right, move out, and then he couldn't. So this has been a real story of separation for us. And actually, a fortitude for the two of us. This isn't just the challenge for me as an ambassador. It also has been a challenge for me as a person in a long-term marriage  trying to make sure that this separation isn't too hard for both of us.

The Kyiv Independent: The UK has undoubtedly helped Ukraine a lot  both by hosting refugees but also providing support, including military support. When it comes to the Wests expectations of Ukraines counteroffensive  is there an understanding that its connected to how many weapons Ukraine has? And do you believe that the Wests expectations of Ukraine's performance on the battlefield are a little bit more optimistic than they should be, having the weapons that are available to Ukrainians?

Dame Melinda Simmons: I think its a bit general to talk about the West like its one thing. Im personally critical of the media coverage of Ukraines counteroffensive in general. It has been quite binary and has suggested that you can just line up your soldiers in one place and you can take it back.

The defense minister and the president have been really clear that it was never a sprint, its a marathon. Im always struck when I talk with colleagues in the UK by how difficult it is for them to remember how long that contact line is, and how diverse Ukraine is. Kharkiv was liberated in a very different way from Kherson, and they have a multitude of challenges.

So I don't think it's as binary as they need more equipment. Although for sure I agree with the fact that they need more equipment. But if you gave Ukraine more equipment, I'm not sure how much it would speed it up because you are still talking about the size and the diverse nature of the territory, the fact that the Russians are dug in very well, and that this was always going to take time. Ukraine is one of the most mined countries in the world now. Ukrainian soldiers are having to deal with that. It's an unbelievably difficult task, and it requires patience  from them but also from all of us. That's a very difficult message for any country that is providing weaponry and wants to see clearly measurable results.

I think we need to talk about the strategic approach, but I don't think we can assume that if you just put the right stuff in their hands, its all going to change tomorrow.

The Kyiv Independent: But if we're talking about planes like the F-16, will that change the situation dramatically?

Dame Melinda Simmons: Yes, obviously, Ukraine needs air capability, but F-16 arent things you put in someone's hands and say go tomorrow, either. This is a capability Ukraine has not had. It's not a usual capability historically. That means that people need to be trained. They need to be serviced in a different way. You need engineers who know what they're doing.

These are not excuses for F-16s not coming as fast as I know Ukrainians want them, but we all make a mistake if we think it's just about shipping a few airplanes over and then you get into them, fly off, and that's the end of the war. It really is more complex than that. That is why the UK offered training before F-16s became available. Because at the point where they are available, at least, you know, you begin to have a cohort of pilots who do actually know how to use them.

The Kyiv Independent: Lets talk about Britain's defense secretary Ben Wallace and his statements at the NATO Summit in Vilnius about Ukraine's lack of gratitude to the allies for weapons, which evoked some criticism. Do you agree that Ukraine is asking for too much from its Western allies?

Dame Melinda Simmons: I think it's quite important the whole of Ben Wallace's interview is read. When you read it it's pretty clear that he is not making that pointed a point. And in any case, if you look back at Ben Wallace's track record, Ben Wallace has been one of Ukraine's closest friends. People talk about Boris Johnson, and indeed Boris Johnson showed historic leadership at the right time but Ben Wallace was in his Cabinet, Ben Wallace was sorting out those NLAWs, making sure they were right, and he has been consistent. You could not ask for a more supportive defense secretary with a better understanding of what Ukraine was facing.

What he was trying to express was a general concern, if you like, that the more Ukraine asks, the more pressure, of course, that puts on some countries, the more they want a conversation, both about how that weaponry is being used in the military strategy, but also this issue about gratitude.

I personally haven't seen this lack of gratitude. On the contrary. I see that the president, the defense minister, etc. are very clear every time when there is an announcement from an ally, they acknowledge (it). I think what our defense secretary was trying to do was just to convey a sense that inevitably, that pressure from these requests will grow as countries look back to their stocks, and ask Ukraine to be alive to that pressure.

I genuinely do not believe that Ben Wallace was making a binary criticism of Ukraine, even if it came across that way.

British Ambassador Dame Melinda Simmons at her residence in Kyiv on Aug. 17, 2023, days before her departure to the United Kingdom at the end of August. (Credit: Yelyzaveta Pyrozhkova/Kyiv Independent)

The Kyiv Independent: Lately, top-level Western officials have made many controversial statements regarding the possible peace between Ukraine and Russia and the bargaining of the territories. Do you believe that any peace with Russia is possible by just giving away some of Ukraine's land?

Dame Melinda Simmons: Emphatically, no. I'm astonished that people even think there can be a debate about it. Not because of what's happening now, but because of what you can see in history. You really don't need anything other than to look back to 2014, and to look at Moldova and Georgia. There is no question that if Ukraine settled in any way by agreeing that Russia could hold on to any part of this occupied territory, Russia would use it to remilitarize and launch again. Its absolutely clear because they've done it before. So I do not see a way forward whereby Ukraine cedes territory that is sustainable.

The Kyiv Independent: If the international pressure on Ukraine grows over time, do you think that Ukraine could be cornered to agree to give away some territories and reach peace with Russia to keep receiving financial aid from the West?

Dame Melinda Simmons: At this time, I don't see any sense of that conditionality. There are elections in some countries, and one would have to look again, right, depending on the outcomes of those elections. At this time, I don't see anything other than the consistency of the message that these countries stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes.

The Kyiv Independent: Do you believe that the West, including the UK, which has indeed in the past welcomed Russian proceeds of corruption money for years, bears any responsibility for Russia's feeling of the permissiveness that triggered, consequently, its invasion of Ukraine?

Dame Melinda Simmons: You can point to several things that triggered Russia's invasion of Ukraine. I don't actually think that their access to bank accounts or schools or nice trips or yachts were a reason for them to invade Ukraine. I think that came from elsewhere.

But what I do think has happened is not just sanctions but the UK has looked much more closely at the tools that they did put in place to tackle corrupt sources of finance in the UK. Unexplained Wealth Order is a very good example of an initiative that was put through Parliament and was implemented, but was really quite slow in its first couple of years. And now, further legislation has been passed to give that mechanism more teeth and also to make sure that sanctions stand for longer.

I think we are learning the lessons of how you make sure that these mechanisms are safeguarded, so they can actually do their job.

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The Kyiv Independent: Germany really continued some business as usual with the North Stream 2, the UK welcomed the Russian money for years and years, and there was this feeling that whatever Russia does with the illegal annexation of Crimea, occupation of part of the Donbas in 2014, really doesn't evoke any severe consequences. Do you think that somehow it made Russia feel: Well, if we are not punished, we can just proceed with whatever we want to achieve in Ukraine?

Dame Melinda Simmons: I think that Russia responds to strength. Ukrainians have always said it. But not just military strength. So if you put tools in place and they aren't proven to exert that same strength, then yeah, that will be taken as a message that they can proceed.

The same happens in the international community. You know, every time you put through a Security Council resolution about Ukraine, you must make sure, and we do make sure, that there is a very strong support behind it, and Russia takes note of that message. If there isn't, yes, it sends a tacit message that Russia can do what they want.

But if I'm honest with you, we have enough on our plates to think about how we can keep this level of strength consistent across all elements of what we do because this is a hybrid nvasion and I would rather, and I have, frankly, put more energy in that way than worrying about the past.

The Kyiv Independent: Talking about current affairs, there are Russian oligarchs in Britain under sanctions, who enjoy monthly allowances, consequently letting them carry on with their luxurious lifestyles. Are the restrictions in place against Russian oligarchs in the UK hurting them enough?

Dame Melinda Simmons: Sanctions are reviewed regularly, which is why you keep seeing new waves of sanctions. But also, sometimes you see additional sanction legislation. It's a direct result of those reviews.

Look, sanctions are a blunt tool. They take time to bite. If you go after someone's personal finances, then that has the most immediate effect, but of course, if you are an oligarch, you've got to that level of wealth, you sort of know how to protect your assets. It requires that layered effect to keep looking back at where these other sources may be. And if they are inside the UK, then you've got to go after that.

It's a bit like looking at, you know, weaponry being provided to Russia. You tell yourself: We are not providing weaponry to Russia. We can feel good about that. Then the Ukrainians pick up a missile, take it apart, and find 32 bits that come from different European countries. It's a constant conversation to work out how Russia is exploiting loopholes or using pieces of the system that we haven't yet explored ourselves to try to get around these sanctions, so it's an ongoing piece of work.

The Kyiv Independent: Back to the oligarchs' allowance. If the UK cuts the monthly allowance, would it make the oligarchs live more of a reserved life and consequently cut their ties with Putin?

Dame Melinda Simmons: I don't think it's helpful to talk personally about oligarchs, nor actually do I think it's helpful to collectivize them. They have different incentives. Many of them have got their money in different ways, and there are different conversations to be had with them. But I actually also think this is a conversation that needs to be led by the Ukrainians. Our sanctions are led by conversations with Ukraine, who tells us things like, for example, weapon parts are being made in these countries. We have the same conversations on a strategic level about sanctions. When it comes to the question of reparations, that too will need to be set by Ukraine in terms of sanctions on oligarchs. And I think if any oligarch wants sanctions lifted, that too is a conversation with Ukraine.

The Kyiv Independent: The UK recently passed new legislation which allows oligarchs to voluntarily give away the assets that had been frozen previously. Do you think that creates a risk of sanctions being lifted?

Dame Melinda Simmons: The issue of sanctions being able to be voluntarily lifted against, if you like, a reparation, that is a three-way conversation with Ukraine. So this isn't about us unilaterally saying this is fine. Also, that legislation doesn't say, and therefore there will be no sanctions or therefore you won't find yourself in the International Criminal Court or any of that. It just says you can volunteer to liberate some of that money and put it towards a Ukraine cause. It doesn't actually give them any impunity.

The Kyiv Independent: But why would they, then?

Dame Melinda Simmons: Look, I am not an oligarch. No person has got so many billions as to be thinking in that mindset. But Im sure those who can see the proportionate loss of their income might think that by paying it forward, it may lessen any further penalty that comes in the future. If you really think you're someone who hasn't done malign business with Putin, you just got lots of money having profited from the Russian regime directly or indirectly, if you put a piece of that money towards the very cause that we're all trying to help, then that indicates that your future intentions will align  and so some oligarchs may feel that that's a business transaction worth making. But let's see.

The Kyiv Independent: Well, that really might be a business transaction, because these oligarchs might not be genuine about their help.

Dame Melinda Simmons: They might not be. No one said that sanctions were going to result in people undergoing a change of heart. Sanctions against Russia aren't going to make Russia think that they've done the wrong thing. What sanctions do is make it more difficult for them to do the wrong thing. So I'm sorry, but these arent ideological tools. They are practical punitive tools. The question of how you get around to a different mindset whereby Russians decide they're not going to invade Ukraine anymore  that is a completely different subject.

The Kyiv Independent: How far is the UK from moving from freezing the assets of the Russians to actually seizing and confiscating and then transferring these assets to Ukraine for reconstruction?

Dame Melinda Simmons: I would say we are about in the same place as most other countries that have frozen assets, which is to say that we are happy that we have done this. We have legislation in place to say that's not going to be unfrozen until Russia's paid for what they've done to Ukraine.

But this is like the F-16s debate. You find yourself in a much more complex environment than people understand  which frankly, I struggled to understand even though I come back to this over and over  how legally, you are able to liberate these assets, to be able to pass them over to Ukraine for reconstruction. Its really difficult to get right. We have a working group on the use of frozen assets. We are talking with many other countries about the sort of legislation you need to evolve  such that not only you could do what you want to do, but also that it wouldn't result in multiple challenges in court. The current situation is that we don't have what is needed. And most countries don't have what is needed because this is a fairly unprecedented situation, and we've got to evolve them, and that just takes time.

The Kyiv Independent: Could you adopt some practices of, say, the U.S., which already made a transfer of some assets of at least one oligarch who breached sanctions?

Dame Melinda Simmons: Well, let's see. As I say, this is part of what's being discussed in the working group.

British Ambassador to Ukraine Dame Melinda Simmons shows her yellow and blue manicure in the colors of Ukraine's national flag at her residence in Kyiv on Aug. 17, 2023, days before her departure to the United Kingdom at the end of August. (Credit: Yelyzaveta Pyrozhkova/Kyiv Independent)

The Kyiv Independent: How has the perception of Ukraine in the eyes of British citizens changed after the start of the full-scale invasion?

Dame Melinda Simmons: I think the Brits know so much more now about Ukrainians, frankly how utterly cool the country is, and even down to what kind of food you eat. Because, of course, so many people have taken in Ukrainians, and they're learning to make syrnyky and it's all fantastic.

But they aren't the only people who are waking up to this understanding of Ukraine's history, this sense of what Russia really is, this colonial fascist-leaning country. There is a dawning realization not just for the West, but for other countries who tended to see that as a geographically different part of history. This sense of Ukraine having been colonized under Soviet occupation  that is a narrative that is being understood by many other countries who have not been conventional partners of Ukraine but are now very interested in the nature of this invasion.

The Kyiv Independent: Is there any war fatigue from what you sense, and if there is, how do you think it impacts the UK's willingness on the governmental level to carry on its support for Ukraine?

Dame Melinda Simmons: There's no war fatigue. You can see that in terms of the polling that we do of our own population, support for government policy is very high. So 70% of the population believes the government is doing the right thing. That's really good numbers for the UK, and it has stayed more or less about that level since the beginning of the invasion. And its throughout the country, its not a London-centric thing. I don't see that changing in the medium term.

There's a clear sense from the British people that what Russia is doing is fundamentally just wrong. Just not in tune with any of your most basic values and things you want as a human being. We have a committed prime minister right now, a cross-government agreement, and support for what this government is doing. It's a good situation to be in.

The challenge for Ukraine from September onwards is not to take that support for granted, not just to assume that it stays there. It comes about because of the public communications on what Ukraine is doing and how it is fighting, and then how the UK is helping, and it can't just be for the UK to do that. The Ukrainian government and leaders need to make sure they are continuing to message out Ukrainian will to fight. I would even say that Ukrainian will is stronger as a driver of support than how you are using UK capability. People are moved to do more when they are inspired by the Ukrainian determination to defend their country.

The Kyiv Independent: What could be an example of this determination? What can Ukraine do to show this willingness to fight?

Dame Melinda Simmons: What they've been doing. There isn't more. Its just to make sure that that doesn't drop.

I don't think there's any country that doesn't appreciate the absolutely fantastic strategic communications work that is done by your Foreign Ministry and by the Ministry of Defense. There is some very classy stuff, but the point is, it's also very personal, and it shows people around the world the human impact of the war, but also the achievements. The achievements can be down to the very smallest level  one soldier meets one person in a village that has been liberated. These stories are incredibly powerful, they make the emotional connection in their heads: We provided this capability, and now, the soldier has been to this house and liberated this house. People understand that in terms of their own aspirations.

The Kyiv Independent: Is there anything that Ukraine can do on the state level to ensure that the support continues?

Dame Melinda Simmons: I don't think the West is the only audience here. One of the recent things the Ukrainian government has been doing really well is engaging with countries in the so-called Global South. And with some success. You see that success in the Security Council resolutions. You can see it in the 10-point peace plan. You can see it in the last meeting in Jeddah. There is some extraordinary, bilateral relationship growing between Ukraine and countries that probably didn't know Ukraine wasn't part of Russia until this war began.

The Kyiv Independent: What will the future of Russia look like after Ukraine's victory?

Dame Melinda Simmons: Oh God, I don't know what Russia will look like. Honestly, I don't care, I really don't.

Let's say, Ukraine manages to push Russia out of its territory. It isn't going to stop Russia from wanting to invade in the future. So, even if you've got to a point of negotiation, I can't see a future right now in which Russia doesn't lose that visceral sense, that Ukraine belongs to Russia. So, you know, in that sense, I can't tell you. In a sense, it's not even relevant. You've got a security threat on your border. And we are all, as we said in the G7, going to have to work up these guarantees to help.

As for accountability, we have put funding towards the International Criminal Court, both in terms of training investigators and putting some of our own investigators in that. A program funding goes towards supporting women and children who have been raped by occupying forces and help them be able to produce their narratives so they can be part of those investigations. We are really closely involved in the range of accountability. But, the time that it takes or how Russia engages with it  that's for the future.

The Kyiv Independent: You were posted here in 2019. Throughout this time, many things have changed. What stands out in your memories as the most challenging task you had to do, and the most touching or incredible experience that you might have had?

Dame Melinda Simmons: I think the toughness may have been Of course, Russia was doing before the war what it's doing now: promote disinformation about, for example, Crimea. For Ukraine, these disinformation narratives were very clear. For many other countries at that time, when I first arrived in 2019, they were not particularly clear. There was some sort of confusion about Crimeas status. I think maybe my toughest work was to try to help get that narrative through. We did get it through, but that's tough work, which oddly has become easier now, with the invasion of Ukraine.

As for whats the most touching, I think the most touching is that I'm out and about on the streets, like anyone else is. And most days, I can't walk to the end of the street, anywhere, without being stopped by some random stranger I never met before, who wants to say thank you to the UK. And I think that's really, really lovely. Every time that happens, I'm a little bit overwhelmed.

The Kyiv Independent: You tweeted a lot about having to shelter and living through this invasion. Is there anything that this experience taught you?

Dame Melinda Simmons: Goodness, a lot. But probably the main thing was how much I had in me to deal with it. For everybody who had any kind of leadership job, and an ambassador is a leadership job, your leadership is tested in different ways, and this, I thought, was the ultimate test.

I remember being in Lviv three or four days after the invasion, during one of the first missile strikes. We all threw ourselves to the floor  and in the early days, you didn't really know much about what to do  and I remember being on the bathroom floor in my tiny hotel room, thinking: Can I do this? Have I got it in me to do this? I was acutely aware of my colleagues in the rooms around me, and I was going to need to tell them: It's alright. We can work through this. It took me about three seconds to work out the Yes, I had this in me. I may not have used it particularly, but now I was going to take out this resilience and use it. And I have never looked back from that moment.

The Kyiv Independent: Thank you for sharing this.

Note from the author:

Hi, it's Anna Myroniuk here!

Thank you for reading this interview. I hope you found it insightful.

We spend weeks and sometimes months negotiating access to top-level decision-makers to bring you their exclusive commentaries. Please, consider supporting the Kyiv Independent if you appreciate our work.

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As of mid-August, the use of pontoon bridges indicate that Russian forces occupying Crimea and Kherson Oblast face logistical issues, weeks after Ukrainian attacks on the bridges that link the two occupied regions, the U.K. Defense Ministry said on Aug. 23.

On Aug. 6, the Ukrainian military confirmed striking the strategically important Chonhar and Henichesk bridges, which connect northern Crimea with Kherson Oblast.

The continued use of temporary pontoon bridges indicate that the permanent bridges have not yet been repaired.

These floating bridges create logistical friction and bottlenecks, as Russian forces have become partially reliant on a long diversion via Armiansk in northwestern Crimea. Crimea is the central logistics hub for Russian forces in southern Ukraine.

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Ultimately, the pontoon bridges are "unlikely to be able to fully sustain the flow of heavy vehicles carrying ammunition and weaponry to the front," the ministry added.

Russian proxies in Crimea and Kherson Oblasts said Ukraine hit the bridges on Aug. 6 using British-French-made Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles. The Ukrainian military did not specify the type of missiles that struck the bridges.

Ukraine had repeatedly targeted Chonhar Bridge since June 2023, as the bridge serves as Russia's fastest rail route from occupied Crimea to the southern front line.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) predicted on Aug. 6 that the strikes are likely to cause major logistical issues.

The ISW pointed out that some of the roads to which Russian forces have rerouted traffic following the bridge attacks are "within artillery range" of Ukrainian troops in Kherson Oblast.

This may force Russian troops to take less efficient back roads, slowing down transport of equipment and personnel to the southern front lines, the ISW said.

Read also: Increased attacks on Crimea disrupt Russian logistics, attempt to derail its southern defenses









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The United Kingdom is planning in the coming weeks, to formally declare Russias Wagner mercenary company a terrorist organization, UK government insiders say, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Aug. 23.

The countrys Home Secretary, Suella Braverman , will soon make this announcement in accordance with the powers outlined in the UKs Terrorism Act of 2000. This decision comes after months of concerted efforts by officials to build a solid legal case.

Read also: French parliament calls on government and EU to designate Wagner Group a terrorist organization

The move would place Wagner within the same legal classification in the UK as groups like Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and Hezbollah.

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The FT highlights that these changes would potentially lead to the confiscation of Wagner financial assets, designating them as properties of terrorists subject to seizure, rather than mere freezing.

Read also: US declares Wagner PMC criminal organization

Insiders reveal that the proposed measure has unanimous support across the government. However, the House of Commons foreign affairs committee has recognized the associated risks with banning Wagner, such as potentially driving its activities underground and risking diplomatic ties between the UK and countries where the mercenaries operate.

Read also: White House opposes designating Wagner PMC a terrorist organization, media report says

UK MPs have emphasized that this step could simplify legal actions against Wagner officials in courts in the UK and facilitate the use of existing mechanisms to block funding for terrorist groups. Lawmakers concluded that the activities of the network already fulfill the UKs legal threshold for proscription.

The UK has already imposed sanctions on Wagner and its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, as well as several senior commanders within the company. This includes both formal individuals and surrogate companies linked to Wagner, who are alleged to have led some of the most intense combat operations in Russias conflict with Ukraine and engaged in numerous war crimes.

Read also: US to continue sanctions pressure on Wagner PMC  White House

These sanctions have also targeted militants responsible for casualties, instances of torture, and the provocation of instability within African nations.

Previously, the FT reported that the UK had delayed its intention to classify Wagner PMC as a terrorist organization due to the attempted rebelling by Wagnerites in Russia.

In February of this year, the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, designated Wagner and other Russian private military companies as terrorist organizations.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Ukraines Defense Intelligence says it carried out series of drone attacks on Moscow

The Ukrainian Defense Ministrys Directorate of Intelligence or HUR, Ukraines military intelligence service, was responsible for a series of drone attacks on the Russian capitals Moskva-City financial district, NV can reveal.

A source in the HUR disclosed exclusively to NV that a drone that hit one of Moscows skyscrapers early in the morning of Aug. 23 had been launched by HUR agents.

Read also: Thousands of office workers evacuated from Moscow complex after drone attack warning

The source added that all prior drone attacks on Moscows Moskva-City business district could also be attributed to the HUR. At the end of July and beginning of August, two drone strikes just a day apart targeted the same skyscraper in Moskva-City. The building houses several offices of Russian government ministries.

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Read also: Russian air defenses reportedly intercept two drones outside Moscow

The already traditional strikes on Moscow, which lead to disruptions in airport operations, flight cancellations, evacuations of officials and special service personnel from their workplaces, demonstrate (Russian dictator Vladimir) Putins inability to even protect the capital, the source in Ukrainian intelligence told NV.

Read also: Russian propaganda chief Simonyan claims Ukrainian drone downed near her Moscow Oblast residence

The NV source also said that HUR is intensifying its efforts in this direction.

Ukraine typically denies responsibility for drone attacks on targets in Russia, and the HURs claim of responsibility for the strikes in Moscow is the first time a Ukrainian agency has admitted to the media that the launched drones are Ukrainian.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A Russian pilot who recently vanished along with his Mi-8 chopper and entire crew is actually in Ukraine after defecting as part of a six-month special operation, Ukrainian intelligence officials said Wednesday.

Andriy Yusov, a representative of the Ukrainian Defense Ministrys Main Intelligence Directorate, confirmed in televised comments that the Russian military helicopter had landed at a Ukrainian air base. Sources in Ukrainian intelligence cited by Ukrainska Pravda said the pilot had been lured into Ukraine in the culmination of a months-long special operation.

His family had been evacuated to Ukraine ahead of time, according to the report, and along with the Russian chopper, Ukraine acquired the cargo that he had been transporting: spare parts for the Russian militarys fighter jets.

Two other crew members who were on board with the pilot reportedly had no idea the chopper was landing in Ukraine, and there are conflicting reports on their fate. Ukrainska Pravda reports that the two were liquidated during the special operation, while other reports suggested they had surrendered and Yusov cryptically said work is underway with the crew.

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Moscow has yet to comment on the claims, but Kremlin-connected Telegram channels confirmed that a Russian chopper went missing recently. The Flightbomber Telegram channel on Wednesday said the Mi-8 vanished a couple weeks ago but insisted that the crew had simply lost their bearings and accidentally landed in Ukraine.

Russias Air Force Has a Very Fiery Day at the Border as It Tries to Bomb Ukraine

Having understood where they landed, they tried to take off, but they were gunned down in the helicopter on the ground, the channel claimed, saying the pilot is probably still alive but being brutally worked over by the Ukrainian military.

And I ask all normal people, until the opposite is proven, dont spread any other versions, because there cannot be any other versions.

Pro-Kremlin political analyst Sergei Markov, a former adviser to Putin, also appealed to people not to believe the false claim that the pilot switched to the Ukrainian side in a statement on Telegram, claiming the pilot is being tortured into saying he did.

Other pro-Kremlin Telegram channels called for a prisoner swap to bring the pilot and any surviving crew members back.

Guys, we believe that you are alive, were waiting for you at home, said one popular channel.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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One of Russias most advanced air defence systems was destroyed in a huge explosion in occupied Crimea, Ukraines intelligence services said.

Videos shot by a drone show a purported S-400 being struck on Wednesday morning in what would be Ukraines latest attacks far behind enemy lines.

As a result of the explosion, the installation itself, the missiles installed on it and the personnel were completely destroyed, Ukraines intelligence service said.



Ukraine said it would be a painful blow to Crimeas air defences as Russia only has a limited number of S-400 systems, which form its most advanced air defences.



In recent weeks Ukraine has ramped up its missile attacks on Crimea. Last week a US intelligence assessment found that Ukraines counter-offensive will likely fail in its key objective to cut Russias land bridge to Crimea this year.

03:07 PM BST

Today's liveblog is now closed

Thanks for following todays Ukraine liveblog.

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We will be back tomorrow with all the latest updates on Ukraine.

02:53 PM BST

Zelensky says Ukraine will end Russian occupation of Crimea

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to end Russias occupation of the Crimea peninsula and all other areas that Moscow controls in his country.

Crimea will be de-occupied like all other parts of Ukraine that are unfortunately still under the occupier, he told an international conference about Crimea which he said was being attended by more than 60 countries.

He made his comments at an international conference about Crimea, which was seized and annexed by Russia in 2014 in a move not recognised by most other countries

02:41 PM BST

Pictured: A woman assesses the damage and removes debris inside her apartment after shelling in Donetsk

Viktoria Aksenova, 61, assesses the damage and removes debris inside her apartment hit by shelling in Donetsk - ALEXANDER ERMOCHENKO/Reuters

02:14 PM BST

Drone smashes into Moscow skyscraper owned by Putin crony

A Ukrainian drone crashed into a high-rise tower in Moscows business district owned by an associate of Vladimir Putin.

Two suspected Ukrainian drones crashed in the suburbs of Russias capital on Wednesday, while a third damaged a building in the central business district.

The skyscraper, called Moscow Towers, was bought in 2017 by Grigory Bayevsky, a business partner of Putins billionaire childhood friend Arkady and Boris Rotenberg.

Mr Bayevsky was revealed in 2016 to have sold or transferred luxury properties to women linked to the Russian president, including his suspected daughter Katerina Tikhnova, gymnast Alina Kabayeva and her elderly grandmother.

01:47 PM BST

Death toll in Russian strike on Ukraine school rises to four

The death toll in a Russian strike on a school in the Ukrainian village of Romny, in the north-eastern region of Sumy, has risen to four, authorities said.

Pictures show rescue efforts underway following the school bombing in Sumy

The number of victims of the Russian attack on the school in Romny has increased to four people, Ukraines interior minister Igor Klymenko said on Telegram.

Rescuers found the bodies of the school director, deputy director, secretary and librarian under the rubble, he added.

01:42 PM BST

James Cleverly: 'Crimea is Ukraine'

James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary, has tweeted:

Crimea is Ukraine.  James Cleverly (@JamesCleverly) August 23, 2023

12:30 PM BST

Here's what readers have to say on the latest Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow

Richard Reed: Im a big supporter of Ukraine in their fight against oppression, but I dont think they are doing themselves any favours attacking non-military targets in Russia. Aside from ethical issues it will just feed into Putins propaganda machine.



Lindy Lou: A small attack, but nevertheless Putin cant cover drone attacks up when theres visible burnt holes in Russian buildings.

Tom Limb: Its a drip, drip drip attrition of Russian weapons and drain on their will power. A very effective way, using cheap drones to sow seeds of doom and despair and changing the narrative of war.

What do you make of the latest Ukrainian drone attack? Join the conversation in the comments section below

12:11 PM BST

Ukraine claims it has destroyed a Russian missile system in Crimea

Ukraines intelligence service claims it has destroyed a Russian missile system in Crimea.

#BREAKING Ukraines Military Intelligence (GUR) shares footage showing destruction of Russian S-400 AD system in Olenivka, Crimea.



Massive explosion & utter destruction. pic.twitter.com/ITURmZ0vKK  Clash Report (@clashreport) August 23, 2023

The Russian S-400 complex was destroyed in the occupied Crimea, it claimed on Telegram.

As a result of the explosion, the installation itself, the missiles installed on it and the personnel were completely destroyed, it said.

12:00 PM BST

Putin uses BRICS summit to justify Russia's war in Ukraine

President Vladimir Putin used a speech to a summit of BRICS leaders on Wednesday to defend Russias war in Ukraine and praise the grouping as a counterbalance to U.S. global dominance.

Speaking by video link to leaders of the group, he repeated the Kremlin narrative that his invasion, condemned by Ukraine and the West as an imperialist land grab, was a forced response by Russia to Kyivs and Washingtons hostile actions.

Our actions in Ukraine are dictated by only one thing - to end the war that was unleashed by the West and its satellites against the people who live in the Donbas, Putin said, referring to the eastern part of Ukraine where Russian proxies have been fighting the Ukrainian army since 2014.

I want to note that it was the desire to maintain their hegemony in the world, the desire of some countries to maintain this hegemony that led to the severe crisis in Ukraine.

Putin was speaking to a forum of countries that have refrained from condemning Russias actions in Ukraine. The BRICS - also including Brazil, India, China and South Africa - have taken on added importance for Moscow as it seeks to blunt Western sanctions by boosting trade with Asia, Africa and Latin America.

11:33 AM BST

Pictured: Aftermath of school bombing in Sumy

Pictures of the school bombing in Sumy, a city in northeastern Ukraine

10:23 AM BST

Two killed in Russian attack on school

At least two teachers were killed and three other people were wounded in a Russian attack on a school in Romny, the Interior Minister has said.

Ihor Klymenko said two other school workers were still under the rubble in Romny, which is part of the Sumy region.

Photos shared by Mr Klymenko showed emergency workers carrying away a body on a stretcher.

The regional military administration said a drone fired by Russia had hit the school at 10:05 a.m.

The school building was destroyed, and this is just before the school year, which unfortunately will never start for some, Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said.

10:10 AM BST

Zelensky celebrates flag day in Ukraine

Today is a special National Flag Day in Ukraine.



The one we are raising today is signed by Ukrainian defenders, heroes who fight for our freedom, for Ukraine, for our flag.



There will come a time when our entire free and peaceful country will see it proudly wave.



 pic.twitter.com/7HG3yV1fAi    (@ZelenskyyUa) August 23, 2023

09:13 AM BST

Pictured: Friends and relatives mourn at a funeral in Chernihiv, Ukraine

Friends and relatives of Nazar Yushchenko mourn at his funeral in Chernihiv, Ukraine. - Paula Bronstein/Getty Images Europe

08:59 AM BST

Russia says three killed in Ukrainian drone attack in border region

A Ukrainian drone strike Wednesday killed three people in the Russian border region of Belgorod, the governor said.

Three civilians have been killed, governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said in a social media post. The Ukrainian forces launched an explosive device through a drone when people were on the street.

08:53 AM BST

Lithuanian president visits Ukraine ahead of Independence Day

Gitanas Nauseda, the Lithuanian President, is visiting Ukraine ahead of its Independence Day celebrations tomorrow.

Back in Kyiv to celebrate Ukraine's Independence Day together with the brotherly Ukrainian nation.



Ukraines victory is near!



 will continue supporting  as long as it takes! pic.twitter.com/e9XHYCIc2f  Gitanas Nauseda (@GitanasNauseda) August 23, 2023

08:34 AM BST

Britain will make sure Putin never uses energy as a weapon of war again

Travelling across the Polish border into Ukraine this week, I couldnt help but think of the millions of people who made the journey in the opposite direction as Vladimir Putin launched his brutal attack on their country. Cramming onto trains while Russian missiles rained down, they would have been petrified  fearing for their lives, not knowing what the future held for them or for loved ones left behind. How would they feed their children? Would they see their husbands alive again? Would they have homes to return to?

Read more from Grant Shapps here.

08:00 AM BST

Britain to fund Ukraine uranium deal to isolate Putin

Britain is financing an enriched uranium deal to help Ukraine run their nuclear power plants over the winter and further isolate Vladimir Putin.

British Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Grant Shapps and Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko visit an energy facility damaged by Russian military strike earlier this year - GLEB GARANICH/REUTERS

The new arrangement, announced on Wednesday, sees Downing Street guarantee a 192 million loan in an attempt to minimise future blackouts in Ukraine in the months ahead.

It will support more enriched uranium being provided by Urenco, a UK-headquartered company, to Ukraines Energoatom, which runs 15 power plants in the country.

Read more here.

07:57 AM BST

Russia bombs kindergarten in Kherson, claim Ukrainian officials

The Russian army dropped two bombs on a kindergarten and residential buildings in Kherson, Ukrainian officials have said.

 As a result of the shelling, a fire broke out, which was promptly extinguished by firefighters,  Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Kherson region military administration said on Telegram.

Six people were injured in the attack.

07:57 AM BST

Footage reportedly shows drone attack on Moscow building

07:47 AM BST

Aftermath of Moscow drone attack in pictures:

This photo shows a damaged building of the Moscow International Business Center (Moskva City) following a drone attack in Moscow - NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP

Law enforcement officers stand next to a damaged building of the Moscow International Business Center (Moskva City) following a drone attack in Moscow - NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP

07:45 AM BST

Russia attacks grain facilities in Ukraine's Danube region

Russia targeted Ukrainian ports in the southern Odesa region and the Danube River area in overnight drone attacks, setting at least one grain storage facility on fire, Ukraines military and local authorities said.

The attacks were the Russias latest on port infrastructure on the Danube, which Ukraine uses to move grain to the Romanian port of Constanta, since Moscow quit a UN-brokered deal that allowed Kyiv to ship grain via the Black Sea.

The enemy hit grain storage facilities and a production and transhipment complex in the Danube region. A fire broke out in the warehouses and was quickly contained. Firefighters continue to work, the Ukrainian military said in a post on the Telegram messaging app.

The military published photographs showing piles of grain under the burnt and wrecked shell of the storage facility.

Odesa governor Oleh Kiper said the attack on the region lasted three hours and that the Ukrainian air force had destroyed nine Russian drones.

Unfortunately, there were hits to the production and transhipment complexes where a fire broke out... The damage includes grain storage facilities, he said on Telegram.

07:44 AM BST

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Good morning and welcome to todays Ukraine liveblog.

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The Ukrainian government reduced the number of documents one needs to apply for combat veteran status, official government representative in parliament Taras Melnychuk reported on Aug. 22.

From now on, its enough to submit only one document proving direct participation in hostilities to qualify for the status, according to Melnychuk.

Previously, the list of documents that could confirm ones combat veteran eligibility included copies of combat reports and orders, logs of combat operations, and investigation reports on injuries, among others.

Such status gives veterans a number of benefits, including free medicines and treatment, discounts on rent and utility bills, free travel on public transport, free housing from the state in case of a service-related disability, etc.

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On the same day, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said that around a million Ukrainians have become combat veterans since the Russian invasion of Donbas in 2014.

Read also: Law enforcement searches hundreds of military enlistment offices, medical commissions

Speaking at the VI International Veterans Forum in Kyiv, Reznikov added that the veterans are concerned about obtaining the corresponding status, passing the military medical examination, and receiving compensation for injuries.

We are working on all these issues, and there will be changes. Now the processes are already quickly digitized, there will be significantly fewer papers, queues, etc.

Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren also spoke at the forum, pledging to continue supporting Ukrainian soldiers and veterans.

According to Ollongren, the Netherlands and other allies are working to expand medical rehabilitation capacities in Ukraine, sharing their experience with Ukrainian specialists in the field.

When we set up this system, we will have a whole network of medical centers in Ukraine based on regional centers for veterans with the best possible care, she added.

Read also: Invasion rooted in history: A review of Serhii Plokhys The Russo-Ukrainian War

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Ukraine's 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade says it entered the strategic Zaporizhzhia Oblast town of Robotyne Tuesday with the help of Bradley Fighting Vehicles and rescued civilians under heavy fire.

Two months of fierce fighting and the fighters of our brigade with the support of other units broke through the [multi-layered] line of defense of the occupiers, the brigade said Tuesday on its Facebook page. The first thing the military did was to inform the locals of the need to leave urgently, as the enemy cynically continues to wipe the village off the face of the earth.

In a video released Tuesday by the brigade, Robotyne residents are seen greeting the troops who liberated them from 18 months of Russian occupation. The video opens with a drone shot of a column of Bradley Fighting Vehicles entering Roboytne, then cuts to troops dismounting from the Bradleys and being greeted by grateful residents at an undisclosed location.

https://twitter.com/kyivpost/status/1693968856291643395?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A

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"Already in a safer place, medics of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade examined the civilians and gave them the opportunity to call their relatives," the brigade said on its Facebook page.

Soldiers of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade rescued civilians from Robotyne, (47th Separate Mechanized Brigade photo)

But the danger there is not over.

Soldiers of the 47th brigade, which entered the village of Robotyne with a fight, organized the evacuation of civilians on the Bradley, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said Tuesday on her Telegram channel. Our fighters perform planned combat work and destroy the enemy. In response, the Russians are continuously shelling Robotyne with artillery. Fighting continues.

The U.S.-trained 47th - which operates donated Leopard 2 tanks as well as the Bradleys - has borne the brunt of difficult fighting in this sector of the front. It was their vehicles that were seen destroyed in June south of Mala Tokmachka in imagery widely shared on social media.

https://twitter.com/oryxspioenkop/status/1667152804719337475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1667152804719337475%7Ctwgr%5Ebc9b803b8cc4c98d01e33787e586895ae485479e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Farmor-expert-breaks-down-ukraines-loss-of-bradleys-during-breaching-operation

It is unclear how much of Robotyne has been liberated. The Kremlin-connected Rybar Telegram channel on Tuesday claimed that "fierce fighting" is still going on there.

"The Armed Forces of Ukraine are trying to cling to the center of the village with the tactics of 'meat assaults,'" Rybar claimed, using a phrase common on both sides for costly attempts at advancing.

The Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) on Tuesday said it repelled some attacks near Robotyne, but did not specifically address the claims that the 47th has entered the town.

Geolocated footage published on August 20 and August 21 indicates that Ukrainian forces reached the central part of Robotyne (10km south of Orikhiv) and broke through some Russian defenses south of Mala Tokmachka (9km southeast of Orikhiv)," the Institute for the Study of War said in its Aug. 21 assessment.

The liberation of Roboytne would be another small but important step in Ukraine's counteroffensive efforts in the push southward toward Melitopol, which, as we explained in December, is a key objective that must be overcome or bypassed in any effort to liberate Crimea or at least cut off Russia's land bridge to the occupied peninsula.

Located on the TO408 Highway, Robotyne is about 15 miles north of Tokmak, a heavily fortified Russian garrison city in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast, which has to be taken or bypassed before Ukraine can reach Melitopol.

The coming days should show just how much momentum Ukraine has gained by breaking through the defenses of Roboytne.

Before we head into the latest news from Ukraine, The War Zone readers can catch up on our previous rolling coverage of the war here.

The Latest

The first group of eight Ukrainian pilots is now in Denmark to learn how to fly F-16 Vipers, the Danish Defense Ministry said today in a statement.

The eight pilots have arrived at the Danish military air base in Skrydstrup along with 65 personnel who will be trained in maintaining and servicing the jets, the Danish armed forces said in a statement, Reuters reported Tuesday.

Denmark, as we reported Sunday, has also agreed to provide Ukraine with 19 F-16s. The Netherlands also pledged an unspecified number to Ukraine, with at least 42 aircraft in total being donated. You can read more about that in our story here.

Separately, English language training for Ukrainian Air Force pilots is underway in the U.K., a U.S. Air Force official told The War Zone Tuesday morning. Those are the pilots U.S. Air Force Gen. James Hecker, head of U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), as well as NATO's Allied Air Command and U.S. Air Forces Africa (AFAFRICA) referred to last Friday.

During a press briefing Tuesday, Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon's top spokesman, said while the U.S. is ready to train Ukrainian pilots here if European capacity is reached, no bases have yet been selected to conduct that training.

https://twitter.com/noelreports/status/1693988053826883638

The Russian Defense Ministry on Tuesday claimed that two drones - an MQ-9 Reaper and TB-2 Bayraktar - operating over the Black Sea close to Crimea changed course after Russian fighters were launched.

In order to prevent a possible violation of the state border of the Russian Federation and to counter UAVs conducting radio-technical reconnaissance, two Russian fighter jets from on-duty air defense forces were raised, the Russian MoD claimed on its Telegram channel. As a result of the actions, the UAVs changed their flight direction and left the areas where aerial reconnaissance was being conducted.

The Russian MoD did not say how close to Crimea the drones got or how long they were operating in the area. Nor did they specify who owned the TB-2 Bayraktar, which are made by Turkey but have been operated by the Ukrainian Air Force, especially during the early phases of this all-out war.

U.S. Air Force MQ-9s operate over the Black Sea frequently. The use of TB-2s by Ukraine has been significantly curtailed overall due to the fortification of Russia's anti-air umbrella over and beyond the front lines.

Seeing these two airframes operating together, if what Russia claims is true, is highly unusual.

We reached out to the Pentagon and U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) for additional details and will update this story with any information provided.

https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1694075726272831710

The Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) also claimed its jets destroyed two Ukrainian vessels in the Black Sea in the past 24 hours.

The first incident took place last night, according to the Russian MoD, which said that the crew of an Su-30SM [Flanker multi-role fighter] aircraft of the Black Sea Fleet's Naval Aviation destroyed an AFU reconnaissance boat near Russian gas platform in the Black Sea.

The Russian MoD did not provide further details about what kind of boat or exactly where.

But they did provide details about an attack it said occurred around 11 a.m. Moscow time on Tuesday. The MoD said one of its fighters destroyed a U.S.-supplied Willard Sea Force high-speed patrol boat with a Ukrainian landing force east of Snake Island.

They released video of that, showing what appears to be the aircrafts 30mm autocannon firing at and apparently destroying the boat, which tried to evade the attack with a zig-zag pattern. After several misses, the boat appears to be hit, but then the video cuts out.

https://twitter.com/Capt_Navy/status/1693970259710034158

Speaking of Crimea, Ukrainian Maj. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Defense Intelligence Directorate, made an ominous veiled threat Tuesday of future Ukrainian attacks on the peninsula Russia has occupied since 2014.

In an interview with the ITV news agency Tuesday, Budanov stated that while there are individuals who are "very afraid" of the de-occupation of Crimea, there are also "a lot of people on the peninsula who are eagerly anticipating this outcome.

"We need to instill confidence that their hopes are not in vain," Budanov said.

"That is why initiatives like the Crimean Platform are crucial. This involves resistance in the temporarily occupied territories and the removal of occupiers from our Crimea. Our actions are apparent now, with more to come in the next few days."

Asked by The War Zone for more details about what he means, Budanov offered a typically cryptic response.

"We will see," he said. "Wait."

https://twitter.com/devanaukraine/status/1693964738319782179?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A

The GUR also said that Russia is preparing for additional attacks on the Kerch Bridge, which was heavily damaged July 17 by a Ukrainian drone boat attack, which you can read more about here.

Russia is beginning to sink a second ferry to create a barrier around the bridge to protect it from future drone boat attacks, the GUR said Tuesday. The Russians plan to sink six ferries in that effort, the GUR claimed.

"Between the flooded ferries, the Russians intend to establish a boon fence. In this way, the enemy seeks to protect the Kerch bridge from defeat."

The bridge is being targeted to choke off Russian logistics, the GUR said.

"Periodic successful attacks by the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine on this legitimate military goal led to serious damage to the construction of the bridge, in particular its road and railway canvases. Recent strikes on the Kerch bridge once again worsened the situation for the grouping of enemy troops in southern Ukraine and caused a hysterical reaction of the military and political leadership of the Moscow."

https://twitter.com/trajaykay/status/1694110385182294349

In addition to being used against vehicles, First Person Video (FPV) drones are also attacking personnel. In this video, a Russian FPV drone is seen attacking a Ukrainian soldier in a trench.

https://twitter.com/narrative_hole/status/1693989265431241013?s=20

In this video, a Russian FPV drone attacks a Ukrainian soldier walking down a path. The drone is seen flying over two soldiers, then turning around to attack one of them. The soldier is seen trying to get out of its path before the video cuts to another drone view of an explosion seemingly in that location.

https://twitter.com/narrative_hole/status/1693988019504889875?s=20

Ukrainians captured a Russian position and with it, a stack of Rubles, which they shared. But no one was getting rich. These 100 Ruble bills are worth about $1.06 a piece, if they can even find any place in Ukraine that will take them.

https://twitter.com/astraiaintel/status/1693896384301137925?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A

And finally, when it comes to recreation, it appears Ukrainian armor crews gravitate toward what can only be described as a tankman's holiday.

The New York Times' Thomas Gibbons-Neff caught up with several Ukrainian troops relaxing during downtime from hard battles by playing the World of Tanks video game.

Im playing from time to time, when I have a bit of free time, said Lt. Nazar Vernyhora, who last year gained public attention for his command of a real tank that destroyed armored personnel carriers and damaged a Russian tank during a battle outside of Kyiv, Gibbons-Neff reported.

https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1693704837861400621

That's it for now. We'll update this story when there's more news to report about Ukraine.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Having spent less than 3% of annual U.S. military budget in security assistance, Ukraine managed to cut Russias combat capacity in half, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said at a press conference in Kyiv on Aug. 23.

Read also: Mobilization expansion cannot be ruled out, Zelenskyy suggests

Earlier on that day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with three U.S. senators visiting Kyiv  Richard Blumenthal , Lindsey Graham, and Elizabeth Warren.

According to Zelenskyy, the discussion focused on improving Ukraine's defense capabilities.

"Discussed the situation at the front and the urgent issue of further strengthening Ukraines defense capability," the president said in a Facebook post.

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At the press conference, Graham highlighted that the United States had spent less than 3% of its annual military budget to aid Ukraine in its war against Russia. He noted that the Ukrainian Defense Forces "have destroyed half of the Russian army."

Read also: UK soon to declare Wagner mercenary company a terrorist organization, reports FT

"This is the best investment for American security ever; Ukraine is a fantastic partner  we have not seen such a partner since Churchill," the senator said.

Read also: 2.4 million Ukrainians remain abroad since start of Russias full-scale invasion

Additionally, he pointed out that U.S. intelligence had made an error ahead of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, greatly overestimating the strength of the Russian army.

When the Russian invasion began, we were told that Kyiv would fall in four days, and the country  in three weeks, Graham adds.

Read also: Russia signing arms deal with North Korea would violate UN resolutions  Washington

This was the biggest misunderstanding of Ukrainians and overestimation of the Russian army by our intelligence. I myself thought the Russian army was better than it is.

The Washington Post reported that the total amount of aid provided by Washington to Ukraine now exceeds $66 billion.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Key developments on Aug. 23:

Russian media: Private jet crashes in Russia, warlord Prigozhin listed among passengers

Intelligence chief: Russia has 27 operable Tu-22M3 bombers left following recent strikes

Media: Russian military pilot defects to Ukraine

Zelensky meets Hungarian president in Kyiv

Ukraine's partners pledge new aid at Crimean Platform

Russian state media reported on Aug. 23 that a private plane crashed in Russia's Tver Oblast, with Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner mercenary group, listed as one of the passengers on board.

According to Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry, all 10 people on board, including three crew members and seven passengers, died in the crash.

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The Russian independent media outlet Verstka wrote that the plane took off from Moscow en route to St. Petersburg at around 7 p.m. local time, and communication was lost at 7:11 p.m.

The crash took place exactly two months after Prigozhin initiated what he called a "march for justice" against the Russian military leadership, a short-lived mutiny that ended the following day.

Tensions between Prigozhin and the Russian military leadership escalated for months leading up to the mutiny, with Prigozhin publicly expressing frustration over inadequate weapons and logistical support for his troops during the 10-month battle for Bakhmut.

Wagner played an instrumental roll in Russia's push to take the once-prosperous industrial city in Donetsk Oblast, essentially leveling it to ground.

During its short-lived armed "rebellion," Wagner managed to effectively take control of the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and threatened Moscow. However, Prigozhin called off the mutiny the next day, reaching an agreement with the Kremlin.

Wagner forces were allowed to relocate to Belarus despite Russian dictator Vladimir Putin originally condemning the infighting between Prigozhin and the Russian military leadership as "treachery" that undermines "the unity of Russia."

Intelligence chief: Russia has 27 operable Tu-22M3 bombers left following recent strikes

Military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said on Aug. 23. that the Russian Air Force currently has 27 operable Tu-22M3 strategic bombers following recent strikes against Russian military airports in Soltsy and Shaykovka.

"They had about 31 operable Tu-22s left, now 29, and not counting two others that are being repaired  27," the head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) said in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

Budanov added that Russia is currently operating 436 aircraft in military operations against Ukraine.

Russian military air bases have been targeted in a series of strikes over the past few days, which Ukrainian media attributed to agents working with Ukrainian military intelligence.

On Aug. 19, a drone strike on the Soltsy airfield in Russia's Novgorod Oblast led to the destruction of a Tu-22M3 aircraft. Two more planes were also reportedly damaged in the strike, the New Voice media outlet reported, citing its sources in HUR.

A similar strike targeted the Shaykovka air base in Kaluga Oblast two days later, with HUR spokesperson Andrii Yusov claiming that at least one aircraft was damaged as a result.

According to Budanov, two bombers were destroyed and two more were damaged following the strikes on the two airfields. The intelligence chief said that strikes were conducted by "people who carry out certain tasks on the territory of the Russian Federation."

Russian forces regularly use Tu-22M3 bombers, commonly armed with AS-4 heavy anti-ship missiles, in airstrikes against Ukraine. Some of these planes carried out the heavy bombardment of Mariupol last year.

Read also: Ukrainian troops regularly cross Dnipro River, probing Russian defenses in Kherson Oblast

Russian helicopter pilot defects to Ukraine

Citing high-ranking sources in Ukrainian intelligence, Ukrainska Pravda reported on Aug. 23 that a Russian pilot landed his Mi-8 helicopter in an airfield in Kharkiv Oblast and defected to Ukraine.

The defection was allegedly part of a more than six-month-long operation that invovled Ukrainian military intelligence working to bring the Mi-8 helicopter and his pilot to Ukraine.

The pilot's family was evacuated from Russia beforehand and is in Ukraine with him, the sources added.

According to the report, the helicopter was supposed to transport parts for Russian Su-27 and Su-30 fighter jets but landed in Kharkiv Oblast instead, along with the parts it was supposed to deliver. Two other crewmembers who were unfamiliar with the operation were allegedly killed.

Ukraine's Military Intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov confirmed the story on national television and said that more information would be released soon.

Read also: Escape from Kupiansk: How one cop tricked the Russians

Zelensky meets Hungarian president in Kyiv

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with his Hungarian counterpart Katalin Novak as she arrived in Kyiv for the third Crimean Platform summit on Aug. 23.

"During my meeting with President of Hungary Katalin Novak, we substantively discussed the development of bilateral relations," Zelensky said in a statement shared on his Telegram channel.

"Thank you for your visit to Ukraine and participation in the third Summit of the International Crimea Platform. And for supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. This is very important to us," Zelensky added.

The two presidents discussed cross-border cooperation and joint initiatives in Zakarpattia Oblast, which Novak visited a day before her trip to Kyiv.

Hungary has been at odds with Kyiv and the West over Budapest's amicable stance toward Russia. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has proclaimed that Ukraine is a financially "non-existent" and "no longer sovereign" state due to its "dependence" on international support.

Using its membership in Western political structures, Budapest has also repeatedly obstructed aid for Ukraine, as well as sanctions against Russia.

Ukraine's Zakarpattia Oblast plays a major role in the strained relationship between the two countries. Bordering Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland, the region is home to around 150,000 ethnic Hungarians, of which roughly 400 serve in the Ukrainian military.

Budapest has accused Kyiv of discrimination against ethnic Hungarians in Zakarpattia Oblast. However, Ukrainian officials have repeatedly rebuked the allegations, adding that local Hungarian and Romanian communities have the full support of the government.

In the most recent scandal between the two nations, Hungarian officials allegedly cooperated with the Kremlin-controlled Russian Orthodox Church to transfer 11 Ukrainian prisoners of war of Hungarian ethnicity to Hungary without Kyiv's involvement.

Read also: Exclusive: New insights point to Hungarys collaboration with Moscow on transfer of Ukrainian POWs

Ukraine's partners pledge new aid at Crimean Platform

Ukraine's allies pledged new military aid, reconstruction support, and additional sanctions against Russia on Aug. 23 while in Kyiv to attend the Crimean Platform.

Kyiv is hosting the third summit of the Crimean Platform, the main goal of which is to work toward the liberation of Ukraine's Crimean peninsula from Russian occupation.

Since its inaugural summit on Aug. 23, 2021, the Crimean Platform has gathered participants from dozens of countries in Europe, North America, Asia, and elsewhere, as well as non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations, including the EU.

Russia illegally annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014, shortly after the Euromaidan Revolution ousted pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych.

According to Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, representatives from up to 67 countries and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations are attending the forum.

Read also: Kyiv, Moscows opposing attitudes toward Soviet past shape two different futures

At a joint press conference with Zelensky, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced that Finland will soon present its 18th military aid package for Ukraine. He also reaffirmed his country's commitment to particpating in Ukraine's reconstruction.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, also present in Ukraine's capital, said that the NASAMS air defense launchers pledged earlier by Vilnius will be delivered in September.

Additionally, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced new sanctions against Russia that specifically four individuals and 29 entities, mainly those involved in the country's nuclear sector.

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also further pledged to provide various assistance to Ukraine worth up to $7 billion and to share the country's experience with post-war reconstruction.

The participants of the forum also addressed the consequences of the Black Sea Grain Initiative's collapse, which was terminated by Russia in July.

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic reiterated his country's earlier pledge to provide its ports for the export of Ukrainian grain.

"Tomorrow, I will be discussing with the Croatian Government the allocation of 40 million euros ($48 million) in aid to Ukraine," the prime minister announced during his speech.

To provide additional support to Ukraine's grain exports, the Danube Commission, an international organization responsible for the upkeep and navigation of the Danube River, has expressed its willingness to enhance the volume of Ukrainian products being shipped through the Romanian port of Constanta.

Read also: UK Ambassador Simmons: People are waking up to understanding of Russia being colonial fascist-leaning country

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Ukraines defenders managed to destroy 11 out of 20 attack drones launched by Russian forces on the night of 22-23 August, including 9 drones over Odesa and 2 over Zaporizhzhia oblasts.

Source: Air Force of Ukraine's Armed Forces

Quote: "On the night of 22-23 August 2023, the enemy launched Shahed-136/131 attack drones from the southeast. In total, up to 20 attack drones were launched from Primorsko-Akhtarsk (Russian Federation) and Chauda (Crimea).

The forces and assets of the Air Force of Ukraine, jointly with the air defence forces of other units of the Defence Forces of Ukraine, destroyed 11 enemy drones, 9 in Odesa Oblast and 2 in Zaporizhzhia Oblast."

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Explosions in occupied Crimea took place on the morning of 23 August near the village of Olenivka on Cape Tarkhankut, destroying a Russian long- and medium-range S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft missile system.

Source: press service of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine

Quote: "The explosion completely destroyed the system (S-400 Triumf  ed.), the missiles loaded in it and the personnel."

Details: The Defence Intelligence explained that given the limited number of such systems in the Russians arsenal, this is a painful blow to the Russian air defence system, which will have a serious impact on further events on the peninsula.

Background: Earlier, Petro Andriushchenko, advisor to the Mayor of Mariupol, reported on Telegram that a Bastion anti-ship missile system was damaged in Crimea, and that its radar stations were damaged.

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Recently, a Mi-8 helicopter of the Russian Armed Forces ended up in Ukraine as a result of a long-term special operation of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Source: high-rank sources of Ukrainska Pravda in the Defence Intelligence

Details: This happened as a result of a special operation of the Main Intelligence Directorate, which lasted more than 6 months.

Ukrainian intelligence lured a pilot of a Mi-8 AMTSh to Ukraine. The helicopter crew made a flight between two air bases and transported parts for Su-27 and Su-30 fighter jets.

Along with the pilot on board were two crew members who did not know where the helicopter was actually flying.

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The M-8 landed in Kharkiv Oblast.

Russian Mi-8 helicopter ended up in Ukraine

Photo: Ukrainska Pravda

As a result of the special operation, two crew members were eliminated.

The pilot remained in Ukraine, and his family was taken there in advance. Now, the pilot and his family are in Ukraine.

The M-8 stayed in Ukraine, along with the fighter jets parts.

Defence Intelligence carried out a special operation and Ukraine received a Russian M-8

Photo: Ukrainska Pravda

Ukraine received not only a helicopter, but also details for fighter jets

Photo: Ukrainska Pravda

Ukrainska Pravda sources say the helicopter is now in Kyiv.

Background:

In the spring of 2023, it became known about an unsuccessful attempt to lure a Russian pilot of Su-24 and Su-34 aircraft to Ukraine in the summer of 2022.

The Security Service of Ukraine detained the former acting commander of one of the Special Operation Forces units, Roman Chervinskyi, in the case of Russia's missile attack on Kanatove airfield.

On 21 April, Chervinskyi was served with a notice of suspicion under the article 426 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (abuse of power or authority by a military officer). Chervinskyi and other individuals decided to conduct a "special operation" to seize a Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft without any permission from the leadership. The Russian pilot supposedly agreed to the proposal to go over to Ukraine, but instead, Russia attacked the Kanatove airfield in Kirovohrad Oblast in the summer of 2022.

Andrii Yusov, representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, said that the Defence Intelligence "immediately rejected" the idea of hijacking the plane, proposed by former employee Roman Chervinskyi.

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Ukraine's partners attending the Crimea Platform on Aug. 23 have pledged new assistance to Kyiv, including military aid, reconstruction support, and fresh sanctions against Russia.

According to Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba , the forum has been joined by representatives from up to 67 countries and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced at a joint press conference with Zelensky in Kyiv that Finland will soon present its 18th military aid package for Ukraine. He also affirmed the commitment of his country to participate in Ukraine's reconstruction.

Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda, also present in Ukraine's capital, said that the NASAMS air defense launchers earlier pledged by Vilnius will be delivered in September.

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In another move in support of Kyiv, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced new sanctions against Russia during the forum, targeting four individuals and 29 entities, mainly those involved in the country's nuclear sector.

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida further pledged to provide various assistance to Ukraine worth up to $7 billion and to share the country's experience with post-war reconstruction.

In the framework of the summit, the participants addressed the fallout of the Black Sea Grain Initiative's collapse, which was unilaterally terminated by Russia earlier in July.

Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic reiterated his country's earlier pledge to provide its ports to export Ukrainian grain.

"Tomorrow, I will be discussing with the Croatian Government the allocation of 40 million euros ($48 million) in aid to Ukraine," the prime minister also announced in his speech.

To further aid Ukraine in exporting its grain, the Danube Commission, an international body concerned with the maintenance and navigation of the Danube River, announced it is ready to help increase the volume of Ukrainian goods shipped out through the Romanian port of Constanta.

Kyiv is hosting the third summit of the Crimean Platform, an international consultation and coordination format aimed at ensuring the liberation of the peninsula from the Russian occupation.

Since its inaugural summit on Aug. 23, 2021, it has gathered participants from dozens of countries in Europe, North America, Asia, and elsewhere, as well as non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations, including the EU.

Russia has been occupying the peninsula since 2014 after the Euromaidan Revolution ousted pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych.

Read also: Zelensky at Crimean Platform: Ukraine has clear plan for restoring democracy in Crimea

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Oleksii Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, has suggested that Lars von Trier , a Danish film director who came to the defence of Russians, imagine himself in the place of Ukrainians facing the horrors of war.

Source: Oleksii Danilov on Twitter

Quote from Danilov: "War is not a movie where actors play life and death. Behind every living russian terrorist, there is a dead Ukrainian. The choice between the executioner and the victim becomes a tragedy when the artist chooses the side of the executioner."

Details: Commenting on Trier's post, Danilov noted, "Ukraine doesnt live in abstraction, but in a cruel reality in which russians are murderers."

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Quote: "A simple piece of advice for a famous director: imagine that it is a russian missile that is flying into his city every day, that his father or mother was killed, his grandson was taken to russia, and that a russian looter raped his wife before burning down his house.

In this case, the abstraction of hypocritical humanism takes on completely different features  real, not fictional life."

War is not a movie where actors play life and death. Behind every living russian terrorist, there is a dead Ukrainian. The choice between the executioner and the victim becomes a tragedy when the artist chooses the side of the executioner.

Ukraine doesnt live in abstraction, but pic.twitter.com/UfzPySad9d  Oleksiy Danilov (@OleksiyDanilov) August 23, 2023

Background: On 22 August, popular Danish director Lars von Trier responded to Denmark's intention to transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, writing on Instagram that "Russians lives matter also". The director did not mention how many Ukrainians Russia has killed.

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A day after its boss made an ominous threat toward Russian occupation forces in Crimea, Ukraines Defense Intelligence Directorate says it destroyed an S-400 Triumpf surface-to-air missile system there.

The attack took place around 10 a.m. local time near the village of Olenivka on Cape Tarkhankut, the GUR announced on its Telegram channel. As a result of the explosion, the installation itself, the missiles installed on it, and the personnel were completely destroyed.

A video released by the GUR opens with a drones eye view of what it claims is the S-400 system. It then explodes in a bright yellow flash, followed by a huge column of blackish-gray smoke pouring skyward and white plumes of smoke darting out from the struck system. However, there does not seem to be any visual indication of what caused the blast.

https://twitter.com/DI_Ukraine/status/1694289486073524483

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Cape Tarkhankut is the westernmost part of the Crimean peninsula, jutting out into the Black Sea. Olenivka is about 90 miles south of the front lines in Kherson Oblast and about 115 miles southeast of Odesa. It is clearly a highly logical and strategic location for a long-range air defense battery. Taking out this battery would potentially open a hole in Russia's air defense overlay of the peninsula and the northwestern Black Sea. This could go a long way to ensuring the survivability of standoff strike weapons, like Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG, and other attacks, such as those by long-range kamikaze drones.

The S-400 site near Olenivka is about 90 miles south of the front lines in Kherson Oblast and 115 miles southeast of Odesa. (Google Earth image)

Geolocated satellite imagery shows the battery about two miles north of the seaside town of Olenivka, from where images emerged of a large plume of smoke rising in the distance taken from the beach.

https://twitter.com/kromark/status/1694346200466534721

The long-range S-400 Triumpf is Russia's most advanced and capable of its widely fielded air defense systems. Each self-propelled or semi-trailer-mounted launcher has four missiles, which have ranges up to 250 miles depending on the variant. That range is also highly conditions based, including the target, it's flight profile, and many other factors. Normal engagement ranges are usually significantly less than that. Search and tracking radars, including those in the X- and L-bands, give the complete system the ability to spot and engage both short-range ballistic missiles and low-flying cruise missiles, as well as fixed and rotary-wing aircraft.

The Russian S-400 air defense system. (Russian MoD)

There are also reports, so far unconfirmed by any official agency, of an attack on a Russian K-300P Bastion-P coastal defense missile system that launches P-800 Oniks anti-ship cruise missiles in that same part of Crimea which we will talk more about later in this story.

The GUR did not say what weapon was used in the strike on the S-400 system, so we reached out for further details and will update this story if they are provided. The Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) has yet to say anything about the attack.

Threats From Within?

While the GUR did not offer specifics on Wednesday, the directorates commander, Ukrainian Maj. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, a day earlier hinted that strikes would happen on Crimea in the coming days, and that they could involve local citizens.

He made those comments In an interview with the ITV news agency Tuesday ahead of todays Summit of the Crimean Platform - where international leaders and organizations are attending in person and virtually to show their support for the liberation of the peninsula. Among them was U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1694379095881081159

Budanov stated that efforts to liberate Crimea will involve resistance in the temporarily occupied territories and the removal of occupiers from our Crimea. Our actions are apparent now, with more to come in the next few days."

Asked by The War Zone for more details about what he meant, Budanov offered a typically cryptic response.

"We will see," he said. "Wait."

https://twitter.com/DevanaUkraine/status/1693964738319782179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1693964738319782179%7Ctwgr%5E1edf4f76e0817dad7c2cf8a1a47870fea6252506%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fukraine-situation-report-kyivs-forces-enter-robotyne

As we noted in our reports on drone strikes on airbases deep inside Russia over the past few days, there are increasing signs that such attacks are coming at the hands of partisans, something the GUR directly told us Monday.

People recruited by the GUR came from central Russia, did their work and went back to their place, GUR spokesman Andrii Yusov told The War Zone Monday when asked about its involvement in drone strikes on the Soltsy-2 and Shaykovka airbases. GUR continues operations in Russia. In the border regions, in the deep rear and in Moscow.

So it is possible that GUR has a network of Crimean residents who could have carried out the attack today, perhaps using drones. Or it could have been carried out by an elite Ukrainian unit operating inside Crimea. We have written about both possibilities in the past.

Russian Speculation

Meanwhile, there was rampant speculation among Russian Telegram channels about what caused the explosion. And, perhaps even more concerning to those channels, was how the Ukrainian drone that captured the explosion was able to operate with impunity over such a sensitive site.

The speculation ranged from air-launched cruise missiles to anti-ship missiles.

The enemy publishes footage of an attack on the S-400 air defense system in the Olenivka area in Crimea this morning. What was struck is currently unknown, however, presumably, it was a [U.K.-donated] Storm Shadow cruise missile, the Russian Grey Zone Telegram channel suggested.

According to preliminary information, a strike on an object in Crimea this morning could have been inflicted by Harpoon anti-ship missiles from the side of Zmeiny Island [Snake Island] or other guided missile weapons, the Russian Military Informant Telegram channel posited.

The Kremlin-connected Rybar Telegram channel also said the attack was carried out from the Black Sea supposedly delivered by anti-ship missiles. It can be both Harpoons and Neptunes, which are Ukrainian-developed anti-ship missiles.

Using Harpoon or Neptune anti-ship missiles would require them to be deeply modified to carry out such a precision land strike. This is not outside the realm of possibility, nor is the idea that Ukraine has developed a land-attack variant of Neptune, but there is no evidence of this at this time. The Harpoons and Neptunes are also valuable commodities for anti-ship applications and have helped keep Russia's Black Sea Fleet at bay. Neptune was famously used to hit the Russian Navys Project 1164 Slava class cruiser Moskva in the Black Sea in April, 2022. You can read more about that in our story here.

In its rationale for suggesting that anti-ship missiles were used against the S-400 system, Rybar pointed to activity that took place in the Black Sea on Monday, saying it was a precursor to todays attack.

As we reported yesterday, the Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) claimed it destroyed two Ukrainian vessels in the Black Sea, including a U.S.-supplied Willard Sea Force high-speed patrol boat with a Ukrainian landing force attacked east of Snake Island.

The Russian MoD even posted video of that incident, claiming the vessel was destroyed.

https://twitter.com/Capt_Navy/status/1693970259710034158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1693970259710034158%7Ctwgr%5E1edf4f76e0817dad7c2cf8a1a47870fea6252506%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fukraine-situation-report-kyivs-forces-enter-robotyne

However, today, the GUR posted a video of its own showing what it says was one of those Ukrainian vessels firing at the Russian jet with a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS). The video cuts out before any impact is seen, so we don't really know what happened.

https://twitter.com/DI_Ukraine/status/1694326240188973535

In addition, Russia also claimed Tuesday that it chased away two drones - an MQ-9 Reaper and a TB-2 Bayraktar - operating near Crimea yesterday, which we wrote about as well.

All those incidents, Rybar claimed Wednesday, were a lead-up to the attack on the SAM system.

All this is unlikely to be connected to this attack. But it is worth pointing out given the Ukrainian threats of further action against Crimea and the fact that the GUR said it carried out todays attack to pave the way for future actions there.

Given the limited number of such complexes in the enemy's arsenal, this is a painful blow to the air defense system of the occupiers, which will have a serious impact on further events in the occupied Crimea, the GUR said.

Airspace Protection Concerns

The Russian Telegram channels expressed a great deal of concern that Ukraine was able to operate a drone over the SAM system long enough to capture the video and relay it back.

A Ukrainian reconnaissance UAV hung unhindered directly above the positions of the air defense system, exercising objective control, the Russian Grey Zone Telegram channel reported. Such incidents raise legitimate questions about the quality of air defense coverage in one of the most missile-hazardous regions of Russia.

It should be noted that the enemy has the ability to fix the defeat by means of objective control over the Crimea in the real time mode, the Romanov Telegram channel warned.

An extremely interesting question is, by what technical means did the enemy obtain footage of today's attack on Crimea? the Two Majors Telegram channel asked.

The reality is that small drones are hard to detect using traditional air defense systems, especially ones that are barely moving. Even if they can be detected, shooting them down can be even more problematic. In addition, air defenses come on and offline for maintenance and tactical reasons, they are not running constantly unless there are multiple layers of redundancies. On the other hand, a large static air defense site in such a key location should have had closer-in point defense systems to protect them from near threats. It isn't clear if this was the case here or not. Regardless, it was ineffective if it was.

Bastion Strike Claim

In addition to the attack on the SAM system, there were unconfirmed reports that Ukraine also struck a Russian Bastion coastal missile system, known by the NATO designation SSC-5 Stooge, which launch P-800 Oniks anti-ship missiles. Those have been also used in their secondary surface-strike role for attacks on Odesa and Mykolaiv. Russia began launching those attacks from Crimea in the early phase of the invasion. You can read more about that in our story here.

The claim about the attack on the Bastion system was made on the Telegram channels of Petro Andriushchenko, advisor to the Mayor of Mariupol, and Crimean Wind, a Ukrainian outlet dedicated to news about the peninsula.

https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1694282899002888548

While those reports have not been officially confirmed, it would make sense to attack a weapons system that has been directly threatening Ukraine, especially if it is in the same general area as the SAM system.

Combined with attacks on bridges - like those on the Kerch Strait Bridge as well as those across the Chongar Strait - this appears to be the latest effort to hit targets inside Crimea, wear down Russian defenses there and choke off vital logistic supply routes.

With Ukraines counteroffensive moving slowly, and time running out before the bad weather of October sets in, making progress even harder, it remains to be seen how much all this effects Russias ability to defend the territory it has seized and still holds.

Undoubtedly, however, there will be more such attacks like the one today.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Andrii Kovalov, the spokesman of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has said that Ukrainian troops had successfully gained ground near Novoprokopivka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and are consolidating their positions.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; Military Media Center

Details: Kovalov reports that the defence forces of Ukraine are continuing their offensive on the Bakhmut and Melitopol fronts.

The Ukrainian defenders were successful in the area of Novodanylivka and Novoprokopivka and are now consolidating their positions, inflicting fire damage with artillery on the identified Russian targets, and carrying out counter-battery countermeasures.

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The defence forces continue to conduct offensive operations south of the city of Bakhmut, consolidating their positions on the Bakhmut front.

Novoprokopivka

Screenshot: deepstatemap

Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensive operations in the area of Avdiivka and Marinka in Donetsk Oblast. The Russians are suffering significant losses in personnel, weapons and equipment, moving units and troops, and actively using reserves.

The Ukrainian defence forces are continuing to hold back the Russian offensive on the Kupiansk, Lyman, and Bakhmut fronts. Russian forces carried out unsuccessful offensive operations near Klishchiivka in Donetsk Oblast. Heavy fighting continues.

Background:

On 21 August, Ukraines Defence Ministry reported that the Defence Forces of Ukraine had advanced to the southeast of the settlement of Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and intense planned combat operations were ongoing there.

On 22 August, Andrii Kovalov, Spokesman for the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces, reported that the military had succeeded in the area of Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, on the southern front.

On 22 August, Ukrainian defence forces from the 47th brigade entered the recently captured settlement of Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and organised the evacuation of civilians, while the Russians shelled the village with artillery.

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Recently, the Armed Forces of Ukraine attacked a Russian plane over the Black Sea when it tried to destroy a Ukrainian military boat near Zmiinyi (Snake) Island; the Russian jet was damaged in the fight.

Source: Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Telegram

Quote: "The Armed Forces of Ukraine attacked an enemy aircraft in the Black Sea. There was a skirmish of a Russian military aircraft and Ukrainian combat boats in the territorial waters of Ukraine near Zmiinyi Island, in the area of the so-called Boyko towers (Boyko towers, named after their de-facto owner, pro-Russian MP Yurii Boyko, are two gas mooring towers built in the Black Sea, off the coast of Crimea; in 2014, both were captured by Russia  ed.)."

Details: The Russian aircraft tried to attack the military vessels of the Ukrainian forces.

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However, the Ukrainian military attacked in response.

Quote: "Enemy propaganda spread a fake about the alleged destruction and flooding of the Ukrainian boat. In fact, the Russian missile fell into the water and continued to move to meet with the Moskva cruiser; no damage was done to the Ukrainian military.

In response to the attempted attack, Ukrainian troops attacked the invaders' plane. The missile fired from the Ukrainian boat damaged the Russian plane, which was forced to immediately leave the scene and fly towards the nearest airfield."

Details: On 22 August, Russian Ministry of Defence announced "the destruction of a high-speed Willard Sea Force military boat manufactured by the United States with a landing group of the Armed Forces on board in the Black Sea, east of Zmiinyi Island, by an aircraft of the Russian Air Force." They even published a video showing the alleged destruction of the boat.

The Russian Defence Ministry claimed that "the high-speed surface target was actively manoeuvring, trying to evade fighter fire, but it was successfully hit from an aircraft gun."

However, the Ukrainian authorities denied the Russian statement: in a comment to CNN, an unnamed representative of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that there was no such incident in the Ukrainian Navy and there were no losses among the personnel of the Navy.

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The Ukrainian military successfully executed a strike on the Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory of Crimea in the early hours of Aug. 23, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defenses Main Intelligence Directorate or HUR has reported.

This operation holds significant importance due to its impact on the enemys air defense capabilities within the Tarkhankut Peninsula, the HUR said. The destruction of the air defense system severely hampers the enemys ability to monitor its airspace and protect assets.

https://t.me/Crimeanwind

Read also: Russia starts to realize it cant hold on to Crimea  interview with Refat Chubarov

As a result of the strike, a Russian S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft missile system was completely obliterated, along with the missiles and personnel stationed at the installation.

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Given the limited number of such complexes in the enemys arsenal, this constitutes a painful blow to the occupiers air defense system, which will have a profound impact on subsequent events in occupied Crimea, intelligence officials said in comment accompanying footage of the explosion.

Read also: Russia admits Crimean Bridge repairs will take longer as Ukraine vows it will never be the same

Petro Andriushchenko, advisor to the Mayor of Mariupol, and the channel Crimean Wind, both reported on Telegram about the successful targeting of the Russian Bastion coastal missile complex, which functions as a launcher for P-800 Oniks anti-ship cruise missiles. They also confirmed the striking of radar stations on the Tarkhankut Cape.

Additionally, photographs of a dense column of smoke billowing into the sky as a result of the strike are circulating on social media.

Russian invasion forces have not officially reported on the explosion.

Sudden explosions have become a recurring phenomenon on the occupied peninsula, with the occupiers attributing them to air defense operations while confirming hits to ammunition storage facilities. Traffic disruptions on the Crimean Bridge are also frequent.

Read also: Threat of losing Crimea might force Putin to back down  report

Vasyl Maliuk, the head of Ukraines SBU security service, on Aug. 16 publicly acknowledged for the first time that an explosion at the Crimean Bridge on July 1y was the result of a joint SBU and Ukrainian Navy operation. The bridge was attacked with a Ukrainian SeaBaby marine attack drone, Maliuk said.

Manwhile, Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the HUR, said on Aug. 22, that in the coming days, Ukrainians could expect to see new measures aimed at countering occupying Russian forces within the territory of Ukraines Crimea.

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Ukraine has conducted a months-long special operation to arrange for a Russian pilot to surrender his Mi-8 military helicopter, Ukrainian Defense Intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov confirmed in an interview with RFE/RL on Aug. 23.

In the interview, he stressed that intelligence services managed to find the right approach to the pilot, who eventually landed the helicopter in Ukrainian territory.

Read also: Expect more actions to liberate Crimea soon, says Budanov

We were able to find the right approach to the person, able to create conditions to stealthily evacuate his entire family [to Ukraine], and finally create such conditions that he could transfer this aircraft with a crew who did not know what was happening, said Budanov.

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Read also: Ukraine will re-launch grain exports no matter what Russia does, Budanov says

When they realized where they had landed, they tried to escape. Unfortunately, they were eliminated; we wanted to capture them alive, but we have what we have.

Read also: Russia has 27 airworthy Tu-22M bombers left  Budanov

According to him, the helicopter is in now Kyiv. Budanov added that it will be possible to see the helicopter and communicate with its pilot after an official video report is released.

The pilot is feeling great, everything is fine with him; he has two options but leans on staying here [in Ukraine]," Budanov adds, without disclosing the Russian pilot's motivation.

He calls this operation one of the best conducted by his department in Ukraine's history.

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Ukrainian strikes on Crimea have hit only fraction of targets

The shaping of the battlespace in Russian-occupied Crimea is taking longer than anticipated due to shortages of ammunition, retired Ukrainian Air Force Colonel Roman Svitan said on Radio NV on Aug. 23.

He was commenting on a recent strike in Crimea that destroyed a Russian S-400 air defense system.

Svitan estimates that around 200 Russian military sites need to be taken out in Crimea. However, Ukraine's military has engaged only 15-20% of that total so far, Svitan noted.

There is a lack of drones and missiles to perform combat missions, the expert said. He said Russia has at least 150 stationary military facilities in Crimea that must be put out of commission for the entry of Ukraine troops into Crimea  at least the planned entry.

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Read also: Expect more actions to liberate Crimea soon, says Budanov

One hundred and fifty (targets) is the minimum, Svitan said.





And there are about 50 mobile military centers and units in Crimea. That is, about 200 military facilities (in total).

The strikes that are currently taking place have accounted for about 15-20% of the total. There is a lack of drones, missiles, and weapons systems, and it is evident.

And the problem is not always the enemy's air defense. There is a lack of production, at the very least.

Read also: Will Crimea look like Bakhmut following liberation?  military expert analysis

We did a good job today. Most likely, in the northwest of Crimea, we engaged the coastal missile system that launched Oniks (missiles). This is one of those surface-launched ballistic missiles that used to give Odesa and our Black Sea coast a nightmare.

There are up to 200 such facilities. So we are definitely not putting enough pressure on the Crimean facilities yet.

In order to fulfill the task in full, we need at least about 500 ATACMS missiles for HIMARS systems  of this level. Or the same number of TAURUS cruise missiles, perhaps Storm Shadow, SCALP (cruise missiles). And weve received ten times fewer of them than we actually need.

Therefore, the preparation of Crimea (for liberation) will most likely be drawn out, unless Ukraine either develops alternative methods or receives sufficient munitions.

Otherwise, the timeframe could potentially be pushed back until September or October.

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UPS Teamster rank-and-file members have voted overwhelmingly to approve a new five-year contract, which includes large raises and workplace protections, to avert a strike. File Photo by Billie Jean Shaw/UPI

Aug. 22 (UPI) -- UPS drivers and package sorters overwhelmingly approved a new five-year contract on Tuesday, averting a strike that threatened to put the brakes on deliveries.

The 340,000 Teamster rank-and-file members, who started voted electronically Aug. 3, approved the deal by 86.3%. It is the largest margin ever for a contract at UPS, the union announced Tuesday.

The new contract secures large raises for full- and part-time workers, creates more full-time jobs, hires 30,000 new drivers and adds workplace protections, including air conditioning in delivery trucks.

Existing part-time workers will make a minimum of $21 an hour, while full-time workers will average $49 an hour. The contract also puts an end to mandatory overtime on drivers' days off.

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"Our Teamsters-represented employees have voted to overwhelmingly ratify a new five-year National Master Agreement that covers more than 300,000 full-and part-time UPS employees in the U.S.," UPS announced Tuesday in a post on X.

Our Teamsters-represented employees have voted to overwhelmingly ratify a new five-year National Master Agreement that covers more than 300,000 full- and part-time UPS employees in the U.S. Read more below  UPS News (@UPS_News) August 22, 2023

Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien also celebrated the vote, as he warned other companies -- including Amazon -- to take note.

"Our members just ratified the most lucrative agreement the Teamsters have ever negotiated at UPS. This contract will improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of workers," O'Brien said in a statement Tuesday.

"Teamsters have set a new standard and raised the bar for pay, benefits and working conditions in the package delivery industry. This is the template for how workers should be paid and protected nationwide, and nonunion companies like Amazon better pay attention," O'Brien added.

The tentative deal between the Teamsters and UPS was reached last month, just days before their contract was set to expire on July 31.

"Together we reached a win-win-win agreement on the issues that are important to Teamsters leadership, our employees and to UPS and our customers," Carol Tome, UPS chief executive officer, said in a statement last month.

"This agreement continues to reward UPS's full- and part-time employees with industry-leading pay and benefits while retaining the flexibility we need to stay competitive, serve our customers and keep our business strong."

O'Brien called the contract "historic" and commended UPS workers who sacrificed during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver goods while most of the country was sheltered in place.

While Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman called the deal "the richest national contract I've seen in my more than 40 years of representing Teamsters at UPS," he warned the fight is not over.

"There are more gains in this contract than in any other UPS agreement and with no givebacks to the company," Zuckerman said.

"But the hard work doesn't end here. We will continue to fight like hell to enforce this contract and make sure UPS lives up to every word of it over the next five years."
A man walks past the logo of Fox Networks Group during the annual MIPCOM television programme market in Cannes

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission in an unusual move on Wednesday said it would publicly release comments on a bid by an advocacy group to deny the renewal of a licence for Fox Television Stations' Philadelphia station.

The Media and Democracy Project in July asked the U.S. telecom regulator to deny a licence renewal for WTXF-TV in Philadelphia, saying Fox News aired "false information about election fraud" about the 2020 presidential election and arguing it sowed discord and contributed "to harmful and dangerous acts on January 6" at the U.S. Capitol.

The group argued it "amounts to misconduct that violates the FCC's policy on the character required of broadcast licensees."

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The FCC said it was opening a public docket allowing for release of comments and presentations, saying permitting broader participation will serve the public interest.

"For the sake of transparency, now everyone can read the filings and review the record as it develops," an FCC spokesperson said.

The Media and Democracy Project cited Fox Corp and Fox News $787.5 million settlement in April resolving a defamation lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems over whether Fox was liable for airing false claims Dominion's ballot-counting machines were used to manipulate the presidential election in favor of Democrat Joe Biden over then-President Donald Trump, a Republican.

A Fox Television spokesperson on Wednesday said the "petition to deny the license renewal of WTXF-TV is frivolous, completely without merit and asks the FCC to upend the First Amendment and long-standing FCC precedent."

Fox noted WTXF-TV/FOX 29 News Philadelphia broadcasts over 60 hours of local news and other programming weekly.

The FCC, an independent federal agency, does not license broadcast networks, but issues them to individual broadcast stations on a staggered basis for eight-year periods.

Fox cited FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel's comments in 2017opposing Trump's suggestion the FCC could revoke the broadcast license for Comcast's NBC over coverage of his administration.

Rosenworcel said in 2017 FCC reviews do "not involve the government making editorial decisions about content. Doing so would be an affront to our First Amendment tradition."

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Sonali Paul)
(Bloomberg) -- Washington will impose visa limits on some officials in China for their part in forcing Tibetan children to assimilate into mainstream Chinese society, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday.

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We urge PRC authorities to end the coercion of Tibetan children into government-run boarding schools and to cease repressive assimilation policies, both in Tibet and throughout other parts of the PRC, Blinken said, referring to the Peoples Republic of China.

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Such coercive policies seek to eliminate Tibets distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious traditions among younger generations of Tibetans, he added.

Earlier: US Commerce Secretary Raimondo Will Visit China Next Week

The move, coming just days before a high-profile visit by US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, angered Beijing. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters in Beijing on Wednesday that Washingtons illegal sanctioning was a grave move that interfered with Chinas internal affairs. We firmly oppose and strongly condemn it, he said.

No officials were named in a State Department press release.

The US had lifted restrictions on 27 Chinese companies and organizations on Monday, an apparent olive branch before Raimondos trip to Beijing, scheduled for Aug. 27 to Aug. 30.

A team of United Nations experts said in February that about a million children of the Tibetan minority are being affected by Chinese government policies intended to assimilate Tibetan people culturally, religiously and linguistically through a residential school system. China condemned their findings.

Read more: China Wants to Build a Tibet With More Wealth and Less Buddhism

Blinkens move was welcomed by Tibet activists. Chinas unconscionable separation of Tibetan children from their families cannot be left unchecked, said Tencho Gyatso, president of the Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet. It shows the depths of Beijings plan to eliminate the Tibetan way of life and turn Tibetans into loyal followers of the Chinese Communist Party.

--With assistance from Maria Luiza Rabello and Dan Murtaugh.

(Updates with Chinese Foreign Ministry comment in fourth paragraph.)

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Chinas recent announcements of new submarine-hunting technologies are probably more hype than hardware, but they highlight Beijings goal of countering the threat posed by U.S. attack boats, which remain essential to U.S. war plans. The U.S. submarine force will not be able to rest on its laurels as the worlds finest for much longer. Soon it will need new approaches and capabilities to operate and potentially fight in the bastions that China and Russia consider their home waters.

China has been trying to up its anti-submarine warfare game for more than a decade. Today, sonar arrays like the United States Cold War-ear Sound Surveillance System network listen in the East and South China seas as well as the waters U.S. submarines would need to transit from Guam or Hawaii. They are complemented by capable low-frequency active sonars on Type 056 Jingdao-class corvette that would obviate the superior sound silencing of U.S. submarines. Around the most protected areas, like the Taiwan Strait, Chinese forces are likely to deploy mines as well.

Since the Cold War, the U.S. submarine force has relied on its stealth to surveil opponents and threaten denial or retaliation. When the primary targets of U.S. submarines were Soviet submarines in the far north or Soviet fleets in the open ocean, stealth was sufficient. After U.S. submarines launched attacks and could be detected, their targets were likely consumed with defense more than anti-submarine warfare.

Against China, and perhaps Russia, this dynamic no longer holds. U.S. submarines will likely need to launch missiles or torpedoes close to enemy coasts. While their targets may be tied up with defense, the rest of the enemys forces at sea and ashore can devote themselves to counterattacks. U.S. submarines could find themselves on the run after their initial salvos and unable to further contribute to the fight.

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To avoid being marginalized like hundreds of German U-boats late in World War II, U.S. submarines will need to suppress or confuse the sensors China or Russia will depend on for undersea detection and targeting. In many ways, they face the same challenge as aviators conducting strikes in the face of modern air defenses. And like their aerial counterparts, U.S. submarine forces will need to employ jamming, decoys, deception and destruction to break into contested areas undersea.

Another challenge submariners will share with aviators is how to suppress or defeat enemy defenses without giving up strike capacity in the process. U.S. air forces in Vietnam, facing the first generation of Soviet surface-to-air missiles, had to divert about a third of their strike packages to countering North Vietnamese defenses even though the new SA-2 was only effective about 2% of the time.

Uncrewed vehicles would be the best choice for deploying the acoustic jammers, radar and sonar decoys, and explosive warheads that will suppress or defeat Chinese or Russian undersea sensors or mines. But to preserve the submarines weapons capacity and reduce its likelihood of detection, most of these vehicles should be launched by someone else.

Confusing or attacking enemy sensors depends on accurate targeting, which the challenges of undersea sensing and communication will make nearly impossible in real time. Instead, U.S. undersea forces will need to survey adversary sensors and networks in advance. Large uncrewed undersea vehicles, like the Navys now-canceled Snakehead or the commercially available Remus 6000, could gather this intelligence, which may be impractical with smaller UUVs that may lack the necessary endurance or depth.

However, medium and small UUVs launched from shore, aircraft or unmarked ships would be well-suited to jamming and deception missions. Vehicles such as the in-development medium UUV or Lionfish small UUV could carry decoy systems like those on the Navys Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Target that emulates submarine tones to draw attention away from U.S. undersea operations. And to obscure both real and simulated submarine undersea activity, small or medium UUVs could carry noisemakers like those on existing active torpedo countermeasures.

The confusion created in the enemys underwater picture by decoys, jamming and actual U.S. submarine operations would likely overwhelm the still relatively small anti-submarine warfare response capacity of Russia or China. However, U.S. submarines will need the ability to stand and fight when attacks come, rather than evade and regain their stealth. This will demand improved combat systems that can predict the effectiveness of an enemy attack and can guide new counter-torpedo weapons, much like the Aegis system and surface-to-air missiles do for surface combatants.

Once U.S. submarines reach the most contested areas where they are needed to launch missile attacks deep into enemy territory or stop ships invading an ally, they will still likely face the threat of undersea mines. This mission is where sub-launched and -recovered medium UUVs will be essential for finding a path around mines or  if necessary  destroying them.

The changes these operational concepts imply will be substantial. Instead of being the silent service, the U.S. undersea force will need to generate noise and hide in the resulting chaos. And rather than being alone and unafraid, U.S. submariners will need to rely on a team of crewed and uncrewed platforms on, above and below the water to reach their targets. Otherwise, Americas world-leading submarine force could find itself viewing the action from the sideline.

Bryan Clark is a senior fellow and the director of the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at the Hudson Institute think tank.
(Bloomberg) -- The Biden administration is in talks with Venezuela to explore a temporary lifting of crippling sanctions in exchange for allowing fair elections next year.

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The preliminary discussions involve senior officials from both nations, including Venezuelas head of congress Jorge Rodriguez, according to people familiar with the process, who asked not to be identified.

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Washington has floated the idea of sanctions relief to persuade the regime of President Nicolas Maduro to hold a competitive presidential vote in 2024, and free political prisoners. Sanctions have aggravated Venezuelas economic and humanitarian crisis by hindering oil sales, though failed in their original objective of ousting Maduro.

Maduro, who has used prior elections to incite violence, misappropriate state funds and coerce voters, will have to make big concessions in order to reach a deal with the US to lift some or all sanctions, even if temporarily. The socialist leader has yet to set a date for the vote or invite foreign observers.

Most of the restrictions were were put in place by the 2017-2021 administration of US President Donald Trump, who took a hardline approach to the socialist government.

Maduro is highly resistant to holding competitive elections, said Eurasia Group analyst Risa Grais-Targow.

Widely expected to run for a third term next year, Maduro may be willing to entertain minor concessions, but anything that would lead to a truly fair vote is just too risky, given the costs of losing power, Grais-Targow said.

In prior elections, Maduros government has taken advantage of its near total control of the nations media for campaign air time. On election day, it sets up check points near polling stations that reward government supporters with handouts, like bags of food, and serve as a not-so-subtle reminder that its watching who casts ballots. In more recent instances, the government has resorted to barring opposition candidates such as Maria Corina Machado.

Read more: Venezuela Lawmaker Mocked by Chavez Seeks to Oust His Successor

Should Venezuela take concrete actions toward restoring democracy, leading to free and fair elections, we are prepared to provide corresponding sanctions relief, said Adrienne Watson, a spokeswoman for the White Houses National Security Council, in a written response to questions.

Any deal would come at a critical time, since Venezuela is soon to announce a new electoral board set to oversee the election.

The ongoing talks are separate from official conversations between the Venezuelan government and opposition, which are stalled since November and mediated by Norway.

Press officials for Venezuelas presidency and Jorge Rodriguez did not respond to requests for comments.

Read more: Top Venezuelan Electoral Officials Step Down Ahead of Vote

The Biden administration also has practical and humanitarian reasons to want to see the economic and political crises in Venezuela resolved. More than 7 million of the nations citizens have abandoned the country in the past decade, with many making the dangerous trek thousands of miles north through Central America and Mexico, to the US border.

More than 50,000 have traveled to the US since October under the parole process, according to the US Department of Homeland Security.

Venezuelan immigrants are an important voting bloc in Florida, a state thats often been pivotal in deciding the presidential winner in elections of recent decades. Trump won the state in 2020, appealing to those voters by railing against socialism. The states governor Ron DeSantis and the mayor of Miami are both seeking the Republican nomination.

Crude futures dropped due to an improved outlook in US relations with Venezuela and Iran, which could imply more supply in the global market. West Texas Intermediate saw its lowest closing price in over a month, falling below $79.

Read more: Oil Falls as Venezuela, Iran Thaw Undercuts Supply Concerns

--With assistance from Daniel Flatley, Nicolle Yapur and Courtney McBride.

(Updates with oil impact in last paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
To gain a window into the everyday life of an undocumented Mexican immigrant in Washington State, we  a group of six high school students  interviewed Sebastian, a high-school-age peer who is actively fighting for immigrant rights. Each of us had different reasons to want to find out more. As Tacoma-area high school students born and raised in the U.S, we learned from Sebastians experiences how little we knew about the challenges of being undocumented.

Sebastian, who faces daily anxiety, asked us to withhold his real name for fear of repercussions by immigration officials. He is perpetually haunted by the specter of deportation, always fearing that any encounter with law enforcement could lead to indefinite separation from his loved ones. Starting at a young age, Sebastian was unable to form deep connections because of the looming threat of deportation. Getting a job or an internship, going to the doctor and being able to drive meant taking risks.

If one thing goes wrong, there goes your family, he said.

Sebastians perseverance is inspirational, as are his aspirations for law school.

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He saw many of the resources for his classmates were not available to him. While he was able to access financial aid for his undergraduate studies through state financial aid, he could not receive student loans or scholarships for graduate school.

Looking towards his future, he noted that there are many unknowns, such as the laws regarding undocumented immigrants varying state by state. Sebastian saw a stereotype in the media that portrays people like him as rapists and criminals, stoking unfounded fears and biases, and reinforcing the prejudices. Treating people like this is not what America was founded upon.

Undocumented people in the U.S. are virtually unable to make any mistakes. A crime committed by an undocumented person consistently provokes far greater repercussions than one committed by a citizen.

One day, Sebastians mother was pulled over for a broken headlight, Sebastian recounted. Under U.S. immigration law, petty crime such as this can lead to deportation. She was held in the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC), formerly known as the Northwest Detention Center, one of the nations largest private detention centers, located which is in Tacoma. Sebastians uncles and close family have been deported.

If an undocumented person is convicted, they will be sent to a detention center even after they have served their time: double punishment, as Sebastian argued. Double punishment is inherently unjust and targets an already vulnerable population.

As we see it, private detention centers are disturbingly unaccountable to the federal government  and the federal government wants it that way. In recent years, there were reports of unsanitary conditions and sexual assault in the NWIPC. Many policies were brushed aside during COVID-19; some people were in solitary confinement without contact with family or access to medical services.

Sebastian told us believes that human rights should be the number one priority. He noted the very dangerous logic behind the US government disregarding human rights. Washington State has tried to do the right thing: Governor Inslee signed House Bill 1090, which hopes to close NWIPC in 2025. The possible closing of the NWIPC, run by the private, for-profit GEO Group and located about a mile from the Tacoma Dome, is a critical step in the right direction.

Sebastian explained that [immigrants] are here because [the U.S. was] there, referring to U.S foreign policy. We agree the U.S. contributed to the political turmoil and should take accountability. Brought to the U.S. as a child, his family chose to move after the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) hurt the Mexican agricultural sector and contributed to a rise in organized crime.

When asked for ways to help undocumented people, Sebastian shared four major things: advocate, donate, stay in the loop, and never underestimate your political power. Advocating for human rights will bring crucial legislation into our government.

However, many people tend to further marginalize the groups they are advocating for by mistaking themselves as the hero, Sebastian said. This can overshadow marginalized voices and alter their original message. The biggest thing is to just ask what organizations such as La Resistencia and the Northwest Immigration Rights Project need, he said.

Sebastian believes Washington State is one of the best places in America to be undocumented. US federal policy should take notes from Washington law. Our state does not allow law enforcement to cooperate with ICE and offers access to drivers licenses, but there is more to do. He advocates for voting rights for undocumented people and believes in less distinction between legal and undocumented status, a change that is long overdue.

If we are a nation that celebrates our commitment to fair laws and human rights, we should act like one  to all people living and working here, regardless of immigration status.

Paige Brink, Sam Brink and Daniel Donner are students at Charles Wright Academy. Philip Ehret and Sam Robinson are students at Bellarmine Preparatory High School. Susan Stanley is a student at Science and Math Institute.
This story has been corrected to change the quote thousands to a thousand to describe how many elections officials lodged complaints with the Justice Department of being threatened.

Days after Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, Tina Barton, the city clerk of Rochester Hills, Mich., and a Republican, received a voicemail containing accusations about how she administered the election in her town, as well as a threat: Ten million plus patriots will surround you when you least expect it... and well f---ing kill you.

Andrew Nickels, 37, of Carmel, Ind., was arraigned Aug. 11 in federal district court in Detroit for allegedly leaving the voicemail. The case is part of the Justice Departments Election Threats Task Force, which was created in 2021 amid a rise in threats against election workers. In its first year, the task force reviewed 1,000 threats, 11% of which merited a federal criminal investigation.

I had my life threatened... they threatened me, my family, said they were going to kill me in public, Barton said during a news conference Tuesday with other activists working toward safe and secure polls. Im one of a thousand election officials who turned in threats. And one of many who resigned following the 2020 election.

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Those volunteers need to be replaced, said Barton, now a senior expert for The Elections Group, which works with state and local officials across the country. Speaking ahead of National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, she encouraged Americans to volunteer, especially military veterans, who she believes have the skills to help de-escalate the confrontational situations that experts have warned could occur in 2024.

I see a huge benefit in having veterans working at polling locations, Barton said. Theyre ... vigilant, theyre looking at all times for any problems that might occur. To me, having them as part of that adds another layer of security in the precincts.

A poll worker in Tallahassee, Florida, hands a voter his ballot on Nov. 8, 2016. (Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images)

Bartons organization has partnered with nonprofit We the Veterans, which has recruited 63,500 veterans and military family members to work the polls during the 2022 midterms and is gearing up for 2024.

The group doesnt have a tally yet of how many people its recruited for 2024, nor has it established a specific goal. We the Veterans expects to begin recruiting in earnest later this year, said Ellen Gustafson, a co-founder of We the Veterans. The group will target states with public service announcements, encouraging veterans to work the polls as a way to continue serving their country. Over time, Gustafson, a Navy spouse, wants their participation in elections to become a standard practice.

Our goal is not necessarily numerical, its to make it a new norm, Gustafson said.

Gustafson agreed with Barton that veterans could use their skills to de-escalate potential conflict at polling stations, though she made clear that We the Veterans is recruiting poll workers, not poll watchers. At least one group that made baseless claims of widespread voter fraud in 2020 encouraged veterans during the 2022 midterms to show up to precincts to monitor voting and act as vigilantes  something We the Veterans does not support, she said.

Instead, the group wants veterans and military family members to be legitimate poll workers, paid by local jurisdictions to set up voting machines, answer questions, check voters identification, monitor the collection of ballots and pass out I Voted stickers.

Veterans are also accustomed to teamwork  another quality needed at precincts after the exodus of poll workers in 2020, Barton said. Those workers were typically retired Americans who had volunteered together at their local jurisdictions for many years and built a rapport.

Weve lost workers who had these established relationships, and what were left with is a gap, Barton said. That gap is ready to be filled by groups like We the Veterans. Veterans are great at organizing and working in groups, and teamwork is a big deal when youre bringing strangers together to do a job.

How to volunteer

To sign up as a poll worker through We the Veterans, veterans and military family members can sign up on the groups website at wetheveterans.us and indicate their interest in working the polls in 2023 or 2024. Each state has its own qualifications, training requirements and pay for poll workers. A guide to those requirements can be found on the Election Assistance Commissions website, eac.gov.

Other groups exist to recruit members of other communities to work the polls. Poll Hero encourages young people to sign up for the job, and a More Perfect Union recruits members of the Jewish community. Prospective poll workers can also volunteer through the group Power to the Polls.

This story was produced in partnership with Military Veterans in Journalism. Please send tips to MVJ-Tips@militarytimes.com.
A 17-year-old girl who vanished weeks ago has been found dead near a California state park, authorities said.

Katherine Schneider was last seen driving away from her Saratoga home on July 5, the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office said in a news release.

Her empty car was found a little more than a month later on Aug. 7 near Castle Rock State Park, just west of Saratoga, the sheriffs office said.

Five days later, deputies said human remains were found while searching for Schneider near the state park.

The remains have since been identified as Schneider, a spokesperson for the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroners Office said in an email to McClatchy News on Aug. 23.

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The manner and cause of her death are still pending, the spokesperson said.

Nola Schneider, Schneiders mother, wrote in an Aug. 13 Facebook post that Schneider died after a car accident.

It is hard to put into words how much Katie will be missed. Katie was a bright light that brought emotional vibrancy to our everyday lives, Nola Schneider said. She taught us all how to live our biggest life without reservation.

The sheriffs office said it is still investigating Schneiders death.

Saratoga is about 50 miles southeast of San Francisco.

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As we rounded another limestone cliff, damp with sea spray from the boat ride, my eyes welled with happy tears.

Shipwreck Beach had been on my travel bucket list for years, so in early 2022, when I found a cruise ship itinerary for this May that included Zakynthos, the third largest island in the Ionian Sea and one far less visited than other Greek islands, I pounced. Friends and I booked a Navagio Shipwreck by Land and Sea private tour. It was going to be awesome. Then, about two weeks before our cruise, I read that Shipwreck Beach would be closed because of a risk of landslides. I wasnt sure what that meant for our tour, or what we would see, but reasoned that some Shipwreck Beach would be better than no Shipwreck Beach. I was right.

There it was, coming into focus as we motored closer in impossibly blue water: a pristine beach surrounded on three sides by towering limestone cliffs. Perched upright, looking as if it had been lowered by cranes, was the MV Panagiotis, the rumored smuggling ship that ran aground in 1980 and is the centerpiece of the famously photographed Shipwreck Beach, formally known as Navagio Beach.

Although government safety measures prohibited us from swimming or going ashore, our tour boat operator got us as close as he legally could for photos. Several other boats idled nearby, waiting their turn.

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As we pulled away, the Panagiotis getting smaller and smaller in our wake, I was giddy and exponentially more excited about the land portion of the excursion, which would include a view of Shipwreck Beach from the overlook.

On the way back to our launch site, we stopped at a cave. Talk about an island with an embarrassment of riches. The boat went inside as far as space allowed, and our guide shared information about the cave, the sea floor and the water that cast an ethereal blue hue everywhere as it reflected on the walls and overhead. It was incredible. After a few minutes, we exited and stopped a few dozen yards away. From here, we were free to swim to the cave and explore. The water temperature was 65.1 degrees. Half of us jumped in, including a friend who went first and whose teeth were chattering so much that I briefly reconsidered. We swam to the cave and climbed out of the water, walking around the cavernous space, which even had a tiny beachlike area in one spot, and taking photos to share with each other later. Before we knew it, we heard the call: OK, lets go! Much too soon, it was time to slip back into the frigid water and return to the boat.

Thankfully, the Greek gods were smiling on us. It was a gorgeous, sunny day, and we were warm and dry in no time before loading back into the tour van.

Already several hours into the excursion, we were famished. Our next stop was lunch at Galaxy Taverna, a lovely open-air restaurant in the village of Anafonitria. The woman working there welcomed the group and proudly proclaimed Mama makes the best moussaka. Mama did not disappoint.

Stomachs full, it was time to drive to the overlook. After pouring out of the van, we walked to an official overlook, a small viewing platform from which Shipwreck Beach is visible. We took a few photos, but they werent great. The beach and the Panagiotis were a bit obscured because of the angle.

Our guide encouraged us not to spend too much time here and assured us the best view was yet to come. He was underselling it. We followed him through a hole in the fence, walking past a triangular sign on the left with a graphic I assumed meant danger and, to the right, a sign that included the phrases Approaching is prohibited and Risk of falling. Warning heeded, we cautiously navigated shrubs and rocks as we walked along a dirt trail for what felt like a long time. A few people turned back. We were almost there, our guide said, so we kept going. Just a little farther. Then it was time to stop. We had arrived at the overlook.

There were no words at that moment, just a flood of emotions: disbelief, joy, satisfaction, gratitude. The scene before us was the stuff of screen savers, postcards, refrigerator magnets. It was, literally, picture perfect. To see Shipwreck Beach barren, without throngs of tourists, turned out to be a blessing. Our guide was generous with his time, taking photos of us all  couples, solo travelers, friends, portraits, profiles  against that unreal backdrop. When he wasnt taking photos, we were. I could have spent another hour there, enjoying the vista and savoring the moment, but after 15 or 20 minutes it was time to leave. The mood in the van was euphoric.

On the way to the cruise port, our guide told us there was one more thing he wanted to show us: the oldest olive tree on Zakynthos. It would take about 15 minutes to get there, he said, but wed be cutting it close on time. With traffic building, the group decided not to chance it and returned to the cruise ship.

Several months and several trips since that magical day, which I think back to often, I have come to realize that some destinations on the travel bucket list shouldnt be crossed through just because youve been there. Some of them should be circled. In pen.

Theres this cruise that goes to Zakynthos next year that Im seriously considering. Ive checked my calendar. I still need to see that 2,000-year-old olive tree, after all, and maybe, just maybe, get a photo standing by a shipwreck on a beach.
GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has come under fire this week for suggesting in a newly published interview that federal agents may have been on planes involved in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

A feature story published Monday in The Atlantic said Ramaswamy began talking about the 2001 attacks after having discussed the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection in an interview.

I think it is legitimate to say how many police, how many federal agents, were on the planes that hit the Twin Towers. Maybe the answer is zero. It probably is zero for all I know, right? I have no reason to think it was anything other than zero. But if were doing a comprehensive assessment of what happened on 9/11, we have a 9/11 commission, absolutely that should be an answer the public knows the answer to, Ramaswamy told the reporter, John Hendrickson.

Ramaswamy was then asked whether he was confused about who was behind the 9/11 attacks.

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I mean, I would take the truth about 9/11, Ramaswamy said. I am not questioning what wethis is not something Im staking anything out on. But I want the truth about 9/11.

The Atlantic said that it later asked for clarification and that Ramaswamys spokesperson cited a lengthy tweet from Ramaswamy that implied the U.S. covered up Saudi intelligence officials involvement in planning the attacks.

On Monday night, CNNs Kaitlan Collins grilled Ramaswamy about his comments on 9/11, and he said the quote in The Atlantic was wrong.

But when he was pressed further about his remark questioning how many federal agents were on the planes that hit the World Trade Center, he said: The truth is there are lies the government has told about 9/11. But its not the ones that somebody put in my mouth. Its the one that I articulated, which is that Saudi Arabia, absolutely, their intelligence was involved in 9/11. And thats a difficult thing youre not supposed to say. The facts back that up.

On Tuesday, The Atlantic published the audio of that part of the conversation, along with a transcript, showing that he was quoted accurately in Monday's article.

Reached for comment Tuesday, Ramaswamy's campaign spokesperson said: "The audio clearly demonstrates that Vivek was taken badly out of context and even this small snippet proves that. We continue to encourage The Atlantic to release more of the recording, rather than their carefully selected snippet, so that full context and reality is exposed. We encourage everyone to listen to it."

The spokesperson added: "He was posing a question and comparison between the Jan 6 commission vs. 9/11 commission. He obviously doesnt think there were federal agents on either flight."

The U.S. government has said Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda were behind the 9/11 attacks. An FBI document declassified by President Joe Biden in 2021 detailed contacts the Saudi hijackers had with Saudi associates in the U.S. before the attacks. It did not, however, provide evidence that senior Saudi government officials were complicit in the attacks.

The 9/11 Commission said in its report that it didn't find evidence that Saudi leaders were complicit in the attacks, but it did say Saudi nationals played key roles in funding Al Qaeda.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Russian media reports said Yevgeny Prigozhin was listed as a passenger on a plane that crashed.

Moscow's civil aviation agency said in a statement that the Wagner Group boss was on board.

All 10 people who were traveling from Moscow on the Wednesday evening flight are reportedly dead.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner Group leader who incited a short-lived mutiny against the Russian defense ministry exactly two months ago, appears to have been killed in a plane crash on Wednesday, Russian state media reports indicated. Russia's civil aviation agency said in a statement that the mercenary boss was on board.

State-run news agency TASS reported that Prigozhin was listed as a passenger on a business jet that went down in the Tver region just outside of Moscow on Wednesday evening. All ten people  three pilots and seven passengers  who were traveling on the flight between Moscow and St. Petersburg are reportedly dead.

Wagner-affiliated social media channels claimed that the plane was shot down by unspecified air-defense systems, but the cause of the crash remains unclear. Russia's defense ministry did not immediately comment on the matter.

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"An investigation of the Embraer plane crash that happened in the Tver Region this evening was initiated. According to the passenger list, first and last name of Yevgeny Prigozhin was included in this list," Russia's Federal Agency for Air Transport of Russia said in a statement.

The agency later published a list of names of the individuals who it said were on the plane, citing the airline. The list includes Prigozhin and his main associate Dmitry Utkin.

Prigozhin's exact whereabouts since he started the armed rebellion in late June that saw his Wagner mercenaries march toward Moscow, shooting down Russian aircraft in the process, have been somewhat murky.

He recently appeared in a video that surfaced earlier this week and was purportedly filmed from an undisclosed location in Africa. The footage followed earlier remarks that indicated he would eventually head there from his exile in Belarus.

His presence in Africa could not be confirmed by Insider, and it's unclear if he was traveling in Russia aboard the doomed flight for which he was listed as a passenger on Wednesday.

"We have seen the reports. If confirmed, no one should be surprised," White House National Security Spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement shared with Insider. A US State Department spokesperson added that "the disastrous war in Ukraine led to a private army marching on Moscow, and now  it would seem  to this."

Before it became a disgraced organization in the wake of Prigozhin's failed coup, the Wagner Group fought in Ukraine alongside the regular Russian army. Rifts slowly began to emerge between the two sides, with the Wagner boss regularly calling out Moscow's military leadership over issues like ammunition supply and battlefield incompetence.

Eventually, tensions boiled over in late June. Prigozhin and his mercenaries invaded Russia, quickly capturing the southern city of Rostov-on-Don and coming within just a few hours of Moscow before Belarus brokered a peace deal between Wagner and the Kremlin.

As part of the negotiations, Prigozhin was cast into exile in Belarus, and his mercenaries were given the opportunity to join him. Although Prigozhin was seen back in Russia at various times, he was eventually spotted at a military camp in Belarus where his Wagner fighters were training Belarusian forces.

Prigozhin said in July that Wagner would remain in Belarus for some time before eventually heading to Africa, where the mercenary organization has a footprint in several countries and has been accused of committing widespread human rights violations and other atrocities.

Although the Wagner Group's armed rebellion ended rather quickly, it set in motion a series of high-level purges within the Kremlin and Russia's military leadership. Prigozhin appeared to walk away from the chaos without being dealt the kind of punishment many observers expected. Some Western officials suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin might opt to deal with the betrayal at a later date.

"Putin is someone who generally thinks that revenge is a dish best-served cold," CIA Director Bill Burns said at a security forum last month, predicting that Prigozhin will likely face some sort of payback. "In my experience, Putin is the ultimate apostle of payback, so I would be surprised if Prigozhin escapes further retribution for this."

Update: This post has been updated with the latest information from Russia's civil aviation agency.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was among the passengers on a plane that crashed Wednesday in Russia, according to Russias civil aviation authority.

Ten people on board the plane were reportedly killed. State-run media outlets reported the plane crashed in the Tver region, about 100 miles northwest of Moscow and that Prigozhin was listed among the passengers.

Russias Federal Air Transport Agency publicly confirmed later on Wednesday that Prigozhin was a passenger on the flight along with Wagner Group commander Dmitry Utkin.

Russian emergency authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash.

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The plane was a business jet on its way from Moscow to St. Petersburg, according to reports.

President Biden has been briefed on the reported plane crash in Russia, according to the White House. He is currently on vacation in Lake Tahoe, Calif.

We have seen the reports, Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, wrote on X. If confirmed, no one should be surprised.

The crash comes two months after Prigozhins so-called March of Justice aiming to topple Moscows military leadership.

Russian independent news outlets had reported Prigozhin may have been on another plane but are now reporting that Prigozhin died.

Wagner-affiliated channels are mourning his death.

The head of the Wagner Group, Hero of Russia, a true patriot of his Motherland, Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin, died as a result of the actions of traitors to Russia, the general Wagner Group account posted on Telegram. But even in Hell he will be the best!

A video shared by prominent Russian blogger Rybar showed the crashed jet falling out of the air after two explosions, which Rybar claimed indicates the work of air defense.

Wagner-affiliated Telegram accounts claimed the explosions indicate the jet was shot down and implied it may have been the work of Russias military.

Other videos circulating among Russian sources online show the jet splintered on a field, with several parts of the plane on fire.

Earlier this week, Prigozhin was seen a video posted on his Telegram channel, in which he appeared to be in Africa to discuss the operations of his private military company on the continent.

The news comes amid Prigozhins increasingly strained relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin . Prigozhin was exiled to Belarus in June following a short-lived mutiny against the Kremlins military leaders.

The Wagner boss had marched on Moscow with thousands of mercenary fighters behind his back after decrying what he called widespread corruption among the Russian elite and failures on the part of the Russian Defense Ministry in executing the war in Ukraine.

In Ukraine, the Wagner Group lost up to 20,000 soldiers in the monthslong siege of Bakhmut alone, by Prigozhins claims.

Prigozhins march was halted just over 100 miles from Moscow after Belarusian President Aleksander Lukashenko brokered a deal for terrorism charges to be dropped against Prigozhin, who agreed to be exiled in Belarus.

But Prigozhin has been seen in Russia since the apparent exile, even meeting with Putin in July. In public addresses, Putin has slammed the organizers of the rebellion without naming Prigozhin and allowed Wagner fighters to escape charges.

Still, the Russian president has moved to strip Wagner Group of heavy weapons. Putin also implied that Prigozhins Concord catering company would be investigated for charging the government while being funded by the Kremlin.

Both President Biden and CIA chief Bill Burns have suggested that Prigozhin should be wary of assassination attempts following the mutiny.

If I were he, Id be careful what I ate; Id keep my eye on my menu, Biden quipped at a news conference in Helsinki in July.

Burns had said that Putin was trying to buy time as he decides how to respond to the Wagner chiefs provocation.

Putin is someone who generally thinks that revenge is a dish best-served cold, Burns said last month at a security conference. In my experience, Putin is the ultimate apostle of payback so I would be surprised if Prigozhin escapes further retribution for this.

Prigozhin, who founded Wagner Group in 2014, has a long history with Putin. He is known as Putins chef, for his catering contracts at the Kremlin, and he also founded the infamous Internet Research Agency, which meddled in the 2016 U.S. elections.

Updated: 4:59 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The founder of the Wagner private mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who died when his plane fell out of the sky, was once close enough to Vladimir Putin to be called his personal chef before he led a mutiny that posed perhaps the greatest challenge yet to the Russian presidents long rule.

For years Prigozhin was an elusive figure, growing wealthy in the chaos and opportunity of the post-Soviet Russian economy.

He was thrust into the spotlight through his groups close involvement in Russias invasion of Ukraine, securing rare victories for the Kremlin.

Prigozhin led an armed insurrection against Putin on June 23  two months to the day before his plane came down  after railing against the countrys military brass over their handling of the Ukraine war.

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His group started marching towards Moscow, shooting down military aircraft and killing Russian servicemen. But it was abruptly halted when a deal was brokered by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.

Criminal charges were dropped against the Wagner boss, who was supposed to go to neighboring Belarus. Putin said in a speech at the time that those on the path of treason would face punishment.

But afterwards, his fate was unclear. In the ensuing months, Prigozhin didnt exactly keep a low profile, popping up in St. Petersburg and, more recently, he claimed, in Africa, suggesting he retained some influence.

Other Putin critics have been poisoned, or worse; meanwhile, a man who led an armed rebellion appeared to have escaped punishment.

No evidence has emerged pointing to any involvement of the Kremlin or Russian security services in the crash. The cause of the incident remains unknown and a Russian probe is ongoing. Investigators on Sunday confirmed, however, after carrying out genetic tests, that the mercenary boss was among the 10 people killed in the crash.

Humble beginnings

Putin and Prigozhin shared relatively humble beginnings, and the Wagner chief grew up in the tougher neighborhoods of St. Petersburg, which is also the presidents hometown.

The men had known each other since the 1990s. The pair reportedly met after Prigozhins release following a nine-year stint in prison for fraud and robbery, according to Russian media reports.

Upon leaving jail, he went into the catering business. Putin turned to him to provide food for his birthday parties as well as dinners with visiting leaders, including US President George Bush and Jacques Chirac of France. A headline in The Moscow Times once referred to Prigozhin as Putins Personal Chef.

Prigozhin subsequently won lucrative catering contracts for schools and Russias armed forces. He escorted Putin around his new food-processing factory in 2010. By then he was very much a Kremlin insider with a growing commercial empire.

His transformation from wealthy oligarch into a brutal warlord came in the aftermath of the 2014 Russian-backed separatist movement in the Donbas, in eastern Ukraine.

Prigozhin founded Wagner that year as a mercenary outfit that fought both in Ukraine and, increasingly, for Russian-backed causes around the world. He would deny his connection to the shadowy outfit for years despite evidence to the contrary.

Prigozhin meets with Russia's Deputy Minister of Defense Yunus-Bek Yevkurov on June 24. - Obtained by Reuters

CNN has tracked Wagner mercenaries in the Central African Republic, Sudan, Libya, Mozambique, Mali, Ukraine and Syria. Over the years they have developed a gruesome reputation and have been linked to multiple human rights abuses.

Meanwhile, his business empire soon extended well beyond kitchens and battlefields. He also set up a Russian troll farm in St. Petersburg, the Internet Research Agency (IRA), where provocateurs were paid by Prigozhin to interfere with and undermine the 2016 US presidential election.

The US Treasury Department sanctioned the IRA in 2018, accusing it of having created and managed a vast number of fake online personas that posed as legitimate US persons to include grassroots organizations, interest groups, and a state political party on social media.

After Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Wagner  bolstered by Russian convicts lured to its ranks personally by Prigozhin with promises of pardons and high salaries  took center stage. Its forces were heavily involved in taking the Ukrainian towns of Soledar and Bakhmut. And Prigozhin went from being a once camera-shy figure into a social media star, taking a far more active role on the front line than any of his Kremlin backers.

As the regular Russian army campaign was bogged down by setbacks and disorganization, he and his Wagner fighters appeared to be the only ones capable of delivering tangible progress for the Russian side.

Dilemma for Putin

Known for its disregard for the lives of its own soldiers, Wagners brutal and often lawless tactics are believed to have resulted in high numbers of casualties, as new recruits are sent into battle with little formal training  a process described by retired United States Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling as like feeding meat to a meat grinder.

Prigozhin used social media to lobby for what he wanted and often cast himself as competent and ruthless in contrast to the Kremlins military establishment.

In recent months, Prigozhin created a dilemma for Putin by becoming an outspoken critic of Russias military leaders.

Prigozhin, left, serves food to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, center, during dinner at Prigozhin's restaurant outside Moscow, Russia in November 2011. - Misha Japaridze/AP

In one particularly grim video from early May, Prigozhin stood next to a pile of dead Wagner fighters and took aim specifically at Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and chief of the Russian armed forces, Gen. Valery Gerasimov.

The blood is still fresh, he said, pointing to the bodies behind him. They came here as volunteers and are dying so you can sit like fat cats in your luxury offices.

After complaining for well over a month of receiving insufficient support from the Kremlin in the grueling fight for the eastern city of Bakhmut, he announced in May that his troops would withdraw.

Prigozhin launched an all-out rebellion against the Kremlin in June at time when many observers were questioning if he was going too far with his increasingly outrageous outbursts.

The Wagner mutiny began when Prigozhin unleashed a fresh tirade against the Russian military and then marched his troops into the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don.

Staring down a sudden and staggering escalation of internal tensions that had simmered for months, Putin called Wagners actions treason.

It is a stab in the back of our country and our people, the president said in an address after Wagners about-face.

Prigozhin responded on Telegram saying that Putin was deeply mistaken.

We are patriots of our Motherland, we fought and are fighting, the Wagner chief said.

Speaking a day after the deadly plane crash, Putin reflected on his decades-long relationship with Prigozhin, saying he had known him for a very long time. He described the Wagner leader as a talented businessman who had made serious mistakes in life.

CNNs Tim Lister, Jim Sciutto, Mick Krever, Jerome Taylor, Anna Chernova, Radina Gigova and Josh Pennington contributed to this report.

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Russian state media on Wednesday reported that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group's halted coup attempt earlier this year, was a passenger on a jet that crashed north of Moscow, according to NBC News, which was unable to confirm the report. The Russian Ministry of Emergency services reported that a private aircraft crashed in the Tver region northeast of Moscow while flying from the capital to St. Petersburg with "10 people on board, including three crew members."

The ministry's statement did not mention Prigozhin. However, the Tass state news agency quoted the Federal Air Transport Agency as saying that he was among the seven passengers on the plane. State-run RIA Novosti reported separately, "According to the Federal Air Transport Agency, an investigation has been launched into the Embraer crash. Among the passengers is the name and surname of Evgeny Prigozhin."

Reports of the crash broke after Prigozhin appeared to have given his first address since the mutiny via video on Monday, in which he vowed to make Africa "more free" and "Russia even greater on every continent." His whereabouts since the rebellion have been a mystery since his fighters captured the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don before starting to march to Moscow. The group had stopped some 120 miles from the capital after allegedly making a deal with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. The coup attempt followed months of Prigozhin criticizing and mocking Russia's military, accusing them of incompetence throughout the war with Ukraine.
Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin was aboard an Embraer business jet that crashed Wednesday in the Tver Region of Russia, the Russian federal aviation agency Rosaviatsiya confirmed on Wednesday.

Russias Emergencies Ministry said that all ten people on board died in the incident, according to TASS.

The plane was flying from Moscow to St. Petersburg, according to the Russian Emergencies Ministry. The Federal Air Transport Agency is launching an investigation into the incident, and is working to collect materials about the training of the crew onboard, the condition of the aircraft, the meteorological situation on the route, and the world of ground radio equipment, according to Rosaviatsiya.

The plane reportedly disappeared from radar at 6:20 p.m. local time, according to the Grey Zone, a Wagner-affiliated Telegram channel. The dispatchers reportedly tried to contact the crew but were unsuccessful, after which air traffic controllers contacted the Ministry of Defense.

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According to flight-tracking data observed by Reuters, the flight appeared to fine until its final 30 seconds, when it plummeted from the air.

Whatever happened, happened quickly, Ian Petchenik of Flightradar24 told the outlet, noting the plane made a sudden downward vertical at 3:19 p.m. GMT. There was no indication that there was anything wrong with this aircraft, before its sudden drop, Petchenik said, adding that Flightradar24 received its final data on the jet at 3:20 p.m.

Rosaviatsiya said the airline reported Evgeniy Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin, a high-ranking Wagner commander, were on the crashed plane, as well as Sergey Propustin, Evgeniy Makaryan, Alexander Totmin, Valeriy Chekalov, and Nikolay Matuseev. Crew members also aboard included Aleksei Levshin, Rustam Karimov, Kristina Raspopova, a flight attendant.

The news of the apparent death of the Wagner boss comes weeks after he led his Wagner mercenaries to march on Moscow in protest of the Russian Ministry of Defense and the way it was handling Russias war in Ukraine, believed to be the largest challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putins hold on power in decades.

His failed rebellion in Russia in June led to tense negotiations between Putin and Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko. Ultimately, the three brokered a deal in which Prigozhin would call off his rebellion and get exiled, along with his Wagner fighters, to neighboring Belarus.

A military plane crashed in the Bologovsky district in the Tver region, Russian media reported.



According to preliminary data, 7 people were killed. pic.twitter.com/6mTwfX8PLD  NEXTA (@nexta_tv) August 23, 2023

While Prigozhin was leading Wagner mercenaries fighting in Ukraine, he publicly raised complaints with the Russian Ministry of Defense about a lack of ammunition and the rate of death of the Wagner mercenaries.

Many Russia watchers at the time predicted that Prigozhin would not be long for this world after the public challenge to Putins rule.

Some pro-Russian Telegram channels warned Wednesday that although Prigozhins name was on the list of passengers on the plane, it is possible that he wasnt on it. Prigozhin has long been suspicious of his personal security, and would register for flights but board others to be sure he wasnt being targeted.

In the wake of his reported death, though, many Ukraine supporters took to social media to mock him with his own words, sharing a clip of him yelling, Shoigu! Gerasimov! Wheres the fucking ammo?

Wagner soldiers reportedly responded to Prigozhins death in a video message that appeared on social media: Theres a lot of talk right now about what the Wagner Group will do. We can tell you one thing. We are getting started, get ready for us. It is unclear who the soldiers were directing their message to. Three soldiers appear in the videowhich has not been verified with their faces covered.

The flight map showing the path of RA-02795, which reportedly crashed near Tver, according to flight map from Flightradar24. Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast / Flightradar

The plane crash is likely no accident, said Ronald Marks, a former clandestine service officer and special assistant to the assistant director of central intelligence for military affairs at the CIA. Prigozhins assassination has likely been in the works since the moment he stepped foot in Rostov-on-Don in Russia to stage his march on Moscow, Marks told The Daily Beast.

It may be one of the least surprising assassinations Ive ever seen. It was inevitable. Theres no way in the world in that state that Putin could have allowed him to exist for any extended period of time after an embarrassing stunt on the international stage, Marks told The Daily Beast.

Russia is a mafia-like state. You dont shoot at the don and miss without consequences Marks said.

The future of the Prigozhin empire remains uncertain at this hour.

After the failed revolt in Russia earlier this summer, much had changed for Prigozhins operations around the globe. Russia blocked the sites of several Wagner-associated propaganda operations, and Prigozhin reportedly announced they were shutting down.

Although reports suggested that Wagner would dissolveworrying some African countries that rely on Wagner for weapons and military advisersrecruitment for Wagner had continued.

The exile of Wagner fighters in Belarus currently hangs in the balance as well. Although U.S. officials had confirmed that Wagner fighters had funneled into Belarus in recent weeks, just in the last several days, hundreds of Wagner men have begun to leave the country over apparent dissatisfaction with their decreased pay, according to an assessment of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

A Russian journalist who investigates Wagner cited sources close to the group as saying it will be a miracle if [Prigozhin] is on another plane," adding that the entire command staff of the mercenary group was with Prigozhin at the time of the crash.

Vladimir Rogov, one of the Kremlins puppet leaders in occupied Ukraine, said hed just spoken to some prominent musicians who confirmed that both Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin died in the crash. Wagner fighters are frequently referred to as musicians as an unofficial nickname. May the recently departed Yevgeny and Dmitry rest in peace with God, Rogov wrote on Telegram.

The Russian Ministry of Emergency Services did not immediately return a request for comment and hung up on The Daily Beast when this reporter reached an operator.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner mercenary group chief who led a failed munity against Moscow, is presumed dead after being named among passengers on a private jet that crashed into a field near Moscow with no survivors.

The 62-year-old warlord, who challenged Vladimir Putin s authority in a 23 June uprising, was listed on the manifest, or passenger list, of an Embraer Legacy business jet that spiralled out of the sky in the Tver region, about 96km (60 miles) north of the capital, according to civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia. Dmitry Utkin, the co-founder of Wagner and a former Russian military intelligence special forces officer, was also on board, it said.

Flightradar24 online tracker showed that the Embraer Legacy 600 (plane number RA-02795) carrying Prigozhin had dropped off the radar at 1811 local time (1511 GMT).

Seven passengers and three crew were said to be aboard the aircraft, which was flying from Moscow to St Petersburg. The bodies of all 10 people travelling on board the crashed plane have been recovered from the site, and the search operation has been completed, says the Interfax news agency, quoting emergency services.

Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the private planes passenger list (AP)

The cause of the crash was not immediately clear, but video circulated on the Baza Telegram channel, which is closely associated with Russian security services, showing a plane spiralling into a nosedive. Flight tracking data gave no indication of a distress call or inflight emergency, and the aircraft was still climbing when it disappeared from the radar. Media channels linked to Wagner quickly claimed a Russian air defence missile had shot down the plane, without citing evidence.

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Prigozhins longstanding feud with Russias beleaguered military, and his aborted uprising, would give Mr Putins state apparatus plenty of motive for revenge. The mutiny, which ended when a deal was stuck between Prigozhin and the Kremlin, marked the most significant threat to Putins authority during his decades in power.

As news of the crash broke, the president was attending a concert commemorating the 1943 Battle of Kursk and hailing the troops of Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Mikhail Podolyak, a chief adviser to Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky, said Prigozhins reported demise showed it is obvious that Putin does not forgive anyone for his own bestial terror. Prigozhins deal to end the uprising was a death warrant, he added.

The UK Foreign Office said it was monitoring the situation closely, while US president Joe Biden said he was not surprised by the reports, adding that not much happens in Russia that Putin is not behind.

A Telegram channel linked to Wagner said Prigozhin is dead. The Grey Zone account said he was killed as a result of actions by traitors of Russia.

In an image posted by another pro-Wagner social media account showing burning wreckage, a partial tail number matching the jet could be seen. Prigozhin has reportedly used the plane before, including shortly after the aborted armed uprising.

A second private jet linked to Prigozhin, which also appeared to be heading to St Petersburg, turned back to Moscow and landed, flight tracking data showed.

Prigozhin is the leader of the Wagner mercenary group (HANDOUT/TELEGRAM/@ razgruzka_vagnera/AFP/Getty)

Once a low-profile businessman, Prigozhin profited from Mr Putins patronage, earning the nickname Putins chef. He amassed a fortune from state contracts and later went on to establish a paramilitary army that became an important extension of Russian power abroad.

Moscow would repeatedly deny any official link to the Wagner group, founded in 2014. Fighters for the private military company were deployed in support of Moscows allies in countries including Syria, Libya and the Central African Republic. The United States has sanctioned it and accused it of atrocities, which Prigozhin had denied.

Prigozhin had acknowledged that he founded and financed the Internet Research Agency, a company Washington says is a troll farm which meddled in the 2016 US presidential election. In November 2022 he admitted that he had interfered in US elections and would do so again.

He soared in prominence after Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, where his fighters  including thousands of convicts he recruited from prison  were at the vanguard of the Russian assault on the eastern city of Bakhmut. That battle became the longest and bloodiest battle of the war, and gave Prigozhin a boost in power among Kremlin circles and among the Russian military elite. It would also have made him plenty of enemies. Prigozhin used social media to trumpet Wagner's successes and wage a months-long feud with the military establishment, accusing it of incompetence and openly questioning decisions made on the Ukrainian frontline.

Vladimir Putin was at an event in Kursk when reports of the crash occurred (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

In June, Prigozhin led the mutiny in which Wagner fighters took control of the southern city of Rostov-on-Don and shot down a number of military helicopters, killing their pilots, as they advanced towards Moscow. In a television address as Prigozhins forces marched twowrads Moscow, Mr Putin called it an act of treachery that would meet with a harsh response. The deal ended the march would be made hours later.

As part of that deal, Prigozhin and some of his fighters would leave for Belarus and a criminal case against him for armed mutiny would be dropped. But confusion has surrounded the implementation of the deal and the future of Prigozhin. The Kremlin said he attended a meeting with Mr Putin five days after the mutiny ended.

Then, on 5 July, Russian state TV said an investigation against him was still being pursued, and broadcast footage showing cash, passports, weapons and other items it said were seized during a raid on one of his properties. In late July, Prigozhin was photographed in St Petersburg during a Russia-Africa summit in the city. Prigozhin appears to have been able to move relatively freely, a surprise given the anger Mr Putin showed while the mutiny was taking place.

On Monday, Prigozhin appeared in a video where he hinted he was in Africa, where Wagner are seeking recruits.

Also this week, Russian media reported, citing anonymous sources, that General Sergei Surovikin was dismissed from his position of the commander of Russias air force. Mr Surovikin, who at one point led Russias operation in Ukraine, has not been seen in public since the mutiny, when he recorded a video address urging Prigozhins forces to pull back.
North Carolinas largest school system is short nearly 300 teachers before classes start Monday, but says its in a better position than its been in recent years.

Wake County school officials said Wednesday that they still have 294 vacant teaching positions, which is 107 less than last August. Wake credits additional pay and new hiring strategies for getting the teacher vacancy rate down to 2.48% at a time when schools across the nation are scrambling to hire educators for the new school year.

AJ Muttillo, Wakes assistant superintendent for human resources, said its good news that the district has filled nearly 98% of its 11,000+ teaching positions.

Im hopeful of the progress, Muttillo told reporters on Wednesday. We are in a better position this year than we were last year, and still need to continue to fill current vacancies while we plan for opening next year.

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Muttillo said the vacancy numbers are not as good as pre-pandemic levels though.

Wake also is looking for 117 more instructional assistants, formerly called teacher assistants. Thats 75 fewer vacancies than the same time a year ago.

Fourth-grade teacher and team leader Yvonne Raeford brings supplies for fellow fourth-grade teachers at Beaverdam Elementary School in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

Is NC teacher shortage improving?

Statewide school vacancy rates arent available yet. so its unclear whether other North Carolina school districts are having better luck hiring people this year. Two other Triangle districts, Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro, are also reporting good hiring results.

Orange County has 25 teaching vacancies, down from 53.5 this time last year, according to Kevin Smith, a district spokesperson. He said all bus driver positions are filled.

In Chapel Hill-Carrboro, the district is 96% staffed for the new school year, according to Andy Jenks, a district spokesman.

Durham Public Schools and Johnston County did not immediately respond to The News & Observers requests for information about their vacancy rates.

Last year, the states school districts were short more than 11,297 positions, including more than 4,400 teachers, heading into the first day of classes, according to the North Carolina School Superintendents Association.

But Jack Hoke, the associations executive director., said theyre waiting this year until the first day of classes before asking school districts for the vacancy information.

Even with the good news in Wake, Muttillo said it still means students in 300 classrooms wont have a permanent teacher when classes start. Substitute teachers will fill the classes until a person is hired.

I certainly dont want to minimize the challenge, Muttillo said. We are still struggling to find teachers just like other districts are.

Fourth-grade teacher and team leader Yvonne Raeford drops off supplies for fellow fourth-grade teachers at Beaverdam Elementary School in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

Bus driver vacancies worsen

One glaring exception to the good hiring news in Wake is that bus driver vacancies are up.

Wake has 315 driver vacancies  49 more than this time last year. Wakes 35.75% bus driver vacancy rate means the district has had to take unprecedented steps to provide service to all riders this school year.

Around 3,000 Wake County students will start the school year arriving each day after classes have started. Some students will arrive more than a half hour late.

Those 3,000 students will also be picked up later from school, requiring more teachers to stay late to watch them.

Nearly 7,900 students are scheduled to arrive within 10 minutes of the start of classes. Theyll run a risk of being late as well if there are traffic delays.

Wake is hoping to adjust the routes when new drivers complete their training, which includes getting a commercial drivers license.

Our goal really is to add more bus drivers to the road every week, Muttillo said. But it does take longer to become a bus driver.

Wake pays teachers for masters degrees

Muttillo said Wake has had to adapt to the changing environment to hire teachers. This includes new strategies such as paying teachers who have earned a masters degree, something the state stopped doing unless the educator had earned the degree by Aug. 1, 2013.

Newly hired fourth-grade teacher Haley Magee works on setting up her classroom at Beaverdam Elementary School in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

Wake is now spending more time on advertising and reaching out to candidates, including current student-teachers, Muttillo said.

Theres this sort of shift in the marketplace where you had to think about hiring differently, Muttillo said.

The teacher turnover rate is also down in Wake, Muttillo said.

Kindergarten teacher Savannah Herring works in her classroom at Beaverdam Elementary School in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

Wake also benefits from paying teachers more than many other smaller districts. In North Carolina. The state pays the base salary, and school districts can supplement it with additional local pay.

The pay raise that teachers will receive this year isnt known yet because Republican lawmakers havent finalized the state budget yet.

Wakes 1,000 new teachers

Wake has hired 1,000 new teacher such as Haley Magee, a fourth-grade teacher at Beaverdam Elementary School in Raleigh. On Wednesday, Magee attended training sessions and got her classroom ready.

Magee, who graduated in May with a masters degree in elementary education from the University of Mary Washington in Virginia, had multiple job offers. But in the end, the northern Virginia native chose Wake over districts such as Chapel Hill-Carrboro.

Newly hired fourth-grade teacher Haley Magee works on setting up her classroom at Beaverdam Elementary School in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

I was able to look at a lot of different schools and pick a good fit for me, which Im happy about, Magee told reporters. I was happy that I was able to look at different options and different states.

Magee said factors such as Wakes reputation, Raleigh having a warmer climate than northern Virginia and being in closer proximity to her parents in Florida helped with her decision.

Now Magee will step into teaching during a time when educators are under greater public scrutiny than ever. But Magee said shes up for the challenge of teaching her new students.

Magee said shes always wanted to teach and work with students.

With any job theres apprehensions, but I know that Ive always wanted to be a teacher,Magee said.
[Source]

Walmart and clothing manufacturer Centric Brands are reportedly investigating their Cambodian supply chains over claims that they illegally employ inmates through forced labor.

The allegations: Inmates at Correctional Center 2, Cambodias largest womens prison, are allegedly illegally employed to produce garments and other textile products for export as part of a rehabilitation program. Speaking to Reuters, former inmates claimed that some of the items appeared linked to Walmart and Centric Brands, which both source from Cambodia.

The ex-inmates said they made shirts, trousers, slippers and shopping bags. They allegedly worked standard hours for a measly $1.75 to $5 a month.

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Some said they did not have employment contracts and that prison guards simply took their names before they ended up at the factories. Those who refused to work were allegedly transferred cells or forced to kneel, while others paid prison guards to evade the labor.

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Legal status of prison labor: Cambodian law allows private individuals and organizations to enter into contracts that would allow inmates to work for them. However, forced labor and the export of goods produced by prisoners are both illegal.

The allegations risk Cambodia's eligibility for the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, which grants duty-free benefits to eligible developing nations based partly on their prohibition of forced labor. Cambodia reportedly exported $2 billion worth of goods to the U.S. in 2020 through the program.

How authorities have responded: The American Apparel and Footwear Association first raised strong concerns regarding credible reports about the matter to Cambodian officials last November. After an investigation by an inter-ministerial committee, three companies  Chia Ho Garment Industrial, IGTM and W Dexing Garment  were fined $50,000 each and suspended from exporting for three months until July 31.

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Cambodian officials have indicated plans to clarify laws regarding prison production for rehabilitation and commercial subcontracting. However, progress on the subject is expected to depend on the priorities of the newly elected government.

What Walmart and Centric Brands are doing: Both companies have launched investigations into the allegations, according to Reuters. Walmart said its probe is ongoing as of mid-August. On the other hand, Centric Brands said it has not found any evidence supporting the claim that prison labor was used regarding an IZOD-branded polo shirt in question. However, the company reportedly terminated its relationship with one factory.

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Asian immigrant families fear eviction after NYC real estate developer vanishes with their $4 million
The family of a pregnant woman who died after being shot by police in Colorado two years ago after they mistook her for an armed shoplifting suspect is suing the officers involved in the wrongful killing.

It was on August 17, 2021 when 27-year-old Destinee Thompson was shot and killed by officers with the Arvada Police Department.

Pregnant mother of three Destinee Thompson, 27, was fatally shot by police in Colorado after being mistaken for an armed shoplifting suspect. Her family is suing the officers involved in the shooting. (Photo: YouTube/Fox31 Denver)

NBC News reported that as the pregnant mother of three was leaving her motel that day to get lunch with her stepmother, she was suddenly surrounded by several officers who told her they were looking for a white or Latina woman who had stolen a cart full of merchandise from Target and was armed with a knife.

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The familys suit states that the robbery suspect was wearing a white tank top and had a chest tattoo and fled to the motel after the theft. She had also stolen items from the same store two days prior to that days theft.

Thompson was wearing a white tank that day, but she did not have a chest tattoo.

Thompson repeatedly told the officers that she wasnt the suspect and got into her minivan while the officers still surrounded her. The encounter started to escalate when the officers surrounded her car, yelled at her, and then shattered a passenger window.

Read More Here.

Frightened by the encounter, Thompson backed out of her motel parking space and attempted to drive toward the road. No officers were hurt, but she wasnt able to drive far before Officer Anthony Benallo opened fire. One of his eight shots killed Thompson and her unborn child.

Officer Benallos decision to kill Ms. Thompson was patently unreasonable, the family said in the lawsuit. The defendant officers detained an innocent woman, shattered the window of her car, and ultimately shot and killed her as she drove away.

The lawsuit also named Arvada Officers C.J. Bickmore, Chris Dennehy, and Ian Gohlke, as well as Sgt. Jeff Orndoff as defendants.

The Arvada Police Department released details about what happened in the incident.

They said that Thompson did not have her ID on her when officers asked for it, but repeatedly told them that she was not the suspect. She ran toward her van and once she was inside, she talked to them through her window.

It wasnt until Thompson backed out of her parking space and hit a police vehicle parked right behind her that the police assumed she hit an officer and posed a threat. Authorities say thats why Officer Benallo opened fire.

After authorities turned over their findings of an investigation into the shooting to the district attorneys office, the district attorney decided not to press charges in April 2022.

I find that the officers use of deadly physical force was legally justified to defend himself and others from the threat posed, District Attorney Alexis King wrote.

An autopsy revealed that Thompson died from a gunshot wound. Methamphetamine, fentanyl, morphine, and amphetamine were also found in her system.

Her family believes that police worked to undermine justice after the killing by releasing the incident report nearly a year after it happened.

This is the hardest thing Ive ever had to deal with, Thompsons father, Francis Thompson said. I want their badges. I want justice. I dont think its fair that the officers are still working without punishment. I wish I could tell her one more time that I love her, and Ill never stop fighting for her. Im not gonna let go.
Linda Reynolds and Vicki Jenkins were out on a Jet Ski south of Australias Gold Coast when they got a surprising visit from a huge creature.

A massive humpback whale swam up to the women, and it stayed for about an hour, Reynolds said in an Aug. 20 Instagram post.

This humpback just couldnt leave us alone, Reynolds wrote in a comment on her post. He was so curious and so gentle. He came back to the ski, over and over and over again. One of the best days of my life.

It was a truly beautiful and breathtaking encounter. He hung around for over an hour, she wrote in another comment. Im exhausted tonight. Mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally.

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A video shows the whale bobbing in and out of the ocean just feet in front of the ski.

A dream came true for me today, Reynolds captioned the video.

As Reynolds and Jenkins played with the creature, a photographer happened to catch their encounter on a drone.

Just on time to capture this magic encounter with enormous humpback whale connecting and playing with this two lucky girls, Wavedraline wrote on Instagram.

The whale approached by itself and had energy to play and connect with these two people, this happens very rarely, so if you are sailing and a whale approaches you should turn off your engine and let the whale take its course. In this case the whale decided to play because did not feel disturbed, the account said.

Instagram users shared their excitement about the interactions on Reynolds post.

So incredible, one person commented on the video. Truly breathtaking.

Just amazing, I can only imagine how special this was, another person wrote.

So very beautiful Linda, a third person commented. An absolutely incredible interaction.

Gold Coast is on Australias east coast, about 520 miles northeast of Sydney.

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The stage is set for the first Republican presidential primary debate.

The debate is scheduled to take place on Wednesday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and will feature some key figures in the Republican party.

There will be, however, one notable absence.

Former President Donald Trump made it official Sunday that he will skip the first debate, citing his big lead in the GOP polls.

"The public knows who I am & what a successful Presidency I had," Trump said on his Truth Social platform. "I WILL THEREFORE NOT BE DOING THE DEBATES!"

Here's how to watch Wednesday night's debate.

FINAL LINEUP: The final lineup for the first Republican debate is here. No, Donald Trump won't be there.

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BIDEN VS. TRUMP?: Will Biden debate Trump if he's the Republican nominee? His campaign won't commit

How to watch first Republican presidential primary debate: Start time, channel

Fox News announced in June the debate will air exclusively on its channel. It will air from 9-11 p.m. ET.

Who is moderating the first Republican presidential primary debate?

The debate will be co-moderated by Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum.

Who is participating in the first GOP presidential primary debate?

The RNC set forth requirements in June that candidates must meet on status, polling, fundraising and pledging to take part in the debate.

Candidates must poll at least 1% in three national polls or 1% in two national polls and 1% from an early state poll from two carve out states recognized by the committee. Candidates must also have a minimum of 40,000 unique donors part of their presidential campaign committee - with at least 200 unique donors per state - and sign a pledge agreeing to support the eventual party nominee.

The Republican National Committee announced the full lineup of candidates participating in the debate, which includes

Ron DeSantis

Tim Scott

Nikki Haley

Vivek Ramaswamy

Chris Christie

Doug Burgum

Mike Pence

Asa Hutchinson

Who is Vivek Ramaswamy ?

The son of Indian immigrants, Ramaswamy grew up in the Cincinnati suburb of Evendale and graduated from St. Xavier High School in 2003. After high school, he attended Harvard to study biology and began honing his political views. He graduated Yale Law School the same year as U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, who's also a native of southwest Ohio. He now lives outside of Columbus.

Ramaswamy entered the race earlier this year promising to out-Trump former President Donald Trump, who will not participate in Wednesday's debate. He has since campaigned heavily in Iowa and New Hampshire, and some recent polls show him gaining on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for second place nationally.

Ramaswamy then entered the world of biotech investing, founding the pharmaceutical research company Roivant Sciences in 2014. He later abandoned Roivant after he clashed with colleagues over how they should respond to the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in 2020. Ramaswamy would not back a show of support for the Black Lives Matters movement.

More recently, Ramaswamy founded Strive Asset Management, an investment firm that aims to persuade companies to stay out of politics and social issues. He's the author of three books, including "Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate America's Social Justice Scam."

GOP debate: Who is Vivek Ramaswamy? Ohio presidential candidate to take stage in first GOP debate

Will Trump participate in the debate?

While Trump will not participate, the other eight candidates are expected to be on stage.

DeSantis said in an interview in July with Fox News host Will Cain that he will be on the debate stage regardless of whether Trump joins.

Mike Pence qualified for the debate after a surge of donations after the latest indictment of Trump. He will be on the debate stage, his campaign confirmed to USA TODAY.

Pence, one of the most recognizable names in the race, took a while to get here. By contrast, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie entered the race a day earlier than Pence and qualified for the debate a month sooner than him.

But as Pence has become more critical of Trump, he has attracted more donors  and more ire from the former president.

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said he surpassed the required 40,000 unique donors on Saturday evening after a swell of contributions that followed Trump's indictment for alleged election interference.

HUTCHINSON MAKES THRESHOLD: Asa Hutchinson, a Trump critic, makes threshold for GOP's first primary debate

Contributing: David Jackson, Haley BeMiller Francesca Chambers, Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY; Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2023 Republican debate: Time, channel, moderators, how to watch
WAYLAND  Wayland's municipal offices are in the middle of a pilot program to look at the effectiveness of a four-day work week.

The four-day work week pilot program started July 31 and runs through Sept. 1. Employees at Wayland's Town Building and Department of Public Works building currently have Fridays off during the course of the program.

Michael McCall, who started as Wayland's first town manager in February, said human resources and benefits staff told him a four-day work week was something that was discussed prior to his arrival.

"It's not anything new, it's come up in previous communities," McCall said in an interview last week.

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He said that with most municipal offices being open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and with the private sector offering such benefits as bonuses, the town needs to be competitive by offering something different.

"It all goes back to the quality of life for employees," McCall said. "It allows for something different when we're recruiting employees. It's something that's innovative and creative."

Town manager gets positive feedback, few complaints

Staff has been giving McCall positive feedback, he said, as well as not a lot of complaints from residents, aside from residents who were not aware of the change.

McCall added that the move creates cost savings, as buildings can be powered down on Fridays when they're unoccupied.

"It's a creative solution to boost employee morale," he said. "We're being responsive to a changing economy and a changing workforce."

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The number of hours each employee works is unchanged, with an 90 minutes added to Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays along with evening hours on Mondays.

Town Office hours during the pilot program are as follows:

Monday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Friday: Closed

Hours for the DPW during the pilot program are as follows:

Monday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday: Closed

According to the town website, start times for the Highway, Parks, Water and Transfer Station departments will vary. The four-day pilot program does not affect library or School Department employees.

Although offices are closed to the public on Friday during the pilot program, Recreation Department and Council on Aging programing will be held as scheduled.

Last year, 61 United Kingdom companies tried a similar pilot program model for six months, from June to December. The program was run by the nonprofit group 4 Day Week Global, the UK's 4 Day Week Campaign and the progressive think tank Autonomy. Professors from Boston College and Cambridge University also led research. The employers' industries ranged from marketing and advertising to charities and health care.

'Logical next step': Three-day weekends? House considers pilot program

The number of staff leaving fell by 57% over the trial period, according to the report. Revenue also grew by 1.4%, on average, during the trial for nearly two dozen companies that provided enough data, with that number weighted for the size of the business. Business performance and productivity each received an average score of 7.5 out of 10, according to the report.

About 90% of the employees who participated in the program and were surveyed said they wanted to continue with the four-day work week, with 55% of workers reporting an "increase in their ability at work" and 71% reporting reduced burnout by the end of the trial period.

In April, two Massachusetts legislators filed a bill that would create a voluntary program allowing participating businesses to transition some or all of their employees to a four-day week without loss of pay or benefits.

In Wayland, a decision on whether the four-day work week will become permanent will be made sometime in January after a survey is conducted this fall, McCall said.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Four-day work week for Wayland employees until Sept. 1
Faith Spoonmore texted her nephew, Ralph Yarl, on Tuesday to ask how the first day of senior year was going. She hasnt heard back, which she said is a good sign.

He was ready. Ralph was ready to just go back to just being a teenager, she said of the 17-year-old Staley High Schooler.

Four months ago, Yarl was shot twice  in the head and the arm  after the teen mistakenly went to the wrong Northland home while trying to pick up his younger brothers from a similar address one street over.

The Kansas City homeowner who is alleged to have shot him, Andrew D. Lester, 84, who is white, was charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the shooting of Yarl, who is Black.

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The case grabbed international attention almost immediately as politicians, celebrities and even President Joe Biden called for justice for Yarl. The shooting renewed national conversations about racism, and racial bias, both explicit and implicit, and gun rights in the U.S.

Yarl continues to heal from the traumatic brain injury he suffered, and he speaks with a therapist multiple times a week.

He turned 17 in May, celebrating with a Red Lobster seafood feast, a cake adorned with candles and a pinata stuffed with candy.

He went on to have a busy summer.

Yarl and his classmates were invited to an Alicia Keys concert in St. Louis. He completed an engineering internship in Kansas City, and he was gifted his own bass clarinet.

A group of musicians from the United States and Canada started a GoFundMe over the summer to gift Yarl a new professional clarinet, specialized just for him.

As musicians, we know about the impact that a high quality musical instrument can have on our abilities to express ourselves to the world, and about the life-giving motivation that comes from this, the fundraiser read. We also know the unique power that comes when we are supported by our fellow musicians. Wed like to extend both of these gifts to Ralph.

Yarl was thrilled, his aunt said.

Ralph Yarl

In no time hell be off on college tours. They plan to visit the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Michigan, Texas A&M University and Purdue University. He still hopes to study engineering.

But Spoonmore said Yarls much-anticipated trip to the White House will likely take the cake. A date has not yet been set, but in April, the president extended an invitation to the family during a phone call with Yarl.

Until then, Yarl is just diving back into normal kid stuff, his aunt said. Band classes, hanging out with friends, driving to school.

The court case

This week, Yarl returned to school. Next week, hell face the man who allegedly tried to kill him for the first time since that April 13 night when Yarl said he overheard Lester say: Dont come around here.

Yarl had walked up to Lesters home in the 1100 block of Northeast 115th Street. He had intended to go to a home one street over, on Northeast 115th Terrace.

During his interview with police, Lester, who is white, accused Yarl of pulling his door handle  an account that is disputed by Yarl and his family  and said he shot him because he was scared to death of the tall, Black stranger at his door.

Lee Merritt, a civil rights attorney representing the Yarl family, said the teenager was shot because he was armed with nothing other than his Black skin.

Lester wasnt charged until four days after the shooting.

Its scary, Spoonmore said of the upcoming court date. In our mind, and in a lot of peoples minds, its a simple case and what happened was wrong and it should not have happened and the person that did it should be punished for their actions.

But she said since Emmett Till was murdered by two white men in 1955, and both men were acquitted by a jury, the justice system has shown time and again that that the (Black) body is not protected the same way, is not valued the same way.

Is this kid going to be reminded that its okay for someone to do this to you for ringing a doorbell? Spoonmore said.

Yarl will have to relive the shooting many times in court before a verdict is eventually reached.

This is just like a little chip off the iceberg, because this is not even a real trial, Spoonmore said.

The preliminary hearing is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Aug. 31 at the Clay County Courthouse in Liberty.

In May, a judge agreed to grant a protective order for Lester because of ongoing threats and harassment toward him. That means all discovery in the case will be sealed and will not be accessible to the public. The public, including the media, will still be allowed in the courtroom.

Bracelets for hope

Over the summer, with messages of support pouring in alongside more than $3.4 million raised for Yarls family through GoFundMe, Yarl told his aunt he wanted to find a way to give back.

Its just amazing that we were able to get that much support, and a lot of other families are not as lucky, Spoonmore said.

Spoonmore, who already had plans to launch a bracelet company, suggested they donate 25% of the proceeds to families of young victims of racially-motivated gun violence.

Yarl countered with 33%. She agreed.

HOPE by Faith Spoonmore, sourced by female artists in West Africa, launched Monday and was nearly sold out by Tuesday afternoon.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has spoken out about Russia's invasion of Ukraine and said the world has returned "to a Cold War mentality."

Source: CNN Brazil citing Lula's statement at the BRICS summit

Details: The president emphasised that the return to the Cold War is "stupidity," and once again criticised the UN Security Council for inaction.

Quote: "In just a few years, we have retreated from a good multipolar scenario to one that reverts to an outdated Cold War mentality and geopolitical competition.

The current conflict that is taking place in Ukraine has global consequences... We do not underestimate the difficulties of achieving peace. Nor can we remain indifferent to the deaths, of which there are more and more every day. We stand ready to join an effort that can effectively contribute to a ceasefire and a just and lasting peace."

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Background:

In April 2023, da Silva proposed that Ukraine cede the Crimean peninsula to Russia to put an end to the war.

He also suggested that the United States "not encourage war" and start talking about peace.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (MFA) has invited Lula to visit Ukraine to understand the true nature of the war, following his scandalous statement.

On 26 May 2023, da Silva said that he refused to come to Russia at the invitation of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

On 31 July, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, said he would like to meet with Lula and was ready to come to Brazil if invited.

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Western defense officials urge Ukraine to focus counteroffensive resources on southern push  even if it means heavy troop and equipment losses

A member of the SPG-9 anti tank recoilless gun crew aims the gun for firing onto Russian positions near the occupied Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. Photo by Roman Chop/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

Western officials think Ukraine misallocated its counteroffensive resources, The New York Times reported.

Defense strategists want Ukraine to focus its efforts on pushing toward the south.

But a southern push could result in troop and equipment losses, the outlet reported.

Western officials are advising Ukraine to prioritize a specific goal in an effort to save the country's floundering counteroffensive  even if it comes at a cost.

Nearly three months into Ukraine's much-anticipated offensive, military strategists are concerned the country has misallocated its resources, spreading troops and equipment far and wide instead of focusing its efforts on a key target, The New York Times reported this week, citing several unnamed officials.

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Western officials want Ukraine to commit the majority of its troops and equipment toward cutting off Russian supply lines in the south of the country and destroying the bridge between Russia and occupied Crimea, the outlet reported.

But Ukraine has thus far split its resources between the south and the east, resulting in more soldiers now stationed near Bakhmut  a strategically unimportant city that fell to Russia months ago  than there are in the south, where military strategists believe Ukraine's efforts should be focused, analysts told The Times.

Defense officials are urging Ukraine to push toward Melitopol, a southeastern city located in the Zaporizhzhia region, and focus on clearing Russian minefields even if such a strategy requires sacrificing soldiers and equipment as a result, the newspaper reported.

Western strategists believe total commitment to a key cause is necessary if Ukraine wants to turn the tides of its counteroffensive, especially as casualties mount and Russia continues to boast a numbers advantage, per the Times.

But Ben Hodges, a retired lieutenant general and former commander of US Army Europe, cautioned against counting Ukraine out too soon.

"The Ukrainians are not on our timeline. They're on their own timeline," Hodges told Insider. "A lot of the expectations and deadlines and red lines were assumed and imposed by the US versus the Ukrainian general staff."

Increasing Ukrainian casualties have led to dire straits within several of the country's most experienced combat units, including the loss of multiple senior commanders, and wounded soldiers returning to the battlefield , the Times reported.

Top American and British generals, including Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, advised Ukraine's most senior military commander to focus on the southern front during an August 10 video call, according to the outlet.

There have since been indications that Ukraine has taken that advice, The Times reported, with some Ukrainian combat forces being shifted from the east to the south. Ukraine has also since made some progress in the south, positioning its forces to soon take control of Robotyne, a southern village near Russian defenses, according to the Times.

Even if the much-desired push toward Crimea materializes, however, Ukraine will have to contend with unfavorable conditions, namely flat and unforgiving terrain that plays to Russia's favor along current positions, the outlet reported.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Akron is facing three lawsuits pertaining to Jayland Walkers shooting by police and the protests that followed it.

The lawsuits allege excessive force in Walkers shooting, unlawful arrests involving those protesting Walkers shooting, and unnecessary force  including the use of tear gas and pepper spray  against protesters.

Walker, 25, was shot more than 40 times on June 27, 2022, by Akron police officers after fleeing first in his vehicle and then on foot. He was unarmed, though investigators determined he fired a shot out of his car window while fleeing. A gun was found in his car.

Protesters make their way past the Summit County Courthouse, where a special grand jury decided to not indict the Akron police officers that shot and killed Jayland Walker last summer, during the Justice for Jayland National March on May 24 in Akron.

Numerous protests followed Walkers shooting and a decision in April by a special grand jury not to indict the eight officers who shot Walker.

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The trio of suits were filed in the past five months in U.S. District Court.

Here are highlights of these suits, what they seek and where they stand.

Justified or 'unacceptable?': What hours of body-cam footage from Copley Road protest shows

Jayland Walkers family sues, claiming officers used excessive force

Bobby DiCello, one of the attorneys representing the family of Jayland Walker, holds up documents related to their $45 million lawsuit filed against the city of Akron, mayor, the eight officers who shot and killed Jayland last summer and others during a press conference at the First Congregational Church of Akron on June 16.

Who filed the suit: The family of Jayland Walker.

Who is being sued: The city of Akron, the eight officers who shot Walker, and several other officers and public officials.

What the suit alleges: Excessive force in Walkers shooting, which the family claims is part of a long history of racism and violence within the Akron Police Department. The claims include excessive force, supervisory responsibility, municipal responsibility and constitutional violations.

What the suit seeks: Compensatory and punitive damages of at least $45 million, which the family says is roughly $1 million for each bullet that struck Walker, as well as attorneys fees and costs. Also, that Akron be made to adopt an appropriate policy to prevent future instances of the type of misconduct described in the lawsuit.

What Akron has said: Akron officials declined to comment after the lawsuit was filed in mid-June, noting that the city doesnt discuss pending litigation. The city hasnt yet filed a response in the case, according to court records.

Which judge is assigned: U.S. District Court Judge John Adams in Akron.

24 people charged in early Walker protests sue over their arrests and prosecutions

Defendant Caleb Mays listens Shaliek Riggsbee-Powell of the public defender's office at the start of his bench trial in Akron Municipal Judge Jon Oldham's court in Akron. Mays was the last person charged in the protests last July 4-6. The changes against Mays were dismissed by Judge Oldham.

Who is suing: Twenty-four people who were arrested last July during protests of Walkers shooting in downtown Akron. Among the plaintiffs are four high-profile community activists, including Jacob Blake Sr., whose son was paralyzed in a police shooting in Wisconsin, and Bianca Austin, the aunt of Breonna Taylor, who was shot and killed in a botched police raid in Louisville, Kentucky.

Who is being sued: The city of Akron, Mayor Dan Horrigan, Police Chief Steve Mylett, 17 police supervisors and numerous Akron officers and detectives, as well as University of Akron officers and a Summit County Sheriffs deputy who assisted with the protests.

More: Dismissals, acquittals and a few convictions: What happened with 2022 Akron protest cases?

What the suit alleges: The suit claims the city unlawfully arrested people who were expressing themselves or were just in the wrong place at the wrong time and prosecuted them in cases that lasted months. All 24 of their cases ultimately were dismissed or resulted in not-guilty verdicts by a jury or judge. The claims include excessive force, false arrest and imprisonment, malicious prosecution, assault and battery, abuse of process, and breach of duty.

What the suit seeks: Compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees and costs, and injunctive relief against the city for its unlawful policies and training for the Akron Police Department.

What Akron has said: Akron declined to comment when the suit was filed in late June. The city hasnt yet filed a response to the complaint, according to court records.

Which judge is assigned: U.S. District Court Judge James Gwin in Cleveland.

Akron group claims police used excessive force in Copley Road protest

A Jayland Walker protester runs after a chemical canister was deployed by Akron police officers on Copley Road on April 19 in Akron. Protesters were asked to move to the sidewalk and did not comply.

Who is suing: The Akron Bail Fund, a local group that assisted people arrested in the Walker protests with their bonds and whose members have participated in protests.

Who is being sued: The city of Akron.

What the suit alleges: The suit claims protesters constitutional and civil rights were violated when officers used chemical munitions against them during an April 19 protest on Copley Road. Other complaints include the city limiting where protesters could gather and police making unwarranted stops and arrests and towing protesters vehicles.

What has happened so far: The city agreed to a temporary restraining order that forbids the use of tear gas, pepper spray and other measures against non-violent protesters. This order will last until the lawsuit is settled.

What the suit seeks: Damages for physical and mental pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages and attorneys fees. Requests a permanent order forbidding the city from further violating protesters constitutional rights.

What Akron has said: The city denied most of the allegations in its response to the complaint and said law enforcement acted reasonably, in good faith and not in violation of any clearly established federal, state or local right. If there were any injuries or damages, these were caused by plaintiffs own actions or inactions, the city said.

Akron police respond: APD video shows Jayland Walker protesters throwing items before officers used chemicals

Which judge is assigned: U.S. District Judge Charles Esque Fleming in Cleveland.

What happens next: A status conference is set for Dec. 15 and expert reports are due by Jan. 31. A jury trial hasnt been scheduled.

Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com, 330-996-3705 and on Twitter: @swarsmithabj.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron faces 3 suits tied to Jayland Walker's shooting and protests
As of last week, Dr. Kerry Lane has one less career option after he finishes his federal prison sentence. The state Board of Medicine revoked Lanes license, an action that came as no surprise.

Lane is the latest doctor from West Miami-Dade pain management clinic General Care Center to receive professional discipline along with learning prison or probation discipline. Just under $6.7 million in cash, according to court documents, flowed to Habib clinic owner Geagea Palacios and the doctors on a river of opioid prescriptions.

READ MORE: The owner who ran a $3 million Miami pill mill and the doctors who prescribed for him

Drs. Lane, Manuel Barbeito, John Cosby, Nancy Garcia, Jorge Gaviria and Alan Swartz made $60 to $120 per oxycodone prescription from Palacios while patients paid $250 to $300 per prescription at 7805 Coral Way. Thats from Palacios admission of facts in his guilty plea to one count of unlawfully distributing oxycontin and one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute oxycontin.

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Earlier this month, Palacios filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th District concerning his guilty plea and the forfeiture. The filing said that when even when allocuting in court Palacios said at most he had been negligent, but always believed that everything that happened there was lawful and according to state and federal protocols for prescribing medication.

As they shared in the money, the doctors also shared the experience of becoming convicted felons subject to sentencing and consequences that continue tumbling down on them.

The doctors:

Dr. Manuel Barbeito, Miami Lakes

Dr. Manuel Barbeito, 59, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to dispense and distribute controlled substances. In his guilty plea, he admitted making $1,500 to $2,000 salary, plus $120 per prescription.

During his period of employment at GCC, Barbeito prescribed at least 435 grams of oxycodone to patients who had no legitimate medical need for the drug, his guilty plea says.

In July 2022, Barbeito was sentenced to 5 years, 10 months in prison and gave up $314,980 cash to satisfy forfeiture claims. Helping the government prosecute Palacios and Dr. Bruno Gallo, who took his own life two weeks after being charged in federal court, got Barbeitos sentenced reduced in October to three years, six months.

When Gallo didnt show up for a hearing, he was declared a fugitive on March 7, 2022  17 days after his death.

Dr. Barbeito also engaged in crucial undercover proactive cooperation against two additional targets (Lisset Martinez and Adriana Benedi) who were later charged with, and pled guilty to, continuing the pill mill operation at a successor clinic, federal prosecutors said in court documents. Dr. Barbeitos undercover work was crucial to both the indictment of these targets and their eventual guilty pleas.

Barbeito filed to have his guilty plea vacated on the grounds that two of his attorneys had a conflict of interest, including one being a former FBI agent. U.S. District Court Judge Jose Martinez, noting Barbeitos confession and guilty plea, rejected that request.

Barbeitos scheduled to get out of federal prison on May 8, 2025. An administrative complaint that will likely end with his license being revoked was filed in June less than a week after an emergency suspension order hit Barbeitos license.

READ MORE: Miami doctor got his license suspended in June. Hes been in prison since September

Dr. John Cosby, the Bronx, New York

Most of the period from 2017 through 2020 that the General Care Center pill mill ran, state records listed Dr. John Cosby as General Cares agent and his Center for Integrative Health as General Cares lone officer.

Cosby pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and dispense a controlled substance. His admission of facts says he received $100 per prescription of 30 mg oxycodone tablets.

Cosbys Florida license was suspended on June 23, 2022. He had just begun serving his three-year sentence at FMC Devens federal prison medical facility in Massachusetts when he died at the age of 72 on Oct. 27, 2022.

READ MORE: A Broward doctor from New York is banned from female patients and controlled substances

Dr. Nancy Garcia, Hallandale Beach

Dr. Nancy Garcias guilty plea said she received $100 per prescription and admitted sometimes she didnt even go through the pretense of seeing the patient.

Garcia, 65, originally got a five-year sentence, which was knocked down to two years, nine months after helping with related prosecutions.

To keep her 3-bedroom, 2 1/2-bathroom, 1,856-square-foot Hallandale Beach condominium from being lost in forfeiture, she ponied up $282,550 instead. An apartment 600 feet smaller and three floors lower sold for $425,000 in June.

Garcias license has been revoked. Shes scheduled to be in federal prison until March 16, 2025.

Dr. Jorge Gaviria, Miami Lakes

Dr. Jorge Gavirias guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and dispense a controlled substance says he prescribed about 94,966 tablets of 30 mg strength oxy. Gaviria says he got paid about $100 per prescription.

Gavirias original sentence of eight years, four months has been reduced twice  first to five years, then, in March, to two years, nine months. He was also hit with a $330,000 forfeiture judgment.

Gaviria, 63, is scheduled to be released on Dec. 19, 2024, exactly two years after his medical license revocation posted.

Dr. Kerry Lane, Boca Raton

Dr. Kerry Lane, 69, also got about $100 per prescription and prescribed about 49,000 oxy tablets. Helping convict others got his original sentence of five years, 10 months reduced to three years, four months.

Before the Justice Department could snag Lanes Sparta, New Jersey home in forfeiture, it was sold at a foreclosure auction.

Lane is scheduled to be released from federal custody on May 26, 2024, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. His medical license was revoked on Aug. 15.

Alan Swartz, Sunny Isles Beach

Dr. Alan Swartz got $15,900 on 264 prescriptions at General Care, an average of $60 per prescription. Thats in forfeiture court documents.

Swartz, 78, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and received three years probation on Dec. 8, 2021. His online Florida Department of Health license profile says he retired before his license could be yanked.

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Patty Hearst is escorted to an elevator by a deputy U.S. Marshal in the basement of San Franciscos Federal Building, April 12, 1976. Stockholm Syndrome is most famously attached to Patty Hearsts kidnapping and subsequent participation in her kidnappers crimes. | Associated Press

Stockholm syndrome is a mainstay in pop culture. It inspired movies like Labor Day and Stockholm, books like Stolen by Lucy Christopher and the famous Wattpad story turned New York Times bestseller The Cellar by Natasha Preston, and songs like those by One Direction and Blink-182.

Most of us likely have an idea as to what Stockholm syndrome is. Its what happens when someone is kidnapped or held against their will and tries to empathize with their captor for their own safety, but they end up falling in love with their captor  or so we think.

In reality, the so-called diagnosis is more gritty than that, and draws on our own survival instincts.

It isnt romantic  its a matter of life and death.

What is Stockholm syndrome?

Stockholm syndrome is a way to explain certain symptoms people exhibit after traumatic situations like abductions and abusive relationships. It is not characterized as a mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

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It also is not simply falling in love with ones abuser. What may read as love, is actually a combination of other symptoms, and its quite rare.

That it is a condition at all is debatable, with some researchers arguing that it does not exist as anything other than a cluster of symptoms related to trauma bonding, battered person syndrome, emotional abuse and learned helplessness, per Medical News Today.

The symptoms include positive feelings toward the abuser, refusal to act against the abuser, negative feelings about the police or similar authorities and refusal to leave when presented with the opportunity.

How did Stockholm syndrome come to be?

The term Stockholm syndrome came out of a bank robbery and hostage situation that lasted six days in Stockholm, Sweden, per BBC.

On Aug. 23, 1973, career criminal Jan-Erik Olsson fired a machine gun in a bank in the heart of Stockholm and began his attempt at robbery.

Olsson took three hostages: Birgitta Lundblad, Elisabeth Oldgren and Kristin Ehnmark. This number later became four with the discovery of Sven Safstrom hiding in the bank.

He demanded the release of convicted armed robber Clark Olofsson, 3 million kronor, two pistols and a getaway car. To ensure his own safe exit, Olssons plan involved bringing the hostages into the car with him.

According to a New Yorker article recounting the events, Olsson had counted on two factors: a deep-seated Swedish aversion to violence, and the fact that a national election campaign was in full swing  a season, he believed, when politicians would not be apt to take a hard line that might result in violence to the hostages.

Olsson was wrong in thinking his demands would be met quickly, and the situation spiraled into a dayslong siege, in which the captives actually began to trust their captors more than the police.

The police released Olofsson, but Olsson did not receive 3 million kronor or the getaway car. The Minister of Justice, Lennart Geijer, instructed law enforcement to keep Olsson in the bank and not allow him to leave with the hostages.

In one attempt, police tried to gas the criminals out, which would have also gassed the hostages. They also sent in officers with guns focused on Olsson, though one of the hostages reportedly screamed at them not to shoot, for fear that an innocent person would be caught in the crosshairs, per The New Yorker.

This action has been scrutinized and was interpreted to be some sort of love or affection, rather than a logical response to an entity that had already put their lives in danger.

Once Olofsson made it to the bank, Olsson calmed down and began to relax around the captives. He showed them certain kindnesses, actions that allowed the hostages to feel as safe as they could in their position.

He unbound them and began to speak to them in a gentler manner. They were allowed to call their families to let them know of their situations. Lundblad could not reach her family and Olsson consoled her, urging her to keep trying, per The New Yorker.

It wasnt that they were nice bank robbers; its that Olsson and Olofsson werent brutal captors in the stereotypical sense. They simply afforded their captives basic kindnesses during a time of extreme distress. And the hostages had their lives and families to think about.

Safstrom put it best when he said, When he treated us well, we could think of him as an emergency God.

In a call with Prime Minister Olof Palme, Ehnmark said: I am very disappointed. I think you are sitting there playing checkers with our lives. I fully trust Clark and the robber. I am not desperate. They havent done a thing to us. On the contrary, they have been very nice. But, you know, Olof, what I am scared of is that the police will attack and cause us to die.

Dr. Niels Bejerot coined the term Stockholm syndrome after the bank robbery-turned-siege. In an interview with The New Yorker, he said, without any real psychological foundation, that there was bound to be a bond between captor and captive after a certain period of time.

Who was Patty Hearst and how was she connected?

Patty Hearst is the woman people tend to think of when they hear the term Stockholm syndrome. In 1974 she was abducted from her apartment in Berkeley, California, by members of the Symbionese Liberation Army, per Brittanica.

Allegedly, she was brainwashed into joining the group on their anti-capitalist crusade and was captured in San Francisco in 1975 after traversing the country in an attempt to evade capture by the police. Her case was explained away as Stockholm syndrome.

Hearsts position as a public figure catapulted her case into the spotlight, whereas the original Stockholm case fell to the wayside.

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The White House told Rep. Barry Loudermilk it is still reviewing the transcripts of four individuals who testified to the House select committee that investigated January 6, 2021, for security purposes, according to a letter obtained exclusively by CNN.

Loudermilk, a Georgia Republican who is overseeing the GOP-led investigation into the panel, has raised concerns about not having all of its work product.

White House Special Counsel to the President Richard Sauber told Loudermilk that there are four former Trump administration officials who had testified whose transcripts are still in the process of being redacted to protect sensitive operation and personal information.

The White House is currently conducting this review. We expect to complete our review soon, Sauber wrote.

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Sauber promised that the White House will send the transcripts to Loudermilk and to the National Archives when the review of these transcripts are complete and the appropriate redactions are added.

Loudermilk previously told CNN he is missing certain transcripts, video tapes of depositions and information about how the panel had investigated the law enforcement response to the attack on the US Capitol.

Theres little snippets of stuff all around, Loudermilk told CNN.

The former chair of the January 6 committee, Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, sent Loudermilk a letter in July defending his panels archival process. Thompson outlined that according to the Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives, the panel only had to archive noncurrent, official, permanent records, which does not include video recordings of interviews or internal work product.

Consistent with guidance from the Office of the Clerk and other authorities, the Select Committee did not archive temporary committee records that were not elevated by the Committees actions, such as use in hearings or official publications, or those that did not further its investigative actions, Thompson wrote on July 7.

The Select Committee was not obligated to archive all video recordings of transcribed interviews or depositions. Based on guidance from House authorities, the Select Committee determined that the written transcripts provided by nonpartisan, professional official reporters, which the witnesses and Select Committee staff had the opportunity to review for errata, were the official, permanent records of transcribed interviews and depositions, he added.

Loudermilk sent a letter to the National Archives in May requesting an inventory of all the documents produced by the former panel now in the custody of the National Archives because he claimed he does not have access to all of the documents he is entitled to. The congressman has told CNN that the Archives has since told him they dont have anything more in their possession.

In his letter to the Archives, Loudermilk mentioned specifically that he does not have unredacted copies of letters the select committee sent to the White House or the Department of Homeland Security asking for instructions of how to protect the confidentiality of certain witnesses. He said that he only has the redacted versions, which were published through the Government Publishing Office.

Thompson explained in his letter to Loudermilk that the select committee could not archive those documents by the time the committee dissolved because the Biden administration was still reviewing them. He said these documents were a loan of some then-current material containing law enforcement sensitive operational details and private, personal information that, if released, could endanger the safety of witnesses. But, contrary to Loudermilks claim, Thompson said the letters transmitting the sensitive information were archived in several places (including the public GOP document repository).

Loudermilk is leading the House Administration subpanel that became the home of all of the select committees work pursuant to House Rules at the beginning of this Congress.

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Eight Republican hopefuls  but not former President Trump  will meet Wednesday night in Milwaukee for the first debate of the 2024 presidential campaign season.

The debate will be a prime opportunity for Trumps rivals, who lag far behind in polls of Republican voters, to gain some attention. Thats especially true for the lesser-known hopefuls, for whom the debate may serve as an introduction for many voters.

Read more: News Analysis: Some clear losers in first GOP debate, but the absent Trump emerges largely unscathed

Trumps absence likely will reduce viewership for the live broadcast, but that may not matter much  a prime goal for candidates in debates is to produce attention-getting moments that go viral on social media.

Who's on stage?

The Republican National Committee announced Monday night that these eight candidates had met its criteria of 40,000 individual donors and 1% support in qualifying polls:

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Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota

Former Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey

Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida

Former Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina

Former Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas

Former Vice President Mike Pence

Vivek Ramaswamy , a businessman

Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina

Three other hopefuls, California radio talk show host Larry Elder; Perry Johnson, a businessman who tried to run for governor of Michigan; and Francis X. Suarez, the mayor of Miami, sought to qualify but did not make the RNCs cutoff.

Elder and Johnson have protested and said they plan to travel to Milwaukee anyway.

Where's Trump?

The former president announced Sunday that he would not participate in debates, citing his large lead in polls.

The public knows who I am & what a successful Presidency I had, he said on his Truth Social site. I will therefore not be doing the debates.

Read more: This issue could knock Trump off ballots nationwide. Get ready for it to dominate primary season

Trump has recorded an interview with Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News star who was pushed out in April. Trump announced Wednesday morning that the interview will be released to coincide with the start of the debate.

His aides have said Trump will be at his resort in Bedminster, N.J., on Wednesday night, although several candidates have reportedly prepared for the possibility that he could show up partway through the debate and demand to come onto the stage.

On Thursday, hes scheduled to travel to Atlanta to surrender to authorities and be arraigned on felony charges in the case brought by Fulton County Dist. Atty. Fani Willis accusing him of racketeering in connection with his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.

Where is the debate being aired?

Fox News is hosting the debate before a live audience in Milwaukee. The moderators will be anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum.

The RNC also plans to stream the debate on Rumble, a free online video-sharing platform that has a heavily Republican audience. The co-sponsorship of the debate could be important for the platform. A Pew Research Center survey last year found that 20% of U.S. adults had heard of Rumble, but only 2% regularly got news from it. Of those who did get news from the site, three-quarters identified as Republicans.

What time is the debate?

The debate is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Pacific time and run until 8 p.m.

What do the polls show?

Trump has a big lead for his partys nomination, as he has had nearly all year. He has just over half the vote in the average of national polls maintained by the FiveThirtyEight website.

DeSantis is a distant second nationally, and has lost significant support in recent weeks. He now stands at 21% in the polling average. Ramaswamy, who has gained support recently, is in third place with 9%. Pence, Scott, Haley and Christie are closely bunched together with 3% to 4% each. Burgum and Hutchinson lag behind with less than 1%.

In Iowa, which will hold the first contest of the race on Jan. 15, and where the candidates already have spent time and money, the contest is somewhat tighter and has a different order:

Trump has the support of 42% of likely participants in the states Republican caucuses, according to a survey released Monday by veteran Iowa pollster J. Ann Selzer.

DeSantis had the support of 19%. Scott, who has aired extensive television advertising in the state and aimed for the support of its large bloc of evangelical voters, was in third place with 9%, followed by Haley and Pence, with 6% each, Christie with 5% and Ramaswamy with 4%.





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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
PATERSON  The citys new schools superintendent, Laurie Newell, came up short in obtaining the Board of Educations backing last week for her first major staff appointment.

But the setback could turn out to be only temporary and should not be seen as a sign of discord between Newell and school board members, city education insiders told Paterson Press.

Officials said Newell likely will be able to hire the person she wants for the job of executive director to the superintendent at one of the school boards upcoming meetings. But the appointee may have to accept a lower salary than the $150,000 originally proposed, officials said.

Who does Newell want to appoint?

During the Aug. 16 school board meeting, Newell asked for approval to appoint Albania Diaz Jackson to a job that essentially would make her part of the superintendents inner circle.

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Jackson had worked for Newell for more than a decade in two prior positions  as human resources manager at the Essex Regional Educational Services Commission while Newell was superintendent there and as supervisor of human resources in Paterson Public Schools when Newell held Cabinet-level positions in the city school district.

Several board members said they supported Newells desire to hire someone in whose work she has confidence.

Weve seen this before with a new superintendent, said board member Kenneth Simmons. They bring in someone they trust to get the work done.

Board member Manny Martinez also said Newell should be allowed to pick people for key positions.

If we want her to turn the district around, we should give her what shes asking for to do that, Martinez said.

More: What did the new Paterson schools superintendent say about her first 100 days?

But board member Valerie Freeman said she was not willing to support the proposed $150,000 salary for the position.

That appointment needs to be discussed, she said.

What comes next?

Freemans opposition to the proposed salary for Jackson had the potential to sidetrack the hiring of about 40 new teachers for Paterson. Thats because Jackson's appointment was listed on a 65-page personnel report covering hundreds of payroll changes  all of which normally get decided with a single vote.

As a result of Freemans no vote, the entire district personnel resolution last week failed, jeopardizing the hiring of the new teachers along with Jacksons appointment, officials said.

Earlier: Paterson must relocate 300 students after part of ceiling collapses at School 3

Freeman then asked for the Jackson appointment to be removed from the personnel list, so the board could take a new vote on hiring the teachers and other items. The Jackson hiring was put on hold and the other personnel changes passed.

I had to think of the big picture, said board member Della McCall. Thats getting those teachers for our kids.

The districts spokesperson did not immediately provide Newells response to the school boards inaction on her appointment request.

Joe Malinconico is editor of Paterson Press.

Email: editor@patersonpress.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson NJ schools: New superintendent first staff hire blocked
Faith, patriotism, belief in God, nation those have disappeared. That leaves a moral vacuum in its wake. This kind of rhetoric has long been a fixture of Republican politics, so it's no surprise that this was a sentiment expressed by a 2024 GOP presidential candidate.

What is surprising, however, is that the candidate in question, Vivek Ramaswamy, is a millennial Hindu American candidate whose parents, like my own, immigrated to this country.

While those working at the intersection of religion and politics have been long aware of the rising threat of Christian nationalism, it was not until the Jan. 6 insurrection that this term burst into mainstream political discourse. And just as more and more people have begun to consider the dangers of this pernicious ideology, members of the GOP are seemingly being compelled to full-heartedly embrace the idea that the United States was founded as a Christian nation and, therefore, its laws must be informed by biblical teachings.

Anti-Woke GOP Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy Can Thank Affirmative Action for His Success

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Ramaswamy is a shining example of how much white Christian nationalism has become a primary feature of Republican politics.

On his campaign stops, he touts his ten commandments, which include hits such as God is real, There are two genders, and The nuclear family is the greatest form of governance known to mankind. (It is important to note that Hinduism has a wide range of beliefs about God, Hindu text is inclusive of LGBTQ+ individuals, and many Indian Hindus live in multigenerational, not nuclear, households).

Ramaswamy is open about his Hindu faith, but hes been careful to emphasize that he still shares many of the same values as Christians and that the United States was built around Judeo-Christian values.

As a fellow Hindu and a person working in the interfaith space, I agree that there are plenty of shared values between Hindus and Christians.

The notion of treating others the way you want to be treated, for instance, is similar to the Hindu idea that God is everywhere and everything, and we must conduct ourselves as such. And in the same way that many LGBTQ+-affirming Christians cite theology as a reason to champion equity, my Hindu values motivate me to fight for equal protection for people of all sexualities and genders.

The Right Needs to Ask: Why Do These Racists Keep Getting Hired by Us?

But Ramaswamy is using both his own faith and the faith of millions of others as a license to push discriminatory policies and rhetoricand not to great avail. Hardline adherents of Christian nationalism, from right-wing activists like Abby Johnson to Trump-aligned pastors, are tearing down Ramaswamy because of his Hindu faith. Even the flailing Ron DeSantis campaignwhich is no stranger to exploiting faith for political gainhas been flirting with attacks on Ramaswamys religion and Indian heritage.

Ramaswamy and other non-Christian GOP candidates are in a bind.

With the majority of Republicans voicing support for Christian nationalismbelieving that the country should be a strictly Christian nationcandidates in 2024 and beyond are going to need to court these voters somehow. A diversifying Republican field will also mean more and more non-Christian candidates will be forced to somehow walk this line.

At the same time, the very ethos of Christian nationalism precludes non-Christian candidates (and frankly, even Christian candidates who fail to adhere to a specific brand of Christianity) from holding significant political power. Ramaswamy and candidates like him, such as Nikki Haley (who is Methodist but descends from a Sikh family), are going to continue to face attacks accusing them of not being American enough, and not being Christian enough.

Why Clown Pundits Are Defending a Racist to Own the Libs

So, do you have to be Christian to advance the goals of Christian nationalism? As Ramaswamy has shown us, not at all. But as much as he showboats for religious extremists, they will never wholeheartedly embrace him.

America has never been perfect, but it was founded on the idea of religious pluralism, and that all peoplenot just Christiansshould have the freedom to live out their values free from fear or discrimination.

While this vision has long been aspirational rather than reality, Christian nationalists and their allies are working to erase this truth and promote the idea that America is a Christian country. Ironically, with help from the very people theyre looking to marginalize.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Its no secret that I support Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador.

A few years ago, for all intents and purposes, I had no clue who Bukele was. He did come to the 2015 Day of the Salvadoran event in Los Angeles, but I missed seeing or meeting him. Every year at that event, tens of thousands of Salvadorans gather to celebrate their cultural heritage and to honor the Monument to the Divine Savior of the World , Jesus Christ. It is a powerful Roman Catholic tradition.

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In 2015, Bukele already may have been laying the groundwork for the presidential campaign that he won in 2019. I kept meeting people at various Salvadoran cultural events in my hometown of Los Angeles and they would say, Bukele will win the presidential election. Why, I thought, are they so certain?

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At first I was skeptical and even wrote a column titled "Is Nayib Bukele the real deal or just another pajero?" I assumed that he may have been just another corrupt politician similar to the likes of Alfredo Cristiani , Armando Calderon Sol, Francisco Flores, Tony Saca, Mauricio Funes and Salvador Sanchez Ceren. They were presidents belonging to either of El Salvador's major political parties, ARENA and FMLN , who stole hundreds of millions of dollars to enrich themselves, while the citizenry struggled to survive.

ARENA is the right-wing National Republican Alliance political party, founded by Roberto DAubuisson , leader of the death squads that terrorized El Salvador in the early 1980s during its 12-year civil war. The CIA nicknamed DAubuisson "Blowtorch Bob" because his favorite method of torture was applying a blowtorch to his victims.

The FMLN party, Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front, was a conglomeration of the five guerrilla forces that fought against the Salvadoran government and military from until a peace accord was reached in 1992. More than 80,000 Salvadorans were killed during the war. Most analysts agree that the military and its right-wing allies were responsible for the vast majority of deaths. Hundreds of thousands of Salvadorans had to flee to save their lives by crossing into Guatemala and Mexico, and eventually often immigrating to the United States.

After Bukele overwhelmingly won the 2019 El Salvador presidential election I began to pay more attention and I realized that he was the real deal: a leader who would stand up for the rights of citizens and root out corruption.

Bukele began to prosecute and incarcerate dozens of corrupt former politicians and supporters of ARENA and the FMLN. Several former presidents chose to leave El Salvador to avoid being prosecuted. Former FMLN president Funes ran to Nicaragua, where President Daniel Ortega provided Nicaraguan citizenship and protection from extradition to El Salvador. He was sanctioned in July by the U.S. State Department. Former ARENA president Francisco Flores had already passed away in 2016 while serving his prison sentence due to corruption.

Seeing that Bukele was serious, former ARENA president Alfredo Cristiana fled to Italy in order to avoid legal proceedings and possible incarceration. Soon, ARENA and the FMLN got the message that Bukele was no pushover.

Then Bukele decided to confront the gangs that had terrorized El Salvador for decades.

In the 1990s, massive numbers of Salvadoran gang members were deported back to their home country from the United States, where young men and women had been ripe for recruitment into established gangs in Los Angeles and other major U.S. cities. Although some U.S. elected officials and community leaders have claimed that most of these gang members were children victimized by the Salvadoran civil war, who joined gangs to protect their own neighborhoods, there is scant evidence of this. Many were adult criminals who preyed on their adopted U.S. communities.

In this photo provided by El Salvador's presidential press office, inmates identified by authorities as gang members are moved at the Terrorism Confinement Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador, on March 15. (Uncredited / Associated Press)

Some Angelenos may view gang members through their impressions of programs like Homeboy Industries , founded by Father Gregory Boyle, which attempts to remove individuals from the gang life and help them reenter society. We do have to give credit to Father Boyle, but his efforts have helped only gang members who want to rehabilitate and change their lives for the better.

The gang members whom Bukele is cracking down on are different from those who returned to El Salvador in the 1990s and 2000s. The Salvadoran gangs that thrived before Bukele took office were using tactics similar to those of the Taliban, Al Qaeda and ISIS. They tortured, raped and killed women, children and senior citizens in a merciless manner. If people did not pay them the required extortion money, known as renta, they could be kidnapped, tortured and mutilated. Some were beheaded to instill terror within the citizenry.

As soon as Bukele took office, he implemented a zero tolerance policy toward any groups. He began to build up the military and law enforcement. According to a Reuters news report, murders in El Salvador tumbled 56.8% in 2022 amid a widespread crackdown on gang violence.

Bukele also built new prisons because the number of criminals were in the tens of thousands. Many out-of-touch human rights advocates and civil rights activists in the United States and other countries have denounced Bukele for sweeping up innocent people in the gang crackdowns, further alleging that some gang members have been denied basic human rights. ARENA and the FMLN conveniently joined forces to denounce Bukele as a dictator. Some relatives of gang members, who've benefited from the criminal activity and extortions, also have attacked Bukele. Did these family members cry or protest when their relatives chopped off the hands and heads of some of their victims? No. Some of these criminals even recorded their gruesome, sadistic and wicked actions.

Recently, Bukele appointed Colombian national Andres Guzman Caballero to be his presidential commissioner for human rights in El Salvador. This is a smart political move, since Bukele does need to recognize that, in some cases, human rights violations may occur. We hope that Andres Guzman Caballero can serve independently and effectively, in order to safeguard the human rights of innocent individuals who may become victims of rumors, false accusations, or profiling due to having tattoos or a shaved head .

Bukele is not just a hero in El Salvador, he is now a hero throughout Latin America, and even among Salvadoran Americans residing throughout the United States. The Salvadoran diaspora residing in Canada, Italy, Spain and Australia also overwhelmingly supports Bukele.

The FMLNs biggest error was to kick Bukele out of the party. He was its most talented supporter. Now he is the biggest headache for ARENA, the FMLN and the corrupt special interests that would love to continue exploiting Salvadorans.

Bukele has leadership qualities similar to those of Fidel Castro, Patrice Lumumba , Fela Kuti , Miguel Larreynaga and Simon Bolivar . Bukele goes against the grain and he is no puppet. If the haters and his enemies do not murder him, he may achieve what the great 19th century Central American statesman Francisco Morazan wanted  a united Central America. Morazan served as president of the United Provinces of Central America from 1830 to 1840. He was self-educated and a natural leader, who eventually was betrayed and murdered by his enemies in 1840.

Bukeles dream of uniting Central America may sound too idealistic or far-fetched, but it is dreamers and visionaries who usually make transformative change. What Bukele is saying is that we are in a post-colonial era and that El Salvador can and should be free from U.S. intervention in Salvadoran internal political affairs. Bukele is much more than a populist leader; he is a pragmatic leader who speaks and is able to capture the hearts and minds of millions of Salvadorans and non-Salvadorans throughout the world. He is a free and independent thinker who cannot be bought.

Now, finally, millions of Salvadorans can walk the streets and live in peace due to Bukeles firm, effective safety measures. Some supporters even dare to say that the modern-day Divine Savior of El Salvador is named Nayib Armando Bukele, El libertador de su pueblo.

Randy Jurado Ertll is a teacher and nonfiction and fiction writer in Southern California, and author of the novel " The Lives and Times of El Cipitio ."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Even as unprecedented wildfires hamper Canadian oil drilling, fossil fuel firms are seeking to boost production by 8 percent over the next two years.

The industry aims to increase its output by 375,000 barrels a day, a bigger uptick in production than was seen over the last five years, Reuters reported. The planned expansion stands at odds with Canadas climate goals, and it comes as the country battles massive wildfires that scientists say have been made worse by the burning of fossil fuels.

Smoke from wildfires in Canada's Northwest Territories. Burned woodlands are gray, while unburned woodlands are green. NASA

The summers intense heat dries vegetation, making it flammable and faster to catch fire, said Guillermo Rein, a professor of fire science at Imperial College London. There have always been wildfires in Canada, but climate change is making them larger, faster, and harder to stop.

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A new analysis finds that human-caused climate change made the hot, dry conditions that fed fires in eastern Canada twice as likely. So far this year, fires have burned an area the size of Alabama and forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes.

ALSO ON YALE E360

The Age of Megafires: The World Hits a Climate Tipping Point
Smoke from the Head fire  the most active of the Happy Camp complex  blankets the closed State Route 96 in the Klamath National Forest. (Billy Shakespeare / Caltrans District 2)

Wildfires burning in the Klamath National Forest near the California-Oregon border have killed one person, scorched at least nine homes, blanketed valleys in thick smoke and prompted evacuation orders affecting hundreds of residents.

The Happy Camp Complex has scorched at least 11,616 acres and was 4% contained as of Wednesday morning, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The complex is made up of several fires; the largest, the Head fire, has torched at least 6,419 acres. The other fires include the Canyon, Three Creeks, Elliot, Swillup, Ufish, Malone, Den, Townsend, Block, Gold, Scott and Lake.

The fires were sparked by relatively dry thunderstorms that moved across the Klamath National Forest on Aug. 14, bringing abundant lightning that ignited about 20 fires, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

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Ken Lee Oliver, 71, of Scott Bar was found dead Aug. 16 at about 2:23 a.m. in the driveway of his home on Roxbury Drive after the area was evacuated due to the Head fire, according to the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office.

The investigation is ongoing; an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Mike Lindbery, a spokesperson with the fire's incident management team, confirmed that the death occurred before the team arrived Thursday. The nine residences were destroyed in the initial phases of the fire in the area of Scott Bar.

As of Wednesday morning, 755 people were ordered to be evacuated and 1,609 structures were threatened, according to Cal Fire. An evacuation center has been set up at the Kahtishraam Wellness Center in Yreka. Residents can see evacuation orders in effect here.

Read more: Five years after the Camp fire, Paradise survivors see a hard future for Maui

Emergency closure orders for parts of the Klamath National Forest include a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, which is closed between Etna Summit and the Oregon border.

Fire crews have contained 5% of the Head fire as of Wednesday morning and are building fire lines to the west and south from Collins Baldy Lookout, according to Cal Fire. Crews have also been taking advantage of a rise in the relative humidity overnight to 80% to 90%, using the wet conditions to construct fire lines along the edge of the blazes while fire activity was minimal.

Vegetation and brush are expected to dry out over the next few days, and the fires are expected to become more active as drier air moves into the region.

The Block and Townsend fires have been 100% contained, while the Den fire is 95% contained. The Gold fire has reached 40% containment; the Scott fire is at 35%. Fire crews were starting work on the eastern edge of the Swillup fire Wednesday while drones were expected to check for heat in the Canyon, Three Creeks, Elliot and Swillup fires.

Read more: Bodies of 18 people found in an area of a major wildfire in Greece

Crews have prepared structures along Highway 96 for fire defense as the fires on the west side are backing down to the highway, according to Cal Fire. The highway is currently closed, as debris and rocks have rolled onto the highway in the area of Dillon Creek. A tactical firing operation was planned for Wednesday night to bring the fire down to Highway 96.

Smoke from the wildfires, as well as several others burning in Oregon, has blanketed the far northern reaches of California and wide swaths of Oregon. The air quality index for the Scott Bar community was 190 on Wednesday afternoon, putting it at unhealthy levels, according to AirNow. People with lung or heart disease, children, older adults and teens are advised to avoid exposure by reducing time spent outdoors.

Another group of wildfires, the Smith River Complex, ignited Aug. 15 after about 150 lightning strikes sparked at least 27 blazes, according to officials. The fires have scorched at least 47,277 acres as of Wednesday and were 0% contained.

The fires have spread across the Smith River National Recreation Area, and the closest community is Gasquet, in Del Norte County, where evacuation orders are in place.

The Smith River Complex is burning in rugged terrain with limited access for fire crews, according to the incident management team. Although much of California had an exceptionally wet winter, the area where the fires are burning in the far north saw below-average rainfall, leaving vegetation unseasonably dry and susceptible to fire.

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.
Fulton County, Ga., District Attorney Fani Willis (D) on Wednesday urged a judge to reject two of former President Trumps co-defendants attempts to block their arrests.

Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark have mounted efforts to prevent Willis from arresting them if they dont voluntarily surrender by her Friday deadline.

Both men are seeking a pause as they attempt to move their charges from state court to federal court, with the hopes of asserting constitutional immunity and other defenses to get their counts dismissed.

The defendant has failed to demonstrate he has suffered irreparable harm warranting federal intervention in his case and has cited no authority authorizing this Court to prevent his lawful arrest, Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney F. McDonald Wakeford responded in court filings to Meadows on Wednesday.

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The hardship facing the defendant is no different than any other criminal defendant charged with a crime, including his co-defendants who have either already surrendered to Fulton County Authorities or have agreed to so surrender in the time allotted by the District Attorney, Wakeford continued.

Responding to Clarks request, Williss office called it an apparent misread of the applicable statutes, a misapprehension of the binding caselaw, and a fundamental misunderstanding of criminal procedureboth state and federal.

Willis charged Meadows, Clark, Trump and 16 others in state court last week over alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

After the grand jury voted on the indictment, Meadows quickly filed a notice to move his charges to federal court. Clark followed days later, along with another co-defendant, David Shafer.

Shafer has surrendered voluntarily, but Clark and Meadows went a step further Tuesday and asked a federal judge to prevent their arrests.

In essence, the defendants emergency motion is a plea to this Court to prevent the defendant from being arrested on the charges lawfully brought by the State of Georgia, Williss office responded in Meadowss case. Despite the Defendants attempts to characterize the request as a temporary pause, it is a request that the routine processing and handling of a criminal matter in the State system be dictated by federal authority. Such a request is improper.

Meadows has a Monday hearing scheduled for which court his case should proceed in. But Willis declined to extend her Friday surrender deadline for Meadows, indicating she planned to immediately issue an arrest warrant if he does not appear, court filings show.

To protect him from being arrested, Meadows asked the judge to immediately permit his case to move ahead in federal court without the hearing. Alternatively, he asked for an order preventing his arrest before he heads to court Monday.

Absent this Courts intervention, Mr. Meadows will be denied the protection from arrest that federal law affords former federal officials, and this Courts prompt but orderly consideration of removal will be frustrated, Meadows attorney, John Moran, wrote in court filings.

Clarks request is legally distinct from the one from Meadows, however.

Meadows is attempting to move only the charges against him to federal court. Clark is trying to move to federal court the charges and the special purpose grand jury, which previously heard evidence in the probe and recommended charges. Those jurors, however, did not vote on the indictment.

Clark claims the special grand jury was technically a civil proceeding, not criminal.

When a party lodges an attempt to move their civil case to federal court, the state proceedings are automatically paused. But if it is criminal, the state proceedings continue until the judge determines the case should move ahead in federal court.

Clark argues that means the state proceedings and arrests should have been automatically paused when he filed his move attempt. Alternatively, he asked the judge to block his arrest on the same legal grounds as Meadows.

The [special purpose grand jury] Proceedings were used as an investigative tool and as a lead-in to the criminal charges and the two sets of proceedings are thus inextricably linked to one another, Clarks attorney, Harry MacDougald, wrote in court filings.

Williss office responded by saying the effort misunderstands fundamental tenets of criminal law and procedure.

The theory the defendant advances could charitably be characterized as unusual, wrote Wakeford.

Updated 3:37 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
If you win big at a casino, how much do you actually get to keep?

After an eventful summer in the gambling sphere  with Gov. Roy Cooper legalizing sports betting, a new casino opening up just across the North Carolina border and a rezoning controversy in Rockingham County to potentially build a casino  we wanted to learn more about how gambling winnings are taxed.

The News & Observer spoke with Nathan Goldman, an NC State associate professor of accounting, to learn how Uncle Sam taxes casino winnings  and how they need to be reported to the Internal Revenue Service.

How much do you pocket if you win big at the casino?

A big win, according to the federal government, is anything over $5,000. If you win anything more than that, the casino will automatically deduct 24% of your earnings.

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If you win more than $5,000, the government knows you made that money, and the casino will automatically hand you 76% of it. For an even example, if you win a $10,000 jackpot, youre going home with $7,600, Goldman said.

Heres the breakdown:

 Winning $0.01 to $599.99: The IRS does not require you to report income under $600, Goldman said. Still, you should report all income  and casino earnings are considered income.

North Carolinas tax rate is 4.75%, meaning you would owe $4.75 on a $100 win.

 Winning $600.00 to $4,999.99: You are required to report any earnings over $600 to the IRS. You are required to collect these records yourself and report it as income, then pay the states 4.75% tax on it.

If you win $3,000, for example, you would get $142.50 deducted and pocket $2,857.50.

If your winnings are within this range, the payer is required to issue you a Form W-2G, which is a gambling-specific tax form. The $600 reporting threshold is new as of this year.

 Winning $5,000 or more: The casino automatically deducts 24% and hands you the remaining 76%.

Some taxpayers pay a higher rate than 24%, so at the end of the year, you have to make up the difference. But if you have a lower tax rate, you actually get a refund at the end of the year, Goldman said.

Note: Large casino winnings change your income, which can also change your tax rate.

Caesars Sportsbook at Harrahs Cherokee Casino in Cherokee, N.C. is currently one of two places in North Carolina where a legal sports wager can be made. But that could soon change under a bill that passed the N.C. House on March 28, 2023 that would legalize sports wagering in the state.

If youre an NC resident, do you pay NC taxes on out-of-state casino winnings?

No. You pay the states tax rate of the casino in which you earned money, Goldman said.

North Carolina residents gambling at the new Danville Caesars Casino, located in Virginia but very close to the state border, will need to pay Virginias tax rate.

Virginias rates are more progressive than North Carolinas, Goldman said, with the top tax bracket of 5.75%. But earlier earnings in the state are taxed at a lower rate than that.

Its a little complicated when trying to compare it to a flat tax rate of 4.75% in North Carolina, he said.

A rendering of the new Caesars casino complex in Danville, Virginia.

Can you deduct casino losses on your taxes?

Yes, but there are some rules to keep in mind.

 Rule #1: You can only deduct losses if you have already won.

Most of us go to the casinos and lose money, so you dont get some tax benefit because you lost money at the casino, Goldman said.

You get a tax benefit if you win money one time but lose money a lot of times. And winning money one time is a rarity.

 Rule #2: Your losses cannot exceed your winnings.

Remember you would rather win and pay taxes on that, not lose more money. Even if youre at the top 37% tax rate, if you win $10,000, youre still taking home $6,300, Goldman said.

If you win $10,000 and keep gambling for the purposes of tax deductions, you can win $10,000 and then lose $10,000, and then you take home nothing. I like to tell my students that youd rather win something than lose nothing.

 Rule #3: After you win a huge jackpot, (almost) anything lost afterwards is tax-deductible.

Lets say someone wins an astronomical jackpot, like $1 million. The casino takes 24%, so youre pocketing $760,000. Youre likely not going to gamble that much money, Goldman said.

If you gamble $100,000 away after that huge win, thats a $100,000 tax deduction. So winning the huge jackpot, as rare as it is, has other major perks.

Gaming machines sit in the new high limit section of Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain, N.C., Wednesday, June 1, 2022.

What do I need to provide the IRS to deduct gambling losses?

You may deduct gambling losses only if you itemize your deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040) and keep a record of your winnings and losses. Heres how you need to do that:

You must keep an accurate diary or similar record of your losses and winnings for the purposes of filing your taxes. The diary should include:

The date and type of your specific wager or wagering activity.

The name and address or location of the gambling establishment.

The names of other persons present with you at the gambling establishment.

The amount(s) you won or lost.

You should also have additional documentation as further proof. This can include:

Form W-2G: Certain Gambling Winnings

Form 5754: Statement by Person(s) Receiving Gambling Winnings

Wagering tickets

Canceled checks

Substitute checks

Credit records

Bank withdrawals

Statements of actual winnings or payment slips provided to you by the gambling establishment

For specific wagering transactions, the following items should be used to support winnings and losses:

Keno : Copies of the keno tickets you purchased that were validated by the gambling establishment, copies of your casino credit records, and copies of your casino check-cashing records.

Slot machines : A record of the machine number and all winnings by date and time the machine was played.

Table games : Such as twenty-one (blackjack), craps, poker, baccarat, roulette, wheel of fortune, etc. The number of the table at which you were playing. Casino credit card data indicating whether the credit was issued in the pit or at the cashiers cage.

Bingo : A record of the number of games played, cost of tickets purchased, and amounts collected on winning tickets. Supplemental records include any receipts from the casino, parlor, etc.

Racing : Such as horse, harness, dog, etc. A record of the races, amounts of wagers, amounts collected on winning tickets, and amounts lost on losing tickets. Supplemental records include unredeemed tickets and payment records from the racetrack.

Lotteries: A record of ticket purchases, dates, winnings, and losses. Supplemental records include unredeemed tickets, payment slips, and winnings statements.

Source: irs.gov/publications/p529

Sports betting legalized in NC: What you need to know about law changes

We checked out the new casino thats 90 minutes from the Triangle. Heres your guide
Although former President Donald Trump is expected to post bond Thursday in Fulton Country related to charges under Georgias racketeering and corrupt organizations statutes, one right-wing pundit has a devious suggestion: Dont pay the $200,000 and just stay in jail.

Conservative commentator Dan Bongino made the seemingly strange suggestion on his podcast Tuesday, but said hes not trying to make Trump suffer, just Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

It may sound like a crazy idea, but, folks, were living in crazy times. And crazy times require crazy, bold approaches, Bongino said, before declaring that Willis wants to be a smart ass tyrant little socialist communist, an insult that doesnt really make sense except as red meat to his audience.

Bongino then explained why Trump should be willing to go to jail rather than post bond.

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You gonna jail him? he said. Lets elect our first political prisoner. Go ahead. Go to jail.

Bongino said that if Trump were to opt for jail rather posting bond, his Secret Service detail would be able to shut the entire jail down, and well see how long youre willing to keep this charade going.

Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, then cited statutes that he claimed gave the Secret Service an absolute federal authority supremacy clause that allowed to declare anything a federally protected area  even a prison cell.

He said that an entire prison wing could be cleared out so that Trump might not see another human being other than Secret Service agents.

Bongino said Trump supporters should protest at the jail every day the former president, who was charged with more than a dozen felonies in Georgia earlier this month and faces multiple criminal cases elsewhere, is there.

Dont post the bond, he reiterated. Make them put you in jail and make them show America their asses and show America who they really are.

You can see Bongino make his case in the video below.

Dan Bongino (@dbongino) makes a GREAT point on why it might be a good idea for President Trump NOT to post bail.



Put on the pressure!



Take a listen: pic.twitter.com/xUmWjNHII7  Ryan Fournier (@RyanAFournier) August 23, 2023

Some people agreed with Bongino, and hoped Trump would go through with it, in part for the fundraising opportunities, and, of course, to own the libs.

Dan Bongino out there playing 4D chess today. Can u imagine how many T-shirts would sell with an orange jumpsuit on? https://t.co/pEMOaWnVhP  Matt Kim (@MattAttack009_) August 23, 2023

Hmm, yes. Dont post bail!



Have the Secret Service take over the jail to protect the president. It would be EPIC! https://t.co/0FHk41NCRJ  Wendy Rogers (@WendyRogersAZ) August 23, 2023

But if Bongino thought his suggestion would anger never Trumpers, he was sadly mistaken.

In fact, many people were amused at Bonginos notion that self-proclaimed germophobe Trump could handle being behind bars for a single day.

The funny part of this plan hes floating for Trump to remain in jail and refuse to post bond to prove a point is that they actually believe their soft, pampered, weak hero could handle a single day in jail. pic.twitter.com/f4yAluVHTQ  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) August 23, 2023

Others piled on ....

Lock him up!!! Im all over that. Lets get a chorus of Far Right Fanatics bellowing, Lock Him Up. https://t.co/mSpWr7JYyE  Bruce Madonna (@BruceMadonna) August 23, 2023

Donald Trump willingly spend time in jail???  https://t.co/7IGy2qurSH  kathy hurley (@hurlgirl) August 23, 2023

So Dipshit Bongino says Trump shouldnt post bail and go to jail so they can elect their first Political Prisoner. I shit you not. https://t.co/tiCKNWUVi4  Kevan Young (@KevanYoung2) August 23, 2023

Have you guys ever watch the movie, "The Shawshank Redemption" (1994)? They place bets as to who breaks on the first night and cries like a baby... Imagine a man who takes a dump on a golden toilet and eats fast food like it's going out of style.. he will fold like a cheap two https://t.co/uu7EIk3vxlpic.twitter.com/FZ0zNjDCOm  Angel (Ask the Chief) (@DavilaAngelsd1) August 23, 2023

For me the crazy part is that they knew trump was a low life white collar criminal but they voted him into the WH anyways. Did they really think that trump was gonna get away with crime after crime without facing consequences?!!  https://t.co/EVB01a7EXFpic.twitter.com/1lMcImrL7E   SNR   (@IslandGirlPRV) August 23, 2023

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Aldis acquisition of Winn-Dixie could put the discount grocery chain in contention for the second most grocery stores in the Orlando area, but how many stores will actually be changed is not yet known.

Illinois-based Aldi already has more than 40 stores in Orange, Seminole, Lake, Osceola and Volusia counties, with Jacksonville-based Winn-Dixie clocking in with about 30.

Lakeland-based Publix, meanwhile, dwarfs its competitors with more than 175 in those counties. Walmart has more than 60, which means how many Winn-Dixie stores convert to Aldi locations could determine Orlandos second-largest grocer by store count.

Winn-Dixie stores tend to be in older parts of town and Aldi stores in areas that have grown, said Justin Greider, a senior vice president and Florida retail lead at real estate firm JLL.

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Theres a really cohesive nature to the merger between the two, Greider said. Its going to allow Aldi to capture the scale of Winn-Dixies footprint  and meet a more value-oriented customers needs in a better way.

The lack of overlap is because Aldi came to Florida just 15 years ago and Winn-Dixie hasnt added many stores in recent years, Greider said.

The move cements an Orlando grocery store scene divided by premium shopping locations such as Publix or Whole Foods and stores more for bargain shoppers like Aldi and Walmart.

The conventional supermarket, except for Publix, has been disappearing, said retired supermarket analyst David Livingston. His background is in analyzing competition for grocery chains and market research on new store locations.

Consumers have been spending more on nicer items and experiences and less on commodity items since the Great Recession, Greider said. Those trends became amplified after the coronavirus pandemic.

Winn-Dixie was sort of left in the middle, and anything in the middle was squished, Greider said.

Aldi, meanwhile, has been growing its low-price brand, where customers must bring their own bags or buy reusable ones at the store, saving the grocer the cost of plastic bags.

Customers must also use a quarter to unlock their shopping carts. The 25 cents is returned when the cart is brought back, so Aldi doesnt have to hire more workers to gather them up.

The time was right to build on our growth momentum and help residents in the Southeast save on their grocery bills, CEO Jason Hart said in a news release last week. The transaction supports our long-term growth strategy across the United States, including plans to add 120 new stores nationwide this year to reach a total of more than 2,400 stores by year-end.

Across the Southeast, Publix has 1,350 stores, with 859 in Florida. Aldi has 209 in Florida, with eight more expected to open by the end of the year.

Hart said Aldi would continue operating Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket, also acquired from Jacksonville-based Southeastern Grocers, as it evaluates which stores will become Aldi locations.

Customer need, availability of other grocery options, traffic patterns and population density will be factors in the multi-year conversion, an unsigned statement from Aldi said.

Livingston, however, doesnt think Aldi will run Winn-Dixie stores long term, citing Aldis smaller locations and the struggles Winn-Dixie has faced over the years, such as its parent companys bankruptcy in 2018.

Aldi does not want to be operating big grocery stores, Livingston said. Thats not what they do.

Livingston pointed to Aldis 2015 acquisition of 66 Bottom Dollar stores. According to a report at the time in Supermarket News, 30 of those stores were planned to reopen under the Aldi banner while the rest were planned to be sold or subleased.

The deal for Winn-Dixie is bigger, with Aldi gaining 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores.

The Winn-Dixie stores that become Aldi locations will likely be made to fit Aldis smaller footprint, Greider and Livingston both said.

Greider said the two Orlando Luckys stores Aldi took over after that chain closed in Central Florida were downsized.

Historically, Aldi has been very focused on maintaining their exact prototype, Greider said. I would be surprised if they convert a Winn-Dixie to an Aldi and dont convert the size to match the typical Aldi prototype.
FILE - Janet Protasiewicz speaks after being sworn in as a Wisconsin Supreme Court justice, Aug. 1, 2023, in Madison, Wis. Republicans who control the Wisconsin Legislature have asked that Protasiewicz not hear lawsuits seeking to overturn GOP-drawn district boundary maps, saying she has prejudged the cases. Republicans argue in their motions filed Wednesday, Aug. 23 with the Wisconsin Supreme Court that Protasiewicz cant fairly hear the cases because during her campaign for the seat earlier this year she called the Republican-drawn maps unfair and rigged and said there needs to be a fresh look at the gerrymandering question. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Republicans who control the Wisconsin Legislature asked that the newest Democratic-backed justice on the state Supreme Court recuse herself from lawsuits seeking to overturn GOP-drawn electoral maps, arguing that she has prejudged the cases.

Republicans argue in their motions filed with the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday and made public Wednesday that Justice Janet Protasiewicz can't fairly hear the cases because during her campaign for the seat earlier this year she called the Republican-drawn maps unfair and rigged and said there needs to be a fresh look at the gerrymandering question.

Justice Protasiewiczs campaign statements reveal that her thumb is very much on the scale in this case, Republicans argue in their motion with the court.

Protasiewicz, who was backed by Democrats in her winning election in April, never said how she would rule on a redistricting lawsuit. She never committed to recusing herself from hearing the case. Her win gave liberals a 4-3 majority on the court.

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Protasiewicz did promise to recuse herself from any case brought by the Wisconsin Democratic Party because it donated nearly $10 million to her campaign. There are two pending redistricting lawsuits, neither of which was brought by the Democratic Party.

However, the Republican-led Legislature argues that because Democrats would benefit from a redrawing of the maps, Protasiewicz must recuse herself from hearing the case. Staying on the case would violate Republicans' constitutional due process rights, they argue.

Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has said that if Protasiewicz does not recuse herself from the redistricting case, he would look into pursuing her impeachment. Republicans have a two-thirds majority in the state Senate, which would be enough votes to remove Protasiewicz from office should the Assembly vote to impeach. However, her replacement would be named by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.

Protasiewicz began her 10-year term in August. That week, two similar redistricting lawsuits were filed. The Legislature is seeking to intervene in both lawsuits and have Protasiewicz recuse herself from both.

Protasiewicz declined to comment when asked for her reaction to the request and whether she would step away from the cases.

I appreciate your interest in the Wisconsin Supreme Court, she said via email. I do not wish to comment, but thank you very much for reaching out to me.

Attorneys who brought the two redistricting cases had no immediate comment.

Wisconsins Assembly districts rank among the most gerrymandered nationally, with Republicans routinely winning far more seats than would be expected based on their average share of the vote, according to an Associated Press analysis.

Both lawsuits ask that all 132 state lawmakers be up for election that year in newly drawn districts. In Senate districts that are midway through a four-year term in 2024, there would be a special election, with the winners serving two years. The regular four-year cycle would resume again in 2026.

One lawsuit was filed on behalf of voters who support Democrats by Law Forward, a Madison-based liberal law firm, the Stafford Rosenbaum law firm, Election Law Clinic at Harvard Law School, Campaign Legal Center, and the Arnold & Porter law firm.

The other case was brought by voters who support Democratic candidates and several members of the Citizen Mathematicians and Scientists. That group of professors and research scientists submitted proposed legislative maps in 2022, before the state Supreme Court adopted the Republican-drawn ones.
Former President Donald Trump s shadow is already looming over the first Republican presidential debate Wednesday.

But Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel wants the night to be about issues, not the elephant in the room.

I really do hope that its a policy-driven debate, and that these candidates have a chance to show who they are and what they stand for on huge issues that we have facing our country, McDaniel told POLITICO in an interview on the eve of the most highly anticipated event of the campaign so far.



The stage for Wednesdays debate in Milwaukee is set. Eight candidates met the RNCs strict requirements to earn a podium, though Trump, the current frontrunner, has said he wont show up. McDaniel, who has publicly and privately implored the former president to make an appearance, wishes that werent the case.

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I think its important that we talk to the American people, and I believe the general election starts now, as we contrast our party with Joe Biden even while were competing to receive that nomination for our primary, McDaniel said.

McDaniel was unwilling to say whether Trumps snub amounted to his hiding from the media, calling the move a calculus by his campaign, given his wide lead in the polls.

Though there were calls from one RNC member to require all qualified participants to debate in order to be eligible for the nomination, its too late to change the rules to force Trumps hand.

I dont think thats going to happen, McDaniel said, adding that it could be something RNC members discuss down the road.

Weve had candidates skip debates. That can be part of their strategy, McDaniel said.

For now, the RNC chair has her hands full with challenges from candidates who didnt qualify to be onstage Wednesday at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Long-shot Republican hopefuls Perry Johnson, Will Hurd and Francis Suarez  who all were on the cusp of hitting the debate polling thresholds  found out late Monday night that the show would go on without them. Larry Elder, who was farther from threshold than the other three candidates, was also left off the list. Elder and Johnson are now threatening legal action against the RNC.

McDaniel isnt worried about the legal threats.

I have nothing against all four of these candidates. They are far better than Joe Biden, McDaniel said. But the rules are the rules. We were very clear about it. We applied them equally to every candidate. And unfortunately, they fell short for this debate.

Hurd, a former Texas Congressmember, voiced frustration during an interview with POLITICO about the polling demands and criticized the RNCs decision not to explicitly specify which polls would count toward debate qualification.

But McDaniel shot down that criticism.

We put forth metrics that we felt would create good polling, she said.

I dont think many people woke up today surprised that these four candidates didnt make the stage, McDaniel added later. And I hope they do well, but you got to say, Well, maybe I shouldnt have gotten in as late as I did. Maybe I should have gotten in earlier. I would have had a longer runway to get the polling that I needed. I mean, its not easy when you have zero name ID to get to 1 percent in three national polls.
The threat of perjury charges and a government-led push for a Mar-a-Lago worker to consult with a new attorney led him to retract prior testimony and formed the basis for the superseding indictment of former President Trump and others involved in the probe.

Yuscil Taveras, a Mar-a-Lago IT worker, has previously been identified as the employee who flipped, teeing up additional charges for Trump and his valet Walt Nauta as well as property manager Carlos De Oliveira as part of an alleged effort to delete security footage.

But a Tuesday filing detailing special counsel Jack Smiths use of the Washington, D.C., grand jury provided more of the backstory on Taverass decision and highlights the potential value of getting Mar-a-Lago employees to speak with lawyers not paid for by Trump.

It also details the governments role in prompting Taverass change in attorney as Smith is currently engaged in a battle to have Nauta and De Oliveira similarly review the potential conflicts of their attorneys.

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Taveras was initially represented by Stanley Woodward, who represents Nauta in the case as well as several other Mar-a-Lago employees. But he immediately retracted prior false statements after speaking with a court-appointed attorney.

The threat of perjury charges for Taveras were entirely due to his false sworn denial before the grand jury in the District of Columbia that he had information about obstructive acts that would implicate Nauta (and others).

Prosecutors requested a so-called Garcia hearing to review Woodwards representation of Taveras, identified as Trump Employee 4 in court documents, shortly after informing him he was a target in their investigation.

The target letter to Trump Employee 4 crystallized a conflict of interest arising from Mr. Woodwards concurrent representation of Trump Employee 4 and Nauta. Advising Trump Employee 4 to correct his sworn testimony would result in testimony incriminating Mr. Woodwards other client, Nauta; but permitting Trump Employee 4s false testimony to stand uncorrected would leave Trump Employee 4 exposed to criminal charges for perjury, prosecutors wrote.

A D.C.-based judge granted the Justice Department request, and Taveras swiftly chose to remain represented by a public defender.

Immediately after receiving new counsel, Trump Employee 4 retracted his prior false testimony and provided information that implicated Nauta, De Oliveira, and Trump in efforts to delete security camera footage, as set forth in the superseding indictment, the DOJ wrote.

The filing details that prosecutors were using a D.C.-based grand jury in the Mar-a-Lago case as recently as Aug. 17, though they likewise presented evidence to a Florida grand jury before seeking an indictment there.

The discussion comes after Woodward raised questions over prosecutors use of the D.C. grand jury  something they note he did not contest when they first raised concerns with Taveras.

Smiths team has since requested two more Garcia hearings to review conflicts in the case.

Woodwards ongoing representation of Nauta comes as he is also representing at least seven other individuals who have been questioned in connection with the investigation, the DOJ wrote earlier this month, including those it may call as witnesses against Nauta.

Prosecutors have likewise requested a hearing for De Oliveiras attorney John Irving, noting he still represents three witnesses in the case, which they say raises the possibility that he might be in the position of cross-examining current clients.

In both cases, the DOJ has asked not only for a hearing but for the court to bring in outside attorneys who could advise Nauta and De Oliveira.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A 37-year-old woman was arrested on Monday after police in Franklin, North Carolina, said she falsely reported her murder while she was actually in a neighboring town.

Margaret Frances Maggie Elizabeth Sweeney was arrested on suspicion of causing a false report to a police station after she made anonymous third-party false reports to a friend and the Department of Social Services last Friday claiming that she had been murdered, the Franklin Police Department announced.

A photo of Margaret Frances

A photo of Margaret Frances "Maggie" Elizabeth Sweeney, via Franklin Police.

According to an arrest warrant obtained by HuffPost, Sweeney is accused of misleading a friend and a DSS agent by posing as someone else through a text messaging app, prompting both the friend and the agent to report to police that an unknown suspect had beaten her to death with a tire iron.

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According to the arrest warrant, Franklin police immediately began their investigation after Sweeney was reported missing on Aug. 18 and spent a combined 75 hours searching for her, believing she was either endangered, dead or kidnapped. The Franklin Police Department also circulated her photo and listed her as a missing person on Facebook.

Sweeney was located safe the next day in a nearby town, according to police. She is also accused of resisting police after she was found.

Sweeneys actions caused our department, as well as other departments, many hours of work which could have been spent on other matters, Franklin police said. Family, friends, and the community as a whole were also very concerned and worried about Sweeneys welfare.

The district attorney for Macon County did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

It wasnt immediately clear if Sweeney had an attorney. She is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 7, local station WLOS reported, and faces three misdemeanor charges.

Related...
Police rescued a captive woman who was chained to the floor of a Kentucky home last week.

The trapped woman was saved after she busted out a window of the home and called out for help, court documents say.

Authorities arrested a 36-year-old man in connection with the imprisonment two days later.

A woman who was held captive and chained to the floor of a Kentucky home managed to bust out a window and yell before authorities ultimately saved her, according to a police report.

Body camera footage released this week by the Louisville Metro Police Department shows the frantic moments after officers arrived at the two-story home where the woman was trapped on August 16.

Concerned neighbors had reported someone screaming for help, police said in a statement.

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The main door of the home was barricaded, forcing officers to use a ladder to climb to the second-floor broken window of the house. Once inside, they found a sobbing woman with a large chain around her neck that was secured with a padlock and bolted to the floor with screws, the video shows.

Police used a hatchet to free the woman, who was then treated by medics.

Two days later, the Louisville Metro Police Department arrested a 36-year-old man on a slew of charges including kidnapping, assault, and harassment, records show.

He has pleaded not guilty in connection to the charges. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney representing him.

According to an arrest citation obtained by Insider, the two got into an argument on August 14 that turned physical, with police alleging the man grabbed the woman and held her down "while he used a machete to cut off a majority of her hair."

The woman was "slapped around" before she fled the home, the report says. When she returned again on August 16 to get her belongings, police said the suspect chained her up and threatened to kill her, according to the arrest report.

"By leaving the victim chained up in the house with no way of calling for help or leaving," the suspect "manifested an extreme indifference to the value of human life by engaging in conduct that created a risk of serious physical injury or death to the victim," says the arrest report.

"The victim was able to bust open a window and scream for help," the report adds.

The Louisville Metro Police Department said in a statement that it hopes the arrest "will offer some type of relief" to the woman officers rescued.

Read the original article on Insider
A worker was flown to a Boston hospital after an industrial accident at a Holliston business Tuesday night.

Fust responders from both Holliston and Ashland were dispatched to a business on Lowland Street just before 10:00 p.m., according to the Holliston Fire Department.

A MedFlight helicopter was called in due to the severe nature of the workers injuries. The injured worker was boarded onto the helicopter at Stoddard Park before being flown to Brigham and Womens Hospital.

The incident is under investigation by the Holliston Police Department.

Thanks also to our mutual aid partners from Medway Fire Department and Hopkinton FF Local 3772 who handled two concurrent medical emergencies elsewhere in town, Holliston Fire wrote on Facebook.

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.

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Over 200 ships are currently stuck in a massive traffic jam in the Panama Canal.

The situation is so bad that some ship operators are paying multiple times the toll just to pass.

The US is the largest user of the Panama Canal, so the bottleneck could hit holiday shipping.

The world's worst traffic jam is at the Panama Canal, where hundreds of massive ships are stuck due to a serious drought that reduced water levels.

The traffic jam is so bad that ships have paid multiple times the toll to pass through. Vessels that are stuck are mostly bulk cargo ships or gas carriers, according to the "Today" show.

"We had two ships that couldn't book, and it was quite expensive," Lars Oestergaard Nielsen, Maersk's head of customer delivery in the Americas, told the Wall Street Journal on Friday. "We went to an auction and paid $900,000 on top of $400,000 normal toll fee for each ship to cross." That's over three times the typical toll.

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Some ship operators may be willing to pay that much because ships have been waiting about four days on average compared to just over a day in June, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing data from Clarksons Research Services, a maritime consultancy.

Maersk told Insider the situation at the Panama Canal has affected the operations of its largest vessels on the Asia-East Coast route. It is taking measures such as deploying additional vessels and securing the required transit slots to cope with the impact.

Over 200 ships are currently stuck in a major traffic jam on either side of the Panama Canal, according to data from project44, a supply chain platform, reviewed by Insider's Rebecca Cohen. Some ships have been trapped for more than three weeks.

On Tuesday, Reuters posted a photo on X, formerly Twitter, that appears to show dozens of ships lined up and waiting.

The bottleneck in the Panama Canal could affect upcoming Christmas stock levels and supply chains because 40% of US container traffic passes through the waterway, according to a Tuesday report from Container xChange, a logistics platform.

The canal is especially important for US shippers on their way to the Gulf and East Coast ports.

The US is also the largest user of the Panama Canal, accounting for 70% of the waterway's traffic, per Container xChange.

The Panama Canal Authority did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider sent outside regular business hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
CANYON  The West Texas A&M University Police Department reported an incident involving domestic violence and aggravated assault on campus Tuesday evening.

According to a news release, the University Police Department responded to an incident that occurred on campus near Zone 13 around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22. The incident was reported to be a domestic dispute involving an individual believed to be under the influence.

Police said the individual suspected of being under the influence was also suspected of being involved in a hit and run, evading arrest, and assaulting a peace officer.

Crime victim rights and options were provided. Title IX is aware of the reported incidents. No further information was available.

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"WTAMU and the University Police strongly encourage everyone to use good judgement and be an active player in your own safety," a news release states. Review the following prevention strategies related to fighting, arguments, and abusive relationships:

Verbal provocation alone is not justification to assault a person

Do not provoke others with words or actions

Assaultive abuse may be physical, emotional and/or verbal..

Assaultive abuse may include damaging property, throwing objects, punching walls, etc.

How to help:

Bystanders play a critical role in the prevention of sexual and relationship violence. Make the choice to intervene, speak up, or do something about it.

Believe someone who discloses sexual assault, abusive behavior, or experience with stalking.

Watch out for friends and fellow students or employees who look like they could be in trouble or need help. Ask if they are ok.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: WT police report domestic dispute on campus, officer assault
President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Chinas Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao attend the 2023 Brics Summit (AFP via Getty Images)

Chinas president Xi Jinping surprisingly withdrew from addressing the Brics Summit in South Africa where world leaders of the economic bloc gave their own speeches on Tuesday.

Mr Xi reached Johannesburg on Monday to attend the key multilateral business forum and was scheduled to deliver his speech alongside the leaders of India, Brazil, South Africa and Russias president Vladimir Putin, who addressed the summit virtually.

The Chinese president was arranged to be seated next to Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, but instead, Chinese commerce minister Wang Wentao took his place after greeting delegates.

Mr Xis unexpected move at the forum has sparked rumours with several China analysts trying to understand the reason behind the last-minute change in arrangement.

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No reason was presented by the Chinese side for Mr Xi missing the speech. Mr Wang ultimately addressed the forum.

Mr Xi is said to have met South African president Cyril Ramaphosa earlier that day and later went to the summit dinner with the leaders of South Africa, Brazil and India, as well as Russias foreign minister.

China observers noted the unusual peculiarity.

Something seems off, said Bill Bishop, the author of Sinocism, a popular newsletter about Chinese affairs.

The China Global South Project, that covers Chinas engagement with Africa, said on X, formerly Twitter, that calling the move extraordinary will be an understatement as the Chinese leader never misses highly choreographed events like these.

A handout photo made available by Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service shows Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (EPA)

A very unusual first day for the Chinese delegation at the BRICS summit in South Africa after President Xi Jinping did not show up for a scheduled speech at the BRICS Business Forum, said the non-profit multimedia organisation.

This is the second mysterious Chinese absence from a BRICS event this year. Before he was replaced, Qin Gang also inexplicably failed to appear at last months foreign ministers meeting in Cape Town, it said, referring to the former Chinese foreign minister who was recently replaced.

Bonnie Glaser, the managing director of the German Marshall Funds Indo-Pacific Program, also called it extremely unusual for the Chinese leader to miss the speech as Beijing remains hugely invested in Brics.

It appeared to be a last-minute change after several Chinese news outlets and even Chinese foreign ministry top spokesperson Hua Chunying referred to Mr Wangs remarks as if they were delivered by Mr Xi.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (right) at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa (EPA)

The summit taking place in 22-24 August holds even more importance for Beijing as the grouping seeks to counter-weigh Western dominance of global institutions, including blocs like the G7.

One of the main agendas of the Brics summit this year is the expansion of the bloc with hopes that broader membership will lend clout to the grouping that already boasts of representing about 40 per cent of the worlds population and a quarter of the global gross domestic product.

This realisation was not lost on China, which said the future will be shaped by the choices the grouping makes today.

Right now, changes in the world, in our times, and in history are unfolding in ways like never before, bringing human society to a critical juncture, Mr Wang said.

The course of history will be shaped by the choices we make.

He attacked the US without naming it and referred to it as obsessed with maintaining hegemony, [and] has gone out of its way to cripple the emerging markets and developing countries.

Whoever develops first becomes their target of containment. Whoever is catching up becomes its target of obstruction, he said.

All Brics members, however, are not on the same page as China.

India, a steadfast US ally that shares strained relations with its neighbour, is hesitant of empowering Beijing through the bloc.

India warned against rushing expansion and said it has positive intent and an open mind, according to its foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra.

Brazils president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, acknowledged that the motive is not to compete with Western institutions.
While exploring the clear waters of a river basin in Brazil, researchers noticed a small creature blending in with the rocky bottom  and discovered a new species of catfish.

Identified as Rhyacoglanis beninei, the fish is a new species of Pseudopimelodidae, researchers said in a study published Aug. 21. Pseudopimelodidae are a neotropical catfish characterized by their wide mouth, small eyes and short barbels, which are similar to whiskers.

The creatures bands helped it blend with the rivers rocky bottom, photos show.

Rhyacoglanis are a type of Pseudopimelodidae found in rapids and fast-moving waters with rocky bottoms across Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia and Brazil, scientists said. They are distinguished by a light spot on their cheek, uniquely patterned skin and their number of vertebrae.





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Rhyacoglanis beninei is the ninth species discovered, according to the study. The fish was found in the Jamanxim River basin.

The catfishs small eyes are covered by a layer of skin, according to the study.

The fish have yellowish-brown skin marked by thick, dark bands, photos show. Theyre about 1.4 inches long on average, but the longest specimen collected was 2.3 inches, according to the study.

Photos show the variations in the creatures dark bands.

Photos show the variations in the creatures dark bands.

Scientists said the bands are spread across the creatures body, but in larger catfish and adults the bands can be connected by a dark stripe. In small individuals, the bands are separated by yellowish regions.

The catfish has hyaline fins, which means they appear glassy and translucent, researchers said. Some of its fins are marked with thinner, dark stripes.

The catfishs head is a rounded trapezoid shape, researchers said.

Its head is a light gray color and has a rounded trapezoidal shape, according to the study. The fish has a wide mouth and its small eyes are covered by skin.

Researchers said they named the creature after Ricardo Cardoso Benine, a professor at Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho, in honor of his contributions to knowledge of neotropical freshwater fish.

The Jamanxim River basin is in northwest Brazil in the state of Para.

Six-eyed orange goblin creature found on remote Japan island. See the new species

Large creature with intense yellow fin found deep in the Amazon. See new species

Tiny yellow creature with creepily long legs discovered in China. See the new species
Yevgeny Prigozhin rose to prominence as a caterer for the Russian government under Vladimir Putin - Alexei Druzhinin/Sputnik/Kremlin pool photo via AP

Mugger, convict, hotdog salesman, fine-dining boss, warlord and the mercenary chief who dared to challenge Vladimir Putin.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the 62-year-old owner of the Wagner Group and the cruellest commander of Putins illegal war on Ukraine, was all these things before his reported death.

Now he is the centre of a murky story of suspected revenge that brings far fewer surprises than his incredible rise to power from prison to Putins orbit.

Prigozhin fell from grace after leading a June mutiny against the Russian president in the midst of his illegal war in Ukraine.

Whether his private jet was shot down over the Tver region north of Moscow or crashed is uncertain.

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But few doubted that Putin would take his revenge against a man who was once his close ally.

Prigozhin was born in 1961 in St Petersburg, which was then called Leningrad. Putin, who he would later nickname papa, was born nine years earlier in the same city.

While Putin slid into the world of spycraft, Prigozhin fell into a life of street muggings and petty crime.

The 18-year-old hoodlum was sentenced to 13 years in prison and was only released in 1990, when the Soviet Union was enduring its death rattle.

Back in St Petersburg, he sold hotdogs in the new Russia, before building up a string of restaurants, including one at a hotel, which became a byword for fine dining.

Anatoly Sobchak, St Petersburgs mayor, would go and sometimes bring his deputy  one Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.

Years later, in his early years as president of Russia, Putin would bring visiting foreign dignitaries to eat in Prigozhins restaurants.

The official engagements built up and there are photographs of the future warlord standing poised to serve behind the future King Charles.

Prigozhin at an event with Putin and George W Bush - Sergei Zhukov/Sputnik/Kremlin pool photo via AP

Such successes brought more government food contracts, before Putins first invasion of Ukraine presented Prigozhin with an opportunity.

He is thought to have pitched Putin the possibility of a mercenary group to give the Kremlin deniability over its actions in Ukraine.

Now no longer a glorified caterer, Prigozhin embraced his new life  with Wagner also being sent to places like Syria and spreading its tentacles to at least 10 countries in Africa.

After Putins second invasion of Ukraine, a video of Prigozhin inviting convicts to join Wagner went viral and he admitted he had founded the group.

In places like Bakhmut, he gained a reputation as a brutal and heartless commander.

His rise from the cells of the Soviet Union brought him incredible riches before he led his prisoner-army on the ill-fated march on Moscow that many believe led papa to decide he had to die.

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.
Yevgeny Prigozhin was on board the private jet that crashed in the Tver region north of Moscow, the Russian aviation authority has said.

Rosaviatsia posted a list of seven passengers and three crew members, who it said were aboard the plane according to the airline.

All 10 bodies have been recovered from the site and the search operation has been completed, authorities said.

The private jet crashed en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg, around 60 miles north of the Russian capital.

Exactly two months ago, Prigozhin led a short mutiny against the Russian military that Vladimir Putin denounced as treason.

12:16 AM BST

That's all for this time

We will be back early in the morning to bring you the latest on the jet crash that killed Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group.

12:14 AM BST

Embraer reports only one accident previously for plane model in 20 years

The Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft on the tarmac of the Pulkovo International Airport in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in May - LUBA OSTROVSKAYA/REUTERS

The Brazilian Embraer executive jet that crashed in Russia, with Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin believed onboard, has only recorded one accident in over 20 years of service, and that was due to mistakes by the crew rather than mechanical failure, according to website International Aviation HQ.

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Russias TASS news agency said the plane was a Brazilian Embraer jet.

Embraer on Wednesday said it was aware of a Legacy 600 plane crash in Russia, but that did not have further information about the case.

It also said it has been complying with international sanctions imposed on Russia and had not been providing aftermarket maintenance for the aircraft since 2019.

Flightradar24 online tracker showed that the Embraer Legacy 600 (plane number RA-02795) said to be carrying Prigozhin had dropped off the radar at 6:11pm local time (15:11 GMT). An unverified video on social media showed a plane resembling a private jet falling out of the sky toward the earth.

Under international rules governing air crash investigations, Russia would lead the investigation, but Brazil could participate since the plane was manufactured there, the Brazilian centre for research and prevention of aeronautical accidents (CENIPA) said in a statement.

There had been no communication from Russian authorities to CENIPA about the accident in Russian territory, it said.

12:07 AM BST

Prigozhin 'a walking threat to authorities': analyst

Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre, said on Twitter that no matter what caused the plane crash, everyone will see it as an act of vengeance and retribution by the Kremlin, and the Kremlin wouldnt really stand in the way of that.

From Putins point of view, as well as the security forces and the military  [Yevgeny] Prigozhins death must be a lesson to any potential followers, Ms Stanovaya said in a Telegram post. According to her, after the mutiny, Prigozhin stopped being the authorities partner and could not, under any circumstances, get that status back.

He also wasnt forgiven, Ms Stanovaya wrote. Prigozhin was needed for some time after the mutiny to painlessly complete the dismantling of Wagner in Russia. But overall, alive, happy, full-of-strength and full-of-ideas Prigozhin was, definitely, a walking source of threats for the authorities, the embodiment of Putins political humiliation.

Ms Stanovaya doesnt expect much public outcry over Prigozhins death, as those who supported him will be more scared than inspired to protest while others would see it as a deserved outcome.

A few thoughts in light of Prigozhin's death.



1 No matter the cause of the plane crash, everyone will see this as an act of retaliation and retribution, and the Kremlin won't particularly counteract this view. From Putin's perspective, as well as many among the security and  Tatiana Stanovaya (@Stanovaya) August 23, 2023

12:01 AM BST

FSB seeks to keep US reporter Evan Gershkovich detained

The Wall Street Journal reported Russian authorities had requested an extension of the pretrial detention of Evan Gershkovich, the Journal reporter held in Russia.

Mr Gershkovich, a 31-year-old US citizen, was detained by agents from the Federal Security Service, or FSB, while on a reporting trip in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg on March 29. He is being held on an allegation of espionage that he, the Journal and the US government vehemently deny the Journal reported.

His pretrial detention was initially set to expire on May 29, but was prolonged to August 30 following an earlier request from the FSB.

On Wednesday, the FSB put forward a request to further extend Mr Gershkovichs pretrial detention by an unspecified length of time.

Moscows Lefortovo District Court will hold a hearing on Thursday to hear the application, according to Russian state media outlet TASS.

Evans wrongful detention is outrageous and we continue to demand his immediate release, the Journal said in a statement.

11:51 PM BST

Data shows plane's signal stopping soon after Moscow takeoff

Russian police officers on Wednesday night block a road to the site of the plane crash near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region, Russia - ANATOLY MALTSEV/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Flight tracking data reviewed by The Associated Press showed a private jet that Yevgeny Prigozhin had used previously took off from Moscow on Wednesday evening and its transponder signal disappeared minutes later.

The signal stopped suddenly while the plane was at altitude and travelling at speed. In an image posted by a pro-Wagner social media account showing burning wreckage, a partial tail number matching a jet previously used by Prigozhin could be seen.

Videos shared by the pro-Wagner Telegram channel Grey Zone showed a plane dropping like a stone from a large cloud of smoke, twisting wildly as it falls. Such freefalls can occur when an aircraft sustains severe damage, and a frame-by-frame AP analysis of two videos was consistent with some sort of explosion mid-flight. The images appeared to show the plane is missing a wing.

Russias Investigative Committee opened an investigation into the crash on charges of violating air safety rules, as is typical when they open such probes. Interfax, citing emergency officials, reported early Thursday that all 10 bodies had been recovered at the site of the crash and the search operation had ended.

Keir Giles, a Russia expert with the international affairs think-tank Chatham House, had urged caution about reports of Prigozhins death. He said multiple individuals have changed their name to Yevgeniy Prigozhin, as part of his efforts to obfuscate his travels.

A UK Government spokesperson said: We are monitoring the situation closely.

10:24 PM BST

Pictured: Emergency workers search through wreckage

Emergency personnel search through the wreckage of the plane in the Tver region - RUSSIAN INVESTIGATIVE COMMITEE/AFP/Getty Images

10:06 PM BST

Belarus opposition leader: 'Murderer' Prigozhin 'won't be missed'

The exiled opposition leader of Belarus, where some Wagner fighters moved after their short-lived mutiny in Russia, said that no Belarusian would miss Yevgeny Prigozhin.

The criminal Prigozhin wont be missed in Belarus. He was a murderer and should be remembered as such, said Svetlana Tikhanovskaya.

His death might dismantle Wagners presence in Belarus, reducing the threat to our nation and neighbours.

10:03 PM BST

Embraer says it was compliant with Russia sanctions

The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has said it was compliant with all international sanctions imposed on Russia.

Embraer has complied with international sanctions imposed on Russia, a company spokesman said.

Flightradar24 online tracker showed that the Embraer Legacy 600 said to be carrying Prigozhin dropped off the radar at 6.11pm.

The Legacy 600 entered service in 2002, with almost 300 produced until production ceased in 2020.

09:21 PM BST

Prigozhin: hotdog salesman who had Putin to thank for his rise  and fall

Mugger, convict, hotdog salesman, fine dining boss, warlord and the mercenary chief who dared to challenge Vladimir Putin, writes James Crisp.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the 62-year-old owner of the Wagner Group and the cruellest commander of Putins illegal war on Ukraine, was all these things before his reported death.

Now he is the centre of a murky story of suspected revenge that brings far fewer surprises than his incredible rise to power from prison to Putins orbit.

Prigozhin fell from grace after leading a June mutiny against the Russian president in the midst of his illegal war in Ukraine.

Whether his private jet was shot down over the Tver region north of Moscow or crashed is uncertain.

But few doubt that Putin would take his revenge against a man who became his close ally.

Read the full story here.

08:52 PM BST

Watch: Moment of crash

08:51 PM BST

Joe Biden: 'I'm not surprised'

Joe Biden has said he is not surprised at the news Yevgeny Prigozhin may have died in a plane crash.

I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised, he said.

Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind. But I dont know enough to know the answer.

Last month in Helsinki, Mr Biden jokingly warned that Prigozhin should watch his step after his abortive rebellion.

If I were he, Id be careful what I ate. Id keep my eye on my menu, Mr Biden said.

08:44 PM BST

Crash isnt an accident and has hallmarks of FSB, say UK security sources

British security sources believe that the shooting down of Yevgeny Prigozhins private jet was carried out by the FSB intelligence agency on the orders of Vladimir Putin.

Of course its Putin, one source said. Putin as a leader cannot afford to be humiliated in the way that he was. Putin functions on two things: loyalty above talent and the consequence of betrayal.

Another source said: All the mood music, all the habits, all the history point to the FSB.

The source added: The FSB remains loyal to Putin.

Read the full story here.

08:34 PM BST

'Wagner boss was bound to come to a bad end'

Several unnamed officials close to the Kremlin told Russian media that Prigozhins death was not unexpected.

One had a feeling after the mutiny that he would come to a bad end. The Kremlin doesnt forgive those things, an official close to the Kremlin told the news website Meduza, adding they were not surprised by his death.

08:29 PM BST

Prigozhin is dead, says Wagner-linked Telegram channel

A Telegram channel known to have a close relationship with the Wagner mercenary group has claimed that Yevgeny Prigozhin is dead.

Grey Zone posted: The head of the Wagner Group, Hero of Russia, a true patriot of his Motherland - Yegeny Viktorovich Prigozhin died as a result of the actions of traitors to Russia.

But even in Hell he will be the best! Glory to Russia.

The report has not been independently verified by The Telegraph.

08:25 PM BST

Pictured: Putin attends WW2 commemoration amid reports of Prigozhin's death

Russia's President Vladimir Putin addressing the audience during a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Kursk - GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/AFP

08:21 PM BST

'Putin does not forgive'

An adviser to Volodymyr Zelensky has said Putin does not forgive amid claims that Yevgeny Prigozhins private jet was shot down by Russian air defences.

Mykhailo Podolyak said the Russian president had been waiting for the moment to strike after Wagners march on Moscow in June.

He continued: Prigozhin signed a special death warrant for himself the moment he believed in Lukashenkos bizarre guarantees and Putins equally absurd word of honor.

The demonstrative elimination of Prigozhin and the Wagner command two months after the coup attempt is a signal from Putin to Russias elites ahead of the 2024 elections.

About Prigozhin: It is worth waiting for the fog of war to disappear... Meanwhile, it is obvious that Putin does not forgive anyone for his own bestial terror. Exactly the one that nullified him in June 2023. And he was waiting for the moment. It is also obvious that Prigozhin    (@Podolyak_M) August 23, 2023

08:16 PM BST

Zelensky aide: Prigozhin is on a 'highway to hell'

Andriy Yermak, Volodymyr Zelenskys chief of staff, has posted AC/DCs Highway to Hell on Telegram, in what appears to be a playful nod to reports of Yevgeny Progozhins death.

08:11 PM BST

'No signs of missile attack', say Russian bloggers

Russian military bloggers have said the debris that broke away from the plane allegedly owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin shows no evidence of an anti-aircraft missile attack.

Rybar, a Telegram channel with over a million followers, said: Only one of the pieces has something similar to the consequences of a shrapnel hit, but it can also be cracks.

For a potential hit by S-300 or Buk missiles, the damage is clearly very small.

Another channel, Military Informant, said: There are no traces of an anti-aircraft missile impact on the wreckage of the tail section... which broke away from the fuselage and fell separately.

Previous reports suggested the plane had been shot down by Russian air defences, but these have not been confirmed. Most of the aircraft seems to have been consumed by a fire.

08:03 PM BST

Putin 'sending a message with plane crash'

Vladimir Putin is sending a very loud message after claims that Russia shot down Yevgeny Prigozhins private jet, a prominent MP has said.

Alicia Kearns, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said: The speed at which the Russian Govt has confirmed Yevgeny Prigozhin was on a plane that crashed on a flight from Moscow to St Petersburg should tell us everything we need to know.

Reports Russian Air Defence shot down the plane suggests Putin is sending a very loud message.

The speed at which the Russian Govt has confirmed Yevgeny Prigozhin was on a plane that crashed on a flight from Moscow to St Petersburg should tell us everything we need to know.



Reports Russian Air Defence shot down the plane suggests Putin is sending a very loud message.  Alicia Kearns MP (@aliciakearns) August 23, 2023

07:57 PM BST

'Don't be surprised if Prigozhin is dead', says White House

The death of Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash would not be a surprise given his falling out with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the White House.

We have seen the reports of the crash, National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said, adding: If confirmed, no one should be surprised.

07:51 PM BST

The biggest surprise is that Prigozhin survived for so long

Death resolves all problems, Josef Stalin is supposed to have said. No man, no problem, Roland Oliphant writes.

Wednesdays air crash in the Tver region may have resolved one of the knottiest problems facing Vladimir Putin. In retrospect, the most surprising thing about Yevgeny Prigozhins reported death is that he survived for so long.

Ever since he marched an army of disgruntled mercenaries on Moscow in June, Kremlin watchers have been wondering why Putin allowed his former caterer to remain alive - let alone at liberty.

So while in an ordinary air crash it would be far too early to speculate about the causes, few will buy that this was really an accident.

Read the full story here.

07:48 PM BST

'No one knows what's going on,' says Wagner-linked blogger

A Wagner-linked Telegram channel has urged caution after reports that Yevgeny Prigozhin and another founder of the mercenary group were killed.

Grey Zone wrote: At the moment, it should be borne in mind that NO ONE, except for the people who personally saw Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin getting on the plane, has any information.

Not from any sources or other persons. And those who have, they will not say until the situation is clarified.

07:45 PM BST

Pictured: Crashed plane consumed by flames

Burning plane wreckage near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region - AFP/HANDOUT

07:42 PM BST

Plane crash 'must have happened very quickly'

Whatever caused the plane linked to Yevgeny Prigozhin to crash north of Moscow must have happened very quickly, according to reports.

Baza, a Russian Telegram channel close to the security services, said: The pilots of the crashed plane did not inform the dispatchers about any emergency situations.

According to experts, this means that the critical situation on board the aircraft developed very quickly.

07:35 PM BST

Investigators 'already sifting through flight records'

An investigation into the plane crash that reportedly killed Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin has already begun, according to Russian state media.

Ria Novosti reports: A specially-created commission... has begun collecting factual materials on crew training, the technical condition of the aircraft, the meteorological situation on the flight route, the work of dispatch services and ground radio equipment.

Specialists will also have to find on-board means of objective control for their subsequent decoding and analysis of the black box recordings.

07:30 PM BST

Biden briefed on private jet crash

US President Joe Biden has been briefed about the crash of a private jet in Russia on Wednesday, the White House says.

07:28 PM BST

Pictures: Smoke rises from plane after it plummets from the sky

Smoke rises over plane wreckage near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region - HANDOUT/AFP

A plane falling in the sky near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region

07:25 PM BST

Prigozhin and Utkin dead, claims official

A Russian-installed official in Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region claims that Yevgeny Prigozhin and Wagner co-founder Dmitry Utkin have been killed.

Vladimir Rogov wrote on Telegram: Just talked to some outstanding musicians [a term for members of the Wagner Group]. They confirm the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin.

Kingdom of Heaven to the newly-departed servants of God Yevgeny and Dmitry.

The Telegraph has not independently verified the report.

07:20 PM BST

Prigozhin 'arrived in Russia from Africa today'

Andrei Zakharov, a Russian investigative journalist, has quoted sources in Wagner saying that Prigozhin arrived in Russia from Africa today with the paramilitary groups commanders.

Prigozhin hinted heavily that he was in Africa yesterday in a video message that was apparently recorded in a desert.

07:17 PM BST

Russian media: Plane may have belonged to private company

A plane that crashed in the Tver region belonged to a business transportation company called MNT-Aero LLC, according to Russias Ria Novosti state news agency.

Previous reports have indicated that it was a private jet owned by Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin. Russias federal air transport agency said he was listed as a passenger on the plane.

07:07 PM BST

Reports: Second Prigozhin-owned plane lands near Moscow

A number of Russian military bloggers claim that a second private jet belonging to Yevgeny Prigozhin has landed at an airport near Moscow.

Grey Zone, a Telegram channel with close links to the Wagner Group, said: Where Yevgeny Prigozhin was himself in the end - at the moment there is no data.

The report has not been verified by The Telegraph.

07:03 PM BST

Plane belonged Prigozhin, reports AP

An aircraft with tail number RA-02795 that belonged to Yevgeny Prigozhin

The plane that crashed was a private jet belonging to Yevgeny Prigozhin, according to the Associated Press.

07:01 PM BST

'Contract was out on Prigozhin for weeks'

A contract may have been out on Yevgeny Prigozhin for some weeks, according to a former British intelligence officer.

Christopher Steele told Sky News: We heard some weeks ago from a source that a contract had been put out on Prigozhin in Russia by senior members of the business community.

He suggested that Vladimir Putin may not have authorised the assassination himself, addingL It certainly looks as though it may well be a revenge attack by somebody in the elite.

06:57 PM BST

Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin?

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Russian private security company Wagner, speaking in a desert area

It is not often a catering company tries to overthrow the government of a nuclear super power, writes Roland Oliphant.

Regarding treason, the president is deeply mistaken, Yevgeny Prigozhin snarled into a voice note released by his food companys press service on Saturday morning.

We are patriots of the motherlandand no one is going to surrender to the demands of the president, the FSB, or anyone else.

And with that, the man known as Putins Chef became Putins would-be usurper. It was unthinkable just hours earlier.

But Prigozhins path to rebellion has been a long one.

Read the full profile - written in June at the time of Wagners coup - here.

06:53 PM BST

Footage of plane plummeting from sky

Breaking. Commander of Wagner mercenaries Prigozhin has been killed tonight after his plane was shot down by Russian air defenses near Moscow.

His group played prominent role in supporting Assad in Syria, from Latakia to DeirEzzor. 100s fighters still deployed there. pic.twitter.com/187ikpH4hZ  QalaatM (@QalaatM) August 23, 2023

06:49 PM BST

Eight bodies recovered from crash site, say Russian media

Russian news agency Ria Novosti reports that eight bodies have been recovered from the crash site of an Embrear plane in the Tver region.

Previous reports have indicated that there were ten people onboard, including three crew members.

06:44 PM BST

Pictured: First images emerge of plane crash

What is reported to be a Embraer Legacy 600 Business Jet is engulfed by flames

06:43 PM BST

Plane 'may have been Prigozhin's private jet'

A media monitoring group has suggested that a plane that crashed this evening may have been a private jet owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Belarusian Hajun noted that the registration numbers seen on the wreckage of the plane matched those of the mercenarys boss Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft.

06:39 PM BST

Watch: Prigozhin issued what may have been final video message yesterday

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner boss, yesterday appeared in a video message for the first time since his short-lived rebellion against Russias military leaders, Joe Barnes writes.

The mercenary chief was seen standing, with desert terrain as the backdrop, in camouflage and holding a loaded rifle, appearing to recruit guns for hire for the groups operations in Africa.

The temperature is plus-50C  everything as we like. The Wagner PMC makes Russia even greater on all continents and Africa  more free, Prigozhin said in the video.

Read the full story here.

06:33 PM BST

Russian media: Terrorists may have targeted plane

Competing theories have emerged after a plane apparently carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin crash-landed.

Baza, a Russia Telegram channel with links to the security services, said: According to one verison, a terrorist attack was the cause of the explosion on board the plane.

Others have suggested that it was shot down by Russian air defences as it headed to St Petersburg.

06:29 PM BST

Wagner source: Prigozhin plane was targeted by Russian air defences

A Wagner-linked Telegram channel has suggested that a plane carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin was shot down by Russian air defences.

Grey Zone, which has a close relationship to the paramilitary group, said: Before the plane crash, two local residents listened to two bursts of characteristic air defence.

This is confirmed by contrails in the sky in one of the videos, as well as the words of direct eyewitnesses.

06:25 PM BST

Aviation authority opens investigation into air crash

Russias aviation authority has opened an investigation into the plane crash that reportedly killed mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Rosaviatsia said: An investigation has been launched into the Embraer plane crash that occurred tonight in the Tver region.

According to the passenger list, among them is the name and surname of Yevgeny Prigozhin.

06:23 PM BST

Reports: Another prominent Wagner member killed in crash

Another prominent member of the Wagner Group has also been killed in the plane crash, according to unconfirmed reports.

Russian military bloggers suggested that Dmitry Utkin, a former Russian intelligence officer and co-founder of the group, was also apparently killed.

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.
Once a low-profile businessman who profitted from having Russian president Vladimir Putin as a powerful patron, Yevgeny Prigozhin moved into the global spotlight since the onset of Russias war in Ukraine.

Now the owner of the Kremlin-allied Wagner Group, the mercenary force seen fighting some of the Russian militarys toughest battles in Ukraine, most notably the drawn-out pursuit of Bakhmut, the 62-year-old stepped into his most dangerous role yet this summer: preaching open rebellion against his countrys military leadership.

Two months after the attempted uprising, Prigozhin is feared dead in a plane crash in Russia. On 23 August it was reported a private plane had crashed near Moscow, killing 10 people on board. While it has not been confirmed that he was onboard, Prigozhin was on the passenger list for the flight.

Prigozhin has repeatedly condemned Russias regular army leaders (AP)

It comes after Prigozhin finally escalated what had been months of scathing criticism of Russias conduct of the war in June, when he called for an armed uprising to oust Russias defence minister. As his men occupied Rostov-on-Don and marched on Moscow, Russian security services reacted immediately, opening a criminal investigation and demanding Mr Prigozhins arrest.

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In a sign of how seriously the Kremlin took the threat posed, riot police and the National Guard scrambled to tighten security at key facilities in the Russian capital, including government agencies and transport infrastructure, Tass reported.

Mr Prigozhin  a onetime felon, hot-dog vendor and longtime associate of Mr Putin  urged Russian civilians to join his march to justice and the situation remained extremely volatile throughout the following Saturday before peace talks, seemingly mediated by Belarussian president Alexander Lukashenko, brought the standoff to a peaceful conclusion, with Mr Prigozhin agreeing to relocate to Belarus, only to subsequently return to his homeland.

Spokesman Dmitry Peskov revealed that a three-hour meeting had taken place on Thursday 29 June with 35 people in attendance, including Wagner unit commanders, who reiterated their loyalty to their leader.

Putins chef

Mr Prigozhin and Mr Putin go way back, with both born in Leningrad, now known as St Petersburg.

During the final years of the Soviet Union, Mr Prigozhin served time in prison  10 years, by his own admission although he does not say what it was for.

Afterwards, he owned a hot dog stand and then a series of upmarket restaurants that attracted interest from Mr Putin. In his first term in office, the Russian leader took then-French president Jacques Chirac to dine at one of them.

Vladimir Putin saw how I built a business out of a kiosk, he saw that I dont mind serving to the esteemed guests because they were my guests, Mr Prigozhin recalled in an interview published in 2011.

Mr Prigozhin shows Mr Putin his school lunch factory outside St Petersburg in 2010 (Sputnik/AFP/Getty)

His businesses expanded significantly to catering and providing school lunches. In 2010, Mr Putin helped open Mr Prigozhins factory that was built on generous loans by a state bank.

In Moscow alone, his company Concord won millions of pounds in contracts to provide meals to public schools. He also organised catering for Kremlin events for several years  earning him the nickname Putins chef  and has provided catering and utility services to the Russian military.

In 2017, opposition figure and corruption fighter Alexei Navalny accused Mr Prigozhins companies of breaking antitrust laws by bidding for around 300m in defence ministry contracts.

Mr Prigozhin reportedly has a net worth of $1 billion.

Military connection

The former catering entrepreneur also owns the Wagner Group, a Kremlin-allied mercenary force that has come to play a central role in Mr Putins projection of Russian influence in trouble spots around the world.

The United States, European Union, United Nations and others say the mercenary force has involved itself in conflicts in countries across Africa in particular.

Wagner fighters allegedly provide security for national leaders or warlords in exchange for lucrative payments, often including a share of gold or other natural resources. US officials say Russia may also be using Wagners work in Africa to support its war in Ukraine.

In Ukraine, Mr Prigozhins mercenaries have become a major force in the war, fighting as counterparts to the Russian army in battles aainst Ukrainian forces.

A poster of a Russian soldier with a slogan reading Glory to the heroes of Russia stands opposite the PMC Wagner Centre in St Petersburg (AFP/Getty)

That includes Wagner fighters taking Bakhmut, the city where the bloodiest and longest battles have taken place.

By May 2023, Wagner forces and Russian soldiers appeared to have largely won Bakhmut, a victory with strategically slight importance for Russia, despite the cost in lives. The US estimates that nearly half of the 20,000 Russian troops killed in Ukraine since December were Wagner fighters in Bakhmut.

Mr Prigozhins soldiers-for-hire included inmates recruited from Russias prisons.

Raging against Russias generals

As his forces fought and died en masse in Ukraine, Mr Prigozhin increasingly raged against the Russian militarys top brass.

In a video released by his team in May, Mr Prigozhin stood next to rows of bodies he said were those of Wagner fighters. He accused Russias regular military of incompetence and of starving his troops of the weapons and ammunition they needed to fight.

These are someones fathers and someones sons, Mr Prigozhin said then. The scum that doesnt give us ammunition will eat their guts in hell.

A bad actor in the US

Mr Prigozhin earlier gained more limited attention in the US, when he and a dozen other Russian nationals and three Russian companies were charged with operating a covert social media campaign aimed at fomenting discord ahead of Donald Trumps 2016 election victory.

They were indicted as part of special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian election interference. The US Treasury Department has since sanctioned Mr Prigozhin and associates repeatedly in connection with both his alleged election interference and his leadership of Wagner.

Masks showing the faces of Putin, Prigozhin and Chechnya's regional leader Ramzan Kadyrov on display at a souvenir shop in St Petersburg (AP)

After the 2018 indictment, the RIA Novosti news agency quoted Mr Prigozhin as saying, in a clearly sarcastic remark: Americans are very impressionable people; they see what they want to see. I treat them with great respect. Im not at all upset that Im on this list. If they want to see the devil, let them see him.

The Biden White House called him a known bad actor and State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Mr Prigozhins bold confession, if anything, appears to be just a manifestation of the impunity that crooks and cronies enjoy under President Putin and the Kremlin.

Avoiding challenges to Putin

As Mr Prigozhin grew more outspoken against the way Russias conventional military had conducted the fighting in Ukraine, he continued to play a seemingly indispensable role for the Russian offensive and appeared to suffer no retaliation from Mr Putin for his criticism of Moscows generals.

Media reports at times suggested Mr Prigozhins influence over Mr Putin was growing and that he was hoping to be rewarded with a prominent political post, although some analysts felt this assessment of his ambitions was overstated.

Hes not one of Putins close figures or a confidant, said Mark Galeotti of University College, London, who specialises in Russian security affairs, speaking on his podcast, In Moscows Shadows.

Prigozhin does what the Kremlin wants and does very well for himself in the process. But thats the thing  he is part of the staff rather than part of the family, he said.
The humanitarian crisis at the southern border has spread to some of the nation's largest cities, with places like Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago and New York trying to manage the arrival of thousands of migrants seeking asylum.

A migrant center expected to house up to 3,000 migrants on New York City's Randall's Island is the latest answer to the city's overcrowding crisis.

It's been difficult for the city to find space, at one point leaving dozens of people waiting outside and sleeping on sidewalks at Manhattan's Roosevelt Hotel, which has been converted into an intake center.

More than 100,000 migrants have passed through New York City since spring 2022, and more than 58,000 still remain in the city's care.

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the new Randalls Island facility is not a sign of progress, but of a crisis.

"The greatest, I believe, humanitarian crisis the city has ever witnessed," he said.

Adams is also considering using a closed federal prison as an option to house migrants. New York City projects it could spend up to $12 billion on the crisis in the next three years.

"Everything is on the table. I wanna be clear on that," the mayor said. "Everything is on the table because when people come here, the last stop is, is for someone to sleep on the street."

Adams wants the Biden administration to intervene and grant migrants the right to work.



"The precursor to sleep, to enjoy the American dream, is the right to work," Adams said. "Let them work."

While the White House emphasized in a statement to CBS News its commitment to working with cities that are housing arriving migrants, it said Congress needs to approve additional funding.



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The New York Times has come under fire for publishing an opinion piece based on a conversation with conservative commentator Ann Coulter, just over two decades after she shared her wish that the papers offices be blown up.

Contributing opinion writer Frank Bruni hosted an online conversation with Coulter and former GOP political strategist Stuart Stevens, the result of which was posted as an op-ed ahead of the first Republican debate on Wednesday night.

Coulter, previously a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump who now is one of his most outspoken conservative critics, told The New York Times that she doesnt think hell end up being the nominee.

I think this is Ron DeSantiss to lose. If hed just ignore the media and be the nerd that he is, hell do great, Coulter told Mr Bruni.

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She added that if Mr Trump is the nominee, she believes hell lose the general election.

He says the same old thing over and over and over again, Coulter claimed.

Her appearance in the pages of the Times comes more than 20 years after her 2002 interview with the New York Observer in which she said: My only regret with Timothy McVeigh is he did not go to the New York Times Building.

McVeigh, an anti-government extremist and domestic terrorist, was behind the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing, in which 168 people were killed.

Coulter told Fox News in 2006 that her comments were merely prescient as the outlet had leapt beyond nonsense straight into treason.

In 2012, she told a rightwing site that the only thing she wanted to add to her statement was after everyone had left the building except the editors and reporters.

In 2002, Coulter famously said that her only regret with Timothy McVeigh is he did not go to the New York Times building; she later expressed regret, saying she should have added, after everyone had left the building except the editors and reporters. https://t.co/pS6ILZHgvs  Matthew Gertz (@MattGertz) August 23, 2023

Twitter users were quick to slam The New York Times for agreeing to engage with Coulter.

Mehdi Hasan of MSNBC wrote on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, that it was Truly shameful from the Times. A woman who is not just openly racist and bigoted but has incited hate and violence against the Times itself.

So many prominent media liberals will never stop both-sidesing in this country. Nor excuse-making for racists and fascists, he added.

Ann Coulters bio just says author like how I imagine Hitlers bio would just say painter, one Twitter user said.

not linking to this, for obvious reasons, but pretty hilarious argument from Coulter here: stop focusing on "whiteness" of the GOP base in order to understand what will happen in 2024! What voters care about is issues! Issues like..the brown people destroying our country! pic.twitter.com/wC4y4LybWr  Wesley (@WesleyLowery) August 23, 2023

If wokeness was really was in control of major journalistic institutions I am pretty sure Ann Coulter would not be writing for the New York Times, Georgetown policy professor Don Moynihan wrote.

He added that the Times was committed to publishing a diversity of opinion, including the people who do and dont want to kill you.

Author Jeff Sharlet wrote: The most astonishing aspect of NYT imagining that Ann Coulter is or ever has been anything but a fascist gadfly is that in her inner contest between attention & hate, hate wins. She hates illegals so much shes willing to sacrifice attention. Then along came NYT
The Ukrainian Air Force (UAF) has reported the threat of Russian attack drones to Zaporizhzhia Oblast on the night of 22-23 August.

Source: UAF on Telegram

Details: The UAF reported around 05:20 that the UAV threat to Zaporizhzhia Oblast had been dismissed.

Furthermore, the UAF issued a warning regarding the danger to Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk oblasts due to the activity of Russian tactical aircraft in the Sea of Azov.

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Ukraine has a clear vision on how to restore democratic life in Crimea upon its liberation from Russian occupation, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his address at the Crimean Platform on Aug. 23.

"Whenever Russia gets involved, violence becomes the norm. We will ensure the rule of law," Zelensky said.

"Throughout the history of Crimea, its ports and roads have been connected to Ukraine and the whole world. Russia has caused the isolation of Crimea. We will return the whole world to Crimea."

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stressed that the ongoing occupation of Crimea is a crime that must be and will eventually be punished: "A crime is a crime, no matter how much time has passed."

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Zelensky said that Ukraine took the first steps in making the peninsula once again part of the global economy.

Companies like Ryanair and Royal Haskoning have reportedly announced their readiness to invest, and the restoration of Crimea "is supported by the World Tourism Organization and the World Council for Travel and Tourism, representing more than 200 companies," Zelensky noted.

Kyiv is hosting the third summit of the Crimean Platform, an international consultation and coordination format aimed at ensuring the liberation of the peninsula from the Russian occupation.

Since its inaugural summit on Aug. 23, 2021, it has gathered participants from dozens of countries in Europe, North America, Asia, and elsewhere, as well as non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations, including the EU.

According to Kuleba, this year's event has been joined by representatives of up to 67 countries and organizations, attending in person or via video calls. World leaders attending the summit have reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, including the occupied peninsula.

"The sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine are unquestionable," said Hungarian President Katalin Novak, whose homeland has been at odds with Kyiv over Budapest's amicable stance toward Russia.

"The liberation of Crimea and restoration of Ukraine's full territorial integrity are necessary preconditions not just for the security of the Azov and Black Sea regions, but also for the stability of the global security architecture," Polish President Andrzej Duda said.

Read also: Finnish PM arrives in Kyiv, 18th military aid package to be announced

As Ukrainian forces continue their efforts to retake occupied territories, Zelensky said that the main goal of the Crimean Platform is the liberation of the peninsula, hinting at a military pathway.

"We understand how we will return to Crimea... In the year that has passed since the previous meeting on the Crimea Platform, Ukrainian soldiers have done extraordinary things," the president said during the forum.

"Ukraine has shown that the liberation of our land during military operations is not an accident."

In recent weeks, there have been a number of reports of strikes and explosions occurring on the occupied peninsula, with Ukraine claiming responsibility for some of the incidents. Kyiv officials have repeatedly said that the goal of Ukraine's military efforts is the liberation of the entire country, including Crimea.

Russia has been occupying the peninsula since 2014 after the Euromaidan Revolution ousted pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych.

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Hong Kong: Winnie Ho views SG developments

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho met with local officials in Singapore yesterday and today, exchanging views with them on areas such as housing policy, innovative construction technologies and green building.

Arriving in Singapore yesterday afternoon, Ms Ho met Singapores Housing & Development Board Chief Executive Officer Tan Meng Dui to learn about local housing policies and public housing projects. She then met Singapores Minister for National Development Desmond Lee and received a briefing on the city-states overall land use planning and development strategies.

This morning, Ms Ho visited Tiong Bahru Market to learn about the management and operational models of public markets and cooked food centres that cater to residents daily needs. She then viewed SkyVille@Dawson, a public housing project whose design emphasises community connection and sustainability.

At a lunch with representatives from the local construction sector, views and experiences were shared with regard to innovative construction technologies.

After lunch, Ms Ho and her delegation toured Kampung Admiralty, a first-of-its-kind development in Singapore that integrates housing, healthcare, commercial, retail, social and communal facilities tailored to the needs of an aging population.

At Punggol Eco-Town, Singapores first eco-friendly public housing precinct, they also learned more about sustainable urban planning.

The housing chief will continue her visit tomorrow.

This story has been published on: 2023-08-23. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Former provincial political advisor sentenced to life imprisonment for graft, abuse of power

Xinhua) 13:09, August 23, 2023

HANGZHOU, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Xiao Yi, former vice chairman of the Jiangxi Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, was on Tuesday sentenced to life imprisonment for accepting bribes and abusing his power.

The verdict was issued by the Intermediate People's Court of Hangzhou in east China's Zhejiang Province.

Between 2008 and 2021, Xiao took advantage of his positions to assist relevant units and individuals on matters related to the contracting of construction projects, the development of business programs and personal promotion, according to the verdict. In return, he accepted illicit funds and valuables worth over 125 million yuan (about 17.36 million U.S. dollars), of which over 57.82 million yuan had not been received by Xiao by the time his crimes were discovered.

He was also found guilty of helping enterprises engaged in virtual currency mining activities to obtain fiscal subsidies, financial support and electricity supply from 2017 to 2021, bringing serious damage to public assets and the interests of the country and the people.

The court granted him a lenient punishment as he produced important information that was verified through the investigation, and as he confessed to his crimes, expressed remorse, and surrendered illicit funds and property bribes, all of which have since been recovered, the verdict said.

The defendant has been deprived of his political rights for life and his personal properties have been confiscated, it said.

The confiscated funds and properties will be turned over to the national treasury, the verdict noted.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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President Volodymyr Zelensky met with his Hungarian counterpart Katalin Novak as she arrived in Kyiv for the third Crimean Platform summit on Aug. 23.

"During my meeting with President of Hungary Katalin Novak, we substantively discussed the development of bilateral relations," Zelensky wrote on his Telegram channel.

"Thank you for your visit to Ukraine and participation in the third Summit of the International Crimea Platform. And for supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. This is very important to us."

The two presidents discussed cross-border cooperation and joint initiatives in Zakarpattia Oblast, which Novak visited a day before her trip to Kyiv.

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Kyiv is hosting the third summit of the Crimean Platform, an international consultation and coordination format aimed at ensuring the liberation of the peninsula from the Russian occupation.

"The sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine are unquestionable," said Hungarian President Katalin Novak during the forum.

Read also: Hungarian president arrives in Zakarpattia Oblast

Hungary has been at odds with Kyiv and the West over Budapest's amicable stance toward Russia. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban proclaimed that Ukraine is a financially "non-existent" and "no longer sovereign" state due to its "dependence" on international support.

Using its membership in Western political structures, Budapest has repeatedly obstructed aid for Ukraine, as well as sanctions against Russia.

Ukraine's Zakarpattia Oblast plays a major role in the strained relationship between the two countries. The region, bordering Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland, is home to around 150,000 ethnic Hungarians, of which roughly 400 serve in the Ukrainian military.

Budapest has accused Kyiv of alleged discrimination against ethnic Hungarians in Zakarpattia Oblast. Ukrainian officials rebuked the concerns, saying that Hungarian and Romanian communities in Zakarpattia have the full support of the local government.

In the most recent scandal between the two nations, Hungarian officials cooperated with the Kremlin-controlled Russian Orthodox Church on the transfer of 11 Ukrainian prisoners of war of Hungarian ethnic background to Hungary without Kyiv's involvement.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy , in response to a question about chances of the dismissal of Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov , has said that he will be able to comment on personnel decisions after signing relevant decrees.

Source: Zelenskyy at a press conference with Petteri Orpo , Prime Minister of Finland

Zelenskyy was asked whether Reznikov's resignation and his appointment as Ukraine's ambassador to the United Kingdom are possible.

Quote: "I am ready to comment on any personnel decisions in our state only after I have signed the relevant decrees."

Background:

On 10 August, Ukrainska Pravda, citing sources amongst the authorities, reported that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was looking for a replacement for Oleksii Reznikov as Ukraines Minister of Defence. At least two candidates were considered.

Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov, commenting on rumours that the president was looking for a replacement for him as a head of the Defence Ministry, said that this position is a "temporary thing" for him, and he can quit at his own will.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken about the difficulties that stand in the way of Western F-16 fighter jets arriving in Ukraine.

Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a press conference within the framework of the Crimean Platform

Details: The president said that Denmark will transfer 19 fighter jets to Ukraine. They will be delivered "in different stages" and "not fast" because Ukraine needs to prepare appropriate pilots, specialists and engineers.

Quote: "I'll tell you this: several pilots are served by dozens of technical personnel," he explained.

Details: In addition, Zelenskyy continued, it is necessary to prepare infrastructure for modern fighters in Ukraine. "We must understand that our infrastructure is not modern, not for the F-16s. We will build it as soon as possible," he said.

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According to the president, Ukraine "can count on" another 42 jets from the Netherlands. Of these, 18 will be used to train Ukrainian pilots. When the training is completed, the fighters will go to Ukraine.

Quote: "We will be able to get the rest of the F-16s as soon as our pilots are ready. In general, this is a very serious number of aircraft... I will tell you frankly: we counted on at least 12 [fighters - ed.]," Zelenskyy concluded.

He added that it is now very important for Ukraine to train pilots, and this is not an easy task because in order to send a pilot to training, it is necessary to take him from the battlefield.

Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine already has missiles that can be used with Western fighter jets.

Background:

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced that Denmark had decided to transfer 19 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

During a visit to the Netherlands, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine would receive 42 F-16 fighter jets after Ukrainian pilots and engineers complete their training.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to criticism that Ukraines Armed Forces are allegedly concentrating their forces in the wrong places instead of where they should be during the ongoing counteroffensive.

Source: Zelenskyy during a press conference on 23 August

Quote: "We have the East. Do any of the specialists realise how many people there are, how many invaders there are, in the east? About 200,000! Their proposal is this: let's take our Armed Forces away from there, and move them somewhere else. I don't want to say where, for example, where it is desirable for us, where we need them.

I think that in this case the situation will be as follows: a couple of days [to take - ed.] Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, then they [the invaders - ed.] will advance towards Pavlohrad, Dnipro, and cut us off from the river banks."

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Details: According to the president, this is what the invaders are counting on. "We will not give up Kharkiv, Donbas, Pavlohrad or Dnipro. And thats that. And let all the analysts in the world not even count on it," Zelenskyy said.

Previously: The New York Times, citing the opinion of US and other Western officials, said that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are not concentrating their forces where they should be during the counteroffensive, and advised that they change tactics.

Accordingly, US planners advised Ukraine to focus on the front in the Melitopol area, which is Kyiv's top priority, and on breaking through Russian minefields and other defences, even if Ukrainians lose more soldiers and equipment in the process.

Only with a change in tactics and a sharp transition can the pace of the counteroffensive be changed, US officials believe.

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The Presidents of Ukraine and Hungary, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Katalin Novak, held a meeting within the framework of the third summit of the Crimean Platform.

Source: Office of the President, as European Pravda reported

Details: Zelenskyy and Novak discussed the issue of "cross-border cooperation and joint initiatives in Zakarpattia Oblast", as well as the development of bilateral relations.

PHOTO: OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

The Ukrainian president noted the personal participation of the Hungarian counterpart in the summit of the Crimean platform and also thanked her for Budapest's support of Kyiv in the confrontation with Russia.

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Quote: "The Head of State particularly noted Hungary's assistance in the treatment of wounded Ukrainian servicemen and training of military medics," the message reads.

The Hungarian side has not yet published information about the meeting between Novak and Zelenskyi. This is the first interaction between the two officials since at least the autumn of 2022, when Katalin Novak visited Kyiv to participate in a food summit.

Background: Relations between Ukraine and Hungary have been strained in recent months due to the scandalous statements of the Hungarian leadership about Ukraine as well as Budapest's inhibition of EU sanctions.

In turn, the Hungarian side demanded that Kyiv resolve controversial issues regarding the situation of the Hungarian minority in Zakarpattia.

Katalin Novak arrived in Ukraine on 22 August, on the eve of the third International Summit of the Crimean Platform, starting her visit in Zakarpattia.

During the summit, the President of Hungary stated that she recognised the fair position of Ukraine and that the war unleashed by Russia would finally end only with the regaining of Crimea.

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The military command called on the President of Ukraine to allow them to mobilise more people for the war effort.

Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a press conference within the framework of the Crimean Platform

Details: The journalist asked the head of state whether there would be an increase or acceleration of mobilisation, given the counter-offensive and losses, and whether everyone would have to serve in the army.

The president did not give a direct answer.

Quote: "Frankly speaking, the military command addressed me to give them the opportunity to mobilise more... That's it. I can't tell you anything else yet."

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Background:

On 11 August, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting of the National Security and Defence Council, the main topic of which was the results of the inspection of territorial recruitment and social support centres.

Zelenskyy also announced a decision on military medical commissions, as "there are many issues due to the poor quality of the work of the military medical commissions".

On 17 August, Zelenskyy signed a decree with recommendations from the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine to Valerii Zaluzhnyy, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, to dismiss all regional military enlistment officers.

On 22 August, law enforcement officers conducted more than 200 searches of medical facilities and territorial recruitment centres across the country.

As a result of more than 200 searches in recruitment centres, the National Police seized more than 10,000 medical files to record corruption schemes for draft evasion.

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The first companies that are ready to set up shop in Crimea after its liberation by the Ukrainian Defense Forces will sign investment agreements with Ukraine on Aug. 23, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced during the Crimean Platform Summit.

He noted that Ukraine already has the support of international, national and local businesses that are ready to enter Crimea and start working immediately after the de-occupation of the peninsula, which has been under Russian military occupation since 2014.

He said they included prominent branded international hotel chains, airlines, banking businesses, IT companies, industrial companies, and energy companies.

Read also: Crimea may lose its autonomy after liberation, Podolyak says

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Zelenskyy added that Crimea would thus become part of the global economy.

"Today we are taking the first such economic step," the president said.

Were signing the first document with companies that are ready to come to Crimea for Ukraine. This is an open document, open for other transparent businesses to join.

Read also: Crimea may undergo "friendly militarization" after liberation from Russians, Zelenskyy administration says

Zelenskyy said that a number of companies are ready to invest in Crimea, including:

Ryanair,

Royal Haskoning DHV,

SkyUp,

JoinUp,

Vodafone,

Luxoft,

Genesis,

Ribas Group,

Okko,

Lifecell,

Fozzy Group.

Read also: Crimea will become part of EU after liberation, Zelenskyy vows

Earlier, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said that Ukraine is likely to liberate the temporarily occupied Crimea by military means.

The head of Ukraines Defense Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, said on Aug. 22 that "in the coming days" Ukrainians would see new measures to destroy Russian forces in the occupied Crimea.

Earlier, on July 29, Budanov said that Ukrainian troops would soon enter Crimea.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Your slice of the headlines in Ukraine. Daily. Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

 Ukrainian troops enter Robotyne, evacuate residents amid ongoing clashes

Troops from Ukraines 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade have successfully entered the village of Robotyne in Zaporizhzhya Oblast, according to Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar on August 22.





 Eight Ukrainian pilots begin F-16 training in Denmark

Denmark has initiated training for eight Ukrainian pilots to use F-16 fighter jets, Reuters reported on Aug. 22, citing a statement by the Danish Armed Forces.





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 Ukrainian tax bill fails to meet IMF demands, says MP Zheleznyak

The IMF will not accept a new bill on taxation as a fulfilled benchmark in its memorandum with Kyiv because lawmakers have fundamentally altered its text, Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak said on Telegram on Aug. 22.





 Ukraine  s forces spread too thin for counteroffensive  US officials

Western observers feel that Ukrainian troops are overly dispersed and should instead concentrate on the main direction of the counter-offensive in the southern part of the country, The New York Times reported on Aug. 22, citing U.S. and other Western officials.





 Ukraine forming joint medical commissions to exchange POWs with Russia

Ukraine is initiating the creation of joint medical committees for exchanging prisoners with Russia, Andriy Yusov of the Coordination Staff for Treatment of Prisoners of War, said on Aug. 22.





 Moscow court upholds 13-year prison sentence for Ukrainian human rights defender Maxim Butkevych

The Moscow First Appellate Court has upheld a decision by Russian authorities to sentence Ukrainian human rights defender and soldier Maxim Butkevych to 13 years in prison, the Graty Telegram channel reported on Aug. 22.





 EU commissioner assesses Ukraine's progress with reforms

Ukraine's progress in implementing reforms outlined in the conditions for admission to the European Union has been impressive, EU Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius said on Aug. 21, as reported by Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT.





 Why Ukraine  s Defense Intelligence needs  good Russians  interview

Russian psyops and Kyivs plans to exchange POWs for Russian political prisoners  this is the range of topics Ukrainian Defense Intelligence (also known as HUR) spokesman Andriy Yusov covered in an interview with NV Radio on Aug. 17.





 Israel increasingly denying entry to Ukrainians, situation escalating, say diplomats

Over 2,000 Ukrainians have been denied entry into Israel so far in the second half of 2023 and the situation is now critical, the Ukrainian Embassy in Israel told Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on Aug. 22.





 Ordinary Russians desperately cling to their Crimean dreams

Three residents of Crimea spoke to NV about life on the occupied peninsula and the Russians who continue to come here on vacations  despite regular bombings and difficult logistics.

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
Scott Zion Baptist Church recently received a commemorative resolution from the Amherst County Board of Supervisors that congratulates the church for being recognized as a historic landmark.

The church, which according to the resolution is among the largest and oldest African American congregations in Amherst County, celebrated its 150-year milestone July 29.

The Scott Zion community emerged after the Civil War and was comprised of African American and Native American people who desired to migrate away from the agrarian communities along the James River and sought better jobs in Lynchburg and since 1872 Scott Zion Baptist Church has functioned as the communitys place of worship and social center, the resolution reads.

The church attracted congregants from San Domingo, a Black community situated two miles east of Scott Zion that had never had their own church, according to the resolution. The first known burial in the churchs cemetery occurred around 1890.

In 1942 the congregation built the current church building on Galts Mill Road and in the late 1960s the stucco exterior finish was covered in a brick veneer. The church received its National Register of Historic Places designation in March 2022 and was added to the Virginia Landmarks Register in December 2021.

The church received a standing ovation from the board and the audience during the supervisors Aug. 15 meeting.

Ive had the pleasure of going down to Scott Zion on several occasions, Tom Martin, the boards chair, said while presenting the resolution. I always felt welcome and I appreciate that you do for our community.

Scott Zion Baptist Church Pastor Russell Gary Lee said the countys recognition is a supreme honor. He said the church works hard to make sure the county is a safe and productive place to live for all people.

I just believe the best about our county, Lee said. We thank God for the opportunity to worship and be a part of this community since 1872. Please keep praying for us and were going to do all we can do to continue to support this community and we want to see the best for Amherst and the citizens.
Work to bring broadband internet to underserved areas in Campbell County continues.

In December 2021, then-Gov. Ralph Northam announced Virginia will deploy $2 billion toward universal broadband coverage.

The grant awards from the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative program were distributed to 13 state localities in underserved regions.

Companies such as RiverStreet Networks, Firefly Fiber Broadband and Shentel were a part of the grants, bringing fiber broadband to surrounding counties, including Campbell.

The Campbell County Broadband Authority, composed of members from the board of supervisors, received an update last week on the three companies progress so far.

Rob Taylor, director of business development and government relations at RiverStreet Networks, said the engineers plan is to begin construction in the coming quarter, as the original plan was to begin construction in 2024.

He said engineers have been able to get the fiber design finalized and will begin field staking soon.

Gary Wood, president of Firefly Fiber Broadband, said the company mailed out a letter to residents in its service area on July 26, notifying them of the fiber constructions and services available.

Wood said Firefly plans to have a virtual town hall Oct. 26 and fiber construction will begin in the next two to three weeks.

It should start very soon. You should start seeing crews off of 460 on both sides in that area, building the fiber out, he said.

Wood said fiber construction should take about eight weeks from the start, contingent on the three railroad crossings and U.S. 460 crossings, along with weather.

Splicing, the method of joining two fiber optic cables together, will take another four weeks with final extensions being the last step.

Wood said initially, there will be no installation costs for residents in the service area up to 2,500 feet off the road, with the idea of connections beginning in December or January.

Jessica Wilmer, of Shentel, said the company will bring broadband to over 3,500 underserved homes and businesses in its portion of the project  about $3.3 million from the county, $9.7 million included from Shentel and about $6.4 million in VATI funding.

Wilmer said its a two-year project period with the goal to complete construction September 2024.

She explained the company has 23 designated service areas in parts of Rustburg, Concord, Gladys and Altavista.

Twenty percent of the build out is buried, 70% is new aerial attachments and 10% is adding additional cables to the companys existing plant.

Wilmer said the company is still waiting on the pending permits, before construction can start.

She said the company has about 175 miles of primary permits submitted, to date  more than 2,000 AEP poles, more than 200 Dominion Energy poles, more than 1,000 Southside Electric poles, 35 Verizon poles and more than two miles of VDOT permits submitted.

Seventy percent of our build is aerial attachments. So were really struggling with those attachments right now, she said.

For more information on the projects visit http://www.campbellcountyva.gov/659/Local-Broadband-Services.
A jury trial set for Aug. 29 has been continued in the case of a North Carolina man charged with first-degree murder in connection with a Forest womans October 2022 death.

Trenton David Mills Frye, 29, of Greensboro, is accused in the killing of Katlyn Lyon Montgomery. Frye has been in custody since his Nov. 30 extradition to Virginia from North Carolina and awaits a new trial date in Bedford Circuit Court.

Search warrant affidavits filed Oct. 17 in Bedford Circuit Court state law enforcement, in the course of investigating the death of Montgomery, 28, became aware she recently was in a relationship with Frye.

Montgomery was found unresponsive in an apartment at 1060 Madison View Drive in Forest on Oct. 7, and Lynchburg General Hospital physicians noted markings on her neck consistent with being strangled, according to search warrant documents.

Investigators executed a search warrant on the residence and located phone charging cords wrapped up in a blanket on the bed, the search warrant documents show.

Law enforcement assessed the cords, which appeared to be the same size as the markings on Montgomerys neck, according to court documents.

Montgomery died Oct. 8, the Bedford County Sheriffs Office has said. Her body was taken to the medical examiners office in Roanoke for an autopsy by Dr. Amy Tharp, who advised strangulation could not be ruled out as a cause, court documents show.

Investigators learned Montgomery had recently ended the relationship with Frye and the two were arguing through text message exchanges the night of Oct. 6 and into the early morning of Oct. 7, the search warrant documents show.

Frye denied having knowledge of where Montgomery was residing when contacted in North Carolina by Bedford investigators and, on Oct. 13, law enforcement received data from Fryes cellphone that showed it transmitted to a tower at Ashwood Park Road in Forest at 10:19 p.m. Oct. 6, about a mile from Montgomerys apartment, search warrant documents state.

On Oct. 13, investigators interviewed Fryes employer, who advised Frye did not work the nights of Oct. 6 or Oct. 7, according to court documents. Frye was identified as a suspect through a joint investigation between the sheriffs office and the FBI, and was taken into custody without incident Oct. 20 in Greensboro, the Bedford County Sheriffs Office has said.

Fryes defense counsel is Lynchburg attorney Joseph Sanzone. The defense motioned for the continuance, online court records show.
TOKYO, Aug 23 ( NHK ) - Japan's education ministry plans to offer financial support to help schools attract new teachers. The move comes as fewer people want to enter the profession due to its long hours and heavy workload.

The ministry aims to secure funding for the initiative as part of the draft budget for the fiscal year that starts in April.

It plans to request about 3.4 million dollars to cover the cost of setting up a new mechanism for school boards to work with universities and private-sector companies to find teachers. Former educators and ex-company workers, as well as athletes and artists, will be among those to be hired.

They would go through skill-building sessions and also get assistance to find positions at schools that are in need of staff.

The ministry also plans to request about 12 million dollars to help reduce the managerial tasks assigned to vice principals.

Former teachers or those with experience working on educational boards would be brought on to ease their burden.
In 1990, after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, President George H.W. Bush was considering the American response. He was torn: On the one hand, he saw the necessity of pushing Saddam out of the oil-rich state, maintaining the impression of American strength in the region. On the other hand, he
Humanities Nebraska (HN) has announced that the deadline for nominations to its council board has been extended until Friday, Oct. 27. The public is invited to nominate Nebraskans who are committed to the importance of the humanities in helping all people explore what connects us and makes u
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The 10th UNESCO International Geoparks Conference, a major event bringing together experts, government officials, researchers, scientists and Geoparks representatives from around the world, will be held in Morocco September 04-11, 2023.

The event, placed under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI, will take place in Marrakech, Azilal and Beni Mellal.

The conference will be an opportunity to celebrate the achievements made in recent years by Geoparks around the world, and to promote collaboration and the exchange of knowledge and best practices for the conservation of the worlds geological and cultural heritage.

This large-scale event will also give participants the opportunity to share their experiences and benefit from fruitful debates to be engaged in this sense, while strengthening the links between the various Geoparks through the signing of partnerships and twinning arrangements. More than 20 partnership, cooperation and twinning agreements will be signed between the UNESCO MGoun Global Geoparks Association in Azilal, one of the organizers of the event, and international Geoparks in China, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, France, Portugal, Canada, Romania, Brazil, and Greece.

Over 1,200 participants from 60 countries are expected to take part in this international conference.

Morocco was selected to host 10th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks by the Executive Board of the Global Geoparks Network during its meeting held in Jeju island, South Korea, in Dec. 2021.

Brazil, Mexico and France were also bidding to host the conference which seeks to provide an integrated sustainable development likely to directly benefit local populations.

The goal of this initiative is the promotion and transmission of traditional knowledge, valorization of local products, development of respectful outdoor activities through geo-tourism, empowering local people and ethnic groups.

Morocco is the first Arab and African country to host such an event. It will be an opportunity to display the geological and tourist wealth of the MGoun site which joined the Global Geoparks Network in 2014.

The MGoun UNESCO Global Geopark is located in the middle of the chain of the central High Atlas. Its territory covers an area of medium to high mountains. The climate of the Atlas is Mediterranean with Atlantic influences. MGoun UNESCO Global Geopark consists of two zones, one with high rainfall and with temperatures between 35C and 3C and another characterized by lower rainfall. The snowfall is common from November to May.

The geological history of the territory of the MGoun UNESCO Global Geopark fits into the geological evolution of the central High Atlas dating back to the Triassic period, 250 million years ago, while the main stages took place during the Jurassic period, about 180 million years ago. It includes famous and spectacular footprints of sauropod and theropod dinosaurs and many deposits of bones. The territory contains numerous minerals: Copper, zinc, barite, iron, basalt, limestone and dolomitic Triassic red clays. The MGoun UNESCO Global Geopark consists of a large number of geosites and geological sites showing several large tectonic structures of the Atlas Mountains that sculpt the landscape.
African nations must flee from the subtle recolonization tactics being pursued through the honeyed policy shackles of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and the United Nations dogma, according to Nigerias former president, Olusegun Obasanjo. Yet, he has also attributed the continents rising poverty and underdevelopment to poor leadership, bad governance, and massive corruption by high-powered people in government.

Speaking at the 25th Session of African Youth and Governance Convergence (AYGC) held at Mankessim, Ghana, Olusegun Obasanjo said that African nations have been pushed to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to free themselves from the economic restraints placed on them by colonialism, neocolonialism, and imperialism.

The restructured socio-economic and political neocolonialism characterized by its underlining capitalism, neoliberal globalization, and cultural subjugation of Africa by the Bretton Woods institutions is a recipe for continental failure, ex-President Obasanjo said. Thus, if African countries continue to depend on these instruments as the launch pad for their development, the Continent will, at last, fail regardless of its endowments.

However, Obasanjo did not only blame external forces for Africas misfortunes, emphasizing that poor leadership, bad governance and massive corruption by high-powered people in the government are stifling development in Africa. The leadership letdowns, he said, had occasioned the rising crass economic mismanagement of economies, diversity frictions, and political segregation, leading to loss of confidence in state institutions ability to provide public services. It is unfortunate that in some countries where the gatekeeper is the thief, the countries could only be made safe and secured by God, Nigerias ex-president said.

The seven-day event, which was attended by 65 delegates from 27 African countries, the United States and Canada, sought to harness the potential of the youth to become responsible and participating citizens for sustainable development.
The African Union, AU, suspended Tuesday August 22 Niger from various institutions and activities few days after the junta that seized power on July 26 announced a three-year transition.

Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, a former commander of the presidential guard, who made himself the new leader of the West African country announced Saturday August 19 a three-year transition that will pave the way to civilian government.

The AU in a statement urged its member States to reject this unconstitutional change of government and to refrain from any action likely to grant legitimacy to the illegal regime in Niger.

The continental organization also indicated that the move is a direct result of the recent military coup that raised concerns about the state of democratic governance. The junta is also under pressure from a regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to restore Bazoum or be removed militarily.

Top military commanders of the regional bloc met in Accra, Ghana, last week and adopted a date for the military action that they stopped short to reveal. The AU however has opposed the military option and recommended a diplomatic approach to the crisis.
Ron DeSantis wont be able to avoid the divisive abortion issue while visiting California. Photo: Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Its becoming clearer every day that abortion policy has become a real and abiding problem for the Republicans who worked so hard to return the subject to the political realm by reversing Roe v. Wade. Wherever they can, GOP politicians are changing the subject and running from the consequences of their identification with the anti-abortion cause. But the grip of the anti-abortion movement on the national party base means the GOPs presidential candidates are more or less stuck with a deeply unpopular position. The contradiction is making abortion a wedge issue for Republicans even as it unites Democrats.

A good example of the problem for the GOP is arising in California, whose Republicans are badly outnumbered and need not only independent but Democratic votes to win contested elections. A group of Republican activists are preparing to formally disassociate themselves and their party from the fight to abolish reproductive rights and other reactionary culture-war goals via changes in the state party platform at an upcoming GOP convention in Anaheim, as the Los Angeles Times reports:

A rebellious campaign within the California Republican Party to break away from its historic opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage is dividing the party weeks before planned appearances by former President Trump and other GOP White House hopefuls.

A proposed platform overhaul, which could be voted on at the state GOPs fall convention in Anaheim, is a remarkable break from conservative dogma in the state that nurtured Presidents Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon.

Its a seismic shift but its a shift born out of practical necessity. Look at whats happening not just in California but in much more conservative states, realizing antiabortion, anti-same-sex marriage stances are no longer tenable, said Jessica Levinson, an election law professor at Loyola Law School. I think it shows their acknowledgment that the sand has shifted underneath their feet.

The platform revisionists are currently in charge of the process; the draft platform omits opposition to same-sex marriage and also merely promotes adoption as an alternative to abortion. But theres no question there will be blowback at the convention. And the battle to keep California Republicans pure and unpopular on issues like abortion will be intensified by the presence of presidential candidates  including abortion hard-liners Ron DeSantis and Tim Scott, and the indirect author of the Supreme Courts reversal of Roe, Donald Trump  who in turn will be under pressure to take sides. If it could be done quietly, the new platform might prove helpful:

If the proposed modifications are adopted, it would place the partys platform closer to the beliefs held by most Californians and Americans. More than three-quarters of California adults did not want federal protection for access to abortion to be overturned, according to a 2021 poll by the Public Policy Institute of California. That included 59% of Republicans.

But unfortunately, it wont be quiet:

This will be extremely controversial and will take a convention that is supposed to be about unifying the party and instead it ends up becoming a big feud, said Jon Fleischman, a former state GOP executive director. Its the last thing the party needs.

He described it as a big middle finger to the presidential candidates who are scheduled to speak at the convention, all of whom embrace the various party planks that are proposed for removal..

Said candidates are likely to give a big middle finger right back. As they arrive in Anaheim, candidates like DeSantis and Scott will be totally focused on virtue-signaling to the conservative Evangelicals of Iowa, where they have an outside chance of slowing the Trump Trains progress toward the 2024 presidential nomination. That they could make life difficult for California Republicans in November 2024 will not be a major concern. And thats a major problem for Republicans not just in the Golden State but wherever they must run in competitive contests and hold on to pro-choice Republicans, independents, and a few persuadable Democrats.
The Shady Bunch Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photos FULTON COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

For Donald Trump, racking up dozens of felony charges comes with one silver lining: getting a legendary mug shot. Trump surrogates began hyping the photo immediately after his first indictment in April 2023, with his daughter-in-law Lara predicting it would go down in history as the most famous mug shot ever to exist in America. But Trump was denied his close-up; he was booked with no photo in his first three arraignments, and his campaign resorted to selling merch emblazoned with a fake mug shot.

However, the fourth time was the charm. Trump was photographed inside Atlantas main jail on Thursday evening, just like his 18 co-defendants in the Georgia election interference case.

After arriving in Georgia on his private jet, Trump was whisked by police motorcade to the Fulton County Jail where he surrendered and was briefly taken into custody as inmate No. P01135809. Officials entered his mug shot, fingerprints, and a physical description into the jails books, listing Trumps height and weight at 6 feet and 3 inches tall and 215 pounds  24 pounds less than the weight a White House doctor reported in 2018, according to the New York Times, which said the form was filled out by aides. Twenty minutes later, he was released on a $200,000 bond, 10 percent of it covered by a local bonding company.

Around 8:40 p.m., the sheriffs office released his mug shot, showing Trump glowering in his signature blue suit and red tie. (He decided not to smile in the photo because, according to CNNs sources, he wanted to look defiant.) He called the whole episode a travesty of justice as he boarded his plane back to New Jersey, then posted the infamous photo both on Truth Social and X  the first time hed used the platform formerly known as Twitter since he was banned following the Capitol riot  under the caption ELECTION INTERFERENCE / NEVER SURRENDER! His campaign immediately began selling T-shirts.

Heres a gallery of all the mug shots in the Georgia case, which well update as more photos come in.

. Photo: Fulton County Sheriffs Office Who: The 45th president of the United States. Charges: Trump is facing 13 counts: one count of racketeering; three counts of solicitation of violation of oath by public officer; two counts of conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree; two counts of conspiracy to commit false statements and writings; two counts of false statements and writings; one count of conspiracy to commit filing false documents; one count of filing false documents and conspiracy to commit to impersonating a public officer. Bond: $200,000

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Photo: Fulton County Sheriffs Office

Who: Trumps personal lawyer, former New York City mayor (a.k.a. Americas Mayor), and U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York known for using anti-racketeering laws to take down mobsters. Giuliani allegedly led Trumps scheme to steal the 2020 election; his role involved filing lawsuits to support his election fraud claims and pressuring election officials in key swing states.

Charges: Giuliani has been charged with 13 counts: one count of racketeering, one count of conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer, two counts of conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree, one count of conspiracy to commit filing false documents,two counts of conspiracy to commit false statements and writings, three counts of false statements and writings, three counts of solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer.

Bond: $150,000

.

Photo: Fulton County Jail

Who: Trumps former White House chief of staff and former North Carolina congressman. Meadows was on the infamous phone call in which Trump asked Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find him more votes. The indictment also mentions Meadows traveling in an attempt to observe a signature match audit being conducted at the Cobb County Civic Auditorium that wasnt open to the public. He allegedly texted the chief investigator about speeding up the audit and offered money from the campaign to assist.

Charges: Meadows is facing two counts: one count of racketeering, one count of solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer.

Bond: $100,000

.

Photo: Fulton County Sheriffs Office

Who: A Trump campaign attorney accused of accessing voter data in Coffee County and hiring the firm that accessed the voter system. Powell heavily pushed election fraud lies and once even raised the involvement of deceased Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez during a press conference with Rudy Giuliani.

Charges: Powell was charged with seven counts: one count of racketeering, two counts of conspiracy to commit election fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit computer theft, one count of conspiracy to commit computer trespass, one count of conspiracy to commit computer invasion of privacy, one count of conspiracy to defraud the state.

Bond: $100,000

.

Photo: Fulton County Sheriffs Office

Who: Former member of Trumps campaign legal team.

Charges: Ellis is facing two counts: one count of racketeering and one count of solicitation of violation of oath by public officer.

Bond: $100,000

.

Photo: FULTON COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Who: Trumps election lawyer who created the legal blueprint for the former presidents effort to steal the 2020 election.

Charges: Eastman is facing nine counts: one count of racketeering, two counts of conspiracy to commit false statements and writings, two counts of conspiracy to commit forgery, one count of solicitation of violation of oath by public officer, one count of conspiracy to commit filing false documents, one count of conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer, and one count of filing false documents.

Bond: $100,000

.

Photo: Fulton County Sheriffs Office

Who: A Trump campaign attorney who allegedly orchestrated the fake electors plan.

Charges: Chesebro is facing seven counts: one count of racketeering, two counts of conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree; two counts of conspiracy to commit false statements and writings; one count of conspiracy to commit filing false documents; one count of conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer.

Bond: $100,000

.

Photo: FULTON COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Who: A Georgia bail bondsman and Trump operative who allegedly participated in the scheme to illegally breach election equipment in Coffee County.

Charges: Hall is facing seven counts: one count of racketeering, two counts of conspiracy to commit election fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit computer theft, one count of conspiracy to commit computer trespass, one count of conspiracy to commit computer invasion of privacy, and one count of conspiracy to defraud the state.

Bond: $10,000

.

Photo: Fulton County Sheriffs Office

Who: A former state senator and Georgia GOP chair who was one of Trumps fake electors.

Charges: Shafer is charged with eight counts: one count of racketeering, three counts of false statements and writings, two counts of forgery in the first degree, one count of impersonating a public officer, and one count of attempting to commit filing false documents.

Bond: $75,000

.

Photo: Fulton County Sheriffs Office

Who: A Georgia lawyer who is accused of advising Trumps fake electors and testifying falsely to the state legislature that fraud had taken place in the 2020 election.

Charges: Smith is facing 12 counts: one count of racketeering, three counts of solicitation of violation of oath by public officer, two counts of false statements and writings, two counts of conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree, two counts of conspiracy to commit false statements and writings, one count of conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer, one count of conspiracy to commit filing false documents.

Bond: $50,000

.

Photo: Fulton County Sheriffs Office

Who: Former Coffee County Republican Party chairwoman and one of Trumps fake electors. She allegedly allowed the breach of the countys voter system.

Charges: Latham is facing 11 counts: one count of racketeering, two counts of conspiracy to commit election fraud, one count of impersonating a public officer, one count of forgery in the first degree, one count of false statements and writings, one count of criminal attempt to commit filing false documents, one count of conspiracy to commit computer theft, one count of conspiracy to commit computer trespass, one count of conspiracy to commit computer invasion of privacy, one count of conspiracy to defraud the state.

Bond: $75,000

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Photo: Fulton County Sheriffs Office

Who: The executive director of Black Voices for Trump, who allegedly participated in the effort to pressure Ruby Freeman to falsely confess to voter fraud.

Charges: Floyd was charged with three counts: one count of racketeering, one count of conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements and writings and one count of influencing witnesses.

Bond: $100,000

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Photo: Fulton County Sheriffs Office

Who: A former Justice Department official who wrote an unsent letter that made false claims that the department had concerns about the election results in Georgia.

Charges: Clark has been charged with two counts: one count of racketeering, one count of criminal attempt to commit false statements and writings.

Bond: $100,000

.

Photo: Fulton County Sheriffs Office

Who: A Georgia lawyer who alleged voter fraud at the State Farm Arena where ballots were being tabulated.

Charges: Cheeley has been charged with 10 counts: One count of violation of racketeering, two counts of conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree, two counts of conspiracy to commit false statements and writings, one count of conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer, one count of conspiracy to commit filing false documents, one count of solicitation of violation of oath by public officer, one count of false statements and writings, and one count of perjury.

Bond: $50,000

.

Photo: Fulton County Sheriffs Office

Who: A Trump campaign official who is accused of helping to organize slates of fake electors in multiple states including Georgia.

Charges: Roman is facing seven counts: One count of racketeering, two counts of conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree, two counts of conspiracy to commit false statements and writings, one count of conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer, one count of conspiracy to commit filing false documents.

Bond: $10,000

.

Photo: Fulton County Sheriffs Office

Who: A newly elected Georgia state senator who was one of the alternate electors.

Charges: Still was charged with seven counts: one count of racketeering, two counts of forgery in the first degree, two counts of false statements and writings, one count of impersonating a public officer, one count criminal attempt to commit filing false documents.

Bond: $10,000

.

Photo: Fulton County Sheriffs Office

Who: An Illinois pastor alleged to have intimidated Ruby Freeman, a Fulton County poll worker, at her home.

Charges: Lee is facing five counts: one count of racketeering, two counts of criminal attempt to commit influencing witnesses, one count of conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements and writings, one count of influencing witnesses.

Bond: $75,000

.

Photo: Fulton County Sheriffs Office

Who: A former publicist for Kanye West who went to Ruby Freemans home and tried to pressure her into confessing to voter fraud.

Charges: Kutti is facing three counts: one count of racketeering, one count of conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements and writings and one count of influencing witnesses.

Bond: $75,000

.

Photo: Fulton County Sheriffs Office

Who: The former elections supervisor of Coffee County who allegedly played a role in attempted election fraud in the county.

Charges: Hampton was charged with seven counts: one count of racketeering, two counts of conspiracy to commit election fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit computer theft, one count of conspiracy to commit computer trespass, one count of conspiracy to commit computer invasion of privacy, one count of conspiracy to defraud the state.

Bond: $10,000
Even if it isnt relevant to the prenup how is it not relevant to the child support calculations? Isnt it up to the judge to decide and calculate whats available for child support?

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yes



this makes it sound like he's hiding his finances so he won't have to pay as much child support

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Yup! I knew a couple who was kind of in my parents' friend group way back when I was a kid and the husband knew he wanted to leave ages before he filed for divorce, but because he knew she'd be due alimony and they had kids, he stayed married for a lot longer just to hide as many assets as possible. I can't remember if the wife got a forensic accountant or not, but it was definitely known in town what he'd done once the divorce got underway. My mom thinks my dad maybe did the same thing, but he threatened to fight her tooth and nail for custody and she had a really well paying job, so she just walked away and didn't fight him on anything with his business. I feel like it's really common for men to do this, and it sucks that it literally just comes down to how much the wife can or is willing to fight.

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I mean if it's for an upcoming series maybe he's not been paid yet? I read it like she's asking for information on amounts he's due to be paid.

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He's a cheater and I was just coming to comment that, how can it not be relevant?He's a cheater and a disgusting creep . Not surprised he's doing other shady shit.

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Yeah that's weird. I'm guessing (just guessing) it's cos it's money he's not been paid yet, so he doesn't technically 'have' it.

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This is still going on? Oh Lordy. 

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well, when I saw the post yesterday of Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez reaching a deal at last from their divorce in 2016?!!!





I mean... this could go OOOOOOOOOOON

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Wait THAT was still going on?

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Yes!! She finally settled today I think.

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Hmm, sounds to me like she's knows some shit. I need a gif of Bette Middler saying "Wake up and smell the audit."

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You two used to be in love./Think of the children./Rot will out itself.



Edited at 2023-08-23 10:08 pm (UTC)

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Im wondering if they can base child support on potential earnings instead of current earnings. It looks like her lawyers want to know what kind of deal he made for this new project. In the thinking that his future earnings should be calculated when determining the current payment. I always thought child support was based on current earnings, and if those earnings change, either party can request the amount be adjusted. But I am not a lawyer, so I could be mistaken.

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Basing something on an unknown seems to be a weird take. If his new project explodes sometime in future years given the strike, she can take him back to court.





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but what if the contract has payment terms of both current and future payments? i have no idea what the Horizon film series is, but what if it is up front $5mil payment now for the first film, and then $5mil milestone payments each year subsequent films begin production? wouldnt that be relevant now to see the payment terms of this project?

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Child support typically uses the last 3 years of your income/tax returns, not future projects. "Potential earnings" can be kind of tricky because like say you get a bonus at work, well that doesn't happen that often so you can't really take it into account because it's not regular. Same with overtime, it's overtime so not guaranteed. And usually you have to wait until someone gets a big raise to apply to increase it, but if someone has to take a lower paying job then they can apply to modify it down but they have to prove that they didn't voluntarily take a lower salary to lower child support. Some people genuinely lose their job and then can't find one at the same pay rate, and some people do quit their job and take a lower paying one deliberately (but that's why they use your old tax returns to calculate it, so you can't do that).

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The way I'm reading it is that she thinks he's gonna be making a lot more in the future and wants that considered and his lawyers are saying it's not relevant.

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Adopt me now. He has already been ordered to pay $129,000 per month, I think one more kid would not hurt them.

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yeah he's been trying to cut off her access to forensic accountants for this... wonder why

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as kanye once said "now i aint saying she a gold digger" but i am saying it.

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This divorce feels endless.

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just throw $20 million at her so your kids don't have to go through this, asshole

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honestly, she looks stupider and stupider the longer this shit drags on. and nobody is leaving this looking good.

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Im pretty sure financial documents are exactly what you should be using to calculate child and spousal support, my man

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OSHA Cites Texas-Based Company for Safety Hazards Following Worker Accident

Madix Inc. now faces $158,051 in penalties.

Texas-based Madix Inc.which manufactures metal and wood shelving and displays for retail outletshas just come under scrutiny following an OSHA investigation into a serious workplace injury.

In a release dated August 22, OSHA revealed the agency identified a series of violations at the companys Eclectic, Alabama facility. On March 23, 2023, a 20-year-old employee lost three fingers when attempting to adjust a coolant feed line on a tube saw. As he worked, his glove was ensnared, causing his hand to be dragged into the rotating saw blade.

As a result, OSHA cited Madix Inc. for two repeat, three serious and three other-than-serious violations, totaling $158,051 in proposed penalties. These include allowing employees to work on machinery without following lockout-tagout procedures, failure to train workers how to handle automatic tube cutters and leaving unguarded saws exposing workers to potential injury.

A young man has suffered a life-altering injury simply because the employer failed to install machine guards and make sure to have lockout/tagout procedures in place to disable machinery, OSHA Area Director Jose A. Gonzalez in Mobile, Alabama, said in a statement. Madixs failures in past inspections raise concerns about how seriously the company takes its obligation to provide employees with a safe and healthy workplace.

Since 2018, OSHA inspections at Madix locations in Alabama and Texas have noted serious violations. In 2019, a similar amputation incident in Eclectic led to OSHA citing the company for three serious violations related to similar machine safeguarding and lockout/tagout failures. The company now has 15 business days to comply, request an informal or challenge OSHAs findings.
Irans crude oil exports have this month swollen to more than 2 million barrels daily, including condensates, and may remain elevated at a time when other OPEC members are shrinking their own exports.

This is according to TankerTrackers.com and represents a significantly higher figure than what other analytics companies have as numbers for Iran oil exports. It is also significantly higher than what official Iranian sources say the country is exporting.

Kpler, for instance, said this month that China was importing Iranian crude at a rate of 1.5 million bpd. China is the biggest buyer of Iranian crude, so almost 100% of export oil goes there.

Data analytics firm OilX, part of EA Group, puts Iranian oil exportsexcluding condensatesat some 1.4 million barrels daily for August based on preliminary data. OilX noted the month is not over yet and we might yet seen a further increase in overseas oil shipping.

Irans Mehr News Agency earlier reported that Iran was exporting 1.4 million barrels daily in August, citing the head of Irans Planning and Budget Organization.

Bloomberg notes in a report that Iranian oil reports are notoriously difficult to calculate because, for obvious reasons related to U.S. sanctions, the country does not release public reports on its oil flows overseas. Related: European Natural Gas Prices Slump On Hopes Australia Will Avoid An LNG Strike

Production has also been on the rise. Earlier this month, oil minister Javad Owji said that Irans crude oil production stood at 3.18 million barrels daily and was about to rise to 3.3 million barrels daily by the end of August.

Also this month, the head of the state-owned oil company said there were plans to increase oil production to 3.5 million barrels daily by the end of September.

In further news from the Iranian oil sector, the countrys first vice president said this month the government eyed putting into operation unfinished projects worth $15 billion by next March. Last year, Iran completed $12 billion worth of started but unfinished projects in the oil and gas field.

In other words, Iran is boosting both production and exports of crude oil despite U.S. sanctions that specifically target the oil industry as vital for the countrys budget. Those sanctions appear to be falling short of the stated intention of reducing Irans oil exports to zero.

"Sanctions are in place but perhaps they are not fully implemented or monitored," Sara Vakhshouri, an analyst with SVB, told Reuters earlier this year in comments on Iranian oil flows overseas.

"Also all of these supply volumes are in the dark market, where there is no transparency and so they are not reflected in formal global supply and export data."

The latter remark highlights that the failure of the sanction regime to squeeze Irans production or exports of crude oil does not mean it is easy for Iran to export the commodity. The country has been using ship-to-ship transfers and tankers switching off their location indicators to mask the destination of the cargo. This has represented a major challenge for cargo tracking service providers in estimating how much oil Iran is actually exporting.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration has signaled it would return to the so-called nuclear deal, short for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Irans nuclear program. Negotiations have been dragging for months with no final agreement in sight.

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However, this month saw a momentary breakthrough when Iran and the U.S. agreed a swap of five U.S. prisoners for unfreezing some $6 billion in Iranian assets in South Korea. It is unlikely to lead to anything else in the way of progress on the nuclear talks, where the two sides cite irreconcilable differences that would necessitate concession-making on both sides.

While diplomats do their jobs, oil will continue to flow out of Iran, apparently at elevated rates last seen in pre-sanction times, taming international prices even as analysts forecast shortages in the second half of the year.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Namibia could see an oil boom thanks to several major discoveries that suggest there could be more oil yet to come. An influx of foreign investment has helped Namibia to begin exploring its oil and gas potential, and it looks like it may be quickly paying off with several new finds in recent months, with some dubbing it the new Guyana. The government is welcoming external financing in the sector as well as pursuing partial ownership of operations, to ensure the country has greater input in the exploitation of its resources, following the lessons learned of many other African nations.

Several international oil majors, including TotalEnergies, Galp, Shell, QatarEnergy, Chevron, and ExxonMobil, have invested in oil and gas exploration activities in Namibia as they search for low-carbon crude potential that could boost their longevity during a global green transition. Energy experts expect to see a rapid transformation in Namibias oil and gas sector following discoveries made in 2022 and 2023, in the Graff-1, Venus-1, and Jonker-1X projects, that suggest there could be much more crude left to find.

In March, Namibia made its third notable find in the Orange Basin, in a project operated by Shell and QatarEnergy. The successful drilling of Jonker-1X has led to more exploration activities in the region and is attracting other major players to the region. Namibias National Oil Company Namcor stated that light oil was discovered 270km offshore in Blocks 2913A and 2914B. TotalEnergies also saw recent success in the Orange Basin, with the discovery of light oil in the ultra-deepwater Venus-1 in March 2022, at a depth of approximately 3,000m. Meanwhile, Shell found oil in the Graff-1 exploration well, situated 270km offshore of southwest Namibia in December 2021, with a yield of an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 bpd of crude.

In June this year, ReconAfrica increased its natural gas forecast to 22.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in Namibias onshore PEL 73 license area in the Kavango Basin. The company decided to speed up the acquisition and processing of a further 1,100km2 in the Damara Fold Belt following successful initial exploration. Recent reports suggest that Shell and TotalEnergies have discovered at least 11 billion barrels of light oil and up to 8.7 trillion cubic feet of gas in Namibias Orange basin over the last year and a half. TotalEnergies is expected to announce the results of a flow test on its massive Venus discovery in September, with optimistic expectations for the zone.

The Government of Namibia has used these recent successes to attract more players to its oil and gas sector, encouraging foreign companies to compete for the countrys oil and gas resources. There is significant potential for the development of the midstream and downstream markets in the southern African country, which could see Namibia become a major producer, refiner, and exporter of oil and gas if it can achieve the necessary investment.

Recently, Namibias energy minister, Tom Alweendo, addressed the countrys role in foreign oil operations. Alweendo stated, We are making a case that local ownership must start with the state, which holds ownership of our natural resources. He explained, The proposed state ownership should take the form where the state owns a minimum equity percentage in all mining companies and petroleum production, for which it does not have to pay. Following this statement, several oil and gas firms told the media that they could invest elsewhere if the state intended to take equity from them. However, a source later clarified that the ministers statement applied to blocks and licenses, rather than companies.

State-owned NAMCOR already has a 10 percent stake in the countrys mines and petroleum licenses as part of exploration agreements with investors. The government hopes to develop the countrys hydrocarbon sector rapidly, while demand for oil and gas remains high, to ensure it is developed effectively. However, it is also focused on ensuring that the state sees a reasonable return from its oil and gas reserves, unwilling to put its resource wealth entirely in the hands of foreign players, as so many African countries have done in the past. Robert Bose, president of Sintana Energy, stated There is a real desire on the part of the Namibian government at all levels ... to do this as quickly as possible and to harness this opportunity. He added, That is being counterbalanced by a very strong desire to ensure that, through the development of local capacity, the local stakeholders, citizens and the nation as a whole benefit maximally.

There are high hopes around Namibias oil and gas potential, with many expecting a boom in the southern African state within the coming decade. Several major international players have already invested heavily in exploration activities in the region, with many more expected to follow. There is also significant potential for the development of Namibias midstream and downstream sectors, which would allow it to become a major oil and gas power in the region.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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Europes benchmark natural gas prices slumped on Wednesday after settling on Tuesday at the highest level since April, amid market tensions over a labor dispute threatening LNG supply from Australia.

The front-month futures at the Dutch TTF hub, the benchmark for Europes gas trading, had plunged by 12% to $40.94 (37.86 euros) per megawatt (MWh) as of 11:29 a.m. GMT on Wednesday, as workers and LNG facility owners in Australia discuss a possible resolution to the dispute about pay and work conditions.

The contract rose by more than 5% on Tuesday, settling at the highest levels since April this year. The extreme volatility suggests that market participants are anxiously expecting any outcome of the talks between Woodside and trade unions over pay and work conditions.

Woodside Energy representatives are meeting on Wednesday with union representatives to discuss the issues over which workers had raised concerns.

Woodside said on Tuesday that it had constructively addressed the concerns of the employees.

On Sunday, the unions at Woodsides North West Shelf offshore gas platforms said they could go on strike as early as September 2 if the workers bargaining claims for the Woodside Platforms are not resolved by Wednesday, August 23.

Woodsides North West Shelf is the largest LNG production project in Australia, with a capacity of 16.9 million tons annually, followed by Chevrons Gorgon, which has a capacity of 15.6 million tons. Wheatstone, also operated by Chevron, can produce 8.9 million tons of LNG annually. The three LNG sites threatened by industrial action account for 10% of global LNG supply.

Natural gas markets should get more clarity around Australian LNG supply over the next 24 hours, given that end-of-day Wednesday is the deadline that workers at Woodsides North West Shelf gave to come to a deal, ING strategists Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey said on Wednesday.

As a result, we could see further volatility in natural gas prices for the remainder of the week.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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A dry bulk ship chartered by agricultural and bioindustrial specialist Cargill Plc has set out on its first voyage after being fitted with special sails aimed at studying how harnessing wind power can lower emissions in the shipping sector. Marine transport is one of the biggest consumers of oil, accounting for ~7% of oil consumption worldwide and 3% of global CO2 emissions.

"It is risk taking. There is no guarantee ... that the economics are going to work. But it is up to us to show the industry what is possible and hopefully get some more people confident around this technology," Jan Dieleman, president of Cargill's ocean transportation division, has told Reuters, adding that they plan to scale the operation if they get positive results. The five-year old Pyxis Ocean has been retrofitted with large wing sails measuring nearly 40 meters in height known as WindWings, with Cargill hoping to recoup the costs through fuel savings. Wind power is likely to be a far cheaper source of energy than another clean energy solution proposed by the World Bank: hydrogen.

Two years ago, the World Bank issued a recommendation to avoid LNG bunkering, saying hydrogen and ammonia offer the best long-term solutions as the shipping industry continues to adopt increasingly stringent measures to decarbonize.

Unfortunately, the economics of green hydrogen--the type favored by most governments--are not in its favor. Green hydrogen--i.e. Hydrogen made through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy--costs about $5 per kilogram compared to $1.50 per kilogram for gray hydrogen, which is created from natural gas, or methane, using steam methane reformation(SMR). Currently, 99% of U.S. hydrogen production is sourced from fossil fuels, with 95% from natural gas by SMR. Although the DOE is sponsoring a moonshot project to reach $1 per kilogram within a decade, it would require a huge scale-up of renewable electricity for green hydrogen costs to fall to such levels. For instance, meeting the EU green hydrogen target would require ~1,000 terawatt-hours of new solar and wind installations, nearly double the blocs installed capacity.

Related: Production Starts At Phase-11 Of The Worlds Largest Gas Field



The World Bank recommendation has faced plenty of backlash from industry representatives who say the industry cannot afford to wait for a perfect solution to address climate change. Instead, the shipping industry favors the adoption of technologies that can boost LNGs carbon credentials.

Cheapest marine fuel

In its report, the World Bank presents an overview for policymakers regarding its perspective for the industry, saying that the industry needs to abandon fossil-based bunker fuels and turn toward zero-carbon bunker fuels in order to lower and ultimately eliminate its climate impact.

In addition to its overview of the issues, the World Bank presented a report entitled The Role of LNG in the Transition Toward Low- and Zero-Carbon Shipping. The report says LNG is likely to play only a limited role in the decarbonization of the shipping sector even in the short-term, and recommends that countries should avoid adopting public policies that support LNG as a bunker fuel due to the risk of methane emissions and other highly damaging GCG emissions. In a twin report, entitled The Potential of Zero-Carbon Bunker Fuels in Developing Countries, the World Bank identifies ammonia and hydrogen as the most promising zero-carbon bunker fuels for the shipping industry.

However, panelists at the opening of Singapore Maritime Week representing owners, charterers and shipbuilders have opposed that idea and instead see switching to LNG as one plausible, interim solution to a low-carbon transition that can happen sooner rather than later.

BHP CEO Vandita Pant has counter-argued that the maritime industry risks becoming a laggard if it fails to use LNG at least as a stop-gap measure and instead waits for a perfect solution to come.

But truth be told, the biggest reason why shipping magnates are not so keen on ditching LNG is simply due to the fact that its the cheapest fuel available.

According to data by international accredited registrar and classification society, DNV, over the past several years, Henry Hub natural gas has consistently ranked at or near the bottom of marine fuel prices when ranked by heating value. Henry Hub natural gas is selling for $2.56/MMbtu, the lowest among the six fuels ranked. Adding a $4/MMBtu liquefaction cost means it still remains considerably cheaper than low-sulfur Marine gasoil (MGO).

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On the investment side of things, commodity shipping stocks have pulled off from their February/March highs but several remain solidly in the green. Teekay Tankers (NYSE: TNK) and Tsakos Energy Navigation (NYSE: TNP) are leading with gains of 55.5% and 37.0% in the year-to-date, respectively.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Irans South Pars gas field is one half of the worlds largest gas resource  the other being Qatars North Field  so any official announcement on production plans from there is a major event. It is even more dramatic if it relates to the often-delayed and exceptionally controversial Phase 11 of South Pars (SP11), which for a long time has been a focal point for proxy hostilities between West and East, as analysed in depth in my new book on the new global oil market order. Consequently, comments last week from Irans Petroleum Ministry that gas production has now finally started from Phase 11 has set pulses racing in Washington, Moscow, and Beijing. For Moscow and Beijing, the announcement sets the seal on years of maneuvering to play integral roles in developing the worlds biggest gas reserve. For Washington, it raises questions over Irans genuine commitment to agreeing a new version of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, or colloquially the nuclear deal) in the next three months as planned.

Back on 16 January 2016 when the JCPOA was implemented, the ultimate prize for Western international oil companies was to be involved in the South Pars gas field  even more so than in Irans enormous oil fields. They knew that oil was coming under increasing pressure from the clean energy lobby, but they also knew that even this group regarded gas as an acceptable alternative to oil in the transition period to green energy. Additionally, despite Irans massive oil resources, its gas resources were even greater, and the bulk of them were concentrated in just one, huge, area  South Pars. The South Pars site stretches across 3,700 square kilometres and holds an estimated 14.2 trillion cubic metres (tcm) of gas reserves in place plus 18 billion barrels of gas condensate. It already accounts for around 40 percent of Irans total estimated 33.8 tcm of gas reserves (mostly located in the southern Fars, Bushehr, and Hormozgan regions) and about 80 percent of its gas production. The other part of the worlds biggest gas reserve is Qatars 6,000 square kilometre North Field (or North Dome), which is the foundation stone of its world-leading liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter status. Iran has also long held well-developed plans to use part of the South Pars and neighbouring North Pars sites to roll-out its own world-class LNG programme, as also analysed in depth in my new book.

Related: Seaborne Coal Volumes Hit Record Highs In 2023

South Pars was split into 24 phases for development, with broad production targets ranging from around 28 million cubic metres per day (mcm/d) to about 57 mcm/d  the latter being Phase 11s target. Once the JCPOA had been agreed, Frances then-Total moved into the dominant spot to develop the huge site, with a 50.1 percent stake, over and above the stake held by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), which had been chastised by Iran for making slow progress on other sites. The French firm quickly invested around US$1 billion in the Phase and made progress on the site, until in May 2018 came the withdrawal of the U.S. from the JCPOA. Given the size and scope of Phase 11, it became a focal point of Washingtons attention in the aftermath of its withdrawal, and it put the French under extreme pressure to pull out of the project.

At that point, CNPC automatically took over Totals 50.1 percent stake in Phase 11, to add to its existing 30 percent stake (with the remaining 19.9 percent held by Irans Petropars) and was all set to continue with the development of the site, given the enormously beneficial terms that it was offered by Iran. Specifically, OilPrice.com understands that Irans Petroleum Ministry offered the Chinese a 15 percent discount for nine years on the value of all gas it recovered - this being the value of the gas as applied to CNPCs cost/return formula against the open market valuation - with the net present value of the entire South Pars site at that time being US$116 billion. However, as the U.S. ramped up pressure on China in the Trade War, and with China already locked into the new supercharged 25-year deal with Iran, as also analysed in depth in my new book on the new global oil market order, Beijing made a policy decision to take a lower public profile on project work on Irans high-profile oil and gas fields wherever possible. Top of this list was Phase 11 of South Pars, so CNPC publicly withdrew from the project in October 2019.

Since then, there had been little progress on Phase 11 until this latest announcement, predicated on Iran suddenly finding US$20 billion to fund the next part of its development. Although this massive sudden find seemed to provoke no questions from the rest of the worlds media, to OilPrice.com it seemed odd, given that Iran is essentially bankrupt. According to a senior source close to Irans Petroleum Ministry, OilPrice.com discovered that the US$20 billion is going to be funded through a highly-precarious pay-as-you-go method. More specifically, Russian and Chinese firms  Lukoils foreign gas arm and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation in the first instance  will front the costs to develop projects within Phase 11 on an incremental basis, recouping their expenses plus pre-agreed profits as they sell the gas on. As Russia is taking the development lead in the site, with China focusing on engineering, the Russian firms are guaranteed a 35% profit from the gas sales, with Chinese firms receiving 28%. The Russian and Chinese banks that will be executing the foreign exchange side of the deals, will also be receiving another 5% each for their troubles, according to the Iran source.

Quite how this will be seen by Washington, as discussions continue over the content of a new nuclear deal remains to be seen. Perhaps Iran regards assigning the work on the [South Pars Phase 11] project to Russia and China as a negotiating ploy to get better terms in the new JCPOA, but the terms of the deal as it stands are the best it [Iran] can expect, I think, said the Iran source. As exclusively highlighted at the beginning of July by OilPrice.com, the ongoing discussions between the U.S. and Iran about a new version of the JCPOA are not for an all-encompassing version of that original pre-2015 deal, as analysed in depth in my new book on the new global oil market order, but for a limited version of it. For a start, Iran will not have to commit to a specific date to sign up to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), but merely to indicate that it will make efforts towards aligning itself towards the FATFs goals over an unspecified time. For its part, the U.S. will not have to drop its designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. However, it will allow the sanctions against Iranian oil and gas exports to be gradually rolled back. One major positive of this limited JCPOA is that it addresses the key Israeli fear regarding Iran  that Iran manufactures a nuclear weapon of some sort sooner rather than later. Therefore, the key pledges for Iran in the new limited version of the JCPOA is that it will keep uranium enrichment at or below 60 percent and that it agrees to regular inspections once again from independent nuclear watchdogs.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

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Tie-backs to existing oil sands facilities or expansion of operational sites by some of the biggest Canadian oil firms are expected to boost Canadas crude oil production by 8% by 2025, analysts have told Reuters.

Analysts at RBN Energy see Canadian crude oil production rising by 175,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2023 and by another 200,000 bpd next year.

Companies can finally say things have recovered enough in the industry that we can maintain returns to shareholders and put some money into production growth, RBN Energy analyst Martin King told Reuters.

Last year, Canadian oil production hit a record 4.86 million bpd, per data from the Canada Energy Regulator. Analysts now expect output to grow in 2023, 2024, and 2025 as companies are ramping up production at new and tie-back sites in Albertas oil sands.

Despite the impact of wildfires in Alberta earlier this year, major oil and gas producers including Cenovus Energy and Canadian Natural Resources eye production growth for the rest of this year and in the near to medium term.

At Kirby, Canadian Natural Resources targets to grow production by around 15,000 bpd from Q4 2022 levels to approximately 65,000 bpd in Q4 2023, as the company progressed the development of four SAGD pads in 2023, Canadian Natural Resources president and CEO Tim McKay said on the Q2 earnings call earlier this month. The three remaining pads are targeted to ramp up to full production capacity over the first nine months of 2024 at a pace of one-pad per quarter, McKay added.

Cenovus Energys president and CEO Jon McKenzie said on the earnings call, We expect strong production from oil sands in the second half of 2023, and with all major maintenance behind us.

Cenovus Energy is making good progress on the Narrows Lake to Christina Lake connection, from the Christina Lake operations to another very rich area for development, said Norrie Ramsay EVP, Upstream, Thermal, Major Projects & Offshore at Cenovus. Plans are for start of drilling at Narrows Lake pads in early 2025, Ramsay added.

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By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Southern California Edison has asked the state utility regulator to allow it to recover the $2.4 billion it spent on lawsuits over a 2017 wildfire from customers through higher rates over the next three decades.

Southern California Edison filed with the California Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday the request to be able to recover $2.4 billion it had spent on lawsuits and $65 million on reconstruction costs from its customers, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday.

The higher rates would be spread over a period of 30 years, according to Southern California Edisons request with the regulator.

The utilitys average customer would have to pay an additional $1.50 a month if the regulators approve the request, Edisons senior vice president of corporate affairs, Caroline Choi, told Bloomberg.

Southern California Edison has spent a lot of money on lawsuits following the 2017 wildfire and subsequent mudslides that killed two dozen people overall.

The so-called Thomas fire in Ventura County in December 2017 was ignited by power lines owned by Southern California Edison, according to a 2019 report by the Ventura County Fire Department. The fire, which was started by power lines coming into contact during high winds, burned a total of 281,893 acres, destroyed 1,063 structures, and resulted in one civilian and one firefighter fatality. In total, the Thomas Fire burned for nearly 40 days, threatening the cities of Santa Paula, Ventura, Ojai and Fillmore, as well as many unincorporated communities, before moving into Santa Barbara County. It was declared 100% controlled on January 12, 2018.

That same month, rains triggered mudslides and thousands sued Southern California Edison for the wildfire and claimed the Thomas Fire also had stripped hillsides of vegetation which caused the mudslides.

Requesting to recover the costs for the lawsuits, Southern California Edison said in its Tuesday filing that it had properly maintained and operated its power lines and systems. The fire and mudslides were impacted by a number of factors outside Edisons control, the company said.

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The volume of natural gas flowing to LNG giant Cheniere Energy's (NYSE:LNG) Corpus Christi export plant in Texas was on track to decline nearly 30% on Wednesday, a day after Tropical Storm Harold hit South Texas. According to Refinitiv data, gas volumes flowing to Corpus were on track to drop to about 1.5 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) on Wednesday from 2.1 bcfd previously. At full capacity, the three liquefaction trains at the Corpus Christi LNG export plant are capable of chilling 2.4 bcfd of natural gas into LNG, enough to supply 12 million U.S. homes.

Although officials at Cheniere have declined to comment on plant operations, a report by Enverus Intelligence Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, has provided estimates that should a hurricane hit the Gulf of Mexico, ~40% of oil and gas production would be shut in and take seven days to recover in a mid-impact case estimates while a high-impact case would shut in as much as 90% of production and take 16 days to recover.

Although Tropical Storm Hilary has been gradually weakening, it continues to flood parts of Mexico, California and the Southwest U.S.

In more positive news, Cheniere has struck a deal with Germanys BASF SE (OTCQX:BASFY) to supply the chemical giant with 0.8 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG to the chemicals giant. The BASF deal is one of several long-term supply deals Cheniere has signed so far this year.

Back in June, Cheniere signed a long-term LNG sale and purchase agreement with Chinas ENN Energy Holdings. Under terms of the deal, ENN will purchase ~1.8M metric tons/year of LNG on a free-on-board basis at Henry Hub prices for a 20-year term, with deliveries to commence mid-2026 ramping up to 0.9 million tonne per annum (mtpa) in 2027. Cheniere has also entered another LNG sale and purchase agreement with Norways Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR) that will see the Norwegian national oil company purchase 1.75M metric tons/year of LNG on a free-on-board basis for a purchase price indexed to the Henry Hub price, for a 15-year term.



By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Via Metal Miner

The U.S. Department of Commerce recently decided to enforce preliminary anti-dumping duties on imports of tin mill and tin plate steel from China at a duty rate of 122.5%. As this is the highest preliminary rate, the move provoked severe criticism from trade analysts and experts across China.

This tariff also applies to Chinas leading manufacturer, Baoshan Iron and Steel. In addition, the Department of Commerce plans to apply duties of 7.02% on tin mill imports originating from Germany and 5.29% on imports from Canadian producers. These moves will affect major products from each country, including companies like Thyssenkrupp and ArcelorMittal DOFASCO. However, the Department clarified that it would not be imposing anti-dumping duties on tin mill steel imports from Britain, the Netherlands, South Korea, Taiwan, and Turkey. Tin mill steel is a lustrous silver metal extensively employed in crafting cans for food, paint, aerosols, and various other containers, with their specific price points being outlined on MetalMiner Insights. As a result, tin plate is central to many manufacturing processes.

Chinas Response

Chinese analysts responded quickly to the move, criticizing the U.S. and labeling the new duty unfair. According to a report in the Global Times, analysts said the tariff rates imposed on Chinese imports were substantially higher than those on imports from Canada and Germany. In addition, they argue this could potentially violate World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations. Others stated that the actions taken by the U.S. government were both unilateral and protectionist.

The imposition of these fresh anti-dumping duties aimed to safeguard the United States domestic steel sector against cheap imports. Simultaneously, policymakers hoped the move would help level the playing field for U.S. producers. Indeed, proponents argue that the duties seek to counter the adverse effects of such dumping practices and support the local industry.

Explaining why the preliminary duty was the highest against China as compared to the other two nations, Reuters quoted a representative from the U.S. Commerce Department. They claimed that Chinas higher rates resulted from a lack of cooperation from a major producer during the investigation, leading to an adverse inference determination. Other respondents also failed to demonstrate independence from the Chinese government.

Meanwhile, a Global Times report quoted Chen Jia, an independent analyst in global strategy, as saying the move went beyond the boundaries of competitive anti-dumping inquiries. According to Jia, the decision violated the WTO principles, including free trade, fair competition, and equitable negotiations. He further alleged that the steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by the U.S. represented a violation of global trade norms.

According to figures from the U.S. Commerce Department, China contributes about 14% of U.S. imports. Meanwhile, Canada and Germany together account for roughly 30%,

New WTO Order Against Earlier Chinese Tariffs on Metals

The latest trade spat near-coincided with a fresh WTO report detailing Chinese counter-tariffs against the U.S. Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, favoring the U.S.

The WTO ruled that Chinas imposition of tariffs on $2.4 billion worth of U.S. goods in response to former President Donald Trumps steel and aluminum tariffs clearly violated its core trade agreements (get weekly updates on metal market updates like these through MetalMiners free weekly newsletter).

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only international organization that deals with the rules governing trade between countries. Its main function is to promote as much as possible the smooth running, predictability and freedom of trade.

Consisting of three experts, the WTO panel concurred with United States officials, who claimed that Chinas tariffs ran afoul of the principle of most-favored-nation status. They also agreed that the move breached other trade concessions that China had agreed to upon joining the trade organization.

Soon after, Chinas commerce ministry demanded that the U.S. immediately lift the tariffs imposed on Chinese steel and aluminum imports.

Genesis of New Duty, Impact on Tin Plate Products and Other Tin Imports

The fresh round of preliminary anti-dumping duties began in February this year following a petition from a lone U.S. steel manufacturer, Cleveland-Cliffs. The company alleged instances of foreign dumping within the tin-plate sector, a segment that saw the closure of numerous U.S. production facilities in recent years.

In June, the Commerce Department revealed preliminary anti-subsidy duties: a staggering 543% on tin mill imports from Baoshan Iron and Steel, and 89% on those sourced from other Chinese producers. This was part of a separate yet parallel inquiry. However, anti-subsidy examinations did not include the other nations mentioned in last weeks decision.

That same month, a bipartisan communication from members of Congress and trade body Can Manufacturers Institute highlighted how substantial anti-dumping duties would amplify expenses for canned packaging. They mentioned that this could potentially impact both food and aerosol products. This, they said, could potentially favor Chinese canned goods manufacturers and consequently increase imports of canned foods from China.

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Canadian and German Tin Mill/Tin Plate at Risk

Indeed, the implemented duties announced are notably milder than initially feared. Institute President Robert Budway also expressed hope that the final decision by the Commerce Department would do away with the proposed duties on Canadian and German tin mill steel. Notably, the five countries exempted from duties account for approximately half of U.S. tin mill steel imports.

The decision regarding tariffs came out less than a week after Cleveland-Cliffs announced its intention to acquire a major competitor in the tin-plate sector: U.S. Steel. Industry experts pointed out that this move would accelerate consolidation within the American steel production landscape.

By Sohrab Darabshaw

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A local businessman involved in the installation of solar panels for homes and businesses has been receiving weekly complaint calls.

The calls weren't about his business. Instead, they were seeking his help on unsatisfactory work by other firms.

I get people calling and saying, They wont let me out of our contract, said Dale Leuck of Gretna-based Great Plains Renewables.

Others request that he fix problems with their system, though any action on his part could jeopardize another firms warranty.

Its one thing after another, Leuck said. I get five to 10 calls a week.

His firm is not alone in receiving calls of concern.

According to the Omaha Public Power District, electricity customers are reporting an increasing number of aggressive and even misleading sales pitches, over the phone and door to door.

Oftentimes, those making the pitches falsely claim to be working with OPPD, spokesperson Jodi Baker said.

OPPD does not partner with any installers, she said. Any claims to the contrary should be a red flag.

Another OPPD official, Sam Hueser, added: Weve seen a high influx of complaints in the last two to three years. A large number of complaints involve high pressure sales tactics. This includes complaints about door knockers.

Weve received complaints about salespeople having it hard to take no for an answer, said Hueser, manager for customer alternative energy.

OPPD has a list of what it considers reputable solar companies it has dealt with and whom they suggest potential customers should contact when considering solar, Hueser said.

OPPD trains these trade allies as they are called, who are experienced professionals, on the application process. They have met a list of qualifications and agreed to standards of conduct.

Its not an easy list to get on, said Leuck, whose firm is on that list.

If panels are installed by a company on this list, the homeowner is eligible for a $2,000 rebate, Hueser said.

The rise of customer complaints comes with the growing interest in solar energy.

According to OPPD, there were 835 applications for solar panels last year and 543 in 2021, though projections for this year might be around 500.

There are advantages to solar energy, according to information provided by Leuek:

 Its clean and renewable.

 There are cost savings. Solar panels can significantly lower electricity bills.

 There is energy independence.

 Solar panels require low maintenance.

 It can add value to the home.

But is it for everyone?

OPPD strongly advises those who are interested to follow these steps:

 Do not be pressured by a solar company. Do some homework before signing any contracts.

 Visit OPPD.com/COG to research whether solar is right for your situation. There, folks will find helpful information, including answers to frequently asked questions as well as the list of vetted solar and other customer-owned generation trade allies. These are businesses OPPD has worked with and recommends as trusted sources.

 Always get multiple bids from reputable solar contractors before signing any contracts.

 Never let unvetted salespeople into the home, and never give them personal or financial information, whether in person or over the phone.

One important note about solar panels, Leuck said, is that they should be installed on the east, west or south portion of the home, and definitely not north.

Recently, Leuck installed solar panels on the home of Daniel Hershberger of Bellevue. He installed 30 panels in less than two days.

We knew we wanted to do it, Hershberger said of solar energy, but it came down to two bids after he'd completed his research.

One of them was Leucks firm, which Hershberger ended up selecting.

With Dale, there was not at all any pressure. He gave us information in a way we could understand," Hershberger said. "He was straightforward as far as the cost and what to expect from the system. The other one was more of a sales pitch, instead of what works for you. We went with the one most comfortable.

The Hershbergers paid for their system up front and have immediately seen substantial savings.

A year ago, our June power bill was $240, he said. This year in June, it was less than $60.

Its really quiet, also.

You cant hear a thing. You dont even know its there, he said.

Great Plains Renewables has partnered with Leswee LLC to find qualified Nebraska businesses to take advantage of the USDA's Rural Energy for America program at a discount.

In towns of less than 50,000 people, businesses qualify for 50% of their solar installation for free once approved for the grant. The grantwriting process is being covered by Great Plains. Farmers are also eligible for the REAP program.

They aim to host town halls offering more information in October and November, Leuck said.
Tech giant Google continues to expand its footprint in Nebraska, unveiling plans Tuesday for a new data center in the capital city.

The company said it is making a $1.2 billion investment in the state in 2023, with part of the money going toward the new center planned in northeast Lincoln. The center is expected to cost a total of $600 million, and some of those costs would occur in future years, the company said.

Another part of the $1.2 billion will go for ongoing expansion of the companys current data center in Papillion, the company said. And some will go toward Googles new data center under construction in northwest Omaha near State Street and Blair High Road. That center is expected to open soon, the company said.

Googles Nebraska spending in 2023 comes on top of $5 billion that the company previously has invested in the Omaha metro area, and doesnt include the announcement earlier this month of a $350 million expansion at Googles massive data center in Council Bluffs.

Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird expressed delight that the project in her city, concealed during the planning stages by the pseudonym Agate, could finally be revealed.

Im really excited, Gaylor Baird said. For the past four years, since I walked into the doors of city hall as mayor, weve been having to call this Project Agate.

We can stop winking at the chamber and saying We think it rhymes with Schmoogle.

Gaylor Baird said that in recent years Lincoln has become the cradle for a flourishing tech scene. Large companies and small startups, she said, are recognizing what the city has to offer.

With todays announcement, we expand our economic vitality, workforce and stature of our city in a really big way, she said. We know that Lincoln is already on Googles map, but Im thrilled to say Google is now officially on Lincolns map.

The center will create new jobs, anchor industrial development and provide a range of services that power businesses from Scottsbluff to Scottsdale and beyond, she said.

Luke Peltz, vice president of the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development, said the project has been in the works nearly five years and will pay dividends, initially in construction jobs.

Its a huge win for Lincoln, he said.

Google officials said earth movers are already on site.

The Lincoln data center will look similar in design to the Papillion center, said Allie Hopkins, Googles head of data centers for Iowa and Nebraska.

We try to do similar builds, Hopkins said. That helps with speed and efficiency, and we really can fine-tune the design.

Hopkins could not say when the Lincoln data center would come online.

I can tell you that were starting now. And I cant tell you when were going to be done. Thats a timeline. Well probably have an announcement when its actually in production.

She said Nebraskas low unemployment rate has not hampered hiring.

The talent has been really, really fantastic, readily accessible and eager to come work for us and stay with us, she said.

Papillion Mayor David Black thanked Google for its continued investment in his community.

They came in 2018, I think, started building in 2019, and completed a building every year since then, Black said. A lot of places could just be a big corporation that just comes in and uses us. Google really is part of the community.

The company says that since breaking ground on the Papillion center in 2019, it has created more than 120 jobs for Nebraskans. Those full-time and external supplier jobs have included computer technicians, engineers and various food service, maintenance and security roles, it says.

Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., said the projects will have a huge impact on Papillion, Lincoln and on the entire state.

As we all know, these data centers are extremely critical to the internet and cloud services that power our economy, Fischer said. And our state offers the critical resources that are necessary to support that innovation.

Nebraska has a great workforce, excellent university system, resources, land and water needed to support the centers, she said.

The centers create good technology jobs, and Nebraska has the workforce to fill them, she said.

Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., said the expansion will create good jobs that connect Nebraskans to the rest of the world.

Flood, who represents Lincoln and much of eastern Nebraska, joked that Google should sprinkle some more data centers around his district.

Since youre handing out these data centers like candy, I would like one in Fremont, Columbus and Norfolk, he said. Once that happens, we have the trifecta.

Data centers support all the digital services that people use each day, like Gmail, YouTube, search and cloud storage.

The growing use of the cloud, plus the advancement and innovation in artificial intelligence, are driving the need for Google to ramp up its infrastructure, Hopkins said.

Were the fastest-growing cloud provider so weve got to be able to meet that demand, she said.

Tuesdays announcement came at a press conference at Googles Papillion data center at 14865 Gold Coast Road, just west of Nebraska Highway 50.

The new Lincoln data center will be on the northwest corner of Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 77, or 56th Street, on the northeast edge of Lincoln.

Google, through a subsidiary, paid about $18.6 million for about 600 acres of land at the site. Another subsidiary applied for $600 million in state tax incentives in 2020.

The Papillion expansion will add to the considerable growth of data centers in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area. According to Dgtl Infra, the area already has at least 20 data centers from a dozen different providers.

Overall, global internet usage has grown 20-fold since 2010. And lifestyle changes since the pandemic, with the rise of working from home and more online shopping, have only helped to further drive the demand for data centers. The rise of artificial intelligence has become another recent driver.

Data centers gobble up incredible amounts of power  for big ones, as much as a small city. And the Omaha areas data center growth is leading whats believed to be the largest spike in demand for electricity in the Omaha Public Power Districts 77-year history.

To meet that growth, Omahas public customer-owned electric utility last week approved a $2 billion plan to nearly double its generating capacity over the next decade.

This report includes material from the Lincoln Journal Star.

Photos: Google announces $1.2 billion investment in Papillion, Lincoln data centers
JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The BRICS mechanism inspires more countries to come together and work towards a more just and inclusive world order, said Kenneth Creamer, a senior lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Since its inception, the BRICS countries have been committed to improving trade and cooperation, and have successfully achieved this goal, Creamer told Xinhua in a recent interview.

In recent years, BRICS countries have been upholding the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation to strengthen trade and cooperation, which will help promote economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It has played an important role in improving the economic growth and employment levels of the BRICS countries," said Creamer, who is also a member of South Africa's presidential economic advisory council.

"President Xi Jinping's attendance at the BRICS leaders' meeting and his state visit to South Africa are of great significance. This visit will strengthen the relationship between the two countries," Creamer said.

Both Xi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa "have impressive track records in calling for united action to reduce global warming and climate change, to encourage increased levels of global trade and cooperation, and to work for peace and the end to ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world," he said.

China and South Africa established diplomatic relations in 1998, and bilateral relations have since developed comprehensively and rapidly. On the economic and trade exchanges between the two countries, Creamer said that China and South Africa are each other's main export markets for many products.

China and South Africa should, based on existing strong relations, better integrate the countries' manufacturing and supply chains to facilitate development in both countries, he said.

"In this regard, Chinese enterprises should be encouraged to use South Africa as a base country to deliver products and services to other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa," said the economist.

Global media have paid high attention to the BRICS "membership expansion" issue that will be discussed at this year's summit. Creamer said that a number of countries have applied for joining the BRICS group as they see BRICS as an important grouping for reshaping world affairs and strengthening economic trade cooperation.

"Many countries in the Global South have sought to come together in order to work towards a more just and inclusive world order ... BRICS inspires many countries to come together again in order to advance this vision," he said.

"All such countries should adhere to the BRICS mission of fostering mutual economic development and building a fairer world political and economic system, rather than for any other geopolitical purposes," he added. 
The 1-year-old girl who died Monday had been left for about five hours in a day care van outside a midtown Omaha child care center as the heat index climbed to triple digits, according to court documents.

A day after her death, RaMiyah Worthingtons family and friends demanded answers and justice for the little girl.

As the heat index reached 110 degrees late Tuesday morning, about 40 people gathered outside Kidz of the Future II Childcare Center.

Under the blistering sun, RaMiyahs friends and family chanted her name as they wiped away sweat and tears.

If were hot just standing out here now, Crystal Johnson, a cousin of RaMiyahs mother, said through tears, Imagine how RaMiyah must have felt.

Omaha Fire Department medics were called to the day care center, located at 50th and Leavenworth Streets, shortly after 3 p.m. Monday. RaMiyah was unresponsive when paramedics arrived, and she died after being transported to the Nebraska Medical Center with CPR in progress.

When RaMiyah arrived at the hospital, her body temperature was approximately 109 degrees, according to court documents. Based on the route of the van and surveillance footage from the day care, its estimated that RaMiyah was in the van for about five hours.

The air temperature measured 96 degrees shortly before 3 p.m. Monday, according to National Weather Service data recorded at Eppley Airfield. The heat index was measured at 113 degrees.

The vans driver, 62-year-old Ryan D. Williams, was arrested Monday night on suspicion of felony child abuse by neglect resulting in death. He is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday morning.

RaMiyahs parents told police that Williams picked up RaMiyah and two of her siblings on Monday and took them to day care, like he does every morning.

RaMiyahs mother, Sina Johnson, said in an interview that on Monday she received a text from Charkel Smith, the day cares director and coordinator, at 2:57 p.m. When Johnson called Smith, Smith was screaming hysterically and told Johnson to come to the day care immediately.

Sina Johnson said when she arrived at the day care, neither Smith nor police were on scene. She went inside and was told by Keesha Wesson, who is listed in state records as the day cares owner, that RaMiyah was at the hospital.

Williams later told police that he had nine children in his van when he arrived at the day care and became distracted when a young boy did not want to get out of the van, according to an arrest affidavit. Another staff member came to help Williams and they got the boy out of the van. Then Williams closed the van.

Williams said he normally conducts a sweep of the van to make sure no one is left behind but did not on Monday, the affidavit said. When he went out several hours later, he found RaMiyah lying on the floor in the back seat, picked her up and rushed her inside to call 911.

Williams said he was the only staff member in the vehicle and had made a mistake in forgetting the child in the van, the affidavit said.

RaMiyahs death leaves five siblings without their baby sister, her parents heartbroken and an entire community demanding answers.

They forgot my daughter in the van, Sina Johnson said. But we wont forget her. I want the center shut down. I want this to be RaMiyahs corner.

Sina Johnson said three of her children, including RaMiyah, had attended the day care center for about five years without any prior issues.

Voicemails left with Smith and Wesson were not immediately returned Tuesday.

At Tuesdays protest outside the now-closed day care center, attendees called for the center to be shut down and for the driver, as well as other employees of the center, to face consequences.

Aside from seeking justice for her death, family members are dedicated to keeping RaMiyahs memory alive. The girls aunts and parents recalled her bright smile and infectious laugh, and noted that she never cried  unless she wanted her dad, her favorite person, to hold her.

She was my whole world, said Rianna Worthington, RaMiyahs father. She was always, always happy. I got my life together because of her.

State records show that Kidz of the Future II is owned by Wesson, and Smiths voicemail identifies her as the director and coordinator of the center. A recent unannounced inspection in May found that proof of liability insurance was not available at the time of inspection, but that violation was fixed the same day.

The day care, when located in another building, was placed on corrective action status, a type of probationary license, after a 2017 incident in which a 5-year-old child was allegedly left unattended for at least 10 to 15 minutes at Gene Leahy Mall during a field trip. The child was found by someone in the park, who called police. The probationary period expired in February 2018.

Amber Rollins, director of Kids and Car Safety of Olathe, Kansas, said four children in Nebraska have died since 1990 as the result of being in a hot vehicle. RaMiyah is at least the 19th child to die in a hot car nationwide in 2023 and first in Nebraska since 2019, she said.

More than 1,050 children have died in hot cars nationwide since 1990 and at least another 7,300 survived with varying types and severities of injuries, according to data at kidsandcars.org.

Approximately 87% of children who die in hot cars are age 3 or younger and the majority, 56%, were unknowingly left by an otherwise loving, responsible parent or caregiver, Rollins said. Of the children who were unknowingly left, about 12% were left by a childcare provider.

A GoFundMe has been set up to cover RaMiyahs funeral expenses.
A former Nebraska State Patrol trooper already serving two prison sentences was sentenced Wednesday to a third lengthy prison term for the 2022 sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl.

Brandon Dolezal, 26, pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree sexual assault on a child and was sentenced to 30 to 50 years in prison by Douglas County District Court Judge Molly Keane. The sentencing hearing Wednesday came after Dolezal pleaded no contest in June to the two charges and in exchange prosecutors dismissed five other counts.

Prosecutors said Dolezal twice sexually assaulted the girl he first met on the social media app Snapchat. Both incidents occurred in Dolezals pickup truck. Omaha police arrested Dolezal in a parking lot at Skutt Catholic High School, where the girl was a student, on Nov. 1, 2022.

In court, Dolezal apologized to the girl and her family. Matthew Knipe, Dolezals attorney, said his client recognizes what hes done and wants to rectify his problem.

Prosecutor Nathan Barnhill said Dolezals behavior is a part of a calculated and methodical pattern.

Keane said Dolezal has shown a disregard for the law given Dolezals recent convictions in Scotts Bluff and Sarpy Counties for similar offenses. She also relayed a statement from the girls family submitted as part of a presentence investigation report.

In the statement, the family said the girl suffers from issues related to the trauma, including difficulty trusting people.

This will be something they will deal with for their entire lives, Keane said.

The Douglas County sentencing was the latest in Dolezals court proceedings.

In Scotts Bluff County earlier this year, Dolezal was ordered to serve 40 to 56 years in prison after being found guilty of four counts of possession of child pornography and two counts of attempted child enticement. He will be eligible for parole in 20 years under state sentencing guidelines. With good time, Dolezal could serve 20 to 28 years.

His Scotts Bluff sentence stems from sexting with two girls under 16 years old. At the time the offenses occurred, Dolezal was a state trooper stationed in the Panhandle. Dolezal was fired by the State Patrol in March 2021 after an internal investigation.

In Sarpy County, Dolezal was sentenced 20 to 40 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in Bellevue. In that case, Dolezal must serve 10 years in prison before he is eligible for parole and 20 before he must be released.

Dolezals latest prison sentence out of Douglas County will run consecutively to his prior sentences from Scotts Bluff and Sarpy Counties, meaning he will have to complete those prison terms before starting his new sentence from Douglas County.

This report includes material from the Scottsbluff Star-Herald.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of August 2023
The Omaha day care driver accused of causing the death of a 1-year-old girl by leaving her in a hot van for hours appeared in court for the first time Wednesday.

Ryan D. Williams, 62, appeared in front of Douglas County Court Judge Marcena Hendrix on Wednesday for a bail hearing. He faces one count of felony negligent child abuse resulting in death following the death of RaMiyah Worthington earlier this week.

RaMiyah was found unresponsive on the floor of a van owned by her day care provider, Kidz of the Future II Childcare Center, around 3 p.m. Monday. Further investigation showed that the girl had been left in the car for about five hours as the heat index approached 115 degrees. Williams was the driver of the van.

Prosecutors did not request a specific bail amount at the hearing, and Williams defense attorney requested for bail to be set at 10% of $20,000. Hendrix ordered Williams to be held on 10% of $50,000 bail, meaning he would have to pay $5,000 to be released.

RaMiyahs parents, who were present at the hearing, were disappointed by the judges decision.

We were hoping for a higher bond, said RaMiyahs mother, Sina Johnson. We were hoping for no bond.

According to an arrest affidavit, on Monday morning Williams picked up RaMiyah and two of her siblings from their residence and took them to the day care, located at 50th and Leavenworth Streets. Williams would pick up the children on a daily basis and drop them back at home in the afternoon.

When Williams arrived at the day care, according to the affidavit, he had about nine children in the van. He told police that he had been distracted by a young boy who did not want to go inside. Another staff member came to assist Williams and brought the boy inside.

About 10 a.m., Williams closed the van. He told police that he normally conducts a sweep to ensure that no one was left behind, but for reasons not made clear in the affidavit, that didnt happen on Monday.

It wasnt until Williams went back to the van to conduct his afternoon route  shortly before 3 p.m.  that RaMiyah was found. She was lying unresponsive on the back-seat floor of the van.

Williams picked RaMiyah up and ran into the day care center, where staff called 911. The girl was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to Nebraska Medical Center with CPR in progress.

RaMiyahs body temperature was about 109 degrees when she arrived at the hospital. Johnson said her daughters cause of death was heatstroke.

The air temperature measured 96 degrees shortly before 3 p.m. Monday, according to National Weather Service data recorded at Eppley Airfield. The heat index was measured at 113 degrees.

Kidz of the Future II has been in operation at its current location since 2019, according to state records. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that the center has been temporarily shut down as an investigation is conducted.

The protection and well-being of children is of the highest priority (...) and we are working with law enforcement as they investigate this tragic death, the department said in a statement. In addition, an emergency order has been put in place temporarily closing the facility until further investigations can take place.

Williams is scheduled to be back in court on Sept. 26 for a preliminary hearing.

Photos: Family, community members gather outside Kidz of the Future Il day care after death of one-year-old
ATLANTA  John Eastman, the conservative attorney who pushed a plan to keep Donald Trump in power, turned himself in to authorities Tuesday on charges in the Georgia case alleging an illegal plot to overturn the former president's 2020 election loss.

Eastman was booked at the Fulton County jail and is expected to have an arraignment in the coming weeks in the sprawling racketeering case.

He was indicted last week alongside Trump and 17 others, who are accused by District Attorney Fani Willis of scheming to subvert the will of Georgia voters in a desperate bid to keep Joe Biden out of the White House.

It was the fourth criminal case brought against the Republican former president.

Trump, whose bond was set Monday at $200,000, has said he will surrender to authorities in Fulton County on Thursday. His bond conditions prohibit him from intimidating co-defendants, witnesses or victims in the case, including on social media. He has a history of assailing the prosecutors leading the cases against him, including Willis.

Eastman said through his lawyers that he surrendered Tuesday "to an indictment that should never have been brought."

He criticized the indictment for targeting "attorneys for their zealous advocacy on behalf of their clients" and said each of the 19 defendants was entitled to rely on the advice of lawyers and past legal precedent to challenge the results of the election.

A former dean of Chapman University Law School in Southern California, Eastman was a close adviser to Trump in the run-up to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by the president's supporters intent on halting the certification of Biden's electoral victory.

He wrote a memo laying out steps Vice President Mike Pence could take to stop the counting of electoral votes while presiding over Congress' joint session on Jan. 6 to keep Trump in office.

After the 2020 election, Eastman and others pushed to put in place a slate of "alternate" electors falsely certifying that Trump won and tried to pressure Pence to reject or delay the counting of legitimate electoral votes for Biden, a Democrat.

Bail bondsman Scott Hall, who was accused of participating in a breach of election equipment in rural Coffee County, Georgia, also turned himself in to the Fulton County Jail Tuesday.

Two other defendants, former Justice Department lawyer Jeffrey Clark and former Georgia Republican Party chair David Shafer, have filed paperwork aiming to transfer the case to federal court.

Willis filed paperwork in Fulton County Superior Court, where the indictment was filed, seeking a March 4 trial date. Legal maneuvering, such as the attempts to move the case to federal court, could make it difficult to start a trial that soon.

Lawyers for Clark argued in their court filing Monday that he was a high-ranking Justice Department official and the actions described in the indictment "relate directly to his work at the Justice Department as well as with the former President of the United States."

Shafer's attorneys argued that his conduct "stems directly from his service as a Presidential Elector nominee," actions they say were "at the direction of the President and other federal officers."

Clark's attorneys also asked the federal court to stay any proceedings in Fulton County Superior Court  including the execution of any arrest warrant  until a determination has been made whether the case should be moved to federal court. U.S. District Judge Steve Jones gave Willis' office until 3 p.m. Wednesday to respond.

Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows last week made similar arguments in a federal court filing, saying his actions were taken in service to his White House role. A judge has scheduled a hearing for Monday in that case.

Meadows on Tuesday filed an emergency motion in an attempt to avoid having to turn himself in to the Fulton County Jail by the deadline at noon Friday. He asked the judge to ensure that outcome by immediately ruling that his case can be moved to federal court or by issuing an order prohibiting Willis from arresting him before Monday's hearing.

Meadows' motion says Willis on Tuesday morning rejected a request for an extension. She said in an email that "at 12:30 p.m. Friday I shall file warrants in the system," he said.

Clark was a staunch supporter of Trump's false claims of election fraud and in December 2020 presented colleagues with a draft letter pushing Georgia officials to convene a special legislative session on the election results, according to testimony before the U.S. House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Clark wanted the letter sent, but Justice Department superiors refused.

Shafer was one of 16 Georgia Republicans who signed a certificate declaring falsely that Trump had won the 2020 presidential election in the state and declaring themselves the "duly elected and qualified" electors even though Biden won the state and a slate of Democratic electors was certified.

Shafer was one of several defendants whose lawyers negotiated bond amounts with the district attorney's office on Tuesday. His bond was set at $75,000.
BLOOMINGTON  A 38-year-old Bloomington veteran who said he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder has been sentenced to four years in prison on an aggravated battery charge.

Derrick G. Edmondson Jr. pleaded guilty on June 28 to one count of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm to someone over 60. He was sentenced on Tuesday in connection with the incident, which took place last summer.

Prosecutors have said police were called to a Bloomington home on July 29, 2022, in response to an altercation involving Edmondson. He was accused of attacking a 17-year-old male and then attacking the older man who had been called to intervene.

Edmondson originally faced five criminal charges involving battery, but four charges were dismissed as part of his plea agreement.

In a statement given in court Tuesday, the victim addressed Edmonson, saying, Every night I see you punching me in the face, stomping on me and kicking me.

Edmondson and his attorney, Brendan Bukalski, had said the defendant was discharged from the U.S. Army after being diagnosed with PTSD induced by his combat service. Referencing that background, the victim said in court on Tuesday: You used your PTSD as an excuse. Its not an excuse.

The man ended his statement by saying, You have no integrity, none whatsoever. ... I hate you, man.

In his own statement during the hearing, Edmondson addressed the victim and said he was sorry the incident happened as it did. He said the older man shoved him, and I reacted.

He said at the time of the offense, he was grieving the loss of several family members, including his grandmother, mother and younger brother.

Bukalski said Edmondson has sought treatment at times for suicidal thoughts and wants to get better.

He said his client has been taking prescribed mental health medication from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and he has complied with all bond requirements.

The attorney said Edmondson deserved a community-based sentence.

During his testimony, Assistant States Attorney Ashley Scarborough asked Edmondson about prior convictions, including a 2013 case from New York in which he was sentenced for obstructing a persons breathing.

Scarborough also highlighted 2015 and 2016 convictions for domestic battery. In all three cases, Edmondson said he was defending himself, as he said he was trained to do in the military.

Scarborough said Edmondson justified his use of force in each incident, but he continues to be a danger (to society).

Asking Judge Jason Chambers for a sentence of eight years in prison, Scarborough said Edmondson should be removed from the community for a significant period of time.

Before issuing the sentence, the judge addressed the courtroom and made reference to Edmonsons PTSD diagnosis. Every once in a while, we have a case where a significant factor is present, he said.

The tragic thing for a lot of folks re-entering society, ... you were taught to do violent things  you were expected to do violent things, Chambers said.

He said the victim suffered several injuries from the altercation, including nasal fractures, injuries to his knees and back and a consistent headache.

Chambers said he wished he could sentence all veterans suffering from PTSD to community care, but Edmondson was traumatizing people with his actions.

Im concerned that every instance brought up (in court) is, Yeah, I had to do that, not, I did that, Chambers said, noting Edmondsons justifications for his prior violence.

He said Edmondsons reasoning was akin to, stepping back and making it about how you didnt have any choice. ... Theres a pattern here, and its very concerning for me.

The judge said he took into account Edmondsons record of violence and explanations of justification.

Violence does not get to be an option for you at all. ... You should have walked away, Chambers said, addressing the defendant.

He sentenced Edmondson to four years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, to be served at 85%, meaning Edmondson would have to serve just under three years and five months before being eligible for release.

His sentence will be followed by two years of mandatory supervised release.

After the sentencing, Bukalski said he was saddened by the verdict, saying his client would not get another chance to get better.

Scarborough declined to comment.
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. 24, 1923: With all due respect and appreciation for the concrete pavements that are the pride of McLean County, we cannot lose sight of the fact that four-fifths of the road mileage of Illinois will be marked by the earth surfacing. For every mile of hard roads, there are scores of miles of earth roads.

75 years ago

Aug. 24, 1948: Did Johnny fall and break his leg a few days ago? Or has the doctor ordered him to stay home with a heart ailment? If so, dont worry about his missing out on school. If the parents will notify Miss Kathleen Jarrett or Superintendent George N. Wells, he can be enrolled for bedside classes.

50 years agoAug. 24, 1973: A mini-mall planned for downtown Bloomington could be in jeopardy. Only two bids for the pilot mall on the north side of the 100 block of West Jefferson Street were received. The bids were $28,000 to nearly $40,000 over the $56,000 estimate prepared by Lundeen, Hilfinger & Asbury.

25 years ago

Aug. 24, 1998: Negotiations with Mitsubishi are not going well, members of the United Auto Workers Union Local 2488 heard at an informational meeting and strike authorization vote. They said they were miles apart on all areas and ... the company was tougher in negotiations than they ever had been, one union member told The Pantagraph after the meeting.

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'
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?
Ghana's leading real estate company, SuCasa Properties, is making it easier than ever for people to own homes.



The company offers a variety of flexible payment plans and customization options, making it possible for buyers to find a home that fits their needs and budget.



Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive Officer of SuCasa, Isaac Preko Boateng in an interview with KC on the Citi Breakfast Show, cited one of the most popular SuCasa Properties offerings as the O'Granston No. 3 development.



This community of affordable ultra-modern townhouses is located in Legon City Estate, a prime residential area in Accra. O'Granston No. 3 offers a variety of two, three, and four-bedroom units, all of which feature modern amenities and finishes, he stated.



He disclosed that buyers who make early payments (off-plan) on O'Granston No. 3 which has already began selling can enjoy competitive discounts, and also customize homes to suit their taste; with options such as changing the floor plan, adding additional features, or selecting different finishes. For homeowners making outright payments on homes, they will enjoy a 2percent discount.



SuCasa Properties also offers flexible payment plans for O'Granston No. 3. Buyers can choose to pay in full, make a down payment and then pay the balance over time, spreading payment over 4, 6, 12 and 24 months period. Buyers can alternatively finance their purchase through a mortgage.



Our prices range from $45,000 to $195,000.00 but we also accept the cedi equivalent of the amount. Our 2 bedroom units cost $45,000.00, 3 bedroom units-$96,500.00, 3 bedroom extended-$147,000.00 and the 4 bedroom units cost $195,000.00. We also have a payment plan of 4 months, 6 months, 1year and 2 year periods. But homeowners who make outright payments for their homes enjoy discounts, Isaac Preko Boateng noted.



In less than a decade, SuCasa Properties has positioned itself as a real estate brand providing a solution to the housing infrastructure deficit through the delivery of affording housing units.



Equipped in all aspects of the real estate industry, SuCasa Properties works in several verticals of the industry including residential and commercial construction, renovations or facelifts, property sale and rental, and property management.



To learn more about SuCasa Properties and its offerings, visit their website; www.sucasa.com.gh or call their office on; +233 (0) 553697886 or +233 (0) 302960865

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
Kwesi Pratt Jnr., the Editor-in-Chief of the Insight newspaper, has slammed the French government for backing ECOWAS decision to deploy military officers to Niger should the coup orchestrators refuse to reinstall the country's President.



France has reportedly pledged to support efforts by the West African regional bloc ECOWAS to make the military coup in Niger fail.



However, Mali and Burkina Faso, where military leaders have taken power since 2020, have warned that any regional intervention would be tantamount to a declaration of war against them.



According to Kwesi Pratt, the French government has promised to offer $25 million to support the ECOWAS military intervention.



Speaking on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' morning show, Kwesi Pratt rubbished the French support asking "is one soldier's life not worth more than 25 million dollars? Is one Ghanaian soldier who will die not worth more than that?"



To him, it is somehow an insult for France to pledge this sum to ECOWAS cause stating they (France) are doing this not in the interest of the African nations but because they stand to benefit largely from this intervention.



"It looks like for us, Africans, our lives are worthless; so we should go and fight for them to develop while we suffer. It won't happen!"



Watch video below





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
PUL-E-KHUMRI, Afghanistan, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Police have discovered and destroyed a drug processing lab in north Afghanistan's Baghlan Province, Qari Abdul Ghafori, head of the provincial police department, said Wednesday.

Acting on a tip-off, police launched operations in the Tala-o-Barfak district on Tuesday and unearthed a drug processing lab along with a massive quantity of materials and objects used in manufacturing heroin and smashed all on the spot, and took three persons into custody, the official said.

Afghan authorities have intensified their crackdown on illicit drugs, and those involved in the underground business as security personnel arrested two alleged drug smugglers in the western Herat Province on Tuesday.

Afghan caretaker government has vowed to fight against poppy cultivation and opium trade in the war-torn country. 
Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has warned President Akufo-Addo against joining ECOWAS to send troops to intervene in the Niger coup.



ECOWAS has threatened to engage in a military action against Niger if the coup orchestrators fail to comply with their directive to reinstall the President.



Reports indicate that Ghana's President may deploy military force to assist the ECOWAS "standby force" into Niger.



But Mali and Burkina Faso have cautioned that any regional intervention would be tantamount to a declaration of war against them as they pledge to stand by the Niger coup leaders.



Mr. Pratt, reacting to the issue during Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo', has asked President Akufo- Addo to abstain from the ECOWAS move.



"I will be very surprised and shocked that our President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will agree to us participating in this fight," he told Kwami Sefa Kayi.



Watch video below





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Ampem Antwi Bawua has petitioned the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to use his good offices to restrain the chief of Agric Nzema, Nana Nkansah Boadu Ayeboafo from holding himself as a delegate to vote in the party's Super Delegates elections scheduled for August 26, 2023.



Nana Nkansah Boadu Ayeboafo is a member of the NPP and serves as the Ashanti Regional representative on the National Council for which he has been appointed as a delegate for the impending Super delegates Congress.



But the petitioner says Nana Nkansah Boadu Ayeboafo, as a chief cannot be part of the Electoral College for the Super delegates elections.



Nana Antwi Bawua explained his position on the basis of the provisions of Article 276 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 26 of the Political Parties Act 574 of 2000.



According to Nana Antwi Bawua Article 276 of the Constitution provides that "a chief shall not take part in active party politics" while Section 26 of Act 574 prevents a chief from taking any form of leadership role in a political party.



Nana Antwi Bawua also referred to a recent Supreme Court declaration that a chief's endorsement of a candidate for elective national or local political office to the exclusion of a rival candidate cuts to participating in "active party politics" as provided by Article 276 (1).



Against these backgrounds, Nana Ampem Antwi Bawua has emphasised that Nana Nkansah Boadu Ayeboafo's planned participation in Saturday's elections is a clear violation of the laws of the land.



The concerned petitioner said to vote in the elections as a delegate to the extent of exercising a proxy vote in addition is tantamount to violation of the 1992 Constitution.



He explained that, though internal, it is a public Election being conducted and supervised by the Electoral Commission of Ghana and therefore, participation in active partisan politics by a chief of no mean a personality than the Agric Nzemahene is a contravention of the laws of the land and goes to undermine the sanctity of the chieftaincy institution.



It is in the light of these concerns raised that, Nana Ampem Antwi Bawua of Onwe near Ejisu, is seeking the intervention of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to restrain the Agric-Nzemahene from participating in the Super delegates Congress of the party.



He hoped Otumfuo would swiftly act to restrain his sub chief from voting as a delegate because he (Nana Nkansah Boadu Ayeboafo) is a duly nominated, selected and enstooled chief who has sworn the oath of allegiance to the Golden Stool of the great Ashanti Kingdom.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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James Gyakye Quayson, the Assin North Member of Parliament on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress, has stated that he does not fear going to jail if found guilty in an ongoing criminal trial at the Accra High Court.



Quayson, however, stressed that he had unwavering confidence in Ghana's criminal justice system and was certain that justice will be served at the end of the trial.



Asked in an interview on Accra-based Citi TV (August 22) about the possibility of being jailed, and whether he was afraid of that outcome, he responded: "No, why should I?



"I believe in the justice system. The fundamental thing about any judicial matter is that person intended to commit that crime. Did he plan it, I have not planned anything of such, he stressed.



He continued: "My strongest conviction is that this is just a matter of time. When you believe you have done the right thing, you shouldn't be afraid. I trust the court will deliver a very positive verdict. I trust my lawyers, I trust the conscience of the people."



On February 12, 2022, the State charged James Gyakye Quayson with five counts; deceit of a public officer, forgery of a passport, knowingly making a false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration, relative to his filings to contest in the 2020 parliamentary polls.



"So, I don't fear going to jail at all," he is quoted to have stressed after explaining the facts surrounding his trial.



Quayson drags AG to GLC



The lawmaker, last week, dragged the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Dame, to the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council (GLC).



In his letter to the GLC, the MP explained that the actions of the minister are contrary to the rules of professional conduct, in relation to his criminal case at the High Court.



Detailing how this is, James Gyakye Quayson explained that this was occasioned at the last adjourned date of the hearing of the criminal trial against him at the High Court, Criminal Division 3, Accra.



He stated in the letter that the AG provided testimony in court that contravened with the testimony of his own witness.



At the last adjourned date (19th July, 2023), during the cross-examination of the first prosecution witness, Richard Takyi-Mensah, after the witness had testified confirming that he had given a statement to the police to which he attached certain documents, which testimony is also reflected in the police statement itself, the Attorney-General, responding to the an application by my counsel for disclosure of the attachments the witness referred to, stated that there were no attachments to the court which, I am advised and believe to be true, is clearly contrary to the rules of the professional conduct by lawyers in a case.



The testimony provided by the Attorney-General contradicted the testimony of his own witness and was presented for the first time without any prior notice to my lawyers or myself as to the facts known to the prosecution, the letter signed by James Gyakye Quayson said in part.



The embattled MP also stated some other instances of professional misconduct that he is seeking the GLCs intervention on.



The case of June 16, 2023, when the A-G said that he, the MP, was headed to jail, is one other instance he stated in the letter.



On 16th June 2023, when my lawyer was seeking to bring to the attention of the court that I was a candidate in the then pending parliamentary bye-election in the Assin North Constituency, the Attorney-General used the following insulting language against me: This is what I describe as a very totally irresponsible step. Beside it, to apply to contest again when he knew that these proceedings were pending for which he can go jail, he added.







Source: ghanaweb.com









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The Lands Commission is pushing back against the recent survey conducted by the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which labeled the commission as the most corrupt public institution in Ghana.



The survey revealed that Lands Commission officers were reportedly receiving significant bribes, making them the top bribe-taking group among public officials in the country.



In response, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, James Dadson, is asserting that the individuals accepting bribes are not actual staff members of the commission.



He explained that many individuals are being ensnared by intermediaries who position themselves between the commission's employees and the customers. This, in turn, leads to the solicitation of substantial sums of money.



A report by Myjoyonline.com quoted Mr Dadson as saying, "We are not trying to absolve our staff from any wrongdoing, as we acknowledge that we're not immune to such actions within our office.



"Our main point is that if there are instances where our staff have engaged in such unacceptable practices, we are eager to be informed, as we have our own internal measures of accountability."



He emphasized, "Every staff in the office is properly identified and so if somebody is out there soliciting and the person is not a staff and you go and transact with that person, the person takes money from you, then these researchers come and they interview you oh I went to Lands and somebody took my money and its all about lands commission."



Dadson continued, "We firmly believe that the approach taken by the researchers needs to be reevaluated. While acknowledging that the Lands Commission, like any institution, has its human aspects that might lead to certain misdeeds, I am confident that the majority of the reported bribes are not orchestrated by our staff members."



He added that the bribery instances often involve external parties who engage with clients, often within the premises of chiefs, to facilitate land transactions.



These intermediaries may promise services like land registration after obtaining money from clients.



Despite this, Dadson noted that little can be done to curtail the activities of such intermediaries, often referred to as "goro boys," within the premises of the Lands Commission due to its status as a public office.















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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Yapei Kusawgu, John Abdulai Jinapor, has urged the Akufo-Addo government to use the laws to protect indigenous companies such as Genser Energy to contribute effectively to nation building.



Jinapor, who is the ranking member of the Mines and Energy Committee, said Gensers contribution in the power sector is commendable and must be protected with all the needed legislation to remain viable.



I am told that it is largely an indigenous company and so we must protect them with all the laws that will favor them, environmental laws and so many other things, Jinapor told the media on a field trip to Genser Energys facilities in Kumasi recently.



Sometimes it is very difficult for them to get the right of way, impediments here and there but the government can intervene and ensure that all these things are addressed. Parliament can also pass some very good legislations that will boost the local capacity. If local entrepreneurs can do this then they need the support of parliament, they need the support of the executive, they need the support of the judiciary and they need the support of the whole Ghanaian society and so let us give them whatever support they need, he added.



Jinapor continued: We will also encourage Genser to do the right thing, to do what is proper, and to take into account the national need. But I am very satisfied so far with the work that I have seen, it is highly commendable and I think that we ought to give them the needed boost.



Jinapor also hailed Genser Energy for the combined gas and pipeline infrastructural project that it has started undertaking following the agreement with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).



He indicated that Genser Energy is an indigenous company that is boosting local capacity by training Ghanaians and hence needed to be protected by the laws of Ghana.



I think so far it has been very impressive, I have had the brief already even before this field research but sometimes it is better you come and see it for yourself.



Having spent all these days touring, asking questions, and experiencing for ourselves the work Gener is doing, I can only say that it is highly commendable. This is where we need the private sector to partner government, to partner with the nation to ensure that we bring about the development, we bring about the structural development and deal with the challenges facing us especially as we move into the gas era, it is important that we continue such project so that we can shift from the ordinary liquid fuels and utilize our own gas, Jinapor stated.



We dont want to flare gas, we have a zero policy to flare gas and so clearly, I want to commend them. What we can do is to support them, and give them the needed environment and the needed legal framework in order that they can work well. We look forward to them completing this project and I will wish that they even extend this project into the northern part of the country because that will be very useful.



I have realized that they are training a lot of Ghanaians, which is highly commendable and I think that that is what they should focus on so that even as they expand they build capacity, they improve on their technology, know-how technical logical transfer. So far what I have seen is highly commendable, I also think that they should boost their public relations, it does appear that they are doing a lot but a lot of people do not know what they are doing, and a lot of members of parliament are very impressed and surprised that local enterprises can do this massive industrial project.



The Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Energy has found no evidence of any losses from a deal between the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and Genser Energy Ghana Limited (GEGL), concluding an investigation into unfounded claims of irregularities.



The investigation was initiated in response to claims made by the African Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) and the IMANI Center for Policy and Education in July 2022 alleging incorrectly that the deal incurred a loss of $1.5 billion for the nation. The Committees report instead found benefits for Ghana far exceeding that sum.

If it were about math and not politics, the report would settle the matter.



The ACEP and IMANI reports raised concerns over a Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) between GNPC and Genser Energy Ghana Limited (GEGL), asserting that Ghana stood to lose the whopping and galactic sum of $1.5 billion due to this arrangement.



The allegations raised by ACEP and IMANI claimed GNPC sold gas to Genser at significantly reduced rates compared to its purchase price, resulting in a perceived subsidy.

Following an 11-month-long investigation, the Parliamentary Committee has refuted the claims made by ACEP and IMANI, stating that the GSA is not a sweetheart contract.



The Committee found the computation methods used by ACEP and IMANI faulty. The CSOs calculated a hypothetical loss based on the contractual sum of $2.79/MMBtu. But that price reflects offsets from a capacity charge of $3.29/MMBtu.



The Committee found the arrangement much to the Nations benefit, presenting 11 key economic advantages associated with the deal ranging from energy security to job creation; from the development of future industries to foreign direct investment.





Source: Daily Mail GH









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Ghana Police Service has advised the Minority in Parliament to relocate the route of their impending picketing at the Bank of Ghana.



They were told in a meeting that the Bank of Ghana is a security installation, and accordingly, the protest and picketing around the installation may endanger Public Order, Public Safety and the running of essential services.



The protest is aimed at expressing dissatisfaction with the alleged illegal printing of money at the Central Bank and the reported maleficence outlined in the 2021/2022 financial report of the Bank, which resulted in the recorded GHC6 billion losses in 2022.



Read the police statement to the minority



1. The Accra Regional Police Command on behalf of the Police Administration conveys its sincerest gratitude to the Leadership of the Minority in Parliament for honoring our invitation.



2. Following our engagement with you at the Regional Police Headquarters today, Wednesday 23/08/2023 regarding the notification of a Public Protest scheduled for Tuesday, 5th of September, 2023, the Command states as follows:



 The Bank of Ghana is a security installation, and accordingly the protest and picketing around the installation may endanger Public Order, Public Safety and the running of essential services.





 That the route from Makola through Rawlings Park and Opera Square is always overcrowded and overpopulated due to human and vehicular traffic. Thus considering the nature of activities during the day, security can easily be compromised. In that regard, using such a route may lead to violence, and endanger Public Order and Public safety.



 As requested today during our engagement, the Command wishes to reiterate that you relocate the route and the destination for the picketing and therefore propose in the interest of Public Order, Public safety among others that you commence the protest from the frontage of Parliament House through Osu Cemetery Traffic Light and terminate at the Independence Square.



3. The Command hereby assures you of our continuous commitment to maintain law and order for the intended Public protest within the mandate of the Ghana Police Service.



4. Best Regards.



DR. SAYIBU PABI GARIBA



COMMISSIONER OF POLICE



REGIONAL COMMANDER/ACCRA

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Non-compliant Data Controllers/business organizations will soon be in hot waters as Ghanas Data Protection Commission has begun aggressive enforcement of the Data Protection Act 2012 (Act 843) this month of August 2023.



This became necessary after the Ghana Data Commission noticed that most business organizations in the country are not abiding by the Data Protection Act to ensure that the information of their customers is well secured without privacy breaches.



The Data Protection Act outlines what constitutes lawful processing, exempt processing, and the scope and duties of data controllers, data processors, the Data Commissioner, and data subjects.



It balances the need to ensure privacy rights with the rights of the State to remain inviolable, maintain law and order, function effectively, and protect its citizens effectively.



The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Information Governance Solutions (IGS), Sylvia Appiah, has admonished data controllers and business organizations to prioritize fulfilling data protection requirements to avoid incurring losses.



According to Sylvia Appiah, for business organizations to thrive, there is a need to acquire the requisite skills in managing and protecting the information of customers.



The CEO of Information Governance Solutions called on organizations to reach out to her outfit for the training of practitioners and registration in data protection because they have been certified by the Data Commission in Ghana.



In data compliance, the first thing to do is to register and we [Information Governance Solutions] can help you go through the process to ensure the data is secured and transferred in the appropriate manner.



"I will urge all controllers to contact us and register the information to start the journey of compliance. Data protection agents are in shortage globally. So in conjunction with the data protection commission, we offer certified practitioner training to organizations. We also offer data protection supervisors where we train them with the needed skills for data protection supervision," she said.



Sylvia Appiah further stressed the significance of Data protection in organizations and how it contributes to the success of their goals.



Data Protection is a law that is meant to protect every individual and therefore cannot be over-stressed that any business or country cannot exist without data protection. Every organization needs information about customers, clients, members, and patients in the hospital, and therefore the information given to the organization is paramount, Sylvia Appiah added.



Ghanas leading digital news platform, GhanaWeb, in conjunction with the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, is embarking on an aggressive campaign which is geared towards ensuring that parliament passes comprehensive legislation to guide organ harvesting, organ donation, and organ transplantation in the country.







Source: ghanaweb.com









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The Ga East Municipal Assembly says it has taken notice of an attempt by one Madam Larteley who is said to be the daughter of the Queen Mother of Kwabenya to organise a demonstration against the assembly.



In a statement by the Assembly dated Tuesday, August 22, 2023, the Ga East Municipal Assembly noted that the said woman has been going around the Kwabenya Market instigating and intimdating traders at the market to join her protest.





The Ga East Municipal Assembly (GEMA) has noticed with concern, the scheming of one Madam Larteley (Daughter of hte Queen Mother of Kwabenya) to organize a public demonstration against the Assembly.



It is reported that, this lady is going round the market instigating and intimidating traders at the Kwabenya- Atomic market to either join the demonstration or have themselves ejected from the market, how be it without the required permit as per the public order Act1994 (ACT

491), the Assembly said.





The Assembly while emphasising that the land in question is a government land and not a property of the Kwabenya family, further cautioned members of the Kwabenya family to desist from engaging in scandalous acts and actions that will lead to chaos at the market.



It is worthy to note that, the land in question is a Government (Public) land entrusted in the hand of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) and hence does not belong to the Kwabenya family. This issue was discussed by the Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC) meeting on 18 August, 2022 at which the family members were warned to stop their scandalous behaviour and desist from causing chaos at the market or claiming ownership of same.



We wish to state that, the Assembly's only interest in the said land is to protect Government property from encroachers of that public space. It is therefore, the pursuit of this public interest that has made the Assembly and especially the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Elizabeth Kaakie Mann, a target of abuse by the family since they are unable to sell the land as intended, the Assembly added.







Source: GNA









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The Progressive People's Party (PPP) has suggested that the Electoral Commission fix a specific date for the District Level Elections, just like it does for the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.



According to Remy Paa Kow Edmundson, National Secretary of the party in a statement, the dates for District Level Elections keep changing, and that makes it hard for candidates and voters to plan ahead.



"If we have a set date, it will make things a lot easier and more organized," he said.



Since the announcement of the upcoming voter registration exercise, many people have been speaking out against the decision to only use the District Offices as registration centers. And the PPP is joining them in asking the Electoral Commission to listen to the people and make a change.



2023 Voters Registration Exercise



The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mrs Jean Mensa has announced that the 2023 Voters Registration Exercise will commence on Tuesday, 12th September, 2023 to Monday, 2nd October 2023 ahead of the District Level Elections.



The Registration Exercise will take place in all the 268 District Offices of the Commission including the Guan District. In other words, each District office will serve as a Registration Centre.



See full statement below



CREATE ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION CENTRES FOR THE LIMITED VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE



Fellow Citizens, did you know that in Ghana, everyone has the chance to participate in decision-making and local governance? It's true! The 1992 Constitution gives all Ghanaians the opportunity to be a part of the District Level Elections, which connects the Central Government with the citizens in our local communities.



But here's the thing, fellow citizens. The voter turnout for these elections hasn't been so great in the past. In fact, the numbers show that not many people have been showing up to vote. And that's not good for our democracy.



Now, the Electoral Commission of Ghana has announced that they will be registering new voters from September 12 to October 2, 2023. But here's the problem: they're only allowing people to register at their District Offices. This means that people living in remote areas have to travel long distances just to register.



And that's not fair, especially when they have to pay for transportation and bring two family members to vouch for them.



Plus, when people do make the journey to the registration centers, they often have to wait in long lines and deal with broken machines. It can be a real hassle, and sometimes people have to come back the next day to finish registering. That's a lot of time and energy wasted.



So, the Progressive People's Party (PPP) is speaking up and asking the Electoral Commission to add more registration centers in every District. This way, people won't have to travel so far and can easily register to vote. It's a simple solution that will make a big difference.



But that's not all, fellow citizens. We also want the Electoral Commission to work with other organizations, like the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and political parties, to educate and engage the public about the importance of these elections. We want everyone to understand why it's so crucial to vote and be a part of our democracy.



And here's another idea: let's have a fixed date for the District Level Elections, just like we do for the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. Right now, the dates for these elections keep changing, and that makes it hard for candidates and voters to plan ahead. If we have a set date, it will make things a lot easier and more organized.



Since the announcement of the upcoming voter registration exercise, many people have been speaking out against the decision to only use the District Offices as registration centers. And we're joining them in asking the Electoral Commission to listen to the people and make a change.



So, let's all raise our voices and make sure our concerns are heard. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that everyone has a fair chance to participate in our democracy.



Awake! fellow citizens.



Remy Paa Kow Edmundson

National Secretary

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Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Spokesperson for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Gideon Boako has appealed to all persons who desire for Dr. Bawumia to lead the New Patriotic Party to contribute an amount, no matter how small or large, to his campaign.



Dr. Gideon Boako implored the party members and supporters to financially support the Vice President, stating he embarking on campaign tours and engaging in activities in the lead-up to the New Patriotic Party's Special Delegates Congress on Saturday, August 26 and finally the main presidential election to elect a flagbearer demands huge expenses.



He was optimistic that Dr. Bawumia will emerge victor in the elections but the contributions will be of immense support to the Bawumia camp.



"Bawumia says his doors are open to every person who wants to contribute to his campaign. Dial *202# to any network and contribute your token", he said on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show.



In related development, a survey conducted by Outcomes International Ghana and Center for Sustainable African Development Initiatives (C-SADI) UK has predicted the Vice President to win the special delegates elections with 72.6%.



The survey projects him to beat his competitors; Alan Kyeremanten predicted to obtain 7.7%, Ken Agyapong 3rd with 4.3%, Kwabena Agyepong 4th with 1.8% and Dr. Owusu Afriyie-Akoto with 0.6%.



This means Dr. Bawumia will come up tops in the list of the five candidates who will be elected to compete in the main presidential election in November this year.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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HANOI, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam aims to increase the number of skilled agriculture workers in its Mekong Delta region by 1.6 million by 2030 to improve productivity and adapt to climate change, local media reported on Wednesday.

Vocational training will be provided for agricultural and rural workers; officials and employees working in enterprises, cooperatives and agricultural farms; as well as vocational schools and employment service units across the Mekong Delta region, known as the country's largest rice producer, local newspaper Vietnam News reported.

This project aims to help the region meet the needs of labor markets and improve productivity and income for agricultural workers, the newspaper cited the Department of Cooperatives and Rural Development under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Relevant authorities will coordinate with localities to develop curricula, textbooks, learning materials and a list of training services for agricultural and rural occupations changing. Vocational training schools will diversify forms of teaching, apply information technology to improve the professional capacity of rural workers, the newspaper reported.

Farmers in the Mekong Delta contribute more than 50 percent of the country's rice production and 90 percent of rice exports, according to a report by Vietnam News Agency. 
Mr. Yaw Preko, the Deputy Communications Director at the Office of the President has said that the government is focused on building a resilient economy with recovery measures to achieve sustainable growth.



To him, the government has implemented several recovery policies to put the economy back on track with commitment to expenditure cuts to ensure fiscal stability.



Mr Yaw Preko said that despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and Ukraine-Russia crisis, the government implemented strategic interventions on domestics debt restructuring policies and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal.



Mr Yaw Preko in an engagement with media in the Eastern region indicated that government has demonstrated its ability to steer the economy towards growth recovery.



He continued that through strategic interventions, and visionary leadership, government initiated measures that led to a steady increase in the annual GDP growth rate.



He added that government remains committed to implementing effective policies and reforms despite the lasting impact of Covid-19 pandemic and global economic.



Mr. Yaw Preko indicated that President Akufo Addo led administration turned the tides, and in 2018 the GDP growth rate has already reached its peak at 8.1% which stabilized at 6.5% in 2019.



African Development Bank projected a steady growth rate of 5.4% to 5.3% by 2023, contingent upon the absence of any major global economic disruptions, said Mr Yaw Preko.



He said that the economic recovery is a dynamic progression that positioned Ghana as the fastest-growing economy in the sub Saharan African sub region during the pre-Covid era (2017-2019).



Mr. Yaw Preko expressed that Ghana has experienced a significant economic slowdown during the Covid-19 era.



He affirmed that the Ukraine-Russia crisis has contributed to macroeconomic challenges adding that difficult global economic conditions have deepened existing fiscal vulnerabilities.

Source: Michael Akrofi/Peace News









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Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has issued a detailed response to governor of the Bank of Ghana, Ernest Addison, with respect to his explanations on the US$250m new head office for the central bank.



In a social media post dated August 22, the lawmaker who recently published correspondence between the BoG and the Ministry of Finance insisted that the governor  who he repeatedly referred to as misgovernor - failed to redeem himself on even one leg of the issues raised.



The lawmaker posed a series of questions he insists that the governor deliberately refused to respond to.



Among others: coming clean on the current cost of the project, failure to explain how the price escalated from initial US$81m plus to US$122m plus and the national security excuse for restricted tendering.



On the claim that the project was started when the bank was not in dire straits, Ablakwa fired back: MisGovernor Addison claims he started his ostentatious legacy project in good times. How can anyone describe a project whose procurement process commenced in 2020 during the peak of COVID-19 as a good time?



Actual construction began in 2021 and has continued throughout the 2022 crisis period of the central bank and in the face of Ghanas current economic IMF-bailout bankruptcy, with the cost now three times its initial estimate  this must certainly be the definition of reckless, sleazy and destructive leadership, he stressed.



Ablakwa reechoed the calls for Addison to resign because we have had enough of his naked untruths. His rather belated attempt to hide under the cloak of national security wont save him.



The governor at a recent press conference explained issues to do with recent losses as captured in the 2022 annual report whiles the BoG also issued a statement on the now controversial new head office which according to the minority is valued at US$250m.



Read Ablakwas full reply to the BoG governor



A Response to MisGovernor Addison



MisGovernor Addison still refuses to disclose to Ghanaians the latest cost of his majestic legacy head office project despite his verbose press conference and additional mumbo jumbo press statement.



Is MisGovernor Addison embarrassed to publicly mention the colossal figure of US$222.79million which excludes the cost of land? (Copy attached).



Why is MisGovernor Addison unable to explain to Ghanaians why his insensitive opulent legacy office project keeps spiraling out of budget from an initial PPA approved amount of US$81.8million to the current US$222.79million (excluding land cost)?



Why is MisGovernor Addison still advertising the spectacular recklessness and gross mismanagement that has led to the BoG making unprecedented losses of GHS60.8billion and negative equity of GHS55.1billion.



MisGovernor Addison claims he started his ostentatious legacy project in good times. How can anyone describe a project whose procurement process commenced in 2020 during the peak of COVID-19 as a good time?



Actual construction began in 2021 and has continued throughout the 2022 crisis period of the central bank and in the face of Ghanas current economic IMF-bailout bankruptcy, with the cost now three times its initial estimate  this must certainly be the definition of reckless, sleazy and destructive leadership.



Why is MisGovernor Addison running away from, and refusing to address the litany of procurement breaches including illegally commencing construction based on his expansive revised design specifications before seeking approval from the Central Tender Review Committee? (See CTRCs categorical indictment attached)



MisGovernor Addison should also be told that we have had enough of his naked untruths. His rather belated attempt to hide under the cloak of national security wont save him.



He carried out his ill-advised Restricted Tender relying on Section 38 (b) of Act 663 which refers to disproportionate procurement typically in minor projects, not a multi-million dollar project such as the BoG head office.



Clearly, this provision has absolutely nothing to do with national security. (See Restricted Tender Letter attached).



Similarly, he relied on Section 72 (5) (b) of Act 663 which relates to a national emergency or a catastrophe to wrongly single source MULTICAD. (See letter attached).



Again, this provision has absolutely nothing to do with his belated efforts to hide under the weird cloak of national security.



MULTICADs articles of incorporation obtained from the Office of the Registrar of Companies is clear about a 10th December, 2021 registration not re-registration as BoG claims.



MisGovernor Addison has simply confirmed my discovery that Ronesans Holdings is not registered in Ghana. The ex post facto attempt to claim they partnered with a local firm doesnt save Addison.



At least, despite all the atrocities of the National Cathedral project managers, they ensured Rizzani de Eccher of Italy was registered in Ghana with their local partners: Barbisotti and DeSimone when they formed a JV known as RIBADE.



MisGovernor Addison must be told in the face that Ghanaians have had enough of his recklessness, mismanagement and untruths.



Yesterday, Ghanaians expected a contrite apology, an immediate resignation, and a suspension of his gravely insensitive, sleazy and majestic office project which has become an iconic symbol of his reckless mismanagement.



Instead of holding on to his job after this fantastic disaster, he should just resign and save our ears from his reams of gobbledygook.







Source: ghanaweb.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Atik Mohammed has slammed the Minority for refusing to back down and rescind their decision to picket the Bank of Ghana following the explanations offered by the Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, regarding the Central Bank's 60 billion Ghana cedis loss last year.



The Governor and his deputies have been asked by the Minority to resign, accusing them of mismanaging the bank.



The Bank of Ghana recorded a staggering loss of GHS60.8 billion, which is equivalent to $6 billion. This is twice the amount we are to receive from our recent IMF bailout, the Minority quoted during their Moment of Truth engagement with the media.



They added; The bank has also recorded a negative equity of over GHS55.1 billion. What this simply means is that the Bank of Ghana is insolvent" and blamed the incumbent government stating "the once prestigious Bank of Ghana, the mother of all banks in Ghana, has been bankrupted and collapsed by this NPP economic management team led by Dr Mahamudu Bawumia with the complicity of the Governor of the Central Bank.



But Dr. Addison, clarifying the issues, has explained that "the Bank of Ghana, following prudent management, had built enough buffers and policy space, which enabled it to trigger the emergency financing exception under Section 30(6)) of the Bank of Ghana Act, Act 612 as amended, to provide the needed additional financing support through the purchase of GHC10 billion of the Governments Covid-19 bonds, which helped to close the exceptional financing gap".



He further said, "these interventions from the Bank of Ghana, the IMF, and the World Bank, helped the government to navigate and effectively contain the devastating effects of the pandemic".



"The Bank of Ghana was able to step in with the support to the economy until the IMF programme was concluded, because of the policy buffers built, following years of prudent management.



"This is a reflection of the resilience of the Bank of Ghana for being able to rise up to the occasion to play its statutory role as the lender of last resort to support the economy during the crisis."



Atik Mohammed, speaking on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show, wonders why the Minority still wants to picket the bank even after the Governor offering what he strongly believes are sound clarifications for incurring the 60 billion loss.



"What is the basis of the picketing?...Even though I'm an advocate of free expression, when the picketing ends, what happens? Will the picketing give you the answers you are looking for?", he questioned.



He also questioned the Minority's demand for the Governor and his deputies to resign, stressing the constitution clearly specifies the offence(s) to dismiss the Governors.



He noted that the conditions that apply to the Justice of a superior court are what apply to the Governors of the Bank of Ghana.



"What are the conditions under which a Judge of a superior court can be dismissed? The person should have either stolen or is not of a sound mind or done something that contravenes the law. In all of these, which applies to the Governor," he stated.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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" " Poinsettias can come in a variety of colors beside red. Mohssen Assanimoghaddam/picture alliance via Getty Images

Poinsettias didn't arrive in the United States until the 19th century. The plant is named for the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, who introduced America to the poinsettia in 1828, after discovering it in the wilderness in southern Mexico. Dr. Poinsett, who dabbled in botany when he wasn't politicking between nations, sent cuttings of the plant back to his South Carolina home. While it wasn't initially embraced, its caught on over the years, and by the 20th century it was a holiday mainstay. In fact, National Poinsettia Day is celebrated on Dec. 12, honoring both the plant and the man who brought it to America [source: University of Illinois].

So what does a poinsettia have to do with Christmas? One interpretation of the plant is as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem, the heavenly body that led the three magi, or wise men, to the place where Christ was born. A Mexican legend tells of a girl who could only offer weeds as a gift to Jesus on Christmas Eve. When she brought the weeds into a church, they blossomed into the beautiful red plants we know as poinsettias, known as Flores de Noche Buena in Mexico (Spanish for "flowers of the holy night").

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A common myth that has existed for generations is that a poinsettia's leaves are poisonous. Although it's probably not a good idea to have a competitive-eating contest with poinsettia bracts since they could cause diarrhea, research has shown that a child could consume as many as 500 poinsettia bracts without any toxic effects [source: Perry]. A tot who accidentally nibbles on a leaf may not feel well, but the consequences won't be fatal. The plant does ooze a milky sap if you cut its stem, which some people are allergic to.
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Shallow mining ponds overwhelm a former river system in the La Pampa region of Madre de Dios, Peru. The colors of the ponds reflect suspended sediment and algae growth following the cessation of gold mining. Credit: Jason Houston (iLCP Redsecker Response Fund/CEES/CINCIA)

Gold and mineral mining in and near rivers across the tropics is degrading waterways in 49 countries, according to a Dartmouth-led study. Published in Nature, the findings represent the first physical footprint of river mining and its hydrological impacts on a global scale.

River mining often involves intensive excavation, which results in deforestation and increased erosion. Much of the excavated material is released to rivers, disrupting aquatic life in ecosystems nearby and downstream. This inorganic sediment, particles of clay, silt, and sand, is carried by rivers as "suspended sediment," transmitting the environmental effects of mining downstream.

Prior research has reported that such suspended sediment may also carry toxins such as mercury used in river mining processes, which further affects water quality and can be detrimental to human health and the environment.

"For hundreds, if not perhaps, thousands of years, mining has been taking place in the tropics but never on the scale like we've seen over the past two decades," says first author Evan Dethier, an Occidental College assistant professor, who worked on the study while he was a postdoctoral researcher at Dartmouth. Dethier has a Ph.D. and MS in earth sciences from Dartmouth's Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. "The degradation of rivers from gold and river mining throughout the tropics is a global crisis."

For the first part of the study, Dethier and fellow researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of river mining across the tropics from 1984 to 2021. They analyzed information from the media and literature, mining company reports, social media, and satellite imagery from Lands at 5 and 7 via the NASA/United States Geological Survey Landsat program and Sentinel-2 data, and aerial images from public sources.

They recorded over 7.5 million measurements of rivers around the world to map mining areas, and deforestation and sediment impacts. They also identified target minerals at the mining sites.

The results show that there are approximately 400 individual mining districts in 49 countries across the tropics. More than 80% of the mining sites are located within 20 degrees of the equator in South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

Rivers altered by 21st century mining boom. Credit: Evan Dethier.

The team found a major uptick in mining in the 21st century, with the emergence of mining at 60% of the sites after 2000, and 46% after 2006, coincident with the global financial crisis. This increase in mining continued even through the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the second part of the study, the researchers assessed the magnitude that mining operations have had on the amount of suspended sediment in 173 affected tropical rivers. To detect the transport of suspended sediment using Landsat data, the team applied algorithms that they developed during the past seven years.

The data shows that more than 35,000 kilometers of tropical rivers are affected by gold and mineral mining around the world. Of the 500,000 kilometers of tropical rivers worldwide, about 6% of that length is affected by such mining.

Furthermore, mining has caused suspended sediment concentrations to double at 80% of the 173 rivers represented in the study, relative to pre-mining levels.

"These tropical rivers go from running clear either throughout the year or at least through part of it, to either being choked with sediment or muddy year-round," says Dethier. "We found that almost every single one of these mining areas had suspended sediment transmitted downstream, on average, at least 150 to 200 kilometers (93 to 124 miles) from the mining site itself but as much as 1,200 kilometers (746 miles) downstream."

Shallow mining ponds dominate the landscape where a stream once ran through the rainforest in the La Pampa region of the Madre de Dios, Peru. The degraded streams now carry waste sediment from these mining ponds downstream. Credit: Jason Houston (iLCP Redsecker Response Fund/CEES/CINCIA)

"To give you an idea of how far the sediment can travel downstream, this is nearly comparable to the distance from Bangor, Maine, to Richmond, Virginia," says Dethier.

There are 30 countries that have both active river mining operations and large tropical rivers that are more than 50 meters wide. In those countries, on average, 23% of the length of their large rivers is affected by mining. In some countries, more than 40% of the total length of those large rivers is altered by mining, including in French Guiana (57%), Guyana (48%), and Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal (40%).

The study also included rivers such as the Congo in Africa, the Irrawaddy in Asia, the Kapuas in Oceania, and the Amazon and Magdalena in South America.

"Many of these tropical rivers systems are very biodiverse places, if not some of the most biodiverse places on Earth and are still currently understudied," says senior author David Lutz, a research assistant professor of environmental studies at Dartmouth. "The challenge here is that there are many species that could potentially become extinguished before we even knew that they existed."

To evaluate the ecological impact of river mining in the tropics, the team examined environmental management guidelines used in the U.S. and elsewhere and applied the standards to their data. Video showing a timelapse on the impact of river mining in Myanmar from 1998 to 2022 via satellite imagery. Credit: Evan Dethier

Since mining began, they found that two-thirds of the rivers represented in the study exceeded the turbidity guidelines for protecting fish on 90% of the days or more, meaning the cloudiness of the rivers was higher than recommended.

"When rivers and streams experience high levels of suspended sediment, fish are unable to see their prey or predators and their gills may become choked with sediment and damaged, which can lead to disease or even mortality," says Lutz.

"Our team's prior work has reported on how gold mining is a problem in the Madre de Dios region of the Peruvian Amazon, by poisoning wildlife and people," says co-author Miles Silman, the Andrew Sabin Family Foundation Professor of Conservation Biology, and president of Wake Forest University's Centro de Innovacion Cientifica Amazonica (CINCIA).

"While gold mining has a lot of potential to lift people out of poverty, particularly on remote tropical frontiers, the way it is done now comes at a tremendous societal cost from environmental degradation, mercury pollution, and corruption and criminal networks."

While gold is the principal target for miners and accounts for nearly 80% or more of the mining sites, mining along rivers in central and west-central Africa, particularly, in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cameroon, makes diamonds the second most mined mineral in the tropics. In addition, other precious minerals are also mined. In southeast Asia, nickel is mined in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

Many minerals that are used in cell phones and electric-car batteries and are used in electronics, such as cobalt, coltan, tungsten, and tantalite, are mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

"These minerals are becoming increasingly necessary as we transition away from fossil fuels to clean energy," says Dethier. "So, this is an important area to keep track of."

The co-authors call on government policymakers to work with stakeholders to help mitigate the environmental and social impacts that mining is having on tropical rivers given that it's likely to continue into the foreseeable future.

More information: Evan Dethier, A global rise in alluvial mining increases sediment load in tropical rivers, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06309-9. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06309-9 Bryony Walmsley, Satellite images show the widespread impact of mining on tropical rivers, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-02349-3 Journal information: Nature
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Researchers created a database of over 20,000 rice field images, and developed a CNN model that could instantaneously predict the yield of rice, using images from this database. The new method offers several advantages such as high precision, versatility and ease to use, as opposed to other time consuming, labor intensive approached. Credit: Plant Phenomics

With the rise in global demand for staple crop products projected to substantially increase by 2050 due to population growth, rising per capita income, and the growing use of biofuels, it is necessary to adopt sustainable agricultural intensification practices in existing croplands to meet this demand. However, estimation processes currently employed in the global South remain inadequate. Traditional methods like self-reporting and crop cutting have their limitations, and remote sensing technologies are not fully utilized in this context.

However, recent advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, particularly deep learning with convolutional neural networks (CNNs), offer promising solutions here. To explore the scope of this new technology, researchers from Japan conducted a study focusing on rice. They used ground-based digital images taken at harvesting stage of the crop, combined with CNNs, to estimate rice yield. Their study appeared in Plant Phenomics.

"We started by conducting an extensive field campaign. We gathered rice canopy images and rough grain yield data from 20 locations in seven countries in order to create a comprehensive multinational database," says Dr. Yu Tanaka, Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, who led the study.

The images were captured using digital cameras which could gather the required data from a distance of 0.80.9 meters, vertically downwards from the rice canopy. With Dr. Kazuki Saito of the International Rice Research Institute (formerly Africa Rice Center) and other collaborators, the team successfully created a database of 4,820 yield data of harvesting plots and 22,067 images, encompassing various rice cultivars, production systems, and crop management practices.

Next, a CNN model was developed to estimate the grain yield for each of the collected images. The team used a visual-occlusion method to visualize the additive effect of different regions in the rice canopy images. It involved masking specific parts of the images and observing how the model's yield estimation changed in response to the masked regions.

The insights gained from this method allowed the researchers to understand how the CNN model interpreted various features in the rice canopy images, influencing its accuracy and its ability to distinguish between yield-contributing components and non-contributing elements in the canopy.

The model performed well, explaining around 68%69% of yield variation in the validation and test datasets. Study results highlighted the importance of paniclesloose-branching clusters of flowersin yield estimation through occlusion-based visualization. The model could predict yield accurately during the ripening stage, recognizing mature panicles, and also detect cultivar and water management differences in yield in the prediction dataset. Its accuracy, however, decreased as image resolution decreased.

Nevertheless, the model proved robust, showing good accuracy at different shooting angles and times of day. "Overall, the developed CNN model demonstrated promising capabilities in estimating rough grain yield from rice canopy images across diverse environments and cultivars. Another appealing aspect is that it is highly cost effective and does not require labor-intensive crop cuts or complex remote-sensing technologies," says Dr. Tanaka.

The study emphasizes the potential of CNN-based models for monitoring rice productivity at regional scales. However, the model's accuracy may vary under different conditions, and further research should focus on adapting the model to low-yielding and rainy environments. The AI-based method has also been made available to farmers and researchers through a simple smartphone application, thus greatly improving accessibility of the technology and its real-life applications.

The name of this application is 'HOJO', and it is already available on iOS and Android. The researchers hope that their work will lead to better management of rice fields and assist accelerated breeding programs, contributing positively to global food production and sustainability initiatives.

More information: Yu Tanaka et al, Deep Learning Enables Instant and Versatile Estimation of Rice Yield Using Ground-Based RGB Images, Plant Phenomics (2023). DOI: 10.34133/plantphenomics.0073
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The buoy used to collect barnacles to conduct the growth experiment for this study. Credit: Gregory Herbert/University of South Florida

A University of South Florida geoscientist led an international team of researchers to create a new method that can reconstruct the drift path and origin of debris from flight MH370, an aircraft that went missing over the Indian Ocean in 2014 with 239 passengers.

Associate Professor Gregory Herbert was inspired the moment he saw photographs of the plane debris that washed ashore Reunion Island off the coast of Africa a year after the crash.

"The flaperon was covered in barnacles and as soon as I saw that, I immediately began sending emails to the search investigators because I knew the geochemistry of their shells could provide clues to the crash location," Herbert said.

As an evolutionary and conservation biologist, Herbert studies marine systems with a particular focus on shelled marine invertebrates, such as oysters, conchs and barnacles. Over the last two decades, Herbert created and refined a method to extract ocean temperatures stored in the chemistry of invertebrate shells. Herbert has used the method previously to determine the ages and extinction risk of giant horse conchs and investigate the environmental circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the Jamestown colony.

Barnacles and other shelled marine invertebrates grow their shells daily, producing internal layers similar to tree rings. The chemistry of each layer is determined by temperature of the surrounding water at the time the layer was formed.

In this study, published in AGU Advances, Herbert's research team did a growth experiment with live barnacles to read their chemistry and for the first time, unlocked temperature records from the shells of barnacles. This video depicts the path of debris from Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 in the Indian Ocean based on a partial drift simulation conducted using barnacles. Credit: Gregory Herbert/University of South Florida

After the experiment, they applied the successful method to small barnacles from MH370. With help from barnacle experts and oceanographers at the National University of Ireland Galway, they combined the barnacles' water temperature records with oceanographic modeling and successfully generated a partial drift reconstruction.

"Sadly, the largest and oldest barnacles have not yet been made available for research, but with this study, we've proven this method can be applied to a barnacle that colonized on the debris shortly after the crash to reconstruct a complete drift path back to the crash origin," Herbert said.

Up to this point, the search for MH370 spanned several thousands of miles along a north-south corridor deemed "The Seventh Arc," where investigators believe the plane could have glided after running out of fuel. Because ocean temperatures can change rapidly along the arc, Herbert says this method could reveal precisely where the plane is.

"French scientist Joseph Poupin, who was one of the first biologists to examine the flaperon, concluded that the largest barnacles attached were possibly old enough to have colonized on the wreckage very shortly after the crash and very close to the actual crash location where the plane is now," Herbert said. "If so, the temperatures recorded in those shells could help investigators narrow their search."

Barnacles growing in a controlled environment as part of a growth experiment for the study. Credit: University of South Florida

Even if the plane is not on the arc, Herbert says studying the oldest and largest barnacles can still narrow down the areas to search in the Indian Ocean.

"Knowing the tragic story behind the mystery motivated everyone involved in this project to get the data and have this work published," said Nassar Al-Qattan, a recent USF geochemistry doctoral graduate who helped analyze the geochemistry of the barnacles.

"The plane disappeared more than nine years ago, and we all worked aiming to introduce a new approach to help resume the search, suspended in January 2017, which might help bring some closure to the tens of families of those on the missing plane."

This research was done in collaboration with Ran Tao, USF spatial geoscientist; Howard Spero, professor emeritus from University of California, Davis; and barnacle experts and oceanographers Sean McCarthy, Ryan McGeady and Anne-Marie Power at the National University of Ireland Galway.

More information: Nasser AlQattan et al, A Stable Isotope SclerochronologyBased Forensic Method for Reconstructing Debris Drift Paths With Application to the MH370 Crash, AGU Advances (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2023AV000915 Journal information: AGU Advances
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Flower dissection of GmTA29b::BARNASE (T1) displays cleistogamous flowers, male-sterile anthers, and curved carpels compared to wildtype, GmTA29a::BARSTAR (T1) and GmTA29b::BARSTAR. Credit: Plant Biotechnology Journal (2023). DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14155

Soybean (Glycine max) is one of the most economically and societally impactful crops in the world, providing a significant percentage of all protein for animal consumption on a global scale, and playing key roles in oil production, manufacturing, and biofuel applications. In 2022, an estimated 4.3 billion bushels of soybeans were produced in the United States, a decrease of almost 200 million bushels compared to the previous year.

To keep up with the growing demand for soy-based animal feed, the USDA projects soybean acreage will increase by 19.6% by 2032. Hybrid breeding in soybean has the potential to increase the productivity of one of the most planted and consumed crops in the Americas, yet it has remained largely unexplored.

New research by scientists at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and Cornell University provides a key enabling technology to produce obligate outcrossing in soybean. The newly published study, "Introduction of barnase/barstar in soybean produces a rescuable male sterility system for hybrid breeding" in the Plant Biotechnology Journal, has revealed that obligate outcrossing with the Barnase/Barstar lines provides a new resource that can be used to amplify hybrid seed sets, enabling large-scale trials for heterosis in this major crop.

Currently, soybean is 99% self-pollinated, preventing any gains from hybridizing. Hybrid breeding for increased vigor has been used for over a century to boost agricultural outputs without requiring higher inputs. While this approach has led to some of the most substantial gains in crop productivity, breeding barriers have fundamentally limited soybean from reaping the benefits of hybrid vigor.

Soybean makes inconspicuous flowers that self-fertilize before opening, and thus are not readily amenable to outcrossing. This is in part due to the limitations of current approaches, which have failed to produce reliable obligate outcrossing in soybean.

The research team demonstrated that the Barnase/Barstar male-sterility/male-rescue system can be used in soybean to produce hybrid seed. By expressing the cytotoxic ribonuclease, Barnase, under a tapetum-specific promoter in soybean anthers, they were able to completely block pollen maturation, creating male-sterile plants. They also showed that fertility can be rescued in the F1 generation of these Barnase-expressing lines when they are crossed with pollen from plants that express the Barnase inhibitor, Barstar.

"Importantly, we found that successful rescue of male-fertility is dependent on the relative dosage of Barnase and Barstar. When Barnase and Barstar were expressed under the same tapetum-specific promoter, the F1 offspring remained male-sterile. When we expressed Barstar under a relatively stronger promoter than Barnase, we were able to achieve successful rescue of male-fertility in the F1 generation," said Patricia Baldrich, Ph.D., co-author on the work and Danforth Center principal investigator.

This work demonstrates the successful implementation of a biotechnology approach to produce fertile hybrid offspring in soybean. Given the importance of soybean to global agriculture, advances in soybean productivity could have a transformative impact, and promote sustainable agriculture by enabling farmers to produce higher yields on existing acreage.

"Improved soybean is a long-term goal of farmers, plant breeders, and scientists," says Blake Meyers, Ph.D., Danforth Center principal investigator and professor of plant science at the University of Missouri. "Improvements could have a potentially substantial effectand offer a benefit to beleaguered pollinators as well."

"This work is the first step towards developing a hybrid breeding system for soybean. Watching Nicole Szeluga, Ph.D. student at Cornell University and lead author on this paper, take the project from design to fruition has made me really proud. I'm excited to see how the team project develops in the coming years," says corresponding author Margaret Frank, Ph.D., Cornell University assistant professor in the School of Integrative Plant Sciences.

Cross-pollinated soybeans have the potential to boost yield thanks to so-called "hybrid vigor," provide forage for pollinators, and allow farmers to produce more soybeans on less land. To achieve this aim, the team is now working on additional soybean flower traits, that when stacked or combined with the male sterile lines, will represent a systematic approach to enable the production of hybrid soybean seeds.

"As a graduate student, I find immense satisfaction in observing the continuous evolution of this project, from conceptualization to experimentation, followed by thorough data analysis and a publication. I am excited to be part of research that holds the potential to bring about impactful changes in the world," added Ryan DelPercio, USDA-NIFA-AFRI predoctoral fellow at the University of Missouri and member of the Meyers laboratory.

More information: Nicole Szeluga et al, Introduction of barnase/barstar in soybean produces a rescuable male sterility system for hybrid breeding, Plant Biotechnology Journal (2023). DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14155 Journal information: Plant Biotechnology Journal
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The mass slaughter of North American bison by settlers of European descent is a well-known ecological disaster. An estimated eight million bison roamed the United States in 1870, but just 20 years later fewer than 500 of the iconic animals remained.

The mass slaughter provided a brief economic boon to some newly arriving settlers, hunters and traders of the Great Plains who sold the hides and bones for industrial uses.

In contrast, Indigenous peoples whose lives depended on the bison suffered a devastating economic shockone that still reverberates in these communities today, an economic study finds.

The Review of Economic Studies published the findings by economists at Emory University, the University of Toronto and the University of Victoria. The researchers quantified both the immediate and long-term economic impacts of the loss of the bison on Indigenous peoples whose lives depended on the animals.

Changes in the average height of bison-related people is one striking example of the fallout. Adult height across a population is one proxy of wealth and health given that it can be impacted by nutrition and disease, particularly early in development.

Bison-reliant Indigenous men stood around six feet tall on average, or about an inch taller than Indigenous men who were not bison-reliant.

"They were among the tallest people in the world in the mid-19th century," says Maggie Jones, assistant professor of economics at Emory University and a co-author of the paper. "But after the rapid near-extinction of the bison, the height of the people born after the slaughter also rapidly declined."

Within one generation, the average height of Indigenous peoples most impacted by the slaughter dropped by more than an inch.

"That's a major drop, but given the magnitude of the economic shock it's not necessarily surprising," Jones says.

Reverberating effects

By the early 20th century, the paper shows, the child-mortality rate of bison-dependent Indigenous nations was 16 percentage points higher and the probability of a working-age male reporting an occupation was 19 percentage points lower compared with Indigenous nations that were never reliant on bison.

And income per capita remained 25% lower, on average, for bison-reliant nations compared to other nations through the latter half of the 20th century to today. The persistent gap could not be explained by differences in factors such as agricultural productivity, self-governance or application of the Dawes Act of 1887, which authorized the breakup of reservation land into small allotments parceled out for individual ownership.

The researchers find that limited access to credit was one factor that curtailed the ability of some bison-reliant nations to adjust economically following the near-extinction of the bison.

"One role of economists is to provide quantitative evidence that people can turn to when trying to design more effective policies," Jones says. "By providing data that benchmarks disparities among bison-reliant people and the sources and evolution of these disparities, we hope to support efforts to improve the situation."

The paper's other co-authors are economists Donn Feir (University of Victoria) and Rob Gillezeau (University of Toronto).

An overlooked economic shock

Jones' economic research focus includes history, labor and education. She uses quantitative tools from these areas to better understand the persistence of socioeconomic inequalities between groups in North America.

The economic effects of the bison slaughter are an overlooked piece of the history of Indigenous peoples that she and her co-authors decided to investigate.

For more than 10,000 years, bison served as the primary source of the livelihood for many Native Americans in regions of the Great Plains, the Northwest and the Rocky Mountains. Along with nutrition, the animals provided hides for clothing, lodging and blankets as well as bones for tools and implements. Nearly every part of the animal was used, including the brains to obtain grease for tanning hides and the stomach for creating bags and water containers.

Evidence suggests that bison-reliant Indigenous societies enjoyed living standards comparable to, or in some cases better than, their European contemporaries.

A gradual decline of the bison population started with the introduction of the horse and the arrival of Europeans. By 1870, however, mass slaughter of the animals began. Factors that drove the kill-off included the completion of the transcontinental railroad, improvements in European tanning technology that made bison hides more desirable and encouragement by the U.S. Army to eliminate the animals to help in their efforts to force Indigenous peoples onto reservations.

In some regions, the bison was eliminated in a little more than a decade. Jones and her co-authors describe the slaughter as one of the largest and most rapid losses of a critical industry in North American history.

"Centuries of human capital were built around the use of the bison, and within 10 to 20 years this economic underpinning disappeared," Jones says. "And many channels of economic adjustment were cut off for Indigenous populations."

Indigenous people were forced onto reservations, their movements were restricted and they were not allowed to become citizens of the United States until 1924, the authors note.

Drawing from existing data

Among the sources Jones and her colleagues drew on to quantify the impacts of the bison slaughter are data collected by anthropologists and published in the 15-volume Smithsonian Handbook on Native American Populations.

The economists defined nearly 24 Indigenous nations as "exposed to the slaughter," based on geographic location and whether bison served as their primary food source.

In their quantitative analysis of bison-reliant nations with Indigenous nations that were not bison-reliant, they controlled for factors such as differences in self-governance status of communities, differences in forms of agricultural productivity and the suitability of the land for agricultural production, the effects of the Dust Bowl and differential application of the Dawes Act.

To measure the persistent effects of the bison's decline on economic outcomes, the researchers drew from several sources: the Bureau of Indian Affairs (beginning in 1945), the U.S. Census (1980, 1990, 2000) and American Community Surveys (2007-2012 and 2015-2019).

The data showed that the income of formerly bison-reliant nations remained 25% lower than those of other Indigenous nations through 2019.

The researchers find relatively more favorable trajectories for bison-reliant communities that were located nearer to financial institutions in 1870 when the mass slaughter of the bison began.

"Proximity to a bank and access to credit appeared to be one important factor to help alleviate some of the financial hardship generated by the bison's decline," Jones says. "Many Indigenous communities are still located in banking deserts. That makes it more difficult to adjust to any kind of hardship that comes your way."

The researchers are now exploring the potential role of psychological trauma on the economic outcomes of bison-reliant nations.

"Bison were not just key to the economies of some Indigenous nations," Jones says. "The bison were also important cultural and spiritual symbols. You would expect a psychological impact when they were ripped away. That's an important part of the story that this paper didn't get to tell."

More information: Donn L Feir et al, The Slaughter of the Bison and Reversal of Fortunes on the Great Plains, Review of Economic Studies (2023). DOI: 10.1093/restud/rdad060
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Extreme heat has dominated the headlines in recent weeks.

As Europe and other regions swelter, a UN researcher cautioned that climate change was enabling increasingly intense and long-lasting heat waves, which in some areas could soon begin to hit year-round.

Extreme heat has dominated the headlines in recent weeks, from the current "heat dome" cooking much of Europe, to heat-fueled wildfires raging in Greece, Spain, Canada and Hawaii, and soaring temperatures in the middle of the South American winter.

Heat waves are beginning earlier, lasting longer and becoming more intense, John Nairn, a senior extreme heat advisor at the UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO), told AFP in an interview.

"It's the most rapidly emerging consequence of global warming that we are seeing in the weather systems," he said, stressing that this was in line with scientific predictions.

"People are far too relaxed about the signs," he lamented.

"The science has been saying this is coming your way. And this is not where it stops."

"It will only get more intense and more frequent."

'Parked' heat

One reason, he explained, was that global warming appears to be leading to a weakening of the global jet streamsair that flows high in the Earth's atmosphere.

As the jet stream waves grow slower and wavier, they allow weather systems to "become parked" in one spot for longer.

"You can get a summertime situation where you get persistent heat waves, and the heat just builds and builds and builds, because the wave is not moving on," Nairn said.

If you look at the planet as a whole, he said you could see that "these heat waves are appearing in each of those same wavelengths around the globe".

"The slowing down and parking of the weather patterns is setting us up so that North America, parts of the Atlantic ocean, Europe and Asia are simultaneously sitting in the (wave) ridges, getting caught."

Heat waves are among the deadliest natural hazards, with hundreds of thousands of people dying from preventable heat-related causes each year.

'More dangerous'

Nairn called for the conversation around heat to become "smarter".

Among other things, he said, there should be far more focus on rising overnight minimum temperatures than on the maximum day temperatures that grab headlines.

Repeated high nighttime temperatures are particularly dangerous for human health, since the body is unable to recover from the heat it suffers through during the day.

Higher overnight temperatures also mean that the energy accumulated during the day has nowhere to go, pushing temperatures even higher the next day.

The fact that minimum temperatures are rising faster than maximums is thus pushing excess energy "into longer periods of higher temperatures", Nairn said.

"It's cumulative... So heat waves are becoming much more dangerous."

And as the climate continues to change, the situation is due to get worse, Nairn said.

He voiced particular concern over the situation in the tropics and subtropics, pointing to the record heat seen in South America, with temperatures up towards 40 degrees Celsius in the middle of what is supposed to be their winter.

Looking forward, he cautioned that "we're going to see a lot more heat waves across a much longer period of the year".

In the tropics and subtropics, "unfortunately, the indications are that severe and extreme heat waves are likely to be able to occur anytime (of year) before the end of the century".

Less sunlight means year-round extreme heat waves are not expected at other latitudes, but Nairn stressed that there too we will be seeing more "unseasonably warm periods" even in winter.

Asked what could be done to rein in the rampant heat, Nairn stressed that "all of us have the capabilities to actually turn this around".

"We need to electrify everything... and stop burning fossil fuels. It's not harder than that."

 2023 AFP
TEHRAN, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Iran and Azerbaijan have vowed to expand defense cooperation to safeguard security along the common border, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported on Wednesday.

According to the IRNA, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Baqeri held a phone conversation with Azerbaijan's Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov on Tuesday, in which the two officials expressed the two countries' full readiness to this end.

Baqeri said ensuring calm and security along the common borders will only be possible through unity and solidarity among neighboring states, stressing that foreign interference in the region will merely cause tensions and disputes.

Hailing "the cooperation, communications and interactions between the two countries' armed forces are improving," Baqeri expressed hope that "the two armed forces can contribute to the strengthening of friendship and brotherliness between the two countries."

He also voiced the Iranian armed forces' full preparedness for participation in an upcoming meeting of the joint military commission in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku.

Hasanov, for his part, said his country is ready to improve military and defense cooperation with Iran as Azerbaijan always views Iran as a friendly country.

Relations began to sour between Iran and Azerbaijan after the latter shut down its embassy in the Iranian capital of Tehran following an armed attack on the mission on Jan. 27 that killed a staff member and injured two others.

Nevertheless, Iran has been stepping up diplomatic efforts to restore relations with Azerbaijan to a "normal and correct" path over the past months, including initiating an investigation into the deadly attack on Azerbaijan's embassy, according to IRNA. 
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The Walker Circulation drives air currents in the Pacific, which then affect weather conditions across the globe. Credit: Fiona Martin

The Pacific Ocean covers 32% of Earth's surface area, more than all the land combined. Unsurprisingly, its activity affects conditions around the globe.

Periodic variations in the ocean's water temperature and winds, called the El NinoSouthern Oscillation, are a major meteorologic force. Scientists know that human activity is affecting this system, but are still determining the extent.

A new study in Nature has revealed that the atmospheric componentcalled the "Pacific Walker Circulation"has changed its behavior over the industrial era in ways that weren't expected. The international team of authors also found that volcanic eruptions can cause the Walker Circulation to temporarily weaken, inducing El Nino conditions. The results provide important insights into how El Nino and La Nina events may change in the future.

"The question is, 'How does the background circulation change?'" said co-author Samantha Stevenson, an associate professor at UC Santa Barbara's Bren School of Environmental Science & Management. "We care about the Walker Circulation because it affects weather around the world."

Earth's rotation causes warm surface water to pool on the western side of ocean basins. In the Pacific, this induces more humid conditions in Asia, with low-altitude trade winds blowing west across the sea. The high-altitude easterlies create an atmospheric circulationthe Walker Circulationthat drives weather patterns in the tropical Pacific, and far beyond.

"The tropical Pacific has an outsized influence on global climate," said Sloan Coats, study co-author and assistant professor of Earth sciences in the University of Hawai'i at Manoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology. "Understanding how it responds to volcanic eruptions, anthropogenic aerosols and greenhouse gas emissions is fundamental to confidently predicting climate variability."

These effects leave biologic and geologic signatures. The team used data from ice cores, trees, lakes, corals and caves to investigate the long-term weather patterns of the Pacific over the past 800 years.

"They aren't thermometers, but they contain information about the climate," Stevenson said.

Certain conditions favor uptake of heavier or lighter versions of an element, called an isotope, into structures like carbonate skeletons, sediment and tree rings. The researchers used sophisticated statistics to analyze the ratios of different types of oxygen and hydrogen. This allowed them to track how the Walker Circulation changed in the past and compare trends from before and after the rise in greenhouse gases.

"We set out to determine whether greenhouse gases had affected the Pacific Walker Circulation," said lead author Georgy Falster, a research fellow at the Australian National University and the ARC Center of Excellence for Climate Extremes. "We found that the overall strength hasn't changed yet, but instead, the year-to-year behavior is different." Falster started this research as a postdoctoral research associate at Washington University in St. Louis.

They observed that the length of time for the Walker Circulation to switch between El Nino-like and La Nina-like phases has slowed slightly over the industrial era. "That means in the future we could see more of these multi-year La Nina or El Nino events as the atmospheric flow above the Pacific Ocean switches more slowly between the two phases," Falster said. That could exacerbate the associated risks of drought, fire, rains and floods.

That said, the authors didn't notice any significant change in the circulation's strengthyet. "That was one surprising result," Stevenson said, "Because by the end of the 21st century, most climate models suggest that the Walker Circulation will weaken."

They also found that volcanic eruptions impacted the circulation. "Following a volcanic eruption, we see a very consistent weakening of the Pacific Walker Circulation," said co-author Bronwen Konecky, an assistant professor at Washington University in St. Louis. This causes El Nino-like conditions following eruptions.

"Our study provides long-term context for a fundamental component of the atmosphere-ocean system in the tropics," said Coats, whose expertise covers climate variability over the last 2,000 years. "Understanding how the Pacific Walker Circulation is affected by climate change will enable communities across the Pacific and beyond to better prepare for the challenges they may face in the coming decades."

Understanding the effect of climate change on the Walker Circulation is also important for creating reliable predictions. "If we don't know what happened in the real world, then we don't know if the models that we're using to project future changes, [] impacts and risks are giving us the right picture," Stevenson explained.

The researchers are currently looking into what might be causing the changes they witnessed in the Walker Circulation. One of Stevenson's doctoral students is working on a model of the system that includes the ratios of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes. Developing a model that predicts these measurements will provide the researchers with a tool to test different hypotheses.

Marcie Grabowski at University of Hawai'i at Manoa contributed to this work.

More information: Georgina Falster, Forced changes in the Pacific Walker Circulation over the past millennium, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06447-0. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06447-0 Journal information: Nature
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Finland, Europe's largest producer of fox fur, is culling 120,000 farmed foxes and minks in response to bird flu outbreaks in the country's fur farms, officials said Wednesday.

"A culling order has been issued for 13 farms," Tuija Gadd, head of the virology unit at the Finnish Food Authority, told AFP. "Culling has already been completed on 10 farms."

H5N1 bird flu outbreaks in seagulls were reported in June and the first cases of infected fur farm animals were detected in Finland in July.

Finnish authorities decided in early August to cull fur animals on all farms with infections, and the number of culls has steadily risen since.

Since late 2021, Europe has been gripped by its worst-ever outbreak of bird flu, while North and South America have also experienced severe outbreaks.

The World Health Organization warned in July that the surge in bird flu outbreaks among mammals could help the virus to spread more easily among humans.

There are around 400 fur farms in Finland with an estimated 1.3 million fur animals, Gadd said.

The bird flu outbreaks have reinvigorated calls to ban the industry in the Nordic country, Europe's leading producer of certified fox fur with nearly a million pelts produced annually.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, France, the Netherlands and Estonia introduced new bans, while Denmark ordered a cull of its entire farmed mink population after Covid outbreaks.

Gadd believed that the outbreaks on fur farms seem to be "calming down," as seagulls are already starting their migration south.

 2023 AFP
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From a bioeconomy perspective the target is to increase harvest of wood biomass and increase wood fuel harvesting for bioenergy. But at the same time, there are policies that aim to halt the loss of biodiversity and safeguard ecosystem services from the forests, and for forests to contribute to climate change mitigation. Generally, there is a lack of coordination and coherence between these policies, and they rarely address the conflicts and links between these multiple demands. Credit: Lars Sandved Dalen

Forests plays many vital roles: They provide a natural habitat for animals, plants and other organisms. They contribute to soil protection and water conservation, carbon storage and clean air.

Moreover, forests promote economic growth through providing essential goods and services for humans such as timber and food, in addition to a wide variety of products to replace fossil resources in a biobased economy. They are also popular places for outdoor recreation.

For forests to thrive, it is important that they are managed in a sustainable way balancing the various ecosystem service demands.

Most of these demands are mentioned in different national forest policies. However, such policies often focus on potentially conflicting societal needs, and are mostly developed in non-coordinated processes, both in Norway and other countries. This has created incoherences in design and implementation, leading to policies with conflicting targets.

In the international collaborative project MultiForest, scientists have looked at how expectations for forests can be met in a better way in four countries Sweden, Finland, Norway and Germany.

'Too many cooks'

There are currently many national and EU policies that guide forestry. To limit global warming, EU have launched strategies aimed at promoting the development of a renewable bioeconomy strategy. There are also biodiversity strategies and national forest strategies emphasizing different aspects of forest ecosystems.

"From a bioeconomy perspective the target is to increase harvest of wood biomass and increase wood fuel harvesting for bioenergy. But at the same time, there are policies that aim to halt the loss of biodiversity and safeguard ecosystem services from the forests, and for forests to contribute to climate change mitigation," explains Clara Anton Fernandez, senior research scientist at NIBIO.

"So, in one policy, the target is to move from a fossil-based economy to a bio-based economy, in another it is to increase the protected areas, and yet in another one is to increase carbon uptake. Generally, there is a lack of coordination and coherence between these policies, and they rarely address the conflicts and links between these multiple demands," Dr. Anton highlights.

"Instead," she says, "they are designed from specific interests, creating policy incoherence that makes it impossible to reach policy targets and even threatens the sustainability of forest ecosystems."

Optimal balance

This challenge was the background for the European collaborative project MultiForest, where NIBIO is a partner. The project aim was to develop a solid basis for solving the socio-ecological land-use conflicts in forests that are caused by policy incoherence.

To find the ideal combination of forest management regimes, the scientists used a mathematical optimization approach, balancing the objectives and constrains in the policies in each country, and trying to find an optimal solution for the provision of different ecosystem services.

Marta Vargarechea, a researcher in the Division of Forest and Forest Resources at NIBIO, explains, "We have developed new approaches to evaluate the incoherence in the forest policies.

"This helps to balance different forest ecosystem service demands and offers a way to evaluate how far current policies are from an estimated maximum level of multifunctionality."

Optimal management solution for the three policy scenarios representing the Norwegian national forest strategy (NFS), the biodiversity strategy (BIOS), and the bioeconomy strategy. Credit: BIES

In Norway, the researchers used data from the Norwegian national forest inventory (NFI) and simulated the development of Norwegian forests under different management regimes. Next, they defined different forest policy scenarios based on three main policies: The National Forest policy (NFS), the Biodiversity policy (BIOS), and the Bioeconomy policy (BIES).

"Through what is known as multi-objective optimization, which refers to finding the optimal solution values of more than one desired goal, we have identified the combination of management regimes matching best with each policy scenario," Vargarechea says.

Business as usual in Norway

The results for all scenarios indicated that Norway will be able to satisfy wood demands of up to 17 million m3 in 2093. Yet, the future provision of ecosystem services by Norwegian forests will be decisively shaped by policy targets established at the national level.

"What we found was that the Bioeconomy policy and the National Forest policy resulted in very similar forest management programs in Norway, with a dominance of extensive management regimes. In the Biodiversity policy there was an increase of set aside areas and continuous cover forestry, which made it more compatible with biodiversity indicators. We also found multiple synergies and trade-offs between, likely influenced by the definition of the policy targets at the national scale," Vargarechea says.

She explains that the increase in set-aside areas in the Biodiversity policy could be offset by higher harvests elsewhere. This will concentrate forest management on specific land areas, increasing the impact on them. To reduce forest degradation, policy makers should develop incentives to motivate forest owners to adapt their management practices.

Norway has soft targets

However, according to Dr. Anton, the project observed that Norwegian policy targets were "softer," more qualitative than quantitative, than for example in Finland.

"In Norway the optimal combination of management regimes was not far from what we currently have. If we want to accomplish the targets in biodiversity, we need to increase the areas set aside. But at the same time, we also need to increase the intensive management regime to accomplish the targets for bioenergy and timber. Similarly, around the city, the forests have great recreational value, and management regimes such as continuous cover should be favored," she sums up.

"In Finland however, the optimal management solution for the Finnish forest policies requires considerable change in forest management to meet the stated policy objectives. In this case, Finland has very strong objectives, while the policies in Norway are a bit softer. When you have harder targets, it is easier to hold yourself accountable," Dr. Anton points out.

Limits

In Norway, there is also potential for increasing harvest for climate mitigation efforts. However, the achievement of these climate mitigation targets, represented by wood and biomass demands, will affect the provision of other ecosystems services and biodiversity conservation.

The scientists concluded that although forests play an important role in climate change mitigation, their contribution should not be overemphasized. "This can lead to conflicting expectations and negative long-term implications for other ecosystem services and biodiversity," comments Vargarechea.

"We need to recognize the limits of using forest resources for achieving mitigation targets and societal decarbonization."

Provided by Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research
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Haruo Ono says he and other Fukushima fishermen are against the release into the sea of treated water from the crippled nuclear plant.

Most Fukushima fishermen are tight-lipped but Haruo Ono can't keep his thoughts to himself on Japan's plans to release treated cooling water from the stricken nearby nuclear power plant into the Pacific from Thursday.

"Nothing about the water release is beneficial to us. There is no advantage for us. None. It's all detrimental," Ono, who lost his brother in the 2011 tsunami that crippled the plant, told AFP.

"Fishermen are 100 percent against," the 71-year-old said at his modest home in Shinchimachi, around 60 kilometers (40 miles) north of the nuclear plant in northeast Japan.

"The sea is where we work. We make a living off of the sea, we're at the mercy of the sea. So if we don't protect the sea, who would?"

Around 1.34 million tons of water, equivalent to more than 500 Olympic swimming pools, have accumulated at the Fukushima plant since the earthquake and tsunami that killed 18,000 people in 2011.

It has been contaminated by being used to cool the highly radioactive reactor cores that went into meltdown, combined with groundwater and rain.

But plant operator TEPCO says the water has been diluted and filtered to remove all radionuclides except tritium, which is far below dangerous levels.

'Sewer'

The plan gradually to begin releasing the water at a maximum rate of 500,000 liters (132,000 US gallons) a day via a pipe one kilometer (half a mile) out to sea has won approval from the UN nuclear watchdog.

Japan's fishing industry was just starting to recover 12 years after the Fukushima disaster.

But many in the Japanese fishing industry are worried about the reputation of the country's seafood, just as it was starting to recover 12 years after the Fukushima disaster.

"Fukushima was seen as something people should avoid (after 2011). Even car number plates from Fukushima was taken off when people had to evacuate to other prefectures," local artist Tomomi Kodama, 40, told AFP.

"Now if the water is released from the plant, I am worried about how the world would possibly accept it," she said.

As well as being a major source of national pride, seafood is a major Japanese industry, with almost 600,000 tonsworth around $2 billionexported in 2022.

China is its biggest customer, accounting for around a quarter of this, but Beijing has accused Tokyo of treating the ocean like a "sewer" with the water release.

In a move that experts say is partially motivated by rivalry in other areas, China even before the release banned food shipments from 10 Japanese prefectures and imposed radiation checks for elsewhere.

These time-consuming controls have already led to a 30-percent slump in Japanese seafood imports into China last month, Japanese and Chinese media reported, citing Chinese customs data.

Hong Kong, another important market for Japanese seafood exports, has also threatened restrictions, and it is unclear how consumers elsewhere will react.

Japan exported around $2 billion worth of seafood last year and many in the fishing industry are worried about reputational damage from the water release.

Insecurity

Masanobu Sakamoto, head of Japan's national fisheries cooperative, reiterated on Monday his opposition to the move.

"(Scientific) safety doesn't necessarily equate to a feeling of security in society. There are concerns that the once the water is discharged, there will be reputational damage," he said.

"There is no way people in the fisheries industry can rest reassured," he said.

People in the fishing industry "really had a hard time in many aspects (after 2011). And now, after 12 years, they are finally settling down and moving toward happinessgradually," said Ono, whose three sons are also fishermen.

"What the government is doing now is to abandon Fukushima. What the government should truly protect is the people of Fukushima, the fishermen, not TEPCO," he said.

 2023 AFP
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The Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) is one of the omnipresent butterflies of Middle Europe. Credit: Viola Boxberger, CC-BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

A review of 82 previously published studies of two major groups of insect species underscores reported declines in insect populations in Europe, and links these declines to human activities that influence insect habitats.

Quintana Rumohr of the Research Institute for Ecosystem Analysis and Assessment, Germany, and colleagues present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on August 23, 2023.

For many years, concerns about declining insect abundance and diversity have grown in several regions in Europe and North America. The trend is complex; for instance, after one species decreases, another might increase thanks to reduced competition. In addition, the drivers underlying observed declines are complex and varied between regions, leading to uncertainties about efforts to address them.

To help deepen understanding, Rumohr and colleagues conducted a review of 82 previously published studies that addressed the drivers of changes in various Central and Western European populations of two major groups of insects, Carabidae (ground beetles) and Lepidoptera (including moths and butterflies). Some of the studies focused on one or the other group and some on both. All studies included population monitoring data spanning at least six years and focused on agricultural landscapes, with most located in the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Analysis of the trends reported in the 82 papers revealed both increases and declines in diversity and abundance within each of the two groups of insects. However, declines were more frequent, underscoring an overall declining trend for Central and Western Europe.

Further analysis of the information reported in the studies suggested that human activities are the primary drivers of observed changesboth increases and declinesin insect populations. Such activities include agricultural activities, nature conservation, urbanization, and climate change. Most of these drivers do not affect insects directly but instead influence their habitats.

These findings could help inform efforts to alter human activities in ways that reduce disruption to nature while still meeting human needs. The authors also note that their analysis reveals a need for future research to place a bigger focus on monitoring potential drivers of insect population changes alongside monitoring of population trends themselves.

The authors add, "Research into the root causes of insect decline is challenging, as it requires the understanding of processes that have been taking place years or even decades ago. In our study, we leveraged the wealth of published long-term data to gain insights into factors associated with the decline of insects in Europe."
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Indians celebrate the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, or moon craft in Sanskrit, at the Nehru Planetarium in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moons south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology. Credit: AP Photo/Manish Swarup

India became the first country to land a spacecraft near the moon's south pole on Wednesdaya historic voyage to uncharted territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water, and a technological triumph for the world's most populous nation.

After a failed attempt to land on the moon in 2019, India now joins the United States, the Soviet Union and China as only the fourth country to achieve this milestone. A lander with a rover inside touched down on the lunar surface at 6:04 p.m. local time, sparking celebrations across India, including in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru, where space scientists watching the landing erupted in cheers and applause.

The successful mission showcases India's rising standing as a technology and space powerhouse and dovetails with the image that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to project: an ascendant country asserting its place among the global elite.

"India is now on the moon. India has reached the south pole of the moonno other country has achieved that. We are witnessing history," Modi said as he waved the Indian tri-colored flag while watching the landing from South Africa, where he is participating in the BRICS nations summit.

The lunar rover will slide down a flap from the lander within hours or a day and conduct experiments, including an analysis of the mineral composition of the lunar surface, said S. Somnath, chairman of the state-run Indian Space Research Organization.

Schoolchildren cheer as they watch the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, or moon craft in Sanskrit, at the Nehru Planetarium in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moons south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology. Credit: AP Photo/Manish Swarup

The mission, which began more than a month ago at an estimated cost of $75 million, is expected to last another two weeks. Somnath said that India would next attempt a manned lunar mission.

Nuclear-armed India grew to become the world's fifth-largest economy last year, and the success of the lunar mission will likely help Modi's popularity ahead of a crucial general election next year.

India's success comes just days after Russia's Luna-25, which was aiming for the same lunar region, spun into an uncontrolled orbit and crashed. It would have been the first successful Russian lunar landing after a gap of 47 years. Russia's head of the state-controlled space corporation Roscosmos attributed the failure to the lack of expertise due to the long break in lunar research that followed the last Soviet mission to the moon in 1976.

Journalists film the live telecast of spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 landing on the moon at ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network facility in Bengaluru, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India lands a spacecraft near the moons south pole, becoming the fourth country to touch down on the lunar surface. Credit: AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi

Modi's efforts to revitalize India's global standingand to finally shake off the legacy of British colonializationhas resonated with many Indians. The moon landing was seen by many as further proof that their country is a rising, modern superpower.

Excited and anxious people across India crowded around televisions in offices, shops, restaurants and homes. Thousands prayed Tuesday for the success of the mission with oil lamps on the river banks, temples and religious places, including the holy city of Varanasi in northern India.

As the lander approached the lunar surface, dozens of people in a government-run planetarium started praying with folded hands. They switched to cheering and clapping once the lander touched down.

A man waved a banner reading ''The Moon in India's arms."

Shrini Singh, a New Delhi resident, said she got goosebumps. ''It's a very happy moment  you can see the energy. It's beyond words."

Schoolchildren celebrate the successful landing of spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 on the moon, in a school in Guwahati, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moon's south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology. Credit: AP Photo/Anupam Nath

Mitakshi Sinha, a student, said the successful mission motivated her. "And now I also want to be part of ISRO," she said, referring to the country's space agency.

India will host next month's G-20 Summit, and Modi is expected to use the event to spotlight the country's growing geopolitical clout. Even as it maintains historic ties with Russia, the U.S. and other Western nations continue to woo India, whom they see as a critical bulwark against China's growing influence.

Accolades poured in from around the world to acknowledge India's emergence as a modern space power.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson congratulated India on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying ''We're glad to be your partner on this mission!"

"Incredible!" European Space Agency's director general Josef Aschbacher tweeted.

India's Chandrayaan-3"moon craft" in Sanskrittook off from a launchpad in Sriharikota in southern India on July 14.

A girl stands with the Indian national flag as she watches a live telecast of the landing og Chandrayaan-3, or moon craft in Sanskrit, in Mumbai, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moons south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology. Credit: AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade

Many countries and private companies are interested in the south pole region because permanently shadowed craters may hold frozen water that could help future astronaut missions use it as a potential source of drinking water or to make rocket fuel.

The six-wheeled lander and rover module of Chandrayaan-3 is configured with payloads that will provide data to the scientific community on the properties of lunar soil and rocks, including chemical and elemental compositions.

India's previous attempt to land a robotic spacecraft near the moon's little-explored south pole ended in failure in 2019. It entered the lunar orbit but lost touch with its lander, which crashed while making its final descent to deploy a rover to search for signs of water. According to a failure analysis report submitted to the ISRO, the crash was caused by a software glitch.

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) scientists are projected on a screen waiting for the landing of spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 on the moon at ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network facility in Bengaluru, India, Wednesday, Aug.23, 2023. India was counting down to landing a spacecraft near the moon's south pole Wednesday  an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold important reserves of frozen water and precious elements. Credit: AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi

The $140-million mission in 2019 was intended to study permanently shadowed moon craters that are thought to contain water deposits and were confirmed by India's Chandrayaan-1 orbiter mission in 2008.

But India's space program has been steadily advancing for years.

Active since the 1960s, India has launched satellites for itself and other countries, and successfully put one in orbit around Mars in 2014. India is planning its first mission to the International Space Station next year, in collaboration with the United States.

The anticipation for a successful landing rose after Russia's failed attempt and as India's regional rival China, which landed on the moon in 2013, reaches for new milestones in space. In May, China launched a three-person crew for its orbiting space station and hopes to put astronauts on the moon before the end of the decade. Relations between India and China have plunged since deadly border clashes in 2020.

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman S. Somanath arrives to address the media after the successful landing of spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 on the moon at ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network facility in Bengaluru, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moon's south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology.Credit: AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi

People celebrate as they watch a live telecast of the landing og Chandrayaan-3, or moon craft in Sanskrit, in Mumbai, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moons south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology. Credit: AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade

Schoolchildren celebrate the successful landing of spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 on the moon, in a school in Guwahati, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moon's south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology. Credit: AP Photo/Anupam Nath

People celebrate as they watch a live telecast of the landing og Chandrayaan-3, or moon craft in Sanskrit, in Mumbai, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moons south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology. Credit: AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) scientists watch the descent of spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 on the moon at ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network facility in Bengaluru, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India was counting down to landing a spacecraft near the moon's south pole Wednesday, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold important reserves of frozen water and precious elements. Credit: AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi

People celebrate as they watch a live telecast of the landing og Chandrayaan-3, or moon craft in Sanskrit, in Mumbai, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moons south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology. Credit: AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade

Schoolchildren celebrate the successful landing of spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 on the moon, in a school in Guwahati, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moon's south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology. Credit: AP Photo/Anupam Nath

People watch the live telecast of the landing of Chandrayaan-3, at the Integrated Command Control Centre (ICCC) in Varanasi, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moon's south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology. Credit: AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh

School children stand for photographs with a paper model of Chandrayaan-3, or moon craft in Sanskrit, in Mumbai, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moons south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology. Credit: AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade

People watch the live telecast of the landing of Chandrayaan-3, at the Integrated Command Control Centre (ICCC) in Varanasi, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moon's south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology. Credit: AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh

People watch the live telecast of the landing of Chandrayaan-3, at the Integrated Command Control Centre (ICCC) in Varanasi, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moon's south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology. Credit: AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) scientists watch the descent of spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 on the moon at ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network facility in Bengaluru, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India was counting down to landing a spacecraft near the moon's south pole Wednesday, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold important reserves of frozen water and precious elements. Credit: AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) staff and journalists watch prime minister Narendra Modi speak after the successful landing of spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 on the moon at ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network facility in Bengaluru, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moon's south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology.Credit: AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi

School children stand for photographs with a paper model of Chandrayaan-3, or moon craft in Sanskrit, in Mumbai, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moons south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology. Credit: AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) staff watch prime minister Narendra Modi speak after the successful landing of spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 on the moon at ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network facility in Bengaluru, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moon's south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology.Credit: AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi

An Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) scientist celebrates the successful landing of spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 on the moon at ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network facility in Bengaluru, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moon's south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology.Credit: AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi

Indian security forces and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) staff celebrate the successful landing of spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 on the moon at ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network facility in Bengaluru, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. India has landed a spacecraft near the moon's south pole, an unchartered territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology.Credit: AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi

Numerous countries and private companies are racing to successfully land a spacecraft on the lunar surface. In April, a Japanese company's spacecraft apparently crashed while attempting to land on the moon. An Israeli nonprofit tried to achieve a similar feat in 2019, but its spacecraft was destroyed on impact.

Japan plans to launch a lunar lander to the moon over the weekend as part of an X-ray telescope mission, and two U.S. companies also are vying to put landers on the moon by the end of the year, one of them at the south pole. In the coming years, NASA plans to land astronauts at the lunar south pole, taking advantage of the frozen water in craters.

Pallava Bagla, a science writer and co-author of books on India's space exploration, said the Russian failure days earlier did not put India off. He also said lessons learned from India's failed mission four years ago were incorporated and a flawless mission was executed on Wednesday.

"Indians didn't get derailed. They continued the journey with strength and confidence that paid off," he said.

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
SUVA, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Some Pacific leaders have condemned Japan's decision to start dumping nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean later this week.

According to media reports, Vanuatu's Foreign Minister Matai Seremaiah said Japan's decision needed robust actions, urging polluters to "seriously consider other options."

The leaders of Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji and New Caledonia's ruling party, members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), are meeting in Port Vila, capital of Vanuatu, for the 22nd MSG Leaders' Summit.

Seremaiah said they are pushing for a declaration for the whole MSG group to denounce Japan to put anything into the Pacific Ocean until they are absolutely clear that there's no danger.

Hit by a massive earthquake and an ensuing tsunami in March 2011, the Fukushima nuclear power plant suffered core meltdowns and generated a massive amount of water tainted with radioactive substances from cooling down the nuclear fuel. 
TEHRAN, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi and Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Wednesday affirmed that the government is seriously pursuing the release of an Iranian photojournalist detained in Afghanistan, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.

Speaking to Tasnim on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Vahidi said the Iranian government will "definitely pursue the issue."

In similar remarks to Tasnim on the same day, Kanaani noted that after being informed of the issue, his ministry began its follow-ups through the relevant Afghan authorities and is "seriously pursuing the photojournalist's release."

Tasnim on Tuesday reported that the "Taliban forces" had detained one of its photojournalists, identified as Mohammad-Hossein Velayati, at Kabul International Airport on Saturday without any explanation.

It added that Velayati was arrested at the end of his 10-day personal trip to Afghanistan, as he was returning to Iran, stressing that he had entered Afghanistan legally through the air border.

On Tuesday, Hassan Kazemi Qomi, Iran's special representative for Afghanistan, told Tasnim that he had already held talks with the Iranian mission in Kabul on the issue and the efforts of the officials there will hopefully produce results soon. 
The Lake George Central School District today unveiled its new nickname  the Lakers  following a months-long process that involved student and community input, a press release said.

The new nickname was announced by the districts Student Advisory Committee, which facilitated the selection process.

The transition to the Lakers isnt only a change in name, its part of our history. It further symbolizes the important relationships that exist between the school district and the community in Lake George, the Queen of American Lakes.

Moving forward, we are excited to expand upon this unifying nickname and define what it means to be a Laker, said Superintendent John Luthringer.

At the behest of the New York State Education Department, all schools with mascots appropriating Native American culture were required to change names or risk their state funding. The Lake George Warriors and their profile of an Indian man with feathered headdress was no longer allowed.

In January, students were briefed on the NYSED directive and given the opportunity to learn more about the history of Lake George Central School District, the logo, mascot, and nickname, the press release said.

The committee pared the list of 270 names suggested through the first survey down to four: Falcons, Islanders, Lakers and Owls. The final nickname survey ran from July 10 to Aug. 23 and brought in 979 votes from the Lake George community. Lakers had the highest percentage of votes with 47.1 percent with 461 votes, the release says. We are grateful to the committee for its diligence in ensuring a thorough process, and we appreciate the input from our students, staff, families and the greater Lake George community, Luthringer said.

The districts nickname was previously the Lakers during the 1920s, 1930s and early 1940s.

I am so very excited for the student body as we embrace our future while looking at the past as the Lake George Lakers, said Lake George Jr.-Sr. High School Principal, Francis Cocozza. It was nice to be involved in such a big change for the school and be a part of the advisory group and the process moving forward, said Oliver Herrick, senior at Lake George High School.

The district expects unveil a new logo this fall.
ATLANTIC CITY  Jay Johnson remembered when the city's LGBTQ community was bustling.

Visiting bars like Studio Six and the Chester Inn on New York Avenue, the epicenter of the city's gay community in the late 20th century, were fond memories for him.

Which is why Johnson, 63, decided to attend the city's first Rainbow Beach Bash on Tuesday. The bash was held at the Park Place beach in front of the Claridge Hotel, also known as Rainbow Beach for its history as a popular LGBTQ beach.

"I remember the days in Atlantic City where you had to hide, but now it's so open, it's wonderful," Johnson said.

He drove from Philadelphia to Atlantic City to visit a friend who invited him to the event, and made it just in time for its 2 p.m. start.

Although the event started off a little breezy, with city officials using cinderblocks to hold down two beach tents that housed rainbow gym bags filled with fans, glasses and beach balls, people like Johnson still came out to enjoy the day.

The city also provided cold, non-alcoholic drinks, bagged lunches and giveaways for the dozens of people who attended, such as Debbie Harper, who was drawn by the rainbow flags flapping everywhere.

Atlantic City was once famous for its gay bars. Now it has none. ATLANTIC CITY  New York Avenue in the 1960s and 70s was viewed as a thriving oasis for the

"The sky is pretty, and the clouds are out, but we got the rainbow," said Harper, 64, a city native who ended up at the bash with her wife, Billy Lloyd Harper, on her rare day off from being a private chef. "This is what we need now, the support, like we used to be back in the day. The more people, the more powerful we are as a group."

Visibility was one of the reasons Judah Dorrington, Atlantic City's LGBTQ+ liaison, decided to host the event.

"Almost every place in Atlantic City has an LGBTQ+ offering," said Dorrington, adding the city had more to offer the community than drag shows.

Besides the city's Multicultural Affairs department, which often hosts flag raisings and other events that highlight the island's diverse subpopulations, Dorrington said there were other organizations and programs that serve the LGBTQ community. Some of those include the local NAACP's LGBTQ+ Silver Linings program, which had representatives at the beach bash, AC Pride, which hosts inclusive events throughout the city, and AtlantiCare's medical clinic, which has LGBTQ resources.

Lloyd Harper said it doesn't have to be Pride Month for the city to have LGBTQ-centered events, which is why the Rainbow Beach Bash was important to people such as her.

"Back in the day, we didn't do things besides partying, or do other events, like play softball, or even have conversations with each other about what our goals are," said Lloyd Harper. "It's great to see the community evolving for us."

"I'm just excited that this is happening, and I'm happy to be a part of it," Johnson said.

GALLERY: Atlantic City Rainbow Beach Bash
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE  Union members and supporters packed the Tuesday meeting of the Cape May County Board of Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Speakers decried the idea as unfair to the workers at the center, and likely to harm the residents of the care facility as well. Several mentioned the extraordinary efforts staff members put in to keep residents safe from COVID-19.

We were health care heroes. Now were disposable employees, said Stephen White, a resident of the Villas section of Lower Township and a Crest Haven employee.

Last week, employees heard about the county's decision to publish a request for proposals for the operation of the center. Companies have until Sept. 13 to submit proposals to operate the facility. The Board of Commissioners could take a vote Oct. 24, with the potential for a new operator at the start of next year.

Members of the AFSCME, which represents county workers, including at the Crest Haven facility, crowded the county meeting room in an administration building just down the road from the nursing home.

It was standing room only in the meeting room, with an overflow crowd in the lobby of the county building watching on a screen, and one man watching on another screen set up outside the building.

County officials have said protecting employee jobs and ensuring the care of residents is part of the request for proposals, but the employees and union representatives who spoke said an outside contractor would mean a loss of benefits and pensions for workers and cuts to patient care.

Some speakers were visibly angry or upset, and one employee shouted several times from his seat, at one point promising to vote Democrat. The county government is entirely Republican.

Crest Haven nursing home employees to protest plan Union members and employees of the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center plan to argue against a move to seek a new operator for the Cape May County facility.

Alexandria Alarcon, a licensed practical nurse at Crest Haven, said she was concerned about her benefits, and that many residents of the facility have told her they are worried about the future. She said the commissioners could one day need a facility like Crest Haven themselves.

You have money, so you assume that your familys going to take care of you. Thats not always the case, she said. You also need to think about karma.

Most of those who addressed the meeting were county employees, either at Crest Haven or in other departments, but not all speakers were. Roseann Regruto said her mother is blind and is in Crest Haven. She described the staffs efforts during the pandemic as heroic and said the staff are like family to the residents and their relatives.

White said he did not see members of the county governing body at the facility, calling out Commissioner Jeff Pierson, who has responsibly for that department.

Why dont you come there? Why dont you come visit us to see what really goes on there? White said. He and other speakers said the county finds the funds to support the Cape May County Zoo, which does not charge admission, saying the county should be able to support Crest Haven.

At the beginning of the meeting, Jeffery Lindsay, the county counsel, said he has met with employees several times since the RFP was announced last week, as well as with the residents, and is set to meet one on one with the staff members, and provided contact information for family members of residents to discuss the potential change.

According to Lindsay, the nursing home has operated at a deficit of more than $30 million over the past five years.

He said at the meeting that Crest Haven "continues to experience a rise in operating costs, the states push toward a home health model, the regulations governing its operation and the local markets ability and willingness to provide care to Medicare residents."

Other county statements put the deficit at more than $7 million a year, with a projected deficit of more than $10 million annually by the end of the decade.

He advised members of the governing body not to speak about the issue at the meeting, or respond to the comments from county workers or union members, saying there remains items to be discussed with the union.

Cape May County seeks operator for Crest Haven nursing facility After two centuries managing residential care facilities, Cape May County may be getting out of the nursing home business, with a request for proposals for a contractor to operate the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

In a statement released after the meeting, Commissioner Director Len Desiderio said the county has looked hard at the operations at Crest Haven and worked to stabilize finances at the center. From 2018 to 2021, the taxpayers funded operations at the center to cover a $26 million deficit.

It is no longer feasible for taxpayers to shoulder the amount it costs to operate Crest Haven, Desiderio said. As so many other New Jersey county governments have concluded, the operation of long-term care facilities is best left to the private sector.

He said the residents of the facility are the first concern for the county, and that peoples jobs will be protected.

Some employees will be moved elsewhere in the county, and the contract will insist that a new operator retain as many current employees as possible.

The county is committed to ensuring that no one will lose their job, Desiderio said in the statement.

Union officials at the meeting said the county made no mention of the deficits at the most recent contract negotiation, and said the union could work with the county to make sure the facility is stable and solvent, rather than bring in a new operation by the end of the year.

Several workers said there had been unaddressed issues with billing, which could have increased the financial problems, and White called on the county to invest more in the center, not try to leave it behind.

Others at the meeting said the workers are represented by county government.

Improvements planned at Cape May County Veterans Cemetery CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE  Work is set to begin this fall on improvements to the Cape May County

Henry Hayes, the son of longtime Commissioner E. Marie Hayes, was among the speakers.

She will not speak against you. I shouldnt, but Im a member of the union, he said. As you can see, these are your constituents. These are the people who are voting you in. They do not want this.

Close Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. County workers say no to Crest Haven plan Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cape May County union workers turned out in force to a Tuesday meeting of the Board of Cape May County Commissioners, calling on the county to call off plans to bring an outside operator to the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
An ambitious but failed attempt by Russia to return to the moon after nearly a half-century has exposed the massive challenges faced by Moscow's once-proud space program.

The destruction of the robotic Luna-25 probe, which crashed onto the surface of the moon over the weekend, reflects the endemic problems that have dogged the Russian space industry since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. Those include the loss of key technologies in the post-Soviet industrial meltdown, the bruising impact of recent Western sanctions, a huge brain drain and widespread corruption.

Yuri Borisov, the head of the state-controlled space corporation Roscosmos, attributed the failure to the lack of expertise due to the long break in lunar research that followed the last Soviet mission to the moon in 1976.

The priceless experience that our predecessors earned in the 1960-70s was effectively lost, Borisov said. The link between generations has been cut.

While the USSR lost the race to the United States to land humans on the moon, the Soviet lunar program had more than a dozen successful pioneering robotic missions, some of which featured lunar rovers and brought soil samples back to Earth. The proud Soviet space history includes launching the first satellite in space in 1957 and the first human in space in 1961.

Mikhail Marov, a 90-year-old scientist who played a prominent role in planning the earlier lunar missions and worked on the Luna-25 project, was hospitalized after its failure.

It was very hard. Its the work of all my life, Marov said in remarks carried by Russian media. For me, it was the last chance to see the revival of our lunar program.

Borisov said the spacecrafts thruster fired for 127 seconds instead of the planned 84 seconds, causing it to crash, and a government commission will investigate the glitch.

Natan Eismont, a leading researcher with the Moscow-based Institute for Space Research, told the state RIA Novosti agency said that signs of equipment problems had appeared even before the crash, but space officials still gave the go for landing.

Vitaly Egorov, a popular Russian space blogger, noted that Roscosmos may have neglected the warnings in a rush to be the first to land on the lunar south pole ahead of an Indian spacecraft that has been orbiting the moon ahead of a planned landing.

It looks like things werent going according to plan, but they decided not to change the schedule to prevent the Indians from coming first, he said.

The lunar south pole is of particular interest to scientists, who believe the permanently shadowed polar craters may contain frozen water in the rocks that future explorers could transform into air and rocket fuel.

A major factor exacerbating Russia's space woes that could have played a role in the Luna-25 failure has been the Western sanctions on Moscow over its war in Ukraine. Those penalties have blocked imports of microchips and other key Western components and restricted scientific exchanges.

While working on the Luna-25 project, Roscosmos partnered with the European Space Agency that was to provide a camera to facilitate the landing. The ESA halted the partnership soon after the February 2022 invasion and requested Roscosmos to remove its camera from the spacecraft.

Years earlier, Russia hoped to buy the main navigation device for the lunar mission from Airbus, but couldnt due to restrictions blocking the technology transfer. In the end, it developed its own equipment that delayed the project and weighed twice as much, reducing the scientific payload for the spacecraft that weighed over 3,800 pounds.

Many industry experts note that even before the latest Western sanctions, the use of substandard components led to the collapse of an ambitious mission to send a probe to Mars' moon Phobos in 2011. The spacecraft's thrusters failed to send it on a path toward Mars and it burned in the Earth's atmosphere  a problem that investigators attributed to using cheap commercial microchips that were unfit for the harsh conditions in space.

Some observers speculated that using the cheap components could have stemmed from a scheme to embezzle government funds, rather than importing the specialized equipment for the Phobos-Grunt spacecraft, which was designed by the NPO Lavochkin, the same company that developed Luna-25.

Amid the finger-pointing, some argued the failure could cost Borisov his job.

Some commentators said the Luna-25 crash dented Russian prestige and raised new doubts about its technological prowess following military blunders in Ukraine.

The consequences of the Luna-25 catastrophe are enormous, pro-Kremlin political analyst Sergei Markov said.

It raises doubts about Russias claims of a great power status in the eyes of the global community. Many would decide that Russia cant fulfill its ambitions either in Ukraine or on the moon because it lives not by its modest current capability but rather fantasies about its great past," he said. "People as well as countries want to side with the strong who win, not the weak who keep making excuses about their defeats.
China's defense minister meets with UAE air force chief

Xinhua) 13:09, August 23, 2023

BEIJING, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu met with Ibrahim Nasser Mohamed Al Alawi, Commander of the Air Force and Air Defense of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in Beijing on Tuesday.

Li said that exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries have achieved gratifying results in various fields, thanks to efforts from the heads of state of the two countries to promote such exchanges and cooperation.

Noting that the air forces of the two countries have carried out fruitful cooperation in recent years, Li said that China is willing to make joint efforts with the UAE to further deepen cooperation between the two militaries.

Al Alawi said that the UAE is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in various areas to consolidate and promote greater development of the relations between the two air forces.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
TIANJIN, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Deals for 19 projects involving a total investment of 4.9 billion yuan (about 673 million U.S. dollars) were signed Tuesday at a cross-Strait trade fair in north China's port city of Tianjin.

The four-day Tianjin-Taiwan trade fair attracted about 300 people from Taiwan, including officials and entrepreneurs, with an aim to build an investment platform for Taiwan enterprises and promote cross-Strait economic and trade exchanges.

"The mainland is the 'world's factory' and the 'world's market.' Its purchasing power is great. I am very confident in the mainland market and will continue to invest in the future," said Jason Han, vice president of Dachan Greatwall Group, one of the companies from Taiwan which inked business projects.

Tianjin stands as an important investment hub for Taiwan-funded enterprises in the northern region of the mainland. With over 2,600 Taiwan-funded companies established, the total contractual investment has exceeded 18.1 billion U.S. dollars. 
Just more than a year after beginning recreational cannabis sales, New Jerseys legal weed industry is in a doom loop of slow licensing and a lack of enforcement that is causing it to stagnate, a marijuana trade group says.

The New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association, which represents the majority of cultivators and dispensaries in New Jersey, issued a report Tuesday placing blame for the states slow-growing marijuana industry on the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, the agency that establishes and enforces regulations governing legal marijuana. The CRC, the report said, is hindering the markets potential due to a protracted licensing process.

Were advocating starting with the removal of the bureaucracy, said Todd Johnson, the groups executive director. We are making it difficult right at the point of entry for no reason.

New Jersey could be losing as much as $1.8 million a year in potential tax revenue per location, as a result of delayed retail store openings, the report concludes. In addition, the NJCTA points to the proliferation of unregulated hemp-derived cannabinoids and the states minimal enforcement against illicit operators as reasons for slow industry growth.

The CRC has received 2,177 applications since it opened up the process for marijuana business licenses in December 2021. Of those, 1,399 applications have been approved, and about 400 are being processed, according to CRC Executive Director Jeff Brown.

Weve been very clear with applicants about what we expect timelines to be, Brown said. We understand that business owners have to make decisions, and we try to be up front with expectations so that people can plan accordingly.

Typically, licenses are approved within three to six months, Brown said. By law, the CRC is supposed to approve conditional license applications within 30 days, and annual license applications within 90 days. But the CRC is able to extend the deadline, often due to the sheer number of applications.

Applicants also often get held up due to factors largely outside of CRC control, such as municipal approval issues, trouble with real estate, and applicants not responding to letters detailing fixes, Brown said.

Middle Township starts over on local weed rules The Middle Township Committee introduced a new ordinance last week governing retail locations in the community. It doubles the amount of retail sites allowed, from one to two. The ordinance also outlines the requirements for securing local support for a cannabis business.

Today, the state is home to 37 operating recreational cannabis dispensaries, and 13 that sell only medical marijuana. Brown expects the state to have 50 recreational dispensaries running by the end of 2023; it started with 12 adult-use retailers in April 2022.

According to the CRC, recreational marijuana has generated about $306 million in sales  and $18.8 million in sales tax revenue  in the first two financial quarters of 2023 combined. The NJCTA projects that legal weed sales could bring in about $38.39 million in taxes this year  far below other states of similar sizes with legal sales.

Johnson pointed to Maryland, which started recreational marijuana sales in July. With a population of 6.16 million people, that state had more than $80 million in sales in its first month of operations, Johnson estimated. New Jersey has a larger population  9.2 million  and an older cannabis market, and is pulling in less money, Johnson said.

Brown, however, said New Jerseys cannabis market is likely to eclipse the $1 billion mark sometime in the next year. He called New Jersey poised for long-term success.

But New Jerseys growth, the NJCTAs report says, seems to have plateaued after only nine months of legalization. Thats due not only to what it says are slow approvals by the CRC, but also a lack of enforcement against the illicit market, as well as gas stations, smoke shops and head shops selling such products as delta-8 THC, which falls into a legal gray area.

The CRC doesnt regulate products such as delta-8 THC, but, Brown said, the commission does view those hemp-derived products as being at odds with establishing the regulated market. They are advertised as being similar to what customers would find on the legal market, and often at cheaper prices, but are essentially unregulated.

Brown said the CRC is ready to work with partners to address that, and the state is considering new rules targeting hemp-derived cannabinoids.

Johnson said the NJCTA would also like to see the CRC approve new products for sale, specifically new types of edibles. That would help legal operators compete against the illicit market.

Middle could again amend cannabis stance as one applicant lets approval lapse So far at least, there are no legal cannabis businesses in Middle Township, but the Township Committee may double the allowable number of retailers, from one to two.

Not only are we fighting against the illicit market with our hands tied behind our back because of regulation, but when you cant even offer the same products, then theres no choice for (customers) to patronize your stores, Johnson said.

Legacy operators should also receive safe havens from the state to break into the legal market, said Suzan Nickelson, owner of Atcos Holistic Solutions and the chair of the NJCTAs Social Equity Committee. Providing that assistance could potentially alleviate some tension between the illicit and regulated markets, she added.

According to at least one study, some customers are going to the illicit market for their marijuana. An April poll from Stockton University found that 30% of New Jersey cannabis users bought weed from non-licensed dealers, with 18% of those citing high prices as their reason for going to the legacy market. A vast majority of respondents said they went to non-licensed dealers because there was no legal dispensary operating near them.

The CRC, Brown said, doesnt set prices for legal marijuana, but it does monitor them. He acknowledged that accessibility is an issue in the state, despite 18 of 21 New Jersey counties having at least one dispensary. As Brown put it, progress is being made.

But for the NJCTA, the progress isnt happening fast enough.

New Jersey just seems to be lacking in our resolve to really build a strong foundation through which operators of all kinds can be successful in the state, Johnson said. Make it easier for folks to get through the initial hurdles so that they can get to the real obstacles.
A recent incident involving a Vistara flight bound for Pune from Delhi took an unexpected turn as the aircraft was compelled to return to its departure city due to a cracked windscreen caused by turbulent weather conditions. The incident occurred on Tuesday, briefly unsettling passengers on board.

The flight in question, identified as UK 991, departed from Delhi at approximately 5:20 PM. However, just an hour into the flight, around 6:20 PM, turbulence lasting 45 to 90 seconds was encountered, prompting a passenger to share their experience on social media. The sudden jolt caused alarm among passengers, resulting in some expressing their concerns vocally.

Reacting swiftly, the flight's pilot took the decisive step to turn the aircraft around and head back to Delhi. The Airbus A-320, which was carrying more than 100 passengers, had initially been en route to Pune with an expected arrival time of 7:50 PM.

Vistara authorities confirmed that the flight eventually reached Pune later in the night. The airline reported that the flight designated for Pune arrived at its destination airport at 10:50 PM.

The incident underscores the importance of safety measures and protocols in aviation, particularly when unexpected weather conditions lead to challenging in-flight experiences. Vistara's swift response in managing the situation and ensuring passengers' safety is a reminder of the industry's commitment to prioritise passenger well-being above all else.
The Rock Island-Milan school board unanimously appointed Lanty McGuire as the districts interim superintendent for second semester of the 2023-2024 school year.

The appointment came within a blanket motion during a board meeting Tuesday evening.

McGuire will start the job on Jan. 1, 2024, at a rate of $900 per day.

McGuire will be the third interim superintendent since the board's decision to terminate former superintendent Dr. Reginald Lawrences contract in April  a decision that both parties say was mutual.

The appointment will bring McGuire out of retirement. He was the Moline-Coal Valley School District Superintendent from 2017 to 2019.

"Some things have changed and a lot of things have stayed the same (in education)," McGuire said. "I just look forward to getting in there and working with a good staff and some excellent students."

McGuire held an array of roles during his 24 years of service at Moline-Coal Valley, but he's no stranger to Rock Island-Milan schools.

"I worked in Rock Island for 10 years, and they were a good 10 years with the people and the community," he said in an interview Wednesday. "It feels good  this gives me an opportunity to maybe pay back for the 10 years that I got started in education."

Before his career at Moline, McGuire taught at Edison Jr. High and Rock Island High Schools, also serving as a special education chair and dean at the latter. In addition, he coached football and track at Rocky.

In this interim role, McGuire hopes to act as a support system for current Rock Island-Milan leaders.

"They have a lot of skillful people  I look at me as being more of a support to help them reach their goals as an administrative staff," he said.

Like administration, McGuire wants Rock Island-Milan students to reach their goals, too.

"However I can help the teachers get students there, that's really what I feel my role will be," he said. "To enable the administrators and the staff to  bottom line  move students to the next level, whether its vocational, higher education or whatever it may be."

McGuire will take over from Alan Boucher, the district's first-semester interim superintendent.

A former superintendent at Sherrard and Mercer County School Districts, Boucher started his interim role at Rock Island-Milan in July.

Prior to this, he served as the principal at Arrowhead Youth and Family Services in Coal Valley.

McGuire's appointment won't be the district's first interim superintendent who is a former Moline-Coal Valley School District superintendent, as Boucher succeeded Dr. Cal Lee, who retired from MCVSD in 2012.

The Rock Island-Milan school board hired Lee in May to serve as interim superintendent through June 30, 2023.

Lawrence  whose contract was up for renewal in 2025  served his final day with Rock Island-Milan schools in June. He and the board reached a $350,000 separation agreement.

Also on Tuesday night, the board held an informational planning session with School Exec Connect, the district's contracted superintendent search firm.

School Exec representatives gave an overview of their process moving forward and asked for the board's input on stakeholder engagement, public forums, district surveying and internal versus external candidates.

School Exec recommends scheduling public forums and focus groups for the superintendent search in early September. Information gathered from public forums, focus groups, surveys and stakeholders will be used to make a "profile" of ideal candidates for Rock Island-Milan schools.

School Exec plans to present this profile at the district's Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 26, and use the document to recruit and interview candidates.

Applications for a full-time superintendent will come in late October. School Exec will interview and screen candidates before recommending five to seven to the board, proposing to do so on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

To view the full School Exec planning session, watch the meeting's livestream on the "Rock Island - Milan School District #41" YouTube channel.
A Bettendorf license plate reader that alerted police to a stolen car passing into Davenport led to the arrest of a Chicago man on drug trafficking charges.

Carlos Antonio Rodriguez-Santos, 62, is charged with one count of possession with the intent to deliver cocaine, a Class C felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 10 years.

Rodriguez-Santos also is charged with one count each of possession with the intent to deliver cocaine base, or crack, possession with the intent to deliver marijuana, and failure to have an Iowa drug tax stamp. Each of those charges is a Class D felony under that carry a prison sentence of five years.

According to the arrest affidavits filed by Davenport Police Cpl. Robert Myers, at 8:31 p.m. Saturday, Davenport police surrounded a stolen 2014 Dodge Dart at the intersection of West Locust and Marquette streets. Rodriguez-Santos was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle.

A license plate reader in Bettendorf picked up the car as stolen out of Chicago and alerted police. Officers were able to track the car until they could make a safe traffic stop.

During a search of the vehicle, officer seized seven small plastic bags, each containing powder cocaine. The total amount of cocaine came to 4.9 grams. Officers then seized another 1.35 grams of cocaine from a wallet, along with two plastic bags containing 8.65 grams of crack cocaine and two plastic bags containing 29.75 grams of high-grade marijuana.

Also seized from the vehicle were packaging materials, a blender, plastic cups with cocaine residue and two pipes.

During a first appearance on the charges Sunday in Scott County District Court, Magistrate Ryan Beckenbaugh scheduled a preliminary hearing in the case for Aug. 30.

Rodriguez-Santos was being held Tuesday night in the Scott County Jail on a $10,000 bond, cash or surety.
The Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) Board of Trustees unanimously approved a separation and release of claims agreement with former chancellor Sonya Williams during a regular meeting Monday evening.

Per the agreement, EICC will pay Williams $250,000  equal to one years' salary  in one lump sum, with no additional contributions for benefits. The college will also pay Williams $2,500 for attorney's fees.

Board members Yuli Diaz, Debbie Tappendorf and Bill Vetter were absent from Monday's meeting.

The board unanimously accepted Williams resignation during a special meeting on Aug. 1, with all members present to cast their votes and no prior discussions or closed sessions.

According to a subsequent EICC media release, Williams resigned due to personal reasons  though she'd later elaborate in a letter to faculty and staff:

"I have decided to resign my position as eighth chancellor of EICCD. I have gained an opportunity to advance my career and could not pass it up," Williams wrote. "Please remember that developing professionally and educationally was a drive that I have not only for myself, but for you all as well."

She continued by reflecting on EICC's accomplishments and goals during her short time there, including being EICC's first Black chancellor.

"In close, I truly appreciate the support that I received from the majority of good-hearted, kind, respectable and genuine staff and faculty that shared EICCD's mission and vision along side of me," Williams wrote. "I want you all to know that I lead EICCD with pride, dignity, respect, transparency and accountability. Please remember that this journey is about so much more than what one person can do, it is about working collectively, supporting and empowering one another to uphold and build upon the mission and vision of EICCD!"

Board president Robert Gallagher said he met with campus leaders last week to discuss EICC's next steps  bringing forth the recommendation to hire an interim chancellor to serve through June 30, 2025.

While this would cause EICC to be without a formal chancellor for nearly two years, the rationale lies in a Higher Learning Commission accreditation visit in October of 2024.

"Our emphasis between now and accreditation visit is on the accreditation," Gallagher said in an interview on Tuesday. "The issue was whether during that same period of time, we wanted to be in the process of hiring a new chancellor, or whether we would rely on the expertise from someone that we hire as an interim chancellor to guide us through the process."

During Tuesday's meeting, he did cite concerns regarding whether the interim period's length would deter candidates. Naomi DeWinter, president of EICC's Muscatine Community College, is acting chancellor until the interim position is filled.

Upon gathering resumes by Friday, Sept. 8, an subcommittee plans to recommend an interim candidate to the board at the Monday, Sept. 18, meeting.

"We're looking for someone that can come in and calm the waters a little bit and maintain the status quo," Gallagher said. "So we can get through the accreditation process and try to bring the college faculty and staff together, committed to the purpose for the benefit of students."

He hopes to fill the role with someone who has experience leading community colleges  particularly, one familiar with Iowa's education system.

"Who could, as they say, 'hit the ground running,' because they'd already have some familiarity with the Iowa system and with the process of accreditation, so that we could stabilize our present situation," Gallagher said. "We don't want what happened to be a hiccup. We want (EICC) to continue on (with accreditation)."

Williams' contract was set to end on June 30, 2025 after starting as EICC's chancellor in August of 2022.

Gallagher declined to comment on the terms of Williams' separation agreement.

"We had closed sessions to evaluate her performance," he said. "That's probably all I can say at this point."

"To the best of my knowledge, this is the only time we've had a chancellor resignation," Gallagher said. "We have been transparent as legally possible."

A search committee for a permanent chancellor will represent each EICC campus, including faculty, staff and students, along with other business and industry partners.

"It's a pretty long process, but we do try to include as many stakeholders as possible," Gallagher said.

The next EICC board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 18, at Scott Community College, Belmont Campus.

A look at the renovations to Scott Community College
WATERLOO  Savion Wilson had bragged that shooting his friend would be a free kill.

On Wednesday morning, Wilson, 24, learned shooting Cortavius Benford, 26, in the head was anything but free when a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder.

Wilson stood quietly as the verdict was announced. Family of both sides  once close, now seated apart in the courtroom  also remained quiet.

The crime is punishable by a mandatory life term in prison without parole. Sentencing will be at a later date.

Days earlier, Wilson had taken the stand to say the shooting was an accident.

I was pointing it at everyone, being reckless with the firearm, Wilson said Monday in his own defense in Black Hawk County District Court.

But prosecutors noted Wilson initially told police a different version of what happened. The state alleged Wilson had actually made threats to shoot Benford months earlier in a Facebook Live post during a spat between the longtime friends.

Both Wilson and Benford grew up in Mississippi and they had known each other since childhood.

Benford was the first to move to Iowa. Wilson said he followed about four years ago, relocating because he had other relatives who had made the move. His mother also moved to Waterloo, according to testimony.

Wilsons mother, Tanja Crossley, testified the two families had been close for years.

It was like brotherly love, like they been knowing each other all their lives, she said.

She also testified about hearing her son and Benford arguing around the time of the Facebook rant in May 2022. She told them they were arguing like two bitches and told them to knock it off.

Two days later, they were back to normal, and Benford and Wilson were drinking and playing Uno, she said.

It was fine. He came over to the house. Like nothing ever happened, she said.

On the stand Monday, Wilson talked about the gun used in the shooting. He said sometime earlier he had found the pistol, complete with a loaded high-capacity magazine, in a fanny pack hidden in some bushes in Waterloo, but he couldnt remember exactly where.

Wilson said he had a license to carry weapons and told jurors he had been taking the gun to a range where he fired it five or six times. But he couldnt remember where the range was and didnt know the name of the person who drove him there.

He said Benford was interested in buying the gun and he had left it at the apartment during a previous visit.

On the day of the shooting, Wilson told jurors, he and a friend went over to Benfords apartment to repay him $10 Benford had loaned him to rent an electric scooter.

He said they hung out, everyone was in good spirits and they went to a nearby convenience store for snacks. When they returned, Wilson said, he noticed the pistol under a couch where he was seated.

Wilson said he pulled out the gun and was playing around with it, pointing it at himself and others as his friend sat scrolling on their phones.

He said Benford told him to stop messing with the pistol. He said he wasnt aware there was a round in the chamber.

I started playing around with the gun. I pointed it at myself, pointed it at Cortavius, and the gun went off, Wilson said. He said he dropped the gun, exclaimed What the f***, called Benfords name and grabbed something to try to stop the bleeding.

Members of Benfords family stood up and walked out of the courtroom as Wilson gave his account.

He said Benfords girlfriend told him to get out, and he panicked and ran. He claimed he left the gun in the apartment. The weapon was never located.

Under cross-examination by the state, Benford wasnt able to identify what he had used to stop the bleeding or show where it was on crime scene photos of the apartment.

Assistant County Attorney Michael Hudson also noted Wilson had first told police the pistol accidently fired when Wilson grabbed for the gun Benford was holding, a claim refuted by forensic evidence indicating the muzzle was feet away from Benfords head when it fired and the location of the injury.

If someone were messing around with the gun and shot themselves, the top of the head is probably not the most likely spot, Hudson said.

Wilsons account also differed from that given by Benfords girlfriend last week.

She said Wilson had briefly stepped out of the apartment, returned with a camouflage hunting mask over his face and pointed the gun and fired. She said Wilson hadnt been messing with the gun before shooting.

Wilson denied wearing a mask over his face, saying it was merely rolled up on the top of his head like a hat. He also denied leaving and then returning to the apartment.

During closing arguments, Hudson said the accounts differed because what Wilson told the police didnt match evidence at the scene.

He said anything to the detective to get out of trouble. He will say anything to you to get out of trouble, Hudson told jurors.

Hudson noted Wilson had actually threatened to shoot Benford during a Facebook Live video when the two had a dispute in May 2022.

In a recording of the video, Wilson can be heard saying it would be a free kill, a reference to Benfords inability to possess a gun to defend himself because he was on probation, according to witnesses.

The state also pointed out that Wilson fled the scene after the shooting and never handed over the gun or the camouflage hunting mask he was wearing when he pulled the trigger.

Wilsons defense attorneys pushed for a verdict on the lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter.

This was a tragic accident involving two longtime friends. On the day this happened, everyone was hanging out, laughing, the mood was good, said defense attorney Dustin Lies.

Benford and Wilson had long since patched things up following their dispute months earlier, he said.

He noted there was only a single shot fired. If Wilson really wanted to kill Benford, he had a whole extended magazine full of ammunition to do it, Lies said.

Wilson was in contact with police shortly after the shooting and turned himself in the following day, Lies said.

There were no threats. There was no animosity. There was no feud, Lies said.

Jurors began deliberating Tuesday afternoon and returned to the courthouse Wednesday, announcing a verdict about an hour later.

Photos: Homicide, Palmer Drive, Aug. 27, 2022 082722jr-homicide-palmer
Area National Parks contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy in 2022, a federal study showed.

Visitor spending in communities near national parks in 2022 resulted in a record high $50.3 billion benefit to the nations economy and supported 378,400 jobs, according to a Department of Interior announcement this week.

At the Interior Department, we understand that nature is essential to the health, well-being and prosperity of every family and every community in America. But outdoor recreation is not just good for the soul, its a significant driver of our national and local economies and job sustainability, said Secretary Deb Haaland.

The National Park Service report, dubbed the 2022 National Park Visitor Spending Effects, finds that nearly 312 million visitors spent $23.9 billion in communities within 60 miles of a national park. Of the 378,400 jobs supported by visitor spending, 314,600 jobs were in park gateway communities.

Annual appropriations for the NPS totaled $3.3 billion in fiscal year 2022, effectively turning a $1 investment in national parks into a more than $10 boost to the nations economy, according to the Interior Department.

In South Dakota as a whole, the Park Service reported a visitor spending total of $535 million and 7,430 jobs supported, the bulk of that spending and those jobs surrounded Mount Rushmore. Numbers in 2022 were also up from 2021 when the local economic impact of National Parks in the state was reportedly $339 million.

In all, Mount Rushmore tourism contributed over $385 million to the local economy, according to the National Park Service.

With some 2,440,449 visitors to Mount Rushmore National Memorial in 2022 the total spent was $385.6 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 5,694 jobs in the local area with a cumulative effect of $551 million in economic output, NPS reported.

Of the visitors to Mount Rushmore, 71% stayed in area lodges, only 5% were locals and over 55% said Mount Rushmore was the primary reason for their visit to the area.

A total of 607,418 visitors travelled to Wind Cave National Park in 2022 and spent $52.7 million in local communities, the Park Service reported. That spending reportedly supported 741 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $75 million.

The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by economists at the NPS. The report shows $23.9 billion of direct spending by nearly 312 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park, according to the Park Service.

As for the economics of visitor spending, the lodging sector had the highest direct effects, with $9 billion in economic output nationally. The restaurants sector had the second greatest effects with $4.6 billion in economic output nationally.

Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 300 million visitors every year. The impact of tourism to national parks is undeniable: bringing jobs and revenue to communities in every state in the country and making national parks an essential driver to the national economy, says National Park Service Director Chuck Sams.

Results from the Visitor Spending Effects report series are available online via an interactive tool. Users can view year-by-year trend data and explore current year visitor spending, jobs, labor income, value-added, and economic output effects by sector for national, state and local economies. The interactive tool is available on the Visitor Spending Effects webpage.
South Dakota Senator John Thune said it's "time to turn the page" from Donald Trump, a move he believes would significantly enhance the chances of a Republican win in the 2024 presidential election.

"I think the American people are tired of litigating an election that happened almost three years ago," Thune said when asked if he would support Trump should he secure the GOP nomination. "I think the odds of us doing well in 2024 are enhanced significantly if we have a candidate at the top of the ticket that is looking at the future and talking about the issues that are central to what the American people want us to focus on, rather than looking in the rearview mirror and talking about the past."

A recent Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Poll shows Trump with a commanding lead  more than 20 percentage points ahead of his next-closest challenger, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Trump is facing four separate indictments for offenses ranging from racketeering to conspiracy and is expected to turn himself in to a Fulton County, Georgia jail later this week.

Thune's comments came just days before the first Republican primary debate, where eight candidates  DeSantis, tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramuswamy, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson  will make their case to American voters. Those eight have reached the donor and polling thresholds required by the Republican National Convention to participate; another four were disqualified. Trump met the requirements but will not attend.

Both of South Dakota's senators  Thune and Mike Rounds  announced their endorsement for Scott earlier this year. Despite Trump's lead in the polls  and with months left to go before votes are cast in Iowa or New Hampshire  Thune is hopeful Scott will break out from the pack.

"I know him well. I've worked with him a lot in the Senate [and] have great regard for his abilities and respect for his character," he said. "I think he will bring a much needed presence to the national debate, and [he] has a very compelling and powerful personal story, which I think a lot of American people can relate to."

The first Republican primary debate will air on Fox News at 9 p.m. E.T. Wednesday, Aug. 23.

"Fiber Forward"

Thune was in town for a roundtable with Rushmore Electric and a luncheon with Midco on Monday. He was a featured speaker at Midco's "Fiber Forward" luncheon, where the company announced $35 million to expand its fiber broadband network in communities across the Black Hills. It's one piece of a $500 million investment to deliver 10G speeds by 2025 and double the company's fiber network within a decade.

As the ranking member on the Senate Subcommittee for Communications, Media and Broadband, Thune has been heavily involved in expanding rural South Dakotan access to broadband. In March, he joined bipartisan colleagues in introducing the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act, aimed at strengthening funding for the Federal Communications Commission's Universal Service Fund. Access to broadband allows for increased economic development and, as Thune explained, increases agricultural efficiency and improves rural access to healthcare via telehealth.

"We're generating, we're boosting and spiking yields, the bushels per acre that a lot of our farmers seem to get here in South Dakota, and that's in part because of biotechnology and new types of hybrid seeds, but also because of the technology people now have and knowing how much fertilizer [and] how much seed to apply to every square inch of farmland," he said. "That's precision technology. That's the use of GPS and massive use of high-speed internet services, all those things that are profoundly impacting our ability here in South Dakota to produce crops that will feed our world."

The Senate returns to session on Tuesday, Sept. 5.
There are 24 grizzly bears that died or were found dead in the Greater Yellowstone area this year, with over 60% of those deaths happening in Wyoming, according to United States Geological Survey data.

So far, there were 15 grizzly bear deaths in Wyoming, seven in Montana and two in Idaho, the data shows. There were 48 grizzly bear deaths last year in total.

About 85% of all documented bear deaths are human-caused, so tracking those deaths can help direct programs designed to reduce them, the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study website states.

There have been several incidents of grizzly bears being hit by moving vehicles, which either resulted in their immediate death or euthanasia due to severe injuries, the data states.

One adult grizzly bear died last month at Heart Mountain Canal in Wyoming due to a human-caused drowning, the data states. It drowned in a cement-sided canal, but what a person did to cause this was not disclosed.

The most common death is grizzly bears being put down for a variety of issues including conditioned behavior around people, killing livestock and property damage.

A couple of cubs died from natural causes, which were likely starvation or exposure, the data said. The remaining deaths are under investigation, or the cause was undetermined.

On Aug. 11, a 20-year-old male grizzly was euthanized after killing a cow on private land near Yellowstone National Park in Montana, the Billings Gazette reported. That incident had not yet made it into the official count as of Thursday.

Mortality data is collected by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study, which is an interdisciplinary group of scientists and biologists responsible for monitoring grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, its website states.

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.
A woman casts her ballot at a polling station in Harare, Zimbabwe, Aug. 23, 2023. Zimbabweans started to cast their ballots for a new president, parliament and local authorities Wednesday, with delays reported in the opening of some polling stations. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara)

HARARE, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabweans started to cast their ballots for a new president, parliament and local authorities Wednesday, with delays reported in the opening of some polling stations.

Incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa cast his ballot at Sherwood Primary School in Kwekwe, a city in the Midlands province of central Zimbabwe.

Mnangagwa's main challenger is Nelson Chamisa of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party, who is expected to cast his vote in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe.

Long queues started forming at most polling stations in Harare before the scheduled opening time of 7 a.m., local time, but many expressed frustration over the delay in opening.

"I have been here since 5:30 a.m. but it's now 8:45 a.m. and voting has not started. I wanted to vote early so that I can go and sell my products. I am a vegetable vendor but now with this delay, my business will be affected," said 40-year-old Margaret Muduri at one of the polling stations in Harare.

EU chief observer Fabio Massimo Castaldo told reporters at a polling station in Harare Wednesday morning that there was a significant delay in opening by about 30 percent of the total polling stations.

"So far around 30 percent of the polling stations there was significant delay in the opening procedures. The delay was very often linked to lack of essential materials and in some cases the delay was above one and half hours," Castaldo said.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission said in a statement that some polling stations in the country, particularly in Harare and Bulawayo, did not open on time due to late deployment of election material due to last-minute legal challenges that had been lodged by contestants in the run-up to the poll.

It said all polling stations that opened late will remain open after 7 p.m. to cater for the period of the delay.

Early reports indicated huge voter turnout in some areas, and low in others, according to state media reports.

According to the law, voting opens at 7 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m., after which counting of votes will immediately begin.

More than 6.6 million people are registered to vote in the election.

Several local, regional and international election observers are also observing the elections. 

People wait in a queue to cast their votes at a polling station in Harare, Zimbabwe, Aug. 23, 2023. Zimbabweans started to cast their ballots for a new president, parliament and local authorities Wednesday, with delays reported in the opening of some polling stations. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara)
A forecast full of contradictory conditions has wildland firefighters wondering what's next as a record-setting August nears its close.

The shifting winds prompted a mandatory evacuation order for people living near the East Fork fire between Olney and Striker along the Flathead/Lincoln county border near Highway 93. Sheriff's deputies were going door-to-door in the area Friday afternoon. Specific information about the affected evacuation area was available on the Sheriff Department website.

"A Mandatory Evacuation means there is a strong probability of wildfire moving into the targeted area," Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino said in an email on Friday afternoon. "Ash and fire debris are likely and can spread with the high winds expected later today. Residents and visitors in the area should respond quickly and determine steps to secure your home, pets, livestock, and family. Residents, landlords, hotels, and businesses in this area should also have a plan in place to evacuate.

"Fire is unpredictable and can change rapidly," Heino continued. "We cannot predict how much time people will have to evacuate, road conditions, etc. We strongly recommend that if you are in or near the evacuation area that you leave as soon as possible."

The blaze is active to the west of Olney and was at about 3,000 acres as of Friday.

Residents in northeast Lincoln County might see their power affected by the fires, according to the Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency. The American Red Cross has established a shelter in Columbia Falls. If you plan to use the shelter, please call the Red Cross in advance at 1-800-733-2767 prior to your arrival.

Last week's record-high temperatures from Butte to Libby pushed a lot of smoke into valley bottoms but failed to ignite any new fires west of the Continental Divide. That smoke notwithstanding, most of the big fires in Lake County, Seeley-Swan Valley and Flathead National Forest didn't grow much or submitted to control efforts. But a persistent drought has sunk its spikes across Montana north of the Clark Fork and Missouri rivers, with severe conditions in the far northwest corner of the state.

This summer, Montana is seeing a heightened level of fire activity in the northwest region due to persistent record-breaking hot, dry and windy weather, creating conditions that are ideal for wildfire ignitions and rapid fire spread, Montana Fire Protection Bureau Chief Matt Hall said in an email on Friday. Hot and dry weather conditions have also decreased flow levels and increased water temperatures in streams, rivers and other shallow surface water, leading to recreational restrictions and the implementation of conservation measures at a local level.

A moderate El Nino pattern has settled over North America, which could mean a warmer and drier than average fall and winter for Montana. Without receiving a significant amount of precipitation in the form of rain or snow  known as a season-ending event  elevated fire concerns may extend through September.

Red Flag weather warnings remained in effect through Friday night as a high-pressure system transitioned to cooler, wetter conditions. At the Colt fire northwest of Seeley Lake, firefighters braced for gusts of 30-40 mph along mountain ridges and sustained winds of 20 mph elsewhere. Recent ground mapping showed the fire has burned about 7,154 acres, with crews performing mop-up action on the north and east edges.

That cooler, wetter weather blowing out of Canada could collapse the smoke throughout the Flathead County vicinity, according to the Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program. Conditions are forecast to drop into the Unhealthy range for communities from Arlee in the south up to Whitefish and West Glacier on Saturday.

In Ravalli County, the lightning-caused Bowles Creek fire near Skalkaho Pass grew more than 2,300 acres on Wednesday and Thursday to 6,847 acres.

Fire managers were able to map the fire with an infrared flight late Thursday night. The fire is burning in steep terrain on both the Bitterroot and Beaverhead-Deerlodge national forests. The blaze was 20% contained as of Friday morning, according to a statement released by fire officials.
LONDON (AP)  Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin on Monday published his first recruitment video for the Wagner Group since organizing a short-lived mutiny against defense officials in Russia, according to information on Russian social media channels.





Prigozhin moved into the global spotlight in June with a dramatic, short-lived rebellion that posed the most serious threat to President Vladimir Putin of the Russian leader's 23-year rule. The Wagner founder long benefited from Putin's powerful patronage, including while he built a private army that fought for Russian interests abroad and participated in some of the deadliest battles of the war in Ukraine.





In the video, which was posted on Telegram messaging app channels which are believed to be affiliated with Prigozhin, a person who appears to be the 62-year-old mercenary leader says the Wagner Group is conducting reconnaissance and search activities, and making Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa even more free.





We are hiring real strongmen and continuing to fulfill the tasks which were set and which we promised to handle, the speaker in the video says, toting an assault rifle and wearing military fatigues. Pickup trucks and other people dressed in fatigues are in the background.





The Associated Press was unable to independently verify the authenticity of the video or where and when it was created.





Russian social media channels linked to the mercenary leader said Prigozhin was recruiting fighters to work in Africa and also inviting investors from Russia to put money in the Central African Republic through Russian House, a cultural center in the African nation's capital.





The Central African Republic is one of the countries where Wagner's soldiers for hire have been active and accused of committing human rights abuses.





In the video posted Monday, the person who appears to be Prigozhin says Wagner is, giving ISIS, al-Qaida and other gangsters hell" in temperatures of 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius).





The Kremlin has used the Wagner Group since 2014 as a tool expand Russia's presence in the Middle East and Africa.





Prigozhin spent months criticizing Russias military performance in Ukraine before he called for an armed uprising on June 23 to oust the defense minister and headed from Ukraine toward Moscow with his mercenaries.





Under a deal brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Prigozhin agreed to end his rebellion in exchange for amnesty for him and his fighters and permission to relocate to Belarus. Before moving to Belarus, Wagner handed over its weapons to the Russian military, part of efforts by Russian authorities to defuse the threat posed by the mercenaries.





Putin branded Prigozhin a traitor as the revolt unfolded and vowed harsh punishment, but the criminal case against the mercenary chief on rebellion charges was later dropped. Unusually, the Kremlin said Putin had a three-hour meeting with Prigozhin and Wagner Group commanders days after the rebellion.




ALEXANDROUPOLIS , Greece  Firefighters on Tuesday found the burnt bodies of 18 people believed to have been migrants who crossed the Turkish border into an area of north-eastern Greece where wildfires have raged for days.

The discovery near the city of Alexandroupolis came as hundreds of firefighters battled dozens of wildfires across the country amid gale-force winds. On Monday, two people died and two firefighters were injured in separate fires in northern and central Greece. Another major blaze has been burning across Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands for a week, though no injuries or damage to homes was reported.
OMAHA, Neb.  Scorching heat affecting almost 100 million people across a huge swath of the U.S. sent schools, outdoor workers and organizers of open air events scrambling to adjust Tuesday  and claimed the life of a 1-year-old girl left in a Nebraska day care center's van on one of the hottest days of the year.

Officers and medics were called Monday afternoon to Kidz of the Future Childcare in Omaha for an unresponsive baby inside the van, police said. The call came as temperatures reached into the upper 90s and the heat index soared to about 110 degrees.

The child, Ra'Miyah Worthington, was pronounced dead at a hospital, police said. Her parents questioned why her absence at the day care wasn't noticed.

Prosecutors charged the van driver, Ryan Williams, 62 of Omaha, on Tuesday with a felony count of child negligence resulting in death, which carries a sentence of up to four years in prison.
LAHAINA, Hawaii  Two weeks after the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century swept through the Maui community of Lahaina, authorities say anywhere between 500 and 1,000 people remain unaccounted for  a staggering number for officials facing huge challenges to determine how many of those perished and how many may have made it to safety but haven't checked in.

Something similar happened after a wildfire in 2018 that killed 85 people and destroyed the town of Paradise, California. Authorities in Butte County, home to Paradise, ultimately published a list of the missing in the local newspaper, a decision that helped identify scores of people who made it out alive but were listed as missing. Within a month, the list dropped from 1,300 names to only a dozen.

"I probably had, at any given time, 10 to 15 detectives who were assigned to nothing but trying to account for people who were unaccounted for," Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said in a phone interview. "At one point the local editor of our newspaper  said, 'Hey, if you give me the names, I will print them.' And at that point it was like, 'Absolutely. Anything that we can do to help out.'"

Hawaii officials expressed concern that by releasing a list of the missing, they would also be identifying some people who died. In an email Tuesday, the State Joint Information Center called it "a standard held by all law enforcement and first responders here in Hawaii, out of compassion and courtesy for the families, to withhold the names until the families can be contacted."

As of Monday, there were 115 people confirmed dead, according to Maui police. All single-story, residential properties in the disaster area had been searched, and teams transitioned to searching multistory residential and commercial properties, Maui County officials said in an update late Monday.

There are widely varying accounts of the tally of the missing. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said Sunday that more than 1,000 remained unaccounted for. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said in a prerecorded video on Instagram that the number was 850. During President Joe Biden's tour of the devastation Monday, White House homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall put it between 500 and 800.

An unofficial, crowd-sourced spreadsheet of missing people posted online listed nearly 700 names as of Tuesday.

Sen. Gilbert Keith-Agaran, representing central Maui, said he's not aware of any rules that prevent officials from making the list public. As someone with several members of his extended family still unaccounted for, he understands why some may not want the list released. "I'm not going to second-guess the approach by the mayor and his people right now," he said.

Questions are also emerging about how quickly the names of the dead are being publicly released, even after family members are notified. Maui residents are growing increasingly frustrated as the search for their loved ones drags on.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Tuesday that the Maui Police Department instructed the medical examiner in Honolulu  where some burn patients were taken for treatment  not to release the names of anyone who dies from injuries sustained in Lahaina fire. The request came after one severely burned patient died and the man's name appeared in media reports after notification of his next of kin.

"I don't know why they aren't releasing the names," Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner Supervising Investigator Theresa Reynolds told the newspaper.

Clifford Abihai said he feels like he's getting the run-around from authorities. He came to Maui from California looking for answers about his grandmother, Louise Abihai, 98. He has been just as frustrated on the ground in Maui.

"I just want confirmation," he said last week. "Not knowing what happened, not knowing if she escaped, not knowing if she's not there. That's the hard thing."

As of Tuesday, he said, he still had learned nothing further.

His grandmother lived at Hale Mahaolu Eono, a senior living facility where another member of his extended family, Virginia Dofa, lived. Authorities identified Dofa as one who perished. Abihai described Dofa and Louise Abihai as best friends.

He said his grandmother was mobile and could walk a mile a day, but it was often hard to reach her because she'd frequently turn off her cellphone to save battery power.

Confirming whether those who are unaccounted for are deceased can be difficult. Fire experts say it's possible some bodies were cremated in the Lahaina fire, potentially leaving no bones left to identify through DNA tests.

Honea, the Butte County sheriff, said it took weeks to complete the search for remains in Paradise, and his detectives worked 16-hour days to narrow the list of the missing. Today only one person remains unaccounted for, and Honea said he has reason to believe that person was not in town the day of the fire.

The situation on Maui is evolving, but those who lived through similar tragedies and never learned of their loved ones' fate are following the news and hurting for the victims and their families.
Paix Espresso, the mobile coffee cart from 23-year-old founders Danny Hodge and Seth McDaniel, is opening a brick-and-mortar coffee shop and roastery at 407 N. Cleveland St. in the Museum District.

Its going to be a fun, French-style cafe, McDaniel said.

Hodge and McDaniel have been traveling around Richmond since late February, pouring Americanos, cappuccinos and lattes from their mobile coffee cart to customers in the Fan, Scott's Addition and Carytown.

When they held a pop-up at Rexco vintage shop in the Museum District, they struck up a friendship with the one of the owners, Ryan Shamblin, and found a permanent home.

Vintage clothing and coffee. Its a perfect match, Shamblin said. Their customers are our customers.

The spaces will be shared, with Rexco on one side of the building and Paix Espresso on the other.

Hodge and McDaniel are doing the build-out themselves with lots of help from YouTube tutorials. The Paix coffee cart, which Hodge also built himself, will become the main bar in the space. Paix will also have a few cafe tables and chairs, as well as a back patio with seating.

Paix Espresso will be serving a menu of lattes, cappuccinos, cortados, espresso and a seasonal espresso drink, such as a Brazilian lemonade blended with sweetened condensed milk and espresso. Most espresso drinks are priced from $3 to $6.

A new addition will be pour over coffee, which they werent able to do on the cart. The Museum District location will be offering three single origin coffees on the bar.

Its a more manual style of pouring coffee. Its a slow process coffee. We hand grind the beans ourselves and brew it by hand with kettles, McDaniel said.

Paix serves specialty coffee that might be new to Richmond coffee drinkers, like Geisha Spirit, a blend from Colombia with a flavor profile of jasmine, fruit juice and rose water.

We tend to look for coffees that are more floral, juicy and sweet. Those are the notes we look for. Were always looking for something really unique that catches our eye, Hodge said.

Starting in October, Paix will start roasting its own beans, using a Diedrich 2.5 kilo roaster which will allow them to roast up to five pounds at a time.

The biggest challenge of starting their fledging business, Hodge said, was getting the cart out every day. Setting it up and then breaking it down daily." Theyre both looking forward to having one home with permanent hours.

They said they may still host the occasional pop-up, but theyre looking forward to putting down roots and having a place where people can expect them and rely on the coffee.

The reason why we started this in the first place is that specialty coffee in Richmond could go to the next level. Blanchards is one of the only other places thats doing the style of coffee that we enjoy. We still feel like it could be pushed to another level, McDaniel said. Thats what were going to do. Were going to focus on our sourcing and the roasting.

Paix plans to continue to source its coffee from Columbia and Ethiopia, as well as newer origins from places like Panama. They will be looking for coffees that are light, fruity and juice-like, which is the kind of coffee we love, McDaniel said.

They saw a huge response from fruity coffees, like the Geisha Spirit, which they sold on the cart.

People were blown away by it. Thats the reaction we want with our coffee. For people to be like, Oh this doesnt taste like the coffee Ive had my entire life, McDaniel said. Thats our whole approach to coffee.

Hodge and McDaniel met as baristas at Roastology on Cary Street. They left Roastology to launch their own coffee cart as a way to enter the coffee industry without major debt.

Now, the brick-and-mortar Paix Espresso is set to open Sept. 1. Hours will be Tuesday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

We both dreamed of this happening. Its really surreal, McDaniel said.

Its a huge dream come true, Hodge said.
A Richmond-based group may get $2 million in federal funding to build 106 affordable rental units in Henrico County.

The funds for Better Housing Coalition were approved by the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations and proposed by U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va.

"Earlier this month, I visited the Better Housing Coalition and saw firsthand how the organization is building homes and supporting Virginians in need," Kaine said in a statement.

The organization was founded in the 1980s and is the regions biggest not-for-profit community development corporation. Its portfolio includes 15 multi-family rental communities, 1,500 rental units and 200 new or renovated single-family homes for first-time homebuyers.

President and CEO Greta Harris said that, based on low vacancy rates and long waiting lists for affordable rental units in Henrico, the organization expects demand for the new units to be high.

Were deeply grateful for our Congressional leaders commitment to making affordable housing a priority in our region, Harris said. This allocation will help underwrite ... quality, service-enriched affordable rental housing to working families and senior residents of modest income in Eastern Henrico."

The daft spending bills, which passed with bipartisan support, will be included in broader budget consideration and negotiation by the Senate and the House of Representatives, which will work together to send a final budget to the president's desk.

"We hope that our colleagues in the House of Representatives will negotiate in good faith in order to reach a compromise on a final deal that includes funding for these important priorities," Kaine and Warner said in a statement.

From the archives: 100 photos of Pony Pasture
A years-long suit over the zoning for a Wegmans Food Markets distribution center in Hanover County could be headed to a final decision next week.

A group of homeowners opposing the nearly constructed facility is asking the court to decide whether the Hanover Board of Supervisors violated state Freedom of Information laws when passing the original zoning amendment that led to construction of the Wegmans distribution center at Sliding Hill and Ashcake roads near Ashland.

At the crux of the homeowners complaint is that public meetings rules were not followed during the board meetings because of the pandemic in 2021.

While its possible the judge wont make a decision over the boards alleged FOIA violation, a ruling in favor of the homeowners would essentially mean victory without going to a full trial.

A recently filed motion asks the judge to void current approvals over the facility, and any future approvals unless the county holds new public meetings that comply with FOIA.

The distribution center, which is near completion, was announced in 2019 with the promise of 700 jobs for the community. Then-Gov. Ralph Northam said Virginia was using $2.35 million in state money as an incentive to build the center. Its been built just hundreds of yards from the doorsteps of the residents bringing suit against the county.

Brian Buniva, a lawyer for the residents, said aspects of the overall project  like its zoning, permits and site plan approval, would be considered void. Buniva said that would render the yet-to-open facility an illegal building and that it should be considered inoperable.

Wegmans and Hanover are hoping to punt the FOIA question to a later date, and instead have a judge rule on their demurrers  arguments for dismissing the case.

Emails seeking comment from Wegmans legal representatives were not returned by Tuesday evening.

The board argued in recently filed documents that it wasnt given enough notice that the FOIA question would be up for debate. Should a judge decide to hear those FOIA claims, the board is asserting that those claims are not supported by law, and that they could not prevent Hanover from making future approvals that allow the facility to open.

The five county residents sued the county in June 2020 to appeal the rezoning of the 220-acre site where Wegmans is building the distribution center. Wegmans later joined the suit as a co-defendant with the county. The centers construction is close to completion and not yet operational.

Henrico school nurse arrested in school parking lot on drug charges Officers found methamphetamine, Suboxone, Xanax and cocaine in the womans car, according to a Henrico police spokeswoman.

The initial suit argued that the county had violated state FOIA laws by holding a public meeting during the pandemic when the publics ability to attend was impacted by stay-at-home orders from the governor.

It also had five other allegations that:

Amendments to the zoning request were filed just hours before the hearing

Neighborhood protections were too weak

The development would violate the Chesapeake Bay Preservation act

Truck sounds would exceed the countys noise ordinance and light pollution would create a private nuisance

A Hanover judge ruled in 2021 that the locals didnt have the authority to bring a suit of this kind against the county and dismissed it without considering any of their arguments. Homeowners appealed to the state Supreme Court which ruled in their favor, saying the residents did have standing to challenge the local government and that the lower court should consider all of their arguments.

The state Supreme Court has previously ruled in favor of two resident groups in Fairfax and Suffolk, who challenged their respective jurisdictions for similar allegations of violating FOIA. Buniva previously told the Richmond Times-Dispatch he sees that as a sign that any court will take allegations of an improper public meeting very seriously.

Along with the locals opposition to the distribution center, they have also said that the site is disrupting a historic community in the area called Brown Grove. It was designated a state historic district in 2022  after Wegmans started construction  and was a historically Black community. That argument is not part of the lawsuit.

Should a court rule in the homeowners favor, the result could be new public meetings  planning commission and board of supervisors  for community feedback, Buniva said. Residents could then argue for more protections like a restriction on the facilitys hours of operation.

The privately-owned Wegmans, based in Rochester, New York, has about 100 locations on the East Coast, including in Short Pump, Midlothian, Virginia Beach, Charlottesville and Fredericksburg. The first North Carolina location opened in 2019.

The company in a July press release about the Ashland distribution center said the site will provide transportation to 24 stores. Operations are expected to be fully running by mid-2024, the statement said.

Gallery: Remembering Richmond's trolley past Trolley at Forest Hill Park Trolley tracks Trolley on Seventh Street Richmond streetcars Richmond streetcars Richmond streetcars Richmond streetcars Richmond streetcars Richmond streetcars Richmond streetcars Richmond streetcars trolley Richmond streetcars ARCHIVE: Richmond Trolley ARCHIVE: Richmond Trolley Richmond streetcars Trolley Trolley Trolley Trolley Trolley Richmond-Ashland trolley station Richmond-Ashland trolley station Ashland-Richmond trolley line
Chesterfield County residents now have a place to pump gas and pick up a bucket of World-Famous Chicken.

Mid-Atlantic chain Royal Farms is now open at the new location at 10301 Midlothian Turnpike in Chesterfield. It will operate as a 24-hour gas station and convenience store, providing customers the chance to try its fresh, never frozen chicken any time.

Were excited to be in Richmond, said Rob Newell, zone operations leader for about 115 Royal Farms locations. Virginia has been a great state for us, and our chicken does really well.

The new store held a soft opening last week for friends and family of the staff, allowing them to try the various bone-in and boneless chicken offerings.

The guests also had the option of grabbing a soft drink, slushy or some of Royal Farms Worlds Freshest Coffee. The coffee comes in several varieties, including a seasonal berry cobbler blend that is currently available.

Chris Pierce and Dave Pritchett, both of Richmond, visited Royal Farms Wednesday to try the chicken for the first time.

Its delicious, said Pierce, who sampled the spicy tenders. Every time you drive by, you see the billboards saying its the best chicken, so I had to try it.

Pierce and Pritchett said Royal Farms chicken stacks up well compared to local competitors.

Its probably on par with Raising Canes, which is nice, but it has the added benefit of being a gas station too, said Pritchett, who had the regular tenders.

Both guests had a side of hand-cut Western Fries with their meal.

They kind of make me think of the potato wedges that KFC used to have, Pritchett said. They got rid of those years ago, and I missed them, so this is a nice change.

The chicken and Western Fries are pressure-cooked in trans fat-free oil. Sandwiches, subs, wraps and breakfast items will frequent the menu beginning Monday.

Customers can order food and beverages by using the in-store touchscreens, the Royal Farms mobile app or by going online. A RoFo Rewards program is available for patrons to earn fuel discounts and free items.

Last weeks soft opening provided staff the opportunity to get used to operating the store prior to the grand opening.

It gives our team some practice with our systems and learning how to handle high-volume food service, Newell said. We cant wait to serve the community.

Royal Farms was founded in 1959 in Baltimore as a wing of Cloverland Farms Dairy. The current name was created from Cloverland Farms merger with Royal Dunloggin Dairy in 1968.

The chain operates around 250 stores throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Earlier this year, Royal Farms opened its first North Carolina store.

Prior to this year, locals had to travel to Colonial Heights to get a taste of Royal Farms chicken. Now, further expansion is planned in Virginia, with locations in Henrico, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Abingdon, Norfolk, Bedford and Rustburg on the future slate.

While Royal Farms shares certain features with regional convenience gas stations Wawa and Sheetz, its chicken and coffee options provide customers a unique experience, according to Newell.

Sheetz and Wawa are both great operators, and we like to think of ourselves right in that realm, Newell said. We have our niche with the world-famous chicken; thats what we do, and we do it the best.

Remember these Richmond-area restaurants?
This story has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of Judge W. Reilly Marchant's name.

The possibility of a casino being built in Richmonds Southside will move ahead despite allegations that the city improperly awarded a contract without undergoing a public bid.

Weeks prior, the judge temporarily suspended his decision to put the casino referendum on the November ballot, effectively stopping the referendum ruling from becoming final earlier this month.

With its ruling, the judge also set a deadline for the city and Good Lions to submit legal briefings on the organizations standing to intervene in the referendum decision.

I am pleased to see Judge Merchant rule in favor of the City of Richmond, Mayor Levar Stoney stated in a release. On top of adding to Richmonds record development and growth, this project will change the economic trajectory of Southside.

Good Lions is a non-stock corporation that operates out of Pops Bingo World hosting events twice a week. Despite its name, it is not affiliated with the Lions Club International or its local chapters in the region.

The organization is represented by Sen. Chap Petersen, D-Fairfax City, and an associate with his Fairfax City law firm. Petersen requested the court reconsider its earlier decision to allow the referendum and whether to permit ONE Casino + Resort to operate the facility.

The casino project first showed up on a ballot in Nov. 2020 and was narrowly rejected with 51% of voters voting against placing a casino in Southside.

However, Richmond residents learned they could have a second chance to weigh in on the proposed $562 million casino and resort when the city council voted 8-1 vote in June.

The new casino plan, outlined in a 197-page ordinance, varies little from the initial proposal in terms of location and operation. If the casino gets final approval, the city will receive a one-time, upfront payment of $25 million.

The project has faced controversy with the city split on whether it will support the project. Those in favor argue it will bring jobs, revenue and development to a part of the city that does not typically see economic growth.

A city-funded study found that the casino resort will result in an estimated $30 million in general fund revenue and create 1,300 jobs.

Those against the project cite that casinos are predatory and prey on poorer communities.

According to U.S. Census data, the average median income per household in the proposed location, at the intersection of Walmsley Boulevard and Trenton Avenue, is below $25,000.

Following the citys initial opposition vote state Sen. Joe Morrisey, D-Richmond, and Del. Kim Taylor, R-Dinwiddie, fought through the state budget to prevent the city from hosting a second vote until Petersburg could be considered.

In June 2022, Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed a two-year budget that effectively gave Petersburg more time to consider whether it wanted a casino with the inclusion of a provision that forbade localities that held a failed casino referendum from trying again.

Barring any other legal stops, the referendum is set to be on the November ballot.

Recognize Broad Street from these Times-Dispatch archive photos?
TEHRAN, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- A senior Iranian military commander said on Wednesday that Tehran and Moscow were determined to expand their cooperation in the fight against terrorism, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported.

Commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Force Kioumars Heidari made the remarks in Moscow at the end of his official visit to the Russian capital, commenting on the agreements reached between the two countries during the trip.

Heidari noted that some of the agreements aimed to expand cooperation in the fight against terrorism and that Iran would further its anti-terrorism cooperation with Russia.

He noted both Iran and Russia were ready to share their "valuable" experiences in combating terrorism with other countries.

Heidari arrived in Moscow on Sunday and paid a visit to Iran's pavilion at the week-long Army-2023 forum held in the Russian capital. The forum, which ended on Sunday, was attended by 1,500 Russian companies as well as 85 foreign companies and organizations from seven countries.

Iran and Russia have recently strengthened their bilateral relations in the areas of politics, economy, and defense as both countries are subject to sanctions led by the United States. 
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement bureau that covers Virginia and Washington, D.C., has released three immigrants whose detention had become a point of conflict between humanitarian groups and immigration officials.

The three men  two from El Salvador and one from Honduras  had won humanitarian protections from an immigration judge in March, who had ruled that deporting them back to their home countries would put them at risk of torture or death.

Internal memos from immigration officials say that when those protections are won, detainees should be released from detention centers where they are held by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. But the Washington Field Office of that agency kept the three men for months after, leading the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia to file a lawsuit on their behalf.

Two weeks later, the men were released. Its not clear where they were living at the time of their arrest, but they were detained in jails in Farmville and Caroline County, which contract with ICE.

Holding our clients in detention for no good reason violated the Constitution, immigration law, and ICEs own policy. Were pleased that ICE recognized it had no right to continue to hold our clients, but its concerning that the ICE Washington Field Office has given no indication that it will rectify what has become a pattern of holding non-citizens for months after they won their cases, said Sophia Gregg, a lawyer with the ACLU of Virginia.

Gregg said that it shouldnt take a lawsuit for the agency to comply with its own policies.

Well continue to bring habeas petitions against the ICE Washington Field Office for its ongoing violations until the agency honors immigrants constitutional rights and releases them to their families and communities, Gregg said.

Representatives for ICEs Washington Field Office said the agency doesnt comment on ongoing litigation.

ACLU of Va. was joined in the lawsuit by two other human rights organizations, the Capital Area Immigrants Rights Coalition and the National Immigration Project.

29 photos from The Times-Dispatch archives
In Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles, we introduce you to the Lincoln Journal Stars published Presumed Guilty series, an award-winning examination of the case from 2009. Later in 2019, the project was adapted for a podcast, Revisiting the Case hosted by Elizabeth Rembert. This is part two of an abridged rerelease of the Presumed Guilty podcast.

We pick up with six people behind bars for the 1985 murder and rape of Helen Wilson. Six innocent people set to serve a combined 70 years. In this episode, find out how things played out in the courtroom, with defendants turning on each other with their testimonies in 1989.

Thanks to DNA evidence, the six convicted of the crime in 1989 were exonerated in 2008, and in March of 2023, Gage County completed its payoff to the Beatrice Six (or their estates)-- a total payoff of around $30 million once attorneys' fees were added.

Read more on the case here.

Listen to Part 1

Following leads to find and charge the Beatrice 6 | Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles podcast  Six people were convicted in a 1985 Nebraska murder but they were ultimately exonerated. What happened? Learn more about the Beatrice 6 on the Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles podcast.
State regulatory staffers are questioning Dominion Energy forecasts in the utilitys latest long-term plan, which would mean it will need to keep fossil fuel plants running after a state mandated shuttering.

Doing so would mean its carbon emissions would rise from current levels, instead of dropping to zero by 2045, as the Virginia Clean Economy Act requires.

That plan says a rapid growth in electricity use, driven largely by data centers and electric vehicles means the most realistic path for the next 15 to 25 years is for the company to keep operating its main coal and gas-fired plants as well as adding new gas-fired units and several small nuclear reactors.

But a consultant engaged by State Corporation Commission staff said Dominions forecast is based on an optimistic view about data center expansion.

Instead of Dominions forecast that peak load will rise from a bit more than 17,000 megawatts now to 27,000 megawatts by 2037, consultant Bernadette Johnson forecast a rise to a bit more than 22,000 megawatts. One megawatt from a modern gas-fired plant is enough to power about 250 homes.

While Dominion forecast overall annual electric use rising from under 100,000 gigawatts now to nearly 180,000 gigawatts by 2037, Johnson said a more likely scenario is for demand to rise to about 130,000 gigawatts. A gigawatt is 1,000 megawatts.

Data center demand is elastic, Johnson wrote in testimony submitted to the SCC by its own utility regulation and accounting staff. It will follow low costs of real estate and power prices.

She said the increase Dominion forecasts is larger than the actual growth her firm has measured in Texas self-contained electric grid, where increases have been driven by data center expansion, cryptocurrency operations and faster overall job growth than Virginia sees.

Johnson said Dominions previous long-term plans have since 2009 all projected much faster electricity use growth than actually materialized.

Meanwhile, there is a high degree of uncertainty regarding the forecasted construction timelines and costs associated with the Companys planned SMR [small modular reactor] units, SCC public utility regulation analyst Matthew S. Glattfelder said in his testimony.

The technology is based on decades of research, but there have not yet been any real-life grid deployments of the technology, he said.

The first SMR vendor to receive a Nuclear Regulatory Commission design certification, NuScale, is scheduled to complete a demonstration reactor complex to be connected to the Utah Associated Municipal Power System in 2030, he said. NuScale has increased its forecast for the cost of that power by 53% as the construction cost of the project rose from $5.3 billion to $9.3 billion.

Dominions plan calls for at least six small reactors by 2034.

The companys long-term plans must be approved by SCC and are meant to guide the commissions decisions about Dominions plans for building new plants or shuttering existing ones.

The Virginia Clean Economy Act, passed in 2020, calls on Dominion to end all carbon emissions by 2045, but does provide for the SCC to allow them to remain in operation if needed for reliable delivery of power to Virginians.

Last week, in hundreds of pages of often highly technical filings, environmental groups and a clean energy trade association told the SCC that Dominions electricity demand forecast is based on an unrealistic view about how many new data centers  major consumers of electricity  are coming.

Their concern is that Dominions plan, with that forecast of surging electricity use, says the most realistic path forward for the next 15 to 25 years means keeping its gas-fired and three large coal-fired plants running.

Dominion has said it expects to address criticisms of its forecasts and plans in filings with the SCC.
General Assembly budget leaders were poised on Tuesday to end a six-month political stalemate and agree on revisions to the $165 billion two-year budget the legislature adopted 14 months ago.

The tentative deal would rely on one-time taxpayer rebates instead of the package of permanent income tax cuts for corporations and individuals that Gov. Glenn Youngkin has advocated, but the total reduction in state revenues would approach $1 billion. The centerpiece of the deal is one-time payments of $200 for individual taxpayers and $400 for couples that the Senate pushed as an alternative to the proposed cuts in the corporate and top individual tax rates that Youngkin first pitched in December.

Henrico school nurse arrested in school parking lot on drug charges Officers found methamphetamine, Suboxone, Xanax and cocaine in the womans car, according to a Henrico police spokeswoman.

Budget leaders were hopeful of reaching an agreement on Tuesday night, with the governor preparing to address the assembly money committees on Wednesday about varying estimates of state revenues available to pay for spending in the revised budget and the economic forecast for the next two-year spending plan that he will introduce in just four months.

Im very optimistic  I think were very close to a deal, Senate Finance Co-Chair Janet Howell, D-Fairfax, said on Tuesday afternoon.

House Appropriations Chairman Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach, also was optimistic on Tuesday, a day after face-to-face budget negotiations reconvened for the first time in more than six weeks. Talks broke down in late June, leaving Virginia without a revised spending plan for the second time in 50 years. Previously, talks had collapsed on Feb. 24, the day before the assembly adjourned with only a skinny budget allocating about $1 billion in essential spending for schools, financial reserves, capital projects and pension liabilities.

Everything has been very amicable, very positive, he said on Tuesday morning. Were trying to work through it. We all want a deal and were all working towards that goal.

Despite the progress, Howell and Knight didnt expect to reach agreement on Tuesday night as negotiators worked through funding proposals for K-12 public education and other issues.

Senate hopes to re-engage after the Governors presentation tomorrow, Howell said in a text.

2% raise for teachers, state employees on table

Knight met on Monday afternoon with Howell and Senate Finance Co-Chair George Barker, D-Fairfax, to address their differences on tax policies to determine how much revenue would be available for spending priorities, including an additional 2% raise for teachers and state employees that both sides have supported.

Weve got a framework of tax policy kind of settled, he said.

The budget leaders would not provide details until the conference committee  nine senators and six delegates  complete their work on a final agreement. However, Howell said the framework is along the lines of the latest proposal that the Senate made on Aug. 10. The Senate proposed then to devote almost $907 million in one-time revenues to rebates for taxpayers this fall, similar to one-time payments made a year ago as part of a $4 billion tax cuts package that the assembly approved and Youngkin signed.

The tentative framework also included an increase in the standard deduction of at least $500 for individuals and $1,000 for couples, although the House wants to double that amount for taxpayers who dont itemize deductions on their returns. It includes in an increase in the deduction for business interest expense, but the Senate balked at a House proposal to remove the age limit for an exemption of military retirement income, which was part of the last years budget agreement.

The House retreated from Youngkins proposals to reduce the corporate income tax rate by 1 percentage point and the top individual tax rate by a quarter-percentage point. The governors proposed package would have reduced state revenues by more than $1 billion over two years and cost more than $1.4 billion annually in future fiscal years, but the Senate insisted on limiting permanent cuts to protect future revenues in an uncertain economy. Howell and Barker said the Senates proposed package would add just $180 million in ongoing tax cuts in addition to $1.2 billion adopted last year.

Next step: Special session of General Assembly

If budget negotiators reach an agreement, the governor would call a special session of the General Assembly so the House of Delegates and Senate can vote on it. Youngkin would have an opportunity to propose amendments that the legislature would consider in another session or he could sign whatever they adopt to finally conclude the budget drama just before he introduces a new two-year spending plan. The budget that Youngkin presents in December will be the only one he controls from introduction to adoption because of Virginias unique system of limiting a governor to a single term.

The House Appropriations and Finance committees, and the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee were to meet with Youngkin on Wednesday morning to get a clearer idea of revenues that Virginia collected in the last fiscal year and look ahead to a new revenue forecast to support the next two-year budget.

Details of fiscal year results have been scant, but Youngkin reported last month that the state collected $3 billion in excess revenues in the last fiscal year. He contends that, plus the $1.9 billion surplus collected a year ago and unspent appropriations, will give the state a total of $5.1 billion to spend on tax relief and shared priorities. That represents about $1.5 billion more than the $3.6 billion he estimated to pay for the budget changes proposed in December.

However, the Senate estimates that the state starts with this years surplus and almost $850 million that the assembly didnt spend in the skinny budget it adopted in late February. It also subtracts at least $1 billion that the state expects to owe taxpayers who took advantage of a new pass through entity tax that the assembly adopted last year to avoid a federal cap on state and local tax deductions. The new tax increased revenues in the fiscal year that just ended, but the state will have to pay it back as individual refunds in the current fiscal year. Youngkin did not include the expected refund in his year-end estimate.

Earlier this month, Youngkin told the Governors Advisory Council on Revenue Estimates that he expects a soft landing for the states economy instead of the mild recession that he had predicted in the last fiscal year. A soft landing would allow the economy to slow and inflated prices to fall without causing the major job losses and big drop in economic activity that come with a recession.

From the Archives: The Virginia state Capitol building
Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Wednesday that he could live with the one-time tax rebates General Assembly budget negotiators are talking about if there's agreement to look at ongoing rate cuts when the next two-year budget comes before the legislature next year.

Speaking to reporters after giving an overview of the state economy to the budget-writing committees of the House of Delegates and state Senate, he said he still believes Virginia can afford the $1 billion in tax relief he proposed in December, but that had generated an impasse between the Republican led House and Democratic majority in the Senate.

The House version of revisions to the current two-year budget that runs through June 30, 2024, included Youngkin's cuts in income tax and corporate tax rates, the Senate version did not.

Budget negotiators from both bodies reportedly have agreed on one-time tax rebates of $200 for individual taxpayers and $400 for couples.

"As I've said, I'm looking for $1 billion in tax relief ... if we can get one-time tax relief now and move forward with ongoing cuts next year, that's a compromise I can live with," Youngkin said.

Youngkin previously has said his view is that the state can afford his proposed tax relief while increasing spending on schools, behavioral health and law enforcement.

House and Senate budget negotiators met until "well after 10 p.m." on Tuesday night and are close to an agreement, House Appropriations Committee Chair Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach, told reporters after the committees' meeting.

"We're 85 to 90% there," he said, adding that he expected to complete an agreement by the end of the week.

He declined to give any details about taxes, but three Senate budget negotiators told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that a compromise is in the works with one-time rebates now and ongoing tax cuts in the next two-year budget when it comes before the General Assembly next year.

"It is under discussion," said state Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton. "But I'm concerned we're going to have tax cuts coming up every year ... you have to have revenue if you're going to pay for what you need to."

State Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, and state Sen. Tommy Norment, R-James City, also said the one-time cut with ongoing cuts to be voted on next year is taking shape as a compromise.

"I can't say more without breaking confidences, but both sides have come a long way," Norment said.

State Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Augusta, said some spending issues remain to be resolved, particularly on education funding, but added that he's optimistic a compromise is coming.

Asked if the question of ongoing tax cuts is being pushed back to next year, Knight said: "We know the answer to that but we're not going to share it now."

Senate Finance Committee co-chair Janet Howell, D-Fairfax, said she believes budget negotiators will reach agreement shortly, with the two bodies coming together to vote on it in September, because of members' various travel plans in the next few weeks.

Knight said that if the compromise has to come in the form of a new bill, it would have to go through the full process of committee hearings and floor votes in both House and Senate, but added that the negotiators are looking to see if amending the current budget would work as well.
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

I began and ended my K-12 education in public schools. Sandwiched in between were eight years attending parochial schools.

Even as a youngster, I could see the difference, and it went beyond the white shirt, blue slacks and plaid tie that was my uniform. From the morning prayers to religious instruction to the nuns who taught me, it was an education steeped in Catholicism  subsidized by the tuition my parents were willing to pay.

Fast forward to today. Politically conservative parents in Virginia and elsewhere are vocal in their unhappiness with their public schools. You dont have to drive far in these parts to spot a Tea Party license plate  presumably an anti-tax statement. Some of these same folks complain about elected officials ignoring the Constitution.

Which makes whats happening in Oklahoma so confusing.

The Oklahoma school board that oversees all online charter schools voted in June to approve what would be the nations first taxpayer-supported religious school, St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School. The school would serve K-12 students throughout the state, free of charge.

Its slated to open in 2024, though lawsuits challenging it may have something to say about that. But this 3-2 vote tracks in a nation whose political right is promoting white Christian nationalism in an increasingly multicultural and pluralistic nation. A nation where passages from the Constitution are cherrypicked and others  such as the Establishment Clause prohibiting the government from establishing a religion  are ignored. And where various Republican-led states  including Virginia  have enlisted Hillsdale College, a private Christian school in Michigan, to shape pubic school history lessons through its whitewashed 1776 Curriculum.

A religious school cant be a public school, and a public school cant be religious. These fundamental legal tenets have long protected both the integrity of our public-education system, which serves all students, and the right of private religious schools to indoctrinate students in accordance with a particular faith, the American Civil Liberties Union said in a statement.

In approving a Catholic public charter school, however, Oklahoma officials are not just blurring these lines separating church and state; theyre attempting to completely eviscerate them.

Now before you get all indignant about those radical socialists at the ACLU, ask yourself how itd go over if the same tax dollars were put toward public schools grounded in the tenets of Islam, Judaism, Santeria or Wicca?

I dont think James Madison, the main author of the Establishment Clause, would co-sign any of this. After all, in America, we are free to practice the religion of our choice, or none at all.

This Catholic public charter school has made it clear that it expects students to hew to Catholic theology. According to The Oklahoman newspaper, Archdiocese officials have been unequivocal that the school will promote the Catholic faith and operate according to church doctrine. Would openly gay or transgender students and employees be welcome? Its too early to even say, a board member said.

Americans United For Separation of Church and State said in a statement:

State and federal law are clear: Charter schools are public schools that must be secular and open to all students. No public-school family should fear that their child will be required by charter schools to take theology classes or be expelled for failing to conform to religious doctrines. And the government should never force anyone to fund religious education.

Establishing the nations first religious public charter school, it said, is a sea change for American democracy.

Theres a lot of that going around. American democracy, in fact, is on the verge of being swamped.

The religious right, and its outsized role in American politics, was born not out of opposition to abortion but animus toward U.S. government policy that stripped federal tax-exempt status from private schools that were racially discriminatory, most famously Bob Jones University.

Meanwhile, American jurisprudence is being shaped by the undue influence of theology. The conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court includes five Catholics and a sixth, Neil Gorsuch, who was raised Catholic. Add the liberal justice Sonia Sotomayor and that leaves six Catholic justices on the nine-member court, in a nation where Catholics make up less than a fifth of the population, according to the U.S. Religion Census.

The result is a majority that produced a ruling that prioritized the free speech rights of an evangelical web designer over LGBTQ+ protections  a ruling that, Sotomayor, in her dissent, said opened the door to similar exclusion of members of other protected classes. But you can bet that folks in Oklahoma are keenly aware of the courts composition, and have concluded that theyll have a friendly audience should this case land there.

While religious indoctrination and practice has traditionally been prohibited from being part of public school curriculum, in recent years, the U.S. Supreme Court has signaled it is more likely to side with religious actors when it comes to questions of religious freedom, Eden Heilman, legal director for the ACLU of Virginia, said in an email Tuesday.

That has opened the door for conservative activists to push for more religious activities or programming in schools. But the fact of the matter is that no state-funded school should be overtly religious  and no taxpayer dollars should be siphoned away from the public schools that are required to serve all students.

This taxpayer-supported Catholic school justifies the decades of skepticism about charter schools  an approach that has never been a panacea for what ails public education, even as it strips resources from it. Its all part of a decades-long strategy to get taxpayers to fund exclusion, undermine public education and, as a friend put it, create separate but equal 2.0  a reference to the 1896 doctrine that codified discrimination until the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision overturned it.

We cant rely on our current Supreme Court to save us this time around. This road to theocracy is paved with bad intentions.

Close 08-06-1979 (cutline): Antoi Harrington (left) and Robert Winthrow are friends. In October 1954, students crowded into the new Douglas S. Freeman High School in Henrico County. The school, which cost about $1.1 million, opened the previous month and had roughly 500 high school and 500 elementary students. NL Published Caption: Benedictine High School's Cadet Corps in formation behind the school. 10-8-61 50th anniversary In September 1961, students entered Westhampton School in Richmond. That fall, Daisy Jane Cooper became the first African-American student to integrate the junior high school; the following year, she made similar history at Thomas Jefferson High School. In July 1968, a summer session class of journalism students worked on the yearbook, The Sunfire, at the Collegiate Schools in Henrico County. In April 1955, students at Ridge School in Henrico County enjoyed their new merry-go-round. It was presented to the school by the PTA, which had collected donations for playground equipment. In September 1967, students motorcycles lined the parking lot at Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond on the first day of school. In March 1961, Robert K. Crowell, a teacher at George Wythe High School in Richmond, held his first class on communism. The six-week course was reported to be one of the first in the country and drew national attention from newspapers and television. Crowell said his method of teaching the class was to emphasize that communism was not merely an economic system but a way of life. NL Published caption: Children romp at William Fox Elementary School before classes. The Christmas holidays ended today for pupils in the area 08-31-1970 (cutline): Students wait for transfer buses at corner of Westover Hills Blvd. and Forest Hill Ave. 05-03-1979 (cutline): Pupils sit under an atop homemade wooden loft at Cary Elementary School. 08-30-1971 (cutline): Miss Susan R. McCandlish greets her fifth graders on their first day at Chimborazo School. 08-30-1971 (cutline): Mrs. Gayle Graham (right) calls roll in her fifth grade class at Lakeside Elementary School. 03-29-1971: Young student listeds to playback in reading class. The program was to be used the following fall for first graders in Richmond city schools. 04-18-1982 (cutline): Video equipment used in a visual literacy program, paid for by Title I in Richmond. 09-06-1989 (cutline): Thelma Smith, a former teacher who came to school yesterday to help, pinned bus numbers on pupils at Bellevue Elementary School. 09-03-1985 (cutline): Corey Green on bus, ready to head home after 1st day of school at John B. Cary School. 05-03-1979: John B. Cary Elementary School library. 06-16-1989 (cutline): Doing something--Patricia Lancaster, Boushall Middle School curriculum specialist, is surrounded by some of the pupils taking part in the "Becoming a Woman" program. 07-13-1979 (cutline): In Super Mint factory--Stephanie McIntosh, Becky Blum and Chris Minney (left to right) made Astonishments this week in the Superintendent's School for the Gifted. 09-08-1972: Students cross street on Forest Hill Avenue aided by crossing guard. 09-01-1970 (cutline): "It's different. It's a new experience. Everybody's trying to make it work. I think it will work." These comments by Susan Lippsitz, a new student at Thomas Jefferson High School, are reflective of those by several high and middle school students in their second day of the school term under a new court-ordered desegregation plan. 07-11-1976 (cutline): Blackwell Elementary students examine a bell in front of Treasury building in Washington D.C. The Richmond elementary school class was part of Class-on-Wheels, a summer school program. The federally financed program was designed to give disadvantaged studens the opportunity to travel by bus throughout Virginia. 09-01-1970 (cutline): Students leave a city school bus at Thompson Middle School, where some of them are to board a Virginia Transit Co. bus taking them to Maymont School. Thompson, in the annexed area on Forest Hill Avenue, and Maymont, near Byrd Park, are paired under the city's court-ordered desegregation plan. Some confusion yesterday about busing students to Thompson and then to Maymont was alleviated this morning through a new, direct VTC bus schedule. 10-02-1975 (cutline): Counselor Libby Hoffman uses pictures, recorded story to teach 'self worth.' 05-14-1971 (cutline): Mr. J.C. Binford with his 11th grade American History Class. This was one of the largest classes at George Wythe. From the Archives: A look back at Richmond schools 08-06-1979 (cutline): Antoi Harrington (left) and Robert Winthrow are friends. In October 1954, students crowded into the new Douglas S. Freeman High School in Henrico County. The school, which cost about $1.1 million, opened the previous month and had roughly 500 high school and 500 elementary students. NL Published Caption: Benedictine High School's Cadet Corps in formation behind the school. 10-8-61 50th anniversary In September 1961, students entered Westhampton School in Richmond. That fall, Daisy Jane Cooper became the first African-American student to integrate the junior high school; the following year, she made similar history at Thomas Jefferson High School. In July 1968, a summer session class of journalism students worked on the yearbook, The Sunfire, at the Collegiate Schools in Henrico County. In April 1955, students at Ridge School in Henrico County enjoyed their new merry-go-round. It was presented to the school by the PTA, which had collected donations for playground equipment. In September 1967, students motorcycles lined the parking lot at Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond on the first day of school. In March 1961, Robert K. Crowell, a teacher at George Wythe High School in Richmond, held his first class on communism. The six-week course was reported to be one of the first in the country and drew national attention from newspapers and television. Crowell said his method of teaching the class was to emphasize that communism was not merely an economic system but a way of life. NL Published caption: Children romp at William Fox Elementary School before classes. The Christmas holidays ended today for pupils in the area 08-31-1970 (cutline): Students wait for transfer buses at corner of Westover Hills Blvd. and Forest Hill Ave. 05-03-1979 (cutline): Pupils sit under an atop homemade wooden loft at Cary Elementary School. 08-30-1971 (cutline): Miss Susan R. McCandlish greets her fifth graders on their first day at Chimborazo School. 08-30-1971 (cutline): Mrs. Gayle Graham (right) calls roll in her fifth grade class at Lakeside Elementary School. 03-29-1971: Young student listeds to playback in reading class. The program was to be used the following fall for first graders in Richmond city schools. 04-18-1982 (cutline): Video equipment used in a visual literacy program, paid for by Title I in Richmond. 09-06-1989 (cutline): Thelma Smith, a former teacher who came to school yesterday to help, pinned bus numbers on pupils at Bellevue Elementary School. 09-03-1985 (cutline): Corey Green on bus, ready to head home after 1st day of school at John B. Cary School. 05-03-1979: John B. Cary Elementary School library. 06-16-1989 (cutline): Doing something--Patricia Lancaster, Boushall Middle School curriculum specialist, is surrounded by some of the pupils taking part in the "Becoming a Woman" program. 07-13-1979 (cutline): In Super Mint factory--Stephanie McIntosh, Becky Blum and Chris Minney (left to right) made Astonishments this week in the Superintendent's School for the Gifted. 09-08-1972: Students cross street on Forest Hill Avenue aided by crossing guard. 09-01-1970 (cutline): "It's different. It's a new experience. Everybody's trying to make it work. I think it will work." These comments by Susan Lippsitz, a new student at Thomas Jefferson High School, are reflective of those by several high and middle school students in their second day of the school term under a new court-ordered desegregation plan. 07-11-1976 (cutline): Blackwell Elementary students examine a bell in front of Treasury building in Washington D.C. The Richmond elementary school class was part of Class-on-Wheels, a summer school program. The federally financed program was designed to give disadvantaged studens the opportunity to travel by bus throughout Virginia. 09-01-1970 (cutline): Students leave a city school bus at Thompson Middle School, where some of them are to board a Virginia Transit Co. bus taking them to Maymont School. Thompson, in the annexed area on Forest Hill Avenue, and Maymont, near Byrd Park, are paired under the city's court-ordered desegregation plan. Some confusion yesterday about busing students to Thompson and then to Maymont was alleviated this morning through a new, direct VTC bus schedule. 10-02-1975 (cutline): Counselor Libby Hoffman uses pictures, recorded story to teach 'self worth.' 05-14-1971 (cutline): Mr. J.C. Binford with his 11th grade American History Class. This was one of the largest classes at George Wythe.
CHANTILLY  Travelers taking off and landing at Dulles International Airport outside the nation's capital will soon see an array of 200,000 solar panels laid out near the runways  the largest renewable energy project ever built at a U.S. airport.

Dominion Energy and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority ceremonially broke ground on the 835-acre project Tuesday.

The solar farm is just a small part of a huge push by Dominion to add 16,000 megawatts of solar capacity  enough to power 4 million homes  by 2035 as it seeks to comply with a state law requiring 100% of its non-nuclear energy production to be zero emission by 2045.

Rural counties in Virginia, though, are pushing back against the solar expansion, as residents complain about the loss of farmland, wrecked viewsheds and construction noise. In recent months, Henry, Pittsylvania, Clarke and Shenandoah counties have all taken steps to restrict or regulate new solar projects.

Bev McKay, a supervisor in Clarke County, said it's unfair rural counties bear the brunt of hosting solar farms.

Urban areas "are huge users of electricity and there is no reason that the urban areas cannot generate their share of solar energy instead of depending on the rural areas to do it for them," he said at a Board of Supervisors meeting last month, according to the meeting minutes.

Others bristle at the increased costs. Dominion and the State Corporation Commission have estimated a 72% increase in electricity costs between 2020 and 2035. And Gov. Glenn Youngkin has suggested the law mandating clean energy production should be revisited.

At Tuesday's groundbreaking, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., praised local leaders for getting the Dulles project done and spoke of the need to build such projects. But he acknowledged in an interview that his office is receiving increasing complaints about solar farms, and he said the solar projects are just part of the solution to meeting energy needs in a sustainable way.

"This is an issue that's not going away, and that's why you can't have a single solution," he said.
Donald Trump's bond was set at $200,000 ahead of his surrender to authorities in the Georgia case accusing the former president of illegally scheming to overturn his 2020 election loss, according to court papers filed Monday.

Trump, who faces a Friday deadline to turn himself in, is also barred from intimidating co-defendants, witnesses or victims in the case  including on social media  according to the bond agreement signed by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, Trump's defense attorneys and the judge.

It explicitly includes "posts on social media or reposts of posts" made by others.

Meanwhile, U.S. prosecutors objected Monday to the April 2026 trial date proposed by Trump's lawyers in the federal case accusing the former president of scheming to overturn the results of the election.
Consulate in Austin recovers pre-Hispanic archaeological piece for Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico  Mexico has received another of its missing archaeological pieces after being voluntarily returned. The General Consulate of Mexico in Austin, Texas, has announced the recovery of an archaeological piece of pre-Hispanic origin.

In a joint statement between Foreign Affairs (SRE) and the INAH, Crystal Orlando, who located the archaeological object, decided to voluntarily hand it over to the Consulate General of Mexico in Austin.

According to the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), it is a cylindrical censer made of clay and due to its characteristics, it is estimated to date from between 500 and 700 AD, similar to pieces found in the Archaeological Zone of Palenque, Chiapas.

The piece is part of the cultural heritage of Mexico, so it is under the protection provided by the Federal Law on Monuments and Archaeological, Artistic and Historical Zones.

The pre-Hispanic piece will be returned to Mexico.

Photo: SRE August 22, 2023.

On August 20, 2023, the Consul General, Pablo Marentes, publicly presented the censer to local media and members of the community, based in central Texas.

Likewise, in that act the return process was carried out by Mrs. Crystal Orlando, who located the archaeological object and decided to deliver it to the General Consulate of Mexico in Austin.

In the near future, the piece will be repatriated to Mexico and later, the Legal Consultancy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will deliver it to the INAH for its proper protection, study, analysis and conservation.

Earlier this month, 20 pre-Hispanic archaeological pieces were being restored from Belgium. The pieces were surrendered voluntarily by collectors who had them over seven decades.
Three youths found dead in Cancun room died from strokes

Cancun, Q.R.  Three youths found dead in an upper floor room they rented died from strokes. Jeremy N, Jose Luis N, and Manuel N were all found deceased in an upper floor room of a Cancun house August 20.

According to neighbors, the three youths had begun drinking Saturday afternoon. They were found dead by the homeowner Sunday night. A fourth male from inside the room was rushed to hospital in serious condition.

State Attorney General head Raciel Lopez Salazar, has since reported that according to their autopsies, all three died of strokes after a destructive binge of alcohol, cocaine and crack.

Regarding the deceased, the autopsy reveals that there was intoxication. They died of a stroke. They were consuming drugs, alcohol. There was no fentanyl in the place, but there was coke and there was crack, he said.
TEHRAN, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Iran's police have arrested three members of a "terrorist" group in the southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province, the official news agency IRNA reported on Wednesday.

The three suspects belong to the "Jaish al-Zulm" group, a separatist cell that Iran says is linked with al-Qaeda, the IRNA report said, without revealing the exact date of the arrest.

Doostali Jalilian, police commander of the province, said in the report that the suspects sought to perpetrate "acts of terror and sabotage" across the province, adding they were arrested by the law enforcement forces in Iranshahr County.

In May, a clash between the members of the "Jaish al-Zulm" group and Iranian border guards in the Saravan County of the province resulted in the deaths of at least six border guards. 
Buena Vistas former police chief pleaded guilty to a misuse of public funds charge and received a suspended jail sentence Wednesday morning.

Richard Keith Hartman, 61, of Farmville, was indicted in December, arrested and later released on bond.

Giles County Commonwealths Attorney Bobby Lilly, who served as a special prosecutor on Hartmans case, said the police chief was using the city credit card for transactions that were not proper department expenses. They were things that benefited him in a personal nature.

After he pleaded guilty to the fund misuse charge in Buena Vista Circuit Court on Wednesday, Hartman was sentenced to two years in prison. All of that time was suspended, and he was placed on two years of supervised probation. Lilly said Hartman will also be placed on a period of good behavior for 10 years.

Even if hes not on supervised probation, he still has to be a good behavior for 10 years, or else hes still subject to revocation, Lilly said.

Lilly also said Hartman is required to pay $718.83 in restitution to the city of Buena Vista. Between his arrest and his sentencing, he paid about $2,800.

I believe he paid a substantial portion of the restitution after the investigation started but right before the indictment was issued, Lilly said.

The final $718.83 reflects several dozen transactions, Lilly said, that were each worth between $10 and $100. The prosecutor said that if the case had gone to trial, Hartman could have argued that some of those transactions were legitimate department expenses.

None of these financial transactions fit what people think of as a stereotype for missing money or embezzlement. There was no money missing from a cash drawer, Lilly added. None of these transactions involved any property or any money associated with a criminal investigation performed by officers of the police department. None of it was related to any cases that had been in court. This was all money that would have been earmarked for the operating budget for the police department.

Buena Vista Commonwealths Attorney Joshua Elrod said Lilly was asked to prosecute Hartmans case, to look at all of the evidence and figure out what charges were appropriate and make all those decisions without any conflict or appearance of conflict.

Elrod said Hartman was still the acting chief of the Buena Vista Police Department when initial embezzlement allegations arose and the Virginia State Police began its investigation.

Weve worked very closely with the police department, and I felt like it would have the appearance of impropriety for me to be prosecuting the case, Elrod said. I hope that by having this resolved in the court that we can begin to kind of restore some public trust in our law enforcement agencies.

Hartmans trial was scheduled for Thursday, but Lilly said that once the commonwealth and the defense had agreed on the restitution amount, there wasnt much else to dispute, so a plea agreement was reached.

He believed that he could have explained some of this and cleared up some of this in the next budget process, Lilly said of Hartman. But the commonwealth felt it was appropriate to go forward, because its important for the citizens of the city of Buena Vista to know that this was all handled transparently, above board, and that they should have full confidence in the hard working men and women in the police department that represent and protect them day in and day out.

Buena Vista Police Chief Wayne Handley, who began working the position in July, said in a press release Wednesday that he and his office dont have access to the direct findings of the state police investigation or court findings and are not able to make any statements about them.

The Buena Vista Police Department looks forward to strengthening its relationship with the citizens of Buena Vista and our community partners as we move forward from todays events, Handleys statement read.
ROCKY MOUNT  Paul Reivens Jordan II continued to deny any responsibility in the death of Heather Delaney Hodges at a sentencing hearing Tuesday, two months after a Franklin County jury found him guilty of second-degree murder.

Judge Stacey Moreau sentenced Jordan, 50, to serve 30 years in prison for the murder of Hodges with another 10 years suspended, as well as five years for the concealment of her body, which still has not been found. Moreau noted the overwhelming evidence in the case despite locating a body.

Blood matched by DNA tests to Hodges was found in multiple rooms of the Rocky Mount home the couple shared. Jordans thumbprint was found in Hodges blood on the underside of a doorknob to their bedroom.

A former jail inmate also testified during the trial that Jordan admitted to killing Hodges while they shared a jail cell in 2018. The inmate said Jordan told him he blacked out and had his hands around Hodges throat when he woke up.

Put that puzzle together and it comes up with the picture of a brutal murder, Moreau said just before sentencing.

Several family members spoke during the sentencing about how Hodges death at the hand of Jordan impacted their life. Hodges sister, Crystal Songer, said she not only lost her sister and best friend, but also the opportunity for her children to get to know her.

You took that from me, Songer said, looking directly at Jordan.

Special prosecutor Bryan Haskins urged Moreau not to be lenient in sentencing. He noted that Jordan has 30 prior convictions with eight of those coming after Hodges was murdered 11 years ago.

Haskins said Jordan first started dating Hodges when she was 12. He was 29 at the time, exposing her to drugs throughout their relationship.

Following Hodges disappearance, Haskins said Jordan lied to their daughter about where her mother was. Jordan had claimed she had run off with a drug dealer, he said.

This child has to grow up believing that her mother abandoned her, Haskins said. And now at least she knows that her mother loved her dearly and didnt abandon her.

The daughter, still a minor, spoke briefly at Tuesdays sentencing in defense of Jordan. She said speaking to her father over the phone while in jail is not the same as having him in her life. She also said her father would not hurt her mother.

I was never old enough to see my mom and dad together, but I do know that he loves her with all his heart and he would have never done anything to hurt her, she said.

Jordan continued to deny having anything to do with Hodges disappearance or murder. He admitted to having a drug addiction in the past as well as associating with people he shouldnt have, but claimed he still loved Hodges and was not involved in her death.

All I can say is Im sorry, but Im never going to admit to killing Heather because, your honor, I did not kill her. I loved that girl with all my heart. I still lover her. Ill always love her, Jordan said.

Jordan stated that he has not given up trying to find out what happened to Hodges. I want to know what happened just as much as everyone else, he said. And some day I will find out.

An appeal was also discussed by Jordan at Tuesdays sentencing. He claimed he was not properly represented by defense attorney Steven Milani of Rocky Mount during the trial.

Milani asked for Jordan to have another attorney provided to represent him during any future appeals. Moreau said another court appointed attorney would be found.
A lawsuit accuses a U.S. park ranger of falsely charging a woman with drunken driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway and assaulting her in the process.

Elizabeth H. Spillman is seeking $250,000 in damages in a lawsuit filed Monday in Roanokes federal court.

Spillman, 68, had just dropped a friend off at FloydFest the night of July 23, 2021, when she was stopped by Ranger James Lyon, who then arrested her on charges of DUI and impeding police based on evidence that was later disproved, according to the lawsuit.

In addition to fabricating the reasons for arrest, Lyon manhandled, violently gripped, roughed up and touched Ms. Spillman in an inappropriate mannerstripping her blouse off while transporting her and then taking a long time to make sure her exposed body was properly covered, the lawsuit alleges.

A judge in Floyd County General District Court dismissed the DUI charge against Spillman, according to court records, and prosecutors chose to drop the impeding police charge.

Many of the claims detailed in the 22-page lawsuit are based on footage from Lyons body camera and surveillance videos from the Floyd County Sheriffs Office, where Spillman was taken for processing, her attorney, Alan Graf, said.

The lawsuit accuses Lyon of parading his catch past other law enforcement officials, and claims that he bragged about his record of arresting FloydFest attendees on the parkway.

Spillman, who says she moved away from Floyd because of the emotional trauma caused by the incident, is also seeking $10,000 in legal fees she paid to defend the charges and $1,970 for visits to a therapist.

Lyon is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit, which seeks damages from his employer, the National Park Service. An administrative complaint filed with the service was denied earlier this year. A comment from the service was not available Tuesday.
Buses ran late into the morning and afternoon Tuesday in Roanoke, the first day of the new school year.

The districts bus drivers have been employed through a contract with Durham since 2019, but city schools Chief Operations Officer Chris Perkins stressed that the day one delays were not Durhams fault.

Over the summer, the district and Durham restructured bus routes and staggered school start and end times to try and resolve issues with late buses.

At the school boards Aug. 8 meeting, Perkins said the district and Durham were expecting to have some problems in the first week or two of school. Along the same line, the district expects bus delays to ease as families and students relearn their routines.

The division implemented a new, staggered schedule this year, splitting start times up into four tiers. Elementary schools start at 7:30 a.m.  tier one  or 8 a.m.  tier two  with high schools at 8:30 a.m.  tier three  and middle schools at 9 a.m.  tier four.

The district adjusted its school hours to help accommodate the number of bus routes and drivers.

The district began the 2023-24 school year with 120 CDL drivers and 95 bus routes. Last August, the district had 123 drivers and 148 routes.

All routes were covered Tuesday morning and no drivers called out, Wesley Smith, Durhams general manager in Roanoke, told the school board at its Tuesday evening work session.

The goal of the staggered school schedules is to require fewer buses to run at one time, accommodating staff levels. On the other hand, if a bus gets thrown off schedule early in the morning, that throws off everyone afterward. Perkins attributed many of the Tuesday delays to that snowballing effect.

Parents want to get their pictures and hold their babies and some kids are probably kicking and screaming all the way to the bus, Smith said.

Tier one buses were on time and most tier two buses made it within 15 minutes of their start time, but tier three had more problems, with some buses delayed 40 minutes or more.

The tier two and three delays compounded, delaying tier four middle school buses by an hour or more in the morning.

Otherwise, Perkins said Tuesday morning delays were mostly due to traffic issues, particularly with congestion near Round Hill, Patrick Henry and William Fleming.

The snowball effect starts and buses are coming late. Then parents of children who normally ride the bus are getting in the car, Perkins said. For the arrival at Patrick Henry High School, it is a parking lot from all the way from Memorial, over the hump past Carter and down Brandon towards Grandin. ... What normally happens at PH is we create a traffic pattern. This morning that traffic pattern and the traffic control was not at the entrance to the school because the police were late getting there.

Once the gridlock started, it was impossible to untangle.

On the other side of the school day, when the Tuesday school board meeting started at 5:30 p.m., bus drivers were still taking students home.

Car rider students being dismissed before bus riders contributed to afternoon delays, as well as students being returned to school.

Over the previous school year, bus drivers had to return 1,216 students to elementary schools following afternoon dismissal. At the Aug. 8 school board meeting, Perkins indicated many of those returns were because a guardian was not present at a bus stop to pick up a pre-K or kindergarten student.

Durhams regional manager for school services Hale Driver said getting on the wrong afternoon bus is not uncommon on the first day of school. That and returns are why school staff, police and drivers constantly communicate about the whereabouts of each child, Perkins said.

Photos: Roanoke's first day of school
Botetourt County supervisors voted Tuesday to approve a large battery power facility that would help tame peak demand across the regions electrical network.

Called Gateway Grid in planning documents, the facility would use arrays of Tesla batteries to store electricity gathered during non-peak periods, then release the power as needed to smooth demand curves. Similar facilities have been launched elsewhere in Virginia in recent years and a representative of the developer of the Botetourt County facility said his company operated two more in Texas and another in California.

Its an old way to manage the grid  its a way of taking the existing grid and making it more efficient, said Justin Adams of California-based Eolian Energy, who spoke Tuesday for developer SR Investments.

Asked by supervisors how the project would benefit local residents, Adams said that over time, better management of demand should mean less need for new power lines.

He said that the facility would make money through contracts with Appalachian Power Co. The battery facility would have a capacity of 100 megawatts, he said.

Much of the planning for Gateway Grid still is ongoing, but SR Investments committed to an assortment of requirements that ranged from storm water management to noise limits. Detailed plans would have to be completed before building permits are issued.

But at Tuesdays meeting, after a public hearing that drew a single speaker  who asked about location, runoff and firefighting plans  supervisors unanimously OKd rezoning, special exception and Comprehensive Plan future land use map requests.

Gateway Grid is proposed for 49.9 wooded acres located between U.S. 11 and Interstate 81, just south of Exit 150. The property is about a tenth of a mile southwest of U.S. 11s intersection with Virginia 811. The facility would be located on top of a hill, and while county planning staff determined a special exception permit was needed due to the height of some of the equipment, everything should be below the existing treeline, Community Development Director Nicole Pendleton said.

The storage facility would be made up of 144 aboveground installations. Each would be a steel unit about 8-feet-wide, 8- to 9-feet-tall, and 30-feet-long, equipped with ventilation fans and holding two Tesla Megapack 2XL batteries, Adams said.

The facility would be operated remotely.

Asked about fire safety, Adams said that his companys three other facilities, the oldest of which came online in 2020, have not had fires. But if there was a fire, automatic safety mechanisms would shut down the battery, he said. Human operators also would monitor the site around the clock and step in if further control was needed, he said.

Adams said that developers chose the Tesla battery because tests have shown it rarely caught fire and that if it did, its design contained the blaze. The standard practice with such fires is to let them burn themselves out, which usually takes several hours, Adams said.

The sole speaker at the public hearing, Danny Goad, asked about fire safety and about how runoff, including water or chemicals sprayed during a fire, would be kept out of Tinker Creek.

Adams replied that he had met several times with county fire and emergency services Chief Jason Ferguson. As plans for the facility are finalized, an emergency response plan will be created with the county, he said. The developer would supply training to county firefighters as requested, Adams said.

As for runoff, the batteries themselves contain no liquids  although a water and glycol solution is used in a cooling system, Adams added. The facilitys storm water plan will be designed to relevant standards, he said.

Asked after the meeting, Adams said that the project is probably at least two years away from commercial operation. He said that he could not give a project cost.
BLACKSBURG  The Town Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a one-year renewal of its agreement with the Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation, the organization that runs the historic Alexander Black House and St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall properties.

Blacksburg town officials have said they wrote up the agreement in a way that will allow them to formally continue their long-existing commitments to the foundation while at the same time giving the two parties the time to consult and have discussions about other changes that could be made to the agreement.

I think its wise to continue to be in dialogue with the museum foundation, said Blacksburg Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith at the end of Tuesdays meeting.

Much of the conditions in the new document are similar to the existing agreement, which had a five-year duration and is slated to officially expire on Thursday.

For example, the current agreement called on the town to provide the foundation $112,285 in operations funding for the 2019 fiscal year and the following years covered by the document.

The renewal of the agreement comes as the town has been on the receiving end of some criticism over the upkeep and care of Odd Fellows.

Odd Fellows, located on Gilbert Street, is the only remaining structure from New Town, northern Blacksburgs historic Black community. Speakers who have recently addressed council about the structure have voiced fears that a failure to preserve property would lead to further elimination of local African-American history.

The criticism and expressed concerns came after the completion of a report earlier this year that listed a number of issues with Odd Fellows and the Alexander Black House and proposed recommendations for collections, maintenance and improvements.

Some of the concerns continue to be expressed.

Christine King, chairwoman of the St. Luke and Odd Fellows Committee, told council Tuesday that whoever is appointed the Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundations new executive director should be unbiased, culturally and professionally competent and someone who will follow American museum standards.

King said shes had some trouble setting up discussions with some of the foundations leadership to discuss the future of Odd Fellows, something that will need to be done if they want to see the property progress.

King said there are also a number of grants and outside funds that need to be pursued and that would benefit Odd Fellows.

King, however, voiced praise for recent comments expressed by some council members. She said she was glad to hear about concerns over the care of the collections at Odd Fellows, financial transparency and a call to try to align the operating agreement and the deed on the property.

I see great things for St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall, she said.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va.  Bystanders in Newport News rescued three children from a sinking vehicle Monday night after their mother reportedly drove into a retention pond, exited the vehicle and walked away.

Bystanders cut the seatbelts and got the children out of the vehicle. The children were taken to a hospital for evaluation and did not appear to have suffered injuries. All the children were under the age of 10.

Police responded to reports of a sinking car near the 1100 block of Arboretum Way, in the Oyster Point area, at around 9:30 pm. Officers were advised that a woman drove into the pond and exited the car while her kids were still inside.

Officers found the woman nearby. She was identified as Reality Nicole Goodwin, 27, of Hampton. Goodwin assaulted an officer when she was arrested, police said, and later assaulted another officer at a hospital where she was taken for evaluation.

Goodwin was charged with three counts of child endangerment, four counts of assault and battery on a law enforcement officer, one count of reckless driving and one count of being drunk in public.

Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew commended the bystanders who rescued the children for quick thinking and bravery.
CHARLESTON  In 2015, Nikki Haley and Tim Scott attended the funerals of those slain by a racist gunman at Mother Emanuel AME Church. Scott would later tear up on the Senate floor recounting the faith of the fallen and their families. Haley would go on to write that she leaned on God and her faith deepened as she grappled with the trauma of the Charleston shooting.

If the states first Asian American governor and its first Black senator since Reconstruction embodied how far South Carolina has come on race, the murders of the Emanuel Nine showed just how far it has to go.

Eight years later, the region around Charleston, known as the Holy City, is home to the two Republicans presidential campaigns. Scott grew up in North Charleston, and after leaving her post as U.N. ambassador, Haley moved to nearby Kiawah Island.

Both are still waiting for a breakthrough moment. Both have been part of influential S.C. churches, and as candidates of color must appeal to their partys white evangelical base to have a prayer against former President Donald Trump, whose hold on the GOP and its Christian voters remains strong.

These two have managed to make their mark nationally, in part because they are candidates of color, and they have done it without emphasizing that fact, said Danielle Vinson, a political science professor at Furman University. Its still a bit of a necessity in a Republican Party that wants to focus on a colorblind society that has made great strides.

For Haley, an Indian American raised Sikh before converting to mainline Christianity, faith is just one of many differences she learned to navigate as a brown girl in a black-and-white world, as she likes to say.

For Scott, raised in the Black church tradition by his single mother before becoming a born-again Christian, faith is a central part of his pitch. He is counting on his fellow evangelicals to help him in the crowded GOP field.

On a recent Sunday in August, while Scott was on the campaign trail, nearly 6,000 people gathered at his home congregation  the flagship location of Seacoast Church in the well-heeled suburb of Mt. Pleasant. The congregation, like the neighborhood, is predominantly white. With 14 locations, it reaches nearly 21,000 people in-person and online every weekend.

Here, Tims just Tim, said Jack Hoey III, the churchs creative director.

Founding pastor Greg Surratt said he has met monthly with Scott for more than two decades. Scott has served on the church board and for a time considered leaving politics for the ministry.

He and I both tell the story differently and kid each other about it. He says I fired him before he got a job, Surratt said, recalling how he counseled Scott to stay in politics.

I said, Tim, wed love to have you, but you have a bigger platform in your future, and I think that politics is going to be your platform. I really felt at that time that someday he would be a national voice.

Shortly after Scott became a senator, Surratt got a call on a Monday from the churchs facilities director. The senator, he learned, was in the mens restroom scrubbing the floor.

He really felt like if he was going to serve in a public way in high levels, he needed to serve in low levels where no one was going to see him, Surratt said.

Two hours inland from Seacoast sits Mount Horeb, South Carolinas largest Methodist church and Haleys longtime spiritual home when she lived in Lexington County.

Ive been blessed to see how God has been at work in Governor Nikki Haleys life over the years, wrote the churchs pastor, the Rev. Jeff Kersey, in an email. I believe her faith guides and inspires her compassion, courage, and convictions.

Kersey added, I am concerned that the decisions Mt. Horeb has made concerning our convictions and compassions have been and will be politicized when it comes to Governor Haley.

This year Mount Horeb left the United Methodist Church  part of a wave of conservative congregations defecting because they dont support LGBTQ unions or pastors. Mount Horeb has joined the newly formed Global Methodist Church, and hosted the states first GMC conference.

Kersey prayed at a service before Haleys first inauguration. Back then, Haley had walked a fine line between honoring her Sikh heritage and professing her Christian faith. A state legislator had called her a racial slur, and whisper campaigns about her religion abounded. Her website was revised to mention not only her belief in God but also Christ.

Haleys parents  from prominent families in Punjab  immigrated to rural South Carolina, where her father taught at Voorhees, a historically Black college. They stood out: He wore a turban and her mother a sari. When her parents place of worship, called a gurdwara, opened a new building in 2013, Haley spoke.

I dont feel like Im standing here as your governor, she told the crowd. I feel like Im standing here as the little girl that you raised. I see all my uncles and aunties here.

Her parents taught her that there was more than one path to God. She was married in both Sikh and Christian ceremonies. Unlike GOP presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, who remains Hindu, Haley converted.

We chose Christianity because of the way we wanted to live our life and raise our children, she told The New York Times in 2012.

Like fellow GOP candidate Ron DeSantis, Haley doesnt wear her faith on her sleeve. Longtime aides say she isnt one to quote Bible verses, but religion is important to her.

At the U.N., Haley championed religious minorities, and she has forged ties with evangelical leaders, particularly Christian Zionists like John Hagee, head of Christians United for Israel.

On the stump, her ally-turned-rival Scott sounds like the preacher he didnt become. Except for Mike Pence, no other candidate touts their evangelical bona fides like Scott.

As a college student, Scott had an evangelical conversion experience at Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His speeches invoke both his Black Baptist roots and the upbeat tenor of evangelicalism.

The way he speaks about encouragement, opportunity, optimism, finding our best selves, so much of it is resonant with the language and the feel of a modern megachurch, said Melani McAlister, American studies professor at George Washington University. Listening to him, I thought he could be Joel Osteen.

When discussing personal hardships or tragedies like the Charleston church shooting, Haley and Scott prefer to focus on the positive, denying that America is structurally and irredeemably racist.

I know America is a land of opportunity, not a land of oppression, Scott says in his speeches.

The Rev. Joseph Darby of Nichols Chapel AME knows Mother Emanuel touched anyone with a heart, especially South Carolinians like Haley and Scott.

But Darby, who mentored Emanuel pastor Clementa Pinckney, who was killed in the attack, takes issue with a kumbaya response that emphasizes the Black communitys forgiveness at the expense of systemic change.

There wasnt a moment of revelatory grace extended to the Black community beyond the Emanuel event, said Darby, also a Charleston NAACP leader. We have not seen Senator Scott much. Weve not seen Governor Haley much. They are appealing to white evangelicals, following the GOP party line.

The GOP party line still leads straight to Trump, according to polls. Haley and Scott are in low single digits nationally.

Chip Felkel, a former GOP strategist in South Carolina and a Never-Trumper, wishes Scott and Haley  along with religious leaders  would come out stronger against Trump.

In a state like South Carolina, until religious leaders are willing to engage as forcibly against him as they have been for him, hes still going to be in good shape.
Seguin, TX (78155)

Today

Windy with rain developing after midnight. Low 42F. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Windy with rain developing after midnight. Low 42F. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Higher wind gusts possible.
Staff members work in a modern television facility in Juba, South Sudan, on Aug. 22, 2023. The Chinese embassy in South Sudan on Tuesday handed over a modern broadcasting facility to South Sudan in Juba, the country's capital, in a bid to help boost the country's digital broadcasting services. (Photo by Denis Elamu/Xinhua)

JUBA, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in South Sudan on Tuesday handed over a modern broadcasting facility to South Sudan in Juba, the country's capital, in a bid to help boost the country's digital broadcasting services.

The China-aided facility houses a new TV studio production building, covering an area of about 2,400 square meters. The two-floor building includes a TV studio, virtual studio, recording studio, master control room, launch room, office room, and related supporting facilities.

During the handover ceremony, Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudan's minister of Information, Communication, Technology, and Postal services, said the technical handover of the facilities would enable the local staff of the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) to be trained to take over full management and control of the facilities.

"We will be witnessing real progress in the field of broadcasting, this is where we need to tell the world that with the help of our friends, the Chinese, we are now moving forward and we will be in a position to catch up with the world soon," Makuei said, adding the landmark facilities are the epitome of the existing cordial relations between China and South Sudan.

In November 2014, South Sudan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation requested assistance from China for the construction of radio and television facilities, which was officially approved by China's Ministry of Commerce in 2017.

Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan Ma Qiang said 726 South Sudanese workers and 127 Chinese workers participated in the construction of the modern television facilities.

Ma said the broadcasting and TV industry plays an essential role in modern society, contributing to economic development, cultural prosperity, technical progress, and national happiness.

"We are willing to share our experience and carry out relevant cooperation with our South Sudanese friends. Although South Sudan has different national conditions and development stages from China, I believe that the development and prosperity of the broadcasting and TV industry are also of great significance to South Sudan," Ma said.

Ma said the South Sudanese radio and television channels and signal quality will be greatly improved. "South Sudanese people will experience high-quality radio and TV programs, and enjoy the upgrading of communication technology," Ma added. 

Photo taken on Aug. 22, 2023 shows a broadcasting building in Juba, South Sudan. The Chinese embassy in South Sudan on Tuesday handed over a modern broadcasting facility to South Sudan in Juba, the country's capital, in a bid to help boost the country's digital broadcasting services. (Photo by Denis Elamu/Xinhua)
Guide to Spotting and Buying Undervalued Stocks

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Contrary to common belief that only international and Singapore blue-chip stocks are worth buying, more savvy investors are looking out for undervalued stocks because of their intrinsic value, meaning they have room to grow in price as the market eventually recognises their true worth.

With a well-planned strategy, investing in these stocks can even ensure more efficient portfolio diversification since they help to spread risks and reduce the volatility of a portfolio over time.

If you have been investing or intend to invest in stocks that have potential for high returns, read on for a few essential tips on how to identify and buy undervalued stocks.

What are undervalued stocks

Source: Unsplash

What Are Undervalued Stocks

For a stock to be considered undervalued, it should be traded below their perceived value and has a potential for long-term profitable growth, which the general stock market may not recognise yet. This is like a stock selling for S$50, but it is worth S$100 based on predictable future cash flows.

However, spotting true-blue undervalued stocks with growth potential can be tricky because companies that appear to be undervalued can actually be in decline. Also, undervalued stocks may not always appreciate in value and remain that way for an extended period. This is why assessing stocks using value investing strategies and tips are of utmost importance to identify mispriced securities that are really worth investing.

5 Value Investing Tips for Spotting Undervalued Stocks

If you are ready to invest in undervalued stocks, you must be ready to go against prevailing market trends and only rely on technical assessments or financial metrics. Here are five strategies that can help you spot the best buy.

1. Study the Price-To-Earnings Ratio and Market Capitalisation

A stock's price-to-earnings ratio is also known as PE ratio. It is commonly used as a valuation metric to compare a company's stock price to its earnings per share (EPS). When a companys stock has a low PE ratio, it signals the chance to buy the valuable stock at a discounted price. On the flipside, a higher PE ratio indicates overvaluation.

Story continues

PE ratio = Current price / Most recent earnings per share

Besides the PE ratio, you may also want to look at the companys market capitalisation (market cap). This value offers an insight into the total value of a companys shares of stock and may reveal how profitable the company is.

Market cap = Current price of a single share x Total number of shares held by stockholders

2. Look into the Price-To-Book Ratio

The Price-to-Book (PB) ratio is another important financial metric that investors use to assess the valuation of a company's stock. It compares the market price per share of a company's stock to its book value per share.

PB ratio = Market price per share / Book value per share

Typically, a ratio under 1.0 is considered a solid investment because it is a telltale sign that the market is under-pricing the stock, while a high PB ratio may suggest the stock is overvalued.

However, this ratio should be evaluated with the industry of the company in mind. Some companies in technology or service-based companies may have high PB ratios due to their reliance on intellectual property and intangible assets that are not accounted for by book value. As such, you should always assess the PB ratio alongside other metrics.

stocks earnings season

Source: Unsplash

3. Watch for Increased Earnings

Is the company reporting steady growth and increased earnings in the last couple of years? If so, you may want to take the stock to the next level of analysis to determine if it is really worth investing. Companies reporting strong growth may still have a chance of reaching their peak and stagnating in the near future.

Besides using metrics like PB ratio for assessment, you may also look at the price-earnings to growth ratio (PEG) which compares PE ratio to the percentage growth in annual earnings per share (EPS). If the company has solid earnings and a low PEG ratio, it could mean that its stock is undervalued.

PEG ratio = PE ratio / Percentage growth in annual EPS

4. Sudden Decline in Stock Price

How to spot and buy undervalued stocks without tedious analysis of various metrics? Start looking out for stocks that recently experienced sudden fall in prices by at least 20% may present you with an initial list.

Bear in mind that security prices can drop for a variety of reasons that may not be directly related to negative growth of the companies. As long as your research on each companys fundamentals provide substantial justification for the decline in price, you may have spotted an undervalued stock.

If you prefer to buy Singapore stocks, you can refer to Sginvestors website for shares at a 52-week low. The site allows you to easily identify potential stocks that you can do further research before deciding if you should invest in them.

5. Analyse Dividend Yield and Cash Flow

When a company consistently pays a high amount of dividends, regardless of low share price, it is a sign that the company has strong financial backing and the stock may be undervalued. However, take note that a company offering a very high dividend may run the risk of having cash flow problems since funds are channelled into paying shareholders instead of growing the business or paying off debts.

Conclusion

Spotting undervalued stocks can be a tricky task unless you are using value investing strategies and tips to analyse the growth potential of shares. Instead of using a single financial metric to determine if you have correctly identified one, using a mix of metrics like PE ratio, PB ratio and dividend yield may offer more accuracy.

Ready to invest? Check out the list of best online brokerages in Singapore.

Our investing team has compared the top trading platforms based on a range of factors such as commission fees, international market access and exchange rates to ensure you will find a broker that resonates with your trading philosophy.

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SIOUX CITY  With a summerlike high of 103 degrees, students returned to school across Sioux City Wednesday.

Students at Loess Hills Elementary School waved goodbye to their parents, said hello to their teachers and friends, and lined up in the early morning. Many could be seen drinking from large water bottles and shading themselves from the sun.

Sioux City first day of school Students walk a red carpet into the Liberty Elementary School at the start of the first day of classes in 2023 for the Sioux City Community Sc

Sioux City first day of school Whitney Karrer, a second grade teacher, high-fives students as they enter the building at the start of the first day of classes Wednesday at t

Sioux City Schools Superintendent Rod Earleywine stopped by Loess Hills Elementary to greet students and their parents.

Despite the heat, Earleywine said it was great to be there and see the kids meet their teachers and greet friends they haven't seen all summer.

"The hugs and the smiles, it's just an awesome experience to see and be a part of," he said.

Sioux City first day of school First-grader Vianey Galvan gets high-fives from teachers as she enters the building at the start of the first day of classes Wednesday at the 

Sioux City first day of school LeMario Harper, a fourth-grader poses for a photo at the start of the first day of classes of the new school year Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, at

All school buildings in the Sioux City Community School District are air-conditioned, Earleywine said. Despite this, there were still concerns about heat exposure for students during recess and bussing.

"We're going to make sure that we're very careful about allowing students outside for recess for the first few days," he said.

All week Siouxland has had extreme heat conditions. On Monday, Sioux City hit a record heat index of 122 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. An excessive heat warning is in place for the area through Thursday night, with heat indexes expected up to 115 degrees before dropping down on Friday to the upper 80s.

Sioux City first day of school Jaxon Becerra, a fifth-grader, poses for a photo from Trista Twito at the start of the first day of classes Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, at the S

Sioux City first day of school Principal Stacie Henderson high-fives students at the start of the first day of classes Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, at the Sioux City Community 
SIOUX CITY -- The Sioux City Art Center introduced Teo Nguyens solo exhibition, the Viet Nam Peace Project, this weekend.

The project "invites contemplation and reflection on the Vietnamese peoples struggles toward peace and what the artist calls 'the politics of worthiness,'" according to a news release.

This is done through a variety of exhibits including unique perspectives on famous Vietnam War photos, a reimagined memorial and a variety of installations.

"The importance of the Viet Nam Peace Project is that it represents a new kind of memorial making," according to a news release. "Rather than seeking closure through permanent monuments, Teos installations reframe memorials as active objects that strive towards reconciliation and an appreciation for the ongoing effects of the war."

Curator Christopher Atkins said he has followed Nguyen's work for five or six years and feels this exhibit tells the tale of him as a person and artist. The art center's exhibit is a smaller version of the exhibit, which was on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

The Minneapolis-based Nguyen is a native of Vietnam and emigrated at the age of 16. He said he grew up with the knowledge of the war and its impact on his family and country.

"There was a bomb shelter in my backyard, I grew up with the knowledge that my grandparents were killed in the war, my uncle was buried alive in the war, both of my parents were internally displaced in Vietnam for 57 years straight," he said. "I also grew up with the knowledge that there were birth defects and landmines."

When he came to the U.S. he observed the portrayal of Vietnamese in documentaries, films and mass media. For most Americans, the Vietnam War was experienced through wartime photos and documentaries.

Atkins said even though the war was 50 years ago the land is still recovering and the project showcases Nguyens optimistic view of the process.

The project is not intended to solve the past, but to understand the present, he said. He said the project is a way to invite everyone to build together and reconcile the past together.

Micah Tran, Nguyen's partner, said the core reference point of the work centers the spiritual and cultural values and showcases reverence for the lives lost that are still imprinted in the landscape.

The paintings on display are landscapes based on photographs, including some of the most recognizable images from the Vietnam War.

Nguyen has removed the central scene of the images, showcasing the land behind the situation.

The goal is not to erase what happened, but to reclaim the land beyond the war but still showcase how the spirit of the incident remains, impacting the land and culture, Tran said.

"I paint memories of a place, of a time, and of the lives that are there, even if we no longer see them," Nguyen said.

In the center of the exhibit are stacks of paper. The papers represent the number of North Vietnamese and Viet Cong fighters, South Vietnamese soldiers and civilians that were killed during the war. One stack of paper represents the American soldiers that died.

The piece is meant to reimagine memorials in a way that showcases the value of all human life, according to the plaque.

The largest piece of the installation is called "Agent Orange." Hanging from the ceiling is a large piece of art representing the chemical Agent Orange, deployed heavily during the Vietnam War, and its ongoing impact on the Vietnamese people.

In the United States, pregnant women will receive one or two ultrasounds during their pregnancy. In Vietnam, Tran said the average is 27 due to the high rate of birth defects caused by Agent Orange to this day.

"The importance of the Viet Nam Peace Project is that it represents a new kind of memorial making," according to a news release. "Rather than seeking closure through permanent monuments, Teos installations reframe memorials as active objects that strive towards reconciliation and an appreciation for the ongoing effects of the war."

The goal of the installation is to re-engage with history and share in Nguyen's belief that the future is optimistic, healing and understanding.

The exhibition will remain on display through Jan. 15, before traveling to the National Museum of Asian Art in Paris.
You know what I used to say when pondering the age-old Sex and the City question of Which of the gals are you? I had the most annoying answer, one that is slightly adjacent to my colleague Luke Winkies correct assessment that everyone is really a Carrie: Im Carrie, Id say, but with a little bit of Miranda and Samantha mixed in. Or in other words: Im anything but Charlotte.

I loved the women of Sex and the City. Except for Charlotte. Charlotte was the annoying onehonestly, the least feminist one. Charlotte was the one who saw marriage, rather than love, as the goal (which gets her into considerable trouble). Charlotte was the one who gives up on her career as soon as she gets married (and is left aimless after that marriage fails). Charlotte is the one who pretends to be gay so she can hang out with some cool lesbians (Samantha is the one who actually dates a woman). Charlotte is the one who is mean to Miranda about accidentally getting pregnant because she wants a baby so badly. Charlotte is prickly with Carrie about money, even though she has already won a bad-first-marriage lottery that comes with an entire Park Avenue apartment! (She eventually comes around.) There was a several-episode arc about how she thought she was too hot for her second husband, Harry, the best thing that has ever happened to her! She was always a little too precious, a little too judgmental, a little too Upper East Side, way too traditional. Even the pitch of her voice annoyed me. (Whos the bad feminist now?) Her clothes werent boring, but they certainly werent inspiringthey were prim, proper, wealthy, and modest  just like Charlotte.

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Which is why I am as surprised as anyone to say that Charlotte York Goldenblatt is my favorite character on this second season of And Just Like That

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It started slowlyor did it? As someone who recently had COVID and suffered through the sick-day indignity of watching both Sex and the City movies (I never learn), I would actually pinpoint Charlottes transformation to shortly after Carries failed honeymoon in the first film. The girls join Carrie at a resort in Mexico, where Charlotte shits her pants. Thats typical Charlotte stuffshe shits her pants after exclusively eating pudding cups because shes scared of the Mexican food at their five-star resort (I mean, come ON). But later, back stateside, when she realizes she is happily married and pregnant while all three of her best friends lives are falling apart, she has the good grace to realize that she actually has it made, and she should be grateful. And then she starts to actually act grateful, sticking up for her friends in the right ways and thanking her lucky stars for the wonderful life that has lightly fallen into her lap.

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A decade and a half later, Charlotte is better than ever. In fact, I would go as far as to say that she is better than everyone else! Charlotte is the most realized character of this series, the most relatable, the most interesting, the one having the best sex, even the funniest! Put-upon mother is not a fun role to play, and yet Charlotte is doing it marvelously. Every line that would have once been delivered with a bit of an immature whine is now layered with years and years of exhausted wisdom. Remember in Episode 4 of this season when she talks about how much she loves cum at brunch? Or two episodes later, when she tracks down condoms for her daughter in a blizzard? She is the one bringing the most Samantha energy into the room these days, and thank god someone is picking up that slack.

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Also, not for nothing, Charlotte is actually a really good mom. Lets not talk about last season, which I am going to put into a box under the bed labeled Reboot Problems. This season, she sticks up for Rock when they want to be in a photo shoot, and she makes that dream come true. Charlotte, not Miranda, is the one who leads the way on deciding they really dont need to know more about the drama between Brady and Lily. Her characters arc this season is also defined by her realization that she is ready to be more than just a mom again. Her path back into the workplacebelt incident aside, although it is very Old Charlottemanages to be both moving and funny. This is a woman who has both had it and is still relentlessly romantic about her prospects in life. It is so charming!

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Even Charlottes whole dog thing has become less annoying, with her embracing the strangeness of her obsession rather than being prim about it. An absolutely sublime moment this season is when we see Carrie and the hot Italian baker standing beneath the oil paintings Charlotte has commissioned of her dogs. This lady is such a weirdo! And she is finally owning it!

But my favorite 60 seconds of the entire season is in the most recent episode, when Charlotte reenters her apartment to find her frustrated family asking for things, while shes been out with her much younger co-workers to celebrate her big sale to Sam Smith, of all people. She shuffles into her weirdly long hallway, giggling to herself, and tells her family that she threw her phone into a pitcher of margs in order to get out of responding to them. Then, she delivers the most cathartic, real, hilarious monologue of this whole reboot: I was a person, before you! she semi-shrieks in the general direction of her children. I was a person before all of you  I am more than just your wife, and your moms! You need to get that, OK, and get it TOGETHER! God, ugh.

With that, she carries her previously discarded heels, her disheveled jacket, and herself straight into her bedroom. When her dog (this one is a bulldog named Richard Burton) comes up to the door whine-barking, she opens it just a crack, says Hey baby, lets him in, and then slams the door once again on her annoying family. Comedy gold!

Who would have believed such a thing from ol Charlotte?
NAIROBI, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Wednesday called on foreign and domestic investors to develop tourism facilities within the country's national parks, game reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries.

Peninah Malonza, cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, told journalists in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that the proposed facilities include lodges, restaurants, convention centers, and adventure experiences.

"Investments in Kenya's protected wildlife areas will help the government's goal of growing the number of foreign and domestic tourists," Malonza said during the Kenya parks investment forum.

According to the state-owned Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), approximately 8 percent of the country is protected for wildlife conservation, comprising 23 terrestrial national parks, 28 terrestrial national reserves, four marine national parks, six marine national reserves, and four national sanctuaries.

Erastus Kanga, director general of KWS, said that investments in the country's wildlife-protected areas have attractive returns as well as transformative dimensions through the empowerment of local communities.

Kanga believed that tourism facilities within national parks and reserves will enhance Kenya's allure as a destination for travelers. 
Air travel in the United States is overwhelmingly safe. Compared with recent decades, air travel is shockingly safe. Think back to the 1990s, a decade studded with disasters:

1994: A USAir flight crashes while trying to land in Charlotte, killing 37. (Culprit: wind shear.) 1994: A USAir flight crashes while trying to land in Pittsburgh, killing 132. (Culprit: mechanical failure.)

1996: A ValuJet flight crashes into the Everglades, killing 110. (Culprit: cargo fire.)

1996: A TWA flight explodes after takeoff from JFK, killing 230. (Culprit: fuel-tank explosion.) 1999: An EgyptAir flight crashes into the sea south of Nantucket, killing 217. (Culprit: the first officer, it seems.)

Now, no one has died in a U.S. airline crash since 2009. But how long can the respite last? Mondays New York Times featured a blockbuster story about the frighteningly commonplace near misses plaguing the airline industry.* After telling the story of three almost disasters in July aloneincluding one in which a Frontier plane parked so close to an active runway that it was buzzed by two accelerating jets in a manner described by the Federal Aviation Administration as skin to skinthe Times pointed out that near misses happen much more frequently than most people understand. In the most recent 12-month period for which data was available, the Times noted of a public database of independently reported incidents, there were about 300 accounts of near collisions involving commercial airlines.

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The Times story points out that only 43 of the more than 500 airports in the United States have surface-detection systems to alert the air traffic control tower to dangerous runway conditions. And those towers are underpopulated with hideously overworked controllers: Ninety-nine percent of the countrys air traffic control facilities are staffed under recommended levels, and controllers are regularly asked to work six days a week. (The Times found a number of controllers who had worked 400 hours of overtime already this year.)

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What does all this mean? After all, the nations commercial airlines have not suffered a fatal crash in more than 14 years, an unprecedented period of safety. But while no one wants to go on the record to the New York Times to say it, the story makes it very clear: The next big crash is coming. It is only a matter of time before something catastrophic happens, one unnamed controller wrote in a confidential FAA safety report last year.

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Everyone Ive spoken to in commercial aviation recently about these near misses agreed. Theres a pulse in the industry that says were close to something happening, said a captain at a major airline. Were talking to controllers who are overwhelmed, a first officer at a different airline told me. Every captain has stories. Were asking too much of the system. Its not a matter of if something happens, but when.

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Were overdue, another pilot told me. When it happens, the reaction is gonna be, Why didnt we see this coming?  But we do see it coming. Chronic underfunding and lack of prioritization mean that problems like missing surface detection systems go unaddressed. (The National Transportation Safety Board called for more such systems in 2017; none have been installed since then.) Overworked air traffic controllers quit and retire faster than the FAA can hire new ones; the agencys most recent budget requests funding to hire and train 1,800 new controllers, though it expects to lose more than 1,400 existing controllers next year alone.

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And during the pandemic, airlines offered buyouts and early retirement, only to find themselves unprepared for the wide resumption of travel. The result: a pilot shortage, and Im told, major airlines putting less experienced pilots in charge of planes. Every time they put pilots through the system, all that generates training and change, a pilot told me. At the end of that, you spit out a 737 with someone whos only been here a year and a half as the captain, and a first officer whos brand new. Once upon a time, that was common at smaller, regional airlines; now even at major airlines, another veteran pilot told me, Were hiring pilots that only have, two, three thousand hours of experienceas opposed to the 6,000 hours he had when he was hired. He hastened to point out that the new pilots are still talented, but they need more training: You got a drivers license when you were 16, but you werent Dale Earnhardt yet.

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Since the 1990s, air safety has been transformed by improved pilot training, revolutionary technology (wind shear detection, for example), and evolving attitudes toward discipline and data. That database the Times used in its story, for example, chronicles alarming incidents but is part of a culture of self-reporting that permeates the industry, and which multiple pilots told me is crucial to air safety. Airlines allow their employees to report incidents and errors without fear of repercussion, and the information thats collected reveals patterns and problems that can be fixed through training, redesign, or regulation. It might give you pause to hear that theres a whole system to ensure that pilots wont be punished for mistakes, but this collaboration between regulators, airlines, and pilot unions encourages people to report problems before they become catastrophes. People hear that and think Wait a minute all these guys are in bed with each other,  one pilot told me. But these self-reporting schemes have gone a long, long way toward making flying safer.

But it isnt only these changes in policy and advances in technology that have kept American airlines crash-free since 2009. Its good fortune. Any one of those near misses could have gone a different way. The Times report makes it clear that due to budget cuts, mismanagement, and complacency, the airlines and the FAA have been pushing their luck. If nothing changes, it wont be long until that luck runs out.
It was two years ago on Wednesday that I arrived in the United States. After a harrowing escape from Afghanistan, my daughters and I landed at Dulles Airport, close to Washington D.C. On that last flight, we had no idea where we were going until we were in the air. We landed sick and exhausted, our emotions frayed.

More than 75,000 Afghans had been airlifted to the United States and allowed in on humanitarian parole. I was one of the fortunate Afghan evacueesthanks to my work as a womens and human rights activist, I was well connected, and within a week, I had found an experienced attorney to represent me in my asylum claim. My attorney, Lindsay M. Harris, a law professor, worked with her students around the clock to prepare and submit my asylum application close to the end of October 2021, just two months after my familys arrival in the United States.

From there, things moved quickly, and I was scheduled for an interview in December 2021, far before I was mentally ready to relive all that I had endured. My daughters and I were at the asylum office with our attorney that day for more than eight hours. I left utterly broken, unable to move for a week afterward. I had been forced to dredge up memories of the very worst moments of my lifethreats from the Taliban for my work to advance womens rights, discrimination as a Hazara woman, and extreme domestic violence at the hands of my former husband. It was all too much, but I knew I had to keep going in order to secure stability and safety for myself and my daughters.

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At that time, Congress had passed a law mandating that all Afghan evacuees be scheduled for an interview within 45 days of filing an asylum application and that the decision be issued within 150 days of filing. So my attorney and I thought that we would receive a decision by mid-March 2022. My attorney pushed and pushed, every month, to try to get the asylum office to act. In January 2023, they asked me to come in again for another interview. I dutifully attended and answered all of the questions, again reliving the trauma of what Ive navigated in my life.

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Legally, I could file a mandamus action to urge the asylum office to make a decision in my case, but I dont want to push them toward a negative decision, and I also felt incredible guilt at spending another $410 for the filing fee. Like so many Afghans, I have spent large sums of money filing humanitarian parole applications for loved ones in danger that have been denied or languish before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. And those family members and loved ones, often widows and female-headed households back home, are dependent on me as Afghanistan spirals deeper and deeper into food insecurity and humanitarian crisis.

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Afghan women like me want to live in stability; we want to do what we can to fight for justice and freedom for Afghanistan and Afghans. Doing that while we are living in legal limbo, not knowing whether we can stay permanently or whether we might be asked to return, is debilitating. I spent seven years of my life as a teenager being a refugee, during which time I was deprived of the right to higher education; I dont want to live in the same uncertainty while I am still healing from the loss of my home and country. I speak not just for myself, but for the thousands of Afghan women who were evacuated.

The Afghan Adjustment Act was introduced to Congress in August 2022 and gained a good deal of support, with more than 130 congressional co-sponsors, but it did not pass. It is now before Congress again. This act will not only provide a legal pathway to permanent residence for Afghans like me who have made it to the United States, it will also provide a lifeline for Afghans trapped in Afghanistan or living in untenable situations in other countries. The act would expand eligibility for Special Immigrant Visas and improve processing of Afghan applications overseas. It would also create a task force for Afghan allies, which could recommend that some of the generous and efficient immigration measures taken for Ukrainians be extended to Afghans, too. For example, I advocate on behalf of a group of Hazara women who previously worked in the security sector. These women are forced to live in hiding and in fear in Afghanistan, and in incredibly challenging circumstances for those who have fled to neighboring countries. The act would provide a pathway for these women to apply for Special Immigrant Visas, a time-consuming process, but at least a path to protection and freedom.

Forcing Afghans like me through the deeply backlogged and inherently retraumatizing asylum process doesnt make sense. Re-parole for another two years, which USCIS has now made possible, is just a temporary stopgap measure and doesnt provide the stability my community needs. Congress must act now and pass the Afghan Adjustment Act to honor the United States commitment to Afghan allies who fought for freedom and democracy alongside thousands of U.S. troops.

Yalda Royan was assisted in sharing her story by her attorney, Lindsay M. Harris.
This story was produced in partnership with the Garrison Project, an independent, nonpartisan organization addressing the crisis of mass incarceration and policing.

On Sept. 1, a bill with the pithy title An Act Relating to State Preemption of and the Effect of Certain State or Federal Law on Certain Municipal and County Regulation will take effect in Texas. The bill signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in Junewas given a much zippier name by its opponents: Death Star, because it could obliterate whole swaths of city and county laws and regulations.

Basically, its the greatest transfer of power away from the public and into the hands of a few people in Austin that weve ever seen, said Texas state Rep. John Bryant. This handful of people that want to control our state do not want cities acting in their own interests. They do not want any city making policies that get in the way of their ideological and financial objectives. Maybe Bryant and other Death Star critics are rightbut well know how big the transfer of power truly is only after everyone figures out what the bill actually says and does, and only if it survives the legal challenges several of Texas biggest cities have already filed against it.

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The goal of Death Star is simple. The deeply conservative Texas Legislature wants to effectively deny citiesthe states large Democratic-leaning cities, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin in particularthe ability to pass local laws and regulations in eight major policy areas: agriculture, business and commerce, finance, insurance, labor, natural resource law, occupational law, and property law. And it does all this in a bill that is 10 single-spaced pages long, nearly one page of which is legislative findings, not actual law. Which is where the problems begin.

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Death Star does not aim to affirmatively lay out regulations at the state level; it simply attempts to thwart local regulations. Thus, the entirely of the provision that denies local governments the ability to regulate the insurance industry is just this: Unless expressly authorized by another statute, a municipality or county may not adopt, enforce, or maintain an ordinance, order, or rule regulating conduct in a field of regulation that is occupied by a provision of this code. An ordinance, order, or rule that violates this section is void, unenforceable, and inconsistent with this code. Thats it. It then repeats this language across all the various other fields, although in a few cases it adds an extra clause or two to identify specific subfields it really wants to make sure are preempted.

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Problematically, as the city of Houston points out in the lawsuit it filed last month challenging Death Star as violating the Texas Constitution, these provisions lack any clarity. The new law, for example, never defines what it means for state law to occup[y] a provision of this code outside of the few explicit provisions noted above, making it very hard for cities to know what regulations are at risk. Houston has argued that it is unconstitutionally vague and that the Texas Constitution and state Supreme Court decisions have made this sort of field preemptionin which the state does not replace local law with a state alternative but simply declares whole areas ineligible for local rule makingunconstitutional under Texas law. San Antonio joined the lawsuit late last month.

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The sweeping language of Death Star is likely seen more as a feature than a bug by the bills drafter, state Rep. Dustin Burrows, who all but brags that it is going to fall to the courts to decide what regulations are actually preempted. Importantly, the bill contains a provision that allows any individual or trade association to challenge any local regulation in courtand, if they prevail, requires the county or city to pay all the challengers costs and reasonable legal fees. Those who challenge a regulation and lose have to pay those costs only if the court finds the challenge frivolous, leaving the city to pay its own costs (though not those of the challenger) if it wins cases the courts see as non-frivolous. So, county and city governments assume financial risk if they attempt to defend a regulation and clarify Death Stars reach.

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Making local governments fear litigation costs is surely a goal of Death Stars drafters. Furthermore, targeting specific regulations in the bill one by one would have been costly and would almost surely have triggered interest-group squabbling over specifics (the bills surprisingly detailed focus on animal regulations suggests that this was a problem even here). And by delegating enforcement to private groups like the states abortion-ban bill, Death Stars litigation-based approach also farms the cost of enforcement out to private actors to sue rather than relying on the state to actand then forces local governments to pay when they lose.

The potential for chaos is evident. The city of Houston lawsuit quotes Burrows as pointing out that in the wake of a crisis like a hurricanewhen the speed and clarity of disaster response is of the essencecities would need to petition the courts to find out what sort of emergency regulations would be permissible under the Death Star law. Burrows added that they could not expect any clarity from the Texas Legislature, which meets for only a few months every other year as it is. And assuming that Death Star survives the direct legal challenges filed against it, it will take years of litigation to hammer out its exact contours, even outside the context of emergencies. Which lays bare the pretextual nature of the drafters claims that the law is necessary to smooth over a patchwork of local regulations stymying local business.

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Related From Slate Texas Latest Attack on the Biden Administration Is Coming Undone by a Technicality Read More

Death Star did not arise in a vacuum. Instead, its perhaps the most aggressive example to date of a push by Republican-dominated state governments to thwart policymaking they dislike in their states generally more Democratic cities. States have historically had a significant amount of power to overrule local decision making. The U.S. Supreme Court has clearly stated that the federal Constitution provides cities no protection from states, contrary to the way it shields states from federal intervention in certain areas.

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Over time, however, states saw a growing push for home rule lawssome, like Texas, now enshrined in state constitutionsthat undermined that presumption, and cities and counties gained more freedom to pass legislation absent explicit state laws to the contrary. The nature and strength of these rules vary from state to state and are actually fairly hard to pin down. And although states would periodically preempt local rules by passing overriding state laws, it was not traditionally seen as a pressing issue in state-level politics.

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The past decade or so, however, has seen the rise of what Columbia Law professor Richard Briffault has dubbed the new preemption, in which (generally speaking) Republican state legislatures have taken increasingly aggressive aim at local regulations across a wide range of issues. The causes for this new preemption are likely many: the dramatic shift in state-level control by Republicans across the country starting in 2010, which gave them substantially increasing power to override more-liberal cities. The ongoing Big Sort, which has seen a rise in geographic clustering by ideology (with urban areas becoming more Democratic and rural ones more Republican). A Republican Party that increasingly seems to see thwarting liberal goals as a policy goal in and of itself.

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What makes Death Star particularly noteworthy is not so much its aggressive attempts to preempt local rules as the sheer breadth of the effort. Tellingly, this is the second Death Star bill to be enacted in the past decade, but the narrow focus of the earlier billpassed in Michigan in 2015 and targeting only some local employment regulationsmakes that one look like a TIE fighter in comparison. Republican states have already been steadily eroding local autonomy all across the country, but they usually stick to one or two issues at a time (like the way Texas, among other states, curtailed cities ability to reduce police budgets in the wake of nationwide racial justice protests following the murder of George Floyd). If the Texas Legislature is successful hereor fails for very Texas lawspecific reasonswe should expect more Republican state legislatures to start passing sweeping bills like this.

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At least in Texas, however, cities have some hope of courts pushing back thanks to fairly strong home rule laws, which are rooted at least in part in the states historical distrust of strong government power. These home rule protections cannot hold off the state from chiseling away at local autonomy, but they may be enough to block all-encompassing bills like Death Star. And smaller efforts take more time and are politically costlier. But home rule protections vary widely across states, and cities in many places have far fewer protections than those in Texas.

In 2019, Burrows, Death Stars author, was caught on a surreptitious recording saying We hate cities and counties. That attitude is not unique to Texas Republicans, and even if Death Star does not survive legal challenges, it likely represents the start of a new chapter of even more sweeping, aggressive efforts by state Republican officials to roll back local rules in Democratic cities that they simply do not like.
On Thursday, Donald Trump will be arraigned in Fulton County, Georgia, on charges of racketeering, among others. Despite a Friday deadline to turn himself in to local authorities, Trumps former chief of staff Mark Meadows was still trying to avoid that same fate this week. Heres why his efforts to not face the music in Fulton County should ultimately fail.

On Tuesday, Meadows filed a motion in federal court in Atlanta to dismiss himself from the prosecution by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. With it, Meadows asked not to have to turn himself in to federal authorities. Meadows immunity claim is a precursor to the one Trump is sure to be making before long. This effort is also likely to fail.

Meadows argument turns on whether the overt acts he is charged with in the indictments alleged conspiracy were part of his official duties as chief of staff. Its safe to say he wont be producing a job description that includes trying to help the boss overturn his 2020 electoral defeat among his official duties.

Reports are that Meadows has cooperated, at least partially, with special counsel Jack Smith. Yet if he did so under an immunity grant, he obtained no global agreement to deal with potential state prosecutors charges, as would be typical.

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Indeed, theres some desperation showing in Meadows emergency motion Tuesday to have a federal judge intrude on ordinary state procedures. Meadows asked that the court order Fulton County authorities to refrain from arresting him if he chooses not to voluntarily appear for processing.

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Earlier this month, Meadows removed the Fulton County case against him to federal court. Former federal officers may do so when a state indicts them for actions that were within their official duties and they have a colorable defense under federal law. Meadows has now asserted federal immunity as such a defense. Willis will oppose Meadows claim to stay in federal court.

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Heres where it gets interesting. There are two different legal standards for the same issue, one for whether the case remains in federal court and the other for whether the federal defense may be raised at trial. As to the first, the standard is generous; it does not require that the former federal official have a meritorious federal defense, only that it be plausible.

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In other words, Meadows claim for keeping his case in federal court has an easier path to success than his claim that the defense is legally sound on the merits. Staying in federal court matters because Meadows or any defendant in Atlanta could land a more favorable jury pool. Moving the case would also delay the prosecution and divide the prosecution between two venues.

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Those same advantages are exactly why former acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey B. Clark has also removed his case, along with Georgia fake elector David Shafer. (Read Joyce Vance for more on the infirmities of the Clark effort.) Trump will likewise file for removal and has until Sept. 13 to do so. He will squeeze every last day of delay out of the 30 days allowed.

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As to Meadows removal, U.S. District Judge Steve Jones, appointed to the bench in 2011 by President Barack Obama, has set Aug. 28 for an evidentiary hearing. That early date is the sign of a judge who recognizes the need for speed in these cases.

Now that Meadows has sought to dismiss the prosecution based on his purported immunity, he has shone a light on its frailties. It could trip on either step of the two-part inquiry under federal law:

Whether he was acting within the outer perimeter of his duties as defined by federal statutory and regulatory law; and Whether in doing those acts, he did no more than what was necessary and proper to do.

A court must answer yes to both parts for the federal official to be immune.

Significantly, last year, in Thompson v. Trump, D.C. federal court Judge Amit Mehta rejected Trumps motion to dismiss, on the grounds that he was acting within his official duties, a civil suit against him for conspiring to overturn the election.

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In Meadows brief seeking dismissal, he cites these seven actions attributed to him in the Fulton County grand jury indictment:

On Nov. 20, 2020, he and Trump met with Michigan officials about Trumps claims of election fraud in their state. The following day, Meadows texted Pennsylvania Rep. Scott Perry to help arrange a meeting that Trump wanted with Pennsylvania legislators, and on Nov. 25, Meadows joined Trump in a meeting with them about holding a special session. In December 2020, Meadows met with White House staffer John McEntee to request a memo about a strategy for disrupting and delaying the joint session of Congress on January 6, 2021 relating to counting electors votes. On Dec. 22, 2020, Meadows attempted to and was prohibited from physically observing a nonpublic Georgia election audit. On Dec. 23, 2020, he arranged a phone call between Trump and the Georgia secretary of states chief investigator, Frances Watson, regarding purported ballot fraud in Fulton County. On Dec. 27, 2020, Meadows texted Watson about the potential for a quicker signature-verification process of the Fulton County election results if the [T]rump campaign assist[ed] financially. On Jan. 2, 2021, Meadows allegedly solicited (along with Trump) Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to violate his oath of office by altering the certified returns for presidential electors.

At the Nov. 20 meeting with Michigan legislators, according to the House Jan. 6 committee report, Trump encouraged them to overturn the Michigan vote based upon a litany of his false claims of ballot fraud. They immediately rebuffed Trumps entreaty. Biden won Michigan by more than 150,000 votes.

Notably, Meadows motion does not assert that Meadows joined that meeting without knowledge of Trumps plan to try to overturn the 2020 election. That omission is significant because Meadows has the initial burden of proving that he was acting within the scope of his official duties; if he knew the meetings purpose, as seems probable, any Meadows defense that he was there simply at the presidents request, without seeking to aid the presidents scheme, would be a hard sell. In any event, his state of knowledge will likely be a subject of a future evidentiary hearing.

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For now, the point is that after that meeting, there can be no question that the subsequent actions were made with knowledge of the scheme.

If Meadows did not seek legal advice from White House counsel Pat Cipollone as to whether to continue to follow the presidents directions by participating in the subsequent acts, Meadows failed in his responsibility to avoid involving himself in a plot outside the scope of his official duties.

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Meadows could not be performing the responsibilities of his office in knowingly following the directions of a president who was acting beyond his legal rights and duties.

Meadows is alleged to have actively engaged in multiple unlawful acts in Georgia that would not qualify for immunity. For example, in the infamous Jan. 2, 2021, recorded phone call with Raffensperger, it seems clear that Meadows did more than what was necessary and proper to fulfill his responsibilities. In that call, Meadows had this exchange with Ryan Germany, the general counsel to the secretary of state:

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Meadows: This is Mark. It sounds like weve got two different sides agreeing that  we can look at the two claims and mak[e] sure that we get the access to the secretary of states data to either validate or invalidate the claims that have been made. Is that correct? Germany: No, thats not what I said.  [T]his is wrong, this is wrong, this is wrong, this is wrong, this is wrong.

For her part, Willis has subpoenaed Raffensperger to testify during the crucial Aug. 28 evidentiary hearing, which shows just how crucially she views this episode in proving that Meadows was not acting as part of his official duties.

Its always possible that the Georgia federal court will find that Meadows acted properly within one or more of the seven acts alleged. But as to the majority of them, he was not within the outer perimeter of his official duties and did more than was necessary and proper.

Unless Meadows reaches some cooperative arrangement with Willis, the likelihood is high that he will be a defendant in a future trial in Georgia state court.
Tomorrows first GOP debate promises to be a strange one. The top contender for the nomination, four-times-indicted former president Donald Trump, will not be participating. Instead, his sit-down with Tucker Carlson will air at the same time, which you can watch on the platform formerly known as Twitter.

So who should we be keeping an eye on? Nitish Pahwa makes the case for closely tracking Vivek Ramswamy, the 38-year-old running with no political experience, but plenty of desire to emulate Trump. Well see how it plays out on the big stage, starting at 9 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday.

Boomer mentality

What do Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell have in common? Both were once well-respected lawyers. Both have now been indicted alongside Donald Trump in Georgia. And, as Ben Mathis-Lilley puts it, they are both members of the baby boom generation who exemplify its disproportionate willingness to read and share completely made-up things on the internet. Lets look back at how we got here.

Return of the space laser conspiracy

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In the aftermath of the devastating Maui fires that destroyed so much of the island, an old conspiracy theory is back. The space laser conspiracy theory holds, in various iterations, that some of the deadliest fires in recent history were ignited by a villainous shadow entitysometimes its the government; sometimes its elites, writes Molly Olmstead. She unpacks why so many people feel compelled by such a theory.

More to the story

Earlier this month, something weird happened in Marion, Kansas: the cops raided the newspaper offices of the Marion Record, and the home of the ownerand the very next day, the owner herself dropped dead. Dan Kois talked to her son to get the story behind the story.

Impending plane problems

People used to die in random plane crashes due to strange mechanical failures all the time back in the day (in the 1990s). Now, no one has died in a weird plane failing since 2009. Dan Kois (hes a man of many talents) takes a look at what used to be, and what we have coming for us.

Today, Slate is  * A BRICK AFICIONADO

And it sure takes a lot of energy to make a brick. Thats the wisdom coming from a builder reporter Henry Grabar spoke with about why stone housing is coming back.

Thanks so much for reading, and well see you tomorrow!
Can a state prohibit gay people from adopting children or stop immigrants from purchasing property? Under modern Supreme Court precedent, the answer to these questions is an emphatic no. Over the past week, however, federal judges appointed by Donald Trump have answered both questions yes, and without a hint of doubt or discomfort. To greenlight this wave of hate, Trump judges are ignoring more enlightened contemporary precedent, relying instead on old, repudiated decisions that upheld bigotry and oppression. By invoking these zombie precedents, Trumps judges are attempting to roll back decades of constitutional progress to create space for the Republican Partys ongoing pursuit of nativist and anti-LGBTQ state-level legislation. Only the Supreme Court can send these discredited pseudo-precedents back to their tomband it is unclear if they will bother to do so.

The award for most shocking and gratuitous revival of zombie precedent must go to Judge Barbara Lagoa, whose opinion in Mondays Eknes-Tucker v. Alabama constitutes a venomous ambush of the Souths LGBTQ+ community. Writing for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, Lagoa upheld Alabamas criminalization of gender-affirming care for transgender minors, joined in full by fellow Circuit Judge Andrew Brasher and District Judge J.P. Boulee, whos sitting on the case. (All three are Trump appointees.)

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There are several constitutional infirmities in Alabamas law, most of which Lagoa tried to circumvent by mechanically citing Dobbs to support the notion that trans health care cant be a fundamental right because it didnt exist in 1868. But that approach did not resolve a different problem: The Supreme Court has long held that parents do have a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children. As the lower court ruled in this case, Alabama infringed on that right by revoking parents ability to direct the medical care of their kids in accordance with medically accepted standards. This intrusion into parental authority is subject to strict scrutiny, which the law cannot survive because it is far broader than necessary to achieve its stated purpose of protecting children.

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To avoid Supreme Court precedent supporting parents rights, Lagoa turned to one of the most bigoted appellate decisions of the century so far: 2004s Lofton v. Secretary of Department of Children and Families. In Lofton, the 11th Circuit upheld a Florida law barring gay peoplewhom the court dubbed practicing homosexualsfrom adopting children. The Lofton court held that this ban, which has since been overturned, served the states overriding interest in placing children with a secure family environment, which gay people were less likely to provide. Homosexuals, the court continued, are unable to provide the stable and nurturing environment for the education and socialization of children that heterosexuals can. So Florida had legitimate cause to prevent gay people from shaping adoptive childrens psychology, character, and personality. The state also had rational reasons to conclude that gay parents could inhibit their childrens sexual development throughout pubescence and adolescence.

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Related From Slate Texas Republicans Cite Noahs Ark in Lawsuit Over States Right to Wage War With Mexico Read More

Lagoa cited Lofton four times in her opinion on Monday. She leaned heavily on the precedent to explain how the 11th Circuit had curtailed parents liberty interest to control the upbringing of their children, and to justify imposing minimal scrutiny on the Alabama ban. If the state can forbid LGBTQ+ people from adopting children in the first place, she suggested, it can surely bar parents from providing medical treatment to LGBTQ+ kids. The citation was gratuitous; Lagoa noted other precedents that give states leeway to take important decisions out of the hands of parents. She went out of her way to cite Lofton, again and again, to remind readers that it is still on the books, and, in her mind, still perfectly good law.

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Except that it isnt. The Supreme Court never reviewed Lofton. When it finally took up the question of LGBTQ+ parenting in 2013s U.S. v. Windsor, though, the court was unequivocal: The Constitution, it explained, protects both same-sex couples and their children; bars the government from telling such children that their parents marriage is less worthy than the marriages of others; and forbids any law that undermines the integrity and closeness of their own family. Two years later, in Obergefell v. Hodges, the court reiterated that gay people provide loving and nurturing homes to their children, and that same-sex marriage bans interfered with such childrens own right to the recognition, stability, and predictability of their parents marriage. Just in case it wasnt clear, the court announced two years later that states must grant same-sex couples the exact same parentage rights as opposite-sex couples.

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These decisions overruledor, in legal terms, abrogatedthe 11th Circuits own precedent in Lofton. They expressly rejected its central premise, its reasoning, and its holding. Lagoa acknowledged none of this. She declined to cite Windsor, Obergefell, or any other Supreme Court decisions that supersede and abrogate Lofton. Her message seemed to be that, under the 11th Circuits new hard-right majority, Lofton is good law again, whatever the Supreme Court may or may not have done in the 2010s. If thats true, it would mean that LGBTQ+ families who live within the circuits three states (Alabama, Florida, and Georgia) have no constitutional rights to speak of.

In recent days, the 11th Circuit hasnt been alone in outrageously ignoring inconvenient Supreme Court precedent protecting fundamental rights. Four days before the Eknes-Tucker ruling, Judge Allen Winsor sent a similar message to Chinese immigrants in Florida that their rights would not be protected, either. The Trump-appointed Winsor issued a much-anticipated decision regarding a new Florida law that bars Chinese citizens from purchasing property within the state unless they have lawful permanent residence (that is, a green card). Many immigrants who wish to buy a house dont have this status, including the plaintiffs here, three of whom hold visas and one of whom is seeking asylum. Under state law, they are now barred from homeownership. And everyone who buys property in Florida must now sign an affidavit attesting that they are not principals of China. A Chinese person who buys property in violation of the law faces five years imprisonment; anyone who sells property to a Chinese person in violation of the law faces one year in prison.

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There is only one plausible purpose of this law: to discriminate against Chinese immigrants on the basis of their citizenship and national origin. Winsor essentially acknowledged this factand upheld the law anyway, citing Supreme Court precedents from more than a century ago, when states sought to exclude Chinese and Japanese immigrants. The leading case on which Winsor relied was 1923s Terrace v. Thompson, which upheld a Washington state statute that barred noncitizens from buying, leasing, or even using land. The statute was a copy of Californias infamous Alien Land Law, a 1913 measure designed to stop Asian immigrants from emigrating to the state. That law was a descendant of the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, an infamous federal law that shut down immigration from China and imposed draconian burdens on Chinese people already present in the U.S.

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Winsors reasoning was simple: In the 100-year-old Terrace, the Supreme Court said states could discriminate against noncitizensspecifically, immigrants from Asiaby prohibiting them from buying property. Floridas law criminalizes the sale of property to noncitizen immigrants from China. Thus, Floridas law is constitutional under Terrace.

Except that it isnt, because the Supreme Court has repudiated every aspect of Terrace over the intervening century. Specifically, it has held that states, as a rule, may not discriminate against individuals on the basis of foreign citizenship or national origin, as the Constitution entitles both citizens and aliens to the equal protection of the laws of the state in which they reside. States may not deny noncitizens welfare, fishing licenses, law licenses, engineering licenses, financial aid for education, public employment, or even government positions like notary public. Nor may they deny noncitizens, including undocumented immigrants, access to public education. It is preposterous for Winsor to claim that Florida can deny noncitizens the ability to purchase property (which is a constitutional right) but not the ability to attend public school (which isnt). Not just preposterous, but borderline unbelievable: To read Winsors opinion in Floridas Chinese exclusion case is to ponder the long-term viability of a legal profession that would sink to such lows in service of barefaced white supremacy.

Faced with two conflicting lines of precedentone made up of recent decisions that protect individual liberty and equality, another made up of archaic decisions that exude unconstitutional animusjudges must make a choice. They can uphold the modern precedents that affirm everyones equal right to life, liberty, and property. Or they can revive the zombie precedents that entrench cruel, illogical hostility toward vulnerable minorities. Lagoa and Winsor took the second path. They appear to believe this Supreme Court will reward them for it. Whats scary is that its an open question whether they are correct.
When I first wrote about Vivek Ramaswamy back in early May, the youthful Republican candidate was still more a figure of intrigue than a viable contender for the presidency. Ron DeSantis, who hadnt officially joined the race, remained the biggest threat to Donald Trumps GOP dominance; the two Florida mens most prominent challengers were establishment has-beens jockeying for single-digit polling numbers (Nikki Haley, Chris Christie, etc.). Within this unholy sphere, Ramaswamy couldnt help but stand out. A clean-cut 38-year-old Indian American from the Midwest, a family man with oodles of interpersonal charm, a religious son of high-caste Hindu immigrants, a biotech entrepreneur and antisocial justice warrior with no prior experience in Washingtonwhat could be more refreshing for the GOP than all this? Simultaneously, Ramaswamy was making what seemed like a serious bid by bashing DeSantis and worshipping Trump, allowing MAGA types to glom on to his promise to advance a positive vision of America First nationalism. This earned Ramaswamy some notable traction, alongside bemused reactions from conservative observers. Trump liked him, as did Fox News. National Review writers were skeptical, as were DeSantis boosters. Still, in spite of the occasional viral moment, Ramaswamy remained mostly an unknown.

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Three months later, things are looking more auspicious for Ramaswamys candidacy. On the eve of the first 2024 GOP debatefor which Ramaswamy qualified even before Mike Pence didthis neophyte may even be in a stronger position than his much-better-known rivals. For one, DeSantis formerly hyped campaign has repelled many onetime supporters with a potent combination of personal awkwardness and Nazi memeage. Quite a few of those defectors are now embracing Ramaswamy.

Its so bad that DeSantis team is now explicitly recommending that the candidate take a sledgehammer to Ramaswamy at the debate by calling him names like Vivek the Fake. (Pedantic note: Vivek rhymes much more closely with ek, the Hindi word for one, than it does with the wider-vowel fake.) As my colleague Alexander Sammon astutely noted, Trumps multiple indictments this summer didnt harm Trumps or Ramaswamys pollinginstead, they seemed to clear the way for the latter to be perceived as an insurance policy for the die-hards: If Trump is somehow cowed into not running because hes in a prison cell or too hard up, only Ramaswamy can be trusted. There are plenty of polls showing Ramaswamy outpacing better-known challengers like Tim Scott, although Politicos Steven Shepard notes that Ramaswamy tends to do better in online polls than in more-traditional phone surveys. But even that could soon change: On Saturday, a hybrid phone-online poll from Emerson College found Ramaswamy tied with DeSantis for second, with the former gaining about as much support as the latter lost over the summer.

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Whether theyre a result of circumstantial luck or actual political savvy, Ramaswamys heightened profile and appeal are now undeniable, and political observers are catching on. Monday alone saw some hefty new journalistic profiles of Ramaswamy: from the Atlantic, a campaign-trail saga; from ABC News, a collection of anonymous anecdotes from erstwhile associates that accuse Ramaswamy of mere clout-chasing; from Forbes (which, back in 2014, had placed him on the 30 Under 30), an accounting of how Ramaswamy briefly became a billionaire earlier this year. With DeSantis in decline and Trump skipping the debate altogether, the other GOP candidates are homing in on Ramaswamy, likely parsing all these biographical details for debate attack fodder. As the Washington Post reported, Advisers to several candidates  said the [debate] stage is likely to serve as a venue to litigate the inconsistencies in Ramaswamys policy statements.

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Related From Slate I Have Never Seen a Worse Campaign and Candidate: What Campaign Flacks Think of DeSantis 2024 Read More

Those inconsistencies wont be hard to find. As even Fox News points out, Ramaswamy implied in early May that Trump would be a coward if he didnt show up to debate, but now he says its OK if Trump misses the first few Republican forums. Trump will be an unavoidable elephant in the room, but the other candidates will likely dig into Ramaswamys foreign policy, some aspects of which theyre adopting (namely, dispatching armed forces to battle Mexican drug cartels), others of which they firmly oppose (his Putin-favoring proposal for Russia-Ukraine peace, his desire to arm Taiwanese citizens against China only until the United States no longer depends on the democratic island for semiconductors). Haley is already laying into Ramaswamy for suggesting he would reduce American funds delegated to Israel. The fact that Ramaswamy has spent the past few months engaged in a lot of foreign policy briefings, as Semafor reported, doesnt seem to be helping him much.

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Maybe his stans dont give a fig about foreign policy. Even then, the most effective attacks against Ramaswamy will likely come from odder sources altogether, like his continuous 9/11 gaffes. Seriously: a BlazeTV interview in which he didnt exactly say no when the interviewer asked whether the attacks were an inside job, a follow-up Tucker Carlson interview where he attempted to clarify that he meant the 9/11 Commission lied, and then a bit from the aforementioned Atlantic profile where he declares, I think it is legitimate to say how many police, how many federal agents, were on the planes that hit the Twin Towers. Maybe the answer is zero. (After Ramaswamy told CNNs Kaitlan Collins on Monday that he had been misquoted, the Atlantic reporter released audio of the exchange, making it clear Ramaswamy had  not been misquoted.) His competitors will perhaps also find it legitimate to ask why Ramaswamy harps on this kind of thing.

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There are still more bizarre lines on his resume, like Bloombergs recent report on how employees from the anti-woke hedge fund he co-founded in 2022 have sued him for misrepresent[ing] the companys finances to employees and investors, aggressively pushing employees to violate securities law, and retaliating against a worker for raising concerns about sexual harassment at the firm. Going back even further, consider his biotech startup Roivant, which only ever produced a handful of approved commercial drugs despite fundraising billions of dollars over a yearslong period. Or his repurposing of Trumpian branding to the extent that his all-caps, block-lettered TRUTH logo closely resembles that of Trumps own Truth Social network. Or his critiques of the Hunter Biden probe juxtaposed with his purported willingness to pardon Hunter should Ramaswamy take the White House (what is the position here, honestly?). Or his quippy description of himself as a nonwhite nationalist. Or his campaigns frequent habit of paying Wikipedia editors to remove certain details from his page. Or the whispers from past associates that this run is all a publicity charade (Its clear that hes been wanting to be famous for a long time).

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Vivek Ramaswamy has gotten remarkably far in his long-shot race, and his well-spoken (if obfuscatory and verbose) rhetorical style will serve him well in Wednesdays debateat which hell take a center-stage position, right next to DeSantis. But for Ramaswamys campaign to really take off, he wont just have to fend off attack-ready, amply experienced politicians; hell also have to exercise caution over what he himself says. (Basil Fawlty voice: Dont mention 9/11!) Considering how much he styles himself after the famously unfiltered Donald Trump, Ramaswamy likely wont be able to keep from opening his mouth. The real question, in this Republican contest, is if such absurdity will hurt him or help him.
This article is adapted from Oversharing, a newsletter about the sharing economy.

You may have heard that Lyft wants to kill surge pricing.

Prime Time, also called surge pricing by Uber, is where you basically dont have enough driver supply, so you have to price it high so it can send more drivers out there and also sort of suppress demand, Lyft CEO David Risher said on the companys most recent earnings call. Thats a bad form of price raising. Its a particularly bad form because riders hate it with a fiery passion. And so were trying to really get rid of it.

Surge pricing is widely associated with Lyft and even more so with its rival Uber, which will hail you a ride, but not always at a price you like. Uber didnt create dynamic pricing, the term for changing prices with demandairlines had been doing it for yearsbut it raised the practices profile significantly by making it so visible. In the early days, Uber made surge a signature feature of its digital taxi platform. The app highlighted any given moments fare surge with electric-blue price multipliers you had to agree to before booking. The company defended the model loudly. Uber co-founder and then-CEO Travis Kalanick spent lots of time on Twitter and in the press explaining to the haters why surge was good for them as well as for Uber. Here he is in 2014 in the Wall Street Journal:

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WSJ: What do you say to customers who are unhappy about surge pricing? Mr. Kalanick: We make sure people see it and understand it before they accept. If they accepted it and then theyre upset that they accepted it, I think thats just people getting used to dynamic pricing in transportation. If youre going and buying a hotel room, you know that prices can change. You know that if you dont buy it now, the price could go down or it could go up. You know that if you buy a flight on the day before Christmas, its probably 10 times more expensive than two weeks after Christmas. Youre OK with that and you understand it. But in ground transportation, theres been fixed pricing for 100 years. Because of that, theres an education process.

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@ProfJeffJarvis everyone's treated the same with surge pricing .. Even you.. More cars come out, more rides, Fewer ppl stranded /@Uber_NYC  travis kalanick (@travisk) December 12, 2013

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Ubers surge pricing turned out to be an excellent litmus test of your worldview. Some saw it as Econ 101: Demand rises and so do prices. Others viewed it as everything wrong with capitalism, proof that companies would use any means to extract the highest possible price. In the beginning, surge raised a lot of eyebrows. Customers routinely shared horror stories of $100 fares after concerts or on New Years Eve. Regulators took note after several big surges occurred during extreme weather, leading Uber to agree to put a cap on surge during declared emergencies so as not to be accused of price gouging.

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But just as people got used to calling a cab from their phone, they also adjusted to surge pricing as the new normal. The horror stories quieted down. Ubers explanation that surge helped to bring supply in line with demand became generally accepted wisdom. Even Lyft, which kept fares flat for the first few years, launched its own version of surge, called Prime Time, in late 2013. Always the nice guy to Ubers villain, Lyft emphasized that it capped Prime Time at 3x (or 200 percent)capitalism gone mild, not wild. But in 2016 it quietly eliminated the policy.

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The most significant change to surge wasnt any of this, though. It was the shift, led by Uber and followed by Lyft, from visible to invisible surge, or what Uber rebranded as upfront pricing. Upfront fares, or upfront pricing, is the term ride-hailing companies use to describe how they show you the total price of your ride before you book. This is different from the original surge era, when surge appeared as a multiplier but the final sum was revealed only at the end of the trip. Uber frames upfront fares as simpler for riders: The price you see is the price you get. But in many ways, upfront fares are anything but. The pricing is still dynamic, but it no longer offers you any context. Instead of being told that demand is high and your fare will be too, you now have no sense of what a normal or high fare even is. You simply get a price from the algorithm and have to decide if its one youre willing to pay.

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Willingness to pay is the operative phrase, because thats what upfront pricing is designed for. In 2017 Bloomberg reported that Uber was employing machine learning to calculate fares not only based on time and distance but also using what it knew or assumed about the rider. As thenproduct head Daniel Graf explained to Bloomberg, a rider traveling from one wealthy neighborhood to another might be shown a higher price than someone heading to a poorer part of town, even if all other factors were the same.

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Related From Slate Why Lyft Is Running From Bicycles Read More

In econ terms, this is known as price discriminationselling the same product at different prices to different buyers in order to maximize sales or profits. Both Uber and Lyft do it. In the past year, both companies have also rolled out price-discriminated upfront pay to drivers. University of California, Irvine, School of Law professor Veena Dubal has an excellent paper on algorithmic wage discrimination in which she argues that such pay practices allow firms to personalize and differentiate wages for workers in ways unknown to them, paying them to behave in ways that the firm desires, and that this personalized wage is determined through an obscure, complex system that makes it nearly impossible for workers to predict or understand their constantly changing, and frequently declining, compensation.

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The dominant ride-hailing pricing model now is this: Companies like Uber and Lyft charge one price to the rider, based on what they think that rider might pay, and offer another rate to the driver, based on what they think that driver might accept. Then they pocket the difference. The benefits to the platform are obvious. In the old world of pricing, Uber and Lyft promised drivers a fixed cut of the fare. Changing that rate would invariably spur protests and outrage, no matter how much Uber assured drivers that cutting fares would help them earn more. Upfront pricing decoupled what the rider pays from what the driver earns. The companies no longer have to pay a certain share or explain themselves when that share changes. The wider the gap between the upfront fare and upfront pay, the more the company earns.

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Im telling you all this to make the point that when Lyfts CEO says the company wants to get rid of surge pricing, it doesnt mean anything, because surge as we know it has lost all meaning. In the most recent quarter, Risher said, the share of Lyft rides affected by Prime Time decreased 35 percent from the previous quarter. Its good for our riders, and its good for our overall market, he said. Thats a great sound bite, but it doesnt mean much when price discrimination is the starting point. Uber has also highlighted easing levels of surge pricing, which, again, sounds greatuntil you consider the backdrop of upfront pricing and a 40-plus-percent increase in average fares over three years.

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Upfront pricing is one of the few things that make me nostalgic for the Travis Kalanick era. It was refreshing, in a way, for a company to be unabashedly honest about what it was doing, the way Kalanick was about surge pricing. Customers might have hated those big blue multipliers, but they gave you the information you needed about what was actually going on. Upfront pricing might seem more palatable, but in reality its a black box with a charming coat of paint. Of course Risher wants to phase out surge: Customers never liked it, and Uber and Lyft moved on a long time ago.
Ask any small business owner and nine times out of ten youll hear, If you want something done right, youll have to do it yourself.

This is an accepted mantra among many, and at times, its true. When you have a lean staff and limited resources and talent, sometimes you just have to roll up your sleeves and put your shoulder to the grindstone.

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The problem is, you can only do this for so long until burnout sets in. Ive said it before, if your business is going to succeed and your family and personal life is going to thrive, you have to find a way to make space and decompress. Lets be practical. Its time you took an extra day off. Lucky for you, Labor Day is just around the corner. So its the perfect time to explore five ways to enjoy Labor Day while automation works for you.

But wait a minute. You cant afford to let a customer fall through the cracks. You cant miss an opportunity with a potential client whos ready to buy. Even though youre taking a day off, your business cant. You have to nurture your sales process even during the holidays, and tending to those needs while playing Marco Polo in the pool doesnt seem like an option.

And even if you do take that extra day, chances are youll be tempted to keep checking your email to ensure customers are well tended to. But that doesnt make for a relaxing time. Ive been there, and done that. Early on when I was just starting Infusionsoft, I had to force myself to go on that extended weekend. I confess, I wasnt much fun to be around considering how distracted I was. Truly checking out is tough at first, but you get better with practice.

Thats why Im a big proponent of working smarter, not harder. If you work smart, you can take those occasional extra days off.

Small Business Deals

Benefits of Automation for Small Businesses

Automation has proven to be a game-changer for businesses of all sizes, and small business owners are among the beneficiaries of these advances. Integrating automation into various processes can revolutionize the way a small business operates, leading to improved efficiency, consistency, and scalability.

Efficiency : Automation tools can handle repetitive tasks more rapidly than humans, which means that tasks like data entry, inventory management, and invoicing can be completed more quickly and without the need for constant human intervention. This not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of human error, which can lead to costly mistakes.

: Automation tools can handle repetitive tasks more rapidly than humans, which means that tasks like data entry, inventory management, and invoicing can be completed more quickly and without the need for constant human intervention. This not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of human error, which can lead to costly mistakes. Consistency : Small business owners often juggle multiple roles, from marketing to finance to operations. With automation, they can ensure that specific tasks are performed consistently every time. For instance, automated email marketing campaigns can ensure that every subscriber receives the same high-quality content at the scheduled time, enhancing brand image and trustworthiness.

: Small business owners often juggle multiple roles, from marketing to finance to operations. With automation, they can ensure that specific tasks are performed consistently every time. For instance, automated email marketing campaigns can ensure that every subscriber receives the same high-quality content at the scheduled time, enhancing brand image and trustworthiness. Scalability : As a business grows, so does the complexity of its operations. Manual processes that worked for a company when it was just starting out might not be feasible as it expands. Automation facilitates growth by allowing businesses to handle a larger volume of tasks without a proportionate increase in manpower or resources.

: As a business grows, so does the complexity of its operations. Manual processes that worked for a company when it was just starting out might not be feasible as it expands. Automation facilitates growth by allowing businesses to handle a larger volume of tasks without a proportionate increase in manpower or resources. Cost Savings : Over time, automating repetitive tasks can lead to significant savings. While there might be an initial investment in setting up the automation system, the long-term savings in terms of reduced man-hours and fewer errors can quickly offset these costs.

: Over time, automating repetitive tasks can lead to significant savings. While there might be an initial investment in setting up the automation system, the long-term savings in terms of reduced man-hours and fewer errors can quickly offset these costs. Enhanced Customer Experience : Automation can also enhance the customer experience. Automated customer service tools, for example, can provide instant responses to common queries, ensuring that customers feel heard and valued even outside of regular business hours.

: Automation can also enhance the customer experience. Automated customer service tools, for example, can provide instant responses to common queries, ensuring that customers feel heard and valued even outside of regular business hours. Flexibility: With automated systems in place, small business owners can focus on more strategic aspects of their business. They have the flexibility to divert resources to areas that need more attention, such as product development or market research.

Essentially, automation offers small business owners a pathway to harness technology for better business outcomes. As businesses continue to evolve in an increasingly digital landscape, those who embrace automation will likely find themselves better positioned to compete and thrive.

Types of Automation Tools That Small Business Owners Should Know

In todays digital era, a myriad of automation tools are available for small businesses, each catering to specific needs and functional areas. These tools empower businesses to streamline operations, engage with customers more effectively, and maximize overall efficiency.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems : These are platforms designed to manage a companys interactions with current and potential customers. CRM systems can automate sales processes, manage customer data, and track customer interactions, thus improving the relationship and boosting sales.

: These are platforms designed to manage a companys interactions with current and potential customers. CRM systems can automate sales processes, manage customer data, and track customer interactions, thus improving the relationship and boosting sales. Marketing Automation Tools : These are designed to automate repetitive marketing tasks such as sending emails, posting on social media, or managing leads. Such tools help businesses maintain a consistent online presence, engage with potential customers, and nurture leads through the sales funnel.

: These are designed to automate repetitive marketing tasks such as sending emails, posting on social media, or managing leads. Such tools help businesses maintain a consistent online presence, engage with potential customers, and nurture leads through the sales funnel. Accounting and Finance Software : These tools handle financial tasks like invoicing, payroll, and expense tracking. By automating these processes, businesses can ensure accuracy and timeliness in their financial operations.

: These tools handle financial tasks like invoicing, payroll, and expense tracking. By automating these processes, businesses can ensure accuracy and timeliness in their financial operations. E-commerce Platforms : For businesses that sell online, e-commerce platforms automate the entire sales process, from product listing to order processing to shipping.

: For businesses that sell online, e-commerce platforms automate the entire sales process, from product listing to order processing to shipping. Inventory Management Systems : These are critical for businesses that deal with physical products. They help in tracking stock levels, automating reordering processes, and providing insights into inventory turnover.

: These are critical for businesses that deal with physical products. They help in tracking stock levels, automating reordering processes, and providing insights into inventory turnover. Chatbots and Customer Service Tools : These are designed to offer immediate responses to customer inquiries, either guiding them through common issues or directing them to human representatives when necessary.

: These are designed to offer immediate responses to customer inquiries, either guiding them through common issues or directing them to human representatives when necessary. Project Management and Collaboration Tools: Such tools allow teams to coordinate tasks, manage projects, and communicate effectively, all within a centralized platform.

The range of automation tools available to small businesses is vast and varied. By selecting the right mix of tools tailored to their specific needs, small businesses can maximize productivity, reduce operational costs, and ensure a seamless experience for both their teams and their customers.

Type of Automation Tool Primary Function Key Benefits CRM Systems Manage interactions with current and potential customers. - Automate sales processes

- Manage customer data

- Track interactions

- Boost sales Marketing Automation Tools Automate repetitive marketing tasks such as emails, social media posts, and lead management. - Maintain consistent online presence

- Engage potential customers

- Nurture leads through sales funnel Accounting and Finance Software Handle financial tasks including invoicing, payroll, and expense tracking. - Ensure financial accuracy

- Streamline financial processes

- Simplify expense management E-commerce Platforms Automate the entire online sales process from product listing to order processing to shipping. - Streamlined sales operations

- Integration with payment gateways

- Easy product management and order fulfillment Inventory Management Systems Track stock levels, automate reordering, and provide inventory insights. - Avoid stock-outs or overstocking

- Gain insights into inventory turnover

- Improve supply chain efficiency Chatbots and Customer Service Tools Offer immediate responses to customer inquiries and provide customer service assistance. - 24/7 customer support

- Direct users to relevant resources or human reps

- Enhance user experience by providing timely responses Project Management & Collaboration Coordinate tasks, manage projects, and enable team communication within a centralized platform. - Enhance team collaboration

- Track project progress

- Manage tasks and deadlines efficiently

5 Ways to Enjoy Labor Day While Automation Works for Your Business

Here are five ways you can implement business automation and automate everyday tasks and personalize communication for each customers need so that you can have enough peace of mind to put your smartphone down and enjoy some well-deserved downtime this Labor Day.

Delegate Everyday Tasks

As your business grows, youll realize you cant keep up with all the daily tasks on your plate. Now is the time to start thinking smarter about your business.

Even though Im a software CEO, there are some things that even a powerful piece of software cant do. Thats why we hire good people and partners, right?

The first important step to making space in your life is to delegate work to others. This can be a scary step at first, but believe me, youll be better off for it, and so will your staff. Not only will you make space for that decompression time, it will give your team a boost of confidence and a stronger sense of ownership of their role in the business.

But how do you decide what tasks are best to delegate? Ask yourself this simple question: what are the couple things that only I am qualified to do? Once you answer that question, the rest falls into place. The reality is that most daily tasks can be done by others so that youre able to focus your energies on what you do best, like company strategy and planning.

The good news is that much of these daily activities can be automated through software, and the following four points are great examples of this. Think of it this way, business automation can be action item number one for those you delegate to.

Meet the Customer at the Door (Digitally, That Is)

In the digital world, the customer journey can be a bit of a mystery. In a brick and mortar store, a shop owner or manager can walk up to a customer, look them in the eye, shake their hand and ask, How can I help you today? At first glance, it seems as though digital e-commerce would be much more complex than that. But it doesnt have to be.

In fact, with the right tools, you have an even better opportunity to walk with the customer through every aspect of the buying process  as long as you set up your website the right way.

Your website is your store and your homepage and landing pages are entrances  where youll meet your customer at the door. You want to be clear. You want to be inviting. And you want to entice them to learn more.

When a landing page is built well, you can collect customer information through opt-in forms by offering desirable content and offers. By tracking these customer opt-ins youll have a sense for your customers interests, which will inform how you personalize following up and future offers. As the customer shows interest, the goal is to meet that curiosity with helpful content and walk the customer through the buying journey. Once youve earned a customer, your aim is to continue wowing them by anticipating their needs.

Nurture the Sales Process

Offer free and helpful content to a potential customer. For example, if youre in the tech sphere, this could be something like an informative white paper or a free webinar on tech trends. Your knowledge of a particular subject builds trust and confidence in the mind of your future customer. And once trust is built, theyre much more likely to become a buyer.

As the customer shows interest in products or product add-on features, youre able to track their interest level and communicate appropriately to their needs through personalized, automated follow up. A marketing automation platform (like the one weve built at Infusionsoft) will allow you to create intelligent campaigns that can automatically send emails, texts, voice broadcasts, and direct mail in response to the actions of your prospects and customers.

Those new to the world of marketing automation and CRM may struggle at first with the idea of automating these processes. What once seemed like more direct communication with customers has now become triggered responses. Isnt this cold and impersonal? Not at all. Remember, your customer found your site online so theyre not going to be turned off by an auto response  and if you do it right, they wont even know.

Personalized, Automated Follow-up

Have you ever received really good, personalized customer care? I definitely have, and it makes all the difference. Theres nothing, for instance, like having a restaurant owner remember your name, shake your hand and make menu suggestions based on what you enjoyed last time. You can do this by personalizing your automated emails. Making it personal and meeting the customer where theyre at goes a long way and shows that youre thinking about them, not just spamming them with schlocky sales junk mail.

This is why we built Infusionsoft. We solve this by allowing our customers to create a large email list, segment that list, and create campaigns that send out automated emails for pretty much anything. For example, if a customer fills out a form requesting information on your product and pricing, a good marketing automation platform will send a personalized response with the information your prospect is looking for  all while youre sipping iced tea by the pool.

Score Your Leads

If you were a shop owner and a repeat customer who you knew by name kept perusing a particular isle, chances are, they are close to a purchase that you should be prepared to follow up on. The same is true of digital behavior. When you can track whether a lead is opening emails and what content they are consuming on your website, youll be that much more informed of their interest so you can strategize your next communication to them and maybe even close on a sale.

With the right CRM tool, youre able to easily, efficiently and automatically score your leads based on the content and pages they view on your website. When you or your sales team log in, you can see who your hottest leads are and where you should be spending your energy. This saves you a lot of time, and when you get back in the office after your well-deserved downtime, youll know exactly which leads to spend your time and energy on.

Conclusion

Running a small business is demanding. I know because Ive been there. Early on, I realized my family needed to get away with me for an extended weekend. But I felt like the business would fall apart if I did. It was a tough disconnect, and I was distracted while we were away. The good thing is, it pushed me to automate a whole lot of processes so I was better prepared the next time I went out of town.

You can bet that our vacation the next year was a heck of a lot better for me and my family.

Nows the time to work smarter and harness the power of business automation. Once you invest the time to put these practical suggestions into action, the software does the work for you so you dont have to think about it while youre away. You deserve some time off. So do it. Take that extra day off.

Its going to be okay, and your business will not burn to the ground while youre gone.
Holiday sales continue to rise year after year. Unfortunately, as youre probably already aware, this rich retail environment results in a lot of white noise when it comes to holiday promotions. With what seems like every other business out there running splashy ads in magazines and on every TV channel, it can be difficult to see where and how youll stand out if you dont have a big budget.

Fortunately, there are other options to explore that dont have to bust your holiday marketing budget. Social media gives companies of any size and budget access to millions of people through both paid and organic advertising. Heres your guide to creating a holiday social media strategy that gets results.

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Importance of Having a Holiday Social Media Strategy

The holiday season is synonymous with heightened consumer activity. For many businesses, this period can account for a substantial portion of their annual sales. As social media continues to play an increasingly pivotal role in influencing consumer decisions, having a dedicated holiday social media strategy is not just beneficial; its essential. Such a strategy ensures that businesses remain top-of-mind for consumers, capture a significant share of holiday spending, and foster brand loyalty.

A holiday-specific social media strategy enables businesses to:

Engage with a Captive Audience: The festive season sees consumers actively seeking gift ideas, deals, and holiday-specific products. A timely and appealing social media campaign can capture this heightened interest and drive traffic and sales. Differentiate from Competitors: A unique and compelling social media strategy can set a business apart from its competitors. In a season flooded with promotions and advertisements, standing out is crucial. Promote Special Offers: The holidays are when businesses roll out some of their most enticing deals. Social media provides a direct and effective channel to publicize these offers and attract potential customers. Build Brand Loyalty: Engaging content, coupled with responsive customer service on social media platforms, can enhance the customer experience. A positive interaction during the holiday season can foster long-term brand loyalty. Increase Brand Visibility: The viral nature of social media means that popular content can quickly reach a vast audience. Encouraging shares, likes, and comments can exponentially increase a brands visibility during this peak shopping period. Gather Consumer Insights: The interactions and feedback on social media platforms can provide valuable insights into consumer preferences, helping businesses refine their offerings and strategies.

In conclusion, as the lines between social media and commerce continue to blur, its imperative for businesses to harness the power of these platforms, especially during the holiday season. A well-executed holiday social media strategy not only ensures immediate sales boosts but also sets the stage for sustained engagement and loyalty throughout the upcoming year.

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How to Craft Your Holiday Social Media Strategy

If you want to build the kind of buzz that leads to sales this holiday season, here are essential elements your holiday social media strategy must have.

Choose the Best Platforms

In order to avoid having your company become a social media holiday horror story, be choosy about which social media platforms youll use. Dont try to be on so many platforms and post so often that you tax your staff and resources beyond their abilities.

Unfortunately, being too busy and multitasking on social media can lead to abandoned feeds or, even worse, nightmare stories of mistakes gone viral. Instead, focus on the platforms where your paying customers are most likely to be, and be consistent about how youll engage them on these networks.

Create Social Media Only Promotions

One way to increase engagement over the holiday season when crafting your holiday social media strategy is to offer special deals only to those who follow you on social media. The likelihood is high that people will share these deals with their friends and family by sharing and retweeting, leading to additional followers and brand exposure.

Whether its free gift wrapping in your store or a special discount on an online purchase, use social media based promotions to your benefit.

Advertise Free Shipping

Go straight to your customers to find out what they want most. According to one recent survey, 46.7% of consumers said free shipping or other shipping promotions are important factors in their decision of where to shop. And since consumers plan to spend 46% of their shopping dollars online this holiday season, this is an important consideration.

If youre able to offer free shipping without destroying your profit margins, make sure your social promotions mention this perk, or offer special free shipping coupon codes to your social media followers alone.

Use Giveaways to Build Your Email List

Because people interact with businesses so much more frequently during the holidays, its a great time to use social media to run a list-building giveaway. People are always interested in freebies and deals, but that interest reaches a fever pitch in November and December. And you can harness this to build a list that youll be able to leverage into the new year.

You can take advantage of this when crafting your holiday social media strategy by doing a drawing, creating an online game, or awarding something to followers who share a specific promotion with their family and friends on social media. Just be sure youre aware of the social media platforms Terms of Service, as well as any local rules and restrictions, surrounding contests. The last thing you want is for your holiday giveaway to be shut down after running afoul of local laws.

Use Pictures and Video

All social media platforms, even Twitter, report higher user engagement when pictures are a part of the post thats shared. To take advantage of this interest, find or create pictures and videos that share specific deals, or simply post pictures that give a behind-the-scenes look at your store during the holidays.

Creative companies even use pictures and video to create social media games  anything from a scavenger hunt to an animated challenge  to engage customers and drive additional sharing of their content. Even if you dont have the resources to create a JibJab-like experience (in 2007, the companys Elf Yourself campaign generated 193 million website visitors for OfficeMax), you can still use pictures and videos on a smaller scale to pique your customers interest.

Personalize the Customer Experience

Customers love a personalized shopping experience. When crafting your holiday social media strategy, take advantage of the data available on social media, from your followers location to their ages and interests, to personalize their experience accordingly.

For example, use the targeting features of Facebook ads to reach a very specific demographic with your message. You can also refer to you customer by their online name in comment replies and keep up a dedicated customer service presence on social media. Essentially, the idea is to find ways to wow your customers during the holidays to drive repeat business during the rest of the year.

Provide Great Customer Service on Social Media

No sales funnel is complete without the amazing customer service needed to drive repeat business and referrals after the holidays. Just dont think that youre limited to launching promotions and facilitating customer interactions on social media. Many companies, including JetBlue and Nike, rock at customer service across Twitter and beyond.

However you reach your customers, its crucial that you know how to respond quickly to questions and complaints, and how and when to direct an unhappy customer off social and into a phone call or email conversation. Dont stop at tracking mentions of your company. Track keywords and hashtags as well to find opportunities to respond to even more customers.

I know youve already got a lot on your plate, but a holiday social media strategy helps ensure you dont miss out on the billions of dollars that will be spent online this holiday season. By incorporating these seven must-haves into your business holiday social media strategy, youll be well on your way to holiday sales success.

Components of a Holiday Social Media Strategy Description Choose the Best Platforms Select specific social media platforms to prioritize, focusing on those where your customers are most active. Being overly ambitious can lead to stretched resources and potentially damaging mistakes. It's vital to maintain consistency in engagement across chosen platforms, ensuring quality over quantity. Create Social Media Only Promotions Generate increased interest by offering exclusive deals and promotions only available to your social media followers. Such exclusivity encourages users to share these deals, leading to enhanced brand visibility and potentially more followers. Advertise Free Shipping Understand what your customers value the most. Many consumers are influenced by shipping promotions. By highlighting free shipping offers, especially to online shoppers, you can significantly increase your sales. Exclusive shipping discount codes for social media followers can also be a powerful incentive. Use Giveaways to Build Your Email List The holidays present an opportune moment to expand your email database. Leverage the increased engagement by introducing giveaways, online games, or rewards for sharing specific promotions. However, always ensure compliance with platform-specific guidelines and local regulations when running these campaigns. Use Pictures and Video Visual content consistently shows higher engagement across all social media platforms. Share engaging photos and videos showcasing special deals, or provide a behind-the-scenes view of your operations during the holiday season. Creative games or challenges using visual elements can further enhance customer participation and content sharing. Personalize the Customer Experience Craft a tailored shopping experience for your customers. Utilize the vast amounts of data available on social media, such as demographic information, to deliver personalized content. Techniques can range from using targeted ads on platforms like Facebook to directly addressing customers by their online usernames. The goal is to captivate your audience and ensure they return even after the holiday season. Provide Great Customer Service on Social Media Extend your excellent customer service practices to social media. Companies can significantly benefit from actively addressing concerns, questions, and feedback on platforms like Twitter. It's imperative to respond promptly and know when to transition a conversation from public view to a more private channel. Monitoring not just mentions of your brand but also related keywords and hashtags can unearth additional opportunities to interact with customers.

Whats the most vital part of your holiday social media strategy?
ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian government and the United Nations reiterated their joint commitment to intensifying efforts for the immediate resumption of humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities in Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian government and the UN Country Team in Ethiopia, in a joint statement issued late Tuesday, said they are determined to deepen their partnership.

"We will continue working for inclusive and sustainable development in Ethiopia. We reiterated our commitment to intensify our joint efforts for the immediate resumption of humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities," the joint statement read.

In June, the UN World Food Program decided to suspend its food aid assistance program in Ethiopia, citing large-scale aid misappropriation.

The UN agency estimates that more than 20 million people in Ethiopia affected by ongoing drought and conflict urgently need humanitarian food assistance.

It said food diversion is absolutely unacceptable and that it welcomes the Ethiopian government's commitment to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the misappropriation of food aid.

The joint statement came after Ethiopian officials' "productive deliberations" with the UN Country Team, including incoming UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Country Representative Michael Saad. 
Taking your small business global sounds like a huge undertaking. However, even small businesses can realize the benefits of selling in international markets. This type of expansion can help you increase profits, build sustainable operations, and increase your brand recognition around the globe. To do this, you have to take into account what goes into international marketing.

Expanding internationally isnt right for every business. Its important to carefully consider the pros and cons before jumping in. And then you need to learn the steps involved before you dedicate all of your efforts toward managing trade relationships and foreign marketing. If you decide that going global is right for your small business, finding the right tools and guidance is a must. This can help you maximize your international marketing and multinational strategy.

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If youre ready to learn how to take your business global, here are some extra tips to help you make the leap into international markets.

Taking Your Small Business Global

1. Consider the Benefits

There are plenty of reasons to expand your business into global markets. It can get your product in front of new types of customers. It can lead to a sense of accomplishment. You can be forced to learn about new cultures and worldwide consumers. Still, the biggest reason for most businesses is that global expansion can lead to a major increase in profitability.

Before jumping in and creating an international trade strategy, consider your goals for this expansion. If the benefits above arent relevant to your business, global marketing may not be right for you. But if you are interested in growing internationally, having a clearly outlined goal can help you stay focused throughout the initiative.

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2. Only Expand if Youre Comfortable

Unfortunately, a desire to increase profits isnt enough to find success in an international market. Your business also needs to be poised to grow in this manner. If youre successful in your current business and have a solid domestic marketing plan, youll be better equipped to expand. If youre already stressed about delivering your products and services to customers stateside, then you should work on improving those processes before thinking about taking them to a foreign market.

Laurel Delaney, founder of GlobeTrade explains in an interview with Small Business Trends, You have to be able to service your customers needs domestically. If you dont have all your ducks in a row with your products or services when you go to export, it is highly unlikely that youll be successful.

3. Be Able to Fill Large Orders

When it comes to international trade, it makes the most financial sense to ship large amounts of goods together. Fulfilling small ecommerce orders internationally may be fine for small retailers. However, if you want to break into a new foreign market in a big way, you should have the bandwidth to fill large orders. If you cant do this when selling to your domestic market, work on that first before expanding.

Basically, before deciding to expand, your business should be able to produce large volumes of items fairly quickly and easily. You also need to be able to manage order fulfillment efficiently, either on your own or through outsourcing.

4. Start Slow

Taking your business global doesnt mean you have to jump right into a fully global market. According to Delaney, it makes more sense for most small businesses to choose one country or international market to focus on first. Then you can eventually grow from there.

This allows you to really shore up your processes and make sure you can handle the extra workload before expanding further. Additionally, international marketing can vary dramatically from country to country. As a result, expanding intentionally one country at a time allows you to make marketing decisions that are targeted to customers in a specific country.

5. Find a Market for Your Product

To choose your first international market, do some research to find what countries have a strong interest in your product or offering. Look at other businesses in your niche and determine which markets have a strong interest without being oversaturated.

For example, you might find a country that generally has an interest in American products but doesnt have much of your specific offering. Then you can create a marketing strategy centered around their interest in U.S. goods. And you can position your items against others in their market to make them really stand out.

6. Utilize Trade Shows

Trade shows can be a great resource for both learning about global markets and meeting people who can help you expand. They allow you to confer with your target market, network with international marketers, and even consider joint ventures with other small businesses.

Marc Schulman used this technique to take his business, Elis Cheesecake Company, into global markets. He says in an interview with Small Business Trends, If youre in the early stages of running a business, you can walk the trade show and just talk to people and learn. And then once you grow, you can be an exhibitor and that gives you the opportunity to meet people like agents and importers who can help get your products into those markets.

7. Do Your Homework Online

As with most types of research, looking online can be an easy first step in finding new international markets for your products. Even a simple Google search can lead you to information about exporting your particular product and point you in the right direction of industry resources.

Start by looking into international trade rules for the foreign country or market youre interested in expanding to. You can also look into specific international marketing strategies and do some market research into the customers in the countries youre looking to expand to.

8. Utilize Export Tools and Services

There are also several agencies and organizations that offer specific services aimed at helping small businesses get into exporting. Delaney suggests looking into the Small Business Administrations resources and various city and state-based groups. But she also says that the U.S. Department of Commerces Gold Key Service can be a major help. The paid service helps connect business owners with overseas agents and distributors in their respective industries.

These resources can help you access expertise and set up meetings with stakeholders in the international markets youre looking to enter. Instead of wondering where to start, you can work with people who understand the market right away. This also gives you a better chance of finding the right marketers international customers will appreciate.

9. Meet the Right People

Getting in touch with your agents and distributors is an important step in the process. However, Schulman cautions against just going with the first people you meet before actually finding out what they can offer your business. Specifically, since Elis products are perishable food items, he had to find out if each distributor had the proper freezers, trucks, and other equipment to keep his products at peak freshness.

Before moving forward with your international expansion, understand exactly what you need to deliver your goods and services. Make a list of the features and services your partners need to have to work efficiently. If you need to set up multiple meetings with distributors and international marketing agencies, do so. Its better to take your time expanding than to go with partners that arent a proper fit.

10. Be Willing to Travel

Unsurprisingly, exporting goods and services to a new international market often requires that you travel to that country. It may be necessary to travel there to meet with distributors or potential customers. However, it can also be beneficial to travel there for trade shows and similar events. Find events and set up meetings in your new market of choice.

You might even set up multiple trips to really get a feel for your new customer base. This can ultimately benefit your international marketing strategy. You may even work with an international marketer to create a tailored message thats perfect for promoting your goods and services to a new market.

11. Use Technology Whenever Possible

However, too much back and forth traveling can stretch your schedule and your budget. While you should always be willing to travel if an agent or distributor requires it, try and schedule discussions via Skype or similar online tools whenever possible.

Ideally, you might travel early in the process to meet with stakeholders or international marketing agencies. However, once you choose the partners that are right for your business and make those initial connections, take your interactions online.

12. Focus on Relationships

Whether you deal with agents and distributors mainly in person or using technology, its imperative that you build strong relationships with them. If theyre going to represent your business in any way in your new market, they have to understand what you expect from them and vice versa.

For example, your global marketing agency should have a solid handle on the marketing principles necessary to promote your goods and services in a foreign market. From building or editing your company website to creating targeted ads, take note of how they engage in various marketing activities. Keep the lines of communication open. If they arent responsive or open to communicating new ideas, they may not be the best fit for your company.

13. Ensure Youll Be Paid for Your Exports

As with any other business transaction, its essential for you to have a set contract and guidelines about how payments and order fulfillment will proceed. Make sure that you will be paid for any products that you export, especially since taking legal action in a foreign market can be complicated, if not impossible.

In fact, you may benefit from working with a legal expert who focuses on contracts in whatever foreign country you plan on entering. Since each market has different rules and regulations, finding someone to handle the fine print can save you time and help you avoid problems down the road.

14. Get Ready for Paperwork

Every country that you might consider for expansion comes with its own set of rules and qualifications. That often means that you have a lot of paperwork to complete in order to do business in various other countries. From entering joint ventures with other companies to finding the right international marketing partners, youll need tons of contracts and agreements.

When planning for your expansion and international marketing strategy, make sure you factor this in. Set aside enough time or bring in experts who can help you sort through the specifics.

15. Achieve Success Before Moving On

Once youve officially started selling your goods and services in an international market, it can be tempting to try and expand again right away. However, just as you should achieve relative success in a domestic market before going international, you should also find some success in your new market before moving on. Wait until your processes are solid, your international marketing activities are running smoothly, and you have a significant market share in your current markets. Then you can dedicate enough time and effort to entering a new international market.

Delaney says, I always say its better to diversify later after you achieve some reasonable success. If you are stable in your current markets, then your whole global strategy wont fall apart when one thing goes wrong.

16. Look to Congruent Markets

Once youve determined that it is time to expand further, looking to countries next to where you already do business can make the process easier. Your existing contacts may be able to put you in touch with people in nearby markets for joint ventures or international marketing partnerships. The processes for exporting goods and services are likely to be similar as well.

Start by researching nearby countries and then ask your existing contacts for references. They may be able to put you in contact with other distributors, partners, or international marketing agencies. Some of them may even provide goods or services to those additional markets as well. You can use your existing relationships to expand into another foreign country.

17. Learn About Your New Customers

When doing business in other countries, you have to consider the different customs and cultural aspects that might impact transactions. You can do your own research about the culture of your new market. However, you can also rely on your agents or distributors to guide you in the right direction if youve built solid relationships with them.

The cultural differences between your domestic market and a new international market may seem small. But they can impact all of your marketing decisions, from tweaks to your company website to building international ad campaigns.

18. Adjust Your Marketing Efforts

Expanding your customer base can also have an impact on your marketing activities. Specifically, marketing internationally often means creating new messages for each individual market. You might create a new website and social media accounts for your customers in a new foreign country. You could also simply include messages that are relevant to them in your current marketing channels.

When youre only focusing on domestic marketing, all of your messages are tailored to customers in your home country. So as you expand, your marketing mix needs to get more diverse. This may require hiring an international marketing department or management team in your new market. Or you could work with a business consultant who specializes in your new market to guide your existing marketing team.

19. Enjoy Your Success

One of the benefits of selling in international markets is seeing your products being sold all around the world. So once youve expanded to those markets, its important to enjoy that success. This isnt just important on a personal level. It can also help you reflect on the international marketing principles and strategies you used to build a successful global operation.

Schulman says, We take a lot of pride in our international business. When I see the Elis Cheesecake name and logo in leading restaurants in England, I feel a real sense of accomplishment.

What is International Marketing?

International marketing means creating marketing messages that are applicable in more than one country. This generally means diversifying the content in your domestic marketing materials to make it more relevant to people across cultures and markets.

When you think of international marketing, your brain might go right to large firms like Coca-Cola or General Motors. But small businesses can succeed at international marketing as well. For example, a small textile company can start by researching markets where their goods are in demand. They might decide to work with distributors in South America first. So their international marketing efforts would focus on distributors in those countries. They might even create a new website or page to share relevant information and facilitate discussions with relevant stakeholders. Then they can provide those distributors with materials that are targeted to consumers in their area.

What are the Challenges of International Marketing?

International marketing can be incredibly worthwhile. However, it also comes with its fair share of challenges, especially for small businesses with limited budgets and market share. Here are some of the challenges you must overcome if you want your international marketing efforts to be successful:

Lack of understanding of new markets

Cultural differences that could impact buying decisions

Language barriers

Lack of brand recognition internationally

Decreased need for specific goods and services in certain markets

Varying compliance issues

Decreased purchasing power with international vendors

Ability to find reliable partners

Communication issues with vendors and distributors

Increased competition from international firms

Diluted marketing messages due to generic campaigns

Lack of resources in new markets

Different performance data and metrics to consider

Varied marketing channels in new markets

Challenge Description Lack of understanding of new markets Businesses often struggle to fully comprehend the dynamics, preferences, and consumer behavior of new markets they enter. This can lead to misaligned strategies and ineffective targeting. Researching and analyzing local trends and behaviors becomes crucial. Cultural differences that could impact buying decisions Cultural norms and values vary across regions, affecting consumer preferences and decision-making. Businesses need to adapt their marketing messages, products, and strategies to align with cultural sensitivities to avoid alienating potential customers. Language barriers Language diversity can hinder effective communication and marketing campaigns. Translating materials accurately while considering cultural nuances is essential to connect with customers and convey the right message. Lack of brand recognition internationally Building brand recognition and trust in a new international market can be challenging. Consumers may not be familiar with the brand, making it necessary to invest in brand awareness campaigns to establish credibility and attract customers. Decreased need for specific goods and services Different markets have varying needs and preferences. Businesses may face reduced demand for their products or services in certain regions. Adapting offerings or identifying niche markets can help overcome this challenge. Varying compliance issues International markets have unique regulatory and legal requirements. Adhering to these standards requires meticulous research and understanding to ensure compliance and avoid legal troubles. Decreased purchasing power with international vendors Currency fluctuations and economic disparities can impact pricing and vendor negotiations. Businesses need to consider these factors while maintaining profitability and competitive pricing in diverse markets. Ability to find reliable partners Establishing strong partnerships with local distributors, suppliers, and service providers is essential for effective market entry. Finding trustworthy partners who understand the local landscape and can collaborate effectively is crucial. Communication issues with vendors and distributors Cultural and language differences can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings with partners. Clear and effective communication strategies, potentially involving bilingual professionals, can help mitigate these challenges. Increased competition from international firms Venturing into international markets exposes businesses to a larger pool of competitors, including established local and international players. Crafting a unique value proposition and differentiated offerings is vital to stand out in a competitive landscape. Diluted marketing messages due to generic campaigns Employing generic marketing campaigns across different markets may dilute the impact of messaging. Tailoring campaigns to resonate with local audiences, while maintaining a consistent brand identity, ensures the effectiveness of marketing efforts. Lack of resources in new markets Entering new markets requires allocating resources for research, marketing, and operational activities. Small businesses with limited budgets may find it challenging to allocate sufficient resources to effectively penetrate and succeed in international markets. Different performance data and metrics to consider Performance metrics and data analytics practices may vary across markets. Businesses need to adapt their measurement criteria to reflect local market dynamics and goals, enabling accurate assessment and adjustment of marketing strategies. Varied marketing channels in new markets Different regions may have varying preferences for communication and advertising channels. Understanding which platforms and channels resonate with the local audience is vital for successful market penetration and customer engagement.

Overcoming these barriers requires a lot of research and expertise. You can do some preliminary exploration on your own. But you may eventually need to make a direct investment into international marketing managers or experts in your specific market.

Is International Marketing Right for My Business?

International marketing is right for businesses that are already solid in their domestic market and who want to grow on a global scale. However, it may not be a good idea for those that are struggling to manage their domestic operations. It can also be tough for those who have products that are only relevant to a very specific customer base. Here are some things to consider before jumping into international marketing.

Pros of international marketing:

Increased revenue opportunities

Ability to reach a wider target audience

Some markets may have increased need for your goods or services

Competitive advantage over others in your industry

Increased brand visibility

Ability to create new relationships around the globe

Greater stability in case there are economic issues or disasters in one country

Cons of international marketing:

Difficulty tailoring messages to specific consumers

More expensive order fulfillment

Different regulations in different markets

There can be barriers to entry

Decreased need for your product in some markets

Requires a lot of research

New competition from companies in your new foreign market

How Do I Build an International Marketing Strategy?

Creating an international marketing plan starts with research about your new market. Consider customer needs and buying habits in your country of choice. This should include market trends in your industry to give you an idea of how and why consumers purchase similar goods.

From there, you need to craft international marketing messages that position your offerings favorably against the competition. This is similar to how youd position your brand when marketing to domestic customers. However, the preferences of those in your new market may vary. For example, if you usually use low prices as a differentiating factor in the U.S., it may not be as relevant to consumers in another country. Depending on your market, you may want to promote the quality and craftsmanship of your made-in-the-U.S. goods or how the style of your items stands out from whats currently available in another country.

Finally, you need to find channels that are relevant to your target customers in each country you enter. Marketing online tends to be popular in most countries. However, some countries may not be as reliant on the social media sites and search engines that are used widely in the U.S. Consumers in some countries may also be more likely to pay attention to traditional ads or media. See where your target customers spend time before investing your international marketing budget in the same old platforms.

What Are My Options for Breaking Into New Markets?

There are tons of different ways you can structure your expansion into foreign markets. Some small companies may simply offer their goods online. Product businesses can find international distributors and ship their goods overseas to online shoppers. Service companies can offer a virtual service using formats like video consultations or online courses.

Alternatively, you can partner with other companies or stakeholders in your new territory to deliver your offerings without taking on tons of extra work. For example, you could offer franchising opportunities to overseas business owners. You could license your goods or services. You could also sell to distributors who then sell your items on a wider scale.

How Do I Choose the Right Market for My Expansion?

This answer is different for every small business. Start by researching multiple markets that seem to have a need for your goods or services and talking to stakeholders in those markets. Consider the following questions when making your decision:

What laws or regulations could impact my business? Each country has different restrictions on things like imports and business partnerships. Make sure the market youre considering doesnt include significant barriers to entry that could prevent your operation from moving forward.

Each country has different restrictions on things like imports and business partnerships. Make sure the market youre considering doesnt include significant barriers to entry that could prevent your operation from moving forward. Is there a need for my product or service? Do customers in the foreign country youre considering actually use what you have to sell? For example, if youre offering tech consulting for startups, its probably beneficial to look for markets with a significant number of those types of businesses.

Do customers in the foreign country youre considering actually use what you have to sell? For example, if youre offering tech consulting for startups, its probably beneficial to look for markets with a significant number of those types of businesses. What is the level of competition? On the other hand, some markets may already be saturated with the product or service youre offering. For example, a company selling cell phones may not be able to compete with the giants in many developed countries. However, other locations still need those goods and may not have as much access to them from other suppliers.

On the other hand, some markets may already be saturated with the product or service youre offering. For example, a company selling cell phones may not be able to compete with the giants in many developed countries. However, other locations still need those goods and may not have as much access to them from other suppliers. How is this market similar to my existing markets? Its often easier to start your international pursuits by expanding to markets youre somewhat familiar with. If you mainly sell to customers in the U.S., this may mean starting with Canada or countries in Western Europe. There are still differences to consider. However, trade tends to be fairly straightforward and language and customs arent as different as they may be elsewhere?

Its often easier to start your international pursuits by expanding to markets youre somewhat familiar with. If you mainly sell to customers in the U.S., this may mean starting with Canada or countries in Western Europe. There are still differences to consider. However, trade tends to be fairly straightforward and language and customs arent as different as they may be elsewhere? How is this market different than my existing markets? Even opting for countries that seem similar to your home market or the other countries you sell to can come with challenges. Dont make assumptions before youve done thorough research. Even selling to Canada in addition to the U.S. may require new processes and international marketing messages. In some cases, you may want to opt for markets that are very different if theres increased demand for your product or service there.

Even opting for countries that seem similar to your home market or the other countries you sell to can come with challenges. Dont make assumptions before youve done thorough research. Even selling to Canada in addition to the U.S. may require new processes and international marketing messages. In some cases, you may want to opt for markets that are very different if theres increased demand for your product or service there. What extra costs are involved? Delivering goods or services to a new area often comes with extra expenses. Consider the extra shipping costs along with whatever fees and labor may be required to facilitate your expansion. Dont forget about the additional international marketing efforts youll need to put forth to attract new customers. Make sure all those expenses fit within your budget before getting started. If youre not able to take on the expense, wait to expand or look for a market that comes with fewer expenses.

Delivering goods or services to a new area often comes with extra expenses. Consider the extra shipping costs along with whatever fees and labor may be required to facilitate your expansion. Dont forget about the additional international marketing efforts youll need to put forth to attract new customers. Make sure all those expenses fit within your budget before getting started. If youre not able to take on the expense, wait to expand or look for a market that comes with fewer expenses. What international marketing strategies are necessary for getting my message out? Once you have a product or service to sell and a market to sell it to, its time to craft your international marketing messages. When youre speaking to customers from other countries, you may need to use different terms or strategies. There may also be different platforms that are popular with your target customers in other countries. Your global marketing plan is likely to vary with each foreign country you add to your mix. So never get too attached to doing things in one certain way.
A press kit is a collection of images, fact sheets, logos, videos and other assets along with factual information about your business. It provides everything a journalist might need as background information to write a story about your business.

As the name suggests, a press kit  sometimes called a media kit  is helpful to journalists and the media. And its an essential part of your public relations outreach and a helpful aid to get your business in the media. But what elements make the perfect press kit to get your small business the publicity you need for success?

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Format of Your Press Kit

Your media kit consists of information and today that information is mostly provided in electronic format. It can also be a printed packet, but print is more unusual today.

For an electronic press kit:

Most companies provide information and links on their website to logos, videos, photos, fact sheets, management bios, other press coverage and additional items.

The press kit links and assets are assembled on a Press page, Media Center or About page on the company website.

The web page or section is public, so visitors and journalists can find and download what they need.

Of course, you can always email out information in the form of a PowerPoint slide deck or PDF, upon request. Or simply send files like your logo, product images and documents if requested. Some large enterprises have private press centers requiring a password which is provided only after a journalist contacts them.

For most small businesses, its best to make your press kit be as self-serve as possible. This means, load a good selection of press kit materials online and have them be accessible on a public web page or section of your website  no password required. Update your press kit every six months (or sooner) to keep materials fresh.

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Making information publicly accessible online is more efficient for you. Think of how much time it would take to assemble items individually for each media request, over and over. Also, having the information be readily available on your website 24/7 is an easy way to increase the chances that your business gets media coverage. For all you know, a reporter, YouTuber, Instagrammer or blogger is looking for facts about your company right this minute  without ever contacting you. Make sure they can find it!

Buffer has a good example of an online media kit suitable for a small business to emulate.

10 Things Your Press Kit Must Have

Press kits need multiple components to be effective. Basically, your media kit should include everything that reporters may need to cover your business. Since every story is different, this may encompass a wide array of categories. Here are some important elements to tell a powerful brand story that may interest any media outlet or content creator you plan to work with.

1. Company Background

Your press kit should make it easy for media outlets to find basic info about your organization. Include your company history, mission statement, funding sources, and any other company information that would be relevant to potential media coverage. This is often used to fill in background information about your company toward the end of an article or feature.

2. Team Bios

Your team may also be relevant to potential press stories. This is especially true if any of them plan to give interviews about your company or trending topics in your industry. Basically, these bios should add credibility by offering their qualifications and accomplishments in one small blurb. Include executive bios of your founder or co-founder, board of directors, and leadership team. You can also include contact information for media relations staff.

3. Important Press Releases

You likely send out a press release each time a new product launches or something changes in your company. In addition to sending them directly to members of the press and/or on on press release distribution sites, you should still include a selection of them in your press kit. They can be full documents or in PDF format. Include any press release that highlights your companys values, goods, services, or leadership team. Give special consideration to any media release with content that has made a major impact on your companys trajectory. Make sure to include the email address, social media profiles, and other contact information for your PR team.

4. Product or Service Fact Sheets

Theres a good chance that any media contact you send your press kit to will be interested in the products or services you offer. A simple fact sheet should give them all the background they need to cover your offerings. For example, if your company sells a software program, bullet points should include the launch date, features, price, and value proposition. If your company sells a service like market research, include how the process works and any pricing info on your fact sheet.

5. Case Studies

Case studies can provide social proof to media contacts about how your product or service helps customers. This section should explain the customers problem, explain how your product or service helped, and then lay out the outcome. For example, a business consultant could explain how they helped clients grow their operations. Or a lead generation service could explain how their leads increased revenue for specific clients. Add a handful to its own section of your media kit to make it easy for reporters to weave them into a story.

6. Press Coverage

Press coverage is another way to provide social proof in your public relations materials. Include links, screenshots, videos, or high resolution images that feature stories about your company. Be sure to include press releases and articles that feature your products, services, or leadership team. However, you can also include newsjacking examples that show how your team can offer expertise to media stories about other subjects. Following relevant public relations tips can help you increase your press coverage to fill out this section.

7. Awards and Achievements

Over the years, your business may have stockpiled some awards or honors. This offers proof of your companys accomplishments and can serve as valuable background info. Perhaps your product has received recognition from a consumer group, or your company won an award from an industry organization. Include award announcements and links, along with a press release explaining each one.

8. High Resolution Images and Videos

Media outlets are likely to need photos and videos to include with stories about your business. This makes it easier for these outlets to get everything they need to feature your business. These media assets should include high resolution photos of your products or services, company logo, and leadership team. You can also include video interviews with team members, behind the scenes tours, and coverage from events youve hosted.

9. Contact Information

Media kits should also make it easy for press outlets to cover your business. That means making it easy to reach out with questions. Include names, addresses, and phone numbers of those on your public relations team. You should also include an email address and potentially even social media handles to make it easy for people to contact you online. Include a full list in your press kit. And outline which representatives should be contacted in specific instances. For example, you might have a team member to facilitate interviews with your leadership team. And another may offer info about products or service.

10. Quote Sheet and FAQ

Press kits should also include quotes and answers to frequently asked questions. Quotes from executives and team members make it easy for outlets to add commentary to stories. And an FAQ section helps them avoid lengthy interviews that cover the same points over and over again. For example, if youre launching a new product, your press kit may contain two or three quotes about how the item will improve usability for customers. Then your FAQs may contain things like: In which store or stores will the product be available? What problem does it solve? How much will it cost? Think of this as a one stop shop for everything a press outlet may need to cover your business.

What is the difference between a press kit and a marketing kit?

A press kit is designed with members of the media in mind. It aims to help facilitate coverage about your brand in print and online media. So all of the items should be newsworthy and relevant to press stories in some way. A marketing kit is aimed at customers. So it should contain information that is relevant for helping people make buying decisions.

Press Kit: Designed for journalists and media outlets. Facilitates media coverage and provides background information for news stories. Includes newsworthy items relevant to press stories. Often in electronic format, with links to assets on the company website. Contains elements that aid media coverage, such as company background, team bios, press releases, product fact sheets, case studies, press coverage, awards, high-res images, videos, and contact information.

Marketing Kit: Aimed at customers and potential buyers. Contains information relevant to purchasing decisions. Includes promotional materials, product information, pricing details, and benefits. Focuses on conveying value and benefits to customers. Designed to support marketing and sales efforts to attract and convert customers.



Relevance of Press Kits

Press kits remain relevant in the modern media landscape:

Press kits adapt to online publications and bloggers.

Electronic press kits include multimedia assets for online use.

Help journalists access key information for news stories.

Facilitate embedding videos, images, and links in online coverage.

Provide a one-stop resource for journalists to create comprehensive stories.

Aspect Press Kit Marketing Kit Target Audience Journalists, media outlets Customers, potential buyers Purpose Facilitates media coverage Supports marketing and sales efforts Content Focus Newsworthy and relevant to press stories Information for purchasing decisions Format Often electronic, with links to assets Contains promotional materials and product details Key Elements Company background, team bios, press releases, Product information, pricing details, benefits, product fact sheets, case studies, press coverage value proposition Relevance to Media Helps journalists access information for news Provides comprehensive resources for journalists to Coverage stories, facilitates multimedia embedding create stories Relevance in Modern Adapts to online publications and bloggers Includes multimedia assets for online use Media Landscape Facilitates embedding videos, images, and links in online coverage Convenience for Offers a one-stop resource for journalists to Supports customer decision-making with relevant Audiences create comprehensive stories information

By understanding the distinction between press kits and marketing kits and leveraging the power of press kits in the digital age, businesses can enhance their media coverage and marketing efforts effectively.

Are press kits still relevant?

Even with the changes in media in recent years, press kits still serve an important purpose. They dont all need to be aimed at print media. In fact, todays press kits are often electronic and aimed more at online publications like blogs. These may include things like online videos to embed in a news story, images optimized for online use, links, and social media profiles.
Whether you own a spa, a hair salon or a nail salon, marketing your business should be on top of your priority list to attract and retain customers.

Wondering how to get started? Here is a definitive guide to the best salon marketing ideas.

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Why You Should Look Into New Salon Marketing Strategies

When it comes to beauty services, customers are spoilt for choice. Its therefore important to give them good reasons to choose you over your competition. This is where a solid salon marketing strategy can help. With the right strategy, you can differentiate your salon and ensure customers keep coming back. This makes sense from a profitability perspective as it costs 6 to 8 times more to gain a new customer. As a growth-driven business owner, you would want to focus on repeat business to get the most out of your investment.

How Do Salons Attract New Clients?

Drawing new clients is critical for a salon to sustain itself. But thats also the tricky part. To start with, its not always easy to catch new clients attention. Moreover, clients who are using the same salon for years will not try a new one unless they find something that addresses their needs. Similarly, if you are in the process of learning how to open a hair salon a solid marketing plan can help identify opportunities to attract new clients.

Top 53 Salon Marketing Ideas

Below you will find some cool salon marketing ideas to generate more revenue from your salon. Whether you are starting out and finding out the in and outs of how to open a nail salon or a hair salon or you already have an established salon, these implementable ideas can help you get ahead.

1. Know Your Target Audience  The No.1 Marketing Tactic for Attracting Salon Clients

The first step to winning over customers is to know who they are, what they like and what they are looking for. Make sure you have an in-depth understanding of your target customers and market. The more detailed you are, the easier it is to provide the right services. To do this, you may want to conduct surveys or interview some of your potential clients. You can also use social listening tools to find out what they are discussing online and if there are insights that can help your business.

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2. Define Your Brand

Once you have gained clarity about your target market and key customers, you must focus on defining your brand. What differentiates your salon from competition? Why should your customers choose you? These are just some of the questions that will help you create a strong brand identity. Lets take an example. A hair salon targeting eco-conscious clients will potentially stand out as a cruelty-free brand.

3. Use Consistent Brand Colors

Colors influence the way your target audience perceives your brand. Thats why its important to be consistent with your brand colors. If we take the example of an eco-friendly hair salon, shades of green will be useful in communicating the brand identity. Earthy, pastel colors will go well for an alternative healing spa.

4. Keep Up to Date with Salon Trends

As a salon owner, you cannot afford to overlook new trends in the business. You need to stay on top of them to offer the best services to your clients. This, in turn, can help you differentiate your salon. Some salon trends to keep an eye on are eco-friendly solutions, social media influencers and digitalization.

5. Create a Press Release and Do Local Advertising

Press releases and local advertising are the tried-and-true ways of gaining awareness. With a press release, you can leverage local media to spread the word about your salon. If you are hosting special events, prepare a press release that you can send out to the local media. Local advertising is also highly effective to target clients and local communities.

6. Make Your Salon Look Good From the Outside

As a salon owner, youre in the business of making people look good on the outside. So, its only natural for your clients to expect that your salon looks good from the outside as well.

Here are some ideas to give your salon a cool makeover on the outside:

Create a cool logo combining the right typography and color

Make sure the logo is prominent and readable from a distance

Use large glass windows to showcase the interiors

Accessorize with plants and lights

7. Create a Fantastic Front Desk

Your front desk is the first point of contact for clients. Creating a savvy front desk can, therefore, come in handy, especially when you are trying to increase rebooking. An ideal front desk staff knows how to rebook, upsell and cross-sell. By doing so, they play an important role in boosting customer satisfaction and rebooking numbers.

8. Offer Referral Discounts and Encourage Word of Mouth Marketing

Nothing works better than a positive word of mouth for a salon business. Thats why, its important you encourage word of mouth marketing when engaging clients. Ask them to leave a good review if they are happy with your salon. You can also offer referral discounts to help spread the word. A good feedback can help you target similar customers.

9. Run a Competition to Attract New Clientele

Hosting a contest is a great way to draw new clients and boost awareness. Be creative when running a competition to attract your target audiences attention. For example, a free spa session for every new client or a selfie and coffee with a popular Instagrammer for the maximum number of referrals. Make sure you promote these competitions on social media to drive awareness.

10. Leverage Seasonal Events

Create a calendar of events you can target to promote your salon. Apart from regular holidays, can you identify seasonal events that can provide promotional opportunities? Here are some possible seasonal events to consider:

Summer of sustainability

Oktoberfest

Bonfire bash

11. Be Present at Salon Events

Salon events provide networking opportunities to grow your business. Participate in such events to learn from other salons and to know more about upcoming trends. Some events worth joining are International Salon and Spa Expo, Americas Beauty Show, Behind the Chair and CT Barber Expo.

12. Form Partnerships with Other Businesses

When mapping your target audience, you will find other businesses that your potential customers use. By teaming up with these other businesses you can find it easier to reach them. For example, you can partner with a local coffee shop to offer discounts to your prospective clients. You may also host joint events to target your customers.

13. Offer Add-On Services to Leverage Customers Disposable Income

Add-on services are a useful tool for upselling and they appeal to most customers. Heres an example, for an extra $20, clients get a special shampoo treatment along with a haircut of their choice.

14. Partner with Charities

Customers today prefer businesses that care about the society. One way to show your salon is not just focused on revenue is to partner with charities. For example, you can team up with charities working with the homeless to offer a one-time free service. You may also leverage charity events that are conducted all through the year. For example, you can donate a part of your revenue to a cancer charity event.

15. Be Involved in the Local Community

About 80% of disposal income is spent within 20 miles of home. As a small business owner, it makes good sense to engage with the local community and target clients. Participate in local community events and try to connect as a real community member. Its also a good idea to understand causes that resonate the most with your local community.

16. Be on Yelp

Before they even consider trying your salon, most of your customers will check if your business is rated well online. Yelp is by far the most popular site for business reviews, and its important your salon is on it. In addition to reviews, you can leverage Yelp in other ways. For example, you can offer discounts and communicate directly with clients.

17. Manage and Reply to Salon Reviews  Especially Negative ones!

Having an online presence means you should be prepared for reviews  both good and bad ones. Responding to positive reviews is of course easy. For the negative ones, its important to acknowledge the issue and use tact instead of getting defensive. Reviews provide reliable feedback to new customers. Its therefore essential to have an overall positive rating.

18. Put Your Salon Details Everywhere

Is your salon easily reachable? How would a new client book an appointment? Make sure your information is available everywhere. If you have changed location, ensure the details are updated so customers know exactly where to find you.

19. Give Out Business Cards

Even as online channels become popular, you cannot ignore the importance of business cards. Design a creative business card with your information that you can hand out at events.

20. Collect Customer Feedback On-Site

Customers appreciate it when their feedback is sought and used for future improvements. When clients visit your salon, try collecting their feedback in the form of ratings. Avoid asking for a full review thats better done online for prospective clients to see.

21. Have Loyalty Cards

One way to ensure clients keep coming back is to offer loyalty programs. With the loyalty program, you can offer clients coupons, new products and free merchandize. There are various forms of loyalty programs such as punch cards, points systems and VIP services that can be offered.

22. Offer Salon Specials

Special offers are a great way to get clients interested in your salon. A 2 for 1 haircut, a last minute special or first time specials are commonly offered by many salons.

23. Give Out Coupons

Online, app-based or just instore. You can give out discount coupons in a number of ways. You can also leverage coupon sites.

24. Offer Occupational Based Discounts

Offering occupation-based discounts is useful from a business and branding perspective. It can help you increase revenue and humanize your brand. For example, you can offer special discounts to medical staff who have worked relentlessly during the pandemic.

25. Get an Email Address for As Many Customers as Possible

Make sure you take every customers email address when they visit. This can come in handy when you want to send out a newsletter and inform them about new products and services.

26. Consider Offering Birthday Promotions

Birthdays are the perfect occasion for self indulgence and the best time to visit a salon. By offering birthday discounts, you can leverage the occasion.

27. Have an Online Chat

Sometimes, customers may want to have a quick chat before they visit your salon. Engage with clients with an online chat tool. If managed managed well, it can improve customer experience and help you increase sales. Train your staff so they know how to interact with clients online and make sure they answer promptly.

28. Send Out Appointment Confirmations with Salon Software or by other Means

Confirming appointments is a good marketing idea to connect with busy clients. Confirm appointments via emails, text or social media posts. This can be done manually or through a salon software.

29. Offer Discounted Last Minute Appointments

If your appointment book is not completely full, you can offer discounted last minute appointments. This is a common salon marketing idea to get some profit instead of having none.

30. Have Excellent Customer Service

An unhappy customer means no repeat business and poor review. Train your staff so they know how to offer excellent customer service  both instore and online. Not all customers are easy to manage, training your staff on how to handle the difficult ones is therefore particularly helpful.

31. Have an On-Site Selfie Station

Setting up a selfie station is a great way to encourage clients to promote your salon on social media. When setting up the selfie station, make sure theres adequate light and a good backdrop. This will encourage clients to actually use the station. You should also consider using a hashtag they can add when posting online to help build awareness.

32. Offer Exclusive Products to Drive Retail Sales

One way to ensure clients keep coming back to the salon is to offer exclusive products they wont easily find elsewhere. If you can tie in some discounts on such exclusive products, you will find it easier to draw your clients to the salon.

33. Give Out Product Samples

When it comes to beauty and haircare, its not always easy to get customers to try new products and services. By giving out product samples, you can make it easier for your clients to try new products and buy more later.

34. Sell Gift Cards

With gift cards, you can get clients to spread the word about your salon. You can sell gift cards clients can buy for a friend or a family member. This can be especially useful during the holidays.

35. Host a Workshop or Class

A simple yet effective way to get more people to your salon is by offering a free workshop or class. If planned at the right time, you can use this to increase footfalls. Heres an example. Is the spring break around the corner? Host a class on how to get the best tan that lasts longer.

36. Have a Team with a Wide Variety of Skillsets

Your salon is only as good as the people running it. Thats why, you must hire a team that has a wide variety of skillsets that can work for different clients. Its an effective way to ensure clients get all kinds of services at one place and have more reasons to keep coming back.

37. Motivate and Train Salon Staff

Training your salon staff is crucial for building long-term relations with clients. How they interact with clients, sell products and services and address concerns plays a big part in a salons business. Its also important to train them in new trends popular with your target audience.

38. Host Parties at Your Salon

Hosting parties at your salon can help in many different ways. You may host fun parties to entice your target audience. For example, how about an Audrey Hepburn themed party for clients interested in a chic makeover? You can also use parties to network with other small businesses for potential partnerships.

39. Check Out the Competition

No matter how successful you are at winning clients, you must keep a close eye on competition to succeed. To gain a better understanding, try to visit your competitors salon in person. Check what they have to offer and how the experience differs from what you offer at your salon. You must also pay attention to how they are using social media to connect with clients.

40. Be Active on Social Media

Creating a business page on social media is not enough to engage your audience. You need to be active on it to connect more closely with your customers. Pictures, hashtags, videos and contests are just some of the ways you can build a strong community of clients through social media. To get the best out of social media, keep your pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter updated at all times. You can encourage your customers to tag your page, so the content reaches more people.

41. Have an Amazing Salon Website and Attract Lots of Website Visitors

Even if youre active on social media, it pays to have an amazing salon website. That way, you can redirect your audience to your own site and showcase all the great things they can experience at your salon. You can use a host of marketing tactics such as contests, special offers and discounts to convert website visitors. Given its importance, its best to hire good website builders who can inspire you and create a unique website.

42. Have a Salon Blog and Write About Anything Salon Related

Blogging is just one of the ways to position yourself as an expert in the salon business. With this powerful tool, you can drive traffic to your site and attract your clientele. If youre looking for content inspiration, here are some topics to consider: Master the messy bun look in three simple steps, Summer skin care tips, Next big trends in nail art.

43. Create a Salon Video Tour and Other Video Content!

One way to draw your clients attention is to share a glimpse of your salon. With video content, you can showcase your business and staff. You can also use video content to share tutorials. You can start hosting your videos on YouTube, Instagram and your website. Another option is to use the Facebook Live feature, which has become quite popular for businesses. You can use it to host live events from your salon.

44. Invest in Google Ads

When customers are searching for products, services and businesses like yours, its important they are able to find you. Google ads can help with this. By investing in Google ads and Facebook ads, you will make sure your target audience notices you.

45. Guest Post on the Best Salon Blogs

Popular salon blogs are frequented by clients you are trying to attract. By writing guest posts on these sites, you can amplify your reach. Whats more, it can help you position yourself as an expert in your field. To get started, contact the best salon blogs, understand the type of content customers are most interested in, suggest topics that you can write on and create posts based on their guidance. If you receive comments, make sure you engage with the audience by responding.

46. Learn or Invest in SEO and Climb to the Top of Search Results

As a small business owner, you cannot underestimate the importance of search engine optimization (SEO) to drive traffic. With the right keywords, content strategy and links, you can make sure your website ranks well on Google. This is important because customers dont typically look beyond the first page when using search engines.

47. Join an Online Reservation System

As a small business owner, you must focus on improving the overall user experience to attract clients. One of the first steps is to offer a hassle-free experience of booking an appointment. You can join an online reservation system to make the process simpler for your clients.

48. Show off Your Best Work with Before and After Pictures and More!

Showcasing before and after pictures is a great way to convince clients to visit your salon. The best part is you can share these images both on social media and in the store. You can get creative with this, too. A makeover series on Instagram, for example, to showcase some of the best makeovers your clients have received at your salon could be engaging content for new clients.

49. Use the Correct Hashtags  Especially on Instagram

Pay special attention to hashtags if you want to leverage social media, especially Instagram. Hashtags make your content easily discoverable. They are also useful in helping you reach your target audience. When it comes to hashtags, its good to keep them simple and relevant. Another way to make the most of hashtags is to use the ones that are trending.

50. Be on Google My Business for Better Search Results

With Google My Business, you make it easier for customers to find your salon. This is especially useful when attracting the busy customers. You can use it to offer rewards, respond to questions and connect quickly with your clients.

51. Appear in Online Directories

Despite the growing popularity of search engines and social media, many clients still look up online directories to find salons. Elle, Signature Style and the Best Salon Guide are some of the popular online directories where it helps to be listed.

52. Have Brand Ambassadors and Network with Influencers

Thanks to social media, a large number of influencers have gained prominence in recent years. Many of these influencers draw millions of people who actively follow their channels and seek advice. By partnering with the right influencers, you can reach a huge market. Getting an influencer as your brand ambassador can be especially useful to get the word out. Alternatively, you can choose someone well-known in the local community as your brand ambassador. A Yoga instructor, for example, can be a good brand ambassador for your wellness spa.

53. Run an SMS Campaign

Text marketing is a cost-effective way to draw your clients attention. Compared to emails, text marketing provides greater visibility. Not surprisingly, a number of small businesses run SMS campaigns to promote their business. For your salon, you can use it for promotion of new products and services.

Creating Engaging Social Media Content

Social media is an incredibly powerful tool for marketing your salon. It allows you to connect directly with your target audience and showcase your services, expertise, and brand identity. To make the most of your salons social media presence, consider the following strategies:

Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality images and videos to tell a visual story about your salon. Share before-and-after transformations, showcase your talented stylists in action, and provide behind-the-scenes glimpses of daily salon life.

Use high-quality images and videos to tell a visual story about your salon. Share before-and-after transformations, showcase your talented stylists in action, and provide behind-the-scenes glimpses of daily salon life. Trendy Hashtags: Stay current by using relevant and trending hashtags in your posts. This will increase the visibility of your content and help you reach a broader audience. Utilize industry-specific hashtags like #HairGoals or #NailArt, as well as local hashtags to attract local clientele.

Stay current by using relevant and trending hashtags in your posts. This will increase the visibility of your content and help you reach a broader audience. Utilize industry-specific hashtags like #HairGoals or #NailArt, as well as local hashtags to attract local clientele. Interactive Content: Engage your audience with interactive content such as polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions. Ask for their input on new services or hair trends, and encourage them to share their preferences.

Engage your audience with interactive content such as polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions. Ask for their input on new services or hair trends, and encourage them to share their preferences. Video Tutorials: Create video tutorials that showcase hairstyling techniques, nail art designs, or skincare routines. This not only positions your salon as an expert but also provides valuable content that viewers are likely to share.

Create video tutorials that showcase hairstyling techniques, nail art designs, or skincare routines. This not only positions your salon as an expert but also provides valuable content that viewers are likely to share. Client Spotlights: Feature satisfied clients on your social media platforms. Share their testimonials, photos, and stories to build trust and encourage word-of-mouth marketing.

Feature satisfied clients on your social media platforms. Share their testimonials, photos, and stories to build trust and encourage word-of-mouth marketing. Promotions and Giveaways: Announce special promotions, discounts, and giveaways exclusively through your social media channels. This encourages followers to engage with your content and creates a sense of urgency.

Announce special promotions, discounts, and giveaways exclusively through your social media channels. This encourages followers to engage with your content and creates a sense of urgency. Live Sessions: Host live sessions where you can address common beauty-related questions, demonstrate techniques, or even introduce new products and services. Live sessions foster real-time engagement and allow viewers to interact directly with you.

Host live sessions where you can address common beauty-related questions, demonstrate techniques, or even introduce new products and services. Live sessions foster real-time engagement and allow viewers to interact directly with you. User-Generated Content: Encourage your clients to share their salon experiences by tagging your business and using a specific hashtag. Repost their content on your own feed, showcasing real-life examples of your work and building a sense of community.

Encourage your clients to share their salon experiences by tagging your business and using a specific hashtag. Repost their content on your own feed, showcasing real-life examples of your work and building a sense of community. Consistency and Scheduling: Maintain a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged. Use social media management tools to plan and schedule your posts in advance, ensuring a steady flow of content.

Maintain a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged. Use social media management tools to plan and schedule your posts in advance, ensuring a steady flow of content. Cross-Promotion: Collaborate with other local businesses or influencers in your area. This cross-promotion can expose your salon to new audiences and strengthen your local presence.

Social Media Strategy Description Visual Storytelling Utilize high-quality images and videos to visually narrate your salon's story. Showcase before-and-after transformations, skilled stylists at work, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Trendy Hashtags Enhance visibility by incorporating relevant and trending hashtags in posts. Utilize industry-specific hashtags like #HairGoals or #NailArt, as well as local hashtags to attract local clients. Interactive Content Engage the audience with interactive content such as polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions. Seek input on new services or trends and encourage sharing of preferences. Video Tutorials Create video tutorials showcasing hairstyling, nail art, or skincare techniques. Position your salon as an expert and provide valuable content that viewers are likely to share. Client Spotlights Showcase content of satisfied clients on social platforms, including testimonials, photos, and stories. Foster trust and encourage word-of-mouth marketing. Promotions and Giveaways Exclusively announce special offers, discounts, and giveaways via social media. Encourage audience engagement and create a sense of urgency. Live Sessions Host live sessions to address beauty-related queries, demonstrate techniques, and introduce new products/services. Foster real-time interaction and engagement. User-Generated Content Encourage clients to share experiences by tagging your business and using specific hashtags. Repost their content, showcasing real-life examples and building community. Consistency and Scheduling Maintain a regular posting schedule for sustained audience engagement. Use management tools to plan and schedule posts, ensuring a consistent content flow. Cross-Promotion Collaborate with local businesses or influencers to expand reach. Strengthen local presence by leveraging cross-promotion opportunities.

By implementing these social media strategies, you can create an online presence that resonates with your target audience, establishes your salon as an industry authority, and drives customer engagement and loyalty.

What are the best hair salon marketing strategies?

Some of the best hair salon marketing strategies include gaining a clear understanding of the target market and customers, partnering with social media influencers who can amplify visibility, boosting social media presence with video content, leveraging Google and Facebook ads and training staff to cater to customer needs.

What is the target market for a hair salon?

The target market for a hair salon depends on the demographic. For example, the target market for a hair salon in an area close to a college would be young men and women in their early 20s. A hair salon in another part of the town may target eco-conscious, working women in their 30s.

How can a salon increase sales?

There are various things a salon can do to increase sales. For example, a salon can start offering exclusive products not easily found elsewhere, host contests, offer discounts, get involved in the local community and partner with other small businesses.
Judy Wentz of Leonardtown, MD went to be with her Lord and Savior at 6:41 PM, August 19, 2023, with family and friends at her side, following a five-year battle with lung cancer.



Judy was born on Jan 30, 1948 in Lewistown, PA to Homer and Dorothy (Niman) May. who preceded her in death. In addition, to her sister, Sandra Wolfley of Lewistown, PA, preceded her in death in 2015, as well as her oldest son Ronald Wentz Jr. of Idaho, in 2016.



Judy is survived by her husband of 58 years, Ronald Wentz Sr. of Leonardtown, MD, her daughter Rhonda Wentz Bondurant and husband Stuart Bondurant of Washington State, her son Mark Wentz of Leonardtown, MD, and sister Janet Kephart and husband Henry Kephart, of Lewistown, PA.



Judy attended Lewistown Area High School (class of 1966). She and Ronald Sr. were married in 1964 at Calvary Bible Church in Lewistown, PA. She was a writer and homemaker most of her life and worked side jobs when needed, as she was the backbone of her family.



Judy had a book published in 2010 titled, "Life In The Laugh Lane: The Journey," which was full of humorous family anecdotes and happenings over the years. She was very active in her church such as, teaching Sunday School, and working in children's nursery care, as well as, church Communications Director and church kitchen manager. Judy also hosted neighborhood children's evangelical programs at her home. Her past civic work included volunteering with (MDA) Jerry's Kids.



Services will be held at Grace and Peace Presbyterian Church, 22646 Benswood Road, California, MD 20619 on Saturday, August 26, 2023, with viewing and visitation at 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m., celebrated by Rev. Damon Young and then a reception at the church afterwards. Interment will be private and held at a later date.



In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made in her name to the American Cancer Society, 655 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 59808 or go online to the American Cancer Society.
Richard Steven Pilkerton "Ricky" "Pop Pop" 66 of Hollywood, MD passed away peacefully on August 17, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.



Born May 8, 1957 in Leonardtown, MD, he was the son of William Archie Pilkerton, Jr and Mary Phyllis Pilkerton (Johnson). He graduated from Chopticon High School and was a lifelong resident of St. Mary's County.



On May 26, 1979 Ricky married his beloved wife, Deborah "Debbie" Elizabeth Beavan and over 44 years they built a wonderful family together. In addition to his wife, Ricky is survived by his two sons, Randy Steven Pilkerton (Amanda) and Kevin Michael Pilkerton (Jaclyn). His grandchildren, Rhett Stanton Pilkerton and Reese Marie Pilkerton were the light of his life and he loved being their Pop Pop. He is also survived by his siblings Catherine Denise Finch (Edward) and Dale Eugene Pilkerton.



Ricky was employed by PEPCO/NRG/GENON for 40 years, starting as a Fuel and Ash Technician in March 1976 and worked his way up to Fuel and Ash Supervisor in November 1984. Upon retirement in July 2016, Ricky combined his love for work with his love for big machines while driving for Sloan Materials making deliveries in his favorite silver dump truck, Truck #18.



While Ricky was known for his hard work ethic, he was also known to play hard. He was a die-hard Baltimore Ravens and Orioles fan and could be heard 'cheering' on his teams throughout most of Hollywood. Ricky also loved the outdoors and could often be found cutting his grass, touring on his Harley, and boating the waters of the Chesapeake with Debbie as one of the 'Three Amigos'. He was the life of any party and could make any and everyone join his silly antics.



Ricky joined the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department in January 1974 and began his lifelong dedication to the volunteer fire service where he served as Lieutenant, Assistant Engineer and 22 years as Chief Engineer, his proudest accomplishment. During his service, he was awarded several awards to include Firefighter of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Top Responder, Top Driver, Life Saving Award, and a Unit Citation. He chaired and held positions on multiple committees to include several new apparatus planning committees. He became a Lifetime Member in 1999 and was inducted into the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen's Association (SMVFA) Hall of Fame in 2021. He was also well known for his role leading the set up and operations of the Ferris Wheel at the annual Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department Carnival every summer since 1978.



Family will receive friends on Monday, August 28, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with Fireman's prayers recited at 7:00 p.m., at Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department, 24801 Three Notch Road, Hollywood, MD 20636. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Parish, 43927 St. Johns Road, Hollywood, MD 20636. Interment will follow at Our Lady's Catholic Church, 41410 Medley's Neck Road, Leonardtown, MD.



Serving as pallbearers will be his nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department.



Memorial contributions may be made to the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 7, Hollywood, MD 20636, the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad, 43256 Rescue Lane, P.O. Box 79, Hollywood, MD 20636 and Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.
Contracts For July 31, 2023



Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Aeronautics Systems, Melbourne, Florida, is awarded a $387,813,796 fixed-price incentive (firm-target), cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price modification (P00073) to a previously awarded contract (N0001918C1037). This modification adds scope to provide non-recurring engineering efforts in support of the production of three unique configuration E-2D Advanced Hawkeye for the Government of France. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Florida (57.04%); Marlborough, Massachusetts (10.84%); Baltimore, Maryland (9.09%); Liverpool, New York (8.55%); Orlando, Florida (5.75%); West Chester, Ohio (2.04%); Woodland Hills, California (1.06%); Cisterna di Latina, Italy (0.14%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (5.49%), and is expected to be completed in December 2027. Foreign Military Sales customer funds in the amount of $330,265,595 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.



The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri is awarded a $115,135,530 firm-fixed-price order (N0001923F0151) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001921G0006). This order procures initial spares and repair equipment for the MQ-25A Stingray aircraft in support of providing readiness, maintainability, and reliability of the aircraft starting with the first deployment. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri (80%); and Indianapolis, Indiana (20%), and is expected to be completed in July 2026. Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $115,135,530 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.



Contracts For Aug. 1, 2023



Raytheon Technologies, Tucson, Arizona, is awarded a $124,286,356 cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00030) to a previously awarded contract (N0001919C0079). This modification adds scope to procure 42 Maritime Strike Tomahawk Seeker (MST) suites for the Navy in support of MST Low Rate Production Three, to be installed into Tactical Tomahawk Missiles in the recertification effort. Work will be performed in Boulder, Colorado (32.4%); Tucson, Arizona (16.57%); North Logan, Utah (16.16%); Dallas, Texas (14.5%); Pontiac, Michigan (11.88%); Huntsville, Arkansas (1.96%); Minneapolis, Minnesota (1.5%); Berryville, Arkansas (1.7%); Elyria, Ohio (1.05%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (2.28%), and is expected to be completed in November 2025. Fiscal 2023 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $124,286,356 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.



Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, Arizona, is awarded a $24,867,844 cost-plus-fixed-fee order (N0001923F0463) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001920G0007). This order provides for engineering design and analysis in support of updating the Digital Scene Matching Area Correlator (DSMAC) subsystem navigation capability. The current DSMAC subsystem design is obsolete due to the end of manufacturing life for multiple components and without this redesign effort, production of the Tomahawk cruise missile will not be possible. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed in July 2024. Fiscal 2023 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $24,867,844 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.



Raytheon Co., Tucson, Arizona, is awarded a $16,285,640 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00017) to a previously awarded contract (N0001919C0083). This modification continues services for the design, integration, test and delivery of military (M)-code capable Global Positioning System receivers to be installed on the recertified Tomahawk All-Up-Round in support of the Navy. Work will be performed in El Segundo, California (51%); and Tucson, Arizona (49%), and is expected to be completed in August 2025. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,653,841 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.



Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, is awarded a $16,213,123 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with cost-plus-fixed-fee contract line item numbers for miniaturization technology insertion among other research and development support for the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), Weapons Control and Integration Department, Asymmetric Systems Division. This work will be performed at the contractor's facilities in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed on July 31, 2028. Fiscal 2023 Navy working capital funding in the amount of $13,882 will be obligated at time of award. This funding will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was solicited on a sole source basis via a synopsis posted in System for Award Management. NSWCDD, Dahlgren, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N0017823D4402).



General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California, is awarded an $11,717,322 firm-fixed-price order (N0001923F2503) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001922G0006). This order procures 10 conversion kits in support of modifying 10 MQ-9A UHK97000-20 air vehicles to a MQ-9A UHK97000-25 air vehicle configuration and necessary data for the Navy. Work will be performed in Poway, California, and is expected to be completed in February 2026. Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $11,717,322 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.



Contracts For Aug. 2, 2023



Great Hill Solutions, Chantilly, Virginia, is awarded a $98,911,789 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, contract to provide engineering, technical, software environment support, to include software license procurement, associated programmatic and administrative support associated with Naval Leveraging Innovation Frameworks and Technology, the Navy Integrated Modeling Environment; and Live Virtual Constructive Environment initiatives for the Navy. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland, and is expected to be completed in August 2028. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 8(a) Business Development program, Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-5(b)(4). The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0042123D0017).



Contracts For Aug. 3, 2023



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Contracts For Aug. 4, 2023



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Contracts For Aug. 7, 2023



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Contracts For Aug. 8, 2023



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Contracts For Aug. 9, 2023



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Contracts For Aug. 10, 2023



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Contracts For Aug. 11, 2023



L3H Harris Technologies Inc., Clifton, New Jersey, is awarded a $29,472,284 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the production, testing, delivery, and installation of three automated test equipment, and associated hardware to complete AN/ALQ-214 weapon replacement assembly (WRA) repairs. Additionally this contract provides for program management, integrated logistics support, training, technical documentation and drawings, facility planning, parts obsolescence, and associated technical, administrative, and financial data in support of completing the stand up and integrated defensive electronic countermeasures AN/ALQ-214 organic repair depot for WRA level repairs for the Navy. Work will be performed in Clifton, New Jersey (76%); Elmwood Park, New Jersey (13%); and various location within the continental U.S. (11%), and is expected to be completed in November 2026. Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $17,472,284; and fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $12,000,000, will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001923C0004).



The Boeing Co., Tukwila, Washington, is awarded a $12,288,486 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price task order (N0001923F0521) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001921G0006). This order procures one wide band satellite communications Radome A-kit, to include installation; one platform integration kit, to include lower lobe structural and electrical (auxiliary bus 1 components) components; and one mission crew workstation floor structural modification in support of P-8 wideband satellite communications upgrades for the Navy. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Florida (75%); and Tukwila, Washington (25%), and is expected to be completed in March 2026. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $200,000; and fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $11,990,618, will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.



Contracts For Aug. 14, 2023



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Contracts For Aug. 15, 2023



The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded a $12,815,681 firm-fixed-price order (N0001923F0267) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001921G0006). This order provides for the rework, repair, and overhaul of 16 Harpoon capsules and six all-up round encapsulated Harpoon missiles for the Navy. Work will be performed in St. Charles, Missouri (57%); and Burnley, Lancashire, England (43%), and is expected to be completed in September 2024. Fiscal 2023 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $12,815,681 will be obligated at the time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.



Contracts For Aug. 16, 2023



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Contracts For Aug. 17, 2023



Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $622,360,584 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide program management, non-recurring unique requirements, and training in support of integration efforts for the government of Germany into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program as a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customer. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (70%); Orlando, Florida (15%); and Greenville, South Carolina (15%), and is expected to be completed in December 2027. FMS customer funds in the amount of $622,360,584 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001923C0058).



Contracts For Aug. 18, 2023



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Contracts For Aug. 21, 2023



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Contracts For Aug. 22, 2023



Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a not-to-exceed $606,800,000 fixed-price incentive (firm-target) undefinitized modification (P00002) to a previously awarded advanced acquisition contract (N0001923C0003). This modification procures long lead time materials, parts, components, and efforts in support of maintaining on-time production and delivery of 173, Lot 19, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers and non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (59%); El Segundo, California (14%); Warton, United Kingdom (9%); Cameri, Italy (4%); Orlando, Florida (4%); Nashua, New Hampshire (3%); Baltimore, Maryland (3%); San Diego, California (2%); and various locations outside the continental U.S. (2%), and is expected to be completed in January 2028. FMS customer funds in the amount of $329,500,000; and non-U.S. DOD Participants Funds in the amount of $277,300,000, will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.



KOMAN Sustainable Solutions LLC, Anchorage, Alaska, is awarded a $44,642,962 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for leasing relocatable buildings at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland, and is expected to be completed by February 2025. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) and fiscal 2023 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $27,300,000 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 5.202(a)(4) (authorized or required by statute). The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N40080-23-D-0024).



Contracts For Aug. 23, 2023



BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services Inc., Rockville, Maryland, is awarded a $91,500,563 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-reimbursable, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides fleet services, technical support, and operational software development and maintenance, to include test bed support; repair, fabrication, and restoration support; training support; local area network support; and quality assurance and system safety services in support of various air traffic control and landing systems and sub systems for the Navy, Marine Corps, Military Sealift Command, Coast Guard, and Foreign Military Sales customers. Work will be performed in St. Inigoes, Maryland (48.84%); Patuxent River, Maryland (37.21%); Norfolk, Virginia (11.62%); and San Diego, California (2.33%), and is expected to be completed in February 2029. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposal; two offers were received. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001923D0020).



Northrup Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, California, is awarded an $83,118,831 cost-plus-fixed-fee order (N0001923F0041) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001920G0005). This order provides for retrofit of two MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft systems (B9 and B10) and one main operating base (MB-6P) to an Integrated Functional Capability Four, multiple-intelligence configuration for the Navy and the government of Australia. Work will be performed in Palmdale, California (49.6%); San Diego, California (39.5%); Chantilly, Virginia (4.6%); Hauppauge, New York (1.6%); Waco, Texas (1.4%); Linthicum, Maryland (1.3%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (2%), and is expected to be completed in June 2026. Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $82,818,831; and Foreign Cooperative Funds in the amount of $300,000 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.



Eagle Systems, Inc., California, Maryland, is awarded a $30,272,057 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides supply chain management methods, practices, and procedures to include receiving, warehouse, packaging, handling, storage, and transportation processes; operations and procurement support; data asset, item unique identification, hazardous and controlled material management; and Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services support, in support of multiple projects with complete asset and data management for various Department of Defense activities. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Maryland (47%); St. Inigoes, Maryland (30%); Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, North Carolina (21%); and San Diego, California (2%), and is expected to be completed in September 2028. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposal; five offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0042123D0016).



Raytheon Co., Fullerton, California, is awarded a $9,179,678 cost-plus-fixed-fee order (N0042123F0738) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001920G0007). This order provides systems engineering and sustainment support; hardware; software; guidance quality model; interactive electronic technical manual; installation and integration, verification, validation, and accreditation; diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages support, in support of the joint precision approach and landing system for the Navy air traffic control and landing systems sustainment requirements. Work will be performed in Fullerton, California, and is expected to be completed in August 2024. Fiscal 2023 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $100,000 will be obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
Eastern Slovakia has a chance to become a gravity well for talent from across Slovakia and abroad.

After Bratislava, Kosice is the second centre of the business service sector in Slovakia. (Source: TASR)

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What we think and what we say about a place we live in goes a long way. If a substantial group of people says the same thing, it becomes a narrative  a story people say about a city, region or a country.

Israel is now globally seen as a startup nation, a center of gravity for entrepreneurs and innovators. This is a major shift from Israels narrative as a country dominated by conflicts with its neighbors just two or three decades ago. Similarly, Tartu used to be a low-key municipality in the Baltics and is now known for a vibrant tech scene, great universities and a big startup festival and has been dubbed a sTARTUp city.

What does it take for Kosice and Eastern Slovakia to become a gravitational force for talent from across Slovakia and abroad? Can Kosice become Central Europes creative hub? These were some of the topics discussed in Amcham Kosices May roundtables involving key stakeholders from the region.

The growth of the IT and creative industries in the Eastern Slovakia

Kosice has witnessed two important shifts in the last 15 years. First, Kosice has seen a massive growth of the IT industry, now employing more people than any other industry in the region.

Driven by Kosice IT Valley  likely the most impactful cluster in Slovakia - the IT industry dominated by large multinationals breeds IT students by working closely with high schools and universities and attracts IT talent from around Eastern Slovakia.

Second, the city has built a strong creative industry cluster catalysed by the European Capital of Culture title in 2013, a related massive infrastructure development and forward-looking activities of Creative Industry Kosice, one of the key organizations driving Kosices creative transformation.

3 factors important for another transformation

Now Kosice is on the brink of a third transformation and three factors will define whether the city and the region of Eastern Slovakia will succeed:

First, municipalities, schools and universities need to focus on entrepreneurship as a horizontal topic to be present across curricula and educational programs.

Entrepreneurship defined as a set of skills enabling people to turn ideas into action is a critical precondition for jobs of the future and a key element in the transformation of Kosices economy. It will help young people start their own projects or companies, initiate change in their communities, cities, companies or in the public sector.

We need more home-grown and product-oriented companies to create opportunities for the most talented and most creative professionals in the region. This will not come as a result of brick and mortar investments into infrastructure alone  no new highway or research park will change what we teach and how we teach it. The focus should be on methods and content, not appearance.

Second, we need a positive and ambitious narrative to come from the leadership of the city and region.

Mayors and governors bear the biggest responsibility in creating a bold vision for their territories that will motivate young talent to participate on turning that vision into reality and attract the brightest people back to their homeland.

Over the past three years, I was fortunate to participate in the design and implementation of a landmark Kosice 2.0 project financed by a very competitive Urban Innovative Actions scheme. This project increased civic participation and use of data in the decision-making of the city. It helped support young entrepreneurs and leveraged the existing creative infrastructure, all to increase the focus of the municipality on the citizen and well-being in the city. We need to leverage the momentum created by projects like these to change the mood in our cities.

And third, collaboration - none of that will be possible without breaking down silos.

For a small country like Slovakia, there is no justification for people and institutions not communicating and collaborating together. The crisis of trust  Slovakia is one of the lowest ranking countries in OECD in terms of trust among people and trust in public institutions - has translated into lack of collaboration among and within public institutions, universities and businesses.

We need to showcase success stories, impactful programs and empower individuals, who are making a positive change in their work and their communities. There are professors, social innovators, entrepreneurs and public officials, who  despite the circumstances  are building a better Kosice every day. We need to support those individuals and organizations in helping them scale their activities.

Collaboration will also be at the core of Kosices economic transformation - the interplay between different sectors in the region can be a true game changer. Creative industry, for example, can increase added value and generate unique sparks of innovation in more traditional sectors of Kosices economy such as manufacturing or IT. As a boost to these collaborations, Kosice will now host Slovakias first co-location center of the European Institute of Innovation & Technology focused on culture & creativity.

We all create a narrative for our cities. But a visionary, collaborative and committed leadership that realizes the urgency to act can serve as a catalyst for a positive story that spreads fast.

Peter Kolesar is AmCham Board Member and Civitta Slovakia, a.s. Partner.

Originally published in Connection, the magazine published by AmCham Slovakia.
Martin Bednarik has no intention of stopping his activity.

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This has been ongoing for several years now. Geophysicist Martin Bednarik brings a ladder and magnets he has made. With the ladder on his shoulder, he goes around the entirety of a large square in Bratislava's Petrzalka borough and attaches magnets to street name signs.

Although the magnets carry just one word, they change the whole meaning of the name. With a single magnet, Namestie Hraniciarov (Square of Border Troops) becomes Namestie Obeti Hraniciarov (Square of Victims of Border Troops). Instead of glorifying killers, Bednarik commemorates the victims they killed at the border.

Even when people take his magnets down eventually, he always reinstalls them and has no intention of stopping.

Martin Bednarik during the installation of a magnet. (Source: SME - Marko Erd)

A minimalist protest

"I was thinking about what to do with Namestie Hraniciarov Square. Border troops with dogs guarded us as if we were in a prison. They killed many people while they tried to escape. The city district amounted to nothing, nor did the municipality itself. However, I wanted to express my disagreement in a non-invasive way. And at the same time be minimalistic, yet emphatic. I thought about a sticker, but that would be invasive. Then I tried a magnet. I tried various magnetic foils until I found the right thickness. I came up with a word that fits between the two already on the sign. A keyword that changed its meaning to the correct one. Then I placed the magnet."

Martin Bednarik. (Source: SME - Marko Erd)

This is how Martin Bednarik describes the initiative he came up with a few years ago. Since then, he has regularly organised happenings on All Souls' Day in the square, which includes the installation of magnets. In his opinion, when we remember our loved ones, victims of mountain and river accidents, we should also remember the victims of totalitarianism.

"Some magnets last a year, others less. The square is large, 15 street name signs. One is 5 metres high, that one lasts longer. They are probably taken down by border guards, communism or fascism apologists, or pragmatists. It's a competition in patience, who will last longer. And I made it a point to last longer."

Bednarik realises that while crowds of people rush through the streets, only a handful participate in his happening. He explains that he also enjoys the creative process itself.

"During the installation, sometimes a verbal confrontation occurs. I try to explain to passers-by what I try to do," he says.

His approach is also imaginative in that no one can accuse him of vandalism or damaging someone else's property. Rather, it is specific street art that confronts passers-by with their own inattention and indifference.

He also chose a typeface similar to that found on street name signs, supplied by graphic designer Ondrej Job, who documents the signs used in public spaces. The new name can confuse and disorient a pedestrian.

The correct version of the square name - Square of Victims of Border Troops. (Source: SME - Marko Erd)

During the installation, some people stop by, surprised and wondering about what is going on. A man with a boxer's body shakes his head and mutters angrily that this is about some Ukrainian victims all over again.

"Insensitivity to the victims of totalitarian regimes in Slovakia is directly related to insensitivity to the victims of today's Russian invasion of Ukraine. Once a month with friends I also go on hikes where we follow the blue and yellow trail markers. If a significant number of Slovaks wishes for freedom-loving Ukrainians to be enslaved, then they are not worthy of their own freedom and will lose it. We got lost in the labyrinth of world history."
Smer chief and party dominate Slovak internet searches.

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Almost half of all searches in Slovakia last week about politicians were about Smer party chief Robert Fico, making him the most searched Slovak politician by a wide margin.

Sme Rodina head Boris Kollar came second with 16 percent, closely followed by the head of the far-right Republika party Milan Uhrik with 15 percent and Progresivne Slovensko (PS) leader Michal Simecka with 13 percent, according to Google data reported by the Aktuality news website.

Smer was the most googled party as well with 46 percent of all searches on Slovak political parties. Meanwhile, there was a huge rise in specific phrases searched related to the party - "smer press conference today" saw a 350 percent increase, "robert kalinak smer" registered a 250 percent increase, and there was a 150 percent increase in "we support smer" searches.

Suvisiaci clanok

Suvisiaci clanok Slovak opposition claims Sep election will be stolen - and too many believe it Read more

Among the most popular searches related to Robert Fico, the most searched terms were "fico pellegrini" (the latter is the former Smer PM and now head of the Hlas opposition party), "youtube press conference fico", "robert fico wife" and "stop fico".

The second most googled party was Progresivne Slovensko, accounting for 24 percent of searches. Searches for terms such as "progresivne slovensko contact", "progresivne slovensko election committee", "progresivne slovensko candidate list" and "ps election programme" saw increases of 300, 200, 150, and 100 percent, respectively.

Other common searches among Slovaks included questions in when the elections are being held, how to choose a party to vote for, what percentages would be needed by various parties to form a government, and how the election works.
VIENTIANE, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has sent a congratulatory message to Cambodia's new Prime Minister Hun Manet.

In a message on Tuesday, Sonexay highlighted the long-standing and ever-growing bilateral ties between Laos and Cambodia.

He said that this enduring connection has contributed significantly to advancing cooperation across various sectors and establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. This partnership aims to deliver tangible benefits to the people of the two nations.

Hun Manet, 45, succeeded his 71-year-old father Samdech Techo Hun Sen, who stepped down after having held the position for more than 38 years. 
Russia supports holding a separate ministerial meeting of BRICS member states on women, whose role in the economy and politics should be widened, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.

Above: The women's stand on the balcony overlooking the Sandton Convention Centre ahead of the 2023 BRICS Summit.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/1112808168.html

Ex-CIA Vet: Ukraine Blames Foreign Journalists for Botched Counteroffensive

Ex-CIA Vet: Ukraine Blames Foreign Journalists for Botched Counteroffensive

Kiev repeatedly touting its readiness to break through Russian defensive lines proved a wrongful tactic, Larry Johnson, a retired CIA intelligence officer, told Sputnik.

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Ukraine has reportedly banned foreign journalists from visiting frontline positions without any written permission by its Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny. Switzerlands Le Temps newspaper reported that this act of censorship could be explained by Kievs reluctance to make huge losses public after its troops were unable to break through the Russian defense lines amid their counteroffensive.Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Anna Malyar, for her part, earlier argued that Western media reports about the deployment of the elite 82nd Airborne Brigade had led to strikes on its positions.Referring to the counteroffensive, he said that Kiev is unwilling to take responsibility for launching an attack that has no chance of succeeding. He added: Primarily because they lack air cover, they're now trying to blame journalists or someone else.The ex-CIA officer argued that even if Ukraine had some extra reserves hanging around, it would not change the situation on the battlefield. He also theorized over a hypothetical scenario assuming the Ukrainian military had gotten the better of Russian troops during Kievs counteroffensive.The Ukrainian military launched its much-touted counteroffensive in early June after multiple postponements. Russian President Vladimir Putin underscored late last month that "the enemy was not successful in all directions of the fight. According to him, All counteroffensive attempts have been stopped, and the enemy has been pushed back with heavy losses."According to the Russian Defense Ministry's estimates, Ukraine's losses in the counteroffensive were about 43,000 troops and 4,900 units of military equipment as of August 4.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230816/deployment-of-elite-82nd-brigade-wont-turn-the-tide-of-ukraines-flagging-counteroffensive-1112650732.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230818/report-us-classified-forecast-predicts-ukraine-counteroffensive-will-fail-1112694940.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/brics-leaders-address-summit-audience-1112808522.html

BRICS Leaders Address Summit Audience

BRICS Leaders Address Summit Audience

BRICS is a platform for cooperation among the world's largest non-Western economies, namely, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. They have been hailed for the club's inclusive approach.

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Sputnik comes to you live from Johannesburg, where the leaders of major developing economies are addressing the summit's participants on the second day of the 15th BRICS Summit.On day one, the heads of BRICS states covered various ranges of global and regional topics. Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to provide the nations of the Global South with food and energy security, as Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the idea of expanding BRICS, while castigating the US-led Western 'bloc' mindset. Indian PM Narendra Modi envisioned BRICS as a new global economic hub, while Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa put the spotlight on infrastructure projects, investment prospects and eradicating poverty.Follow Sputnik's live feed to learn more!

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BRICS Summit Kicks Off With De-Dollarization and Expansion on the Agenda

BRICS Summit Kicks Off With De-Dollarization and Expansion on the Agenda

On this episode of Fault Lines, host Jamarl Thomas and Melik Abdul discussed a number of topics from around the globe, including the start of the BRICS summit today in South Africa.

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BRICS Summit Kicks Off With De-Dollarization and Expansion on the Agenda On this episode of Fault Lines, host Jammarl Thomas and Melik Abdul discussed a number of topics from around the globe, including the start of the BRICS summit today in South Africa.

Elijah Magnier: Veteran War CorrespondentAngie Wong: Journalist and Political CommentatorSteve Gill: CEO of Gill MediaIn the second hour, Fault Lines' team discusses the long-awaited BRICS summit that kicked off in Johannesburg, South Africa, with several observer nations taking part in this meeting. To discuss this imperative conference, Fault Lines is joined by veteran journalist Elijah Magnier.In the second hour, the Fault Lines team discusses how the Donald Trump saga is intensifying, with reports that the former US President is surrendering himself to a Georgia court this Thursday. Journalist Angie Wong talks to Fault Lines about the Trump saga and the state of the Republican Party.In the third hour, Fault Lines team spoke to lawyer and political commentator Steve Gill about Biden's visit to Maui and the federal government's response to the wildfires as angry people welcome the presidential visit.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.Catch us at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/erosion-of-our-privacy-giving-biometric-data-to-tech-firms-cant-enhance-security-1112829772.html

Erosion of Our Privacy: Giving Biometric Data to Tech Firms Cant Enhance Security

Erosion of Our Privacy: Giving Biometric Data to Tech Firms Cant Enhance Security

A number of incidents of technology companies getting worrisome control over the biometric data of users, such as photo IDs and even DNA, have hit US headlines in recent days.

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Two experts told Sputnik that while theyre often sold as ways to enhance security, surrendering such data actually makes us less safe.Police Browse Ancestry Research DatabaseIn one US media report, it was revealed that GEDmatch, a database for a DNA-based ancestry research company, had been sharing its data with law enforcement agencies even when the users had checked a box opting out of their data being accessible by police.Software engineer and a technology and security analyst Patricia Gorki told Radio Sputnik on Wednesday it was a criminal breach of privacy and of contract for the company to do so, pointing out that even though it has led to the apprehending of criminals like the Golden State Killer, this trend represents a worrisome erosion of Americans right to privacy under the Fourth Amendment.So this case of the police using the GEDmatch database is a violation of the terms of service. And this is not a civil offense or a criminal offense, it's really a breach of contract, she said. Which brings up these interesting questions of: here we have millions of people uploading the most sensitive data that they have possible - their own DNA - into the database of a private company who's created an entire portal and system for law enforcement and for police. And it's not just local police or state police, but also the FBI and other government agencies. And the changes that they made, the reason why they're even able to search specifically for people who've opted out - it's called a loophole, but in some ways, this really should be a criminal breach of privacy.We shouldn't be celebrating the ability of law enforcement to cast such a wide net as these DNA databases allow them to, Gorki said.For every individual case that's highlighted as a triumph of some criminal going behind bars, what's really not being exposed is just that: the violation of [the rights of] how-many-millions of people in this country and around the world. And in a lot of ways there's a parallel here to the mass surveillance by the US government was revealed 10-or-so years ago when Snowden came out with the documents that he leaked showing how the US government spies on entire populations, pulling up all of our email data, all of our phone call data. People know instinctively that this is wrong, but when it's under the guise of a private company, suddenly there is more of a disconnect where it's harder to see the damages. But this is a very real invasion of privacy, Gorki explained.It's hard to say exactly just how DNA data could be used in in these different ways, but in terms of drawing connections, finding relationships between people and families or the ultimate base of networks, and as the US government in particular, through its different efforts to build up networks of people and identify the social networks, which is something that Facebook* does quite well, then you're really able to understand who are people around, what are their characteristics, what are the families that are there. But this is really paving the way for the continued normalization of the erosion of our privacy. And especially when we think about the fact that at the moment, our phone calls can be handed over to the US government, our emails.When asked about the potential for new legislation or regulation to rein in the potential for abuse of users data by private companies, Gorki pointed out that regulation depends on the regulators.We know that those who are the ones who are writing the laws have passed such laws as the Patriot Act. Our entire web browsing history - that was a recent addition in 2020 - can be viewed and words subpoenaed by the US government. There are many different ways that this kind of access could be limited. In a responsible society, where we actually had a Justice Department that really worked for the people, then yes, there could be ways to make sure that every single request was monitored and reviewed and approved, she said. But instead, what we have is actually this carte blanche access to all of our data by the same police officers that brutalize Black people in the streets, by the same security agencies that target Muslim people.Another story in the media has been revelations that X, formerly known as Twitter, reportedly plans to require some users to submit a photo ID alongside a selfie photo to have ones identity verified by an artificial intelligence program. The data will reportedly be handled by a company connected to Israels security apparatus.X Might Use Israeli AI to Verify Photo IDsTechnologist Chris Garaffa, who is also co-host of the Covert Action Bulletin podcast, told Radio Sputnik that in addition to handing over user data to a company connected to a notorious security agency, the Shin Bet, Xs purported verification plan also contains the potential for massive identity theft by malicious actors.We don't know if this is going to be a feature. What we do know is that a researcher named Nima Owji found this by poking around the Twitter app, Garaffa explained. There are a lot of researchers out there who do this: they download the app, they poke around it. You know, you're just trying to find things in the app, or they go through technical processes to find pictures, or strings of text. They're looking to find, you know, what are the cool new features coming out or what are the terrifying new ones that are being tested. And this is one of those terrifying potential new features.So what you would have to do to verify yourself is upload a selfie along with a photo that contains your ID in it. And this company based in Israel gets that photo. They have AI technology, they call it cutting-edge AI and machine learning technology, and they say that they can verify your ID in four to eight seconds, but they also would have human fallbacks if needed, which of course would probably take a little bit longer. So the idea of needing to upload your ID to a private company in the US that then sends that photo of your ID to another company that's tied to the Israeli surveillance industry - which will then hold your image, by the way, for 30 days. They say that they will delete the images that they're sent after 30 days. Really should actually be very scary to anyone.From what we know, this would be potentially optional for Blue users, so, subscribers to Twitter. That's what a Community Note that's currently on a tweet says. But again, we've had no confirmation from Elon Musk or Linda Yaccarino, the CEO of Twitter, of what actually this is what this is about, Garaffa told Sputnik.Garaffa noted it was also a really huge opportunity for scammers because of the already-well-known experience of users being locked out of their accounts by Meta*, being required to submit an ID to the company to regain access, and never hearing back.I mean, go on Twitter or even Instagram and just say, Oh, my Facebook account got hacked, and you know, within minutes at the most you will have responses and direct messages saying, oh, contact this person, they helped me unlock my account. Those are all scams. No third party, random Instagram user with 500 followers - that they probably paid for - is going to be able to unlock your Facebook account if Facebook isn't doing it for you. But, they can ask you for money, they can ask you for personal details. They can ask you for a photo of your ID. And if you believe that X or Twitter or whatever or Facebook are, you know, that this is a legitimate part of their process, then people can be tricked into believing that, yeah, I should go send this random person on Instagram with Facebook Community Support misspelled in their username - And I've seen this happen, you know - I'll send them a photo of my ID, which then leads to identity theft. So all around [theyre] really not thinking about how this is going to negatively impact people.*Meta and its subsidiaries Facebook and Instagram have been banned in Russia for extremist activities

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/irans-new-mohajer-10-drone-shows-its-achieved-deterrence-without-nuclear-weapons---expert-1112822702.html

Irans New Mohajer-10 Drone Shows Its Achieved Deterrence Without Nuclear Weapons - Expert

Irans New Mohajer-10 Drone Shows Its Achieved Deterrence Without Nuclear Weapons - Expert

Iran has pioneered a host of new conventional weaponry, from hypersonic missiles to combat drones and air defense systems. But that closing of the technological gap between East and West is exactly what the West fears.

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Iran has unveiled a new long-range medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) combat drone, the Mohajer-10, which has the capability of flying as far away as Israel. It can carry both reconnaissance and ground strike payloads as well as radar-jamming devices.The long range was made explicit by a poster released by the Iranian government depicting the Mohajer-10 soaring over Israels Dimona nuclear facility with the words Be ready to travel to the Stone Age in Farsi and Hebrew.Israel has long claimed Iran has a secret nuclear weapons program with which it intends to threaten Israel, and the Israeli government has threatened to launch a pre-emptive strike against Irans nuclear facilities. Tehran says its nuclear program is for electrical generation and medical research, not offensive weapons, which Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has declared to be against the values of Islam.Laith Marouf, an award winning broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, told Radio Sputnik on Wednesday that despite Israels claims, its been in the field of conventional weapons that Iran has made its biggest technological advancements in recent years, Marouf pointed out that nuclear weapons have little practical value since they are nothing but deterrence.He noted that for most of human history, Europeans were on-par with other peoples of the world in terms of technology, which prevented them from conquering much of the world as they did once they achieved superior technology in the 15th century CE. Much of the Wests anxieties about Iran and China threatening their rule of the world, he said, was about them developing new technologies that can equal or even exceed Western tech, threatening that gap that has allowed imperialism and colonialism to thrive for 600 years.So Iran right now is probably one of the top five countries in the world in terms of advancements in military technologies. And that is something that Iranians as a people should be proud of..."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230822/watch-iran-unveil-new-versatile-combat-drone-1112792074.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230819/us-warships-in-the-gulf-forced-to-obey-irans-rules-irgc-says-1112724360.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/mccarthy-rips-impacts-of-bidenomics-on-us-parents-shopping-for-new-school-year-1112803033.html

McCarthy Rips Impacts of Bidenomics on US Parents Shopping for New School Year

McCarthy Rips Impacts of Bidenomics on US Parents Shopping for New School Year

US President Joe Bidens economic policy is costing parents shopping for back-to-school supplies for their children in the United States, US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said in a statement.

2023-08-23T00:19+0000

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"The price of school supplies has risen by nearly 24% since President Biden took office. Packing your childs backpack has never been more expensive," the statement said on Tuesday. "While Democrats refuse to address rising costs, Republicans will continue to fight to make education more affordable, attainable, and accessible." The US president's so-called 'Bidenomics' has resulted in parents spending an average of over $100 more per household on back-to-school supplies compared to 2020, the statement said, citing National Retail Federation estimates. In addition, gas prices are $1.46 higher than they were on Bidens first day in office, making getting to school more expensive as well, the statement said. Earlier Monday, McCarthy issued a statement calling on the US Senate to pass the Parents Bill of Rights legislation, which the House of Representatives passed earlier this year. McCarthy said he plans to release a third statement ahead of the new school year on how "woke curriculums" are failing US students.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230817/biden-braggs--yells-at-ira-event-as-bidenomics-numbers-dont-add-up-1112662296.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/north-korea-fires-presumed-missile-prompts-brief-evacuation-call-in-japan-1112830117.html

North Korea Fires Presumed Missile, Prompts Brief Evacuation Call in Japan

North Korea Fires Presumed Missile, Prompts Brief Evacuation Call in Japan

The Japanese Defense Ministry said on Wednesday that North Korea presumably fired a ballistic missile that flew over Japanese territory and momentarily prompted an evacuation order.

2023-08-23T19:59+0000

2023-08-23T19:59+0000

2023-09-18T13:37+0000

asia

japan

pacific ocean

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space

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"North Korea launched, possibly a ballistic missile. We will inform if there are updates," the ministry said in a statement. An initial statement issued by the Defense Ministry specified that North Korea had "possibly" launched what it believed to be a ballistic missile. Government officials later detailed the projectile flew above Japanese territory towards the Pacific Ocean.Japans Okinawa had issued an air warning, a Sputnik correspondent reported, adding that locals were advised to find shelter in buildings or underground facilities.Japan has since filed a protest against North Korea for the incident, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno announced."Despite numerous calls not to launch, this launch is a problem in terms of safety of navigation and life of the population. Japan lodges a strong protest to North Korea and condemns it in the strongest terms."However, citing military authorities, South Korean media reported it was a "space launch vehicle" that had been the subject of the Wednesday launch.The latest comes after North Korea earlier revealed it intended to launch a satellite between August 24 and 31, warning Japan that potential debris may result from the operation. It was not specified what the launch entailed, or what type of satellite it planned to dispatch.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230822/north-korea-warns-japan-of-plans-to-launch-satellite-from-august-24-31-1112778115.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/now-economically-weaker-than-before-us-just-cannot-satisfy-ukraines-financial-hunger-1112812680.html

Now Economically Weaker Than Before: US Just Cannot Satisfy Ukraines Financial Hunger

Now Economically Weaker Than Before: US Just Cannot Satisfy Ukraines Financial Hunger

The White House should focus on solving its domestic problems instead of providing Kiev with a new financial package, Kevin Roberts, the president of the US research institute Heritage Foundation, said during an appearance on American TV.

2023-08-23T11:46+0000

2023-08-23T11:46+0000

2023-08-23T11:46+0000

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"The US is now economically weaker than before. We simply cannot afford the current level of financial assistance to Ukraine. That is why I strongly oppose a new $24 billion financial assistance package," he stressed.Roberts also stressed the need for a more transparent mechanism to allocate assistance to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.This month, Biden asked Congress for $40 billion in additional spending, with more than half of that earmarked for Kiev.Of the total, $13.1 billion is slated for direct military spending. In addition, Biden is seeking an additional $2.3 billion for Ukraine through the World Bank.Western policymakers continue to insist that Ukraine must defeat Russia on the battlefield and continue to increase supplies of arms and military equipment. In response, the Kremlin stated that military assistance would not solve anything and would only "prolong the suffering of the Ukrainian people."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230811/bidens-effort-to-get-extra-24-billion-for-ukraine-will-sway-only-hardcore-politicos-1112544749.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/proud-of-you-putin-gives-state-awards-to-warriors-in-kursk-region-1112828477.html

'Proud of You': Putin Gives State Awards to Warriors in Kursk Region

'Proud of You': Putin Gives State Awards to Warriors in Kursk Region

All Russian soldiers fight with courage in the special military operation, President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday, adding that members of the 127th motorized rifle division have been awarded with Hero of Russia titles.

2023-08-23T19:51+0000

2023-08-23T19:51+0000

2023-08-23T19:51+0000

russia

state award

vladimir putin

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"The whole burden of fighting today, as in the years of the Great Patriotic War, lies primarily on our soldiers, on those who are on the front line  All our fighters fight with courage and decisively. Loyalty to the Motherland, loyalty to the military oath unite all participants in the special military operation," Putin stated at the event honoring the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Kursk victory, and awarded Hero of Russia titles to members of Russia's 127 motorized rifle division.Putin: the Scale of the Victory at the Battle of Kursk Cannot Be Overestimated, It Was a Turning PointThe head of state called the battle a turning point of the entire World War II. The president noted that this victory will forever remain one of the peaks of the great national feat. "The significance of victory in this large-scale battle cannot be overestimated. It destroyed, sizzled the striking power of the Nazis, made a turning point of the entire World War II," Putin stressed.The event took place in the settlement of Ponyri, Kursk Region. The head of state also presented state awards to participants in the special military operation - the most distinguished servicemen of the 127th Motorized Rifle Division of the Fifth Combined Arms Army.Putin: the Legendary Kursk Land Will Be Used to Present Awards to the Participants of the Special Military Operation in Ukraine State awards to the participants of the special military operation in Ukraine will be presented today on the legendary Kursk land, the president noted.Putin to Special Military Operation Participants: Thank You for Your Service and I Am Proud of YouThe president thanked Russian soldiers for their service and said he was proud of them. The head of state presented state awards to those who distinguished themselves in the special operation zone. The audience rose from their seats and began to applaud the president. The head of state approached several spectators who had come to the concert to greet them. Some wished the president strength, others asked for a joint photo.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/battle-of-kursk-the-soviet-victory-that-shaped-wwiis-outcome-1112810111.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230730/how-many-tanks-has-ukraine-lost--1112263333.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230802/watch-story-of-russian-tank-crew-wiping-out-ukrainian-armored-column-1112354350.html

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People take part in a rally held by South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party to oppose Japan's decision to start releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater in Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Lee Jae-myung, chief of South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party, on Wednesday called Japan's decision to start dumping nuclear-contaminated wastewater on Thursday from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant an "act of terror."

"Japan, which threatened the right to life of neighboring countries in the past with the imperialist war of aggression, is about to bring another irreversible disaster to South Korea and countries around the Pacific Ocean by discharging nuclear-contaminated wastewater," Lee said during a party meeting.

Lee strongly condemned Japan's act of terror with radioactive wastewater, stressing that Japan's wastewater release would go down in history as the "Second Pacific War."

The Japanese government announced that it will start discharging the wastewater on Thursday despite wide criticism from both home and abroad.

Hit by a massive earthquake and an ensuing tsunami in March 2011, the Fukushima power plant suffered meltdowns and generated a massive amount of water tainted with radioactive substances from cooling down the nuclear fuel.

Lee noted that frustrated fishermen and merchants vented their anger by saying that if Japan releases the radioactive wastewater, the South Korean fishery industry will collapse, vowing to go on an all-out fight against the discharge.

According to a survey of 1,000 adults here in May, 85.4 percent opposed Japan's radioactive wastewater discharge, while 72 percent said they would reduce the consumption of marine products if the wastewater is dumped into the ocean.

A group of civic activists gathered near the Japanese embassy in Seoul on a rainy day to protest against the release decision, holding placards that read "Kishida to be punished by heaven, stop pushing for the discharge."

The group said in a statement that the Japanese government, led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, decided to push through the "nuclear terror" on humankind by dumping the nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the ocean.

It noted that Japan failed to take responsibility for the nuclear waste generated by the Fukushima accident, denouncing Japan for its "selfish and irresponsible" decision.

Another civic group Green Korea United said in a separate statement that the wastewater dumping will be a "criminal act" against people, the ocean and the ecosystem around the world, urging Tokyo to retract the dumping decision, which is an anachronistic crime. 

People take part in a rally held by South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party to oppose Japan's decision to start releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater in Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

People take part in a rally held by South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party to oppose Japan's decision to start releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater in Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

People take part in a rally held by South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party to oppose Japan's decision to start releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater in Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

People take part in a rally held by South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party to oppose Japan's decision to start releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater in Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

People take part in a rally held by South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party to oppose Japan's decision to start releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater in Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/republican-primary-debate-where-do-they-stand-on-ukraine-and-china-1112821063.html

Republican Primary Debate: Where Do They Stand on Ukraine and China?

Republican Primary Debate: Where Do They Stand on Ukraine and China?

The first Republican presidential primary debate will take place on August 24 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Who are the eight GOP hopefuls who are to cross swords on Wednesday?

2023-08-23T17:10+0000

2023-08-23T17:10+0000

2023-08-23T17:10+0000

us

americas

donald trump

nikki haley

chris christie

ukraine

china

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gop

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Eight Republicans will participate in the first debate arranged by the Republican National Committee (RNC) on Wednesday. To make it to the stage of Fiserv Forum, a multi-purpose arena located in downtown Milwaukee, GOP candidates had to draw at least 40,000 individual donors, gain at least 1% in high-quality national polls and pledge to support the Republican Party's eventual nominee, no matter who it is.Those chosen are: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, North Dakota Govenor Doug Burgum, ex-New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, ex-Vice President Mike Pence, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.Former US President Donald Trump, who remains the GOP front-runner despite the piling list of indictments, said he would skip the event.Ron DeSantisRon DeSantis, 44, is an American politician serving as the 46th governor of Florida and a decorated US Navy veteran. A Yale and Harvard graduate, DeSantis is seen as a rising conservative star by some observers.While not being considered as a Russia hawk, DeSantis has taken a harsh stance against China: on July 31, the Florida governor said that he would deprive the People's Republic of the preferential trade status, ban imports of goods made from "stolen" intellectual property and prohibit American companies from sharing critical technologies with the nation as part of his 10-point economic plan titled "Declaration of Economic Independence". DeSantis banned Chinese purchases of farmland and land near US military bases and critical infrastructure in Florida and blocked TikTok on government devices and school networks.DeSantis commands 16% support of likely GOP primary voters, as per the latest YouGov survey.Nikki HaleyNikki Haley, 51, the former United States ambassador to the United Nations under the Donald Trump administration, is famous for assertive foreign policy stance. Haley has repeatedly lambasted the incumbent president and his predecessor for "not doing enough" when it comes to Ukraine and China, respectively.The politician sees the People's Republic of China as a "national security threat" to the US. While speaking at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington in late June, Haley criticized her former boss, President Donald Trump, for being too soft on China and sending the "wrong message" to its leadership. She added that Bidens record in China is "much worse." Haley also pinned the blame on China for the COVID-19 pandemic and believes that Beijing would "invade" the island of Taiwan (an inalienable part of the PRC in the eyes of Beijing) if Russia prevails in the Ukraine conflict.Haley commands 2% support of likely GOP primary voters, as per the latest YouGov survey.Chris ChristieFormer New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, 60, is a lawyer and former federal prosecutor who used to smear Trump as a "coward" and "a puppet of Putin," over the former president's stance on the ongoing US proxy war in Ukraine.Christie has repeatedly claimed that Washington should have done more to support the Kiev regime from day one of the conflict and called for sending more weapons to Ukraine. The presidential pre-candidate made a surprise visit to Ukraine to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky on August 4, tweeting at the time: "America has never moved forward by ignoring the rest of the world. We cant start now."The ex-New Jersey governor told voters in June that he would take "a totally new approach" to China, including new tariffs and restrictions. At the same time, he admits that it's impossible to isolate Beijing. Christie commands 2% support of likely GOP primary voters, as per the latest YouGov survey.Mike PenceLike some of his party fellows, former US Vice President Mike Pence, 64, views the Ukraine conflict as Washington's fight "for freedom". He used to criticize both Trump and DeSantis for their unwillingness to beat the war drums for Washington's further participation in the conflict.On June 29, Pence made a surprise visit to Ukraine, becoming the first Republican presidential pre-candidate to meet with Zelensky.Remarkably, in late June national poll indicated that 52% of GOP primary voters were less likely to back a candidate who supports sending more funding and weapons to Ukraine. Most recently, another national survey showed that a whopping 71% of GOP voters believe that Congress should not authorize new funding, with 59% saying the US has already done enough to help the Kiev regime.When it comes to China, Pence's stance aligns him with Nikki Haley as both consider the PRC as a "national security threat" in the first place. Earlier this month, he lambasted President Biden after reports of Russo-Chinese naval patrols off the coast of Alaska."Under President Biden, Russia and China threaten to conquer their neighbors & their new Axis is now operating together off the American coast. China & Russia & their 'no limits' partnership now conducts joint blue water naval operations off the American coast & the arctic north," tweeted Pence.Pence commands 5% support of likely GOP primary voters, as per the latest YouGov survey.Tim ScottUS Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, 57 strongly supports arming Ukraine. He believes that Biden has done "a terrible job," articulating to the Americans "what Americas vital, national interest in Ukraine" is. Per Scott, the US should "degrade the Russian military."Still, at the beginning of his campaign, Tim Scott was considered to be "soft" on China. The US press reported in mid-August that now Scott is taking advice from "the Pentagons former top Asia hand," citing three people familiar with the matter. Per the media, this step could help the senator to "kill the perception" that he's a "dove" on China. Meanwhile, he is largely seen as an "underdog" in this race by US observers.Scott commands 3% support of likely GOP primary voters, per the latest YouGov survey.Doug BurgumDouglas Burgum, 67, is an American entrepreneur and the 33rd governor of North Dakota. Speaking to the US press in mid-July, he outlined his support for the Kiev regime and Washington's participation in the Ukraine conflict, describing this as a US obligation to Western Europe and NATO allies. At the same time, however, Burgum specified that while it's important to support Kiev in its fight against Russia that should not be done with a "blank check."Burgum presents himself as a China hawk and went even so far as to call Chinese Chairman Xi Jinping "a brutal dictator."Like Christie and Haley, Burgum believes that Russia's victory could "embolden" China: "Russia cannot have a win coming out of this, because if its a win for them, its a win for China," he told a US broadcaster in June.Burgum commands 1% support of likely GOP primary voters, per the latest YouGov survey.Asa HutchinsonAsa Hutchinson, 72, is an American attorney, businessman, and politician currently serving as the 46th governor of Arkansas. Hutchinson has been an ardent supporter of the US military assistance to Ukraine, claiming that the Russian special military operation threatens the balance of power in the region. He told C-SPAN in May that the US leadership was "important in supporting Ukraine and bringing the European allies together" against Russia.Hutchinson also repeatedly signaled that he disagrees with Trump's and DeSantis' "isolationist view." Last year, the politician subjected then House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to criticism over the latter's hint that the US assistance to Ukraine could be reduced.In contrast to some of his contenders, Hutchinson supports maintaining trade relations with China, but calls for less economic dependence. Back in 2017, he pushed ahead with $1.4 billion in deals with Chinese businesses in Arkansas.Hutchinson commands 1% support of likely GOP primary voters, per the latest YouGov survey.Vivek RamaswamyVivek Ramaswamy, 38, an American entrepreneur and politician, is largely considered a foreign policy dove. Ramaswamy believes that the US should negotiate an end to the Ukraine conflict, and any peace deal ought to include guarantees Kiev will not join NATO.At the same time, the politician warns against further Russo-China rapprochement, lambasting Joe Biden for driving the two Eurasian powers closer together. Still, Ramaswamy has made it clear that he is against a US military involvement in the Asia-Pacific, especially when it comes to Taiwan.Speaking to a conservative radio station in mid-August, Ramaswamy said that he would not oppose China's reunification with Taiwan once the US is no longer reliant on the island for its supply of semiconductors. "I am not going to send our sons and daughters to die over that conflict. And that's consistent with my position on Ukraine as well," the politician stressed.Ramaswamy commands 7% support of likely GOP primary voters, as per the latest YouGov survey.Donald TrumpFormer US President Donald Trump earlier signaled that he plans to boycott the first Republican primary debate since he is unquestionably the leading GOP candidate with a whopping 62% of support, as per the latest YouGov poll.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/now-economically-weaker-than-before-us-just-cannot-satisfy-ukraines-financial-hunger-1112812680.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/rocket-carrying-russias-progress-ms-24-craft-to-iss-launches-from-baikonur-spaceport-1112804414.html

Rocket Carrying Russia's Progress MS-24 Craft to ISS Launches From Baikonur Spaceport

Rocket Carrying Russia's Progress MS-24 Craft to ISS Launches From Baikonur Spaceport

A Russian Soyuz-2.1a rocket carrying the Progress MS-24 cargo craft to deliver supplies and new equipment to the International Space Station launched from Baikonur.

2023-08-23T03:10+0000

2023-08-23T03:10+0000

2023-08-23T05:51+0000

beyond politics

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soyuz-2.1a

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The rocket has already put Progress MS-24 into Earth orbit, and the cargo spacecraft has begun its flights to the ISS, the correspondent reported. Progress MS-24 is planned to dock the ISS at 6:50 a.m. Moscow time (03:50 GMT) on August 25, after which the spacecraft will spend a total of 174 days in space. Progress MS-24 will dock the Zvezda module of the Russian segment of the station, occupied by the Progress MS-22 cargo spacecraft until August 21. The spacecraft is carrying nearly 2.5 tonnes of cargo to the station, including more than 1.5 tonnes of dry cargo for the crew and station systems, about 0.5 tonnes of fuel for the station, 420 kilograms (926 pounds) of drinking water and 40 kilograms of nitrogen to replenish the atmosphere on the station. The spacecraft is also carrying new equipment for experiments aboard the station to test the system for forecasting natural and man-made disasters, study clouds and the effect of space flight on human organs. Additionally, the new stockpiles are expected to help with an analysis of the interaction of station crew members, study the effects of the Earth's magnetic field on the properties of microorganisms, grow protein crystals and develop equipment for producing fermented probiotics in space.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230809/iss-airborne-contaminants-could-surpass-those-in-american-households-1112480699.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/russia-strikes-down-two-drones-jams-third-uav-dispatched-by-ukraine-to-moscow-1112803920.html

Russia Strikes Down Two Drones, Jams Third UAV Dispatched by Ukraine to Moscow

Russia Strikes Down Two Drones, Jams Third UAV Dispatched by Ukraine to Moscow

Ukraine attacked Moscow using three unmanned aerial vehicles overnight, of which two were shot down by air defenses and the third jammed by means of radio and electronic warfare equipment, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

2023-08-23T01:50+0000

2023-08-23T01:50+0000

2023-08-23T01:52+0000

russia

moscow

ukraine

defense ministry

mq-9 reaper

bayraktar

drones

ukrainian drone attacks on russia

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"On August 23 at night, air defense forces foiled another attempt by the Kiev regime to launch a terrorist attack using three aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles against the city of Moscow," the ministry said."Two of the UAVs attacking the capital were destroyed by air defense forces mid-air over the territory of the Mozhaysky and Khimki districts of the Moscow region," the ministry detailed. "The third UAV was jammed by means of radio and electronic warfare and, having lost control, hit a building under construction of the Moscow-City complex." The ministry said that no one was injured as a result of the incident.Citing preliminary information, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin earlier indicated that one of the drones had struck a building that was under construction. Sobyanin has since said the city's emergency services were inspecting the perimeter of the Moscow-City business center for damage from the drone, adding that several windows in two nearby buildings were also smashed.Earlier Tuesday, the Defense Ministry confirmed that Russia had scrambled fighter jets to prevent MQ-9 Reaper and TB2 Bayraktar drones from crossing into Russian airspace when they were engaged in reconnaissance near the Crimean peninsula."In order to prevent a possible violation of Russias state border and counteract the conduct of electronic intelligence by drones, two Russian fighters from the air defense forces on duty were scrambled."After Russian jets took off, the drones "changed flight direction" and left the Crimean peninsula area.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230822/russian-air-defense-downs-2-ukrainian-drones-near-crimea-moscow-region-1112773673.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/tropical-treetops-are-getting-too-toasty-for-photosynthesis-study-says-1112830819.html

Tropical Treetops Are Getting Too Toasty for Photosynthesis, Study Says

Tropical Treetops Are Getting Too Toasty for Photosynthesis, Study Says

A new study has found that an increasing number of leaves in Earths tropical regions are experiencing temperatures so high that photosynthesis, the process that turns carbon dioxide into life-giving oxygen, can no longer happen.

2023-08-23T20:44+0000

2023-08-23T20:44+0000

2023-08-23T20:43+0000

beyond politics

puerto rico

brazil

australia

climate change

rainforest

temperature spikes

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Published on Wednesday in the journal Nature, the study found that the temperatures at the tops of rainforest canopies in several parts of the planet are getting dangerously close to the point where photosynthesis stops.The researchers found that at the tops of rainforest trees in Brazil, Puerto Rico and Australia, 1 in every 10,000 leaves reaches 46.7 degrees Celsius, the critical temperature in question, for at least one day per year.Moreover, the average temperature of those treetops is only about 4 degrees below the tipping point, threatening mass leaf dye-offs if global temperatures continue their rising trend.However, researchers have noted that much is uncertain. Christopher Still, an ecologist at Oregon State University in Corvallis, told US media they may be overestimating leaf vulnerability by assuming that when leaves hit this critical temperature, they die. He noted it as one possibility, adding that another variable may be the length of time for which the leaf is that hot.Their research also found variances in temperature depending on the kind of weather, with wetter periods corresponding to higher temperatures and dryer periods corresponding to lower temps, with the dry-period average being as low as 34 degrees Celsius. They also found temperature gaps between the highest treetops, which are directly exposed to the sun, and the expansive understory that lay beneath, where sunlight is sparser.Climatologists have warned that due to a man-made influence on the climate caused by vast emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, the Earth is rapidly warming at a pace not seen in hundreds of thousands of years. Estimates vary, but many predictions for the year 2100 expect the average global temperature to be at least 3 degrees Celsius higher than in 1880, when the industrial revolution was still beginning and emissions were low; they have already warmed by about 1 degree so far. While governments around the globe have made commitments to curbing carbon emissions, even the most ambitious agreements dont aim to prevent more than a 1.5-degree temperature increase by the end of the century.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230705/world-experiences-hottest-day-on-record-even-hotter-days-expected-ahead-1111681916.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/two-in-five-canadians-say-trudeau-government-responsible-for-housing-crisis--poll-1112819757.html

Two in Five Canadians Say Trudeau Government Responsible for Housing Crisis  Poll

Two in Five Canadians Say Trudeau Government Responsible for Housing Crisis  Poll

The government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is being blamed for the countrys ongoing housing crisis by 40% of Canadians, a Leger poll revealed on Wednesday.

2023-08-23T13:52+0000

2023-08-23T13:52+0000

2023-08-23T13:52+0000

canada

justin trudeau

opinion poll

survey

americas

housing crisis

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Leger conducted the poll through a web survey on August 18-20, with the participation of 1537 Canadians aged 18 and older. The respondents had the option to choose their favored official language. According to the polls figures, 40% of Canadians consider that Trudeaus government is to be blamed for the nationwide housing crisis, 32% pointed fingers at their provincial authorities, and 6 percent at municipal ones. Among said percentage, homeowners were more likely to say the federal government was responsible for the situation with 43% blaming them, the data showed, adding that even though over a third (35%) of renters also were of that opinion, 37% of them saw the provincial authorities as the culprits. The survey also found out that 55% of Canadians who have a mortgage or rent on their primary residence are worried about being able to pay either of them, something two-thirds of younger Canadians aged 18-34 are even more afraid of. Moreover, nearly one hundred percent (95%) of the polled expressed the belief that increasing rental prices and lack of affordable housing are serious problems, 66% of those characterizing the situation as very serious, the survey said. Respondents expressed 79% of their support for incentivizing housing developers, 79% for supporting affordable housing, and 77% for tighter controls on rents.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230203/survey-40-of-millennials-have-at-least-one-of-their-monthly-bills-paid-for-by-their-parents-1106937962.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230314/canadas-banking-regulator-to-strengthen-control-amid-collapse-of-svb-media-reports-1108373651.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/ukraine-loses-up-to-180-troops-in-donetsk-direction-in-past-24-hours-1112816170.html

Ukraine Loses Up to 180 Troops in Donetsk Direction in Past 24 Hours

Ukraine Loses Up to 180 Troops in Donetsk Direction in Past 24 Hours

Ukraine has lost up to 180 servicemen and 10 pieces of military equipment in the Donetsk direction over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

2023-08-23T12:12+0000

2023-08-23T12:12+0000

2023-08-23T12:12+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

russia

ukraine

ukrainian crisis

russian defense ministry

russian forces

donetsk

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Russian military repelled three attacks by Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk direction and two in the Krasny Liman direction. The Russian armed forces' assault units also conducted offensive operations in the Kupyansk direction, where Kiev lost up to 170 military, the ministry noted, adding that in the South Donetsk direction, Ukraine lost up to 145 military.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/1112808168.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/what-is-known-so-far-about-deadly-business-jet-crash-in-tver-region-1112827671.html

Jet Crash With Wagner Chief Prigozhin Onboard: What We Know So Far

Jet Crash With Wagner Chief Prigozhin Onboard: What We Know So Far

Head of PMC Wagner Yevgeny Prigozhin crashed in Russia

2023-08-23T18:29+0000

2023-08-23T18:29+0000

2023-08-25T12:19+0000

russia

russia

embraer

sheremetyevo international airport

plane crash

details

investigation

video

prigozhin jet crash

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While Russian emergency services are currently working to deal with the aftermath of this crash to determine the cause, here is what is known about this tragedy so far:

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Driven by Jason Ryan, Distant Lover paced the fastest mile of the Prospect Series for freshman pacing fillies on the Tuesday (Aug. 22) evening card at Georgian Downs, winning her $8,700 split in 1:57.2.

Ryan and the Nick Gallucci trainee got away fifth off the car as Mc Paisley (Mario Baillargeon) took the field of seven to their first panel in :30. Distant Lover tipped out before the :59.3 half and kept chugging on the outside through the three-quarters in 1:27.1. She found open track in the lane and kept on going to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:57.2. Rocks Shadow (Louis Gregg) finished second and Love On Me (Ryan Holliday) rounded out the top three.

Millar Farms bred and owns Distant Lover (Betterthancheddar-Mindsweeper), who won her first race in her first start. She paid $6.40 to win.

Gabriella Sasso trainee Ireland Seelster won her split with Anthony Haughan at the controls.

Ireland Seelster sat fourth at the opening panel in :28.1 before Haughan tipped her out first over en route to the :58.2 half. Ireland Seelster took command of the field, clicked out the three-quarters in 1:27.3 and then fended off Wickedly Devilish (J Harris) in the stretch to win by a half length in 1:58. Roll On Myway (Beau Brown) was third.

Jeffrey Courchesne and Martwest Racing Lp co-own the two-year-old Sportswriter-I C Maggie May daughter, who picked up her first win in three starts. Ireland Seelster paid $4.70 to win.

Wheres My Phone was driven to victory by Brett MacDonald for trainer Gregg McNair in a photo finish at the wire.

Wheres My Phone landed in fourth through panels in :30.1 and :59.1 before pulling first over to challenge pacesetter Lyons Shine On (Anthony Haughan) at the three-quarters in 1:29.1. Wheel-to-wheel down the lane, Wheres My Phone and Lyons Shine On were in a match race for the win. At the wire, Wheres My Phone stuck her head out to win in 1:58.2. Forrest Princess (John Thomson) took the show spot.

Ian Fleming and McNair co-own the Big Jim-Lucky Louisa daughter, who scored her second win in a career-best time. Wheres My Phone paid $4.90 to win.

To view Tuesday's harness racing results, click the following link: Tuesday Results - Georgian Downs.
In June of 2007, a new era began on the grounds of Truro Raceway and now, 16 years later, the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition grounds in Bible Hill, N.S. is honouring the horse behind the history.

Just a short distance from Truro Raceway, a new multi-purpose pavilion was developed at the Exhibition grounds and has been dedicated to the career and life of harness racing hero, Somebeachsomewhere.

'Beach' made his career debut 16 years ago on the Truro, N.S. oval, winning three qualifiers in three weeks before travelling onwards to making his mark in harness racing history. With 21 starts throughout Canada and the United States, Somebeachsomewhere had 20 wins and one second with $3,328,755 in career earnings.

Trained and co-owned by Brent MacGrath, Somebeachsomewhere posted the all-age world record at the time of 1:46.4 in the Bluegrass at The Red Mile on Sept. 27, 2008. The photo taken during the record mile is prominently displayed on the signage of the pavilion.

"Obviously they had heard of 'Beach' and the impact he had on Truro Raceway, Truro, and really, all of Nova Scotia. I would say they were wanting to name the barn after an equestrian hero and he fit the bill," MacGrath was quoted as saying in a Saltwire article.

MacGrath said that he and his wife Rhonda, a caretaker of Somebeachsomewhere, picked the picture taken by Dave Landry. With the pavilion acting as a multi-purpose building and featuring equestrian and agriculture events, MacGrath added that it was important to them that people immediately recognized 'Beach' as a racehorse.

(With files from Saltwire)
Lincoln City Councilman James Michael Bowers has written an open letter to Gov. Jim Pillen inviting him and other state and local officials to come to a town hall meeting to answer questions about plans to build a new prison about a mile northeast of the city.

All City Council members except Tom Beckius and Tom Duden have signed onto the letter, as have Lincoln state senators Danielle Conrad, Jane Raybould and George Dungan and county commissioners Christa Yoakum, Roma Amundson and Rick Vest as well as Cathy Martinez, a community leader in northeast Lincoln.

Bowers said the letter, drafted over the weekend, happened quickly after Pillen announced last week that hed signed a purchase agreement to spend $17 million for more than 300 acres near 112th and Adams streets.

The state plans to build its long-awaited $350 million, 1,500-bed prison about a mile north of the city limits in one of the fastest-growing parts of Lincoln.

Construction on the multi-custody facility, which will replace the aging Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln, will begin in the fall of 2024, Pillen said.

Neighbors of Waterford Estates and other new northeast Lincoln neighborhoods have expressed their opposition to a prison.

City officials said earlier in the year they declined a request from state officials to buy city property for the prison, then heard nothing until shortly before the public announcement. County officials said they were not consulted.

The letter says area leaders are asking for the meeting because the announcement has generated a lot of confusion and discomfort for residents of northeast Lincoln, who he represents.

As such, we respectfully request more information and a stronger commitment to transparency and dialogue about this issue with you in the coming weeks and months, he wrote.

The letter said leaders and the general public want to learn more about how this decision was made and hope the governor would reconsider the decision to place the prison, which is misaligned with our fast-growing and vibrant North Lincoln neighborhoods."

The letter invites Pillen, Director of Corrections Rob Jeffreys, Lincoln leaders and voters to a Sept. 21 town hall meeting at 5:30 p.m. Bowers regularly holds town hall meetings at the Anderson Branch library, but Bowers says theyll find a yet-to-be-determined location, and say it could be rescheduled to a new time, if need be.

Bowers said the meeting will allow northeast residents an opportunity to share their concerns.

Our voice and participation in this process have been taken away from us, he wrote. You, and your teams presence at this event would demonstrate a commitment to hearing the voices of Northeast Lincoln residents and allow us to work together to find a solution that addresses both your plans for a prison and the concerns of Northeast Lincoln families.

Bowers copied city officials on the letter and said he would like them to attend, but the decision was made by the state.

Its important people direct their questions and frustrations and demands for action to the right decision-makers, he said.

Beckius, who is chairman of the City Council, said he hasn't signed onto the invitation letter because he's not sure what it would accomplish, or that Pillen would attend.

Bowers said he doesnt want to see a prison anywhere in northeast Lincoln, which has more than pulled its civic weight of being the site of the city for various services like wastewater and landfills.

Pillen was in Texas on Monday visiting the U.S.-Mexican border and could not be reached for comment.
HERAT, Afghanistan, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Afghan police have arrested two persons involved in drug trafficking in Afghanistan's western Herat province, provincial police spokesman Abdullah Insaf said on Wednesday.

The alleged smugglers, according to the officials, were attempting to take 14 kg of crystal used in manufacturing heroin out of the provincial capital Herat and were identified and arrested on Tuesday night.

According to the spokesperson, the suspects have been taken into custody for further investigations.

Afghan caretaker government has vowed to fight against poppy cultivation and opium trade in the war-torn country. 
In the recently concluded legislative session, the Nebraska Legislature passed a historic measure of property tax relief and reform. These include increasing the amounts distributed through the property tax credit fund; increasing the refundable income tax credit for K-12 school taxes paid; replacing community college property tax collections with state funding; and through the passage of LB 583, injecting $300 million annually into public education in the form of foundation aid and increased special education funding.

Importantly, this last component  more dollars into public schools  is meant to take pressure off of our property taxpayers. The Legislature did its job, and now we need the help of local school administrators and school boards to ensure these dollars yield the intended dollar for dollar property tax relief.

In an effort to ensure the LB 583 dollars yield property tax relief, the legislature also passed revenue cap provisions in LB 243. Under these provisions, schools are generally limited to a 3% cap on overall revenue growth. This cap can be exceeded by a vote of 60% of the school board, or a vote of 70% of the public. But staying within this 3% cap is necessary to help ensure the additional dollars we are putting into public education actually lower property taxes.

For years, Nebraska has had a reputation for relying far too heavily on local property taxes to fund public education. U.S. Census Bureau data shows that we are nearly last in the country in the percentage of K-12 education funding derived from the state. Instead, the state has forced local property taxpayers to foot most of the bill for our schools. LB 583 is a needed step to help correct this overreliance on property taxes.

In order to end our overreliance on local taxpayers to fund education, this $300 million revenue stream flowing into public schools must be used to drive down property taxes. Those dollars were not intended, nor are they needed, simply to increase overall school spending in Nebraska.

An examination of U.S. Census Bureau data will show that per pupil spending in Nebraska is about $1,500 per student higher than the average of five of our neighboring states. This doesnt suggest a shortage of school funding or spending in our state. Furthermore, a 2021 Rutgers University report on the adequacy and fairness of state school finance systems found Nebraska ranked in the top four in adequacy of school spending. The clear takeaway: public education in Nebraska is already well-funded.

It was a monumental task, led by Governor Pillen, to get the above components of property tax relief enacted. In doing so, stakeholders and senators rolled up their sleeves, came together for the good of all Nebraska, and got these items across the finish line. It truly was a team effort on behalf of all Nebraskans.

And now we need local administrators and school boards to be part of the team. Our local partners need to resist the temptation to increase spending with this new funding, do everything possible to stay within the cap provisions of LB 243, and ensure that these additional dollars injected into public education yield property tax relief for everyday Nebraskans.
She joins the hospitals from Piedmont Medical Center, located in Fort Mill, S.C., where she served as chief nursing officer. During her tenure, she had administrative oversight for all nursing standards and practice while intensely focusing on the new hospital that opened in September 2022. Moore also managed recruitment, quality, and patient satisfaction, while developing department policies and procedures across the hospitals nursing care departments.
Working hard for yourself is way easier than working hard for others.

This is the most easily seen between entrepreneurship and a salaried position.

But pulling it off at the office is a step above.

Its about answering why.

Where a typical manager may set the deadline for the employee, Musk guides his engineers into taking ownership of their own delivery dates. He doesnt say, You have to do this by Friday at two P.M., Brogan said. He says, I need the impossible done by Friday at two P.M. Can you do it? Then, when you say yes, you are not working hard because he told you to. Youre working hard for yourself. Its a distinction you can feel.

-Ashley Vance, Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future (Amazon)
The victims of this devastating incident originated from the village of al-Ruwaiha in the southern countryside of Idleb, according to al-Souria Net.

On Wednesday, a series of Russian airstrikes struck the western countryside of Idleb, resulting in the death and injury of numerous civilians. The correspondent for al-Souria Net in Idleb reported that the aerial bombardment specifically targeted a water station near the village of Arri. Tragically, two civilians lost their lives, and five others sustained injuries as a direct consequence of this Russian airstrike.

The victims of this devastating incident originated from the village of al-Ruwaiha in the southern countryside of Idleb. Having been displaced during a military campaign back in 2019, they sought refuge at the water station, only to fall victim to this recent attack.

The White Helmets teams, renowned for their swift responses during emergencies, reported significant damage inflicted upon a non-operational water station due to the intensity of the Russian shelling.

This marks the second instance of Russian warplanes conducting such airstrikes, with the previous days target being the vicinity of Batna in the western countryside of Idleb. The correspondent further highlighted that the regions under attack are known for housing internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, a dire situation made more precarious by the mountainous terrain.

The preceding Russian bombardment on Tuesday followed artillery shelling by both Assads and Russian forces on the town of Ehsim in Jabal al-Zawiya, which led to the injury of three civilians. Furthermore, artillery strikes were reported in the towns of Kansafra and Balyoun in Jabal al-Zawiya, as well as al-Abzmo in the western countryside of Aleppo. Fortunately, these shelling incidents caused no casualties, as confirmed by the White Helmets.

Reflecting back to August 5th, Russian warplanes had targeted the outskirts of Idleb City, resulting in the tragic demise of three members belonging to a single family.

The repeated instances of civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction underline the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, as well as the dire need for a peaceful resolution to this conflict.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Hundreds of individuals from various cities and towns within the Suweida governorate converged at al-Karama Square, according to Syria TV.

The general strike and civil disobedience in Suweida have entered their fourth consecutive day, gaining momentum as demonstrations and protests expand across the governorate. This has led to the closure of numerous departments and institutions associated with the Syrian regime, including the prominent Baath Party building in the city. Roads leading to city centers and towns have also been closed off as part of these ongoing actions.

From the early hours of the morning, hundreds of individuals from various cities and towns within the Suweida governorate converged at al-Karama Square, located at the heart of Sweida city. The focal point of this gathering was a central demonstration, marked by resounding calls for the departure of Bashar al-Assad and his regime. Simultaneous protests occurred throughout the governorate in a synchronized show of dissent.

Videos shared on local online platforms showcase a remarkable surge in the number of participants at Karama Square, surpassing figures from preceding days. Amidst this show of solidarity, protesters articulated their demands through fervent slogans. They vociferously called for freedom, the immediate resignation of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and the withdrawal of foreign forces, notably exclaiming phrases such as Syria yearns for liberty, Bashar must step aside, In the name of Syrian freedom, Iran, recede, The people of Syria demand liberty, and May Syria prosper, down with Bashar al-Assad.

Amidst the unified chants and demonstrations, protesters also hoisted banners that emphasized the imperative of adhering to UN Resolution 2254. This resolution underscores a political transition as a requisite avenue to resolve the ongoing crisis. Furthermore, the demonstrators urged the prompt release of detainees and the individuals who have disappeared under mysterious circumstances within the regimes detention facilities.

As the general strike, civil disobedience, and spirited demonstrations persist in Suweida, they underscore the unwavering determination of the populace to advocate for their fundamental rights, demand political change, and seek a just and peaceful resolution to the crisis. Thee united voice of the people resonates with the aspirations of the broader international community for a more stable and democratic Syria.

40 demonstration points in Suweida

On Tuesday, in the governorate of Suweida, approximately 40 protest sites were documented on the third day of the ongoing general strike.

Starting from seven oclock in the morning, citizens have once again gathered on the streets, continuing a trend that began on Sunday. This widespread participation has been observed across numerous villages and towns, reported the online platform, Suwayda 24. The protesters effectively obstructed roads using flaming tires and prominently displayed banners that articulated their collective demands.

Raising salaries and raising fuel prices

For the fourth consecutive day, the region of Suweida and its surrounding countryside are in the midst of extensive protests denouncing the economic and service policies of the Syrian regime.

On Wednesday, areas under Syrian regime control experienced a significant disruption in private transportation services. This disruption followed the governments decision to raise fuel prices, which subsequently caused disarray among citizens and students across various governorates in Syria.

Merely hours after the Syrian regimes president announced a legislative decree outlining a 100 percent increase in salaries and wages for public sector employees, contradictory amendments were introduced. These amendments led to a hike in the prices of diesel, gasoline, fuel, and liquid gas.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
The movement claims there is a secret tunnel leading to Bashar al-Assad's palace, according to Baladi News.

The Free Alawite Officers Movement released a video on August 23rd, revealing the presence of Iranian forces along the Syrian coast, particularly in Jableh, the hometown of Bashar al-Assad. The video showcased a tunnel exit connected to an automated rocket launcher belonging to the IRGC militia.

According to the video released by the movement, the tunnel stretches from al-Jawfiya village, through Shaditi village, to al-Maysiya village. This tunnel reportedly leads to Bashar al-Assads palace, which allegedly houses a Captagon manufacturing facility. Its also mentioned that the tunnel reaches the palace of Imad al-Assad.

The video also disclosed the coordinates of a nearly three-kilometer tunnel in Qardaha village, Beit Zantout, utilized by Iran for drone production, ammunition storage, and weapon stockpiling. In addition, the video highlighted a nondescript building, suggesting that Iranian militias are attempting to conceal its purpose. This construction is suspected to be related to espionage efforts aimed at the Russian Hemeimeen base.

According to the video, the palace of Imad, a key figure in the Syrian regime, has now become the headquarters for the Iranian Revolutionary Guards command and officers. The former headquarters of Muhammad Tawfiq al-Assad, known as Sheikh of the Mountain, has been repurposed for meetings between Iranians and Asma al-Assad.

Aerial footage and coordinates in the video identify two locations, one as Asma al-Assads headquarters and the other as a Hezbollah militia headquarters housing a drug production facility. The Hezbollah guards are reportedly disguised as Republican Guard militia members.

The Free Alawite Officers Movement was founded in February 2018 and consists of military and security personnel who have not been involved in violence or destruction. The video displayed three individuals in military uniforms  two colonels flanking a brigadier general  all with concealed faces to protect their identities.

The recording was purportedly filmed in a mountainous region overlooking Qardaha in Lattakia governorate, Bashar al-Assads birthplace. Recently, the military councils activities have intensified, with some of its officers participating in the National Liberation Movement conference in Afrin, northern Syria, on July 28th.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Under the headline "A Fallacy, Not a Revival: Unmasking Deceit and Charlatans," Al-Baath dismisses the ongoing protests.

Tensions in Syria escalate as the pro-government media takes a critical stance on the ongoing demonstrations in As-Suwayda. In a move that adds fuel to an already complex situation, the Al-Baath newspaper, closely associated with Bashar al-Assads ruling party, uses strong language to belittle the protesters, accusing them of being manipulated by foreign interests and asserting that their impact is overblown.

The unfolding events shed light on the widening gap between the government and those voicing their discontent, underscoring the deep-rooted challenges facing the nation in its pursuit of stability and change.

Under the headline A Fallacy, Not a Revival: Unmasking Deceit and Charlatans, the newspaper dismisses the ongoing protests, stating that millions of Syrian students are poised to return to school, signifying the normalcy in the country despite social media accounts depicting a different narrative. It asserts that life in Syria continues unperturbed and that the portrayal by Western media is far from accurate.

The recent attack vividly underscores the governments heightened concern over the ongoing protests within communities that had previously displayed support or neutrality towards the Assad regime.

Accusations of External Manipulation

The newspaper proceeds to undermine the authenticity of the As-Suwayda protests, casting doubts on the intentions of the demonstrators. It alleges that these participants, including prominent sheikhs, are acting as pawns for foreign interests, particularly those of America and Erdogan. The article accuses them of receiving monetary support from the United States and Israel, aiming to create division within the nation.

Bassam Hashem, the editorial writer and chief editor of the newspaper, not only insults the protesters but also ridicules their efforts. He paints a picture of the demonstrators as masked agents inciting fear and intimidation, attempting to manipulate the situation for their advantage.

Alleged Neo-Conservative Ploys

The editorial suggests that the actions of the demonstrators play into the hands of neo-conservative agendas. It claims that Washington is using these protests as leverage to pressure policy changes that align with American and Israeli interests. The article warns that this could lead to the establishment of protectorates or federations in Syria.

The article further denigrates the As-Suwayda demonstrators as Facebook revolutionaries, accusing them of indulging in obscene language and cheap provocation. It questions whether their acceptance of external financial support implies liberation and challenges the sincerity of their cause.

Hashem concludes with a defiant tone, rallying behind President Bashar al-Assad and the Syrian Arab Army. He reiterates the Baath Partys commitment to these figures and asserts that their leadership remains pivotal amid the ongoing unrest.

Despite the criticism and allegations, the demonstrations in As-Suwayda have persisted for four consecutive days. The protesters, including influential sheikhs, continue to demand the removal of Bashar al-Assad and his regime. Their strikes and sit-ins have caused disruptions across the province, with over 40 locations affected by the general strike and civil disobedience movement.

Wider Impact

Beyond As-Suwayda, popular discontent is spreading across regions controlled by Assads militia, including the Syrian coast. The deteriorating living conditions, economic hardships, and a lack of political solutions have fueled these demonstrations, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by Syrians after nearly 13 years of conflict.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.

General Michael Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command, recently conducted a visit to Syria during which he toured the Al-Hol and Al-Roj Displaced Persons Camps situated in the northeastern region of the country. Around the same timeframe, unfortunate incidents occurred as a result of Russian air raids targeting an abandoned water pumping station in the rebel-held northwest Syria, leading to the loss of at least two civilian lives. Meanwhile, there are news reports suggesting a noticeable rise in Pakistani influence within Syria since the onset of the Syrian conflict.

US army chief visits Syrian camps for displaced persons

General Michael Kurilla, commander of US Central Command, travelled to Syria where he visited the Al-Hol and Al-Roj Displaced Persons Camps in northeast Syria, The Arab News reported.

Al-Hol is the largest camp for displaced people, overpopulated with more than 50,000 residents, including relatives of suspected extremists, displaced Syrians and Iraqi refugees.

During the visits, Kurilla met camp administrators and residents to observe living standards, improvements in camp security, repatriation, rehabilitation, and reintegration efforts to return residents to their home countries.

Our continuing multinational effort to repatriate the residents of the camps to their countries of origin not only enhances security and stability in the region but, more importantly, eases this humanitarian challenge, Kurilla said.

The United States, SDF, and the Global Coalition remain focused and committed to the enduring defeat of Daesh while addressing the humanitarian and security challenges at camps in northeast Syria, he said.

The general also met with Syrian Democratic Forces to review the campaign to eliminate Daesh as well as assess humanitarian aid efforts in the region.

Nocturnal Anti-Government Demonstration Unfolds in Daraa, Syria

Under the cover of night, a group of young men within Daraa Governorate, located in the southern region of Syria, engaged in a protest on Tuesday evening, vociferously demanding the ousting of the Syrian regime.

According to a local informant cited by North Press, a multitude of young individuals from the town of Sayda, situated to the east of Daraa, took to the streets to partake in an anti-government demonstration.

Over the recent days, a wave of anti-government demonstrations emerged in Daraa Governorate, originating from calls for enhanced economic conditions. However, these protests underwent an evolution as participants now advocate for the overthrow of the regime, the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254, the establishment of a decentralized system, and the reversal of unjust policies, including the escalation of fuel prices.

Remarkably, these protests saw the unfurling of the flag associated with the Syrian revolution, a representation harkening back to the period preceding Hafez al-Assads reign, as noted by the aforementioned source.

Amid the fervour of the gathering, slogans reverberated against the Syrian government, echoing fervent appeals for the downfall of the [Syrian] regime while underscoring the yearning for freedom and dignity, the informant further conveyed.

Russian air raids kill two civilians in northwest Syria

At least two civilians have been killed when Russian air raids struck an abandoned water pumping station in rebel-held northwest Syria, the Syrian Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, says as attacks by Damascus ally Moscow rise, Al-Jazeera reported.

Two attacks took place late on Tuesday in Arri, west of the provincial capital Idlib, and hit the facility, where displaced Syrians had been living. An elderly man, Ahmad al-Khaled, and his 16-year-old grandson Taher were killed.

According to Munir al-Mustafa, deputy director of the White Helmets emergency response volunteers, five other civilians were wounded in the Russian raid, including two children and a woman.

We were sleeping and woke up to the sound of explosions, Mohammed al-Khaled, the elderly mans son, told Al Jazeera. We quickly got the women and children out, but after five minutes, the second Russian attack killed my father and nephew.

There are no armed fighters or weapons in the area, he said. This is a water pumping station that is out of service. Were all civilians here.

The regime forces and Russia have escalated their attacks during the past hours, threatening the lives of civilians in northwestern Syria, al-Mustafa said in a statement.

These attacks are a continuation of their policy of killing civilians, without any deterrence or accountability for these crimes for 12 years.

Al-Mustafa said the White Helmets have responded to more than 454 attacks by Russia and the Syrian regime since the beginning of the year.

Fifty-one people, including eight children and five women, were killed in these attacks, and 208 people were injured, he said.

Yousef Ramadan, who lives in the al-Tih camp for displaced people near Maarrat Misrin, also in Idlib province, said he thought the raids were directed at the camp.

The attack was about 500 metres [550 yards] away from us, the 57-year-old said. My family and I were in our tent when we heard the missiles hit.

They ran outside and took shelter under an olive tree.

It was like the sound of death, Ramadan said.

Cyprus dismantles human smuggling ring bringing Syrian migrants from Syria, Lebanon and Turkey

Cyprus said Wednesday it dismantled a criminal human smuggling ring responsible for bringing boatloads of Syrian migrants from Syria, Lebanon and Turkey. The eastern Mediterranean island nation has seen almost daily migrant boat arrivals in recent days, AP reported.

Cypriot police said three months of investigative work resulted in the arrest of five suspects following a raid by a combined force of 40 officers on several homes in the islands southeast.

A Cyprus court ordered the detention of the suspects, all Syrian nationals, for eight days until police wrap up their investigation. The suspects face charges of belonging to a criminal migrant smuggling organization.

Police spokesman Christos Andreou told The Associated Press that seven more Syrians were being sought in connection with the ring, including the ringleader who is believed to have fled abroad along with another ring member.

Andreou said the police raid also found 44 Syrian migrants living in those homes, all of whom are asylum seekers or have been accorded international protection status. The migrants will be questioned and released, if theyre not found to belong to the same ring, according to Andreou.

It wasnt immediately clear if the detained suspects had legal representation. Andreou said they could apply for legal aid and have a public defender appointed at any time, but he was unaware if that had happened Wednesday.

The arrests come as Cypriot authorities rescued 142 Syrian migrants aboard four separate boats over four consecutive days this week.

War crime complaint filed against fighter who confessed to killing children in Syria

A human rights group has filed a legal complaint in Norway against an alleged Iraqi fighter who appeared to confess to killing civilians in Syrias war while fighting alongside President Bashar al-Assads forces, Middle East Eye has learned.

The Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM) said they had made a complaint to the War Crimes Unit in Norway over the Iraqi man, who has been living in the country for six years.

The organization referenced a number of videos circulating online in which the man says he killed civilians while fighting the opposition as a member of Iraqs Popular Mobilisation paramilitary (known as Hashd al-Shaabi in Arabic).

The suspect also revealed that he killed several Syrian children without specifying the exact tally, and that the youngest of these children was around a month old, said SCM, in a statement.

According to the video, he killed the one-month-old baby who was in the arms of his crying mother. The videos also include death threats against Syrians residing in Norway.

The SCM demanded the opening of a structural investigation and said the police confirmed receipt of the complaint on Monday.

The Hashd al-Shaabi, a paramilitary unit formed in 2014 by Iraqis to fight the Islamic State group, has been among the foreign forces who travelled to Syria to aid the Assad government against opposition rebels.

The group, as well as other foreign fighters, has been accused of carrying out arbitrary detentions, torture and other abuses across the country.

The quiet rise of Pakistani influence in Syria

The Middle East Eye published a report in which it discusses the gradual increase in Pakistani influence within Syria since the outbreak of the Syrian war. This influence has grown quietly, often under the radar, and is characterized by various diplomatic, economic, and educational initiatives.

Pakistan has cultivated stronger ties with Syrias government, even during the conflict. This strategy involved supporting sectors like education and commerce, as well as forging diplomatic relations through various agreements and mutual cooperation. The long-standing military relationship between Pakistan and Syria, dating back to the 1967 and 1973 wars, has laid the groundwork for broader engagement.

Soft Power and Education

According to the report, Pakistan has strategically utilized neglected sectors in Syrias infrastructure, such as education, to enhance its influence without causing friction. The Pakistan International School of Damascus, for instance, has played a pivotal role in this approach by offering quality education to Syrias political and military elite. The schools curriculum and affiliations, including with the University of Cambridge, have elevated its status and increased Pakistans influence in Syrias education sector.

Humanitarian and Economic Cooperation

The report says Pakistans involvement in Syria also extends to humanitarian and economic cooperation. The article cites instances where Pakistan sent medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic and provided aid after forest fires in the Lattakia governorate. Additionally, there are efforts to strengthen economic ties, exemplified by agreements on investment projects, commercial deals, and trade.

Unlike countries like Russia, Iran, and China, Pakistan did not take a direct military role in the Syrian conflict. However, the article mentions groups like Liwa Zainebiyoun, a predominantly Pakistani Shia brigade fighting alongside the Syrian government. Pakistan has reportedly sought to restrain these fighters and curtail their presence in Syria, aligning with its discreet approach.

Pakistans increasing influence in Syria raises questions about its alignment with the United States and its Gulf Arab allies, especially given the complex geopolitical dynamics of the Syrian conflict. The US response to Pakistans growing ties with Syria has been relatively muted, indicating a potential shift in Washingtons approach.

The article highlights Pakistans quiet yet strategic efforts to expand its influence in Syria. Through a combination of soft power, education initiatives, humanitarian aid, and economic cooperation, Pakistan has carved out a distinct role in a conflict-ridden region.
Villager digs up 3.2 kg wild fungus in SW China's Yunnan

People's Daily Online) 13:16, August 23, 2023

A villager dug up a giant white fungus which weighed 3.2 kilograms in a village in Gengma Dai and Wa Autonomous County in Lincang city, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on July 17. The fungus was even bigger than a newborn baby.

Locals said the fungus was edible. Similar fungi had been previously found in the village but didn't weigh as heavy as this one.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
VIENNA, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- A member of Austria's National Council, the country's lower house of parliament, has condemned Japan's decision to start dumping nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday.

Martin Litschauer, a member of the National Council from the Green Party and the party's anti-nuclear spokesperson, said Tuesday in a press release that the "contaminated wastewater in the global water cycle endangers our environment and the health of humans and animals" and "may have a direct impact on Europe."

Litschauer urged the European Union (EU) to reverse its decision to lift the import restrictions for fish and other food products from Japan, which was announced by the EU at the EU-Japan Summit in July.

"It cannot be that the EU wants to re-import potentially contaminated fish. Despite the planned filtration, the water (from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant) is still contaminated with the radioactive substance tritium," Litschauer said.

Litschauer also said it is "a scandal" that the Japanese government has left the wastewater dumping decision in the hands of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"The IAEA is not an independent organization. It is committed to the use of nuclear energy and is therefore not an adequate scientific body to make this globally relevant decision," he said.

Hit by a massive earthquake and an ensuing tsunami in March 2011, the Fukushima nuclear power plant suffered core meltdowns and generated a massive amount of water tainted with radioactive substances from cooling down the nuclear fuel. 
Saif II-SE Investments Mauritius Limited Vs ACIT (ITAT Delhi)

ITAT Delhi held that that the departmental authorities cannot question the validity of Tax Residency Certificate. Once the assessee holds a valid TRC, it proves the residential status of the assessee as resident of Mauritius, hence, it will be eligible to treaty benefits.

Facts- The assessee is a non-resident corporate entity incorporated in Mauritius and is a tax resident of Mauritius. As stated by AO, the assessee operates as an investment holding company, undertaking various investments. AO noted that the assessee holds a valid Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) issued by the Mauritius Tax Authorities. The assessee also holds a valid Global Business Licence (Category 1) (GBL-1) issued by the Financial Service Commission in Mauritius. The assessees holding companies are SAIF II Mauritius Company Ltd. (SAIF II), which owns 51% of the shareholding, and SAIF III Mauritius Company Limited (SAIF III), which holds 49% of the shareholding in the assessee company. AO noted that two of the directors of the assessee company are residents of Mauritius, whereas two other directors are from Hong Kong.

The assessee received dividend income of Rs. 47,64,37,500/- on equity shares of National Stock Exchange (NSE), whereas it received net long-term capital gain of Rs. 465,99,50,702/- on part disposal of equity shares of the NSE. The assessee claimed the dividend income as exempt u/s. 10(34) of the Act. Whereas he claimed the net long-term capital gain to be exempt under Article 13(4) of the India-Mauritius tax treaty.

AO ultimately held that the assessee could not be treated as a tax resident of Mauritius, hence, would not be entitled to treaty benefits. Accordingly, AO framed the draft assessment order. DRP upheld the decision of AO.

Conclusion- Held that the assessee is holding the shares in NSE for more than a decade, since the year 2009, and even as of date, is still holding 3.5% of the shares in NSE. Thus, holding a period of shares by the assessee demonstrates the status of the assessee as a genuine entity carrying on the business of holding investments. It is now fairly well settled that a TRC issued by an authority in the other tax jurisdiction is the most credible evidence to prove the residential status of an entity, and the TRC cannot be doubted.

In case of Black Stone Capital Partners (Singapore) VI FDI Three Pte. Ltd., the Honble Jurisdictional High Court has again reiterated the legal position that the departmental authorities cannot question the validity of TRC, which proves the residential status of the entity. Thus, applying the ratio laid down in these decisions, it has to be held that once the assessee holds a valid TRC, it proves the residential status of the assessee as resident of Mauritius, hence, it will be eligible to treaty benefits.

FULL TEXT OF THE ORDER OF ITAT DELHI

1. Captioned appeal has been filed by the assessee challenging the final assessment order dated 18.07.2022 passed under section 143(3) read with section 144C(13) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (in short the Act), pertaining to assessment year 2018-19, in pursuance to the directions of learned Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP).

2. In total, the assessee has raised 9 grounds. Ground no. 1 is a general ground. Whereas, at the time of hearing, on instructions, learned counsel appearing for the assessee did not press ground nos. 2 and 3. Accordingly, these two grounds are dismissed as not pressed.

3. In ground nos. 4 to 6, the assessee has raised the issue of non-taxability of long term capital gain derived from sale of shares in an Indian company to be exempt under Article 13(4) of India  Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).

4. Briefly the facts relating to this issue are, the assessee is a non-resident corporate entity incorporated in Mauritius and is a tax resident of Mauritius. As stated by the Assessing Officer, the assessee operates as an investment holding company for undertaking various investments. He has also noted that the assessee holds a valid Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) issued by Mauritius Tax Authorities for the year under consideration. The assessee also holds a valid Global Business Licence (Category 1) (GBL- 1) issued by the Financial Service Commission in Mauritius. The assessees holding companies are SAIF II Mauritius Company Ltd. (SAIF II), which owns 51% shareholding and SAIF III Mauritius Company Limited (SAIF III), which holds 49% shareholding in the assessee company. He has also noted that two of the directors of the assessee company are residents of Mauritius, whereas, two other directors are from Hongkong.

5. In the year under consideration, the assessee received dividend income of Rs.47,64,37,500/- on equity shares of National Stock Exchange (NSE), whereas, it received net long term capital gain of Rs.465,99,50,702/- on part disposal of equity shares of NSE. In the return of income filed for the assessment year under dispute, the assessee claimed the dividend income as exempt under section 10(34) of the Act. Whereas, he claimed the net long term capital gain to be exempt under Article 13(4) of India  Mauritius tax treaty.

6. In course of assessment proceedings, the Assessing Officer, from time to time, issued statutory notices under section 142(1) and 143(2) of the Act calling for various informations. Each of such notices were complied by the assessee. The basic query of the Assessing Officer was with regard to assessees claim of exemption under Article 13(4) of India  Mauritius tax treaty. Though, the assessee justified the claim of exemption by submitting that, being a tax resident of Mauritius holding a valid TRC, it is entitled to treaty benefits, however, the Assessing Officer remained unconvinced. He observed, though, assessees principal activity is to hold investments, however, assessee had held investment in only one company throughout its existence, i.e., NSE. He further observed that it has not booked any income from its principal activity in the years 2016, 2017 and 2018. Similarly, it has not booked any operating expenses during these years. He further alleged that the assessee has no employees as evident from the fact that no salary expenses were debited to its books. He further observed that the dividend income earned by assessee on NSE shares were entirely used for repayment of amount owed to related parties and the assessee is not enjoying the benefits of the income in Mauritius. He further observed that the assessee is not paying any tax in Mauritius. He further observed that the key managerial personnel of the assessee and that of the holding companies are same persons. He further observed that the assessees holding companies, in turn, are held by a company located in Cayman Island. Thus, he held that the assessee company has no commercial substance and has been set up as a conduit company under a scheme of arrangement to get tax advantage under India  Mauritius tax treaty. Thereafter, referring to OECD Commentary and various judicial precedents, the Assessing Officer ultimately held as under:-

i. The scheme of arrangement employed by the assessee is for tax avoidance through treaty shopping mechanism.

ii. The assessee is just a conduit and the real owners of the income are ultimate holding companies based in Cayman Island.

iii. TRC is not sufficient to establish the tax residency, if the substance establishes otherwise.

iv. There is no commercial rationale of establishment of the assessee company in Mauritius.

v. The control and management of the assessment company is not in Mauritius.

7. Based on the aforesaid reasoning, the Assessing Officer ultimately held that the assessee cannot be treated as a tax resident of Mauritius, hence, would not be entitled to treaty benefits. Accordingly, he framed the draft assessment order. The assessee filed objections against the draft assessment order before learned DRP. In course of proceedings before learned DRP, the assessee furnished various additional evidences to establish its residential status as well as its claim of treaty benefits. Though, learned DRP admitted the additional evidences and called for a remand report of the Assessing Officer, however, ultimately, rejecting the objections, they upheld the decision of the Assessing Officer. In terms with the direction of learned DRP, the assessment was finalized.

8. Learned counsel appearing for the assessee submitted that the assessee was incorporated in Mauritius in the year 2008 and is in existence for over 15 years. He submitted, assessees status as on date continues to be active in investment holding business even after sale of part of shares of NSE. He submitted, the assessee is not a fly by night operator, but has held the investments for a considerable length of period. He submitted, initially the investments in NSE shares were made by SAIF II, one of the holding companies of the assessee, in the year 2007. He submitted, while making the initial investment all regulatory approvals in India were obtained. In this context, he drew our attention to the approval received from Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in Ministry of Finance, Government of India, the Press Release of Government of India declaring Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by various entities, including the assessee, approval from Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI), approval from Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Board Resolution of NSE approving the acquisition of shares by SAIF II etc.

9. He submitted, as part of groups internal reorganization, SAIF II transferred its entire investment, i.e., 22,55,000 equity shares in NSE to assessees demat account in June, 2009 for an aggregate consideration of USD 196.3 million. He submitted, as per Government policy, a foreign investor can hold 5% of shares in NSE. Thus, he submitted, SAIF II held 5 % of the shares in NSE, which subsequently got transferred to the assessee. He submitted, at the time of transfer of equity shares of NSE from SAIF II to the assessee in the year 2009, again the transaction went through entire process of regulatory approval of the competent authorities, such as, FIPB, SEBI etc. He submitted, at the time of sale of shares, third round of regulatory approval was granted. Thus, he submitted, while granting approval with regard to investment in equity shares of NSE, the regulatory authorities in India have scrutinized assessee as well as its holding companies group profile and portfolio, which include the ultimate ownership by the entity in Cayman Island. General reputation of the assessee and its holding companies, record of fairness and integrity, including financial integrity, good reputation and character, and honesty along with impeccable track records of directors, were taken note of.

10. He submitted, when the regulatory authorities in India have scrutinized assessees and its holding companies credentials and have found nothing adverse, the Assessing Officer, on mere suspicion, cannot treat the assessee as conduit company having no commercial rationale or substance. He submitted, even after partially exiting from the investments made in the equity shares of NSE, the assessee still holds substantial part of the equity shares and assessees share holding in NSE has been reduced from 5% to 3.5% only. Thus, he submitted, the allegations of the departmental authorities on the residential and business status of the assessee is wholly unsustainable.

11. Without prejudice, he submitted, the fact that the assessee has been incorporated in Mauritius and holding a valid TRC is beyond dispute. He submitted, under section 73(1)(b) of the Mauritius Income Tax Act, a company is said to be resident in Mauritius, if it satisfies either of the two conditions, i.e., the company is incorporated in Mauritius and has its central management and control in Mauritius. He submitted, in assessees case, both the conditions are satisfied. He submitted, as per the provisions of Mauritius Financial Services Act, 2007, Category 1 GBL, per se, establishes that its control and management is in Mauritius.

12. Without prejudice, he submitted, as per the requirement of Mauritius Financial Services Act, the assessee is having two directors, who are residents of Mauritius, its principal bank account is in Mauritius, it maintains accounting records and preparing auditing financial statements in Mauritius. Therefore, the residential status of the assessee cannot be doubted or disputed. He submitted, the TRC and Category 1 GBL licence issued to the assessee, not only establishes its residential status as a resident of Mauritius, but also establishes that its control and management is in Mauritius. He submitted, once the assessee is holding TRC, the departmental authorities cannot go behind the TRC to question the residential status of the assessee. In this context, he relied upon CBDT Circular Nos. 682, dated 30th March, 1994 and 789, dated 14th April, 2000. He also relied upon the following decisions:

i. UOI Vs. Azadi Bachao Andolan and Another [2003] 263 ITR 706 (SC)

ii. Blackstone Capital Partners (Singapore) VI FDI Three Pte. Ltd. Vs. ACIT [W.P.(C) No.2562/2022, dated 22nd December, 2022].

iii. MIH India (Mauritius) Ltd. Vs. ACIT (ITA No. 1023/Del/2022, dated 16th November, 2022)

iv. HSBC Bank (Mauritius) Ltd. Vs. DCIT [ITA No. 1708/Mum/2016, dated 2nd July, 2018)

v. Reverse Age Healthcare Services Pte. Ltd. Vs. DCIT (ITA No. 1867/Del/2022, dated 17th February, 2023)

13. He submitted, the decision of the Honble Supreme Court in case of Vodafone International Holding B.V. [2012] 341 ITR 1 (SC) relied upon by the Assessing Officer favours the assessee. In this context, he drew our attention to the observations of the Honble Supreme Court in paragraph 97 of the judgment. Thus, he submitted, the assessee, being a resident of Mauritius, is entitled to avail treaty benefits, which is more beneficial. Therefore, capital gain arising out of sale of equity shares has to be declared as exempt under Article 13(4) of the tax treaty.

14. Learned Departmental Representative strongly relied upon the observations of learned DRP and Assessing Officer.

15. We have patiently and carefully considered rival submissions in the light of decisions relied upon and perused the materials on record. The core issue arising for consideration is, whether the assessee can be treated as a tax resident of Mauritius. Consequentially, can the assessee claim benefit of exemption from taxability of capital gain on sale of equity shares under Article 13(4) of the tax treaty. For deciding this issue, few basic facts are required to be considered. Undisputedly, on perusal of certificate of incorporation issued by Registrar of Company, Mauritius, it is observed, the assessee has been incorporated on 7th January, 2008 as a private limited company. The Category 1 GBL has been issued in favour of the assessee by Financial Services Commission, Mauritius on 16th January, 2009. Further, from the date of its incorporation, the Mauritius Revenue Authorities have issued TRCs in favour of the assessee. Even, in the impugned assessment year, the assessee holds a valid TRC. These facts are not disputed by the Assessing Officer.

16. It is further relevant to observe, assessees holding company, viz., SAIF II, acquired 5% unlisted equity shares of NSE, being 22,50,000 shares at a price of USD 55.55 per share for a total consideration USD 125 million. At the time of acquisition of shares by SAIF II, the various regulatory authorities of the Government of India, such as, FIPB, SEBI, RBI, NSE India undertook due diligence with regard to the credentials of the assessee by verifying all the documents regarding the corporate structure of the company, beneficial ownership, financial structure and various other factors. While conducting the due diligence all necessary and relevant documents were examined, which clearly disclose the share holding pattern and structure of not only the assessee, but also assessees holding companies and as also the holding company of SAIF II and SAIF III based in Cayman Island. After thoroughly conducting the due diligence, acquisition of shares by SAIF II was approved and Government of India issued a Press Release disclosing the FDI in relation to 13 entities, including assessee.

17. Assessees parent company subsequently transferred the shares of NSE to the assessee in the year 2009. At the time of transfer of shares from SAIF II to the assessee, the regulatory authorities again carried out due diligence and approved the transfer of shares. Again at the time of part sale of shares of NSE by assessee in the impugned assessment year, the regulatory authorities carried out the necessary verification as per the laid out procedure and approved the sale. Thus, as could be seen from the aforesaid facts, not only the acquisition of shares by the assessee, but even sale of shares was approved after thorough inquiry by various regulatory authorities in India.

18. Thus, it has to be assumed that while granting approval the regulatory authorities have gone into the share holding and financial structure of the assessee and its parent companies and all other relevant factors. Thus, when the assessee holds a valid TRC all and Category 1 GBL and, moreover, the entire process relating to acquisition of shares of NSE and its sale went through a process of scrutiny and approval by various Government Authorities and Agency, doubt entertained by the Assessing Officer regarding residential and commercial status of the assessee company is quite surprising. The findings of the departmental authorities that the assessee is a conduit company lacking commercial substance runs in the teeth of approval granted by various Government agencies and authorities approving the purchase and sale of shares by assessee. Rather, the observations of the departmental authorities that assessee is a conduit implies that various other Government agencies have approved the purchase and sale of shares by the assessee, that too, of a Government company, without undertaking a reality check. In other words, the Assessing Officer is pointing an accusing finger to other Government agencies. This, in our view, is preposterous, hence, unacceptable.

19. It is a fact on record that the assessee is holding the shares in NSE for more than a decade, since the year 2009, and even as on date, is still holding 3.5% shares in NSE. Thus, holding period of shares by the assessee demonstrates the status of the assessee as a genuine entity carrying on the business in holding investment. It is now fairly well settled that TRC issued by an authority in the other tax jurisdiction is the most credible evidence to prove the residential status of an entity and the TRC cannot be doubted. In fact, the CBDT, specifically in the context of India  Mauritius treaty, has issued Circular No. 682, dated 30th March, 1994 and 789, dated 14th April, 2000 clarifying that TRC issued by Mauritius Tax Authorities proves the residential status of a resident of Mauritius and no other evidence is required. In case of UOI Vs. Azadi Bachao Andolan (supra), the Honble Supreme Court has not only upheld the validity of the aforesaid CBDT Circulars, but has also held that liable to taxation as used in Article 4 of India-Mauritius DTAA does not mean that merely because tax exemption under certain specified head of income including capital gain from sale of shares has been granted under the domestic tax laws of Mauritius, it can lead to the conclusion that the entities availing such exemption are not liable to taxation. The Honble Supreme Court categorically rejected Revenues contention that avoidance of double taxation can arise only when tax is actually paid in one of the contracting States. Honble Court held that liable to taxation and actual payment of tax are two different aspects. The Honble Supreme Court has further observed that for economic development, initially, many developing countries allowed some amount of treaty shopping to attract FDI.

20. In case of Black Stone Capital Partners (Singapore) VI FDI Three Pte. Ltd. (supra), the Honble Jurisdictional High Court has again reiterated the legal position that the departmental authorities cannot question the validity of TRC, which proves the residential status of the entity. Thus, applying the ratio laid down in these decisions, it has to be held that once the assessee holds a valid TRC, it proves the residential status of the assessee as resident of Mauritius, hence, it will be eligible to treaty benefits. The various allegations of the Assessing Officer regarding residential status of the assessee, lack of commercial substance etc. are in the nature of vague allegations without backed by substantive evidence, hence, do not deserve consideration. Unfortunately, learned DRP has merely endorsed the view expressed by the Assessing Officer without properly analyzing the facts and evidences brought on record.

21. In our view, the facts and materials available on record clearly establish that not only the assessee is a resident of Mauritius, but being a beneficial owner of the income derived from sale of shares, is entitled to the treaty benefits. Undisputedly, the shares sold by the assessee in the year under consideration were acquired in the year 2009, much prior to 01.04.2017. Therefore, the provisions of Article 13(3A) of the tax treaty would not be applicable. That being the case, the capital gain derived by the assessee from sale of shares would fall within the ambit of article 13(4) of the tax treaty. In that view of the matter, the capital gain, being exempt under the treaty provisions, cannot be brought to tax in India. Therefore, we direct the Assessing Officer to delete the addition. These grounds are allowed.

22. Ground no. 8 relating to levy of interest under sections 234A and 234B, being consequential in nature, and ground no. 9, challenging the initiation of penalty under section 270A of the Act, being premature at this stage, are dismissed.

23. In the result, appeal is partly allowed.

Order pronounced in the open court on 14th August, 2023
When to harvest is one of the most crucial decisions a winemaker can make. Too early, and the result is bitter. Too late, and it's overly sweet. It's a delicate balanceone that's increasingly being upended by the climate crisis.

In France, global warming has been wreaking havoc on this ancient equation for some time. Wine-growing regions across the country have seen seasons truncatedthe harvest date in the Chateauneuf-de-Pape appellation, one of the most prized, has moved up almost three weeks since 1960. Simultaneously, plant diseases are appearing in regions that have never seen them before, rain patterns are changing and the heat that helped speed the harvest in some places is now drying out vines in others.

To acclimate, the old ways are increasingly being replaced by the new. In this case, granular data aimed at tracking the progress and health of vines in a fast-warming environment. Satellite technology, according to startups such as Ticinum Aerospace and TerraNIS, is being used by vintners to harvest the right grapes at the right moment.

Sometimes producers don't collect data on grapes, or they do but it's not stored in an easy way, or they don't know which plots they collected samples from, said Daniele De Vecchi, project manager at Ticinum Aerospace for Saturnalia, a data platform for evaluating vintner crops. Now the wine industry can make decisions based on data. It's not so romantic, but I think it's the only way to move forward.

Marc Tondriaux added that more French growers are joining in. He's president and founder of Terra NIS, a company that provides agricultural data based on satellite and drone imagery. Just ten years ago, the key customers for these applications were mostly in Bordeaux, Tondriaux said. Now we're seeing it more in southern regions.

But while this technology is already being brought to bear for winemaking, soon it may serve a more critical role in helping adapt agriculture in general.

After decades of progress, the number of people suffering from malnutrition has started to move in the wrong direction. Global warming, supply chain disruptions tied to extreme weather and even declines in nutrients due to additional atmospheric carbon dioxide are driving a global food crisis. These trends are particularly dire in areas most susceptible to crop-killing heat, with many countries teetering on the brink of famine.

In ten climate hotspots from Guatemala to Afghanistan, acute hunger has more than doubled in six years, according to UK charity Oxfam. But cutting-edge satellite sensor technology could play a big role in slowing that down. Experts envision a future in which farmers can manage fields based on mostly free Earth-observation data about crop disease, pest infestation, nutrient needs, water stress, ideal harvest time and quality evaluation.

Tondriaux said combining recommendations based on orbital or drone data with GPS-driven farm machinery could transform farming. In the process, it might just stave off the worst global warming has in store for farmers. And as a bonus, such technology has the potential to cut the agriculture sector's greenhouse gas emissions by 13%, according to an April report from the World Economic Forum.

The report sees the market for satellite data in agriculture nearly doubling by 2030 to almost $1 billion. It calculates the value of crop-loss prevention by using satellites to detect pests and pathogens at $400 million, and envisions an almost 10% drop in water use by leveraging space-borne insights.

Satellite technology has long been used to help governments and futures markets make scale-level assessments, like the size of a coming harvest of corn in the US or wheat in Ukraine. But newer tech has the capacity to help individual farmers measure and expand their own yield potential.

Satellites from NASA, the European Space Agency and private companies such as San Francisco-based Planet provide ground images from a range of bands on the electromagnetic spectrum.

When sunlight hits the planet's surface, certain wavelengths are reflected back based on the material the light hits and its physical condition. Chlorophyll, which plants use to make their food, absorbs much visible light while a leaf's cell structure reflects near-infrared wavelengths (NIR).

Sensors and cameras measure the intensity of the waves reflected back from Earth. High levels of reflected NIR light coupled with low reflectivity in the visible range indicate dense vegetation, such as forest or healthy crops. Little difference in reflectivity of the two spectral bands would point to sparse vegetation, such as desert or bare soil.

The nuances of these relationships have proven to be reliable indicators of levels of nitrogen, a key plant nutrient, as well as plant biomass, leaf area and chlorophyll contentall connected to soil water content. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), one of the satellite-based measurements most commonly used in agriculture, is their measure. Scientists at TerraNIS and Ecole d'Ingenieurs de PURPAN, a research institute in Toulouse, France, supported the data's accuracy, showing a strong correlation between levels of nitrogen taken from leaf samples and the analyses derived from satellite imagery.

With each pixel of an image representing an area as small as half a square meter, this satellite data can be overlaid on a map of a field, allowing fertilizer to be applied only where it's needed. A low NDVI as a crop approaches harvest time, for example, would indicate a need for nitrogen fertilizer. We've been treating crop fields like all of that ground is exactly the same, when we know for sure this is not the case, said Misty Tucker, industry principal for agriculture at Planet. Satellite data helps us to micromanage our fields at a much more granular level.

If such technology became widely available, the resources saved, emissions avoided and crops preserved in the face of a shifting climate landscape could have a significant impact on both the fight to slow global warming and protect the food supply.

Policymakers are beginning to see the light. The European Union is changing its Common Agricultural Policy with satellite monitoring in mind to reduce GHG emissions, fertilizer use and oceanic dead zones. In the US, the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act forces the Federal Communications Commission to consider whether changes to satellite communications rules could help precision agriculture, and develop recommendations for Congress if so. It passed the House in April.

NASA's suite of earth-observing instruments already help provide both global and local predictions of water availability, crop health and rates of production, said Karen St. Germain, NASA's director of earth science. Its planned SBG instrument may advance the ball further. The ESA's Sentinel satellites meanwhile have a combination of spatial and temporal resolution, along with a broad bandwidth that's proven particularly useful to providers of satellite data to the agriculture industry.

The crop is always changing, said Sara Antognelli, research and development manager at Agricolus, an Italian satellite-data company that said it can work with 140 cropsfrom grapes to grains. So you have to be quick in detecting problems. Sentinel's different bands to detect both soil moisture and vegetation health is very rare.

The TerraNIS-E.I.P. study found Sentinel's freely available data to be more accurate in assessing nitrogen status than even higher-resolution data from satellites that charge for access. And new instruments may bring even greater insights.

Satellites can't do everything, of course. Findings often need to be confirmed on the ground, and over-reliance on orbital data can lead to sloppiness, warns Jose Manuel Amigo, an expert in hyper-spectral imaging and chemical analytics at the Basque Foundation for Science in Bilbao, Spain.

Remote sensing is a wonderful discipline that helps farmers in many situations, he said. Still, assumptions too often are baked in and limitations dismissed. Treating the data is not easy, and correlating parameters with actual issues can be a leap too far. Researchers forget that the answers they give to farmers must be followed by intensive validation and a sound chemical explanation.

Still, Kaitlin Gold, a professor of plant pathology at Cornell University in Geneva, New York, said she's excited about the potential to detect crop disease early enough to do something about it. A changing climate will expand the suitable range for invasive pathogens, she said, while heat and drought-stress on a plant will leave it far more vulnerable to opportunistic diseases.

Satellites will allow high-quality assessments of risk that allow for successful early intervention, Gold said.
SmartBear, a leading provider of software development and visibility tools, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Stoplight, a global API design-first company, which will create the most comprehensive API development platform in the industry, providing enhanced visibility, automation, and productivity for development teams looking to modernize API practices. Adding Stoplights API strengths, including governance, mocking, and no-code editing to SmartBears industry-leading API design, documentation, and enterprise readiness capabilities delivers the most optimal development workflow for scaling APIs. SmartBears large open source communities, including Swagger, SoapUI, and Pact, are now joined with Stoplights Prism, Spectral, and Elements global communities for a dynamic and collaborative network of OS developers, totaling in the tens of millions.

Dan Faulkner, Chief Product Officer at SmartBear, said, With the addition of Stoplight, SmartBear accelerates its commitment to investing in API capabilities where developers need it most to help them develop high quality, complex software at scale. We are delighted to join forces with Stoplights team to deliver the best of our industry-leading capabilities in a unified way. As one of the largest supporters of API open source communities, we also welcome Stoplights OS communities and look forward to growing in strength and numbers.

According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the API management market is expected to grow from $4.5 billion in 2022 to $13.7 billion by 2027, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 25.1%.

Stoplights API platform brings tier-one functionality in API design, mocking, and governance while powering an intuitive and frictionless experience to scale business with effective API programs. With this integration, SmartBears API development platform will have the industrys leading functionality in design, mocking, linting, contract testing, end-to-end testing, governance, and more.

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Harrison Yeager, CEO of Stoplight, said, We are thrilled to join forces with SmartBear and embark on this exciting journey together. This powerful combination will accelerate the enhancement of products, support, and resources that will elevate developer and API experiences. Our shared vision and collective expertise will enable us to deliver even greater value to the market and our trusted customers. Together, we are poised to set new standards in API lifecycle management and drive innovation for development teams worldwide.

The acquisition of Stoplight comes on the heels of SmartBears recent release of SwaggerHub Explore, the exploration tool that allows developers to easily visualize API data in a single place and evaluate functionality before investing time in API integration. Integrated with Explore, the newly released SwaggerHub Portal allows API providers to create customizable landing pages, providing consumers with comprehensive resources for easy implementation  all driving the adoption of APIs.

Melinda-Carol Ballou, Research Director at IDC, said, SmartBears acquisition of Stoplight augments its API lifecycle management offering to help developers create more reliable APIs that can better align with a companys objectives. IDC research indicates that API governance is key to help maintain API consistency and quality to be able to be more widely adopted across organizations. Stoplights focus on governance with adaptable tools complements SmartBears existing portfolio well, and we expect synergies across the combined product set and leverage across additional open source software communities to enable and drive broader adoption.

SmartBear expects to begin integrating Stoplight features into its core API design, documentation, and portal offerings in the first half of 2024 to deliver a unified platform. Stoplight customers will enjoy ongoing access to their platform with the benefit of added capabilities as the products come together.
The Mariana Project marks the culmination of a successful collaborative proof of concept (PoC) between the BIS Innovation Center and prominent public financial institutions, including the Banque de France, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and the Swiss National Bank. While speculation within the XRP community has led to conjectures about Ripples potential involvement in Project Mariana, a closer examination of the details paints a different picture.

The speculation surrounding Ripples potential link to the project primarily stems from its participation in the BISs cross-border payments interoperability and extension (PIE) task force, as recently disclosed in an official BIS report. However, its crucial to clarify that this participation does not necessarily imply Ripples direct engagement in Project Mariana. A thorough analysis of the initiatives interim report clearly outlines that the technological framework relies on the utilization of Ethereum and Curve Finance, with no mention of Ripple or its associated XRP technology.

The Mariana Project emerges as a visionary response to the challenges inherent in international money transfers, particularly in the realm of wholesale central bank digital currencies. The project leverages the potential of automated market makers (AMMs) to facilitate seamless and efficient cross-border transfers of wCBDCs. This represents a significant departure from traditional transfer mechanisms, promising faster transaction times and increased accessibility.

The genesis of the Mariana Project can be traced back to the collaborative efforts of key stakeholders. The BIS Innovation Center, renowned for its commitment to fostering innovation in the financial sector, spearheaded this ambitious initiative. Working in conjunction with esteemed public financial institutions, the project enlisted the expertise of the Banque de France, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and the Swiss National Bank. This partnership of diverse financial authorities underlines the global significance of the Mariana Project and its potential to set new standards for cross-border money transfers.

Despite the enthusiasm generated within the XRP community regarding Ripples possible involvement, the evidence suggests that Ripples role in Project Mariana is tangential at best. Ripples presence in the BISs cross-border payments interoperability and extension (PIE) task force should not be conflated with direct participation in the Mariana Project itself. The interim report for the initiative provides explicit insight into the technology underpinning the project, revealing Ethereum and Curve Finance as the driving forces behind the automated market makers (AMMs) central to the projects success.

As the financial landscape continues to evolve, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) have emerged as a focal point of innovation. The Mariana Projects emphasis on wholesale CBDCs underscores the importance of efficient and secure digital transfers for large-scale financial institutions. By harnessing the power of AMMs, the project aims to mitigate traditional challenges associated with international transfers, such as lengthy transaction times and complex intermediary processes.

In conclusion, the unveiling of the Mariana Project by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of international money transfers. While speculations within the XRP community have led to conjectures about Ripples potential involvement, a careful analysis of the initiatives interim report dispels such notions. The projects collaboration with prominent financial institutions and its technological foundation in Ethereum and Curve Finance reaffirm its commitment to innovative solutions that transcend traditional transfer mechanisms. As the Mariana Project continues to take shape, it holds the promise of revolutionizing the global transfer of wholesale central bank digital currencies through the power of automated market makers.
Love old or unusual movies? Heres a review:

Blue Bayou (2021): Justin Chon plays a Louisiana man who was adopted by an American family and has lived his entire life in the United States. I say adopted because, crucially, his parents didnt fill out the proper paperwork, and family man Justin, who is trying to live down some criminality in his past, is facing deportation. This wrenching drama gets great support from Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander, Mark OBrien, Vondie Curtis-Hall (who should be in everything) and others. This movie should have gotten a lot more traction than it did, as it speaks to core issues of American identity.

Now streaming on MAX

Terribly Happy (2008): Oh, those Danes dont shy away from seriously messed up stories, do they? Handsome but troubled Robert (Jakob Cedergren) is a cop from the big city whos banished to a small town after some vague and unexplained misbehavior in the recent past. He just wants to keep his head down and get through his time in purgatory. Unfortunately, he finds himself in the most screwed-up small town in Denmark, where vigilantism, domestic violence and corruption run rampant. Watch in horror as Robert makes one bad decision after another, with increasingly catastrophic consequences. If made in the U.S., this would have been a tale about redemption. Ill let you be the judge of whether the film reaches that or some other more disturbing conclusion.

Now streaming on Hoopla and Kanopy

An Ostrich Told Me the World Was Fake and I Think I Believe It (2022): One of last years Oscar-nominated short animated films, its finally on YouTube. Its a clever meta-commentary on the nature of stop-motion animation and the life of fictional characters in general. I love almost anything thats meta, and I dont think this is territory Ive visited before in this particular kind of animation. It brought to mind Chuck Jones great meta-masterpiece Duck Amuck (1953), and thats great company to be in!

Now streaming on YouTube

War (2019): If you enjoyed the over-the-top action bromance of RRR, I highly recommend you check out War, a deliriously colorful, hyperkinetic, Mission Impossible done Bollywood Style. Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Schroff star as a spy commando and his apprentice. Due to complicated movie plot reasons, they end up on opposite sides and spend a lot of the movie going after each other. But is everything as it seems? Dont count on it. The violence is ridiculous, the flashbacks are ginormous, and the two leading men are expert martial artists and Bollywood dancing (because this film, like most Indian epics, is also a musical). Enjoy!

Now streaming on Amazon Prime

Trivia Question #1015: Which of this weeks performers was in the original cast of the great Broadway musical Dreamgirls?

Answer to Trivia Question #1013: Actor Robert Newton was famous for his portrayals of two pirates: Blackbeard and Long John Silver.
AUSTIN  The names of witnesses for Ken Paxtons impeachment trial must be submitted to the Texas Senate by Tuesday, but the public wont know who they are until theyre called to testify.

Such witness lists are not public, according to trial rules drawn up by the senators. However, former agency staffers, a woman alleged to have had an affair with Paxton and a recently indicted campaign donor are among several likely candidates as all were named in recent legal filings submitted by Paxtons defense team and the lawyers who will present the case against the attorney general.

The Dallas Morning News has identified 13 people who may testify in Paxtons upcoming trial that begins Sept. 5. These individuals are named in the articles of impeachment, evidence filed by House impeachment lawyers and other documents as potential key witnesses.

The Texas House voted overwhelmingly to approve 20 articles of impeachment against the attorney general in May. Most of the articles accuse Paxton, a Republican who was re-elected to a third term in November, of misusing his power to help a campaign donor.

He has denied all wrongdoing. In his defense, Paxtons lawyers have argued the alleged acts were either within Paxtons authority as attorney general or are not serious enough to warrant impeachment. A group of House lawmakers and outside attorneys, known collectively as the House impeachment managers, will present the case against Paxton.

State senators, sitting as the jury, will vote on whether Paxton should be removed from office. The last impeachment trial of a statewide elected official in Texas since 1917.

Paxton is suspended from his official duties without pay pending the trials completion.

The whistleblowers who reported Paxton to the FBI

Eight former Paxton employees are at the center of the impeachment case.

In late 2020, they reported their then-boss to the FBI for allegedly abusing his office to help Austin real estate developer and campaign donor Nate Paul. In exchange, the employees said Paul paid for Paxtons home remodel and gave a job to a woman with whom the attorney general allegedly had an affair.

All the employees resigned or were laid off.

Four sued the attorney generals office under state whistleblower laws, alleging Paxton retaliated against them. The parties reached a settlement earlier this year, in which the whistleblowers would receive $3.3 million and an apology. State lawmakers refused to fund the settlement. Instead, a House ethics committee launched an investigation into Paxton that ultimately resulted in his impeachment.

The four ex-employees who sued are deputy attorneys general James Blake Brickman, J. Mark Penley and Ryan Vassar as well as David Maxwell, the agencys director of law enforcement.

Maxwell, a former Texas Ranger, worked for the Department of Public Safety for nearly four decades before joining the Office of the Attorney General under Greg Abbotts tenure in 2010. Vassar clerked for then-Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Don Willett, now a federal appeals court judge, before Paxton hired him in 2015.

In 2019, Paxton hired Penley, who had worked for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Dallas for 16 years. Brickman joined the agency in February 2020 after serving as chief of staff to Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin, a Republican.

The employees who did not join the whistleblower lawsuit are:

Jeff Mateer, Paxtons former second-in-command, who now works for the influential conservative nonprofit the First Liberty Institute as its chief legal officer. He previously worked at the nonprofit as a general counsel for six years before joining the office of the attorney general;

Ryan Bangert, a former deputy first assistant attorney general under Paxton, who is now vice president for the conservative legal group Alliance Defending Freedom;

Darren McCarty, the former deputy attorney general for civil litigation who now runs his legal firm McCarty Law in Austin;

and Lacey Mase, former deputy attorney general for administration under Paxton who now serves as the chief deputy attorney general in Tennessee.

Austin real estate developer Nate Paul

No figure is perhaps more central to Paxtons impeachment trial than Nate Paul, a federally indicted Austin real estate developer.

Paul had rapidly acquired an untold amount of property across Texas in 2019. But his burgeoning real estate empire, World Class, began showing cracks leading up to 2020 as it became mired in lawsuits over deals that fell apart and lost numerous high-profile properties to foreclosure.

Then, in September 2019, FBI and state police raided his home and business.

Paxton is accused of providing Paul with political favors that included having his office intervene in a lawsuit involving Pauls real estate company; issuing a legal opinion that staved off a foreclosure sale of as many as 13 of Pauls properties; and improperly using the office to investigate the federal raid of Pauls home and business.

In exchange, the whistleblowers accuse Paul of paying for a remodel of Paxtons Austin home and providing a job to Laura Olson, who allegedly had an affair with Paxton.

In a filing laying out their case against Paxton, the House managers say Paul even created an Uber account for Paxton under the pseudonym Dave P allowing him to secretly visit the woman.

Paul donated $25,000 to Paxtons campaign in 2018.

In June, a federal grand jury indicted Paul on allegations that he made false statements to lenders to secure loans for his business. Paul is not scheduled to face trial until July 2024; he has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Pauls attorney declined to comment on the charges against Paul earlier this month.

Houston lawyer Brandon Cammack

Over the advice of the whistleblowers, Paxton hired an outside attorney to probe Pauls allegations that federal and state law enforcement officers violated his rights during the 2019 raid on his home and office.

Paxton chose Brandon Cammack, a 34-year-old Houston attorney with no prosecutorial experience and ties to Pauls lawyer Michael Wynne.

Describing himself as a special prosecutor acting on Paxtons authority, Cammack issued more than three dozen subpoenas to banks and individuals linked to Pauls business and legal troubles. A judge quashed the subpoenas after Penley, one of the whistleblowers, argued that the agency had not authorized Cammack to do so.

In an interview in October 2020, Cammack told The News he never spoke with Paxton before being approached in August of that year for the special job. Cammack said he agreed because it was an opportunity for me to do something different in my career.

Paxtons agency defended the decision to bring on an outside lawyer in a public statement at the time, saying he hired Cammack because the whistleblowers impeded the investigation and because the Attorney General knew Nate Paul. Cammack billed the state $14,000 but was never paid.

Cammack is named in an article of impeachment that accuses Paxton of disregarding his official duty by hiring Cammack.

The woman accused of having an affair with Paxton

Paxtons lawyers identified the woman with whom he is alleged to have had an affair as Laura Olson in a recent legal filing.

The whistleblowers allege Paul bribed Paxton in part by securing a job for the woman. In a 2020 deposition, Paul confirmed Olson was a project manager in charge of several redevelopment projects but denied employing her as a favor to Paxton.

A woman by this same name worked for Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, from 2013 to 2020, according to state employment records. Campbell, who will serve on Paxtons impeachment jury, declined to comment about the apparent connection.

She is referenced in an article of impeachment as having knowledge of the bribe that Paul allegedly offered Paxton.

Paxtons body man Drew Wicker

In 2020, Drew Wicker worked for the attorney generals office as Paxtons executive travel aide, or whats colloquially called a body man because they closely assist their boss with most daily tasks.

Paxton had begun dodging his security detail provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety and deviating from his calendar, according to investigators from the House General Investigating Committee.

Despite this, Wicker remained at his side and accompanied Paxton to one of his Austin homes when he witnessed the attorney general indicate that Paul, the Austin real estate developer, was in charge of a floor-to-ceiling remodel of the home, according to House managers.

House managers said in a hearing on the investigations findings that Wicker was disturbed by the interaction and that when he questioned Paxton about Pauls involvement with the attorney general, he did not receive a satisfactory answer.

Wicker reported the information to high-ranking staff who later took the information to the FBI. Shortly after, Wicker quit his jobs at the attorney generals office and with Paxtons political campaign.

Paxton offered him a promotion, and his campaign continued to pay Wicker over Wickers objections, according to House managers. Wicker later returned the money via a campaign donation after the payments ceased.

The Austin American-Statesman first reported Wicker was Paxtons body man involved in the impeachment investigation.

Travis County prosecutor turned AG staffer Mindy Montford

Mindy Montford is a senior counsel at the state attorney generals office in the cold case unit.

In 2020, she worked at the Travis County district attorneys office where she was contacted by Paxton to review complaints from Paul about the raid on his business and home.

Montford attended a meeting between Paul, Paxton and other attorneys in which they spoke about Pauls allegations that law enforcement violated his rights during the 2019 raid.

In an affidavit she submitted after she left the DAs office, but before being hired by the Office of the Attorney General, Montford confirmed Paxtons account that Travis County sought his offices assistance in investigating Pauls allegations against the FBI and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

However, Montford also appears to have cooperated with those who are prosecuting Paxton in the Senate trial. A House ethics committee subpoenaed her shortly after Paxtons impeachment and a recent motion states that she sat for an interview with House managers on June 5.
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S&P 500 4,117.37 DOW 32,417.59 QQQ 345.31 G-7 nations back strong supply chains for energy and food despite global tensions All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) King Charles III seeks to look ahead in a visit to Kenya. But he'll have history to contend with Trade tops the agenda as Germany's Scholz meets Nigerian leader on West Africa trip All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) Hurricane Otis death toll rises to 48, missing now number 36 as search and recovery work continues Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) UAW escalates strike against lone holdout GM after landing tentative pacts with Stellantis and Ford

S&P 500 4,117.37 DOW 32,417.59 QQQ 345.31 G-7 nations back strong supply chains for energy and food despite global tensions All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) King Charles III seeks to look ahead in a visit to Kenya. But he'll have history to contend with Trade tops the agenda as Germany's Scholz meets Nigerian leader on West Africa trip All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) Hurricane Otis death toll rises to 48, missing now number 36 as search and recovery work continues Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) UAW escalates strike against lone holdout GM after landing tentative pacts with Stellantis and Ford
S&P 500 4,117.37 DOW 32,417.59 QQQ 345.31 G-7 nations back strong supply chains for energy and food despite global tensions All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) King Charles III seeks to look ahead in a visit to Kenya. But he'll have history to contend with Trade tops the agenda as Germany's Scholz meets Nigerian leader on West Africa trip New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) Hurricane Otis death toll rises to 48, missing now number 36 as search and recovery work continues Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) UAW escalates strike against lone holdout GM after landing tentative pacts with Stellantis and Ford

S&P 500 4,117.37 DOW 32,417.59 QQQ 345.31 G-7 nations back strong supply chains for energy and food despite global tensions All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) King Charles III seeks to look ahead in a visit to Kenya. But he'll have history to contend with Trade tops the agenda as Germany's Scholz meets Nigerian leader on West Africa trip New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) Hurricane Otis death toll rises to 48, missing now number 36 as search and recovery work continues Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) UAW escalates strike against lone holdout GM after landing tentative pacts with Stellantis and Ford

S&P 500 4,117.37 DOW 32,417.59 QQQ 345.31 G-7 nations back strong supply chains for energy and food despite global tensions All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) King Charles III seeks to look ahead in a visit to Kenya. But he'll have history to contend with Trade tops the agenda as Germany's Scholz meets Nigerian leader on West Africa trip New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) Hurricane Otis death toll rises to 48, missing now number 36 as search and recovery work continues Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) UAW escalates strike against lone holdout GM after landing tentative pacts with Stellantis and Ford
Chewy, Inc. is a leading American online retailer specializing in pet food and other pet-related products. Founded in June 2011 by Ryan Cohen and Michael Day under "Mr. Chewy," the company quickly gained prominence in the pet care e-commerce industry. With its headquarters in Plantation, Florida, Chewy operates through its user-friendly e-commerce platform, catering to pet owners across the United States.

Chewy, Inc. started in 2011 as "Mr. Chewy," aiming to disrupt the traditional pet retail market by offering a wide range of pet products through a convenient online platform. The company's founders sought to leverage their e-commerce and retail expertise to provide pet owners with a seamless and personalized shopping experience.

The company's innovative approach quickly gained traction, and by 2017, Chewy had become a major player in the online pet retail space. In May 2017, Chewy made headlines when PetSmart acquired it for a groundbreaking $3.35 billion, making it the largest-ever acquisition of an e-commerce business at that time. Following the acquisition, Chewy continued to operate as an independent unit under the leadership of Ryan Cohen, the visionary co-founder and Chief Executive Officer.

Chewy's mission is to create a customer-centric platform that delivers happiness and joy to pets and their owners. The company is dedicated to providing pet owners with a comprehensive selection of high-quality pet products, personalized recommendations, and exceptional customer service. Chewy aims to enhance the bond between pet parents and their beloved companions by simplifying caring for pets through its convenient and reliable e-commerce platform.

The company's e-commerce platform provides pet owners the convenience of ordering products from the comfort of their homes, with the added benefit of subscription services for recurring shipments. Chewy's subscription model offers automatic delivery of pet essentials, ensuring pet owners never run out of their pet's favorite items.

Chewy's target market comprises pet owners across the United States who seek convenience, a vast selection of high-quality products, and exceptional customer service for their furry companions. The company caters to a diverse demographic of pet owners, including individuals, families, and pet enthusiasts. The company's e-commerce platform appeals to pet owners who prefer the ease and efficiency of online shopping. Chewy's user-friendly website and mobile app offer a seamless shopping experience, making it an attractive choice for first-time and experienced pet owners.

Chewy, Inc. is led by a seasoned and visionary management team, driving the company's strategic direction and success. As the Chief Executive Officer of Chewy Inc, Sumit Singh brings a wealth of experience in e-commerce and technology to the company. Singh's strategic leadership has been instrumental in Chewy's growth and market positioning. Mario J. Marte is the Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the company's financial operations and strategies. His financial management and planning expertise contributes to Chewy's financial growth and stability.

Chewy, Inc.'s financial data over the past few years reflects the company's impressive growth and financial performance. The company has achieved revenue growth, with a reported revenue increasing year over year. The net income also witnessed significant growth, with a yearly growth rate exceeding 150%. The company's net profit margin improved, reflecting a more than 150% year-over-year change. Chewy, Inc.'s valuation metrics indicate strong investor sentiment and optimism about the company's future growth prospects. Investors appear willing to pay a premium for Chewy's shares, driven by its consistent financial performance, expanding market presence, and customer loyalty.

Chewy, Inc. operates in the broader e-commerce and pet care industry, which has experienced significant growth in recent years. The pet care industry is fueled by increasing pet ownership and a growing trend of pet humanization, where pet owners seek premium products and services for their furry companions. As an e-commerce platform in the pet care industry, Chewy enjoys several competitive advantages. Its user-friendly interface, personalized customer experience, and subscription services have contributed to its strong market positioning. Chewy's vast selection of pet products and efficient logistics have also provided a competitive edge.

However, the industry remains highly competitive, with numerous established players vying for market share. Chewy faces competition from traditional brick-and-mortar pet stores, other e-commerce platforms, and specialty pet retailers. The company's ability to innovate, maintain customer loyalty, and expand its product offerings will be critical to sustaining its competitive advantage.

Chewy, Inc. has further identified several growth opportunities to solidify its pet care industry position. The growing trend of pet humanization and pet owners' willingness to invest in premium pet products present significant opportunities for Chewy to expand its product offerings and drive revenue growth. The company's expansion into the pharmacy segment with Chewy Pharmacy, providing prescription medications, offers additional growth potential in healthcare. Chewy can leverage its customer loyalty and personalized shopping experience to explore new markets and expand its customer base internationally.

Chewy, Inc. has demonstrated strong performance and growth potential. However, the company also faces risks and challenges that could affect its future outlook. Notably, the e-commerce and pet care industries are highly competitive, with numerous established players and newcomers vying for market share. Chewy must continuously innovate and invest in customer acquisition and retention strategies to maintain its market leadership.

Moreover, the company's stock price is susceptible to fluctuations due to market conditions, investor sentiment, and industry dynamics. External factors, economic conditions, and changes in consumer behavior can significantly impact Chewy's financial performance. As an e-commerce platform, Chewy heavily relies on efficient logistics and supply chain operations. Any disruptions or inefficiencies in these processes could affect its ability to meet customer demands and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.

Additionally, the pet care industry is subject to various regulations, particularly concerning product safety, labeling, and health standards. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to avoid potential legal issues and to uphold consumer trust in the brand. Chewy's management team must be proactive in mitigating these risks and devising effective risk management strategies to navigate the competitive landscape and maintain its growth trajectory. By addressing these challenges, Chewy can continue to deliver on its mission of providing exceptional products and services that bring happiness to pets and their owners.
Deere & Company, a global leader in manufacturing and distributing agricultural, construction, forestry and turf care equipment, is headquartered in Moline, Illinois. With over 185 years of experience, the company has established a strong reputation for quality and innovation.

Deere & Company operates through four segments: small agriculture and turf, production and precision agriculture, construction and forestry and financial services.

The small agriculture and turf segment offers a variety of equipment, including utility tractors, riding lawn equipment, commercial mowing equipment and implements for various outdoor power applications. This segment also resells products from other manufacturers.

The production and precision agriculture segment provides equipment for grain growers, including mid-size tractors, combines, cotton pickers and strippers, sugarcane harvesters and harvesting front-end equipment. It also offers application equipment, such as sprayers, nutrient management systems and soil preparation machinery.

The construction and forestry segment provides various machines and service parts used in earth moving, construction, material handling, road building and timber harvesting. Its products include crawler dozers, backhoe loaders, motor graders, four-wheel-drive loaders, excavators, articulated dump trucks and milling machines, to name a few.

The financial services segment finances sales and leases of agriculture and turf, construction and forestry equipment. It also offers wholesale financing to dealers, extended equipment warranties and retail revolving charge accounts.

Deere & Company is known for its innovative products, including the John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor, See & Spray and E-Power Backhoe. These technology-enabled products help farmers, construction workers and forestry professionals operate more efficiently and sustainably.

Its logo and slogan reflect the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability. The leaping deer logo has been used for over 155 years and has become synonymous with the company's commitment to quality and reliability. The slogan "Nothing Runs Like a Deere" reflects the company's commitment to building long-lasting and reliable equipment that helps its customers achieve their goals.

Deere & Company has a solid financial position with a global presence. Deere & Company has a vast distribution network and operates in over 160 countries. Its commitment to quality and innovation has earned it a loyal customer base, and it continues to be a leader in the industry.

Deere & Company is a global leader in the manufacturing and distributing of agricultural, construction, forestry and turf care equipment. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, the company offers customers a wide range of products and services worldwide.
Genuine Parts Company is a leading distributor of office products, automotive and industrial replacement parts, and electrical/electronic materials. The company was founded in 1928 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. GPC's mission is to provide quality products and services that exceed customer expectations and enhance shareholder value.

GPC operates through four business segments: Automotive Parts Group, Industrial Parts Group, Office Products Group, and Electrical/Electronic Materials Group. The Automotive Parts Group provides replacement parts, accessories, and supplies for automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles. The Industrial Parts Group includes replacement parts, equipment, and supplies for industrial applications such as mining, manufacturing, and construction. The Office Products Group provides businesses and consumers with office supplies, furniture, and technology products. The Electrical/Electronic Materials Group provides electrical and electronic components, wire and cable products, and data communication products to customers in various industries.

GPC's target market includes commercial and retail customers across various industries, including automotive repair shops, industrial facilities, government agencies, and schools. The company's key customers include NAPA Auto Parts, Motion Industries, S.P. Richards, and EIS Inc.

GPC has achieved several key milestones over the years, including its inclusion in the Fortune 500 list and recognition as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute.

The GPC management team is led by Paul D. Donahue, who has been Chief Executive Officer since 2016. Donahue has been with GPC for over 40 years and has held various leadership positions.

GPC reported that total revenues and net income had increased over the past few years. GPC has a high debt level but also enough assets to cover the debt. GPC's current price-to-earnings ratio is slightly below the industry average, and the price-to-sales ratio is below the industry average. GPC's dividend yield is above the industry average.

GPC's stock has performed well over the past few years. The stock experienced a COVID-19 pandemic drop in Q1 of 2020, dropping the price to about $50. The stock has since rebounded to over $150 per share.

The automotive and industrial parts distribution industry is highly competitive, with several prominent players competing for market share. GPC's main competitors include O'Reilly Automotive, Inc., Advance Auto Parts, Inc., and W.W. Grainger, Inc. The industry is subject to regulatory and political risks, such as changes in environmental regulations or trade policies. GPC is competitive in the industry due to its scale, product range, and distribution capabilities. The company has also invested heavily in technology and digital capabilities to enhance customer service and supply chain efficiency.

Genuine Parts Company has several growth opportunities that could help it expand its business and increase revenue. One of the key areas of focus for the company is its e-commerce platform, which has become increasingly important in recent years. The company has invested heavily in its online capabilities, including launching new websites and improving its mobile app. In 2021, the company launched a new e-commerce platform called PartsTech, which allows customers to search for and order parts from various suppliers quickly.

The company also expands its footprint in the automotive aftermarket industry through acquisitions. In 2020, the company acquired Todd Group, a leading automotive aftermarket parts and supplies distributor in the Pacific Northwest. This acquisition helped expand the company's regional presence and provided access to new customers and markets.

Another growth opportunity for Genuine Parts Company is international expansion. The company operates in over 30 countries, focusing on Europe and Australasia. In 2021, the company announced plans to expand its footprint in Australia by acquiring Inenco Group, a leading distributor of industrial parts and supplies in the region. This acquisition will help the company establish a more substantial presence in the Australian market and provide access to new customers and markets.

Genuine Parts Company has several competitive advantages that give it an edge. One of the company's key strengths is its extensive distribution network, which includes over 3,100 locations worldwide. This network allows the company to reach various customers, from independent repair shops to large national chains.

While Genuine Parts Company has several strengths, some risks and challenges could impact the company's performance. One of the company's biggest challenges is the increasing competition in the automotive and industrial markets. The company competes with a range of other distributors, including national chains and online retailers, which could pressure pricing and margins.

Genuine Parts Company is exposed to regulatory and political risks, particularly in international markets. Regulation changes or political instability could impact the company's ability to operate in specific regions or increase costs.

Genuine Parts Company has implemented several risk management strategies to mitigate these risks, including diversifying its product offerings and supplier base, investing in its supply chain capabilities, and maintaining a solid balance sheet.
Capital One Financial Corporation was founded in 1988 with the goal of revolutionizing the credit card industry. The companys ground-breaking services were data-driven, opened the doors of credit to millions of people, and today Capital One is one of the worlds largest banks.

The companys commitment to connecting people with responsible credit helped to rank it 10th in the US in regard to total assets and 72nd globally. The company has nearly $400 billion in assets in late 2022 and operated a network of subsidiary institutions including Capital One bank. Capital One Financial Corporation is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, and operates a network of branches and offices throughout the US, Canada, and the UK.

Capital One Financial Corporation is the holding company for Capital One Bank (USA), National Association; and Capital One, National Association, which provides various financial products and services in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Capital One Financial Corporation operates in three segments: Credit Card, Consumer Banking, and Commercial Banking. The Credit Card segment operates a wide range of revolving consumer credit cards while the Consumer Banking segment offers a range of traditional banking and investment products including auto and home loans, savings, and certificates of deposit. The Commercial segment offers business accounts, financing, commercial and multifamily real estate, and commercial and industrial loans.

In the US, the company serves its clients through digital channels, branches, cafes, and other distribution channels located in New York, Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and California. Digital services include online accounts, account services, loan applications, and investments. Among the many features of banking with Capital One are fee-free checking accounts, cloud-based financial tracking services, and Capital One Cafes. The company operates more than 40 cafes across the US where anyone, not just account holders, can get a coffee or snack as well as improve their financial education. The cafes are equipped with ample public space, nooks for private work, and even event space for meetings.

Capital One continues to advance the digital financial industry to this day. The company was among the first to move its operations to the cloud, doing so in 2012, and it is now developing machine learning, open source, and cloud technology applications to help detect and prevent fraud, secure accounts, and improve banking services.

Capital One is committed to aiding the worlds fight against climate change. To that end, it is pursuing several avenues that include influencing its value chain, fostering a sustainable office culture that is in sync with its surroundings, promoting and financing sustainable energy projects, and transparency in regard to its climate goals.
Anheuser-Busch InBev is a multinational brewing company and one of the largest beer producers in the world. Headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, the company operates in over 50 countries and has a vast portfolio of well-known beer brands. Anheuser-Busch InBev's mission is to be the best beer company, bringing people together for a better world by brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers.

With a rich history dating back to 1366, Anheuser-Busch InBev has established a strong presence in the global beer market. The company operates numerous breweries and has many products, including popular brands such as Budweiser, Stella Artois, Corona, Beck's, and Michelob Ultra. Anheuser-Busch InBev serves a diverse target market, catering to beer enthusiasts across different demographics and geographies.

The company's key customers include distributors, retailers, and consumers worldwide. Its broad product portfolio allows it to meet various consumer preferences and market demands. Anheuser-Busch InBev's commitment to quality and innovation has garnered recognition and numerous awards over the years, solidifying its position as an industry leader.

Anheuser-Busch InBev's management team consists of experienced leaders who bring diverse expertise to the company. The Chief Executive Officer of Anheuser-Busch InBev is Michel Doukeris, who assumed the role in 2021. He has a strong background in the consumer packaged goods industry, previously serving as the President of AB InBev's North America zone.

Anheuser-Busch InBev has delivered strong results in recent years. However, the company has recently struggled with negative press and investor sentiment. The company maintains healthy profit margins, showcasing its ability to generate value for its shareholders. Anheuser-Busch InBev also pays a dividend which is excellent for investors looking for passive income. This demonstrates the company's commitment to returning value to its shareholders.

Anheuser-Busch InBev's stock performance has experienced highs and lows over the past year. Anheuser-Busch InBev's valuation metrics, such as price-to-earnings or price-to-book ratio, should be analyzed in relation to other companies in the brewing industry.

Anheuser-Busch InBev operates in the highly competitive brewing industry. Intense competition, evolving consumer preferences, and regulatory challenges characterize the industry. Despite these factors, Anheuser-Busch InBev has established itself as a dominant player with a solid competitive advantage.

The company's global presence and diverse portfolio of brands give it a significant edge in the market. Anheuser-Busch InBev has successfully built a strong brand image and customer loyalty through effective marketing campaigns and sponsorships of major sporting events. These initiatives help the company stay top-of-mind for consumers and drive product demand.

Anheuser-Busch InBev faces competition from global and local players in its operating markets. Major competitors include companies like Heineken, Molson Coors, and Constellation Brands. To maintain its competitive position, Anheuser-Busch InBev focuses on product innovation, expanding its brand portfolio, and leveraging its global distribution network.

It is worth noting that the brewing industry is subject to regulatory and political factors that can impact operations. This includes regulations related to alcohol advertising, labeling, taxation, and changes in consumer preferences toward healthier alternatives. Anheuser-Busch InBev actively monitors and adapts to these regulatory and industry trends to mitigate potential risks.

Anheuser-Busch InBev has several growth opportunities to capitalize on in the coming years. One significant avenue is the expansion into new markets. Emerging economies present the untapped potential for the company to introduce its brands to a growing middle class with increasing disposable income. Anheuser-Busch InBev can further expand its market share by tailoring its products to suit local preferences and investing in distribution networks.

In addition to geographic expansion, Anheuser-Busch InBev can focus on product innovation to meet evolving consumer preferences. The growing demand for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages presents an opportunity for the company to diversify its portfolio and capture a broader customer base. Anheuser-Busch InBev has already made strides in this area by launching products like Budweiser Zero and Michelob Ultra Pure Gold.

While Anheuser-Busch InBev has demonstrated resilience and growth, it also faces various risks and challenges. Changes in consumer preferences and the shift towards healthier lifestyles pose a risk to the company's traditional beer offerings. Anheuser-Busch InBev must proactively address this by diversifying its product portfolio and investing in low-alcohol and non-alcoholic alternatives.

Regulatory changes can also impact the company's operations and profitability. Stricter regulations on alcohol advertising and labeling, increased taxes, or limitations on distribution can hinder market growth and increase costs. Anheuser-Busch InBev must closely monitor and adapt to these regulatory changes to mitigate their impact.

Competition remains a significant challenge. The brewing industry is highly competitive, with global and local players vying for market share. Anheuser-Busch InBev must continue to innovate, invest in marketing and strengthen its relationships with distributors to maintain its competitive edge.

To manage these risks, Anheuser-Busch InBev has implemented robust risk management strategies. This includes closely monitoring consumer trends, diversifying its product portfolio, maintaining strong relationships with regulators and policymakers, and conducting thorough market research. By staying agile and adaptable, the company can navigate potential challenges and seize opportunities in the market.
Rio Tinto Group is a multinational mining operation and the 2nd largest miner worldwide. The company has a dual listing with shares trading on both the London Stock Exchange and the Australian ASX.

Rio Tinto is named for a mining area in Spain. The mines at Rio Tinto have been in operation off and on since 3,000 BC and produce copper, silver, and gold among other minerals. The mines were rediscovered most recently in 1556 and then fell into the hands of the Spanish government in 1724. The Spanish government was a poor steward of the operations and eventually put it up for auction. In 1873 a group of businessmen bought the property for a steal that included Spains relinquishing its rights to any future profits.

The consortium quickly commenced operations as Rio Tinto Mining and focused on developing its resources. Within 10 years it was a leading producer of copper and then it fell into the hands of the Rothschilds. The Rothschilds expanded the operations but failed to diversify the company in a meaningful way. The company reached a peak in the early 1900s that was dashed by WWI and the loss of the US as an end market but the story is not over.

A new management team took control of the business in 1925 and began to diversify the company. Their efforts opened up new territories in other countries including Africa and Australia which was instrumental to long-term success. An increasingly fascist government made it difficult to operate in Spain and led the company to divest itself of its original asset, the Rio Tinto Mine. That could not have been done without operations in other countries. Another series of mergers and acquisitions will grow the company to global status.

Today, Rio Tinto is a diversified and integrated mining operation that engages in the exploration, development and production of mineral-based resources. The company operates in 4 key segments that include Iron Ore, Aluminum, Copper & Diamonds and Energy & Minerals. The company operates mines, smelters and refiners in about 35 countries producing iron ore and iron, bauxite and alumina, industrial diamonds, gold, borates, titanium dioxide and lithium among many other minerals and products. The bulk of operations are in Australia and Canada which are both rich in natural resources.

The companys products are used by all end markets and are essential for the transition to green energy. Not only is the iron and copper required to build the infrastructure but lithium and other minerals are key for electrification. Rio Tinto products are necessary for agriculture and include several key fertilizers including borates.










Skyline Champion Corp is a leading manufacturer of factory-built housing and related components. The company is headquartered in Troy, Michigan and operates a network of more than 40 manufacturing facilities across North America.

Skyline Champion Corp was formed in 2018 due to the merger between Skyline Corporation and Champion Enterprises Holdings, LLC. Skyline Corporation has been known for producing high-quality manufactured homes since 1951. Champion Enterprises Holdings, LLC had a strong modular and mobile home manufacturing track record. The merger united two industry leaders and created North America's largest publicly traded factory-built housing company.

Skyline Champion Corp produces and distributes factory-built homes and related components to a diverse customer base. The company's products include manufactured homes, modular homes, park model RVs and commercial structures. Skyline Champion Corp sells its products through independent retailers, builders and developers.

Skyline Champion Corp's management team is led by Mark Yost, the company's President and CEO. Yost has over 30 years of experience in the factory-built housing industry and previously served as the President and CEO of Champion Enterprises Holdings, LLC.

Skyline Champion Corp has reported strong financial results in recent years, reporting increased sales and net income. Skyline Champion Corp's profit margins have also improved recently, and its stock price has performed well. Skyline Champion Corp's valuation metrics are generally in line with industry peers.

The factory-built housing industry has seen strong growth in recent years, driven by a combination of factors, including affordability, quality and speed of construction. According to the Manufactured Housing Institute, factory-built housing accounted for approximately 10% of all new single-family homes sold in the United States in 2021.

Skyline Champion Corp operates in a highly competitive industry, with numerous players competing for market share. Major competitors include Clayton Homes, Fleetwood Homes and Cavco Industries. In addition, regulatory and political issues, such as zoning restrictions and financing regulations, can also impact the industry.

Skyline Champion Corp has identified several growth opportunities in the coming years. The company is investing in new product development, including energy-efficient homes and homes with advanced technology features. Skyline Champion Corp is also expanding its geographic reach, focusing on growing its presence in the Western United States.

The company has also made several strategic acquisitions in recent years to support its growth strategy. In 2022, Skyline Champion Corp acquired Pinnacle Park Homes, a park model RVs and cabins manufacturer. The acquisition will allow Skyline Champion Corp to expand its product offerings and strengthen its park model RV market position.

While Skyline Champion Corp has demonstrated strong financial performance in recent years, the company faces several potential risks and challenges. For example, consumer preferences or economic conditions could impact demand for factory-built housing, negatively impacting the company's sales and profitability.

Regulatory changes or political issues could also impact the industry, including changes in zoning regulations or financing requirements. Skyline Champion Corp could also face increased market competition, affecting the company's market share and profitability.

In addition, the company's financial performance could be impacted by fluctuations in raw material costs, such as lumber and steel. Skyline Champion Corp may also face challenges related to supply chain disruptions, such as delays in receiving materials or components from suppliers.
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The Smith Mountain Lake Water Safety Council is accepting nominations for the 2023 Karl Martin Water Safety Award.

The council annually recognizes an individual, business or organization for their outstanding contributions in advancing safety on the waters of Smith Mountain Lake. Submissions should include how the nominated individual, business or organization contributed to water safety at the lake, as well as the time frame of the contribution.

Submissions will be accepted until Aug. 30. Anyone submitting nominations should include a name with contact information.

The winner will be announced at the annual SMLA town hall meeting. Martin was a longtime and highly honored conservation police officer with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Nominations can be mailed to SML Water Safety Council, 400 Scruggs Road, Suite 211, Moneta, VA 24121 or emailed to pmassa@ycp.edu (with 2023 Water Safety Award in the subject line).
Cindy made history. When it tuned into a tropical storm on June 22, 2023 became the first year on record where two named storms (tropical storm or hurricane) developed in the main development region of the Atlantic Ocean in the month of June.

The main development region is an area from the Lesser Antilles east to the west coast of Africa, typically between 10 and 25 degrees north latitude.
KEARNEY  The Kearney Police Department has determined that an active shooter threat, issued at approximately 5 p.m. Tuesday, was unfounded.

KPD took a report about a potential threat toward multiple Kearney Public Schools facilities, the University of Nebraska at Kearney and Zion Lutheran School.

Police immediately investigated the report and determined there was no credible threat.

KPD worked closely with the administrations at KPS, UNK, and Zion Lutheran in communicating details of this report. Additional resources from KPD and UNKPD were in place at the schools Wednesday morning out of an abundance of caution.

As of noon Wednesday, students and staff at the schools are safe, police said in a press release. No learning has been disrupted, and business is operating as usual, police added.

Communicating with parents this morning, KPS Superintendent Jason Mundorf said the district "believes it is our responsibility to treat any potential threat with the utmost seriousness."

As a result, the district increased police presence around all school buildings, placed principals on alert, and dispatched its School Resource Officers to ensure a swift and coordinated response to any situation, he said.

In a statement sent to parents, he wrote, "We understand that such situations can be unsettling, and we appreciate your trust and understanding as we navigated through this matter. Rest assured, your child's safety is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining a secure and conducive learning environment."

At UNK, the administration reiterated that the threat was unsubstantiated.

The safety of our students, faculty and staff is our top priority, and we will continue to work closely with authorities, said Todd Gottula, UNK spokesman.

The campus community and the public should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to UNK Police and the Kearney Police Department. To report information to the police, call 308-237-2104.
The 1-year-old girl who died Monday had been left for about five hours in a day care van outside a midtown Omaha child care center as the heat index climbed to triple digits, according to court documents.

A day after her death, RaMiyah Worthingtons family and friends demanded answers and justice for the little girl.

As the heat index reached 110 degrees late Tuesday morning, about 40 people gathered outside Kidz of the Future II Childcare Center.

Under the blistering sun, RaMiyahs friends and family chanted her name as they wiped away sweat and tears.

If were hot just standing out here now, Crystal Johnson, a cousin of RaMiyahs mother, said through tears, Imagine how RaMiyah must have felt.

Omaha Fire Department medics were called to the day care center, located at 50th and Leavenworth Streets, shortly after 3 p.m. Monday. RaMiyah was unresponsive when paramedics arrived, and she died after being transported to the Nebraska Medical Center with CPR in progress.

When RaMiyah arrived at the hospital, her body temperature was approximately 109 degrees, according to court documents. Based on the route of the van and surveillance footage from the day care, its estimated that RaMiyah was in the van for about five hours.

The air temperature measured 96 degrees shortly before 3 p.m. Monday, according to National Weather Service data recorded at Eppley Airfield. The heat index was measured at 113 degrees.

The vans driver, 62-year-old Ryan D. Williams, was arrested Monday night on suspicion of felony child abuse by neglect resulting in death. He is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday morning.

RaMiyahs parents told police that Williams picked up RaMiyah and two of her siblings on Monday and took them to day care, like he does every morning.

RaMiyahs mother, Sina Johnson, said in an interview that on Monday she received a text from Charkel Smith, the day cares director and coordinator, at 2:57 p.m. When Johnson called Smith, Smith was screaming hysterically and told Johnson to come to the day care immediately.

Sina Johnson said when she arrived at the day care, neither Smith nor police were on scene. She went inside and was told by Keesha Wesson, who is listed in state records as the day cares owner, that RaMiyah was at the hospital.

Williams later told police that he had nine children in his van when he arrived at the day care and became distracted when a young boy did not want to get out of the van, according to an arrest affidavit. Another staff member came to help Williams and they got the boy out of the van. Then Williams closed the van.

Williams said he normally conducts a sweep of the van to make sure no one is left behind but did not on Monday, the affidavit said. When he went out several hours later, he found RaMiyah lying on the floor in the back seat, picked her up and rushed her inside to call 911.

Williams said he was the only staff member in the vehicle and had made a mistake in forgetting the child in the van, the affidavit said.

RaMiyahs death leaves five siblings without their baby sister, her parents heartbroken and an entire community demanding answers.

They forgot my daughter in the van, Sina Johnson said. But we wont forget her. I want the center shut down. I want this to be RaMiyahs corner.

Sina Johnson said three of her children, including RaMiyah, had attended the day care center for about five years without any prior issues.

Voicemails left with Smith and Wesson were not immediately returned Tuesday.

At Tuesdays protest outside the now-closed day care center, attendees called for the center to be shut down and for the driver, as well as other employees of the center, to face consequences.

Aside from seeking justice for her death, family members are dedicated to keeping RaMiyahs memory alive. The girls aunts and parents recalled her bright smile and infectious laugh, and noted that she never cried  unless she wanted her dad, her favorite person, to hold her.

She was my whole world, said Rianna Worthington, RaMiyahs father. She was always, always happy. I got my life together because of her.

State records show that Kidz of the Future II is owned by Wesson, and Smiths voicemail identifies her as the director and coordinator of the center. A recent unannounced inspection in May found that proof of liability insurance was not available at the time of inspection, but that violation was fixed the same day.

The day care, when located in another building, was placed on corrective action status, a type of probationary license, after a 2017 incident in which a 5-year-old child was allegedly left unattended for at least 10 to 15 minutes at Gene Leahy Mall during a field trip. The child was found by someone in the park, who called police. The probationary period expired in February 2018.

Amber Rollins, director of Kids and Car Safety of Olathe, Kansas, said four children in Nebraska have died since 1990 as the result of being in a hot vehicle. RaMiyah is at least the 19th child to die in a hot car nationwide in 2023 and first in Nebraska since 2019, she said.

More than 1,050 children have died in hot cars nationwide since 1990 and at least another 7,300 survived with varying types and severities of injuries, according to data at kidsandcars.org.

Approximately 87% of children who die in hot cars are age 3 or younger and the majority, 56%, were unknowingly left by an otherwise loving, responsible parent or caregiver, Rollins said. Of the children who were unknowingly left, about 12% were left by a childcare provider.

A GoFundMe has been set up to cover RaMiyahs funeral expenses.

Photos: Family, community members gather outside Kidz of the Future Il day care after death of one-year-old
Two women who died last week when their minivan rear-ended a tractor in northeast Nebraska have been identified.

Jamie Norton, 37, of Craig, and Elizabeth Thomsen, 42, of Rosalie, died Wednesday as a result of their injuries, according to the Cuming County Sheriff's Office. Both women were pronounced dead at a West Point hospital.

A third occupant of the minivan, Rachel Robbins, 27, of Lyons, was taken to a hospital in Pender for treatment. The driver of the tractor, Gregory Haase, 37, of Bancroft, was also taken to the West Point hospital, where he was treated and released.

Investigators determined that Norton was driving a 2019 Dodge Caravan westbound on Nebraska Highway 51 just west of Bancroft at about 8:15 a.m. The minivan collided with the rear of a John Deere tractor that was pulling a feed wagon.

The Nebraska State Patrol assisted deputies at the scene. First responders from West Point, Bancroft and Beemer also responded to the crash.
The CEO of Bamberg Countys new ambulance service says hes working to overcome challenges with communications and address other issues.

Greenville-based Thorne Ambulance Service began providing Bamberg Countys EMS services on Aug. 9.

One of the big challenges has been regarding radio communications, founder and CEO Ryan D. Thorne told Bamberg County Council last week.

We do our have our radio communications vendor coming to the county ... and they've assured us that they will remain onsite until communications equipment is functioning at 100 percent the way that it needs to be, Thorne said.

"We're really focused on interoperability, the ability to speak directly with other public safety departments, whether that be fire or law enforcement, and also across county lines, making sure we have those good communication channels open for mutual aid as those opportunities become available and necessary to meet the needs of the citizens in the community, he said.

The county selected TAS to replace its former ambulance service provider, Anderson-based Medshore Ambulance.

County Administrator Joey Preston has said that two advanced life support ambulances will be provided with an average response time of 14 minutes.

One ambulance each will be stationed in Bamberg and Denmark. Automatic vehicle locating systems will be used to ensure the closest unit responds to an emergency.

Thorne said, In terms of the ambulances that we've brought to the community, I hope that everybody's seen a nice, positive shift regarding the quality of the equipment and the ambulances.

In terms of staffing, we're still onboarding staff at this time, but I am pleased to report from the Bamberg standpoint, we have a very good number of full-time paramedics and EMTs. So those ambulances are running at 100 percent, and they have been since day one.

He continued, There are other personnel that will be coming on, joining our team in the coming weeks. We have additional applications that we've received as early as (Aug. 14). So I think word is getting out that we are here in the community and that we're obviously looking for high-caliber individuals to join our team, whether it be in a full- or part-time capacity.

"We're also looking at different opportunities to work with fire service and incorporate some of their medical providers into our response plans when they available to be on scene," he said.

Councilwoman Sharon Hammond asked, How do you communicate with other agencies across county lines?

Thorne Ambulance Service also serves Barnwell County.

Thorne said, Right now, the communication is really with our internal organization, with any resources that we may have in the Barnwell County area. That's primarily where Bamberg County is receiving their mutual aid from an outside EMS service. It stays within Thorne Ambulance Service.

So right now we're trying to make sure the communication across county lines works in that direction, and then the next phase of that is to start reaching out to our other neighboring partners and seeing if there's an opportunity for us to incorporate their radio frequencies or vice versa on our channels.

He continued, So that way, whether it be Orangeburg, Allendale or anybody else coming into the county, or us going to them, we have some way to communicate with them whether it's through the fire channel or through their direct EMS channels."

Hammond also asked how the ambulance service plans to communicate during a statewide emergency event.

Thorne said, We have the ability to add the 800-megahertz channels from the statewide communication network on there. Again, that's something that we hope to accomplish. ... Obviously, the first and foremost priority is ensuring that we have direct communication with county communications.

Then, beyond that, we're looking to expand out the number of channels available to our staff, if nothing more than at least having our operations managers and local supervisors having access to those statewide channels.

In the meantime, Thorne said he is pleased with the response the service has received within the community.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve Bamberg County. It has definitely come with its challenges, us coming in a little bit early, but I will say the community here, whether fire department, law enforcement, or just members of the community, have been incredibly welcoming to us. ...

We understand that there are a lot of feelings oftentimes associated with changes of EMS providers. So the fact that weve received such a warm welcome from everybody in the community has been a tremendous help to us and our team ... as we continue to move forward with our implementation, he said.
(TBTCO) - Tam iem cua thi truong tai chinh toan cau nhieu tuan qua la su gia tang khong ngung cua loi suat trai phieu chinh phu My co ky han tu 10 nam tro len. Tuan nay, loi suat trai phieu ky han 10 nam a vuot qua muc 5%, lan au tien ke tu nam 2007, khi cac nha au tu ban thao do lo ngai lam phat co the tiep tuc cao hon trong boi canh chinh phu My ang ngap trong no.
An exhibition in Hungary showcases the history and symbolism of the grandma housecoat. From Telex.

The village of Szatymaz, a few kilometers from Szeged, realised that if they used the word grandma housecoat (otthonka in Hungarian) as a catchphrase in addition to their famous apricot, it might attract crowds of people eager to see the wonders of the half-century-old nylon dresses flapping in the wind. We took a good look at the innovative exhibition this summer  it provided a good excuse to track down an iconic piece of clothing that is just about to fade away. We also looked at what collective memory does with it and why it became the plastic greenhouse of the human body.

A light summer breeze wafted through the nearly one hundred grandma housecoats that decorate the walls and the outbuilding of the cultural centre in Szatymaz. It was Friday and lunchtime, the Apricot Festival was about to begin in the afternoon, and this year the organisers added an outdoor grandma housecoat exhibition to the programme, complete with a fashion show.

The village of 4,700 inhabitants in the Southern Great Plain has long been famous for its apricots (formerly its grapes). If you think about the clothes our elderly relatives used to wear when sweating while making apricot jam, you can already make the connection between apricots and grandma housecoats  it is no coincidence that similar associations filled the mind of Attila Kemeri, the mastermind behind the idea, who is in charge of communication for the village.

Today, it is rarely seen on anyone and only those over the age of 80 still wear it, but in its heyday, especially in villages and small towns, there was hardly a household without at least one of these nylon housecoats.

Despite the fact that many people wore it as a protective garment at work, the grandma housecoat was a garment designed for home use, and was a symbol of good housekeeping and the socialist morality of every decent housewife, and, at the same time, of her apparent equality, historian Izabella Agardi wrote in her study of grandma housecoats, entitled The nylon grandma housecoat  the legacy of an empire.

Why, during the years of Goulash Communism, did so many women insist on one of the most successful products of the Socialist garment industry? We put the question to both the Szatymaz organisers and the historian. It turned out that the grandma housecoat is much more exciting than it appears.

Grandma housecoat exhibition center in the village of Szatymaz near Szeged, Hungary. Photo by Janos Bodey via Telex.

A modernised apron, the socialist masterpiece of polyester manufacturing

The grandma housecoat was a sign of a generational difference: it was worn by women who got married, working women during socialism. For them, the apron was too outmoded, but not the grandma housecoat, as it became a modernised version of the apron, Izabella Agardi explained to Telex. Strange as it may seem in retrospect, in the 1960s and 1970s, the grandma housecoat was considered as cool and comfortable as, say, a pair of Birkenstock slippers today.

Its cult status is well illustrated by the fact that there were garment factories that wanted exclusive rights to the name grandma housecoat. Of course, it didnt just become so popular by chance  let us not forget that this was in the middle years of state socialism. Its triumph was linked to the rise of polyester, which was the cutting edge of modernity at the time. The boom in man-made fibre production in Hungary began in the 1960s and reached its peak in the 1970s. In the textile industry, the aim was to increase the use of plastics, and as part of this, the so-called polyester programme was launched in 1965-66.

As a result, nylon grandma housecoats flooded the country from the late 1960s onwards. As far as grandma housecoats were concerned, as in so many other things, women were given a semblance of freedom and autonomy: anyone could sew their own grandma housecoat from patterns published in newspapers, but they could also be bought from ready-to-wear shops and markets.

It was not only popular in our country, but also in the other Comecon countries; in fact, grandma housecoats were also produced in West Germany and Portugal. But it was in the socialist bloc that they really gained popularity.

But how did so many grandma housecoats end up in Szatymaz in 2022? After Attila Kemeri hatched the idea around May and word spread around the area that they were looking for grandma housecoats, donated items started arriving from Szatymaz and the surrounding area, and even from as far as Sopron and Ravazd in Gyor-Moson-Sopron County. Initially, they were expecting 10-15 items, but now they have more than 100 grandma housecoats. Most of them have tiny, floral patterns, but there are plenty of non-figurative ones too: polka dots, spirals, geometric, stripes  in cheerful, but by no means excessively garish colours.

It turned out that the grandma housecoat was considered a very practical garment by women: its large pockets could hold a lot of things, its sleeveless cut left a lot of freedom for arm movement, if it got wet it washed and dried quickly, no ironing was needed, and the buttons made it easy to put on.

The transparent, smelly grandma housecoat for summer

Humorist Tibor Bodocs once called grandma housecoats the plastic greenhouse of the human body, and the expression is apt in more ways than one: in summer, the thin plastic wrapped around the wearers body could swell underneath it like tomatoes growing in a 50 degrees greenhouse.

The collective memory of Szatymaz also mentions an oddity in this respect: in summer, women wore their grandma housecoat only with panties under it at best, and the thin polyester was rather transparent (we checked this at the Szatymaz exhibition).

Well put on a pair of long panties under it, anyway  thats what Granny always said, remarked Ilona Barkanyi Feketene, co-curator of the exhibition and director of the Cultural Centre that houses the grandma housecoats, illustrating this phenomenon. It is clear that the people of Szatymaz are well prepared: at the mention of underwear, her colleague runs into the building and five minutes later returns to the exhibition with the aforementioned long panties, better known as long-legged panties.

It is also a point worth mentioning here that in the sixties and seventies, everyone was covered in as much body hair as nature intended  and from then on, it is up to the imagination to decide how to finish this train of thought.

Two men carrying a large cauldron in front of the exhibition center. Photo by Janos Bodey via Telex.

They even wore it to church, until it wore out

A grandma housecoat might have been a sexy thing to wear in summer, but in winter it certainly was not  thanks to its constant companion, the typically baggy tracksuit bottoms. As they were worn as work clothes for the home, and their function was to protect the clothes underneath, they often tore, but the women of the time were not squeamish: they would sew them  sometimes even several times  and if, say, only white thread was available, they would sew the blue, floral grandma housecoat with it, and next time, perhaps, with brown thread. Just as the thread was not something to show off with, it was not acceptable to buy a new grandma housecoat until the previous one was worn out  it was considered a waste of money, and it was not in keeping with socialist morals to discard a garment prematurely. That was why they were often worn until they were completely threadbare.

We also see this in Szatymaz, where most of the clothes were not brought or sent by the original wearer, but by a family member. And this shows  according to Izabella Agardi  that this is one of those relics of socialist realism that have been strangely ennobled.

Family members in the present, for example, dont remember the unpleasant plastic and body odour, only that their mother or grandmother was wearing it, so its their smell that comes to mind  hence the image of familiarity, the historian explains.

According to nostalgia theories, however, one must be cautious about the memory of totalitarian regimes: in such cases, the unpleasant is absurdly combined with the pleasant, the world of emotions mixed with critical evaluation.

As with many other types of clothing, there was a hierarchy among grandma housecoats: there were church-going, more ceremonial grandma housecoats (mainly covered in abstract, modern designs), while the small, floral ones were more for everyday wear. The very elderly women did not even allow themselves that much deviation and wore only dark colours. Although we didnt see any of them at the exhibition, from what were told there were also girls grandma housecoats  it must have been a great experience to take off the compulsory nylon school cloak after school and slip into the nylon grandma housecoat instead. And then spend half your life in it.

The original Hungarian term for grandma housecoat, otthonka (with a diminutive suffix), is interesting as it may sound like a term of endearment, and another researcher, ethnographer Zsofia Frazon, says that it is a perennial question whether the endearment was aimed at the dress itself or the wearer, the woman at home. Either way, the grandma housecoat is a symbol of domestic labour, of womens unpaid domestic work, and just as the grandma housecoat is disappearing from our sight, we are blind to and in debt of the recognition of womens domestic labour  at the societal level anyway, the ethnographer writes.

The grandma housecoat exhibition in Szatymaz also indicates that we have perhaps moved further away from this garment: it has been the subject of cultural history treatises and studies, and in the 2000s, it was already considered a museum piece. According to Agardi, although it remains part of the material world of the present, it needs to be preserved. It is as much a part of the museum canon as the old Sokol radios of the Soviet era or the plastic objects designed by craftsmen at the time, according to the historian. The grandma housecoat was out of date by the 1990s, anyway  though, as we wrote, it is still worn sporadically in some places.

The people of Szatymaz are planning a travelling exhibition, and two municipalities have already registered. How long will the exhibition be open in its original location? It came spontaneously, and it will be what it will be. For a while, surely, the organiser said.



Barbara Vincze is a journalist at Telex, a Hungarian news portal. This article originally appeared on Telex, translated from Hungarian by Istvan Dezsenyi. Republished under a Creative Commons license.
A 36-year-old man accused of repeatedly stabbing a Casper man inside his home was released from prison days before the killing.

On May 2, Daniel Robert Swope was found dead in his central Casper home, the affidavit in the case states. A Star-Tribune reporter saw many police officers working that night near a duplex on the street.

No additional details were released about his suspicious death for over two months. Then, local authorities announced Stacy Roberts Medicinetop was arrested in Vermont for allegedly killing Swope.

Medicinetop is facing second-degree murder and felony theft charges, the information document in his case states. He could receive up to life in prison, if found guilty.

Swopes upstairs neighbor was heading to the backyard to grill on May 2 when he saw blood in the stairwell, so he called 911, the affidavit states.

When officers arrived, the neighbor let them in through the upper-level apartment, the affidavit states. The door to Swopes apartment was mostly closed but not latched.

Officers located a deceased male inside the apartment hallway, lying face-down in a pool of blood, the affidavit states. There were footwear impressions in the blood, which had a circle and geometric pattern, along with the word Adidas.

Swope, 48, was found to have at least three knife wounds to his torso and neck.

The neighbor told authorities that he heard Swope yell, no, no, on April 27 or April 28  approximately five days prior to his body being discovered, the affidavit states.

Shortly after, he saw a man exit from between the houses, wearing all black and a black backpack. He entered Swopes gold Jeep and drove away.

Officials later interviewed a man, who said he had known Swope for almost two years and had been staying with him off and on, the affidavit states.

When he was leaving Swopes home on or about April 29, he saw a man lying in the living room underneath a blanket.

He had never seen the male before and did not know who he was.

During a search of Swopes home, investigators located a Wyoming Department of Corrections shirt in the bathroom with the name Medicinetop and an identifying number, the affidavit states. The department confirmed Medicinetop had been recently released from prison on April 22.

DOC advised verbally that Medicinetop was released with size 10.5 Adidas shoes, the affidavit states.

Investigators then obtained security footage from stores where Medicinetop was believed to have been including Walmart and the Stinker gas station in Casper, the affidavit states.

Swopes upstairs neighbor was shown various images to compare with the man he saw sleeping in the living room. He allegedly went through the first few images without any reaction.

[He] immediately had a change in facial expression when seeing the image of Medicinetop, the affidavit states. [He] signed the image of Medicinetop and said he was 100% certain that person was the individual.

Video surveillance from multiple gas stations was checked, the affidavit states. Authorities spotted Swopes gold Jeep Commander at nine different locations on April 29. The last sighting was at a Sinclair on Highway 20-26 leaving the Casper area toward Shoshone and Riverton.

Medicinetop could not be located, but he allegedly made repeated financial transactions through May 31 in the Riverton area, the affidavit states. There was no indication that he ever returned to Casper.

On July 18, a detective spoke with a confidential source, the affidavit sates. He advised Medicinetop said he had stabbed an individual to death in Casper, WY, and took his vehicle.

Medicinetop allegedly disposed of the vehicle near the Wind River Indian Reservation, the affidavit states.

He was later found living in Enosburg Falls, Vermont, where he had moved within the last two months.

It appears he was extradited back to Wyoming on or about Aug. 3, court filings show.

Medicinetop is being held on a $1 million cash-only bond. He waived his preliminary hearing Aug. 10 in Natrona County Circuit Court, and his arraignment has not been scheduled yet.

Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in Wyoming, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Star-Tribune app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Federally protected land in Wyoming could increase by more than 1.3 million acres under a newly proposed management plan  a possibility thats cause for celebration among some, and a reason for consternation among others.

The Bureau of Land Management Rock Springs Office published a draft resource management plan last week that proposes to increase the acreage of land protected under the Area of Environmental Concern (ACEC) designation from the current 286,470 acres to more than 1.6 million acres total.

The plan hasnt been updated since 1997. The current update has been in process since 2010. The proposal lays out the BLM Rock Springs Field Offices management plan for about 3.6 million acres of surface land and 3.7 million acres of mineral estate in Wyoming.

The draft includes various potential plans. But the BLMs preferred alternative takes a little bit more of a conservation approach, Wyoming BLM spokesperson Micky Fisher said  the agencys recommended approach is the most aggressive in terms of increasing the acreage of lands with the ACEC designation, which the BLM uses to protect natural and cultural resources.

The three alternative plans are significantly less conservation-oriented.

One proposal, Alternative A, would continue the existing 1997 resource management plan with the same ACEC acreage. Another plan, Alternative C, emphasizes resource use and is the least restrictive. This alternative would eliminate all ACEC designations. The last option, Alternative D, falls somewhere between emphasizing resource use and the BLMs preferred conservation approach. It would decrease the ACEC acreage from 286,470 acres to 246,634 acres.

The BLM could also potentially modify any of these approaches before the plan is finalized.

Although the agency itself can nominate areas for the ACEC designation, Fisher said in an email that all the ACECs in the proposed Rock Springs resource management plan came from the public. The BLM is required to review all nominations.

Some of the areas that the plan proposes to protect under the ACEC designation include the Cedar Canyon Petroglyph rock art site and its surrounding area, Steamboat Mountain, the Greater South Pass Historic Landscape, the Big Sandy Foothills and the Red Desert to Hoback mule deer migration corridor, which receives some protections already from the state.

The potential impact of these ACEC designations would vary depending on why the designation was given. It could restrict wood cutting and motorized or non motorized vehicle travel. It could impact livestock grazing. It could bar the development of oil, gas and other natural resource extraction, with the exception of projects that are already underway  the plan, for example, proposes stopping oil and gas leasing in part of the Red Desert to Hoback mule deer migration corridor.

Conservation groups in Wyoming applauded the BLMs preferred management plan.

Alec Underwood, program director for the Wyoming Outdoor Council, which nominated the Red Desert to Hoback mule deer migration corridor for ACEC designation, said the plan is reflective of community values and really protective of the values that the organization advocates for.

We know Wyomingites value wildlife and iconic wildlife species, Underwood said.

When you look at the different special designations of the draft plan and the inclusion of a lot of the ACECs, as well as the management direction, its relatively protective of habitat for Wyomings iconic species like mule deer, elk, pronghorn and sage grouse, just to name a few.

Julia Stuble, the Wyoming senior manager for The Wilderness Society, noted in particular that the Northern Red Desert and Big Sandy foothills, which fall under potential ACEC designation in the proposal, have really outstanding wildlife habitats, migration corridors and outstanding recreational potential. They are also areas of cultural significance for tribal nations.

These are really special lands that make Wyoming Wyoming, Stuble said. The preferred management plan, she added, is spot on the mark in terms of making sure these lands stay the same for future generations.

Though the Wilderness Society emphasized that potential for oil and gas development in this area and others with a proposed ACEC designation is considered low, Ryan McConnaughey, vice president of the Wyoming Petroleum Association, said this potential and the likelihood of profitability depends on each companys operations and the technology theyre using.

McConnaughey, who described the BLMs preferred plan as frustrating, said he thinks there are better ways to balance conservation and production, particularly given advancements in horizontal drilling technology. (The ACECs proposed in the BLMs preferred plan would prevent sub-surface drilling for fluid mineral resources like oil and gas. Existing oil and gas leases wouldnt be affected.)

Locking up this land forever is not really a smart move, he said.

(The BLM can reevaluate and roll back ACEC designations in future resource management plans. Those changes would have to go through the same public review and feedback process.)

McConnaughey said in a follow-up email that the Petroleum Association of Wyoming is still reviewing all the alternatives and cant say yet which one it prefers.

In general, we would support an alternative that supports sustainable development of Wyomings resources and takes into account advancements in technology, improved industry practices and the long-term security and financial needs of Wyoming and the United States, he said.

Gov. Mark Gordon pushed back against the BLMs proposal too, saying in a statement last week that, on first glance, he was extremely disappointed with the draft. He lamented that a decade of input from agencies, locals and industries seems to have fallen on the deaf ears of the federal BLM and its imperious agenda.

Gordon clarified in a statement to the Star-Tribune that he believes the BLMs preferred alternative isnt consistent with Congress multiple use mandate and doesnt fairly balance competing interests.

It is now imperative that those affected by the draft proposed plan become actively engaged by providing thorough, thoughtful comments supporting a balanced approach providing conservation, recreation, grazing, and development vital to the economy of that area of the state, such as trona, coal, oil, gas and other mineral deposits, Gordon said.

Rep. Scott Heiner, R-Green River, and Sen. Brian Boner, R-Douglas, co-chairmen of the Legislatures Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee, also lambasted the BLMs proposal, calling it a direct threat to our citizens (sic) livelihoods.

To be clear, this proposal is just that: a proposal.

Fisher stressed that at this point, all options are still totally on the table, and if people oppose the BLMs preferred plan, they should provide their feedback now. Under the National Environmental Policy Act, the agency has to go through this feedback process and take steps to integrate any actionable comments.

If we get enough feedback to maybe change the alternative, thats exactly what were going to do, Fisher said.

Were not trying to drive the ship by any means. This is for the American taxpayer to drive, and this is the opportunity to do it right now.

The public can give feedback on the proposal through Nov. 16. The BLM will hold public meetings in Rock Springs, Lyman and Big Piney (the dates and times for these meetings havent been nailed down yet but will be posted on the BLM WY Facebook page).

Members of the public can also submit comments online by clicking on the green Participate Now tab on the left of the page at this link: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/13853/510.

The governor will also have a 60-day review period after the public participation part of the process is finished. During that time, Gordon can provide recommendations for the plan to the BLM state director.

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.
WHEN the rice finishes, we make dumplings.

Thats the reality for one family because they simply cannot afford to replenish food until the next pay cheque.

Living pay cheque to pay cheque is a dilemma many households are facing in Trinidad and Tobago.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23)  National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan does not believe that cutting off business ties with China could help resolve harassment issues in the West Philippine Sea.

During a Palace briefing on Wednesday, Balisacan expressed doubt that boycotting Chinese businesses would work, saying that a diplomatic approach in dealing with maritime issues is the way to go.

As the president said, we are an enemy to none and we are a friend to all. Lets keep it that way. We just have to use the diplomatic channel to get our issues addressed, he said.

The NEDA executive also stressed that the Philippine economy must by all costs be protected.

We dont want to cut This economy, including China, is part of the global value chain. Our economy is part of the global value chain. We are linked to China directly or indirectly. That should not be the approach that we take in dealing with our neighbor, he added.

China is one of the Philippines major trading partners, earlier data from the government showed.

Just this month, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri floated the idea of boycotting all Chinese companies and their products, suggesting that the Philippines should explore other nations as reliable trading partners and not just depend on China.

Zubiri said boycotting Chinese-made products would be considered a sign of protest amid Beijings continuous bullying in the disputed waters.

This call was triggered by the recent aggression from China where its coast guard vessels fired water cannons at Filipino vessels en route to Ayungin Shoal for a resupply mission.

READ: Chinese coast guard fired water cannons at PH vessels en route to Ayungin Shoal  PCG
Heads must roll and there must be an immediate investigation into who purchased 20 unusable wooden ladders for the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service (TTFS) for a whopping $1 million.

The ladders are now parked up behind the Fire Service headquarters because they cannot be mounted on fire trucks, Leo Ramkissoon, president of the Fire Services Association, told the Sunday Express yesterday.
Chief Justice Ivor Archies recent call for acceptance among judges suggests that at least some of them have not been dispensing justice impartially to all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.

Speaking at the Caribbean Judges Forum on HIV Health and Human Rights last Thursday, the Chief Justice asserted, As lawyers and judges, we must begin from the premise that it is possible to construct functional, moral or ethical codes of behaviour without adherence to any particular doctrine, regardless of how strongly we may hold our personal religious convictions.
Tucson Unified School Districts share of a class-action settlement with tobacco company Altria Group will be $3.2 million in a lawsuit over negative effects on schools caused by the marketing of vaping products to students.

The districts lawyers will receive 25% of that amount under the settlement approved 5-0 Tuesday night by the TUSD Governing Board.

TUSD filed suit in October 2019 against e-cigarette company JUUL Labs and Altria Group (affiliated with Philip Morris), and its lawsuit became part of a consolidated class action that eventually involved nearly 1,500 U.S. school districts.

Tucson Unified, one of the first to file suit, agreed to be a bellwether case, meaning it would be one of a handful of plaintiffs to prepare to go to trial to help prove the case against the defendants on behalf of all the other districts.

As a result, TUSD earned a larger share than many other districts in the Altria settlement, as well as in a class-action settlement earlier this year with JUUL, officials said.

TUSDs $10.6 million share from JUUL, of which attorneys also received 25%, was approved in March.

As a physician, I see the effects of nicotine addiction, marijuana use and other drug use time and time again, and it has horrible consequences on the health and life and safety of so many of our community here in Tucson, Governing Board President Ravi Shah said at that March meeting.

Shah said Tuesday night that he looks forward to seeing TUSD use the settlement money to fight addiction and to promote prevention, treatment and mental health.
Tucson Unified School District will send letters Friday to 29,000 people whose personal and confidential information unfortunately may have been accessed due to the Jan. 30 cyberattack, Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo said.

Those who will receive the individualized letters include current and former TUSD employees, students, parents and their dependents, he told the districts Governing Board Tuesday night.

At present, we dont have any evidence ... that information was misused in any way, Trujillo emphasized.

He said that is the finding of a months-long forensic investigation by cyber experts  now being closed out by TUSD  after an exhaustive case-by-case review of around a million documents and files.

Trujillo did not say how the district is defining misuse in stating that none has been found, and there was no mention at the board meeting of findings reported in April by Bloomberg News that the cybercriminals put stolen confidential data about TUSD employees and students on the dark web for public access.

The letters will explain next steps that potential victims may take to protect against misuse of their data by the hackers, and will inform them of yearlong credit monitoring and identity-theft prevention services TUSD is providing at no charge to the 29,000 people, Trujillo said.

Officials of TUSD, Pima Countys largest district with more than 40,000 students at 87 schools, also told the board Tuesday night that theyve made major progress since the attack in working to reduce the possibility such a breach can occur again.

Among many other steps taken so far, they said, have been moving 75% or more of sensitive district data to the cloud for security; conducting 24-hour monitoring of TUSD systems; testing system security periodically by having a third party hack in; changing passwords and strengthening password rules; blocking public wi-fi access at district sites and instead using hot spots; and collaborating with Arizona homeland security officials.

Trujillo previously confirmed that a ransomware group called Royal, active internationally, was responsible for what he called the cyber terrorism event.

Bloomberg News found that cybercriminals made off with gigabytes of files, containing tens of thousands of current and former employees Social Security numbers and other confidential records, reporter Jack Gillum, then with Bloomberg, reported in April. They then uploaded the information in February to the dark web for anyone to access with an easily downloadable browser, he wrote.

Examples of the leaked files include a high schoolers medical records; another detailed arguments for expelling several students, Bloombergs article said.

Bloomberg found more than 16,000 numbers and birth dates tied to current and former employees on the dark web.

Another leaked document included confidential records concerning a high school students diabetes diagnosis and instructions for their insulin injections, the Bloomberg report said.
Immigration, climate policy and the economy were on the table during a bipartisan talk this week between two Southern Arizona U.S. congressmen.

Long-time Democratic Rep. Raul Grijalva and first-term Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani were back in their Tucson home district for Congress August recess. Both committed to an informed policy discussion that focused on core issues.

Ciscomani, who took office in January, said he and Grijalva talked by phone soon after he was elected.

We know were going to be on different ends of the political spectrum, and were going to disagree more than agree on policy issues, he said. But we also talked about keeping it civil, never going personal and just sticking to the issues.

The hour-long discussion Tuesday was held at Pima Community Colleges Aviation Technology Center at Tucson International Airport. It was moderated by Karla Morales, board chairwoman of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which organized the event.

The congressmen found common ground on a number of points, including the need for movement on immigration bills that have broad public support, investments in security technology at ports of entry, and programs that promote sustainability and clean energy.

Being for growth doesnt mean youre against the climate policies, Ciscomani said. He said Southern Arizona could be a climate tech hub.

Grijalva said recent natural disasters highlight the devastating impact of climate change and the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels. The sooner the government acts, the better, he said.

We can do it in a pragmatic, smart way or we can do it in a painful, costly way, Grijalva said. I think theres a level of boldness that everyone is afraid to deal with on the issue of climate, that we shouldnt be shy about.  Our opportunities for development shrink as the climate continues to change.

Ciscomani highlighted a number of environment-focused projects  including more funding to clean up forever chemicals in Tucsons water  that came out of the House Appropriations Committee, of which he is the only freshman member.

There may be a misconception that my side of the aisle may not see it (protecting the environment) as an issue, he said. I cant speak for everyone, but I do. I think we have a great opportunity here of becoming a climate tech hub and being able to reinvigorate that industry.

Immigration reform

Grijalva said its unlikely Congress will achieve much-needed comprehensive immigration reform anytime soon.

Its a painful acknowledgement on my part. This has been, in my career in Congress, the most vexing, difficult, politically charged and complex issue that I deal with, he said.

But at a minimum, he said, Congress should focus on passing the low-hanging fruit: legislation that is widely popular among the electorate. That includes the Dream and Promise Act of 2023, which would give long-term stability to DACA recipients, or Dreamers, undocumented immigrants who were brought into the country as children.

Dehumanizing rhetoric about immigrating people  such as the racist replacement theory and terminology like invasion  further degrades the debate, Grijalva said.

Ciscomani said the immigration issue is personal to him; he moved to the U.S. from Hermosillo, Sonora with his family in the 1990s and became a naturalized U.S. citizen 14 years later. He was also pessimistic about the possibility of comprehensive immigration reform in this Congress.

Given the (political) environment today, I think trying to do this in a large comprehensive way poses serious challenges that I dont see that moving forward, he said. What we need to do is take separate bites at the apple and deal with issues we can fix now.

To address labor shortages in the agricultural and food industries, Ciscomani highlighted the Hire Act, which would streamline work-visa applications and renewals for farmworkers and other temporary workers, and increase work visa caps for the H-2A and H-2B programs.

By improving legal channels for immigration, Congress can disincentivize the wrong way of doing it, he said.

A June policy analysis from the libertarian think-tank Cato Institute, titled Why Legal Immigration is Nearly Impossible, said less than 1% of people who want to move permanently to the U.S. have a legal path to do so.

Ciscomani agreed with Grijalva that DACA recipients need a pathway to citizenship.

I see myself reflected in them, seeing that desire for opportunity, that desire to pursue the American dream, Ciscomani said. I meet their parents and I see my parents in them.  We have to do better for them, and we have to be better for our businesses.

Grijalva said border enforcement should be laser-focused on security issues like fentanyl smuggled through officials ports of entry.

Eighty percent of the interdictions happen at the ports of entry, he said. Why arent we investing in those (ports of entry), in both security and technology?

Arizonas proximity to the Mexican border is an amazing asset for our community  not a liability, Ciscomani said, pointing to the more than $17 billion in annual trade with Mexico and the 228,000 Arizona jobs that depend on trade between the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

Budget debate

The U.S. Congress must finalize a budget bill by Sept. 30 to avoid a government shutdown. Ciscomani expressed optimism about reaching a budget deal without resorting to a temporary continuing resolution to buy more time before the government shuts down.

This is maybe the freshman in me saying, We can get it done, he said. Were going to need to think outside the box. Were going to need to think creatively on how we deal with this $33 trillion in debt and growing.

Grijalva said the Republican Freedom Caucus members have made demands that will make it hard to agree on a temporary continuing resolution, let alone a budget bill.

A government shutdown hurts everybody, he said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23)  The joint memorandum circular (JMC) required by the Budget department for the release of the 3-billion fuel subsidy will hopefully be submitted next week, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

In a press briefing Wednesday, LTFRB Executive Director Robert Peig said the board is finalizing amendments to the JMC, which should stipulate guidelines for the subsidy.

Hopefully matapos ngayong araw at mai-route for signature ng partner agencies po natin, he said. Yun na lang po hinihintay ng Department of Budget and Management (DBM) kasi may mga amendment po na kailangan ma-incorporate.

[Translation: Hopefully it will be finished today and routed for signature by our partner agencies. That's all the Department of Budget and Management is waiting for because there are amendments that need to be incorporated.]

The DBM has required a JMC signed by the LTFRB, Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, and Department of Information and Communications Technology before it would release the 3-billion subsidy.

Asked whether the release of the budget for the fuel subsidy is possible next week, Peig said hopefully.

The fuel subsidy is expected to benefit 1.6 million public utility vehicle drivers amid consecutive hikes in fuel prices.
PHOENIX  Gov. Katie Hobbs said Wednesday she is concerned about some effects on Arizona of a proposed merger of the states two largest grocery chains.

But Hobbs said shes not ready to say whether she will oppose the combination of Kroger Co., the parent of Smiths and Frys Foods, with Albertsons Companies, which operates not just stores under its own name but purchased Safeway and all the stores that company owned in 2015.

Her comments come as Attorney General Kris Mayes is conducting a probe into effects of the combination, not only on shoppers but on the estimated 35,000 workers at both chains.

Other Arizona officials are not waiting for that. Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and colleagues from six other states already asked the Federal Trade Commission to block the proposed $24.6 billion deal in which Kroger would purchase its competitor.

On Wednesday, a member of the states congressional delegation added his voice.

I fear that, without competition in the grocery sector, large chains like the proposed Kroger-Albertsons conglomerate could monopolize entire regions of Arizona, then raise prices, close store fronts and eliminate jobs, U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego wrote to Lina Khan, who chairs the FTC. Hobbs, Mayes, Fontes and Gallego are all Democrats.

Gallego also gathered support for his position from several Southern Arizona mayors.

I firmly believe that this particular merger could have significant negative impacts on our local economy, small businesses, and the well-being of our residents, said Sierra Vista Mayor Clea McCaa.

Bisbee Mayor Ken Budge said he fears the deal could result in the closure of the Safeway store in his community.

And Douglas Mayor Donald Huish said he has seen how mergers affect small towns.

In 2021, when Food City/Bashas merged with Raleys, part of the merger included store closures, including of the Food City in Douglas, he said. That left Walmart as the only grocery outlet, he said.

Hobbs not ready to take action

Hobbs, who said she shops at Frys, said she is watching.

Combined, these are one of the largest employers in the state, she said. Were concerned about potential loss of jobs and increasing prices, especially in rural areas that already have limited options for grocery stores.

Hobbs declined to say what she would want if she ultimately determines the merger is not in the best interests of the state.

One option would be to ask the FTC to block the deal entirely. There also has been discussion of requiring the newly formed company to spin off some of its stores to others to ensure some competition remains.

Hobbs sidestepped what she is thinking. Im not prepared to comment on that, just that were watching the situation, she said.

Mayes finds widespread opposition

Mayes said Wednesday that a series of town halls she has conducted across the state seeking input on the deal produced a consensus of sorts.

Nearly universally, Ive heard opposition to the proposed merger, coupled with real concerns for potential job losses associated with combining the two companies, the attorney general said. Ive heard from seniors on fixed incomes worried that grocery prices could rise if the merger goes through.

Access is another concern. Mayes said shes heard from individuals, particularly in rural areas, that if a neighborhood grocery store were to close, that would force them to have to walk or drive much further to buy basic necessities. Even military families have concerns the merged entity might not accept their insurance to cover prescriptions, she said.

Mayes said she anticipates making a decision on what action to take, if any, by the end of the year, ahead of the scheduled 2024 date to complete the merger.

Anti-trust law cited

Arizona law forbids any contract, combination or conspiracy by two or more persons in restraint of, or to monopolize trade or commerce.

When the deal was first announced, Mayes said she wanted to know whether the merger of the two grocery giants, at least in Arizona, meets that definition.

The people of Arizona have important input to make here, people who live in the neighborhoods where a Frys or a Safeway or a Smiths could be shut down, she told Capitol Media Services at the time.

She said it isnt just the people shopping there who might be affected.

Were going to be getting input from the dairy operators in Arizona and the farmers and cattle growers who are worried about the reduction in competition in Arizona and the reduction in the number of outlets for their products, Mayes said.

Consideration of whether the merger violates state antitrust laws also takes into account what competition would remain in Arizona.

Bashas operates 118 stores, mostly in Arizona, under that name as well as Bashas Dine Market, Food City and AJs Fine Foods. Walmart generally has more aggressive pricing than either Kroger or Safeway, though it does not put items on sale.

Kroger pledges investments

Kroger, in a statement earlier this year, said the merger provides meaningful, measurable benefit to all stakeholders, including lowering prices, providing more choices and establishing a more competitive alternative to large, non-union retailers. The last comment is in reference to Walmart, though not all Kroger stores are unionized, either.

On a website set up by the two chains, Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen said the deal will deliver superior value to customers, associates, communities and shareholders.

It also says that after the deal is closed, Kroger will invest $500 million to lower prices, $1.3 billion into Albertsons stores to enhance the customer experience, and $1 billion to continue raising associate wages and comprehensive benefits.

In their original announcement, the retailers said they are willing to divest up to 650 of the stores to overcome regulatory concerns. None of the possible locations have been announced.

When Albertsons bought Safeway, it agreed to sell 146 stores to Haggen, a regional grocer. But Haggen eventually went bankrupt and Albertsons bought back many of the stores.

Theres also a question of whether anyone would be willing to buy the stores the new company is willing to shed, considering the possibility they are likely to offer up those that are least profitable.
LAHAINA, Hawaii  Long before a wind-whipped wildfire blasted through the island of Maui, tension existed between Hawaii's kamaaina, or longtime residents, and the visitors some islanders resent for turning their beaches, mountains and communities into playgrounds.

It's a love-hate relationship that dates back generations, but now that tension is building in the aftermath of the blaze that killed over 100 people and scorched the historic town of Lahaina, making it the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century.

A week after the fire, a state flag blew upside down in the breeze on a road leading to a neighborhood designated for residents of Hawaiian descent, signifying that the community is in distress. Beneath the flag, a sign scrawled in blue paint ordered tourists to "KEEP OUT."

"Tourism has definitely been a hinderance at this point, because we need to take care of our families  our ohana," said Kapali Keahi, who lives in the neighborhood. Keahi said those affected by the fire, himself included, are still "getting out of the survivor mode."

The Maui Economic Development Board says tourism is "irrefutably" the economic engine of Maui, which saw 1.4 million visitors in just the first half of 2023. About 70% of every dollar generated in Maui can be attributed to tourism, according to the board.

Yet as the island looks to rebuild, residents like Keahi wonder what role tourism should play in the long road ahead to recovery. Experts say there's no easy answer.

"You do have this time where you have to stop everything and focus on the disaster, but there does come a time when you have to start to rebuild, and that means keeping people employed," said Rafael Villanueva, a member of the Tourism Expert Network, which provides consulting services to businesses such as hotels.

Villanueva said that's the general roadmap he and his then-colleagues at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority followed in 2017 after the deadliest mass shooting in modern America unfolded at a country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip: Support the victims and the community first, then worry about the tourists.

Within an hour of the shooting that would leave 60 dead and hundreds more injured, the publicly funded body charged with promoting Las Vegas halted its advertising promising that "What Happens Here, Stays Here." Villanueva said they filled billboards with a message that the community instead could rally around: "Vegas Strong."

Then they opened up their convention center for recovery efforts, including victim notifications.

Eventually, they shifted their messaging, inviting visitors back to a Strip that they promised was a safe tourist destination.

"You need to do what you can to not let the situation snowball into something much worse," Villanueva said.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said in a statewide address Friday night that tourists should avoid fire-ravaged West Maui while emphasizing that the rest of the island and state were open and safe.

"We continue to welcome and encourage travel to our beautiful state," he said, "which will support the local economy and help speed the recovery of those who have already suffered so much."

Green also has said it would be "catastrophic" if Maui's tourism industry came to a halt right now, warning that could lead to a "mass exodus" of residents.

It's a situation that Maui resident Julie Sumibtay said she wants to avoid, even if she understands how other locals want the space to grieve and deal with their profound pain without the prying eyes of outsiders.

"Some of us need work," said Sumibtay, who works at the front desk of a condominium complex in Kihei, where some of the units are used as vacation rentals. "So if they're saying Maui is closed, then there are no tourists coming in, and then we lose our jobs."

Already the deadly fire and its aftermath prompted some would-be tourists to change their plans, opting to head to other islands instead.

Tom Bailey and his family from the Sacramento area of California arrived on Maui the week before the fire spread from hillsides and raced toward historic Lahaina.

They had seen the smoke in the distance from their hotel in Kaanapali just up the road from Lahaina. At first, they were reassured that the blaze posed no immediate danger. But in the night, the glow of the fire intensified, prompting hotel officials to suggest guests voluntarily evacuate.

Bailey and his family packed up and left to spend the final five days of their vacation on Oahu.

"We just wanted to stay out of the way," Bailey said, adding that he understands local residents "need time."
PHOENIX  The way Melody Hernandez sees it, the trauma incurred by those taking emergency calls from people in crisis and dispatching help is no less than what occurs for her as a paramedic.

Only thing is, state law did not require that 911 dispatchers get access to the same counseling.

But unlike others in her field, she could actually do something about it as a state representative. So the first-term Phoenix Democrat got colleagues this session to unanimously approve legislation that extends the program now available to other public safety employees, peace officers and firefighters to get paid counseling after a traumatic event.

And in a signing ceremony Wednesday, Gov. Katie Hobbs, herself a former social worker, emphasized the importance of the new law.

Current law requires public employers to establish programs for counseling of public safety employees after certain circumstances. That includes visually witnessing the death or maiming of an individual, being involved in investigating certain crimes against children or requiring rescue where their life was in danger.

HB 2717 first adds the term audibly to witnessing. And then it specifically includes 911 dispatchers.

During hearings on the bill, Lauren Birnbaum tried to explain to lawmakers about the stresses.

I cried on the phone with a mother while she did CPR on her 6-year-old son after finding him in the pool, Birnbaum said. I couldnt finish the call without tears.

That, Birnbaum said, would have been a normal response for anyone else. But she said dispatchers are not encouraged to find a counselor, even one they have to pay for themselves.

We are told to cry in the bathroom  but not too long and come back in for more, quickly, Birnbaum said.

Hernandez echoed that at Wednesdays bill signing.

911 dispatchers are truly the first responders, she said.

Theyre the one who answer the calls to begin with, Hernandez said. And after theyve worked through the screaming and the anxiety and the pressure that they face from the community that they are speaking to, they are oftentimes, once they leave the call, they are left with the pain of those calls, they are left with the memory of those calls.

Hobbs said the role of dispatchers is critical.

Many of these calls can be the difference between life and death for the caller, she said.

Those on the receiving end are tasked with putting their emotions aside and acting decisively to get help where its needed, the governor continued. And the moments they are on that phone can be extremely traumatic experiences that they take home with them.

But with no coverage from employers, she said, the dispatchers either have to pick up the cost of their own counseling or continue working under serious emotional strain.

Hobbs said this is more than about getting care for dispatchers. She said there are multiple reports of a shortage of dispatchers across the state.

Ensuring dispatchers get the care they need will help us fill gaps in our workforce, the governor said. We must give them the tools they need to thrive outside the workplace as well.

Hernandez said the symptoms of what is post-traumatic stress disorder are serious.

It is one of the most difficult diseases to deal with, she said.

You have multiple, recurring nightmares about situations you have heard on the phone or you have witnessed firsthand, Hernandez continued. And those recurring nightmares can oftentimes wake you up in fear and panic.

Hernandez said it also can result in people getting angry about things that are out of their control.

A sight, a sound, a small can trigger that memory and leave you stuck in the past, she said.

In her own case, Hernandez said she has suffered flashbacks.

I get so stuck in the past that, while I know that Im here, Im also completely re-imagining or re-visualizing what traumatized me to begin with, she said.

As it turns out, though, Hernandez does not have the same paid counseling already available for paramedics who work directly for cities.
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

After holding the longest session in state history at 204 days, the 56th Arizona State Legislature adjourned on Monday, July 31. While several of the bills introduced this past session would have impacted small businesses  some good, some bad  a few did not make it across the finish line in the Legislature, and others fell victim to Governor Katie Hobbs veto.

Small-business owners who are subject to licensing and permitting regulations at the local government level will benefit from the passage of House Bill 2019, sponsored by Representative Travis Grantham. Nicknamed the permit freedom act, the bill puts in place three safeguards for permit applicants by requiring the local government to provide: 1. clear criteria for whether a permit will be granted or denied, 2. an explicit deadline for when the government will decide whether to grant or deny the permit, and 3. a meaningful day in court for cases where the applicant thinks the government wrongly denied the permit. By ensuring basic procedural protections are followed, this bill will prevent the government from unfairly delaying or restricting access to permits of all kinds.

With support from our member small-business owners, NFIB was able to quash several bills that would have been detrimental to small-business owners and their operations.

Take, for instance, House Bill 2290, sponsored by Representative David Cook, which sought to impose additional healthcare mandates and thereby would have made healthcare coverage further out of reach for many small-business owners. Thankfully this bill failed with the help of many small-business owners, including NFIB member Cliff Wixson, who authored this column to detail how this policy would harm his small business and his employees health care. Small business owners owe a debt of thanks to leaders in the Senate for stepping up and holding firm against this detrimental legislation.

Mandates on small businesses can come as large, complex bills like the one previously discussed. Harmful mandates can also come as seemingly basic government requirements that have a popular appeal upon first look. The latter was the case with House Bill 2555, sponsored by Rep. Joseph Chaplik, which would have mandated that businesses accept cash as a form of payment.

While this sounds easy enough, it puts many different types of businesses at risk. Especially those that are located in areas of greater crime risk and those that do business through transactions of larger dollar amounts. In either case, these businesses are at a greater risk of theft if the would-be assailant knows that there is a state law requiring cash to be used in any business. Thankfully, as was the case with HB 2290, the Senate served as the final arbiter and the bill did not receive a vote of the full Senate.

Here in Arizona, there are a few legal guardrails in place that make increasing taxes on small businesses challenging. In the legislature, thanks to a 1992 constitutional amendment that NFIB helped champion (Prop 108), any tax increase proposed requires a two-thirds vote of each legislative chamber to pass. And in 2022, Arizona voters approved Prop 132, which requires a 60% vote for ballot measures to approve tax increases.

With these guardrails in place to prevent tax increases, NFIB members must continue to focus on supporting those who vote with small business on issues that matter within the legislative branch while also keeping close watch on the regulatory environment which is largely governed through the executive branch.

So, all in all, small businesses in Arizona saw some wins this legislative session and, most thankfully, warded off some harmful proposals through our direct advocacy at the Capitol in Phoenix with the help of our members who actively reach out and voice their concerns with lawmakers.
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

At a time when heat-related hospitalizations and deaths reach historical highs across Arizona, our legislature must acknowledge the moral necessity to protect individuals who are among the most affected by extreme heat: outdoor workers.

In Arizona, one in five people work outdoors and are exposed to extreme heat with little to no protections, according to a 2021 report from the Union of Concerned Scientists rightly titled, Too Hot to Work.

This past legislative session, I worked with concerned constituents to introduce House Bill 2628.

This law, if enacted, would ensure that outdoor workers have access to water, shade, and cool-down periods when outdoor temperatures surpass 100 degrees.

Unfortunately, the Republican majority in the Arizona House of Representatives refused to give this legislation a committee hearing, meaning we will now have to wait until the Legislature convenes next January for this bill to be reintroduced.

I applaud Gov. Katie Hobbs for recently directing the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health to monitor work conditions during extreme heat and to ensure that employers are doing their part to provide preventive safety measures. The governors action is an important step forward to protect Arizonas construction workers, farmworkers, landscapers, electricians, plumbers, truck drivers, and many more. However, these protections should not be voluntary, they should be state law.

I know some GOP lawmakers will see these protections as employer mandates. I implore them to read the room: Heat-related hospitalizations and deaths related are happening in real time.

In 2023 alone, the Arizona Department of Health Services has reported 2,558 emergency room visits related to extreme heat.

Phoenix residents will soon be the first Americans to live in a major city where the average monthly temperature exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

And here in Pima County, the Medical Examiners Office reports that more than 50 lives have been lost to the heat over the last eight months.

None of this should be considered normal  thats why Ill continue to urge Arizona legislators, particularly the GOP majority, to take heat standards seriously.

Some of those most impacted most by extreme heat are hourly workers, many of them immigrants and people of color, who have no choice but to brave the elements to provide for their families. Theyre our neighbors, and without them, our economy would not survive.

Cold and accessible drinking water, life-saving shade, and the chance to cool down at work during extreme heat, as presented in House Bill 2628, shouldnt be controversial whatsoever.

Lets save lives together. I implore lawmakers to introduce an Outdoor Worker Protection Act again this January. Its the humane step needed to show our neighbors that we are taking climate adaption  and the well-being of our residents  seriously.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23)  Mayor Abby Binay on Wednesday said Makati has secured approval from Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte to distribute school supplies to students of 14 public schools entangled in its territorial dispute with Taguig.

In a statement, Binay said more than 45,000 students will "immediately" get free school supplies as classes start on Aug. 29.

"It is such a relief for the city government of Makati, but most especially for the thousands of affected students and their parents who have been anxiously waiting and hoping for the favorable resolution of the impasse with Taguig on this issue. Finally, we will be able to carry out this annual tradition and ensure that the students will be ready on school opening," she said.

Education Usec. Michael Wesley Poa formally sent a letter to Binay for the approval, which includes "the use of school facilities in the distribution of the supplies." To recall, the mayors of Taguig and Makati had disagreements on the matter, with the former allegedly refusing to accept the free school supplies.

READ: Binay fires back, says Taguig told Makati to just donate school supplies to calamity victims

Binay also took her frustration to Facebook, claiming that there was a last-minute attempt to halt the distribution despite the written authority from the DepEd.

Namigay nga kayo ng walang written authority, wala kayong narinig sa amin. Pinapasok kayo sa loob ng eskuwelahan at namigay ng inyong mga gamit ng walang problema, the Makati mayor said, referring to the Taguig governments own distribution of school supplies to EMBO barangays on Tuesday.

[Translation: You gave no written authority, yet you heard nothing from us. You were allowed inside the school and handed out your supplies without any problem.]

Ngayon may last minute attempt pa kayong ipatigil ang distribution. Akala ko ba kapakanan ng mga bata ang importante? Binay said.

[Translation: Now you have a last-minute attempt to stop the distribution. I thought the welfare of the children was important?]

Meanwhile, under its Project FREE (Free Relevant and Excellent Education), the supplies will be provided to public school students from kinder to senior high school, including special education students.

For kinder pupils:

- school bags

- caps

- anti-dengue kits

For elementary students:

- a pair of black leather shoes

- three pairs of white socks

- Randoseru bags (Grades 1 and 4)

- dengue kits

- school supplies consisting of 10 pieces of notebooks, five sets of intermediate pads, and five pieces each of ballpens and pencils

For junior and senior high school students:

- black shoes and socks

- the same school supplies package given to elementary students, with a Math Graphing notebook added

- Grades 11 and 12 students will also get a jacket with hoodie.

For SPED students:

- school supplies package

- school uniforms

- leather shoes

- three pairs of socks

- anti-dengue kits for elementary SPED.

The 14 public schools located in the 10 barangays affected by the row are the following:

- Fort Bonifacio Elementary School

- Cembo Elementary School

- South Cembo Elementary School

- Pitogo Elementary School

- East Rembo Elementary School

- Rizal Elementary School

- Comembo Elementary School

- West Rembo Elementary School

- Pembo Elementary School

- Makati Science High School

- Benigno "Ninoy" S. Aquino High School

- Tibagan High School

- Fort Bonifacio High School

- Pitogo High School
James D. Watts Jr. Tulsa World Scene Writer Follow James D. Watts Jr. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

If youre wanting to soar with the eagles, first you have to get down with the chickens. And the bobwhites.

And if you really want to help keep birds in the air, an easy way to do that is to sample good beer and enjoy a wide variety of foods.

Wild Brew 2023, the annual fundraising event for the George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center in Bartlesville, returns for its 25th year, Saturday, Aug. 26, at the Cox Business Convention Center, 100 Civic Center.

More than 40 area breweries, distilleries and vineyards will be offering examples of their wares to sample; a number of non-alcoholic offerings will also be available for those who wish to remain abstemious.

Dead Armadillo has for the fourth year created a signature beer for the event.

The beer, called Sutton Summer Wheat, is a German-style wheat beer with 5.3% alcohol by volume, which is now available at the Dead Armadillo Brewing Taproom, 1004 E. Fourth St.

We brewed beers for the last four years for them, different styles every year, said Tony Peck, founder and brewmaster for Dead Armadillo Brewing.

In addition, some 30 area restaurants and food vendors will serve up everything from beef jerky and barbecue to pizza to ramen, with all proceeds going to fund the work at the Sutton Center.

The event will also feature presentations about the work the Sutton Center does, as well as opportunities to snap selfies with some of the centers most notable residents, including Artemis, a red-tailed hawk, and Turbo, a golden pheasant.

While attendance is necessary to enjoy the food, drink and special presentations, people can also make donations directly at the centers website, suttoncenter.org, or at the Wild Brew site, wildbrew.org, where they can also take part in an online auction, with proceeds going to the center.

For nearly 40 years, the George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center has been at the forefront of the effort to preserve and expand the population of an iconic part of American wildlife  the bald eagle.

It was largely through the Sutton Centers painstaking work that the bald eagle was removed from the list of endangered and threatened species in 2007.

When the bald eagle recovery program began, one of the goals was to have at least 10 bald eagle nests established in Oklahoma, as adult eagles that were raised in captivity tend to return to the areas from which they were released to set up breeding and nesting sites.

Today, there are more than 250 nesting sites established by bald eagles in Oklahoma. One of those sites near the Sutton Center has been equipped with a camera that can live stream any and all activity. In February, that livestream revealed the first egg to be laid by the pair that call this nest home, and has over the past few months continued to monitor the progress of the two eaglets that hatched.

Audra Fogle, the assistant director at the center, agreed that the bald eagle recovery program is what most people know about the Sutton Avian Research Center.

Its the bald eagle, after all, she said. Its a symbol of our country. You want to get peoples attention, you cant do much better than the bald eagle.

But eagles arent the only winged creature about which the Sutton Avian Research Center is concerned.

The center is working to replenish the wild populations of the Masked Bobwhite, along with a number of species of grouse, including the Lesser Prairie-Chicken and the Attwaters Prairie-Chicken, the latter of which is among the most endangered species of bird in the United States.

While these birds may not have the popular cachet of the bald eagle, Fogle said the preservation of such species is just as vitally important.

Its just another example of everything in nature having its own place, Fogle said. If you consider the bald eagle as an apex predator, then these birds are pretty much at the bottom of the food chain. That might make them seem to be less interesting or important, but just the opposite is true. If you let the bottom layer of something fail, it threatens everything else above it.

These certainly arent flashy birds, and most people probably will never see an Attwaters Prairie-Chicken in the wild, but its still important for us to pay attention to those creatures who are the foundation of a certain food chain, she said.

While saving endangered birds and working to keep birds from becoming endangered are major elements of the centers mission, Fogle said education about the broader scope of the centers work is equally important.

We work very closely with several schools where we have programs that continue throughout the grades so that, by the time they graduate, they have a deeper understanding of our natural world and how all these little things that we can do can make a real difference and have a greater impact on our world, she said.

Wild Brew has been helping the Sutton Center accomplish these efforts for a quarter of a century.

It is our main fundraiser for the year, Fogle said. We say its drink a beer, save a bird, and that isnt really an exaggeration. The funds raised at Wild Brew go to support all our programs.

And while beer is part of the events name, Fogle added, I think the food alone is worth the price of a ticket. And if youre not a drinker, we will have Pepsi products, and were working with a local soda company. There will be coffee drinks, kombucha, all kinds of things.

Best of all, she added, laughing, its going to be held indoors, where theres air conditioning.
Jimmie Tramel Tulsa World Scene Writer Follow Jimmie Tramel 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

Ponyboy at Venue ShrineActor and music artist Tommy Howell, best known to Tulsans as Ponyboy Curtis from the 1983 Francis Ford Coppola film The Outsiders, is returning to Tulsa for a Saturday, Aug. 26, performance at the Venue Shrine.

Howell pivoted to music during the pandemic. He released his debut album earlier this year and opened for Tanya Tucker at the Cove, the concert venue of the River Spirit Casino.

For tickets to the Venue Shrine show, go to tulsashrine.com.

Benatar, Giraldo

at River SpiritWhen the pioneering music video channel MTV debuted in 1981, the first video to air was the Buggles Video Killed the Radio Star. The next video? Pat Benatars You Better Run.

MTV exposure (and great songs) set Benatars career ablaze. She will perform with husband Neil Giraldo Friday, Aug. 25, at the Cove, the concert venue of the River Spirit Casino.

Counting Crows will perform at the same venue Saturday, Aug. 26. For tickets to River Spirit events, go to riverspirittulsa.com.

Maker Faire Tulsa

Maker Faire is a gathering of people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these makers to show hobbies, experiments and projects. Featured makers and exhibits include Fab Lab Tulsa, Code Ninjas, Kyya Chocolate, SpyCon and more. Check it out Saturday, Aug. 26, at the Exchange Center at Expo Square, 4145 E. 21st St.

Top Gun at PhilbrookIf youre feeling the need for speed this weekend, the Philbrook Museum of Arts Films on the Lawn series is happy to serve as wingman, as it will present the original Top Gun movie this Friday, Aug. 25, with doors opening at 6 p.m., and the film itself beginning at dusk (approximately 8:15 p.m.).

Prior to the film, the museum will be hosting lawn games, volleyball and similar activities. Guests may bring a picnic to enjoy or purchase from the various food trucks that will be on hand.

Tickets are $12 for adults, with special package deals also available. philbrook.org.

American Graffiti returnsOklahoma actress Candy Clark was nominated for an Academy Award for her work in American Graffiti.

Fathom Events and Universal Pictures are celebrating 50 years of George Lucas 1973 coming-of-age story about dragging main in a California town. The film, recently remastered and including a brand new sound mix, is cruising back into theaters with special screenings on two dates.

Showtimes are 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, plus 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30 at AMC Southroads 20, 4923 E. 41st St.

Screenings are scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, at Regal Warren Broken Arrow, 1700 W. Aspen Creek Drive, and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30 at Cinemark Tulsa, 10802 E. 71st St.

For tickets, go to fathomevents.com.

Sheridan Road 2.0The vocal ensemble Sheridan Road returns after a five-year hiatus to present what it terms as a reintroduction concert, 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, at St. James Presbyterian Church, 11970 S. Elm St.

Admission to the concert is free, but donations will be accepted to help fund the churchs music program.

The informal concert will feature a cappella and accompanied performances of works from the Great American Songbook to more contemporary songs by Manhattan Transfer, Billy Joel and The Beatles.

Sheridan Road 2.0 members are Gwen Alley, Brenda Bussman, Barry Epperley, Marla Patterson, Steve Raiford and Brian Wilson.
Jimmie Tramel Tulsa World Scene Writer Follow Jimmie Tramel 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

David Koechner, who brought life to Champ Kind in Anchorman, Todd Packer in The Office and Bill Lewis in The Goldbergs, is coming to Bricktown Comedy Club Tulsa for five stand-up comedy shows Friday, Aug. 25 through Sunday, Aug. 27.

Bonus: Koechner also will host The Office trivia 4 p.m. Sunday at the same venue.

Koechner, in a telephone interview prior to his Tulsa trip, said fans of The Office are rabid.

Its almost like a church service because they are all so excited, he said, indicating that he began doing The Office trivia shows a year and a half ago.

We noticed the peoples thirst for all things The Office, and we thought lets see if we can come up with an offering.

Koechner and fellow comedian Rob Maher concocted the trivia idea and pitched it to a club owner who loved it.

He manages, like, 15 clubs, so we thought we had something, Koechner said. Every club takes it. It always does well. Often times, it will sell out before my regular shows do.

Koechner said he starts the trivia shows in character as Todd Packer but I dont know if people want an hour and a half of Todd Packer.

Why wouldnt they want an hour and a half of Packer? Hes a bit obnoxious.

Koechner, asked what he loves about Packer, said, As an actor, you love that you can say things to peoples faces that you could never say in real life. To me, thats the treat. You would never say that stuff to another human being.

Koechner hails from a town  Tipton, Missouri  thats about a five-hour drive from Tulsa. He gave college a whirl before heading to Chicago to train at ImprovOlympic and Second City Theater. He became a Saturday Night Live cast member in 1995 and was in a rookie class that included Will Ferrell, Darrell Hammond, Jim Breuer, Cheri Oteri, Nancy Walls and writer Adam McKay.

Koechners long filmography substantiates that he has been a busy man since being introduced to SNL audiences. He reunited with Ferrell and McKay on Anchorman and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. Both films were directed by McKay and written by Ferrell and McKay.

In Anchorman, Koechner was cast as Champ Kind, a cowboy hat-wearing sportscaster who was part of a TV news team anchored by Ferrells character, Ron Burgundy.

The cowboy hat? It was McKays idea. Koechner, asked if he had much leeway in being Champ, said, It was pretty much on the page. Adam McKay and Will Ferrell are brilliant writers so, from then on, it was whatever fun we had on that set. I auditioned for the role, so I had to have a take, right? Clearly it matched their expectations. And then the producers were down with it, too. From then on, we improvised quite a bit in that movie  every scene actually. I guess I had some leeway. I would have to go back through the script and look at exactly what thing you contributed when. But it was pretty much a hybrid. Sometimes you would do half a line scripted and half a line improvised. Stuff like that. But it was certainly a unique chemistry that I have not witnessed again except in the Anchorman movies.

Regarding his recurring character on The Goldbergs, Koechner said, Its fun to watch Bill Lewis cry, isnt it? I love how Bill is just an emotional train wreck, really. That was so much fun to play with.

Koechner is coming to Tulsa as part of his Blue Skies and Dirty Lies Comedy Tour. It was suggested to him his experiences at ImprovOlympic, Second City and SNL might prepare him for anything he encounters on stages.

I would agree, he said. I put quite a few miles on stage before I got that job, so its a great training ground. You certainly find out who you are, I think. And then you find out if you are having success or not, right away. There is a book about improv called Something Wonderful Right Away, written years and years ago. Thats the result. Its either something wonderful or something horrible.

And thrilling? Its very invigorating. And then once you become adept at it, its somewhat addictive.

Koechner said people who come to his Bricktown Comedy Club shows wont be disappointed.

I know its a new club there in Tulsa, so were looking forward to playing that, he said. If you are interested in a fun night, its not to be missed.

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Jimmie Tramel Tulsa World Scene Writer Follow Jimmie Tramel 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

Oologah music artist Zach Bryan doesnt need help. His debut album (American Heartbreak) went platinum and he sold out two record-setting shows earlier this month at BOK Center.

But Bryan enlisted help nonetheless for his self-titled follow-up album, which will be released Friday, Aug. 25, according to his social media activity.

The 16-track, self-produced album will include team-ups with Kacey Musgraves, The Lumineers, Sierra Farrell and The War & Treaty.

Bryan, selected the top new male music artist at the 2023 ACM Awards, shared a track listing for the new album (and what appears to be an image of the album cover) on social media.

Bryan shared this on social media after his BOK Center concerts: Tulsa, that was the greatest honor of my life. Thank you to the @BOKCenter and everyone that came to the shows, I love each and every one of you. You have made me who I am in the best of ways. Thank you Oklahoma.

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Curtis Killman Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Curtis Killman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Investigators with the Osage County Sheriffs Office were in Kansas on Tuesday searching property where BTK serial killer Dennis Rader once lived for possible clues into missing and murdered people here.

Osage County Undersheriff Gary Upton confirmed Wednesday that investigators had been at a property in Park City, Kansas, a suburb north of Wichita, where Rader once lived.

Upton said the investigation here started with a missing person case in Pawhuska that has since evolved to other missing persons cases and unsolved murders.

The Osage County Sheriffs Office is continuing to follow leads in unsolved missing persons and murder cases possibly related to BTK, Upton said. He said investigators have since returned from Kansas but said he could not comment further on the investigation at this time.

Rader, 78, is serving 10 consecutive life sentences after pleading guilty in 2005 to murders in the Wichita area between 1974 and 1991. Rader, a former church congregation president and Boy Scouts leader, called himself BTK for bind, torture, kill.

BTK, who would taunt law enforcement after the killings in Kansas, resurfaced in 2004 after years of silence.

Police arrested Rader shortly thereafter, in part by linking a Microsoft Word document that he sent investigators with his writings to a computer at his church.

The Wichita Eagle reported Tuesday that the home where Rader lived in Park City is now gone, leaving just a vacant lot. Investigators were digging in an area where two concrete slabs had been removed on the property, the newspaper reported.

Rader, meanwhile, has said authorities have interviewed him twice this year about a Pawhuska teens 1976 disappearance, according to the Charley Project, a database that compiles information about missing people.

The teen, 16-year-old Cynthia Dawn Kinney, disappeared from a downtown Pawhuska laundry about 9:30 a.m. June 23, 1976, according to media reports at the time.

Investigators at the time said two men and two women were involved in the disappearance. The girl was described in media reports from the time as a good student who was fond of baton twirling and cheerleading.

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Soon after news broke Tuesday of Deborah Gists intention to leave her role as superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools, multiple groups and public officials shared their thoughts about the pending leadership change at the states largest public school district.

Citing a desire to try to prevent a state takeover of the district, Gist emailed TPS employees and parents at the close of business on Tuesday evening to announce that she will be leaving Sept. 15.

A special meeting of the Tulsa school board has been set for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday to consider both a mutual separation agreement with Gist and the appointment of TPS Chief Learning Officer Ebony Johnson as interim superintendent.

I am incredibly grateful for the service of Dr. Deborah Gist to our community, Mayor G.T. Bynum said in a prepared statement. Throughout her time as Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Gist took on some of the greatest challenges facing Tulsa students  from substandard teacher pay that makes it difficult for us to compete with other states to student safety amidst the greatest public health crises in our citys history. She was always willing to speak truth to power on behalf of the children she has dedicated her life to serving. On their behalf, and on behalf of our city, I want to thank Dr. Gist for all she has done for Tulsa.

We have been fortunate to have a native Tulsan as superintendent for nearly eight years, said Mike Neal with the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Gist cares deeply about our community, and she is extremely committed to helping ensure a bright future for Tulsas students. She has long been a strong partner with the Tulsa Regional Chamber, and we were proud to collaborate with her and her administration on projects such as the Tulsa Public Schools bond renewal in 2021, and the Tulsas NextGEN Talent externship initiative. All of us at the Chamber wish Dr. Gist the very best in her future endeavors. We commit to working with her successor to ensure a continued focus on students and their academic success.

Public schools are the backbone of the northeast Oklahoma economy. We at the Chamber will continue leading the business communitys collaboration with TPS and other area school districts to ensure that employers have access to skilled talent, and that students are prepared for success in college and career. The Tulsa Regional Chamber has always been very supportive of Tulsa Public Schools, and that will not change.

Meanwhile, several of the statements issued Tuesday afternoon focused on the accreditation vote slated for Thursdays Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting in Oklahoma City, including remarks from the Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association, the collective bargaining unit for the districts certified staff.

The message remains the same. The State School Board still has a recommendation from the state superintendent and a vote this Thursday. We are still unsure as to what the recommendation and the vote or decision will be. We cannot drop our guard because of the change in leadership at Tulsa Public Schools. There are still 35,000 students who need us to stand strong for them! The teachers of Tulsa will continue to educate and provide welcoming classrooms to all of our students, despite the chaos created by the state superintendent.

Along with thanking Gist for her service, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin echoed TCTAs concerns about Thursdays accreditation vote. About 20 TPS campuses and charter partners, including Booker T. Washington and McLain high schools, are within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation reservation.

Dr. Gist has shown courage in the face of unprecedented and unjustified political attacks on the largest school system in our state, Hoskin said. I am thankful for our partnership during her tenure to prioritize the needs of Native students and her leadership through the difficult days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cherokee Nation is invested in the success of Tulsa Public Schools. The district serves more than 800 students who are Cherokee citizens and it deeply impacts the economy and quality of life of our reservation. I urge the Oklahoma State School Board to maintain Tulsa Public Schools accreditation, preserve local control and work with the locally elected school board for any reforms that are deemed necessary.

More broadly, I call upon all of the states civic, business and political leadership across this state to recognize the attack on Dr. Gist and Tulsa Public Schools will continue across all of public education unless we continue pushing back and encourage thoughtful ways to improve public education.

Those concerns were also shared by Protect TPS, a grassroots group formed in response to the threat of a possible state takeover.

We are confident that Dr. Ebony Johnson will be a capable and effective interim superintendent under the oversight of the Tulsa school board, the statement read in part. She was born and raised in Tulsa, graduated from McLain High School and has worked for 24 years in TPS leadership. Her dedication and service to her community underscores all that Tulsans have demanded: local control.

We are also united in the belief that the state superintendents ability to disrupt Oklahomas largest school district with extreme political attacks and propaganda sets a dangerous precedent. This precedent threatens every community in the state.
Andrea Eger Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Andrea Eger Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

The status of Tulsa Public Schools state accreditation, which allows it to operate and receive state funding, will be decided by the State Board of Education on Thursday morning.

Citing the concerns about the districts performance on standardized tests and financial management, State Superintendent Ryan Walters asked in July that the board delay consideration of the districts accreditation until this month.

After weeks of Walters railing against her leadership, Tulsa Superintendent Deborah Gist announced Tuesday evening that she intends to step down Sept. 15 in an effort to preserve local control of the school district.

The Oklahoma State Board of Education is scheduled to meet at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the Oliver Hodge Building, 2500 N. Lincoln Blvd., in Oklahoma City.

Also on the agenda are Walters recommendations that the board vote to demand new special reports from school districts regarding student pronouns and foreign government contributions to Oklahoma schools.

Accreditation is the process by which the State Board of Education determines whether schools have met a whole host of minimum state standards and should be authorized or recognized by the state for another year.

Walters has said all options are on the table regarding TPS status, including nonaccreditation, which would close the district, or probation, which has been used once in recent years as a vehicle for the Oklahoma State Department of Education to take over the Western Heights school district in southwest Oklahoma City.

In that 2021 case, state education officials had been contacted by Western Heights parents about significant losses in student enrollment and staffing, a failure to provide in-person education the entire school year and wrongful use of bond funds.

Walters is chairman of the State Board of Education, but Gov. Kevin Stitt appoints all other board members. Stitt indicated last week that he thinks TPS challenges are local control issues for the local school board to address, as are the employment of the local school superintendent.

I dont know what takeover is, what they are talking about , Stitt told the Tulsa World. I believe in local control. I think the local board needs to address that.

Accredited with probation is the lowest state accreditation status a school may hold while remaining open. Nonaccreditation forces closure, with the state board tasked under law with considering forced annexation of a nonaccredited school district with neighboring public schools.

Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education adopted a resolution last week calling on the state board to accredit the district as recommended earlier this summer by the states accreditation office  accredited with two deficiencies.

Those two deficiencies, which Ryan Pieper, the states executive director of accreditation, reviewed at an in-person meeting earlier this summer with Gist and Tulsa school board President Stacey Woolley, were recommended because of a late report and a self-reported embezzlement case from 2022 involving a now-former TPS administrator that is still under active investigation by federal law enforcement.

But the state superintendent can recommend an accreditation status other than the one his staff has made.

In the summer of 2022, the state board, with a completely different set of governor-appointed members save one, downgraded Tulsa Public Schools to accreditation with warning status. The issue then was a reported violation of a new state law meant to limit instruction on race, gender and history.

Warning status is defined by the state as failing to meet one or more of the (accreditation) standards and the deficiency seriously detracts from the quality of the schools educational program.

Probation, which Walters has said he is eyeing this go-round, is defined as a school that consistently fails to remove or make substantial progress towards removing all deficiencies noted the previous year, and/or consistently violates regulations, and/or deliberately and unnecessarily violates one or more of the regulations.

On Tuesday evening, Walters celebrated Gists imminent departure as Tulsa superintendent by posting on the social media site formerly known as Twitter, Failing kids is not an option. This is the right step to put Tulsa kids first!
Anna Codutti Tulsa World Breaking News Editor Follow Anna Codutti Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Related content See the Tulsa World's coverage of State Superintendent Ryan Walters

Update (10:30 a.m. Thursday): A third bomb threat was emailed targeting Ellen Ochoa Elementary and an individual educator's home.

Union Public Schools Superintendent Kirt Hartzler sent a letter Wednesday to district parents stating a threat targeting the district in general was determined to not be credible.

"We are working closely with law enforcement authorities including TPD and the FBI to find those responsible," the letter states.

Tulsa Public Schools board President Stacey Woolley commented on the bomb threats during Thursday morning's state board of education meeting.

"I have a request. I feel like it is incredibly important for me to make a plea to call off attacks. We cant risk disruption to the students or more threats. We cant do anything that will cause harm to our students, teachers or families. Reasonable people can disagree reasonably and the antics and rhetorics must stop. We've had a Tulsa-area school that has bomb threats the last two days -- that is not OK."

Woolley said during Wednesday's meeting in Tulsa that she has three students in public school who should feel safe but "obviously don't."

"I was at the state board meeting a few months ago ... begging the state superintendent to stop using vitriolic words to describe our teachers. It doesn't only endanger our teachers, it endangers our students. ... They should never be afraid of what the state superintendent might be bringing into our schools because of his vitriol. I call on him to please stop, and I call on every lawmaker to call on him to stop.

"It's not right. At some point, he is going to get someone hurt if he continues those sorts of vitriolic, propaganda statements."

The story below published in Thursday's Tulsa World:

Tulsa police have responded twice in two days to ensure safety at Ellen Ochoa Elementary School after bomb threats were made following a tweet about an educator promoting woke ideology.

Classes resumed late Wednesday morning at the Union Public Schools site at 12000 E. 31st St. after a search of the campus during a brief time of sheltering in place, according to a Tulsa Police Department news release.

The threats targeting the school, the district and an individual educator reportedly were emailed, and copies of the email began circulating online.

The individual educator was named in a Monday tweet from Libs of TikTok, which doctored a satirical video featuring a Union Public Schools librarian. The video was retweeted by Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters.

The edited video showed an image from a literacy groups website noting that the librarian cares about social justice.

Chris Payne, spokesman for Union Public Schools, said the district took no issue with one of its librarians posting the initial video and added that the individual is much beloved for all the good she has done.

Libs of TikTok omitted a really key thing that she said that was kind of a wink meant to be an ironic comment, and by omitting it, it really affected how people perceived the video, he said.

The comment was, My woke agenda is teaching kids to love books and be kind, Payne said. So thats a pretty big omission.

The Libs of TikTok video was retweeted by Walters early Tuesday, when classes at Ellen Ochoa could not begin as scheduled after the first bomb threat was received.

After the news of the first bomb threat, Walters staff provided a statement in response to questions from the local Fox news affiliate. The statement reads: The issue here is the employees actions, thats why Supt. Walters commented on it. Supt. Walters will continue to do what voters elected him to do  hold schools and their employees accountable for educating young Oklahomans.

Payne lamented that people who are against anything woke can become so fired up by the words social justice.

Theres a lot of rhetoric out there being thrown around quite carelessly, firing up these people, he said Wednesday. It creates a lot of disruption to the educational process.

Its hard to hold school when youre having to respond to threats.

According to Payne, police became aware of the initial threat around 6 a.m. Monday so that classes could be delayed, but the second threat came after students were already at school.

All of this is the result of heightened rhetoric. It would be nice if we could bring that down. It would be nice if we could actually focus on the business of school, Payne said.

If we really care about educating students, then thats where our focus needs to be. It doesnt need to be on all these ideological fictions. There are no agendas here. We are just trying to safely hold school.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23)  No foreign country can dictate on how Manila exercises its rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

This was declared by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday, following a Chinese officials claims of a special agreement regarding supplies which Manila may deliver to Ayungin Shoal.

DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the Philippines rotation and resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin are legitimate and routine activities in the countrys exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The Philippines exercise of its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction within our maritime zones is not subject to any other countrys approval," Daza wrote in a statement. "This is the norm."

In a public briefing on the same day, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also said Manila does not need Beijings authorization  an assertion echoed by Col., Medel Aguilar, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Una sa lahat no [First of all], we don't need permission from the People's Republic of China, Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS), stressed.

Ang Ayungin Shoal ay napapaloob sa ating [Ayungin Shoal is within our] exclusive economic zone," he added. "We have the sovereign rights over these waters.

The statements came a day after Chinese ambassador Huang Xilian claimed there has never been a problem with the Philippines delivering humanitarian supplies to its troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre, saying there is a special arrangement for such.

The envoy said the problem was the transportation of large-scale building materials  something Beijing accused Manila of doing during an Aug. 5 resupply mission, as it defended its use of water cannons on Philippine boats.

But it isnt true that China has stopped interfering with Philippine vessels, Tarriela countered.

Ang ating supply boats, ang Philippine Coast Guard vessels ay tahasan pa ring hinarang ng mga China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel at ng kanilang Chinese maritime militia vessels. It's not true pinayagan nila ito, the PCG official said.

[Translation: Our supply boats, our Philippine Coast Guard vessels are still being blocked by China Coast Guard vessels and their maritime militia vessels. Its not true there was no resistance.]

After the water cannon incident earlier this month, the Philippines conducted a new resupply mission to Ayungin on Tuesday, which the National Task Force for the WPS said was successful despite attempts by Chinese vessels to again "block, harass, and interfere.

Retired Navy Rear Admiral Rommel Ong, who served during the previous Duterte administration, called the supposed special arrangement "very ridiculous."

"My sense is they were talking to their domestic audience. Nakalusot tayo eh [We got through], they had to justify it," Ong told CNN Philippines' Politics As Usual.

Meanwhile, Former Coast Guard chief Leo Laroya warned that China's "dangerous maneuvers" may cause accidents given the difficulties of sailing vessels in high seas.

"[T]hey either pass at the bow area of the vessel or trying to get near of the vessel, and that's very dangerous," Laroya also told Politics As Usual.

Despite the 2016 landmark arbitral ruling that upheld the Philippines' sovereign rights within its EEZ, China continues to claim Ayungin Shoal as its own, referring to it as Ren'ai Reef.
Korean and Chinese magnet firms, including an Apple supplier, are set to open factories in Vietnam, according to documents and people familiar with the plans, amid a push to diversify supply chains away from China and defend against Sino-U.S. tension.

South Korea's Star Group Industrial (SGI) and China's Baotou INST Magnetic would join companies in sectors as varied as electronics and automobiles in shifting assembly lines against a backdrop of increasing trade restrictions, with clients even requesting the move, the people said.

China is dominant in magnets and the rare earth metals they are made from.

The magnets are central to the manufacturing of such products as electric vehicles, wind turbines, weapons and smartphones, making the sector strategically important.

Even so, there has been only limited effort to challenge China's lead.

Neighbouring Vietnam, however, has untapped rare earth deposits second only to China's, as well as a fledgling processing industry, giving the country the potential to be a much bigger competitor, industry insiders said.

SGI's Vietnam project, for instance, targets 2025 output of 5,000 tons of high-end neodymium (NdFeB) magnets per year, enough for 2 million electric vehicles (EVs).

Still, Vietnam produces just 1% of the world's magnets, showed Adamas Intelligence data cited in a U.S. Department of Energy report, compared with China's 92%.

Moreover, some Chinese factories can produce 10 times as many magnets as SGI's project, and China dominates the mining and processing of the ores.

Nevertheless, Vietnam's rise is significant.

SGI's plant at full capacity would produce nearly 3% of the 2022 global output estimated by Project Blue, a critical materials consultancy. That equates to nearly half of U.S. imports of neodymium magnets last year, U.S. trade data showed.

Moreover, U.S. officials have signalled growing interest in Vietnam's rare earths potential amid discussion to upgrade bilateral ties this year, and South Korea signed a deal with Vietnam in June to boost its supply chain of critical minerals.

Magnet makers are also drawn to Vietnam by low labour costs and market access afforded by multiple free-trade deals.

They also want to move closer to Vietnam-based clients, such as automakers and electronics firms, which are increasingly wary of over-reliance on Chinese supplies as relations worsen between Washington and Beijing, industry insiders said.

Vietnam is the only country beyond China with all stages of the magnet supply chain, from mining rare earths to downstream production, said a Vietnam-based industry consultant, who was not authorised to speak to media so declined to be identified.

The government plans a vast expansion of rare earths production by the end of the decade and is boosting refining capacity, which the U.S. energy department estimated accounts for 3% of the global share.

However, "anyone who is trying to build from scratch a mine-to-magnet supply chain is going to face a lot of challenges," said David Merriman of Project Blue.

Reuters Graphics

Doubling output

SGI, which supplies magnets to Vietnamese EV maker VinFast and Korea's Hyundai Motor, told Reuters it is investing $80 million in its new Vietnam factory with production starting in 2024.

The plant would nearly double the company's current output of 3,000 tons a year from factories in South Korea and China.

SGI described the investment as part of "countermeasures" against possible Chinese trade restrictions.

"China's policy on control of rare earths-related raw materials and technology is being strengthened, resulting in supply uncertainty," SGI said.

It said it sources most of its rare earths from China but is seeking alternative sources in Vietnam and Australia and plans to develop a processing facility in Vietnam.

Apple supplier

China's INST is set to begin operations as early as next month at a leased plant in northern Vietnam after gaining local approval in June, two people familiar with the plans said.

INST, a large magnet firm specialising in circuit design, was added to Apple's supplier list in 2021. Its expansion into Vietnam follows requests from clients to diversify away from China amid growing trade tension, the two people said, declining to identify the clients.

China's Luxshare and Taiwan's Foxconn are among major Apple suppliers who manufacture magnet-equipped products in Vietnam such as iPad tablets and MacBook laptops.

INST's initial investment is limited to a few million dollars, with a possible second phase involving more spending for the building of its own plant, the people said, declining to be named as they did not have clearance to discuss the matter.

INST did not respond to Reuters when seeking comment.

A similar request from clients prompted another Chinese magnet maker, Magsound, to decide to open a factory in Vietnam in the first half of next year, the two people said.

However, after winning approval in June, Magsound withdrew plans this month, registry documents showed, which the people said followed the collapse of supply deal talks with Luxshare.

Luxshare and Magsound did not reply to requests for comment.

Among magnet makers in Vietnam, Japan's Shin-Etsu Chemical has been expanding facilities this year after deciding in 2017 to double annual capacity there to 2,200 tons, showed company statements and details on consultancy Obayashi's website.

Shin-Etsu and Obayashi did not reply to requests for comment.

In April, Australia's Strategic Materials signed a deal with a Vietnamese refiner that committed to supplying rare earths for export to South Korea.
Kazakhstan and Vietnam agreed to promote two-way trade to US$1.5 billion, concluded five cooperative deals including the visa exemption accord, and considered setting up joint ventures during the three-day visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Vietnam.

The Kazakh leader held talks with Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong on Monday, one day after his arrival in Vietnam for an official visit at the invitation of the host.

The trip marked his first to Vietnam since he took office four years ago and also the first official Vietnam visit by a Kazakh president over the past 12 years.

The two presidents discussed steps to boost bilateral trade from $600 million in 2022 to $1.5 billion in the coming time, and affirmed there is still room and potential for the two countries to further promote economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

The two leaders reached consensus on considering the possibility of establishing joint ventures in potential fields, such as textiles and garments, Halal food processing, seafood, canned goods, and others.

President Thuong affirmed that Vietnam is ready to be a bridge for Kazakhstan to strengthen cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia, while President Tokayev affirmed that Kazakhstan will assist Vietnam in connecting with Central Asian countries.

The Vietnamese president asked Kazakhstan to support early negotiations to upgrade the bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) to promptly meet the actual requirements and create new opportunities for trade exchanges between the two countries.

The host and guest affirmed the two countries will expand cooperation to such fields as transportation, education and training, culture, sports, tourism, finance, banking, and hi-tech.

Both presidents highly appreciated the opening of a direct flight route between Vietnam and Kazakhstan in October 2022.

The two heads of state also exchanged views on a number of international and regional issues of mutual concern and shared views on resolving disputes in the region and the world by peaceful means on the basis of peace and international law.

President Tokayev invited his Vietnamese counterpart to pay an official visit to Kazakhstan soon, and President Thuong gladly accepted the invitation.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of an agreement on visa exemption for ordinary passport holders, whereby valid national passport holders of each country with a validity of at least six months will be exempted from visas to enter, exit, transit, and temporarily stay in the territory of the other country for a period of time not exceeding 30 days from the date of entry and not exceeding 90 days for each 180-day period.

If citizens plan to stay longer than this period of time, they will have to apply for a visa, according to the Vietnam Government Portal.

The four other documents signed on the occasion included a joint action plan to promote economic and trade cooperation in the 2023-25 period, and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in tourism, the agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons, and an MoU between Vietnam Television (VTV) and Agency Khabar Company.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokaye (L) shakes hands with Vietnams Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi on August 21, 2023 during the formers visit to Vietnam. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

At his meeting with Vietnams Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong on Monday, President Tokayev told Trong that Kazakhstan cherishes its long-standing traditional friendship relations with Vietnam and considers Vietnam its key partner in Southeast Asia.

Trong told his guest the Party, state, and people of Vietnam always remember and are grateful for the valuable support that the Kazakh people have given to its previous struggle for national independence as well as its cause of national construction and development today.

The same day also saw the talks between President Tokayev and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh as well as Chairman of the lawmaking National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue.

PM Chinh suggested that Kazakhstan continue to create favorable conditions for Vietnams strong products, such as agricultural products, seafood, textiles and furniture, to access the Kazakh market.

He also asked that the two sides coordinate and promote the revision of the FTA between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), to which Kazakhstan is a party, to further facilitate bilateral trade and investment ties.

The Kazakh leader agreed with the suggestions by PM Chinh and added he would direct the Kazakh government to focus on cooperation in transport, logistics, tourism, finance, and digital transformation.

Meanwhile, President Tokayev and Chairman Hue conferred on objectives of economic reforms in the coming time as well as measures to boost comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

Tokayev invited Hue to visit Kazakhstan and added a delegation of Kazakh parliamentarians will attend the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians hosted by Vietnam in September this year.

Hue accepted the invitation with pleasure and also invited the presidents of the Senate and the Lower House of Kazakhstan to visit Vietnam at convenient times.

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An elevation of the Vietnam-Australia ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership will help fully and effectively tap the great potential for bilateral cooperation, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated.

Minister Wong was speaking while attending the Vietnam-Australia Forum: Regional Cooperation in a Changing World, in Hanoi on Tuesday as part of her four-day official visit to Vietnam starting a day earlier at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son.

At the forum, which gathered about 600 participants, the Australian diplomat also announced her countrys new support of AU$94.5 million (US$60.7 million) for climate change adaptation in Vietnams Mekong Delta.

Highly valuing the bilateral relationship as a friendship based on deep strategic trust built from their strategic partnership set up five years ago, Minister Wong affirmed that Australia is making efforts to coordinate with Vietnam to elevate the ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

She believes that the cooperation potential between Australia and Vietnam is very huge and it can be fully exploited when the two countries enhance their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

This image shows Vietnamese and Australian delegates posing for a photo at the Vietnam-Australia Forum held in Hanoi on August 22, 2023. Photo: Vietnam - Australia Center

A plan to upgrade ties was among the high-level agreements between the two countries and was announced during the visit to Australia by National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue in December 2022.

When visiting Vietnam in June 2023, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also expressed his desire to upgrade relations with Vietnam.

Therefore, at the fifth Vietnam - Australia Foreign Ministers Meeting that was held later at the forum, Son and Wong discussed the steps toward realizing the upgrade among other agreements.

The two sides highly appreciated that Vietnam and Australia have gained significant cooperation achievements in various fields over the past five decades.

Their economic and trade cooperation flourished, with two-way trade in 2022 reaching nearly $16 billion, making Vietnam the 10th-largest trading partner of Australia while Australia is the seventh-largest trading partner of Vietnam.

Political ties have been consolidated over time while security and defense cooperation is increasingly effective, especially in UN peacekeeping activities.

New areas of cooperation such as climate change response and energy transition are being promoted, including Australias recent support package of AU$105 million ($67.4 million) for Vietnam to build infrastructure to respond to climate change and develop clean energy.

The two ministers also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern, and agreed to deepen coordination to contribute to peace, stability, and cooperation in the region.

Wong told her host that Australia supports the central role of ASEAN as well as efforts of cooperation for the sustainable development of the Mekong sub-region.

Like Vietnam, she said, Australia wishes for peace in the region and in the world, and this requires reliable political and strategic cooperation in the spirit of equality and mutual respect, as well as respect for international laws and principles.

Regarding the East Vietnam Sea, the diplomat affirmed that Australia always calls for peace and stability in the region and respect for the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

With their diplomatic relations set up in 1973, Vietnam and Australia established a comprehensive partnership in 2009 and have enhanced the ties to a strategic partnership since 2018.

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Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh passed away at the age of 61 at his house in northern Hai Phong City at 8:20 pm on Tuesday after a period of illness, according to the Central Committee on Health Care for Senior Governmental Officials.

Thanh, a native of Vinh Bao District in Hai Phong City, was a member of the 12th and 13th Communist Party Central Committee.

He held the post of director of the Hai Phong Cement Company before serving as vice-chairman of the Hai Phong Peoples Committee, deputy secretary of the municipal Party Committee, and then chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee.

He later became secretary of the Hai Phong Party Committee in October 2015 and was appointed deputy prime minister in April 2021.

Deputy PM Thanh was in charge of managing industry, agriculture and rural development, trade, construction, transport, natural resources, and environment sectors.

He also took responsibility for the effective and sparing use of energy; key national projects; economic, industrial and export processing zones; the response to storms; as well as search and rescue work.

Deputy PM Thanh helped the prime minister supervise the operation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Thanh was mostly absent from the activities for the government and meetings of sectors since the end of last year.

The government leader assigned his jobs to other deputy prime ministers under a decision issued on January 15, after two new deputy PMsTran Hong Ha and Tran Luu Quangwere named.

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Vietnams Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh extended his congratulations to his new Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet on Tuesday on the formation of the new government and National Assembly (NA) of Cambodia for the 2023-28 tenure, the Vietnamese foreign ministry reported.

Chairman of Vietnams NA Vuong Dinh Hue also sent his congratulatory message to the new Cambodian NA Chairperson Khuon Sodary.

The letters of congratulations were delivered on the same day that Hun Manet and Khuon Sodary were elected by the seventh National Assembly of Cambodia to their respective positions.

In their messages, the two Vietnamese leaders expressed their belief that under the leadership of the new prime minister and chairperson of the NA, Cambodia will continue to make many great achievements in the process of building a peaceful, stable, and prosperous country, with an increasing role and position regionally and internationally.

They also believe that the relationship between Vietnam and Cambodia will continue to be consolidated and developed in the coming time, for the benefit of the two peoples and for peace, stability, and development of the region and the world.

On this occasion, Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son sent a similar letter to new Cambodian Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sok Chenda Sophea.

After 46-year-old Hun Manet, the son of former Cambodian PM Samdech Hun Sen, was elected as prime minister, the list of his cabinet was also approved by the Cambodian National Assembly later on Tuesday.

Headed by PM Manet, the new Royal Government of Cambodia has 10 deputy PMs, 21 senior ministers, and 30 ministers in charge of ministries, sectors, and fields in the country, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

Notably, with 123 votes in favor out of 125 votes, Khuon Sodary became the first female speaker of Cambodia's National Assembly since 1993.

On Tuesday evening, all members of the Cambodian government were sworn in before King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and the new government will officially operate from August 23.

Cambodia and Vietnam, which celebrated their 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year, have a common land borderline of over 1,100km long.

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Police in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi busted a human kidney trade ring, keeping two people in custody, the municipal police announced on Tuesday.

The police apprehended N.V.C., 43, residing in northern Phu Tho Province, and N.T.P., 35, a resident of Hai Phong City, also in northern Vietnam, over allegations of trading human body parts or tissues.

The preliminary investigation results revealed that the two got acquainted during a visit to the Viet Duc University Hospital in Hanoi in 2021 and kept in touch with each other since then.

Early this year, they reached a consensus on brokering human kidney deals to make money as they found on Facebook that many people had a demand for buying and selling kidneys.

They later learned that H., 33, living in Phu Tho, wanted to sell his kidney, so they contacted him.

P. instructed H. to visit the Viet Duc University Hospital for a medical check-up and then set a price of VND420 million (US$17,666) for the kidney.

C. and P. covered H.s medical check-up and living expenses until H. underwent a surgery for the kidney removal on January 9 this year.

They found a person who agreed to buy the kidney at VND1 billion ($42,063).

After deducting costs, C. transferred VND420 million ($17,666) to H. and VND275 million ($11,537) to P. and kept the remaining amount.

The police in Hoan Kiem District are completing procedures to handle the suspects in line with the law.

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Two tigers held in captivity at an ecotourism area in Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province, a neighbor of Ho Chi Minh City, have recently given birth to seven cubs, the forest protection unit of Bien Hoa confirmed on Tuesday.

One of the tigresses welcomed a litter of three cubs, while the other gave birth to four.

The Bien Hoa forest protection unit coordinated with the veterinary station of the city on Monday to check animals at the Vuon Xoai ecotourism area.

They found the young tigers, increasing the number of tigers at the ecotourism area to 53.

The seven cubs born at the Vuon Xoai ecotourism area in Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam.

Lai Ngoc Dau, deputy head of the Bien Hoa forest protection unit, said the two mother tigers were imported from South Africa in 2014. They and their seven cubs are now healthy.

The Bien Hoa forest protection unit asked Vuon Xoai Ecotourism Co. Ltd., the owner of the Vuon Xoai ecotourism area, to ensure their safety and hygiene and keep a close watch on the number of animals.

The ecotourism area operator was also told to comply with the governments regulations on the management of endangered wild animals and plants as well as international conventions on the trade of such species.

A leader of Vuon Xoai Ecotourism Co. Ltd. said besides milk from their tigresses, cubs are bottle-fed with milk from other sources.

A screenshot of a video shows three other newborn cubs at the Vuon Xoai ecotourism area in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam.

Earlier, many endangered animals at the ecotourism area have also given birth, such as hippos, giraffes, and bears.

The Vuon Xoai ecotourism area is currently home to 10,670 wild animals, including over 10,000 units in Group IB, a list of endangered species of forest animals that are strictly prohibited from exploitation and use for commercial purposes.

The ecotourism area has a number of endangered animals, including Bengal tigers, white lions, brown bears, black leopards, flamingoes, South American parrots, rhinoceros, and red pandas, among others.

The ecotourism area is also taking care of 269 wild animals of 28 species assigned by the Bien Hoa forest protection unit.

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The management board of the iconic Ben Thanh Market in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City imposed a seven-day business suspension order on a stall whose vendor sought to sell three pairs of socks for VND700,000 (US$29.4), ten times the regular price, to a Japanese tourist.

In particular, the market management board asked Vo Thi Thuan to shut down her stall between August 25 and 31 for failing to publicize the prices of products and attempting to overcharge a customer, a representative of the market management board told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Tuesday.

The sanction was the heaviest pursuant to the markets regulations, the market management board reported.

It also required Thuan to pledge not to repeat similar violations.

A stall at Ben Thanh Market in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City faces seven-day suspension for overcharging a Japanese tourist.

The case has raised concerns among vendors at the market as it has affected them," the representative of the market management board said.

"We have called on vendors to make commitments to sell products at the publicized prices and not to entice or fleece customers."

Earlier, a Japanese YouTuber posted videos about his visit to Ben Thanh Market on social media, saying that he was asked to pay 10 times the normal price, at VND700,000 for three pairs of socks.

The vendor later agreed to sell the socks at VND60,000 ($2.5) but the YouTuber refused to buy them.

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The transport authority in Ho Chi Minh City and a group of Japanese experts will jointly improve traffic and revitalize Thai Van Lung Street in District 1 as part of the citys pilot project on inner-city street renovation.

The Ho Chi Minh City administration recently asked the municipal Department of Transport and relevant agencies to carry out the pilot project, with Thai Van Lung Street chosen to undergo the renovation first.

To improve traffic on the entire route, they will roll out a number of measures such as upgrading the roadbed and sidewalks and other ancillary facilities; rearranging vehicle parking spaces and trade activities along the street; and adding facilities and a smart parking system.

The capital to back the project will be sourced from the state coffers and other legal resources.

The city will pay for the living and travel costs of the Japanese experts during the execution of the project.

Most sidewalk areas along Thai Van Lung Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City are encroached on by eateries to set up motorbike parking lots. Photo: Tuoi Tre

During a visit to the street on Tuesday this week, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters discovered that sidewalk encroachment remained rampant, while many drivers parked their cars in the driving lanes, hindering the traffic flow.

Since sidewalks were encroached on, local residents and tourists were forced into the roadway, which could expose them to risks of traffic accidents.

Most local inhabitants surveyed by the paper endorsed the street renovation.

Ho Phi Hac, residing in District 1, blamed sidewalk encroachment for the bad condition of downtown streets.

The locals said improving traffic and renovating inner-city areas are a pressing issue to ensure traffic safety and adequate urban landscapes.

If the renovation on Thai Van Lung Street generates positive outcomes, the city should consider expanding this project to other inner-city streets to help boost socio-economic and tourism growth, Hac suggested.

Local residents and tourists are forced into the roadway due to sidewalk encroachment in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Vehicles are parked on the sidewalk and in the driving lanes on Thai Van Lung Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, August 22, 2023. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Vehicles travel on Thai Van Lung Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, August 22, 2023. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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Police in South Korea are coordinating with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to search for an armed man who allegedly robbed a local credit union in Daejeon City and escaped to Da Nang City in central Vietnam with over US$29,000.

The suspect committed the robbery at a credit union on August 18 and fled to Da Nang two days later, Daejeon Police Agency said, adding they have sought help from Interpol to apprehend the man, news agency Yonhap reported on Tuesday.

Wearing a black helmet and a mountain climbing jacket, the man entered the bank at noon, discharging a fire extinguisher and threatening the staff with a pre-prepared weapon.

After stealing 39 million won in cash (US$29,157), the suspect escaped on a stolen motorcycle, local police said.

It took the man only six minutes to complete the bold robbery, according to Seoul Broadcasting System.

After committing the crime, the suspect constantly moved along those streets without security cameras to hide from police officers.

South Koreas Hankyoreh newspaper reported that the man stole two motorbikes in Daejeons Seo and Yuseong Districts the day before committing the bank heist.

Police found both cars locally on August 20.

BNN Breaking, an international news network, cited police officers as saying they have identified the suspect through CCTV footage and witness testimonies.

The suspect departed for Vietnam on a flight from Incheon International Airport on Sunday using a fake passport and a forged COVID-19 test certificate, police confirmed.

Investigators believe the suspect has connections in Vietnam and may have set up the robbery plan in advance, so they are investigating whether the man had received any assistance from any accomplices, according to BNN Breaking.

Da Nang, where the suspect was believed to have escaped to, has in recent years become a favorite destination on the central Vietnamese coast for many South Koreans, including stars and idols.

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Experts pool wisdom for cave temple conservation amid climate change

Xinhua) 13:19, August 23, 2023

Guests visit a cultural relic hospital for Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, southwest China, Aug. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

CHONGQING, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Over 100 cultural heritage conservation experts and scholars from home and abroad recently gathered in southwest China's Chongqing for a forum which focused on cave temple conservation.

The first International Forum on Cave Temple Conservation was held from Aug. 19 to 21 in Chongqing's Dazu District, home to the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site Dazu Rock Carvings.

The Dazu Declaration on Cave Temple Conservation in the Context of Climate Change was issued on Monday.

Cave temple cultural relics consist of a variety of types, such as cave architecture, cliffside sculptures, niches and murals. In China, the Mogao Grottoes, Dazu Rock Carvings, Yungang Grottoes and Longmen Grottoes, all of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, are examples of cave temple complexes.

However, increases in extreme weather events and unpredictable climatic conditions, the result of climate change, are challenging efforts to preserve cave temples globally. Therefore, experts in this field believe that international cooperation and exchanges are particularly necessary for the conservation of cave temples, which involves a comprehensive endeavor that spans multiple disciplines of research and technology.

This is the first conference focusing on connections between climate and grotto conservation. Cultural heritage experts provided valuable insights, and exchanged ideas and practical examples, as well as worked together to promote cave preservation, said Mario Santana Quintero, secretary general of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

Cecilie Christensen, founder of World Heritage Catalysis and a member of ICOMOS, said that excessive tourism, which also contributes to the rise in carbon emissions disrupting ecological balance and contributing to climate change, has become a factor leading to the deterioration of cultural heritage sites.

Christensen called for experts and scholars to continue sharing practical experience, pooling collective wisdom, and collaboratively addressing the challenges faced by global cultural heritage conservation, to finally realize the sustainable development of world heritage.

Li Qun, head of China's National Cultural Heritage Administration, said that cave temple preservation has long been a significant subject in the field of international cultural heritage protection. Over the years, professional institutions from China, Japan, the United States, Britain, Australia, and Italy have established cooperation in this field.

Statistics showed that there are 2,155 cave temples and 3,831 cliffside sculptures scattered across China.

Regarding China's conservation efforts, foreign experts have given positive feedback.

Abdul Samad, director of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan, said he was impressed by China's cultural heritage conservation efforts, which are highly meticulous and professional, particularly in areas such as digital documentation and the restoration of cultural relics.

After visiting the Dazu Rock Carvings along with other forum attendees, Samad said it was quite inspiring, and he expected to enhance cooperation with China in cultural relics' conservation in the future.

Guests visit a scenic spot of Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, southwest China, Aug. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Guests visit a scenic spot of Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, southwest China, Aug. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Visitors are seen at a scenic spot of Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, southwest China, Aug. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Staff members deal with harm to rock carvings at a protection site of Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, southwest China, Aug. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Guests watch a 8K fulldome digital movie at Chongqing's Dazu District, southwest China, Aug. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

This photo taken on Aug. 19, 2023 shows the first International Forum on Cave Temple Conservation held in Chongqing, southwest China. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Staff members deal with harm to rock carvings at a scenic spot of Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, southwest China, Aug. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Guests visit a cultural relic hospital for Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, southwest China, Aug. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Guests visit a scenic spot of Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, southwest China, Aug. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23)  Bohol has joined a number of areas that have declared Pura Luka Vega as persona non grata over the drag queen's controversial "Ama Namin" rendition.

In Facebook post on Tuesday, Bohol Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite said Vega's viral video "caused offense to a significant number of Catholics not only present but also across the online community."

"The portrayal of religious figures in a manner that is disrespectful or offensive to the religious sentiments of individuals and communities is not conducive to promoting harmony and mutual respect within our society," read the resolution.

It also stated that the declaration is not intended to limit or infringe upon the individual's rights, but to express the local government's strong disapproval of Vega's actions.

READ: Pura Luka Vega sorry but stands by controversial Ama Namin performance

Floridablanca town in Pampanga, Toboso town in Negros Occidental, General Santos City in South Cotabato, the City of Manila, Bukidnon, Laguna, and Cagayan de Oro have all declared Pura as persona non grata.

The United Nations Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations grants states the power to declare persona non grata on diplomats and other members of diplomatic missions.

But in the Philippines, such declaration is merely an expression of a sentiment or opinion of a government official on a specific matter.
Mong Sen Viaduct in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai, which has the highest pillars in Vietnam, has been opened to traffic on a trial basis from 3:00 pm on Tuesday.

All vehicles, except for those with a tonnage of over 20 metric tons and container trucks, are allowed to pass through the viaduct between 6:00 am and 5:00 pm every day during the trial operation period.

The Lao Cai Peoples Committee said on Tuesday that the provincial Department of Transport and the Department of Construction had sent a document on the trial operation of the viaduct, part of a road linking Noi Bai  Lao Cai Expressway with Sa Pa, a famed tourist destination in the northern mountainous province, to Lao Cai  Sa Pa BOT Investment JSC, the investor of the project.

The departments required arranging personnel to regulate traffic on the viaduct to prevent commuters from stopping there to take photos and reporting the trial operation results.

The investor must also urge the Transport Construction Investment Management Authority under the Ministry of Transport to early check the project to put it into official operation before August 30.

The viaduct, with its highest piers measuring 83 meters, spans two hills, a hydropower plant, and terraced rice fields in Sa Pa.

Work on the project started on January 3, 2021 and the final beam of the viaduct was installed on September 29, 2021.

The project, which carries a price tag of VND450 billion (US$18.8 million), is 612 meters long with five arches and 14 meters wide with four lanes.

The current road between Lao Cai City and Sa Pa Town in Lao Cai Province is 30 kilometers long and forces commuters to pass through the Ba Tang Mountain Pass, which often sees landslides.

When in place, Mong Sen Viaduct will reduce the travel distance between the two areas by 2.5 kilometers.

Commuters will be able to avoid the Ba Tang Mountain Pass.

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Traffic police in Dong Ha City under Quang Tri Province, located in north-central Vietnam, have booked a 21-year-old woman for breaching traffic safety regulations as she did a wheelie on a local street.

The woman was identified as L.T.T.T., who resides in Ward 5 in the city, a police officer said on Wednesday.

A five-second-long video clip capturing the woman riding her scooter on Hung Vuong Street in Dong Ha and doing a wheelie, which means raising the front wheel off the ground and balancing on the back wheel, went viral on the Internet a few days ago.

Traffic police officers quickly identified the traffic violator in the clip and summoned her to a police station for questioning.

T. admitted that she did a wheelie on Thursday last week.

As per Vietnamese laws, T. faces a fine of VND6-8 million (US$252-336) for her violation.

A wave of traffic safety violations committed by young people has emerged in the city, said a representative of a traffic police team in Dong Ha.

The police officer also called on locals to send images or video clips capturing acts of breaking traffic safety rules to traffic police stations to minimize traffic accidents.

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German period spy drama Bonn, and French thrillers Syndrome E and Forest Of The Missing screen this week on SBS On Demand.

Thursday, 24 August:

Bonn

All six episodes available. Available in German with English subtitles.

Set against the backdrop of 1950s Germany, Bonn follows the rise of a young West Germany, a country struggling to break free from the terrors and legacies of World War II and longing for a normal life. Into this heady and volatile mix steps Toni, a young woman determined to seize every opportunity, overcome every obstacle, and make her own way in what is still a very male-dominated society. But what at first appears to be only an entry-level office job at one of the countrys two competing secret services soon sucks her ever deeper into a clandestine world of suspicion and betrayal, where nothing and nobody is as they appear.

Stars Mercedes Muller, Juergen Maurer and Martin Wuttke.

Syndrome E

All six episodes available. Available in French with English subtitles.

Frank Sharko is a brooding, loner cop who lost his family in a terrorist attack. Hes particularly struggling to get over the death of his daughter Eugenie, who appears to him in taunting visions. At work, he begins investigating a case of missing children and a disturbing 1960s movie that spurs people who watch it to commit bizarre and dangerous acts. Detective Lucie Henebelle is a single mom who joins forces with Sharko after realising that events in her own past could be tied to this case. Together, they for answers on an adrenaline-fueled journey across three continents, from France to Canada to Morocco.



Forest Of The Missing

All six episodes available. Available in French with English subtitles.

Near the French-German border, in the heart of the Black Forest and the binational military base, twelve bodies are found in a mass grave. All the victims are French and German men, whose murders were committed over a period of three decades. It soon becomes clear that Judge Camille Hartmann has a close connection to the case. But after a car accident a year earlier, Camille lost her memory and any recollection of the incident has been sidelined How is she connected to the murders? What could she have discovered just before the accident? By joining forces with a young German police officer, and a veteran officer, the investigating judge hopes to shed light on this case, but also on her own past.

Stars Helene de Fougerolles, Gregory Fitoussi and Tcheky Karyo.
K K Ahmed/ TwoCircles.net

When Meeraj Ansari, 34, went to recite Al-Fatiha, a Quran verse, at a grave in Mumbai Easts Rafi Nagar graveyard in April 2023, he discovered that multiple graves had been dug to bury a dead body because the earlier bodies were only partially decomposed even after 18 months, the minimum time required for decomposition. Meeraj recorded the incident and shared it on social media.

Support TwoCircles



Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbais governing civic body, issued a circular on 8 June informing people that the Rafi Nagar graveyard will now be closed and directed them to bury their loved ones at the Cheda Nagar graveyard and Cheetah camp in Trombay, which are 3 and 8 kilometers away, respectively.

Where Will Be Bury the Dead?: Ask Muslim Residents

The issue is critical for Mumbais Govandi locality, an area with over 10 lakh Muslim residents, which has been without a graveyard for several months and has a death rate of six, according to locals.

Several Govandi residents informed Two Circles that they dont have a place to bury their dead because soil work has been going on for several years in the neighbouring Deonar graveyard and the dead remains arent decaying in the Rafi Nagar graveyard. Where will be bury the dead? said a resident.

Several explanations were proffered for the lack of decomposition, ranging from poor soil quality to the possibility that these were COVID bodies coated in polythene. A BMC health officer, however, later said polythene was unlikely to be the cause.

After his grandfather died, Nushad Ansari, 22, found the burial process difficult. He initially visited Cheda Nagar graveyard, which was already full, and then the Cheeta Camp, where he was able to secure a burial place. However, transporting the dead body this far cost him a lot of money.

We didnt get any ambulance assistance when we needed it. Its also unfortunate that many people were unable to attend the funeral due to the distance, he remarked.

Muslim Residents Knock Doors of Municipal Corporation

Muslim residents of Govandi feel unheard in front of the authorities. We have no idea where to turn for justice. Many social and political activists are working on this issue, but no progress has been made, said Irfan Khan, a resident of the area.

The residents of Govandi initially raised the issue with Ward Officer Alka Sasani, who told them that they were looking into the matter.

When the residents did not receive a response from Sasani, the Govandi Citizen Forum, a joint unit of several organisations involved in the graveyard issue, met with Deputy Municipal Commissioner Akash Kale on 13 July and demanded that the soil of the Rafi Nagar graveyard be tested and the results made public.

NHRC Seeks Action in Rafi Nagar Graveyard Issue in 8 Weeks

The residents filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in early June after they went looking for burial spaces at the Cheetah Camp, where they were told that the burial space was limited.

On 23 June, the commission directed the district magistrate to look into the Rafi Nagar burial issue and take appropriate action within eight weeks.

Residents Allege Scam in Graveyards

Residents are dissatisfied with the excessive delay in graveyard repair and believe that a scam has occurred in both graveyards with the collusion of the officer and the contractor, all in the guise of development and reconstruction.

According to Shahzad Ansari, 29, the soil flooring work might have been done in as little as two months but has been going on for years.

The wall of the Rafi Nagar graveyard, which was completed five years ago, also collapsed in monsoon rains on 22 July, pointing to a construction scam, according to Ansari and others. What could be more evidence of scams and corruption than this? Shahzad wondered.

Graveyards Opened Multiple Times, Closed Again

The two closed graveyards have been opened multiple times by separate management and authorities, but each time, three out of every four graves had decomposing bodies and red pieces of meat oozing out, and they are then closed again.

According to residents, the Deonar graveyard reopened on 19 July, but it had to close the next day due to unburied bodies emerging from it, and a similar incident occurred on 9 August at the Rafi Nagar graveyard.

Digging Bodies, Hurt Peoples Religious Sentiments: Residents

According to Atique Khan, a local and a UPSC aspirant, this is a violation of the right to decent and dignified burial. Every time graves are dug and [bodies] are checked, its a disrespect to the dead and hurts peoples religious sentiments, he said.

Atique claimed that the municipal corporation initiated legal action against him after he exposed in one of his live videos that they were uncovering graves and examining dead bodies. Two Circles was unable to verify the allegation.

Muslim Residents Feel Unheard by Authorities

According to Ibrahim Harbat, a lawyer, the entire incident is a violation of the law as well as a public and law-order issue. The government deliberately ignores the minority. They can resolve the issue in a matter of days. A new graveyard should be given to this area as soon as possible because it is desperately needed, he stated.

Mufti Sharafuddin, Imam of a nearby mosque, told Two Circles that Islamic laws for burying dead people must be followed precisely or the burial will be incorrect.

If the grave has become old to the point that the body has become soil, then another grave can be made there. But if the entire corpse and hands are discovered there, it is not permissible to bury it, he explained.

Residents are worried that if the issue of the graveyard is not resolved at the earliest, there wont be space to bury the dead.

K K Ahmed is an independent reporter based in Mumbai, India.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23)  The revised guidelines of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for overseas Filipino travelers are "too strict" and would "entail a lot of inconveniences," a lawmaker complained on Wednesday.

In a briefing in the House of Representatives for the Department of Justice's (DOJ) proposed 2024 budget, OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa "Del Mar" Magsino said the revised guidelines require additional documents that seem "too difficult to acquire."

The DOJ is the lead agency in IACAT.

"Masyado pong strict to support 'yong ating anti-human trafficking, we have to preserve the ease of traveling sa ating passengers with respect to their constitutional right to travel," Magsino told DOJ officials.

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) approved the revised guidelines for international-bound Filipino travelers with the aim to "combat the grave menace of human trafficking."

READ: Anti-trafficking council OKs revised guidelines for overseas Filipino travelers

Magsino described as too burdensome a rule requiring a traveler sponsored by relatives on the fourth civil degree to present an original affidavit of support or guarantee authenticated by Philippine Consular officials in the destination country.

"Will they not cause further delay sa pagpo-process ng ating traveler [in processing our travelers]?" Magsino asked. "Will they not provide a potential source of corruption among our immigration officialssuch as 'yong [the] baseless offloading and extortion activities?"

"Sobrang effect nito sa ating mga OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) na nagtatrabaho sa abroad baka makakuha lang sila ng consular requirements na ito ay tapos na po ang taon, buwan, hindi pa sila makakuha," she added.

[Translation: This has a grave effect on our OFWs. They might not be able to secure the consular requirement even if the year or month is over.]

The OFW Party-list representative added that it's not easy even for members of Congress to connect with consular offices, "lalo pa silang walang koneksyon dito [especially OFWs who don't have connections]."

DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty said the technical working group (TWG) simplified some of the departure formalities but it also needed to retain some requirements that are deemed important.

"'Yong ibang requirements tulad ng nabanggit ni [Representative] Magsino, naiwan ito dahil natiyak ng TWG na medyo importante talaga lalo na for distant relatives or 'yong mga no-relation na ma-establish talaga ang kanila support and relationship sa kanilang ini-sponsor," Ty said.

[Translation: Requirements mentioned by Representative Magsino were retained because they were deemed by the TWG as important, especially establishing the support and relationship of the distant relative or those with no relation who will sponsor the traveler.]

Ty assured the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), a member of the IACAT and among those who crafted the departure formalities, will make ways to ease the process.

"Kakausapin din namin yong foreign posts abroad na subukang i-expedite ang process ng pag-issue ng documents na kailangan ng ating mga OFWs upang mag-sponsor ng mga kamag-anak nila magbiyahe," he added.

[Translation: We will talk to foreign posts abroad to try to expedite the process of issuance of documents needed by the OFWs to sponsor their relatives who will be traveling.]
Around 200 people that attended a demonstration in Burgess Hill town centre to complain about the roads and pavements in March this year (Photo: Steve Robards, SR2303061)

The event takes place on Tuesday, September 19, at Cyprus Hall (7pm).

Councillors from Burgess Hill Town Council and Mid Sussex District Council will be there.

People can book via www.facebook.com/events/1746118092508092 or www.ticketsource.co.uk/burgess-hill-residents-buisess-group.

Ray Woods, of the Burgess Hill Residents and Business Group and Save Our Town team, said: We would like to receive your questions, the residents of Burgess Hill, that you feel should be asked on the night. Email them to info@saveourtown.uk.

The agenda will look at: the Places and Connectivity programme, Kings Weald, allotments, the town centre, South of Folders Lane, and Southern Arc/Northern Arc.

The 7.45pm-9.45pm roundtable features: Robrt Eggleston (Lib Dem), Richard Cherry (Lib Dem), Anne Eves (Greens), Burgess Hill town mayor Janice Henwood, Mustak Miah (Conservative), Adam White (Conservative) and Karen Watling from Munchies catering. Entry is 3 on the door (free to BHRBG members).
Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla Presley in "Priscilla." A24

"Priscilla" does not feature a single song from Elvis Presley.

Sofia Coppola said it's because the branding company that owns a majority of Elvis' likeness declined her request.

"That made us be more creative," Coppola told The Hollywood Reporter about the movie's soundtrack.

If you thought there would be a slew of Elvis Presley needle drops in Sofia Coppola's "Priscilla," her upcoming A24 biopic on Priscilla Presley, think again.

Unlike director Baz Luhrmann, who was able to feature hits in his biopic about the King of Rock 'n Roll in his 2022 biopic "Elvis," Coppola said she wasn't allowed to use any of Elvis' music.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Coppola was turned down by Elvis Presley Enterprises, which is 85% owned by Authentic Brands Group (the Presley family owns the other 15%), a branding company that also owns the rights to Muhammad Ali and Marilyn Monroe's likeness.

"They don't like projects that they haven't originated, and they're protective of their brand," Coppola told THR. "But that made us be more creative." The movie, THR reported, opens with a 1980s Ramones cover of The Ronettes' 1963 song "Baby, I Love You."

"Priscilla," which is based on the 1985 memoir Priscilla wrote with Sandra Harmon titled "Elvis and Me," chronicles her life, which was turned upside down at just 14 years old when she fell for Elvis, who was stationed in Germany with the military at the time.

"Priscilla" is expected to make its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in early September and open in theaters on October 27.

Read the original article on Insider
Nykode Therapeutics ASA

OSLO, Norway, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nykode Therapeutics ASA (OSE: NYKD), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel immunotherapies, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2023.



The financial report can be accessed in the Investors section of the Companys website: https://nykode.com/investors/financial-reports-and-presentations.

The Company will host a webcast presentation at 3 p.m. CET / 9 a.m. ET. A live and archived webcast of the presentation can be accessed in the Investors section of the Companys website and on the following link: https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1630447&tp_key=80c6064a80.

About Nykode Therapeutics

Nykode Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Nykodes modular vaccine technology specifically targets antigens to Antigen Presenting Cells, which have been shown to induce broad, strong and long-lasting antigen specific immune responses and elicit efficacious clinical responses.

Nykodes lead product candidates are VB10.16, a therapeutic vaccine for the treatment of human papilloma virus (HPV)-16 induced malignancies which demonstrated positive efficacy and safety results from its Phase 2 trial for the treatment of cervical cancer; and VB10.NEO, an individualized cancer neoantigen vaccine, which is exclusively out-licensed to Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

The Companys partnerships include Roche and Genentech within oncology and a multi-target collaboration with Regeneron within oncology and infectious diseases.

Nykode Therapeutics shares are traded on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE: NYKD). Further information about Nykode Therapeutics may be found at http://www.nykode.com .

Forward-looking statements for Nykode Therapeutics

This announcement and any materials distributed in connection with this announcement may contain certain forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they reflect the company's current expectations and assumptions as to future events and circumstances that may not prove accurate. A number of material factors could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Story continues

Contact for Nykode Therapeutics ASA:

Chief Business Officer, Agnete Fredriksen

Nykode Therapeutics ASA

IR@nykode.com

Nykode Therapeutics ASA

Oslo Science Park

Gaustadalleen 21

N-0349 Oslo, Norway

A PDF accompanying this announcement is available at http://ml-eu.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/511aeac3-3a8e-4b7e-935e-491861b6d565




Chinese President Xi Jinping unexpectedly pulled out of delivering a speech at the BRICS summit in South Africa - leading to speculation he might be unwell.

The Chinese leader was in Johannesburg for the business forum but asked his commerce minister Wang Wentao to deliver the remarks instead.

The unusual move has sparked speculation that something was "amiss" but it is unlikely the Chinese government will provide an explanation.

The president's speech brought an air of confrontation to the summit in Johannesburg.

In a thinly-veiled swipe at the United States, Mr Wang said "some country, obsessed with maintaining its hegemony, has gone out of its way to cripple the emerging markets and developing countries".



"Whoever is developing fast becomes its target of containment. Whoever is catching up, becomes its target of obstructions."

The remarks are another development in the growing friction between the US and China - with Mr Xi having earlier blamed the West for the difficulties faced by his country's economy.

Mr Xi had met with South African president Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday before he pulled out of delivering his speech.

Bill Bishop, author of Sinocism, a popular newsletter about Chinese affairs, highlighted how there had already been a long period this month with Mr Xi not making any public appearances.

Mr Bishop said this seemed "a bit strange".

He added: "This last-minute decision to skip the business forum looks even stranger. So in the absence of any useful information from the PRC [People's Republic of China] system rumours will fly."

Read more world news

At least 17 dead in India bridge collapse

Moscow threatens to annex Georgia breakaway regions

The China Global South Project, a podcast exploring the country's involvement in Africa, wrote: "To say [Xi's absence] is extraordinary is an understatement as Chinese leaders never miss highly choreographed events like this."

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Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the Indo-Pacific Programme at the German Marshall Fund, wondered if his absence meant something was "amiss".

James Palmer, deputy editor of Foreign Policy magazine, wrote: "The odds are very heavily that Xi Jinping just skipped that speech because he's sick."

The BRICS group of countries is made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Mr Xi was scheduled to join Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr Ramaphosa for dinner at a luxury estate in suburban Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has not attended the summit as he currently faces an arrest warrant for war crimes which was issued by the International Criminal Court.

Mr Putin planned to take part in the dinner virtually, officials said.

The Russian president gave a 17-minute prerecorded speech, criticising the impact of sanctions and indirectly accused the West by criticising the "trampling of all rules of free trade and economic life which we thought to be immovable before".

The leaders were expected to discuss the top agenda point for the three-day summit - a possible expansion of the BRICS group of nations.

The group aims to be a counterweight to Western economic and geopolitical dominance.

The five BRICS countries are home to 40% of the world's population and responsible for more than 30% of global economic output, and more than 20 nations have applied to join, according to South African officials, including Saudi Arabia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Tamsin Elliott and Tarek Elazhary (contributed pic)

Concert organiser Holly Harman said: The duo are touring their album So Far We Have Come around the UK throughout August and September. Following on from the success of Tamsin's solo debut album, Frey, this project sees a duo collaboration with Egyptian oud player Tarek Elazhary. They are both practitioners and composers deeply embedded in their own living traditions while also leading genre-bending bands (Solana, Dokkan). Through their friendship and ongoing collaboration they have unearthed a series of intriguing connections between English and Arabic folk idioms and worked together to weave this affinity into a thrilling fusion of songs, tunes and textures. So Far We Have Come is a testament to their personal and musical perseverance, and a statement of hope and resistance during troubled times. There is a feeling of balance and equity throughout the album as well as a shared instinct for collaboration. Guests on the album include Sam Sweeney (fiddle), Archie Churchill-Moss (guitar), Leila El Balouty (vocals) and Daniel Gouly (clarinets). So Far We Have Come will be released on September 21.

Long before Tamsin began work on her critically acclaimed solo album Frey (Penny Fiddle Records, 2022), she spent several months in Egypt embarking on an exploration of Arabic music during which she met Tarek on the Cairo live scene. When international travel was permitted again following the Covid lockdowns, she began to discuss plans with Tarek to bring him to the UK for a return visit and to make the collaborative album they had dreamed of creating together. So Far We Have Come is a testament to their personal and musical perseverance and a statement of hope and resistance during troubled times.

Tamsin said: The title of our debut album was born out of a conversation about the progress that has been made in womens rights in Egypt and the UK. We see how much has changed and yet how far we have to go  and this echoes across ecological crises, geopolitical tensions, racism and societal disconnection. So Far We Have Come also reflects the distance and barriers we have overcome to create this work together. Tickets on eventbrite.com
Smoke rises over the Acropolis Hill in Athens. (Getty Images)

Scorching heat and raging wildfires are continuing to spread across several regions of southern Europe, with Greece bearing the brunt of the devastation.

One indication of the scale of the problem was shared by the Copernics EU satellite in an image that captured a 700km-long smoke cloud stretching across parts of the continent.

The 'Image of the Day' showed the area on Tuesday morning after wildfires had started in Greece.

"This morning, at 08:37 UTC, #Sentinel3 captured a massive smoke cloud (~700km long) generated by the ongoing in East Macedonia, engulfing the central Mediterranean Basin," Copernicus EU wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

#ImageOfTheDay Update



Major #wildfires have broken out in #Greece  over the last few hours



This morning, at 08:37 UTC, #Sentinel3  captured a massive smoke cloud (~700 km long) generated by the ongoing  in East Macedonia, engulfing the central Mediterranean Basin pic.twitter.com/rGQQvnNwIL  Copernicus EU (@CopernicusEU) August 22, 2023

Tourists view Athens from Lykabetus hill as smoke rises over the city. (Getty Images)

It comes after Greek firefighters backed by aircraft battled a blaze spreading outside Athens for a second day on Wednesday.

It was one of hundreds ravaging a country where wildfires have already killed 20 people this week.

Several hundred have fled their homes nationwide since fires erupted in the north of the country on Saturday, fanned by heat and high winds in the summer's second major outbreak.

Read more: Which countries in Europe and the Mediterranean have been affected by wildfires?

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Climate crisis and civil protection minister Vassilis Kikilias said 355 wildfires had taken hold since Friday.

He added that firefighting teams were making "superhuman efforts" to contain them.

The fire brigade warned that more fires could break out, and spokesman Ioannis Artopios said conditions remained "difficult, and in several cases extreme".

Watch: Local describes fire reducing buildings to 'ashes' in Athens suburb

Firefighters and volunteers flee during a wildfire in Chasia on the outskirts of Athens. (Getty Images)

Flames from a wild fire seen behind the Parthenon Temple atop the Acropolis hill in Athens. (Getty Images)

About 20km (12 miles) north of Athens, more than 200 firefighters backed by volunteers  alongside 65 vehicles and 15 aircraft  battled a blaze that began early on Tuesday near Fyli, a village in the foothills of Mount Parnitha and spread towards the town of Menidi.

The capital has been smothered in smoke and ash since the blaze broke out on Tuesday.

By Wednesday, about 150 people were evacuated by bus from three nursing homes in Menidi to hotels or other care facilities.

Read more: Hawaii wildfires  850 people still missing after blaze ripped through Maui

Police ordered other residents to leave as a fire-fighting helicopter clattered overhead, dropping water on the flames.

Summer wildfires are common in Greece but this year they have been made worse by unusually hot, dry and windy weather which scientists link to climate change.

In July, tens of thousands of foreign tourists were evacuated from the island of Rhodes, where a fire burned for a week, burning hotels and resorts as well as swathes of land.
(Bloomberg) -- Coming soon: Sign up for the India Edition newsletter by Menaka Doshi  an insider's guide to the emerging economic powerhouse, and the billionaires and businesses behind its rise, delivered weekly.

Most Read from Bloomberg

India became the first country to land a spacecraft near the moons south pole after Russias attempt at a lunar touch down in the same area ended in failure following an engine malfunction.

Chandrayaan-3  Indias spacecraft that launched last month  achieved a soft landing at 6:04 p.m. local time on Wednesday, after Russias Luna-25 crashed into the moon on Sunday. A rover, named Pragyan, or wisdom, is set to analyze the chemical makeup of the moons surface and search for water over the course of one lunar day, which is equivalent to 14 days on Earth.

India is the second country, along with China, to have an operating rover on the moon.

A successful touch down lifts Indias prestige in the global space race, after the country suffered a setback from a failed moon mission in 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to bolster the countrys place among the worlds space faring nations and in June India signed the Artemis Accords, a US-backed initiative with more than two dozen other countries to govern joint missions and civilian space exploration.

Read More: Russias Moon Failure a Dent to Its Space Partnership With China

Vikram, Chandrayaan-3s lander, had been trending on X, formerly known as Twitter, as billionaire industrialists and Bollywood actors eagerly awaited the historic moment. Schools urged students across the worlds most-populous nation to watch the live event and commemorate the landmark mission, while some prayed in mosques and temples for a successful landing.

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Shares of 13 Indian space-sector companies, including PTC Industries Ltd., Zen Technologies Ltd. and Centum Electronics Ltd., rallied and added more than $2.5 billion in market value this week, according to data complied by Bloomberg.

The water ice present in the moons unchartered south pole has also piqued the interest of space voyaging countries, including the US and China. It could be a crucial drinking, breathing and rocket fuel resource to advance human space exploration deeper into the solar system.

In a social media post, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson congratulated India on being the 4th country to successfully soft-land a spacecraft on the Moon.

The US plans to send the first humans to explore the area near the south pole in 2025, in a mission called Artemis III. China is also seeking to build a research station near the region and place astronauts on the moon by 2030. Japan has an uncrewed mission planned for launch on Aug. 26.

India has other space efforts slated. The country will soon launch a mission, called Aditya L1, for a detailed solar study. A Venus mission is also on the Indian Space Research Organisations agenda, Modi said after the landing. The agency plans to demonstrate human spaceflight capability through its Gaganyaan mission, which will launch crew members into an orbit of 400 kilometers (249 miles) for three days before bringing them back safely to Earth.

Indias space agency and NASA have agreed to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station. The South Asian nation is also in discussions with Japan to work on a moon mission together.

--With assistance from Debjit Chakraborty.

(Updates with NASA Administrator statement, paragraph 8)

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BBC/Wall to Wall Media Ltd/Stephen Perry

Jack and Michael Whitehall are set to star in a new Netflix series.

Having previously transferred their funny son-and-father relationship to the screen with Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father, Christmas with My Father and genealogical favourite Who Do You Think You Are?, it's been revealed that Fatherhood with My Father is next in line.

The streaming giant's UK and Ireland page tweeted today (August 23): "Announcing some brand new unscripted titles... FATHERHOOD WITH MY FATHER (working title): @jackwhitehall reunites with his father Michael on a path of discovery and adventure as they try to crack the answers to parenthood's endless questions."

Announcing some brand new unscripted titles



FATHERHOOD WITH MY FATHER (working title): @jackwhitehall reunites with his father Michael on a path of discovery and adventure as they try to crack the answers to parenthoods endless questions.  Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) August 23, 2023

Related: How to get tickets to Jack Whitehall's UK tour

The official synopsis for the four-part series expands on this, adding: "In their own inimitable and hilarious way, Jack and Michael will travel the world, examining what fatherhood means across the globe, discussing the Dad that Michael is and the one that Jack wants to be."

Fresh Meat actor Whitehall announced in May that he and partner Roxy Horner are expecting a baby.

The pregnancy news comes after the couple experienced a miscarriage.

"We had a miscarriage last year and so there was a part of me that was worried to open up too soon about this baby because I was so worried something would happen again and I didnt want to have to kind of tell the world," Roxy told Hello! magazine.

"I think because we did go through that miscarriage you realise how fragile the baby is, and just how common actually a miscarriage is, and that so many women go through it  I had no idea how common it actually was.

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"It just makes this feel extra special and you're more grateful that everything's fine."

BBC/Wall to Wall Media Ltd/Stephen Perry

Related: First trailer for Jack Whitehall's new sci-fi rom-com from Borat writer

Meanwhile, Whitehall begun his mini UK tour in Edinburgh this week. Between now and October, he'll also be visiting Oxford, Stockton-on-Tees and Bristol.

"This is my most personal show yet, with plenty of material about the big changes that have happened in my life," he said. "Its about my struggle to settle down gracefully. Ive got a long-term partner, a ridiculous dog and am now hurtling towards middle aged without a clue. Its about a foppish man-childs cack-handed attempt at adulting!"

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The chairman of the British Museum All-Party Parliamentary Group has accused Greece of blatant opportunism in claiming the institution is not safe following thefts from the museum.

The British Museum announced last week that items from its collection were found to be missing, stolen or damaged and police are investigating.

Legal action is being taken by the museum against an unnamed member of staff, who has been sacked.

Tim Loughton told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that news of items going missing from the museums collection in London is damaging but the institution is taking the thefts seriously.

The MP, who has been in touch with the museum, added: For reassurance, people want to know the extent of the objects which have disappeared, what investigations took place at the time when various reports came in and what is being done now because otherwise (its) getting out of hand.

The museum has not specified how many items have been stolen or detailed what the missing items are, saying only that they were small pieces including gold jewellery and gems of semi-precious stones and glass dating from the 15th century BC to the 19th century AD.

The Times has reported that the thefts happened over at least two decades.

Mr Loughton said: What is particularly damaging is (the) blatant opportunism of the Greeks and others saying Oh no, the British Museum is not safe Its incredibly rare that things go missing.

Greece has been campaigning for decades for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures, which once adorned the Parthenon atop the Acropolis in Athens.

The country has long claimed they were illegally acquired during a period of foreign occupation, while British officials have rebuffed repeated demands for their return.

Sections of the Parthenon Marbles in Londons British Museum (Matthew Fearn/PA)

Christopher Marinello, a lawyer and expert in recovering stolen art, told the PA news agency that the theft exposes the museum to questions over the safety of the ancient sculptures.

He said: It makes one wonder whether the Parthenon Marbles are safe in the British Museum after all, and perhaps they should be returned to the museum in Athens for their security.

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The head of the Association of Greek Archaeologists, Despina Koutsoumba, said her colleagues are worried about how many Greek items are missing.

She told the BBC: We want to tell the British Museum that they cannot anymore say that Greek culture heritage is more protected in the British Museum.

It is obvious that it is very well protected in Greece and not in the British Museum.

Mr Loughton was also asked about emails leaked to BBC News that claim the British Museum was alerted to the thefts in 2021 and ignored the report.

He said: With respect, all thats come out is a few emails rather than the bigger picture.

But the British Museum will need to account for that because if people are trying to report potential objects having appeared outside of the museum then absolutely those need to be investigated and potentially referred to the police.

Or to be more accurate the most respected world museum has been the victim of very rare criminal activity so let's take advantage of the situation and rather than offer to join the archaeological community in helping let's play politics by claiming the Elgin Marbles are not safe, https://t.co/NCRejaisY0  Tim Loughton MP  (@timloughton) August 23, 2023

So what action was taken? What checks and balances are there at the museum?

Also putting into context the British Museum has the most online documentation online in the world. There are over two million objects available online to see.

The Daily Telegraph has reported that the number of stolen items is believed to be well over 1,000 and closer to 2,000, with a value running into millions of pounds.

An independent review of security has been launched and the matter is also under investigation by the economic crime command of the Metropolitan Police.

No arrests have been made.

The review will be led by former museum trustee Sir Nigel Boardman and Lucy DOrsi, Chief Constable of British Transport Police.
(CNN)  Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of Russian mercenary group Wagner who staged a short-lived mutiny against Russias military leadership in June, was on board a plane that crashed northwest of Moscow on Wednesday, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency said.

An investigation has been launched into the crash of the Embraer aircraft, which occurred tonight in the Tver region, the Federal Air Transport Agency said in a statement, according to the official state news agency TASS. According to the list of passengers, among them is the name and surname of Yevgeny Prigozhin.

There were seven passengers and three crew members on board the private Embraer jet when it crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino, in the Tver region, on Wednesday, according to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Services. All on board were killed, according to preliminary information, the ministry said, adding that they are conducting search operations.

Among those on the plane were Utkin Dmitriy, a trusted lieutenant of Prigozhins since Wagner was formed, and Prigozhins senior aide Valeriy Chekalov, according to list of passengers shared by the Russian aviation agency.

The bodies of eight people have been found at the crash site, state media outlet Russia 24 reported. Earlier, TASS reported the plane burned up on impact after being in the air for about half an hour.

Russian investigators have initiated a criminal case following the crash. The Russian Investigative Committee said that a team was on the way to the scene to establish the causes of the crash.

The crash comes months after Prigozhin launched a brief rebellion that posed an unprecedented challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putins authority before it was suddenly called off in a deal that required the Wagner chief and his fighters to relocate to Belarus.

Wagner forces were heavily involved in capturing the eastern Ukrainian cities of Soledar and Bakhmut following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year. Prigozhin then spent months criticizing Russian military leadership and the support it was giving his troops before he called for the armed rebellion.

A senior Ukrainian official told CNN on Wednesday that the plane that crashed north of Moscow is a manifestation of Putins Russia.

This is why we are fighting, we dont want to be a part of Putins world, the senior official, who is close to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said.

US President Joe Biden suggested Putin may have been behind the crash. You may recall, I was asked about this, Biden told CNN. I said I would be careful what I rode in. I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised.

As news of the crash broke, Putin was taking part in an event hundreds of miles away from the site, in the Kursk region, to mark the anniversary of the Soviet Unions victory over Nazi Germany there.

Video shows plane falling out of sky

Video published by Russian state media outlet RIA Novosti showed a plane falling out of the sky with one wing missing. CNN is unable to confirm the authenticity of the video, but RIA Novosti claimed it was the moment that an Embraer jet fell from the sky over the Tver region.

A separate video, also released by RIA Novosti, purports to show plane engine debris at the crash site. Visible on the still-burning engine debris are the last four digits of a registration number: 2795. Prigozhins plane is registered as RA-02795.

Flight data shows the Prigozhin-linked plane reached an altitude of some 28,000 feet before publicly available flight tracking data suddenly stopped transmitting, soon after 6 p.m. local time, southwest of the city of Tver.

Tracking site FlightRadar24 told CNN it is still analyzing data that is likely incomplete, due to the way flight data near Moscow is collected.

CNN has previously reported on the plane, which has been linked to Prigozhins companies and the Wagner Group.

The plane is believed to have previously ferried Prigozhin from Rostov-on-Don  which became the headquarters for his short-lived mutiny in June  to Moscow, St. Petersburg and Belarus.

The Embraer Legacy 600 is a corporate jet based on the ERJ 145 regional airliner used by airlines in the United States.

Russia has an open windows policy

Top Biden administration officials have repeatedly and publicly warned that Prigozhin could be killed by the Kremlin in the aftermath of the halted rebellion.

If I were he Id be careful what I ate. Id keep my eye on my menu, President Biden said in July.

CIA Director Bill Burns and Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed Bidens sentiments, with Burns noting that Putin has a long history of payback.

In my experience, Putin is the ultimate apostle of payback. So I would be surprised if Prigozhin escapes further retribution for this. So in that sense, the presidents right. If I were Prigozhin, I wouldnt fire my food taster, Burns said later in July.

If I were Mr. Prigozhin, I would remain very concerned. NATO has an open-door policy; Russia has an open-windows policy, Blinken also said in July.

For years Prigozhin was an elusive figure, growing wealthy in the chaos and opportunity of the post-Soviet Russian economy.

His transformation from wealthy oligarch into a brutal warlord came in the aftermath of the 2014 Russian-backed separatist movement in the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.

Prigozhin founded Wagner that year as a mercenary outfit that fought both in Ukraine and, increasingly, for Russian-backed causes around the world. He long denied his connection to the shadowy outfit, despite evidence to the contrary.

He was thrust into the spotlight through Wagners close involvement in Russias invasion of Ukraine, securing rare victories for the Kremlin.

But he fell foul of Russian authorities on launching the armed insurrection against Putin two months ago to the day on June 23, after railing against the countrys military brass over their handling of the Ukraine war. Criminal charges were dropped against the Wagner boss, but Putin said in a speech at the time that those on the path of treason would face punishment.
FILE PHOTO: Shopping trolleys are seen parked outside a Reliance supermarket in Mumbai

BENGALURU (Reuters) -Qatar Investment Authority will invest $1 billion for a 1% stake in India's Reliance Retail Ventures, the retail arm of billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries, nearly doubling its valuation to $100 billion from its last funding round in 2020.

Reliance Retail, India's largest retailer, has been partnering with a slew of global brands like Burberry, Pret A Manger and Tiffany to launch and expand their presence in India.

It last raised about 472.65 billion rupees ($5.72 billion)from more than half a dozen investors, including KKR and General Atlantic, the Saudi Public Investment Fund and the UAE's Mubadala in 2020.

Led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani's daughter Isha Ambani, Reliance Retail Ventures houses retail operations, including international partnerships and consumer goods business.

Its core retail businesses include e-commerce operations and hundreds of outlets that retail electronics, clothing and food products.

Reliance Retail was recently valued at $92 billion to $96 billion by two global consultants, a move seen as signalling an eventual initial public offering of the company.

Ambani has said he plans to list his retail operations at some point, but has so far not given a timeline or details of his plans.

The investment is also part of a broader shift in QIA's investment strategy, which is moving towards sectors like technology, healthcare and public and private markets from holding trophy assets such as the Shard skyscraper and the Harrods department store in London.

"We are looking forward to Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, with its strong vision and impressive growth trajectory, joining our growing and diverse portfolio of investments in India," said QIA CEO Mansoor Ebrahim Al-Mahmoud.

To date, the $445 billion sovereign wealth fund's direct investments in India have largely focused on venture capital, particularly in online retail, including food delivery startups Swiggy and Rebel Foods as well as e-commerce platform Flipkart, according to Sovereign wealth fund tracker Global SWF.

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Morgan Stanley acted as financial adviser to Reliance Retail Ventures, while Goldman Sachs advised Reliance Industries on the process and transaction structuring.

($1 = 82.7305 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Sethuraman NR in Bengaluru and Andrew Mills in Dubai; Editing by Savio D'Souza and David Evans)
Surrey police released new images of Sara Sharif. (Surrey Police)

Police have issued new images of 10-year-old Sara Sharif in order to build a picture of her life before she was found dead.

The girls father Urfan Sharif, stepmother Beinash Batool and uncle Faisal Malik are accused of the youngsters murder after her body was discovered under a blanket in a bunk bed at her home in Woking, Surrey, on 10 August.

Surrey Police have circulated two new images of Sara which present her "in the way we believe she may have dressed in the months prior to her death."

Sara Sharif, 10, was found dead at her home in Woking, Surrey. (PA)

The force said it hoped the images would "prompt more people to come forward with information about her and her family."

A previous hearing was told that Sara's body was found under a blanket in a bunk bed at her home in Woking.

The day before, the three defendants left the UK for Pakistan with five children. The three were arrested last week upon their return at Gatwick Airport.

Yahoo News UK looks at what has happened following Sara's death...

Urfan Sharif, left, and his partner Beinash Batool, right, have been charged with the murder of Sara Sharif, 10. (Surrey Police/PA)

9 August

Saras father Urfan Sharif, 41, his partner Beinash Batool, 29, and Urfan Sharifs brother, Faisal Malik, 28, travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, with five children aged between one and 13 years old.

10 August

Saras body is found at a house in Horsell, Woking, after police were called from Pakistan by her father, Urfan Sharif, at around 2.50am. A murder investigation is launched.

11 August

Surrey Police identify three people they want to speak with in connection with Saras death and confirm they believe they left the country on 9 August.

Police were called to a house on Hammond Road in Woking, Surrey, where 10-year-old Sara Sharif was found dead. (PA)

14 August

Saras mother, Olga Sharif, pays tribute to her daughter in a newspaper interview, saying she "can't believe she's dead" after her daughter is named by a local paper.

Sharif says she wants to bury her daughter in her native Poland, telling The Sun: "There is nothing I can do that can bring her back to life, so I have to only remember the good times with her now. Life is really hard. It's just not fair."

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Watch: Sara Sharif's father is charged with 10-year-old's murder

18 August

Surrey Police make an appeal to locate her father Urfan, his partner Batool and Urfans brother, Malik.

Police say the post-mortem examination did not establish the cause of Saras death but it revealed she had suffered multiple and extensive injuries - likely to have been caused over a sustained period of time.

19 August

The Associated Press news agency reports that Pakistani police in the eastern province of Punjab are seeking to arrest Sharif in connection with Saras death, with his family home believed to be in the city of Jhelum.

Officer Imran Ahmed said police found evidence that he had briefly returned to Jhelum, before leaving and disappearing.

People leave flowers in tribute to Sara Sharif on Hammond Road in Horsell, near Woking, Surrey. (Getty)

20 August

Surrey County Council confirms to the PA news agency Sara was known to the local authority. The search for her father continues.

24 August

Rawalpindi Region police chief Khurram Ali says the force is trying its level best to find Sharif, Batool and Malik - and is close to locating them.

Ali says the force has questioned the father, brother and uncle of Sharif.

29 August

An inquest is opened into Saras death at Surrey Coroners Court. Coroner Simon Wickens confirms Sara was born in Slough, Berkshire, on 11 January 2013.

He adjourns inquest proceedings until 29 February next year to give police time to investigate.

Surrey Police officers outside the property in Woking where Sara Sharif was found dead. (SWNS)

6 September

Saras father, Urfan, and his partner, Beinash Batool, speak for the first time about her death via a video statement.

In a clip posted by Sky News, Batool, 29, shows no emotion as she describes Saras death as an incident and says that she and Sharif, are willing to co-operate with UK authorities.

9 September

Relatives of Sara are detained for questioning by police in Pakistan. A police spokesman in Jehlum, 108 miles north-west of Lahore, says Sharif and his wife Batool were in hiding and 10 close relatives have been taken into custody for questioning and an investigation.

Among those detained include Mohammad Sharif, the father of Urfan, his brothers and cousins, the spokesman said.

An inquest was opened into the death of Sara Sharif at Surrey Coroner's Court. (PA)

11 September

Five of Sara's siblings are reportedly taken by police from the home of Sara's grandfather in Pakistan.

Muhammad Sharif tells the BBC he had been hiding the children in his home in the city of Jhelum, but did not specify for how long.

12 September

A court rules that the five children will be sent temporarily to a government childcare facility in Pakistan.

In the UK, Surrey Police say they are working to secure the safe return of the siblings.

13 September

Urfan Sharif, his partner Beinash Batool and brother Faisal Malik are arrested at Gatwick Airport on suspicion of murder after returning from Pakistan via Dubai.

15 September: Father, stepmother and uncle charged with murder and appear in court

Urfan Sharif, Beinash Batool and Faisal Malik are charged with Sara Sharif's murder.

They are also charged with causing or allowing the death of a child.

19 September

Urfan Sharif, Beinash Batool and Faisal Malik appeared at the Old Bailey via video link and are told they will face a trial in September 2024.

They spoke only to confirm their identities and dates of birth, and were all remanded into custody until their next hearing.

A plea hearing was set for 1 December and a six-week trial scheduled for the Old Bailey from 2 September 2024.

22 September

Police release new images of Sara in the hopes of prompting more people to come forward to provide information about her life.

Sara is pictured wearing a black hijab in a school photo in one of the images, while the other displays the youngster in a blue hijab.

A previous picture issued by the force showed the child without the traditional Muslim head covering.

Watch: Sara Sharif's mum lays flowers at Woking home
Top Scottish entrepreneur sets out corporation tax reform plan (Image: Newsquest)

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter has called for UK corporation tax to be cut across key sectors in a bid to draw high-value investment.

It comes as an Oxford Economics report published today titled Lessons from Ireland for Scotlands Economy, A Paper for the Hunter Foundation, reveals a key factor of Irelands economic transformation has been low corporation tax.

In a foreword to the report, Sir Tom said that Ireland drives foreign direct investment with multiple incentives, not least a 12.5% corporation tax rate moving to 15% in 2025.

READ MORE: Hunter Foundation launches pre-scaling scheme

He said: In 2021 this drove 249 such investments compared to Scotlands 122.

The other key component  aligning education to economic development; per 1000 of population 39.9 were STEM graduates compared to Scotlands 20.9.

"From 2012 to 2022 Irelands GDP grew on average 8.9% per annum compared to Scotlands rather anaemic 0.9%."

READ MORE: Sir Tom Hunter joins Ronnie Wood as investor in cancer drug firm

Sir Tom continued: They are home to nine out of the top ten pharmaceutical companies in the world and fourteen of the fifteen top medtech companies  and recently the Irish Government forecast a staggering 65bn surplus over the next three years.

So how does Scotland compete on global investment opportunities when faced with that challenge?

If Scotland were a business it would be a small business and thats to our advantage; we can focus, be agile and compete.

Sure we can point to a beautiful place to live and work, wonderful universities and one of the highest tax regimes in Europe with the added burden of Brexit to contend with, or, we can do something about it.

READ MORE: Entrepreneurs must take tough decisions as firms scale up

While corporation tax is UK reserved, Sir Tom said both the Scottish and UK governments have a role to play. The report said that, in October 2021, almost all OECD governments, including those of Ireland, the UK, and the US, agreed to an outline for new tax rules, providing for a minimum corporation tax rate of 15%.

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It continues: However, at present the corporation tax rate across the UK is 25%, which means there is clearly scope within international agreements for that to be cut significantly.

Sir Tom said: So heres my suggestion to Holyrood and Westminster  make all of Scotland a 15% corporate tax zone for three key global growth sectors: renewables and low carbon manufacture and services; life sciences and medical technologies and software, big data and AI.

The Irish experience tells us we will net more tax, more jobs and more value from this highly focussed approach with one agency delivering that approach than we will with our current strategy.
Arctic Monkeys have announced a final run of arena shows in Ireland later this year to mark the end of their world tour. Pictured at Hillsborough Park is frontman Alex Turner. Picture: Dean Atkins / National World

Its been a heck of a journey for Sheffields Arctic Monkeys, but the band have announced a final run of arena shows in Ireland later this year to mark the end of their world tour.

The tour was launched in support of their latest album The Car and kicked off last year on August 9 in Istanbul. After more than 100 shows across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, the tour will come to a close on October 19.

For the fans that missed the group when they returned to Sheffield earlier this year, this will mark one more opportunity to see them. Arctic Monkeys will play three headline dates at Dublins Arena on October 15, 17 and 19, as well as a one-off show at Belfasts SSE Arena on October 16.

Miles Kane, solo artist and the co-frontman of the Last Shadow Puppets, is set to appear as a special guest support act at each of the new dates.

Arctic Monkeys were forced to cancel a concert at Marlay Park in Dublin earlier this summer after frontman Alex Turner came down with acute laryngitis.

Previous ticket holders will be given 72-hour priority pre-sale access starting at 9am on Friday, August 25 to purchase tickets. All remaining tickets will be made available for sale at 9am on Tuesday, August 29 by visiting the TicketMaster website here.

Alex Turner and co returned to Sheffield in June for two homecoming shows at Hillsborough Park. Fans hailed it the best ever, crammed with the greatest hits from across their glittering career, including Brianstorm, Snap Out Of It, Fluorescent Adolescent and Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?
Mass Effect is one of the dance shows given the full five stars by the Scotsman at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe. (Photo: Christoffer Brekne)

Every August, our team of expert critics dash between performances to give you the inside scoop on whats worth your time...and what should be given a wide berth.

The holy grail at the Fringe is to earn a flawless five star review. It's the highest accolade our writers can give, reserved only for the best of the best.

Just four dance, physical theatre and circus shows have ticked all the boxes so far this year  heres what they are and what our reviewers said about them.

Mass Effect (Summerhall)

Mass Effect is a celebration of the human physical form at a moment of heightened, endorphin-rushing physical activity, whether exercising, competing, losing oneself in dance or enjoying sex. That it becomes a participatory work and is executed with such satisfying, foot-tapping style only adds to the effect. After experiencing it, youll want to breathe in the fresh air and run all the way home. (David Pollock)

Spirit of Ireland (Pleasance at EICC)

What really sets Spirit of Ireland apart is the fact the amazing footwork, first-class musicianship, set and costuming are all there  but with a warmth, friendliness and sense of fun rarely seen in other Irish dance shows. Even the dynamic dance off battle, between four Flatley-esque dancers and one traditional Sean nos dancer is played out with affection. (Kelly Apter)

IMA (Assembly Murrayfield Ice Rink)

Budapest-based Recirquel Cirque Danse comes with a fine pedigree. What helps makes IMA so special is the surroundings, both visual and aural. Light pours into the space like sun through a cathedral window, beautiful rays casting a spell on everyone. As we watch the aerialist spin, stretch and fly to Szirtes Edina Mokuss wondrous score, it feels almost spiritual. (Kelly Apter)

Havana Street Party (Underbelly Bristo Square)

If youve ever attended a street party in Britain, take that memory and push it to one side  because a street party in Havana is like nothing youve experienced here. By the time this 50-minute show is finished, the cast is dancing in the audience, the whole crowd is on its feet and nobody wants to leave. When we eventually do, hips are still swaying and everyone is smiling. (Kelly Apter)
Attendees at the Burning Man festival in 2006. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

This year's Burning Man could be a bummer if Black Rock City continues to be a waterlogged mess.

Videos and photos of the inundated venue have been going around TikTok and X.

"Bout to be Squishy Mud Man more like," a person quipped on X.

This year's Burning Man could be a bust if the venue's still a soggy mess on Sunday.

The annual gathering in Nevada's Black Rock Desert was hit by heavy rains due to Tropical Storm Hilary, per The San Francisco Standard. The downpours resulted in gate closures since Monday, though the event organizers are hoping to reopen the gates on Wednesday if the weather permits.

"Temporary gate closures are not abnormal," a representative for Burning Man previously told Insider. "In this case, we're thankful the rain took place early during set up and isn't affecting too many folks, and that our teams already in Black Rock City are safe."

But it looks like reopening the gates would provide little relief if the venue continues to remain soggy and muddy. Photographs of the flooded playa have been going around online platforms such as TikTok and X, formerly Twitter.

"Is the hurricane coming ..." a person wrote in her TikTok post on Saturday. The floodwaters can be seen pouring into the sheltered areas through roof leaks.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

"Could get really crazy for Burning Man, Black Rock Desert already wet with storms this weekend," a person said in a post on X on Friday, attaching a photo of what appeared to be a waterlogged field.

Needless to say, the soggy surroundings are a far cry from Burning Man's usual conditions. The desert's barren surroundings welcomed around 80,000 attendees at last year's festival. Much of the revelry often involves driving art cars around the playa, checking out the massive art installations, and having loads of fun in a dry  and certainly not squishy  desert.

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The Burning Man festival in 2017. DigitalGlobe via Getty Images

Some people are finding some humor in the idea of a wet Burning Man.

One person uploaded a doctored photo of the Burning Man venue on X. In the photo, a shark's fin and the Titanic can be seen superimposed on a photo of the flood waters.

"Bout to be Squishy Mud Man more like," another person quipped on X.

For what it's worth, the weather in Black Rock City looks like clear skies ahead for the next week, so the burners traveling in from out of state have that to look forward to.

Representatives for Burning Man did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider sent outside regular business hours.

Read the original article on Insider
A worker installs rigging as inspection begins to check the Washington Monument for additional damage following the August 23, 2011, earthquake in Washington, D.C., on September 27, 2011. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

Aug. 23 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1914, the British Expeditionary Force fought on European soil for the first time since the 1815 Battle of Waterloo in a confrontation with the German army in the Battle of Mons in Belgium.

In 1926, silent screen idol Rudolph Valentino died at the age of 31. The actor became ill with ulcers and after surgery fell into a coma and died.

In 1927, despite worldwide demonstrations on their behalf, Italian-born anarchists Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were executed for murder.

In 1939, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed a non-aggression pact. Less than two years later, Germany launched a blitzkrieg attack on Russia.

Soviet leader Joseph Stalin (L) and German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop shake hands after signing the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact on August 23, 1939. File Photo courtesy of the German Federal Archive

In 1982, Beirut Christian leader Beshir Gemayel was elected president of Lebanon. He was assassinated less than one month later and was succeeded by his brother Amin.

In 1990, East and West Germany announced they would reunite on Oct. 3.

Then-Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., (L) and then-Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., greet the crowd during a rally at which Obama announced Biden as his running mate at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill., on August 23, 2008. File Photo by Darrell Hoemann/UPI

File Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI

In 2008, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois confirmed he chose fellow Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware as his vice presidential running mate at the top of the Democratic Party ticket.

Rudolph Valentino, famed silent film actor known for his breakout role in "The Sheik," died August 23, 1926. File Photo by Library of Congress/UPI

In 2010, rescue workers at a caved-in gold and copper mine in northern Chile made radio contact with 33 men trapped nearly 2,300 feet underground for 17 days who had found refuge in a small emergency shelter that had water and ventilation. In an unrelenting effort, all hands were rescued two months later.

In 2011, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake, unusually strong for the eastern United States, rattled Washington and Virginia with shockwaves as far north as Canada. The quake was the strongest to hit Virginia in more than a century, briefly causing a power shutdown at a nuclear plant. The Washington Monument and National Cathedral in Washington were damaged by the quake.

Chile's President Sebastian Pinera holds a note from miners trapped in a collapsed mine in Copiapo, Chile, on August 22, 2010. The note says the miners, 33 of them, are OK in a refuge. On August 23, 2010, rescuers made their first radio contact with the trapped miners. UPI File Photo

File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

In 2017, after two major warship collisions that killed several sailors, the U.S. Navy removed Vice Adm. Joseph Aucion as the Pacific Fleet's commander.

In 2022, a federal jury in Grand Rapids, Mich., convicted two men -- Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr. -- of planning to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Should government or NGOs save migrants at sea? What does the law say?

After trying to prevent NGOs from rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean Sea, the Italian government is now asking for their help as migrant arrivals surge.

Still, Rome's broader anti-migration stance remains the same. Last week it seized another NGO ship for breaking the country's migrant rescue law after it helped a vessel with 72 people onboard.

The controversial rule passed in February prevents rescue ships from carrying out consecutive operations and often forces them to travel to faraway ports - something NGOs have blasted as a deliberate attempt to frustrate their efforts to save lives.

On Friday, Sea Watch's rescue ship Aurora was seized by Italian authorities after being assigned a destination port they claimed was too far to reach, while the conditions of the migrants they rescued were dire.

Instead of heading to Trapani, on Sicilys west coast, the ship went straight to the island of Lampedusa, which is currently struggling with overflowing migrant facilities.

For breaking the law, Sea Watch will now be impounded for a total of 20 days, a time during which it wont be able to assist those in distress at sea.

Grounding the boat at a time when the country is struggling to handle increasing arrivals could sound counterintuitive to some, but others say it reflects the ongoing dispute between the rightwing coalition government led by Giorgia Meloni and the NGOs.

Rome recently asked NGO Open Arms to help them with rescue operations for six migrant vessels - a situation many organisations called paradoxical.

Migrants swim next to their overturned wooden boat during a rescue operation by Spanish NGO Open Arms south of Lampedusa in August 2022. - AP Photo/Francisco Seco, File

Five NGOs - Medicins sans frontiers, Oxfam Italy, SOS Humanity, ASGI (Association for Juridical Studies of Immigration), and Emergency - formally complained to the European Commission, saying Italys law raises concerns over its compatibility with EU legislation and member states obligations under international treaties.

According to the NGOs, Italy is purposefully assigning rescue ships to the furthest destination ports, something which harms the physical and psychological well-being of those rescued - plus increases costs for rescuers.

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The law and the following seizures of four rescue ships in recent months have caused the loss of 100 operational days, say the organisations.

While the Italian government and the NGOs argue, hundreds of people have already died this year in the Mediterranean. Euronews asked an expert in law at sea who should have saved them.

What does the law say?

There is a very clear legal obligation concerning the duty to rescue people in distress at sea, Irini Papanicolopulu, British Academy Global Professor of International Law at SOAS University of London, told Euronews.

This obligation can be found in the most important treaty of what happens at sea, she said, pointing to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and customary international law - which applies to all states.

For example, Libya did not sign the UN treaty, but its still forced to rescue people in distress at sea by customary rule, Papanicolopulu explained. This duty falls on the master of the vessel - the individual authorised to represent the vessel by the owner - as well as on states.

The duties of states are of two different types, she said. The duty of the state of the flag that the vessel is carrying, and the duty of the coastal state - thats the rule thats coming into play this year, she added.

This obliges coastal states to have search and rescue services for people in distress, and to rescue them.

Papanicolopulu compares the fact that countries can still fail to rescue migrants at sea, as obligated under international law, to how people still commit murder despite it being forbidden.

There is a legal rule prohibiting murder, but every day, unfortunately, there is someone murdering someone else. So even though we have a legally binding rule, this doesnt automatically mean that everyone will comply.

Italy has search and rescue teams deployed across its coasts which have been involved in migrant rescuing operations. And yet more than 1,300 people have died in the Mediterranean this year - the highest number of deaths since 2017.

The Italian government has been condemned in a number of instances and also by the Supreme Court of Italy, the Court of Cassation, for having failed to comply with the duties concerning rescues at sea, Papanicolopulu said.

In this photo provided by Sea-Watch on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, four migrant survivors wave for help as they are in distress at sea. - Karolina Sobel/Sea-Watch via AP, File

For NGOs, helping migrants in distress at sea is only a duty by law when an incident is occurring. They dont otherwise have a duty to keep search and rescue ships by a countrys coasts as the Italian government does.

But while its not a duty, its legally permitted for NGO ships to rescue migrants - and even morally encouraged, Papanicolopulu said. But morals are different from the law.

The problem is political, she added. The laws are quite clear, though there are some details that are unclear, like those about destination ports. The law says that the master must disembark people in distress as soon as possible in a place of safety, but the rules do not identify objective criteria to define how soon is as soon as possible and what a place of safety is.

Italy cannot forbid NGOs from rescuing migrants at sea because it would be breaking international law, said Papanicolopulu. Thats why it passed all these laws, like the recent decree in February, to discourage them in other ways.
Greece is investigating whether organised arson groups are to blame for wildfires which now left at least 20 people dead.

Greece's largest current fire has now been burning for five days just outside the city of Alexandroupolis, near the border with Turkey.

Firefighters searching burnt out areas of the region discovered 18 bodies, believed to be migrants, in a forest on Tuesday.

One other person was found dead in Northern Greece on Monday, while another died in a separate blaze in central Greece.

The country's second major blaze is just northwest of Athens and has burnt through homes between the capital city and Parnitha National Park, a dense area of forest.

In just three days, Greece has seen 209 wildfires break out, a fire department spokesperson said.

"Conditions remain difficult and in many cases extreme," Ioannis Artopios said.

The fires have grown thanks to gale-force wind and hot, dry conditions. While the winds are dying down, authorities have warned that the risk of new fires is still high.

Dozens of villages in the northeast region have been evacuated, as has Alexandroupolis Hospital, with a ferry being transformed into a temporary floating medical facility.

With their own emergency services stretched to the limit, Greece has sought help from other European countries.

Germany, Sweden, Croatia and Cyprus have provided extra water-dropping aircraft while more firefighters and water tanks have been sent by Romania and Czech Republic.

The exact cause of the fires is unclear and Greece's Supreme Court prosecutor Georgia Adilini has launched an investigation into whether organised arson groups were operating in the region.

Greece's climate crisis and civil protection minister Vassilis Kikilias has confirmed the northeastern fires started in several places simultaneously.

Across the border in Turkey, wildfires in the Canakkale province are now in their second day thanks to strong winds.

Read more:

Deadly wildfires: Is climate change to blame?

Dramatic before and after shots show impact of Maui blaze

More than 1,250 people have been evacuated from nine villages and more than 80 are being treated for the effects of smoke.

Story continues

Authorities have stopped boats on the nearby Dardanelles Strait, where water-dropping aircraft are refilling.

Turkey's forestry minister Ibrahim Yumakli has said the country's team of firefighters are being supported by more than 24 fire-dousing planes and helicopters.

Meanwhile, wildfires in Tenerife are nearly under control after ripping through 1,500 hectares (nearly six square miles) in a week, authorities have said.

Italy has also reported fires amid temperatures above 38C (100F) near the popular summer destination of Sanremo.
By Josh Smith, Hyunsu Yim and Elaine Lies

SEOUL/TOKYO (Reuters) -North Korea's second attempt to place a spy satellite in orbit failed on Thursday after the rocket booster experienced a problem with its third stage, state media reported, as space authorities vowed to try again in October.

Its first try in May also ended in failure when the new Chollima-1 rocket crashed into the sea.

The pre-dawn launch came in the first hours of an eight-day window that North Korea had announced for the attempt.

The nuclear-armed country has been seeking to place what would be its first military spy satellite into orbit, saying it plans a fleet of satellites to monitor moves by U.S. and South Korean troops.

"The flights of the first and second stages of the rocket were normal, but the launch failed due to an error in the emergency blasting system during the third-stage flight," state news agency KCNA said of Thursday's launch.

South Korea's military said it tracked the flight from its launch at the North's Sohae Satellite Launching Ground and concluded that it was a failure. It said it was seeking to find and potentially salvage any wreckage.

The launch prompted an emergency warning in Japan just before 4 a.m. local time (1900 GMT) over the J-alert broadcasting system, telling residents of the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa to take cover.

About 20 minutes after the alert, the Japanese government followed up with a notice that the missile had passed and lifted the emergency warning.

In a televised news conference, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said the repeated missile launches were a threat to regional security.

"We will strongly protest against North Korea and condemn it in the strongest possible terms," he said.

Matsuno said parts of the rocket fell into the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, and the Pacific Ocean.

South Korea's National Security Council condemned the launch as a provocation and violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions banning the North's use of ballistic missile technology.

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The White House condemned the launch as violating multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions, while the U.S. State Department urged North Korea to refrain from "further threatening activity" and calling on Pyongyang to engage in serious diplomacy.

"Space launch vehicles (SLVs) incorporate technologies that are identical to, and interchangeable with, those used in ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)," a State Department spokesperson said in a statement.

MORE LAUNCHES TO COME

North Korea's National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) said it would investigate and take steps to fix the cause of Thursday's failure but that it "is not a big issue" in terms of the rocket system's overall reliability.

"NADA expressed the stand that it would conduct the third reconnaissance satellite launch in October after thoroughly probing the reason and taking measures," KCNA reported.

The North's May 31 bid to launch the Chollima-1 satellite rocket ended with the booster and payload plunging into the sea after a failure in the second stage. State media blamed the setback on an unstable and unreliable new engine system and fuel.

South Korea recovered parts of that failed rocket, including the satellite payload, which it said did not appear to have military capability.

Despite the failure on Thursday, the state media report suggests that North Korea has made progress since May's crash, said Ankit Panda of the U.S.-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"There appear to still be time pressures for NADA to succeed given the commitment to an October follow-up launch," he added. "That may or may not provide enough time for North Korea's scientists to go back to the drawing board and iterate once again."

The secretive North considers its space and military rocket programs a sovereign right, and analysts say spy satellites are crucial to improving the effectiveness of its weapons.

North Korea has made multiple attempts to launch "earth observation" satellites, two of which appeared to have been successfully placed in orbit, including in 2016.

International observers have said the 2016 satellite seemed to be under control, but there was lingering debate over whether it had sent any transmissions.

(Reporting by Elaine Lies and Chang-Ran Kim in Tokyo and Josh Smith, Ju-min Park, Joyce Lee and Hyunsu Yim in Seoul; Additional reporting by Phil Stewart and Kanishka Singh in Washington; Writing by Josh Smith; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien, Stephen Coates and Gerry Doyle)
Mauricio Pochettino has backed Mykhailo Mudryk to come good at Chelsea.

The winger has struggled to live up to the 89m fee the Blues paid for his services in January, albeit during a difficult period for the club.

Pochettino is yet to start the 22-year-old this season but has since lost Carney Chukwuemeka to injury, putting Mudryk in contention to feature from the off at home to Luton on Friday.

Sundays defeat at West Ham saw the Ukraine international make an underwhelming cameo but Pochettino believes there is much more to come.

Hes a young player and a player that has a lot of talent, explained Pochettino.

I think he needs to build his continuity and trust [with his team-mates], work hard in the training sessions during the week and continue to show he is ready to perform.

We need to also build that trust with him and he needs to build it with us as part of the team, as is the same with many of our younger players.

It will take a little time but there is no doubting he has enormous talent and quality and its only a matter of time before he settles into the team on a regular basis.

The Argentine has a proven track-record in improving young players, having risen to prominence while doing so at Tottenham.

The Blues could yet strengthen their options out wide with Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson and Lyon winger Bradley Barcola targets late into the summer transfer window.
Reuters/August Frank

Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death as they slept in a brutal murder that captured international headlines, waived his right to a speedy trial on Wednesdaypostponing the start of his trial indefinitely.

Kohbergers trial had been slated to begin Oct. 2 in Moscow, Idaho, the same city where cops say Kohberger broke into a home and massacred Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin as they slept.

Before Kohbergers hearing, Goncalves loved ones posted to Facebook that theyre afraid Kohberger will now be able to skirt justice for years.

We want to get this trial over, the family wrote to a joint Facebook account, the Idaho Statesman reported. Just thinking it could be years absolutely kills me.

Thered been chatter about Kohberger possibly waiving his right to a speedy trial since last week when his attorney, the public defender Anne Taylor, requested an in-person hearing. She was joined in the Latah County courtroom on Wednesday by Kohberger, who wore a white shirt and gray tie.

Prosecutors Reveal Bombshell DNA Match in Kohberger Case

Evidence has been stacking up against Kohberger this year. DNA was collected from a knife sheath found at the murder scene and returned as a match to Kohberger in June. Kohberger claims the DNA was planted by cops.

Earlier this month, Kohberger provided his much-anticipated alibi for the night of the slayings, and it was was far from airtight. He claimed he was out late the night of the grisly slayings, just driving around in his white Hyundai Elantra that was captured on camera near the near the murder scene in the wee hours of the morning.

Outside the courtroom, disturbing details about Kohbergers past have continued to surface. Old high school classmates spoke of how he went from being a chubbier kid to being pencil thin before his senior yearturning into one of the schools biggest bullies in the process.

An old administrator at Kohbergers high school in Pennsylvania said this week that he was removed from the schools law enforcement program after a group of girls made a pretty severe complaint about him. That administrator, Tanya Carmella-Beers, said the grisly murder accusations against Kohberger makes sense now that she looks back at his past.

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Theres been more recent accounts of Kohbergers creepiness, too. A friend claimed he broke into her apartment and moved stuff around to manipulate her and to spy on her. His students at Washington State Universitywhere he was a doctoral candidate in criminologysaid he was disheveled the rest of the semester after the Nov. 13 murders, and his old classmates recalled him bulldozing over women in seminars.

Kohberger was arrested on Dec. 30 at his parents home in Pennsylvania. The arresting officers wrote in a report that he was going through his familys trash with gloves as they burst through the door. Ever since, hes pleaded his innocence through Taylor, but has remained mostly mum in court. That included him standing silent instead of pleading not guilty at his arraignment in May.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The Pope's Exorcist

The Pope's Exorcist, one the year's most divisive horror releases, is the new number one movie on Netflix in the US.

The supernatural flick stars Russell Crowe as Father Gabriele Amorth, the Pope's personal exorcist, as he investigates the possession of a child, uncovers a conspiracy in the Vatican, and rides his Vespa around Italy. In the platform's top 10, the movie is ahead of new Netflix original Heart of Stone, starring Gal Gadot, and the streamer's new animated family movie The Monkey King.

The Pope's Exorcist divided critics and viewers when it was released in April, scoring 47% on Rotten Tomatoes with a mixed batch of reviews. Rolling Stone wrote that "The Popes Exorcist will certainly never go down as a classic of the genre, but its better than it has any reason to be," but Screen Daily remarked that "the fact that everyone involved thought this was a good idea... is somehow far more terrifying than anything onscreen."

However, the audience score on the review aggregator site is a much healthier 81%, and viewers have also taken to Twitter to share their enjoyment of the movie. "Watching the Popes Exorcist. Good flick. Ill nod towards a good tale of demonic possession, however impossible to suspend disbelief that Russell Crowe rode a Vespa 20 hours from Rome to Castile," wrote one Twitter user . "All this time, I thought THE POPES EXORCIST was a horror-comedy. Was not expecting an actually serious possession movie," commented another .

The Pope's Exorcist is streaming now on Netflix in the US. For more viewing inspiration, fill out your watch list with our picks of the other best Netflix horror movies to add to your watch list.
Laura Thompson from Henderson Group with Niamh Clarke (left) and her daughter Dotty to launch the 2023 Community Coffee Morning with Eurospar and Vivoxtra for Cancer Fund for Children.

Niamh Clarke from Castlewellan says shell never forget how the charity is helping her young family.

I will never forget the day I was told I had cancer. Im a single parent of three children and my first thought was - am I going to die, and who will look after my children? I am all they have. Cancer Fund for Children helped me in so many ways, from calling to my house for a chat, giving me lots of helpful information, and to helping me talk to my children about cancer, while being so kind to them.

We were invited to Daisy Lodge at Easter and it was a weekend I will never forget. I felt a sense of calm come over me.

"We played games, we laughed and we ate amazing food. We met other families and shared stories and I am still friends with them.

Next Friday, September 1, marks the beginning of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which Cancer Fund for Children will kick off with a community coffee morning hosted by over 90 community supermarkets in Northern Ireland.

Niamh said: It is so important that people raise money to support places like Daisy Lodge and the Community Coffee Morning is a great way to do this.

"We will never ever forget what Cancer Fund for Children has done and are still doing to help us as a family.

A host of retail teams from across Northern Ireland are helping kick off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with Cancer Fund for Children at the Eurospar and Vivoxtra Community Coffee Morning next month.

The annual event, which is supported by Barista Bar Coffee and Kingsmill, will see over 90 community supermarkets across the weekend of the September 8 -10 hold a coffee morning in aid of their charity partner, Cancer Fund for Children.

While Cancer Fund for Children fundraise all year round, a special focus is placed on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

This year the charity aims to grow awareness of childhood cancer, grow connections, collaborations and partnerships, and to grow their support services for hundreds of children and families living with cancer across Northern Ireland,

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Phil Alexander, ceo at Cancer Fund for Children said: I would like to take this opportunity to thank Henderson Group for their invaluable support.

"The Eurospar and Vivoxtra Community Coffee mornings go from strength to strength every year and they are one of the highlights in our charitys fundraising calendar.

"The coffee mornings bring local communities together whilst raising vital funds to help hundreds of families, ensuring they feel supported, connected and better able to cope with the emotional impact of cancer.

Bronagh Luke, head of Corporate Marketing at Henderson Group, which owns Eurospar and Vivoxtra in Northern Ireland added: We are so proud to have raised over 1.6 million for Cancer Fund for Children since our partnership began 12 years ago, and it is an honour to host the kick off events for Septembers Childhood Cancer Awareness Month through our Coffee Morning.

We have over 90 engaged Eurospar and Vivoxtra supermarkets in Northern Ireland whose teams have dedicated their time and energy into initiatives like the Community Coffee Morning, and made them a success for our charity partners and the many families they help throughout the year.

Shoppers can visit any Eurospar or Vivoxtra store throughout the weekend, including flagship stores, Creightons Eurospar Markethill, Swifts Eurospar Lisnaskea, Smyths Eurospar Ballymoney, Mulgrews Eurospar Carryduff, Lynchs Eurospar Skeoge, Kellys Vivoxtra Castledawson and Mulkerns Eurospar Newry, who are all hosting fundraising events on Friday September 8 and Saturday, September 9.

For all the details on how stores are getting involved and to donate, visit eurosparni.co.uk/community/cancer-fund-for-children.
FILE - Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, lead a rally in Managua, Nicaragua. Nicaraguas government on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, declared the Jesuit religious order illegal and ordered the confiscation of all its property. (AP Photo/Alfredo Zuniga, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

MEXICO CITY (AP)  Nicaraguas government on Wednesday declared the Jesuit religious order illegal and ordered the confiscation of all its property.

The move comes one week after the government of President Daniel Ortega confiscated the Jesuit-run University of Central America in Nicaragua, arguing it was a center of terrorism.

The confiscation order published Wednesday claimed the Roman Catholic order had failed to comply with tax reporting.

It was the latest in a series of increasingly authoritarian actions by the Nicaraguan government against the Catholic Church and opposition figures. The Jesuit order, known as the Society of Jesus, has condemned the measures.

The University of Central America in Nicaragua was a hub for 2018 protests against the Ortega regime.

After last week's announcement, the Society of Jesus of Central America said in a statement: This is a government policy that systematically violates human rights and appears to be aimed at consolidating a totalitarian state."

Since December 2021, at least 26 Nicaraguan universities have been closed and their assets seized by order of the Ortega government with a similar procedure. Seven of those were foreign institutions.

In April, the Vatican closed its embassy in Nicaragua after the countrys government proposed suspending diplomatic relations.

Two congregations of nuns, including from the Missionaries of Charity order founded by Mother Teresa, were expelled from Nicaragua last year.

The expulsions, closures and confiscations have not just targeted the church. Nicaragua has outlawed or closed more than 3,000 civic groups and non-governmental organizations.

In May, the government ordered the Nicaraguan Red Cross shut down, accusing it of attacks on peace and stability during anti-government demonstrations in 2018. The local Red Cross says it just helped treat injured protesters during the protests.

In June, the government confiscated properties belonging to 222 opposition figures who were forced into exile in February after being imprisoned by Ortegas regime.

Those taken from prison and forced aboard a flight to the United States on Feb. 9 included seven presidential hopefuls barred from running in the 2021 election, lawyers, rights activists, journalists and former members of the Sandinista guerrilla movement.

Thousands have fled into exile since Nicaraguan security forces violently put down mass anti-government protests in 2018. Ortega says the protests were an attempted coup with foreign backing, aiming for his overthrow.
The South Eastern Regional College in Lisburn is one of the Further Education Colleges offering traineeships this year. Pic credit: SERC

Available across 27 professions, the novel NI Traineeships enable school-leavers and adults to gain a qualification equivalent to five GCSEs (Level 2), while also gaining valuable work experience in the sector they are interested in.

Applications are now open across all six FE Colleges for September 23 entry, with further details of whats on offer at each College available online by searching Traineeships on the NI Direct website.

A Traineeship typically takes up to two years to complete on a full-time basis. Students can then progress to Level 3 FE courses or Apprenticeships, both of which offer progression to Higher Education including degrees and Higher-Level Apprenticeships.

Among the 27 professions covered by the NI Traineeships are engineering, auto electrics, joinery, animal care, professional chef, hospitality and tourism, travel and tourism, and childcare and early years.

Leo Murphy, Chair of the College Principals Group and Principal and Chief Executive of North West Regional College (NWRC), said: These NI Traineeships offer young people and adults a fantastic chance to begin a new and exciting chapter in their lives.

"If you are a school leaver, are unemployed, or currently have a desire to work in a certain sector, then I urge you to find out more about the NI Traineeships now on offer in your local Further Education College.

Clement Athanasiou, Director of Apprenticeships, Careers and Vocational Education at the Department for the Economy, added: The opportunity provided by a Traineeship for those who are not in employment to gain Level 2 qualifications can unlock their chosen career path or set them up to progress to higher levels of education, such as through an Apprenticeship.

"Participants on a Traineeship will also learn valuable skills for employment by taking part in work-based learning which is a great way to develop the wider transversal skills that are so important in the world of work.

"This is a fantastic and accessible new route to learning and I would encourage all those interested and eligible to look at the wide range of training options available through their local FE college.
Steps were taken to boost the number of women in the RUC in 1998 with recruitment officers focusing attention on shopping centres, newly declassified files reveal.

The state papers show that efforts were also made to recruit more Catholics into the police force by advertising in newspapers with a higher nationalist readership.

In 2001 the RUC transitioned into the PSNI following reforms suggested in the Independent Commission on Policing in Northern Ireland, chaired by Lord Patten.

A 50-50 recruitment policy ran for the first decade of the new force, meaning one Catholic recruit for every one person from a Protestant or other background.

Lord Pattens report led to the RUC transitioning into the PSNI in 2001 (Michael McHugh/PA)

The papers from the Public Record Office in Belfast show that concerns were raised about low representation of Catholics and women in policing in Northern Ireland during the final years of the RUC.

At the time the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee was carrying out an inquiry into fair employment, and a number of papers on the subject were prepared.

A fax from George Cleland, of the NIO Police Division, in May 1999 was titled Composition of and Recruitment to the RUC.

It stated: The RUC has redoubled its efforts to encourage applications from all sides of the community in Northern Ireland and takes considerable care to reach out to the minority in particular.

While the ceasefires continue to hold the confidence needed by members of the minority to apply for membership of the RUC continues to grow.

The paper said that latest statistics had shown there had been a considerable upturn in applications from the minority community and females.

It said: An advertising campaign took place during December 1998 and specifically targeted the two main under-represented groups, Roman Catholics and women.

To get better coverage in the Roman Catholic community, the RUCs Recruiting Branch advertised in an additional seven newspapers which research had shown were read mainly by this section of the community.

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To reach more women, a number of shopping centres were given more attention by Recruiting Branch.

As a result of that very positive action the number of applications received from the Roman Catholic community rose to 22%.

The number of applications from women rose to 36%.

The number of applications from Roman Catholic women rose by 73%.

The paper continued: Statistical analyses indicates that over 9,000 officers from Reserve Constables to Inspectors and almost 300 senior officers have received training on sectarian and sexual harassment.

A separate paper detailed efforts to encourage more women and Catholics to apply for senior positions in the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS).

It said the NICS had removed seniority as an eligibility requirement for internal promotion and an increased number of promotion opportunities had been filled by way of trawl and open to all staff in all grades on an NICS-wide basis.
Russia's former president Dmitry Medvedev says Moscow could formally annex two breakaway regions of neighbouring Georgia.

Abkhazia and South Ossetia have effectively been under the control of Moscow since a short conflict between Russia and Georgia over the regions in 2008.

Moscow recognises both as independent states, while most United Nations members view them as Russian-occupied Georgian territory.

Mr Medvedev, who was president in 2008 when Moscow formerly recognised the two regions as independent, has now suggested they could formally join Russia.

In an article published by Russian newspaper Argumenty i Fakty on Wednesday - the 15th anniversary of Mr Medvedev's decree - he wrote: "The idea of joining Russia is still popular in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

"It could quite possibly be implemented if there are good reasons for that."

He suggested such a move could be pushed forward if Georgia takes steps towards joining NATO.

"We will not wait if our concerns become closer to reality," Mr Medvedev wrote.

Both Abkhazia and South Ossetia held autonomous status within Georgia during its period under the control of the Soviets.

Read more:

Putin attends BRICS summit virtually to avoid war crimes arrest

Wagner Group chief shares first video address since aborted mutiny

When Georgia declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, both regions declared their own intention to break away.

This led to armed conflicts between the separatists and the newly-formed Georgian government, who attempted to take control of the regions by force.

Moscow decided to support the breakaway regions, aggravating relations between Georgia and the post-Soviet Russian government.

The tensions came to a head in 2008, when the Georgian armed forces launched an offensive to take control of Abkhazia, sparking a short war between Russia and Georgia.

Russian troops entered both Abkhazia and South Ossetia and pushed back the Georgian forces, before Mr Medvedev signed a decree formally recognising the two regions as independent states.

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Georgia responded by declaring the move an annexation of its territory.

The vast majority of United Nations members also refused to recognise the independence of the two breakaway regions.

Since then, Georgia has maintained mixed diplomatic relations with its far-bigger neighbour.

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Tbilisi criticised Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, from which Moscow annexed four more regions in September last year.

However, Georgia, which relies on Russia for tourism and the exportation of its wine, has not joined the West in imposing sanctions on Russia.

Moscow, meanwhile, has strongly opposed suggestions that Georgia could one day join NATO.

Georgian officials have repeatedly expressed a desire to join the military alliance, on the basis that it would help to secure the country's territorial integrity.
The Government needed to project a sexier plan for Northern Irelands economy to the rest of the world following the Good Friday Agreement, a Stormont official suggested.

The official in the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) made the comment in relation to a Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) document drawn up for use by UK embassies overseas.

The Bull Points document offered a brief overview of issues pertaining to Northern Ireland in early 2000.

An FCO official sent it to the OFMDFM in February 2000, asking for it to be updated to reflect the latest political developments in the region.

The official who questioned whether the paper needed a sexier economic approach also suggested the document represented a relic of the past.

The paper, which is newly released from the archives of the Public Records Office NI, offered an optimistic assessment of political progress in Northern Ireland.

A devolved Executive, representative of the whole community, has set about tackling the issues which people care about: health care, education, environment and jobs, it said.

Its still early days but the signs are encouraging and examples of normal politics are beginning to emerge.

Politics are no longer dominated by the constitutional issues.

Ministers in the 11 devolved departments are already experiencing the opportunities and challenges of taking real responsibility.

In a short section covering economic, social and cultural issues, the Bull Points paper said the Government would make rapid progress with a new economic development strategy for Northern Ireland.

In a handwritten note on an internal OFMDFM letter about the approach to making potential amendments to the document, the official stated: A relic of the past or so I thought. It could do with a sexier economic approach. What do you think.
Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Getty/Reuters

When eight Republican presidential hopefuls step onto a debate stage in Milwaukee on Wednesday night, Donald Trump wont be among them.

But that doesnt mean the former president and his allies are skipping out on furiously working to make the first GOP presidential debate a Trump victory.

Behind the scenes, Trumps campaign is putting their confidence in a team of surrogates traveling to the debate site to spin on his behalf.

Theyre banking on a pre-taped interview between Trump and right-wing pundit Tucker Carlsonto be aired in primetimeto distract from the debate and deal a blow to the events host network, Fox News.

Everything You Need to Know Ahead of the First GOP Primary Debate

Above all, they may be betting on Trump himself, and his unique ability to distract, deflect, and distort.

I WILL BE VERY BUSY TOMORROW NIGHT, the former president wrote in a Truth Social post Tuesday afternoon, seemingly suggesting he could be plucking away at his iPhone keyboard to send out messages during the debate. ENJOY!!!

One source close to Trump suggested to The Daily Beast that the post telegraphed his plans to push out rapid-response commentary during the debate or to partake in last-minute interviews. A Trump spokesperson did not return a request for comment about his exact debate night plans.

What seems certain, at this point, is that Trump will not participate in the debate himself. The Republican National Committee set a Monday night cutoff for candidates to confirm their attendance, a deadline Trump missed after months of building anticipation over what he would do.

For the former president, his calculus around the debate has not been a mystery: He wants the primary to be a coronation, not a competition. Looking at the available public polls of the race, his team believes GOP voters largely feel the same.

Hes so far ahead in the polls, why would you go on the stage with 1 percenters, a Trump adviser told The Daily Beast, as to Trumps recent thinking. Its a joke.

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Still, the Milwaukee debate is the first real opportunity for Trumps biggest rivalsnamely, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamyto pick up the momentum necessary to challenge the former president for the nomination.

It will also be a platform for two vehemently anti-Trump voices in the field, former Govs. Chris Christie and Asa Hutchinson, who will get their biggest platforms yet to argue the GOP should avoid re-nominating him at all costs.

Given that backdrop, Trumps team has understood they cannot ignore the debate entirely, even if Trump himself is pretending to ignore it.

They seem to have settled on a two-pronged strategy of both drawing attention away from the big event and making their presence known at ita formula that could persist through the primary debate season, which Trump has indicated he will not participate in whatsoever.

8 Candidates Made the Cut for the First GOP Primary Debate

The news of Trumps decision not to show in Milwaukee broke last week alongside the announcement that he would sit for an interview with Carlson, to be streamed on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter.

While Carlsons viewership has likely shrunk significantly since his firing from Fox News, Trumps inner circle seems to view the hosts platform as a significant draw away from the debate on his former network.

You cant buy that type of exposure, said one of the three Trump advisers who spoke to The Daily Beast. They were not authorized to speak on the record by the campaign.

This source added that theres an expectation inside the Trump orbit that the Carlson interview will draw more eyeballs than the Fox News debateand perhaps force the network and other media outlets to cover the sideshow, too.

Its hard to cover the debate and not point out the counter-programming, they said.

That logic may also apply to the Trump teams strategy to ensure he is promoted in Milwaukee, even if hes not actually there.

The campaign has carefully strategized over the question of which surrogates to send to engage with press, activists, and other figures who will be on hand for the first debate. They ultimately chose four stalwart MAGA figures: Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Byron Donalds (R-FL), and Matt Gaetz (R-FL); and former Arizona governor candidate Kari Lake.

The Trump campaign selected the four Republicans for their familiarity with tough press questioning and their popularity among the base.

I think youre seeing some of the biggest supporters, a Trump adviser said. Theyre all very vocal, theyre on the front lines, and all of them speak at the rallies, so its kind of the same crowd that has gone to those places.

Citing the possibility for fireworks on the debate stage, some of which will be aimed at Trump, this adviser said the Trump campaign didnt want to send representatives who were unknown, but instead loyalists who would be willing to stick their necks out on his behalf.

Greenes selection in particular was seen as particularly important, given what is perhaps the most significant bit of debate counter-programming: Trumps anticipated arraignment in Atlanta on Thursday on charges he illegally sought to overturn the 2020 election result in Georgia.

The northwest Georgia congresswoman is authentically and realistically the most logical person to go to Milwaukee and parry any indictment-related scrutiny, said a Trump operative who is also close to Greene. They argued her job should be to do as much discrediting as possible of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis case against the former president.

Trumps Battle to Move the Atlanta Trial Is Just Beginning

Given how little appetite Trumps primary foes have shown to so much as suggest Trump behaved illegally or unethically in the Georgia caseor in any of the three other criminal cases he is facingsuch an approach from Greene may be a politically astute one on debate night.

No matter what the surrogates do, however, any positive media that could flow from a breakout performance by any rival candidate is likely to be overshadowed when Trump turns himself over to authorities at the Fulton County jail on Thursday.

It will take the oxygen out of whatever happens from the debate, a longtime Trump confidant said. Right now, I have CNN on, not Fox News, because I want to see what theyre talking aboutits all day, every day, every program is the Georgia indictment.

For Trumps orbit, their beef with Fox Newswhich is hosting the first debate and the next one on its affiliate Fox Businessmay be as intense as any conflict with the candidates who will appear onstage Wednesday night.

In the final days leading up to the debate, the right-wing media giant has seemingly hit back at the former presidents campaign for trying to influence an event their candidate is skipping.

According to Axios, Fox News is prohibiting Trumps aides from participating in the customary post-debate spin room, a large hall where campaigns representatives can immediately face the press and explain why their candidate won the debate.

On a different front, top Trump adviser Chris LaCivita accused Fox News on Tuesday of engaging in censorship after the network allegedly prohibited employees from viewing a website created by MAGA Inc., a Trump-aligned Super PAC, which trolled candidates who are partaking in the GOP presidential debate.

Swamp comes in all flavors and colors, he said of the cable behemoth.

One of the most outspoken Trump alliesSteve Bannonhas taken it a step further by urging his viewers to boycott the Fox News debate in Trumps honor.

Friends dont let friends watch TV for stupid people, Bannon said of Fox News earlier this week. Make sure they do not watch the debate.

Despite that call to action, Bannons own boss couldnt disagree more.

Trumps Sideshow Characters Keep Racking up Huge Legal Bills

Candidates that cant or wont stand up to voice their policy and opinions in an open public sphere of a debate have no right to run for public office in a democracy, Robert J. Sigg, the president of Performance One Media, which owns the far-right network Real Americas Voice, told The Daily Beast. The network broadcasts Bannons popular shows.

We will be spotlighting those candidates that are willing to show up, Sigg said. Any candidate not willing to talk to the American people does not deserve air time.

While Trump wont be onstage Wednesday evening, two Trump advisers said the push to convince Trump to appear in Milwaukee has not slowed, despite the fact that he has missed the RNC's deadline to confirm participation.

On Tuesday morning, the campaign continued as Fox News host Steve Doocy wondered aloud if Trump could roll up at the last minute to the debate in a limousine. A Fox News reporter responded by leaving the door open to the possibility.

Every single day, theyre out there pitching for him to show up, a previously mentioned Trump adviser said of Fox News. And every guest that goes on, theyre asking: Do you think hell show up?

They want him there. Hes been the one to make the choice, this source added. I dont think theyre ignoring him; hes ignoring them.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Emergency medical care is absolutely crucial and intervening quickly and promptly can save lives, restore vital functions, and limit long-term complications for patients.

A&E is a central department of Hanoi French Hospital (HFH), which is supported by the entire hospitals infrastructure of medical imagery, lab, operation theatres and more, so that we can assure fast, safe and quality care around the clock.

Doctors - The true soldiers of our A&E Department

According to Dr. Francois Pruvot, Head of the A&E Department at Hanoi French Hospital, quick decisions about severe cases are critical. As a result, doctors and paramedics in the A&E Department require specialised training to respond quickly and effectively to any medical emergency, from minor trauma to life-threatening conditions.

Dr. Pruvot emphasises that at Hanoi French Hospital, accident and emergency services are one of the trusted services of the hospital with many advantages, including:

- Being staffed by a team of doctors and medical staff who are intensively trained according to European standards in emergency medicine to provide the most possible accurate diagnosis and clinical classification, ensuring that patients receive the care they need promptly and effectively

- International doctors that can communicate in multiple languages, providing patients with a sense of familiarity and comfort, as if they were being treated in their own country.

- Collaborating closely with other hospital departments to ensure that patients receive consistent, seamless care, including timely tests and surgery

- Providing complete information about the patient's condition to both patients and families, including treatment options and follow-up care

- Ensuring effective pain control is a priority so that patients are safe and comfortable. HFH recognises that receiving prompt emergency pain relief is critical to a patient's health and wellbeing. As a result, in each emergency case where the patient experiences pain, the medical team in the A&E Department responds swiftly and carefully to manage the situation and reduce the patient's discomfort as soon as possible

- With optimal emergency procedures, modern facilities, and 24/7 availability of operating rooms and delivery rooms, the medical experts at HFH apply a holistic approach to handle emergency situations and help patients return to a safer condition, including providing a safe and caring environment

- Performing only the necessary tests and scans for diagnosis and treatment, helping to save costs and time

- Privacy and a quiet environment for patients with its own curtained emergency beds and hospital rooms, tailored to the medical condition and needs of each patient.

According to the World Health Organization, in medical emergencies the most critical factor is to provide first aid to the injured and sick as soon as possible. Most deaths occur in the first few hours after an accident due to respiratory system issues, blocked airways, or blood loss, almost all of which can be managed with prompt emergency care. If treated promptly, patients will see significantly reduced mortality rates and fewer complications and injuries.

In the event of an emergency, the emergency and surgical team at HFH is available 24/7, providing prompt, efficient, and high-quality emergency care. This is consistent with our commitment to providing first-class healthcare. Our professional skills, as well as a commitment to serving the patient's best interests, create a difference in terms of the quality of emergency services at Hanoi French Hospital.
HA NOI  The establishment of a land use right exchange is vital for the centralised management of the realty sector.

The statement was made by Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Le Minh Ngan at a governmental meeting on Monday.

Ngan said a market for land use rights had taken shape but was operating unstably due to the absence of a centralised platform.

The launch of such a platform would help investors obtain realty property more easily and provide the government with the tools to control realty prices more effectively.

"The need to establish a platform on which land use rights can be traded is urgent," said Ngan.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha was all for Ngan's proposal. He said a centralised national platform for land use rights trading would create a conducive environment for private platforms.

What ministries had to do now to pave the way for the platform, Ha said, is to define its operational mechanics and its responsibilities towards businesses, set the criteria for their admission to the platform, and establish a mechanism under which data among platforms can be transferred.

Prior to the meeting, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Construction were working on a scheme to launch a platform on which land use rights can be traded.

Nguyen Chi Thanh, deputy chairman of the Vietnam Association of Realtors, said the exchange would serve as a centralised hub where land use rights can be bought, sold, and exchanged.

However, its significance would extend far beyond transaction facilitation. It would pave the way for a real-time database whereby financial watchdogs can monitor real estate transactions more effectively.

In the long term, it would also deliver a correction to the realty market and thwart any attempt to create speculative bubbles on it.

"A land use right exchange run by realtor associations is not new to many countries, but not so be the one under the State's management," said Thanh.

The deputy chairman also said it would take a lot of time to get the exchange up and running, given the amount of work required to establish its legal framework and digital platform.

Tran Khanh Quang, director of the Viet An Hoa Real Estate Investment JSC, said the exchange would help unlock the full potential of the realty market by bringing sellers and buyers together in a single centralised platform.

Being managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and operated by its provincial subordinates, it would also shield them against falling victim to manipulative pricing.

Its advantages are not confined to only sellers and buyers but also extend to governmental bodies by streaming market supervision and facilitating tax collection.

ang Hung Vo, former deputy minister of Natural Resources and Environment, said only when the exchange is established as a State-authorised public service provider could it gain popularity at the grassroots level.

He also said the existing platforms for real estate trading were functioning as private service providers. They have no authority to verify transactions. Verification falls under the competence of notarial offices.

"A land use right exchange would be infeasible unless its ties with land registration offices and notarial offices are established," said Vo.

Realty expert Phan Cong Chanh said the real estate platforms and the exchange would differ in that future property can be traded on the former whereas it would not be the case for future land use right on the latter.

Mai Van Phan, director of the Department of Land Registration and Information Database, said his department was working to lay the groundwork for the exchange and would soon report to the Prime Minister on its progress.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam was leading the way in embracing technology and digital transformation, said Winnie Wong, Mastercard Country Manager for Viet Nam, Cambodia and Laos at an online seminar on ensuring security and safety for electronic payments in the digital era.

The online seminar was organised on Monday by the Tap chi Thi truong Tai chinh Tien te (Financial and Monetary Market Review) under the direction of the Viet Nam Banks Association and the companionship of Mastercard.

Digital transformation had taken place rapidly in the region and especially in Viet Nam in recent years, said Wong.

Banks and financial institutions in Viet Nam have been very proactive in ensuring they keep up with trends and technologies.

At least 95 per cent of banks in Viet Nam were actively implementing digital transformation, said Wong.

A Mastercard study last year revealed that 94 per cent of Vietnamese consumers used at least one digital payment method in the past year.

In the Asia Pacific region and even more-developed countries, this rate is only 88 per cent, while in Viet Nam this rate is 94 per cent.

Further evidence for this great movement, Nguyen Quoc Hung, Vice President and General Secretary of the Viet Nam Banks Association, said that before 2016, about 500,000 - 1,000,000 transactions per day was a dream number of credit institutions, up to now, the average transaction volume per day is up to eight million transactions, with the number of cash transactions about VN900 trillion, equivalent to US$40 billion.

Pham Anh Tuan, director of the Payment Department under the State Bank of Viet Nam said that the system through Napas has the number of transactions reaching 4.8 billion transactions per year last year, and was expected to reach 8.4 billion transactions per year next year.

The average amount of money transfer payment transactions rose by 52.35 per cent as of June compared to last year, added Hung.

The amount of payments through POS, QR code, internet and mobile banking increased both in terms of value and quantity.

Meanwhile, the amount of cash withdrawals via ATMs decreased by about 6.3 per cent. As could be seen, digital transformation could help limit the use of cash and promote payment in the fastest and most convenient way.

In addition, about 40 banks have opened payment accounts for customers with about 11 million accounts via eKYC method; about 20 banks opened card payment accounts for customers through eKYC with 10.8 million accounts. This is one of the positive results in the field of card payments.

Notably, the Government has also asked for the connection and sharing of population databases, and without digital transformation, it would not be possible to integrate so quickly. So far, about 25 million customer accounts have integrated residential data after the Ministry of Public Security and the State Bank of Viet Nam reached an agreement on the implementation of the integration of residential data with bank accounts," said Hung.

Apple Pay officially appeared in Viet Nam on August 8 plus Android has completed card integration on phones, said Van Anh Tuan, Senior Director of Information Security at Techcombank.

Along with the integration of the QR code application on the phone, people now just need to bring their phones to pay for all transactions from small to large quickly, easily and conveniently.

Fast speed, no need to manage cash, it is clear that digital transformation applications have really entered the lives of people from small sellers to large businesses. Even ATMs are being " sluggish", said Tuan.

From there, the bank would reduce investment in ATMs to invest in digital transformation more, and the number of branches and employees would decrease, he added.

I believe in the future, the speed of non-cash payments will grow even more," he said.  VNS


HCM CITY  The UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) has had a significant impact on Viet Nams export-oriented industries, driving growth and opening up new opportunities for both countries, experts said.

According to a report by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, trade between Viet Nam and the UK reached US$6.8 billion in 2022, up 3.3 per cent year-on-year.

Viet Nams exports to the UK played a major role in the achievement with goods like textiles, electronics, and agricultural products highly appreciated for their quality and affordability by UK consumers.

On the other hand, Viet Nams imports from the UK slightly declined as Viet Nam focused on developing its own domestic industries and reducing reliance on imported goods.

The trade pact has opened up multiple opportunities for both UK and Vietnamese companies.

UK firms are actively seeking partnerships and investment opportunities in the Vietnamese market. Vietnamese companies, on the other hand, have gained greater access to the UK market, introducing more locally made products to UK consumers.

The UK is known for its diverse import requirements and high consumer purchasing power.

Vietnamese enterprises will have an opportunity to gain access to this market under preferential and competitive conditions, with nearly 100 per cent of Vietnamese goods exported to the UK being exempt from import tax after six years.

The commitments made in the UKVFTA will enable businesses to access new sources of raw materials and reduce dependence on traditional import markets, enhancing Viet Nams participation in regional and global supply chains.

The UKVFTA also helps create a more favourable environment for British companies to invest in Viet Nam, which will result in increased FDI inflows, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing.

Speaking at a recent meeting in Ha Noi, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said Viet Nam would create the most favourable conditions for British investors to expand trade and investment in the country.

The trade deal has helped not only to boost bilateral trade between Viet Nam and the UK but also swing the door wide open for the investment of UK companies in Viet Nam, he said.

The PM proposed that both nations continue taking advantage of preferences from the trade deal to improve bilateral economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

He called on UK investors to invest in Viet Nams many sectors such as green growth, digital transformation, start-ups and innovation, education and training, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

As of December 2022, the UK has invested in a total of 507 projects in Viet Nam, with a total investment of nearly $4.2 billion, ranking 15th out of 141 countries and territories investing in Viet Nam.

In 2022 alone, the UK invested in 53 new investment projects in Viet Nam, with a registered capital of $64.33 million.

Challenges

Despite the opportunities presented by the UKVFTA, experts have warned that local firms will face tough competition from foreign rivals.

The removal of trade barriers and tariff reductions will make it easier for UK companies to enter the Vietnamese market and compete directly with domestic firms.

Vietnamese firms may face challenges in understanding the rules and regulations of the UK market, including customs procedures, documentation requirements, and compliance with trade rules.

Local firms, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), may lack the financial and logistical capabilities to expand their exports to the UK market.

Apart from tariffs, non-tariff barriers such as technical barriers to trade, intellectual property rights, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures can pose challenges for Vietnamese firms.

Complying with these requirements and regulations can be time-consuming and costly.

Local enterprises will need to focus on enhancing their productivity and efficiency, improving their product quality and branding, and seeking ways to innovate in order to remain competitive.

The Government can also play a crucial role by providing support and incentives to local businesses, helping them to adapt to the increased competition and take advantage of the opportunities presented by the free trade agreement.

The UKVFTA, which took effect early 2021, eliminates tariffs on 99 per cent of all goods traded between the UK and Viet Nam over the long term, providing a significant advantage to Vietnamese exporters.

The trade pact allows Viet Nam to diversify its export destinations and reduce its reliance on a few key markets.

The agreement also includes provisions to simplify customs procedures and reduce bureaucratic barriers, making it easier for Vietnamese exporters to access the UK market.

The trade deal also covers services and investment, allowing Vietnamese service providers to access the UK market through improved market access and regulatory transparency.

The agreement is expected to have a significant impact on the growth and competitiveness of Viet Nams export-oriented industries across various sectors such as textiles and garments, electronics and electrical equipment, agricultural and seafood products, automobiles and automobile parts, and others.

Vietnamese firms operating in sectors such as finance, telecommunications, tourism, and education can also benefit from improved access to the UKs service market.  VNS
HCM CITY  Viet Nams leading violinist Bui Cong Duy and international soloists will dazzle HCM Citys audiences with two concerts at the Opera House on August 25 and 26.

The programme aims to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the HCM City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO).

Duy, deputy director of the Viet Nam National Academy of Music, will open the first night with Concerto Grosso No. 1 for Violin, Piano, Percussions & Strings by Nguyen Manh Duy Linh, a graduate of the Magnitogorsk State Conservatory in Russia.

The violinist will perform the concerto along with pianist Ju Sun Young from South Korean and vibraphonist Truong Ngoc Hong Minh.

The concert will also present Double Concerto in E Minor, op. 88 for violin, viola and orchestra written by German composer Max Bruch in 1911, and Double Concerto in A Minor, op. 102 for violin, cello and orchestra by Brahms in 1887.

The performance will feature Duy, violist Yi Wen Chao from Chinese Taipei, cellist Phan o Phuc, and the HBSO symphony orchestra.

Chao, who obtained her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in the US, is currently an associate professor of viola at the Taipei National University of the Arts, while Phuc is currently appointed first conductor of the Viet Nam Youth Orchestra.

For the concert on August 26, Duy and violinist Vu Viet Chuong, who is visiting from the US, will present concerto Viet Nam Bon Mua (Viet Nams Four Seasons) by ang Hong Anh, who received her Masters degree from the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music in Moscow.

Chuong earned a bachelors and masters degrees in violin performance from the University of Houston, and a doctorate from the University of North Texas.

He has appeared as a soloist with orchestras in the US and Viet Nam, and also performed at international music festivals in the US, UK and Brazil.

He is co-founder of the Vietnam Connection Music Festival, which attracts leading classical artists from Viet Nam and around the world.

The night will end with Triple Concerto in C Major, op. 56 for violin, cello and piano composed by Beethoven in 1803, featuring Duy and cellist Grace Ho and pianist Max Levison from the US.

Ho has appeared as a soloist with orchestras such as Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra, Evergreen Symphony Orchestra, and Viet Nam National Symphony Orchestra. She is a founding member of the Ulysses Quartet, and also the principal cellist of the Miami Symphony Orchestra.

Levison has given recitals throughout the US, Canada and Europe. His solo debut CD is available on the N2K Classical label, while other recordings are available on Stereophile and Warner Classics/Japan, and on the Virtuoso Disklavier label.

Japanese conductor Honna Tetsuji, music director and conductor of the Viet Nam National Symphony Orchestra, will lead the concert.

Duy is a graduate of the Tchaikovsky National Music College in Moscow. He won first prize and the gold medal at the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians in St. Petersburg in 1997.

He has performed at concerts in many European and Asian countries, as well as in prestigious halls such as Berliner Symphoniker in German, and Capella Concert Hall in Russia.

He has been executive director of Vietnam Connection Music Festival, and artistic director of Vietnam Classical Players, an ensemble-in-residence of the festival since 2015.

The concert will begin at 8pm at 7 Lam Son Square in District 1. Tickets are available at the venue and www.ticketbox.vn.  VNS
The removal of the yellow card warning against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) imposed by the European Commission (EC) is more than just a goal for Viet Nams seafood industry. This will also be a step towards improving the marine environment for sustainable and responsible fishing practices. Vietnam News Agency spoke with Nguyen Chu Hoi, Permanent Vice Chairman of Viet Nam Fishery Association, about this issue.

What are your thoughts on Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan's responses during the 25th session of the National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee when he spoke about the solutions to lift the EC's yellow card?

Solutions for fighting violations of regulations related to (IUU) fishing are a pressing and long-term issue. This has been identified as a primary task for our political system and fishermen in coastal provinces.

Our aim is not only to remove the EC's yellow card but also to build a sustainable and responsible fishing industry. Only then can our fishermen have a prosperous life, our nation become stronger and our seafood industry becomes sustainable. Therefore, this is a matter of great concern to citizens nationwide, making IUU a significant topic during Minister Hoan's parliamentary question and answer sessions.

Hoan prepared his responses and answered this issue with dedication. I believe that after this session, the minister will continue to listen to the opinions of voters and fishermen.

Minister Hoan also expressed a desire to meet with the Viet Nam Fishery Association to engage in a dialogue with the officials of the association to further discuss IUU-related issues.

What is your assessment of our fishermen's compliance with the EC's regulations on sustainable seafood harvesting?

IUU is a challenging issue because it stems from the nature of small-scale fishing in our country. The structure of small-scale fishing consists of individual households, where fishing is often passed down from generation to generation. Many of these households still operate on small boats, and their fishing methods are manual and dispersed.

Venturing offshore and clinging to the sea is a risky endeavour for our fishermen, relying on a foundation of professional experience and courage. They operate on small vessels, so changing the fishing habits of our fishermen is a process.

Recently, the EC issued a warning regarding the fishing practices in Viet Nam, demanding changes in seafood harvesting methods, including policy reforms. We have introduced 14 criteria to identify IUU in the 2017 Fisheries Law. However, it's essential to emphasise that these criteria are intended for the identification and recognition of IUU, not as legal sanctions. I believe that in the near future, we should focus on further refining these 14 criteria to ensure they become legally enforceable within the law. This will enhance the effectiveness of deterrence measures.

During the Q&A session with Minister Hoan, there were NA deputies who inquired about enhancing the institutional framework and policies for the development of the fisheries sector and the prevention of IUU fishing. In your opinion, what policies are required?

In the 2017 Fisheries Law, which was passed by the NA, there are specific provisions addressing the prohibition of illegal fishing and harvesting. At the local level, there is also a strong commitment to addressing this issue. In his response before the NA Standing Committee, Minister Hoan highlighted solutions, including the need for a new management model for the fisheries sector at the local level.

In my view, regardless of the management model adopted, it cannot succeed without the participation of fishermen, local communities, and the involvement of businesses. Even though our fishing industry is predominantly small-scale, when there are larger vessels and commercial-scale seafood harvesting for export, there still needs to be a role for businesses supporting these activities.

Therefore, we must consider building a community of businesses and fishing communities that are voluntary, self-regulating, and self-adjusting. In such a scenario, associations can provide support, and fishermen can self-regulate their behaviour and respond to natural and human-made disasters, all under the oversight of the State. This is how we can effectively address IUU fishing.

Regarding IUU fishing prevention, we are striving to use administrative measures to promptly lift the EC's yellow card to avoid economic losses. I understand that Viet Nam's seafood exports to the European market account for approximately 16 per cent. Therefore, we have the right to demand that the EU enhance cooperation with Viet Nam in actively resolving this issue, which is mutually beneficial.

They cannot simply make demands without corresponding solutions for us to lift the yellow card for Vietnamese seafood. We are making efforts, but on the other hand, the EU also needs to cooperate with Viet Nam.

Furthermore, we need to implement long-term solutions, primarily ensuring that people comply with regulations and do not re-offend. When fishermen face numerous risks at sea, rising fuel costs, and the need to lay off their vessels while transitioning to ensure their livelihoods, it can lead to re-offending.

Marine conservation to preserve the ecosystem is crucial, as it sustains the habitat for seafood. If coral reefs are lost, seafood disappears, and without seafood, there is no fishing industry and there are no fishermen contributing to the country's seafood exports, and it weakens our capability to protect our sovereignty over marine territories.

Therefore, more than ever, fishermen are essential in combating IUU fishing. I believe that we need specific policies to comprehensively address three aspects: fishermen, the fisheries industry, and fishing grounds, all aimed at sustainable and responsible fishing.

In the upcoming period, we must enforce lawful seafood harvesting practices with responsibility. Responsible seafood harvesting means not depleting seafood resources. This is not just the livelihood of an individual, a family, or a nation but also a global and humanitarian issue. In Government meetings, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has emphasised multiple times that compliance with lawful seafood harvesting and the cessation of IUU violations are the keys to a healthy fishing industry, wealth for our fishermen, and elevating our nation's reputation on the international stage.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, who is paying an official visit to Viet Nam, in Ha Noi on August 22.

Welcoming Wong on her second visit to Viet Nam as the Foreign Minister of Australia, PM Chinh noted with satisfaction the vigorous growth of the countries relations, especially their increasingly enhanced political trust and the flourishing ties in economy - trade, education, culture, labour, people-to-people exchanges, and locality-to-locality links.

He asked the foreign ministries of Viet Nam and Australia to keep coordinating with relevant ministries and sectors to effectively carry out the reached agreements and signed documents while developing concrete joint projects and activities in order to further intensify cooperation, create a solid stepping stone for bilateral relations to reach a new height, and properly prepare for coming high-level mutual visits.

The two countries should strengthen educational, labour, cultural, and people-to-people ties; encourage their enterprises to expand investment in the fields they are strong at; and bolster partnerships in such new areas as climate change response, energy transition, green growth, and digital transformation, he said.

The Government leader also thanked Australia for its precious support for Viet Nam via official development assistance (ODA) and scholarships for Vietnamese students and postgraduates.

For her part, Wong affirmed that Australia treasures the two countries strategic partnership.

She called on both sides to further strengthen cooperation to lift bilateral relations to a new level in the time ahead, particularly in the pillars of politics - diplomacy, security -defence, economy - trade - investment, science - technology, and innovation.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will coordinate closely with the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to arrange visits and meetings between the countries senior leaders in the coming time, she added.

On this occasion, the minister announced a new aid package worth over 94 million AUD (US$60.3 million) for climate change response in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.

Talking about some regional and international issues, Wong stressed that her country respects the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the recently established comprehensive strategic partnership with the bloc.

Australia continues giving priority to the cooperation with the Mekong sub-region and attaches importance to cooperation so as to help with regional peace, stability and balance and the adherence to international law, according to the official. VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam and Japan should strengthen comprehensive cooperation for peace and prosperity in the region and the world, said the Japanese Komeito Party Chief Representative Natsuo Yamaguchi during his meeting with President Vo Van Thuong on Wednesday.

Returning to Viet Nam on an official visit after more than 30 years, Yamaguchi said that he is impressed with the countrys strong growth, especially in major cities such as Ha Noi and HCM City.

Viet Nam-Japan ties have also seen positive development after 50 years of diplomatic relations since 1973, he added.

The Japanese official requested that the two countries continue working together in human resources development.

There are around 500,000 Vietnamese nationals living and working in Japan, and more than 1,000 Japanese enterprises operating in HCM City.

Ha Noi and HCM City also have multiple important infrastructure projects that have construction cooperation and investment from Japanese partners, said Yamaguchi.

President Thuong thanked the Japanese Government and people for creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese workers, interns and students to work and study abroad, which has contributed to Japans socio-economic development and Viet Nam-Japan relations.

Sharing the same perspective on bilateral ties, the Vietnamese leader said he gave high regard to Komeito in Japans course of socio-economic development, as well as in promoting cooperation between the two countries.

He proposed increasing high-level delegation exchanges, adding that Viet Nam encourages exchanges and cooperation promotion at all levels and localities to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Regarding trade, investment and cooperation and investment, President Thuong said that Viet Nams socio-economic development has seen many important projects and programmes with the Japanese, and hoped that this cooperation will be strengthened for mutual benefits.

In the current global and regional contexts, he requested that the two countries continue to closely coordinate and provide support to each other on international forums for common growth.

On the same day, Yamaguchi also met with National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong inh Hue.

The two leaders agreed that amid unpredictable changes in the global context, Viet Nam-Japan relations are the common denominator representing political trust throughout the past 50 years, and an opportunity for enhanced cooperation in the future.

Parliamentary cooperation and people exchanges are considered crucial to consolidate their bilateral ties, while business-to-businesses and local connections should be further promoted.

NA Chairman Hue said that the two countries have been discussing to implement the three connections stated in the joint statement from Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs visit to Japan, which are the strategic connection between the two economies, the connection to strengthen new production and the strategic connection in human resources development.

He added that the Vietnamese NA supports Japan in promoting relations with ASEAN countries and strengthening its role in cooperation mechanisms, such as in the Mekong sub-region.

Since 2019, the Japanese government has developed a special skilled labour programme.

There are currently around 176,000 Vietnamese nationals working in Japan as trainees.

The Komeito chief representative hoped that this figure will increase in the future to positively contribute to the two countries relations.

NA Chairman Hue said he appreciates Japans efforts in improving the trainee programmes, and hoped that more attention will be given to labour cooperation between Viet Nam and Japan.

The two leaders also expressed interest in human resources training, including enhancing law enforcement capacity to ensure maritime safety and security, natural disaster prevention and control, and protecting freedom of navigation.

The NA Chairman asked that Japan continues supporting the stance of Viet Nam and ASEAN in maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) and addressing any disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international laws, which include the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Japan gave high regard to Viet Nams efforts in maintaining peace and transparent law enforcement based on international laws, said the Komeito chief representative.

The Japanese official also sent his condolences to the family of late Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh, and appreciated the late officials contributions to Viet Nam-Japan ties, as well as for his support to Japanese businesses in Hai Phong when he was the citys Party Committee secretary.  VNS
HCM CITY  HCM City wants to strengthen co-operation with Australia in areas like training, energy transition, urban infrastructure development, and climate change response, Secretary of its Party Committee, Nguyen Van Nen, said at a reception for visiting Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong on Wednesday.

He hailed her visit to Viet Nam as helping create a new impetus in bilateral relations five years after the establishment of a strategic partnership.

Over the past five decades Viet Nam-Australia relations have been growing robustly in many fields, he said.

He also appreciated and thanked Wong for promoting co-operation with the city in investment, education and healthcare, and said it wants to strengthen co-operation with her country in areas such as high-quality human resource training, energy transition, urban infrastructure development, and climate change response.

He expressed the belief that her visit would open up many new co-operation opportunities between the governments, businesses and peoples of the two countries.

He said they share common interests and a determination to achieve breakthroughs in their relationship.

Wong said the high-level exchanges of visits between the two countries this year demonstrated their interest in building bilateral relations to achieve stable development and prosperity for the region.

Looking back on 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Australia is proud of its efforts to promote the relationship, including raising it to a Strategic Partnership and creating a basis for the two countries to advance co-operation in all fields, she said.

Australia has always identified HCM City as an important element in its bilateral relationship with Viet Nam and wants to further promote close cooperation with it in areas of mutual interest, she said.

Talking about the co-operation proposed by Secretary Nen, she said the Australian Government would provide AUD 94.5 million (US$60.76 million) to Viet Nam in support of the country's response to climate change in the Mekong Delta.

It also wants to co-ordinate with Viet Nam, including HCM City, to develop a legal framework for educational co-operation to enable Australian universities to set up campuses in the city and promote student exchanges.

Wong later visited and met with students at the University of Economics-HCM City.

Wong is visiting Viet Nam for the second time as foreign minister.  VNS
NGHE AN  While the new general education programme has ethnic languages as elective courses, the limited options on offer mean that schools are struggling to decide on alternatives for students whose mother tongue is not included.

Nhon Mai Semi-boarding School for Ethnic Minorities is located in one of the most remote communes in Tuong Duong District, Nghe An Province.

Most of the school students are of Mong ethnicity, followed by Kho Mu and Thai.

In accordance with the optional subjects in the new general education programme, Mong and Thai students can sign up to learn their ethnic languages.

However, the case is not the same for Kho Mu students, even though they outnumbered the group of Thai students at the school.

As the optional subject of Ethnic Language only offers Bahnar, Cham, Ee, Khmer, Jrai, Mnong, Mong and Thai languages, Kho Mu students have no textbook or teacher to learn theirs.

Tran uc Quy, the schools deputy dean said: They are still very young, so they are not fully aware of the importance of language and writing in their ethnic cultural identity.

Therefore, the enrolment for ethnic language courses depends on the attentiveness and encouragement from the teachers.

However, from the viewpoint of parents and people, if we only have Thai and Mong language classes and none for Kho Mu, there will be comparisons and concerns.

Vo Tuyet Chinh, deputy head of Tuong Duong Districts education and training division said that the locality is the largest mountainous area in Nghe An Province, and is home to multiple ethnicities.

Teaching ethnic languages is a way to preserve and promote the ethnic identity for students. This is also a mission of education in the mountainous areas," said Chinh as quoted by the Giao duc & Thoi ai (Education & Times) e-newspaper.

However, the implementation process faces multiple challenges, including teaching materials and personnel.

We hope a detailed guideline will soon be issued before we get to work.

Meanwhile, Thong Thu 1 Primary School in Que Phong District is still weighing the optimal solution regarding language teaching.

Tang Xuan Son, the schools dean said that the majority of the students here are of Thai ethnicity, and they all use their mother tongue in their community.

However, the primary school does not yet teach them how to read and write Thai, as the local dialect has certain differences compared to the teaching materials available.

Therefore, the school is considering using the two weekly elective periods for English or supplemental Vietnamese classes.

This would help them with communication and a better understanding of the textbooks in the new education programme.

In Ky Son District, ooc May Primary School has been holding Mong language classes for several years.

All of its pupils are of Mong ethnicity, and therefore are excited to learn to read and write in their mother tongue, said the schools dean Tran Huu Truong.

With his years of experience in the local education sector, Truong agreed that teaching ethnic languages is very difficult in schools whose students are of various ethnicities, instead of just one like ooc May Commune.

He also shares the perspective that in these schools, students can utilise the two elective periods for English, if there are enough teachers, or for additional Vietnamese lessons.

Truong explained that ethnic primary schoolchildren tend to have difficulty in understanding the national language, and therefore take more time to learn compared to those who have the official language as their mother tongue.

These could also be beneficial for younger students when they go to the third grade and foreign language is a compulsory subject.

Thai Binh Duong, who is in charge of ethnic minority affairs at Nghe An Provincial Department of Education and Training, said that based on the registrations submitted by local schools, the department will help organise ethnic language classes when there is sufficient teaching materials and teachers in charge.

They are also working on an alternative option for students whose ethnic language is not among those included in elective courses in the new general education programme to ensure the childrens benefits.  VNS
HA NOI  Many experts have suggested establishing a legal framework to control new-generation tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, and prohibit their use among students.

Speaking at a seminar on building legal barriers to new tobacco products organised by VietnamPlus newspaper on Monday in Ha Noi, they argued that without proper regulation, new tobacco products could become a shortcut, making it easier for young people to access and consume tobacco.

Dr Nguyen Huy Nga, Director of the Center for Health Environment Research and Development (CHERAD) and former director of the Ministry of Healths Preventive Medicine Department, presented the results of an independent survey on the prevalence of new tobacco products among young people.

The survey, conducted on 1,000 students aged 12 to 17 in Ha Noi, showed that 18.4 per cent had tried e-cigarettes, with 13.8 per cent currently using them. Meanwhile, 4.5 per cent of students had tried heated tobacco products, and 3.2 per cent were still using them, primarily among high school students.

Specifically, 12-year-old students did not use heated tobacco products, but 5.5 per cent of 17-year-olds were using them. 12-year-old students preferred e-cigarettes, with 9.7 per cent using them. This percentage among 17-year-old students was 17.6 per cent.

Notably, the survey showed that most students were aware of the harmful effects of tobacco, yet the proportion of those who had smoked cigarettes or used new tobacco products accounted for 21.3 per cent. The majority of students tended to believe that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco were less harmful than traditional cigarettes.

In response to these findings, Nguyen Nho Huy, Deputy Head of the Ministry of Education and Trainings Physical Education Department, emphasised the need to enhance awareness about the dangers of new tobacco products.

Huy said the Ministry of Health should conduct comprehensive research covering economic, social, national security, environmental, and health aspects, as well as ethical education for young people.

This groundwork will serve as the basis for presenting solutions and legal documents to the Government and parliament in order to amend the Tobacco Harm Prevention Law for new tobacco products, establishing a legal framework to prevent and minimise the access of young people to these products, he said.

Dr Hiroya Kumamaru, Deputy Director of AOI General Hospital in Japan, presented the results of a 2021 survey sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare and conducted by a group of healthcare experts.

According to this survey, the use of traditional cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and even e-cigarettes among junior high school students was very low, almost reaching a rate of 0 per cent. Specifically, the usage rate of heated tobacco products among high school students was only 0.1 per cent.

The expert said the Ministry of Health was not concerned about the risk of new-generation tobacco products among young people due to strict regulations.

Ban on new tobacco products

Le ai Hai, Deputy Head of the Ministry of Justices Civil and Economic Law Department, stated that traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or heated tobacco products all fell under the category of conditionally regulated business items according to the Investment Law, rather than prohibited items.

However, there was currently a specific legal gap in the management of these products, making it easier for users to access illegally imported new tobacco products, he added.

Hai also noted that the rate of young people experimenting with new tobacco products was on the rise. Therefore, there must be a legal framework to manage these products.

Le inh Phuong, Head of the General Internal Medicine and Family Medicine Department at FV Hospital, said that a complete ban on new tobacco products was not feasible because, by the time such a ban was imposed, these products might have already proliferated in the black market.

According to Phuong, the law was currently lagging significantly behind practical realities. A clear understanding of the benefits and harms of new tobacco products was essential when crafting legislation.

As an educational expert, Nguyen Nho Huy strongly advocated for an absolute ban on young people using these products.

Sharing the same viewpoint, Nguyen Huy Nga said that it was essential to prohibit students from smoking at schools to have strict penalties for violators.

Dr Kumamaru also shared Japan's experience, in which students under 18 were not allowed to smoke anything, whether it was traditional cigarettes, heated tobacco products, or e-cigarettes. Those who were found to violate the law would face heavy sanctions, even expulsion.

Hai emphasised the need for stringent management of all tobacco products to prevent their presence in schools. He underscored that preventing students from accessing tobacco was clearly defined in the Tobacco Harm Prevention Law.

However, enforcement remained weak due to a lack of specialised enforcement agencies.

From a legal perspective, Hai said that creating a legal framework for new tobacco products would better control the quality of products. He also affirmed that all tobacco products were harmful, but consumers of legal smoking age could have less harmful choices.

"It's time for relevant authorities to urgently revise and supplement legal documents to tightly manage these products," he recommended.  VNS
HCM CITY  Recently, the trend of "flexing" has been booming on Facebook.

Huynh inh Trong, a 31-year-old man, an employee at Ipix Trading and Service Import-Export Limited Liability Company in HCM City's District 1, is no exception to this trend.

Trong proudly displayed all of his diplomas and certificates, including the ones he received as a student, until he started working. Shortly after, Trong discovered that much of his personal information was being offered for sale on a website called "datakhachhang". Among these were his workplace address, hometown, permanent residence, phone number, personal photos and email.

"I was truly too naive when I shared so much information on social media. Having my personal data leaked is the "price to pay" for such carelessness," Trong remarked.

Ha Duy Khanh, a 25-year-old man working at An Binh Trading Limited Liability Company in District 8, HCM City, was befuddled to see his date of birth, phone number, personal and work emails, weight and marital status all exposed on the internet, leading to frequent annoying "spam" calls.

But Khanh soon had the answer to his own question: "It's because I exposed my personal information myself." The information had been posted by Khanh on Facebook. "Instead of setting privacy settings, hiding information from others, I posted it publicly. I made a mistake."

Unknown traps

Khanh admitted that throughout his time on social media, he often casually shared all sorts of photos and information about himself from when he was young to the present. On numerous occasions, Khanh even flaunted his bank account number and balance. Moreover, he posted images of his house with details about the number of rooms, various entrances, and the arrangement of furniture. Khanh shared all of this on Facebook.

According to o Trong Tien, 34, the reason his information was leaked, allowing strangers to know detailed information about many family members, is because he used to post photos and tagged his father, mother, aunts and uncles.

"I was too careless and complacent about securing my personal data. As a result, all my information has been exposed," Tien said.

Lam Van Truong, 29, a director of a marketing services company in HCMC, believes that many young people nowadays don't hesitate to provide personal information to others in order to gain benefits on social media.

"For example, many fan pages post content offering gifts to those who interact by leaving personal information. And many people are willing to do so. They provide a lot of information like: Facebook links, personal photos, phone numbers and addresses. For immediate gain, many people fail to recognize the 'trap' that these fan pages set up to collect information," Truong explained.

Sharing the same perspective, cybersecurity expert and former hacker Ngo Minh Hieu, also known as Hieu PC and currently working at National Cyberspace Security Monitoring Center, Information Security Department, said that most young people understood that personal information is highly important and should be kept secured.

"However, when they see posts about discounts, promotions, or winning prizes on various fan pages, many people willingly provide both personal and private information to receive free gifts. In doing so, they unintentionally create opportunities for businesses to collect personal data," Hieu shared.

According to Hieu, many people are quite careless when it comes to security. They don't research the risks, fail to consider the consequences, and thoughtlessly participate in social media trends, especially on Facebook, such as posting photos of their face from 10 years ago or determining which celebrity they resemble. In doing so, they unknowingly fall into the "trap" of sharing personal information.

Tran Anh Phu, 32, a director of a company specialising in Facebook-related services in District 4, HCMC, believes that a common mistake people make in exposing their personal information is "sharing everything on Facebook." They check in everywhere they go, take photos, share information about the places they visit, or their daily workspaces. Some even go as far as posting their monthly salaries, bank account numbers, tax identification numbers, and their children's school addresses.

Phu added, "Another reason for personal information leakage is the casual installation of 'cracked' software on computers or mobile applications. If you install software or applications from unreliable sources, there's a high likelihood of exposing your information and giving away all your data to malicious actors. This is because we cannot rule out that some of these applications have features that track user behavior and steal information."

Furthermore, Phu pointed out, "Currently, we are living in a digital transformation era. However, many people's awareness of information security hasn't caught up with this trend. Most of the personal information of social media users in Viet Nam is voluntarily shared by the individuals themselves. Many people are too careless, which leads to personal information leakage."

According to Hieu, most services today in many fields include terms that allow the exploitation of personal data, which is embedded in the general policy when users register. This term is often represented by a small line of text that says, "By clicking Register, the user agrees to the policy." And the majority of people accept these terms without reading them because they are either lazy or find them too lengthy.

"Therefore, in addition to subjective reasons, people may leak their personal information in a passive manner that they cannot control. This is because hackers attack the security vulnerabilities of the entities or businesses that hold information. Additionally, employees of entities such as banks, telecommunications companies, hospitals, power companies, etc., may access information technology systems and then sell data to third parties. Furthermore, user data from social media platforms can also be leaked. For instance, a few years ago, data from 267 million Facebook users, including those in Viet Nam, was leaked on a hacker website. The leaked data included user identification codes, phone numbers, and full names of Facebook users," Hieu explained.

One reason behind eighty per cent of data leaks

According to Nguyen Phu Luong, Deputy Head of the Information Security Monitoring Department at the National Cybersecurity Monitoring Center, under the Authority of Information Security (Ministry of Information and Communications), 80 per cent of personal information leakage originates from the user's own carelessness.

"These are convenient opportunities for malicious actors to collect personal information and data for profit," said Luong.

To exemplify, Luong added that users provide personal information when registering accounts or services. Users set their personal information to public when using services. On various buying and selling platforms and groups, both sellers and buyers often publicly share personal information such as phone numbers and bank account details for ease of contact. Or users choose to use services from unreliable intermediaries who lack proper information security policies or have inadequate information security policies.

According to Luong, the remaining 20 per cent is due to service providers sharing or leaking personal information. This can happen due to vulnerabilities in the systems and applications of the service providers (including educational institutions' systems). Or it could be due to weaknesses in the customer information security policies of the service providers. Some businesses may intentionally share customer information with third parties.

Leaking personal information, especially mobile phone numbers and account names on social networks like Facebook and Instagram, can lead users to encounter issues such as spam messages and advertising messages.

"Malicious actors may use a user's real photo to create fake accounts to deceive their friends and family. Information in photos, such as the child's name, the name of the educational institution, dormitory location, school pick-up/drop-off tags, etc., can also become useful information for cybercriminals when users publicly share them on social media. Cybercriminals can use the information voluntarily provided by users or collected in some way to threaten extortion, kidnapping, or trick users into transferring money to the criminal's account," said Luong.

Users advised to be vigilant

When facing the risk of personal information leakage, users can take measures to prevent adverse situations. However, it's crucial that users act quickly, and the first step is to change their passwords as soon as possible.

If it's related to financial information, users should notify their bank and financial institutions to consider blocking credit cards.

If there are suspicions about transactions, immediately check and report to the bank or credit organisation. The leakage of information from one account can pose risks to other accounts, especially when passwords are shared or accounts regularly transact with each other.

According to Luong, the Ministry of Information and Communications plans to instruct firms to enhance the protection of personal data, implement measures to manage and protect personal data, and guide measures to protect personal data and ensure cybersecurity for systems containing personal data.

Furthermore, inspections and audits of sectors under the management of the Ministry of Information and Communications will focus on units that collect and process large amounts of personal information, such as social networks, telecommunications businesses, postal services, and multi-user platforms.

The Ministry continues to monitor and review the situation of leakage, buying and selling of personal information of agencies and organizations in Viet Nam, and provide timely warnings and support. At the same time, it is raising awareness among the people about protecting personal information and using tools for reporting to protect personal information.

Another solution is to promote the deployment of the Trust Ecosystem (tinnhiemmang.vn) to evaluate and confirm websites that ensure network information security, including personal data protection.  VNS
BA RIA  VUNG TAU  Over 4,000 Royal Caribbean guests arrived in Phu My port of Ba Ria  Vung Tau Province on Asias largest and most innovative ship, Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship, on August 22.

Celebratory events were held onboard, in recognition of Spectrums new 12-night sailings and to acknowledge Royal Caribbeans future sailings to Viet Nam.

Viet Nam is a popular travel destination for both Singaporeans as well as our guests from across the world, so we are thrilled to be able to celebrate our sailings to Phu My with key government and cruise industry stakeholders onboard today. Todays onboard event also coincides with the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the US-Viet Nam Comprehensive Partnership which we deeply value, said Angie Stephen, vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International.

Our guests today will disembark to explore the nearby sights, onshore excursions including exploring Buddhist temples, taking in the Bay of Boats and enjoying guided tours of Ho Chi Minh City which will all offer an economic benefit to the already thriving tourism industry, said Stephen.

Every year, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province welcomes a large number of international tourists, including guests from cruises. Post-pandemic, our tourism industry has implemented many solutions to restore and develop our tourism calendar, which has maintained a good growth rate and made a positive contribution to the overall growth of the province. Today has allowed us the opportunity to promote and affirm Ba Ria-Vung Tau as a safe, friendly and attractive destination for international tourists from the cruising market, said Chairman of the Peoples Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, Nguyen Van Tho.

We are so happy to see the rejuvenation of the cruise ship and tourism industry in Southeast Asia and especially in Viet Nam, the region is such an attractive destination for American tourists and investors. Tourism and trade services are a huge component of our bilateral partnership and 2023 marks 10 years of this comprehensive partnership, said Deputy Principal Officer (DPO) Anne Benjaminson from the U.S. Consulate General HCM City at the event.

Over the course of the 12-night cruise, guests have enjoyed exploring top Asian destinations including Tokyo, Kumamoto, Kagoshima in Japan; Hong Kong; as well as Nha Trang in Viet Nam. Following Phu My, the cruise will travel to Singapore.  VNS
QUANG NAM  Disadvantaged school children in the mountainous districts of Nam Giang and Phuoc Son in the central province, have been given 50 bicycles from the non-profit charity Lifestart Foundation (LSF) in preparation for a new school year.

Lifestart Foundation said the bike-charity programme, which was is in collaboration with the Quang Nam Union of Friendship Organisations with total fund of more than VN80 million, helps provide vehicles for impoverished students from mountainous areas such as Zuoih, Tabhing, Ta Poo communes and Thanh My Town in Nam Giang District, as well as Phuoc uc Commune in Phuoc Son District.

It said local ethnic communities in Zuoih, Tabhing, Ta Poo and Phuoc uc communes are still living in poor conditions.

For example, more than 70 per cent of the residents in Zuoih are living in impoverished households. The majority of students in these communes belong to ethnic minority groups and originate from families facing significant financial hardships.

Karen Leonard, the founder of Lifestart Foundation, said: We hope that the provision of new bicycles will enable the students to reach school more safely and conveniently, helping them overcome their circumstances, strive for academic success, and become valuable contributors to society.

The bicycle donation is just one of the numerous community projects undertaken by Lifestart Foundation on an annual basis.

In the near future, the organisation plans to implement several other significant community projects, including the installation of clean water systems in ten schools across four remote districts in Quang Nam (with a total cost of VN454 million).

Lifestart Foundation's clean water project will then provide 28 systems helping 8,500 people.

The foundation is achieved through their two largest projects  education scholarships for disadvantaged students and their Housing Improvement project  in Viet Nam.

To date, Lifestart Foundations investment in the disadvantaged youth of Central Viet Nam is in excess of VN33 billion (approximately AUD$2 million).

A number of charity activities have been done by the foundation in central Viet Nam including donations of new electric bicycles; milk to disadvantaged families and orphanages; house building and a crafts training programme for disadvantaged and disabled Vietnamese people; warm clothes and blankets for children and the elderly; and clean water systems for schools.  VNS
The Ministry of Construction proposes to the Government to unify regulations on housing ownership rights of foreigners not attached to land use rights and supplement the provision that foreigners are allowed to extend the house ownership period once.

The Ministry of Construction states the above recommendation in the report expected to receive and explain the opinions of the National Assembly deputies on the draft Housing Law (amended) just sent to the Government.

According to the Ministry of Construction, regarding the ownership of houses in Vietnam by foreign individuals and organizations, a member of the National Assembly suggested that only individuals and foreign organizations should regulate the ownership of houses in Vietnam not attached to land use rights in the draft revised Housing Law will continue to submit to the National Assembly for comments at the end of this year's session.

Acquiring the opinions of delegates and the National Assembly's Law Committee, the Ministry of Construction proposed to the Government to unify regulations on housing ownership rights of foreigners not associated with land use rights and supplement regulations that foreigners are entitled to a one-time extension of house ownership period.



The Ministry of Construction also proposed that the Government supplement regulations on extending the term of house ownership in Vietnam for foreigners. In addition, the Government stipulates that if a foreigner buys a house in Vietnam and resells it to Vietnamese citizens or overseas Vietnamese, the buyer is entitled to the same rights and obligations as the domestic.

Talking at a recent seminar, Mr. Hoang Hai, Director of the Department of Housing and Real Estate Market Management (Ministry of Construction), said that foreign organizations and individuals have bought and owned houses in Vietnam, mainly concentrated in big cities and provinces such as Hanoi (1,765), Ho Chi Minh City (850), Bac Ninh (110), Binh Duong (210), Ba Ria - Vung Tau (50).

According to Mr. Hai, since the 2014 Housing Law took effect until now, the number of foreign individuals and organizations owning houses in Vietnam has increased significantly.

According to the current Law on Housing, foreigners allowed to own houses in Vietnam include: Foreign organizations and individuals investing in construction of houses under projects in Vietnam following regulations of this law and related laws.

Foreign-invested enterprises, branches, representative offices of foreign enterprises, foreign investment funds and foreign bank branches operating in Vietnam. Foreign individuals are allowed to enter Vietnam.

In addition, the law also mentions that foreigners are only allowed to own houses in Vietnam through one of the following forms: Investing in housing construction projects in Vietnam under this law and other related laws; Purchase, lease-purchase, donation or inheritance of commercial housing, including apartments and separate houses in housing construction investment projects, except for areas ensuring national defense and security as Government prescribed.

According to the regulations, foreigners who want to buy houses in Vietnam can only buy houses (including apartments and separate houses) in investment projects to build commercial houses, except for areas where they are guaranteed defence security.

The law also stipulates that foreigners are not allowed to buy more than 30% of the number of apartments in an apartment building, no more than 10% of the number of projects (villas or individual houses) in the construction investment project or no more than 250 units in a ward administrative unit.

According to the 2013 Land Law, foreigners are not eligible for land allocation, land lease, recognition of land use rights or receipt of land use rights by the State in Vietnam. Therefore, foreigners cannot transfer land use rights (or buy land) in Vietnam.

Also read: Preferential policy when buying apartments in the West of Hanoi Vietnam

Policies taking shape for real estate market overhaul

Vietnam PM sets up taskforce to address difficulties in real estate market
Hospitable St. Petersburg is an allseason city for tourists from all over the world. The Northern Capital of Russia especially greets guests from Vietnam.

St. Petersburg is rightfully considered one of the most famous and beloved tourist cities in the world with many world-famous landmarks. The city is ready to offer Vietnamese tourists new sightseeing programs, famous museums, historical and cultural monuments of St. Petersburg, as well as comfortable residency and plenty of impressions. Active work is underway to update the linkage plan between St. Petersburg and Ho Chi Minh City to ensure the development of tourist and business ties between the two cities. In addition, Pulkovo Airport is negotiating with airlines to launch direct flights between St. Petersburg and the cities of Vietnam, which will greatly simplify travel for tourists from both countries.

St. Petersburg has always been famous for its historical heritage, namely imperial palaces, grand-ducal domain, mansions, tenement buildings, unique architectural ensembles. The city does not cease to develop today, and thats why new unique objects emerge in St. Petersburg, namely creative public spaces which both residents and guests of the city like. These spaces have formed the project of the "New Cultural and Tourist Geography of St. Petersburg". The purpose of the projects is to create a new structure of the urban guest environment, creating specialized tourist areas that form a new look of St. Petersburg and points that attract guests. At the moment, the "New Tourist Geography of St. Petersburg" has more than 370 routes. They include visits not only to classic landmarks, such as the Winter Palace or the Faberge Museum, but also to new exciting places. In order to feel like a native of St. Petersburg, an individual route can be laid through the amazing, jewellike museum of the Stieglitz Academy, the Island of Forts Park in Kronstadt and public spaces: the island of New Holland and Sevkabel Port, the secluded Alexandria Park or the Farmer's Palace in Peterhof.

St. Petersburg continues to develop as a gastronomic capital, attracting culinary enthusiasts and becoming an important destination for gastronomic tourism. The city offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience the culture and history of the city through its cuisine. Here you can discover the unique St. Petersburgcookery, which combines the traditions of various culinary schools, such as Russian, German, French, Finnish, Asian and other nations. Due to its profusion and quality, St. Petersburg was included in the UNESCO network of creative cities in the category "Gastronomy". The unique restaurant and bar subculture has already formed in the city, which attracts guests from all over the world. Local restaurants offer a variety of menus, including both classic Russian dishes and author's interpretations of traditional recipes.

The main tourist product of St. Petersburg is a special and unique atmosphere. Every year more and more unique and interesting sights emerge, which is undoubtedly a huge advantage. After all, their diversity is a great reason to visit the Northern Capital again. You can learn about all the tourist opportunities of St. Petersburg at the city's exhibition stand at the Vietnam international travel event "ITE HCMC 2023", which will take place from September 7 to 9 at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center.
A solar power project deployed by CME Solar at the Foxconn facility in Bac Giang province

The virtual signing ceremony confirmed responsAbility is investing in a second CME Solar facility, positioning it as the largest investment into a non-financial institution in Vietnam. The figure means that the total investment from responsAbility into CME Solar has reached $32 million, following the first injection in 2021.

Positive outcomes stemming from an initial investment made two years ago have underscored a broad spectrum of commitments, spanning from technical prowess to meeting standards in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. The robust groundwork helped pave the way for responsAbility to reinvest with confidence.

CME Solar has upheld its commitments to investors. The pinnacle has been a Foxconn solar project (31.5MWp) in Bac Giang and Bac Ninh provinces, which received full funding from responsAbility. The project stands as a flagship endeavour, characterised by the implementation of top-tier technical practices, including the utilisation of N-type photovoltaic technology across the entire project.

With robust financing and procurement strategies, as well as a steadfast focus on health, safety, and the environment, the project was executed within only three months, with zero environmental incidents.

The new funding injection empowers CME Solar to embark on a diverse array of projects, with a focal purpose of enhancing commercial and industrial solar initiatives across a wide spectrum of sectors in Vietnam, including manufacturing, electronics, food and beverages, and textiles.

CME Solar has not set limitations on geographical borders, hence eyeing to bolster its coverage across Southeast Asia, guided by a well-defined roadmap and robust strategic plans.

Chung Dieu Tuan, CEO of CME Solar Investment, is confident about the market outlook, emphasising a rising need for rooftop solar installations in Vietnams foreign-invested manufacturing domains, especially in electronics/semiconductors, garments and textile, and global multinational consumer sectors.

With government support, I firmly believe in the significant growth potential of rooftop solar development in Vietnam in the upcoming decade, Tuan said, while also acknowledging the dedication of in-house teams in meeting all standards requested by responsAbility. He foresees CME Solar to deliver beyond the planned targets for this year.

The second facility allows CME Solar to launch into markets with an impressive capacity of 50MWp. The sizable capacity not only contributes to a reduction of 51,200 tonnes of CO2 annually, but also allows end-users to claim around 70,000 renewable energy certificates. This alignment with the United Nations net-zero targets underscores the commitment to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

Our investment in CME Solar is a clear testament to our commitment to sustainable energy, said Stenfan Issler, head of Direct Investments and Climate Finance at responsAbility. Building on the success of the first phase, we believe that strong partnerships can reduce barriers to green financing. We are highly optimistic about Vietnams solar sector, especially among commercial and industrial off-takers who are increasingly focused on minimising operational costs.

CME Solar is a member of CME Group, which was established in 2019, and its primary focus is on investments for advancement of distributed rooftop solar solutions for the commercial and industrial sector in Vietnam. CME Solar has installed up to 100MWp as of mid-2023 and aims to increase this be an additional 150MWp in 2024.

In line with its development, CME Solar is dedicated to adhering to the ESG standards, ensuring a harmonious equilibrium among social welfare, economic growth, and environmental preservation.

CME Solar offers scholarships to poor students in Tinh Bien CME Solar has carried out an initiative granting scholarships and educational support packages to students and residents of Tinh Bien town in the southern province of An Giang.

CME Solar and Sumitomo Forestry sign agreement to promote rooftop solar CME Solar JSC, the leading renewable energy company in Vietnam, on June 13, signed a joint venture agreement with Sumitomo Forestry Corporation (Japan) to expand and develop the rooftop solar market to promote the application of clean energy solutions across Vietnam.
GSMs four-wheeled taxis have been a prominent sight in places like Hanoi over the past few months

Last week, Green and Smart Mobility JSC (GSM), a company founded by the owner of VinFast, began operating GSM Bike in Hanoi after four months of deploying electric taxis.

Nguyen Van Thanh, general director of GSM, said the launch event of GSM Bike was of great significance. After only four months of operation, we became the worlds first all-electric carrier. In parallel with the plan to expand the electric taxi service across 27 cities and provinces, and three countries, GSM plans to cover EV services in five cities and provinces with a number of vehicles up to 60,000 units this year, Thanh said.

The move comes after Indonesia-based Gojek teamed up with Vietnamese e-scooter startup Dat Bike, and Grab Vietnam announced the trial of a delivery service through startup Selex Motors. Baemin is also experimenting with both of these startups.

Sumit Rathor, general manager of Gojek Vietnam, said, Vietnam is an important market for Gojek, and the groups aim is to continue to provide users with impactful solutions that support the sustainable growth of our partners.

Gojeks partnership with Dat Bike, Rathor added, is an important step to support the groups efforts in helping it cut its emissions and transition its fleet to 100 per cent EVs.

Both Gojek and Grab, which were founded in 2010 and 2012, seek to be the super app of choice in Southeast Asias largest economy. Grab set foot in the Vietnamese market in 2014 with the initial service of connecting with taxi companies. The platform launched the GrabBike service that same year.

The scale of this field in Vietnam is currently estimated at $3 billion in 2022 and up to $5 billion in 2025, with a 21 per cent growth rate.

Besides the two traditional ride-hailing services, Grab has expanded to many other services such as food and shopping delivery, among others. The application owns more than 200,000 driver partners, operating across 45 major cities and provinces in the country.

Gojek, before unifying its brand identity with the parent company in 2020, joined the Vietnamese tech car race in 2018, just a few months after Uber left Vietnam, and was acquired by Grab for operations in Southeast Asia.

According to Thanh, the advantage of GSM is to develop an EV service ecosystem from the ground up, instead of moving from petrol to electric.

Having more EVs helps GSM become the first platform in the world that is fully electric with services ranging from motorbike, delivery, rentals, and taxis. Other technology vehicle applications are just businesses that develop applications, instead of being directly related to the EV ecosystem like GSM, said Thanh.

VinFast has launched e-bike models in the Vietnamese market such as the Vento, Theon, Klara, Feliz, and Evo.

The company has also built charging stations throughout Vietnam. By the end of 2022, VinFasts number of charging stations for cars and motorbikes was over 3,000, with more than 150,000 charging ports. Of these, nearly 500 are in 26 northern cities and provinces, nearly 320 across 19 central cities and provinces, and over 250 in the south.

Chinese battery firm Gotion invests $150 million in VinFast Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion Inc. has agreed to acquire 15 million ordinary shares of VinFast through a private issuance valuing the shares at $10 apiece, with an investment totalling $150 million, representing 0.7 per cent of VinFast's total equity.
Korean businesses expect answers over VAT impasse intech.vietnamworks.com

The issue was discussed at a conference between leaders of Ho Chi Minh City and South Korean businesses last week.

Youn Chel Woon, general director of Samsung Electronics HCMC CE Complex (SEHC), disclosed that despite having accumulated a VAT amount of over $42 million over the past two years, no resolution has been attained thus far.

Woon highlighted that the SEHC factory boasts an export proportion of up to 90 per cent. In 2020, the factory applied for a shift from regular business operations to an export processing enterprise.

Both before and after this transition, issues pertaining to VAT refunds have arisen. Specifically, we are still awaiting a refund of $24 million for the period prior to the shift. Additionally, an amount of $20 million within the 18 months spanning from June 2021 to December 2022 remains unreimbursed, Won said.

Woon noted that in July 2022, Ho Chi Minh City Tax Department conducted a two-month assessment to evaluate the viability of VAT refunds. Subsequently, two correspondences were sent to the General Department of Taxation, followed by a meeting to address this matter, yet a definitive decision has yet to be reached.

Woon proposed that Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee take a proactive approach, not solely relying on central government intervention. Some of our material suppliers are also grappling with VAT refund challenges, he added.

Several other South Korean businesses also raised concerns regarding tax refund processes. Roh Woong Ho, general director of CJ Foods Vietnam, highlighted that although the company signed a contract to initiate production at Hiep Phuoc Industrial Park (IP) six years ago, they are yet to receive their land use right certificate.

This hinders us from applying for a VAT refund, he explained.

Choi Bundo, chairman of the Korean Chamber of Commerce (KoCham) for central and southern Vietnam, expressed that VAT refunds constitute a pivotal challenge faced by enterprises. The extended timelines for resolving VAT refund issues prompt us to earnestly request relevant authorities to expedite solutions, Bundo said.

In response to SEHCs predicament, Nguyen Tien Dung, deputy director of Ho Chi Minh City Tax Department, noted that the agency is consulting the Ministry of Finance to determine whether the responsibility for such refunds to enterprises lies with the tax departments or customs department.

Regarding CJ Foods, the tax department will review the companys refund records once the land use right certificate is granted, he said, followed by Ho Chi Minh City Department of Natural Resources and Environment clarifying that the sluggish progression was attributed to the transformation of IPs land leasing model from an annual payment scheme to a one-time payment format.

Ultimately, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee Phan Van Mai has set a deadline in September for the department to finalise land procedures to facilitate timely tax refund documentation.

Mai stated that issues pertaining to VAT refunds, on-the-spot import-export policy changes, and any other pertinent matters will be duly absorbed by the city and subsequently relayed to central ministries for deliberation. He advocated for collaborative engagement by Samsung and other businesses in organising a forum to facilitate in-depth discussions, foster mutual understanding of needs, capacities, standards, and regulations, and alleviate bottlenecks within the supporting industry.

The city will establish a task force to address the concerns of the investor community. This month, we will present a detailed proposal to the Korean Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City and KoCham, he said.

South Korea stands as a prominent trading partner for Ho Chi Minh City, ranking 4th among 120 countries and territories in terms of foreign direct investment. In 2022, South Korean investors initiated 125 ventures, funnelling in over $60.6 million. Cumulatively, South Korea has embarked on over 2,130 projects with capital exceeding $5.5 billion. Last weeks dialogue marked the third iteration of such interactions between the two sides. Following a similar dialogue in June last year, Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee said it had resolved 13 out of 21 issues raised by South Korean businesses.

PM holds dialogue with RoK enterprises Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a dialogue with the Republic of Korea (RoK)s Ambassador Park Noh-wan and representatives of Korean associations and businesses in Vietnam in Hanoi on July 30.
On August 19, the Government Office sent an official dispatch requiring the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the State Bank of Vietnam to remove obstacles for Bamboo Airways under the direction of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

PM issues support for Bamboo Airways

Accordingly, the premier asked Bamboo Airways to make continued efforts to restructure and proactively report difficulties to the authorities for prompt solutions.

In addition, the PM assigned the Ministry of Transport (MoT) to take main responsibility, coordinating with the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), and relevant units to address difficulties within authority and regulations for Bamboo Airways to develop.

Particularly, the MoT shall be responsible for maintaining Bamboo Airways' operating conditions to ensure security and safety in air transport.

The MoF shall be responsible for removing difficulties in transferring shares to new investors in the long run, as this involves many stakeholders, yet it is time-consuming.

The MPI shall be responsible for solving problems in the approval procedure for increasing Bamboo Airways' fleet to over 30 aircraft. The prolonged settlement of the proposal has restrained the development and business opportunities of Bamboo Airways.

At the same time, the Prime Minister assigned the State Bank (SBV) to work with Bamboo Airways to solve difficulties in capital and participation of qualified banks.

The PM requested relevant ministries and units to report results before September 15.

He also assigned the Government Office to monitor and urge the MoT and the SBV to comply with the set deadline. Based on reports from the MoT and SBV, the Government Office will summarise and reports to the PM in September.

Launched in the summer of 2018, Bamboo Airways is the first private airline in Vietnam that aims to provide full service. After five years of launching, Bamboo Airways now operates a domestic network connecting all 22 civil airports, while expanding its presence with many non-stop international routes.

Amid the current tough period, a company representative said it was gearing up restructuring to optimise resources and enhance operational efficiency, ensuring sustainable development.

Bamboo Airways successfully held extraordinary shareholders' meeting At the meeting, the Board of Management of Bamboo Airways approved electing additional members of the BOM and the Supervisory Board for the 2019-2024 term.

Bamboo Airways opens representative office at Sydney Airport By launching a new office, Bamboo Airways has expanded its presence in Australia and international markets.
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are relatively new for Vietnamese groups, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). How do you assess their attention to it?

Benjamin Soh, founder and managing director of STACS

Vietnamese companies are increasingly aware of the importance of ESG, with 80 per cent having made related commitments or plans, according to a PwC report. However, there is still a gap between ambition and action, with many companies lacking the resources and expertise to implement such commitments effectively.

Senior leadership in the country needs to be fully engaged in driving ESG commitments, and that means tracking both targets and metrics, which will be more important than ever for accountability.

Its important for Vietnamese businesses, as well as regulators, to ensure they are keeping up with international standards, with scopes 1 and 2 already well integrated into business reporting in Europe and the US, both key export markets for Vietnam.

Scope 1 refers to emissions that originate directly from sources owned or controlled by an organisation, which encompasses emissions from activities like fuel combustion for heating, power generation, and transportation. Scope 2 emissions, on the other hand, are indirect emissions resulting from the production of purchased energy, such as electricity, steam, heat, and cooling.

Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions that occur in the value chain of a company, including both upstream and downstream emissions, which are now included by the International Sustainability Standards Board in their guidelines.

It is this third category that is often the largest source of emissions for companies in Vietnam and elsewhere, and they can be difficult and costly to measure. The decision to introduce relief for Scope 3 disclosures was made in response to concerns from companies about data availability and quality challenges associated with measuring them.

In a recent report by PwC and NUS Business School, the top 50 listed companies in Asia-Pacific are struggling to disclose their Scope 3 emissions, with half including these figures in their reporting and only 5 per cent doing a thorough disclosure.

As you can imagine, if the top listed companies in the region are struggling with the ESG transition, its understandable that Vietnamese companies are even more so, and this is where we want to help.

Other countries are also highlighting ESG. How can this open up new opportunities for Vietnamese businesses?

There are clear challenges for Vietnam on the ESG front, including lack of resources and expertise, lack of clear guidance from regulators, low levels of awareness among stakeholders, and the lack of a well-established ESG culture.

I believe regional collaboration is key across ASEAN, and that is why we are keen to work with Vietnamese companies and government agencies as a Singaporean company to ensure the rising ESG tide lifts all the boats and isnt zero-sum.

While there are already a lot of government, regulator, and central bank-led ESG initiatives in Vietnam and other regional markets, everyone in the economy needs to play a role in bringing it all together, which means the private sector stepping up.

The result will look something like this: a Vietnamese SME selling to a large corporation, being financed by the financial sector, with everything interlinked by verifiable, transparent ESG data to reach that decarbonised future.

If Vietnam can manage this transition effectively, it stands to benefit from more investment, improved long-term performance, reduced risk, competitive advantages, and a positive reputation.

What do you think about the need for reviewing the performance of ESG practices?

Im invariably keen to stress the importance of approaching decarbonisation as a transition rather than a simple on-off switch - between brown and green there are 50 shades.

When we talk about decarbonisation, one other word we also must keep in mind is transition. We are hearing about the transition of energy, the transition of business processes or practices, and the last part which is the transition of disclosure and data.

In the short term, data disclosure for environmental practices will become more and more structured, just like financial accounting has been. Many decades ago, the financial world may not have been as mature, but today everybody reporting financial statements has well-structured ways of doing it.

These universal standards, software, and consultants in the traditional accounting space represent the end of a long transition process. ESG accounting and disclosures are not yet there, but the transition is well underway.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment is building a toolkit to guide businesses in self-assessment. Can you share some ideas for building a measure for the performance of ESG practices in every business?

As a first step, I would encourage every Vietnamese SME and listed company to work with existing technology platforms who can help them get started on measuring and tracking their objectives and compliance.

Beyond that, my broad recommendations for the economy as a whole cover a range of fronts, from the need for Vietnamese companies to develop clear strategies that are aligned with business goals, to building strong governance structures to support these commitments and new values.

Companies should also invest in related training and education for their employees, and be thoughtful in communicating these goals and performance updates to key stakeholders, all the while working closely with regulators wherever possible to develop clear guidance on ESG reporting.

ESG enabling real estate businesses to attain funds According to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, foreign direct investment in the real estate sector increased by $1.85 billion in 2022, a growth of more than 70 per cent compared to 2021, and ranked second among sectors attracting such funding with capital of over $4.45 billion, or 16.1 per cent.
Macroeconomic struggles and the sharp increase in input material prices since the beginning of this year have not reduced the ambition of foreign enterprises to enter the Vietnamese dairy market.

According to the announcement made more than a week ago, South Korean bakery company Orion Food Vina (OFV) decided to join the Vietnamese dairy industry after cooperating with Thai dairy company, Dutch Mill. The result of the joint venture is the appearance of two new brands, Choco IQ milk and ProYo drinking yogurt, which are being launched this month.

OFV is a member company of Orion Group, which currently owns confectionery brands such as ChocoPie, Custas, and Ostar with the top market share in the bakery industry in Vietnam. Dutch Mill has 70 per cent of Thailands market share.

Making a quality dairy product is not something that can be done quickly, which is why Orion chose to cooperate with a big Thai brand. The two sides have a similar mission, an OFV representative said.

Vietnams dairy game hits next level

Continuing to expand

Possessing abundant potential, Vietnams milk and dairy product market has consistently been an attractive destination for foreign brands.

In June 2022, the market welcomed Morinaga Milk Industry, a Japanese enterprise with 100 years of experience in developing dairy products, after the acquisition of shares of Elovi Vietnam JSC.

Morinaga Milk aims to increase sales outside of Japan to more than 15 per cent of total sales by 2029. In Vietnam, the company also aims to achieve around $73 million in sales.

According to a research report on Vietnams dairy industry 2022-2031 published by Research and Markets in July 2022, the value of milk and dairy products imported into Vietnam reached nearly $12 billion in 2021 and is forecast to increase by about 12 per cent per year until 2031.

There is room to expand, as the demand for milk consumption per capita in Vietnam will reach 40 litres by 2030, along with the middle class and peoples awareness of healthcare increasing. The report also said that in spite of the high demand, domestic fresh milk production could only meet about 40-50 per cent of the domestic demand, with the rest relying mainly on imports.

Anchor Food Professionals (AFP), a dairy brand familiar to Vietnamese consumers, said that they consider the country a key market and will continue to seek opportunities to expand its business here. We would like to encourage Vietnamese businesses to use our high-quality ingredients for their businesses, an AFP representative told VIR.

Currently, this brand supplies over 3,000 food and beverage outlets across the country. AFP is an ecosystem brand of Fonterra, one of the largest dairy manufacturers in the world, originating in New Zealand. Fonterra has been supplying the Vietnamese market for over 30 years and is a major supplier of dairy ingredients to key Vietnamese manufacturers.

Vietnam is New Zealands seventh-largest dairy export market by value and its products account for approximately 40 per cent of total dairy imports in Vietnam, the AFP representative added.

Domestic dairy dominates

The entry of more foreign enterprises is creating a competitive market to give Vietnamese consumers the opportunity to choose various products with increasing quality. However, the weakness of these enterprises is that they lack their own raw material areas, and have to depend mainly on imports to ensure the quality according to their own formula.

We import high-quality materials from overseas or buy from the appointed local distributors for our products to ensure the best quality for our products, said Yoshinobu Matsumoto, marketing director of Elovi Vietnam.

Meanwhile, the domestic dairy market is still under the control of Vietnamese enterprises with about 65 per cent of the market share held by Vinamilk, TH Group, Nutifood, and Vinasoy, according to Euromonitor. The remaining market belongs to foreign enterprises including FrieslandCampina, Nestle, and around 10 per cent is there for the taking for new brands.

Even though they have the advantage of understanding the market and customers, domestic groups have to change and improve service quality to protect their position.

Vinamilk, which holds up to 40 per cent of the dairy market share, continues to expand cooperation, invest in factories and farms with an estimated investment capital of up to $600 million to be ready for the future.

In order to enhance product quality, Vinamilk keep investing in R&D through strategic cooperation with nutrition expert groups such as Chr. Hansen, DSM, Beneo, AKK to develop products of international standards.

The company uses raw fresh milk from domestic farms and through association with local dairy farmers. Vinamilk has made investments to maintains a system of modern farms meeting international standards such as Global G.A.P. and Organic Europe, raising the bar of high-quality raw materials to build firm foundations for innovative and safe fresh milk products.

The powdered products owned by the company are also used with imported ingredients from reputable partners from countries with strengths in powdered materials, such as the United States and New Zealand.

Vietnams dairy market is not saturated. Vinamilk will focus on meeting the needs of consumers in three aspects: quality, price, and service to increase sales and market share, said CEO Mai Kieu Lien.

Vinamilk brand value has achieved a remarkable valuation of $3 billion, showcasing a notable 6 per cent growth compared to the 2022. This result has affirmed Vinamilk as the Vietnam's most valuable food brand and the sixth largest dairy brand globally.

What is more, Vinamilk is also active and effective in the export segment, with the companys total accumulated export revenue up to now reaching as much as $3 billion with products present in 60 different countries and territories.

Another enterprise in the domestic dairy field, TH Group, also did not miss the opportunity to develop when building more organic dairy farms, providing raw materials for organic milk products in line with the new consumption trend.

Besides investing in a $1.2 billion state-of-the-art dairy cow farm and fresh milk processing plant in the central province of Nghe An, with a capacity of 500,000 tonnes of fresh milk a year, and with three clusters including nine farms, about 70,000 cows, and a meadow area of nearly 8,100 hectares, TH Group is also developing a concentrated large-scale high-tech dairy cow production project in Russia, with total investment capital of $2.7 billion.

Le Nguyen Doan Duy - Director of Business Development Asia Ingredients Group Investment in their own material areas is the most effective way for Vietnamese dairy producers to gain competitive advantage over foreign counterparts. With more than 20 years of experience in the field of food ingredients supply and also a strategic partner of many large dairy enterprises in Vietnam, we focus on expanding the organic ingredients areas in untapped potential places. AIG aims to become one of the leading producers and suppliers of ingredients in the dairy industry in particular and food ingredients in general. One of the top typical ingredients that AIG brings to the market is coconut, an agricultural product that Vietnam ranks top 10 in terms of production in the world. Coconut is currently grown in the raw material areas of Ben Tre, which accounts for 40 per cent of the total coconut production in the country. For the past decade, Asia Coconut Processing JSC (ACP), a member of AIG, with the latest technology and equipment and together with experienced human resources, has deeply invested in building organic material areas in Ben Tre province and launched a chain of quality raw materials for processing enterprises. After Ben Tre, ACP has also rapidly expanded the area of organic coconut areas in Tra Vinh province.

Domestic dairy groups enlarge capacities to meet fresh demand After years of applying high technology and global standards towards green and sustainable manufacturing trends, dairy businesses in Vietnam are showcasing their innovative, high-quality, and safe products to enhance domestic sector performance.

TH Group employs state-of-the-art technologies in production Over the past many years, locally-invested TH Group has been applying high tech to its dairy farm and milk processing project in the central province of Nghe An, making the initiative one of the most modern in the world.
Vietnam is facing more pressure to balance electricity generation costs given that gas prices spiked again last week, with Europe enduring a hot summer.

Leaning on imports means a possible LNG shortage for some plants, photo Le Toan

On August 8, the price of Dutch natural gas, the European benchmark, jumped 24 per cent to 40 ($44) per MWh. The price of American natural gas has also climbed 18 per cent this month.

Vietnam is increasingly dependent on imported fuel to produce electricity. According to Nguyen Bich Lam, former general director of the General Statistics Office, the ratio of imported fuel costs to the total cost of raw materials in the whole economy is 37 per cent. Rising gas prices hit power, steel, fertiliser, and glass producers.

In 2022, Vietnam spent $1.89 billion importing nearly 2.48 million tonnes of petroleum gas and hydrocarbon gases from China, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, according to the 2022 Fertiliser Import and Export Report released by the Institute for Brand and Competitiveness Strategy in April this year.

Two weeks ago, Nguyen Anh Tuan, former deputy director of the Institute of Energy under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), told VIR that a shortage of gas for electricity generation was imminent if Vietnam did not replenish the reserve in time and complete the infrastructure for importing liquefied natural gas (LNG). Fuel constitutes a high proportion of electricity costs, from 78 per cent to 86 per cent for gas-fuelled electricity.

There is also a risk of an LNG shortage for combined-cycle gas power plants in the future due to the dependence on imports, Tuan said.

As gas prices spiked again, this posed another threat to the development of LNG power projects in Vietnam, which are already facing some difficult-to-solve challenges related to policy, capital, and the market. With the goal of developing 23,900MW of LNG power projects, Vietnam needs to import 14-18 billion cubic metres of LNG by 2030 and 13-16 billion cu.m by 2045.

He added that the progress of the O Mon power plant cluster had been delayed until the end of 2026, when the gas price is expected to reach $13.1 per million BTU (British thermal unit). This price is too high given that the gas field design is not approved. It will lead to an increase in the cost of electricity production of the O Mon projects.

The approved Block B gas price plan estimated that the gas price at the well mouth was $9.36 per MBTU in 2017. This is coupled with a $1.37 per MBTU pipeline fee to transport gas to the O Mon power centre. As a result, the gas price at the fence of the power plant is expected to reach $12.80/MBTU from 2024, he said.

The World Bank said in October 2022 that it expected energy prices to decline by 11 per cent in 2023 after a 60 per cent surge following Russias invasion of Ukraine. While energy prices were easing, they would still be 75 per cent above their average over the past five years.

Many analysts also doubt the possibility of developing nearly 22,400MW of LNG power projects by 2023, as outlined in the Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8). As of present, there are only two LNG power projects with a combined capacity of 2,800MW inaugurated yet to sign power purchase agreements with Vietnam Electricity.

With the power source structure in PDP8, according to MoITs calculations, a 10 per cent increase in the LNG price will raise the average power production cost of the system by 1.11.5 per cent. If the LNG price jumps to $16.5 per MBTU, or 40 per cent, the average electricity price will climb by nearly 6 per cent compared to the base price calculated in the PDP8.

This price increase is acceptable when compared with the average growth rate of the power tariff at about 5.5 per cent per year during 2010-2020. If LNG prices surge in the global market, the increase in the average electricity production cost of the whole system is still acceptable to Vietnam, the MoIT stated.

- According to Vietnams gas industry development plan, Vietnam will need to import 1-4 billion cu.m of LNG per year from 2021 to 2025, and that will then increase from 6-10 billion cu.m per year by 2026. About 75 per cent of imported LNG will be used as fuel for power plants. - The PDP8 outlines the development of traditional fuel sources to switch to LNG on a massive scale, from zero in 2020 to approximately 12,550-17,100MW in 2030, accounting for nearly 12 per cent of the total generation capacity in 2030, gradually increasing to 43,000MW, accounting for up to 17 per cent of total capacity in 2045.

1.3-billion-USD LNG terminal warehouse project gets greenlight The People's Committee of Binh Thuan province has issued a decision approving the investment of Son My liquefied natutal gas (LNG) terminal warehouse project in the south-central provinces Ham Tan district.

Key milestones being hit for LNG prospects To utilise the promising land of liquefied natural gas, developers are awaiting supportive policies for infrastructure to help save project costs and contribute to green energy goals.

Flaws in infrastructure hinder plans for LNG The possibility that electricity generated from liquefied natural gas will replace coal-fired power is some way off, with infrastructure concerns regarding import operations coming to the fore.
Wood processors have waited for over a year for what is thought to be over $250 million in VAT refunds, Photo: Le Toan

Last week, the General Department of Taxation (GDT) sent a dispatch to tax departments in all cities and provinces to accelerate the settlement of VAT refunds.

The departments will review the classification of VAT refund applications to ensure compliance with regulations, especially dossiers that have been classified as checked first, refunded later, to speed up the inspection and verification of the refund process.

For the VAT refund dossiers that the tax authorities have finished checking and determined to be eligible for a refund, the amount should be sent immediately. For dossiers of exporters being examined later than regulation deadlines, authorities shall determine the amount eligible for refund, if inspection and verification have not detected any fraud.

The GDT has requested that if after receiving the refund, the tax authority discovers incorrect declaration of tax amounts, the enterprise must return the overpaid tax and the late payment interest, face inspection by public security authorities, and take full responsibility for any violations. Tax departments should send more officials to check VAT refund dossiers, accelerate the process, and ensure that the performance of refunds is much higher than that in 2022.

Numerous wood, rubber, and cassava exporters have demanded action for some time because of the lengthy tax refund debt process. Especially in the wood processing industry, businesses have had to wait for over a year for $253 million of VAT refunds.

Throughout the country at numerous businesses, dump trucks and excavators are standing idle, and machinery and production lines are operating in moderation. At Halong 12-11 JSC, the tax refund amount is up to $6.3 million.

Every month, we have to pay $4,200 of loan interest because of the delay in the refund, said director Pham Thi Vinh. If this lasts too long, our loans will become bad debt, leading to bankruptcy. Such an outcome is not our fault.

Ty Long Commercial Wood Co., Ltd. has been waiting for over $5.5 million of VAT refunds for more than a year. The company cut 100 workers last year and expects to lose more. Machines that cost up to $10 million are working very little.

There are 150 employees in the company, but currently each shift has only 30-40 workers because of slowed-down operations. Carrying on like this, the company may have to close, said director Vu Van Tuyen.

According to the Association of Vietnam Timber and Forest Products (Viforest), in northern provinces, about 200 wood exporters are awaiting VAT refunds. In Quang Ninh provinces Cai Lan Seaport area alone, 11 businesses are waiting for a refund amount of more than $42 million.

We are currently struggling with too many problems, our tax refund arrears are up to $717,000, and we havent received a penny. Employees have no work and the company is temporarily shutting down, said Nguyen Thi Minh Hung, director at Ich Yen Export-Import.

According to the GDT, since 2022, tax departments have received more than 5,000 tax refund dossiers. The department said it has now responded to 4,900 of them.

The GDT explained that the delay in tax refunds is caused by many inspection procedures and a lack of coordination with other authorities and shareholders.

Tax authorities do not have enough resources to conduct verification of all business households as claimed. We only verify questionable and high-risk businesses, in accordance with the Law on Tax Administration, explained Nguyen Tien Trung, deputy director of the GDTs Tax Audit and Inspection Department.

The Vietnam Woodchip Branch under the Viforest claimed that the 4,900 dossier figure cannot be likely. The numbers reported by the GDT do not include dossiers submitted since the end of 2021 that have yet to be finished, said Thang Van Thong, deputy head of the branch.

Viforest proposes amendments to the Law on VAT to remove certain items from being subjected to the tax. At present, the Ministry of Finance is drafting amendments to the law, to submit to the National Assembly (NA) in May 2024. Some NA departments have also received claims from the business community, and are working with the ministry and the GDT to find a resolution.

Exporters urged to meet EU trade deal regulations Despite the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreements eradication of tariffs for many export items into the EU market, meeting strict rules of origin continue to be a burden for firms to cash in on the deals benefits.

New solutions needed for wood and timber industry The demand for Vietnam's wood and timber products from key markets such as the United States, China, the EU, South Korea, and Japan fell in the first half of the year, with the number of orders down by as much as 30 per cent in some months compared to the same period last year. This has resulted in job cuts and, in some cases, factory closures.

Exporters being stifled by VAT tweaks The constant changes of requirements for verification of records and invoices are being called too challenging for exporters, with businesses complaining that VAT refund procedures are becoming more baffling.
By Nick Chismar

Driving along the country roads of Carlisle, Pennsylvania can be quite a scenic drive. Rolling hills of farmland are broken up by islands of trees or old historic structures. Most of the time, these buildings simply make for a unique sight, but sometimes they just might have something concealed within their walls that nobody would expect. As Russ Strine from the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum would tell me, one of those mills would make for an interesting July morning.

Back in 2012, Russ, the museums President, received a phone call from William Foshag, who was interested in donating a rare Marske Pioneer II Sailplane to the museum. The only problem was that the sailplane was tucked away in the Historic B.F. Heisman Mill in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Will, an engineer by trade, was concerned with how the museum would be able to get the sailplane out of the mill. Sadly, William passed away in 2017 and Russ was unable to see the sailplane before then.

Luckily, Russ had kept Williams information and was able to get in contact with the person managing the estate a few months ago who confirmed that the sailplane was still there and able to be donated to the museum. With plans in place, volunteers from the museum set off to recover the sailplane which had been stored in the mill since 1977 when William hauled it there on the roof of his 1963 Pontiac Tempest Station Wagon.

Starting around 8:00 AM, volunteers worked with pulleys and come alongs to carefully remove sailplane, which was filled with Mud Dauber nests from its decades of storage. The wings had been carefully stored in cradles on the second floor. The fuselage was hung from the beams of the third floor using large fan belts which had deteriorated over time. Soon enough, the sailplane was out of the mill, which had snakes hiding amongst its original equipment, and was being loaded on a trailer to head to its new home before noon.

Marske Pioneer Sailplanes were originally designed in the mid-1960s, with the Pioneer II becoming available as a kit or simply as design plans in 1972. This one in particular began its life outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, having been built by the two Ree brothers. As noted on a sheet inside the aircraft and by its N-number, N4RE, the sailplane is believed to be the fourth aircraft build that the brother undertook. The sailplane was constructed in the early 1970s and made several flights. Russ would tell me that Pioneer IIs were well known for their efficiency, having a glide ratio of 35 to 1 and weighing only 360 pounds while empty.

The small cockpit seems to have barely enough room for its pilot. Wedged tightly between the fiberglass fuselage, the pilot has all the necessary gauges just inches away on the instrument panel along with controls placed where they could fit. Cables and tubing help keep the weight of the sailplane down while ensuring sufficient input to control surfaces.

Now at its new home amongst the Mid-Atlantic Air Museums growing collection, volunteers have already begun some minor work to the sailplane and have removed the pesky Mud Dauber nests from the fuselage. While Russ does not plan to fly the sailplane, he does intend to restore it back to as close to its original airworthy condition as possible. From there, the glider will likely be placed on display by hanging in one of the museums hangars at Reading Regional Airport. So after over 45 years of storage, this Pioneer II is beginning a new chapter under the care of the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum.

Thanks to Russ Strine for sitting down with me to talk about the Pioneer II Sailplane, as well as Betsey Carlisle for the opportunity to photograph the aircraft and for providing photos of its recovery.

We would like to thank the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum for allowing Nick Chismar access to photograph the Pioneer II Sailplane, and a special thank you must go to Russ Strine for taking the time to sit down to discuss the restoration with Nick.

To support the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum this restoration, click HERE.
Periodically, we highlight vintage aircraft listed for sale with one of our sponsors, Platinum Fighter Sales. One of their newly-listed airframes which really caught our eyes is a rare 1944 Focke-Wulf Fw190 F-8 described in the text and images below.

The Focke-Wulf Fw190, nicknamed Wurger (Butcher Bird) is a German single-seat, single-engine fighter aircraft designed by Kurt Tank at Focke-Wulf in the late 1930s and widely used during WWII. Along with its well-known counterpart, the Messerschmitt Bf109, the Fw190 became the backbone of the Jagdwaffe (Fighter Force) of the Luftwaffe. The twin-row BMW 801 radial engine that powered most operational versions enabled the Fw190 to lift larger loads than the Bf109, allowing its use as a day fighter, fighter-bomber, ground attack aircraft, and to a lesser degree, night fighter.

The Fw190A started flying operationally over France in August 1941 and quickly proved superior in all but turn radius to the Spitfire Mk. V, is the main front-line fighter of the RAF, particularly at low and medium altitudes. The 190 maintained superiority over Allied fighters until the introduction of the improved Spitfire Mk. IX. In November/December 1942, the Fw190 made its air combat debut on the Eastern Front, finding much success in fighter wings and specialized ground attack units from October 1943.

The Fw190A series performance decreased at high altitudes, which reduced its effectiveness as a high-altitude interceptor. From the Fw190s inception, there had been ongoing efforts to address this with a turbosupercharged BMW 801 in the B model, the much longer-nosed C model with efforts to also turbocharge its chosen Daimler-Benz DB603 inverted V12 powerplant, and the similarly long-nosed D model with the Junkers Jumo 213. Problems with the turbocharger installations on the -B and -C subtypes meant only the D model entered service in September 1944. These high-altitude developments eventually led to the Focke-Wulf Ta152, which was capable of extreme speeds at medium to high altitudes (469 mph) at 44,300 ft. While these long nose 190 variants and the Ta 152 derivative especially gave the Germans parity with Allied opponents, they arrived too late to affect the outcome of the war.

The Fw190F-8 was based on the A-8 Fighter, having a slightly modified injector on the engine compressor which allowed for increased performance at lower altitudes for several minutes. The armament of the Fw 190F-8 was two 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon in the wing roots and two 13 mm (0.51 in) MG 131 machine guns above the engine. It was outfitted with an ETC 501 Bomb rack as a centerline mount and four ETC 50 bomb racks as underwing mounts.

The Fw190 was well-liked by its pilots. Some of the Luftwaffes most successful fighter Aces claimed many of their victories while flying it, including Otto Kittel, Walter Nowatny, and Erich Rudorffer. The Fw190 had greater firepower than the Bf109 and, at low to medium altitude, superior maneuverability, according to the German pilots who flew both fighters. It was regarded as one of the best fighter planes of World War II.

History

The substantial wreckage of Fw-190F-8, Wk Nr 581808, was recovered near the town of Priozersk, Russian Karelia, during the Summer of 2019. Loss records reveal that the 190 belonged to 1./SG-5, and was coded Q9+BT. The aircraft was one of 16 Focke-Wulf Fw190F-3 and F-8 Jabos (fighter-bombers) based at Alakurtti, Finland, which was part of Detachment Kuhlmey. This Luftwaffe Unit was formed temporarily and dispatched to the large Finnish Air Force base at Immola in June 1944 to help counter large-scale Soviet offensives during the Continuation War. The Unit had around 70 aircraft on strength comprising Ju87s, Fw190s and Bf109s. On 4 August, whilst being piloted by Alfred Kruppa, this Focke-Wulf was engaged and hit by Soviet Hurricanes. Kruppa bailed out, landed in the Vuoksi River, and did not survive.

Fw190F-8 Wk Nr 581808 is a time capsule and is one of the most complete Fw-190s in existence.

Many restorations to fly have started with much less. 581808 would make an excellent candidate to be rebuilt to flyable condition. Currently located in Minnesota, USA, and is available for inspection by appointment only. For further details on this beautiful piece of aviation history, be sure to contact Platinum Fighter Sales!
WATERLOO  Savion Wilson had bragged that shooting his friend would be a free kill.

On Wednesday morning, Wilson, 24, learned shooting Cortavius Benford, 26, in the head was anything but free when a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder.

Wilson stood quietly as the verdict was announced. Family of both sides  once close, now seated apart in the courtroom  also remained quiet.

The crime is punishable by a mandatory life term in prison without parole. Sentencing will be at a later date.

Days earlier, Wilson had taken the stand to say the shooting was an accident.

I was pointing it at everyone, being reckless with the firearm, Wilson said Monday in his own defense in Black Hawk County District Court.

But prosecutors noted Wilson initially told police a different version of what happened. The state alleged Wilson had actually made threats to shoot Benford months earlier in a Facebook Live post during a spat between the longtime friends.

Both Wilson and Benford grew up in Mississippi and they had known each other since childhood.

Benford was the first to move to Iowa. Wilson said he followed about four years ago, relocating because he had other relatives who had made the move. His mother also moved to Waterloo, according to testimony.

Wilsons mother, Tanja Crossley, testified the two families had been close for years.

It was like brotherly love, like they been knowing each other all their lives, she said.

She also testified about hearing her son and Benford arguing around the time of the Facebook rant in May 2022. She told them they were arguing like two bitches and told them to knock it off.

Two days later, they were back to normal, and Benford and Wilson were drinking and playing Uno, she said.

It was fine. He came over to the house. Like nothing ever happened, she said.

On the stand Monday, Wilson talked about the gun used in the shooting. He said sometime earlier he had found the pistol, complete with a loaded high-capacity magazine, in a fanny pack hidden in some bushes in Waterloo, but he couldnt remember exactly where.

Wilson said he had a license to carry weapons and told jurors he had been taking the gun to a range where he fired it five or six times. But he couldnt remember where the range was and didnt know the name of the person who drove him there.

He said Benford was interested in buying the gun and he had left it at the apartment during a previous visit.

On the day of the shooting, Wilson told jurors, he and a friend went over to Benfords apartment to repay him $10 Benford had loaned him to rent an electric scooter.

He said they hung out, everyone was in good spirits and they went to a nearby convenience store for snacks. When they returned, Wilson said, he noticed the pistol under a couch where he was seated.

Wilson said he pulled out the gun and was playing around with it, pointing it at himself and others as his friend sat scrolling on their phones.

He said Benford told him to stop messing with the pistol. He said he wasnt aware there was a round in the chamber.

I started playing around with the gun. I pointed it at myself, pointed it at Cortavius, and the gun went off, Wilson said. He said he dropped the gun, exclaimed What the f***, called Benfords name and grabbed something to try to stop the bleeding.

Members of Benfords family stood up and walked out of the courtroom as Wilson gave his account.

He said Benfords girlfriend told him to get out, and he panicked and ran. He claimed he left the gun in the apartment. The weapon was never located.

Under cross-examination by the state, Benford wasnt able to identify what he had used to stop the bleeding or show where it was on crime scene photos of the apartment.

Assistant County Attorney Michael Hudson also noted Wilson had first told police the pistol accidently fired when Wilson grabbed for the gun Benford was holding, a claim refuted by forensic evidence indicating the muzzle was feet away from Benfords head when it fired and the location of the injury.

If someone were messing around with the gun and shot themselves, the top of the head is probably not the most likely spot, Hudson said.

Wilsons account also differed from that given by Benfords girlfriend last week.

She said Wilson had briefly stepped out of the apartment, returned with a camouflage hunting mask over his face and pointed the gun and fired. She said Wilson hadnt been messing with the gun before shooting.

Wilson denied wearing a mask over his face, saying it was merely rolled up on the top of his head like a hat. He also denied leaving and then returning to the apartment.

During closing arguments, Hudson said the accounts differed because what Wilson told the police didnt match evidence at the scene.

He said anything to the detective to get out of trouble. He will say anything to you to get out of trouble, Hudson told jurors.

Hudson noted Wilson had actually threatened to shoot Benford during a Facebook Live video when the two had a dispute in May 2022.

In a recording of the video, Wilson can be heard saying it would be a free kill, a reference to Benfords inability to possess a gun to defend himself because he was on probation, according to witnesses.

The state also pointed out that Wilson fled the scene after the shooting and never handed over the gun or the camouflage hunting mask he was wearing when he pulled the trigger.

Wilsons defense attorneys pushed for a verdict on the lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter.

This was a tragic accident involving two longtime friends. On the day this happened, everyone was hanging out, laughing, the mood was good, said defense attorney Dustin Lies.

Benford and Wilson had long since patched things up following their dispute months earlier, he said.

He noted there was only a single shot fired. If Wilson really wanted to kill Benford, he had a whole extended magazine full of ammunition to do it, Lies said.

Wilson was in contact with police shortly after the shooting and turned himself in the following day, Lies said.

There were no threats. There was no animosity. There was no feud, Lies said.

Jurors began deliberating Tuesday afternoon and returned to the courthouse Wednesday, announcing a verdict about an hour later.

Photos: Homicide, Palmer Drive, Aug. 27, 2022 082722jr-homicide-palmer 081623jr-homicide-trial-2 081623jr-homicide-trial-1 081623jr-homicide-trial-3 081723jr-homicide-trial-1 081723jr-homicide-trial-3 081723jr-homicide-trial-5 081823jr-homicide-trial-1 081823jr-homicide-trial-3 081823jr-homicide-trial-5 082123jr-homicide-trial-2 082123jr-homicide-trial-1 082323jr-wilson-verdict-1 082323jr-wilson-verdict-2 082323jr-wilson-verdict-3 100223jr-wilson-sentencing-1
WATERLOO  You should all be ashamed of yourself.

Those were the last words the City Council heard from the public after repealing a ban on conversion therapy Monday, uttered by someone leaving the chambers. The council voted 4-3 to repeal the ban it instituted in May, with councilmembers Jonathan Grieder, Nia Wilder, and Belinda Creighton-Smith opposed.

The rules were suspended, so a third reading was waived. The suspension passed 6-1 with Creighton-Smith voting no. City Clerk Kelley Felchle said the ordinance will officially be repealed when Mayor Quentin Hart signs off and public notice is published.

Conversion therapy attempts to change an individuals sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression to align with heterosexual norms.

In contrast to the previous meeting, a special session, more supporters of the ban spoke than opponents. David Dreyer was one of those who spoke in favor of the repeal.

Why is anyone other than parents trying to determine the future, much less their gender? he said. So please take this ordinance off and stay out of parents rights.

Eleven people urged the council not to repeal.

Grieder, who proposed the ordinance in March, pleaded with his counterparts to keep the ban in place.

I ask, I beg with my colleagues, please do not repeal this ordinance, he said. To please protect a portion of our population that is under attack.

We can build cool bridges, new roads and new stores, but if folks are being abused none of that matters, he continued. We swore an oath to protect constituents.  Please do the right thing.

Damian Thompson, the director of public policy and communication at Iowa Safe Schools  an organization that supports LGBTQ+ youths  traveled from Des Moines to speak at the meeting.

Waterloo is the only city that repealed (a conversion therapy ban) proactively, he later told The Courier. He said when cities such as New York City repealed a ban, it was due to a similar state law being enacted. A city in Florida repealed its ban after losing a district court case.

During last weeks special session, no reason for the repeal was given. Monday night, councilmembers and the mayor admitted it was due to a threat of a lawsuit.

Theres been a threat of impending litigation moving forward, so it really puts people in a tough situation, Hart said. I dont believe the Waterloo City Council are cowards; I believe they have a decision to make tonight.

It is unknown what organization has threatened to sue or the basis for litigation.

Thompson said the lack of transparency from the city is astounding.

This is probably one of the most disconcerting efforts (Ive seen) to really avoid disclosing whats really going on to constituents, he said. One councilmember was assured of loss in any future litigation. Thats a convenient conclusion to have  when you arent sharing information with your constituents.

Thompson said his organization has a team of attorneys that says the ordinance was legally sound, and nothing has changed in state or federal law that would alter that interpretation.

Ward 1 Councilmember John Chiles, who voted to repeal the ordinance, said he did not run for public office to put the city under a credible threat of litigation it is sure we cannot prevail against.

There are still methods, there are still things we can do, to help and prevent this from happening but  this is not the venue for this fight. The venue for this fight is elsewhere in this state, he said. I have never had chest pain until this week. This is just horrible. Theres nothing we can do.

Chiles statements were met with groans and exasperation from the public.

My sisters gay, and she is probably gonna hate me for this, he continued. We are not the enemy here. We are not the ones they should be pointing their wrath toward. Its the people who prevent us from being able to do anything about it. Im sorry, but I have to vote with my duties as a council member.

Before councilmembers made their remarks, resident Ally Heinsworth noted the city has paid out millions of dollars in lawsuits for issues related to the citys police, engineering, and human resources departments. She said for those departments to be disbanded due to lawsuits would be absurd.

At-large Councilmember Dave Boesen, who has voted against the ordinance since its inception, said no matter what the council decided the ban would be repealed anyway.

Its going to be rescinded. Its out of our hands, he said. Were gonna be forced to rescind this and it just depends at what cost.

Aliya Rahman, a resident who has often spoken in support of the ban, said those who voted to repeal the ordinance were too concerned about potential expense.

The legal cost we might encounter is not as much of a financial burden as the inequality we have here, Rahman said.

Resident Melissa Heying echoed that statement, saying councilmembers are probably worried about losing their homes, jobs and friendships.

A lot of kids that are LGBTQ have had the same fears that theyll be kicked out, that theyll lose their support system, Heying said. One thing they shouldnt lose is the ability to be themselves whether we agree with it or not.

At-large Councilmember Rob Nichols said even with repeal, avenues to report instances of conversion therapy still exist.

He said the ordinance would allow someone to report the practice to the city attorney or human rights commission, but the commission doesnt have investigative authority even with the ordinance, and the person issuing a complaint would be referred to the states Department of Health and Human Services or Bureau of Professional Licensure.

That still stands in place without this ordinance, he said. To say that the removal of this ban takes away the initial or main thrust of our ordinance in the first place is not completely true.

However, Thompson said the state Bureau of Licensure and Board of Medicine have previously not punished licensed professionals practicing conversion therapy.

A 2020 article from Iowa Capital Dispatch said in 2016 advocates for a ban on conversion therapy went to the Iowa Board of Medicine and the board declined to take action. Also in 2016, Des Moines television station WHO-13 reported the Board of Psychology supported banning conversion therapy but didnt vote on it, saying it should happen through legislation instead.

To try and pass the buck to the Board of Medicine, who has been very clear they wont take this up, in order to pat yourself on the back to make yourself feel better, to wash your hands of it, is really unbelievable, Thompson said.

Few residents who have undergone conversion therapy have made themselves known to the city. On Monday, two of them spoke up.

Twins Nick and Arthur Tripp were both subjected to conversion therapy by their parents. Arthur Tripp said they, along with five other area children, are now survivors. They feel its their duty to speak up.

I am here, and (conversion therapy) does not work, Arthur said.

Arthurs sibling, Nick Tripp, disputed the argument the ban is an attack on parents rights.

Unfortunately, not all parents always make the safest decision for their children, Nick said.

They asked the council and the public to imagine what it would be like if their parents wanted to change their sexual orientation.

It doesnt feel great, Nick said. Were not so different. We want to protect our children.

Arguments about parents rights have flooded the council chambers since the ordinance was proposed in March. Most opposing the ban said the issue has divided the city. Chiles agreed.

The whole situation is absolutely horrible, he said. Its destroying the community. Its putting us in a place when so many fantastic things are happening in our city that were still being held down by this.

Many supporters argued the ban isnt what created division.

Grieder said what is divisive is the people who have called him a Nazi, have driven by his house yelling slurs and have threatened him and his children.

Rahman agreed.

Discrimination is what has always divided us, and the ban simply shed light on it for those not in the know, Rahman said. The goal of the conversion therapy movement is to prevent LGBTQ youth from becoming LGBTQ adults. Period. And so it is a costly attempt to exterminate our culture.
Old-house aficionados and the curious can step inside an 1880 farmhouse, a Queen Anne Victorian built in 1895 and a 1902 historic mansion  now a bed-and-breakfast inn  during Saturdays Tour of Classic Homes in Waterloo and Cedar Falls.

They are among six homes and a 1907 fire station to be featured during the fundraising event from 1 to 5 p.m., presented by the Grout Museum District and Friends of the Grout Historic Houses. Supporting sponsor is Koch Construction.

Tickets are $15, available online at gmdistrict.org/TOH2023, or at any of the homes on tour day. Registration is required to attend.

The focus of our Friends group is to support the retention of our two beautiful ladies on the Grout Museum District campus  the Renssalaer Russell House and Snowden House. Like anyones older home, there is upkeep and maintenance that needs to take place, and we have a lot of projects planned, such as foundation work and painting, said Jim Aronson, a Friends member and tour chairperson.

From its origins as an Old House Fair and Tour in 2001, funds have been used to support the maintenance and upkeep of the historic Russell House, built in 1861 and often described as one of Iowa's best examples of Italianate architecture, and the Snowden House, built in 1878. The entire Russell House and the Snowden House's brick Victorian Italianate exterior are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The tour is one of the Grouts most popular fundraisers, Aronson said.

Traditionally, the tour showcases an historic repurposed site, which will be West Side Fire Station No. 2, the El Mecca Building at 720 Commercial St. Built in 1907, it was the first fire station on the west side of the Cedar River and served as a fire station until 1969. From 1977 to 2006, it served as the El Mecca Shrine Club.

JSA Development purchased the property in 2006. In 2022, JSA contracted with Peters Construction to begin restoring the station to house Experience Waterloo on the main floor and three apartments on the second floor. Original tile walls and wainscoted ceilings have been preserved along with other details.

Featured homes in Waterloo and their owners are Chris and Kelly Schmitz's Weis Mansion Bed & Breakfast, 800 W. Fourth St.; Terry and Lena Phillips, 2203 Idaho St.; Laura Hoy, 335 Almond St.; and Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, 404 Allen St. In Cedar Falls, historic homes on the tour are owned by Susan Card, 501 W. First St., and Carrie and Dirk Buschman, 903 Iowa St.

The Weis Mansion, with both Queen Anne and Colonial Revival elements, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1989. Features include an open staircase in the foyer, stained glass windows and period woodwork, and six B&B suites, all with period furnishings.

The Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity home on Allen Street is one of five houses in the Church Row neighborhood being revitalized. Built in 1891, it was acquired by Habitat in 2022 and work began in early 2023.

Projects have included replacing the roof and siding, updating electrical and plumbing, and reconstructing a front porch. A walk-out porch on the second floor remains intact. When completed, the home will be sold to a new owner who qualifies for either Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity or Work Force Housing guidelines.

Laura Hoys home, known as The Almond House, is a connecting place for Walnut Neighborhood partners and neighbors to promote holistic neighborhood development. Built in 1915 by two sisters who worked as laundresses their entire lives, the restored four-square house features original woodwork, floors and kitchen cabinetry, chandeliers and restored limestone basement walls.

The Phillips home at 2203 Idaho St., is a modified Tudor-style house finished in 2014, featuring brick work by American Bosnian Masonry, an iron staircase by Grosse Steel in Waverly, and architectural details such as a coffered ceiling in the dining room and six-inch crown moldings in the living room, hand-built fireplaces and granite windowsills.

In Cedar Falls, the Daniel and Margaret Wild home, 501 W. First St., was built in 1895. Owned by Susan Card, she undertook renovating the master bathroom and kitchen porch as well as extensive exterior paint and decorative wood repair after purchasing the home in 2011. Sitting high above the Cedar River, the home boasts a spindle-style walnut staircase, a seven-sided office and period furnishings. The previous owner restored walls and ceilings, updated electrical and plumbing and built a carriage house-style garage. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017.

Interior designer Carrie Buschman, now part owner of Koch Construction, and husband Dirk purchased their 1880 farmhouse. The home includes a wood-burning fireplace in the living room, an open foyer, large kitchen and pantry and second-floor sitting area. Previous owners totally gutted the interior, resided the exterior and replaced windows.

Grout 2022 Tour of Classic Homes Zach and Kate McBride, 123 Columbia Circle, Waterloo.jpg Kim and Otto MacLin, 3701 Loralin Drive, Waterloo.jpg Wendy Harris, 229 Alta Vista Ave., Waterloo.jpg Heartland Habitat for Humanity house, 316 Iowa St..jpg Peggy Bullerman, 1839 Westchester Road, Waterloo.jpg Mary and Ron Potter, 131 Leland Ave., Waterloo.jpg
Two people were taken into custody in Stevens Point after a robbery in a Wisconsin Dells business parking lot.

A juvenile in Wisconsin Dells was reportedly robbed in the parking lot on Tuesday morning, according to a press release from the Wisconsin Dells Police Department.

According to police:

The boy reported being approached by a male and female in a silver BMW SUV and the 18-year-old male suspect, a Florida resident, demanded money.

The juvenile surrendered money, but the male suspect demanded the rest from his wallet and threatened him with a firearm. Both the male and female then fled the scene, but the BMW license plate number was caught with a surveillance camera, which initiated a statewide alert to locate the vehicle.

Wisconsin Dells police were notified by the Stevens Point Police Department at 1:20 p.m. on Tuesday that the suspects were in custody after the vehicle was located in that city. The male suspect was charged with robbery with threat of force. The Columbia County Sheriffs Office also assisted with the investigation.
Volk Field finished another year of its most comprehensive military training exercise last week.

Northern Lightning Counterland is a 12-day development session primarily for members of the United States Air Force and Air National Guard in which possible adversarial attacks are simulated with military aircraft. Pilots from each military branch received training on flight techniques and response to potential threats during the Aug. 7-19 stretch.

The United States Marine Corps and Air Force Reserve also were at Northern Lightning. Over 1,000 participants from the four service branches and more than 60 aircraft were involved in the exercise, according to an event press release.

Northern Lightning is our premier fourth and fifth fighter aircraft integration exercise, said Wisconsin Air National Guard Col. Matt Eakins, the Volk Field commander who is also an Air Force member. Over 10 years, weve just worked continually to increase the training opportunities for (National) Guard Active Duty and our joint counterpart air crews.

Various fighter jets such as F-16s and F-35s were used in Northern Lightning. Participants used the airspace over central Wisconsin to simulate combatant situations, with former service members serving in hypothetical enemy roles.

Northern Lightning focuses on Counter Air operations vs. near-peer and peer adversaries wielding a robust, simulated IADSIntegrated Air Defense Systemscomprised of relevant 21st century threats, Maj. Tyler Shaver, Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center Operations Director, said in a statement.

In 2023, Northern Lightning added increased ground training, Eakins said, adding that multiple control functions were integrated to create a comprehensive development exercise. The exercise increases combat readiness through emphasizing user-defined objectives, according to the press release.

Its exciting to get training airborne and on the ground all at the same time, Eakins said.

The exercise emphasizes air interdiction and fighter integration and focuses on air training objectives for state and federal missions, according to the press release.

A lot of exercises put on in the Air Force are more directive in nature, Eakins said. You just dont really get an input into individual level training.

Individual units can sign up for various training in specialized flight and combat areas in January, Eakins said, adding that simulations are then tailored from then until Northern Lightning.

The training staff is just super dedicated to their individual jobs, which are important to the big picture, Eakins said.

Family members of participants were intermittently permitted to observe the exercise from afar.
After more than three decades with the city, a Wisconsin Dells public works employee retired earlier this month.

Thore Gregerson spent 35 years with the citys Public Works Department and is highly regarded by director Chris Tollaksen and other city officials. At its monthly meeting Monday, the citys common council unanimously approved one of the citys pumping stations to be named Thore Gregerson Main Lift Station for his services to the city.

I was honored to work there all those years, said Gregerson, who retired Aug. 16. I really enjoyed it. It was the kind of work I liked doing. Im a farmer also, so operating equipment was in my blood.

Gregersons main role with public works was as head of the sanitary sewer utility, but he worked as a foreman in multiple capacities within the department, including snow removal. He will now focus on farming full-time with his brothers on his property in rural Columbia County, which he has done since he was a child.

I think its a fitting tribute, said Wisconsin Dells mayor Ed Wojnicz of the renamed lift station, which will also have a sign with Gregersons name. Well deserved and we know that Thore is probably one of the hardest working individuals that you will ever run into.

Gregerson, whom Wojnicz referred to as a self-starter, kept streets open and sewers flowing smoothly during regular business hours and would work extra hours to address emergencies, said Tollaksen, who added that Gregersons knowledge and expertise with sanitation and other public works infrastructure came in handy on numerous occasions.

Thore has been a huge asset to the city and to the community as a whole, Tollaksen said. Thores professional skills were only matched by this personal dedication to serving the community and ensuring reliable public works and sewer services to all residents and businesses. While Thore leaves a well-trained and competent crew, the loss to the City in his retirement is immeasurable.

Gregerson has thorough knowledge of the pipe network in Wisconsin Dells and expertise with monitoring and other controls at city pumping stations, said Tollaksen.

Wojnicz added that Gregerson will be sorely missed. Gregerson said he would not retire until he felt the public works department was in good hands with his former coworkers.

(Gregerson) has the strong work ethic, intelligence, and skill to lead a productive and effective public works crew, Tollaksen said.

The lift station which will be named after Gregerson is located on Finnegan Avenue in the city. Firemans Park, located north of Wisconsin Dells on Highway 13, hosted a retirement party for Gregerson on Sunday.

I hope he takes care of himself like he did other people, Wojnicz said.

Other Wisconsin Dells news

In other business Monday, the Common Council approved electrical outlets for holiday lights at 20 locations along Broadway. A first reading of an ordinance to install eastbound and westbound stop signs on Wisconsin Avenue at its intersection with Oak Street was approved as well.
For the 157th year, Juneau County residents and visitors wrapped up the summer in style.

The Juneau County Fair wrapped up Sunday, and featured its usual assortment of farm animal displays, shows, and contests, along with food trucks, a two-day rodeo, two-day truck derby, and ATV races on the last day. It is the longest-running tradition in Juneau County, said Juneau County Fair Board secretary Vicki McGowan.

Juneau County Fair is one of the smaller fairs in the state, said Wisconsin Department of Agriculture licensing associate Pam Hobson, who attended the fair. I actually enjoy going to the smaller fairs. When I drove in today, the most impressive thing is the buildings that they have for the animals.

Three music acts also came to the fair, performing on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. There was a large dairy breakfast on Saturday, and county farmers held a meat animal sale that afternoon.

Weve had great weather, phenomenal crowds, said McGowan. Everybody has been great.

A monster truck was available for rides. It was the only new attraction for 2023.

If its not broke, were not going to fix it or change it, McGowan said.

ATV races were new to the fair last year after a combine harvester smash-up event was removed because of a lack of available combines.

Farm families dressed up cows for an animal dressing parade on Saturday evening, and various contestants got their dairy fill in a yogurt-eating contest after the parade.

For a small fair, they do really well, said Hobson, a Grant County native. Its a community thing. Everybody knows everybody.

Businesses from around Juneau County, such as Natural Carnivore, a raw pet food store in Mauston, and Future Farmers of America organizations had booths throughout the fair. County farmers also had a stand with homemade pies.

I go through all the exhibits and some things that are not animals, said Hobson. Its really cool to see that theyre still alive and well.

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ANN ARBOR, MI - Ethan Davis and his parents hoisted a furniture supra their heads, exhaling for illustration powerfulness lifters to group up his caller dorm bunk bed.

After catching his breath, nan incoming University of Michigan freshman from Lapeer County said nan commencement of his first twelvemonth is filled pinch mixed emotions. Davis is fresh to research Ann Arbor and each it has to offer, but will miss his parents, he said.

Its bully that Im going to beryllium independent, he said. But besides they will beryllium an hr and a half distant if I request something,

Davis shared nan acquisition pinch thousands of incoming students, including much than a 1000 successful Bursley Hall connected North Campus, connected nan first time of move-in week connected Wednesday, Aug. 23.

Read more: Your guideline to University of Michigan move-in week 2023

There are astir 7,000 students moving into dorms this week crossed nan Ann Arbor campus, said Amir Baghdadchi, nan universitys Housing Senior Associate Director of Administration and Public Relations. About 3,000 much older students, positive supportive families, are besides successful town, he said.

Once you adhd nan families, you recognize nan measurement of quality beings that are coming here, opportunity thing of nan measurement of vehicles, too, Baghdadchi said.

Bursley Hall is nan azygous largest dorm connected campus, he said, arsenic it houses astir 1,300 freshmen. Volunteers, specified arsenic freshman Sandra Attisha of Sterling Heights moved into their rooms early to thief chap freshmen during nan normal move-in week.

My move successful week was a small quieter, but still busy Attisha said, adding that volunteering helped her get settled early.

Attisha helped freshmen, specified arsenic Carson Andree of Muskegon and his family. The prospective aerospace engineering awesome is fresh for his independence, he said.

Im excited to fig things retired connected my own, he said.

Carson Andree and his friend Noor Saini unfastened nan doorway to Andrees dorm room for nan first clip during nan first time of student move-in astatine Bursley Hall connected nan University of Michigans North Campus connected Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.comJacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Housing officials sent emails to families for nan past fewer months to get them ready. Despite nan clip to emotionally prepare, parents, specified arsenic Andrees mom Becky, were still affectional astir nan departure.

Carson, connected nan different hand, is fresh to deed nan crushed running, his mom said.

Hes been fresh for almost a twelvemonth to beryllium connected his own, she said. So its not rather arsenic difficult to fto go, because I spot he has each nan skills he needs to beryllium successful successful nan world.

The assemblage emails contained check lists and different information to make move-in smooth. Davis said, pinch a laughter noting he started packing only a week agone contempt a fewer months of emails, while freshmen for illustration Katie Rose has been connecting nan dots for a fewer months.

Ive had to get a batch of storage, she said. Last night, (my parents and I) realized we almost forgot a pillow. We besides watched YouTube videos to get an thought of what nan rooms dimensions would be.

This was nan first normal move-in time acquisition for her sister Molly, a elder who had her on-campus acquisition interrupted by nan COVID-19 pandemic. That meant wearing masks and moving into rooms by herself, she said.

There wasnt arsenic overmuch organization arsenic you tin spot present today, she said. I spot group already talking to each other.

Katie Rose, a prospective Ross Business School student, is fresh for her first portion arsenic a student astatine New York Pizza Depot adjacent downtown. Andree, meantime has heard each astir Zingermans Deli sandwiches, while Davis said he has yet to investigation edifice options.

All 3 are fresh to watch nan shot squad from nan student section.

Im really excited for my first game, Davis said.

Despite nan mixed emotions of move-in day, galore students specified arsenic Andree recognize its each portion of lifes journey.

Its conscionable portion of life, he said.

Read much from The Ann Arbor News:

Striking grad instructors onslaught woody pinch University of Michigan

Save a subordinate pinch these University of Michigan student discounts

10 eateries incoming University of Michigan students should try

From suits to sweats, spot humanities photos of students moving successful astatine nan University of Michigan
TRAVERSE CITY, MI  A planned aquatic investigation halfway received a greenish ray this week from Michigans apical tribunal aft much than 2 years of ineligible hurdles.

The FishPass task was cleared for improvement aft nan Michigan Supreme Court connected Aug. 22 refused to return up an entreaty revenge by a Traverse City man who has for years challenged nan citys authority to let nan task without a nationalist vote. A section judge sided pinch nan national successful April 2021, but nan Michigan Court of Appeals overturned nan ruling successful October past year.

The Michigan Supreme Court was not persuaded nan rumor warranted further reappraisal and denied nan petition for continued appeal.

FishPass was designed to switch nan aging Union Street Dam successful downtown Traverse Citys Boardman River, called nan Ottaway River by nan section Native people helping to money nan project.

Designs were finalized and a much than $20 cardinal fund group earlier nan suit brought nan task to a halt much than 2 years ago.

We are committed to moving intimately pinch our partners to guarantee nan effective implementation of FishPass, and we are assured that this task will present important benefits for years to come, said Richard Lewis, Traverse Citys mayor.

FishPass is nan capstone to astir 2 decades of restoration activity connected nan Boardman (Ottaway) River to reconnect nan watercourse pinch Lake Michigans Grand Traverse Bay. Michigans largest reservoir removal effort already took retired 3 dams connected nan stream betwixt 2012 and 2018.

Union Street Dam was built successful 1867 to powerfulness a flour mill, but now it controls h2o levels connected adjacent Boardman Lake. State inspectors classed nan building arsenic fair to poor, but without expected imminent failure.

The planned 10-year FishPass task will create in-water mechanisms to benignant food swimming upstream but requires building of caller technological infrastructure astatine nan tract of nan past remaining reservoir connected nan river.

The conception is to find a reliable measurement to let desirable food to walk beyond nan building to spawn  specified arsenic autochthonal trout aliases sturgeon  but artifact invasive type specified arsenic oversea lamprey. The results will beryllium shared internationally pinch biology regulators facing nan aforesaid stream connectivity problems, according to nan Great Lakes Fishery Commission, nan lead agency connected nan investigation project.

Initial plans called for nan investigation installation successful nan stream to beryllium wholly constructed by early this year.

Partners connected nan pending task see nan fishery commission, City of Traverse City, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and nan Boardman River Dams Implementation Team.

Related articles:

Rivers person agelong memories: Michigan gets $5 cardinal for restorations

Consumers Energy explores waste of 13 hydroelectric dams

Wetlands and h2o quality: Beaver Island is simply a subject hub
Ukraine is trying to guidelines retired corruption by offering payments for whistleblowers.

The US said that Ukraines counteroffensive is making progress.

So galore Russian mines person been placed successful Ukraine that nan state is desperately seeking help.

Russia has vowed retaliation aft Ukraine launched a caller assault connected nan Crimean bridge.

Ukraine has accused Russia of targeting rescue workers pinch missile strikes.

Russia attacked Ukrainian troops pinch chemic weapons, according to caller evidence.

A Ukrainian woman, allegedly moving pinch aliases for nan Russians, has been arrested successful a plot to assassinate Ukrainian President Zelenksy. Moscow is trying to person Russians to move to war-torn Mariupol. Russia has bombed a Ukrainian humor transfusion center.

Russia has bombed much Ukrainian atom stores. Global atom prices rose1 17% arsenic Russia attacked different Ukrainian atom supply.

Russia has bombed a atom retention depot. Russian bombs person damaged a Ukrainian cathedral successful Odessa that is listed arsenic a Unesco world practice site. The US says cluster bombs are making a quality successful Ukraine. Ukraine intelligence has confirmed that Wagner troops person rejected nan action to subordinate nan regular Russian service and moves to Belarus.

The Wagner group rejected Putins connection to subordinate nan Russian army. The leader of nan Wagner group has returned to Russia and reclaimed confiscated weaponsalthough caller US intelligence suggests that he whitethorn ne'er person gone to Belarus successful nan first place. In fact, intelligence suggests he whitethorn person met pinch Putin aft nan mutiny. Putin is allegedly purging his subject of suspected traitors. Charges person been dropped against nan rebellious Wagner boss.

The Wagner mercenary leader tried to telephone Putin erstwhile he thought his rebellion had gone excessively far, but Putin allegedly ignored his call.

The UK is considering preparing for a script successful which nan Russian federation collapses. This follows the Wagner group halting its aggression against Moscow little than 24 hours aft declaring unfastened rebellion against nan Russian military. Intelligence suggests that nan rebellion was halted because Russian agents threatened nan chiefs family.

Last week, the Wagner mercenary group captured a Russian commander aft nan caput of nan Wagner mercenary group accused nan Russian subject of planting mines successful nan groups path.

Just a fewer weeks ago, the Wagner leader said his service isnt beardown capable to effort a coup. The leader of nan Wagner group has criticized nan Russian defense minister, whose children are allegedly surviving successful luxury while Russian soldiers die. According to nan main of nan Wagner group, 20,000 of his troops died successful nan conflict for Bakhmut.

After claiming triumph successful Bakhmut, nan Wagner main has vowed to time off Bakhmut. Zelenksy is denying Russias alleged triumph successful Bakhmut.

Russian forces are successful retreat adjacent Bakhmut, according to some Ukraine and Wagner.

Ukraine has defeated Russian forces adjacent Bakhmut, liberating immoderate of nan captured territory and capturing immoderate troops.

Ukraine said location has been no motion of nan Wagner group leaving Bakhmut. The caput of nan Wagner mercenary group says he will propulsion his troops retired of Bakhmut, blaming defense officials for deficiency of ammunition. Kyiv suffered its worst Russian attacks successful a year.

Several twelve Ukrainian civilians were wounded successful pre-dawn Russian rocket strikes.

Russian missiles killed 25 people successful a artifact of apartments. Two group are dormant and different 10 wounded successful a Russian onslaught connected a Ukrainian museum. Russia claims to beryllium saving children, not kidnapping them, contempt overwhelming evidence. Ukraine hopes to create an world conjugation to return its deported children.

More than 30 children person been returned to Ukraine pursuing deportation to Russia. The Russian subject whitethorn person committed much than 9,000 warfare crimes successful nan Bucha district. Putin has been charged pinch warfare crimes successful an International Court and a warrant for his apprehension has been issued. The International Criminal Court has opened war crimes cases against Russia. Ukraine has accused Russian soldiers of destroying 400 flat blocks to hide grounds of warfare crimes.

As nan warfare successful Ukraine continues, evidence of Russian-perpetrated warfare crimes is mounting. Zelensky has said that Ukraine has already uncovered grounds of 400 warfare crimes successful Kherson. Ukraine precocious regained nan only location superior taken by Moscow, Kherson. Volodymyr Zelensky will return portion successful nan G20 summit. Zelensky has besides been awarded nan Liberty Medal by nan National Constitution Center successful Philadelphia.

The United States is sending different $400 cardinal to Ukraine.

Canada is selling bonds to thief money Ukraine. Many nations are contributing to nan warfare nevertheless they can; for example, an Idaho man who volunteered to fight successful Ukraine has died.

UK intelligence suggests that Russians are getting tired of Putins war, pinch much saying that Putin made mistakes pinch nan war.

Russians are fleeing to Kazakhstan to debar Putins draft. There are now much Russians fleeing nan draft than location were successful nan original penetration force, UK intel suggests.

A Russian man has changeable a draught officer responsible for signing up conscripts for nan Ukraine war; successful a abstracted incident, a man group himself connected occurrence successful protest. Vladimir Putin is allegedly successful hiding arsenic anti-draft protests erupt astir Russia. More than 1,300 civilians person been arrested for protesting Putins conscription of civilians.

To dress up for frontline setbacks, Russia has accrued its attacks connected Ukrainian infrastructure. Ukrainian president Zelensky has visited reconquered territory, a motion of nan countrys strength.

Ukraine regained still much territory from nan Russians successful nan past week. The week before, Ukrainian forces reached nan Russian border successful nan Kharkiv region. Ukraines lightning counteroffensive drove Russian soldiers from nan Kharkiv region, and now Ukraine has tripled its reconquered territory. Ukraine began its long-awaited offensive successful nan countrys southbound past week. President Zelesnsky has besides promised to retake Crimea by immoderate intends necessary.

Western nations are aiding Ukraines ambitions. The United States is group to nonstop Ukraine different $3 billion successful aid. Turkey has sent 50 mine-resistant vehicles to Ukraine, and it will nonstop much successful nan future. Ukraine has received much rocket launchers from nan United States and Germany. President Zelensky has said that nan Ukrainian service is losing astir 30 soldiers per day, compared to nan 100-200 astatine nan opening of nan war. 3The UK authorities announced that it will nonstop some artillery and drones to Ukraine. Zelenskys agency has besides confirmed that nan United States will train F-15 and F-16 pilots.

The Ukrainian defense curate has announced nan country hopes to build a million-strong army to hit backmost nan Russians.

The Russian subject is opening to amass reserves connected nan Ukraine border. Two-hundred Russian soldiers person been killed and different 300 wounded pursuing a Ukrainian onslaught connected a Russian base.

A Canadian fighting for nan Ukrainian service has issued a plea for much weapons and money (to bargain weapons).

Two weeks ago, Australia sent ammunition to Ukraine, successful consequence to Zelenskys pleas. Ukraine was reporting a shortage of ammunition, threatening to halt their defense against Russia. International governments person truthful acold been generous pinch weapons. Poland has announced that it will waste $650m worthy of dense weapons, including self-propelled Howitzers, to Ukraine.

Sweden and nan UK person besides joined a increasing database of countries sending different information of precocious weapons to Ukraine. Spain is sending authorities of nan art, German-designed tanks to Ukraine to thief conflict nan Russian invaders. Germany has announced that it will nonstop modern anti-aircraft missiles and radar systems to Ukraine. The United States will besides beryllium sending Ukraine medium-range rockets, according to President Biden.

The Russians, by contrast, are opening to struggle successful position of weapons. The Ukrainian subject says it has destroyed an ammunition depot arsenic nan fighting successful Donbas intensifies. Such demolition has led Ukrainian subject analysts to reason that nan Russian subject has depleted its modern subject equipment. Russia has much woes than conscionable equipment. Over a 100 Russian nationalist defender soldiers person been fired for refusing to conflict successful Ukraine.

Russias parliament has eliminated nan property limit for subject work arsenic they scramble for much soldiers. The Russian subject is besides offering bonuses 4 times bigger than a soldiers monthly salary. British subject intelligence has estimated that Russia mislaid a 3rd of its penetration force.

Alexander Lukashenka, nan dictatorial leader of Belarus, has admitted that nan Ukraine warfare is not going according to plan. The German business elephantine Siemens is readying to time off Russia aft almost 170 years, arsenic a consequence of nan Ukraine war.

The Russian finance ministry has admitted that occidental sanctions are threatening nan state pinch economical collapse.

Vladimir Putins $989 cardinal megayacht has been seized successful Italy. In position of specified seizures, Chuck Schumer said that nan United States will waste seized Russian oligarchs assets to use nan Ukrainian warfare effort.

More news.

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Today a judge ruled that John OConner is still incompetent to stand trial and it is unlikely that will change in the near future.
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The Rev. Jesse Jackson was present during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom when the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his I Have a Dream speech. While many have focused on the dream part of Kings speech, the following words likely resonated with Jackson: We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their adulthood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating For Whites Only. 



The days of legal segregation are behind us now, says the 81-year-old Jackson during an interview with AARP about two weeks before the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington. Weve made tremendous progress that would not go backwards. I want to move forward.

AARP Membership Join AARP for $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine. Join Now

Moving forward for Jackson, in part, means stepping down as the head of the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition, an organization he founded as a result of mentoring from King. In July, the coalition said Jackson was not retiring; he instead will pivot to emeritus status as he passes the baton to the Rev. Frederick Haynes III. Jacksons decision, the statement said, is a result of his ongoing journey with Parkinsons disease.

Parkinson's is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement. Symptoms include quivering hands, shuffling gait, stooped posture as well as cognitive decline.

Its true that Jackson, who in his heyday stood at a towering 6 feet, 3 inches, is not letting the disease stop him. But it has slowed him.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson shakes hands at the 20th anniversary commemoration of the March on Washington in 1983. Bettmann/Getty Images

As the video camera turns on in a room at Loretto Hospital in Chicago, where Jackson had joined striking workers in their final push to settle a contract negotiation, he approaches the screen in his wheelchair. An assistant has wheeled him into the room. Someone else adjusts his mic. Known for his booming voice that has electrified crowds, he is soft-spoken today, and at times hard to hear, but one thing he makes clear: I have the ability and the will to fight.

I'll be with him for a while, Jackson adds about working alongside Haynes.

His mind is so sharp that you cant retire with a mind like that, Haynes says.

Haynes, 62, has served as the senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas for 40 years. So, in light of that, we continue to benefit from his wisdom, his brilliance, and his prophetic insights, Haynes says.
1 student killed, dozens injured in school bus crash in U.S. Ohio

Xinhua) 13:22, August 23, 2023

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- One student was killed and more than 20 others were injured after their school bus crashed with a passenger car in Clark County of the U.S. state of Ohio on Tuesday, WHIO-TV reported.

A Northwestern Local Schools bus crashed with a Honda car coming from the opposite direction on state route 41 in Springfield, Ohio, and the school bus overturned, WHIO-TV quoted Sgt. Tyler Ross of the Ohio State Highway Patrol as saying.

One student was thrown out of the bus and died at the scene of the crash, according to Ross.

There were 52 children on the school bus along with the driver. Thirteen students were transported by medics to area hospitals for treatment and 10 students were transported by personal means to area hospitals for treatment. Twenty-two of the students appear to have non-life threatening injuries, and one suffered serious injuries, Ross said.

The Honda driver and his passenger were transported to Springfield Regional Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. The school bus driver suffered minor injuries, said the Dayton, Ohio-based WHIO-TV.

Northwestern Local Schools, a district with one elementary school and one junior/senior high school, confirmed on its website that there has been a bus accident "on one of our elementary routes," without giving details.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)


LU7 Lithium Inventory and Opportunities

Melbourne, Aug 23, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Lithium Universe Limited ( ASX:LU7 ) is pleased to advise the details of the significant Lithium and Rare Earths opportunities within Tier 1 mining jurisdictions of Canada and Australia.



The Company's Canadian based projects are the Apollo Lithium Project, the Adina South and Adina West Projects and the Margot Lake Project; all of which are considered highly prospective for lithium and are situated in close proximity to a number of impressive recent discoveries.



Apollo Lithium Project (80%)



The Apollo Lithium Project is approximately 29km south-east of Patriot Battery Metals Inc.'s nearby Corvette Property with resource of 109.2 Mt at 1.42% Li2O and 28km west of Winsome Resource Ltd's Adina Property.



The Apollo Lithium Project consists of 466 claims covering an area of approximately 240km2 in the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James Municipality (James Bay), in northwest Quebec. The Apollo tenements are larger in size than the Patriot Corvette project by 26 km2. Patriot's most successful drill result was a remarkable 156m at 2.12% Li2O at CV5. Similarly, 28 km to the east, Winsome Resources Limited announced a high-grade mineralised intersection of 107m at 1.34% Li2O from 2.3 meters (AD-22-005) at their Adina Project.



Apollo has 17 pegmatite outcrops reported on the tenement package. Given the exceptional results from these neighbouring projects in addition to a similar geological host, the Apollo Lithium Project has the potential to be equally successful.



The initial focus of the Company will be the exploration of the Apollo Lithium Project. An accelerated exploration program will commence with the systematic mapping, geochemical soil sampling and geophysical surveys of 17 pegmatite outcrops and the NE-SW trending topographic highs previously identified by the Quebec government. Concurrently, an airborne geophysical and remote survey will be conducted to concentrate field works and provide high-priority drill targets for the maiden drilling campaign.



Adina South & Adina West Lithium Project (80%)



The Adina South and Adina West Projects (together, the "Adina Projects") consist of 89 claims covering an area of approximately 45km2 in the James Bay district approximately 350km to the east of Radisson, in the northwest of Quebec. The Company's project is situated in close proximity to Winsome Resources' Adina Project, hosting the Adina and Jamar Prospects. Recently, Winsome Resources reported successful drilling results, with AD-22-005 yielding 107m at 1.34% Li2O from 2.3m at their Adina Project. Aerial satellite images have revealed similar pegmatite occurrences at the surface. The regional magnetics show that the Cancet, Corvette, Adina and Apollo Lithium projects all sit within the greenstone belt of the La Grande sub-province.



The Company intends to conduct an exploration program at the Adina South and Adina West Projects focussed on preliminary field mapping and geochemical soil sampling focussed on pegmatitic granite occurrences to assist in drill program planning.



Margot Lake Lithium Project (80%)



The Margot Lake Project consists of 32 claims covering approximately 19.8 km2, located 170 km to the north of Red Lake, within the Red Lake Mining District in north-west Ontario. Notably, the highly competitive district where the project is situated is labelled "Electric Avenue" due to recent major discoveries by Frontier Lithium Inc., now with a market capitalisation of more than A$500M. The Margot Lake Project is situated 16km southeast of Frontier Lithium's PAK Deposit which contains 9.9Mt at 2.0% Li2O and 18km away from Frontier's Spark Deposit, which contains an indicated 18.8Mt at 1.52% Li2O and an inferred resource of 29.7Mt at 1.34% Li2O. The Company's Margot Lake Project contains nine confirmed pegmatites and displays similar regional geology to major resources within the immediate area.



The Company intends to conduct an exploration program at the Margot Lake Project focussed on preliminary field mapping and geochemical soil sampling focussed on pegmatitic granite occurrences to assist in drill program planning.



Lefroy Lithium Project (100%)



The Lefroy Lithium Project is located in the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia that is home to some of the largest operating mines and exploration discoveries over the past 100 years. The Lefroy Lithium Project consists of approximately 42 km2 and is strategically located proximal to the Bald Hill Lithium Mine, which has a top-quality spodumene concentrate with low levels of mica and iron, as well as significant tantalum by-product production. The Bald Hill mine has a resource of 26.5Mt at 1.00% Li2O and a nameplate capacity of 1.2Mt per year. The Lefroy project is also located 60km from the Mt. Marion Lithium Mine, 71.3Mt at 1.37% Li2O, which is owned by Mineral Resources Ltd, with a market capitalisation of ~A$17B. Mt. Marion produces 900,000 tonnes of mixed-grade spodumene concentrate annually.



The Company intends on a systematic exploration program including surface mapping, geochemical soil sampling and geophysical surveys to identify drill targets.



Voyager Rare Earth Project (80%)



The Voyager Project consists of two exploration license applications, located in northern and eastern Tasmania respectively. ELA32/2022 covers an area of approximately 187km2 towards the southeast of Launceston which has become home to one the first Ionic Clay Rare Earth discovery in Tasmania. E40/2022 covers an area of approximately 198km2 approximately 30km inland from the town of Swansea on the east coast of Tasmania.



The discovery of ionic absorption clay-type (IAC) rare earth element (REE) mineralisation by ABx Group highlights the significant potential of hosting economic deposits in the region. ABx upgraded the mineral resource to 27Mt at 803ppm TREO.



The regional work done to date indicates an exciting potential for further discoveries of REE in Ionic Clays. The Voyager Project currently consists of exploration licence applications which remain subject to grant.



*To view tables and figures, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/F99K9RDI





About Lithium Universe Ltd





Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7), headed by industry trail blazer, Iggy Tan, and the Lithium Galaxy team has a proven track record of fast-tracking lithium projects, demonstrated by the successful development of the Mt Cattlin spodumene project for Galaxy Resources Limited.

Instead of exploring for the sake of exploration, Lithium Universe's mission is to quickly obtain a resource and construct a spodumene-producing mine in Quebec, Canada. Unlike many other Lithium exploration companies, Lithium Universe possesses the essential expertise and skills to develop and construct profitable projects.

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COVIRIX Medical and Numolux Group Enter Strategic Partnership

Sydney, Aug 23, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - GoConnect Limited ( NSX:GO8 ) advise that COVIRIX Medical and Numolux Group have entered into a strategic partnership for anti-viral drug development platform.



View the media release (in link below*) by the Numolux Group of South Africa. The Numolux Group launched the BRICS Health and Pharmaceutical Association of Africa in May 2023.



BRICS is a significant political alliance of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Collectively, BRICS accounts for over 31% of global GDP and over 40% of global population. 40 additional countries have applied formally to join BRICS or have expressed the intention to join. The 15th BRICS Summit is being hosted by South Africa between 22 and 24 August 2023 in Johannesburg.



Numolux Group and COVIRIX Medical Pty Ltd have entered into a strategic partnership:



that will focus on establishing an inhaled antiviral drug development platform by repurposing, starting with South Africa for the African continent, then extending to the entire BRICS + Alliance for treatment of diseases, starting with viral respiratory intra-nasal inhalational delivery routes.



the parties will co-operate with each other in the areas of pre-clinical and clinical research, registration, marketing, and distribution of antiviral products in South African and other African markets.



COVIRIX Medical is the first Australian pharmaceutical company to position itself in the BRICS + Alliance, leveraging on the strong business relationships of the Numolux Group within South Africa, a key member of the BRICS + Alliance, and the leadership of South Africa within the African continent, a market with a population of over 1.4 billion people.



Go Green Holdings Ltd is a significant shareholder of COVIRIX Medical with a 24% shareholding interest.



NSX listed GoConnect Ltd (GO8) holds a 43% shareholding interest in Go Green Holdings.



*To view the media release, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/NK50P879





About GoConnect Limited





GoConnect Limited (NSX:GO8) has been established since August 1999 as a media communications company. Since 1999 and until 2015 when it co-founded Go Green Holdings, its core business specialised in the online delivery of interactive audio and video contents via its unique and proprietary technology.

Since 2015, GoConnect has transformed itself to an active investment company developing businesses that can leverage on the Company's expertise and long experience in communications technology and marketing.

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Malibu, CA, Aug 23, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - In this segment of The Ellis Martin Report we embark upon a journey with Jordan Trimble, President and CEO of Skyharbour Resources ( CVE:SYH ) ( SYHBF:OTCMKTS ) as we take a macro AND micro look at the #uranium sector.



With the importance of exploration and development in Canada's Athabasca region in Saskatchewan as we take back our energy independence in the West. There are many reasons why the price of uranium is rising amid a suppressed equities market. Can we expect a turnaround? Why and when? A fascinating look at everything involving nuclear energy and SkyHarbour Resources with Jordan Trimble.



To listen to the Interview, please visit:

https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/HZ2PK59C





About Skyharbour Resources Ltd.





Skyharbour Resources (CVE:SYH) (OTCMKTS:SYHBF) holds an extensive portfolio of uranium and thorium exploration projects in Canada's Athabasca Basin and is well positioned to benefit from improving uranium market fundamentals with six drill-ready projects. In July 2016, Skyharbour acquired an option from Denison Mines, a large strategic shareholder of the Company, to acquire 100% of the Moore Uranium Project which is located approximately 15 kilometres east of Denison's Wheeler River project and 39 kilometres south of Cameco's McArthur River uranium mine. Moore is an advanced stage uranium exploration project with high grade uranium mineralization at the Maverick Zone. Drill results have returned up to 6.0% U3O8 over 5.9 metres, including 20.8% U3O8 over 1.5 metres at a vertical depth of 265 metres. Skyharbour has signed option agreements with Orano Canada Inc. and Azincourt Energy whereby Orano and Azincourt can earn in up to 70% of specific segments of the Preston Project through a combined $9,800,000 in total exploration expenditures, as well as $1,700,000 in total cash payments and Azincourt shares. Preston is a large, geologically prospective property proximal to Fission Uranium's Triple R deposit as well as NexGen Energy's Arrow deposit. The Company also owns a 100% interest in the Falcon Point Uranium Project which hosts a high-grade surface showing with up to 68% U3O8 in grab samples from a massive pitchblende vein, the source of which has yet to be discovered. The Company's 100% owned Mann Lake Uranium project on the east side of the Basin is strategically located adjacent to the Mann Lake Joint Venture operated by Cameco, where high-grade uranium mineralization has been identified. Skyharbour's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions.

About The Ellis Martin Report

The Ellis Martin Report (TEMR) is an internet based radio program showcasing potentially undervalued companies to an audience of potential retail investors and fund managers that comprise our listening audience. TEMR is broadcasted on the VoiceAmerica Business Channel and The Opportunity Radio Network. CEO and company interviews are paid for by those represented on the program.

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Instagram Celebrity

The 'Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta' star, who was arrested on Sunday, August 20, insists that she didn't use or possess coke but admitted that she was around a lot of people that use the drug.

Aug 23, 2023

AceShowbiz - Tommie Lee remains defiant following her recent arrest in Miami. The "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" star continues to deny drug charges against her, but fans were not buying her claim.

Tommie defended herself during an Instagram Live. The reality TV star insisted that she didn't use or possess coke but admitted that she was around a lot of people that use the drug.

During her rant, Tommie also blamed an "overzealous cop" for overblowing the arrest. She went on to fume, "Stop this nonsense we're not going to keep trying to run with this very tired story... It's not me will never be that drug doesn't fit my aesthetic at all STOP IT!!"

Unfortunately, many social media users didn't believe Tommie's claims. "Nobody ever admits to doing coke.. Girl it's okay," one individual commented, while another added, "I've never heard a BLACK person complain about a cop actually turning their body cameras on she lying."

"What addict is going to admit, that they're addicts ? She's in denial," a third chimed in. "When her underage daughter took her edibles and passed them out at school that should have been enough for her to PUT THE DRUGS DOWN. like all of them."

Tommie was arrested on drug possession charges on Sunday, August 20. Her team denied the drug possession allegation, claiming that she carried her friend's epilepsy medication, not cocaine.

In a statement to The Neighborhood Talk, Tommie's reps said she was leaving a restaurant after having a dispute with a disrespectful employee. Her team alleged that she was only approached by law enforcement because they were familiar with her.

"They chose to handcuff and arrest her on grounds of drug possession, despite the fact that the 'drugs' were, in fact, her friend's epilepsy medication," the reps said. "They seized upon this as an excuse for her arrest when no other valid reason was evident. It's completely understandable that she felt infuriated by this unjust treatment, especially when she was spending her own hard-earned money."

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Instagram Movie

After collaborating on Apple TV series 'See', the 'Aquaman' star and 'Guardians of the Galaxy' actor will re-team for a new movie directed by 'Blue Beetle' filmmaker.

Aug 23, 2023

AceShowbiz - Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa are tapped to star in Angel Manuel Soto's "The Wrecking Crew". "Blue Beetle" director Soto sits behind the lens for the movie, which has a script written by Jonathan Tropper, who penned the project before the writers' strike got underway in June.

Bautista and Momoa were in discussions to co-star in the film before the American actors' union SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) went on strike in July, according to The Hollywood Reporter. It has been described as a "buddy comedy" although there aren't any plot details about the movie.

It comes after Bautista admitted in August 2021 that he wanted to star in a buddy cop movie with Momoa. The wrestler-turned-actor teamed up with the "Aquaman" star for the second series of the Apple TV+ drama "See", and admitted he also wanted to work with the star on the big screen in a "Lethal Weapon" style movie.

Bautista tweeted, "Just going to throw this out into the atmosphere and see what happens. Here we go... Me and Momoa in a 'Lethal Weapon' type buddy cop movie directed by David Leitch. Ok! There it is. Now we wait (sic)."

Momoa later admitted he is open to starring in a buddy cop movie with Bautista. Speaking on "The Late Late Show with James Corden", he said, "I'm not on Twitter, but he literally texted me about four days ago, going, 'We need to do a buddy cop film.' "

"We love each other, you know, obviously we met on 'See', we're on 'Dune' together, so I said 'absolutely.' And he's like, 'Let's do it in Hawaii.' I'm like, 'Let's do it.' I'm like, 'I got an idea.' So it's off to the races now. We're doing it."

Momoa joked, "It sells itself. Dave loves wearing speedos. I love wearing board shorts. Ya know, both of us with our shirts off. You know, buddy cop film. He'll be grumpy, I'll be charming. Boom. It sells itself, bro. Bam!"

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Bleecker Street Media Movie

The controversy surrounding the casting of the 'Shazam! Fury of the Gods' actress in the upcoming Golda Meir true-story movie is dismissed by filmmaker Guy Nattiv.

Aug 23, 2023

AceShowbiz - Guy Nattiv insists Dame Helen Mirren's "Jewish soul" meant she was perfect for the role of Golda Meir. The casting of Mirren as Israel's first and only female prime minister in "Golda" caused controversy as the star is not Jewish but the director was "sensitive" to the issue.

"I'm Jewish, I'm Israeli, both of my grandparents are Holocaust survivors. There's no one more sensitive than me when somebody is portraying a Jew in the wrong way. But, and it's a big but, Helen Mirren portrays Golda in a brilliant way. She has Golda's soul, she has a Jewish soul," Guy told Deadline's Crew Call podcast.

The movie is set during the 1973 Yom Kippur War and sees Meir - who had been diagnosed with cancer - leading Israel after the country is rocked by a surprise twin attack by Arab powers Syria and Egypt on the morning of the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur and Nattiv explained how it sets out to dispel the thought that she was to blame for the severe casualties during the early stages of conflict.

The 50-year-old filmmaker said, "We understood the narrative was that she wasn't to blame. It was much more complicated than that. She relied on her dysfunctional commanders who did a lot of wrong stuff, that almost brought us to a total devastation."

Nattiv also bemoaned the attitude of many current world leaders for lacking "integrity" compared to Meir - who resigned in 1974 as a result of the fallout from the Yom Kippur War. He said, "We miss people with integrity. Humble people that cared more about the country than themselves. What you see now is totally corrupt."

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The 'Morning Show' actress insists redemption is still an option as she blasts cancel culture while weighing on the MeToo movement following Harvey Weinstein scandal.

Aug 23, 2023

AceShowbiz - Jennifer Aniston is done with cancel culture and refuses to put "everybody in the Harvey Weinstein basket." Despite earning millions starring in #MeToo drama "The Morning Show", the former "Friends" actress, 54, criticizes over the army of stars who have been "cancelled" in the wake of serial rapist Weinstein, 71, being sentenced to 39 years behind bars on four counts of rape and one of sexual assault.

"I'm so over cancel culture. I probably just got cancelled by saying that. I just don't understand what it means. Is there no redemption? I don't know. I don't put everybody in the Harvey Weinstein basket," Jennifer told the Wall Street Journal.

Jennifer added that even though she was never harassed or attacked by Weinstein, she "consciously" had someone in her trailer with her when he visited her on a set to pitch her a film.

She said, "(Weinstein's) not a guy, you're like, 'God, I can't wait to hang out with Harvey.' Never. You were actually like, 'Oh, God, OK, suck it up.' I remember actually, he came to visit me on a movie to pitch me a movie. And I do remember consciously having a person stay in my trailer."

Weinstein told the publication Aniston had "never had any uncomfortable instances with me."

He was already serving a 23-year sentence for separate rape and sexual assault convictions in New York when he was also found guilty of rape, forcible oral copulation and the sexual penetration by a foreign object of an unnamed Russian-born model.

Jennifer is currently starring in Apple TV+'s "The Morning Show", which features a fictional breakfast TV host being hit with a series of #MeToo allegations.

Her Wall Street journal interview comes after she disabled her Instagram comments after an account under her name hit the like button on a controversial post from Jamie Foxx, 55, that was linked to anti-Semitism.

The Oscar-winning "Ray" actor posted an angry message that said, "They killed this dude called Jesus... what do you think they'll do to you???! #fakefriends #fakelove."

He later deleted the post and offered his "deepest apologies" to anyone offended by it, stressing he was using the example of Jesus to refer to a friend who had betrayed him.

An account with Jennifer's name appeared to "like" the remarks, but the actress quickly issued a statement saying she had nothing to do with it. She hit out, "This really makes me sick. I did not 'like' this post on purpose or by accident."

"And, more importantly, I want to be clear to my friends and anyone hurt by this showing up on their feeds - I do NOT support any form of antisemitism. And I truly don't tolerate HATE of any kind. Period."

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According to a new report, some locals are not happy with Bianca Censori's controversial outfits to the point they want her to be kicked out of the country or arrested.

Aug 23, 2023

AceShowbiz - Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori gained a lot of attention from Italian residents during their vacation in the country, but not for the right reason. Some locals were not happy with her racy outfits to the point they wanted her to be kicked out of the country or arrested, per TMZ.

During the couple's Italian getaway, Bianca opted to show too much skin as she went braless underneath her sheer, tightfitting bodysuits. She was also photographed rocking a low-waisted white skirt, exposing the top of her backside.

In response to her controversial choice of style, a number of Italian residents expressed their dissatisfaction on social media. One critic wrote, "How about police in every country arrest anyone who is nude? It's called indecency ... Tired of being forced to see nude women and should be illegal for children to see this."

"I hope Italy kicks them both out of the country. They don't need this pair polluting it," one other said. Echoing the sentiment, another wrote, "Completely disrespectful to a conservative catholic culture; the Italians should have kicked them out."

Despite people's discomfort, Bianca continued her daring style. On Sunday, August 20, the Yeezy architectural designer was almost nude as she stepped out in a see-through two-piece look. She ditched her bra while wearing a see-through tank top that she paired with shiny beige tights and white pumps.

For the outing, she styled her hair in a slick, wet look and sported smokey eye makeup. She simply accessorized a few simple hoop earrings while having a black messenger bag slung across her front.

As for Ye, the rapper wore an oversized black jacket and a black T-shirt which was wrapped around his face and head. He completed his style with baggy black pants and the barefoot sock-shoes he's been favoring in recent weeks.

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According to a new report, the 59-year-old former daytime talk show queen has opened a new secret bank account after Wells Fargo froze her bank accounts last year.

Aug 23, 2023

AceShowbiz - Wendy Williams is reportedly trying to reclaim her fortune. According to a new report, the former daytime talk show queen opened a new secret bank account after hers was previously frozen by court.

The former host of "The Wendy Williams Show" allegedly opened a new bank account to redirect her money. "Wendy has secretly opened up a new bank account to divert any money she makes moving forward away from Wells Fargo, where they froze her accounts when her financial adviser told them she was of 'unsound mind,' " a source told The National Enquirer via Radar Online.

The insider also noted that Wendy tried to sell off her personal stuff to friends, but she doesn't know how to use the new bank account. "She doesn't know her account number and refuses to accept checks. It's a mess!" the source claimed.

Back in March, the 59-year-old allegedly tried to sell several items from her $3 million New York penthouse, including her iconic purple "Hot Topics" chair. "Wendy is getting rid of items for spring cleaning, this is what people do this time of year," her rep at the time stated. "It's a new chapter for Wendy and she wants new things. This is a common gesture people do and Wendy is no different."

The star's former attorney LaShawn Thomas explained that her bank account was frozen by Wells Fargo in January 2022 amid her health struggle. The bank suspected that the famed host was being subjected to "financial exploitation, dementia, or undue influence."

She's been classified as an "incapacitated person" who requires guardianship. After a New York judge designated a guardian to oversee her funds, she's since been banned from accessing her estimated $20 million fortune.

"Basically, what Wells Fargo is using is a rule that was promulgated by an organization called [the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority] FINRA and under that rule," the lawyer said at the time. "It grants Wells Fargo the right to suspend a transaction in the event they deem that the transaction is of suspicious nature or they feel that the individual who is conducting the transaction is doing so against their will."

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In a remarkable achievement, Amul has been ranked as the worlds strongest dairy brand by the Brand Finance Food and Drink Report 2023. The report evaluates and ranks the strongest and most valuable food, dairy, and non-alcoholic beverage brands.

The report, conducted by UK-based Brand Finance, the worlds leading brand valuation consultancy, affirms Amuls unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and consumer trust. Amul has not only been ranked as the strongest dairy brand globally but also the second strongest food brand worldwide, trailing only behind the renowned American chocolate brand, Hershey.

Amuls impressive feat in the prestigious report doesnt stop there. The Amul brand has also been ranked amongst the top 30 most valuable food brands out of 5000 brands in the world. Whats more, Amul proudly stands as the only farmer-owned brand among the worlds top 100 brands.

Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), the umbrella organisation that markets milk and a range of milk products under the Amul brand, said, This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the 36 lakh dairy farmer members of the Amul family. We have always strived to provide the highest quality dairy products to our consumers while upholding the values of sustainability and farmer empowerment. Being recognised as the worlds strongest dairy brand will motivate us to continue our journey of excellence and empowering dairy farmers.

Amul has also secured the seventh spot on the list of the worlds most valuable dairy brands, with an impressive valuation of $3 billion. As the sole representative from India on this prestigious list, Amul continues to make the country proud on the international stage.

The report also reaffirms Amuls commitment to sustainability and responsible practices by ranking it as seventh in terms of Sustainability Perception Values (SPV).

Amul is the largest FMCG brand in India with annual sales turnover of Rs 72,000 crores (US $ 9 billion) and an outstanding example of the power of the farmers cooperative movement. It was born in 1946, before India gained freedom, and marked its 75th anniversary recently.
In a big win for Republic Media Network and Arnab Goswami, the Delhi High Court today dismissed a contempt plea filed by the Bennett Coleman Group. In a big defeat to the Times Group, the Delhi High Court refused to pass a contempt order against Republic's usage of Arnab Goswami's tagline Nation Wants to Know.



Republic has defeated Times Group's attempt to stop it from using the iconic phrase by Arnab Goswami: The development defeats the attempt of the Times Group to stop Arnab Goswami from using his iconic phrase Nation Wants to Know on Republic.

The Court in clear terms held that there is no case of contempt since Republic TV had, prima facie, used the tagline in permissible limits as mentioned in the earlier order dated 23 October 2020.

Key observation by Court in 2020: In a key observation in the earlier order, the Delhi High Court said, Regarding the tagline 'Nation Wants to Know' no interim order is passed at this stage in favour of the plaintiff. As submitted by the learned counsel for the plaintiff, defendant No. 2 (Arnab) is free to use the same as part of his speech/ presentation of any news channel, etc..

Complete loss of face for Time Group: The hard-hitting observations of the Delhi High Court in favour of Republic Media Network left the Times Group, which has been fuming in the courts about Arnab's usage of the phrase, red-faced. In fact, in view of the observations made by the court, the Times Group requested to withdraw its application and end the matter.

The victory in the courts of law is a huge vindication for Republic and Arnab who have maintained that the phrase cannot belong to a commercial entity but to all people of India.
Warner Music Canada and Warner Music India have come together to launch a new joint venture, 91 NORTH RECORDS, aimed at supporting artists of South Asian heritage. The new entity will be guided by renowned artist and producer Ikky, who has come onboard as Creative Director.

Ikky has already made huge waves across the industry, racking up more than two billion streams worldwide with songs such as Shubh's "Baller", Diljit Dosanjhs "Chauffeur" and Sidhu Moose Walas "Bambiha Bole". He launched his own label, 4N Records, in partnership with Warner Music and Coalition Music in 2021.

91 NORTH RECORDS first signings are Canadian-based Punjabi stars Karan Aujla and Jonita Gandhi. Both artists will work closely with Ikky as well as A&R Director, Charlie B.

Karan released his new album Making Memories last Friday and over the last five years has become one of the scenes biggest artists. Since his first major hit Dont Worry in 2018, hes received almost three billion views on YouTube, has garnered over one billion audio streams and eight million followers across his social media channels.

The name 91 NORTH RECORDS references both countries with a nod to Indias country code and Canadas geographical location and the logo is inspired by Indias national flower the lotus.

The label held a launch event at Warner Music Canadas offices in Toronto on Tuesday, August 22.

Ikky, Creative Director, 91 NORTH RECORDS, says "Ive always been fascinated by the blending of Indian and Western sounds into culturally impactful, innovative music. 91 NORTH RECORDS exists to elevate artists pursuing this fusion. Punjabi and South Asian music already competes worldwide, and I'm thrilled to collaborate with emerging talents, showcasing and amplifying what they have to offer. This is no experiment; it's the future.

Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Warner Music India, says: Were so excited by the launch of 91 NORTH RECORDS. This venture not only celebrates the musical styles of artists with South Asian heritage but also leverages the market potential of uniting two distinct fan bases to bring this music to the global stage. This is certainly going to be a gamechanger initiative for artists who will now have global support from A&R, marketing, collaborations and more.

Kristen Burke, President, Warner Music Canada, adds: 91 NORTH RECORDS is dedicated to celebrating and amplifying Indian culture. There is an incredible new generation of talent rising, influenced by their South Asian heritage, and we want to make sure these artists are represented both here and around the world. This new venture allows artists to be truly authentic, and our global network gives us the opportunity to showcase their culture on a global stage.

Alfonso Perez-Soto, President, Emerging Markets, Warner Music, concludes: Punjabi music is currently going through a vibrant evolution, having been supported by multicultural Canada, it is now transforming from a regional and diaspora-based genre into a global force. This growth is thanks to exceptional production and artistry from the likes of Ikky and the ambition and understanding from Jay, Kristen and the teams at WM India and WM Canada. 91 NORTH RECORDS will act as the vital bridge between East and West - uniting talent, cultures, and ideas, and cementing a movement that is here to stay. At Warner Music we will continue to champion initiatives like this for the love of music, artists, and fans alike.

There are almost 2.6 million people of South Asian heritage living in Canada and a new generation of artists from these communities are starting to have a massive impact in the country and internationally. There is also a strong musical connection between the South Asian diaspora in Canada and the subcontinent. Three of the Top 10 tracks in India in 2022 were by Punjabi-Canadian artists according to IFPI figures.
More than 500 members of the Wadar community gathered in Mulund on Sunday to demonstrate in support of their demands for the youth to be given equal access to education and employment.

The community has planned a statewide agitation and awareness drive called Me Wadar Maharashtracha, in which the community will be told about their rights and demands.

Babanna Kushalkar, Mumbai president of Me Wadar Maharashtracha, said, The majority of our community has been into stonemasons, stone cutters, splitters, and carvers since tradition. This government has taken away our jobs from us, and our traditional work is taken over by migrant workers, who are given priority by this government.

Whether it is the promenade, road construction, or building constructioneven the Raigard fort was built by our community, he continued, our community has made significant contributions to the development of this city and Maharashtra for many years, but this government has ignored all of our contributions. All new tenders are mostly given to Gujaratis and Marwadi businesses.

The Wadar community has been facing injustice since 1961, Somanth Dhanawde, organizer and president of the Bhandup region, told Afternoon Voice. Our caste, which comes under the Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT), is deprived of the reservation; our youth are unemployed due to a lack of opportunities given to us.

Another complaint the community has is that their children are not being admitted to school because our community is mostly a nomadic tribe, and some people have no proper documentation or ancestral history. The school and college authorities harass us for basic education needs.

The organizers have threatened the government with a statewide protest if their demands are not fulfilled.
A Pensacola, Fla., woman released from prison in May after doing 18 months for posing as a certified nurses assistant (CNA) was hired again in July using a stolen identity.

Crestview (Fla.) police arrested 30-year-old Susan Mae Igus Tuesday after investigators say she was again posing as a CNA at another Florida Panhandle facility.

Igus 18-month prison sentence stemmed from a December 2021 arrest by the Santa Rosa County Sheriffs Office after Igus was found posing as a CNA in Gulf Breeze.

Less than two months after her release, Igus used a stolen identity to gain employment as a CNA at the Crestview Rehabilitation Center. Igus presented a stolen ID, birth certificate and nursing assistant certification during the hiring process, according to police.

But the scheme was uncovered, police say, when the person whose identity was stolen received a letter from the rehabilitation center thanking them for their service as an employee. That person contacted Crestview police.

Igus was working at the rehabilitation center when police arrived to take her into custody Tuesday. She is charged with one count each of practicing without a certified nursing assistant license; use and possession of another persons identification; uttering a false instrument; providing false information to law enforcement; obtaining money by fraud; using a false name to obtain employment; and four counts of uttering a false instrument/document.

Igus remains in the Okaloosa County Jail under total bond of $65,000.
A premature announcement on Tuesday about an Anita Baker concert date in Alabama had fans of the renowned songstress in a frenzy. But the news is true: Anita Baker is coming to Birmingham.

Independent production company The Black Promoters Collective has officially announced it will bring Bakers The Songstress tour to the city. The platinum-selling and eight-time Grammy-winning artist will grace the stage at the BJCCs Legacy Arena on Oct. 28.

Renowned for her soulful voice and timeless hits, Anita Bakers upcoming performance celebrates her remarkable career and enduring impact on the music industry, the collective said in the announcement. Fans can look forward to an unforgettable evening filled with her signature songs and a mesmerizing live experience.

American Express early access for the tickets starts on Wednesday. Pre-sales for the concert start on Thursday, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, Aug. 25 at 10 a.m. Fans can purchase tickets via Ticketmaster. (We will update this story with ticket prices.)

Baker graced the BJCC stage in 2008, performing for a modest crowd clustered on the floor and in the lower tier of the Legacy Arenas semicircle. Her 90-minute setlist included Caught Up in the Rapture, Sweet Love, No One in the World and You Bring Me Joy.

AL.coms Mary Colurso reviewed the show, calling it a high-level performance marked by passion, conviction and good cheer.

While Baker has done a number of independent concert stops over the past two decades, The Songstress tour, named after her debut 1983 album, is Bakers first tour since 1995. Produced by Live Nation, The Songstress tour kicked off in February with a launch at Hard Rock Live in Florida before the first official Live Nation tour stop at Atlantas State Farm Arena. R&B icon Usher made a surprise appearance during the show, joining Baker onstage for a duet of Same Ole Love.

In April, a tweet from Anita Baker had fans buzzing that her tour would make a December stop in Birmingham. But the tweet was later deleted, and a Birmingham tour date never showed up on the Ticketmaster schedule.

Acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer Babyface was billed as a surprise guest for dates on The Songstress tour, but after his May set was cut from the May 10 concert due to technical issues, Baker claimed she started receiving verbal abuse from Babyface fans on social media, according to Variety. Babyface was subsequently cut from the remaining tour dates.

After the stop in Birmingham, fall dates for The Songstress tour include Memphis, Atlantic City, and Houston.
A restaurant at the Pizitz Food Hall in Birmingham has been awarded a grant of $50,000 from the City of Birmingham to fund an expansion that will including hiring an additional 30 employees.

Chef Erica Barretts SOCU Birmingham LLC, which opened the SOCU Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar at the Pizitz Food Hall last year, is the first recipient of a grant from the citys Retention Incentives for Success and Expansion program.

One of the shining stars in the culinary world is Chef Erica Barrett, who has garnered national recognition for her remarkable achievements, including being featured on the Food Network and having her products acknowledged by none other than Oprah Winfrey, said Cornell Wesley, director of the citys Office of Innovation and Economic Opportunity.

Remarkably, shes chosen to launch not just one, not just two, but three different brands right here in our beloved community of Birmingham, Alabama, Wesley told the Birmingham City Council. The first of these brands, Southern Culture Food, is proudly showcased before you today.

Recipients of RISE grants must be in Birmingham and must retain or expand their employee base, Wesley told the Birmingham City Council on Tuesday before it voted to approve the grant.

The funds obtained through this program can cover start-up costs, which includes FF&E, in other words furniture, fixtures and equipment, as well as salaries, Wesley said.

Im pretty sure that there are other entrepreneurs or small businesses in our community that would love to take advantage of this, said Birmingham City Council member J.T. Moore. It just shows that we are pouring back into our small businesses, which are the backbone of our city.

Moore asked how others can apply for such grants. Wesley referred potential applicants to his departments web site: https://ieo.birminghamal.gov/

See also: Chef Erica Barrett to open second location of SOCU Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar in Birmingham

Chef of SOCU Southern Kitchen to open new pizza restaurant in Birmingham

Alabama chef Erica Barrett impresses on Food Networks Raid the Fridge

Erica Barrett is building a Southern culinary empire

Its a rebirth: Mobile restaurant changes its game amid epidemic

Birmingham spends $1.3 million to create a new space for Yo Mamas
PHOENIX (AP)  Autumn Nelson said she was seeking help for alcohol addiction last spring when fellow members of the Blackfeet Nation in Montana suggested a rehabilitation center in Phoenix, far to the south.

The 38-year-old said the center even bought her a one-way airline ticket to make the 1,300-mile (2,100-kilometer) journey. But Nelson said after a month, she was kicked out after questioning why there was one therapist for 30 people and no Native American staff despite a focus on Native clients.

All of a sudden I was out in the 108-degree heat in Phoenix, Arizona, said Nelson. I was scared, and didnt know where to go.

Now back on the Blackfeet reservation, Nelson is among hundreds of Native Americans who have been targeted by Phoenix-area scammers. The billing schemes often left clients homeless and in some cases financed lavish lifestyles for the fraudulent providers, authorities have said. Arizona has been defrauded in recent years out of hundreds of millions of dollars through such scams, state officials estimated.

The fraudulent charges were submitted mostly through the American Indian Health Program, a Medicaid health plan that allows providers to bill directly for reimbursement of services rendered to Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

Federal law lets Native Americans enrolled in federally recognized tribes choose the fee-for-service plan or a managed care plan. The state Medicaid program known as AHCCCS  Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System  contracts with managed care organizations to provide health services to most Medicaid members in Arizona, while the fee-for-service plan allows Native Americans to use any provider registered with AHCCCS.

The scams far-reaching consequences are now becoming known as warnings are sounded by state and tribal governments outside Arizona, as well as Montanas U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat, and Gov. Greg Gianforte, a Republican.

Grassroots advocates Coleen Chatter, left, Geri Long, second from left, Reva Stewart, and Raquel Moody, right, stand outside their headquarters at Drumbeat Indian Arts, Monday, July 31, 2023, in Phoenix. The women are trying to help find lost Native Americans who were left without a place to stay after the phony treatment centers in the Phoenix area abruptly shut down when Arizona cut off their Medicaid money amid investigations into widespread fraudulent billing. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)AP

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes  who has said authorities believe a Nevada-based criminal syndicate launched the first scams  in May announced they were stepping up an investigation on fraudulent Medicaid billing begun before they took office in January. The FBI and the U.S. Attorney Generals Office have joined Arizona prosecutors in the probe. And Tester has called on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to investigate as well.

Non-medical transport companies that reportedly have taken Native Americans from their reservations to phony programs should also be investigated, said Arizona State Sen. Theresa Hatathlie, a Democrat and Navajo who lives on the reservation. The New Mexico Attorney General announced a Dont be taken for a Ride campaign, warning people not to accept transportation from strangers to go to Arizona rehab centers.

The Navajo Nation and the Blackfeet Nation declared public health emergencies to free up resources to help affected members. The Navajo Nation also launched a program called Operation Rainbow Bridge to help members get into legitimate programs or back to the reservation.

Blackfeet members who recruit on the reservation for fake programs face thousands of dollars in fines and even expulsion, the tribal leadership decided.

Arizona has since suspended Medicaid payments to the center where Nelson stayed  a phone number on the providers LinkedIn account no longer works  along with more than 300 other providers based on credible allegations of fraud as of Aug. 18. Some providers closed and some have appealed to stay open.

AHCCCS instituted tighter controls, including a six-month moratorium for enrolling new behavioral health clinics for Medicaid billing. Site visits and background checks with fingerprinting are now required for high-risk behavioral health providers when they enroll or revalidate.

The scams exploded during COVID-19 lockdowns.

There were a lot of rules relaxed that allowed those scammers to get in, said Dr. John Molina, health service director for the federally funded Native Health, a health center serving Native Americans in Phoenix. He said addiction among Native Americans is rooted in generations of trauma.

This takes us back to the early years of colonization and how Natives were taken advantage of for economic gain, said Molina, of Pascua Yaqui and San Carlos Apache ancestry.

Last year, Johnwick Nathan, 29, was indicted on multiple counts of fraud, money laundering and forgery. Authorities allege Nathan illegally billed Medicaid on behalf of Native American clients, a charge he denies. He is scheduled to be tried Sept. 18.

The scams can be highly lucrative. In a federal case, a woman who operated a fake recovery program in Mesa, Arizona, pleaded guilty in July to wire fraud and money laundering after raking in over $22 million in Medicaid money between 2020 and 2021 for services never provided.

Court records dont say whether patients were Native Americans, only that they were brought to the facility just once and billings were subsequently made in their names up to 90 days. Billings were also made for dead people and prisoners.

Diana Marie Moore, 42, will be sentenced Dec. 18 after an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service. A federal court required her to forfeit property obtained through the fraud, including four homes, seven high-end vehicles and luxury items including Rolex watches, diamond rings and a rainbow of Louis Vuitton handbags.

Navajo police visiting Phoenix in recent months have encountered hundreds of Native Americans living in the street after centers closed, said Harland Cleveland, special operations manager for Rainbow Bridge. Many are inebriated and dont have cellphones to call their families, he said.

Former clinic clients are too scared to testify before the state Senate, Hatathlie said.

Reva Stewart and several other Native American women living in Phoenix operate an online network to help find missing people they call our relatives, posting details of those lost on social media.

Stewart, who is Navajo, got involved a year ago after watching drivers stop vans outside Phoenix Indian Medical Center, offering people a place to stay.

Something didnt look right, said Stewart, who manages a Native American arts shop nearby. Around that time, her cousin disappeared into a similar vehicle in New Mexico.

After an hourslong trip, the cousin was kicked out of the Phoenix center she was taken to after refusing to complete intake forms, Stewart said. She said her cousin is now back on the reservation and sober.

Not all endings are happy.

Raquel Moody, who is Hopi and Apache, described a home where residents were allowed to drink alcohol. Moody said she left in December after quarreling with her cousin Carlo Jake Walker, who continued imbibing.

Months later, Moody learned Walker died from alcohol poisoning and was buried in a paupers grave. Moody quit drinking and now volunteers with Stewarts group #stolenpeoplestolenbenefits to help Native American families find lost loved ones who went to rehab homes.

Addiction recovery is a challenge on reservations, where resources for residential treatment arent always available.

Nearly half of the Navajo Nations 25,000 arrests in 2021 were for public intoxication, even though federal law prohibits alcohol sales on tribal land.

A small residential addiction treatment program on the Blackfeet reservation is usually full.

Blackfeet member Laura McGees brother went missing shortly after arriving at a Phoenix facility in the spring, she said. After a harrowing search, the family found him and brought him back to Montana. Arizona later suspended Medicaid payments to the provider while law enforcement investigates.

Now, McGee works with Stewart to help other families find loved ones. She recently crossed paths online with Nelson, who said shes optimistic about staying sober.

That earlier situation traumatized me, said Nelson. But now it has encouraged me to stand up.

 By ANITA SNOW Associated Press
Two dogs and a puppy died overnight after they were found in a hot, locked car in Birmingham.

The discovery was made at the Citgo gas station on Bush Boulevard, according to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

Birmingham police responded to the scene and requested assistance from GBHS Animal Control, said CEO Allison Black Cornelius. When GBHS arrived, police officers had broken out the window and were applying cool towels and water, but one of the dogs had already died from heat stroke.

The animal control officer rushed the two remaining dogs, a female adult, and a puppy, to Steel City Emergency Clinic.

Cornelius said the veterinary teams worked late into the night but were not able to save either.

She praised Birmingham police for their actions.

It was heartbreaking, and they did everything they could do, but it didnt work, Cornelius said.

Cornelius said police have a opened an investigation into possible animal cruelty charges. She said she did not have a description of the vehicle.

This is record heat, Cornelius said. This is not the time to be taking your pets anywhere with you.

If you live out of your car or youve been evicted or youre having some kind of problem, please reach out to the GBHS outreach department, let us see if we can get you some help, she said.

Please dont leave your dogs or cats or any kind of pet in your car in this kind of heat, she said. It only takes a few minutes, and they will suffer from heat stroke and its a horrific, suffering death.

GBHS offers up to a $10,000 reward to anyone that provides information leading to an arrest and conviction for animal cruelty. All tips are confidential.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Huntsville police have charged one man in connection with Tuesdays shooting on the campus of Alabama A&M University.

Meanwhile, another person is expected to be arrested after they are discharged from the hospital.

Huntsville police spokesperson Sydney Martin said Willie Brandon Nance, 23, was booked into the Madison County Jail early this morning on a warrant for assault.

The other persons name will be released after being formally charged.

Police say the two were involved in a shooting Tuesday afternoon at about 5:40 p.m. outside the Knight Complex at 4900 Meridian Street. The incident was termed as an isolated incident resulting from an altercation between two people.

The Knight Complex is a five-story suite-style residence hall, where approximately 800 male and female undergraduate students live.

In a letter to the university community, Alabama A&M President Daniel K. Wims thanked students who displayed an incredible amount of patience and vigilance during an evolving emergency situation.

The safety and well-being of our students and campus community will always be our top priority, Wims wrote. We deeply regret the distress caused by the unfortunate incident on our campus yesterday and want to assure you that we are taking every measure to maintain the ongoing safety and security of our campus.

Wims continued, Please know that we remain committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our campus community. We will continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and take necessary actions to prevent such incidents in the future.
Over the next 15 years Birminghams Freshwater Land Trust (FLT) will work with the cities of Fairfield, Birmingham, Homewood, and Irondale to create a 36-mile trail loop aimed at forging new green connections in the metro area, according to an action plan the nonprofit recently released.

Its going to greatly enhance the quality of life for all our citizens in Fairfield, said Fairfield Mayor Eddie Penny at a press conference this morning to announce the new loop. I cant say enough about the elderly citizens who are always looking for a place to walk. Walking is one of the primary exercise activities for them for health benefits. So being able to offer that is going to be just huge for the city of Fairfield.

A recent analysis conducted by Alta Design + Planning of Portland, Oregon, which is consulting with FLT for the Red Rock Action Plan, estimates the trail loop will yield $25 million in health, transportation, and economic benefits.

The Red Rock system is a 750-mile network of trails, parks, bike lanes, and sidewalks planned throughout Jefferson County, developed by FLT in partnership with the county health department in 2010, according to the FLT website.

Our vision is for every trail within each corridor to be connected, allowing Jefferson County residents complete access to routine transportation and recreation, the site says. Once completed, the trail system will consist of seven corridors: Jones Valley and Valley Creek, Village Creek, Five Mile Creek, Shades Creek, Cahaba River, Turkey Creek.
In response to a ruling on Monday that allowed Alabama to enforce its ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth, advocates have established a fund to provide grants and resources to impacted families.

The Magic City Acceptance Center, Prism United and the Campaign for Southern Equality have created the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project, a regional effort to help transgender youth whose access to gender-affirming care has been disrupted by government policies.

This decision is devastatingly malicious  these judges are knowingly harming young people across Alabama. It is a heart-breaking development and a blow to youth who simply want to live as their authentic selves, said Corey Harvard, executive director of Prism United in Mobile.

To every trans youth or parent of a trans youth, please know: We see you, we are here for you, and we are ready to fight this harmful, politically-motivated, anti-science decision until trans youth have access to the healthcare they deserve.

The Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project will help trans youth receive information about Alabamas ban, identify out-of-state gender-affirming care providers, and provide emergency grants of $500 for immediate needs, including travel, medication, and other logistics.

Alabamas law, titled the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act, prohibits minors under the age of 19 from receiving puberty blockers and hormone therapy. It also punishes not only doctors, but also any other individual who prescribes or administers the treatments, with a felony conviction and up to 10 years in jail.

Puberty blockers and hormone therapy are considered safe and effective evidence-based care for children and adults, in appropriate situations, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The treatments are also endorsed by more than twenty-two major medical associations.

A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a district judges injunction issued last May that had temporarily blocked the state from enforcing the ban. The ruling could potentially impact similar bans on gender-affirming care in Florida and Georgia, which are both on hold by district court orders.

A trial is scheduled for April 2 on whether to permanently block Alabamas law.

This ruling from the 11th Circuit is the latest example of the exhausting whiplash that families are facing  taking every step to care for their children, then needing to repeatedly pivot to other options. We are honored to be able to help and heart-broken that the support is so necessary right now, said Allison Scott, director of Impact & Innovation at the Campaign for Southern Equality.

Alabama families interested in requesting support can do so at: https://southernequality.org/ALResources/
When she heard a federal court had allowed Alabama to criminalize medicine for transgender youth, Cardelia Howell-Diamond wanted to cry.

Out of anger.

We felt pretty betrayed by the U.S. court system, she said.

On Monday, a three-judge panel of the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals lifted an injunction on a 2022 Alabama law making it a felony for physicians to prescribe puberty blockers and hormones to transgender individuals under the age of 19.

More from Alabama Reflector

U.S. Circuit Judge Judge Barbara Lagoa wrote in her opinion that past due process cases do not establish a fundamental right to gender affirming care. Lagoa also cited the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Medical Center, which struck down federal protections for abortion rights. In his majority opinion in Dobbs, Justice Samuel Alito argued that the 14th amendment does not protect rights without a long history and tradition.

Most transgender youth and their families Tuesday shared Howell-Diamonds anger. Many were frightened, and some wondered how long they could stay in the state.

I dont want to feel like I have to leave Alabama because of this rise in hate and bigotry, and so I just want to go back to an Alabama where were all happy and trying to make everybody live better and happier and not attacking certain groups and individuals, said Harleigh Walker, a high school junior who lives in Auburn who is transgender.

The 2022 law makes it a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, for a physician to prescribe puberty blockers and hormones to transgender youth. In testimony to legislators and in a federal court hearing in Montgomery in May 2022, transgender youth, their families and physicians stressed that the medications were safe and critical to their well-being. One counselor told the federal court that losing the treatments would be like cutting off treatment to a cancer patient.

Alabama families are now eligible to apply for resources, including emergency grants, from the Campaign for Southern Equality. They are working in collaboration with the Magic City Acceptance Center and Prism United in Alabama.

Where everything turns out

Howell-Diamond, who shared Tuesday that she lives in northern Alabama has two transgender children. When the decision came down, she spoke with Kai, her older child, a student at the University of Alabama Birmingham.

She said that Kai is using these decisions to weigh whether or not he wants to stay in Alabama long term. He wants to help other transgender children receive gender-affirming care, but but he needs to look out for his own mental health, as well.

Right now, hes just trying to make it through school and see where everything turns out when he graduates, she said.

Howell-Diamond said that she sees a lot of scaremongering and promotion of an ideal that her kids will never be able to live up to.

Heck, most of the American public is never going to live up to that 1950s dream of 2.5 kids and a dog and a house that you could own, she said.

Walker said shes not sure she will be able to access healthcare as the lawsuit plays out, which frightens her.

I think that if theres any opposition into any law whatsoever, I dont think that that law should be passed until its for certain that legally it is okay, she said.

The lawsuit, she said, is kind of our last chance to rule against this hateful legislation, she said.

The mother of a transgender boy who grew up in Alabama but just started his first year at an out-of-state university, wrote in a text message that the ruling left her furious. The mother, who requested anonymity for the sake of her son, said that she wonders if the government knows that there are standards supported by medical professionals.

Anyone who breathes a word about caring for liberty or parental rights in any branch of government that also finds it legitimate to strip away the rights of parents to acquire medically-advised care for their youth is nothing less than a hypocrite, she wrote.

Jeff Walker, Harleigh Walkers father, said that Republican lawmakers passed laws so that their kids did not have to wear masks during the pandemic, emphasizing that it was a parents decision, but they will pass laws that impact others.

Its unto thee, not unto me, he said.

Heather lives in rural Alabama with her son Rob, who is transgender. She asked that they be identified only by their first names. She said that she wishes her sons existence, happiness and medical care was up to her as a parent not lawmakers.

Because Im the one that knows my kid, she said.

Heather moved back to where she lives now around two years ago. She lives where she grew up. Last year, she had been planning to move out of state again so that Rob could access medical care. Last fall, Rob had experienced some medical concerns that led her to keeping her family in the state longer.

Im moving my house, she said. Im moving my kids. Its impacting our families. Its impacting my immediate family. Its impacting. It will impact my kids and their relationships. With people that they have, you know, they know here now. "

The last two years have been the only ones that Heathers kids have grown up around Heathers family.

Heather said that her dream Alabama would be one that cares for LGBT kids and people with disabilities. She wants to be able to make medical decisions for her child.

Not being able to make that decision for my child here would surely lead us down a road that I dont even want to think about, she said.

She said that she wishes that Alabama lawmakers knew transgender people. Heather said that Rob became more confident when he transitioned.

On the court decision, Heather said that its a poor argument that medical care should not be allowed because there isnt a tradition and history with it.

At one time, cigarettes were used as an asthma cure, she said.

Looking forward, she said that shes hopeful for an appeal, but she is not counting on the Supreme Court.

I think what theyre going to do is theyre going to give it back to the states and let the states decide, and I know how that will go for kids who are just trying to survive and feel comfortable in their bodies, she said.

Howell-Diamond said that many of these kids have been told by their classmates and churches that they are not wanted, and the government is now joining in. She said that the landscape is traumatic for children, especially for teenagers.

Their entire desire is to be loved and accepted to become whoever it is that theyre destined to be, and when the world seems to be telling them theyre destined for being illegal, for not being allowed to exist, it causes a lot more mental and emotional anguish, she said.

Right now, she said that the state is saying that they dont want transgender kids.

And if you wont leave willingly, were going to make you leave, she said.

Walker said that she felt like the decision was politically-motivated.

Weve seen countless and countless times there have been injunctions being grants against these anti-trans laws across the country and just to have that appealed, but also having more injunctions granted, its just showing that our justice system is corrupt, she said. And its not just by the rule of law. Its by the rule of politics.

Jeff Walker said the southeastern states have changed in a way with new legislation that means they may have to move halfway across the country.

No one should feel like theyve got to move halfway across this country to be safe and protected and its just, its ridiculous, he said.

In the Alabama that Howell-Diamond wants, the state addresses things that are actually problems and kids are able to explore their gender identity and whatever career they want.

I would love an Alabama where everyone really was, where everyones kid was really seen as everyones kid, where we put all of our youth as a priority and made the world a safer place for them through education, through loving, through caring and really just took to heart that theres no such thing as other peoples kids, she said.
Families close to a Nashville fatal school shooting broke down in tears Tuesday after a Tennessee Republican leader ordered state troopers to remove them and others from a legislative hearing room while they waited to testify in favor of gun control measures.

The emotional scene was just one of several chaotic moments that erupted during the second day of Tennessees special legislative session. Republican Gov. Bill Lee initially called lawmakers back to the Capitol to consider his proposal to keep firearms away from dangerous people.

I was supposed to speak, I was supposed to testify, said Sarah Shoop Neumann, sobbing and shaking in front of the silent GOP-controlled House subcommittee room, which was cleared out after some clapping from the public gallery, even though she sat quietly and wasnt holding any signs.

As a parent whose child attends The Covenant School, Neumann is among the family members desperately attempting to address the states relaxed gun laws after a shooter opened fire inside their school and killed three children and three adults. She was later allowed back to testify against a bill that allows for more teachers to carry guns at school. The House subcommittee advanced the bill, though its odds appear longer in the Senate.

Were just trying to do something, Neumann later told reporters, as other Covenant parents huddled around her. Its overwhelming.

However, Lees bill has been all but defeated by the Republican supermajority, where legislative leaders have largely refused to consider the issue. Without any debate, three variations of similar proposals for so-called extreme risk protection orders, or ERPOs, carried by Democratic Rep. Bob Freeman of Nashville, immediately failed Tuesday in the same House subcommittee where the public was kicked out.

On the first day of the special session on Monday, House Republicans advanced a new set of procedural rules that carried harsh penalties for lawmakers deemed too disruptive or distracting, and banned visitors from carrying signs inside the Capitol and in legislative hearing rooms. The Senate and House also signed off on severely limiting the public from accessing the galleries where people have traditionally been allowed to watch their government in action.

The actions come after the Tennessee Republicans attracted national attention for expelling two young Black Democratic lawmakers earlier this year for breaking House rules during a demonstration in support of gun control. Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson have since been reinstated to their positions, but the actions sent shock waves about the Republican supermajoritys ability to hand down strict punishments to opponents.

Yet protestors on Tuesday found ways to defy the new sign ban, showing up to the House chamber with pro-gun control messages written on their bodies and clothes. Others wrote out messages on their phones and held them up for lawmakers to see.

That defiance faced a harsher response as lawmakers broke out into committee rooms to begin debating legislation.

Allison Polidor, a gun control advocate from Nashville, was escorted out of a hearing room because she was holding a sign that said, 1 KID ALL THE GUNS.

I wasnt saying anything. I wasnt doing anything. I was holding up a sign, Polidor told reporters outside the room.

Rep. Lowell Russell, the Republican subcommittee chairman, had also warned that he could order everyone out of the room.

Shortly after, another Republican lawmaker said his bill was stalled that would let people with handgun carry permits bring guns onto K-12 and college school property if they know the school doesnt have armed security. That announcement sparked some gun control advocates in the crowd to break out in applause.

Are we going to quiet down and listen, or are we going to sit there and clap? Russell said.

When some kept clapping, Russell said, Alright, troopers, lets go ahead and clear the room.

Members of the media were allowed to stay, and some members of the public who were testifying on legislation were allowed in.

We gave them three or four times to not do outbursts in the committee hearing, and unfortunately they continued after three, maybe four warnings, Russell told The Associated Press afterward. So unfortunately, thats just the way it goes, if they dont follow the rules.

After the public was kicked out, Neumann was allowed to return to testify against the bill that allows for more armed teachers. She said the Covenant teachers hands were shaking so badly that day while trying to keep the children quiet, safe, hidden and secure that they couldnt have handled a firearm.

They are heroes. They enacted every protocol in place perfectly, Neumann said. And they could not have done those things if they were also meant to be armed and go out and attack the shooter.
A 13-year-old boy was found strangled in bed, and his mother has been arrested as a suspect, according to the Osceola County Sheriffs Office in Central Florida.

It happened around 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 21, at a rural home near St. Cloud, about 30 miles south of Orlando.

On their arrival, deputies saw a white male juvenile laying face up in the bed, Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez said at a news conference.

Fire-rescue crew members advised that a female subject ... spontaneously stated that she killed her son. According to our deputies, she had been choking him on the bed.

Investigators say Jasmin Kennedy, 37, is cooperating with the investigation and has been charged with domestic battery by strangulation, child neglect and aggravated child abuse, Lopez said.

There were some signs of strangulation, but a medical examiner is determining an official cause of death, he said. More charges could be added, Lopez said.

A motive wasnt revealed, officials said.

Kennedy and her two children were living with grandma and grandmas boyfriend at the time, Lopez said. Her other child, a 5-year-old, was not reported as being injured.

Another member of the family called 911, Lopez said.

Records show deputies were called to the same home earlier this year, but that incident had nothing to do with harming any of the children, Lopez said.

2023 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A Georgia man charged in four slayings during a 2020 crime spree across Alabama pleaded guilty to a Birmingham murder and apologized to the victims family.

Derrick Lee Hightower, now 36, pleaded guilty to capital murder during a burglary in the shooting death of 36-year-old Antione Harris inside a Birmingham home and to attempted assault for shooting at Birmingham police Sgt. Demarcus Brown during an arrest attempt.

The Columbus man is charged with capital murder in Lee County for the slaying of 54-year-old Nancy Nash, who police believe was killed when she interrupted a burglary by Hightower and Ketrice Hill.

He is also charged with capital murder in Tallapoosa County for the shooting deaths of Willie Tidwell, 61, and his wife Barbara, 65, during a break-in at their Dadeville home.

All four of Hightowers alleged victims were killed between Friday, April 17, 2020, and Saturday, April 18, 2020.

Nearly a dozen family members and friends of Harris watched the Wednesday morning hearing on Zoom from Circuit Judge Michael Streetys courtroom.

I want to issue a formal apology to the family, Hightower told them. It was never my intention.

I had been going through some things and my mind wasnt in the right place and the right state at that time, he said.

Im being a man about what I did, Hightower said, and I take full responsibility for what I did. I just wanted to say that.

Derrick Hightower, 36, pleaded guilty Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, to the 2020 shooting death of a Birmingham man during a crime spree across Alabama that also left three other people dead. (Carol Robinson)

Hightowers trial in Harriss death was set for Sept. 11, but he avoided a possible death sentence with his guilty plea.

He was initially charged with two counts of capital murder and four counts of attempted murder. One of the capital murder charges and three of the attempted murder charges were dismissed as part of the plea.

Streety sentenced Hightower to life without parole for capital murder and 20 years for the assault. The judge told Hightower that his apology was noble and rare.

Jefferson County Deputy District Attorney Misty Reynolds prosecuted the case. Jefferson County Public Defenders Office attorneys Sammie Shaw and Paul McDaniel represented Hightower.

Phillip Harris was the lead detective on the case.

The first known victim in Hightowers alleged spree was Nash, a grandmother from Smiths Station.

Auburn police responded to the Farmville Volunteer Fire Departments call for assistance on a vehicle fire in the 9500 block of U.S. Highway 280 West around 6 a.m. that Friday.

When officers arrived, they found a white 2005 Chevrolet Silverado truck on fire and Nash dead nearby at Creative Habitats Landscaping. Nash had been shot several times.

Nancy Nash

Three shell casings were found inside the business, as well as one projectile that was lodge in an interior wall.

Investigators also discovered Nashs 2019 black Nissan Frontier missing. Evidence suggested that the suspect or suspects entered the building while Nash was alone inside and robbed her of her vehicle.

Next, Hightower is believed to have been involved in the double murder of a couple in Dadeville that Friday evening.

It wasnt immediately clear when the couple was killed, but they were found that Friday night by a concerned family member.

Hightower was quickly named a suspect in that case, but wasnt formally charged until a year later when, in April 2021, a Tallapoosa grand jury indicted him on two counts of capital murder during a robbery, and one count each of capital murder during a burglary, capital murder of two or more people and second-degree theft of property.

The indictment states that Hightower killed the couple and stole two guns from their Dadeville home.

Willie was a hard working man, with a heart of gold that could fix anything. He was an avid Alabama fan and he loved fishing, camping and anything Elvis,' according to his obituary. Willies family was his world and he loved his grandchildren immensely.

Barbara loved her family very much, especially her grandchildren and was happiest when they were all together. She enjoyed sewing and doing crafts,' her obituary read. Barbara enjoyed the simple things in life. She loved sitting on her back porch, reading and planting flowers.

The couple had been married for 20 years.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Kentrice Hill, 24, of Birmingham, is also charged with capital murder in the Auburn and Dadeville slayings. She remains held without bond in the Lee County Jail .

15 1 / 15 Officer Involved Shooting April 18, 2020

Birmingham police were notified about 11 p.m. Friday that a vehicle being sought out of Auburn was spotted at the USA Economy Lodge on Crestwood Boulevard. That vehicle was taken during Nashs homicide.

Police also received reports that the suspect was seen in the area of the motel.

A silver sedan was seen leaving the area and Birmingham police tried to stop the vehicle. At that point, Hightower got out of the sedan and exchanged gunfire with Birmingham police. Officers lost sight of the suspect after the shooting.

Early that Saturday morning, as police continued their search, evidence led them to a home in the 100 block of Briar Grove Drive.

A resident in the area was letting his dogs out in the backyard to use the restroom when a Black male wearing all black  later identified as Hightower - appeared seemingly out of nowhere and said, Hey, you got a phone? the resident told AL.com, asking that his name not be used for fear of retribution.

The resident said, no, and Hightower fled on foot toward the area of Briar Grove Road.

It was then, investigators believe, that the suspect broke into the home where Harris was fatally shot. A nurse and her three children live at the home but were not there when the home invasion and subsequent shooting took place.

A short time later, the resident who encountered the suspect said, he heard a barrage of gunfire. The next thing he knew, his neighborhood was flooded by SWAT.

Hightower had taken a vehicle from the house on Briar Grove and was in that vehicle when Birmingham police tried to stop him.

He got out of the vehicle and exchanged gunfire with officers before fleeing the scene.

Hightower fled on foot after crashing the stolen car. Police used the tag information on that vehicle to go to the home on Briar Grove Road where they found Harris dead.

A large perimeter was set up in the Crestwood Boulevard and Montevallo Road areas.

Police on Saturday, April 18, 2020, were searching for a suspect who is believed to have been wounded by police gunfire in east Birmingham.

About 4 p.m. Saturday, Hightower walked out of the neighborhood that backed up to where police had set up their command post.

Authorities said all of the Alabama victims appeared to be random targets, crimes of opportunity. Many of their stolen belongings were found in Hightowers possession.

Hightower went to prison in Georgia in 2006 on cocaine charges and again in 2014 on an aggravated assault conviction. He was sentenced to 10 years in the assault case, but it wasnt clear how long he actually served.

Hightowers grandmother, Pamela Hightower Copeland, spoke with AL.com following the rampage and said she didnt understand what happened.

I dont know what happened. I really dont, Copeland said. Seems like to me hes really got a lot of demons inside of him.

I trust in the Lord. I go to church every Sunday. I have been going every Sunday, with the exception of recently because of the pandemic, Copeland said in 2020. I love him. Hes my grandson. Hes my blood.

Im just putting everything in the hands of the Lord right now, she said. Hes my child, my grandchild. Im hoping whatever hes going through, hell find his way.
A Mobile man will spend the next 85 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to both federal wire fraud and selling fentanyl, U.S. Attorneys Sean Costello from the Southern District of Alabama announced.

In April 2021, 31-year-old Kentarius Williams submitted a fraudulent application for a Paycheck Protection Program loan through the Small Business Administration (SBA).

In requesting the $20,833 loan, Williams falsely claimed he was the owner of a cleaning service in need of relief due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He submitted phony tax documents showing more than $100,000 in business income and a monthly payroll of $8,000.

Because Williams used a computer to file the fraudulent application, the communication traveled across state lines to the SBAs computer servers in Virginia and to a banks servers in Oregon, violating federal wire fraud statutes.

Then, in September 2022 through February of this year, Williams conspired with others to distribute fentanyl.

On multiple occasions, narcotics agents used confidential informants to purchase fentanyl pills from Williams, with those transactions -- some of which were conducted while he was in the pretrial release program for the wire fraud charge -- were recorded on video.

In February, federal agents raided Williams Mobile apartment, with fentanyl and oxycodone pills among the items seized in the raid.

Williams cell phone was also searched, with agents finding numerous text and Instagram messages in which he referenced the sale of illegal drugs.

In one such message from January, Williams wrote that he got rich off sale of fentanyl pills, which he said he could get for dirt cheap.

U.S. District Judge Terry Moorer sentenced Williams to 14 months for wire fraud, and 71 months for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, with the two terms to run consecutively.

Along with the 85-month prison sentence, Moorer imposed five years of post-release supervision, which will include drug testing and treatment. Williams was not fined, but was ordered to pay $200 in special assessments.
A Pell City woman was killed in a crash in St. Clair County.

Alabama State Troopers on Wednesday identified the victim as Stephanie R. Brasher. She was 41.

The wreck happened at 10:55 p.m. Monday on U.S. 231, about six miles north of Pell City, said Senior Trooper Justin ONeal.

Brash was driving a Chrysler 300 that left the road, struck a ditch, and overturned into a retaining wall. She was pronounced dead on the scene.

The investigation is ongoing by troopers.
Sure, its a million degrees outside but that doesnt mean you cant dream of fall. And nothing says fall more than the return of Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Starbucks confirmed its fall drinks  including the iconic PSL  and fall food will arrive in stores Aug. 24.

Starbucks fall menu also features two new seasonal beverages, Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, as well as the new Baked Apple Croissant. Back on the menu will be the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, and Owl Cake Pop. The fall food and beverages are available for a limited time, while supplies last.

The star of the show, of course, is the Pumpkin Spice Latte. PSL first made its debut 20 years ago and combines Starbucks Signature Espresso and steamed milk with the flavor combination of real pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. Topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices, the PSL is available hot, iced or blended.

PSL  which gets its nickname from the three-letter beverage code originally written on cups by baristas  was first introduced in 100 Starbucks stores in Washington, D.C. and Vancouver, Canada. In the last 20 years, hundreds of millions of Pumpkin Spice Lattes have been served and, this year for the first time, Starbucks Reserve stores in the U.S. will add PSL beverages to its seasonal menus.
The cost of renting a car for a week in Birmingham has almost doubled in the last year.

Thats according to a survey from Cheapcarrental.net, a site devoted to finding bargains in car rental fees.

According to the survey, the most expensive city in the U.S. to rent a car this summer is Madison, Wisc., at an average of $702 per week for the cheapest rental car.

Thats followed by Anchorage, Alaska, at $698 per week, and Spokane, Wash., at $681 per week.

Among the top 100 most expensive cities, Birmingham ranks near the middle of the pack at 37, with $449 per week. However, the Magic City has seen some of the biggest price hikes in the past year, according to the survey.

Reno, for example, saw an increase of more than 50%, with Grand Rapids, Mich. second at 44%. Birmingham was third, with prices 42% higher than the previous year.

The prices reflect average weekly rates (Sunday to Saturday) for the cheapest rental car for this month. Only rental car companies situated directly at a destinations airport, or at the airports respective rental car center, were taken into account for the survey.

High rental rates are a problem throughout the country. According to NerdWallet, the cost of renting a car has increased 48% since May 2019, using figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The reasons are two-fold. Car rental companies divested themselves of many of their fleet cars in the early days of the pandemic, and were not able to quickly replenish them due to microchip shortages and supply chain problems among automakers.

Whats more, the post-pandemic boom in travel has some companies raking in the dough.

Theyre not incentivized to bring their prices down because, for the past two years, people have been paying these prices, Albert Mangahas, chief data officer at Turo, a car-sharing platform, told NerdWallet.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed won reelection Tuesday evening, defeating three opponents for the mayoral spot, according to unofficial election results.

Reed was first elected in a landslide vote in 2019, becoming the capital citys first Black mayor. He succeeded Todd Strange, who was mayor for a decade and did not seek re-election.

With 40 of 41 precincts reporting, Reed received 57% of the vote this year, unofficial results showed. As of 9 p.m., Reed had received 22,830 votes.

These last four years have been a combination of the most rewarding and the most challenging in my life, but the honor of serving you and working on the behalf of this great city far outweighs any dilemma, any challenge that we have had, Reed said in a victory speech broadcast on WSFA 12 News, calling his tenure a redemptive experience.

Reed said he will continue to improve public services and economic opportunities for Montgomery residents, including policies like guaranteed income -- efforts that, he said, would need cooperation and buy-in from community members.

If youre interested in the old Montgomery, that old Montgomery aint coming back, he said. That old Montgomery is gone, never to be seen again.

Reed defeated candidates Barrett Gilbreath and Marcus McNeal, two local entrepreneurs, and Victorrus Felder, a 15-year correctional officer. All three opponents heavily focused on reducing crime in the city.

Gilbreath, a real-estate investor who recently returned back to Montgomery after moving to Florida during the height of the pandemic, received 39% of the vote -- 15,605 votes.

Gilbreath has pushed to hire more police officers, fund after-school programs, improve city services and invest in community centers.

Felder received 3.32% of the vote and McNeal 1%. Some 40,224 of the citys 138,724 registered voters cast ballots.

Reed was elected as Montgomery Countys first African American probate judge in 2012, and the youngest person to hold the position. He is the son of Joe Reed, the longtime leader of the Alabama Democratic Conference.

Reeds initial platform focused on increased funding for local public schools, neighborhoods, public safety and transportation. During his tenure, Reed led a historic initiative to raise property taxes, has helped bring 2,000 new jobs to the city, and has tripled the number of city contracts with minority owned businesses, according to his campaign website.

In 2020, Reed received the Dr. Martin Luther King Leadership Award for Governmental Service. He was also chosen as a New Deal Leader and is part of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, a selective program meant to help mayors address complex issues in their communities.His contributions, however, have not come without some controversy.

A Montgomery activist recently sued Reed for defamation over his comments about a series of recordings that were leaked in February. In the series of audio clips, Reed purportedly says that support from white voters is more important for his political survival  and that white money is key to Montgomerys economy.

In a public response, Reed said the recordings were heavily edited and came from a conversation three years ago with a community member amid 2020 protests against police brutality. In a statement, Reed accused the community member, whom he did not name, of attempting to extort him.
A Tennessee judge agreed Wednesday to temporarily block a new rule advanced by state House Republicans that banned the public from holding signs during floor and committee proceedings after three people with signs urging gun control were kicked out of a hearing Tuesday.

Nashville Chancellor Anne Martin handed down the ruling within hours of the filing of a lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee on behalf of Allison Polidor, Maryam Abolfazli and Erica Bowton.

Republicans, who have a supermajority control in the House, advanced the new rule this week during a special session that was called by Gov. Bill Lee in reaction to a Nashville school shooting in March.

A hearing on the temporary injunction has been scheduled for Sept. 5. However, lawmakers are expected to adjourn by Thursday.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. APs earlier story follows below.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Tennessee House Republicans are being sued over their new rule banning the public from holding signs during floor and committee proceedings after three people with signs urging gun control were kicked out of a hearing Tuesday.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee filed the lawsuit Wednesday in a Nashville state court on behalf of Allison Polidor, Maryam Abolfazli and Erica Bowton.

All three were ordered by a Republican subcommittee chair to be removed by state troopers just a day prior for holding signs during a subcommittee hearing. The GOP-dominated Statehouse is meeting for a special session in reaction to a Nashville school shooting in March.

The lawsuit seeks an emergency temporary restraining order to immediately stop the ban on signs, arguing it infringes on the publics free speech rights in the U.S. and Tennessee constitutions.

A spokesperson for House Speaker Cameron Sexton, who is named as a defendant, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

These rules are unreasonable, Stella Yarbrough, ACLU of Tennessee legal director, said in a news release. The Tennessee Houses ban on silently holding signs in House galleries directly undermines Tennesseans First Amendment right to express their opinions on issues that affect them and their families.

On the first day of the special session Monday, House Republicans approved a new set of procedural rules that carried harsh penalties for lawmakers deemed too disruptive or distracting, and they banned visitors from carrying signs inside the Capitol and in legislative hearing rooms. While House GOP leaders have defended rules on disruptions by lawmakers, theyve been largely silent on why they also went after signs.

Separately, the Senate and House also signed off on severely limiting the public from accessing the galleries where people have traditionally been allowed to watch their government in action.

Along with kicking out the three plaintiffs, the same subcommittee chair, Republican Rep. Lowell Russell, also removed the rest of the public from the hearing room Tuesday after some members of the audience clapped on multiple occasions. That included parents of students who attend The Covenant School, where the shooting in March killed six people, three of them young students.

The actions come after the Tennessee Republicans attracted national attention for expelling two young Black Democratic lawmakers this year for breaking House rules during a demonstration in support of gun control. Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson have since been reinstated and reelected to their positions, but the actions sent shock waves about the Republican supermajoritys ability to hand down strict punishments to opponents.

Polidor, a gun control advocate from Nashville, was escorted out of a hearing room because she was holding a sign that said, 1 KID is greater than ALL THE GUNS.

I joined with so many other moms from across Tennessee to urge our lawmakers to enact common sense gun laws, Polidor said in the news release. I was removed for peacefully holding a small sign, and exercising my First Amendment rights. What started as a debate on gun safety has morphed into a blatant violation of my First Amendment rights.

While firearms have long been allowed inside Tennessees legislative building, hand-held signs have faced strict criticism from lawmakers as being a potential safety hazard and too distracting to proceedings.

In 2017, signs were briefly prohibited from Cordell Hull  the building that contains both legislative committee rooms and offices for lawmakers and staffers  following demonstrations over refugee resettlements, Medicaid expansion and gas taxes.

That policy was then altered to allow the public to hold small letter-size signs inside Cordell Hull, but banned any signs on sticks or poles.

In the years since, the public has repeatedly shown up with signs that reflect a wide range of policy stances.
A new student loan forgiveness plan that could cut some borrowers payments to zero has officially been launched, according to the White House.

The Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE Plan, calculates payments based on a borrowers income and family size as opposed to their loan balances and forgives debt after a certain number of years.

The plan will cut many borrowers monthly payments to zero and will save other borrowers around $1,000 a year, according to a White House statement.

Some 20 million borrowers will benefit from the plan, which replaces the existing Revised Pay As You Earn, or REPAYE, plan. Borrowers who are currently on the REPAYE Plan will automatically get the benefits of the new SAVE Plan.

READ MORE: 22,000 student loan borrowers receiving $9 million in refunds: Do you qualify?

How will the plan impact borrowers?

The SAVE Plan decreases monthly payments by increasing the income exemption from 150% to 225% of the poverty line. For example, a single borrower earning $32,800 or less or a family of four earning $67,500 or less will not owe any loan payments. Borrowers earning more than these amounts will save at least $1,000 per year compared to current repayment plans.

The plan also eliminates 100% of the remaining interest for both subsidized and unsubsidized loans after scheduled payments are made. This means if you make monthly payments, your loan balance wont grow due to unpaid interest. For example, if $50 in interest accumulates each month and you have a $30 payment, the remaining $20 would not be charged.

SAVE Plan also excludes spousal income for borrowers who are married and file separately.

READ MORE: Student loan forgiveness: SAVE, new income-driven student loan repayment program, live now

How to apply for the SAVE Plan

You can apply for the SAVE Plan here.

Most people complete the application in 10 minutes or less. You can also save and continue the application later so you dont have to complete it in a single session.

You will need a verified FSA ID, financial information, some of which you can consent to be supplied automatically, address, telephone number and email address and, if applicable, spouses information.

Not sure which plan you are currently on? You can check this here.
Upscale eyeglass retailer Warby Parker will open its second Alabama location at Birminghams The Summit later this year.

A store front is visible at 211 Summit Blvd., No.100.

The New York-based chain opened its first Alabama store in Birmingham at The Pizitz in 2017.

The company was founded in 2010 and sells designer-quality prescription glasses and contacts. It also offers eye exams and vision tests online and, in more than 200 retail stores in the United States and Canada.

Several high profile names have been added to The Summit this year, including mens and womens underwear and apparel store Tommy John, womens fashion franchise Evereve, denim apparel retailer Buckle, jewelry store Pandora, Emmy Squared Pizza, The Normal Brand and Nordstrom Rack.

Construction continues on gastropub Culinary Dropout.
Sign up for Alabamafication: Kyle Whitmires newsletter, Alabamafication examines the outsized influence of this very strange state, taking aim at corruption, cruelty, incompetence and hypocrisy while also seeking out those righteous folks making their state and country better places for all.

This is an opinion column.

Give state Rep. Chris Pringle a little credit. The Republican lawmaker from Mobile tried to do what he thought was fair. This time, at least.

In Alabama, thats rare.

By doing so, he might have proven that Republicans played dirty  again  when drawing the states latest congressional map.

Pringle co-chairs the Alabama Legislatures joint redistricting committee, which draws the states congressional districts.

Lately, that committee has been busier than usual. First, it drew a map in 2021. Then, the U.S. Supreme Court said that map violated the Voting Rights Act, and the committee had to draw another one.

Before the special legislative session was over in July, the Legislature drew two  a House-approved map and a Senate-approved map.

Actually, the Senate map came not from the Senate but from the Alabama solicitor general, Edmund LaCour. Hes the lawyer leading the states stubborn attack on the Voting Rights Act. The Senators let him do their work and then put their names on it.

Downstairs at the State House, Pringle and a consultant drew the House version.

Neither of the maps created a second majority-Black congressional district, but Pringles map did something perhaps more unusual in Alabama  it created a purple, competitive district.

In a deposition earlier this month, Pringle said he thought his map satisfied the federal courts mandate that Alabama draw a fair map where Black voters would have an opportunity to elect candidates of their choosing.

Q. So the performance analysis that you received from -- from Dr. Hood, do you recall what it said?

A. That democratic candidates would have the opportunity to win in elections. Not guaranteed, but they have an opportunity.

Q. Was it significant that black-preferred candidates won two out of four elections in the second congressional district under Dr. Hoods performance analysis?

A. To me, it was, yes.

Q. What if black preferred candidates had won one out of four?

A. Mine had two out of four, so it gave it a 50/50 shot.

When the plaintiffs suing Alabama were before the U.S. Supreme Court, this is what they said they wanted  a district where Black voters would have a chance, not necessarily a guarantee, to elect their candidates.

But the Legislature junked Pringles plan.

Pringle is a senior member of the Alabama Legislature, but he wasnt driving the train. Again, that was the state solicitor general and the more complicit members of the Alabama Senate.

The other committee co-chair, state Sen. Steve Livingston, told Pringle that LaCour and the senators upstairs wanted a different plan  one that would make it a lot harder for Democrats to win. But they also wanted to keep Pringles name on it.

And I said, no were not, Pringle testified. If you want to pass a senate plan, youre going to pass the senate on the senate bill number, and youre not going to put my name on it.

The House and Senate passed competing maps. A conference committee then drew a compromise map, which the Legislature passed along a party-line vote.

Democrats howled, and the plaintiffs from the original court challenge took the state right back to court.

But Pringles original House map showed something important  Republicans could have chosen to do better. In fact, one of them did just that.

The original Senate map had a Black voting population (BVP) of 38. 3 percent in the Second Congressional District  pretty much guaranteeing Republicans election wins there.

Pringles House plan had a BVP of 42.5 percent  giving Democrats and Republicans closer to even odds.

The final compromise map split the difference with a 40 percent BVP, but it shafts Black voters.

One analysis by the Brennan Center showed that the only recent election where Democrats would have prevailed under the current map was the 2017 special election, where Doug Jones defeated Roy Moore.

That same analysis showed Pringles plan wouldnt do much better for Democrats, but it would be somewhat better  and thats the thing thats important here.

What Pringles map shows is that Republicans could have drawn a better map for Black voters. And then the Republicans junked that plan and passed a map that was tilted wildly in their favor.

No Republican official wants to draw a map that would give up a guaranteed Republican seat in Congress and hand that seat to Democrats, but thats not what the courts have mandated.

Pringles map is proof the GOP lawmakers could have done a better job  perhaps not sufficient, but better  and then they chose not to.

They crept up to the line of fairness.

Then they spit at the folks on the other side.

Kyle Whitmire is the state political columnist for AL.com and the 2023 recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for commentary. Sign up for his weekly newsletter and get "Alabamafication" in your inbox every Wednesday.

Go deeper with more columns by Kyle Whitmire

Next level: Meet the architect behind Alabamas voting rights defiance

Deep: The moment Alabamas lawyers turned a sure thing into blistering defeat

Deeper: Alabamas new congressional map is a feat of Republican cowardice

Deepest: How 155 angy Confederates chained Alabama to its shameful past
Starting next school year, Satsuma City Schools in Mobile County will begin Tango Flight, a two-year program where students learn how toand actually builda two-seater airplane.

Thats a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) type of program, where the child will learn everything about aerospace. What makes a plane fly, to actually putting it together, Tim Guinn, superintendent of Satsuma City Schools said. From engine, to wheels, to the rudders, to the wings, the whole thing. And the neat thing about it is it will be a real plane, it will be licensed, it will be flown.

Satsuma is the third school system in coastal Alabama to adopt the program. Tango Flighta national nonprofit based in Texasalso works with B.C. Rain High School in the Mobile County Public School System and Gulf Shores High School, part of Gulf Shores City Schools. The three schools are the only ones in Alabama to participate in the program, which is capped at around 40 school districts nationwide.

Heres how it works: students spend two years in a classroom, learning all of the academic skills around building an airplane. At the same time, the students are working on building the airplanea Vans Aircraft RV-12. Vans Aircraft sends the school the materials needed to construct the plane as they progress, and when its completed, an inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration checks the plane to certify its airworthiness, according to Craig Anthony, director of development at Tango Flight.

Tango Flight has a test pilot, Guinn said, and once its clear to their engineers and quality assurance, he will come down and take possession of the plane, and then he will test fly it. And when they give it the okay there, then the plane is good to be on the market.
Vivek Ramaswamy, the 2024 GOP presidential candidate, called CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins a petulant teenager in a Tuesday post on social media.

The comment was in response to a Monday interview.

Hilarious interview with CNN last night, Ramaswamy wrote in his post. Felt like I was talking to a petulant teenager.

Hilarious interview with @CNN last night. Felt like I was talking to a petulant teenager. https://t.co/MUik3mMfNp  Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) August 22, 2023

On Monday, Collins asked Ramaswamy about an article in The Atlantic in which Ramaswamy questioned how many police or federal agents were on the planes that hit the twin towers on Sept. 11, 2001.

He said he was misquoted.

What I said is on Jan. 6, I do believe that there were many federal agents in the field, and we deserve to know who they are, Ramaswamy said on CNNs The Source, per The Hill. On 9/11, what Ive said is that the government lied  and this is incontrovertible evidence, Kaitlan  the government lied about Saudi Arabias involvement.

Pressed on his 9/11 comments, Vivek Ramaswamys response: pic.twitter.com/hVEglgb5t3  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) August 22, 2023

Collins, an Alabama native, said she felt Ramaswamy was pushing false claims.

Collins in 2017 became CNNs youngest-ever chief White House correspondent at age 29. She replaced Jim Acosta as chief White House correspondent in 2021.

Collins served as co-anchor on CNN This Morning with Don Lemon and Poppy Harlow prior to taking the reins of the primetime program The Source.

Collins is from Prattville and graduated from the University of Alabama in 2014.

Check out the full report at The Hill.










English News Resilience of Chinese economy bolsters confidence in global growth

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 23 Aout 2023



China has the confidence, conditions and capabilities to continuously optimize its economic structure, enhance growth drivers, boost momentum of sound development, accelerate the formation of a new development pattern, comprehensively promote high-quality development, and contribute more positive energy to global economic recovery.

By He Yin, People's Daily "In recent days, a growing number of global financial institutions have increased or planned to increase their holdings of Chinese assets, indicating confidence in the recovery of the world's second largest economy with solid supportive measures in place," said a recent article on the website of Brazil's Forum magazine, fully affirming the slew of measures China has introduced to stabilize economic performance.



Many international observers have also pointed out that with macro-policy support, factors for the overall improvement of the Chinese economy have continued to accumulate, which is expected to further unleash the potential and continuously advance the high-quality development of the economy.



Amidst a complex and grim external environment, the Chinese economy has shown remarkable resilience with a growth rate significantly outpacing that of major developed economies.



In the first half of this year, China's gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 5.5 percent year-on-year, markedly faster than the annual growth rate of 3 percent in 2022 and the average annual growth rate of 4.5 percent during the country's three-year battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.



In its latest World Economic Outlook Update released last month, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected that China's economy will grow 5.2 percent in 2023, ranking among the fastest-growing major economies.



A series of targeted measures rolled out by China recently, including earnestly optimizing the development environment for private enterprises, are believed to help consolidate the country's economic growth momentum and further boost international confidence in the Chinese economy's high-quality development.



Despite subdued cross-border investments globally, foreign institutions are increasing investment in China and actively exploring high-end industries and emerging sectors, demonstrating the strong and enduring appeal of the Chinese market.



In the past five years, the rate of return on foreign investment in China has reached 9.1 percent, far higher than the roughly 3 percent in the U.S. and Europe, according to China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange.



In the first half of this year, foreign direct investment (FDI) from many developed countries into China registered growth, with investments from France, the UK, and Germany increasing by 173.3 percent, 135.3 percent, and 14.2 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, the number of newly established foreign enterprises in China rose 35.7 percent.



A mid-year report released this month by the American Chamber of Commerce in South China found that nearly 60 percent of U.S. companies remain optimistic about the Chinese market, and about 30 percent of the surveyed companies plan to expand their investments in China.



With tremendous market opportunities presented by the stable performance and growth momentum of the Chinese economy, constantly improving business climate, and mature and complete supply-chain system holding great appeal to foreign capital, China is expected to continue winning favor with foreign investors.



After a smooth transition in COVID-19 response, China has experienced a wave-like and zigzag process of economic recovery. At a crucial stage of stabilization and recovery as well as industrial upgrading, the Chinese economy is faced with obstacles in the process of development and issues in the course of progress. The country has taken active steps to address these problems, with relevant efforts already paying off.



Although China's overall price level is temporarily low, considering indicators of economic growth, money supply, as well as other aspects of the economy, the country's economy does not meet the criteria for deflation.



As the Chinese economy recovers steadily, the country will see gradual expansion of market demand, smooth economic circulation, improvement in supply-demand relationship, and slight and moderate fluctuations of overall price level within a reasonable range throughout the year.



Facing difficulties and challenges, China's economy has sustained continuous recovery and overall growth, remaining an important engine for global economic growth.



Some Western politicians and media outlets view China's post-pandemic recovery through tinted glasses, intentionally exaggerating problems facing the Chinese economy in this special stage and sensationalizing narratives like economic deflation, setbacks in recovery, and inadequate policies in China.



These cliched arguments contradict facts and diverge from observations by many international institutions and individuals.



As some media pointed out, although Western media outlets relish dramatizing China's economic slowdown, many international institutions remain optimistic about the Chinese market.



As China continues unswervingly advancing high-quality development, the Chinese economy's overall upward trajectory will not be affected by external noises.



The Chinese economy has tremendous resilience and potential for development, and its fundamentals sustaining long-term growth remain unchanged.



China has the confidence, conditions and capabilities to continuously optimize its economic structure, enhance growth drivers, boost momentum of sound development, accelerate the formation of a new development pattern, comprehensively promote high-quality development, and contribute more positive energy to global economic recovery.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > China to firmly support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation Chinese industrial economy achieves stable recovery IFC Partners with FirstRand Bank to Expand SME Financing in South Africa Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
On August 23, instigated by the UNs International Day to Remember Slavery and Abolition, Americans are being asked again to remember slavery. This date joins Juneteenth, marking the near end of slavery; Martin Luther King Day; Black History Month, a Black national anthem celebrating the end of slavery, and proliferating slave memorials. The United States acquired less than 1% of slaves from the major slave trades, and 3-5% of the slaves in the Atlantic trade, but Americans can boast that they have the most national reminders of slavery and more media on slavery than the rest of the world combined. Once again, America is self-flagellating over an institution endemic to humankind.

All nations have histories of slavery, but none obsess as Americans do with regular national reminders. Thats because they dont see this obsession as benefitting their nations, and they want their people to look forward. Is America demonstrating exceptionalism? The use of sources that lack historical context and praise suggests, instead, partisan politics, and that never bodes well for America or Americans.

Without excusing slaverys immorality, its important to keep Americas history of slavery (which the British brought to the colonies) in context against the backdrop of the worlds history of slavery.

According to the UN, this latest remembrance is intended to inscribe the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples. The UN, however, is focused on the Atlantic trade and ignores the equally large Arab and African slave trades, where buyers and sellers were people of color, and slaves were white, black, and brown.

Image: Christian slaves in Algiers 1815. Public domain.

The UN targeting Westerners for opprobrium while giving a pass to other guilty parties is nothing new. Middle Eastern, African, and Asian members would vigorously reject the UN airing diligently suppressed histories. It works well for them that Biden is broadcasting Americas seemingly sole responsibility for slavery:

More than 400 years ago, twenty enslaved Africans were forcibly brought to the shores of what would become the United States. Millions more were stolen and sold in the centuries that followed, part of a system of slavery that is Americas original sin.

No wonder Americans believe America invented slavery, and are uninformed that slavery was a global institution as old as civilization itself. Theyre taking cues from Team Biden. They dont know that Biden misdated slaverys arrival in America, credited America for the unoriginal original sin of stealing people who were captured, kidnapped, and sold by Africans and Muslims, and implied that America created an institution that existed since the dawn of humankind.

Americas Remembrance Day also omits abolition. Why is that? The United States had the worlds strongest abolitionist movement. Some states abolished slavery long before the 19th-century trend. In all places, at all times, slaves were legally personal property. However, in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America, slaves had to compensate their owners for their freedom. In America, emancipation (when it happened) was unencumbered.

America also uniquely financed universities and schools and facilitated land purchases to help the newly free. In about 100 years, Western nations abolished a thousand-plus-year-old global institution. Western pressure and cash were needed to abolish slavery in Africa and the Middle East in theory, but it still exists in fact. In 1990, fifty-four members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference signed the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam. It states that Human beings are born free, and no one has the right to enslave, humiliate, or oppress them The caveat, though, is All the rights and freedoms stipulated in this Declaration are subject to the Islamic Shariahand Mohammed explicitly authorized slavery.

The congressional resolution supporting slavery remembrance includes a laundry list of facts and fiction pulled from education materials. The 1619 Project earned journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones a Pulitzer Prize. At the University of Notre Dame, Hannah-Jones penned vile accusations about whites. Today shes using the 1619 Project to center American history around slavery and to secure reparations. It has been adopted by over 4,500 schools, even though its been pilloried as a work of propaganda and grievance.

The new AP African American Studies curriculum is riddled with exaggerations intended to make black Americans feel good at the expense of white Americans.

Alex Halleys Roots is credited with introducing 130 million to American slavery. Writer Alex Haley won a Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award for nonfiction. But Roots is historical fiction. Henry Louis Gates called it a work of the imagination. Haley said, I tried to give my people a myth to live by.

But what of the oppressive myth given to whites to live by? All of these education materials underweight subject-matter historical experts, present materials without American or global context, and apply poetic license to data with roots in propaganda written by abolitionists . The outcome is beguiling historical fiction presented as nonfiction.

Objecting to the curriculums contents or providing contradictory data is a recipe for opprobrium. Witness Kamala Harris bizarre tirade because Floridas African-American history curriculum correctly noted that skills training offered benefits for some slaves. Tim Scott also objected: What slavery was really about was separating families, about mutilating humans, and even raping their wives. H.Res. 414, supporting reparations payments, contains assertions that are more exaggerated. The U.S. economy, it insists, flourished from torturing, trafficking, starving, exploiting Blacks, and separating their families. The most productive enslaved people were often whipped the most violently. Slaves built America, and millions of enslaved Black women were routinely raped. (The U.S. slave population in 1800 was 894,000.) But productivity and innovation are not outcomes of systemic rape, torture, and starvation. Other assertions, such as claiming that America had the cruelest slavery in the world, are also easily refuted.

The cruelest slavery? In 1802, the U.S. black population was 1 million. If the US had duplicated conditions in the Caribbeanand treated slaves as badly as the French and British dida proportionate die-off rate of black slaves in America would have reduced the American slave population in 1802 to 186,000 people, not 1 million.

In the Middle East and Africa, young slave boys underwent back alley castrations. Most died, but survivors were highly prized for loyalty and, in the Middle East, as sex toys. Male adults were commonly murdered because buyers mostly wanted female slavesmats of pleasure. When women became old, say 40, they were often left to die.

Human sacrifice and infanticide were common. Dehydration and starvation killed up to 80% of slaves crossing the Sahara to get to market. These count among the cruelest slave practices, but the details are buried. Any characterizations of slavery in these regions imply a benign and beneficial system, contrasted with the extraordinary cruelty in Americas narrative.

Rather than presenting slave history through worst-case and embellished anecdotes, Nobel Laureate Robert Fogel applied formal economic models to historical data on slavery. He found that it was not routine for white planters to whip slaves, break up families, rape slaves, or work them around the clock. These actions dented productivity and incited slave revolts. In response to widespread condemnation, Fogel showed that, unlike his analysis, others used data slices, enabling slavery to be portrayed as cruel or kind. None of this was persuasive. The scarred back of Gordon, the runaway slave from Louisiana, was all any American needed to remember about slavery. Thats not right.

Americans must quit censoring data and concealing context, which is essential to understanding history. If Americans were given the comparative context of Americas history of punishments, rape, labor practices, and family breakups between slaves and free laborers, they would have a better grasp of American history. They might even wish to emigrate, which is why they need the context of past and present cruelties against free and unfree people around the world. With this, they might be singing God Bless America.

Why is the American government regularly asking Americans to recall a distorted slave history that demeans America on the world stage, zaps patriotism, exacerbates racial divisions, and diminishes how many Americans will be motivated to achieve the American dream? Its not a manifestation of American exceptionalism. Its more partisan politics competing in a race to the bottom. Americans need their next president to walk the talk of a unifier. This includes recalling American history objectively, inclusively, and in context. Its a history that Americans can be proud of, and the world can admire. And borrowing the advice of our adversaries to focus forward, rather than backward.
The Russian Empire and the Soviet Union were totalitarian regimes, police states that suppressed dissent, countries of great military power that waged economic warfare and thereby affected the well-being of their own citizens, convinced of the legitimacy of territorial expansion and the greatness of the existing regime. They justified their wars by the presence of internal and external enemies. History in Russia has traditionally been used to legitimize power in the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin makes extensive use of the history of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union to justify current imperialist activities. This traditional approach to Russian history explains Putins approval of the USSRs attack on Finland and occupation of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Bessarabia, Western Belorussia and Western Ukraine in 1939, and the USSRs aggression against Afghanistan in 1979. Putins historical excursions in defense of Russian and Soviet imperialism in the past are a war against historical memory and the construction of a mythologized history adapted to the propaganda tasks of totalitarianism. Russia has historically developed a consciousness of superiority, resentment, and identity that colors its imperialist reflexes. Putins Russia is dominated by nostalgia for the Soviet Union, a thirst for establishing justice for its collapse, and a desire for revenge. In Putins ideology, the past dominates the present, which blocks the consciousness of reality and creates a world of phobias, enmity, and vengeance. The blame for the collapse of the USSR, which Putin called a historical catastrophe, is projected by him in the image of an external enemy, NATO, and Nazi Ukraine. The enemy is contrasted with the image of a good and fair Russia, which masks the will to expand and seize territories. These territories are presented as illegally taken from the Soviet Union. All aggressive activities are presented as restoration of justice and return to the borders of the historical Russian world.

In the summer of 2006, Oleg Morozov, head of the commission for the preparation of program documents of the pro-Kremlin United Russia party, declared:

We are the party of historical revenge.  Revenge in the sense that the authorities must return to the citizens of ... a great country that has fallen apart.

President Vladimir Putin in the movie Russia: Modern History, shown on the Russia 1 channel, said that for him the collapse of the Soviet Union was a tragedy and the disintegration of historical Russia. The state lost 40 percent of its territory, production facilities and population, Putin estimated. We have turned into a different country completely. This is a great humanitarian tragedy, without any exaggeration, he added. Russia seeks revenge for the geopolitical catastrophe of the twentieth century (Putins expression)  the collapse of the USSR. Since no country tore down the USSR, Russia is taking revenge on its largest former component  Ukraine  which refused to submit to Russia as it seeks to reimagine the USSR in a modern empire. Since the collapse of the USSR had no direct culprit, Russia is taking revenge on those who decided that the world could be unipolar, that is, that the world could exist without the leading role of the Soviet Union or Russia; against those who have decided that there can be an end of history (Fukuyama reference), that is, that there can be a world only under the rule of the United States, NATO, and the collective West. Vladimir in Russian means ruler of the world and Vladimir Putin seeks to gain the status of one of the lords of the world, formerly held by the Soviet Union.

August 23 is the anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Treaty, a pact to divide Europe between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany in 1939. The Second World War, which broke out as a result of this treaty, dramatically increased the territory of the USSR, which included new territories that had never belonged to the Russian Empire: East Prussia (former German territory), and the Southern Kuril Islands (Japanese territory). Under the Soviet Unions rule were the countries of Eastern Europe, called the countries of the socialist camp, which included the anti-NATO Warsaw Pact bloc countries like Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, GDR, Poland, Romania, and Czechoslovakia, as well as Yugoslavia and non-European socialist countries like Cuba, Mongolia, North Korea, North Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and the Peoples Republic of China. All of these countries were one-party totalitarian systems.

In physics, it is known that the universe is expanding. The universe called the Russian world or the post-Soviet world, is also expanding. The universe has no boundaries, and neither does the expanding Russian world  the war in Ukraine, represented by Putin as denazification, is re-colonization. People in the West often believe that the Cold War ended with the disappearance of the Soviet Union, but they fail to recognize an ongoing war to form a new USSR. A new Cold War is underway between the collective West and Russia, with a parallel hot war in Ukraine, which is dangerous for the non-Russian world as well.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required.
A picture is worth a thousand words, so let's cut to the chase:

Imagenes de este fin de semana en la Selva del Darien. Una hostil ruta para huir del infierno chavista de Venezuela hacia EEUU. Te has preguntado por que no has visto NI UN SOLO DOCUMENTAL sobre el mayor exodo humano del siglo en curso (7,1 millones de personas)? pic.twitter.com/ynmdi4qkLG  Capitan Bitcoin (@CapitanBitcoin) August 21, 2023

Google Translate:

Images from this weekend in the Darien Jungle. A hostile route to flee from the chavista hell of Venezuela to the US. Have you ever wondered why you haven't seen NOT A SINGLE DOCUMENTARY about the largest human exodus of the current century (7.1 million people)?

So contrary to Joe Biden's claim that the border surge is ended and he's got the crisis all under control, it appears that more Venezuelans and migrants of other nationalities are lining up to make their way into the U.S.

It's an astonishing spectacle, given that the Darien Gap is probably the most dangerous land route on the planet, or at least ones. Loaded with snakes, jaguars, poisonous frogs, pirates, smugglers, kidnappers, thorns, toxics and quicksand, anyone who'd want to cross through that place is obviously out of their minds.

But they look sane enough. What's incentivizing them to undertake this dangerous journey through the swamps, mud and jungles is the knowledge that if they can make it to the U.S. through its southern border, they will be permitted to stay.

And based on what's known now, they certainly are calling it right.

Today's New York Post shows just one of several reasons why this is the case, with its front-page tweet:

Today's cover: Open floodgates at Arizona border allow thousands of migrants to walk into the country https://t.co/16wYmTUnGY pic.twitter.com/lCuA1MMcY4  New York Post (@nypost) August 22, 2023

That's an astonishing story, too. Border Patrol agents, acting on orders from their superiors, have literally welded the gates of the border open, on the laughable premise that certain endangered antelope need to cross over to the other side as part of their natural habitat. That has given the migrants a free land-based crossing near Tucson with none of the rigors of crossing the Rio Grande. The Post notes that the migrants discovered the crossing very quickly, and Border Patrol sources explained that this was because the cartels control the border and surveil its activity closely in order to take advantage of vulnerabilities. This was a freebie for them, and undoubtedly a profitable one, given that the observed migrants crossing in appeared to be well-heeled tourists from places like China and India, who had thousands of dollars to pay in "crossing fees" to cartels. Once in, all they need to do is hop on to transport to New York, Los Angeles, Chicago or other cities of their choice and be offered free housing, food, education and medical care from the receiving sanctuary cities. Arizona had been offering that service and may still be doing it, and the federally financed NGOs have reportedly done so, too. The state of Texas certainly does. Which is a pretty good deal for migrants whether rich or poor, no matter where they hail from.

The migrants pictured in the original tweet are from Venezuela, which is a socialist regime that has followed the Cuba model through mass impoverishment in the name of "equality." They may take that open border route if they can pay the cartels, or other smuggling routes that are considerably rougher. But once in, they won't be sent back and that's all they're thinking of.

The Biden administration has crowed a lot about getting the border under control through its CBPOne app, which requires migrants to file their asylum claims from outside the U.S. through the app and get waved through, or sometimes actually bussed in from Central America courtesy of the federal government. There have been 30,000 slots allocated through this system with each requiring a sponsor in the U.S., who could be an unvetted illegal immigrant already present in the U.S. For those without sponsors, though, that's read as an incentive to come on in, too, because the border will be less crowded with them.

Which may explain why we are seeing what we are seeing at the Darien Gap -- a border surge importing the poverty and socialism of the third world even more intensely than what we have seen in the recent past. Far from solving the border crisis, it appears to be intensifying.

For the Biden administration, the only priority so far has been to keep the Fox News cameras away from the spectacle. And make a few laughable claims that illegal border crossers will be "subject to U.S. immigratiom law." But this hasn't stopped blue cities, which are left holding the bag and the bill, from noticing.

Right now, there seems to be open warfare between the blue city mayors and the Biden administration, around who is to pay for these migrants. Based on the blue cities' own bad policies, that includes paying for continuously rising demands for free food and housing which helps incentivize the surge. In New York City alone, that's 60,000 people, which is a lot of money to be spent on cleaning up after Hugo Chavez's disaster in Venezuela that could be spent on other things. Ten thousand a month are reportedly coming in. Two million illegal migrants have been allowed in on Joe Biden's watch as Biden employs catch and release and now literally leaves the gate wide open. That doesn't include 600,000 gotaways, who are often in the criminal element that must evade detection from the Border Patrol.

The migrants are massing at Darien and flying into Mexico from other places and nobody seems to know how to stop this. Enforcing the laws and shutting the border gates might do it, but to Biden, that's a bridge to far -- he can't do that any more than blue cities can end their free rides for incoming migrants -- which means the problem will only get worse.

This explains why even Democrats among the voting base have come to the conclusion that mass unchecked immigration is a major problem now. That says something.

Image: Twitter screen shot
Two days ago, Tucker Carlson posted his long-form interview with Colonel Douglas Macgregor (Ret.). Its about the war in Ukraine, but it extends far beyond Macgregors assertion that the Ukrainian army is losing badly. In the interview, Macgregor also discusses the consequences of that loss for America and Europe and explains the domestic American politics driving the war.

If you were to listen only to the media, youd believe that, a year and a half into the war in Ukraine, a war that the Uniparty unequivocally supports, the Ukraine army is attaining victory inch by inch, or even millimeter by millimeter. The Russians, we are told, are demoralized and afraid.

Colonel Macgregor tells a different story. According to him, Ukraine has suffered 400,000 military deaths, while the Russians have lost around 50,000. The Russians have infinitely superior eyes in the skies, making it possible for them to have missile strikes within five minutes of being aware of Ukrainian troop movements. Russia, true to its historic approach to war, also has vast reserves of men, most of whom its currently holding in abeyance. It doesnt want to wage all-out warbut it can.

Eventually, says Macgregor, Ukraine will run out of men. The only thing left will be for America to fill the void with boots on the ground. And thats where his assessment gets scary. Macgregor says that, despite its years in the Middle East, the American military is not ready for a boots-on-the-ground war against a standing army.

Image: X screen grab.

First, our weapons systems are often obsolete. For example, our tanks have engines that burn hot whether moving or idle. Not only does that mean that they have only eight hours in them before needing to be refueled, but it also means that Russias sophisticated surveillance systems can locate and destroy them within minutes, something that was not a problem in the Middle East.

Second, our troops are used to fighting rag-tag informal armies. Most of our casualties were sustained because of IEDs, not because of direct combat. With Russia, well be facing a standing army that has been honing its direct combat skills for a year now.

Third, our military has been substantially degraded over the last 15 years. The focus hasnt been on merit; its been on politics and social engineering.

Fourth, our manufacturing sector is gone, making it impossible for us to be an arsenal of democracy as we were in WWII. And what Macgregor doesnt say, but I will, is that its been shipped to China, which is Russias ally.

Macgregor also talks about the leadership problems here at home driving this war. He tactfully implies but doesnt say outright, that a lot of the problem comes because Biden is surrounded by Jews who hate Russia because of how Russia treated their parents and grandparents. I disagree with this suggestion, and its not because Im Jewish.

First, the historical reality is that, during WWII, the Ukrainians were so enthusiastic about slaughtering Jews that even the Nazis were shocked. If youre going to do a whos the most antisemitic country contest between Russia and Ukraine, they both stink. Moreover, Ukraine was part of Russia at the time of the pogroms.

The problem isnt Jews in the administration; the problem is secularists in the administration, all of whom hate the Judeo-Christian moral system that built the modern West. These people run the gamut from Christian to Jew to all the atheists filling the in-between spaces. Keep in mind that leftist Jews are merely formalists: They observe the high holidays and put their kids in Hebrew school, but they have no room in their hearts for core religious doctrine. Just as is the case with leftist Christians, God is a prop, not a guide.

Once you understand that whats happening is driven by leftism from across the religious spectrum, everything starts making sense. Dont forget that the American left had no problem with the Soviet Union. Its Putins Russia that they hate. And it is true that Putins Russia is a cruel place with a leader who does what Russias leaders have done going back to the Middle Ages, which is to abuse the population. That, though, is not what troubles the left.

The great sin of Putins Russia is that Putin wants Russia to be a Christian country run with traditional values. Thats something that the left cannot forgive. Thats why Hillary targeted it as Trumps alleged partner behind the non-existent collusion that led to Russia, Russia, Russia as the anti-Trump battle cry.

The Russian collusion lie may be exposed and Trump gone from office, but, for the left, the reason behind the anti-Russian animus remains. And what about the Republicans who are on board with this madness? Well, if you add to the lefts Putin hatred Ukraines long-standing role as a money-laundering state, along with the wealth flowing to the weapons sector in America, which then directs cash to our political establishment from Biden on down, you dont need Jewish conspiracies to explain the war. Leftism, power, and money will take care of everything.

So, while I disagree with Macgregors subtle anti-Jewish bias, and wish he didnt have it, I think in all other respects hes correct. And given that fact, what he has to say is extremely important and worth hearing:
The post-Covid world could fittingly be known as the era of the undead. The official narrative of lethal variants perpetually at the doorstep while the surroundings fail to reflect the claims is like Dr. Frankensteins monster before the jolt of electricity  and, you have people walking around like this:

Good grief 



Spotted in the wild (Eugene, OR) and shared with @PopPunkRadio pic.twitter.com/dR48PWVxI8  Olivia Murray (@americaliv1) August 23, 2023

Anyone who is that concerned about a virus that they would don such a ridiculous get-up in public instead of just staying home and self-isolating is clearly not using their frontal lobe. Their silly antics are beyond embarrassing, and these people should be made to feel a sting of humility  like sensing a stupefied stranger snapping photos as if you were a zoo animal. (Social pressure can be a good thing.)

Its almost 2024 though, and President Trump is surging in the polls, lightyears ahead of his the closest second-place rival, despite the back-to-back-to-back-to-back indictments, so there is no recourse except another presidential election conducted via the mail. Cue the mass hysteria, part deux. (Evidently, as seen above, the first casualties are already walking among us.)

Morris Brown College, an institution in the state of Georgia, heard the call to action. From an Atlanta outlet on Monday:

An Atlanta college announced this week that it is reinstating its mask mandates for everyone on campus. Morris Brown College began classes just last week, but will require all students and employees to wear face masks. Officials say there have been no confirmed COVID-19 cases. The mask mandate is a precautionary move for the next 14 days [emphasis added].

Something about that 14 days seems eerily familiar, but the post below explains it best:

Dont say two weeks. Theyll all remember when we said two weeks to slow the spread. Say 14 days instead. They wont realize a thing. https://t.co/kUmPryyzu7  Bethany S. Mandel (@bethanyshondark) August 23, 2023

(They tried to fly under the radar and be inconspicuous  but failed  supremely. Seems like fortnight instead of 14 days would have done a better job at throwing people off their scent.)

Now, dont get confused, its not like last time where those two weeks to slow the spread got a little out of hand and obliterated the economy, bankrupted millions of small businesses and families, and allowed Joe Bidens most extensive and inclusive voter fraud organization to undermine a presidential election; this time, its only fourteen days as a precautionary measure, of course!

Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required.
Lets be clear, Joe Biden deserves to be impeached. There is more than enough evidence that he was involved in a pay-for-play influence peddling scheme, that he lied about it, and that he involved high ranking government officials to cover it up.

But lets also acknowledge that we live in the real world, and expecting the GOP to do the right thing is more often than not a fools errand. And, to be fair to them, even if they were to impeach Biden there is virtually no chance he would be convicted in the Senate and, if he were, Kamala Harris would be elevated to the presidency, which somehow may result in an even worse situation for the country. Whats more, the public might view an attempt to impeach Biden as the kind of tit-for-tat partisan squabbling that turns off many independents.

So what are they to do? Well, heres an option. They could conduct a reverse impeachment hearing, and hold an inquiry into whether to rescind the first impeachment vote against Donald Trump, which was based on his request to Ukrainian authorities to look into the corruption of the Biden family in Ukraine, or not.

Why should they do this? Well, to begin with, the issue at the heart of that impeachment was that Trump threatened to withhold aid from Ukraine unless they dug up dirt, or as Democrats frequently argue, made up dirt against the Bidens. So the central question to be asked as to whether or not to rescind the impeachment would be, was President Trump justified in asking Zelensky to look into the corruption of the Biden family? What better vehicle could there be to lay out before the American people the crimes of the Biden family without having to actually call for Biden to be removed?

This strategy has several advantages: For one, Democrats cant mount a legitimate defense like they could in an impeachment because theoretically, Biden wouldnt be on trial. The question wouldnt be is Joe Biden guilty rather it would be, was it reasonable for President Trump to inquire about corruption in Ukraine? All of the evidence presented would go to answering the latter question, not the former, but for all practical purposes would in fact answer both questions in the affirmative.

Sure Democrats could call back some of their witnesses from the first impeachment but do you really think people like Marie Yovanovitch want to come back and testify about what they knew was happening in Ukraine? What we now know happened in Ukraine? Even if they did, theyd have little to offer in terms of refuting the claims about Biden's corrupt activities.

Secondly, the hearing could be framed as seeking to right a wrong rather than taking revenge against the opposite political party. This would make the proceedings more palatable and the media would have a very difficult time convincing the mainstream that this was a partisan witch hunt.

Whats more, it would give the GOP an excuse to subpoena all correspondence between Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff, or Schiff and The Anonymous Whistleblower, or Schiff and his staff regarding the events that took place during the first impeachment hearing. Im pretty sure there are quite a few interesting tidbits we might be able to discover from that paper trail as well.

Furthermore, since Donald Trump was not convicted in the Senate, the House wouldnt need its approval on any such resolution; impeachment requires a two-thirds vote in favor of removal, something that would almost certainly not happen. As a result, the left will not be able to point to an acquittal as some type of repudiation of the findings by the House.

Additionally, it would allow Republicans to frame the issue as President Trump suffering improper prosecution by Democrats, and could be used as a talking point when discussing Trumps current legal situations.

Conducting a hearing in this manner will allow the GOP to make the case publicly that Biden is corrupt without having to meet some standard of guilt, whether made up or not. The average person, after having seen the evidence that currently exists against Biden, would be hard pressed to conclude anything other than he is a corrupt liar who used his position in government to both enrich himself and to cover up his crimes.

By reverse-engineering the impeachment process, Republicans can lay out the case against Biden in a low pressure hearing that is cloaked in the mantle of securing justice rather than persecuting a political opponent. It will allow Republicans to achieve all of the things they could hope to in a normal impeachment hearing while allowing them not to take any serious political risk. Its the perfect way for a party adverse to doing the right thing to do the right thing.

Tim is the author of the book Financial Freedom for Kids available on Amazon. He can be reached on Twitter @mister_irony.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required.
The media and other Democrats colluded to destroy President Bush in the same way they have continually colluded for years to destroy President Trump.

Now they are comparing their politically motivated criticism of Bush's response to Biden's obvious incompetence in Maui:

MSNBCs Jansing: Bidens Lack of Response to Hawaii Is Reminiscent of Bush with Katrina On Mondays broadcast of MSNBCs Chris Jansing Reports, host Chris Jansing noted that President Joe Biden went days without mentioning the fires in Hawaii even as the response has been criticized for being slow and compared Bidens response to then-President George W. Bush praising then-FEMA Director Michael Brown during Hurricane Katrina.

Since the media and other Democrats have always trashed Bush about Katrina and have chosen to not tell the truth, the following is a timeline of what actually happened back in 2005:

Two days before the storm hit, on Saturday, August 27, 2005, Bush declared a state of emergency in Louisiana.

Despite multiple and continuous warnings, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin waited until Sunday, the 28th to order a mandatory evacuation of his city.

He could have used school buses to evacuate the poor but didnt. He could have stocked the shelters with food and water but didnt. Think of how many fewer people would have died if Nagin had evacuated sooner and used all resources available.

On the morning of Friday, Aug. 26, 2005, Hurricane Katrina (Category 1) seemed certain to make landfall in the Florida panhandle, but by the afternoon, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) used new information to revise the watch area to include southern Louisiana. A watch was issued and on Saturday, two days before the storm hit, President Bush declared a state of emergency for Louisiana allowing federal resources to begin staging immediately. Nine hundred-thirty National Guardsmen were deployed to Louisiana that day. That evening the NHC issued a hurricane warning for New Orleans.

The federal government was participating in multiple conference calls with state and local leaders who would be the sole authorities for evacuations and preparation. On Sunday, [Aug. 28, incorrect date edited], at the urging of President Bush, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin finally called for a mandatory evacuation, a delay caused by his concern for the citys hotel industry. Even with local government delays, and school buses sitting unused, 80 percent of New Orleans residents evacuated which was an improvement over the citys preparations for Hurricane Ivan.

Criticism from politicians, activists, pundits, and journalists of all stripes has been directed at the local, state, and federal governments. New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin was also criticized for failing to implement his flood plan and for ordering residents to a shelter of last resort without any provisions for food, water, security, or sanitary conditions. Perhaps the most important criticism of Nagin is that he delayed his emergency evacuation order until less than a day before landfall, which led to hundreds of deaths of people who (by that time) could not find any way out of the city.[3] Adding to the criticism was the broadcast of school bus parking lots full of baby blue [and yellow, detail added] school buses, which Mayor Nagin refused to be used in evacuation. When asked why the buses were not used to assist evacuations instead of holing up in the Superdome, Nagin cited the lack of insurance liability and shortage of bus drivers.[4]

Hurricane Katrina hit on Monday August 29 and the extent of the damage was not known until Tuesday morning on August 30.

Despite Mayor Nagins lackluster response most of the town was evacuated within 72 hours by Friday Sept. 2. The people were evacuated to cities throughout the region. The response by the federal government was amazing.

As with Hawaii, there were a lot of errors in New Orleans prior to Katrina. Politicians and bureaucrats always blame others for their actions.

What happened to Mayor Nagin? He went to jail for corruption.

There are some similarities with the reporting on Katrina and Hawaii.

They are both blamed on climate change, humans, and our use of fossil fuels, instead of blaming the lack of preparations by politicians and bureaucrats.

When Katrina hit, the green pushers said future hurricanes would be more frequent and more severe. They were 100% wrong as they are with most predictions. For ten years after Katrina, hurricane seasons were very mild.

The 1780 hurricane season was the deadliest in history and occurred during a little ice age and before we used oil.

The 1780 Atlantic hurricane season ran through the summer and fall in 1780. The 1780 season was extraordinarily destructive, and was the deadliest Atlantic hurricane season in recorded history, with over 28,000 deaths

The truth hasnt mattered to the media for a long time. For them, a storm or a fire are opportunities to push the leftist agenda.

The media always trashes Republicans and they do not care how corrupt or incompetent Democrats are. They will always be supporting Biden no matter what he does or says in Hawaii or elsewhere.

They like Bush now but they sought to destroy him throughout his tenure as President and challenged both of his elections.

Image: U.S. National Archives, via Picryl // no known copyright restrictions
Once again, Muslims are at it  humiliating the despised "other" by forcing them to kneel and kiss their feet.

An August 17, 2023, video from Belgium shows a throng of "migrant youth" surrounding a trembling Belgian boy, forcing him to kiss their feet while they beat him on the head. The post adds, "In Brussels, the country's capital, Muslims already make up 25% of the population."

A few days later in Finland, on August 20, 2023, another video captured another Muslim gang forcing a hapless Finnish girl onto her knees to "apologize" to them (for what is unclear).

These two back-to-back incidents are hardly an aberration. On December 1, 2022, two Palestinian teenagers accosted, threatened, and ordered a Jewish (Haredi) man to kiss their feet in Jerusalem's Old City. They videotaped and posted the incident on TikTok, to the audio of an Arabic rapper who, among other vulgarities, employs the notorious Arabic insult kuss umak ("your mama's vagina"), which was presumably directed at the Jew in question, as he kissed the hand and foot of one of the Muslims.

Nor was this the first incident of its kind in the Holy Land. According to a later report discussing this late 2022 incident,

The phenomenon of Palestinians filming themselves assaulting or humiliating ultra-Orthodox residents sparked outrage and clashes last year, leading to several arrests. In one particularly viral video, a Palestinian was filmed pouring hot coffee on an Orthodox man, leading to a two-year prison sentence.

Then there was this 2019 report from Australia:

A 12-year-old Jewish student was forced to kneel down and kiss the shoes of a Muslim classmate, while a five-year-old boy was allegedly called a "Jewish cockroach" and repeatedly hounded in the school toilets by his young classmates. ... The older boy's act of kissing another student's shoes, under threat of being swarmed by several other boys, was filmed, photographed and shared on social media. ... One of the boys who watched on was later suspended for five days for assaulting the Jewish student in the school locker room.

Some might argue that Muslim "grievances"  in the above cases, the Arab-Israeli conflict  is the driving force behind Muslims trying to degrade and humiliate Jews. In reality, however, this form of abject "obeisance" was always expected of non-Muslims  as the more recent Belgian and Finnish examples show  and for no more of a "grievance" than that they were non-Muslims  infidels.

For example, in The Adventures of Thomas Pellow, an Englishman (d. 1747) who wrote of his experiences as an abducted slave in Morocco references that European slaves being compelled to kiss their Muslim masters' feet was not uncommon.

Sultan Muley Ismail  who enforced sharia and regularly prayed  went one step farther, according to Pellow: abducted Europeans were required to "pull off their shoes, put on a particular habit they have to denote a slave, and when they approach him fall down and kiss the ground at his horse's feet." Those not conforming to such abject behavior  the "lucky" ones  instantly lost their heads. The rest were slowly tortured in ways that beggar belief.

Perhaps this is the only "good news" regarding the more recent spate of foot-kissing. As vile as they may be, they help underscore an important fact: few things are as reliably consistent as Muslim behavior  particularly the sort we are regularly assured has "nothing to do with Islam." Otherwise, why does one keep finding the same "disquieting" behavior in regions that widely differ in both time and space, such as modern Israel, Australia, Belgium, and Finlandand pre-modern Morocco?

Incidentally, and as another parallel, Pellow and other European slaves in Africa were regularly and consistently called "Christian dogs"  including before they were beheaded by scimitars. This characterization of subhuman infidels as animals remains a fixture today, and for the same reason. Recall that the five-year-old Jewish student was called a "Jewish cockroach."

Such is the great irony: even in the minutest of details, and whether in word or deed, the negative behavior that Muslims exhibit today has a long and unwavering paper trail, one that crosses centuries and continents. The only difference  the only discontinuity  between now and then is how the West responds.

In all of the modern incidents, authorities refuse to admit that an ideological factor  Islamic supremacism  motivated "migrant youth" to force "infidels" on their knees to kiss Muslim feet.

The disconnect is evident in another, especially ignoble manner: whereas Muslims have long forced non-Muslims under their power to kiss their feet, both figuratively and literally, today the man who holds an office that for centuries sponsored the West's staunch resistance to Islam  the Catholic pope  enthusiastically prostrates himself before and literally kisses Muslim feet, further reinforcing this abject relationship to Muslims who do not understand acts of humility.

In short, Muslims demanding that lowly infidels kiss their feet is normative. The only thing to change is how the West responds  in a word, capitulation.

Raymond Ibrahim, author of Defenders of the West and Sword and Scimitar is the Distinguished Senior Shillman Fellow at the Gatestone Institute and the Judith Rosen Friedman Fellow at the Middle East Forum.

Image via Pxfuel.
In a chronicle of a death foretold, Wagner Group mutineer Yevgeny Prigozhin, was killed along with nine others in a corporate plane crash, flying over Tver, a city just south of Moscow.

According to Fox News:

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of Russia's Wagner Group who challenged the rule of Vladimir Putin just months ago, was involved Wednesday in a plane crash that has left 10 people dead outside of Moscow, state media is reporting. The business jet was traveling from the Russian capital to St. Petersburg went it went down in the Tver region, according to the TASS news agency. "Prigozhin was listed among the passengers, according to the Federal Air Transport Agency," read a post by TASS on Telegram. "An investigation into the crash of the Embraer aircraft has been launched, the department noted." It's not immediately clear whether Prigozhin is among the 10 reported to have died in the crash.

Sure, it could have been something weird -- a staged death or something.

But I recall reading the forecast that Prigozhin was a dead man walking as an absolute certainty when his mutiny against Vladimir Putin last June mysteriously fizzled and ended. He would go to Belarus. He would focus on Africa. All was well that ended well.

But Putin would get him.

And based on what's known now, he did. Check out this tweet:

Prigozhin was aboard the plane that was downed by the Russian air defenses, per Tass. pic.twitter.com/oyw7OIPTog  Yaroslav Trofimov (@yarotrof) August 23, 2023

If TASS, the Russian state news agency is saying that, you can be pretty sure that that's exactly what happened.

This observation sums it up:

Our Jennifer Griffin passes along that there are reports from Russia that Prigozhin's plane was shot down by a Russian SAM. Not a subtle takedown...  John Roberts (@johnrobertsFox) August 23, 2023

There's also this:

1. Today is exactly two months after Prigozhin's mutiny started.



2. Another symbolism: ten people died in today's crash.



Exactly the same number of pilots died on board of the Russian military Il-22 plane on 24th June that was hit by Wagner mercenaries.  Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) August 23, 2023

He obviously doesn't care that everyone knows he did it, and he probably wanted people to see exactly how he did it.

BREAKING: Private jet carrying Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has crashed with 10 people on board.



No survivors.



Prigozhin was a media favorite back in June when he led led a failed rebellion against Putin.



Wagner-linked Telegram channel Grey Zone reported the pic.twitter.com/YuFcUlXGek  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 23, 2023

Another video from the crash site. pic.twitter.com/Nz3xd262jN  Polina Ivanova (@polinaivanovva) August 23, 2023

The Ukrainian press is reporting that there are rumors of a second coup.

Remember how the crowds cheered Prigozhin when he was leaving Rostov after his coup?



Prigozhin was loved by millions who consider Putin weak on Ukraine.



Those feelings were especially widespread in the military.



There are now rumors of a second coup



pic.twitter.com/Lau8VjbyFf  Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) August 23, 2023

Which if true, would explain a heckuva lot of what is going on. Kill or be killed.

The bottom line here, no matter what may be happening, is Putin plays for keeps.

He doesn't play the same kinds of games as Democrats, in other words, who say one thing is happening, such as "justice" or "democracy," when in reality something else is happening.

Whether he is a cornered rat or a wily serpent taking his time to exact his revenge to send a message to the others, he's not playing the same game as Joe Biden and his fellow Democrats.

While Biden is pressuring Congress to cough up another $24 billion for Ukraine, the New York Times is reporting that the Ukrainian military we are sending it to is not even putting up a proper fight. The New York Times today ran this headline:

Their forces are split and scattered around when they should be concentrating on the objective of blowing out the bridge from Russia to Crimea.

That's unfocused stuff, and there may be a lot of reasons for this, one of which is that casualty-laden Ukraine may be getting weary of this fight, But it may be many things. The surest thing is that it's a world apart from the icy focus seen in Putin. The Bidenites seem satisfied solely for spending money, with no care given for results.

Putin, who just brazenly blew a potential rival who defied him out of the sky, thinks differently.

Image: Twitter screen shot

UPDATE: A reader conversant in Russian has added clarity to the report from TASS, saying that the tweet about the TASS article goes a bit too far. The original TASS announcement says only that the plane crashed.
A nurse in London was evil and properly sentenced to life for intentionally killing vulnerable newborn babies.

A former neonatal nurse convicted of murdering seven babies in her care and trying to kill six others at a hospital in northern England was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of release by a judge who said she was cruel, cunning and callous, and acted with "malevolence bordering sadism." Letby sickened babies by injecting intravenous lines with air, poisoning some with insulin and force-feeding others milk. After killing them, she sometimes sobbed in grief, made keepsakes for parents and bathed the little bodies and dressed them for burial. "I don't think we will ever get over the fact that our daughter was tortured till she had no fight left in her and everything she went through over her short life was deliberately done by someone who was supposed to protect her and help her come home where she belonged," the mother of a girl identified as Child I said in a statement read in court.

So why is it perfectly OK with the media and other Democrats for Planned Parenthood to intentionally let fully developed babies die if the woman and her family don't want the baby?

From ten years ago:

Infanticide OK, Planned Parenthood rep says Infanticide should be an option when a baby survives a failed abortion, a Planned Parenthood spokeswoman told stunned Florida legislators recently. Addressing a House of Representatives subcommittee March 27, Alisa LaPolt Snow said the fate of a baby born alive after an attempted abortion should be left to "the woman, her family and the physician."

What should politicians who vote against giving health care to the most vulnerable among us and intentionally let the babies die be called? Why would we trust Democrats to make decisions for health care for the rest of us when they will just let babies die? I am sure the number of deaths is much greater than the seven killed by the nurse.

All but two Texas Democrats vote against Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act Babies that survived an abortion are considered a legal person and entitled to protections of all U.S. laws, according to the bill, which would require abortion facilities and medical providers to provide medical care to babies born alive after a failed abortion as they would any other newborn.

Why is it perfectly fine for people at an abortion mill to just let a baby die, while women who intentionally or unintentionally let a baby die can be charged with murder? Shouldn't all humans have the same rights?

I thought the media and other Democrats believed in equal treatment under the law.

Kelsey Carpenter was alone in her San Diego apartment when she went into labor on 14 November 2020. The mother of two had planned a home birth for her third child. But the baby came two weeks earlier than expected, so she delivered on her own, then passed out, records show. When she awoke, her newborn  whom she named Kiera  was not breathing. Despite her attempts at CPR, the baby did not survive. Police soon after arrested Carpenter, 33. The San Diego district attorney is moving forward with charges of murder "with malice" and child endangerment and has cited her decision to have an "unattended delivery"

We are constantly told by the media and other Democrats that the public support the Democrats' position on abortion, which is clearly abortion on demand at all stages of a pregnancy and even letting the baby die in a botched abortion. That is clearly not true.

In a Gallup poll, 37% support abortion after thirteen weeks, and 22% after 26 weeks. That is a far cry from what the public is told. Why doesn't the media report that poll? The answer is that they don't care.

When asked about the legality of abortion at different stages of pregnancy, about two-thirds of Americans say it should be legal in the first trimester (69%), while support drops to 37% for the second trimester and 22% for the third. Majorities oppose abortion being legal in the second (55%) and third (70%) trimesters.

My guess is that very few people would ever support withholding health care from a newborn child.

Image via Pxfuel.
Generative AI has been making the rounds lately, with so many tech brands jumping on the AI bandwagon. Now, OnePlus is the latest one to do so.

Through its research arm, OneLab, the company seems to be developing several AI-powered tools and its asking users to share their insight. As noted in a community post from the brand, OnePlus is surveying users across North America, Europe and India to rate the usefulness of the companys proposed AI features (via Android Authority).

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OneLab has been looking into how to make the most of this technology and has come up with some ideas. Theyre excited to hear your thoughts on these ideas and figure out which ones could be really helpful, the company wrote in the statement.

OnePlus is entering the generative AI technology game and is asking users for feedback

Image Credit: (Android Authority)

Although the company is contemplating a number of AI tools, the survey includes detailed descriptions and screenshots. This suggests that we could see some of OnePlus AI-powered assets sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, however, the brand is asking users opinions on the features. By asking them to rate the tools usefulness on a scale of 1 to 10. The AI tools that are listed in the survey include an AI-based short video creator app. As well as a personalized education app. The company is also asking for user input on several AI browser extensions for fact-checking information. In addition to finding jobs, checking if an image on a webpage was generated by AI, and generating summaries of webpages.

The survey is accessible to all users, regardless of whether or not they own a OnePlus phone. The company also hasnt made it mandatory for users to disclose certain personal information. Such as age, gender or country of residence in the survey.

While OnePlus survey makes it abundantly clear that the company is ready to tackle generative AI technology, what is not clear yet is what large language modal it will use to develop these apps. It will be interesting to see if OnePlus will develop its own LLM or build upon an existing one like OpenAIs GPT-4, which powers ChatGPT, Microsofts Bing AI Chatbot and many others.
Samsung has added a couple of new models to its Odyssey series gaming monitors. The company debuted the 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 and the 55-inch 2023 Odyssey Ark at Gamescom 2023. The latest edition of the worlds largest video game event kicked off in Cologne, Germany earlier today and will run through Sunday, August 27.

The Odyssey Neo G9 (model number G95NC) features the worlds first Dual Ultra-High-Definition (DUHD) screen. The 57-inch monitor has a 7,680 x 2,160 pixels resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate, a 32:9 aspect ratio, 1,000 nits of peak brightness (420nits typical), a 1ms GTG (gray-to-gray) response time, and a 1000R curvature. According to Samsung, it is as wide as two 32-inch UHD monitors stacked side-by-side.

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Equipped with the Quantum Mini LED technology, the Odyssey Neo G9 comes with the Vesa DisplayHDR 1000 certification. Samsungs new gaming monitor also features a VESA-certified DisplayPort 2.1, three HDMI 2.1 ports, and a USB hub. Other features include AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes, Auto Source Switch+, Core Lighting+, and CoreSync. All of this ensures an immersive and stutter-free gaming experience.

The 2023 Odyssey Ark (model number G97NC) also features a similarly curved (1000R) display with a 1ms GTG response time. But, it downgrades in several other areas. This monitor has a 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160 pixels), a 165Hz refresh rate, a DisplayPort 1.4 connector, two HDMI 2.1 ports, and an HDMI 2.0 port. It supports 4K UHD streams, Samsung Multi View (up to four inputs on the screen), and Cockpit Mode.

The latest Samsung Odyssey gaming monitors will be available in October

Samsung may have been showcasing the 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 and the 55-inch 2023 Odyssey Ark for some time now, but the new gaming monitors wont be available to purchase right away. The company says both models will go on sale in October. The former will cost you $2,499.99 and will be available through Samsung.com and select retailers across the US. The Korean firm hasnt revealed the price of the latter.

Meanwhile, Samsung is giving you a chance to win the Odyssey Neo G9 ahead of its market release. The Samsung Odyssey Twitch channel is hosting a special event called Odyssey Evolves in August and September. The company says the event will see some of the biggest streamers playing the hottest games and giving away prizes for channel followers. The prizes include a $10,000 gaming setup featuring the Odyssey Neo G9.

More bandwidth, higher speeds, and faster refresh rates provide new levels of performance and visual fidelity in games, and together the new Samsung displays and Radeon RX 7000 Series graphics cards will deliver the most vivid and immersive gaming experiences yet, said Scott Herkelman, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Graphics Business Unit at AMD.
A rather interesting report has surfaced online. Someone ended up measuring the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 thickness and weight in China, and the phone seems to be heavier than Xiaomi claims. This report has been relayed by Gagadget.

The Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 could be heavier than what Xiaomi claims

The Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 got announced earlier this month, in case you missed that. The phone comes in glass and carbon fiber variants. Xiaomi announced that the glass model weighs 259 grams, while the carbon fiber variant weighs 255 grams.

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Well, based on the weight measurements made by a third party (gallery below), the glass model weighs 267.4 grams, while the carbon fiber model weighs 264.3 grams. This is not a small difference. Also, these new numbers make the MIX Fold 3 heavier than its predecessor (262 grams).

Thats not all, though. The phone also seems to be a bit thicker than what Xiaomi reported. The difference there is negligible, though. It has been measured to be 0.04mm thicker in unfolded form, and 0.28mm in folded form. As already mentioned, that difference is pretty much negligible.

Thats almost a 10-gram difference for both models

The difference in weight, however, is rather odd. Were not really sure what happened here. Thats almost a 10-gram difference between measurements, which is mind-boggling.

In any case, the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 is the companys brand new foldable smartphone. The device launched in China earlier this month, and unfortunately, it wont be making its way to global markets.

The Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 has a truly compelling set of cameras on the back, with Leica lenses. It actually includes four cameras, all of which look promising. It is also quite thin, and also not too heavy for its size.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 fuels this handset while Xiaomi included plenty of high-end specs on the inside. It also supports very fast wired and wireless charging, two 120Hz AMOLED displays, and much more.
(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 23 - Constitutional Court Chair Silvana Sciarra said Wednesday the condition of prisoners in Italian jails was dramatic.

"At the European Social Summit held in Porto in 2021 it had to be admitted, self-critically for the European institutions and national governments, that forms of social inclusion continue to be lacking for the most fragile, for the long-term unemployed, for those with low professional qualifications, for those working with non-standard contracts. Even more dramatic is the condition of prisoners, who are offered very few training and work opportunities," she told the annual meeting in Rimini of the influential lay Catholic activist group Communion and Liberation (CL).

"Of prison labour, the Court said in a judgment that it is an instrument of redemption, not expiation of punishment, but a method of treatment", added Italy's first Constitutional Court female chief.

"The protection of dignity is owed to those who are deprived of their liberty". (ANSA).


(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 23 - Pope Francis again decried the "cruel" Ukraine war at his weekly general audience on Wednesday and said many children had been disappeared.

"Brothers and sisters, let us pray for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, they suffer so much," Francis told the crowds in a sweltering St Peter's Square.

"The war is cruel, so many children gone, so many people dead.

"Let us please pray.

"Let us not forget the tormented Ukraine. Today is a significant date for their country".

Independence Day of Ukraine is the main state holiday in modern Ukraine, celebrated on 24 August in commemoration of the Declaration of Independence of 1991.

Since Russia launched its invasion early last year many Ukrainian children have been taken to Russia. (ANSA).


Spending in Scotlands screen sector increased by 55% between 2019 and 2021, a report shows.

Research conducted by Saffery Champness and Nordcity for Screen Scotland found a total of 617.4 million was spent on the production of film, TV and audio-visual content in 2021, up from 398.6 million in 2019.

Meanwhile, spending on the production of film and high-end television more than doubled in the same time frame, from 165.3 million to 347.4 million.

The sector has also contributed 627 million to Scotlands economy in gross value added.

The production sub-sector, the research said, now supports 7,150 full-time equivalent jobs in Scotland as of 2021 increasing from 5,120 in 2019.

 There was an impressive increase in the amount that was spent on the production of film, TV and other audiovisual content in Scotland in 2021  617.4m compared to 398.6 million in 2019  pic.twitter.com/Bynu71qv4k  Screen Scotland (@screenscots) August 23, 2023

The increased prosperity of the sector, according to the study, has been spurred by the 2018 creation of Screen Scotland and the development work the agency has undertaken since, including the expansion of FirstStage Studios in Edinburgh, and The Pyramids near Bathgate, West Lothian, where Prime Video series The Rig and Good Omens have been filmed respectively.

Isabel Davis, the executive director of Screen Scotland, said: The growth in all forms of production in Scotland between 2019 and 2021 is a phenomenal result.

It shows us that public investment via Screen Scotland in infrastructure, development, production and skills development, combined with attractive levels of production incentive are the catalyst for a successful industry.

Now is the time to build on these newly created jobs and growth with a sustained funding commitment towards skills development, attraction of large-scale productions and a focus on the development of locally originated film and television.

Screen Scotland is committed to delivering further growth, working hand in hand with the commercial production and studio sectors.

 The expansion of studio facilities in Scotland has made the country an even more attractive place to film  Notable examples include Leith's FirstStage Studios where @PrimeVideo's #TheRig & Anansi Boys were filmed, and Bathgate's The Pyramids which was home to #GoodOmens2. pic.twitter.com/4Zc9gzykFt  Screen Scotland (@screenscots) August 23, 2023

This will rely upon sustained funding and support in order for Scotland to seize the opportunities ahead of it and see that growth trajectory continue.

Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said the report showed another banner year for the sector.

The scale of the return to the Scottish economy from the investment in screen production is remarkable, he added.

Beyond film and TV, this report also highlights how our tourism, hospitality and construction sectors have benefitted from this investment through screen tourism, catering contracts, and infrastructure expansion, and the supply chains that support these activities.

The efforts of Screen Scotland have been key to this result and we are committed to working with them and the sector to ensure this growth and the wider benefits being delivered can continue.
The British Museums director has spoken of his frustration after claiming the person who raised concerns about missing items at the institution did not say he had more artefacts.

Emails leaked to BBC News claim the London institution was alerted by an antiquities dealer to the thefts in 2021 and ignored the report.

In a statement to the PA news agency, Hartwig Fischer said: When allegations were brought to us in 2021 we took them incredibly seriously, and immediately set up an investigation.

The British Museum in London (Tim Ireland/PA)

Concerns were only raised about a small number of items, and our investigation concluded that those items were all accounted for.

We now have reason to believe that the individual who raised concerns had many more items in his possession, and its frustrating that that was not revealed to us as it would have aided our investigations.

In 2022 we embarked on a full audit  which revealed a bigger problem. I reported my concerns to the Trustees, and together we agreed to call in the police. We also then began the disciplinary process that resulted in a member of staff being dismissed.

I am clear that at every step my priority has been the care of the incredible British Museum collection, and that continues today  with our commitment to learning lessons from the independent review, our determination to help the police with their criminal investigation, and our focus on the recovery programme.

The Parthenon Marbles in Londons British Museum (Matthew Fearn/PA)

The British Museum said last week items from its collection were found to be missing, stolen or damaged and police are investigating.

Ittai Gradel, an author, academic and antiquities dealer who alerted the museum, called for Mr Fischer and deputy director Jonathan Williams to be sacked for the sake of this great institution as he alleged the museum did not carry out basic checks.

Mr Gradel told The Telegraph a thorough investigation only began two years after his initial report when he contacted former chancellor, George Osborne, who is the museums chairman, in January this year.

Since 2014, he has bought about 70 items from the same seller, with prices ranging from 15 to a few hundred pounds, he said.

Mr Gradel said he has returned some of the missing items, which include a ring from the reign of Cleopatra, bought for 150, to the police and museum.

Police have details of those who bought the other items from him, he said.

Mr Gradel also believes another 150 items, which he has not found on the museums online catalogue, from a separate seller could belong to the institution.

Legal action is being taken by the museum against an unnamed member of staff, who has been sacked.

The Telegraph also alleges that the unnamed staff member was promoted to oversee the Parthenon Sculptures, which once adorned the Parthenon atop the Acropolis in Athens, following Mr Gradel raising concerns.

Despina Koutsoumba, head of the Association of Greek Archaeologists, said her colleagues were worried about how many Greek items were missing.

She told the BBC: We want to tell the British Museum that they cannot anymore say that Greek (cultural) heritage is more protected in the British Museum.

It is obvious that it is very well protected in Greece and not in the British Museum.

Chairman of the British Museum All-Party Parliamentary Group Tim Loughton said the institution was taking the thefts seriously (Richard Townshend/UK Parliament/PA)

Greece has been campaigning for decades for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures, which once adorned the Parthenon atop the Acropolis in Athens.

The country has long claimed they were illegally acquired during a period of foreign occupation, while British officials have rebuffed repeated demands for their return.

Chairman of the British Museum All-Party Parliamentary Group Tim Loughton told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that news of items going missing from the museums collection in London was damaging but that the institution was taking the thefts seriously.

The MP, who has been talking to museum, also said: What is particularly damaging is (the) blatant opportunism of the Greeks and others saying Oh no, the British Museum is not safe   Its incredibly rare that things go missing.

The museum has not specified how many items have been stolen or detailed what the missing items are, saying only that they were small pieces including gold jewellery and gems of semi-precious stones and glass dating from the 15th century BC to the 19th century AD.

The Daily Telegraph has reported that the number of stolen items is believed to be well over 1,000 and closer to 2,000, with a value running into millions of pounds.

PA understands that the items were taken before 2023 and over a significant period of time.

An independent review of security has been launched and the matter is also under investigation by the economic crime command of the Metropolitan Police.

No arrests have been made.

The review will be led by former museum trustee Sir Nigel Boardman and Lucy DOrsi, chief constable of British Transport Police.

Some of the items were allegedly sold on eBay, with the online marketplace saying in a statement: Our dedicated law enforcement liaison team is in close contact with the Metropolitan Police and is supporting the investigation into this case.

EBay does not tolerate the sale of stolen property. If we identify that a listing on our site is stolen, we immediately remove it and work with law enforcement to support investigations and keep our site safe.
Surgeons worked all day and into the night to ensure the UKs first womb transplant went smoothly.

Its success was down to meticulous research, years of sharing knowledge between experts around the globe, and the hard work and dedication of doctors Professor Richard Smith, from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Imperial College London, and Isabel Quiroga, from the Oxford Transplant Centre at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Around 50 babies have been born worldwide as a result of womb transplants, which give women missing a functioning womb (also called a uterus) a chance to have a baby.

In the first UK case, the operation to remove the womb from the 40-year-old sister lasted eight hours and 12 minutes, with surgeons leaving her ovaries behind to prevent pushing her into early menopause.

One hour before her womb was removed, surgeons began operating on her 34-year-old sister, preparing her body to receive the donated organ.

This operation lasted nine hours and 20 minutes, with the surgical team experiencing some difficulties including a higher-than-expected blood loss of two litres.

However, after just 10 days, the recipient was well enough to leave hospital and has continued to have a good recovery.

She is also having regular periods, which shows the womb is working well.

Her sister was discharged five days after her donor operation and has also made a good recovery.

Removing a womb is a similar operation to a radical hysterectomy, according to Prof Smith, who as well as being a gynaecological surgeon is the clinical lead at the charity Womb Transplant UK.

He and Miss Quiroga led the team of more than 30 staff who worked on the transplant one Sunday in February.

Prof Smith and Miss Quiroga removed the older sisters womb, cervix and fallopian tubes, plus crucial blood vessels around the organ.

The main vessels are the uterine arteries running into the womb, but the surgeons also aimed to collect some of the larger internal vessels that lead into the smaller branch of the womb.

Prof Smith said surgeons doing these operations have to retrieve veins involved in the drainage of the womb.

Speaking to the PA news agency, he said: One of the amazing things is that my surgical skill-mix as a cancer surgeon is to remove organs with a margin of normal tissue, while sealing the vessels as I go.

Transplant surgical skills are different  that is to remove a normal organ with the best number of non-sealed vessels as you can.

Isabel and I operate together with no ego  it just flows backwards and forwards across the table.

He added: The day itself was truly humbling. We turned up at 7am at the Churchill transplant centre with the donor and the recipient families, then we went into a pre-op huddle.

Those in the huddle included surgeons, nurses, anaesthetists and technicians.

Prof Smith and Miss Quiroga worked to remove the womb, before the organ was prepared for transplantation by a back table team.

This was an organ which had a very, very unusual blood supply, Prof Smith said.

In fact, it had a set of blood vessels which Ive never seen in my entire career.

They made my dissection a bit harder than it might have been, but we got there.

In the theatre next door, one hour before the retrieval of the womb was completed, surgeons began to operate on the donors younger sister to enable her to receive the womb.

Prof Smith and Miss Quiroga switched from donor to recipient and Prof Smith removed the vestiges of the underdeveloped womb the recipient was born with.

Meanwhile, the organ was packed and transported between the two theatres under sterile conditions to prevent contamination.

A sterile bag with a cold perfusion solution contained the womb, which was then placed into a container with ice.

During surgery, ligaments attached to the womb were attached to the recipient to help the womb stay in a relatively fixed place so it does not move around the pelvis.

The most important part of the transplant operation was the joining of the very small vessels that give the blood supply to the womb.

This was the most delicate and difficult part of the operation and was led by Miss Quiroga.

For this operation, two arteries and three veins were joined in total to achieve the best blood supply and drainage of the womb.

Once all the vessels were connected, the donors vaginal cuff  around a 1cm part  was stitched into her sisters vagina.

If and when the recipient is able to complete her family, the womb will be removed six months later to prevent her from needing immunosuppressants for the rest of her life.

Prof Smith said he had been very confident the transplant would work, adding: You couldnt do this if you thought there was a prospect of failure.

Did we think we could do it? Of course, but we know that the chance of failure at the point where the uterus goes in  if you look at the world literature  is 20% to 25%.

And that failure is usually on the basis on sepsis and thrombosis.

So technically, we are up to the job, but what happens thereafter can be scary.

Once you get to three or four days later, the chance of failure drops to probably less than 10%.

Once you get to two weeks  and at the point where the woman has a period  the chance of her having a baby at that point is very high and the chance of failure has dropped to low.

But those first two weeks  its very scary as a surgeon to watch and wait.

Isabel Quigora and Richard Smith (right) performing a womb transplant on a 34-year-old woman (Womb Transplant UK/PA)

Biopsies to check the womb was functioning were read in London but then also confirmed by an expert team in the US at Baylor University Medical Centre in Dallas, where other womb transplants have been performed.

Prof Smith said the procedure gives new hope to women born with devastating conditions.

He said: Youve got girls, maybe 14, who have not had periods, they go to the GP and a scan shows there is no uterus. Absolute catastrophe.

Up until now theres been no solution for that, other than adoption or surrogacy Thats not the case now. Its really exciting.

On whether transgender women may also benefit from the operation, Prof Smith said that was still a long way off.

He said the pelvic anatomy, vascular anatomy and shape of the pelvis are different, and there are microbiome issues to overcome.

My own sense is if there are transgender transplants that are going to take place, they are many years off. There are an awful lot of steps to go through.

My suspicion is a minimum of 10 to 20 years.

Miss Quiroga said the living donor programme to date in the UK has focused on women with relatives who are willing to give their wombs.

It will come to a point where we will have friends or altruistic donors, like we have with many other transplants, but at the moment were only focused on people who have come forward with relatives, she said.

Part of the reason for using family donations at present is because of the psychological impact on patients, plus the rigorous process involved in getting regulatory approval.
The former SNP head of communications who stepped down after being misled over membership figures will return to the party as its chief executive.

Murray Foote left the post earlier this year after being given false information by his predecessor Peter Murrell to provide to the media, suggesting the partys membership was more than 100,000, when it was really around 72,000.

Mr Murrell  the husband of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon  also resigned in response to the scandal, before being arrested the following month in relation to the probe into the partys finances and released without charge pending further investigation.

Mr Foote, who will start in the role on Monday, said: I am delighted to take up this important role and look forward to helping build the campaign for independence, both by strengthening the SNPs headquarter functions and supporting the partys formidable organisation across Scotland.

Before taking on the role of the partys chief spin doctor, Mr Foote was the editor of the Daily Record newspaper, where he famously engineered the Vow  a pledge by UK political leaders to give Scotland more powers in the lead-up to the 2014 independence referendum, which was made on the newspapers front page.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said on Twitter: Murray will bring a great wealth of experience and talent to the role of Chief Exec of @theSNP.

Im delighted to have him on board as we look to strengthen @theSNP HQ, empower our incredible activists across Scotland and build a winning campaign for independence.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said the new chief executive will bring a wealth of experience (PA)

SNP business convener Kirsten Oswald said: Murray was an exceptional candidate in a strong field.

His managerial experience and skills will enable him to hit the ground running in delivering for SNP members, including leading changes in governance and transparency in party headquarters.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie described Mr Foote as a continuity candidate.

She said: Presented with the chance of a fresh start for the SNP after years of secrecy, Humza Yousaf has instead appointed Murray Foote as the successor to the beleaguered Peter Murrell.

This is just the latest continuity candidate to be brought back by Humza Yousaf, who is desperately trying to get the band back together ahead of what could be their farewell tour.

It is clearer than ever that only Scottish Labour will give Scotland the fresh start it needs.

A spokesman for the Scottish Tories said: So much for change. The discredited SNP are merely reshuffling the same people into different posts.

He added: Nicola Sturgeon and her husband may be in the background but their top team are still running the show in the party under Humza Yousaf.

The new party head takes the reins at a difficult time for the SNP, with the continuing police probe which has already resulted in the arrest of Mr Murrell along with Ms Sturgeon and then treasurer Colin Beattie.

The partys electoral fortunes also appear to be on the turn, polls suggest.

Since 2010, the SNP has won every election in Scotland, including securing a majority at Holyrood in 2011 which in turn paved the way for the 2014 referendum.

But recent polls suggest a resurgent Labour Party could catch the SNP, with a Survation survey released on Wednesday showing just two points between the parties in Westminster voting intention.
The King has sent his support to the people of Canada as the country experiences its worst wildfire season on record.

The fires have pushed tens of thousands of people from their homes and threatened cities such as Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories.

About 30,000 people were under evacuation orders in British Columbia.

Charles said he and his wife, Camilla, were desperately concerned by the disastrous situation after states of emergency were declared in the Northwest Territories and British Columbia.

Charles, who visited Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories with Camilla last year, said he could only begin to imagine the heartbreak in those communities as they face this disastrous situation.

The King has sent a message to the Governor General and the people of Canada regarding the states of emergency declared in the Northwest Territories and British Columbia.  Read the message in full on our website: https://t.co/jhSJa0jcZ1 pic.twitter.com/jMcREclvx9  The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) August 23, 2023

He continued: We know that this summer has been an incredibly difficult one for Canadians everywhere.

Severe flooding, devastating fires and deteriorating air quality due to smoke have impacted the country from coast to coast to coast.

Canada has seen a record number of wildfires this year that have also caused choking smoke in parts of the US.

There have been more than 5,700 fires, which have burned more than 53,000 square miles from one end of Canada to the other, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

Last month intense thunderstorms dumped record amounts of rain across a wide swathe of Canadas Atlantic coast, causing flash-flooding, road washouts and power cuts.

Charles continued: My wife and I send our deepest condolences to all those who have lost loved ones and we continue to pray for all those who have been displaced, who have lost their homes, businesses or property in such dire circumstances.

Our admiration is unbounded for the tireless work of local officials, volunteers and first responders in assisting and protecting their neighbours and communities in the face of such danger and uncertainty.

The beauty of Canada is not limited to its landscapes; its true beauty lies in the strength and resilience of Canadians and the care and concern they show to one another in the face of adversity.
Retired broadcaster Charlie Bird has said he is receiving hospice care at his Co Wicklow home in his ongoing battle with motor neurone disease.

The former RTE chief news correspondent is urging businesses across Ireland to host a coffee morning next month in a bid to help raise funds for the brilliant work that hospices do.

Two years on from his terminal diagnosis, Bird, 73, said his condition had worsened and that every day is a struggle for me now.

But I live each day at a time. My MND has deteriorated, especially affecting my mobility, he said.

Addressing people who had been recently diagnosed with MND, he said people should live each day at a time and fight as hard as you can.

Speaking through an app which clones his voice, he said he has been receiving care at his home from Our Ladys Hospice and Care Services.

I want to make one thing very clear: when my time comes, I want to pass away at home surrounded by my family  and the hospice care team say they will look after me there, he said.

Since his diagnosis, Bird has vowed to continue to support groups and charities as long as I have a breath in my body.

He helped raise more than 3.3 million euro for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and mental health charity Pieta last year in a campaign that saw him climb Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo.

Charlie Bird is urging businesses to host a coffee morning to help raise money for hospice care (Bryan Brophy/1IMAGE Photography/PA)

Bird was joined by his wife Claire and their dog Tiger at Powerscourt Hotel Resort and Spa in Wicklow on Wednesday, as he asked the public, coffee shops, hotels and other businesses to join Irelands biggest coffee morning on September 21.

Bewleys Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice has raised 43.2 million euro for Together for Hospice, the National Hospice Movement, since its inception in 1992.

The fundraising drive helps to pay for medical and general staff, palliative care beds, home care visits, specialist equipment and new hospice builds.

Bird said that hospices and specialist palliative home care providers across Ireland need further support to continue their brilliant work.

I would plead with everyone, in addition to businesses and organisations, to host or sponsor a coffee morning on September 21, or whenever suits them.

Even two people getting together for a coffee counts as a fundraiser.

Charlie Bird with his dog Tiger (Bryan Brophy/1IMAGE Photography/PA)

None of us knows in this life when we might need hospice care. So please, extend the hand of friendship and support the hospice wherever they are in the country.

To those newly diagnosed with MND, I would advise: live each day at a time and fight as hard as you can.

There are many great supports there to help us, so please use them.

His wife Claire said the hospice care is providing a lifeline to the couple.

They listen and take so much time and care looking after both Charlies physical and mental needs and also my needs as Charlies wife and carer, she said.

They never give up on us and their visits to our home give us hope that this dreadful journey can be made less stressful by letting them into our lives.

Geraldine Tracey, interim director of nursing at Our Ladys Hospice and Care Services, said Bewleys Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice is entering its fourth decade of raising funds.

This ongoing support is invaluable and funds vital services and quality initiatives, enhancing care for patients living with a life-limiting illness.

The public and businesses can register to host a coffee morning on Thursday September 21, or on another date that suits, at hospicecoffeemorning.ie or by calling 0818 995 996. A donation can also be made at hospicecoffeemorning.ie/donate.
Louis Theroux and TV channel bosses are among the prominent figures from the media who will be taking to the stage at the Edinburgh TV Festival.

The annual event hosts a plethora of panel discussions, lectures and masterclasses which explore the most pressing issues facing the TV landscape including the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), power imbalances and representation.

Bosses from ITV, Channel 5, Netflix and Disney+ will share their thoughts on their outlets current standing on Wednesday, while veteran journalist Theroux will close the day as he delivers the James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture.

Welcome to the Edinburgh TV Festival 2023!  Get ready for a week of incredible sessions and unmissable events, as we bring the TV industry together again for another year. Keep your eyes peeled, it's gonna be a big week.#EdTVFest pic.twitter.com/5wrgaoOI3y  Edinburgh TV Festival (@EdinburghTVFest) August 22, 2023

Kicking off events at the festival held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre will be an opening debate titled: Who Holds The Power In TV?

It will explore topics including the freelance community, the impact of strikes, how broadcasters report the news, how on-air talent and names wield influence and how imbalances of power can be found throughout the industry.

Later in the day, ITVs managing director Kevin Lygo and department heads will reflect on how the broadcaster has performed over the past year as well as looking forward to what viewers can expect in the coming months across the network.

It comes as ITV faces scrutiny after This Morning host Phillip Schofield left the show after admitting to an unwise but not illegal affair with a younger male colleague on the programme.

His departure also sparked further allegations that the programme was fostering a bullying culture that had been described as toxic.

Jane Mulcahy KC is currently leading an external review of the facts after Schofields exit, which is expected to be completed in September.

ITVs chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall, managing director Kevin Lygo and company secretary Kyla Mullins (House of Commons/PA)

Elsewhere at the Netflix panel, commissioners Adam Hawkins, Kate Townsend, Mona Qureshi and Sam Crack will discuss what it is that makes a Netflix show standout while Liam Keelan and Sean Doyle from Disneys EMEA commissioning team will provide an update on their upcoming slate of UK Originals and will share first looks at both scripted and unscripted releases.

The controller of Paramount-owned Channel 5, Ben Frow, will talk through how to get commissioned with the channel as well exploring how their greatest successes have been born from failures during another session.

Other panels will explore why some shows are deemed more credible or award-worthy than others and how artificial intelligence could become more integrated into TV development, production and post-production.

We're incredibly excited to announce that award-winning broadcaster, author, and podcaster, @louistheroux, will deliver The James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture, the flagship address of the Edinburgh TV Festival 2023.  Find out more  https://t.co/pwot675fQX pic.twitter.com/DF5izMLvGa  Edinburgh TV Festival (@EdinburghTVFest) June 29, 2023

During the revered James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture, Theroux is to cover the challenges facing broadcasters in the multi-platform universe.

Organisers said his lecture will look at the reasons for both fear and optimism in a world beset by populism, social media, AI, and virality in all its forms.

He will also talk about how he has maintained longevity and relevance in broadcasting for more than 25 years.

The following days of the festival will see bosses from BBC, Channel 4, Sky and Amazon Prime Video among those reflecting on what their outlet has achieved over the past year and what they are working on.

TV presenter Claudia Winkleman, screenwriters Sally Wainwright and Jesse Armstrong and actress Meera Syal will also speak about their experiences in the industry.
A woman and her former boyfriend have been found guilty of murdering a man she met on a dating app.

Liam Smith, 38, was shot in the face and then had acid poured over him outside his home in Wigan, Greater Manchester, on November 24 last year.

Michael Hillier, 39, from Sheffield, admitted manslaughter but denied murdering the electrician, telling Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester he and his girlfriend Rachel Fulstow, 37, both planned to attack Mr Smith after Fulstow claimed he had raped her.

Fulstow, who worked for a property management company, denied knowing her then partner had planned to harm him.

Mr Smiths family shouted yes and thank you so much before sobbing and hugging as the jury found both defendants guilty of murder on Wednesday.

Rachel Fulstow was found guilty of murder alongside Michael Hillier (GMP/PA)

Hillier, who was handcuffed in the dock, stared over at his former partner as the verdicts were returned.

Two jurors appeared tearful after coming back to court after six hours and 44 minutes of deliberations.

The court heard Fulstow met Mr Smith on dating app Tinder and the pair went on a date in York in 2019, when she said they had non-consensual sex at a hotel in York.

She did not describe it as rape and said she went for lunch with Mr Smith the following day, the court heard.

In 2021 she began a relationship with Hillier but said he could be verbally abusive and unpredictable and was not happy she had a one-night stand with Mr Smith.

She told the court the first she knew of the attack on Mr Smith was when Hillier turned up at her house the following morning and told her.

Fulstow, an international travel and tourism management graduate from Leeds Met University, said she was petrified to go to police about her boyfriend.

The court heard the couple went on holiday to Jamaica together days after the killing.

Hillier, who told the court he was concerned in the production and distribution of a large-scale cannabis operation, said they had both planned the attack on Mr Smith after Fulstow disclosed she had been graphically raped by him.

He told the jury: We decided jointly between the two of us that we would deal with the matter ourselves and seek justice ourselves and go down the vigilante route.

Michael Hillier had admitted manslaughter but denied murder (GMP/PA)

The public gallery in court was cleared during his evidence as members of Mr Smiths family reacted to his description of the victim as a rapist.

Judge Maurice Greene told jurors they did not need to decide what happened between Mr Smith and Fulstow.

During his summing up, he said: As to what really happened on that night we will probably never know and it probably doesnt matter.

The court heard Mr Smith was lured out of his house at about 6.40pm by Hillier, who shot him in the face before pouring acid onto his face and body, followed by soda crystals.

Fulstows phone showed she had made internet searches Mr Smiths electrical company and Mitsubishi Shogun cars, like the one used by Hillier and later burned out.

On the morning of the killing, she checked the weather in Wigan, the court heard.

Fulstow was also found guilty of a charge of perverting the course of justice.

The case was adjourned for sentencing on Thursday.
US actors Martin Sheen and Kerry Washington gave rousing speeches to crowds in Los Angeles as a major Hollywood strike continues.

Members of US actors union Sag-Aftra and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) took part in National Day of Solidarity rallies on Tuesday.

Thousands gathered outside studios in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago as the actors strike entered its 40th day  having begun on July 14.

Martin Sheen (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

The strike began after Sag-Aftra negotiations over new contracts with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) broke down.

It has caused a major halt in productions and film events in both the US and the UK, with work on films including Deadpool 3 being paused.

Sheen, known for films including Apocalypse Now and The Departed, channelled his character of president Jed Bartlet from HBO show The West Wing, as he addressed those gathered outside Walt Disney studios in Burbank, California.

He encouraged union members to stick to it like a stamp, with their determination for new contracts with the AMPTP.

I have been a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild and Equity since 1961. That was the same year I got married  clearly I have a fondness for unions, he said.

On this National Day of Solidarity, workers from all sectors have flooded the streets of Burbank outside of Disney. Working families are under attack and we are in this together!! #SagAftraStrong #WGAstrong @aflcio pic.twitter.com/SZNVPrWGIY  SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 22, 2023

He continued: Clearly this union has found something worth fighting for and it is very costly.

If this were not so, we would be left to question its value. Now we are called to support the union and stand together for the long haul and stick to it like a stamp.

The studios are always seeing what is and asking why? Let us continue to dream things that never were and say, why not? he said.

Sheen was joined at the rally by other members of The West Wings creative team, as well as actor Ron Perlman.

In her own remarks, Washington, who played a government fixer on ABC political drama Scandal, said she had almost not pursued a career in acting until she learned about unions.

Kerry Washington speaks at the Day of Solidarity union rally (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

I learned that there are communities of people that were making a living being working actors, I learned I didnt have to want to be famous, I could just pursue a career doing what I loved to do and I could raise a family and live a life doing that, being paid a fair wage, she said.

We have come to a point in our history where that is no longer possible, where just being a working actor means I cant make a fair living. Its not ok.

Its not ok for other people to benefit for our hard work and sweat, when we work 16-hour days, when we put our vulnerabilities and hearts on the line, while we do the hard work, thats not ok.

We deserve to be paid a fair wage, we deserve to be able to have access to healthcare, we deserve to be protected from machines pretending to be us, we deserve to be working artists and to be paid fairly.

The dream of being a working artist should not be impossible.

Picket lines were cancelled on Monday in Los Angeles due to tropical storm Hurricane Hilary and a 5.1 magnitude earthquake in the city.
A Netflix boss has said she is not concerned about hit shows like The Crown, Sex Education and Top Boy coming to an end as she feels the future is even stronger for the streaming giant.

During a discussing panel at the Edinburgh TV Festival with key UK executives from the streamer, they shared a number of teaser clips of upcoming projects including a documentary on David Beckham and a programme on physicist Albert Einstein.

Discussing the changes in its slate, the vice president of UK content at Netflix, Anne Mensah, said: Weve got the best team, were working with the best people, what is not to properly love?

She added: We are working on the back of these incredible shows but the future is even stronger and thats the best position to possibly be in but its really hard that you dont want to, like, oversell it, but I am so excited.

In a clip shown to the audience at the festival, they were offered an insight into the behind the scenes lives of former England footballer David and his wife Victoria.

David and Victoria Beckham will be the subject of a new documentary (Ian West/PA)

David could be seen telling the interviewer he cleans and tidies their house every night, including cutting used wicks from their candles, adding he hates waking up to a messy house.

In the clip, his fashion designer and former Spice Girl wife can be seen ensuring him she appreciates the work he does, with David saying he is doubtful that is true.

Netflix director of documentary series Adam Hawkins said the project is exciting because he feels it will show elements of the Beckhams married life that viewers will be able to relate to.

Hawkins revealed they also commissioned a new project with comedian Jack Whitehall which will see him going on a voyage of discovery and enlightenment alongside his father Michael on what it means to be a parent in 2023.

However, he admitted that he would like to be see proposals for more projects which profile icon British women after a string of shows focusing on notable British men including Beckham, Tyson Fury and Robbie Williams.

The Netflix boss said the future was bright for the streamer even if shows like The Crown should end (Ian West/PA)

Director of documentary film Kate Townsend added that female representation behind the camera in her department was strong but she would also like to have more women on screen within their projects.

Elsewhere during the panel discussion, Mensah addressed the streamer tackling password sharing, saying: We looked at the impact on the business (and) it curtailed our ability to to put money back into the industry.

She added that customers are Netflixs first and foremost focus and a year was spent debating and testing the new scheme which cracks down on multiple people sharing one streaming account.

Mensah also said the company recognises the hardships that the freelance community is experiencing due to the reduced opportunities and funding within the industry because of the cost-of-living crisis.

She said Netflix is putting money into The Film And TV Charity and being consistent with how it treats people.

We are nothing without the indies and without the freelancers. Thats why its important we are not performative, she added.
Rosario Dawson has remembered her Ahsoka co star, the late Ray Stevenson, as really beautiful and so thoughtful.

The US actress, who plays the title character in the new Star Wars spin-off series, said Stevenson was a very spiritual person with whom she had the most extraordinary conversations.

The Northern Irish thespian, known for films including Thor and Punisher, died last month aged 58, though no further details about his death were made immediately available.

Rosario Dawson plays the title role in new Star Wars spinoff Ahsoka (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

He plays the villainous Baylan Skroll in Ashoka, the first two episodes of which launch on August 23, exclusively on Disney+.

Speaking to US outlet People prior to the Hollywood actors strike, Dawson said Stevenson owned many different crystals and they had had conversations about the divine feminine.

(He was) almost like (a) Nordic kind of man, who was very heavy-handed and then just like the most gentle, brilliant, loving divine feminine spirit, she said.

You just had the most extraordinary conversations with him about his family and philosophies.

Once a rebel, always a rebel. Watch the brand-new trailer and experience the two-episode series premiere of @AhsokaOfficial, a Star Wars Original series, streaming August 23 on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/XTNLV6ABfb  Star Wars (@starwars) July 11, 2023

Ive had so many people who I know are friends with him. We were so blessed to have him working with us. He made all of us better.

Ahsoka follows former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy.

As well as Dawson and Stevenson, it stars Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ivanna Sakhno and Doctor Who star David Tennant.

The series is written by Dave Filoni, who executive produces alongside Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Colin Wilson, and Carrie Beck.
Health leaders have warned students that they could be at risk of deadly infections unless they are up to date on their routine vaccinations.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that every year students get seriously ill, with some tragically dying from preventable diseases.

Figures from the UKHSA show that in England some 13% of young adults who could potentially be starting university this year have not had their MenACWY immunisation.

The jab protects against four strains of bacteria which cause meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia).

Heading to uni this year? Before you go, make sure:  Youre up to date with #MenACWY, #MMR & #HPV vaccines You know what the symptoms of #Meningitis & #Septicaemia are & what to do if you think you or a mate show signs pic.twitter.com/90TcGK6qck  UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) August 21, 2023

It is normally given to teenagers in school but those who missed out are eligible to get a free jab with their GP until their 25th birthday.

Those who are starting university are being urged to check their vaccination status to make sure they are up to date with their jabs before mixing with large groups of other students.

The health body is also urging students to be alert to the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia  fever; cold hands and feet; vomiting; confusion; fast breathing; muscle and joint pain; pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin); spots or a rash (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin); headache; a stiff neck; a dislike of bright lights; being very sleepy or difficult to wake or fits.

Every year we see new and returning students get seriously ill, with some tragically dying, from what are preventable diseases, said UKHSA consultant epidemiologist Dr Shamez Ladhani.

With large numbers of students coming together from around the country and overseas for the first time, and closely mixing, infection can spread easily.

Ensuring you are protected against these deadly bugs is vital. If youve missed out on your Meningitis (MenACWY), HPV or MMR jabs then contacting your GP for the vaccine should be top of your list of urgent things to do before starting college or university.

Need to check if youre up to date with your #MenACWY, #MMR & #HPV vaccines before you head to uni for the new term? Check your #NHSapp & book an appointment to catch up on any youve missed. If you're still not sure, contact your GP surgery. pic.twitter.com/zaFrYBTexT  UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) September 27, 2022

Claire Wright, from the Meningitis Research Foundation, said: Meningitis can kill healthy people within hours and in the early stages is difficult to distinguish from a bad hangover or more common milder illnesses.

By taking up the free MenACWY vaccine, students are not only protecting themselves but also protecting others by stopping the bacteria from being passed on.

For young people who have already been vaccinated it remains important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis because the free vaccine does not protect against MenB, which is the most common cause of life-threatening meningitis amongst this age group.

A grieving mother also called for students to get their jab.

Lauren Sandell died when she was 18 during her first year at university in 2016 after contracting MenW.

He mother Sharon Sandell, from Woodford Green in London, said: Lauren was feeling unwell one Thursday evening during her first year in university.

She thought it was due to stress from settling into university. She returned home on Saturday evening saying that her legs hurt, and that she wasnt feeling 100% alright. Then Sunday morning she got sick and was visibly shaking.

We totally thought it was a panic attack and not at any point did I think her life was in danger. I will always be thankful that she was at home with me when she died but the experience of witnessing it will stay with me forever.

Such a tragic unnecessary end to a life of a beautiful girl who had so much life to live.

If she had the vaccine, she would still be here today celebrating her 25th year of life. Get the MenACWY jab today.
A 19-year-old woman who was kidnapped from a Southern California park and killed appears to have been randomly targeted, according to police.

Gabriel Esparza, 20, was arrested Monday for the shooting and kidnapping of 19-year-old Andrea Vazquez, Whittier police said Tuesday.

Shortly after midnight on Sunday morning, Vazquez and a man were at the parking stalls area of Penn Park in Whittier when an armed person approached their car and shot at them, according to police.

PHOTO: Gabriel Esparza has been arrested as a suspect in the kidnapping and murder of Andrea Vazquez in Whittier, Calif., Aug. 21, 2023. (Whittier Police Dept.)

The man who was with Vazquez -- her boyfriend, according toLos Angeles ABC station KABC -- ran away, and when he got back to his car, Vazquez was missing, police said.

The 19-year-old's body was found Monday night in a vegetation field in Moreno Valley, authorities said.

"I lost my daughter ... my angel," her father, Enrique Vazquez, told reporters. "It's the saddest day."

PHOTO: Andrea Vazquez, a fashion design student at Fullerton College, was kidnapped in Whittier, Calif., early on Aug. 21, 2023, and her body found later. (Whittier Police Dept.)

Vazquez was a fashion student at Fullerton College, where she was set to begin her second year on Tuesday, college President Cynthia Olivo told ABC News.

"Fullerton College is devastated to learn of the news about Andrea Vazquez," Olivo said in a statement. "We extend our condolences to her parents, family and friends."

MORE: More than 25,000 people killed in gun violence so far in 2023

"It appears that Andrea Vazquez and her male companion were randomly targeted," police said.

Police said they've recovered a weapon believed to have been used by Esparza, who is being held with no bail. The case will be presented on Wednesday to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, police said.

19-year-old woman kidnapped from park and killed was allegedly randomly targeted: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Presidential primary debates can make or break a candidates run for the White House  either helping to clinch a nomination or stopping a campaign in its tracks.

The stakes are high for Wednesdays first GOP presidential primary debate as candidates vie for a breakout moment in a primary dominated by former President Trump, who is notably skipping the debate.

With Trump, the clear front-runner for the nomination, declining his invitation to participate, the eight other candidates who qualified will look to improve their standing in the polls and propel their candidacy with millions across the country watching.

Several debates throughout history have stood out as influencing the outcome of a race.

Heres a look back on five memorable primary debate moments throughout history:

2016 Republican debate: Chris Christie on Marco Rubios memorized speech

Going into the February 2016 GOP debate, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) was coming off an impressive showing in the Iowa caucuses, finishing in a close third place to then-candidate Trump and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. Trumps eventual nomination was far from certain at this point, and Rubio was seen as a possible establishment alternative to him in the race.

But Rubios candidacy reached a turning point at the debate during a confrontation with then-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R). The two candidates discussed Rubios qualifications for the presidency as a first-term senator, partially in comparison to then-President Obama, who was elected president as a first-term senator.

Christie argued his experience as a governor focusing on solving problems for the people of his state qualified him more than Rubio as a senator.

But the viral moment came when Christie called Rubio out for repeating a line multiple times in a few minutes about the need to dispel the fiction that Barack Obama doesnt know what hes doing when he knows exactly what hes doing with a policy.

I want the people at home to think about this, Christie responded. Thats what Washington, D.C., does. The drive-by shot at the beginning with incorrect and incomplete information and then the memorized 25-second speech that is exactly what his advisers gave him.

Christie received significant applause for his criticism of Rubios line. The moment was seen as notably hurting Rubios candidacy, and he never reached the momentum he had going into the debate again.

Rubio argued in June that the moment did not mean the end of his campaign, and he still won and was competitive in multiple primaries. But he was ultimately not able to keep up with Trump and Cruz in the race after the debate.

1992 Democratic debate: Bill Clinton vs. Jerry Brown

President George H.W. Bush enjoyed widespread popularity following the U.S. coalition victory in the Persian Gulf War and was seen as having a strong chance of reelection heading into the 1992 presidential race.

That caused a few high-profile Democrats to pass on running and led to a wide-open field, but Bill Clinton, then the governor of Arkansas, and then-California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) eventually rose to the top of the pack.

The competition between Clinton and Brown was intense and filled with bitter attacks from both sides.

The drama reached a boiling point during a debate in March 1992 in which Brown accused Clinton of funneling money to his wifes law firm for state business. Brown also alleged that Hillary Clintons law firm was representing clients before Arkansas state agencies.

Clinton denied the allegations and responded that he feels sorry for Brown, whom he argued reinvents himself every year or two. Clinton and Brown then more directly faced each other in a confrontation.

Let me tell you something, Jerry. I dont care what you say about me. I knew  that you were going to reinvent yourself and you were going to be somebody elses mouthpiece. You would say anything. But you ought to be ashamed of yourself for jumping on my wife, Clinton said.

Youre not worth being on the same platform as my wife, he continued, pointing at Brown.

Brown pointed back at Clinton, saying, I tell you something, Mr. Clinton. Dont try to escape it.

Clinton soon after won a major victory on Super Tuesday to start pulling away to clinch the nomination and eventually win the election.

1984 Democratic debate: Walter Mondales Wheres the beef line

Former Vice President Walter Mondale was initially the clear front-runner in a crowded field of Democrats seeking to challenge President Reagan for reelection in 1984. But Sen. Gary Harts (D-Colo.) upset win over him in the Democratic primary and the Rev. Jesse Jackson emerging as another challenger gaining increasing attention put that in jeopardy.

Hart tried to cast himself as a younger alternative to Mondale with a New Ideas platform that he viewed as more moderate than the New Deal era of the partys old guard. But he faced criticism over alleged vagueness and a lack of specificity in his platform.

Mondale challenged Hart head-on during a debate in March 1984 in questioning what new ideas he was proposing in calling for a restoration of entrepreneurship in the country.

When I hear your new ideas, Im reminded of that ad, Wheres the beef? Mondale said, referring to the famous Wendys ad of the 1980s. His comment was followed by laughter from the crowd.

The moment was considered a turning point in the Democratic nominating process, symbolic of Harts struggles in that race in convincing voters of his platform. Mondale began increasing his lead over Hart a bit after the debate and eventually clinched the nomination a few months later.

1980 Republican debate: Ronald Reagan-George Bush Nashua debate

Reagan, who was the former governor of California and runner-up for the GOP nomination in 1976, entered the 1980 presidential race as the presumed front-runner.

He began the race with a strategy of trying to stay above the fray of the other Republican candidates, like George H.W. Bush, Sen. Bob Dole (Kansas) and Texas Gov. John Connolly, avoiding candidate forums and the first primary debate in Iowa. The candidates who attended slammed Reagan for skipping the debate, and Bush scored an upset victory in the Iowa caucuses.

The loss caused Reagan to get more aggressive in campaigning and facing off against the other candidates, and an offer to host a debate from the New Hampshire-based Nashua Telegraph presented an opportunity. The outlet offered to host a one-on-one event in late February between the top two candidates, Bush and Reagan.

Reagan offered to fund the debate to avoid the newspaper violating Federal Election Commission regulations by excluding some candidates from the event. But the governor announced shortly before the debate was held that he was going to invite the other candidates to participate, too.

This frustrated Bush, causing him to announce he would not participate unless the debate was one-on-one as the outlet proposed. Reagan and Bush appeared on stage along with the other four candidates that Reagan invited, and Reagan attempted to address those in attendance to explain why all candidates should be included.

The moderator tried to stop Reagan from speaking and asked for his microphone to be muted, to which Reagan angrily replied, Im paying for this microphone. The crowd responded with thunderous applause and cheering.

The four other candidates eventually agreed to leave the stage. and the debate was only two candidates like Bush wanted, but Reagan came off appearing as strong.

Reagan went on to win the New Hampshire primary days later in a landslide and rode that to the nomination and eventually the presidency.

1948 Republican debate: Thomas Dewey vs. Harold Stassen

New York Gov. Thomas Dewey (R) was the front-runner for the GOP nomination for president going into 1948, having been the nominee four years earlier against Franklin Roosevelt and a leader of the moderate establishment wing of the party.

But former Minnesota Gov. Harold Stassen (R) threw his hat in the ring as a young liberal Republican and won surprise victories in the Wisconsin and Nebraska primaries, potentially threatening Deweys position as the favorite.

This led Dewey and Stassen to take part in what was the first audio-recorded presidential debate in U.S. history. Between 40 and 80 million people are estimated to have tuned in to listen to the candidates.

The topic of the debate was whether the Communist Party of the United States should be outlawed, with Stassen arguing in favor and Dewey arguing against it. The debate was just a few days before the Oregon primary.

Dewey argued that banning the Communist Party was wrong and totalitarian and was seen as the winner, helping him narrowly clinch the Oregon primary days later and the Republican nomination the next month.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
CANBERRA, Australia  Australian prosecutors dropped a potential criminal case against American actor Amber Heard over allegations that she lied to a court about how her Yorkshire terriers Pistol and Boo came to be smuggled into Australia eight years ago, the government said Wednesday.

Heard and her then-husband Johnny Depp became embroiled in a high-profile biosecurity controversy in 2015 when she brought her pets to Australias Gold Coast, where Depp was filming the fifth movie in the Pirates of the Caribbean series.

Australias Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, a biosecurity watchdog, said the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions decided against prosecuting 37-year-old Heard for allegedly feigning ignorance about the nations strict quarantine regulations.

Prosecution action will not be taken against  Heard over allegations related to her sentencing for the illegal import of two dogs, the department said in a statement.

Amber Heard will not face charges for allegedly importing dogs into Australia illegally.

The department had investigated discrepancies between what her lawyer told an Australian court in 2016  when she admitted smuggling the dogs  and testimony given in a London court in 2020 when Depp, now 60, was suing The Sun newspaper for libel over allegations of domestic violence against his former wife.

Heard had pleaded guilty in 2016 at the Southport Magistrates Court in Australia to providing a false immigration document when the couple brought their dogs into Australia in a chartered jet a year earlier.

Prosecutors dropped more serious charges that Heard illegally imported the dogs  a potential 10-year prison sentence.

The false documentation charge carried a maximum penalty of a year in jail and a fine of more than 10,000 Australian dollars ($7,650). Magistrate Bernadette Callaghan sentenced Heard instead to a one-month good behavior bond, under which she would only have to pay a fine of AU$1,000 if she committed any offense in Australia over the next month.

Heards lawyer, Jeremy Kirk, told the court that his client never meant to lie on her incoming passenger card by failing to declare she had animals with her. In truth, Kirk said, she was simply jetlagged and assumed her assistants had sorted out the paperwork.

But a former Depp employee, Kevin Murphy, told Londons High Court in 2020 that Heard had been repeatedly warned she was not permitted to bring dogs to Australia. But she insisted, and later pressured a staff member to take the blame for breaking quarantine laws.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard appeared in court in Australia in April 2016 to face charges of smuggling her two dogs to Australia.

The department told the AP it collaborated with overseas agencies to investigate whether Heard had provided false testimony about her knowledge of Australias biosecurity laws and whether an employee had falsified a statutory declaration under duress of losing their job.

'Depp v. Heard': Answers to your burning questions after watching Netflix's new doc

The department had provided prosecutors with a brief of evidence against Heard, but no charges would be laid.

When the dogs were discovered in May 2015 following a trip from the couples rented Gold Coast mansion to a dog grooming business, Depp and Heard complied with a government-imposed 50-hour deadline to fly them back to the United States or have them euthanized.

Pistol and Boo became Heards property when the couple divorced in 2017.

Amber Heard makes 'difficult decision' to settle Johnny Depp defamation case

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amber Heard dog case: Australian prosecutors drop criminal charges
D'Monterrio Gibson speaks at a news conference in Ridgeland, Mississippi (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

A Black Missippi FedEx driver who was chased and shot at by two white men while delivering packages has lost his job at the carrier, according to his attorney.

DMonterrio Gibson, 25, was delivering parcels in the city of Brookhaven last January, when father and son Gregory and Brandon Case blocked his delivery van with a pickup truck and began shooting at him as he drove away, according to prosecutors.

Mr Gibson, who said the incident left him with anxiety, trouble sleeping, and caused him to seek therapy, lost his job at the end of the this July, after refusing to accept a part-time, non-courier position at the company, according to an email from FedEx shared with The Associated Press.

I honestly feel disrespected, he told the AP. They cant tell me when I should be ready to come back.

The company had been voluntarily paying for his therapy while he was away from the job on workers compensation leave, CNN reports.

Mr Gibson plans to file a state lawsuit against FedEx, after his $5m federal lawsuit against the delivery giant accusing them of racism was dismissed in August, with the court finding the Mississippi man hadnt proven he was discriminated against because of his race.

FedEx has shown its true colors, Mr Gibsons attorney, Carlos Moore, told the network. It has never cared about my clients Black life. How could any employer be so insensitive and tone deaf and fire a dedicated employee after he almost lost his life working for the company?

DMonterrio Gibson speaks at a news conference in Ridgeland, Mississippi (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

FedEx does not engage in or tolerate discrimination, FedEx told The Independent in a statement. A federal court has already dismissed a claim of race discrimination by Mr Gibson, and we will defend any subsequent lawsuit he files in other courts.

Gregory and Brandon Case were charged by local officials with attempted murder.

Last week, the case against them was declared a mistrial, after a police detective testified to not sharing a copy of a video interview with Mr Gibson after the shooting with either the prosecution or the defence.

The men, who say they were responding to an unknown van parked outside of a family members house on a public road, remain out on bond.

Mr Gibson was wearing his FedEx uniform when making the delivery that preceded the shooting on 24 January, 2022, driving a rental van with the Hertz logo on multiple sides, according to court documents.

As he went to leave the area, Gregory Case allegedly blocked the driver in with his pickup truck, causing Mr Gibson to dry around the truck and leave the area.

His van was struck with three rounds.

They came out of nowhere, Gibson said at a news conference last year. Even if [the van] was unmarked, civilians still cant take the law into their own hands.

Im thinking this is a racism thing, he said.

His attorney alleged that the Cases were seeking to emulate the Ahmaud Arbery incident, where a group of white men in Georgia pursued a Black jogger in 2020 in their pickup trucks then murdered him.

It was clearly a copycat crime, Mr Moore said during the 2022 news conference. These people tried to be copycats, and thats why we need full justice, not Mississippi justice. This man went to work, and they attacked him like he was a wild animal.
North West unlocked a core fashion memory for Us while in Japan with mom Kim Kardashian.

In a video posted to the mother-daughter duos joint TikTok account on Tuesday, August 22, North, 10, rocked the same orange and blue striped Ralph Lauren polo her dad, Kanye West, famously wore during an appearance on MTVs TRL in February 2004.

In the clip  which showed North and Kardashian, 42, dancing to Estelles American Boy, featuring the 46-year-old rapper  North layered the shirt with a button-up and rocked blue jeans and a long chain just like her dad did in the early 2000s. North put her own personal spin on the ensemble with a pair of black boots while West, for his part, finalized the getup back in the day with white sneakers.

This isnt the first time North revived one of her dads famous looks.

Last summer, while attending Haute Couture Fashion Week in Paris with Kardashian  who finalized her divorce from West in November 2022  North paid homage to West in a cobalt blue varsity jacket. The piece was an archival selection from Wests first fashion brand, Pastelle, which he founded in 2004 and is now defunct. The Chicago native debuted the jacket, which features red paneling and a yellow logo, at the American Music Awards in 2008.

Kardashians stylist, Dani Levi, revealed at the time that she scored the rare jacket from consignment shop Justin Reed. The store had listed the look for $10,000 online.

Kim Kardashian Says North Was Best Date Ever After Kravis Wedding

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Kardashian has made it her mission to pass Wests love of fashion onto their kids. (In addition to North, the exes share sons Saint, 7, and Psalm, 4, as well as daughter Chicago, 5.)

During season 3 of The Kardashians, she revealed that shes held onto almost everything West has designed.

Theo Wargo/WireImage

Theres so many amazing things that came out of my marriage and my divorce, Kardashian said in the June episode. I kept every single Yeezy  [Its] a time capsule of the best times. The reality is, life is different, and when you know it can never get back there, thats what sucks, and thats whats hard. But, my kids will have the best memories, and this will be the best tribute for them.

Another Day, Another Pic Proving North West Is More Stylish Than We'll Ever Be

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Kardashian also revealed in a December 2022 episode of the Angie Martinez IRL podcast that she always lets her kids listen to Wests music. If were riding to school, and they want to listen to their dads music  no matter what were going through, no matter what is happening in the world  I have to have that smile on my face and blast his music and sing along with my kids and act like nothings wrong, Kardashian said at the time. As soon as I drop them off, I can have a good cry or text back and do what I gotta do

Kardashian and West called it quits in February 2021 after nearly seven years of marriage. They finalized their divorce nearly two years later.

According to the settlement obtained by Us, a judge ruled that they will receive joint custody with equal access to their four children. The documents also state that the musician will pay the reality star $200,000 a month for child support and is responsible for 50 percent of their kids educational and security expenses. The twosome also divided their property assets in accordance with their prenuptial agreement  which also indicates their waiving of spousal support.
A former suburban New York police chief, who was in charge of the Gilgo Beach murders investigation before being sentenced to prison in 2016, was arrested again Tuesday after authorities said he solicited sex from an undercover park ranger.

James Burke  the Suffolk County Police Department's chief from 2012 to 2015  was arrested around 10:15 a.m. at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park in Farmingville, a hamlet in Long Island. Burke, 58, was arrested by park rangers and charged with offering a sex act, indecent exposure, public lewdness, and criminal solicitation, according to Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison.

Officials said Suffolk County park rangers were conducting an operation in plain clothes because of "numerous complaints about quality of life issues" and people soliciting sex at the park. According to an arrest report obtained by The Associated Press, Burke exposed himself to a ranger and said he was interested in oral sex.

Burke allegedly attempted to avoid arrest by leveraging his status as a former law enforcement official, asking the rangers, "Do you know who I am?" according to officials. As he was being taken into custody, he told the rangers that the arrest would be a "public humiliation for him," Sgt. Brian Quattrini said.

At the time of the incident, Quattrini added that the ranger who arrested Burke did not recognize him. Burke was then taken to a police station for processing.

"Additional charges may be pending and we are still currently trying to ascertain if he's still on federal probation," Harrison said during a news conference Tuesday.

The former Suffolk County police chief had been sentenced to federal prison in 2016 for assault and obstruction of justice. After serving 40 months in prison, he was released in April 2019.

Gilgo Beach murders case: Fifth Gilgo Beach victim identified as Karen Vergata, police say

Who is James Burke?

After leading the Suffolk County Police Department for three years, Burke resigned in late 2015 before federal prosecutors charged him for the violent assault of a man in police custody and cover-up of the incident.

During his tenure, the former police chief was under investigation by the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office for the beating of a man who was suspected of stealing pornography, sex toys, and other items from Burke's department vehicle.

Authorities accused Burke of covering up the incident and coercing witnesses with the help of the county's longtime district attorney and top corruption prosecutor. The New York Times reported that the judge in the case said Burke had "corrupted a system" as tried to thwart the FBI's investigation for three years.

Burke also led the high-profile investigation into the murders of several sex workers whose remains were found along a Long Island beach. He has been suspected of impeding the FBI's investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders as other law enforcement officials have accused him of blocking his department's cooperation.

A New York architect was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of three women in the case earlier this summer.

Face other allegations

Prior to becoming Suffolk County's police chief, Burke was a New York City police officer in the mid-1980s. He later moved to the Suffolk County department, one of the largest suburban forces in the nation with 2,500 officers.

As first reported by Newsday, Burke was under an internal department probe in 1995. The report concluded that Burke had a relationship with a woman who participated in prostitution, drug dealing, and had engaged in sex acts in police vehicles while on duty and in uniform.

And in 2016, the Long Island Press reported that an escort accused Burke of paying her for sex during a "cocaine-fueled house party" in Oak Beach in 2011 and had been "extremely aggressive" with her.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former New York police chief who led the Gilgo Beach probe arrested
On August 21st Arm, a chipmaker whose designs power most of the worlds smartphones, filed for an initial public offering (ipo) that could turn out to be the largest of the year. The route taken by the British firm, which is owned by SoftBank Group, a Japanese technology conglomerate, has not been straightforward. In 2016 SoftBank acquired Arm, then listed on the London Stock Exchange, for $31bn. Four years later a proposed $40bn sale to Nvidia, another chipmaker, was squashed by competition authorities. Now a blockbuster listing is in prospect that would also signal a revival of an ipo market that has been largely dormant since 2022 .

Arm will now be listed on Americas tech-heavy Nasdaq as soon as early September. SoftBank will retain majority control and pocket all the proceeds. The ipo filing does not specify how much Arm intends to raise or the chipmakers worth, though in August SoftBank paid $16bn for a 25% stake which was held by the groups Vision Fund, a tech-investment vehicle, putting Arms value at around $64bn. It will probably seek around $60bn-70bn, or around 21-25 times annual sales. That would place it close to the lofty multiples of Nvidia (see chart), which on August 23rd confirmed its position as the leader of the artificial-intelligence gold rush by reporting a 101% increase in quarterly revenue compared with a year earlier, beating analysts already lofty expectations. Projections for the next quarter are even rosier.

The ubiquity of Arms chip designs may seem to justify a juicy valuation. Unlike its competitors, which design, manufacture and sell chips, Arm deals only in intellectual property. It makes money by licensing its designs, which customers can modify if required, and takes a small cut from every chip built. Using Arms off-the-shelf designs allows firms to build a processor at a fraction of the cost of designing it themselves. As a result, its chips are everywhere.

Its technology sits within 99% of the worlds smartphones. In devices from industrial sensors to smart toasters or anything else that now connects to the internet, its designs feature in 65% of their processors. In the automotive sector Arm has a 41% market share and even in the lucrative cloud-computing market, long dominated by Intel, Arm-based processors account for 10% of the chips sold.

The ai boom brightens Arms prospects. Earlier in August Nvidia unveiled Grace Hopper, a new chip that combines an Arm-based central processing unit (cpu) with its graphics-processing unit (gpu). The chip promises to run bigger and faster versions of the language models that are trained on text from the internet to produce human-like output. And as Sara Russo of Bernstein, a broker, points out, as ai moves from data centres to consumer apps, devices able to run ai functions using less energy will be needed. Arms expertise in low-power, high-performance chips should help it meet the demand.

Other tech trends look less encouraging. Begin with sluggish demand. Most of Arms sales come from processors for smartphones, cars and other connected devices. Sales of these chips have lately been weaker than expected. Qualcomm, an American chipmaker that specialises in smartphone processors, recently reported a 23% drop in sales in the latest quarter compared with a year earlier. It expects the downturn to drag on until at least the end of the year. The forecast for automotive chips is similarly gloomy. Expanding demand from ai will not be enough to offset a drop-off in Arms core products.

Arms position as the only supplier of easy-to-use chip designs is also in peril from risc-v, an open-source alternative developed at the University of California, Berkeley. risc-v designs are available to anyone without a licence or fee. Alan Priestley of Gartner, a market-research firm, believes it is a growing threat to Arm. For now risc-v serves the lower end of the marketsensors, connected devices and automotive chips. But as the technology improves, the promise of licence- and royalty-free designs for expensive smartphone and data-centre processors could prove a problem for Arm. In the year to March 2023 all its revenues came from licensing ($1bn) and royalties ($1.6bn).

A reliance on Arm Chinaa separate entityfor a quarter of its revenues is another cause for concern for investors. In its filings Arm admits that it is particularly susceptible to tensions between China and America. In December Arm chose not to license its designs for a high-end cpu to Alibaba, a Chinese e-commerce giant, for fear that it would fall foul of a ban imposed by America last year on selling certain cutting-edge chips in China.

The question is whether the hype around ai means that investors pay less attention to such worries. When the deal to sell Arm to Nvidia fell through in 2022, Son Masayoshi, the founder of SoftBank, vowed to take Arm public in the the largest ipo in semiconductor history. ai exuberance in a market starved of blockbuster ipos may make his wish come true.

To stay on top of the biggest stories in business and technology, sign up to the Bottom Line, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter.

 2023 The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved.

From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on https://www.economist.com/business/2023/08/23/arms-public-listing-is-set-to-break-records
Frasier Crane's Seattle days are officially behind him.

In the first trailer for the Frasier reboot, the psychiatrist is seen after moving across the country from Seattle to Boston to be closer to his son, who has been avoiding spending time with him.

The roughly 90-second trailer pays homage to the original sitcom with Frasier's intellectual verbosity while launching a new chapter for the beloved character as a university professor looking to reconnect with his son.

"What is it about the city of Boston that leads me to forego the most sophisticated temptation of the fermented grape," Frasier says in the trailer. "Sitting here with a cold brew in my hand, I feel amalgamated with the hoi polloi."

The reboot of the acclaimed sitcom "Frasier" is set to air in October, Paramount+ announced Aug. 22, teasing what viewers can expect with first look photos, a release date and casting details.

"The new series follows Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) in the next chapter of his life as he returns to Boston with new challenges to face, new relationships to forge and an old dream or two to finally fulfill," the press release said. "Frasier has re-entered the building!"

Sept. 16 marks the 30th anniversary of when "Frasier" first premiered, and the 11-season sitcom holds the record for most Emmy wins for a comedy series at 37 wins and 107 nominations.

Here's everything to know about the long-awaited reboot.

When does the 'Frasier' reboot air?

The "Frasier" reboot is going to air its first two episodes Oct. 12 on Paramount+ in the United States, and the episodes will be available in international markets the next day.

The remaining eight episodes of the first season will release weekly on Thursdays.

How to watch the new 'Frasier'

Moving In (Chris Haston / Paramount+)

The "Frasier" reboot will be available to stream on Paramount+ and Pluto TV. However, CBS Television Network will broadcast the first two episodes back-to-back on Oct. 17 starting at 9:15 p.m. ET.

Which original cast members are in the 'Frasier' reboot?

The press release listed Grammer as the only original cast member returning. But TODAY previously reported that Peri Gilpin will return as Roz Doyle and Bebe Neuwirth will reprise her role as Lilith.

"Niles (Crane) and Daphne (Moon) are not coming back," Grammer told TODAY in February of the series' couple played by David Hyde Pierce and Jane Leeves. "If there is a spot for a one-off appearance, and they're interested, I'm sure we would do something like that. But it's a new world. It's a new life. Frasier's going back to Boston to put himself back in a place where he didn't feel like he quite made it."

"He wants to feel like he conquered it again," Grammer said of his character.

Who else is starring in the 'Frasier' reboot?

The Good Father (Chris Haston / Paramount+)

Jack Cutmore-Scott, known for starring in "Deception," plays Frasier's son, Freddy. Nicholas Lyndhurst, who starred in "Only Fools and Horses," plays Frasier's friend from college, Alan, who is a college professor. Toks Olagundoye, star of "Castle" and "The Neighbors," plays Alan's colleague at work. Other cast members include Jess Salgueiro ("Workin' Moms") and Anders Keith ("Variations").

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Halle Berry's divorce from ex-husband Olivier Martinez has been finalized after nearly eight years.

Berry and Martinez, who share 9-year-old son Maceo, reached an agreement on their divorce and custody, according to a 33-page document obtained by USA TODAY.

Per the decision, which was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, the former couple will share joint legal and physical custody of their son. Berry, 57, has also agreed to pay Martinez $8,000 a month in child support and 4.3% of all income she makes above $2 million.

Berry is also footing the bill for Maceo's private school tuition, his extracurricular activities, his health insurance and his therapist.

Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez have reached a divorce agreement.

Berry and Martinez married in July 2013 and welcomed Maceo in October 2013. The couple filed for divorce in October 2015.

"The public documents filed in the matter should speak for themselves. The parties wanted more clarity in regards to Maceo's schedule and each of their respective time with their son," Martinez's attorney Matthew K. Skarin told USA TODAY in a statement Wednesday.

Their physical custody agreement outlines that Maceo will split time with his parents during the week, and the former pair will alternate custody of Maceo on the weekends. Exceptions to the agreement are for school holidays (which alternates custody for the entire break depending on the year), Maceo's birthday, Mother's Day and Father's Day.

When Maceo is at one custodial parent's house, he is allowed one phone call or video communication before bedtime with the other custody parent, but it "shall not exceed fifteen minutes."

Halle Berry has Barbie-themed 57th birthday with 'not so mini anymore' daughter Nahla

Maceo has also been suggested individual and family counseling "no more than two times per month on Halle's custodial time" amid the divorce. Berry and her daughter Nahla, who she shares with ex Gabriel Aubry, are allowed to attend these sessions. However, the documents prohibit the "Bruised" star's current partner Van Hunt from participating.

Van Hunt and Halle Berry have been linked since August 2020.

The agreement also outlines decorum for Berry and Martinez. "Neither Party shall speak in a negative, disrespectful disparaging, or derogatory manner to, or about, the other Party or her/his family and/or significant other, or allow third parties to do same, to Maceo, in the presence of Maceo, or within Maceo's hearing range," the document states, and not in public or on social media.

Hayden Panettiere says giving up custody of her daughter was 'the most heartbreaking thing'

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Halle Berry, Olivier Martinez finalize divorce and decide custody
House Republicans are asking the Department of Justices (DOJ) inspector general to clarify the scope of his review into complaints from two IRS whistleblowers about the handling of the Hunter Biden investigation.

The letter, sent by the heads of the Houses Judiciary, Oversight, and Ways and Means committees, comes after Inspector General Michael Horowitz told the three chairs any review would be done alongside the Justice Departments Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), a common practice when there is alleged misconduct.

The letter asks Horowitz to explain whether your office is (1) limited in any way from fully investigating the whistleblowers disclosures and if you are limited, how and why your office is limited.

Horowitz earlier this summer said he has taken a number of steps to assess the information provided by IRS investigator Gary Shapley, who alleged that the DOJ slow-walked the investigation into Biden and showed him preferential treatment throughout the process.

He also noted the need to do his work in conjunction with OPR.

In undertaking this assessment, however, we are mindful of the potential limitation on the [Office of Inspector Generals] jurisdiction as a result of Section 8E(b)(3) of the Inspector General Act, 5 U.S.C.  413(b)(3), which requires my office to refer to DOJs Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) allegations of misconduct involving Department attorneys, investigators, or law enforcement personnel, where the allegations relate to the exercise of the authority of an attorney to investigate, litigate, or provide legal advice, Horowitz wrote in the July letter.

Consistent with our usual practice when such a potential jurisdictional issue arises, we consult with OPR about the matter.

Horowitzs office declined to comment on the Monday letter, as did the Justice Department.

The letter is the latest in a series of moves by House Republicans to highlight and push forward their investigation into Hunter Biden as they aim to draw a connection to President Biden.

Public testimony from Shapley and another agent was followed by numerous developments in Hunter Bidens case, including a plea deal on two tax charges falling apart.

The top prosecutor on the case, U.S. Attorney for Delaware David Weiss, has since asked for and been granted special counsel status in order to potentially bring charges against Biden in California or Washington, D.C.  the two locations where Shapley said investigators found the strongest evidence in the case.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
NEW DELHI (AP)  India became the first country to land a spacecraft near the moons south pole on Wednesday  a historic voyage to uncharted territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water, and a technological triumph for the worlds most populous nation.

After a failed attempt to land on the moon in 2019, India now joins the United States, the Soviet Union and China as only the fourth country to achieve this milestone. A lander with a rover inside touched down on the lunar surface at 6:04 p.m. local time, sparking celebrations across India, including in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru, where space scientists watching the landing erupted in cheers and applause.

The successful mission showcases Indias rising standing as a technology and space powerhouse and dovetails with the image that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to project: an ascendant country asserting its place among the global elite.

India is now on the moon. India has reached the south pole of the moon  no other country has achieved that. We are witnessing history, Modi said as he waved the Indian tri-colored flag while watching the landing from South Africa, where he is participating in the BRICS nations summit.

The lunar rover will slide down a flap from the lander within hours or a day and conduct experiments, including an analysis of the mineral composition of the lunar surface, said S. Somnath, chairman of the state-run Indian Space Research Organization.

The mission, which began more than a month ago at an estimated cost of $75 million, is expected to last another two weeks. Somnath said that India would next attempt a manned lunar mission.

Nuclear-armed India grew to become the worlds fifth-largest economy last year, and the success of the lunar mission will likely help Modis popularity ahead of a crucial general election next year.

Indias success comes just days after Russias Luna-25, which was aiming for the same lunar region, spun into an uncontrolled orbit and crashed. It would have been the first successful Russian lunar landing after a gap of 47 years. Russias head of the state-controlled space corporation Roscosmos attributed the failure to the lack of expertise due to the long break in lunar research that followed the last Soviet mission to the moon in 1976.

Modis efforts to revitalize Indias global standing  and to finally shake off the legacy of British colonialization  has resonated with many Indians. The moon landing was seen by many as further proof that their country is a rising, modern superpower.

Excited and anxious people across India crowded around televisions in offices, shops, restaurants and homes. Thousands prayed Tuesday for the success of the mission with oil lamps on the river banks, temples and religious places, including the holy city of Varanasi in northern India.

As the lander approached the lunar surface, dozens of people in a government-run planetarium started praying with folded hands. They switched to cheering and clapping once the lander touched down.

A man waved a banner reading The Moon in Indias arms.

Shrini Singh, a New Delhi resident, said she got goosebumps. Its a very happy moment  you can see the energy. Its beyond words.

Mitakshi Sinha, a student, said the successful mission motivated her. "And now I also want to be part of ISRO, she said, referring to the country's space agency.

India will host next month's G-20 Summit, and Modi is expected to use the event to spotlight the countrys growing geopolitical clout. Even as it maintains historic ties with Russia, the U.S. and other Western nations continue to woo India, whom they see as a critical bulwark against Chinas growing influence.

Accolades poured in from around the world to acknowledge Indias emergence as a modern space power.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson congratulated India on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying ``Were glad to be your partner on this mission!

Incredible! European Space Agencys director general Josef Aschbacher tweeted.

Indias Chandrayaan-3  moon craft in Sanskrit  took off from a launchpad in Sriharikota in southern India on July 14.

Many countries and private companies are interested in the south pole region because permanently shadowed craters may hold frozen water that could help future astronaut missions use it as a potential source of drinking water or to make rocket fuel.

The six-wheeled lander and rover module of Chandrayaan-3 is configured with payloads that will provide data to the scientific community on the properties of lunar soil and rocks, including chemical and elemental compositions.

Indias previous attempt to land a robotic spacecraft near the moons little-explored south pole ended in failure in 2019. It entered the lunar orbit but lost touch with its lander, which crashed while making its final descent to deploy a rover to search for signs of water. According to a failure analysis report submitted to the ISRO, the crash was caused by a software glitch.

The $140-million mission in 2019 was intended to study permanently shadowed moon craters that are thought to contain water deposits and were confirmed by Indias Chandrayaan-1 orbiter mission in 2008.

But India's space program has been steadily advancing for years.

Active since the 1960s, India has launched satellites for itself and other countries, and successfully put one in orbit around Mars in 2014. India is planning its first mission to the International Space Station next year, in collaboration with the United States.

The anticipation for a successful landing rose after Russias failed attempt and as Indias regional rival China, which landed on the moon in 2013, reaches for new milestones in space. In May, China launched a three-person crew for its orbiting space station and hopes to put astronauts on the moon before the end of the decade. Relations between India and China have plunged since deadly border clashes in 2020.

Numerous countries and private companies are racing to successfully land a spacecraft on the lunar surface. In April, a Japanese companys spacecraft apparently crashed while attempting to land on the moon. An Israeli nonprofit tried to achieve a similar feat in 2019, but its spacecraft was destroyed on impact.

Japan plans to launch a lunar lander to the moon over the weekend as part of an X-ray telescope mission, and two U.S. companies also are vying to put landers on the moon by the end of the year, one of them at the south pole. In the coming years, NASA plans to land astronauts at the lunar south pole, taking advantage of the frozen water in craters.

Pallava Bagla, a science writer and co-author of books on Indias space exploration, said the Russian failure days earlier did not put India off. He also said lessons learned from Indias failed mission four years ago were incorporated and a flawless mission was executed on Wednesday.

"Indians didnt get derailed. They continued the journey with strength and confidence that paid off, he said.

-

Video Journalist Shonal Ganguly contributed to this report from New Delhi.
WASHINGTON  A Jan. 6 defendant, in opening arguments at his trial before a jury on Wednesday, compared himself to Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and said that he liked that members of Congress were fearing for their lives during the Capitol attack.

Brandon Fellows at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. (U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia)

Brandon Fellows was initially arrested 10 days after the Capitol riot in January 2021. He first faced misdemeanor charges, but was later indicted on a felony charge of obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting.

Fellows had been held in pretrial custody since mid-2021. He was detained because while he was on pretrial release in his Jan. 6 case, he called the mother of his probation officer and also reportedly harassed a former girlfriend, in violation of a state protection order. In recent court filings, he called U.S. District Court Judge Trevor McFadden corrupt and biased.

Jury selection in the case took place Tuesday, and opening arguments began Wednesday, with Fellows representing himself before jurors.

Fellows told jurors that he believes Jan. 6 "was a beautiful day." He said hes on the autism spectrum and had been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome as well as attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The defendant referenced Elon Musk, calling the owner of the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, a "high-functioning person" he looked up to, and said that people with Asperger's "are more susceptible to manipulation." He told jurors that he'd express beliefs that they would find abhorrent.

I truly do like the fact that those senators and congressman were in fear for their lives, Fellows told jurors near the end of his roughly 19-minute opening statement, doubling down on statements he had made on social media in the wake of the riot.

Fellows compared his situation to the allegations of sexual assault leveled against Kavanaugh, claiming that he too has faced false accusations. He said that he believed members of the public were convinced by "weak arguments" and argued that jurors should not "fall for the tricks of prosecutors."

He said jurors should understand why Kavanaugh was emotional and angry when the then-Supreme Court nominee spoke of the allegations against him during his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2018. He also indicated that he'll keep referencing Kavanaugh's situation during his trial.

I think its important to keep in context what was happening in his life that could have brought those emotions out, Fellows said of Kavanaughs response to the allegations. Fellows went on to tell jurors that he thinks Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault, had potential financial motivations to lie about her accusations.

Even if you disagree with him, take into consideration what he was going through, Fellows said, as he compared himself to Kavanaugh. His life was getting threatened, his family was getting threatened, his career was looking terrible. It was looking like maybe it was all done with and his name was getting tarnished.

According to court documents Brandon Fellows is photographed sitting in Sen. Jeff Merkley's office at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. (U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia)

Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolina Nevin delivered a more somber opening statement that sought to diffuse the almost comedic nature of Fellows actions during the riot.

Nevin showed jurors a photo of Fellows wearing a fake orange beard and a hat shaped like a knights helmet during the riot. Fellows came to the riot dressed up as his version of a warrior, Nevin said.

After entering the Capitol through a broken window, Fellows made his way to the office of Sen. Jeff Merkley, R-Ore., where he put his feet up on a table and smoked marijuana, Nevin said, showing jurors another photo of Fellows taken in the office.

Nevin also showed jurors excerpts from social media posts made by Fellows after the riot in which he expressed pride in his actions and said he hoped members of Congress would live in constant fear.

Those arent funny at all, Nevin said of the posts.

About 1,100 people have been arrested in connection with Jan. 6 Capitol riot, and more than 300 have been sentenced to periods of incarceration.
Xi: People want open, inclusive world

13:25, August 23, 2023 By CAO DESHENG in Johannesburg ( Chinadaily.com.cn

People walk near the venue of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug 20, 2023. The 15th BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held from Tuesday to Thursday in South Africa. [Photo/Xinhua]

President Xi Jinping warned on Tuesday of the danger of a new Cold War, and urged countries to strengthen solidarity and cooperation to cope with risks and challenges the world is facing.

Xi made the remarks in a speech read by Commerce Minister Wang Wentao at the BRICS Business Forum 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

He said human society is coming to a critical juncture and must decide whether to maintain peace and stability or slide into the abyss of a new Cold War.

Noting today's world is a community with a shared future, Xi said people around the planet do not long for a "new Cold War" or "exclusive groups", but an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity.

This is the inevitable progression of history and the trend of the times, he added.

Xi rebuffed some Western countries' attempts to deliberately instigate confrontation between "democracy" and "authoritarianism" and between "freedom" and "totalitarianism", saying such moves can only lead to a fragmented world and clashes between civilizations.

He spoke highly of the collective rise of emerging market countries and developing nations represented by the BRICS countries, saying they are fundamentally reshaping the global landscape.

As BRICS countries gather with more than 50 other nations in South Africa, the issue is not about taking sides or fostering confrontation, but about building a framework for peaceful development, Xi said. He added China sincerely welcomes those interested in joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism.

Xi noted that China, as a member of the developing world and Global South, has always stood with other developing countries, firmly upheld their common interests, and advocated for increased representation and for a louder voice for emerging market countries and developing nations in global affairs.

China does not have the genes to seek hegemony or engage in power play, and it firmly stands on the right side of history, he said.

Speaking of China's economy, Xi said it is resilient, with great potential and vitality, and its positive fundamentals will not change in the long run.

Since the beginning of this year, the Chinese economy has maintained a positive momentum of recovery and improvement.

Xi pledged China will continue to optimize the business environment, implement national treatment for foreign companies, create a market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment, and build a high-standard, global network of free-trade areas.

The nation will make greater contributions to the global economy and provide the international business community with even more room for development, he added.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Former Arizona GOP gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake said Wednesday she will decide whether shes running for Senate in the Grand Canyon State by the end of the year.

I will make that decision by the end of the year, yes, Lake said when asked on NewsNations The Hill. NewsNation is owned by Nexstar, which also owns The Hill.

Im seriously considering  we need a senator in Arizona who will put the people of Arizona first, who will put America first, whos not a leftist who votes with Joe Biden 93 to 100 percent of the time, and I think Arizonas ready for that, she added.

Lake, a vocal Trump supporter who lost to Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) by less than 1 point in 2022, has been weighing a Senate bid to take on Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), who has not yet said whether shes running for another term. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) is expected to be the Democratic nominee, and Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb has announced a run on the Republican side.

If Sinema ends up running, it could make for an unusual and high-stakes three-way race. Sinemas seat is rated as a toss up by the nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report.

During the interview, Lake also dodged several questions regarding whether she was interested in a position as former President Trumps running mate.

You know what Im wishing for? Im really wishing to get our country back, Lake said on The Hill.

Im wishing that people wake up and realize that we are  were in a really perilous position right now with our country and we have an opportunity to elect the greatest president in American history  President Donald J. Trump  to get back in office, enact his agenda 47, which will turn all of this disastrous, nightmarish conditions that [President] Joe Biden has inflicted on us around and turn this country around, she said, going on to name issues such as parental rights and securing the U.S. southern border.

Pressed again about whether she was interested in being Trumps vice presidential pick, Lake declined to say directly if she was eying the role.

Ill do anything I can to help him get reelected, but I think hell probably make a choice for VP in a year, she said at one point.

Lake also said during the interview that she thinks Trump would debate Biden.

I believe he will, Lake said. I absolutely know if Joe Biden wanted to debate President Trump today he would show up and debate Joe Biden.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A 1-year-old girl died Monday after she was left in a van outside an Omaha day care facility during record-breaking heat, officials said.

Officers found the unresponsive girl inside a van at Kidz of the Future Childcare around 3 p.m. She was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

Ryan Williams / Credit: Omaha Police Department

Police said they arrested 62-year-old van driver Ryan Williams on a charge of child abuse by neglect resulting in death.

Protesters gathered at the day care facility on Tuesday, CBS affiliate KMTV reported. They demanded accountability for the girl's death.

Omaha is dealing with dangerous heat right now, weather officials said. Temperatures were in the 90s on Monday, with the heat index rising over 100. The National Weather Service had warned it could feel as hot as 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

Just two hours before the girl was found, Omaha's fire department reminded residents to never leave children unattended in vehicles.

The girl's death was the 19th hot car death this year, according to KidsandCars.org, a nonprofit that compiles that information. Around 38 children under the age of 15 die each year from heat stroke after being left in a car, according to the National Safety Council.

Temperatures inside a car can rise by almost 20 degrees within 10 minutes, even with a window left cracked open, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The temperature inside a vehicle is higher on a hot day than it is outside; an outside temperature of 70 degrees can result in a temperature above 100 degrees in a vehicle, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It's especially dangerous for children, whose body temperatures rise three to five times faster than an adult's.

The NHTSA and the CDC have shared safety tips for preventing hot car deaths. The agencies advise:

Never leave a child in a vehicle unattended for any length of time, even if the windows are rolled down or the vehicle is parked in the shade.Check your entire vehicle before you lock the door and walk away.Keep a personal item, such as a purse, in the backseat so that you'll check the rest of your vehicle before you leave and lock the car. Drivers can also write a note or place a stuffed animal in the front passenger's seat as a visual reminder of a child in the backseat.If you see an unattended child alone in a locked car, call 911.Keep your car locked and store your keys in an area your child cannot reach so they can't go inside a vehicle by themselves.

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We moved our family from upstate New York to West Palm Beach, Florida, in 2021, and excitedly descended upon sunshine and warmth with only our summer clothes and little family of four in tow. Without any family or friends nearby, we enrolled our two young children in a school near our downtown condo and almost immediately got to work familiarizing ourselves with the school and community.

I made a mental note of an image of a red shoe that popped up regularly: taped on classroom doors, on a pamphlet in the main lobby and spread throughout some other school materials. Whats the red shoe all about? I asked the Head of School. She told me to look up a nonprofit called Red Sneakers for Oakley and read the story on their site, but gave me the truncated version in passing, which was hard to do given the devastating nature of it. The shoes represented a favorite pair once worn by Oakley, a young boy who lost his life to an allergic reaction to nuts. Hed attended this very school at the time of his passing. Thereafter, his parents founded an organization to advocate worldwide for food allergy awareness and the use of epinephrine, something that was not used at the time of his passing, and that his parents openly wish had been.

I stayed up late that night reading everything I could about Oakley and his selfless, unbelievable parents. My throat was lumpy and I cried quietly looking at the photos they shared of their beautiful boy. Their Instagram account was a wealth of knowledge: top allergens, how and when to use epinephrine injectors (often referred to by one well-known brand name, EpiPen), signs of a reaction and more. This page was like a magnet for my brain  I wanted to know everything I could about how to prevent the tragedy they endured and was in disbelief of how little I knew about food allergies.

My daughter and me. (Courtesy Meg George)

A few weeks later, my husband and I walked our kids a couple of blocks away for a holiday kickoff celebration in downtown West Palm. It was dark and late, so our kids, 3 and 5 at the time, were strapped into their double stroller. They begged us for ice cream and we agreed, joining other families in a long line behind a cute pink food truck selling superfood ice cream. I read the choices out loud, not mentioning to my toddlers that the ice cream was made of nuts so they didnt judge it before they tried it, and finally ordered two cups of vanilla with sprinkles.

They took their ice cream while we pushed them to a better location near the tree lighting activities, snaking our way through thousands of other people there for the events. My daughter picked a sprinkle out of her bowl and immediately asked me to itch her finger. I complied. About 30 seconds later, after shed scarfed down a few spoonfuls, I looked at her face and my heart stopped. Is something wrong? she asked me from behind her big brown eyes. And unfortunately, something most certainly was. Her face was distorted, swollen around her cheeks and producing red and white welts around her lips that she was ferociously itching.

I screamed, picked her up and yelled incoherently to my husband that we needed help. Oakleys images flashed through my mind at lightning speed  because of his parents, I knew we needed epinephrine. Without having taken my husband through the food allergy education journey that I went on during my recent Instagram rabbit hole, he felt clueless as to what could be wrong. I know other parents who have been in moments of panic can relate to the reflection as a haze  I hardly remember the confluence of events or exactly how they transpired because of the blackout that can accompany tragedy.

My husband followed my cues, running alongside me and pushing our terrified son in the stroller while I held our daughter and screamed for help. To be honest, I dont know what I screamed, but I know that it was enough to attract the person who saved our child. A man approached us with his wife and young son trailing behind. Do you need an EpiPen? he asked us, and then added, Im a doctor and my wife has one in her purse. Do you want me to administer it? It was like I was having an out-of-body experience. I shouted an enthusiastic yes while my husband called 911. Some of this felt like hours and some of it felt like milliseconds, but her symptoms started to improve within a minute of the injection, and I was flooded with relief when the doctor told the paramedic upon the ambulances arrival that she was going to be OK.

Ill never forget getting in the ambulance with my little girl, the whites of her eyes bright red and hives popping up along her blonde, curly hairline. The doors closed as I waved to my deflated husband and sobbing son. Who can he call to help us? I thought to myself. Dang, moving across the country had quickly lost its luster. We needed our village. I was scared, and we were alone. The firefighters in the ambulance were compassionate and knowledgeable. As a favor to her mom, Id like to think, my daughter delivered some comic relief once she got her bearings. She looked a young, hunky fireman straight in the eyes and said her first sentence since the allergic reaction had happened: I really like the way you look. Exhale. She was definitely going to be OK.

My little girl in the hospital after her allergic reaction. (Courtesy Meg George)

We spent the majority of that night at the hospital, my husband joining us once he secured a babysitter from a nearby college to come be with our son. After our daughter was given Benadryl and steroids, and had spent hours under observation, we were sent on our way  to start the rest of our lives forever changed.

My husband drove to another town at 3:00 in the morning to the only pharmacy open to get our EpiPen prescription filled. I only knew to ask the emergency room physician for this because of Oakleys parents. I wrote to them from the hospital parking lot, expressing gratitude, which didnt feel like nearly enough. Epinephrine had saved our daughters life.

In the weeks following, bloodwork and skin tests at the allergist confirmed her food allergies, particularly to cashews, the main ingredient in the infamous ice cream treat, and forevermore, epinephrine injectors are an extension of our body. Life was challenging in the wake of this event. I went to therapy for a long time, and my already obsessive and anxious tendencies saw some of their worst days. Checking on our daughter, hammering home to teachers, caregivers and our visiting family members what she could eat and what she couldnt felt like a new, stressful job that I never wanted.

Our daughter is a responsible advocate for herself, despite her young age, and still, shes strapped with the worry of whether anything from a grape to a potato chip is safe. Oakleys parents, who have experienced the worst, have devoted their lives to helping others. A doctor enjoying a holiday event with his family saw us in need and rescued us. No matter how painful the memory, its our turn. Familiarize yourself with food allergies even if your kids dont have them  we did, and I am grateful for it every single day. As with most things, time does heal wounds, and knowledge is more powerful than fear.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazil ex-president Jair Bolsonaro told Reuters on Wednesday is having tests in preparation for three surgeries he expects to undergo in September, after a stabbing in 2018 left the former leader with recurring health problems.

Bolsonaro spoke to Reuters via text message.

The tests will examine Bolsonaro's digestive system and intestinal tract, his spokesman Fabio Wajngarten said on social media network X.

Bolsonaro has already undergone a series of surgeries related to the stabbing to the abdomen.

The hospital where Bolsonaro is undergoing the tests, the Nova Star Hospital in Sao Paulo, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Rodrigo Viga Gaier; Editing by Andrew Heavens, Angus MacSwan and Chizu Nomiyama)
By Carien du Plessis and Krishn Kaushik

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -A deal to expand the BRICS group of leading developing countries appeared stuck in eleventh hour negotiations at a leaders summit on Wednesday, threatening to undermine the bloc's ambition to give the "Global South" more clout in world affairs.

Agreement to expand BRICS - currently Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - could allow dozens of interested nations to seek admission as Beijing and Moscow push to forge it into a viable counterweight to the West.

The debate over enlargement has topped the agenda at the three-day summit taking place in Johannesburg. And while all BRICS members have publicly expressed support for growing the bloc, there were divisions among the leaders over how much and how quickly.

Summit host South Africa's foreign minister Naledi Pandor speaking on Wednesday said BRICS leaders had agreed on mechanisms for considering new members.

"We have agreed on the matter of expansion," she told a radio station run by her ministry.

"We have a document that we've adopted which sets out guidelines and principles, processes for considering countries that wish to become members of BRICS...That's very positive."

However, a BRICS member country official with direct knowledge of the discussions told Reuters that the leaders had not yet signed a finalised admission framework.

An agreement had been meant to be adopted following a plenary session earlier on Wednesday, but the source said it had been delayed after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced new admission criteria.

Asked about the delay, an Indian official aware of the details of the talks told Reuters late on Wednesday that the discussion were continuing.

"Yesterday ... India pushed for consensus on criteria as well as the issue of (candidate) names. There was a broad understanding," he said.

LAST-MINUTE SPOILER

BRICS countries have economies vastly different in scale and governments with often divergent foreign policy goals, a complicating factor for a bloc whose consensus decision-making model gives each member a de facto veto.

Bloc heavyweight China has long called for an expansion of BRICS as a means of fostering a multipolar world order to challenge Western dominance.

"The world ... has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation," China's President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday. "We, the BRICS countries, should always bear in mind our founding purpose of strengthening ourselves through unity."

Russia's President Vladimir Putin, who is wanted under an international arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Ukraine and is attending the summit remotely, is keen to show Western powers he still has friends.

Brazil and India, in contrast, have both been forging closer ties with the West.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday rejected the idea the bloc should seek to rival the U.S. and Group of Seven wealthy economies.

The BRICS country official said that admission criteria India's Modi proposed included requiring members not be the target of international sanctions, ruling out potential candidates Iran and Venezuela.

Modi was also pushing for a minimum per capital GDP requirement.

"These are the things Modi brought in today," the official said. "So they are becoming a little bit of a spoiler."

BRICS HOPEFULS

More than 40 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS, say South African officials, and 22 have formally asked to be admitted.

They represent a disparate pool of potential candidates - from Iran to Argentina - motivated largely by a desire to level a global playing field many consider rigged against them and attracted by BRICS' promise to rebalance the global order.

A number of prospective candidates are sending delegations to Johannesburg for meetings on Thursday - the last day of the summit - with the bloc's leaders.

Though home to about 40% of the world's population and a quarter of global GDP, BRICS members' failure to settle on a coherent vision for the bloc has long left it punching below its weight as a global political and economic player.

White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday that, due to the BRICS countries' divergence of views on critical issues, he did not see the bloc turning into a geopolitical rival of the United States.

But moves to expand the bloc and push its New Development Bank as an alternative to established multilateral lenders are raising concern among some in the West.

Werner Hoyer, the head of European Investment Bank, warned Western governments on Wednesday that they were in danger of losing the confidence of the "Global South", unless they urgently intensified their own support efforts for poorer countries.

(Reporting Carien du Plessis in Johanneburg and Krishn Kaushik in New Delhi; Additional reporting by Rachel Savage in Johannesburg and Anthony Boadle in Sao PaoloWriting by Joe Bavier; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise and Josie Kao)
LAPD officers scuffle with counterprotesters as they try to keep them away from a group opposing LGBTQ+ education at a demonstration near the downtown LAUSD offices. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

About 150 demonstrators who oppose LGBTQ+ education marched on Monday from City Hall to the Los Angeles Unified School District headquarters, where two counterprotesters were taken into custody as dozens of officers kept the opposing groups apart after heated exchanges.

The demonstrators came from across Southern California including San Diego, Antelope Valley, Glendale and Los Angeles. A few identified themselves as parents at Saticoy Elementary School, where fighting broke out between opposing sides during a demonstration over a Gay Pride activity in June.

Demonstrators had a long list of issues, demanding that discussion about the LGBTQ+ community and sex-related education be kept out of schools. They also want school districts to notify parents if their child asks to identify in school in a manner different than the gender assigned to that student at birth.

"We believe that there is a radical indoctrination system that has seeped from academia and now into K through 12. We've been trying to get kiddie porno smut books out of the schools," said Ben Richards, who described himself as a San Diego parent and the founder of SoCal Parent Advocates. "And we don't want people to talk about sex with our children without telling us and behind our backs."

About 150 demonstrators who oppose LGBTQ+ education marched on Monday from City Hall to the Los Angeles Unified School District headquarters. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Richards carried an American flag and wore a military green T-shirt emblazoned with "Dad Army." He said his group also opposes critical race theory and vaccine mandates.

Critical race theory examines how racial inequality and racism are systemically embedded in American institutions.

Read more:Lacking political power in California, conservatives turn focus to local school boards

The Los Angeles protests are part of recent clashes over gender issues and race in education, where school boards in some conservative pockets of California are supportive of their demands. Several Southern California school districts, including Chino Valley and then Murietta, have mandated parental notification if a child is transgender. The Orange Unified School District is also considering a mandate.

On Monday, the demonstrators' soundtrack over loudspeakers included Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall," containing lyrics that participants emblazoned on T-shirts: "Leave Our Kids Alone." The group also played "God Over Government" and a rap recording that proclaimed Donald Trump the greatest president ever.

At the counterprotest, the soundtrack included "I'm Coming Out" from Diana Ross and "Got to Be Real" from Cheryl Lynn. The Los Angeles teachers union was able to muster a small delegation  the protest was during school hours  and other groups also took part.

Counterprotesters brought up the recent killing of Laura Ann Carleton, 66, outside her store in Lake Arrowhead, in what's being investigated as a possible hate crime after an armed man railed about her display of a LGBTQ+ pride flag. The suspected shooter was later confronted and killed by sheriff's deputies.

Read more:Temecula school district sued over its ban of critical race theory

"In this disguise of parents' rights," the protesters are "unleashing ... a nationwide attack against LGBT people," said Michelle Xai, who said she belonged to a revolutionary community group.

The anti-LGBTQ+ education protesters insisted they oppose violence.

Initially, at City Hall, the police presence was minimal as the groups gathered on opposite sides of the street on different parts of the block. But they began to mix and get in each other's faces. About three dozen police cruisers and motorcycles, sirens screaming, descended on the scene. Dozens of officers in riot gear established a human barrier.

Leaders of both groups urged their members to stay apart and keep the peace. Demonstrators held cameras and cellphones as people filmed themselves and opposing demonstrators. Protesters used a banner to block one person with a camera from entering their ranks, but others got through.

Protesters opposed to LGBTQ+ education march from City Hall to LAUSD headquarters, attracting a small group of counterdemonstrators. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

The anti-LGBTQ+ education protesters talked of plans to regroup in the evening at the Temecula school board meeting.

The L.A. Board of Education was meeting at the time, but had nothing on its agenda related to LGBTQ+ issues. Still, board President Jackie Goldberg responded to the allegations against public-school curriculum.

"We follow state laws and state-approved curriculum for all of our students," Goldberg said. "Approving curriculum is a long, arduous process and one that includes multiple opportunities for public input."

She also responded to the demands about notifying parents when a student asked to be recognized as a different gender in school.

"Our first priority is always always the children," she said. "We encourage family engagement when a student is having issues unless it is not safe for that student."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Newly released audio disproves Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamys claim on CNN that he was misquoted by The Atlantic about the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Ramaswamys inaccurate insistence that he was misquoted about 9/11 in the magazines Monday article came during a contentious on-air exchange that night with Kaitlan Collins, anchor of CNNs The Source.

Collins told Ramaswamy, Speaking of another comment that youve made that is getting attention today, about 9/11  a report in The Atlantic, that you gave an interview to. You said, quote, I think it is legitimate to say how many police, how many federal agents, were on the planes that hit the Twin Towers. Maybe the answer is zero. It probably is zero for all I know, right? I have no reason to think it was anything other than zero. But if were doing a comprehensive assessment of what happened on 9/11, we have a 9/11 commission, absolutely [that] should be an answer the public knows the answer to.

Collins said, Explain to me what you meant there.

Ramaswamy said what he actually said was that on January 6, 2021, the day the US Capitol was attacked by a pro-Trump mob, he believes there were many federal agents in the field and we deserve to know who they are. He explained that he also believes that the government lied about the extent of Saudi Arabias involvement in the 9/11 attacks.

Collins then asked, But are you telling me that your quote is wrong here?

Ramaswamy responded, I am telling you the quote is wrong, actually.

Collins: Because it says

As Collins re-read part of the quote The Atlantic published about 9/11, Ramaswamy repeated: I am, actually. I actually askedWhen I actually  and this is just lifting the curtain on how media works again  I asked that reporter to send the recording, cause it was on the record; he refused to do it. But we had a free-flowing conversation. The truth is, there are lies the government has told about 9/11, but its not the ones that somebody put in my mouth. He then made a claim about Saudi Arabian intelligence and 9/11.

Facts First: On Tuesday, The Atlantic released an audio recording of Ramaswamys remarks about 9/11  and it proves that he was quoted accurately in the article. The Atlantic did not put any words in his mouth.

Vivek Ramaswamy was not misquoted in my story, John Hendrickson, the staff writer for The Atlantic who wrote the article, tweeted on Tuesday.

Asked for comment after the release of the audio on Tuesday, Ramaswamy spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in an email: We are grateful that the Atlantic released the audio after we repeatedly asked them to do so. The audio clearly demonstrates that Vivek was taken badly out of context and even this small snippet proves that. We continue to encourage the Atlantic to release more of the recording, rather than their carefully selected snippet, so that full context and reality is exposed.

McLaughlin did not explain how Ramaswamy was supposedly taken out of context; in fact, the audio shows that the article kept his comments in context. And asked to explain how Ramaswamy was misquoted  again, he claimed to Collins that the Atlantic had put words in his mouth and that the quote was wrong  she responded only, Out of context, very clearly.

In response to McLaughlins claims, The Atlantic spokesperson Anna Bross said in an email: As is clear from the audio and transcript, the quotes in the piece are accurate.

The recording shows Ramaswamy was wrong

The audio recording shows that the only Ramaswamy words The Atlantic did not include in the published quote about 9/11, the quote that Collins read back to Ramaswamy, was a stray five-word clause  Like, I think we want  from a sentence Ramaswamy started and then abandoned.

Journalists practices vary about whether to include such stray remarks or to leave them out for clarity. Regardless, in this case, the clause is irrelevant to the substance of the quote.

Here is the Ramaswamy quote as CNN transcribed it from the audio The Atlantic released Tuesday. The words in bold appeared in the Monday article that Ramaswamy claimed had misquoted him.

I think it is legitimate to say how many police, how many federal agents, were on the planes that hit the Twin Towers. Like, I think we wantMaybe the answer is zero. It probably is zero for all I know, right? I have no reason to think it was anything other than zero. But if were doing a comprehensive assessment of what happened on 9/11, we have a 9/11 commission, absolutely that should be an answer the public knows the answer to.

That is simply not a misquote.

Ramaswamy also received scrutiny for his views on 9/11 earlier this month, as Collins noted in the Monday interview, after he was asked in an interview with a right-wing media outlet whether 9/11 was an inside job or exactly how the government tells us. He responded then, I dont believe the government has told us the truth. Again, Im driven by evidence and data. What Ive seen in the last several years is we have to be skeptical of what the government does tell us. I havent seen evidence to the contrary, but do I believe everything the government told us about it? Absolutely not. Do I believe the 9/11 Commission? Absolutely not.

Ramaswamy told Collins on Monday that he of course does not believe 9/11 was an inside job and has never said it was. He said that in the previous interview he was also referring to his rejection of the governments past statements about Saudi Arabia and 9/11.

What else Ramaswamy said to The Atlantic

The audio shows that the article accurately situated Ramaswamys remarks about 9/11 in context, correctly noting that, prior to those remarks, he had been speaking of his questions about how many government agents were in the field on January 6. The article also correctly noted that, right after the 9/11 comments, he continued, Well, if were doing a January 6 commission, absolutely, those should be questions that we should get to the bottom of.

The audio shows that Ramaswamy then continued talking about January 6 by saying, There cant be hush-hush, separate, it shouldnt be outside the commission, leaked to some media personality, the hours of footage; no, this is transparent. These are the doors that were open. Here are the people that opened the doors, to whom? The article did not use those quotes, instead picking up Ramaswamy as he continued along the same lines by saying, Here are the people who were armed. Here are the people who are unarmed. What percentage of the people who were armed were federal law-enforcement officers? I think it was probably high, actually. Right?

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Democrats are waiting in anticipation for Republicans to make what many believe will be a Trump-inspired spectacle of their first presidential primary debate.

While some are waiting to see former President Trumps imprint on the Milwaukee event hes notoriously skipping, others are watching for breakout moments among a less well-defined set of candidates.

And most in the party expect to see a right-wing agenda on full display.

Here are five things Democrats are looking out for Wednesday night.

The Trump effect

Even though Trump wont physically be there to dominate the conversation and dress down his rivals on the public stage, that doesnt mean the GOP front-runner wont still loom over the night.

Democrats have watched Trump lead the Republican primary polls among loyal voters who say they still like him more than anyone else. And while liberals point to his various impeachments and indictments as political landmines, they also havent seen him tank his White House job audition just yet.

The debates add some unpredictability to all of that. The earliest debates gave Trump a major platform to crucify his biggest threats eight years ago, setting him on the path to the nomination without much trouble.

While so much has changed since August 2015, its unclear how much Trump will be impacted by his absence on stage this time. Voters will have a chance to hear eight other contenders make their presidential pitches, but hes unlikely to fade into the background.

Whether [Trumps] on the stage or not, his extreme agenda will be, Biden campaign co-Chair Cedric Richmond said Tuesday. And, the only thing that will be missing is the chaos, the disruption, the bullying, the name calling of former President Trump.

Breakout moment

Several candidates would benefit from a breakout moment to properly introduce themselves to voters. Democrats are already speculating about who might steal the night.

Vivek Ramaswamy, a young former pharma executive, has attracted early attention for his scrappy and straight-talking approach to ultra-conservative politics. He has already piqued interest from some parts of the primary electorate for offering a fresh take on Trumpism. Hes even used words meant to signify objectivity like truth to push a right-wing platform in a similar Trump fashion.

But Ramaswamy is not the only name Democrats are keeping an eye on. Other primary newcomers like South Carolina Republicans Sen. Tim Scott and Nikki Haley, the former governor, are also looking to have memorable performances by being less like Trump in their demeanor.

Other Democrats are more interested in seeing how a Republican whos already been in the Oval Office  former Vice President Mike Pence  fares without his former boss. Some are curious to see how Trumps prior No. 2, who has since notably refuted his position on the Jan. 6. insurrection, handles the debate around the 2020 election.

Most people know what to expect from [Florida Gov. Ron] DeSantis, [former New Jersey Gov. Chris] Christie, etc., but Im curious to see Pences performance, said Max Burns, a progressive strategist and media commentator. I think the Pence campaign is still not entirely sure who they are talking to.

Hes sort of the forgotten man, Burns added. Youd be forgiven for not thinking this is the former vice president.

Is DeSantis done?

Even before the election cycle kicked off, Democrats and Republicans alike viewed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as a potential formidable challenger to Trump to win the nomination.

But within just a few weeks, DeSantiss campaign has severely struggled to catch on. Hes already had several staff shake-ups and has failed to bring in the kind of donor enthusiasm that many expected would follow the governor.

DeSantiss own strategy documents show hes fighting for second place, which might as well spell the end of his hopes if they are so openly admitting that, Burns said.

Democrats are now turning their focus on DeSantiss sometimes stilted public persona  another weak point that they say has affected his bid.

Hes a horrible debater, Democratic strategist Michael Starr Hopkins said. Hes extremely scripted and stiff. The field is going to pile on him.

Democrats have seen DeSantis appear shaky on stage in prior performances, and some are waiting to see if he continues in that form or is able to loosen up around his opponents.

How he responds will tell you everything about him, Starr Hopkins said. I expect him [to] be extremely frustrated and have horrible body language.

DeSantis has also been going back and forth recently with Vice President Harris over new education standards in Florida for teaching the history of slavery, a hot-button topic that is likely to come up during the live event. The governor has been Harriss enemy No. 1 in the GOP primary and the vice president recently went to Florida to bash the standards, prompting DeSantis to invite her to their own debate, which Harris refused.

While DeSantis is doubling down on culture wars, his polling numbers arent improving and Democrats are intent on making teaching standards a winning issue for their side.

The GOPs agenda

Democrats will be also watching for how much of the Republican platform shared among contenders is written by Trump.

It doesnt matter who wins the debate, theyve chosen a losing strategy and that strategy is to be as extreme, as MAGA, and as out of touch with the American people as possible, Richmond said.

Richmond telegraphed that Democrats expect to hear from the GOP candidates about how they want to cut Social Security and taxes on big companies and rich Americans, and continue to push an extreme position on abortion.

As they race to the right to secure a far-right base, theyre nailing themselves to positions that they just cannot recover from in November for the general election, he said.

The Biden campaign will be focused on responding to those MAGA views, referring to Trumps Make America Great Again campaign slogan from 2016 that has stuck with him and Democrats have used to brand other Republicans.

The campaign will have an aggressive war room with the Democratic National Committee (DNC), it announced last week.

The head of the DNC has also bashed all the candidates expected to appear on stage Wednesday, linking them with the former president and his conservative brand. DNC Chair Jaime Harrison called the contenders who qualified through the Republican National Committees guidelines the most extreme slate of presidential candidates in history and said that they will take the stage to out-MAGA each other.

A Christie do-over?

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is trying to distinguish himself as Trumps main agitator  the candidate who wants to call him out by name loudly and often.

Christie, who ran for president once before, knows what its like to be on stage with then-candidate Trump and wants to make it clear that hes ready for a rematch.

But the former prosecutor already predicted wrong when he told ABC Newss This Week last month that he didnt believe Trump would skip the debate, citing his inflated ego.

Without his target to share the stage, it remains to be seen how Christie will fare on his own. Some Democrats see him as a skilled sparrer and believe he could have a good night pitching a moderate alternative to those open to hearing it.

His numbers are up in New Hampshire and hes so experienced in debates, Starr Hopkins said. He knows how to prosecute and case to devastating effect.

Some also imagine him taking a similar no holds barred approach to the candidates who did make the stage.

With Trump ducking the debate, hes going to be aggressive and looking to make some one the Trump substitute, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Tom Hals and Helen Coster

WILMINGTON, Delaware (Reuters) -A Delaware judge on Wednesday rejected Newsmax Media's bid to narrow the allegedly defamatory statements that the right-wing U.S. television network must defend in a lawsuit by voting machine company Smartmatic USA involving the 2020 presidential election.

Smartmatic, whose U.S. headquarters is in Boca Raton, Florida, sued Newsmax in November 2021, saying the network should be held accountable for knowingly spreading false claims that the company rigged the election against Republican then-President Donald Trump, who lost to Democrat Joe Biden.

After the original lawsuit was filed, Smartmatic amended its complaint to add 26 additional statements it said were defamatory, such as statements aired by the network that Smartmatic machines could have been hacked.

Newsmax had argued that the statute of limitations had passed and that it was too late to add allegedly defamatory statements to the amended complaint.

Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric Davis in his ruling said the additional statements fell within the themes of the original complaint and stemmed from the network's coverage of the election, so he allowed them.

Newsmax did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Smartmatic did not say in its lawsuit how much money it was seeking in damages from Newsmax, but said election conspiracy theories have erased $2 billion in value from the company.

The company also has sued San Diego-based One America News in federal court in Washington and New York-based Fox News, its parent Fox Corp and several Fox hosts in a New York state court over similar claims.

Fox Corp and Fox News in April settled a similar defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems on the eve of trial in the same Delaware court for $787.5 million.

(Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; Editing by Will Dunham and Chizu Nomiyama)
A key witness against former President Donald Trump and his two co-defendants in the Mar-a-Lago documents case recanted previous false testimony and provided new information implicating the defendants after he switched lawyers, special counsel Jack Smiths office said in a new court filing.

Yuscil Taveras, the director of information technology at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's club in Palm Beach, Florida, changed his testimony last month about efforts to delete security camera video at the club after he changed from a lawyer paid for by Trumps Save America PAC to a public defender, Tuesday's filing says.

The revised testimony led to last month's superseding indictment against Trump and his two co-defendants.

Taveras decided to change lawyers after he learned he was being investigated on suspicion of having made false statements in his previous grand jury testimony in Washington, D.C., the court filing says.

Immediately after receiving new counsel, Trump Employee 4 retracted his prior false testimony and provided information that implicated Nauta, [Carlos] De Oliveira, and Trump in efforts to delete security camera footage, as set forth in the superseding indictment, the filing says.

The filing identifies Taveras as Trump Employee 4. NBC News previously reported that Taveras is Employee No. 4.

Taveras former lawyer is Stanley Woodward, who also represents Trumps co-defendant Walt Nauta and a variety of other Trump world figures.

Woodward declined to comment Tuesday on the special counsel's new filing. Taveras did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Prosecutors outlined the change in testimony in a motion on their request for a hearing about Woodward's possible conflicts.

They said they obtained "evidence that Trump employee Carlos De Oliveira tried to enlist the director of information technology for Mar-a-Lago (identified in the superseding indictment as Trump Employee 4) to delete Mar-a-Lago security footage after the grand jury in the District of Columbia had issued a subpoena for the footage."

"When Trump Employee 4 testified before the grand jury in the District of Columbia in March 2023, he repeatedly denied or claimed not to recall any contacts or conversations about the security footage at Mar-a-Lago," the filing says.

By late June, prosecutors had "advised Trump Employee 4 (through Mr. Woodward) that he was the target of a grand jury investigation in the District of Columbia into whether he committed perjury."

The target letter "crystallized a conflict of interest arising from Mr. Woodwards concurrent representation of Trump Employee 4 and Nauta. Advising Trump Employee 4 to correct his sworn testimony would result in testimony incriminating Mr. Woodwards other client, Nauta; but permitting Trump Employee 4s false testimony to stand uncorrected would leave Trump Employee 4 exposed to criminal charges for perjury," the filing says.

Prosecutors asked for a hearing on the representation issue before James Boasberg, the chief U.S. District Court judge in Washington, D.C., who oversaw the grand jury investigation. Boasberg had a federal defender available to advise Taveras about how to proceed.

"On July 5, 2023, Trump Employee 4 informed Chief Judge Boasberg that he no longer wished to be represented by Mr. Woodward and that, going forward, he wished to be represented by the First Assistant Federal Defender," the filing said. "Immediately after receiving new counsel, Trump Employee 4 retracted his prior false testimony and provided information that implicated Nauta, De Oliveira, and Trump in efforts to delete security camera footage."

Shelli Peterson  the first assistant federal public defender in Washington, whom the special counsel's filing refers to  declined to comment Tuesday night.

Peterson, who has represented numerous defendants in high-profile cases, initially represented another Woodward client: former Trump State Department employee Federico Klein, who was convicted on multiple felony counts last month in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. Woodward one day was late for a hearing in the Klein case because he was representing Trump aide William Russell in his testimony before the grand jury that indicted Trump in the election interference case.

Taveras is at least the second person to have offered new testimony after having switched from an attorney with ties to Trump. Cassidy Hutchinson, a former aide to then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, gave investigators from the House Jan. 6 committee more damaging testimony about Trump's and Meadows' conduct in the lead-up to the Capitol riot after she parted ways with her first Trump-allied lawyer.
CLEVELAND (AP)  The Dodgers are hoping rest in August will have J.D. Martinez ready for October.

Los Angeles placed the designated hitter on the injured list Tuesday with groin tightness, and expect him to be sidelined for several weeks.

The team made the move with the All-Star hitter before opening a three-game series against the Guardians. Manager Dave Roberts said Martinez has been affected by lingering pain and the team felt the only remedy was for him to stop playing completely.

On certain swings it didnt affect him, but when he would stride out a little further thats when it gets him, Roberts said. "Hes pretty adamant that its not the back, but regardless it was impeding his swing.

"The one thing we havent done is just quit activity and hopefully that can knock it out.

The 36-year-old Martinez has been out since Saturday. He recently underwent an MRI and an epidural injection while being slowed by hamstring tightness and a lower back issue.

Martinez is batting .256 with 25 homers and 78 RBIs in 92 games. But hes been struggling since the All-Star break. He hit his 300th career home run in June.

He just was compromised with his swing, Roberts said. He tried to play through it, but it was just something where we felt he wasnt going to be able to perform at his or our expectations, so IL made sense.

Roberts said Martinez will not do any hitting for at least one week before he's re-evaluated.

As for when the 36-year-old will be back, Roberts said that's impossible to predict.

I think the hope is that it gets cleared up," Roberts said. "This should do it. The question is how long is the timetable and I dont think anyone knows right now.

To fill the roster spot, the NL West-leading Dodgers recalled infielder Michael Busch from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Busch was in the lineup at DH on Tuesday against the Guardians. Roberts said he'll use Max Munday in that role on Wednesday.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
SEOUL, South Korea  A jet ski rider who has been detained since washing up on South Koreas coast is believed to be a Chinese dissident who feared for his safety and fled by crossing hundreds of miles of sea, trailing barrels of fuel behind him.

The coast guard in the western South Korean port city of Incheon said in a statement Sunday that a Chinese man in his 30s tried to illegally enter the country Aug. 16 by riding a jet ski from the Shandong area of China, an eastern province that lies around 200 miles away across the Yellow Sea.

He was detained and being investigated for breaching immigration law, the statement said.

The coast guard quoted the man as saying that he left China on his own jet ski, wearing a life vest and a helmet, and carrying a navigator and binoculars. The man also carried five fuel containers, weighing 25 liters (about 6.6 gallons) each, according to the statement, tying them to the jet ski to make sure he had enough fuel to reach South Korea.

The agency said it had to rescue the man from the muddy shore in Incheon late at night after getting a request from the South Korean navy to track a jet ski stuck in the area.

Man travels from China to S Korea on jet ski (Korea Coast Guard / AFP - Getty Images)

The man, who lived in South Korea before, had visited the Incheon area several times, the statement added.

His name has not been released by South Korean authorities, and official statements have referred to him as Mr. A.

The coast guard told NBC News by phone Wednesday that he had been handed to Incheon police authorities the previous day.

Lee Dae-seon, a pro-democracy activist based in South Korea, identified the man as a Chinese dissident called Kwon Pyong.

He told NBC News that Kwon had been trying to leave China ever since the crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong in 2019.

Front Line Defenders, a nongovernmental organization working to protect human rights activists around the world, has a profile of Kwon on its website, saying he has actively campaigned for detained lawyers and other human rights defenders in China.

Kwon served an 18-month prison term for inciting subversion of state power and was released in 2018, the group said. The evidence against him included a photo of him wearing a T-shirt criticizing Chinese President Xi Jinping with the slogan Xitler, it added.

Lee said Kwon asked him for his phone number two days before the coast guard said it apprehended him, and told him that he was now ready to come to South Korea, without explaining how he was going to get across.

Lee said that he got a call from Kwon from the Incheon coast guards office after his detention, and that he saw the man in custody Tuesday.

Lee said he has been in touch with lawyers specializing in seeking refugee status in South Korea, which can be difficult, but said Kwon is also open to going to a third country as he speaks English.

He said Kwons parents also traveled to South Korea in light of the incident.

[They] told me that they found out from the Chinese authorities that Kwon was banned from leaving China for the next 99 years, Lee added. [He] had no choice but to flee China for his safety.

China has increasingly employed exit bans to bar people  including domestic critics and foreign executives  from leaving the country.

Lee said Kwon attended Iowa State University and has a degree in aerodynamics. He said Kwon bought the jet ski shortly before the departure from Shandong.

NBC News reached out to the Chinese Embassy in Seoul for comment, but the incident was not mentioned during the Chinese Foreign Ministry briefing Wednesday.

Stella Kim reported from Seoul, and Yuliya Talmazan from London.
By Andrew Osborn

MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia has removed Sergei Surovikin, nicknamed "General Armageddon", as head of the air force after he vanished from public view during a Wagner mercenary mutiny against the top army brass, the RIA state news agency reported on Wednesday.

A recipient of Russia's top military award, Surovikin would be the most senior Russian military figure to lose his job over the June 23-34 mutiny, which President Vladimir Putin said could have tipped Russia into civil war.

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, who spearheaded the revolt, remains at liberty and on Monday posted a video address which he suggested was shot in Africa. The two men Prigozhin had wanted to topple - Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the General Staff - remain in their posts.

Once commander of Russia's overall war effort in Ukraine when he was lauded by Russian and Western military experts as one of its most effective operators, Surovikin has not been publicly fired but RIA cited an unnamed source as saying:

"Ex-chief of the Russian Air and Space Forces Sergei Surovikin has now been relieved of his post, while Colonel-General Viktor Afzalov, head of the Main Staff of the Air Force, is temporarily acting as commander-in-chief of the Air Force".

Reuters could not independently verify the report and there was no immediate official confirmation.

Surovikin's reported removal and the appointment of an acting successor suggests the authorities found fault with his behaviour during the revolt.

U.S. officials told Reuters in June that Surovikin had been supportive of Prigozhin, but that Western intelligence did not know with certainty whether he had helped the rebellion in any way.

Given Surovikin's reputed competence, some Western military experts have suggested his removal from battlefield operations could hurt Russia's campaign in Ukraine, something it calls "a special military operation".

Surovikin's last public appearance was on June 24, the second and final day of the mutiny, when he appeared in what looked like a carefully stage-managed video. Visibly strained and without insignia, he urged Prigozhin to abandon his march on Moscow.

Since the mutiny, which was ended by negotiations and a Kremlin deal, some Russian news outlets and sources have said that Surovikin, who was often publicly praised by Prigozhin in the run-up to the revolt, was being investigated for possible complicity in it and being held under house arrest.

RIA's report suggests he remains a member of the Russian military. It said nothing about his future.

Surovikin earned the nickname "General Armageddon" during Russia's military intervention in Syria for the brutal tactics he employed there.

He was placed in charge of Russian military operations in Ukraine last October, but in January that role was handed to General Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the general staff, and Surovikin was made a deputy to Gerasimov.

Afzalov was previously deputy to Surovikin and has been chief of staff of the Aerospace Forces for at least four years, according to British military intelligence. Ukraine says he played a direct role in the planning and prosecution of Russia's onslaught against it.

During Surovikin's absence from public view, Afzalov was shown on television briefing Gerasimov last month.

(Reporting by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
By Pavel Polityuk

KYIV (Reuters) -Russian drones struck Ukrainian grain facilities at the Danube River port of Izmail overnight in what a senior official said on Wednesday was a systematic attempt by Moscow to prevent Kyiv exporting grain to the world.

Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said the port's export capacity had been reduced by 15% and that 13,000 metric tons of grain had been destroyed.

Grain facilities in the Odesa region on the Black Sea also came under fire in the eighth wave of attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure since Russia quit a U.N.-brokered deal last month that had allowed Kyiv to ship its grain via the Black Sea.

The Danube River has become Ukraine's main route for exporting grain since the collapse of the deal, which was meant to help tackle a global food crisis, and Izmail is Ukraine's main inland port across the Danube from Romania.

"13,000 tonnes of grain were destroyed by Russia as a result of the Shahed (drone) attack on the port of Izmail," Kubrakov said on the Telegram messaging app. "Several private grain terminals and warehouses were damaged, as well as cargo infrastructure."

He said the grain that was destroyed had been destined for Egypt and Romania, and that a total of 270,000 tons of grain had now been destroyed in attacks since Russia quit the Black Sea grain deal.

"This night alone, the export capacity of the port of Izmail was reduced by 15%," Kubrakov said. "Russia is systematically hitting grain silos and warehouses to stop agricultural exports."

The Ukrainian military published photographs showing piles of grain under the burnt and wrecked shell of a storage facility.

Russia did not immediately comment on the attacks, but blames Ukraine and its Western allies for the collapse of the Black Sea grain deal.

SOME DRONES SHOT DOWN

Odesa governor Oleh Kiper said the attack on the Odesa region lasted three hours and that the Ukrainian air force had destroyed nine Russian drones.

"Unfortunately, there were hits to the production and transhipment complexes where a fire broke out... The damage includes grain storage facilities," Kiper said on Telegram.

Ukrainian air defences said later on Wednesday they had shot down 11 out of 20 drones launched by Russia overnight.

Ukraine's Danube ports accounted for around a quarter of Ukrainian grain exports before Russia pulled out of the deal to provide safe passage for the export of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea in July.

Ukraine operates two major ports on the Danube - Izmail and Reni. Global grain prices rose earlier this month, when Russia attacked Izmail and Reni.

(Additional reporting by Anna Pruchnicka, Writing by Pavel Polityuk, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
A resident leaves flowers at a makeshift memorial outside the Mag.Pi clothing store in Lake Arrowhead. (Robyn Beck / AFP via Getty Images)

For years before last week's killing of a businesswoman who displayed a Pride flag in front of her Lake Arrowhead shop,, the gunman, Travis Ikeguchi, posted far-right, conspiratorial content to his social media accounts.

Most of it had no personal detail. There were rants against the LGBTQ+ community, posts about political correctness as well as anti-police content. Ikeguchi posted often on his Christian beliefs and about the importance of accepting Jesus Christ.

Days after Ikeguchi, 27, was killed by San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies following the shooting of Laura Ann Carleton outside her shop, Mag.Pi, few details have been revealed about who Ikeguchi was beyond his fringe political beliefs.

Authorities said Ikeguchi made several disparaging remarks about a rainbow flag outside Carleton's store Friday and hurled homophobic slurs at her. The heated argument then turned violent, and Ikeguchi fatally shot Carleton, 66, before running away, according to the Sheriff's Department.

According to an acquaintance of Carleton who watched closed-circuit video of the shooting, Ikeguchi seemed to pause in the moment before he shot Carleton, as if considering what he was about to do.

"He then almost flinched as if thinking twice but then went for it, grabbed the gun and then aimed it and shot Lauri," said the acquaintance, who requested anonymity because the video did not belong to him.

"That caused her to fall back onto the floor, and then the door swung closed, and then he shot one shot through that door and then took off."

Carleton was holding a phone when she was shot and never exited her store, according to the acquaintance.

A short time later, deputies confronted Ikeguchi and shot him to death after he opened fire, the department said.

Read more:A pride flag, an argument and gunfire: The senseless killing of Laura Ann Carleton

Court documents and a few social media posts paint a narrow picture of Ikeguchi's troubled life, a young man struggling to make ends meet and support his mother while falling further into an abyss of social media conspiracy theories and hate-fueled rhetoric online.

Ikeguchi moved to California with his sister and mother after his parents divorced in 2018.

He appeared to have an account on the social media platform Gab, where a user with his name routinely posted anti-LGBTQ+ screeds and conspiratorial content. He posted often about his distrust in police  and at least once about killing police, social media posts show.

I know its controversial for me to mention the option to kill a police officer, but these police officers are not the servants for the people they are the servants for the laws, a post in 2021 reads.

The posts belie the fact that Ikeguchi was the son of a Florida Highway Patrol state trooper and firearms instructor who had reached the level of "master trooper," according to court filings.

But a messy divorce left Ikeguchi with animosity toward his father.

Read more:Killer in Pride flag dispute appears to have posted anti-LGBTQ+ rants and conspiracies online

Ikeguchi claimed in early 2019 that he and his mother were living in their car and struggling to afford food after the divorce.

He started a GoFundMe asking for money for housing and food.

"I don't have a home and I don't have enough money for a place to stay and eat," he wrote in a tweet that linked to the GoFundMe page.

"Nobody in my family is going to help me on this; they are selfish and greedy when it comes to helping out with others especially me. And the sad part of it is that all them work for the government," he continued.

He claimed that his father was using his law enforcement position to "withhold money" and "leave us penniless."

In divorce filings, however, Ikeguchi's father said he continued to pay auto insurance and spousal support throughout the divorce process.

Read more:Editorial: Fly the pride flag high for Laura Ann Carleton. And freedom

Ikeguchi's mother said that she was living with her son and his sister in California and that Ikeguchi was supporting her.

"My son Travis had to use his remaining college money to support us," she said.

The living situation deteriorated, and Ikeguchi's sister asked them to leave, according to his mother's filing.

Ikeguchi continued to post on social media after the divorce resolved in 2020.

In 2021, he filed for a name change in San Bernardino County, according to court filings.

He was granted a change from Travis Kirby Ikeguchi to Timothy Thomas Yokohama, according to filings.

"Taking the name of my ancestry," he listed for his reason for changing his name.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP)  Tropical Storm Franklin unleashed heavy floods and landslides in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday after making landfall in the country's southern region, killing at least one person and injuring two others.

The storm began to slowly spin away late Wednesday afternoon from the island of Hispaniola that the Dominican Republic shares with Haiti after dumping heavy rain for several hours. Forecasters warned the storm could drop up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain in the Dominican Republic, with a maximum of 16 inches (41 centimeters) for the country's western and central regions. Meanwhile, up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) of rain are forecast for Haiti, with nearly 8 inches (20 centimeters) for the country's eastern regions.

The population of the Dominican Republic must all be right now, without exception, in their homes, the homes of friends and family, or in shelters, said Juan Manuel Mendez, emergency operations director.

The Civil Defense identified the man killed as Carlos Marino Martinez, saying he died in the city of San Cristobal after being swept away by floodwaters. The agency initially said he was one of its volunteers, but later corrected the information saying it misidentified a uniform he was wearing. They did not provide further details. Two women in that city also were injured following a landslide and were hospitalized, officials said.

More than 300 people were huddled in shelters in the Dominican Republic, where emergency operations officials said they were looking for a 54-year-old man with mental health problems who went missing after he jumped into a creek late Tuesday. Another 280 people were evacuated from their homes to safer ground, with at least six communities cut off by heavy rains, officials said.

The storm also downed several trees and at least two light posts, with dozens of homes affected by floods that turned streets into rushing rivers. Authorities said the roof of one home in San Cristobal collapsed, as did walls of various buildings around the country.

There's a lot of damage, Mendez said.

Meanwhile, authorities in neighboring Puerto Rico, which also was hit by Franklin's rain, were searching for two scuba divers missing south of the U.S. territory in waters churned up by the storm.

The U.N.s World Food Program warned Wednesday that some 125,000 people in the Dominican Republic are living in areas that are extremely vulnerable to landslides and flash floods because they live in poor, overcrowded settlements near rivers, creeks, and lagoons.

Hercules Urbaez, a 41-year-old father of six who lives in the city of Barahona, where Franklin made landfall, said he and his family went to his mother's house for safety.

People have refused to leave, he said.

Late Wednesday afternoon, the storm was centered about 5 miles (8 kilometers) east of Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. It had maximum winds of 40 mph (65 kph) with higher gusts and was moving northward at 13 mph (20 kph).

Rivers were swelling across the country, with one in the southern coastal city of Barahona lapping at shacks made of tin where one resident used plastic buckets to raise his mattress above his home's dirt floor.

In the capital of Santo Domingo, Jose Abott, a 34-year-old graphic designer, monitored the water level of a river near his home via a WhatsApp group: It always fills with water.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Harold weakened into a tropical depression Tuesday night after making landfall in South Texas, bringing strong winds and rain, leaving thousands of homes without power.

In the Caribbean, officials were most concerned about Franklins impact in Haiti, which is prone to catastrophic flooding given the countrys severe erosion.

Haiti is among the most vulnerable countries in the world when it comes to the effects of extreme weather," said Jean-Martin Bauer, the World Food Program's director for Haiti. In June, a powerful thunderstorm that unleashed heavy rains left more than 40 people dead across the country.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry had urged Haitians on Tuesday to stock up on water, food and medication.

More than 200,000 people in Haiti have been displaced by gang violence over the past few years: authorities checked up on some of those living on the street or in makeshift shelters.

In the Dominican Republic, officials shuttered schools, government agencies and several airports with at least 25 of the countrys 31 provinces under red alert. On Wednesday, more than 400,000 customers were without power, and dozens of aqueducts were out of service because of heavy rains, affecting more than 1.3 million customers.

Flooding already had been reported on Tuesday in Santo Domingo, and beyond, where residents prepared for heavy rainfall.

Were scared of the river, said Doralisa Sanchez, a government employee who lives near the Ozama River that divides the city. She had to flee her home three times during previous storms.

She hoped Franklin wouldnt force her to temporarily abandon her home because she said people steal belongings left behind.

The storm worried thousands of Dominicans who live in flood-prone areas.

When two drops of water fall here, this suddenly becomes flooded, said Juan Olivo Urbaez, who owns a small business in a community near the Ozama River.

The National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning for the Turks and Caicos Islands, where up to 3 inches (8 centimeters) of rain was forecast in some areas.

Franklin is the seventh named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. An eighth named storm, Gert, dissipated on Tuesday.

On Aug. 10, the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration updated its forecast and warned that this years hurricane season would be above normal. Between 14 to 21 named storms are forecast. Of those, six to 11 could become hurricanes, with two to five of them possibly becoming major hurricanes.

___

Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The founder of the Wagner private mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who died when his plane fell out of the sky, was once close enough to Vladimir Putin to be called his personal chef before he led a mutiny that posed perhaps the greatest challenge yet to the Russian presidents long rule.

For years Prigozhin was an elusive figure, growing wealthy in the chaos and opportunity of the post-Soviet Russian economy.

He was thrust into the spotlight through his groups close involvement in Russias invasion of Ukraine, securing rare victories for the Kremlin.

Prigozhin led an armed insurrection against Putin on June 23  two months to the day before his plane came down  after railing against the countrys military brass over their handling of the Ukraine war.

His group started marching towards Moscow, shooting down military aircraft and killing Russian servicemen. But it was abruptly halted when a deal was brokered by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.

Criminal charges were dropped against the Wagner boss, who was supposed to go to neighboring Belarus. Putin said in a speech at the time that those on the path of treason would face punishment.

But afterwards, his fate was unclear. In the ensuing months, Prigozhin didnt exactly keep a low profile, popping up in St. Petersburg and, more recently, he claimed, in Africa, suggesting he retained some influence.

Other Putin critics have been poisoned, or worse; meanwhile, a man who led an armed rebellion appeared to have escaped punishment.

No evidence has emerged pointing to any involvement of the Kremlin or Russian security services in the crash. The cause of the incident remains unknown and a Russian probe is ongoing. Investigators on Sunday confirmed, however, after carrying out genetic tests, that the mercenary boss was among the 10 people killed in the crash.

Humble beginnings

Putin and Prigozhin shared relatively humble beginnings, and the Wagner chief grew up in the tougher neighborhoods of St. Petersburg, which is also the presidents hometown.

The men had known each other since the 1990s. The pair reportedly met after Prigozhins release following a nine-year stint in prison for fraud and robbery, according to Russian media reports.

Upon leaving jail, he went into the catering business. Putin turned to him to provide food for his birthday parties as well as dinners with visiting leaders, including US President George Bush and Jacques Chirac of France. A headline in The Moscow Times once referred to Prigozhin as Putins Personal Chef.

Prigozhin subsequently won lucrative catering contracts for schools and Russias armed forces. He escorted Putin around his new food-processing factory in 2010. By then he was very much a Kremlin insider with a growing commercial empire.

His transformation from wealthy oligarch into a brutal warlord came in the aftermath of the 2014 Russian-backed separatist movement in the Donbas, in eastern Ukraine.

Prigozhin founded Wagner that year as a mercenary outfit that fought both in Ukraine and, increasingly, for Russian-backed causes around the world. He would deny his connection to the shadowy outfit for years despite evidence to the contrary.

Prigozhin meets with Russia's Deputy Minister of Defense Yunus-Bek Yevkurov on June 24. - Obtained by Reuters

CNN has tracked Wagner mercenaries in the Central African Republic, Sudan, Libya, Mozambique, Mali, Ukraine and Syria. Over the years they have developed a gruesome reputation and have been linked to multiple human rights abuses.

Meanwhile, his business empire soon extended well beyond kitchens and battlefields. He also set up a Russian troll farm in St. Petersburg, the Internet Research Agency (IRA), where provocateurs were paid by Prigozhin to interfere with and undermine the 2016 US presidential election.

The US Treasury Department sanctioned the IRA in 2018, accusing it of having created and managed a vast number of fake online personas that posed as legitimate US persons to include grassroots organizations, interest groups, and a state political party on social media.

After Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Wagner  bolstered by Russian convicts lured to its ranks personally by Prigozhin with promises of pardons and high salaries  took center stage. Its forces were heavily involved in taking the Ukrainian towns of Soledar and Bakhmut. And Prigozhin went from being a once camera-shy figure into a social media star, taking a far more active role on the front line than any of his Kremlin backers.

As the regular Russian army campaign was bogged down by setbacks and disorganization, he and his Wagner fighters appeared to be the only ones capable of delivering tangible progress for the Russian side.

Dilemma for Putin

Known for its disregard for the lives of its own soldiers, Wagners brutal and often lawless tactics are believed to have resulted in high numbers of casualties, as new recruits are sent into battle with little formal training  a process described by retired United States Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling as like feeding meat to a meat grinder.

Prigozhin used social media to lobby for what he wanted and often cast himself as competent and ruthless in contrast to the Kremlins military establishment.

In recent months, Prigozhin created a dilemma for Putin by becoming an outspoken critic of Russias military leaders.

Prigozhin, left, serves food to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, center, during dinner at Prigozhin's restaurant outside Moscow, Russia in November 2011. - Misha Japaridze/AP

In one particularly grim video from early May, Prigozhin stood next to a pile of dead Wagner fighters and took aim specifically at Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and chief of the Russian armed forces, Gen. Valery Gerasimov.

The blood is still fresh, he said, pointing to the bodies behind him. They came here as volunteers and are dying so you can sit like fat cats in your luxury offices.

After complaining for well over a month of receiving insufficient support from the Kremlin in the grueling fight for the eastern city of Bakhmut, he announced in May that his troops would withdraw.

Prigozhin launched an all-out rebellion against the Kremlin in June at time when many observers were questioning if he was going too far with his increasingly outrageous outbursts.

The Wagner mutiny began when Prigozhin unleashed a fresh tirade against the Russian military and then marched his troops into the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don.

Staring down a sudden and staggering escalation of internal tensions that had simmered for months, Putin called Wagners actions treason.

It is a stab in the back of our country and our people, the president said in an address after Wagners about-face.

Prigozhin responded on Telegram saying that Putin was deeply mistaken.

We are patriots of our Motherland, we fought and are fighting, the Wagner chief said.

Speaking a day after the deadly plane crash, Putin reflected on his decades-long relationship with Prigozhin, saying he had known him for a very long time. He described the Wagner leader as a talented businessman who had made serious mistakes in life.

CNNs Tim Lister, Jim Sciutto, Mick Krever, Jerome Taylor, Anna Chernova, Radina Gigova and Josh Pennington contributed to this report.

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Officials announced Wednesday that a Philadelphia police officer who fatally shot a 27-year-old man last week will be fired for administrative violations. The announcement comes after police walked back their initial narrative about the fatal encounter and the attorney representing the family of the victim released a video that contradicted that account.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said Wednesday she has decided to suspend Officer Mark Dial for 30 days with the intent to dismiss him. Dial is not being terminated for fatally shooting Eddie Irizarry on Aug. 14, but for violating department policy related to the refusal to obey orders from a superior officer and failure to cooperate in any departmental investigation, Outlaw said.

Police initially said last Monday that Irizarry got out of his car after a brief car chase with a knife and lunged at officers prior to the fatal shooting. Two days later, Outlaw told reporters that body camera footage "made it very clear what we initially reported was not actually what happened.

On Tuesday, Irizarry family attorney Shaka Johnson released surveillance video of the incident, which showed an officer shooting into the driver's side of Irizarry's vehicle seconds after getting out of his police vehicle. Johnson, who also represented the family of Philadelphia police shooting victim Walter Wallace Jr., said he and the Irizarry family believe "there was an intentional misleading of the public."

"What about what you just saw could ever be confused as he got out of the car and lunged at police officers?" Johnson asked at a news conference Tuesday. "Not a single thing. That was an out-and-out, flat-out lie."

When asked about Johnson's comments, Outlaw said it's "understandable" that there's a lot of emotion involved in the situation, but she defended the department.

"Once it was brought to our attention that that was misinformation that was put out there, we corrected it and we didn't have to do that ... We discovered it ourselves and did what we could in a timely manner to make sure that that narrative was quickly addressed," she said.

Shaka Johnson, a lawyer representing the family of Walter Wallace, held a press conference Friday at Philadelphia's City Hall.

What does the video show?

Johnson said he and the family were able to obtain surveillance video of the incident, which shows an officer shooting into the driver's side of Irizarry's vehicle seconds after getting out of his police vehicle.

Surveillance video released by Johnson shows Irizarry driving over orange traffic cones as he pulls into a parking spot. Seconds later a police vehicle pulls up next to his car. Two officers get out, draw their weapons and approach both sides of Irizarry's car.

The officers tell Irizarry to show them his hands as Irizarry appears to roll his window up. Then the officer on the driver's side, later identified as Mark Dial, appears to fire his gun into the car multiple times.

The officer runs back toward the patrol car and reports that shots have been fired. The officers then attempt to open the doors of Irizarry's vehicle.

What did police say about the shooting?

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw speaks with members of the media during a news conference in Philadelphia, Tuesday, March 8, 2022. Outlaw announced she plans to suspend and fire the plainclothes officer who fired the fatal shot that killed a fleeing 12-year-old Thomas Siderio Jr. last week.

Outlaw said last week two officers spotted a Toyota Corolla "driving erratically" and followed the vehicle until it drove the wrong way down a one-way street and parked. She said the officer who approached on the passenger side attempted to open the door and alerted the officer on the driver's side that the man inside had a weapon.

Outlaw said the man "turned towards" the officer on the driver's side who then fired his weapon multiple times. The driver was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead, she said. Two knives were found inside the vehicle, a kitchen-style knife and a serrated folding knife, according to Peter Marrero, a detective who is investigating the shooting.

Officials said the initial narrative that was reported was called into police radio and the body camera footage later contradicted that account. Outlaw said Wednesday the source of the initial information is still under investigation and she's "looking forward to finding out what the answer is."

Outlaw previously said police gave the public "the best information that we had available," at the time.

I understand and want to acknowledge the hurt and confusion that family and community members can experience when details of investigations change, and especially when they change in a very public way, Outlaw said last week.

'We need answers,' family member says

Irizarry's family told the Philadelphia Inquirer he came to the city from Puerto Rico seven years ago and he did not speak or understand English. Outlaw told reporters last week she did not know if there was a language barrier between the officers and the driver.

Johnson said Irizarry had no criminal record and struggled with schizophrenia. He said Irizarry, a mechanic, carried a pocket knife that he used for work.

We need answers. Why? Zoraida Garcia, Irizarrys aunt, told the newspaper. Why is this officer still at home? He murdered my nephew.

When will body camera footage be released?

Body camera footage has not yet been released publicly, and Johnson told reporters Tuesday the family has not been able to view it. The authority to release the footage to the family or the public lies with the Office of District Attorney Larry Krasner, according to Ava Schwemler, director of communications in the city's law department.

Jane Roh, a spokesperson for the district attorney's office, told USA TODAY the office has been in contact repeatedly with the Irizarry family's legal counsel and "intends to keep its sworn obligation to seek justice for all those involved in the fatal shooting of Mr. Irizarry, as well as for all those Philadelphians who are not directly involved but who care deeply about fairness, justice, and independence."

"We will have more to say about this situation when we can do so consistent with preserving the quality and integrity of our independent investigation," she said in a statement.

Calls for officer to be fired, charged investigation ongoing

Outlaw said the investigation into the shooting itself and the inaccuracy of the initial account is ongoing. She said Dial may face additional disciplinary charges if he violated additional department policies.

Outlaw again acknowledged the difficulty of regaining the public's trust. She previously said her department is conducting a criminal investigation and working in parallel with the district attorney's office.

"Once we get a clearer picture. I will be able to say with certainty and make a determination whether or not they operated within policy of the department," Outlaw said last week.

Irizarrys family and friends gathered on the street where he was killed Tuesday again demanding that Dial be charged and they be allowed to view the body camera footage, the Inquirer reported. The city's Citizens Police Oversight Commission, an independent agency, said its members have been monitoring the investigation into the shooting and recommended the department terminate Dial.

Anthony Erace, the commission's interim executive director, told USA TODAY this marked the first time the commission has recommended the firing of an officer in its nearly yearlong existence. He said the recommendation was made before he viewed the video released by Johnson and agreed it was a "fairly big step."

Erace said while the commission will be investigating the circumstances that led to the police department initially releasing incorrect information, he believes the department tried to be transparent quickly.

"There's a difference between wrong and rotten, right?" he said. "If you're asking me if I think it was a conspiracy to conceal information from the public, I don't think that it was."

The oversight commission is hosting a virtual public meeting Wednesday night for "concerned community members." At the city news conference Wednesday, Mayor Jim Kenney acknowledged that Philadelphia has gone through "rocky times" of unrest after the killings of Wallace and George Floyd in Minneapolis, but said the city is able to recover and move forward.

"This is certainly a tragedy and my heart breaks for the family and for the loss of Mr. Irizarry," he said. "Again, this is an ongoing investigation and I'm not going to have any comment or what I think or feel about what I've seen or know until this investigation is concluded."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Eddie Irizarry shooting: Officer suspended for administrative violations
Police said Annika Olson violated two Florida statutes (Lee County Sheriffs Office)

Police are being scrutinised after a video of a woman being arrested in Florida after she gave money to someone selling flowers in the median trended on social media.

Seemingly because a video is circulating on social media depicting the arrest of Annika Olson, the Lee County Sheriffs office detailed the incident in a statement two days after it transpired.

On 16 August, officials were conducting an investigation in Bonita Springs, involving Norma Garcia, who was selling merchandise in the median of Imperial Parkway, a violation of a county ordinance, the statement explained.

This ordinance, for the safety of pedestrians and motorists, prohibits the sale of merchandise from the median or in the roadway, the statement continued.

According to the officials, Ms Garcia had been previously warned against peddling wares in the roadway.

As she was being investigated, another woman, Annika Olson, 24, was driving by the encounter and stopped her vehicle in the driving lane on Imperial Parkway.

The police said that since Ms Olsons car was blocking traffic, it created a safety hazard for other motorists, deputies, Ms. Garcia, and herself, so they asked her to move.

Ms Olson refused, approached the officers, and interfered with their investigation and Ms. Garcias arrest. The police then arrested the woman for refusing to comply with police and for resisting an officer without violence.

In the video footage of the incident, as she was being handcuffed, Ms Olson can be heard saying I was just trying to give her $20.

The 24-year-old told NBC2, I saw there were police [deputies] near her, but I did not understand that she was being arrested, adding that she just wanted to give someone 20 bucks because they were having a bad day.

I had no idea panhandling was illegal; people do it all the time, Ms Olson told the outlet. I understand that its dangerous for them, but if someones putting themselves in that situation in this summer heat, obviously, they are doing it out of desperation; they dont want to be there.

Ms Olson was both booked and released on 17 August, and is set to appear in court on 6 September, according to arrest records. The outlet reported that Ms Garcia was also charged with interfering in the public right of way.
(Photo : Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Tropical Storm Harold made landfall on Texas on Tuesday, bringing heavy rainfall and powerful winds to the state.

Texas authorities issued warnings in the state on Tuesday as Tropical Storm Harold was downgraded to a tropical depression. It made landfall, brought heavy rainfall, and caused power outages and flash floods.

Officials from the National Weather Service (NWS) predicted that there would be roughly one to three inches of rainfall in under an hour in some areas of the state. The situation comes a day after historic levels of rain flooded parts of the United States southwest.

Tropical Storm Harold

On Tuesday, California and Nevada were cleaning up after several parts of the states experienced historic amounts of rain from Storm Hilary. The latter resulted in widespread flooding, mudflows, downed power lines, and trapped cars.

The NWS monitored and tracked two other tropical storms moving west toward the US. Around 10:00 a.m. local time, Harold made landfall on Texas' Padre Island in the Gulf of Mexico, as BBC.

Authorities issued tropical storm warnings and affected areas from the Rio Grande River, located along the state's southern boundary, to roughly 250 miles north, to the community of Port O'Connor.

More than a million people were expected to be placed under tropical storm warnings in the state. The NWS also warned that scattered instances of flash flooding were entirely possible.

The weather agency was forced to issue a tornado warning for counties in south-central Texas due to wind speeds reaching up to 50 miles per hour. Officials warned residents in the areas not to go outside because of "flying debris" that could be dangerous.

After making landfall in Texas, the tropical storm started to get weaker, and at around 5:00 p.m. local time, its wind speeds were down to roughly 30 miles per hour. Furthermore, according to CNN, all tropical storm warnings along the Texas coast were discontinued at the time.

Read Also: Canada Wildfire Intensifies Forcing Trudeau To Deploy Military in British Columbia

Heavy Rainfall in Texas

Officials said that the center of the tropical depression was located about 15 miles east of Laredo, Texas, and noted that it would continue moving into northern Mexico in the next few hours. As of Tuesday evening, power was knocked out for nearly 20,000 people in the state.

The storm has brought more rain to Corpus Christi, Texas, in just a few hours than the area has experienced for the entire summer. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also ordered the deployment of the Texas National Guard, swift water rescue boat squads, and other emergency resources.

Additionally, Naval Air Station Kingsville issued orders to those in the RV Park on the installation to evacuate, as voluntary evacuations were called in Riviera, Baffin Bay, and Loyola Beach. In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, United States President Joe Biden confirmed that he had released a new directive.

This was to have the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) pre-deploy personnel to the rain-stricken state to assist state and local officials. CBS News said they were also going to be responsible for coordinating any requests for resources if federal assistance becomes needed.

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Photograph: Seth Wenig/AP

Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trumps former lawyer, surrendered to authorities at the Fulton county jail on Wednesday on charges that he helped lead a racketeering enterprise and conspired to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the state of Georgia.

The surrender in Atlanta marks a jarring moment for Giuliani, a former federal prosecutor who made his name with aggressive racketeering cases, now facing a racketeering charge himself.

Speaking to reporters after his surrender, Giuliani said, while laughing, that he was very, very honored to be involved in this case because this case is a fight for our way of life.

This indictment is a travesty, he continued. Its an attack on  not just me, not just President Trump  this is an attack on the American people. If this could happen to me, who is probably the most prolific prosecutor maybe in American history and the most effective mayor for sure, it can happen to you.

Alongside Trump, Giuliani faces the most charges in the sprawling 41-count indictment handed up by a grand jury last week that described how he played a principal role in marshalling fake slates of electors among other schemes to reverse Trumps defeat in the 2020 election.

The bond for Giuliani was set at $150,000 after his lawyers met with the Fulton county district attorney Fani Willis earlier in the day. The amount was slightly less than the $200,000 bond for Trump but more than the $100,000 bond for another former Trump lawyer, Sidney Powell.

Rudy Giulianis booking photo in Atlanta. Photograph: Getty Images

Trump is expected to turn himself in for booking on Thursday evening, the Guardian has previously reported, during the prime viewing hours for the cable news networks as he seeks to distract from the indignity of surrendering by turning things into a made-for-television spectacle.

Giuliani left Manhattan in the morning to travel to Atlanta with his lead lawyer, John Esposito, on a private jet, though the source of the funding for the plane remains uncertain given Giuliani has struggled financially in the wake of mounting legal bills.

Giulianis financial trouble stemming from having to retain lawyers for the congressional and federal criminal investigations into efforts to subvert the 2020 election results have become particularly acute in recent weeks, according to two people familiar with the matter.

The money problems have been exacerbated by Giulianis recent setbacks in court  including in a defamation case against two Georgia election workers he falsely accused of stealing ballots  and the suspension of his law license over his election subversion efforts means he has few income streams.

The situation has led to Giuliani listing his Manhattan apartment for sale for more than $6m. He also travelled to Trumps Mar-a-Lago club in April to ask the former president to help pay his legal bills after Trump rejected his earlier entreaties for support, the people said.

When that trip failed to convince Trump to have his Save America political action committee pay for Giulianis legal bills, in the way that Trump has doled out $21m for aides legal bills tied up in the criminal investigations, Giulianis son Andrew made his own trip to see Trump.

Trump has never explained why he has consistently refused to help Giuliani, but people in his orbit point to Trumps complaints that Giuliani was defeated in almost every 2020 election lawsuit that he brought.

But the meeting with Andrew Giuliani appears to have helped, and Trump agreed to attend two fundraisers, the people said. Trump will host a $100,000-per-person fundraiser at his Bedminster club in New Jersey next month, according to an invitation reviewed by the New York Times.
Yevgeny Prigozhin  an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin until launching a failed insurrection with his Wagner Group mercenaries in June  was aboard the private jet that crashed Wednesday northwest of Moscow, the Russian aviation agency Rosaviatsia said.

All 10 people on the flight from Moscow to St. Petersburg  seven passengers and three crew members  were killed when the plane came down about 185 miles from the capital, according to officials cited by Russias state-run news agency Tass.

Prigozhin, 62, was listed as a passenger but it was initially unclear whether he was on board the flight, which went down on a field in the Tver region. A Telegram post in the Wagner-linked Grey Zone channel said Prigozhin "died as a result of the actions of traitors to Russia.''Maps and graphics explain: Prigozhin listed aboard deadly plane crash in Russia

Unconfirmed media reports said the plane belonged to Prigozhin, who led his forces on a march that came within 120 miles of Moscow before turning around June 24. Prigozhin and the Wagner soldiers were granted asylum in Belarus as part of a deal to end the rebellion, but he was later seen in Russia and Africa.

The authorities said they were investigating. Unverified video footage shows what appears to be Prigozhin's plane plummeting from the sky despite showing no previous signs of trouble, according to flight-tracking data. The Interfax news agency, citing emergency officials, reported early Thursday that all 10 bodies had been recovered and the search operation had ended.

This photograph posted on a Wagner linked Telegram channel @grey_zone on Aug. 23, 2023, shows a burning plane wreckage near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region.

Before getting confirmation of Prigozhin's fate, President Joe Biden told reporters he would not be surprised if the mercenary leader met an untimely death. Asked if Putin was behind it, Biden said: Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putin's not behind. But I dont know enough to know the answer. ''

Prigozhin gained prominence as a caterer to Kremlin events, a role that earned him the nickname "Putin's Chef,'' before he founded the Wagner private military company. Wagner forces were instrumental in the grinding, months-long battle over the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, a source of Prigozhin's frequent criticism of the Russian Ministry of Defense and its leadership.

Contributing: Francesca Chambers

In this image taken from video released by Razgruzka_Vagnera telegram channel on Aug. 21, 2023, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the owner of the Wagner Group military company, speaks to a camera at an unknown location.

Developments:

 A Russian missile slammed into a school in the northern Ukraine city of Romny, killing the school director, deputy director, secretary and librarian, authorities said. Four passersby were injured.

 Canada imposed sanctions against four people and 29 organizations from Russia associated with the military, nuclear and finance industries, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced.

 A U.S.-made P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance plane owned by Norway was approaching the Russian border when it was intercepted by a Russian MiG-29 jet and turned back, the Russian military said Wednesday. Norway, a NATO member, had no immediate comment.

 Eight Ukrainian pilots and more than 60 technical and support personnel have now arrived at Skrydstrup Air Force Base in Denmark to begin training on flying, servicing and maintaining F-16 combat aircraft, the Danish military said.

 A Russian helicopter was hijacked by its pilot defector and landed in the Kharkiv region of northwest Ukraine loaded with spare parts, Ukrainian military officials told Ukrainian Pravda. Two crew members were "eliminated," the military said.

Russia's 'General Armageddon' fired as air force chief

A notorious officer, dubbed General Armageddon for his brutal tactics in Syria before leading the Russian military effort in Ukraine, has been fired from a lesser position as chief of the air force, Russian media reported.

Gen. Sergei Surovikin's name had been loosely linked to Wagner's brief coup attempt two months ago, and though no direct connection between him and the insurrection has been established, he has not been seen in public since, state media website RBC reported.

Surovikin was replaced by Gen. Viktor Afzalov as chief of staff for Aerospace Forces. Surovikin had been appointed commander of the troops in Ukraine in October but lost that post in February. In the ensuing months, Wagner head Prigozhin repeatedly criticized the Russian Defense Ministry for failing to provide his troops with sufficient weaponry. Prigozhin lauded Surovikin, however, saying when he led the war effort, ammunition was no problem.

What price peace? 90% of Ukrainians unwilling to give up land to Russia

More than 90% of Ukrainians are unwilling to give up land to Russia to end the war, while less than 5% are willing to do so, a new survey found. Giving up future membership in NATO drew a bit more interest  18% of respondents said they could support that. About the same percentage of respondents are ready to give the Russian language official status or to abandon the policy of decommunization in favor of the Kremlin.

Almost half of Ukrainians (49%) believe their country is moving in the right direction, about a third (32%) believe it's going in the wrong direction and the rest are undecided.

"The vast majority of Ukrainians continue to demonstrate their unwillingness to compromise with the aggressor in order to end the war," the survey managers said. The survey of more than 2,000 adults was conducted by the Ilko Kucheriv Foundation and financed by the Netherlands Embassy in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy supports Ukraine's military tactics amid criticism

Ukraine President Volodymr Zelenskyy dismissed a New York Times report citing unnamed U.S. officials saying Kyiv's offensive has struggled because of tactical mistakes. The report says Kyiv's troops are spread too thin between the east and south while firepower should be concentrated on punching through Russia's southern defenses to sever its land bridge with occupied Crimea.

"We will not give up Kharkiv, Donbas, Pavlograd or Dnipro," Zelenskyy said. "Even if all the analysts of the world" disagree.

Blasts rip Russians in Crimea, Moscow

A missile defense system in Russian-held Crimea was destroyed and a Moscow building was damaged Wednesday, prompting pro-Kremlin bloggers to chastise their own military for failing to neutralize Ukraine's ability to strike.

The attacks were part of Kyiv's continuing quest to make Russians feel pain from the 18-month-old war that has ripped Ukraine apart while leaving Russia virtually untouched. The Ukraine military published video of what it said was a strike that destroyed a Russian anti-aircraft missile system at Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea, occupied by Russia since 2014.

"The installation itself, the missiles installed on it and the personnel were completely destroyed," the military said in a release. Ukraine officials called it a "painful blow" to a vital piece of Russia's defenses that could turn the tide in Kyiv's push to take back Crimea.

Russian blogger Rybar said the strike also hit a fuel truck and theorized the blast came from a missile fired from a Ukraine ship.

"A systematic defeat of the entire Ukrainian fleet is needed, and this requires changes in the organization of the Russian Navy," Rybar wrote.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ukraine updates: Wagner chief who plotted coup presumed dead in plane crash
Ukrainian forces appear to have stepped up their efforts to weaken Russian air superiority in the war by attacking bases that house supersonic warplanes deep inside Russian territory.

Kyiv said it had carried out a drone strike on the Shaykovka Russian military air facility some 200 kilometers (130 miles) northeast of the Ukrainian border on Monday. Over the weekend, Russias defense ministry said another Ukrainian drone hit the Soltsy military airfield in the Novgorod region, also hundreds of kilometers north of Ukraine.

Moscows dominance in the skies has been a major obstacle for Ukraines counteroffensive. Ukrainian forces have been working their way through dense minefields and multiple layers of defenses along the frontlines in recent weeks, while regularly coming under attack from above.

Thats why Kyiv has made it a priority to get F-16 fighter jets from its allies. But while the Netherlands and Denmark both agreed this week to provide the aircraft, it will take many months before Ukrainian pilots are trained up to use them. In the meantime, Ukraine seems to be trying to make a dent in Russias air power by targeting its air bases.

The Shaykovka military air base operates Tupolev Tu-22M3 supersonic long-range bombers that have been used by Russia to strike targets in Ukraine since the start of its full-scale invasion last year. Just last week, the Ukrainian air force reported that aircraft flying from Shaykovka had launched four Kh-22 cruise missiles towards Ukraine.

Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraines Defense Intelligence, said that a drone attack on the Shaykovka base in Russias Kaluga region on Monday left at least one aircraft damaged.

Speaking to Ukrainian media Liga.net, Yusov said the strike was carried out in clear coordination with the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ukraines Defense Ministry, adding that this specific task was carried out from within Russian territory.

Ukraine performs various tasks from inside Russia in many other cases, he added.

Russia has not officially commented on the latest incident. However, Baza  a Russian social media blog that has close contacts with the countrys security services  said that a Ukrainian drone had crashed at the Shaykovka base on Monday and that an unused aircraft at the airfield was damaged. It said that the information has not been officially confirmed.

Another Russian Telegram channel, Mash, also reported the incident.

A Ukrainian UAV landed on the territory of the airfield at around eight oclock this morning. According to our information, it was a civilian copter equipped with an IED (improvised explosive device) and a reinforced battery - it was spotted in time and shot down, Mash said.

Earlier, the governor of the region, Vladislav Shapsha, reported that a UAV attack was repelled in the Kirov district. The air base is about 15 kilometers north of the town of Kirov.

Yusov said that Russia was trying to underplay the incident. At least one plane is damaged. As in most cases, the Russian regime is trying to hide the true extent of losses and damage, he said.

File photo of Russian Tupolev Tu-22M supersonic bombers. - YURI KADOBNOV/AFP/Getty Images

Degrading morale

The attack on Monday was the second strike against a Russian air base housing powerful hardware in just three days.

Russias Defense Ministry said Saturday that a Ukrainian drone damaged a plane at a military airfield in Soltsy in the northwest Novgorod region. Ukraine did not comment on that incident.

The Russian ministry said the drone struck the field on Saturday morning and caused fire to break out. It claimed the drone was spotted and hit by small arms. The ministry statement didnt provide any details on the damage, only saying there were no casualties as a result of the attack.

A CNN analysis of satellite images of the base showed that this airfield was also used to house Tu-22M3 supersonic bombers.

An image taken on August 8 shows a number of Tu-22 bombers parked there. Then an image taken on August 21 appears to show charred ground where one of the Tu-22M3 planes was parked, while the rest of the aircraft appear to have been moved.

Two social media images geolocated by CNN show a similar aircraft on fire at the same base.

Ukrainian media reported that attacks on Russian bases over the past few days have destroyed several aircraft including two bombers, citing unnamed Ukrainian defense intelligence officials.

According to the Washington-based think tank the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), several Russian military bloggers claimed that Ukrainian forces used a small and relatively inexpensive quadcopter drone to conduct the attack and criticized the Russian Ministry of Defense for not storing the aircraft in hangars where they would have been protected.

The ISW added that while damage to or destruction of two Tu-22M3 bombers is not going to have a major military effect, the reaction by Russian military bloggers shows such deep attacks support larger Ukrainian efforts to degrade Russian morale.

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Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the passenger list of a plane that crashed in Russia's Tver region on Wednesday, according to the press service of Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency. He is presumed dead.

Ten people were killed in the crash near the town of Kuzhenkino, including Prigozhin.

"An investigation has been launched into the crash of the Embraer aircraft, which occurred tonight in the Tver region. According to the list of passengers, among them is the name and surname of Yevgeny Prigozhin," the department said in a statement.

MORE: Russian rebellion timeline: How the Wagner uprising against Putin unfolded and where Prigozhin is now

Among the 10 dead were three crew members and seven passengers. The seven passengers were identified as Sergey Propustin, Evgeniy Makaryan, Aleksandr Totmin, Valeriy Chekalov, Dmitriy Utkin, Nikolay Matuseev and Prigozhin. Multiple pro-Wagner groups have claimed that Prigozhin was killed.

The crew was identified as Cmdr. Aleksei Levshin, co-pilot Rustam Karimov and flight attendant Kristina Raspopova.

PHOTO: Plane wreckage burns following an air accident in Tver, Russia, Aug. 23, 2023. (EyePress News/Shutterstock)

The Federal Air Transport Agency said the plane was en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said in a statement, "The demonstrative elimination of Prigozhin and the Wagner command two months after the coup attempt is a signal from Putin to Russia's elites ahead of the 2024 elections."

President Joe Biden has been briefed on the plane crash in Russia, according to the White House.

Biden told reporters he didn't "know for a fact what happened, but I'm not surprised."

"Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind, but I dont know enough to know the answer," he told reporters in Lake Tahoe, where he is on vacation.

PHOTO: Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin leaves the headquarters of the Southern Military District amid the group's pullout from the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, June 24, 2023. (Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters)

White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement earlier in the day that officials were watching the reports of the plane crash.

"If confirmed, no one should be surprised. The disastrous war in Ukraine led to a private army marching on Moscow, and now -- it would seem -- to this," she said.

PHOTO: Firefighters work amid aircraft wreckage at an accident scene following the crash of a private jet in the Tver region, Russia, August 23, 2023. (Investigative Committee Of Russia via Reuters)

Prigozhin is the head of the private paramilitary organization Wagner Group, which played a key role in Russia's invasion of Ukraine before briefly launching an insurrection against the Russian military in June. Forces loyal to Prigozhin marched toward Moscow, before turning back after several days.

Prigozhin allegedly struck a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin where he didn't face prosecution and was relocated to Belarus, according to the Kremlin. The Russian president and Prigozhin allegedly met face to face on June 29, less than a week after the failed coup, the Kremlin said.

On July 3, Prigozhin released a message on social media claiming the rebelling was aimed at "fighting traitors and mobilizing our society."

PHOTO: In this June 24, 2023, file photo, members of the Wagner Group military company sit atop of a tank on a street in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, prior to leaving an area at the headquarters of the Southern Military District. (AP, FILE)

"I think we have achieved a lot of it. In the near future, I am sure that you will see our next victories at the front. Thanks guys," he allegedly said.

Prigozhin's last known public appearance came in a video dated Aug. 21 from an undisclosed location in Africa.

Prigozhin helped to launch the Wagner Group toward the beginning of the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the Crimean Peninsula around 2014, according to reports published by the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point.

MORE: What is the Wagner Group? The 'brutal' Russian military unit in Ukraine

In 2018, U.S. prosecutors charged Prigozhin for his suspected role in funding the Internet Research Agency, which the U.S. described as a Russian "troll farm" that sought to use digital campaigns to increase political and social tensions in the U.S.

PHOTO: In this Oct. 7, 2022, file photo, servicemen of Russian private military company Wagner Group execute a combat mission in the course of Russia's military operation in Ukraine, in Luhansk. (Viktor Antonyuk/Sputnik via AP, FILE)

The Department of Justice accused the IRA of conspiring to "defraud the United States ... for the purpose of interfering with the U.S. political and electoral processes, including the presidential election of 2016."

The complaint described tactics like posing as U.S. citizens and creating false online personas.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

ABC News' Will Gretsky, Ben Gittleson, Nathan Luna and Leah Vredenbregt contributed to this report.

Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin presumed dead in plane crash in Russia originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Why Trump allies are seeking to move their cases from Georgia to federal court

Multiple defendants charged with seeking to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia are trying to move their cases to federal court, a maneuver that could delay their arrests and that might also help them plead immunity in court.

So far, three of the 19 defendants have filed to move their case to federal court: Mark Meadows, former President Trumps White House chief of staff; Jeffrey Clark, a former Justice Department official; and David Shafer, a fake elector and former Georgia Republican Party chairman.

Its sort of a two-step dance that theyre trying to make, as far as I can tell, said Jared Carter, an assistant professor at Vermont Law and Graduate School. Removal [as a] federal official, and then making some sort of immunity defense in federal court that they cant be tried for these crimes.

Trump, who plans to surrender Thursday, could soon follow in their footsteps, as hes already tried a similar tactic in another state-level indictment hes facing. The former president previously attempted to move his hush money criminal case in New York to federal court, but a judge rejected the bid. Trump is now appealing that decision.

There are several reasons why the defendants might want to move their cases.

Legal experts note a federal trial would be heard by a different judge and a jury pool less filled with Democrats than one in Georgias Fulton County. It would also not be televised.

The legal maneuver to move the case to federal court is also being used by Meadows and Clark to delay arresting them until a decision on moving the case is reached. They have until Friday to surrender to county jail.

The defendants seeking to move their cases are relying on a statute that Congress first established more than 200 years ago to prevent federal officials from being stymied in carrying out their duties. The mechanism was originally created to combat state court lawsuits filed against customs officers, who were enforcing a trade embargo against England during the War of 1812.

Under the current version and Supreme Court precedent, federal officials can move their state criminal prosecutions if the allegations relate to an act taken under color of such office and the official shows a colorable federal defense.

Meadows argues he is immune because the allegations against him  his trip to Georgia following the 2020 election and calls he organized between Trump and election officials  was part of his job in the White House.

Nothing Mr. Meadows is alleged in the indictment to have done is criminal per se: arranging Oval Office meetings, contacting state officials on the Presidents behalf, visiting a state government building, and setting up a phone call for the President. One would expect a Chief of Staff to the President of the United States to do these sorts of things, Meadowss attorney wrote in court filings.

Its unclear if the argument by Meadows will hold water in court.

Jeffrey Cohen, associate professor of the practice at Boston College Law School, said a White House chief of staff speaking to election and state officials could be part of their duties.

However, what he was doing here was working on basically Trumps campaign, not necessarily as his official duties, Cohen cautioned.

Meadowss filing was followed days later by ones from the two other co-defendants, who also argued their cases should be moved so they can assert immunity. Clarks attorneys wrote the allegations relate directly to his work at the Justice Department, and Shafers attorneys wrote his alleged conduct stems directly from his service as a Presidential Elector nominee.

One key difference has emerged, however: Meadows wants to stand alone.

Meadowss attorneys have opposed any attempt to delay his Aug. 28 hearing so the other co-defendants requests can be heard simultaneously.

I suspect he wants to be away from other people in this conspiracy, and the more he can be isolated, the more likely the full story is not going to be told in his case, Cohen said.

Clark, on the other hand, asserts his 18 co-defendants, too, must be tried in federal court if Clarks charges are moved.

Mr. Clark understands Mr. Meadows desire for expedition given the various ways that the indictment of Mr. Meadows, Mr. Clark, and former President Trump are illegal, Clarks attorneys wrote in court filings.

However, Mr. Clark, noting that this entire case has been removed, recognizes the large-scale management problems this case will create for this Court  And we believe that Mr. Clark (and all other defendants) should be allowed to file a motion to dismiss based on a non-rushed schedule that this Court establishes as it begins to get its arms around all that is involved in this case.

Clark and Meadows have also lodged separate emergency requests to block Fulton County from arresting them until a decision on moving to federal court is reached. Willis has given them until Friday to surrender.

Use of a state law criminal process designed to generate headlines, potential perp walks for television cameras, and anything more than simple service of process on defendants would be inappropriate here given the removal, Clarks attorneys wrote.

The defendants could have reasons beyond whats stated in their court papers for wanting to move the cases.

In Georgia, the jury pool would be selected from Fulton County, home to its capital city of Atlanta, which President Biden carried by 47 percentage points in 2020.

But head out toward the suburbs, and a trial in federal court would lessen that advantage. Biden won the area covered by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia by only 7 percentage points and the courts Atlanta division by 32 points in 2020, according to a review of state election data.

Legal experts also stressed the impact of a Senate-confirmed federal judge replacing the Georgia state judge.

I think its mostly the judge, Cohen said. I think that Meadows assumes hell get a more favorable judge in federal court, a judge who wouldnt be swayed by necessarily political views here. But I think I dont see a large advantage for him to be in federal court.

Defendants who successfully move their charges to federal court would also diminish the chances of their trial being televised. Fulton County Superior Court trials are often streamed, but federal courts generally dont allow video or audio recordings.

If this was Donald Trump were talking about, my guess is he wants a TV live-streaming this and Truth Social it out, Carter said. But when it comes to Meadows and others, I think perhaps they want a lower profile.

But if any of the defendants are looking for a presidential pardon by moving the Georgia case to federal court, experts say that will be an unlikely advantage because they would still be charged and tried on state charges, which are not eligible.

What a federal court is going to have to do is its going to have to enforce substantive state law, Carter said. And so theyd still remain the same state charges, theyd still be presumably in state custody if they were to be convicted, and it would mean that the president couldnt pardon, because the presidents pardon power only applies to the federal system.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Yevgeny Prigozhin was on board the private jet that crashed in the Tver region north of Moscow, the Russian aviation authority has said.

Rosaviatsia posted a list of seven passengers and three crew members, who it said were aboard the plane according to the airline.

All 10 bodies have been recovered from the site and the search operation has been completed, authorities said.

The private jet crashed en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg, around 60 miles north of the Russian capital.

Exactly two months ago, Prigozhin led a short mutiny against the Russian military that Vladimir Putin denounced as treason.

12:16 AM BST

That's all for this time

We will be back early in the morning to bring you the latest on the jet crash that killed Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group.

12:14 AM BST

Embraer reports only one accident previously for plane model in 20 years

The Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft on the tarmac of the Pulkovo International Airport in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in May - LUBA OSTROVSKAYA/REUTERS

The Brazilian Embraer executive jet that crashed in Russia, with Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin believed onboard, has only recorded one accident in over 20 years of service, and that was due to mistakes by the crew rather than mechanical failure, according to website International Aviation HQ.

Russias TASS news agency said the plane was a Brazilian Embraer jet.

Embraer on Wednesday said it was aware of a Legacy 600 plane crash in Russia, but that did not have further information about the case.

It also said it has been complying with international sanctions imposed on Russia and had not been providing aftermarket maintenance for the aircraft since 2019.

Flightradar24 online tracker showed that the Embraer Legacy 600 (plane number RA-02795) said to be carrying Prigozhin had dropped off the radar at 6:11pm local time (15:11 GMT). An unverified video on social media showed a plane resembling a private jet falling out of the sky toward the earth.

Under international rules governing air crash investigations, Russia would lead the investigation, but Brazil could participate since the plane was manufactured there, the Brazilian centre for research and prevention of aeronautical accidents (CENIPA) said in a statement.

There had been no communication from Russian authorities to CENIPA about the accident in Russian territory, it said.

12:07 AM BST

Prigozhin 'a walking threat to authorities': analyst

Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre, said on Twitter that no matter what caused the plane crash, everyone will see it as an act of vengeance and retribution by the Kremlin, and the Kremlin wouldnt really stand in the way of that.

From Putins point of view, as well as the security forces and the military  [Yevgeny] Prigozhins death must be a lesson to any potential followers, Ms Stanovaya said in a Telegram post. According to her, after the mutiny, Prigozhin stopped being the authorities partner and could not, under any circumstances, get that status back.

He also wasnt forgiven, Ms Stanovaya wrote. Prigozhin was needed for some time after the mutiny to painlessly complete the dismantling of Wagner in Russia. But overall, alive, happy, full-of-strength and full-of-ideas Prigozhin was, definitely, a walking source of threats for the authorities, the embodiment of Putins political humiliation.

Ms Stanovaya doesnt expect much public outcry over Prigozhins death, as those who supported him will be more scared than inspired to protest while others would see it as a deserved outcome.

A few thoughts in light of Prigozhin's death.



1 No matter the cause of the plane crash, everyone will see this as an act of retaliation and retribution, and the Kremlin won't particularly counteract this view. From Putin's perspective, as well as many among the security and  Tatiana Stanovaya (@Stanovaya) August 23, 2023

12:01 AM BST

FSB seeks to keep US reporter Evan Gershkovich detained

The Wall Street Journal reported Russian authorities had requested an extension of the pretrial detention of Evan Gershkovich, the Journal reporter held in Russia.

Mr Gershkovich, a 31-year-old US citizen, was detained by agents from the Federal Security Service, or FSB, while on a reporting trip in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg on March 29. He is being held on an allegation of espionage that he, the Journal and the US government vehemently deny the Journal reported.

His pretrial detention was initially set to expire on May 29, but was prolonged to August 30 following an earlier request from the FSB.

On Wednesday, the FSB put forward a request to further extend Mr Gershkovichs pretrial detention by an unspecified length of time.

Moscows Lefortovo District Court will hold a hearing on Thursday to hear the application, according to Russian state media outlet TASS.

Evans wrongful detention is outrageous and we continue to demand his immediate release, the Journal said in a statement.

11:51 PM BST

Data shows plane's signal stopping soon after Moscow takeoff

Russian police officers on Wednesday night block a road to the site of the plane crash near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region, Russia - ANATOLY MALTSEV/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Flight tracking data reviewed by The Associated Press showed a private jet that Yevgeny Prigozhin had used previously took off from Moscow on Wednesday evening and its transponder signal disappeared minutes later.

The signal stopped suddenly while the plane was at altitude and travelling at speed. In an image posted by a pro-Wagner social media account showing burning wreckage, a partial tail number matching a jet previously used by Prigozhin could be seen.

Videos shared by the pro-Wagner Telegram channel Grey Zone showed a plane dropping like a stone from a large cloud of smoke, twisting wildly as it falls. Such freefalls can occur when an aircraft sustains severe damage, and a frame-by-frame AP analysis of two videos was consistent with some sort of explosion mid-flight. The images appeared to show the plane is missing a wing.

Russias Investigative Committee opened an investigation into the crash on charges of violating air safety rules, as is typical when they open such probes. Interfax, citing emergency officials, reported early Thursday that all 10 bodies had been recovered at the site of the crash and the search operation had ended.

Keir Giles, a Russia expert with the international affairs think-tank Chatham House, had urged caution about reports of Prigozhins death. He said multiple individuals have changed their name to Yevgeniy Prigozhin, as part of his efforts to obfuscate his travels.

A UK Government spokesperson said: We are monitoring the situation closely.

10:24 PM BST

Pictured: Emergency workers search through wreckage

Emergency personnel search through the wreckage of the plane in the Tver region - RUSSIAN INVESTIGATIVE COMMITEE/AFP/Getty Images

10:06 PM BST

Belarus opposition leader: 'Murderer' Prigozhin 'won't be missed'

The exiled opposition leader of Belarus, where some Wagner fighters moved after their short-lived mutiny in Russia, said that no Belarusian would miss Yevgeny Prigozhin.

The criminal Prigozhin wont be missed in Belarus. He was a murderer and should be remembered as such, said Svetlana Tikhanovskaya.

His death might dismantle Wagners presence in Belarus, reducing the threat to our nation and neighbours.

10:03 PM BST

Embraer says it was compliant with Russia sanctions

The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has said it was compliant with all international sanctions imposed on Russia.

Embraer has complied with international sanctions imposed on Russia, a company spokesman said.

Flightradar24 online tracker showed that the Embraer Legacy 600 said to be carrying Prigozhin dropped off the radar at 6.11pm.

The Legacy 600 entered service in 2002, with almost 300 produced until production ceased in 2020.

09:21 PM BST

Prigozhin: hotdog salesman who had Putin to thank for his rise  and fall

Mugger, convict, hotdog salesman, fine dining boss, warlord and the mercenary chief who dared to challenge Vladimir Putin, writes James Crisp.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the 62-year-old owner of the Wagner Group and the cruellest commander of Putins illegal war on Ukraine, was all these things before his reported death.

Now he is the centre of a murky story of suspected revenge that brings far fewer surprises than his incredible rise to power from prison to Putins orbit.

Prigozhin fell from grace after leading a June mutiny against the Russian president in the midst of his illegal war in Ukraine.

Whether his private jet was shot down over the Tver region north of Moscow or crashed is uncertain.

But few doubt that Putin would take his revenge against a man who became his close ally.

Read the full story here.

08:52 PM BST

Watch: Moment of crash

08:51 PM BST

Joe Biden: 'I'm not surprised'

Joe Biden has said he is not surprised at the news Yevgeny Prigozhin may have died in a plane crash.

I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised, he said.

Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind. But I dont know enough to know the answer.

Last month in Helsinki, Mr Biden jokingly warned that Prigozhin should watch his step after his abortive rebellion.

If I were he, Id be careful what I ate. Id keep my eye on my menu, Mr Biden said.

08:44 PM BST

Crash isnt an accident and has hallmarks of FSB, say UK security sources

British security sources believe that the shooting down of Yevgeny Prigozhins private jet was carried out by the FSB intelligence agency on the orders of Vladimir Putin.

Of course its Putin, one source said. Putin as a leader cannot afford to be humiliated in the way that he was. Putin functions on two things: loyalty above talent and the consequence of betrayal.

Another source said: All the mood music, all the habits, all the history point to the FSB.

The source added: The FSB remains loyal to Putin.

Read the full story here.

08:34 PM BST

'Wagner boss was bound to come to a bad end'

Several unnamed officials close to the Kremlin told Russian media that Prigozhins death was not unexpected.

One had a feeling after the mutiny that he would come to a bad end. The Kremlin doesnt forgive those things, an official close to the Kremlin told the news website Meduza, adding they were not surprised by his death.

08:29 PM BST

Prigozhin is dead, says Wagner-linked Telegram channel

A Telegram channel known to have a close relationship with the Wagner mercenary group has claimed that Yevgeny Prigozhin is dead.

Grey Zone posted: The head of the Wagner Group, Hero of Russia, a true patriot of his Motherland - Yegeny Viktorovich Prigozhin died as a result of the actions of traitors to Russia.

But even in Hell he will be the best! Glory to Russia.

The report has not been independently verified by The Telegraph.

08:25 PM BST

Pictured: Putin attends WW2 commemoration amid reports of Prigozhin's death

Russia's President Vladimir Putin addressing the audience during a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Kursk - GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/AFP

08:21 PM BST

'Putin does not forgive'

An adviser to Volodymyr Zelensky has said Putin does not forgive amid claims that Yevgeny Prigozhins private jet was shot down by Russian air defences.

Mykhailo Podolyak said the Russian president had been waiting for the moment to strike after Wagners march on Moscow in June.

He continued: Prigozhin signed a special death warrant for himself the moment he believed in Lukashenkos bizarre guarantees and Putins equally absurd word of honor.

The demonstrative elimination of Prigozhin and the Wagner command two months after the coup attempt is a signal from Putin to Russias elites ahead of the 2024 elections.

About Prigozhin: It is worth waiting for the fog of war to disappear... Meanwhile, it is obvious that Putin does not forgive anyone for his own bestial terror. Exactly the one that nullified him in June 2023. And he was waiting for the moment. It is also obvious that Prigozhin    (@Podolyak_M) August 23, 2023

08:16 PM BST

Zelensky aide: Prigozhin is on a 'highway to hell'

Andriy Yermak, Volodymyr Zelenskys chief of staff, has posted AC/DCs Highway to Hell on Telegram, in what appears to be a playful nod to reports of Yevgeny Progozhins death.

08:11 PM BST

'No signs of missile attack', say Russian bloggers

Russian military bloggers have said the debris that broke away from the plane allegedly owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin shows no evidence of an anti-aircraft missile attack.

Rybar, a Telegram channel with over a million followers, said: Only one of the pieces has something similar to the consequences of a shrapnel hit, but it can also be cracks.

For a potential hit by S-300 or Buk missiles, the damage is clearly very small.

Another channel, Military Informant, said: There are no traces of an anti-aircraft missile impact on the wreckage of the tail section... which broke away from the fuselage and fell separately.

Previous reports suggested the plane had been shot down by Russian air defences, but these have not been confirmed. Most of the aircraft seems to have been consumed by a fire.

08:03 PM BST

Putin 'sending a message with plane crash'

Vladimir Putin is sending a very loud message after claims that Russia shot down Yevgeny Prigozhins private jet, a prominent MP has said.

Alicia Kearns, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said: The speed at which the Russian Govt has confirmed Yevgeny Prigozhin was on a plane that crashed on a flight from Moscow to St Petersburg should tell us everything we need to know.

Reports Russian Air Defence shot down the plane suggests Putin is sending a very loud message.

The speed at which the Russian Govt has confirmed Yevgeny Prigozhin was on a plane that crashed on a flight from Moscow to St Petersburg should tell us everything we need to know.



Reports Russian Air Defence shot down the plane suggests Putin is sending a very loud message.  Alicia Kearns MP (@aliciakearns) August 23, 2023

07:57 PM BST

'Don't be surprised if Prigozhin is dead', says White House

The death of Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash would not be a surprise given his falling out with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the White House.

We have seen the reports of the crash, National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said, adding: If confirmed, no one should be surprised.

07:51 PM BST

The biggest surprise is that Prigozhin survived for so long

Death resolves all problems, Josef Stalin is supposed to have said. No man, no problem, Roland Oliphant writes.

Wednesdays air crash in the Tver region may have resolved one of the knottiest problems facing Vladimir Putin. In retrospect, the most surprising thing about Yevgeny Prigozhins reported death is that he survived for so long.

Ever since he marched an army of disgruntled mercenaries on Moscow in June, Kremlin watchers have been wondering why Putin allowed his former caterer to remain alive - let alone at liberty.

So while in an ordinary air crash it would be far too early to speculate about the causes, few will buy that this was really an accident.

Read the full story here.

07:48 PM BST

'No one knows what's going on,' says Wagner-linked blogger

A Wagner-linked Telegram channel has urged caution after reports that Yevgeny Prigozhin and another founder of the mercenary group were killed.

Grey Zone wrote: At the moment, it should be borne in mind that NO ONE, except for the people who personally saw Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin getting on the plane, has any information.

Not from any sources or other persons. And those who have, they will not say until the situation is clarified.

07:45 PM BST

Pictured: Crashed plane consumed by flames

Burning plane wreckage near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region - AFP/HANDOUT

07:42 PM BST

Plane crash 'must have happened very quickly'

Whatever caused the plane linked to Yevgeny Prigozhin to crash north of Moscow must have happened very quickly, according to reports.

Baza, a Russian Telegram channel close to the security services, said: The pilots of the crashed plane did not inform the dispatchers about any emergency situations.

According to experts, this means that the critical situation on board the aircraft developed very quickly.

07:35 PM BST

Investigators 'already sifting through flight records'

An investigation into the plane crash that reportedly killed Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin has already begun, according to Russian state media.

Ria Novosti reports: A specially-created commission... has begun collecting factual materials on crew training, the technical condition of the aircraft, the meteorological situation on the flight route, the work of dispatch services and ground radio equipment.

Specialists will also have to find on-board means of objective control for their subsequent decoding and analysis of the black box recordings.

07:30 PM BST

Biden briefed on private jet crash

US President Joe Biden has been briefed about the crash of a private jet in Russia on Wednesday, the White House says.

07:28 PM BST

Pictures: Smoke rises from plane after it plummets from the sky

Smoke rises over plane wreckage near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region - HANDOUT/AFP

A plane falling in the sky near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region

07:25 PM BST

Prigozhin and Utkin dead, claims official

A Russian-installed official in Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region claims that Yevgeny Prigozhin and Wagner co-founder Dmitry Utkin have been killed.

Vladimir Rogov wrote on Telegram: Just talked to some outstanding musicians [a term for members of the Wagner Group]. They confirm the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin.

Kingdom of Heaven to the newly-departed servants of God Yevgeny and Dmitry.

The Telegraph has not independently verified the report.

07:20 PM BST

Prigozhin 'arrived in Russia from Africa today'

Andrei Zakharov, a Russian investigative journalist, has quoted sources in Wagner saying that Prigozhin arrived in Russia from Africa today with the paramilitary groups commanders.

Prigozhin hinted heavily that he was in Africa yesterday in a video message that was apparently recorded in a desert.

07:17 PM BST

Russian media: Plane may have belonged to private company

A plane that crashed in the Tver region belonged to a business transportation company called MNT-Aero LLC, according to Russias Ria Novosti state news agency.

Previous reports have indicated that it was a private jet owned by Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin. Russias federal air transport agency said he was listed as a passenger on the plane.

07:07 PM BST

Reports: Second Prigozhin-owned plane lands near Moscow

A number of Russian military bloggers claim that a second private jet belonging to Yevgeny Prigozhin has landed at an airport near Moscow.

Grey Zone, a Telegram channel with close links to the Wagner Group, said: Where Yevgeny Prigozhin was himself in the end - at the moment there is no data.

The report has not been verified by The Telegraph.

07:03 PM BST

Plane belonged Prigozhin, reports AP

An aircraft with tail number RA-02795 that belonged to Yevgeny Prigozhin

The plane that crashed was a private jet belonging to Yevgeny Prigozhin, according to the Associated Press.

07:01 PM BST

'Contract was out on Prigozhin for weeks'

A contract may have been out on Yevgeny Prigozhin for some weeks, according to a former British intelligence officer.

Christopher Steele told Sky News: We heard some weeks ago from a source that a contract had been put out on Prigozhin in Russia by senior members of the business community.

He suggested that Vladimir Putin may not have authorised the assassination himself, addingL It certainly looks as though it may well be a revenge attack by somebody in the elite.

06:57 PM BST

Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin?

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Russian private security company Wagner, speaking in a desert area

It is not often a catering company tries to overthrow the government of a nuclear super power, writes Roland Oliphant.

Regarding treason, the president is deeply mistaken, Yevgeny Prigozhin snarled into a voice note released by his food companys press service on Saturday morning.

We are patriots of the motherlandand no one is going to surrender to the demands of the president, the FSB, or anyone else.

And with that, the man known as Putins Chef became Putins would-be usurper. It was unthinkable just hours earlier.

But Prigozhins path to rebellion has been a long one.

Read the full profile - written in June at the time of Wagners coup - here.

06:53 PM BST

Footage of plane plummeting from sky

Breaking. Commander of Wagner mercenaries Prigozhin has been killed tonight after his plane was shot down by Russian air defenses near Moscow.

His group played prominent role in supporting Assad in Syria, from Latakia to DeirEzzor. 100s fighters still deployed there. pic.twitter.com/187ikpH4hZ  QalaatM (@QalaatM) August 23, 2023

06:49 PM BST

Eight bodies recovered from crash site, say Russian media

Russian news agency Ria Novosti reports that eight bodies have been recovered from the crash site of an Embrear plane in the Tver region.

Previous reports have indicated that there were ten people onboard, including three crew members.

06:44 PM BST

Pictured: First images emerge of plane crash

What is reported to be a Embraer Legacy 600 Business Jet is engulfed by flames

06:43 PM BST

Plane 'may have been Prigozhin's private jet'

A media monitoring group has suggested that a plane that crashed this evening may have been a private jet owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Belarusian Hajun noted that the registration numbers seen on the wreckage of the plane matched those of the mercenarys boss Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft.

06:39 PM BST

Watch: Prigozhin issued what may have been final video message yesterday

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner boss, yesterday appeared in a video message for the first time since his short-lived rebellion against Russias military leaders, Joe Barnes writes.

The mercenary chief was seen standing, with desert terrain as the backdrop, in camouflage and holding a loaded rifle, appearing to recruit guns for hire for the groups operations in Africa.

The temperature is plus-50C  everything as we like. The Wagner PMC makes Russia even greater on all continents and Africa  more free, Prigozhin said in the video.

Read the full story here.

06:33 PM BST

Russian media: Terrorists may have targeted plane

Competing theories have emerged after a plane apparently carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin crash-landed.

Baza, a Russia Telegram channel with links to the security services, said: According to one verison, a terrorist attack was the cause of the explosion on board the plane.

Others have suggested that it was shot down by Russian air defences as it headed to St Petersburg.

06:29 PM BST

Wagner source: Prigozhin plane was targeted by Russian air defences

A Wagner-linked Telegram channel has suggested that a plane carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin was shot down by Russian air defences.

Grey Zone, which has a close relationship to the paramilitary group, said: Before the plane crash, two local residents listened to two bursts of characteristic air defence.

This is confirmed by contrails in the sky in one of the videos, as well as the words of direct eyewitnesses.

06:25 PM BST

Aviation authority opens investigation into air crash

Russias aviation authority has opened an investigation into the plane crash that reportedly killed mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Rosaviatsia said: An investigation has been launched into the Embraer plane crash that occurred tonight in the Tver region.

According to the passenger list, among them is the name and surname of Yevgeny Prigozhin.

06:23 PM BST

Reports: Another prominent Wagner member killed in crash

Another prominent member of the Wagner Group has also been killed in the plane crash, according to unconfirmed reports.

Russian military bloggers suggested that Dmitry Utkin, a former Russian intelligence officer and co-founder of the group, was also apparently killed.

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida approved the plan to release Fukushima nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean despite opposition over potential side effects.

Japan is set to start releasing Fukushima nuclear wastewater on Thursday despite widespread concerns regarding the process' potential side effects.

This will start the slow unloading of the dangerous liquid before the tanks holding it reach capacity in 2024. The decision comes after years of planning the disposal of nuclear water and testing it for its radioactive contents. During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishi approved the operation.

Japan To Start Releasing Fukushima Nuclear Water

In a statement, Kishida said that the Japanese government will be taking responsibility until the completion of the disposal of [Advanced Liquid Processing System]-treated water. He added that they would maintain such a stance even if the process takes several decades to finish.

In July, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved Japan's plan to release nuclear water despite public concern both locally and internationally. The government of South Korea, a neighboring country, acknowledged the IAEA's approval and did not dispute the findings of the organization, despite not outright giving its approval to the process, as per Fox News.

Office for Government Policy Coordination Park First Deputy Park Ku-yeon said that the South Korean government has judged that Japan will work on releasing the Fukushima nuclear wastewater as originally planned.

Additionally, they determined that there were no scientific or technical issues with Japan's planned discharge of nuclear water. South Korea has argued that if there was any increase in radioactive concentrations found after the water's release, the entire process should be stopped.

Park said the IAEA had actively responded to South Korea's requests regarding the situation and had prepared and suggested the best plan to release the nuclear wastewater, considering the agency's overall operational system.

Read Also: 18 Bodies Recovered in Wildfire-Ravaged Area in Greece, Officials Claim

Widespread Opposition to the Plan

The Fukushima nuclear power plant was the site of what is considered one of the worst-ever nuclear disasters in history. Japan's plan will include the release of more than 1 million metric tons of treated water, equal to more than 500 Olympic-size swimming pools, into the Pacific Ocean, according to the Washington Post.

Authorities from Japan and the United Nations' nuclear watchdog estimate that the release process could take up to three decades. It also faces widespread opposition from the Asian country's fishing industry.

Amid concerns, Japanese authorities argued that the plan is crucial to decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi plant roughly 12 years after a massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami resulted in a meltdown of the plant's three nuclear reactors.

The IAEA conducted a review that lasted two years before approving Japan's plan to release nuclear wastewater. The UN nuclear watchdog also opened an office at the plant and noted that it would remain on-site to assess the safety of the release over time.

On the other hand, both Hong Kong and Macau have said that they will ban products from Fukushima and nine other prefectures in response to the announcement of the continuation of the release plan. China has also stepped up radiation testing on Japanese fisheries products, which would delay customs clearance, said the Associated Press.

Related Article: [UPDATE] All 8 Passengers of Stranded Cable Car in Pakistan Rescued

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
YEREVAN, 23 AUGUST, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 23 August, USD exchange rate up by 1.01 drams to 386.80 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 2.07 drams to 417.94 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate stood at 4.10 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 4.08 drams to 488.34 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 97.43 drams to 23538.06 drams. Silver price up by 7.09 drams to 290.88 drams.
More than 600 soldiers from the Australian Defence Force (ADF), Philippines and U.S. conducted an air assault near Rizal, the Philippines, during Exercise Alon as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour. Using a combination of air, sea, and land actions, with support from the U.S. Marine Corps, the exercise began on August 20 with the insertion of ground combat elements via MV-22B Osprey from Marine Rotational Force - Darwin, launched from HMAS Canberra.

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Australian Lance Corporal Ryan Roberts takes aim during a bilateral air assault exercise with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Exercise Alon (Picture source: ADF/ Lance Corporal Riley Blennerhassett)

Close air support was provided by RAAF E-7A Wedgetail and F-35A Lightning II aircraft. A helicopter assault force then established a link with the 3rd Philippine Marine Brigade to secure the Punta Baja Airfield, and set up a forward arming and refuelling point.

On August 21, a joint raid was conducted at Tarumpitao Airfield by the combined forces, also with close air support. Lieutenant Colonel Noel A Gallaza, commander of the Philippines landing force, said the exercise demonstrated the defence forces collective strength to face any challenge.

The event marked the first major training serial of the bilateral cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the ADF as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2023. Commander landing force of the Australian Amphibious Force Colonel Douglas Pashley said the activity was a tremendous success.



Australian Army soldier Corporal Brandon Camilleri, right, delivers quick orders during a bilateral air assault exercise with the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Exercise Alon in the Philippines (Picture source: ADF/ Lance Corporal Riley Blennerhassett)



A Philippino marine secures the airfield for U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft (Picture source: ADF/ Lance Corporal Riley Blennerhassett)

Defense News August 2023
Ved Prakash, R.K. Mishra and M.K. Agarwal were made official members of the party by Amit Shah.

In a recent column (August 10, 2023), your writer highlighted the BJPs keen pursuit of new talent, with a particular focus on bureaucrats. Intriguingly, the babus, too, are seeking refuge in the party. This is a hopeful sign for those babus who are dejected at being left out in the race for extension of tenure! Joining politics is clearly the next best thing, especially for ex-babus pining for the days when they held the reins of power.

News emerging from poll-bound Madhya Pradesh reveals that three former IAS officers have gracefully pirouetted from babugiri to netagiri, donning the BJPs saffron cloak. Ved Prakash, R.K. Mishra and M.K. Agarwal were made official members of the party by none other than Union home minister Amit Shah recently. The air of secrecy surrounding this move left the media scrambling to catch up, as the announcement caught them off guard.

The partys spotlight has now turned towards Telangana, where it has not hesitated to extend invitations to former civil service luminaries, including former Andhra Pradesh chief secretaries I.Y.R. Krishna Rao and L.V. Subramanyam, as well as retired IPS officers and former academics, to bolster the partys ranks.

Behind the scenes, according to sources, a covert group of around 20 such former officials, armed with pie charts and bar graphs, is busy analyzing the Telangana governments schemes and projects. This elite team reportedly features the likes of former IPS officer T. Krishna Prasad and former IAS officer R. Chandravadan, among others. It is hoped that the collective efforts of these experienced babus will help sharpen the partys strategy against the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government ahead of polls.

As elections draw near, the political theatre promises to be a riveting show, where babus trade their pens for podiums and governance meets showmanship!

Babus preparing to celebrate 20 years of Vibrant Gujarat summit

As the monsoon-induced chaos keeps Delhis babus on their toes ahead of the G20 Leaders Summit meeting early next month, in Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modis home state, the diligent babus are meticulously crafting the blueprint for the next edition of the Vibrant Gujarat 2024 summit, which completes 20 years next year. The first summit was held in 2004, when Mr Modi was the chief minister of the state.

Sources have informed DKB that the Gujarat industries department, steered by the adept additional chief secretary S.J. Haider plans to invite and felicitate all those babus who were instrumental in organising previous summits. Senior babus such as A.K. Sharma, and Maheshwar Sahu, alongside other luminaries who have since retired from service, are slated to be celebrated for their pivotal roles. Notably, A.K. Sharma has since ascended to the role of minister in the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh.

Given the prestige associated with the summit, chief minister Bhupendra Patel and chief secretary Raj Kumar are directly supervising this initiative, with the PMO likely looking over their shoulders. But it is Mr Haider who has been an indomitable force since the inception of the event and is now at the forefront of the activities. It is learned that a tech show will be the highlight of the next edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, showcasing the initiatives of the Centre under the Digital India platform, and Mr Modi himself is expected to inaugurate the event.

Kerala tightens foreign travel rules for babus

The Kerala government has decided to scrutinise the foreign trips of IAS, IPS and IFS officers, even if they are on personal visits abroad. The state chief secretary, V. Venu, has reportedly instructed all-India service officers in the state to mandatorily inform the government about the country of visit and duration.

Apparently, foreign trips by government officials have long been a subject of discussion due to concerns about their necessity, purpose, and potential misuse of public funds. The review process aims to evaluate the relevance of these overseas trips to the officers official responsibilities.

In October last year, the ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions issued a communique delegating the powers to sanction the leaves of officers for travelling abroad, except for study leaves, to the state government.

By assessing the knowledge and skills gained during such trips, the Kerala government intends to determine whether they contribute to the officers professional growth. As for the babus, it is hoped that they can justify their globetrotting expenses!
It will be wildly speculative to say whether Mr Kharge can lead Congress back to power in the 2024 Lok Sabha election?

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge would not have drawn up the list of the reconstituted Congress Working Committee (CWC) all on his own. There must have been consultations aplenty, and choices based on cool calculation. The new committee reflects the diversity of Congress Partys leadership, the old jostle with the new, P. Chidambaram and Digvijaya Singh rub shoulders with Shashi Tharoor and Sachin Pilot. This is the traditional Congress way, accommodating all to the extent possible,

loyalists with dissenters. There were complaints that Mr Kharge was not able to take a decision on the CWC. He took his time and made a wide selection.

It shows that the Congress Party, despite its fixation with the Nehru-Gandhi familys leadership, and this fixation is based on calculation more than on sentiment, has proved yet again that its inner workings are quite

democratic. Each one of the CWC members has a grand view of things of his or her own. But the decisions will be made unanimously. The Kharge presidency is moving, however slowly. The Congress has never worked to a plan. It stumbles, fumbles, stutters, and drags. That is just the way how it functions. But hanging together is the issue, and they seem to be doing it well. Mr Kharge has managed to keep the flock together, as it were.

Will the new CWC work in a dynamic fashion for the Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, and then for the 2024 Lok Sabha election in 2024? It is unlikely to work with machine-like precision. But its presence will give enough muscle to Mallikarjun Kharge to move the Grand Old Party. There is a huge pool of experience there, and there are enough intellectual resources in the men and women of the reconstituted working committee. It will be fairly futile to look for who chose the team. Is it Mr Kharge in consultation with others? Or is it a group close to Rahul Gandhi who drew up the list and Mr Kharge had concurred? It can only be inferred that the names in the team indicate that there was quite a to and fro among those who consulted each other. It can be safely said that Mr Kharge had put the formal seal of approval on the list. Mr Kharge would be working with this diverse group, and decisions would be made after a lot of parleys. That is the way of the Congress Party.

It can also be said that Rahul Gandhi would want to leave Mr Kharge enough space to function though his clique, and there is a Rahul Gandhi clique, and there is sure to emerge -- if it has not already happened -- a Kharge clique as well, that would want to steer things in a manner it would believe will strengthen Rahul Gandhi. These inner tussles are the stuff of Congress Partys working. The Congress cannot function like a well-oiled electoral machine in the manner of the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah-led BJP. While the BJPs election victories would be the handiwork of the party workers hard efforts, in the case of the Congress the victory is entirely due to the tilt in the mood of the voters.

So, what is Mr Kharge or his CWC to do? They need to do the quotidian job of forming sub-committees, monitoring teams and observers in each of the states and keep the party machinery humming. It is the activity in the party that promises to keep the organisation in minds of voters. In many ways, Mr Kharge is managing to keep the party machinery humming, and this is what will make the difference.

Mr Kharge, being an old party hand, knows the secret of the life of the organisation. This should leave Rahul Gandhi time and room to make the mass contacts on the lines of the Bharat Jodo Yatra. It is a clear division of labour. Mr Kharge is also less intimidating and more accommodative with the members of INDIA, the newly-formed Opposition alliance.

The CWC team would have to engage in formulating a Congress plan addressing the political situation in the country, and also look at ways of strengthening the economy at the structural level.

It has also to enliven the party structures at the states level. The team needs to fan out across the country. And that is what Mr Kharge would be engaged in in the next few months.

Mr Kharge and the reconstituted CWC is an indication that the party means business. Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka show that the party can work its way through the Assembly elections. The party has, in a manner of speaking, entered the phase of collective leadership, formal and informal, with Mr Kharge as president. He will function along with others. There is no such thing as the Kharge way of doing things. As a man who worked his way up through the party ranks, Mr Kharge must be sure that it is the safest way of steering the party. And there would plenty of programmatic and ideological inputs from the members of the CWC. This was indeed the way when Sonia Gandhi was the leader of the party. She worked with others and even as the so-called Sonia Gandhi clique was supposed to have dominated. She saw to it that she was also listening to people outside the clique. This could be found in her handling of Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy in Andhra Pradesh, and later Ashok Gehlot in Rajasthan. Even with a Nehru-Gandhi at the head of the party, the Congress has always functioned like a multi-tiered organisation. There were enough creaking noises in the party machinery, but it moved. The Congress weakness is that when it is holding power, it lets the party machinery go to sleep. Now that it has been out of office for a decade, the party organisation is revving up. The new CWC is a hint of that push. Mr Kharge is the kind of unassuming helmsman who will be able to carry people along.

It will be wildly speculative to say whether Mr Kharge can lead Congress back to power in the 2024 Lok Sabha election? But he is doing something that needed to be done -- keep the party in shipshape for the main battle. The BJP-NDA leaders have sensed that the revival of the Congress machinery is a clear sign that they have to take the main Opposition party much more seriously.
At the general audience, resuming his catechesis on evangelical zeal, Pope Francis reflects on the figure of Juan Diego, the Indian of the Guadalupe apparitions. "To inculturate the Gospel requires perseverance and patience, I think of a country where Christians are persecuted and cannot practice their faith in peace"

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - To proclaim the Gospel "it is not enough to bear witness to the good, but it is necessary to know how to bear evil" which even today in some countries has the face of persecution. Pope Francis said this today as he addressed the faithful gathered in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican for the Wednesday general audience. Significant words in these days heavily marked in Asia by last week's attacks on churches and Christian homes in Jaranwala in Pakistan

Returning to his reflection on the passion for proclaiming the Gospel, Pope Francis today actually focused on the Americas where - he said - evangelization has an ever-living source: Guadalupe".

He recalled that in Mexico "the Gospel had already arrived before those apparitions, but unfortunately it was also accompanied by worldly interests. Instead of the path of inculturation, the hasty one of transplanting and imposing pre-established models had been traveled too often. The Virgin of Guadalupe, on the other hand, appears dressed in the clothes of the natives, speaks their language, welcomes and loves the local culture". Because the Gospel is transmitted in the mother tongue. And I would like to say thanks to the many mothers and grandmothers who pass it on to their children and grandchildren".

But zeal in evangelization in Guadalupe also has the face of Saint Juan Diego, the humble Indian who received Mary's revelation. "God loves to perform wonders through little ones", noted the pontiff, recalling however how the local bishop refused to believe him when - in obedience to the Virgin - he asked him to build a sanctuary where she had appeared.

Pope Francis continued: Here is the effort, the proof of proclamation. Despite zeal, the unexpected arrives, sometimes from the Church itself. In fact, bearing witness to good is not enough in our proclamation, we must also know how to bear the evil. Both go together, that's life. Even today, in many places, to inculturate the Gospel and evangelize cultures, perseverance and patience are needed, it is necessary not to fear conflicts, not to lose heart. I am thinking of a country where Christians are persecuted, because they are Christians and cannot practice their religion well and in peace", he added, perhaps referring precisely to Pakistan.

Faced with the refusal, Juan Diego asked Our Lady to dispense him and to appoint someone more esteemed and capable than him to carry that message, but he was invited to persevere.

"There is always the risk of a certain yielding in proclamation:Something does not go well and give up, becoming discouraged and perhaps taking refuge in our own certainties, in small groups and in some intimate devotions. Our Lady, on the other hand, while she consoles us, keeps us going and thus makes us grow, like a good mother who, while she follows in the footsteps of her son, launches him into the challenges of the world".

And from here also comes the great sign of Guadalupe: Our Lady invites Juan Diegno to gather in her tilma (the cloak ed) extraordinarily blossoming flowers in the middle of winter, with the intention of taking them to the bishop as proof of his presence. But when he opens that cloak in front of the prelate, the Indian will find the face of the Mother herself imprinted on his tilma, in the image since then venerated in Guadalupe.

Here is God's surprise. When there is availability, when there is obedience, He can do something unexpected, at times and in ways that we cannot foresee". At that point Juan Diego leaves everything and, with the bishop's permission, dedicates his life to the shrine. He welcomes pilgrims and evangelizes them. This is what happens in Marian sanctuaries, destinations of pilgrimages and places of proclamation, where everyone feels at home".

Let's learn this - concluded the pontiff - when there are difficulties in life, we go to the Mother; and when life is happy, we go to Mother and share that too. We need to go to these oases of consolation and mercy, where faith is expressed in the mother tongue; where the hardships of life are placed in the arms of the Madonna and one returns to live with peace in her heart, perhaps with the peace of children .

And it was precisely with peace in mind that Pope Francis, during his greetings to the groups of pilgrims present, once again entrusted "dear Ukraine, so severely tried by the war" to the intercession of Saint Bartholomew, whose liturgical feast is celebrated tomorrow. Brothers and sisters  he added  let us pray for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters: they suffer a lot. War is cruel. So many missing children, so many dead people. Let's pray, please!"
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A Tennessee Republican lawmaker ordered state troopers to remove the public from a hearing that was meant to address gun control measures in relation to the deadly Nashville school shooting.

A Tennessee GOP lawmaker ordered the removal of public citizens from a hearing focused on potential gun control measures following the deadly Nashville school shooting.

Families close to the horrific incident were seen breaking down in tears after the Republican lawmaker's order to state troopers. They were removed along with others from a legislative hearing room while waiting to testify in favor of gun control measures.

Tennessee Republican Orders Removal of Public from Hearing

The scene was only one of many chaotic moments during the second day of the state's special legislative session. Initially, Republican Gov. Bill Lee called lawmakers back to the Capitol to consider his proposal that aims to keep firearms away from people who are considered dangerous.

Sarah Shoop Neumann, who was seen sobbing and shaking following the decision to remove them, said she was supposed to speak and testify about the deadly school shooting in Nashville. She was removed from the room despite sitting quietly and was not holding any signs, as per the Associated Press.

Neumann was the parent of a child who attends The Covenant School, and she is among the family members who are desperately trying to address the state's relaxed gun laws. The Nashville school shooting killed three children and three adults after a shooter opened fire inside the educational institution.

She was later allowed to go back and testify against a bill that would have allowed more teachers to carry firearms to school in an attempt to let them protect themselves and their students. The House subcommittee advanced that particular bill, but its odds in the Senate are not positive.

During an interview, Neumann said they were trying to do something, adding that the situation has become "overwhelming." However, Lee's bill has been all but struck down by the Republican supermajority as leaders have refused to consider the issue.

Read Also: Judge Bans Georgia Law Prohibiting Minors From Accessing Gender-Affirming Care

Debate on Gun Control Measures

Three variations of similar proposals for so-called extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), without any debate, immediately failed on Tuesday in the same House subcommittee the public was ordered to be removed, according to Yahoo News.

Democratic Rep. Bob Freeman of Nashville carried out the ERPOs in response to the deadly school shooting. On the other hand, House Republicans advanced a new set of procedural rules on Monday, the first day of the special session.

These carried harsh penalties for lawmakers who were found to be too disruptive or distracting, and they also prohibited visitors from carrying signs into the Capitol building and in legislative hearing rooms.

Furthermore, the Senate and House signed off on severely restricting the public from accessing the galleries where people are typically allowed to watch their government working on cases.

The situation comes as deeply divided Tennessee lawmakers are not expected to address gun control during this session. A Republican senator made a pass at ending the special session before any bills were even officially taken up. This was a move that would normally have been considered unheard of during regular sessions, said Fox News.

Related Article: California City Facing Lawsuit for Evicting Homeless

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Betsy Marston is the editor of Writers on the Range, writersontherange.org, an independent nonprofit dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. She lives in Paonia, Colorado.
The coup d'etat in Niger has provoked the umpteenth crisis between Algeria and France. It all started after an Algerian public radio announced earlier this week that Algiers had refused permission for French military aircraft to fly over Algerian airspace. As the media outlet recalled, Abdelmadjid Tebboune's government has expressed its rejection of any foreign military intervention in Niger, including one led by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Despite not being part of the African bloc, Algeria has opposed an ECOWAS military operation in the country. On the contrary, it has emphasised the role of diplomacy in bringing about a peaceful solution to the crisis that has gripped Niger since last July's coup d'etat.

Algeria's position on Niger and the role of ECOWAS is directly related to the country's national interests. According to an Algerian government source quoted by Reuters, Algeria is opposed to any military intervention for fear of an influx of migrants into its territory.

Niger and Algeria share a border of almost 1,000 kilometres. "We oppose the coup d'etat, but we are against military action that would aggravate the situation in Niger and throughout the Sahel," the source told the news agency.

REUTERS/SOULEYMANE AG ANARA - Niger's security forces prepare to disperse the pro-junta demonstrators gathered outside the French embassy in Niamey

Shortly after the Algerian radio reports, the French army general staff denied the news, denying that it had asked Algeria for authorisation to fly over its territory with a view to a possible military intervention in Niger. Paris, unlike Algiers, supports ECOWAS' decisions and line on the Sahelian country, where France has some 1,500 troops. "The General Staff invalidates France's request to fly over Algerian territory and therefore the refusal of the Algerian authorities," French military officials told Reuters.

According to analysts consulted by Al-Arab, Algeria leaked the news of an alleged French request to use its airspace in order to show Paris the relevance of Algiers in salvaging its eroded influence in the Sahel and Sahara region. The leak also aims to "humiliate" French President Emmanuel Macron and show him as an actor without authority in Niger. However, as the Arabic-language media outlet points out, this could backfire on Algeria, which has positioned itself on the opposite side of France, i.e. 'supporting the Niamey coup and backing its supporters, specifically the Wagner group and Russia'.

Algeria has already used its airspace on other occasions in order to put pressure on Paris. During the autumn of 2021, following the outbreak of a diplomatic crisis between the two countries due to statements by Macron that Algeria considered "offensive and shameful", Algiers decided to close its airspace to French military aviation. This was a major setback for Paris, as the flight to Niger or Mali via Algeria takes no more than four hours, while another route can take up to ten hours.
This is a modern tale of mystery, unlawfulness, and opulence of the most egregious kind. It is the story of Graceful, a spectacular superyacht now sailing under the name Kosatka after undergoing a very expensive refit while under sanctions.

Graceful is also a very controversial vessel, not because of itself but because of its ownership: it is the second superyacht delivered to Russian President Vladimir Putin, his all-time favorite, and "the one that got away," as the saying goes, when sanctions went into effect. Considering Putin owns an entire fleet of them, that makes Graceful pretty special.It is now even more so, having undergone a complete refit that sees it go from a fancy floating palace to a-fancy floating palace That wouldn't be newsworthy in and of itself. After all, superyachts undergo refits whenever the owner deems it fit (and can afford it), right? But Graceful is under sanctions as of early last year, so even if it is still on the loose, the direct beneficiary  Putin, in this case  shouldn't be able to work with companies from the same countries where sanctions are in effect to carry out extensive work on it. And least of all, he shouldn't be doing that out of his meager salary and not when his country is at war.These are the arguments brought forth in the latest report from jailed Putin opposition leader Alexei Navalny and his team. Beyond making a convincing case on the issues above, the report shows glimpses into the elaborate international machine at work to do Putin's bidding when it comes to his favorite boat, at least. It also offers an insight into how Graceful might look come the next cruising season.Not that it wasn't a spectacular vessel already. Construction on it began in 2006, but delivery took another eight years, with the final touches put at the Lurssen-owned Blohm + Voss shipyard in Germany. Graceful was supposedly modeled on the "discerning owner's" first yacht but was twice everything the other one was, which is an elegant way of saying it was twice as large and twice as luxurious.Measuring 270 feet (82 meters) in total length, Graceful offers accommodation for 12 guests and 14 crew, and incredible amenities that range from dual helipads to a convertible pool slash dancefloor slash cinema or a private wine cellar hidden inside the master suite. Not many specifics about the build or the finishes were ever made public, which only added more weight to the half-confirmed report that Putin was, indeed, the owner.In the weeks leading up to the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Graceful was at the Blohm + Voss shipyard, undergoing repairs. The Navalny report says that a malfunction with the MTU system had rendered Graceful useless. Since it was already there, Putin had ordered a complete overhaul.The report shows that, within days of the invasion, the shipyard was ordered to round up the works, as the ship would be leaving dock soon, to complete all works in the Russian Federation. It was a panicked dash to cover holes in the decks and render the hull floatable again, to round up the crew, and close all accounts and ongoing transactions. Graceful left by tugboat, no longer able to sail under its own power.It went to Kaliningrad, where work continued on it unbothered, thanks to an elaborate scheme that buried ownership so deep in paperwork that the same companies initially contracted for the refit were still working the job. In June, the vessel went to St. Petersburg and is now on its way to Sochi.All this time, Graceful has traveled with an armed Coast Guard chaperone. It's crewed exclusively with FSO (Federal Protective Service) officers, which Navalny describes as Putin's personal army, just like Scheherazade. These are two more clues seemingly confirming Putin as the direct beneficiary.Graceful is now called Kosatka , which means Killer Whale. It boasts improved amenities and even more luxurious interiors, thanks to the refit that the report estimates at $31.8 million, or 3 billion rubles. It's the kind of refit that would make the news even without the Putin association, too.Graceful now has a custom pool that extends out on the water beyond the beach club. It cost $3 million to add and was referred to in documentation as "the Olympus project," which is most likely a nod to Olympia, Putin's first superyacht. It's 85 meters long and 25 meters wide (279 by 82 feet) and no deeper than 3 meters (10 feet), and it allows guests to bathe in the sea while still feeling like they're within the safe confines of the yacht.The indoor pool, the one that converts into a dancefloor or a cinema, depending on the occasion, has also been refurbished. The his and hers main suites have been stripped to the bare walls and then put back together but with much fancier furniture, carpets, and fixtures. Fireplaces have been added to various lounges, the two helipads were retouched, and all deck furniture was replaced. Even the plates and cutlery are new now.The amounts spent for these are impressive  and verge on shocking if you consider what's happening in the country right now. The price of three apartments in Russia for a coffee table. $32,000 on French wine. $6,000 for a backgammon set. Three armored umbrellas for $39,000. A single hairbrush in the main suite of Putin's lover was $120, which is 11,000 rubles at the current exchange rate and "almost a living wage" in Russia, as per the report.Navalny also argues that Putin would have spared no expense to see this refit through, even if Graceful hadn't been his favorite vessel. His biggest and most expensive one, the $700 million Scheherazade , was seized in Italy last year, and chances are he won't be seeing it ever again. It simplyfor a man like Putin not to have the fanciest, most luxurious superyacht to show off.
Known as Kauai in Portugal, the Kona was redesigned for the 2024 model year inside and out. As ever, prospective customers are presented with ICEs, a hybrid option, plus electric propulsion.

EV

kWh

kW

WLTP

The most expensive of the bunch is  of course  the Kona Electric . Now in production at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech in the Czech Republic, this fellow costs a pretty penny. Over in Germany, which is the largest new car market in the European Union, prices kick off at 41,990 euros or 45,630 dollars at current exchange rates. In the United Kingdom, where the first generation still is available to configure, make that 34,995 and 32,450.Those prices convert to $44,510 for the newcomer and $41,270 for the first generation. It's reassuring to see a company keeping it sensible from one generation to the next. Hyundai didn't really have a choice, though, for it works toward offering exclusively zero-emission vehicles by 2035 in this part of the world. The Ford Motor Company will switch to EVs only in Europe by decade's end It should also be noted that Hyundai's firstassembled in Europe is the Kona Electric, which entered production at HMMC in 2020. The Kona Electric is also manufactured in South Korea at the automaker's Ulsan production complex. Hyundai claims that more than 70 percent of Euro-market vehicles are produced in Europe in order to shorten delivery times in response to growing demand.The South Korean automaker expected the 2024 model year Kona Electric to account for 15 percent of the Czech Republic-based plant's total production output. More than 21,000 units are scheduled for production by the end of 2023, and next year, approximately 50,000 will be made at HMMC.In addition to Europe, said vehicles will be exported to 20 additional countries, including Turkey, Israel, Guadalupe Island (off the coast of Mexico), and Reunion Island (near Madagascar and Mauritius). The right-hand-drive Kona Electric isn't exclusive to the UK and Ireland, but also heading to Cyprus, the third-largest island in the Mediterranean.Hyundai tasked LG Energy Solution with the production of the battery cells for the Kona Electric, which are manufactured in Poland. The cells are then assembled into battery packs at HMMC.The Kona Electric is available in two main specifications: 48.4and 65.4 kWh. The lesser variant packs 114.6(156 ps or 154 hp) in the form of a front-mounted electric motor, and its-rated driving range is 377 kilometers (234 miles). The larger battery is connected to a 160-kW electric motor (218 ps or 215 hp). The combined range is estimated at 514 kilometers (319 miles).In Germany, the Kona Electric features a single well-equipped trim level that includes 17-inch alloys, dual 12.25-inch displays for the infotainment system and instrument cluster, a reversing camera, parking assistance fore and aft, and over-the-air updates. The standard-range variant can be optioned with a heat pump as part of the Efficiency Package, which costs 1,200 euros or 1,300 dollars at current exchange rates. British customers are presented with four trims, and all four come with said heat pump as standard.
The BMW M2s birth was received with unanimous ovations in 2015. Still, the compact fun-bringing machine didnt come about as a trendy compromise made by the Bavarian carmaker in response to the ever-so-subcategorized automobile fashion of these last years.

In fact, BMW had been hatching the idea of a small performance car since the seventies  does anyone remember the 2002 turbo? Furthermore, the M3  launched in the second part of the 80s  established a reputation that has only grown over the decades.Things took a turn for the (confusing) better when the German auto giant decided to divide the M3 in two  a separation made on door headcount grounds that saw the appearance of the M3 and M4. Then the M2 joined the party, and it wasnt long before the small model borrowed some of its bigger brothers mechanical habits.When the M2 evolved into its Competition and CS variants, it received the M3 engine. Many people asked if there would be a track big enough on Planet Piston for these two to live happily ever after within the same universe.As it turns out, the Ms managed to make it work, and it wasnt long before the M2 family made a track name for itself. Naturally, in 2022, the second generation of the BMW M2 came out, which only emphasized the Germans endorsement of the sporty compacts.However, before the Most powerful letter of the alphabet was dropped on the small Bimmers, there was an inceptor, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe. This is where things get tricky: usually, M models of a BMW series are simply called M-something. However, that would have been a disaster in the 1 Series case.Can you imagine what would have happened if the Motorsport Division had spat on the memory of their original M1 from the 80s and called the beef-up hatchback the same? Thats how the 'Series 1 M Coupe' was penned.Its not the catchiest of names, but it is what it is. Since it was introduced in 2010, the 1 M Coupe gradually evolved into the M2s mentioned before. And, following the progressively increasing power increase law of automotive, the M2 got more power with each generation.Luckily, there is a quantifiable method of assessing this evolution: a drag race . Surprised? Me neither; it was about time we saw how much 12 years means in the baby BMWs technological development. Courtesy of carwows Mat Watson, all six variants of the M-badged small Bimmers take it out against each other on the quarter-mile moment of rear-wheel-driven truth.Some things are sacred in Bavaria, and the three-liter straight-six is one of those monuments no one dares to even consider casting a blasphemous modification upon. Thats why all five cars lined up today have the same piston interior decoration: six cylinders arranged in a straight line.But the blood ties quickly give way to personality differences. While the Series 1 M Coupe outputs 340 PS and 500 Nm (335 hp/369 lb-ft), its youngest sibling packs a much harder punch, at 454 hp and 406 lb-ft (450 hp/550 Nm).A quantum leap, we could say - achieved in just 12 years, and the other three iterations are just steps of this evolutionary arms race. The original M2 from 2015 produced 365 hp and the same 369 lb-ft (370 PS/500 Nm) as its predecessor. Then, the M2 Competition upped the ante, doubled the turbocharger headcount, and raised the bar to 405 hp and 406 lb-ft (410 PS, 550 Nm).As if the Competition package wasnt enough  for some people, theres no such thing as too much power , just not enough traction  the Club Sport version translated the performance notion as 444 hp (450 PS). Torque stayed level  and it didnt change after the second-generation M2, launched late last year, came around.However, the 2022 M2 gained an additional 10 hp and brags with 454 ponies (460 PS). The hidden facet of this power-over-time equation is added weight. Over 500 lbs (220 kg) separate the Series 1 M coupe from the bulky M2 of the second generation, which should make a difference. The 2022 M2 sits in a class of just over 1.7 tons. The other four cars gravitate around 1.5 tons.Does that make a ton of difference in a drag race? Typically, it does  but the M2 is just absolutely insanely quick and leaves the start line like a bullet from a high-powered rifle. To make things as unfair as YouTubingly possible, two cars are fitted with six-speed manuals. In contrast, the others have automatics (dual-clutch or not) and launch control systems.As expected, a drag race doesnt provide a lot of surprises  except for when the computers play tricks and one of the cars, the first-gen M2, loses the Launch Control. That means it leaves the line at school bus speeds, asking for a pair of binoculars to see the taillights of the other two (the M2 Competition and the Series 1 M Coupe manual).Surprisingly, the three-pedal inceptor of this M-rage is particularly agile off the line, getting ahead  until its time for the first-to-second shift. The manual nose-dives and the M2 Competition pulls away and wins. In the second race  held between the 2022 M2, the M2 CS of yesteryear, and the original M2 from 2015  the scenario repeats itself  the CS also has a six-speed with a clutch pedal.However, the muscle-bound new M2 takes zero prisoners and shoots off the line like the others arent even in the race. Interestingly, the enormous weight difference nullifies the extra power advantage over the M2 CS in the rolling race. Subsequently, the latest and greatest M2 can only watch from behind as the manual CS gets ahead and stays unchallenged.As for the times, they align with the paper calculations: the fastest standing quarter goes to the 2022 M2, with a 12.1 high score. Interestingly, the M2 Competition was second-fastest, at 12.5 seconds. The CS and first-gen M2 came on par at 12.8, and the 1M arrived last, at 13 seconds.In all fairness, the M2s did an outstanding job, especially if we compare the times with those of the four 700-hp RWD JDMs that raced the other day. The fastest Bimmers in this race would eat the winner of the other for breakfast, even if they arent in the same power-to-weight league. Also, the BMWs didn't break down, unlike some of their fully-built Japanese counterparts.
In its day, pilots used to call the Focke-Wulf Fw-190 the Wurger (Butcher Bird) because it was so adept at shooting down Allied aircraft. But when this 1944 example was pulled from the woods in Northwest Russia, the only thing it was shooting down was our hearts, thanks to its sorry state. But if you think a wreck of this magnitude has no chance of looking stunning again, you must not be familiar with what aviation restoration mechanics are capable of with enough time and money.

This particular late-model Fw-190F-8, complete with modified injectors on the engine compressor on its BMW 801D-2 radial engine, was one of 16 such fighter bombers stationed at a Luftwaffe base near Alakurtti, Finland, and played a role in the German-Finnish defense of Finland's home territory against the advancing Soviet Army and Air Force as a part of what's known as the Continuation War. So the legend goes, Luftwaffe pilot Alfred Kruppa was at the stick of this very Fw-190, flying close to the border between Finland and modern-day Russia, when he was intercepted by Soviet pilots flying British Hawker Hurricanes they'd acquired via Lend-Lease.From what historians can gather, Kruppa's plane was hit by a barrage from the Hurricane's quad 20 mm Hispano Mk II cannons and was forced to make an emergency bail-out and perished on impact with the nearby Vuoksi River. The Fw-190 he was flying was totaled on impact, but the aircraft's superstructure remained intact as it sat on the river floor for the next 75 years. The plane sat undisturbed, collecting a thick layer of dust and woodland biomass across its wings, cockpit, and fuselage until the summer of 2019 when it was spotted by locals and extracted from its crypt in the hope of a full and total restoration.It doesn't look like there's much left of anything to restore on this crusty mass of metal and wires. But veteran readers of autoevolution might recall the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in New York State that was restored from the wrecks of two identical planes that'd collided mid-air almost eight decades ago. If that pile of barely recognizable scrap can be re-arranged into something even just resembling the warbirds they came from, can you imagine what's possible with an ostensibly intact and complete airframe like this one?It won't be easy, and restoration projects of this variety routinely take decades to complete before they're ready for museum display. It's not like spare parts for these machines haven't been made since 1945 or anything. Oh, wait, that's exactly the case. Maybe it's best that the people involved take their sweet time, lest a wayward nut or bolt comes loose that brings the project all the way back to square one rears its ugly head.
Tesla insists it has enough demand for its cars despite constantly reducing their prices. It even created a new derivative for the Model S and Model X that allows it to sell them for $10,000 less so that it does not look like a discount. Yet, its inventories keep growing and must have exceeded 100,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by now. The company may finally admit it has fewer buyers than it needs with what Business Insider discovered about Giga Grunheide. Tesla's German factory is making fewer Model Y units.

BEV

Photo: Tesla

Photo: Tesla

Full Self-Driving

If you are wondering why that matters, the explanation is simple. Tesla cut production in Fremont and Giga Shanghai with the excuse that these factories needed new tooling and other improvements to manufacture Project Highland, a refreshed Model 3 that will probably get mega castings. Fair enough, but Giga Grunheide does not manufacture the electric sedan: its only product is the Model Y, the company's current best-seller. Theoretically, Tesla could sell every single unit of the electric crossover it could manufacture.According to Business Insider, the Americanmaker proudly announced in March that the factory could produce 5,000 Model Ys per week. That number was expected to increase due to the high demand Tesla said these vehicles had. However, internal documents and statements from employees confirm that the company reduced the production target to 4,350 cars per week, 870 per day. On July 25, Tesla made only 692 BEVs. On July 28, the number was 806. The images disclosed by Business Insider show the target was still 870 daily units. And it gets worse.Nowadays, the production target is 750 BEVs per day. That means Tesla is making only 3,750 vehicles per week if it manages to achieve the daily targets, which has not happened on at least two occasions. Nothing suggests this was an exception. In other words, it may be the rule.According to Business Insider sources, Tesla is having a hard time hiring people to work at Giga Grunheide. This is something I wrote about in November 2021 . Ironically, the BEV maker only made it worse when it laid off hundreds of temporary workers in June. That makes one wonder: if it needed more people there to manufacture cars, why did it fire these guys? Perhaps the lack of personnel is a good excuse not to meet the production targets the company announces but (secretly) cannot keep.Wouldn't it be easier just to admit people are not buying BEVs as much as they were before? Most car companies reduced production because of demand restrictions. Customers are having a hard time with credit not only to buy new cars but also to purchase or even keep paying for their houses. Fuel prices increase every week, which will impact the cost of everything that needs gasoline or diesel to reach their sales points. Summing up, things look ugly, so it would be no surprise if they were also ugly for Tesla. Why would it be an exception in such a nasty scenario?The company's detractors often say Tesla's most important product is its shares. If it did not keep the continuous growth narrative, the stock prices would drop. Again, that's what they do whenever a public company has bad financial results in a given quarter. In Tesla's case, a production cut would be highly welcome.As I said before, the BEV maker must have more than 100,000 vehicles waiting for a new owner. Considering it sells around 400,000 each quarter, the inventory represents 25% of that quantity. If we were talking about working days, that would mean two weeks with the factories shut. It could give its workers mandatory vacations for a month. Although some customers could wait a bit more for their BEVs , that would allow the company to keep selling them without discounts.In the current market environment, what Tesla may fear is that it would probably lead those willing to buy a BEV to another manufacturer. With so many more vehicles on offer, the only rational reason for anyone to stick to a Tesla would be Superchargers, but they will soon cease to be exclusive. Anyone with an emotional attachment to the company can wait.Supposing Tesla could admit demand for its cars  and the range of its BEVs  is not as rosy as its executives want everybody to believe, the worst that could happen would be a market cap depreciation. Would it be so awful if it was worth $70 billion instead of $750 billion? It would still be worth more than Volkswagen, which sells way more vehicles than Tesla does  even with a demand crisis. Tesla may recover that when it starts selling robotaxis. According to Elon Musk, the production version ofwill arrive by the end of the year. So would robotaxis three to eight years ago, depending on which promise you still remember.
"This success belongs to all of humanity," is what India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said to describe the gravity of the success of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft as it touched down on the surface of the lunar South Pole. In doing so, India is now only the fourth nation behind Russia, China, and the United States to soft-land a probe on the Moon. It signifies that the second great space race will be far more crowded and colorful than the first boogaloo in the late 1960s.

As the four-legged space probe consisting of a lander portion named Kukram and a small rover, Pragyan, landed in a gap between the Manzinus and Simpelius N craters in the southern region of the Moon's near side, the world waited in bated breath. Only days earlier, the Russian space probe Luna 25 had unceremoniously impacted the lunar surface, intending to explore much the same region of the Moon as its Indian counterpart. As China and the U.S. wage a new space race in hopes of sending humans back to the Moon first, a smaller race between Russia and India has already yielded some of the most intense competition between two rival space agencies in decades.The Chandrayaan-3 probe was launched out of Satish Dhawan Space Centre off the Bay of Bengal on Jul 14th of this year and had been scouting the lunar surface from orbit since August 5th. After a computer glitch led to the abrupt end of the previous Chandrayaan mission, Chandrayaan-2, the pressure was on like never before for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to get things right on their third time out on the trot. Now that the hard part is over, the ISRO will busy themselves conducting scientific experiments via both the lander and rover elements of the mission in hopes of learning more about the makeup of lunar polar regolith.Of course, the million-dollar question on everyone's mind about this region of the Moon is whether the Moon's soil contains sufficient quantities of water ice, which astronauts could use to make drinking water as well as rocket fuel when human-crewed expeditions finally bring people back to the Moon with the Artemis program . Other concerns like learning exactly how meteoroid impacts affect the structure of lunar dust and soil and uncovering the history of the paper-thin lunar atmosphere are further primary objectives for the ISRO to contend with.But for now, the Chandrayaan-3 probe is almost more of an ambassador for India's presence in deep space than it is just another space probe. As a decree for global space agencies that the U.S. and Russia no longer control the entirety of global space travel, Chandrayaan-3 is helping the world enter a new age of space exploration. One where any nation with enough money and personnel can stake their claim.
(Photo : R. Satish BABU / AFP) (R. SATISH BABU/AFP via Getty Images)

India's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft is set to land on the lunar surface and has captured stunning images along the way.

India's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft is heading toward the lunar surface, capturing stunning images ahead of the historic moon landing.

On Tuesday, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) confirmed that the spacecraft was on schedule and that its "smooth sailing" continues. Chandrayaan-3 is set to start its final descent onto the lunar surface by 5:45 p.m. IST on Wednesday.

India's Lunar Landing Mission

If the mission is successful, it will mark India's first soft landing on the moon's surface using a spacecraft of its own. It would also make the South Asian country the fourth nation to achieve such an accomplishment. The first three were the United States, China, and the former Soviet Union.

India's space agency will also be livestreaming the lunar surface landing attempt, starting at around 5:20 p.m. IST on Wednesday. On Tuesday, the ISRO marked the eve of the spacecraft's landing by sharing various photographs and video footage that Chandrayaan-3 captured using cameras equipped on it, as per CNN.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission:



Here are the images of

Lunar far side area

captured by the

Lander Hazard Detection and Avoidance Camera (LHDAC).



This camera that assists in locating a safe landing area -- without boulders or deep trenches -- during the descent is developed by ISRO pic.twitter.com/rwWhrNFhHB  ISRO (@isro) August 21, 2023

One bird's-eye view of the moon was captured from roughly 70 kilometers above the lunar surface and highlighted features such as the Mare Marginis, which is a large black spot that was formed by ancient asteroid strikes on the extreme edge of the near side of the moon.

The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft can orient its own positioning by matching the images captured by its cameras to a lunar map programmed into its onboard computer.

The name of the Indian spacecraft means "moon vehicle" in Sanskrit, and it was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Center at Sriharikota, located in India's southern Andhra Pradesh state, on July 14.

India's last attempt to land a spacecraft on the moon involved Chandrayaan-2 and ended in failure as it crashed. Furthermore, Chandrayaan-3's lunar landing attempt is made even more controversial following the failure of Russia's Luna-25 mission which was supposed to go to the same area as India's spacecraft, according to the New York Times.

Read Also: Neptune's Clouds Mysteriously Vanish; Scientists Suspect Solar Cycle

Importance of the Crucial Mission

Chandrayaan-3's lunar landing attempt was scheduled for Aug. 23 because it is the day when our solar system's sun will rise at the landing site. Additionally, the Indian mission is set to conclude after two weeks when the sun sets.

The solar-powered spacecraft and its lander will use the plethora of instruments they possess to make thermal, seismic, and mineralogical measurements. In a statement after Chandrayaan-3's launch, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude to the country's scientists for its rich history in the space sector.

The mission to the moon's south pole is crucial as scientists believe the region contains frozen water. This could allow astronauts to build a base and stay there for extended periods.

This resource could generate fuel, oxygen, and drinking water for astronauts. It could also provide valuable insight into the moon's volcanoes and the origins of the oceans on our planet, said Sky News.

Related Article: Russian Luna-25 Spacecraft Reportedly Crashes Onto Moon Surface

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Questions about whether fourth-generation jet fighters have a place on a modern battlefield between two peer-to-peer superpowers continue to abound in contemporary aviation circles. But Boeing and the U.S. Air Force are confident that the F-15EX Eagle II will be a force to be reckoned with against Sukhois and Chengdus of Russia and China, regardless of the generation. It's to the point that even U.S. allies can't help but take an interest. Among that crowd, it's Indonesia that's getting the first crack at a production contract.

That's right. It's not Japan or Saudi Arabia that's become the second country outside the U.S. and Israel to get dibs on the ultimate form of the most F-15 platform. On Aug 21st, Boeing announced that a deal with Indonesia's Minister of Defense, Prabowo Subianto, had been reached, pending federal approval, to be the first nation outside the U.S. to agree to acquire the Eagle II. The mutually agreed signing of what's known as a Moratorium of Understanding (MoU) after the two parties toured the Boeing production facility in St Louis, MO, will make Indonesia, a country with a population nearly at parity with the U.S., among the first of its allies to commit to a gen-4.5 airframe with lots to prove.Dubbed the F-15ID, the Indonesian Eagle II will have the same astonishing weapons capacity, ultra-modern weapons systems not limited to just new hypersonic air-to-air-missiles, and 50-year strong airframe architecture that, even to this day, has yet to be shot down in combat. If anything, F-15s are far more likely to be lost in accidents than by enemy combatants. The facts and figures back this up ten times out of ten. From the new General Electric F110 engines jetting 29,000 lb (129 kN) of thrust each at full afterburner to the Raytheon AESA radar and the BAE Systems electronic warfare/countermeasures pods, there's no questioning why Indonesia's vast coastlines would be better protected by the Eagle II.As mentioned above, only the Israelis were quicker to obtain contracts with Boeing for the Eagle II , dubbed the F-15IA. For an Air Force only 224 airframes strong, an Indonesian Air Force roughly a third the size of Israel's by flying stock will soon fly a jet well-suited to defending its airspace against powerful adversaries. Compared to the borderline antiquated F-16 Block 15s and Sukhoi Su-27/30s native to Indonesia's Air Force already, the extra "horsepower" from an F-15 with near fifth-gen capabilities speaks for itself. This tech includes a much-reduced radar cross-section, by the way.24 total Eagle II airframes are headed to Indonesia, pending any legal challenges that may or may not come from the U.S. Government. But once all the paperwork is sorted, there's no reason why squadrons of Eagle IIs are flying with the Indonesian Air Force well before this decade is out.
Don't you just love it when rich people try to be relatable to boost their popularity and end up proving just how out of touch they are? If you do, Jackie Siegel, aka the Real Queen of Versailles, doesn't  but only because it's her we're talking about.

Photo: Jackie Siegel

Photo: Jackie Siegel

Boarding a plane can be a memorable experience, both good and bad. If you can afford to fly only business class or, even better, private, your experiences will mostly be of the positive kind. Yes, but how does one replicate that feeling of private jet flying without having to go outside of one's house?Jackie Siegel has the answer, and it's why she's in the news today. The former beauty girl turned entrepreneur is often in the news for the challenges she's facing in her decades-long struggle to complete Versailles , the largest single-family home in the United States.Planning for the mega-mansion started before she and her multi-millionaire husband bought the land in 2000, and works have already cost more than $100 million. The problem is that the three-level 90,000 square-foot (8,400 square-meter) home is nowhere near completion after several delays and serious money issues.If only because it seems a task worthy of Sisyphus, people love to touch base with Siegel every now and then to see where progress on Versailles is at. The last time they did so, she'd posted a video to social media bragging about how she'd set up a private jet cabin inside her living room, only to be able to replicate that exquisite, ultra-pampered feeling you get when flying private "Have you ever had one of those days when youre in the mood for caviar, but you feel like, Oh my gosh, I should be on a private jet eating caviar, but I dont want to leave my home?" Like, whoat least once a week?! If that's not the most relatable thing a multi-millionaire has ever asked on social media, we don't know what is.Sarcasm aside, Siegel proceeded to show off the cabin, complete with a swiveling, adjustable chair with a comfy little pillow, aircraft-style windows, and a serving setup including chilled champagne. She was wearing flip-flops with a full-glam look, but hey, even millionaires need to kick back.The response to the video has been exactly as you'd imagine. The carbon footprint and the prohibitive rates of flying private aside, Siegel's video comes at a time when the ongoing financial crisis means people are struggling to put food on the table. Her little skit about munching on caviar while in the comfort of your home went down very badly, and people online wasted no effort in letting her know.Siegel has since apologized, saying the video was only a joke she didn't think through. She doesn't have a private jet cabin inside her living room, so Candy Spelling still holds strong to the title of the most outrageous mansion designer because she put a room for gift wrapping and another room for her collection of dolls inside Candyland Siegel explained that the cabin had been in her home for an event, most likely a paid partnership with a local company offering private jet charters. She thought it'd be funny if she messed around a bit on social media, joking about putting a real cabin inside her home.The funniest part about this whole episode is that almost anyone who's seen the video believed she was being serious because she comes across as the kind of person that would put a private jet cabin inside her living room just to eat caviar while pretending she was flying. Versailles is a 15-room monstrosity with a 53-car garage and gilded ceilings, a full-size British pub that was flown from the UK in pieces, and something called a teenager's cave. A private jet cabin would have fit right in.The snafu is comparable to that time when reality star (and billionaire) Kim Kardashian tried to deflect from ongoing conversations on her excessive private jet use by complaining about how expensive gas was. Or when millionaire socialite Amanda Caroline Cronin complained about the rising living costs by lamenting her fate for having to fly premium economy to an event instead of the usual business class.We all know that the rich travel by private jet, drive exclusive automobiles, shower in diamonds, and eat off silver platters, and to a certain extent, we've grown accustomed to the idea that inequality exists . More than rubbing it in by humble-bragging or even outright bragging, it's this attempt at relatability that offends.Not that we're in any position to teach the rich on social media anything, but sometimes,trying to appear relatable is a much smarter course of action. It would be less fun for us watching at home, but wiser.
It's been a very long time since civilians moved through the air at speeds faster than that of sound. The last time someone did that was back in 2003, when the mighty Concorde took off one last time from London. And some people have been dreaming of going that fast again ever since.

Photo: NASA

Photo: Lockheed Martin

The Concorde, made by the British Aircraft Corporation, was capable of moving passengers through the air at speeds of 1,354 mph (2,179 kph), which is just a little over Mach 2, two times the speed of sound.That allowed it to complete a trip from London to New York in just under three hours, which is noticeably better than the about eight hours one needs on a regular airplane. In fact, that's blistering fast by any standards. But what if I told you NASA has now begun considering an airplane that could cut even Concorde's time in half?The American space agency is already knee-deep in a civilian supersonic aircraft project. It's called X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST), it was announced ever since 2016, and it's currently getting ready to take off for the first time.The QueSST is something on the lines of a design and technology demonstrator. You see, one of the things that limited Concorde's abilities was the rule some countries, the U.S. included, have in place to prohibit supersonic flight over land, in a bid to avoid the discomfort felt on the ground when the plane breaks through the sound barrier.The QueSST is meant to explore how new design ideas and technologies could help supersonic airplanes reduce the noise they make, so eventually they could be allowed to fly really fast including over land.By the end of this year NASA is scheduled to begin testing the plane, which is being put together by Lockheed Martin, by taking it to the sky for the first time. After that is over with and the QueSST proves its airworthiness, flights over populated areas will begin, in an effort to assess the aircraft's impact on communities.Technically speaking the X-59 is not the precursor of some supersonic passenger aircraft, but the ideas being studied with it just might lead to one or two such machines. Especially given how NASA will not keep the findings from these test flights for itself, but it will share them with both American and international regulators.Until it does all that, and opens the doors to low-sonic booms over land, NASA is looking into other ways to exploit supersonic travel for passenger needs. More specifically, it tries to see whether a supersonic plane, going as fast as Mach 4 (3,069 mph/4,939 kph), would be something the world and the aviation industry would appreciate.To get a sense of that the space agency conducted a number of studies at the end of which it reached a very interesting conclusion: there are presently about 50 aerial routes, already being flown by regular airplanes, that could use supersonic jets. NASA didn't take the X-59 and what may come out of it into account when running these studies, so all the 50 routes are transoceanic and move over either the Pacific or the Atlantic. Sadly, the agency didn't specify what exact routes we're talking about, but for frequent flyers, especially long-haul ones, they are probably not hard to guess.All of the above is clearly a NASA dream for now, but we all know the agency has a habit of turning a lot of its dreams into reality, and the thought of a Mach 4 passenger airplane is no exception.So, through a program called Advanced Air Vehicles Program (AAVP) NASA is pushing the idea further, and will call in companies two help. A series of year-long contracts will be awarded to these partners "to develop concept designs and technology roadmaps."Two teams of companies have already signed up for the project. The first one is led by Boeing, and includes, among others, partners Exosonic, GE Aerospace, Georgia Tech Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory, and Rolls-Royce North American Technologies.In the opposite corner is the Northrop Grumman-led team, comprising Blue Ridge Research and Consulting, Boom Supersonic, and Rolls-Royce North American Technologies (yes, these guys are playing for both teams).The tasks set by NASA for the participants include the design of a concept for a supersonic aircraft, meaning first and foremost the airframe, power, propulsion, and thermal management. Most importantly, composite materials capable of supporting supersonic speeds are also to be researched.NASA did not provide us with a timetable of what should happen when, or at what time in the future we are to expect to see the first results of the project. It did say however that "once the industry engagement phase is completed, NASA and its industry and academic partners will decide whether to continue the research with their own investments."
The Mercedes-AMG C 63 and E 63 are getting the V8 engines back. It is the information that snowballed last earlier this month. Now Mercedes claims that it is "pure nonsense."

AMG

Mercedes is denying the rumors according to which the upcoming C 63 and E 63 are getting V8 engines. The first to get it was reportedly the C 63, which would debut in 2026.The info would make no sense considering that the premium carmaker, just like any other, started to walk down the downsizing lane back in 2014, when the Mercedes-GT supercar came with the 4.0-liter V8 instead of the SLS's massive 6.3-liter V12.And taking one step down that road is what they are doing right now, by placing the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, carried out from the A 45, integrated into a plug-in hybrid system, under the hood of the C 63 S E Performance version of the C-Class, where the E stands for 'electrified.' The total system output is 671 horsepower (680 PS), which is way above what Mercedes could get out of the V8, which also brought extra weight tot the AMG C 63.In Germany, the C 63 S E Performance 4MATIC+ kicks off at 114,888 euros, which translates to $124,314.Meanwhile, the E 63 S E Performance version should receive an electrified inline-six instead of the 4.0-liter V8 of the current E 63. But the decision might steer die-hard V8 fans toward BMW, which rolls out the all-new M5 with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and plug-in tech.Mercedes-AMG is doing it to meet the ever more stringent emissions regulations valid in the European Union as well as in the United States. A U-turn that would take them back to bigger engines would make no sense whatsoever.Mercedes is ruling out the idea of putting the V8 back under the hood of the C 63 and E 63. In an i nterview during Monterey Car Week, Mercedes-AMG's CEO Michael Schiebe said there was no way the performance sedans would be getting the V8 back. "I can definitely deny it," he told The Drive.Furthermore, Mercedes-AMG sources familiar with the company's strategy told German publication Auto Motor und Sport that the rumor was pure nonsense. Car and Driver wrote that the C 63 and the E 63 both would get plug-in hybrid drivetrains with a 4.0-liter V8 and an electric motor. That is what the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, the first AMG plug-in hybrid, is using. The GT 63 S E Performance was AMG's most potent production car until the One hypercar was introduced.But the V8 enthusiasts will still have options in the Mercedes-AMG lineup. The GT, the SL, which is now an all AMG affair, and the S 63 will keep the V8 for as long as possible, Michael Schiebe confirms. ?
Yerevan residents will elect on September 17 a new municipal assembly that will in turn appoint the mayor of the Armenian capital. Thirteen parties and one bloc are vying for the assemblys 65 seats.

The last mayor, Hrachya Sargsian, stepped down in March after only 15 months in office. Yerevan has since been effectively run by Tigran Avinian, a deputy mayor nominated by the ruling Civil Contract party for the vacant post. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian expressed confidence about the partys victory during an election campaign fundraiser held late last month.

The opposition Hayastan and Pativ Unem alliances represented in the Armenian parliament have decided not to join the mayoral race. Some of their senior members have said that the upcoming elections are not significant given the grave security challenges facing Armenia as well as Nagorno-Karabakh.

Andranik Tevanian, a Hayastan parliamentarian, disagreed with the de facto boycott, resigning from the National Assembly and cobbling together an electoral bloc called Mayr Hayastan (Mother Armenia) to run for mayor. He has said that an opposition victory in Yerevan would pave the way for regime change in the country.

Tevanian made the same point as his bloc comprising several other outspoken opposition figures launched its campaign with a rally held in the city center.

Another major opposition contender is the Aprelu Yerkir party widely linked with Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian-born tycoon and philanthropist who moved to Karabakh last year. Its mayoral candidate, Mane Tandilian, too has described the Yerevan polls as an opportunity to precipitate the Pashinian governments ouster.

Tandilian ruled out any post-election power-sharing deals with Pashinians party as she spoke during her partys inaugural campaign event. Our struggle is about strengthening our statehood, she told RFE/RLs Armenian Service.

Tandilian, 50, served as labor and social affairs minister in Pashinians first cabinet in 2018.

Civil Contract and Avinian may also face a serious challenge from Hayk Marutian, a popular TV comedian whom Pashinians political team had installed as mayor after winning the last municipal polls in 2018. The city council controlled by the ruling party ousted Marutian in December 2021 after he fell out with the prime minister.

Marutian tops the list of council candidates nominated by a little-known party called National Progress.

Avinian was due to hold his first campaign gathering in the citys southern Nubarashen suburb on Wednesday evening. His campaign is thought to have unofficially begun months ago, with Civil Contract disseminating videos of his speeches and other public appearances on social media.

In a recent report issued earlier this month, Independent Observer, a coalition of civic groups that will monitor the September 17, vote accused Avinian of having systematically abused his administrative resources to promote his mayoral bid.

The coalition also said that the administration of a local community in central Armenia comprising the town of Spitak and surrounding villages is drawing up lists of its Yerevan-based natives promising to vote for Avinian. It said the process is overseen by Gevorg Papoyan, the ruling partys deputy chairman.

The allegations are based on recorded phone calls between local officials and a civic activist posing as an aide to Papoyan. Spitaks deputy mayor and six village chiefs could be heard saying that they already have or will soon have such lists.

Papoyan strongly denied the allegations. Vahagn Hovakimian, a Pashinian ally heading the Armenias Central Election Commission, said, for his part, that the audio does not testify to an abuse of administrative resources.
The Security Council discussed the worsening humanitarian crisis in Karabakh last week during an emergency meeting initiated by Armenia. Speaking at the meeting, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan urged it to demand the immediate reopening of the Lachin corridor, send a fact-finding mission to Karabakh and provide humanitarian aid to the regions struggling population.

Although most of its members, notably the U.S. and Russia, urged the lifting of the Azerbaijani blockade, the Council stopped short of adopting a relevant resolution or statement.

We have not seen a draft resolution, and claims that the U.S. is pressuring member countries not to sign a resolution are completely false, the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan told the Armenpress news agency.

As noted in our statement at the [UN Security Council] session, we remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and were encouraging the Azerbaijani government to open the Lachin Corridor to humanitarian, commercial and private traffic expeditiously, it said.

Mirzoyan also dismissed the rumors, circulated by some media outlets, when he spoke during a news conference in Yerevan on Tuesday. He said he believes Washington realizes that a UN resolution would help to end the crisis in Karabakh.

An Armenian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Monday that Armenia is not in a position to draft such a document because of not being a Security Council member.

The U.S., the European Union and Russia have repeatedly called on Azerbaijan to allow renewed commercial and humanitarian traffic through the Lachin corridor. Baku has dismissed their appeals.
23 August 2023 16:00 (UTC+04:00)

Rena Murshud Read more

Offering access to new markets with an estimated population of over 80 million along the route, the Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, is gaining popularity as a key East-West connection. Obviously, following the Russo-Ukrainian war and subsequent sanctions, demand for opening the project became huge.

Besides, the Middle Corridor offers a route that is at least 2,000 kilometers shorter than the Northern Corridor, which passes through Russia. This translates to reduced travel time, with the potential to shorten the journey between China and Europe to as little as 12 days, while the Northern Corridor currently takes 19 days. The development phase of the route also opens up new opportunities for B2B and B2C engagements in logistics, transportation, and infrastructure construction, as the countries strive to modernize and expand their railway systems and seaports.

Despite all this, there are still certain knots in the full operation of the Middle Corridor project. Today, it still exists mainly on the corridor passing through the South Caucasus, that is, Zangazur.

It is a fact that the Zangazur Corridor is also considered the most important segment of the Middle Corridor project. Nevertheless, it is regrettable to note that the still unresolved conflict in the region is lingering the realization of many important prospects related to the Middle Corridor.

Middle East economist Kanan Guluzade in an interview with AZERNEWS spoke about the economic situation in the region, as well as the influence of other countries on the development of corridors.

Q: As we know, the South Caucasus is considered the most geostrategic region constituting part of the Middle Corridor. However, the factor of Iran and Russia raises questions about the Zangazur segment of this corridor. Iran, in particular, impedes the opening of the corridor. How do you think Iran's influence can be reduced here?

A: The approaches of Iran and Armenia to the Zangazur corridor are different. It can be seen that Russia is playing a positive role in the relevant process. With the opening of the Zangazur corridor, a logistics corridor was created as a result of connecting Turkiye with the railway through Azerbaijan. The trade turnover between the two countries is about 30 billion US dollars. Here Russia acts rather as a seller. Shortening the road, connecting the railway, that is, a cheaper means of logistics, to the corridor, equipping the railway between the two countries is directly in the interests of Russia. Thanks to this logistics corridor, Russia can sell various types of its products both to Turkiye and through Turkiye to European countries.

As for Iran, there are two main reasons why the country opposes the project to open the Zangazur corridor. The first reason is that Iran provides logistics for Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan. The second and more important reason is that if the Zangazur Corridor is opened, the Middle Corridor will become relevant. Prices for logistics in the Middle Corridor will reduce the importance of Iran's logistics hub in the region. Thus, Iran will be deprived of its annual dividends. Therefore, Iran directed all its political power against this project. So, some time ago, this prompted the Islamic Republic of Iran to open a consulate in Gafan, which is the territory of present-day Armenia, but historically considered Azerbaijani land. In an unrenovated building, Iran opened its consulate and installed the flags of the two countries there. This means that the Zangazur corridor is completely contrary to Iran's interests. However, Azerbaijan has demonstrated its political will. This project is scheduled to be completed as soon as possible.

Q: There are also countries that are interested in this corridor. However, today they play a passive role against the backdrop of the Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict which is the key for opening the corridor. In other words, the decisive nuances do not appear within the framework of support for conflict resolution. What do you think is the reason?

A: In fact, the opening of the Zangazur corridor is a positive moment for the countries interested in the project. However, this project does not require strong political will. If they were, other countries would also be interested. For example, Kazakhstan. This country is considered the leading country in terms of reserves of natural resources and the 9th country in terms of area. Kazakhstan also took over the leading part of the "Middle Corridor". At the moment, along with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan also plays a big role in raising the relevance of the Middle Corridor and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. During the visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Tashkent, Samarkand, as part of an extensive visit by the head of state of Uzbekistan with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and government agencies, various documents were signed. And these documents show that relations between the two countries are at a very high level. I want to note that Uzbekistan is one of the first countries to recognize the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Also, trade relations between the two countries, especially in the field of logistics, are at a very high level. The relevance of the issue of logistics in the Zangazur corridor is considered an important issue for Uzbekistan.

Q: How do you think the end of the Russo-Ukrainian will affect the Middle Corridor project?

A: Currently, cargo terminals for various purposes, and multimodal terminals are being built along this corridor, and the number of containers, trucks, and ships in the Caspian basin is increasing. If the project is in full swing in the near future (construction of two ports in Uzbekistan, expansion of the Alat port, development of the Endijan multimodal terminal, purchase of cargo ships in the Caspian), the Middle Corridor will be able to maintain its relevance even after the end of the war. So to my thought, the end of the Ukrainian-Russian war will neither have any negative nor positive effects on the development of the "Middle Corridor". This road is the shortest between East and West. The trade turnover between China and the EU countries is more than 700 billion US dollars. Here the positive balance is on the side of China. China exports more products to Europe. Thus, lower logistics costs reduce the cost of multipurpose goods shipped from China to Europe. At the same time, I would like to inform you that the operation of the Chinese railway, the Russian railway, as well as the Yiwu-Madrid railway line (13,000 km long), operated by Deutsche Bank, which operated before the Russia-Ukraine war, is currently limited due to the ongoing conflict. In addition, insurance companies have suspended insurance of products passing through Russia. Also, the sanctions of the Russian railway Company also paralyzed this project.

Q: As is known the full operation of the Middle Corridor (including Zangazur) depends on the resolution of the conflict. Do you think the conflict will find its final solution?

A: It depends on the final resolution of the conflict. However, in the current situation, President Ilham Aliyev's demonstrating his political will, as well as the fact that Azerbaijan has become a winner and a leading state in the region for several years, and, moreover, the provision by Azerbaijan of its rights not by international law, but by force, is a guarantee that the Zangazur Corridor will be opened as soon as possible.

I think that President Ilham Aliyev has fully shown his full political will in this direction. We recognize the territorial integrity of the other side, and at the same time, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly made a statement on the recognition of the state borders and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. I think that the current progress toward a peace agreement is moving very quickly. The signing of an appropriate agreement between the two countries leaves no politically contradictory situation. Since the railway going west from Azerbaijan along the transit route, which includes various modes of transport, it can easily pass through the territory of Armenia (Nakhchivan-Turkiye-Europe). At the same time, after the peace agreement, Armenian citizens can use the territories of Azerbaijan to move to a third country. In the future, economic relations between the two countries may also develop. The products of the other side can be easily sold on the territory of Azerbaijan, just as products for various purposes produced in Azerbaijan were once sold to Armenia (in the former Soviet period). I think that if peace is signed, the war-torn country in a short period of time will turn into two peoples living in peace and friendly relations.

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Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva

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24 August 2023 01:56 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

First they start on a positive note, then they start to reveal their true hypocritical nature. However, for the time being, we are not talking about France, or a group of pro-Armenian officials represented at the UN. This time we are talking about the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, Hadja Lahbib, who first identified himself as a diplomat and later revealed her true prejudice against Azerbaijan.

A couple of days ago, when the information about her visit was spread, the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs showed a more positive position regarding the resolution of the ongoing Armenian-Azerbaijani tension in the South Caucasus. However, Lahbib, who started her first trip from Armenia, somehow damaged the reputation of the European Union with her diplomatic illiteracy. It is likely that Hadja Lahbib did not even look at the agenda related to the region prior to her visit to the South Caucasus. After all, why look? Because everyone believes that Hadja Lahbib is successfully following the path of French diplomats.

A Belgian "diplomat" in Armenia meets with the soldiers of an occupying state crushed under the iron fist and presents them with flowers. Lahbib's French-style action presented her purpose and position to the public at the first moment.

Perhaps she has never asked herself the question on whose territory that soldier whom she hugged before fought and received the deserved punishment. Lahbib completely devoted herself to Armenia, stepping on the diplomatic behavior of Charles Michel, the President of the Council of Europe, in Brussels. Whatever the reason that made her to this request, it was not received unambiguously for Azerbaijan.

The Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, who participated in the briefing in Yerevan, demonstrated her insidious behavior and even attepted to send a note against the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov: "The rights and security of the population of "Nagorno-Karabakh" must be respected, let me remind my Azerbaijani colleague about this ."

The next corrupt pro-Armenian example of Europe has astrayed so much that she did not even respect the opinion of the President of the Council of Europe Michel about recognizing the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

You probably won't take my criticism wrong. Indeed, Azerbaijan has no prejudice against Lahbib. We have never seen her contribution to conflict resolution before. But what we have seen is that Lahbib is indeed biased towards conflicts.

It would not be wrong to say that the issue of Georgia in the South Caucasus is at the same level as Garabagh. It is good that Hadja Lahbib one in her lifetime could express an honest and objective position on this issue. Following the European Union mission team, the so-called diplomat, who was watching the territories with binoculars in her hand, allegedly demanded the recognition of Georgia's territorial integrity within the framework of international laws. The question is, what is the problem with Azerbaijan, Mrs. Hadja? Why don't your binoculars show Garabagh correctly? We have no doubt that Abkhazia and South Ossetia are occupied territories, and so is it, according to your opinion; then why is Garabagh strange to your statement?

You say that there is no question of self-determination of peoples in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. But when it comes to Garabagh, your opinions change 180 degrees, and you are not ashamed to even express biased opinions. But we were ashamed for you. We are ashamed that you, as a diplomat, destroyed the image of the Council of Europe and the Parliament of the European Union and masterfully demonstrated your diplomatic illiteracy. At least you should be abashed to refuse to come to Azerbaijan after your rascal behavior. You deserve to bow only to the invading soldier. I am afraid to say that even though Azerbaijan remains true to its diplomatic culture while coming here, the spirits of our Martyrs over these lands will not leave you alone. So we strongly advise you not to come at all. Maybe this will calm your "honor" and "conscience" sold for some pennies...

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Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews deputy editor-in-chief, follow him on @ElnurMammadli1

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23 August 2023 17:09 (UTC+04:00)

At the initiative of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IRIA), important meetings were held with various institutions within the framework of the visit of representatives of a number of leading Israeli companies to Azerbaijan. These meetings are aimed at exploring and strengthening partnerships and developing cooperation in various sectors, Azernews reports, citing IRIA.

The information notes that the Israeli delegation was represented by Raycom, Cysourse, Sensorz, and Fincom companies working in telecoms, cyber security, system integration, and financial technologies respectively.

During the visit, during a meeting with representatives of the innovation company PASHA Holding, the possibilities of joint work with Israeli companies in the field of innovation were evaluated.

They discussed the realization of joint efforts to develop the innovation and technology ecosystem and the implementation of knowledge exchange.

Israeli guests also visited the "Azercell" company and exchanged ideas on possible cooperation. The discussions covered a wide range of topics: from improvement of network infrastructure to development of innovative services and applications.

It should be noted that the visit of Israeli companies to Azerbaijan took place within the framework of the Technopark Residency, which provides tax incentives and privileges to global and local ICT companies.

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23 August 2023 11:14 (UTC+04:00)

Western Azerbaijani Community condemns the biased statement made by the Belgian Foreign Ministry Hadja Lahbib in Yerevan on August 22, 2023, Azernews reports, citing a tweet by the Community.

The tweet reads:

"This is your second statement this month with a negative stance towards Azerbaijan. Actually, you should have raised the issue of the return of expelled Azerbaijanis to Armenia during your meetings in Iravan. However, it appears that you are either entirely unaware of the core issues of the past conflict or remain influenced by false narratives fabricated by Armenia. We would like to remind you that Belgium has not, for the past 30 years, called upon Armenia to cease the occupation of Azerbaijani territories. We reiterate our call on Belgium to discontinue the practice of double standards and to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Azerbaijan."

Minister Lahbib,



We condemn the biased statement you made in Iravan on August 22, 2023. This is your second statement this month with a negative stance towards Azerbaijan.



Actually, you should have raised the issue of the return of expelled Azerbaijanis to Armenia during your https://t.co/JsDaXcu8Qv  Western Azerbaijan Community (@QAicmasi) August 22, 2023

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(Photo : Photo by YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP via Getty Images)

Ukrainian spies are responsible for a series of drone attacks inside Russia that have destroyed five of Putin's aircraft in just three days.

Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia has led to innovative tactics aimed at weakening Russia's air superiority.

In recent developments, Ukrainian forces have escalated their efforts by conducting drone strikes on Russian military air bases, specifically targeting supersonic warplanes deep within Russian territory, according to the Daily Mail.

Ukraine's New Tactics Against Russian Air Dominance

These strategic moves are part of Kyiv's broader plan to level the playing field in the skies, as Russia's dominance in aerial warfare has posed a significant challenge to Ukraine's counteroffensive efforts.

The latest incident saw a drone strike on the Shaykovka Russian military air facility, located about 200 kilometers northeast of the Ukrainian border. This was preceded by another drone attack on the Soltsy military airfield in Russia's Novgorod region, situated hundreds of kilometers north of Ukraine.

These actions indicate that Ukraine is taking steps to dent Russia's air power and disrupt its military operations. Russia's air superiority has been a considerable impediment to Ukraine's counteroffensive strategy.

Ukrainian forces have been making slow progress against dense minefields and multiple layers of defenses along the frontlines. Adding to the challenge, they have often come under attack from Russian aircraft from above. Thus, diminishing Russian air power has become a crucial objective for Kyiv.

To address the imbalance, Ukraine has prioritized acquiring F-16 fighter jets from its allies. Recently, the Netherlands and Denmark agreed to provide these aircraft, though it will take several months to train Ukrainian pilots to operate them effectively.

In the interim, Ukraine has turned its attention to targeting Russian air bases housing supersonic warplanes, aiming to degrade Moscow's control of the skies, as per CNN.

Read Also: Did a Chinese Nuke-Powered Sub Crash Near Taiwan Strait? Taiwanese Officials Dismiss Reports

Targeting Supersonic Bombers

One significant target is the Shaykovka military air base, known for operating Tupolev Tu-22M3 supersonic long-range bombers. These bombers have been instrumental in Russia's strikes on Ukrainian targets since the beginning of the conflict.

Recent reports revealed that aircraft from Shaykovka launched cruise missiles toward Ukraine, highlighting the base's strategic importance in Russia's offensive operations.

Ukraine's Defense Intelligence spokesperson, Andriy Yusov, confirmed that the drone attack on Shaykovka was executed in coordination with Ukraine's Defense Ministry. This level of coordination underscores the calculated approach of Ukrainian forces in their efforts to weaken Russia's air capabilities.

The attack reportedly damaged at least one aircraft, adding weight to the assessment that some UAV attacks against Russian military targets are being launched from within Russian territory. While Russia has not officially commented on these incidents, Russian sources suggest that a Ukrainian drone crashed at the Shaykovka base.

This further highlights the potential for UAV attacks originating from inside Russian territory, challenging the assumption that these attacks are solely launched from outside Russia. Recent attacks on Russian airfields resulted in the destruction of Russian bombers and damage to other aircraft, reflecting Ukraine's determination to erode Russia's aerial strength.

Ukraine's strategy extends beyond aerial operations. The nation is striving to keep up the pressure on Russia through multiple avenues. This includes pursuing counter-offensives along the extensive 900-mile front line, diplomatic efforts to secure weaponry from Western allies, and strategic drone attacks targeting Moscow's military assets behind the front lines.

By employing a multifaceted approach, Ukraine aims to weaken Russia's overall war capabilities. Ukraine's drone campaign has extended to the heart of Russia itself.

A series of nightly drone attacks on Moscow have continued for several days, causing disruptions to the capital city's operations. Major airports suspended flights due to these attacks, demonstrating the effectiveness of drone strikes in causing disruption and generating unease.

Although no casualties were recorded, the attacks serve as a reminder of the evolving nature of modern warfare, Independent reported.

Related Article: Russia-Ukraine War YouTube Videos Lead to $32,000 Fine for Google; Russian Court Explains Why

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23 August 2023 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

The information disseminated by the Armenian side that from 01:05 to 02:00 on August 23, the Azerbaijani army units allegedly shelled the positions of the Armenian Armed Forces located in the direction of the settlement of Yukhari Shorzha is false, Azernews reports, citing the Defense Ministry.

"We strongly refute this information disseminated by the Ministry of Defense of Armenia," said the ministry.

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23 August 2023 10:27 (UTC+04:00)

On 23 August at about 02:10, at about 02:10, units of the Armenian armed forces opened fire at the positions of the Azerbaijani army in the direction of the Zaylik settlement of Kalbajar district from their positions located in the direction of Yukhary Shorja settlement of Basarkechar district, Azernews reports, citing Ministry of Defence.

Our agencies have taken response measures in the mentioned direction.

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23 August 2023 12:08 (UTC+04:00)

The Azerbaijani community in Toronto has held an information campaign to support the peaceful efforts of Azerbaijan, according to the State Committee for Work with the Diaspora. The campaign included a corner called "Garabagh is Azerbaijan!" in the center of Toronto, with posters featuring slogans such as "Azerbaijan wants peace, Armenia wants war" and "Armenia, sign a peace treaty!" Civic activists distributed pamphlets titled "Urgent Call to Action: Addressing Critical Issues in Azerbaijan" which detailed Armenia's war and environmental crimes, Azernews reports, citing Diaspora.

The campaign was part of a larger effort by the Network of Azerbaijani Canadians (NAC), a grassroots advocacy organization founded in 2020. The NAC seeks to strengthen Canada-Azerbaijan relations and advocates for the signing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The organization has urged the Prime Minister of Canada and Global Affairs Canada to condemn Armenia's actions following the 2020 Barda missile attacks. The NAC also works to raise public awareness about displaced Azerbaijanis that took place during the Nagorno Garabagh conflict in the late 1980s and the early 1990s.

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23 August 2023 13:55 (UTC+04:00)

Free passage of Armenians was once again ensured today at the Lachin border checkpoint in the direction of Khankendi-Gorus, Azernews reports, citing Trend.

Today about 100 people crossed from the railway station to Armenia without hindrance.

Among them, there are people of Armenian origin, as well as people who have adopted Russian citizenship and have Russian passports.

Thus, first of all, the documents of these persons were checked and their free movement was ensured.

At the same time, over the last three days at the Lachin border checkpoint, more than 200 people have been allowed to pass freely.

This once again proves that there are no obstacles or any difficulties in the passage of peaceful Armenians through the border crossing.

It also proves once again that Armenia's claims that Azerbaijan is blocking the Lachin road are lies and slander.

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23 August 2023 19:15 (UTC+04:00)

By News Centre

In the period after the end of the 44-day war, Azerbaijan created all the necessary conditions for the delivery of goods along the Lachin-Khankendi road to Armenian minority in Garabagh. Contrary to the provisions of the tripartite statement of November 10, 2020, Armenia, as well as Armenian illegal armed groups, used this road for military purposes, including for the transport of mines, which created serious threats to stability and security in the region. The next step on the part of Azerbaijan was the creation of the Lachin Satte Border checkpoint, through which, to this day, safe and regular passage is provided for the residents of Khankendi.

At the same time, Azerbaijan proposed the use of the Agdam-Khankendi road for the delivery of goods. Immediately after the end of the war in 2020, Azerbaijan offered the ICRC its logistics capabilities and infrastructure for the delivery of goods to the Garabagh region. However, the Armenian side refused to deliver on routes through Azerbaijan.

Armenia continues to promote its false claims about the so-called "blockade" imposed by Azerbaijan on the residents of Khankendi, urging the world community to take action. Recently, the Armenian side is less and less able to bring its propaganda statements to the final result. A number of European media outlets, having conducted their own investigations, have drawn conclusions about the falsity of Armenia's allegations.

Thus, according to Azernews, the Romanian office of the American weekly magazine Newsweek Romania, in its article, argues that in a situation of real famine, it is unthinkable that the victims refuse food and cut off supplies just because they are going along a route that they do not like.

With a readership of 10.6 million a month, Dorzeczy, the largest Polish newspaper, also agrees in its article with the idea that if the allegations of a "blockade" and a "humanitarian catastrophe" are true, then the route through Aghdam would have been unblocked long ago.

Many European media are inclined to believe that this refusal was caused by the protest of the separatists in Khankendi, who simply do not benefit from the route, through which it will be impossible to transfer their military and equipment.

The Albanian publication Balkanweb claims that for the leadership of the separatists in

It is extremely important for Khankendi to use the Lachyn-Khankendi road. It is this road that is used for the rotation of personnel, the transfer of weapons and ammunition, as well as the penetration of terrorists.

An article published by official CNN partner International Commercial in the Czech Republic also alleges that separatists are blocking an EU-backed alternative humanitarian aid delivery route that passes through Agdam in order to continue the supply of illegal cargo.

One of the most popular publications in Lithuania, Delfi, with an audience of 33 million people a month, also supports the idea that separatists in Khankendi refuse to use the road through Agdam precisely because access to Armenian weapons and illegal military formations will be blocked.

All this proves that Armenia once again suffers a defeat in the global information field. There are fewer and fewer supporters of this country who are ready to believe the ridiculous accusations against Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan continues to make every effort to normalize the situation in the region, despite the constant provocations from the Armenian side, and seeks to integrate the Armenian minority in Garabagh economic region into Azerbaijani society.

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23 August 2023 17:54 (UTC+04:00)

Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Sweden to Azerbaijan Tobias Lorensson, Azernews reports, citing ANAMA.

Samir Poladov informed the other side about the progress of large-scale demining operations carried out for the safe recovery and reconstruction of liberated territories and sustainable settlement.

The sides also exchanged views on possible opportunities for cooperation with the Kingdom of Sweden in humanitarian demining activities carried out in Azerbaijan.

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23 August 2023 15:49 (UTC+04:00)

SOCAR AQSH has signed a new agreement on drilling services with the Turkish Oil Company (TPAO), Azernews reports.

Under the contract, the company will provide drilling services for four onshore oil wells in the southeastern region of Turkiye.

"This agreement is an important achievement for both organizations, representing a strategic partnership in the energy sector. The agreement is expected to support the country's total oil production and increase employment in the region," the company said.

Commenting on this remarkable event, SOCAR AQS General Director Samir Mollayev noted that SOCAR AQS Turkiye aims to provide safe and efficient operation and maximum productivity during the project using its rich experience and modern technologies.

"This partnership between SOCAR AQS Turkiye and TPAO underscores the mutual commitment to support the development of the region's energy industry. We look forward to using our technical experience and developing long-term relationships that will bring success to both parties," added Famil Khalafov, SOCAR AQS Turkiye manager.

The press release states that SOCAR AQSH has earned a reputation as a reliable service provider by regularly meeting the expectations of customers with its innovative technologies and professional workforce. The company will be a reliable partner for TPAO's future endeavors, committed to delivering safe and efficient results for both existing and potential projects.

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23 August 2023 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

Turkiye has offered Greece help to fight ongoing wildfires in its neighbor, Turkish diplomatic sources said on Tuesday, Azernews reports, citing Yeni Safak.

Turkiye is ready to send two planes, two helicopters, and a 60-person ground support team to Greece to fight ongoing fires in the cities of Alexandroupolis and Rodopi, said the sources on conditions of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to media.

The offer was conveyed to Greek authorities on Monday, sources added.

Besides a wildfire that broke out on Saturday in the northeastern Alexandroupolis province, which has destroyed vast forest and agricultural areas, fires also erupted Monday in the northeastern regions of Kavala and Rodopi as well as on the Evia island and in the Boeotia province, both in the central part of the country, said state-run AMNA news agency.

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23 August 2023 10:46 (UTC+04:00)

Yesterday it became known that the "leader" of the illegal regime in Khankendi Araik Aratunyan called a meeting of the "Security Council", Azernews reports.

Armenian newspaper "Hraparak" reported the details of the mentioned "meeting".

According to the information, Aratunyan stated that during the "meeting," it was decided to conduct trade along the Aghdam-Khankendi road.

The newspaper writes that the so-called "leader" of the so-called regime presented the mentioned issue not as a subject of discussion, but as a fact and reality: "He said that there will be partial trade on the mentioned road, that construction materials, diesel fuel and medicines will be transported on this road. According to him, foodstuffs will be delivered through Lachin via Russian peacekeepers. However, this does not mean that the Lachin road will be fully operational and the movement of Garabagh residents will be restricted."

Araik said that at the next stage, it is planned to discuss the issue of gas and electricity supply from Azerbaijan.

At the same time, "former Security Council Secretary" Sambel Babayan also took part in the "meeting".

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23 August 2023 20:50 (UTC+04:00)

Turkish security forces have "neutralized" six more members of the PKK/YPG terror group in northern Syria, Turkiye's National Defense Ministry said on Wednesday, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

Turkish military forces "neutralized" the six PKK/YPG terrorists who opened harassing fire on the Operation Olive Branch zone, the ministry said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Turkish authorities use the term "neutralize" to imply that the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

PKK/YPG terrorists hide out in northern Syria, near the Turkish border, where they plan and carry out attacks on both locals and nearby settlements in Turkiye.

Since 2016, Ankara has launched a trio of successful anti-terror operations across its border in northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and enable the peaceful settlement of residents: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019).

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkiye, the PKK  listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the UK, US, and EU  has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is its Syrian branch.

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As the Midwest's worst heat wave in years peaks and the South roasts as it has all summer, over 150 million people are under heat alerts.



As the West Coast recovers from the aftermath of Hurricane Hilary and the East enjoys relatively mild summer weather, a relentless and potentially record-breaking heat wave is gripping the central United States.

With temperatures soaring to searing heights, residents are being cautioned about the dangers of prolonged outdoor exposure, making it crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions, New York Times reported.

Central United States Braces for Record-Breaking Temperatures

The National Weather Service issued a stark warning on Monday, urging residents in the central US to take the ongoing heat wave seriously. The forecast described the conditions as searing, oppressive, and dangerous, emphasizing the urgent need to avoid spending extended periods outdoors.

While August is traditionally associated with warm temperatures, the current forecast predicts that the central US will experience temperature readings that could shatter both daily and monthly records over the coming days.

The persistence of triple-digit temperatures, well exceeding 100 degrees, is expected to continue throughout the week and expand northward into the central Plains and Midwest. AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham underscores that this heat wave is bringing the highest temperatures of the entire summer to the region.

The impact is far-reaching, encompassing 18 states from Louisiana to Minnesota, affecting an estimated 80 million people. The prolonged nature of this heat wave, combined with warm overnight temperatures, limits relief from the scorching daytime heat.

This compounds the overall impact of the heat, requiring residents and visitors alike to adhere to proper heat safety guidelines. Staying hydrated and minimizing outdoor exposure during peak heat hours are crucial steps to mitigate potential health risks.

Residents across the affected area are advised to consume extra water while engaging in outdoor activities and to ensure that neighbors, especially vulnerable individuals, have access to air conditioning to cope with the extreme heat.

The intensity of the heat has even prompted the Texas electric power grid manager to request voluntary power conservation for three hours on a Sunday night. With such widespread extreme temperatures, the demand for energy remains high and stressed.

AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alan Reppert points out that the energy demand will continue to strain due to the expansive area facing these extreme temperatures, as per USA Today

Read Also: Horrifying Bus Crash in Pakistan Leaves 18 Dead, 11 Injured After Vehicle Bursts Into Flames

Understanding the Heat Dome Phenomenon

The cause behind this extraordinary heat is attributed to a massive heat dome that has settled over the central US. This phenomenon, known as a heat dome, occurs when a persistent high-pressure system traps heat within a specific region.

Iowa State University's atmospheric science professor, William Gallus, explains that the high-pressure area is equivalent to an extremely potent upper-level ridge, which exacerbates the heat wave's intensity.

This particular heat wave is not an isolated incident but is part of a broader trend of extreme weather events impacting the US and the planet as a whole. The world has experienced record heat in both June and July, reflecting the escalating challenges posed by climate change.

In addition to rising temperatures, the globe has been grappling with the adverse effects of wildfires, floods, and droughts, creating a complex and interconnected web of challenges that require coordinated global efforts.

As the central US battles an unprecedented heat wave, residents must prioritize their safety and well-being. With temperatures soaring to dangerous levels, adhering to heat safety guidelines is essential.

This heat wave serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of climate change, prompting the need for increased awareness, preparedness, and sustainable actions to safeguard both local communities and the planet as a whole, according to VOA News.

Related Article: Former Microsoft Exec Jared Bridegan's Ex-Wife Charged for 'Plotting' to Murder Him

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23 August 2023 19:45 (UTC+04:00)

The acceleration of the construction of line "D" of the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan-China gas pipeline was discussed by Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China He Lifeng and Chairman of the Upper House of the Tajik Parliament and Mayor of Dushanbe, Rustam Emomali in Beijing, Azernews reports, citing Interfax.

"It was considered necessary to attract modern Chinese investments and technologies to the development of the energy industry in Tajikistan in order to accelerate the construction of the "D" line of the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan-China gas pipeline," the website of the Executive body of state power of Dushanbe said. Emomali is in China on an official visit.

The parties discussed the development of commercial and economic cooperation, increasing trade volumes, attracting investment from Chinese business to the economy of Tajikistan, joint projects in the fields of transport, energy, industry, mineral resources processing, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, contributing to the formation of a production chain and the creation of new jobs in Tajikistan.

As previously reported, the fourth line of the gas pipeline to China is intended to supply China with an additional 25 bcm of gas per year as part of the second stage of the development of the giant Galkynysh gas field in Turkmenistan. Currently, negotiations are underway and the details of the contract for the start of drilling and well infrastructure development at Galkynysh are being agreed upon as part of the second stage. The fourth line of the gas pipeline, unlike the first three, will pass through Kyrgyzstan, and not through Kazakhstan.

The first stage of the development of Galkynysh ensured the production of 30 bcm of gas per year. These volumes of gas go partially to the domestic market of Turkmenistan and to China through three lines of the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China gas pipeline.

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In a significant stride towards restoring normalcy after the prolonged pandemic-induced isolation, North Korea has successfully completed its first commercial airline flight.

This accomplishment marks a crucial step in dismantling the stringent border controls that were enforced throughout the pandemic, underscoring the nation's commitment to rejuvenating international connections, according to Fox Business.

North Korea Takes Significant Step Towards Reconnecting to the World

The breakthrough materialized during the summer-autumn flight season transition in 2023, as China granted approval for Air Koryo's scheduled flight plans between Pyongyang and Beijing, along with other passenger routes requested by the airline.

Wang Wenbin, the foreign ministry spokesperson of China, confirmed this pivotal development, highlighting the adherence to procedural norms in facilitating these flights. According to a Reuters report, the inaugural Air Koryo flight departed from Pyongyang and touched down in Beijing at approximately 9:17 am local time.

Although a momentous event in itself, it's essential to note that this flight serves as a special case, primarily focused on repatriating stranded nationals currently residing in China.

Koryo Tours, a prominent Western travel agency that specializes in tours within North Korea, emphasized the exceptional nature of this flight, clarifying that its purpose is to assist Koreans who have been marooned abroad for an extended period.

Simon Cockerell, the general manager at Koryo Tours, further elucidated, stating, "This flight isn't a full resumption of the route yet, it is a special flight for Koreans only to take people home again after years being stuck overseas, the same as the flights that seem likely to happen soon from Vladivostok."

This statement underscores the unique context of the flight and the government's focus on repatriation rather than comprehensive travel resumption. The reinitiation of commercial flights holds significant importance in the broader context of North Korea's diplomatic and economic reintegration.

The Chinese foreign ministry announced its decision to permit flights between neighboring countries, signaling a progressive rollback of the stringent pandemic-related restrictions that were once imposed.

Notably, the Beijing Capital International Airport now lists three weekly flights between Pyongyang and Beijing, providing a promising indication of increased connectivity.

Beyond air travel, rail transportation between North Korea and China is also set to recommence this month. Radio Free Asia reported that the first rail freight shipments between Dandong, a Chinese city, and Sinuiju, a North Korean city, have been planned for early August.

This move holds immense potential to alleviate the severe economic and supply crises that have plagued North Korea during the extended pandemic response, as per Washington Post.

Read Also: Did a Chinese Nuke-Powered Sub Crash Near Taiwan Strait? Taiwanese Officials Dismiss Reports

Economic Challenges and Pandemic Fallout

The economic challenges have been so severe that the nation witnessed famine-like conditions, driving many to extremes. The resumption of trade activities along the rail routes is a significant step towards mitigating these hardships.

Trade had briefly recommenced earlier in the year but was suspended due to outbreaks in both countries, illustrating the delicate balance between economic revival and public health concerns.

Trade organizations within North Korea have been galvanized by these developments. An official from the North Pyongan province revealed that trading companies have received directives from the Central Committee to prepare for import and export operations.

These efforts are aimed at securing essential materials, including construction resources and basic food items, while also ensuring foreign currency availability to facilitate trade. Despite the North Korean government's declaration of victory over COVID-19 last year, the nation's reopening has been cautious and measured compared to other countries.

It was only last month that North Korea welcomed its first foreign delegation since the pandemic's onset. The country hosted Russian defense officials and members of the Chinese Political Bureau Central Committee as part of its 70th-anniversary celebrations.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized the historical ties between China and North Korea, describing them as "friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers."

He further highlighted the significance of high-level diplomatic exchanges, especially during the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War. These interactions underscore the mutual importance both nations attach to their bilateral relationship.

North Korea's successful completion of its first commercial airline flight since the pandemic's inception symbolizes a significant stride towards resuming international interactions. The cautious yet determined approach to reopen borders and revive trade reflects the delicate balance between economic recovery and public health considerations.

As the nation takes these careful steps towards reintegration, the world watches with anticipation to witness how North Korea's strategic decisions will shape its path to post-pandemic recovery, Reuters reported.

Related Article: Tennessee GOP Lawmaker Orders Removal of Public During Hearing in Session Reacting to Deadly Nashville School Shooting

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By Katie Spence writing at The Epoch Times

Police officers raided Cristal Starlings New York apartment when they suspected her then-boyfriend of dealing drugs, in October 2020. And while Ms. Starling was never suspected or charged with any wrongdoing, police seized $8,040 of her hard-earned cash.

But because law enforcement seized Ms. Starlings money through a process called civil forfeiture, they were under no obligation to return it. And they didnt.

Instead, they transferred it to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Its still there.

Meanwhile, Ms. Starlings ex-boyfriend was acquitted after a jury trial.

Criminal forfeiture happens after a criminal conviction, Kirby Thomas West, an Institute for Justice (IJ) attorney, told The Epoch Times. Civil forfeiture, on the other hand, happens often when theres no criminal process at all.

IJ is a national nonprofit, public interest law firm fighting to end government abuse of power and secure constitutional rights. It considers civil forfeiture one of the greatest threats to private property rights.

We are leading the charge to restore due process and respect for property rights. No one should lose his or her property without being convicted of a crime, IJ states on its website.

In civil forfeiture cases, a persons property is considered as being connected to a crime. But, Ms. West noted, its not necessary to arrest someone for a crime or even charge them with being involved in some way for a persons property to be taken. And once someones property is taken, they have to prove innocence instead of a prosecutor proving guilt.

Unlike a criminal case, where you would go to court, and you have the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, in the forfeiture context, your property is presumed guilty until proven innocent. So, you have to prove that the innocent owner defense applies to you, Ms. West said.

The innocent owner defense is when a property owner claims they were unaware of any illegal activity involving their property and that they took reasonable steps to prevent the propertys misuse.

More often than not, however, the seized property automatically ends up in a subset of civil forfeiture called administrative forfeiture, Ms. West said. Lawyers handle the entire process of administrative forfeiture, and the case is never brought before an Article Three Court, which involves a judge nominated by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

The administrative process is really complicated. Theres a lot of different steps, and you dont have a right to counsel, Ms. West said. So, often, people get confused with the administrative forfeiture process or dont fill out paperwork at the right time. And then the property gets taken by default.

Such was the case for Ms. Starling, who couldnt afford a lawyer and attempted to regain her property on her own. In February 2022, a district court judge ruled that Ms. Starlings money was the property of the DEA after she missed a deadline for her petition. In desperation, Ms. Starling turned to the IJ, which filed an appeal.

On Aug. 4, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals held that Ms. Starlings case could be heard before a judge and that she shouldnt lose her money over a single missed deadline.

Todays decision will have important consequences for civil forfeiture victims who are trying to navigate complicated forfeiture procedures, often without help from a lawyer, said IJ Senior Attorney Rob Johnson in a press release. If the government wants to take your money, they should have to prove you did something wrongnot trip you up with legal procedures.

Ms. Starling said, Nobody should have to fight this hard just to keep whats theirs.

The Constitution and Forfeiture

Historically, civil forfeiture was used in maritime crimes and piracy as a way to punish people outside of law enforcements jurisdiction, according to Ms. West.

The people committing the crimes were far away, outside of your jurisdiction, across the ocean, and you cant reach out and punish them in any way. But what you could do is seize their ship, seize their vessel, and seize the proceeds of the crimes that theyre committing, she said.

Today, however, Ms. West said, civil forfeiture is occurring in cases where the government could have the alleged criminal appear in court, but chooses instead to claim a persons private property through administrative or civil forfeiture, because its easy.

The U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to a prompt hearing if the government intends to keep an individuals property via the Fifth Amendment, which, Ms. West said, makes civil forfeiture illegal.

However, she said that position is an open question still being litigated in the courts.

There are cases that I hope will show that a lot of the aspects of forfeiture are unconstitutional, she said.

Billions Seized

The reason the government and law enforcement agencies continue to use civil forfeiture, according to Ms. West, is because its incredibly lucrative.

Between 2000 and 2019, states and the federal government pocketed a combined total of $68.8 billion through forfeiture, according to IJs Policing for Profit report. However, it adds, Because not all states provided full data, this figure drastically underestimates forfeitures true scope.

IJs report is the only comprehensive study that examines civil forfeiture in all 50 states and federally. IJ released its first report in 2010 and publishes a new one every five years.

Law enforcement agencies react to incentives just like everybody else does, Ms. West said. They get to keep the proceeds of forfeitures, and there are often very few limits on what they can do with it.

For example, Ms. West said law enforcement purchased a $70,000 muscle car with its forfeiture fund in Georgia. And in New York, law enforcement spent $250,000 on travel and meals. There are all kinds of crazy examples of things that law enforcement has done with forfeiture funds, she said.

Recognizing the possible problematic nature of civil forfeiture, Ms. West said some states have enacted legislation to help protect citizens. Missouri, for example, passed a state constitutional amendment that requires forfeiture funds to go directly to schools. But Ms. West said, In 2019, an investigation found that only two percent of forfeited funds in Missouri actually make it to Missouri schools.

For states that have passed civil forfeiture practice reforms, law enforcement agencies can get around the constraints by participating in whats known as equitable sharing with the Department of Justice (DOJ).

It works by the state partnering with the DOJ through its asset forfeiture program to transfer forfeiture funds to the DOJs asset forfeiture fund. The DOJ then uses some of those funds to deter, disrupt, and dismantle criminal enterprises by depriving criminals of the instruments of illicit activity and returns some of the transferred funds to the states afterward.

[Law enforcement] can get back up to 80 percent of the proceeds through equitable sharing. Then the state reforms dont apply to them because its a federal forfeiture, not a state forfeiture, Ms. West explained.

In 2022, states deposited almost $1.8 billion to the DOJs forfeiture fund, according to the departments statistics. The most significant contributors were California, with over $291 million; New York, with over $223 million; Michigan, with over $221 million; the District of Columbia, with over $164 million; Florida, with over $146 million; and Texas, with over $125 million in deposits.

When contacted for comment, the Michigan State Police Department pointed The Epoch Times to its 2023 asset forfeiture report, which shows that between Jan. 1, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2022, the department seized $10 million in cash and assets from drug traffickers, and asset forfeiture funds were utilized to support law enforcement by providing resources for equipment, personnel, vehicle, training, and supplies.

In response to The Epoch Times request for comment on civil forfeitures benefits and its ability to be abused, the Dallas Police Department said via email, Chapter 59 of the Code of Criminal Procedure gives the Police Department the authority to seize certain property that has been used in the commission of certain felonies. After proper notice and a hearing, seized property may then be forfeited.

The Dallas Police Department seizes property where probable cause exists to believe the property is contraband, under Chapter 59.

The New York Police Department told The Epoch Times via email, In every forfeiture matter handled by the NYPD, the defendant/owner is afforded due process and a full and fair opportunity to contest the forfeiture matter in court.

With respect to motor vehicles in particular, in accordance with the federal court decision in Krimstock v. Kelly, vehicle owners have the right to a prompt hearing to challenge the seizure of their vehicle, and to request that it be returned to them while an action for forfeiture is pending. These hearings take place before the New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH).

All funds obtained through civil forfeiture settlements or judgments are deposited into the New York City general fund. The NYPD does not currently handle forfeiture cases involving currency.

The Los Angeles Police Department, and the District of Columbias Metropolitan Police Department didnt respond to The Epoch Times request for comment by the time of publication. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department said it was unable to provide comment by time of publication.

The DOJ didnt respond to The Epoch Times request for comment on civil forfeiture and its asset forfeiture program.

The Case for Forfeiture

According to the DEA, asset forfeiture is an effective way to attack the financial structure of drug trafficking and money laundering groups worldwide, from the lowly courier carrying cash or drugs to the top levels of drug cartels. Forfeiture, particularly civil forfeiture, is very effective against drug crimes committed for profit.

The DEA says it does this by taking the profit away from the crime, weakening criminal enterprises, punishing criminals, aiding in dismantling drug trafficking and money laundering organizations, and removing the instrumentalities of a crimelike a car or boat used to traffic drugs.

In fiscal year 2022, the DEA seized over $441 million in assets and transferred over $203 million to the DOJs forfeiture fund.

Additionally, the DOJ says it uses recovered assets from forfeiture to help compensate victimssuch as in the case of Bernard Madoff. Through forfeiture, the U.S. government distributed over $4 billion to almost 40,000 of Mr. Madoffs victims.

The DOJ adds that since 2017, in the cases where the DOJ has adopted asset forfeitures from a state, in 80 percent of seizures theres an accompanying arrest or warrant and 82.7 percent of the seized assets are illegal drugs or contraband. In 38.8 percent of cases, theres an admission of criminal activity.

Eighty percent of cash or vehicle adoptions were seized pursuant to a judicial seizure warrant and/or were incident to an arrest for a criminal violation. Likewise, over eighty-two percent of cash or vehicle seizures also involved the seizure of illegal drugs or other contraband. In many of these cases, the individual from whom the property was seized admitted the property was connected to criminal activity or denied ownership of the property, the DOJ states.

The DOJ believes asset forfeiture is so effective that it awarded over $6 billion in contracts to private companies for asset forfeiture investigation services.

Ms. West finds those awards problematic.

Everybody agrees, even the most ardent critics of civil forfeiture, that criminal forfeiture is absolutely constitutional and appropriate. If you have been convicted of a crime, yes, its correct that government should get to keep the fruits of that crime, she said.

But taking away civil forfeiture would not curb the governments ability to take the fruits of a crime if they can prove that a crime occurred.

Proving a Crime

Ms. West said that while law enforcement agencies like to argue that civil forfeiture is a way to disrupt major drug cartels, the evidence doesnt bear that out.

She said from 2016 to 2019, the DOJs median currency forfeiture amount was approximately $12,000; for the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the median amount was just over $7,000. Digging down to state-level agencies and law enforcement, IJ has stats for 20 states, and the median currency forfeiture for those states was about $1,000.

When you look at how low these amounts arethe median forfeiture amountsit just really does not check out for law enforcement to claim that theyre using forfeiture to disrupt major drug cartels and seize vast amounts of money from drug kingpins. Its just not supported by the data.

She added that crime rates havent increased in states like New Mexico, which abolished civil forfeiture in 2015.

If its true that forfeiture is working to deter crime, then you would expect where states limit forfeiture and make it harder for law enforcement to pursue forfeiture, you would see an increase in crime, she said. And thats not been borne out by the research.

As for why the DOJ awarded private companies over $6 billion to help with asset forfeiture, Ms. West said, Youre seeing them spend this vast amount of money on civil forfeiture because its much, much easier to take property through civil forfeiture than it is to prove that somebody committed a crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

And it also has the added bonus of once youve done it, you get to keep the proceeds.

A case in Nevada is one example, Ms. West said. Stephen Lara, a Marine who served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, was stopped by Nevada Highway Patrol in 2021. Distrustful of the government after his service, Mr. Lara traveled with his life savings in the trunk of his car.

When he was stopped in 2021 by the Nevada Highway Patrol, he was asked if he had any cash, and he told the officers, Yes, I have my life savings in the trunk of my car. I also have these bank receipts to show withdrawals, and this is legit, and he showed them, Ms. West said.

They had no reason to think he had done anything wrong. There were no drugs. There was no suspicion that he had drugs. He was totally respectful to law enforcement officers, as youd expect from a veteran. Everything was above board. We have dashcam and bodycam footage that shows the interactions with the officers were totally respectful.

The amount Mr. Lara was traveling with was just under $87,000. And despite the absence of a crime, the officers confiscated Mr. Laras money and turned it over to the DEA under civil forfeiture. Mr. Lara turned to IJ.

We sued on Stephens behalf, and they ultimately turned his money back over to him, Ms. West said.

Once we get involved and file a lawsuit, the government will return the money, which is great for our client, but what theyre trying to do is moot our case so that we cant get a judicial decision that says this was wrong, and prevent them from doing it to other people.

The FAIR Act

In June, Ms. West, on behalf of IJ, testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on civil asset forfeiture and the need to reform the practice.

The vast majority of forfeitures done under federal law are civil in nature. From 2000 to 2019, 84 percent of all forfeitures done by DOJ agencies were civil forfeitures, while 98 percent of forfeitures done by Treasury agencies were civil forfeitures, she said.

She also testified in support of the Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration Act or FAIR Act, which was reintroduced by Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) in the House.

Its been far too easy for the government to seize a private citizens property, in some cases even without criminal charges being brought, said Rep. Walberg in a press release.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky) reintroduced companion legislation in the Senate. The federal government has made it far too easy for government agencies to take and profit from the property of those who have not been convicted of a crime, Mr. Paul said in a press release.

The FAIR Act will protect Americans Fifth Amendment rights from being infringed upon by ensuring that government agencies no longer profit from taking the property of U.S. citizens without due process. It guards against abuse while maintaining the ability of courts to order the surrender of proceeds of crime.

The measure received widespread bipartisan support and passed out of the Judiciary Subcommittee 26-0 and into Committee Consideration on June 14.

If passed, among other provisions, the FAIR Act will restore the integrity of the Fifth Amendment, end equitable sharing, and change the burden of proof so that the federal government has to present clear and convincing evidence if it wants to retain assetsa significant step up from the current preponderance of the evidence, which requires the government to show that their claim is likely true.

Ms. West said the most crucial aspect of the FAIR Act is that it would address the profit incentives of forfeitures.

When an agency uses forfeiture, they keep that money within the agency. But under the Fair Act, anytime forfeiture happens, the proceeds would go to a general fund rather than individual agencies.
As School Choice is beginning to take shape in North Carolina: What is your position on what it should evolve into?

4.55% School Choice is only a distraction from the promise of real public education.90.91% School Choice, as it evolves into its best model to serve the public' s education needs, this benefit will provide choices outside of the historic construct supporting the public school monopoly.4.55% School Choice - I cannot see how it serves the Education Industry.
The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology presented seven annual recognition awards, each honoring one individual who has made "significant contributions to the development of nurse anesthesia in the United States," according to the AANA.

Here is a list of the annual recognition awards and each 2023 recipient, followed by a brief description of each award:

Agatha Hodgins Award for Outstanding Accomplishment: Janice Izlar, DNAP, CRNA, former AANA president.

The award recognizes an individual who has advanced the art and science of nurse anesthesia.

Helen Lamb Outstanding Educator Award: Susan Parry McMullan, PhD, CRNA, associate professor and director of the nurse anesthesia program at University of Alabama at Birmingham.

The award recognizes a certified registered nurse anesthetist for their contribution to nurse anesthetist education.

Alice Magaw Outstanding Clinical Practitioner Award: Suzie Newell, DNP, CRNA, chief CRNA in obstetrics at Cincinnati-based Capital Anesthesia Solutions.

The award recognizes the accomplishments of a CRNA who provides care directly to patients.

Ira P. Gunn Award for Outstanding Professional Advocacy: Michael MacKinnon, DNP, CRNA, associate professor and assistant director of the CRNA Program at San Diego-based National University.

The award recognizes an individual who has made legislative, legal and/or regulatory contributions to the nurse anesthesia field.

Clinical Instructor of the Year Award: Randy Cima, CRNA, educator at Portland-based Oregon Health and Science University's nurse anesthesia program.

The award recognizes an individual for their contributions within teaching nurse anesthesia students in the clinical area.

Didactic Instructor of the Year Award: Courtney Brown, PhD, CRNA, assistant professor and interim director at Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Wake Forest School of Medicine's CRNA program.

The award recognizes an individual for their contributions to student nurse anesthetists' education within the classroom.

Program Director of the Year Award: Lisa Thiemann, PhD, CRNA, director of the nurse anesthesia educational program at Milwaukee-based Marquette University.

The award recognizes a CRNA for their contributions to the educational process of student nurse anesthetists.
A federal judge is poised to weigh a pivotal decision on whether Texas can maintain its controversial floating barrier on the US-Mexico border.

With the Biden administration and Mexico urging the removal of the barrier, Republican Governor Greg Abbott's latest effort to deter migrant crossings faces legal scrutiny and diplomatic concerns, as per NBC News.

Texas' Border Barrier Faces Scrutiny

The hearing, scheduled in Austin, Texas, comes in the wake of recent developments surrounding the barrier and its implications for bilateral relations. Installed in July along the Rio Grande near the border city of Eagle Pass, the floating barrier has garnered significant attention for its potential humanitarian and environmental consequences.

The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Texas, arguing that the barrier could negatively impact US-Mexico relations and potentially lead to environmental hazards. The contentious issue escalated when Texas relocated the buoys, likened to wrecking balls in size, closer to US territory from their original position near Mexico's side of the river.

Governor Abbott, during a visit to Eagle Pass, explained that this action was taken "out of an abundance of caution" in response to allegations that the buoys had drifted across the border. However, the veracity of these allegations remains uncertain, as Abbott stated, "I don't know whether they were true or not."

US District Judge David Ezra is set to consider the legal validity of the barrier. The ruling could have far-reaching consequences, influencing not only the Texas-Mexico relationship but also the broader discourse on migration policies and border security, Washington Post reported.

Read Also: Federal Judge Bans Georgia Law Prohibiting Minors From Accessing Gender-Affirming Care, Hormone Therapy

Gov. Abbott's Border Initiative

Meanwhile, Governor Abbott's comprehensive border initiative known as Operation Lone Star continues to encounter legal challenges. A new lawsuit, filed by the Texas ACLU and the Texas Fair Defense Project, highlights the ordeal faced by four migrant men who were arrested by Texas troopers after crossing the border.

Among these men are a father and son, emblematic of the myriad stories woven into the complex fabric of migration. The lawsuit alleges that despite most migrants arrested on trespassing charges either having their cases dismissed or pleading guilty in exchange for time served, these four plaintiffs remained incarcerated for an extended period.

This unlawful detention resulted from a peculiar course of events where instead of being released by local sheriff's offices, the men were transferred to federal immigration facilities and subsequently sent to Mexico.

David Donatti, an attorney representing the Texas ACLU, emphasized the evolving nature of the situation, stating, "I think a key point of all that, which is hard to grasp, is also that because they're building the system as they go, the problems flare up in different ways." The lawsuit targets officials in Kinney and Val Verde counties, collaborators in Abbott's border operation.

Representatives from the involved counties are yet to provide comprehensive responses to the lawsuit. Kinney County's representative expressed uncertainty about whether the complaint had been reviewed, while Val Verde County did not promptly respond to inquiries seeking comment.

The lawsuit further sheds light on the detention of at least 80 others who were held in violation of state law between late September 2021 and January 2022. These incidents underscore the challenges and discrepancies that have arisen due to the rapidly evolving nature of border enforcement measures.

In a show of solidarity, Governor Abbott was accompanied at the border by fellow Republican governors from Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and South Dakota. These states have deployed their own armed law enforcement personnel and National Guard members as part of their contributions to border security efforts.

This gathering not only reaffirmed their support for Abbott's approach but also highlighted the broader implications of border security as a bipartisan concern. As the legal battle over Texas' floating barrier unfolds, it serves as a microcosm of the wider issues surrounding migration policy, international diplomacy, and the complexities of maintaining security while upholding humanitarian values.

The outcome of this dispute will undoubtedly shape the ongoing discourse on border management and influence future strategies adopted by both Texas and the United States at large, according to AP News.

Related Article: Student Killed, 26 Injured in School Bus Crash in Ohio

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Here are three hospitals and health systems that Becker's has reported on since July 31 that are raising workers' pay:

1. Hartford-based Connecticut Children's said it will raise its minimum wage by $3 to $18 an hour, effective Oct. 6.

2. Members of the Caregivers and Healthcare Employees Union have approved a new contract with Glendale (Calif.) Memorial Hospital and Health Center, part of San Francisco-based Dignity Health. According to the union, the contract includes workplace violence prevention language, health and safety provisions, an 18 percent wage increase over four years, and a competitive minimum starting rate.

3. Service Employees International Union Local 521 reached a tentative agreement on a successor contract with Santa Clara County in California. The deal covers county hospital staff and other workers. It includes the largest wage increase in more than two decades  13 percent over three years  a one-time lump sum payment, as well as equity and realignment payments, the union said.
Former respiratory therapist Jennifer Hall was sentenced for her role in the deaths of two Missouri hospital patients in the early 2000s, CBS affiliate KCTV reported Aug. 19.

Ms. Hall, a former employee of Chillicothe-based Hedrick Medical Center, was sentenced Aug. 18 to 18 years in prison with the possibility of parole. She was initially charged with two counts of first-degree murder, but in April, she took a plea deal for two counts of first-degree involuntary manslaughter and one count of second-degree assault.

Fern Franco, 75, and David Wesley Harper, 37, were among nine people who died under what court documents describe as "medically suspicious" events at the medical center. An autopsy revealed morphine and a succinylcholine, a powerful muscle relaxer, in Ms. Franco's system. Neither drug had been ordered by her physicians, prosecutors said.

From December 2001, when Ms. Hall began working at the hospital, until she went on administrative leave the following May, there were 18 cardiac arrest events. The hospital had recorded an average of one a year previously.

Ms. Hall has denied any involvement in the patients' deaths.
Becker's asked 37 C-suite executives from hospitals and health systems across the country to discuss their outpatient strategy.

Here's what five of them had to say about ambulatory surgery strategy:

Rob Bloom. CFO of Carthage Area Hospital (N.Y.): Outpatient growth is a key component of our strategy. Compared to 2019, outpatient revenue has grown by 25 percent and is now arguably the primary relationship with the community we serve. Outpatient revenue now accounts for 90 percent of the total revenue of the hospital. This growth has been driven by investments in primary and specialty care, as well as lower cost-of-care settings, such as an ambulatory surgery center. Moving forward, a key strategic driver to navigate this environment is a focus on ensuring that the finance, quality, and clinical functions of the hospital are working collaboratively to deliver value to the community.

Michael R. Canady, MD. CEO of Holzer Health System (Gallipolis, Ohio): We are fortunate that our decade-old merger created a natural business model heavily focused on our ambulatory practice. The majority of our revenue results from our ambulatory business. The cost of acute care will continue to drive patients to ambulatory settings, when possible.

Howard Haronian, MD. Vice President, Chief Quality and Innovation Officer of Hartford (Conn.) HealthCare: Hartford HealthCare is on a mission to be the caregiver of choice for personalized coordinated care. That requires a pivot of focus from hospital acute care to delivering the highest quality care close to home. To support the patient in the most convenient and cost-effective manner, we have invested in state-of-the-art comfortable ambulatory offices across two states. We create multispecialty clinics with embedded onsite services including imaging and lab testing.

Second, we embrace technology that allows us to deliver expertise throughout our ambulatory footprint, reducing reliance on the traditional spoke-hub model. One example is our Heart & Vascular Institute developing a system-wide approach to remote monitoring of heart failure patients, and optimizing enterprise cardiac PACS to support advanced cardiac imaging with our expert cardiologists reviewing at a distance. Third, our ambulatory strategy includes a coordinated systemwide approach to RPM led by clinicians across key specialties.

Paul Hinchey, MD. COO of University Hospitals (Cleveland): At University Hospitals (UH), we fully embrace the move to value in healthcare  providing the highest quality care at the lowest possible cost to the patient while at the same time optimizing efficiency for patients, providers and payers. Crucial to this goal is creating an effective system of care that provides patients with a wide range of outpatient access options, effectively meeting them on their own terms.

We also continue to increase the utilization of our existing ambulatory surgery sites while expanding our offerings. In 2022, we broke ground on a state-of-the-art surgery center with five operating rooms and one procedure room, focusing predominantly on orthopedic surgical procedures and including spine, ENT and pain management services.

Arshad Rahim, MD. Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Population Health at Mount Sinai Health System (New York City): Our strategy is supported by substantial investments in our ambulatory offering and footprint:
On Aug. 11, Illinois became the ninth state to pass a pay transparency law.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker inked HB3129 on Aug. 11, effectively amending the Equal Pay Act of 2003. Under the new legislation, employers with 15 or more employees must disclose pay scales and benefits offered in job postings. Additionally, promotion opportunities must be posted to current employees on the same day they're posted externally.

As of June, more than one-quarter of the U.S. labor force was covered by a salary transparency law  but their effectiveness has been called into question. Some companies post extremely broad pay ranges to account for differences in applicants' experience, making it difficult for job-seekers to discern where they'd fall.

Proponents of salary transparency laws say they can help close the gender wage gap and move the needle towards pay parity. If employees in an organization are aware of what their colleagues make, they might be more apt to argue for fair compensation themselves.

Illinois' new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.
Big pay hikes that came with job changes in recent years are beginning to flatten or fall across many industries  a signal for healthcare employers that the bidding wars for talent spanning industries are cooling down.

Average pay for the majority of more than 20,000 jobs on ZipRecruiter this year has declined from last year, The Wall Street Journal reported Aug. 21. In 2022, on the other hand, compensation for 75 percent of advertised job titles increased from the year prior.

In a July survey of about 2,000 employers conducted by ZipRecruiter, nearly half said they have reduced pay for recent job openings. Jobs in technology, transportation and other sectors that saw intensified in 2021 and early 2022 have seen some of the most substantial drops to pay.

The Journal notes that more in-demand workers in certain industries continue to get pay bumps, such as tourism and construction, without mention of healthcare.

Signs of starting salary slowdown may be welcomed news for health systems, which saw a 21 percent increase in overall labor expenses from 2019 to 2022 with contract labor expenses up 258 percent, according to the American Hospital Association.

Competitive starting salaries for jobs outside of healthcare presented one more challenge for hospitals and health systems to retain a workforce that is more fragile than it was pre-pandemic. An estimated 333,942 healthcare providers dropped out of the workforce in 2021. This spring, as many other industries begin to see the quits rate abate, healthcare saw a bump in the number of resignations as a share of total employment.
Hospitals and health systems around the country are being sued for their use of the Meta Pixel, which plaintiffs say shared their protected health information with the tech giant, allowing it to tailor ads based on their medical conditions.

Currently, more than 18 hospitals and health systems are facing lawsuits for allegedly installing the pixel technology on its websites and patient portals.

Here is how much two health systems are paying to settle those suits:
Amazon's most recent healthcare initiative is focused on price transparency and tiers pricing for healthcare services based on convenience and quality, according to Forbes.

Since launching late last year, Amazon Clinic has contracted with four digital health startups to provide video visits and virtual messaging services across the U.S. The company offers cash-pay telehealth for around 30 medical conditions at multiple price points based on location, wait times and quality.

Nworah Ayogu, MD, chief medical officer and general management of Amazon Clinic, told Forbes customers have the option to choose a low-cost provider or prioritize speed for a few dollars extra. For example, a person with COVID-19 in Wyoming could pay $35 to message a physician and receive a response in 45 minutes, or pay $40 for a guaranteed response in 30 minutes, according to the report.

"We think really being able to surface different options for different customers lets them choose what's important to them," Dr. Ayogu told Forbes. He also said pricing and wait times can change over time, even over a 24-hour period.

Amazon Clinic is contracted with Hello Alpha and Curai Health for asynchronous care and SteadyMD for asynchronous and real-time care. Dr. Ayogu said the companies were selected for delivering virtual care in a "very consumer-obsessed way," according to Forbes.

Amazon also acquired One Medical last year, which is a virtual and in-person care network. One Medical offers subscriptions for $199 per year. Nick Rogers, vice president, head of revenue cycle at One Medical, told Becker's he is excited to continue developing AI-assisted solutions for revenue cycle operations.

"Between clinical documentation and coding, there is a burgeoning opportunity to transform the mid-cycle in healthcare providers of all sizes. Together with Amazon, One Medical aims to make the healthcare experience easier, faster, more personal, and more convenient for everyone," he said.

Dr. Ayogu also noted that accepting insurance in the future would make Amazon Clinic's care more affordable, and the company has its sights set on Medicare and Medicaid patients, if it can "unravel" the regulatory complexity of serving them.
UnitedHealth Group's Optum and its subsidiaries reportedly have been laying off employees, including registered nursing positions at nearly 150 of its urgent care facilities.

The first report of layoffs came from former employees with Optum and its subsidiaries who took to social media in August, stating there was an unknown number of layoffs occurring across the company.

A regional senior security manager for Optum's Pacific West region took to Linkedin, saying he was a "part of the worldwide reductions in force by UnitedHealth Group and Optum." An associate director of communications at Optum also took to the platform to say she was "part of a group of layoffs from Optum."

Those were just a few of many employees who via social media described being a part of an Optum workforce reduction.

UnitedHealth has not filed WARN documents with state regulators this month; the Labor Department requires most large companies to publicly report mass layoffs.

"We continually review the capabilities and services we offer to meet the growing and evolving needs of our businesses and the people we serve," UnitedHealth Group told Becker's in a statement. "As always, we will support affected team members with job placement resources and seek to deploy them where possible to any open roles within the company."

The second report of layoffs came Aug. 21. Morgantown, W.Va.-based MedExpress Urgent Care, part of a chain of urgent care clinics owned by Optum, reportedly will eliminate registered nursing positions at nearly 150 facilities.

A MedExpress spokesperson did not confirm or deny the accuracy of the report when reached by Becker's.

"MedExpress continually assesses and evolves our staffing models to better reflect urgent care industry standards," the company told Becker's. "As always, we will support team members affected with job placement resources and seek to deploy them where possible to any open roles within the company."".

An online petition reportedly posted by MedExpress nurses has called on UnitedHealth to reverse its decision. The petition has gathered more than 3,577 signatures as of Aug. 23.
As Microsoft further integrates its artificial intelligence tools within Epic, it is also broadening its reach with large health systems across the country.

Many health systems see Microsoft's GPT-4 generative AI tool as a way to combat the rise in clinician burnout. Chapel Hill, N.C.-based UNC Health is using Microsoft's AI within its Epic EHR to draft message responses within its My UNC Chart system.

UNC Health CIO Brent Lamm told Becker's that the tool can reduce physicians' pajama time  time spent after hours answering patient messages within its MyChart.

Other health systems have had similar success with using the tool to generate clinician messages and automate administrative work.

Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter Health, UC San Diego Health, Madison, Wis.-based UW Health and Palo Alto, Calif.-based Stanford Health Care are also involved in the Epic and Microsoft AI pilot program.

Microsoft has more healthcare AI subsidiaries than just OpenAI. Jacksonville, Fla.-based Baptist Health is one of many health systems using Dax, an app from Microsoft-owned Nuance, to generate clinician notes from patient conversations.

The company is also partnering with health systems to push AI even further. In August, Durham, N.C.-based Duke Health entered into a five-year agreement with Microsoft to create an AI innovation lab.
Babylon Health, a London-based digital-first healthcare platform, aims to complete the sale of its U.K. business by Aug. 25 after a proposed merger with digital neurotherapy company MindMaze collapsed, forcing it to shut down its U.S. operations, according to Sifted.

The deadline to submit bids for the U.K. business passed at 12 p.m. GMT on Aug. 21, with the number of interested parties in the single figures. The sale will be executed through an "accelerated bidding process" with a definitive sale to be agreed by Aug. 25 at the latest, according to a letter to prospective buyers that Sifted obtained.

The speed at which Babylon is seeking to sell the business is down to the precarious financial position it is in. "If the company is teetering on the edge of insolvency, the longer it continues [without selling] the more chance it's got at losing revenue streams," Adam Kudryl, partner and head of Harper James, a corporate law firm, told the publication.

The sale of Babylon's U.K. business is not anticipated to surpass its $300 million-plus debt to credit funder AlbaCore Capital, according to the report. That means shareholders such as Saudi Arabia's public investment fund and venture capitalists Kinnevik and VNV Global will not receive payment.

Babylon's U.K. customers, such as the National Health Service and Bupa, a multinational health insurer with more than 43 million members, will have a say in the deal, according to the letter.

On Aug. 9, Babylon filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy for two subsidiaries  Babylon Healthcare and Babylon Inc.  as it winds down core U.S. operations. It also recently closed its Austin, Texas, headquarters, laid off 94 employees and abruptly canceled patient appointments.

The company reported a $63.2 million net loss (-20.3 percent net loss margin) in the first quarter, compared to a $29.1 million net loss (-10.9 percent net loss margin) for the same period in 2022.

Babylon did not respond to Becker's request for comment.
We Are China

In pics: Chinese brands fashion show at 2023 Apparel Textile Sourcing Trade Show

Xinhua) 13:29, August 23, 2023

A model presents a creation during a Chinese brands fashion show at the 2023 Apparel Textile Sourcing Trade Show in Toronto, Canada, on Aug. 22, 2023. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

A model presents a creation during a Chinese brands fashion show at the 2023 Apparel Textile Sourcing Trade Show in Toronto, Canada, on Aug. 22, 2023. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

A model presents a creation during a Chinese brands fashion show at the 2023 Apparel Textile Sourcing Trade Show in Toronto, Canada, on Aug. 22, 2023. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

A model presents a creation during a Chinese brands fashion show at the 2023 Apparel Textile Sourcing Trade Show in Toronto, Canada, on Aug. 22, 2023. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

A model presents a creation during a Chinese brands fashion show at the 2023 Apparel Textile Sourcing Trade Show in Toronto, Canada, on Aug. 22, 2023. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A devastating bus crash on the Cuacnopalan-Oaxaca highway in central Mexico has left at least 16 people dead and 36 others injured.

The collision, which occurred on Tuesday, involved a bus carrying locals and migrants that collided with a trailer truck near the border between the states of Oaxaca and Puebla, according to CNN.

Mexico Bus Crash

The incident has prompted official investigations to determine the cause and potential liabilities. The Oaxaca Prosecutor's Office reported that among the casualties were eight men, eight women, and one minor.

The injured survivors were transported to hospitals in Puebla for urgent medical attention. The exact circumstances leading to the crash remain unclear, prompting the prosecutor's office to initiate a comprehensive investigation led by experts.

Salomon Jara Cruz, the governor of Oaxaca, expressed his condolences and commitment to support the victims and their families.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), he affirmed, "I have instructed the heads of the relevant authorities to collaborate and support the injured people... We send a hug and condolences to the families of the deceased, to whom we will also provide all our support."

Authorities from Puebla's interior ministry are in close coordination with federal government agencies and state officials to ensure the best possible assistance for the victims and their families during this tragic time.

Reports indicate that the bus was transporting migrants, primarily from Venezuela, through the state of Puebla when the collision occurred early Tuesday morning.

The exact sequence of events leading to the crash is still under investigation, but local authorities believe the bus collided with a trailer while navigating the highway. The highway in question, Cuacnopalan-Oaxaca, has been identified as a frequent route used by human smugglers.

The treacherous conditions and risks posed by this route are exacerbated by overcrowded vehicles, often leading to unfortunate incidents such as this bus crash. Mexico serves as a transit country for hundreds of thousands of migrants who seek to escape poverty and violence in Central America on their journey to reach the United States.

Migrants often rely on smugglers who transport them in crowded and dangerous vehicles, making the perilous journey even riskier. Images shared by Mexico's National Guard on social media depict the aftermath of the crash: severely damaged vehicles resting near a steep curve on the highway, set against a hilly and mountainous backdrop.

This tragic incident is not an isolated occurrence. Similar accidents have unfolded in recent years, underscoring the dangers associated with migrant transit, BBC reported.

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Recurrent Accidents Prompt Urgency for Safer Migrant Transportation

In July, for instance, a bus plummeted into a ravine in Oaxaca, claiming the lives of at least 29 individuals. Another incident in February resulted in the deaths of 17 migrants from Colombia and Venezuela due to a road accident in Puebla.

The urgency to address these recurrent accidents, which have claimed numerous lives, is paramount. Last year alone, a tragic event involving an overloaded vehicle led to the deaths of 56 migrants in Chiapas.

As Mexico continues to grapple with the complexities of migrant transit and border security, incidents like these serve as somber reminders of the pressing need for safer transportation methods and comprehensive policies to ensure the safety and well-being of migrants on their journey.

While the investigation into the recent bus crash unfolds, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the broader issues concerning migration policies, human smuggling, and the vulnerabilities faced by those seeking a better life as they navigate perilous routes.

The outcome of this investigation will likely prompt renewed discussions on improving transportation safety and addressing the broader humanitarian concerns associated with migrant journeys through Mexico, as per Mirror.

Related Article: Canada Wildfire Intensifies Forcing Trudeau To Deploy Military in British Columbia

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UChicago Medicine AdventHealth GlenOaks hospital in Glendale Heights, Ill., plans to discontinue its obstetrics services because of low demand and community factors including the higher median age in Glendale Heights.

Hospital leaders outlined plans to discontinue its 15-bed obstetric facility and remove a Level 1 nursery from the hospital, pending approval from the Illinois Health Facilities & Services Review Board.

The hospital will continue to provide outpatient obstetrics-related services and inpatient gynecologic services, including ultrasounds, pap smears and gynecology surgery, according to a filing with the board.

Comprehensive obstetrics services are available at other UChicago Medicine AdventHealth hospitals in the region, including its hospitals in Bolingbrook and Hinsdale, Ill..

"The decision to discontinue obstetrics service was not made lightly and was based on low utilization of this service at our hospital, where declining volumes have led to less than one birth per day," a spokesperson for the hospital told Becker's.

The closure will not result in any layoffs, according to UChicago Medicine AdventHealth. Employees in the department will be transitioned to other units at the hospital, or to obstetrics departments at the Bolingbrook or Hinsdale hospitals.

Becker's has reported on 23 other hospitals that are cutting maternity untis this year.
Tammy Moore, RN, BSN, has been named chief nursing officer of Davis Regional Medical Center in Statesville, N.C., and Lake Norman Regional Medical Center in Mooresville, N.C.

She joins the facilities from Piedmont Medical Center in Fort Mill, S.C., where she served as CNO. In her new role, Ms. Moore will lead all nursing services at 123-bed Lake Norman Regional Medical Center and Davis Regional, which recently transitioned to a specialty hospital focused on inpatient behavioral health.

Earlier this year, Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems signed a definitive agreement to sell the facilities to Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health. The transaction is expected to close later this year.
Hendrick Health in Abilene, Texas, is promoting eight executives as part of a realignment of its executive team.

"As Hendrick Health continues to grow and evolve to meet the healthcare needs of our region, now and into the future, we have strategically realigned key roles and responsibilities in our executive organizational structure," said Brad Holland, president and CEO for Hendrick Health. "These talented individuals have proven track records as outstanding leaders, and exhibit our organization's mission, values and commitments to excellence."

The executive changes at the nonprofit, eight-hospital system are effective Sept. 1, according to a news release shared with Becker's.

Kirk Canada is the vice president and COO for the system. Mr. Canada joined the system in 2012 and most recently served as vice president and Abilene Market COO.





Brian Bessent is the vice president and chief strategy officer for the system. Mr. Bessent joined Hendrick in 1999 and more recently served as COO of Hendrick Medical Center South in Abilene.





Judy LaFrance is the chief administrative officer of Hendrick Medical Center South. Ms. LaFrance has served as assistant chief nursing officer at the hospital since 2020.



Susan Wade is the Abilene Market COO. Ms. Wade joined Hendrick in 1994 and more recently served as assistant vice president and vice president with the system.





Heather Ray, DNP, RN, is the Abilene Market CNO. Dr. Ray previously served as assistant CNO of Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.





Jessica Connell, MSN, RN, is the CNO of Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood (Texas). Ms. Connell previously served as assistant CNO for the same hospital.





Jory Lee is the COO of Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood. Mr. Lee, who joined the system in 1998, previously served as assistant COO at the same hospital.




Members of the Committee of Interns and Residents have reached a tentative agreement with Boston Medical Center.

CIR, a local of the Service Employees International Union, represents more than 700 resident physicians, according to an Aug. 21 news release. Boston Medical Center is a 514-bed academic medical center.

Union members and the hospital reached the tentative deal after four months of negotiations.

According to the union, the agreement includes raises of about 20 percent over three years, an additional living stipend totaling $11,000 per resident, four weeks annual paid vacation, and key language related to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

"Most of us came to BMC specifically because we wanted to provide great care to everyone who needed it, and to fulfill BMC's mission to promote health justice across Boston," Denisse Rojas, MD, said in the release. "We're so proud that we won a contract that will help ensure that physicians coming out of the same communities we serve can actually afford to work here and can thrive while they're here, which has a profound impact on patient care."

The agreement comes weeks after BMC resident physicians rallied July 20 for higher pay.

In a statement shared with Becker's, BMC said it "greatly values the contribution our residents and fellows make to our hospital. We are pleased to have worked with the Committee of Interns and Residents to, once again, reach a mutually agreeable contract."










A potential strike looms at Cleveland Clinic Lutheran Hospital, NBC affiliate WKYC reported Aug. 22.

The news station reported that members of SEIU District 1199 have delivered a notice that "they intend to go on an unfair labor practice strike beginning on Labor Day, Sept. 4."

The union represents 170 workers, including maintenance workers, electricians, mechanics and nursing assistants, according to cleveland.com. Lutheran Hospital is a 203-bed acute care facility in Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood.

Union members voted to authorize a potential strike in late July, according to WKYC. The union and hospital began negotiating a new contract earlier this year. During negotiations, the union has pointed to a need for equity and equality.

"We need the hospital to come to the table and bargain in good faith," Vanessa Dalesandro, director of SEIU District 1199, said, according to WKYC. "They had wages on the table at 1.5 percent, which is nothing in comparison to the day-to-day necessities, so there's just nothing that they have put on the table that definitely would make caregivers feel appreciated and valued."

The union also noted that it has filed various allegations against the hospital with the National Labor Relations Board over what it says are illegal union busting activities, retaliation and other issues.

Cleveland Clinic shared the following statement with Becker's on Aug. 22: "We want to assure the community that care for patients at Lutheran Hospital will go on uninterrupted. We plan to continue negotiating with the bargaining unit at Lutheran Hospital with the goal of achieving a mutually agreeable contract renewal. We appreciate the loyalty and dedication of all our caregivers at Lutheran Hospital."
When Gina Batterman, RN, was pursuing her nursing degree with the goal of working in pharmacy, her professors thought she was crazy.

"You can't go into pharmacy as a nurse," she remembers being told.

Ms. Batterman began her healthcare career as a pharmacy technician and considered going to pharmacy school but did not have the grades needed for the competitive field. After pivoting and earning an RN degree, she was a part-time urgent care nurse on weekends and nights while also working in prior authorization pharmaceutical services at Madison, Wis.-based UW Health.

Ms. Batterman now serves as the supervisor of pharmacy reimbursement at UW Health, where she handles the idiosyncrasies of reimbursement and high-cost, clinic-administered infusion medications.

"I find it really interesting. I love it  we're on the cutting edge," she told Becker's.

Her career path is not common: Some nursing students and recent nurse graduates work as hospital pharmacy technicians before landing a nursing job. But most do not return to pharmaceutical work, Cecilia Costello, PharmD, medication systems and operations manager for inpatient pharmacy at Lebanon, N.H.-based Dartmouth Health, told Becker's.

Although the career move is rare, some programs have sprung up. In Erie, Pa., the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine offers an RN to PharmD Bridge program, and in late June, the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs launched the nation's first and only certification for nurses looking to jump into the biopharmaceutical industry.

"Having someone having one mindset, then going in and learning how to apply a new lens, I think that would be really beneficial," Joe Burczynski, PharmD, executive director of pharmacy services at Syracuse, N.Y.-based SUNY Upstate Medical Center, told Becker's.

"I wouldn't want to be promoting somebody leaving such a needed profession," he said. "But I think it could make for a really well-rounded and effective pharmacist, too."

There are a few reasons why a nurse might want to become a pharmacist, including a work schedule free of night and weekend shifts, according to a March LinkedIn article about the nursing-to-pharmacy transition. Another incentive is the $40,000 difference in pay  the average nurse's salary is $89,010 and the average pharmacist earns $129,410 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

"There's always this typical stigma that you're gonna go work on a unit or work in a clinic or inpatient or whatever as a nurse," Ms. Batterman said. "But there's so many opportunities for nursing out there."
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has expanded its recommendations for HIV prevention, giving three medications its strongest endorsement, according to a policy statement published Aug. 22 in JAMA.

Previously, the task force only recommended Truvada and its generics for use as pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV. Now, the expert panel is also backing the pill Descovy and the injectable medication Apretude as additional options.



The recommendation means private insurers will be required to cover the drugs without co-pays or deductibles and comes as the White House aims to preserve coverage of preventive services under the ACA, according to The New York Times. Last year, a federal judge ruled the mandate unconstitutional, arguing that requiring private insurers to cover PREP, in particular, violated employers' religious rights.
A new law regarding mandatory overtime for registered nurses at hospitals is slated to take effect Oct. 1 in Connecticut.

The changes are part of a budget bill signed into law in June.

Under the new law, the definition of "overtime" is expanded to include situations where a nurse works more than 12 hours over a 24-hour period, or more than 48 hours in any hospital-defined work week.

The new law also provides new threshold requirements for registered nurse overtime, according to an analysis from Littler law firm.

Existing law allows hospitals to require nurses to work overtime or additional shifts if the nurse is participating in a surgical procedure, until the procedure is completed; if the nurse is working in a critical care unit, until such nurse is relieved by another nurse who is starting a scheduled work shift; in the case of a public health emergency; and in the case of an institutional emergency, such as adverse weather conditions, catastrophe or widespread illness, that the hospital administrator determines will significantly reduce the number of nurses available for a scheduled work shift.

The new law provides that those statutory exceptions only apply "when the safety of a patient requires and when there is no reasonable alternative."

The new law also bars hospitals from discriminating against, discharging, disciplining, threatening to discharge or discipline, or otherwise retaliating against a nurse for refusing to work overtime.

Additionally, it limits the right of private-sector hospitals to reach collective bargaining agreements with unions related to mandatory overtime or to enforce agreement provisions to which nurses unions previously agreed, according to the Littler analysis.

Read the full analysis here.
"Lazy girl jobs" is among the phrases related to the workplace that have gained traction in recent years.

The phrase, coined by 26-year-old TikToker Gabrielle Judge last spring, refers to the desire for jobs that require minimal effort while providing a good salary and work-life balance.

"A 'lazy girl job' does not mean that you're being lazy," Ms. Judge previously said in a social media video. "It's that this job should be paying your bills and have so much work-life balance that you should feel as almost you're operating in a lazy state."

The phrase is among other workplace terms that have gained traction in recent years, such as "grumpy staying," "quiet quitting" and "bare minimum Mondays." Members of Generation Z in entry-level jobs have often coined these phrases. And a study conducted by Axios and the research firm the Generation Lab found that 82 percent of millennials and Generation Z said "quiet quitting"  a phenomenon in which employees reduce their enthusiasm at work and stick to the minimum expectations of their role  is appealing.

However, Jennifer Tosti-Kharas, PhD, a professor of organizational behavior at Babson College in Babson Park, Mass., told Fortune the "lazy girl jobs" phrase may speak to other generations as well.

She also reminded human resources managers "that this is not necessarily that people aren't doing their job, or they aren't delivering for the organization. But it's just this notion: What does it mean, in an employee's mind, to go above and beyond? And if that's something that the organization wants to think about, how do they make the expectations clear in advance?"

Daena Giardella, senior lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management in Cambridge, Mass., and a faculty affiliate of the MIT Leadership Center, told Fortune, "It's important to look at this as a social message that's not about laziness but really about people wanting to have full lives and feel like they do have meaning and can have time for either their own personal fulfillment or creativity."






(Photo : Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Three Florida citizens claim that state agencies aren't properly notifying low-income and handicapped persons of their public health insurance termination.



Two consumer advocacy groups have taken a significant step by filing a lawsuit in a Florida federal court to halt the state's termination of residents' Medicaid benefits.

This lawsuit marks a notable development as it becomes the first in the nation to challenge the resumption of Medicaid eligibility reviews and the subsequent dropping of enrollees who are deemed ineligible, according to CNN.

Lawsuit Challenges Medicaid Benefit Termination

This process, which Congress had suspended for three years during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been reinstated, with various states restarting as early as April.

The Florida Health Justice Project and the National Health Law Program jointly filed the lawsuit on behalf of three Floridians in the US District Court in Jacksonville.

The plaintiffs include a 25-year-old woman and her 2-year-old daughter with cystic fibrosis, as well as a 1-year-old girl. The lawsuit specifically targets the state's Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Children and Families.

Central to the lawsuit's argument is the contention that the notices being sent by these agencies to inform enrollees about the loss of their eligibility are both confusing and insufficient in explaining the reasons behind the termination of coverage.

The plaintiffs claim that this lack of clarity hampers their ability to understand the agencies' decisions, contest the loss of coverage, and plan for a smooth transition that minimizes disruptions in necessary medical care.

The lawsuit seeks to compel the court to require the state to cease terminating enrollees until they can provide adequate notice and the opportunity for a pre-termination fair hearing.

The plaintiffs, through their advocacy groups, aim to ensure that individuals are not left without essential healthcare coverage due to a lack of clear communication.

Mallory McManus, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Department of Children and Families, dismissed the lawsuit as baseless and emphasized that the letters sent to recipients are "egally sufficient. McManus also pointed out that the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had approved the Department's redetermination plan, based on regulatory guidelines.

However, advocates stress that the consequences of inadequate communication can be severe, impacting access to crucial medical services. Without Medicaid coverage, individuals may face difficulties obtaining prescription drugs, children's vaccinations, and post-partum care, leading to potential disruptions in their healthcare journey.

The lawsuit underscores broader concerns about the Medicaid eligibility review process taking place across the United States, as per The Hill.

Read Also: Social Security Benefit: Cheat Sheet To Know Everything About Your Payments

Delving Into the Challenges of Healthcare Access

In Florida alone, nearly 183,000 residents have received notices stating that they no longer qualify for Medicaid coverage. Furthermore, hundreds of thousands more are expected to undergo coverage reviews in the upcoming year.

Notably, a significant portion of individuals, approximately 226,000, have been dropped from Medicaid for procedural reasons, often due to difficulties in completing renewal applications. This can occur when renewal notices are sent to outdated addresses, are poorly understood, or are not returned within the required timeframe.

Across the nation, the phenomenon of "Medicaid unwinding" has led to over 5.2 million individuals being disenrolled since the spring. Alarmingly, the majority of those who have lost their coverage were dropped for procedural reasons, highlighting the complexities and potential pitfalls within the system.

This lawsuit in Florida serves as a microcosm of the larger challenges surrounding healthcare access and eligibility determination for vulnerable populations. As the legal battle unfolds, it prompts reflection on the importance of transparent and effective communication in the administration of public healthcare programs.

The outcome of this case will likely reverberate beyond Florida, shaping the ongoing conversation about how to strike a balance between eligibility reviews and ensuring that individuals receive uninterrupted access to essential medical services, US News reported.

Related Article: Biden's Investment Will Bring High-Speed Internet to Millions of Rural Americans

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A spokesperson for Asda confirmed the rollout in line with the Windsor Framework (Chris Radburn/PA)

A soft-touch approach should be applied to new labelling regulations coming into force for meat and dairy products traded between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, according to a retail sector representative.

Responding as Asda became the first supermarket to introduce new Not-for-EU labelling ahead of its mandatory use from October, Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC) director Neil Johnston called for a pragmatic approach as retailers get to grips with the new requirements.

NIRC represents all the main supermarkets including Asda, which is already introducing Not-for-EU labelling across its own-brand meat products, as reported by BBC NI this morning.

A spokesperson for Asda confirmed the rollout in line with the Windsor Framework, which will apply to products in GB a year later in October 2024.

Supermarkets are focused on maintaining as broad as possible range of goods and value for money for NI consumers, said Mr Johnson. NI benefits hugely from being part of UK market and it is essential that we minimise any disruption on GB to NI trade.

We also need to respect the EUs need to protect the EU internal market given the proximity of the Republic  and labelling is part of the measures designed to do this.

For the supermarkets the consumers are the priority. While they have worked closely with government about these measures, the detailed guidance was only published a few weeks ago and so it is conceivable there will be some bumps along the road.

Consumers should be assured, however, that any disruption will be kept to a minimum.

We have been reassured that compliance from 1 October will be more about education and upskilling rather than rigorous enforcement. We very much hope that a pragmatic approach is pursued.

As well as labels on pack, there will be posters and shelf edge labels in stores to highlight certain produce should not travel beyond NI into any EU markets, said Mr Johnson.

Initially applying to fresh meat and dairy products, the new labelling requirements will apply to most food including fruit and vegetables by July 2025.

The Framework was agreed between the EU and UK Government back in February as a post-Brexit legal arrangement replacing the contentious NI Protocol.

Goods arriving in NI from GB go through a green lane with no checks if they are intended to stay in the region, or a red lane with checks if they are destined for the Republic or other EU markets.

Certain products subject to EU regulations, such as meat, dairy and loose fruit and veg, can be traded from GB to NI in an expedited green lane with the Not-for-EU labelling in place to prevent any onward transit into the Republic of Ireland.

The Framework addresses trade challenges for NI post-Brexit, which remains part of both the UK and the EU single market due to its border with the Republic of Ireland.

Since the UK exited the EU in 2020, NI businesses and households have faced restrictions, delays and additional paperwork and costs when buying in some goods from GB.
Reliance Automation, one of Irelands largest suppliers of robotics, has set up a base in Belfasts Innovation Factory as it looks for a permanent location in the city.

The Irish firm is targeting growth in the burgeoning Northern Ireland manufacturing market and export trade into Great Britain, driven by Brexit as companies struggle to fill manual positions.

It is currently developing plans for a modern facility to showcase its range of automation technology from market-leading collaborative robots (cobots) to industrial robots, grippers, mobile robots and electric actuators.

In the last year the company has seen substantial growth in Northern Ireland to around 70% of its new automation sales.

Employment in the Northern Ireland manufacturing sector has grown more than four times faster than the rest of the UK while unemployment rates have declined, said the company, leading firms to seek alternative ways of meeting production demands.

The 100-year-old company already has offices in Dublin, Cork and Limerick, and plans to employ at least three additional staff in its new Belfast site by 2024.

Read more First Sculpted By Aimee store in NI set to open in Belfast

Gerry Graham, automation manager of Reliance Automation, said: There has been a significant increase in activity in Northern Ireland over the past few years and this has snowballed recently. This is absolutely a result of the great successes of manufacturing companies as well as the barriers to trade caused by Brexit.

We offer a whole service to businesses, not only selling robots and cobots, but offering training and partnering with installers so we can support the customer from start to finish.

Having an experienced team and modern facility in Northern Ireland became a necessity as the market here has grown so quickly.

Reliance Automation hopes to help NI companies address a shortage of skilled workers in heavy industrial manufacturing areas in particular such as aerospace and defence, construction and material handling.

About 90% of automation applications are still industrial and require caged heavy-duty robots, said Mr Graham. Dangerous, precise, dirty, and high-speed processes such as welding, assembly, high speed pick and place and heavy lifting can be carried out using industrial robotic equipment.

Innovation Factory is owned by Belfast City Council and operated on its behalf by Oxford Innovation Space. The 9.1m business hub was funded by Belfast City Council and Invest NI with support from the European Regional Development Fund.

Neil Allen, Innovation Factory centre director, said: 'Our aim is to facilitate economic growth in Northern Ireland and to be the home of entrepreneurship in west Belfast. The solutions that Reliance Automation is offering to manufacturers are essential in the current economic climate. We are delighted they chose IF as their base in Belfast.

In conjunction with the Northern Ireland Technology Centre and Queens University Belfast, Reliance Automation will host its ninth automation roadshow in September, which is open to businesses and students.

The events, which are free to attend but require prior booking, will be held at Ulster University at Magee Campus in Derry/Londonderry on September 20 and Innovation Factory on September 21.

For further information about the roadshow or to book a free place, go to https://relianceautomation.co.uk/automation-roadshow-2023/
Latest figures for the third week in August show a further loss of over 554,000 to the public service broadcaster when compared to the same period in 2022.

RTE has lost over 5m in revenue due to TV licence revolt over payment scandal involving top presenter Ryan Tubridy.

Latest figures for the third week in August show a further loss of over 554,000 to the public service broadcaster when compared to the same period in 2022.

A total of 3,466 less TV licences were sold from one year to the next, or the equivalent 554,560 of the 160 charge.

The Department of Media said today 9,041 TV licences were sold. The comparable figure for the same period in 2022 was 12,507.

This brings the total lost revenue to just over 5m, as the total stood at 4.47m as of last week.

TV licence payments have been dropping steadily since the scandal of the 345,000 understated payments came to light at the end of June.

Each week, thousands of less TV licences are sold when compared to the same period last year.

The second Grant Thornton review, published last week, found Mr Tubridy was never paid the additional 120,000 between the years 2017 and 2019.

Last week, RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst announced Mr Tubridy will not be returning to his daily morning radio show after talks on his return to the station collapsed.

The latest figures on TV licence drop offs come as the Cabinet debates how high the bailout for RTE should be in the lead up to the Budget.

One Cabinet source admitted it is likely to be well north of the 15m originally pencilled in under Budget 2023.

Under the Future of Media Commission, the broadcaster was to get 16 last year and 15m to help with its finances.

Finance Minister Michael McGrath said it is disappointing, but not surprising that there is a drop in TV license payments.

The drop-off in the rate of payments on TV licences is not surprising, but it is disappointing, and for now that remains the vehicle through which we all need to support public service broadcasting, he said last week

So its important that we do continue to support it.

This was very much a self-inflicted own goal by RTE. They have put their hands up and acknowledged that, as an organisation, they have been the cause of these problems, and that has undoubtedly undermined public trust in the organisation.

Last month, a judge presiding over TV license prosecutions slammed RTE for what he described as elitism, "God-like personalities", and "freeloaders" while defendants were "crippled with the cost of living".

Judge Anthony Halpin said he was "disgusted and appalled" by the ongoing controversy at the broadcaster.

"I am appalled and disgusted that such clandestine, secretive and dubious goings-on would be the order of the day in respect of arrangements between RTE and the God-like personalities who seem to be above scrutiny," he said.

The judge referred to what he described as "elitism and exclusivity shown and demonstrated by the RTE ruling class".
Alan Simms of Emerge as final preparations take place at Irelands biggest Electronic Music Festival

Following the success of Emerge in Belfast last year, organisers are ready to offer a bigger and better festival to music fans this August bank holiday weekend.

Speaking during a media preview event attended by this newspaper, co-promoter and director Alan Simms said there has been a lot of learning after 2022s debut event.

Last year was a great success, for the first year it went fantastically well, he explained.

We have made everything bigger this year  the capacity, the stage is about twice the size of the main one last year, and theres a lot more light and video.

Everything is just bigger and better, we have more DJs in the line-up and have sold a lot more tickets.

Preparations underway for Emerge 2023

Emerge will be held in the Boucher Road Playing Fields on August 26 and 27, from 3-11pm.

Mr Simms and his team are expecting a bumper crowd of 40,000 and hopes all the hard work will pay off, ensuring they provide audiences with a true dance festival experience.

He added: We have spent months planning, we have some really interesting stuff going on in the Shine tent with the super-structure we are putting in, so Im really excited to see it work.

Over 40 acts will perform across four stages, including Northern Irelands own Bicep.

Final preparations take place at Irelands biggest Electronic Music Festival. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press

For the organisers, Emerge represents something different to other music events here.

This is purely a celebration of electronic music, its unique. Its multi-staged, so we have four different areas of music.

"Its electronic dance music all day, we have more acts and its over a weekend, it is more of an actual festival, Mr Simms said.

Bicep have been with us right from the start of their career and to bring them along to headline something like this feels really good.

We were really happy they wanted to do that with us. Its good that they are trusting us to give them a good show, because a home gig is very important for an act like that, particularly something of this size.

Alan Simms of Emerge as final preparations take place at Irelands biggest Electronic Music Festival

Bicep will be joined by the likes of Carl Cox, Camelphat, Charlotte De Witte, Skin on Skin, and Rebuke.

Mr Simms is most excited to see Carl Cox perform on the Sunday.

Carl Cox has been DJing for me since the mid-90s, Ive been working with him for 25 years, so Im very much looking forward to seeing him. I love the music he plays, hes a great guy, he added.

There are still some tickets left for sale, but we are expecting to sell-out.
Hip-hop, the most popular music genre in the United States, turned 50 this August.

Born in the Bronx in New York City and spread to every corner of the world, it is hard to find the words to express the cultures influence and legacy  but that is what the music is for.

To celebrate this milestone, pioneers Public Enemy and Ice-T will headline The National Celebration of Hip-Hop, free concerts at the National Mall in Washington D.C, the capital of the US, on October 6 and 7.

Hip-hop is beyond, not just a musical genre, said Public Enemys Chuck D in a statement.

Ice-T will headline The National Celebration of Hip Hop (Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

Its a cultural movement that has dominated art, fashion, politics, poetry, academia, film and every corner of the world for the past 50 years.

This National Celebration brings it all together in one place for the people, by the people.

Legendary acts like Kurtis Blow, Kid n Play, Soulsonic Force, Roxanne Shante, CL Smooth, Melle Mel and Scorpio, The Sugarhill Gang, Peter Gunz, DJ Kevie Kev Rockwell, Mad Skillz, MC Sha-Rock, Busy Bee, Joe Ski Love, Positive K, Boogie Black, Mick Benzo will also perform.

Additional acts will be announced soon.

We are honoured to continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop against the backdrop of Americas Capitol with a free event for everyone.

I cant wait to get on stage and do our thing, said Flavor Flav in a statement.
The NI presenter was hosting a debate on whether female body hair was empowering.

Eamonn Holmes has said men are also judged on their body hair

Men are judged on their body hair as well as women, Northern Ireland GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes has said.

The comments came during a discussion on body hair during the channels Breakfast Show, which Holmes co-hosts with Isabel Webster.

The lively debate arose after social media influencer Lydi Winter went viral in recent weeks after sharing several snaps and videos proudly showing off her body hair.

After guest Radhika Sanghani said Lydi Winters contribution proved women could still be beautiful with body hair, Holmes interjected.

"I'm listening to what you said there, Radhika, but the idea you say that a man wouldn't be judged on body hair... he said.

"I do think men are judged on body hair from their head downwards," Holmes explained.

"If a man has hair around his nose for instance, or his hands - I see people often called gorillas or what have you if they have hair on the front of their hands.

"So it can be a problem for lots of people."

Read more Eamonn Holmes set to tell all in live stage meet and greet show

When the Belfast presenter then asked if Sanghani was personally comfortable with hair, she revealed she'd undergone laser treatment to have it removed.

However, she argued that she'd paid for the treatment for "equality" because "I got to live like a man" by "leaving the house without thinking about my body hair".

Sanghani then conceded that Holmes was "right" to point out that "men can be judged", but she continued to argue "women do too".

Eamonn Holmes ridicules Keir Starmer for Lionesses damehood demand

It comes after the former ITV star this week announced plans to take to the stage in a meet and greet show that will see the tables turned on the presenter.

Holmes confirmed the first date of his live tour which will kick off in Scotland in October.

"Ive been asking the questions for 43 years now Im answering them on stage, he wrote on social media.

"The first venue is The Eastwood Park Theatre Glasgow on Wednesday 18th October.

"If youre in the area and fancy a night of stories and laughs why dont you join me?"

Those attending An Audience With Eamonn Holmes will get the chance to meet the broadcaster before or after the show if they purchase the red or yellow band tickets for 85.

However standard tickets are available for 35.

"Weve woken up to Eamonn Holmes breaking the news for decades, the event description states.

"But whats the personal story behind Britains favourite Breakfast TV anchor?

"From growing up in troubled Belfast to breaking into TV, to hosting Royal events, Eamonn lifts the lid on his life in the limelight.

"The big interviews, the scary moments and oh yes, the controversies!

"Interviewed in depth by long-term friend and fellow broadcaster Bill McFarlan, Eamonn tells it as it is for one night only on Wednesday October 18th at Eastwood Park Theatre."

The GB News presenter has since been inundated with requests to bring the show to other cities around the UK  including Belfast.
The British Museum said items from its collection were found to be missing, stolen or damaged (Tim Ireland/PA)

The chairman of the British Museum All-Party Parliamentary Group has accused Greece of blatant opportunism in claiming the institution is not safe following thefts from the museum.

The British Museum announced last week that items from its collection were found to be missing, stolen or damaged and police are investigating.

Legal action is being taken by the museum against an unnamed member of staff, who has been sacked.

Tim Loughton told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that news of items going missing from the museums collection in London is damaging but the institution is taking the thefts seriously.

The MP, who has been in touch with the museum, added: For reassurance, people want to know the extent of the objects which have disappeared, what investigations took place at the time when various reports came in and what is being done now because otherwise (its) getting out of hand.

The museum has not specified how many items have been stolen or detailed what the missing items are, saying only that they were small pieces including gold jewellery and gems of semi-precious stones and glass dating from the 15th century BC to the 19th century AD.

The Times has reported that the thefts happened over at least two decades.

Mr Loughton said: What is particularly damaging is (the) blatant opportunism of the Greeks and others saying Oh no, the British Museum is not safe Its incredibly rare that things go missing.

Greece has been campaigning for decades for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures, which once adorned the Parthenon atop the Acropolis in Athens.

The country has long claimed they were illegally acquired during a period of foreign occupation, while British officials have rebuffed repeated demands for their return.

Sections of the Parthenon Marbles in Londons British Museum (Matthew Fearn/PA)

Christopher Marinello, a lawyer and expert in recovering stolen art, told the PA news agency that the theft exposes the museum to questions over the safety of the ancient sculptures.

He said: It makes one wonder whether the Parthenon Marbles are safe in the British Museum after all, and perhaps they should be returned to the museum in Athens for their security.

The head of the Association of Greek Archaeologists, Despina Koutsoumba, said her colleagues are worried about how many Greek items are missing.

She told the BBC: We want to tell the British Museum that they cannot anymore say that Greek culture heritage is more protected in the British Museum.

It is obvious that it is very well protected in Greece and not in the British Museum.

Mr Loughton was also asked about emails leaked to BBC News that claim the British Museum was alerted to the thefts in 2021 and ignored the report.

He said: With respect, all thats come out is a few emails rather than the bigger picture.

But the British Museum will need to account for that because if people are trying to report potential objects having appeared outside of the museum then absolutely those need to be investigated and potentially referred to the police.

So what action was taken? What checks and balances are there at the museum?

Also putting into context the British Museum has the most online documentation online in the world. There are over two million objects available online to see.

The Daily Telegraph has reported that the number of stolen items is believed to be well over 1,000 and closer to 2,000, with a value running into millions of pounds.

An independent review of security has been launched and the matter is also under investigation by the economic crime command of the Metropolitan Police.

No arrests have been made.

The review will be led by former museum trustee Sir Nigel Boardman and Lucy DOrsi, Chief Constable of British Transport Police.
Belfast business owner accused of illegally selling booze at sweet treats shop

The 35-year-old has been accused of illegally selling alcohol.

Love Treats and Sweets

Liam Tunney Wed 23 Aug 2023 at 07:21

A Belfast sweet shop owner is to appear in court charged with selling alcohol without a licence.
Neil Rooney (inset) died in March 2017 while working at a building site in the Stormont Wharf area of the Belfast Harbour Estate

A representative from Belfast Harbour Commissioners appeared in court on Wednesday where he denied a charge of corporate manslaughter on behalf of the organisation.

Co Down father-of-two Neil Rooney died in March 2017 while working at a building site in the Stormont Wharf area of the Belfast Harbour Estate.

At the time, it was reported that Mr Rooney became trapped under machinery and passed away at the scene.

Belfast Harbour Commissioners, based at Corporation Square in the city, has been charged with three offences arising from the fatality, all of which were denied today.

Michael Robinson attended Belfast Crown Court on behalf of Belfast Harbour Commissioners, where he was formally charged with the three offences.

Mr Robinson is the Port Director at Belfast Harbour, a role he was appointed to in 2018.

Michael Robinson. Credit: Photopress Belfast

It's alleged that, on March 21, 2017, the organisation caused the death of 33-year-old Ballyhornan man Rooney by managing or organising its activities in a way that amounted to a gross breach of a relevant care of duty owed to him, contrary to the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007.

When the charge was put to Mr Robinson on behalf of Belfast Harbour Commissioners, he replied not guilty.

It was also charged with two other offences on the same date - namely as an employer failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of its employees, and as an employer failing to ensure the health and safety of non-employees.

When these charges were put to Mr Robinson, he again replied not guilty.

Following the arraignment, a barrister acting for Belfast Harbour Commissioners told Judge Patricia Smyth that an application to stay the proceedings was being made.

The barrister said this was on grounds including the passage of time since Mr Rooney's "very sad death" and the "gross delay" in bringing proceedings to court.

Saying she wanted to provide everyone with enough time to "reflect on the issues" regarding the legal application, Judge Smyth noted that she would review the case on September 27.

She then addressed Mr Rooney's family as they sat in the public gallery and said: "May I convey my condolences at this terrible tragedy.

"There are complex issues, but I can tell you that I will be progressing this case as quickly as it can possibly be done."
Bus drivers experience a little uptick in happiness when passengers greet them upon boarding and leaving the bus. This may seem like common knowledge, yet it was just recently confirmed by a study.

A recent survey found that just 23% of passengers thanked the bus driver upon entering, and even less than 10% did so upon leaving. Experts claim that even these little exchanges might improve the mood of any person.

Greetings Boost People's Mood

Stickers were placed on certain buses in Hammersmith, England, as part of a trial program to encourage passengers to introduce themselves and express gratitude to their drivers.

Two out of ten commuters on buses without stickers welcomed the driver, whereas three out of ten did so on stickered buses. Researchers concluded that 77 drivers found it significant when passengers greeted them. They estimate that this may lead to an additional 140 million encounters every year.

More than 80% of passengers at one bus stop felt that saying hello had a good effect. However, fewer than a quarter actually did it, according to the poll conducted by the University of Sussex, Transport for London (TfL), and research company Neighbourly Lab.

Dozens of London bus drivers were questioned for the study, and they all agreed that hearing "good morning" or "thank you" from their customers makes their day. Go Ahead London, which runs a quarter of the city's buses, claims that its drivers get the feeling of "respected," "seen," and "appreciated" when interacting with passengers, as reported by BBC.

See Also: Young Woman Diagnosed with ADHD Explains Why 'Time Blindness' is Real

Micro-Interactions and Human Connection

Dr. Gillian Sandstrom, head of the Sussex Centre for Research on Kindness, said that micro-interactions like this are more well-received and impactful than most people realize.

"The fact that a simple nudge, in the form of a sticker on the bus, was enough to encourage people to greet the driver suggests to me that people want to reach out and connect with others, but sometimes feel like they can't or shouldn't," she added.

Neighbourly Lab, a social connection firm, has plans to expand the intervention to more bus routes after its successful pilot.

According to Grainne O'Dwyer, senior project manager at Neighbourly Lab, this study adds significantly to the knowledge of the importance of ordinary, everyday encounters.

Dr. Sandstrom told the Daily Mail that humans have an innate need to feel a sense of community and belonging. "We suffer emotionally and physically when we feel disconnected from other people."

Personal connections are the primary means by which people satisfy this desire, but it is encouraging to know that interpersonal ties are not necessary to have a sense of belonging.

"Recognition and acknowledgment of each other is something we should encourage more, and I hope we can expand on this across London," said Tom Cunnington, director of bus business development at TfL.

See Also: 'Smart Tattoos' May Soon Keep Tabs on Your Health!

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
An ex-Special Forces soldier who allegedly bombarded his neighbours with metal ball bearings has been ordered to stand trial.

Ivan Jason Giles is accused of intimidation and repeatedly damaging property in a suburb of Bangor. He is also accused of assaulting police officers.

At Newtownards Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 48-year-old Giles confirmed he was aware of the 29 charges against him and did not object to a preliminary enquiry.

Formerly of Ashbury Road but now with an address at Rathgael Road in Bangor, Giles is alleged to have terrorised neighbours between October 2021 and August last year.

While none of the alleged facts were opened, previous courts heard claims that Giles fired more than 500 ball bearings at his neighbours with a catapult.

It was also claimed that Giles took matters into his own hands because his neighbours Nissan 200SX and Honda S2000 cars were backfiring and exacerbated his PTSD.

However, instead of talking to his neighbours, the former British Army corporal allegedly launched in excess of 500 ball bearings during a 10-month intimidation campaign.

They supposedly struck the cars, two men, three houses and a number of other vehicles, as well as a camera police had set up.

At one stage, officers who were speaking to the alleged victims had to take cover when ball bearings started to rain down, striking a CCTV camera with such force that it was left shaking.

Police believe upwards of 20,000 of damage was caused in the 10 months. The court also heard that one neighbour has left her home and is refusing to return.

In an incident at the end of July, Giles was allegedly captured on camera holding a catapult with a ball bearing and just launching it, while searches at his home uncovered a large sack of ball bearings and other catapults.

Arrested and interviewed, Giles, who spent more than 20 years in the Army where he served with distinction in multiple war zones, refused to answer questions, even when CCTV footage was presented.

On Tuesday, he also declined to exercise his right to comment on the charges or to call any evidence on his own behalf, although his solicitor, John Keown, conceded that he had a case to answer.

Giles faces 15 charges of criminal damage, two of attempted criminal damage, two of harassment, two of assaulting police officers and three common assaults.

He is also accused of three counts of possessing firearms without a certificate and single offences of possessing a gun under suspicious circumstances and intimidation.

Another charge alleges that between October 28, 2021 and August 3, 2022, he attempted 82 times to damage or destroy a property belonging to a couple on Ashbury Road.

Freeing Giles on continuing bail, District Judge Mark Hamill returned the case to Downpatrick Crown Court for trial, but did not set a date for the defendant to be arraigned.
A man wept in the dock of Belfast Crown Court today where he denied a charge of manslaughter.

Edward Kelly, whose address was given as HMP Maghaberry, confirmed his identity to a court clerk and was then charged with unlawfully killing David James Henry Conville on May 30, 2022.

When the manslaughter charge was put to the 31-year old, he paused, rubbed his face with a handkerchief then replied 'not guilty.'

Although no details regarding the fatal incident were aired during today's arraignment, a previous hearing was told Mr Conville (34) died in hospital from a head injury after an assault in the Abington Drive area of Belfast.

After Kelly entered his plea, Judge Donna McColgan KC set the date for trial as Monday, November 27 but said she would review the case on September 20.

She remanded Kelly back into custody and as he was being led from the dock in handcuffs by prison staff, he turned to face Mr Conville's family as they sat in the public gallery.

This prompted a brief outburst directed at Kelly, which ended when a court official intervened.
A notorious dissident republican serving life for attempting to kill police officers refused to appear in court today to face charges of assaulting female prison officers.

Christine Connor was due to appear at Newtownards Magistrates Court by video-link from Hydebank womens prison.

But the court heard the 38-year-old bomber was refusing to leave her cell.

Read more Belfast woman who tried to murder cop with pipe bomb accused of assaulting prison officers

Connor, whose address was given as c/o Hydebank Prison, faces two charges of assaulting two women causing actual bodily harm and one of common assault on a third woman.

All the alleged offences are to have been committed on April 7 this year and the court heard today the complainants were all prison officers.

The case against the would-be killer had been listed for attitude, but defence counsel Kelly Doherty asked for an adjournment as the papers and statements had not yet been served on the defence.

Applying for legal aid, Ms Doherty said Connor is serving an extended custodial sentence in any event.

Connor is currently serving a sentence of life imprisonment with a minimum tariff of 25 years for the attempted murder of a police officer after she threw a pipe bomb at him.

She was jailed in August 2020 for four offences of attempted murder and possessing explosives with intent to endanger life, relating to two incidents in the north of the city in May 2013.

These included an attack on police who were lured to the scene by a bogus 999 call she made claiming to be the victim of domestic violence.

Describing the attack on police as both cynical and sinister, Judge Stephen Fowler KC said he was satisfied it was an attempt by Connor to lure police into an ambush by making a hoax call claiming to be the victim of domestic abuse requiring urgent police assistance.

He said Connor is a committed dissident republican wedded to violence and that when she made the bogus 999 call, she knew that police would regard a domestic violence situation as a high priority.

One of the devices landed at the right foot of a PSNI officer and he was entirely fortuitous to escape with his life, said the judge, adding that the incidents were terrifying for all those caught up in them.

The aim and intentions behind these attacks was to kill police the devices were effective anti-personnel devices and their planning and deployment were detailed.

The judge added: The defendant was the driving force behind the attacks, securing the making of the pipe bombs, the reconnoitre of the attack locations and throwing the bombs.

In my view she remains a committed dissident republican and nothing has changed. She is still wedded to violence.

Her pivotal role in these attacks demonstrated a commitment to the dissident republican cause and a willingness to murder to further those ends. She has also shown no remorse.

Initially, Connor had been handed a 20-year term but judges in the Court of Appeal increased that to 25 years.

In court today, District Judge Jonathan Connolly put the case back to September 20 and ordered the exhibits and statements to be served on Connors defence solicitors.
The PSNI are treating the incident as a racially motivated hate crime.

Police have confirmed they are treating the erecting of Swastika flags close to a west Belfast mosque as a racially motivated hate crime.

Photographs of the flags  erected close to Belfast Iqraa Mosque in the Sunnymeade area of Dunmurry  circulated on social media on Wednesday morning.

The PSNI confirmed they had received a report of a number of flags having been erected in the Ashley Park area of Dunmurry. It is understood the flags have now been taken down.

Chief Inspector Brannigan said: Our enquiries are at an early stage, however at this time, we are treating this report as a racially motivated hate crime.

We are appealing to anyone who may have any information which may assist us with our enquiries to call 101, and quote reference number 360 of 23/08/23.

Imam Jamal Liweida, President of Iqraa Mosque Dunmurry on Wednesday morning. Picture by Peter Morrison

People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll has condemned those responsible.

"This despicable and racially motivated action is clearly designed to intimidate members of a minority community, said Mr Carroll.

Fascism has no place in our community. I send full solidarity to the members of Iqraa Mosque and to all affected by this horrendous and racist act.

The far-right is whipping up Islamophobia and fear about immigration to divide people and scapegoat migrants for the economic and social problems facing our society.

We need to make a renewed effort to overcome racism, to defend migrants and refugees, and to uplift all communities together in the face of government neglect.

Belfast City councillor Paul Doherty said the flags were a worldwide symbol of hate.

"Id like to send my solidarity to all those who worship at the Iqraa Mosque and School and praise the local residents who have quickly spoken out against this and made it clear that the people who put up these flags do not speak for them, said the SDLP representative.

This is a welcoming area and a diverse community and any attempt to intimidate someone because of their faith must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

"People of all backgrounds live together in this area with no issue and the actions of those who put up these flags cannot be allowed to harm community relations.

It is truly staggering to see flags of this nature erected in west Belfast. This is an area that strongly rejects fascism and I cannot understand why anyone would target a place of worship in this way.

"Id urge anyone with any information about these flags to come forward to police. These flags must be removed immediately and the people behind this held responsible for peddling hate in our community.

Sinn Fein MLA Danny Baker said the erection of the flags was deeply concerning.

"To place these deeply offensive and racist symbols outside a place of worship is a clear and outrageous attempt to create fear and intimidate people, he said.

There is no place for this type of behaviour in our society. These flags should be removed.

I would urge anyone with information on the erection of these flags to bring it forward to the police.

Political and community leaders must stand together to continue building a safe, welcoming and inclusive society for all.

The Iqraa mosque building in Dunmurry. Pic: Iqraa Masjid and School Facebook page

Patrick Corrigan, NI Director of Amnesty International UK said the incident was a shameful attempt to harass and intimidate.

"I have been in touch with the local Muslim community to send solidarity, and I know the good people of Dunmurry will stand with their neighbours at the mosque, he said.

The erection of these Nazi flags is just the latest in a long line of incidents designed to instill fear in the Muslim community in Northern Ireland.

"We only have to think of the severed pig's head and the mob dressed in Ku Klux Klan outfits outside the Islamic centre in Newtownards, and the devastating arson attacks on the Belfast Multi-Cultural Association which forced them from their home in south Belfast.

Swastika flags close to the west Belfast mosque.

Sadly, racist thugs commit these acts, confident that they will likely get away with it. There are many hundreds of racist crimes inflicted in Northern Ireland every year, yet police figures show that in 90% of cases the perpetrators go unpunished.

"This is simply unacceptable. The community has a right to expect that those responsible for these despicable acts will be held to account before the law."
A senior City of London Police officer is to head up an independent review into the PSNI data leak.

The details of almost 10,000 officers and civilian staff were wrongly included in a freedom of information response earlier this month.

City of London Police Assistant Commissioner Peter ODoherty, who has responsibility for leading the UK policing response to fraud and cyber crime, is to head up the investigation.

Policing Board chair Deirdre Toner announced the review after a meeting with senior officers including Chief Constable Simon Byrne.

Mr Byrne left the summit without speaking to the media.

Watch: PSNI Chief Constable leaves through back door following policing board meeting over data leak

He said in a statement the review would provide answers.

I recognise the gravity of the situation and the challenges ahead, he added.

Ms Toner said the main breach and subsequent, smaller breaches had damaged the reputation of the service.

Read more Chief Constable makes backdoor exit from 'crunchy' Policing Board meeting as PSNI data breach review announced

She described the meeting with the chief constable as crunchy and stressed the board would continue holding the police to account.

Of Mr Byrnes refusal to answer questions, she said: We have different roles about where we are operationally.

The chief constable and his team have responsibilities. Our job is to make sure that we are an accountable body.

Policing Board vice-chair Edgar Jardine said the watchdog was unanimous in its support for the chief constable.

We have been in touch with the [Police] Federation and Nipsa. We had nine organisation representatives in today and no one was challenging that position, he added.

SDLP Policing Board member Mark H Durkan warned the leadership team had a long way to go to restore public confidence.

He said: We have heard from many officers about how badly they have been impacted by these data breaches, and it has further undermined hard-won public confidence.

Measures needed to restore it include ensuring this review is robust, follows a strict timeframe and the resources are made available to implement its recommendations as a matter of urgency.

I also cannot understand why police did not appear before the media at a time when confidence is low around policing, particularly when, despite being challenging, the general tone of the meeting was constructive.

Policing Board member Mike Nesbitt backed Mr Byrne to remain in post for now.

He said: An unplanned change strikes me as simply adding to an already deeply uncertain situation.

However, this should not be regarded as a blank cheque. Time must tell, quickly.

A Belfast Telegraph poll published this week showed only 16% of people had complete faith in Mr Byrnes leadership, with 60% lacking confidence.

Confidence can never be unconditional or a blank cheque, Mr Jardine said.

We have commissioned a thorough review. The board will deal with the consequences whenever we get the findings.

Read more PSNI Chief Constable to be grilled again by Policing Board over major data breach

Ms Toner said the review would be carried out jointly alongside the PSNI, adding this input was needed because policing knows policing.

The review team has no relationship with the PSNI. National experts are leading it from digital services, she explained.

The board will be alongside this, and as that work progresses we will be looking at it independently. We will have an opportunity to challenge where we have concerns.

The report is jointly commissioned by the PSNI and the board. We expect the review lead to report simultaneously.

Its not that confidence cant change, but we need to focus on the systems, not individuals.

When asked if any police officers or staff had been moved from their roles in response to the crisis, Ms Toner said: Todays meeting wasnt about that. It was about the strategic oversight of how we move forward.

The independent review will publish an initial report within a month and a full report by the end of November.

The probe is expected to investigate the actions that led to the breach and any management or governance factors that allowed it to happen.

It will also look at ways to improve procedures in the future.

The Policing Board said it hoped the review would restore confidence in the PSNIs approach to information security management.

While the information was taken down from the website where it was published within a matter of hours, it has since spread online.

In a second breach on July 6, a police laptop and radio and a document containing the names of more than 200 staff were stolen from a vehicle at a shopping centre in Newtownabbey.

There was a third breach on August 17 after a PSNI laptop and a police officers notebook fell from the roof of a moving car.
The PSNI confirmed they had received a report of a number of flags having been erected in the Ashley Park area

Imam and president of the Iqraa Mosque in Dunmurry, Jamal Iweida. Picture by Peter Morrison.

Imam Jamal Iweida said the erection of these flags "was an act of intimidation" and said the development is "deeply worrying".

The erection of Nazi flags outside a mosque in west Belfast has brought fear into the hearts of all those who worship there, its leader has said.

Three banners bearing swastikas and the SS logo were placed outside Iqraa Mosque in the Ashley Park area of Dunmurry after 10pm on Tuesday.

They were discovered by a woman and her children as they arrived for morning prayers at around 5.30am on Wednesday.

Police are treating the incident as a racially-motivated hate crime.

Jamal Iweida, imam and president of Iqraa Mosque, said many users have been volunteering over the past few days to spruce up the building and its surroundings. He fears that increased activity has brought unwanted attention.

"This was an act of intimidation and it is extremely worrying, Mr Iweida said.

"Everyone who uses the centre, which includes many young people, is concerned by what has happened. Parents are very worried about the safety of their children and a lot of people are scared.

The appearance of the flags comes weeks after members of the faith community expressed concern about negative right wing comments being made on social media. It is not known if there is a link.

Mr Iweida said it feels like members have been watched as he warned that the message which the culprits sought to send cannot not be misunderstood.

"These symbols are very strong and aggressive, he said.

"Everyone knows what they mean and what they represent. It is the absolute embodiment of racism, and in this case, Islamophobia.

"Those who put these flags up knew exactly what they were doing, what the symbols mean and the fear that they instill in people.

The PSNI confirmed they had received a report of a number of flags having been erected in the Ashley Park area

The busy centre is used for daily prayers, with worshippers from across Belfast and beyond attending five times a day.

It also runs a supplementary school in addition to hosting a range of community activities.

Members have also been looking forward to hosting a long-planned community day, which will take place on Sunday.

A cherry picker, which was on-site to help volunteers carry out maintenance work, was used to remove the flags as worshippers arrived at dawn.

Mr Iweida added: "The increased activity may have brought attention to us. That is very sad if thats the case.

The leader, who is hopeful nearby CCTV footage will help catch the culprits, praised the quick response of local residents who have been deeply disturbed by what has happened.

"The vast majority of locals share our concerns and have gone out of their way to express disgust at these flags and show us support, Mr Iweida said.

"This is a very quiet and peaceful area where everyone lives in harmony. We are reassured by the response of locals and politicians who have made it clear that this type of behaviour is unacceptable.

And his message for those behind the act of hate?

"They are not going to win. We must all say no to these people.

Police outside the Iqraa Mosque, Dunmurry on Wednesday morning

Some worshippers have described how the symbols invoked memories of the deadly attack at two mosques in New Zealand four years ago.

Lone gunman Brenton Harrison Tarrant (28) was sentenced to life in jail for killing 51 Muslims in Christchurch.

Sinn Fein MLA Danny Baker described the appearance of racist symbols outside a place of worship as deeply concerning and branded it a clear and outrageous attempt to create fear and intimidate people.

There is no place for this type of behaviour in our society, he added.

I would urge anyone with information on the erection of these flags to bring it forward to the police. Political and community leaders must stand together to continue building a safe, welcoming and inclusive society for all.

The regional director of Amnesty International condemned the shameful attempt to harass and intimidate.

Patrick Corrigan said he has been in contact with the local Muslim community to show solidarity.

I know the good people of Dunmurry will stand with their neighbours at the mosque, he said.

The erection of these Nazi flags is just the latest in a long line of incidents designed to instill fear in the Muslim community in Northern Ireland.

"We only have to think of the severed pig's head and the mob dressed in Ku Klux Klan outfits outside the Islamic centre in Newtownards, and the devastating arson attacks on the Belfast Multi-Cultural Association which forced them from their home in south Belfast.

People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll also condemned the fascism on display and warned that the horrendous and racist act has no place here.

Detectives have appealed for anyone with information to contact 101, quoting reference number 360 of 23/08/23.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has said that her hate speech laws are not being prioritised over other legislation (Brian Lawless/PA)

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said that her draft hate speech laws are not her sole focus and are not being prioritised above 11 other pieces of legislation she has in the pipeline.

The bill is the first specific legislation that would deal with hate crime in Ireland, and would update existing hate speech laws, which the minister called ineffective and limited.

It would repeal 1989 laws in their entirety and replace them with legislation that would make it easier to secure convictions.

The bill, drafted by Helen McEntee, will be the first specific legislation that would deal with hate crime in Ireland (Jonathan Brady/PA)

There is also a provision to make hate an aggravating factor for existing offences when sentencing.

It would expand protected characteristics to gender and descent, referring to people who are transgender and of Jewish origin or mixed race respectively, and would make it an offence to condone, deny or grossly trivialise genocide and war crimes.

Ms McEntee has cited a 29% increase in reported hate crimes in 2022, most of which were based on race, sexual orientation or nationality, as the basis for the bill.

But the laws have faced criticism from various quarters, including from Donald Trump Jnr and Elon Musk, over how they would affect free speech.

Asked about criticism from members of her own Fine Gael party over her focus on the draft laws, Ms McEntee said: The hate crime bill is one of 12 that Im working on at the moment.

It is not my sole focus, it is not my sole priority, she told RTE Radios Today with Claire Byrne programme.

When I return in September, Ill be introducing the Policing Bill, which will be the biggest reform of An Garda Siochana since it was established.

It would put on a statutory footing community partnerships, which acknowledge Gardai are not the sole ones responsible for community safety.

The body-worn camera legislation will be enacted later this year, (and there will be) a new piece of legislation to enact an agency on domestic violence.

She added: It has not been put above anything else. Do I think that people who commit crimes against others simply because of who they are, is an issue that we shouldnt address?

I do think we should address it, but its not the only focus that I have.

When asked whether her colleagues had voiced any criticism about her focus on the laws over emphasising Fine Gaels policy on law and order, she said no.

Im always here to talk to colleagues, Im always open to talking to colleagues.

I engage with colleagues on any issue that they want, and that has always been the case, and that will continue to be the case.

After being passed by the Irish parliaments lower house, the Dail, and its upper house, the Seanad, the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022 now moves on to committee stage.

In a Seanad debate before the parliamentary recess, several senators raised concerns about the bill.

Senator Lisa Chambers said there is a level of subjectivity about the bill that makes people nervous (Conor McCabe/PA)

Leader of the Seanad Lisa Chambers said that concerns about the hate speech element of the bill are real and genuine, and raised concerns it could have a chilling effect.

The former Fianna Fail TD, who said she would be seen on the liberal side of her own party, said that the lack of a legal definition of what hate is presents a level of subjectivity that makes people nervous.

Ms McEntee had said that based on strong advice from the Attorney General, hatred is not being defined beyond its everyday meaning.

Ms Chambers added: There are many ordinary, middle-ground people who are not quite sure what we are legislating for, if it is needed, if it is reasonable and if we are doing what we are required to do or going further than that.

Most people here are absolutely united in wanting to see hate crime legislation. It is the hate speech element that is causing most difficulty because there is an element of vagueness around it. This is just a fact.
Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the passenger list of the plane which has crashed (Sergei Ilnitsky/AP/PA)

The UK Government is monitoring the situation closely after reports that Wagner mercenary group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin died in a plane crash.

Russian authorities have said the mercenary chief was on the passenger list of the plane, which crashed more than 60 miles north of Moscow on Wednesday, killing all 10 on board.

Prigozhin mounted a short-lived mutiny against Russias military leadership in June, over dissatisfaction about the treatment of his private military company, which has fought alongside Russias regular army in Ukraine.

His fate has been the subject of close scrutiny ever since after his apparent exile to Belarus, but reports have suggested he has appeared in Russia in recent months.

Prighozin made his first video appearance following the uprising this week, with the mercenary leader suggesting he was in Africa alongside Wagner fighters.

The private jet carrying three pilots and seven passengers that was travelling from Moscow to St Petersburg went down more than 60 miles north of the capital, according to officials cited by Russias state news agency Tass.

A UK Government spokesperson said: We are monitoring the situation closely.
Surgeons have performed the UKs first womb transplant on a 34-year-old woman (Rui Vieira/PA)

The UKs first womb transplant means that, in future, dozens of women born without a functioning organ can carry babies of their own.

 What has happened?

Surgeons have performed the UKs first womb transplant on a 34-year-old woman whose older sister donated the organ to her.

In a complex procedure, the medical team removed the womb from the 40-year-old woman and implanted it directly into her sister.

Both women have made a good recovery.

 Have any babies been born?

Not yet. Experts want to be sure the transplant is stable and the womb is functioning fully before the younger woman undergoes IVF.

She has stored eight embryos and will have fertility treatment later this year in central London.

The woman hopes to have more than one baby. Once she has completed her family, the womb will be removed to prevent her needing immunosuppressant drugs for the rest of her life.

 Has the NHS paid for the operation?

No. Each womb transplant costs around 25,000 and is fully funded by the charity Womb Transplant UK.

This includes payment to the NHS for theatre time and the patients stay on a ward.

The operations are only carried out at times when the NHS is not using the operating theatre, so they do not impact on usual NHS waiting lists.

Surgeons and medical staff involved in the transplant have not been paid for the operation and have given their time freely.

 Have other womb transplants been carried out around the world?

More than 90 womb transplants have been carried out internationally, with most operations involving a living donor.

The first successful womb transplant took place in Sweden in 2014, with the baby  Vincent  born to a 36-year-old woman who described him as perfect.

A baby named Vincent was born after the first successful womb transplant took place in Sweden in 2014 (Joe Giddens/PA)

In 2000, a transplant was performed on a 26-year-old woman in Saudi Arabia but the donor womb survived for only 99 days due to problems with its blood supply.

To date, womb transplants have been carried out in more than 10 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Sweden, the US, China, Czech Republic, Brazil, Germany, Serbia and India.

 How successful is the operation?

Data from the US shows that more than half of women who received a womb through a transplant in the US went on to have successful pregnancies.

Between 2016 and 2021, 33 women received womb transplants in the US and, as of last summer, 19 of them (58%) had delivered a total of 21 babies.

In 74% of those receiving a womb, the organ was still functioning one year after transplant and 83% of this group had live-born children.

 Will there be more transplants in the UK?

Yes. The second British womb transplant is scheduled to take place this autumn and experts believe a maximum of 20 to 30 per year could be carried out in the UK in the future.

Transplants could help women born without a functioning womb and those who lose their organ to cancer or other conditions.

Estimates suggest there are 15,000 women in the UK of childbearing age who do not have a functioning womb.

 Will there be a shortage of donor wombs?

Womb Transplant UK is running two programmes, one involving living donors and another with organs from people who have died.

The living donor programme in the UK has so far focused on women with relatives who are willing to give their wombs.

However, the team believes that in the future, the living donor programme will expand to include friends or altruistic living donors. This is currently more common in the US.

The use of deceased donors is assessed by the team on a case-by-case basis.
The letters SOS etched in the sand during the Coast Guards rescue (U.S. Coast Guard via AP)

A 64-year-old man whose sailboat became disabled spent three days stranded on an island in the Bahamas before the US Coast Guard spotted a flare he fired and rescued him.

The crew of a Coast Guard Air Station Miami aircraft dropped food, water and a radio to communicate with the man, who told them about his ordeal, the agency said.

The Coast Guard cutter Paul Clark rescued the man on Friday on Cay Sal. He is in good health, a news release said.

A disabled sailboat during the Coast Guards rescue(U.S. Coast Guard via AP)

Aerial photos released on Tuesday by the Coast Guard show that the man, whose name was not released, had etched the letters SOS in the islands sandy beach.

Were proud to have saved this mans life, said petty officer 3rd class dev Craig.

This case serves as a perfect example of why you must have the proper safety equipment on your vessel. Without seeing the flare, the case may not have had a successful outcome.
The U.S. Navy now wants Lockheed Martin's helmet-mounted displays. The defense branch will use the technology to enhance F-35 fighter jets. But, how will these benefit pilots?

US Navy Wants Lockheed Martin's Helmet-Mounted Displays

According to Military Aerospace Electronics, the U.S. Navy will get two production slots from Lockheed Martin.

This will be under the $347 million contract, which was announced on Monday, Aug. 21. Specifically, the Lockheed Martin Corp. Aeronautics segment in Fort Worth will be used.

Officials of the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., said that this segment will be used for production lots 15 and 16 of the third-gen helmet-mounted displays for F-35s.

The Naval Technology reported that the new partnership between the U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin is expected to be completed in December 2026.

The deal is essential for the U.S. military because it is expected to greatly contribute to the continued development of the advanced F-35 fighter aircraft.

As of writing, the F-35 program of the U.S. military involves numerous partners across different levels. These include those in Australia, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, etc.

Read Also: US Military to Protect Civilian Ships from Iran Seizures by Placing Armed Personnel Onboard

Lockheed Martin Helmet-Mounted Displays' Importance

Lockheed Martin's advanced third-generation helmet-mounted displays are essential for the development of the F-35.

This technology combines HUD (head-up display), visor-protected night vision, and the helmet-mounted display.

It will allow pilots to maintain advanced spatial orientation and target weapons while monitoring critical information.

Experts said that the helmet-mounted displays will enable F-35 pilots to see through the bottom of the jet's fuselage or at a target to experience high-level spatial orientation, tactical superiority, and superior weapons targeting.

The technology can do this during the day and night. Aside from this, the helmet-mounted displays will also give uninterrupted displays of flight information and sensor data to F-35 pilots.

These are just some of the benefits that the U.S. military can get from Lockheed Martin's innovation. You can click here to learn more.

Related Article: US Navy Develops 'Iron Man' Suit for Deep Sea Diving; Here's What to Know About DSEND

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Rudy Giuliani surrendered to authorities in Georgia on Wednesday, on charges alleging he acted as former US president Donald Trumps chief co-conspirator in a plot to subvert the 2020 election.

The former New York City mayor, celebrated as Americas mayor for his leadership after 9/11, is charged with Mr Trump and 17 other people under Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act.

His bail has been set at 150,000 dollars (118,000), second only to Mr Trumps 200,000 dollars (157,000)

Prison records showed he was booked on Wednesday afternoon.

Mr Giuliani, 79, is accused of spearheading Mr Trumps efforts to compel state lawmakers in Georgia and other closely contested states to ignore the will of voters and illegally appoint electoral college electors favourable to Mr Trump.

Rudy Giuliani denies any wrongdoing (Brynn Anderson/AP)

Other high-profile defendants also surrendered on Wednesday, including Jenna Ellis, a lawyer who prosecutors say was involved in efforts to convince state lawmakers to unlawfully appoint presidential electors, and lawyer Sidney Powell, accused of making false statements about the election in Georgia and helping to organise a breach of voting equipment in rural Coffee County.

Georgia was one of several key states Mr Trump lost by slim margins, prompting the Republican and his allies to proclaim, without evidence, that the election was rigged in favour of his Democratic rival Joe Biden.

Mr Giuliani is charged with making false statements and soliciting false testimony, conspiring to create phony paperwork and asking state lawmakers to violate their oath of office to appoint an alternate slate of pro-Trump electors.

Outside the Fulton County jail on Wednesday, Mr Giuliani laughed when asked if he regretted allying himself with Mr Trump.

I am very, very honoured to be involved in this case because this case is a fight for our way of life, he told reporters.

This indictment is a travesty. Its an attack on not just me, not just president Trump, not just the people in this indictment, some of whom I dont even know  this is an attack on the American people.

Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis has said that, if convicted, Mr Giuliani will be sentenced to prison.

Mr Giuliani has denied wrongdoing, saying he had a right to raise questions about what he believed to be election fraud.

He has called the indictment an affront to American democracy and an out and out assault on the First Amendment.

Im feeling very, very good about it because I feel like I am defending the rights of all Americans, as I did so many times as a United States attorney, Mr Giuliani told reporters as he left his apartment in New York on Wednesday.

He said he is fighting for justice and has been since he first started representing Mr Trump.

Mr Trump, the early front-runner in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, has said he plans to turn himself in at the Fulton County Jail on Thursday.

He and his allies have characterised the investigation as politically motivated.

Mr Giuliani criticised the indictment of lawyers beside himself who had worked for Mr Trump and said the justice system was being politicised.

He also highlighted the fact that some of the people indicted are not household names.

Donald Trump told you this, they werent just coming for him or me, Mr Giuliani said.

Now theyve indicted people in this case I dont even know who they are. These are just regular people making a normal living.
The crash site near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region (Ostorozhno Novosti/AP)

Mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a brief armed rebellion against Russia earlier this year, was on the passenger list of a private jet that crashed on Wednesday, killing all 10 people on board, emergency officials said.

It was not immediately clear if Prigozhin was on the plane.

The crash immediately raises suspicions since the fate of the founder of the Wagner private military company has been the subject of intense speculation ever since he mounted the mutiny.

The Kremlin said he would be exiled to Belarus, but the mercenary chief, whose troops were some of the best fighting forces for Russia in Ukraine, has since reportedly popped up in Russia.

Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the passenger list (Sergei Ilnitsky/Pool/AP)

The crash also comes after Russian media reported that a top general linked to Prigozhin was dismissed from his position as commander of the air force.

A plane carrying three pilots and seven passengers that was en route from Moscow to St Petersburg went down more than 60 miles north of the capital, according to officials cited by Russias state news agency Tass.

It was not clear if Prigozhin was among those on board, though Russias civilian aviation regulator, Rosaviatsia, said he was on the manifest.

Vladimir Rogov, a Russia-appointed official in the partially occupied Zaporizhzhia region in Ukraine, said he talked to Wagner commanders who confirmed that Prigozhin was on board when the plane crashed.

Prigozhins top associate, Dmitry Utkin, whose call sign Wagner became the companys name, was as well, according to Rogov.

Plane wreckage falls from the sky (Ostorozhno Novosti/AP)

We have seen the reports. If confirmed, no-one should be surprised, said US National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson.

However, Keir Giles, a Russia expert with international affairs think-tank Chatham House, urged caution about reports of Prigozhins death.

He said multiple individuals have changed their name to Yevgeniy Prigozhin, as part of his efforts to obfuscate his travels.

Lets not be surprised if he pops up shortly in a new video from Africa, Mr Giles said.

Wreckage at the crash site (Ostorozhno Novosti/AP)

Flight tracking data reviewed by The Associated Press showed a private jet that Prigozhin had used previously took off from Moscow on Wednesday and its transponder signal disappeared minutes later.

The signal stopped suddenly while the plane was at altitude and travelling at speed.

In an image posted by a pro-Wagner social media account showing burning wreckage, a partial tail number matching a jet previously used by Prigozhin could be seen.

Videos shared by the pro-Wagner Telegram channel Grey Zone show a plane dropping like a stone from a large cloud of smoke, twisting widely as it falls.

Such freefalls can occur when an aircraft sustains severe damage, and a frame-by-frame analysis by The AP of two videos are consistent with some sort of explosion mid-flight.

Officials said all 10 on board were killed (Ostorozhno Novosti/AP)

The images appear to show the plane is missing a wing.

Russias Investigative Committee is investigating the crash, on the charges of violation of air safety rules.

This week Prigozhin posted his first recruitment video since the mutiny, saying that Wagner is conducting reconnaissance and search activities, and making Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa even more free.

Also this week, Russian media reported, citing anonymous sources, that General Sergei Surovikin was dismissed from his position of the commander of Russias air force.

Surovikin, who at one point led Russias operation in Ukraine, has not been seen in public since the mutiny, when he recorded a video address urging Prigozhins forces to pull back.

As the news about the crash was breaking, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at an event commemorating the Battle of Kursk, hailing the heroes of Russias special military operation in Ukraine.
In terms of optics, it couldnt be much worse for PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne, who avoided media scrutiny following a meeting of the Policing Board by leaving via a back door.

It has been accepted there is a need to restore public confidence in policing following a series of data breaches, the largest of which put the name, rank and workplace of 9,483 officers and civilian staff into the public domain.
SmartPass proposals are disastrous news for the over-60s

Hundreds of people gathered outside Belfast City Hall at the weekend, demanding the retention of the SmartPass, which allows people over 60 to travel for free.

The protest, supported by trade unionists, disability activists and environmentalists, was organised in response to a 12-week public consultation launched by the Department for Infrastructure in July on whether to raise the age at which people qualify for free public transport.

As it stands, the SmartPass enables people over 60, or with certain health conditions, to travel for free or at a discounted rate in Northern Ireland.

However, the government is considering changes to the scheme. These include raising the age of eligibility for concessionary fares to either 65 or the state pension age, limiting use to off-peak and bus travel only, and introducing fees for the application, renewal and replacement of the pass.

Not many of us get excited about ageing, but at least the SmartPass gave people one thing to look forward to. Taking it away would mean going backwards, removing individual freedoms while putting us further out of step with other countries where free or heavily reduced travel fares are picking up speed.

Read more Age of eligibility for free bus pass in NI could be raised

According to Age NI, the SmartPass consistently cuts through as a priority issue that matters most to older people. This is hardly a surprise. Ask anyone over 60 about scheme, and the response is unwaveringly positive.

Although its worth noting that not all over-60s use the SmartPass in equal measure, for many people, the SmartPass is their lifeline. It allows them to get to work, shop, attend medical appointments, meet up with friends and see their families.

With many older adults feeling lonely or experiencing restricted mobility, the SmartPass makes it easier to socialise and connect with others.

UK research backs this up, with one study from 2018 revealing that depression symptoms declined among those who started using their free bus pass when they became eligible to do so.

Members of the Unison trade union were particularly concerned about the social impact that scrapping the SmartPass could have on our older population.

Unison gathered outside the Department for Infrastructure last Wednesday to protest about the proposed changes, expressing fears that, with the increased cost of fuel, many people would have to choose between travelling on public transport and staying at home. With no car, some people simply wont make the journey at all.

Following the launch of the public consultation, it feels like the terms of the debate have already been set in an outdated way.

We shouldnt be talking about defending free travel, but rather about extending it at local and regional levels to include other age categories.

Free public transport is a key aspect of what is required for decarbonising our towns and cities, and restricting the right to discounted transport is taking us in the wrong direction.

Every day millions of people across hundreds of cities get from one place to another free of charge. While the Department for Infrastructure has explained that the cost of the SmartPass is one of the reasons why they want to assess the current set-up of the scheme, there are countless examples of how free transport is funded across Europe and elsewhere.

For example, in Luxembourg  the first country in the world to introduce free public transport  funding was generated through both income taxation and levies on petrol and gas.

Read more Taking wrong road with bus pass plan

Tallinn in Estonia, Dunkirk in France and Frydek-Mistek in the Czech Republic are other European cities to have slashed their fares, and in October last year, Malta became the latest European country to offer free public transport after cutting fares on most bus routes.

These examples have shown that promoting accessible public transport as an investment can lead to a better quality of life and better health for commuters.

Crucially, these examples also show that the cost of the service is simply one factor to consider among others, including frequency, reliability, punctuality and accessibility.

Theres no point in free transport that is unreliable or that cannot accommodate wheelchair users.

Subsidised public transport should be well serviced and well connected to ensure that people can easily commute to school and work during peak hours.

In Luxembourg, the tram has exclusive right of way and priority at crossings, so passengers never find themselves stuck in traffic jams.

Having stayed the same since 2008, the department is right to consider how the SmartPass could be changed.

However, after 15 years, the changes it proposes should be positive.

It should be taking us forward and opening a conversation about how public transport could better tackle issues with carbon emissions, accessibility and cost of living.

We should be asking questions about how the SmartPass could be used as a basis to promote free travel, or how we could design changes to improve rail services and transport infrastructure. Or how to create permanent contracts for transport workers and extend service links to include more rural areas.

Instead, were hemmed into a narrow debate whose terms of reference mean that anyone over 60 who doesnt own car could easily become excluded from social and economic life.

For those of you who are interested in making your voices heard on this issue, the public consultation on changes to the SmartPass closes tomorrow at 5pm.

Have your say at https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/
The neonatal nurse has been sentenced to prison for the rest of her life for murdering seven babies and trying to kill six more

The inquiry into Lucy Letbys crimes could be upgraded to compel witnesses (Cheshire Constabulary/PA)

Lucy Letby, 33, was convicted of murdering seven babies and trying to kill six more while working in the Countess of Chester Hospitals neonatal unit between 2015 and 2016 (Cheshire Constabulary/PA)

Artist drawing of nurse Lucy Letby listening to the verdicts being read at Manchester Crown Court (Elizabeth Cook)

Lucy Letby will spend the rest of her life in prison after being convicted of murdering seven helpless babies.

She has never admitted it, never explained why she committed such horrific crimes and never apologised.

The Belfast Telegraphs crime correspondent Allison Morris breaks explains the case and its implications.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare (second from left) and China Premier Li Qiang (second from right) applaud as officials from their countries exchange signed documents at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, July 10, 2023.

In the geopolitical sphere of the Pacific, China has undeniably demonstrated sharp acumen for recognizing opportunities and remarkable skills for making deals with island countries in the region, especially those of a strategic nature.

Most recently this was evident in the nearly U.S. $140,000 agreement between the Chinese Embassy in Honiara and the Solomon Islands leading newspaper, the Solomon Star, to promote the truth about Chinas generosity and its true intentions to help develop the Melanesian country.

With the injection of funds, the newspaper replaced its aging printer and acquired a broadcast tower for its radio station.

Details of the deal caused a stir, especially the Solomon Stars pledges to promote Chinas goodwill and its role as the countrys most generous and trusted development partner.

The story was broken on July 30, through an expose published by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).

The undertaking was reminiscent of the requirements that the communist political ideology places on its media system requiring loyalty to the state, as opposed to the Western liberal media model adopted in the Pacific, where media theoretically owe allegiance to society.

However, because of the focus on the news medias public-interest role, it is easy to forget they are business entities that need to first survive in a capitalist system before they can fulfill their role in the publics interest.

For news media organizations in the Pacific, survival in the small systems where they operate can be a struggle because of limited advertising revenue, marginal profits and diseconomies of scale.

After the bills are paid, there is hardly anything left for recapitalization, which means that a new printing press is usually out of the question, even though it could be transformational for the business.

In the Solomon Stars case, the Chinese offer would have hit the right spot, with the temptation too hard to resist.

The newspapers chief of staff, veteran journalist Alfred Sasako, stated that the organization had tried for more than a decade to get assistance from Australia but to no avail.

For all the criticism that it has received over the deal, the Solomon Star is a national icon with a relatively proud journalistic tradition. This is all the more reason that its pledge has aroused concern about the Chinese claiming its pound of flesh in return for any financial support, and the newspaper turning into a propaganda rag for the Chinese state party.

Sasako has scoffed at such claims, insisting that the newspaper will maintain its independence, while castigating critics for demonizing China.

Doubling down on the deal, he stated that Western countries such as the United States had neglected the Solomon Islands for decades and were only showing interest because of the Chinese deal.

It is true that the Solomon Star has been a thorn in the governments side for a long time.

Despite its deal with China, in July the newspaper reported that a 30-strong delegation to Beijing headed by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was funded by the Solomon Islands, rather than China, as was commonly believed.

Independent reporting of this nature is crucial but given the deal, it remains to be seen whether this will be a continuing trend or a rare occurrence.

U.S. environmentalist Ric O'Barry holds a copy of the Solomon Star newspaper as he speaks to reporters in Tokyo after handing a petition with 1.7 million signatures to officials in the U.S. Embassy calling for an end of dolphin hunts, Sept. 6, 2010. [AFP file photo]

Interestingly, while the Solomon Star deal attracted the lions share of the coverage, an editorial in the newspaper in August claimed that other local media organizations also applied for Chinese financial support.

This included the Solomon Islands second daily, the Island Sun, and the countrys national broadcaster. Neither denied the accusation.

In the same editorial, the Solomon Star claimed that Georgina Kekea, president of the Media Association of the Solomon Islands, had applied for Chinese funding to establish a secretariat after requests to Australia and the United States were rejected.

In a statement posted on the associations website on Aug. 2, Kekea did not deny the allegation outright. Instead, she castigated the Solomon Star for inappropriately using confidential information that the association had shared with members. Kekea clarified that Australia had since provided funding to recruit an association coordinator.

One of the many questions arising from the deal is, besides the Solomons national media, what are the wider implications in a region where media organizations are struggling to survive? This is pertinent given recent OCCRP reports of an aborted deal in Palau involving the publisher of the countrys oldest newspaper and a Chinese business group.

It is not inconceivable that news media in other Pacific island countries are struggling, especially in recent years. Their already vulnerable financial situations have been dealt additional blows by the disruption brought on by the rise of digital news and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Solomon Star-China deal is indicative of how seriously Chinese diplomats take President Xi Jinpings order to tell China stories well and how they try to apply it in every corner of the globe, including the remote Pacific region.

Xis initial call to spread good tidings about China in 2013 was aimed at using its own communication channels to showcase the nation to the rest of the world. The deal with the Solomon Star shows that the policy has evolved and developed to co-opt news media in other countries to sell China to local populations.

If winning over the Solomon Islands is a priority, it should not come as a surprise: The country experienced violent anti-Chinese riots in April 2019 over Parliaments selection of Sogavare as prime minister and again in 2021 because of the Sogavare governments decision to recognize China over Taiwan.

The riots partly explain the Sogavare governments policing agreement signed with Beijing last year to enhance cooperation on law enforcement and security matters. The agreement also covers the protection of Chinese citizens and businesses.

The media deal aimed at winning public approval and the policing agreement to contain any public discontent show Chinas strategy to address a problem from multiple angles for comprehensive and effective results.

This applies to the overall Chinese strategy to gain influence. For example, China is often accused of elite capture, where public resources are directed to the elite to the detriment of the rest of society.

The question is whether the Solomon Star deal constitutes media capture. If so, it could be catastrophic because the media are usually the last line of defense.

If there is both elite capture and media capture, that defense is gone, and the public is at the mercy of a cabal. This worst-case scenario indicates that besides an eye for deals and large strategic benefits on minimal investments, China is accomplished at employing tactics or methods in a coordinated manner to achieve its geopolitical goals.

Shailendra Bahadur Singh is an associate professor and head of the journalism program at The University of the South Pacific in Fiji. He has written widely on Pacific media, politics and development. The views in this article are his own and do not reflect the position of The University of the South Pacific or BenarNews.
A landscape of glacier deposits is seen on the Puncak Jaya mountain in the Papuan central highlands located in the eastern region of Indonesia in this undated photograph released July 2, 2010.

This years El Nino phenomenon could hasten the disappearance in Indonesia of one of the worlds last remaining tropical glaciers, causing it to be extinct by 2026, the countrys meteorological agency warned on Wednesday.

The glacier on the peak of Puncak Jaya, a mountain in the Papua region, was already melting rapidly due to global warming, the agencys chief said.

By December 2022, it had shrunk to a thickness of 6 meters (20 feet), from 8 meters (26 feet) a year before and 22 meters (72 feet) in 2016.

The disappearance of the ice cap on Puncak Jaya will have a huge impact on various aspects of life in the region, Dwikorita Karnawati, director of the National Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), said in a statement.

The ecosystem around the permanent ice cap is vulnerable and threatened. Climate change also affects the lives of local indigenous people who have long depended on the environmental balance and natural resources in the region, she said.

Climate change, which causes global warming, has brought about a rapid loss of the glaciers ice, she said. And the El Nino phenomenon, which occurs periodically, tends to bring warmer and drier conditions to Indonesia, reducing rainfall and increasing evaporation. In turn, this further shrinks the ice cap.

The glacier might vanish before 2026, or even faster, and El Nino could accelerate the melting process, said Donaldi Sukma Permana, a climatologist with the meteorology agency, according to the Reuters news service.

The meteorological agency said that the strongest El Nino on record, in 2015 and 2016, accelerated the glaciers decline by up to 16 feet a year.

These side-by-side photos of the glacier on the peak of Puncak Jaya in Papua, Indonesia, show how it appeared in June 2002 (left) compared with in June 2022. [Maxar Technologies]

At 4,884 meters (16,024 feet) high, Puncak Jaya, also known as Carstensz Pyramid, is the tallest mountain in Indonesia, and part of a range that stretches across Papua, a region that shares a border with Papua New Guinea.

The glacier was first documented by European explorers in the early 20th century and has since attracted many scientists, researchers and nature lovers who marveled at its existence in a tropical country.

But over the decades, the glacier shrunk due to global warming.

In 2010, a team of scientists from Ohio State University and the Indonesian agency drilled ice cores from the glacier and found evidence of its long history, estimating it had existed for at least 5,000 years.

They also found proof of its sensitivity to climate change.

Global warming not only increased the temperature, it also changed the altitude at which rain turned to snow, as an article on the universitys news website explained. So, rain was now falling at altitudes where it used to snow and replenish the ice on the glacier.

If you want to kill a glacier, just put water on it, said Lonnie Thompson, Ohio State University professor, to Ohio State News in 2019.

The water basically becomes like a hot water drill. It goes right through the ice to the bedrock, said Thomas, who was a senior author of a study on the glacier published in the National Academy of Sciences.

The 2010 Ohio State team also found traces of pollutants such as lead and sulfur in the ice cores, indicating human influence on the environment.

The glacier is located near a large copper and gold mine operated by PT Freeport Indonesia, a subsidiary of an American company that has been accused of causing environmental damage and human rights violations in Papua.

Donaldi, with the Indonesian meteorological agency, said the ice on the Puncak Jaya glacier had thinned by about 2.5 meters per year from 2016 to 2022.

He said that the ice cover was about 0.23 sq kms last year and was continuing to melt.

Another real impact of the melting ice on the mountain is its contribution to the global sea level rise, which Donaldi said could affect millions of people in low-lying coastal areas.

The melting ice would change the flora and fauna on the mountain, said Rizaldy Boer, a climate risk management expert at the Bogor Agricultural University.

Some species could go extinct. The latest one, since the ice melting has worsened in the last 10 years, has been a type of frog that has disappeared there, he told BenarNews.

As for the floods in the low-lying areas, he did not see a quick fix.

There is nothing we can do. We have to review the use of fossil energy sources and optimize renewable energy, Rizaldy said.

The glaciers end would also be a cultural loss, Ohio State Universitys Thompson noted, saying the indigenous people who lived around the mountain worshiped it.

The ridges and the valleys are the arms and legs of their god, and the glacier is the head, he said.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (right) and the Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, both wearing batik shirts, speak at a meeting in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Aug. 3, 2023.

Malaysia has decided to increase the temperature in usually frigid government offices in a bid to save energy.

And to offset any discomfort that this may cause in the tropical country, the government has relaxed the employee dress code, giving civil servants the option to wear cooler  and more colorful  batik clothing to work on most days.

Air conditioners in government offices and premises will now be set at 24-25 degrees Celsius (75-77 degrees Fahrenheit), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, announced on Tuesday.

The decision that has been reached takes into consideration the climate of this country as well as the governments commitment to achieving a net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions target as early as 2050, he said in a statement.

[It] is as part of the governments efforts to save energy, and support energy efficiency initiatives while also stimulating the Malaysian batik industry.  This commitment involves reducing the carbon footprint resulting from electricity consumption practices.

The minister said that keeping in mind local climate realities  steamy and scorching weather  the government had given its employees leeway in what they could wear to work. Earlier, casual batik wear was allowed  encouraged, even  but only on Thursdays.

The Cabinet also agreed that all civil servants have the flexibility to wear batik attire during working hours, not limited to just Thursdays as previously practiced.

Civil servants typically wear suits or a jacket in the office, as the air conditioning in government buildings is set very low, one civil servant, who did not wish to reveal her name for privacy reasons, told BenarNews.

I usually wear a pashmina to warm myself up in the office and meetings room, because I cannot stand the cold A/Cs, she said, referring to a shawl made of very fine cashmere wool.

But in addition to changing the dress code, the Malaysian government has now also made it mandatory for civil servants to wear batik attire every Thursday, which previously was optional.

In order to continue supporting the Malaysian batik industry, and to ensure that it remains a heritage and a symbol of Malaysian identity, the government agreed that all public officials are required to wear Malaysian batik every Thursday, and are encouraged to wear it on other working days, said a government notice this week.

Batik is the art of decorating fabric  cotton, silk or linen  using wax and dye, which has been practiced for centuries in parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, although it is said to have originated in Indonesia.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had a fondness for batik-print shirts and current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is sometimes seen in one on more relaxed occasions.

An exemplary effort

The governments move met with mixed reactions.

Shafwan Shukor applauded the initiative on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

I want [the government] to completely eliminate the culture of ties and blazers. Batik [is] the way forward. Even wearing polo T-shirts should be acceptable. This is suitable for Malaysias climate, he wrote.

On the same platform, Jasmin Irisha said it was a smart move as it merges local culture and climate adaptation.

But some public doctors are hot under the collar over the move, calling mandatory batik on Thursdays ridiculous.

By right, doctors have a uniform  white coat, an unnamed doctor in Klang valley told CodeBlue, a Malaysian healthcare publication.

Asking doctors to wear batik is just silly.

BenarNews contacted Minister Nik Nazmi to find out if the government would impose a penalty on those who didnt wear batik on Thursdays.

We will focus more on positive measures to encourage this, he told BenarNews.

Malaysia has planned to cut its greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050, but due to its rising population and energy consumption these goals could be a tough ask, said a March report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

The Southeast Asian nation currently generates a little more than 1% of its electricity annually from renewable sources, with coal and gas making up a majority of its power output, the report said, Reuters news agency reported in March.

Still, the environment ministrys move to reduce the use of air conditioners in government buildings will make a difference, said climate activist Renard Siew Yung Jhien.

Even though the act of maintaining temperatures 24C- 25C seems like not much, it is a step in the right direction. It is an exemplary effort which should be applauded and hopefully this would encourage others to follow suit, Renard, a climate advisor at the Centre for Governance and Political Studies, told BenarNews.

What can be done further is to explore the mandatory design of new buildings in accordance with the Green Building Index (GBI)  a rating tool to provide developers and building owners to design and construct more green and sustainable buildings.

The built environment, including construction and operations, he said, contributes to 40% of global carbon emissions.
Japan's military has allegedly been burdened by a pervasive culture of harassment and fear. According to a recent study, this prompts officials to pledge change and drastic measures.

Public broadcaster NHK reports that the Ministry of Defense commissioned the report's panel of specialists, which included both attorneys and medical professionals. These results come from an inquiry into claims of sexual harassment inside the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF), including those made by whistleblower and former SDF member Rina Gonoi.

A Sense of Fear and Harassment

Last week, researchers presented their findings after reviewing 1,325 complaints of harassment.

The vast majority of reported events included power harassment, bullying, and other abuses of authority in the workplace, while just around 12% involved sexual harassment. More than two-thirds of victims surveyed in the research said they never saw a counselor because they did not believe it would help.

Nearly 13% of those who never sought therapy said they felt uncomfortable speaking up because of the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Another 10% said they were worried about reprisal or being disadvantaged at work, while others claimed they had no faith in the readily accessible consulting services.

According to the survey, individuals who sought out therapy were disappointed with the results. Many people reported feeling unwelcome and uneasy at the SDF's offices and counseling centers, where they thought their cases would not be prioritized.

The investigation showed that many victims of SDF-reported harassment felt "passed around" by counselors or "thrown in the rubbish." Others said they never heard back from the SDF after numerous inquiries and meetings with counselors.

In response to the news, Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada said, "We recognize that harassment is destructive to the Self-Defense Forces. We would like to take firm action based on the recommendations toward building an organization that does not tolerate harassment at all."

The necessity to contemplate and adopt extreme measures, he added, was pressing and must be done immediately.

Also Read: Japan Reveals New Anti-Sexual Assault Measures to Protect Minors

Fights Against Sexual Abuse

Over the last year, the SDF has been the subject of intense national and public scrutiny, with ex-soldier Gonoi at the forefront of calls for reform.

According to CNN, Gonoi claims that she was subjected to regular acts of sexual harassment and assault by her superiors in the SDF for over a year. Upon leaving the SDF in June 2022, she pledged to seek justice for her alleged abusers.

At first, law enforcement did not seem to believe her. Two investigations were opened when she reported the abuse to military officials. However, both were closed due to a lack of evidence, causing her to take the fight to social media.

According to Gonoi's attorneys, prosecutors renewed the investigation and determined that she had been subjected to daily acts of physical and verbal sexual harassment during the months of September 2020 and August 2021. Five personnel were dishonorably discharged, and four others were disciplined after the Ministry of Defense issued a rare acknowledgment of guilt and public apology.

Also Read: 'How Are You?' Ukraine's First Lady Leads Country's Mental Health Front

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 41F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 41F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
LENOX  In order for the Boston Symphony Orchestra to participate in the numerous European music festivals that take place over the summer, the orchestra has to leave before the last weekend of the Tanglewood Music Festival.

This year, the BSO's European tour, its first since 2018, includes festivals in London and Paris, in Hamburg and Berlin, in Salzburg, and in Slovenia and Switzerland. In the past, the last weekend has featured visiting orchestras and visiting conductors or, less effectively, chamber music  originally designed for small 19th-century salons  in the vastness of the Koussevitzky Music Shed. The only way the latter tactic can work, in terms of filling enough seats, is by programming international superstars of classical music, such as Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax.

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On Friday, Aug. 25, are Leonidas Kavakos, violin, Ma, cello, and Ax, piano, performing an all-Beethoven program. BSO officials have confirmed Ma will perform, as the famous cellist has recovered from COVID. On the docket are a transcription of Beethoven's Symphony. No. 4 and the original Piano Trio No. 7, in B flat, Opus 97, subtitled "The Archduke,' because it was dedicated to Archduke Rudolf of Austria, the youngest brother of the emperor and both a pupil and a patron of the composer. Rudolf was the recipient of many dedications by Beethoven; he was the composers staunchest advocate and his most generous patron.

The Trio, Op. 97, is a magnificent work, broad in scope and deep in expression. The piano role is extensive, though both strings contribute strongly to the overall effect. The work was completed in 1811, but the first public performance, with Beethoven at the piano, was not until 1814. By this time Beethoven was tragically experiencing the most profound ravages of the deafness that would blight the rest of his life, and his piano playing, once the wonder of Vienna, had deteriorated to a devastating degree. An auditor wrote sadly of witnessing the rehearsal, when in loud passages the poor deaf man pounded on the keys until the strings jangled, and in soft passages, he played so softly that whole groups of notes were omitted. After this, Beethoven never again played in public.

Let us put ourselves back into early 19th-century Vienna, when new works by some of the most renowned composers were appearing regularly on the scene. How would one hear them? Performances by full orchestras were rare. Publishers therefore took advantage of the amateur music world and published orchestral works in arrangements for a small number of instruments, to be played in small halls and salons by amateurs throughout the region.

In addition to the Archduke Trio, Friday's program includes an arrangement of Beethovens Fourth Symphony for piano trio (piano, violin, and cello). The arrangement captures the essence of the work, though not, of course, its color, scope, or grandeur.

Of special note, is Friday's Prelude Concert, 6 p.m., Seiji Ozawa Hall featuring the Kids 4 Harmony, a free, intensive classical music program serving youth attending Pittsfield's Morningside Community School and Brayton Elementary School in North Adams. Performing during the prelude concert are the North Adams and Pittsfield Advanced String Ensemble, the Elayne P. Bernstein Ensemble and the Kids 4 Harmony Chamber Players. For the last piece of the concert, The Kids 4 Harmony Chamber Players will play the last movement of Mozarts Piano Quartet No. 1. They'll be joined by a special guest  Ax, who also is one of their their strongest supporters.

'HARRY POTTER' AND 'STAR WARS'

On Saturday, Aug. 26, the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra plays along to the film Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone," with an open rehearsal at 10:30 a.m. (gates open at 9 a.m.), followed by an 8 p.m. performance (gates open at 5:30 p.m.). On Sunday, Aug. 27, 2:30 p.m., the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra performs "Star Wars: The Story in Music," an immersive musical journey through all nine movies of the "Star Wars" saga in just two hours.

TANGLEWOOD POPULAR ARTISTS SERIES

Rounding out this season art the final three Tanglewood Popular Artists Series Concerts: Jackson Browne, 7 p.m., Aug. 31; Guster, 7 p.m. Sept. 2; and John Legend, 7 p.m. Sept. 3.
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Amber Heard had a criminal prosecution against her in Australia dismissed on Wednesday, August 23, after claims that she lied to a judge about the smuggling of her Yorkshire terriers Pistol and Boo into the country eight years ago.

No Jail Time for Heard

While shooting the fifth Pirates of the Caribbean film on Australia's Gold Coast in 2015, Heard and her ex-husband Johnny Depp caused a major biosecurity incident by bringing their dogs with them.

An Australian biosecurity agency, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, said that 37-year-old Heard will not be prosecuted for allegedly pretending to be unaware of Australia's stringent quarantine requirements. This decision was made by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

The authorities said in a statement, "Prosecution action will not be taken against ... Heard over allegations related to her sentencing for the illegal import of two dogs."

Specifically, the department looked into inconsistencies between her attorney's testimony in an Australian court in 2016 (when she admitted smuggling the dogs) and his testimony in a London court in 2020 (when Depp, 60, was suing The Sun newspaper for libel over accusations of domestic abuse against Heard).

In 2016, Heard admitted in Australia's Southport Magistrates Court that she had lied on an immigration form in order for the couple's canines to enter the country by chartered plane, as reported by USA Today.

Heard had been facing up to ten years in jail for the unlawful importation of the dogs, but the charges were withdrawn.

Also Read: Amber Heard Claims She Was Humiliated During 'Unfair' Defamation Trial Yet Agrees To Pay Johnny Depp $1 Million

2015 Dog-Smuggling Scandal

According to USA Today, forging official documents carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of more than $10,000 AUD ($7,650 USD). Instead, Magistrate Bernadette Callaghan gave Heard a good conduct bond for one month, under which she would only have to pay a fine of $1,000 AUD (about $640 USD) if she committed any violation in Australia during that time.

Jeremy Kirk, Heard's attorney, said that his client did not intend to mislead the government when she failed to indicate that she was bringing pets on the incoming passenger card. But, as Kirk said, she was only jetlagged and wrongly thought that her staff had taken care of everything.

Kevin Murphy, a former employee of Depp, said at London's High Court in 2020 that Heard had been advised many times not to bring canines to Australia. However, she insisted on it and subsequently had an employee cover up a violation of quarantine regulations by taking the fall for her.

According to the AP News, the Australian government cooperated with foreign agencies to determine whether Heard had lied to them about her familiarity with biosecurity regulations in Australia and if an employee had falsified a statutory statement out of fear of losing their job.

A summary of the department's evidence against Heard was sent to prosecutors, but the latter decided not to press charges.

Also Read: Johnny Depp Donates $1 Million Defamation Settlement From Amber Heard

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
This Story in History is selected from the archives by Jeannie Maschino, The Berkshire Eagle.
Volunteers at Berkshire Community Action Council in Pittsfield deliver a box and bag of groceries, filled with fruit, vegetables and meat, to a waiting car in 2020. The weekly food program was established to provide weekly groceries to families who were hit hard by the pandemic. A veto of funding in the fiscal 2024 state budget could threaten such programs.
Our community is getting ready to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31. As we prepare, its important to celebrate the small victories that we have achieved in this battle against addiction and learn more about what we all can do to help battle the opioid crisis that has such a strong hold on our national and local communities.

Worldwide, an estimated 70,000 people die from opioid overdose each year. Statewide, deaths from opioid overdoses more tripled in the past 10 years from 733 in 2012 to 2,357 in 2022.

While deaths from opioid overdoses have spiked alarmingly in Massachusetts and nationwide, Berkshire County actually saw a reduction in opioid-related overdose deaths last year compared to 2021  a hopeful sign that a countywide education program distributing free, new syringes and Narcan (naloxone) kits for reversing opioid overdoses is doing exactly what it was designed to do: keeping more people alive.

Though the county numbers are a step in the right direction, 48 people in Berkshire County still died from opioid overdoses in 2022. Thats triple the number of opioid-related deaths from 10 years prior in 2012.

The current opioid crisis is driven by the explosive availability of cheap, highly potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl. An animal tranquilizer called xylazine is also turning up in the illegal drug supply and is particularly life-threatening when combined with fentanyl.

The Berkshire Harm Reduction Program at Berkshire Medical Center, in close collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the National Institutes for Health HEALing Communities Initiative and many local programs, agencies and organizations, is focused on meeting substance use disorder patients where they are in their struggle, not by forcing them into treatment.

By helping them survive another day, and another, and another, Berkshire Harm Reduction provides them the tools and education they need to safely (as possible) use the drugs they honestly hate taking until they are ready for treatment.

Studies have shown that people who use harm reduction programs and syringe service programs are five times more likely to seek treatment such as detox and other resources. By flooding the community with Narcan and providing new needles to those with substance use disorder, the goal of harm reduction is to save lives.

About 1,500 people a year visit the programs three locations in Pittsfield (510 North St.), North Adams (6 West Main St.) and Great Barrington (401 Stockbridge Road)  primarily to exchange used needles for new ones, but also to access a variety of education and support services. The program also has a mobile unit that provides services around the county.

So far in 2023, the program has distributed at least 4,000 free doses of Narcan, an easily administered nasal spray that can save lives in overdose situations and has helped to place several Narcan boxes at easily accessible indoor and outdoor locations in the county.

Harm reduction doesnt push treatment on people. Most people who use drugs already know that they should seek treatment. They hear it everywhere they go. You have to stop using, you have to go to treatment, you have to get better. The Harm Reduction Program shifts the narrative to say, Were available to help if you want it, when you are ready.

Everybody is different. Whats rock bottom for one person might be 30 feet deeper for the next. Its about building relationships and letting people know help is available when theyre ready.

The cruel stigma of shame and guilt that so often shrouds substance use disorder is one of the greatest hurdles to recovery. People relapse and are afraid to disappoint a parent, a spouse or other loved one. So, they suffer and use alone in silence, more vulnerable than ever to overdose and death.

One lesson we can all take from the harm reduction philosophy is: if you know and love someone struggling with substance use, try to accept that person for who they are, not for who you want them to be. Let them know you love them unconditionally.

Yes, you want them to be healthy. Of course, you dont want them to die. But ultimately, its not your awareness or action alone that will help the person who has substance use disorder  its your patience and acceptance thats going to bring that person toward recovery.
Growing up in church, we used to have a testimony service. As I look back on some of those moments, it brings a smile to my face and a little humor. The humor is not because of the testimony, but because everyone typically started their testimony the same way. The congregant would stand up and say something to this effect.

First giving honor to God, who is the head of my life. Also, to the pastor, first lady, all the ministers, deacons, mothers, missionaries, saints, friends & visitors. I am so glad to be in the house of the Lord today. I want to thank God today for saving me

I know some of you are smiling right now because this brings you back to testimony service at your church. After this standard introduction, the person testifying would then proceed with their testimony. For those who are familiar with this, I know exactly what type of church you grew up in, but we will keep that to ourselves. If none of this is familiar, then clearly you didnt go to the same type of church I did.

While we dont do testimony service like that anymore, testimonies are necessary and should be welcome in the church. This brings me to ask you, what is your testimony? Everyone has a testimony and once you recognize this, you will realize it is a powerful way of telling others what God has done in your life.

What Does Testimony Mean?

The word testimony derives from the Latin word meaning to bear witness. There are two contexts where the word testimony can be used.

Testimony in a legal sense

In a court of law or a legal proceeding, testimony refers to a formal statement or declaration given by a person under oath. When testifying, that person shares their knowledge, experiences, observations, or opinions related to a specific event, situation, or topic. Testimony is used to help establish facts, clarify information, or present evidence in a legal context.

Testimony in a spiritual sense

In a spiritual context, a testimony is a personal account of what God has done in your life. It will include your experiences or transformations. When done properly, your testimony should leave people in awe of who God is. Testimonies should never point people to you but should always point people to Christ and bring glory and honor to his name.

What Is Your Testimony?

Based on the definition, your testimony is your eyewitness account of what God has done for you. The first thing you must recognize is that everyone has a testimony. Sometimes in church there is a tendency to fall in love with the most dramatic testimonies. The person who was deeply involved in some type of sin and God rescued them from it. Maybe the person who was in the most desperate of situations and God delivered them.

While these testimonies are exciting to hear, everyone will not have a testimony like that. However, everyone has a testimony, even if it doesnt feel as dramatic.

The greatest testimony you have is your journey to salvation. Whatever path you took that led you to receiving Jesus Christ as your personal savior is worth sharing. You can bear witness to Gods saving grace, his love, and his mercy. Even though you may not have been out there doing crazy things, you were a sinner, nonetheless. Yet you found forgiveness and salvation in Jesus. That is your testimony, and trust me there are many who need to hear it.

It's also important to remember that your testimony does not stop at salvation.

Your testimony should go beyond salvation, because salvation is not the only thing God does for you. You may have stories of healing, of God providing, of God helping, or of God giving you peace in a difficult situation. Whatever it is, that is your testimony. When you take a moment to think about it, you can come up with a long list of things God has done in your life. You are a witness to them and, therefore, they are all part of your testimony.

4 Important Truths about Your Testimony

1. Your Testimony Should Be Remembered

When the Israelites were preparing to cross the Jordan River to enter the promised land, they ran into a problem. The Jordan River was in flood stage. However, when the feet of the priests who were carrying the ark of the covenant reached the waters edge, the water stopped flowing from upstream. This allowed the entire nation of Israel to cross the Jordan on dry ground. Before the waters of the Jordan started flowing again, Joshua appointed twelve men, one from each tribe, to pickup a stone from the middle of the river. This stone would forever be a reminder that God stopped the flow of the Jordan River so the Israelites could cross.

This became the testimony of the people of Israel. They could bear witness to this event. They marked this event with a stone and each time they that saw stone, they remembered what God had done. You dont always need a stone, but you should find a way to remember the things God has done for you. This could mean writing it in a journal or maybe even recording a voice note or video. This is especially critical when life gets challenging. Having that reminder can help you remember that if he did it before, he can do it again.

2. Your Testimony Should Be Shared

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts (Psalm 105:1-2).

It is not enough just to remember your testimony; you need to share it. Let me say this loud and clear. Your testimony is not just for you, it is meant for others to hear. The directive from the Psalms is to make known what God has done and to tell of all his wonderful acts. Both things sound like testifying to me. When you think of all the Lord has done, dont keep it to yourself. Share it with someone else. The next two reasons will help you understand why.

3. Your Testimony Brings Encouragement

One significant reason you need to share your testimony is because it can encourage someone else. Chances are, what you are experiencing may be similar to what someone else is going through. When they hear of how God worked in your situation, it can encourage them. It helps them to know they are not the only one, and it encourages them to keep trusting God.

4. Your Testimony Builds Faith

Finally, your testimony can help build someone elses faith. For this to work though, we must be careful to tell the entire story. Often, we like to leave out certain aspects of our testimony, maybe because they may not make us look good. I would say if you can share it all, then do that. With your testimony, you never know which part of your story will be the part to build someones faith. So dont be afraid to share the not-so-good parts.

Let people know when you were nervous, scared, or made a poor decision. This points even more powerfully to Gods faithfulness, knowing he still helps us even when we dont have it all together.

So, What Is Your Testimony?

Whatever your testimony is today, take a moment and write it down to remind yourself. Then pray and ask God for an opportunity to share it so you can encourage someone else. Remember, we all have a testimony, and we bring honor to Gods name when we share them. Lastly, if you have no one to share your testimony with, then share it with me. I love to hear the wonderful things God is doing in other peoples lives.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Klaus Vedfelt
US officials announced a deal on Wednesday, August 23, with the corporation that owns Dollar Tree and Family Dollar to improve safety for employees at thousands of discount shops around the nation.

Officials from the Labor Department noted risks at the establishments, such as obstructed exits, dangerous storage of products, and inaccessibility to fire extinguishers and electrical panels.

In 2015, Family Dollar was purchased by Dollar Tree, based in Chesapeake, Virginia, for close to $9 billion. According to the Department of Labor, the corporation employs over 193,000 people and runs over 16,000 Dollar Tree and Family Dollar shops throughout the US and Canada.

'More Work Has To Be Done'

The agreement states that within two years, Dollar Tree's chain shops must identify the root causes of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) breaches that have been penalized at several locations.

OSHA has issued 403 violations at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar shops since 2017, according to Assistant Labor Secretary Doug Parker. This has resulted in penalties of more than $13.1 million. Although the corporation made a few major improvements in worker safety after a 2015 settlement that ran out in 2018, repeated infractions suggest that more work has to be done, said Parker.

"These are entirely preventable violations and hazards. And it's the employer's... responsibility, to keep these workers safe. These improvements will not happen overnight, but this agreement will create a pathway for significant investment by the company to put in place controls that we believe will make workers safer."

Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda said that the agreement, which was signed last week, applies to all 10,000 Family Dollar and Dollar Tree businesses under the jurisdiction of the OSHA. Also, as Nanda said, the corporation must have a hotline where employees may report safety concerns at any time and be protected from retribution.

Also Read: US Lawmakers Want Osha Revised Due to Frequent Workplace Fatalities

Significant Penalties for Repeat Offenses

Both Dollar Tree and Family Dollar might be hit with significant penalties for any more infractions. According to AP News, in the event that dangers are not effectively addressed within 48 hours of an OSHA alert, the firm might be subject to a punishment of up to $500,000 per store or up to $100,000 each day.

Labor Department officials said on Wednesday that in addition to these fines, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar would pay $1.4 million to satisfy pending, challenged, and open inspections for similar alleged breaches.

Dollar Tree's COO Mike Creedon released a statement on Wednesday saying, "We are implementing substantial safety policies, procedures, and training, all intended to safeguard the wellbeing of our associates. We appreciate the opportunity to engage with OSHA on our safety initiatives as we move forward, seeking to establish our position as a leading retailer in workplace safety."

Also Read: Las Vegas Food Industry Staff Organizing Walkout for Higher Wages, Better Working Conditions

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
By replacing or making mutated cells inactive, cell and gene therapy can hit life-threatening diseases where it hurts the most

Traditional medical approaches have, thus far, been symptomatic, but current health challenges call for more modern and new-age treatments. At the helm of these contemporary solutions are cell and gene therapies (CGTs) that modify gene expression in living cells to treat diseases and is already one of the fastest growing fields in healthcare. This is done by using nucleic acids to replace or deactivate a disease-causing gene, or even introduce a new gene into the cells for therapeutic benefit.

Cell and gene therapies  the right measures at the right time

CGT technology and applications are not new. CGT applications are many, from treating leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma, to T-cell deficiencies, anemia, SCD, and even multiple sclerosis. US and European countries have been conducting clinical trials for over two decades, with the first approved treatments being conducted as early as 2012 in Europe and more recently in 2017 in the US.

As a demographic giant, India is not far behind. In the last few years, Indian biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies have launched several CGT products and procedures for oncology, immunocompromised diseases and osteoarthritis. Today, India has at least 10 clinical trials being conducted in gene therapy for diseases such as hemophilia A, B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, type-2 spinal muscular atrophy, and B-cell lymphoma, among others. In fact, in a recent development, biotech startups focusing on CAR-T cell therapies, have attracted healthy funding from well-known pharmaceutical companies. It heralds an era of increased private sector investment in cell and gene therapies.

Ramping up focus on CGT in India

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had already issued guidelines in 2019 around procedures to be followed for developing products and conducting clinical trials of gene therapies in India. The Indian government is also launching the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission that aims to eliminate the disease by 2047. With the government pushing for an increased number of clinical trials, and public institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) joining hands in research and innovation, CGT is creating many opportunities for industry. These could include developing novel therapies, improving manufacturing processes, and conducting clinical trials to generate local data and evidence for specific populations.

However, the optimism around CGT is not void of challenges and skepticism. The biggest challenge is affordability for patients in India. Cell and gene therapy pricing today is a fraction of costs in Western markets like the US and Europe, but even so, they still pose a challenge in terms of affordability. In addition, the insurance industry is still waking up to CGT as a formidable treatment method. Despite being approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), CGT products are yet to find wide coverage by insurance companies. Much of the cost challenges around CGT are due to the high logistics costs of cold chain, wherein CGT samples need to be transported and stored at extreme cold temperatures.

A way around these challenges could be by integrating CGT with existing treatments, even as subsequent successful clinical trials pave the way for increased reliability. For instance, cancer treatment strategies include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these methods. However, gene therapy could be combined with other therapeutic approaches and imaging agents to potentially generate more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

A root-cause approach to cure

Of the roughly $10 billion in revenue biotherapeutics generated in India, biologics and biosimilars account for the majority. These medicines address the symptoms but not the root cause, leaving a vast opportunity for cell and gene therapy to potentially be integrated into therapeutic strategies to focus on cures instead of symptoms.

As instances of existing, mutated, and unexplored diseases rise in India, the country will have to invest in research and development of treatments and therapies that dont just treat symptoms but address the cure at the core. The Indian government has been advocating this new-age therapy approach and investing in research and innovation, but it cant achieve the vision alone. Public and private entities will have to collaborate to expedite investment in research and development. They will also have to initiate clinical trials across a spectrum of diseases and disorders that hold potential for cell and gene therapy.

By replacing or making mutated cells inactive, cell and gene therapy can hit life-threatening diseases where it hurts the most. In this view, CGT has the potential to emerge as one of the futures biggest catalysts for providing innovative healthcare solutions and improving patient outcomes.

Dr Nilanjan Guha - Country Academia and Research Manager, Agilent Technologies
Normal traffic is expected to resume through the Suez Canal within hours, the head of the canal authority said on Wednesday, following the collision of two vessels.

A tugboat works to refloat the Oil Products Tanker BURRI after it collided with LNG Tanker BW Lesmes in the waterway of the Suez Canal, Egypt, August 23, 2023. Suez Canal Authority/Handout via REUTERS

"Slight contact" was made after liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier BW Lesmes made a sudden stop due to a technical failure that coincided with a strong current that drove oil tanker Burri towards it, authority chairman Osama Rabie said.

The canal authority responded by sending tugboats to move both ships, he said.

Singapore-flagged BW Lesmes was successfully towed outside of the waterway, Rabie said, while Cayman Islands-flagged Burri could be seen approaching the southern end of the canal as of 12pm local time, according to ship tracker MarineTraffic.

The canal's north convoy will resume once Burri is towed, Rabie said.

A view of the BW Lesmes tanker at Freeport, Texas, U.S., August 3, 2023, in this picture obtained by Reuters. Glenn Travis/via REUTERS

BW LNG AS, operators of BW Lesmes, reported the vessel ran aground transiting southbound through the Suez Canal at approximately 9.35pm (1835 GMT) on Tuesday, BW Group said in a statement.

The low-speed collision did not affect the vessel's operational capabilities and the vessel "remains structurally sound," it added.

BW Lesmes was successfully re-floated at 3.30a.m. local time on Wednesday and would undergo further inspections at Suez anchorage.

The Suez Canal chairman said there did not appear to be any significant damage or pollution but that Burri had a steering failure that would require repair.

TMS Tankers, which manages Burri, did not respond to requests for comment.

The Suez Canal is one of the world's busiest waterways and the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia.

About 12% of the world's trade moves through the canal. During strong winds in 2021, a huge container ship, the Ever Given, became jammed across it, halting traffic in both directions for six days and disrupting global trade.
The Professional Provident Society (PPS), a financial services group dedicated to serving graduate professionals exclusively, has pledged R5m over a five-year period to create the PPS Chair in health economics.

This initiative aims to foster an outspoken advocate for health economics, extending its influence beyond the confines of academic settings.

Located within the Commerce, Law and Management Faculty at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits), this is the sole active Academic Health Economics Chair in South Africa and the second of its kind.

Led by Professor Frikkie Booysen, the chairs mission is to conduct cutting-edge research with a view to informing policy and practice that will improve the health and wellbeing of all, not only in South Africa, but particularly in the Global South as well as globally, where the achievement of the third Sustainable Development Goal of health and wellbeing for all, continues to evade policymakers.

Commenting on the need for the PPS Chair in Health Economics, PPS chief executive officer Izak Smit said: This is an appropriate time for research as South Africa exits from the pandemic and addresses the need for universal healthcare and the National Health Insurance (NHI). Not many institutions have such a strong research focus, especially in the research of health economics.

We believe that research informs forward-looking strategies and decision-making in setting of policy, the allocation of medical resources, funding requirements and ensuring the sustainability of South Africas health system. This relies on the retention of skilled healthcare professionals who are central to the positive outcomes of a fully functional healthcare industry and economy, says Smit.

Booysen explained that there are four inter-related goals that form the pillars of the Chairs work.

Any research Chair is grounded by the work in scholarship, excellence and collaborative arrangements, not only institutionally where many potential synergies exist but also locally, nationally, regionally and globally. This will be progressed through the Lelapa Consortium and the collaborative work with the University College London for research on family health and development.

The Chair will seek to expand expertise in health economics to develop a larger pool of health economists in South Africa and the Global South. This will be addressed through an integrated approach to training, teaching and capacity building to deliver short courses and micro-credentials at its core through undergraduate courses to, at the apex, post-graduate qualifications.

PPS launches academy for medical and healthcare professionals 8 Jun 2023 The Chair will develop researchers to grow this field of academic excellence. Investing in expanding expertise in health economics with a view to the future-, emergent- and early career researchers working in the field of health economics needs to take prominence as the third pillar of what I will focus on. This includes the supervision of postgraduate students research and the mentoring of both post-doctoral fellows and younger researchers, says Booysen.

The Chair will engage, not only with other scientists, but with practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders, as well as communities. This gives the Chair an activist voice reaching beyond academic fora, to translate knowledge into policy and practice, and to leverage scientific knowledge to bring about real change impacting the lives of ordinary people.

An example of such ongoing engagement includes planned collaboration with Sonke Gender Justice and the Westbury Youth Centre to advance research on mental health and diseases of despair in young adult men living in poor communities, says Booysen.

As PPS, we are acutely aware of developments and risks within the healthcare environment and that, as a voice for medical professionals who make up a third of our membership, PPS can make an impact through accredited, independent research that will contribute to policy to the benefit of private- and public-sector stakeholders and the South African community, adds Smit.

The ethos of professionalism is based in education. We have had a long relationship with Wits in the development of a pipeline of professionals through our university initiatives such as campus lounges, financial education and engagement with students and through the efforts of the PPS Foundation aimed at aiding students and young professionals with the necessary skills, tools and mechanisms, concludes Smit.
Pnet, South Africa's leading online recruitment platform, is marking a significant occasion during Women's Month by celebrating the progress towards gender equality and women empowerment. The company pays homage to the unwavering dedication and sacrifices of courageous women throughout the nation's history and within its own organisation. This celebration is underscored by Pnet's commitment to cultivating inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.

Harnessing Pnet's access to data and insightful analytics, the country's leading online recruitment platform casts a revealing light on the evolving landscape of women in the job market. The following compelling statistics unveil intriguing insights:

According to our data, an impressive 51% of applicants within the Health, Safety & Environment sector are young women aged up to 34. This highlights the active participation of young women in this critical sector, demonstrating their growing influence and presence.

Furthermore, the statistics indicate that young women in the same age group constitute 23% of overall job seekers who possess tertiary qualifications. This underscores the dedication of these women to furthering their education and skill set, positioning themselves as strong contenders in the competitive job market.

The data also reveals an encouraging trend  an increase in the number of young females pursuing qualifications in traditionally male-dominated fields. This rise exemplifies a collective commitment to shattering the glass ceiling and advancing women into influential and decision-making roles across various industries.

These enlightening statistics not only offer valuable insights into the changing dynamics of the job market but also serve as a catalyst for maintaining an environment of diversity, empowerment, and progress.

As part of its Women's Month commemoration, Pnet has contributed R25,000 to Sparrow Society, a local women's charity. This impactful donation was made on behalf of the outstanding 105 women who contribute to Pnet's success. The funds will directly support two vital job creation initiatives led by Sparrow Society: a youth internship programme and an endeavour aimed at providing employment opportunities for survivors of gender-based violence.

Sparrow Society is a local charity focused on skills development, job creation, and enterprise development for women. The organisation's efforts are geared towards equipping women with the tools they need to succeed, fostering female entrepreneurship, and promoting empowerment within the community. Over 90% of the charity's beneficiaries are women, making it a crucial force for positive change.

South Africa's Women's Day, dated back to 9 August 1956, commemorates a historic march to Pretoria's Union Buildings. Over 20,000 women from diverse racial backgrounds united against the apartheid government's discriminatory pass laws. This monumental event remains a timeless testament to the dedication and sacrifices made by these resilient women, who played a pivotal role in shaping a more just nation.

In the realm of recruitment, it is imperative to acknowledge and honour the contributions of women while recognising the hurdles they continue to surmount. This celebration renews the commitment to eradicating barriers and nurturing equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender. Greig Smith, managing director at Pnet, extends his heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional women propelling progress in this field: "To all the exceptional women in our recruitment community, your contributions are immeasurable and deeply cherished. Thank you for your daily dedication!"

By supporting initiatives led by organisations like Sparrow Society, Pnet reinforces its dedication to fostering a more equitable society and creating opportunities for women to flourish both personally and professionally.




H&M South Africa has announced creative agency Clout/SA as its latest H&M Home decor partner, introducing a specially curated selection of interior decor and accessories from talented South African designers to the retailer's standalone H&M Home store in Sandton City.

Image supplied

The partnership between H&M and Clout/SA builds upon H&M South Africas commitment to support the local design industry, and complements existing H&M Home partnerships with South African brands including Shopfox, Botanicus, Plantify and Moodmakers. These local brand partners have all been offered a retail presence within H&M Home in Sandton.

H&M Home is known for its blend of modern design, exceptional quality and affordability, all grounded in sustainable practices. This ethos is reflected in the handpicked South African brand partnerships, weaving common threads of contemporary style, sustainable design, and attention to detail throughout the H&M Home assortment.

Clout/SA is a business-to-business market maker with a goal to showcase South African design to the world. It promotes South Africas creativity, craftsmanship and heritage, and facilitates opportunities for collaboration with local design talent, while providing designers with business mentorship.

Clout/SA introduces design-forward brands Naturalis, Modern Gesture and Plantr to H&M's local portfolio. Cape Town-based chair design and manufacturing company Naturalis and its founder Sandalene Dale Roberts breathe new life into classic shapes, like the humble South African school chair, treating them as a canvas for captivating pattern designs.

Modern Gesture, steered by Capetonian designer Candice Lawrence, crafts unique lighting and homeware pieces by fusing upcycled timber and woven elements. On a similar note, Plantr produces stunning contemporary and architectural planters, designed for positive impact, healthier environments annd feel-good spaces.

H&M South Africa also continues its successful partnership with Shopfox, an online marketplace that champions sourcing from small South African brands producing beautiful products designed with intention.

The H&M Home assortment from Shopfox includes ethically sourced pantry classics from Amble, made with local ingredients; organic, sustainably grown and packaged tea from Ka Pa Tee; and handcrafted plant-based South African Indian spice blends and sauces from Artisanal Spice, all inspired by family recipes, traditions and travels. In addition, there are pottery kits from Luna & Clay; small-batch sustainable olive products from family-run, boutique olive farm Kleinbergskloof; and beverages from Agora, focused on producing drinks that are healthier, more ethically sourced, sustainably packaged, and more accessibly priced than alternatives on the market.

H&M also works with renowned fine florist Botanicus, which supplies the retailer with an exclusive selection of single variety seasonal and preserved flowers and foliage under the Houseflowers by Botanicus brand. The list of local H&M HOME brand partners concludes with Plantify, specialists in indoor plants and accessories, and portable lighting business Moodmakers.

Collections from Clout/SA and other local brand partners are exclusively available from the standalone H&M Home store in Sandton City shopping centre.
On 1 August 2023, a new Tiger Wheel & Tyre opened in Randfontein. Conveniently located at Shop 52 Tambotie Mall, cnr Malan & R41, Randfontein, the store aims to provide top-tier products and expert service, to uplift the experiences of drivers who cherish their vehicles and the journeys they take them on.

Tiger Wheel & Tyre knows that driving is more than just a means to an end; it represents freedom and a connection to the things that matter most in life. So, to keep you moving towards those things, the new store offers a handpicked selection of the industrys most reliable brands.

Come discover tyre brands like Bridgestone, BFG, Continental, Goodyear, Hankook, Michelin, Velocity, and Yokohama. Want to improve the looks and performance of your vehicle? Pick new wheels from TSW, Racing Hart Concepts, Black Rhino, and more. Need a dependable battery? Choose from AtlasBX and Duracell. When youre done choosing, a team of technicians, operating from three fitment bays and one alignment bay, will expertly get the job done for you.

The store is in excellent hands too. This is sales manager, Semantha Botmas third time managing a Tiger Wheel & Tyre store since 2008. She commented: Our goal is to become the trusted partner to Randfontein drivers  faithfully meeting the communitys wheels, tyres, and battery needs with our selection of top brands and team of passionate experts."

Tiger Wheel & Tyre Randfontein also offers flexible payment options, including PayJustNow and Xpress Credit. For more information about Tiger Wheel & Tyre and its offerings, visit www.twt.to or contact the Randfontein store at 010 510 8596. Better still, take a drive, visit the store and meet Semantha and the team in person.




Tiger Wheel & Tyre is back in Mokopane following the opening on 1 August 2023 of a brand new company-owned store. The store, which is located at 33 Thabo Mbeki Drive, Mokopane, is fully stocked and run by highly trained staff who are excited to offer their expert advice and service to local motorists...

South Africas most trusted name in wheels and tyres, Tiger Wheel & Tyre knows that driving is more than just a means to an end: it represents freedom and a connection to the things that matter most in life. So, to keep you moving towards those things, the new store offers a handpicked selection of the industrys most reliable brands.

Come discover tyre brands like Bridgestone, BFG, Continental, Goodyear, Hankook, Michelin, Velocity, and Yokohama. Want to improve the looks and performance of your vehicle? Pick new wheels from TSW, Racing Hart Concepts, Black Rhino, and more. Need a dependable battery? Choose from AtlasBX and Duracell. When youre done choosing, a team of technicians, operating from four fitment bays and two alignment bays, will expertly get the job done for you.

As a vehicle owner, you expect consistently great service and high product availability from the people you entrust your vehicle to. Rest assured, because this is a company-owned store, Tiger Wheel & Tyre head office is directly responsible for supervising the staff, and making sure that the store remains stocked with product and serves your needs in a friendly and efficient manner.

Tiger Wheel & Tyre Mokopane also offers flexible payment options, including PayJustNow and Xpress Credit. For more information about Tiger Wheel & Tyre and its offerings, visit www.twt.to or contact the Mokopane store at 015 000 2005. Better still, take a drive, visit the store and meet the friendly team in person.




False Bay TVET College and the South African Culinary and Hospitality Educators Forum (SACHEF), with Africa Chefs Alliance hosted an informative and engaging Tourism, Hospitality and Chef Expo at the False Bay TVET College, Muizenberg Campus on 17 and 18 August 2023.

WC Tourism & Hospitality Expo Stakeholders. Left to Right: Chef Somdaka, Chef Smith, Principal Karin Hendricks, Chef Mahlamola, Christiana Nel and Marianna Herne

The two-day event offered a unique opportunity for all stakeholders in the culinary and hospitality industry to gather, fostering valuable connections and networking opportunities.

The unofficial theme: An experiential approach to teaching, learning and expanding mindsets to the wonderful career possibilities that the Hospitality and Tourism sectors present.

South Africa has been one of the top tourist destinations; however, the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions and bans had a devastating impact on the growth of the sector.

However, since the return to normality, according to Stats SA, arrivals into South Africa have grown by 145.4% in comparison to the stats recorded in April 2021 and April 2022.

To accommodate rising travellers, the hospitality industry is expanding rapidly and the most effective and sustainable way to re-build an economy is to equip the next generation with the skills and know-how to drive it.

Responsive to economic needs and prospects, False Bay TVET College remains committed to expanding employment opportunities and preparing young people for the world of work through participation and exposure to platforms and opportunities which link them to career paths and employers.

WC Hospitality and Tourism Event MC-Mr Russel Chasingo of False Bay TVET College, Muizenberg Campus

The College campus was reconfigured to accommodate, a Careers Exhibition especially designed for students enrolled in Tourism, Hospitality or Chef/Culinary qualifications and their lecturers, introducing them to the exciting possibilities within these industries.

The spokesperson for SACHEF, Shaun Smith said in his welcoming address, Its not enough to be skilled, we need to be multi-skilled. The international market is waiting for you. The quality of training hospitality students receive in South Africa, positions them for success in the international market.

Special guest speakers included Chef Andile Somdaka, owner of Eziko Restaurant, and personal chef to the late global icon President Nelson Mandela shared his journey, addressing the audience, It all started as a holiday job for me, but I worked so hard and showed so much interest, that at the end of the holiday, the employer didnt want me to go. There are no shortcuts to success, and it is up to you to make your way and name in this business.

This was the first year that False Bay TVET College came onboard with this initiative. Marianna Herne, Muizenberg campus manager said, This collaborative showcase was so beneficial for all in attendance, exhibitors, students, and lectures. This initiative showcased the skills and developments of the sectors and the interviews completed with the employers were very exciting for the students.

Day two of the event was action-packed. Enough with the speeches and breakaway session, the proof was in the doing. Learners in attendance, local schools which offered hospitality and tourism subjects were bussed in to participate, gaining first-hand experience and insights to the vast career possibilities available in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Capitalising on the captivated audience, expo visitors not yet familiar with the Olympics of Artisan Skills, were treated to the Provincial heat of the World Skills Competition. Participating students from the college, applied their skills, in the hope of progressing to the national competition, and to make the team that will represent South Africa at the 47th WorldSkills Competition, scheduled to take place in Shanghai, China 2024.

The competition judges ranged from lecturers to industry experts, with years of experience judged the students technique in the category of Restaurant Services. Winners are yet to be announced.
TikTok wants you to know that its ubiquitous social media platform is not just a home for viral dance trends and mildly amusing lip sync skits. It's doing this because TikTok is ramping up its efforts to get advertising on the platform so it can start making that Instagram money.

The TikTok dance party is over. Source: Lindsey Schutters

TikTok, the popular video-sharing app, has become a global phenomenon with over 1 billion monthly active users. The app leverages AI to enhance content recommendations by tracking user behaviour, as well as to help with content moderation.

While these two use cases help the company to run lean, there are still costs incurred for human moderation and infrastructure.

Like many other large-scale online platforms, every time a user makes a search request, uploads a video or engages with a post, it costs TikTok money to provide the compute power and storage space to execute the action.

According to an analysis by Trembit, TikToks monthly infrastructure costs are roughly estimated to be around $8m.

While this cost can seem small, the analysis used a minimum data set, compute costs increase significantly when users are watching or streaming live, for instance. And because it offers the app  and a suite of AI-assisted video editing features  for free, the money needs to come from somewhere.

TikTok is a private company, so it does not disclose its financial details publicly. However, some estimates suggest that the app made around $34.3bn in revenue in 2020, up from $7bn in 2019.

With its growing user base and diverse revenue streams, TikTok is expected to continue its rapid growth in the coming years.

Ads, the TikTok way

The company makes revenue on platform in six primary ways:

TikTok for Business: This service launched globally in June 2020 to allow brands to advertise their products and services on the app. The service launched in South Africa in 2021 and is experiencing major growth.

Brands can convert their accounts to business accounts and then choose to either self service or have TikTok manage the service for them, explains Greg Bailie, global business solutions sales lead for TikTok Sub-Saharan Africa.

With the managed service, we partner the brands with creators to make highly engaging content that is native to the platform. Weve seen the best results when creators post organically and brands promote it from there.

Panel discussion at TikTok Games Night. Source: Lindsey Schutters

Bailie says that the self serve product is intended for SMEs and is priced as low as R95 per day. He had no explicit objections when asked if big corporates could spend the bare minimum, but would also not divulge the details of that minimum required spend.

In-app purchases: TikTok also earns money through in-app purchases. Users can buy virtual coins and use them to tip their favorite creators or access premium content.

Creator commissions: TikTok takes a cut from the earnings of creators who monetise their content on the platform. Creators can earn money from tips, sponsored posts, live streams, and brand deals (TikTok for Business leverages creator partnerships like Level Up to service the brand deals).

Branded hashtag challenges and effects: These interactive campaigns encourage users to create and share videos using a specific hashtag and effect related to the brand.

Shop commissions and fees from subscriptions: The app allows users to shop for products featured in videos or live streams through its e-commerce feature. TikTok also offers subscription-based services such as TikTok Pro and TikTok Creator Marketplace.

Music royalties: TikTok pays music royalties to the artists and labels whose songs are used in the videos on the app, but also folds music promotion into its campaign offerings.

What do brands get out of it?

TikTok is only beginning to flex its monetisation muscles and has a lot of ground to cover if it wants to catch up to YouTube and Metas family of social media platforms. Instagram and Youtube are particularly profitable because of legacy relationships with advertisers and well-known business tools.

Reels, Instagrams TikTok clone, is still a more lucrative option for many advertisers because it plugs directly into a pre-existing inventory of sales channels. Users are also accustomed to shopping directly in app, which means the metrics and data are easy to present to prove the value.

Individual creators and influencers, however, have a much better time making money on TikTok because brands arent familiar with the platform dynamics.

When looking at brands, Reels received higher engagements and we speculate thats due to the presences theyve established and cultivated for significantly longer than on TikTok, Justin Kline, co-founder of Markerly told Bloomberg.

TikTok made its name on authentic, fun and creative content led by real people, so its no surprise that individual users still win out against brands on the app  TikTokers come to see dance challenges, songs and pranks, not overtly branded content.

There were no dance challenges at TikToks local games night. It was a carefully concealed sales pitch to show the SA media the true strength of the platform. TikTok is ready to make money.
Maui authorities said that more than a week and a half after deadly flames blasted across the island, more than a thousand people are still missing. Emergency officials have issued a plea for DNA samples from families in an attempt to positively identify the bodies of those found in the wreckage.

Lack of Available DNA Samples

Only 104 families have supplied DNA samples as of Wednesday morning, August 23. Unfortunately, this clearly slows down and restricts the procedure.

Maui County's top prosecutor, Andrew Martin, claimed that fewer relatives than usual were coming forward to submit DNA samples.

According to CBS News, Jayson Musgrove from Texas contributed his DNA after going to Maui to look for his missing mother, Linda Vaikeli. "It's hard to get answers because nobody really knows what's happening. Until someone tells me exactly where she's at, I'm not gonna stop looking for her," he stated.

The presence of several lists compiled by a variety of entities has made the process of identifying human remains more difficult. Cellphone tracking technology is being used in conjunction with DNA analysis to assist police in finding missing persons.

Failure in Communication

The number of verified fatalities has not changed, and locals are continuing to press for answers about the failure in communication that occurred during the flames.

On August 8, while residents of Maui County attempted to flee the worst of the fires, Mayor Richard Bissen of Maui County was shown on a local television station claiming that the route leading to and from Lahaina was open. He seemed to be uninformed of the gravity of the situation.

When CBS News questioned Bissen about whether or not he had been receiving real-time updates, Bissen responded by saying, "We had a lot of information coming in and we had lots of communication that was broken down. I don't have all the times for me, and I know I'm going to have to go and piece that together."

Bissen said that he could only speculate as to whether or not the delay in communicating had a role in the severity of the loss. He said, "I can't tell you what would have would not have changed with that information in terms of the fire," and deferred further study to the judgment of fire specialists.

See Also: Congress is Under Pressure To Approve Disaster Relief Funding as Maui Wildfires Continue To Burn

Denied Water Request

Meanwhile, Hawaiian business last week suggested that water shortages contributed to the extent of the flames in Maui. It was reported that the original request for water to put out the fire was refused by a government body.

Apparently, the Commission On Water Resource Management first denied the West Maui Land Company's request for water for many hours. When the demand was granted, the corporation said it was already too late.

"We followed the process. The process failed us," Glenn Tremble said, an executive at West Maui Land Company.

See Also: Delayed Water in Maui Contributes to Wildfire's Severity; Hawaiian Company Shares Details

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
One of the myths that surround cyber security is that SMEs don't need it to the same extent larger enterprises do. The perceived wisdom is that cybercriminals - aiming to score a payday or cause widespread damage - target mainly large corporations, governments, and global organisations to maximise their impact.

SMEs should not neglect cyber security. Source: Christina @ wocintechchat.com/Unsplash

According to a report by Liquid C2, which features research and analyses across Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe about evolving cyber security threats, cyber-attacks against large enterprises have ramped up dramatically.

The report further reveals that the number of cyber-attacks on businesses in Kenya, South Africa and Zambia increased by 76%, and while the research was compiled using data from large corporations, SMEs should sit up and take notice too.

SMEs are an attractive target for cybercriminals

This is because the view that small businesses neednt worry about implementing cyber security strategies and supporting safeguards is not only inaccurate but also dangerous to both SMEs and their partners operating in the online space.

SMEs are, in fact, more attractive targets because theyre perceived to have weaker security measures, and the impact of a successful breach can be even more damaging to them than larger enterprises. In some instances, it can mean the end of the business.

Cybercriminals can use a wide array of avenues to breach an SME. The biggest threats are phishing attacks via email, leading to fraud, and malware (ransom) attacks that are typically linked to malicious links and/or files from unknown senders that are opened.

Attacks on passwords are also common, and they typically lead to complete compromise, including elevated rights and ownership by attackers. All it takes is one employee to open a malicious link, and an entire private network can be compromised.

Ignus de Villiers. Source: Supplied

Furthermore, those SMEs that employ remote working or hybrid working models are more at risk than others. Employees using unprotected networks should be a major security concern to employers, as should load shedding, which sees workers hopping between private and public Wi-Fi networks, accessing critical corporate software and data, many without any protective cyber security measures.

The negative impacts of a breach against a business that suffers a cyber-attack have been well documented  loss of data, including extorsion, liability fees, loss of revenue, damage to reputation, and loss of trust by consumers and partners. In the case of SMEs, there is another concern; they can become a gateway for hackers who want to breach the larger entities they are partners with or suppliers for.

In such instances, an SME can find its ability to grow its operations through a bigger partner permanently halted thanks to reputational damages incurred by a cyber-attack. Unfortunately, this type of occurrence has become so widespread and harmful that many larger companies refuse to conduct business with SMEs that do not have a cyber security programme in place.

In addition, many countries/industries now have legislation and regulations governing data protection and privacy, so implementing cyber security measures enables SMEs to comply with these legislative/regulatory requirements and avoid fines or legal action.

Every business  no matter its size  that conducts operations in the online space can afford to be without a comprehensive cyber security strategy and complementing measures or safeguards.

Cyber Security is easier than you think

The good news is that implementing a cyber security programme is easier  and more cost-effective  than most SMEs may imagine.

Investing in the right cyber security programme does not have to be complicated or expensive. Installing countermeasures  such as advanced endpoint protection including antivirus (malware) software, strong authentication, data backups, data encryption and managed security services  can mitigate a lot of attempted breaches and, in some instances, stop attacks even before they start.

An incident response plan in the event of a cyberattack, as well as considering native cloud security solutions, are equally important  and many of these solutions are cost-effective and scalable for SMEs. Its crucial to make these purchases from a reputable vendor with a proven track record in the cyber security space, as they provide a substantial number of native security safeguards that can be enabled and optimised to protect SMEs effectively against most attacks.

Employees are the first line of defence

But perhaps the most important aspect of any successful programme is the training and education of employees on best cyber security practices. Workers need to use strong passwords with multi-factor authentication for all accounts and be aware of the need to regularly update the software theyre using by installing security patches.

Data back-ups are imperative and need to be maintained and protected to mitigate the permanent loss of data in the event of a successful breach. Training also needs to involve identifying phishing emails and not clicking on links or files from unknown senders, as well as backing up important data regularly and storing it securely.

Much like gym memberships, cyber security programmes only work if the people using them are committed and trained in how to use the equipment effectively (in this case, security software and hardware rather than weights and treadmills). All the firewalls and anti-virus software in the world wont make any difference to an organisation if its employees can still be fooled into allowing criminals to breach the network through a lack of knowledge or social engineering.

Employees are a companys first line of defence, and ensuring they are trained and aware of cyber security measures is a central plinth in any strategy aimed at protecting a business in the online space.

Cyber Security is needed by everyone

Cyber security in businesses  as well as government and NGOs - is key to ensuring the growth of the digital economy. It must receive the strategic priority it demands for sustainable business success. Cybercrime affects all companies, not just the big ones, and as is the case with larger enterprises, cyber security for SMEs is no longer a grudge purchase. It should be at the centre of any business conversation.
If you're an entrepreneur or SME owner looking to grow, learn, network, be inspired, and drive your business to innovative ideas and to unimaginable heights, we've got you.

The NSBC and World Famous Events 15th edition of The Business Show :: Africa will rock the Sandton Convention Centre on 6 and 7 September 2023, with Africas most successful business show bringing opportunities to the most vibrant sector of the economy.

With many thousands of registered delegates so far, youll be among the stars of networking, innovation and advisors. This is unrivalled networking, the ultimate opportunity to meet and engage with hundreds of fellow entrepreneurs, business leaders, and mega entrepreneurs.

So, if you are serious about starting out or wanting to grow a bigger and more successful business, this is the place to be to fast-track success.

Your free ticket includes full access to the Build a Business Live Seminars and Masterclasses; the Nedbank Speed Networking Zone, the Business Expo and the Absa VIP Lounge. On arrival you will be greeted and shown the way at the FedEx Welcome Centre.

Did you know...?

South African founders Lebo Gunguluza, GEM Group; Fats Lazarides, Ocean Basket; Irfan Pardesi and Hina Kassam, ACM Gold; and Rob Stokes, Quirk Digital agency all started out with a dream and a whole lot of belief in it?

The Business Show :: Africa is designed to give anyone who wants to emulate these highly successful business people the chance to rub shoulders and listen to them sharing how their fortunes changed with innovation, hard work and a desire to create the best company they could.

Be inspired by top-of-the-line speakers at Build a Business Live. The line-up includes: Mike Anderson, the NSBC founder and CEO, Mark Keating, sales guru, founder and CEO; John Molanda, head of transactional banking sales (business banking), Absa; Cleola Kunene, head of SME development and customer experience, Johannesburg Stock Exchange; and Conrad Steyn, chief technology officer, Cisco, to name a few. To see the full line-up, go to www.thebizshow.africa.

From resilience to rands and sense

The Business Show :: Africa will be two days of business buzz for anyone looking to create their business platform that can springboard them to another level of lifestyle. South Africans have proved to be among the most resilient people in the world, and taking an opportunity like this one can turn resilience into long-term business success.

No other event you may attend this year will open doors for your imagination to take flight.

Please note that only pre-registration is free. Fire up your entrepreneurial engine and head over to The Business Show :: Africa website at www.thebizshow.africa for a closer look and to get your free ticket.

Its the business event of 2023  and you can only win if youre in!




As the chairperson of the Brics Business Council, Patrice Motsepe underscores the critical imperative to expedite the progress and development of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Source: African Rainbow Energy. Patrice Motsepe, Brics Business Council chairperson.

The AfCFTA intends to create a single market for goods and services, facilitated by movement of persons in order to deepen the economic integration of the African continent. The single market is expected to grow to 1.7 billion people and nearly $7tn in consumer and business spending by 2030.

Addressing the 15th Brics Summit in Johannesburg, Motsepe called for a sense of urgency to make sure that trade barriers - both tariff and non-tariff - are significantly diminished and eliminated.

South African companies are the largest trading partners on the African continent. They are world class with many of them being as good as the best in the world.

The key issue is that the governments have to increase their partnerships with the private sector and these discussions between the private sector and governments must increase significantly.

Part of these discussions is for the private sector to indicate to government what impediment and barriers are there to the free trade of goods and services on the Africa continent, Motsepe said on Tuesday, 22 August.

Taking place under the theme: "Brics and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism, the summit is being attended by the leaders of Brazil, India, China, as well as South Africa, as the host.

Motsepe stressed that the future of African business depends on its capacity and ability to prove to the rest of the world that it can conduct partnerships, trade, investments as well as the ability to have business relationships that are mutually beneficial.

The key issue for us is that we have to consistently produce results and indicate that the standards of living of our people are improving because at the heart of these trade ties is the poor, the unemployed and the marginalised, he said.

Confidence in African economic growth

Motsepe expressed confidence in the continents ability to grow its economies.

We have a clear understanding of the challenges that confront us but we are equally confident based on the facts that the time for Africa has come. We will do well because seven of the fastest growing economies in the world are on the African continent.

The amount of intra African trade is increasing significantly and the partnership with Brics countries is very important and the relationships of doing business with the rest of the world is also important, he said.

In an effort for Brics countries to have greater access to markets, Motsepe called for the fast tracking of priority visas for entrepreneurs who are looking for opportunities.

We understand that there are legitimate concerns about making sure that governments maintain their sovereign control of who comes and who goes out. We agree with that and support it as well but these are some of the low hanging fruits [that can be addressed].

We can immediately give preferential access to businessmen from Brics countries. Give them visas, allow them to come and look at opportunities in South Africa as well as on the continent. What we spoke about was reciprocity, he said.

Unlocking Brics potential

Motsepe said Brics has enormous potential and intends to significantly increase trade, investment and partnership relationships between South Africa, Africa and the Brics countries.

Last year, trade between Brics countries totalled some $162bn.

The potential is enormous but again the sense of urgency is what we need to translate the good ideas that we have; these big plans into effective, legislative policy instruments that allow for effective free flow of goods and services. When we started, we wanted to increase the trade between the African continent and Brics countries.

The commitment and the will is there. A market is an opportunity until you invest and sometimes your investment takes five to seven years before you realise value. There are opportunities in terms of what we can do, the magnitude of how we can grow and the magnitude of how we can grow the trade investment and business ties between South Africa, Africa and Brics countries, Motsepe said.

With South Africas history with the Brics countries, which emanates during the years of the countrys fight for democracy, Motsepe said South Africa is building on those partnerships and they are important.

We are building on that historical support that they have given to initiatives and the struggle towards democracy. We are using the history that we have with them to build very strong, beneficial business, investment ties and economic growth.

This Brics partnership has to translate into assessable, quantifiable investment and trade ties and it is doing that. That partnership has resulted in benefits but in relation to where we should be, there is still a long way to go," he said.

Katja Hamilton is at the Brics Summit this week in Johannesburg, reporting live for Bizcommunity.
About to hit the road for vacation, I wanted to highlight something that Walter Kirn brought up in the most recent America This Week, and popped up repeatedly as a never-published theme of the Twitter Files: the shameful, dystopian corruption of the noble word transparency.

Transparency was one of Americas great postwar reforms. In 1955, a Democratic congressman named John Moss from California  who served in the Navy in World War II, was nominated for office by both Democrats and Republicans, and was never defeated in any election for public office  introduced legislation that would become one of the great triumphs of late-stage American democracy.

The Freedom of Information Act took a tortuous path to becoming law, opposed from the start by nearly every major government agency and for years struggling to gain co-sponsors despite broad public support. In a supreme irony, one of Mosss first Republican allies was a young Illinois congressman named Donald Rumsfeld. After a series of final tweaks it eventually passed the House 307-0 in 1966, when it landed on the desk of Lyndon Johnson, who didnt like the bill, either. Johnson signed it, but decided not to hold a public ceremony, electing instead to issue a public statement crafted by none other than Bill Moyers, which concluded, I signed this measure with a deep sense of pride that the United States is an open society.

The Freedom of Information Act gave reporters and citizens alike extraordinary power to investigate once-impenetrable executive agencies that conduct the business of government. FOIA requests gave windows into the affairs of the Hoover-led FBI, the Iran-Contra scandal, and the Afghan logs story made public after a bitter fight put up by the National Security Archive and the Washington Post. The irony alert here was this last FOIA lawsuit ultimately revealed behaviors unflattering to none other than Donald Rumsfeld.

The law governing the exercise of FOIA requests lists the following as one of the central duties of the Chief FOIA Officers Council:

Identify, develop, and coordinate initiatives to increase transparency and compliance with this section.

Transparency for decades was understood to mean a pro-democratic concept giving ordinary citizens the power to see how their government operates, how taxes are spent, and whether or not public officials are complying with laws. It was not dystopian gibberish when the word became synonymous with the fight against abuse of power through organizations like Transparency Internationals Corruption Perceptions Index.

By 2023, the transformation of the term transparency has advanced to a stage where the word is now commonly understood by politicians to mean the mathematical opposite of what someone like John Moss would have thought. When elite politicians and media figures speak of transparency now, they mean giving government power to obtain transparency into the activities of private citizens.

I first noticed this quirk going through a batch of Twitter emails from late 2017 through early 2018, when company lawyers began to speak about communicating to the Senate Intelligence Committee plans to increase transparency efforts around content moderation. Internal debates also about proposed laws like Europes Digital Services Act wondered if companies like Twitter might better serve governments attempting to root out foreign disinformation by providing increased transparency to intelligence services.

Later, in 2021, the Aspen Institute issued a final report report on Information Disorder that contained an entire section on Recommendations to Increase Transparency. This is as perfect example of deceptive use of language as you will ever find, and also involves the bastardization of the word, journalism, which in the context of these anti-disinformation efforts means examination of private data by qualified academic researchers. The relevant section reads in part:

Congress should also require platforms to disclose certain categories of private data to qualified academic researchers, so long as that research respects user privacy, does not endanger platform integrity, and remains in the public interest Congress should require the platforms to disclose selected private data to qualified researchers working in the public interest, including any government agency or regulatory or investigative body The invocation of terms of service to deny access to public interest researchers is detrimental to vital research and reporting While the protection of user privacy is important, platforms should not be permitted to use privacy as a pretext for restricting and stopping research

The above video of World Economic Forum head Klaus Schwab speaking on the topic, which circulated a great deal last week, represents the extreme villainous end of the reversal. Transparency in Schwabs conception has been turned on its head, to mean an unavoidable system of total non-privacy the world must learn to accept. This is not exactly a new thought of his. As far back as 2014, he responded to Edward Snowdens disclosures about National Security Agency surveillance by saying how important it was to protect ourselves against technological possibilities, but added:

Everything is transparent, whether we like it or not. This is unstoppable. If we behave acceptably, and have nothing to hide, it wont be a problem.

Saying now that we must accept total transparency, that you have to get used to it, you have to behave accordingly, is a twist on those old statements. Adding that this new transparency becomes, how should I put it, integrated into your personality, but if you have nothing to hide, you shouldnt be afraid, achieves a fully dystopian reversal. Transparency is what authorities and possessors of the new Promethean thunderbolt want to have into your every action, transaction, and thought. Its a terrifying idea, and as Walter noted, something Hitler or Stalin would have been reluctant to say out loud, though of course this exact idea was foundational to both totalitarian societies.

Telling us not to be afraid of this, to accept it, is a line even studied actors needed a certain panache to pull off in movies like Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Theres nothing to be afraid of once you understand youll be grateful Dont fight it, Miles, its not use. Sooner or later, youll have to go to sleep.

These, exactly, are the sentiments of the new priests of transparency:

One last note. The extraordinary pro-democratic ideal of FOIA was underscored by the fact that the tool was available to every citizen. Not just New York Times journalists, but every private digger, potential whistleblower, even crackpots were granted the power of transparency.

The chief way you know the new version of transparency is a fraud is that its limited to qualified researchers. Were even seeing lately news stories sourced to some of these same researchers complaining about having to comply with FOIA requests (a few of which are being made by Racket and partner publications). Ideologically, these self-appointed intellectual vanguards do not believe information is for everyone, nor do they believe they should have to answer to the people funding their research, while simultaneously believing that private companies and individuals should get used to the principle of endless inquiry.

When the meanings of noble words are turned inside out, we have to pay attention, and this example is about as infamous as this sort of thing gets. Dont let anyone tell you transparency means surrendering your privacy to the state. Its supposed to be the other way around.

Related Articles:

In a recently unearthed video of the College of Global Public Health Center for Bioethics at New York University Director, Dr. Matthew Liao, speaking at the 2016 World Science Festival, he openly advocates artificially inducing a red meat allergy in the entire human population, using an analog of the algha-gal molecule found in the Lone Star Tick that I have documented previously at Armageddon Prose, so as to fight "climate change."

Monday, August 14, 2023 - How Smart Cities Will Lock Up Humanity Inside Open Air Concentration Camps

Saturday, July 29, 2023 - Digital Services Act: A Framework to Gain Control of the Internet

Frameworks for control are being put up all over the world. Daisy wrote recently about the implementation of FedNow, a framework for ending financial freedom and privacy as we know it. A few months ago, we wrote about the WHOs Pandemic Treaty, which, if signed by all parties, will put in place a framework for global health mandates. And Europe will shortly begin enforcing its Digital Services Act, which will put in a framework for intense control of online speech.

During this weeks Summer Davos conference in Tianjin, China, The World Economic Forum (WEF) quietly partnered on multiple discussion forums with the China Central Television Network, a state media operation that reports directly to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)'s Central Propaganda Department.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are currently presiding over their annual Summer Davos conference in China, which started on Tuesday and ends Thursday. The top items on the agenda for the Annual Meeting of the New Champions includes  unsurprisingly for those who are familiar with Davos  the climate hoax and central bank digital currencies, two issues that the WEF and its enablers are leveraging in an attempt to transfer more power to the Western and Eastern ruling classes.

Visualizing BlackRocks Top Equity Holdings

This Substack recently reported on One World Government errandboy John Kerry and his latest PSYOP-CLIMATE-CHANGE war rhetoric on farming and the decarbonization = depopulation of humanity

Monday, June 5, 2023 - Plandemic 3: The Great Awakening Is The Most Important Installment Yet In This Documentary Series

Plandemic 3 opens with its director Mikki Willis admitting that he made a grave mistake in supporting Bernie Sanders and his socialist agenda. He then establishes that Cultural Marxism and collectivism are on the rise in America. We are then shown archival footage from the 1960s of researcher, freedom fighter, and hero author of The Creature from Jekyll Island G. Edward Griffin discussing the creeping dangers of communism in America. Next is a montage of Klaus Schwab donning his absurd Star Trek outfit, his penetrator puppet Justin Trudeau, and popular junk science philosopher and anti-human technocrat Yuval Noah Harari espousing his usual dystopian fever dreams.

FDA greenlights neuralink for human trials, promise of enhancement is a trojan horse, Hollywood predictive programming is rife with transhumanist upselling.
A former executive for Pfizer is trending this week, warning of the United Nations push for digital IDs, Central Bank Digital Currencies and the Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030 plan.

When the UN, and Bill Gates, and Klaus Schwab tell you that theyve got a 2030 plan with sustainable development goals, you should assume that theyre serious about it, former Vice President at Pfizer Dr. Mike Yeadon said.

Mike Yeadon (ex Pfizer CEO) - when people tell you what they're going to do , believe them. Covid was just the beginning of a 10 year plan to ease us into agenda 2030. pic.twitter.com/414XGrI1ch  Jessica Rojas  (@catsscareme2021) August 14, 2023

Yeadon said that the covid pandemic was only the first step in implementing agenda 2030. Im speaking out, Yeadon said. Theres nothing in it for me. Ive lost lots of money, all my friends, Im away from my home and family. This Agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. It also seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom, The United Nations report said . We recognise that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. All countries and all stakeholders, acting in collaborative partnership, will implement this plan. We are resolved to free the human race from the tyranny of poverty and want and to heal and secure our planet. We are determined to take the bold and transformative steps which are urgently needed to shift the world onto a sustainable and resilient path. This is an Agenda of unprecedented scope and significance. It is accepted by all countries and is applicable to all, taking into account different national realities, capacities and levels of development and respecting national policies and priorities. These are universal goals and targets which involve the entire world, developed and developing countries alike. They are integrated and indivisible and balance the three dimensions of sustainable development. The seventeen sustainable development goals include access to equitable quality education, gender equality, access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy, to reduce inequality within and among countries, to make cities and human settlements inclusive, to take urgent action to combat climate change, to provide access to justice for all and to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

Yeadon warned about the potential roll out of digital IDs on a recent episode of TeaTime from the Childrens Health Defense. They want you to have it, I believe, so that they know where you are at every breathing moment of your life thereafter, Yeadon said. Once youve got a mandatory digital ID, the powers that can be can shrug and say well its not us. Its this next viral pandemic and you have to take the vaccine, otherwise your digital ID will become invalid and youll effectively fall into house arrest. So thats what theyve been rehearsing. Yeadon cautions that Central Bank Digital Currencies, or CBDCs, will transform banking and give governments real time control over our spending. The database thats connecting your electronic money and your ID knows exactly where you are to the grid reference point. It knows who youre interacting with and what it is thats proposed to be purchased, Yeadon said. Whoever has control of that database and its algorithm can prevent you from doing anything they choose.

Former vice president at Pfizer, Dr. Mike Yeadon, explains why digital ID, CBDCs and UN Agenda 2030 must be stopped at all costs:



"Their plans, as you can see from the [UN Agenda 2030] Sustainable Development Goals, is that you will have as little mobility as possible, youll be pic.twitter.com/5Ri4eFFJo5  Wide Awake Media (@wideawake_media) August 23, 2023

Yeadon has found support in Washington. U.S. Congressman Warren Davidson, R-OH called for a ban on CBDC in an X post. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) poses a serious threat to all digital assets. As I said at Flyover FinTech, many people wrongly conflate even BTC with CBDC, Davidson said. At least most agree that CBDC is evil - the financial equivalent of the Death Star. Dont become an accomplice to anyone designing, building, testing, developing, or establishing CBDC. Banning CBDC is essential to Americas FinTech future.
Americans are watching in absolute shock and horror as our government, which is supposed to fear the people, runs roughshod over everyone and everything deemed an enemy. Whether thats President Trump, U.S. voters, J6 prisoners, Julian Assange, Douglass Mackey (convicted of conspiracy for sharing an anti-Hillary meme), or a harmless Amish farmer simply minding his own business, our government has grown too big for its britches and lost its way. And speaking of the innocent Amish farmer, thats what this story is about today  a Virginia man who was raided by the government but is fighting back and desperately needs your support.

Townhall:

They came with a search warrant, softly spoke Samuel B. Fisher, a mild-mannered cattle farmer operating a 100-acre farm tucked away in Virginias heartland. Fishers bread-and-butter, Golden Valley Farms, carves out the scenic countryside thats a hop, skip, and a jump away from historic Farmville, a postcard-perfect small Southern town with classical Main Street charm. The father of five had graciously invited us down to his idyllic pasture to rehash the whirlwind of unforeseen events that unfolded over the cruel summer. It was a tumultuous time on the Fisher farm, an upheaval that threatened to upend the mans livelihood. Then, they tagged the meat, so that we cant touch it; we cant sell it; we cant feed our family with it, Fisher told Townhall.

The government overreach began when Big Brother discovered that this health-conscious, all-natural farmer was avoiding the sometimes rather questionable USDA process.

The firestorm of Big Government saber-rattling ignited in mid-June when an inspector with the Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (VDACS), without warning, paid the Fisher family a visit. Fisher has no idea what could have prompted VDACSs impromptu inspection on June 14, except maybe they just finally found us through word of mouth, he speculated. What was clear: The state sought to penalize Fisher for selling meat that was not processed by a USDA-inspected facility (U.S. Department of Agriculture). Fisher processesan industry euphemism for butcheringhis farm-raised meat on-site and sells it directly to his customers, feeding about 500 consumers and their families, who are part of a buying club. As members enrolled in the Golden Valley Farms membership program, theyve bought into Fishers herd of 100% grass-fed golden Guernsey cows. They own part of the business. They own some of the herd, Fisher explained. My thinking was [] We can butcher their cows, process it, and sell it to them. I told the state all of this, but they said, No, theres no way around that. You cant do that. They asked permission to get in here to search the farm, a request Fisher denied. And, they told me, Well be back, and left.

They came back, alright this time with a sheriff, and they unleashed a full-scale raid that lasted about three hours. And as the Townhall piece goes on to point out, there is nothing illegal about Fisher processing his own meat for his own consumption.

Theres nothing illegal about Fisher processing his own meat and eating it for his own consumption, asserted Mindy, the farms officer manager, who oversees sales, handles email marketing, and fulfills online orders. So, he decided he was gonna go and feed his family, and since he would most likely be fined for doing that, he decided to open up meat sales again. Because if hes going to be fined, hes going to be fined, and you might as well do it, she, wanting to go by just Mindy, stated matter-of-factly.

Ultimately, the state seized this poor mans farm. Hes also been criminally charged. Now, Mr. Fisher is exploring his options and consulting with attorneys to determine his next move.

This video powerfully narrates his story and, simultaneously, exposes the troubling actions of the U.S. government. Sadly, America has become unrecognizable in many ways.

Stop what you are doing and watch this. The state of Virginia raided this Amish farmers farm. He is fighting back. I cannot believe this is happening in America. pic.twitter.com/h4lTGim9p1  Spitfire (@DogRightGirl) August 21, 2023
There were multiple reports of a Russian military pilot stealing his Mi-8 helicopter and flying in the direction of Ukraine's Kharkiv region in order to allegedly surrender to Ukrainian forces.

Ukrainian media reported Wednesday (August 23) that the defection was part of a long-term special operation by Kyiv's Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR). Reporters detail the pilot was lured by Ukrainian intelligence personnel, flying between two Russian air bases and transporting parts for Su-27 and Su-30SM fighter jets.

Two crew members were also aboard the helicopter and were not informed of the pilot's intention to defect. Both were killed as a result.

Read Also: Fireball Landing: At Least 6 Dead in Helicopter Crash in Russia

Ukrainska Pravda obtained photos of the Russian Mil Mi-8 helicopter that landed at the Poltava airfield in Kharkiv Oblast a couple of weeks ago.



UP, citing sources, stated that it was the result of a long-term special operation of the Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR MO). https://t.co/Gpw2qwEWJX pic.twitter.com/vcXmamjj94  Status-6 (@Archer83Able) August 23, 2023

Fleeing Russia for Good

According to Ukrainska Pravda, a number of unnamed high-ranking sources from the GUR told the outlet, on the condition of anonymity, that the Russian pilot's family was taken out of Russia and into Ukraine in advance.

As for the Mi-8 and the fighter plane parts that were supposed to be delivered to the Russians, they would remain in Ukraine and would probably be repurposed, similar to other Soviet-era hardware captured from the Russians.

The operation was one of the more successful attempts the GUR made to lure Russian military personnel into the Ukrainian side.

Another attempt was made and foiled by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) in July 2022, in which Ukrainian special service employees were reported to have offered Russian pilots up to $2 million to defect. However, Bellingcat journalist and lead Russia investigator Christo Grozev said the operation was done as intended in order to feed fake information to the FSB.

About the Mi-8

The Mil Mi-8 (NATO reporting name: "Hip") is a Soviet-era transport helicopter that initially operated in 1961. They have been exported across the Soviet Union and beyond, seeing action as far as Finland, Iraq, and Africa. Within NATO, Poland is in possession of a sizable fleet of Mi-8s as part of its legacy Soviet-era hardware.

Both Russia and Ukraine have a fleet of Mi-8s which they use in their current conflict as transport and reconnaissance aircraft, command posts, and armed gunships.

In civilian use, the Mi-8 can be used for transport and hauling, firefighting, search and rescue, and even as an agricultural crop duster.

Recently, a Russian civilian Mi-8 crashed in the Altai Mountains after it failed its landing attempt. At least six people were killed and seven injured.

Related Article: Ukraine Launches Series of Supersonic Warplane Attacks Inside Russia, Blowing Putin's Jets Within 3 Days

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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey decided to veto the minimum wage bill for ride-hailing drivers working for Uber, Lyft, and other similar companies.

His decision was made after Uber and Lyft threatened the city that they would pull out their businesses if the ordinance was approved.

Minneapolis Mayor Vetoes Minimum Salary Bill

According to Fortune's latest report, Frey's decision is being criticized by a City Council member, saying that it is an "inexcusable betrayal of Minneapolis workers."

Although the minimum wage bill was rejected, Frey was able to negotiate an agreement with Uber to give drivers salary increases.

The deal will ensure that drivers picking up passengers in the city or driving within Minneapolis will have a wage of $15 an hour on average.

Aside from this, Uber also promised that drivers will a tip of at least $5 for any trip they make in the metro area.

Unfortunately, the deal was exclusive to Uber drivers. This means that riders working for Lyft and other ride-hailing companies are not included.

On Tuesday, Aug. 22, the Minneapolis mayor explained that they still need more time to get the new bill right.

"In the coming weeks, we will work in partnership with all stakeholders," he said via the Associated Press.

Frey stated that by working with stakeholders, they can put an ordinance that is data-driven and one that articulates policies based on proven impacts.

Read Also: Ecuadorian Voters Say No to Oil Drilling in Amazon, Protecting Biodiversity Hotspot

Threats from Uber and Lyft

When the new minimum wage bill was introduced, Lyft and Uber warned the city council that they would stop operating in Minneapolis if it is implemented.

"Should this proposal become law, Lyft will be forced to cease operations in the City of Minneapolis on its effective date of January 1, 2024," said Lyft.

The ride-hailing company explained that the ordinance would be detrimental to drivers, claiming that it would lessen their earnings instead.

Lyft added that since prices will double, only wealthier passengers will be able to afford a ride.

The proposed ordinance was supposed to require Uber and Lyft to pay drivers $1.40 per mile and $0.51 per minute. However, officials clarified that this will only be applied for the portion of the ride inside the city.

As of writing, it is unclear if the vetoed bill be reconsidered once city officials improve it. For now, the best thing riders can do is to wait for further announcements.

Related Article: UPS Strike Threat Avoided, Thanks to New Labor Agreement Benefiting 340,000 Workers

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Yangpu port in S China's Hainan eyes building an international shipping hub

People's Daily Online) 13:31, August 23, 2023

Yangpu Port enjoys enormous potential thanks to its deep water, protection from wind, and low siltation. (People's Daily Online/Fu Wuping)

Yangpu Port in south China's Hainan Province, sitting at the critical junction of the golden waterway of the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, is turning itself into an international shipping hub.

In recent years, against the backdrop of the joint construction of the Belt and Road, and construction of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Hainan Free Trade Port, Yangpu Port has opened 43 domestic and foreign trade routes, including 21 foreign trade routes, basically achieving full coverage of major ports along China's coast and in Southeast Asia.

While continuously expanding its "circle of friends," Yangpu Port has actively promoted the implementation of green concepts. In May 2023, the Yangpu International Container Terminal was rated as the first "four-star" green port in the Hainan Free Trade Port.

In the future, Yangpu Port will strengthen its cooperation with Southeast Asia and regions along the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, and turn itself into an international two-way group procurement center for ASEAN and southwest China.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Gun stores in Wisconsin are now helping residents prevent suicide. They are participating in the suicide prevention education effort called "Gun Shop Project."

Gun Stores in Wisconsin Now Helping Prevent Suicide

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, almost 40 gun stores in Wisconsin are participating in the Gun Shop Project.

A part of this effort is to temporarily take guns from owners who are at risk of suicide. This act is called the "Safe Storage Initiative."

Aside from this, gun store owners are also training their employees who are selling firearms to residents.

Staff at the counter are required to be extra alert so that they can see if there are signs of possible intentions from buyers.

Once they are sure that the individual buying the gun will use it for suicide, they are allowed to deny the transaction.

One of the firearm shop owners who are doing this is Chuck Lovelace. The Wisconsin resident also had a close friend who committed suicide.

"It was devastating to me, it really was, because she was a beautiful person," said Lovelace.

His friend was a nurse and a mother with three children. Since he knows how suicides affect other individuals, the gun store owner was approached about spearheading a gun suicide prevention effort seven years ago.

Read Also: Ohio Teen Convicted of Murder of Boyfriend, Friend After 'Deliberately' Crashing Car Into Building

Gun-Related Suicides in Wisconsin

CBS 58 reported that the suicide rates in Wisconsin drastically increased over the past years.

The Department of Health Services confirmed that guns are the leading cause of these rising suicide cases.

Because of this, gun store owners have been grappling with the issue of suicide by their customers.

There are some cases when buyers committed suicide on gun store firing ranges. Other people decided to take their own lives after leaving the firearm stores.

Officials have been making efforts to prevent suicide in Wisconsin. In 2022, data showed that gun-related suicides in Wisconsin reached more than 500.

This is higher compared to the suicide record in 2021, which is around 490 cases. As of writing, many individuals are concerned about the impact of guns on suicides.

Meanwhile, others said that gun-related suicides could lead to more firearm restrictions.

But, Lovelace explained that limiting firearm-related suicides is not anti-gun at all, but it is pro-people.

Related Article: Virginia: 6-Year-Old Student Boasts About Shooting Teacher; Newly Released Documents Reveal Details

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Postal Code
The Minister for Justice has explained that plans for greater garda presence on the streets does not mean there will be armed gardai standing on the corner of our streets.

Ms McEntee told Newstalk Breakfast that she wanted to clarify that perception. That's not what we're talking about here. The armed support team has always supported Operation City Centre. Should a knife incident occur, should there be a threat to life, should something get out of hand, they will be there to assist, she said.

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Diversionary programmes to reach children and engage with families and communities will also help to reduce antisocial behaviour, she added.

The additional 10 million recently allocated will mean greater garda visibility and more guards on the beat, she added. I think that's what people want to see. It's about providing reassurance, it's about preventing crime. It's also protecting, it's responding to crime. So we will see a greater presence.

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This is all about prevention where possible. That's about making sure that people feel safe.

Ms McEntee also addressed the issue of safety on public transport, resources will be used in the best possible way to ensure that people feel safe using public transport.

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In the coming weeks we will be launching a community safety partnership plan for the city centre. This is bringing together the guards, local authorities, the local businesses, community groups and education providers, health providers.

Ms McEntee also responded to the issue of garda numbers, she acknowledged that the current target of 1,000 will not be met, but she hoped that further recruitment efforts will see more enter the force.

When asked about garda presence at Bank of Ireland ATMs recently, she said that what had happened had been a decision for each station where gardai felt there was a potential public order risk and individual stations had responded accordingly.

The contentious issue of tattoos was very much a matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide, she said.

I don't want to cross over on any decision that he might make. We've seen changes. We have new uniforms. Gardai have beards and new headwear.

"We've seen changes throughout the past and I think it's reflective of the fact that we need to have an inclusive and diverse police force. It is very much a decision for the Commissioner though, and I don't want to overstep.
The President of the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI), Liz Farrell is calling on the Government and the Department of Education to increase the allocation for teachers to allow more full time positions.

Ms Farrell told RTE radios Morning Ireland that one third of teachers did not receive a full contract on their initial appointment.

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Schools all over the country will be scrambling to rejig timetables to facilitate as best they can the education of students, she said.

We've known that the demographic is increasing and we have called repeatedly for a number of things. What really the Government needs to do at the moment, the department needs to look at increasing the teaching allocation to schools to allow for more full time jobs.

"A survey which we've carried out shows that less than one third of teachers received a full contract on initial appointment.

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Ms Farrell pointed out that as the demographic increases the need for optional subjects increases as well. The retention of teachers in schools needs to be boosted by offering career structures and offering full hours.

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These new teachers have completed a four-year degree and then a two-year Masters in Education which can cost up to 12,000, then they go to schools and are offered parts of jobs , she said.

Returning to the previous system of a one-year post graduate teaching qualification would release more teachers and lower the cost which would make it more available to a wider socioeconomic group which might increase diversity. Because at the minute, teaching has become a very, very costly profession.

What we're talking about is not a sticking plaster anymore. This is something that was projected since 2015. In 2018, the Department set up the teacher supply steering group, and we're still not sitting members on that group.

We see the reality on the ground.

"We're seeing the practicality. We're looking at the 400 jobs and education posts. We're seeing that the vast majority of those in maths, Irish and English. Core subjects.

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Ms Farrell called for an increase in the allocation for teachers immediately which will give schools the flexibility to account for the additional numbers of students and offer full time jobs to teachers.

We've been calling for it for a number of years and we're still here looking at this again at this time of year.
There could be 2,000 Ukrainian refugees without accommodation here in the coming weeks, as the Government faces fresh pressure to secure shelter for those fleeing war.

As the Irish Examiner reports, officials from the Department of Integration have written to the Taoiseachs department warning they expect a bed shortfall of 2,000 between now and mid-September if the State cannot secure additional shelter.

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Senior officials from a number of Government departments will meet today to desperately seek shelter for Ukrainians who are already living here but have to be moved out of student accommodation, as well as new arrivals.

Sources say the number of Ukrainians arriving over the summer months was higher than anticipated, putting a strain on accommodation.

A total of 10,000 Ukrainians have arrived here since the beginning of May. On average there are up to 650 new arrivals weekly. A Department spokesperson said:

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While almost 7,000 additional beds have been contracted in this time, there remains a significant shortfall in accommodation for those fleeing Ukraine for the coming weeks. The Government is working urgently to source additional accommodation.

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Ireland is now accommodating 92,500 inward migrants, including Ukrainian refugees and international protection applicants.

Sources have said every effort is being made to avoid Ukrainians having nowhere to stay.

It is understood senior officials will today discuss whether to renew a call to the public to host a Ukrainian refugee in their homes.

Currently, households who provide shelter receive 800 per month to assist with covering costs such as increased energy usage.

A message posted on the Embassy of Ukraine to Ireland Facebooks page urged people not to come to Ireland in the next 6-8 weeks.
A doctor who is the subject of human trafficking allegations has settled his High Court action against his employer who he alleged had wrongly 'retired' him from his position.

Earlier this month, the doctor, who denies any wrongdoing and has not been charged with any criminal offence, brought legal proceedings against what he claimed was the decision of his employer, a hospital in the State, to terminate his employment.

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His employer had initially placed him on administrative leave after media reports concerning the garda probe emerged.

The doctor, who cannot be named for legal reasons, claimed his employer had unlawfully, and in the absence of any form of investigation or disciplinary procedure, dispensed with his services "under the guise of a retirement".

He then brought proceedings in which he alleged the hospital had acted in breach of contract, seeking orders including an injunction restraining his employer from terminating his employment.

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The defendant, represented by Kiwana Ennis Bl, had denied any wrongdoing.

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When the case was mentioned during Wednesday's sitting of the High Court, Mr Justice Garrett Simons was informed by Jason Murray Bl, instructed by Orpen Franks Solicitors LLP for the medical consultant, that the matter had been settled and, with the consent of the parties, could be struck out.

No details of the settlement were given in open court, and it is understood the terms of the agreement are confidential.

The court also ruled that given that matter had been resolved, reporting restrictions, which had been sought by the doctor, were to remain in place.

The judge welcomed the settlement and struck out the proceedings.

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Anonymity

Previously, the judge had expressed some reservations about continuing the order preserving the doctor's anonymity, which had been granted on a temporary basis when the action first came before the court, in what was an employment dispute.

The doctor's lawyers had sought the anonymity order on grounds including that he had not been named in media reporting of the garda investigation.

The reporting of his name in the context of these proceedings could prejudice both the doctor and potentially members of his family, his lawyers argued.

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It was claimed that while he had not been charged with any offences, there was a possibility that if he was, his own minor children may have to be called as witnesses.

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If his children were to be involved in any criminal trial, then they would be legally entitled to anonymity, his lawyers argued.

The judge had invited submissions from the parties on whether the anonymity order should be continued.

The court also put several media outlets on notice of the application, which was due to be considered by him during Wednesday's sitting of the court, to continue the reporting restrictions.

However, given that the matter had been settled without a hearing, the judge said he was satisfied to keep the reporting restrictions in place.

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The judge also noted that no media outlet had come to court to make submissions or challenge the order because the dispute had been resolved.

The judge said the issues raised in application for anonymity were "quite interesting" but are matters that will have to be resolved in a different case.

In his action, the man had claimed his employer had taken steps against him following media reports which appeared following his arrest, questioning and seizure of electronic devices from his home and office by gardai.

Those actions by gardai took place a year after officers first contacted the doctor about an investigation into a person from Southern Africa who was seeking permission to enter Ireland, the court heard.

The doctor was questioned by gardai over alleged human trafficking offences, under both the 2000 Illegal Immigrants (Trafficking) Act and the 1998 Child Trafficking and Pornography Act.

He says that he was also questioned by gardai about photos on one of the devices, including pictures of his own young children when they were having a bath which were sent to him by the children's mother.

The man denies any criminal wrongdoing.
Microsoft is ready and able to appease the UK's competition regulator.

The tech giant has recently announced it is restructuring its proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard to garner the approval of the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

The CMA is the only regulator left opposing Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard after US Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley rejected the FTC's request for a preliminary injunction to prevent it.

Meeting Halfway

Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith said in a Microsoft blog post that it is restructuring the acquisition deal it made with Activision Blizzard to satisfy the CMA's concerns with it.

You may recall that the CMA previously stated in late April that it is forbidding Microsoft from pursuing its acquisition of Activision Blizzard at the time because of the problematic solutions Microsoft provided.

The CMA said that Microsoft's solutions had significant shortcomings and would require mandatory oversight from the watchdog itself. It also added that Microsoft's acquisition deal with Activision Blizzard would reinforce Microsoft's advantage in the market by giving it control over important gaming content.

These gaming content include the Call of Duty franchise and Blizzard's Overwatch and World of Warcraft franchises.

As a compromise with the CMA, Smith said that its restructuring of the deal to "acquire a narrower set of rights." Specifically, Microsoft will transfer the cloud streaming rights for all current and new Activision Blizzard PC and console games released over the next 15 years to Ubisoft in perpetuity.

Read More: Walmart To Release Identity Verification Systems for Its Delivery Platform

As a result, Microsoft will never be in a position to either release Activision Blizzard games exclusively on its Xbox Cloud Gaming service or exclusively control the licensing terms of Activision Blizzard games for rival services.

Ubisoft, in its own press statement, confirms its receipt of the cloud streaming rights Microsoft transferred to it. Thanks to it, subscribers to Ubisoft+ Multi Access can play their favorite Activision Blizzard games across multiple platforms (PC, Xbox consoles, Amazon Luna, PlayStation consoles).

Thanks to this restructuring Microsoft believes that its new acquisition deal with Activision Blizzard is a "substantially different transaction" under UK law than the one it submitted for review in 2022. The tech giant has already notified the CMA of the changes and is now anticipating its decision.

The new deal wouldn't affect Microsoft's obligations to the European Commission as EU regulators approved the acquisition deal between the tech giant and Activision Blizzard, per The Verge. A free license to consumers in EU countries allows them to stream all current and future Activision Blizzard PC and console games they have a license for using any cloud game streaming services they want.

CMA's Response

The CMA welcomes the restructuring Microsoft made to its acquisition deal with Activision Blizzard. However, this gesture doesn't mean that it is giving the tech giant the green light, according to CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell.

"Our goal has not changed - any future decision on this new deal will ensure that the growing cloud gaming market continues to benefit from open and effective competition driving innovation and choice," she added.

The CMA is expected to review the restructured deal over the coming and deliver a decision by Oct. 18.

Related Article: Microsoft's Acquisition Deal With Activision Could Get Delayed
Retired broadcaster Charlie Bird has said he is receiving hospice care at his Co Wicklow home in his ongoing battle with motor neurone disease.

The former RTE chief news correspondent is urging businesses across Ireland to host a coffee morning next month in a bid to help raise funds for the brilliant work that hospices do.

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Two years on from his terminal diagnosis, Bird, 73, said his condition had worsened and that every day is a struggle for me now.

But I live each day at a time. My MND has deteriorated, especially affecting my mobility, he said.

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Addressing people who had been recently diagnosed with MND, he said people should live each day at a time and fight as hard as you can.

Speaking through an app which clones his voice, he said he has been receiving care at his home from Our Ladys Hospice and Care Services.

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I want to make one thing very clear: when my time comes, I want to pass away at home surrounded by my family  and the hospice care team say they will look after me there, he said.

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Since his diagnosis, Bird has vowed to continue to support groups and charities as long as I have a breath in my body.

He helped raise more than 3.3 million for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and mental health charity Pieta last year in a campaign that saw him climb Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo.

Charlie Bird is urging businesses to host a coffee morning to help raise money for hospice care. Photo: Bryan Brophy/1IMAGE Photography/PA.

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Bird was joined by his wife Claire and their dog Tiger at Powerscourt Hotel Resort and Spa in Wicklow on Wednesday, as he asked the public, coffee shops, hotels and other businesses to join Irelands biggest coffee morning on September 21st.

Bewleys Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice has raised 43.2 million for Together for Hospice, the National Hospice Movement, since its inception in 1992.

The fundraising drive helps to pay for medical and general staff, palliative care beds, home care visits, specialist equipment and new hospice builds.

Bird said that hospices and specialist palliative home care providers across Ireland need further support to continue their brilliant work.

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I would plead with everyone, in addition to businesses and organisations, to host or sponsor a coffee morning on September 21, or whenever suits them.

Even two people getting together for a coffee counts as a fundraiser.

Charlie Bird with his dog Tiger. Photo: Bryan Brophy/1IMAGE Photography/PA.

None of us knows in this life when we might need hospice care. So please, extend the hand of friendship and support the hospice wherever they are in the country.

To those newly diagnosed with MND, I would advise: live each day at a time and fight as hard as you can.

There are many great supports there to help us, so please use them.

His wife Claire said the hospice care is providing a lifeline to the couple.

They listen and take so much time and care looking after both Charlies physical and mental needs and also my needs as Charlies wife and carer, she said.

They never give up on us and their visits to our home give us hope that this dreadful journey can be made less stressful by letting them into our lives.

Ireland McEntee says there may have been a different resp... Read More

Geraldine Tracey, interim director of nursing at Our Ladys Hospice and Care Services, said Bewleys Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice is entering its fourth decade of raising funds.

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This ongoing support is invaluable and funds vital services and quality initiatives, enhancing care for patients living with a life-limiting illness.

The public and businesses can register to host a coffee morning on Thursday September 21st, or on another date that suits, at hospicecoffeemorning.ie or by calling 0818 995 996. A donation can also be made at hospicecoffeemorning.ie/donate.
Simon Harris has said he will not be asking his constituents to pay more money to RTE without a clear reform plan presented by the broadcaster.

The Minister for Further and Higher Education was speaking as new figures indicate there has been a further drop in TV licence fee revenues, putting pressure on the Government to make a decision on a long-term funding option for RTE.

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Figures supplied by the Department of Tourism, Culture and the Media show that 9,041 TV licences were purchased in the third week in August, compared to 12,507 licences in the same week last year.

The 160 licence fee, an obligatory payment for households with a television, goes towards funding operations at the public service broadcaster.

The Department of Media has warned that there are variations during the year in TV licence purchases, and may not accurately reflect a drop in the annual figure.

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Speaking to reporters in Dublin on Wednesday, Mr Harris said: Before I ask any of my constituents in Co Wicklow to spend any more money in relation to any of these matters  and at the end of day thats what Government money is, its not magic money, its money that comes from the people of Ireland  we need to see a very clear reform plan for RTE.

And I respectfully suggest, when people keep on saying: What is the Government going to do?  what is RTE going to do?

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It is for RTE and the RTE board now to come forward with a plan that shows that theres a different culture, that theres a different attitude in relation to RTE and to show the people of Ireland that they can have confidence that the money being invested in RTE is going into public service broadcasting.

Lets remember this whole controversy and sorry saga, in my view, really was rested in the fact that there was a clear blurring of the lines between more public service broadcasting or commercial activities, and thats what needs to be unpicked.

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He said the current Government would make a decision on a long-term funding model for the broadcaster before the next general election.

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But we also cant be ignorant to the fact that we have just gone through a period of huge upheaval, where public trust and confidence has been eroded, and Government now awaits to hear from RTE, from the new leadership team there, from the board as to their plan.

I heard questions being asked at Oireachtas committees around what is public service broadcasting, and is everything that RTE does public service broadcasting?. I thought that answer lacked serious clarity, he said.

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA

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The crisis at the public broadcaster began on June 22nd when RTE said it had not correctly declared fees to its then highest-paid earner Ryan Tubridy between 2017-2022, but has widened out to other financial and governance matters.

In the last week of June, the week after the RTE controversy first arose, 10,612 licences were bought, compared to 15,825 in 2022.

Across the month of July, 40,103 licences were bought, which compares to 57,400 in the same month last year. (Week 1: 11,241 vs 15,432; week 2: 8,922 vs 12,981; week 3: 9,279 vs 14,836; week 4: 10,661 vs 14,151)

In the first three weeks of August, 25,568 licences were bought, representing a drop from the figure of 40,147 in 2022. (Week 1: 9,361 vs 15,030; week 2: 7,166 vs 12,610; week 3: 9,041 vs 12,507.)

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This is 37,089 fewer licences across eight weeks when compared directly to the numbers bought in the same period last year, representing a possible loss of 5.9 million.

Minister for Culture and Media Catherine Martin. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

The Department of Media said in a statement: The buying or renewal of a TV licence is something that can be done 365 days of the year through various methods.

While reminders are sent out on the expiration of the TV licence, variations can occur in the timing of the purchase/renewal of a licence, and as such the number of valid licences on a given day is not recorded as it may not give a true picture of overall annual sales.

The annual sales figures provide the more complete picture, and determines actual revenues, it said.

A total of 947,924 licences were bought in 2022; 951,454 licences in 2021; 961,277 in 2020; 1,025,534 in 2019; and 1,038,986 in 2018.

Minister for Media Catherine Martin said in mid-July that she was monitoring the figures to see if it becomes a long-term trend, while chairwoman of the broadcasters board Siun Ni Raghallaigh said there is concern about the decline among the organisations board and management.

RTE director-general Kevin Bakhurst announced last week that Tubridy would not return to his radio programme because trust had broken down between the two sides.

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Tubridy, who has not spoken publicly since the decision, posted a video of a coastline on Wednesday with the caption: A new dawn, a new day, a new beginning. Stay tuned for more
Gardai have arrested three people following a high speed chase in West Dublin in the early hours of this morning.

At approximately 12:30am, a car failed to stop when directed to do so by gardai in the Lucan area. The car left the scene at speed and a managed containment operation ensued.

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A stinger device was successfully deployed on the N2 at Charleston Place in Finglas and the vehicle was brought to a halt.

It was subsequently discovered that the vehicle had been subject to an unauthorised taking.

One male aged in his late teens and two male juvenile teens were arrested and taken to Garda Stations in the North of Dublin.

The men (late teens) has been charged and is scheduled to appear before the courts at a later date.

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The two male juvenile teens have been released pending referral to the Youth Diversion Programme.

Investigations are currently ongoing.
Wednesday's front pages are focused on the row over the status of the Ironman competition in Cork which saw two men die.

The Irish Times and Irish Examiner report the national body for triathlons and the organisers of the Ironman event in which two swimmers died have clashed over the circumstances in which the Cork race started.

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The Echo lead with a piece about complaints of people gathering at a graveyard in Kilcully.

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Don't miss your comprehensive Community Games results pullout in Wednesday's Irish Daily Mail. pic.twitter.com/Q7EETxhrI4 Advertisement  The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) August 23, 2023

Today's Irish Sun. pic.twitter.com/WTzmMtJ5KJ  The Irish Sun (@IrishSunOnline) August 23, 2023 Advertisement

Morning readers. Stay with @BelTel for all your breaking news. Here's a look at the front page of Wednesday's Belfast Telegraph.



Today's front page story  https://t.co/8q9Hh7gM2x pic.twitter.com/7sVX6vTCIW Advertisement  Belfast Telegraph (@BelTel) August 23, 2023

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In the UK, continuing questions and fallout from the case of child killer nurse Lucy Letby continues to feature on the front pages of Wednesdays newspaper front pages.

There is happier medical news with several titles featuring Britains first womb transplant, while dramatic pictures of a cable car rescue in Pakistan also appears on a number of front pages.

The Guardian covers all three stories on its front page but concentrates on demands into a statutory inquiry into the Letby murders with one bereaved family accusing the hospital of a total fob off.

There are more calls for action in The Independent with a consultant who raised the alarm over Letby wanting hospital bosses to face regulations.

The Daily Mirror talks to the parents of a girl who nearly died after an attack by Beverley Allitt, another nurse convicted of killing children in 1991, and asks how it could happen again.

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There are more calls for a watchdog for NHS bosses on the front of The Times, which leads on an investigation into a Chinese spy targeting UK officials by using fake LinkedIn profiles.

The Daily Mail gives over its front page to the woman who donated her womb to her younger sister, which it calls a groundbreaking transplant which could help thousands of women who have been unable to give birth.

Wednesdays Daily MAIL: Woman Gives Womb To Her Sister In UK Transplant First #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/pk2VvdpuIc  Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) August 22, 2023

Sisters gift is the take of the i while the Metro says both operations  totalling more than 17 hours  had been a massive success.

Tomorrow's Paper Today 



UK'S FIRST TRANSPLANT: I GAVE WOMB TO MY BABY SISTER pic.twitter.com/aA9NygiaNf  Metro (@MetroUK) August 22, 2023

The Daily Telegraph focuses on the expansion of Londons Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez), saying government plans to stop the move were overruled by lawyers.

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The front page of today's Daily Telegraph:



'Lawyers block PM overruling Ulez plans'#TomorrowsPapersToday



Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4Oomry pic.twitter.com/8H3mphqYC6  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) August 22, 2023

Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch is the focus of the Daily Express as she says warnings of doom over Brexit have been proved wrong as she finalises a trade deal with India.

Fears over exposure to significant Chinese risks for investors in the initial public offering of UK chip designer Arm leads the Financial Times.

And the Daily Star warns the wet and warm summer will bring swarms of flies and daddy longlegs.
Crews in mountain and desert towns are working to clear away mud and debris in the aftermath of the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years.

The system was dissipating as it moved over the Rocky Mountains.

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Hilary dumped record rainfall over Californias deserts, including in the stark Death Valley that experienced its single-rainiest day on record on Sunday.



Floodwater streams down from Mount Charleston in Mountain Springs, Nevada (Ty ONeil/AP)

As Hilary moved nort-heast into the neighboring state of Nevada, flooding was reported, power was out and a boil-water order was issued for about 400 households in the Mount Charleston area, where the only road in and out was washed out. The area is about 40 miles west of Las Vegas.

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Hilary first slammed into Mexicos arid Baja California Peninsula as a hurricane, causing one death and widespread flooding before becoming a tropical storm. So far, no deaths, serious injuries or extreme damages have been reported in California, though officials warned that risks remain, especially in the mountainous regions where the wet hillsides could unleash mudslides.

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In one dramatic scene, rescue officials in the desert community of Cathedral City, near Palm Springs, drove a bulldozer through mud to a swamped care home and rescued 14 residents by scooping them up and carrying them to safety, fire chief Michael Contreras said.

We were able to put the patients into the scoop. Its not something that Ive ever done in my 34 years as a firefighter, but disasters like this really cause us to have to look at those means of rescue that arent in the book and that we dont do everyday, he said at a news conference.

It was one of 46 rescues the city performed between late Sunday night and the next afternoon from mud and water standing up to 5 feet.

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Firefighters use a skip loader to rescue a resident from an assisted living centre in Cathedral City, California, after the street was flooded with mud (Mark J Terrill/AP)

Hilary is the latest potentially climate-related disaster to wreak havoc across the US, Canada and Mexico. Hawaiis island of Maui is still reeling from a blaze that killed more than 100 people, making it the deadliest US wildfire in more than a century. Firefighters in Canada are battling that nations worst fire season on record.

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Hot water and hot air were both crucial factors that enabled Hilarys rapid growth  steering it on an unusual but not quite unprecedented path that dumped rain in some normally bone-dry places.

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The wet weather might stave off wildfires for a few weeks in Southern California and in parts of the Sierra Nevadas, but widespread rain is not expected in the most fire-prone areas, University of California, Los Angeles, climate scientist Daniel Swain said in an online briefing on Monday.

Flooding and mudslides were reported across Southern Californias inland desert and mountain areas.



Maura Taura surveys the damaged cause by a tree downed by Tropical Storm Hilary outside her home in Sun Valley, California (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)

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In the San Bernardino Mountains, crews worked to clear mud that blocked the homes of about 800 residents, California fire battalion chief Alison Hesterly said.

Hilary shattered daily rain records in San Diego and dumped the equivalent of a full years worth on Death Valley National Park, forcing the park to be closed indefinitely and leaving about 400 people sheltering at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs until roads could be made passable, park officials said.

It was the rainiest day on record on Sunday as the storm hit dumping 2.2 inches on the desert area, according to John Adair, senior meteorologist at NWS Las Vegas.

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A tropical storm last roared into California in September 1939, ripping apart train tracks, tearing houses from their foundations and capsizing many boats. Nearly 100 people were killed on land and at sea.

Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Harold made landfall on the South Texas coast on Tuesday, where it is expected to bring wind gusts of up to 50mph in areas along the US-Mexico border and produce 2 to 4 inches of rain with some isolated amounts of up to 6 inches in South Texas until Wednesday.
A teenage member of the Lapsus$ hacking group was on Wednesday found by a UK jury to have hacked Uber and fintech firm Revolut then blackmailed the developers of best-selling videogame Grand Theft Auto.

Arion Kurtaj (18) embarked on a solo cyber crime spree in September 2022, first targeting Revolut before hacking Uber two days later.

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Kurtaj and a 17-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons, were described by the prosecution as the key players in the LapsusS hacking group.

Psychiatrists had assessed Kurtaj as unfit to stand trial so the role of the jury in his case was to decide whether he had committed the acts alleged against him.

On Wednesday, following a two-month trial at Londons Southwark Crown Court plus nine hours and 19 minutes of deliberations, a jury unanimously found Kurtaj had carried out 12 offences in his spree of innovative hacks.

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Neither defendant gave evidence during the jury trial at Southwark Crown Court (Sean Dempsey/PA)

These offences included six counts of carrying out an unauthorised act to impair the operation of a computer, three counts of blackmail, two fraud offences, and of failing to comply with a section 49 notice to disclose a key when he did not give up the password to his mobile phone when asked to by police.

He tried to blackmail Rockstar Games by threatening to leak the stolen source code for the Grand Theft Auto sequel onto internet forums, the indictment stated.

Kurtaj and the youth were also accused of hacking software company Nvidia in February 2022 before threatening to release Nvidia Corporations intellectual property on to the web if it did not pay them.

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The 17 year-old showed no emotion as he was found guilty of one count of fraud, a charge of blackmail and also of having carried out an unauthorised act to impair the operation of a computer.

His mother wept uncontrollably after the verdicts were read out.

Prosecutors alleged Kurtaj and the 17-year-old, aided by unknown associates, hacked the servers and data files of broadband provider BT and mobile operator EE before demanding a $4 million ransom on August 1st, 2021.

But the 17-year-old was found not guilty of a charge of have carried out an unauthorised act to impair the operation of a computer and a further charge of blackmail in relation to BT.

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He previously pleaded guilty to one offence under the UK's Computer Misuse Act and one count of fraud.

Neither defendant gave evidence during the jury trial.

Sentencing dates at the same court have yet to be fixed for either defendant.

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A case management hearing has been set for Kurtaj on September 21st, while it is hoped that a sentencing date may be fixed for the 17-year-old on November 9th.

During the trial, the court was told that Kurtaj had been living in care since the age of 14 and had been housed for a period in a Travelodge for his own protection.

Kurtajs defence counsel David Miller described the youngster as the most vulnerable of adolescents who was now pitted against huge companies and corporations worth billions, who had unlimited funds and unlimited resources including the FBI, National Crime Agency, Interpol and City of London Police.

During closing speeches, he told the jury: Keep in mind Arion Kurtajs psychological make-up, and in particular his psychological condition, his education or lack thereof  could he be the highly intelligent, competent genius that the prosecution set out at the beginning?

After the verdicts, Detective Superintendent Richard Waight, of the City of London Police, said: This has been a complex and sensitive investigation involving a multi-agency response and there have been a number of challenges throughout the police investigation and judicial process.

We thank the judge and jury for being patient throughout the trial, during deliberations and for the subsequent verdicts.
Ukrainian saboteurs co-ordinated by Kyivs military intelligence services carried out a pair of recent drone attacks that hit parked bomber aircraft at air bases deep inside Russia, Ukraine media claimed on Tuesday.

The attacks on Russian airfields on Saturday and Monday destroyed two Russian bombers and damaged two other aircraft, according to Ukrainska Pravda, as the war approaches its 18-month milestone.

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That newspaper and Ukraines NV news outlet said groups of saboteurs were behind the strikes. It was not possible to verify the claims on the ground.



Falling wreckage from the drone shattered an apartment buildings windows and damaged vehicles but there no injuries were reported (Moscow News Agency/AP)

Ukrainian media attributed two attacks to the saboteurs  a strike Saturday on the Soltsy air base in the Novgorod region in north-western Russia, about 360 miles (700km) north of the Ukrainian border, and Mondays strike against the Shaikovka air base in the south-western Kaluga region which is about 180 miles (300km) north-east of the Ukrainian border.

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Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman Andriy Yusov told the Ukrainian LIGA.net news outlet on Monday that at least one Russian warplane was damaged in the attack on Shaikovka.

He said it was carried out by people who worked in close coordination with Ukrainian military intelligence but gave no further details.

The Russian Defence Ministry said the attack on Soltsy damaged one aircraft. It did not comment on the reported attack on Shaikovka, but Russian media did.



People visit a street in Kyiv where destroyed Russian military vehicles are on display ahead of Ukraines Independence Day, August 24 (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

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Ukraine has been seeking to take the war into the heart of Russia since earlier this year.

It has increasingly targeted Moscows military assets behind the front lines in eastern and southern Ukraine and at the same time has launched drones against Moscow, most recently early on Tuesday.

Kyiv is also trying to keep up the pressure on the Kremlin along multiple fronts, pursuing a counter-offensive at various points along the 900-mile (1,500km) front line, as well as diplomatically by obtaining pledges of more weaponry from its Western allies, including F-16 warplanes.

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Ukraines deputy defense minister Hanna Malyar said on Tuesday that the Ukrainian military have entered the south-eastern village of Robotyne in the frontline Zaporizhzhia region and were coming under continuous shelling by Russian forces.

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Some previous Ukrainian attacks on Russian air bases involved Soviet-designed drones powered by turbojet engines. They have a range of up to 600 miles (1,000km). But the strikes in recent days apparently used primitive small drones, which would corroborate the possibility that they were launched by saboteurs.



Investigators work at the site where the downed Ukrainian drone fell in Krasnogorsk, just outside Moscow (Moscow News Agency/AP)

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Also on Monday, a Russian pensioner walking in a forest about 370 miles (600km) north of the Ukrainian border came across the remains of a drone painted in the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag.

Pictures shared on Russian social media channels show that the drone had Glory to Ukraine inscribed on a broken wing and Glory to the heroes written on the other wing, the Russian telegram channel Baza said on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, a recent spate of drone attacks apparently targeting Moscow continued early on Tuesday but were thwarted by Russian air defence systems, Russias Ministry of Defence said.

However, falling wreckage of one drone shattered an apartment buildings windows and damaged vehicles in Moscows western suburbs.

There were no reports of injuries in the latest drone attacks that Russia blamed on Kyiv.

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A part alleged to be from the downed drone lies on the ground in Krasnogorsk, just outside Moscow (Moscow News Agency/AP)

Though the drone attacks on Russian soil have occurred almost daily in recent weeks, they have caused little damage and there have been no casualties.

Flights at several Moscow airports were temporarily suspended on Tuesday as a security precaution amid the attacks, authorities said.

Two other drones were jammed and crashed in the western Bryansk region bordering Ukraine, the defence ministry said.

Ukraine has not acknowledged responsibility for the attempted drone strikes, nor have senior Russian leaders made any comment about the development.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to speak via video-link at a meeting this week in Johannesburg of leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

He is under threat of arrest if he travels abroad due to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant and will not attend the so-called Brics talks in person.
Tropical Storm Franklin made landfall on the island of Hispaniola, shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti, on Wednesday, bringing fears it would trigger deadly landslides and heavy flooding in both countries.

Franklin was expected to swirl above the island for most of Wednesday, with forecasters warning the storm could dump up to 10in (25cm) of rain, with a maximum of 15in (38cm) for the central region of Hispaniola.

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On Wednesday morning, the storm was centred about 105 miles (170km) west-south-west of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, according to the National Hurricane Centre in Miami. It had maximum winds of 50 mph (85 kph) with higher gusts and was moving northward at 10 mph (17 kph). It made landfall along the countrys southern coast near Barahona.

Tropical Storm #Franklin Advisory 10A: Heavy Rainfall and Potentially Life-Threatening Flash Flooding Likely On Hispaniola Through Today. https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb Advertisement  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 23, 2023 Advertisement

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Harold weakened into a tropical depression on Tuesday night after making landfall in South Texas, bringing strong winds, rain and leaving thousands of homes without power.

In the Caribbean, officials were most concerned about Franklins impact in Haiti, which is vulnerable to catastrophic flooding given the countrys severe erosion.

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Prime Minister Ariel Henry urged Haitians on Tuesday to stock up with water, food and medication as authorities checked on some of the more than 200,000 people displaced by gang violence, with some living on the streets or in makeshift shelters.

Some recalled that a powerful thunderstorm that unleashed heavy rain one day in June left more than 40 people dead across Haiti.

In the Dominican Republic, officials closed schools, government agencies and several airports with at least 24 of the countrys 31 provinces under red alert.

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People walk through a street flooded by rain from Tropical Storm Franklin in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (Ricardo Hernandez/AP)

Flooding had already been reported on Tuesday in Santo Domingo and beyond, where residents prepared for heavy rain.

Were scared of the river, said Doralisa Sanchez, a government employee who lives near the Ozama River that divides the capital and has had to flee her home three times during previous storms.

She hoped Franklin would not force her to seek shelter and temporarily abandon her home because she said people steal belongings left behind.

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Others, like businesswoman Albita Achangel, feared they have nowhere to go if the waters start rising.

We are hoping for Gods will, she said, adding that her patio is already flooded.

The storm worried thousands of Dominicans who live in flood-prone areas.

When two drops of water fall here, this suddenly becomes flooded, said Juan Olivo Urbaez, who owns a small business in a community near the Ozama River.

A man stands under a roof drain as rain from Tropical Storm Franklin falls on Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (Ricardo Hernandez/AP)

A tropical storm warning was in effect for the entire southern coast of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, as well as the entire northern Dominican coast. A tropical storm watch was posted for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Franklin is the seventh named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. An eighth named storm, Gert, dissipated on Tuesday.

On August 10, the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration updated its forecast and warned that this years hurricane season would be above normal.

Between 14 and 21 named storms are forecast. Of those, six to 11 could become hurricanes, with two to five of them possibly becoming major hurricanes.
Donald Trump will be a central figure at the first Republican presidential primary debate on Wednesday  even though he is not taking part.

The remaining eight candidates hoping to take on President Joe Biden in the November 2024 election will confront each other in person for the first time in Milwaukee, hosted by Fox News.

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They will likely face pressure to articulate how they would differ in style and substance from Mr Trump, who holds a commanding early lead in the polls.

That could be a delicate task, forcing candidates to decide how closely to align themselves with the former presidents most outlandish positions, including his lies about widespread fraud during the 2020 election.



Top row from left, senator Tim Scott, governor Ron DeSantis, former governor Nikki Haley, and Vivek Ramaswamy, bottom row from left, former governor Chris Christie, former vice president Mike Pence, Governor Doug Burgum and Governor Asa Hutchinson (AP Photo)

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With less than five months until the Iowa caucuses jumpstart the GOP presidential nomination process, the debate is a critical opportunity for lower-polling candidates to introduce themselves to millions of voters.

The pressure is perhaps greatest for Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who announced his campaign in May to great fanfare but has struggled to gain traction and is fighting to maintain his distant second-place status.

Its really important for the whole crowd and an opportunity for them to connect, said former Maryland Republican governor Larry Hogan, who passed on a run of his own. The stakes, he said, are highest for Mr DeSantis.

Its really do or die for him, make or break, he said. Finally time to show that hes a capable candidate. And if he doesnt, I think this could be the end.

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The debate will also include South Carolina senator Tim Scott, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, former vice president Mike Pence and former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson.



FILE  Republican presidential candidate former president Donald Trump (Charlie Neibergall, AP)

The primetime event will unfold at a moment of reckoning for the Republican Party.

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Mr Trump is the prohibitive early frontrunner in the race, raising serious questions about whether the party will have much of a competitive primary.

The former presidents vulnerabilities in a general election are clear, particularly in the wake of four criminal indictments charging him with hoarding classified documents, conspiring to overturn the 2020 election and making hush money payments to a porn actress and other women.

The debate will take place a day before Mr Trump is set to travel to Georgia to be booked on criminal charges.

His standing in the primary has only increased as the charges have mounted, leaving the GOP on track  barring a stunning realignment  to nominate a candidate who would enter the race against Mr Biden in a potentially weak position.

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Polling this month from The Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research found 64% of Americans are unlikely to support Trump if he is the GOP nominee, including 53% who say they would definitely not support him and 11% who say they would probably not support him in November 2024.
Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Rudolph Giuliani surrendered at a jail in Georgia's Fulton County on Wednesday to face state charges arising from actions he was accused of taking to overturn the former US president's 2020 election loss.

Giuliani, a former federal prosecutor and New York City mayor, was ordered to pay a $150,000 bond and not to intimidate any of his 18 co-defendents or witnesses in the case, according to court papers.

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Seven other of Trump's co-defendants in the criminal case brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis accusing him and his associates of trying to reverse his 2020 election loss in Georgia already have surrendered at an Atlanta jail, according to county records.

Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican nomination to challenge US Democratic president Joe Biden, continues to falsely claim that his defeat was the result of fraud.

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Speaking in New York before flying to Atlanta, Giuliani denied wrongdoing and defended Trump.

"I'm feeling very, very good about it because I feel like I'm defending the rights of all Americans," Giuliani told reporters. "I'm telling the truth, they're lying."

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Trump was set to turn himself in on Thursday to face his fourth criminal indictment this year. The remaining 10 co-defendants named in the Georgia indictment have until Friday to surrender.

Trump has called his four indictments politically motivated.

Giuliani played a prominent public role in the Trump campaign's efforts to push false claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 election.

In Georgia, Giuliani was accused of making numerous false statements about election fraud, including to officials in other states such as Arizona and Pennsylvania, in a failed bid to convince them to approve an alternative slate of electors in the formal congressional certification of the election results to keep Trump in power.

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Giuliani and other Trump allies were also accused of making false statements to Georgia lawmakers about the election.

Attorney Sidney Powell, who played a leading role in promoting Trump's false fraud claims, was booked at the jail on Wednesday, according to records posted on the country sheriff's website.

Trump campaign attorney Kenneth Chesebro, indicted for allegedly helping to devise a plan to submit fake slates of electors for Trump to obstruct the congressional certification, turned himself in at the Fulton County sheriff's office on Wednesday, jail records showed.

Ray Smith, a lawyer who previously represented Trump in Georgia, also surrendered on Wednesday.

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On Tuesday, Trump's former lawyer John Eastman and Republican poll watcher Scott Hall surrendered while former Georgia Republican Party leaders Cathy Latham and David Shafer were booked overnight, according to the jail.

Shafer, Trump's former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark have filed petitions to have their cases moved to federal court.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to two sets of federal criminal charges brought by Jack Smith, a special counsel named by Biden-appointed US Attorney General Merrick Garland, concerning the efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss and his possession of classified documents after leaving office. Trump also pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan case involving hush money paid before the 2016 election to a porn star. -Reuters
Elon Musk has a new vision for his new X.com platform.

The Chief Twit recently confirmed that he is planning to strip headlines from news articles shared on X.com to better highlight a user's thoughts.

Musk has yet to reveal when this change will become official on X.com.

Less Is More

Musk wants posts with links to news articles to be about users' thoughts about them. As first reported by Fortune, and then confirmed by Musk himself, X.com may only display the lead image and the URL of a news article on posts on the platform.

As of press time, X.com still uses Twitter's "Preview Cards" when users post news articles on the platform. Mashable said that these preview cards consist of an image, a link, a headline, and a summary of the article, which doesn't count against X.com's character limits.

There are two reasons why Musk wants to push through with his plan. According to 9to5Mac, removing the headlines would free up space in users' timelines to show more posts. It would also force journalists to write their articles directly on X.com since his plan will do away with most of the elements of Twitter's preview cards.

Musk even encouraged writers and journalists to write their articles on X.com on his personal account. He even said they could earn more and have more freedom to write when they switch over to X.com.

Read More: Walmart To Release Identity Verification Systems for Its Delivery Platform

Interestingly, Musk believes that the change will improve the platform's aesthetics greatly. However, Musk's statement could be connected to the first reason 9to5Mac stated.

Tech Crunch's source within X.com revealed similar reasons why Musk wants to push his plan through. Aside from freeing up space in users' timelines to show more posts, Musk also (allegedly) believes that removing headlines from the preview cards will reduce clickbait.

Musk's plans don't come as a surprise after his decision to throttle traffic to competing sites and certain news outlets on X.com. The Chief Twit has been throttling internet traffic to Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and even The New York Times.

Although X.com's advertisers allegedly didn't like Musk's plan, the Chief Twit is reportedly planning on going through with the plan anyway. A recent update to X.com's mobile version introduced overlaying URL links over images on news articles, which hides the accompanying short description of articles though the headlines are still visible.

Impact On Writers, Journalists

Should Musk's plan become the norm on X.com, journalists and writers would encounter difficulties in attracting readers through the platform. Without the headline to catch users' attention, they will simply skip over articles on their timelines.

The opposite is also true - if a writer/journalist isn't an X Premium subscriber they couldn't write an attractive article on X.com due to the character limit. There won't even be any monetary payment for such an effort; X.com has been failing to pay verified creators on time, if at all.

Additionally, the program to pay verified creators on X.com is only available in the US, which could be a dealbreaker for most writers worldwide. It will be some time before writers/journalists consider posting their work on X.com instead of doing so on their websites.

Related Article: X Might Use Government-Issued IDs for Blue Verification
A 64-year-old man whose sailboat became disabled spent three days stranded on an island in the Bahamas before the US Coast Guard spotted a flare he fired and rescued him.

The crew of a Coast Guard Air Station Miami aircraft dropped food, water and a radio to communicate with the man, who told them about his ordeal, the agency said.

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The Coast Guard cutter Paul Clark rescued the man on Friday on Cay Sal. He is in good health, a news release said.



A disabled sailboat during the Coast Guards rescue(U.S. Coast Guard via AP)

Aerial photos released on Tuesday by the Coast Guard show that the man, whose name was not released, had etched the letters SOS in the islands sandy beach.

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Were proud to have saved this mans life, said petty officer 3rd class dev Craig.

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This case serves as a perfect example of why you must have the proper safety equipment on your vessel. Without seeing the flare, the case may not have had a successful outcome.
A private jet crashed in Russia on Wednesday, killing all 10 people on board, emergency officials said.

Mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the passenger list, but it was not immediately clear if he was on board.

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Prigozhins fate has been the subject of intense speculation ever since he mounted a short-lived mutiny against Russias military leadership in late June.

The Kremlin said the founder of the Wagner private military company, which fought alongside Russias regular army in Ukraine, would be exiled to Belarus.

However, the mercenary chief has since reportedly popped up in Russia, leading to further questions about his future.

A plane carrying three pilots and seven passengers that was en route from Moscow to St Petersburg went down more than 60 miles north of the capital, according to officials cited by Russias state news agency Tass.

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It was not clear if Prigozhin was among those on board, though Russias civilian aviation regulator, Rosaviatsia, said he was on the manifest.

Russias state news agency RIA Novosti reported, citing emergency officials, that eight bodies were found at the site of the crash.

Flight tracking data reviewed by The Associated Press showed a private jet registered to Wagner that Prigozhin had used previously took off from Moscow on Wednesday evening and its transponder signal disappeared minutes later.

The signal was lost in a rural region with no nearby airfields where the jet could have landed safely.

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In an image posted by a pro-Wagner social media account showing burning wreckage, a partial tail number matching a private jet belonging to the company could be seen.

The colour and placement of the number on the engine of the crashed plane matches other photos of the Wagner jet examined by The AP.

This week Prigozhin posted his first recruitment video since the mutiny, saying that Wagner is conducting reconnaissance and search activities, and making Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa even more free.

Also this week, Russian media reported, citing anonymous sources, that a top Russian general linked to Prigozhin, General Sergei Surovikin, was dismissed from his position of the commander of Russias air force.

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Surovikin, who at one point led Russias operation in Ukraine, has not been seen in public since the mutiny, when he recorded a video address urging Prigozhins forces to pull back.

As the news about the crash was breaking, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at an event commemorating the Battle of Kursk, hailing the heroes of Russias special military operation in Ukraine.
The Qantas Group has once again been accused of deliberately cancelling flights between key capital cities to stifle competition, with airport leaders calling for reform to airport slot regulation.

Qantas cancelled 12 per cent of flights from Canberra to Sydney in July  three times as many flights as rival Virgin Australia, which uses Link Airways aircraft and crew, on the same route last month.

Qantas has once again been accused of slot hoarding, one day ahead of its full year financial results where its expected to announce record profits. Credit: AAP

Sydney Airports executive general manager Rob Wood  who formerly worked at Virgin and Qantas  told a House of Representatives inquiry on Wednesday that the two major airlines hide behind weather and air-traffic control issues to justify flight cancellations, but were clearly also motivated by preventing new entrants access to the airport.

Qantas has repeatedly rejected accusations that it hoards slots. The airline says that in the event it is forced to cancel a flight, it determines where a cancellation is least likely to cause passenger disruption.
National Australia Bank chair Philip Chronican says the government should stick to its ambitious target to dramatically lift the role of renewable energy in the countrys electricity grid by 2030, as he warned the nation faced a $270 billion hit to its exports as the world moves away from fossil fuels.

While Australia has abundant natural resources, Chronican said on Thursday that demand for those emissions-intensive exports would decline after 2030.

NAB chair Philip Chronican said Australia could shed about 1 per cent of its GDP every year until 2050 without further action towards net zero. Credit: Elke Meitzel

Unless we take a proactive approach to it, its likely that were going to suffer from a loss of economic output, he said. Other countries will be looking to improve their own emissions positions, and were not currently positioned to meet that demand.

As NAB released a report it commissioned from Deloitte that highlighted the opportunity from decarbonisation, Chronican also underlined the cost of not doing enough.
The economic travails of the post-pandemic years have led to intense intellectual and policy debates. One thing almost everyone agrees on, however, is that the post-COVID crisis bears very little resemblance to the global financial crisis of 2008.

So, sure enough, China  the worlds biggest or second-biggest economy, depending on how you measure it  seems to be teetering on the edge of a crisis that looks a lot like what the rest of the world went through in 2008.

Xi Jinping and his government should be able to resolve the crisis through some combination of bailouts of debtors and haircuts for creditors. Credit: Getty

Im not confident enough in my understanding of China to judge whether it will manage to contain its Minsky moment, the point at which everyone suddenly realises that unsustainable debt is, in fact, unsustainable. In fact, Im not sure if anyone  including Chinese officials  knows the answer to that question.

But I think we can answer a more conditional question: if China does have a 2008-style crisis, will it spill over in a major way to the rest of the world, the United States in particular? And there the answer is pretty clearly no. Big as Chinas economy is, America has remarkably little financial or trade exposure to Chinas problems.
Nine historic defence sites around Sydney Harbour must raise revenue and attract more tourists, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has declared, even as the agency managing the sites scales back redevelopment plans in the face of community pressure.

The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust will on Thursday release a revised master plan for Middle Head in Mosman which abandons parts of the draft proposal following a backlash, but proceeds with the demolition of three 1950s timber barracks  to the alarm of heritage advocates.

Middle Head, or Gubbuh Gubbuh, has significant Indigenous, military and environmental heritage value. Credit: Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.

It no longer proposes to reconfigure Middle Head Oval or move the change facilities, retains the former military guardhouse and its currently tenanted cafe, and rules out frequent large-scale events on the headland.

Instead, the Trust is proposing to use the headland for no more than two events a year  such as heritage open days, temporary exhibitions or community festivals  and cap visitors at 500 a day. The brick buildings of the 10 Terminal will still be redeveloped, including food and beverage.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has paid tribute to Brisbane Times journalist Stuart Layt, who died on Tuesday aged 40.

Layt, who was Science and Health Reporter at Brisbane Times, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2022 and underwent a series of evidence-based medical interventions.

Stuart Layt, Science and Health Reporter for Brisbane Times, died in hospital on August 22 surrounded by close family.

In his final days, Layt was aware of his fate and able to spend time with loved ones. He died in Greenslopes Private Hospital early on Tuesday morning with close family by his side.

In parliament on Wednesday, Palaszczuk said Layt, a former member of the Queensland Media Gallery, was deeply respected.
Is it not just a little odd that the governments Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail website does not address among its maps, graphics or 1500 glorifying words the projects most tantalising promise?

We can mosey online to learn any number of virtues, including the 20 kilometres of new track, the station upgrades, and the removal of five level-crossings. Indeed, the $2.6 billion mega-build, funded by the Queensland and federal governments, has been welcomed by rail advocates.

Sometimes, Faster Rail means faster rail. Other times, it means Faster Rail. Got it? Credit: Michelle Smith

But what, exactly, do the bureaucrats mean by Faster Rail?

The capitalised title suggests something formal, or a widely accepted benchmark. Like how Fast Rail generally signifies speeds of 160-250km/h (depending on who you ask). Or how High-Speed Rail  the kind Japan has enjoyed for almost 60 years but which continues to elude this country  means anything beyond 250km/h.
A high-profile man accused of rape has tried to expedite his next court date because of fears new Queensland legislation might catch up to him and allow media to report his name.

The mans matter was mentioned again on Wednesday in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court where prosecutors sought a one-month adjournment to pore over 19 months of phone data from before and after the alleged offence.

Lawyer Rowan King (left) outside Toowoomba Magistrates Court at an earlier hearing for the matter. Credit: AAP

But defence lawyer Rowan King, appearing by phone, asked that this be shortened to one week so he could get in early to seek a suppression order on his clients identity.

Its intended that in the next two to three weeks there will be legislation coming in, which will potentially allow the naming of my client, and its intended that we make an application to maintain the suppression of my clients name for publication, King said.
Soon enough, we will have to completely rely on streaming services when we watch movies at home. Netflix will be shutting down its DVD rental service in a month after 25 years of operations, and you can get a disc as a souvenir since the company is letting renters keep their final shipment of DVDs.

A Memento of the Old Format

Rent a physical movie while you still can as Netflix will be shutting down its DVD rental service on September 29th this year, and make it a good one since the company will let you keep it. According to Netflix, you can "enjoy your final shipments as long as you like."

Since the DVD subscription platform will be no more in a couple of weeks, the company won't really be needing the disc anymore. With that being said, there will be no additional charges when you don't return them after Netflix officially shuts down the service.

If you aren't a subscriber yet, you have until August 29 to do so. In fact, there's a chance that you'll get more than what you rented, as reported by Gizmodo. Subscribers can get up to 10 extra discs inside the red envelope.

The freebies are not a guarantee, but the company says that it's "still worth giving it a shot." The promotion states: "Let's have some fun for our finale! The 'fun' is in seeing just how many discs arrive," adding that the number of discs that will arrive will be random.

While the number of discs is up to chance, the movies are not. Netflix will send movies based on the movies that are listed in the subscriber's streaming service, so you might want to add a couple to your list so the company will know what you want to receive.

Even though a DVD would make a good memento, you might want to keep the envelope as well. Soon enough, you won't be seeing any more of it. It would make for a cool keepsake once the company stops sending them out.

Read Also: Netflix Sends Extra Discs for DVD Subscribers Before Shutting It Down

Why is Netflix Shutting Down Its DVD Rental Service?

It's quite simple. People are no longer using DVDs and are instead turning to streaming services to watch movies and shows. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said that their goal has always been to provide the best service for their members, but the shrinking business has made that difficult.

The DVD rental service only made up .5% of the company's non-streaming revenue in 2021, which had dropped to only $150 million last in the previous year. It has come to a point where shipping the discs is now costing the company more than its earning.

In its 25 years of service since 1998, Netflix managed to ship out over 5.2 billion DVDs. Its selection included 20 main genres and 530 subgenres, allowing its 40 million unique subscribers a wide variety of content.

The first title it ever shipped was the comedy-horror movie "Beetlejuice" back on March 10th, 1998. The most popular title in the rental service was "The Blind Side," a once heartwarming movie that is now being questioned due to controversies.

Related: Netflix's DVD Rental Service Will Be Shut Down This 2023
New Delhi: India has landed a spacecraft near the moons south pole, an uncharted territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements.

The feat late on Wednesday evening cements the countrys growing prowess in space and technology.

Journalists film the live telecast of spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 landing on the moon at ISROs Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network facility in Bengaluru, India. Credit: AP

This is a victory cry of a new India, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was seen waving the Indian flag as he watched the landing from South Africa, where he is attending the BRICS summit.

The touchdown of a lander with a rover inside on the lunar surface sparked cheers and applause among the space scientists watching in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru.
An investigation team has left for the scene, all necessary forensic examinations will be appointed, and a set of investigative actions will be carried out to determine the causes of the plane crash, it said. The civil aviation authority confirmed earlier that the Wagner founder was on the flight that crashed while flying from Moscow to St Petersburg, killing all seven passengers and three crew on board. The private jet, believed to have been owned by Prigozhin, went off radar about 160 kilometres north-west of Moscow, according to the flight-tracking service Flightradar24. It was reportedly cruising at about 8500 metres before it disappeared shortly after 6pm on Wednesday, Moscow time. Wagner-linked Telegram channel Grey Zone reported the Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft was shot down by air defences in the Tver region. It later reported Prigozhin was dead, alongside Wagners second-in-command and former Russian special forces officer Dmitry Utkin and Valeriy Chekalov, a senior aide to Prigozhin. The leader of the Wagner Group, a Hero of Russia, a real patriot of his motherland  Yevgeny Prigozhin has died at the hands of traitors of Russia. But even in hell hell be the best! Glory to Russia, it wrote.

Earlier, Grey Zone said residents near the village of Kuzhenkino reported two bangs before the crash and saw two vapour trails. The channel reported that witnesses said theyd heard two bursts of characteristic air defence fire before the fall of the plane, and this is confirmed by inversion traces in the sky in one of the videos, adding that the information was preliminary. Loading As news of it broke, Putin was speaking at an event commemorating the Battle of Kursk, hailing the heroes of Russias war in Ukraine. In Kursk itself, about 500 km south of Moscow, he hailed the victory of Soviet troops over German invaders 80 years ago. I heartily congratulate all citizens of Russia on this event, Putin said while standing onstage in front of an orchestra, in footage that made its way across social media. He was pictured smiling and presenting state awards to military personnel.

Russian aviation officials cited by media reports had not provided a reason for the crash, while some Russian figures have speculated it could have been caused by a bomb planted on board. Tass news agency said the plane caught fire on hitting the ground, adding that four bodies had already been found. The aircraft had been in the air for less than half an hour, it said. The Wall Street Journal reported a second Embraer aircraft, also owned by Prigozhin, was seen travelling toward St Petersburg not long before the other aircraft disappeared. The second plane eventually turned back towards Moscow and landed in the Russian capital, flight trackers revealed.

While speculation is rife among Kremlin watchers that Putin  notoriously unforgiving of traitors  had ordered the downing of the aircraft, some warned that it was possible Prigozhin, 62, might have staged his own death. Prigozhin, a former Kremlin caterer known as Putins chef, had emerged as one of the most important leaders of Russias war effort before souring on the militarys leadership so much that he launched a coup against them in late June. The Wagner headquarters building in St Petersburg. Although Wagners men effectively seized control of two major cities in southern Russia, killing at least 13 soldiers as they downed two helicopters and a plane on their march to Moscow, Putin had appeared to forgive his one-time close ally. The rebellion ended after a deal was struck between Putin and Prigozhin under which Wagner would move its operations to neighbouring Belarus and its leaders would receive immunity.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who helped broker the agreement, later said that Prigozhin had returned to his home town of St Petersburg in Russia. United States President Joe Biden, on holiday in Nevada, told reporters he did not know for a fact what happened but was not surprised. He added: Not much happens in Russia that Putins not behind. A US National Security Council spokeswoman said: If confirmed, no one should be surprised. The disastrous war in Ukraine led to a private army marching on Moscow, and now  it would seem  to this.

After the June revolt, Russian authorities detained several military leaders suspected of collusion with the mutiny, including the former commander of the war in Ukraine, General Sergei Surovikin. Loading State newswire RIA Novosti cited an informed source on Wednesday saying Surovikin had been relieved of his post and replaced by Viktor Afzalov, the aerospace forces chief of staff. Known as General Armageddon for brutal bombardments under his command in Syria, Surovikin was the most prominent figure among a number of senior military leaders who had good relations with Prigozhin, but had not been seen in public since he was detained in late June. On Monday, Prigozhin posted his first video address since leading a short-lived rebellion in Russia, appearing in a clip possibly shot in Africa. He was seen in the video standing in a desert area in camouflage and with a rifle in his hands.
The Centre has asked all universities and higher education institutions, including IITs and IIMs, to organise special assemblies to watch the live-streaming of Chandrayaan-3's landing on moon.

The landing of India's Chandrayaan-3 is a monumental occasion that will not only fuel curiosity but also spark a passion for exploration within the minds of our youth. It will generate a profound sense of pride and unity as we collectively celebrate the prowess of Indian science and technology.

It will contribute to fostering an environment of scientific inquiry and innovation, Higher Education secretary K Sanjay Murthy said in a letter to all heads of all education institutions.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has also issued a similar directive asking the institutions to hold special assemblies and live stream moments of Chandrayaan-3, India's third lunar mission landing, on Wednesday.

According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Chandrayaan-3 is scheduled to land on the moon on August 23, at approximately 6:04 pm. Chandrayaan-3 is all set to make a soft landing on moon's south pole.

The Higher Education Institutions are requested to organise special assemblies from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm and watch LIVE streaming of Chandrayaan-3 landing on the moon to witness this momentous occasion," the letter added.

Also Read Chandrayaan-3: ISRO's Lander releases new images of moon from 70 km above Chandrayaan-3 set for launch: Here's a look at Isro's other lunar missions Ahead of launch, Isro team visits Tirupathi temple with Chandrayaan-3 model India shoots for the Moon with Chandrayaan-3: 10 facts you must know Lunar Eclipse 2023: The lunar eclipse on May 5 will be visible in India Chandrayaan-3 moon landing today: When and where to watch live streaming Chandrayaan-3: Third Lunar mission in 15 years, Moon truly beckons Isro Two key features of Chandrayaan: A Tamil connect and a scientific payload TN soil plays key role in Chandrayaan-3 mission, just like state's sons MP ATS arrests Naxalite accused in over 60 cases, wanted in 4 states
Amid continued differences in positions on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India is hopeful of a consensus among the Group of Twenty (G20) nations on the five key trade and investment issues that countries have been deliberating since the beginning of the week in Jaipur.

There is a possibility of a good outcome document, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said, adding that there are realities on which consensus is not possible.

In the past, the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting, two meetings of the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, as well as the Energy Transition Meeting in July, ended without a joint communique due to diplomatic tussles between the West and Russia over the war in Ukraine.

We are confident that tomorrow (Thursday) and the day after the ministerial meeting, we will come up with a concrete, actionable agenda that will help the world withstand any future shocks, the minister told reporters.

The two-day G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting, starting Thursday, is being held in Jaipur. The meeting was preceded by the fourth and final Trade and Investment Working Group meeting under Indias G20 Presidency on August 21-22.

Government officials told Business Standard that even as the meeting of the officials from all the G20 nations has been making good progress, uncertainty continues regarding whether there will be a joint communique at the end of the ministerial meeting on Friday, considering past trends.

During the working group meetings that started in March, five priority areas were identified: trade for growth and prosperity, resilient trade and global value chains (GVCs), integrating micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into world trade, logistics for trade, and World Trade Organization reforms.

We have been able to come up with significant consensus among member countries, invoking a Jaipur Call for Action. It will help promote the industry, the MSME sector, upgrade the global trade helpdesk, and bridge information gaps for MSMEs to help them expand their business and trade, said Goyal.

There have also been deliberations on formulating high-level principles for the digitalisation of trade and trade facilitation since technology has profoundly impacted the way cross-border trade is undertaken. In this regard, India has been advocating for a paperless trading system to further reduce transaction costs, make smaller shipments more cost-effective, and enable the internationalisation of operations at a lower cost.

Also Read Three-day-long G20 event in Kashmir to begin today: All you need to know Crisis in multilateralism affecting developing nations most: PM at G20 meet G20 nations adopt 'chair summary' after Russia, China opposition G20 foreign ministers' meeting today: Schedule, agenda, other details here LIVE: Blinken asks for 'contact' with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov India makes history: Chandrayaan-3 touches down on the Moon's south pole Nasa chief congratulates India, Isro as Chandrayaan-3 lands on Moon PM Modi calls Isro chief, congratulates on Chandrayaan-3 success on landing US payrolls likely 306,000 lower through march than previously estimated Generation of scientists contributed to Chandrayaan-3's success: Isro chief

G20 nations also aim to remove bottlenecks that impede the integration of MSMEs in international trade. Furthermore, as 70 per cent of the world trade occurs through GVCs, the trade and investment working group has been deliberating on developing a mapping framework that could make GVCs resilient towards future shocks.

At the sideline of G20 meet, Goyal meets WTO DG, France, UAE Trade Minister

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Wednesday, who emphasised rules-based, open, inclusive multilateral trading systems.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Group of Twenty meet and also comes ahead of the WTOs 13th Ministerial Conference, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi in February next year.

During WTOs inception, the thought was that decisions should be made keeping in mind the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, which means that countries should be given responsibilities according to their growth potential, said Goyal.

Besides, it is important to revive the dispute settlement mechanism that has been dysfunctional for several years.

The minister also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Brazil, France, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and Bangladesh.

Over the next few days, Goyal is also expected to hold talks with UK Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch, European Unions Executive Vice President and Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis, United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development in Canada Mary Ng, among other key ministers.
By Baiju Kalesh and Manuel Baigorri



Jefferies Financial Group Inc. is hiring about 10 investment bankers in India as the US advisory firm looks to beef up its operations in the worlds most populous nation, according to people familiar with the matter.

The New York-based firm is looking to add bankers in ranks ranging from associate to managing director, expanding its team in India to about 25 people, the people said. The new positions will focus on sectors such as infrastructure and industrials, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the information is private.

A representative for Jefferies declined to comment.

Jefferies has been increasing its presence in Asia Pacific, seeking to leverage its stronger position as an advisory firm in other markets such as the US and Europe. Its among banks that have poached from Credit Suisses talent pool after a government-brokered takeover by UBS Group AG that triggered a slew of departures.

Veteran Credit Suisse banker Rizal Gozali is due to start at Jefferies next month, while Credit Suisses co-head of Asia Pacific equity capital markets syndicate Felicity Chan is set to join the US firm as well, Bloomberg News has reported.

Jefferies late last year moved its Asia headquarters in Hong Kong to a new office. Besides Mumbai, the US firm also has offices in Beijing, Melbourne, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo in the region, according to its website.

Jefferies plans also come as India emerges as the next potential growth engine for bankers and investors with dealmaking in China slowing significantly on economic concerns and geopolitical tensions. Singapores Temasek Holdings Pte plans to commit as much as $10 billion to India in three years and hire another four to five investment professionals, its India head Ravi Lambah said in an interview last month.
A day ahead of the G20 trade ministers meeting here, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said the member countries are looking at reaching a consensus on a "Jaipur call for action" to help promote industry, MSMEs, and global trade.

Representatives of the G20 countries are gathering here for the trade and investment ministerial meeting, scheduled on August 24-25.

Briefing the media about the meeting, Goyal said that the officials of the countries have been burning the midnight oil to forge consensus and build a document on the priority areas.

When asked whether disagreement among G20 member countries over the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a concern, Goyal said members are trying to build a consensus on as many issues as possible keeping in mind this reality.

".there are some realities on which there is no possibility of a consensus ... barring this we are trying to build a consensus on all the remaining priorities, he added.

In February, the meeting of finance leaders of the world's 20 biggest economies, referred to as the group of 20 or G20, in Bengaluru had ended without a joint communique after Russia and China opposed any reference to the war in Ukraine. Also, no communiqu was issued after the third G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting at Gandhinagar in July.

The five priority areas that are being discussed are trade for growth and prosperity; trade and resilient global supply chain; integrating MSMEs in global trade; logistics for trade; and WTO reforms.

Strengthening mutual cooperation in the G20 to increase transparency in the use of non-tariff measures would be discussed in the meeting.

The G20 members include Canada, France, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UK, the US and the EU. Representatives from six invitee countries -- Bangladesh, Egypt, the Netherlands, Oman, Singapore and the UAE -- will also participate.

G20 accounts for 85 per cent of global GDP, 78 per cent of global trade, and almost two-thirds of the world's population. India is holding the presidency for this year.

"We have been able to come up with significant consensus amongst the member countries invoking a Jaipur call for action. The Jaipur call for action will help promote industry, MSME sector, upgrade the global trade help desk, and bridge information gaps for MSMEs to help them expand their business and trade," Goyal told reporters here.

Also Read Three-day-long G20 event in Kashmir to begin today: All you need to know Centre will be facilitator for startups, not regulator: Piyush Goyal Crisis in multilateralism affecting developing nations most: PM at G20 meet Piyush Goyal, US trade representative Tai to hold virtual meet today Goods and services exports may cross $750 bn-mark this fiscal: Piyush Goyal 'New history has been written,' says PM Modi as Chandrayaan-3 lands on Moon India conquers the Moon: World hails Chandrayaan-3's historic landing Delhi petrol pump owners protest; demand removal of VAT, margins revision India supports BRICS expansion, welcomes consensus driven talks: PM Modi NDMC clears proposals for 7th Pay Commission, Gole Market restoration

He said that the members have deliberated on formulating high-level principles for digitalisation of trade and trade facilitation.

"We are confident that tomorrow and day after ministerial meetings will come up with a concrete actionable outcome agenda which will help the world withstand any future shocks," he said.

They have also emphasised on the rules-based, open inclusive multilateral trading system, he said adding India has increasingly become the voice of the global south.

On WTO reforms, he said that India wants the dispute settlement mechanism of the Geneva-based organisation to work smoothly.

Goyal has held a bilateral meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is here for the meeting.

He added that though there is a need to modernise the WTO, it should take into account the level of development in developing as well as least developed countries.

"Common but differentiated responsibility (CBDR) should be there...and consensus based decision making of the WTO should continue," he said.
The New Development Bank (NDB), which was established by the BRICS bloc, and the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) have inked a loan agreement for the implementation of phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP).

The NDB will provide a project loan of 3.2 billion South African Rand (USD 173 million) to TCTA under the sovereign guarantee of South Africa.

Lesotho is a small landlocked country bordered on all sides by South African provinces. The LHWP is a multi-phased project to provide water to the Gauteng region of South Africa and to generate hydroelectricity for Lesotho.

The Loan Agreement was signed by Vladimir Kazbekov, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of NDB and Percy Sechemane, Chief Executive Officer of TCTA, on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit currently taking place in Johannesburg.

TCTA, a state-owned entity in South Africa charged with financing and implementing bulk raw water infrastructure projects, will use the funds to construct the Polihali Dam and reservoir, a 38-kilometre-long water transfer tunnel, roads and bridges, telecommunications infrastructure, and will extend electricity and other development infrastructure to Lesotho, it said in a statement.

The project will also bring relief to South Africa's economic hub of Gauteng province, which has been plagued by water supply issues for several years now.

By increasing the yield of the Vaal River Basin by almost 15 per cent in the long run, the project will support economic growth and foster sustainable livelihoods of people of Gauteng, a highly urbanised province with 15 million people (25 per cent of the total population of the country), responsible for 36 per cent of South Africa's GDP, the statement said.

Three other provinces (the North-West, Mpumalanga and Free State provinces) will also benefit directly from the increased water supply resulting from the project.

The Project will be co-financed by NDB, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other financiers.

Today marks a significant milestone as NDB and TCTA sign the Loan Agreement for the implementation of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

This is the first project financed by NDB outside of BRICS countries and it supports South Africa's commitment to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water, as promoted by Sustainable Development Goal 6 (of the UN). This project exemplifies NDB's dedication to supporting projects that promote access to clean water while prioritising sustainable management of water resources, Kazbekov said.

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This pivotal partnership between the NDB and TCTA represents more than just the provision of water it is an emblem of our shared commitment to sustainable progress and the empowerment of our communities, said Nhlanhla Nkabinde, TCTA Executive Manager for Project Finance and Treasury.

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II is not merely an infrastructure development; it's a testament to what can be achieved when nations unite with a vision for a brighter and more sustainable future.

The very essence of this project is to breathe life into our economy, and most importantly, ensure that every citizen who is impacted by the Vaal River System, which the project augments, has access to life's most vital resource, he added.

The NDB was established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging market economies and developing countries, complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.

In 2021, NDB initiated membership expansion and admitted Bangladesh, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay as its new member countries.

Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) is an international water management institution established by legislation related to water.
India's lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 holds immense potential for gathering critical data and will significantly contribute to the understanding of the Moon, a former top NASA official has said, describing India, US space partnership further moving to the Moon.

Chief Growth Officer of Redwire Space Mike Gold on Tuesday in an exclusive interview to ANI said the data will play a pivotal role in enhancing the ability to utilize resources resulting in establishing settlements on the lunar surface.

Mike Gold, a well-known name with the space fraternity is also considered the architect of Artemis Record, a set of agreements that lay out the plan and framework for the responsible exploration of the Moon. He was a former associate administrator for Space Policy and Partnerships at NASA.

"This (Chandrayaan-3) mission will gather invaluable data to help drive our understanding of the Moon, our ability to utilize resources and ultimately where we're going to establish settlements on the Moon. Whether the mission succeeds in landing or not, the mission itself, in my opinion, is an overall success..." Gold asserted.

Mike Gold said the mission will "move the collaboration forward to the Moon. Right now a lot of our collaboration with NASA and ISRO is focused on Earth, which is terrific, such as projects such as NISAR, where with India, we're going to have radar systems that will be able to study the Earth. And create a lot of vital data to tackle climate change and issues related to our change in climate, which is going to be so important for India, for the US and for the entire world."

Gold further added that India has been leading the way, certainly from a government policy perspective. Commending Prime Minister in terms of enacting bold visions and programmes in a fashion that has been very affordable and India's clarity on successfully leveraging its incredible human capital, he said.

Gold stressed on India having amazing amounts of human capital, of manufacturing capacity that when applied to commercial space could be transformative, not just for India, but for the entire commercial space sector.

Red-wire Corporation is an American aerospace manufacturer and space infrastructure technology company. The company's Chief Growth Officer on the Chandrayaan-3 Mission said: "We are entering into a new era, the Artemis era of exploration of the Moon where we're going not just once, not just twice but to establish a permanent presence on the Moon."

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According to ISRO, Chandrayaan-3 is all set to land on the Moon on Wednesday at around 18:04 hrs IST.

India will be the fourth country in the world to achieve this feat after the United States, Russia, and China, but India will be the only country in the world to land on the lunar south pole.

The live telecast of the landing operations will begin at 5:20 PM IST on Wednesday. Live actions of landing will be available on the ISRO website, its YouTube channel, Facebook, and public broadcaster DD National TV from 5:27 PM IST on Aug 23, 2023.

He said that with the Chandrayaan-3 as well as the signing of the Artemis, "we're seeing that partnership go beyond Earth's orbit to the surface of the Moon where the next era of both robotic and human space exploration is going to take place..."

Meanwhile, the members of the Indian diaspora performed a havan at a temple in Virginia, US for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon.

A visitor at the temple in Virginia, Dr Madhu Rammoorthy on the Chandrayaan-3 Mission, said: "I've been personally working in the area of advanced materials that go into aerospace and defence for a very long time now. I own a company in Bangalore that makes a lot of components that go into defence. Now, it so happens, very coincidentally, that we also make a very high-strength fabric that is used to reinforce and make it stronger."

"One such part is a rubber gasket that's reinforced using our material that actually, from what I understand, is part of the Chandrayaan mission. So we are equally invested in this. We're all keeping our fingers crossed. We're looking forward to tomorrow, and I'm really hoping that all goes well, and I'm sure it will..." he said.

Another devotee who participated in the ritual, Radhika Narayan, said she is very proud of India's accomplishment.

"We are watching eagerly every mission that they undertake. And I want to wish them the very best. And I'm sure there'll be many, many more such successful missions," she said.

Earlier, former ISRO scientist YS Rajan shed light on the momentous progress of India's lunar endeavour and revealed that around 80 per cent of the modifications have been completed in Chandrayaan-3.

"About 80 per cent of changes are done (in Chandrayaan-3)...They incorporated many things into Chandrayaan-3," he said.

He further said that the previous version solely relied on an altimeter to gauge landing height, the new iteration boasts the addition of a Doppler velocity meter.
As a US Navy plane circled overhead, two Philippine boats breached a Chinese coast guard blockade in a dangerous confrontation in the disputed South China Sea to deliver food and other supplies to Filipino forces guarding a contested shoal.

Two Philippine coast guard vessels escorting the supply boats, however, were blocked by at least four Chinese coast guard ships for about five hours Tuesday in a tense standoff off Second Thomas Shoal.

The dangerous encounter is the latest flare-up from the long-seething territorial disputes in the busy sea that involve China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei. It's regarded as an Asian flashpoint and has become a delicate fault line in the US-China rivalry.

The Philippine coast guard invited a small group of journalists, including two from The Associated Press, to join its ships that secured the supply boats as part of a new strategy aimed at exposing China's increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety.

The Cabra and another coast guard ship, the BRP Sindangan, were forced to stop, surrounded by four Chinese coast guard ships and four suspected militia vessels, as the two boats delivered supplies to the Filipino forces at Second Thomas Shoal, more than 7 kilometers (4 miles) away.

All the Philippine vessels sailed away without further incident after the supplies and a fresh crew of Filipino sailors were delivered to the military outpost on a long-marooned Philippine navy ship at the shoal.

We're happy that the resupply mission succeeded despite all the dangerous blockings and other actions, Cmdr. Emmanuel Dangate of the Cabra told AP.

Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela condemned the Chinese coast guard blockade and other perilous maneuvers as a violation of international regulations aimed at avoiding sea collisions. The coast guard would provide a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila for a possible diplomatic protest against China, he said.

The United States lays no claim to the South China Sea but has declared that freedom of navigation and flight and peacefully resolving disputes are in its national interest.

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After a Chinese coast guard ship used a water cannon against a Philippine supply boat on Aug. 5, Washington renewed a warning that it's obligated to defend its longtime treaty ally if Filipino forces, aircraft and vessels come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea.
Traveling through cable cars can be frightening, especially since most of the time, you will be hundreds of feet above ground. Eight people had the scare of their lives as cables that held the car snapped, and waited 14 long hours before they were rescued.

The 14-Hour Rescue

Eight passengers, which included six children were stranded in the cable car located in a valley in Pakistan. The incident took place after one of the cables that held the gondola snapped, officials said, which left them suspended 900 feet above the ground.

Rescuers were dispatched to the location to get the passengers out of the precarious situation through helicopters and zip lines. Unfortunately, the efforts became too dangerous as night fell, and the rescuers were forced to halt their efforts, prolonging the time that the children spent in the gondola.

In one of the videos that showed the rescue operations, the emergency workers used ropes to reel in a person attacked to a platform by a harness, as reported by CNN. Due to the stressful circumstances, two of the passengers had been fainting from time to time.

There were reports of the children vomiting, with one of them even having a heart-related condition. There had been early attempts to save the children, but the rescuers were met with strong winds, making operations more dangerous.

Although the cables snapped around 8:30 a.m., it wasn't until the afternoon that an army helicopter was sent to the site after the families of the affected urgently pleaded for assistance. It was then that the aircraft delivered supplies like food and medication to the gondola.

While a helicopter rescue is the first response that came to mind, it has been proven to be dangerous. The winds from the rotor caused the car to shake heavily, which risked the passengers even more.

The mayor of the Allai borough where the incident took place, Mufti Ghulamullah said that it made the rescue more difficult and that each attempt to bring the aircraft closer would jolt and unsettle the chairlift, which caused the children to cry out in fear.

Read Also: Apple's 'Find My' Feature Helps Locate Car Crash Victim

Why Were They on the Cable Car?

The passengers were trying to travel to school in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, between the villages of Btangi and Jhengarie. This was one of the more convenient ways for children who live in the remote mountainous parts to travel to school.

The cable was stretched across the Allai Valley, and it was an alternative to climbing steep slopes where it could take hours to cover a few miles, as mentioned by The New York Times. It provided transportation for remote villages like Pashto.

According to reports, the mentioned village is home to around 30,000 people and is located on top of a hillside above Allai Valley. It is one of the poorest districts in that area of Pakistan and is far from fundamentals like education, healthcare, and other essential elements.

The nearest high school is four miles from the district, while the nearest hospital was as far as 90 miles. The journey was so difficult and long that in many cases, women in labor gave birth on the way and sick people died before they reach the hospital, local religious leader Maulana Qasim Mehmood said.

Related: 2010 Chilean Mine Rescue Anniversary: How Were the Workers Saved?
US Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Jakarta, Indonesia from September 4-7 to attend the US-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit. She will also engage with leaders from the Indo-Pacific.

During the visit, the Vice President and ASEAN leaders will review the unprecedented expansion in US-ASEAN relations under the Biden-Harris Administration and the Vice President will reaffirm the United States' enduring commitment to Southeast Asia and ASEAN centrality, according to a statement from the White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday (US local time).

"Throughout these Summits and her additional engagements, will advance initiatives to promote our shared prosperity and security, including by advancing our work on the climate crisis, maritime security, infrastructure, economic growth, efforts to uphold and strengthen international rules and norms in the region, and other regional and global challenges," Pierre said.

This visit marks the Vice President's third trip to Southeast Asia within the past two years. It builds upon her trips in August 2021 to Singapore and Vietnam, as well as her visit in November 2022 to Thailand and the Philippines.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden will travel to India on a four-day visit to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit in September in New Delhi during which he will discuss joint efforts to tackle global issues like climate change, including the Ukraine war with member nations, the White House confirmed on Tuesday.

In a statement, the White House said Biden and G20 partners will also discuss clean energy transition and combating climate change increasing the capacity of multilateral development banks.

India is set to host G20 Summit on September 9 and 10.

"President Joseph R Biden, Jr will travel to New Delhi, India, from September 7-10 to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit," the White House statement read.

"President Biden and G20 partners will discuss a range of joint efforts to tackle global issues, including the clean energy transition and combatting climate change, mitigating the economic and social impacts of Putin's war in Ukraine, and increasing the capacity of multilateral development banks, including the World Bank, to better fight poverty, including by addressing global challenges," it added.

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Sri Lanka is currently processing a request by China to allow a research ship to dock in the country, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday, a year after a visit by a Chinese spy vessel to the Island nation raised security concerns in India.

The Chinese embassy here has made an application and the ministry is currently looking at it," Priyanga Wickramasingha, the foreign ministry spokesperson, told PTI. No dates have been fixed yet for the visit, she said.

The Chinese research vessel 'SHI YAN 6' is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka for marine research activities in October.

Described as a Research/Survey Vessel with a carrying capacity of 1115 DWT, the current draught is reported to be 5.3 metres in length overall 90.6 metres and width 17 metres,



The media here is abuzz that the foreign office here is in an awkward position about the request due to possible concerns being raised by India.

The vessel is expected to undertake research jointly with the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA).

The Chinese despatch their vessels to Sri Lanka on a regular basis. Two weeks ago, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy warship HAI YANG 24 HAO arrived in the country on a two-day visit.

It was reported that the arrival of the 129-metre-long ship was delayed due to concerns raised by India.

In August last year, a similar visit by the Chinese ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship, Yuan Wang 5', which arrived in the southern Sri Lankan port of Hambantota elicited strong reactions from India.

There were apprehensions in New Delhi about the possibility of the vessel's tracking systems attempting to snoop on Indian defence installations while being on its way to the Sri Lankan port.

However, after a considerable delay, Sri Lanka allowed the ship to dock at the strategic southern port of Hambantota, being built by a Chinese company.

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Cash-strapped Sri Lanka considers both India and China equally important partners in its task to restructure its external debt. China is one of the top lenders to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka owes USD 7.1 billion to bilateral creditors, including USD 3 billion to China.

The negotiations for Sri Lanka's external and domestic debt restructuring must be concluded by September, the time for the International Monetary Fund's review of its USD 2.9 billion bailout extended in March this year.

The island nation was hit by an unprecedented financial crisis in 2022, the worst since its independence from Britain in 1948, due to a severe paucity of foreign exchange reserves.
Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday accused Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial of trying to save Imran Khan after he picked holes in the conviction of the ex-premier in the Toshakhana corruption case verdict.

Chief Justice Bandial on Wednesday said there were "shortcomings" in the trial court's Toshakhana case judgment against the 70-year-old Khan.

"The chief justice is well aware that this person [Imran Khan] has wreaked havoc on Pakistan's economy, ethics, and culture. He has propagated violence and repeatedly violated the Constitution," Sharif told reporters outside his Avenfield residence in London, where he has been living since 2019.
Crown Bioscience, a global contract research organization (CRO) and JSR Life Sciences company, has announced that its collaborative work with HanX Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (HanX), employing a unique and broad portfolio of preclinical modeling in support of HanXs successful FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) application, has been published in Scientific Reports, a journal within the Nature portfolio.

The study demonstrated that HX009, an investigational first-in-class PD-1 x CD47 bispecific antibody, binds differentially to both PD-1 and CD47 with strong affinity to PD-1 but weakened affinity to CD47. This feature enables better targeting to the tumor microenvironment (TME) and minimizes potential hematological toxicity. In addition, HX009 exhibited enhanced T-cell activating capability over HX008, an approved and marketed anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody in China.

Specifically, this new study showed that HX009 exerted robust anti-lymphoma activity in two cell-derived xenograft (CDX) models (Raji B-lymphoma and Karpas-299 T-lymphoma) with high CD47 expression. Additionally, custom patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models established by Crown Bioscience, further confirmed the efficacy of CD47 targeting by HX009. In addition, an A20-hCD47 mouse B-lymphoma model developed in hSIRP/hCD47/PD-1/PD-L1 quadruple knock-in genetically engineered mouse models (HuGEMMTM) mice, HX009 exhibited superior anti-lymphoma efficacy compared to CD47 or PD-1 targeting alone. These results imply a synergy between CD47 and PD-1 dual targeting.

These Crown Bioscience studies played an important role in supporting the application of HX009 for the treatment of lymphoma in clinical trials. They also played an instrumental role in supporting the clearance of HanXs FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) application, which has paved the way for a U.S.-based Phase I/II clinical study that will assess HX009 in the treatment of relapsed/refractory lymphoma.

This exciting result exemplifies the value that Crown Bioscience brings to its partners as they seek better solutions for advancing their oncology research. Specifically, the collaboration between scientists from both organizations, utilizing an integrated solution approach, leveraged a comprehensive collection of preclinical and translational studies to investigate the anti-lymphoma activity of HX009.

While HX009 has been studied in Phase I clinical studies in Australia and China in both solid tumor and lymphoma indications, HanX is now expanding the next phase of clinical development globally in a variety of clinical indications.

Henry Li, PhD, Cofounder, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer of HanX, stated: We are delighted with the exceptional outcomes of our partnership with Crown Bioscience. By leveraging a wide breadth of in vivo solutions such as cell-derived xenograft (CDX), patient-derived xenograft (PDX), and genetically engineered mouse models, together with translational applications, we were able to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of HX009s anti-lymphoma activity prior to clinical trials.

Ludovic Bourre, PhD, VP, Research and Innovation at Crown Bioscience, added: Our commitment goes beyond identifying the right candidate drug or drug combination. Crown Bioscience consistently invests in expanding the number and diversity of models for drug development, ensuring that our models accurately represent the relevant clinical disease biology and provide a solid foundation for making informed decisions about novel therapeutics such as HanX's HX009.

This work has laid a robust foundation for the advancement of HX009 as a highly promising therapeutic agent in the treatment of relapsed/refractory lymphoma. To learn more, Crown Bioscience and HanX are hosting an exclusive webinar on Tuesday August 29, 2023, where a team of scientists will discuss the implications of the study. The webinar will provide a unique opportunity to engage with the experts.

###

About Crown Bioscience

Crown Bioscience, a JSR Life Sciences company, is a global CRO that provides preclinical and translational platforms to help our customers advance their research and development in oncology, immuno-oncology, and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. We are the exclusive preclinical CRO to offer tumor organoid services with the well-established Hubrecht Organoid Technology. In addition, we have developed the largest commercially available PDX collection in the world. We focus on helping our customers develop novel therapies to maximize the chances that patients receive the right treatment at the right time. Founded in 2006, Crown Bioscience has 14 facilities across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

For more information or to get in touch, please visit www.crownbio.com

About HanX

HanX is a global biopharmaceutical company that develops innovative immuno-oncology antibody-based drugs, such as novel BsAb antibodies to address significant unmet medical needs. HanX brings together experts from both China and the U.S., to aid in activities ranging from early discovery, process development, business development, and clinical research. The company aims to accomplish its ambitious goals by relying on in-house research and development in combination with external global collaborations.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230822704578/en/
US-based CSPs have been establishing SMT production lines in Southeast Asia since late 2022 to mitigate geopolitical risks and supply chain disruptions. TrendForce reports that Taiwan-based server ODMs, including Quanta, Foxconn, Wistron (including Wiwynn), and Inventec, have set up production bases in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Its projected that by 2023, the production capacity from these regions will account for 23%, and by 2026, it will approach 50%.

TrendForce reveals that Quanta, due to its geographical ties, has established several production lines in its Thai facilities centered around Google and Celestica, aiming for optimal positioning to foster customer loyalty. Meanwhile, Foxconn has renovated its existing facilities in Hanoi, Vietnam and uses its Wisconsin plant to accommodate customer needs. Both Wistron and Wiwynn are progressively establishing assembly plants and SMT production lines in Malaysia. Inventecs current strategy mirrors that of Quanta, with plans to build SMT production lines in Thailand by 2024 and commence server production in late 2024.

CSPs aim to control core supply chain, AI server supply chain trends toward decentralization

TrendForce suggests that changes in the supply chain arent just about circumventing geopolitical risksequally vital is increased control over key high-cost components, including CPUs, GPUs, and other critical materials. With rising demand for next-generation AI and Large Language Models, supply chain stockpiling grows each quarter. Accompanied by a surge in demand in 1H23, CSPs will become especially cautious in their supply chain management.

Google, with its in-house developed TPU machines, possesses both the core R&D and supply chain leadership. Moreover, its production stronghold primarily revolves around its own manufacturing sites in Thailand. However, Google still relies on cooperative ODMs for human resource allocation and production scheduling, while managing other materials internally. To avoid disruptions in the supply chain, companies like Microsoft, Meta, and AWS are not only aiming for flexibility in supply chain management but are also integrating system integrators into ODM production. This approach allows for a more dispersed and meticulous coordination and execution of projects.

Initially, Meta heavily relied on direct purchases of complete server systems, with Intels Habana system being one of the first to be integrated into Metas infrastructure. This made sense since the CPU for their web-type servers were often semi-custom versions from Intel. Based on system optimization levels, Meta found Habana to be the most direct and seamless solution. Notably, it was only last year that Meta began to delegate parts of its Metaverse project to ODMs. This year, as part of its push into generative AI, Meta has also started adopting NVIDIAs solutions extensively.

For further details of this press release, including the accompanying tables and figures, please visit:

https://www.trendforce.com/presscenter/news/20230823-11803.html

For additional insights from TrendForce analysts on the latest tech industry news, trends, and forecasts, please visit our blog at https://insider.trendforce.com/

About TrendForce (www.trendforce.com)

TrendForce is a global provider of the latest development, insight, and analysis of the technology industry. Having served businesses for over a decade, the company has built up a strong membership base of 500,000 subscribers. TrendForce has established a reputation as an organization that offers insightful and accurate analysis of the technology industry through five major research departments: Semiconductor Research, Display Research, Optoelectronics Research, Green Energy Research, and ICT Applications Research. Founded in Taipei, Taiwan in 2000, TrendForce has extended its presence in China since 2004 with offices in Shenzhen and Beijing.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823611643/en/
A caregiver assists an elderly man at a nursing home, in this 2021 October file photo. Korea Times file



By Lee Yeon-woo



Claiming the national pension early results in a reduced payout, leading to financial loss. Nevertheless, an increasing number of elderly Koreans are choosing to claim their pensions before the stipulated age. It is projected that the number will exceed one million by 2025.



One of the primary reasons driving early pension claims is the lack of funds for daily expenses. A man in his 60s, who asked to be identified by his surname Um, is one of them. He had worked in the design sector in heavy industries, like shipyards. However, as the industry struggled, he was compelled to leave the workplace since there was not any work for him.



"I used up the little savings that I had, and I could not get another job immediately. So I decided to receive the pension early," Um said.



According to data from the National Pension Service (NPS), there has been a consistent rise in early-age pension beneficiaries. The number increased to 765,342 in 2022, from 673,842 in 2020 and 714,367 in 2021.



The NPS anticipates that the number of such beneficiaries will surpass 1.07 million by 2025, with the total payout expected to reach approximately 10 trillion won ($7.4 billion).



The NPS indicates that unforeseen challenges such as sudden job losses, business downturns, or deteriorating health have hampered individuals from earning an income. Facing an urgent need to cover living expenses, many found themselves with no alternative but to claim their national pension early, the state agency noted.



Some even believe that early pension claims are a financially more wise decision than waiting. The financial gap between the time of retirement and when pension payouts commence, along with the contradiction of having to face a heavier health insurance burden due to pension income, has nudged many to file for early pension claims.



"Rather than waiting to get just an extra ten thousand or several thousand won (per month) later, it seemed more profitable to claim the amount now. After doing the math, I found that applying immediately was the most sensible choice," said Bae, a man in his 60s.



The early pension payouts system was introduced in 1999 to support individuals who retired before the official retirement age, or those facing financial challenges due to a low income. The system allows individuals to begin drawing payouts up to five years earlier than the standard eligible age. However, for each year that one opts to claim the pension ahead of schedule, the amount they receive is reduced by 6 percent annually.


Ground crew work near North Korea's national carrier, Air Koryo's commercial plane on the tarmac at the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, Aug. 22. AP-Yonhap



South Korea's unification ministry said Wednesday it is monitoring when North Korea will reopen its border with China in a full-fledged manner, as it has partially opened it following a yearslong closure over COVID-19.



After more than three years of stringent COVID-19 restrictions, North Korea has recently permitted its athletes to cross the border to take part in a taekwondo tournament in Kazakhstan and resumed the operation of commercial flights with China.



"North Korea has opened its border in a limited manner while struggling to stabilize a food crisis," the ministry said in a report to the parliamentary committee on foreign affairs and unification.



North Korea's trade with China has recovered to around 85 percent of pre-pandemic levels, but it remains at a standstill due to the slowing growth of exports based on manufacturing on commission, it said.



The ministry said the secretive regime is striving to recover from damage caused by floods and other national disasters, mobilizing all available resources to increase crop production this year.



North Korean leader Kim Jong-un harshly berated Premier Kim Tok-hun over flood damage and hinted at his replacement, an apparent move to shift responsibility for the faltering economy to the Cabinet.



Meanwhile, North Korea has kicked off offensive military activities in protest of a combined military exercise between South Korea and the United States, according to the unification ministry.



The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise, based on an all-out war scenario, began its 11-day run of various contingency drills Monday. The North has long denounced Seoul-Washington military drills as a rehearsal for an invasion.



The North seeks to launch a military spy satellite between Thursday and Aug. 31 following its failure in late May.



It also denounced Seoul, Washington and Tokyo for holding their trilateral summit at Camp David last week, saying that they adopted documents to "formulate nuclear war provocations" on the Korean Peninsula. (Yonhap)


Essay on Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Celebrating the Remover of Obstacles

Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a prominent Hindu festival that commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god who is regarded as the remover of hurdles and the foreteller of good fortune. In India and among Hindu communities worldwide, this auspicious day is of utmost cultural, spiritual, and social significance.

Legend and Significance:

Hindu mythology is well known for its creation account of Lord Ganesha. Ganesha was supposedly made from clay and given life by Goddess Parvati, the spouse of Lord Shiva. Ganesha was chosen as her guardian, and she gave him the order to keep everyone outside of her space while she took a bath. Ganesha blocked the entrance when Lord Shiva tried to enter because he didn't know that he was a god. In a fit of wrath, Lord Shiva beheaded Ganesha; however, after seeing his error, he revived Ganesha by giving him an elephant's head to make amends. This story represents both Ganesha's duty as the remover of obstacles and his love and dedication to his mother.



Celebrations and Traditions:

Numerous areas of India, particularly the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with tremendous fervor and excitement. The biggest celebrations take place in Maharashtra throughout the festival's customary ten-day duration. In houses, temples, and even impromptu pandals (temporary structures) in public places, intricately made idols of Lord Ganesha, both small and huge, are placed. Vedic chanting and customary rites are performed in conjunction with the idol's placement to kick off the festival. Devotees present Lord Ganesha with flowers, sweets, and a variety of foods. The idols are decked out in colorful attire, jewelry, and flowers. The ambiance of the event is infused with devotional songs, dances, and cultural acts that honor the deity's kindness and favors.



Visarjan - Immersion of Idols:

At the culmination of Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesha idols are submerged in bodies of water including rivers, lakes, and the sea. This rite, called "visarjan," represents the impermanence of all material things and the cyclical aspect of existence. A sight to behold is the parade of devotees carrying the idol to the location of the immersion, which is followed by jubilant celebrations, singing, dancing, and dancing.



Environmental Concerns and Eco-Friendly Celebrations:

A growing awareness has been expressed recently regarding the negative effects idols constructed of non-biodegradable materials have on the environment when they are submerged in water. As a result, several communities have switched to making Ganesha idols that dissolve in water without harming the environment using eco-friendly materials and methods.

The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi unites people from all backgrounds and promotes happiness and spiritual fervor. The occasion for the celebration embodies the virtues of dedication, modesty, and the conviction that obstacles may be surmounted through perseverance and faith. Communities join together to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, and while they do so, they not only honor Lord Ganesha but also take part in a cultural extravaganza that showcases the rich tapestry of Indian customs and their enduring relevance in the present.
The Ministry of Defiance (MOD) and the College of Military Engineering (CME) Pune (Army CME Pune) have advertised in the Employment News (11-17 February 2023) for the hiring of 119 individuals for various roles such as MTS, Accountant, Mechanic, LDC, Cook, Electrician, and more.

Notification Details

Interested and qualified individuals may apply online for these positions until March 4, 2023. The positions are available to applicants who meet the specified requirements, including educational qualifications like a commerce degree or completion of 12th grade, among other criteria.

Candidates must understand that they are only allowed to submit one online application for each position. However, they have the option to submit up to three separate online applications for three different positions by indicating their priority for each position on the online application form.

Group C Online Applications

This page provides information on the Army CME Pune Group C Recruitment 2023 Notification for job seekers interested in the CME Ministry of Defence Recruitment 2023. Online applications are currently being accepted for 119 Group C positions, including roles such as Accountant, Instrument Mechanic, Senior Mechanic, Machine Minder, Litho Offset Laboratory Assistant, Lower Division Clerk, Store Keeper Civilian Motor Driver OG Library Clerk Sand Modeller Cook Fitter General Mechanic Moulder Carpenter Skilled, and more.

Application Deadline

The application link for Army CME Pune Recruitment 2023 will be available from February 4, 2023 to March 4, 2023. Make sure to submit your application before the deadline.

Selection Process

The Army CME Pune Group C Recruitment 2023 is the method through which the Indian army chooses individuals for different positions. This group is highly competitive and includes physical, psychological, and medical tests. The selection process also consists of interviews and assessments. Candidates must have good academic records, intelligence, leadership skills, and physical fitness to be eligible. Members of this group often undergo special training as part-time or full-time soldiers in the army.

Age Limit

With the exception of Civil Motor Driver, the age limit for Indian Army Group C Recruitment 2023 is 18 to 25 years. Drivers must be between 18 and 30 years old. The most important date for determining age is 1.1.2023. In accordance with government regulations, an age relaxation will be granted.

CME Pune Vacancy Details

Post Name Total Accountant 01 Instrument Mechanic 01 Senior Mechanic 02 Machine Minder Litho Offset 01 Laboratory Assistant 03 Lower Division Clerk

Qualification Army CME Pune

Qualification Accountant

(a) Degree in Commerce.

(b) 1 year experience.

(c) Two years experience.

Library Clerk

(a) 12th class.

(b) 1 year experience.

Cook Machinist Wood Working Painter Sand Modeller Engine Artificer Laboratory Attendant

(a) Matriculation
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has given his approval for public holidays to be observed from September 8-10 due to the G20 Summit taking place in the capital city. All schools, government offices, and municipal corporations will be closed during this time.

The police proposal file was sent by Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to the Delhi chief minister for approval. Once approved, it will be forwarded to the LG for further consideration, according to an official from news agency PTI.

Police Commissioner Madhup Tiwari proposed that a public holiday be observed from September 8 to September 10 in New Delhi, and recommended the closure of businesses in the area during this time because of the G20 Summit.India, as the president of G20, will be hosting a summit on September 9-10 at Pragati Maidan convention complex. Prominent world leaders will be in attendance.Preparations include contingency plan for possible waterlogging and beautification of Delhi ahead of G20 Summit.
Lets recap what these two vehicles are again. The smaller of these two is the CX-60, while the bigger one is the CX-90. Both represent Mazd...
This photo shows the 14th China-Northeast Asia Expo taking place in Changchun, China, Aug. 23. Yonhap



North Korea opened booths for visitors at a Chinese trade fair Wednesday, in another sign the North is reopening its border after more than three years of strict COVID-19 restrictions.



North Korea's participation at the 14th China-Northeast Asia Expo in Changchun, the capital city of China's Jilin province, which shares a border with the North, came a day after a North Korean commercial flight arrived in Beijing.



It marked the resumption of commercial flights connecting the two nations after a hiatus of more than 3 1/2 years caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.



North Korea installed booths to promote the country and its products at the fair, where other countries in the region, including South Korea, Russia and Japan, are taking part for the first time since the outbreak of COVID-19.





Ku Yong-hyok, second from left, North Korea's consul general in the Chinese city of Shenyang, attends the 14th China-Northeast Asia Expo in Changchun, China, Aug. 23. Yonhap
This photo, provided by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency, shows the launch of the North's new "Chollima-1" rocket, allegedly carrying a military reconnaissance satellite, "Malligyong-1," from Tongchang-ri on the North's west coast at 6:29 a.m. the previous day, June 1. Yonhap





North Korea said Thursday its second attempt to launch a spy satellite has ended in failure, citing "an error in the emergency blasting system during the third-stage flight."







Pyongyang said it launched the spy satellite, the Malligyong-1, mounted on a new type of rocket named the Chollima-1, but that it failed due to a problem that is "not a big issue in aspect of the reliability of cascade engines and the system," according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).







North Korea's national aerospace agency plans to probe the cause behind the emergency blasting system malfunction and once again attempt to put a satellite into orbit in October, the KCNA said.







Thursday's launch, conducted at the Sohae satellite launching station, came roughly three months after Pyongyang's first spy satellite launch ended in failure in late May.







The North had then confirmed the failure on the day of the launch, attributing it to an abnormal starting of the second-stage engine and pledged to carry out its second launch "as soon as possible," without specifying a date.






Ambassador of Singapore to Korea Eric Teo Boon Hee, left, hands a gift to Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon during their meeting at Busan City Hall, Aug. 18. Ambassador Teo visited Busan to attend the opening of "Runway Singapore #SGFASHIONNOW" exhibition and met with Mayor Park ahead of the resumption of direct flights between the two cities. Courtesy of Busan City



By Kwon Mee-yoo



Ambassador of Singapore to Korea Eric Teo Boon Hee visited Busan last week to bolster relations between Singapore and the vibrant southern port city of Korea amid prospects for future collaborations.



Ambassador Teo was present at the opening of the "Runway Singapore #SGFASHIONNOW" exhibition at the KF ASEAN Culture House, Thursday. Co-organized by the Korea Foundation (KF) and Singapore's Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM), the exhibition serves as a testament to Singapore's rich, cosmopolitan and multicultural heritage expressed through fashion.



Featuring 27 experimental fashion artworks by 27 Singaporean designers and teams, the exhibition delves into Singaporean multicultural traditions and reinterprets them into contemporary styles. It is divided into three distinct sections, each providing insight into various aspects of Singaporean fashion culture.



The Craftsmanship section unveils haute couture pieces by top Singaporean designers such as Andrew Gn, Ashley Isham, and LAICHAN, giving a glimpse into the meticulous art and skill that goes into high-end fashion, revealing a blend of creativity and tradition.



The Innovation in Tradition section showcases the reinterpretation of traditional elements into modern designs. Highlights include design combining contemporary print on cheongsam by Studio HHFZ, corset pieces constructed with batik fabrics by Putri Adif and clothing that incorporates African wax fabric Ankara by OliveAnkara. This section celebrates the fusion of heritage with innovation, a theme central to Singapore's identity.



The Urbanite section is dedicated to practical yet experimental streetwear. Among the creations on display are works by The Salvages, known for designing costumes for renowned K-pop artists such as BLACKPINK and G-Dragon, and designer Harry Halim.



This is Singapore's first traveling exhibition on fashion and Busan is the first stop. After showcasing in Busan through Oct. 29, the exhibit will tour to the KF Gallery in Seoul from Nov. 21 to Jan. 31, 2024.



Ambassador Teo's visit to Busan was further marked by a meeting with Mayor Park Heong-joon at Busan City Hall, Aug. 18. They discussed the parallels between Singapore and Busan as vibrant port cities, as well as ways to enhance cooperation through people-to-people exchanges.



A highlight of their conversation was the impending resumption of direct flights between Busan and Singapore. Marking a step forward after years of interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore Airlines is set to resume its service on Aug. 28, operating four times a week connecting Busan's Gimhae International Airport with Singapore's Changi Airport.



Mayor Park expressed gratitude to Ambassador Teo for the visit and noted that the resumption of direct flights is a boost to tourism and cooperation between the two cities.


A request for judicial diversion for the woman who was babysitting three-year-old Annie Shell when she was rushed to the hospital and later died has been denied. The incident happened in Hixson in August 2018.

Judge Barry Steelman said Brandi Giannunzio, 31, would remain under terms of four years probation for filing a false report.

Under diversion, the charge could have been wiped from the record if she got in no further trouble. With the decision, she will continue to have a felony record.

Ms. Giannunzio, in tearful testimony, said she thought about Annie every day - "the way she would dance when the music was playing." She said she wished she had that day to do over.

One factor cited by Judge Steelman was the fact that Ms. Giannunzio has remained in a relationship with Benjamin Brown, who was earlier sentenced to less than three years total for the death of the child. The jury found him guilty of criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment.

The judge said of Brown, "It took a horrible person to do what Mr. Brown did to that child, and he did it."

Judge Steelman said the damage to the child's head occurred when Ms. Giannunzio left her home to go to a beauty salon and trusted Brown with the child. He said he had given Brown "every day that I could" in jail under the much-reduced jury finding.

He also said Ms. Giannunzio had initially lied about leaving her house, and he said that impeded the criminal investigation.

He noted that Ms. Giannunzio did not have custody of a 12-year-old daughter by another boyfriend and a five-year-old daughter by Brown.

Her attorney said Ms. Giannunzio had not gotten into any criminal trouble during the past five years. He said she was not responsible for the child's death, and she was the one who summoned emergency personnel.

Ms. Giannunzio said she had been studying to be a legal assistant in order to help others with their court cases.

Prosecutor Brian Finlay said Ms. Giannunzio had betrayed the trust of the child's parents. He said he could not think of a more egregious case and reason for denying diversion.

Tiffany Shell, mother of the child, said in court that she could never forgive Ms. Giannunzio for her actions that day.
Firefighter Charlie Davis only graduated from the Dalton Fire Department's Recruit School in April, but he already has one life-saving effort on his record.FF Davis was honored at Tuesday morning's meeting of the Public Safety Commission with a commendation for his heroism while off duty last month.The incident happened on July 15 when FF Davis, a first-year firefighter with the DFD, was traveling across East Nickajack Road in Catoosa County while off duty. FF Davis saw people peforming CPR on a patient on the side of the road and immediately stopped to help."Firefighter Davis stopped and assumed control of the situation," Fire Chief Todd Pangle said Tuesday. "He performed a quick assessment and then began performing compressions on the victim."FF Davis also told a bystander to call 911 and have Catoosa County Fire sent to the scene. While waiting, FF Davis continued performing CPR while preparing the victim for advanced medical care. After Catoosa County firefighters arrived on scene and placed an AED on the victim, FF Davis continued to assist with chest compressions until a LUCAS chest compression device could be applied. The patient received five shocks from the AED before EMS arrived on scene.After the patient was taken to the hospital by ambulance, FF Davis' work was not done. He then took the victim's wife back home and made sure that she was okay."Afterwards our personnel contacted the hospital to check on the patient and we learned that not long after arriving at the ER, the patient was alive and was actually alert and talking," Chief Pangle said.
A woman on Roanoke Avenue called police and said two black males in ski masks were attempting to kick down her door. When police arrived, damage was seen on the door, however entry was not made into the home. The woman suspects that it was revenge for her calling in a suspicious vehicle several weeks prior. Several units canvased the area and no suspects were located.

* * *

An employee of Subway at 8142 E. Brainerd Road told police a man entered the restaurant before it was open and locked himself in the bathroom. She said he was rude and didnt leave when she asked while she was opening the store. An officer spoke with the man outside in the parking lot. He said his work truck was broken down in the parking lot and he was experiencing an emergency in the form of a bowel movement and had to find a bathroom. Once he finished in the bathroom, he exited the building. He was informed not to come back per the employees request and said he wouldnt be back.

* * *

An employee for Enterprise at 1001 Airport Road told police her manager had found a handgun in one of their vehicles. The employee showed police the vehicle and police found a Taurus G3X 9mm under the driver's seat, which police collected. The employee wasn't able to locate the previous driver's information at the time but will follow up. Police took the firearm to Property.

* * *

A man on 15th Avenue told police over the phone the window had been broken out in the passenger side front door of his vehicle. He couldnt tell if someone entered the vehicle but it didn't look like they did.

* * *

Police were called to Mapco at 100 W. 20th St. where a man was said to have been involved in a possible theft of a cell phone. He was seen with several others outside the Mapco on cell phones. Through interview and investigation, police determined at the time the man was not a suspect. He was released and trespassed from the property at the request of the Mapco manager.

* * *

A woman told police she was driving on Wilder Street when her passenger side window shattered. It is unknown what caused the glass to break.

* * *

An officer responded to a suspicious person at Publix at 400 N. Market St. While en route police learned a white male with dreads was on the sidewalk in front of Publix asking for money. Police spoke with the man who was standing on the sidewalk holding a homeless sign. He was told not to go in the roadway or on private property soliciting. He decided to leave the area.

* * *

A property manager for the apartments at 151 Integra Vistas Dr. told police a black male and white male entered the community club house mail drop off room and took several packages belonging to other tenants at the complex. At this point, no victims had come forward to report the theft. The manager said the black male had used a key card belonging to a woman that lives at the complex. The officer tried to speak to the occupants of that apartment, however, was unable to speak with them. The investigation is ongoing.

* * *

Police were called to 1800 W. Polymer Dr. where there was a rental car with a Kel-Tec 9mm handgun under the front seat. Police recovered the weapon and were able to make contact with the woman who had rented the car and who said she had been looking for it. Police told the woman the handgun would be available for pickup at the Chattanooga Property Division.

* * *

A man told police another man had been taking pictures of his girlfriend in the parking lot of Walmart at 5764 Highway 153. The officer told the man and his girlfriend it was not illegal to take pictures of someone in public.

* * *

Police were called to 2004 Gunbarrel Road where a manager wanted a man trespassed. The man was seen panhandling on the property and was asked to leave by security but had refused. He was trespassed by police.

* * *

Police were called to Champys at 6925 Lee Hwy. where four suspects had been asked to leave the property multiple times and had been caught stealing milk crates from the property. An officer caught the suspects with two milk crates that had been taken from the business. The officer took the milk crates and returned them to Champy's. Management didnt want to prosecute for the theft. The four suspects were trespassed.

* * *

The front desk clerk at Holiday Inn at 440 W. Martin Luther King Blvd. told police a white male was upset that she would not disclose the room number of a guest. The guest arrived at the front desk prior to police arrival and vouched for the man, who had gone to the room. She said no police were needed, and that she felt she overreacted in calling police due to the frequency of suspicious people in the area.

* * *

A woman on Passenger Street told police someone stole her 2016 Ford Fiesta from a parking lot. She believes the doors were left locked and there may have been a key left inside of the center console. The only distinguishing trait of the stolen vehicle is that all the windows are tinted. Police placed the black 2016 Ford Fiesta into NCIC as stolen. The approximate value of the car is $12,000.

* * *

A woman on 7th Avenue called police and reported she left her van unlocked overnight with $100 cash in it. She noticed the money was gone when she got back to it the next morning.

* * *

Carter Towing Company at 6320 Highway 58 told police they found a Springfield Armory Pistol in a vehicle that had been repossessed. The firearm had been in a Chevy Cruz. The firearm was placed into Property.

* * *

A man on Bishop Drive told police he had some people in his residence that he wanted to leave. Police spoke with a man and asked him to leave the property. He agreed to leave without any issues and was given a ride to East Ridge where he requested to go.

* * *

A man on Airways Boulevard called police and said he believed he received a stolen firearm, a Ruger 22. The man gave police the gun. After running it through NCIC, the firearm was confirmed as stolen. Police spoke to another man who had purchased the gun. He said he purchased it in Georgia. Police obtained the firearm, and it will be turned into CPD Property.

* * *

A man on Carson Avenue told police he and another man had gotten into a disorder. He said that during the spta the other man got upset and pulled on the door handle. After the disorder concluded, the man noticed that he was unable to open his driver side door from the inside. The man also requested an escort to drop an AC unit off at the other mans residence, and this was done without issue.

* * *

A man on Cleveland Avenue told police his neighbors had expressed their displeasure with him recording them using harsh language. The officer clarified to him that this was not a criminal matter and that he had the right to record anything in public, just as his neighbors had the right to express their discomfort with being recorded. Despite the officers explanation, the man remained unwilling to listen and only wanted to argue.
The late Chattanooga News-Free Press publisher Roy McDonald and his editorial page might have preached staunch Republican conservatism, but he was above all else a savvy businessman and competitor.

And in early 1977, he saw a chance to sell some papers  and get an edge on the rival Chattanooga Times in readership  by giving plenty of attention to, yes, a Democrat. Former Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter, who had been a virtual unknown on the national stage a year earlier, had somewhat surprisingly been elected president in 1976 in the wake of the Republican Watergate break-in scandal that was still lingering in the minds of voters.

And News-Free Press Lifestyle feature writer Diane Siskin found herself receiving her own related surprise when she was called into the office of Roy McDonald in January 1977 with the inauguration a few days away. He asked me to do an assignment. He said, Im going to send you down to Plains to put together as many interviews and pictures as possible,  she recalled.

To help her on her trip to President-Elect Carters hometown in Georgia in this era when women news reporters were still very much in the minority, even though the Free Press long had women society writers, Mr. Roy was going to have Curtis Adams escort her.

A naturally outgoing and colorful person who had worked with Mr. Roy as circulation manager to help boost circulation before becoming a county commissioner initially as a Democrat and later as a Republican, he was going to drive. He was also going to lead interference for her in helping locate family members and close acquaintances of Mr. Carter.

And going along with the two would be then-News-Free Press photographer Michael Crawford to take some pictures.

Memories of the trip of more than 45 years ago recently came back into better focus for Ms. Siskin, who now lives in the Florida panhandle. That was not only because Mr. Carter has been in the news as he is now on hospice care, but also because Earl Freudenberg recently wrote a story about Mr. Adams for chattanoogan.com.

Ms. Siskin had come to work for the News-Free Press in 1971 and saw plenty of history being made just with the newspaper itself. Mr. McDonald, or Mr. Roy as everyone knew him, was in an exciting decade as publisher of the News-Free Press, despite being over typical retirement age. He had broken free of union workers handling the typesetting part of the operation, although the union members and union supporters were not happy.

He was also enjoying a good circulation growth after breaking free from a publishing agreement with the Chattanooga Times in the 1960s and was offering in the 1970s an expansive paper with lots of photos and stories to increase readership and circulation. In this realm, he also began selling special souvenir editions, with the multi-part Elvis editions later in 1977 after Elvis Presleys sudden death perhaps the most memorable.

And Curtis Adams had helped come up with many of these ideas.

The News-Free Press (which it was called before becoming just the Chattanooga Free Press in 1993) did run a special section related to the inauguration with wire and local copy from the papers newsroom staff. But the stories by Ms. Siskin were more supplemental and sprinkled out over the paper right before and at the time of the inauguration.

But getting the stories to print was the real story for her. January 1977 had seen multiple snowstorms and days of bitterly cold weather locally, including on Inauguration Day and when she was earlier just trying to get down to Plains in South Georgia.

As Ms. Siskin recalled over the phone, the experiences created some exciting few days. It began when her husband, Charles  an occasional contributor to chattanoogan.com these days known for his humorous touch  did not initially believe she was going on such a newspaper reporters safari. He especially did not on the morning she was to leave due to some snow and wintry weather.

Charles said for me not to go, and then Curtis Adams pulls up in a big black limousine, she recalled, saying it looked more like a car used by families on the way to a funeral burial. And he (Charles) said, Youre going in that? 

Sure enough, she was, and she hopped in the car, and the three headed in a southerly direction down to Plains on the wintry day!

The outlook for getting much coverage was also bleak in the eyes of Ms. Siskin, at least initially, with many people in town and media members clamoring for stories related to the new president.

We got down there, she said. I didnt know where to begin or what to do. We just kept moving on, but we couldnt get a place to stay.

However, much like Jimmy Carters sudden rise to the presidency a few months earlier, the situation for them started improving greatly. They soon met all kinds of noted fellow journalists and people closely connected to Mr. Carter, although they did not meet the president himself, since he was busily getting ready to take office.

Ms. Siskin believes the key might have been Mr. Adams reporter-like instincts  even though he was not a reporter  in getting to meet Billy Carter, the presidents also-famous brother, at his gas station.

Curtis says to go to the back of the station and talk to the good old boys, and he said to me, Im going to hand you a can of Billy Beer (that the presidents brother was selling while capitalizing on his famous sibling), and pretend you are taking a sip,  said Ms. Siskin, who was not a drinker.

And sure enough, it works, and Billy starts talking to me.

Perhaps thinking it was a little unusual for her to be standing there and talking to some good old boys at a small-town gas station, finally Billy Carter says to her, Are you married? After she said yes, he added, Does your husband know you are here?

He then ended up getting Charles number, talked to him and asked him if he knew what his wife was doing. Charles assured him he was aware she was on a reporting trip to Plains, and the conversation ended with Billy adding, As long as you think she is OK.

By this time, Ms. Siskin was, as she said, startled beyond belief at the somewhat humorous interaction with Billy Carter, who was 13 years younger than his older brother and ended up dying in 1988 at the age of only 51.

After the introduction, Mr. Adams then told him what they are really needing other than a Billy Beer: they were wanting to find some stories freshly brewing in a journalistic way.

Curtis asks Billy, who are your close relatives? Ms. Siskin remembered. And he tells us the people to go to. He said to tell them that he said I can talk to them.

And that began a series of scoops that even the national reporters would have even enjoyed getting. And Ms. Siskin even talked to some of the big-name national reporters as well. That included Bob Schieffer of CBS News, pioneering White House woman print journalist Helen Thomas, and Jim Kincaid and Sam Donaldson of ABC News, among others.

According to some old articles found on microfilm at the Chattanooga Public Library, they all talked of how accessible Jimmy Carter seemed to be  with Mr. Schieffer saying the future president even still had a listed phone number in the phone directory. Ms. Thomas also described the small town of Plains as being like a Norman Rockwell painting or Saturday Evening Post magazine cover. Many of the members of the press were staying at the Best Western in nearby Americus, Ga.

Ms. Siskin also interviewed Jimmy Carters son, Chip; First Lady Rosalynn Carters mother, Allethea Allie Smith; and Jimmy Carters 88-year-old uncle, Alton Carter, the older brother of the presidents already deceased father.

She also talked to a few locals, including Faye West, who headed the simplistic but popular Fayes Barbecue Villa where the press, the Secret Service and even the locals could enjoy a good and home-cooked dinner.

Another story she wrote focused on an interview with Ann Dodson, who was chosen by Rosalynn Carter to lead a group helping decorate the White House.

Ms. Siskin also wrote a story about a popular cookbook a Plains womens club had put out. It had gained traction with the Jimmy Carter presidential campaign, in part due to the fact that Billy Carters wife, Sybil, was a member.

Ms. Siskin added that over the years, some of the contacts were renewed, and that she and lifestyle editor Helen Exum, the daughter of Roy McDonald, even got to attend a state dinner at the White House while Jimmy Carter was president. Sitting at their table was national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski.

And over the years, she has not forgotten the few days she spent in Plains, made easier by the interference led by Curtis Adams, the colorful man from East Ridge, who died in 2019 at age 86.

I couldnt believe he asked me to go, she said of Mr. McDonald. But Curtis made it easy.

* * *

jcshearer2@comcast.net
Two youths who were in a car with an 18-year-old charged in a July 8 murder testified Wednesday in General Sessions Court.

Both said Ralph Lewis Hughley, Jr., asked to stop the car when he saw another individual on foot, then multiple shots were fired.

General Sessions Court Judge Larry Ables bound charges of first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and possession of a firearm against Hughley to the Grand Jury.

He declined to lower the $810,000 bond, though attorney Bill Speek argued that he was a first offender.

Both witnesses said they were headed to a store called Bros with Hughley in the back seat when they encountered the other individual - Dedrick Boatwright.

The driver, who said he had never seen or heard of Boatwright before, said Hughley and Boatwright first looked at each other. He said then Boatwright pulled a gun from his fanny pack and fired a shot toward them but in the air.

He said Boatwright then tried to run away. He said Hughley yelled for him to stop and began firing.

The driver said Hughley then got back in the car and he (the driver) drove home. He said Hughley left his house soon after they arrived.

The other witness, who was in the front passenger seat, said, "Ralph saw somebody, and he got out of the car."

The passenger said he then ducked down as he heard multiple gunshots.

Both witnesses said they were aware that Hughley had a gun with him.

Police had said they were dispatched to 1100 Arcadia Ave., where they found the victim lying in a pool of blood in the road. Multiple 9mm shell casings were found nearby. It was testified that different shell casings were found some distance down the road.
Cuban president expresses gratitude to Angola's support against U.S. embargo

Xinhua) 13:33, August 23, 2023

LUANDA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel expressed his gratitude for Angola's consistent support in calling for an end to the U.S. economic and trade embargo on Cuba.

Addressing the National Assembly of Angola on Monday, Diaz-Canel said that Cuba is facing a complex socioeconomic situation primarily due to the prolonged economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States for over 60 years.

"Cuba relies on the support and understanding of our long-standing friends," he said, highlighting Angola's favorable vote on United Nations resolutions and similar actions within the African Union against the embargo each year.

During his three-day stay in Angola, the two countries highlighted their friendship and expressed an intention to strengthen economic and trade cooperation.

The Cuban president also invited his Angolan counterpart Joao Lourenco to participate in the Group of 77 and China Summit, scheduled to take place in Havana, the Cuban capital, on Sept. 15-16.

Diaz-Canel departed for Mozambique on Tuesday.

His visit to Angola was the third visit to the country by a Cuban head of state since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1975.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan speaks to the press before U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol participate in the Camp David Trilateral Summit, Aug. 18. AFP-Yonhap



Iranian assets currently frozen in Korean banks will not go to Iran, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Tuesday, dismissing concerns that the money could be used to advance the Middle Eastern country's illegal weapons program.



The U.S. said earlier that it was in negotiations with Tehran to transfer the frozen funds from Korean banks to a special account in Qatar in exchange for the release of five U.S. citizens currently detained in Iran.



"First of all, we are not sending $6 billion to Iran," Sullivan said when asked about the Iranian assets in Korea in a virtual press briefing.



"We are transferring funds from one restricted account outside of Iran to another restricted account outside of Iran to operate under supervision to ensure that those funds are spent non-sanctionable transactions," he added.






A man charged in a statutory rape and kidnapping over 21 years ago has been brought back to Hamilton County to face charges.

Authorities said Anibal Lopez had been living at Decatur, Mich.

He was charged in an incident from Jan. 27, 2002.

Police at the time responded to a duplex on Vance Avenue. A woman said Lopez took her 15-year-old daughter from her residence against her will.

The girl said they had sexual relations at a hotel. She said she believes it was the Knights Inn.

Lopez was 21 at the time. He is now 43.
Hamilton County School officials said HCS students "far exceeded the states academic growth standard for the year, earning the top designation of being a Level 5 school system" in the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) results just released.

Supt. Justin Robertson said, "I am incredibly proud of our students and staff. At Hamilton County Schools, we believe all students can learn, and we are tasked with creating the conditions, resources, and opportunities for strong learning to occur.

"Todays TVAAS results highlight the effectiveness of our teachers and their dedication to helping children thrive by providing students with personalized learning opportunities that remove barriers."

In addition to being honored as a Level 5 district, HCS received Level 5 designation in the areas of Literacy and Social Studies, Level 4 in Science, and Level 2 in Math.

Officials said, "The accomplishments in Literacy reflect the successful three year implementation of the new English Language Arts curriculum. While this data shows an opportunity for growth in Math, the district is confident that the implementation of a new math curriculum will begin to deliver increased growth in math learning."

Hamilton County Schools

2020-'21 2021-'22 2022-'23

Composite 5 1 5

Literacy 5 1 5

Numeracy 5 1 2

Science 1 4

Social Studies 4 5

"Our students in Hamilton County are showing exceptional growth and learning," said Dr. Sonia Stewart, deputy superintendent. "The combination of growth and proficiency data highlights the success of Hamilton County academics. Our teachers are providing high-quality instruction and meeting the needs of all students, and because of this, our students are meeting and exceeding academic standards."

Twenty-seven schools in Hamilton County earned Level 5 distinction.

? Alpine Crest Elementary School

? Apison Elementary School

? Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts

? Chattanooga Charter School of Excellence

? Chattanooga Charter School of Excellence Middle

? Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy

? Chattanooga Preparatory School ? Chattanooga School for Arts and Sciences Upper

? Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts

? Daisy Elementary School

? East Hamilton High School

? East Lake Academy of Fine Arts

? East Lake Elementary School

? East Side Elementary School

? Hixson Elementary School

? Hixson High School

? Loftis Middle School

? Lookout Mountain Elementary School

? Middle Valley Elementary School

? Normal Park Museum Magnet School

? Red Bank High School

? STEM School Chattanooga

? The Howard School

? Tommie F. Brown Academy

? Tyner Academy

? Westview Elementary School

? Wolftever Creek Elementary School
The Grand Jury for the MayAugust 2023 term issued a report saying the jails need more resources.

The panel, headed by Jimmy Anderson, also said too many DUI cases continue to go to Criminal Court.

The panel said:

We the Regular Grand Jury count it an honor and a privilege to serve our community. We have gained a new outlook on the judicial process which includes those who serve in law enforcement and the entire court system. Our term of service on the Grand Jury offered each member a tremendous educational opportunity. We learned about the functioning of the county, its agencies, city governments, special districts and much more. We were exposed to many of the people who enable our county and cities to deliver the services on which Hamilton County residents depend. We experienced that a positive impact can be made to local government as a direct result of citizen participation.

We are grateful for your support and guidance and that of the Grand Jury Foreman, Mr. Jimmy Anderson, the DA, Ms. Coty Wamp, and the ADA, Mr. Tom Landis.

This report reflects the thoughts and opinions of the Grand Jury members that were observed by us during the above-mentioned session that we served.



We liked and appreciated that the judges, drug captain, sheriff and all those that hold various city and county positions came down to talk with us. We were presented with a report titled How much Fentanyl will kill you. We were also given a report that explained the various felony classes along with the possible sentences and/or corresponding fines. We found these reports and in person visits to be very informative.

We heard approximately 210 cases. We could have heard more cases if more officers would have presented their cases. It was explained to us that second or third shift officers couldnt easily make it in during our session hours and while this is understandable, still we feel that these officers could do better with their scheduling to make their required appearances. Their appearance would help with processing the back-log of cases and also would allow us to ask questions.

The officers that did appear to present their cases were very well prepared and very professional. We especially appreciated when officers brought video evidence to assist in explaining the case.

We liked how every morning Jimmy moved us to talk about a world problem and opened us up to see everyones different opinions on the topic.

We all learned more about the law, city, and county. We also learned a lot about the court process.

There should be more than two crime labs in the state. Two is insufficient for the whole state causing delays in analyzing evidence.

Tom Landis was very informative. He assisted us with understanding the meaning of various crime terminology. This was of great help in focusing our efforts and left us with a deeper understanding of the law. Coty Wamp also provided valuable input during our sessions.

Jimmy Anderson was great to work with.

Sherriff Garrett spoke about improvements regarding staffing issues and an additional school added to the D.A.R.E. program.

Pay should be higher than $13 per day.

Too many DUI cases. Too many other lesser crimes and misdemeanors were brought to us, many of which could be settled in general sessions court.

Enjoyed the mock trial that we participated in.

We liked having coffee.

We liked the room set up and private bathroom.

Trip to Hamilton County Jail and detention center:

We notice female inmates, sleeping on the floor, need more beds.

Contraband seemed to be a huge problem.

Electrical contractors with tools (could be used as weapons) allowed to walk freely among inmates.

More efficient use of time during Silverdale tour. Spent too much time in the lobby for introductory comments (45 minutes) which took away time from seeing the actual facilities; for example, inmate living conditions.

Not enough supervision (most likely due to low wages).

New area looked nice but was surprised how small it was considering the large number of inmates.

Not enough man-power. Deputy Chief Shepard mentioned they were understaffed.

Poor conditions and deterioration of old jail facility poses safety concerns.

The Womens section is particularly deteriorated.

Trip to Juvenile Detention Center:

Found it alarming that they had two people per cell when they had empty cells.

Kitchen was very clean. Kitchen staff was great. The three meals per day were well thought out.

The school and instructor were great.

The juvenile court judge explained many things to us in great detail.

The administrator was very professional and helpful in explaining operations and processes.



General:

The state of Tennessee should have more mental health facilities.
The Catoosa County Board of Commissioners, Catoosa County Public Facility Authority and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia are asking citizens to share their ideas about the redevelopment of the Hutcheson Hospital property through an online survey.The Catoosa County Economic Development Authority accepted the donation of the hospital and its surrounding 30-acre property from Enots, LLC in December 2021. Then the property was transferred to the Catoosa County Public Facility Authority.CHI Memorial Hospital Georgia continues to serve north Georgia at the main building through a leasing agreement with the CCPFA. CHI Memorial announced plans to start construction of a new, state-of-the-art hospital to serve north Georgia in the near future.The Carl Vinson Institute of Government conducted a study funded by the Lyndhurst Foundation to identify potential uses for the buildings and property, which can be seen here Citizens can share their input about the redevelopment by taking a short online survey at www.survey.uga.edu/HutchesonBuilding.
A police officer directing traffic takes a break to drink water after a sporting event in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. The summer of 2023 may be drawing to a close  but the extreme heat is not: More record-shattering temperatures  this time across Texas  are expected Saturday and Sunday as the U.S. continues to bake.
President Yoon Suk Yeol stands with U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a trilateral summit at Camp David, the presidential retreat, near Thurmont, Md., Aug. 18. Tokyo's decision to release treated radioactive wastewater from the ruined Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean this week is set to test their security partnership, according to experts on Wednesday. Reuters-Yonhap



Historical issues, domestic politics will continue to challenge Seoul-Tokyo ties: experts



By Jung Min-ho



A day after Japan's announcement of a plan to release treated radioactive wastewater from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean this week, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) vowed, Wednesday, to put up an "all-out fight" against those responsible for the move.



DPK leader Lee Jae-myung called the decision an act of "terrorism," with some lawmakers even demanding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol for failing to prevent Japan's decision.



Over the past year, Yoon's attempts to mend relations with Japan by burying historical feuds have pleased the U.S. and led to the trilateral security pact in the Indo-Pacific region.



However, the plan to discharge over 1.3 million tons of wastewater from the Fukushima plant into the Pacific Ocean is threatening to strain Seoul-Tokyo ties  the weakest link of that three-way partnership  and its sustainability, according to experts.



Political analysts suggest that the DPK's firm stance on the issue could be politically motivated, because fomenting anti-Japanese sentiment could benefit the main opposition as general elections approach.



"The DPK has brought up the issue because they know it would help them politically," Hong Hyeong-sik, a political analyst, told The Korea Times. "With the general elections to be held early next year and many historical issues remaining unresolved between the two countries, the party will likely continue to raise the topic at every chance it could use to appeal to anti-Japanese sentiment."











Lee Jae-myung, chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, speaks during a meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul, Wednesday. Newsis



This prospect presents a problem for Yoon's approval rating, which hovers below 40 percent, and for progress in a U.S.-led trilateral effort to counter North Korea, China and Russia.



If his popularity declines to dangerously low levels, there would be little diplomatic room for the president and the ruling People Power Party to improve the trilateral partnership as a truly dependable one as the leaders of the three countries wish it to be, scholars said.



"Next month will mark the 100th anniversary of the Kanto Massacre (the mass murder of as many as 6,000 ethnic Koreans following an earthquake in Japan in 1923). With so many other issues that cannot be resolved in a short period, there are questions surrounding the sustainability of the South Korea-U.S.-Japan security ties," a historian, who refused to be named, said.



Knowing that the Seoul-Tokyo relationship is "the weakest link," China may well exploit it, too, in an apparent attempt to undermine the U.S.-led trilateral partnership, he said.



Recent surveys demonstrate that a majority of South Koreans oppose the Fukushima water release, with some showing rates as high as 85 percent.





Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant is seen from Namie, Fukushima prefecture, Japan, Aug. 22. AP-Yonhap
When you hear famous author Truman Capotes name, you might immediately think of Breakfast at Tiffanys and the iconic Audrey Hepburn film.

While Breakfast at Tiffanys was a major piece of Trumans career, the final two books of his career, one being a major hit and the other being incomplete, are a fascinating bit of history to look at.

After Breakfast at Tiffanys was published in 1958, Truman entered a new phase of his writing career. By 1959, he embarked on an intense journey for his nonfiction novel, In Cold Blood.

Truman had read an article in The New York Times in 1959 about the tragic, brutal, and unexpected murder of a wealthy farmer, Herbert Clutter, and his family in Holcomb, Kansas.

Truman quickly traveled to Holcomb to investigate the murder and conduct research for a novel. He was there for five long years, carefully earning the trust of Holcombs residents, including the Chief Investigator of the case, Alvin Al Dewey, and his wife, Marie.

Shockingly, once the police had found the two men responsible for the Clutters murder, Truman was able to interview them and learn their stories. He felt a connection with one of the men, Perry Smith, and over time, he began to grow somewhat of a fondness for him with their similar upbringings and bonded with him.

When the two murderers were sentenced to death, including Perry, Truman became a changed man. Yet he finished his novel and successfully published In Cold Blood in 1966 after it was also placed in The New Yorker.

It became an international success and made Truman a celebrity. He suddenly became a household name and got a taste of glamor and wealth. However, after the execution of Perry and the years he spent researching a brutal murder, from the 1960s to the end of his life, Truman struggled with alcohol and drug addiction.

Amid his sad, downward spiral, Truman signed a book deal to write his final novel, Answered Prayers.

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The worldwide growth of Christianity has brought about a flowering of theological perspectives. Yet many Western theologians have little familiarity with theologians working in non-Western contexts. Stephen T. Pardue, a professor at the Asia Graduate School of Theology, addresses this problem in a new book, Why Evangelical Theology Needs the Global Church. J. Nelson Jennings, editor of the journal Global Missiology, spoke with Pardue about the blessings of engaging with majority-world theologians.

Over the course of your life, youve spent significant time in both the United States and the Philippines, where you currently live and teach. How has that background shaped your thinking on theology and the global church?

Like most culturally hybrid people, I couldnt possibly trace all the intricacies of how Ive been shaped. One of my joys in writing the book was getting to reflect on these complex realities, which often get either ignored or oversimplified in theological books. In my own book, I try to move beyond these simplificationsfor example, speaking of Eastern and Western theologies as if all theologians within these categories think the same way. I hope readers will feel invited to consider how the cultural plurality of Gods people helps us hear the Good News more fully.

Why, to invoke your book title, does evangelical theology need the global church?

We need the input of the whole church to thrive. This means not just celebrating the churchs growing diversity for vague reasons of politeness or political correctness, but developing a coherent framework for how culture can inform our theology without undermining its primary focus: the triune God revealed in Scripture.

One of my big themes is that the younger parts of the majority-world church are an underappreciated theological resource. At the same time, the goal should not be simply to reverse the imbalance by ignoring the contributions of North American or European churches.

We can deepen our theological perspective by attending to the exciting work happening in majority-world churches while also acknowledging that we need the whole body of Christeast, west, north, and south. Importantly, this includes paying close attention not only to the full range of churches today, but also learning from Christians of previous generations.

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You argue that theology always arises within a given cultural context. How do you reconcile this belief with the evangelical commitment to Gods eternal, unchanging nature?

Evangelicals are correct to ensure that doing theology involves hearing the voice of Godsomething outside of us that is speaking to us. The problem is that weve used this conviction as a license to downplay the influence of culture and language on theological reflection. We tend to bracket culture to one side and reserve it for the end of the theological process, so to speakweve distilled various timeless truths, and now we need to express them in culturally relatable ways.

But this is not Gods strategy for communicating with us, which incorporates media, language, and practices adopted from ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman culture. We have a divine mandate to make the gospel at home in every culture, and that involves not just translating it well but also recognizing how culture can help (and potentially hurt) us in this process.

In current conversations about the relationship between evangelical theology and culture, you hear echoes of earlier conversations about evangelical theology and church tradition. How are these conversations following similar trajectories?

A few decades ago, most evangelicals werent thinking of church tradition as a theological resource. There were textbooks that barely referenced what Christians of previous generations had believed. But more recently, evangelical theologians have come to embrace tradition as a crucial resource for addressing theological questions were facing today.

I think were at the beginning of something similar with culture. For decades, some evangelicals denied that culture has any formative role to play in the theological process. But increasingly, theologians are conscious that culture matters. Its inescapable. As with tradition, we should be more intentional about engaging it wisely.

The book mentions that God has even [been] willing to risk confusion and syncretism, having first moved to accept the risks of deep cultural engagement. What do you mean here?

To clarify: I dont think these are risks from Gods sovereign perspective. But the work of enculturating the Christian faith does entail some risky processes.

Any missionary or Bible translator has encountered this dynamic. You ask questions like How do we describe God? You can try introducing an entirely new wordperhaps by importing something from Hebrew, Greek, or American English. But when early Christians were bringing the gospel into new places, they didnt import from beyond. Instead, they took from within, recognizing the risk that people might confuse the Christian conception of God with concepts that already existed in their culture. They did this because they saw God do it first in Scripture.

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Of course, we want to be wise in taking risks. We make every effort to point at the triune God of Scripture and not some other concept or deity. But we are obliged to jump into this messy process because God has done it first.

Why, in your view, has the doctrine of the church gone relatively overlooked in discussions of theology and global Christianity?

When we think about contextual theology, the doctrine that usually comes to mind is the Incarnation. And this is naturalits the clearest example of God, who is outside of culture and time, entering human reality in a specific place. In Jesus, God speaks with remarkable particularity: in a certain language, even a certain accent.

Yet I dont think the Incarnation is a good model for understanding what theologians are doing when they proclaim the Good News in a new culture. The Incarnation is a unique event where a God outside of culture comes and dwells within it. But as theologians, our starting point is never outside of culture.

The church is essential here, because it is the vehicle God has designed to bring this crazy diversity of humanity into a single household. Especially in the Book of Acts, we see this process of blending different cultures is actually the divinely ordained space within which theology is supposed to emerge. And if thats the case, then cultural diversity of the church must matter for the task of theology.

Ive been greatly influenced by the work of Simon Chan, an Asian theologian. Chan is concerned about efforts at contextual theology that ignore the church. Its an understandable temptation in the Asian contextwhere Christians, for the most part, are a tiny minorityto look outside the church for where God might be working. But Chan argues that this is something of a dead end in that it ignores how Christians in these places are already allowing their faith to make a deep acquaintance with their local cultures. If we look there, we can learn to see the church as a fertile ground for building a contextual theology.

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What do you most hope readers will take away from your book?

I hope they will appreciate not only the theoretical arguments, but also the specific, on-the-ground detail. I hope theyll focus on the case studies, which essentially say, Heres the payoff; heres what happens when we allow culture to have this formative influence in theology while keeping Scripture in the lead role. Come and enjoy what God is doing, and allow it to nourish your church wherever you are.

This interview has been amended, since its posting, to better reflect the timeline of when the books author, Stephen Pardue, lived in the United States and the Philippines.

[ This article is also available in espanol and Francais. ]

Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here.
Sister Mumtazs church was full on a Monday.

Her congregation gathered August 14 to celebrate Pakistans 76th independence day by singing national songs and praying for prosperity for the Muslim-majority country. It had been a trying summer, with Pakistani churches like hers condemning the recent Quran burnings in Sweden, hoping to secure their safety by maintaining communal peace.

Yet two days later, she was startled to see an angry mob advancing toward her church wielding sticks, hammers, and iron rods.

A chilling roar echoed through the streets of Chak 120 of Jaranwala, a remote town of Faisalabad, the South Asian nations third-largest city, on August 16. While most of the men had already gone to their work on that hot, humid Wednesday morning, Mumtaz, along with other Christian women and children fled to nearby sugarcane fields.

Gasping for breath, we ran about a mile in the fields and stayed there until two in the morning without food, shelter, or water, she said. Whenever the mobs noises grew close, mothers stuffed cloth into their babies mouths to muffle their cries, fearing the attackers would discover and harm us.

Christians in Pakistan, comprising less than 2 percent of the population or about 3 million people, have long lived under a shadow of fear. Across the country, most of them live in sheer poverty, consigned to menial roles such as sanitation, agricultural labor, and other low-wage jobs.

Pakistani Christians are often faced with derogatory reminders: accusations that their faith is misguided, their Bible is tainted and obsolete, and Jesus was merely a prophet who did not die on the cross. Thus, the use of the cross as a Christian symbol is viewed as a misrepresentation. Additionally, church music, deemed haram or forbidden to most Pakistanis, is often mockingly likened to dancing in a pub.

While such prejudices have been constant in her life, Mumtaz was particularly concerned if the attack was a reprisal following the Quran burning in Sweden. Since this incident in June, several instances of communal tension had taken placeespecially in Sargodha, a district about 200 kilometers from Lahoreand each time, cases were lodged against Christians under Pakistans blasphemy laws.

Christians are mostly located in Punjab province, and in the past few years the hardline Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) has emerged as one of the main political parties, in the aftermath of Asia Bibis blasphemy acquittal and the execution of policeman Mumtaz Qadri, who assassinated Salman Taseer, then governor of Punjab, who had supported her release in 2010.

With elections on the horizon in just three months, the TLP, known for its aggressive activism and instilling fear in many within the Muslim community, has ramped up its activities. Their impassioned political and grassroots campaigns, particularly in response to the recent Quran burning incident in Sweden, amplified the sense of urgency and tension in the region.

Always seen in white local attire with dopattas over their heads, Mumtaz and her assistant Saika refer to themselves as sisters, though they have no ties to Catholicism. Their nondenominational evangelical church, Sat Sangat Duwaiya Church (True Fellowship Prayer Church), became a beacon of hope for 55 families who eked out modest livings.

The two believers had, through determination, acquired a patch of land in this remote village in northeastern Pakistan. They had built walls and half of the church was roofed, though no plastering or painting had begun yet.

From toiling in fields to sweeping roads and cleaning public toilets, we are doing all sorts of menial labor while united in our Christian faith, said Mumtaz. Her church was adorned with musical instruments, and even a sound system. Despite being poor, every item was funded penny by penny by this tight-knit community. In a mere three days, we were to complete the roofing.

Instead, they found their church burned and its walls torn down after tensions surged in Jaranwala when torn pages of the Quran surfaced in the town center. Mosque loudspeakers broadcasted urgent announcements, leading groups from nearby villages within a 50-kilometer radius to quickly gather. Christians from these villages, speaking to CT under the condition of anonymity, identified the TLP as a major force behind the mass mobilization, which saw hundreds, if not thousands, traveling towards the epicenter of the unrest. From motorcyclists to passengers in buses, trucks, and lorries, a vast array of transportation means was utilized as they all converged on the city with a shared purpose.

Mobs rampaged through various villages, including Chak 61, Chak 126, Chak 238, Chak 20, Chak 120, Chak 22, and Chak 19. Their primary targets were churches, though in some cases, they also attacked Christian homes. In Chak 238, the mob first ransacked a Presbyterian church and then Alice High School about 100 meters away. Before setting fire to any furniture in the school, the mob first looted it of all valuables. Notably, this school, operated by Christians, offers education to 200 students from both the Christian and Muslim communities.

Remarkably, these groups, though arising from various locations, displayed a striking unanimity in their actions. As they advanced toward the town, they methodically sought out and targeted churches in every village they passed, no matter how small or densely located. These sanctuaries were first raided for valuables. After the plunder, they desecrated crosses, burned Bibles, destroyed musical instruments, and wrecked furniture. Roofs and walls bore the brunt of their fury. In some instances, they employed cranes to pull down church barriers.

Rakhal Bibi, wife of pastor Ashraf Masih, leader of the Khushkhabri (Good News) Church affiliated with the Pentecostal denomination in Chak 61, was at home when the attackers descended upon her residence. Displaying incredible bravery, she prevented them from entering through the gate. Undeterred, they sought access through a window and attempted to ignite a fire.

In a bold move, she threatened to self-immolate alongside the Bibles if they continued with their destructive intentions.

I also cautioned them that, if they pursued setting the fire, I would ensure one of them would be trapped with me, she told CT. This daunting declaration deterred the assailants, sparing the church from flames.

In the Yahawa Yari (Jehovah Jireh) Church located in Chak 61, a young man named Shaan Masih, just 21 years old, displayed immense courage. As flames engulfed the church, he quickly doused a bedsheet with water, wrapped it around himself, and dashed into the inferno. Through his brave act, he managed to rescue at least 20 Bibles that hadnt yet been consumed by the fire.

The Amazing Grace Church, located in Chak 126, stood in humble simplicity, marked by only a boundary and sheltered under a tent. A cross had not yet been erected. However, this did not deter the attackers. They demolished the churchs boundary wall, seized its iron gate, and took the tent. We had plans to construct a school and a more permanent structure for the church, pastor Ashraf Masih informed CT. But the local residents seemed uncomfortable with our religious services. Even though they never openly voiced their objections, this incident reveals their underlying sentiments.

Recounting the harrowing events of that fateful day, Rahat Abbas, a member of the Presbyterian Church in Chak 61, shared that only women were present when the hostile mob descended upon them. They forcibly removed the cross, tied it to a motorcycle, and dragged it mercilessly through the streets before discarding it into an open sewer, he told CT, his voice thick with emotion. The scene was so brutal and chaotic that young Christian girls, struck with terror, ran from their homes in a desperate bid for safety. As they fled, some men on motorcycles followed, revving their bikes and performing lewd and indecent acts, further heightening their fear and trauma.

In a parallel distressing incident at the Salvation Army Church in Chak 61, the mob didnt just resort to brute force; they came prepared with a crane. They used it to demolish the church wall, then proceeded to set the sacred space ablaze. Asghar Masih, a 61-year-old man whose home is adjacent to the church, attempted to intervene and halt their actions. However, his efforts were met with violence, as the mobsters lashed out and beat him. To add insult to injury, after breaking the cross from the church, they dragged it through the open drains, ensuring it was defiled with fecal sludge, he told CT.

After the onslaught on the church, they turned their rage toward our homes, recalled the somber resident. As they advanced, our men, women, and children fled in desperation to the nearby fields. Their threatening chants echoed behind us: Chuhras (a derogatory term for Christians), we wont spare a single one of you.

Our women, clutching their infants as young as two days old, sought refuge in the sugarcane fields, spending an agonizing night there.

Masih paused, reflecting on the bitter irony of their situation. Its heart-wrenching to think that we, who clean up their filth as sanitation workers, are subjected to such cruelty and humiliation at their hands.

According to a TV journalist, Iqrar-ul-Hassan, at around 5 a.m. pages from the Quran had been discovered with handwritten messages insulting Islam, its prophet, and its followers. The note purportedly came from Raja Amir, a 23-year-old sanitation worker, likely illiterate, and his brother, Rocky Masih.

The author asserted fearlessness, providing Rajas phone number, national identity card number, and the names of both his father and grandfather. It included photos of him and his father. Hassan reports that when Raja came to know this, he was seen arriving at the scene and tried to snatch these papers. Later reports say that he, along with his family members, fled from the scene.

By 9 a.m., the majority of Christians from the Christian Colony and the adjacent Isanagri (Jesus Neighborhood) had evacuated their homes in fear. From the Jamia Masjid Mehtab, a mosque of significant importance located near the Christian Colony, an announcement was made. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed at the City Jaranwala Police Station, the call to action declared:

A Christian from Christian Town has desecrated the Holy Quran. All clerics and Muslims are to assemble in front of the Jamia Masjid Mehtab. While youre preoccupied with your breakfasts, shame on your commitment to Islam. Its as if you should die (for such negligence). The roads should have already been blocked. If law enforcement doesnt take action, we must protest.

According to the FIR, a mob of 500 to 600 individuals, armed with petrol bottles, rods, and sticks, was led by Asif Ullah Shah Bukhari, a leader of the TLP. This mob congregated in front of the mosque before launching its assault on the nearby colony and the Catholic church situated within it.

A Catholic priest, Khalid Mukhtar, told CT that as soon as he came to know about the incident, he arrived at Christian Colony and negotiated with religious leaders of various Muslims sects. But all discussions failed.

I was in Christian Colony when I got wind of the mobs attacking the parish house in Nasrat Colony, which is just five kilometers away. The sheer pressure and anxiety of the situation caused his blood pressure to spike dramatically, leading to blood pooling in his eye. Though he was still recuperating, he rushed to the church, even while it was ablaze.

The mobs fury toward Christian symbols was palpable. After plundering, vandalizing, and igniting the Presbyterian Church, the Full Gospel Assemblies Church, Bibles, and homes in Isanagri, their rampage did not stop. They crossed over to the opposite side of the main road, targeting the Christian graveyard. There, they shattered the crosses marking the entrance and even desecrated the crosses atop the graves.

During the turmoil, the police presence was notably absent, especially in the villages. In the few areas where they were on site, they often stood by passively. Some officers even pleaded with the attackers, urging them not to usurp law and order, while simultaneously assuring the mob that they shared their outrage and would ensure the culprits faced justice. With the polices inability to contain the protesters, the situation escalated to the point where the Rangers, a paramilitary force, had to be summoned. They arrived late into the night. By that point, the police department had managed to apprehend the suspects. With the situation finally under control, the mob began to disperse.

Across Pakistan, many raised questions regarding the perceived negligence of the police during the attacks. However, Usman Anwar, the Punjab inspector general of the police, maintains a different stance. He firmly believes that the police performed their duties effectively. He emphasized that resorting to gunfire was not an option, as it could have potentially escalated tensions and violence throughout Punjab.

Chief justice designate Qazi Faiz Isa visited Christian Colony and the burned houses where he was told that, despite such a huge catastrophe, only one senior police officer had been deployed. He ordered other police officers to be deployed to conduct an investigation.

Currently, Pakistan operates under a caretaker setup which possesses limited powers. The caretaker prime minister, Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, expressed his deep distress on Twitter over the images from the attack, vowing stern action. Concurrently, the caretaker chief minister, Mohsin Naqvi, pledged the restoration of the churches and compensation within a short span of three to four days and two million rupees ($6,700) for each family. (This compensation is apart from that of churches.)

Yet these promises seem to be diluted at the local administrative level. Their version of restoration appears to be merely a cosmetic attempt to erase evidence of the violence, as crews have been dispatched throughout Jaranwala to whitewash and paint over signs of the attacks. This minimal effort, though, focuses predominantly on the primary churches in the city, overlooking the many other churches that suffered extensive damage.

These renovation workers come equipped with a few hundred rupees worth of whitewash. Wherever they spot burn marks, they just paint over them, erasing the evidence, said Shaan Masih from Chak 61. The very individuals from our neighborhoodthose involved in the attackswalk around freely. They mock us as they pass by, ominously hinting that things wont remain peaceful and that theyll teach us a lesson in due time.

While hundreds of Muslims participated in the attacks and arson against Christian properties, there were pockets of resistance where neighboring Muslims rose to the defense of their Christian counterparts. In Chak Pathan, for instance, the entire Muslim population of the village united to repel the attacking mob, ultimately forcing them to retreat. Similarly, in the Christian colony, houses on one street were spared thanks to intervention from Shiite Muslims. Naseer Ahmad told CT that they blocked the entrance to the street. In this struggle, many of us were beaten by the mob but we did not let them enter.

They misdirected the attackers by claiming the homes belonged to Muslims, even placing verses indicative of Islamic ownership to further convince the assailants. These acts of solidarity demonstrate that amid the chaos and hostility, there were still instances of unity and shared humanity.

Over 100 suspects have been detained in connection with the recent attacks, but historically, perpetrators in such cases have often evaded punishment. There is a troubling pattern of impunity for such heinous acts.

For instance, in the 2009 Gojra incident, more than 100 houses and seven churches were set ablaze, resulting in the deaths of six Christians trapped in the inferno. Yet, despite the severity of the incident, no one was held accountable.

In another incident in 2013, the police took the role of the complainant after 112 houses were torched in Joseph Colony, Lahore. However, all the accused were eventually released due to a lack of evidence.

Now, with the police once again acting as the complainant in the current FIR case, there is widespread skepticism regarding the prospects for justice, especially given the increasing popularity of the TLP in the wake of Governor Taseers assassination and the subsequent lionization of his killer, Qadri.

Shoaib Suddle, the former inspector general appointed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan as a commissioner to oversee the implementation of its June 2014 judgment on the rights of religious minorities, expressed his concerns in an interview with CT. He revealed that just two weeks before this tragic event, he had warned all inspector generals of police about the escalating tensions between Muslims in India and Pakistan. Moreover, he had pointed out the recent Quran burning incident in Sweden as an indication of inflamed sentiments.

Sadly, it seems my warning went unnoticed, said Suddle.

He further speculated on the root causes, suggesting that it might have been an intelligence oversight, or the situation escalated too rapidly for intelligence agencies to react promptly. Suddle firmly believes that an unbiased and thorough inquiry is essential to prevent such calamities in the future. Moreover, he emphasized the pressing need for fostering interfaith harmony, building mutual respect and understanding for various religious beliefs, and ensuring that the fundamental rights outlined in the Constitution are genuinely upheld and respected.

Under mounting pressure from the TLP, the Pakistani government in June was compelled to concede to a 17-point agenda, which notably included the prosecution of blasphemy suspects under anti-terrorism charges. The repercussions of this capitulation became apparent quickly, with a sharp uptick in cases following the Quran burning in Sweden.

After the distressing episode in Jaranwala, anxieties have only intensified as conditions deteriorate rather than improve. In a single month, Sargodha district alone witnessed the registration of three such cases, with police forces trying to prevent Muslims from instigating communal violence. Soon after Jaranwala, another case surfaced in Sargodha, followed by one in Sahiwal, situated approximately 155 kilometers from Lahore and roughly 120 kilometers from Jaranwala.

In recent incident in Faisalabad, a Muslim resident left a water-drenched Quran on the dividing wall between his and a Christian familys home. While the Christian family promptly informed the police, who secured the Quran, the Muslim household claimed that the religious book was placed there because it had become wet. This seemingly trivial act, however, was enough to put the Christian family in jeopardy.

A Christian leader, Aamir Bashir of Voice of Minorities Pakistan, based in Multan, conveyed his concerns to CT. Highlighting the forthcoming elections, he observed, The rising influence and mobilization of TLP is geared toward capturing more votes. We had anticipated this, and regrettably, foresee no immediate end to our tribulations.

[ This article is also available in Francais and Indonesian. ]
At 38 years old, Vivek Ramaswamy stands out among his fellow Republican presidential candidates for his age alone. The self-made billionaire has further set himself apart by saying he would ban social media for children, proposing to raise the voting age to 25, and espousing controversial views on 9/11. But when running in a party with a strong evangelical Christian wing, perhaps his most unique characteristic is his Hindu faith, which Ramaswamy has proudly discussed.

Am I religious? Yes, I am. I am Hindu. I am not Christian. And we are a nation founded on Judeo-Christian values, he said in an interview with NewsNation that aired last week. But here is what I can say with confidence: I share those same values in common. I believe I live by those values more so than many self-proclaimed Christian politicians.

White evangelical leaders who are considering other GOP candidates than former President Donald Trump are divided on whether a leader whose faith doesnt stem from Judeo-Christian traditions can effectively lead a nation they believe is rooted in these principles. But in interviews with CT, Indian American Christians expressed apprehension about a leader in the White House who admired Narendra Modi and would further give radical Hinduism a foothold in the United States.

God is real

In March, Ramaswamy appeared on CBN where he compared the current state of America to the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. David Brody, who conducted the interview, told The New York Times last month, The lazy narrative that hes Hindu so he cant appeal to evangelicals, I dont buy it at all.

Ramaswamy, who grew up in Cincinnati, frequently points out that he is a product of Catholic schools and has credited his political ideology to the influence of a conservative Christian piano teacher.

Ive probably read the Bible more closely than many Christians that I know, and I can tell you deeply that we share that same value set. And for a guy who is not running for pastor in chief but commander in chief, thats really what matters, he said on NewsNation.

Nevertheless, the first statement under a part of Ramawamys campaign website labeled Truth declares, God is real.

Ramaswamys second point, There are two genders, nods to the candidates strategy to build trust with voters through culture war grievances. Author of Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate America's Social Justice Scam, Ramaswamy asserted to NewsNation that the real divide in the US on the front of religion is not between those who are members of traditional religions but between them and adherents of what he calls new religions like wokeism, transgenderism, climatism, COVIDism.

Further elaborating on his viewpoint, Ramaswamy expressed his unwavering commitment to safeguarding religious freedom.

Im an ardent defender of religious liberty, he recently told the Associated Press. 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.

A more concerning agenda?

But some worry that he may be too close with Hindu nationalists.

A Tamil Brahmin, Ramaswamy grew up speaking Tamil, visiting Hindu temples, and performing Hindu rituals at home. (Tamil Brahmins are a diverse group of Tamil-speaking Hindu Brahmins, situated at the apex of the caste hierarchy, and are often associated with conservative traditions, and cultural and intellectual privilege.) He and his wife, Apoorva Ramaswamy, are raising their two young sons in the faith.

For Indian American Christians, Ramaswamys faith practices dont present a problem. But theyve worried about his open admiration for Modi, who has been accused of compromising democracy, Hinduizing the country, and ignoring religious violence against minorities.

In the wake of the recent attacks on Christians in Manipur, which have killed more than 100 people, Ramaswamy praised Modi as an outstanding leader of India.

Modi has been building on that experience [of free-market capitalism] in India, lifting people up from poverty, Ramaswamy said in a July interview. Regardless of their background, regardless of identity politics, India has prospered economically. GDP growth is up. I think thats the ultimate metric of a truly successful unifying leader.

Ramaswamys presidential candidacy seems to be a part of a deeper Hindutva agenda, says Jai Prakash Masih, a leader at Asian Mennonite Community Church, Lombard, Illinois. (Hindutva is an ideology advocating hegemony of Hindus and Hinduism within India.)

And the average American voters ignorance about the nuances of Hinduism and Hindutva work to Ramaswamys advantage, says Sam Beera, an IT professional from Boston.

I dont think the average white conservative Christian knows much about Hinduism or Hindutva, other than yoga, elephants, or Modi. That is a big asset for Ramaswamy, said Beera. There is an alarming lack of knowledge on the clear and present danger of Hindutva, which is an ideology modeled on Nazism.

The political objectives of Hindu nationalists, says Beera, include advocating for Akhand Bharat, a movement that calls for an unbroken Indiaa political unification of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldivesand endorsing Hindu political candidates globally while simultaneously marginalizing minority groups within India.

What percentage of US conservative Christians are aware of the above? Hardly a pittance if at all, said Beera.

Opposition research written reportedly by Ramaswamys GOP opponent and Florida governor Ron DeSantiss campaign tried to conflate his Hindu upbringing and his visits to India as a child with condoning the caste system, seemingly justifying Beeras concerns.

Currently, nearly five million people of Indian descent live in the US. According to a 2014 Pew report, Hindus constitute just around 51 percent of the diaspora population, compared with 18 percent identifying as Christians. Up until this point, the most visible Indian Christians have been Republicans Bobby Jindal and Nikki Haley (a convert from Sikhism). Both previous governors, Jindal ran for president in 2016, and Haley announced her own bid several months ago.

Many Indians who arrived in America after the Immigration Act of 1965 formed Hindu groups and associations that paved the way for many from these communities to later run for elected office, says Robert William, who grew up in Chennai, India, and previously served as a Republican in elected office in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Given the perceived wealth of this community, one could argue that a conservative Hindu POTUS would not be able to ignore the powerful and growing influence of Hinduism in the US.

Numerous Hindu Americans, predominantly Democrats, already serve as state and federal legislators, and increasingly their connections to Hindu groups overseas have been questioned. Two of these politicians, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Ro Khanna, came to Ramaswamys defense after his faith was targeted by a pastor from Nebraska. Krishnamoorthi has been called out in the past for his association with Hindu nationalist groups.

Vivek Ramasamy has surprised many people in the past week by slowly moving up in the opinion polls, said John Prabhudoss, at the Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America. But what we are concerned about is his association with radical Hindu groups that are aligned with Hindu extremism.

Ramaswamy has in the past delivered the keynote for fundraisers for political advocacy groups linked to the US chapter of Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA or World Hindu Council of America), notes Pieter Friedrich, an American who advocates for persecuted Christians in India. VHPA is the US wing of the VHP (World Council of Hindus), which the CIA classified as a militant religious organization in 2018.

Rather than trying to court Christian voters by appealing to similarities between their faith and Hinduism, perhaps Ramaswamy should instead take up the cause of Indian Christians who are being persecuted by the Modi regime he praises, said Friedrich.

William, the elected official, is skeptical that Ramaswamys voice could do much.

It would be a fallacy to think that a person such as Vivek Ramaswamy would be able to influence someone like Prime Minister Modi because they are both of the Hindu faith, he said. Any such attempts would be labeled by India as interference in Indias internal matters and dismissed. But such a candidate will certainly catch the attention of US groups and trigger them to open their pocketbooks and galvanize them to rally behind such a candidate aspiring for political office in the US.

Ramaswamys rise could further encourage radical Hindu groups to increase their visibility and influence in the US to counter the influence of the evangelical Christian voters in the US, said William.

But Vivek Ramaswamys rise in politics will be stopped in its tracks if he attempts to focus on his Hindu religion and beliefs, because the reality is that the office of president in the US still remains out of reach for anyone other than for a mainline Christian candidate.
1,000 Pakistani Christians 'terrorized,' forced to sleep outdoors after homes ransacked in mob violence

A thousand Christians have fled their homes and are now sleeping rough after they were targeted by rampaging mobs.

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) reports that the level of destruction in Jaranwala, near Faisalabad, has been "down to the last lightbulb."

Churches have not been spared in this week's wave of violence. According to ACN, the number of churches and chapels targeted has risen to 21, with one source in the country who cannot be named for security reasons saying that many of them were set on fire and "nothing is left."

The source told ACN that up to 1,000 Christians were forced to sleep in sugar cane fields after narrowly escaping rampaging mobs.

"They had been running away, trying to find somewhere where they could rest," they said.

"Some of them went back to their homes desperate for something to eat but when they got home, they found everything destroyed  nothing to sit on, nothing to drink out of, not even a lightbulb."

They added, "As we traveled around the area, we could see how the Christians' homes were scattered  50 or 60 here, two or three over there and yet every Christian home has been targeted, nothing left."

Churches of all denominations have been targeted.

The source described the carnage: "In the churches they have attacked, everything is destroyed ... the altar, statues  nothing is left. What they did to the statues of Jesus and Mary I cannot begin to describe."

In a letter to ACN, Pakistani Archbishop Benny Travas criticized the government and authorities for failing to protect Christians.

He said that the violence showed that Christians in Pakistan are "in reality second-class citizens to be terrorized and frightened at will."

"Once again, we have the same old condemnations and visits by the politicians and other government officials expressing their solidarity with the Christian community and that 'justice will be done' but in reality nothing materializes and all is forgotten," he said.

Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, and president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference, condemned the "abhorrent" violence.

"I urgently call upon the Punjab Government to take swift, decisive and resolute action against those responsible for perpetrating this heinous act. The culprits must be identified, apprehended and brought to justice," he said.

A partner of Release International who cannot be named for security reasons reports that many Christian families have sought refuge outside the city and are relying on the support of friends and relatives.

The partner said: "It is deplorable to see the peace-loving Pakistani Christian community once again being collectively punished at mere unsubstantiated allegations of blasphemy.

"We are appalled by the lack of response by the Pakistan government despite the sheer magnitude of this violence."

The Moderator of the Church of Pakistan, Bishop Azad Marshall, tweeted: "Words fail me. We, bishops, priests and lay people are deeply pained and distressed at the Jaranwala incident.

"A church building is being burned as I type this message. Bibles have been desecrated and Christians have been tortured and harassed, having been falsely accused of violating the Holy Quran.

"We cry out for justice and action from law enforcement and those who dispense justice and the safety of all citizens to intervene immediately."

Originally published at Christian Today
Biden criticized for 'tone-deaf' remark comparing Hawaii wildfires to almost losing his Corvette

President Joe Biden is facing criticism for attempting to empathize with the victims of the Hawaii wildfires that have killed over 100 people by comparing it to his experience with a small kitchen fire.

Biden traveled to Hawaii earlier this week, nearly two weeks after wildfires broke out in Maui County that have caused 115 confirmed fatalities as of Tuesday. The latest update by Maui County Tuesday reveals that the Olinda and Kula fires are 85% contained after burning a combined 1,283 acres, while the Lahaina fire is 90% contained after damaging about 2,170 acres. According to county officials, between 1,000 and 1,100 people remain unaccounted for as the search for survivors continues.

As the president addressed victims of the wildfires in the hard-hit community of Lahaina, he declared that he didn't "want to compare difficulties" but insisted that he and First Lady Jill Biden have "a little sense" of "what it's like to lose a home."

The 80-year-old recalled how more than a decade ago, lightning struck "a little lake that's outside of our home" that "hit the wire that came up underneath our home into the heating ducts, air conditioning duct."

"To make a long story short, I almost lost my wife, my '67 Corvette and my cat," he added.

A news story about the blaze, which took place on Aug. 1, 2004, described it as "a small fire that was contained to the kitchen." Cranston Heights Fire Chief George Lamborn stated that "the fire was under control in 20 minutes."

Biden's comparison of the minor fire that broke out at his house 20 years ago to the devastating wildfires that have engulfed Maui did not sit well with his critics or Hawaii residents impacted by the natural disaster.

In an appearance on Fox News Tuesday, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a Republican, claimed Biden is "nuts" and "out of touch with reality."

"How can you stand in Lahaina surrounded by death and talk about your '67 Corvette?" Gingrich asked.

In a Tuesday post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Fox News host Jeanine Pirro slammed Biden as a "narcissistic egomaniac who is trying to make the devastating wildfires in Hawaii all about HIMSELF."

Joe Biden is a narcissistic egomaniac who is trying to make the devastating wildfires in Hawaii about HIMSELF. #TheFivepic.twitter.com/yJUUrMLNei  Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) August 23, 2023

Lahaina resident Amanda Cassidy, who lost her home to a wildfire, appeared on Fox News Tuesday to react to the president's visit. She characterized Biden's comment about the small fire as "tone-deaf."

Cassidy stressed that while she can "understand how he was trying to meet us somewhere and say 'I understand,'" she maintained that his 2004 experience is "nothing that compares to what happened to our community, our beautiful little town and the families and the children that were lost and the disabled and the elderly."

She asserted, "a car and your kitchen is kind of just a little sad to hear."

"Lahaina is so hurt right now and it was tone-deaf," Cassidy reiterated.

Biden has received other criticism for his response to the Maui wildfires.

Last week, the president sparked outrage after he answered a question from a reporter about the situation in Maui by offering "no comment." The exchange took place as Biden was vacationing in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

The White House continues to defend its response to the Hawaii wildfires. In a statement posted Monday, the Biden administration touted its "whole-of-government effort" to address the disaster. It stated that more than 1,000 federal personnel have been deployed to the island and $8.2 million in assistance has been approved for affected households.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has also provided meals, water, cots and blankets for those displaced by the wildfires.
Mob vandalizes Delhi church during Sunday mass and beats churchgoers, including women

As the world focuses on Delhi due to the forthcoming G20 summit in the city, a church in the national capital was attacked and vandalized by a Hindu nationalist mob during Sunday service, leading to several Christians sustaining injuries, according to media reports.

The attack occurred in Delhis Tahirpur area, where the mob disrupted prayers and later gathered outside a police station to prevent the filing of a complaint, Indian media outlet The Wire reported.

Members of the Christian community were praying at the Siyyon Prarthna Bhawan when the Hindu nationalists allegedly entered the building, blaring promises of a Hindu nation over loudspeakers. The individuals in the mob, who were reportedly holding speakers, blared, Hindu rashtra banayenge, Jai Shri Ram, meaning We will make a Hindu nation, hail Lord Ram.

The Christians said they were assaulted with sticks by individuals belonging to the Hindu nationalist group Bajrang Dal. Every Sunday, when we gather to pray in church, we do so in fear  the fear of being attacked, a Christian man, who was not identified due to security concerns, was quoted as saying.

When Christians went to the GTB Enclave police station to file a complaint, over 100 people from the Bajrang Dal, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council) and their parent organization, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, gathered outside, chanting Jai Shri Ram (hail Lord Ram).

Shivam, an eyewitness, told The Wire that the mob entered the prayer hall without permission and attacked with sticks, injuring many, including women. Three women claimed the Bajrang Dal members beat them. The women said the men also attempted to remove their clothing.

An alleged member of the RSS, identified only as Anmol, questioned why Christians were praying in a Hindu-majority area and accused them of attempting conversions.

Pastor Satpal Bhati expressed despair over the situation, stating that the Christian community lives in constant fear.

The police registered a complaint against the mob under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Minakshi Singh, an activist, confirmed the evidence of the attack and raised questions about the assault on women during the prayer.

The incident has drawn attention to the Narendra Modi governments record on democratic backsliding and ill-treatment of religious minorities.

A report by the United Christian Forum reveals a significant increase in attacks on Christians since 2014.

Indian media outlet Scroll reported similar details of the attack, including the vandalization of musical instruments.

The first half of 2023 saw a surge in violence against Christians across 23 states in India, according to the UCF, which identified 400 incidents, up from 274 reported over the same period last year.

According to UCFs findings, the number of violent incidents against Christians has been rising steadily in India since 2014, with a significant spike observed in 2021 and 2022.

For Indias Christians, 2021 was the most violent year in the countrys history, with at least 486 violent incidents of Christian persecution reported that year.

In almost all incidents reported across India, vigilante mobs composed of religious extremists have been seen to either barge into a prayer gathering or round up individuals that they believe are involved in forcible religious conversions, said that years report by the UCF.

The UCF attributed the high incidence of Christian persecution to impunity, due to which such mobs criminally threaten, physically assault people in prayer, before handing them over to the police on allegations of forcible conversions.
Muslim teens confess plan to attack Austrian middle school, 'shoot all the Christians'

Two Muslim teenagers in Austria shared in a court testimony that they conspired to kill as many Christian people as they could in a planned attack on a school that one of them attended.

The boys, ages 15 and 16 from Bruck an der Mur, who already have existing criminal records, testified in Leoben Regional Court on July 16 to answer for charges of being part of a terrorist organization and criminal organization, according to regional Austrian news outlets.

According to the newspaper Kleine Zeitung, authorities say that the youths participated in a radical chat group, stating that they were in the "final phase of making explosives" and that they had access to guns, swords and knives.

The 16-year-old is an Austrian automotive apprentice while the 15-year-old is of Chechnyan descent. The 16-year-old reportedly said in the group chat that he is "angry with the West" and they must "re-establish the caliphate." When questioned about the chats, the accused reportedly admitted that they planned to attack a middle school attended by the 15-year-old in the Styria city of Bruck an der Mur.

They claimed they wanted to "shoot all the Christians in the class!" Additionally, the teens had a friend who tried and failed to obtain his father's submachine gun for the teens to use. The teens were also reportedly saving up to buy their own guns.

The boys admitted they would have surrendered if police intervened and stressed that God would forgive them because "Killing Christians takes us to paradise."

Austria's largest newspaper, Kronen Zeitung, reports that the teens made it clear on their platforms that they weren't interested in carrying out "boring knife attacks" and wanted to use explosives to kill as many people as possible.

Austrian law enforcement was tipped off about the plans by Dutch investigators who sent over the online chat logs.

The court sentenced both boys to two years in prison for "criminal conspiracy" but they are expected to only serve roughly eight months behind bars.

According to the broadcast outlet ORF Steiermark, the court also sentenced the boys to probation, deradicalization training and anti-violence training. The maximum penalty that juveniles in Austria can face is up to five years behind bars.

Kleine Zeitung reports that the father of the 16-year-old was surprised by the allegations against his son, while the 15-year-old's mother didn't appear phased by the verdict.

A Kronen Zeitung report detailed that the 15-year-old also set fire to a university building in Bruck in May 2022 while the school was closed.

Raymond Ibrahim, the distinguished senior shillman fellow at the Gatestone Institute think tank, recently wrote that "Austria appears to be sitting on a time bomb" regarding Islamic extremism.

"Even though authorities managed to thwart what could have been a tragic massacre of schoolchildren  as they thwarted an earlier one in 2020  Muslim hostility in Austria continues to grow, suggesting that it might only be a matter of time before a severe terrorist attack or worse overwhelms that nation," Ibrahim wrote.

"Along with generic Muslim criminality in Austria seems to be, sadly, an ideologically-driven hatred for 'disbelievers' and especially Christians and Jews," he added.

"There are now more Muslim students than Catholics in the schools of Austrian cities, including Vienna, the capital, and Linz."
Church of the Nazarene pastor faces removal over gay marriage support

A California pastor affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene may be removed from his position over an essay he wrote expressing support for the blessing of same-sex marriage although the denomination holds a traditional stance on marriage and sexuality.

The Rev. Selden Dee Kelley III, senior pastor at San Diego First Church of the Nazarene, plans to appeal a decision finding that he violated denominational clergy standards.

The decision stemmed from his writing an essay in February titled "A Hope for Change," which was part of a publication titled Why the Church of the Nazarene Should Be Fully LGBTQ+ Affirming.

In an interview with The Christian Post, Kelley said he has 30 days to file an appeal with the Regional Appeals Board.

"Yes, I will appeal. I have not filed yet," Kelley said. "I am waiting on an official copy of the transcript of the hearing before I file the paperwork."

Kelley said he has received much support from the congregation he has served as pastor for the last 17 years.

"The church has a beautiful diversity of viewpoints, and they exhibit the important trait of maintaining unity in the midst of diverse viewpoints. They have been incredibly kind, supportive and encouraging to me throughout this process," he added.

The Christian Post contacted the Southern California District of the Church of the Nazarene for this story. A response was not received by press time.

According to the Church of the Nazarene Manual 2017-2021, under the section titled "Human Sexuality and Marriage," the denomination holds "that it is God's intention for our sexuality to be lived out in the covenantal union between one woman and one man."

"While a person's homosexual or bi-sexual attraction may have complex and differing origins, and the implication of this call to sexual purity is costly, we believe the grace of God is sufficient for such a calling," the manual reads.

"We recognize the shared responsibility of the body of Christ to be a welcoming, forgiving, and loving community where hospitality, encouragement, transformation, and accountability are available to all."

The section also denounces adultery, polygamy, sex between unmarried couples, pornography and sexual violence, arguing that "[s]exual sin and brokenness is not only personal but pervades the systems and structures of the world."

Kelley told The San Diego Union-Tribune that Thomas Taylor, superintendent of the Southern California District of the Church of the Nazarene, had asked for his resignation. But after Kelley refused, Taylor began a hearing process in response to a complaint filed by a group of Nazarene elders not part of Kelley's church.

The Church of the Nazarene emerged on the scene during the 19th-century Wesleyan Holiness Movement and is a member of the World Methodist Council. Today, the denomination claims over 30,000 churches globally and 2.6 million members. In the Southern California District, the denomination claims around 60 churches.
Senate committee probes whether Bud Light campaign violated rules against marketing to kids Panel accuses Anheuser-Busch of 'blatant disregard for US congressional oversight'

Was an ill-fated Bud Light marketing campaign featuring a trans-identified influencer actually aimed at children?

Thats the question Texas Senator Ted Cruz is asking after what he calls blatant disregard for U.S. congressional oversight by Anheuser-Busch in response to a congressional investigation launched in May.

Cruz, the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, sent a letter on Aug. 15 to Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV CEO Michel Doukeris asking why the company has failed to respond after the committee in May opened an investigation into whether Anheuser-Buschs disastrous partnership with Dylan Mulvaney violated guidelines prohibiting marketing to underage individuals.

Nearly three months have passed since I requested documents from Mr. Whitworth in my capacity as Ranking Member of the Commerce Committee, and Anheuser-Busch has yet to provide the Committee with a single document, Cruz wrote. Anheuser-Buschs failure to cooperate and blatant disregard for U.S. congressional oversight is unacceptable.

In the initial letter from Cruz, R-Texas, and Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., the committee called on the Beer Institute, the beer industrys self-regulatory body, to investigate whether Bud Lights partnership with Mulvaney violated the Institutes Advertising/Marketing Code and Buying Guidelines, which prohibit marketing to individuals who are younger than the legal drinking age.

The letter  which also called on Anheuser-Busch to officially sever its relationship with Mulvaney  cited a number of potential violations stemming from the companys promotional campaign in April, including Mulvaneys TikTok series Days of Girlhood, a title which the committee said should have been the first red flag to Anheuser-Busch that it was entering into a partnership with an individual whose audience skews impermissibly below the Beer Institutes proscribed guidelines.

The use of the phrase Girlhood was not a slip of the tongue but rather emblematic of a series of Mulvaneys online content that was specifically used to target, market to, and attract an audience of young people who are well below the legal drinking age in the United States, the letter stated.

Other examples of what lawmakers saw as the brands efforts to reach underage audiences include a bizarre video of the 26-year-old Mulvaney lip-syncing I am Eloise, I am 6 while dressed as a small child and another viral video of Mulvaney shopping for Barbie dolls in Target, another brand rocked by controversy over its LGBT campaigns.

As the letter points out, Barbie has a clearly demarcated target market for [the] Barbie doll [consisting of] young girls of 3-12 years of age.

According to Cruz, the initial letter to Anheuser-Busch was initially met with a roughly page-long unsigned response from Anheuser-Busch failing to provide any documents. Attorneys for the company, according to Cruz, refused to provide any further documentation citing the then-ongoing [Code Compliance Review Board] review.

Cruz said now that the review is completed, Anheuser-Busch continues to refuse to comply with the investigation.

Anheuser-Busch is now suggesting that CCRB review was sufficient, and that it need not cooperate with congressional document requests, he wrote. This position is untenable; Anheuser-Busch does not decide whether and when a congressional investigation is concluded.

The Christian Post reached out to Anheuser-Busch for comment Tuesday. This story will be updated in the event a response is received.

Since its campaign featuring Mulvaney launched, Bud Light sales have plummeted, with Anheuser-Busch losing an estimated $5 billion in market value after conservatives launched boycotts in response to the campaign.

On April 14, Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth released a statement in response to the massive public backlash over its partnership with Mulvaney to celebrate his 365 days of identifying as a girl.

We never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people. We are in the business of bringing people together over a beer, Whitworth said. My time serving this country taught me the importance of accountability and the values upon which America was founded: freedom, hard work and respect for one another. As CEO of Anheuser-Busch, I am focused on building and protecting our remarkable history and heritage."
This handout photo released by Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO), Aug. 23, shows sampling from the upper-steam storage during preparations for the initial discharge of treated water at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Okuma, Fukushima prefecture. AFP-Yonhap



Japan is discussing releasing treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant as early as from 1 p.m. Thursday, according a Japanese media report Wednesday.



According to Japan's Kyodo News, the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) have been in talks to discharge the water from the Fukushima plant starting Thursday afternoon.



Japan's local authorities have been verifying whether the water was being properly diluted as planned since Tuesday. TEPCO has transported some 1 ton of treated water to a dilution facility and has mixed them with 1,200 tons of seawater.



Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced Tuesday that the release of Fukushima water will begin Thursday. Last month, the International Atomic Energy Agency gave final approval to the discharge plan, saying it meets international standards.






Ramaswamy On 9/11, China, And Gender Ideology, Georgia Teacher Reads LGBT Book To 5th Graders, John Crist's Candid Interview

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:29 06:29

Top headlines for Wednesday, August 23, 2023

In this episode, we examine the wide-ranging discussion between Republican presidential candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy and former Fox news host, Tucker Carlson, illuminating key issues in politics today. We move onto Texas' controversial decision to sever ties with the American Library Association following the election of their self-proclaimed Marxist lesbian president. Finally, we celebrate the return of viral comedian John Crist to the spotlight as he discloses his love for the church and his unique approach to humor within the Christian community. Tune in for a compelling blend of politics, controversy and comedy.

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Top headlines for Wednesday, August 23, 2023

In this episode, we examine the wide-ranging discussion between Republican presidential candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy and former Fox news host, Tucker Carlson, illuminating key issues in politics today. We move onto Texas' controversial decision to sever ties with the American Library Association following the election of their self-proclaimed Marxist lesbian president. Finally, we celebrate the return of viral comedian John Crist to the spotlight as he discloses his love for the church and his unique approach to humor within the Christian community. Tune in for a compelling blend of politics, controversy and comedy.
In Twitter debate over religious freedom, Rep. Ilhan Omar is right

Last week, a contentious debate over religious freedom broke out on Twitter between a Republican congressman and a former Trump campaign staffer. To make matters even more interesting, a Democratic congresswoman joined the fray, offering a strong defense of Americas First Freedom. Although the congressman eventually apologized for his comments, the debate shed light on how the nature of religious freedom can be misunderstood.

It all started when Lizzie Marbach, the director of Communications for Ohio Right to Life and a former Trump campaign official, tweeted the following via her personal Twitter account: Theres no hope for any of us outside of having faith in Jesus Christ alone.



Thirty minutes later, Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) responded to Marbach, writing, God says the Jewish people are the chosen ones, but yet you say we have no hope. Thanks for your pearl of wisdom today. Miller went on to retweet Marbachs original post, adding, This is one of the most bigoted tweets I have ever seen. Delete it, Lizzie. Religious freedom in the United States applies to every religion. You have gone too far.

Marbach responded to Miller, explaining, Sorry, Congressman, but these are the words of Jesus himself. After quoting John 14:6, Marbach paraphrased Philippians 2:10-11 stating, No one has hope outside of Jesus Christ and every knee will bow one day declaring that Jesus Christ is Lord. Marbach then wrote, Even when a sitting Congressman tries to get us to deny the truth of the Gospel, we cant. We must obey God rather than man. She quoted Romans 1:16, in which Paul says, For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

In less than 24 hours, Marbachs initial tweet had been seen by 1.5 million Twitter users. Many Christians came to Marbachs defense, and for a while, #IStandWithLizzie trended on Twitter. Surprisingly, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) weighed in, writing, No! Stating the core beliefs or principles of your faith isnt bigoted as Lizzie did, its (sic) religious freedom and no one should be scolded for that. Its also wrong to speak about religious freedom while simultaneously harassing people who freely express their beliefs.

Within minutes, one of Omars followers pushed back, suggesting that Marbachs initial tweet might have crossed the line by claiming there is no hope outside of Christianity. Omar immediately responded, explaining to her nearly three million followers, Thats her actual belief, you can disagree but its not bigoted for her to say what her beliefs are. Thats all.

From a worldview perspective, there are several lessons we can glean from last nights debate on Twitter. First, Marbachs original contention that there is no hope for any of us outside of having faith in Jesus Christ alone is one of the most fundamental tenets of Christianity. The exclusivity of Christ is a theme repeated throughout Scripture. For example, in Acts 4:12, the apostle Peter says, And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Elsewhere, in John 3:36, Jesus says, Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. Finally, and perhaps most famously, Jesus said himself in John 14:6, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

For 2,000 years, Christians have claimed that salvation and reconciliation between God and man only come through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The fact that a sitting member of Congress finds one of the most basic claims of Christianity bigoted displays a stunning lack of awareness about the worlds largest religion.

Second, Millers initial contention that Marbachs tweet somehow violates religious freedom protections was misguided and reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of what religious freedom is. Religious freedom is not merely the freedom to privately believe what you want in terms of theology or to worship God as you see fit within the four walls of your church, mosque, or synagogue. Properly defined, religious freedom is the freedom to believe what you want in terms of doctrine and theology and to order your life around these deeply held religious beliefs. To suggest, as Miller said in his initial response, that sharing core tenets of ones faith is somehow a step too far is evidence of an extremely narrow definition of religious freedom that is out of step with our nations history.

As Ive argued before, the Bible provides a strong theological foundation for supporting religious freedom. In a secular world, Christian truth claims, like the exclusivity of Christ, will increasingly be seen as bigoted and outdated. This is partly why Christians understand the importance of protecting everyones right to believe and live out their faith according to the dictates of their conscience. Soul freedom for everyone is the ideal  an ideal that the United States has largely lived up to since its founding.

Ironically, Omar, who has often been antagonistic to Christian moral beliefs throughout her legislative career, is spot on in her defense of religious freedom. It is wrong and un-American to harass people for sharing their religious beliefs.

As a Christian, I am grateful for Lizzie Marbachs bold articulation of Christian truth that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way for sinful people to be reconciled to a holy God. And as an American, I am grateful for Ilhan Omars defense of Americas first freedom and hope that her colleague, Max Miller, uses the latest dustup to sincerely reconsider his views on religious freedom.

Originally published at The Washington Stand.
Why cant the media tell the truth about Health Care Sharing Ministries?

Anyone familiar with the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) shouldnt be surprised at their recent segment attacking Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs). The taxpayer-supported PBS network pushes leftwing themes relentlessly.

In this case, they manipulated data and facts to paint a false picture of Health Care Sharing Ministries that fits their ideology.

Let's set the record straight:

PBSs segment asserts that Health Care Sharing Ministries dont share in the full amount of a patients medical bill, neglecting to mention that this is also a standard practice with health insurance. Nobody  not insurers, not members of health care sharing ministries, and not self-pay patients  should pay list prices because they are almost always grossly inflated.

One of the best features of HCSMs is that they assist members in negotiating prices. Indeed, the bigger the discount from the original charge, the better. HCSMs would be irresponsible if they simply wrote price-gouging, price-hiding hospitals a blank check.

HCSMs negotiate hard on behalf of their members to get bills reduced, and some of them even negotiate contracts with hospitals or purchase access to networks of negotiated contracts to get bigger discounts for their members. The metric of a successful and responsible ministry in this regard would be a bigger not a smaller gap between billed charges and amounts shared after successful negotiations or discounts.

Its beyond misleading for PBS and its guests to imply that ministries need more oversight because of their efforts to reduce costs for members.

The segment complains that HCSMs dont share in bills for immoral procedures. Thats a feature, not a bug, and its a big reason why many Christians fled the insurance market and chose HCSMs instead. Christians don't want to spend their money on abortions or gender-bending drugs and surgeries, for example.

Regarding abortion, its intentionally misleading to single out HCSMs as if theyre unique for not sharing in bills arising from the procedures. In 2019, 11 states outright banned private insurers from doing so. Twenty states excluded abortion in their state employees plans. Additionally, federal workers are only offered plans without abortion coverage, pursuant to a federal statute signed by President Bill Clinton, which Congressional liberals have tried but failed to repeal for the past 30 years.

Critics assert that HCSM members arent smart enough to understand what theyre joining. But accredited ministries are specifically evaluated on their transparency with their members and especially, with prospective members so that they can decide whether HCSMs are right for them. Insurance companies are far worse at explaining themselves to their enrollees. PBS conveniently omitted any references to the escalating number of complaints, coverage denials and dissatisfaction that people have about insurance policies.

For example, Healthcare.gov marketplace insurers denied nearly one out of every five claims for in-network services in 2020, according to a KFF Health News analysis. One top insurer deployed a computer program to bulk-deny claims for some common procedures with little or no review. A KFF survey found that more than half (58%) of people with health insurance say they encountered at least one problem using their coverage in the past year, with even larger shares of people with the greatest health care needs reporting such problems.

Failing to address the glaring failures of health insurance while smearing HCSMs exposes the bias thats been raising taxpayer ire with PBS for decades. You wouldnt air a story that is critical about, say, carpooling without talking about why carpoolers chose it in the first place (because the public transport system wasn't working for them).

Critics might even go as far as to state that HCSMs might not share in bills arising from a hypothetical big-ticket need. Yet HCSM members routinely share major costs, such as care for heart disease and cancer. In 2021, more than 1.5 million members of HCSMs shared $1.3 billion in medical expenses.

Christians know the insurance industry and many of them are rejecting it whenever possible. Thats a threat to insurance regulators and insurance cheerleaders like PBS guests. But moral alternatives to insurance should be allowed to flourish so that families can evaluate their options and choose what works best for them. Its long past time for the Public Broadcasting Service to respect the choices of the public it serves and leave the snobbery and liberal bias to CNN, MSNBC, NBC, ABC, and CBS  the market is saturated enough without taxpayer-subsidized wannabes.
The dynamics of spiritual warfare in marriage

A healthy and enduring marriage requires effort, honesty, forgiveness, perseverance, love, gentleness and relentless compassion. And while every marriage hits bumps in the road; did you know that there are spiritual entities scheming right now in hopes of tearing your marriage apart?

Spiritual warfare in marriage is an extremely powerful dynamic. Take two Christians for example. Each one loves the Lord, and they also love one another. And while God certainly lives within them, there are also spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12) watching for any opportunity to pounce.

Are demons free to pounce whenever they feel like it? Not exactly. While they are within range to tempt you at any moment, they usually wait for you to open a door so to speak in the spiritual realm through which they can readily enter your space in a destructive manner. They want to disturb your heart, your mind and your marriage.

You see, sin opens doors in the spiritual realm through which our spiritual adversary gains direct access into our life.

As an example, the Apostle Paul wrote, In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:26-27).

We all become angry at times, but what makes our situation ten times worse is when we go to bed without apologizing to our spouse and without forgiving one another. We dont sleep well, and resentment becomes entrenched in our hearts overnight. The grudge opens a spiritual door for demons to afflict us while we sleep.

You essentially give your enemy, the devil, a firm footing within your mental and spiritual space. And this causes the grudge you are holding against your spouse to increase exponentially. How so? Demons latch on to your sin of resentment and make it grow stronger. Dont ask me how they do it. I simply know that Scripture describes this foothold as being extremely burdensome, and people experience the overpowering nature of demonic footholds firsthand.

Satan wants to incite you to destroy your marriage, but in order to do so, he needs to gain a foothold through a point of entry. Without this foothold from which to mount an aggressive assault, there is very little Satan can do to disrupt your marriage. The devil is not all-powerful. He waits for you to open a door by sinning against the Lord. Picture a burglar waiting outside the door of your home late at night ready to force his way inside the moment you unlock and open the door.

Gods grace can enable you to keep spiritual doors closed by saying no to grudges, bitterness, emotional affairs, unkindness, pornography, resentment, selfishness, and every other sin that gives Satan and his demons the opportunity to oppress your mind and your marriage.

The devil has no hope of ever getting back into Heaven. He burned that bridge before time began, and the thought of his future punishment in the lake of fire now torments him incessantly. The only fading hope he has is to oppress Gods people with the venom and hatred that fills his dark mind.

Why is he so enraged? You would be too if you had his future torment awaiting you. The Apostle John described this future event: And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever (Revelation 20:10). You see, Satan is filled with fury because he knows that his time is short (Revelation 12:12).

And of course, the demons who serve under Satan live in constant fear of the Son of God who made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross (Colossians 2:15).

If you have been giving the devil access to your mind and your marriage, it is time to take back the ground that the enemy has claimed for himself. God can restore what has been lost, but it will require prayer, confession, repentance, honesty, humility, love, and forgiveness.

Think back to when the two of you stood side by side on your wedding day. You can regain that joy through the grace and power of God. You will need the love and forgiveness of Christ, and renewal by the Holy Spirit. You will need to confess your shortcomings, just as your spouse will need to do the same thing. Why dont you go first? Be the bigger person. Humble yourself before the Lord.

If you and your spouse have been blessed with one or more children, ask yourself: Do I wish my child had never been born? Do I wish I could erase my marriage and my child? I suspect your answer is no. And so use your love for your child as one of your internal strategies to take back what Satan has stolen from you.

Always remember that God sent his only Son to rescue you from your sins by His death on the cross. God also brought you and your spouse together to become husband and wife. The devil is a master at making things look completely dark, when in reality, nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).

In addition, there are Christian counselors available who would love to help you and your spouse come through your turbulent season and get free from the sin that so easily entangles (Hebrews 12:1). But you will first need to get alone with God and pour out your heart to Him. The Lord can revive your hope and restore your marriage, and you can leave that sly serpent, the devil, in the dust.

Your loving Savior is a wonderful friend who will gladly help you and your spouse get back on track. So go for it, as you outsmart your adversary the devil, and as you renew your love and commitment to your God-given soulmate.
3-month jail term given for halting Christian worship in Indonesia

A court in Indonesia last week sentenced a Muslim to three months in jail for halting a Christian worship service.

Sources said reducing the charge from blasphemy to disrupting a worship service, combined with an agreement the Muslim reached with the church, resulted in a lighter sentence than would have been given to a Christian committing the same crime.

On the island of Sumatra, the Tanjungkarang District Court on Tuesday 15 August delivered the sentence to Wawan Kurniawan, 41, head of RT 012 neighborhood, Rajabasa Jaya village, Rajabasa District in Bandar Lampung City, Lampung Province, for disrupting the worship of the Tabernacle of David Christian Church (Gereja Kristen Kemah Daud, or GKKD).

The sentence, announced by the chairman of the panel of judges, Samsumar Hidayat, during a hearing at the Tanjung Karang District Court in Bandar Lampung, was a month less than prosecutors had sought.

"What makes the sentence lighter is there had been a mediation meeting between the defendant and the congregation," Hidayat said, according to detik.com.

Kurniawan, the panel of judges said, was guilty of violating Article 335 of the Indonesian Criminal Code, as stopping the worship service was beyond his authority as the head of the neighborhood.

The sentence was unfairly light, religious rights advocate Satya Nugraha Yanutama told Morning Star News.

Police detained Kurniawan on March 22 under Indonesia's blasphemy law, according to Kompas.com. But the head of Information and Legal Section of the Lampung High Prosecutor's Office, Made Agus Putra, said in May that the Public Prosecution Team at the Bandar Lampung Prosecutor's Office on May 11 released Wawan, as the charges had been reduced and his wife and legal counsel requested a detention suspension, according to Kompas.com.

Satya told Morning Star News that the conviction was an example of imbalances in Indonesia's justice system that harm minority groups.

"Application of the law sometimes depends on who is involved in the case," he said. "For example, the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs has effectively issued guidance on the sound-system volume in mosques aimed at improving peace, order and harmony among the people, but not all parties pay heed to the appeal. Without punishment, the problems will keep going."

Many mosques have been built close to church buildings, and their loud sound systems interfere with church worship, Satya said.

Pastor Lukas Sutrisno said bias in application of the law was typified by the 2016 case of a Buddhist woman who complained about the loudness of the Muslim call to prayer, with her objections triggering violence that led to her being sentenced to 18 months in prison.

"The law only applies to minorities," Pastor Sutrisno said.

The law applied in her case was Chapter 156a of the Indonesia Penal Code, which states, "Anyone who deliberately, publicly expresses feelings or commits an act which is essentially hostile, abuses or desecrates a religion adhered to in Indonesia, is threatened with imprisonment for a maximum of 5 (five) years," according to Tempo.co.

The Buddhist woman, Meiliana, a now 49-year-old woman of Chinese descent, then resided in Tanjung Balai, North Sumatra. On July 22, 2016, she complained about the loudness of the call to prayer of Al Maksun Mosque in Jalan Karya Neighborhood I, Tanjung Balai Kota I Urban village, Tanjung Balai Selatan District, to a shop owner near her house, according to JakartaPost.Com.

The mosque imam and some of his staff members then paid a visit to Meliana's house, resulting in a heated debate, but Meliana's husband asked forgiveness and tensions calmed. Minutes later, however, mosque attendants led Meliana to the local village head, who then brought her to police for a mediation attempt. In the middle of the mediation process, riots broke out, allegedly launched by the people from outside the village, according to Tempo.co.

Meliana's house and Buddhist temples and monasteries around Tanjung Balai were destroyed. Rioting culminated in an attack on the Tri Ratna Temple and Dewi Samudera Temple, on the banks of the Asahan River, before dawn. At least three monasteries, eight temples, two Chinese foundation offices and a medical center were damaged. Police detained a total of 20 people.

Meiliana was indicted for blasphemy in March 2017. Eight local people involved in the destruction of the monastery and pagoda were also arrested and sentenced to one to three months in prison.

Meliana was sentenced to 18 months for complaining about the loud voice of the Muslim call to prayer. She was released on parole on May 21, 2019 after serving nine months of her sentence after advocates in Indonesia and abroad protested. Two large Muslim organizations, Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, along with leading public figures, had also denounced the verdict against her. A petition launched successfully gathered more than 30,000 signatures asking President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo to free Meiliana.

Indonesia ranked 33rd on Christian support organization Open Doors' 2023 World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. Indonesian society has adopted a more conservative Islamic character, and churches involved in evangelistic outreach are at risk of being targeted by Islamic extremist groups, according to Open Doors' WWL report.

"If a church is seen to be preaching and spreading the gospel, they soon run into opposition from Islamic extremist groups, especially in rural areas," the report noted. "In some regions of Indonesia, non-traditional churches struggle to get permission for church buildings, with the authorities often ignoring their paperwork."

 2023 Morning Star News
Christian in Pakistan charged with blasphemy for TikTok upload

Police in Pakistan on Saturday night charged a Christian with blasphemy for uploading on TikTok a video of content that last week led to attacks on Christian homes and businesses in Jaranwala more than 100 kilometers away, sources said.

Tensions flared over the weekend in 186/9-L village, Sahiwal, Punjab Province when members of Islamist extremist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan called for protests against the alleged blasphemy after the TikTok post by 27-year-old Ehsaan Shan Masih went viral.

"A major crisis was averted due to timely action by the police, otherwise the entire Christian community of Sahiwal was in a state of perpetual fear since Saturday afternoon," Bishop Abraham Daniel of the Sahiwal Baptist Church told Morning Star News.

Arrested Saturday night after police took him and his family into protective custody, Masih is in jail on judicial remand and could face years of incarceration before his case is finally resolved. Among other charges, he was booked under Section 295-A of Pakistan's blasphemy statutes relating to "deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs," punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine or both.

"Ehsaan is a laborer and father to two minor children  he cannot read or write and barely manages his livelihood," Pastor Daniel said. "He came across a video on social media related to the attacks in Jaranwala that he posted on his TikTok account. Ehsaan was probably not even aware that sharing such content is a crime, but it's said that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. We pray for his early release, but at the same time I'd urge my fellow Christians to be extra cautious on social media."

Masih was also charged under Section 295-B relating to desecration of the Koran, punishable by life in prison and a fine, and Section 11 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act relating to dissemination of hate speech. Intent to blaspheme must be proven for a conviction under Pakistan's statutes.

The images were reportedly of the material that led to the rioting that began on Wednesday, August 16, in Jaranwala, 116 kilometers (72 miles) north in Faisalabad District, where two Christians were charged after one found desecrated pages of the Koran accompanied by blasphemous comments attached to a photo of him and his brother.

Muslims claimed Umar Saleeem, known as Rocky, and his brother Umair Saleem, alias Raja, were responsible for the blasphemous materials, and police charged them under Sections 295-B and 295-C of the blasphemy statutes; Section 295-C relates to insulting Muhammad and is punishable by death.

Aftermath in Jaranwala

In Jaranwala, a relative of the two charged Christians, Rocky and Raja, said they were presented before a judicial magistrate on Saturday, and that her family hasn't returned to the area because their home was in ruins.

"There's nothing to return to, because our house was completely destroyed by the protesters," the relative said. "We have no clue yet how we will be able to get back to our daily routine due to the fear of being victimised for being related to them."

Some semblance of normalcy has begun to return to the charred Christian section of the town as government workers have cleared the streets of ashes and debris from the mob violence that began on Wednesday, August 16, against churches and Christian homes and businesses.

A visit to the area on Sunday, August 20, by Morning Star News showed that most Christian residents had returned to their charred homes to begin rebuilding their lives, which will take years.

A damage assessment report by Jaranwala officials to the Punjab government found 19 church buildings and 86 houses were damaged by fire during the rampage.

"The government has announced that it would rebuild our homes, but we don't know when it will deliver on its assurance," said Rafaqat Masih, a resident of Christian Town.

In a narrow lane crammed with victims, relief workers, and police personnel, he shared how his house had been looted and then torched by use of chemicals.

"I'm left with nothing," the father of three minor children said with tears in his eyes. "They took whatever valuables they could get their hands on and then simply set fire to the quarters."

Zoha Bibi of Issa Nagri said her family hid in fields when the attacks began.

"When we returned to our home the next day, we saw that the front door was broken down, and all our valuables, including electronic appliances, had been stolen," she said. "They even ripped apart my children's cupboard and broke their toys. Fortunately, they didn't torch the house, otherwise we would be without shelter too."

Though Punjab Province interim Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced a 2 million rupee (US$6,723) compensation for each affected family during a short visit to Jaranwala on Sunday, church leaders and social activists say much more will be required to restore the lives of the affected Christians.

"Only one church hall has been 'restored' by the government where the CM [Chief Minister] was due to come on Sunday," Church of Pakistan President Bishop Azad Marshall told Morning Star News. "We hope that all churches will be fully restored, and there will be no compromise on the quality of the construction or renovation of the buildings."

Special services were held in streets and grounds in Jaranwala on Sunday to express solidarity with the victims, he said.

"We want to assure our brothers and sisters in Christ that we are with them in this time of grief," Marshall said. "We continue to pray for them and have faith that our Lord will alleviate their suffering."

The Rev. Major Mashood Masih of the area's historic Salvation Army church said that the government had yet to start restoration work there.

"They have just cleared some debris from the rooms so far," he said. "We are hoping that they will expedite work so that we can resume our services. Our members are still reeling from the shock of the attacks, but their faith has strengthened in the Lord."

Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors' 2023 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, up from eighth the previous year.

 2023 Morning Star News
Kenya closes churches over 'starvation massacre' that has killed 427

Months after a Kenyan pastor forced his followers to starve to death to meet Jesus, the government has banned his church and four others to protect citizens from religious extremism.

The Registrar of Societies announced on Friday 18 August that it had deregistered Paul Nthenge Mackenzie's Good News International Ministries, founded with an End Times message in 2003 and known to Kenyans as the Shakahola cult.

Earlier this year, authorities learned that Mackenzie, the self-appointed leader of the group, had been asking his followers to fast to death in order to expedite their entry to heaven. When many obeyed and starved themselves, their bodies were quickly buried in shallow graves in the expansive Shakahola forest in the coastal county of Kilifi.

By August the total number of deaths in what is being called the Shakahola starvation massacre had reached 427.

On the day his church was deregistered, Mackenzie was in prison in Mombasa, where he has been held since surrendering to authorities in April. On Aug. 8, the court allowed the police to detain him for another 47 days to allow the completion of their investigation.

The pastor faces charges of cruelty toward children, kidnapping and murder, in addition to terrorism. Most of his victims died of starvation, but others were said to be suffocated, strangled or beaten to death.

The registrar also outlawed the New Life Prayer Centre, a fast-growing church in Kilifi owned by Pastor Ezekiel Odero, a young and flamboyant preacher police are investigating on suspicion of money laundering, aiding suicide and radicalization; the Helicopter Church of Christ in Nairobi, run by Thomas Wahome; and Kings Outreach Church, affiliated with the Repentance and Holiness Ministry of renowned tele-evangelist Prophet David Owuor.

Theophilus Church in Nairobi was also shut on suspicion that it was involved in cultic activities.

Wahome's church is accused of an illegal land grab near the Nairobi Dam. Owuor has said he had requested his church be deregistered late last year and that the deregistration had nothing to do with the Shakahola incidents.

"Some of these groups lack the features that make a church. We have just seen them emerging. We don't know which theological schools their leaders attended. We only see their leaders emerging and seeking to be glorified," said the Rev. Joachim Omollo Ouko, a Catholic priest in the Kisumu archdiocese in Western Kenya. "These leaders should be questioned and checked."

Kenya, a mostly Christian country of about 53 million people, has about 4,000 registered churches. But the country has faced uncontrolled proliferations of churches, sects and religious movements in recent years, and while the government has attempted to control the groups, its efforts have been resisted on the grounds that it was trampling on the people's freedom of worship and religion.

As a result, Bishop Lembert Mbela, a Redeemed Gospel Church leader in Mombasa, told Religion News Service, "There are many propagating this kind of 'dangerous' doctrines in the country. I think it's a question of who are you accountable to."

Soon after the Shakahola deaths, renewed calls came for the closer regulation of faith, but religious leaders have again resisted the move, saying the Shakahola massacre was an isolated crime.

"We find the narrative being driven that churches and by extension religion need to be regulated is a facade meant to divert on the real problem  that the state has failed to play its role in dealing with a crime," said Catholic Bishop Martin Kivuva Musonde in a statement in April after a meeting of the country's religious leaders.

In May, President William Ruto announced a task force to review Kenya's legal and regulatory governance of religious organizations to identify gaps in the law that allow the growth of extremist groups in the country.

"We recognize that this task force was established on the backdrop of the saddening deaths of hundreds of Kenyans at Shakahola," Canon Chris Kinyanjui, the general secretary of the National Council of Churches of Kenya and a member of the task force, said on Aug. 8. But he charged Kenya's security agencies with failing to "act on reports that were made to them" and called on the task force to "make recommendations that promote rather than curtail the exercise of the freedom of religion on account of failure by state agencies."

 Religion News Service
U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg speaks during an interview with Korean reporters at Habib House, his residence in central Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap



Trilateral partnership is neither 'new NATO' nor 'military alliance': Goldberg



By Jung Min-ho, Joint Press Corps



U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg expressed support, Wednesday, for Japan's plan to discharge treated radioactive wastewater from the disabled Fukushima nuclear power plant, saying Washington's position on that issue is aligned with that of Seoul.



"I think that our position, the U.S. and Korea's align," the envoy said during a meeting with Korean media outlets at Habib House, his residence in central Seoul. "Our reason for saying that is based on the science as we understand it. I think that Japan has also been open in the region and with us and others (including) the EU  to describing to explaining what it's doing on a scientific basis."



Goldberg added, "I think Korea announced that they have several agreements moving forward, for example, having access to the IAEA facility at Fukushima. So this is going to be an ongoing process."



His remarks come just a day before the Japanese government begins releasing more than 1.3 million tons of treated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean gradually over the next three decades, which is fueling political protests against the Yoon Suk Yeol administration for endorsing it.



Along with historical grievances, the Fukushima plan is one of many issues the two countries should work together to resolve, Goldberg said, expressing "hope for further improvement" in bilateral relations as the two countries join the U.S.-led trilateral security partnership.



"I think the logic of what took place at Camp David is that two modern democratic countries that share values and interests can move forward on several fronts," he said of the trilateral pact signed by Yoon, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and U.S. President Joe Biden on Aug. 18.



Asked about the nature of their agreement, he said it is neither "a new NATO" nor a "military alliance," as some critics claim. Rather, he said it is a wide-ranging deal that includes "a whole host of modern 21st century issues."



"(The agreement includes) cooperation on artificial intelligence, quantum physics, our ability to protect supply chains and to do all kinds of important steps together that we can where we can achieve results that are greater as a whole than just one country," he added.



For instance, Seoul became a target of Beijing's economic coercion following a decision in 2016 to deploy a U.S. Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system in North Gyeongsang Province. Beijing's retaliatory measures were called the "THAAD revenge." Under the pact, the three countries can consult to jointly respond to such diplomatic measures, Goldberg said.



The three-way partnership does not target specific countries, he said. But based on universal values, such as freedom and human rights, the three partners will work together to stand up to violators of the international law in the Indo-Pacific region, such as North Korea or China, he added.



Goldberg also expressed regret over Pyongyang's recent announcement of a plan to launch a satellite into space in the coming week, saying that would be a clear violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions."



Addressing questions regarding the sustainability of the trilateral partnership, given divisive politics in Washington, he said he believes it would be enduring, thanks to "a tremendous bipartisan" support for it.



"And finally to again highlight the role that President Yoon undertook to play, or to make all of this occur," Goldberg said. "And I think that's an important reminder for all of us  that it does take leadership and forward-looking policies to deal with some of the historical and other issues as well."










By Rachel Stine







Want to know another secret?







I considered cutting the entire last section of this series, talking about IVF treatments. It seemed too intimate to publish. The face-to-face comments had stung, but I suspected the anonymous online comments would be a toxic typhoon of misogyny.







But the words of an old writing professor came to mind as I reviewed it. "Don't flinch," she said, meaning that pre-publication anxiety is an indicator that you've got good material. Once again, discomfort proves itself a valuable ally.







So the "single moms are ruining society" crowd will have to scream their way through the comments section. I'll learn to let it gobecause just as the Olle Trails confronted the OCD demon, they taught me to confront the social media demon, too.











While in the woods, I didn't use the internet muchbut I did think about it.







When I was young, nasty internet comments didn't really bother me.







I first hopped online in the late 1990s, as a kid trawling through Geocities and Angelfire websites in search of Game Boy cheat codes. My family was the only one on our block with a computer. As a 12-year-old, I mocked LiveJournal "flame wars" with my friends, and we recited the

like a mantra. (This 2004 meme proposes that a normal person + anonymity + an audience becomeswell, not-so-pleasant, to keep it PG for The Korea Times.)







Stupid computer.







But by 2022, internet outrage had soaked through global society. Even before hiking the Olle Trails, I started to realize how being a social media spectator was dragging down my moods.







That's why, in January 2021, I deleted the Facebook app off my phone. This was in response to watching

because she







compared "Raya and the Last Dragon" to "Avatar: The Last Airbender."







Yes. You read that correctly.







A queer woman compared the plot of a Disney movie to the plot of a Nickelodeon cartoon from 2005, and Twitter goblins ran her off the internet for it.







Because comparing two fantasy worlds with Asian characters isracist? Somehow?







Meanwhile, "Honest Trailers," a YouTube series run by men,

and received zero backlash.







Interesting how that panned out.







While I don't have a Twitter account, I've sat in the bleachers watching this disturbing pattern manifest over and over and over. A marginalized content creator (almost always a woman) is harassed, threatened and doxxed by her own fans,

. It's become a meme at this point. "The left cannibalizes itself," right?







Well, this long-time progressive has grown jaded. I decided to touch grass, as the TikTok kids say. Hiking the Olle Trails seemed a healthier way to spend my time than watching someone be pilloried as Twitter's next top supervillain.











While I'm no expert, social media seems to tap into a deeply rooted "witch hunting instinct" all human beings have. Outrage algorithms hijack the brains of otherwise good, sensitive people, pulling us into a vortex of confirmation bias. We're sucked in deeper and deeper until anyone who disagrees with us  or is even perceived as disagreeing with us  must be harassed out of a job.







Lindsay Ellis is a powerful progressive voice on YouTube. Anyone familiar with her compassionate, wide-ranging body of video essays knows these racism accusations were unfounded. And yet few people had the social courage to stand up for her.







It repulsed me. Watching this brutal, coordinated attack on someone's personhood left me feeling politically homeless.







These days, Lord Twitterbird's sledgehammer seems to shatter the lives of marginalized people the most. Lindsay Ellis

, marginalized people are held to impossible standards of political purity, and these days, harassment isn't always from alt-right neo-nazis.







I've noticed that bad-faith actors will hijack the language of social justice to destroy those they envy. As Contrapoints points out in

, the internet convinces us to sublimate envy, which is shameful, into an ego-pleasing sense of moral superiority.







And I can already hear the rebuttal  "But this happens on the right, too!" Yes. Ideological purity tests exist everywhere, from Marxist chatrooms to the QAnon cult. But internet infighting has become so pervasive in progressive spaces that some of my queer friends now refuse to attend offline community events.







Personally? This isn't the world I've been fighting for since 2005.







Those were the days when a friend's mother scolded: "You can't play with Rachel Stine because she's going to grow up to be a lesbian." Another parent described the Gay-Straight Alliance of our school as "a dangerous sex club." Later, when I was giving a GSA announcement in the cafeteria, a male student screamed: "Shut up, dyke!"







But imagine if I now used Twitter to publicly name and shame my bully from 16 years ago. Should he be canceled for such an archaic moment of stupidity? He's probably been through university and unlearned the biases that made him yell that slur, anyway. If I called him out on Twitter in 2023, my motivation wouldn't be accountability. It would be revenge.







And revengewell, that's never really been my vice. I prefer greed, because it enables me to waste thousands of dollars on Pokemon dolls.







Yet that is precisely where the outrage algorithms seem to be taking us. On social media, there's no forgiveness or potential for human growth. The witch hunt demands a witch, and since perfection is a human fever dream, anyone can be turned into pyre-fuel. That's why I encourage fellow leftists to spend less time engaging in internet discourse.







Being chronically online myself, I thought it would be difficult to kick the screen time habit. And yet the Olle Trails made quitting relatively easy; the more time I spent hiking, the more dust my Facebook account accumulated.







Standing in front of the Pacific Ocean is a quick reminder of our own smallness. Mama Universe whispers of our hubris. In this way, hiking helped me articulate a firm thesis on the phenomenon of cancel culture  that I refuse to participate, and I encourage other leftists to do the same. My democratic socialism has always been about inalienable human dignity. It has always been about granting individuals the grace and space to change.







When you're on a seaside cliff, gazing out over the ocean, manifesting jeong towards strangers seems critical. There is just the planet before us  a wounded planet we have to take care of together.







At the end of our lives, when we sink back into the ground, what do we want our legacy to be? A strand of shattered families and friendships? The ostracization of friends who were infected by fascist ideas? Or a legacy of helping others recover from hate?







The Olle Trails reminded me that it's essential to honor the divine spark in each person  even when they say or do things that hurt us.








Google has opened a second cloud region in Germany as part of its plan to invest $1.08 billion in German digital infrastructure by 2030.

Dubbed the Berlin-Brandenburg region, the new data center will be operational alongside the Frankfurt region and will offer services such as the Google Compute Engine, Google Kubernetes Engine, Cloud Storage, Persistent Disk, CloudSQL, Virtual Private Cloud, Key Management System, Cloud Identity and Secret Manager.

Other services, such as Cloud Run, Cloud Bigtable, Cloud MemCache, Apigee, Cloud Redis, Cloud Spanner, Extreme PD, Cloud Load Balancer, Cloud Interconnect, BigQuery, Cloud Dataflow, Cloud Dataproc, Pub/Sub, are expected to be made available within six months of the launch of the region.

The new region brings high-performance, low-latency services and products to customers of all sizes, from public sector organizations to small, medium, and large enterprises and startups in Germany and the European Union, the company wrote in a blog post, adding that enterprises in the region will also benefit from key controls that allow them to maintain high security, data residency, and compliance standards, including specific data storage requirements.

The Berlin-Brandenburg region will be the companys 12th region in Europe and 38th globally. Other Google Cloud regions in Europe include locations such as Milan, Paris, Zurich, Warsaw, Madrid, Turin, Belgium, Finland, The Netherlands, and London.

AWS, Oracle, and Microsoft Azure also have at least one region each in Germany.
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Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder is seen answering questions during a daily press briefing at the Department of Defense in Washington, U.S., Aug. 22, in this captured image. Yonhap



The United States will take all steps necessary to counter provocations by North Korea, a Pentagon spokesperson said Tuesday, amid reports that Pyongyang may be poised to launch a space rocket in the near future.



North Korea has notified Japan of its plan to fire a space launch vehicle between Thursday and Aug. 31, according to a report by Japan's Kyodo News.



"As always, we will stand with our Japanese and our ROK allies in the face of North Korea's continued provocations to include their claimed space program," Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told a daily press briefing, referring to South Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea.



"So we are going to take all necessary measures to ensure that the security of our homeland and the defense of our allies continues, and we will continue working closely with Japan and (the) ROK to promote peace, security and stability in the region," he added.



North Korea's planned launch comes after it unsuccessfully fired what it claimed to be its first military reconnaissance satellite in late May.



The U.S. had strongly condemned the North's failed satellite launch, noting a space rocket uses the same technology used in ballistic missile, which Pyongyang is strictly prohibited from using or developing under multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions.



North Korea has warned that a "large-scale thermonuclear war" was approaching the Korean Peninsula, criticizing an annual South Korea- U.S. joint military exercise which began Monday.



"The provocative language coming out of North Korea is, of course, dangerous," the defense department spokesperson said when asked about the North Korean threat.



"We certainly would be willing to engage in dialogue with North Korea with no preconditions and so we will continue to maintain that stance, but to this point, they have not agreed to do that," added Ryder.





U.S. President Joe Biden holds a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol during the trilateral summit at Camp David near Thurmont, Maryland, U.S., Aug. 18. Reuters-Yonhap
The National Trust has called on Barclays to act on its financing of the fossil fuel industry after it came under pressure to end its relationship with the bank.

In a report by the Financial Times this week, Dominic Acland, the grandson of one of charitys largest donors, said his grandfather was an environmentalist who would be horrified that the National Trust is banking with Barclays.

Acland told the paper he had written to the National Trusts finance director three times in the past year and that the charity had said in response that there were a lack of banks big enough to cater to its needs while also meeting high climate standards.

National Trust is not conducting a formal review into banking arrangements with Barclays, but said banks, including Barclays, need to do much more to address the financing of the fossil fuel industry.

A resolution regarding banking at the last charitys AGM which called upon the National Trust to conclude all banking, financial arrangements and ties with Barclays Bank was not carried.

The charity has met with Barclays several times over the last year to discuss environmental commitments and plans.

Christian Aid recently announced it is to stop banking with Barclays , over concerns about the banks financing of fossil fuels. The international development charitys board of trustees has approved a plan to transition to Lloyds over the next few months.

According to the FT report, Barclays held a roundtable to try to reassure charity clients about its environmental commitment earlier this year.

National Trust: We know we can help influence change

Earlier this year National Trusts director-general, Hilary McGrady, told Civil Society News that National Trust has reduced its fossil fuel holdings by 98% since announcing plans to completely disinvest in 2019 .

As a result, the charity missed its target to completely disinvest by 2022 but it plans to sell the remaining fossil fuel investments at the earliest opportunity.

A spokesperson for the charity said: The National Trust is working hard towards being carbon net zero by 2030. As part of our sustainability goals, we work with partners and suppliers who are committed to reducing their climate impact.

The approach we take with key suppliers is to assess the plans they have in place to address the climate and nature crises and to look at their track record of delivery. We also consider how the National Trust can best effect positive and lasting change.

We very much understand the strength of feeling around the banking sectors impact on the climate crisis. We are clear that banks, including Barclays, need to do much more to address the financing of the fossil fuel industry.

As a big charity, we know we can help influence change within the banking sector.

The charity said it is a member of the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change, adding through this group, as well as other forums, we will continue to use this leverage with Barclays and other banks, pressing them to accelerate their commitments to tackle the climate emergency.

Barclays: Many oil and gas companies that are critical to the transition

A Barclays spokesperson said: We believe that Barclays can make the greatest difference as a bank by working with customers and clients as they transition to a low-carbon business model, focusing on facilitating the finance needed to change business practices and scale new green technologies.

This includes many oil and gas companies that are critical to the transition, and have committed significant resources and expertise to renewable energy. Where companies are unwilling to reduce their emissions consistent with internationally accepted pathways, they may find it difficult to access financing, including from Barclays.

As one of the first banks to set an ambition to become net zero by 2050, we are clear that addressing climate change is an urgent and complex challenge.

We are using our entire franchise to support new green technologies and infrastructure projects that will build up low-carbon capacity and capability, having provided over 87bn of green finance since 2018. We have set a target to facilitate $1trn in Sustainable and Transition financing between 2023 and 2030 and we have set a mandate to invest 500m of our own capital into global climate-tech start-ups by the end of 2027.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
On Monday, The New Yorker published a profile of Elon Musk by Ronan Farrow, illuminating the way the worlds richest man has constructed a shadow rule by investing in critical industries. In the past twenty years, Farrow wrote, against a backdrop of crumbling infrastructure and declining trust in institutions, Musk has sought out business opportunities in crucial areas where, after decades of privatization, the state has receded. Musks fleet of satellites, through his company SpaceX, has given him a high level of influence in Ukraines war against Russias invasion. His manufacture of electric vehicles, through Tesla, make him central to policymakers approaches to transitions towards a net-zero carbon future. And his efforts to muscle into payment infrastructurein the past with PayPal and more recently with intentions to make Twitter an everything apprepresent another frontier of Musks empire.

To this list of critical infrastructure investmentsalthough it is not an area of previous state oversightwe might add Twitter, which he acquired in October last year. Since launching in 2006, the social media platform has become a digital town square of sorts. It has helped spark (and crush) revolutions, and has developed into a digital watering hole for many voters and most journalists. By owning the platform, What he can do is shape perceptions of his companies and shape perceptions of him, Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), told me. And also go on the attack against legislators who might pipe up to propose regulating his actions.

The CCDH, a nonprofit that researches hate and disinformation online and campaigns for reform to tech platform regulation, has recently attracted Musks anger. On June 1, it released a report cataloguing a jump in hate speech on Twitter since Musk took over last year. Ahmed has said that Musk put up the Bat-Signal to racists, to misogynists, to homophobes, to antisemites by reinstating many accounts banned for harassment after gaining control. On August 1, X Corp filed a lawsuit against CCDH accusing it of embarking on a scare campaign to frighten advertisers which cost tens of millions of dollars in ad revenue, and alleging it unlawfully scraped data. CCDH, which does not take money from platforms or governments, intends to fight the suit. This afternoon, I spoke with Ahmed by video call. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

JB: I wanted to start by talking about the research that seems to have angered Twitter so much. Your report found Twitter failed to enforce its own rules on ninety-nine of one-hundred hate tweets from Twitter Blue subscribers. Can you tell us more about the findings and what they say about the platform under its new ownership?

IA: That report is part of a series over some years now. Platforms often say that the problem for them is that theres so much content, they couldnt possibly moderate it, so they have to use algorithms. When their automated systems fail, they say the back-up is people reporting it to them and theyll take action. We wanted to test: to what extent do they take action on it? So we reported one-hundred really hardcore, malignant tweets, which clearly were outside their rules, and then we went back and audited what action was taken. Ninety-nine out of one-hundred tweets saw no action taken. Even the one that had action taken on it, you dont know if that person closed their account down or whatever else, we just assume they took action.

Its essentially the equivalent of quality control in a factory: if youre making five-thousand cream cakes a day, and you take one-hundred out and you test themmy dream joband ninety-nine are toxic, is your reaction, Dont worry, its just that ninety-nine. Or is your reaction, Look, we need to shut down the factory and work out what on earth is going wrong!? Musks reaction is neither of thoseits suing the person taking the samples.

When you found out that Musk intended to sue, and then when he called you a rat on Twitter, what was your immediate reaction?

My reaction was to retweet it, and then to ask people to donate to us if they thought it was outrageous that he was behaving in that way. And lots of people did. It was to try and take his energy and turn it into something positive for ourselves. I dont mind being called a rat. Ive been called a lot worse.

Youve spoken about how youve held up a mirror to the platform, and said that Musk is trying to sue that mirror. What are your thoughts on what this lawsuit is trying to achieve?

Hes trying to bleed us. Every journalist will know that people try to bleed small organizations through strategic litigationpart of the decline of our local news sector is down to relatively small organizations without the scale to absorb a slew of legal threats from one disgruntled person. Now, that can destroy organizations, but it can also change the way that other organizations work. They think, Crumbs, I dont want to experience that. So theres a general effect on the rest of the sector to dissuade, to make people think, You know what, maybe taking on Musk is too costly. We should focus on [Facebook-founder Mark] Zuckerberg and TikTok and YouTube. If we let that happen, it will lead to others learning that lesson. The first report we ever wrote was Dont Feed the Trolls, and the central insight there was: trolls dont think youre evil. They just want you to shut up, they want to stop you from speaking, to think, I dont want to go through it. But I will go through itotherwise we are essentially silencing our ability to do that kind of work.

As we approach the next presidential election cycle, there seems to have been a fragmentation of the social media ecosystem. Weve got people spread across a larger number of smaller platforms. What are your thoughts on what that will mean for misinformation during the campaign?

Were well into these battles now. 2024 is going to be worse than 2020 which is worse than 2016. Things are going to get worse until we start trying to make them better. The problem is that we are letting the information ecosystem decay and degrade and become ever more fragmented. The sophistication of the algorithms improves every four years, to become better at keeping us addicted. So I expect 2024 to be the most dis-informed democratic election in historyuntil six months later, when well have the next one.

Youve painted a picture of a degrading landscape for facts from election to election. And now were throwing AI into that picture. What impact do you think AI is going to have?

Im most concerned about its undermining of our ability to know whats true and whats not. One of the terms we use is epistemic anxiety. We thought about that a lot in the pandemic, because epistemic anxiety is correlated to conspiracism. Think of epistemic anxiety as a yearning for certainty, or even to know where you can get that certainty from. Conspiracy theories give you these big, macro solutions that seem like they give you a single, turn-key solution to understand everything. But in reality, they never do, because every conspiracy theory is based on a leap of faith, not on facts. Epistemic anxiety can only increase when we literally cant tell if things are and arent real. The blurring of confected reality and reality drives even more epistemic anxiety which drives conspiracies.

One of my staff said to me, Well, this is exactly what the Soviets used to do. Once you make people completely unsure as to whats true and whats not, they just give upand theyll hold on to whatever is stable and unbending and unmoving. And thats the dictator. Its a recipe for autocracy. And it can happen very fast. My grandfather grew up in Afghanistan. I remember him writing to me before he died, saying how the country in the 1970s had women in mini-skirts. A country like that can, a few years later, be considered one of the basket cases in the world.

After Frances Haugen became a Facebook whistleblower, you said that social media platforms know they have a detrimental impact on society, but their perverse incentivesa desire to retain eyeballs on feeds to keep serving people adsstop them from reforming. What needs to happen to provoke change?

Ironically, what we need to do is introduce some of the same costs, values and social mores that are vital to the operation of a democracy to social mediaso essentially socializing social media. One thing we try to do is change the cost calculator. For companies to actually enforce their rules, they have to do two costly things. One, they have to take an action, which is a cost. Second, they reduce the amount of monetizable content. So its a double hit to their bottom line. Whereas if they do nothing, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act means that they bear no cost. Its not just that theyre not subject to defamation law or the normal rules that apply to any publisher or journalist. Theyre also not subject to negligence law, which all companies in America are subject to, and theyre not subject to your product liability law, which all producers of products are subject to. Theyre essentially completely free. So, actually, their fiduciary duty as executives to shareholders is to do absolutely nothing whatsoever, because theres no cost of doing nothing. Theres reputational costs, sure, but CCDH has been trying to make sure that those reputational costs bear economic costs too. In doing so, you change the calculus of those companies.

CCDH supports federal legislation to enforce platform transparencyon things like feed algorithms, enforcement statistics, business model information. Can you say more about that?

Transparency is not an end unto itself. The mistake that many people make is thinking that transparency is sufficient. Its not, it needs accountability to go with it. It needs the sharing of responsibility for the costs. Once youve made yourself transparent, there needs to be someone who can pose questions, whether thats an Ofcom [the UK communications regulator] or another body. Lindsey Graham and Elizabeth Warren have got a bill for an FCC type body in the US that would be similar to what Ofcom is doing in the UK. In the [EUs] Digital Services Act therell be new bodies to do that as well.

But then you need to have responsibility too, so youre sharing the costs of the harms that are produced right now. The costs of the harms that are produced by the incompetent leadership of social media companies are [currently] borne by society, not borne by those companies themselves. You need to have that cost-sharing. That, we believe, will eventually lead to decisions at these companies where they implement safety by design. Our framework is called the STAR framework: safety by design, transparency, accountability and responsibility. They dont actually go in that order, they go as TARS: transparency is required for accountability; when people are held accountable, you have to make them bear economic responsibility for it; and eventually we think that will lead to safety by design.

Finally, your research from 2021 found that up to sixty-five percent of anti-vaccine content on Facebook and Twitter could be traced back to just twelve peoplethe disinformation dozen. One of those is now running for president, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In your view, how should news organizations approach covering that?

Stop calling him a Kennedy and start calling him an anti-vaxxer. They focus on the wrong thing with him. Weve learned to make it really clear to people who they are and what they say. So any report about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that doesnt talk about the fact that he targeted black parentsby telling them not to vaccinate their children because African blood is different to white bloodis doing a massive disservice to the reader. The opines about the cut of his jaw and how he wears his tieits just, stop it. Start telling us who they are and then hold them accountable for the things they say. The funny thing is, when he went in front of the congressional committee, which he thought would be a slam dunk, they just repeated back to him what hed said, and asked, Can you explain yourself? Have you heard much about RFK Jr since the House Committee? Not really. Because he was exposed. So expose these people, hoist them by their own petard.
Canadian firefighters prevented wildfires from destroying more structures in a scenic region of British Columbia and stepped up their defense of a territorial capital threatened by flames, authorities said Monday as the prospect of rain raised hopes for the effort to contain the blazes.

Fire Chief Jason Brolund said fire crews made more progress in the West Kelowna area known as a summer destination for families. He reported no new property losses in the previous 24 hours and said the biggest challenge now is the region`s poor air quality, which he described as choking.

Weather predictions called for light showers beginning Monday evening and extending into Tuesday morning.

Rain is in the forecast, and I am optimistic about that, Brolund said.

Bruce Ralston, British Columbias minister of forests, said the forecast would not bring the days of solid rain that we really need, but it might offer enough to allow fire crews to make more headway.

The last few days have been the most difficult days fighting wildfires in BCs history, Ralston said.

Canada has seen a record number of wildfires this year, with blazes chasing tens of thousands of people from their homes. The fires have also sent smoke into parts of the U.S.

In all, 386 fires are currently burning, and 3,500 people are fighting the flames, Ralston added.

The forecast carried risks too. The British Columbia Wildfire Service predicted that Tropical Storm Hilary, which drenched southern California with rain, could bring stronger winds to fan the flames. There was also heightened danger from lightning strikes that could spark more fires.

As teams surveyed damaged neighborhoods, they found 50 buildings destroyed, Brolund said.

Undoubtedly, that number will grow higher, but its difficult to tell because some of areas are the more rural or remote areas where the properties are further apart, he said.

Bowinn Ma, British Columbia`s minister of emergency management and climate readiness, said 62,000 people were under either evacuation orders or an evacuation alert, which warns residents to be ready to flee.

We hope the darkest days are over, but the situation continues to evolve, Ma said.

Elsewhere, firefighters battling a wildfire near the capital of the Northwest Territories shifted from defense to offense after a weekend of cooler temperatures, favorable winds and some rain.

Were in a position to move to direct attack on that fire, said Mike Westwick, a fire information officer.

Until now, firefighters had mostly focused on trying to stop the spread or reduce the intensity of the flames near Yellowknife. That means building fire lines to rob the blaze of fuel or dropping water on it from the air.

A lot of the tactics weve been using have been more indirect, he said. In this case, wed be looking at putting out fire right on the perimeter, which is more of an offensive strategy.

Flames remained about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Yellowknife. The city was left virtually empty after nearly all 20,000 residents fled for safety.

Jennifer Young, information officer for the NWT emergency Management Organization said in evening news conference via zoom that 25,900 people have been evacuated from the entire territory or about 60% of the population.

Nearly 5 mm (0.20 inches) of rain over the weekend helped prevent the flames from spreading while swirling winds tended to push the fire back on itself, Westwick said.

More rain was expected but would likely bring with it potentially fire-starting lightning strikes.

This is all pretty good news, except for the lightning, Westwick said.

We believe it is highly unlikely to reach the outskirts of Yellowknife over the next three days.

Yellowknife officials warned city employees, first responders and volunteers who remained behind to be aware of wildlife displaced by the wildfires. In a message posted Sunday on Facebook, officials said bears and other animals have been reported roaming the mostly empty city.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the approval of British Columbias request for federal assistance.

People are fleeing for their lives. Theyre worried about their communities, and Canadians from coast to coast to coast are watching in horror the images of apocalyptic devastation, Trudeau said Monday at a news conference in Cornwall on Prince Edward Island.

Trudeau also accused Facebook of putting profits over peoples safety during the emergency.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced earlier this summer it would keep its promise to block news content from Canada on its platforms because of a new law that requires tech giants to pay publishers for linking to or otherwise repurposing their content online.

All told, there have been more than 5,800 fires, which have burned more than 150, 000 square kilometers (58,000 square miles) from one end of Canada to the other, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center.

Brolund asked displaced residents to be patient until it is safe enough for them to return to their neighborhoods.

In many cases, your neighborhoods and houses are covered with sprinklers and those sprinklers are protecting your home. It means we cant send you home, he said.

Communities in southern British Columbia and in the Northwest Territories continued to endure heavy smoke. Many very high warnings for poor air quality were in place on Monday.

Residents who stayed behind in the Kelowna area were taping up their windows and using air purifiers and humidifiers to battle the smokey air. In a local Facebook group, some residents said they felt ill after going outside for a few minutes.

Gillies reported from Toronto. Associated Press Writer Susan Haigh in Norwich, Connecticut, contributed to this report.

Photo: The remnants of a property that was destroyed by the Lower East Adams Lake wildfire litters the ground in Scotch Creek, British Columbia, on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said on Tuesday it will hold runway safety meetings at 90 airports over the next few weeks after a series of troubling close-call aviation incidents.

Earlier this month, the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said they were investigating a near collision between a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 and a Cessna Citation 560X business jet in San Diego.

The NTSB is investigating seven runway incursion events since January, including the San Diego incident.

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.

At the Runway Safety Action Team meetings taking place through the end of September, the FAA said representatives from the FAAs air traffic organization, airlines, pilots, airport vehicle drivers and others will come together to identify unique risks to surface safety at that airport and develop plans to mitigate or eliminate those risks.

The FAA has been without a permanent administrator since April 2022. President Joe Bidens nominee to head the agency Phil Washington withdrew in March and the White House has yet to pick a new nominee.

Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg since June has been serving as acting FAA administrator in addition to her USDOT duties.

The FAA said its preliminary review of the Aug. 11 incident showed an air traffic controller at San Diego International Airport cleared the Cessna to land even though Southwest Airlines Flight 2493 had already been told to taxi onto the same runway and await instructions to depart.

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.

The FAA held a safety summit and issued a safety alert in March to airlines, pilots and others citing the need for continued vigilance and attention to mitigation of safety risks.
Hawaii property owners are seizing on a legal shortcut used by fire victims in California to secure compensation from Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. for damages following the fires that ravaged Maui.

The strategy, which doesnt require proving negligence, helped push PG&E Corp., Californias largest utility, into bankruptcy and secured victims a $13.5 billion settlement in 2020.

While Hawaiian Electric and some analysts have said this approach has never been tested in Hawaiis courts, some property owners are already pursuing it. Shares of Hawaiian Electric plunged 58% last week, amid increasing investor concern that the utility could be held responsible for the fires.

Property owners success will hinge on a determination of whether the investor-owned Hawaiian Electric functions akin to a government agency because it supplies electricity to the public.

It in fact may give us a more direct path to liability and damages, saidGraham LippSmith, a lawyer representing Maui fire victims in one of the suits. Hawaiian Electric is a private utility but it gets to operate as a quasi-governmental entity.

Inverse Condemnation

Hawaiian Electric had used both private and public land to set up its power lines  some of which was destroyed by the fires. Even if the damage caused by the utilitys equipment was an accident, fire victims have the constitutional right to seek compensation for it if they can show that Hawaiian Electric was functioning like a government agency.

The legal argument, known as inverse condemnation, in which a property owner can sue the government for damages, is related to the constitutional process of eminent domain  the power of a government to take private property for public infrastructure projects, and in return compensate the owner for it.

Using the legal shortcut, Maui property owners would be entitled to recover their losses without having to prove that the utility acted recklessly. In this case, Hawaiian Electric would be on the hook for damaged property.

No Precedent

Hawaiian Electric said in a regulatory filing Friday that there is no precedent in Hawaii applying inverse condemnation to a private party like an investor-owned utility. Hawaiian Electric spokesman Darren Pai said the company doesnt comment on pending litigation.

The blaze in the town of Lahaina damaged or destroyed more than 2,000 structures and killed more than 100 people. Investigations into the cause of the wildfire are still ongoing and its not clear if the blame lies with Hawaiian Electric.

We dont necessarily need to show anyone did anything wrong, just that they were using the property in a way that created a danger, and that the property was damaged from the use, said LippSmith, the victims lawyer.

Still, it will be a stretch to convince a judge that the shortcut applies, said David Callies, a land use expert and recently retired professor at the University of Hawaii Law School.

The key to inverse condemnation is its got to be a government agency that youre suing, he said. As in PG&E, Hawaiian Electric is a private corporation that happens to be a public utility, which means its rates and some other things are regulated by government.

Numerous lawsuits have been filed alleging that the utilitys power lines ignited the fires which destroyed much of Lahaina during an Aug. 8 storm. The most serious claims in these cases, including a complaint filed by LippSmiths firm, go beyond property damage and blame Hawaiian Electric for wrongful deaths.

The potential liabilities could reach almost $4 billion if the utility is deemed negligent, according to investment research firm Capstone LLC. Hawaiian Electric Industries owns Hawaiis main utility  which provides power to 95% of the states population and is regulated  and owns and operates the regional American Savings Bank FSB.

Read More: Why Hawaiis Power Lines Are Suspect In Maui Fire: QuickTake

Hawaii became a US state in 1959, more than 100 years after California. As a result, the island state is often viewed as a legal blank canvas, with its courts drawing from other states where legal doctrines have had more time to develop.

Do they have inverse condemnation in Hawaii? Sure, said Paul Starita, another lawyer whose firm is suing Hawaiian Electric. Has it been used in a wildfire context? No, not that were aware of. And thats why we havent pursued it.

In recent years, California judges have grown more receptive to inverse condemnation as state investigations have pointed to utilities equipment and their lackluster management of vegetation as the source of the most destructive wildfires.

Read More: Hawaiian Utility Sued by Homeowner Over Lahaina Fire

Like other states, Hawaii has a provision in its constitution which says private property shall not be taken or damaged for public use without just compensation.

That language has been the foundation for inverse condemnation to be used in a variety of disputes, said Shelley Ross Saxer, a law professor at Pepperdine University, adding that it makes sense for lawyers to borrow from Californias experience because wildfire cases are new to Hawaii.

Saxer said the devastating impact on Maui property owners boosts chances the theory will get a warm reception at Hawaiis highest court.

Its a very sympathetic case on which to push this, she said.

With assistance from Mark Chediak.

Copyright 2023 Bloomberg.
A second person has died in wildfires in eastern Washington state that ignited on Friday, burning hundreds of structures and closing a section of a major interstate for days, fire officials said.

A body was found in the area burned by the Oregon fire north of Spokane on Sunday afternoon, fire officials told The Associated Press on Monday.

Another person died in connection with the Gray fire that started Friday west of Spokane, authorities said over the weekend.

Gov. Jay Inslee visited the burned areas Sunday and declared a statewide emergency. Those fires have destroyed at least 265 structures and, together with others, have burned more than 53 square miles (137 square kilometers) combined around the state this year.

Inslee said Monday he had talked with President Joe Biden and Federal Emergency Management Administrator Deanne Criswell about securing federal dollars to help with firefighting efforts.

I appreciated President Bidens call this morning to share his concern for the devastating Spokane County wildfires and what can be done to secure federal aid,  Inslee said Monday on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Inslee said Criswell told him the agency would work with Washington to assess damages as quickly as possible to see what federal aid the state may qualify for.

Criswell spoke with reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday, as Biden flew to tour wildfire damage in Hawaii. Criswell said FEMA had emergency response teams embedded with Washington state emergency response authorities and theyre ready to support any resource request as needed.

The Gray fire started near Medical Lake in Spokane County around noon Friday and had burned about 15.6 square miles (40 square kilometers) as of Monday.

At least 185 structures have been destroyed or damaged with a higher number expected once crews are able to make an accurate assessment, according to Isabelle Hoygaard, public information officer with the Gray fire incident management team.

A good majority of the homes and other structures burned were in the small city of Medical Lake and nearby Silver Lake, Hoygaard said. Medical Lake Mayor Terri Cooper said Monday that 5,000 residents had been displaced because of the fire, KREM-TV reported.

Fire crews were making progress on the Gray fire Monday, Hoygaard said, and a section of Interstate 90 that had closed because of the flames and burned trees falling into the roadway reopened on Monday afternoon. Some of the mandatory evacuations abated on Monday, according to Spokane County Emergency Management.

The Oregon fire began Friday afternoon northeast of Elk, Washington. It had consumed about 15.8 square miles (40.9 square kilometers) of forest and cropland as of Monday, according to fire officials. More than 80 structures have burned in that blaze and about 150 remain at risk, according to Guy Gifford, public information officer for the Oregon fire.

Mandatory evacuations have been in effect around both fires with officials also noting that if residents feel threatened by fire, they should evacuate immediately.

There may be no formal notice that you need to evacuate, fire managers said on the fire incident information system website.

The cause of both fires is under investigation. Both started in dry, windy conditions that had prompted warnings of critical fire danger in the region.

Air quality around Spokane was the worst in the country on Sunday with poor air quality continuing on Monday, according to the National Weather Service in Spokane. Areas of western Washington that had experienced smoky conditions on Sunday started to see some improvement on Monday.

Associated Press writer Will Weissert contributed to this report from Washington, D.C.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Elementary school students participate in the civil air defense drill in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Aug. 23. Yonhap





South Korea held a nationwide air raid exercise for the first time in six years Thursday, with vehicles on designated roads ordered to pull over and people to evacuate to shelters or underground facilities.







The 20-minute exercise, which kicked off at 2 p.m., came a day before the beginning of an eight-day launch window for what North Korea claims will be a satellite-carrying space rocket launch that the outside world considers a test of long-range missile technology.







The air-raid alarm remained in effect for 15 minutes, signaling people to evacuate to air-raid shelters or underground facilities. Subway trains continued to operate during this time, but passengers were not allowed to leave stations after getting off trains until the alarm phased to a warning, when people were allowed to move with caution.







But some pedestrians and tourists were still seen traveling freely.







Schools nationwide also led students to take shelter in underground lots, assembly halls or low-lying hallways instead of the designated places, citing the potential safety issue of going outside the school.







Elementary school students participate in the civil air defense drill in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Aug. 23. Yonhap





Vehicles on 216 sections of road across the country, including a boulevard leading to Seoul Station from the Gwanghwamun intersection at the center of Seoul, were required to pull over to the side of road and remain there for 15 minutes.







Around 480 multiuse facilities, including large supermarkets and movie theaters, took part in the drill and guided customers to take shelter safely, but hospitals as well as subway, train, airplane and ferry services operated normally.







A total of 57 regions designated as special disaster zones due to heavy rains last month and Typhoon Khanun were exempt from the drill.







Around 17,000 locations, including apartment basements and subway stations, were designated as defense drill shelters last year.







The civil defense drills, organized to prepare the public for an air raid scenario, including missile provocations from North Korea, was not staged since August 2017, amid a thaw in relations with North Korea and COVID-19. (Yonhap)


FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- City Council President Michael Kilbane has come under fire for a deleted 2021 social media post.

The post in question was on my personal Facebook page two-and-a-half years ago in response to the aftermath of the George Floyd killing and other race-related incidents involving the police and the Black community, he said.

I deleted it a day after posting it, as I felt that I went a bit overboard with the profanity.

The deleted post included: Enough of this cowardly, Trumpian, double-speak! Say what you mean, already: Blue Lives Matter is code for law enforcement should be able to kill Black people with impunity, right?

Kilbane also questioned why Black athletes kneeling during the National Anthem is characterized as disrespecting the flag, but desecration/bastardization of the flag with different colored stripes is OK?

In my opinion, there is only one American flag. To alter it in support of different political ideologies is divisive and -- quite frankly -- illegal. (The flag) flies on my house in the form it was intended to be flown, he said.

The council president characterized the recent controversy as political mudslinging involving half-truths and falsehoods.

After residents recently reached out to City Hall about the post, Mayor Patrick Cooney felt compelled to address the community with a statement.

President Kilbane, as an elected city official of the legislative branch of the city, answers to the residents of Fairview Park, he said. I, as mayor, have no authority over his conduct or speech.

Mr. Kilbanes comments and opinions are protected under the First Amendment. However, the offensive nature of the language used by Mr. Kilbane and the negative implications about law enforcement in his post are an unfortunate reflection on Fairview Park and not supported by me. I am disheartened by the discord his post has created in our community and beyond.

The mayor added that his experience with Kilbane has always been supportive of the members of the Fairview Park Police Department. However, he felt the comments were an unfair characterization of the service they and others in law enforcement provide.

Kilbane thanked Cooney for acknowledging his longstanding and strong support of the police.

Its the truth, Kilbane said. I have voted to approve every police union contract that has ever been before me.

Ive never hesitated to vote for and pass ordinances providing for safety equipment or needed gear for our department.

The city council president called Police Chief Paul Shepard and his officers top-notch.

They do an amazing job, just as the vast majority of police officers everywhere are hard-working, dedicated and honest public servants, Kilbane said.

Were lucky to have what we have in Fairview Park. Ive done my best during my tenure to make sure that they have the tools to do the great job that they do.

Shepard declined to comment about the deleted post and subsequent controversy.

Read more news from the Sun Post Herald.
PARMA, Ohio -- Its been a tough couple of weeks for the Parma City Schools making headlines.

The latest unflattering district news involves a data breach discovered last week.

We learned Friday night (Aug. 18) that in our website was a survey for private school parents, Superintendent Charles Smialek said.

If you clicked on the survey and submitted your information, you then saw a spreadsheet with other private school student information, including things like parent names, addresses, emails and student grade levels.

Thats as far as the information actually went, but we understand why people were upset, he said.

The superintendent stressed that the survey was taken down as soon as the data breach was discovered.

Despite the reported incident, so far he hasnt received any calls from parents.

Well work on sending letters to the folks who were on there and well apologize for that, he said. Well also review our website posting procedures to make sure that were more careful in the future.

It shouldnt have been posted. What happened was our transportation director developed the survey and our communications folks uploaded it. We probably should have taken that extra step to see what happened once somebody actually completed it.

The incident took place less than a week after Seven Hills Mayor Anthony D. Biasiotta released a memo regarding the Parma Schools approach to Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) funds and the school master plan.

The mayors communication alleged that the district could have received OFCC funds for either a new Parma High School or the refurbishment of the 70-year-old West 54th Street building.

The district, which for years has said that only the former was an option, was caught off guard by the news, with Smialek noting that the waiver discussion wasnt an option provided to the district by the OFCC.

Then, after late last month announcing a plan to allow certain staff members to carry guns, the district had to clarify that the measure was aimed not at teachers, but instead district security staff members, who after receiving district approval and certification from the Parma Police Department could carry a firearm.

Other recent headlines included a group of residents who in the late spring threatened legal action regarding the proposed demolition of Parma High School later this year. They eventually dropped their efforts.

Asked about the timing of the recent data breach, Smialek said, Certainly, we would not have wanted to continue to stay in the news cycle with what obviously was not a positive story for the Parma Schools.

Read more news from the Parma Sun Post.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  A suspect wanted in connection with the fatal shooting in May of a Brook Park man at a car wash was arrested Tuesday by federal agents.

Stafonze Robinson, 23, was taken into custody by members of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force on the 18900 block of Homeway Avenue in the Hopkins neighborhood on the citys West Side, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. A firearm was also seized at the time of the arrest.

Robinson was one of two suspects arrested by federal agents on Monday. Robert Bryson, 65, who is wanted on a manslaughter charge in Brooklyn, New York, was arrested by federal officers on the 1100 block of Norwood Avenue in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood on the East Side.

Robinson is accused of shooting David McCray, 40, on May 25 at the Clean Express Car Wash at 3606 Carnegie Ave. McCray was found by police just after 5 p.m. slumped over inside his vehicle with nine gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at University Hospitals.

Police said McCray was vacuuming his car when a sedan parked behind his vehicle. Two men got out and shot McCray, police say.

The U.S. Marshals Service says Bryson and Nicholas Isaac, 23, got into a verbal fight outside of bicycle shop in Brooklyn, N.Y., on July 18, 2020. The fight turned physical and Bryson is accused of shooting and killing Isaac, according to the New York Daily News.

Bryson initially refused to surrender to federal agents on Monday and barricaded himself inside the residence, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. He was eventually arrested and booked into the Cuyahoga County Jail, where he is awaiting extradition back to New York.
CLEVELAND, Ohio-- Russia rocket launches are failing both in Ukraine and in space. This weekend, Russias pilotless spacecraft, Luna-25, crashed into the Moon while attempting to land intact on its south pole.

The apparatus moved into an unpredictable orbit and ceased to exist as a result of a collision with the surface of the moon.

Read a statement issued Sunday from Russias Roscosmos Space Agency. Expect Vladimir Putin to blame Ukraine.

It was Russias first mission to the moon since 1976. Scientist believe frozen water and other potential resources may be found there.

Look for Putin to also try and corral UAP/UFOs to join in his ongoing stalled invasion of Ukraine, under a red & green Alien Axis battle flag.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Ohio-born writer Dawn Powells reputation brightened and then dimmed, and shone again, during her lifetime, and even after her death in 1965.

She was lauded in literary circles, although the most successful of her 13 books only sold 8,000 copies.

Her reputation had a resurgence in the 1990s with a biography and reissue of her out-of-print novels.

There is one place that continues to celebrate and illuminate her achievements  Lake Erie College, in Painesville, Ohio, where she first found the freedom to seek her muse.

I can see where it would have been a good fit for her, commented Jennifer Swartz-Levine, an English teacher and dean of the School of Arts, Education, Humanities and Social Studies at the campus 30 miles east of Cleveland.

Powell was the author of penetrating portraits of small-town life and satiric stabs at New York society of the 1930s and 40s. She has been compared to Sinclair Lewis and even Charles Dickens.

Ernest Hemingway said Powell was his favorite living novelist.

For the last several years Lake Erie College, where Powell studied from 1914-18, has been attempting to elevate her status as one of the major American literary voices of the mid-20th century.

The 100th anniversary of Powells graduation was celebrated in 2018, and the schools literary prize was renamed for her.

The latest project at LEC is the digitization of Powell archives, which includes photographs, articles and her own writing from that period. The electronic transfer was undertaken with the Ohio Memory Project and went online in June.

The electronic archives include 79 separate files, according to Jeanna Purses, librarian at Lake Erie College who assisted in the digitization.

The archives contain materials from Powells time at LEC and her continuing connection to the institution, through her life and appreciations after her death.

These include Powells academic records (not surprisingly, she received high marks for courses in literature) and writings from that period.

During her career, the Bulletin of Lake Erie College noted that the New York Herald Tribune ranked Powell as one of the ten wittiest women in New York.

The archives also preserve posthumous articles that praised Powells work, from the Cleveland Plain Dealer to the New York Times Review of Books, as well as correspondence from Lake Erie College officials.

Swartz-Levine realized the necessity of having these materials available online for scholars while the campus was hosting an academic convention in 2022.

One participant drove to Lake Erie College just to get a look at the Powell files.

I thought you shouldnt have to travel all the way from Indiana just to see our archives, said Swartz-Levine, who obtained funding and worked with Jeanna Purses to complete the project.

Even at her alma mater, Powells position in the literary pantheon had to be dusted off.

Adam Stier, who taught at Lake Erie College from 2013 to 2022, said he had never heard of Powell before arriving at the school.

That was a bit embarrassing, he admitted, since he had written his dissertation on modernist writers such as John Dos Passos, a lifelong friend and supporter of Dawn Powell.

After familiarizing himself with her work, Stier asked himself How did this person fall through the cracks?

Dawns early light

Dawn Powell was born Nov. 28, 1896, in Mount Gilead, Ohio, about 110 miles southwest of Cleveland and 45 miles from Columbus.

Her mother, Hattie, died in 1903, likely from a botched abortion. This left their ineffectual father, Roy, a traveling salesman, to look after Dawn and her two sisters, Mabel, one year older, and Phyllis, three years younger than Dawn.

The girls were sent to live with relatives around the state until their father remarried in 1907. Their new stepmother turned out to be a character right out of a Grimms fairy tale, who cruelly punished and humiliated the children.

The breaking point came for Dawn when her stepmother locked up the books in the house that the young girl cherished, and burned her notebook of stories and drawings, calling it trash.

By this time, the family had moved to North Olmsted, which did not have a high school, possibly ending Dawns education.

Dawn ran away from home in 1910. As she later observed in her novel Dance Night, Wherever you land is sure to be better than the place you left.

Her savior was her Aunt May, her mothers oldest sister who lived in Shelby, Ohio. In her diary, Powell described her aunt as laughing, handsome, understanding.

Dawn attended Shelby High School, working on the school newspaper and yearbook, and graduated in 1914.

Her choices for higher education included nearby Oberlin College. But her father and stepmother had moved to the town, and Dawn wanted nothing to do with them.

Her next choice was Lake Erie College for Women. According to author Tim Pages biography of Powell, her close friend, Eleanor Farnham, recalled her writing a letter to the schools president, pleading  with a bit of characteristic cheek - that I will do anything to work my way through, from scrubbing back stairs to understudying your job.

She was accepted, and with financial support from Aunt May, Dawn was on her way to a new life.

Powell did work her way through college. One of her jobs was pulling the ropes of an elevator that still exists in College Hall, a considerable physical strain for the diminutive young woman.

I think about her every time I get in that elevator, Swartz-Levine said of the device that still has its iron grating.

The academic regimen and the campus rules were strict, but for Powell, it turned out to be a completely liberating experience.

In a letter, Powell described her arrival at college like being shot from a cannon into a strange and wonderful planet, Stier said.

Powell contributed to the school newspaper and literary magazine. The LEC archives also include pages from The Sheet, a satiric publication Powell created as an alternative to the regular school magazine, distributed anonymously around campus.

She took aim at such topics as fire drill etiquette.

Try to make the fire drill as formal as possible, was her advice. If you can think of clever things to say along the waydont let the opportunity pass.

She took a poke at President Woodrow Wilson, who was traveling through the region.

You can just feel her saucy attitude in the writings, Swartz-Levine said.

In a 2006 letter, Christopher Bennett, director of Lake Erie Colleges Lincoln Library, observed that Dawn did really shake things up on this campus for those four years.

Powell explained the purpose of The Sheet, which points to the role of observer she would assume throughout her writing career.

The Sheet aims merely to snatch up bits and pieces of life about Lake Erie and keep them safe in print lest they vanish forever from our memory, Powell wrote.

Excursions to Cleveland for shows and shopping and drinks further broadened Powells horizons.

Dawn Powell performs as Puck in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in 1917 at Lake Erie College for Women, now Lake Erie College in Painesville. (Courtesy of the Dawn Powell Archives at Lake Erie College)

On campus, she even played Puck in A Midsummer Nights Dream, a role that no doubt fit her impish personality. The archives include photos of her in costume.

As graduation approached, Powell was plotting her next chapter.

New Yorks a big city, she wrote to Aunt May.

Happy island

Powell arrived in New York City on Labor Day, 1918.

Tim Page writes that into this whirligigstepped a slight, impoverished, and wide-eyed woman of twenty-one armed only with her brilliance.

She enlisted in the U.S. Navys Yeomanettes, but that stint was cut short when she contracted the Spanish flu that was ravaging the globe. She was discharged from the Navy on Armistice Day, Nov. 11.

She eventually landed in Greenwich Village, which at first must have seemed light years away from small-town Ohio.

Powell later observed that after the initial thrill of Bohemia wears off one realizes that while everyone tries to be a freak the denizens are in fact a ten-cent rube like yourself.

In 1920 she married Joseph Gousha (pronounced goo-shay,) an advertising writer, and their only child, Joseph Jr., called Jojo, was born the following year.

Early on Jojo showed the intelligence of a savant, but also experienced anti-social and occasionally violent behavior that today would likely be diagnosed as autism. Dawn would struggle to care for him the rest of her life.

The Powells became mainstays of Greenwich Village social life in the 1920s, where the literati would gather and Ernest Hemingway could unexpectedly climb through an apartment window.

Manhattan became Powells happy island, the title of her 1938 novel that took on the citys underground nightlife.

Dawn took writing assignments wherever she could get them, including humor publications such as Snappy Stories.

In the Village, Powell collected an impressive list of friends and acquaintances, including Dos Passos, who called her one of the wittiest and most dashingly courageous women I ever knew.

Powell published her first Ohio novel, She Walks in Beauty, in 1928.

One character sums up Powells own ambitions: For years I have had only one desire  to get to an attic somewhere and write  write at any costI am going to write my novels and nothing is going to get in my way.

For her Ohio books, Powell relied upon memories and dreams, Pages writes. For her, Ohio was the past, fixed and forever.

Her next Ohio novel was Dance Night, released in 1930. It tells of the constricted lives of the residents of Lamptown, drawing heavily on Powells own experiences in Shelby and elsewhere.

She told her sister Phyllis that Lamptown was sort of a combination of all the factory sections of all the factory towns I ever knew.

In one letter, Powell explained that she was not born on the wrong side of the railroad tracks, but right on the railroad tracks.

As in many of her novels, Powell offers a vivid portrait of a lost landscape where residents hear the shriek of an engine whistle or the bellow of a factory siren or the clang-clang of a red street car, and breathe in gray train smoke that smelled of travel.

She also relates the universal experiences of restlessness, regret and the longing to escape. One young woman listens as the trains roar by and the people on these trains leaned out of their windows and held out their hands, chanting their destinations, Oh, you dear child, New Orleans, Chicago, Boston, Rocky Mountains, New York City.

Dance Night received mixed reviews, but a New York Times columnist recognized that Powell had offered a realism seldom achieved in a novel of this setting, with unforgettably real people, drawn with an unerring instinct for characterization.

Dance Night did not become the big seller Powell had hoped for, with an initial run of around 4,900 copies.

In addition to her novels, Powell wrote several plays, which led to brief but lucrative stints in Hollywood.

Powell hated the California climate, which she wrote: picks you up and throws you down in the most amazing way.

Tim Page observed that a return to the gray skies over Cleveland must have come as an enormous relief for Powell, whom he said was perennially exhilarated by leaden winter clouds and stormy weather.

In 1936 she wrote her first satiric novel about New York life, Turn, Magic Wheel.

Powell commented that Satire is people as they are; romanticism, people as they would like to be; realism, people as they seem with their insides left out.

She had one of her most commercially successful novels in A Time to be Born, in 1942, another satire with the main character modeled on Clare Booth Luce, a fellow writer and wife of Time publisher Henry Luce.

Two years later she returned to her childhood and Midwestern roots with My Home is Far Away.

Most of the characters are based on family, including Dawn and her sisters, their hapless father, sadistic stepmother and beloved aunt.

Page writes that Powell drew on an outpouring of reminiscences of small-town Ohio at the turn of the twentieth century, of surreys and steam engines, of general stores with chocolate mints and jelly beans behind their counters.

At the same time, My Home is Far Away is painfully close to unvarnished autobiography and an agonizing tale of the dissolution of a family, the biographer adds.

The novel concludes with an echo of Powells own escape.

She was still scared, but she felt light-headed and gay, the way Papa did when he was going away from home, the narrative relates as the main character leaves by train, writing her name on the foggy window pane.

Her publisher, Scribners, and even her editor, the legendary Maxwell Perkins, did not quite know what to make of the novel, promoting it as homespun and happy-go-lucky.

New York Times reviewer Ruth Page saw past the misleading hype to the heart of the story.

There is nothing sentimental about My Home is Far AwayHer view of the world and of human character is sharp and uncompromising, Page wrote.

Edmund Wilson compared Powell to Sinclair Lewis. Kenneth Fearing, writing for the Herald Tribune, perceived that the theme of the novel is that Home is always somewhere else, and called it as poignant as an accidentally rediscovered souvenir.

Dawn Powell produced novels based on her difficult family life, including "My Home is Far Away." New York Times reviewer Terry Teachout said it was the best novel written about childhood since Dickens. (Courtesy of the Dawn Powell Archives at Lake Erie College)

The novel continues to garner high praise. For the 1995 reissue, NYT reviewer Terry Teachout called it one of the permanent masterpieces of childhood, comparable with David Copperfield.

This was Powells last literary foray into her Ohio past, although she did maintain her contacts with family and with Lake Erie College.

During a visit to Cleveland in the summer of 1945, Powell was impressed with the wealth of the city, the miles and miles of private homes as big as our public libraries, the beautiful country clubs, the glorification of material conveniences.

Powells Ohio novels are dotted with local references that todays readers will readily recognize, from streets and shops to boat excursions to Cedar Point.

Powells output slowed after this time, although she did produce well-regarded works such as The Locusts Have No King, a portrait of post-war New York.

She received an honorary degree from Lake Erie College in 1960, which was initiated by William Peterson, a professor at the school who had discovered her novels.

Ohio native Dawn Powell graduated from Paineville's Lake Erie College for Women, now Lake Erie College, in 1918. After a restrictive childhood, Powell's creativity blossomed at the college, where she wrote a satirical newsletter that foreshadowed her future career skewering New York society. She also became known for her works about small-town life drawn from her own experiences. The college recently digitized its archives on Powell through the Ohio Memory Project. (Courtesy of the Dawn Powell Archives at Lake Erie College)

When he was thanked by Powells longtime friend, Eleanor Farnham, for bringing her back to the college, Peterson said All I could think of to say was that she had been there all along.

In a commencement talk to students, Powell advised them to leap before you look, because if you look first, youll never leap.

Her husband, an alcoholic, died in 1962 and their son, still plagued by violent outbursts, had been institutionalized for several years. Living alone in a small Greenwich Village apartment, Powell stayed busy writing.

Her 1962 novel, The Golden Spur, was a National Book Award nominee, and Powell worked with composers Lee Adams and Charles Strouse, whose latest hit was Bye Bye Birdie, to turn the book into a musical.

In 1964 she was awarded the American Academy of Arts and Letters Marjorie Peabody Waite Award for lifetime achievement in literature.

At the same time, she was having difficulty paying her rent.

The latest surge in interest in her work was tragically cut short.

Powell was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer in 1964, and she died the following year. She was 67.

In her New York Times obituary, Powell is quoted as saying I believe true wit should break a wise mans heart.

The article mentions her publication of her dissenting newspaper, The Sheet, at LEC as indicative of Miss Powells later career.

Shorth death notices from the Cleveland Press and Painesville Telegraph are included in the Lake Erie College archives.

Powell donated her body to the Cornell Medical Center, but five years later the remains went unclaimed and she was buried on Harts Island  New Yorks potters field.

According to Page, she is believed to be the only celebrity in the cemetery. At the time, most of her books were out of print.

But Powells artistry did not remain buried forever.

Dawn Powell was highly regarded during her career by writers including Ernest Hemingway and John Dos Passos, but never sold many books. Her reputation was revived posthumously in the 1990s by Gore Vidal and later biographer Tim Page, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer for the Washington Post. (Courtesy Dawn Powell Archives at Lake Erie College)

Dawn rising

Her reputation experienced a resurgence when longtime friend Gore Vidal praised the then-forgotten Powell in a 1981 article as a comic writer as good as Evelyn Waugh and better than Clemens.

An article Vidal wrote for the New York Times Review of Books in 1987 led to the reissuing of several of her novels in paperback.

In 1991, Page, a Pulitzer Prize-winning classical music critic for the Washington Post, came across Edmund Wilsons essay on The Golden Spur, and launched into a years-long effort to further restore Powells place in the literary canon.

His efforts resulted in the publication of her diaries, along with anthologies of her work by the Library of America and Pages 1998 biography.

In 1996, Case Western Reserve University celebrated the Centennial of Dawn Powell, with Page as a guest speaker.

Page was featured in a Plain Dealer Sunday magazine article by John Stark Bellamy in 1996 headlined The Resurrection of Dawn Powell.

In 2012 Page sought to auction Powells 43-volume diary with a minimum bid of $500,000, but got no takers. The next year Columbia University obtained the diaries, published and unpublished manuscripts, and artwork from Page for an undisclosed sum.

Stier said that Powells legacy today is not dead. Its dispersed.

References to Powell occasionally pop up. On the sitcom The Gilmore Girls one character brings up the writers name and explains that some people claim that Powell made up the jokes that Dorothy Parker got credit for.

When Adam Stier introduced Lake Erie College students to Powell they were excited about how contemporary the prose still reads and the continuing resonance of her themes.

Stier believes that Powells reputation does not loom larger because she couldnt be pigeonholed, as she produced a unique combination of comedy and tragedy.

She was never part of a literary clique such as Dorothy Parkers Algonquin Roundtable.

Teachouts NYT article suggested that maybe Dawn Powell was too witty to be a famous novelist.

Stier now teaches at Thomas More University in northern Kentucky. Jennifer Swartz-Levine would like to find an instructor to continue teaching about Powells work.

She hopes that the online archives will be a further catalyst for carrying her name and accomplishments into the future.

A devotee needs to pick up the Powell baton, Stier said. She needs a champion.

As Page told the Plain Dealer, She is one of our national treasures, and especially an Ohio treasure.

The Ohio Memory Project archives for Dawn Powell can be reached at https://ohiomemory.org/digital/collection/p16007coll117/search/searchterm/Lake%20Erie%20College/field/contri/mode/exact/conn/and/page/1
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cadets enrolled in Clevelands police academy will receive a pay bump from $16 to $24 an hour, along with a $5,000 signing bonus, following negotiations between the city and two leading police unions, Mayor Justin Bibb announced Wednesday.

The deal, which Bibb said would be sealed Wednesday through a memorandum of understanding, comes as the police division faces significant staffing shortages and is well below its recruitment goals this year.

Though the division is budgeted to hire 180 new officers this year, only 30 have either graduated from or are currently enrolled in the academy, officials have said. An additional class will begin in October, and the city is hopeful the new pay structure will attract a larger number of recruits.

The police academy runs seven and a half months. In addition to the pay boosts, the city will offer incentives to cadets who either graduated from college or served in the military. Those recruits will begin their service on a higher patrol tier than is typical, effectively netting them one-year, $3,700 salary enhancements, officials said.

Today is a positive milestone for the city, Bibb told reporters Wednesday at City Hall.

The mayor was flanked by two key union negotiators: Det. Jeff Follmer, president of the Cleveland Police Patrolmens Association, which represents patrol officers and detectives, and Capt. James OMalley, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 8, which represents supervisors.

City officials are framing the academy pay deal as the first phase of negotiations that will ultimately address officer retention and deployment. Bibb has said that the adoption of 12-hour shifts is on the table. Currently, several officers are working overtime, and crime in Cleveland is up significantly.

We have a lot more work to do, Bibb acknowledged.

The city is down 272 officers from its budgeted allowance of 1,498, according to Police Chief Wayne Drummond, who also spoke during Wednesdays announcement.

The recruits signing bonus will be split into three installments, the last of which will be paid following probationary periods for new officers.

This is a great step to try to get officers into the city of Cleveland. Follmer said of the recruitment deal.
OMAHA, Nebraska  The driver of a van for a childcare center is facing criminal charges after police say he forgot about a 1-year-old child in the vehicle, who died after spending five hours in the van with temperatures in the upper 90s.

RaMiyah Worthington was pronounced dead Monday at Nebraska Medical Center, the Omaha World-Herald reports. Court documents say her body temperature was 109 degrees, the Associated Press reports.

The vans driver, Ryan Williams, 62, has been charged with child negligence resulting in death. If convicted, he could be sentenced to a maximum of four years in prison.

Williams was driving the van for Kidz of the Future Childcare, KETV Channel 7 reports.

The World-Herald reports Williams told police he had nine children in the van. He said he became distracted when one of the children did not want to get out of the van. He said he failed to check the van again after managing to get the child out of the vehicle.

RaMiyah was found by Williams at about 3 p.m., when the temperature was 96 degrees and the heat index was 110 degrees, the World-Herald reports. Williams tells police he grabbed the child and ran inside the daycare center to call 911.

He was responsible for getting those kids inside, said Douglas County Chief Deputy Attorney Brenda Beadle. That little girl was in that van between five and six hours with the temperature outside reaching nearly 100.
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio  A school bus transporting students on their first day of classes Tuesday in western Ohio was involved in a crash that claimed the life of one child and injured 23 others, reports say.

The State Highway Patrol tells WHIO Channel 7 the crash involving a bus with Northwestern Local Schools occurred at about 8:15 a.m. on Ohio 41 in Clark County, which is northeast of Dayton. The bus had 52 elementary school students on board, WCMH Channel 4 reports.

A 2010 Honda Odyssey driving in the opposite direction crossed the center line, causing the bus driver to try to avoid a head-on collision, reports say. The Honda still hit the bus, causing it to go off the road and overturn onto its side, the patrol tells WDTN Channel 2.

A child was thrown from the bus when it overturned and died from injuries in the crash, WCMH reports. Of the 23 students injured, 13 were taken by ambulances to hospitals, while 10 were taken by private vehicles, reports say. One child sustained serious injuries, while the others had non-life-threatening injuries, WDTN reports.

This mornings school bus accident in Clark Co. is truly heartbreaking, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in an online statement. Fran and I offer our sincere condolences to the family of the young child who was killed. Our hearts also go out to those on the bus and their families, peers, and teachers. Our prayers are with you all.

The male driver of the Honda, age 35, and a passenger, 37, both were taken to a hospital. Their injuries are not life-threatening, reports say. The 68-year-old driver of the bus had minor injuries.

The school district has canceled classes for Wednesday. The district said it will have grief counselors available.

Please pray for the terrified children, mothers and fathers, grandparents, and friends on this first day of school, Clark County Commissioner Melanie Flax Wilt said in a statement on social media. Pray for our school leaders, teachers, counselors, bus drivers and administrators. Please pray for their wisdom, safety and recovery.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  A New Mexico judge on Wednesday rejected a request by actor Alec Baldwins attorneys to dismiss a civil lawsuit by three crew members on the Western film Rust who say cost-cutting endangered the cast and crew as the actor-producer skipped his own safety training.

Chief District Judge Bryan Biedscheid also declined to delay proceedings, The Associated Press reported. Baldwins legal team had argued that since prosecutors have yet to decide whether to refile criminal charges against Baldwin over the fatal on-set shooting of a cinematographer, failure to delay could put their client at risk of self-incrimination.

Attorney Robert Schwartz told the judge there would be nothing to prevent prosecutors from using evidence gleaned from discovery in the civil case against Baldwin in the criminal case, if charges are refiled.

Previously

Alec Baldwins manslaughter charges to be dismissed in Rust shooting

Alec Baldwin facing involuntary manslaughter charges for killing cinematographer on Rust movie set

As an example, he pointed to any interpretation of Baldwins production contract and what authority he had over decision-making.

Schwartz said the court is putting Baldwin in an unfortunate position.

The civil suit and potential charges stem from the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was shot and killed Oct. 21, 2021, during the filming of Rust at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico.

Baldwin was rehearsing for a scene with the pistol when the gun went off, according to NBC News.

Director Joel Souza was also wounded.

An involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin was dismissed in April, with prosecutors citing new evidence and the need for more time to investigate.
COLUMBUS, Ohio  Backers of a proposal to overhaul Ohios system of drawing political maps must head back to the drawing board after Attorney General Dave Yost rejected language the group submitted summarizing the proposed measures effects to potential petition signers.

Yost, a Republican, said the petition language, submitted to his office for review last week, wasnt a fair and truthful summary of what the proposal would do. He cited nine different examples in a letter to the amendments backers on Wednesday.

The redistricting amendments backers, a group called Citizens not Politicians that includes former Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen OConnor among its architects, now must develop new summary language to try to address Yosts concerns and submit it, along with 1,000 voter signatures, again to the attorney generals office for review.

It is not at all uncommon for the Attorney General to reject the summary of a petition in this first early stage of bringing a constitutional amendment, Citizens Not Politicians spokesperson Chris Davey said in a statement. We believe our summary was accurate. But we will review the Attorney Generals guidance, will make necessary adjustments, and will collect new signatures with our broad, statewide, nonpartisan coalition of partners to refile as soon as possible because its time for citizens and not politicians to draw Ohios legislative maps.

Getting the attorney general to sign off on petition summary language is the first in a multi-step process to get a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot. As Davey said, its not uncommon for groups to fail at least once at the first step. The campaign must eventually collect hundreds of thousands of voter signatures before early July to qualify for the November 2024 ballot, which the group aims to do. The summary language eventually would appear on the petitions the group will circulate to voters.

Their proposed amendment calls for the creation of a 15-member Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission made up of Republicans, Democrats, and independents from around the state.

It would replace the Ohio Redistricting Commission, a panel of elected officials thats currently dominated by Republicans.

The group submitted petition language  a five-page summary and 26 pages containing the amendments full text  to Yosts office last Monday.

But Yost said the summary failed broadly in nine different areas. Among them:

The amendment language, when describing how two major-party representatives on the newly created redistricting commission  presumably Republicans and Democrats  was inconsistent when describing which election the measure would use as a benchmark to define which two parties would be considered the two major parties.

The summary downplayed the significance of an outside search firm that would work to identify the commission members. The summary said the firm would assist a candidate screening panel with finding the commission members, while the amendment language itself designates authority to the firm that the panel wouldnt have on its own, Yost said.

The amendment failed to describe criteria for determining the potential commissioners political affiliations, although the summary said it did

When describing how and where incarcerated individuals would be counted for purposes of keeping district populations equal, the summary didnt specify that incarcerated individuals only applies to people held in state prisons, not county jails

Yost closed his letter by saying the nine issues he identified are a just a few examples of the summarys omissions and misstatements. It is significant to ask voters to make factual findings at the ballot box.

A summary that fails to inform a signer of the existence of such findings does not fairly and truthfully reflect the amendments import, Yost said.

Andrew Tobias covers state politics and government for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer
President Yoon Suk Yeol visits CP Tango, or the Command Post Theater Air Naval Ground Operations, in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, Aug. 23, to monitor South Korean and U.S. troops engaging in a joint military exercise in this photo provided by the presidential office. Yonhap





President Yoon Suk Yeol visited a key U.S.-controlled wartime command bunker complex on Wednesday to examine South Korean and U.S. troops engaging in an annual joint military exercise, according to his spokesperson.







Yoon's trip to CP Tango, or the Command Post Theater Air Naval Ground Operations, in Seongnam, just south of Seoul, came on the third day of the ongoing Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise between the two countries running for 11 days.







"CP Tango has served as the brain commanding three military branches of both countries during wartime since the establishment of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command in 1978," Yoon was quoted by presidential spokesperson Lee Do-woon as saying.







South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, left, walks with Gen. Paul LaCamera, chief of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command, as he visits CP Tango, or Command Post Theater Air Naval Ground Operations, in Seongnam, south of Seoul, Aug. 23, in this photo released by the presidential office. Yonhap





It marks the first time since former President Park Geun-hye's visit in 2013 that a sitting president has visited the wartime bunker nestled in the mountains.







Yoon also said that North Korea's nuclear and missile threats are the most serious, adding that provocations are becoming more sophisticated and versatile through cyber attacks and psychological warfare.







The North has notified Japan of its plan to launch a satellite between Thursday and Aug. 31, according to a Japanese news report. The launch window overlaps with the UFS, as North Korea has long denounced Seoul-Washington joint military drills as a rehearsal for invasion.







The bunker complex serves as the primary command and control center for South Korean and U.S. forces in the event of an armed conflict. It is known to be strong enough to survive a tactical nuclear attack. (Yonhap)


COLUMBUS, Ohio  Elections officials and voter advocates say new voting rules Republican state lawmakers passed late last year led to more rejected ballots in the first statewide test of those changes during the August special election.

Preliminary findings from those groups suggest that the new rules, including a requirement that voters show a photo ID at their polling place, were an impediment for voters casting ballots on State Issue 1, the failed attempt to make it harder to pass future constitutional amendments. They say a greater number of voters saw their ballots rejected as a result of the changes.

Some voters had a state-issued ID on Election Day, but it was expired, and they werent able to successfully cast a provisional ballot, as they would have been able to under the old rules. In addition, fewer voters returned absentee ballots they requested than in previous elections, potentially as a result of a new rule that requires straggling mail ballots to arrive sooner after Election Day.

Aaron Ockerman, director of the bipartisan Ohio Elections Officials Association, said his organization has flagged their concerns to Secretary of State Frank LaRose about the voter ID provision, particularly when it comes to voters with expired IDs, and are suggesting the legislature consider tweaking the new law.

We all understand the intent of the law is to identify the person, Ockerman said. And we have to make sure if we can successfully identify that person, that their vote should count. How we actually do that I think though, we have to look at the data and see what the solutions might be.

Nazek Hapasha, policy affairs manager for the Ohio League of Women Voters, said in addition to observing an increase in rejected ballots, her organization fielded complaints about poll workers misinforming voters about the specifics of the new ID requirements.

She said that shows the state failed to adequately train poll workers and educate the public about the new ID requirements, something it needs to rectify for the next election in November.

This is a natural consequence of the lack of preparation, unfortunately, Hapasha said.

Mary Cianciolo, a LaRose spokesperson, said the Secretary of States Office is reviewing the election results to identify any issues, including taking a close look at provisional voting, and will report its findings to state lawmakers. Overall, the August election saw 38% of voters participate, an unusually high number for a special election.

While there is always the potential for growing pains when implementing new elections processes and procedures, county boards largely report that the August election went smoothly, and turnout was high, Cianciolo said.

In December, Republican lawmakers passed House Bill 458, a sweeping elections reform law. The law imposed a new strict photo ID requirement for in-person voting, eliminating a previous option through which voters who lacked an unexpired photo ID could instead provide alternate forms of ID, like a government document or bank statement with their current address.

In addition, the bill cut the amount of time, from seven days to four days, that a voter could travel to their county elections office to provide additional information to help prove their identity after casting a provisional ballot, a type of ballot voters must cast if their eligibility is in question on Election Day. And voters who cast provisional ballots can no longer simply provide the last four digits of their Social Security number to help prove their identity.

Elections officials are still compiling the total numbers, since they arent due until later this month.

But local elections officials and voter advocates say when reviewing results from counties that have reported, theyve noticed an increase in the number of provisional ballots cast, as well as the percentage of provisional ballots that were rejected. They cited the new voter ID requirement as a major reason.

Where we are getting numbers, we are seeing in each and every county there are higher rates of provisional voting but also higher rates of rejecting provisional ballots, said Hapasha, the official with the Ohio League of Women Voters. Its very obvious thats going to be because people are showing up at the polls with lack of proper ID.

It isnt precisely clear why the growing number of provisional ballots came with an accompanying increase in the proportion of rejections. But barring voters from using their drivers license numbers or Social Security numbers to help prove their identity, and giving them less time to sort out problems, could help explain it.

I think whats happening there is when a person is receiving instruction at the polling location that they need to bring in a form of ID by Saturday, either they dont have that ID, or they cant get it in time for Saturday, Hapasha said.

In Lorain County, elections officials rejected 28% of provisional ballots in August, compared to the typical 10% rejection rate. The lack of a valid photo ID was the reason for 160 ballots, by far the largest reason elections officials cited for rejecting a provisional ballot.

Of the 160 ballots rejected for insufficient ID, 121 were for voters who had state-issued IDs, but which had expired.

Paul Adams, Lorain Countys elections director, said around one-third of the 121 voters whose IDs had expired were age 65 or older. Seventeen ballots were from registered Democrats, 26 were from registered Republicans and 78 were from unaffiliated voters.

Under the old system, these voters provisional ballots would have been counted. But HB458 eliminated an option for those voters to provide their drivers license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number on their ballot envelope, as well as a signature, to help prove their identity.

I think thats where the bulk of that increase comes from, Adams said. Its from the individuals where they previously would provide the last four digits of their social, and it would be acceptable as a form of identification. Now, its no longer acceptable.

Adams, who holds a leadership position with the Ohio Elections Officials Association, a statewide trade organization, brought the issue up during a call last week with LaRoses office, while Board President Marilyn Jacobcik, a Republican, and board member Anthony Giardini, a Democrat, also have raised concerns about the issue, according to the Elyria Chronicle Telegram. Giardini and Jacobcik said the new law potentially disenfranchises older voters who dont have a valid drivers license because they dont drive, cant drive for medical reasons, and dont have a passport, according to the Chronicle Telegram.

In Cuyahoga County, 136 voters provisional ballots were rejected for lacking proper identification, up from just 24 whose ballots were rejected for that reason during the November 2022 election, according to Tony Perlatti, director of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.

Of the 136 rejected provisional ballots in Cuyahoga County, 42 voters wrote the last four digits of their Social Security number in a field on the provisional ballot envelope, which would have been allowed before the new photo ID requirement.

Perlatti said while the county doesnt have a comprehensive review of its provisional voting completed yet, the increase in photo ID problems coincided with a doubling in the countys overall rejection rate for provisional ballots from 8.6% in the November 2022 election to 17.6% in August.

Another area voter advocates are tracking is the return of absentee ballots. HB458 cut the number of days, from 10 days to four days, that a mailed absentee ballot could arrive after Election Day and still count. The ballot still must be postmarked by the day before Election Day.

For the August election, voters failed to return 38,350 of the 237,469 absentee ballots they had requested, meaning that 13.9% of ballots were unreturned, according to state data as of Aug. 12, four days after the election. This compares to the November 2022 election, when just 7.7% of requested mailed ballots went unreturned.

Hapasha, the official with the Ohio League of Women Voters, said its hard to say for sure why the unreturned rate for absentee ballots nearly doubled.

This is not direct evidence that these ballots would have been counted had it not been for the change in deadline, but I would certainly suspect it as a primary factor, Hapasha said.

Hapasha also said the League of Women Voters heard through an Election Day hotline from voters who said poll workers misinterpreted the new photo ID requirements. That included improperly telling voters that federal military IDs are not acceptable forms of voter ID under HB458  they actually are  or telling them the address on the voters drivers license must match the address where they are registered to vote  it does not need to match.

Some poll workers also failed to tell voters they could cast a provisional ballot if they lacked valid ID, Hapasha said. Even under HB458, that voter could have gone to their county Bureau of Motor Vehicles, gotten a temporary ID and brought that to their county elections office in time for their vote to count, although they had three fewer days to do so under the new law because of the reduction in the post-Election Day provisional ballot deadline.

In some cases, Hapasha said on-site observers were able to give voters correct information, but in other cases, voters were disenfranchised.

Hapasha said the state should have given county boards of election more money for poll worker training and public education about the new voter ID requirements.

It seems there hasnt been an adequate amount of training to adjust for all the new rules, Hapasha said.

Republican legislators described the new photo ID requirement as a common-sense policy to help ensure public confidence in elections. They tweaked the bill before passing it so that voters still could cast mail ballots, also known as absentee ballots, without providing a photo ID. Theyve also defended Ohios voting system as providing ample early voting opportunities, although its become increasingly fashionable for Republicans to raise doubts about the early voting system, which contributes to the potential that election results arent clear on Election Day due to straggling mail ballots.

The overall changes come as Republican voters increasingly are wary of the voting process in general, as ex-President Donald Trump has cast doubt over the system while falsely claiming there is widespread voter fraud.

Opponents meanwhile say the changes make it needlessly difficult for voters to cast their ballots, and given that documented voter fraud is incredibly rare, say the photo ID requirements create an unnecessary hurdle for voters without current IDs, who tend to be students, the elderly and the poor.

Given the controversy, the effects of strict voter ID requirements have attracted voluminous study from political scientists. But while some studies have suggested photo ID requirements can depress voter turnout, others have been inconclusive.

Andrew Tobias covers state politics and government for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer
LIMESTONE, Tenn.  A rare, spotless giraffe, believed to be the only one of its kind on Earth, was recently born at a Tennessee zoo.

The yet-to-be-named giraffe was born July 31 at Brights Zoo in Limestone.

Giraffe experts believe she is the only solid-colored reticulated giraffe living anywhere on the planet, Brights Zoo stated in a news release.

A reticulated giraffe is a giraffe with orange-brown patches divided by white lines, which are used for camouflage in the wild, according to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.

From day one weve been in contact with zoo professionals all over the country, Brights Zoo Director David Bright said, per WJHL 11 in Tennessee. And especially the old timers, that have been around for a long time, Hey, have you seen this? Whats your thoughts? And nobodys seen it.

Archival photos show the last spotless reticulated giraffe in recent memory, named Toshiko, was born in Tokyo in 1972, CBS News reports. However, reticulated giraffe is an endangered species with an estimated 16,000 remaining in the wild, a decline of more than 50% from three decades ago, according to GCF.

Brights Zoo is requesting the publics help in naming the new giraffe, and has narrowed down the options to four names, according to a Facebook post. The four names to choose from, and their meanings, are Kipekee, which means unique; Firyali (unusual or extraordinary); Shakiri (she is most beautiful); and Jamella (one of great beauty), according to the zoo.

The name voting runs up until Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4.
ATLANTA -- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is a public magnet school located in Alexandria, Virginia. As the name indicates, its curriculum focuses on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). The school also happens to be ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 high school in America.

As you can imagine, admission into the top-ranked high school in America is highly sought after.

The school had an extensive and arduous admissions process. Multiple teacher recommendations were required along with a $100 application fee. The entire process had four stages, including a three-and-a-half-hour-long test, a problem solving essay, and prerequisites such as having taken Algebra 1 in 8th grade.

In June 2020, admissions statistics for the school revealed a startling lack of diversity at the school. The school had accepted 486 students out of 2,539 applicants, representing an acceptance rate of 19%. One hundred sixty Black students had applied; the number accepted was too small for reporting (meaning 10 or fewer). Only 16 Hispanic students were accepted.

This data sparked a movement among alumni, parents, and students calling for change.

The movement resulted in the Fairfax County School Board changing the high schools admissions process. The application fee and test were eliminated. In addition, the school allocated a specific percentage of seats in an incoming class to each of the middle schools in the area, rather than selecting the top students from any school.

In adopting the new policy, the board resolved that the admission process must use only race-neutral methods that do not seek to achieve any specific racial or ethnic mix, balance or targets.

The race-neutral changes were effective in altering the demographic composition of the incoming class. The percentage of Black students receiving offers grew to 7% from 1% of the class. More low-income students, English-language learners, and girls were admitted than in prior incoming classes. For the first time in more than a decade, all 28 middle schools in the county sent students to Thomas Jefferson.

Not everyone was happy with the new statistics. The percentage of Asian American students receiving offers dropped to 54%, down from 73%. A group of parents, many of them Asian American, objected to the changes and formed the Coalition for TJ. The Pacific Legal Foundation, a nonprofit legal organization, filed a lawsuit in March 2021 on the coalitions behalf in federal court, arguing that the schools admissions policy was racially discriminatory in violation of the 14th Amendments Equal Protection Clause. The coalition claimed that, despite the policy containing no reference to race, school officials specifically intended to reduce the percentage of Asian-American students who enroll in TJ, and intended for the policy to act as a proxy in order to racially balance TJ.

The coalition won their case in the trial court. In February 2022, the lower court concluded that  as shown by the data  the policy had a disparate impact on Asian American applicants, and therefore barred any further use of the admissions policy. Further, the trial court concluded that school officials sought to achieve a racial balance by increasing the schools representation of Black and Hispanic students at the expense of Asian American students, revealing an invidious discriminatory intent.

School officials appealed that decision. In May 2023, they won their appeal. In a 2-1 opinion, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals noted that Asian American applicants suffered no real detriment under the new policy. Even though fewer of them received offers than in years past, they were more likely than applicants from any other racial group (including whites) to receive an offer.

This week, the coalition asked the United States Supreme Court to hear their case. We will see if the Court accepts the case, but it would be no surprise if it did. Having recently eliminated any consideration of race from the college admissions process, the next step might be to eliminate race-neutral policies that may accomplish the same goals of race-conscious policies.

This is a troubling path we are hurtling down. Consider the impact of a decision from the U.S. Supreme Court in the coalitions favor. The result would be the end of any attempts whatsoever by public institutions (or private entities that accept public dollars) to address racial disparities. In other words, the current racial disparities that exist in everything from education to employment to medical care to housing would all be crystallized. Or more likely, they would worsen.

You may think that Im being dramatic, but that is only because you dont know American history. The progress that African Americans have achieved thus far was not the result of a natural progression of the order of things. Us going from slaves to citizens was not something that was simply going to happen anyways. It was the result of an intentional act. A struggle that spanned generations. A struggle which continues to this day as states pass race-neutral laws and gerrymander districts to restrict our voting power, and pass other laws which prevent the teaching of our history in schools before the course is even offered.

In a weird sense, it would be the most American thing to extinguish African Americans hopes of racial equality and equity using the constitutional amendment that was created to help them after their release from slavery. The Founding Fathers formed a nation upon the concept of freedom, while at the same time denying freedom to others in their midst. The idea that African Americans exist outside of the full scope of Americas ideals is nothing new. It has been with us since the beginning.

Eric Foster is a columnist for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com.

To be clear, this is not me calling the members of the coalition racist. As a parent myself, I understand wanting the best for your children. That is what these parents want. The best for their children. And per U.S. News, Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology is just that: the best.

However, the understandable desire for the best for your children becomes less understandable when that desire compels you to disregard the plights of others and hoard resources. Its akin to those people who hoarded items like toilet paper and sanitizer and K95 face masks during the pandemic, at the expense of essential workers. Now that I think about it, disregarding the plight of others to achieve or maintain a leg up is a concept that has been with us since the beginning, as well.

Racist might not be the word. Selfish is certainly one that applies. And in my book, that word is just as bad.

Eric Foster, a community member of the editorial board, is a columnist for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com. Foster is a lawyer in private practice. The views expressed are his own.

To reach Eric Foster: ericfosterpd@gmail.com

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Sign up for Reckons latest newsletter dedicated to the fight for reproductive justice, a weekly repro rundown covering the good, the fair-to-middlin' and the ugly in repro news. Enter your email to subscribe to Reproductive Justice with Reckon.

The Repro Rundown

The good: Last week, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signed into lawprotections for trans health care and abortion care. Ben Botkin, a reporter for the Oregon Capital Chronicle, explains:

House Bill 2002 was Oregons response to the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade last year and makes Oregon one of the states with the strongest reproductive health care rights in the nation. Conservative and Republican-dominated states have passed abortion restrictions as the front lines of the battle for reproductive health care access moved from the U.S. Supreme Court to statehouses across the country.

A patchwork of abortion bans across the country has put peoples lives in danger and caused disproportionate harm to individuals who have limited income or come from marginalized communities, Kotek said. Oregon is not immune from these attacks. Neighboring states are banning and criminalizing essential health care, threatening patients and providers, cutting off access to care in rural communities and targeting access to lifesaving health care for transgender and non-binary individuals.

The fair-to-middlin: This headline made me, what is it the kids say these days, lolsob? Mississippi Today reports that Mississippi politicians appear afraid to let citizens vote on abortion like in other states. This has been a consistent topic of conversation in this newslettertime and time again, when abortion is put directly to voters via the ballot, voters side with abortion rights. Mississippi, of course, has its own history with what its conservative leadership would deem a conundrum. In 2011, the state put forth a ballot initiative that sought to legally define human life as beginning at the moment of fertilization. It failed bya very wide margin. Its hard to imagine the same scenario playing out much differently now, more than a decade later.

The damn ugly: On Monday, the Indiana Supreme Court declined to rehear a case challenging the states near-total abortion ban. The Associated Press reports:

The denial of the rehearing means the ban will take effect once a June 30 ruling upholding the ban is certified, a procedural step expected to take just days, court spokesperson Kathryn Dolan said in an email to news media.

The states highest court ruled June 30 that the abortion ban doesnt violate the Indiana constitution. That removed a major hurdle to enforcing the ban Republicans approved last summer ahead of a wave of restrictions by conservative states in response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

In a 4-1 decision Monday, the Supreme Court reaffirmed its order that Planned Parenthood and other health care providers cannot show a reasonable likelihood of success with their challenge to the abortion restrictions.

Abortion has essentially been inaccessible in Indiana while abortion rights advocates have sought to appeal the courts original decision upholding the ban. As I reported earlier for this newsletter, all six clinics in Indiana stopped providing care at the end of July.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  A temporary schedule change will offer Cleveland travelers the Alaska Airlines destination they never knew they needed: Pittsburgh.

The carrier, which started flying between Seattle and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in 2022, is consolidating two routes into one for five weeks this winter.

Starting Jan. 8, Alaska will fly Cleveland-to-Pittsburgh-to-Seattle west to Washington. The return route east will fly Seattle to Cleveland to Pittsburgh.

A spokesperson for the airline said consolidating the two routes into one allows us to continue to offer daily service to Seattle during a slower winter schedule with one stop in one direction and a nonstop in the other for both Pittsburgh and Cleveland.

The spokesperson added: We call this a looper that we occasionally add to our schedule. We also do these in the state of Alaska.

The consolidated route will run through Feb. 14, when nonstop flights between Seattle and both Cleveland and Pittsburgh will resume.

During that five-week winter window, travelers have the opportunity to buy Cleveland to Pittsburgh flights. The 49-minute flight runs $129 and up. Its unclear what the demand will be for the new route, which can be driven in about two hours.

Alaska entered the Cleveland market in June 2022, with daily nonstop service between Cleveland and Seattle. It added a second seasonal flight this summer, which ends Oct. 1.

The extra summer flight is already on the schedule for next year, returning May 16.

Read more:

First flight on Alaska Airlines from Cleveland to Seattle: legroom, outlets, movies and more
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo speaks during a meeting at the government complex in Seoul, Aug. 17. Yonhap



Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said Wednesday the government will actively consider reinstating the system of allowing military conscripts to serve in the police force as part of measures to tackle heinous crimes targeting random people.



Han made the remark in a special statement in the wake of shocking crimes against random people, including last week's rape and murder of a woman on a hiking trail in broad daylight. The incident followed back-to-back stabbing sprees that left a total of two people dead and 16 others wounded.



"Crimes of this nature, targeting innocent citizens, are a grave concern that disrupts our society's fundamental values and order," Han said.



The government would review the possibility of reintroducing the system of conscripted police officers after first restructuring the existing police force, according to Han.



The system, originally established in 1982, allowed military draftees to choose to assist police officers, as able-bodied Korean men are required to complete nearly two years of military service. However, the system was abolished in April.



National Police Agency Commissioner General Yoon Hee-keun said around 30,000 out of a total of 140,000 police officers can be assigned to patrol duties on the streets.



"Talks will be conducted with the defense ministry to recruit between 7,500 and 8,000 (conscripted police personnel)," Yoon said during a press briefing, adding that it would take around seven to eight months before the system is adopted.



Fear of random crime has grown as copycat crime threats have been posted online, prompting law enforcement to intensify street patrols and stop-and-search operations for individuals exhibiting suspicious behavior.



"The government is treating this situation with the utmost seriousness," Han said, noting the ongoing special patrols will continue.





Police patrol the walking path in a hillside park in Seoul's Sillim neighborhood, Aug. 22. Yonhap
Cho Seon, center, the suspect in a fatal stabbing rampage near Sillim Station in Seoul, is taken out of Seoul Gwanak Police Station as he is sent to prosecutors on charges of murder and attempted murder, July 28. Korea Times file



The suspect in last month's deadly stabbing rampage near a subway station in Seoul committed the crime out of paranoia and had no intention to kill the victims, his lawyer said Wednesday.



Cho Seon, 33, was indicted for stabbing one man to death and wounding three others near Sillim Station on July 21. The crime shocked the country and sparked fears of random attacks as all the victims were complete strangers.



A similar stabbing rampage took place about two weeks later, leaving one dead and 13 others wounded. Further heightening fears of such crimes, a jobless man raped and murdered a woman on a hiking trail in southern Seoul last week.



During the first hearing of Cho's trial Wednesday, his lawyer said the suspect admits to committing all the acts specified in the indictment, but totally denies having any intention to kill the victims.



After suffering from paranoia that he was being shadowed, Cho is believed to have attacked men that he believed looked similar to those following him, the lawyer said, adding that the suspect is apologetic to the victims.



Cho, wearing a white face mask, was seen covering his face with his hands as his indictment was read, and sighing from time to time during the hearing. (Yonhap)


Police outside of Mar-a-Lago in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Aug. 9, 2022, the day after the FBI searched Donald Trump's estate.

A key witness against former President Donald Trump and his two co-defendants in the Mar-a-Lago documents case recanted previous false testimony and provided new information implicating the defendants after switching lawyers, according to a new court filing by special counsel Jack Smith's office.

Yuscil Taveras, the director of information technology at Mar-a-Lago, changed his testimony in July regarding efforts to delete security camera footage at Trump's Florida club after changing from a lawyer paid for by Trump's Save America PAC to a public defender, according to Tuesday's filing.

The revised testimony led to last month's superseding indictment against Trump and his two co-defendants.

Taveras decided to change lawyers after learning he was being investigated for making false statements during his previous grand jury testimony in Washington, D.C., the court filing said.

"Immediately after receiving new counsel, Trump Employee 4 retracted his prior false testimony and provided information that implicated Nauta, (Carlos) De Oliveira, and Trump in efforts to delete security camera footage, as set forth in the superseding indictment," the filing said.

The filing identifies Taveras as "Trump Employee 4." NBC News previously reported that Taveras is employee No. 4.

Taveras' now-former lawyer is Stanley Woodward. Woodward also represents Trump's co-defendant Walt Nauta and a variety of other Trump-world figures.

Woodward declined comment Tuesday on the special counsel's new filing. NBC News has reached out to Taveras for comment.

Prosecutors outlined the change in testimony in a motion on their request for a hearing on Woodward's possible conflicts.

They said that during the course of their investigation, they obtained "evidence that Trump employee Carlos De Oliveira tried to enlist the director of information technology for Mar-a-Lago (identified in the superseding indictment as Trump Employee 4) to delete Mar-a-Lago security footage after the grand jury in the District of Columbia had issued a subpoena for the footage."

"When Trump Employee 4 testified before the grand jury in the District of Columbia in March 2023, he repeatedly denied or claimed not to recall any contacts or conversations about the security footage at Mar-a-Lago," the filing said.

By late June, prosecutors "advised Trump Employee 4 (through Mr. Woodward) that he was the target of a grand jury investigation in the District of Columbia into whether he committed perjury."

The target letter "crystallized a conflict of interest arising from Mr. Woodward's concurrent representation of Trump Employee 4 and Nauta. Advising Trump Employee 4 to correct his sworn testimony would result in testimony incriminating Mr. Woodward's other client, Nauta; but permitting Trump Employee 4's false testimony to stand uncorrected would leave Trump Employee 4 exposed to criminal charges for perjury," the filing said.

Prosecutors asked for a hearing on the representation issue before Chief Judge James Boasberg, who oversaw the grand jury investigation. The judge had a federal defender available to advise Taveras on how to proceed.

"On July 5, 2023, Trump Employee 4 informed Chief Judge Boasberg that he no longer wished to be represented by Mr. Woodward and that, going forward, he wished to be represented by the First Assistant Federal Defender," the filing said. "Immediately after receiving new counsel, Trump Employee 4 retracted his prior false testimony and provided information that implicated Nauta, De Oliveira, and Trump in efforts to delete security camera footage."

Shelli Peterson  First Assistant Federal Public Defender in Washington, D.C., who is referenced in the special counsel's filing  declined comment Tuesday night.

Peterson, who has represented numerous defendants in high-profile cases, initially represented another Woodward client: former Trump State Department employee Federico Klein, who was convicted on multiple felony counts last month in connection with the Jan. 6 riot. Woodward one day was late for a hearing in the Klein case because he was representing Trump aide William Russell during his testimony before the grand jury that indicted Trump in the election interference case.

Taveras is at least the second person to offer new testimony after switching from an attorney with ties to Trump. Cassidy Hutchinson, a former aide to then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, gave investigators from the House Jan. 6 committee more damaging testimony about Trump and Meadows' conduct in the leadup to the Capitol riot after parting ways with her first Trump-allied lawyer.
CVS Health is partnering with drugmaker Sandoz to produce a near identical version of the blockbuster arthritis treatment Humira that will sell for 80% below the price of the brand-named drug.

The move is part of the company's new venture focused on securing, and in some cases co-producing, biosimilar drugs, which are the equivalent of generic versions of complex gene or protein-based therapies known as biologics.

"We've invested in committing to certain volumes for the U.S. marketplace so that we have a durable supply of product. We want to ensure that once we bring this into the U.S. marketplace, we don't have any supply issues, we have a high-quality biosimilar product available, and it'll be launched at a much lower ... price than the originator molecule that exists," said Prem Shah, CVS Health EVP and chief of pharmacy.

CVS is already one of the leading players when it comes to sourcing generic drugs through Red Oak, its joint venture with Cardinal Health . But it's looking to strengthen its foothold in the biosimilars market, which is expected to grow to $100 billion over the next six years.

The company said Wednesday it's launching a new subsidiary called Cordavis, which will specialize in securing supply of the new biosimilar drugs and will partner with Novartis Pharmaceuticals ' generic manufacturing unit, Sandoz.

Sandoz, currently a unit of Novartis, is expected to be spun off as an independent publicly traded firm later this year.

CVS did not disclose the terms of the agreement for the new biosimilar, trademarked Hyromiz.

The company pledges that the list price of Cordavis Hyromiz will be more than 80% lower than the current list price of Humira, which is made by drugmaker Abbvie . It will launch in the first quarter of 2024.

The first FDA-approved biosimilar for Humira, Amgen's Amjevita, went on sale in January. Eight more biosimilars are expected to come online within the next year, including Hyromiz.

Amgen executives have said demand for the company's biologic appears to be growing, but that securing coverage from health insurers has posed a challenge.

"We're obviously very early innings still in this biosimilar market with Amjevita. And we're seeing clearly what is new payer behavior in light of such a large product having biosimilar competition," said Murdo Gordon, Amgen EVP of commercial operations, on the company's second-quarter earnings call. "The clarity of how pharmacy benefit works with biosimilar uptake, or lack thereof, is becoming clear to us and to other biosimilar manufacturers and other onlookers."

Abbvie reported more than $4 billion in Humira sales in its most recent quarter, which was slightly better than expected. The company says it continues to be offered on health insurer plans at parity with the new biosimilars.

The launch of Cordavis has long been in the works, before the news last week from Blue Shield of California that it was dropping CVS as its pharmacy benefits manager and switching to Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drug Company, Amazon Pharmacy and others in an effort to save on drug costs.

The news sent CVS shares plunging, but analysts like John Ransom of Raymond James say the selloff was overblown.

At this point, the potential threat from upstarts is not as big as some might fear, especially when it comes to the current biosimilar market for drugs like Humira, Ransom said.

"They either get a big rebate from Abbvie, or they get a big discount from one of the competing biosimilar manufacturers. And that's really where they have the advantage," said Ransom.

Cuban's Cost Plus doesn't have the scale to buy generic or enough shelf space from the manufacturers, he said.

Correction: CVS Health subsidiary Cordavis will partner with Sandoz on biosimilar drugs. An earlier version mischaracterized the relationship.
The shadow of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft is seen on the moon's surface. ISRO

The list is grim reading: Stuck, failed, missed, failed, failed, stuck, failed, crashed, missed, crashed, crashed. Those were the fate of the Soviet Union's first 11 attempts before successfully landing a spacecraft on the moon, according to a database compiled by Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics who catalogs space missions. Even in the modern era  with nine lunar landing attempts since 2013  the track record is still shaky. Before India's success Wednesday, missions by China, India, Israel, Japan and Russia were three for eight in the past decade. McDowell's database showcases the monumental challenge undertaken by the 50 attempts to land on the moon, with a cheeky scoreboard that reads: Earthlings 23, Gravity 27. India chocked up its first W against Gravity on Wednesday, after the country's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft safely landed on the lunar surface. The feat makes India the fourth country to successfully land on the moon, and the first to touch down near the lunar south pole.

School students watching the live telecast of Chandrayaan-3 landing on the Moon at Sector 20 Brahmananda Public School on August 23, 2023 in Noida, India. Sunil Ghosh | Hindustan Times | Getty Images

"They should feel very proud of this accomplishment," Jim Bridenstine, who led NASA as administrator from 2018 to 2021, told CNBC. Sign up here to receive weekly editions of CNBC's Investing in Space newsletter. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of India's moon landing is the shoestring budget  by government standards  with which the country achieved the mission. In 2020, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) estimated the Chandrayaan-3 mission would cost about $75 million. The launch was delayed two years, which likely increased the overall mission's cost. ISRO has not responded to CNBC's request for an updated cost figure. But that rivals the lowest-cost lunar lander missions in development in the U.S. NASA in recent years turned to having companies compete for fixed-price contracts to build moon landers, under a program it calls Commercial Lunar Payload Services. The CLPS program has a maximum budget of $2.6 billion over 10 years, with 14 companies vying for mission contracts typically worth upwards of $70 million each. Overall, NASA's annual budget dwarfs that of its Indian counterpart. In 2023, the U.S. agency received $25.4 billion in funding, compared to the ISRO's budget of about $1.6 billion. Bridenstine stressed that NASA's much larger budget is a reflection of the "different level of capability" that the U.S. agency offers, with everything from a continuous astronaut presence in orbit to missions targeting planets, asteroids and more. As a percentage of gross domestic product, the U.S. spends the most on space  although it still amounts to just 0.28% of GDP. That ranks well ahead of India's 0.04% of GDP, according to a July report on the global space economy by the Space Foundation. "India should have in its ambitions the desire to invest more and more and develop the capabilities that are more on par with the United States," Bridenstine said.

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India is increasingly seen as a top player in space geopolitically. While China has succeeded Russia as the most significant rival to U.S. influence and capabilities in space, India may yet take that third spot in the space superpower hierarchy. "I would hope that they use [Chandrayaan-3] as an opportunity to capitalize on the success," Bridenstine said. "They've got a big economy and they're going to be able to put money into space exploration." "Costs are going to continue to go down, which is a very positive development for everybody who's interested in space exploration," he added. "And costs to get to the moon are going to go down, especially as we have more and more companies doing more and more missions."
Alexa von Tobel learned at Harvard University that money doesn't buy happiness.

She's certainly experienced some of the former: After launching fintech startup LearnVest in her 20s, she sold it to Northwestern Mutual for a reported $375 million in 2015. But despite her own financial success, von Tobel, 39, says she's derived the most happiness throughout her career from "the intangibles that money can't buy."

She learned the seeds of that lesson as an undergraduate psychology major at Harvard, where she studied at the school's Leadership and Happiness Laboratory, also known as the "Happiness Lab."

"Through my time at Harvard's Happiness Lab during my undergrad years, I really gained a new perspective on what drives happiness," von Tobel tells CNBC Make It, adding: "What actually drives happiness are the simple routines and the daily rituals in our lives that create community and connectedness."

In college, von Tobel earned Magna Cum Laude honors for a senior thesis on happiness in the small country of Bhutan, according to her LinkedIn profile. At LearnVest, she focused on the daily fulfillment of working hard to build a company she'd be proud to run whether it made millions of dollars or not, she says.

Currently, she's a founding partner at venture capital firm Inspired Capital, where she says her approach is the same: "I use these values every day. It's about the love of the journey of building a company that is most fulfilling."

Her advice, in other words: Don't focus on specific career or financial goals at the expense of taking pride and fulfillment in the work you put in along the way. It might seem easy to say once you're already wealthy or working your dream job  but a decades-long study from Harvard has shown that more money doesn't necessarily result in higher levels of happiness.

Von Tobel and her husband even take a similar approach to parenting their three children, she's noted. "We don't celebrate the outcomes; we celebrate the process," she told the "Oh Ship" business podcast in 2021. "It's an input you can control."

At Harvard, von Tobel says she took particular inspiration from lecturers Tal Ben-Shahar and Shawn Achor, who taught one of the school's most popular courses at the time: Psychology 1504, or "Positive Psychology."

Positive psychology, a popular branch of the field, involves finding pleasure and fulfillment in connecting with others, showing gratitude and using positive thinking to create positive outcomes. It's faced opposition from critics who say it ignores the limitations of positivity and gratitude, and their effects on real-world outcomes.

For von Tobel, the lessons from her time at Harvard still resonate by reminding her to focus on whatever brings her joy in her day-to-day life, rather than obsessing over results like money or material items, she says.

"The daily effort drives happiness, not the outcome," says von Tobel.

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U.S. scientists urge renewal of scientific cooperation agreement with China

Xinhua) 13:40, August 23, 2023

SACRAMENTO, the United States, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Two physics professors at Stanford University have called on the U.S. government to renew an agreement with China on scientific and technology cooperation.

"The United States should renew the Protocol ... because it is in the best interests of the United States," said Steven Kivelson and Peter Michelson in an open letter to U.S. President Joe Biden, dated Aug. 21.

The protocol they referred to is the U.S.-China Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement, which was signed between the two countries in 1979 and has been renewed every five years thereafter. It will expire on Sunday.

Some Republican members in Congress oppose the renewal over so-called "national security" concerns, which has sparked protests from the scientific community.

"We can attest that cutting off ties with China would directly and negatively impact our own research, the work of our immediate colleagues, and/or the educational mission of our universities," they said.

Kivelson and Michelson are calling on scientists and scholars in the United States to sign their letter by Thursday and promote the campaign among their colleagues.

"The benefits to the United States and to the world of robust and open research collaboration and exchanges of information and people between the United States and China has been and continues to be enormous," said the two professors in the open letter.

In addition, the results of fundamental research at U.S. institutions of higher learning are intended to be openly published and therefore should not be classified, they said.

The agreement has been the basis of scientific engagement between the United States and China and has provided "enormous benefit" to the United States, said the letter.

"We believe that the multiple benefits of robust scientific exchange vastly outweigh any security issues that accompany such openness," said the two professors in a separate letter to fellow scientists.

Furthermore, the Protocol does not commit the United States to any specific activities "but provides a framework for discussion and developing specific agreements," they added, noting that "The U.S. should not slam the door."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
This photo, released by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, Aug. 23, shows Choi Yun-jong, suspect in the rape and murder of a woman on a hiking trail in Seoul. Yonhap



Police on Wednesday disclosed the identity of the suspect in the rape and murder of a woman on a hiking trail in Seoul last week as 30-year-old Choi Yun-jong.



The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency also disclosed Choi's mug shot soon after a police committee agreed to the disclosure of his identity in an afternoon meeting.



Choi is accused of fatally beating and raping the victim he randomly picked on the hillside trail in Seoul's southern district of Sillim last Thursday. A court issued an arrest warrant for him Saturday.



The current law permits the disclosure of the identity of suspects in violent crimes, as long as there is sufficient evidence and a need to meet the public interest and right to know.



The victim, known only as a female elementary school teacher in her 30s, was seriously injured and died at a hospital two days later. A tentative autopsy result from the National Forensic Service has suggested that she died from strangulation. (Yonhap)


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Malaysia has set its sights on a larger part of the electric vehicle supply chain business as competition in Southeast Asia heats up, following Tesla 's announcement of a regional headquarters in Malaysia. "EV happens to be our priority," Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told CNBC's Martin Soong in an exclusive interview Friday at the prime minister's offices in Putrajaya, just south of the country's capital Kuala Lumpur. Tesla's groundbreaking move with Malaysia is a boost to Southeast Asia's place in the EV supply chain and the first deal under the country's Battery Electric Vehicle Global Leaders initiative. The deal also represents the opportunity for the U.S. automaker to expand into a new market as growth slows in China and its other major markets.

Under the terms of Tesla's agreement with Malaysia, the EV maker will be able to sell its Shanghai-made electric vehicles directly without any import tariffs or middleman markup. Tesla will also establish a regional headquarters and service center in Selangor, equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and staffed with highly trained Tesla technicians. Tesla users will eventually have access to a network of charging stations in major metropolitan areas in the country, with the first planned for downtown Kuala Lumpur. There are also plans for Tesla to embark on EV battery manufacturing in Malaysia. Anwar said Malaysia is open to more EV investments, including from Chinese automakers. While Chinese carmakers have "not been asking," he said, "the possibility will be open." He said there will be synergy when foreign companies such as Tesla invest in Malaysia, adding that "it can benefit three or four local industries."

Tesla exemptions

Malaysia has a long-standing Bumiputera policy favoring native populations, including the majority Malay-Muslim community and non-Malay indigenous groups. Foreign ventures starting in Malaysia are required to meet a minimum 30% equity ownership by Bumiputeras, but Tesla is exempted from the equity rule. "To me, [the Tesla deal] is as good as putting a 30% equity," Anwar said in an exclusive interview that will be broadcast on The CNBC Conversation later this week. "In fact, in terms of real advantage returns to the economy  that is better." After he was sworn in as Malaysia's 10th prime minister last year, Anwar pledged to fight corruption and make "Malaysia for all Malaysians," opening himself up to criticism he may be looking to dismantle Bumiputera privileges.

Tesla Inc. signage during a launch of company's Model Y electric vehicle in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images

"It's not an issue ... of dismantling, it's the issue of refocusing areas, which [are] important," Anwar said. "For example, the issue of affirmative action  which extends from being race-based to need-based  we cannot talk about pure meritocracy."

Incentivizing tech transfers

Tesla's exemption from the 30% equity requirement is not the only time that Malaysia has granted such incentives. "This is not new. There has been exceptions ... given for digital transformation, for IT-related activities or investments," the prime minister said. "We have done that in the past  very selective. So the issue's not just Elon Musk, which I think is much required in this country to give this confidence and the participation of our players." The Telsa announcement was preceded by Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely's $10 million plan to expand its operations in Tanjong Malim in Perak state, and German chipmaker Infineon Technologies ' 5 billion euros ($5.46 billion) expansion of its Kulim water fabrication plant in Kedah state.

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The Anwar government has been quick to tout the spike in foreign investments as a result of political stability it has brought to the table. Malaysia recorded a lower net inflow of 3.1 billion ringgit ($666.9 million) in foreign direct investment in the quarter that ended June 30, compared to the 12 billion ringgit in the preceding quarter, according to official data. "Incentives should be given," Anwar said, "but what is more important to my mind, as compared to the equity, is [the] training," Anwar said. "It's a transfer [of] technology  is there preparedness to continue to transfer and also to train our personnel and to the terms change in accordance to our set of priorities for the present?"

Building readiness

Still, Anwar was hesitant to say a full electric vehicle assembly line is in the pipeline. Asked if Malaysia is aiming to be the "end game assembly" and climb up the supply chain, he said: "Well, it's a bit too premature for me to commit," he said. "But what is important is we do have the capacity to produce parts of battery ... required in the car." Drawing on the example of the deepening partnership between Geely and Malaysia's national automobile brand Proton over time, Anwar alluded to the lack of readiness currently.

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Nvidia shares climbed 6% in extended trading on Wednesday after the chipmaker beat estimates for its fiscal second quarter and issued optimistic guidance for the current period.

Here's how the company did in the quarter ending July 30:

Earnings: $2.70 per share, adjusted, versus $2.09 per share expected by Refinitiv.

$2.70 per share, adjusted, versus $2.09 per share expected by Refinitiv. Revenue: $13.51 billion versus $11.22 billion expected by Refinitiv.

Nvidia said it expects fiscal third-quarter revenue of about $16 billion, higher than $12.61 billion forecast by Refinitiv. Nvidia's guidance suggests sales in the current quarter will grow 170% from the year-earlier period.

Net income jumped to $6.19 billion, or $2.48 a share, from $656 million, or 26 cents, a year earlier.

Nvidia's strong sales and forecast underscore how central the company's graphics processing units (GPUs) have become to the generative AI boom. Nvidia's A100 and H100 AI chips are needed to build and run AI applications like OpenAI's ChatGPT and other services that take simple text queries and respond with conversational answers or images.

Revenue in the second quarter doubled from $6.7 billion a year earlier and increased 88% from the prior period.

"The world has something along the lines of about a trillion dollars worth of data centers installed, in the cloud, enterprise and otherwise," Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said on a call with analysts. "That trillion dollars of data centers is in the process of transitioning into accelerated computing and generative AI."

On the earnings call, finance chief Colette Kress said the company would not be immediately affected by proposed Biden administration export restrictions on chips.

"Given the strength of demand for our products worldwide, we do not anticipate that additional export restrictions on our data center GPUs, if adopted, would have an immediate material impact to our financial results," Kress said.
Bacon frying in a pan. Zachary Zirlin / Eyeem | Eyeem | Getty Images

Bacon is about to get even more expensive as wholesale pork belly prices approach record highs on the back of an animal welfare law in California, as well as peak summer demand. Pork belly prices rose over 100% year-to-date from 131.59 cents per pound in January, to 270.89 cents at the end of July  just shy of the all-time high of 279.97 cents per pound in August 2021, according to data from FactSet. That's a jump of 106%. Wholesale pork belly prices are currently trading at 270.89 cents per pound. And consumers are about to see even higher prices of bacon, which is primarily cut from pork bellies.

More space for pregnant sows

"Overall, I expect bacon specifically, but pork generally, in California is going to become very expensive," said Cobank's lead protein industry analyst, Brian Earnest. Analysts who spoke to CNBC attributed the surge in pork prices partly to a recently imposed animal welfare regulation in California, which came into effect July 1.

California's Proposition 12 bans the sale of pork from farms that confine pregnant sows in tiny enclosures, and spaces that are less than 24-square-feet. This part of the law came into effect on July 1, even though other parts of the proposition  which stipulated minimum usable floorspace requirement for breeding pigs and egg-laying hens  were implemented earlier. According to the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), pig farmers were not properly consulted. "Proposition 12 was developed without input from hog farmers, veterinarians or others with expertise in animal care and food safety," the statement said.

Piglets gathering around a sow for feeding at Centennial Farm in California. Proposition 12 is a law prohibiting the confinement of pregnant sows in tiny enclosures. Medianews Group/orange County Register Via Getty Images | Medianews Group | Getty Images

New construction of the compliant housing is estimated to cost $3,400 to $4,000 per sow, the association projected, adding that it's about 40% more expensive than a gestation stall keeping the same number of hogs. Those costs are set to deter many pork producers. "Many small and medium-sized farms will be unable to bear the significant capital investment. Any costs incurred because of Proposition 12 will also fall on consumers," the NPPC stated. The sentiment is echoed by Cobank's Earnest. "Given the economic environment, hog producers will be reluctant to build Prop 12 compliant housing," said Earnest, who added that buyers clamoring for pork products ahead of the July 1 deadline "stoked the flames" for higher belly prices. Proposition 12 played a "major role" in the surge in prices, said Urner Barry pork market analyst, Ryan Hojnowski. Consequently, sellers of bacon will want to keep their profit margins up  thus, the spike in pork belly wholesale prices is going to translate to higher retail and food services prices, he said.

"This of course ends up making the bacon more expensive for the consumer," Hojnowski told CNBC in an email. According to data provided by commodity firm Urner Barry, skinless bellies weighing 11-13 pounds  one of the categories of pork sold  surged 157% from the week of June 5 through the week of July 31. Prices jumped from 99 cents per pound to 255.2 cents per pound on a wholesale basis during that period.

BLT season

Underscoring the impact of the law is higher demand for bacon during this time of the year, coincided with lower pork production. August is typically referred to as "BLT season," said Earnest, referring to the popular bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich often consumed in summer when the tomato harvest is in full swing.

BLT with fries at a restaurant in Colorado. Glenn Asakawa | Denver Post | Getty Images
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services announced this week that it would be awarding about $140 million in student loan relief to more than 2,900 workers in the state.

The aid comes from the MA Repay Program, which the state launched last November to provide financial support to health-care workers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and social workers.

"The MA Repay Program will be life-changing for thousands of our hardworking health-care professionals while also helping more people enter and stay in this critical industry that has been suffering from workforce shortages," Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement.

The student loan awards range between $12,500 and $300,000 per borrower.

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To be eligible, residents usually need to commit to work for a qualifying employer for four or five years. The most recent application window ran between Dec. 5, 2022, and Jan. 30, 2023.

The Massachusetts program is one of the many state efforts to reduce people's education debt burden. These opportunities are likely to be especially attractive to borrowers of late. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked President Joe Biden's plan to deliver loan cancellation nationwide.

"There are many other opportunities for loan forgiveness that often go unknown because there is no global database of all student loan forgiveness options," said higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits the Kharkiv region for the first time since Russia started attacks against his country, on May 29, 2022. Ukrainian Presidency | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images

WASHINGTON  The Republican primary debate in Milwaukee Wednesday is expected to showcase the deep divisions within the party over America's role in the Russian war on Ukraine. Reflecting the diverse views of Republican voters, several of the party's would-be presidential nominees support sending more lethal aid to bolster Ukraine's war effort. These candidates also tend to view the conflict as a proxy war in defense of democracy around the world. But a roughly equal portion of the GOP field wants the United States to pivot away from Europe, and would press Ukraine to surrender its sovereign territory to Moscow, if that meant a quick end to the war. Members of this group want the United States to focus on confronting China's global ambitions, containing North Korea's nuclear program and further isolating Iran. A recent New York Times/Siena poll of Republican primary voters found that 53% opposed sending additional U.S. military and economic aid to Ukraine, while 44% of respondents supported it. What all the Republican candidates seem to agree upon, however, is that President Joe Biden has mismanaged the U.S. role in the war. As the Kremlin's botched invasion drags into its 600th day, below is a primer on where each candidate stands on the bloodiest conflict on European soil since the Second World War.

Donald Trump

President Donald Trump addresses U.S. Army soldiers at a signing ceremony for the National Defense Authorization Act at Fort Drum, New York, U.S., August 13, 2018. Carlos Barria | Reuters

Former President Donald Trump claims without evidence that he could have prevented Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine by brokering a deal between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During a January campaign speech in South Carolina, Trump fantasized about an "easy" peace deal, albeit one that hinged on Ukraine agreeing to surrender territory to Russia. "I could have negotiated. At worst, I could've made a deal to take over something, there are certain areas that are Russian-speaking areas, frankly, but you could've worked a deal," Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity in March. The former president was impeached in 2019 for withholding U.S. foreign aid to Ukraine as leverage to coerce Zelenskyy into launching an investigation of the Biden family. Trump, who regularly dressed down the NATO alliance during his presidency, has also said that European countries should take the leading role in providing the majority of the financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine.

Mike Pence

Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks to supporters as he formally announces his intention to seek the Republican nomination for president on June 07, 2023 in Ankeny, Iowa. Scott Olson | Getty Images

Former Vice President Mike Pence was the first Republican candidate to travel to Ukraine after Russia invaded. The June trip was only 12-hours, but included a meeting with Zelenskyy and a visit to pay respects at mass grave sites discovered after Russian soldiers retreated from Ukrainian cities. "For me, it was important to be here to better understand what the people of Ukraine have endured, the mindless violence that was perpetrated on them in an unprovoked invasion by the Russian military and the progress that they've made in pushing back that military," Pence told NBC News in Kyiv. Pence, whose son served in the Marine Corps, regularly argues that the United States should continue to finance Ukraine's war effort, and he warns Putin would push deeper into Europe if Kyiv fell. "I don't want to see that happen," Pence said during a recent town hall in Berlin, New Hampshire.

Vivek Ramaswamy

Republican U.S. presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is interviewed by Former Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson (not pictured), during the Family Leadership Summit at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa, July 14, 2023. Scott Morgan | Reuters

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy opposes U.S. aid to Ukraine, arguing that the conflict does not serve American interests. He says the Russia-China axis is by far the top threat to U.S. national security and merits more focus than the Ukraine war. His proposed a peace plan for Kyiv and Moscow that would see Ukraine concede nearly all of its Donbas region to Russia, and guarantees that Ukraine will not join the NATO alliance. Ramaswamy also pitched the idea of closing all American military installations in Eastern Europe in order to appease the Kremlin. In return, he said, the U.S. should ask Russia to rethink its relationship with China.

Nikki Haley

U.S. Republican presidential candidate and former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley arrives to deliver a campaign policy speech on abortion in Arlington, Virginia, U.S. April 25, 2023. Kevin Lamarque | Reuters

The former governor of South Carolina and onetime ambassador to the United Nations has criticized Biden for not doing enough to support Ukraine, but she has not said what she would do differently as president. Biden has been "too slow and weak in helping Ukraine," she said during a June speech at the American Enterprise Institute. "I don't think we should be sending Ukraine money. I don't think we need to put troops on the ground," Haley said at a recent campaign stop. "But what we do need to do is get with our allies and make sure they have the equipment and ammunition they need to win." "If Ukraine wins this war, it will send a message to China and Taiwan. It will send a message to North Korea testing ballistic missiles, and it will send a message to Iran," she added.

Tim Scott

Likely Republican presidential candidate and U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) speaks at a campaign town hall meeting at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S., May 8, 2023. Brian Snyder | Reuters

Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina has slammed Biden for doing "a terrible job explaining and articulating to the American people" why the U.S. needs to support Ukraine. "As president of the United States, I would clearly state America's national, vital interest includes degrading the Russian military," Scott told NBC News. "The more we degrade the Russian military, the less likely there is to be an attack on our sovereign territory. And it protects our NATO partners," he added. Last year, Scott wrote in an op-ed that the conflict in Ukraine was a "fight for the heart of Europe and for the principles that America has always championed  democracy and freedom for all." "If the United States is to live up to its reputation as a beacon of democracy, now is the time to stand with president Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people as their courage galvanizes the fight for freedom around the world," wrote Scott.

Ron DeSantis

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate, speaks in Rye, New Hampshire, July 30, 2023. Chapek decided not to take a public stance on DeSantis' legislation known as "Don't Say Gay," prompting backlash from Disney employees. Reba Saldanha | Reuters

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis believes America's military support for Ukraine is not in the best interests of the United States. DeSantis has called the conflict, in which 9,000 civilians have been killed and six million displaced, a "territorial dispute" during an interview with Fox News earlier this year. He later walked back his remarks amid pushback from fellow Republicans. "NATO needs to do more," DeSantis said in June. "They should really be taking the lead in ensuring the security of the continent."

Chris Christie

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie speaks during a New Hampshire Town Hall at Saint Anselm College in Goffstown, New Hampshire, on June 6, 2023. Joseph Prezioso | AFP | Getty Images

The former New Jersey governor was the second Republican candidate to visit Ukraine after Pence. Christie's August trip included a visit to Bucha, a village whose residents gave some of the first large-scale accounts of torture, rape and executions under Russian occupation. "I don't think there's anyone in our country who would come here and see this and not feel as if these are the things that America needs to stand up to prevent," Christie told reporters in Bucha. "I think the way we need to look at this as a proxy war with China. The Chinese are supplying the Russians with money by buying their oil. The Chinese are providing drones to the Iranians, and the Iranians are using those drones to kill soldiers in Ukraine," Christie said during a June CNN town hall.

Francis Suarez

Republican presidential candidate Miami Mayor Francis Suarez delivers remarks at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on June 15, 2023 in Simi Valley, California. Mario Tama | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has called for NATO allies to do more in Ukraine, but has yet to detail what that means. In March, he slammed fellow Floridian Ron DeSantis over his position on the war, writing in the National Review, "it doesn't take a Harvard lawyer to see that the war in Ukraine is not a territorial dispute." DeSantis has a law degree from Harvard. Evoking his Cuban American heritage, Suarez framed the conflict in Ukraine as war against authoritarianism, a "moral and geopolitical struggled between two competing visions of the world." "I know firsthand about the tactics and methods of communist regimes," wrote Suarez.

Will Hurd

Republican presidential candidate former Texas Congressman Will Hurd speaks to guests at the Republican Party of Iowa 2023 Lincoln Dinner on July 28, 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa. Scott Olson | Getty Images

Former Texas. Rep. Will Hurd of Texas wants Ukraine to retake all the territory under Russian occupation, including Crimea, annexed in 2014. A retired CIA officer, he has also called for sending "as much weaponry" to Ukraine as possible, and establishing a no-fly zone. Hurd took aim at Republican frontrunners Trump and Desantis over Ukraine in a June interview. "I wish they would stop fighting with American companies like Disney and be more interested in supporting our allies against attacks against democracy," he said on "This Week." Hurd did not qualify for the first presidential debate Wednesday in Milwaukee,

Doug Burgum

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum reacts during an event for announcing he enters the 2024 presidential race, joining a growing field of candidates hoping to topple Donald Trump and secure the Republican nomination, in Fargo, North Dakota, U.S. June 7, 2023. Dan Koeck | Reuters

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum says his goal is to "get this war over" as soon as possible. He has called on members of the NATO alliance to shoulder more of the burden, and he supports greater oversight of U.S. financial and security assistance to Ukraine.

Asa Hutchinson

Republican presidential candidate and former Governor of Arkansas Asa Hutchinson delivers remarks at the Faith and Freedom Road to Majority conference at the Washington Hilton on June 23, 2023 in Washington, DC. Drew Angerer | Getty Images
The New Development Bank (NDB), which was established by the BRICS bloc, and the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) have inked a loan agreement for the implementation of phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). The NDB will provide a project loan of 3.2 billion South African Rand (USD 173 million) to TCTA under the sovereign guarantee of South Africa.

Lesotho is a small landlocked country bordered on all sides by South African provinces. The LHWP is a multi-phased project to provide water to the Gauteng region of South Africa and to generate hydroelectricity for Lesotho. The Loan Agreement was signed by Vladimir Kazbekov, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of NDB and Percy Sechemane, Chief Executive Officer of TCTA, on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit currently taking place in Johannesburg.

TCTA, a state-owned entity in South Africa charged with financing and implementing bulk raw water infrastructure projects, will use the funds to construct the Polihali Dam and reservoir, a 38-kilometre-long water transfer tunnel, roads and bridges, telecommunications infrastructure, and will extend electricity and other development infrastructure to Lesotho, it said in a statement. The project will also bring relief to South Africa's economic hub of Gauteng province, which has been plagued by water supply issues for several years now.

yield of the Vaal River Basin by almost 15 per cent in the long run, the project will support economic growth and foster sustainable livelihoods of people of Gauteng, a highly urbanised province with 15 million people (25 per cent of the total population of the country), responsible for 36 per cent of South Africa's GDP, the statement said. Three other provinces (the North-West, Mpumalanga and Free State provinces) will also benefit directly from the increased water supply resulting from the project.

The Project will be co-financed by NDB, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other financiers. Today marks a significant milestone as NDB and TCTA sign the Loan Agreement for the implementation of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

This is the first project financed by NDB outside of BRICS countries and it supports South Africa's commitment to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water, as promoted by Sustainable Development Goal 6 (of the UN). This project exemplifies NDB's dedication to supporting projects that promote access to clean water while prioritising sustainable management of water resources, Kazbekov said. This pivotal partnership between the NDB and TCTA represents more than just the provision of water it is an emblem of our shared commitment to sustainable progress and the empowerment of our communities, said Nhlanhla Nkabinde, TCTA Executive Manager for Project Finance and Treasury.

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II is not merely an infrastructure development; it's a testament to what can be achieved when nations unite with a vision for a brighter and more sustainable future. The very essence of this project is to breathe life into our economy, and most importantly, ensure that every citizen who is impacted by the Vaal River System, which the project augments, has access to life's most vital resource, he added.

The NDB was established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging market economies and developing countries, complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development. In 2021, NDB initiated membership expansion and admitted Bangladesh, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay as its new member countries.

Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) is an international water management institution established by legislation related to water.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 22)  The House of Representatives adopted a resolution on Tuesday that called for a special election for the third district of Negros Oriental, the seat of former Rep. Arnie Teves.

House Resolution 1212, authored by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, and House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, declared a vacancy in the congressional district.

The House expelled Teves from the roll on Aug. 16 for his long absence beyond what was authorized by the chamber, indecent behavior in social media posts, and attempt at seeking political asylum, which is tantamount to abandoning public office.

The Constitution states that in cases of vacancy in the Senate or House of Representatives, a special election may be called. However, the person to fill the vacancy can only serve for the remainder of the term.

The resolution authors cited Republic Act 6645 which provides that an election can be held "at least one year before the next regular election for members of Congress" once the Commission on Election (Comelec) receives a certification of the vacancy.

The House also decided to send a copy of HR 1212 to the Comelec.

In a separate message to reporters on Tuesday, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said it is not feasible to include the special election in the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls in October.

The earliest this can be held is December 2023, he noted. However, Garcia told CNN Philippines in a separate interview that polls for the congressional district could be held in early 2024.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23)  The request of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to increase the allowance of prisoners for food and medicine was rejected by the Department of Budget and Management, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told lawmakers on Wednesday.

During the budget briefing of the Departmenf of Justice (DOJ) in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro raised that the subsistence and medical allowance for prisoners remained at 70 and 15, respectively in the proposed 2024 budget of the agency.

She asked the DOJ how much was recommended to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

"Ang amin pong hiningi sa BuCor (Bureau of Corrections) ay 100 sa pagkain at 30 pesos sa gamot, ngunit hindi ito binigay sa amin," Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said.

"Marami hong di talaga binigay ang DBM na kailangang kailangan ng DOJ," he also said.

[Translation: What we requested for BuCor is 100 for food and 30 pesos for medicine, but it was not granted. DOJ had many other urgent requests that were not granted by the DBM.]

Remulla added that the DOJ asked for 23 billion to build new jails to decongest other facilities but it was also not approved.

He noted that the congestion rate of Philippines jails is at 383%.

DBM approved a budget of 7.2 billion for BuCor next year  only a fifth or 20% of the proposed 36.1 billion funding.

Budget Assistant Secretary Mary Anne Dela Vega said the amount of the subsistence and medicine allowance for inmates under BuCor is the same as the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

"The reason why it was maintained is because the impact of the other PDLs (persons deprived of liberty) also being maintained will amount to almost 3 billion," Dela Vega said.

"We'd also like to state that if we're going to give the 130 being asked by BuCor, we'd also like to consider that as far as our counterparts like the uniformed personnel or military, their subsistence is only at 150 per day," she added.

Meanwhile, BuCor chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. vowed to block any attempt by former New Bilibid Prison (NBP) deputy director Angelina Bautista to return to the bureau after resigning this month.

Catapang said he would reject any application from Bautista, who tendered her irrevocable resignation after being linked to anomalies inside NBP.

Bautista also resigned during the administration of Catapang's predecessor, Gerald Bantag, after a gang fight inside NBP that resulted in the death of an inmate.

Catapang said his latest directive to ban cash inside NBP and other BuCor jails is aimed at addressing what he described as a "minimum form of corruption" involving inmates and BuCor personnel.

Starting September, inmates and prison guards will be prohibited from handling money inside prisons and penal colonies. The BuCor will instead issue booklets to prisoners, which will reflect the amount credited to the owner's name and could be used to purchase goods inside detention facilities.

"BuCor will now be a cashless zone," Catapang told lawmakers. "All people who have money inside the jail will be confiscated, including PDLs and employees. We will be issuing coupons or chit-money to the tune of 2,000 per week because that is the only amount allowed by PDL."
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23)  Sen. Bato dela Rosa condemned the recent statement made by Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, who said there is a special arrangement between Manila and Beijing on the delivery of humanitarian supplies to Filipino troops stationed at Ayungin Shoal.

Sino sila para maga-approve kung ano dadalhin don para sa ating mga sundalo doon sa outpost? Bakit nila tayo pipigilan kung anong gusto nating dalhin? Dela Rosa told CNN Philippines The Source on Wednesday.

[Translation: Who are they to approve what can be brought there for our troops in the outpost? Why should they prevent us from bringing what we want to bring?]

Following the successful resupply mission of the Philippines to Ayungin Shoal on Tuesday, Huang claimed that [t]here has never been a problem with the delivery of humanitarian supplies because there is a special arrangement for such. He noted that the problem was on the transportation of large-scale building materials.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela denied Huangs statement, noting that the China Coast Guard still blocked Philippine vessels during the recent resupply mission.

Dela Rosa said this proves that what Beijing wants is to advance its own interests and that it wants the World War II-era ship BRP Sierra Madre to be further destroyed so it can take over the contested waters.

The Philippine Navy ship was deliberately grounded on Ayungin Shoal in 1999 to serve as the countrys military outpost in the area.

Ayungin is located 104 nautical miles west of Palawan and is well within the Philippines' 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The Philippines and China have conflicting claims over the part of the South China Sea that Manila calls the West Philippine Sea, where Ayungin is located. However, a 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling invalidated the latters expansive claims, and ruled largely in favor of Manila in areas of its EEZ and continental shelf that are being claimed by Beijing.

Since the shoal is part of the Philippines EEZ, Tarriela stressed that Manila does not need to ask for permission or explain to Beijing what materials it is transporting to Ayungin.

Dela Rosa also said he supports the call to build a structure on the shoal to provide better accommodation for Philippine troops there, as well as shelter for Filipino and Chinese fishermen during bad weather. The question now is if it can really be implemented given Chinas objection to bringing of construction materials, he noted.

In an earlier interview with CNN Philippines, Sen. Francis Escudero said he will push for the allocation of 100 million under the 2024 budget for the building of a structure on Ayungin Shoal. Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel supported this, noting this should be non-military.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23)  Sen. Bato dela Rosa reminded the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday that body cameras should be worn during all of its operations as this will not only serve as evidence to a case, but also defense if any of its personnel is harassed.

His statement comes after police involved in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Jemboy Baltazar in Navotas were unable to present footage from their body cameras during the incident on August 2. One of the policemen claimed that he forgot to turn on the device during the operation.

Dapat lahat ng police operations ay covered by the worn cameraIto'y nakakatulong din sa kanila pagdating sa mga harassment cases against them pwede nilang magamit itong recordings ng body-worn camera to justify their actions," Dela Rosa told CNN Philippines' The Source.

[Translation: The worn cameras should cover all police operations. This will also help them when it comes to harassment cases against them. They can use the recordings of the body-worn camera to justify their actions.]

The senator said that its use should be institutionalized in line with guidelines issued by the Supreme Court.

The PNP has said it has only around 2,700 body-worn cameras for its 45,000 personnel. It is proposing the procurement of 2,000 more body cameras in 2024.

Depending on what was programmed by the Department of Budget and Management, Dela Rosa said he will push for the increase in allocation for the purchase of the device once the PNPs budget is discussed in the Senate.

The former PNP chief said what happened during the shooting of Baltazar remains unclear as authorities claim they did not see the teenager during their operations. They also said that they only fired warning shots, Dela Rosa said.

Two of the policemen involved in the incident, namely PSSg. Gerry Maliban and PCapt. Mark Carpio, were cited in contempt and ordered detained in the Senate during Tuesdays hearing by the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs led by Dela Rosa.

Dela Rosa said the next hearing regarding Baltazars death is on Tuesday, Aug. 29.
Lee Jae-myung, chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, enters the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office to undergo questioning over allegations that he had provided administrative favors to a private developer for a property project in the Baekhyeon-dong district in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, while serving as the mayor in the mid-2010s, Aug. 17. Yonhap



Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was summoned Thursday to appear before prosecutors for questioning over allegations of third-party bribery in connection with a company's allegedly illegal money transfers to North Korea, sources said.



Should Lee, chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, comply with the summons, it would be the fifth time that he has appeared for prosecution questioning. Lee has been under investigation over a series of corruption allegations that he claims were fabricated.



It was unclear when Lee was asked to show up at the Suwon District Prosecutors Office, but it is believed to be sometime next week.



The investigation centers on allegations that Ssangbangwool Group, an underwear manufacturer, unlawfully remitted $8 million to North Korea between January 2019 and January 2020 on behalf of Gyeonggi Province.



Lee served as Gyeonggi governor from 2018 to 2021.



Prosecutors suspect that $3 million was intended to facilitate Lee's planned visit to Pyongyang, while the remainder was meant for Gyeonggi's smart farm support program in North Korea. (Yonhap)


Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23)  Foreign ambassadors joined the country in mourning the death of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople, whom they described as a real advocate of Filipino overseas workers' welfare.

US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson extended her condolences to the bereaved family of Ople on Tuesday, hours after the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced her death.

"Awarded with the [US Department of State] 2013 Trafficking in Person Heroes Award, Secretary Ople's work to champion the rights of Filipino migrant workers will remain an inspiration," Carlson said.

Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa, in a separate statement, called Ople "a tireless advocate for OFW welfare."

"Her legacy of sincerity and service will forever inspire us. Her absence will be deeply felt," Koshikawa said.

The embassies of Canada and Singapore likewise issued statements, expressing their condolences.

Canada said Ople was "a valuable partner in advancing our two countries' common goals in promoting responsible and ethical recruitment, and protecting migrant workers' rights and welfare."

Singapore, meanwhile, said the embassy was "profoundly saddened" by the passing of Ople.

"A dedicated public servant and champion of OFW rights, Secretary Ople was an invaluable partner in enhancing Singapore-Philippine bilateral labor relations," it said.

Ople died at the age of 61, just a month after the deaths of her two brothers.

She was the first official to head the DMW.

READ: 'The Philippines lost a friend': Marcos, lawmakers mourn death of Toots Ople
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23)  The Department of Justice (DOJ) has expressed its intent to ask for a congressional insertion to fund undertakings related to anti-online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) in the Philippines.

Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas asked the DOJ how much is allotted to handle OSAEC cases during Wednesday's House Appropriations Committee hearing on the Department of Justice's proposed 34.5-billion budget for 2024.

"Sa ngayon 'yong mga gastos para sa OSAEC Law kinakarga sa IACAT (Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking)," DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty told lawmakers. "Walang specific budget 'yong OSAEC Law pero kung may gastos kami for meetings, do'n sa implementing rules and regulations (IRR), galing sa IACAT budget."

[Translation: For now, expenses for OSAEC Law are carried out by the IACAT. There's no specific budget for the OSAEC Law but if we need to spend for meetings, for the IRR, it's funded by the IACAT budget.]

The Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Justice signed the IRR of Republic Act (RA) 11930 or the OSAEC and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act on May 18. The measure lapsed into law on July 30, 2022.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/5/18/unicef-irr-anti-child-sexual-exploitation-law.html

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/8/3/Online-sexual-abuse-children-protection-law-Hontiveros.html

Ty said the law created the National Coordination Center against OSAEC and CSAEM, which is responsible for developing programs to address relevant concerns and will be under the IACAT. The DOJ is the lead agency in IACAT.

"Under the law, it's part of the IACAT, but there's supposed to be a separate plantilla [item] for that and a separate budget," the Justice official said. "This is one of the things that we would request for congressional insertion, a specific budget for the NCC OSAEC-CSAEM."

In her interpellation, Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin asked DOJ officials if this has been proposed before the Department of Budget and Management.

DOJ Senior Undersecretary Raul Vasquez responded, "Not yet." He said the agency has formed a gender and development office that is "really meant to handle OSAEC and CSAEM cases."

Vasquez said the previous committee on special protection for children under the DOJ was barely active so they thought of "reviving it and making it with greater mandate and including other committees that handle marginalized groups including women and abused children."

"We've just convened it and included all relevant committees under the umbrella of the GAD," Vasquez said. "We intend, your honors, with due respect and your consideration, for a congressional insertion to give separate funding for this."

Garin, vice chairperson of the appropriations panel, said she supports the creation of the program, activity, and project (PAP).

"Prior to the augmentation of other programs of the Department of Justice, this is the very first program that should actually be created," she said.

More funding for the Witness Protection Program?

Vasquez also mentioned the suggestion raised by the Justice secretary to the Supreme Court, wherein the high court will implement a circular that "would make more difficult the recantation of witnesses in respect to child offenses or sexual offenses."

"We discovered upon checking the records of the Witness Protection Program, that because of the pandemic in the previous years, more than 50% of the witnesses that the program is handling consist of victims of incestuous rape," he said.

"But you have a decrease in the Witness Protection Program, nag-decrease ang budget niyo diyan [Your budget for that decreased]," Brosas said.

Vasquez said this was a "problem."

"In fact, we may be asking for an additional amount with respect to the Witness Protection Program in order to capacitate it further because of the need for us to handle the greater number of witnesses," he pointed out..

In its presentation, the DOJ said the Witness Protection Program had 371 million in the 2023 General Appropriations Act. Under the 2024 National Expenditure Program, it received an allocation of 320 million.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23)  The Japanese government is extending its assistance to the Philippines target of reviving its customs laboratory, which is designed to boost border security efforts.

It would be done through the Japanese governments aid arm Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said in a statement on Wednesday.

The commitment was made during a meeting with JICAs customs expert Katsu Shigeaki last week, where he committed to provide strategic technical assistance and capacity-building support.

Late in June, the BOC said it was planning to re-establish the Philippines Customs Laboratory (PCL) to improve the countrys measures against smuggling as well as increase its revenue collection.

READ: BOC eyes revival of customs laboratory to boost fight vs. smuggling

The BOC previously said that relaunching the PCL could help determine the correct tariff classification and imposable duties on imports, as well as deter any attempts of technical smuggling. The challenges, however, include the lack of facilities and obsolete laboratory equipment, Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.

The JICA is also committed to assisting in other modernization projects of the BOC.
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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23)  Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla expressed belief the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) should have consulted first with the executive department when it declared willingness to cooperate with the International Criminal Court's (ICC) probe into the bloody drug war of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta raised the matter during the budget briefing of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

Citing news reports, Marcoleta said the CHR stated that it is willing to cooperate with the ICC if its office is tapped by Prosecutor Karim Khan.

On July 18, the ICC appeals chamber decided by majority to continue to investigate the Duterte administration's war on drugs, rejecting the plea of the Philippine government through the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) against the resumption of the probe.

READ: ICC to continue probe into Duterte's drug war; court chamber junks PH appeal

With this ruling, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed to stop the country's engagement with the tribunal, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said.

READ: PH gov't ends engagement with ICC following rejected plea vs. drug war probe

"How is that possible for our own Human Rights Commission to express cooperation with the ICC when the President already said we are done with the ICC? How do you think they will proceed?" he asked Remulla.

The Justice secretary said that while the CHR is an independent constitutional commission, it has to "respect the other branches of government that are there."

"When the Executive has already given its own commitment, I believe that it is their duty to consult first with the Executive regarding this matter because we have to speak with one voice as a country," he added.

Remulla also said the DOJ may have to communicate with the CHR about the matter, to which Marcoleta added that the commission must talk with the OSG.

The CHR is an independent national human rights institution created under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, established in May 1987 by virtue of Executive Order No. 163, in response to the atrocities committed during Martial Law.

Among its powers and functions are to "investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights" and to "monitor the Philippine Government's compliance with international treaty obligations on human rights."

The commission earlier encouraged the current administration to view the ICC decision as an "opportunity to give better meaning" to Marcos' commitment to ensuring a "high-level of accountability" for human rights violations.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23)  Various education stakeholders expressed their support to revert to the old school calendar of June to March as the Department of Education (DepEd) awaits the results of a study on the matter.

During a hearing of the Senate Committee on Basic Education on Wednesday, the Philippine Association of Schools Superintendents (PASS) said they can better endure rains than the summer heat.

Mas nahihirapan kami sa pagtuturo at mas walang focus ang mag-aaral dahil sa init ng panahon, Quezon Province Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Rommel Bautista told the hearing.

[Translation: We find it more difficult to teach and students are less focused because of the heat.]

Class disruptions at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the DepEd to move school opening from June to October in 2020.

The agency eventually set the opening of the academic school years to August.

Several measures have been filed in Congress to revert to the old school calendar, citing the struggle of holding classes during the dry season.

RELATED: New House bill seeks a return to old school calendar

Aside from the discomfort caused by the heat, a parent-teachers group also pointed out more serious health concerns that students and teachers have to deal with.

National Parent-Teacher Association (NPTA) board member Aileen Marquez said a class in her school had to deal with a chickenpox outbreak.

According to the doctors, kailangan 14 days iyon, tapos another 14 days para ipahinga ang bata and hindi makahawa. Eh ang mga magulang pinapasok pa rin, kaya nagkahawa-hawa halos naubos po yung buong Grade 3 sa kabilang section," she said.

[Translation: According to the doctor, it lasts for 14 days, plus another 14 days so the children can rest and not be contagious. But parents made them come to school so the illness was passed on and infected almost an entire section of Grade 3 pupils.]

Meantime, the national weather bureau shared their findings on the pros and cons of the new academic calendar.

The main advantage is a decrease in school days with extreme rainfall. However, the weather bureau noted that there are more school days with extremely hot temperatures, while graduation day ceremonies coincide with the rainy season.

RELATED: Marcos: Weather, heat among considerations for moving school calendar

The DepEd is still waiting for the results of a study being conducted by a third-party organization on the best option for schools.

The question is, are we reverting back to June really? , DepEd Asec. Francis Bringas said.

"And if we are reverting, is it going to be abruptly or is it going to be gradual," he also said. "It will all boil down to whether you want to have classes in the extreme heat or you want to have classes kapag baha naman or typhoon ang season [if there is a flood or typhoon]."
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23)  Several government agencies will be taking part in a memorial service for Migrant Workers Secretary Susan "Toots" Ople, who died on Tuesday at the age of 61.

Ople's wake began at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Chapel 1 of the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City.

On Thursday, a joint Night of Tributes and necrological service by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW,) Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will start at 6 p.m. with a requiem mass.

More details on Ople's wake will follow.

Tributes continue to pour in for Ople, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. saying he and the country lost a friend with the secretary's passing.

He also said Ople had a "deep compassion" for migrant workers, a sentiment shared by Philippine officials and foreign diplomats.

In a tweet, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said Ople's work in championing the rights of Filipino migrant workers would remain an inspiration.
(CNN)  Thailands parliament on Tuesday voted for real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin to be the countrys next prime minister, bringing an end to three months of political deadlock.

Srettha, 60, was the sole candidate put forward by the populist Pheu Thai Party and received 482 votes out of a possible 747 in Thailands bicameral parliament.

His election comes the same day that Pheu Thai founder and divisive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to the country after more than 15 years in self-imposed exile.

Thavisin - who still needs to be endorsed by King Maha Vajirilongkorn before he can officially take office - later vowed to work on improving the lives of Thais across the country.

I feel greatly honored to be elected as the 30th prime minister of Thailand. I would like to thank every Thai, coalition parties, honorable members of the House of Representatives, every senator who joined the vote today. I will try my best in doing my duties tirelessly to elevate Thais lives, Thavisin said.

A political newbie with a track record in business, Srettha joined Pheu Thai in 2022 before being named one of the partys three prime ministerial candidates ahead of the election in May.

That poll was won by a popular progressive party, Move Forward, which had proposed radical reforms to capitalize on years of rising anger with how Thailand is governed. However, its efforts to form a government were later stymied by the kingdoms political elites.

Pheu Thai came second but led efforts to form a new alliance after parliament blocked Move Forwards leader from becoming prime minister over the partys pledge to amend Thailands strict royal defamation laws, known as Article 112.

In a bid to secure the needed votes, Pheu Thai struck a deal with its former military rivals and in doing so reneged on a promise that it would not work with pro-military parties.

Pheu Thai also campaigned on keeping the military out of politics, but under the new alliance the military-backed Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation Party will be awarded ministerial roles.

Both those parties are affiliated with coup leader and outgoing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha, and linked to the military junta that toppled Pheu Thais democratically elected government, led by Thaksins sister Yingluck Shinawatra, nearly a decade ago.

The move also subverts the will of millions of Thais who voted for progressive parties in the May election, delivering a powerful rebuke to the countrys military-backed establishment that has ruled Thailand since the 2014 coup.

With Move Forward now in the opposition, the formation of the new government is likely to add fuel to the fire of the progressive movements young support base with the potential for mass street protests.

A survey by the National Institute of Development Administration found about 64% of 1,310 respondents disagreed or totally disagreed with the idea of the Pheu Thai party forming a government with military-backed rivals, according to Reuters.

The return of Thaksin, a deeply divisive figure who was ousted in a 2006 military coup, now adds a further layer of uncertainty into this febrile political atmosphere.

Despite his physical absence from the country, Thaksin has retained an outsized influence on Thai politics.

Until this year, political parties allied to Thaksin had won the most seats in every election since 2001, but have struggled to hold on to power due to the military exerting its influence, whether through coups or other means.

Speaking to CNN before the May election, Srettha said he is not Thaksins man and was keen to focus on fixing Thailands income inequality, promote LGBTQ+ rights including same-sex marriage, root out corruption and put the country back on the world stage.

I want to be a prime minister who can make the difference, Srettha told CNN. We really need to be boosting foreign activities. We need to go out and talk to the world. We need to sell Thailand. What are the advantages of investing in Thailand? What do we have to offer the world?

He also vowed to fix Thailands economy. During campaigning, Pheu Thai pledged to give 10,000 baht (about $300) in a digital wallet to every citizen over the age of 16.

Thailand has been in a bad economic situation for the last five to eight years. We are kind of in a coma. You need a big economic stimulus policy just to get them back on their feet and start being economic producing members of society again, Srettha said.

But with an 11-member coalition that includes bitter military rivals, it is unclear whether Pheu Thai can govern effectively.

Srettha, who is not a member of parliament, was educated in the United Kingdom and the United States and received his masters in finance from Claremont Graduate School. He worked as an executive for Procter & Gamble in Thailand and later founded real estate company Sansiri with his brother.
(CNN)  Ukrainian forces appear to have stepped up their efforts to weaken Russian air superiority in the war by attacking bases that house supersonic warplanes deep inside Russian territory.

Kyiv said it had carried out a drone strike on the Shaykovka Russian military air facility some 200 kilometers (130 miles) northeast of the Ukrainian border on Monday. Over the weekend, Russias defense ministry said another Ukrainian drone hit the Soltsy military airfield in the Novgorod region, also hundreds of kilometers north of Ukraine.

Moscows dominance in the skies has been a major obstacle for Ukraines counteroffensive. Ukrainian forces have been working their way through dense minefields and multiple layers of defenses along the frontlines in recent weeks, while regularly coming under attack from above.

Thats why Kyiv has made it a priority to get F-16 fighter jets from its allies. But while the Netherlands and Denmark both agreed this week to provide the aircraft, it will take many months before Ukrainian pilots are trained up to use them. In the meantime, Ukraine seems to be trying to make a dent in Russias air power by targeting its air bases.

The Shaykovka military air base operates Tupolev Tu-22M3 supersonic long-range bombers that have been used by Russia to strike targets in Ukraine since the start of its full-scale invasion last year. Just last week, the Ukrainian air force reported that aircraft flying from Shaykovka had launched four Kh-22 cruise missiles towards Ukraine.

Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraines Defense Intelligence, said that a drone attack on the Shaykovka base in Russias Kaluga region on Monday left at least one aircraft damaged.

Speaking to Ukrainian media Liga.net, Yusov said the strike was carried out in clear coordination with the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ukraines Defense Ministry, adding that this specific task was carried out from within Russian territory.

Ukraine performs various tasks from inside Russia in many other cases, he added.

Russia has not officially commented on the latest incident. However, Baza  a Russian social media blog that has close contacts with the countrys security services  said that a Ukrainian drone had crashed at the Shaykovka base on Monday and that an unused aircraft at the airfield was damaged. It said that the information has not been officially confirmed.

Another Russian Telegram channel, Mash, also reported the incident.

A Ukrainian UAV landed on the territory of the airfield at around eight oclock this morning. According to our information, it was a civilian copter equipped with an IED (improvised explosive device) and a reinforced battery - it was spotted in time and shot down, Mash said.

Earlier, the governor of the region, Vladislav Shapsha, reported that a UAV attack was repelled in the Kirov district. The air base is about 15 kilometers north of the town of Kirov.

Yusov said that Russia was trying to underplay the incident. At least one plane is damaged. As in most cases, the Russian regime is trying to hide the true extent of losses and damage, he said.

Degrading morale

The attack on Monday was the second strike against a Russian air base housing powerful hardware in just three days.

Russias Defense Ministry said Saturday that a Ukrainian drone damaged a plane at a military airfield in Soltsy in the northwest Novgorod region. Ukraine did not comment on that incident.

The Russian ministry said the drone struck the field on Saturday morning and caused fire to break out. It claimed the drone was spotted and hit by small arms. The ministry statement didnt provide any details on the damage, only saying there were no casualties as a result of the attack.

A CNN analysis of satellite images of the base showed that this airfield was also used to house Tu-22M3 supersonic bombers.

An image taken on August 8 shows a number of Tu-22 bombers parked there. Then an image taken on August 21 appears to show charred ground where one of the Tu-22M3 planes was parked, while the rest of the aircraft appear to have been moved.

Two social media images geolocated by CNN show a similar aircraft on fire at the same base.

Ukrainian media reported that attacks on Russian bases over the past few days have destroyed several aircraft including two bombers, citing unnamed Ukrainian defense intelligence officials.

According to the Washington-based think tank the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), several Russian military bloggers claimed that Ukrainian forces used a small and relatively inexpensive quadcopter drone to conduct the attack and criticized the Russian Ministry of Defense for not storing the aircraft in hangars where they would have been protected.

The ISW added that while damage to or destruction of two Tu-22M3 bombers is not going to have a major military effect, the reaction by Russian military bloggers shows such deep attacks support larger Ukrainian efforts to degrade Russian morale.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Ukrainian strikes reportedly hit bases in Russia housing supersonic warplanes"
Jee Yong-mi, commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), speaks during a press briefing in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, Aug. 23. Yonhap



Korea will lower the infection level of COVID-19 to the lowest category to manage the disease like seasonal flu, lifting nearly all antivirus curbs and fully returning to pre-pandemic normalcy, health authorities said Wednesday.



The move came as the number of COVID-19 infections dropped for the first time in nearly two months last week.



The country reported a daily average of 40,400 new infections for the week of Aug. 15-21, down 17.7 percent from 49,000 a week earlier, snapping seven consecutive weeks of growth.



"The spread of COVID-19, which started in the fourth week of June, has recently slowed down and turned into a decline, and the overall quarantine situation has been stabilized," Jee Young-mee, commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), said in a government meeting.



"It's time to shift our focus from counting daily cases to protecting high-risk populations," she said. "The government will change the COVID-19 infection level from Class 2 to Class 4 and manage it within the general health care system."



The measure, aimed at implementing a full transition to a normal state for the medical system, will take effect on Aug. 31, she added.





Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, is crowded with travelers, Aug. 17. Yonhap
Colorado College welcomes 521 incoming members of the Class of 2027 and 31 transfer students.

The Class of 2027 was selected from over 7,530 applicants, with an admission rate of 20%.

The incoming class comes from 45 states and 15 countries. Twenty percent of the class is from Colorado, 24% is from the northeast, 15% is from the south, 13% is from the Midwest, 24% is from the west coast, and 6% comes from abroad.

Four percent of the incoming class is international, and 34 students are dual citizens.

The incoming class speaks 39 languages, including American Sign Language, Amharic, Dutch, Hebrew, Latvian, and Somali.

The Class of 2027 is made up of writers, climate activists, musicians, athletes, world travelers, and entrepreneurs. Several students compete in rock climbing and bouldering at the national and international levels. One student worked on an oyster farm. One student is an avid birdwatcher, while another worked for two different wolf conservation centers, ensuring a safe and educational environment for wolves. Several students are published and award-winning poets and authors.

Members of the incoming class are passionate and care deeply about others and the world around them. One student founded a Sunrise Movement chapter in their hometown and has given presentations around the world about the causes and impacts of climate change, including in Africa and Europe. Another student works to protect local watersheds, where she takes water samples from different local areas to test for pollutants and sends them to the EPA to influence environmental policy.

More than 25% of the Class of 2027 identity as students of color and 11% of the incoming class are first-generation college students.

Thirty-two students were affiliated with QuestBridge, including 12 match winners.

Forty-four students will join the Class of 2027 after taking a gap year, and 19 Winter Start students will join our campus community in January.

The 31 transfer students are coming from 27 colleges and universities, and are between the ages of 18 and 22, with an average age of 19.

The 2023-2024 Common Read is The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee.

New Student Orientation begins Monday, Aug. 21. The 2023-24 academic year officially begins with Opening Convocation 2023 at 9 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 28, in Shove Memorial Chapel. Students and faculty will convene for classes following Opening Convocation.
Colorado Politics is published both in print and online. Our website features subscriber-only news stories daily, designed for public policy arena professionals. Member subscribers also receive the weekly print edition of our award-winning newspaper, containing outstanding features and news stories, in their mailboxes every Saturday.
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1923  100 years ago

The Bartlett pear crop is now being harvested in Hood River Valley. A tonnage of about 35 cars of Bartlett pears is anticipated. The crop is one of exceptional quality and advance sales of several cars have already been made. The Associations crop of DAnjou, Comice and other varieties is expected to exceed 200 cars, which is approximately 12  per cent over last years crop.  Hood River News
Education Minister Lee Ju-ho speaks during a news conference to announce measures to better safeguard teachers' rights at the government building in Seoul, Aug. 23. Yonhap



The education ministry unveiled a plan Wednesday to introduce a new collective school grievance response system, seeking to protect teachers from abusive complaints by parents.



The government will also enhance schools' authority to address violations of teachers' rights and educational activities by students and parents.



The ministry announced these and other measures amid growing calls for better protection of teachers' rights in the wake of the suicide of a 24-year-old teacher last month.



The teacher at an elementary school in southern Seoul took her own life on July 18, allegedly after facing difficulties in dealing with parents over a school violence case.



The ministry said it will initiate a pilot of the new complaint response system in the second semester and fully implement it starting next year.



Under the policy, each school will establish a team consisting of about five teachers, led by the principal, to address complaints institutionally.



An integrated complaint team will also be organized at local education authorities to handle complaints that are too challenging to address at individual schools.



Parents will be prohibited from directly contacting teachers with complaints and instead will need to communicate through the designated teams.



To better safeguard educators from indiscriminate child abuse reports, the ministry also plans to advocate for amendments to the law to distinguish legitimate teacher guidance from child abuse crimes.



It will also seek to make it mandatory for law enforcement to consult local education authorities before investigating teachers on such charges.



In addition, the ministry will revise laws to require educational superintendents to take disciplinary measures against school principals who conceal or downplay incidents involving violations of teachers' rights and educational activities.



Furthermore, the ministry will seek revisions to relevant laws to hold students and parents accountable for infringing on teachers' rights.



Under the plan, cases of serious violations by students will be recorded in the students' school records, potentially affecting their university admission prospects.



Parents involved in interfering with educational activities will be required to issue written apologies and prevention pledges, and undergo special education, or face fines of up to 3 million won ($2,240). (Yonhap)


Companies are looking to hire more people with experience with artificial intelligence (AI) as the arrival of generative AI tools and platforms forces enterprises to re-think their digital strategies, according to new studies from employment websites.

The studies also documented the AI skills most sought by organizations who hope to use the technology to boost efficiency and production by augmenting and/or automating employee tasks.

Job listing site Upwork on Tuesday released its study on the skillsets of job seekers accepting jobs as well as the search and hiring behaviors of companies in relation to fastest-growing skills category: generative AI. It found that 49% of hiring managers plan to hire more independent talent and 49% say they will hire more full-time employees  both a result of AI deployment plans.

AI was the fastest-growing category on Upwork in the first half of 2023, with generative AI job posts up more than 1000% in the second quarter of this year compared to the end of 2022; related searches increased more than 1500% in the same time period.

The top 10 Generative AI-related skills listed in Upwork job seeker profiles with the largest quarter-over-quarter growth (Q2 2023 vs Q1 2023) were: Large Language Model (LLM); Generative AI; You Only Look Once (YOLO); Object Detection; Stable Diffusion; Prompt Engineering; ChatGPT; Azure OpenAI; AI Chatbot; and AI Text-to-Speech.

The top 10 generative AI-related job hires were: ChatGPT, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Tensorflow, Image Processing, Pytorch, AI Content Creation, Midjourney, AI Chatbot, LLM tuning, and Stable Diffusion.

Upwork determined the top AI hires by looking at each job posting and the skills freelance job seekers attached to their online profile; that included gen AI tools, like ChatGPT.

We looked at the number of jobs hired during January 1 - June 30, 2023 that included Generative AI skills," said Kelly Monahan, managing director of Upworks Research Institute, which performed the study. "We reported on the top 10 Generative AI jobs hired that included one of the Generative AI skills listed in the job posting. Chat GPT rose to the top over that time period. The job hire itself could be a range of activities such as hiring an AI developer who can work with Chat GPT, a Chat GPT writer or a Chat GPT expert to consult on use cases for a company as examples.

The fastest-growing generative AI-related searches between Q1 and Q2 of this year, according to Upwork, were:

AI Content Creation Gradio Azure OpenAI Convolutional Neural Network Large Language Models (LLMs) Generative AI AI Chatbot Midjourney Prompt Engineering Pytorch

The sentiment around hiring and the surge of activity from companies interested in gen AI are strong early indications that businesses are paying significant attention to the opportunities the fast-evolving technology can provide, according to Upwork. Companies are shifting their focus from singular gen AI tools toward applications and services, including AI content creation, Azure OpenAI, and prompt engineering.

Generative AI is following a similar adoption curve to other new and emerging technologies, said Monahan. When it is first broadly released to the public, people are still determining the specific use cases of the technology, so their searches begin at a broad level. In the case of Generative AI, ChatGPT was the first tool that sparked public attention. As a result, our platform data shows that many of the searches at the beginning of the year were from people coming and looking for freelancers with ChatGPT skills.

Upwork

In fact, ChatGPT commanded the largest volume of searches by companies in the first half of 2023. And ChatGPTs creator, OpenAI, continues to see a first-mover advantage with its tool, including the underlying large language models  GPT-3 and GPT-4. ChatGPT is at the top of the list of generative AI-related search terms from those looking to hire, followed by Googles BERT and Stable AIs Stable Diffusion.

On social network and professional networking site LinkedIn, the share of job postings mentioning GPT or ChatGPT increased nearly six-fold from May 2022 to May 2023. And the number of LinkedIn members who hold, or have been holding, "head of AI" positions has nearly tripled in the last five years.

As people have learned more about the capabilities of gen AI, they are beginning to develop a deeper understanding of how it can actually be used. This maturity cycle, Monahan said, is reflected in gen AI-related searches. Instead of looking for just a single tool, like ChatGPT, they are searching for the diverse use cases of generative AI technologies like AI content creation, services like Gradio, used for building machine learning web apps, and prompt engineering, Monahan said.

The changes in the hiring market reveal a deeper recognition of the skills needed to implement AI to solve business problems, such as working with Large Language Models (LLMs), the role of prompt engineering, and object detection.

Object detection is a computer vision technique in which models can be trained to locate, identify, and analyze objects in a digital image or video, according to Monahan. You Only Look Once (YOLO) is a specific object detection tool Upwork sees growing quickly on freelancer profiles as a top generative skill in their profiles.

In an earlier July study, Upwork found the number of weekly job postings related to genAI like ChatGPT, Googles Bard, and Coheres Coral, were up more than 450% from a year ago.

The share of global English-language job postings mentioning GPT or ChatGPT is up 21-fold since November, according to LinkedIns Future of Work report, which was released last week.

In fact, 47% of US executives believe using gen AI will increase productivity. Additionally, 44% of executives plan to increase their use of AI at their organization in the next year, and 40% think the technology will help unlock more growth and revenue.

LinkedIn

The rise of AI talent and members adding AI skills has been accelerating since 2016, LinkedIn said. With the launch of ChatGPT, we are seeing the promise of AI and how its reshaping the skills required at work and at the same time helping people become more productive."

An analysis of how AI skills are emerging across 25 countries shows that the pace at which LinkedIn members added AI skills to their profiles nearly doubled since the launch of ChatGPT, rising from 7.7% (MayNovember 2022) to 13% (November 2022June 2023), LinkedIn said.

While AI has been used for more than 50 years, generative AI  the algorithms ability to generate text, images, or other media  has become a highly sought-after capability, according to Erick Brethenoux, Gartner distinguished vice president analyst.

AI can help organizations with decision support, parse thousands of data points or records in seconds, and replace mundane tasks that can free up employees to perform more important, and creative, jobs. Generative AI was born out of machine learning techniques. People added rule-based systems and natural language processing and knowledge graphs to AI, Brethenoux said.

For example, gen AI applications can assist in decision augmentation, or the collaboration of humans and machines, Brethenoux said.

"I cannot analyze 7,000 dimensions at once," he said. "Machines can do that. So, then, great  let them analyze the data and find the patterns. Then how to apply those patterns can be at my discretion and could also be helped by a machine."

Additionally, LLMs can be tailored or customized with APIs to ingest corporate data or fine-tuned through prompt engineering.

For example, OpenAIs GPT-4 LLM is pre-trained as next word or content prediction engines; thats how most businesses use them  out of the box, as it were. Pre-trained LLMs, which can contain billions or even trillions of parameters, work relatively well at feeding mostly accurate and compelling content.

At the very least, pre-trained LLMs can be used as a jumping off point by organizations looking to automate some tasks. But, pre-trained LLMs are often trained using older data and are bloated with information.

As a result, LLMs are poised to shrink, not grow, as vendors seek to customize them for specific uses that dont need the massive data sets in todays most popular models. Industry-specific use cases, say for financial services or healthcare, require LLMs to generate more unique outputs using the language of those industries and organizations. That will require workers with skill sets that can customize \ LLMs for more specific business purposes.

As more employees are trained on AI, fears of job displacement from the technology may subside as workers see the potential for new AI-powered enterprises. For example, there are now 300 AI courses offered on the LinkedIn Learning platform.

There are certainly online certification courses that professionals can take to update their resumes and be on top of new and emerging generative AI skills, Upworks Monahan said. There are plenty of places to start, like on Coursera or Udemy, but companies that have their own open AI services, like Microsoft and Azure, also offer online training opportunities.
BRICS: South African Prez Cyril Ramaphosa extends full support to India's G20 Presidency during meeting with Narendra Modi

Indian PM Narendra Modi, who is currently in Johannesburg to attend 15th BRICS Summit, on Wednesday, met South Africa's president Cyril Ramaphosa who expressed full support for Indias G20 Presidency.

PM Narendra Modi attends a bilateral meeting with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit at Johannesburg, in South Africa on August 23, 2023.





The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.



The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement: "Both leaders reviewed the progress made in bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved in various fields including defence, agriculture, trade and investment, health, conservation and people to people ties."



"Both sides also exchanged views on continued coordination in multilateral bodies and regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. President Ramaphosa expressed full support for Indias G20 presidency and appreciated Indias initiative for giving the African Union full membership of G-20. He conveyed that he looked forward to visiting New Delhi for the G-20 Summit," read the statement.

Prime Minister Modi accepted South African President Ramaphosa's invitation to pay a state visit to the Rainbow Nation at a mutually convenient date.


This photo shows an inside view of the unification ministry headquarters at the government complex in Seoul, July 28. Yonhap



The unification ministry said Wednesday it plans to slim down and overhaul its organizational structure, including units that oversee inter-Korean exchanges, amid strained ties between the two Koreas and heightened tensions on the peninsula.



Under the plan, the ministry plans to cut 81 employees, roughly 13 percent of its workforce, and merge four divisions  including those that oversee inter-Korean exchanges and the operation of a now-defunct joint industrial complex in the North  into one, according to an official gazette.



The move comes as President Yoon Suk Yeol urged for a change in the ministry's function in early July, saying it should no longer act like a "support" agency for the recalcitrant regime.



To prevent a potential policy vacuum coming from the overhaul, the ministry said it plans to "flexibly" run its organization should inter-Korean ties shift to a stage of dialogue and exchange, according to the announcement made prior to legislation.



At the same time, the government plans to establish new units, such as a taskforce aimed at addressing the issue of abductees and detainees in the North, and bolster its role in areas of analyzing intelligence and raising public awareness on reunification.



"The envisioned plan factored in how South-North exchanges and dialogue have been suspended and comes from the notion that a flexible, competitive and efficient organization that is fitting to international political circumstances is necessary," Vice Unification Minister Moon Seoung-hyun told reporters last month.



Following a six-day period from announcing the envisioned measure to the general public, the plan is set to go into effect following a vice ministerial meeting on Aug. 31 and a Cabinet meeting on Sept. 5. (Yonhap)


Singapores BOC Aviation signs deal with Indias budget carrier IndiGo for finance lease of 10 Airbus aircraft

The Singapore-headquartered BOC Aviation Limited and Indias largest budget airline IndiGo have entered into a finance lease transaction involving 10 Airbus A320NEO aircraft to further expand its fleet, officials said today. All 10 aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, are scheduled for delivery in 2023, said BOC Aviation.

This extended collaboration with BOC Aviation is part of IndiGos expansion strategy across domestic and international markets. Photo courtesy: Instagram/indigo.6e

A finance lease arrangement is one where the company financing the deal buys the asset  in this case, the aircraft  and then leases it to another company. The lessor remains the owner of the asset, while the lessee has operating control over the asset.

We are delighted to be embarking on another transaction with our long-time customer IndiGo, to enable the airline to expand its fleet with the latest technology aircraft, said Steven Townend, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, BOC Aviation. This showcases our ability to deploy alternative financing structures, to continue our long-term sustainable growth, he said.

We are pleased to enhance our partnership with BOC Aviation with the lease agreement for these 10 aircraft, said Riyaz Peer Mohamed, Chief Aircraft Acquisition and Financing Officer, IndiGo.

He said that this extended collaboration with BOC Aviation was part of IndiGos expansion strategy across domestic and international markets. India is currently among the fastest-growing civil aviation markets in the world and these aircraft will help IndiGo consolidate its position in the region, said Mohamed.

BOC Aviation is a leading global aircraft operating-leasing company with a fleet of 652 aircraft owned, managed, and on order. Its owned and managed fleet was leased to 91 airlines in 42 countries and regions worldwide as of June 30, 2023.

InterGlobe Aviation Ltd (IndiGo) has a fleet of over 300 aircraft, and it is operating about 1,900 daily flights and connecting 79 domestic destinations.




Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung will appear before prosecutors this week for questioning over allegations of third-party bribery in connection with a company's allegedly illegal money transfers to North Korea, a party spokesperson said Wednesday.







The announcement by Park Sung-joon, a spokesperson of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), follows the Suwon District Prosecutors Office's summons of Lee issued earlier in the day.







Park said the DP leader will present himself before prosecutors for questioning Thursday morning, quoting him as saying that "I will squarely respond to the investigation."







Should Lee show up Thursday, it would be the fifth time that he has appeared for prosecution questioning. Lee has been under investigation over a series of corruption allegations that he claims were fabricated.







The investigation centers on allegations that Ssangbangwool Group, an underwear manufacturer, unlawfully remitted US$8 million to North Korea between January 2019 and January 2020 on behalf of Gyeonggi Province.







Lee served as Gyeonggi governor from 2018 to 2021.







Prosecutors suspect that $3 million was intended to facilitate Lee's planned visit to Pyongyang, while the remainder was meant for Gyeonggi's smart farm support program in North Korea. (Yonhap)


Some of you may just know Drew Barrymore as a popular daytime talk show host, or as the actress who routinely pretends to fall in love with Adam Sandler in suspiciously exotic, vacation-friendly locations. But shes also a member of one of the most famous acting dynasties of all time. For example, you might remember her great-uncle Lionel as the guy who nearly drives George Bailey to suicide, but also, admittedly, would have made Bedford Falls way more fun.

Perhaps the most famous Barrymore of all, though, was Drews grandfather John; star of stage and screen, nicknamed The Great Profile for his impressive screen presence. In 2020, Drew made headlines by confirming one of the most unhinged Hollywood legends of all-time, concerning the theft of her grandfathers dead body, while simultaneously obliterating her taste buds on the YouTube show Hot Ones.

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The story, recounted by host Sean Evans, involves swashbuckling movie star (and giant creep) Errol Flynn, best known for The Adventures of Robin Hood  or to 90s kids, the guy who tried to murder The Rocketeer. Supposedly, one evening Flynn, comedy legend W.C. Fields, and art critic Sadakichi Hartmann, all stole Barrymores fresh corpse from the morgue in order to throw one last party. Without hesitating, Drew confirmed the wacky/incredibly gross story. But the truth may be far more complicated 

First of all, the origin of this story seems to be Flynns posthumously-released 1959 autobiography My Wicked, Wicked Ways which, incidentally, makes a number of other questionable claims. According to Flynn, the perpetrator of this Weekend at Bernies-esque scheme was not him but rather director Raoul Walsh, who had an offbeat sense of humor. And the purpose of extracting Barrymores body wasnt to party with the lifeless husk of their dead friend, but simply to freak the hell out of Flynn.

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As summarized in the book, Walsh had gathered with Flynn and some others at a pub, then excused himself only to secretly drive over to the funeral home where Barrymores body was housed. Walsh then, allegedly, offered the mortician a bribe of $100, along with the false claim that he was merely going to deliver it to Barrymores crippled aunt so she could have a final look at her beloved nephew. At which point he (and two other friends) loaded the body into his station wagon, drove it over to Flynns house, and propped the late actor up in his favorite chair in front of the door. When Flynn drunkenly stumbled in later that night, he turned on the lights and let out a delirious scream before running out of the house  at which point Walsh emerged revealing that it was all a gag.

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Heres where things start to get a little hinky; Walsh also described this story in his autobiography, which came out in 1974  but some key details are wildly different. In Walshs telling, they were never at a pub, but rather Flynns house. When Flynn excused himself to run an errand, Walsh headed over to the Malloy Brothers mortuary. He was able to convince Mr. Malloy, a former actor and acquaintance of the filmmaker, to allow him borrow Barrymores corpse in order to visit an old friend of Jacks. Walsh drove the body back over to Flynns, and sat in on the couch, with the help of Flynns Russian butler who was told that Barrymore was merely drunk as hell, and could use a cup of coffee.

Doubleday

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Which version of the story is true? Very possibly neither.

According to Barrymore biographer John Kobler, his remains were taken to the Pierce Brothers Mortuary (not Malloy) and nobody kidnapped the body. Barrymores friend, journalist Gene Fowler, who was with him when he died, reportedly sat by the body all night, along with his son Will. The only visitor was a sex worker, well known in the area, who knelt and prayed and continued on her way in silence.

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Which admittedly, isnt nearly as good of a story. Looking at evidence, unless Drew is party to some family secrets the public isnt aware of, this sure seems like a concoction of Flynn and Walshs imaginations. So why has this possibly bogus anecdote endured through the years? Seemingly its because of movies 

Remember how W.C. Fields was a key player in the story told on Hot Ones? Neither Flynn nor Walsh mention anything about Fields in their accounts, so how did he get thrown into the mix? Well, the 1976 biopic W.C. Fields and Me includes a scene in which Fields (who was real life friends with Barrymore) and several drinking buddies have absconded with Barrymores corpse. But in this version of events, the prank is no longer about scaring the crap out of Robin Hood, its just so they can all share one last toast with their friend.

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It seems as though Fields presence was invented purely for the film, because this episode never even comes up in the memoir its based on. The incident was again re-told on camera in the 1985 TV movie adaptation of My Wicked Wicked Ways, which again swaps around certain details, piggybacking off of the W.C. Fields movie by having Walshs macabre gag be motivated by the sentimental urge to let Flynn have one final drink with Barrymore  who, and we cant stress this enough, was a raging alcoholic who essentially drank himself to death.

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As Drew mentioned in 2020, this story also inspired the 80s Hollywood satire S.O.B., directed by Blake Edwards of Breakfast at Tiffanys and The Pink Panther fame. At the end of the film, three friends steal the dead body of their producer friend and, you guessed it, prop him up in a chair and get hammered with their embalmed comrade.

Paramount Pictures

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Critics noted at the time that there were similarities between Edwards film and the legendary practical joke involving John Barrymore. And, strangely enough, its because of this dumb movie that we may actually know the answer to what really happened. One of the films co-stars was an actor named Robert Preston, who began his career in the 1930s and eventually starred in classics like The Music Man and How the West Was Won.

While promoting S.O.B., Preston was asked about the Barrymore tale. He called the story apocryphal and, in what is perhaps the most believable account of these events on record, claimed that it was Flynn who wanted to steal Barrymore's corpse and take him to Ciro's, the legendary Sunset Boulevard nightclub. But the plan was halted by a guy named Buster Weill, Flynns stunt-double, who physically stopped Barrymore's pals from carrying out that joke as they were on their way down to the funeral parlor.

So in all likelihood, this all began as a terrible idea that Flynn was prevented from actually following through on  but since it was such a novel idea, he later re-appropriated his botched escapade as a supposedly true anecdote in order to spice-up his memoir, eventually ascribing the actual criminal part of the story to his friend so as not to look bad. And everybody just kept telling this story for decades, because  well, its a damn good story.

You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter!

Top Image: CBS Media Ventures/Warner Bros.
When you think of great sitcoms, youre probably going to think of series like The Mary Tyler Moore Show or Will & Grace. Or maybe recency bias will result in Veep or Abbott Elementary popping into your head. Theyre all shows with tons of critical acclaim and a bounty of Emmys under their belt. But what about the unsung heroes?

To that end, redditor BlackSpinedPlinketto recently asked r/Television Whats a comedy show that no one talks about, but was actually really good?

Some of these series suffer from living in the shadows of similar shows, and only get brought up as evidence of how theyd never live up to a juggernaut like Modern Family. Others debuted just before the streaming era and are a blindspot to an entire generation. There are even series on this list with Emmy nominations and Peabody Awards, and yet, you still rarely hear people talking about them.

23 Devious Maids Available to stream on Prime Video.

22 The Grinder Available for purchase on Apple+, Vudu and Prime Video.

21 Better Off Ted Available to stream on Hulu.

20 Raising Hope Available to stream on Hulu. Advertisement Advertisement

19 Happy Endings Available to stream on Hulu.

18 The Last Man on Earth Available to stream on Hulu. Advertisement Advertisement

17 Wrecked Available to stream on Fubo.

16 Man Seeking Woman Available for purchase on Apple+ and Prime Video. Advertisement Advertisement

15 Pushing Daisies Available to stream on Max.

14 Trial & Error Available to stream on Prime Video. Advertisement Advertisement

13 The Detour Available to stream on Prime Video.

12 Angie Tribeca Available to stream on Max. Advertisement Advertisement

11 The Middle Available to stream on Max.

10 Just Shoot Me Available to stream on Hulu. Advertisement Advertisement

9 Spin City Available to stream on Pluto TV.

8 Dont Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 Available to stream on Hulu. Advertisement Advertisement

7 Cougar Town Available to stream on Hulu.

6 Vice Principals Available to stream on Max. Advertisement Advertisement

5 The Mick Available to stream on Hulu.

4 American Vandal Available to stream on Netflix. Advertisement Advertisement

3 Detroiters Available to stream on Paramount+.

2 Youre the Worst Available to stream on Hulu. Advertisement Advertisement
Whats the only thing more humiliating than Tony Hawk getting hired as David Spades stunt double? That would be getting fired as David Spades stunt double. And the only thing more humiliating than that? How about getting fired as David Spades stunt double on Police Academy 4? (For the record, Spade claims Police Academy 4 is the good one.)

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Landing a role as a punk-ass skater kid in the fourth Police Academy movie (there were eight, somehow) was a coup for 21-year-old Spade, he confessed on the Fly on the Wall podcast. Spade was new in town, just starting sets at The Improv when he was asked to read for the role. (Rumor had it that he knew his way around a skateboard.) Lucky for Spade, the script wasnt ready so they asked the smart-ass kid to improvise a few lines. I just started making up stuff and it was so lucky, says Spade. I wasnt a good actor.

Spade was cast as one of the leaders of a misfit skater gang alongside Fast Times at Ridgemont Highs Brian Backer. One of the actors Spade beat out for the part? Unknown Tony Hawk and other members of the legendary skate team Bones Brigade. We all read for that part, Hawk says on the podcast but the Police Academy producers werent impressed. They're like, you guys are not actors but we'll consider you in the gang.

Hawk was tabbed as Spades stunt double, partially because they both skated goofy (skater-speak for skating with the right foot forward on the board). But while the feet matched, the rest of the body did not  the still-young Hawk went through a growth spurt after casting, making the 63 skater an unlikely doppelganger for the 57 Spade. Crew members told Hawk to crouch down and stay low, but the difference eventually became too obvious to overlook. I was trying, said Hawk, and then they quietly sent me home. Basically, I got fired.

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Chris Miller, the replacement stunt double, looked more like Spade but didnt skate goofy, making the skate sequences an entirely different kind of goofy. Hes regular footed, says Hawk, so in the skate sequences, (Spades) stance keeps changing.

Despite pro skaters filling in for Spade during the more challenging sequences, Hawk compliments the comic on his prowess. I could skate, brags Spade before sharing a story that suggests otherwise.

Spade and his fellow actors were filming a scene where the renegade gang trick-rides their way through city streets and parking ramps miraculously devoid of cars. The director asked the semi-proficient Spade if he could jump down a set of steps. What is it, five steps? asked Spade. I can do five steps.

Well, Spade guesstimated, maybe he could manage it seven times out of ten. But with the cast and crew watching and the cameras rolling? The pressure turned out to be too much. As leader of the group, Spade was at the head of the line speeding toward the steps and I fucking wipe out and everyone has to wipe out on top of me since the other skaters were only two feet behind. Luckily, Hawk had yet to be fired at this point in the filming, giving the director an alternative to Spades board bumbling: Just have Tony do it.
St Helens Council is investigating a suspected ransomware attack, the local authority said in a statement. It has confirmed some of its internal systems have been affected, describing the incident as a "complex and evolving" situation. Cybersecurity experts are currently investigating the incident.

The attack was first identified on Monday August 21 and the Council said it immediately alerted its external cybersecurity contractor. "We have now put in place a number of security measures to keep our IT networks running safely," it claimed. As it works through this ongoing situation, the local authority urged residents to be mindful of how to keep themselves safe online and be alert to any communications they may have received from the council.

UK councils face more cyberattacks

UK councils have been battling increasing numbers of cyberattacks over the past few years. In 2020, both Redcar and Cleveland Council and Hackney Council faced ransomware attacks that had significant financial impact on their services, resulting in GBP10 million and GBP12 million worth of damages, respectively. The following year, a similar attack hit Gloucester City Council, affecting benefit payments, planning applications, and electoral data. The estimated cost to taxpayers for the council to rebuild its servers stands at around GBP845,000. More recently, Sefton Council said that it is fighting off over 30,000 cyberattacks a month, a rise of 50%. Meanwhile, a delay to critical IT updates led Bristol City Council to acknowledge that it is facing an increased risk of cyberattacks. UK councils were hit by 10,000 cyberattacks every day in August 2022, a 14% rise from the previous year.

Almost two-thirds (59%) of senior leaders at UK councils say their approach to cybersecurity is outdated and that they are unable to afford the cost of a security breach, according to research by ERP SaaS provider TechnologyOne. It surveyed more than 500 senior managers at local authorities across the UK. The survey found that only a quarter ranked cybersecurity in their top three priorities whilst 26% acknowledged they have made "no progress" on upgrading cybersecurity. The councils falling behind most on cybersecurity are those in the South West, Yorkshire, North West, and Scotland, according to the research. The UK government's National Cyber Strategy 2022 includes focus on making the public sector more resilient to external threats and bringing local council cybersecurity up to speed.
Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon speaks during a press conference at the headquarters of the provincial government in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, July 12. Newsis



Governor also plans to launch new renewable energy data center



By Ko Dong-hwan



The government of Gyeonggi Province is set to invest 3.1 trillion won ($2.3 billion) in reducing local carbon emissions by turning more regions within its jurisdiction into wooded areas and building a new data center to better monitor the province's power grid.



The initiative is aimed at meeting the country's national goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, according to the provincial authority, Monday.



The provincial government's latest environmental goal will increase the carbon-absorbing capacity of local forests when compared with the total local output of carbon emissions produced by the province.



In 2020, the government estimated that the province's local forests absorbed about 1.4 million tons of carbon emissions. The authority also estimated the province's overall carbon emissions by the end of that year to be close to 63 million tons.



Under the new forestation project, the authority aims to absorb 1.5 million tons of carbon emissions by 2030. The authority expects that by then, the province's overall carbon emissions will be lowered to 52 million tons. By 2050, the authority expects the local forests to absorb 1.6 million out of 9.5 million tons of local carbon emissions.



In 2020 Gyeonggi forests absorbed emissions equivalent to 2.2 percent of the province's total carbon emissions. By 2030 the forests will absorb 2.8 percent of the total and by 2050, almost 17 percent of the total.



The provincial government's plan coincides with plans of the Korea Forest Service, which has been monitoring how much the country's national forests are reducing carbon emissions. The agency says that each hectare of forest can absorb 6.4 tons of carbon emissions per year.





A new city tree park in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, Dec. 1, 2022 / Courtesy of Yongin Special City
An official measures radiation levels of fish at a fishery market in Suwon, south of Seoul, Aug. 22. Yonhap



Japan's imminent release of treated radioactive water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea has deepened concerns among Koreans over the safety of seafood, and restaurant owners and fishermen are already feeling the pinch of the controversial discharge.



Many here, in particular, are worried about Japan's growing pressure on Korea to lift the ban on seafood imports from Fukushima regions, though the Seoul government has flatly dismissed chances of its lifting while intensifying monitoring and testing to dispel public jitters.



On Tuesday, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced the release of around 1.34 million metric tons of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea starting Thursday, some 12 years after the facility was crippled by a massive earthquake and tsunami.



"Sales have sunk more than 50 percent after Japan announced the Fukushima plan," Wang Sang-cheol, a sushi restaurant owner at Seoul's Noryangjin market, said. "We are literally in a dire situation as we are still struggling to make up for losses from COVID-19."



In the aftermath of the radioactive water leakage from a storage tank at the Fukushima plant in 2013, sales of seafood in Korean traditional markets tumbled around 40 percent, and major discount chains suffered a 20 percent decrease in seafood sales, according to the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives.



Korean imports of Japanese seafood have already been on the decrease for four months in a row until July, according to data from Statistics Korea.



A survey by Consumers Korea, a local civic group, showed that 91.2 percent of 525 respondents vowed to have less seafood and 63.2 percent said they had already reduced consumption out of safety concerns.



"We hoped for growth in demand for and prices of abalone as the Chuseok holiday season draws near, but things are rather getting worse due to the Fukushima issue," an abalone aquafarm owner in the southwestern county of Wando said.



Market watchers say consumers' loss of appetite for marine products would make a significant dent not only in the fishing industry but in the retail, tourism and broader related sectors.





Deserted Noryangjin Fish Market in Seoul is seen in this Aug. 22 photo. Yonhap



"Yesterday, I saw the news about Japan's release plan and bought quite a lot of seaweed and laver, as the items are my kids' favorites. After the actual release, I will not give fish and other seafood to my kids at least for the time being," Jeong Sun-hye, a mother of two in Seoul, said.



"We've often visited coastal towns along the East Sea to enjoy the sea and seafood, but I think we'd better not and we don't need to go there. I don't know what to do and what will be good for my family's health," she added.









Earlier, Koreans consumers and retailers had stockpiled salt out of safety concerns and in fear of a supply shortage after the discharge.



The Yoon Suk Yeol government has been treading a fine line regarding the Fukushima matter, as it seeks to improve diplomatic and economic relations with Japan while trying to alleviate mounting safety concerns among the people.



After Japan's announcement of the detailed release plan, the Seoul government said Tuesday that it sees no scientific or technical problems with the plan, though it neither approves nor opposes the plan.



But Korea has launched an intensified inspection into the possible radiation in seafood and the marking of country of origin for imported seafood products.





Members of civic groups stage a rally in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul to protest the Japanese government's decision to start releasing radioactive water from the crippled nuclear reactors in Fukushima into the ocean, Aug. 22. Yonhap



So far this year, the country has conducted radiation checks on 6,233 cases of seafood at the production level, and all of them met the safety standard, according to the oceans ministry.



The government also earmarked 354 billion won ($264.3 million) of budget this year to prop up the ailing fishing industry and to spur seafood consumption by distributing discount coupons and holding various events.



It is pushing to raise the price ceiling for agricultural, fishing and livestock products to be used as gifts during major holiday seasons from the current 200,000 won to 300,000 won.



"One-off promotional events or short-term measures will never be helpful for the fishing industry to overcome the current difficulties. The government must devise longer-term, comprehensive measures," an official of a fishers' association said.



Adding to woes is Tokyo's growing pressure on Korea and other nations to lift the ban on imports of seafood from Fukushima regions.



Korea has banned all seafood imports from eight Japanese prefectures near Fukushima from 2013, and China, Hong Kong and several other nations either have taken or plan to impose such restrictions.



Facing strong opposition from local fishermen, Kishida said Tuesday that Japan will strongly demand foreign nations lift such import bans at an early date.





An aerial view shows the storage tanks for treated water at the tsunami-crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Okuma town, Fukushima prefecture, Japan Aug. 22. Reuters-Yonhap
Understanding the basics of going long or short in forex is fundamental for all beginner traders. Taking a long or short position comes down to whether a trader thinks a currency will appreciate (go up) or depreciate (go down), relative to another currency. Simply put, when a trader thinks a currency will appreciate they will Go Long the underlying currency, and when the trader expects the currency to depreciate they will Go Short the underlying currency.

Keep reading to find out more about long and short positions in forex trading and when to use them.

What is a position in forex trading?

A forex position is the amount of a currency which is owned by an individual or entity who then has exposure to the movements of the currency against other currencies. The position can be either short or long. A forex position has three characteristics:

The underlying currency pair The direction (long or short) The size

Traders can take positions in different currency pairs. If they expect the price of the currency to appreciate, they could go long. The size of the position they take would depend on their account equity and margin requirements. It is important that traders use the appropriate amount of leverage.

DailyFX features IG client sentiment for a full overview of what positions traders are taking in the forex market.

Recommended by David Bradfield Building Confidence in Trading Get My Guide

What does it mean to have a long or short position in forex?

Having a long or short position in forex means betting on a currency pair to either go up or go down in value. Going long or short is the most elemental aspect of engaging with the markets. When a trader goes long, he or she will have a positive investment balance in an asset, with the hope the asset will appreciate. When short, he or she will have a negative investment balance, with the hope the asset will depreciate so it can be bought back at a lower price in the future.

What is a long position and when to trade it?

A long position is an executed trade where the trader expects the underlying instrument to appreciate. For example, when a trader executes a buy order, they hold a long position in the underlying instrument they bought i.e. USD/JPY. Here they are expecting the US Dollar to appreciate against the Japanese Yen.

For example, a trader who has bought two lots of USD/JPY has a long position of two lots in USD/JPY. The underlying is the USD/JPY, the direction is long, and the size is two lots.

Learn more about forex quotes with our guide to reading currency pairs.

Traders look for buy-signals to enter long positions. Indicators are used by traders to look for buy and sell signals to enter the market.

An example of a buy signal is when a currency falls to a level of support. In the chart below USD/JPY depreciates to 110.274 but is supported at that level multiple times. This level of 110.274 becomes a support level and offers traders a buy-signal for when the price dips to that level.

An advantage of the forex market is that it trades virtually 24/5. Some traders prefer to trade during the major trading sessions like the New York session, London session and sometimes the Sydney and Tokyo session because there is more liquidity.

Recommended by David Bradfield Get the basics right with our beginner guide to forex Get My Guide

What is a short position and when to trade it?

A short position is essentially the opposite of a long position. When traders enter a short position, they expect the price of the underlying currency to depreciate (go down). To short a currency means to sell the underlying currency in the hope that its price will go down in the future, allowing the trader to buy the same currency back at a later date but at a lower price. The difference between the higher selling price and the lower buying price is profit. To provide a practical example, if a trader shorts USD/JPY, they are selling USD to buy JPY.

Traders look for sell-signals to enter short positions. A common sell-signal is when the price of the underlying currency reaches for level of resistance. A level of resistance is a price level that the underlying has struggled to break above. In the chart below USD/JPY appreciates to 114.486 and struggles to appreciate further. This level becomes a resistance level and offers traders a sell-signal when the price reaches for 114.486.

Some traders prefer to trade only during the major trading sessions, although if an opportunity presents itself, traders can execute their trade virtually anytime the forex market is open.

Further reading to support your forex trading

If you are new to forex trading, we recommend downloading our free forex for beginners guide which takes you through the fundamental steps to getting started. It is also important to understand the number one mistake traders make when trading forex.

When you start your trading journey, you can download our free currency forecasts covering the major FX pairs. These are compiled by our experts here at DailyFX who also host daily trading webinars and provide regular updates on the forex market.
USD/CAD PRICE, CHARTS AND ANALYSIS:

The Loonie Arrests Slump Largely Thanks to Weak US PMI Data. More Weakness Ahead for the Canadian Dollar ?

Core Retail Sales Data Paints a Worrying Picture for the Canadian Economy.

Market Participants Are Now Pricing in a Chance of Steeper Rate Cuts in 2024 from the US Federal Reserve.

To Learn More About Price Action , Chart Patterns and Moving Averages , Check out the DailyFX Education Series.

For Beginner Traders, Please Download Your Free Forex Guide Below

Recommended by Zain Vawda Forex for Beginners Get My Guide

Read More: The Bank of Canada: A Traders Guide

The loonie is on a 5-week losing streak against the Greenback with a 6th week of losses very much a possibility. We have seen a slight pullback in todays US session as mixed retail sales data from Canada was accompanied by lackluster PMI data from the US with USDCAD surrendering the 1.3600 level which may prove to be temporary.

READ MORE: EUR/USD Slides as Euro Area PMI Gives ECB Reason to Pause

CANADA RETAIL SALES AND US PMI DATA

Canadian retail sales increased 0.1% in June and were led by increases at motor vehicles and parts dealers with an increase of 2.5%. Core retail sales, which exclude gasoline stations, fuel vendors, motor vehicles and parts dealers were down0.9% in June. The core print coming in well below market forecasts of 0.3% growth. On a yearly basis, retail sales sank 0.6% in June, the first decline since the pandemic-drive slump in May 2020.

For all market-moving economic releases and events, see the DailyFX Calendar

The Mixed retail sales data in Canada did not have as large a impact as the miss by US PMI data which weighed on the US Dollar. The US private sector is near stagnation amid a renewed fall in demand as the S&P Global US Composite PMI declined to 50.4 in August 2023, falling short of market expectations of 52.0, according to a preliminary estimate. This is now the weakest upturn in private sector activity since February as the service sector joined manufacturing with a slowdown in output. New orders fell for the first time in 6 months with the pace of job creation slowing to a 3 year low. Another blow came from an increase in input costs which accelerated in part thanks to greater fuel, wage, and raw material costs. US firms were more upbeat in their outlook for output over the coming year in August. Although weaker than the series average, the degree of confidence picked up from July with businesses also planning to invest in marketing initiatives. The immediate effect on markets has seen the US Dollar and Dollar Index weaken significantly following a bullish run toward the 104 handle in the European session.

The PMI picture globally today painted a grim picture with market expectations for rate cuts heading into 2024 seeing stark changes. Market participants are now pricing in the probability of rate cuts in the first and more likely second quarter of 2024. Obviously now this is continuously changing and at the moment rate hike probabilities appear more sensitive than ever to data releases as Central Banks have reiterated the need for data to drive future decisions.

Trading Requires Constant Improvement, See What Traits Successful Traders Share and Download the Guide Below

Recommended by Zain Vawda Traits of Successful Traders Get My Guide

ECONOMIC CALENDAR AND EVENT RISK AHEAD

The Jackson Hole Symposium will now be key to market moves for the rest of the week as Central Bankers take the podium. Comments could have a knock-on effect on overall sentient while in the case of USDCAD the speech by Fed Chair Jerome Powell will hold added significance.

Durable goods orders is another high impact event on the calendar tomorrow and could stoke volatility around its release and will defintely be worth keeping an eye on as well.

For all market-moving economic releases and events, see the DailyFX Calendar

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS AND FINAL THOUGHTS

USDCAD

USDCAD has rallied with conviction from recent lows to post 5 successive weeks of gains and eyeing a 6th. USDCAD has a tendency to trend for quite some time before reversing but usually puts in significant moves when it does. The pair has already risen +-500 pips from the lows and falling just short of the key resistance area around the 1.3650 handle. The daily candle from being extremely bullish has now morphed into a shooting star which should we close that way would hint at further downside ahead.

The downside faces many hurdles with immediate support at the 1.3500 handle with the 200-day MA resting just 45 pips lower at 1.3455. Should USDCAD have the legs to take these initial levels of support out then attention may turn to the 100 and 50-day MAs resting at 1.3387 and 1.3294 levels respectively.

Looking at the alternative and if this is a temporary pause, a continuation of the upside rally faces resistance at 1.3650 and then the long-term descending trendline around 1.3700 becomes the focus for USDCAD bulls and may prove a difficult nut to crack. A lot to consider and no doubt and interesting few days and weeks ahead for USDCAD heading toward the September Central Bank meetings.

USD/CAD Daily Chart

Source: TradingView, prepared by Zain Vawda

Taking a look at the IG client sentiment data and we can see that retail traders are currently net SHORT with 69% of Traders holding short positions.

For Full Breakdown of the Daily and Weekly Changes in Client Sentiment as well Tips on How to use it, Get Your Free Guide Below

USD/CAD Bullish Data provided by of clients are net long. of clients are net short.

Change in Longs Shorts OI Daily -2% 3% 2% Weekly -34% 38% 15%

--- Written by Zain Vawda for DailyFX.com

Contact and follow Zain on Twitter: @zvawda
A civic group stages a rally in front of the Japanese Embassy in Jung District, Seoul, Wednesday, in protest of Japan's plan to start releasing treated radioactive wastewater from its Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant on Thursday. Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



The Korean government's measures for monitoring Japan's planned release of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant are drawing criticism, as Seoul has compromised on initial demands to ensure the safety of its people.



The government is promising to "double and triple its efforts to prevent any adverse impact on public health." But civic groups and the opposition expressed more concern and doubts on Wednesday, a day before Tokyo's planned release of the wastewater begins.



The government, Tuesday, announced a series of agreements with Japan addressing Korea's safety concerns. The two sides have been consulting with each other over this issue since the summit between President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida last month.



The Korean government had initially asked for a series of monitoring measures, including having Korean experts stationed at the release site. However, a proposal by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was accepted instead, allowing Korean experts to visit the site regularly but not to be permanently stationed there.



"We understand that it is difficult to have Korean experts stationing at the site, given the (issue of) fairness with other countries and other projected consequences," said Park Ku-yeon, the first deputy chief of the Office for Government Policy Coordination.



"The government believes the IAEA's proposal is an effective monitoring measure, comparable to dispatching experts. We think this is a gesture of good faith from Japan and we have no plans to further raise the issue of having experts stationed (there)."



The compromises reached between Korea and Japan include setting up "communication hotlines" and Japan's promise to publish release-related data every hour online. However, concerns remain about how often Korean experts will be able to visit the site and the extent of their monitoring ability.



Along with dispatching Korean experts, only two out of four technical stipulations that the Korean government delivered to Japan were agreed upon.



Of them, Japan promised to plan with Korea's demands; for re-conducting radiation assessments in the case of changes in source terms (types and amounts of radioactive material released to the environment following an accident); and assessing residents' radiation exposure based on actual nuclide emissions.



However, Tokyo postponed discussions on shortening the period of the inspection cycle of the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) filters and adding five additional radionuclides for the annual concentration measurements of the ALPS inlet and outlet.



Despite the compromises, Park said, "We have secured an effective and multi-layered monitoring system meeting Korea's demands."





Employees of Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) check samples of wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, Tuesday, with wastewater release set to begin Thursday. Courtesy of TEPCO
It takes a special kind of evil to murder the tiny babies in your care.

But it takes a particular kind of ghoul to seize on Lucy Letby's awful crimes to push a deluded race-baiting agenda, inflaming tensions and manufacturing prejudice.

Earlier this week, lawyer and political activist Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu published this angry and ill-lettered tweet in the wake of the murderer's sentencing: 'Lucy Letby exemplifies how ideology of Whiteness keeps Britain in a chokehold.

'They believed her tears/denials even though evidence said otherwise for no other reason than she's White. A Black or Brown nurse would've been reported to the police immediately & sacked for suspicion.'

The president of the Royal College of Nursing, Sheila Sobrany, echoed this bizarre claim, adding that one of the whistleblower doctors had been ignored because he was non-white: 'We need to stop denying that racism is a serious issue in the NHS, this doctor would have been listened to if he was white and Lucy Letby would have been stopped sooner if she wasn't white... Dr Ravi Jayram was not listened to or taken seriously.'

Lucy Letby 33, was sentenced to die in jail after being found guilty of killing seven babies at the Countess of Chester hospital where she worked and the attempted murder of six more

Earlier this week, lawyer and political activist Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu (pictured) published an angry and ill-lettered tweet in the wake of the murderer's sentencing

Even the women's fashion magazine Glamour lent its insubstantial weight to this crackpot theory in a piece headlined: 'Lucy Letby's white privilege helped her commit murders in plain sight  and yes, she's still benefiting from it.'

Put aside, for a moment, the breathtaking lack of judgement in using the grief of bereaved parents to promote these absurd ideas.

No, what infuriates me is that in all three cases, the individuals concerned have clearly been so desperate to take offence, they ignored the facts of the case.

Activist Mos-Shogbamimu and the RCN's Sobrany suggested respectively that Letby was allowed to offend for so long because she was white, while whistleblower Dr Ravi Jayram was not believed by managers at the Countess of Chester Hospital because he was of Indian heritage.

Both have overlooked one inconvenient fact: four hospital consultants complained about Letby, and the first of them was the white head of the neonatal unit Dr Stephen Brearey.

It was Dr Brearey who was stalled for three months after requesting a meeting with the hospital management and who said he was made to feel he was 'the problem' whenever he raised concerns.

All the consultants, regardless of race, came under pressure to keep quiet about their concerns, and it became clear that the hospital managers were keen on closing the situation down, not because Letby was blonde-haired and blue-eyed, but simply to protect the reputation of the hospital and, by extension, their own futures as highly paid NHS managers.

Dr Stephen Brearey (pictured) was stalled for three months after requesting a meeting with the hospital management and who said he was made to feel he was 'the problem' whenever he raised concerns

Only a fool would suggest that racism doesn't exist in Britain. But claiming to see racism everywhere does nothing to help, writes Nana Akua (pictured)

I have a special interest in the Letby story. My son was born early at 28 weeks and I spent three months with him in neonatal intensive care and the special-care baby unit.

I've seen how vulnerable these infants are and observed at close quarters how the system works.

Like other serial killers, Letby got away with her crimes for so long because she is deeply manipulative and was clever enough to know to leave no trace.

She was 'nice Lucy': a seemingly cherubic presence who fawned over her bosses, reportedly had a crush on one of the senior married doctors and charmed anxious parents  while killing their children.

It is crystal clear that race played no part in the Letby case, whatever some misguided people claim. Conversely, it's not difficult to see how fears of racism can make some criminal investigations slower and more complex.

Take the Rotherham sex-grooming case, where politically correct social workers and police were slow to act because of their fears of being accused of racism. Try telling the gangs' teenage victims that the law protects white people.

Happily, serial killers are rare in this country, and female ones even more so.

Cases in which nurses have been accused of killing their patients are fewer still. Yet in one, a white nurse, Rebecca Leighton, spent six weeks in prison in 2011 while under investigation for the murders of three patients at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport, Greater Manchester  before it transpired that the killer was Vitorino Chua, a Filipino nurse.

What answer do Mos-Shogbamimu and Sobrany  let alone the critical-race theorists of Glamour magazine  have to say to that?

Only a fool would suggest that racism doesn't exist in Britain. But claiming to see racism everywhere does nothing to help  even if it's a good career move for some 'anti-racist' campaigners.
Yes, we should bring back the death penalty. No, we could not actually use it. In fact, the condition for restoring capital punishment (a desirable and civilised aim) must be a total reform of our police, prosecution service and our courts.

For our criminal justice system as it stands is a shuddering jalopy, simultaneously weak and cruel, dangerous to the innocent and quite unfit for its job. Both things together  a death penalty and justice reform  would make this a much better country.

But it would be deeply unwise to allow any judge to condemn anyone to death with things in their current state. And it would be deeply dangerous to carry out any such sentence.

Our police are sloppy, absent and penetrated by the ideologies of the cultural Left.

The appalling case of Andrew Malkinson, buried alive for 17 years because he bravely refused to accept a wrongful conviction for rape, should never cease to haunt us if ever we are tempted to think that nothing can go wrong.

Andrew Malkinson reads a statement outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London on 26 July 2023

I am increasingly unimpressed by our judges, especially since the Blair government launched the Judicial Appointments Commission in spring 2007.

Was it possible they were trying to make the justice system less conservative and more politically driven? I couldn't possibly say.

Most important of all, our juries have been eviscerated. Teenagers without experience or knowledge now sit on them and could help ruin your life in an afternoon.

If plans for voting at 16 go through, as they already have in Scotland, that also means 16-year-old jurors. Had you thought of that?

The old safeguard of a unanimous verdict has been abolished, so that the events depicted in that great film Twelve Angry Men cannot now happen in this country.

A tough-minded, doubtful individual could once stand against a rush to convict and argue the other jury members round. Now he or she cannot.

You must not think from this that I believe the death penalty is impossible because of the remote risk of a mistaken conviction. On the contrary.

I think we should do all we can to reduce that risk, but we cannot totally disarm ourselves against the wilful evil of heinous murderers.

The courts defend the weak and the innocent against such menaces just as our Armed Forces defend the peaceful people of this country against would-be invaders. They deter them from attacking in the first place and they use lawful violence against them when deterrence fails.

If we actually had a rule that we could not follow any policy, however beneficial or civilised it was, because of the remote possibility that an innocent person would die as a result, we would have to disband those Armed Forces.

For everyone with any military knowledge understands that innocents are bound to die in modern warfare. Many British people (I wasn't one of them) applauded the NATO bombing of Serbia during the 1998-99 Kosovo crisis.

Headquarters of the Socialist Party of Serbia in Belgrade following Nato air-strikes on 21 April 1999

A group of children walk in front of a damaged PTT building following NATO air-strikes in Pristina, Kosovo on 9 June 1999

In fact, as I recall, Left-wing liberals were very keen on it. They still are. Yet innocents died, quite predictably, including the make-up lady at Serbian TV HQ in Belgrade.

Human Rights Watch recorded that 'Some 500 Yugoslav civilians were killed in 90 separate incidents over 78 days of bombing', though they stated that this total might be incomplete.

Another policy which Left-wingers support is the one that says that even convicted murderers should sometimes be released, rather than being locked up till they die. This is of course a humane policy and often has no harmful outcomes. Often, but not always.

Alas, roughly every three years two such released murderers take advantage of their liberty to kill again. Their victims are of course innocent deaths, avoidable deaths resulting directly from a settled government policy.

This is more or less a statistical certainty. Yet we continue with the release policy. If The Justice Department truly believed that any policy which might lead to innocent deaths was ruled out, life sentences would always mean life.

So why is the death penalty worth having? Opposition to it is now so fashionable that the hard arguments are little-known.

It cannot prevent or deter all murders. Nobody has ever claimed it could. But it deters certain types of criminal behaviour, especially the carrying of guns and knives by criminals.

In this country, the penalty was twice suspended, while Parliament debated its abolition, in 1948 and 1956.

During both periods of suspension, armed and violent offences rose. After both attempts to abolish hanging failed, such offences fell again.

These facts were researched by a retired police officer, Colin Greenwood. Some American researchers suggest that the sort of murder which has increased since abolition is so-called 'stranger' murder, for example, the killing of a woman by her rapist, or of a petrol station attendant by the man who has robbed him.

Comparisons of the murder rate before abolition with now are difficult. It is probable, but hard to prove, that many homicides which would have been tried and convicted as murders 60 years ago are now listed as manslaughter.

And huge improvements in urgent medical care mean many who would have died of wounds 60 years ago now survive. Such cases, attempted murders and woundings with intent to kill, have greatly increased in recent years.

Some time ago a leading Home Office pathologist, Prof Bernard Knight, explained 'The woundings that happen now would have been murders then.

'If you look at the rise in the murder rate it is very small, but look at the wounding figures and the graph goes up 45 degrees. If that number of woundings had occurred years ago the murder rate would have been massive.'

Nowadays people sometimes even survive being knifed through the heart.

We are also told that the death penalty does not work in the USA. That is because  while it gets a lot of coverage here  it barely exists in practice.

In reality it is political street theatre, in which a tiny few murderers are executed, usually long after their crimes, to make politicians look tough.

Bill Clinton famously interrupted his Presidential campaign in 1992 to very publicly oversee the execution of the police killer Ricky Ray Rector in Arkansas

Many believe Clinton's action helped him win the White House, overcoming a widespread and correct view that he was in fact a Left-wing liberal

Bill Clinton famously interrupted his Presidential campaign in 1992 to very publicly oversee the execution of the police killer Ricky Ray Rector in Arkansas, where Clinton was then governor.

The crime had been committed almost 11 years before, and Rector was mentally impaired because he had turned the gun on himself after shooting Officer Robert Martin and another man.

Many believe Clinton's action helped him win the White House, overcoming a widespread and correct view that he was in fact a Left-wing liberal.

No US state really has the death penalty in practice. Even Texas, which comes closest, still fails to execute the great majority of its convicted murderers, who fester for decades on death row. In 2018, Texas suffered 1,322 murders, yet executed only 13 killers.

Most states which formally have the penalty on their books seldom or never apply it.

Louisiana, in theory a death penalty state, suffers about 500 murders a year. Its last execution was in fact in January 2010.

We could have a serious debate about this one day, but at the moment it is far too dominated by liberal prejudices and excuses.

In the meantime let us get the police and courts sorted out, so that they are once again fit to dispense serious justice.
As I grow older, I sometimes worry that fireworks have lost their magic. Am I becoming jaded?

At a firework display last weekend, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself looking up into the air at all the sparks and flashes with a sense of wonder, even amazement.

But then, after five or six minutes of ooh-ing and ahh-ing at flashes and spirals and starbursts, and patting myself on the back for feeling a sense of childlike wonder, I started looking at my watch and wondering, a little guiltily, quite how much longer it was all going to last.

Amazement is a finite emotion; however amazing the display, the mind soon adapts. After a few minutes, each successive firework grows a little more predictable.

The same applies to most activities: the cliche, 'It never ceases to amaze me that...' almost always precedes a lie.

Richard Branson might find it amazing to go up into space a few times, but if he was made to make the journey every day he would soon grow fidgety. Before long, he might start wondering if he was missing Celebrity Antiques Road Trip on telly.

Richard Branson might find it amazing to go up into space a few times, but if he was made to make the journey every day he would soon grow fidgety

I don't think I've ever said, 'It never ceases to amaze me', yet others employ it on a regular basis. You could almost say that it never ceases to amaze me quite how many people never cease being amazed.

Often you hear people use the phrase about extraordinarily humdrum things: 'It never ceases to amaze me how small the plates are at Pizza Express.' 'It never ceases to amaze me how few buses go from A to B.' 'It never ceases to amaze me how many English towns start with the letter P.'

Fashion people are always saying it. 'Donatella Versace never ceases to surprise and amaze us,' says the Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, even though the perpetually bored look on her face suggests it has been decades since she was amazed by anything at all.

Back in 2019, Kim Kardashian wished Kanye West a happy 42nd birthday on social media. 'Happy birthday to my amazing husband, who never ceases to amaze me. Thank you for who you are, and all that you do.' Two years later, her amazement had clearly ceased; she filed for divorce.

WAGs, socialites and influencers also exist in a state of perpetual amazement, right up until the moment when it comes to an end.

'It never ceases to amaze me how we multi-task as mummas,' wrote Zoe Marshall, the wife of the Australian rugby player Benji Marshall. The accompanying photograph on Instagram showed the extent of her multi-tasking: she was breast-feeding her baby son Fox while, farther down her body, a beautician was at work on her toenails. In 2018, socialite Tamara Ecclestone posted a message wishing her daughter Sophie a happy fourth birthday.

She had been criticised for spending 70,000 on a petting zoo, a balloon castle, sheep, puppies, ponies and a zebra for Sophie's first birthday, so this time she was clearly determined to bring things back down to earth.

'Your confidence never ceases to amaze me,' she wrote, adding: 'Just when I thought you couldn't get any more sassy you told the dj to drop the beat.'

Back in 2019, Kim Kardashian wished Kanye West a happy 42nd birthday on social media. 'Happy birthday to my amazing husband, who never ceases to amaze me. Thank you for who you are, and all that you do.' Two years later, her amazement had clearly ceased; she filed for divorce

Even academics never cease to be amazed. 'The calibre of our fellows never ceases to amaze me,' declared the president of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Professor Dame Anne Glover, welcoming the appointment of 62 new fellows.

At the other end of the intellectual scale, back in 2012, Zayn Malik, of the boy band One Direction, left Twitter and then rejoined 48 hours later.

Worried that this to-ing and fro-ing might traumatise his fans, he tweeted: 'Thanks for all your messages of support. I really do love all you guys, your support never ceases 2 amaze me XXX.'

Where did the phrase originate? Back in the 2nd century AD, the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius observed in one of his Meditations: 'It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own.'

Nearly 2,000 years on, the paranoia induced by social media suggests that his message has still not got through.

And that is something that should never cease to amaze us.
Britain is at war. Though there has been no formal declaration, and most people will regard it as a conflict so ridiculous it borders on the insane, this war is real.

We are fighting for our own history. And our museums are the most vicious battlefront.

Anyone visiting a historic exhibition, a museum or stately home in the UK today will be confronted with incessant warnings about the malevolent influence of the past. Colonial history in particular is treated as toxic, as though merely learning about an object can inspire racist thoughts in visitors.

Curators go to extraordinary lengths to suggest links between the transatlantic slave trade and any painting or artefact created in Britain, from the aftermath of the English Civil War to the Victorian era.

Family trees are scoured for traces of any income derived from plantations in the West Indies or the transport and sale of slaves. Anything, however tenuous, can be used to tarnish the reputations of long-dead philanthropists and antiquarians.

Anyone visiting a historic exhibition, a museum or stately home in the UK today will be confronted with incessant warnings about the malevolent influence of the past (Pictured: The British Museum)

I call this 'grievance archaeology'  that is, digging for reasons to be offended.

This frenzy of virtue-signalling is not merely ignorant and pointless. It is distracting important institutions such as the British Museum from doing their most basic job  looking after the irreplaceable objects in their trust.

Last month, in circumstances that beggar belief, a senior expert in Ancient Greek treasures was sacked from this museum after numerous items went missing  only, it is claimed, to reappear for sale via the auction site eBay. The individual denies wrongdoing.

One estimate puts the total value of items missing from the British Museum archives at 80 million, and though the directors dispute this figure, an insider concedes they are likely to be worth 'several tens of millions of pounds'. More than 1,500 artefacts are missing, including gold jewellery and semi-precious stones, with some pieces dating back 3,500 years. Many items were uncatalogued and came from the bequest of an 18th-century benefactor. From a total of 942 in that collection, only seven items remain. Tracing them, let alone returning them, is likely to prove impossible.

Even after a whistleblower alerted museum authorities to the thefts, the individual was put in charge of the Elgin Marbles. This cavalier ineptitude only furthers the argument for returning the marbles to Greece, which has long demanded their repatriation.

The central role of museums, and most of all the British Museum, has been to preserve our national inheritance and to present the legacy of history and our civilisation to successive generations.

But today, instead of learning from the past, they are trying to teach the past a lesson.

The chief buzzword in museums is 'decolonisation'.

That means hunting out every connection to perceived injustice, not just within the British Empire but throughout all time. Museums now work on the principle that every historical figure has to be judged and, where necessary, condemned for their 'racism' or 'queerphobia'.

As a result, history is being read backwards, the present projected on to the past, with events from centuries ago discussing using the racialised vocabulary of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Mr Dalrymple - an expert on Britain's colonial interests in India - said a museum would highlight 'war criminals' such as commander-in-chief of India Sir Colin Campbell (a statue in Glasgow, left). Another such figure was the East India Company's General John Nicholson (right) - who has a statue in Dungannon, Northern Ireland

This leads to misreadings of history so bizarre they are almost perverse. At the British Museum's Stonehenge exhibition last year, the accompanying booklet highlighted a burial in East Anglia where a knife and an amber necklace were found  one an icon of masculinity, the other a feminine symbol, so the blurb claimed. 'Although the body does not survive,' it added, 'these objects suggest gender rules were being transformed.'

That projects an ignorant prejudice onto the past  failing to acknowledge that we might have misinterpreted the significance of daggers and necklaces. And since the 'body' has gone, how can we be sure that a heterosexual couple weren't buried there?

Earlier this year the British Museum ceased using the word 'mummy' to describe preserved remains from Ancient Egypt, instead opting for the tautologous term 'mummified people'.

The distinction, curators said, was to emphasise that these bodies had belonged to individual human beings  as if anyone was ever in the slightest doubt of this.

This bizarre fashion has spread. At the Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle, the bones of an Egyptian woman named Irtyru are now designated as 'mummified remains'. This, we are told, acknowledges a history of colonial exploitation and gives her the respect she deserves.

The idea that it is incumbent on a museum to spell out its condemnation of slavery and sexism in Ancient Egypt would be comical if it was not being taken so seriously by these institutions.

The British Museum is so at war with its own history that a bust of its founder, Sir Hans Sloane, was removed from its pedestal two years ago. Sir Hans, who died in 1753, stands accused of profiting from slavery, through his wife's family.

This deeply generous man, whose bequest is the bedrock of the British Museum, was compared by historian David Olusoga, on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, to the Nazis, though he swiftly rowed back on this incendiary suggestion. But it's not just the British Museum.

In June 2020, protesters in Bristol pulled down a statue of slave trader Edward Colston (pictured)

In Glasgow's Burrell Collection, a note beside a bronze bust of a young Roman man, cast some 2,000 years ago, reads: 'Roman artists copied Greek sculptors, who used mathematical formulas to work out what they thought were people's perfect proportions. This has been wrongly used to promote racist ideas about the ideal proportions of faces.'

That is an assault on logic as well as art. It implies the Greeks and Romans were wrong to have any notion of who, or what, was beautiful: they were being racist and teaching future generations to be racist.

This ludicrous approach has also been adopted by Portsmouth's Mary Rose Museum, which claimed in a recent blog post that objects found on Henry VIII's flagship that sank in 1545 are in fact 'queer' symbols.

Nit combs, which were used by sailors to scrape insect infestations from their hair, were reinterpreted as icons of 'heavily gendered' hairstyles. 'For many queer people today,' noted an intern curator, 'how we wear our hair is a central pillar of our identity.'

The wooden rosary beads found on every deck were denounced as symbolic of oppressive Christianity that outlawed homosexual acts between men, and a gold ring was suggestive of same- sex marriages.

By becoming head of the Church as well as king, so the theory goes, Henry VIII took religious intolerance of gay people and introduced it into criminal law.

A museum does not exist to peddle such irrelevancies.

This war on the past is raging ever more violently. Its chief victim is truth.

The War Against The Past, by Professor Frank Furedi, will be published next year by Polity.
Nintendo's iconic video game character Mario can easily be recalled by his red hat, denim overalls - and quintessential high-pitched 'Wahoo!'.

But after the infamous plumber's voice actor Charles Martinet, 67, announced his retirement this month, the company's mascot is due to be given a vocal make-over for the first time since 1991.

A good vocal performance can make or break a character - and often, the most gifted voiceover performers will slip under the radar in public; unless they speak out loud, of course.

But how well do you know the faces behind some of the most iconic characters in animated history?

Which beloved cartoon does A-lister Mila Kunis lend her trademark husky voice to... and which unlikely villain did Mark Hamill bring to life with his vocal performance?

Here, FEMAIL quizzes how well you know the person behind the recording booth.

Scroll down for answers.

1. NANCY CARTWRIGHT

Nancy Cartwright, 65, has been voicing this famous character for 34 years. This beloved animated rebel is known for always getting in trouble and never following the rules.

2. TOM KENNY

Tom Kenny, 61, is known for facing sweet, good-natured characters - and this famous children's favourite is no exception. He's been the face behind the mic for this wholesome protagonist since 1999

3. MILA KUNIS

While she's known as an A-lister in Hollywood, Mila Kunis has also lent her distinct voice to a famous cartoon about an American family. The actress, 40, has been playing the role since 1999

4. WILL ARNETT

Will Arnett, who has a signature husky tenor, has earned high praise for his performance as the titular character of a bittersweet animated show. The actor, 53, combined both comedy and drama in his performance

5. SARAH NATOCHENNY

Sarah Natochenny, 35, has voiced this iconic character since she was 18 years old in the English dub of a famous show. The performer has also voiced video game characters

6. DON MESSICK

Don Messick - who passed away in 1997, aged 71, for decades brought one of the most famous animated dogs to life. The franchise still exists and continues to create new content

7. WALT DISNEY

Walt Disney's fame lives on far beyond the characters he created, but few may know which one of them he voiced well until 1947. Pictured in 1951

8. ALAN REED

Alan Reed was the voice behind one of the most popular cartoon characters in the 1960s. Pictured in 1964

9. H. JON BENJAMIN

H. Jon Benjamin, 67 is a well known voice actor who found fame with roles including Sterling Archer in Archer and Carl in Family Guy. But in this famed role, he plays a family man who's also running a restaurant with his wife and children

10. TREY PARKER

Trey Parker is known for his uniquely satirical style of comedy, often collaborating with creative partner Matt Stone. The pair are well known for creating a show together - which has been running since 1997 with 26 seasons out - and Trey voices its most popular and problematic character

11. MARK HAMILL

He played the hero who saves the galaxy in the Star Wars movies. But Mark Hamill's most famous voice acting role is nowhere near Luke Skywalker. The actor, 71, truly leaned into the dark side of the force to bring this signature villain to life

ANSWERS BELOW:

1. NANCY CARTWRIGHT: BART SIMPSON FROM THE SIMPSONS

Nancy also voices Nelson Muntz, Ralph Wiggum, Todd Flanders, Kearney, Database, and Maggie on the show

Nancy has been the voice for Bart Simpson - the show's goofy and lovable rebel - for the past 34 years

2. TOM KENNY: SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS FROM SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS

Tom has also voiced a host of other characters on the show, including Gary, the French Narrator and Patchy the Pirate.

Tom has been the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, the optimistic sponge which lives in a pineapple under the sea, since 1999

3. MILA KUNIS: MEG GRIFFIN FROM FAMILY GUY

Mila Kunis has been the voice of Meg Griffin - the Family Guy character with the worst luck - since she was a teenager

4. WILL ARNETT: BOJACK HORSEMAN FROM BOJACK HORSEMAN

Will Arnett was praised for the complexity and emotional depth he brought to a cartoon horse in the popular animated TV series

5. SARAH NATOCHENNY: ASH KETCHUM FROM POKEMON (FROM 2006 TO 2023)

Sarah Natochenny is a memorable voice for anyone who aspired to be a Pokemon trainer when they were a child

6. DOM MESSICK: SCOOBY DOO FROM SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? (1969 - 1970)

Dom also voiced Scooby-Doo and other small characters in the franchise throughout the 70s and well into the 90s

Dom also voiced Scooby-Doo and other small characters in the franchise throughout the 70s and well into the 90s

7. WALT DISNEY: MICKEY MOUSE

Walt served as Mickey's original voice from 1928 into the 1940s.

Walt served as Mickey's original voice from 1928 into the 1940s. He passed away in 1966, age 65

8. ALAN REED: FRED FLINSTONE FROM THE FLINTSTONES

Alan Reed was the voice behind one of the most popular cartoon characters in the 1960s - Fred Flintstone

9. H. JON BENHAMIN: BOB BELCHER FROM BOB'S BURGERS

H. Jon Benjamin, 67 is a well known voice actor who found fame with roles including Sterling Archer in Archer and Carl in Family Guy

10. TREY PARKER: ERIC CARTMAN FROM SOUTH PARK

Trey also voices some reoccurring characters as well as : Stan Marsh, Randy Marsh and Mr. Garrison.

Trey Parker is known for his uniquely satirical style of comedy, often collaborating with creative partner Matt Stone

11. MARK HAMILL: THE JOKER FROM HANDFUL OF PROJECTS ACROSS THE YEARS, INCLUDING BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES, SUPERMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES, THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES, JUSTICE LEAGUE, STATIC SHOCK, ROBOT CHICKEN, BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM AND BATMAN BEYOND: RETURN OF THE JOKER
An American woman living in Paris has marked her six-year anniversary in the country by revealing the brutal realities of living her dream.

Amanda Rollins, who is originally from Boston, Massachusetts, but moved to Europe in 2017, took to TikTok to reel off a list of problems she had been forced to overcome.

The issues included having six phones pickpocketed, thwarting an 'attempted kidnapping' and visiting the hospital up to five times.

Nonetheless, the 33-year-old still encouraged others to take the plunge as she said the experience is 'priceless.'

Amanda Rollins, who is originally from Boston, Massachusetts, but moved to Europe in 2017, took to TikTok to reel off a list of problems she had been forced to overcome

The issues included having six phones pickpocketed, thwarting an 'attempted kidnapping' and visiting the hospital up to five times

In the clip, which has so far been viewed more than 811,000 times, Amanda speaks directly to camera as she candidly shares her thoughts.

She begins: 'Today is my six-year anniversary of moving to Paris and I want to share some thoughts with you.

'There are four pregnant bellies that I never got to touch and seven newborns that I never got to hold. Four funerals I wasn't able to attend and dozens of birthday parties I couldn't be present at.

'I have famously had six cellphones pickpocketed, I had an Uber driver try to kidnap me, I was assaulted at the Louvre by like 14 guys, and I had my drink drugged with something on the Seine.

'I've gone to the police station to fill out police reports five times and I visited the hospital five times.

'A French person has made me cry at least 100 times and I have been told "c'est pas possible" when it was possible at least 500 times.'

Amanda continues: 'If you move abroad, you will miss everything at home. You will miss events, births, weddings and funerals.

'You will spend countless days feeling lost, not knowing anything about life, feeling stupid. You will be discriminated against simply for being an immigrant and be treated like a second class citizen.

But, nonetheless, the 33-year-old still encouraged others to take the plunge as she said the experience is 'priceless'

In the clip, which has so far been viewed more than 811,000 times, Amanda speaks directly to camera as she candidly shares her thoughts

'You will make new friends and then they will move away. You won't be able to express yourself the way you want to and you'll find yourself constantly thinking "I'm so much smarter in English, I'm so much funnier in English, they have no idea."'

But the issues do not stop there as the social media star adds: 'You'll think you are fluent in the language and then find out that you're not and then you'll think you're really, really fluent this time - but no, you're still not.

'You'll have to relearn everything you know about how life works and it's going to suck - but do it anyways.'

Amanda then pivots her thoughts to why people should move regardless of the extensive list she just set out.

She said that she has lived in three different apartments, acquired a new cat and 'had the most intense relationship of my life.'

Sadly, she reveals that it led to 'the worst break-up of my life' but nonetheless said: 'I've created an entire new sisterhood of women that are smart and caring and just incredible that I am so lucky to surround myself with them.'

Not stopping there, Amanda said: 'I've had four jobs and I've been fired from one of them which is really scary when you live abroad and I completely changed my career.'

She noted that she now boasts more than 725,000 follows on TikTok and claimed to have helped 'millions of people with their trips to Paris.'

Concluding her candid speech, Amanda states: 'Most importantly I can look myself in the mirror and say that I have done everything I have always wanted to do'

'I've gone to at least 40 concerts, done 100 picnics, eaten 500 baguettes and drank a million bottles of wine,' she adds.

'I've travelled to 35 countries and I think I finally understand French culture. I've done things I said I would never do and I have changed my mind about subjects that I would have to war for in the past.

'I've learnt that your beliefs are not stagnant and inherent - they're just beliefs, they're relative to your environment and they can change.'

Concluding her candid speech, Amanda states: 'Most importantly I can look myself in the mirror and say that I have done everything I have always wanted to do. There's no secret dream looming in the back of my mind that I'm saving for a later date.

'That doesn't exist because I've done all of them and that feeling... is what they write stories about, that's what movies are about. People wish they could bottle that up and sell it...

'The only way to have that feeling is to take the leap yourself. For me, Paris is the happiest place on Earth and it's where I belong but maybe your place is somewhere else.'

She finishes the clip with a rousing statement of: 'If there is something you want to do in life just f***ing do it, because if not you will spend the rest of your life regretting it and I promise you the feeling of being able to look yourself in the mirror and say that you did it is priceless.'
Hoda Kotb left Jenna Bush Hager horrified after opening up about her controversial bedroom habit  which her Today co-host promptly began begging her to quit.

The fourth-hour stars were discussing the viral trend of having a snack drawer under your bed on Tuesday's show when Kotb shared her penchant for eating Ritz crackers while under the sheets.

'A lot of people like to snack in bed. I feel you, and I'm with you. I think it's a good idea,' Kotb, 59, said.

'Disagree,' Bush Hager, 41, hit back.

Hoda Kotb, 59, and Jenna Bush Hager, 41, got into a debate about the former's controversial bedroom habit on the Today show Tuesday

Kotb shared that she likes to eat a sleeve of Ritz crackers in bed, saying 'it's cozy.' Bush Hager made a face in disgust, arguing that she was getting crumbs in her sheets

Kotb demonstrated how she takes her hand and wipes the crumbs off her bed and onto her bedroom floor. Bush Hager argued that she was going to get mice doing that

The Hope is a Rainbow author insisted that 'a sleeve of Ritz crackers is good to have' while miming how she eats them in bed in her New York City apartment.

Bush Hager made a face in disgust, asking, 'Can you imagine what a sleeve  first of all  of Ritz crackers does to your sheets?'

Kotb explained that she 'loves Ritz crackers,' but her co-star wasn't having it.

'Hoda, you gotta give up eating in bed,' Bush Hager told her.

'Why?' she asked.

Kotb claimed 'it's cozy' to eat in bed just as Bush Hager pointed out that she was getting crumbs in her sheets.

'Here, let me show you what you do,' the mother of two said, demonstrating how she takes her hand and wipes the crumbs off her bed and onto her bedroom floor.

'So that it's all over [the] ground in your New York City apartment where little mice like to come and eat a Ritz cracker,' Bush Hager said, unimpressed.

Should you keep a snack drawer under the bed? Hoda & Jenna weigh in on new trend! pic.twitter.com/wX67Fo0yFK  TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@HodaAndJenna) August 22, 2023

Kotb also gushed about her love of Ritz crackers last month when she and her Today co-stars shared their favorite 'girl dinners' to eat at home

The Today star explained that she sprinkles cheese on top of the crackers and puts them into the microwave to cook, claiming a 'melted Ritz' is 'better' than a regular Ritz

Ironically, when Bush Hager offered to get Kotb a snack drawer under her bed for Christmas, she was opposed to the idea.

'I actually don't like bugs, so if there's a slight risk of bugs, I wouldn't do it,' she explained.

'Okay, so because you don't like bugs, I would keep the Ritz out of your bed,' Bush Hager advised. 'There's still crumbs.'

Kotb also gushed about her love of Ritz crackers last month when she and her Today co-stars shared their favorite 'girl dinners' to eat at home.

'Mine's super simple. It involves 15 seconds in the microwave,' she said, noting that it's not technically cooking.

She explained that she sprinkles cheese on top of the crackers and puts them into the microwave to cook, claiming a 'melted Ritz' is 'better' than a regular Ritz. She also likes to spread peanut butter and jelly on the crackers for a sweeter option.

Kotb, who celebrated her 59th birthday this month, has never been shy about sharing her somewhat unusual eating habits.

A few years ago, she treated herself to fried chicken after taping NBC News' special coronavirus report  and ate the meal on the floor of her kitchen.

'One of the things that makes me feel cozy and comforted is fried chicken,' she explained. 'Before I came here for the special, I ordered fried chicken with dunking sauce and fries and onion rings and I left them at the apartment.'

Kotb said she and her co-anchor Savannah Guthrie were done with the live show by 11 p.m., and she was back in her home just 15 minutes later. With her daughters Haley Joy and Hope Catherine tucked into bed, she had some time to unwind.

'I walked in. I took a paper plate. I put chicken, fries, onion rings in the microwave,' she recalled. 'Sat on the floor, turned on Friends, dunked that chicken  it was almost like KFC  into the sauce. I'd never been happier.'

Kotb said sitting on the floor and eating such a savory meal reminded her of getting a treat as a kid.

'Every now and then we were allowed to have that kind of stuff,' she explained. 'It just made me feel good.'
A woman whose grandmother couldn't be there to watch her walk down the aisle recreated her wedding day in her care home.

Hannah Macdonald - Ball, 27, from Scotland, tied the knot to her long-time partner James Ball, 31, a wedding photographer on May 1, 2023.

But her 84-year-old grandmother Hazel Clarke who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2021 was unable to attend due to her mobility issues.

Two months after the big day, Hannah surprised her grandmother at her care home by wearing her wedding address.

As she walked out, Hannah was serenaded by residents singing 'she's a jolly good fellow' and said it was a 'really special day'.

Hannah Macdonald - Ball, 27, from Scotland, tied the knot to her long-time partner James Ball, 31, a wedding photographer on May 1, 2023

Two months after the big day, Hannah surprised her grandmother at her care home by wearing her wedding address

Hannah, a wedding content creator, from Leytonstone, East London, said: 'When we got engaged my grandmother was well enough to come to the wedding.

'Unfortunately in December, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and her condition deteriorated really quickly and we decided it was best for her not to come.

'We got married in Scotland and she lives in Rufford, Ormskirk, it would not be feasible for her to come to the wedding.

'It was a really special moment I had worked up for this big day for such a long time.

'Putting on my veil and dress again was a really magical moment for me.'

Hannah has been with her husband James for six and a half years.

The pair got engaged in November 2021 in Loch Lomond while the sun was rising and they finally tied the knot at The Cruin, Loch Lomond, surrounded by their closest family and friends.

Hannah said: 'It was the best day of both of our lives. We had been planning it for a year and a half, we had such a lovely intimate day.

'All our favourite people were there, even the sun came out when it was forecast to rain all day.'

Hannah wore a stunning white gown with a plunging neckline and lengthy lace veil for her big day

Two months after her wedding day, Hannah phoned up the care home and told them how she wanted to visit her grandmother in her wedding dress

Hannah said the fact she was able to see her in her dress was 'really special and a lovely moment'

Hannah revealed she would 'always feel sad' that her grandmother wasn't at her wedding - but said it was still a positive day which she'd always remember

Unfortunately, one of Hannah's favourite people, her grandmother Hazel, a retired English secretary could not make the ceremony.

Hazel was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in December 2022 and has deteriorated rapidly since.

Two months after her wedding day, Hannah phoned up the care home and told them how she wanted to visit her grandmother in her wedding dress.

She said: 'We arranged to take prosecco and put some music on.

'I entered the room and everyone was signing she's a jolly good fellow and my grandmother was really happy.

'She kept saying sorry that she couldn't be there and how beautiful I looked which was nice as she couldn't attend.

'Every time you got to visit a family member with an illness you never know what they are going to be like.

'The fact I was able to see her in my dress was really special and a lovely moment for us both.

'It was emotion, I will always feel sad that she wasn't there but it was the next best thing we could have done.

'We left feeling really positive it was great for my mum too, not being able to have her mum there was really hard.'
A former Apprentice star has branded eating out alone 'pathetic' and 'only for losers' causing a furious debate online.

Ryan Mark-Parsons, 23, who has starred in a string of reality shows, said dining out by yourself is 'selfish' and people that do it 'need to get friends'.

The comments came as online searches for 'solo dining' soared by 357 per cent in 12 months, and Britney Spears was seen dining out alone following her split form Sam Asghari.

Recently, Michelin-starred restaurant at London's Hotel Cafe Royal revealed they will charge double for solo diners.

While Ryan was furiously against eating alone, Kiss FM presenter Alex Mansuroglu said he loves dining solo.

Ryan Mark-Parsons, 23, who has starred in a string of reality shows, said dining out by yourself is 'selfish' and people that do it 'need to get friends

'I lead a very busy life, I have two kids at home.

'If I can have a 30 minutes Nando's to myself before I get home and then pick up a little takeaway for my kids and fiance, that's great, it's freeing.

'People sometimes think I might have been stood up, I might get a free dessert in this, I might get 10 per cent off the bill, I think it's amazing and great.

But Mark then hit back, saying he would never eat out alone.

'I think people that do it are pathetic,' he scathed.

'I think Alex is one of those losers that goes to restaurants alone, and it's weird.

While Ryan was furiously against eating alone, Kiss FM presenter Alex Mansuroglu (pictured) said he loves dining solo

'I go to restaurants and see solo diners and I'm just uncomfortable. I question the motives, I think it's really really bizarre.

When presenter Richard Madeley shared a picture of him eating alone in McDonald's he said it was 'ridiculous' and 'out of context'.

Hitting back, Alex said the comments were 'bullying'.

'We not to stop listening to posh people telling us how to live our lives,' he said.

'Your view on calling people losers and mortifying is just bulling behaviour.

'If you ask me to go to dinner, in one of the fanciest restaurants in London with this gentleman right here, or sit alone in a dark corner and eat porridge, you can call me a Turkish Goldilocks mate, cause I am having nothing to do with that'.

Ryan then called Alex 'selfish' and said that he needs to 'go and make some friends'.

Viewers were overwhelming in Alex's favour, with many saying Ryan's comments were insulting

'It's a reminder to go an look in the mirror and make friends, go outside and touch glass.

'It's selfish of people like Alex to go and dine alone.

'We're in a cost of living crisis and they are denying double the service'.

Viewers were overwhelming in Alex's favour, with many saying Ryan's comments were insulting.

'No it's not sad. Solitude is relaxing,' said one.

'As a counsellor I am listening and talking all day every day, so a meal alone or a holiday is absolute bliss,' said another.

'Enjoying your own company is a sign of maturity,' wrote a third.

'No and we shouldnt be penalised for being solo and charged extra,' said a fifth.

'I think the posh kid couldnt cope with his own company. Hes to dependent to have others around so he can be someone. I eat on my own anytime,' added another.


By Yu Yuri







After weeks of media buzz and national concerns surrounding the 25th World Scout Jamboree in Korea, the high-profile international event has finally ended. Although the Jamboree aimed to showcase Korea's hospitality on the global stage, it faced organizational issues that raised fears of a damaged reputation. Despite this, the commitment of governments and politicians to invest resources in ensuring the Scouts' comfort is commendable.







However, it's perplexing that this level of urgency and dedication isn't consistently extended to other foreign groups, particularly refugees seeking the government's protection. As someone who works with refugees and asylum seekers in Korea, I can't help but notice the stark differences in reception and treatment between these two foreign groups present in Korea.







While Jamboree Scouts swiftly received "national support," refugees seeking safety within Korea's borders encounter slow and reluctant aid. Trapped in legal uncertainty, they experience obstacles limiting work and societal contributions. Despite the Refugee Act's stipulation of a six-month examination period (extendable), refugee applicants wait over a year for interviews on average. Furthermore, they often face severe penalties for missed stay permit deadlines.







Yet another contrasting reality emerges: While young Scouts return safely to their homes, buoyed by widespread support and well-wishes from various sectors of society, including banks advocating for their "safe return home," refugees seeking a secure haven within Korea face a lack of equitable and compassionate treatment. This disparity subjects them to unwelcoming political, legal, and social conditions, detrimentally impacting their long-term mental well-being.







The stark disparity between generosity towards Scouts and a zero-tolerance stance on refugees prompts the question: Can Korea truly be globally conscious without embracing all foreigners' rights, especially refugees fleeing peril in their home nations?







Korea's record reveals a disheartening picture: a mere 74 individuals out of 5,363 applicants were granted refugee status in 2022. Revelations of significant breaches in the screening process years back, characterized by inadequate assessment and interviews tainted by manipulation of officers, have already cast a shadow over the nation's global reputation and its image as a hospitable host. Most refugee applicants continue to navigate their journey unsupported, lacking crucial assistance, translation and interpretation during interviews.







Redirecting even a fraction of the effort dedicated to successfully hosting the fleeting international event toward supporting refugees during their screening process with legal aid and interpretation to safeguard quality and integrity, as UNHCR Korea points out, could allow Korea to better exemplify its global ideals and the nation's commitment to human rights and its pursuit of international peace.







Given its celebratory nature and the substantial financial and organizational support it receives, the World Scout Jamboree naturally garners the resources needed for promotion and coverage. In light of this, the media assumes a crucial role in illuminating the challenges confronted by refugees in Korea, often overshadowed when compared to other foreign groups like expatriates, tourists, students, business travelers and diplomats. This attention serves to foster public empathy and raise awareness.







To emerge as a genuinely global nation, proud and confident in hosting the Busan World Expo, which is meant to be "a solutions platform for humanity's crisis" as President Yoon emphasized, Korea must reassess its priorities. Demonstrating equal hospitality and dedication to receiving and treating refugees would underscore Korea's commitment to global ideals and its respect for all individuals, regardless of their origins, circumstances, legal status and perceived national merit.









) and member of Active Refugee Korea.



Yuri Yu (klarayuriyu@gmail.com) holds a master's degree in Migration Studies, and is co-representative of Hanokers, a refugee-led cultural initiative ( www.hanokers.org
Crown Princess Mary of Denmark looked elegant in a patterned white dress as she opened a centre to help people with grief in Vejle.

The Australian-born Danish royal, 51, appeared in good spirits as she arrived at the Danish National Center for Grief yesterday.

The royal mother-of-four donned for a stunning white midi dress for the occasion, which featured a subtle monochrome pattern.

Meanwhile she opted for natural makeup and swept her long brown hair over her shoulder as she arrived.

It comes after the royal returned from her family's summer holiday in Ibiza, where she was spotted enjoying the sunshine and sea with her husband Crown Prince Frederik.

Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, 51, looked elegant in a patterned white dress as she opened a centre to help people with grief in Vejle

The Australian-born Danish royal appeared in good spirits as she arrived at the Danish National Center for Grief yesterday

Yesterday, she appeared relaxed as she gave a speech to open the centre in Denmark, before chatting with members of staff who are working at the organisation.

The Danish National Center for Grief offers free counseling to anyone who has lost a parent, a sibling, a child or spouse, or people who are relatives of people suffering from severe physical illness.

The center also offers a helpline, called Griefline.

She was seen soaking up the sun on the Spanish island with her husband Prince Frederik on Wednesday.

Mary took a refreshing dip in the ocean with Frederik and flaunted her stunning figure in the one-piece green swimsuit by Danish brand Copenhagen Cartel.

The 51-year-old wore the same one-piece on Sydney's Palm Beach in December 2022.

Mary and Frederik were spotted taking a break from the kids and their luxury yacht when they took a dinghy to a beach with another couple.

The loved-up pair look relaxed as they swam, chatted and laughed together in the turquoise water.

Today, she appeared relaxed as she gave a speech to open the centre in Denmark, before chatting with members of staff who are working at the organisation

The royal mother-of-four donned for a stunning white midi dress for the occasion, which featured a subtle monochrome pattern

Once on shore, Mary covered up with a bright yellow button-up shirt and khaki shorts while Frederik wore a blue T-shirt over his board shorts.

The princess protected herself from the sun with a white Panama hat and Wayfarer-style sunglasses.

Mary didn't skip the accessories with gold layered necklaces and a $256 Jerome Dreyfuss leather phone bag.

Her sporty swimsuit features a chic square neckline, adjustable skinny straps and seam detailing around the top.

It also includes a two-layer fabric for ultimate support and fit, is UPF 50+ and is made with soft and breathable fabric.

The family's holiday comes after Princess Mary's eldest son Prince Christian shocked royal fans with a bold announcement ahead of his 18th birthday.

The young prince, who will celebrate his 18th on October 15, will break protocol by forgoing his royal allowance to instead focus on his education.

While the future Danish King is entitled to government funding once he reaches adulthood, he will not accept payments and become a full-time royal until he is 21 years of age.

Meanwhile she opted for natural makeup and swept her long brown hair over her shoulder as she arrived

A statement to the Royal House's Instagram page said: 'Prince Christian's main priority in the coming year will be the completion of the Prince's upper secondary education.'

'It has thus been agreed with the Ministry of State that support in the Danish Parliament for a law on annual pension will only be sought when the prince turns 21 or by a possible change of the throne, if it takes place before.'

The statement concluded by saying Christian will refrain from the spotlight but one day return to making public appearances in an official capacity.

'Only after this is the expectation that His Royal Highness will participate to a greater extent in official contexts,' it said.

'However, it depends on where the Prince is at this point in his education. Until then, just like today, Prince Christian will only participate in official contexts to a limited extent.'

Although he has made many public appearances alongside his parents and siblings Christian is not yet a full-time working royal.
BBC news presenter Louise Priest broke down in tears as she said her presented her final show today.

The veteran journalist, who is a familiar face to thousands of people across Norfolk, Cambridge, Suffolk and Essex confirmed her departure from BBC Look East earlier in the show.

It comes after the 62-year-old admitted the impact of waking up at 4am to start work was the driving force behind her decision to quit.

She had spent almost 40 years at the broadcaster, starting at Look East in the 1990s, before making her way to lead presenter of the morning and lunchtime bulletins.

'Well, this is my last bulletin for Look East,' she said in an emotional farewell to viewers. 'I'd just like to say how much I've enjoyed bringing the news to you...'

The veteran journalist, 62, confirmed her departure from BBC Look East earlier in the show

BBC news presenter Louise Priest broke down in tears as she said her presented her final show today

She then wafted her hands in front of her face as she began to cry.

'I wasn't going to do this. Thank you for keeping me company over the years and don't forget Look East is here at six thirty.

'I have been so lucky to have a variety of jobs at the BBC it never occurred to me to leave but, after almost 40 years, I felt the time was right.

'The impact of the 4am starts on my home life was the biggest factor.

'I feel I have made the right decision to go, but I'm also slightly nervous about life after the BBC.'

She then put papers down on the desk as the credits tolled while she looked sad.

Regular viewers were shocked at the lack of fanfare. One wrote: '40 years and that's it?'

'Would of been nice if someone had walked on with some flowers to say thank you,' said another.

Born in Loughborough, Leicestershire, Louise joined the BBC in September 1983, working in Birmingham and Manchester before getting a job at BBC Radio Norfolk.

Her first position, working for BBC Radio Guernsey was far cry to what she imagined her career would be when she was younger.

'I had a romantic notion about being a marine biologist for a while, but I wasn't great at science so that was that,' she told the BBC.

Louise is pictured in 1997 alongside former original breakfast host John Mountford

Louise joined the BBC in September 1983, she worked in Birmingham and Manchester before getting a job at BBC Radio Norfolk. She is pictured on BBC Look East during the early days of her career

She had spent almost 40 years at the broadcaster, starting at Look East in the 1990s, before making her way to lead presenter of the morning and lunchtime bulletins.

'I almost went down the home economics teacher route but the thought of showing children how to make shortcrust pastry year after year just didn't excite me enough.'

She joined BBC Radio Norfolk aged 23 - with the county later becoming her long-term home.

Louise, who is married and has two children Clark and Grace, said it had been a 'privilege meeting and interviewing people from all walks of life, from a prime minister to a pantomime dame'.

She added things had changed vastly during her 40-year career, from when she used to haul a 'very large and heavy "mobile" phone' and weighty recording equipment to now, where she carries just a smartphone.

The veteran presenter, speaking before her departure, insisted she felt she had made 'the right decision' but admitted: 'I'm also slightly nervous about life after the BBC.'

She added she had no plans beyond the BBC, but now might write a book.

Louise added things had changed vastly during her 40-year career, from when she used to haul a 'very large and heavy "mobile" phone' and weighty recording equipment to now, where she carries just a smartphone (she is pictured during the mid-1980s at the BBC)

The veteran journalist, 62, confirmed her departure from BBC Look East earlier in the show

Louise's exit comes just days after BBC Look East Presenter, Mike Liggins, announced he was stepping down after 35 years at the corporation.

The much-loved presenter, also known as 'Liggo', announced his departure on Twitter earlier today - his last day will be October 6.

In a message addressing his fans, he wrote: 'After 35 years, I've decided to leave the BBC.

'Time for a change. But what an adventure! I feel very lucky.

'I'll be on Look East till Oct 6th ..and after that I haven't got a clue! For now, I just want to say thanks to all my colleagues and to you the viewer/follower. Mike x'

He also shared a side by side comparison of him at the begging of his career and now.

With a face and voice that's recognised by the East of England and beyond, Mike made more than 6,000 reports for the show.

He started out as a sports reporter on Mercia Sound in Coventry in 1984.

BBC Look East Presenter, Mike Liggins, is stepping down after 35 years

The much-loved presenter, also known as 'Liggo', announced his departure on Twitter earlier today - his last day will be October 6

With a face and voice that's recognised by the East of England and beyond, Mike made more than 6,000 reports for the show

Then he moved to ITV London Tonight, before joining the BBC in 1987 where he presented BBC Radio Norfolk's Sunday Morning breakfast programme.

The pair of departures come during a challenging period for regional BBC staff.

In November BBC TV news station pulled their live programmes because they were 'too upset to work' following an announcement that employees would be made redundant.

Many of the broadcasting team at BBC Look East's Cambridge office decided not to go ahead with its scheduled 6.30pm and 10.30pm programmes after receiving the news hours earlier.

Staff were told the final BBC Look East programme from the Cambridge office will be aired on December 16.

Viewers instead received broadcasts from Norwich, from where programmes are now permanently aired.

Cambridge BBC journalist Mousumi Bakshi tweeted at the time: 'Team, we have decided not to broadcast tonight. For reasons detailed below. Please accept our sincere apologies.

'We were split. We're here to serve you and we love broadcasting live.

'But that's not possible tonight. We'll sup on the red bull and come back tomorrow, with wings on.'



The BBC has said it needs to save 285million in response to the announcement in January that the licence fee will be frozen for the next two years

BBC director-general Tim Davie (pictured inJune appearing before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee at the House of Commons) has claimed the corporation has had a 'good year' in 'maintaining impartiality', despite the huge crisis over Gary Lineker's anti Tory tweets

One BBC employee, who did not want to be named, said: 'Our young, talented and loyal tech team took the news the hardest.

'There were many tears, as colleagues and friends hugged and held hands as the news sank in that going forward there will be no technical roles at all based in the Cambridge building.

'Many others will have to re-apply for their own jobs and compete with colleagues. Staff took time to digest the news. We were walking around like zombies. We needed to talk, process what had happened.

'No one wanted to let our viewers down, but the decision was taken that it wouldn't be fair on those whose posts are closing, to output the programme under such stressful and emotional conditions.'

The staff member added the 'close-knit, hardworking team' was 'being ripped apart in the cruellest way possible'.

They continued: 'We have fewer resources than almost any other regional news programme and yet we are the ones at risk of losing our jobs.

'We are like a family and have been there to support each other, but the next few weeks and months will be very difficult for us all. We are sad for our loyal audiences who we feel will be underserved and short-changed in the future.

'After five months and five days of worry, sleepless nights, financial uncertainty, not knowing if we have the money to pay the bills, this was yet another slap in the face and a disappointment for those who were hoping they had a future in the brave new 'digital' world.

'Some of us left wondering for all that time if we needed to move, pull our children out of school.'
A bride-to-be who booked a $100,000 wedding venue in Lake Como has explained why she will be taking her wedding photos before the ceremony.

Liz Inglisa, 25, took to TikTok to reveal that she and her fiance had agreed on the unusual setup for their upcoming nuptials so they can 'spend more time with each other.'

The couple, from Chicago, who have been together for seven years, are set to tie the knot in August 2024 at Villa Balbiano.

Liz previously disclosed the eye-watering cost of the luxury venue - which has been used as a backdrop in blockbusters such as Casino Royale and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.

Liz Inglisa, 25, took to TikTok to reveal that she and her fiance had agreed on the unusual setup for their upcoming nuptials so they can 'spend more time with each other'

In the latest clip, which showcases a series of snaps of the breathtaking views and impressive architecture of the venue, Liz begins: 'We are planning to do almost all of our wedding photos prior to our ceremony - and here's why'

Liz has been sharing regular wedding planning updates with her 26,300 followers since the proposal on a private sunset cruise around the Amalfi coast.

In the latest clip, which showcases a series of snaps of Villa Balbiano's breathtaking views and impressive architecture, Liz begins: 'We are planning to do almost all of our wedding photos prior to our ceremony - and here's why.'

Elaborating further, she explains: 'Obviously, doing pictures before the ceremony really helps you maximize all of your picture time, although that's not the reason we are doing [it].

Poll Would YOU take wedding photos before the ceremony? Yes No Would YOU take wedding photos before the ceremony? Yes 199 votes

No 198 votes Now share your opinion





'We really want to actually see each other and talk to each other throughout almost the entire day.

'You have your ceremony at five or six o'clock at night then you have to do pictures and then its reception and finally being able to talk to guests and each other - we feel like there's a lot of time in the morning that could have been spent with each other and being excited about our day and the fact that we are getting married.'

Liz continued: 'As you guys know we are having our wedding in Lake Como so all of our guests are flying out to celebrate us and we would rather spend cocktail hour chatting with all of them, eating food - instead of going off taking our pictures.'

She concluded: 'I completely understand why first looks are controversial because you want to have that first look when you see each other going down the aisle.

'But we both already know that we are going to be so emotional when I walk down the aisle, seeing all our friends and family and our song is playing.

And other social media users were quick to heap praise on the idea as one wrote: 'I think it's a great idea to do pictures before the ceremony!!'

'Obviously it's your wedding, your day, so do whatever you want to do.'

And other social media users were quick to heap praise on the idea as one wrote: 'I think it's a great idea to do pictures before the ceremony!!'

Another added: 'This idea is growing on me.'

And a third simply said: '100% with you.'

But some of Liz's previous revelations caused more of a stir online - particularly when she detailed the costings for 'the venue of their dreams.'

In the controversial clip, which has been viewed more than 1.6 million times, Liz replied to one user who posed a query, adding: 'I have never been asked a question more in my life so let's get into how much our Lake Como wedding and venue cost.'

The couple, who have been together for seven years, are set to tie the knot in Lake Como in August 2024

Liz described Villa Balbiano as 'the venue of their dreams' but was inundated with questions about the cost

Sharing a series of images from the venue once again, Liz began: 'Villa Balbiano is probably one of the most sought after wedding venues on the entire planet probably because of this view.

'It's so gorgeous and I've probably wanted to get married here since I saw this picture about five or six years ago.'

She continued: 'So the venue can either be rented for the entire weekend - Friday through Sunday, two nights, three days - for 100,000 euros (around $109,000).

'Or you can rent it for one day but you can only rent it one day on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and the cost of that is 40,000 euros ($44,000).'

Liz went further still, adding: 'Another question I keep getting is 'what is included in the cost of the venue' and the answer is absolutely nothing.

Her fiance proposed to Liz while the pair were on a private sunset cruise around the Amalfi coast

She revealed that the venue alone - with no extras included - cost $100,000 for the weekend - but then attempted to justify the spend

'The 40,000 euros or the 100,000 euros is just the price of the venue and absolutely nothing else.'

Justifying the spend, she continued: 'Yes, it is just the venue but I mean look at how incredible the venue is. There are so many different areas here.

'The possibilities for cocktail hour and for reception and for ceremony are endless. I could think of 10 places right now that you could do any of them.'

Liz then revealed: 'Another question I keep getting asked is are you actually able to stay in the venue and the answer is yes, only if you book it for the entire weekend.'

But she considered: 'I feel like you don't even want your guests staying in here because a lot of the pieces in Villa Balbiano are like "sister pieces" or like one of five in the entire world so imagine breaking or scratching something and you have to pay all of your money to Villa Balbiano.'

@liz_inglisa Replying to @Camille Ritchings greenscreen Lake Como wedding venue of our dreams  fyp lakecomowedding lakecomo viral trending foryourpage weddingtiktok bridetobe bride foryoupage engaged engagmentphotoshoot travel wedding weddingday villabalbiano follow like foryoupage foryourpage followback  original sound - Liz Inglisa

But other social media users were left stunned by the revelations and did not hold back in the comments

The bride-to-be concluded: 'Overall, when it comes to Lake Como wedding venues, this is definitely the venue.'

But other social media users were left stunned by the price revelations and did not hold back in the comments.

One wrote: 'Rather get married in a box room and save the money for vacations and home renovations.'

Another added: 'This isn't worth it. Just the venue and no add ons for that price is ridiculous.'

And a third simply branded it as a 'waste of money.'
The Virginia-based star said he'll be posting videos after 'things calm down'

The TikToker has now confirmed that he's back home after a 17-day stay

The popular TikTok star known as Yeet Baby is back home following a 17-day stay at a mental health facility - which he checked himself into after becoming 'sick to his core' over the controversial new movie Sound of Freedom.

Chris Rooney, 26, from Fredericksburg, Virginia, earned viral fame back in 2020, after he started sharing adorable videos of himself attempting to teach his now-four-year-old niece, Marleigh, and now-two-year-old nephew, Jack, how to pour a drink under the username TheYeetBaby.

Clips of the youngsters accidentally spilling various liquids as a stressed out Chris watched on left millions around the globe in shambles, and turned the three of them into internet sensations.

Earlier this month, many of the social media star's avid fans were left worried for his wellbeing after his family reported him missing - and days later, they revealed that he was receiving treatment at a mental health facility.

The popular TikTok star known as Yeet Baby is back home following a 17-day stay at a mental health facility

Chris Rooney, 26, from Fredericksburg, Virginia, checked himself into the facility after becoming 'sick to his core' over the controversial new movie Sound of Freedom (seen)

Now, he has announced that he's left the institution, while thanking his supporters for their 'thoughts and prayers.' He's seen with his mom after leaving the facility

Chris also revealed that he had shaved his head - and that he was returning to school five years after he dropped out

He posted a side by side of himself wearing a backpack next to his niece with her school supplies, writing, 'What are the chances we go back to school the same day 22 years apart'

Now, he has announced that he's left the institution, while thanking his supporters for their 'thoughts and prayers.'

'Thank you for your thoughts and prayers everyone, it is truly appreciated,' he wrote in the caption of an Instagram post on Sunday, which showed him posing with his mom.

He earned viral fame back in 2020, after he started sharing adorable videos of himself attempting to teach his now-four-year-old niece, Marleigh, and now-two-year-old nephew, Jack, how to pour a drink under the username TheYeetBaby

'I spent 17 days (not that I was counting) in a mental health facility. Had to have my mother pick me up. Very glad I got the help I needed and love being back.'

Chris also revealed that he had shaved his head - and that he was returning to school five years after he dropped out.

He posted a side by side of himself wearing a backpack next to his niece Marleigh with her school supplies, writing, 'What are the chances that Mar and Uncle Chris go back to school the same day 22 years apart.

'More [videos] coming up when things calm down a little. One step at a time.'

On August 3, TMZ reported that Chris' family had filed a missing person's report after they failed to get in contact with him.

News of his disappearance quickly spread across social media, but hours later, a messaged shared to his Instagram Stories read, 'He has been found safe. He is safe. Thank you for your prayers.'

Clips of the youngsters accidentally spilling various liquids as a stressed out Chris watched on left millions around the globe in shambles, and turned the three of them into viral stars

Earlier this month, many of the social media star's avid fans were left worried for his wellbeing after his family reported him missing

Days later, they revealed that he was receiving treatment at a mental health facility in a post shared to his account

Then, in a post shared to his account on August 9, an unidentified family member revealed that he was getting professional help.

They said that 'the last six months' had been 'difficult' for Chris and that 'all of his emotions came to a head' after he went to see the flick Sound of Freedom.

The faith-based thriller, which came out on July 4 and stars Jim Caviezel and Mira Sorvino, tells the harrowing true story of a former government agent named Tim Ballard, who quit his job to embark on a dangerous mission to rescue a group of kids who are being held captive by child traffickers in Columbia.

They said that 'the last six months' had been 'difficult' for Chris and that 'all of his emotions came to a head' after he went to see the flick Sound of Freedom. Actor Jim Caviezel is pictured in the movie

'Prior to his disappearance, he had seen the movie Sound of Freedom, and like many others, he was sick to his core over it,' the post on Chris' account read.

'This prompted him to post links to raise money for the cause of ending child sex trafficking.

'To many of you, this may have seemed odd, but he genuinely wanted and still wants to help this cause.

'Unfortunately, it was posted at a time that he was also visibly not in his right mind and not acting like the Chris we know and love.'

'We were afraid for his life,' the post continued. 'After several hours, we got word that he had checked himself into a mental health facility'

Chris' family added that while they're 'sure' his fans 'still have a lot of questions,' they will let the TikTok star 'answer them once he is healthy and ready to share his experiences.'

'He is currently being treated at a mental health facility,' they wrote. 'Your thoughts and prayers have been so appreciated by him and his family during this time.'

The thriller tells the harrowing true story of a former government agent named Tim Ballard (seen), who rescued a group of kids who are being held captive by child traffickers

'We were afraid for his life,' the post continued. 'After several hours, we got word that he had checked himself into a mental health facility'

Chris' family added that while they're 'sure' his fans 'still have a lot of questions,' they will let the TikTok star 'answer them once he is healthy and ready to share his experiences'

They concluded by sharing a message written by Chris for his followers, which read, 'The amount of love and prayers I have received not just now but over the years has truly brought me out of some very low times.

'Unfortunately, there was nothing anyone could do to help me. It is something that I have to work on and am going to make it my life's mission to not only get myself healthy but also others.

They concluded by sharing a message written by Chris for his followers

'If there is one thing I have learned during this time, it's that there are a lot of hurting people in this world and I am going to do everything I can to help them.'

In the weeks leading up to Chris' disappearance, he shared a slew of out-of-the-ordinary posts.

In a now-deleted video posted to TikTok, he revealed that he and his wife, Emily Rooney, had separated.

He also responded to a comment that someone had left in which they speculated that is marriage had ended due to alcoholism.

'Comments like this, they trigger me. They make me an angry person,' he wrote.

Right before he went missing, he posted a slew of links to fundraisers to help fund the Sound of Freedom.

In a now-deleted video shared to TikTok last month, Chris revealed that he and his wife, Emily Rooney (seen with him, his niece, and his nephew in an old video), had separated

Right before he went missing, he also posted a slew of links to fundraisers to help fund the Sound of Freedom

The crowdfunded movie has been at the center of controversy since it premiered last month.

It was produced by Utah-based distribution company Angel Studios, which rose from the ashes of VidAngel - a streaming service that allowed users to filter out objectionable content out of movies (like violence, nudity, or profanity) and streamed those films online for customers.

VidAngel was sued multiple times, eventually filing for bankruptcy - before it came under new ownership in 2021 and was turned into Angel Studios.

On top of the backlash surrounding its production company, critics of the movie have also accused it of 'warping the truth about child exploitation and catering to QAnon conspiracy theorists,' per the Washington Post.

Back in 2020, Vice World News posted an explosive report about the man who inspired the film, Tim, and his organization, Operation Underground Railroad.

The outlet claimed to have found a 'a pattern of image-burnishing and mythology-building, a series of exaggerations that are, in the aggregate, quite misleading' and a major 'divide between the groups actual practices and some of its claimed successes.'

The Davis County Attorneys Office in Utah also spent over two years looking into OUR over allegations of 'communications fraud, witness tampering and retaliation against a witness, victim or informant,' Deseret.com reported. However, no charges were ever brought against the organization.

The Post also pointed out that the movie has been promoted heavily on QAnon message boards, since Tim, as well as the actor who played him in the flick, have both 'expressed support for some of QAnon's wildest claims.'

Tim once accused furniture company Wayfair of 'selling children' in a video shared to his Twitter in 2020 - a popular theory pushed by QAnon supporters.

As for Jim, who has revealed that Tim specifically requested that he play him in the movie because he was blown away by his performances The Count of Monte Cristo and the biblical drama The Passion of the Christ, he has spoken at QAnon conventions in the past.
The 55-year-old said he got violent when she told him she wanted a divorce

They were married from 1991 to 2005, and welcomed two kids together

The woman who was married to the real-life Wolf of Wall Street has revealed that he lit her clothes and jewelry on fire and 'kicked her down the stairs' when she tried to leave him - but claimed they ended up back on good terms after he got out of prison, and even watched the movie together when it premiered.

Nadine Macaluso, 55, who now works as a marriage counselor and family therapist in California, met Jordan Belfort, 61, when she was just 22 years old and working as a model.

The two soon became engulfed in a whirlwind romance, tying the knot in 1991 and welcoming two children together, before they ultimately divorced in 2005 after 14 years of marriage.

After they went their separate ways, Nadine accused the financial crook of physical and mental abuse, which she said was fueled by his rampant drug addiction and multiple infidelities.

The woman who was married to the real-life Wolf of Wall Street has revealed that he lit her clothes and jewelry on fire and 'kicked her down the stairs' when she tried to leave him

Nadine Macaluso, 55, who now works as a marriage counselor and family therapist in California , met Jordan Belfort, 61, when she was just 22 years old and working as a model

The two soon became engulfed in a whirlwind romance , tying the knot in 1991 and welcoming two children together, before they ultimately divorced in 2005 after 14 years of marriage

Their relationship was portrayed in the 2013 flick Wolf of Wall Street, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan and Margot Robbie as Nadine, who was renamed Naomi for the movie

Their tumultuous relationship - as well as Jordan's illicit stock market scheme, which saw him steal nearly $200 million from investors - was portrayed in the wildly popular 2013 flick Wolf of Wall Street, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan and Margot Robbie as Nadine, who was renamed Naomi for the movie.

The model-turned-therapist has become a viral TikTok star in a recent months for spilling numerous secrets about their marriage - and revealing which scenes of the Martin Scorsese film were accurate and which were exaggerated for the sake of views.

The model-turned-therapist has become a viral TikTok star in a recent months for spilling numerous secrets about their marriage - and revealing which scenes of the Martin Scorsese film were accurate and which were exaggerated for the sake of views

Most recently, she spoke out about the 'horrific' part that showed Jordan beat Naomi before attempting to steal their daughter while he was high on cocaine - and while Nadine admitted that some of it wasn't true, she claimed Jordan did get violent with her and try to take their children away when she told him she wanted to end their relationship.

In the scene, Naomi tells Jordan that she wants a divorce, that she's going to request full custody of their two kids, and that she'll only allow him to visit if he agrees to the divorce then and there - which sparked a fierce reaction from the stock broker.

But according to Nadine, that's not how it went down in real life. She stated in a recent TikTok video, 'That scene starts with me telling Jordan that I'm going to take his children from him. That never happened.

'I never told Jordan once - when he was in jail, when he got indicted, or any other time - that I would take his children from him.'

In the movie, as Jordan becomes more and more enraged, he starts to get physical with Naomi - ultimately punching her in the gut, grabbing their daughter from her bed, and trying to drive away with the youngster before crashing into a wall.

'What actually happened was, as you see in the movie, Jordan had a severe drug addiction and I was really thinking he was going to kill himself,' Nadine recalled.

Most recently, she spoke out about the 'horrific' part that showed Jordan beat Naomi before attempting to steal their daughter while he was high on cocaine

While Nadine admitted that some of it wasn't true, she claimed Jordan did get violent with her and try to take their children away when she told him she wanted to end their relationship

In the scene, Naomi tells Jordan that she wants a divorce, that she's going to request full custody of their two kids - which sparked a fierce reaction from the stock broker

'What I said to him was, "I'm not going to sit here and watch you kill yourself." So I told him I was going to leave him unless he went to rehab.

'He lit my clothing and jewelry on fire, he threw them in the fireplace and he got really, really angry with me.

But according to Nadine (seen with their two kids), that's not how it went down in real life. She stated in a recent TikTok video, 'That never happened. 'I never told Jordan once - when he was in jail, when he got indicted, or any other time - that I would take his children from him'

'He told me he was going to take my daughter to Florida, and I was like, "No, over my dead body."

'At that moment was when he got violent with me and he kicked me down the stairs. That was actually how that scene happened in real life.'

Nadine added that 'the good news' was that Jordan did eventually get sober and that they're 'OK' now.

'The good news is, he did get sober and I do believe it saved his life,' she concluded. 'And we're all OK today.

'Actually, he came over to my house on the day that the movie came out 10 years ago.'

In the end, she warned others to 'not tell someone' who has a drug addiction that 'you're going to leave them' because it could be dangerous.

Nadine has discussed other moments from the movie on her TikTok account - where she's racked up more than 308,000 followers - including that X-rated scene between her and Jordan in their daughter's nursery, which Margot later admitted she 'dreaded' filming.

It shows Naomi and Jordan arguing after Naomi catches Jordan cheating on her. She then attempts to mess with the crook by spreading her legs and making him want her, before telling him that he won't be allowed to touch her for a while.

In the movie, as Jordan becomes more and more enraged, he starts to get physical with Naomi - ultimately punching her in the gut and trying to drive away with their daughter

Nadine said in real life, when she tried to leave him, he 'lit her clothing and jewelry on fire,' threatened to take their daughter to Florida, and 'kicked her down the stairs'

Nadine added that 'the good news' was that Jordan did eventually get sober and that they're 'OK' now - and they even watched the movie together when it premiered

She even starts pleasuring herself - with their daughter just inches away in her crib - before he points out that there's a secret camera hidden in the baby's teddy bear, which meant their security team had a full view of the action.

It then cuts to show two guards watching it all play out on tape, before she runs out of the room horrified.

Nadine stated on TikTok that the interaction never actually happened in real life.

'So many of you have asked me, is that scene in the nursery real? Well, I'm going to break it down for you,' she said. 'Did that ever happen? No way. I am not that sexy, I wish I was.'

Nadine theorized that the nursery scene was likely Jordan's 'fantasy of what he wanted her to be like.' The movie was based off of an autobiography he wrote of the same name.

'There were cameras in the room,' she continued. 'But I did not perform that sexual seductive act towards him.'

In another video shared last October, Nadine revealed that the awkward moment when Jonah Hill's character, Donnie Azoff - who was based on real-life stockbroker Danny Porush - exposed himself and began to masturbate in front of her in the movie was totally real.

In the film, Jordan and Naomi were seen meeting for the first time at a party, after Jordan and his friends took a sedative called Quaalude.

When Jordan attempted to talk to Naomi, his actions were overshadowed after his pal Donnie unzipped his pants and started to touch himself - and according to Nadine, that part was pretty accurate.

Nadine has discussed other moments from the movie on her TikTok account - including that X-rated scene between her and Jordan in their daughter's nursery

The infamous part shows Naomi attempting to mess with the stock broker by spreading her legs and making him want her, before telling him that he wouldn't be allowed to touch her

She even started pleasuring herself before he pointed out that there's a secret camera hidden in the baby's teddy bear, which meant their security had a full view of the action

Nadine stated on TikTok that the interaction never actually happened in real life. She explained, 'Did that ever happen? No way. I am not that sexy, I wish I was'

'So you guys have been asking, "How did you meet Belfort, the Wolf of Wall Street?" Well it's actually pretty similar to the movie,' she explained.

'I was 22 years old and modeling, my boyfriend at the time said, "Do you want to go to the party in West Hampton at a house on the beach?" I was like, "Sure."

'We pulled up and I remember walking into the house. There were all these people and they were acting really weird. Little did I know, they were all Quaalude-d out, I had no idea.

'They were all there with their wives but they were making lewd and weird comments.

'That scene where someone exposes himself to me was true. I actually got terrified by that.

'I'm 22 and I said to my boyfriend at the time, "We have to leave this party," and we left right away.'

She did not confirm who the person was who committed the crude act. Danny has insisted that Jonah's portrayal of him in the film 'is not him,' and that he never engaged in many of the antics seen throughout the movie.

The the mother-of-two added in another TikTok that she was 'mortified' when she found out they were making the movie about her and Jordan because she was convinced it would ruin her career as a therapist.

'When I first found out they were going to make the movie The Wolf Of Wall Street - I think it was around 2011-2012 - needless to say, I was mortified,' she admitted.

'I had already lived this complete Greek tragedy and then it was going to be splashed all over the world. My trauma for the world to see.

'And it was doubly traumatizing because I was getting my doctorate in psychology, so I was like, "Who the hell is going to want to see me as a therapist?"'

Nadine added that she was angry about the film because it wasn't her 'narrative' and she wouldn't be getting paid for it - but that in the end, it actually helped her career.

In a previous TikTok, Nadine said the horrifying moment when Jonah Hill's character, Donnie Azoff - who was based on Danny Porush - masturbated in front of her was real

'That scene where someone exposes himself to me was true. I actually got terrified by that,' she recalled, but she did not confirm who the person was who committed the crude act

Jordan (seen left in the movie and right in real life) spent 22 months in prison after it was revealed he had scammed more than 1,500 people through an stockbroker scheme in 1999

Nadine added in another TikTok that she was 'mortified' when she found out they were making the movie about her and Jordan because she thought it would ruin her career as a therapist

'I was annoyed, it wasn't my narrative, I made no money, I had no creative input but then all of a sudden, I realized it was going to happen and it was bigger than me,' she said.

'And, ironically what happened was in my therapy practice, people said to me, "Wait I want to come see you as a therapist because you went through that and you got over here and this is the life that you lead, you walk your talk. So in the end, it all worked out.'

Nadine has since remarried, and she has been with her new husband, John Macaluso, who has three kids from a past relationship, for 23 years now

Now, she's 'ready to share her side of the story.'

'I'm ready to share my side of the story and the wisdom I've learned along the way,' she stated in another TikTok.

'I am very ready now to tell my truth on exactly what happened through my experience, my narrative, and my lens as a mother, wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, and most importantly a therapist and educated woman.'

Jordan spent 22 months in prison after it was brought to light that he had scammed more than 1,500 people through an elaborate stockbroker scheme in 1999 - all while he was married to Nadine.

Nadine has since remarried, and she has been with her new husband, John Macaluso, who has three kids from a past relationship, for 23 years now.

In another TikTok, Nadine confirmed that she and Jordan are 'still friends' and are focused on co-parenting their two kids.

'We're both strong personalities, but at the end of the day, we both love our children and he gets along great with my [new] husband,' she revealed.
Former First Daughters Malia and Sasha Obama enjoyed a wild night out in Los Angeles this week - partying it up until the wee hours of the morning at a star-studded celebration hosted by Drake.

Malia, 25, and Sasha, 22, were spotted arriving at the rapper's after-party following his sold out show with 21 Savage on Tuesday evening.

The celebration took place at the popular celebrity hotspot The Bird Streets Club in West Hollywood.

Sasha, who graduated from the University of Southern California in May, looked fashionable in a tiny, black crop top that left her midriff on full display and baggy, gray pants.

Former First Daughters Malia and Sasha Obama enjoyed a wild night out together - partying it up until the wee hours of the morning at a star-studded celebration hosted by Drake

Malia, 25, and Sasha, 22, were spotted arriving at the rapper's after-party following his sold out show with 21 Savage on Tuesday evening

The celebration took place at the popular celebrity hotspot The Bird Streets Club in West Hollywood

Sasha, who graduated from the University of Southern California in May, looked fashionable in a tiny, black crop top that left her midriff on full display and baggy, gray pants

She accessorized with a hot pink purse, an eye-popping pendant necklace, large hoop earrings, and a slew of bright-colored rings

Her older sister - who is currently working as a screenwriter after completing her studies at Harvard - opted for a very-revealing lace-up brown top and high-waisted floral sheer pants

She accessorized with a hot pink purse, an eye-popping pendant necklace, large hoop earrings, and a slew of bright-colored rings.

She paired the outfit with a chic clack handbag and platform boots

Her older sister - who is currently working as a screenwriter after completing her studies at Harvard - opted for a very-revealing lace-up brown top and high-waisted floral sheer pants, which she paired with a chic clack handbag and platform boots.

Sasha pulled her braided hair back in a high ponytail while Malia left half up and half down.

When the sisters left the elite members-only club at 4 in the morning, it seemed as though they had certainly had a good time.

Malia attempted to cover her face from the photographers as the two made their way to a waiting car surrounded by their friends.

Drake was seen partying it up at the Bird Streets Club twice this week, taking some time to celebrate amid his booming It's All A Blur tour.

Other celebrity attendees at his parties included Saweeties and Anderson .Paak. The musician's 68-year-old father, Dennis Graham, was also there.

The coveted social club and restaurant opened last year, and has already become the go-to place for Hollywood's top stars to mingle.

Sasha pulled her braided hair back in a high ponytail while Malia left half up and half down

When the sisters left the elite members-only club at 4 in the morning, it seemed as though they had certainly had a good time

Malia attempted to cover her face from the photographers as the two made their way to a waiting car surrounded by their friends

Drake was seen partying it up at the Bird Streets Club twice this week, taking some time to celebrate amid his booming It's All A Blur tour. He's seen entering the club on Tuesday

Other celebrity attendees at his parties included Saweeties and Anderson .Paak. The musician's 68-year-old father, Dennis Graham, was also there

The coveted social club and restaurant opened last year, and has already become the go-to place for Hollywood's top stars to mingle

It has been visited by a slew of famous faces including Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny, Jessica Alba, Kevin Hart, Adele, Travis Scott, Kim Kardashian, Sofia Vergara - and now, Sasha and Malia

Back in 2010, Drake told Paper magazine that his dream was to play former President Barack Obama in a biopic

It has been visited by a slew of famous faces including Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny, Jessica Alba and her husband Cash Warren, Kevin Hart and his wife Eniko, Adele, Travis Scott, Kim Kardashian, and Sofia Vergara.

Back in 2010, Drake told Paper magazine that his dream was to play former President Barack Obama in a biopic.

'I hope somebody makes a movie about Obama's life soon because I could play him,' the musician said.

'I watch all the addresses. Anytime I see him on TV, I don't change the channel, I definitely pay attention and listen to the inflections of his voice.'

When asked how he felt about Drake portraying him a few years later to Complex, Barack, 62, admitted that his daughters were fans of the rapper.

He explained, 'Drake has my household's stamp of approval. I suspect Malia and Sasha would be just fine with it.

'I hope somebody makes a movie about Obama's life soon because I could play him,' the musician said. 'I watch all the addresses. Anytime I see him on TV, I don't change the channel'

When asked how he felt about Drake portraying him a few years later to Complex , Barack, 62, admitted that his daughters were fans of the rapper

He explained, 'Drake has my household's stamp of approval. I suspect Malia and Sasha would be just fine with it'

Barack added: 'I will say this, Drake seems to be able to do anything he wants. I mean, that is a talented, talented brother. So, if the time comes and he's ready...'

In 2017, Drake posted a snap of Sasha wearing a hat from his clothing line to his Instagram Stories, and he called the then-teen a 'Style popper.' She's seen leaving his party this week

'I will say this, Drake seems to be able to do anything he wants. I mean, that is a talented, talented brother. So, if the time comes and he's ready...'

In 2017, Drake posted a snap of Sasha wearing a hat from his clothing line to his Instagram Stories, and he called the then-teen a 'Style popper.'

The outing comes a few months after Malia and Sasha's mom, Michelle Obama, dished on how her relationship with her daughters evolved in recent years during an episode of her The Light Podcast.

'I'm on the other side of parenting. I'm moving from mom-in-chief to advisor-in-chief,' she explained.

'That's a lovely thing - to be able to watch my girls fly and have the relief that "OK, I think I didn't mess them up."'

The Former First Lady, 59, explained that she's now focused on not using a 'critical eye' with her daughters.

The outing comes a few months after Malia and Sasha's mom, Michelle Obama, dished on how her relationship with her daughters evolved in recent years during her The Light Podcast

'I'm moving from mom-in-chief to advisor-in-chief,' Michelle explained. 'That's a lovely thing - to be able to watch my girls fly and have the relief that "OK, I think I didn't mess them up"'

The Former First Lady, 59, explained that she's now focused on not using a 'critical eye' with her daughters

'Our kids just want our gladness. They don't need us to fix them,' she added. 'They don't need us to point out the thing that's wrong, first'

'Our kids just want our gladness. They don't need us to fix them,' she added. 'They don't need us to point out the thing that's wrong, first.'

She also spoke to People last year about how she keeps in contact with her daughters, despite them living almost 3,000 miles away from her, and she explained that they have a booming family group chat - and that 'typical dad' Barack is the most active in it.

She admitted that she and her husband do worry about their daughters sometimes, but that they're happy they opted to live together.

'You have these weird panic thoughts that your girls are out living in this messy world,' she said.

'And so, you think about crazy things you want to make sure you tell them. It's like, "Remember, don't walk alone at night."

'Barack sent them an email about earthquake preparedness because they're living in California. He's a big article sender, and we all just read 'em and laugh.

'But yeah, it feels good to know that the two girls you raised find solace at a kitchen table with one another. It's like the one thing you want for them.'
Sardines are having a fashion moment. Yes, I can't believe I've written that sentence either.

The small oily fish is finding favour with a whole new generation of consumers too young to remember its former life as the go-to meal for pensioners.

Dubbed 'sardinecore' (it seems every TikTok fad, from Barbiecore to balletcore, requires a 'core' on the end), the trend started with the appropriately named chef Ali Hooke, who posted a viral video of herself sharing a tin of Nuri 'artisanal sardines' during date night with her boyfriend.

I have no idea why this would capture anyone's imagination, but alas it did, kick-starting a trend for posh canned fish.

But what, you'll rightly ask, has this got to do with clothes? Well, such is the supposed hype, the sardine has now made it off the plate and into our wardrobes.

The sardine has now made it off the plate and into our wardrobes. Pictured: Halle Bailey attends the World Premiere of Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' in May

Bottega Veneta's Sardine handbag features a gold handle in the shape of, you guessed it, a sardine, while U.S. designer Clare V has sold out of her Liberez Les Sardines (Free the Sardines!) T-shirt. Yet, laughing aside, the sea has long helped to influence fashion.

One of Chanel's most opulent shows was the Spring/Summer 2012 collection inspired by 'the bottom of the ocean'.

It featured skirts with ruffles like sea foam, bags in the shape of conch shells encrusted with seed pearls, and dresses with long strands of seaweed-inspired ribbon.

Two years ago, Versace produced an aquatic-themed show with bejewelled starfish and clam bustiers, and dresses printed with underwater seascapes.

Elsa Schiaparelli's famous 1937 'lobster dress' has had many incarnations over the decades, notably when Anna Wintour wore a Prada version to the Met Gala.

And who can forget the late Alexander McQueen's Spring/Summer 2010 show, Plato's Atlantis, featuring dresses that shimmered like fish scales and shoes that looked like blowfish.

Sardines are having a fashion moment. Yes, I can't believe I've written that sentence either. Pictured: Kendall Jenner attends the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

One of Chanel's most opulent shows was the Spring/Summer 2012 collection inspired by 'the bottom of the ocean'

Last week, Lily Allen opted for an asymmetric black Clio Peppiatt dress with red beaded starfish

Endless celebrities have walked the red carpet in dresses designed to look like shimmering scales, or adorned by shells, such as Bond Girl Ana de Armas's mermaid-inspired Louis Vuitton gown at this year's Oscars.

Last week, Lily Allen opted for an asymmetric black Clio Peppiatt dress with red beaded starfish. And the High Street is full of clothes and accessories featuring sealife motifs, from crabs to clams to jellyfish.

So why does the fashion world so routinely turn its gaze beneath the waves? In the words of the late Karl Lagerfeld: 'The shapes of the sea are very modern and very inspiring.'

Just look at the romantic curves, textures and details of pearls, starfish and seahorses.

The indescribable shape of coral, for example, serves as an elegant print on clothing or as beautiful earrings and pendants.

The gold-plated earrings by Alex Monroe, combine both the shapes of the sea and the aquamarine colours.

Irina Shayk walks the runway at the Versace fashion show during the Milan Women's Fashion Week in Milan, Italy on September 26, 2020

The High Street is full of clothes and accessories featuring sealife motifs, from crabs to clams to jellyfish. Pictured: A model walks the runway during the Emilio Pucci show in 2015

Endless celebrities have walked the red carpet in dresses designed to look like shimmering scales, or adorned by shells, such as Bond Girl Ana de Armas's mermaid-inspired Louis Vuitton gown at this year's Oscars (pictured)

Coral prints adorn Rixo's perfect summer tea dress. And you can see the sea's appeal in the starfish sandals by Aspiga, Lulu Guinness's pearlescent clam-shaped handbag and even Kurt Geiger's lobster slip-ons.

As for the various blues and crisp whites of the sea, these are hues that suit almost every skin tone.

So, if you want to get in on one of summer's hottest trends without having to eat canned fish for supper (leave that to Gen Z) then perhaps 'Seacore', rather than Sardinecore, is the way to go.

How to get the look
When I was all of eight years old, in 1958, my beloved grandfather, Walter Jones, then in his early 60s, was admitted to Beckett Hospital in Barnsley and an atmosphere of fear and gloom descended across the family.

No one told me what the matter was but I knew instinctively it was something serious.

I missed him terribly while he was away and wasnt allowed to visit him. Little girls were not permitted on mens wards, where absolute privacy was guaranteed.

I only recall my dad lifting me up to the window of his ward so I could wave to him and be reassured hed survived an operation and would soon be coming home.

It was only from diligent earwigging on muted conversations that I learnt the word prostrate.

Grandpa had had trouble with his, apparently, but a young, very modern doctor had reassured them that the surgery had gone well and a full recovery was expected. I recall hearing the words caught early but the C word was never mentioned.

At least not in my hearing.

We have never been as open about this mens cancer as we have about the female ones (stock image)

I was in my teens when biology lessons in high school introduced us to the uniquely male and correctly pronounced prostate gland and its primary function in nourishing and transporting sperm. Grandpa had had prostate cancer, diagnosed surprisingly early by that young oncologist, and he lived  to my great relief  until his early 80s.

We have never been as open about this mens cancer as we have about the female ones.

While I remember my mother and her friends whispering behind their hands about a pal whod been diagnosed with C  the word breast was never to be spoken  for my generation of second-wave feminists, such coyness was unacceptable.

We would speak the words and demand that attention be paid to the diseases that were killing too many of us far too soon.

Screening for breast and cervical cancer would enable early detection and treatment.

I have no doubt the steady rise in the number of women gaining political power in my youth contributed hugely to these issues gaining prominence.

Health Secretaries Barbara Castle, Virginia Bottomley and Patricia Hewitt were unafraid to put the concerns of other women to the forefront  and tough enough to argue for public spending on the many occasions when it was said that mammograms or cervical smears were too expensive to be offered regularly to vast numbers of women.

Why has there been no similar screening programme? Why have so many men died unnecessarily? (stock image)

The late 1980s saw these screening programmes established. Since then, thousands of lives have been saved.

So why has a similar amount of effort not been put into mens health? Why has there been no similar screening programme? Why have so many men died unnecessarily?

No woman, to my knowledge, has ever been anything other than afraid when she has turned up for testing.

Its not only death we fear, but the impact on the bodies we so value and would prefer to remain unmutilated. Yet fear of the surgeons knife has not discouraged us from presenting ourselves for treatment.

Its embarrassing and damaging, but a flat, one-sided chest is infinitely preferable to the alternative  physical perfection 6ft under. I speak from heartfelt personal experience.

Ive worried for a long time that mens fear of losing their potency may have held things back in terms of scientific research and campaigning about prostate cancer.

And that as a result, we have lost thousands of beloved grandfathers, fathers, brothers and sons who could have been saved if prostate cancer and its treatment had not raised the fear of no longer being able to get it up.

It has been brave and admirable for this newspaper to launch the first campaign I can recall demanding that we End Needless Prostate Deaths.

In later life, one man in eight will develop prostate cancer. Early diagnosis is crucial to reducing the UKs mortality rates

Its renewed aims could not have been more timely, as weve learnt this week that a simple MRI scan picks up twice as many prostate cancer cases as the existing prostate specific antigen, or PSA, blood test.

In later life, one man in eight will develop prostate cancer. Early diagnosis is crucial to reducing the UKs mortality rates. Survival rates are close to 100 per cent if it is caught early, as my lucky grandfather discovered.

We have had MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) technology since 1980, so there is no need to wait a decade for a national screening programme to be introduced, given the encouraging results of this latest trial.

All thats needed is more powerful campaigning, less fussing about the treatments possible effects on the erection and some strong blokes in Parliament with the political will to make screening happen now.

By the way, the MRI trials were led by Professor Caroline Moore.

I guess it took a woman to get the job done.

Stick to the beach, Pammy!

Pammy, love, mowing a lawn in stilettos? Good luck with that, darlin!

Pamela Anderson is every bit as lovely in her 50s as she was in her heyday, back when she starred in the Baywatch TV series. But Pammy, love, mowing a lawn in stilettos? Good luck with that, darlin!

I need no lessons in how to talk Yorkshire but Im glad a dialect course is to be launched in Keighley. Such riches must not be lost. Ill never forget standing in front of the mirror, doing my hair at my grandparents house, and hearing: Nay lass, gi oer tittivatin thissen. Thas bonny enuff!

My cat landed me in hospital  again

You may recall that my formerly beloved cat, Suu, had knocked a very heavy glass ashtray onto it

I hope you missed me over the past couple of weeks. I wasnt on holiday, honest. I was in hospital, having been finally persuaded to take the wound on my foot seriously.

You may recall that my formerly beloved cat, Suu, had knocked a very heavy glass ashtray onto it.

It was badly bruised but I carried on. What possible harm could it cause? It got a bit infected but I wasnt too concerned  until an orthopaedic surgeon warned of a deeply infected hematoma that put me at risk of sepsis and the possible loss of my foot.

I agreed to be admitted. Lesson learned. Never carry on regardless. Take symptoms seriously.

Dont ban Fat Bottomed Girls like me

Why, oh why has Queens Fat Bottomed Girls been dropped from the bands new Greatest Hits Collection?

Why, oh why has Queens Fat Bottomed Girls been dropped from the bands new Greatest Hits Collection?

Being a Fat Bottomed Girl myself, I was always rather flattered by the song  and Im heartily sick of the word fat being excised from all popular culture, whether its Queen songs or Roald Dahl books. It is what it is. Accept it.
The photo was the sort of innocuous holiday snap that graces millions of family albums and Instagram posts: a lovely shot of my ten-year-old niece sunbathing on the beach in pink sunglasses and bikini.

And yet it caused an explosive chain of events that will be wearyingly familiar to many parents this summer.

The picture was posted on our family WhatsApp group, by her brother, during our family holiday in France. The group totals only nine members, so it was hardly broadcast news. As far as her mother and I were concerned, my niece looked beautiful in it.

But she had other ideas. 'How dare you post that without my permission,' she shrieked when she realised what her brother had done. 'Delete it, now!'

Her fury prompted a rebellion from the other Turner children, who decided to get involved as the boulder of outrage began rolling downhill, gathering speed as it went.

My 16-year-old daughter, the youngest of my three children, was the next to wade in. She announced that I had committed the same crime, posting holiday photos that outrageously included her in them, without her consent. She wanted these deleted, too.

Have our children suddenly become Hollywood stars, who can announce 'no pictures!' on a whim?

Then my sister's 17-year-old son, who barely speaks on a good day, roused himself from his screen coma to announce that he, too, would prefer to pre-approve all photos of himself before publication.

Sorry, what? Have our children suddenly become Hollywood stars, who can announce 'no pictures!' on a whim? Apparently so.

For the remainder of the holiday, all younger members of the Turner clan refused to be photographed or, if they did sulkily agree, insisted on studying the results before immediately demanding they be deleted.

Their reasons for forced deletions boiled down to two factors. The first was vanity. I almost managed to get an OK to a picture of my daughter on the deck of the cross-channel ferry on the way home from France, but then she said: 'My hair looks hideous.'

Of course, I think she looked beautiful and I find it slightly depressing that she couldn't see that. Yes, there was a pretty stiff wind, but that was part of the fun of the picture, wasn't it?

Not for her. Cue delete.

The second reason was they don't see the point of family photos and won't collude in what they deemed a stupid exercise. 'Why do you want to take a picture of me eating lunch?' they wailed the moment the phone was poised.

Unlike their parents, they don't realise how quickly time passes, meaning the need to record such moments becomes far more pressing as your children get older.

So, now back in the UK, when I feel like reliving our jolly French sojourn, bar the odd selfie, I have only two sorts of pictures with which to do it. The first are glorious vistas of French sand and sky. Lovely, but hardly personal.

The second feature the dog, the only one willing to be snapped without getting antsy about it.

In years to come, I may look at these snaps and wonder: 'Did I just imagine I took the children on holiday in 2023? Or were they perhaps wearing invisibility cloaks instead of beach towels?'

Trouble has been brewing for a while. I took my kids to New York before the pandemic and when I attempted to print a family picture, my teens' propensity to scowl whenever they saw a camera meant I couldn't find any in which all of us were smiling.

When I feel like reliving our jolly French sojourn, bar the odd selfie, I have only two sorts of pictures with which to do it. The first are glorious vistas of French sand and sky. Lovely, but hardly personal (pictured)

I had to resort to manually cutting two pictures and sticking them together with Sellotape.

The slight problem was that my daughter's snap was taken with her closer to the camera, meaning that in the frame she is bigger than her older brothers.

When they were smaller, they would get miffed if one featured more than the others in the photographs displayed around the house. I had to count how many pictures of each child there were and be sure to even things up.

But these days, if I manage to unveil a new framed picture, they eye it  and me  with supreme condescension. Taking family photographs is viewed as a boring parental hobby, like washing up or listening to Radio 4.

It's all a long way from the holidays of my childhood, when my parents took photos of all of us willy-nilly. Consent? We'd never heard of the word.

So there we were, sailing miniature boats in a paddling pool in Anglesey; riding on a lilo in the sea at Rhyl; or squinting on a picnic in a lay-by halfway up the M1 just before the cat escaped from the car and we had to spend an hour searching for him.

I still have a photo taken on our very first holiday abroad to Spain in 1970. My mother must have taken it, as it features the rest of us at dinner in the hotel.

The second photo features the dog, the only one willing to be snapped without getting antsy about it (pictured)

We are bizarrely formal, with my father wearing a suit (this is Majorca in August). We are dutifully posing for the camera as if to say: 'We've come all the way here and we're going to enjoy ourselves', which was a familiar family holiday refrain back in the 1970s.

It never occurred to me or my brothers and sisters that we should be asked for our permission to appear in holiday photos.

First, the power dynamic in a 1970s family did not allow for children to say 'no' to eating their peas, let alone to having their picture taken.

Second, I think we instinctively understood the importance of those snaps. Once framed and displayed in our sitting room, those sunshiney photos carried us all through the cold UK winters.

But not for me a smiley family on a French beach to tide me over. Instead, I have a few selfies, a sand dune or 20 and the dog.

So why have my offspring, and I suspect many others, gone camera shy? I think it's about control. Whereas in my youth it was the parent who had the camera, most teens now have camera phones.

They take their own (much better) photos and curate their own media profiles.

A parent taking a slightly dodgy beach snap may not produce the image they want to project. Yet they take literally thousands of pictures of themselves, in order to post a small selection online.

I am allowed to see almost none of these, so it's hard to see how they compare with my 'hideous' shots. But from a browse of Instagram, I fear that soon no photos of today's teenagers will exist that aren't pouting selfies or artful poses filtered beyond recognition.

Perhaps, once they reach my age, they'll regret they didn't let their parents keep those candid photos they once hated so vehemently. In the meantime, mothers like me will simply have to hide the photos we take from our offspring.

I am trying to see the positives in this annoying new censorship. Perhaps it shows that kids today have enough self-esteem to stand up for themselves? I want mine to be empowered, to have 'agency'.

It's just annoying they choose to exercise it at the very moment I want them to say 'cheese'.
The Swedish royal couple looked regal as they arrived at Stockholm City Hall

Queen Silvia of Sweden and her husband King Carl XVI Gustaf looked sophisticated as they stepped out for a prize ceremony today.

The Swedish royal couple were dressed in all their finery as they attended the prestigious Water Prize Ceremony at Stockholm City Hall.

Queen Silvia, 79, appeared radiant in a blue maxi dress with beaded features, alongside a pair of statement flower earrings as she arrived at the awards.

The mother-of-three accessorised her look with a chic silver clutch bag and a matching pair of heeled pumps.

Silvia opted for a bold purple lipstick to compliment her outfit for the occasion. The Swedish Queen looked elegant as she wore her hair in a classic blow-out style.

Queen Silvia and King Carl Gustaf of Sweden looked sophisticated as they arrived at the Water Prize Ceremony

Meanwhile, King Carl Gustaf, 77, looked dapper in a tailored black suit with a smart satin collar. He also sported a traditional bow tie for the special occasion.

The pair looked regal as they posed for photographs with members of the institute.

Upon their arrival, the Swedish monarchs were greeted by Olle Burrell and Karin Gardes of the Stockholm International Water Institute.

During the ceremony, King Carl Gustaf, who is the official patron of the Prize, presented Italian hydrologist Dr Andrea Rinaldo with the Stockholm Water Prize.

The prize, which is often described as the Nobel Prize for water, is the world's most prestigious water award. It dates back to 1991 and celebrates those who have achieved remarkable water-related achievements.

Last night, the Swedish King and Queen's daughter Crown Princess Victoria cut an elegant figure in a floral gown when attending a sustainability awards ceremony in Stockholm.

The mother-of-two, 46, looked resplendent in the sophisticated patterned ensemble as she stepped out at the Junior Water Prize, which is a ceremony for youngsters interested in water and environment issues.

Victoria's eye-catching dress featured a navy, billowing skirt with floral detailing and a black square neckline top.

Silvia (pictured left), 79, stunned in a blue tunic dress with beaded features, alongside a pair of statement flower earrings as she arrived at the ceremony. Meanwhile, King Carl Gustaf (pictured right), 77, looked dapper for the occasion in a tailored black suit with a smart satin collar

The mother-of-three accessorised her look with a chic silver clutch bag and a matching pair of heeled pumps

Upon their arrival, the Swedish monarchs were greeted by Olle Burrell (far right) and Karin Gardes (far left) of the Stockholm International Water Institute

For her arrival at the Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre, the beaming royal teamed the statement frock with black strappy heels while keeping her essentials in a dainty handbag.

She finished off her stylish look with a sapphire necklace and matching earrings, as well as a silver watch.

Keeping her make-up simple, the royal looked fresh-faced, ensuring her dress was the main attraction.

She was pictured posing for photographs with officials at the event, before heading inside to present several of the awards.

Silvia opted for a bold purple lipstick to compliment her outfit for the occasion and wore her hair in a classic blow-out style

The Swedish royals looked sophisticated as they arrived at the prestigious Water Prize Ceremony

King Gustaf stood by as Queen Silvia accepted a bouquet of flowers upon their arrival at Stockholm City Hall

King Carl Gustaf presented Italian hydrologist Dr Andrea Rinaldo (pictured left) with the Stockholm Water Prize

Crown Princess Victoria is patron of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, which is open to entrants from around the world.

Each year some 30,000 young people enter in the hope of taking home the $15,000 prize money, along with a blue crystal sculpture, a diploma and a stay in Stockholm.

They join national competitions in the hope of earning the chance to represent their nation at the international final held during the World Water Week in Stockholm.

The national and international competitions are open to young people between the ages of 15 and 20 who have conducted water-related projects of proven environmental, scientific, social or technological significance. The projects range from local or regional to national or global topics.
Hong Kong: Tsuen Wan site tender rejected

The Lands Department announced today that it has rejected a tender received for the sale of a residential site at Yau Kom Tau in Tsuen Wan as the tendered premium did not meet the Governments reserve price for the site.

The site is earmarked for development under the Governments Starter Homes (SH) project.

The department said sites in the Land Sale Programme are disposed of on the open market. It added that the Government will not sell a site if no bid reaches the reserve price as assessed by its professional valuers. The reserve price is set on the day of tender closure so that the latest market conditions are taken into account.

The department explained that bids are influenced by many factors, including how parties submitting tenders assess market conditions and the attractiveness of specific sites. However, it added that the Government does not speculate on the considerations behind individual bids.

The Housing Bureau said the Government will continue to enrich the housing market by catering to the needs of different types of homebuyers. It stressed that despite cancelling the tender, the Government considers the site suitable for an SH project, adding that it will invite the Housing Society to take up the project and develop SH units at the site.

The tender closed on August 18. A subsidiary of Grand Ming Group Holdings was the only tenderer.

Allocated for private residential purposes, Tsuen Wan Town Lot No. 430 has a site area of about 48,673 square metres, and a minimum and maximum gross floor area of 82,620 sq m and 97,200 sq m, respectively. These figures exclude the gross floor area for a day activity centre and hostel for severely mentally handicapped people, which are to be constructed by the purchaser under the Conditions of Sale.

At least 1,940 residential units, all of them SH units, are to be built within the site.

This story has been published on: 2023-08-23. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Trending in China | Qixi Festival: More than romance and gifts

(People's Daily App) 15:06, August 23, 2023

The Qixi Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine's Day, originates from the romantic folk tale about the cowherd and the weaver girl. Check out this video to see how Chinese people celebrate the festival.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)


By Kevin Kim



In the vibrant tapestry of K-pop, ITZY emerges shimmering as a thread of innovation and empowerment. The quintet's rise from the audacious debut with "DALLA DALLA" to the recent chart-topper "CAKE" speaks volumes.



"DALLA DALLA," their 2019 debut wasn't just a song; it was a clarion call. An anthem championing individuality, it resonated with millions, setting the tone for ITZY's future and its members Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong and Yuna. The theme of self-acceptance and empowerment became their signature, even as they explored diverse musical landscapes with hits like "WANNABE" and "Not Shy." Their music videos, a kaleidoscope of colors and narratives, combined with their infectious melodies, catapulted them to global stardom.



Enter "CAKE." With its catchy beats and melodies, it's a testament to ITZY's evolution. The lyrics blend sass and wisdom, emphasizing facing life's challenges with gusto and treating adversities as a mere "piece of cake." It's a mature take on their foundational themes, echoing the sentiment that life, with all its twists and turns, can be navigated with the right attitude.



Did you know? ITZY's name is derived from a Korean word, which translates to "there is." It signifies that they "have everything that fans would want to look for in an idol group." This philosophy is evident in their music, their style and their interactions with fans.



Speaking of style, ITZY isn't just about music. They're fashion trendsetters. From their eclectic stage outfits to their off-duty looks, they've consistently made headlines, influencing fashion trends both in South Korea and internationally. Their unique style, a blend of streetwear and high fashion, has inspired fans and even fashion designers.



ITZY's bond with their fans, affectionately called MIDZY, is the stuff of legends. They recently celebrated the 4th anniversary of their official fan club, MIDZY. Their gratitude is palpable, often expressed through heartfelt messages, surprise live sessions and even impromptu street performances.



Globally, ITZY's concerts are a spectacle. Their international tours, marked by electrifying performances, have seen arenas packed to the brim, from Tokyo to Los Angeles. Their choreographies, a fusion of traditional and contemporary dance forms, have set social media ablaze, with fans and celebrities alike attempting their iconic dance moves.



A lesser-known fact: ITZY has been instrumental in popularizing certain dance moves on platforms like TikTok. The #CAKEChallenge, inspired by their latest track, has taken the platform by storm, with millions participating and showcasing their renditions of ITZY's iconic choreography.



In the grand tapestry of the hallyu wave, ITZY shines bright. As K-pop finds its footing on global stages, ITZY stands tall, representing a new generation of artists  talented, culturally attuned, and globally conscious.



In wrapping up, ITZY's journey in the K-pop world is a testament to their talent, resilience, and their unwavering commitment to their art and fans. From "DALLA DALLA" to "KILL MY DOUBT," their musical voyage has been nothing short of extraordinary, and the world eagerly anticipates their next musical chapter.





Kevin Kim (kevin.kim@routenote.com) works in the music industry as the head of Asia for global music business company, RouteNote. He has previously worked for YG PLUS and CJ E&M Mnet.








An Ohio couple who were born on the exact same day have now welcomed twins on their joint birthday.

Scierra Blair, 32, and fiance Jose Ervin, 31, were both born on August 18 - and their newborns have since arrived on that very date.

Jose Ervin III was born at the Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital at 12.35am with sister Ar'ria Lannette Ervin arriving just one minute later.

Their dad has since told People: 'They were my birthday present and I'm good with that. I'm so stoked. I kiss them like 30,000 times a day.'

Scierra Blair, 32, and fiance Jose Ervin, 31, were both born on August 18 - and they have now welcomed newborn twins on that very date

Jose Ervin III (left) was born at the Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital at 12.35am with sister Ar'ria Lannette Ervin (right) arriving just one minute later

The couple started dating a few days before their shared birthday in 2022 and quickly bonded over it.

Jose told the outlet: 'I thought she was telling a tale, because she asked me about my birthday and then said that's pretty ironic, because that's my birthday.

'I'm like, get out of here. But she showed me her ID and proved me wrong.'

The pair did not imagine that they would be spending their next birthday together on the maternity ward.

Scierra revealed that twins run in both their families and so, although she wasn't surprised, added that she was pleased to have welcomed both a boy and a girl.

The original due date was August 28 but, following a regular doctor's appointment on August 17, Scierra was told their son was in a breech position and it would be best to have a cesarean.

The couple went to the hospital to prepare for surgery where Jose asked Scierra if she could hold on just a little longer so the new family could all share the same birthday.

He revealed: 'Since she was in good health and wasn't stressed, and the kids were in good health and weren't stressed, I thought, "Why not wait?"'

The couple went to the hospital to prepare for surgery where Jose asked Scierra if she could hold on just a little longer so the new family could all share the same birthday

Scierra revealed that twins run in both their families and so, although she wasn't surprised, added that she was pleased to have welcomed a boy and a girl

Scierra reluctantly agreed, adding: 'I was hangry and just wanted it to be over. He said, "It's only a few hours and it will go by real fast."

'And I just looked at him and said, "Easy for you to say. I'm starving."'

She was able to wait it out for another six hours by crunching on ice chips before pushing on with the birth - with all involved healthy and now recovering at home.

Jose said the new arrivals were a 'blessing' before adding that it was the 'best birthday present ever.'

It now means the whole family can celebrate together, with Jose adding 'that's beautiful.'
A clever mum has shared how she revived her 'sad' punnet of strawberries, making them come up fresh again with one simple trick.

Haley Scheich, from the US, said there was no need to throw away and waste strawberries that are a little past their best.

Instead, she recommends putting them in a bowl with cold water and ice for one hour and they will be as good as new.

Hayley had forgotten about a carton of strawberries she had in the fridge, but after she tried the trick she and her kids polished off the whole lot.

'I hate to waste food, especially foods like berries which can be pricey!' the mum captioned a video posted to Instagram.

Scroll down for video

Mum Haley Scheich shared how to make strabwerries that are a little past their best come up fresh again by giving them an ice bath for an hour

'But wait! If your strawberries are looking kind of sad, use this simple trick to freshen up your strawberries and make them last a little longer!'

She said to place the strawberries in a bowl, fill it with cold water and ice and bathe them for one hour.

'They'll be as good as new. And taste delicious too. Give it a try!,' Haley said.

However, Haley warned against using the hack if the berries have any trace of mould or rotting.

Her clip was viewed more than 2.8million times and has thousands praising the nifty tip.

Before and after: She said instead of wasting strawberries, to place them in a bowl, fill it with cold water and ice and bathe them for one hour and they'll be 'as good as new'

READ MORE: Meal prepping queen shares her secrets for keeping food fresher for longer in the fridge Advertisement

'We have strawberries that are just on the cusp of going bad in the fridge. Great tip!' one woman said.

'You're a lifesaver! I was just about to toss my strawberries when I found this. Thank you!' another exclaimed.

'No way?! I've learned something new!' a third added.

Others shared what they do with strawberries that are past their best including one woman who said she freezes them to use later in smoothies.

'You can also plant the whole berry to have strawberry plants everywhere!' one viewer suggested.

'Oh my. I always throw it to the chickens. But I'll try it next time!' a second replied.

'You can also do that with wilted herbs,' someone else explained.
A young mum has come under fire by some parents for her 'unnecessary' act of piercing her baby's ears at four-months-old.

Sandy, a mum-of-three, revealed that she had her own ears pierced as a baby and applauded her parents for the decision.

The Canadian mum expected similar support when she took her baby to a professional piercing parlour which she received - but some other parents slammed her for her 'cruel' act.

'It is recommended to do [the piercings] earlier so they are less likely to touch and pull on their ears!' Sandy explained, with hundreds of others echoing her point of view.

Doctors offer no specific recommendation as for when babies should have their ears pierced, with the decision in the hands of the parents. The only suggestion is that they be older than three months.

A video posted on TikTok showed Sandy sitting down with her baby on her lap.

Sandy, a mum-of-three, revealed that she had her own ears pierced as a baby and applauded her parents for the decision

'I had to say a prayer,' she said. 'I can't see her cry.'

The mum held her baby's head in place as two professionals approached each ear with a piercing gun.

She was instantly in tears, but her pain seemed to subside as soon as her brothers arrived to comfort her.

'Of course, my sons had to come support their little sister,' Sandy said in the short clip.

Since Sandy got her ears pierced as a baby, she doesn't 'remember it.' So she was inspired to do the same with her own baby.

The mum also revealed that professional piercers had previously pierced the ears of babies as young as a few days old - but she decided to wait four months.

Another mum was slammed for piercing her daughter's ears after just one day in the hospital, with many parents echoing she should wait until the child is old enough to make the decision for herself.

The mother, who posts under her daughter's name - Lara - on TikTok, shared an innocent video of her baby girl just hours after her birth compared to her now at three months old.

The adorable tot had a tiny flower earring visible in the footage from her first 24 hours on earth, and it caused a raucous to explode in the comments section below.

But others defended the decision saying that it's common in some cultures to pierce a young girls' ears early in life.

'Maybe it's just me but on the day my children were born getting their ears pierced was very far down my list of concerns,' one woman said.

The adorable tot had a tiny flower earring visible in the footage from her first 24 hours on earth, and it caused a raucous to explode in the comments section below

'Wow, this is another level for me... I just can't understand. And it hurts the same as when they are older! Don't fool yourself,' said another.

A third added: 'Why shouldn't they get a choice if they want their ears pierced or not? This is heartless, I am going to let my babies decide when they understand these things.'

While it's not known where Lara and her mother live, it's presumably not Australia as she confirmed that it was the neonatologists within the hospital who 'pierced Lara's ears'.

'When they are 2-3 days old, they don't feel pain like a year or two!' she wrote.

'The holes are given to them by neonatologists (doctors specialising in the care of newborns) in the hospital at birth.'

While it's not known where Lara and her mother live, it's presumably not Australia as she confirmed that it was the neonatologists within the hospital who 'pierced Lara's ears'

The mother claimed that babies' ear lobes are softer when they're really young and her daughter wouldn't have felt any major pain, in fact, she 'didn't even react'.

Others agreed that it was common to pierce young girls' ears as an infant.

'In my country they pierce the baby girls on the first day they are born,' one woman replied.

'Love how she has her ears pierced! Honestly I'd do the same,' said another.

A third added: 'I love the earrings <3 Good job mama and congrats. Ignore all the hate'.
Iceland's CEO has sparked a huge debate after calling the ban of baby formula advertising 'bonkers'.

Richard Walker, executive chairman of the supermarket chain, said that a lot of new parents in the UK 'can't breastfeed' and rely on formula milk.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain today, he said the rule 'didn't make sense', adding: 'It's bonkers because I can price promote and advertise on vape products, on chocolate, on crisps, and yet I can't on infant formula.'

Promotions for baby formula for use from birth up to six months are banned in the UK, to ensure they do not discourage breastfeeding.

The debate sparked a fierce response from viewers, who either branded the law 'ridiculous' or hit back at the 'breast feeding mafia'.

Richard Walker, executive chairman of the supermarket chain, said that a lot of new parents in the UK 'can't breastfeed' and rely on formula milk

The supermarket chain is urging the Government to overturn current regulations which prohibit retailers from telling customers about savings on infant formula or allow customers to buy the products with loyalty points, store cards or food bank vouchers.

It is also calling for a review of Healthy Start vouchers, set at 8.50 per week, which have not increased in value since April 2021 but currently do not cover the cost of even the cheapest formula after recent price increases.

It follows Iceland defying the regulations last week to make customers aware it was cutting the price of formula milk by more than 20 per cent.

Research conducted by Iceland suggests that 86 per cent of parents with a baby under one are concerned about the rising cost of infant formula.

The average cost of the cheapest baby formula increased from 8.40 to 9.39.

Research conducted by Iceland suggests that 86 per cent of parents with a baby under one are concerned about the rising cost of infant formula

Richard added: 'You know, we've got to say that breastfeeding is obviously preferable and that's scientifically the fact.

'And... any mum that want to should be able to, but as you [Richard] said, a lot can't...[breastfeed].

'Gay couples or mums undergoing treatment for cancer or you know what, they choose not to.

'It's all about women being in control of their own bodies and their own choices'.

Speaking on the move, Dr Amir Khan told viewers that while there are 'strictly medically speaking' advantages to breast milk over formula, this 'isn't suitable for everyone'.

Social media users were divided over the segment, with some branding the law 'ridiculous' whereas others appeared more cynical about Iceland's announcement

'Choice is really important,' he continued. 'If women do choose to breastfeed they will have a lactation consultant who will initially do that but if they can't...

'They need to be supported through getting infant formula as well. And infant formula has to be affordable.'

He said he 'welcomes' the idea of discounts on formula 'to improve access to these families who can't afford to buy it'.

However, the doctor stressed the importance of supermarkets doing this for 'the right reasons'.

'What we don't want are supermarkets discount infant formula for a short period of time then price going up again,' he added.

Richard added: 'All I want to do in a neutral and informative way is communicate a permanent price reduction to our customers...

'We've forecasted it all the way through to the end of our financial year.'

The boss said that due to the nature of the law, customers buying formula at Iceland aren't allowed things which could be considered promotional benefits, including free parking, using loyalty points and food vouchers.

However, many people were more welcoming of the supermarket chain's move, hitting out at the 'breastfeeding mafia'

Iceland's move comes as the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) found that online adverts for Boots for four infant formula products broke rules designed to protect breastfeeding.

The ASA made the ruling in response to a complaint that the health and beauty retailer's infant formula products had been advertised on Google.

Boots apologised for the adverts, saying that they had appeared on search engines in error.

Social media users were divided over the segment, with some branding the law 'ridiculous' whereas others appeared more cynical about Iceland's announcement.

'Is he trying to get mums back to Iceland,' one penned.

'Woohoo! It's going to get cheaper to poison your baby!' a second slammed.

Another added: 'He needs to lower his food prices.'

However, many people were more welcoming of the supermarket chain's move, hitting out at the 'breastfeeding mafia'.

'What is better, parents watering down formula because they can't afford it in this crisis, or making formula more affordable,' one questioned.

'Breast is best and all that power pressure is awful,' one comment added. 'It's down to each individual preference.'

The Department for Health and Social Care told GMB: 'The legislation ensures parents and carers have access to the highest quality and safe infant formula as well as not discouraging breastfeeding by protecting them from inappropriate marketing of breast milk supplements.

'We are supporting families with the cost of feeding babies and young children through our Healthy Start scheme...'
Ottie Clarke and Jake Craig shared their dating icks from women on a podcast

Two single men have come under fire after revealing a long list of dating 'icks' they get from women - with thousands slamming them for being 'overly critical' and 'unreasonable'.

Ottie Clarke co-hosts a podcast with his friend Jake Craig where the duo often discuss their dating lives.

The 'ick' is used to describe seemingly innocuous traits that are sudden turn-offs in a partner.

In a recent episode of the show, Ottie and Jake shared several behaviours that turn them off, such as women being excited and 'squealing' when they see their friends, wearing dirty white sneakers, and posting photos of their family on social media.

The duo's followers immediately lashed back against their video, with many describing their own behaviour as an 'ick'.

Jake and Ottie's icks Squealing when women see their friends

Posting photos of their dad on Instagram

Wearing dirty white sneakers

Having a fake tan line

Women's nails making a sound when they type Advertisement

Ottie and Jake went back and forth listing their 'icks'.

'When they see each other and they squeal - I cannot f**king deal,' Jake said, before performing an impression of the activity.

'Another ick is when they are fake tanning and you can see the line on their [jaw] because they didn't fake tan their face,' Jake added - but Ottie claimed the fake tan didn't bother him as much.

Jake went on, 'An ick is when they have fake nails and they make that clicking noise on their phone when they type.'

Another thing that seemed to bother the duo is when women post photos of their family on social media for occasions like Father's Day or a birthday.

'When they post a photo of their dad on Father's Day or their dad's birthday and their dad doesn't even have Instagram,' Jake said.

'Even of their mum for mother's day - they're not going to see this, why are you posting it? There's no benefit at all,' the podcasters added.

READ MORE: I'm a matchmaker and men need to stop talking about these topics if they want to land a second date with a woman Advertisement

Jake also mocked 'appreciation posts' because he didn't know his friends' parents and doesn't have enough context to appreciate them.

'I don't give a f**k about your dad,' he said.

But Ottie added a 'silver lining' to the act.

'It's good when there's a Mother's Day post and the mum's hot,' he said.

'True - you can see what the girl will look like when she's older, and you can decide whether you want to keep following her,' Jake added.

Ottie also revealed that he didn't like when women wear dirty Converses or Air Force 1s because it meant they 'didn't have a licence' and have been 'getting around everywhere by walking'.

Two single men have come under fire after revealing a long list of the 'icks' they get from women - with thousands slamming them for being 'overly critical' and 'unreasonable'

Hundreds left comments slamming Ottie and Jake for their opinions.

'An ick is when he has a podcast and talks about icks,' one wrote, referencing the duo's podcast.

'So, I'm not allowed to talk about how much I love my dad just because he doesn't have social media?' a woman asked.

'The father one confuses me,' a woman wrote. 'I like to post things for memories. Y'all post car photos as if your car is gonna see it?'

'For the nail clicking on the phone - like, obviously, how else are we supposed to type?' another said.

'I don't have money to buy new shoes every time, if my shoes are dirty it just means I've been outside,' a woman defended.

What's important to a man according to a dating expert Important 1. Ability to be feminine 2. The way you look physically 3. Being supportive of his goals and dreams 4. Your sex drive 5. Your ability to admit when you're wrong 6. How caring and kind you are 7. Ability to control your emotions and be rational Not important 1. Academic achievements 2. Your busy social life 3. Your career 4. Financial status and how rich your parents are 5. Independence 6. Social media and how many followers you have 7. Collection of designer wardrobe items Source: Louanne Ward Matchmaking Advertisement

A man was similarly shocked by Ottie and Jake's criticism.

'Do you guys not like your friends? What is the problem?' he asked.

But others defended them.

'These are valid icks,' one said.

'I'm a woman and I agree with most of them,' another wrote.
Covid infections in the US have nearly doubled in the past month amid the rise of two highly-mutated variants, official data suggests.

The test positivity rate in the US - the share of swabs that come back positive - has soared from one in 15 in the week ending July 15 to one in eight by August 12, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.

It means test positivity is at its highest level in more than a year. In several states, including Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana, one in six Covid swabs came back positive in the most recent week.

Because regular Americans are no longer testing en masse like they were at earlier points in the pandemic - just 40,000 swabs are being reported to the CDC each week - it has become more difficult to spot new outbreaks early.

But all metrics indicate infections are rising rapidly. Along with the rise in positivity, hospitalization rates for Covid patients have also risen for five weeks in a row - though they still remain near-historic lows.

The above graph shows the percent of positive Covid cases (tan line) and the weekly number of new Covid hospitalizations (blue bars)

Americans wear face masks as they wait in line to vote in the 2020 presidential election. Some colleges and businesses are reinstating mask mandates as Covid cases rise in the US

The rise in cases is thought to be driven by several factors, including the emergence of two highly transmissible variants, the waning of vaccine immunity and the beginning of the school year as more people gather in large groups and mingle, doctors told DailyMail.com.

Testing positivity rates are reported to the CDC by The National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS), which receives its reported number of weekly tests from labs that have chosen to send their data to the surveillance system.

Dr Thomas Moore, an infectious disease physician, told DailyMail.com while the US is seeing a rise in cases, they are not severe like past variants

The data shows that positivity soared from 6.7 percent in the week ending July 15 to 12.2 percent in the week ending August 12.

The two new variants, EG.5, or Eris, and BA.X, or Pirola, have been detected in several countries around the globe and in the US recently.

These variants are highly mutated and thought to better at avoiding vaccine and natural immunity to cause infection.

Experts estimate Eris could account for as many as half of Covid infections, and two cases of Pirola were just recently detected last week in Michigan and in Virginia on Tuesday.

Dr Rajendram Rajnarayanan of the New York Institute of Technology campus in Jonesboro, Arkansas, told DailyMail.Com the clinical severity and symptoms of the variants remain largely unknown as the US is only selectively testing for variants in a small sample of positive tests in hospitals or airports.

But while more and more people contract Covid and employers may have to deal with the inconvenience of employees missing work, or students may have to make up school work, Eris and Pirola are not expected to cause a deadly wave like in the past.

The above chart shows Covid variants in the United States. It highlights how EG.5, an emerging variant, has grown rapidly across the country

The above graph shows the percent of positive Covid cases (tan line) and the weekly number of Covid deaths (blue bars)

Dr. Thomas Moore, an infectious disease physician in Wichita, Kansas, told DailyMail.com while the US is seeing a rise in cases, 'they are not severe like past variants', which put a strain on hospitals and healthcare systems.

The new strains are 'absolutely' spreading faster due to the very fact that 'variants emerge because they're more transmissible' and have evolved to be more contagious, Dr Moore explained.

However, he concurs with most experts in saying there are no signs the strains are more severe or dangerous.

He said symptoms of the strains could be similar to those of the common cold or the flu, but also cautioned while it is rare to die from the common cold or flu, Covid still has the potential to be deadly.

Lionsgate studios asks office staff to don face coverings and test again as Covid hospital rates rise for fifth week A major Hollywood studio has reintroduced Covid mask mandates amid fears about rising virus rates and a new highly mutated variant Advertisement

Former FDA commissioner Dr Scott Gottlieb said he was concerned about the rise in Covid cases, but there was no evidence the variants are deadlier than previous strains and he doesn't believe the variants are more likely to cause severe infections or more deaths.

'Certainly, at this point, it doesn't appear to be more pathogenic, so it doesn't appear to be more dangerous [than other variants]', Dr Gottlieb said.

Additionally, health experts have previously told DailyMail.com the emergence of the variants 'is not surprising' and said it was too early to panic.

They reassured despite increased transmissibility, the new variants were unlikely to reverse years of immunity gained throughout the more than three years of the pandemic.

From July 15 to August 12, hospitalizations rose from 7,175 to 12,613, though they still remain three times lower than this time last year.

Additionally, Dr Marc Elieson, a medical director at Baylor Scott and White Health in Texas, said earlier this week his colleagues are seeing Covid patients with less severe illness than at any point during the pandemic.

'What viruses and other organisms do over time [is] they become more contagious but have less power to kill and to hurt people,' he told FOX44.

Despite a rise in cases and hospitalizations, weekly deaths have dropped. In the week ending July 15, there were 484 deaths, compared to 251 deaths in the week ending Aug. 12.

Furthermore, CDC data shows just one percent of intensive care unit beds are occupied by Covid-19 patients and approximately 1.5 percent of all hospital beds are occupied by Covid patients, as well.

This could be because the variants do not produce more severe cases and more than 95 percent of Americans have some level of antibodies against Covid-19 due to vaccines, booster shots and previous infections, which most experts think is sufficient to keep future infections near cold- or flu-like symptoms.

The above map shows the percent positivity rate in each state over the past week. In several states, including Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana, one in six Covid swabs came back positive in the most recent week

While experts say the rising transmissibility isn't cause for alarm yet, their assurances haven't stopped calls for mitigation efforts and experts from recommending the public begin wearing masks again.

A college in Atlanta became the first institution to mandate masks for students and staff just days before classes began.

The new mandate will require students and staff to wear masks in hallways and lecture halls for at least two weeks amid the recent uptick.

Additionally, government physicians and public health officials in Seattle called for face coverings to once again be required in healthcare settings.

Most recently, Lionsgate, a film studio in Santa Monica, California, reintroduced mask mandates at its offices after several employees tested positive for Covid-19. The studio also encouraged its employees to test themselves before coming to work. Lionsgate said the rules for its nearly 5,000 employees would be in place 'until further notice'.
Trans women will benefit from the UK's first ground-breaking womb transplant surgery  but face a wait of up to two decades until they are eligible.

Surgeons today revealed that they had successfully implanted a womb in an unidentified 34-year-old woman, who is based in England and was born without one.

The organ was donated by her sister, who already has children, in the hopes that the recipient can start her own family. Medics are now optimistic that she can successfully undergo IVF this year  giving hope to thousands of sterile women.

Experts have previously said a similar operation could be performed on a trans woman, a biological male who identifies as a woman, to help them better match their new gender.

But one of the surgeons behind the mammoth 17-hour op, which took place in February, expects these patients face a wait of up to two decades.

The surgical medical team were 'all in tears' following the successful surgery which marks a huge breakthrough for thousands of British women who might otherwise be unable to give birth

The operation took place at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford. The recipient, who lives in England and does not wish to be named, is said to be 'over the moon' at how things have gone and is 'very, very excited' at the prospect of starting a family

Professor Richard Smith, from Imperial College London, carried out the landmark womb transplant alongside colleague Isabel Quiroga, from the Oxford Transplant Centre.

While UK law obliges medics to offer biological and trans women the same care, surgeons aren't yet ready, he said.

Professor Smith said: 'We're very aware that 2010 Gender Equality Act mandates equal treatment for cisgender and transgender women.

'But that assumes technical feasibility.

'And in this case, currently, there is not technical feasibility.'

Obstacles include differences in the anatomy of the pelvis and the blood vessels between the sexes as well as the microbiome, the collection of micro-organisms that naturally live in the human body.

He added: 'My own sense is if there are transgender transplants that are going to take place, they are many years off.

'There are an awful lot of steps to go through.

'My suspicion is a minimum of 10 to 20 years.'

Trans women cannot currently get pregnant as, due to being born male, their bodies do not produce the eggs needed for fertilisation, in addition to not having a womb to carry the developing baby.

Other medics have previously detailed their belief that womb transplants will be offered to trans patients  but that more research is needed first.

Dr Paige Porrett, who established the uterus transplant programme at the University of Alabama, told DailyMail.com such a procedure for trans women is 'medically possible'.

She said: 'I think there's a lot of providers, such as myself, who would envision that is the case.

'I think it'll happen in the future, but there's going to be a lot more work that our community needs to do to be able to offer that safely.'

But other experts predict such an operation could be conducted in just a few years.

In paper published earlier this year, a team of researchers from the prestigious Cleveland Clinic in Ohio said 'several teams' were working to make the procedure a 'clinical reality' for transgender women.

'The first uterus transplant in a transgender female in the twenty-first century is anticipated to take place within the next few years, if not sooner,' they said.

Interest from some trans women is certainly there for when the procedure does become a reality.

Professor Mats Brannstrom, the chief physician at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, who helped deliver the first live birth from a transplanted uterus in 2014, said he regularly gets email inquiries from males.

'I get emails from people all over the world,' he told Euronews Next in February.

'But there is the risk that we will rush into this because we have patients who are very interested.

'I say to them we haven't done enough research, but I think it will be possible in the future. It may take five or 10 years, I would say.'

Lead surgeons Isabel Quigora and Richard Smith. Prof Smith said 'it was emotional for all the medical staff and for her and her entire family - it was a hugely big deal to us all'

Pictured: The surgical team behind the UK's first womb transplant

He added: 'If it's an efficient method with no risk, I don't think there are any ethical boundaries.

'We change the legal statutes, we do corrective surgery for other things in the body. So this is part of it.'

One of those interested is trans star Jessica Alves who told MailOnline in February she wants to be 'first in the queue' for such an operation, when science catches up to her dream of becoming a mother.

Only one attempt at transplanting a womb into a biological male has been reported in medical literature  and it dates back to 1931.

WHY BIOLOGICAL MEN CAN'T GIVE BIRTH... YET Only females can make eggs, which means it is not possible for a male-to-female trans woman to get pregnant naturally. Scientists believe it is theoretically possible to impregnate a trans woman using IVF, when the eggs are fertilised outside the body and then inserted. But it would require a healthy womb for the child to grow in. There has only ever been one documented case of a womb being transplanted into a trans woman born male  but she died from complications just months later. Female-to-male transgender people can still get pregnant. But only if they have not had a hysterectomy as part of their transition or have taken hormone-blocking drugs that stop them from producing eggs. There are no definitive figures when it comes to how many transgender people have given birth worldwide, or in Britain. Seventy-five people who identified as male gave birth in Australia in 2020, the most comparable country with data. Advertisement

Danish artist Lili Elbe, who was born male, had the surgery in Germany with the hope of being able to have children with her fiance.

However, she died from a cardiac arrest brought on by a post-surgery infection three months after the operation without having conceived a child.

There have been a raft of medical improvements since the 1930s, both in terms of surgical technique, post-operative care and fertility treatments like IVF.

This means that such a procedure would be much more feasible, at least in practice, today.

More than 90 women worldwide have undergone a womb transplant, including women who were born without the organ, or who do not have a functioning one due to accident or injury. Around 50 babies have been born worldwide as a result of womb transplants.

The UK's first womb transplant marks a huge breakthrough for thousands of British women who might otherwise be unable to give birth.

The 40-year-old donor, who already has two children, made the selfless gift to her younger sister who wants to start a family with her husband, but, due to a medical condition, was born without a womb.

The intricate surgery to remove the womb from the donor and implant it in her sister involved two teams and eight surgeons who worked in neighbouring operating theatres and took over 17 hours in total.

While the surgery lasted longer than planned, it went well and the implanted womb is 'fully functional', according to the surgeons involved.

The 34-year-old womb recipient is said to be 'over the moon' at how things have gone and is 'very, very excited' at the prospect of starting a family. She has told her doctors 'I want to have as many children as I can'.

While the recipient was born without a womb, she does have ovaries and produced her own eggs which had previously been harvested and fertilised using IVF.

It's now hoped she will have one of her five embryos that have been frozen in storage implanted this coming autumn at a London fertility clinic.

One of the surgeons who led the transplant told the Mail she has an 'over 80 per cent' chance of a successful pregnancy.

This graphic shows the potential way a person born a biological man could have a womb surgically inserted into the body, paving the way for first ever male pregnancy

Lili Elbe (left) was a Danish trans woman and was the first to ever attempt at giving a biological male a womb transplant in 1931. However, she died from a cardiac arrest brought on by a post-surgery infection three months after the operation. Her life story was made into a film in 2015 called The Danish Girl, which starred Eddie Redmayne (right)

Any resulting baby would be delivered by caesarean at 37 weeks to reduce the strain on the donated womb - and the mother then has the choice to keep the womb for one more pregnancy.

Both women, the donor and the recipient, have not been named.

The pioneering 25,000 operation was funded not by the NHS but by the charity Womb Transplant UK with the medics involved donating their time for free.

While the op was a first in the UK subsequent surgeries are already planned to go ahead.

The second British womb transplant is scheduled to take place this autumn and experts believe a maximum of 20 to 30 per year could be carried out in the UK in the future.

Estimates suggest there are 15,000 women in the UK of childbearing age who do not have a functioning womb.
Behind the procedure is surgeons Professor Richard Smith and Isabel Quiroga

A team of 30 surgeons, nurses and theatre staff made the operation possible

The surgery in February marked the first womb transplant in UK history

The UK's first womb transplant was carried out by a team of surgeons in Oxford who made medical history.

The groundbreaking procedure saw a 40-year-old successfully donate her womb to her childless 34-year-old sister, who was born without a womb.

The intricate surgery, completed in February at the Churchill Hospital, was made possible by a team of eight surgeons, two anaesthetists, ten theatre staff, plus ten or so nurses and two porters.

Here, MailOnline reveals the surgeons and hospital staff behind the surgery, which marks a huge breakthrough for women who might otherwise be unable to give birth.

Professor Richard Smith, a consultant gynaecological surgeon

Professor Richard Smith, a consultant gynaecological surgeon at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, was one of two lead surgeons for the groundbreaking operation.

It has taken the father-of-four 25 years to get to this point. He started his research into uterine transplantation in the late 1990s, in the hopes of helping women of childbearing age who do not have a viable womb.

He first had the idea for a womb transplant while doing an operation he developed for women with cervical cancer, which involves removing their womb and trimming away cancerous cells before stitching it back in place.

After removing the womb during the procedure, a colleague commented that the it looked like a donor transplant  setting off the idea in Professor Smith's mind.

Professor Richard Smith, a consultant gynaecological surgeon at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust stated researching the possibilities of a womb transplant in the 90s

Pictured: The surgical team behind the UK's first womb transplant

Two decades later, in February this year, he checked into a hotel in Oxford so he could be minutes away from the hospital where he oversaw the removal of the donor's womb  a process that took eight hours and 12 minutes.

Professor Smith says he felt 'as if a huge weight was lifting off my shoulders. I had been talking about this for so long. Finally, it was going to go ahead'.

The surgery took a gruelling 17 hours to complete and by the end of it everyone was in tears, says Professor Smith.

He said: 'It was emotional for all the medical staff and for her and her entire family  it was a hugely big deal to us all.'

'At the end we were incredibly happy  and very, very tired,' added Professor Smith. 'It was the longest surgery of my career.'

Exhausted after the incredibly long surgery, Professor Smith went back to his hotel. Despite it being 6.30am, he popped open a bottle of champagne with colleagues.

But it was days before he fully relaxed.

'Normally, if things are going to go wrong it happens within two to three days after surgery and then you begin to relax about your patient  but after this operation the stress remained high for a while,' he says.

Before Professor Smith worked as a consultant gynaecological surgeon at the West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, he was an associate professor at the New York University School of Medicine from 2001 to 2021.

His main surgical interest lies in fertility.

He founded the charity Womb Transplant UK, which funded the surgery and is raising cash for more than a dozen more.

Isabel Quiroga, consultant transplant surgeon

Transplant surgeon Isabel Quiroga led the team implanting the womb and worked alongside Professor Smith.

On the day of the mammoth operation in February, the 55-year-old said the team felt 'incredible excitement  you wish every morning was like this in the NHS'.

The mother-of-one oversaw the implanting of the womb inside the unidentified 34-year-old recipient, which e took an astonishing nine hours 20 minutes.

After the gruelling surgery, Miss Quiroga said the recipient was 'absolutely over the moon' and hopes to have two children.

Transplant surgeon Isabel Quiroga, led the team implanting the womb and says the recipient was 'absolutely over the moon'

The surgical medical team were 'all in tears' following the successful surgery which marks a huge breakthrough for thousands of British women who might otherwise be unable to give birth

The transplant surgeon said: 'Her womb is functioning perfectly and we are monitoring her progress very closely.'

'There were a lot of tears, a lot of emotion, she was very very happy and the donor probably was even happier because she had some time to recover from the anaesthesia. So it was a very joyous moment for everybody,' she told BBC Breakfast.

Miss Quiroga, who is based at the Oxford Transplant Centre, has been involved in the womb transplant project since 2014.

She specialises in renal and pancreas transplantation, vascular access surgery and endocrine surgery.

Miss Quiroga graduated in Spain before moving to the UK and training in Cardiff and Oxford.

Before she collaborated with Professor Smith to establish the first uterus transplant programme in the UK, she worked with colleagues in India, China and Turkey to develop training courses in organ donation and retrieval in those countries.

She is the clinical lead for organ retrieval in Oxford and for the past nine years has been the course director of the National Organ Retrieval Masterclass in the UK.
It assessed the effectiveness of six different non-pharmaceutical interventions

Unprecedented stay-at-home orders including social distancing and the 'rule of six' did reduce the spread of Covid infections, a landmark review of pandemic restrictions has found.

Ministers had little choice but to shelter society once the virus reached the UK, after being warned that hundreds of thousands could die without immediate action.

Vaccines  considered the only safe route out of the pandemic  were still months away from being deployed.

But despite some experts questioning whether they were ever necessary, other non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as face masks also reduced transmission of the virus, researchers found. NPIs are measures to control the spread of Covid which are not medicines or vaccines.

There was 'little evidence' however to prove travel restrictions including border closures were effective.

But despite some experts questioning whether they were ever necessary, other non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as face masks also reduced transmission of the virus, researchers found. NPIs are measures to control the spread of Covid which are not medicines or vaccines. Pictured, social distancing measures implemented at bus stop in Camden, London in May 2020

There was 'little evidence' however to prove travel restrictions including border closures were effective. The review, produced by the Royal Society, assessed thousands of published studies on the effectiveness of six groups of NPIs. Pictured, passengers get Covid tests at Heathrow Airport in London in November 2021

The review, produced by the Royal Society, assessed thousands of published studies on the effectiveness of six groups of NPIs.

These included masks and face coverings, social distancing and lockdowns, test, trace and isolate, travel restrictions and controls across international borders, environmental controls, and communications.

It found while individual NPIs did effectively reduce transmission levels, it was more effective when countries used them in combination.

However researchers noted that as the pandemic progressed and the virus became more transmissible, NPIs became less effective in controlling the spread of the virus.

Professor Sir Mark Walport, foreign secretary of the Royal Society and chairman of the report's expert working group, said: 'There is sufficient evidence to conclude that early, stringent implementation of packages of complementary NPIs was unequivocally effective in limiting Covid infections.

'That does not mean every NPI was effective in every setting, or at all times, but learning the lessons from the wealth of research generated in this pandemic will be key to equipping ourselves for the next one.'

Among the most effective NPIs were social distancing and lockdowns, researchers claimed, with the most stringent measures, the most effective.

In care homes, measures such as visitor restrictions and cohorting  when individual staff were split into groups to work with the same small number of residents  were 'frequently' associated with reduced transmission and a reduction in outbreaks, researchers said.

Schools closures also reduced the spread of the virus within schools and the community.

However the effectiveness varied depending on a range of factors, including adherence and pupils' ages.

Sir Mark also told journalists today that alongside the evidence, it was also 'clear that closures of schools, workplaces brought severe social and economic consequences'.

Equally, 'more reviews of the economic and other consequences' of pandemic restrictions must be implemented he urged.

'Of course, national inquiries are doing that', he added.

It comes as the UK government has faced huge criticism of it's handling of the pandemic in recent months, including the country's lack of a thorough plan for dealing with such an event.

The first module of the UK Covid Inquiry concluded in July after six weeks of witness evidence, but the probe as a whole is not expected to end until 2026.

Giving evidence to the Inquiry in June, former chief medical officer, Dame Sally Davies admitted the full impact of lockdowns had failed to be considered.

While she acknowledged she agreed with lockdown in principal, the impact had 'damaged a generation', she claimed.

Addressing the Inquiry, she said: 'It's clear that no one thought about lockdown. I still think we should have locked down, although a week earlier.

'But during that we should have thought do we need to further? The damage I now see to children and students from Covid and the educational impact tells me that education has a terrific amount of work to do.'

Researchers from the Royal Society found that observational evidence from national case studies showed 'comprehensive border control policies could reduce, but not eliminate, the number of infected travellers entering the country'. Pictured, Covid testing at Heathrow Airport in London in February 2021

Giving evidence to the Covid Inquiry in June, former chief medical officer, Dame Sally Davies said the full impact of lockdowns had failed to be considered . While she acknowledged she agreed with lockdown in principal, the impact had 'damaged a generation', she claimed

Studies have also shown students' academic performance suffered, while the country also entered a recession due to the economic impact of the crisis.

A major study published earlier this month found nearly half of parents said their children's social and emotional skills got worse during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, a damning report from parent campaigners last month also revealed ministers were warned in November 2020 that more children would die from suicide than from contracting Covid if they shut schools.

Equally, researchers from the Royal Society found that observational evidence from national case studies showed 'comprehensive border control policies could reduce, but not eliminate, the number of infected travellers entering the country'.

While quarantine at entry borders had the 'highest level of effectiveness', based on the evidence available, measures including temperature screening before travel, were found to have had 'no meaningful effect on reducing importation or transmission', they noted.

'Targeted travel restrictions including banning entry early in the pandemic from specific countries probably had a moderate effect on transmission but quickly became less effective once the number of cases rose,' they said.

Other key findings however from the Royal Society report included evidence to suggest 'mask wearing and mask mandates were an effective approach to reduce infection'.

Studies consistently reported the measures were an effective approach to reduce infection, researchers said, despite officials issuing mixed messages about their effectiveness at the beginning of the pandemic.

Other evidence from studies in healthcare settings also showed that higher-quality 'respirator' masks  such as N95 masks  were 'more effective than surgical-type masks'.

In February however, one of the most comprehensive meta-analyses of face coverings found masks made 'little to no difference' to Covid infection or death rates.

The research - carried out by the Cochrane Institute, the 'gold standard' of evidence-based reviews - looked at 78 global studies involving over a million people.

Some of studies looked at Covid, while others were conducted before the pandemic and looked at flu and other respiratory illnesses.

Results indicated that surgical masks reduced the risk of catching 'Covid or a flu-like illness' by just five percent - a figure so low it may not be statistically significant.

But speaking to journalists today, Professor Chris Dye, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Oxford, noted the researchers only looked at randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

RCTs are the optimal method to prevent systematic differences between participants affecting results.

In RCT studies, the mask and control groups are randomly chosen from the same eligible population.

'With respect to respiratory viruses, there was not strong evidence to suggest masks worked,' he added.

In care homes, measures such as visitor restrictions and cohorting  when individual staff were split into groups to work with the same small number of residents  were 'frequently' associated with reduced transmission and a reduction in outbreaks, researchers said. Schools closures also reduced the spread of the virus within schools and the community, researchers found. However the effectiveness varied depending on a range of factors, including adherence and pupils' ages

Other key findings however from the Royal Society report included evidence to suggest 'mask wearing and mask mandates were an effective approach to reduce infection'. Studies consistently reported the measures were an effective approach to reduce infection, researchers said, despite officials issuing mixed messages about their effectiveness at the beginning of the pandemic

'Had we only done that then we would have drawn the same conclusion. To consider a greater body of evidence, we also included observational studies  many of which were done very well.'

Contact tracing and isolate measures, alongside environmental controls including enhanced ventilation and reduced room occupancy were also found to reduce transmission of the virus, researchers found.

International protocols for conducting clinical trials and observational research on NPIs in advance of further pandemics, should now be completed, the report recommended.

Professor Dye said: 'The next thing is Disease X as the World Health Organisation has called it.

'We don't know what it's going to be, we don't know where it's going to appear.

'So we need a system which is generic enough in character to handle anything of that kind, and for me, the number one priority is to have a global system of surveillance response.'

The report was published in a special themed issue of the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A.

Responding to the findings, Dr Julian Tang, Clinical Virologist, University of Leicester, said: 'These interventions are actually all just common sense - even if you are not quite sure exactly how the virus transmits predominantly - because this has been known for various infectious organisms for hundreds of years.

'The only situation where they don't apply so much is if the infectious agent was vector-borne - like via mosquitoes; or if it is predominantly food- or water-borne.

'In fact, the behaviour of this coronavirus, as a specialist in respiratory viruses and aerosol transmission, has not really surprised me throughout the pandemic.

'But, rather, the reaction of some people to some of the interventions proposed above  including what some believed about the nature of the virus  was more surprising.

'So I welcome this summary and agree with its main findings - and hope that we will all heed these for the next pandemic - which is again, likely to be a respiratory RNA virus of some sort.'

Meanwhile, Professor Kevin McConway, an emeritus professor of applied statistics at the Open University, said: 'The report does point out explicitly that NPIs can impose a great number of costs and burdens, in terms social and economic impacts, and indeed of increasing ill health, physical and mental, not directly caused by the Covid virus.

'It also says  rightly  that understanding all these other impacts is very important, but makes it very explicit that this piece of work isn't going to consider any of that.

'So the work was only ever going to deal with only a rather narrow part of the question of whether the 'right' things were done during the pandemic, and I think that limits quite severely its effectiveness in helping decisions on what should be done in the next pandemic, whenever it arises.'

He added: 'I'm absolutely not saying that this report should not have been done  only that the work is aimed at answering a rather specific question, and must definitely not be taken to be the last scientific word on NPIs in the context of Covid.

'If nothing else, it does provide useful summaries of the work that has been done on evaluating NPIs during the pandemic. But it shows many other things too.'
Covid cases in England have almost doubled in a month, MailOnline can reveal, amid fears a new heavily-mutated Covid variant dubbed the 'real deal' is rapidly spreading worldwide undetected.

Some 875 cases were logged in the country on August 11, according to the most recent Government statistics available, up from just 449 one month earlier.

Hospital admissions are also rising sharply  up by a fifth in a week  sparking concerns that the UK is on the brink of another wave just as the country heads into the autumn when the NHS gets busier.

Brits are no longer testing en masse like they were earlier in the pandemic  with free community mass testing ending in May 2022.

Experts warn it has become more difficult to spot new outbreaks early. Variant tracking capabilities have also been scaled back.

Some 875 cases were logged in England on August 11, according to the most recent Government statistics available, up from just 449 one month earlier. The uptick in cases coincides with the arrival of Eris, known scientifically as EG.5.1, a variant which already makes up one in four new cases. But experts are spooked by another strain, nicknamed Pirola, that is quickly spreading globally due to its catalogue of mutations

Pirola's arrival comes as Covid cases take off once again, sparking concerns that the UK is on the brink of another wave just as the country heads into the winter when the NHS is busiest. NHS hospital data shows daily Covid admissions in England have increased on average by almost a fifth in week, rising from a seven-day rolling average of 258 on August 4, to 308 on August 11

The uptick in cases coincides with the arrival of Eris, known scientifically as EG.5.1, a variant which already makes up one in four new cases.

But experts are spooked by another strain, nicknamed Pirola, that is quickly spreading globally due to its catalogue of mutations.

Health officials confirmed two additional cases had been detected in South Africa today, while other cases are also believed to have been logged in Switzerland and Thailand, researchers revealed.

Britain has already detected a case of the highly-evolved BA.2.86 strain, as it is officially known, along with Israel, Denmark and the US.

Last week UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advisers admitted they are unsettled by the variant and revealed the 'rapid appearance' of Pirola suggested 'established international transmission'.

Experts are spooked by another strain, nicknamed Pirola, that is quickly spreading globally due to its catalogue of mutations. Health officials confirmed two additional cases had been detected in South Africa today, while other cases are also believed to have been logged in Switzerland and Thailand, researchers revealed

It takes the total number of cases logged to more than ten across seven countries and four different continents, since the strain first came to attention earlier this month.

But just a fraction of tests tracking the prevalence of the virus are now carried out worldwide, heightening fears that officials don't have a 'full understanding' of how Pirola may be spreading.

Professor Paul Hunter, a respected infectious disease specialist at the University of East Anglia told MailOnline today that the additional cases logged in South Africa 'indeed suggests that BA.2.86 has been spreading undetected'.

But this was 'not surprising given that globally only a fraction of one per cent of infections are probably laboratory diagnosed now', he added.

'Of those only a small proportion will be sequenced,' he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Simon Clarke, a microbiologist from the University of Reading, told MailOnline it 'seems inconceivable' that cases in the UK would be limited solely to London  where the UK BA.2.86 case was detected.

He said: 'We still don't know how BA.2.86 is going to behave in a widely vaccinated population, but it appears to be travelling around the world on aeroplanes and has probably been doing so for a while.

'The almost complete lack of surveillance means that we don't have a full understanding of its spread but it seems inconceivable that it would be limited to the case in London.'

However, he noted: 'If it has spread widely, the fact that it isn't causing mass hospitalisations is a reassuring sign that the vaccine is still providing effective protection.'

Latest Government data also shows Covid cases in England rose from a seven-day rolling average of 373 on July 8 to 879, as of August 8.

The most recent UKHSA statistics also reveal 589 out of 6,500 neighbourhoods in England had detected at least three Covid cases in the week to August 12.

UK Health Security Agency statistics show that 589 out of 6,500 neighbourhoods in England had detected at least three Covid cases in the week to August 12. For comparison, just 58 areas had reached this threshold  given to protect the anonymity of patients sickened in tiny clusters  at the start of July. MailOnline analysis shows the figure has gradually increased week-on-week since then, hitting 270 on July 29 and 448 on August 5

UK Health Security Agency statistics show that 589 out of 6,500 neighbourhoods in England had detected at least three Covid cases in the week to August 12. MailOnline analysis shows the figure has gradually increased week-on-week since then, hitting 270 on July 29 and 448 on August 5

For comparison, just 58 areas had reached this threshold  given to protect the anonymity of patients sickened in tiny clusters  at the start of July.

NHS hospital data shows daily Covid admissions in England have increased on average by almost a fifth in week.

They rose from a seven-day rolling average of 258 on August 4, to 308 on August 11, according to the latest figures available.

But the toll of affected neighbourhoods is still a fraction of levels seen at the height of the pandemic.

While officials no longer track the prevalence of the virus in the same way they used to, as part of the Government's ushering in of pre-pandemic normalities, testing levels have remained stable over the past few months.

Around 5,000 lateral flow test results and 2,700 PCR readings have been uploaded per day in the last week.

Positive test results are reported by the minority of the public still eligible for a free Covid test or have taken a PCR swab  such as health and social care workers and some with underlying health conditions.

Eris, or EG.5.1 has been blamed for rising Covid cases so far in England.

While it has experts less concerned, on August 9, the World Health Organization labelled it a 'variant of interest', upgrading it from a 'variant under monitoring'.

It has now been recorded in 51 countries, the UN health agency confirmed.

It has quickly become dominant in the US, accounting for one in five infections, while in Japan it is estimated to account for up to 46 per cent of all cases.

However, in a risk evaluation last week the WHO concluded: 'Collectively, available evidence does not suggest that EG.5 has additional public health risks relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendent lineages.'

But alarm bells were raised in the UK last week after genetic tests revealed a patient had the new strain BA.2.86 or Pirola.

It concerned officials as the unidentified patient, who tested positive while being treated in a London hospital, had not left the country so would not have contracted it abroad.

In a risk assessment published on Friday, the UKHSA team designated the strain as a 'variant for the purposes of tracking and assessment'.

It was however 'a low confidence assessment until further sequences are available' they acknowledged. A more complete assessment could be made within a fortnight, they added.

Others have also warned it is far too early to panic. No evidence shows Pirola is any more of a threat than the dozens of strains that have come before it.

A spokesperson for the UKHSA told MailOnline today that it is 'closely monitoring the situation and is analysing all available data relating to BA.2.86 in the UK and internationally'.

The strain however is 'not currently designated as a variant of concern', they added.

Immunity levels built-up through vaccine roll-outs and previous waves are high and over time the virus has evolved to become less deadly, allowing society to treat it in the same way as the flu without pandemic-era restrictions.

Professor Tanja Stadler, president of the Swiss Scientific Advisory Covid Panel which advises the Swiss government also confirmed this afternoon that a case had been discovered in the country following wastewater samples. Scientists can test community wastewater samples to monitor the prevalence of the virus in different communities. Covid enters wastewater through the stools of infected people. In a tweet she wrote: 'BA.2.86 has been detected in wastewater samples from Switzerland (Laupen; canton Bern) taken on Aug. 5 and 6'

This afternoon, Dr Leshan Wannigama, a doctor in the department of infectious diseases and infection control at Yamagata Prefectural Central Hospital in Japan, also confirmed positive BA.2.86 cases in Thailand after wastewater tests. In a tweet he said: 'After sequencing the SARS-CoV-2 S gene and carefully analyzing the data with existing BA.2.86 data I can confirm that our Thailand wastewater samples positive for BA.2.86'

Health officials in South Africa alerted experts to its two new cases earlier today after logging the BA.2.86 sequences onto official surveillance trackers.

The first positive sample was collected almost a month ago, on July 24, making it the earliest known case alongside Denmark.

The second sample was collected four days later on July 28, almost four weeks ago.

Professor Tanja Stadler, president of the Swiss Scientific Advisory Covid Panel which advises the Swiss government, confirmed this afternoon that a case had been discovered in the country following wastewater samples.

Scientists can test community wastewater samples to monitor the prevalence of the virus in different communities.

Covid enters wastewater through the stools of infected people.

In a tweet she wrote: 'BA.2.86 has been detected in wastewater samples from Switzerland (Laupen; canton Bern) taken on Aug. 5 and 6.

'The other 13 monitored locations across the country do not show a signal for BA.2.86-defining mutations yet.'

She later added: 'Next data will be available in a week.'

This afternoon, Dr Leshan Wannigama, a doctor in the department of infectious diseases and infection control at Yamagata Prefectural Central Hospital in Japan, also confirmed positive BA.2.86 cases in Thailand after wastewater tests.

In a tweet he said: 'After sequencing the SARS-CoV-2 S gene and carefully analyzing the data with existing BA.2.86 data I can confirm that our Thailand wastewater samples positive for BA.2.86.'

Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, told MailOnline today: 'All this indicates that this highly mutated variant is very likely to be much more widespread and probably contributing to the increase in cases of infection that have been reported over the last few weeks.

'This highlights the importance of genomic surveillance and that, having reduced our monitoring, we are currently blind to infection levels and the spread of variants.

'We need to keep a close eye on this as we enter a challenging period over the next few weeks with people returning to work and children back at school after the summer holidays.'

Meanwhile, Professor Francois Balloux, a vocal Covid commentator throughout the pandemic, from University College London, said: 'The recent identification of the two genomes from South Africa suggests that the BA.2.86 variant originated in Sub-Saharan Africa.

He told MailOnline: 'In line with an SA origin, BA.2.86 is missing a mutation which is present in all BA.2 strains found globally, but absent from early SA strains.

'This means that BA.2.86 is probably circulating in Sub-Saharan Africa and is repeatedly being exported to other parts of the world.

'Since none of the cases collected in Denmark, the UK or US has been associated to an incoming traveller form Sub-Saharan Africa, there must also been some transmission of BA.2.86 in those places.'

However, he acknowledged that case numbers are 'too small at this stage' to estimate how rapidly the strain may have spread in the UK.

Equally, 'it impossible to know at this stage whether BA.2.86 may be competitive against current Omicron strains circulating in the UK', he added.

It comes as a seventh positive case was detected yesterday in an asymptomatic patient in Virginia who was tested August 10 after returning to the US from Japan.

Scientists identified the case in a database that contains test samples from a small number of travelers entering the US.

The variant is yet to be detected in Japan, but official data from the country shows that cases and hospitalizations are rising.

Pirola has spooked experts as early tests show the strain has around 30 unique mutations in its spike protein, the part of the virus that latches onto human cells and causes an infection.

This is the same piece of the virus that vaccines are designed to target.

Several have unknown functions but others are thought to help the virus evade the immune system.

Experts believe it is derived from BA.2 variant which stopped circulating around July 2022.

However no evidence yet shows Pirola is any more of a threat than the dozens of strains that have come before it.

Other variants flagged as troublesome have fizzled out naturally.

Ministers have vowed they will never deploy the curbs wielded during the darkest days of the crisis in 2020 and 2021 unless a doomsday variant emerges.

Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, an epidemiologist and lead for the Covid response at the WHO, last week cautioned there is very limited information available on the strain.

But she said it needs monitoring due to its large number of mutations.

Surveillance and sequencing is 'critical' to detect new variants and track known ones, she added.

Meanwhile, after Denmark confirmed its third case of the strain last Friday, its public health institute, the Statens Serum Institut, said it was testing the virus to assess whether it poses a threat.

But it stressed there is currently no evidence that Pirola causes more severe illness.
Lotte World Mall in Songpa District, Seoul / Courtesy of Lotte Group



By Kim Jae-heun



Lotte Shopping, a retail affiliate of Lotte Group, initiated preparations to divest its real estate holdings in a bid to enhance its financial structure amid subdued business performance, a company official said on Wednesday.



According to a local investment bank, Lotte Shopping sent a teaser letter for the sale of Lotte Department Store's properties to potential buyers through its underwriter NAI Korea. The company is also planning to distribute an investment memorandum soon.



The targets are nine assets owned by Lotte Shopping, including its logistics center in Bundang, a production facility in Ansan, both in Gyeonggi Province and a culture center in Gwanak, Seoul, all of which are currently not in use. The desired total sale price of all the properties is 250 billion won ($186.7 million).



The largest asset is the logistics center in Bundang, which measures 57,023 square meters in area valued at 68 billion won as of last year. But Lotte wants to sell it for about 150 billion won.



However, Lotte said it is only in the review stage.



"We are looking into the property value of our non-operating assets. After that, we will decide whether to keep or develop them. Nothing has been decided about their sale," a Lotte Department Store official said.



Lotte Shopping's move to sell real estate is seen as an attempt to improve its financial structure. The company's asset sales have decreased since 2021 and its acquisition of a stake in local furniture giant Hanssem has led net deposits to increase. The amount of adjusted net deposits soared from 11.67 trillion won in 2021 to 12.13 trillion won, last year, according to Korea Investors Service.



Lotte Shopping's declining business performance also contributed to the prospects of real estate sales.



The retail firm's consolidated sales and operating profit in the second quarter of this year stood at 3.62 trillion won and 51.5 billion won, respectively, down 7.2 percent and 30.8 percent, year-on-year.



The poor business performance of Hanssem, which Lotte acquired jointly with IMM PE in 2021, is also pressuring the retail giant. Lotte took over Hanssem by paying 220,000 won per share, but the stock price has plunged, which could further increase losses.


Mothers who lost their children to meningitis have urged students starting university to get a vaccine to protect against the deadly infection.

Freshers students are at high risk of becoming infected with the bacteria as they tend to mix closely with lots of new people.

Around one in eight are thought to be missing out on the MenACWY vaccine  which protects against four strains of bacteria that cause meningitis and sepsis. The jab is routinely offered at schools and is available at GP surgeries.

Sharon Sandell, whose 18-year-old daughter died within days of developing symptoms that she put down to stress, said she would be celebrating her 25th birthday if she had got the vaccine.

Michelle Bresnahan, whose 16-year-old son died from the infection hours after complaining of a headache, nausea and fatigue, urged youngsters to ensure that they are protected.

UK health chiefs warned that students get 'seriously ill, with some tragically dying' from the preventable disease every year.

Ryan Bresnahan died suddenly after contracting meningitis in 2010, today his mother urged young people, and their parents, to ensure their vaccinations were up to date

Lauren Sandell died when she was 18 during her first year at university in 2016 after contracting meningitis

Bacterial meningitis, which requires urgent hospital treatment, affects the membranes in the spinal cord and brain

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which is leading the campaign to get students jabbed, warned that about 13 per cent of teens are unprotected.

The vaccine is normally given to teenagers in school but those who missed out are eligible to get it for free from their GP until their 25th birthday.

Parents have been urged to also check their child has the jab before they start college and university with two mums sharing heartbreaking stories of loss.

Lauren Sandell died when she was 18 during her first year at university in 2016 after contracting meningitis.

Her mother Sharon Sandell, from Woodford Green in London, said: 'Lauren was feeling unwell one Thursday evening during her first year in university.

READ MORE: Grieving parents issue warning over 'silent killer' meningitis after death of their daughter, 11, who didn't get life-saving antibiotics until 7 hours after she was admitted to hospital Annalise Luffingham, from Addiscombe in south London, was admitted to A&E in February 2020 after suffering from a fever, confusion and vomiting  tell-tale signs of the bacterial infection, which can lead to life-threatening sepsis Advertisement

'She thought it was due to stress from settling into university.

'She returned home on Saturday evening saying that her legs hurt, and that she wasn't feeling 100 per cent.

'Then Sunday morning she got sick and was visibly shaking.

'We totally thought it was a panic attack and not at any point did I think her life was in danger.

'I will always be thankful that she was at home with me when she died but the experience of witnessing it will stay with me forever.'

An inquest into Lauren's death, held in 2018, heard how her GP practice had failed to send out text messages reminding people to get the MenACWY jab.

Ms Sandell urged young people to ensure they got the jab if they hadn't done so already.

'If she had the vaccine, she would still be here today celebrating her 25th year of life,' she said.

'Get the MenACWY jab today.'

Another grieving mother, Michelle Bresnahan whose son Ryan died from meningitis in 2010, also urged university students to check their vaccines were up to date.

Ms Bresnahan told Sky News her 'wonderful boy' had just complained of a headache, nausea and fatigue on the morning of his death.

'He was in good spirits, he was supposed to be getting on revising for his GSCEs, so we parked that for the day and decided we'd just have a bit of a rest day,' she said.

Ms Bresnahan said she popped out to get him some food and drink he had requested to help him feel better only to find a 'nightmare' on her return.

'Within 45 minutes I returned home and there was an ambulance on our drive telling us that Ryan had suspected meningitis and was incredibly poorly,' she said.

'By lunchtime we were phoning our friends and family to say Ryan had died.'

Ryan died five years before the MenACWY vaccine was routinely offered to young people.

His mother urged people to check they've had it and protect themselves and their loved ones.

WHAT IS MENINGITIS? Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Anyone can be affected but at-risk people include those aged under five, 15-to-24 and over 45. People exposed to passive smoking or with suppressed immune systems, such as patients undergoing chemotherapy, are also more at risk. The most common forms of meningitis are bacterial and viral. Symptoms for both include: Pale, blotchy skin with a rash that does not fade when compressed with a glass

Stiff neck

Dislike of bright lights

Fever, and cold hands and feet

Vomiting

Drowsiness

Severe headache Bacterial meningitis Bacterial meningitis requires urgent treatment at hospital with antibiotics. Some 10 per cent of bacterial cases are fatal. Of those who survive, one in three suffer complications, including brain damage and hearing loss. Limb amputation is a potential side effect if septicaemia (blood poisoning) occurs. Vaccines are available against certain strains of bacteria that cause meningitis, such as tuberculosis. Viral meningitis Viral is rarely life-threatening but can cause long-lasting effects, such as headaches, fatigue and memory problems. Thousands of people suffer from viral meningitis every year in the UK. Treatment focuses on hydration, painkillers and rest. Although ineffective, antibiotics may be given when patients arrive at hospital just in case they are suffering from the bacterial form of the disease. Source: Meningitis Now Advertisement

'Anybody listening who is going to university or college, or knows somebody who is, please check you've had the vaccination, and if not book it today with your GP,' she said.

'There's still time to protect yourself against this horrible, horrible disease.'

Meningitis is a dangerous inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

While anyone can be affected, young people are most at risk.

Meningitis symptoms strike suddenly and worsen very quickly.

These can include headaches, a fever, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and drowsiness, which are easy to mistake for other common conditions including the flu.

The bacteria and virus that can cause meningitis are mainly spread by sneezing, coughing or kissing.

Bacterial meningitis is more serious and usually needs hospital treatment with antibiotics whereas viral meningitis can often be treated at home.

The UKHSA warned that every year students get 'seriously ill, with some tragically dying' from preventable diseases.

UKHSA consultant epidemiologist, Dr Shamez Ladhani, said: 'With large numbers of students coming together from around the country and overseas for the first time, and closely mixing, infection can spread easily.

'Ensuring you are protected against these deadly bugs is vital.

'If you've missed out on your Meningitis (MenACWY), HPV or MMR jabs then contacting your GP for the vaccine should be top of your list of urgent things to do before starting college or university.'

Claire Wright, from the Meningitis Research Foundation, added: 'Meningitis can kill healthy people within hours and in the early stages is difficult to distinguish from a bad hangover or more common milder illnesses.

'By taking up the free MenACWY vaccine, students are not only protecting themselves but also protecting others by stopping the bacteria from being passed on.

'For young people who have already been vaccinated it remains important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis because the free vaccine does not protect against MenB, which is the most common cause of life-threatening meningitis amongst this age group.'

UKHSA has also warned the vaccine uptake among young people is likely to get worse.

Official data indicates over one in five children expected to go to university or college in the next few years haven't had the MenACWY jab.

The warning comes just a day after the parents of 11-year-old Annalise Luffingham, from Addiscombe in south London, warned others to be vigilant of the signs of the 'silent killer' meningitis following the death of their daughter.

UKHSA's latest data on invasive meningococcal disease, the most serious type of infection, reported 205 cases in England in 2021 to 2022 of which 12 were fatal.
People have been warned not to kiss or cuddle their pet turtles after a salmonella outbreak linked to the reptile has sickened at least 26 people across 11 states.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it was investigating a multistate outbreak of salmonella after nine of those who were sick were hospitalized.

Salmonellosis, is the result of infection from one of 2,000 strains of salmonella bacteria. The infection primarily impacts the intestinal tract, causing diarrhea, fever, chills, abdominal discomfort and vomiting.

It is usually associated with tainted food and food poisoning, but there are several animals that can also transmit it.

In an attempt to reduce the numerous infections that small turtles can carry, the US government enacted a federal ban against the sale of pet turtles with shells smaller than four inches long because they have led to many illnesses.

The CDC said: 'Despite the ban, these turtles can sometimes be found illegally online and at stores, flea markets, and roadside stands. Pet turtles of any size can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean.

'These germs can easily spread to their bodies, tank water, and anything in the area where they live and roam. You can get sick from touching a turtle or anything in its environment and then touching your mouth or food with unwashed hands and swallowing Salmonella germs.'

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it is investigating a multistate outbreak of salmonella after nine of at least 26 victims were hospitalized across 11 states (stock photo)

In Tennessee, six people were sick. In New York, there are three sick, and in Pennsylvania, four people. The CDC said the outbreak may include other states not highlighted on the map because many people recover without medical care and so are not tested for salmonella

The range of people infected with salmonella is between less than a year old and 64 years, with a median age of 14.

There have been no fatalities, though the CDC said the current tally of infections is likely an undercount.

Salmonella bacteria are passed from feces of people or animals and symptoms of an infection usually begin between six hours and six days after exposure. They typically resolve within another four to seven days without requiring medical intervention.

Some people have no symptoms. However, the illness can sometimes be more severe and lead to hospitalization.

People with pre-existing medical conditions, weakened immune systems, children under 12 months old and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to serious side effects - or even death.

Salmonella infects more than 1.3 million people every year, leading to 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths annually.

Foods contaminated with salmonella are almost always animal in origin, such as eggs. The bacteria can also lurk in unbaked or uncooked flour used to make dough or batter.
Doctors are advising Americans to hold off getting another Covid shot - despite surging cases in the US.

Medical experts say people who are not immunocompromised or extremely vulnerable should postpone getting a booster until the fall to maximize the protection gained from the updated vaccine.

This is because two new variants, EG.5, or Eris, and BA.X, or Pirola, have been detected in the US recently and are highly mutated. Due to their mutations, doctors say they could be better at avoiding the current vaccine immunity.

This has prompted vaccine manufacturers, such as Moderna, to update their shots in order to better protect against the new strains. Health officials say the new boosters, formulated based on subvariants of the omicron strain, should be available in mid- to late-September and have been shown to provide significant antibodies against some of the circulating variants.

While official data suggests Covid cases have nearly doubled in the past month, Dr Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the pandemic center at Brown University School of Public Health, said 'waiting a few weeks to get the updated shot should be okay'.

Pfizer and Moderna Covid boosters are pictured above in November 2022. Experts say people should wait a few weeks until an updated booster is available before getting another shot

Despite a rise in cases fueled by two new variants, weekly deaths have declined thought to be due to the milder symptoms the new strains cause

'Reasonably at this point, if you're not high risk and do not have high exposures, waiting a few weeks to get the updated shot should be okay,' Dr Nuzzo told ABC news.

There are few instances where Dr Nuzzo recommends people may not want to wait to receive the new booster, including if someone believes they are going to have significant exposures or be in high-risk situations.

Covid Infections have DOUBLED in US in past month amid rise of two mutant variants Covid infections in the US have nearly doubled in the past month amid the rise of two highly-mutated variants, official data suggests. Advertisement

Dr. John Brownstein, chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital, also told the outlet if someone isn't in a high-risk category, such as having co-morbidities, or isn't interacting with high-risk family members or friends, they can wait the few weeks until the updated shot is available.

Dr Rajendram Rajnarayanan told DailyMail.com he recommends people get the updated shot 'as soon as it's available' as some vaccine manufacturers, including Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax have provided preclinical data showing their updated boosters work against the top circulating strains.

However, based on how many Americans received the bivalent booster in 2022, people may not be lining up to get this new shot.

Only 17 percent of Americans received last year's updated booster.

The release of the new vaccine will coincide with when many experts recommend people receive their flu shot.

Dr Thomas Moore, an infectious disease physician in Wichita, Kansas, told DailyMail.com it is safe to receive the Covid and flu vaccines at the same time, eliminating the need to make two separate doctor or clinic visits. He, along with other health experts, hope this convenience will entice more people to receive both shots, which could prevent the 'tripledemic' that plagued the US last flu season.

During 2022-2023 winter, hospitals saw a surge in patients during the tripledemic, coming in with the flu, Covid and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

This was thought to be spurred on by the lack of immunity against the flu and RSV after having not been exposed to the viruses for several years because of masking and social distancing implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The NHS is set to reach the grim milestone of 1 million cancelled operations since strikes began this weekend as consultants today start another walkout.

Health chiefs are bracing for five days of major disruption as consultants down tools ahead of the bank holiday weekend.

Routine care is expected to reach a standstill over the next 48 hours causing a massive headache for hospitals, whose numbers are already depleted due to staff holidays.

As todays action got underway, the British Medical Association announced plans for further strikes in autumn, adding October 2, 3 and 4 to those already confirmed on September 19 and 20.

Union officials said it was with heavy hearts that consultants would head to picket lines today, stating it is 150 days since the Health Secretary last met with them.

Hospital consultants on the picket line outside the University College Hospital in London during their last strike in July

More than 700,000 NHS appointments have been cancelled since strikes began seven months ago. In the latest five-day walkout by junior doctors, more than 100,000 were called off

England's backlog, for procedures like hip and knee replacements, now stands at 7.6million, official figures revealed yesterday. It means roughly one in seven people across the country are currently stuck in the system awaiting care. More than 380,000 patients have gone a year without being treated, often in agony

Steve Barclay said he was disappointed consultants had gone ahead with their action which comes despite a 6 per cent pay rise, while thanking those who cut short annual leave to cover the last strikes by junior doctors.

Consultants have also benefited from recent changes to pension rules, he said, and could expect to retire at 65 on an income in excess of 78,000 a year, adding that this pay award is final.

Hospital leaders have expressed concerns over the timing of the strike ahead of the bank holiday weekend, which could put many services out of action for five days.

They warned the recent warm weather could lead to a hike in demand at a time many staff are already on annual leave.

Dr Vin Diwakar, NHS England's national medical director for secondary care, said: This latest action will again hit the NHS hard, with almost all routine care being affected.

READ MORE: Ambulance services face staffing emergency as the number of workers quitting their job rises by more than half in recent years File photo of NHS ambulance staff outside a hospital in London Advertisement

It also comes at a time when many staff are taking annual leave, so teams are already stretched, and some parts of the country have seen warm weather this week, which usually leads to an additional rise in demand for services, so we would ask people to take the usual precautions.

Consultants will provide a Christmas Day level of service during the strike from 7am on Thursday until 7am on Saturday, meaning they will only deliver urgent care.

Urgent and emergency care will be prioritised, with people to continue using 999 for life threatening emergencies and NHS 111 for other health concerns.

Official figures show more than 897,000 routine procedures and appointments have been delayed due to eight months of strike action, costing the NHS an estimated 1 billion.

But this tenth round of largescale strikes is set to tip the number of delayed treatments over one million mark, with the true scale of disruption caused likely to be far higher.

Danny Mortimer, deputy chief executive of NHS Confederation which represents healthcare organisations, said he fears the impact this will have on weary staff and patients.

He said: Its too late to stop this walkout, but the failure to put an end to this situation has put the Prime Ministers pledge to reduce waiting lists in real jeopardy; another round of industrial action after this one may deliver a knockout blow to backlog hopes.

All sides must do whatever it takes to avert the further walkout planned by consultants for September and prevent the NHS from reaching the grim milestone of one million cancelled operations.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay said he was disappointed consultants had gone ahead with their action, which comes despite a 6 per cent pay rise

The BMA says consultants pay has been cut in real-terms since 2008 and is calling for pay restoration and reform of the pay review body that advises ministers on salary increases.

Dr Vishal Sharma, BMA consultants committee chairman, said: No consultant wants to be striking and we head out to picket lines today with heavy hearts.

We would much rather be inside the hospital seeing our patients. But we cannot sit by and watch passively as we are persistently devalued, undermined and forced to watch colleagues leave - much to the detriment of the NHS and patients.

Mr Barclay said: I am concerned and disappointed that the BMA has gone ahead with this industrial action, which will continue to affect patients and hamper efforts to cut NHS waiting lists.

He added: We have accepted the independent pay review body recommendations in full, giving consultants a 6% pay rise, which means average NHS earnings for consultants of 134,000, on top of a pension where generous tax changes mean a consultant can retire at age 65 with a pension each year for life of 78,000 a year. This pay award is final and I urge the BMA to call an end to strikes.
DIY test kits could spare 100,000 people undergoing colonoscopies for suspected bowel cancer each year after changes to guidelines.

New draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence say patients should first be offered faecal immunochemical tests (FIT).

It is hoped the move could help diagnose bowel cancer faster  particularly among younger sufferers - and cut NHS waiting times by reducing referrals.

The tests require people to collect a small stool sample and post it to a lab for testing, with results usually available within the week.

According to Cancer Research UK, there are about 42,000 new cases of bowel or colorectal cancer each year.

New draft guidance says patients should first be offered faecal immunochemical tests (pictured) before a colonoscopy

The tests cost the NHS between 4 and 5 each and can correctly identify about nine in 10 people with the disease.

Mark Chapman, interim director of medical technology and digital evaluation at Nice, said: Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK.

These recommendations ensure we are balancing the best care with value for money, while at the same time delivering both for individuals and society as a whole.

Analysis by Nice found that 94,291 fewer colonoscopies would take place if the number of people referred fell by 25 per cent.

With record waiting lists, NHS capacity for colonoscopies is limited, with patients facing long wait times.

Using at-home tests could reduce the number of people referred for urgent colonoscopy, and so reduce the waiting times to allow people on non-urgent referral pathways to be seen more quickly.

GPs should still refer patients with a negative FIT for a colonoscopy if symptoms persist, the watchdog states.

Genevieve Edwards, chief executive at Bowel Cancer UK, said it could help speed up diagnosis for those who are too young for screening programmes.

She said: Those with low-risk symptoms, especially younger people, often face a delayed diagnosis or have to see their GP a number of times before being referred for further tests.

This guidance will help GPs to better identify and refer the right patients for further testing quickly and could help detect bowel cancer at an earlier stage when it is more treatable and curable.
A highly mutated Covid variant spreading in the US is potentially more likely to infect vaccinated Americans, US health officials said today.

The BA.2.86 strain may also be better at causing illness in people who've recently recovered from a Covid infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

'The large number of mutations in this variant raises concerns of greater escape from existing immunity from vaccines and previous infections compared with other recent variants,' the CDC said in its risk assessment of BA.2.86, which has also been dubbed the 'Pirola' variant.

However, the agency said it was too soon to know if this will cause more severe infection than other variants and appears confident in its assessment that levels of immunity in the US population will still offer broad protection.

'Nearly all the U.S. population has antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 from vaccination, previous infection, or both, and it is likely that these antibodies will continue to provide some protection against severe disease from this variant,' the CDC said.

DailyMail.com revealed Tuesday that the variant had been detected in a patient in Virginia, which was the second official case after a resident in Michigan was diagnosed with it last week.

However, the CDC said that because so few swabs are being analyzed now, the strain is likely much more widespread than the official figures indicate.

The above graph shows the percent of positive Covid cases (tan line) and the weekly number of new Covid hospitalizations (blue bars)

Americans wear face masks as they wait in line to vote in the 2020 presidential election. Some colleges and businesses are reinstating mask mandates as Covid cases rise in the US

The CDC also revealed that BA.2.86 was found in preliminary wastewater samples, though the agency did not say where the samples were collected.

The announcement comes after Covid hospital admissions rose for the fifth week in a row and Covid positivity rates nearly doubled in a month.

The CDC said the current increase in US hospitalizations is not likely driven by BA.2.86. because of the lag it takes for people to catch and then fall sick with Covid.

This new BA.2.86 strain is believed to be descended from the BA.2 'stealth' variant that surged globally early last year, which itself is a spinoff of the original Omicron strain.

The updated Covid vaccines - due to be rolled out this fall - are targeted towards strains descending from the XBB Omicron subvariant, which have become the dominant type globally.

The CDC said researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of the updated shots, which are anticipated to reduce severe disease and hospitalizations.

Compared to other strains descended from the Omicron subvariant, BA.2.86 has many more mutations.

The CDC compared the differences between it and its likely ancestor BA.2 as being similar to the difference between the Delta and Omicron variants.

'The large number of mutations in this variant raises concerns of greater escape from existing immunity from vaccines and previous infections compared with other recent variants,' the CDC said.

'For example, one analysis of mutations suggests the difference may be as large as or greater than that between BA.2 and XBB.1.5, which circulated nearly a year apart.'

'However, virus samples are not yet broadly available for more reliable laboratory testing of antibodies, and it is too soon to know the real-world impacts on immunity.'

The above map shows the percent positivity rate in each state over the past week. In several states, including Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana, one in six Covid swabs came back positive in the most recent week

The above chart shows Covid variants in the United States. It highlights how EG.5, an emerging variant, has grown rapidly across the country

The test positivity rate in the US - the share of swabs that come back positive - has soared from one in 15 in the week ending July 15 to one in eight by August 12, according to the latest CDC data.

It means test positivity is at its highest level in more than a year. In several states, including Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana, one in six Covid swabs came back positive in the most recent week.

Because regular Americans are no longer testing en masse like they were at earlier points in the pandemic - just 40,000 swabs are being reported to the CDC each week - it has become more difficult to spot new outbreaks early.

Lionsgate studios asks office staff to don face coverings and test again as Covid hospital rates rise for fifth week A major Hollywood studio has reintroduced Covid mask mandates amid fears about rising virus rates and a new highly mutated variant Advertisement

But all metrics indicate infections are rising rapidly.

From July 15 to August 12, hospitalizations rose from 7,175 to 12,613, though they still remain three times lower than this time last year.

That concern, combined with an uptick in positive tests across the US, has spooked an Atlanta college and the Hollywood studio Lionsgate into mandating face masks again.

But while Covid rates are rising in the US  hospital admissions are up for the fifth week in a row  they remain at near-historic lows.

Test positivity  the share of tests that come back positive for the virus  has also doubled in the US in the past month, and searches for Covid symptoms on Google have spiked in the past few weeks.

But doctors on the ground say that while they are seeing an increase in patients with the virus, their symptoms are milder than at any point previously in the pandemic.

Dr Aaron Glatt, a medic at Mount Sinai in New York City, said the fact that two cases had been confirmed in the US signaled there are 'many more' not being picked up.

Asked whether there were more cases of BA.2.86 in the US, he previously told DailyMail.com: 'This is certainly very possible. It would be surprising if it didn't spread.'

On the number of cases already in the US, he said: 'It's certainly possible that there are tens of cases, and it is certainly very possible that there are more.

'The only question is how important that is. Does this variant have a survival advantage over other strains?'

Its ability to evade vaccines might be that advantage.

So far three other countries  Israel, Denmark and the UK  have detected the strain, but most countries don't have the infrastructure to pick up on new variants.

The new variant is yet to be detected in Japan, but official data from the country shows that cases and hospitalizations are rising.

Latest data shows there were 22,000 Covid patients in the country's hospitals on August 16, which was double the 10,000 from the week before.

This was, however, still below the 35,000 reported at the same time last year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have both said they are tracking the mutant strain.

This weekend, former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner Dr Scott Gottlieb also voiced alarm, saying he was 'pretty concerned' by the new strain and that it may well be more transmissible than other variants that are currently circulating.

However, doctors are still advising Americans to hold off getting a booster vaccine, despite these surging cases.

Dr Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the pandemic center at Brown University School of Public Health, told ABC News: 'Reasonably at this point, if you're not high risk and do not have high exposures, waiting a few weeks to get the updated shot should be okay.
The first right-hand drive production Jaguar E-Type coupe is forecast to fetch as much as 1.4million at auction - after the current owner bought it for just 1 in 1998.

The seller paid just a nominal sum for the 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8-Litre Fixed Head Coupe, when he bought it from Jaguar author and historian Philip Porter.

He is now selling the car alongside another rare early convertible model - the first production E-Type to be sold - at Gooding & Co's London auction on 1 September in what is described as a sale of 'two of the UK's automotive Crown Jewels'.

The coupe wears the numberplate 1 VHP and has been restored to concours standard. Its anonymous North Wales seller said: 'As well as being the first right-hand drive outside bonnet coupe to be built, this Jaguar is the only surviving chassis number one E-Type of its kind (chassis 860001).

'It cost me 1 in 2000 but l had to restore it together with 9600 HP as part of the deal, 9600 HP being the oldest E-Type in existence.'

(Pictured on the left ) 1961 E-Type Series I 3.8-Litre Fixed Head Coupe and (pictured on the right ) a 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 3.8-litre Roadster, chassis 850004 - the first production E-Type to be sold

The 1961 E-Type Series I 3.8-Litre Fixed Head Coupe is the first right-hand-drive production Fixed Head Coupe Jaguar E-Type

The owner, who has built up a world-class car collection, added: 'Goodness knows how many famous people have sat in 1 VHP as it was initially used as demonstrator model in London for six months.

'It's beautiful, drives brilliantly and it's the first. It can't get any better than that. There is only one number one.'

A spokesperson for auctioneers Gooding & Company said: 'This historically important Jaguar was finished on July 10, 1961 in opalescent dark blue with a red leather interior.

'Not one to restore cars to become museum pieces, the owner took part in Norman Dewis (Jaguar test driver from 1952-85) commemorative runs, 17-hour drives from Coventry to Geneva in 2011 and 2021.

'The car also features in a limited-edition book commissioned by Jaguar to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the E-Type.'

The coupe will go under the hammer in London on September 1 at auction house Gooding & Co

The coupe is expected to fetch 1m to 1.4m but a bidding war could see it sell for more

The owner said: 'It cost me 1 in 2000 but l had to restore it together with 9600 HP as part of the deal, 9600 HP being the oldest E-Type in existence'

The car enthusiast is also parting with his 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 3.8-litre Roadster, chassis 850004 - which the auction notes say is the first production E-Type ever sold. It is expected to sell for 1.2million.

Its first owner was Frank Raymond Wilton 'Lofty' England, Jaguar's legendary racing team manager.

Lofty, a man who oversaw five Le Mans victories, allocated the earliest E-Types to their first owners and chose one for himself.

A spokesperson for Gooding & Company said: 'The car, famously registered as 1600 RW, was the very first production E-Type to be sold. Lofty drove 850004 as his personal car and loaned it on several occasions for press coverage and publicity events.

'It appeared in numerous articles in 1961 and became a familiar sight in racing paddocks.'

The car enthusiast is also parting with his 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 3.8-litre Roadster, chassis 850004 - the first production E-Type ever sold

Its first owner was Frank Raymond Wilton 'Lofty' England, Jaguar's legendary racing team manager

The owner said: 'It has been a privilege to own them and I hope they continue to give as much pleasure to the new owners as they have to me and my family over the last 20 years'

Legendary Formula 1 champion Graham Hill was photographed sitting on the car in April 1961 wearing his laurels after taking first place at a race meeting.

The Jaguar E-Type made its racing debut that day and Hill won the Oulton Park Trophy, watched by 45,000 race-goers at the Cheshire circuit.

The owner said: 'Driving an E-Type is always good fun but to be able to own two incredibly important cars just amplifies that pleasure.

'Over three decades I built up arguably one of the best Jaguar collections in the world.

'It has been a privilege to own them and I hope they continue to give as much pleasure to the new owners as they have to me and my family over the last 20 years.'

Gooding & Company auctioneer Charlie Ross said: 'Enzo Ferrari has been quoted as saying the Jaguar E-type is 'the most beautiful car in the world'.

'This pair started the obsession and the auction really does afford an opportunity for someone to purchase two of the UK's automotive Crown Jewels.'

The Gooding & Co London sale takes place on September 1.
The voters who will make the first decision in the 2024 Republican nomination battle say Donald Trump's policies on everything from abortion and immigration to gender ideology are 'about right,' according to a new poll for DailyMail.com.

It shows the difficulty his opponents will face on Wednesday, when they gather for the first debate of the race and try to claw back the absent frontrunner.

Only 13 percent think Trump is 'too liberal' on abortion; nine percent think he is too liberal on immigration; and just six percent think he is too soft on Social Security.

It means rivals like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis or Sen. Tim Scott have little room to outflank him on the right, even on issues where Trump takes a non-traditional line for a conservative.

And it might explain why DeSantis has struggled to find traction with a campaign that has emphasized a war on woke.

J.L. Partners surveyed 600 likely Republican caucus-goers in Iowa from August 2 to 7. The results carry a margin of error of +/- four percent

Former President Donald Trump said he will not take part in Wednesday's debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. That leaves the other candidates to work out how to rein in his lead

'Wednesday's debate attendees will have Trump in their sights  whether he is there or not,' said James Johnson, cofounder of J.L. Partners who carried out the poll.

'One line of attack we know candidates are angling for is to attack the former president from the right on issues like abortion, trans, or social security. But Trump has a defensive wall from the voters.

His firm surveyed 600 likely Republican caucus-goers in Iowa from August 2 to 7.

The state is crucial to candidates' chances, and can make or break a campaign. It will be the first to choose a preferred candidate when Republicans gather or 'caucus' on January 15.

'Overwhelmingly, Republican voters feel that Trump has the right approach to these issues  with only very small numbers saying he is either too liberal or too conservative on them,' said Johnson.

'Whether they come from left or right, punches from the other candidates on Trumps policy positions are unlikely to land.'

The results show a majority believe Trump's positions are about right on five key issues.

His weakest area is 'gender ideology.' Some 16 percent believe he is too liberal.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (left) and Sen. Tim Scott will hope Wednesday's debate will help them take clear second place, positioning them as the best bet to beat Trump

J.L. Partners surveyed 600 likely Republican caucus-goers in Iowa from August 2to 7. The results carry a margin of error of +/- four percent

But on Social Security, only six percent thought Trump was too liberal. It suggests it is the likes of DeSantis, adopting the traditional conservative position on trimming entitlements as part of a package of spending cuts, who is more vulnerable.

The results illustrate how Trump has managed to capture so much of the Republican base.

And on an issue such as abortion, it suggests his strategy of tacking to the left while talking up his conservative credential is working.

He frequently reminds voters that he is responsible for appointing the three conservative Supreme Court justices who provided the pivotal votes for overturning Roe v Wade, ending the constitutional right to abortion.

But at the same time he has tried to avoid the issue during the Republican primary and has suggested Florida's new six-week abortion ban was 'too harsh.'

Polls for DailyMail.com suggest that has helped him to an extraordinary lead among Republican women in crucial early states. In New Hampshire he has a 26-point lead over DeSantis with women, compared to nine points among men.

He spelled out the approach in a Fox News town hall event, when he said ideological purity was less important than winning elections.

Former Vice President Mike Pence has gone on the attack over Trump's reluctance to support a federal abortion ban, however analysts say he has struggled to gain traction

Polling data from three states show that Donald Trump has a far bigger lead among women in a head-to-head contest with Ron DeSantis than he does among men

'I happen to be of the Ronald Reagan school in terms of exemptions, where you have the life of the mother, rape and incest,' he told host Sean Hannity.

'For me, that's something that works very well and for probably 80, 85 percent, because don't forget, we do have to win elections.'

Former Vice President Mike Pence has already signposted that during the debate he plans to hit Trump for not backing a federal abortion ban.

But the issues are only part of the problem for Trump's challengers, according to Larry Jacobs, director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota.

He said Trump's rejection of the political status quo and the Washington establishment was at the core of his appeal.

'That's a really tough, tough candidate for someone like DeSantis or some of the others to dent,' he said.

At the same time, he seemed to be in step with supporters in the main areas of policy such as abortion.

'You would think that's an issue Trump is going to struggle with. Mike Pence has tried to gain on that and it hasn't worked,' he said.

'Trump has been careful with his language despite despite, you know, sometimes, what seems like wild rhetoric. He shows a real facility with blunting areas where he might be out of step with Republicans.'
A Delaware prosecutor who worked in the office that is now prosecuting Hunter Biden sent messages to a secret email address that Hunter's father Joe had set up for himself, laptop records show.

Alexander Mackler, 40, is a Biden family friend and worked as a prosecutor in the Delaware US Attorneys office from August 2016 through May 2019  when the offices probe into Hunters shady overseas dealings was already underway.

Congress is demanding records from the Biden administration on Joes use of personal email addresses to conduct government business, after communications on Hunters laptop show the president used at least four aliases, with fake names including Robert L Peters and Robin Ware.

One of the emails shows Mackler wrote to Joe at the address robinware456@gmail.com.

Mackler, now Deputy Delaware Attorney General, worked as campaign manager for Joes late son Beau Biden in his successful 2010 bid for the states AG. In July 2015, a month after Beaus death, Mackler wrote a heartfelt condolence email to the Biden family, including to one of Joes secret addresses.

Alexander Mackler knew that Joe Biden used the email address robinware456@gmail.com. He sent the then-Vice President condolences after the death of his older son Beau

The Biden family united in grief at Beau's funeral in June 2015 when Joe leaned in to kiss his widow Hallie  who would later become Hunter's lover. Mackler sent an email to several members of the family

Beau Biden, a captain in the Army Judge Advocate General's Corps, was also Delaware's Attorney General. His father visited him in Baghdad on July 4, 2009

Hunter named his young son after his brother Beau. They attended the July 4 firework display at the White House with Joe and First Lady Jill Biden

Prosecutor Alexander Mackler used Joe Biden's secret email address Robinware356@gmail.com in a note expressing his condolences at Beau's death which he also sent to other members of the Biden family

He addressed the July 7 2015 email to the entire inimitable, expansive Biden clan, including Hunter, sister Ashley, Beaus widow and later Hunters lover Hallie, Joes wife Jill, sister Valerie Owens, niece Missy and other family members  as well as one of Joes secret addresses.

Losing Beau has been particularly difficult because no one believed in me like he did, Mackler wrote. Beau made me a better son, husband, brother, and now father. He set me free.

He signed off the email: See you, love you.

The email shows Macklers deeply close connection with the Biden family, which has raised concerns about the impartiality of his former workplace, the Delaware US Attorneys Office currently investigating Hunter for alleged tax felonies and potential foreign lobbying and money laundering crimes.

Republicans have attacked the office for offering a 'sweetheart deal' to Hunter. That deal fell through when a judge questioned it. The man in charge, David Weiss, has now been appointed a special prosecutor with powers to charge Hunter anywhere in the country.

One of the lead Delaware prosecutors in Hunters case, Leslie Wolf, worked closely with Mackler, even appearing as co-prosecutor in a criminal case in 2017 and 2018.

Mackler was one of a handful of prosecutors at the office when the case against Hunter was opened there in January 2019, a date provided by IRS whistleblowers in Congressional testimony about the probe of the presidents son.

He remained in the office through May that year. The Delaware office has declined to comment on what involvement, if any, he had in the Hunter investigation.

Last week Republican House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer wrote to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requesting unredacted copies of all Joes vice presidential communications using pseudonyms, including Robert Peters, Robin Ware, and JRB Ware.

One worrying May 2016 email referenced in Comers letter and previously reported by DailyMail.com shows White House staffers sent Joes schedule, including a call with then-Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko, to Joes secret email Robert L. Peters.

Hunter sent a message to one of Joe's email addresses pressing the case forJohn McGrail to get a job in the Treasury's legal department

Staffer John Flynn used Biden's other address Robert.L.Peters@pci.gov to send a message about meeting then-Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko. He also copied Hunter in on that email

Hunter also sent a message to the Robin Ware email pushing for John McGrail to get a job in the legal department of the Treasury

The staffer, John Flynn, also inexplicably copied Hunter, who was working for allegedly corrupt Ukrainian gas firm Burisma at the time, on the email.

White House staffers copied Hunter on a total of 10 emails to Joes alias addresses, records from his laptop show.

Joe and Hunter appeared to use the then-VPs secret email to discuss government business in another incident in June 2014.

Hunter used his Rosemont Seneca consultancy email address to write to his father on June 23, 2014 about the employment of then-deputy White House counsel John McGrail.

Before you fill position pls talk to me  J. McGrail very much wants to serve as detail fr treasury, Hunter wrote.

Re Johnny call me right away Dad, Joe wrote back from the email robinware456@gmail.com.

McGrail was promoted to VPs counsel the following year, then got his desired move to the Treasury as Senior Counsel in January 2017. He is currently Counselor to the Under Secretary for Domestic Finance at the department, according to his LinkedIn account.

Senators Chuck Grassley and Ron Johnson have been asking for unredacted records from NARA regarding Joes alias emails since 2021.

Republican Senators Ron Johnson and Chuck Grassley along with Rep. James Comer have been putting pressure on the National Archives to release Joe Biden's emails linked to addresses with pseudonyms

Anthony Blinken, then Biden's National Security Advisor also used the Robin Ware email to send a message to his boss about a talk Beau gave in Kyiv in 2012

Blinken wrote to Biden to say journalist Richard Ben Cramer had talked about Joe Biden's leadership right up to the moment of his death in 2013

In their letters they cited the Presidential Records Act which requires POTUS to provide copies of all communications involving government business, whether on personal email addresses or not, to the National Archives.

Comer has now also joined the push. In his August 17 letter to NARA, he pointed out that the emails challenge Joes previous claim that while VP he had an absolute wall between the personal and private, and the government.

Evidence reveals that access was wide open for his familys influence peddling, Comer said in a statement last week.

We already have evidence of then-Vice President Biden speaking, dining, and having coffee with his sons foreign business associates. We also know that Hunter Biden and his associates were informed of then-Vice President Bidens official government duties in countries where they had a financial interest.

The National Archives must provide these unredacted records to further our investigation into the Biden familys corruption.

Other emails show Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote to Joe using his alias addresses while acting as National Security Advisor to then-VP Joe.

Blinken forwarded a March 26 2012 email from Ukraine ambassador John Tefft to Joes Robin Ware address, describing a speech given by Beau to Ukrainian members of parliament in Kyiv on the topic of corruption.
A single mum who ordered her teenage son to drown his little brother in the bathtub to 'cleanse him of the devil' has learned her fate in court.

Salimah Elizabeth Ainsworth, 41, was sentenced in Perth District Court on Tuesday but avoided jail time after she pleaded guilty over the incident at her home in Kambalda West in Western Australia's Goldfields region.

Despite disturbing details of the September 2021 incident being laid bare in court, her lawyer successfully pleaded for a non-custodial sentence, citing mental illness and the mother-of-three's long-term battle with bipolar disorder.

The court heard Ainsworth had woken her 14-year-old son to ask him to wash his three-year-old brother in the bath.

'She said, "he is not my child, he is the devil's child",' prosecutor Laura Hamilton told the court.

A court has heard how Salimah Elizabeth Ainsworth tried to drown her three-year-old son in the bathtub to 'cleanse him of the devil'

The court heard that after her son Ainsworth filled up the bathtub she pushed the toddler under the water, hitting his head in the process, WA Today reported.

READ MORE: Letter written by MP on trial for child sexual abuse read out in court Former WA Nationals MP James Hayward has pleaded not guilty to four charges relating to the alleged abuse of an eight-year-old girl spanning two years. Advertisement

She held the toddler by the head and arm underwater preventing him from breathing for 10 seconds, the prosecutor said, adding that the toddler's eyes were rolling in the back of his head when he finally returned to the surface.

The court heard Ainsworth ordered her teenage son to take his brother to his father's house 200m away.

The dad was not at home and when the boys returned, Ainsworth would not let in the toddler back inside.

'Get out, I don't want you, you're the devil child, you can go to your Dad's house,' the prosecutor said Ainsworth told the boy.

The three-year-old was left locked outside naked for hours before concerned neighbours heard the boy's harrowing screams and called police.

The boy was rushed to Kalgoorlie Emergency Department and has since made a full recovery, the publication reported.

The court heard that Ainsworth later told the police she didn't know what she had done and had no memory of the incident as she was having a psychotic episode.

Her defence lawyer David McKenzie told the court his client was prescribed antidepressants six weeks before the incident.

'It's an example of how unwell people can become and what they can do while they're unwell,' Mr McKenzie said.

'Your honour might consider this is not something that is not Ms Ainsworth's fault.'

Salimah Elizabeth Ainsworth has since expressed genuine remorse over the incident

The court held Ainsworth held the toddler by the head and arm underwater and that he brifley stopped breathing as a result (stock image)

Judge Troy Sweeney said she had to sentence Ainsworth despite her 'significantly less moral culpability' due to mental illness.

But after acknowledging Ainsworth's genuine remorse and Judge Sweeney agreed imprisonment would not necessary,

Ainsworth was sentenced to a two-year intensive supervision order. She must continue engaging with mental health professionals and medication as part of the strict conditions.

The court also heard Ainsworth was keen to re-engage with her youngest son through supervised visits.
Samsung C&T Executive Vice President Kim Myung-suk introduces the building developer's in-fill system during a press conference at Raemian Gallery in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Samsung C&T



Building developer to enable easier redesigns in its residential spaces



By Park Jae-hyuk



Samsung C&T unveiled its new construction technologies, Wednesday, to allow more diversity when building Korean apartments, so that residents can live in spaces that satisfy various needs.



"After visiting our model houses, most foreigners gave favorable comments about our quality, but they were also very surprised at the fact that all households should live in the same shape of spaces," Samsung C&T Executive Vice President Kim Myung-suk told the press. "It was regrettable that Korean homeowners avoid redesigning their living spaces, due to concerns over the devaluation of their houses."



In response to growing demands for the evolution of apartments amid the changing lifestyles, the builder of Raemian apartments developed technologies that can enable residents to redesign their living spaces more easily.



Through the "next rahmen" structure, the company has been able to remove walls and pillars from the inside of residential spaces. It is also developing the "in-fill" system to fill living spaces with modular floors, walls and furniture, all of which are movable.



"Pod-type bathrooms will also be made in our factory so that they can be installed in the place where each resident wants it," Kim said.



With these technologies, Samsung C&T plans to participate more aggressively in projects to build new apartments in Seoul.



Although the new methods could be less profitable due to current apartment height restrictions, Samsung C&T expects authorities to ease regulations, because the next rahmen structures will also reduce noise between floors.



"After finishing the development by the end of this year, we will conduct performance tests next year," Kim said.





Samsung C&T Vice President Cho Hye-jung introduces the Homeniq lifestyle platform during a press conference at Raemian Gallery in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Samsung C&T
Elon Musk has been accused of holding 'the Ukrainians and the U.S. government at gunpoint,' with his ability to switch off internet services on the Ukrainian front line at will.

The world's richest man began providing free access to his Starlink internet terminals in the early days of the Russian invasion, in February 2022, and his generosity has been vital in allowing Ukrainians to communicate, and coordinate resistance.

But, at the end of last year, his enthusiasm began to wane, and he became increasingly concerned about taking sides.

Ultimately, the Pentagon paid Musk to keep the connection going, but journalist Ronan Farrow, in a profile of Musk for this week's New Yorker, spoke to Ukrainian and U.S. officials who were deeply uneasy about the power Musk held over the course of the war.

Farrow on Tuesday told CNN that there had been 'a standoff over internet access in Ukraine.'

Ronan Farrow on Tuesday told CNN that Elon Musk had 'the Ukrainians and the U.S. government at gunpoint'

'It appears he was talking to Vladimir Putin - he was telling multiple people that at the time, although he has since tried to deny that,' said Farrow.

'And then he was curtailing access specifically in areas that Russia was contesting.

'At the end of that one of the things that happened was the Pentagon did pay up.

'We're going to make a deal in place to make sure this doesn't shut off entirely.'

But Farrow said Ukrainians who had so praised Musk in the first year of the war were now worried about the whims of their mercurial benefactor.

Musk, in October 2022, was already complaining about the cost of providing the internet service. The world's richest man has yet to respond to Farrow's latest claims.

'The hell with it  even though Starlink is still losing money & other companies are getting billions of taxpayer $, we'll just keep funding Ukraine govt for free,' Musk wrote.

A Ukrainian soldier of the 61st Separate Mechanized Brigade uses the Starlink system in June this year in the Chernihiv region

Local residents use a Starlink terminal, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region, on January 31

A Ukrainian soldier gestures as he stands next to the Starlink connection in October in Kherson

'People on the ground in Ukraine, on the front lines, remained spooked,' said Farrow.

'We bought his services, apparently at a very generous rate.

'This is a situation where, metaphorically, he had the Ukrainians and the U.S. government at gunpoint.

'And to this day they do fear that he is going to curtail service more.'

Farrow said Musk's meetings with Putin raised eyebrows.

'There is nothing wrong with those kind of warm relationships between a private individual and significant government leadership, even in the context of a military contractor relationship,' he said.

'But this is something more, and different.'

He pointed out that the United States was now in the unprecedented position of relying on a private individual for NASA's space transport, and for completing its self-prescribed transition to electric vehicles.

Farrow called it 'a new extreme, and political, power.'

Defense officials were 'panicked' by the prospect of the internet service being switched off and Colin Kahl, then the Under-Secretary of Defense for Policy at the Pentagon, discussed the issue with Musk in October 2022.

A senior defense official told the New Yorker that several conversations took place with US staff, and Musk revealed: 'Well, I had this great conversation with Putin.'

Elon Musk told senior Pentagon officials during a call about the war in Ukraine that he had a 'great conversation with Putin', it is claimed

Reports that Musk had spoken with Putin about the war first surfaced last October, and the Tesla owner has denied the claim

The report said Musk 'had said that his consultations with the Kremlin were regular'.

The report did not include further information about what Musk and the Russian president discussed.

Reports that Musk had spoken with Putin about the war first surfaced last October, and the Tesla owner has denied the claim.

The official who spoke to the New Yorker said the view in US defense circles about the alleged conversation was: 'Oh dear, this is not good.'

Kahl said that 'even though Musk is not technically a diplomat or statesman, I felt it was important to treat him as such, given the influence he had on this issue'.

As Musk grew uneasy about funding Starlink in Ukraine, he also argued publicly with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky about possible diplomatic solutions, which could be found to the war.

Musk had tweeted that a deal could be reached that allowed Russia to maintain control of the Crimean Peninsula, which it occupied in 2014.

Colin Kahl, then the Under-Secretary of Defense for Policy at the Pentagon, spoke with Elon Musk last October amid fears in the Pentagon that Musk might switch off the Starlink service in Ukraine

As Musk grew uneasy about funding Starlink in Ukraine, he also argued publicly with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky about possible diplomatic solutions which could be found to the war

Zelensky responded with a sarcastic Twitter poll which asked: 'Which Elon Musk do you like more?': 'One who supports Ukraine' or 'One who supports Russia.'

Ultimately, SpaceX continued to provide Starlink services and in June, the Pentagon said it had reached a deal to fund the service.

Musk had claimed it would cost Starlink $400 million per year to continue its funding for the service.

Kahl added: 'My inference was that he was getting nervous that Starlink's involvement was increasingly seen in Russia as enabling the Ukrainian war effort, and was looking for a way to placate Russian concerns.'

Musk said in October 2022 that he'd spoken to Putin 'only once and that was about 18 months ago. The subject matter was space.'

Ukraine has reportedly been forced to abort several planned drone strikes on Russian targets after Elon Musk refused to grant access to the Starlink satellite network for offensive military maneuvers.

Kyiv had recently planned to remote-pilot a drone to deliver an explosive strike on a Russian navy ship at a Black Sea base in occupied Crimea.

But Musk denied the Ukrainian military the use of his Starlink network - whose services he offered to Kyiv earlier in the war - forcing army chiefs to stand down the attack, according to a report by the New York Times.

In the wake of the aborted strike, Ukraine army chief Valery Zaluzhnyi reportedly sought contact with U.S. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, alleging that Musk had the ability to dictate his military's capabilities to attack key Russian targets.

Zaluzhnyi said it was 'concerning' that Musk had scuppered several planned attacks.

The billionaire, who has offered his network of satellites to support Ukraine's wartime communications in the months following Russia's February 2022 invasion, has maintained from the outset that his technology is meant 'for peaceful use only.'

SpaceX CEO Musk, 52, has reportedly denied the Ukrainian military the use of his Starlink network on several occasions, scuppering planned attacks on Russian targets, according to a report by the New York Times

A handout photo made available by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service shows Valeriy Zaluzhnyi (C), Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, attending an event on the occasion of the Day of Ukrainian Statehood held on Mykhailivska Square in downtown Kyiv, Ukraine, 28 July 2023

Musk, whose offered his network of satellites to support Ukraine's wartime communications for free in 2022, has maintained from the outset that his technology is meant 'for peaceful use only'

Musk's Starlink satellites have provided essential comm support for Ukraine's military since Russia invaded

The latest controversy over Starlink's use for offensive military maneuvers comes after Gwynne Shotwell, the President of SpaceX, in February formally announced the company was limiting Ukraine's use of Starlink for military purposes.

Shotwell stated the service could be used for typical communications and humanitarian efforts, such as connecting families and hospitals.

The service had enabled Ukrainians to benefit from uninterrupted, independent and secure internet access amid Russia's consolidated missile attacks caused significant damage to Ukraine's communications infrastructure.

In many cases, Starlink satellites became the only means of communication for the Ukrainian armed forces on the frontlines.

Starlink's terms of service document clearly states: 'Starlink is not designed or intended for use with or in offensive or defensive weaponry or other comparable end-uses.'

But Ukraine's military had harnessed the technology to pilot drones carrying anti-tank grenades, destroying Russian tanks and army trucks.

In recent months, Kyiv has pioneered the use of naval 'kamikaze' drones - unmanned vessels laden with explosives that are driven toward Russian warships and detonated upon impact.

It has also used seafaring drones to destroy or damage infrastructure controlled by Moscow, most notably a stretch of the Kerch bridge that connects occupied Crimea to mainland Russia.
Former President Bill Clinton and former senator, Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton were a little distant as they went on a hike in the Hamptons just after Bill's 77th birthday.

The New York destination is about 115 miles east of the Clintons usual Empire State haven in Chappaqua.

Hillary wore a kaftan style top, denim jeans and walking sneakers as they went on their walk on Sunday.

Husband Bill, who celebrated his birthday two days earlier, wore a navy T-shirt, navy shorts and comfy sneakers for their walk.

While Bill has largely been out of the spotlight in recent months, Hillary was seen as recently as last week, having been booked on MSNBC the night of former President Trump's most recent indictment in Georgia.

Former President Bill Clinton and former senator, secretary of state and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton were a little distant as they went on a hike in the Hamptons just after Bill's 77th birthday

Hillary wore a kaftan style top, denim jeans and walking sneakers as they went on their walk

Clinton appeared on MSNBC alongside Rachel Maddow when news broke that the Fulton County District Attorney's Office had handed down another lengthy set of charges against him and some of his compatriots for their actions pertaining to the 2020 election.

Though the former Secretary of State appeared visibly giddy at the news, she went on to say it was a moment of 'profound sadness that we have a former president who has been indicted for so many charges that went right to the heart of whether or not our democracy would survive.

'He set out to defraud the United States of America and the citizens of our nation,' she said.

Clinton added she would 'wait to see what the indictments themselves say,' but 'I don't know that anybody should be satisfied. This is a terrible moment for our country to have a former president accused of these terribly important crimes.

'The only satisfaction may be that the system is working,' she said.

Clinton and Trump famously sparred in 2016, with Trump winning the election and serving four years in the White House.

The two politicians' love story stretches back to their days as students at Yale Law in the early 1970s.

However, the pair's very public romance has been marred by several well-known and embarrassing challenges, such as the sex scandal that erupted over his 18-month affair with White House intern Lewinsky, then 22, that led to his 1997 impeachment.

While Bill has largely been out of the spotlight in recent months, Hillary was seen as recently as last week, having been booked on MSNBC the night of former President Donald Trump's most recent indictment

Husband Bill, who turned 77 two days earlier, wore a navy t-shirt, navy shorts and comfy sneakers for their walk even though he kept a distance from Hillary

The Clintons have been married since 1975, though their marriage has been plagued by scandal and Bill's affairs

Clinton had an affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky from 1995-1997. She was aged 22 to 25 at the time of the affair, he aged 48 to 51.

Lying about the clandestine romance famously led to his political demise - the House impeached Clinton in 1998.

'I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Ms. Lewinsky,' Clinton claimed in a televised speech in 1998.

Clinton had an affair with Lewinsky from 1995-1997

'I never told anybody to lie, not a single time; never. These allegations are false. And I need to go back to work for the American people,' Clinton said in a Jan. 26 address, flanked by his wife.

At the time, Hillary called the affair rumors a 'vast right-wing conspiracy.'

'The great story here for anybody willing to find it and write about it and explain it is this - that has been conspiring against my husband since the day he announced for president,' the then-first lady said of the allegations.

Clinton finally admitted in taped grand jury testimony on August 17, 1998, that he had engaged in an 'improper physical relationship' with Lewinsky. That night he offered a nationally televised statement admitting that his relationship with Lewinsky was 'not appropriate.'

Lewinsky said she had sexual encounters with Clinton nine times over the course of two years.

The scandal led to Bill being impeached in 1998. But he survived the trial in the Senate and remained in office during his second term.

Several women have also come forward to claim they were either sexually assaulted by or engaged in extramarital affairs with Clinton over the course of his political career and nearly five-decade marriage.

Clinton has since denied any and all allegations against him.
Ukrainian spies are reportedly behind a string of drone attacks inside Russia that have seen five of Putin's jets blown up within just three days.

The Ministry of Defence claimed last night that the attacks in Russia have come from within its own territory, while Ukraine media insisted the attacks had been carried out by saboteurs.

The Government pointed to the destruction of a Tupolev Tu-22 supersonic bomber on Saturday night, at the the Soltsy-2 air base south of St Petersburg.

The military port is some 400 miles away from Ukraine's border making it 'unlikely' that the drone attack was launched within Vlodymyr Zelenskys country.

'The Russian Defence Ministry said that a copter-style uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) was responsible for the attack,' the MoD told the Telegraph.

'If true, this adds weight to the assessment that some UAV attacks against Russian military targets are being launched from inside Russian territory. Copter UAVs are unlikely to have the range to reach Soltsky-2 from outside Russia.'

Ukrainian spies are reportedly behind a string of drone attacks inside Russia that have seen five of Putin's jets blown up within just three days

Pictured: A Russian warplane burns on the Soltsy air base in the Novgorod region in northwestern Russia

The Government pointed to the destruction of a Tupolev Tu-22 supersonic bomber on Saturday night, at the the Soltsy-2 air base south of St Petersburg

The attacks on Russian airfields on Saturday and Monday destroyed two Russian bombers and damaged two other aircraft, according to Ukrainska Pravda, as the war approaches its 18-month milestone.

Ukrainian media also attributed Monday's strike against the Shaikovka air base in the south-western Kaluga region which is about 180 miles north-east of the Ukrainian border.

Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman Andriy Yusov told the Ukrainian LIGA.net news outlet on Monday that at least one Russian warplane was damaged in the attack on Shaikovka.

He said it was carried out by people who worked in close coordination with Ukrainian military intelligence but gave no further details.

The Russian Defence Ministry said the attack on Soltsy damaged one aircraft. It did not comment on the reported attack on Shaikovka, but Russian media did.

Ukraine has been seeking to take the war into the heart of Russia since earlier this year.

It has increasingly targeted Moscow's military assets behind the front lines in eastern and southern Ukraine and at the same time has launched drones against Moscow, most recently early on Tuesday.

Kyiv is also trying to keep up the pressure on the Kremlin along multiple fronts, pursuing a counter-offensive at various points along the 900-mile front line, as well as diplomatically by obtaining pledges of more weaponry from its Western allies, including F-16 warplanes.

Tupolev Tu-22M bombers sit on the apron of the Soltsy air base in the Novgorod region of northwestern Russia on August 16

But the apron of the Soltsy air base in the Novgorod region of northwestern Russia sits empty on August 21 following recent drone strikes

Ukraine's deputy defense minister Hanna Malyar said on Tuesday that the Ukrainian military have entered the south-eastern village of Robotyne in the frontline Zaporizhzhia region and were coming under continuous shelling by Russian forces.

READ MORE: Russia in flight chaos as Ukrainian drone attack forces ALL Moscow airports to close - with Putin's top propagandist's home close to one strike Video footage captured across the city appeared to show a trail of air defence missiles and a drone exploding Advertisement

Some previous Ukrainian attacks on Russian air bases involved Soviet-designed drones powered by turbojet engines. They have a range of up to 600 miles.

But the strikes in recent days apparently used primitive small drones, which would corroborate the possibility that they were launched by saboteurs.

Also on Monday, a Russian pensioner walking in a forest about 370 miles north of the Ukrainian border came across the remains of a drone painted in the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag.

Pictures shared on Russian social media channels show that the drone had 'Glory to Ukraine' inscribed on a broken wing and 'Glory to the heroes' written on the other wing, the Russian telegram channel Baza said on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, a recent spate of drone attacks apparently targeting Moscow continued early on Tuesday but were thwarted by Russian air defence systems, Russia's Ministry of Defence said.

However, falling wreckage of one drone shattered an apartment building's windows and damaged vehicles in Moscow's western suburbs.

There were no reports of injuries in the latest drone attacks that Russia blamed on Kyiv.

Though the drone attacks on Russian soil have occurred almost daily in recent weeks, they have caused little damage and there have been no casualties.

Flights at several Moscow airports were temporarily suspended on Tuesday as a security precaution amid the attacks, authorities said.

Two other drones were jammed and crashed in the western Bryansk region bordering Ukraine, the defence ministry said.

Ukraine has not acknowledged responsibility for the attempted drone strikes, nor have senior Russian leaders made any comment about the development.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to speak via video-link at a meeting this week in Johannesburg of leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

He is under threat of arrest if he travels abroad due to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant and will not attend the so-called Brics talks in person.
Former President Donald Trump's top surrogates are proclaiming that the GOP primary is over and mocking the lineup at Wednesday's Republican primary debate in Milwaukee.

Trump ally Kari Lake, who talked to DailyMail.com outside the debate site, the Fiserv Forum, on Tuesday, referred to the debate as a 'little league game.'

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who had just gotten off the phone with Trump before talking to DailyMail.com, confessed that she told the ex-president that she had never heard of some of his rivals for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

'I was telling him I was shocked,' she said. 'I saw a graphic with their pictures and names and I felt kind of bad. There's some of them I've never heard of. I don't know who they are.'

The Trump-aligned MAGA PAC launched a website - VPDebate2024.com - ahead of Wednesday's debate asking supporters to choose Trump's vice president from the eight candidates that will appear onstage.

Trump supporters hold signs as they demonstrate outside the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin the day before the first Republican primary debate there on Wednesday. Surrogates for the ex-President say the primary election is over before it begins

Trump surrogate Kari Lake told DailyMail.com outside the debate site in Milwaukee on Tuesday that the debate is just a 'little league game'

The Republican presidential candidates who qualified for the first GOP debate are Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former Vice President Mike Pence, former Amb. Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

Trump is skipping the debate, which is being put on by the Republican National Committee and Fox News Channel, the latter of which Trump has been feuding with.

The ex-resident leads DeSantis by 41 points in the RealClearPolitics polling average.

Both Lake and Greene pointed to those numbers and determined that Trump was unstoppable.

'This isn't a race guys, the primary's over,' Lake said. 'He's already the nominee. He's so far ahead, no one can catch up with him.'

Trump surrogates say the primary election is already over as the MAGA super PAC launched a website for supporters to vote for the best 'vice president' from Wednesday's debate stage

Greene, speaking to DailyMail.com in the lobby of a downtown Milwaukee hotel, echoed the sentiment.

'I've been saying it from the beginning. It's over. It's pointless. It's a waste of donors' money. It's just - everybody needs to just get behind President Trump. It's over,' she said.

The Georgia lawmaker said she had just gotten off the phone with her 'favorite president.'

'He's in a great mood, he's just so funny, he always cracks me up,' she said. 'But we were talking about his poll numbers. And so he is winning this primary with almost 68 percent, depends on the day right? It changes a little bit. And then there's like 12 people in this race. So this thing is over.'

Instead of attending the debate, Trump has pre-taped an interview with former Fox News Channel host Tucker Carlson, which will air online at the same time Wednesday night.

Lake applauded that move, claiming that Fox News 'has already made it known that ... they're for anybody but Trump.'

'So why should should President Trump go on Fox News, give them ratings and know that the moderators are against him when he has the opportunity to sit down with Tucker Carlson,' Lake said.

'Whereas it's not six people polling at zero or three percent trying to bring down Trump and you get the moderators fighting him and then giving ratings to Fox. It's just crazy,' she said.

Technically eight candidates will be on the debate stage - and they had to be polling at at least 1 percent support in three national polls or 1 percent in two national polls and two polls from an early contest state.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who had just gotten off the phone with Trump before talking to DailyMail.com, said she had never heard of some of his rivals for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination

After skipping Wednesday's debate, Trump's expected to head to Atlanta Thursday to be booked on the Fulton County election interference charges.

Lake suggested that any candidate's breakout moment on the debate stage would be quickly forgotten about thanks to Trump.

'I think Thursday morning he's turning himself in on these bogus charges,' she said.

'I don't think a lot of people Thursday morning are going to be talking about what happens here at this little league game,' she continued.

'I think they're going to be talking about the ridiculous way our government's been weaponized against - that Joe Biden has weaponized his allies and our government against his leading opponent in the most egregious case of election interference that our country's ever seen,' Lake added.
A group of four young eshays held a machete to a teenager's neck as they beat him at a busy Melbourne train station.

The brazen attack unfolded on a train platform at St Albans station, in Melbourne's west, during the afternoon rush at 3.45pm on Tuesday.

School children could be heard screaming while dozens of commuters fled for safety.

The attack was filmed by witnesses and captured by several security cameras.

Footage shows the four attackers chasing down the teenager in a grey tracksuit before cornering him behind a large pole.

A group of four young thugs used a machete to threaten a teenager at St Albans station in west Melbourne on Tuesday (pictured, the group beating the victim, centre)

One of the youths then raised a machete to the victim's throat before the group began punching and kicking him, all while he yelled 'sorry' and 'please'.

It's understood some of the other attackers were also carrying weapons.

Victoria Police responded to the attack, but the victim has not come forward.

Anyone with more information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Les Twentyman, a social worker of more than 30 years, said machetes need to be banned from Melbourne as they've become the weapon of choice among violent youth offenders.

'It's not on, just ban those bloody machetes. They've got no use in places like Victoria,' he told 7News.

Upon seeing footage of the attack, Mr Twentyman said: 'Absolute cowards.

'You're going to do real jail time.'

The group held the machete to the victim's neck (above) while witnesses, including children, screamed and fled the scene

St Albans and nearby stations have seen several recent attacks, some of which turned deadly.

In June this year, 14-year-old Ethan Hoac died after he was allegedly stabbed while walking home from Ginifer station, one stop from St Albans on the Sunbury line.

In May, 16-year-old Pasawm Lyhm was allegedly stabbed to death by a group of youth offenders near Sunshine station, three stops from St Albans.
House Republicans will probe the 'collusion and conspiracy' between Special Counsel Jack Smith and the state prosecutors targeting Donald Trump, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview.

The Republican from Georgia, a close ally of Trump, said she was talking with House Oversight Chairman James Comer, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and Speaker Kevin McCarthy about launching the fresh investigation when lawmakers return to Capitol Hill in September.

'Look at the real collusion and conspiracy that's happening between the Department of Justice and the state DAs, because basically, they are abusing the law and abusing the justice systems, not only on the federal level but in the state,' she said.

'I want to know how much coordination is happening between them and it's all in an effort to target President Trump. And it's completely unfair and it's a weaponization of our government, all for politics.'

She called the arraignments against Trump made by the Justice Department, the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Fulton County DA Fani Willis 'in kind campaign contributions' to President Joe Biden.

'So is it like are we going to have to cut is it an in kind donation because basically, that's what this should be considered.'

House Republicans will probe the 'collusion and conspiracy' between Special Counsel Jack Smith and the state prosecutors targeting Donald Trump, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview

Greene spoke to DailyMail.com in Milkwaukee, where she will attend the Republican primary debate on Wednesday night as a surrogate for Donald Trump, who is skipping the event.

She was on the phone with the former president when the reporters for DailyMail.com arrived at a hotel in downtown Milwaukee for the interview.

'He's in a great mood. He's just so funny. He always cracks me up. So we always chat about, you know, random, normal life things. He's always great about asking about my family and my kids, of course, my mom and everybody,' she said.

She also said the two also discussed his poll numbers - Trump is leading all his rivals for the GOP nomination by double digits.

The two also talked about Thursday when Trump will turn himself in at the Fulton County jailhouse in Atlanta to be arraigned on charges related to attempts to intefere with Georgia's 2020 election results.

She said she was telling the former president about a meeting she had during August recess with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. She said she learned a 'child is sold for sex 7,200 times on average. Our state is horrible.'

Georgia is a transportation hub in the South due to Atlanta's large international airport and the I-75 and I-85 cooridors.

'I was saying, President Trump, I can't believe that this woman who's the Fulton County DA Fulton County's where the city of Atlanta is where a lot of this child sex trafficking happens. That should be her focus,' Greene said.

Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, is leading the prosecution in the state. In New York, Braggs has charged Trump in relation to a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Smith, the special counsel, has charged Trump in two federal trials: one related to classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago and the second tied to attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.

The timing of the trials is expected to overlap dates on the Republican presidential primary calendar.

Trump has said he is not guilty on all charges and claims he is the victim of a 'witch hunt' and the weaponization of the federal government.

Rep. Greene charged Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith (above) with working with state district attorneys to target Donald Trump

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (left) is investigating Trump for election interference in Georgia; Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs (right) is investigating Trump for a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels

Republicans, who control the House of Representatives, have been aiding Trump's argument with their probes of the investigations against him. They hold subpoena power in the House and could haul prosecutors before their panels.

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan is examining ways to force Smith to testify before Congress. His panel has asked the Justice Department for a slew of documents related to their Trump investigations.

Trump's allies in Congress also have launched probes of Biden's eldest son Hunter Biden, his business dealings and if the president profited from them. President Biden said he has never been involved in his son's business deals.

Congress is currently on its August recess but returns to Capitol Hill after Labor Day.
The terrifying moment a car ploughed through the front yard of a house before a resident rushed out to angrily confront the driver has been caught on camera.

The incident happened when the driver came in from the corner of Hotham Crescent at Hoppers Crossing, in Melbourne's western suburbs on Friday, August 18.

Video footage of the vehicle shows the man losing control of the car while turning, with the vehicle skidding dangerously on the street.

A driver ploughed through the fence of a home at Hoppers Crossing, west of Melbourne, before copping a tirade from the resident

The light-coloured Holden Commodore then crashes into the front yard of the home, demolishing part of the fence.

After landing on the patch of lawn, the driver then quickly begins to reverse the vehicle.

Moments later, a woman races out of the house to confront the man as he continues to back out of the front yard.

'F*****g d**k what are you doing?!' the woman screams at the driver.

The tyres of the car can be heard screeching as the man struggles to reverse it out of the yard.

He then knocks over another part of the fence before driving off down the street.

The furious woman can be seen further verbally lashing the driver with inaudible obscenities, as the vehicle leaves behind a thick plume of smoke.

The toxic smoke forces the woman to cover her mouth with her hands as she is seen squatting near the destroyed fence as the driver speeds off.

After ploughing through the front yard, the man then reversed the car - knocking over another part of the fence - and took off down the street without acknowledging the angry resident

Residents from homes nearby are seen rushing towards the woman with one heard yelling out 'are you alright?'.

The woman posted footage of the incident to the Dash Cam Owners Australia Facebook page.

'Footage from our doorbell. Car lost it and ploughed through the fence. Missed the house thankfully,' the woman wrote.

'Driver had no intention of stopping, and was actively fleeing, while both he and his passenger hid their faces and avoided eye contact with me, even before my tirade.'

Victoria Police told Daily Mail Australia no one was injured during the crash, but they are hunting the alleged driver of the vehicle.

'Police are investigating a crash in Hoppers Crossing on Friday, 18 August,' a spokesperson from Victoria Police said

'Police are investigating a crash in Hoppers Crossing on Friday, 18 August,' a spokesperson from Victoria Police said.

'It is understood a car crashed into a fence at a property on Hotham Crescent about 11.55am.

'Investigators were told the male driver fled the scene'.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has footage of the crash has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A message sent on a Chinese messaging app played a crucial role in the armed rescue of an alleged kidnapping victim.

Six people were arrested after the man, who was allegedly being held by armed men, used the WeChat app to tell a friend where he was and asked her to get help.

Armed crime squad detectives found the Chinese man, 19, in a Melbourne city centre apartment after the friend went to the police.

The arrested men, who are all Chinese, also allegedly made demands to try to extort $200,000 from the 19-year-old.

The police were contacted on August 16 by a 21-year-old woman, who is also Chinese, after she found out a male friend was allegedly being held hostage.

Six people have been arrested after an alleged kidnapping victim used a Chinese messaging app to tell a friend where he was. A Victorian police officer is pictured

The teenager told his friend through the WeChat app (stock pictured) he was being held held by armed men in a CBD apartment

The police went to the apartment at about 1.20am on August 17 and freed the man without incident.

Warrants were subsequently executed at properties in the city centre and Docklands, and three men were arrested.

Two men, aged 23 and 22, were later charged with false imprisonment, attempted armed robbery, common law assault, unlawful assault, extortion and blackmail.

They faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on August 18 and were bailed to appear again on November 9.

A 21-year-old male was released pending further enquiries.

On Tuesday, August 22, Victorian detectives arrested three more people in relation to the incident.

The men, aged 23, 25 and 27, were arrested in Docklands and subsequently interviewed.

They were later released pending further enquiries and the investigation remains ongoing.

All of the arrests took place in Melbourne's CBD (pictured) and the Docklands area

Earlier this year Victoria Police published information about scams where Mandarin-speaking Chinese students have predominantly been targeted.

These scams often involve fake information being provided to victims in order to extort money from them.

Victims are often threatened by people falsely claiming to be Chinese government officials or police, and asking for large sums of money to be transferred in order to prevent the victim being charged or deported.

Information about the scam along with crime prevention information is accessible on the Victoria Police website and is also available in Mandarin.
A devastated family whose twin babies were attacked by the UK's most prolific child serial killer Lucy Letby accused the Countess of Chester hospital of 'fobbing them off' after they pleaded for answers, it was reported last night.

The parents, whose newborn son was killed and his twin poisoned, claimed that they tried to meet the hospital's medical director Ian Harvey but that their calls went unanswered.

The boys' mother told Letby's sentencing hearing how they were trapped in a 'living nightmare' after their son's murder in August 2015, while the poisoning of his twin brother had left him with severe learning difficulties.

Letby was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six more last week, before being sentenced to a whole life order on Monday, meaning she will never be released from prison.

It comes as families of Letby's victims prepare for possible legal action against the NHS which could see a 50million damages bill for the health service.

Letby was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six more last week

The twins' parents felt 'fobbed off' by Ian Harvey, medical director at the Countess of Chester Hospital

The twins' parents are among growing calls for the independent inquiry commissioned by the government to be upgraded to a formal statutory inquiry.

The mother of the twins interrupted Letby attacking one of her sons and found him with a bleeding mouth. He died later that night.

Richard Scorer, a solicitor at law firm Slater and Gordon which is representing the family, called the episode 'shameful'.

He added the case of Lucy Letby should be investigated by a statutory inquiry with power to compel witnesses to testify and produce relevant documents.

Other bereaved families have joined the call, claiming anything but a full, legally-binding inquiry would be 'sub-standard'.

Mr Harvey told the Guardian: 'Having read the heart-rending victim impact statements, I know how desperate the parents are for answers and I will help them as best I can at the public inquiry.

'I'm sorry they felt fobbed off. I wanted to give detailed and accurate answers, but this was difficult while the reviews and investigations were taking place. Once the police were involved, we were advised by them not to say or do anything that might jeopardise their investigation.'

Mr Harvey retired to the south of France in 2018 with a reported 1.8million pension packet.

Seven senior medics repeatedly tried to alert managers at the Countess of Chester Hospital (pictured) to the neonatal nurse's murder spree

Alison Kelly was the director of nursing and quality and had been on a salary of 130,000 at the time Letby went on her killing spree

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Letby reacting to the final questions from her barrister Ben Myers

In a statement after the verdicts on Friday, Mr Harvey said he would cooperate with any inquiry.

NHS managers accused of neglecting to act on repeated warnings that Letby was a threat to newborns now face the possibility of losing their pensions if convicted of criminal negligence or corporate manslaughter if evidence of wrongdoing emerges.

This would be completely separate from any damages claims launched on behalf of the families who fell victim to the killer.

Most of the victims' families have taken on legal representation from Irwin Mitchell, a London law firm, or Switalskis, a Yorkshire firm.

Linda Millband, head of medical negligence group actions at Thompsons' Solicitors, told The Times: 'The civil claim would be against the hospital for negligently allowing someone to kill their child. The fatalities of children are so badly compensated in this country. The statutory bereavement allowance is about 15,000. It's absolutely shocking.'

She explained that for children who have been left disabled as a result of an attack, the claim could be much larger: 'That would be similar to a cerebral palsy claim, so they can be up to 20million, and certainly not less than 5million. Something like learning difficulties would be 1million up because they need lifelong care.'

The 'bereavement damages' set out in the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 set a cap at 15,120, plus funeral costs and damages for psychological injuries.

Specialist medical negligence lawyer representing some of the families for Scala Tamlin Bolton told MailOnline: 'For the families we represent, the judgment and sentencing of Lucy Letby for her crimes will be a vindication of what they already suspected, and a devastating confirmation of the reality of what's happened.

NHS managers accused of neglecting to act on repeated warnings that Letby was a threat to newborns now face the possibility of losing their pensions if convicted of criminal negligence or corporate manslaughter

'The fact that Letby refused to attend her sentencing hearing is the final insult. By not facing the consequences of her actions, it speaks of her complete disregard for not only for the damage she's caused, but also to our judicial system.

WHAT WAS LETBY CONVICTED OF? Count 1 - Murder of Baby A on June 8, 2015 - GUILTY Count 2 - Attempted murder of Baby B between the June 8, 2015 and June 11, 2015 - GUILTY Count 3 - Murder of Baby C on June 14, 2015 - GUILTY Count 4 - Murder of Baby D on June 22, 2015 - GUILTY Count 5 - Murder of Baby E on August 4, 2015 - GUILTY Count 6 - Attempted murder of Baby F on August 5, 2015 - GUILTY Count 7 - Attempted murder of Baby G on September 7, 2015 - GUILTY Count 8 - Attempted murder of Baby G on September 21, 2015 - GUILTY Count 9 - Attempted murder of Baby G on September 21, 2015 - NOT GUILTY Count 10 - Attempted murder of Baby H on September 26, 2015 - NOT GUILTY Count 12 - Murder of Baby I on October 23, 2015 - GUILTY Count 15 - Attempted murder of Baby L on April 9, 2016 - GUILTY Count 16 - Attempted murder of Baby M on April 9, 2016 - GUILTY Count 17 - Attempted murder of Baby N on June 3, 2016 - GUILTY Count 20 - Murder of Baby O on June 23, 2016 - GUILTY Count 21 - Murder of Baby P on June 24, 2016 - GUILTY Advertisement

'These verdicts don't deliver answers to the further questions people have about what happened at The Countess of Chester NHS Hospital Trust, and we're looking to support our families, and others who may be affected by the ongoing investigation through the inquiry and through any private civil claims they wish to bring.'

It comes as it was last night revealed hospital consultants first raised concerns with hospital management about Letby's connection to the sudden deaths of newborns two years before she was arrested.

Dr Stephen Brearey was one of seven senior medics who repeatedly tried to alert managers at the Countess of Chester Hospital to the neonatal nurse's murder spree.

At least two babies died and more were harmed because executives refused to listen or believe a member of staff was to blame, it has emerged.

Dr Brearey said a regulatory body was needed to stop the revolving door of NHS executives moving between hospital trusts.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Doctors and nurses have regulatory bodies they have to answer to.

'Quite often we'll see senior managers who have no apparent accountability for what they do in our trusts, and they move to other trusts, and you worry about their future actions.

'There doesn't seem to be any system to make them accountable and for them to justify their actions in a systematic way.'

Dr Brearey said consultants who complained or raised concerns to managers were seen as a 'problem.'

Chief nurse at the hospital at the time Letby was attacking babies, Alison Kelly, has since been suspended from her new job as director of nursing at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Trust located in the Manchester area.

An NHS England spokesman told The Telegraph: 'We welcome the independent inquiry announced by the Department of Health and Social Care into the events at the Countess of Chester and will cooperate fully to help ensure all lessons are learned.

'In light of information that has emerged during the trial of Lucy Letby, and the announcement of the independent inquiry, the Northern Care Alliance has suspended Alison Kelly.'

Letby, 33, will spend the rest of her life in jail after she was convicted of the murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of six more during her shifts on the Countess of Chester Hospital's neonatal unit between 2015 and 2016.

It is understood she will spend the rest of her life in near isolation, being kept in a segregated area within a maximum jail for her own protection.

Prison officers will accompany her at all times to protect her against fellow inmates who may want to harm her.

At first the killer - who refused to leave her cell during her sentencing hearing on Monday rather than face the bereaved relatives whose lives she destroyed - will be kept in the prison's hospital wing to assess her mental and physical health before then being moved to a cell of her own. She will also be on24-hour suicide watch.
The death of Barack Obama's personal chef while paddleboarding in Martha's Vineyard has been ruled an accident, a state official has said.

Tafari Campbell, 45, visited the resort island in late July and was on Edgartown Great Pond near the former president's summer home.

He was seen going under the water, sparking a two-day search for his body.

Timothy McGuirk, from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, said on Tuesday the cause of death was drowning and an accident.

But the update has left numerous unanswered questions, not least surrounding the identity of the female paddleboarder who was with him and the identity of the 911 caller from the Obamas' home and what they said.

McGuirk also said that Massachusetts does not release autopsy results to the public - the accident ruling was all that was released by the authorities on Tuesday night.

The death of former U.S. President Barack Obama's personal chef Tafari Campbell (center) while paddleboarding in the Massachusetts resort community of Martha's Vineyard has been ruled as an accident

Tafari Campbell had been a sous chef at the White House and came to work for the family after Obama completed his second term in 2017

The Obama residence is seen at Martha's Vineyard. Tafari Campbell, 45, visited the resort island in late July and was paddleboarding near the Obamas' summer home

Campbell had been a sous chef at the White House and came to work for the family after Obama completed his second term in 2017.

Campbell had visited Martha's Vineyard several times, playing golf on several occasions at the nearby Farm Neck Golf Club.

Witnesses first told cops at the time that a man - later identified as Campbell - went underwater and then briefly reappeared as he struggled to stay afloat, before submerging again around 7.46pm.

The witness - who was not identified - was paddleboarding on Edgartown Great Pond with Campbell.

A massive joint-agency search was launched when a 911 call was made from the Obamas' Martha's Vineyard home on Turkeyland Cove Road.

The dispatch call said: 'Edgartown Fire and Water rescue personnel, Turkeyland Cove Road. For a 40-year-old male, possible drowning.'

In the aftermath of the call, Chief Alex Schaeffer of the Edgartown Fire Department told the Vineyard Gazette, island police and firefighters conducted door-to-door searches. Firefighters also searched the pond's shoreline on foot.

Campbell worked while the Obama's were in the White House from 2009-2017

Campbell (seen a video produced by the White House) became a 'beloved member' of the Obama household

Campbell is seen in the background of an interview the Today Show's Savannah Guthrie conducted with the former president at the White House

Following the news of Campbell's untimely passing, his wife Sherise shared this photo to Instagram noting she was 'heartbroken'

The chef would frequent the Edgartown Meat and Fish Market in Martha's Vineyard. He is pictured here with his family

The search efforts resumed two days later for the chef, who was last seen wearing all black without a lifejacket.

His paddle board and hat were recovered Sunday - and his body was found later in the eight-foot-deep waters approximately 100ft away from shore.

In a statement following his death, the Obamas said Campbell was one of the top chefs in the White House kitchen: 'Tafari was a beloved part of our family.

'When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House  creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together. In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter.'

'That's why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed. He's been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that he's gone.'

The update from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security has left numerous questions unanswered.

Authorities have routinely rejected requests for even basic facts, including the identity of the sole witness and the 911 caller.

The state cited a Public Records Law exemption that allowed police to withhold any information that could jeopardize an active investigation.

Pictured: Edgartown Great Pond. The scene of the desperate search for Campbell was launched after a paddleboarder went missing in the water off Martha's Vineyard on Sunday

The recovery mission was just yards away from former President Obama's Massachusetts seven-bedroom home - a 6,892-square-foot mansion right near the water (pictured)

But the head of the region's First Amendment coalition told DailyMail.com cops were abusing that law, given they've ruled out foul play.

'The burden is on law enforcement to show how their investigation may be jeopardized by releasing certain information,' said Justin Silverman, executive director of the New England First Amendment Coalition.

'And they're not doing that right now. This really flies in the face of Public Records Law.'

State police officials also made sure other agencies involved in the response followed their lead.

Sources who participated in the initial multi-jurisdictional effort told DailyMail.com that state police armed departments with rejection letters to send to the media.

The Dukes County Sheriff's Office, which fielded the 911 call, sent DailyMail.com a cut-and-paste message when asked for information about the call.

'Hello. At this time, we will not be releasing any recordings or materials,' the message read, and cited the state Public Records Law, noting it exempts the release of records that 'would probably so prejudice the possibility of effective law enforcement that such disclosure would not be in the public interest.'

'The exemption allows investigative officials to withhold materials that could compromise investigative efforts if disclosed,' the letter adds.

The supervisor of communications for the sheriff's office refused to budge when pressed by DailyMail.com.

'Sorry, I'm trying to abide by the law,' Maj. Susan Schofield said. 'Obviously, we're getting a lot of requests and we don't like to not give out information, but we can't.'

A view of Obama's house from Turkeyland Cove where Campbell worked as the Obama's personal chef

Another public safety officer involved in the initial investigation told DailyMail.com that, 'State police sent out those templates for us to use too.

'It's driving me absolutely nuts because it's making it seem like there's something going on, when there's not,' the source said.

'As far as I know, some poor guy went out on a paddle board, and he wasn't a great swimmer and he drowned.

'I know the optics of this look like it could be a lot more than that,' the source continued. 'I see what makes this a story. I know this has the recipe for a conspiracy.

'But from what I have seen, there's no drama to this. If you guys just had everything, you'd see there's really nothing to this and move on. Instead, you're left with what appears like a mystery.'

Conspiracy theorists have been happy to exploit the vacuum on social media.

The AP devoted an article to shooting down some of the baseless claims circulating, including a popular Instagram video asserting that Campbell was writing a tell-all book on the Obamas when he was 'found with head trauma in 3 to 4 feet of water on the Obama estate.'

The video claims that nobody called 911 for hours until Campbell washed up on shore and that 'Obama's own personal coroner' was flown from Washington, D.C. to perform the autopsy, the AP reported.

The AP pointed out that there's no indication the former White House sous chef was writing a book.

The state medical examiner's office did the autopsy, finding no trauma to the body or any other evidence the death was suspicious, police added.

The search for the missing paddleboarder took place near Barack Obama's estate. The former president bought the mansion, pictured here, in 2019

A helicopter, part of the search mission, is seen flying over the area last month

Earlier this month, sharing a photo of himself and the former first lady with Campbell on Instagram earlier this month, the former president wrote: 'Tafari Campbell showed us what true character looks like.

'He believed that actions speak louder than words. And he used his immense gifts to bring people together, provide comfort, and spread joy. I'll miss him every day.'

Michelle shared a similar snap of herself posing with Campbell and Obama in the White House, and wrote: 'I will miss my friend, Tafari...the emptiness is hard.

'But I promise to stay strong, keep living, and honor your legacy in every way possible. Rest in peace, my brother.'

Campbell's family told the South Florida Sun Sentinel in 2009 he had always shown an interest in cooking.

He graduated from a culinary school in Virginia, and had briefly owned his own restaurant before applying for a job at the White House.

The sous chef was eventually hired under the George W. Bush administration, and was one of just four White House cooks asked to stay on under Obama.

During the Obama presidency, Campbell became known for brewing White House honey ale beer, using honey from Michell Obama's South Lawn garden.

'I immediately thought of the African Americans who brewed beer for Washington and Jefferson, and was pleased to see the historical arc played out through the suds,' historian Adrian Miller writes of Campbell in his book The President's Kitchen Cabinet: The Story of the African Americans Who Have Fed Our First Families, from the Washingtons to the Obamas.
Park Yeong-su, right, head of Safety & Environment Division at LG Innotek, poses with Seo Kun-ki, head of the Renewable Business Division at SK E&S, after signing a power purchase agreement at the latter's headquarters in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of LG Innotek



By Baek Byung-yeul



LG Innotek signed a deal to receive 10 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy per year for the next 20 years from SK E&S, driving the LG affiliate toward its RE100 initiative goal of converting 100 percent of the electricity that it uses into renewable energy by 2030, the company said Wednesday.



The company said that it signed a direct power purchase agreement (PPA) with SK E&S on Tuesday. A direct PPA is a contract between a power supplier and a company for the direct sale of renewable energy, enabling the energy buyer to stably procure renewable energy without rate changes for up to 20 years, LG Innotek said, adding that this contract will contribute to its carbon neutrality efforts.



The renewable energy supplied through the agreement will be supplied to LG Innotek's production site in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, starting this December, and the company plans to gradually increase the number of sites to be supplied by next year.



With this contract, LG Innotek will be able to accelerate the implementation of its strategy to achieve RE100 by 2030, the company said. RE100 is a global initiative that pledges to convert 100 percent of the electricity used by a company into renewable energy.



LG Innotek achieved a renewable energy conversion rate of 22 percent by 2022, the company added.



"As of 2022, around 90 percent of LG Innotek's greenhouse gas emissions were from the use of electricity," a company spokesperson said. "This agreement is expected to reduce 6,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, equivalent to planting 900,000 new pine trees."



Under its RE100 roadmap, LG Innotek plans to further secure a stable renewable energy supply chain by purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs).



"This PPA with SK E&S is significant as we move into an important stage in our roadmap to achieve RE100 by 2030," Park Yeong-su, head of Safety & Environment Division at LG Innotek, said.


The deputy chair of the Russian security council Dmitry Medvedev said Moscow may annex Georgia's breakaway regions South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

The former president claims the idea of rejoining is popular in the ex-Soviet republic, which shares a border with Russia.

Georgia lost control of South Ossetia and Abkhazia after the collapse of the Soviet Union, with Moscow later recognising their independence.

It comes as tensions run high between the two nations, as Georgia is alongside Ukraine in seeking to become a NATO member.

in an article published early on Wednesday by Argumenty I Fakty newspaper Medvedev blasted: 'The idea of joining Russia is still popular in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.'

Former president claims the idea of rejoining is popular in the ex-Soviet republic, which shares a border with Russia

It comes as tensions run high between the two nations, as Georgia is alongside Ukraine in seeking to become a NATO member

Moscow recognised the breakaway regions' independence in 2008, following Georgia's attempt to regain control of South Ossetia by force that led to a Russian counter-attack. Pictured: An abandoned Georgian military truck and a Georgian APC are pictured as a Russian rocket fire hits a convoy of departing Georgian troops, 2008

Medvedev's article marked the 15th anniversary of the independence recognition. Pictured: Russian soldiers are seen atop a military vehicle outside Gori, Georgia, 2008

Although Russian relations with Georgia have improved since then, Medvedev accused the West of creating tensions. Pictured: Georgians gather for a peace rally held in Republic Square on September 1, 2008

Casting himself as one of Russia's most hawkish political voices since its forces invaded Ukraine, he continued: 'It could quite possibly be implemented if there are good reasons for that.'

Referring to a possible annexation, he added: 'We will not wait if our concerns become closer to reality.'

Moscow recognised the breakaway regions' independence in 2008, following Georgia's attempt to regain control of South Ossetia by force that led to a Russian counter-attack.

The article marked the 15th anniversary of the independence recognition.

Although Russian relations with Georgia have improved since then, Medvedev accused the West of creating tensions around the country by discussing its possible admission by NATO.

Some countries that fell under the Warsaw pact - such as Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic and Slovakia) - are now members of the intergovernmental military alliance.

Other NATO members now include Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, which directly border Russia. Ukraine is also seeking to join.

Georgian officials have repeatedly said they are committed to joining the U.S.-led military alliance that would preserve the territorial integrity of the country.

Russia declared the annexations four provinces of Ukraine in September last year, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, but none of the annexations are recognised internationally.
Pakistan breathed a sigh of relief last night after all the children who were trapped in a broken down cable car suspended 1,200ft in the air were brought to safety, marking the end of an intense 16-hour rescue operation.

The gondola had been carrying six youngsters and two adults, thought to be teachers, to their school in the remote mountainous region of Battagram, 120 miles north of Islamabad, when one of the cables snapped at around 7am yesterday.

It sparked a frantic helicopter mission lasting much of the day, seeing the students, aged between 11 and 15, and their companions pulled out one by one.

As darkness fell, four of the six children had been rescued but there were fears the remaining two would be left stranded overnight, as high winds and the lack of light led to the air rescue being called off.

But the determined team continued to work throughout the night, using a makeshift chairlift and zip line experts to retrieve the final pupils.

Heartwarming footage has shown two of the youngsters being zip lined with experts onto the steep side of the mountain, where they were met with cheers and applause from a huge crowd of people.

Young boys who had been caught up in the terrifying ordeal were later seen receiving oxygen and first aid from medical teams, before being comforted by other locals.

Youngsters who had been stranded in the broken cable car are surrounded by villagers following their rescue

A youngster is helped by villagers after being rescued from a dangling cable car

This is the moment the final children who had been stranded in a broken down cable car were zip lined to safety

The youngsters, thought to be the final children rescued from the cart, were met with cheers and applause from an anxiously-waiting crowd

All six children and the two adults on board the broken cable car have now been rescued

The cable car snapped leaving eight people dangling 1,200ft above the river canyon in Battagram, around 120 miles north of Islamabad

Residents from the area around 120 miles north of Islamabad waved at the two boys, while others filmed them being pulled in on the rope and cried 'God is great'.

The rescued children were quickly handed over to the safety of their families, most of whom burst into tears, according to Nazi Ahmed, a senior police officer who helped coordinate the rescue mission. 'Everyone was praying for this moment,' he added.

The eyes of the world had been watching the fraught situation unfold. Local police officer Sonia Shamroz told the Telegraph that air pressure created by the rescue helicopter had threatened to unbalance the chairlift.

This triggered panic for those inside the rickety cable car - with one child fainting - making the mission more complex.

Ahead of the successful rescue, local government official Tanveer-ul-Rehman called the effor a 'delicate operation that demands meticulous accuracy'.

He added: 'The helicopter can not approach the chairlift closely, as its downwash (air pressure) might snap the sole chain supporting it.'

Others standing anxiously near the ravine were praying for the children's safety, hearing their screams every time the helicopter approached and made it rock back and forth.

'Our situation is precarious, for god's sake do something,' Gulfaraz, a 20-year-old on the cable car, told local television channel Geo News over the phone, appealing to authorities to rescue them as soon as possible. 'People in our area are standing here crying.'

This is the incredible moment military commandoes rescue school children stranded in a broken-down cable car dangling 1,200ft above a deep valley in Pakistan

'Every time the helicopter lowered the rescuer closer to the chairlift, the wind from the helicopter would shake and disbalance the chairlift making the children scream in fear,' Ghulamullah, chairman of the Allai valley area, told Geo News.

Food and water were supplied to the car earlier in the day, said Bilal Faizi, a spokesperson for the state-run emergency service.

Headmaster Ali Asghar Khan told AFP by phone that the children were teenage boys and students at his government high school Battangi Pashto.

'The school is located in a mountainous area and there are no safe crossings, so it's common to use the chairlift,' Khan said.

'The parents are gathered at the site of the chairlift. What can they do? They are waiting for the rescue officials to get their children out. We are all worried.'

Abid Ur Rehman, a teacher from another school in the area, said around 500 people had gathered to watch the rescue mission.

'Parents and women are crying for the safety of their children,' he told AFP.

Earlier footage had shown the cable car perilously dangling over the deep valley, while another video showed the tense moment a rescuer suspended from a helicopter was lowered to the car dangling by a single cable. Strapped in the harness, the child was carried to the ground.

Food and water were supplied to the car earlier in the day, said Bilal Faizi, a spokesperson for the state-run emergency service.

Local residents said community members from surrounding areas who had experience rescuing people this way had also arrived.

Several military helicopters flew reconnaissance sorties and an airman was lowered by harness to deliver food, water and medicine

. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar said on X: 'Relieved to know that Alhamdolillah all the kids have been successfully and safely rescued

The UK's high commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott said: 'A huge relief that all those caught up in the cable car incident in Battagram are now safely back on the ground'

'It is a slow and risky operation. One person needs to tie himself with a rope and he will go in a small chairlift and rescue them one by one,' Abdul Nasir Khan, a nearby resident, said before the rescue was completed.

Talaat Masood, a retired Pakistan army general told the BBC that using the cable car to save the trapped children would be 'a lesser challenge' than using the helicopter at night.

The rescue mission had been complicated due to gusty winds in the area and the fact the helicopters' rotor blades risk further destabilising the lift, he said.

An army soldier slings down from a helicopter during a rescue mission to recover the students stuck in the cable car

Following the incident, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar issued a directive for all cable cars in mountainous areas to be inspected and for those that are not 'safety compliant' to be immediately closed

The cable car appeared to be tipping on its side after the wire of the vehicle snapped

The gondola broke down at around 7:00 am local time, with residents using mosque loudspeakers to alert neighbourhood officials across the Allai valley.

Syed Hammad Haider, a senior Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial official, said the gondola was hanging 1,200 feet above the ground

Cable cars that carry passengers and sometimes cars are common across the northern areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and Gilgit-Baltistan, and are vital in connecting villages and towns in areas where roads cannot be built.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has since issued a directive for all cable cars in mountainous areas to be inspected and for those that are not 'safety compliant' to be immediately closed.

The rescue effort transfixed the country, with Pakistanis crowded around television sets, as local media showed footage of an emergency worker dangling from a helicopter cable close to the small cabin, with those onboard cramped together.

Following the success, Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar said on X, formally known as Twitter: 'Relieved to know that Alhamdolillah all the kids have been successfully and safely rescued.

'Great team work by the military, rescue departments, district administration as well as the local people.'

The UK's high commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott said: 'A huge relief that all those caught up in the cable car incident in Battagram are now safely back on the ground.

'Thank you to all those who worked tirelessly to make this happen.'

According to Pakistani TV stations, some of those who had been trapped were in contact with their families by mobile phone.

Muzaffar Khan, a district administration official in Battagram, said there were seven students and one teacher aboard, updating from the earlier reported six students and two teachers.

Cable cars that carry passengers and sometimes cars are common across the northern areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and Gilgit-Baltistan, and are vital in connecting villages and towns in areas where roads cannot be built.

In 2017, 10 people were killed when a chairlift cable broke, sending passengers plunging into a ravine in a mountain hamlet near capital Islamabad.
A massive brawl broke out in a Florida chicken restaurant after an employee accused customers of intentionally clogging the toilet with tissue.

The fight happened between a group of five women and employees at Papa Bees in Longwood, Florida, around 9pm Saturday.

A supervisor told police one woman stuffed a toilet with wads of paper and an employee ended up cleaning the bathroom. But one of the women went inside and vandalized it again.

The supervisor told the women they had to leave as it was almost closing time and they became angry before allegedly starting a fight with the workers, according to Fox 35 Orlando.

Kenisha Charles, 18, Tyesha Charles, 19, Keiyanda Charles, 24, Jasmine Cline, 26, and Jahleigha Smith, 20 were later arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, battery and criminal mischief.

A brawl broke out in a Florida restaurant after an employee accused customers of intentionally clogging the toilet with tissue

Kenisha Charles, 18, Tyesha Charles, 19, Keiyanda Charles, 24, Jasmine Cline, 26, and Jahleigha Smith, 20 were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, battery and criminal mischief

The fight happened between a group of five women and employees at Papa Bees in Longwood, Florida, around 9pm on Saturday

The group of women was blamed for vandalizing the toilet because they were the only customers inside the restaurant, an arrest report stated.

The supervisor told the women they needed to leave the store before finding out the toilet was clogged again.

It led to the group, who had already paid for their items, becoming 'irate' and they started yelling. They were asked to leave for a second time and one of the women allegedly punched the supervisor in the face.

The other women joined in and started to kick, punch and pull the worker's hair while throwing things at her, according to the authorities.

The supervisor sustained a cut behind her ear as well as bruises on her leg and arm.

Another employee jumped in to help their colleague and one of the women is said to have slapped her, got on top of her and began to throw chairs.

Other store workers eventually broke up the fight and the group of women fled. They allegedly knocked over chairs and threw salt and pepper shakers as they left.

A supervisor told police one woman stuffed a restroom with wads of toilet paper and an employee ended up cleaning the bathroom. But it was vandalized again

The supervisor told the women they had to leave as it was almost closing time and they became angry before allegedly starting a fight with the workers

The estimated value of the damage is around $20.

Kenisha, Tyesha and Keiyanda were detained along with Cline and Smith by responding police officers. They were treated by paramedics for injuries.

Surveillance from the restaurant matched the employees' statements given to police, according to an arrest report.

But the women said an employee pushed one of them in the chest and that another worker attempted to lock them inside the restaurant.

They claimed they were the victims of the incident and they were the ones who were attacked.

The five women were taken to the John E. Polk Correctional Facility by officers and deputies from both the Longwood Police Department and Seminole County Sheriff's Office.

They were all released after they each posted $1,026 bond.
The ABC's Media Watch has backed Sky News host Peta Credlin after the conservative commentator accused Facebook of censorship.

Credlin blasted the social media platform last week after her on-camera editorial about the true length of the Uluru Statement from the Heart was labelled 'false information' and blocked from the site.

Media Watch host Paul Barry called Credlin 'News Corp's political warrior' but conceded Facebook may have overstepped the mark in its criticism of her claim that the document was longer than the commonly touted single page.

'Given there is some point to what Credlin is saying we think a 'disputed' label would be more appropriate,' Barry said on Monday night's Media Watch episode.

However, Barry did not fully back Credlin's claim that the Uluru Statement was 26 pages long rather than the one page containing 440 words.

It comes as questions are raised over how fact checkers used by Facebook are funded, with Sky News revealing a secret commercial agreement between the social media giant's parent company Meta and RMIT University's 'Fact Lab'.

ABC Media Watch presenter Paul Barry (pictured) has surprising backed Sky News host Peta Credlin who claims Facebook is censoring her

Facebook said Credlin's Uluru Statement claim was 'checked by independent fact-checkers' and diverted users away from the video to the RMIT fact check.

'The Uluru Statement from the Heart is a one-page document, as confirmed by its authors,' the fact check said.

'Papers released under FOI contain the statement, but also include 25 pages of minutes of meetings held with Indigenous communities, which are not part of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.'

Despite calling the claim 'disputed', Barry essentially agreed with the fact check.

'The Uluru Statement is expressed on one page but there are many more pages of notes and background, which it must be said the Australian public are not voting on where matters like a treaty and reparations are raised,' he said.

A Credlin editorial posted by Sky News was blocked on Facebook with those wishing to see the video first sent to a 'fact check' by RMIT university

READ MORE: Peta Credlin and Sky News colleague Chris Kenny's feud heats up Advertisement

The Uluru Statement's full documentation, released under Freedom of Information (FOI) by prime ministerial advisory body, the National Indigenous Australians Agency, has 126 pages.

It records meetings leading up to the First Nations National Constitutional Convention in 2017, but the last section, labelled Document 14, sets out the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

It then continues with 25 pages describing historical and contemporary injustices to Indigenous people and sets out a 'road map' as to how these would be made right.

The section outlines the purpose of the Voice and other bodies which could be be established such as a potential 'truth commission'.

It also calls for the establishment of a Makarrata (Treaty) Commission to oversee a national treaty to be made between the Voice to Parliament and parliament itself, with regional treaties between First Nation groups and governments to follow.

Credlin (pictured with husband Brian Loughnane) insists the full Uluru Statement of the Heart is 26 pages rather than the 440 words commonly cited

'Any Voice to Parliament should be designed so that it could support and promote a treaty-making process,' the full document states.

Authors of the Uluru Statement, including Noel Pearson, Pat Anderson and Megan Davis, have rejected claims it consists of more than the single-page document.

This is despite Professor Davis saying on two previous occasions the full Statement was 'lengthy ... around 18 to 20 pages'.

Credlin's claims have led to a bitter clash with fellow Sky News host Chris Kenny.

Kenny, a strong advocate of the Voice, said claims the Statement contained steps towards a treaty between Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians as well as calls for more 'truth' telling about colonisation 'were nonsense'.

'Credlin's claim hinges on the fact that in some public service Word document or some filing, they've put another bunch of pages in the same batch of documents with the Uluru Statement,' Kenny said.

A road map from the 26-page document Credlin says is the full Uluru Statement of the Heart

However, Credlin replied that government FOI lawyers had twice confirmed to the person who made the FOI request that the 26-page addendum 'was the full Uluru Statement of the Heart'.

RMIT Fact Lab said it got a different response with the NIAA stating 'the Uluru Statement from the Heart is a one-page document'.

Responding to a query from Media Watch, Meta said the RMIT Fact Lab was 'independent', which Barry accepted.

However, Sky News has disputed how 'arm's length' the fact check unit is from Meta as it uncovered what it called a 'disturbing foreign-financed attempt to block political debate and news coverage around the Voice'.

Sky News reported on Wednesday that Meta signed a secret commercial contract with RMIT, which channels around $740,000 a year from an Irish subsidiary to the Melbourne-based university for 'fact checking'.

Credlin's fellow Sky News host Chris Kenny rejects her claim that the Uluru Statement contains more than one page of text

An example of tweets made by RMIT Fact Lab boss Russell Skelton supporting the Voice to Parliament as Sky News claimed he was critical of 'conservative viewpoints'

Reporter Jack Houghton accused the US tech giant of allowing RMIT to block journalism 'despite the platform knowing it was a breach of the rules Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg established to distance himself from fact checking responsibilities'.

'An audit of RMIT Voice fact checks showed the 17 Voice checks between May 3 and June 23 this year were all targeting anti-Voice opinions or views,' he said.

He claimed the RMIT Fact Lab boss Russell Skelton' was 'unashamedly partisan on social media, and has published dozens of tweets criticising conservative viewpoints'.

Mr Skelton's timeline on X, formerly known as Twitter, does include several posts supporting the Voice, including one on April 21 highlighting an ABC article where the Solicitor-General is quoted saying it would be an 'enhancement' to the Constitution.

On April 6, Mr Skelton posted and SBS article titled 'Noel Pearson takes aim at Peter Dutton opposition to Labor's Voice proposal'.

On April 11, Mr Skelton reposted tweets by Labor MPs Kate Charney and Bridget Archer both praising Liberal MP Juilan Leesor for resigning from the Shadow Cabinet because he supports the Voice.

Mr Skelton is married to high-profile presenter ABC Melbourne radio morning presenter Virginia Trioli who was once in charge of the national broadcaster's own fact checking operation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Wednesday he would reveal the date of the referendum to decide whether to establish a Voice to Parliament next week. It is widely expected to be held on October 14.

To pass the referendum needs a majority of Yes votes overall and also to approved in a majority of states.
In almost all the worst NHS scandals of recent years, a common and deadly thread has emerged.

The first instinct of hospital managers has been obfuscation and self-preservation. Addressing fears about patient safety has, despicably, come a poor second.

Did the same thing happen at the Countess of Chester Hospital? Even when a string of respected consultants warned that Lucy Letby might be on a baby-killing spree, bosses chastised them.

Instead of acting immediately to safeguard the infants in their care, managers sought to protect the evil nurse from 'bullying'. This catastrophic blunder allowed her to murder and harm more newborns.

If only the whistleblowers who raised the alarm about mysterious deaths or maltreatment had been heeded, instead of being ignored, silenced and hounded, many lives could have been saved.

Even when a string of respected consultants warned that Lucy Letby might be on a baby-killing spree, bosses chastised them

The problem is, too many NHS managers appear to be excessively concerned with HR bureaucracy, inclusivity and diversity agendas, and upholding their hospital's reputation, rather than what should be their top priority  patient wellbeing.

What is needed is the regulation of hospital bosses. Doctors or nurses who cause injury or death face the possibility of being struck off by the General Medical Council and never working again.

By contrast, NHS managers whose ineptitude results in commensurate damage too often waltz off into other lucrative job or retire with a golden handshake.

If these executives could be held to account, perhaps the fatal complacency that exists in some corners of the NHS would end. After the Letby horror, it must.

PM's pledge is sinking

Is this what 'stopping the boats' looks like? Eight months on from Rishi Sunak's pledge, 18,000 illegal migrants have crossed the Channel (including a record 88 crowded aboard one flimsy dinghy), to be fed and housed at vast taxpayer expense.

This is a scandal, especially since the Prime Minister has agreed to hand over nearly half a billion pounds to France to help end the deadly trafficking trade.

Mr Sunak still hopes the Supreme Court will give the Rwanda scheme a green light in the autumn, which may stop migrants risking their lives by crossing the Channel.

If he fails to keep his vow, the PM will have egg on his face. But even then, there would be two crumbs of comfort for the Tories.

Eight months on from Rishi Sunak's pledge, 18,000 illegal migrants have crossed the Channel

Everyone knows Labour has used every trick and tactic to prevent the Government's crackdown on illegal immigration.

And everyone also knows if Sir Keir Starmer's 'open borders' mob gain power, the migration crisis will only get worse.

Schools trans turmoil

It is unforgivable that a fortnight before schools reopen, head teachers still have no Government guidance on how to deal with pupils who say they are transgender.

Without an official code of practice, many heads have felt obliged to allow militant trans activists to dictate their policies. This has meant boys identifying as female being allowed to use girls' changing rooms and toilets, and parents being kept in the dark if their child tells a teacher they're trans.

Given this is such a controversial issue, with safeguarding and medical ramifications, why is guidance taking an eternity?

The crimes of Lucy Letby are so evil it could be easy to lose faith in the entire medical profession. So it's important to remember that beyond an aberrant minority, doctors and nurses use their skill and courage to perform miracles.

Today, we tell how surgeons have carried out the UK's first successful womb transplant, giving hope that women otherwise unable to give birth can experience the gift of motherhood. They are helping create life. Not, like demonic Letby, snuffing it out.
Fresh questions were raised last night about a controversial NHS clinic after it emerged that a young person with 14 mental health conditions and who cannot read or write has been approved for gender surgery.

Conservative peer Lord Goldsmith branded medics at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust 'utterly barbaric' and said they should be 'locked up' for carrying out procedures akin to 'lobotomies'.

The case of the troubled 22-year-old emerged in court papers as it was argued that 'misgendering' had contributed to the failure of their education. Known only as AI to protect their identity, the individual who is transitioning from female to male took Wandsworth Council to the High Court, through solicitors, for allegedly failing to cater for transgender young people with special educational needs.

The judgment in the case revealed that AI cannot read or write following a 'chaotic' childhood with a mother who was a 'recovering drug addict' whom he saw 'subjected to domestic violence'.

AI was looked after by his disabled grandmother, went into the care system as a teenager and had a 'long history of disrupted schooling'.

A former governor of the trust that runs the Tavistock, quit in 2019, saying it should not be 'hurrying' young people 'down the path of no return'

The judgment continued: 'He has a total of 14 diagnoses and continues to have complex needs. His difficulties have been medically described as Mild Mental Retardation, Attachment Disorder, Emotion Dysregulation, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder, dyslexia, severe anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and low self-esteem.

'In 2021, he was diagnosed with disturbance of activity and attention, minimal impairment of behaviour and reactive attachment disorder of childhood.' AI was referred to the Tavistock  whose gender clinic for young people was rated 'inadequate' by inspectors and earmarked for closure last year  aged 14 and has now been approved for body-changing surgery.

The judgment added he would need ongoing support.

Fears have been raised in recent years that vulnerable teenagers have been rushed into taking puberty-blocking drugs and undergoing irreversible surgery at the Tavistock. Lord Goldsmith wrote on social media: 'This young person has been diagnosed with 14 mental health disorders.

'The response from these ghouls is to chop up her body and fill her with hormones. How is this different to lobotomies? These professionals are utterly barbaric and need locking up.'

Pictured is a general view outside The Tavistock Centre on July 29, 2022 in London, England

Marcus Evans, a former governor of the trust that runs the Tavistock, quit in 2019, saying it should not be 'hurrying' young people 'down the path of no return'.

AI accused Wandsworth Council of breaching its duties by failing to secure him special educational provision, and failing to consider his placements may have broken down because of gender discrimination.

The judge concluded that the town hall had 'paid careful attention to AI's requirements', rejecting his claim.

But Judge Mrs Justice Foster wrote: 'The circumstances of his early life are significantly distressing and can only provoke profound sympathy.'

The Tavistock was contacted for comment.
The daughter of a South Carolina woman who vanished six years ago claimed she last saw her mom with the Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect Rex Heuermann - the day before she went missing.

Julia Ann Bean was last seen in the Red Bay Road area of Sumter, South Carolina, in a truck with an unidentified man in early June and was reported missing on November 18, 2017.

Bean's daughter said she recognized the 59-year-old architect who was arrested last month in connection to the murders of three women whose bodies were found dumped on Gilgo Beach in New York.

Commenting on a photo of Heuermann, she said: 'I have chills ... I've seen him, according to a text message obtained by The U.S. Sun. 'That was the last man I saw her with personally.'

The South Carolina Sumter County Sheriff's Office said they will be investigating the claims that Bean was with the suspected murderer, who had ties to South Carolina.

The daughter of Julia Ann Bean, a South Carolina woman who vanished in 2017 claimed she last saw her mom with Gilgo Beach killer suspect Rex Heuermann

The Sumter County Sheriff's Office will be investigating the claims that Bean was with the suspected murderer, who had ties to South Carolina

Julia Ann Bean was last seen Red Bay Road area of Sumter in a truck with a man in early June and was reported missing on November 18, 2017

'We'll be looking into it on our end,' Investigator Scott Bonner told PIX11 News on Monday.

The investigation was prompted after friends and family of Bean pleaded with officials to investigate Heuermann in connection with her disappearance.

A friend of the victim, Heidi Kovas, has been raising awareness about Bean's case ever since she disappeared six years ago.

Kovas told the U.S. Sun when she watched Heuermann's victims on the news in July, her 'jaw dropped' as she believed they shared a stark resemblance to her missing friend.

'All of them matched Julia,' Kovas said. 'Everything. The blond hair, the green eyes, the fact she was so petite.

She said that Bean's daughter also knew right away.

'She knew him right away,' Kovas said to Pix11. 'She recognized him right away. She said that was the last person she ever saw with her mom.'

In her suspicious disappearance, Bean left all personal items behind, including her keys, cell phone and wallet at home. That led her loved ones to believe she was possibly taken against her will.

'And also how she disappeared so suddenly ... she had $5,000 in the bank, she had money in her purse but she didn't take that with her. Her drugs were left on the table,' she added.

Commenting on a photo of Heuermann, Bean's daughter said: 'I have chills ... I've seen him. That was the last man I saw her with personally'

Friends and family of Bean are now pleading with police to investigate Heuermann in connection with her disappearance

Heuermann has ties to South Carolina . He owns a $154,000 plot of land in Chester, South Carolina, where he planned to retire near his brother, Craig

Land registry documents revealed that Rex Heuermann purchased $154,000 worth of land in Chester in 2021, with neighbors saying he had planned to create a 'compound' with his brother who lives on the property

'She just left her home. It seems as if someone had called her and said, 'Hey, I'm outside,' and she just never came back,' she said to The Sun.

Bean went missing the night before her daughter was set to graduate high school.

The two had plans to get a manicure but when Bean arrived at the salon, she was in a truck with a man, who her daughter now believes to be Heuermann, according to The Sun.

She recalls him introducing himself with another name and driving a Chevrolet Avalanche, which is the car named in Heuermann's case.

'I have her 3 tickets [to my graduation] just in case she lost one and I gave him 2 so he could bring her,' Bean's daughter wrote in a text obtained by the Sun.

'He told me he has lake houses and big boats if I ever wanted to have a boat party. He offered to take me to a concert and told me he wanted to marry my mom.' she added.

'I never saw her again after that night.'

Kovas told the Sun that she is positive Heuermann is her missing friend's killer.

'When I first started calling them five days ago it was a gut feeling. And then when [Bean's daughter] told me what she told me it was no longer a gut feeling,' she recounted to the Sun.

'I truly believe Rex Heuermann did something to my friend and he knows it. I know it. And hopefully, now Sumter County can no longer deny it.'

Heuermann has ties to South Carolina. He owns a $154,000 plot of land in Chester, South Carolina, where he planned to retire near his brother, Craig.

Neighbors told Fox News that Heuermann's brother, Craig, often spoke about him and his plans to buy more property in the area.

Kovas told the U.S. Sun that when she watched Heuermann's victims on the news in July, her 'jaw dropped' as she believed they shared a stark resemblance to her missing friend

Aaliyah Bell Hall was 18 when she vanished in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on November 25, 2014 In July, South Carolina cops reviewed the decade-old missing teen case to see whether the Gilgo Beach suspect may have been involved

'He told me when I first moved down here that his brother owns that lot across the road, and that his brother's going to retire down here, and when he does, everybody's leaving,' the neighbor said.

His plan was to 'buy everything up', the neighbor added. Chester is small rural city, around 50 miles southwest of Charlotte.

In July, South Carolina cops reviewed a decade-old missing teen case to see whether the Gilgo Beach suspect - who has 18-acre tract of undeveloped land in the area  may have been involved.

Aaliyah Bell Hall was 18 when she vanished in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on November 25, 2014.

Cops in Rock Hill, just 20 miles from where Heuermann bought a wild 18-acre plot of land confirmed they are looking anew at the case of Aaliyah Bell Hall who went missing in 2014.

The news has brought new hope of closure for Aaliyah's family, who have had to live without knowing what happened to the pretty 18-year-old, who vanished after leaving her uncle's house nine years ago.

'We've had a lot of false leads, a lot of people who said they saw things, but nothing has been solid,' her aunt Laroy Hall told DailyMail.com in July.

'I can understand why they would want to look into it, because a lot of what is being brought up now was said at the time. People saw a dark truck close to where she vanished.'

Heuermann, 59, was arrested last month in connection to the murders of Melissa Barthelemy (top left), Megan Waterman (bottom left) and Amber Lynn Costello (top right), all of whom disappeared in 2009 and 2010. He is also considered the prime suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, who vanished in 2007

Rex Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to the charges of three murders in Gilgo Beach

Heuermann, 59, was arrested last month in connection to the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Lynn Costello, all of whom disappeared in 2009 and 2010.

He is also considered the prime suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, who vanished in 2007.

Heuermann last appeared in court on August 1, appearing disheveled and as though he had lost weight as he stood before the judge in Riverhead, Long Island.

The courtroom was packed with media and the families of some of the women he is accused of killing.

He was dressed smartly in a black blazer, blue shirt and cream khakis, and looked down at his hands for most of the hearing.

The judge banned the release of four, two terabyte hard-drives of evidence which have been handed to attorneys and investigators, but which will not become public.

Heuermann is expected to return to court in September.
Activists are putting stickers over Sadiq Khan's Ulez cameras, which have sprung up all over London to catch the drivers of vehicles that don't meet strict emissions limits.

The black cameras have been covered with stickers bearing the words 'FCUK Khan' in protest against the London Mayor's draconian expansion of the capital's ultra-low emission zone.

In addition, posters put up on poles point up at the technology with the words 'Spy camera'.

Other posters have been left on cars warning drivers of the charges being imposed on non-compliant vehicles.

It comes as plans to potentially block the ultra-low emission zone expansion coming into force across the whole of London next week have been shelved.

*How will ULEZ affect your journeys around London? Email rory.tingle@mailonline.co.uk

Posters put up on poles point up at the technology with the words 'spy camera' in protest of the London mayor's draconian expansion of ultra low emission zones

The black cameras have been covered with stickers bearing the words 'FCUK Khan'

The expansion is due to come into place next week, with drivers of the most polluting vehicles billed 12.50 a day for coming within a new Ulez boundary around London.

Cabinet ministers are said to have been exploring using a little-known legal power allowing them to overrule Mr Khan's plans where they are inconsistent with national policies.

But Government lawyers have apparently said the challenge would fail in the courts, The Telegraph reported.

It means the controversial rollout of the Ulez expansion across the whole of London will go ahead as planned next Tuesday.

The little-known legal clause in the 1999 Greater London Authority Act states that a transport secretary can effectively block a decision by the London Mayor if it is 'inconsistent with national properties relating to transport' and if this would be 'detrimental' to anywhere outside Greater London.

But given the UK's own policies on improving air pollution and cutting carbon emissions, lawyers have warned the Government that the move would most likely be quashed in court if challenged.

A Downing Street source said: 'We have and continue to look at options, but they are limited. The people who could stop this tomorrow are the Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan and Sir Keir Starmer.'

Posters have also been left on cars warning drivers of the charges coming to non-compliant vehicles in the expanded scheme

Some cameras have been covered by stickers that say 'Ulez spy'

Transport for London (TfL) said yesterday that motorists who drive non-compliant vehicles across the expanded Ulez network may initially get warning letters instead of a penalty charge.

Meanwhile, a YouGov poll of 1,000 Londoners shows Mr Khan has a popularity rating of minus 12 across the city, with 52 per cent of respondents viewing him unfavourably, compared with 40 per cent favourably.

Yet in outer boroughs, his net rating plunged to minus 24.

It is the latest indication of suburban Londoners rejecting the mayor's Ulez expansion, which is due to take place on August 29, following Labour's disastrous failure to win the Uxbridge by-election from the Tories in West London last month.

The result caused party leader Sir Keir Starmer to ask Mr Khan to 'reflect' on the controversial policy.

But figures from Transport for London say that just one in ten cars will be affected by the expansion.

Nevertheless, some desperate motorists have taken to vandalising new Ulez cameras to save some cash.

And Londoners now fear they could soon be subject to other new charges around the city.

Cabinet ministers are said to have been exploring using a little-known legal power that could allow them to overrule London mayor Sadiq Khan's plans

It emerged this week that a 2-5 toll will soon be charged at the Blackwall Tunnel, depending on the size of vehicle driven.

The toll will only be implemented once the Silvertown Tunnel, which will link Silvertown and Greenwich, opens in 2025.

Some have also raised the prospect of a new 3 toll to use the Hammersmith Bridge, which closed in 2019 after cracks were found.

Hammersmith & Fulham Council said the purpose of a potential charge on the bridge would be to repay the costs of repair work and not to deliver wider transport policy objectives.

It added: 'As such, the appropriate approach to introduce the toll is through a tolling order, which would be managed by the Department for Transport.

'The Mayor and TfL are committed to supporting the reopening of Hammersmith Bridge and will continue to work closely with the local council and the Government.'

In June 2020, Mr Khan raised the congestion charge by 30 per cent to 15 after claiming he had been forced to do so under the terms of a 1.6billion Government bailout for Transport for London.

Yet a year later there was fury from motoring groups when it emerged the rise had been made permanent.
A real estate agent has been fired for mocking renters for earning $50,000 a year and claiming her tax bill pays for their Centrelink payments.

Aimee Therese Marsh was a top-performing agent at Ray White Aspley, near Griffin in Brisbane's north, until Tuesday when she was sacked for taunting tenants in a local Facebook group.

'They are a disgrace and irrelevant,' she wrote.

'Half of them don't even own homes in Griffin. They are tenants,' she added, with a laughing emoji.

Her extraordinary comments were made using her professional social media page, meaning she was quickly exposed as the author.

They have since been deleted, as has her social media profile.

Aimee Therese Marsh (pictured) was a top-performing real estate agent, until she was fired on Tuesday

Ms Marsh mocked renters in a series of now-deleted comments (pictured)

When another user suggested tenants were 'nobodies,' Ms Marsh said 'probably earn $50k a year and envious of me'.

'I pay twice their wage in tax, or I probably pay their Centrelink wages,' she said.

She then made another comment from her personal Facebook page: 'Jealously is a curse and money controls people and emotions lol.'

'I can't wait to sell the houses they rent hehe.'

On Tuesday, Ray White posted a statement to Facebook saying Ms Marsh's employment had been 'terminated immediately'.

A spokesperson for Ray White told Daily Mail Australia she was fired 'within about an hour' of when the agency's social media team found her comments.

'We respect and value each and every one within our community, and we have a big community of people who rent.

'The views of Aimee Marsh do not align with the values of our business.

'We show pride in our customer service, we have a big community of renters, and we don't tolerate anything like this.'

Ms Marsh said she couldn't 'wait to sell the houses they rent' in another comment (pictured)

Ms Marsh described herself as '#1 agent in Griffin' on her Facebook profile (pictured)

READ MORE: Cat hair and cracked toilet seats: Read a nitpicking real estate agents humiliating text message to a tenant over the end-of-lease inspection Two renters trying to wrap up their tenancy were left stunned after experiencing 'bullying' and 'humiliation' from a property manager. Advertisement

The spokesperson apologised to anyone who was offended by her comments, and said Ms Marsh has been offered counselling through the agency's employees assistance program.

Despite insulting tenants, records appear to show Ms Marsh is a relatively new homeowner herself, buying her first property in March after paying about $400,000 for a three-bedroom unit in Griffin.

Ms Marsh was dubbed 'agent of the month' by her now-former employer in January for making $3.7million in sales.

According to her LinkedIn bio, she has an 'exceptional understanding of a customer's needs and wants' and 'is very much aware of how important customer satisfaction is'.

She also described herself as '#1 agent in Griffin' on her personal Facebook page, which has now been deactivated, and said she was 'career driven' in Instagram bio.

Ms Marsh's professional profiles have since been removed from the company website, and her professional Facebook page has been deleted.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Marsh for comment.
A teenager was allegedly plied with alcohol and raped by her boss on the floor of his office on her first day of work.

Ashish Luitel, who runs Wise Cleaning in Ashfield, in Sydney's inner west, has been charged with two counts of sexual intercourse without consent in relation to the alleged incident in June.

The 18-year-old girl and her older sister, 21, had arrived in Australia just three weeks before they applied for a job at Luitel's business.

The business had advertised for an 'energetic and active office admin officer (girl)'.

On her first day on the job the teen was allegedly called into Luitel's office for a 'party' early in the afternoon, where she was allegedly pressured to down tequila shots.

A teenager was allegedly plied with alcohol before she was raped by her boss on the floor of his office on her first day of work (stock image)

She became severely intoxicated before Luitel allegedly brought her into his office and assaulted her.

'He f***ed me. I was on my period. Believe me,' the teenager allegedly told another worker, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Details of the alleged rape were aired before a Sydney court this month.

The court heard the 18-year-old was given a three-hour trial shift before her first day.

During that trial shift, Luitel and his colleague Nikesh Baral allegedly encouraged her to have an alcoholic drink.

Luitel then allegedly texted the teen over the weekend asking if she liked to party.

The 18-year-old was then offered a part-time job at the business, working 20 hours a week with her first day of work starting on the Monday after her trial shift.

During her first shift she was called into Luitel's office 'for a party', according to court documents, where she saw a bottle of whiskey and tequila on the table.

The 18-year-old had at least three-and-a-half shots of tequila, with Luitel allegedly telling the office he wasn't going to let anybody leave until 10pm, adding there were more drinks in the fridge.

The teenager vomited in the bathroom and Baral took her to the storeroom where Luitel then found her.

He brought her back to his office where she was sick again.

The boss then allegedly repeatedly asked the teen if she had a boyfriend and if she liked him before the alleged assault.

The 18-year-old then left the office and walked to the nearby train station where Baral found her in a 'highly intoxicated state'.

Luitel then arrived and offered to drive the woman home, who refused.

She rang her sister who arrived and called police.

When Burwood detectives raided the business the following day, semen, blood and saliva was allegedly found on the office floor.

Luitel has been granted bail after his wife and another woman paid a $100,000 surety.

He is due back in court later this month.
Deputy head of Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev attends a meeting with officials and employees of the military industrial corporation "Scientific and Production Machine Building Association" in the town of Reutov in the Moscow region, Russia, April 25. Reuters-Yonhap



The deputy chair of the Russian security council Dmitry Medvedev said Moscow may annex Georgia's breakaway regions South Ossetia and Abkhazia.



"The idea of joining Russia is still popular in Abkhazia and South Ossetia," Medvedev, a former Russian president, wrote in an article published early on Wednesday by Argumenty I Fakty newspaper.



"It could quite possibly be implemented if there are good reasons for that," said Medvedev, who has cast himself as one of Russia's most hawkish political voices since its forces invaded Ukraine starting in February 2022.



Georgia lost control over the regions after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Moscow recognized their independence in 2008, following Georgia's attempt to regain control of South Ossetia by force that led to a Russian counter-attack.



Although Russian relations with Georgia have improved since then, Medvedev accused the West of creating tensions around the country by discussing its possible admission by NATO.



"We will not wait if our concerns become closer to reality," Medvedev said in the article that marked the 15th anniversary of the independence recognition, referring to a possible annexation.



Georgian officials have repeatedly said they are committed to joining the U.S.-led military alliance that would preserve the territorial integrity of the country.



Russia declared the annexations four provinces of Ukraine in September last year, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, but none of the annexations are recognized internationally. (Reuters)




Britain's Energy Secretary Grant Shapps flew to the Ukrainian capital to further links with Kyiv and visit a children's nursery once attended by the child he has welcomed into his home under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

He used the trip as an opportunity to promote Ukraine's burgeoning nuclear power supply, saying it will help end the nation's reliance on Russian supplies.

The MP visited a Ukrainian power station before travelling to a children's nursery attended by Nikita, the young son of the family he took in under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The Energy Secretary played a recorded message from Nikita for the children, the Government said.

The Government has announced its intention to provide a 192 million loan guarantee through UK Export Finance (UKEF) - the UK's export credit agency.

Mr Shapps has homed a family of refugees, including a small boy named Nikita

The UK's Energy Secretary Grant Shapps flew to the Ukrainian capital and visited the nation's Wall of Remembrance

Grant Shapps visits a Ukrainian nursery on his trip to Kyiv, meeting Ukrainian children

British Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Grant Shapps and Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko visit an energy facility

Grant Shapps (left) talks with the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kubrakov (right) in Kyiv

It is designed to enable UK-headquartered Urenco to supply Ukraine's national nuclear company, Energoatom, with uranium enrichment services, which are vital for nuclear fuel.

Ukraine's energy system was severely damaged by a campaign of Russian air strikes last winter, making it more reliant on ageing nuclear power stations.

Ukraine currently controls three of its four active nuclear plants: the fourth, in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia, was captured by Russia in March 2022.

Mr Shapps visited a power station undergoing repairs after being damaged by Russian bombing and met Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said that, once provided, the support will bring the UK's non-military financial assistance to Ukraine close to 5 billion.

Mr Shapps also visited Kyiv, where he met with senior Ukrainian ministers and energy industry figures to discuss Ukraine's recovery and ongoing UK support.

He went to visit the Wall of Remembrance to pay tribute to killed Ukrainian soldiers alongside Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov.

Ukraine currently controls three of its four active nuclear plants: the fourth, in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia, was captured by Russia in March 2022

Grant Shapps lays a bunch of red roses at Ukraine's Wall of Remembrance in Kyiv

Flowers are pictured at the Wall of Remembrance during Mr Shapps' visit to Ukraine

Grant Shapps during a visit to a Ukrainian power station - the exact location was not disclosed

Grant Shapps and Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko pose for a selfie inside the damaged site

Mr Shapps carried with him a bunch of roses, which he is believed to have left at the wall as his own recognition of the Ukrainian people's sacrifice.

He said: 'Our support for Ukraine is unwavering in the face of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's barbaric invasion - the UK continues to stand with Ukraine as they repel Russian attacks and rebuild their country.

'Being here on the ground, it's truly remarkable witnessing first-hand the sheer courage, resolve and gritty determination of the Ukrainian people.

'Putin has used energy as a weapon of war: the action today to support nuclear fuel deliveries will help Ukraine end their reliance on Russian supplies and bolster their energy security.'
The personal details of thousands of Australians who have made donations to major charities have been leaked on the dark web following a widespread cyber hack.

It's believed the details of donors to more than 70 Australian charities have been affected by a hack of fundraising company Pareto Phone.

The company, located in Brisbane, provides services to charities to raise funds from donors.

The Cancer Council of Australia was one of several charities affected by the hack and has since suspended its relationship with Pareto Phone

It's alleged cybercriminals hacked the company's systems in April.

The personal information hacked included phone numbers and email addresses of thousands of people.

Some of Australia's biggest charities including the Cancer Council, the Fred Hollows Foundation and Canteen have been affected by the data breach.

The Fred Hollows Foundation, a leading charitable organization that provides eye care for people across the world, told Daily Mail Australia in a statement that some of its files were hacked.

'We were recently notified that a small number of our files had been retained by Pareto Phone without our knowledge and were involved in a data breach,' the statement read.

'We believe the impact on our donor data is limited to about 1,700 donors... the compromised data does not involve financial, credit card or bank account information.'

It's believed the organization stopped working with Pareto Phone in 2014 after enlisting its services a year earlier.

The organization was also not aware that their data, including documents, had been kept by Pareto Phone for nine years.

The Fred Hollows Foundation, whose donors were affected by the hack, had contracted some services with Pareto Phone for a year before severing ties with the company in 2014

According to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, all personal information obtained by companies that is no longer needed must be destroyed.

Canteen, a charity helping young people battling cancer, said up to 2,600 donors were affected by the hack.

'Were deeply upset that our supporters have been impacted by a data breach at Pareto Phone, and we have paused all activity with them,' the organization said in a statement.

'We understand that this will cause major concern for kind-hearted people who donate to support the 23,000 young people dealing with the immense challenges of cancer every year.'

A source from the not-for-profit told Daily Mail Australia that the organization is not aware of any financial information from donors that has been compromised.

The charity has notified all of the affected donors who have had their data accessed by the hackers.

Hackers stole the personal information - including phone numbers and email addresses - of thousands of donors who made contributions to major Australian charities

Professor Tanya Buchanan, CEO of Cancer Council Australia, said in a statement that several arms of the organisation had been affected by the attack.

'We understand a number of Cancer Council donor details have been obtained in the attack,' Professor Buchanan said.

'We are still waiting for Pareto Phone to provide us with clarity on how many of our donors data and what kind of data has been breached.'

It's understood that the data has been taken from Pareto Phone systems following the cyber attack, however not all Cancer Council (branches) across the country have been affected.

Both the Cancer Council and Canteen have suspended their relations with Pareto Phone.

All three charities confirmed that none of their own systems were compromised as a result of the breach.

Pareto Phone notified the charities that the data from their donors was stolen in August, despite the breach occurring in April.

Fundraising company Pareto Phone was hacked by cybercriminals in April 2023, with hackers stealing the personal information of thousands of donors who made contributions to over 70 Australian charities

It's believed that Pareto Phone had not identified any personal information was released to the dark web when they became aware of the security breach.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Pareto Phone for comment.

According to its website, the company describes itself as a an 'industry leader in charity telefundraising in Australia and New Zealand'.

The organization claims it has 'over 17 years of collective fundraising experience to help... create and manage high impact telefundraising campaigns that deliver sustainable results'.
The stark reality of Queensland's prolific crime spree has been caught on video as police investigate a string of shocking break-ins at a popular tourist area.

Officers released CCTV footage on Wednesday of a van and four people they believe could help investigators following a string of break-ins on the Gold Coast.

Police allege two offenders broke into multiple businesses, namely chemists and medical stores, between July 14-August 20, before fleeing with resealable items.

The alleged crime spree began shortly after 2am on July 14 when two people allegedly smashed the front window of a chemist on Vaughan Dr in Ormeau, damaging shelving before fleeing with a quantity of men's fragrances.

The stark reality of Queensland's prolific crime spree has been caught on video as police investigate a string of shocking break-ins at a popular tourist area

Officers released CCTV footage on Wednesday of a van and four people they believe could help investigators following a string of break-ins on the Gold Coast

Less than two hours later, two people matching the same description allegedly broke into a second business  an optometrist on Fairfield Rd in Yeronga  by smashing the front windows and fleeing with stock, including lenses.

The following week, two people are alleged to have again smashed the window of a chemist on Nexus Dr in Pimpar, breaking into a fragrance cabinet before fleeing in a white van. On August 12, the same chemist was again attacked.

Police allege about 1.30am a man and woman  wearing hoodies, masks, and gloves  broke into the store using a crowbar before smashing the fragrance cabinets and loading bins with products. The group then fled in a white van.

A further two alleged attacks were reported to police in August, including at the Ormeau store in which the culprits left empty-handed, and at the Pimpara chemist where the offenders are believed to have taken a quantity of medicine.

Police believe the alleged offenders used the same white Toyota Hiace van in all the offences, with small changes made between thefts, including removing distinctive black roof racks and differing number plates.

The van is possibly a 2006 model and police say has at times been sighted with NSW number plates attached.

Officers are also investigating if it is linked to several fuel drive-offs across the region.

Police allege about 1.30am a man and woman  wearing hoodies, masks, and gloves  broke into the store using a crowbar before smashing the fragrance cabinets and loading bins with products

National's senator Matt Canavan told the Today Show on Wednesday state governments needed to back police forces and ensure laws were in-place to combat a spiralling crime spree and recidivism, particularly among youth offenders.

'In Queensland, the Queensland government back in 2019 changed their law so that for youth offenders judges had to take a presumption in favour of release,' Mr Canavan said.

'That was their words, a presumption in favour of release. The consequences of that is playing out on the streets every day.

'They need to reverse that, get rid of that, because throwing kids back in the gang environment, often with no parental supervision, is leading to the worse rates in the country.'
A couple who died from a suspected mushroom poisoning in Victoria were laid to rest in a discreet private ceremony earlier this week.

The family of Gail and Don Patterson, who died a day apart almost a week after eating a Beef Wellington dish that is believed to have included poisonous death cap mushrooms, were buried at a private service 'with only close family members' present.

Their son's ex-wife, Erin Patterson, who cooked the meal, remains a suspect but is not in custody.

A family spokesman did not confirm whether Ms Patterson, along with the two school-aged children she has with her ex-husband, Simon Patterson, attended the burial service.

Don and Gail Patterson have been quietly buried in a private service attended by 'only close family members' just over three weeks after they were allegedly fatally poisoned by a Beef Wellington lunch containing Death Cap mushrooms

Simon Patterson is believed to have held the private burial of his parents earlier this week with his children, although it is not clear if his estranged wife Erin Patterson attended the service

Gail and Don Patterson will be publicly honoured at a memorial service at the Korumburra Recreation Centre on August 31.

'The Patterson family has expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love, support and understanding during this challenging time,' a statement from the family read.

'In keeping with Don and Gail's wishes and character, the family has chosen to commemorate their lives in a manner that reflects their values and the love they shared with their community.'

Gail and Don Patterson, both 70, died in hospital after having lunch the Leongatha home of their daughter-in-law Erin Patterson on July 29.

Mrs Patterson's sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, also died after the meal while her husband, Baptist church pastor Ian Wilkinson, remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Police believe all of their symptoms were consistent with being poisoned by death cap mushrooms.

In a statement to police, Ms Patterson said she made a Beef Wellington pie using button mushrooms from a major supermarket and dried mushrooms bought at an Asian grocery store.

The 48-year-old said her ex-husband was due to attend the lunch but pulled out, while her children were also out of the house at the time of the meal.

Ms Patterson said her children ate leftover Beef Wellington the next day, with the mushrooms scraped off.

Erin Patterson cooked the Beef Wellington lunch that allegedly contained the Death Cap mushrooms, which have contain of the most lethal toxins on earth

Gail Wilkinson also died after eating the lunch, but her husband Baptist pastor Ian Wilkinson (right) is still alive and in hospital needing a liver transplant

Don and Gail Patterson, who were buries in a private service, will be honoured at a public memorial in the Victorian town of Korumburra next week

She also said she ate a serving and later suffered bad stomach pains and diarrhoea, contrary to the suggestion of detectives that she did not fall ill.

Victoria Police have not commented on Ms Patterson's statement other than to say it was not one taken by officers, nor have they provided any updates on their investigation.

The Victorian Health department is required to act if there is a food safety incident.

There have been no ordered recalls of mushroom products in the state since the suspected poisonings.
An outraged mum is fighting for change after a hospital where her 12-week-old baby was receiving emergency care denied her food because she was not breastfeeding.

Queensland mum and lawyer Sarah Stoddart rushed her 12-week-old daughter to hospital about three weeks ago after noticing her baby was unwell.

Ms Stoddart explained she knew something was wrong with her baby girl after she 'basically projectile vomited everywhere' and her temperature was 'crazy'.

The worried mum rushed her daughter to the emergency department at Prince Charles Hospital, in Brisbane's north.

Ms Stoddart was given a 'welcome sheet' 12 hours after her daughter was admitted for emergency care for an infection, which explained food was only given to mothers who breastfeed their babies.

Queensland mum and lawyer Sarah Stoddart (pictured) was denied food at Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane because she does not breastfeed her baby

Ms Stoddart rushed her 12-week-old baby girl to the hospital's emergency department where she was admitted with an infection

'They had circled and brought to my attention that only breastfeeding mothers were entitled to meals,' Ms Stoddart told 9News.

After pushing the issue, Ms Stoddart was told by staff they could 'make an exception' by sneaking 'through an approval' so she could eat.

She added the 'disgusting' policy made her feel guilty and explained the decision not to breastfeed was made by her and her partner for the health of their baby girl.

'It wasn't as though I was depriving my child of food, I was actually doing what was best for her to ensure she was fed,' Ms Stoddart said.

'To be told, "We don't feed you, we don't provide you with a basic human right", because of that decision is just disgusting.

'Mothers in the first trimester and beyond, they're already struggling with enough and they don't need the judgement from the government as to how they choose to feed their child.'

Ms Stoddart was given a 'welcome sheet' by staff which explained food was only given to mothers who breastfeed their babies

Prince Charles Hospital and other hospitals in the region have since changed the policy after Ms Stoddart made a formal complaint with Metro North Health (stock image of woman breastfeeding her baby)

Prince Charles Hospital and other hospitals in the region have since changed the policy after Ms Stoddart made a formal complaint with Metro North Health.

'The Prince Charles Hospital now provides meals to parents of children six months and under who are admitted into our care,' it said in a statement.

'Parents of all patients admitted to the Paediatric Ward at The Prince Charles Hospital have access to food, water, tea and coffee.

'Further paid options, including fresh food vending machines, cafes and a stocked fridge, are accessible 24hrs a day.'

Queensland's Health Minister Shannon Fentiman was 'surprised' by the policy and is working with hospitals, including the Queensland Children's Hospital, to change the protocol.

'It shouldn't really matter whether you are breastfeeding or not, it should be about trying to make our parents who are doing the best they can to look after their sick kids as comfortable as possible,' Ms Fentiman told 9News.
Lawyers for a high profile man charged with rape have hinted they will attempt to keep their client's identity suppressed if new laws allowing the identification of people charged with sexual assault are passed.

The sudden move was revealed by lawyer Rowan King during a brief mention of the man's matter at Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning.

Detectives from the Toowoomba Criminal Investigation Branch charged the man with two counts of rape in January.

Police allege the man raped a woman in Toowoomba in October 2021.

Toowoomba Magistrates Court has already been told the pair were not known to each other prior to the offence date.

Lawyers for a high profile man charged with rape have hinted they will attempt to keep their client's identity suppressed, if new laws allowing the identification of people charged with sexual assault are passed

Due to laws in Queensland preventing the identification of people charged with sexual assault or rape offences until they stand trial, the man cannot be named or formally identified.

The State Government has announced they will be scrapping this law, with new legislation due to be considered by parliament in September.

On Wednesday, Mr King told the court he intended to make an application to keep his client's name anonymised.

'It's intended that in the next 2-3 weeks there will be legislation coming in which will potentially allow the naming of my client,' he said.

'It's intended we make an application to maintain the suppression of my client's name from publication.

'At this stage it's unclear whether or not that legislation will apply in these circumstances, where there had been an indication the complainant wasn't wanting the defendant's name released. '

Magistrate Kay Philipson said making the application now would be 'premature' until the legislation is amended.

'If you want to make such an application, it can't be heard in the arrests court in this case,' she said.

The sudden move was revealed by lawyer Rowan King during a brief mention of the man's matter at Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning

'We're too busy.'

A full forensic download of the complainant's phone  described as being 'quite important' to the defence case  had been requested at an earlier appearance.

The request itself was for messages six months prior to the offence date.

Sarah Dreghorn, acting for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), said police had provided the download for prosecutors to make a consideration on the 'relevant disclosure obligations'.

'That's still 19 months worth of phone download,' Ms Dreghorn said.

Magistrate Philipson adjourned the man's matter until September 20.

A forensic medical report (FMO) had been previously disclosed to Mr King upon request.

Earlier this year several media organisations, including News Corp Australia, unsuccessfully applied to the court seeking permission to name the man in the proceedings.

That application remains before the courts.
A shocking video captured the moment a Texas man fired through the door of his Dallas apartment at two men posing as maintenance workers and trying to break in.

Ethan Rodriguez was suspicious when he heard a knock on his door at around 6 pm on Saturday 19th August from two people he didn't recognize. One of the suspects, identified as Aaron Contreras, 30, said he was there to check the air conditioner filters in the apartment, according to a police affidavit.

Wild footage shows the suspects trying to kick down the door to the apartment, when the homeowner opened fire sending several shots through the door.

Rodriguez, who fired 13 shots at the suspects, said if he didn't think fast enough he would 'probably be dead today.'

The suspects ran from the areas as police later arrived to find bullet holes in the wall of the apartment across the hall.

Dallas police officers responded to the Interlace Apartments where they found 13 bullet casings, with 13 bullet holes exiting the front door

Wild footage shows the suspects trying to kick down the door to the apartment, when the homeowner opened fire sending several shots through the door

One of the suspects, identified as Aaron Contreras, 30, said he was a maintenance worker who was there to check the air conditioner filter

Contreras was arrested on Tuesday on charges of aggravated assault, deadly conduct and attempted burglary of a habitation, according to police.

It is unclear whether the second suspect had been identified.

The video shows Contreras, who was armed with a handgun, knocking on the door, claiming to be a maintenance worker.

Rodriguez asked the man: 'Can I help you?'

'Uh ... yes, they came to check your air filters ...' the suspect replied.

But Rodriguez became suspicious after the man made two statements that didn't add up. He knew Contreras was lying because the last time he tried to get the air filter changed, maintenance said they couldn't help.

Rodriguez also noted that contrary to what Contreras stated, nobody had come by to check the filters earlier that day.

'He lied twice ... So I felt suspicious about it anyway,' he said.

Rodriguez said his attire was also a giveaway.

'He had on what looked like a tracksuit with the black shoes and I think it was a blue sweatshirt and then he had a bandana on but he was playing the part. He had the whole notepad and everything,' he said to WFAA.

The video shows Contreras, who was armed with a handgun, knocking on the door, claiming to be a maintenance worker

A second suspect, wearing a red shirt, was also spotted outside the home

The doorbell camera captured the moment the suspect changed demeanors, unleashing a violent side underneath his facade as he forcefully attempted to kick in the door of the apartment

A viral video has captured the moment a Texas man fired through the door of his Dallas apartment as men posing as maintenance workers attempt to break-in

Without opening his front door, Rodriguez eventually grabbed his handgun and fired several shots through the door, hitting the wall in front of it.

Rodriguez was home with his brother at the time of the incident. Nobody was injured

Rodriguez then decided to tell Contreras that he wasn't home.

'Nobody's home right now,' he can be heard saying in the video. 'You'll have to wait until another day.'

Contreras leaves and then returns a couple of minutes later with a masked man and a gun, police said.

The doorbell camera captured the moment the suspect changed demeanors, unleashing a violent side underneath his facade as he forcefully attempted to kick in the door of the apartment.

Without opening his front door, Rodriguez eventually grabbed his handgun and fired several shots through the door, hitting the wall in front of it.

Bullets can be seen flying into his neighbor's apartment in the footage.

'I couldn't think properly ... I had to hurry up and find my firearm ... come back and position itself ... facing directly at the door.'

'I had to think quickly ... I wasn't going to let nothing happen to me or my brother,' he added.

Contreras fired two rounds in response before quickly fleeing the scene along with the second suspect.

Dallas police officers responded to the Interlace Apartments where they found 13 bullet casings, with 13 bullet holes exiting the front door, and two entering the door into the homeowner's apartment.

Dallas police officers responded to the Interlace Apartments where they found 13 bullet casings, with 13 bullet holes exiting the front door

The doorbell camera captured the moment the suspect changed demeanors and the incident turned near deadly

Rodriguez was home with his brother at the time of the incident. His wife and their 7-month-old baby boy were not home

Rodriguez told WFAA he felt forced to shoot at the suspects after seeing the gun in one of their hands.

'I was hoping I got 'em,' he told WFAA. 'That was mainly it, just hoping I got 'em.'

'[Police] told me I let off 13 shots,' he added. 'I couldn't believe it, but then again I did empty the clip!'

Nobody was injured in the incident.

Rodriguez was home with his brother at the time of the incident. His wife and their 7-month-old baby boy were not home. Rodriguez said he plans on breaking his lease and looking for housing elsewhere.

'Everything happened I guess you could say in God's favor,' he said. 'I protected my family, and he was just being a dummy trying to come to my house and get whatever.'
Trump's former Mar-a-Lago IT director has sensationally flipped on his old boss - admitting he lied during previous testimony.

Yuscil Taveras, earlier identified as 'Trump Employee 4', has backtracked on his claims that defended the 45th president, after replacing his Trump-funded attorney.

Taveras, 44, fired Stanley Woodward, who is backed by Trump's Save America PAC, after being informed that he was the subject of a perjury investigation in June.

He was then offered a federal public defender, which has seemingly led to the IT specialist cooperating with Special Counsel Jack Smith and testifying against Trump.

The New York native is also going against former White House valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago head of maintenance Carlos de Oliveira, in the case alleging the mishandling of classified documents.

Court documents say that Taveras 'retracted his prior false testimony' immediately after receiving new counsel and 'provided information that implicated Nauta, [Carlos] De Oliveira, and Trump'.

Yuscil Taveras, who was identified previously as 'Trump Employee 4', appears to have changed his story and is set to testify against the former president. Pictured: Donald Trump inside a Manhattan courtroom in April

Special Counsel Jack Smith filed 37 counts against Trump for his handling of classified documents

He is now claiming that both men were part of the plot to 'delete security camera footage, as set forth in the superseding indictment', the court documents revealed.

Trump, who is currently the Republican primary frontrunner, was charged in June with 37 counts related to violations of the Espionage Act, willfully retaining classified documents and refusing to return them to the federal government.

Nauta is also accused of conspiring to obstruct an FBI and grand jury investigation. He has pleaded not guilty.

The former president has pleaded not guilty, and denied every allegation made against him - as he now faces four separate criminal indictments.

New court filings show that the federal government 'anticipates calling Trump Employee 4 as a trial witness and expects that he will testify to conduct alleged in the superseding indictment regarding efforts to delete security footage.'

'Trump Employee 4 will very likely face cross-examination about his prior inconsistent statements in his grand jury testimony, which occurred while Mr. Woodward represented him, and which he disavowed immediately after obtaining new counsel,' it added.

The indictment Special Counsel Jack Smith's office filed in July refers to Mar-a-Lago's head of IT, 'Employee 4,' as questioning whether he had 'the right' to wipe security servers.

It says De Oliveira questioned Employee 4 - since revealed as Taveras - inside an audio closet at the club, saying that 'the boss' wanted the server 'deleted'  in a likely reference to Trump, who had personal phone calls with De Oliveira.

'Trump Employee 4 responded that he would not know how to do that, and that he did not believe that he would have the rights to do that,' reads the indictment.

The three suspects in the case have all appeared in Miami court on the charges, with De Oliveira was added to the indictment in July.

De Oliveira has worked at the Palm Beach club for a decade and was promoted to head of maintenance last year.

His lawyer, John Irving, called it 'unfortunate' that the Justice Department had charged his client and said it was time for prosecutors to 'put their money where their mouth is.'

A superseding indictment accused De Oliveira of conspiring to delete security footage of boxes of documents at Mar-a-Lago after a grand jury subpoena sought their return.

The indictment quotes him communicating with another club employee about the security footage and telling him that 'the boss' wants it deleted.

It also says he lied when he denied to government officials ever having moved boxes at the club or having knowledge about them.

Carlos De Oliveira, 56, (center) is flanked by his attorney and security as he leaves federal court on July 31

Walt Nauta, a former Trump aide and White House valet, has also been charged in the probe. He pleaded not guilty - as did Trump and De Oliveira

'Never saw nothing,' he is quoted as saying.

His landlord, Tiberio Almeida, said he moved from Portugal to Massachusetts over 30 years ago, and then moved to Florida. His promotion came after he impressed his boss by redoing ornate metalwork on club doors, according to The Washington Post.

De Oliveira, Trump and Nauta are facing charges that include conspiracy to obstruct justice in the case stemming from secret government documents found at Mar-a-Lago after Trump's presidency ended in 2021.

De Oliveira is also charged with lying to investigators. Prosecutors allege he falsely claimed he had not even seen boxes moved into Mar-a-Lago after Mr Trump left the White House.
Lidia Thorpe claims she was set upon 'with a weapon' in the streets of Brisbane.

The Independent senator said the terrifying incident took place while Labor's national conference was underway nearby.

'So, due to the Labor Love In last weekend my security was compromised,' she said in a Twitter post.

'As a result I was set upon with a weapon in the streets of Brisbane. Says it all right!'

Labor faithful from across the nation converged on Brisbane for a three-day political conference beginning on August 17.

Lidia Thorpe claims she was set upon 'with a weapon' in the streets of Brisbane

'So, due to the Labor Love In last weekend my security was compromised,' she said in a Twitter post. 'As a result I was set upon with a weapon in the streets of Brisbane. Says it all right!'

The streets of Brisbane were inundated with unionists, politicians and protesters (pictured) during the national conference

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese kicked off the conference by calling for support for the Voice to Parliament referendum alongside a scathing attack on the Liberal party for having a 'pathological problem with ever saying the word Yes'.

Over the course of the event, Labor politicians, business leaders, union members, activists and everyday members mingled and debated the framework of the government's agenda.

Ms Thorpe revealed back in April that the Australian Federal Police had identified her as a potential target of abuse.

'I have been advised a number of times by the Australian Federal Police that I need to watch where I go, that I'm potentially a target,' she said at the time.

Ms Thorpe was the most recent guest at the National Press Club, where she urged the PM to call off the referendum.

Ms Thorpe said she is pleading, on behalf of her people, for the government to implement some of the recommendations from reports into Indigenous incarceration rates and child removals from homes.

She doesn't think a Voice to Parliament will have any power to make demonstrable change to First Nations people, and instead argues that there are ways to improve lives without a referendum.

'There is no progress. There is a false hope. We deserve better,' she said.

'This is why we should call off the referendum. It has caused nothing but harm and division, and for what? There won't be a change until this society changes.

'What we need is an end to the war on our people that started on the day the boats arrived.'
Key Liberal National Party members have stood with Queensland farmers and landholders outside state parliament urging a rethink of large-scale renewables projects.

Nationals federal leader David Littleproud labelled the state government's 10-year plan for 80 per cent renewables by 2035 as 'reckless' and called for a senate inquiry due to the damage it may cause to agricultural land.

Alongside Capricornia MP Michelle Landry, the demonstrators petitioned the Queensland government to speak with affected farmers as it rolls out large-scale wind, solar and water projects across regional areas.

David Littleproud says the large renewables projects will destroy farmland and remnant vegetation. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

'Men and women will bear that cost with their land being consumed with solar panels and wind turbines,' Mr Littleproud said.

'Taking out prime agricultural land, taking away our food security, but also taking away remnant vegetation and destroying remnant vegetation.'

The state government has committed to expanding windfarm capacity at the McIntyre precinct southwest of Brisbane.

It will become the largest windfarm in the southern hemisphere and provide up to 2000 megawatts, which is enough energy for 1.4 million homes.

A $14.2 billion pumped hydro scheme in the Wide Bay area and a $12 billion pumped hydro scheme near Eungella are two enormous projects also in the government's pipeline.

Doug Cannon from the Save Eungella group said waterways that host native animals will be destroyed if the pumped hydro scheme goes ahead.

He said approvals stunned locals when the projects were announced last year.

'It just caught us all out of the blue and it's just shattered our community right from when it was announced,' he said.

'We're here today to make a stand and to let all the pollies know that we're not just going to take it lying down, that we're going to fight to the bloody end.'

A spokesperson for Queensland Energy Minister Mick De Brenni said the government will continue to work with communities to minimise any impact on fauna and flora areas, and agricultural land.

'Not acting on climate change would leave future generations forced to face unprecedented natural disasters, and would destroy farmland, rainforests and animal habitats,' they said.

The government has committed to meeting with stakeholders and community representatives in the respective regions.
From left, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, China's President Xi Jinping, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov pose during BRICS summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 22. Reuters-Yonhap



BRICS leaders met on Tuesday to plot the future course of the bloc of developing nations but divisions re-emerged ahead of a critical debate over a potential expansion of the group intended to boost its global clout.



Heightened tensions in the wake of the Ukraine war and Beijing's growing rivalry with the United States have pushed China and Russia - whose President Vladimir Putin will attend the meeting virtually - to seek to strengthen BRICS.



They are seeking to use the Aug. 22-24 summit in Johannesburg to forge the grouping, which also includes South Africa, Brazil and India, into a counterweight to Western dominance of global institutions.



"Right now, changes in the world, in our times, and in history are unfolding in ways like never before, bringing human society to a critical juncture," China's President Xi Jinping said in remarks delivered at a BRICS business forum.



"The course of history will be shaped by the choices we make."



Xi skipped the event, despite the presence there of counterparts Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



His remarks were delivered by Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, and it was not immediately clear why Xi, who had a meeting with host Ramaphosa earlier in the day, did not attend.



Comments from Brazil's Lula pointed to a divergence of vision within the bloc, which political analysts say has long struggled to form a coherent view of its role in the global order.



"We do not want to be a counterpoint to the G7, G20 or the United States," Brazil's Lula said on Tuesday during a social media broadcast from Johannesburg. "We just want to organize ourselves."



Beyond the enlargement question, boosting the use of member states' local currencies in trade and financial transactions to lessen dependency of the U.S. dollar is also on the summit agenda.



"The objective, irreversible process of de-dollarization of our economic ties is gaining momentum," Russia's Putin said in a pre-recorded statement.



Russia's economy is grappling with Western sanctions over Moscow's war in Ukraine. Putin is wanted under an international arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, and is being represented at the summit by his foreign minister Sergei Lavrov.



South African organizers say there will be no discussions however of a common BRICS currency, an idea floated by Brazil as an alternative to dollar-dependence.





South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his opening remarks at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 22. Reuters-Yonhap



Point of contention



BRICS remains a disparate group, ranging from China, the world's second biggest economy, to South Africa, a relative minnow which is nonetheless Africa's most developed economy.



Russia is keen to show the West it still has friends but India has increasingly reached out to the West, as has Brazil under its new leader.



India and China have also periodically clashed along their disputed border, adding to the challenge of decision-making in a group that relies on consensus.



Speaking to reporters in Washington on Tuesday, White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan said he did not see BRICS turning into a geopolitical rival of the United States.



"This is a very diverse collection of countries ... with differences of view on critical issues," he said.



Expansion has long been a goal of China, which hopes that broader membership will lend clout to a grouping already home to some 40% of the world's population and a quarter of global gross domestic product.



Russia is also keen to expand membership while South Africa's President Ramaphosa voiced support for the idea at the meeting with Xi.



The BRICS leaders will hold a mini-retreat and dinner on Tuesday evening where they are likely to discuss a framework and criteria for admitting new countries.





Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, receives the order of South Africa from President Cyril Ramaphosa at Union Building in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22. AP-Yonhap
Donald Trump's White House chief of staff launched a last-ditch attempt to avoid being arrested in Georgia - as the deadline looms for the 19 defendants, including the former president, to report to jail for booking.

Mark Meadows is trying to get his trial moved from a state court to a federal one, and on Tuesday, filed a request in federal court begging for his booking to be delayed. He argued his alleged actions took place while he was a federal employee.

Meadows and the other 18 defendants have been given a deadline of noon on Friday to surrender, or else Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis will issue an arrest warrant.

John Eastman and Scott Hall turned themselves into the Fulton County jail in Atlanta Tuesday and had their mugshots released hours later.

A similar fate awaits Trump when he turns himself into the Fulton County jail Thursday, as his mugshot on charges of election interference could soon become one of the most famous pictures of all time.

Former White House Cheese of Staff Mark Meadows is asking a federal judge to step in and prevent him from being arrested in Georgia. Former President Donald Trump has said he will turn himself in Thursday on charges of election interference

John Eastman (left) and Scott Hall (right) were both booked on charges Tuesday

The sheriff's department says most people arrested in Fulton County are taken to the main jail on Rice Street, to the northwest of the city center, where conditions are being investigated

Meadows's legal team on Monday asked Willis to grant an extension of his arrest until after a Monday hearing about potentially moving to federal court.

But Willis on Tuesday rejected Meadows's plea.

'I am not granting any extensions,' she told Meadows's legal team.

'I gave two weeks for people to surrender themselves to the court. Your client is no different than any other criminal defendant in this jurisdiction. The two weeks was a tremendous courtesy.'

And she said an arrest warrant would be issued if he did not comply.

'At 12:30 pm on Friday I shall file warrants in the system,' she added.

Who has surrendered at Fulton County jail? Donald Trump: former president - will surrender on Thursday Rudy Giuliani: former Trump attorney - unclear John Eastman: attorney - surrendered on Tuesday Mark Meadows: former Trump chief of staff - asking judge to block arrest Kenneth Chesebro: former Trump campaign attorney - unclear Jeffrey Clark: former Justice Department official - asking judge to block arrest Jenna Ellis: former member of Trump legal team - unclear Ray Smith III: the lawyer who represented Trump in 2020 election challenges in Georgia - unclear Robert Cheeley: Atlanta lawyer - unclear Michael Roman: former Trump staffer - unclear David Shafer: a fraudulent 2020 Republican elector and former chairman of the Georgia GOP - unclear Shawn Still: one of the fraudulent 2020 electors and a current member of the Georgia Senate - unclear Stephen Lee: an Illinois police chaplain - unclear Harrison Floyd: executive director of Black Voices for Trump - unclear Trevian Kutti: a Chicago-based publicist who represented Kanye West - unclear Sidney Powell: former Trump legal team member - unclear Cathy Latham: one of the fraudulent 2020 electors and former chairwoman of the Coffee County Republican Party in Georgia - unclear Scott Hall: a 2020 Fulton County Republican poll watcher - surrendered on Tuesday Misty Hampton: former Coffee County Elections Director - unclear Advertisement

Meadows was charged with two felony counts, including violating the Georgia Rico Act - aka RICO - and solicitation of violation of oath from a public officer, according to Willis's indictment.

Meadows was on the infamous phone call when Trump asked the Georgia secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, to 'find' votes to overturn Biden's victory in the state.

He was also by Trump's side on January 6, 2021, as the Capitol was stormed and politicians across the spectrum begged the then-president to intervene and call the mob off.

Meadows only served as Trump's chief of staff for 10 months, from the end of March 2020 until Trump left office in January 2021, but has found himself front and center in the former president's legal battles.

Two others in the group of 19 - former Justice Department lawyer Jeffrey Clark and the former chair of the Georgia Republican Party, David Shafer - are also seeking to move their prosecutions from Fulton County Superior Court to federal district court in Atlanta, for similar reasons to Meadows.

Trump has said he will present himself at the jail on Thursday.

Rudy Giuliani, meanwhile, is flying to Atlanta on Wednesday in a bid to find local legal representation.

Giuliani called the indictment 'an affront to American democracy' and said it 'does permanent, irrevocable harm to our justice system.'

He has asked for help from friends like Tim Parlatore and Bernie Kerik in finding an Atlanta-based lawyer, NBC News reported.

Ted Goodman, Giuliani's spokesman, said there is no set surrender plan, as Giuliani is still finalizing his representation plans.

On Saturday, The New York Times reported the former New York City mayor is struggling to pay his legal bills.

The 79-year-old is believed to already owe nearly $3 million in legal expenses, after being hit with criminal investigations, private lawsuits and legal disciplinary proceedings when Trump left office.

Giuliani and his allies have begged Trump for help, but so far the billionaire has only paid $340,000 towards the costs Giuliani has incurred in fighting legal battles, as a result of his work with Trump.

Trump's political action committee has spent roughly $21 million on legal fees primarily for Trump but also for a number of people connected to investigations into him.

Trump on Monday night expressed his usual outrage at the indictment, and confirmed that he will be in Atlanta on Thursday.

'Can you believe it?' he wrote on social media.

'I'll be going to Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday to be ARRESTED by a Radical Left District Attorney, Fani Willis, who is overseeing one of the greatest Murder and Violent Crime DISASTERS in American History.

'In my case, the trip to Atlanta is not for 'Murder,' but for making a PERFECT PHONE CALL!'

Donald Trump, pictured following his April 4 arraignment in Manhattan, is expected to turn himself in to Fulton County authorities on Thursday

Meadows (left) and Rudy Giuliani (right) face charges in Georgia in connection to the election interference case

Kenneth Chesebro (left) and Jeffrey Clark (right) both face RICO charges in the case

Lawyers Jenna Ellis and Ray Smith were both indicted by a Fulton County grand jury

Pastor Steve Lee faces five charges, many due to alleged influencing of witnesses

Michael Roman (left) and Robert Cheeley (right) were ordered to reported to the Atlanta jail for booking

Harrison Floyd (left) and David Shafer (right) were ordered to turn themselves in by the end of the week

Misty Hampton (left) and Cathy Latham (right, in teal) were both charged in connection to the election interference case

Trevian Kutti (left) and Sidney Powell (right) are two of the 19 people charged in Georgia

Attorney Sidney Powell speaks during a news conference. It is unclear when she plans to turn herself in on charges in Georgia

Trump added his familiar allegation that the charges were part of an effort to derail his 2024 election campaign, and again accused Willis of targeting him in a bid to fundraise for her election.

'She campaigned, and is continuing to campaign, and raise money on, this WITCH HUNT,' he said.

'This is in strict coordination with Crooked Joe Biden's DOJ. It is all about ELECTION INTERFERENCE!'

His booking will take place the day after the first Republican primary debate - which he has confirmed he will not attend.

Trump also faces criminal charges in New York for alleged hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels. He also faces a federal indictment for his alleged mishandling of classified documents. Special Counsel Jack Smith has also indicted the former president

On Monday, the 77-year-old's bail in the Georgia was set at $200,000 and he was ordered not to send threatening social media messages.

Details of Trump's bond were among the first handful to be released as co-defendants reached agreements.

The 'consent bond order,' published on the Fulton County Superior Court website, says Trump will 'perform no act to intimidate any person known to him or her to be a co-defendant or witness in this case or to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice.'

It added it will include 'posts on social media or reposts of posts made by another individual on social media.'

Fulton County Sheriff deputies install security barriers outside the Fulton County Jail on Monday, days after an indictment was announced against Donald Trump and 18 co-conspirators

Deputies prepared Monday for a rush of defendants in the 2020 election case

Sheriff's deputies on Monday stepped up security, installing barriers around the run-down jailhouse, as his legal team was spotted entering Willis' office.

The jail is well known for its squalid conditions, although Trump will not be held there while he awaits trial.

The infamous, insect-ridden facility is being investigated by the Department of Justice after a series of deaths.

Launching the investigation last month, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia, said: 'The recent allegations of filthy housing teeming with insects, rampant violence resulting in death and injuries, and officers using excessive force are cause for grave concern and warrant a thorough investigation.'
A popular Adelaide dessert restaurant opened by a TV baker has closed its doors less than two years after opening amid increasing cost of living pressures.

Jeremy Allan, who competed on the The Great Australian Bake Off in 2016, announced last month the closure of Urban Desserts in Glenelg.

The store, which sold an assortment of cakes and other desserts, was opened in September 2021, but struggled as traffic dipped and costs rose.

Mr Allan confirmed the closure, saying the main reason the store closed was a lack of foot traffic and increased rent.

A popular Adelaide dessert restaurant opened by a TV baker has closed its doors less than two years after opening amid increasing cost of living pressures

'(There was also) a lack of support or negotiating from landlords and realtors with small business,' Allan said.

The news came after a sign was reportedly seen pasted on the southern suburb's store without notice thanking past customers.

'We gave it our best shot,' the post read. 'Unfortunately due to lack of support - Urbans in Glenelg will no longer open.

'We want to thank the lovely people who came in when we were open.

'We know you tried to spread the word but it simply costs us more to be here then we could make.'

Urban Desserts' two other outlets, at Colonnades Shopping Centre and Morphett Vale, will remain open.

Mr Allan told 7 News the other stores continued to do well, with Colonnades' 'in particular booming with locals'.

'(The closure) is definitely not a reflection of our other stores and locations and they will absolutely remain open,' Mr Allan said.

Jeremy Allan, who competed on the The Great Australian Bake Off in 2016, announced last month the closure of Urban Desserts in Glenelg

Jeremy Allan, who competed on the The Great Australian Bake Off in 2016, announced last month the closure of Urban Desserts in Glenelg

The closures comes as businesses around the country feel the pressure of rising costs, which have also put the pinch on customers.

Caruso's Italian Restaurant in Gymea in Sydney's Sutherland Shire shut its doors in March citing 'greedy corporations' and cost of living.

Owner Rocky and Kerrin Pitarelli told news.com the cost of essential supplies such as fresh produce alone had become 'unbearable'.
An expert on death cap mushroom poisoning has revealed the physical torment the lunch guests who ate Erin Patterson's beef wellington would have suffered.

Erin served a Beef Wellington that allegedly included the deadly death cap mushrooms on July 29 in Leongatha, Victoria. Three of her four guests died and a fourth remains critically ill.

A physician, who asked to be referred to only as Dr L, told Daily Mail Australia that amatoxin contained in death cap mushrooms is 'a very clever poison' in the way it catastrophically attacks a person's body and essentially 'melts down a person's liver'.

He said the poison is so potent that you do not even need to consume part of an actual mushroom to die, but simply eating or drinking liquid in which the mushrooms were cooked or boiled can be enough to kill you.

A medical expert on poisoning by Death cap mushrooms (above) has described how they kill someone who has consumed them, and how little an amount can be fatal

Erin Patterson (above outside her Leongatha home where she hosted the Beef Wellington lunch with a dish suspected to have contained Amanita Phalloides mushrooms) is being investigated by Victoria Police

Dr L said the Leongatha case was making waves with experts overseas because of the rarity of such poisonings becoming police matters.

Victoria Police's Homicide Squad is investigating the deaths after the lunch guests consumed a dish said to contain the world's deadliest mushroom, Amanita phalloides.

Erin is a person of interest in the investigation as she cooked the fatal lunch for her estranged husband's parents Don and Gail Patterson and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, who all died.

Mrs Wilkinson's' husband Ian Wilkinson also consumed the meal and remains in hospital requiring a liver transplant.

Dr L said the Leongatha case was unique in becoming a police matter, even though many people die each year after unwittingly consuming the death cap mushrooms, thinking they were harmless.

'Hundreds of people die every year and are poisoned, the most occurring in China's Yunnan province, in Kunming, but also in Assam in far eastern India, Southern and Eastern Europe, Russia and Guatemala.

'And hundreds of dogs die. It's a worldwide phenomenon.

'But there's only a few examples in history where someone is suspected ... Agrippina the Younger poisoning her husband the emperor (Claudius in 54BC) in with a plate of mushrooms in order to elevate her son, Nero, to become emperor.

'But this is the first alleged case involving police and Amanita phalloides.'

Dr L has outlined what would have happened to Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson, why they died, why Ian Wilkinson survived and how they all could have been saved and returned home 'long ago'.

Don and Gail Patterson are likely to have suffered kidney injury from extreme dehydration, allowing the lethal Amatoxin to target their livers which killed them

FIRST SIGNS OF POISONING

'Typically what happens is when people eat Amanita Phalloides they will say "this is the most delicious mushroom I have ever eaten",' Dr L said.

He said after eating the Beef Wellington, the Pattersons and the Wilkinsons could easily have gone home and 'had no symptoms whatsoever for at least six hours'.

'The onset of symptoms happens between eight and 12 hours later and it is quite dehydrating vomiting and diarrhoea, but folks don't necessarily attribute it to the mushrooms but think "I've just got a bit of food poisoning".'

Victoria Police have reported that at about midnight on that Saturday, the Pattersons and the Wilkinsons began to fall ill.

Heather Wilkinon died six days after eating the Beef Wellington, but her surviving husband Pastor Ian Wilkinson may have already had a transplant or be slowly recovering on a milk thistle drug

All four, who lived in Korumburra, presented at Leongatha and Korumburra hospitals on the Sunday.

This is earlier than usual, because the doctor said 'patients don't usually present at hospital until very late, an average time of 41 hours is typical, but north of 36 hours.

'By then they are extremely dehydrated and if you did a liver function test, there would be an unmistakeable rise in their liver enzymes.

'Patients usually have a history of having meals of foraged mushrooms, so the doctors would know, but in this case there was no history, so it wouldn't be known [that they had potentially eaten lethal Death Cap mushrooms].

'The doctors would most likely hydrate them, the likely scenario giving them IV fluid and sending them back home.'

However, Victoria Police say the the Pattersons and the Wilkinsons were instead transferred to hospitals in Melbourne, with Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson dying on Friday, August 4, and Don Patterson dying the next day.

Dr L said a lack of quick diagnosis of amatoxin poisoning - which could have easily been traced via a urine sample - would have contributed to their deaths, along with their extreme dehydration, which prevented the poison being expelled.

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting that Erin Patterson was responsible for the deaths of her husband's relatives.

The lethal poison that is Death Cap mushroom Amatoxin would take 8-10 hours to start causing vomiting and diarrhoea and then slowly kill off the kidneys and cause an agonising 'melt' of the liver

Police believe the four guests who ate Beef Wellington at Erin Patterson's Leongatha house (above) ingested one of the most deadly plants in the world, Amanita Phalloides or death cap mushroom

KIDNEY DAMAGE

'You need to restore kidney function because when they were very, very dehydrated, they would need a lot of fluid to restore the output of urine which is the way the poison is expelled from the body,' Dr L said.

'It is readily eliminated by the kidneys - peed out - after several hours as long as the kidneys are working.

'But the problem is the terrible vomiting and diarrhoea is like when you get cholera, maximally dehydrating, and when this happens your body drastically reduces blood flow to the kidneys to preserve the blood supply to the brain and heart.

'And so with reduced blood flow to the kidneys they are not working, getting cleared out with a flow of urine, and the very high concentration of Amatoxin in the kidneys is causing injury to the tubules of the kidney.

Silibinin or Silymarin (left) , made from the milk thistle plant (right) can be used in the recovery of people who have ingested Death Cap mushrooms but who have been saved from kidney failure and liver 'melt'

Don Patterson, who died a week after dining on Beef Wellington at his former daughter-in-law's house would have suffered kidney and then liver failure, a Death Cap Mushroom expert said

'We doctors need to give volume, lots and lots of saline to restore blood flow to the kidneys.

'If they didn't get enough IV fluid they may have already developed serious kidney injury by this time.'

LIVER FAILURE

'The target organ of amatoxin - which is a very smart poison - is the liver, and it is liver failure that kills patients.

'You can't beat this poison with a stick - cooling, freezing or drying the mushrooms has no effect in getting rid of the amatoxin and the gastric acid in your stomach has no effect on it, nor digestive enzymes or the metabolic process.

'What gets eliminated by the kidneys if they are working is exactly the amount of poison that goes in, as it undergoes no transformation whatsoever in the body.

'When you eat these mushrooms, the poison gets very rapidly absorbed and passes through the cells that line the gastrointestinal tract and into the portal blood supply which goes to the liver.

'When you eat a fatty meal, the gall bladder contracts to place bile into your intestine to break down the fat, and bile acids are very highly conserved and recycled over and over, every meal.

Erin Patterson, outside her Leongatha house in the days following the deaths of her ex-husband's family members, is a target by police because 'she cooked those meals' but who say 'it could be very innocent'

'Every time the gall bladder contracts and these bile acids get into the blood supply, and the liver cells will suck bile acids out of the portal blood and into the liver.

'The problem is amatoxin effectively attaches to these receptors on the liver cell and gets transported into the liver cell as if it was a bile acid ... the liver pulls in the Amatoxin out of the portal blood supply and this happens over and over again.

'Every next meal this is happening like a brand new poisoning by the amatoxin and if you aren't expelling the poison via your kidneys because they are working because you are massively hydrated, your liver dies.'

THE PAIN

Dr L said there's two parts to the discomfort and the pain you would experience when dying from amatoxin poisoning.

'The worst part in terms of physical suffering is the GI (gastrointestinal) syndrome of painful abdominal cramps with repetitive retching and severely dehydrating diarrhoea.

'Once patients are admitted, pain can be managed except perhaps for the existential pain experienced when one realizes that their liver is melting down in an unstoppable manner.'

Sisters Heather Wilkinson (left) and Gail Patterson (right), would have died from kidney and liver failure, but could have been saved if doctors had known what they were poisoned with and had acted early to rehydrate them with saline drips and milk thistle medicine

HOW THEY COULD HAVE BEEN SAVED

An IV preparation of a common product made from milk thistles, called Silibinin, can be administered and Dr L said Australian toxicologists and hepatologists (liver specialists) have experience of using this drug.

'The milk thistle drug requires good kidney function to work. If the kidneys are injured and urine output is impaired the drug is ineffective.

'There was a clinical paper written in 2013 about nine to 11 patients treated in ICU mostly in Sydney for amatoxin poisoning with this drug,' Dr L said.

'How it works is it blocks the transport of the amatoxin to the liver cells, so the poison cannot continue to be taken up by the liver.'

But he said that the surviving lunch guest, Pastor Ian Patterson, may have not responded to treatment and 'there was no indication that his liver could come back'.

'This has been going on for so long that I suspect he is either making a slow recovery and won't require a transplant, or that he has already had one.'

If the kidney function of Don and Gail Patterson, and Heather Wilkinson, had been restored, they could have started recovering within four days of the lunch and started taking the milk thistle drug to preserve their livers.

'An alternative to the drug is for an interventional radiologist to drain the gall bladder itself, removing the poison.'

The doctor said if police were testing the food dehydrator Erin Patterson said she dumped at the local tip, they could test for the mushroom's "DNA' rather than traces of its Amatoxin poison

Police officer at the tip where the mushroom or vegetable dehydrator was allegedly dumped by Erin Patterson when she panicked after the deaths of her husband's relatives

He said that apart from being lethal, amatoxin's other danger was that it was 'extremely water soluble'.

'So when you cook it in something, boil or fry it, it seeps in very quickly,' he said.

'When you eat the mushroom, it gets absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract super fast.

'But you can drop a mushroom into a glass of water and its gets absorbed very fast. You don't have to eat the mushroom, if you drink the water you will get poisoned.

'And it only takes a tiny amount of mushroom. There was the case of a 6ft 2ins man who ate a tiny bit of mushroom he picked off the grass in a mental health care facility. He was dead within three to four days.'

Asked about where amanita phalloides or death cap mushrooms rated in comparison with other poisons from plants, such as deadly nightshade or Belladonna, Dr L said 'this is a lot deadlier'.

He said that if Victoria Police were interested in examining a food hydrator used by Erin Patterson, as reported in the media, they would not have to test it for Amatoxin, but instead could identify traces of amanita phalloides 'by its DNA'.
Baby was rushed to hospital but could not be saved

The death of a baby found in a car in the remote outback town of Fitzroy Crossing was most likely a 'horrific' and 'tragic' accident, the WA Police Commissioner said.

The 18-month-old boy was found unresponsive in the vehicle, which was parked outside the town's government offices at about 3pm on Tuesday.

He was rushed to the local hospital but the medical staff were not able to save the toddler and the police were called.

The temperature in the town was around 33C at the time the toddler was found.

Police Commissioner Col Blanch said major crime detectives are investigating the death but that was a 'matter of course' and that it seemed there was nothing suspicious in the baby's death, the West Australian reported.

The child was found in a car which was parked in Fitzroy Crossing (pictured) in Western Australia

'It's such a sad story and certainly tragic for a small community like Fitzroy Crossing,' he said.

Investigators will speak to the toddler's parents and are looking into the circumstances around the child's death, why he was in the car and for how long.

It is understood the baby lived with his mother, while his father was a Department of Communities employee.

The commissioner said people in Fitzroy Crossing are 'hurting' after the tragedy and that it's a difficult time for the small community, which is 400km east of Broome and 2,500km north-west of Perth.

Police Commissioner Col Blanch (pictured) said major crime detectives are investigating the death but that was a 'matter of course'

'Being a small community amplifies these issues. Not only is the family in significant distress ... the whole community is,' he said.

'That's why our police up there are doing the best they can to spend as much time with community and walk them through this.'

The officers who responded to the case are being offered counselling as are Department of Communities staff.
A woman has been hospitalised with stab wounds, while her partner has taken his own life after a domestic violence incident in South Hedland, Western Australia.

A 41-year-old woman was rushed to hospital with multiple stab wounds from a home on Mitchie Crescent in South Hedland at around 7:45am on Wednesday.

Her partner, 45, was found dead near an abandoned church next door. It's understood he took his own life.

Police have covered the location with a large tarpaulin screen to protect passers-by from a reportedly gruesome scene as detective investigate.

The woman is understood to have serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Witnesses posted on Facebook that they had come across the horrific scene soon after it happened.

'Their bodies were on the floor,' they said. 'It was outside on the grass in full view.'

A 41-year-old woman was rushed to hospital with multiple stab wounds from a home on Mitchie Crescent in South Hedland at around 7:45am on Wednesday

Police have covered the location with a large tarpaulin screen to protect passers-by from a reportedly gruesome scene as detective investigate

Several others reported hearing loud noises in the area hours earlier.

'I wonder if thats related to the loud bangs I heard between 3:00 to 5:00am,' asked one.

Another added: 'I heard it at 4.09am - I went outside and couldnt see anything.'

The incident follows the death of two women within a fortnight in suspected domestic violence attacks in Western Australia.

Georgia Lyall was shot dead by her ex-partner Rebels bikie Luke Noormets at her South Guildford home before he returned to his own home in Innaloo, set it on fire and killed himself.

Just days later, Tiffany Woodley was allegedly beaten to death by her former partner Peter Damjanovic at her Bedford home two weeks ago.

WA Premier Roger Cook has now called a summit meeting for next week to tackle the rising number of DV cases in the state.

If this story has raised issues with you, contact Lifeline: 13 11 14 or 1800 RESPECT
An iconic Chinatown restaurant that at one time hosted the Chinese Premier is set to close its doors for good after almost 50 years of business.

A disappointed customer revealed the New Tai Yuen Restaurant in Sydney's Chinatown will close next week.

'Chinatown in Sydney is about to lose an iconic restaurant. Closing next week,' the man posted on Facebook alongside several photos of the humble eatery.

Sydneysiders were quick to share their memories of the iconic restaurant.

An iconic Chinatown restaurant that once upon a time hosted the Chinese Premier is set to close its doors for good after almost 50 years of business

A disappointed customer claimed the New Tai Yuen Restaurant in Sydney's Chinatown (pictured) will close from next week, 48 years after it first opened

'Was the best Chinese food in Sydney in the 70s. Friday night was special for me,' one woman wrote.

'I remember my first visit there on a school excursion in the 80s,' a second said.

A third shared: 'How sad. Chinatown is nothing like it was. Once again the soul of the city is being destroyed'.

The restaurant's former owner, Stanley Wong was described as the intimate friend of several Australian politicians, a racing identity and an integral member of the Chinese community, before he was stabbed to death.

In 1979, he was awarded an MBE for his services to ethnic communities.

He also hosted former Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang when he visited Sydney in April, 1993.

The savvy businessman at one point owned three restaurants, nine racehorses and a development company just years after he fled his home in Shanghai.

The restaurant's former owner, Stanley Wong, hosted Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang when he visited Sydney in April, 1893

In 1985, the 72-year-old millionaire was fatally stabbed in his Maroubra home.

The assailant attacked Mr Wong, his wife and their housekeeper, slashing their throats in what police believed was a premeditated triple-murder.

Mrs Wong and the housekeeper survived their injuries due to life-saving surgery performed by renowned surgeon, Dr Victor Chang.

Chinese immigrant Wee Lam Choo, who had been living in Australia illegally at the time, was convicted of Mr Wong's murder and slapped with a life sentence.

Choo's 18-year-old accomplice was convicted of assault with intentions to commit a robbery and was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment.
The heartbroken uncle of schoolgirl Sara Sharif has urged police to 'catch the scumbag that killed my niece' as the hunt for her father and two others suspected of her death intensifies.

Sara, 10, was found dead in the home she shared with her father Urfan Sharif, 41, stepmother Benash Batool, 21, and five other siblings  the family has now vanished along with her uncle Faisal Malik, 29, and an international manhunt is underway.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline Sara's Polish uncle, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisals, revealed how Sharif was a gambler and claimed he is prone to violence - with police often called to the family home in Woking, Surrey, when Sara lived with her real mum Olga.

He even claimed how former taxi driver Sharif  who is believed to be hiding in Pakistan - even chillingly once told Olga during a custody battle after they divorced over their two children to 'stop complaining or she would be found dead somewhere'.

He spoke as reports revealed police had 'historic contact' with the family of Sara Sharif that 'goes back some years'.

Sara Sharif's Polish uncle shared photos of his niece with the MailOnline

Sara, 10, was found dead in the home she shared with her father Urfan Sharif

Another uncle of ten-year-old Sara Sharif (pictured) who was tragically found dead in a house in Woking has reportedly told police she 'fell down the stairs and broke her neck'

Urfan Sharif (left) fled the UK with his partner Beinash Batool (centre), brother Faisal Malik (right). They are wanted for questioning over Sara's murder

When asked how the family remembered Sara, the Polish uncle shared new pictures of her with MailOnline

Det Supt Chapman told the BBC: 'Surrey Police's contact with the family has been on a limited basis. It's been on a historic basis. And that goes back some time.'

He said police interaction with the schoolgirl's family 'goes back some years' but declined to expand on his comment. MailOnline has contacted Surrey Police for further comment.

Speaking to MailOnline, the Polish uncle said: 'After Sara was born, they had some financial troubles and we couldn't visit them as often. We knew there was a conflict between Olga and Urfan although Olga was not very open about it. She didn't discuss their trouble with her family, maybe with her mother. They need to catch the scumbag that killed my niece.

'At the beginning Urfan was very charming but he was an actor, he deceived us all. Urfan was a gambler, he was addicted. He used to borrow money for gambling machines. His friends and cousins used to spend a lot of time in their home not allowing Olga to walk around the house unattended.

'His behaviour led to conflict and then physical and psychological violence. Police were called many times. There was an incident when Urfan locked Olga and the kids in a room with no food or water for many hours. Olga called us asking for help but Urfan heard the conversation, took the phone away and beat Olga. Living in Germany we called the UK police to Urfan and Olga's home.

'After having a fight with Olga he used to call our family to b**** about Olga, afterwards he would threaten to hurt her, take her kids away. Olga was financially dependent on him, he used to scare her saying she has no rights in the UK as she doesn't speak English that well.

'At some point he threatened her saying if she keeps getting on his nerves about the children some day she will be found dead somewhere.'

Urfan Sharif (left) and Beinash Batool (right) are wanted for murder, leading to an international manhunt

Sara pictured playing in a garden - her body was tragically found at the family home

Surrey Council earlier revealed Sara was known to them before her death

Sara was discovered dead by police at her family home on August 10, and police confirmed that three family members were believed to have fled to Pakistan the day before she was found.

Police were called by her father Urfan Sharif, 41, who is understood to have rushed to Islamabad with his partner Beinash Batool, 29, and his 28-year-old brother Faisal Malik, before they could be questioned in the UK. An international manhunt has been launched for the three adults, but the UK has no formal extradition treaty with Pakistan.

The Polish uncle also revealed that Sharif had a wife in Pakistan and added: 'Our family did not know about it. Him and his family were hiding it from us. Eventually his Pakistani wife called Olga and that's how we found out.

'They differed about religion. Olga wanted to give her children a choice, but Urfan wanted their children to be raised Muslim. The children spoke only English and he used to threaten them that if they told someone about the trouble they were having at home, the police would come and take them to a children's home.

'After their divorce he manipulated the children buying them presents Olga could not afford. He even hit Olga in court before a child custody hearing. Our family did not support this relationship from the very beginning, but Olga was in love so she left her life in Poland and moved to England with Urfan.'

He also told MailOnline how Sharif's current partner Beinash didn't want Olga to have dealings with the children and said: 'Olga had a fight with her over the phone about this. After this fight Olga completely lost contact with her children at the end of 2021.

'Our family has lost touch with the children as well. Olga contacted social services about it, but did not receive any help. Occasionally Urfan would send Olga pictures of the children. After a while he moved and did not give Olga his new address.

'Olga is in a bad way at the moment, she is taking sleeping pills and sedatives to cope with the situation. She is in a bad mental state. It's very difficult to describe. Our mother went to be with Olga to support her. After she saw Sara's body, she was devastated.'

Police were called by her father Urfan Sharif, 41, who is understood to have rushed to Islamabad

When asked how the family remembered Sara, he shared new pictures of her with MailOnline and said: She was happy, smiling, goofy. She loved to dance, play the guitar and sing. She was a very open and confident girl. We have a video of her and her brother Nolan dancing on a street to a guitar that some man was playing. Her brother is in captivity by Urfan right now.

He must be held accountable for his actions. I don't want to say what we wish for him. We cannot understand how he could treat his own child this way, how could he treat her body this way. This act was inhuman.

In case of an accident people seek help, they call an ambulance. The autopsy showed bruises. Olga couldn't recognise her daughter. They had to do a DNA test. We hope they capture him. Urfans second wife, who was taking care of the children, is responsible for allowing this to happen too.

The social services must be held accountable as well. There are many similar cases. The social services must do their job properly. At the moment we just want for Sara's body to be returned to Poland.

Heartbroken mum Olga Sharif, who now lives in Somerset, who had visiting rights for her two children, revealed to MailOnline that in January 2011, while still married to Sharif, she received a letter from a woman claiming that she and Sharif were planning to get married.

She said: When I showed him this letter he said she was lying because she always wanted to be his wife.' Olga added he then immediately burned the letter.

Surrey Police have said Sharif made a 999 call from Pakistan shortly after landing in Pakistan earlier this month, with his partner, brother and five children aged between one and 13 and on August 10 in the early hours police entered the family home in Woking and found Sara dead.

It comes after Surrey Council revealed Sara was known to them before her death.

A spokeswoman previously told MailOnline: 'We can confirm Sara Sharif was known to Surrey County Council but we cannot comment further while the Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership's thorough review process is ongoing.'

Surrey County Council has said they are 'working tirelessly' to fully understand the consequences that led to Sara's death while police have not referred themselves to the IOPC, saying their knowledge of the family was 'historic' and that the case did not meet the threshold to do so.

Last night it was reported that an uncle of the ten-year-old girl had told police she 'fell down the stairs and broke her neck' after being detained in Pakistan.

Her uncle Imran Sharif has not been charged but is said to be assisting the hunt for his brother, Sara's father, after it was reported police in Pakistan are under 'tremendous pressure' from the British High Commission to find him.

Imran Sharif claims Sara had an accident at home, according to Sky News.

He allegedly told officers: 'Beinash was home with the children. Sara fell down the stairs and broke her neck. Beinash panicked and phoned Urfan.

Sara pictured when she was younger in a photo provided by her uncle

READ MORE: Murdered ten-year-old Sara Sharif was KNOWN to authorities before she was found dead at family home in Woking Advertisement

Surrey Police said a post-mortem revealed that Sara 'suffered multiple and extensive injuries', which they said were 'likely to have been caused over a sustained and extended period of time'.

Her exact cause of death remains unknown and further tests are being carried out.

Imran Sharif denied knowing where Urfan and his family were, Jhelum police said.

He reportedly told officers: 'I found out what happened to Sara through the international media. My parents told me Urfan briefly came home very upset. He kept saying 'they' are going to take his children away from him.'

Police said they have detained Mr Sharif's brother because they are 'convinced' that he knows where the family is hiding.

It has also been claimed that Mr Sharif's parents along with other relatives, who live in a large house in the city of Jhelum in Pakistan's Punjab province, have also now gone into hiding.

Beinash Batool's family home in Mirpur has also been searched, but with no sign of the family.

A police source said: 'We spoke to Imran and some of the family members last week and they insisted that they did not know where Urfan and his family are.

'But we don't believe them, there's absolutely no way that they can't know where eight of their relatives who have come from England are. They are telling us a pack of lies.'

They added: 'We managed to get hold of Imran, but the rest of his family have gone missing. They clearly have something to hide. We have got hold of one of them and will be interrogating him until he tells us the truth.'

Separately, Sara's mother, Polish woman Olga Sharif, 36, who was married to Mr Sharif between 2009 to 2017, urged her ex-husband to 'come forward and explain himself.'

Heartbroken Ms Sharif praised her daughter as 'an amazing child,' adding: 'She was so beautiful. I can't believe she's dead.'

Sara's mother, Polish woman Olga Sharif, 36, pictured left, who was married to Mr Sharif between 2009 to 2017, urged her ex-husband to 'come forward and explain himself'

Detective Superintendent Mark Chapman, from the Surrey Police and Sussex Police Major Crime Team, said: 'We now know that Sara had suffered multiple and extensive injuries over a sustained and extended period which has significantly changed the nature of our investigation, and we have widened the timescale of the focus of our enquiry.

'As a result, we are trying to piece together a picture of Sara's lifestyle but we cannot do this without the public's help.

'That is why we are appealing for anyone who knew Sara, had any form of contact with her, or has any other information about her, no matter how insignificant it might seem, to come forward as soon as possible.'

On Friday council leader Tim Oliver said: 'This is an incredibly sad situation and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with everyone affected.'

He said the national Child Safeguarding panel has been notified of the death and a multi-agency rapid review is under way, in line with standard process following the death of a child.

He explained: 'This rapid review will determine whether a local child safeguarding practice review (LCSPR) is to be undertaken by the Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership.

'An LCSPR is a statutory process, bringing together partners including the police, health, social care and education to review practice of all agencies involved, organisational structures and learning.'
A teenager who died suddenly in his sleep last Sunday had no known previous medical history which could explain the tragedy.

William Pfeiffer, 14, is being remembered as a happy boy with a bright smile and a heart of gold by his parents, five siblings, grandparents and school friends.

The South Australian boy spent his last hours at his grandparents' Adelaide home, laughing and enjoying their company.

'No parent should ever have to endure the loss of a child,' family friend Nicole Baans wrote on the fundraiser she has set up for William's distraught family.

William Pfeiffer (pictured), 14, who died suddenly in his sleep last Sunday had no known previous medical history which could explain the tragedy

'I am reaching out to those who knew and loved William and his family in the hope that we can band together to ease the financial burden,' she wrote.

'As far as we know, he was a perfectly fit and healthy 14-year-old, (there) was nothing wrong with him,' Ms Baans told Yahoo News.

She said William's mum Karen Lynch and stepdad Mike Shaw hope an autopsy will explain what happened to their boy, who was known for wearing bright socks.

Ms Banns said William was a 'caring' and 'sensitive' boy and that such attributes runs in the family.

William's (picture) mum Karen Lynch and stepdad Mike Shaw hope an autopsy will explain what happened to their boy, who was known for wearing bright socks

His mum is a photographer for Heartfelt, a volunteer organisation which takes photos for families who have experienced stillbirth or who have children with life-threatening illnesses.

'She's such a giving person for other families in their time of need. So it's just so sad that she now has to feel this pain herself,' the family friend said.

William's school at Golden Grove in Adelaide's outer north-east is planning a memorial for him, with all students invited to wear colourful socks on the day.
Conditions could peak at around 26C today in London but will become cooler

The August Bank holiday weekend will see sunny spells but will also be blustery

Families flocked to beaches while paddleboarders made their way along rivers on what could be the last day of real summer ahead of a rainy Bank Holiday weekend.

People are making the most of the good weather today as temperatures are set to soar to 26C (79F) ahead of downpours this weekend. The Met Office has said the hot spell currently sweeping the UK could be the last this year before autumn begins.

The Met Office expects temperatures to peak in the late 20Cs before the mercury dips and the sunshine gives way to more unsettled conditions over the Bank Holiday.

Conditions could climb to 26C today in London but temperatures will be much cooler over the late August three-day weekend and will settle in the early 20Cs.

Those looking forward to a Bank Holiday spent in the sun may be disappointed as although there will be a few 'sunny spells', 'blustery showers' are also predicted.

Families flock to Bournemouth beach in Dorset to enjoy the warm weather today

Sunbathers pack the beach as they flock to the seaside resort of Weymouth in Dorset today

A sunbather lies in the sunshine in Central London this afternoon amid the warm weather

Holidaymakers and sunbathers at Weymouth in Dorset today as they enjoy the sunshine

Wednesday's weather will see some of the last of the summer heat before Autumn sets in

London, for example, will see highs of 20C on Saturday and Sunday, with Cardiff and Plymouth also at similar temperatures in comparison to the heat earlier this week.

Meanwhile revellers attending the annual Reading Festival were armed with tents and a long weekend's worth of alcohol as they arrived at the site in Caversham.

Festivalgoers arriving for early bird camping will be looking forward to a thrilling weekend starring the likes of The 1975, Billie Eilish and Imagine Dragons.

Blue skies shone as campers began to join queues for the campsite - but will hopefully have packed their wellies as the rest of the weekend looks to turn drizzly.

Joan Laing inspects her field of sunflowers at East Grange Farm in Shincliffe, Durham, today

People enjoying the warm weather on Bournemouth beach in Dorset today

Paddle boarders watch people zip lining towards the beach from Bournemouth pier today

A paddle boarder is out on the River Thames near Windsor in Berkshire this afternoon

A packed beach in Weymouth, Dorset, today, as sunseekers enjoy the weather

The car park is full at Sandbanks beach near Poole in Dorset today

The sun rises over the Dashwood Mausoleum in Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, this morning

It is disappointing news for music fans, as Leeds Festival, Creamfields, Victorious and All Points East are also all lined up for the weekend - as well as the Silverstone racing festival.

The last stretch of the school holidays will be fitting for the UK's relatively cool summer as it sees the end of the heatwave.

Many people across the country could see rain at some point over the weekend, although there should still be 'plenty of dry and bright weather' to make the most of the last bank holiday before Christmas, forecasters said.

While temperatures are expected to be lower for the next few weeks, they added that hurricane season in the Atlantic could bring warmer and drier weather to our shores before autumn sets in.

Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said: 'It is going to be dry with sunny spells overall in the east and south of the country.

Reading Festival fans arrive for the early bird camping today, with the sun shining

The first campers have arrived at Reading Festival today as temperatures are set to soar to 26C

Blue skies shine as campers begin to join queues for the campsite at Reading today

Revellers are armed with tents and a long weekend's worth of booze for Reading Festival today

Eager campers at Reading Festival today - setting up camp in the sun

Revellers are armed with tents as they arrive at the site in Caversham for the annual Reading Festival today

'In terms of temperatures (on Wednesday), we are going to have highs of 27C.

'By Friday we will have highs of 23C. It's going to be a cooler bank holiday but with drier weather on Sunday into Monday - overall a better weekend than we've had for some time.

'The trends are lower for the next few weeks. I wouldn't rule out it being the last warm spell of the year.

'(But) as we start getting into the active part of the hurricane season, with storms in the Atlantic, this can sometimes bring drier and warmer conditions.'

For those going abroad, temperatures in Europe are set to soar over the coming days - as Bordeaux, France will see 39C spells on Wednesday, while Rome will hit 37C.
Ukraine staged a new kamikaze drone attack on Moscow's skyscraper district in the early hours of this morning, triggering a huge explosion that sent debris crashing to the ground.

Dramatic video shows the moment the blast ripped through the new One Tower, which is under construction in the prestigious business and government zone of Moscow City around three miles from the Kremlin.

The high-rise was hit by one of three military UAVs to target Moscow overnight, with the impact of the explosion sending pieces of concrete and glass flying.

Several windows were broken in two buildings nearby following the drone attack, Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin said, adding there were no casualties.

It was the sixth consecutive day that drones were aimed at Moscow during the nearly 18 month conflict, now bogged down as Ukraine's troops fight a grinding counteroffensive.

Dramatic video shows the moment the blast ripped through the new One Tower, which is under construction in the prestigious business and government zone of Moscow City around three miles from the Kremlin

Ukraine staged a new kamikaze drone attack on Moscow's skyscraper district in the early hours of this morning, triggering a huge explosion that sent debris crashing to the ground. Pictured: Smoke from the blast

A woman inspects the damage sustained to a building of the Moscow International Business Centre following a drone attack in Moscow on Wednesday

Police officers stand guard at the scene of the wreckage of a drone at Moscow City business district after the drone strike on Wednesday

Once again, there was disruption at Moscow's four main airports as flights were suspended during the drone attacks.

Sobyanin said: 'Air defences downed a drone in the Mozhaisky district of Moscow region, while another unmanned aerial vehicle hit a building under construction in the City.'

Later Russia claimed there were a total of three drones, two of which were shot down by air defence systems in the Mozhaisk and Khimki areas of the Moscow region with the third allegedly jammed by electronic warfare weaponry before hitting the skyscraper.

Damage was also reported to buildings in Khimki, a suburb close to major international airport Sheremetyevo.

'City emergency services are inspecting the area within the City perimeter for the effects of the strike,' said the mayor.

'Several windows were smashed in two adjacent five-story buildings. There were no casualties.'

The blast in the downtown skyscraper district was close to the iconic 75-floor Mercury City Tower. Emergency services rushed to the scene but there were no reports of casualties.

Law enforcement officers work at the site of a drone attack outside the Moscow International Business Centre following the drone attack on Wednesday

This photograph shows a broken window of a residential building following a drone attack in Moscow on Wednesday

The RIA Novosti news agency reported an 'explosion' was heard in the business district.

'A little later, smoke rose from the buildings in the same area,' it said.

In recent weeks two other drone attacks were repelled over Moscow's financial district, each causing minor damage to the facades of high-rise buildings.

The Moscow region, hundreds of kilometres from the front line, has been repeatedly targeted in recent weeks, although there have been no reports of major damage.

There were also reports of explosions in suburb Odintsovo, believed to be caused by Russian air defences targeting incoming kamikaze drones.

Residents earlier heard the sound of a flying drone.

In recent weeks two other drone attacks were repelled over Moscow's financial district, each causing minor damage to the facades of high-rise buildings.

Ukraine typically does not admit responsibility for the strikes, but they are widely seen as conducted in response to Vladimir Putin's relentless bombardment of Kyiv and other major cities.

The UK said that it did not encourage or enable Ukrainian attacks inside Russia.

But a US State Department spokesman today said it was up to Ukraine to decide how it chooses to defend itself from the Russian invasion that began in February last year.

Russia could end the war any time by withdrawing from Ukraine, it said.

Drone strikes deep inside Russia have increased since two unmanned aircraft were destroyed over the Kremlin in early May.

The United States, which has supplied Ukraine with massive assistance in the form of weapons and other military equipment to combat the Russian invasion, has consistently said it does not support attacks inside Russia.
People gather to protest the Japanese government's irresponsible decision to start releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater in front of the Japanese prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 22. Xinhua-Yonhap



China on Tuesday said it had summoned the Japanese ambassador after Tokyo said it would begin releasing water from the stricken Fukushima power plant into the Pacific Ocean this week.






Two 13-year-old boys have been charged over the fire that destroyed a seven-storey building in Sydney.

The 111-year-old former hat factory on Randle Street, Surry Hills, was razed to the ground by the blaze on May 25.

Two neighbouring buildings were also so badly damaged that they had to be torn down.

Two 13-year-old boys have been charged over the fire that destroyed a seven-storey building in Sydney

Chaotic scenes saw hundreds of people evacuated from nearby homes and offices as smoke poured over the city and more than 100 firefighters battled the inferno.

Now, two 13-year-old boys have been charged over the fire.

They are charged with of destroying property in company using fire etc more than $5000, and entering enclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse.

One of the boys was also charged with two counts of shoplifting, with the offences alleged to have happened at a grocery store on Elizabeth Street on the day of the fire.

The boys will appear in children's court on October 4.

The building burst into flames about 4pm and had almost entirely toppled over by 6pm, with chunks of debris from the roof and walls falling onto the street below, while thousands of horrified commuters and workers watched on.

The fire caused a 'tornado of smoke' and the heat could be felt even a block away.
The treasured possessions of hero wartime codebreaker Alan Turing have been returned to his former school 39 years after being taken by a woman posing as his daughter.

Julia Turing, who changed her surname from Schwinghamer to match the genius's, took 17 of his belongings when she visited Sherborne School in Dorset in 1984.

They included his miniature OBE medal, school reports, a letter from King George VI, his doctorate from Princeton and photographs.

The belongings were then discovered in America after Schwinghamer offered to lend the items to the University of Colorado in 2018 and claimed to be the codebreaker's daughter.

Following an FBI raid on her home and civil case that was settled out of court, the items were returned to Sherborne on Tuesday in a ceremony that involved US officials and the school's headmaster, Dominic Luckett.

Turing attended the school from 1926 until July 1931 and went on to play a pivotal role in cracking the German Enigma code at Bletchley Park, a feat which helped turn the tide of the Second World War.

The treasured possessions of hero wartime codebreaker Alan Turing have been returned to his former school 39 years after being taken by a woman posing as his daughter. Julia Turing, who changed her surname from Schwinghamer to match the genius's, took 17 of his belongings when she visited Sherborne School in Dorset in 1984. Above: Schwinghamer posing with pictures of Turing

When Schwinghamer took Turing's possessions, which were in an archive at the school, she left a note saying they would be 'well taken care of'.

Turing's mother Ethel had donated the items to Sherborne School in the 1960s.

The University of Colorado had alerted the FBI when they became suspicious following Schwinghamer's approach and her claims that she was Turing's daughter.

The repatriation ceremony was attended by US officials including FBI officers and Dipesh Dattani, from the US Embassy in London, who formally handed over the stolen material.

READ MORE: Alan Turing was NOT driven to suicide after his conviction for 'homosexual acts' nor did he play such a vital role at Bletchley Park, insists his own nephew Fact-box text Advertisement

The items will go back on display at the school, where a Turing bust was unveiled in 2021, in due course.

Digital copies of the material will be made available on the School Archives website.

The US crime authorities said they consulted the Metropolitan Police and Buckingham Palace to authenticate Turing's stolen OBE.

Special Agent Greg Wertsch, from Homeland Security, said: 'We had a lead of where they (Turing's stolen items) were and executed a search warrant to retrieve the items.

'We worked with the Metropolitan Police and Buckingham Palace to authenticate his OBE.

'It was an interesting case from that perspective with the history and importance of Mr Turing himself.'

There are five of Turing's school reports which reveal how he went from someone 'who didn't really apply himself' to one of the school's top mathematicians and scientists.

His headmaster wrote at the end of his time at the school: 'He is a gifted and distinguished boy whose future we will follow with interest.'

During the Second World War, Turing worked for the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS) at Bletchley Park, Britain's code-breaking centre in Buckinghamshire.

Dominic Luckett (left), headmaster of Sherborne School, is seen with Greg Wertsch of the US Department of Homeland Security holding Alan Turing's doctorate certificate at yesterday's ceremony. It was one of the objects stolen by Schwinghamer

They included his miniature OBE medal (pictured), school reports, a letter from King George VI, his doctorate from Princeton and photographs

From September 1936 to July 1938 Turing attended Princeton University, studying mathematics. In June 1938 he obtained his PhD from the Department of Mathematics at Princeton. Pictured: His Princeton Graduate School file was one of several stolen items

In 1946, Alan Turing did not go to Buckingham Palace to receive his OBE because King George VI was ill at the time. Instead, it was sent to him in the post with the accompanying letter from the King

Turing spent two years as a visiting fellow at Princeton. One June 21, 1938, he was awarded a PHD for his thesis on 'Systems of Logic based on Ordinals'. Above: The certificate that was stolen by Schwinghamer

A transcript made by Ethel Turing of a postcard written to her by her son Alan in 1924. He wrote it from his prep school in Sussex

Alan Turing's school report for the end of his first time at Sherborne. It was summed up as 'quite a good start' by his housemaster

It has been estimated that Turing's work on cracking the Enigma code shortened the war in Europe by more than two years and saved more than 14 million lives.

Headmaster Dr Dominic Luckett said: 'Few people have had a greater positive impact upon the world than Alan Turing.

'Although denied due recognition before his life came to a tragic and premature end in 1954, the extraordinary nature of his achievements is now finally being understood and celebrated.

'His crucial work as a cryptanalyst at Bletchley Park and his enormous contribution to the development of computing and artificial intelligence were not merely of vital practical significance at the time but continue to underpin many of today's most important intellectual and technological advances.

'As a school, we are intensely proud of our association with Alan Turing and want to do all we can to preserve and promote his legacy.

'As part of that, we take very seriously our responsibility to look after those items in our archives which relate to his time at Sherborne School and his subsequent life and work.

Turing attended the school from 1926 until July 1931 and went on to play a pivotal role in cracking the German Enigma code at Bletchley Park

'I am most grateful to all those, in the US and closer to home, who have worked so hard to ensure the safe return of these precious artefacts.'

Sir Dermot Turing, the codebreaker's nephew, previously said: 'Back in the 1960s nobody outside the very rarefied world of computer science and maths had heard of Alan Turing and it was quite remarkable that a school had dedicated their science block to him.

'So his mother felt there ought to be some sort of tribute in return so gave various sorts of things to the school including his OBE medal and one of his degree certificates.

'They were just in a box in a biology laboratory in the school in the Alan Turing Building and she (the woman who stole them) asked to go and see these things.

Julia Turing approached the University of Colorado Boulder in January 2018 saying she wanted to loan Alan Turing's memorabilia to the library. However, archivists to the library realized the items were stolen from Sherborne back in 1984 and alerted authorities, sparking an FBI probe

During the Second World War, Turing worked for the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS) at Bletchley Park, Britain's code-breaking centre in Buckinghamshire

'There would not have been any security around it where as these days people would approach the situation completely differently.

'There are not many items of his around, I don't own any myself, and they are mostly in museums, so the idea that some things that genuinely did belong to him or relate to his life might come back and be available to look at by interested people would be a great thing.'

In 1952 Turing was prosecuted for homosexual acts when 'gross indecency' was still criminal in the UK.

He accepted chemical castration treatment as an alternative to prison.

Turing died aged 41 on June 7, 1954 from cyanide poisoning.

In 2009, the then British Prime Minister Gordon Brown made an official public apology on behalf of the British government for 'the appalling way he was treated'.

Queen Elizabeth II granted him a posthumous pardon in 2013.

He was played by Benedict Cumberbatch in the film The Imitation Game, which was released in 2014.
YouTube star Fousey appears to have been arrested by police during a live stream after he called the cops on himself, claiming there was a gun to his head.

Live video streamed to Kick showed Yousef Saleh Erakat, 33 - known for his YouTube channel fouseyTUBE - being quizzed and cuffed by Miami Police Department officers in a hotel room.

Earlier footage appeared to show Fousey - who has over ten million YouTube subscribers - sitting on the hotel room bed asking a dispatcher to 'send the f***ing cops', telling them there was a gun to his head. No gun was seen in the footage.

Another man who appeared to be Fousey's security was also seen in the footage, but did not appear to be threatening towards the YouTuber and helped him when he asked what his room number was.

DailyMail.com has so far not been able to verify if the arrest is real or staged. The Miami Police Department has been approached for comment.

Fousey, who has spoken out about his struggles with mental health, has made a number of controversial videos in the past.

YouTube star Fousey appears to have been arrested by police during a livestream after reportedly calling the cops on himself

Yousef Saleh Erakat, 33 is known for his YouTube channel fouseyTUBE. He has over 10 million subscribers

Live video streamed to Kick showed Yousef Saleh Erakat, 33 being quizzed and cuffed by Miami Police Department officers in a hotel room

The YouTuber appears to have streamed previous footage showing law enforcement coming to his accommodation. He has also previously filmed himself walking down a Miami freeway, dodging cars.

In the most recent footage, four officers are seen entering the hotel room, as an apparently distressed Fousey tells them 'there's a stalker'.

He is then asked who the stalker is by one of the officers, and continues to get enraged.

He screams back: 'I don't f***ing know.'

The officer then says: 'How do you want us to look for him if you don't know where he is.'

'I have his address,' he yells back in response.

'I said ''grab my security twenty minutes ago'',' he continues to scream.

Officers then move in, two men grabbing each of his hands. One takes a pair of handcuffs out and detains him.

'You guys are dumb as f***, man. You guys are literally dumb as f***,' Fousey says.

Four officers are seen entering the hotel room, as an apparently distressed Fousey tells them 'there's a stalker'

Fousey earlier claimed to a dispatcher that there was a gun to his head. There was no gun seen in the footage

He orders his security to do something but another police officer from outside the door tells Fousey that security cannot come in

YouTube boxers Deji (right) and Fousey throw punches during a Light Heavyweight Bout at The O2 Arena on August 27, 2022 in London

He continues: 'Record this. Security come in here now. You'll for my protection come in here.'

Another police officer from outside the door tells Fousey that security cannot come in.

'You'll are f***ed. I'm suing all you'll. My life is in danger and you sue the Palestinian Muslim who's viral.

Flanked by officers on each side, Fousey is led out of the hotel room and continues to shout. Katy Perry's Dark Horse can be heard playing in the background.

He screams: 'Free Fousey.'

The streamer has some 10.4 million subscribers on YouTube and is known for his comedy sketches and streams on Kick.

The YouTuber has previously spoken about his struggles with mental health.

Fousey has some 10.4 million subscribers on YouTube and is known for his comedy sketches and streams on Kick
Vladimir Putin has fired General Sergei 'Armageddon' Surovikin as head of his aerospace forces, Russian media confirmed today.

The notoriously ruthless commander, 56, vanished from view two months ago and is believed to have been placed under arrest following a coup led by Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin.

The Kremlin said that Colonel-General Viktor Afzalov, 55, who dozed off during a speech by Putin about the war, has replaced Surovikin on an 'interim' basis.

Surovikin, seen as one of Russia's most capable - and cruel - generals, is assumed to have also lost his other role as deputy to armed forces chief General Valery Gerasimov - Putin's overall war commander.

The demise of Surovikin is seen as a victory for Gerasimov and defence minister Sergei Shoigu in a poisonous power struggle inside Putin's high command.

Some reports hint that Surovikin will be demoted to a new job but there are also claims that his family has not seen him since he disappeared from view at the time of the coup against the Putin regime, and that he remains under legal sanction.

General Sergei Surovikin with Vladimir Putin

The notoriously ruthless commander, 56, vanished from view two months ago after condemning the Wagner group's mutiny against the Ministry of Defence

General Surovikin and his wife Anna are seen drinking at a New Year party in 2022

One source said: 'Surovikin was relieved of his post in connection with a transfer to another job and is at the disposal of the Ministry of Defence.'

Another said he was on a 'short vacation'.

During the Wagner mutiny against the Ministry of Defence in June, father-of-four Surovikin was summoned back from the war zone to Moscow.

He issued a video calling on the Wagner mutineers to lay down their arms and halt a march on Moscow - this later proved to be the last time he was seen.

But some Putin loyalists believed he had prior knowledge of the putsch bid, or was even colluding with Wagner chief Prigozhin.

Reports followed that he had been locked away for interrogation in Lefortovo jail, or a secret military prison.

He is believed to have been interrogated by a commission appointed by Shoigu, but a veil of secrecy was thrown over his status and no information on his whereabouts was provided by the Kremlin.

Surovikin was notorious for his brutality in Syria and Chechnya where he earned the moniker 'General Armageddon'.

He was briefly in charge of the Russian war campaign in Ukraine from October until Putin removed responsibility from him in January, handing it to Gerasimov.

During his tenure, he was accused of 'genocidal' attacks on Ukrainian power stations.

Yet he was also credited with ordering the defence lines that have blocked progress for Kyiv in the Ukrainian counteroffensive.

He has also faced claims of corruption over a 3million 'English-style mansion' he shares with wife Anna.

Col-Gen Viktor Afzalov, 55, (first from the left) has replaced General Sergei Surovikin

Top Russian military and security chiefs at a meeting with Vladimir Putin in December 2022. Col-Gen Afzalov (marked) is seen with his eyes closed, first from the right in the third row

A drone strike today on one of Moscows skyscrapers

Dramatic video shows the moment the blast ripped through the new One Tower, which is under construction in the prestigious business and government zone of Moscow City, around three miles from the Kremlin

Surovikin's former deputy Colonel-General Viktor Afzalov is now in the hot seat.

Britain's Ministry of Defence said in a recent update that Afzalov was likely under 'intense pressure' to 'improve air defences over western Russia'.

Afzalov's promotion comes as Ukraine continues to taunt Russian aerospace forces with increasing kamikaze drone strikes on Moscow.

The latest targeted another skyscraper in the business district of the capital in the early hours of this morning.

Security camera footage caught the moment a drone slammed into the side of a skyscraper and erupted in a yellow ball of flame.

The increasing drone strikes pose a problem for Putin, who assumed in invading Ukraine that it would have little direct effect on Russians.

Russia said it had prevented most of Ukraine's drone attacks on Moscow early this morning, shooting down two and jamming a third which ultimately slammed into the skyscraper.

The attempted attack in Moscow was not reported to have hurt anyone and only appeared to have caused minor damage.

The state news agency Tass reported that glass panes on three floors of the high-rise building had been damaged.

There was no immediate comment from Ukraine, which rarely takes direct responsibility for drone strikes on Russian territory or on areas controlled by Russia, but which appears to have stepped up such attacks since two drones were destroyed over the Kremlin in early May.
The Beijing-based secret agent is mainly operating under the alias Robin Zhang

Any Britons found to have sold secrets to a Chinese spy who targeted gullible officials on an industrial scale using LinkedIn should face 'the full force of the law', a senior MP said today.

A Communist operative using a string of alias is believed to have wooed thousands of civil servants, scientists and academics using the business-orientated social media site, all while sat at a desk in Beijing.

The spy, whose main alias was Robin Zhang, is said to have used a raft of fake names and created sham companies to entice civil servants, scientists and even security officials into handing over classified Government information.

They were lured with offers of thousands of pounds in cash, lucrative private sector jobs and trips to conferences, with some falling for it so heavily they sent him CVs.

All were targeted in the hope they would hand over sensitive government or commercially sensitive information, an investigation by The Times found.

Tory MP Alicia Kearns, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, said those targeted had to take 'personal responsibility', telling Times Radio: 'It is your job to make sure that you are not selling secrets, you are not giving away information, you're not being flattered into giving speeches.

'And people should know if you are a official in the UK and you have access to secret information and we find out that you have chosen to sell it ... you will face the full force of the law.'

Meanwhile other MPs urged Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to cancel a reported trip to Beijing this week.

A Communist operative using a string of alias is believed to have wooed thousands of civil servants, scientists and academics using the business-orientated social media site, all while sat at a desk in Beijing

Tory MP Alicia Kearns, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, said those targeted had to take 'personal responsibility', telling Times Radio: 'It is your job to make sure that you are not selling secrets, you are not giving away information, you're not being flattered into giving speeches.'

The man is thought to have links with the Chinese Ministry of State Security's headquarters. Pictured: China's President Xi Jinping

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: 'How can the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Affairs continue to think he has to go to China to 'KowTow' to China while they steal our secrets and commit genocide?

'Our policy towards China is like a front door mat.'

The revelation comes weeks after Parliament's intelligence watchdog warned that Chinese spies are 'prolifically and aggressively' targeting the UK.

The Intelligence and Security Committee said Beijing was managing to penetrate 'every sector of the economy' before criticising the Government's response to the threat by questioning the trade-off between economic interests and security concerns.

The 207-page report, published in July added that the UK is of 'significant interest to China when it comes to espionage and interference', placing the country 'just below China's top priority targets'.

It said: 'China's state intelligence apparatus  almost certainly the largest in the world with hundreds of thousands of civil intelligence officers ... targets the UK and its interests prolifically and aggressively, and presents a challenge for our agencies to cover.'

The spy is thought to be one of the most prolific agents working in the UK in years, Western security officials have said.

The sole Beijing operative is said to have used a raft of fake names and created sham companies to target civil servants, scientists, security officials, academics and think tank staff.

Other pseudonyms used included names such as Eric Chen Yixi, Robin Cao, Lincoln Lam, John Lee and Eric Kim. The profiles, which either used stock images or pictures of innocent people, claimed to work in Shanghai's security sector.

The man, whose undercover work is said to have been at play for at least five years, is thought to be working from a desk in China's capital, believed to be linked with the Chinese Ministry of State Security's headquarters.

Some sent CVs, while one said the user had been 'unprofessional and pushy' before offering money for information on the UK's relationship with China.

The newspaper revealed the spy made up security companies and websites so he looked more credible when he approached his targets. He even pretended to attend a London university.

On one occasion the man, whose real identity cannot be published as it would put spies in Western countries at risk, offered to pay 8,000 to a recruitment consultant every time they gave details of candidates who worked in intelligence services.

Former colonel Philip Ingram, who specialised in cyber intelligence and the use of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons, said he had a request from someone going under the name 'Robin' five years ago.

After accepting, he was quickly asked to write a report on how British counterterrorism works and asked for information that 'isn't easily accessible to anyone'. His suspicions were raised after finding no details about the company 'Robin' allegedly worked.

Security minister Tom Tugendhat warned that it was not just civil servants who should be aware, but also businesses, researchers and academics

'I'm certain there's an entire department at MSS that is using these tactics,' he told the Times. The colonel ended communication after he was asked to go to China.

Security minister Tom Tugendhat told the paper: 'It's not just government employees who need to exercise caution, it's businesses with commercially sensitive information, as well as researchers and academics.'

He warned that other British civilians using LinkedIn, the world's largest professional networking site with more than 930million users, should be aware.

A spokeswoman for LinkedIn told MailOnline: 'Creating a fake account is a clear violation of our terms of service.

'Our Threat Prevention & Defense team actively seeks out signs of state-sponsored activity and removes fake accounts using information we uncover and intelligence from a variety of sources, including government agencies.

'Our Transparency Report details the actions that we take to keep LinkedIn a safe place where real people can connect with professionals they know and trust.'

MailOnline has contacted the Home Office.
On the night of Tuesday August 23 2023, Pakistan breathed a sigh of relief after all the children who were trapped in a broken down cable car suspended 1,200ft in the air were brought to safety, marking the end of an intense 16-hour rescue operation.

The gondola had been carrying six youngsters and two adults, thought to be teachers, to their school in the remote mountainous region of Battagram, 120 miles north of Islamabad, when one of the cables snapped.

It sparked a frantic helicopter mission lasting much of the day, seeing the students, aged between 11 and 15, and their companions pulled out one by one.

But are cable cars safe to use? Do cable car accidents occur frequently in other parts of the world?

Read on below for everything you need to know about the safety of cable cars.

Prior to the incident in Pakistan on August 22, there had been no reported problems with the cable cars, with locals viewing them as the best way to travel around the region. Pictured: A cable car carrying eight people dangles hundreds of meters above the ground, in Pashto village, a mountainous area of Battagram district in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, on Tuesday August 22 2023

How safe are cable cars?

Prior to the incident in Pakistan on August 22, there had been no reported problems with the cable cars, with locals viewing them as the best way to travel around the region.

Mohabbat Shah, who lives in the area, said locals are willing to risk the dangerous journey as they don't have many other ways travelling to key services.

He told the BBC: 'We pay only 10 rupees per person on a one way trip. If we book a cab, this will cost up to 2000 rupees (18.91).'

The safety of cable cars has been proven by the lack of incidents in similar infrastructure across the globe.

Since opening in June 2012, the London cable car has only had one incident of note.

One month after it opened, passengers were suspended 300ft in the air inside the cable car after a technical fault with the alarm system, there were no reported injuries.

How common are cable car accidents across the world?

While the cable car that broke down in Pakistan on August 22 had not had issues before, others in different parts of the country have.

In 2017, in Muree, Punjab, an illegal car crashed and fell into a ravine. There were 11 people killed in the crash.

In December 2022 in Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 12 children on their way to school had to be rescued when a rope snapped. They were also stranded above a river as they waited to be saved.

Since opening in June 2012, the London cable car has only had one incident of note. One month after it opened, passengers were suspended 300ft in the air inside the cable car after a technical fault with the alarm system, there were no reported injuries. Pictured: the London cable car crossing to Greenwich Peninsula

After the incident in Battagram on August 23, Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, Pakistan's caretaker prime minister, called for safety inspections of all homemade cable cars.

In May 2021, 14 people were killed after a horror accident in which a mountain-top cable car plunged 65ft to the ground in northern Italy.

The cable car was carrying passengers to the top of the Stresa-Mottarone line in the Piedmont region of the western Alps when it dropped just 1,000ft away from the station.

The Mottarone cable car was opened in 1970. It reaches a height of 4,900ft and takes tourists from the town of Stresa, to the top of the mountain, in 20 minutes.
Peter Higgs, 56, was put in charge of the Elgin Marbles despite being implicated

British Museum continues to deal with the fallout over the theft and sale of items

The academic sacked by the British Museum after a spate of thefts was put in charge of the Elgin Marbles - one of the most sensitive collections in the museum's catalogue, a witness has said.

Dr Ittai Gradel, a Danish art dealer, figured out that precious items were being sold on eBay and contacted the museum's directors in 2021 to alert them they had a potential thief among their ranks.

After feeling that his concerns were ignored, Dr Gradel contacted the museum's board of trustees and its chairman George Osborne, who personally took charge of the matter.

An internal investigation led the museum to sack Peter Higgs, 56, a curator of Mediterranean cultures who had worked there for more than 30 years.

Now, it has emerged Dr Higgs - who denies any wrongdoing - was made acting keeper of Greek collections even after the museum was warned that items were turning up for sale on eBay linked to an account in his name, The Telegraph reports.

Dr Gradel has insisted that Hartwig Fischer, the museum's director, and Jonathan Williams, his deputy, should be sacked immediately 'for the sake of this great institution'.

Peter Higgs, 56, the British Museum curator sacked over missing priceless treasures, had worked there for more than 30 years

The 2,500-year-old Elgin Marbles are classed among the wonders of Ancient Greece and have been a source of diplomatic tensions between Britain and Greece in recent years

The sculptures are said to have been ruthlessly seized from the Parthenon in Athens in 1801 by British art collector Lord Elgin

Dr Higgs remained in the role despite despite being named in the correspondence sent to his employer about the thefts.

It also emerged that when the museum carried out an inventory in a storeroom where 942 uncatalogued items were kept, all but seven of them were missing.

The museum continues to deal with the disastrous fallout after it emerged last week that as many as 2,000 precious items were stolen and sold online, or otherwise damaged.

Despina Koutsoumba, head of the Association of Greek Archaeologists, said her colleagues were 'worried' about how many Greek items were missing.

She told the BBC: 'We want to tell the British Museum that they cannot any more say that Greek culture heritage is more protected in the British Museum.

'It is obvious that it is very well protected in Greece and not in the British Museum.'

Greece has been campaigning for decades for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures, otherwise known as the Elgin Marbles, which once adorned the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens.

The country has long claimed they were illegally acquired during a period of foreign occupation, while British officials have rebuffed repeated demands for their return.

Christopher Marinello, a lawyer and expert in recovering stolen art, said the thefts exposed the museum to questions about the safety of the ancient sculptures.

He said: 'It makes one wonder whether the Parthenon Marbles are safe in the British Museum after all, and perhaps they should be returned to the museum in Athens for their security.'

Dr Ittai Gradel, a Danish art dealer, uncovered out that precious items were being sold on eBay and contacted the British Museum's directors in 2021 to alert them of a thief among their ranks, but says his concerns were ignored

The British Museum's director Dr Hartwig Fischer (pictured), who was contacted about the thefts in 2021, said: 'We now have reason to believe that the individual who raised concerns had many more items in his possession, and it's frustrating that that was not revealed to us...'

The British Museum continues to deal with the disastrous fallout after it emerged last week that as many as 2,000 precious items were stolen and sold online, or otherwise damaged

Despina Koutsoumba, head of the Association of Greek Archaeologists, said her colleagues were 'worried' about how many Greek items are missing

Questions have also been raised about the museum's handling of the thefts and how long senior management was aware before action was taken.

The museum has strenuously denied claims of a cover-up after it was reported that managers were warned two years ago that items were being taken from the collection and sold.

The Telegraph reports that whistleblower Dr Gradel contacted the museum's deputy director Dr Jonathan Williams in 2021 with concerns that items were being stolen.

Dr Gradel revealed that from 2014, he purchased around 70 items on eBay from an account he now believes belonged to Dr Higgs or someone using his name. Dr Gradel paid as little as 15 for one item, while another which he bought for several hundred pounds was sold on for thousands.

He has given a list to police and the museum of buyers who bought ten items from him, while the rest have been returned.

In addition, he purchased a further 150 items from a third party which he suspects originated from the museum, although they were not listed in its catalogue.

In January 2021, Dr Higgs was appointed acting keeper of Greek collections and in February Dr Gradel contacted the museum's deputy director Dr Jonathan Williams directly.

He sent him a file which listed items being sold on eBay by a seller with a bank account under the name of Peter Higgs.

Dr Gradel claims that Dr Williams 'basically told me to get lost' and insisted that the 'collection is protected'.

Museum curator Dr Peter Higgs in a 2018 Facebook post wearing an ancient mask

He had worked there for 35 years. His family insist he is innocent

Dr Williams is reported to have dismissed the concerns after a 'thorough investigation' which found 'no evidence of any wrongdoing'.

The museum's director Dr Fischer, who was also contacted, said today: 'When allegations were brought to us in 2021 we took them incredibly seriously, and immediately set up an investigation.

'Concerns were only raised about a small number of items, and our investigation concluded that those items were all accounted for.

'We now have reason to believe that the individual who raised concerns had many more items in his possession, and it's frustrating that that was not revealed to us as it would have aided our investigations.

'In 2022 we embarked on a full audit  which revealed a bigger problem. I reported my concerns to the Trustees, and together we agreed to call in the police. We also then began the disciplinary process that resulted in a member of staff being dismissed.

'I am clear that at every step my priority has been the care of the incredible British Museum collection, and that continues today  with our commitment to learning lessons from the independent review, our determination to help the police with their criminal investigation, and our focus on the recovery programme.'

The furore is likely to place pressure on both of the museum's senior leaders. Dr Fischer is due to step down in 2024 but there are suggestions he may be called upon to go immediately.

Dr Williams, widely seen as a likely successor to Mr Fischer's role, is facing similar pressure.

A plasma gem engraved with a portrait of a young Roman in profile is among the items taken from the British Museum

One of the gems believed to have been stolen from the British Museum, pictured in its broken state

Tim Loughton, chairman of the British Museum All-Party Parliamentary Group, accused Greece of 'blatant opportunism' for claiming the institution is 'not safe' following thefts from the museum.

Mr Loughton told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the news of items going missing from the museum's collection in London was 'damaging' but the institution was taking the thefts 'seriously'.

The MP, who has been in touch with the museum, added: 'For reassurance, people want to know the extent of the objects which have disappeared, what investigations took place at the time when various reports came in and what is being done now because otherwise (it's) getting out of hand.'

The museum has not stated how many items have been stolen or provided their details, saying only that they were 'small pieces' including 'gold jewellery and gems of semi-precious stones and glass dating from the 15th century BC to the 19th century AD'.

The thefts are understood to have taken place over two decades.

Mr Loughton said: 'What is particularly damaging is blatant opportunism of the Greeks and others saying, 'Oh no, the British Museum is not safe'. It's incredibly rare that things go missing.'

Mr Loughton was also asked about emails leaked to BBC News that claim the British Museum was alerted to the thefts in 2021 and ignored the report.

Tim Loughton, chairman of the British Museum All-Party Parliamentary Group, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the news of items going missing from the museum's collection in London was 'damaging' but the institution was taking the thefts 'seriously'

Dr Higgs' family insist he will be cleared following his dismissal from the British Museum

The British Museum, pictured, said last Wednesday that a member of staff had been dismissed after an unknown number of small pieces - including gold, jewellery and gems of semi-precious stones and glass - were found to be 'missing, stolen or damaged'

This Cartier diamond ring, pictured, went missing from the museum's collection six years ago. It remains a mystery what happened to it

Mystery surrounds theft of treasures from the British Museum, and there have been no arrests

He said: 'With respect, all that's come out is a few emails rather than the bigger picture.

'But the British Museum will need to account for that because if people are trying to report potential objects having appeared outside of the museum then absolutely those need to be investigated and potentially referred to the police.

'So what action was taken? What checks and balances are there at the museum?

'Also putting into context... the British Museum has the most online documentation online in the world. There are over two million objects available online to see.'

An independent review of security has been launched and the matter is also under investigation by the economic crime command of the Metropolitan Police.

No arrests have been made.

A review will be led by former museum trustee Sir Nigel Boardman and Lucy D'Orsi, Chief Constable of British Transport Police.
A non-profit organisation for dwarves says they should be given roles other than those of diminutive magical creatures.

Little People Of America say acting parts should be handed out based on talent, not size and not just leprechauns and elves.

The group - which is based in Sonoma, California - says the thespians it represents are not landing roles, such as doctors, in films or television shows.

Mark Povinelli, president of Little People Of America, said: 'We're just a sight gag.

'Roles as elves and leprechauns would be much more palatable if the role you're playing after that was a doctor, lawyer, father, husband or love interest.

Mark Povinelli, president of Little People Of America, said the roles were not coming to actors

Warwick Davis and Game of Thrones star Pater Dinklage are two of the few actors with dwarfism who have landed mainstream roles in recent years.

'That's not happening,' he told the Guardian on Saturday.

Charity Little People UK - which was founded by Warwick Davis - has been approached for comment by MailOnline.

Warwick and Game of Thrones star Pater Dinklage are two of the few actors with dwarfism who have landed mainstream roles in recent years.

The casting row comes in the wake of 5ft 11in Hugh Grant being cast as an Oompa Loompa in the new Wonka film.

His part takes work away from a dwarf, a 3ft 10in actor whose father played an Ewok said last month.

George Coppen, 26, argued the part should have been offered to an actor with the condition as there is a lack of appropriate roles for dwarfs.

In the trailer for the new film, which focuses on the life of Willy Wonka played by Timothee Chalamet, Grant appears as an Oompa Loompa trapped inside a jar.

In previous versions of the story based on Roald Dahl's novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the characters were played by actors with dwarfism.

According to The Telegraph, George said: 'A lot of actors [with dwarfism] feel like we are being pushed out of the industry we love.

Casting Hugh Grant an an Oompa Loompa in the new Wonka film takes work away from a dwarf, a 3ft 10in actor whose father played an Ewok said

In the trailer for the new film, which focuses on the life of Willy Wonka, Grant appears as an Oompa Loompa trapped inside a jar

George Coppen, 26, (left) argued the part should have been offered to an actor with the condition as there is a lack of appropriate roles for dwarfs

'A lot of people, myself included, argue that dwarfs should be offered everyday roles in dramas and soaps, but we aren't getting offered those roles.'

George, from Derby, started acting after he was inspired by his father Willie Coppen, according to the BBC.

Willie began acting upon hearing that the makers of Return of the Jedi were searching for people to play Ewoks.

Following the trailer's release Grant, 62, quickly got the internet talking with his transformation into one of the orange creatures.

In the clip the actor is seen saying: 'I will have you know that I am a perfectly respectable size for an Oompa Loompa.

Wonka replies: 'An Oompa what now?'

The Oompa Loopma says: 'Allow me to refresh your memory.'

Grant plays a very different part in Wonka to those he has previously, such as his starring role in Notting Hill (pictured)

'Oh, I don't think I want to hear that,' Wonka says.

'Too late,' the Oompa Loompa answers. 'I've started dancing now. Once we've started we can't stop.'

Fans took to Twitter to comment on Hugh's new role, with one writing: 'Hugh Grant is definitely in his IDGAF era, every decision this man makes is insane and I love it.'

Another wrote: 'Thought another Wonka movie was unnecessary but now I'm sold, give me more Oompa Loompa Hugh Grant'.
A pilot has died after crashing a replica Spitfire into a field, witnesses say.

Police, paramedics and fire crews were called to the scene off the A44 near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, on Tuesday where the man was pronounced dead.

Images of the crash show the rear section of the winged aircraft, which resembles the shape of a Supermarine Spitfire fighter - Britain's WW2 fighter aircraft.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is investigating the incident near the village of Enstone.

Superintendent Jen Hogben, Local Police Area Commander for Cherwell and West Oxfordshire, said: 'We are on scene following this incident, and very sadly the male pilot of the plane has died.

Paramedics and fire crews attended the scene near Chipping Norton on Tuesday

The aircraft smashed into a field close to the A44 in West Oxfordshire yesterday afternoon

Police and fire services attend the incident just off the A44

The pilot's next of kin have been informed, police say

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch are investigating the incident near the village of Enstone

'The man's next of kin have been informed and our thoughts remain with them at this very difficult time and we will be supporting them.

'No one else was injured following this incident. We would ask members of the public to please avoid the area to assist us in conducting an investigation.

'A road closure is in place on the B4022, just off the A44, we would thank local residents for their co-operation and would apologies for any inconvenience.

A pilot has died after a plane crashed in west Oxfordshire, resembling a Supermarine Spitfire fighter (stock photo)

'If anyone has witnessed this incident or has any footage or photographs that will assist with the investigation, we would ask them to please contact us either online or by calling 101 quoting reference 1358 of 22082023.

'We would kindly ask members of the public not to upload images of the incident to social media out of respect to those involved.

'We will not be providing a further update this evening. An investigation is ongoing which will continue and we will update further when appropriate.'

An AAIB spokesperson added: 'We have been made aware of an incident in Enstone, and deployed a team which will shortly begin its investigation.'
In the latest of scandals concerning the Met, Scotland Yard astonishingly missed several opportunities to remove a predatory police officer from the force who went on to rape two women.

Disgraced former officer Adam Provan, 44, of Newmarket, Suffolk, abused his position to prey on young women and girls with a 'cold-blooded entitlement to sex'.

During Provan's sentencing on Tuesday, Judge Noel Lucas KC bluntly accused the Metropolitan Police force of protecting 'one of their own' after receiving numerous complaints from members of the public and an officer.

In one of the biggest failing of the force, an extended history of allegations, some dating back to the 1990s, concerning the officer's overtly sexual behavior, were 'swept under the carpet'.

Lucas said the 'persistence and seriousness of Provan's offending was clear when set out in the starkest terms', bluntly adding that his actions have 'brought disgrace on the police force'.

Judge Noel Lucas KC sentenced disgraced former officer Adam Provan, 44, of Newmarket, Suffolkto 16 years in prison for eight counts of rape

Provan was found guilty of repeatedly raping a fellow officer between 2003 and 2005, as well as raping a teenager twice, that he'd met on a blind date after lying about his age, in August 2010.

The officer was raped six times by her predatory colleague, with the court hearing gruesome details of the campaign of 'abuse and harassment' she suffered under Provan, including how he held a pillow over her face and burned her with a kettle.

Despite her repeatedly raising a harassment complaint to a line manager, she claimed she was 'talked out of pursuing the allegation for the sake of her own career'.

The court heard that she was deterred from making a full statement at the time, after being called a 'griefy plonk' by fellow officers.

Provan was simply given a warning by the disgraced force about his behaviour and told not to contact the woman.

But, Provan continued to make make contact with her between 2005 and 2009.

Prosecutors said the woman, who is still a serving Met officer, 'felt her allegations were swept under the carpet'.

Lauren Taylor, was raped by Provan in woodland in east London after a blind date to the cinema in 2010, when she was 16, waived her right anonymity and came forward to the police.

Lauren Taylor, was raped by Provan in woodland in east London after a blind date to the cinema in 2010, when she was 16, waived her right anonymity and came forward to the police

Provan lied about his age ahead of the blind date with Lauren Taylor, when she was 16, saying he was 22 when he was 31

Provan lied about his age ahead of the blind date saying he was 22 when he was 31.

Ms Taylor, who is now 29-years-old, said she was angry at his 'lack of remorse'.

She added : 'He raped me. I remember holding on to the tree. I was kind of hugging the tree like emotional support, [pretending] I was anywhere else in the world but back there.

Opportunities missed by the Met to save a woman from sexual predator Adam Provan 1. Within three months of joining the Met, Provan he was accused of sexually touching a 15-year-old girl in February 2003. He was interviewed under caution but no further action was taken by the Met. 2. In September 2003, two members of the public raised concerns about Provan's suitability for the role and warned the police about his tendency for 'violent and sexual behaviour while growing up'. The Met said Provan was 'referred to occupational health professionals'. 4. In 2005, a female colleague whom Provan was convicted of repeatedly raping raised a harassment complaint to a line manager but claimed she was 'talked out of pursuing the allegation for the sake of her own career'. 5. Another female police officer in 2005 said that she was receiving 'nuisance' messages from Provan, but the complaint was dealt with 'informally' and not taken further. Advertisement

I'm angry at what he's done to me. I'm angry about who he was. He was a police officer, and we go to them to be protected, and I wasn't protected.'

Provan exhibited his insidious 'Jekyll and Hyde' character early on his career, when he was accused of sexually touching a 15-year-old girl three months into the new job.

The Met took the decision to interview him under caution but decided against any further action.

Members of the public who knew Provan growing up tried to warn the force about his tendency for 'violent and sexual behaviour ' and unsuitability for the role of a police officer.

Instead of removing the officer, the Met said Provan was 'referred to occupational health professionals'.

Judge Noel Lucas KC slammed the Met's handling of the female officer's complaints in 2005, adding that had an investigation been opened, the 16-year-old victim may have been spared.

Lucas directed him comment towards Provan and said: 'While this cannot be laid at your door, I find it highly troubling that [the female officer's] colleagues in the Metropolitan Police in 2004 and 2005 were more concerned about looking out for 'one of their own' than in taking her seriously and investigating her complaints about you.'

Prosecutor, Anthony Metzer KC, told the court that Provan had 'an extended history of allegations' of sexual misconduct dating back to the 1990s, including 'stalkerish behaviour'

The Met said: 'We are working to identify if there may be further victims and would encourage anyone with information to come forward.

'We are also reviewing Provan's full history in the Met, and before he joined, to identify any concerns and whether we could have taken action against him sooner.'

This is the biggest scandal in the Met since David Carrick, a former Met firearms officer, carried out more than 80 sexual offences, including 48 rapes, and was jailed in February for a minimum of 30 years

Louisa Rolfe, an assistant commissioner at the Met, said Provan 'abused his position as a police officer to win the trust of both these women', dubbing his actions 'utterly deplorable'.

She added: 'Both women have been enormously strong and courageous in giving evidence and ensuring Provan is now behind bars. I am so sorry for the pain and suffering he has caused them.

'We are examining Provan's criminal and conduct history in the Met so we can fully understand whether we could have acted sooner to bring him before the courts, or have stopped him joining the police.'

Rolfe also apologised to the female Met officer, adding: 'She was let down by a system she trusted and was serving.'

Ms Taylor, who is now 29-years-old, said she was angry at Provan's 'lack of remorse'

The first victim, a female officer, said: 'I shared [with the police] that [Provan] had been harassing me, burnt me, followed me, burnt his car up for insurance money, and was violent.

'I listened to them tell me it would follow me for my service if I wanted anything done.

'It was exactly as he told me it would be: he had control and I wouldn't be believed or supported.

'I was now labelled a 'griefy plonk who would do your legs'. I had got Adam moved and I was the problem.

'I felt punished but kept smiling, working hard and saying nothing  I was the victim, but I felt like the suspect.'

The force confirmed that they would be reviewing an earlier investigation that found Provan was posting a telephone number through a woman's letterbox in another force area.

Louisa Rolfe, an assistant commissioner at the Met, said Provan 'abused his position as a police officer to win the trust of both these women', dubbing his actions 'utterly deplorable'

He was arrested in 2016 after intelligence identified that it was his number.

Provan was also found to have stored the numbers of 751 women in his phone with their names and ages, the court heard; the Met is 'looking' at the possibility of contacting them.

Prosecutor, Anthony Metzer KC said that it was 'strongly suggested' there was sexual activity with the women, many of whom were young.

Provan was a first convicted of raping Ms Taylor after a trial in November 2018, for which he was jailed for nine years.

Following the conviction, he was officially dismissed from the Met in March 2019.

The disgraced officer managed to successfully appeal his convictions after spending three years and three months in jail, which were quashed in February last year, prompting a retrial in June at Wood Green crown court, north London.

Provan was charged with six additional counts of rape in relation to his former Met colleague, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and was unanimously convicted by a jury of eight counts of rape after a seven-week trial.

Judge Noel Lucas KC sentenced him to 16 years in prison.
Women who fled the war in Sudan await the distribution of international aid rations at the Ourang refugee camp, near Adre town in eastern Chad, Aug. 15. AFP-Yonhap



About 500 children have died from hunger in Sudan  including two dozen babies in a government-run orphanage in the capital of Khartoum  since fighting erupted in the East African country in April, a leading aid group said Tuesday.



Save the Children also said that at least 31,000 children lack access to treatment for malnutrition and related illnesses since the charity was forced to close 57 of its nutrition centers in Sudan.



Sudan was plunged into chaos after monthslong tensions between the military and a rival paramilitary force exploded into open fighting on April 15. The conflict has turned Khartoum and other urban areas into battlefields. Many residents live without water and electricity, and the country's health care system has nearly collapsed.



"Never did we think we would see children dying from hunger in such numbers, but this is now the reality in Sudan," said Arif Noor, Save the Children's director for Sudan. "We are seeing children dying from entirely preventable hunger."



The violence in Sudan is estimated to have killed at least 4,000 people, according to Liz Throssell, a spokesperson for the U.N. human rights office. Activists and doctors on the ground, however, say the death toll is likely far higher.



Mamadou Dian Balde, the U.N. East Africa regional refugee chief and coordinator for Sudan, told a U.N. press conference that 947,000 people have fled Sudan including South Sudanese, Ethiopian and Eritrean refugees who had sought shelter there  and 3.6 million Sudanese are displaced within the country.





Sudanese people, who fled the conflict in Murnei in Sudan's Darfur region, ride carts upon crossing the border between Sudan and Chad in Adre, Chad Aug. 2. Reuters-Yonhap
Three men accused of plying a British teenager with alcohol before gang-raping her in a Magaluf hotel are alleged to have called strangers into their room to enjoy 'free sex', it has been claimed.

A total of eight men are accused of raping the 18-year-old woman, according to Spanish police, who said the suspects did not know each other prior to the attack on August 14.

Civil Guard investigators discovered one of the men involved in the alleged rape knew the victim by sight and was staying in the same hotel.

He is said to have partnered with two of the other suspects, who saw the woman drunk in a bar in the early hours and decided to buy her even more drinks with the intention of incapacitating her, investigators believe.

Those three are said to have begun the abuse, before inviting strangers in the corridor to follow them into their hotel room for 'free sex', according to local media.

The girl fled a hotel room at around 5am, telling police she had woken up surrounded by young people holding mobile phones.

Six suspects - five French and one Swiss - are in jail in Palma, while two more suspects were arrested in France on Sunday and are awaiting extradition.

A suspect previously arrested by police on suspicion of taking part in the alleged gang rape of a British tourist

Two men detained by police last week on suspicion of being involved in the incident in Magaluf

The spokesman said: 'The Civil Guard has closed the investigation sparked by the alleged gang rape that took place in a hotel in Magaluf in the early hours of August 14.

Do you know anyone affected by sexual abuse in Magaluf? Contact: Rachael.Bunyan@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement

'Officers saw early on the complexity of the investigation, as the alleged aggressors didn't form part of the same group of friends but, encouraged by other participants, had allegedly joined the group action in sporadic acts, meaning no type of relationship existed between them,' he said.

A number of men have since been taken into custody by police, with police in France making the latest arrests after Spanish cops discovered the men had flown to Germany before crossing the border en route to the French city of Strasbourg.

The pair arrested on Sunday face extradition to Majorca, while Civil Guard officers announced yesterday their probe to identify the men involved had now concluded.

Confirming the first six suspects had been held the day of the alleged sex attack and remanded in prison, the force said in a statement: 'The probe continued to identify the two young men whose arrests were pending.

'Once they had been identified, officers discovered they had taken a flight to Baden-Baden in Germany so they could head to their homes in the Strasbourg area.

'The Civil Guard sought the assistance of the French authorities through the normal channels and issued European Arrest Warrants to avoid them evading justice.

'On Sunday, the French police confirmed they arrested one of them in the French locality of Scherwiller before subsequently confirming a second arrest at Basilea Mulhouse Freiburg Airport in France, when that suspect was trying to take a flight to Turkey to avoid detention.'

Officers initially identified three suspects by ringing the girl's phone, which it was claimed had been stolen during the ordeal.

Two of the men arrested by police on suspicion of the gang rape arriving at court in Palma on August 16

A man accused of being involved in the incident arrives at court in Palma flanked by two police officers

The man who answered and two of his friends were then duped into heading to the hotel's reception without realising that they were going to meet police and the girl.

The alleged victim pointed at the men  named as Anthony G, 20, Anthony A, 20, and Khalil A, 18  and they were quickly arrested.

Two other French men, Thomas E, 23, and Romain C, 26, were reportedly arrested later at the hotel along with the Swiss man Lucas H who is aged 20.

The arrests were made after the victim described the men to police and 'various surveillance devices' were placed on the hotel entrances.

All six men were held on suspicion of rape and remanded in custody on Tuesday at a court hearing on the island capital Palma.

Over the weekend, it emerged the judge who refused the six suspects bail and remanded them in prison pending an ongoing criminal probe had concluded the British teenager had suffered 'really humiliating and degrading treatment' and described the men's claims sex was consensual as 'completely preposterous'.

Mobile phone footage of the alleged sex attack, seized by police on the suspects' phones and handed over to the investigating judge, is said to have shown the men had been 'enjoying themselves and laughing.'

On Sunday, Spanish newspaper Ultima Hora published more details of the judge's remand ruling that it appeared to have been given full or partial access to.

It said the suspects had allegedly 'deliberately taken advantage' of their alleged victim's drunkenness to persuade her to accompany them to a hotel room before 'surrounding her' and 'carrying out numerous sexual practices' with her despite her 'obvious lack of awareness and willing to carry out those practices.'

The criminal investigation has now been passed on to Palma's Court of Instruction Number Two, having been dealt with by a duty court in its initial stages.

The British teenager, who gave a statement to police as well as the investigating judge in court, is said to have flown back to the UK with a female friend who was on holiday with her.

Medical reports revealed that the girl had several bruises or grip marks on her right arm, suggesting she had been held down, and a small cut on her upper chest.

Police have already confirmed they found footage on the suspects' mobile phones showing the alleged multiple rape that is now in the hands of the investigating judge and could form a 'key part' of the case.

The alleged gang rape is believed to have taken place at the BH Hotel in Magaluf on Monday, August 14

BH Mallorca Resort, the hotel where the alleged sex attack took place, has said it is cooperating fully with police and offered its support to the unnamed holidaymaker.

A spokesman said in a statement released last Thursday: 'The BH Mallorca Resort deeply regrets what has happened and would like to manifest its firm and forceful repudiation of the alleged sexual attack that occurred in the early hours of Monday August 14 at the hotel.

'The hotel also wants to demonstrate its solidarity with the alleged victim of this aggression.

'We are co-operating fully with the Civil Guard and its investigators in everything they consider to be necessary.

'This hotel ratifies through this statement its commitment to the condemnation of all types of sexual attacks that affect peoples' dignity and physical integrity.

'Behaviour that undermines those rights has no place in this establishment.'

The hotel said it would be making no further comment for the time being.

A security guard at the hotel reportedly came to the rescue of the 18-year-old Brit after finding her sobbing on the floor in the lobby.

He called police after finding her around 5am on Monday, recalling how he had just come in for his morning shift and describing the police response as very quick and efficient.

Investigators have already looked at CCTV images the hotel has provided and carried out an inspection of the room where the alleged gang rape took place.

The men held and remanded in prison have not yet been charged with any crime as is normal in Spain, where formal charges are only laid shortly before trial.

At this stage they are 'investigados' in an ongoing criminal probe, which means they are under formal investigation.

It is not known if the British teenager has hired her own lawyer.

The four-star adults-only BH Mallorca Resort describes itself as the 'best accommodation option in Magaluf' on its website.

It has its own beach club with over 100 VIP beds, a DJ booth and dance floor.
A mother has described approaching her baby's cot and seeing Lucy Letby standing over it with a 'blank' expression on her face and then walking away before 'all hell broke loose' when the newborn's lung collapsed.

Mike and Victoria Whitfield's daughter Felicity suffered a catastrophic lung collapse three days after being born prematurely at Countess of Chester Hospital - where the nurse carried out her killing spree - in November 2013.

The couple believe Felicity was one of Letby's first victims. She came so close to death that a chaplain was called to conduct an emergency baptism. She was taken to a nearby hospital and revived, and is now a happy and energetic nine-year-old.

Mrs Whitfield was not aware at the time that the blonde woman standing over her daughter's cot was Letby until she saw her image on the news. The nurse has since been convicted of murdering seven babies and trying to kill six more.

Describing the horrific realisation during Letby's trial, she told Good Morning Britain: 'When we saw her picture come on the screen I felt sick to the stomach and called Mike and said, ''She was the one who was over the cot that night''.'

Mike Whitfield and his wife Victoria are seeking justice for their daughter Felicity (pictured together in 2018) and other potential Letby victims

Felicity on life support. She survived after doctors at a second hospital revived her in a procedure that had been tried twice without success at Chester

Mrs Whitfield told Good Morning Britain she was not aware at the time that the blonde woman standing over her daughter's cot was Letby until she saw her image on the news

Describing the night itself, Mrs Whitfield recalled the moment that she left her hospital room to go to the neo-natal unit at 3am on November 20, 2013.

She said: 'I had a mother's instinct to go and see her. She was doing fine in the days before and breathing well for herself.

'She was doing so well that a nurse - who I believe was Lucy Letby - told Mike to go home because he was looking so tired.

'I went to the ward and as I was walking towards the cot saw Lucy standing over it. She looked up at me then walked away.

'Then I walked towards the cot and within what seemed like seconds - although it could have been longer - all the beepers started going off and all hell broke loose.'

She continued: 'I've got this constant and permanent image in my head of when she was standing over the cot. There was no smile when she looked up - her face was just blank, then she walked off.

'Then for everything to go crazy is something I can't get out of my head.

'When I saw her image on the TV it was that exact same stare. It made me sick to think it could have been her that did something.'

Mr Whitfield said they were 'preparing for the worst' when Felicity was transferred later that morning to Arrowe Park Hospital in Birkenhead.

Letby, pictured in custody, went on a killing spree while working at Countess of Chester Hospital

Mrs Whitfield was not aware at the time that the blonde woman standing over her daughter's cot was Letby until she saw her image on the news

Pictured at four, Felicity is now an energetic nine-year-old. But she came so close to death that a chaplain was called to conduct an emergency baptism

Victoria and Michael Whitfield with their children Felicity, Izabel, Verity and Bailey in 2018

But at the new hospital they were reassured by a doctor that their daughter would be fine and not to worry.

'It was that reassurance that led us to realise something wasn't right at the Countess,' he said.

The couple said they did not come into contact with Letby again.

But following Felicity's recovery, the couple demanded a meeting with Countess of Chester bosses.

'We were told it was just one of those things that sometimes happens in premature babies,' Mrs Whitfield said.

Medical notes confirmed that Letby had taken care of Felicity before she was transferred to Arrowe Park.

After Letby was arrested, the parents started to think more about their daughter's brush with death and now want her case to be re-examined.

Cheshire Police limited their investigation to the deaths of 17 babies and 15 non-fatal collapses at the hospital's neo-natal unit between March 2015 and July 2016 - two years after Felicity almost died.

Police are now reviewing the care of 4,000 babies Letby may have come into contact with during a spell at Countess of Chester Hospital from January 2012 to the end of June 2016 and two work placements at Liverpool Women's Hospital in 2012 and 2015.

Countess of Chester Hospital's neo-natal unit, where Letby went on a killing spree

Cheshire Police has said that there was 'nothing untoward established' in Felicity's case but the position could be assessed with new information.

Letby is Britain's most prolific child serial killer in modern times and was sentenced to an unprecedented 14 whole-life orders on Monday.

Bosses at Countess of Chester Hospital have been heavily criticised for failing to stop her killing spree.

At least two babies died and more were harmed because executives refused to listen or to believe a member of staff was to blame.

Yesterday, senior consultant Dr Stephen Brearey - who tried to blow the whistle on Letby - called for regulation of NHS executives to make them accountable for their decisions.

And last night parents whose newborn son was killed and his twin poisoned by Letby accused the hospital of 'a total fob-off' when they pleaded for answers.

Solicitor Richard Scorer, of the law firm Slater and Gordon which represents the parents of Child E and Child F, told The Guardian the couple felt they had not received a proper response to their concerns.
A handful of Australian babies are being detained by Greek authorities after a fertility clinic was raided over claims of human trafficking and fraud.

Several distraught parents, whose babies were born through surrogates at the Mediterranean Fertility Institute in Crete, have been prevented from visiting and cuddling their newborns - let alone bringing them home.

Around eight babies  including a number of Australians  are being detained by the Greek government in a high-security section of a Crete hospital, according to The Australian.

Several distraught parents, whose babies were born through surrogates at the Mediterranean Fertility Institute in Crete, have been prevented from visiting and cuddling their newborns - let alone bringing them home (stock image)

All the staff at the Mediterranean Fertility Institute in Crete (pictured) have been arrested and imprisoned after police accused them of allegedly running a criminal organisation that exploited 169 vulnerable women, forcing them to be egg donors or surrogates

Greek Police reportedly allege the clinic was a criminal organisation that exploited 169 foreign vulnerable women, forcing them to be egg donors or surrogates.

They also allegedly defrauded patients through sham embryo transfers and engaged in illegal adoptions.

The clinic's entire medical team have been arrested and imprisoned, accused of child trafficking.

The raid risks sparking a diplomatic incident, with the Australian Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan, calling it a 'grave situation' in several missives to the Greek government.

Ms Duncan noted her respect for the Greek legal process but urged the country's authorities to let the parents see their children.

Half of the clinic's clientele are reportedly Australian (pictured: a testimonial from an Australian parent on the institute's website)

'Their request for visitation acknowledges that it is in the best interests of the baby to have love and attention,' wrote Ms Duncan.

'I hope for a speedy resolution of this issue for all the Australian families who have been unwittingly caught up in this grave situation.'

The parents reportedly need to undergo a DNA test to prove their link to their baby, but the results are slow.

Even if the DNA results are positive, the District Attorney's office needs to grant the parents permission to take their babies home and out of the country.

Immigration lawyer, Roman Deauna said there are issues of DNA confirmation and then citizenship to be worked through.

'I refuse to call it a Greek tragedy, but it is,' he told The Australian.

'To be denied access to your baby, can you imagine the cruelty of it?

Alison Duncan, the Australian Ambassador to Greece, has called it a 'grave situation' in several missives to the Greek government

'They (the parents) need to prove that their case is not one of those alleged to have involved the trafficking of surrogates.'

The Mediterranean Fertility Institute is one of the largest providers of surrogacy in Greece, with Australians reportedly comprising half of their clientele.

Some estimates suggest that up to 150 Australians currently having surrogates carry their babies could be affected by the clinic's sudden closure.

A spokesperson for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was 'continuing to provide consular assistance and engage actively with Greek authorities in support of a small number of families with surrogacy arrangements in Greece'.

'We understand that this is a distressing time for impacted families,' the spokesperson added.
Nicholas Lyndhurst is making a return to the small screen for the reboot of popular comedy series Frasier just years after the death of his son.

The Only Fools and Horses star, 62, will star alongside Frasier actor Kelsey Grammer as his old college friend-turned-university professor Alan Cornwall.

The first snaps of the show were revealed earlier this week and see Nicholas and Kelsey at a bar alongside new character Olivia, played by Toks Olagundoye, Alan's colleague and head of the university's psychology department.

Nicholas' appearance on the show comes after a difficult few years for the actor who lost his 19-year-old son Archie in 2020 following a brain haemorrhage.

It was claimed at the time that he was considering retiring from acting following the tragic loss but this was denied by the actor's camp who insisted the idea was 'ridiculous'.

First look photos of the reboot of popular comedy series Frasier show Nicholas Lyndhurst drinking beer with Kelsey Grammer

Nicholas' appearance on the show comes after a difficult few years for the actor who lost his 19-year-old son Archie (pictured with his mother and father) in 2020 following a brain haemorrhage

It was claimed at the time that he was considering retiring from acting following the tragic loss but this was denied by the actor's camp who insisted the idea was 'ridiculous'

Archie died in his sleep after an intracerebral haemorrhage caused by acute lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukaemia - an incredibly rare condition which kills just 800 people a year.

Nicholas and his wife Lucy Lyndhurst found out the 'harrowing' details from his second post mortem just four days before Christmas.

The teenager had been acting since the age of 11 starred in the hit CBBC show So Awkward as Ollie Coulton and was dating co-star Nethra Tilakumara. He also appeared as a young Jack Whitehall in the BBC's Bad Education in 2014.

Archie, who also once played a young Michael Gambon, had been with Tilakumara for a year in April 2020 and they posted photographs on holidays in Amsterdam and Paris.

Posting on Instagram months after Archie's death, Lucy wrote: 'He died from an Intracerebral Haemorrhage caused by Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma/Leukaemia.

'This is not Leukaemia as we know it, the word Acute in medical terms means rapid.

'He assured us that there wasn't anything anyone could have done as Archie showed no signs of illness.

'Archie had numerous bleeds on the brain and the Dr went to great lengths to reassure us that he wouldn't have been in any pain as it happened in his sleep.'

Posting on Instagram months after Archie's death, Lucy revealed that he died from an Intracerebral Haemorrhage

Lucy Lyndhurst shared a photo of Archie pictured with his father Nicholas Lyndhurst after the teenager's death

Lucy also shared a photo of actor Nicholas kissing Archie as a young boy

Archie, who was the beloved son of Only Fools and Horses star Nicholas Lyndhurst and his wife Lucy Smith, starred in the hit CBBC show So Awkward as Ollie Coulton

Lucy also shared pictures of Archie as a young child and pictures of him with Nethra, who she called 'the love of his life'.

Paying tribute to her only son, she said: 'The world is a very different place without him.

'One of my last conversations with him was about all that was going on in the world, the chaos, anger about all different subjects.

'He looked at me with his huge blue soulful eyes, shook his head and said 'All the world need is love Mama, it's so easy to love'.

'He loved life, he valued everyone in it and every moment he was given. He was always singing, and had such energy and passion in everything he did.

'To be part of his life has been the biggest joy mad honour. We miss him everyday and always will.'

Archie's girlfriend, actress Nethra Tilakumara, described the teenager as a 'beautiful soul' at the time of his death, writing: 'Every day with you was the best day ever.'

She shared the poignant tribute to her Instagram, alongside a photograph of her late boyfriend taking pictures with a Polaroid camera.

Archie's girlfriend, actress Nethra Tilakumara, shared a poignant tribute to her Instagram, alongside a photograph of her late boyfriend taking pictures with a Polaroid camera

Archie and his girlfriend Miss Tilakumara, who were in CBBC series So Awkward together

Archie with his So Awkward co-stars Sophia Dall'aglio (left) and Cleo Demetriou (right) at the Children's Baftas last year. Archie had appeared in the hit CBBC show since 2005

Archie with his father Nicholas Lyndhurst at the Matilda musical press night in London in 2011

Lyndhurst is pictured hugging his son Archie as a child in a beautiful family portrait

Ms Tilakumara wrote: 'There was once a boy named Archie Lyndhurst and he made me the happiest girl in the whole wide world.

'A boy in a white beanie with his skateboard, swaggered through two wooden doors with an unimaginable lust for life down the hallway of Sylvia Young Theatre School.

'He sat across from me while my head was buried in a script, trying to book a job.

'He was there for his friend who was really nervous and auditioning too, he was always there for his friends. Blissfully unaware, I had no idea my future was sitting right in front of me.'

She added: 'Boyfriend doesn't do it justice. Archie you were my Person and Best friend all in one.

'To spend the rest of my life laughing and going on adventures with you, was just it for me.

'Everything made sense with you. You made me laugh like no one else and you loved me in such a way that I will forever just be grateful for.

'Being loved by you was a bonus, but I can proudly say you are the most incredible person that I have ever met and had the pleasure of being in love with.'
Dramatic footage shows the moment a swimmer was rescued from 'treacherous' waves at night after being repeatedly thrashed against the sea wall.

The rescue mission was launched when the solo swimmer, who was not wearing a wetsuit and had no floatation aids, was seen in a distressed state and unable to get back to shore at St Ouen's Bay in Jersey on Sunday night.

A video shows the man and two Jersey Fire and Rescue Service staff being thrashed against the sea wall repeatedly by the large waves.

The swimmer and one of the firefighters were treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital.

Jersey Fire and Rescue, who shared the video on their Facebook page, say the swimmer was advised to stay beyond the breaking waves to avoid injury while Jersey Coastguard called out the RNLIs and Jersey Fire and Rescue Services inshore boats.

Dramatic footage shows the moment a swimmer was rescued from 'treacherous' waves

The sea conditions were too rough for the JFRS inshore rescue boat to launch, so rescue swimmers were sent out, with the RNLIs all-weather lifeboat and inshore rib near on standby.

The rescue swimmers managed to get hold of the casualty who was approximately 25 meters out from the shore.

After several attempts in treacherous conditions, rescuers brought them to shore.

The casualty and swimmer were then provided with immediate medical attention by waiting paramedics and taken to hospital.

Jersey Coastguard Watch Officer, Ford Ramsden, said: 'This was a difficult rescue, in the dark, at high tide, with rough sea conditions and waves breaking against the sea wall.

'We would advise people never to go swimming late in the evening, as this endangers not only the swimmers themselves, but also the emergency services who are called out to rescue them.

'The outcome last night was positive, but it could easily have gone the other way.'

The rescue swimmers managed to get hold of the casualty who was approximately 25 meters out from the shore

The casualty and swimmer were then provided with immediate medical attention by waiting paramedics and taken to hospital

Ryan Hall, Jersey Fire and Rescue Service Station Commander, added: 'Due to the significant swell and high tidal state, conditions were untenable for us to launch our inshore rescue boat, therefore trained rescue swimmers were deployed to enter the water by steps some 100 metres away from the casualty.

'The rescue swimmer then had to transverse along the shoreline wall while being hit by the waves making access treacherous.

'Once contact was made with the casualty, a second rescuer was deployed to assist efforts.

'Worsening sea conditions made the rescue more challenging, as they were continuously being picked up by waves and thrown up against the sea wall.

'Despite very dangerous circumstances, once on the scene our rescuers demonstrated their bravery, dedication and unwavering commitment to protecting and serving our community and I commend them.

'We would also like to thank the members of public who gave their assistance under the supervision of firefighters to manage rescue ropes.'
GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has been heavily criticized for suggesting that US federal agents may have been on the planes involved in the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Ramaswamy, the 38-year-old upstart millennial candidate who is seeking high office in 2024, suddenly veered towards the controversial conversation after discussing the January 6 insurrection in an interview.

He said he questioned the US government's reporting on the number of federal agents who were involved in the attack, telling The Atlantic's John Hendrickson: 'I think it is legitimate to say how many police, how many federal agents, were on the planes that hit the Twin Towers.

'Maybe the answer is zero. It probably is zero for all I know, right? I have no reason to think it was anything other than zero.

Vivek Ramaswamy (pictured), the 38-year-old upstart millennial Republican, suddenly veered towards the controversial conversation after discussing the January 6 insurrection

'But if were doing a comprehensive assessment of what happened on 9/11, we have a 9/11 commission, absolutely that should be an answer the public knows the answer to.'

He appeared to suggest that the US government had not been entirely truthful about the events surrounding the terrorist attack.

Transcript of Ramaswamy's conversation with the Atlantic's John Hendrickson Hendrickson: I think its interesting to compare and contrast 9/11 and January 6. Ramaswamy: Oh, yeah. I dont think they belong in the same conversation. Im only bringing it up because it was  I am not making the comparison. I think its a ridiculous comparison Hendrickson: Im not comparing Ramaswamy: But Im saying that I brought it up only because it was invoked as a basis for the Jan. 6 commission. Hendrickson: Of course. What Im saying, though, is that I think Democrats and Republicans would agree that 9/11 is a day thats like Pearl Harbor day, where there are good guys and bad guys and America was attacked. I mean, I think thats very clear Ramaswamy: I mean, I would take the truth about 9/11. I mean, I am not questioning what wethis is not something Im staking anything out on. But I want the truth about 9/11. Advertisement

'I mean, I would take the truth about 9/11. I am not questioning what we - this is not something Im staking anything out on. But I want the truth about 9/11.'

He said in the interview that he brought up the attacks 'only because it was invoked as a basis for the January 6 commission.'

'Well, if were doing a January 6 commission, absolutely, those should be questions that we should get to the bottom of.

'What percentage of the people who were armed were federal law-enforcement officers? I think it was probably high, actually,' Ramaswamy said.

In 2021, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi unsuccessfully tried to create a '9/11-style commission' that would investigate how and why the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol in Washington DC took place.

Shortly after the interview was published, he tried rowing back on his comments.

He told CNN that he was misquoted by the Atlantic, but seemingly doubled down on the conspiracy talk: 'The truth is there are lies the government has told about 9/11, but its not the ones that somebody put in my mouth.

'Its the one that I articulated, which is that Saudi Arabia, absolutely their intelligence was involved in 9/11.'

Shortly after the interview, Ramaswamy drew condemnation from allies and foes alike.

The group Republicans Against Trump said: 'What does it say about todays Republican party that this 9/11 truther, pro-Putin candidate is the young rising star of the party?'

Meanwhile, Scott English, a former Republican aide, said: 'I get that Ramaswamy was 16 when 9/11 happened, but Saudi involvement was pretty well known when we passed the Homeland Security Act when he was 17.'

This isn't the first time Ramaswamy has espoused questionable views about the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil.

The candidates taking part in tonight's Republican primary debate Florida governor Ron DeSantis South Carolina senator Tim Scott Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy Former vice president Mike Pence Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie North Dakota governor Doug Burgum Former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson Eight Republicans will go head to head tonight in the first primary debate Advertisement

He said in a lengthy tweet on August 9: 'I do not believe everything the government has told us about that day

'There is no credible evidence that 9/11 was an "inside job", but ironically when the government systematically lies about Saudi involvement and the media runs interference, that lends plausibility to an otherwise nonsensical claim.'

The comments in the Atlantic come as eight candidates, including Ramaswamy, are set to duke it out in the first Republican primary debate of the 2024 presidential race tonight.

The debate, which will be hosted by Fox across several of its platforms, will take place at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin is set to be a battleground state, and will also host the Republican National Convention next year.

Notably, Donald Trump will not be making an appearance, citing his polls lead over his rivals, though he will be airing a prerecorded interview with Tucker Carlson at the same time as the debate.

Aggregated poll data from FiveThirtyEight shows that Donald Trump has consistently been miles ahead of his fellow candidates.

The former president currently has 52.5% of Republican voters in his camp, while his closest rival, Ron DeSantis, has just 14.5% of Republican votes.

No other Republican candidate is currently breaching the 10% mark.

Over in the Democrats' camp, Joe Biden has a huge lead over his only other rival, Robert F. Kennedy.

As of Tuesday, Biden commands 65.1% of Democrat votes, while Kennedy holds just 12.9%.
A wild brawl has broken out at a school in Melbourne, with four teachers injured and five teenage girls arrested.

Shocking video footage shows a group of attackers wearing hoodies kicking and stomping on someone on the floor.

A punch is thrown at a teacher's head before another staff members falls over.

The fight started when five teenagers confronted a student at Tarneit Senior College in the west of the city at about 3.50pm on Tuesday, Victoria Police allege.

A wild brawl has broken out at a school in Melbourne, with four teachers injured and five teenage girls arrested

Paramedics were called but no one was taken to hospital.

Police arrested five teenagers at the school.

A 19-year-old women has been charged with affray and has been bailed to appear at Werribee Magistrates' Court on January 8 next year.

Four other teenagers are expected to be charged with similar offences.

Tarneit Senior College principal Shane Cole-Hayhow sent a message to parents, which was seen by The Age.

The fight started when five teenagers confronted a student at Tarneit Senior College in the west of the city at about 3.50pm on Tuesday, Victoria Police allege

'A group of students were involved in an altercation in the school foyer at the end of the school day whilst there was a separate, unrelated incident that occurred while some students were travelling home,' he said.

'We are working with the police who are investigating both of these matters and for that reason cannot provide any further details.

'I want to reassure you that the use of violence in our school community is completely unacceptable and not in line with the values of our school.'
Truck driver avoids injury after train slams into his rear trailer

A truck driver narrowly escaped moments before a freight train ploughed into his semi-trailer that he stalled on a rail crossing.

Footage of the spectacular collision just before midday on Wednesday at Picton, in Sydney's southwest, shows the train carrying cement slam into the truck as the driver exits the cabin.

A major emergency operation was launched shutting down traffic in the area well into the evening.

Luckily the train driver was also able to walk away from the crash.

Video captured from a dashcam shows the driver fleeing from the truck while the trains blasts it's horn.

The train then smashes into the rear trailer at about 60km/h, causing some of the truck's load to spill out

Remarkably, the train remained on the tracks despite pushing the rear trailer out of its way.

'Initially it was a weighted response due to the potential of it being a passenger train and potentially carrying chemicals on the truck,' James Morris, NSW Rural Fire Service spokesman, said of the emergency efforts.

Picton Fire and Rescue confirmed the freight train was carrying '900 tonnes of concrete' at the time.

'Thankfully there were no injuries or other significant issues,' Picton Fire and Rescue wrote on Facebook.

The train remained on the tracks for some time after the collision, leading to numerous delays for both truckers and commuters.

Footage of the spectacular collision just before midday at Picton, in Sydney's southwest, shows the train carrying cement slam into the truck

Picton Fire and Rescue confirmed the freight train was carrying '900 tonnes of concrete' at the time

Numerous concrete truckers were spotted waiting for the collision to be removed so they could return to a concrete manufacturing centre.

'(I) can't go anywhere, may as well just sit here,' one worker told 9News while sitting alongside the road in a chair.

The collision on the freight-only line also caused delays for passenger trains.

'A limited number of buses are replacing trains between Picton and Campbelltown on the Southern Highlands Line due to an incident requiring emergency services near Picton,' a statement from the Transport Management Centre (TMC).

The TMC is investigating the circumstances into the collision.
This is the shocking moment a traffic warden and furious driver went toe-to-toe in a daylight brawl.

The fight broke out on a road in Manor Park, east London, last week. The clip, filmed by a passerby, starts with the warden taking photos of a man's van.

The enraged driver, who is dressed in hi-vis, grabs a wooden pole and starts attacking the officer, smacking him twice before the stick snaps.

'Come on you pussy mother f*****,' rages one of the men as the brawl spills out across the road, with the traffic warden punching the man to the floor before the fight is broken up by a third man.

Police said the warden suffered a broken finger and the other man was arrested. The matter has since been resolved using a community resolution.

The vicious brawl between the traffic warden and angry driver was captured on camera by a passerby

At one point, the man in the hi-vis jacket appears to swing a pole at the traffic warden

Police said the warden suffered a broken finger and the other man was arrested. The matter has since been resolved using a community resolution

The witness who shot the video, but asked to remain anonymous, said: 'To be honest it didn't really faze me, as you see so much crime around that area.

'I didn't think the man was going to get a piece of wood though. I was just glad it didn't get out of hand.'

The witness said he was stuck on the street for around 10 minutes watching the brawl.

He added: 'I was just driving down the street but they were blocking the road so I couldn't get through. I was driving to see my mate but couldn't get through. There were a lot of people around watching.'

The Metropolitan Police said: 'Police were called at 12.34pm on Wednesday, 16 August to reports of an altercation between two men at Chesterford Road, E12.

'Officers attended. At the scene a 38-year-old man, a traffic warden, has suffered an injury to his finger. His injury did not require medical treatment.

'The victim's earphones were also broken in the assault. A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and causing actual bodily harm.

The fight broke out in the middle of a road in Manor Park, East London last week. The clip, filmed by a passerby, starts with the warden taking photos of a man's van

The man in the hi-vis jacket shouted at the traffic warden (left) before a scuffle breaks out, involving a wooden pole (right)

Both men appeared to give as good as they got as the brawl continued to rage in the middle of the street

A third man (pictured right) later intervenes to break up the fight between the warden and the other male

'However, after speaking with the victim and the suspect, officers were able to resolve the incident by way of a Community Resolution.

'The victim agreed to accept payment from the suspect to replace the damaged earphones. The assault allegation was not proceeded with.'

A Newham Council spokesperson said: 'We are pleased the police have taken immediate action to deal with this man, who attacked one of our staff as he was carrying out his duties.

'The prompt arrest underlines our own clear message of Newham's zero tolerance policy to abuse and violence aimed at staff. We will always stand by employees in pursuit of justice if they are victimised.'
His stepfather was found dead following reports of a 'disturbance'

A Gold Coast councillor is assisting police following the death of his stepfather after a 'disturbance' in his family home.

Police were called to a house on Chiffley Pl in Arundel over reports of a 'disturbance' just after 3pm on Wednesday.

Emergency services found councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden's stepfather, who is believed to be in his late 50s, unconscious, reported 7News.

Gold Coast councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden is assisting police with enquiries after his stepfather was found dead following a 'disturbance' at their family home

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he could not be saved.

'The man has passed away at the scene,' a QPS spokesperson said.

It is understood Bayldon-Lumsden is now assisting police with their investigation.

He was led away by police wearing a blue forensic suit and paper bags taped over his hands.

A crime scene has been declared and police investigations are ongoing.

Detectives and forensic officers will remain at the home overnight.

Bayldon-Lumsden serves in Gold Coast City's Division 7 and was elected in 2020.

On Wednesday morning - just hours before the 'disturbance' - he shared pictures of a 'Walk or Wheel Wednesday' at Arundel State School, describing the day as 'beautiful'.

The councillor was led away by police wearing a blue forensic suit and paper bags taped over his hands

Detectives and forensic officers will remain at the home overnight while investigations are ongoing

Neighbour Kim Thompson described Mr Bayldon-Lumsden as a 'beautiful, beautiful person'.

'My first fear was something had happened to Ryan because he is a beautiful, beautiful person, so I was hoping nothing happened to him,' Ms Thompson told ABC News.

'He would be the one I know the most, he's very active in the community in a really, really lovely way  everyone knows and loves him.'
Pheu Thai Party's Srettha Thavisin, left, approved by Thai lawmakers to become the kingdom's 30th prime minister, greets supporters at the party headquarters after the parliament's prime ministerial vote in Bangkok, Aug. 22. AFP-Yonhap



Thailand's king on Wednesday endorsed incoming prime minister Srettha Thavisin, an official said, paving the way for him to officially assume office later in the day.



Former property mogul Srettha, 61, of the Pheu Thai party long associated with billionaire ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, will head a coalition government that controversially includes pro-military parties.



Srettha was approved in a joint vote of both houses of parliament on Tuesday just hours after Thaksin returned to the kingdom from 15 years of exile  and was immediately jailed on old graft cases.



"We have been informed that the King has endorsed the new PM, though the letter has not arrived back at the office yet," Kampi Dittakorn, a spokesman for the House Speaker told reporters.



The royal endorsement is expected to be read to Srettha in a ceremony at Pheu Thai headquarters around 6 p.m. (1100 GMT), at which point he will officially become prime minister.



Srettha's confirmation ended three months of deadlock and wrangling in Thailand that began with the May general election.



The upstart progressive Move Forward Party (MFP) rode a wave of youth and urban discontent with nearly a decade of military-backed rule to win the most seats.



But its push to reform royal insult laws and take on powerful vested business interests spooked the kingdom's powerful elite and saw leader Pita Limjaroenrat blocked from becoming prime minister.





Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra greets his supporters after landing at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport, Aug. 22. AFP-Yonhap
Eerie footage shows a 'ghost town' estate where only three houses are occupied after building work stopped on it more than a decade ago.

The group of 16 homes, once worth around 300,000 each, lie mostly abandoned after work began in 2007 then came to a halt when the financial crash hit.

The Woolmill Place properties reside in the picturesque town of Sorn in East Ayrshire, Scotland, where fishing can be enjoyed on the River Ayr.

Drone footage has revealed how some of the derelict buildings in the town, which overlooks Dalgain Farm, are being taken over by nature.

Other images from inside the homes show how the walls are half painted and plastered. There are also unfitted toilets and baths tossed aside in various different rooms.

The few residents who moved in to the housing complex say they are still 'outraged' it was never completed - and remain empty during today's housing crisis.

A look at the eerie 'ghost town' in the town of Sorn, East Ayrshire

The Scottish properties were originally worth close to 300,000 before work stopped on them

Pictures from inside show unfitted toilets and baths tossed aside in different rooms

Another look at the abandoned state in which these homes were left when work stopped

The location of Woodmill Place in East Ayrshire, just south of Glasgow

The properties were put up by a building company that went bust following the credit crunch in 2007.

Following its bankruptcy the site was bought by McLaughlin Construction for 2million.

Local residents say the company, who have been building for the housing, leisure, retail, health and education sectors for more than 60 years, has done nothing since - leaving the homes slowly falling apart with derelict interiors.

Shannon and Billy Bigham, 67 and 68, have stayed in their big villa since construction work began.

Retired education officer Shannon told the Daily Record: 'The fact we have to stay in this kind of place is nonsense.

'I understand that these projects take a lot of time - but nothing has been done for years.

'When we moved here we were promised that it would be a great community and we believed them.

'The thing is this would be a fantastic place for families to live as it is such a nice village.

'We would have a great chance of winning village of the year, but due to this one street we can't even apply for it.'

Another woman who lives in one of the homes added: 'Nothing has been done for years. We were promised that it would be a great community.

'If they don't want to build any more then fine - but sell it to someone who does.'

Alongside fishing on the River Ayr, many people visit the area to see Sorn Castle, which is an 8,000 acre estate dating back to the 15th century.

The estate in Sorn is now being taken over by nature, with overgrown gardens

Only three properties are occupied in the nearly empty housing estate

The Woolmill Estate sign that greets people before they make their way in

The few residents who moved in to the housing complex say they are still 'outraged' that it was never completed

Due to gas supplies being shut off in the town, however, and the gardener's services being relieved, it has led to the jungle-like growth of vegetation.

READ MORE: Inside Chloride, the historic Arizona ghost town with just 400 people Advertisement

A number of the homes have gaping holes through the roof where birds are able to get through and make themselves at home.

Ceilings and walls are also collapsing inside the house and the floors are anything but safe.

In July last year it was revealed that residents of Northstowe, a 10,000-home development near Cambridge, were furious that developers built the sprawling community 'back to front', overwhelming local services.

Residents had no medical facility, no shops, no library, no pub, no library and just one bus an hour, forcing them to rely on the services of the surrounding rural communities.

Earlier this year there was yet another 'ghost town' in Britain where three-bedroom houses went on the market for just 5,000.

Horden, in County Durham, was a successful mining village with a lively community, but it suffered heavily following the closure of its colliery in 1987.

The site was originally built by a building company which went bust following the 2007 credit crunch

One woman who lives in one of the homes said: 'Nothing has been done for years'

Four houses were listed on Rightmove in May with an auction starting price of 5,000, including one three-bedroom terrace.

Another - a two bed with double glazing and a rear yard - is located at the end of the town's Seventh Street next to a park overlooking a church.

Many neighbouring houses appear to be boarded up - reflecting a decline in the town's population from 15,000 in 1951 to just 6,807 in the 2021 census.

The property's 5,000 guide price is less than two per cent of the cost of the average UK house. The average two-bed would set you back 255,172.

Horden grew up around the colliery, which opened in 1904, and by 1964 it had cinemas, sports pitches and a bowling green.
Shocking video footage shows British peacekeepers being beaten and shoved in a brutal brawl by Turkish Cypriots who had bulldozed UN vehicles out of the way during unauthorised construction work in ethnically-divided Cyprus.

Dramatic video shows the British soldiers being punched in the head, kicked to the ground and shoved by the mob of Turkish Cypriots in a violent scene.

As the peacekeepers try and move backwards with their hands raised in an effort to protect themselves, they are met with blows to their heads and bodies. The attack left three British soldiers needing medical attention in hospital, one for a broken nose.

The attack occurred on Friday when peacekeepers parked cars and linked arms to prevent Turkish Cypriot crews from building an unauthorised road through a UN-managed buffer zone in eastern Cyprus, which runs for 120 miles.

Greek Cypriots perceive the road construction, which would link the mixed Greek Cypriot-Turkish Cypriot village of Pyla with the village of Arsos in the breakaway Turkish Cypriot North, as a move with a military purpose at a sensitive spot along the buffer zone.

The road would scythe through the zone, which aims to prevent conflict between Turkish Cypriots in the north and Greek Cypriots in the south where the internationally-recognised government is based.

Further shocking footage showed how Turkish Cypriots - some of whom were allegedly military or police officers in plain clothes - used bulldozers, diggers and tractors to smash and drag UN vehicles away from the planned route.

Shocking video footage shows British UN peacekeepers being beaten and shoved in a brutal brawl by Turkish Cypriots who had bulldozed UN vehicles out of the way during unauthorised construction work in ethnically divided Cyprus

Dramatic video shows the British soldiers being punched in the head, kicked to the ground and shoved by the angry mob of Turkish Cypriots in a horrifically violent scene

As the peacekeepers try and draw backwards with their hands raised in an effort to protect themselves, they are met with more blows to their heads and bodies

Others were seen punching and shoving the peacekeepers, who attempted to hold building crews back, but did not retaliate with force.

One soldier can be seen bending over with his hands on his knees and appearing to spit blood from his mouth after being hit by a man in the crowd.

'One was kicked to the ground,' UN spokesperson Aleem Siddique said, adding that no shots were fired.

Several of the vehicles battered away by the heavy machinery were left written off .

Some two dozen Turkish Cypriots were said to have been involved in the incident, outnumbering the small UN group, the Cyprus Mail reported.

The violence constitutes a serious escalation of tensions not seen on the island in years.

'Threats to the safety of UN peacekeepers and damage to UN property are unacceptable and constitute a serious crime under international law which will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,' the peacekeeping UNFICYP force said in a statement.

Mr Siddique said the UN won't back down from continuing to 'block or frustrate construction of the road by non-violent means.'

One soldier can be seen bending over with his hands on his knees and appearing to spit blood from his mouth after being hit by a man in the crowd

Shocking video footage showed how Turkish Cypriots - some of whom were allegedly military or police officers in plain clothes - used bulldozers, diggers and tractors to smash and drag UN vehicles away

Others were seen punching and shoving the peacekeepers, who attempted to hold building crews back, but did not retaliate with force

The attack occurred when peacekeepers parked their cars and linked arms to prevent crews from building a road through UN controlled territory

UN vehicles are removed from the route by bulldozers

The attack occurred when peacekeepers parked their cars and linked arms to prevent crews from building a road linking the village of Arsos in the breakaway Turkish Cypriot north with the mixed Greek Cypriot-Turkish Cypriot village of Pyla

He said construction of the road would violate the force's mandate of maintaining the status quo inside the buffer zone.

Meanwhile, EU Council President Charles Michel and the bloc's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, both condemned the assaults and urged a de-escalation of the situation.

The embassies of Britain, France and the United Nations issued a joint statement expressing 'serious concern' over construction of the road and condemned the assaults as 'completely unacceptable', while urging for an immediate halt to the work.

'We call upon the Turkish Cypriot authorities to refrain from any further escalatory actions that risk undermining prospects for a return to settlement talks, and to immediately cease any form of violence against the UN peacekeepers deployed to the area', they said.

Cyprus government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis condemned what he called 'organised violence', adding that the government was in touch with the UN, the EU and other governments to prevent 'Turkish designs'.

The situation is likely to hamper the Cypriot government's efforts to restart negotiations to resolve the island's division.

Several of the vehicles battered away by the heavy machinery were left completely undriveable

The island was divided by a UN-controlled buffer zone after Turkey invaded in 1974 following a coup by a Greek junta to reunite the island with Greece

Maintaining the status quo of the buffer zone is enshrined in the UN mission's mandate since 1974, when Turkey invaded after the Greek junta in Cyprus staged a military coup, aiming to unite the island with Greece.

Fearing the elimination of the Turkish Cypriot minority's rights and security, Turkey intervened on July 20, 1974, with a military operation codenamed Operation Attila.

The Turkish invasion led to a rapid occupation of the northern part of Cyprus, as violent clashes displaced thousands of people before a ceasefire was eventually brokered.

Since then, the island has been divided into a Turkish-controlled north and a Greek-controlled south, with a United Nations buffer zone established between them to maintain the peace.

In 1983, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) declared independence, although it is only recognised by Turkey.

The southern Republic of Cyprus meanwhile is recognised internationally, but the government only has control over the Greek majority area of the island south of the UN buffer zone.

The buffer zone, known as the Green Line, remains a stark reminder of the division, separating the two sides and restricting movement between them.

And despite some interactions and initiatives to build trust, the division has led to a deeply entrenched separation of communities, with limited economic, social, and political co-operation between the north and south.

The UN says there have been numerous infringements of the buffer zone by both sides over the years.

But the latest attempt by Turkish Cypriots to construct a road through the buffer zone is seen by the Cypriot government as 'an attempt at a very serious violation of the status quo'.
A third grade teacher has been arrested for being 'drunk on the job' after staff pulled her out of the classroom asking her to explain why she had a cup allegedly filled with wine.

Kimberly Coates, 53, was teaching her class at Perkins-Tryon Intermediate School in Oklahoma when she was taken out of her classroom on the first day of term to meet with the school's superintendent and a police officer.

After drawn-out questioning that saw her take a breathalyzer test and continually deny she had consumed alcohol at school, she eventually admitted she had drunk half a box of wine until 3am earlier that morning.

However, after the superintendent, Doug Ogle, told her she seemed 'like you're not the same person I talked to this morning,' the officer and school administration suggested she had been drinking since arriving at school and since class started at 8.25am.

Coates was arrested on Thursday, August 17, on the anticipated charge of public intoxication.

Kimberly Coates, 53, was arrested by Perkins Police accused of one count of public intoxication

Perkins Police Department released body cam footage Tuesday of the meeting with Coates, showing the allegedly intoxicated teacher meeting with school administrators and law enforcement.

Sergeant Spencer Gedon told Oklahoma City's KFOR: 'The school administration contacted our school resource officer.

'Whenever he got there, he saw some signs that maybe she was impaired.'

In the bodycam footage, Ogle accused Coates of 'acting weird' and being 'off'. She was asked if she would consider taking a breath test.

Agreeing to the breathalyzer, Coates also tried to excuse her behavior by claiming she had taken anxiety medication. She said she was unable to present the bottle of medication because she put the anxiety pill in her pocket and had taken it earlier in the day.

She then blew into the machine and produced a measurement of 0.24 - three times the legal driving limit of 0.08.

Coates was then asked if she left campus that day and whether there would be any traces of consumed alcohol in her classroom. She said she hadn't left the school, but did not answer the latter question.

The officer asked Coates if she drank often, at which point she responded: 'Unfortunately, yes,' and that she was 'seeing a councilor about it'.

Perkins Police Department released body cam footage Tuesday of the meeting with Coates (center) showing the allegedly intoxicated teacher meeting with school administrators and law enforcement

Kimberly Coates (center) was teaching her class at Perkins-Tryon Intermediate School in Oklahoma when she was taken out of her classroom on the first day of school to meet with the school's superintendent and a police officer

Sgt Gedon checks Coates' eyes by asking her to focus on a pen as he moves it from side to side. The officer concludes: 'Yes, she's intoxicated'

While Coates continued to maintain that the last time she drank was 3am, Ogle asked whether, in the officer's expert opinion, she was 'under the influence.'

Sgt. Gedon responded: 'In my honest opinion, I think she's probably a functioning alcoholic.' He then checked her eyes by asking her to focus on a pen as he moved it from side to side. The officer concluded: 'Yes, she's intoxicated.'

At this point, Ogle told Coates that she needed to have someone come and pick her up and take her home. She refused to let him call her husband.

A police report, obtained by Stillwater News Press, recorded a school officer as saying: 'I noticed Kimberly had red, watery eyes and a thick, slurred speech. Kimberly had a hard time completing sentences.'

'I know I've been having a hard time - am I going to get fired?' Coates asked.

Answering bluntly, the superintendent responded: 'Honestly, yes - or you can resign. You're under the influence at school with kids.'

Still not admitting she had been drinking since being at school, Coates questioned whether she could still be recording a high alcohol breath content after drinking last night.

'Unless you drank at s**t ton at like eight o'clock this morning, I don't know how you could still be that high,' Sgt. Gedon responded.

Kimberly Coates inspects a cup that she is accused of drinking wine from. She said she had juice in the cup

Coates was placed under arrest and transported to the Payne County Jail on the anticipated District Court charge of Public Intoxication

Coates continued to claim that she couldn't call her husband or a friend to pick her up. And the officer told her he didn't want to have to 'humiliate' her by making the arrest.

Ogle then gathered her belongings for her and returned with a blue cup - questioning what was contained in it.

'No, more games, right,' Ogle said, planting the cup on the table. 'What was in that?'

She then claimed it was 'juice', but smelling the cup, the officer said: 'That there was wine. Want to try again?'

She was later told to put her hands behind her back as she was cuffed and arrested.

A spokesperson for the City of Perkins said: 'On Thursday, August 17, 2023, at approximately 3.20pm, School Resource Officer Shane Dean was contacted by Perkins-Tryon School officials in reference to a teacher that was possibly intoxicated at the Intermediate School.

'Deputy Chief Dean contacted Kimberly S. Coates, 53, a 3rd grade teacher, and confirmed that Ms. Coates was indeed under the influence of alcohol.

'Ms. Coates breath sample in a portable breath tester showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.24, which is three times the legal limit. Ms.

Coates was placed under arrest and transported to the Payne County Jail on the anticipated District Court charge of Public Intoxication.
Bold plans to resurrect Monarch Airlines will see the carrier return its headquarters to Luton, the town it was founded in 1967 and where it ran for 50 years until its demise in 2017.

The plans would see the defunct brand take to the skies once again by mid-2024 using a small fleet of Airbus A20-family jets, according to its newly appointed director.

The scheme is being helmed by Daniel Ellingham, 64, who assumed the role of director of Monarch Airlines and Monarch Holidays last month, Flight Global reports.

Analysts say much about the revival plans is unclear. Mr Ellingham has so far declined to give the names of his investors in the mission to restore Luton-based Monarch Airlines - which collapsed in 2017.

And Mr Ellingham's grand designs may hit a stumbling block as someone else currently owns Monarch's trademark, despite the launch of a new website featuring the brand's famous logo and livery.

Monarch Airlines is set to stage a comeback six year after collapsing into 466million debts and leaving 110,000 holidaymakers stranded abroad

Daniel Ellingham, 64, assumed the role of director of Monarch Airlines and Monarch Holidays last month

The UK's trademark registry reveals that online travel firm We Love Holidays gained both the logo and name in 2018 from the administrators of the previous Monarch Airlines.

Mr Ellingham said: 'This process [of acquiring the rights] has not yet taken place - Monarch has not yet begun trading, however all relevant discussions will be duly undertaken. I cannot state any further details.'

We Love Holidays has been approached by the Daily Mail for comment.

Mr Ellingham previously held board advisory roles at Austrian Airlines and defunct Swissair.

Part of his strategy appear to be resuming some of the old Monarch routes.

Although much of this business has been absorbed by rivals, Mr Ellingham says there is 'a portion' of Monarch's former routes taken by other airlines which do not come in package holidays partnered with local travel agencies.

He said: 'It is also fair to say that Monarch's presence in Gibraltar and North Africa has largely been left vacant.'

The flights to these locations would operate from London Luton Airport and Monarch is seeking a certification process with the UK Civil Aviation Authority by the end of September.

Mr Ellingham said: 'We would like to see Monarch flying by mid-2024, however I do accept that this is very optimistic.'

His new role came about after the sale of Monarch Airlines and Monarch Holidays by their ex-owner for a 'a minimal fee of 1'.

The ownership of the Monarch brands is complex but they appear to have remained with former director Jake Johnson or companies owned by him until the recent sale. Johnson incorporated both Monarch Airlines and Monarch Holidays in January and held their entire share capital.

Founded in 1967, Monarch Airlines grew to be Britain's fifth largest airline, after expanding to sell scheduled flights as well as package offers.

News of Monarch's possible return next year prompted a mixed response on social media, with locals welcoming the brand's return to Luton while others remembered the fallout from its collapse

Founded in 1967, Monarch Airlines grew to be Britain's fifth largest airline, after expanding to sell scheduled flights as well as package offers

Monarch's former premises in Luton, Bedfordshire. Its much-vaunted return has been welcomed in Luton, the town where it was founded and operated from for 50 years

Tearful cabin staff were pictured crying as they were upset about job losses at Monarch Airlines after it went bust

The company claimed it will resurface as a 'premium alternative to low-cost leisure carriers' and fill a hole in capacity following the Covid pandemic

The airport is pictured empty after the airline Monarch got into 466million of debt in 2017

A sign said: 'Monarch have ceased to trade. No future Monarch flights will depart from the UK'

But when Monarch Travel Group fell apart it got into 466million of debt, and more than 750,000 Britons had their holiday plans ruined.

In an interview with American trade publication Airways, Mr Ellingham said: 'I am honoured to be able to lead the iconic Monarch brand into a new era, now 55 years after it first took to the skies.

'It is immensely rewarding to know that we are soon going to launch a new and strong company for the UK tourism sector.'

Mr Ellingham explained that the company has received initial investments from firms in Britain and the EU.

The airline is currently talking with another British airline to acquire 15 A320 short-haul aircraft.

When the Luton-based airline imploded in 2017, thousands of customers were left high and dry and it led to the UK's biggest peacetime repatriation.

At the time, it was reported only around 43,000 people - five per cent of all victims - were guaranteed to get their cash back under the government-backed Atol scheme that protects package holidays.

Upset Monarch staff found out they'd lost their jobs by email after the company went bust

In 2017 The former Monarch boss told MailOnline that he wished to apologise to Monarch customers and staff

People had their holiday plans destroyed when they could not fly with Monarch Airlines

At the time, it was reported only around 43,000 people - five per cent of all victims - would definitely get their cash back

Sobbing Monarch staff who found out they'd lost their jobs by email after the company's collapse

Monarch staff who found out they had lost their jobs by email boxed up their belongings

When Monarch Travel Group failed it got into 466million of debt, and more than 750,000 Britons had their holiday plans ruined

At the time, the CAA revealed that the airline had alerted it more than a month earlier that it was in difficulty

The airport is pictured almost empty after the airline went bust and stopped delivering flights in 2017

The airline is currently talking with another British airline to acquire 15 A320 short-haul aircraft

Everyone else was told they would have to claim the money spent on flights back through credit card firms and banks.

There was also growing anger over how Monarch handled its collapse amid claims its customers and staff were left in the dark and told they were 'operating as normal' before hearing the bad news via text or email.

At the time, the CAA revealed that the airline had alerted it more than a month earlier that it was in difficulty.

The former Monarch boss told MailOnline that he wished to apologise to Monarch customers and staff.

'The most important thing for me to add is to say how sorry I am that the company has had to enter administration and that so many customers have been inconvenienced and that so many jobs have been lost,' he said.

'Today's been a heartbreaking day.'

He added that the decline of the airline was triggered by terror attacks in Monarch's destinations, but the coup de grace was 'the Brexit referendum and the fact that it put our costs up by 40million because the pound collapsed.'
Stunning videos of a Ukrainian artillery, drone and mine attack on a column of Russian tanks have emerged from the front lines near Bakhmut, with one retired US general praising Kyiv's troops for orchestrating what he called a 'textbook' strike.

The attack in the countryside close to the town of Klishchiivka in Donetsk began when the Russian armour trundled past the cover of a tree line and into an open field.

Suddenly, explosions rang out when one tank appeared to run over a mine - a signal that triggered a hail of artillery fire and drone strikes on the unsuspecting column.

Incredible drone footage shared by Ukraine war monitors and open-source intelligence accounts showed the utter chaos and confusion of the Russian tank operators as shells rained down on the field, scoring direct hits on several vehicles.

One tank veered off to the right and broke from the column, perhaps looking to escape, when its main gun appeared to blast one of the other stricken Russian tanks mere feet away - a testament to the panic and likely inexperience of the unit.

Ben Hodges, the former commanding general of United States Army Europe, said the Russian column presented a perfect target and made 'opening-day mistakes'.

'Impressive by UAF. Textbook integration of fires, drones, and apparently mines. Russian tanks in column in combat with minimal separation no evidence of experienced Sergeants in this Russian unit,' he said.

Explosions rang out when one tank appeared to run over a mine - a signal that triggered a hail of artillery fire and drone strikes on the unsuspecting column.

One tank veered off to the right and broke from the column, perhaps looking to escape, when its main gun appeared to blast one of the other stricken Russian tanks mere feet away

Footage of the aftermath showed the smouldering remains of Russian tanks lying in the field

A Russian air-defence system is destroyed in occupied Crimea, according to Ukrainian officials

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials released a video today showing how their forces had destroyed an advanced Russian S-400 Triumf air-defence system loaded with missiles.

The video shows a giant explosion in Olenevka, a town on Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea, following the strike, which was confirmed by HUR, the Ukrainian military intelligence agency.

'As a result of the explosion, the installation itself, the missiles and personnel installed on it were completely destroyed,' said Ukrainian official Anton Gerashchenko.

Russian sources suspect the blast was caused by a Storm Shadow missile supplied by Britain and France to Ukraine.

Russian Telegram channel Military Informant said: 'The enemy publishes footage of a strike on an S-400 air defence system in the Olenevka area in Crimea this morning.

'What was hit is currently unknown, however, presumably, it was a Storm Shadow cruise missile.

'In addition, a Ukrainian reconnaissance UAV hung unhindered directly above the positions of the air-defence system, exercising objective control.

'Such incidents raise legitimate questions about the quality of air-defence coverage in one of the most ''missile-hazardous'' regions of Russia.'

Some reports indicated other Russian missile systems were also taken out, including Bastion and Pantsir-S1 systems.

'The Bastion complex is one of the carriers of the Onyx missiles used by the Russians to hit Ukraine,' adviser to the mayor of Mariupol Petr Andryushchenko said.

'The Russian S-400 Triumf complex was destroyed in Crimea.'

It comes as Russia and Ukraine traded drone attacks early on Wednesday, officials said, with Kyiv apparently targeting Moscow again and the Kremlin's forces launching another bombardment of Ukrainian grain storage depots in what have recently become signature tactics in the 18-month war.

A clip shared by Ukrainian officials showed a giant explosion in Olenevka, a town on Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea, after Kyiv's forces targeted a Russian air defence system

An modern Russian S-400 air-defence system blown up in Crimea, according to Ukraine

Four Russian S-400 air-defence system vehicles

A three-hour night-time Russian drone attack in Ukraine's southern Odesa region overnight on Tuesday caused a blaze at grain facilities, Odesa Regional Military Administration head Oleh Kiper wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

Ukrainian air-defence systems downed nine Shahed drones, Kiper said, but added: 'Unfortunately, there are hits on production and trans-shipment complexes.'

Russia zeroed in on Odesa last month, crippling significant parts of the port city's grain facilities days after President Vladimir Putin broke off Russia's participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative - a wartime deal that enabled Ukraine's exports to reach many countries facing the threat of hunger.

Russian officials, meanwhile, claimed to have downed Ukrainian drones in Moscow and the surrounding region early Wednesday, the defence ministry and the mayor said.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said one drone smashed into a building under construction in Moscow City, a prestigious business complex hit by drones twice before. Several windows were broken in two buildings nearby and emergency services responded to the scene.

Russia's Ministry of Defense said the drone had been electronically jammed. It blamed the attack on Ukraine and said two other drones were shot down by air defence systems in the Mozhaisk and Khimki areas of the Moscow region.

Kyiv officials, as usual, neither confirmed nor denied whether Ukraine was behind the drone attacks.

Moscow's airports briefly closed but have now reopened, according to Russian state media.

After months of resisting Russian advances on Ukrainian soil, earlier this year Kyiv's troops began striking back on targets across the border, targeting Moscow's military assets behind the front lines in eastern and southern Ukraine and launching drones against Moscow.

Kyiv is also trying to keep up the pressure on the Kremlin along multiple fronts, pursuing a counteroffensive at various points along the 900-mile front line, as well as diplomatically by obtaining pledges of more weaponry from its Western allies, including F-16 warplanes.

Meanwhile, three people were killed in the Belgorod region of Russia on the Ukrainian border after repeated shelling of a sanatorium, according to Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov.

Gladkov said the sanatorium in the village of Lavy, about 25 miles from the border, was shelled and that 'the enemy dropped two grenades from a drone while people were on the street'.

The Belgorod region has witnessed sporadic fighting and shelling during the war, including a border incursion last May that prompted the Kremlin to introduce tighter security.
A tiny brick-built beach hut measuring just 42 square feet that sits on the top floor of a 1950s block has gone on the market for 75,000.

The 7ft by 6ft cabin is on the top floor of a Hi-de-Hi-style block in Swanage, Dorset. A narrow and steep flight of steps lead down to the seafront where very few beach huts come onto the open market.

Despite its limited 'living space', no running water or gas or electricity supply, it does include a 15 per cent share of the privately owned beach in front of the hut.

It's current owners are selling after enjoying the hut for more than 35 years.

Mike Ford said: 'Our hut has given us great pleasure over the years, in which three generations of our family have been able to reap the rewards all year round.

Its brick finish also means the hut is protected from the elements and easier to maintain than timber ones

The 7ft x 6ft cabin is on the top floor of a 1950s Hi-de-Hi-style block in Swanage, Dorset

Estate agent John Beauchamp (pictured) described it as a 'smart and safe investment'

A tiny brick beach hut in Dorset which is just 42 square foot has gone on the market for 75,000

The modest hut boasts a private beach which owners have a 15 per cent share of

'We've loved the spectacular views, as well as the direct access to the beach, and New Year's Eve is always a special occasion for our family, when we come down to the hut and watch the firework display from, in our opinion, the best seats in town.

'It's a spectacular site and we will dearly miss being able to pop down and easily set up our table and chairs for a relaxing drink.'

Estate agent John Beauchamp described it as a 'smart and safe investment'.

Although not as visually appealing as its wooden counterparts, its elevated position gives incredible sea views. Its brick finish also means the hut is protected from the elements and easier to maintain than timber ones.

The hut has 92 years left on its long lease and owners only have to pay 16 a year for ground rent.

Despite its limited 'living space', no running water or gas or electricity supply, it does include a 15 per cent share of the privately owned beach in front of the hut

It gives direct sea views towards Old Harry Rocks, Swanage Bay and across to the Isle of Wight

The hut has a balcony outside which provides space for seating and barbecues

A far cry from the hefty prices imposed on hut owners 18 miles along the coast at Mudeford - home to Britain's most expensive beach huts, where owners pay 4,500 a year in fees.

Most of the beach huts in Swanage are owned by the council, with just 15 per cent privately owned so the opportunity to own one is very rare.

Mr Beauchamp from estate agents DOMVS, who are selling the hut, said: 'With its scarcity, stunning location, and potential for significant appreciation, this beach hut is destined to captivate the imagination of those seeking a beachfront lifestyle.

'In my opinion, it's the next best thing to owning a home on the water's edge.

'It's no surprise that beach huts are growing in popularity. Locally, huts can rent for upwards of 200 per week in the height of summer and with their historic capital growth, there's no doubt they're a smart and safe investment.'

Estate agent John Beauchamp (pictured) is selling the hut, he said it 'is destined to captivate the imagination of those seeking a beachfront lifestyle'

At 45-square-feet in total, it has limited 'living space' - in addition to no running water, or gas or electricity supply

The hut has 92 years left on its long lease and owners only have to pay 16 a year for ground rent

The hut has a shuttered window and sturdy stable door. Inside it has a work surface, cupboard and a simple bench

Most of the beach huts in Swanage are owned by the council, with just 15 per cent privately owned so the opportunity to own one is very rare

The hut is on the third tier, about 20ft above the beach, giving direct sea views towards Old Harry Rocks, Swanage Bay and across to the Isle of Wight.

It is close to the public toilets, a fresh water supply and the local beach cafe delivers to your door during the summer months.

The hut has a shuttered window and sturdy stable door. Inside it has a work surface, cupboard and a simple bench, so the new owners can put their own stamp on the seaside bolthole.

It also has a balcony outside, providing space for seating and barbecues.
A 16-year-old pupil today stabbed and seriously wounded an eight-year-old schoolboy before setting himself on fire in a case that has sent shockwaves through Germany.

The teenager ran through an elementary school building in Bischofswerda, east of the city of Dresden, while wielding a knife before launching his savage attack on the child.

The attacker, who has not yet been named, stabbed the little boy in his head and neck before being tackled by armed police officers who had surrounded the elementary school, which is attached to a secondary school.

The victim, a third grader, was seriously injured in the attack and was rushed to hospital by helicopter. Medics said his condition is stable.

The 16-year-old, a seventh grade student at the secondary school next door, reportedly set himself on fire before being overpowered by the police officers and was also taken to hospital.

Ambulances stand in the schoolyard of an elementary and high school in Bischofswerda following the knife attack on Wednesday

Police vehicles are parked in the schoolyard of a primary and secondary school in Bischofswerda after a 16-year-old pupil stabbed a schoolboy, eight on Wednesday

A terrified teacher had called police at around 9.40am - and just minutes later a flurry of armed police officers surrounded the school and evacuated all children from classrooms.

'The act is a heavy psychological burden for everyone. The family members and children are being looked after by a crisis intervention team,' police spokesman Maximilian Funke told Bild.

Police have not yet revealed any information about possible motive for the attack, or whether it was specifically meant to target the eight-year-old boy.

Police initially said the victim was a girl, but then corrected that information.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow...
It was a big fall from grace for Carlos Ghosn, who was at the helm of one of the world's biggest carmakers when he was arrested by Japanese authorities.

Kicking off his career at tyremaker Michelin, Ghosn worked his way up the ranks in the automobile industry.

When he was transferred to Renault's South American division he was dubbed 'Le Cost Killer', after returning them to profitability.

In 1996 he earned hero status when he came to Nissan's rescue. A decade later 2016 he also took the lead at Mitsubishi.

But the man revered as a 'visionary' in the automobile business quickly became best known for fleeing Japan in a box.

So what did Carlos Ghosn do in Japan to be arrested? And where is he now?

Carlos Ghosn face 10 years in prison and a 10 million yen fine for allegedly underreporting his earnings. Ghosn and his wife Carole pictured together at today's press conference in Beirut on January 8, 2020 after the businessman escaped Japan

Businessman Carlos Ghosn said he had to escape Japan as he alleged there was no chance of a a fair trial. He allegedly found freedom by hiding in a music case (pictured)

What did Carlos Ghosn do in Japan?

The ex-Nissan boss was best-known for his brutal cost cutting skills and the ability to return motor companies back to profitability.

On November 19, 2018 he was arrested for allegedly underreporting his earnings at Nissan over the course of five years, which were estimated to be around $88 million.

He was not the only one to be hit by allegations from Japanese prosecutors as Nissan's first American director, Greg Kelly, was also questioned.

Nissan worked alongside the prosecution, stating the investigation was sparked by a whistle-blower who had highlighted that Mr Ghosn has not been accurately representing his salary.

It was also alleged that Mr Ghosn was utilising Nissan's assets for personal use according to The New York Times.

On November, 22, 2022, the Nissan boss was removed as chairman of the company, after the board voted to remove him.

Four days later Japanese car company Mitsubishi made the same decision.

Mr Ghosn faced a potential 10-year stint behind bars for breaking Japan's financial laws and a fine of 10 million yen.

He could have also faced a 700 million yen fine if Japanese authorities found Nissan conspired with the car boss.

Carlos Ghosn (pictured) said If he missed the chance to escape he would have paid with his 'life, with the life of a hostage in Japan'

The residence of former auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn is seen in Tokyo on January 3

Ghosn took a bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka (inset) before flying from Kansai Airport onto Beirut via Istanbul

Why did Carlos Ghosn escape Japan?

Mr Ghosn claimed it was vital he made the dramatic escape out of the country in Southeast Asia.

He made his bid to freedom by hiding in a music case that was very similar to the black box pictured.

The millionaire trekked to Osaka from Tokyo by bullet train, he then arrived at Kansai Airport airport.

But before departing he had to bundle himself into the box to evade customs. After doing so, he reached Beirut on December 30.

Before reaching the capital of Lebanon, the millionaire boarded a private plane in Istanbul, Turkey, where he was free to roam.

Regarding his emotions in the box mid-air, Mr Ghosn told the BBC: 'You're not afraid, you don't have any emotion except the huge concentration on 'this is your chance, you can't miss it.

'If you miss it, you're going to pay with your life, with the life of a hostage in Japan'.'

Although Mr Ghosn believes he was in the cube for around an hour and a half, he said the journey to freedom felt like 'one year and a half.'

The businessman was set to stand trial for the crimes levelled against up in Tokyo in April 2020.

In a statement on December 31, shortly after finding freedom, Ghosn said: 'I have not fled justice - I have escaped injustice and political persecution.'

Mr Ghosn said he had to make the Hollywoodesque escape because he would not receive a fair trial in the country's 'corrupt and hostile' justice system.

During a press conference on January 9, 2020, he emotionally shared that he was interrogated every day for eight hours without a lawyer present.

He claimed he was told: 'We will go after your family if you don't confess.'

He continued: 'It will get worse for you if you don't just confess, the prosecutor told me repeatedly.'

During his 13 months in custody, Ghosn was prevented from seeing his four children and fashion designer wife Carole for months at a time.

He stated: 'They all endured unimaginable pain, they were barred to see me or even speak to me for months.

'I am here to clear my name. These allegations are untrue and I should never have been arrested in the first place.'

Mr Ghosn alleged that Nissan executives and Japanese officials were part of a plot to take down the chairman as they opposed the Japanese car company developing closer ties with French car company Renault.

There is an Interpol Red Notice issued for the former Nissan chief. French prosecutors also issued a warrant for his arrest in April 2022

Where is he now?

Since his escape from Japan in late 2019, 'Le Cost Killer' has been in his home country of Lebanon, The Washington Post reports.

On August 25, Apple TV+ are set to release a documentary about his journey titled: 'Wanted: The Escape of Carlos Ghosn.'

The docuseries will come in four instalments, detailing Ghosn childhood from Brazil to Lebanon, his career at Renault and Nissan and that infamous arrest in Japan.

Director of the series James Jones said the more they delved into allegations held against Ghosn, 'the darker it became'.

James Jones teased the series, telling Newsweek: ''We also got our hands on all the allegations against him and the ones that came up later are more serious.

'That was an interesting development in terms of how he's perceived globally, perhaps it's more complicated than just to kind of miscarriage of justice in Japan.'

The director stated that the French investigation altered the story originally told. He said it was 'easier' for Ghosn to say the he didn't face a fair trial in Japan, but the same could not be said about France.

Mr Jones said: 'I think a lot of people took that at face value, given what we've learned about the Japanese system.

'It's much harder for him to say that about France. And so now he's in a position where he's in Lebanon, there's an Interpol Red Notice, and he's always said he wants to stand trial as long as it's a fair trial.

'He has that opportunity in France, but he says that Lebanon has his passport and won't allow him to leave. I think a lot of people feel like Lebanon is protecting him and not investigating.'

On April, 2022, French prosecutors issues an international arrest warrant for the ex-Nissan boss.

They alleged Mr Ghosn exploited his position as the helm of the world's largest carmaker to funnel millions of euros through the Omani operation for his own use, The New York Times reports.

This allegedly included buying a 120-foot yacht.

In June 2023, Carlos Ghosn also filed a $1billion lawsuit against Nissan, in the pursuit of compensation for 'deep damages' to his monetary affairs and reputation, according to court filings.
RAF officers 'need to stop' exposing themselves to female colleagues as it 'isn't funny', Britain's only female military judge has warned.

Assistant Judge Advocate General Jane England described the 'arrogant' behaviour as 'incredibly juvenile and immature' and called for it to end.

She was speaking as she dismissed an RAF officer from the military for flashing two female bar staff members whilst they were working at a military party.

Flight Lieutenant Richard Aldridge was found guilty at a court martial of putting his testicles on a bar during a boozy summer ball.

The judge also told Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire that sadly Flt Lt Aldridge's case was not unique.

Flight Lieutenant Richard Aldridge was found guilty at a court martial of putting his testicles on a bar during a boozy summer ball

The Flight Lieutenant denied the charge, claiming he is 'not flexible enough' to have performed the manoeuvre, and said his uniform was also too tight

During Flt Lt Aldridge's sentencing, the judge said: 'This is not the first case involving a male Royal Air Force officer at the mess. It is certainly not the first court martial for a Royal Air Force officer exposing [themselves].

'It needs to stop. It isn't funny behaviour. It is incredibly juvenile and immature behaviour.'

At his trial, the court heard the incident happened during a officers' mess event Flt Lt Aldridge helped organise which had more than 200 people in attendance and was held at MoD Boscombe Down, near Amesbury, Wiltshire.

The 39-year-old exposed himself immediately after overhearing two women complain that servicemen had previously flashed at them, including one officer who was 'doing the helicopter with his penis'.

The officer got one leg up on the bar and was 'holding the underneath of himself', one of the women told the court.

Bulford Military Court, Wilts, heard the officers' mess event was held at MoD Boscombe Down, near Amesbury, Wiltshire.

Captain Rebecca Slee, prosecuting, told the court martial the function had kicked off and was in full swing when Flt Lt Aldridge arrived at the bar.

The court heard the officers' mess event, where the incident took place, was held at MoD Boscombe Down (pictured), near Amesbury, in Wiltshire

She said: '[Two women] were working behind the bar. They had talked about previous incidents of exposure, and said they hoped nothing like that would happen tonight.

'Flt Lt Aldridge was at the bar and overheard the conversation. He then exposed his testicles and put them on the bar.'

Giving evidence, one of the women - a civilian worker - told the court her recollection of the evening: 'There was a conversation between me and a colleague about previous functions and what people get up to.

'[Flt Lt Aldridge] put his testicles in his hand and at the top of the bar. I said "that's inappropriate, put them away". He was laughing.'

Her colleague said: 'We were having a conversation and Flt Lt Aldridge came to the bar. At a previous function, an officer had done something - two weeks before, an officer was up on the table doing the helicopter with his penis.'

Referring to Flt Lt Aldridge, she added: 'I saw him up on the bar holding the underneath of himself. His genitals were out of his clothes.

'He had one leg up on the floor and one up. He then got down and went off.

'[Later on] he was very drunk and an officer took him to his room carrying him over his shoulder.'

Flt Lt Aldridge denied the charge, claiming he is 'not flexible enough' to have performed the manoeuvre, and said his uniform was also too tight.

But after a three day trial, Flt Lt Aldridge was found guilty of a charge of exposure. He was cleared of another charge of groping a woman at the bar.

At the sentencing hearing, prosecutor Major James Eveleigh said the services have a 'zero tolerance approach to sexual offences and inappropriate behaviour'.

He said service personnel have to live in close confines and share facilities therefore sexual offences 'undermine the bond of trust for those serve together'.

Sentencing the officer - who the court heard had served in Iraq and Syria - Judge England said the two female civilians working at the bar 'should not have to endure such behaviour at the work place'.

She added: 'It is arrogant behaviour because it is forcing someone else to see something they do not want to see.'

She said a higher standard of behaviour is expected of an RAF officer and the incident was serious enough to warrant him being kicked out of the military.

She added that the services are working hard to stop sexual offences from happening.

In addition to being dismissed, Flt Lt Aldridge was ordered to carry out a ten-month community order.

In December last year a Royal Navy Petty Officer who repeatedly flashed junior female colleagues while on board a warship was thrown out of the military.

A court martial at Bulford heard that electronic warfare specialist Daniel Ball 'targeted' the two women on Type 23 frigate HMS Montrose, exposing himself more than 10 times over a three month period.
A middle school teacher has been arrested on suspicion of raping and sexually abusing a teenage student.

Melissa Rockensies, 32, was arrested over the allegations surrounding a 14-year-old boy on Tuesday morning in Queens, New York.

The mother-of-three, who was formerly a dean at Corona Arts and Sciences Academy, was charged with rape, criminal sexual act and acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 years old.

An NYPD spokesman confirmed that the off-duty City worker was arrested at 10.25am on Tuesday and taken for processing at the 112th Precinct.

Rockensies was previously the dean of Leadership and Student Support at the middle school, and attended several of the education facilities events with parents and students.

Melissa Rockensies (left) , 33, was arrested over the allegations surrounding a 14-year-old boy on Tuesday morning in Queens, New York

Social media posts worryingly show her posting about helping children understand 'consent', from October last year

Social media posts worryingly show her posting about helping children understand 'consent', from October last year.

It advised that children should not keep secrets from their family, as well as respecting their answer when they say 'no'.

Authorities have not confirmed if the alleged rape took place on or off campus, with married Rockensies posting about how emotional she was to lose her Class of 2023  referring to herself as a 'proud school mom'.

The teacher reportedly earned around $85,000 last year, with a Department of Education spokeswoman confirming that Rockensies is no longer working at the school.

In a statement, they said: 'This alleged behavior is extremely concerning and wholly unacceptable.

'This employee has been reassigned away from the school and students pending the outcome of the arrest and if convicted, we will pursue termination.

'Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our students.'

Woke Rockensies regularly posted about teacher's rights, as well as bragging that she was one year sober in February of 2021.

The mother-of-three was charged with rape, criminal sexual act and acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 years old

The teacher bragged that she was returning to the classroom after taking some time off after having twins

The teacher reportedly earned around $85,000 last year, with a Department of Education spokeswoman confirming that Rockensies is no longer working at the school

Authorities have not confirmed if the alleged rape took place on or off campus, with the teacher posting an emotional farewell to her CLass of 2023

Another post saw her dancing with pupils at their prom, on a 360 photo booth as well as other teachers

She has since been reassigned from her role at Corona Arts and Sciences Academy while the investigation is ongoing (pictured second left)

The teacher reportedly earned around $85,000 last year, with a Department of Education spokeswoman confirming that Rockensies is no longer working at the school

Her social media also had a series of 'team breakup' inspirational posts  which talk about relationship 'green flags' for students

She shared several posts about her profession online, including one asking pupils to be 'considerate' to their teachers

Rockensies, who married her husband in 2015, penned a letter to her graduating class on June 27, telling them she would 'miss them all'.

She said: 'To my Class of 2023. Yall saved me in ways you don't even understand, and I will be grateful to you forever.

'My smile is cheeeeeesin, but it is genuine love and happiness for all of you.

'I will miss you all - your antics, your drama, your silliness, your intelligence...

'You were a colorful class and I wouldn't trade you for the world.

'On to high school, where I know you'll continue to make me one proud school mom. Love, Rock.'

The teacher wore a 'Class of 23' top and said that there were 'so many students' who 'filled her heart with chaotic joy'  adding, 'I have shared hugs and tears and celebration and mourning'.

Another post saw her dancing with pupils at their prom, on a 360 photo booth as well as other teachers.

Rockensies' social media also had a series of 'team breakup' inspirational posts  which talk about relationship 'green flags' for students.

She showed support for her father-in-law Bill Rockensies who ran for the board of Commissioners of Sanitary District 6 in Hempstead

Woke Rockensies regularly posted about teachers rights, as well as bragging that she was one year sober in February of 2021

Rockensies, who married her husband in 2015, penned a letter to her graduating class on June 27, telling them she would 'miss them all'

The accused rapist also shared social media posts around consent and teaching boundaries to young boys

Rockensies social media also had a series of 'team breakup' inspirational posts  which talk about relationship 'green flags' for students

She also showed support for her father-in-law Bill Rockensies who ran for the board of Commissioners of Sanitary District 6 in Hempstead.

The engineer was also recently appointed to the board of the Nassau County Industrial Agency.

Rockensies also supported another relative, Kurt Rockensies, who successfully ran to be part of the West Hampstead Board of Education trustees in 2021.

He is currently the Vice President of the West Hempstead Union Free School District until 2024.
Fisherman Haruo Ono stands on one of his fishing boats at Tsurishihama Fishing Port, Shinchi-machi of Fukushima Prefecture, some 60 kilometers north of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, Monday, ahead of a government's plan to begin releasing treated water from the plant into the Pacific Ocean. AFP-Yonhap



Most Fukushima fishermen are tight-lipped but Haruo Ono can't keep his thoughts to himself on Japan's plans to release treated cooling water from the stricken nearby nuclear power plant into the Pacific from Thursday.



"Nothing about the water release is beneficial to us. There is no advantage for us. None. It's all detrimental," Ono, who lost his brother in the 2011 tsunami that crippled the plant, told AFP.



"Fishermen are 100 percent against," the 71-year-old said at his modest home in Shinchimachi, around 60 kilometers north of the nuclear plant in northeast Japan.



"The sea is where we work. We make a living off of the sea, we're at the mercy of the sea. So if we don't protect the sea, who would?" Around 1.34 million tons of water, equivalent to more than 500 Olympic swimming pools, have accumulated at the Fukushima plant since the earthquake and tsunami that killed 18,000 people in 2011.



It has been contaminated by being used to cool the highly radioactive reactor cores that went into meltdown, combined with groundwater and rain.



But plant operator TEPCO says the water has been diluted and filtered to remove all radionuclides except tritium, which is far below dangerous levels.







This file picture taken on Jan. 20 shows the storage tanks for contaminated water at the Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO) Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Okuma, Fukushima prefecture. AFP-Yonhap



'Sewer'



The plan gradually to begin releasing the water at a maximum rate of 500,000 liters a day via a pipe one kilometer out to sea has won approval from the UN nuclear watchdog.



But many in the Japanese fishing industry are worried about the reputation of the country's seafood, just as it was starting to recover 12 years after the Fukushima disaster.



"Fukushima was seen as something people should avoid (after 2011). Even car number plates from Fukushima was taken off when people had to evacuate to other prefectures," local artist Tomomi Kodama, 40, told AFP.



"Now if the water is released from the plant, I am worried about how the world would possibly accept it," she said.



As well as being a major source of national pride, seafood is a major Japanese industry, with almost 600,000 tons  worth around $2 billion  exported in 2022.



China is its biggest customer, accounting for around a quarter of this, but Beijing has accused Tokyo of treating the ocean like a "sewer" with the water release.



In a move that experts say is partially motivated by rivalry in other areas, China even before the release banned food shipments from 10 Japanese prefectures and imposed radiation checks for elsewhere.



These time-consuming controls have already led to a 30-percent slump in Japanese seafood imports into China last month, Japanese and Chinese media reported, citing Chinese customs data.



Hong Kong, another important market for Japanese seafood exports, has also threatened restrictions, and it is unclear how consumers elsewhere will react.







Fisherman Haruo Ono makes a phone call at Tsurushihama Fishing Port, Shinchi-machi of Fukushima Prefecture, some 60 kilometers north of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, Monday. AFP-Yonhap
An academic has sparked a furious debate after suggesting Lucy Letby got away with murdering seven babies because she is a white woman.

Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, who regularly appears as a media commentator, claimed the nurse's race meant complaints against her were not taken seriously.

She tweeted: 'Lucy Letby exemplifies how ideology of Whiteness keeps Britain in a chokehold. They believed her tears/denials even though evidence said otherwise for no other reason than she's White.

'A Black or Brown nurse would've been reported to the police immediately & sacked for suspicion.'

Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu claimed the nurse's race meant complaints against her were not taken seriously

The tweet was shared on Monday, when Letby was handed an unprecedented 14 whole-life orders for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six more.

Dr Shola's post generated particular controversy, with Mail columnist Nana Akua tweeting: 'It seems ''Dr.'' Shola will stoop to any level to race bait And she's wrong. In fact if anything, as with the Rotherham child abuse scandal, had Lucy Letby been black or brown, they would've been afraid to report her for fear of being called racist..'

The architect Ike Ijeh accused her of 'force-feeding identity into infanticide'.

Meanwhile, Tom Slater - writing on Spiked - pointed out that several of the doctors who raised the alarm about Letby were also white, including head consultant Dr Stephen Brearey.

Dr Shola doubled down on her comments in the face of intense criticism, writing: 'Im deeply regretful to those Ive offended re my post on Lucy Letby. Pls accept my regret at your lack of critical thinking skills, poor reading comprehension & being a despicable human whos more outraged at truth of Whiteness ideology than at a baby murderer. Stay offended.'

Dr Shola's post generated particular controversy, with Mail columnist Nana Akua among those criticising her

Dr Shola doubled down on her comments in the face of intense criticism. Academic Wasiq Wasiq responded by calling her comments 'despicable'

Responding to her post, academic Wasiq Wasiq called the comment 'despicable'.

Bosses at the Countess of Chester Hospital have been heavily criticised for failing to stop the nurse's killing spree.

At least two babies died and more were harmed because executives refused to listen or to believe a member of staff was to blame.

Yesterday, senior consultant Dr Stephen Brearey - who tried to blow the whistle on Letby - called for regulation of NHS executives to make them accountable for their decisions.

And last night the parents whose newborn son was killed and his twin poisoned by Letby accused the hospital of 'a total fob-off' when they pleaded for answers.

Solicitor Richard Scorer, of law firm Slater and Gordon which represents the parents of Child E and Child F, told the Guardian the couple felt they had failed to receive a proper response to their concerns.
Gag backfired after it was slated for not making sense

Leaked texts show ex-PM was in the dark about joke

Australia's ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd was left baffled when his own team used his face in a Barbie meme, embarrassing leaked texts reveal.

The embassy's social media staff attempted to ride the global Barbie bandwagon last month by sharing a picture of the former prime minister's face mocked up on a movie poster.

'When you get the wrong memo and think that Margot Robbie is hosting a Barbie this wkd (weekend),' the caption read.

The post was met with widespread puzzlement, with many querying what the joke was meant to mean beyond the obvious Barbie/BBQ pun.

Most confused of all was Dr Rudd with private messages, released under Freedom of Information laws, showing he was in the dark about the misguided attempt at humour.

'Hi. What is the Barbie post about?', Dr Rudd messaged the embassy's strategic communications minister-counsellor Damien Miller about an hour after the image was posted, late at night in Washington, reported the West Australian.

The original meme (pictured) was met with widespread cringing and puzzlement

Dr Rudd messaged the embassy's strategic communications minister-counsellor Damien Miller about an hour after the image was posted (pictured)

'This week there was a trend in the US amongst some celebrities, senators, the Governor of Michigan (etc) to play into the hype surrounding the Barbie film. In our case it was to celebrate Australian actress Margo Robbie (sic)  who is a co-producer of the film,' Mr Miller explained.

Other leaked texts between staff show that the embassy's social media manager appears to have sent the post to an adviser to Dr Rudd via WhatsApp shortly after it went online.

'HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Sorry I only just saw. Better not get fired it's great,' the adviser replied two hours later.

'Haha, phew, I'm glad you like it. was like THIS IS A GREAT IDEA,' the embassy staffer responded.

Dr Rudd's second-in-command, deputy head of mission Paul Myler, congratulated the staffer on the meme.

'The Kevin barbie meme is very good. Well done,' Mr Myler wrote.

'It was either that or KR as Oppenheimer,' Mr Miller replied the next morning.

The reference was to Christopher Nolan's epic about the father of the atom bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer, which opened at theatres the same weekend as Barbie.

Now it turns out the former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd (pictured), was as baffled as everyone else

Dr Rudd's staff appeared to laugh about the meme despite being nervous about how it would land with their boss, who is infamous for his fiery temper

Dr Rudd's second-in-command, deputy head of mission Paul Myler, congratulated the staffer on the meme (pictured)

While it was well-received by embassy staffers, internet users were baffled.

'Something is getting smoked at the Australian Embassy and I don't think it's meat on a hotplate,' wrote one reviewer.

Others queried why the tagline read 'He's just Kevin' when Barbie's love interest in the film is called Ken and they could have abbreviated Dr Rudd's name to 'Kev'.

Many also found the post 'cringeworthy' and were irritated Australian taxpayers' were funding half-cocked gags.

'When you cost the taxpayers a fortune and you're s**** at memes,' wrote one.

Dr Rudd was appointed to Australia's ambassador to the United States in December last year (pictured with California Governor Gavin Newsom)

As prime minister, Dr Rudd had a reputation for his short temper and demands on staff.

At the unveiling of his prime ministerial portrait earlier this month he joked about his reputation.

'To members of my staff  all 4,602 of them  you can tell them because they're the ones exhibiting PTSD,' he said.

'Some of them are still carrying wounds. There's a therapy tent later on.'

Dr Rudd was appointed as Australia's ambassador to the United States in December last year.
Donald Trump is preparing to be 'proudly' arrested in Georgia Thursday on election fraud charges.

'NOBODY HAS EVER FOUGHT FOR ELECTION INTEGRITY LIKE PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP,' the former president wrote on his Truth Social account.

'FOR DOING SO, I WILL PROUDLY BE ARRESTED TOMORROW AFTERNOON IN GEORGIA. GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!'

Trump and his 18 co-defendants were charged on August 14 with attempting to overturn Georgia's 2020 presidential election, and were given a deadline of Friday at noon to hand themselves in for booking.

He will surrender at the Fulton County jail in Atlanta.

Former President Donald Trump is preparing to be 'proudly' arrested in Georgia Thursday on election fraud charges

On Monday, the 77-year-old's bail was set at $200,000 and he was ordered not to send threatening social media messages.

Sheriff's deputies on Monday stepped up security, installing barriers around the run-down jailhouse, as his legal team was spotted entering District Attorney Fani Willis' office.

Authorities in Fulton County said he can expect no special treatment.

He will have to be fingerprinted like other suspects at the notorious jail, and may, for the first time in his four indictments, have his mugshot taken.

The jail is well known for its squalid conditions, although Trump will not be held there while he awaits trial.

He took to his social media account to insist that the trial he will face on election fraud charges will be an opportunity to 'show how the Presidential Election of 2020 was RIGGED & STOLLEN.'

He called anyone who doesn't believe him 'FOOLS & COWARDS because we now know the answers to all of the Fraud, Irregularities, & Cheating, & WE CANNOT LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN!'

The former president announced over the weekend that he would be skipping the first GOP primary debate this week.

Instead, he will be conducting an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social account that the interview will air at 9pm ET tonight - right as the debate kicks off.

'SPARKS WILL FLY,' he promises. 'ENJOY!'

But Trump surrogates have flocked to Milwaukee ahead of Wednesday evening's debate.

Kari Lake spoke to reporters outside the debate hall on Tuesday as Trump supporters waved signs bearing his name in the background.

'This isn't a race guys - the primary's over,' she said, citing Trump's massive lead in the polls. The former president leads by 41 points in the RealClearPolitics polling average.

She also accused Fox News - who is hosting the debate at 9pm ET - of being anti-Trump, saying that is why he was skipping the debate.

'There's no sense for him to go into this and watch a network - that has already decided they want anybody about Trump - garner ratings from him.

'He's just too smart for that. And frankly, he doesn't need that. He's already the nominee. He's so far ahead. No one can catch up.'

The Fulton County Jail, where Former President Trump will be processed, is seen in Atlanta, Georgia

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, another Trump ally who will be in the debate audience, told DailyMail.com it was time for the party to rally behind Trump.

'It's over. It's pointless. It's a waste of donors' money. It's just everybody needs to just get behind President Trump,' she said.

But with Trump missing from the stage, the spotlight will fall on the next two top contenders, each of whom will be standing in center stage: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
Sadiq Khan has launched a final marketing blitz in London ahead of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) expansion in six days' time as a 9million campaign intensifies.

Transport for London (TfL) is pushing adverts on TV channels, radio, newspapers, magazines, apps, social media, buses, roadside billboards and petrol pumps.

The Mayor's team have also sent emails to customers on TfL's database and leaflets through letterboxes in outer London boroughs as well as face-to-face leafleting.

In addition, officials have posted slick YouTube videos in recent weeks from experts including Asthma and Lung UK chief executive Sarah Woolnough and respiratory professor Jonathan Grigg talking about 'why the expansion of Ulez is important'.

The campaign is targeted at drivers in London and the Home Counties to raise awareness and explain who is affected, where the expanded zone will operate and how it will work including hours of operations, the daily charges and how to pay.

But it has provoked fury - with motoring campaigner Howard Cox, founder of FairFuelUK and Reform UK's London mayoral candidate, telling MailOnline today: 'Nine million pounds of taxpayers' money used to indoctrinate us all, about an already-costly cash grabbing scheme that will do nothing to improve air quality.

'This will be a propaganda campaign designed to brainwash us all that drivers are the anti-green demons and Sadiq Khan is the saviour of the planet.'

And Keith Prince, London Assembly Member for Havering and Redbridge from the City Hall Conservatives, told MailOnline: 'I know that Londoners will be shocked by the fact that Sadiq Khan has spent 9 million on marketing for his Ulez expansion  which they didn't even want in the first place. And that's on top of the tens of millions of pounds it cost to install the cameras.

An advert posted on Facebook by Transport for London promoting the Ulez expansion

Sadiq Khan's Twitter account has also been posting messages promoting Ulez in recent days

Asthma and Lung UK chief executive Sarah Woolnough speaks about Ulez in a video for TfL

Respiratory professor Jonathan Grigg talks about 'why the expansion of Ulez is important'

'According to Sadiq Khan's own data, his Ulez expansion will make almost no difference to air quality in Outer London. Instead of wasting 9million on Ulez publicity, he should have spent that money on tangible ways to improve air quality, such as electric buses.'

There was also uproar on social media, with one X user saying: 'Is anyone else wondering whose paying for Ulez propaganda being pumped out on every radio station at the moment? Sounds just like Covid advert 'please try to walk 1.5m from the road side', what a joke.'

ANALYSIS: 9million marketing spend 'could appear by many to be a tone-deaf move by TfL' By ANDY BARR, PR expert and co-founder of agency 10 Yetis Digital Given the clear health and environmental benefits of the Ulez expansion campaign, you can understand why TfL is spending so much money on such a comprehensive campaign. The kind of over-arching marketing campaign tactics that they are using will have the majority of FTSE chief marketing officers looking on with envy. A 9million marketing budget is a significant amount of money, especially when you compare it to big brand spending, such as the likes of John Lewis who are rumoured to spend around 5million per year on the promotion of its hugely successful Christmas TV advert campaign. In years to come, the Ulez expansion campaign will become a case study for spend versus cause by marketing course university lecturers. If the results cause the number of healthcare and environmental-related issues to drop in the areas where it is expanded to, then this will look like money well spent. It will be a long time before these kinds of assessments can be made though. A 9million marketing spend on a campaign of this nature could appear by many to be a tone-deaf move by TfL against a backdrop of the current cost of living crisis and various other government departments, such as education and health, struggling to work to their existing budgets. Advertisement

Another added: '@TfL Stop gaslighting people with the advert saying if you're one of the few with a car 16 years or older. Lots of us can't afford to buy newer.'

And a third said: 'I have just seen an advert on TV in Middlesbrough advertising TfL. Khan is getting desperate. London advertising never happens in the North East. Hoping the Ulez is his downfall.

Analysing the campaign today, PR expert Andy Barr, co-founder of agency 10 Yetis Digital, told MailOnline: 'Given the clear health and environmental benefits of the Ulez expansion campaign, you can understand why TfL is spending so much money on such a comprehensive campaign.

'The kind of over-arching marketing campaign tactics that they are using will have the majority of FTSE chief marketing officers looking on with envy.

'A 9million marketing budget is a significant amount of money, especially when you compare it to big brand spending, such as the likes of John Lewis who are rumoured to spend around 5million per year on the promotion of its hugely successful Christmas TV advert campaign.'

He said that in years to come, the Ulez expansion campaign will become a 'case study for spend versus cause by marketing course university lecturers'.

Mr Barr continued: 'If the results cause the number of healthcare and environmental-related issues to drop in the areas where it is expanded to, then this will look like money well spent.

'It will be a long time before these kinds of assessments can be made though. A 9million marketing spend on a campaign of this nature could appear by many to be a tone-deaf move by TfL against a backdrop of the current cost of living crisis and various other government departments, such as education and health, struggling to work to their existing budgets.'

Another PR expert, Sean O'Meara, managing director of agency Essential Content, told MailOnline: 'The fact that TfL has spent 9million on marketing the Ulez expansion, but people are still confused about how it affects them a week before launch, shows how well this has gone from a comms point of view.

'Ulez expansion is effectively a major change-management programme that's morphed into an emotionally charged culture war. Change is always painful, but the size of the backlash is vastly disproportionate to the number of people actually affected negatively by this scheme.'

Sadiq Khan's Twitter account has been posting messages about the upcoming Ulez extension

Facebook is one of the platforms being used by TfL to promote the Ulez expansion next week

TfL has posted Twitter adverts encouraging people to apply for the Ulez scrappage scheme

He claimed the campaign had 'not done a good job of acknowledging the inconvenience this scheme will bring or signposting the mitigations, such as the scrappage scheme'.

Mr O'Meara continued: 'Communicating about sustainability is notoriously hard and campaigns like this fail because they come across as too idealistic and light on evidence. People appreciate pragmatism, plain language and transparency.

'But the comms around Ulez has been leaning too heavily into emotional arguments. Using overly emotive language is fine if you're selling fragrances or jewellery, but not for something like this.

'The absence of clarity around exemptions in particular has created a vacuum that's been filled by conspiracy theories. The vast majority of cars in London are compliant and their owners won't be affected.

'That message has been obscured by emotionally charged claims about 'saving lives' on the one hand and dystopian conspiracy theories on the other. Once you set the emotional tenor of a conversation to that level, people respond with equally emotionally charged objections.'

He pointed out that it was possible to be in favour of low emission zones as a concept while opposing how Ulez has been implemented, adding: 'If people don't understand the message, that's a comms failure, not a comprehension failure.'

The total marketing budget for the expansion is 9million, according to a TfL response to a Freedom of Information request, which also confirmed that the campaign began in January.

In the response on July 21, TfL's senior FOI case officer Gemma Jacob said: 'The media activity will enable TfL to reach over 3.3million vehicle owners in London six or more times as well as 6.5million vehicle owners in the Home Counties six or more times so those who drive in London are aware of the upcoming expansion including boundary and how the scheme operates.'

A TfL spokesman told MailOnline: 'In January 2023, Transport for London launched an extensive multi-channel campaign targeting drivers to raise awareness and to explain who is affected, where the expanded zone will operate and how the scheme operates including hours of operations, daily charge and how to pay.

'The campaign aims to encourage people to check their vehicles and help drivers prepare ahead of the scheme's expansion on 29 August 2023. The campaign will continue after the zone expands.

'By using several platforms, we can reach millions of vehicle owners to ensure they're aware and take any necessary action before the zone extends to outer London. This has been evidenced by the large numbers of vehicle owners checking their vehicles.'

The Mayor's office has also been contacted for comment.

It comes after TfL spent 450,000 promoting a public consultation on the expansion in June, July and August last year with press, digital and radio adverts.

But in February, the Advertising Standards Authority watchdog launched a probe into a TfL TV advert promoting the expansion after receiving 370 complaints claiming it was 'misleading'.

The advert claimed London has 'an urgent air quality problem and it's impacting the health of Londoners' and continued the argument that toxic air led to the premature deaths of thousands of Londoners.

The ASA said at the time that it had asked TfL for evidence on the claims, but warned that 'potentially it could take some time' and it was 'unable to give a timescale'.

TfL said at the time that it was providing evidence to justify its claims.

Today, the ASA confirmed to MailOnline that its probe was still ongoing, with no ruling yet posted.

The expansion was today described by BBC London's transport and environment correspondent Tom Edwards as 'probably the most controversial environmental policy ever introduced in the UK'.

The expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) is due to come into force on August 29

Anti-Ulez protestors demonstrate on July 29 outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London

Traffic passes signs indicating the ULEZ boundary near Hanger Lane in West London on July 22

He added that it will also be the world's 'largest pollution charging zone'.

It comes amid ongoing controversy about the so-called 'war on motorists' which opponents of Mr Khan claim he is carrying out  but he denies is the case.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has blamed the Ulez policy for his party's recent by-election loss in Uxbridge last month, which will now be included in the scheme.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has urged Mr Khan to 'think twice' about the expansion, while Sir Keir suggested cities should look at other options for tackling air pollution.

Mr Khan has previously admitted his decision to expand Ulez was 'very difficult' but insisted it would 'see five million more Londoners being able to breathe cleaner air'.

But the Mayor has seen his popularity plummet among suburban voters, who will be impacted by the expansion.

He now has a popularity rating of minus 12 across the capital, according to a survey of 1,000 Londoners by pollsters YouGov, with 52 per cent of respondents viewing him unfavourably, compared with 40 per cent favourably.

Yet in outer boroughs, Mr Khan's net rating plunges to minus 24.

Reports have also emerged this week that Government plans to potentially block the Ulez expansion have been shelved.

Cabinet ministers are said to have been exploring using a little-known legal power allowing them to overrule Transport for London (TfL) plans where they are inconsistent with national policies.

But Government lawyers have apparently said the challenge would fail in the courts, the Daily Telegraph reported.

In other Ulez news this week, it appears drivers who breach the rules of the new regulations may initially be warned rather than fined because TfL is being given 'discretion'.

TfL says it can use its 'discretion' to issue warning letters instead of penalty charge notices (PCNs).

The AA said it is 'essential' that drivers are not fined 'until the system beds in' across the new Ulez areas.
Investigators have discovered 'items of interest' in a renewed search of the Kansas property formerly owned by serial killer Dennis Rader, also known as BTK.

Osage County Sheriff Eddie Virden said Wednesday that the search found 'possible trophies' that Rader may have taken from his victims.

'We weren't looking for bodies, we were looking for items,' Virden said. 'We did find some items. We can't release what they are.'

The search came as law enforcement hunt for evidence linking Rader, 78, to unsolved missing persons and murder cases. The killer gave himself the nickname 'BTK' as an acronym binding, torturing and killing his victims, and he confessed to killing 10 people after his arrest in 2005.

He is currently serving ten consecutive life sentences at the El Dorado Correctional Facility in Kansas, and it is not known if the 'trophies' found belonged to his previous victims or unknown victims.

The ex-Air Force sergeant's former property in Park City, Kansas, was raided by cops Tuesday over the disappearance of Cynthia 'Cyndi' Dawn Kinney, a 16-year-old cheerleader who was last seen in 1976.

Detectives said they hope the probe will help to tie him to more grisly unsolved cases. Osage County Undersheriff Gary Upton said his department is 'continuing to follow leads in unsolved missing persons and murder cases possibly related to BTK.'

Dennis Rader, also known as BTK, has seen his former home in Park City, Kansas searched by investigators in hopes to tie him to more unsolved murders. He is pictured in August 2005 after his arrest

The killer's daughter said the theory from investigators is that Rader may have hidden evidence under his shed in the yard of his home

Rader's Park City home was bought by the city in 2007 and torn down, with the search this week focusing on his yard and the site where a metal shed stood.

Speaking after the search, Virden insisted the investigation is at its early stages, but indicated that the items were promising leads to cracking cases.

'I don't know yet if they're related to new crimes,' he said. 'With the information we developed where these items were, items that were never located, I absolutely believe they're related to Dennis' crimes.'

The killer's daughter Kerri Rawson told DailyMail.com she has assisted in the renewed investigation, and was flown out to Oklahoma to try break him down and give 'decades-long grieving families long-sought answers.'

'Our concern is more for the families,' added Virden. 'I hate tearing open old wounds, but we've still got to follow the leads we've got, where they go, and we'll try and be as respectful as we can to everybody involved and still do our job.'

Rader's first known murders were in January 1974, when he shot to infamy after the gruesome killings of the Otero family.

Months later in April, Rader, then 28, murdered Kathryn Bright, 21, in her home and shot her brother Kevin in the head. He began sending taunting letters to journalists and the police, sending investigators on wild goose chases across Wichita, Kansas.

Kerri Rawson, the daughter of Dennis Rader, told DailyMail.com she has assisted in the investigations into her father

His last known victim was killed in 1991, and he evaded capture for over 30 years after stopping his letters in 1991. When he began again in 2004, with some speculating he became bored with his double life, police were able to finally capture him.

Rader's infamy led him to become the prime suspect in numerous cold cases, and Rawson told DailyMail.com she was flown to Oklahoma in June to help investigators.

The 78-year-old has reportedly refused to cooperate with police, and during a recent meeting with cold case investigators he had his belongings seized by prison guards.

BTK's ten victims: (L-R) January 15, 1974: #1 Julie Otero (aged 33) Strangled with a rope; #2 Joseph Otero (aged 38) Suffocated with a plastic bag; #3 Josephine Otero (aged 11) Hanged with a rope; #4 Joseph Otero, Jr. (aged 9) Suffocated with a plastic bag; April 4, 1974: #5 Kathryn Bright (aged 21) Stabbed 3 times in abdomen with a knife

(L-R) March 17, 1977: #6 Shirley Vian (aged 24) Strangled with a rope; December 8, 1977: #7 Nancy Fox (aged 25) Strangled with a belt; April 27, 1985: #8 Marine Hedge (aged 53) Strangled with hands; September 16, 1986: #9 Vicki Wegerle (aged 28) Strangled with Nylon stocking; January 19, 1991: #10 Dolores E. Davis (aged 62) Strangled with pantyhose

Rader is pictured with his daughter, Kerri Rawson, who detailed her struggle to come to terms with her father's heinous crimes

The search on Rader's home was sparked by a renewed investigation into the disappearance of Cynthia Dawn Kinney, a cheerleader who was last seen in 1976

Rawson said she visited her father for a total of three hours in June and July to try and get information out of him.

She added to Fox News that cops swooped in on her old home this week because 'the theory is he could have placed evidence of cases under stone pavers under the metal shed he built early to mid 90s. Like drivers licenses in jars.'

Investigators at the home dug a large hole in the yard where the metal shed used to be, she said.

She added that cops are also looking into the unsolved murder of Shawna Garber, 22, whose remains were found near Pineville, Missouri in December 1990, but declined to comment any further on any other cases tied to BTK.

Rader has been questioned over the disappearances before, and he told Osage County Sheriff Eddie Virden that he was 'done' talking about Kinney's cold case.

When he was quizzed about the disappearance of Shawna Garber, who went missing on Halloween night in 1990, the serial killer said he 'enjoyed' his meeting with investigators.

The body of Shirley Vian is pictured being carried from her house in Wichita in 1977 after she was murdered by Dennis Rader

After arresting Dennis Rader, police found photos where he dressed up like his victims

Following the dramatic arrest of Rex Heurmann last month as a suspected serial killer, BTK drew comparisons between himself and the alleged murderer due to their similarly double lives.

In a letter written from behind bars, he said their parallel lives - and alleged crimes - practically make them 'clones'.

'I was arrested age 59. Married, two kids,' Rader wrote in the letter, to Fox News. 'Husband, dad longtime a serial killer, stalker, used electronic devices, lives in a neighborhood undetected.'
An executive at one of Maine's largest hospitals hosted an 'antiracist' prayer service where he had attendees apologize for their 'internalized racism,' according to a new report.

Ryan Polly, 45, serves as Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at MaineHealth and also reportedly refers to himself as the 'minister' of a group he leads called 'One Spirit.'

He uses critical race theory ideology in his teachings, claiming white people are conditioned to be racist and oppressive, acquiring 'ignorance' and 'racist thoughts' by belonging to a 'life of whiteness.'

Footage reviewed by Fox News Digital, which has since been deleted, shows Polly claiming he has 'racist narratives and biases' due to his white race.

'As the head of diversity, equity and inclusion at a major health system, I think frequently about my role as White person first and as a diversity leader second,' Polly said.

Ryan Polly, 45, serves as Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at MaineHealth and also reportedly refers to himself as the 'minister' of a group he leads called 'One Spirit'

Polly claimed white people 'share something' with the cop who shot Michael Brown, Darren Wilson, and George Zimmerman, who shot Trayvon Martin

'I think about the responsibility I have to continue the deep internal work of understanding my own racist narrative and biases... 'I think about the privilege my whiteness affords me and the choices whiteness allows me to have My whiteness keeps me and my family safe.'

Polly also claimed white people 'share something' with the cop who shot Michael Brown, Darren Wilson and George Zimmerman, who shot Trayvon Martin.

At one point, Polly spoke of 'dismantling the system' and encouraged workers to 'join the fight' and 'do the work to challenge our ignorance, our biases and the racist thoughts that we've acquired through the 'life of whiteness.'

He continued: 'Let us develop the courage to dive [into] deeply experienced discomfort. Let's sit with it... knowing that the answers come not from our own conscious thinking because that thinking is shaped by racist constructs.

'Let us leave with the tenacity to become anti-racist and continue the fight, even on the days when we could simply choose not to. Amen.'

Polly reportedly called himself 'slightly unhinged' in song lyrics he posted to his YouTube channel, which has been deleted.

Polly's LinkedIn has also been taken down, and the One Spirit prayer has been made private.

Ironically, he has reportedly said 'white executives' like himself should not have the power to 'speak constantly about DEI issues.'

Polly is seen serving as grand marshal at Portland's Pride Parade in June, 2022

Ironically, Polly, (left), has reportedly said 'white executives' like himself should not have the power to 'speak constantly about DEI issues'

An insider at MaineHealth told Fox News Digital 'Polly has relentlessly pushed a DEI agenda at MaineHealth for the past two and a half years' and called for Polly to be fired so the institution can 'get back to the business of taking care of patients.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to MaineHealth for comment on this story.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, the hospital stood by Polly.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion stems from our organizational values, mission and vision. This work strengthens our connections with patients and ultimately helps us to deliver higher-quality care,' the hospital said.

'Consistent with our value of Respect and our role as an institution of learning, we welcome and encourage divergent viewpoints and dialogue among our patients and care team.'

The report comes as institutions are facing backlash for their DEO demands.

The University of North Carolina's medical school has disbanded its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) taskforce.

The institution had previously banned DEI statements for admissions, hiring, promotions, and tenures. Before this, the medical school required applicants to submit a statement detailing their commitment to DEI.

The task force's recommendations included that students understand concepts such as 'Understanding that America's medical system is structurally racist' and 'Understanding and Responding to Microaggressions.'

UNC's decision comes after the activist group Color Us United, which advocates for a 'race blind America,' campaigned for the university to axe its DEI policies for medical school staff and students.

Kenny Xu, the organization's president, told DailyMail the decision is significant because UNC is the first medical school to revoke a DEI taskforce

Polly encouraged workers to 'join the fight' and 'do the work to challenge our ignorance, our biases and the racist thoughts that we've acquired through the 'life of whiteness'

Polly reportedly called himself 'slightly unhinged' in song lyrics he posted to his YouTube channel, which has been deleted

'UNC was the first to publicly see the harms of the diversity equity and inclusion movement that claims that America is a racist country,' he said.

'Mandatory unconscious bias trainings, racially discriminatory admissions all lowered the standards for high quality doctors. And we we found it important that they make a public pronouncement against it.'

The group has fought DEI programs in the past, including when a small school district in California planned to spend $40 million teaching 'ethnic studies' to high school students.

Meanwhile, former University of Toronto professor J.D. Haltigan sued the University of California at Santa Cruz after he was required to submit a DEI statement with his job application.

He claims his First Amendment rights were violated by the requirement, in the lawsuit filed last week.

The DEI prompt requires applicants 'give examples of a candidate's past contributions to diversity, demonstrate an understanding of the particular diversity and equity related issues and needs in a candidate's field, or in higher education more generally, and/or discuss the candidate's vision for how they might make contributions to diversity in the future,' according to UCSC's website.

The statements are then scored by school officials who use a rubric to grade them from 1 to 5 based on the applicant's knowledge of DEI, experience with it and plans to 'advance it.'

 This article has undergone revisions since initial publication to remove a suggestion that the attendees of the prayer service held by Ryan Polly were employees of MaineHealth.
The raid on local newspaper Marion County Record's elderly co-owner's home was sparked by Ryan Newell - the estranged husband of the restaurant owner who leaked her DUI information.

The paper did not publish the information they found about restauranteur Kari Newell, because they believed they were being used 'as a pawn in a contentious divorce' between her and Ryan.

Instead, they handed the information over to the police. The same officers then seized their computers and equipment, then raided the newspaper's owners' home on August 11 - and Joan Meyer, 98, died a day later following the shock.

Unredacted affidavits now reveal that Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody said the raids were based on the belief that reporter Phyllis Zorn unlawfully obtained the driving records of Kari Newell, according to CNN.

The tip about Newell's DUI was sent to Zorn by a woman called Pam Maag.

Maag said she received the records from Kari's estranged husband, Ryan Newell.

Kari Newell and her estranged husband Ryan Newell. Ryan (right) send information about Kari's 2008 DUI to a woman named Pam Maag, who then contacted the Marion County Record reporter

Pam Maag, who is Ryan Newell's friend, was the person who send Kari's DUI information to the newspaper

New footage of a raid on the home of Joan Meyer shows the spitfire 98-year-old tossing words at police just one day before she died mid-sentence

The search warrant that triggered the raids in the identity theft investigation was later withdrawn by county attorney Joel Ensey- since there was 'insufficient evidence' to justify why it was issued in the first place.

The driving record that triggered this ordeal is believed to show Kari Newell drove without a valid license after receiving a citation for driving under the influence in 2008.

She was trying to get a liquor license for her restaurant Chefs Plate at Parlour 1886 - and information on her DUI may have blocked her from doing so.

Kari and Ryan Newell separated in September, and their divorce proceedings are still ongoing.

This is not the first time Ryan has been in the headlines. He was once charged with five misdemeanors for stalking and criminal use of a firearm against a Westboro Baptist Church family. He is also a double amputee after losing his limbs in Afghanistan.

Speaking about the information, Ryan told the Kansas City Star: 'None of this was done out of malice.

'If she got into a wreck and had a suspended drivers license, Im the one that would be on the hook for it. My insurance company wouldnt cover anything, period.'

According to the affidavit, Zorn downloaded Newell's personal records just three minutes before someone using the name 'Kari Newell' downloaded the records.

This served as the basis for the probe and the raid, Cody said, because it seemed that 'downloading the document involved either impersonating the victim or lying about the reasons why the record was being sought.'

Bernie Rhodes, the newspaper's lawyer said: 'It is not a crime in America to be a reporter. These affidavits prove that the only so-called 'crime' Chief Cody was investigating was being a reporter.'

Publisher and editor Meyer said Zorn actually contacted the Department of Revenue before her online search and was instructed how to search records.

The reporter, asked to respond to the allegations that she used Newell's name to obtain Newell's personal information, said, 'My response is I went to a Kansas Department of Revenue website and that's where I got the information.'

She added: 'Not to my knowledge was anything illegal or wrong.'

Rhodes, the newspaper's attorney, said Zorn's actions were legal under both state and federal laws.

Using the subject's name 'is not identity theft,' Rhodes said. 'That's just the way of accessing that person's record.'

The newspaper had Newell's driver's license number and date of birth because a source - Pam Maag - provided it, unsolicited, Meyer said.

In the new video - released by the Marion County Record - the woman at one point rolls her walker right up to an officer and demands he wait outside

She even attempts to stop the men and refuses to answer their questions, replying 'I'm not going to tell you' when asked how many computers she has

Eric Meyer stands outside the Marion County Record's office, which was also raided

'Don't you touch any of that stuff,' the Marion County Record co-owner told cops in the newly released footage as she moved around her home with a walker. 'This is my house. You a*****e!'

Joan's son Eric Meyer has asserted that his mother, a lifelong journalist, died the day after the raid from being 'traumatized' by the incident.

At least six officers are seen searching Joan's home and sorting her belongings as she repeatedly tells them to leave.

'I don't want you in my house,' she says.

In the video - released by the Marion County Record - the woman at one point rolls her walker right up to an officer and demands he waits outside.

'Did your mother ever love you,' Joan asks the cop in the video, which amassed more than 23,000 views in a matter of hours.

'Get out of my house. You're trespassing,' she says to the man.

Two officers attempt to talk the woman down for the first minute of the video released by the newspaper while the four others continue the search.

Kari Newell - who accused the Marion County Record of getting information illegally about her previous DUI as she was trying to obtain a liquor license - triggered the police raid on Friday

Joan Meyer, 98, collapsed and died following the intense stress and grief she felt when her home was raided by the entirety of the Marion Police Department in Kansas - headed by Gideon Cody

The moment that police using 'Hitler tactics' raided the Marion County Record newsroom has been caught on camera - just a day before the paper's co-owner subsequently died

She even attempts to stop the men and refuses to answer their questions, replying 'I'm not going to tell you' when asked how many computers she has.

'I want to see what they're doing,' Joan says as she attempts to make her way around the couch to see what the officers are looking at.

The interaction with police inside her own home was so upsetting that she died the next day while in the middle of a conversation.

During the ordeal, it emerged that police chief Cody was also being investigated by the newspaper he raided over allegations of sexual misconduct.

Cody became chief of the Marion County Police Department in late April, after leaving the Kansas City police amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Along with the raid on the Meyer residence and the newspaper offices being raided, Marion City Vice Mayor Ruth Herbel's home was also pillaged after Newell made a personal fiery attack on her in public last Monday.

During the council meeting on August 7 - four days before the raids - Newell stood up and accused the newspaper and Herbel of illegally obtaining information about her DUI arrest.

Clips show the meeting descended into chaos - with people speaking over one another, hands slamming on desks, and participants being stunned by Newell's incendiary accusations.
The new totals bring the total that have crossed the Channel this year to 18,618

A record-breaking number of 661 migrants arrived in the UK on Monday

A young migrant girl has been pictured boarding a coach in Dover today as dozens of asylum seekers including children arrived on a Border Force ship after being picked up in the Channel.

More than 18,000 people have now crossed the waters in small boats so far this year.

Home Office data showed that a record-breaking number of 661 people arrived in the UK on Monday - the third-highest daily figure so far this year.

They arrived in 15 boats, which is the highest number for a single day since the start of the year.

The new arrivals bring the total that have crossed the Channel in small boats this year to 18,618, according to government data.

A young migrant girl on board a coach in Dover today wipes her hair from her face. Dozens of asylum seekers, including children, arrived on a Border Force ship after being picked up in the Channel

One man can be seen asleep while others look weary after the Channel crossing. More than 18,000 people have now crossed the waters in small boats this year

A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, onboard a Border Force vessel on Wednesday morning

More than 18,000 people have now crossed the Channel in small boats so far this year

The new arrivals bring the total that have crossed the Channel in small boats this year to 18,618, according to government data

However this is down from last year's total at this stage, which stood at 21,300. Last year saw a record 45,755 people cross the Channel - compared to 28,526 in 2021.

More people were brought into the port of Dover this morning after a small boat incident in a Channel, with a group thought to be migrants arriving on a Border Force ship.

READ MORE: Flights removing asylum seekers to Rwanda might not take place until JANUARY Advertisement

The number is expected to rise again throughout the week as calm conditions on the sea mean many in France will attempt the journey across the sea.

It comes as yet another blow for Rishi Sunak's pledge to 'stop the boats', with the Prime Minister admitting on Monday that the pledge may not be fulfilled before the next election.

He said: 'I want it to be done as soon as possible, but I also want to be honest with people that it is a complex problem.

'There is not one simple solution and it cant be solved overnight and I wouldnt be being straight with people if I said that was possible.

Migrants arriving on Monday were seen making Albania's controversial eagle hand sign and the 'V for Victory' gesture at photographers.'

The government is facing a legal challenge to its plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda after judges blocked the scheme on human rights grounds.

The case is due to be heard at the Supreme Court in early October but even if it is given the green light, removal flights won't take place until January.

A group of people thought to be migrants are driven away from the Border Force compound in Dover on Wednesday

The number of migrants in the UK is expected to rise again throughout the week due to calm conditions

It comes as yet another blow for Rishi Sunak's pledge to 'stop the boats'

Migrants, who were rescued in the Channel, arrive in Dover on Wednesday on Border Force boats

A man performs the Albanian eagle gesture as he arrives into Rye Harbour on an RNLI Coastguard boat on Monday

A Syrian migrant rescued from a boat crossing the English Channel gestures as he walks to get on the Home Office bus on Dungeness Beach

A group of people thought to be migrants make their way off an RNLI lifeboat on Dungeness Beach on Monday after being found in the English Channel

Before the court's ruling, Sunak said he hoped flights to Rwanda could take off this summer.

Once the new Illegal Migration Bill is enacted, the Home Office will have a wider range of powers to remove migrants.

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'The unacceptable number of people risking their lives by making these dangerous crossings is placing an unprecedented strain on our asylum system.

'Our priority is to stop the boats, and our Small Boats Operational Command is working alongside our French partners and other agencies to disrupt the people smugglers.

'The government is going even further through our Illegal Migration Act which will mean that people arriving in the UK illegally are detained and promptly removed to their country of origin or a safe third country.'
According to a friend of the California store owner who was fatally shot last Friday, the anti-LGBT shooter 'flinched,' before firing his gun and killing Laura Carleton.

The friend remained anonymous while speaking to the Los Angeles Times, but confirmed they'd seen surveillance footage of the shooting.

Carleton, 66, was killed last week at her small fashion boutique in Cedar Glen, near Lake Arrowhead, by Travis Ikeguchi, 27, who made several homophobic remarks and pulled down a Pride flag she had on display.

Ikeguchi, the son of a decorated police officer, was killed shortly after by a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office deputy after attempting to flee on foot.

Describing the surveillance footage, Carleton's friend told the Times: 'He then almost flinched as if thinking twice but then went for it, grabbed the gun and then aimed it and shot Lauri. That caused her to fall back onto the floor, and then the door swung closed, and then he shot one shot through that door and then took off.'

Laura Ann Lauri Carleton was killed after an argument about a rainbow Pride flag hanging outside her Southern California business. Ari Carleton, her daughter, speaks to CNNs @andersoncooper about who her mother was. pic.twitter.com/2uGrXtn0VP  CNN (@CNN) August 22, 2023

Laura Ann Carleton, 66, was killed last week at her small fashion boutique in Cedar Glen, near Lake Arrowhead, by Travis Ikeguchi, 27

The friend also said that Carleton was holding a phone when she was shot and never exited her store.

During an appearance on Anderson Cooper 360, one of Carleton's daughters - Ari Carleton, 27 - recounted finding a new Pride flag had been delivered to their doorstep hours after her mother's death.

Laura had ordered a new one for her store, because the old one was fading.

'When we arrived home on Friday night after the incident occurred, there was a package on the doorstep and it was a new flag. And she had told my dad that she had ordered it because the one that had been hanging had naturally faded from the sun,' Ari Carleton said.

'Im sorry, the new flag had arrived, was waiting on your doorstep when you got home after your mom had been killed?' asked Cooper.

Ikeguchi allegedly made several homophobic remarks to her and pulled down a Pride flag that was on display

Carleton said yes, to which Cooper responded: 'I can't imagine what that was like even seeing that.'

'It was hard and emotional, but I mean, even the store now, and she has another store down in L.A., so many supporters and people that were a part of our community have gone and put up their own flags and rainbow flowers and so many things to honor her,' the young woman said.

Ari described her mother as 'selfless and kind and compassionate,' adding that over the winter, when the area was impacted by a significant storm, her mother and father handed out free food and supplies to local residents in need.

'I know that she passed standing up for a cause she believed in,' she told Cooper.

The store, which opened in the scenic mountain village just over a decade ago, was one of two trendy clothing shops that had been operated by Carleton - with the other located on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City in Los Angeles

Laura Ann Carleton, 66, was killed outside her fashion store in Cedar Glen, near Lake Arrowhead, after Travis Ikeguchi, 27, allegedly made several homophobic remarks to her

Carleton was shot in front of her Lake Arrowhead fashion boutique

In a social media post, Ari and her twin sister wrote of their mother: 'She was murdered over a Pride flag that she proudly hung on her storefront.

'Make no mistake, this was a hate crime. Her flags had been torn down before and she always responded by putting up a bigger one.

'Our family is broken. We have a long road ahead of us as we navigate this new reality without our loving matriarch.

'We find peace in knowing she passed quickly in a place she cherished, doing what she loved while fiercely defending something she believed in. She was fearless, cool and compassionate- always putting others first.

'We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support that our family has received from loved ones and strangers alike,it has provided hope and light in our darkest days. Love will always triumph hate.'

Her husband Bort, a shoe designer, had seven children before marrying Carleton and the couple then adopted twin girls.

A longstanding LGBTQ+ advocate, Carleton shared an image of 'the little book of PRIDE' in 2021, with the caption 'Love IS Love.'

Locals have described Carleton as a 'pillar in the community' who was an 'immovable force in her values for equality, love, and justice.'

Carleton had previously been targeted on several occasions for the Pride flags she displayed.

On the social media site GAB, Ikeguchi railed against the LGBTQ and included a picture of a burning Pride flag

Ikeguchi's GAB - a blogging site often known for its right-wing users - page was filled with references to religion, anti-democracy, anti-police and references to defending himself

Police say that Ikeguchi, of Cedar Glen, tore down the flag and had a confrontation with Carleton before following her into the store and shooting her dead.

He had several posts raging against the LGBTQ+ community on his social media at the time of the incident.

One post pinned to the top of an account included an image of a Pride flag on fire.

'We need to STOP COMPROMISING on this LGBT dictatorship and not let them take over our lives! Stop accepting this abomination that the government is forcing us to submit to these mentally disordered tyrants,' he wrote.

The gun allegedly used in the shooting was not registered to Ikeguchi, nor was he a concealed weapon holder, according to the sheriff.

A day before the shooting, his family had reported him missing, and he was not on the radar of authorities before the incident.

According to public records, his father David Ikeguchi, 63, is a 35-year veteran state trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol headquartered in Orlando.

He was awarded the departments Silver Star award in 2020 after pulling a driver from a burning vehicle in Lake County while off-duty.
Macy's, YSL and Gucci have all been recent targets as law enforcement fails to crack down on the deteriorating situation

A Nordstrom Rack in Riverside has been ransacked by a band of six thieves who made off with thousands of dollars worth of designer handbags.

The incident comes as Southern California experiences a wave of 'flash robberies', where a group of thieves overwhelm a store's employees and security before making off with as many items as possible.

The department store on Canyon Springs Parkway was hit first on July 10 and again just weeks later in a separate incident on August 14.

Surveillance footage from the first attack reveals a group of men and women entering the store, and making a bee line for the handbag and accessories section.

The suspects are seen violently snatching the bags from display shelves while others are seen ripping the purses from security lock devices.

Surveillance footage from the first attack reveals a group of men and women entering the store, making a bee line for the handbag and accessories section (July 10)

A month later two men were seen on surveillance footage leaving the same store with a bag allegedly full of stolen merchandise (August 14)

The brazen group loaded their arms and hands with as much as they could carry before running out of the building and driving away from the scene.

A month later two men were seen on surveillance footage leaving the same store with a bag allegedly full of stolen merchandise.

The men appear to walk out of the store calmly and without resistance from security or shop staff.

A matter of days later a similar flash robbery took place at Macy's in Downtown Los Angeles.

A group of at least five were filmed ransacking the Macy's store at the Santa Anita mall in Arcadia on Tuesday.

The hooded thieves were seen loading bottles of designer perfume into trash bags.

One employee could be heard shouting 'oh my god, can somebody call someone' as the distressing scene unfolded.

In the weeks prior three women were arrested for allegedly stealing around $30,000 worth of designer handbags from another Glendale store.

Southern California is grappling with a wave of flash robberies in recent weeks

A group of at least five were filmed ransacking the Macy's store at the Santa Anita mall in Arcadia on Tuesday

The hooded thieves were seen loading bottles of designer perfume into trash bags

One employee could be heard shouting 'oh my god, can somebody call someone' as the distressing scene unfolded

One of the suspects is seen filling up a black trash bag full of the Nike footwear during a flash robbery

Also in Glendale a similar incident occurred when a YSL store at the Americana at Brand in Glendale was overrun by more than 30 thieves in an incident this month.

The mob successfully made off with around $300,000 worth of merchandise.

Further incidents have occurred at a luxury denim store in Gabcock Park, a Nike Store in East LA and a Gucci store at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.

As many of the stores targeted are high-end retailers thefts often exceed more than $100,000.

Some arrests have been made in connection with flash robberies but officials have blamed a zero cash bail policy for their inability to stem the rise of such crimes.

Los Angeles Police Protective League spokesperson Tom Saggau told Fox News Digital 'the elimination of cash bail for these types of offenses is really an invitation to these kind of folks who are inclined to break the law and inclined to do it so brazenly.'

The policy means individuals who are arrested and charged with a crime are then released from custody without having to pay bail money upfront.

In response to the flash robbing crime spree LA Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement: 'these are not victimless crimes.

'No Angeleno should feel like it is not safe to go shopping in Los Angeles. No entrepreneur should feel like its not safe to open a business in Los Angeles.'

Law enforcement agencies announced the establishment of a new task force last week to tackle flash mobs in Southern California.
17 workers killed as under-construction railway bridge collapses in India's Mizoram

Xinhua) 15:50, August 23, 2023

NEW DELHI, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- At least 17 workers were killed and many others were injured Wednesday after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in India's northeastern state of Mizoram, officials said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
An Air Koryo plane is seen at Beijing Capital Airport in Beijing, Aug. 22. AFP-Yonhap





A passenger flight from Pyongyang landed in Beijing on Tuesday morning, the first known commercial flight from North Korea since it closed its borders in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.



Flight JS151, operated by North Korean state carrier Air Koryo, arrived in the Chinese capital at 9.17 a.m., according to flight data on the Beijing Capital International Airport website.



It followed a Chinese foreign ministry announcement on Monday that China had approved scheduled flight plans between the neighboring countries after Beijing eased its pandemic restrictions earlier this year.



"During the summer-autumn flight season transition in 2023, China approved Air Koryo's scheduled flight plans from Pyongyang to Beijing to Pyongyang and other passenger routes requested by the airline according to procedures," ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.





North Koreans make their way through the Beijing airport's arrivals section after the Air Koryo flight landed at Beijing Capital Airport, Aug. 22. AFP-Yonhap



It is not known who was aboard the North Korean flight. Flightradar24 data showed that it was a Tu-204  a Russian-designed passenger aircraft with capacity for 210 passengers.



South Korean news agency Yonhap reported that the plane was scheduled to leave Beijing again at 1.05 p.m. on Tuesday, prompting speculation that it could be collecting North Korean citizens who were unable to return to the country during the pandemic.



Yonhap said it was possible the morning flight was transporting North Korean officials to Beijing, or that the return flight could take embassy officials in China back to Pyongyang.



Agence France-Presse reported earlier that the flight had been scheduled for Monday but was cancelled for unspecified reasons.



According to the Beijing Capital International Airport website, there are now three flights from Pyongyang to Beijing scheduled every week  JS151 on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and JS251 on Thursdays, all morning flights.



Passenger trains between Sinuiju and Dandong, border cities in North Korea and China respectively, will also resume this week, Radio Free Asia has reported. About 80,000 North Koreans currently live in Dandong, according to a tally by Seoul-based news site Daily NK at the end of last year. It estimated that more than 100,000 North Koreans live across China.





Travelers wait in line at the Air Koryo check-in counter at Beijing Capital International Airport, Aug. 22. Yonhap
The legal activist behind the Supreme Court's decision to end affirmative action in college admissions has sued two law firms for discriminating against white jobseekers, in an assault on diversity hiring in corporate America.

The American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAFER) filed lawsuits this week against Perkins Coie in Texas and Morrison & Foerster in Florida, saying the law firms' diversity fellowships excluded applicants based on their race.

Both cases were filed in federal court. They signal how the group and its president Edward Blum have their sights on affirmative action policies in the business sector after a landmark win in higher education.

AAFER previously sued Harvard and the University of North Carolina, paving the way for the Supreme Court's decision in June to declare that considering a student's race for college admissions was unconstitutional.

Edward Blum outside the Supreme Court in Washington DC during his legal campaign against race-conscious admissions policies

Law firm Perkins Coie's 'diversity fellowships' are spotlighted in the new lawsuit

In its new offensive, the group takes aim at Perkins Coie's 'diversity fellowships' for first- and second year law students, which offer $190,000-a-year salaries and five-figure stipends to successful applicants.

Jobseekers must be 'students of color,' LGBTQ+ or have a disability, court documents show  meaning a straight, white able-bodied law student 'cannot apply based solely on his race.'

Likewise, Morrison & Foerster's fellowship scheme seeks only students who are 'African American/Black, Latinx, Native Americans/Native Alaskans, and/or members of the LGBTQ+ community,' papers show.

AAFER filed the complaints in federal courts in the two southern states, where each law firm has an office, on Tuesday, saying the schemes violate the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and need to be shut down.

'Excluding students from these esteemed fellowships because they are the wrong race is unfair, polarizing and illegal,' Blum said in a statement.

'Law firms that have racially-exclusive programs should immediately make them available to all applicants, regardless of their race.'

AAFER can sue the firms because its members include able-bodied, straight white men studying at law schools in Texas and Florida who cannot apply for the fellowships.

The page on diversity hiring from Perkins Coie's website

The group highlighted Pew Research Center polling showing nearly three quarters of Americans, including majorities of blacks and Hispanics, believe employers should not consider race when hiring or promoting staff.

'Race and ethnicity are attributes, not accomplishments,' added Blum.

'It is the hope of this organization, as well as most Americans, that these law firms end these racial restrictions and open these fellowships to all qualified applicants.'

Perkins Coie told The Wall Street Journal they will fight the case.

'As a firm, we have been a leader in efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession,' a spokesperson said.

'Our commitment to those values remains steadfast. We will defend this lawsuit vigorously.'

Morrison & Foerster, did not immediately answer our requests for comment. According to its website, the firm has awarded 136 fellowships to members of 'historically underrepresented groups in the legal industry' this past decade.

Data from The American Bar Association shows that black people are underrepresented in the profession.

They make up 14 percent of the US population, but less than 5 percent of attorneys  a share that's barely changed in more than a decade.

AAFER previously sued Harvard and the University of North Carolina, paving the way for the Supreme Court's controversial decision to declare that considering a student's race for college admissions was unconstitutional

About 10 percent of practicing attorneys fall into other minority groups.

Since the Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action in higher education, conservative activists and politicians have sought ways to overturn similar diversity hiring programs in the private sector.

Republican officials have written to corporate law firms and big corporations, warning them against pursuing illegal racial quotas in their so-called 'diversity, equity and inclusion' (DEI) schemes for hiring and promoting staff.

For some, diversity schemes are important and necessary, as they can help to overcome historical racism and sexism and make it easier for people of all backgrounds to get ahead in education and work.

Critics, however, say they're a form of reverse racism that unfairly blows back on white men.

Others still say they may be well-intentioned, but seldom achieve their desired outcomes and often make things worse by stirring up divisions in offices and classrooms.
Her family are raising funds to send her to a clinic overseas

It resulted in her being diagnosed with an excruciating disorder

A little girl suffering from a chronic pain disorder so intense she screams in agony when her skin is touched has had a major breakthrough in her treatment.

Bella Macey, 10, was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) earlier this year, a condition that leaves sufferers in excruciating pain.

The condition was triggered after a blister she picked up on her foot on a family holiday in Fiji became infected.

The schoolgirl lost the movement in her right leg and was forced to use a wheelchair, with even simple tasks like showering becoming impossible because the pain was so intense.

But now, with the help of almost $285,000 donated by generous Australians, Bella has travelled with her mother to Arkansas in the US where she is being treated by specialists at the Spero Clinic.

Bella Macey (pictured), 10, was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) earlier this year, a condition that leaves sufferers in excruciating pain

But the schoolgirl has made a major breakthrough and can now touch the skin on her leg without screaming in agony

Bella suffers from allodynia, which is essentially a symptom of CRPS and means her skin is extremely sensitive to touch.

Since the treatment, he allodynia is all but gone and she can now touch the skin on her leg.

'I can touch my leg, and I can touch my foot, and I don't feel any allodynia,' Bella told A Current Affair.

Its a marked improvement on her condition last month.

'It's all sharp, it's burning, it's tingly, it's all sore. It's different pain [that] I never knew was possible,' she told the program.

'I can't have a shower, I can't have a bath,' Bella said.

'I can't put (on) any sheets or anything on  even with a tissue, you can't touch it with anything, otherwise I will scream.'

The chronic disorder so cruel that even a hug from her doting parents meant she was left crying in excruciating pain

Bella and her family in happier times

Doctors were initially baffled by what was ailing Bella.

Upon returning to their home in Melbourne after the trip to Fiji, Bella was rushed to the emergency room at the Alfred for treatment.

Doctors conducted X-rays, ultrasounds and blood tests but were unable to identify what was wrong.

Bella received strong antibiotics, which proved to have little-to-no effect on relieving her pain.

After her original infection dissipated and the pain lingered on, Bella was diagnosed with the disorder.

CRPS usually affects just one arm or leg following an earlier injury, such as a fracture or sprain with no nerve damage.

Bella Macey, 10, has been fighting complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in hospital - as her family desperately raised funds for treatment overseas

The condition developed from a blister on holiday in Fiji, which morphed into an infection followed by excruciating pain in her leg

It's unclear what exactly causes CRPS but it's thought it could be due to the nerves in the affected area becoming more sensitive, which may change the pain pathways between the limb and the brain.

There is no effective treatment available for CRPS in Australia, which is why Bella and her mother have been forced to go abroad.

They raised $283,00 through a GoFundMe page to cover the medical costs and ongoing treatment.

'Without that money, we wouldn't be here right now, so I thank everyone very very much,' Bella told A Current Affair.

Despite Bella's 'huge breakthrough', her mother said she still requires intensive treatment at the clinic for a few more months where she will hopefully learn to walk again.
26% of Americans between ages 18 and 65 did not take a single sick day in 2022

Stomach bugs are the most common reason for absentees among workers

Americans are bracing for the 'sickest day of the year' - as more call off work ill on August 24 more than at any other time of year, including the day after Super Bowl Sunday.

While the winter months are typically rife with illness, data from leave management platform Flamingo Leave Tracker has confirmed that sickness can strike in every season.

Stomach bugs were deemed the most common reason for sick leave among U.S. workers and accounted for 54 percent of sick leave.

This was closely followed by COVID-19 at 25 percent, anxiety or stress at 9 percent, and musculoskeletal injuries/broken bones at 6 percent.

Americans are leaving employers in the lurch on August 24 by calling in sick more than any other time of year, including the day after Super Bowl Sunday

'When we found that the sickest day of the year is in fact in August, it was quite a surprising result,' David Hehenberger, founder of Flamingo Leave Tracker, told shrm.

It remains unclear why Americans have dubbed August 24 their favorite day to call in sick - no major holidays are marked on the calendar for that week.

Hehenberger suggested that, while pandemic-era mandates are a thing of the past, the impact of the disease is still being felt in workplaces.

Poll Will you be taking a sick day on Aug 24? Yes No Will you be taking a sick day on Aug 24? Yes 54 votes

No 343 votes Now share your opinion





'It's clear that despite the height of the pandemic a couple of years ago, COVID-19 is still having a large impact on our workforce, with a quarter of sick days taken over the last five years due to employees being affected by coronavirus,' Hehenberger said.

'As the news has recently reported, cases in the U.S. have risen. Businesses still should expect to see absences in the workplace due to COVID-19 over the coming months.'

But its not just people catching COVID-19 which has led to the phenomenon.

There has been a rise in workers emboldened to take mental health days following the global phenomenon that saw millions isolated for months.

Paaras Parker, chief human resources officer at payroll software company Paycor, told Bloomberg that her organization has observed a notable uptick in workers staying home with anxiety or stress-related conditions.

Hehenberger explained that while pandemic-era mandates are a thing of the past, the impact of the disease is still being felt in workplaces

This accounted for almost 9 percent of sick leave according to the Flamingo survey.

'It's not necessarily that they have strep or a fever, but that they need a day for themselves,' she said.

The introduction of remote work is also changing the culture around sick leave.

Top 10 'Sickest Days of the Year' 24th August 13th February 25th October 15th December 18th April 2nd February 24th January 26th June 12th December 5th September Advertisement

A new survey by WFH Research found that workers feeling ill but without an option to work remotely are nearly twice as likely to come to the office with symptoms as their hybrid counterparts.

'People clearly feel more comfortable working from home when they're coughing or when their nose is very stuffy,' Jeff Levin-Scherz, population health leader at insurance company WTW, formerly Willis Towers Watson told Bloomberg.

'If they feel well enough to work, they can feel more comfortable knowing they're not going to pass anything to anybody else.'

He added that perks like access to healthy food and exercise facilities could serve as a way to boost morale and employee health and attendance.

'These days, where many knowledge workers just don't come to the office, some of these efforts to make healthier workplaces might actually be amenities that help encourage people to show up,' Levin-Scherz said.

Hehenberger said the information could be helpful to employer's as they plan out strategies for sick leave.

Business data firm Statista said that 26 percent of Americans between the ages 18 and 65 didn't take a single day of sick leave in 2022 - which on the surface seems like a sign of high productivity and dedication.

But Hehenberger explained that the reason behind it could be far more complex.

'If it's because of genuine good health and wellness, that's of course a good thing,' he explained.

'However, if workers are not taking sick leave due to fear, pressure or lack of adequate policies in the workplace, it can be problematic in the long run for both the employees and the organization.'

The introduction of remote work is also changing the culture around sick leave

He said mental health days which are becoming more popular within industries should be seen as a positive trend and one that could possibly lead to a cut down of traditional sick leave.

'[They can reassure workers that as a business you care about their overall well-being,' he said.

'Businesses will always struggle to precisely plan for illness-related absences because illnesses are unpredictable by nature, however, by sharing sick-leave patterns, we can offer businesses insights into workplace health, morale and potential burnout.

'By being aware of peak times for illnesses and sick leave, employers and HR leaders can make sure they have proactive management strategies in place to ensure operational continuity.'
'America's Mayor' Rudy Giuliani faced the humiliation of having his mugshot taken after getting booked at an Atlanta jail Wednesday.

It was just the latest setback for the former New York Mayor, who was once heralded as a hero of Sept. 11th. Giuliani now founds himself facing a criminal trial, along with a divorce, mounting legal fees, and a case accusing him of sexual abuse and harassment.

In the images released by the Fulton County Sheriff's office, Giuliani can be seen looking straight ahead, showing a slight frown with industrial lighting shining on his forehead and a sheriff's badge on his right.

Giuliani was spotted walking into A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds near the jail after he was released on $150,000 bail, before DailyMail.com captured him boarding a private jet out of Atlanta.

His mugshot came a day before the many he once represented, former President Donald Trump, says he plans to turn himself for processing.

Trump himself bemoaned the arrest of his former lawyer online, saying the man accused of false statements, conspiracy, and soliciting officials to violate their oaths was fighting for 'election integrity.'

Rudy Giuliani, who served as former U.S. Donald Trump's personal lawyer, is shown in a police booking mugshot released by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office

'The greatest Mayor in the history of New York City was just ARRESTED in Atlanta, Georgia, because he fought for Election Integrity. THE ELECTION WAS RIGGED & STOLLEN. HOW SAD FOR OUR COUNTRY. MAGA!' Trump wrote.

It was a stunning and symbolic turnaround for the former mob boss prosecutor, who now must fend off election fraud charges.

Giuliani famously used the RICO Act to take down the Mafia in the 1980s during his time as a Manhattan prosecutor. Now, he's being charged with violating the anti-racketeering RICO Act in an effort to upend the 2020 election results.

He struck a defiant tone during a hectic scrum of Trump supporters, protestors and press following his release Wednesday on $150,000 bail.

Asked by reporters after he exited the prison whether he regrets attaching his name to former President Trump, Giuliani chuckled and responded: 'I am very honored to be involved in this case, because this case is a fight for our way of life.'

'This indictment is a travesty,' he continued, calling it 'an attack on the American people.'

He called himself the 'most prolific prosecutor in American history' and the most effective mayor 'ever.'

'If they can do this to me, they can do this to you,' he said defiantly during the scrum in which he was physically jostled around.

A protestor held up a sign calling Giuliani a 'clown' as he scurried to his vehicle.

Giuliani, who is facing 13 total charges, joined a flurry of eight other Trump allies who turned themselves into the Georgia prison so far this week before the Friday noon deadline.

Trump and 18 co-defendants are accused in a sprawling racketeering case of trying to upend the result of the 2020 election.

Giuliani was spotted walking into A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds near the jail after he was released on $150,000 bail

DailyMail.com captured Giuliani leaving Atlanta on a private jet after he was booked into the Fulton County Jail

His staff surrounded him with bags as he boarded the jet at Dekalb-Peachtree Airport

He called himself the 'most prolific prosecutor in American history' and the most effective mayor 'ever'

Rudy Giuliani turned himself into the Fulton County Jail on Wednesday August 23, 2023

On his way down to Georgia, he said he's the 'same Rudy that took down the mafia' while warning Republicans their enemies are 'gonna come' for them.

'I'm feeling very, very good about it because I feel like I am defending the rights of all Americans, as I did so many times as a United States attorney,' Giuliani told reporters as he left his Upper East Side New York City house to head to Georgia.

'I'm the same Rudy Giuliani that took down the mafia that made New York City the safest city in America,' he said on his doorstep.

Rudy Giuliani leaves his NYC home to hand himself in for his Georgia Indictment

Brian Tevis, a lawyer of Rudy Giuliani, enters the District Attorney's Office at the Fulton County Government Center in Atlanta, Georgia

'Enemies of our republic were destroying rights, sacred rights. They're destroying my right to counsel, my right to be a lawyer. They're destroying his right to counsel. It's not accidental that they've indicted all as lawyers. Never heard of that before in America,' Giuliani told reporters.

He added a warning for Republicans that when political winds shift, 'they're gonna come for you.'

'Now, whether you dislike or like Donald Trump, let me give you a warning. They're gonna come for you. When the political winds shift, as they always do, let us pray that Republicans are more honest, more trustworthy, and more American than these people in charge of this government.'

'Donald Trump told you this. They weren't just coming for him or me.'

Giuliani has previously denied former employee Noelle Dunphy's sexual harassment charges, and blasted the Trump-related charges against him on his podcast after he was indicted.

A flurry of Trump allies have headed to the Georgia prison Wednesday to turn themselves in before the deadline

Giuliani previously branded his indictment 'an affront to American democracy' and called the Georgia officials who have brought charges against him, Donald Trump and 17 others the 'real criminals.'

The indictment lists a litany of telephone calls made by Giuliani, the former president and others to various state officials for the purpose, it says, of unlawfully appointing fake electors to swing the Electoral College in Trump's favor.

Trump and his 18 co-defendants were charged on August 14 with attempting to overturn Georgia's 2020 presidential election, and were given a deadline of Friday at noon to hand themselves in for booking.

A flurry of Trump allies have headed to the Georgia prison Wednesday to turn themselves in before the deadline.

The first to turn themselves in were John Eastman and bail bondsman Scott Hall on Tuesday.

Georgia-based lawyer Ray Smith and Trump campaign attorney Ken Chesebro were booked Wednesday along with former Georgia GOP chairman and state legislator David Shafer and former Coffee County GOP chair Cathy Latham.

Trump's fiery former attorney known as the 'Kraken' Sidney Powell surrendered Wednesday afternoon in Georgia - and had her mugshot released.

Trump Attorney Jenna Ellis was also booked and photographed Wednesday.

John Eastman, the conservative attorney who helped develop a plan to keep Donald Trump in power, on Tuesday morning became the second of the former president's co-defendants to turn himself in to authorities in Georgia.

Eastman, 63, was booked at the Fulton County jail before being released by authorities.

He said his arrest was an attack on his First Amendment rights and that he had been targeted for simply being vigorous in pursuit of a case.

'It represents a crossing of the Rubicon for our country, implicating the fundamental First Amendment right to petition the government for redress of grievances,' he said in statement issued by his legal team.

'As troubling, it targets attorneys for their zealous advocacy on behalf of their clients, something attorneys are ethically bound to provide and which was attempted here by 'formally challeng[ing] the results of the election through lawful and appropriate means.''

Trump himself said a day earlier that he will present himself to the jailhouse on Thursday, before the Friday noon deadline.

The defendants were charged with 41 criminal counts in connection with efforts to reverse Trump's defeat in the state's 2020 election.

On Monday, court filings revealed the bond agreements reached by defendants and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. They dropped one by one on the court's website.

A day later the defendants began handing themselves in.

The first was Scott Hall, a bail bondsman in Atlanta. He is charged in connection with an alleged voting systems breach in Coffee County, Georgia.

Rudy Giuliani leaves his NYC home to hand himself in for his Georgia Indictment

The former Trump lawyer is facing 13 felony counts including accusations of harassment of two Fulton County poll workers and violating the anti-racketeering RICO Act - designed to take down organized crime rings

Schafer was the third known co-defendant to turn himself in after Republican poll watcher Scott Hall (left) became the first this week, followed by attorney John Eastman (right). Above are their mugshots from Fulton County jail

Critics have used AI generated or photoshopped images of a Trump mugshot on their protest posters, but now might have a real one to replace it after Thursday's surrender

The sheriff's department says most people arrested in Fulton County are taken to the main jail on Rice Street, to the northwest of the city center, where conditions are being investigated

John Eastman, center, an attorney indicted with former President Donald Trump, makes a statement to media outside the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, where he was booked on Tuesday

Then came Eastman.

The indictment accuses him and others of pushing a scheme involving 'alternate' electors that would certify that Trump won.

He will not give a formal plea until he appears in court. In the meantime, his legal team said the indictment 'sets out activity that is political, but not criminal.'

The case is the fourth time Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has been indicted in a criminal case since April.

He maintains has done nothing wrong and repeatedly characterized the case as an effort to end his presidential campaign.
Killers who refuse to say where their victims' bodies are hidden should be injected with truth serum, two leading criminal defence barristers have argued.

Former NSW crown prosecutor Margaret Cunneen SC and Victorian barrister Sharon Kermath are calling for state governments across Australia to at least trial the concept once a murderer has been convicted.

'It's a great idea,' Ms Cunneen told The Australian.

'I think it might find some favour now for the good of the victims.'

Former NSW crown prosecutor Margaret Cunneen SC (pictured) is calling for federal governments across Australia to at least trial the concept of a 'truth serum' once a murderer has been convicted if they refuse to reveal the location of a body

Mind-altering psychoactive drugs such as sodium pentothal and scopolamine can manipulate the brain to make it impossible to lie (stock image)

Mind-altering psychoactive drugs such as sodium pentothal and scopolamine can manipulate the brain to make it impossible to lie.

Although similar chemical compounds have been used as far back as ancient Rome, no democratic nations use the drugs for criminal justice - apart from a small number of Indian states.

In one example of such a drug being put into practice, a wealthy businessman and his servant in Uttar Pradesh in northern India, were injected with a truth serum in 2007 after which they supposedly confessed to the gruesome murders of 17 children and women.

On another occasion, the sole surviving terrorist from the 2008 Mumbai attacks was also reportedly given Pentothal, which induces hypnosis and anesthesia.

Forcibly injecting a poisoner - even one convicted of murder - is regarded as a gross breach of human rights under international law particularly if it further incriminates the individual.

But Ms Cunneen believes there may be a way to side-step this legal principle.

'There could be this protection which covers (the offender) which means it can't be used to punish them, but it can be used to find information about others or about locations of bodies and so forth,' she said.

Her comments come a year after NSW brought in 'no body, no parole' laws, which prevent murderers from being released on parole unless they reveal the location of their victim's body. Dubbed 'Lyn's Law', the measures were introduced in the wake of Chris Dawson's (pictured) eventual conviction for murdering his 33-year-old wife Lynette, who vanished from their northern beaches home over 40 years ago

'If it was my daughter's body missing forever I'd want it, too. I suppose the fundamental resistance to it comes from people being forced to give evidence against themselves.

'In a sense, that's what it is. It goes against the right not to incriminate oneself.'

Ms Cunneen's comments come a year after NSW brought in 'no body, no parole' laws, which prevent murderers from being released on parole unless they reveal the location of their victim's body.

Dubbed 'Lyn's Law', the measures were introduced in the wake of Chris Dawson's eventual conviction for murdering his 33-year-old wife Lynette, who vanished from their northern beaches home over 40 years ago.

The mother-of-two's body has never been found.

Ms Cunneen's comments were reportedly triggered by the case of convicted child murderer Bevan Spencer von Einem, currently locked up for life in Port Augusta Prison in Adelaide.

Von Einem was convicted on just one of the so-called Family murders in 1983 but is the leading suspect in the unsolved murders of four other young men between 1979 and 1982.

He has also been linked to the missing Beaumont children and two girls who disappeared from Adelaide Oval in 1973.

Ms Cunneen's comments were reportedly triggered by the case of convicted child murderer Bevan Spencer von Einem, currently locked up for life in Port Augusta Prison in Adelaide (pictured)

The legislative change brought NSW into line with laws in Queensland, WA, SA, Victoria and the Northern Territory, where offenders can be refused parole if they refuse to disclose the whereabouts of victims' remains.

Ms Kermath, who has acted in criminal matters in Victoria for over two decades, supported Ms Cunneen's argument, claiming the chemical could provide great closure for victims' families.

'If it is after a case has finished, and the person has been convicted of murder, and there is a body somewhere, it could be used to give the family closure,' Ms Kermath said.

Ms Kermath highlighted the tricky issue of consent in any forthcoming changes to the law.

'In order to make this happen, the parliament would have to pass a law saying it could be used with consent, and then if consent is not given then reasonable force could be used,' she said.

But other legal experts rubbished the idea.

University of South Australia law professor Rick Sarre dubbed it 'complete hocus pocus'.

'It's a bit like torture,' he said.

'We used to use torture to get confessions or get people to tell you things and it was totally unreliable. It sounds as reliable as a polygraph and torture eliciting truth.'
The only male member of an NHS health visitor team has won a sex discrimination case after his female boss told him to 'man up' in front of a room full of women.

Senior manager Lisa Sanchez deliberately excluded Pete Marsh when saying 'goodbye ladies' as she was leaving a meeting because of a 'growing animus' towards him, an employment tribunal ruled.

Mr Marsh - who has worked in the health service for more than 20 years - said he had grown tired of being the 'butt of jokes' about being the only man in the team.

The tribunal ruled that this culture had been tolerated by bosses including head of service Ms Sanchez, who was found to have joined in with the remarks.

Now, after his internal complaints of bullying were rejected, Mr Marsh has successfully sued the NHS for sex discrimination and is in line for compensation.

The hearing was told the qualified nurse had been working for the NHS since 2002 and started as a student health visitor with Manchester University NHS Trust in January 2013.

He subsequently qualified and at the time of the discrimination was a member of the inner city Cheetham and Crumpsall team, the tribunal heard.

Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Headquarters (stock image)

In May 2016 he became an accredited Unite trade union workplace representative.

Two years later he was involved in an altercation with a female nursery nurse on the team who had ignored his request to help her.

This resulted in her making a complaint about him which led to mediation between the pair.

The Manchester tribunal heard that this mediation was carried out by Ms Sanchez and Mr Marsh felt she had sided with the nursery worker against him and emailed her afterwards to express his dissatisfaction.

This 'irritated', Ms Sanchez, the tribunal heard.

At a staff meeting soon afterwards to discuss a plan for increasing the workload of clinics with no increase in time, the hearing was told Ms Sanchez demanded in an 'aggressive and confrontational' style which staff were a member of 'Pete's Union'.

'The tribunal considered Ms Sanchez' approach was intentionally divisive and intimidatory,' the panel said. 'The implication was that staff were to be seen as either in Pete's Union or not, and became about taking sides.'

Mr Marsh claimed that at a meeting in July 2018 Ms Sanchez said hello to every female staff member by name on entering and on leaving said: 'Goodbye ladies', ignoring him entirely.

In February 2019, the tribunal heard, a team meeting where concerns about poor staff morale were raised descended into a heated row involving Ms Sanchez and Mr Marsh.

Mr Marsh was the only man in the room with ten female colleagues, the panel heard.

'The atmosphere in the meeting became tense,' the hearing was told. 'There was a five-minute break after which the discussion got out of hand, with most team members involved.

'[Mr Marsh] complained he was being blanked. Ms Sanchez declared that the behaviour of the team was "childish" and needed to stop and that the team needed to adopt professional behaviour and to respect Trust values.

'Ms Sanchez also said that people could only speak when spoken to. [Mr Marsh] objected to this and went to leave the meeting, saying Ms Sanchez needed to sort herself out.

'In reply, Ms Sanchez told [him], "you need to man up".

'The tribunal considered that her remark was said in heat of the moment and was unprofessional. Ms Sanchez lost her temper and should have closed the meeting rather than attack [Mr Marsh] verbally as she did.'

The tribunal was told Mr Marsh complained about how he had been spoken to at the meeting by Ms Sanchez.

'[He] said he felt bullied by Ms Sanchez. He also said that, as a lone male in the workplace, he felt that he took a lot of abuse that he would like to challenge but did not, but that he drew the line at being told that he could only speak when spoken to,' it said.

The tribunal heard that while Ms Sanchez admitted regretting the remark she had never apologised for it.

Mr Marsh went off work with stress and in May submitted a 'Dignity at Work' complaint about bullying and harassment by several staff including Ms Sanchez.

The tribunal heard the Trust then launched an 'entirely ineffective' investigation into the health visitor team which eventually dismissed Mr Marsh's concerns and concluded the whole team needed to develop 'emotional resilience'.

In November 2019 Mr Marsh moved to a different health visitor team and in April 2020 launched tribunal proceedings against his employers, claiming sex discrimination, trade union detriment and disability discrimination.

Upholding a number of his sex claims, the panel - chaired by Employment Judge Marion Batten - ruled that Mr Marsh had been discriminated against.

'The tribunal accepted [his] evidence that he had often been the butt of jokes or remarks about being the only man in the team or about his sex.

'He gave evidence that such comments were at time innocuous but he had grown tired of them and was on occasion irritated by the fact that his sex was highlighted unnecessarily.

'The tribunal found that this culture, and approach to [Mr Marsh] was tolerated by his immediate management who took no steps to deter [his] colleagues and Ms Sanchez herself has been shown to have participated in such commentary.'

The 'man up' remark was not only unprofessional it was 'less favourable treatment' due to Mr Marsh's sex, the panel found.

Of the 'Goodbye Ladies' salutation, the tribunal said: 'At best this might be a thoughtless comment but for a senior and experienced manager in the NHS, the tribunal would expect better.

'In the context of Ms Sanchez's developing animus towards [Mr Marsh], the tribunal found she was well aware of his presence at the time of her comment.

'In those circumstances, the tribunal considered on a balance of probabilities that Ms Sanchez had said "Ladies" and that it was deliberate.

'In reaching this conclusion, the tribunal took into account that the incident came after the mediation, which Ms Sanchez believed had gone well. However, [Mr Marsh] did not agree.

'He remained unhappy and had complained, which then irritated Ms Sanchez. She acted to [Mr Marsh's detriment] and treated him less favourably because of his gender, excluding him by her remark upon leaving.'

Mr Marsh was also discriminated against by female colleagues who made false complaints against him.

In addition, Ms Sanchez was found to have treated him unfairly in relation to his role with Unite by asking the 'Pete's Union' question, the tribunal found.

His disability claim was dismissed, however. Mr Marsh's compensation will be decided at a later hearing.
Donald Trump's fiery former attorney known as the 'Kraken' Sidney Powell surrendered Wednesday afternoon in Georgia - and had her mugshot released.

Powell is charged with seven counts including several counts of conspiracy to commit election fraud. Her bond was set at $100,000.

Best known for the stories she spun about Dominion Voting Systems, Powell is another one of the 'strike force' lawyers who toured the country unsuccessfully pitching a voter fraud theory to any and all legal bodies.

She is credited with being one of the loudest voices advising Trump to fight to overturn the election and fast became associated with her promise that she would 'release the kraken' - referring to evidence that the election had been stolen.

A flurry of more defendants in Georgia's investigation into Donald Trump's plot to overturn the election have handed themselves over to the Fulton County jail.

Trump's attorney known as the 'Kraken' Sidney Powell surrendered Wednesday afternoon in Georgia and her mugshot released

Rudy Giuliani followed close behind, getting booked right after Powell. He is being released on $150,000 bond.

An almost giddy-looking attorney Jenna Ellis, who was all smiles for her mug shot, handed herself over to authorities around the same time and was granted a $100,000 bond.

Georgia-based lawyer Ray Smith and Trump campaign attorney Ken Chesebro were also booked Wednesday. Chesebro's bond was set at $100,000, Smith's at $50,000, and both were released from jail about two hours after they arrived.

Former Georgia GOP chairman and state legislator David Shafer and former Coffee County GOP chair Cathy Latham turned themselves in at the jail early Wednesday morning - both of their bonds set at $75,000. They have since been released.

Their arrests come after conservative attorney John Eastman and Atlanta-area bail bondsman Scott Hall surrendered to authorities on Tuesday. And in the landmark moment of the case, former President Trump will turn himself into the jail on Thursday.

An almost giddy-looking attorney Jenna Ellis, who was all smiles for her mug shot, handed herself over to authorities around the same time and was granted a $100,000 bond

Rudy Giuliani followed close behind, getting booked right after Powell. He is being released on $150,000 bond

Here's a summary of the allegations against the defendants who have turned themselves in so far:

Giuliani was the most prominent purveyor of Trump's claims that the election results in Georgia and elsewhere were riddled with fraud and faces 13 felony counts as part of the sweeping racketeering indictment led by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

Ellis appeared with Giuliani at a Georgia legislative hearing and echoed falsehoods about the state's election and wrote legal memos on behalf of Trump saying former Vice President Mike Pence should de-certify the election results.

Shafer's role in the alleged scheme was organizing an unofficial slate of electors after the 2020 presidential election results had Joe Biden winning in Georgia.

Meanwhile, Latham has been accused of allowing unauthorized forensics experts from SullivanStrickler to examine voting machines in Coffee County - where she was chairwoman of the GOP. It's believed the experts illegally downloaded data from Dominion voting machines on behalf of Trump.

Smith is accused of advising the alternate slate of electors who met at the state capital and cast votes for Trump and signed documents that falsely claimed Trump won the election. Smith also reportedly sent a letter and submitted affidavits to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger supporting Trump as the winner.

Smith also appeared before a state Senate subcommittee investigating allegations of voter fraud shortly after the election and claimed 130,000 illegal votes had been cast.

Chesebro reportedly helped coordinate the 16 Georgia Republicans who signed a certificate claiming Trump won and declaring themselves the states 'duly elected and qualified' electors.

Trump announced Wednesday he would 'proudly' be arrested on Thursday.

'NOBODY HAS EVER FOUGHT FOR ELECTION INTEGRITY LIKE PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP,' the former president wrote on his Truth Social account.

'FOR DOING SO, I WILL PROUDLY BE ARRESTED TOMORROW AFTERNOON IN GEORGIA. GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!' he wrote on Truth Social.

Trump's attorney Sidney Powell was the latest to surrender Wednesday afternoon

Georgia-based lawyer Ray Smith was also booked Wednesday - bond set at $50,000

Trump lawyer Kenneth Chesebro (left, circled, in red MAGA hat) is seen filming Alex Jones (center) and the surrounding crowd outside the Capitol building in Washington. D.C., on Jan. 6. 2021

Arrests come after conservative attorney John Eastman and Atlanta-area bail bondsman Scott Hall surrendered to authorities on Tuesday.

Trump and his 18 co-defendants were charged on August 14 with attempting to overturn Georgia's 2020 presidential election, and were given a deadline of Friday at noon to hand themselves in for booking.

On Monday, the 77-year-old's bail was set at $200,000 and he was ordered not to send threatening social media messages.

Sheriff's deputies on Monday stepped up security, installing barriers around the run-down jailhouse, as his legal team was spotted entering District Attorney Fani Willis' office.

Authorities in Fulton County said he can expect no special treatment.

He will have to be fingerprinted like other suspects at the notorious jail, and may, for the first time in his four indictments, have his mugshot taken.

The jail is well known for its squalid conditions, although Trump will not be held there while he awaits trial.
A mass brawl broke out between two opposing groups outside Los Angeles' Unified School District Tuesday - leading to three arrests.

A pro-LGBTQ group clashed with a parental rights group over requiring schools to notify parents if their child identifies as transgender.

Billed as dueling strikes, it saw hundreds from both parties - Leave Our Kids Alone and Ground Game LA - march on the school district's headquarters.

It comes after similar protests from the parental rights group, where they clashed with LGBTQ activists outside schools across Los Angeles.

Scroll down for video:

A brawl broke out between two opposing groups outside of LA's Unified School District Tuesday - leading to three arrests. A person is seen being restrained during the protests, which were over policies that allow schools to not tell parents if their kid sees themselves as trans

Participating in the dustup - which had to be dispersed after less than two hours - was a recently surfaced parental rights group called Leave Our Kids Alone, which is seeking increased rights for parents of kids in public school

It remains unclear whether those arrested - identified as Linda Daitsman, 46, from Los Angeles, Robert Maxie, 23, from Los Angeles, and Gordon Shiva, 49, from Beverly Hills - were part of either protest group, but a post on Leave Our Kids Alone's social media showed how it called on its followers to attend the 10am rally.

'Calling all California parents to stand United and rally for our kids,' the post, published last week, read, as the group continues to fight against what it views as secretive and even predatory practices by the district.

'Whether it's the school boards or Sacramento in their attempts to indoctrinate kids and separate them from families  parents have had enough,' the increasingly radical and oft-violent group wrote, of its previous excursions outside local school boards.

More than 200 heeded the call - which would come in conflict with another aired just days later by Ground Game LA and likeminded group Queer Nation Los Angeles.

The countercall made it clear the LGBTQ coalition opposed LOKA's proposed parental-notification policies, on the basis that they can put LGBTQ+ students at risk if their families are not accepting of their gender identity.

A monumental clash a few hundred feet from LA's City Hall followed, in which members of the parental group proudly waved American flags and signs with pro parental rights slogans, while egging the markedly smaller group on.

Reporters on the scene captured several instances of members of both groups jawing at each other - with those aligned with LOKA heard shouting accusations of 'sexualization' and 'grooming' at their progressive counterparts.

The incidents became so widespread and volatile that skirmish lines had to be drawn to separate the two parties up by cops who responded to the scene - which aerial photos show at that point had been completely overrun with hundreds of people.

More than 200 heeded the call - which would come in conflict with another aired just days later by Ground Game LA and likeminded group Queer Nation Los Angeles. The groups went on to clash around 10am Tuesday morning

Waging the counter protest were members of a LGBTQ group that had gathered in support of policies currently in place in public schools, which allows staffers to use their discretion when sharing certain information involving kids' sexual orientation and gender identity with parents

It remains unclears were part of either protest group, but a post on Leave Our Kids Alone's social media showed how it called on its followers to attend the 10am rally

Reporters on the scene captured several instances of members of both groups jawing at each other across police made skirmish line - with those aligned with LOKA heard shouting accusations of 'sexualization' and 'grooming' at their progressive counterparts

The incidents became so widespread and volatile that skirmish lines had to be drawn to separate the two parties up by cops who responded to the scene - which aerial photos show at that point had been completely overrun with hundreds of people

What ensued was a clash reminiscent of other protests involving the relatively new parental rights group, which surfaced on social media in June and has since made a point of sending their supporters to school-related meetings across the state

One of three arrested during the unrest is seen being led away by cops here. All were charged with failing to heed officers' dispersal order, and all have since been released on $5,000 bail

Reports from the scene before the crowd was eventually dispersed around noon indicated that two of the arrests happened as cops attempted to push the LGBTQ protesters back from the skirmish line

Reports from the scene before the crowd was eventually dispersed around noon indicated that two of the arrests happened as cops attempted to push the LGBTQ protesters back from the skirmish line.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the LAPD for more information about those arrested - one of whom, in Daitsman, previously had ties to a Marxist political group based out of Peru. Another, according to LAPD lockup records, is black.

All three were cuffed on misdemeanor failure to disperse, after refusing riot-gear-clad officers orders to leave the site. Each were held on $5,000 bail, records show, and have since been released.

LAPD issued this statement in the wake of the dustup, which was livestreamed by many on social media and threatened to devolve into a full-blown riot at points.

'Los Angeles Unified will never shy away from being an inclusive environment for all, a spokesperson said in a statement Friday that appeared to decry the parental group - which is quickly earning a reputation amongst law enforcement across the state.

'Every student in the District deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and care and have their entire self celebrated and accepted,' it continued.

'We will never abdicate our responsibility of providing a safe and welcoming environment for every student, family, employee or community member that walks through our doors.'

It went on to reiterate the department's devotion to laws currently in place in all California public schools that allow teachers to keep student's preferred gender identity secret: 'The District follows state laws and state approved curriculum that reflects and embraces the experiences and backgrounds of our diverse community.

'However, the District will always and unequivocally provide additional resources and support for every student, including those experiencing gender dysphoria and questioning their sexual orientation, and will respect whatever decision a student and their family determines.'

The statement made no mention of the increasingly problematic parental group, which in recent months has become an all too familiar sight at California school board meetings.

Based in the belief that parents should have more control over school curriculums, the group first rose to prominence this summer, after a group of parents flocked too social media and distributed flyers to advertise a protest outside a June 2 LGBTQ+ Pride event at Saticoy Elementary School in North Hollywood.

Days later, the group clashed with Glendale Police and LGBTQ supporters outside a meeting of the Glendale Unified School Board, during which organized discussed LGBTQ+ studies and the district's polices on addressing LGBTQ-related issues.

The incident was eerily similar to one involving the group - which first surfaced in June - earlier this summer, in which members of the group clashed with Glendale Police and LGBTQ supporters outside a meeting of that city's school board

As was the case the recent incident ended up violent, and saw several cuffed by cops - with more than 50 responding to the scene. The group previously attended school board meetings in Temecula, Murietta Valley, Orange County and Chino protesting for polices that would forcibly 'Out' LGBTQ+ kids and also remove LGBTQ+ materials from classrooms

The dueling processions, in that instance, resulted in more than 50 riot gear-dressed officers attempting to keep the group's separated - in an encounter where punches were thrown and members of both sides engaged in physical assaults.

A spokesperson for the department, which is also located in LA county, confirmed that it has since made 'some' arrests in relation to the blowup, but refused to offer additional details.

As for the recent incident, speakers for the newly surfaced parental group were heard shouting things like 'We're here to tell the government we don't want the school teaching our kids ideologies,' and 'We definitely don't want the schools to hide stuff from parents and that's exactly what's going on in California.'

The group previously attended school board meetings in Temecula, Murietta Valley, Orange County and Chino protesting polices that would forcibly 'Out' LGBTQ+ kids and remove LGBTQ materials from classrooms.

They have amassed thousand of supporters on social media as a result. DailyMail.com has reached out to the LAPD for more information about the incident.
This is the moment a bakery employee outsmarted an armed thief and had him begging for mercy after locking him inside a shop in Mexico.

Viral footage showed the suspect confronting a female worker at Tere Cazola on Monday afternoon in Campeche, a port city in the Gulf of Mexico.

The man immediately told the woman, 'This is a robbery. I am armed,' as he lifted his shirt and made his way to the cash register.

The woman remained calm despite the threat of violence and stepped to the side.

'Give all of the money. All the money,' the suspect instructed the woman, who distanced herself away from him with an exit strategy already in place.

A thief confronts a worker during a botched robbery at the Tere Cazola bakery in Campeche, Mexico, on Monday. The suspect was outsmarted by the employee, who walked away from the counter while he searched for her cellphone before she lowered the store gate and locked it

A bakery thief attempts to open the shop gate after a worker lowered and locked it during a failed robbery attempt in Campeche, Mexico, on Monday

He briefly disappeared from the view of one of the surveillance cameras and told the pastry shop employee, 'I don't give a **** that they're recording me.'

The suspect appeared to lose his patience when he asked the woman for her cellphone and was unable to find it near the register.

It was at that moment that the worker took advantage that he was still searching for the phone when she walked outside.

She quickly reached for the gate and brought it down before locking it.

The bakery worker took advantage that the thief was searching for her cellphone and exited the shop before she lowered and locked the gate to trap the suspect inside

The desperate suspect moved a shelf and placed it behind the shop's gate in an attempt to prevent anyone from entering before he tried to climbed through a broken window in Campeche, Mexico, on Monday. However, police were waiting outside and arrested him

The trapped perp briefly attempted to lift the gate and begged to be let out.

'Juanita, help me, help me,' he shouted.

The recording showed the suspect pacing around the shop trying to figure out how he was going to escape.

At one point he placed a wooden display shelf behind the gate to stop anyone from coming inside.

He then grabbed a fire extinguisher and smashed open window that he was able to climb out through, but was promptly arrested by cops who were waiting outside, El Diaro de Yucatan reported.
A driver who was caught on camera attacking a traffic warden with a wooden pole has said he feels 'embarrassed' by the public confrontation.

The fight broke out on Chesterford Road in Manor Park, east London, last week after the warden took photos of the man's van.

Driver Alex Verulashvili, who works for a builder's company, said he was standing in front of his van when the warden gave it a ticket.

Dressed in hi-vis, he then grabbed a wooden pole and started to attack the officer, smacking him twice before the stick snapped.

The brawl spilled out across the road with the traffic warden punching the man to the floor before the fight was broken up by a third man.

Police said the warden suffered a broken finger and the other man was arrested. The matter has since been resolved using a community resolution.

Driver Alex Verulashvili (pictured) got into a fight with a traffic warden in London over a ticket

A driver who was caught on camera attacking a traffic warden with a wooden pole has said he feels 'embarrassed' by the public confrontation

The fight broke out on Chesterford Road in Manor Park, east London , last week after the warden took photos of the man's van

Mr Verulashvili, a Georgian-born father in his forties from Basildon, told MailOnline: 'I have had the pleasure of seeing the video. I wouldn't say it's my highest point.

'It was just in the heat of the moment.

'I am not that kind of guy. Usually I am very, very smiley and open to discussing things. But I was very irritated with his action.

'I wouldn't like my kids to see that.'

Mr Verulashvili said his first reaction when he saw the video was 'What the f*** was that?'

He said he suffers from backpain, and would not have jumped into a fight if he had not been so outraged.

He added that people in the building company become frustrated when they have to check their cars every 15 minutes to check they haven't been towed away.

Permit holders only are allowed to park in Newham Council's 'L' zone which includes the depot which Mr Verulashvili was visiting.

The clip, filmed by a passerby, starts with the warden taking photos of a man's van.

'Come on you pussy mother f*****,' raged one of the men as the brawl spilled out across the road.

Police said the warden suffered a broken finger and the other man was arrested. The matter has since been resolved using a community resolution

The fight broke out in the middle of a road in Manor Park, East London last week. The clip, filmed by a passerby, starts with the warden taking photos of a man's van

The man in the hi-vis jacket shouted at the traffic warden (left) before a scuffle breaks out, involving a wooden pole (right)

The witness who shot the video, but asked to remain anonymous, said: 'To be honest it didn't really faze me, as you see so much crime around that area.

'I didn't think the man was going to get a piece of wood though. I was just glad it didn't get out of hand.'

The witness said he was stuck on the street for around 10 minutes watching the brawl.

He added: 'I was just driving down the street but they were blocking the road so I couldn't get through. I was driving to see my mate but couldn't get through. There were a lot of people around watching.'

The Metropolitan Police said: 'Police were called at 12.34pm on Wednesday, 16 August to reports of an altercation between two men at Chesterford Road, E12.

'Officers attended. At the scene a 38-year-old man, a traffic warden, has suffered an injury to his finger. His injury did not require medical treatment.

'The victim's earphones were also broken in the assault. A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and causing actual bodily harm.

Both men appeared to give as good as they got as the brawl continued to rage in the middle of the street

A third man (pictured right) later intervenes to break up the fight between the warden and the other male

'However, after speaking with the victim and the suspect, officers were able to resolve the incident by way of a Community Resolution.

'The victim agreed to accept payment from the suspect to replace the damaged earphones. The assault allegation was not proceeded with.'

A Newham Council spokesperson said previously: 'We are pleased the police have taken immediate action to deal with this man, who attacked one of our staff as he was carrying out his duties.

'The prompt arrest underlines our own clear message of Newham's zero tolerance policy to abuse and violence aimed at staff. We will always stand by employees in pursuit of justice if they are victimised.'
A Kentucky woman who was chained up like a dog by her twisted ex-boyfriend has revealed he promised to kill her after luring her into his house by saying he needed her to clean it.

Jonna Wilson, 37, was chained to the ground by her neck for five hours - and she said Moises May would have killed her if neighbors hadn't called 911 and saved her.

Officers were forced to use a hatchet to break the chain free from the floor and helped her outside the home in Louisville, Kentucky.

Wilson said the only clothes she has left are the ones on her back - because her estranged boyfriend set the rest of her clothing on fire.

May, 36, also cut all her hair off with a machete during the ordeal.



Jonna Wilson was chained up for five hours- and she said her ex-boyfriend Moises May would have killed her if neighbors hadn't called 911 and saved her

She is heard crying in the video and apologizes to the police officer and tells him the man who locked her up kept the key on his keychain

Wilson said she had gone to the house - where she used to live with him - to help him clean after he asked. Wilson shares a daughter with May.

May was arrested on August 18 and charged with kidnapping, intimidating a participant in the legal process, wanton endangerment, assault, terroristic threatening and harassment.

Recalling her horrifying ordeal, Jonna Wilson told WDRB: 'I said, 'This is my only time, if I didn't get free now, I'll be dead.'

'He made me strip naked, he put the chain around my neck, he called his friend and said, "I've got to take this equipment back to Lowe's. When I come back, I'm going to kill you." I only had a few minutes to get out.'

Wilson used to share the home where she was found with her estranged boyfriend. In the video, a police officer climbed up a ladder to rescue her as firefighters broke down the front door.

Wilson said: 'Every door was screwed shut. The fire department couldn't even knock down the doors, that's how bad it was screwed, every window was bolted, every exit, there is no exit in the house.'

Moises May, 36, was arrested two days after the woman, who he shares a child with, was rescued. He was charged with kidnapping, intimidating a participant in the legal process, wanton endangerment, assault, terroristic threatening and harassment

The house where the ordeal took place

Wilson used to share the home where she was found with her estranged boyfriend. In the video, a police officer climbed up a ladder to rescue her as firefighters broke down the front door

The police officer climbs over broken glass and enters the filthy bedroom before grabbing the chain from the woman's neck. He tries to calm her down

May was arrested after the woman rescued. He allegedly trapped her inside the house after an argument they had became physical

Officers tried to break into the building by kicking down the doors and windows but the home was completely barricaded, the Louisville Metro Police Department stated.

She continued: 'He has a key to get inside and outside. You have to have a key to get out, as soon as I seen him lock the door, I knew I wasn't going to get out.

'He said, 'You want to do this the hard way or do this the easy way?' I said, 'I want to do this the easy way,' so I let him put the chain around my neck and he started choking me with it.'

Wilson had been gone for four days, but saw the father of her child on a bike. It was at this point that he asked her to come over and clean the house for a fee.

In the video of her rescue, Jonna was seen crying and apologizes to the police officer and tells him the man who locked her up kept the key on his keychain.

Two officers used a hatchet they found in the home to break the chain free from the floor.

The woman was in shock and continued to shake and cry as bolt cutters were used by firefighters to remove the locked chain from her neck.

The woman was in shock and continued to shake and cry as bolt cutters were used by firefighters to remove the locked chain from her neck

Officers used a hatchet they found to break the chain free from the floor and helped her outside before she was treated by emergency services

She was helped outside and treated by emergency services.

He allegedly forced her to take off some clothes and slapped her. He is said to have stormed out of the home after chaining her to the ground and taking her cell phone so she couldn't call for help.

Last year, the mother-of-one didn't know she was pregnant with May's child, and she gave birth inside the bathroom of the home.

When there were complications with the umbilical cord, she said he wouldn't come and help or give her a phone to call 911.
The man serving a life sentence for the murder of Queens jogger Karina Vetrano should have his conviction overturned because police used a 'racial dragnet' that targeted black men, argue his attorneys in new court filings.

Chanel Lewis, 27, was convicted of the high-profile August 2016 killing of 30-year-old Vetrano after two trials. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

His attorneys are now alleging that prosecutors failed to disclose the use of a so-called 'racial dragnet,' in which the NYPD conducted DNA testing on 'hundreds of black men' prior to their arrest of Lewis six months into the murder investigation.

The controversial testing method allegedly arose because the lab - Parabon Nanolabs - had concluded that the 'DNA profile of the perpetrator generated from the crime scene belonged to a black man,' wrote attorneys Ronald Kuby and Rhidaya Trivedi.

The filing claims that it 'remains unknown' how the 'racial dragnet led specifically to Chanel Lewis' door.'

A jury found Chanel Lewis, 22, guilty of murder and sexual abuse at his retrial in 2019

Karina Vetrano, 30, went missing on August 2, 2016, after she was last seen jogging near her home in Howard Beach

The alleged use of the dragnet - a systematic search for someone, often a suspected criminal - was not disclosed to Lewis' legal team ahead of either trial.

Its use only came to light following a whistleblower letter that surfaced prior to jury deliberations at Lewis' second trial, according to the new filing.

The anonymous letter said that police had pursued two white suspects before taking DNA samples from hundreds of black men and coming to focus on Lewis.

When the letter first became public, Kuby and Triveldi claimed that the letter alerted them to so-called exculpatory evidence about other potential suspects that they say was withheld from them.

They further claimed that police had coerced Lewis' confession.

In a statement in 2019, the New York Police Department said that the anonymous letter was 'riddled with falsehoods and inaccuracies,' the investigation was painstaking and 'the evidence clearly shows that Chanel Lewis is responsible for her death.'

Chief Queens Assistant District Attorney John Ryan called the case 'horrifying.'

The closely watched murder case initially baffled investigators, who for months were unable to find anyone who matched DNA that was found under the victim's fingernails from when she fought back.

Despite that DNA evidence and a taped confession, Lewis' first trial ended in a hung jury.

Lewis' attorneys repeatedly said during the 2019 retrial that the DNA evidence was suspect and that his confession was coerced by detectives who wore him down until he finally gave them what they wanted.

Furthermore, they claimed the crime scene had been corrupted by various people, including Vetrano's father, and therefore couldn't be trusted.

Phil Vetrano, Karina's father, found her body face down in weeds off a path while helping police search for his daughter.

Vetrano's family and supporters erupted into applause when Lewis was found guilty on all counts in 2019

Two years ago, some 40,000 people signed a petition demanding that the District Attorney's office review Lewis' case because the trial was allegedly rife with issues

In the new filing, the attorneys argue that their client's right to a fair trial was violated and if the new evidence had been available, he may not have been convicted.

'While the truth of what happened in this case remains unknown, what is known is that the truth has been willfully, intentionally, and maliciously suppressed, in order to guarantee a conviction,' reads the filing.

The move from his attorneys to vacate the conviction and request a new trial was years in the making, after it took the attorneys a 'very long time to confirm that the NYPD used Parabon and its racial phenotyping in the Lewis investigation,' Kuby told the New York Post.

Two years ago, some 40,000 people signed a petition demanding that the District Attorney's office review Lewis' case because the trial was allegedly rife with issues.

In a statement, Kuby said: 'The NYPD engaged in a massive racial dragnet, inspired by a DNA lab not permitted to work in NYC, then worked with a now-disgraced prosecutor to conceal it, hide the documents that would have proven it, and then promoted a phony story about dogged police work and good luck to conceal the intensely racist nature of the investigation.'

Current Queens DA Melissa Katz's office said: 'we do not comment on pending litigation.'
A man in his 40s suffered a serious 'medical episode' at a popular Devon waterpark before dying in the tragedy, which forced the seaside attraction to close on Wednesday.

Paramedics and police officers rushed to the popular waterpark, Splashdown Quaywest in Paignton, Devon at around lunchtime yesterday, as part of a huge emergency response.

Splashdown staff and three off-duty nurses immediately rushed to man's side to give him first aid as they battled to save his life.

South West Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust initially said one patient had been taken to hospital but Devon and Cornwall police later confirmed the man had died.

The family of the man, from Bristol, have been told and a report is now being prepared for the coroner.

Paramedics and police officers rushed to Splashdown Quaywest in Paignton, Devon

An air ambulance descended on the water park to offer assistance

A spokesman for the force said: 'Despite the best efforts of those at the scene the man, in his 40s and from the Bristol area, later died.

'His next of kin have been informed and a file is to be prepared for the coroner.'

Splashdown closed following the incident but is expected to reopen on Thursday.

The waterpark's managing director, Alan Richmond, was at the site when the medical episode occurred and said it had been a 'shocking and upsetting day for everyone involved'.

In a statement sending their 'deepest condolences to the family and friends' of the man, Mr Richmond said: I would like to thank and commend our staff for their prompt actions to administer first aid to our customer, together with the off-duty nurses that came forward to help and the actions of the ambulance staff that attended.

'It has been a shocking and upsetting day for everyone involved. We are consulting with our staff to make sure that they are okay.'

He went on to apologise to visitors for any distressed caused but added the 'priority was the person concerned due to the seriousness of the situation'.

A spokesman for Splashdown Waterparks has confirmed to MailOnline that the medical emergency did not happen on any of the park's attractions.

Following the incident the park was closed and visitors were asked to leave

The Quaywest attraction can claim to be the UK's biggest outdoor waterpark and is situated right on the beach in the idyllic English Riveria.

A spokesperson for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust said: 'We were called at 12:04 to a medical emergency in the Paignton area.

'We sent two double-crewed land ambulances, an air ambulance and an operations officer to the scene.

'One patient has been conveyed by land to Torbay Hospital. This incident does not involve a minor.'

A statement from Splashdown Waterparks added: 'To be clear we have consulted with the relevant authorities and they are satisfied that the incident was a medical episode unrelated to the waterparks operation which occurred out of the water and have cleared us to be open again tomorrow.'
He defected after Ukrainian operatives got his family out of Russia, sources said

he unnamed pilot landed his Mi-8 AMTSh helicopter at a Ukrainian airbase

A Russian helicopter pilot has defected to Ukraine with his aircraft and a valuable haul of fighter jet spare parts, it has been revealed.

The unnamed pilot landed his Mi-8 AMTSh helicopter at a Ukrainian airbase in the Kharkiv region and then surrendered earlier this week, Ukrainskaya Pravda said, citing intelligence sources.

The pilot handed over control of the aircraft and cargo - parts for Soviet-era Su-27 and Su-30 jets - after Ukrainian intelligence operatives were reportedly able to extract his family from Russia and evacuate them to Ukraine to avoid repercussions.

Two other Russian air force members aboard the helicopter refused to surrender and were shot by Ukrainian troops, Ukrainskaya Pravda reported.

A Mi-8 military helicopter flies over St. Petersburg during the Russia Africa Summit last month

Russian Su-30 fighter jet is pictured. The helicopter was carrying parts for Su-27 and Su-30 jets when the pilot defected

Su-27 jet fighters are pictured. The helicopter was carrying parts for Su-27 and Su-30 jets when the pilot defected

Russian war reporters initially claimed their helicopter had set down in Ukraine by accident after its pilots became disorientated, lost navigation and veered off course.

But Ukrainian sources retorted that the airbase was located far from the front line and that the helicopter was flying low, suggesting the pilots would have been able to navigate using obvious landmarks.

Pro-Ukrainian war reporter Yuriy Butusov said the pilot's decision to defect to Ukraine with his aircraft constituted 'the first conscious surrender of such equipment by the Russian Federation'.

Ukraine Military Intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov later announced on the Telegram messaging app that the Russian pilot's surrender of his aircraft and cargo was the culmination of a six-month-long intelligence operation.

The helicopter's crew had been tasked with transporting the parts between two Russian airbases, providing the pilot the necessary cover to escape.

Images released by Ukrainskaya Pravda showed the Mi-8 helicopter in a field, as well as some of its cargo, including electronic components used in motors and other electrical systems.

News of the defecting Russian pilot came as the Ukrainian intelligence agency announced it had destroyed a key Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile defence system in occupied Crimea.

If confirmed, it would be another embarrassing blow for Moscow, as Ukraine increasingly targets Russia's assets far behind the front line in southern and eastern Ukraine.

The agency claimed on its official Telegram channel that Russia has a 'limited number' of the sophisticated systems and that the loss 'is a painful blow.' Moscow officials made no immediate comment.

The long-range S-400 missiles are capable of striking enemy aircraft and are regarded as one of the best such systems available. They have a range of 250 miles and can simultaneously engage multiple targets.

Incredible drone footage of the strike was subsequently shared on social media.

A Russian air-defence system is destroyed in occupied Crimea, according to Ukrainian officials

Four Russian S-400 air-defence system vehicles

'As a result of the explosion, the installation itself, the missiles and personnel installed on it were completely destroyed,' said Ukrainian official Anton Gerashchenko.

Russian sources suspect the blast was caused by a Storm Shadow missile supplied by Britain and France to Ukraine.

Russian Telegram channel Military Informant said: 'The enemy publishes footage of a strike on an S-400 air defence system in the Olenevka area in Crimea this morning.

'What was hit is currently unknown, however, presumably, it was a Storm Shadow cruise missile.

'In addition, a Ukrainian reconnaissance UAV hung unhindered directly above the positions of the air-defence system, exercising objective control.

'Such incidents raise legitimate questions about the quality of air-defence coverage in one of the most ''missile-hazardous'' regions of Russia.'
This is the chilling moment a shotgun-toting killer waited outside an innocent father-of-two's home for nearly 10 hours before he blasted him in the face and poured acid over his body after his girlfriend lied that he had raped her on a Tinder date.

Drug-dealer Michael Hillier tracked down Liam Smith, 38, to his home in Wigan, Greater Manchester last November in a depraved murder plot hatched by him and his girlfriend Rachel Fulstow.

Hillier, 39, said he was acting in revenge after his girlfriend Fulstow told him she'd been raped by Mr Smith years earlier during a Tinder date. She did not go to the police, and instead the pair instead decided to seek 'vigilante justice' by planning Mr Smith's death over a 10-month period.

After the gruesome murder, Hillier and Fulstow, 37, went on a two-week holiday to Jamaica in a bid to avoid justice.

When the killers returned home, the net began to close. Hillier was arrested, and Fulstow was initially treated as a witness before becoming a suspect after she repeatedly lied to police during her interview.

Hillier and Fulstow have now both been found unanimously guilty of murder after a six-week trial at Minshull Street Crown Court.

This is the chilling moment shotgun-toting killer Michael Hillier waited outside Liam Smith's home for nearly 10 hours before he blasted him in the face and poured acid over his body

Drug-dealer Michael Hillier (left) tracked down Liam Smith, 38, to his home in Wigan, Greater Manchester last November in a depraved murder plot hatched by him and his girlfriend Rachel Fulstow (right)

Liam Smith, 38, was shot in the face and then had acid poured over him outside his home in Wigan, Greater Manchester, on November 24 last year

Police released CCTV footage today from the incident after a jury found both Hillier and Fulstow guilty of Mr Smith's murder.

The force shared how surveillance video collected from the victim's home, a bin wagon and an ASDA delivery van had captured Hillier's vehicle outside Mr Smith's residence on the day of the murder.

Hillier waited by Mr Smith's house for almost 10 hours before he got out of the car and murdered him.

Police say they connected Hillier to the case because of the license plates associated with the vehicle - R22ORA - which has been recorded in the footage.

A few weeks into their investigation, the force was contacted by South Yorkshire Police who revealed they had stopped a vehicle three weeks before Mr Smith's killing that had the R22ORA plates inside.

Investigators said that information is what 'really unravelled this case' and ultimately led them to Mr Smith's killers.

Michael Hillier, 39, (pictured) said he was acting in revenge after his girlfriend Fulstow told him she'd been raped by Mr Smith years earlier during a Tinder date. She did not go to the police, and instead the pair instead decided to seek 'vigilante justice' by planning Mr Smith's death over a 10-month period

The force shared how surveillance video collected from the victim's home, a bin wagon and an ASDA delivery van had captured Hillier's vehicle outside Mr Smith's residence on the day of the murder. Police say they connected Hillier to the case because of the license plates associated with the vehicle - R22ORA

A few weeks into their investigation, the force was contacted by South Yorkshire Police who revealed they had stopped a vehicle three weeks before Mr Smith's killing that had the R22ORA plates inside

Mr Smith's family shouted 'yes' and 'thank you so much' before sobbing and hugging as the jury found both defendants guilty of murder on Wednesday

Hillier, who was handcuffed in the dock, stared over at his former partner as the verdicts were returned today.

Two jurors appeared tearful after coming back to court after six hours and 44 minutes of deliberations.

The court heard Fulstow met Mr Smith on dating app Tinder and the pair went on a date in York in 2019, when she said they had 'non-consensual sex' at a hotel in York.

She did not describe it as rape and said she went for lunch with Mr Smith the following day, the court heard.

In 2021 she began a relationship with Hillier but said he could be verbally abusive and unpredictable and was not happy she had a one-night stand with Mr Smith.

She told the court the first she knew of the attack on Mr Smith was when Hillier turned up at her house the following morning and told her.

Fulstow, an international travel and tourism management graduate from Leeds Met University, said she was 'petrified' to go to police about her boyfriend.

The court heard the couple went on holiday to Jamaica together days after the killing.

Rachel Fulstow, 37, (pictured) of Andrew Drive, York, told the court she met Mr Smith in September 2019, after they connected through dating app Tinder. She was today convicted of his murder

Michael Hillier, 39, (pictured), admitted the manslaughter of 38-year-old electrician Liam Smith, but has now been convicted of murdering him

Police were pictured on the scene last year on Kilburn Drive in Shevington, Wigan, Greater Manchester

Mr Smith's body was discovered in a village on the outskirts of Wigan on November 24, 2022

Hillier, who told the court he was involved in a large-scale cannabis operation, said they had both planned the attack on Mr Smith after Fulstow disclosed she had been 'graphically raped' by him.

He said: 'We decided jointly between the two of us that we would deal with the matter ourselves and seek justice ourselves and go down the vigilante route.

'It's not surprising given only 1.6 per cent of all reported rapes make it to court.'

Hillier alleged he and Fulstow had 'bounced around' ideas about how to carry out the attack on Mr Smith. He said: 'She most definitely saw me as kind of like her knight in shining armour.'

He told the court during the trial that he had modified a blank firing gun, but believed it would only stun rather than seriously injure or kill.

Hillier added that on the day of the attack Fulstow packed him a lunchbox full of food supplies, as well as diazepam, hydration tablets and headache tablets.

He told the court he had driven from his home on Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, to Kilburn Drive in Shevington, where Mr Smith lived, on the morning of November 24, and waited there all day before the attack at about 6.40pm.

Hillier said he had approached the house because he was not sure if Mr Smith was at home and, after seeing him inside, returned to his Mitsubishi Shogun vehicle, which Mr Smith approached a few minutes later.

He said when Mr Smith approached the car, he opened the door and called him a 'vile, disgusting rapist'.

He added: 'He knew exactly what I was talking about.'

Police said his body might have been be covered in 'hazardous substances'

CCTV shows Michael Hillier outside Liam Smith's home before the murder

The public gallery in court was cleared during his evidence as members of Mr Smith's family reacted to his description of the victim as a rapist.

Judge Maurice Greene told jurors they did not need to decide what happened between Mr Smith and Fulstow.

During his summing up, he said: 'As to what really happened on that night we will probably never know and it probably doesn't matter.'

The court heard Mr Smith was lured out of his house at about 6.40pm by Hillier, who shot him in the face before pouring acid onto his face and body, followed by soda crystals.

Recovered phone evidence showed that Fulstow made several internet searches in the days following the murder, firstly for information about the murder, then the meaning of the word 'premeditated' and 'does acid corrode stainless steel'.

On the morning of the killing, she checked the weather in Wigan, the court heard.

Fulstow was also found guilty of a charge of perverting the course of justice.

The case was adjourned for sentencing tomorrow.

The case was adjourned for sentencing tomorrow. Pictured: Forensic teams working the scene in Shevington, Wigan, after Mr Smith's body was found

Rebecca Macaulay-Addison, for CPS North West's Complex Casework Unit, said: 'Hillier and Fulstow planned the brutal murder of Liam Smith and attempted to cover their tracks at every stage.

'Far from being racked with guilt following the murder, the pair flew to Jamaica on holiday for two weeks.

'The CPS worked with Greater Manchester Police to piece together the evidence including eye-witness testimony, CCTV, extensive mobile phone evidence and medical evidence to build a strong case to put before the jury. The jury agreed with the prosecution and found them both guilty of murder.

'I hope that Liam's family and friends can find some comfort in knowing his killers have been brought to justice. My thoughts remain with them.'
The chat show host, 69, said underpants and solar generators are needed

Meanwhile part-time local Oprah Winfrey has given an update on her efforts

A brutal four-word sign by one local let the president know he wasn't welcome

A Maui resident has set up a 'Traitor Joe' sign on their front lawn after Biden's visit - as Oprah Winfrey reveals Hanes offered to ship 2.5million underpants to the island.

Footage shows the owner of a small bungalow on the flame-ravaged Hawaiian island presenting a simple homemade sign reading: 'Traitor Joe Must Go!!'

It comes after Biden's Monday visit to Maui was met with mixed reactions, while offers to help with supplies pour in from companies and members of the public.

The official toll of missing people increased to 1,100 on Wednesday, with 115 confirmed dead.

Amid growing criticism at the perceived lack of federal support, Biden's visit was always going to be contentious.

Footage shows the owner of a small bungalow on the flame-ravaged Hawaiian island presenting a simple homemade sign reading: 'Traitor Joe Must Go!!'

When his motorcade rolled in, many residents booed and jeered with some even showing their middle fingers and waving Trump 2024 flags.

Biden did little to endear himself to the traumatized islanders, delivering a rambling speech referencing the death of his wife and baby daughter in 1972, and later telling an anecdote about a 2004 kitchen fire in his Delaware home.

Meeting one of the rescuers, Biden, 80, also made a clumsy joke about needing protective footwear, telling the worker: 'Hot ground!'

His appearance at the memorial gave further ammunition to critics, as many said he seemed to be asleep for nine seconds while he looked down.

Meanwhile, Oprah Winfrey said that residents are seeing 'some improvements' as authorities manage to move many from shelter hubs to hotels.

The 69-year-old talk show host added that clothing brand Hanes had agreed to ship 2.5 million pairs of underwear - although islanders only need around 50,000.

Describing her latest ventures, Oprah said: 'I started the week visiting pop-up shelter hubs where canned goods, clothes, diapers and other useful items were being manned by a lot of really committed community volunteers.

Amid growing criticism at the perceived lack of federal support, President Joe Biden's visit alongside First Lady Jill Biden was always going to be contentious

Furious Maui resident sets up a Traitor Joe Must Go sign on their lawn as Biden finally visits the tragedy-stricken Hawaiian island.



No wonder they're mad! Mauians are getting just $700 a household while Hunter's paymasters in the Ukraine gets more than $100 billion! pic.twitter.com/ej04hgTnsv  Will Tanner (@Will_Tanner_1) August 22, 2023

Burned houses and buildings pictured in the aftermath of the wildfires in Lahaina, Maui. The death toll from the fires rose to 96 on Sunday

'At each hub I asked people, tell me what you need.' Oprah said a teacher at one hub told her fresh underwear was desperately sought 'in all sizes'.

'I couldn't find enough in all sizes shopping, so I called the Hanes company,' she said. 'They said, yes, we are so happy to ship to you 2.5 million units.

'I said, woa, hold up, wait a minute, that is a lot of jockey shorts, a lot of panties, a lot of bras.

'Thank you so much for your generosity, but I think we could do with a lot less - like maybe 50,000 units will work for now.'

She added that another hub leader told her they needed solar-powered generators, which she is now working to get shipped over.

'Each day presents itself with a new set of challenges and obstacles to try to overcome, but what I've seen and experienced, people's spirits are still strong and ready to rise,' she said.

People watch as the motorcade carrying President Joe Biden to visit areas devastated by the Maui wildfires passes by. One local gives the president a thumbs down

Winfrey owns some 1,000 acres of land on Maui, but her property was untouched by the blaze - along with holiday homes owned by other ultra-rich celebs including Jeff Bezos.

Part of her real estate portfolio, according to the New York Times, includes hundreds of acres of land in the Kula area to the southeast of Lahaina - the seaside town devastated by the fires.

The death toll of the fires currently stands at 115, but that is expected to increase as search teams scour what's left of Lahaina for human remains.

More than 2,000 properties in the centuries-old town have been totally destroyed and around 1,200 people are still missing.

On Sunday morning, Winfrey and a CBS camera crew were initially turned away from the shelter and told they were not allowed in because of a no media policy

Winfrey's Maui estate in the early 2000s. She owns about 1,000 acres in Maui

Oprah is one of a large number of celebrities to whom the island of Maui plays part time host

The tourist town of Lahaina, home to 12,000 people, was all but wiped off the map, with thousands of missing persons appearing on lists maintained by various organizations, including the police, Red Cross and shelters.

As of Tuesday, the FBI had counted 1,100 missing persons and is now working to collate and verify the data with a list to be released later this week, Special Agent Steven Merrill told reporters on Tuesday.

'We're cross-referencing all the lists so that we can determine who, in fact, truly is still unaccounted for,' Merrill said.

The FBI has set up a dedicated telephone hotline - (808) 566-4300 - and has encouraged relatives of the missing to contact them.
'I wish they had stayed longer because that could have changed things, and we would still have a town,' said one

Some locals have expressed anger that the fire was left despite high winds and dry conditions that had turned Maui into a tinderbox

Firefighters declared the fire '100 percent contained' and left it unattended before a flareup grew into the devastating inferno

Maui locals have questioned why the blaze which developed into deadly wildfires that swept across the island was left unattended by firefighters hours before it spread.

A fire broke out on the outskirts of Lahaina at around 6.30am on Tuesday, August 8 and was declared '100 percent contained' several hours later. Fire crews then left the scene even though the fire was still burning within the containment area.

But within a few hours, there was a 'flareup' which quickly spiraled out of control and fire crews who responded again were unable to extinguish it.

The resulting conflagration razed the historic town of Lahaina, destroying more than 2,000 buildings, and the death toll currently stands at 115, although it is expected to rise significantly.

Juan Advincula, 58, who saw firefighters attempt to put out the initial blaze, said: 'I was angry because they were leaving the area unattended.'

A Combined Joint Task Force 50 (CJTF-50) search, rescue and recovery member conducts search operations of areas damaged by Maui wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii, U.S. August 15, 2023

Members of a search-and-rescue team walk along a street, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii

He told the New York Times: 'It was the winds, the dryness and the embers I was afraid of. Someone should have stayed.'

Aaron Arconado, 27, said he was surprised to see firefighters leave, especially during windy, dry conditions in an area known for its wildfire risk.

'I wish they had stayed longer because that could have changed things,' he said. 'And we would still have a town.'

Brad Ventura, Maui's fire chief, said crews had left the initial blaze to deal with 'numerous additional calls for service in other parts of West Maui'. Ventura said many of those calls were related to downed power lines.

Residents have claimed that the initial fire was sparked by a downed line. Hawaiian Electric, the company which operates many of the lines, is facing several lawsuits which allege it failed to shut off lines despite warnings they posed a fire risk that day.

Kimo Clark, a resident, said he offered the services of his excavation company to help with containment of the initial fire, which broke out near his parents' home.

'There was a little bit of smoke here and there, but it was pretty much out,' he told The Times. 'You cannot contain every piece of burning root and wood. Its like coal. It would have to rain and flood to put all that out.'

President Joe Biden speaks as he meets with community members impacted by the Maui wildfires at Lahaina Civic Center, Monday, Aug. 21, 2023

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden tour areas devastated by the Maui wildfires, Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii

He said that he helped the crews until around midday. The fire crews then left at around 2pm.

At around 2.45pm, a local who was concerned by the flareup, which sent flames and smoke shooting up around her home, dialed 911. Crews rushed back, but this time, the fire was out of control.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green said that Maui must spread its firefighting resources carefully as it cannot rely on outside help in the same way other states can.

'We dont have a lot of extra firefighters that can come across from, you know, Jersey or Pennsylvania.

'We have what we have. So the fire broke out again and spread to the town, and the town was dry. So the rest, of course, is tragedy.'

He said the resulting fire burned with such intensity that some trucks 'melted'.

Jay Ramos who also lives near the scene of the initial fire said that he does not blame firefighters for the inferno. He said they have always responded quickly to previous blazes.

How Lahaina wildfires 'started with downed powerline' before road barricades and lack of warnings left thousands with no way out as inferno razed historic Maui town to the ground

Shane Treu was repairing the roof of his Lahaina home at around 6.30am on Tuesday, August 8 when he heard a powerline 'pop' and spark a blaze that is thought to have developed into the deadly wildfires which killed at least 115 people.

Heavy winds from a hurricane hundreds of miles from Maui had damaged the line, which was 'laying on the ground and sparking', said Treu, who dialed 911 to report the fire before filming the blaze with his cell phone.

Firefighters arrived about 12 minutes later and by 9am, officials said it had been '100 percent contained'. But within a few hours, there was a 'flareup' which spiraled out of control.

Residents claim that what followed, including the closure of Lahaina Bypass - a key route into and out of the town - after the flareup, turned the area into a 'death trap' which may have cost lives.

As heavy winds caused the wildfire to spread into Lahaina at speeds of up to a mile per minute, fleeing residents were forced onto Front Street, a narrow road which quickly became congested. Some in the town were not even aware of the deadly conflagration growing around them after warning sirens failed to sound.

A fire sparked by a downed powerline on the morning of Tuesday, August 8 is believed to have developed into the conflagration which destroyed Lahaina. Officials initially brought the fire under control, but a flareup quickly spread

Shane Treu was repairing the roof of his Lahaina home at around 6.30am on Tuesday, August 8 when he heard a powerline 'pop' and spark a blaze is thought to have developed into the deadly wildfires which have killed at least 99 people

The death toll of the fires currently stands at 115, but that is expected to increase as search teams scour what's left of Lahaina for human remains.

More than 2,000 properties in the centuries-old town have been totally destroyed and around 1,200 people are still missing.

Green said he has also tasked the state's attorney general to conduct a review of the warning systems.

Even by 3.30pm on Tuesday, when strong winds were whipping up a fierce firestorm in Lahaina, resident Mike Cicchino had no idea of the danger growing around him.

His power had been out all day and so he decided to drive to the local hardware store for a generator. As soon as he turned off his street, he was confronted with 'pandemonium'.

'I see people running and grabbing their babies and screaming and jumping in their cars,' Cicchino said. He did a U-turn, ran into his house and told his wife they needed to leave: 'We need to go! We need to get out of here now!'

There were no sirens, no one with bullhorns, no one to tell anyone what to do: They were on their own, with their families and neighbors, to make split-second life or death decisions about whether to stay or to run, and where to run to  through smoke so thick it blinded them, flames closing in from every direction, cars exploding, toppled power lines and uprooted trees, fire whipping through the wind and raining down

They ran to the car with five dogs and called police, and a dispatcher said to follow the traffic. Access to the main highway in and out of Lahaina was cut off by barricades set up by authorities after the flareup.

Mike Cicchino, right, said that Front Street became a 'death trap' after the narrow road became the only route out of Lahaina as the town was consumed by the wildfires

This photo provided by County of Maui shows fire and smoke filling the sky from wildfires on the intersection at Hokiokio Place and Lahaina Bypass in Maui, Hawaii on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023

The roadblocks forced the line of cars onto Front Street.

'We're all driving into a death trap,' Cicchino thought. He told his wife: 'We need to jump out of this car, abandon the car, and we need to run for our lives.'

They got the dogs out. But it was impossible to know which way to run.

'Behind us, straight ahead, beside us, everywhere was on fire,' Cicchino said. It had been less than 15 minutes since he left his house, and he thought it was the end. He called his mother, his brother, his daughter to tell them he loved them.

The black smoke was so thick they could see only the white dogs, not the three dark ones, and they lost them. Propane tanks from a catering van exploded.

He joined swathes of people who desperately jumped over a seawall and into the ocean. There were terrifying scenes as dozens of people spent hours in the choppy waters, amidst a storm of flames, ash and smoke around them.

Cicchino ran up and down the seawall, shouting his lost dogs' names. He saw dead bodies slumped next to the wall. 'Help me,' people screamed. Elderly and disabled people couldn't make it over the wall on their own.

Some were badly burned, and Cicchino lifted as many as he could. He ran until he vomited from the smoke, his eyes nearly swollen shut.

An aerial view of Lahaina shows the sheer scale of destruction that the wildfires have caused in Hawaii

Photographs and footage captured at the height of the fires reveal how the brushfires allegedly sparked by the downed powerlines earlier that day grew into one of the most devastating wildfires America has ever experienced.

Lahaina residents have now filed a suit against Hawaiian Electric claiming it is responsible for the fires after failing to shut off power lines despite warnings from the National Weather Service that high winds could blow those lines down and spark fast-spreading wildfires.

Hawaii authorities are painstakingly working to identify the confirmed victims of the horrific wildfires in Maui amid warnings the death toll is likely to double as search efforts continue.

The blaze that swept into centuries-old Lahaina destroyed nearly every building in the town of 13,000.

Around 86 percent of the roughly 2,200 ruined buildings were residential and the value of wrecked property has been estimated at more than $5 billion.
A grieving mother who is demanding a tougher sentence for her teenage daughter's killer after he smashed a car while high on ketamine, cocaine and ecstasy will see the case reviewed at the Court of Appeal.

Keilan Roberts, 22, had also taken hippy crack and downed alcohol before he got behind the wheel to kill Chloe Hayman, 17.

Roberts had met passenger Miss Hayman in a nightclub for the first time just hours earlier. She was reportedly upset and Roberts offered her a lift home - but crashed on a mountainside, killing her.

He was jailed for just three years and nine months but Miss Hayman's mother Danielle O'Halloran blasted the sentence as an 'insult.'

His sentence is now set to be reviewed by the Court of Appeal in September following the horrific crash in Fochriw, Caerphilly, South Wales.

Judge David Wynn Morgan told the trial previously: 'Chloe Hayman was no statistic. She was a real, living person who would be alive today had you not taken the selfish, criminally foolish and intoxicated decision to put her in your car and to drive it'

Roberts had met passenger Chloe in a nightclub for the first time just hours earlier. She was reportedly upset and Roberts offered her a lift home - but crashed on a mountainside, killing her

Keilan Roberts, 22, had taken ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine and hippy crack and downed alcohol before getting behind the wheel of his car shortly before the crash which killed Miss Hayman

The family contacted the Attorney General for England and Wales to complain about the length of prison time given to Roberts before the appeal was launched.

Ms O'Halloran said: 'I just don't think the sentence was long enough. It's not enough time to sit and think about your actions.

'I hope me and her dad can continue fighting and hopefully change something about how sentencing is looked at.

'We've been given a life sentence of not having our daughter in our lives.

'She'd only just changed from that funny little girl to this empowering woman, and I wish I could've had that for the rest of my life.'

Cardiff Crown Court heard Miss Hayman met Roberts at the Platform 11 nightclub in Pontypridd, South Wales, in July last year.

He spoke to her after she was seen 'crying' when she was unable to find a lift home before he got behind the wheel of his Skoda Octavia.

But he smashed into cattle grid railings on a mountain road.

Emergency services rushed to the scene to find a 'large hole in the passenger side of the windscreen' with Miss Hayman unresponsive.

At trial, prosecutor Jason Howells said Miss Hayman was fatally injured when the railings pierced the windscreen of Roberts' Skoda Octavia.

Cardiff Crown Court heard a neighbour rushed to the scene after hearing a 'loud bang' at 5.50am.

The family contacted the Attorney General for England and Wales to complain about the length of prison time given to Roberts (pictured) before the appeal was launched

Chloe Hayman, 17, died when driver Keilan Roberts, 22, crashed his car while high on ecstasy and cocaine in Caerphilly, south Wales, in July last year

Mr Howells said: 'He could see a male sitting in the driver's seat drinking a bottle of lager and a female slumped over on the passenger side.'

Roberts told the witness: 'I wasn't drinking at the time of the crash. I just opened a few bottles to take the edge off. I've just killed someone.'

Police collision investigators found the car would have failed an MOT due to worn out rear tyres but there were no mechanical faults.

A post mortem examination revealed Chloe died of injury to the chest including cardiac avulsion.

Roberts pleaded guilty to four charges of causing death by careless driving while over the prescribed limit for alcohol and drugs.

The court heard he had 118mg of benzoylecgonine (or cocaine), 34mg ketamine and 75mg of MDMA per 100ml of blood in his system.

Roberts, of Rhymney, Caerphilly, was jailed for three years and nine months and disqualified from driving for ten years.

Ms O'Halloran said tougher sentences would be a deterrent to other drink or drug-drivers.

She said: 'The sentencing feels like an insult to us as a family. Chloe's life was taken at the hands of someone who made a stupid decision to drive when they were in no fit state to do so.

'No family should ever have to experience what we have experienced and the heartache and sadness we feel as we navigate our way through life since the loss of Chloe.

'The loss of our Chloe will hopefully spread the message to the younger generations of today to prevent another stupid decision to drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and to prevent another family losing an innocent life.'
Putin looks perplexed not to find watch when he glances at left arm

Footage of Vladimir Putin appearing to check the time on the wrong wrist during a meeting has emerged today amid reports that Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin is feared dead.

Footage shows the Russian President glancing at his left arm during yesterday's meeting of the Russian Council for Strategic Development and National Projects.

The dictator looks perplexed not to find the watch there, as he has always worn his timepieces on his right wrist.

Later in the meeting, the Kremlin leader is seen taking off his watch - believed to be a 12,500 Russian-made Raketa - and fidgets with it in his hands.

It comes as a private plane with Prigozhin's name on the passenger list crashed in Russia tonight, two months after his failed coup attempt against Putin.

Footage shows the Russian President glancing at his left arm during a meeting of the Russian Council for Strategic Development and National Projects. The dictator looks perplexed not to find the watch there, as he has always worn his timepieces on his right wrist

Later in the meeting, the Kremlin leader is seen taking off his watch - believed to be a 12,500 Russian-made Raketa - and fidgets with it in his hands

Video footage of the crash purportedly shows the aircraft falling out of the sky in the Bologovsky district in the Tver region. A burning wreckage, which appears to be of a plane, was later seen in a field, with unconfirmed images showing it completely ablaze.

It was initially unknown if Wagner chief Prigozhin - known as Putin's chef and with longstanding links to the Kremlin dictator - was on board, but it has since been reported that the passenger list included his name.

A report from Rosaviatsiya - the Russian aviation agency - said Prigozhin was among the passengers - but despite AfP initially confirming the death, it is now being reported the exact identies of those killed are unknown.

Russian authorities have said a business jet crash in Russia killed 10 people.

Images shared on social media purport to show the burning wreckage of the plane in a field in the Tver region, and Russian media says eight bodies have so far been recovered.

Plumes of black smoke can be seen bellowing into the sky, with the wreck completely engulfed in flames.

The numbers 795 can just about be made out on the edge of the scrap pile, which matches the plane linked to the ex-military leader.

Prigozhin, 62, has been increasingly careful since he led a coup against Putin's regime exactly two months ago.

After its failure, he had been warned that his life was in danger. He was known to take huge care over his security.

It was initially unknown if Wagner chief Prigozhin (pictured in March this year) - known as the Wagner chief and with longstanding links to the Kremlin dictator - was on board

The plane, which had Prigozhin named as a passenger on its flight list, was later reported to be engulfed in fire, as images on social media claimed to show the wreckage

Witnesses to the crash heard a loud bang before they saw the jet 'fall from the sky' - locals on social media are sharing these images of the aftermath, although it is unconfirmed at this stage if this is the plane

The crash comes as footage of Putin, 70, seemingly forgetting which wrist he wears his watch on has sparked new claims that he uses a body double.

Telegram channel General SVR claims that a sickly Putin now permanently uses a doppelganger - a lookalike actor - for public appearances such as this - and suggests the body double simply forgot about the dictator habitually wearing his watch on the 'wrong wrist'.

'Having read out a voluminous speechthe understudy frankly got bored,' said the channel.

It claims he sought to 'create the appearance of active work, diligently wielding a pen, writing down some nonsense on his papers', as well as doodling 'squiggles', while 'not forgetting to cough and grunt imitating the president'.

'But at about 55 minutes, the understudy had an embarrassment,' it added.

'The double completely forgot that Putin wears a watch on his right hand, out of habit raised his left hand to check the time.

'Not finding a watch there, [he] embarrassedly lowered it.'

The Kremlin's own clip of this has edited out this blunder, says the channel.

Putin glancing at his left wrist only to find he is not wearing a watch. Telegram channel General SVR claims that a sickly Putin now permanently uses a doppelganger

Putin then scratches his ear apparently in an effort to disguise his confusion. The watch can be seen on his right wrist

The Putin understudy then removed the watch and began to put it on his left wrist before closing the meeting, according to the channel, which has long claimed the dictator is terminally ill.

'The real Putin would NEVER try to look at the time on the hand where he does not wear a watch and would not be surprised at the absence of a watch on his left hand, since he always wears them on his right hand,' the channel stated.

READ MORE: Wagner group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin feared dead in plane crash Images shared online purported to show the jet, believed to be carrying the Russian chief, falling to the ground as it crashed in the Tver region in Russia Advertisement

'And, of course, he would not attempt to remove the watch from the right, and move it to the left.

'The president has been wearing a watch on his right hand for many years.

'And his double has always been worn on his left, and only when portraying the president wears a watch on his right.'

The channel calls Putin 'the most famous illusionist in the world'.

It says: 'No-one has ever had such tricks with doubles.'

Political analyst Dr Valery Solovey, a Putin-watching former professor at Moscow's prestigious Institute of International Relations, a training school for spies and diplomats, claimed today that the Russian President had not been seen in person since a session on August 7 with his former KGB crony Sergei Zhemezov, now CEO of Rostec.

Putin was too ill to fight the presidential election due in Russia in March 2024, he said.

He added: 'He can hardly get out of bed, with difficulty getting dressed.'

He claimed Western leaders were well aware of his ailing health.

He said: 'President Putin simply will not be able to participate in the elections will not be able to, physically.

'President Putin cannot put his own trousers on without external assistance, let alone participate in elections.

'And if he puts them on without external help, he then needs to rest afterwards.

'He is in such terrible physical shape - it is getting worse.

Political analyst Dr Valery Solovey, a Putin-watching former professor at Moscow's prestigious Institute of International Relations, claimed today that Putin had not been seen in person since a session on August 7 with his former KGB crony Sergei Zhemezov, now CEO of Rostec

Putin with a watch on his right wrist. Dr Solovey said Putin was too ill to fight the presidential election due in Russia in March 2024

'It is getting worse literally day by day'

The prospects were bleak, he said.

'In all public appearances the president is now replaced by a doppelganger, a so-called double,' he said.

There were sometimes 'comic errors', he claimed, as with the watch.

'Western governments know perfectly well that President Putin is replaced by double

'It is known by leaders of all more or less large countries across the world but everyone turns a blind eye.

'Why?

'After all, these are [the] affairs of these strange Russians, let them do their thing, and fool their own people...'

Putin refused to fly to South Africa this week for a summit of the BRICS countries.

Putin looking down at a watch on his right wrist. Solovey also claimed Western leaders were well aware of his ailing health

Later in the Russian Council for Strategic Development and National Projects meeting Putin is seen taking off his watch - believed to be a 12,500 Russian-made Raketa - and fidgets with it in his hands (Stock Image)

He is due soon to be in Turkey, but it appears Recep Tayyip Erdogan will now visit Russia instead.

Solovey says the real Putin is too ill to travel abroad while Erdogan has warned him not to send his double to Ankara.

'Erdogan persistently asked Putin not to send a double for the meeting with him,' he said.

'And because Putin himself cannot go to Turkey, simply cannot, Erdogan is ready - out of respect to the gravely ill, dying person - to visit Russia.'

The Russian Orthodox patriarch Kirill - a close Putin ally - last month addressed the dictator wrongly as 'much-esteemed Vladimir Vasilyevich', before correcting himself to name him correctly Vladimir Vladimirovich.

Solovey has claimed Vasilyevich is the patronymic of the doppelganger.
MEGHAN Markles estranged father Thomas has hit out at reports he is involved in a tacky celebrity sightseeing tour which will take tourists past daughter Meghans Montecito mansion.

The 959 bus tour - advertised as a Royal Celebrity Tour of Los Angeles and Montecito - is being offered by paparazzi photographer Karl Larsen, who once worked with Mr Markle.

But last night Mr Markle, 79, told MailOnline Royals: I never gave my approval to Karl Larsen for any tour anywhere. I am not involved in any way.'

Mr Markle, who suffered a stroke last year and two heart attacks immediately before his daughter married Prince Harry in 2018, has been left fuming and deeply distressed by claims made at the weekend.

Tom Markle, father of Meghan, has dissociated himself from claims that he is in any way involved in a Royal Celebrity Tour of Los Angeles and Montecito. He is pictured taking part in a Good Morning TV interview

The nine-bedroom Montecito mansion belonging to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. They have lived there since 2020

An aerial view of Santa Barbara and Montecito. The area is home to numerous celebrities including Ellen DeGeneres

Larsen was reported by The Sunday Mirror as saying that Mr Markle approved of the tour - priced for six people - which will drive close to the Sussexes 11 million mansion, past Prince Harrys polo club and will point out the couples favourite restaurants and shops in Montecito, the Californian town they moved to in 2020 shortly after quitting as senior working Royals.

The tour would reportedly include Meghans former childhood homes in Los Angeles.

A source close to Mr Markle said: The claim that somehow Tom is involved in this tacky and, frankly, exploitative tour is 100 per cent false and has left Tom angry and deeply distressed. There is no truth to any of it. He would never lend his name to something like this.

Tom is not close friends with Karl Larsen.

Mr Markle briefly took part in a YouTube show with Larsen but quit the show when he felt uncomfortable with some of the comments Larsen made about the Sussexes.

Tom may be estranged from Meghan but he loves her and would never do anything to hurt her or place her or his grandchildren in jeopardy. He was briefly involved in a project with this person (Larsen) years ago, something he has come to regret. Tom has severed contact with this man and wants nothing to do with him personally or professionally.

Mr. Markles son Tom Jr added: Under no circumstances whatsoever did my father ever agree - or was even aware of - such a ridiculously cheesy and embarrassing idea of being involved in a tour bus business with Karl Larsenwho has no authorisation to use my fathers name in any ad campaign for a cheesy Hollywood tour van business. What kind of person does that?

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at a Women of Vision Awards ceremony in New York, earlier this year

A source said: 'Tom may be estranged from Meghan but he loves her and would never do anything to hurt her'

Tom Markle, pictured taking part in a Channel 5 documentary. He has made repeated attempts to reconcile with his daughter but is yet to meet his two grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet

Critics have slammed Larsen for promoting the tour.

Tech entrepreneur Christopher Boozy called it an act of targeted harassment'.

One website which advertised the tour has since removed the listing although Larsen has insisted the tour will go ahead.

The friend of Mr Markle said: Tom is focusing on his health and moving on with his life. Something like this does nothing but cause him more stress and harm.

Mr Markle has been estranged from his daughter since suffering two heart attacks on the eve of her wedding which prevented him from travelling to the UK to walk her down the aisle.

He has made repeated attempts to reconcile with Meghan but has yet to hear from her. He has never met son-in-law Prince Harry or his two grandchildren Archie, four and two-year-old Lilibet.
An albino puma has been born at a zoo in Nicaragua, marking the first Central American country to see the rare type of cub born in captivity.

The tiny, brilliant white puma, with small pink nose, was born at Thomas Belt Zoo in Juigalpa and is said to be only one of four worldwide, according to zoo veterinarian Carlos Molina.

Amazing photos show the unnamed cub standing out next to its two beige coloured and spotted siblings, as they nestle close to their mother.

The unnamed animal is healthy and eating well, but the zoo vet warned it is still early days and albino pumas require extra care and are vulnerable to sunlight.

The young pumas are now being kept inside a sealed cage so the mother does not become stressed or confused of human odours with that of the newborns, which could cause her to attack them.

An albino puma has been born at Thomas Belt zoo in Jiigalpa in Nicaragua, marking the first time the rare type of cub has been born in Central America

Photos show the unnamed cub standing out next to its two beige coloured and spotted siblings, as they nestle close to their mother

The tiny, brilliant white puma, with small pink nose is thought to be one of only four ever born

The young pumas are now being kept inside a sealed cage so the mother does not become stressed or confused of human odours with that of the newborn

Her mate is also being kept in a separate enclosure, as male pumas have been known to kill their young.

Mr Molina has not had any physical contact, and the genders of the litter remain unknown.

Once the cats reach three months of age, the zoo plans to exhibit them to the general public.

Thomas Belt hosts some 50,000 to 60,000 visitors each year, according to zoo management.

Pumas are found across the Americas, from the high Andean region of southern Peru to the jungles of Central America.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature says pumas have the largest geographic range of any land mammal in the Western hemisphere, though they were all but eliminated from the eastern half of North America after European colonization.
A child who died after falling ill at Camp Bestival at the weekend is a three-week old baby girl.

The newborn was rushed from the family festival to hospital but sadly died a short while later.

Notice of the death has been received by the coroner although the suspected cause has not been revealed and no inquest date has yet been arranged.

The organisers of Camp Bestival, which took place between the 17th and 20th of August at Weston Park, South Staffordshire, have extended their 'deepest sympathies' to the heartbroken family.

The festival which brands itself 'the quintessential family festival' won the Best Family Festival in 2009, 2010, 2013, and 2014 at UK Festival Awards.

A child who died after falling ill at Camp Bestival at the weekend is a three-week old baby girl. The newborn was rushed from the family festival to hospital but sadly died a short while later. Pictured:Attendees enjoying a performance at Camp Bestival

A festival spokesperson said: 'A child became poorly on Friday night and, after receiving immediate medical care onsite, was taken to hospital in an ambulance, where they tragically passed away.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family at this terrible time, and we will continue to support them in any way we can.'

The award-winning Camp Bestival music event is usually held across two sites each summer in Staffordshire and at another site in Dorset.

This year's festival boasted a star-studded line-up which included Eurovision song contest winner Sam Ryder, former Spice Girl Melanie C, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and X Factor finalist Ella Henderson, as well as a range of activities for children including 'mud kitchens, robot junkyards and bushcraft'

Notice of the death has been received by the coroner although the suspected cause has not been revealed and no inquest date has yet been arranged. The organisers of Camp Bestival have extended their 'deepest sympathies' to the heartbroken family. Pictured: Camp Bestival

A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: 'We were called to Camp Bestival, Weston Park, at 12.37am on Saturday (19 August) following reports of a child who was taken ill.

'The child was treated at the scene and taken to hospital in a critical condition. Sadly, the child died a short time later.

'Specially trained officers are continuing to support the child's family and we ask that their privacy is respected at this very difficult and distressing time.

'Enquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the death.'
Schoolchildren who were left trapped in a broken-down cable car in Pakistan 1,200ft in the air have described the terror of the ordeal they faced after being left hanging precariously above the ground for 16 hours.

Attaullah Shah, 15, who was one of six children and two adults trapped in the cable car above a river canyon in the Battagram district of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, revealed: 'I thought it was my last day and I will be no more. God has granted me a second life.'

Two other children, Rizwan Ullah and Gul Faraz, said that they would not forget the ordeal for years. Gul said he feared while waiting for rescue that the cable car would crash to the ground and 'we would die soon'.

He appealed to the government to build a school in the area and link their village to nearby towns with a bridge and a road 'so our elders and young people don't face such things'.

And Rizwan said he doesn't want to use the cable car again, but that would only be possible if a school is built nearby.

Drone footage shows the passengers holding on as the car hangs precariously at an angle high above a river canyon in the Battagram district of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province

Drone footage obtained by the BBC shows the passengers holding on as the carriage hangs precariously at an angle high above the river canyon.

All those trapped inside the cable car were later saved in a daring mission on Tuesday led by Pakistan's Special Service Group (SSG), which saw one of the six children plucked out of the chairlift from a helicopter.

The rest of the group were rescued by zip wire experts who guided the trapped cable car passengers to safety in an operation watched by thousands of spectators - after it was deemed unsafe to approach by helicopter.

Osama Sharif, 15, who got stuck in the cable car while on his way to school to get his exam results, said: 'We suddenly felt a jolt. We thought all of us were going to die.'

'They were telling us don't worry, help is coming,' he said.

Residents used mosque loudspeakers to alert neighbourhood officials of the emergency, and hundreds of people gathered on both sides of the ravine - hours away from any sizeable town - to watch the drama unfold.

People watch as an army soldier slings down from a helicopter during a rescue mission to recover students stuck in a chairlift in Pashto village of mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Tuesday

The cable car snapped leaving eight people dangling 1,200ft above the river canyon in Battagram, around 120 miles north of Islamabad

The rescue finally began at dusk with a helicopter plucking a child from the chairlift but the chopper was forced back to base as bad weather closed in and night fell.

Then, commandos from the SSG and local experts used the cable keeping the gondola from plunging into the valley as a zipline to rescue the rest of those stranded.

The two adults were the last to be brought to safety.

Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar called the rescuers 'heroes of the nation'.

'Great team work by the military, rescue departments, district administration as well as the local people,' he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

One of the passengers using a zip wire to get to safety. All of those inside the cable car, six children and two adults, were saved during a 16-hour rescue operation that included zip wire experts and a military helicopter

Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said on X: 'Relieved to know that Alhamdolillah all the kids have been successfully and safely rescued'

The final children who had been stranded in a broken down cable car were zip lined to safety

Pakistani army soldiers carry out rescue operation for stranded in a chairlift students in Battagram

Schoolchildren who were rescued from the broken cable car said on Wednesday they repeatedly feared they were about to die during the 16-hour ordeal, despite attempts by their parents to reassure them over mobile phones.

Several of the children, who had been on their way to school on Tuesday when one of the car's cables snapped, also appealed for a school and bridge to be built in their village so they wouldn't have to ride the cable car in the future.

One of the youngest was grabbed by a commando attached to a helicopter by rope, while others were lowered to the ground in a makeshift chairlift constructed from a wooden bed frame and ropes.

READ MORE: 'Everyone was praying for this': Children who spent 16 hours suspended 1,200ft in the air in broken down cable car are pictured as they finally reach the ground - after being zip-lined to safety across ravine in daring rescue mission Youngsters who had been stranded in the broken cable car are surrounded by villagers following their rescue Advertisement

'I had heard stories about miracles, but I saw a miraculous rescue happening with my own eyes,' said Osama Sharif.

Some of those aboard had mobile phones and started making calls, with worried parents trying to reassure the children.

'They were telling us don't worry, help is coming,' Osama said.

After several hours, the passengers saw helicopters flying in the air.

On Wednesday, police arrested Gul Zarin, the owner of the cable car, on charges of ignoring safety measures.

Local authorities in the northwestern mountainous regions said they would close all cable cars believed to be unsafe.

At one stage during the operation, a rope lowered from a helicopter swayed wildly as a child, secured by a harness, was pulled up.

The air currents churned up by the whirling blades risked weakening the only cable preventing the cable car from crashing to the bottom of the river canyon.

'We cried, and tears were in our eyes, as we feared the cable car will go down,' Osama said.

After sunset, with the helicopters no longer able to fly, rescuers shifted tactics.

They used a makeshift chairlift to approach the cable car using the one cable that was still intact, local police chief Nazir Ahmed said.

Shouts of 'God is great' erupted as the chairlift was lowered to the ground in the final stage of the operation just before midnight.

Ahmed said the children received oxygen as a precaution before being handed over to their parents, many of whom burst into tears of joy.

All six children and the two adults on board the broken cable car have now been rescued

Youngsters who had been stranded in the broken cable car are surrounded by villagers following their rescue

A youngster is helped by villagers after being rescued from a dangling cable car

Ata Ullah, another rescued student, said he would try to be brave the next time he has to ride one.

'I feel fear in my mind about using the cable car, but I have no other option. I will go to my school again when the cable car is repaired,' he said.

Locally made cable cars are a widely used form of transportation in the mountainous Battagram district, cutting down travel time to schools, workplaces and businesses.

However, they often are poorly maintained, and every year people die or are injured while using them.
Ruthless people smugglers behind thousands of small boat Channel crossings will be hunted like ISIS terrorists in countries like Iraq, the security minister has said.

On his first trip back to the Middle Eastern country since he was wounded in battle while fighting for the British Army in 2003, Tom Tugendhat said he was working with Iraqi officials to close the net around human traffickers.

With specialist training from British armed forces, Iraqi law enforcement will use the same anti-terror techniques that dismantled IS infrastructure to go after the gangsters who prey on human misery, he said.

The skills the Iraqis have used in the fight against Daesh are the same that will be used to fight organised crime,' Mr Tugendhat told the Mail.

These organised crime groups are a lot more like militia than typical crime groups.

Tom Tugendhat was making his first trip back to Iraq since he was wounded in battle while fighting for the British Army in 2003

Almost 1,300 migrants made the journey across the Channel last week, bringing the provisional total for this year so far to 18,000

I am very glad to say that the ICTS (Iraq Counter Terrorism Service) have succeeded in destroying much of the IS infrastructure in Iraq.

READ MORE: Young migrant girl boards coach in Dover as dozens of asylum seekers including children arrive on Border Force ship Advertisement

And we need to make sure that these organised criminal groups that are facilitating people trafficking into the UK receive the same treatment.

Almost 1,300 migrants made the journey across the Channel last week, bringing the provisional total for this year so far to 18,000.

The average number of migrants per boat rose to 67 on Sunday after 337 people were found in just five vessels.

The migrant crisis has become a key priority for the Prime Minister, who has made a key pledge to stop the boats'.

And Rishi Sunaks government faces a legal challenge over a component of its plan to send migrants who enter the UK illegally to Rwanda, with the case due to be heard at the Supreme Court in October.

Mr Tugendhat said: We cant solve the issue simply by shouting at France. We need to attack this at the source.

If you follow the money and the routes they are operating then you can find the leaders of many of these operations right here, in Iraq.

Iraqi law enforcement will use the same anti-terror techniques that dismantled IS infrastructure to go after the gangsters who prey on human misery, the MP said

During his time in Baghdad, Mr Tugendhat met with Prime Minister Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani, Minister for Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein, and Minister of Interior, Lt Gen. Abdul-Amir Al-Shammeri.

He also met with defence minister Tahbit Al Abbasi in the office from which Saddam Hussein governed the country.

Iraq and the UK are preparing to sign a Statement of Intent to tackle shared organised crime threats in the coming weeks.

The UK has already trained 111,000 members of Iraqi Security forces, including 21,000 of the Kurdish Peshmerga.

Mr Tugendhat was wounded twice during a ten-hour firefight deep behind enemy lines before the gunner of a Chinook sent in to evacuate his special forces unit mistook him for an Iraqi and opened fire, hitting him in the chin and his chest-worn body armour.

The MP for Tonbridge and Malling, who also served in Afghanistan, said it was surreal returning during peace time to the same sites he witnessed while under fire.

The last time I came here I had to literally fight my way into Baghdad Airport, he said.

Happily, things are very different now and it is incredible that we can sit in Saddam Husseins former office with the current defence minister and discuss the shared interests of our two nations.
This is the shocking moment thieves smashed their way into a Beverly Hills wig shop and stole tens of thousands of dollars worth meant for cancer patients.

The brazen heist was carried out by three masked miscreants around 3:30am, and saw The Wig Fairy on La Cienega ruthlessly ransacked.

The perpetrators are seen shattering the business's glass storefront with poles and rocks before grabbing multiple wigs meant for those undergoing chemotherapy.

The full financial damage wrought by the robbery - the latest in a string of robberies affecting The Golden State - remains to be seen.

Staffers left horrified by the senseless strike said each piece took weeks to create, and had been valued between $1,000 and $4,000.

The robbers, meanwhile, are believed to be women, and serve as the most recent culprits to participate in an ongoing spate of organized looting that surfaced during the pandemic but has since worsened, largely due to persisting, progressive laws.

Scroll down for video:

A group of thieves were filmed smashing their way into a Beverly Hills business this week, before making off with tens of thousands of dollars worth of wigs meant for cancer patients

The early morning heist saw The Wig Fairy on La Cienega ruthlessly ransacked, and is the latest in a string of 'smash and grab' style robberies affecting Southern California

A new breed of organized crime being branded has been the result - which just last week as a group of at least 30 ransack a Nordstrom not far from the Wig Fairy.

In that instance, the group made off with some $300,000 worth of merchandise, and made headlines after their heist was also recorded and shared for all to see.

The owner and operator of the store for the past 12 years, Mona Zargar on Tuesday questioned how anyone could bring themselves to steal products intended for those suffering from one of the world's worst afflictions.

'They come to us and say, 'Please make me look like myself,'' she told NBC-4 Tuesday after closing her store to assess what was stolen and straighten out orders for affected patrons - working around the clock to do so.

'How do I explain to them that I don't have a wig for you?' she said, remarking how the took more than just inventory from her dozens of loyal customers.

'We had to make such heartfelt phone calls today. Calling clients and letting them know that 'I'm so sorry that you've waited but I can no longer ship you the wig and I need you to wait again'... which is not normally the answer.'

She went on to cite the time-sensitive nature of her clients' orders, and the fact that each piece - made of 100 percent human hair - take weeks to create.

'We do color them to match their skin tones to what their natural hair looks,' the shop owner said, appearing emotional during the filmed interview, where several of her painstaking creations could be seen hanging in the background.

'We cut them according to their face shape we cut them to fit their heads.'

She added of the aforementioned time constraints: 'If someone is going through treatment, they're expecting their hair to fall out pretty much on the second treatment. So they don't have time to wait.'

Still-at-large, the perpetrators are seen shattering the business's glass storefront with poles and rocks before gaining entry, and mercilessly grabbing multiple wigs meant for those undergoing chemotherapy by the handful

Staffers left horrified by the senseless strike said each piece took weeks to create, and had been valued between $1,000 and $4,000

The full financial damage wrought by the robbery - the latest in a string of robberies affecting The Golden State - remains to be seen, but it was enough to see the store closed the next day

The robbers are believed to be women, police said and serve as the most recent culprits to participate in an ongoing spate of organized looting that surfaced during the pandemic but has since worsened, largely due to persisting, progressive laws

The owner an operator of The Wig Fairy for the past 12 years, Mona Zargar on Tuesday questioned how anyone could bring themselves to steal products intended for those suffering from one of the world's worst afflictions

Shortly before chiding the three culprits seen in the footage, Zagar shared a post to her store's social media profiles confirming it would be closed Tuesday, with tentative plans of opening again on Wednesday.

The statement read: 'Unfortunately our salon was broken into this morning. We assure you that we're working tirelessly to get your orders and the salon back on track.

'Although our doors will be closed today. Please feel free to call us or message us with any questions. We hope to resume regular operation hours Wednesday 8/23.'

The store has since reopened - but the current climate that caused its closure remains.

Further incidents have occurred at a luxury denim store in Gabcock Park, a Nike Store in East LA and a Gucci store at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.

Many of the stores targeted have been high-end retailers, with robbers hauls resultingly often exceeding $100,000.

Few arrests have been made in connection with the flash robberies, and officials by and large have blamed policies enacted the local DA, George Gascon, whose policies have seen him branded 'the godfather of progressive prosecutors'.

Southern California is grappling with a wave of flash robberies in recent weeks

Since he assumed office in 2020, crime - particularly organized heists like the one seen Tuesday - has prevailed, with many blaming policies implemented by Gascon almost immediately into his tenure.

Reforms administered days into Gascon's first term as the city's DA also saw years shaved off sentences for several killers who committed crimes when they were still teens, in an apparent bid to keep the city's young people out of jail.

Such measures have since failed miserably, with both organized and petty crime now commonplace.

A string of planned hits last week - including the one at the Nordstrom - seemed indicative of this, and spurred a statement from Mayor Karen Bass.

In it, she claim that 'those who committed these acts and acts like it in neighboring areas must be held accountable.' and that the city's police force was currently working to prevent similar attacks.

A shocking video captured a scene of mob-style mayhem, showing the 'smash-and-grab'-style robbery, which saw a guard maced with bear spray and all the suspects escape unmarred. One of the thieves is seen here laden down with numerous bags and even a small suitcase

Others grabbed items of clothing and quickly made their escape before police arrived on the scene

Witnesses watched the looters free, several in vehicles, including Lexus and BMW cars

The group sprinted to the door in an attempt to make swift exit from the store, securing as much merchandise as they can carry. As of Wednesday, an arrest has yet to be made

Footage taken inside the store shows men in dark hoodies and face masks ransacking the department store, located at Westfield Topanga Mall, even resorting to attacking security guards with bear spray.

Videos has since rapidly circulated on social media, showing the mob shattering display cases and grabbing high-end designer accessories, some still affixed with electronic security tags.

One of the thieves was even seen pulling a large metal display shelf behind him as he fled, with a luxury leather bag still affixed to it by a security tag.

The group sprinted to the door in an attempt to make swift exit from the store, securing as much merchandise as they can carry.

The thieves took off with thousands of dollars worth of luxury handbags and designer clothing, an LAPD spokesman told NBC News.

The group swarmed the store at around 4pm on Saturday, scooping up armfuls of items, some inadvertently dropping amid the chaos, as they maneuvered around shattered glass and overturned mannequins.

A Los Angeles Nike store was hit by a pack of thieves who stuffed merchandise into trash bags and took off just days after an area Nordstrom was targeted similarly

According to officials with the Los Angeles Police Department, the robbery happened just after 5.30pm in the 4500 block of Whittier Blvd

The men appeared to be targeting the luxury Italian fashion brand Bottega Veneta, known for its signature woven leather handbags.

Investigators believe the group stole up to $100,000 in merchandise.

The criminals used bear spray to attack at least two security guard at the store. The extent of their injuries are unclear.

Bear spray, deployed from pressurized canisters, contains capsaicin and other ingredients that can inflame the eyes and upper respiratory system.

Mall goers were not evacuated and it is unclear if anyone was injured. There have been no arrests reported at this time. Police are searching for 30 to 50 suspects.

These types of robberies appear to be on the rise and becoming all too common, especially in the Los Angeles area.

In another recent incident later in the week, a Nike store in the was hit by a pack of thieves in the very same mall - with members of the group filmed stuffing merchandise into trash bags before taking off largely unhindered.

Video posted last week on the Citizen App showed the shocking robbery - which happened August 12 and involved two still-at-large women and one man who were seen grabbing shoe boxes before exiting the store.

Staffers and other customers at the crowded Nike Community Store on Whittier Blvd. in East Los Angeles seemed at a loss as to what to do - a general trend in the city of Angels as politicians continue to push policies that have failed to quell crime.

That, along with a historic homeless crisis that has also persisted since the pandemic, saw Bass - who assumed office in 2020 - met with boos at a meeting about housing earlier in the month, as seen in videos posted to social media.

A similar heist was carried out last week by a mob of thieves at an Yves Saint Laurent store at a mall in Glendale, with the loss also estimated at $300,000. Between 20 to 30 suspects were involved and all fled the scene in several vehicles, including a BMW, a Lexus and a Honda

Controversial Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon, at the Long Beach Pride 40th annual parade on Sunday (pictured) has been attacked for slashing criminals' jail time

Problematic policies, which include lenient jail time rules, were set into motion by LA County DA Gascon for the past three years. The rules, more often than not, allowed repeated offenders to be released back into society without facing severe or lengthy punishment for their crimes.

The lax laws caused a rift between LAPD Chief Michael Moore and Gascon, after Moore shifted blame of the city's high crime rate away from his department and toward the district attorney.

Gascon, while being criticized as being soft on crime, later backtracked on some of his most controversial policies, including not pursuing sentences of life in prison without parole, and not prosecuting juveniles accused of serious offenses as adults.

That sudden change of heart came came more than a year ago, when the 69-year-old faced a second recall effort organized by his critics, who at the time contended his policies were to blame for LA' rising crime rates.

In the span since, crime has continued to soar - and both Bass and Gascon have felt the wrath of the public as a result

Speaking to reporters Monday as the search for the culprits behind the Nordstrom raid continued, Gascon insisted the perpetrators will be held accountable.

'We've got a team of people that have been working in the Glendale case and other cases, and will continue to do so,' he said.

'We assigned our organized crime division to work on these cases about a year and a half ago.

'We view them as organized crime, and we will use every tool available under the law when there is an arrest made to make sure these individuals are held accountable. This is unacceptable behavior in a civilized society.'

A group of five is seen on video using sledgehammers to enter a luxury jeweler last year, obliterating the front window of the store before making off with multiple items, Such crimes have been commonplace since the pandemic, despite it being more than three years later

He added that there are people in the community who can identify the robbers, with some people even buying stolen merchandise from the heist, and they also need to be held accountable.

His department is not directly involved in the Glendale or Canoga Park cases, Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters the sheriff's department will coordinate with other law enforcement.

Gascon was elected into office along with Bass during the midst of the pandemic, and is up for reelection next year. Bass is as well.

He made made his name as DA in San Francisco where he co-authored notorious state senate bill Proposition 47 that slashed the number of crimes on the statute book.

The politician repeated the move while promising to abolish bail bonds on his first day in office in December 2020, pledging the release of hundreds of people from LA County jails.

He said his prosecutors would no longer seek the death penalty, calling it 'racist', and pledged to stop the prosecution of juveniles as adults.

He estimated some 20,000 state prison inmates would be considered for early release but his reforms have infuriated staff, leading to at least 140 unfilled roles and a backlog of 10,000 cases.

'The problem is, people started leaving because they became so fed up with his policies, so those of us who stayed are carrying two or three times the caseload,' one prosecutor told the NY Post.

But it is his determination to keep young people out of the criminal justice system that has put his re-election in jeopardy and helped prompt a recall petition by victims' rights advocates that attracted more than 715,000 signatures last year.
Kids were left stranded as videos emerged of buses returning home at 10 pm

A deficit of school bus drivers has caused nationwide chaos with some educators forced to apologize to parents after their kids reached home after 10pm.

HopSkipDrive, which offers school transportation services, released data that suggests driver shortages are on the rise with 92 percent of school leaders claiming operation issues as a result.

The issue has pushed school districts in states including Kentucky, Illinois and Florida to rethink their transportation plans which led to mass delays, cancelled classes and stranded kids.

Kentucky's largest school district, Jefferson County, attempted to alter bus routes and stagger start times to cope with the issue, leading to disastrous results.

A deficit of school bus drivers has caused nationwide chaos with some educators forced to apologize to parents after their kids reached home after 10pm

The overly-ambitious redesign of bus routes for Louisville's school district turned into a logistical meltdown on the first day of classes, forcing schools to close.

Parents were fuming and some state politicians pressed for changes in the sprawling urban district after some of the 96,000 students didn't get picked up for school in the morning or came home hours late - with some arriving after dark.

'They had all summer to get this figured out and they couldn't figure it out,' said Berkley Collins, a mother of two students in Jefferson County Public Schools.

Another appalled parent, Beau Kilpatrick, said one of his young daughters was covered in urine when she finally arrived home at 9:15 p.m. He called it a 'complete failure' by the district.

'They were hungry,' he said of his two elementary-age kids. 'They were thirsty. They couldn't use the bathroom. They were scared because they just wanted to get home.'

On a day that started with so much excitement for the start of a new school year, his children arrived home heartbroken, Kilpatrick said. He was heartbroken, too.

'I said it from the very beginning, I take responsibility for it myself,' district Superintendent Marty Pollio said at the time, repeating his earlier apology to families, bus drivers and school staff.

He said the district should have anticipated that the new plan didn't leave enough time for busses to get from stop to stop, especially on the first day of school when delays are bound to happen.

The overhaul was intended to solve a basic math problem for the district.

Last school year, it didn't have enough drivers to cover all the routes and as a result, thousands of kids missed considerable amounts of instructional time as some drivers made double and triple runs.

The redesigned plan shrunk the number of bus routes in response to that driver shortage.

District Superintendent Marty Pollio apologized for delays after children returned home late or were left stranded

Pollio said the district will have to stick with the new plan, which he admitted 'isn't perfect.'

'But it's going to be much more efficient, and our communication will be much better with families and schools,' he said.

'We want to make sure we get that right before we put the kids back on a school bus again.'

The district has 65,000 bus riders, according to its website.

In assessing fault for the opening day fiasco, the superintendent said he's 'not going to put it on the company,' referring to AlphaRoute, adding that it was more a problem with implementation.

Pollio also emphasized that he wasn't blaming bus drivers, and district officials have acknowledged the system faced a 'big learning curve' in carrying out the new plan.

Many other districts across the country are experiencing similar bus driver shortages.

Columbus City Schools in Ohio experienced its own upheaval in 2022 that led to mid-school year changes in its transportation plan, which it blamed on its own driver shortage as well as issues with a new software system.

After the first day fiasco, the district reported that the last student was dropped off by 7:43 the following week when classes resumed.

But reports from the route were scattered, including for two of Keeley Finn's children.

Finn said two of her three children rode the bus last Friday morning, and although the buses arrived about 10 minutes late, both children arrived at school long after it had started.

Her 11-year-old son arrived at school at 9:30 am, she said.

'School starts at 8 a.m. and is only about a 12 minute drive from our house,' Finn said.

Her 13-year-old daughter has a longer commute, including a bus transfer, but actually arrived earlier - 44 minutes after the start of school, Finn said.

She thinks the transportation problems could be alleviated by increasing bus driver pay.

'They have a really hard job. They really do,' she said.

'They put up with some very challenging behaviors. They deserve to be paid fairly for what they do.'

Berkley Collins, whose middle school daughter arrived home two hours late on the first day of school, said she arrived home 30 minutes early on Friday.

'She just came on in the house,' she said of her sixth grade daughter, Emma. 'I'm hoping she has the same experience on Monday.'

But problems persist for her younger daughter, Arai, who hasn't had a bus assigned to take her home from her elementary school. She missed school Friday.

Collins spent Friday morning calling school officials and said she was told her daughter may not have a daily bus ride available for her until early next month.

'It makes me feel like her education isn't important,' Collins said. She said she was told the school would forgive her daughter's absences.

HopSkipDrive, a ride service for kids, found that 92 percent of school leaders reported that bus driver shortages constrained their operations, up from 88 percent in last year's report and 78 percent in 2021.

'There's been a challenge recruiting new drivers for years and years, and we had a massive group of drivers leave the industry due to the pandemic,' Joanna McFarland, HopSkipDrive's CEO and co-founder, told Axios.

CEO and executive director of the National Association for Pupil Transportation, Molly McGee-Hewitt, said there was a shift among drivers who had driven part time previously.

'Because people were working split and limited shifts, many of them weren't eligible for benefits in their school district, or they were eligible for a limited amount of benefits, and so people needed more hours,' McGee-Hewitt told the outlet.

The average salary for a school bus driver is $42,000 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for May 2022.
A controversial refugee charity is today blasted by a watchdog over 'serious misconduct and mismanagement' involving its disgraced founder.

According to a Charity Commission report on Care4Calais, the organisation which delivers aid to migrant camps, had an 'unhealthy reliance' on Clare Moseley and there was 'inappropriate blurring of the lines' as she served as both chief executive and a trustee.

She 'dominated' Care4Calais and went 'unchallenged for some time', controlling its finances and even having 340,000 paid into her personal bank account in an attempt to save money on foreign exchange fees.

And when a complaint was made against her, it was investigated by her sister Sarah Wing  a fellow trustee.

This was 'in breach of the complaints policy' and the charity 'failed to identify or manage the conflict of interest and/or loyalty which arose', the commission said. Since at least early 2020, Care4Calais did not have the required three trustees but the exact date could not be established as proper records were not kept.

According to a Charity Commission report on Care4Calais, the organisation which delivers aid to migrant camps, had an 'unhealthy reliance' on Clare Moseley and there was 'inappropriate blurring of the lines' as she served as both chief executive and a trustee

She 'dominated' Care4Calais and went 'unchallenged for some time', controlling its finances and even having 340,000 paid into her personal bank account in an attempt to save money on foreign exchange fees

The 53-year-old, who first hit the headlines when she had a relationship with a Tunisian migrant, quit Care4Calais this year amid allegations she had used pepper spray on a refugee in self-defence and threatened to drag a female volunteer out of a room 'by the f****** hair'.

But today's findings reveal that she in fact stepped down in a row over who should hold the power when a new board was appointed to turn the charity around. Orlando Fraser KC, chairman of the Charity Commission, said: 'Our inquiry found that, over a significant period of time, and following a rapid expansion of its operations, Care4Calais was not managed well.

'Its funds were put at risk, and there was serious misconduct and/or mismanagement by the former trustees.'

But he added that the watchdog's intervention had led to 'significant improvements' with new leadership.

The report gave Care4Calais the green light to continue opposing the Government's flagship policy of deporting migrants to Rwanda. It found some 'deficiencies in relation to risk assessments and the reporting of incidents for its Calais based operations'.

But the charity insisted 'it does not support, encourage, or facilitate illegal border crossings'.

The commission has 'advised the charity to make this explicitly clear in all its policies and procedures and training materials for staff and volunteers'.

Care4Calais charity with donations ready to hand out to migrants in France

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: 'The Charity Commission finding serious misconduct at Care4Calais is concerning but not particularly surprising. 'As with certain immigration lawyers, it's clear that some charities and civil society groups are actively undermining efforts to curb illegal migration.

'They form part of an establishment committed to ever increasing migration, with no regard for the will of the British people.

'These groups are comprised of politically motivated activists masquerading as 'humanitarians'. It is a con. But the British public won't be fooled.'

Tory party deputy chairman Lee Anderson branded Care4Calais a 'shambles' and an 'embarrassing stain on the record of real charities'. New chief executive Steve Smith insisted their new board of trustees 'have taken the criticisms of previous governance shortcomings seriously, and are dedicated to learning from the past'.

Last night Ms Moseley said in a statement: 'I am proud to have worked many long hours as an unpaid volunteer to grow Care4Calais from a grassroots project to a charity that now has a 2million turnover and over 1million in assets. I always followed the advice of our lawyers, accountants and auditors in the running of Care4Calais.'
Russian officials have claimed Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was on an ill-fated plane which crashed in a field north of Moscow, killing all ten onboard, two months after his failed coup attempt against Putin's regime.

The Federal Air Transport Agency published a list of all those it believed were onboard the private jet, including Prigozhin, his deputy Dmitry Utkin and five others, believed to be close allies.

Prigozhin, known as Putin's chef and with longstanding links to the Kremlin dictator, has long been thought to be a prime target for Russian authorities after his uprising failed and he was exiled to Belarus.

Ten bodies have been retrieved from the wreckage, local emergency services have said, but MailOnline is unable to independently verify whether Prigozhin was one of them.

Reports of a second plane, also linked to Prigozhin, in the area at the time of the crash that later flew to Moscow has fuelled suggestions the warlord cheated death by travelling in a different plane or even that it may be his ruse to escape into exile.

Both state media and Telegram accounts affiliated to Wagner have reported Prigozhin's and Utkin's deaths.

While the fate of his bitter rival remained unknown, the Russian President enjoyed a WW2 memorial concert and handed out military honours in Kursk, Russia.

Washington confirmed on Wednesday evening that President Biden has been briefed, and the UK government confirmed it was 'monitoring the situation closely'.

The plane crash comes amid news that:

It was initially unknown if Wagner chief Prigozhin (pictured in a video reportedly filmed in Africa which was released on Monday) - known as the Wagner chief and with longstanding links to the Kremlin dictator - was on board

The plane, which had Prigozhin named as a passenger on its flight list, was later reported to be engulfed in fire, as images on social media claimed to show the wreckage

A man lights a candle at an informal memorial next to the former Wagner Centre in St Petersburg, which has been scattered with dozens of flowers

Witnesses to the crash heard a loud bang before they saw the jet 'fall from the sky' - locals on social media are sharing these images of the aftermath, although it is unconfirmed at this stage if this is the plane

The Russian Investigative Committee released a photo of the alleged crash site on Wednesday after the blaze had been extinguished

Wagner deputy and co-founder Dmitry Utkin is also claimed to have been killed in the crash

Prigozhin's public appearances in two months since his failed coup against Putin's regime JUNE 23 Prigozhin announces a 'march for justice' to stop the 'evil being spread by the country's military leadership'. In a series of audio recordings posted on the Telegram messaging service, he announces his 25,000 soldiers will march on Moscow, adding: 'Wagner's commanders have come to a decision. This is not a military coup. It is a march for justice.' JUNE 24 Prigozhin says his fighters have captured the army headquarters in Rostov-on-Don 'without firing a single shot' and claims to have the support of locals. But that evening, he suddenly announces a withdrawal, saying on Telegram: 'Now is the moment when blood could be spilled. We are turning our convoy around.' He then disappears from public view for nearly three days. JUNE 27 Prigozhin breaks his silence to deny his march was a coup, saying: 'We didn't have the goal of toppling the existing regime, which is lawfully elected, as we have said many times.' JULY 3 Prigozhin calls on the Russian public to stand up for Wagner paramilitaries as the group continues to recruit troops for the war in Ukraine. JULY 6 Selfies of Prigozhin in various wigs and disguises are published by Russia's security services to weaken his fearsome public image. JULY 14 A photo of Prigozhin sitting in his underpants on an unmade bed in a tent is leaked online. Data attached to the photo shows it was taken on June 12  11 days before he announced the armed rebellion. JULY 19 In a video filmed in a field, Prigozhin says: 'What's happening on the front is a disgrace that we don't need to take part in. So a decision has been taken that we will be here in Belarus for some time,' before 'heading off for Africa'. JULY 27 Prigozhin is photographed on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg, shaking hands with Freddy Mapouka, chief of protocol for the Central African Republic's president. Advertisement

Video footage purportedly shows the aircraft falling out of the sky in the Bologovsky district in the Tver region, 60 miles north of Moscow on Friday. A burning wreckage, which appears to be of a plane, was later seen in a field, with unconfirmed images showing it completely ablaze.

Prigozhin, 62, has been increasingly careful since he led a coup against Putin's regime exactly two months ago.

After its failure, he had been warned that his life was in danger. He was known to take huge care over his security and is rumoured to have not been onboard the fateful plane, despite state TV asserting otherwise.

Sources close to him said that while the aircraft belonged to him, he usually flew on another aircraft.

Another plane, also supposedly with links to Prigozhin, was detected 'zig-zagging' over Moscow in the aftermath of the crash, fuelling speculation that the Wagner boss may not have been onboard after all.

Tracking data available for the crashed plane appears to show it rise to around 29,000ft, before suddenly disappearing and dropping to 0ft.

A channel linked to Wagner said the plane had been shot down by air defences, but this has not yet been confirmed.

A Telegram channel thought to be linked to Prigozhin also said their leader had died, saying he had been 'killed as a result of actions by traitors of Russia'.

A post described him as a 'hero of Russia, a true patriot of his Motherland'.

Wagner deputy and co-founder Dmitry Utkin, widely reported to be a neo-Nazi, is also claimed to have been killed in the crash.

One of the other passengers said to have died, Valeriy Chekalov, has previously been sanctioned by the US due to his links to the Wagner group.

A Wagner address last night stated: 'We directly say that we suspect the Kremline officials led by Putin of an attempt to kill him!', the Sun reported.

'If the information about Prigozhin's death is confirmed, we will organise a second March of Justice on Moscow!'

Russian State TV Rossiya24 was the first to announce warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin's death, stating: 'A private jet flying from Moscow to St Petersburg crashed.

'Ten people were killed. Yevgeny Prigozhin was among the passengers.'

Ultranationalist pro-war TV channel Tsargrad said the bodies of Yevgeny Prigozhin and fellow military warlord Dmitry Utkin had been identified at the crash site. A genetic analysis was still to be carried out, and authorities have started an investigation, state media reports.

However, Keir Giles, a Russia expert with international affairs think-tank Chatham House, urged caution about reports of Prigozhin's death.

He said 'multiple individuals have changed their name to Yevgeniy Prigozhin, as part of his efforts to obfuscate his travels'.

'Let's not be surprised if he pops up shortly in a new video from Africa,' Mr Giles said.

Witnesses to the crash heard a loud bang before they saw the jet 'fall from the sky'.

Images shared on social media purport to show the burning wreckage of the plane in a field in the Tver region, and Russian media says eight bodies have so far been recovered.

Plumes of black smoke can be seen bellowing into the sky, with the wreck completely engulfed in flames.

The numbers 795 can just about be made out on the edge of the scrap pile, which matches the plane linked to the ex-military leader.

Russian police officers have since sealed roads approaching the crash site as a criminal investigation gets underway.

US national security spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the possible death of Prigozhin would not be a surprise given his history with Putin.

'We have seen the reports' of the crash and if confirmed, 'no-one should be surprised,' she said.

President Joe Biden told reporters: 'I don't know for a fact what happened, but I'm not surprised.'

A Telegram channel with links to Wagner announced Prigozhin's death on Friday evening

Police officers block a road near the site of crash of a private jet linked to Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in the Tver region on Friday night

A Russian law enforcement officer stands guard near the site of a plane crash near the village of Kuzhenkino

Road blocks were set up close to the scene, and armed officers were seen guarding the site

News agency Readovka - linked to Prigozhin - said it was 'premature' to say he had died in the incident

Images shared online purported to show the jet, believed to be carrying the Russian chief, falling to the ground as it crashed in the Tver region in Russia

It was claimed a video showed the plane flying in the Tver region before crashing towards the ground (right)

Plumes of smoke from the blaze, said to be of the plane, could be seen for miles around, video on social media shows

Firefighters rush to the scene of the blaze, believed to be Prigozhin's plane

Ten bodies have been recovered from the wreckage, said to be pictured above, Russian officials have said

A report from Rosaviatsiya - the Russian aviation agency - said Prigozhin was among the passengers

Prigozhin has had long-established links to the Kremlin and until recently led the Wagner mercenary unit

Former Russian presidential candidate Ksenia Sobchak said: 'My sources report that an Embraer plane belonging to Yevgeny Prigozhin has now crashed in the Tver region.

'This happened 15 kilometres from Khotilovo. According to our information, there were three crew members and seven passengers.

'Whether Prigozhin himself was on board is unknown.'

Sobchak is known as Putin's 'goddaughter' due to his loyalty to the regime.

But news agency Readovka - linked to Prigozhin - said it was 'premature' to say he had died. He regularly 'confused everyone' by changing his travel plans at the last minute, the agency said.

A source claimed: 'The infrastructure [of the plane] was not damaged, the tail fell off in one settlement, everything else in another.

'The wing also fell off, we don't know yet what and where. Three people, the pilots, are torn to pieces, to pieces.

'The rest are in the tail section. Four bodies were picked open, and then it is still not clear. The plane burned out completely.

'Only the front part, windows and a piece of hardware remained, and a piece of the engine is lying on one wing. Everything else burned out.'

Russian officials said of the ten bodies found, one of them had its head separated from its shoulders.

A video shared widely on social media claimed to show the aircraft ablaze

One local woman said she saw parts of the plane fall off as it plunged from the sky.

Who do flight records show was onboard doomed plane? Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner Group

Dmitry Utkin, its co-founder

Sergey Propustin

Yevgeny Makaryan

Alexander Totmin

Valeriy Chekalov

Nikolay Matuseev Plus crew members: Aleksei Levshin, commander

Rustam Karimov, co-pilot

Kristina Raspopova, flight attendant Advertisement

A second plane belonging to Prigozhin, the same aircraft said to be flying zigzags close to Moscow, was later reported to have landed in the capital.

Prigozhin had been warned not to go into high buildings for fear of accidents after leading a coup aimed at ousting especially defence minister Sergei Shoigu and army chief Gen Valery Gerasimov.

He is known to have used body doubles as part of his elaborate security measures.

Commenting on the crash, military analyst Sean Bell told Sky News: 'After that abortive coup, I don't think any of us expected Prigozhin's life expectancy to be more than I think we predicted three months. It looks like it's two months.'

He later said the incident could even be a stunt by Prigozhin himself in order to allow him to disappear into a peaceful exile.

At the time of the crash, a smirking Putin - who rarely travels to the Russian regions - was in Kursk, close to Ukraine, marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Kursk in WW2.

At the event, Putin gave awards to the military, including the top honour - Hero of Russia.

Prigozhin, whose private military force Wagner fought alongside Russia's regular army in Ukraine, mounted a short-lived armed mutiny against Russia's military leadership in late June.

Wagner chief Prigozhin (pictured in March this year) became one of the most feared men in Russia during his military career

A local woman said she saw parts of the plane, said to be pictured above, fall off as it plunged from the sky

The jet linked to the Wagner chief has previously flown members of his team around Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Kursk

Russian President Putin was tonight pictured at a concert in Kursk

The grand event in Kursk saw Putin hand out military offers, as his biggest rival's fate remained unknown

His paramilitary unit had been associated with some of the worst atrocities of the conflict in Ukraine, but Prigozhin's relationship with the Kremlin broke down over high mortality rates, lack of equipment and lack of wages.

The Russian warlord had previously threatened to withdraw troops from frontline positions if he was not given the supplies he demanded from Putin.

The Wagner Group saw some of the worst fighting in the months leading up to June, with numbers so depleted that Prigozhin recruited thousands of dangerous convicted criminals straight out of prison to join his forces.

In late June, Prigozhin launched an unprecedented verbal attack on President Putin and his allies before marching 25,000 troops towards Moscow.

Having taken the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, the army marched north for several hours, forcing the capital into lockdown, before an agreement between him and the government was reached.

The mutiny was ended by negotiations and an apparent Kremlin deal which saw Prigozhin agree to relocate to neighbouring Belarus. But he had appeared to move freely inside Russia after the deal nonetheless.

Shortly after that, Wagner fighters set up camp in Belarus, but Prigozhin's plane, according to media reports, was flying back and forth between Belarus and Russia.

This week Prigozhin posted his first recruitment video since the mutiny, saying that Wagner is conducting reconnaissance and search activities, and 'making Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa even more free'.

Prigozhin, who had sought to topple Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov, chief of the general staff, had posted the video address just this Monday - but the date of the shoot is unknown.
The horses were scared and galloped violently while guests laughed in the background before one of the animals fell to the ground

Video footage of the event shows two canisters lit over the saddle of each horse before a cloud of pink smoke shot out

Brazilian authorities are seeking to interview a couple that used horses as props for a gender reveal

Parents tend to find creative ways to reveal the gender of the children they're expecting to welcome to the world.

A couple in the southwestern Brazilian city of Santa Helena de Goais has gotten itself into hot water with the law after they used two horses for a prop a week ago.

Video filmed by one of the guests showed two men holding each of the horses by their saddles moments before the event went awry in a home's backyard.

A cannon containing the special gender reveal powder had already been lit with a flare and one of the men was lighting the cannon on top of his horse's saddle.

Brazilian police have opened an investigation following the filming of two horses that were used as props during a gender reveal party in the southwestern Brazilian city of Santa Helena de Goais

A man attempts to regain control of a horse that galloped violently after a gender reveal canister prop was lit with a flare at a home in Brazil

A cloud of pink smoke subsequently shot out of both canisters, revealing the parents were going to have a girl and sending the horses into a frenzy.

The horses could be seen jumping violently as the powder hovered in the air while a man laughed and tossed confetti into the air.

One of the frightened horses crashed to the ground before both animals were brought under control as the filming was cut short.

Santa Helena de Goais Civil Police opened an investigation although the names of the couple have not been released.

A horse is covered by pink smoke during a gender reveal party in Brazil last week

Goais state deputy Eduardo Prado, who also oversees state assembly's animal rights commission, released a statement indicating that the horses 'were placed in a situation of embarrassment and extreme stress.'

'Idiocy knows no bounds,' he said on his social media networks. 'Cases of mistreatment happen in different ways and in this video we can see how creative Brazilians are, but not necessarily for good, right?'

He also casted shame on people who took to social media to make light of the situation and mocked the horses.

'The animals are clearly uncomfortable, afraid and reacting to protect themselves. And there are those who think they are the wrong ones in this story. Prado said.

'We will not allow this to go unnoticed. We disapproved of this practices and wants exemplary punishments for those who mistreat animals. Idiots like these need to serve as an example to show that you can't do what you want with animals.'
Millions of people could soon benefit from 600 worth of energy bill support if eligible to apply.

People who receive a Winter Fuel Payment, or will be eligible to as of this year, will automatically receive an additional amount of between 150 and 300 as part of a 'Pensioner Cost of Living Payment'.

Those eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment often receive between 100 and 300, however will now be paid an extra sum on top of that.

Some households will need to apply for the payment, with postal applications opening on September 18 and those by telephone on October 4, according to The Sun.

So ahead of the vital support, here is everything you need to know about the cost of living payment.

Millions of people could soon benefit from 600 worth of energy bill support if eligible to apply (file photo)

Who is eligible?

This payment is separate from other benefits and uplifts, such as the 900 cost of living payment for those on Universal Credit.

To qualify for the payment, you must have been born on or before September 25, 1957.

You also must be due to live in the UK for one day between September 18 and 24 this year. This is referred to as the qualifying week.

However, if you will not be living in the country that week you may still be eligible if you both live in either Switzerland or a European Economic Area (EEA) country and you have a 'genuine and sufficient' link to the UK.

Examples of a genuine link can include having family members in the country or having lived or worked there.

You will not qualify for the payment if you have been in hospital for more than a year receiving free treatment.

If you live in Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Portugal or Spain you will not be eligible for the payment due to average temperatures at that time of year being higher than the warmest part of the UK.

Do I need to apply?

If you are eligible for support, it will often happen automatically.

However, if you have never received a Winter Fuel Payment, you will need to apply if you don't receive benefits or a State Pension, or you live in Switzerland or an EEA country.

People who receive a Winter Fuel Payment, or will be eligible to as of this year, will automatically receive an additional amount of between 150 and 300 as part of a 'Pensioner Cost of Living Payment'

You will also need to apply if you only receive one of the following benefits: Adult Disability Payment from the Scottish Government, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit.

If you have already received a Winter Fuel Payment before, you will only need to apply if you have either referred your State Pension or moved to Switzerland or an EEA country.

When will I be paid and how much?

The 'Pensioner Cost of Living Payment' will be paid along-with the Winter Fuel Payment on November 1.

You should be paid in November or December but if you have not received the payment by January 26, 2024, you should call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.

The Winter Fuel Payment amount varies depending on age, who you live with or if you claim any of the following benefits: Pension Credit, income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Income Support.

Including the 'Pensioner Cost of Living Payment', the amounts paid will be as follows:
A new school principal has outraged parents at a Florida elementary after she attempted to improve grades by ordering only her black students into a special assembly where they were warned they risk jail.

The fourth and fifth-grade students at Bunnell Elementary School were pulled together, irrespective of their test scores, and told that black students were underperforming.

It became racial for me when they included and boxed all of the black children together no matter if they were below average, average or above average, the mother of one high-performing student said.

Parents said their children were warned those with lower grades have a higher chance of going to jail, getting shot or getting killed.

But they were offered the chance to win 'a meal from McDonalds' if they improved their scores.

Bunnell Elementary School principal has only been in the job since July

School district interim superintendent LaShakia Moore made it clear that the principal needed to improve her performance

The Florida elementary school has 227 black children among its 1,168 students

Now when my daughter has to go take a test, thats in the back of her mind, parent Jacinda Arrington told WOFL.

They segregated our kids in 2023, they segregated our nine-year-olds.

The school in Flagler county has 227 black and 696 whites among its 1,168 students and was allocated an overall C grade by the Florida Department of Education last year.

Principal Donelle Evensen only stepped into the role at the end of July but she has already been hauled into the office of school district interim superintendent LaShakia Moore.

Ive had the opportunity to sit down with Bunnell Elementary Principal Donelle Evensen following an assembly of 4th and 5th-grade students, Ms Moore wrote in a statement.

We have been able to talk about what led to this assembly and steps that were or were not taken before or after it.

In speaking with Mrs. Evensen, it is clear there was no malice intended in planning this student outreach.

'However, sometimes, when you try to think outside the box, you forget why the box is there.

The state has been at the center of an education debate since Governor Ron DeSantis pushed through his Stop Woke Act to limit discussion of race, and approved a curriculum claiming that slavery equipped slaves with skills they found useful.

County School Board Chair Cheryl Massaro said the latest row had nothing to do with the Republican presidential contender, but was the schools mistake.

All the black students were told 'the problem' is that they are underperforming

Parents Jacinda Arrington (left) and Alexis Smith (right) were among those appalled by the racially divisive assembly

It wasnt a great idea, she told the Washington Post.

Its sad that it was segregated by race because thats not fair, but thats what happened.

Parents said their children remained upset after attending Fridays assembly.

So Im going to die, Im going to get shot, Im going to go to jail if I dont do right, so now hes panicking, said Alexis Smith.

Theyre still innocent, they still play with action figures, so now we have to overparent because of something that happened at their safe space at their school?
Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin is feared dead tonight following reports that a plane carrying him and nine other people crashed and burst into flames in Russia.

Shocking video footage has shown the aircraft falling from the sky in the Bologovsky district in the Tver region, with unconfirmed images showing what appears to be a plane covered in a blaze.

The reported death comes just two months after Prigozhin's failed coup attempt against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The stand off had been ongoing for months, with Prigozhin claiming he would take all steps necessary to topple the country's military leadership adding his forces had 'crossed state borders' and were ready to 'destroy anything that gets in the way'.

While Prigozhin has more recently been seen as Putin's number one enemy, not so long ago he was considered a close ally of the Kremlin.

The 62-year-old had made his huge fortune by providing catering services for the Kremlin, earning him the nickname 'Putin's chef'.

Yevgeny Prigozhin was once considered a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and was known by the nickname 'Putin's chef'. Pictured: Prigozhin serving food to Putin in 2011

Tonight the Wagner chief is feared dead after a business plane, believed to be carrying him, crashed in the Tver region of Russia

Russian social media, linked to the state, leak pictures of Yevgeny Prigozhin, wearing wigs in different foreign locations

Born in Leningrad, now Saint Petersburg, in the Soviet Union in 1961, Prigozhin spent some of his early life in prison after being convicted of robbery and fraud.

He spent nine years in detainment before being released from prison in 1990. From there he started to sell hotdogs at flea markets in his home city.

The warlord previously told the New York Times in 2018: 'The rubles were piling up faster than his mother could count them'.

As the Soviet Union fell, it gave way for Prigozhin to set up several businesses, including a grocery and gambling business.

He later became a restaurateur and following the success of several outlets, he started to earn lucrative Kremlin catering contracts with Russia's elite.

It was a move that thrust him to the forefront of Russian politics and his growing political ambitions began became more obvious.

After starting to cater for the Kremlin, he developed a close relationship with Putin. He is understood to have been handed over hundreds of millions in government contracts to feed school children and government workers.

These contracts, some of them later involved in the military, are believed to have led him to start the Wager mercenary group, although information on its exact origins is sparse.

Prigozhin had long-refuted any association with Wagner, and had threatened to sue journalists who reported on his involvement with the group.

The group gained a reputation for doing the Russian military's dirty work, leaving a trail of brutal violence, rapes and war crimes in its wake. For years after it was first established, the Russian government refused to even acknowledge the existence of the group.

Russian social media, linked to the state, leak pictures of Yevgeny Prigozhin, wearing wigs in different foreign locations

Images shared online purported to show the jet, believed to be carrying the Russian chief, falling to the ground as it crashed in the Tver region in Russia

Witnesses to the crash heard a loud bang before they saw the jet 'fall from the sky' - locals on social media are sharing these images of the aftermath, although it is unconfirmed at this stage if this is the plane

Wagner's first deployment was to the frontlines in eastern Ukraine in 2014 - where they assisted Russian-backed separatist groups fighting the country's new government following a 2013 revolution that toppled the Kremlin-friendly president.

Since then they went to Libya - fighting for warlord Khalifa Haftar against the Western-backed Government of National Accord - and Syria, alongside the forces of dictator Bashar al-Assad.

They were also deployed to the Central African Republic where they were accused of rape, robbery and torture against unarmed civilians, and are currently deployed to Mali where they have been accused of massacring civilians.

Up until June, Prigozhin's rants against the military leadership were met with silence from Putin and the military. Some saw that failure to squelch the infighting as a sign of potential shifts in Russia's political scene that sets the stage for more internal battles.

A video that Prigozhin released in May appeared to ignite some of the rifts between the military and militia - not just for what it showed but also for what the Wagner boss said.

It was initially unknown if Wagner chief Prigozhin (pictured in a video reportedly filmed in Africa which was released on Monday) - known as the Wagner chief and with longstanding links to the Kremlin dictator - was on board

It was claimed a video showed the plane flying in the Tver region before crashing towards the ground (right)

He stood in front of the bloodied bodies of his slain troops near Bakhmut, in eastern Ukraine, yelling expletive-riddled insults at Shoigu and the chief of the General Staff General Valery Gerasimov. He called them weak and incompetent and blamed them for the carnage.

'They came here as volunteers and they died to let you lounge in your mahogany offices,' Prigozhin declared. 'You are sitting in your expensive clubs, your children are enjoying good living and filming videos on YouTube. Those who don't give us ammunition will be eaten alive in hell!'

Prigozhin continued to launch unpresidented verbal attacks against the Russian president before the conflict came to a head on June 23, him marc 25,000 troops towards Moscow.

Having taken the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, the army marched north for several hours, forcing the capital into lockdown, before an agreement between him and the government was reached.

The mutiny was ended by negotiations and an apparent Kremlin deal which saw Prigozhin agree to relocate to neighbouring Belarus. But he had appeared to move freely inside Russia after the deal nonetheless.

Prigozhin, who had sought to topple Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov, chief of the general staff, had posted a video address just this Monday which he suggested was shot in Africa - but the date of the shoot is unknown.
The husband of a Queens middle school teacher has defended her after she was charged with raping a 14-year-old student.

William Rockensies claims that his wife Melissa, 32, is 'innocent' of the allegations made against her following her arrest on Tuesday.

The mother-of-three was a dean and teacher at Corona Arts and Sciences Academy, where she is accused of engaging the male student in 'sexually related' conversations online from July 2022.

Rockensies has pleaded not guilty to rape in the second and third degree, criminal sexual act in the second degree and endangering the welfare of a child.

Speaking to the New York Post her husband said: 'My wife is innocent. She's the mother of three kids. She loves them very much.

William Rockensies (left) claims that his wife Melissa, 32, is 'innocent' of the allegations made against her following her arrest on Tuesday

William and Melissa Rockensies are spotted in a car on Wednesday in Massapequa, New York

She has since been reassigned from her role at Corona Arts and Sciences Academy while the investigation is ongoing (pictured second left)

'She's been a big part of the community at her school. We all support her. We're saying she's innocent. I won't elaborate any further why.'

She was spotted returning to her home in Massapequa on Wednesday following her arraignment hearing in Queens Criminal Court on Tuesday.

Judge Anthony Battisti ordered the defendant to return to court on November 24, with the teacher facing up to seven years in prison if convicted. She was released without bail.

The teacher was one of the victims summer school teachers and counsellors, and started meeting the teen in her car from September 2022.

Prosecutors say that the two met 'on a regular basis' and she 'engaged him in sexual activity' while in the vehicle  which was parked near the school.

Lawyers for Rockensies did not immediately respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com.

A probe into their relationship by police discovered that Rockensies discussed the abuse on Instagram.

District Attorney Melinda Katz said: 'These disturbing allegations represent an abuse of authority and a betrayal of the trust students and parents place in their schools.

The mother-of-three was charged with rape, criminal sexual act and acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 years old

The teacher bragged that she was returning to the classroom after taking some time off after having twins

Speaking to the New York Post her husband said: 'My wife is innocent. She's the mother of three kids. She loves them very much'

Authorities have not confirmed if the alleged rape took place on or off campus, with the teacher posting an emotional farewell to her CLass of 2023

She showed support for her father-in-law Bill Rockensies who ran for the board of Commissioners of Sanitary District 6 in Hempstead

A probe into their relationship by police discovered that Rockensies discussed the abuse on Instagram

'On behalf of the victim and his family, and the overwhelming majority of teachers committed to the education and well-being of our children, we will seek to achieve justice in this case.'

An NYPD spokesman confirmed that the off-duty City worker was arrested at 10.25am on Tuesday and taken for processing at the 112th Precinct.

Rockensies was previously the dean of Leadership and Student Support at the middle school, and attended several of the education facilities events with parents and students.

Social media posts worryingly show her posting about helping children understand 'consent', from October last year.

It advised that children should not keep secrets from their family, as well as respecting their answer when they say 'no'.

Authorities have not confirmed if the alleged rape took place on or off campus, with married Rockensies posting about how emotional she was to lose her Class of 2023  referring to herself as a 'proud school mom'.

The teacher reportedly earned around $85,000 last year, with a Department of Education spokeswoman confirming that Rockensies is no longer working at the school.

Another post saw her dancing with pupils at their prom, on a 360 photo booth as well as other teachers

The teacher reportedly earned around $85,000 last year, with a Department of Education spokeswoman confirming that Rockensies is no longer working at the school

Her social media also had a series of 'team breakup' inspirational posts  which talk about relationship 'green flags' for students

She shared several posts about her profession online, including one asking pupils to be 'considerate' to their teachers

In a statement, they said: 'This alleged behavior is extremely concerning and wholly unacceptable.

'This employee has been reassigned away from the school and students pending the outcome of the arrest and if convicted, we will pursue termination.

'Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our students.'

Woke Rockensies regularly posted about teacher's rights, as well as bragging that she was one year sober in February of 2021.

Rockensies, who married her husband in 2015, penned a letter to her graduating class on June 27, telling them she would 'miss them all'.

She said: 'To my Class of 2023. Yall saved me in ways you don't even understand, and I will be grateful to you forever.

'My smile is cheeeeeesin, but it is genuine love and happiness for all of you.

'I will miss you all - your antics, your drama, your silliness, your intelligence...

'You were a colorful class and I wouldn't trade you for the world.

'On to high school, where I know you'll continue to make me one proud school mom. Love, Rock.'

Woke Rockensies regularly posted about teachers rights, as well as bragging that she was one year sober in February of 2021

Rockensies, who married her husband in 2015, penned a letter to her graduating class on June 27, telling them she would 'miss them all'

The accused rapist also shared social media posts around consent and teaching boundaries to young boys

The teacher wore a 'Class of 23' top and said that there were 'so many students' who 'filled her heart with chaotic joy'  adding, 'I have shared hugs and tears and celebration and mourning'.

Another post saw her dancing with pupils at their prom, on a 360 photo booth as well as other teachers.

Rockensies' social media also had a series of 'team breakup' inspirational posts  which talk about relationship 'green flags' for students.

She also showed support for her father-in-law Bill Rockensies who ran for the board of Commissioners of Sanitary District 6 in Hempstead.

The engineer was also recently appointed to the board of the Nassau County Industrial Agency.

Rockensies also supported another relative, Kurt Rockensies, who successfully ran to be part of the West Hampstead Board of Education trustees in 2021.

He is currently the Vice President of the West Hempstead Union Free School District until 2024.
Charles and Camilla praying for all the people who have been impacted

King Charles and Queen Camilla are 'desperately concerned' about the 'disastrous situation' in Canada where wildfires have raged during its worst season on record.

The devastating fires have caused more than 20,000 people to be evacuated from Yellowknife - the capital of the Northwest Territories

There have been 5,738 fires so far this year with some 1,054 reported to be active last week, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center.

It is Canada's worst wildfire season on record and in which four fighters have died tackling the flames.

Charles said he and his wife, Camilla, were 'desperately concerned' by the 'disastrous situation' after states of emergency were declared in the Northwest Territories and British Columbia.

Charles said he and his wife, Camilla, were 'desperately concerned' by the 'disastrous situation' after states of emergency were declared in the Northwest Territories and British Columbia

The McDougall Creek wildfire burns in the hills in West Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, on August 17, as seen from Kelowna

Charles, who visited Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories with Camilla last year, said he could 'only begin to imagine the heartbreak in those communities as they face this disastrous situation'.

He continued: 'We know that this summer has been an incredibly difficult one for Canadians everywhere.

'Severe flooding, devastating fires and deteriorating air quality due to smoke have impacted the country from coast to coast to coast.'

Canada's record number of wildfires this year have also caused choking smoke in parts of the US.

The fires have burned more than 53,000 square miles from one end of Canada to the other, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

Last month intense thunderstorms dumped record amounts of rain across a wide swathe of Canada's Atlantic coast, causing flash-flooding, road washouts and power cuts.

Charles continued: 'My wife and I send our deepest condolences to all those who have lost loved ones and we continue to pray for all those who have been displaced, who have lost their homes, businesses or property in such dire circumstances.

'Our admiration is unbounded for the tireless work of local officials, volunteers and first responders in assisting and protecting their neighbours and communities in the face of such danger and uncertainty.

There have been 5,738 fires so far this year with some 1,054 reported to be active last week, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center

Flames reach upwards along the edge of a wildfire as seen from a Canadian Forces helicopter surveying the area near Mistissini, Quebec, Canada, on June 12

Smoke billows upwards from a planned ignition by firefighters tackling the Donnie Creek Complex wildfire south of Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada, on June 3, 2023. Canada planned only 23 prescribed fires this year - the US had more than 150,000 in 2019

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke at a diplomacy event in Ottawa. He has shrugged off blame for the wildfires, blaming them entirely on climate change, while calling in help from the US

'The beauty of Canada is not limited to its landscapes; its true beauty lies in the strength and resilience of Canadians and the care and concern they show to one another in the face of adversity.'

Meanwhile, there were terrifying scenes in Kelowna, British Columbia, after another fire jumped Lake Okanagan and consumed several properties.

Help has come from neighbours America with US President Joe Biden sending 600 firefighters to battle the fires that have been raging for six weeks north of the border.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is shrugging off the blame for the ferocious wildfires wreaking havoc on the northeast, attributing them entirely to climate change and ignoring any suggestion that poor forest management may have played a role.

'Were seeing more and more of these fires because of climate change.

'These fires are affecting everyday routines, lives and livelihoods, and our air quality.

'Well keep working  here at home and with partners around the world  to tackle climate change and address its impacts,' he said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Sadiq Khan was today under pressure to explain why he is expanding London's ultra-low emission zone as it emerged he once admitted it was not the best way to improve air quality.

In written correspondence from July 2021, unearthed by the Daily Mail, the London mayor said he had 'no plans' to extend the Ulez to cover Greater London.

He added that air quality on these roads 'will be more effectively addressed through targeted, local measures'.

MPs last night said the disclosure was proof the expansion, which comes into force next week, is nothing more than a cynical 'cash grab'.

It also emerged that emissions-based schemes in cities across England have netted more than 400million for town hall bosses since 2021, with London's Ulez accounting for more than 300million of this.

In written correspondence from July 2021, unearthed by the Daily Mail, Sadiq Khan said he had 'no plans' to extend the Ulez to cover Greater London (File image)

It came as ministers faced calls to pass laws so they can quash hated traffic schemes such as Ulez.

No 10 has been told not to block the Ulez expansion by government lawyers who warned the move would be rejected by the courts if challenged.

Cabinet ministers had been mulling a challenge based on a little-known legal power allowing them to reject a London mayor's transport strategy if it is 'inconsistent with national policies'.

But they were told that any such move would likely fail if challenged in court as the Ulez scheme is apparently not 'inconsistent' with their own air pollution improvement aims.

Read More: Sadiq Khan ramps up 9m Ulez propaganda blitz: Fury at TfL's slick, promos of its hugely unpopular expansion on social media, radio and TV to get Londoners on side before it is rolled out next week An advert posted on Facebook by Transport for London promoting the Ulez expansion Advertisement

An emissions scheme initially known as the Low Emission Zone (Lez) was first launched in London in 2008.

But the zone only covered Greater London.

In April 2019 the Ulez scheme was introduced in Central London, which tightened restrictions further to cover older vehicles.

And in October 2021 it was expanded to cover all of inner London up to the capital's North and South Circular roads.

At the time there were fears Mr Khan was plotting to expand the scheme to cover the whole of outer London and in a written question in July 2021 he was asked: 'Do you have any plans to extend the Ulez to the outer London boundary, and if so, when would this be likely to happen?'

Mr Khan replied: 'I have no plans to extend the Ulez to outer London... Combined with the Ulez expansion in October, up to but not including the North and South Circular, this will ensure that 92 per cent of roads London-wide will comply with legal limits for NO2 [nitrogen dioxide] by the end of 2021.

'Air quality on the remaining roads will be more effectively addressed through targeted, local measures.

'I believe that this strikes the right balance to deliver the biggest air quality improvements as quickly as possible.'

But despite this, Mr Khan is pressing ahead with widening the Ulez to cover all of outer London next Tuesday.

It means hundreds of thousands more cars will pay a 12.50 daily charge if they drive older polluting vehicles which don't meet the tough emissions standards.

It will also clobber motorists in the home counties close to the outer London border who need to cross it for work and leisure purposes.

Steve Tuckwell, the Tory MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, whose west London seat will be affected by the levy rollout, said: 'We've known all along that Ulez expansion was all about the money for Mayor Khan.

'He needs to come clean and admit his Ulez expansion is nothing more than a cash grab.'

Fellow Tory Louie French, whose Old Bexley and Sidcup constituency will also be impacted by the expansion, said: 'Most Londoners can see very clearly that drivers in Greater London are being used as a cash cow to fill the black hole in TfL's finances caused by seven years of Sadiq Khan.

'Sadiq Khan's own independent impact report highlighted that Ulez expansion to the suburbs would only have a negligible impact on improving air quality.'

Steve Tuckwell, the Tory MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, whose west London seat will be affected by the levy rollout, said: 'We've known all along that Ulez expansion was all about the money for Mayor Khan (File image)

Ministers are unable to block the expansion because of powers devolved to Mr Khan in legislation introduced under Sir Tony Blair's Labour government.

But they are facing calls to re-write this legislation so schemes like Ulez can be blocked by ministers in future and even retrospectively.

Theresa Villiers, the Tory MP for Chipping Barnet and a former environment secretary, said: 'The only guaranteed way to reverse Ulez expansion is to elect a Conservative mayor next May [in the mayoral election].

'But that's next May and we face several months of this scheme operating.

'The other way is to legislate to give ministers the power to stop it.

'Ministers could introduce their own primary legislation and I would certainly urge them to do so as soon as possible. This is something I've raised with them and so far they've declined to do so.'

Prominent road laws lawyer Nick Freeman, also known as Mr Loophole, said he agreed with the government lawyers' assessment.

But he added: 'Ministers need to stop talking the talk and start walking the walk and bring in new laws so they can rein in Mr Khan.

'It's that simple. Then we'll see if they really do intend to do anything about it.'

A spokesman for Mr Khan said: 'The Mayor has been clear that the decision to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone London-wide was not an easy one, but necessary to tackle toxic air pollution.

'Evidence is consistently published highlighting further terrible impacts of exposure to air pollution.

'The Mayor recognises we always need to evolve and adapt our policies to make sure we address the current challenges.'
Along with the flooded desert area, a plague of tarantulas has descended upon Black Rock City as the arachnids are in mating season

Tens of thousands are expected to flood Black Rock City for the festival

Just days before Burning Man kicks off in Nevada, the park's gates will reopen to the public after heavy flooding from Tropical Storm Hilary

Burning Man's site in the Nevada desert reopened to visitors on Wednesday after flooding from Tropical Storm Hilary and amid a tarantula plague in the region.

On Tuesday, representatives for the event shared that the gates would finally open after guests were turned away due to the weather-related damage.

Some 80,000 people are expected to descend upon the Black Rock Desert to create the temporary Black Rock City (BRC) for the week-long festival.

The annual event is being held this year from August 27 to September 4.

As if the flooding from the hurricane and the hurricane itself were not enough, the area is currently caught in the middle of tarantula season.

Burning Man's site in the Nevada desert reopened to visitors on Wednesday after flooding from Tropical Storm Hilary and amid a tarantula plague in the region

Some 80,000 people are expected to descend upon the Black Rock Desert to create the temporary Black Rock City (BRC) for the week-long festival

On Tuesday, representatives for the event shared that the gates would finally open after guests were turned away due to the weather-related damage

In a tweet sent out Tuesday evening, festival organizers shared the site would finally reopen to the public on Wednesday after two days closed.

'Weather permitting, we're preparing to open the Gate tomorrow (Wednesday 8/23),' Burning Man Traffic wrote in a tweet.

'8/21, 8/22, and 8/32 Work Access Pass holders will be assigned entry windows. More info will arrive via email to WAP holders at 9am PT tomorrow,' the tweet stated.

A TikTok posted early Wednesday morning by someone in the area showed the landscape mostly recovered following the storm.

The texture of the ground appeared to be almost fully back to its desert nature after going through a period of low flooding and muddy areas.

In one shocking photo from after the storm, an eventgoer in the desert was seen navigating the landscape in a kayak.

The closing of the gates stunted the flow of traffic into the temporary city as event-goers often arrive at the site early to set up camp.

Attendees were told to not even attempt to drive into the area due to the flooding.

'DO NOT drive to Gerlach, you will be turned around  there are no rooms available.'

A man kayaks around the Burning Man site in Nevada on Monday

Tens of thousands of people are expected to show up to the festival in the coming days for the open-air, anti-capitalist art fair.

The hurricane and subsequent flooding were just the latest round of issues facing the festival which attracts people from around the world.

Black Rock Desert's tarantula mating season is underway and will continue through October, scientists say.

TikTok users lamented the arrival of the animals on top of the weather damage in videos posted on the social media app over the weekend.

Even earlier than that, however, the festival was facing angry customers after 2022's festivals was marred by tech layoffs and bad weather.

Because of that, the typically hard to get festival tickets have been posted online for a fraction of the normal cost.

Passes normally cost $575, on top of the $150 parking pass.

As of mid-August, resellers were offering tickets as cheap as $139, with parking passes marked down to $105.

According to SFGate, its not unusual to see a flurry of tickets appear on resale channels in the days leading up to Burning Man -- but the steep discounts on offer this year appear unusual.

Last year a dust storm hit the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, where Burning Man has been held since the early 1990s

A huge line of cars is seen following last year's festival, when some Burners said they had to wait up to 12 hours to exit the event

According to the San Francisco Standard, Burners who are selling their tickets also cited financial concerns as a reason for backing out this year.

Burning Man has longstanding ties to the Bay Area and its tech industry -- in fact, the event was first held on a San Francisco beach in the 1980s, when it originated as a small bonfire ceremony for the summer solstice.

Other Burner complaints include an influx of social media influencers at the event, which some might argue goes against Burning Man's 'no spectators' mandate, which requires all who attend to participate and contribute in some way.

As well, some are annoyed with the proliferation of loud, pulsating electronic music at Burning Man, turning the experiential art encounter into something more like a rave.

Still, Burners have lamented for decades that the festival has lost its soul and isn't what it used to be.
This is the horrifying moment a plane believed to be carrying Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin crashed and burst into flames in a field in rural Russia.

Shocking footage shows the business jet, thought to be carrying seven passengers and three pilots, falling through the sky, with a trail of black smoke following behind it.

The plane then crashes into a field in the Bologovsky district in the Tver region, 60 miles north of Moscow, bursting into a ball of flames.

Unconfirmed videos taken from a far away fields show a plume of black smoke filling the air, while closer footage shows the wreck of what appears to a plane engulfed in an intense blaze.

Plumes of black smoke can be seen bellowing into the sky, with the wreck completely engulfed in flames.

A plane believed to be carrying Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin fell from the sky today, crashing into a field in the Tver region of Russia

Unconfirmed videos show what appears to be an aircraft on fire with plumes of smoke billowing into the air

The numbers 795 can just about be made out on the edge of the scrap pile, which matches the plane linked to the ex-military leader.

The cockpit of the plane is captured poking out from the fire while shocked locals walked around the debris.

Russian state media reports that Prigozhin is confirmed to have died, although MailOnline is unable to independently verify this.

Wagner deputy and co-founder Dmitry Utkin is also claimed to have been killed in the crash.

Russian authorities had previously said ten people had been killed in a business jet crash.

Tonight the Wagner chief is feared dead after a business plane, believed to be carrying him, crashed in the Tver region of Russia

Prigozhin was once considered a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and was known by the nickname 'Putin's chef'. Pictured: Prigozhin serving food to Putin in 2011

Russian servicemen guard a road towards a private jet crash, near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region, Russia

Who do flight records show was onboard doomed plane? Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner Group

Dmitry Utkin, its co-founder

Sergey Propustin

Yevgeny Makaryan

Alexander Totmin

Valeriy Chekalov

Nikolay Matuseev Plus crew members: Aleksei Levshin, commander

Rustam Karimov, co-pilot

Kristina Raspopova, flight attendant Advertisement

As the news broke around the world, a gleeful looking Vladimir Putin enjoyed a night out at a concert celebrating the Soviets World War Two victory at the Battle of Kursk.

Meanwhile the UK foreign office said it is 'monitoring the situation' in Russia 'closely' tonight while Washington confirmed that President Biden had been brief on the situation.

Speaking to reporters from his holiday in South Lake Tahoe, California, President Biden said he is not surprised by the unconfirmed report.

He said: 'I don't know for a fact what has happened but I am not surprised. There is not much in Russia that Putin is not behind but I don't know enough to know the answer.'

Alicia Kearns, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said the reports suggest that the Russian president is 'sending a very loud message'.

She wrote on X, formally known as Twitter: 'The speed at which the Russian Govt has confirmed Yevgeny Prigozhin was on a plane that crashed on a flight from Moscow to St Petersburg should tell us everything we need to know.

'Reports Russian Air Defence shot down the plane suggests Putin is sending a very loud message.'

Into the night, the road near to where the plane crash remained closed and guarded by Russian police officers.

It was claimed a video showed the plane flying in the Tver region before crashing towards the ground (right)

The plane, which had Prigozhin named as a passenger on its flight list, was later reported to be engulfed in fire, as images on social media claimed to show the wreckage

Prigozhin's reported death comes just two months after he tried - and failed - to stage a military coup in Moscow.

It led to a humiliating climbdown from the Wagner leader, 62, who has been increasingly careful since his attempt to overthrow Putin in June.

The Wagner paramilitary unit had been at the heart of some of the fiercest battles in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, suffering such heavy losses that Prigozhin toured Russia's most dangerous prisons and recruited thousands of convicted murderers, rapists and other violent offenders.

They were offered a salary and a full pardon if they survived six months on the front line in Ukraine.

However Prigozhin's sway over the 25,000-strong group was feared across the country, and as the relationship between he and the Kremlin broke down, he became increasingly outspoken in criticising the president.

He eventually marched on Moscow with thousands of troops, but the coup was called off after negotiations between the two parties, brokered by Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko.

It was reported that Prigozhin had been granted amnesty in Belarus, but military experts across the world said his life was in great danger after his attack on Putin.
A top adviser to the Democratic National Committee on Wednesday did not commit President Joe Biden to participating in the general election debates.

The message from the DNC was that it was too early, as the party's leaders gathered ahead of the Republican Party's first primary debate in Milwaukee.

DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison held a press conference alongside adviser Cedric Richmond, a former Biden White House official and Louisiana congressman, as well as Madison, Wisconsin Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway.

'We have not had a conversation about that. At all,' Richmond replied when a reporter asked if Biden would commit to debating in the general election. 'I'm sure one day we will, but it's not today and I don't have any news on that.'

Biden, himself, told reporters Wednesday while vacationing in Lake Tahoe that he planned to watch the Republican rivals take each other on later that night.

Democratic National Committee adviser Cedric Richmond indicated Wednesday that it was too early for questions about whether President Joe Biden would participate in general election debates. He was in Milwaukee ahead of the first GOP primary debate

President Joe Biden told reporters Wednesday that he did plan to watch the evening's Republican primary debate. 'I have none,' he said when asked what his expectations were, giving a smile and laugh

'I'm going to try to see - get as much as I can yes,' the president said as he exited an exercise class.

Asked what his expectations were, the president smiled and laughed.

'I have none,' Biden said.

DNC Chair Harrison referred to the Republican debate as a 'circus.'

But the usual main act - former President Donald Trump - decided to bow out, suggesting he's too far ahead in the polls to bother with debating the other Republican hopefuls.

The Democrats distinguished Trump's absence from Biden not debating his two Democratic primary challengers - longshots Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Marianne Williamson.

'President Biden is the Democratic nominee along with Vice President Harris and if you look at both parties when they have an incumbent president that incumbent president participates in no debates and there's no primary on our side,' Richmond explained.

The stage is set for eight of the Republican presidential hopefuls - sans former President Donald Trump - to debate at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee Wednesday night

He noted how the DNC has 'already endorsed President Biden' and 'no party' has put their incumbent president onstage alongside primary challengers - something that could politically weaken them.

'It's just something that has been well settled,' Richmond said.

Biden did participate in all the primary debates in the last cycle, while Trump skipped one in Iowa in 2016, when he was running his party's primary.

Trump later pulled out of a general election debate in 2020 when the Commission on Presidential Debates tried to make it virtual.

Trump had just had COVID-19, so the committee was trying to be cautious.

While Trump is skipping the first primary debate and likely the second - it's being held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, which has hosted some anti-Trump Republicans like former Rep. Liz Cheney - one of his top surrogates told DailyMail.com Tuesday that she could see him going toe-to-toe with Biden.

'I think he probably would take part in a debate with Biden, absolutely,' guessed Kari Lake, the former GOP gubernatorial candidate from Arizona.

What general election debates look like will be another question as the GOP pulled out of the Commission on Presidential Debates, the body which traditionally organized the events.

Despite the commission being bipartisan, the Republican Party echoed Trump and complained about bias after the 2020 debates.
Prince Harry is not planning on seeing King Charles or Prince William when he returns to Britain on the eve of the first anniversary of the Queen's death and will not be accompanied by his wife Meghan Markle, it has been reported.

The Duke of Sussex is set to fly out from California to London to make an appearance at an event for the charity WellChild, celebrating the achievements and resilience of seriously ill youngsters.

The awards ceremony will take place just a day before the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's passing on September 8 but the Prince has 'no intention' to see his brother or father during his whistle-stop stay, according to insiders.

Sources added that while the poignant date would be a good occasion for the family to 'settle their differences' in the 'late queens memory' they claimed relations between the Duke, his brother and father, remain 'firmly rooted at rock bottom'.

In contrast to last years global outpouring of grief and days of state events, there are no public or private family gatherings planned for the anniversary of the Queen who died at Balmoral last year, aged 96, during her traditional summer stay at the castle.

Prince Harry will return to the UK for a charity awards ceremony on the eve of the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death. Pictured: The late Queen and Prince Harry together in 2019

Prince Harry has been WellChild's patron for 15 years and regularly attends its annual awards ceremony

This summer, the King and Queen are expected to spend the day in private reflection, as they continue on his mother's tradition staying at the castle, despite usually sleeping at Birkhall, his private residence on the estate.

Prince Andrew is also expected to make an appearance at the Scottish residence, accompanied by his daughters. It is unknown if other royals will also visit the castle.

Avoiding Scotland, the Duke will fly out to Dusseldorf for the Invictus Games which begin days later.

The Duchess of Sussex, 42, will not be stopping off in the UK on her way to the games, instead flying straight into Germany from California, the Telegraph reported.

Speaking of the Prince's quick stopover in the UK, an insider told the Mirror: 'While some may suggest it would be good order for the family to settle their differences, perhaps even in the late queens memory, things are a long way off.'

The source added relationships remain 'firmly rooted at rock bottom' following Prince Harry's criticisms of King Charles, 74, and Prince William, 41, in his tell-all Netlfix documentary and explosive memoir Spare.

The three royals were last seen together at the King's Coronation on May 6 but Prince Harry flew home immediately after leaving the service at Westminster Abbey, missing much of the weekend's celebrations. Meghan had not attended the Coronation.

The last time the brothers were seen together with their wives was during a walkabout outside Windsor Castle following the Queen's funeral in September.

There are no public events or private family gatherings planned for the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death. Pictured: Prince Harry, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, the King and Queen at the late monarch's funeral

Sources added that while the poignant date would be a good occasion for the family to 'settle their differences' in the 'late queens memory' they claimed relations between the Duke, his brother and father, remain 'firmly rooted at rock bottom'

The last time the brothers were seen together with their wives was during a walkabout outside Windsor Castle following the Queen's funeral in September.

Insiders have suggested that while Prince Harry will not see William or Charles, he could make time to see his cousins Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who he has remained close with.

While he is staying within the UK the Duke will need to either request to stay in an apartment on one of the royal estates, such as Windsor or find a hotel or friends to stay with, as he was evicted from Frogmore Cottage earlier this year.

Harry has been WellChild's patron for 15 years and regularly attends its annual awards ceremony.

The 2022 WellChild awards took place on the day the Queen died, and the duke and duchess withdrew from the event with Harry flying to Scotland.

A delay in his jet taking off meant he was airborne when news of his grandmother's death was broken to the world.

Insiders have suggested that while Prince Harry will not see William or Charles, he could make time to see his cousins Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who he has remained close with

In his biography Spare, published earlier this year, Harry claimed he was given direct instructions from then-Prince Charles not to bring Meghan, writing how his father cited 'nonsensical and disrespectful' reasons for her not to accompany him to Balmoral

Tensions between Prince Harry, the King and his brother were raised following his bombshell biography and tell-all Netflix series.

In his biography Spare, published earlier this year, Harry claimed he was given direct instructions from then-Prince Charles not to bring Meghan, writing how his father cited 'nonsensical and disrespectful' reasons for her not to accompany him to Balmoral.

In an interview in January, he said: 'The day that she died was just a really, really horrible reaction from my family members.

'I was like 'We're here to celebrate the life of granny and to mourn her loss, can we come together as a family?'

The WellChild ceremony is being held days before Harry's Invictus Games for wounded military personnel and veterans begins in Dusseldorf, Germany, on September 9.

Harry said: 'For nearly 20 years, WellChild has been transforming the lives of young people... providing critical care that prioritises the physical, mental and emotional well-being of these individuals and their families.'

During the event, he will spend time with each winner and their families at a pre-ceremony reception before presenting the award for Inspirational Child (aged four to six) and delivering a speech.

Matt James, WellChild chief executive, said the awards ceremony will 'shine a light on the 'remarkable resilience and spirit' of seriously ill youngsters.
Idaho quadruple murder suspect Bryan Kohberger had his October trial delayed indefinitely after he waived his right to a speedy trial.

Kohberger, 28, was in a Moscow court on Wednesday to discuss various matters. He was set to go to trial in the coming months in connection to the grizzly murder of four college students.

No date was set for the future trial, which could now be in months or even years.

He faces four first-degree murder charges for the November 13 killings of Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, in their off-campus home near the University of Idaho.

Judge John Judge confirmed with Kohberger if he would like to waive his right to a speedy trial to which the defendant replied, 'Absolutely'.

Despite wanting to come to a resolution as soon as possible, the prosecution did not object - agreeing that this was the best option at this time, local news station KXLY reported.

Idaho quadruple murder suspect Bryan Kohberger had his October trial delayed indefinitely after he waived his right to a speedy trial

(L-R) Housemates Dylan Mortensen, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen (on Kaylee's shoulders) Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Bethany Funke

The defense said they were not ready to set a new trial date.

A hearing is still set for September 1, where a new trial date is expected to be discussed.

According to Idaho state law, the trial is set to begin within six months of indictment, which occurred in May in this case, or 'there is an automatic acquittal.'

The defense is expected to file challenges against the grand jury indictment, as well as motions regarding cameras in the courtroom and witness instructions, according to the outlet.

This comes a week after his latest court appearance last Friday, when Judge John Judge set a deadline of September 15 for Kohberger to make the decision.

During the all-day hearing, relatives of slain University of Idaho student Kaylee Goncalves was allegedly seen taunting Kohberger with a pro-death penalty t-shirt.

The hearing saw the alleged quadruple murderer's defense team justify the alibi presented this month - that he was out driving alone on the night of the murders - and to lay out challenges to the techniques used by authorities to gather DNA evidence.

During a break in the proceedings, one of Goncalves' family members was seen wearing a t-shirt promoting the firing squad death penalty, according to investigative reporter Kevin Fixler.

In June, prosecutors indicated they would pursue the death penalty against Kohberger, and the nation's struggles to obtain lethal injection drugs could mean he is given death by firing squad.

Fixler added that Kohberger appeared 'relaxed' during the proceedings, and even smirked as witnesses joked over scientific terms in the hearing.

The family of Goncalves shared an emotional message on a Facebook page hours before the hearing, expressing fear that Kohberger's trial would be delayed.

'Please pray for our family today,' they wrote. 'We want to get this trial over. Just thinking it could be years absolutely kills me.'

'We are afraid he is going to waive his rights to a speedy trial,' the post read. 'If he does, trial will not be starting on Oct. 2 and it is very likely that it won't take place for years.'

While the hearing was closed to the media and public, families of the victims were allowed to attend via Zoom.

The defense has so far focused on scrutinizing the process through which detectives identified Kohberger as a suspect.

Detectives relied on genetic genealogy to build their case against him, using genetic genealogy to build a a DNA profile from the DNA left on a knife sheath at the scene.

The FBI tracked down Kohberger by tracing his distant relatives through genetic genealogy databases - and then secretly collected a sample of his father's DNA to confirm his identity.

Police say DNA found on a knife sheath left at the Idaho murders scene is a 'statistical match' to a cheek swab taken from the suspect after his arrest.

A sample of DNA left on the sheath is 'at least 5.37 octillion times more likely to be seen if (the) Defendant is the source than if an unrelated individual randomly selected from the general population is the source,' prosecutors said in the filing.

During previous hearing, prosecutors have insisted Kohberger provides witnesses that can support an alibi. However his defense said that 'at this time there is not a specific witness to say precisely where Kohberger was' on the night of the murders.

Bryan Kohberger, 28, was in court in Moscow for a status conference that saw his lawyers and prosecutors agree to keep the trial date as October 2

Kohberger's lawyers have claimed he had a habit of 'going for drives alone at night' and did so on the night of the killings

One of the surviving roommates who was not attacked also said she saw the killer, and that he had 'bushy eyebrows' - another feature of Kohberger's appearance

'He was out, driving during the late night and early morning hours of November 12-13, 2022,' attorneys said, adding that he 'is not claiming to be at a specific location at a specific time.'

Prosecutors have demanded more specifics over his alleged alibi, and say that 'driving in the area' does not exonerate him and instead places him at the scene.

Kohberger's lawyers have claimed he had a habit of 'going for drives alone at night' and did so on the night of the killings.

His team has also requested to compel prosecutors to disclose the DNA profiles they will use in court.

The defense also filed a request to delay the court proceedings to allow time to investigate potential procedural issues with the grand jury, which indicted him in May.

Alongside insisting upon his alibi, prosecutors also countered with a request to keep DNA profiles protected, while also filing motions over issues in the timeline of Kohberger's upcoming trial.

Prosecutors are set to lay out a slew of evidence over the alleged crimes, including his DNA police say they found on a knife sheath that was left at the gruesome scene.

The other key piece of evidence prosecutors hope will convince a jury is Kohberger's white Hyundai Elantra car, which was allegedly seen in the area in CCTV surveillance footage.

One of the surviving roommates who was not attacked also said she saw the killer, and that he had 'bushy eyebrows' - another feature of Kohberger's appearance.
Russian state media boasted that Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a brief coup against President Putin in June, is dead tonight following reports that a plane carrying him and nine other people crashed and burst into flames in Russia.

Although it has not been officially confirmed, a Telegram channel believed to be linked to the Wagner paramilitary boss has claimed he has died, adding he was killed by 'traitors' to Russia.

A year ago the death of Prigozhin would have been almost unthinkable. The Wagner group was leading the invasion of Ukraine, its leader had the ear of President Putin and was rumoured to have significant influence in military decisions.

But the one-time hotdog seller turned chef to Putin turned military tactician has had a calamitous fall from grace, ending in him undoubtedly being marked with the label 'dead man walking'.

An ill-fated coup, outspoken videos and staunch criticism of government figures left Prigozhin with nowhere to go, and precious few allies to turn to.

Russian state media boasted that Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a brief coup against President Putin in June, is dead

The one-time 'Putin's chef' went from being one of the dictator's most valuable tools to the largest liability, which placed a huge target on his back

The plane, which had Prigozhin named as a passenger on its flight list, was later reported to be engulfed in fire, as images on social media claimed to show the wreckage

Born in Leningrad, now Saint Petersburg, in the Soviet Union in 1961, Prigozhin spent some of his early life in prison after being convicted of robbery and fraud.

After being released from prison in 1990 after nine years, Prigozhin began selling hotdogs in his home city. And as the Soviet Union fell, Prigozhin set up several businesses.

After involvement with a grocery business and then a gambling business, Prigozhin later became a restaurateur. After the success of several outlets, Prigozhin started to earn lucrative Kremlin catering contracts with Russia's elite.

This thrust him to the forefront of Russian politics and signaled his growing ambitions.

He eventually grew close to Putin and is understood to have received hundreds of millions in government contracts feeding school children and government workers.

These contracts, some of them later involved in the military, are believed to have led him to start the Wager mercenary group, although information on its exact origins is sparse.

Prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Prigozhin had long-refuted any association with Wagner, and had threatened to sue journalists who reported on his involvement with the group.

The unit was well-known for its vicious attacks and for doing Russia's dirty work, despite no official affiliation with the Kremlin.

For years after it was first established, the Russian government refused to even acknowledge the existence of the group.

Video on social media purports to show the plane after it divebombed into a Russian field

A local woman said she saw parts of the plane, said to be pictured above, fall off as it plunged from the sky

But the fiercer the resistance of the Ukrainian people, the better things went for Prigozhin.

The more Russian troops the Ukrainians killed, the more Moscow needed Wagner's mercenaries.

Prigozhin was even filmed touring prisons across Russia, offering dangerous convicts a pardon if they survived on the front lines for six months. Thousands are thought to have signed up for a chance at freedom.

But the warlord's prime began to stall when Wagner were tasked with taking the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.

Who do flight records show was onboard doomed plane? Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner Group

Dmitry Utkin, its co-founder

Sergey Propustin

Yevgeny Makaryan

Alexander Totmin

Valeriy Chekalov

Nikolay Matuseev Plus crew members: Aleksei Levshin, commander

Rustam Karimov, co-pilot

Kristina Raspopova, flight attendant Advertisement

For almost a year they held out against incredibly fierce opposition, suffering high fatality rates and some of the toughest fighting of the war.

But as the tide began turning against Prigozhin, and Wagner, his already outspoken antics began to alienate him further and further from the Kremlin.

He vehemently rallied against key war cabinet figures, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of Staff Gerasimo, posting increasingly hostile videos and statements on Telegram.

He frequently threatened to withdraw troops from key positions unless they were given more weapons and supplies, as well as fresh troops and support from the main Army.

But having pulled this trick on several occasions, Prigozhin clearly decided he had more sway than the rest of Russia was ready to give him.

He began rallying against anyone and everyone: the Russian army whom he accused of cowardice; those in the Russian state he held responsible for not adequately supporting his mercenaries; and even, finally, Putin.

After two Russian jets and two helicopters were shot down in Russian territory in what appeared to be a spectacular military coup for Kyiv, Prigozhin said they were in fact victims of friendly fire.

In another, more serious allegation against him, according to a sensational US intelligence leak, Prigozhin is reported to have said that if Ukraine's commanders withdrew troops from Bakhmut, he would give them information about Russian army positions elsewhere.

All in all, by the time Prigozhin launched his failed coup attempt, he had alienated Vladimir Putin, the rest of the army and all the key government members who could have provided support.

And when he was forced to cut short his coup after marching on Moscow, he became public enemy number one as far as Putin loyalists were concerned.

As President Biden said on Friday evening, it is 'not a surprise' he has faced such risks to life, whether or not those risks have yet proved fatal.
A grandfather who fought Pittsburgh police over his impending house eviction was confirmed dead after a six-hour gun battle that saw more than 100 shots fired.

A police source named the man as William Bill Hardison, 63, according to WPXI-TV, while relatives said the house on Broad Street in Garfield had been owned by his recently deceased brother.

Multiple SWAT teams surrounded the scene and exchanged fire with Hardison after he barricaded himself inside at around 11am following a failed attempt by police to enforce an eviction notice.

Shortly after 4.40pm a drone found the gunman 'prone' and bloody after flying around the house, and less than 30 minutes later police confirmed the man's death, according to KDKA.

'We wanted a peaceful conclusion, a surrender in this instance, and so we used various methods to accomplish that,' Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Chief Larry Scirotto said. 'With every opportunity we were met with gunfire.'

Sheriff's deputies were attempting to serve an eviction notice. The man's relatives owned the home, and when they died, he refused to leave.

Police source named the man as William Bill Hardison, 63, according to WPXI-TV, while relatives said the house on Broad Street in Garfield had been owned by his recently deceased brother

Relatives said the Hardison believed he had a right to the home he had shared with his brother

Relative Marlene Jones said Hardison's mental health had deteriorated over the past year

Hardison is said to have been well stocked with firearms and ammunition, which led to up to 100 rounds being exchanged between him and law enforcement.

His son, who is also named William Hardison, was at the scene and pleaded with his father to end the standoff.

'Dad, please surrender. Please give up,' he said. 'You have children and grandchildren that love you dearly. Please stand down.'

A woman identifying herself as the man's sister had offered herself as a go-between.

'He's a good man, he's just lost his brother and he was in the service,' the woman shouted at reporters.

But she was turned away by police who warned that the gunman might not recognize her amid the chaos.

Speculation mounted that the man might be dead after no shots were fired for an hour in the early afternoon, and police prepared a remote-controlled armored digger to break into the house.

THE SOVEREIGN CITIZEN MOVEMENT? CONSPIRACY THEORISTS WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN RULE OF LAW 'Sovereign citizens' do not believe they are bound by federal or state law, or have to comply with any type of law enforcement. Many often do not believe that they are required to pay taxes either. The FBI considers the group to be an extremist organization. Well-known members include Terry Nichols, the Oklahoma City bomber. In 2010, two sovereign citizens shot and killed two police officers after being pulled over in Arkansas. 'Sovereign citizens do not represent an anarchist group, nor are they a militia, although they sometimes use or buy illegal weapons. Rather, they operate as individuals without established leadership and only come together in loosely affiliated groups to train, help each other with paperwork, or socialize and talk about their ideology,' a 2011 FBI paper on the group reads. Many do not think they are bound by taxes, so often do not pay those. 'They often will not pay taxes; that is pretty standard across the board, many will not pay their car registration, they won't get car insurance, they don't get licenses of any kind,' Rachel Goldwasser of the Southern Poverty Law Center told FOX News. The movement is based on a decades old conspiracy theory that the government was replaced secretly, and that the real government follows admiralty law. Advertisement

But shortly after 3pm the shooting resumed and TV crews were ordered out of the area.

Family member Marlene Jones told CBS that Hardison was a father and grandfather, and that he loved his pet dogs.

She said that his brother had left the home to Hardison, but that his mental health had been deteriorating for a year.

'He just got worse and worse,' she explained.

'If they'd just let me or his girlfriend Karen go down there.

'She is preparing for the worst, she said "I think they're going to kill him".

'Whatever was in his mind told him he didnt have to pay rent.

'He was a jokester he was like a teddy bear, he would make you laugh.

'You would be afraid of him but he was a teddy bear.'

Another family member said they had no idea what was going on but would have offered him a room if he needed a place to stay.

But neighbors described him as violent and said he boarded up the home's windows with large 'do not disturb' signs, WPXI reported.

Hardison had a criminal history and once entered a guilty plea for carrying a firearm without a license, according to local news station WTAE, and he got two years probation.

He also entered a guilty plea to forgery or altering a title or registration where he received three years probation.

Hardison pleaded guilty to an accident involving death or injury and got two years probation in 2005.

In another incident in 2001, he admitted to fleeing or attempting to elude and disorderly conduct and received six months probation.

After the brother's death, the property went to a tax sale, and now has a new owner, but the squatter has still refused to vacate.

Following his brother's death, the mortgage on the home went into arrears and more than $15,000 was owed.

It was taken over by an LLC that bought the property for $25,000 in March before filing an eviction notice against Hardison in May and claimed he was living there without paying rent.

The Allegheny County Sheriffs Office was serving that eviction notice to him on Wednesday when the shooting situation began.

There have been at least nine hearings concerning the property, according to court documents.

One police source said the gunman identifies as a 'sovereign citizen', an anti-government extremist, WPXI reported.

The attorney for the new homeowners told CBS officers were warned the squatter was heavily armed and the issue of evicting him would be volatile.

Witnesses said that after banging on the door, police used a sledgehammer to get inside. It was at this point that the gunfire started.

The ordeal descended into a gunfight, and 'hundreds' of rounds were fired.

Police stormed at one point to within yards of the gunman's house to pull an immediate neighbor to safety.

Video shows SWAT teams firing on the house to give cover for the officers who raced in and dragged the neighbor into an armor-plated vehicle on the 4800 block of Broad Street and N. Mathilda Street.

Four police drones, which were deployed to circle the home to provide assistance and knowledge to the teams on the ground, were also shot down by the suspect.

People living on the 4800 block of Broad St have been told to stay in place, call 911, and wait to be evacuated by officers.

Joe Biden had been briefed on updates from the scene as the gun battle developed.

Shortly before 4pm another extended volley of shots was heard

Witnesses said that after banging on the door, police used a sledgehammer to get inside. It was at this point that the gunfire started

Multiple SWAT teams are at the scene in Pittsburgh

An Allegheny County Police SWAT vehicle responds to gunfire

Some of the first sheriff's deputies who arrived at the scene ran out of ammunition, according to initial reports.

An officer sustained a 'non-gunfire' as he fell while trying to avoid the incoming fire and no other injuries have been reported.

Around a dozen Pittsburgh SWAT officers were seen arriving at the scene, gearing up to confront the gunman.

One deputy was 'pinned down' in a defensive position during the assault. He was saved by a member of the SWAT team, CBS reported.

The ordeal took place not far from St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery and UPMC Children's Hospital.

Videos showed multiple police cars surrounding the residential street, while at least 20 gunshots can be heard in the background.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, one neighbor said he heard hundreds of rounds when the shooting started - and there have been hundreds more rounds since.

A law enforcement officer responds to gunfire in the Garfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh police and other law enforcement personnel are seen outside the home, where the occupant is still inside

Massive police presence at active shooting scene in Garfield pic.twitter.com/IJ8VNEAHnQ  Megan Guza (@meganguzaPG) August 23, 2023

Residents have been told to avoid 4800 block of Broad Street and N. Mathilda Street in the Garfield, Pittsburgh

Chris Wilkinson, who is visiting family in the area, told CBS: 'In the beginning, all we heard was the cops. They were banging on the door where the shooting takes place.

'They were banging on it telling him they were there. And after a couple of minutes of them doing it, they started to kick down the door, but after a few tries they couldn't do it.

'Then, they got a sledgehammer and took down the door, and after that shots started to be fired. I've been really nervous and it's really sad what's happening.

'You think you can be safe here but you can't with what's happening.'

SWAT are now going door to door to evacuate everyone on the street.

As the news broke this morning, Neighborhood Academy School went into lockdown and nearby West Penn Hospital is under a partial lockdown.

Leslie Thompson, who lives in the house across the street from the commotion: 'It's unbelievable. I'm very nervous. Shots were ringing out everywhere.'

Thompson, who was working from home at the time, told CBS that she ran to the basement when she started hearing the ordeal outside her window.

She was screaming and crying while on the phone to her manager - and her home was also breached by gunfire.

Residents and neighbors struggled to find out what was happening as they were kept out of the police exclusion zone

The initial gunfire is seen producing smoke on the right side of this front door footage

Video taken at the scene showed multiple police cars surrounding the residential street, while at least 15 gunshots were fired in the background. Police gave the urgent warning this morning: 'This is an extremely active situation with shots continuing to be fired. Please avoid the area at this time'

Shots still being fired after active shooter situation at the Garfield neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

pic.twitter.com/vNgxs49XtV  Dredre babb (@DredreBabb) August 23, 2023

The witness said the gunshots came through her window in her living room and her bathroom - which is now riddled with bullet holes.

Glass is shattered everywhere in her home, she said.

'Trying to get to the basement was almost unbearable, shots were ringing out everywhere.'

Thompson was evacuated from her home by police.

She said it's by the 'grace of God' that she is alive.

Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Chief Larry Scirotto said: 'The coordinated effort saved many lives, many officers lives in a tense and rapidly uncertain environment and with that the officers preserved life.

'The subject was neutralized in the gunfight. We gave him every opportunity to surrender that's why this incident took the amount of time it took.

'It was a little over four and a half hours in which we provided ample opportunity for peaceful surrender that wasn't met without outcome.'

He added: 'I don't think anything about this incident was normal. These are environments we trained for but don't ever expect to occur. However we were very prepared for the threat that we faced.

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey released a statement following the shooting and said: 'Pittsburgh  I ask for you to join us in prayer tonight for the entire community of Garfield, a peaceful neighborhood that was home to an unfortunate tragedy today.

'I want to thank all of our federal, state, and local law enforcement officials here today who worked to keep this neighborhood and our city safe, as well as to our trauma response team who has been on scene helping provide support to those who needed it.'
DNA testing conducted on human remains discovered at an abandoned property didn't match the five university students who went missing two weeks ago, according to the governor of the western Mexico state of Jalisco

Governor Enrique Alfaro revealed the results Tuesday, just six days after authorities raided a brick-layered, roofless home in the northeastern city of Lagos de Moreno.

'There are already factors to say that these, at least, do not correspond to young adults. We even already talked with the parents, but as we have always done, the details will be provided by the Attorney General's Office, but I could anticipate that this bones don't correspond,' he said in a press conference.

Alfaro said #additional DNA testing had been scheduled for human remains that were extracted from another home in Lagos de Moreno on Monday.

DNA testing on humans remains recovered from an abandoned property didn't match Roberto Olmeda (left); Diego Lara (second from left); Uriel Galvan (center); Dante Cedillo (second from right); and Jaime Martinez, (right), the governor of the western Mexico state of Jalisco, Enrique Alfaro said Tuesday. The five students have not been seen since August 11

Investigators located human remains, including four charred skulls, from an abandoned home in Jalisco, Mexico, on August 16

Roberto Olmeda, 20; Diego Lara, 20; Uriel Galvan, 19; Dante Cedillo, 22; and Jaime Martinez, 21, were reportedly kidnapped by Grupo Elite Delictivo de Reaccion Inmediata, an armed wing of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in the Lagos de Moreno neighborhood of San Miguel the night of August 11 after attending a festival honoring the city's patron saint.

The young men were then taken to the home in the neighborhood of Orilla de Agua and tortured.

A video leaked to social media showed the childhood friends with their faces bruised, tape over their mouths and their hands tied behind their backs.

The group could be seen kneeling on the dirt ground in front of a brick wall that had the cartel gang's loco painted over it.

The graphic video also showed three of the victims lying face down next to each other. Another is lying down in the background before his friend is forced to beat, stab and decapitate him.

Mexican authorities found Roberto Olmeda's (left) charred vehicle on August 15 with a dead body in it. He and Dante Cedillo (right) are among the five university students who went missing last Friday in Lagos de Moreno

Uriel Galvan's vehicle was found by authorities on Sunday in Lagos de Moreno, Mexico. He is one of five university students who mysteriously disappeared August 11 and were seen on a video held captive by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel

Authorities searched the rundown property on August 16 and discovered charred human remains, including four skulls.

Another video showed the home covered in graffiti, including a message that reads 'a slaughtering is the best medicine' written on a wall in black paint.

On August 15, police found a car on fire with human remains in it. DNA testing was done and didn't match any of the five missing students.

Alfaro once again linked criminal organizations to their disappearance.

'I do not think it is necessary to expose and explain that behind this there is an issue of organized crime,' the governor said.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy vowed the house would probe what went wrong with the Biden administration's response to the Maui wildfires that have left 115 and over 1,100 missing.

'I'm very concerned about the response,' the speaker said during an appearance in upstate New York on Wednesday.

He went on: 'We still have hundreds of individuals that are missing. I think there's gonna have to be a congressional investigation in response of what happened. How could we lose that many Americans in today's age? And the federal response seems very delayed.'

The California Republican then knocked the president for originally not offering comment and taking over a week to visit the devastation.

'The president's response - to have no comment? That's unacceptable. So I'm going to work with committees too to look at investigating what went on so that never happens again as well.'

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy promised congressional investigations into the response to the Maui wildfires that have left 115 dead and over 1,000 still missing

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden greet first responders as they tour areas devastated by the Maui wildfires, Monday, Aug. 21

No single cause has yet been determined for the fires, but experts suggest power lines were not shut off despite high winds and may have caught fire when they fell.

The GOP-led House has launched oversight investigations into nearly everything under Democratic President Biden's purview - from the Afghanistan withdrawal to the Biden family business dealings to a broad range of federal agencies.

The number of missing people in Maui ticked up to 1,110 on Wednesday - two weeks after the deadly inferno ripped through the island. Already the fire is the deadliest since the 19th century as the death toll is expected to rise.

The tourist town of Lahaina, home to 12,000 people, was all but wiped off the map, with over 3,000 structures burned to the ground and an estimated $5 billion's worth of damage.

The FBI is working to release a list of the missing later this week - and is calling on relatives of the missing to send in DNA samples to help identify the charred bodies that have been discovered.

A new Associated Press report details how the only paved road out of a West Maui neighborhood and onto the highway was blocked off. Those who drove around the barricade were safe. Many of those who were caught up in a pile-up just behind the blockade died in their cars while others tried to run for safety.

Meanwhile, Maui's top emergency management official resigned last week after finding himself in hot water for failing to sound the island's alarm system as the blaze closed in.

Herman Andaya, the administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, had defended his decision not to sound the alarms as he said he feared coastal residents would think the ringing signaled a tsunami and flee inland toward the flames.

'The public is trained to seek higher ground in the event that the siren is sounded,' he said.

In slow signs of recovery, Maui public schools began the process of reopening and highways have allowed traffic again as of Wednesday. Additional cadaver dogs arrived that day to help teams searching for the remains of the dead.

But cell service and access to electricity has been spotty at best, and survivors say they've struggled to find housing, medical aid and daily necessities.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has pledged one-time $700 payments for necessities to nearly households affected by the fires - and over 6,000 have applied so far.

DailyMail.com revealed on Wednesday that FEMA responders dispatched to Maui have been lodging in luxury at $1,000-a-night hotels a 45 minute drive away from fire-ravaged town of Lahaina.

FEMA surged up to 1,000 agents to the Hawaiian island to assist with the response, and teams have checked in at three five-star hotels - the Fairmont Kea Lani, Four Seasons, and the Grand Wailea Astoria where past guests include members of Hollywood's elite.

And amid growing criticism at the perceived lack of federal support, Biden and First Lady Jill visited Maui on Monday - and were met with mixed reactions.

FEMA's search and rescue team member works in a residential area consumed by a wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii

The visit was always going to be contentious, and the president's motorcade was drove past both boos and jeers, with some showing their middle finger and waving Trump 2024 flags.

The president's speech promised Maui the federal government's support would be 'with you as long as it takes.'

'The country grieves with you, stands with you, and well do everything possible to help you recover, rebuild, and respect culture and traditions when the rebuilding takes place.'

But otherwise Biden did little to endear himself to the traumatized islanders, delivering a rambling speech referencing the death of his wife and baby daughter in 1972, and later telling an anecdote about a 2004 kitchen fire in his Delaware home.
A prototype drone which features the company's air-breathing propulsion system design will be tested next year

The aircraft would travel at 3,850mph, which is about five times the speed of sound

Hermeus, which has a $30 million contract with the US Air Force, wants to build a passenger plane which can fly from New York to Paris in 90 minutes

An aviation firm backed by the Pentagon hopes to build a passenger jet which can travel from New York to Paris in just 90 minutes - flying at speeds of 3,850mph.

Hermeus, which is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, has lofty ambitions to develop a 20-seat aircraft that can reach Mach 5 - five times the speed of sound.

The company is currently building prototype unmanned drones, called Quarterhorse, after it received a $30 million contract from the US Air Force. Quarterhorse is slated to make its first test flight in 2024.

Hermeus CEO AJ Piplica told Forbes that despite the ambitious nature of the project, 'the business challenges are actually the real hard ones'.

'You're not just going to raise billions of dollars to develop a passenger aircraft,' he said.

The company was founded in 2018 'to radically accelerate air travel'.

Hermeus, which is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, has lofty ambitions to develop a 20-seat aircraft that can reach Mach 5 - five times the speed of sound. The company is currently building prototype unmanned drones, called Quarterhorse (pictured)

Quarterhorse will allow the company to test technologies and materials that will help achieve the goal of developing a passenger plane which can fly from Paris to New York in 90 minutes

Hermeus CEO AJ Piplica, pictured, has high hopes for the concept jet

'On the path to hypersonic passenger aircraft, Hermeus is partnering with government agencies including the US Air Force and NASA to develop a series of autonomous aircraft that derisk the technology and solve urgent national security challenges.

'These products provide the data and confidence necessary to certify, produce, operate, and maintain safe and comfortable commercial aircraft.'

Quarterhorse is billed as the 'world's fastest aircraft' and will allow the company to test its technology and materials.

Hermeus is also developing a 'Darkhorse' aircraft that will test fly in 2026. The company is valued at $400 million and has raised $119 million.

The last supersonic passenger jet was Concorde, a turbojet-powered aircraft that was operated until 2003.

It had a maximum speed over twice the speed of sound at Mach 2.04 (1,354 mph or 2,180 k per hour at cruise altitude) and could seat 92 to 128 passengers.

It was first flown in 1969, but needed further tests to establish it as viable as a commercial aircraft.

Concorde entered service in 1976 and continued flying for the next 27 years.

It is one of only two supersonic transports to have been operated commercially.

The last supersonic passenger jet was Concorde, a turbojet-powered aircraft that was operated until 2003

Concorde had a maximum speed over twice the speed of sound at Mach 2.04 (1,354 mph or 2,180 k per hour at cruise altitude) and could seat 92 to 128 passengers.

The other is the Soviet-built Tupolev Tu-144, which ran for a much shorter period of time before it was grounded and retired due to safety and budget issues.

Concorde was jointly developed and manufactured by Aerospatiale and the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) under an Anglo-French treaty.

Concorde's name, meaning harmony or union, reflects the cooperation on the project between the United Kingdom and France.

In July 2000 an Air France Concorde en route from Paris to New York crashed shortly after take-off due to an engine fire, killing all 109 people on board as well as four people on the ground.

The Concorde fleets of British Airways and Air France are grounded pending an inquiry and although transatlantic flights resume from London and Paris following a safety upgrade in November 2001 it wasn't to last.

In April 2003 it is announced that Concorde would be taken out of service due to a sharp dip in passenger numbers amid global economic problems and the aftermath of September 11.
A massive fire has destroyed four homes overnight sparking an emergency declaration, with streets blocked off and nearby residents forced to evacuate.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Service crews were called to the site of the blaze on Heaslop St in the Brisbane suburb of Woolloongabba just before 3am on Thursday.

The fire engulfed four properties, only two of which were reportedly occupied. There are no reports of injuries from the inferno.

At least 35 firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, which was put out hours later.

Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the massive blaze.

A massive blaze has destroyed four homes on Heaslop St in the Brisbane suburb of Woolloongabba overnight

Queensland Fire and Emergency Service crews were called to the site of the blaze just before 3am on Thursday (pictured, firefighters at the scene)

A number of fire crews and emergency services remain at the scene.

Multiple ambulance crews were on standby to assist firefighters.

Police made an emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act due to the fire.

An exclusion zone had been established that included Heaslop Street, Merton Road, Catherine Street, and Annerley Road.

Those within the exclusion zone were asked to evacuate the area immediately.

Members of the public were advised to avoid the exclusion zone.

The declaration was revoked shortly after 7.30am however Heaslop Street remains closed.

Due to the large amount of smoke in the area, locals have also been advised to close their windows.

It is the second fire to break out in the suburb of Woolloongabba in just 24 hours, with firefighters only extinguishing a fire on Reid St just after 11am on Wednesday.

The huge inferno engulfed four properties, only two of which were reportedly occupied. There are no reports of injuries

At least 35 firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, which was put out hours after it started

An exclusion zone has been set up that includes Heaslop St, Merton Rd, Catherine St, and Annerley Rd

Those within the exclusion zone were asked to evacuate the area immediately as crews battled the blaze

A number of fire crews remain at the scene. Multiple ambulance crews are on standby to assist QFES crews

That comes just days after a man died and two others were taken to hospital after a 'ferocious' house fire engulfed three homes in nearby Hawthorne, which is about five kilometres from Woolloongabba.

The fire started at a home on Forbes Street in Hawthorne, Brisbane, before spreading to two neighbouring properties just after 8pm on Saturday.

Hugh Walker, 66, was rescued from the fire by two men in their 30s and rushed to Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital before later dying.

The two men were also taken to the same hospital to be being treated for smoke inhalation.

A woman who escaped the same home as Mr Walker, believed to be his wife, was able to escape the home with minor injuries.

The fire is not being treated as suspicious, but the destruction left in the wake of the blaze has hindered authorities from investigating the source of the inferno.

Two homes were destroyed and a third was badly damaged, residents from all three properties were evacuated.

It comes just days after a man died and two others were taken to hospital after a 'ferocious' house fire engulfed three homes in nearby Hawthorne

The blaze was so fierce that some locals worried Brisbane's Powerhouse arts centre 700 metres across the Brisbane River was burning.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) said its crews brought house fires under control by 9.20pm that night.

But even then it was generating 'a large amount of smoke in the area and surrounding suburbs'.

Crews had warned all nearby residents to close their windows and doors.

Police and QFES were investigating the cause of the blaze on Sunday.
Prosecutors in Fulton County DA Fani Willis' office filed a legal brief ripping former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows' contention he should be able to move his case to federal court  and used his former boss to undermine his effort to avoid arrest this week.

Meadows, who is among 19 people indicted in connection with former President Donald Trump's election overturn effort in Georgia, has a hearing scheduled Monday on his legal move. He also wants to avoid Willis' Friday deadline for defendants to turn themselves in for arrest and processing.

Prosecutors noted that Trump himself 'voluntarily agreed to surrender himself to state authorities, while other defendants have already surrendered.'

That includes former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who turned himself in Wednesday. Trump is hyping his own planned Thursday surrender at an infamous Atlanta jail and had his mugshot taken.

Prosecutors tore into the legal effort by former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to avoid arrest and have his case moved to federal court

'The defendant has failed to demonstrate he has suffered irreparable harm warranting federal intervention in his case and has cited no authority authorizing this Court to prevent his lawful arrest,' Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney F. McDonald Wakeford wrote in. filing.

'The hardship facing the defendant is no different than any other criminal defendant charged with a crime, including his co-defendants who have either already surrendered to Fulton County Authorities or have agreed to so surrender in the time allotted by the District Attorney.'

The letter accuses Meadows' team of a 'a fundamental misunderstanding of criminal procedure.'

Also seeking a move to federal court is former DOJ official Jeff Clark, who is accused of racketeering conspiracy and false statements in connection with his letters to Georgia official claiming 'significant concerns' about the election outcome in the state.

Prosecutors for Fulton County DA Fani Willis are pushing back on Mark Meadows and Jeff Clark, who want their cases moved to federal court and want to avoid her Friday arrest deadline

Former DOJ official Jeff Clark wrote Georgia officials claiming 'significant concerns' about the election outcome

Meadows is hoping to avoid surrendering himself and submitting to a mugshot, which lawyer Rudy Giuliani did Wednesday

Prosecutors noted that former President Trump himself is meeting Willis' demand that he surrender

Meadows's legal team on Monday asked Willis to grant an extension of his arrest until after a Monday hearing about potentially moving to federal court.

But Willis on Tuesday rejected Meadows's plea.

'I am not granting any extensions,' she told Meadows's legal team.

'I gave two weeks for people to surrender themselves to the court. Your client is no different than any other criminal defendant in this jurisdiction. The two weeks was a tremendous courtesy.'

And she said an arrest warrant would be issued if he did not comply.

'At 12:30 pm on Friday I shall file warrants in the system,' she added.
Hensley denied any wrongdoing but was arrested for aggravated assault and firearm exhibition after talking with police

Justin Hensley, 47, reportedly threatened passengers during a party on a mega yacht during the Memorial Day weekend

The owner of a glitzy marketing company was arrested in Miami after allegedly threatening to shoot passengers and sink a boat in the harbor

Shocking video shows the moment that Miami cops searched a mega yacht after a man reportedly threatened to shoot passengers and sink a boat in the harbor.

In body cam footage from May 27, police searched a 116-foot yacht near Miami Beach following a tense incident where an 'irate' man pulled a gun.

'I'm going to make holes in this boat and take everyone down with me, and I'm going to shoot everyone,' the suspect said, according to a police report.

Passengers told cops the alleged culprit, Justin Hensley - the owner of a marketing company - waved a gun around after the boat experienced mechanical issues.

Witnesses showed cops a photo of Hensley, 47, with a gun in his waistband, and he was arrested, authorities said.

Video shows the moment that Miami cops searched a mega yacht after suspect Justin Hensley (pictured) allegedly threatened to shoot passengers and sink a vessel in the harbor

Hensley (pictured) is the owner of Rock Star Lifestyle, an upscale marketing company

A gun is purportedly seen in the waistband of suspect Justin Hensley's swim shorts

The incident began when police were called to a boat in the water for reports that started with engine difficulties.

According to passengers, a man - Hensley - brandished a firearm and was acting erratic - making disturbing threats to harm himself and others.

The people were on the boat for a Memorial Day weekend party.

'The suspect with the gun is on the Rex boat,' a person says over police radio.

The situation was serious enough the cops cleared the deck over potential safety concerns with the then-unidentified passenger.

'Clearing the deck. If we have to take this shot from the water here,' an officer is heard saying in the bodycam video, that was first released this week.

While on the water, Hensley allegedly told the boat's owner and the others on board that he was willing to shoot them as they were stalled.

'He said he'd shoot everybody on the boat,' an officer is heard saying.

'He'd said he wanted to shoot us all, and shoot the boat, too,' says the boat's owner.

According to passengers, a man - Hensley (middle) - had brandished a firearm and was acting erratic - making disturbing threats to harm himself and others

Officers were forced to search the boat for the gun as passengers were still on board

After the boat began to experience mechanical issues, the owner anchored the yacht and started transporting guests on a dinghy.

'The boat broke down, and I was called, and I brought the mechanic on board,' the boat's owner is heard telling police in the bodycam video.

'The guy in the blue shirt freaked out,' he said.

'Why?' an officer is heard responding.

'Because he wanted to go home,' the owner responded.

'I started taking my friends in the dinghy, and then he was just really pissed off,' the boat's owner explained to the officer.

'Out of nowhere, he started pulling out this weapon and said, "I'm gonna shoot you guys,"' the yacht's owner continued.

Hensley was taken off the boat and spoke with police, with whom he shared the details of how he makes his living.

'I own a marketing company, called Rock Star Lifestyle,' Hensley says.

Online, Hensley's social media presence shows him in clubs, on lavish vacations and alongside others wearing merch advertising his company.

Online, Hensley's social media presence shows him in clubs, on lavish vacations and alongside others wearing merch advertising his company

Other passengers were held on the boat as police searched for the gun

Police searched the boat for nearly a half-an-hour before they came to the conclusion that the boat was too big and that the gun may have been thrown overboard

One passenger became so frightened by the man's actions that she took a video of Hensley allegedly with a weapon and the gun tucked into his belt.

She and others also told police the man waved the weapon around.

Police searched the boat and even the purses of some passengers but ultimately surmised the weapon may have been thrown overboard.

'This place is so huge,' said one of the officers in the video.

'He might've dumped it over,' another added.

Miami Police promptly arrested Hensley on land after talking with witnesses.

According to the report, the man 'repeatedly apologized for his actions.'

He was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and firearm exhibition but his charges were later downgraded to disorderly conduct. Hensley's case is pending.
Eight Republican candidates are going up against each other Wednesday evening in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the first GOP debate of the 2024 primary election cycle.

The candidates, however, are essentially battling it out for second place.

Meanwhile, frontrunner Donald Trump is running counter programming with a sit-down with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson airing at the same time the debate kicks off  9:00 p.m. ET.

Fox is hosting the debate at Fiserv Forum arena in Milwaukee with moderators Martha MacCallum and Bret Baier.

Candidates participating are Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

Three other candidates  Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, businessman Perry Johnson and radio host Larry Elder  claim they met the requirements to be on stage, but were not included in the RNC lineup released Monday night.

Follow along with DailyMail.com's live updates of the first 2024 Republican presidential debate.
It was just a little over two days after Ashling Murphy (left) was found stabbed in a ditch on January 12 last year that Jozef Puska (right) allegedly claimed that he was responsible for the crime. Lying on a hospital bed in a small private room at St James's Hospital in Dublin, and flanked on each side by two gardai, he told an interpreter in Slovak that he was the man the police were looking for. Shortly afterwards, he began to cry. This account was corroborated by three witnesses this week, who each repeated the same words Mr Puska allegedly said that day - 'I did it, I murdered, I am the murderer.' One of those witnesses, Slovak translator Miroslav Sedlacek (inset), said that after the alleged confession, Mr Puska, 33, from Lynally Grove, Mucklagh in Co. Offaly, was 'upset' and even 'desperate'.
Two E-Type Jaguars known as the 'Crown Jewels' of UK motoring are set to go under the hammer for more than 1million each.

The auction includes the first production model ever manufactured, a 1961 Series 3.8l Roadster, which could fetch up to 1.2million.

The indigo blue motor was owned by Jaguar's racing team manager Frank Raymond Wilton 'Lofty' England, who oversaw five victories for the team at Le Mans.

A spokesman for automotive auction specialists Gooding & Company said the significance of the car was 'beyond measure'.

The same collector is also set to part with a unique right-hand-drive 1961 Coupe E-Type, one of the only four of its type ever built.

The auction includes the first production model ever manufactured, a 1961 Series 3.8l Roadster, which could fetch up to 1.2million

The same collector is also set to part with a unique right-hand-drive 1961 Coupe E-Type (pictured), one of the only four of its type ever built

1961 E-Type Series I 3.8-Litre Fixed Head Coupe (left) and 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 3.8-litre Roadster (right)

Featuring an opalescent dark blue body and a red leather interior, it was lovingly restored by the unnamed owner after he purchased it for just 1 in 2000.

It is estimated to sell for as much as 1.4million when it goes under the hammer in London on September 1.

The owner, who asked to remain anonymous, said: 'Driving an E-Type is always good fun but to be able to own two incredibly important cars just amplifies that pleasure.

'It has been a privilege to own them and I hope they continue to give as much pleasure to the new owners as they have to me and my family over the last 20 years.'

Gooding & Company auctioneer Charlie Ross, who will lead the September sale, said: 'Enzo Ferrari has been quoted as saying the Jaguar E-type is the most beautiful car in the world. This pair started the obsession and the auction really does afford an opportunity for someone to purchase two of the UK's automotive Crown Jewels.'

1961 E-Type Series I 3.8-Litre Fixed Head Coupe. Featuring an opalescent dark blue body and a red leather interior, it was lovingly restored by the unnamed owner after he purchased it for just 1 in 2000

1961 E-Type Series I 3.8-Litre Fixed Head Coupe. It is estimated to sell for as much as 1.4million when it goes under the hammer in London on September 1

1961 E-Type Series I 3.8-Litre Fixed Head Coupe. The owner, who asked to remain anonymous, said: 'Driving an E-Type is always good fun but to be able to own two incredibly important cars just amplifies that pleasure'

E-Type Series I 3.8-Litre Fixed Head Coupe. The owner said: 'It has been a privilege to own them and I hope they continue to give as much pleasure to the new owners as they have to me and my family over the last 20 years'

1961 E-Type Series I 3.8-Litre Fixed Head Coupe. Gooding & Company auctioneer Charlie Ross, who will lead the September sale, said: 'Enzo Ferrari has been quoted as saying the Jaguar E-type is the most beautiful car in the world'

1961 E-Type Series I 3.8-Litre Fixed Head Coupe. Mr Ross said of the two cars: This pair started the obsession and the auction really does afford an opportunity for someone to purchase two of the UK's automotive Crown Jewels'

1961 E-Type Series I 3.8-Litre Fixed Head Coupe. Regarded as a motoring masterpiece, the ground-breaking E-Type was conceived by co-founder of Jaguar Cars Sir William Lyons, known as Mr Jaguar

1961 E-Type Series I 3.8-Litre Fixed Head Coupe. Essentially a road-going version of Jaguar's Le Mans-dominating D-Type, the E-Type was accessible to just about any level of driver

1961 E-Type Series I 3.8-Litre Fixed Head Coupe. The E-Type boasted great performance capability with a top speed of 150 mph

Regarded as a motoring masterpiece, the ground-breaking E-Type was conceived by co-founder of Jaguar Cars Sir William Lyons, known as Mr Jaguar.

Essentially a road-going version of Jaguar's Le Mans-dominating D-Type, the E-Type was accessible to just about any level of driver.

It boasted great performance capability with a top speed of 150 mph.

Lyons approved the addition of a coupe body for the E-Type, and this was chosen as the debut car for the Geneva International Motor Show in March 1961. The E-Type won immediate recognition as star of the show.

Though Lyons led Jaguar's success, Middlesex-born Lofty England, who died in 1995, played a hugely important role. He was probably second only to Lyons in determining the corporate direction and public image of Jaguar Cars.

The Jaguars are among a selection of the world's rarest and most historically important British classic cars - worth more than 5 million - in the Gooding & Company auction.

Other offerings include a one-of-a-kind 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 'Indiana' Spider, with an estimate of 1.2m to 1.8m. It was produced thanks to the motoring passions of US millionaire industrialist and foreign car distributor Stanley 'Wacky' Arnolt of Chicago, Illinois.

In 1951, at Italy's Torino Auto Show, he struck a deal with design house Bertone to build a handful of custom-bodied MG TDs and Aston Martin DB2/4s.

They included the one-off 'Indiana' Spider, chassis LML/762. It was custom built for Mr Arnolt and designed by Bertone's lead stylist Franco Scaglione - the brains behind many of the most famous Italian automotive designs.

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 3.8-litre Roadster. The Jaguars are among a selection of the world's rarest and most historically important British classic cars - worth more than 5 million - in the Gooding & Company auction

The front of the 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 3.8-litre Roadster

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 3.8-litre Roadster being driven on a country road

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 3.8-litre Roadster. Jaguar's legendary racing team manager, Lofty, a man who oversaw five Le Mans victories, allocated the earliest E-Types to their first owners and chose one for himself

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 3.8-litre Roadster. The auction also includes a one-of-a-kind 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 'Indiana' Spider, with an estimate of 1.2m to 1.8m

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 3.8-litre Roadster. Though co-founder of Jaguar Cars Sir William Lyons led the carmaker's success, Middlesex-born Lofty England, who died in 1995, played a hugely important role. He was probably second only to Lyons in determining the corporate direction and public image of Jaguar Cars
Ex-home secretary Dame Priti Patel has apologised to the King for causing 'embarrassment and difficulties' after reportedly sending an email suggesting a review of the Duke of York's armed security.

Andrew no longer has taxpayer-funded police protection after giving up his HRH style amid the furore over his association with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein and out-of-court settlement in a US civil sex case.

The Sun newspaper reported Dame Priti emailed Charles's principal private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, suggesting a review of the duke's protection could be considered. She also referred to the Duke of Sussex's security detail in the leaked email, the paper said.

Dame Priti told the newspaper: 'It is disappointing that this correspondence has been leaked into the public domain and I apologise to His Majesty for the embarrassment and difficulties the publishing of this correspondence has caused.'

Prince Andrew has reportedly launched a bid to win back his 3million a year armed security

Ex-home secretary Dame Priti Patel has apologised to the King

Andrew stepped away from public life after a controversial Newsnight interview in November 2019.

Virginia Giuffre also sued him for allegedly sexually assaulting her when she was 17 after she was trafficked by Epstein.

Andrew has always denied the claims but paid millions of pounds in an out-of-court settlement in the US civil case.

In January 2022, ahead of his legal settlement, his mother the Queen stripped Andrew of all of his honorary military roles, including Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, and he gave up his HRH style.

Royal expert Ingrid Seward said last night: 'The King will be deeply embarrassed by this  the issue is so controversial he won't go anywhere near it.

'Ms Patel should have known he has no power over these decisions.

'Her meddling was deeply unwise and deeply unfair on The King  and will damage Andrew's cause, not help it.'

Ms Seward also questioned why members of the public should be forced to shell out millions for 'a man who rarely leaves his home'.

The Duke of York, 63, lost his right to protection after he was stripped of his 'HRH' title and removed as a working senior royal following the fallout, resulting in him staying out of the public spotlight.

The Home Office said it would not comment on the matter. Buckingham Palace has also been contacted by MailOnline.

While he was a working royal, Andrew had been entitled to the taxpayer funded security detail made up of armed police who accompanied him on all visits outside Windsor in Berkshire.

His status as a working royal was removed by the late Queen Elizabeth in January 2022, and when King Charles became monarch he made clear his intentions to pursue a 'slimmed down monarchy' - this did not include Prince Andrew.

Yet while money from the public purse is not being used provide protection for the Duke of York, it was reported last year that the King might personally pay 3 million a year to bill his brother's team of bodyguards. Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the reports at the time.
A woman was beaten to death - and her two children hospitalized with life-threatening injuries - after a hammer attack in a Brooklyn apartment on Thursday, according to police.

The 43-year-old mother, who has not yet been identified, was at the residence on 52nd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in the Sunset Park area of Brooklyn with her two children, ages five and three.

They were attacked just before 2 p.m. inside their second-floor apartment, police said.

The attacker, who knew the victims, got into an argument with the mother and bludgeoned her and the children with a hammer, NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said, according to NBC New York.

An unidentified suspect was taken into custody outside the apartment building.

A woman was beaten to death - and her two children hospitalized with life-threatening injuries - after a hammer attack in a Brooklyn apartment on Thursday, according to police

The suspect has been taken to a nearby stationhouse for questioning by police. Charges have not been filed against the attacker, as Chell described the blitz as 'brutal.'

The official further referred to the attack as a 'horrific and senseless act of violence.'

Chell said the man arrested lives in the same apartment with his 9-year-old son, subletting one room while the woman and her two children live in a separate room. Police say that they don't believe the families to be related to one another.

New York State Senator Iwen Chu said the 9-year-old likely witnessed everything.

The victims were taken to a hospital for treatment, and the mother was eventually pronounced dead.

The children remain hospitalized with what's been described as life-threatening injuries.

Police have also recovered the hammer used in the attack.

The 43-year-old mother, who has not yet been identified, was at the residence on 52nd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in the Sunset Park area of Brooklyn with her two children, ages five and three

The victims were attacked just before 2 p.m. inside their second-floor apartment, police said

The attacker, who knew the victims, got into an argument with the mother and bludgeoned her and the children with a hammer

A suspect, who has not been identified yet, was taken into custody outside the apartment building

The suspect has yet to be charged for what Chell described as a 'brutal' attack

Police have also recovered the hammer used in the attack

The investigation is ongoing. The NYPD has not yet released a motive for the attack.

Lester Chang, a state assembly member, said the victim's husband and the father of the two children works in Ohio and comes back once a month. The father is on his way back from Ohio, ABC7 reported.

'We all have to pray for these young kids,' New York State Assemblyman Lester Chang said. 'These two young kids fighting for their lives. And I can only imagine what the father has to go through.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to the NYPD for further comment.
A Gold Coast councillor has been charged with murder following the death of the de-facto partner of his mother after a 'disturbance' in his family home.

Police were called to a house on Chiffley Place in Arundel over reports of a 'disturbance' just after 3pm on Wednesday.

Emergency services found a 58-year-old man dead at the property.

Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden, 30, was arrested and charged with murder on Wednesday afternoon, Queensland Police confirmed in a statement.

'He has since been charged with one count of murder and is due to face Southport Magistrates Court today, August 24,' police said.

Gold Coast councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden, 30, was arrested and charged with one count of murder on Wednesday afternoon, Queensland Police confirmed in a statement

The deceased man, who could not be revived by paramedics, is understood to be the de facto partner of Bayldon-Lumden's mother.

The councilor was led away from the Arundel home by police on Wednesday wearing a blue forensic suit and paper bags taped over his hands.

Bayldon-Lumsden serves in Gold Coast City's Division 7 and was elected in 2020 as a first-time councillor - making him the youngest to be elected in the council's history.

He previously worked as a schoolteacher before making the switch to politics.

Just hours before the 'disturbance' - he shared pictures of a 'Walk or Wheel Wednesday' at Arundel State School, describing the day as 'beautiful'.

Neighbour Kim Thompson, who lives opposite the Arundel home, said her children had played with Ryan and his younger sister as kids.

She noted the family had been living in the house for the last 17 years.

She said Bayldon-Lumsden was very active in the community and at the home, where he was seen 'mowing the lawns and tending to the house'.

'My first fear was something had happened to Ryan because he is a beautiful, beautiful person, so I was hoping nothing happened to him,' she told the ABC.

The councillor was led away from the Arundel home by police on Wednesday wearing a blue forensic suit and paper bags taped over his hands

Detectives and forensic officers remained at the home overnight on Wednesday

'He would be the one I know the most, he's very active in the community in a really, really lovely way - everyone knows and loves him.'

Barry Kerin said he was devastated with the tight-knit community left rocked.

'I'd been home for about an hour before all the police turned up [yesterday] but I've only heard on the news this morning that he's been charged with murder,' Mr Kerin said.

'There was no noise or anything.

'My wife was sitting outside while I was out shopping and she said she never heard anything either.'

Neighbour Alena Levrik described the trio as living in the 'perfect house'.

'There's nothing I would really recall, nothing's been happening, it's pretty quiet.' Ms Levrik said.

'From what we know he (Mr Bayldon-Lumsden) lives there with his parents.'

'Normally we would see him running in the mornings with his sister but lately, maybe the last one or two months we would hardly see them.
Maui's top emergency officials were on another island when the wildfires begun, it emerged on Wednesday - and did not join a call about the response until five hours after the blazes broke out.

Dozens of senior bureaucrats were gathering on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, on August 8 for the annual meeting of FEMA coordinators in the Pacific region.

The first fire on Maui, the Upcounty Fire, broke out in the early hours of August 8.

Around 6:40am on that day, a school near Lahaina was evacuated, but an emergency response call was not held until nearly five hours later, at 11am.

The fire was declared 'contained' by 9am, CNN reported.

Yet by 3:30pm the fire had spread so significantly around Lahaina that an evacuation order was given for the town, and Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, Hawaii's acting governor, activated Hawaii's national guard.

The fire killed at least 115 people and more than 1,000 remain missing.

Herman Andaya, who led Maui's emergency response, was on Oahu when the fires broke out. He resigned last week, nine days after the fires, citing health reasons

Major General Kenneth Hara, (left), director of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA), and Don Aweau, (right), executive officer for HIEMA, were also on Oahu when the fires broke out

James Barros, administrator for Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, was among those at the Oahu gathering on August 8

A state emergency management spokesperson told Hawaii News Now the 'coordinating call about 11am' was held to discuss multiple wildfires that had sparked on the Big Island and Maui.

FEMA confirmed the fires were part of discussions during the conference, held at the Alohilani Beach Resort in Honolulu.

'There were consultations about the fires among local, state and FEMA participants,' said FEMA spokesperson John Mills.

It was unclear when the Maui officials made the decision to return home and deal with the disaster, or who was in charge when the fires broke out.

Those attending the conference included Herman Andaya, the then-director of Maui County Emergency Management Agency, who defended the decision not to activate emergency warnings.

Andaya resigned on August 17, nine days after the wildfires, citing his health.

It had emerged he had no background in disaster response: Local news site Maui Now reported in 2017 that he was hired over 40 other qualified applicants.

Also at the conference was Major General Kenneth Hara, director of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA); James Barros, administrator for HIEMA; and Don Aweau, executive officer for HIEMA.

Andaya, who leads Maui's response, was accompanied by at least six state emergency leaders, Hawaii News Now reported.

Two of them - Barros and Aweau - were at the state's Emergency Operations Center by 5pm on the day of the fires.

It is unclear when Andaya and Hara left the meeting.

Lahaina residents are seen on August 8 watching as their home town is engulfed in flames

At least 115 people have been killed from the fires and more than 1,000 people remain missing

The Lahaina fire is seen still raging on August 9

The fire destroyed Lahaina, and is pictured still smoldering on August 10 in Kihei

Maui's officials are facing mounting questions about their handling of the disaster, including why sirens were not activated and why no warning was given.

Emergency preparedness experts have been accused of complacency after it emerged they gave the risk of wildfires as low - despite significant damage caused by 2018 fires.

The cause of the blaze remains unclear, but a lawsuit has been filed against Hawaii's electric company, accusing them of failing to shut down their grid, despite hurricane tailwinds and tinder-dry conditions.

Officials in Hawaii on Tuesday implored residents to submit DNA samples to help in the identification of human remains, with the death toll currently at 115.

At the same time, investigators acknowledged it is possible not all of the remains of victims will ever be found.

Maui County prosecuting attorney Andrew Martin, tasked with heading up the family assistance center, said on Tuesday he spoke with experts who have handled DNA sampling in mass-casualty disasters elsewhere, and that he's seeing less willingness in Hawaii.

'The number of family members who are coming in to provide DNA samples is a lot lower than they've seen in other disasters,' he said.

Martin said he could not explain why people seemed less willing to provide DNA samples - so far 104 had been collected.

But he hoped his reassurances that the DNA provided would only be used for the purpose of identifying remains, and would not be transferred to any law enforcement database or agency, would help more family members come forward.

Investigators said at the news conference that there remain between 1,000 and 1,100 names on their running list of people who are unaccounted for from the fire.

But they also said the list was a complex jumble that included some people identified by a single name; others with missing data like birth dates; some people whose genders were not clear and also that there were likely duplicate reports of the same people, as the list is compiled from varied sources.

They gave no forecast on when - or if - they might ever finish the task of accounting for everybody on the list.

They also said they could not yet give an estimate on what the total number of people killed by the fire would eventually be.

A fire sparked by a downed powerline on the morning of Tuesday, August 8 is believed to have developed into the conflagration which destroyed Lahaina. Officials initially brought the fire under control, but a flareup quickly spread

Maui Police Chief John Pelletier underscored that so far his department had 85 missing persons reports related to the fire on file - and asked citizens to report any missing family members or others directly to the police if possible.

The devastation was so bad, though, that Pelletier warned that even after all the searching for remains is over, 'I can't guarantee ... that we got everybody.'

Authorities say they have now searched 100 percent of the single-story residential properties in the disaster area, and are now moving on to businesses and tower blocks.

The catastrophe risk modeling business of Moody's said it estimates the economic loss from the Hawaiian wildfires to be in the range of $4 billion to $6 billion.

The company's Risk Management Solutions division, however, said in a report that most of the economic damage is expected to be covered by insurance, in the range of about 75 percent or more.

'Post-event loss amplification is expected to be high in this event due to the island effect on supply chains, high construction labor costs in general, inflationary impacts during the expected long recovery time, and potential ordinance and law requirements,' said Rajkiran Vojjala, vice president for modeling at Moody's RMS.
Wagner mercenaries have threatened to march on Moscow after it was claimed warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin was among the dead in a plane crash near the Russian capital.

Telegram channels with links to Prigozhin announced his death on Friday night shortly after news of the crash, and claimed it was caused by 'traitors' within Russia.

Russian officials also claimed Prigozhin was on the plane, which crashed in a field, killing all ten onboard, just two months after his failed coup attempt against Putin's regime.

The Federal Air Transport Agency published a list of those it believed were on the flight, including Prigozhin and his deputy Dmitry Utkin.

However, Keir Giles, from the London-based think tank Chatham House, warned: 'It's been announced that a passenger by the name of Yevgeny Prigozhin was on board - but it is also known that multiple individuals have changed their name to Yevgeny Prigozhin, as part of his efforts to obfuscate his travels. Lets not be surprised if he pops up shortly in a new video from Africa.'

Meanwhile, as the news broke, Wagner supporters laid tributes to its commander outside the former Wagner Centre in St Petersburg. Putin is yet to comment but last night attended a concert.

Although the cause of the crash is unclear, Russian social media channels is awash with speculation that a case of fine wine onboard may in fact have been a bomb in disguise.

Prigozhin, formerly known as Putin's chef and with longstanding links to the Kremlin dictator, is believed to have been on a 'kill list' after his uprising failed and he was exiled to Belarus.

As more claims of Prigozhin's death spread, Wagner fighters posted a chilling video on social media vowing retribution if their leader is confirmed dead.

Yet, frenzied speculation also suggests Prigozhin may have faked his own death after a second aircraft, with links to Wagner, was seen on flight radar zigzagging over the same Tzer region, 60 miles north of the capital.

This would not be the first time he had succeeded in disappearing: he was officially declared dead in Africa in 2019, before re-emerging before Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.

It was initially unknown if Wagner chief Prigozhin (pictured in a video reportedly filmed in Africa which was released on Monday) - known as the Wagner chief and with longstanding links to the Kremlin dictator - was on board

Masked men, claiming to be Wagner fighters warned Putin to 'get ready' as the group prepares for a possible reaction to their leader's reported death

The plane, which had Prigozhin named as a passenger on its flight list, was later reported to be engulfed in fire, as images on social media claimed to show the wreckage

Flightradar data appeared to show a second plane circling over St Petersburg

The Wagner headquarters in St Petersburg appeared to be lit up in the shape of a cross

A man lights a candle at an informal memorial next to the former Wagner Centre in St Petersburg, which has been scattered with dozens of flowers

People pay tribute to Yevgeny Prigozhin at the makeshift memorial in St Petersburg

Witnesses to the crash heard a loud bang before they saw the jet 'fall from the sky' - locals on social media are sharing these images of the aftermath, although it is unconfirmed at this stage if this is the plane

The Russian Investigative Committee released a photo of the alleged crash site on Wednesday after the blaze had been extinguished

Wagner deputy and co-founder Dmitry Utkin is also claimed to have been killed in the crash

Prigozhin's public appearances in two months since his failed coup against Putin's regime JUNE 23 Prigozhin announces a 'march for justice' to stop the 'evil being spread by the country's military leadership'. In a series of audio recordings posted on the Telegram messaging service, he announces his 25,000 soldiers will march on Moscow, adding: 'Wagner's commanders have come to a decision. This is not a military coup. It is a march for justice.' JUNE 24 Prigozhin says his fighters have captured the army headquarters in Rostov-on-Don 'without firing a single shot' and claims to have the support of locals. But that evening, he suddenly announces a withdrawal, saying on Telegram: 'Now is the moment when blood could be spilled. We are turning our convoy around.' He then disappears from public view for nearly three days. JUNE 27 Prigozhin breaks his silence to deny his march was a coup, saying: 'We didn't have the goal of toppling the existing regime, which is lawfully elected, as we have said many times.' JULY 3 Prigozhin calls on the Russian public to stand up for Wagner paramilitaries as the group continues to recruit troops for the war in Ukraine. JULY 6 Selfies of Prigozhin in various wigs and disguises are published by Russia's security services to weaken his fearsome public image. JULY 14 A photo of Prigozhin sitting in his underpants on an unmade bed in a tent is leaked online. Data attached to the photo shows it was taken on June 12  11 days before he announced the armed rebellion. JULY 19 In a video filmed in a field, Prigozhin says: 'What's happening on the front is a disgrace that we don't need to take part in. So a decision has been taken that we will be here in Belarus for some time,' before 'heading off for Africa'. JULY 27 Prigozhin is photographed on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg, shaking hands with Freddy Mapouka, chief of protocol for the Central African Republic's president. Advertisement

Ten bodies have been retrieved from the wreckage, local emergency services have said, but MailOnline is unable to independently verify whether Prigozhin was one of them.

A Wagner address last night, reported by the Sun, stated: 'We directly say that we suspect the Kremline officials led by Putin of an attempt to kill him!'.

'If the information about Prigozhin's death is confirmed, we will organise a second March of Justice on Moscow!'

Meanwhile armed men claiming to be from the unit warned Putin in a video shared online: 'There's a lot of talk right now about what the Wagner Group will do. We can tell you one thing.

'We are getting started, get ready for us.'

Both state media and Telegram accounts affiliated to Wagner have reported Prigozhin's and Utkin's deaths.

While the fate of his bitter rival remained unknown, the Russian President enjoyed a WW2 memorial concert and handed out military honours in Kursk, Russia.

Video footage purportedly shows the aircraft falling out of the sky in the Bologovsky district in the Tver region, 60 miles north of Moscow on Friday. A burning wreckage, which appears to be of a plane, was later seen in a field, with unconfirmed images showing it completely ablaze.

Prigozhin, 62, has been increasingly careful since he led a coup against Putin's regime exactly two months ago.

After its failure, he had been warned that his life was in danger. He was known to take huge care over his security and is rumoured to have not been onboard the fateful plane, despite state TV asserting otherwise.

Sources close to him said that while the aircraft belonged to him, he usually flew on another aircraft.

Another plane, also supposedly with links to Prigozhin, was detected 'zig-zagging' over Moscow in the aftermath of the crash, fuelling speculation that the Wagner boss may not have been onboard after all.

Tracking data available for the crashed plane appears to show it rise to around 29,000ft, before suddenly disappearing and dropping to 0ft.

A channel linked to Wagner said the plane had been shot down by air defences, but this has not yet been confirmed.

A Telegram channel thought to be linked to Prigozhin said their leader had died, saying he had been 'killed as a result of actions by traitors of Russia'.

A post described him as a 'hero of Russia, a true patriot of his Motherland'.

Wagner deputy and co-founder Dmitry Utkin, widely reported to be a neo-Nazi, is also claimed to have been killed in the crash.

One of the other passengers said to have died, Valeriy Chekalov, has previously been sanctioned by the US due to his links to the Wagner group.

Russian State TV Rossiya24 was the first to announce warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin's death, stating: 'A private jet flying from Moscow to St Petersburg crashed.

'Ten people were killed. Yevgeny Prigozhin was among the passengers.'

Outside the Wagner Centre in St Petersburg, some Russians were pictured laying flowers and candles after the unit leader's possible death.

Ultranationalist pro-war TV channel Tsargrad said the bodies of Yevgeny Prigozhin and fellow military warlord Dmitry Utkin had been identified at the crash site. A genetic analysis was still to be carried out, and authorities have started an investigation, state media reports.

Last night, UK security officials pointed the finger at Putin, accusing the Russian president of assassinating his most dangerous political rival.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source said: 'There is no surprise about what has happened. There are no accidents after an individual challenges Putin's authority.

'He has eliminated his rivals and those who have spoken out against him before and, it appears, he has done so again.

'The question is, what happens now to the Wagner Group. Will it become Putin's private army operating around the world?'

Security sources said they expect the Kremlin to attribute the crash to a bomb placed on board the aircraft by Ukrainian special agents. It is considered far more likely that Prigozhin's jet was targeted by the Russian government using a surface-to-air missile.

Washington confirmed on Wednesday evening that President Biden has been briefed, and the UK government confirmed it was 'monitoring the situation closely'.

Wagner group badges were among the items left at an informal memorial outside the former Wagner Centre on Friday night

Men hang a Wagner flag at a memorial after Russian officials claimed Prigozhin was on the plane that crashed last night

Russians lay banners, flags, candles and bunches of flowers outside the unit's former HQ

Two young Russians stand and look at the makeshift memorial outside the former Wagner Centre

A Telegram channel with links to Wagner announced Prigozhin's death on Friday evening

Images shared online purported to show the jet, believed to be carrying the Russian chief, falling to the ground as it crashed in the Tver region in Russia

It was claimed a video showed the plane flying in the Tver region before crashing towards the ground (right)

Plumes of smoke from the blaze, said to be of the plane, could be seen for miles around, video on social media shows

Firefighters rush to the scene of the blaze, believed to be Prigozhin's plane

Ten bodies have been recovered from the wreckage, said to be pictured above, Russian officials have said

A report from Rosaviatsiya - the Russian aviation agency - said Prigozhin was among the passengers

Prigozhin has had long-established links to the Kremlin and until recently led the Wagner mercenary unit

Witnesses to the crash heard a loud bang before they saw the jet 'fall from the sky'.

Images shared on social media purport to show the burning wreckage of the plane in a field in the Tver region, and plumes of black smoke can be seen from miles away.

The numbers 795 can just about be made out on the edge of the scrap pile, which matches the plane linked to the ex-military leader.

Roads leading to the crash site have since been blocked off by Russian police vehicles, images show.

US national security spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the possible death of Prigozhin would not be a surprise given his history with Putin.

'We have seen the reports' of the crash and if confirmed, 'no-one should be surprised,' she said.

President Joe Biden told reporters: 'I don't know for a fact what happened, but I'm not surprised.'

But news agency Readovka - linked to Prigozhin - said it was 'premature' to say he had died. He regularly 'confused everyone' by changing his travel plans at the last minute, the agency said.

A source claimed: 'The infrastructure [of the plane] was not damaged, the tail fell off in one settlement, everything else in another.

'The wing also fell off, we don't know yet what and where. Three people, the pilots, are torn to pieces, to pieces.

'The rest are in the tail section. Four bodies were picked open, and then it is still not clear. The plane burned out completely.

'Only the front part, windows and a piece of hardware remained, and a piece of the engine is lying on one wing. Everything else burned out.'

Russian officials said of ten bodies found, one of them had its head separated from its shoulders.

Police officers block a road near the site of crash of a private jet linked to Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in the Tver region on Friday night

It comes as Russian authorities begin a criminal investigation into the crash near the village of Kuzhenkino

Prigozhin pictured during his failed coup attempt against Putin in June this year

A video shared widely on social media claimed to show the aircraft ablaze

One local woman said she saw parts of the plane fall off as it plunged from the sky.

Who do flight records show was onboard doomed plane? Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner Group

Dmitry Utkin, its co-founder

Sergey Propustin

Yevgeny Makaryan

Alexander Totmin

Valeriy Chekalov

Nikolay Matuseev Plus crew members: Aleksei Levshin, commander

Rustam Karimov, co-pilot

Kristina Raspopova, flight attendant Advertisement

A second plane belonging to Prigozhin, the same aircraft said to be flying zigzags close to Moscow, was later reported to have landed in the capital.

Prigozhin had been warned not to go into high buildings for fear of accidents after leading a coup aimed at ousting especially defence minister Sergei Shoigu and army chief Gen Valery Gerasimov.

He is known to have used body doubles as part of his elaborate security measures.

Commenting on the crash, military analyst Sean Bell told Sky News: 'After that abortive coup, I don't think any of us expected Prigozhin's life expectancy to be more than I think we predicted three months. It looks like it's two months.'

He later said the incident could even be a stunt by Prigozhin himself in order to allow him to disappear into a peaceful exile.

At the time of the crash, a smirking Putin - who rarely travels to the Russian regions - was in Kursk, close to Ukraine, marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Kursk in WW2.

At the event, Putin gave awards to the military, including the top honour - Hero of Russia.

Prigozhin, whose private military force Wagner fought alongside Russia's regular army in Ukraine, mounted a short-lived armed mutiny against Russia's military leadership in late June.

Wagner chief Prigozhin (pictured in March this year) became one of the most feared men in Russia during his military career

A local woman said she saw parts of the plane, said to be pictured above, fall off as it plunged from the sky

The jet linked to the Wagner chief has previously flown members of his team around Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Kursk

Russian President Putin was last night pictured at a concert in Kursk

The grand event in Kursk saw Putin hand out military offers, as his biggest rival's fate remained unknown

His paramilitary unit had been associated with some of the worst atrocities of the conflict in Ukraine, but Prigozhin's relationship with the Kremlin broke down over high mortality rates, lack of equipment and lack of wages.

The Russian warlord had previously threatened to withdraw troops from frontline positions if he was not given the supplies he demanded from Putin.

The Wagner Group saw some of the worst fighting in the months leading up to June, with numbers so depleted that Prigozhin recruited thousands of dangerous convicted criminals straight out of prison to join his forces.

In late June, Prigozhin launched an unprecedented verbal attack on President Putin and his allies before marching 25,000 troops towards Moscow.

Having taken the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, the army marched north for several hours, forcing the capital into lockdown, before an agreement between him and the government was reached.

The mutiny was ended by negotiations and an apparent Kremlin deal which saw Prigozhin agree to relocate to neighbouring Belarus. But he had appeared to move freely inside Russia after the deal nonetheless.

Shortly after that, Wagner fighters set up camp in Belarus, but Prigozhin's plane, according to media reports, was flying back and forth between Belarus and Russia.

This week Prigozhin posted his first recruitment video since the mutiny, saying that Wagner is conducting reconnaissance and search activities, and 'making Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa even more free'.

Prigozhin, who had sought to topple Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov, chief of the general staff, had posted the video address just this Monday - but the date of the shoot is unknown.
Donald Trump called his critics 'savages' and claimed his opponents will try and 'steal' the election again in the preview of his interview with Tucker Carlson - which will run at the same time as the Republican presidential debate.

Former Fox News host Carlson asked the former president if the U.S. is heading towards a civil war and if he was worried his enemies want to kill him in the first clip of their conversation that will air at 9pm.

Trump told Carlson he doesn't think President Joe Biden will 'make it' when asked about his health and also accused Mitch McConnell of trying to whip up support to impeach him.

Carlson previews snippets of what he is billing as a fiery interview with the former president, playing up threats of violence, civil war, and President Biden's health.

The preview came out hours before the Trump was set to air on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter  directly competing against the first Republican presidential debate, where rivals are girding to get a leg up to become an alternative to Trump.

'Are you worried that they are going to try to kill you?' is just one of the explosive questions that Carlson asks him, in an interview on Trump's home turf at his Bedminster, New Jersey country club.

'Do you think were moving toward Civil War?' was another, along with, 'Whatever happened to Mike Pence?'

Interviewer Tucker Carlson is hyping an explosive interview on the X platform, where he asks former President Donald Trump if the nation is headed for civil war

That is a reference to Trump's former vice president, who is on the debate stage, polling in the low single digits, but vigorously denying Trump's claims he had the ability to reject votes certified by the states on January 6.

Early snippets indicate Trump plans to rail against his usual enemies. He claims Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell, who voted against his impeachment twice, was whipping votes in favor of it. He said McConnell was 'trying to get senators to impeach me.'

'I dont think hes going to make it to the gate but you never know,' he says about President Joe Biden, 80, in a remark that appears to indicate he believes his chief rival won't survive.

'Theyre savage animals they are people that are sick,' Trump says of his rivals

Trump decided to stay off the debate stage in Milwaukee while sitting on a big polling lead

The interview was pre-recorded. Carlson also asked Trump why he wasn't participating in the prime time debate

Biden's own campaign team lambasted the interview before it came out as a 'softball' interview touting 'conspiracy theories.'

'Theyre savage animals they are people that are sick,' Trump says of his enemies in the clip.

'Theres a level of hatred that I've never seen,' he adds.

The prime time drama comes hours before Trump plans to surrender to authorities in Fulton County, Georgia, Thursday to be processed and have his mugshot taken, after being indicted on racketeering conspiracy charges related to his election overturn effort in the state.

The early excerpts appear to indicate Trump was able to take free shots  without a moderator cutting off his time, or another candidate trying to push back at his own record or time in office.

'Crooked Joe Biden is so bad he's the worst president in the history of our country,' Trump says in the clip, in a line that might have come from the Truth Social platform he owns.

His interview with Carlson was a carefully selected venue on X, a platform owned by Elon Musk, who reinstated Trump's suspended Twitter account.

Carlson was pushed out of Fox following a massive settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, which sued the network for airing election conspiracy theories about its equipment. The company settled for $787 million.

On Wednesday, the network is trying to draw viewers to its prime time debate in Milwaukee, in a swing state Trump won in 2016 but lost in 2020.

In texts released during the litigation, Carlson was revealed writing January 4, 2020:

'We are very, very close to being able to ignore Trump most nights. I truly cant wait.' Then he wrote: 'I hate him passionately.'

But his platform offers a benefit for both men. Carlson can reestablish himself while elbowing the network that jettisoned him, while still paying his hefty salary. Trump gets to be on air without letting rivals gain an advantage over him.

Carlson also asked Trump why he wasn't at the debate. Rivals including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have characterized him as afraid to show up. Trump has said he was sitting on a big lead and didn't need to.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un slipped into a pair of John Travolta-style white flares as he took a tractor for a spin.

The dictator donned the eye-catching ensemble while visiting Kumsong Tractor Factory on Wednesday as the country faces an ongoing food crisis.

He was seen strutting through the factory wearing a white jacket, paired with the white trousers and a white hat, trailed by a number of staff wearing black and navy suits.

Kim was later seen driving around a blue tractor as dozens of people, seemingly workers from the factory and military personnel, stood and watched on.

State media KCNA reported that the visit saw the Korean leader urge the factory to ramp up its role in solving the food crisis - which he said was important for business and the country's future.

Kim, the 70s called... they want their trousers back!

The leader was later seen driving around in a blue tractor

John Travolta pictured in his white flares in the iconic film

He called for their the country's agricultural machinery to be modernised so it can reach 'world class' level, the report said.

The country has been pushing the agricultural sector more and more amid concerns over growing food shortages.

Earlier this year South Korea's unification minister - who is in charge of handling relations with their neighbour - said the food situation within North Korea is 'still bad' despite its slight increase in trade with China.

Onlookers appeared to hang on to Kim's every word as he sat atop a tractor

Seal of approval? Kim pats a green tractor during his tour

The outfit was reminiscent of John Travolta's Saturday Night Fever outfit

The dictator had been visiting Kumsong Tractor Factory on Wednesday

Earlier this week, Kim criticized top officials over their response to flood damage including over 667 acres of rice paddies

The North has suffered serious food shortages in recent decades, including famine in the 1990s, often as a result of natural disasters, and international experts have warned that border closures during the COVID-19 pandemic worsened matters.

Earlier this week, Kim criticized top officials over their response to flood damage including over 667 acres of rice paddies, news agency KCNA said.

Last week, KCNA also reported that Kim had inspected typhoon-hit farmlands after tropical storm Khanun swept over the Korean Peninsula.

Kim praised the military's efforts to salvage crops and said the troops were mobilised because they cannot lose a patch of farmland 'to the natural rampage on the agricultural front directly related with the people's living,' the report said.
Kemi Badenoch today hails Britain's 'thriving relationship' with India as talks progress on a major new trade deal between the two countries.

The Business and Trade Secretary arrives in Jaipur for a summit with her G20 counterparts before holding crucial talks in New Delhi.

She and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will take stock of negotiations for a new agreement between the UK and India which are entering their toughest stages yet.

Mrs Badenoch will also meet business leaders including holding a bilateral with Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of the Tata Group which is building a 4billion electric car battery 'gigafactory' in the UK.

And she will launch a new 1.5million marketing campaign highlighting the strong cultural links between the nations, in an attempt to boost demand for British goods and encourage more investment by Indian firms.

Kemi Badenoch today hails Britain's 'thriving relationship' with India as talks progress on a major new trade deal between the two countries

Mrs Badenoch said: 'I'm delighted to be returning to India to support their G20 Presidency, further our trade talks and meet key business leaders.

'The UK and India have a thriving relationship and we both share an ambition to deepen our cultural and trading ties.

'India is the UK's second biggest source of investment projects and I'm confident this new campaign will help boost interest in and demand for UK goods and services even further.' Her trip coincides with Round 12 of talks between officials on what is hoped will be one of the biggest post-Brexit deals, building on the current annual figure of 36bn trade between the UK and India.

READ MORE: Kemi Badenoch leadership ambition rumours swirl after a campaign to make her Tory leader is revived Advertisement

There has been speculation that a final announcement could be made before Rishi Sunak arrives for the G20 leaders' summit in September.

But that prospect is now being played down, with another round of negotiations likely next month as Mrs Badenoch is focusing on 'the deal not the date'.

Sources say 'good progress' is being made but the next phase will be the hardest yet with an agreement still to be reached on goods, services and investment.

Several key elements remain on the table including Britain's hope of reducing high tariffs on our whiskey and cars being shipped to India.

Although India is regarded as an economic superpower, overtaking the UK as the world's fifth-biggest economy in 2021, it remains protectionist and cautious about liberalisation.

Another sticking point has been UK ministers' refusal to grant more visas to Indian workers.

A government source said: 'There is a great deal to be done with India, but what happens in the negotiating room will govern the timeline.

Mrs Badenoch will also meet business leaders including holding a bilateral with Natarajan Chandrasekaran (pictured), chairman of the Tata Group which is building a 4billion electric car battery 'gigafactory' in the UK

'We've made progress but talks are focused on complex and technical areas including goods, services, and investment.'

William Bain, head of trade policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 'Having much more visa access to the UK will be part of the key things to get a deal over the line.

'If there is a future stage later in the year where the two prime ministers meet face to face for a further push - it's really going to be that issue of services access in return for better access for Indian nationals in the UK.

'It is a bigger export market and it's one which is rapidly increasing its prosperity. Also India hasn't done many trade agreements, so the UK is relatively front of the queue here.'

The Business Secretary has also insisted that the 'voices of doom' who predicted the UK would suffer after Brexit have been 'proved decisively wrong'.

In an article for the Daily Express she wrote: 'Far from turning their backs on the UK, companies are queuing to invest here.'
A mud-covered note on an unmarked grave has revealed the final eerie resting place of a couple who died from a suspected mushroom poisoning.

Gail and Don Patterson, the elderly in-laws of Erin Patterson, were buried during a secret ceremony on Tuesday.

The pair died a day apart almost a week after eating a beef Wellington dish that is believed to have included poisonous death cap mushrooms.

Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, also died after the meal while her husband, Baptist church pastor Ian Wilkinson, remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Nestled on a grassy section of the Korumburra General Cemetery, the as yet unmarked plot overlooks cattle grazing on lush, green hills.

About 12 car loads of mourners gathered at the plot to farewell the beloved couple.

The final resting place of Don and Gail Patterson

Don and Gail Patterson have been quietly buried in a private service attended by 'only close family members' just over three weeks after they were allegedly fatally poisoned by a Beef Wellington lunch containing Death Cap mushrooms

The Korumburra General Cemetery where the Pattersons were farewelled on Tuesday

A muddy note attached to a bouquet of flowers reads: 'Loving memories of Donald and Gail.'

Another note read: 'Forever in our hearts'.

The family of were buried during a private service with 'only close family members' present.

Their son's ex-wife, Erin, who cooked the meal, remains a 'person of interest' but is not in custody.

A family spokesman did not confirm whether Ms Patterson, along with the two school-aged children she shares with her ex-husband, Simon Patterson, attended the burial service.

A note on the grave of Don and Gail Patterson

Simon Patterson is believed to have held the private burial of his parents earlier this week with his children, although it is not clear if his estranged wife Erin Patterson attended the service

The final resting place of Don and Gail Patterson

Gail and Don Patterson will be publicly honoured at a memorial service at the Korumburra Recreation Centre on August 31.

'The Patterson family has expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love, support and understanding during this challenging time,' a statement from the family read.

'In keeping with Don and Gail's wishes and character, the family has chosen to commemorate their lives in a manner that reflects their values and the love they shared with their community.'

The pair, both 70, died in hospital after having lunch the Leongatha home of their daughter-in-law on July 29.

Police believe all of their symptoms were consistent with being poisoned by death cap mushrooms.

In a statement to police, Ms Patterson said she made a beef Wellington pie using button mushrooms from a major supermarket and dried mushrooms bought at an Asian grocery store.

The 48-year-old said her ex-husband was due to attend the lunch but pulled out, while her children were also out of the house at the time of the meal.

Ms Patterson said her children ate leftover beef Wellington the next day, with the mushrooms scraped off.

Erin Patterson cooked the Beef Wellington lunch that allegedly contained the Death Cap mushrooms, which have contain of the most lethal toxins on earth

About 12 car loads of mourners gathered at the plot to farewell the beloved couple

Gail Wilkinson also died after eating the lunch, but her husband Baptist pastor Ian Wilkinson (right) is still alive and in hospital needing a liver transplant

She also said she ate a serving and later suffered bad stomach pains and diarrhoea, contrary to the suggestion of detectives that she did not fall ill.

Victoria Police have not commented on Ms Patterson's statement other than to say it was not one taken by officers, nor have they provided any updates on their investigation.

The Victorian Health department is required to act if there is a food safety incident.

There have been no ordered recalls of mushroom products in the state since the suspected poisonings.
READ MORE: What happened to MH370? T he theories nearly 10 years on

Scientists think they can finally reveal what happened to doomed Malaysia Airlines flight MH370  one of the biggest mysteries of our time  nearly a decade on.

According to experts in Florida, the answer may be contained in the shells of little crustaceans called barnacles that attached themselves to bits of the plane's debris.

Barnacle shells contain information about the different water temperatures they've been exposed to during their lifespan, they say in a new study.

The academics think this information can help track back the movement of the crustaceans to where they first attached themselves to the debris  and in turn the place MH370 hit the water.

Although no one knows exactly what happened to MH370, it's widely believed the plane hit the Indian Ocean because of several bits of washed-up debris that were confirmed to have been part of the plane.

On March 8, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 and the 239 people on-board took off into the night's sky from Kuala Lumpur, never to be seen or heard from again. The missing aircraft is pictured here in December 2011

Barnacle shells on parts of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 that washed up can reveal more about what happened to the plane, experts say. Pictured, authorities stand near a piece of barnacle-covered plane debris (part of the wing known as a flaperon) in Saint-Andre, on the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion, in this picture taken on July 29, 2015

MH370: What we know MH370 - a Boeing 777 - left Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 12:41am local time on March 8, destined for Beijing Capital International Airport. Crew last communicated with air traffic control 38 minutes after takeoff, around halfway between Malaysia and Vietnam. Minutes after, it is believed to have suddenly deviated westward from its planned flight path. Military radar tracked MH370 across the Malay Peninsular and over the Andaman Sea, before it left radar range 230 miles northwest of Penang Island. All 227 passengers and 12 crew aboard are presumed to have lost their lives when the plane somehow encountered problems. Advertisement

MH370  a Boeing 777 commercial liner  vanished on March 8, 2014 after it took off from from Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia on its way to Beijing.

All 239 people aboard are thought to have died shortly after the plane mysteriously veered westwards off course over the Andaman Sea in the Indian Ocean.

It spawned a huge multinational search effort  the most expensive search in the history of aviation at $200 million  that was controversially suspended in January 2017.

The new study was led by Gregory Herbert, an associate professor of evolutionary biology at the University of South Florida in the city of Tampa.

He was inspired the moment he saw photographs of the plane debris that washed ashore Reunion Island off the coast of Africa a year after the crash.

MH370's flaperon  the flappy bit on the wing that helps stablise a plane during take off and landing  was found covered in barnacles.

'As soon as I saw that, I immediately began sending emails to the search investigators because I knew the geochemistry of their shells could provide clues to the crash location,' Professor Herbert said.

Barnacles and other shelled marine invertebrates grow their shells daily, producing internal layers similar to tree rings (which over time increase the girth of a trunk or branch).

According to Professor Herbert, the chemistry of each layer of a barnacle shell is determined by the temperature of the surrounding water at the time the layer was formed.

Therefore, knowledge of where the temperatures are higher and lower in the ocean can trace where they were as they grew.

For the study, Professor Herbert and colleagues performed a lab-based growth experiment with live barnacles to unlock their temperature records from their shells.

Barnacles growing in a controlled environment as part of a growth experiment for the study

MH370 - a Boeing 777 - left Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 12:41am local time on March 8, destined for Beijing Capital International Airport. Crew last communicated with air traffic control 38 minutes after takeoff, around halfway between Malaysia and Vietnam. Minutes after, it is believed to have suddenly deviated westward from its planned flight path. Military radar tracked MH370 across the Malay Peninsular and over the Andaman Sea, before it left radar range 230 miles northwest of Penang Island

Chemical secrets in barnacle shells reveal temperature history Chemical analysis of a barnacle shell involves using a drill with a dental burr to grind very small samples of the shell surface into powder. The shell is made of a mineral (calcium carbonate) that dissolves into a gas when placed in acid. That gas contains oxygen atoms that were part of the shell. The gas is run through a machine called a mass spectrometer that detects the abundance of oxygen-18 and oxygen-16 isotopes and calculates a ratio. This ratio tells experts the ocean temperature at the time the shell layer was formed by the barnacle. Advertisement

'We grew Lepas barnacles in the lab at different constant temperatures over weeks and then chemically analysed the new shell layers that were grown in that time,' he told MailOnline.

'We found that the shell chemistry is so predictable that we can tell what ocean temperature the barnacle was experiencing when it grew each sub-millimeter thick layer of shell.'

After the experiment, they applied the successful method to small barnacles that were taken from MH370.

With help from experts at University of Galway in Ireland, they combined the barnacles' water temperature records with oceanographic modeling to generate a simulation of where the plane's debris drifted from.

French scientist Joseph Poupin was one of the first biologists to examine the flaperon from MH370 that was found covered in barnacles.

Poupin concluded that the largest barnacles attached were possibly old enough to have colonised on the wreckage very shortly after the crash and very close to the actual crash location where the plane is now.

Temperatures recorded in these largest shells could help investigators narrow their search, according to Professor Herbert.

However, the new University of South Florida study, published in the journal AGU Advances, only used data from the flaperon's smaller barnacles.

Herbert's research team did a growth experiment with live barnacles to read their chemistry. Pictured, the buoy used to collect barnacles to conduct the growth experiment for this study

READ MORE What happened to MH370? Here are the theories nearly a decade on The most persistent theory has centred on the pilot Zaharie Ahmad Shah (pictured) Advertisement

'Sadly, the largest and oldest barnacles have not yet been made available for research,' Professor Herbert said.

'But with this study, we've proven this method can be applied to a barnacle that colonised on the debris shortly after the crash to reconstruct a complete drift path back to the crash origin.'

Until now, the search for MH370 spanned several thousands of miles along a north-south corridor deemed 'the seventh arc' where investigators believe the plane could have glided after running out of fuel.

Because ocean temperatures can change rapidly along the arc, Professor Herbert thinks this method could reveal precisely where the plane is.

Even if the plane is not on the arc, studying the oldest and largest barnacles can still narrow down the areas to search in the Indian Ocean.

'Investigators have good reason to believe that the plane is somewhere along the seventh arc,' Professor Herbert told MailOnline.

'However, they've spent close to $200 million searching for it along the seventh arc since 2014 and have found nothing.

'There's currently no method or tool for finding the plane if it crashed away from the seventh arc, but our new method fill that need.'

The researchers think barnacles can provide clues that could revive the search for MH370 and finally provide answers for the bereaved families.

Up to now, the search for MH370 spanned several thousands of miles along a north-south corridor deemed 'the seventh arc' (shown here) where investigators believe the plane could have glided after running out of fuel

The huge multinational search for MH370 was officially suspended in January 2017, which families of those lost slammed as 'irresponsible'.

A second search launched in January 2018 by private contractor Ocean Infinity ended without success after six months.

'Knowing the tragic story behind the mystery motivated everyone involved in this project to get the data and have this work published, said study co-author Nassar Al-Qattan at University of South Florida.

'The plane disappeared more than nine years ago, and we all worked aiming to introduce a new approach to help resume the search, which might help bring some closure to the tens of families of those on the missing plane.'
Artemis was the twin sister of Apollo and goddess of the moon in Greek mythology.

NASA has chosen her to personify its path back to the moon, which will see astronauts return to the lunar surface by 2025 - including the first woman and the next man.

Artemis 1, formerly Exploration Mission-1, was the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration to the moon and Mars.

The uncrewed flight, which successfully launched in November last year, travelled more than 1.4 million miles on a path around the moon and back to Earth. It splashed down in the Pacific Ocean in December 2022, 25-and-a-half days after launch.

Artemis 1, formerly Exploration Mission-1, was the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration to the moon and Mars. This graphic explains the various stages of the mission

Orion stayed in space longer than any ship for astronauts has done without docking to a space station, while it also returned home faster and hotter than ever before.

It will now be followed by Artemis II, a manned mission which is scheduled for launch next year.

The crew will fly around the moon and back to prepare for Artemis III, which NASA is targeting as the mission to return humans to the lunar surface.

Eventually NASA seeks to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon by 2028 as a result of the Artemis programme.

The space agency hopes this colony will uncover new scientific discoveries, demonstrate new technological advancements and lay the foundation for private companies to build a lunar economy.

Who is Victor Glover? The man set to become NASA's first black astronaut to orbit the moon

Victor Glover (pictured) was selected as an astronaut in 2013 and became the first African American ISS expedition crewmember to live on the ISS seven years later

NASA is set to send the first-ever black astronaut to the moon.

Victor Glover, 46, was selected to take part in the space agency's Artemis II mission  the US' first lunar mission in a half-century.

The Pomona, California, native will be the first person of color to travel into deep space, hundreds of thousands of miles beyond the low-Earth orbiting International Space Station (ISS).

NASA officials say the diverse crew assignments signify the cultural shifts that have taken place since the original Apollo missions, which ended in 1972, at a time when white men dominated space exploration.

Glover was also the first black man to ever live on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2020 and is among 15 African Americans to be selected as an astronaut.

In his esteemed career since being selected as an astronaut in 2013, Mr Glover has logged over 3,000 flight hours in 40 different aircraft.

Artemis II - which will launch in November 2024 - will see the four-man crew orbit the moon in the Orion spacecraft but not land.

Their goal is to test new technology, including heat shields that protects Orion as it travels 24,500 mph in 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit on its way back.

If successful, NASA plans to launch an expedition to land on the moon titled Artemis III. Another success would spell out a trip to Mars for NASA.

I wanna thank God for this Amazing opportunity, Mr Glover said during a new conference Monday.

This is a big day. We have a lot to celebrate. Its so much more than the four names that have been announced. We need to celebrate this moment in human history.

'Artermis II is more than a mission to the Moon and back. Its more than a mission that has to happen before we send people to the surface of the moon. It is the next step on the journey that gets humanity to Mars.

This crew will never forget that.

Mr Glover was born in 1976 in Pomona, around 30 miles east of Los Angeles.

The city is far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, known for its high poverty rate and relatively high crime.

Mr Glover grew up in Ponoma, CA, 30 miles east of Los Angeles

He said his parents and teachers served as mentors as him growing up.

'Early on in life it had to be my parents; they encouraged me and challenged me and held me to high standards. Outside of home, I had teachers that did the same,' he told USA Today in 2017.

'They all challenged me, and they encouraged me.'

Mr Glover continued that his teachers and parents urged him to go the engineering school and eventually become a test pilot  leading to him becoming an astronaut.

He graduated from Southern California's Ontario High School in 1994, and went on to attend California Polytechnic State University, before completing his graduate education at Air University and the US Naval Academy.

'Im the first person in my family to graduate from college, and being at graduation with my mom and my dad and my stepdad and my little brothers and my grandparents,' he said to USA Today.

'That was unreal, that was cool and it was special for me.'

In 1999 he was commissioned as part of the US Navy. After completing flight training in Corpus Christy, Texas, he was 'given his wings' and awarded the title of pilot in 2001.

He then moved to San Diego to learn to fly the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, known as one of the Navy's more versatile aircraft.

After spending the next two years training in Florida and Virginia, he was deployed to Iraq in 2004 for six months.

Mr Glover was working in the office of the late Sen John McCain as a legislative fellow when he was selected by NASA to become an astronaut in 2013.

NASA only selects a handful of the thousands of people that apply to be a member of the nation's astronaut corps each year. Only 15 black astronauts have ever been selected out of 348.

A vast majority of the 41 current astronauts have a military background, like Mr Glover.

He completed his astronaut training in 2015. Three years later, he was selected to be a part of the first ever operational flight of SpaceX's Crew Dragon, a reusable aircraft designed by the firm Elon Musk found in 2002.

As part of that mission, he would live on the ISS from November 17, 2020 to May 2, 2021.

The nearly six-month-long stay on the station makes him the first black astronaut to inhabit it.

Jeanette Epps, 52, who was selected to be an astronaut in 2009 is set to become the second African American, and first black woman, to live on the ISS after the launch of Boeing Starliner-1 in 2024 or later.

In 2020, Mr Glover said it was an honor to be the first black person selected to the ISS.

'It is something to be celebrated once we accomplish it, and I am honored to be in this position and to be a part of this great and experienced crew,' he said during a news conference.

'I look forward to getting up there and doing my best to make sure, you know, we are worthy of all the work that's been put into setting us up for this mission.'

In an interview with The Christian Chronicle later that year, he said there were qualified black astronauts that should have earned the honor before him.

'I've had some amazing colleagues before me that really could have done it, and there are some amazing folks that will go behind me,' he said.

'I wish it would have already been done, but I try not to draw too much attention to it.'

Who is Christina Koch? The first female NASA astronaut set to orbit the moon

Christina Koch is set to become the first woman to go around the moon when NASA's Artemis II mission takes off next year.

Christina Koch, 44, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, is set to become the first woman to go around the moon

The Grand Rapids, Michigan native, 44, is already the record-holder for the longest amount of time a woman has spent in space, 328 days, and for taking part in the first all-female spacewalk in 2019.

Selected to become an astronaut in 2013, Ms Koch said she has not followed a 'checklist' in order to become an astronaut  but instead chased her passions whether this be rock climbing, sailing or even learning to surf in her 40s.

She said in 2020: 'I really don't remember a time when I didn't want to be an astronaut.

'For me, I learned that if I was going to be an astronaut, it was because my passions had turned me into someone that could contribute the most as someone contributing to human space flight.'

While she's exploring space, her husband Robert will be left taking care of housework and the couple's puppy, LBD. It is not believed that they have children.

'Am I excited? Absolutely!' she said at a news conference at the crew's announcement Monday.

The one thing I'm most excited about is that we will carry your excitement,your aspirations, your dreams, on this mission.

She also said: We are going to launch from Kennedy space center, we are going to here the words go for launch on top of the most powerful rocket NASAs ever made.

NASA has sent a total of 355 people to space so far, of which some 55 have been women  or 15 percent. It has also sent 24 people to orbit the moon and 12 to walk on the lunar surface who were all men.

Russian Valentina Tereshkova was the first woman to ever leave the earth's atmosphere  setting off in 1937. American women did not get sent to space until 1983.

Ms Koch, however, will make history on the Artemis II mission when she completes her long-awaited trip around the moon.

She revealed her love of space in a video when she was announced as a member of the Artemis I team in 2020.

The astronaut said: 'I am someone who has loved exploration on the frontier since I was little.

'I used to be inspired by the night sky and throughout my career, it's been this balance between engineering for space science missions and doing science in really remote places all over the world.

'I loved things that made me feel small, things that made me ponder the size of the universe, my place in it and everything that was out there to explore.'

She added: 'I didn't necessarily live my life following check boxes of how you could become an astronaut.

'But I followed those passions and one day I looked at what I had become and the skills I had gathered and I asked "could I sit across from a table and present myself as someone who could do this well?". And I thought, I'm going to give this a shot.'

She went to North Carolina State University in Raleigh to get a bachelor's and a master's in Electrical Engineering.

She then became an Electrical Engineer at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, before becoming a research associate for the United States Antarctic Program  living an entire year in the Arctic.

Ms Koch was one of eight selected as part of NASA's 21st class of astronauts in 2013. After two years of training, she became a full-fledged astronaut.

Her first space flight came in 2019 when she was sent to the International Space Station (ISS) to work as a flight engineer.

She stayed up there for 328 days, taking the record for the longest spaceflight by a woman. The previous record holder, Peggy Whitson, was in space for 288 days.

While in space she also took the record for the first all-women space walk  when an astronaut gets out of a vehicle while in space  with Jessica Meir.

The pair spent seven hours and 17 minutes on the side of the ISS as they worked to replace a power controller. The walk also included a brief call with President Trump.

Upon her return to Earth in 2020, Ms Koch said she felt 'like a baby' who was two weeks old and working hard to hold up its head.

Back on Earth, she lives in Galveston, Texas, just outside of the Houston area.

Among her interests are backpacking, running, yoga, photography and travel.

Now she will be a part of a groundbreaking mission in NASA's goal towards putting a man on Mars.

The Artemis II mission marks NASA's first trip to the moon in half a century. It says it will be performed to help test kit in preparation for getting humans onto Mars.

The agency sent an empty Orion capsule around the moon last year before it returned to Earth in a long-awaited dress rehearsal.

If this latest mission goes well, then another flight to land people on the moon will be sent in 2025  as part of tests ahead of getting people onto Mars.
These are often used to simply cause alarm within local Facebook communities

Campaigners have found hundreds of hoax posts in at least 115 areas of the UK

Hoaxes are swamping local Facebook groups with false claims that serial killers are at large, an investigation has warned.

Campaigners at Full Fact, a charity working to combat misinformation, have urged internet users to be cautious after discovering hundreds of fraudulent posts in 115 areas of the UK.

Deadly snakes on the loose and fake missing posters for dogs and children are among these false alerts, which are sometimes solely designed to stir up panic within communities.

An extreme instance of this kicked off in the UK last year with a post urging people to watch out for a 'serial killer or abductor' behind 'multiple disappearances'.

Full Fact's investigation was largely centred around Dundee, Scotland, but variations of the warning also spread to Telford, Shropshire and Newbury, Berkshire.

Full Fact campaigners have found hundreds of hoax posts in at least 115 areas of the UK

While Police Scotland confirmed there was 'no trace of any deaths' under that information, the man was eventually identified as an individual from Tennessee.

READ MORE: Expert warns Meta's new app is the perfect target for SCAMMERS Cybersecurity expert, Jake Moore warns that new scams will likely arise on Threads Advertisement

Investigators revealed that he was being sought by Dickson County Sheriff's office for leaving an inmate work crew, but not in connection to any murders or attacks.

The exact same post has since been spotted in Canada and even Australia, but Steve Nowottny, Editor at Full Fact, believes this is just the 'tip of the iceberg'.

'The sheer scale of these posts is hard to fathom and we are conscious that the 1,200 or so we have identified is likely just the tip of the iceberg,' he told MailOnline.

'These posts are all highly emotive and get shared widely because people understandably want to help those in need or warn their neighbours about threats.

'But that's where the risk lies  the hoaxers have clearly identified the massive reach these posts can have and local Facebook groups across the world are now becoming overwhelmed with false information.'

Analysts at Africa Check often believe that many Facebook posts of this nature have been written by users based in Zimbabwe.

Changes to Facebook's rules in 2021 have removed the need for admin approval when joining public groups - making it easier to join if you're not from a specific local area.

While Mr Nowottny believes that scammers simply seek to 'sow needless fear and confusion', this disinformation has also brought risk of cybercrime.

This hoax post was found in numerous Facebook groups urging people to watch out for a 'serial killer or abductor' behind 'multiple disappearances'

Hoaxes are often used to simply cause alarm within local Facebook communities

Jake Moore, a Global Cybersecurity Advisor at ESET warns that clicking on any attached links can be dangerous as scammers may look to 'scoop up lots of personal information'.

READ MORE: Scientists reveal the key signs someone you're talking to on a dating app is a fraudster The career of a fraudulent profile often varies depending on your home country (stock image) Advertisement

'We currently live in a time where we have to be extra careful with what we read online and to verify wherever possible,' he told MailOnline.

'However, it can often be challenging especially with limited resources such as local news within closed or private groups on social media.

'Misinformation and disinformation can spread like wildfire and can result in unwanted emotions such as panic and fear  often the type of emotions required to manipulate unbeknown victims of cybercrime further.'

In light of these revelations, Full Fact has urged Facebook users to look out for some key signs of hoaxes online.

Disabled comments are common among fake posts, while scammers may also use a number of red siren emojis cause further alarm.

'Most people genuinely trying to find a lost family member or pet are seeking information, so would likely want to allow people to comment,' Full Fact says.

'This isn't a guarantee thoughpeople may turn off comments for other reasons, for example if a missing person has been found, and some hoax posts keep the comments open.'

Unfamiliar language can be another sign too, with missing posts in the US often referring to 'silver alerts' which aren't generally used in the UK.

Mr Moore added: 'The comments section can often help add more information but it is still important to be sure of the authenticity of a post before interacting with it or sharing it wider as the affects can be huge if the original posts are fake.

'Furthermore, when external links are included, it is vital that users think before they click on such websites as they can easily direct people to sites designed to scoop up lots of personal information including financial details.'

Meta has been working with Full Fact since 2019 in an effort to identify and review false stories, images and videos on its platforms.

In response to Full Fact's investigation, Meta told MailOnline: 'Weve built the largest global fact-checking network of any platform, partnering with more than 90 independent fact-checking organisations including Full Fact, to tackle misinformation online.

'Fraudulent activity is not allowed on our platforms and we removed the posts Full Fact brought to our attention for violating our Community Standards.

'While no enforcement is perfect, we continue to invest in new technologies to stop scams and the people behind them. We also introduced new tools last year to help Facebook Group admins prevent the spread of misinformation and manage interactions in their groups.'
Pat Bennett, 68, once rode horses as an equestrian, jogged daily and worked in human resources, until a rare illness robbed her of her ability to speak in 2012.

But help is on the way thanks to four baby-aspirin-sized sensors implanted in her brain, part of a clinical trial at Stanford University.

The chips have helped Bennett communicate her thoughts directly from her mind to a computer monitor at a record-breaking 62 words per minute  over three times faster than the technology's previous best.

Cognitive scientists and medical researchers outside Stanford are impressed as well.

One, Professor Philip Sabes at the University of California, San Francisco, who studies brain-machine interfaces and co-founded Elon Musk's Neuralink, described the new study as a 'big breakthrough.'

Thanks to four baby-aspirin-sized sensors implanted into her brain, 68-year-old Pat Bennett (lower left) is regaining her power to speak as part of a clinical trial at Stanford University

'The performance in this paper is already at a level which many people who cannot speak would want, if the device were ready,' Sabes told MIT Technology Review earlier this year, as the new Stanford research was still clearing peer review.

'People are going to want this,' Sabes said.

The news comes just a few months after the FDA granted approval to Musk's Neuralink, permitting the company to initiate human trials for its own competing brain-chip implant technology.

The Stanford results also follow efforts by the United Nations' agency for science and culture (UNESCO) to develop proposals for how to regulate brain chip technology, which they worry could be abused for 'neurosurveillance' or even 'forced re-education,' threatening human rights worldwide.

For Bennett, however, this emerging research has been closer to miraculous than dystopian.

Since 2012, Bennett has struggled with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the same disease that took the life of Sandra Bullock's partner Bryan Randall earlier this summer and famed physicist Stephen Hawking in 2018.

Over the course of 26 sessions, each lasting about four hours, Bennett worked with an artificial-intelligence algorithm, helping to train the AI in how to identify which brain activity corresponds to 39 key phonemes, or sounds, used in spoken English.

Via the brain-sensor tech, which the Stanford researchers call an intracortical brain-computer interface (iBCI), Bennett would attempt to effectively communicate approximately 260 to 480 sentences per training session to the AI.

The sentences were selected randomly from a large data set, SWITCHBOARD, sourced from a collection of telephone conversations collected by calculator-maker Texas Instruments for language research back in the 1990s.

The casual sentences included examples like, 'I left right in the middle of it,' and 'It's only been that way in the last five years.'

Maps produced with Connectome Workbench software show the locations in patient Pat Bennett's brain where an array of silicon electrodes were implanted into her cerebral cortex

During sessions where the sentence options were held down to a 50-word vocabulary, Bennett and the Stanford team working with her were able to get the AI translator's error rate down to 9.1 percent.

When the vocabulary limit was expanded to 125,000 words, closer to the total number of English words in common use, the iCBI's intended-speech AI had an uptick in its translation errors. The rate rose to 23.8 percent.

While that error-rate leaves something to be desired, the researchers believed improvements could continue with more training and a wider interface, more implants in other words, interacting between the brain and the iBCI's AI.

Already, the algorithm's speed decoding thoughts to speech has bested all previous models three times over.

The Stanford group's iBCI was able to move at 62 words per minute, 3.4 times faster than the prior record-holder, and closer than ever to the natural rate of human conversation, 160 words per minute.

Via the brain-sensor tech, called an intracortical brain-computer interface (iBCI), Bennett would work to communicate approximately 260 to 480 sentences per training session to the AI. Bennett's efforts helped train the AI to better translate human thoughts into human speech

'We've shown you can decode intended speech by recording activity from a very small area on the brain's surface,' according to Dr. Jaimie Henderson, the surgeon who performed the delicate installation of the iBCI electrodes onto the surface of Bennett's brain.

Bennett, herself, personally testified to her own experience with the breakthrough results, writing via email that, 'These initial results have proven the concept, and eventually technology will catch up to make it easily accessible to people who cannot speak.'

'For those who are nonverbal, this means they can stay connected to the bigger world,' Bennett wrote in an email supplied by Stanford, 'perhaps continue to work, maintain friends and family relationships.'

Bennett had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease, over a decade ago.

ALS attacks the neurons in the body's central nervous system that control movement, but Bennett's own experience with the ailment was a particularly rare variety of the disease.

'When you think of ALS, you think of arm and leg impact,' Bennett said. 'But in a group of ALS patients, it begins with speech difficulties. I am unable to speak.'

Dr. Henderson and his co-authors published the results of their work with Bennett in Nature this Wednesday.
There has been a major forensic breakthrough in the unsolved murder of former AC/DC manager Crispin Dye, almost 30 years after his death.

Key evidence which was left untested since 1993 was recently sent to the lab for analysis, bringing forth a new person of interest in the cold case.

On Tuesday, a NSW inquiry into potential gay hate-related deaths resumed to focus on the killing of the long-term manager of the legendary Australian rock band in Sydney nearly 30 years ago.

Mr Dye died on Christmas Day 1993, aged 41, a day after he was attacked near Oxford St in the inner-city suburb of Darlinghurst, where he had been celebrating the release of his debut solo album.

A 1995 inquest failed to shed light on the case, and a $100,000 reward also led nowhere.

There has been a major forensic breakthrough in the unsolved murder of former AC/DC manager Crispin Dye (pictured), almost 30 years after his death

However, the 2023 inquiry previously found that Mr Dye's blood-stained jeans and denim shirt were never sent for forensic analysis and that other exhibits were lost.

Potentially crucial information written on two pieces of paper found in his shirt pocket were also undetected in an evidence box for almost three decades.

Counsel assisting the inquiry Meg O'Brien said it was 'extraordinary' NSW police officers had not previously discovered the pieces of paper in Mr Dye's shirt, given the multiple investigations into his death.

On Tuesday, a NSW inquiry into potential gay hate-related deaths resumed to focus on the killing of the long-term manager of the legendary Australian rock band AC/DC (pictured) in Sydney nearly 30 years ago

'What's particularly troubling about this is that the pieces of paper found by the inquiry... may have been a source of fingerprints or DNA, which in turn may have provided the police with information about Mr Dye's assailant or assailants,' she said.

At the direction of the inquiry, five items of clothing - including Mr Dye's jeans and shirt - were submitted for analysis and it was the first time any of the items had been subjected to forensic testing.

Blood on the back pocket of the jeans was found in July to contain DNA from an unknown male that matched a profile obtained from another crime scene.

Documents produced by NSW Police revealed the crime scene was a house in Glenwood where there had been a reported 2002 break-in.

The DNA match resulted in a previously unknown male being identified as a person of interest in relation to Mr Dye's death.

"The existence of (the male's) DNA within a blood stain on Mr Dye's jeans is consistent with his having made physical contact with Dye on the night he was assaulted," Ms O'Brien said.

However, the 2023 inquiry previously found that Mr Dye's blood-stained jeans and denim shirt were never sent for forensic analysis and that other exhibits were lost

However, the inquiry was unable to draw any conclusions about what, if any, role the person played in Mr Dye's death, based on publicly available information, and the person of interest later committed suicide in late 2002.

'The inquiry's identification of (the male) in 2023 as a person of interest in relation to the death of Mr Dye in 1993 demonstrates the importance of ensuring the timely and repeated forensic testing of exhibits even in what are called cold cases.'

She said the motivations of Mr Dye's assailant or assailants remained unknown, but there was 'objective reason' to suspect the attack was motivated by LGBTQI bias either in whole or in part.

Some of Mr Dye's friends believed the attack was a hate crime, but police investigating did not classify it as such because it took place in a known robbery hot-spot.

But Ms O'Brien pointed to expert advice previously provided to the inquiry that most LGBTQI hate crime was opportunistic and that many offenders also took the opportunity to rob their victims.

The Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes has been examining the deaths of gay people between 1970 and 2010.

The commissioner, Supreme Court Justice John Sackar, is due to deliver a final report to the state government in December.
Matthew McConaughey's wife Camila Alves has given some very rare insight into her 'tricky' relationship with her mother-in-law Mary Kathlene 'Kay' McCabe - laying bare the toxic behavior that she used to endure at the hands of the actor's mom.

The Brazilian model, 41, shared about the rocky beginnings with Kay, who the family have nicknamed 'Ma Mac', on a new episode of Southern Living's Biscuits & Jam podcast.

Alves, who shares three kids with the Oscar winner, 53, to whom she's been married since 2012, revealed that after she first began dating him in 2006, Kay, now 91, started 'testing' her.

'She did all these things when I first came in the picture, right? She was really testing me. I mean, really testing me,' she recalled.

'She would call me by all of Matthew's ex-girlfriends' names, she would start speaking Spanish with me in a very broken way, kind of putting [me] down a bit. I mean, all kinds of stuff.'

'Tricky': Matthew McConaughey's wife Camila Alves, 41, gave a rare insight into her 'tricky' relationship with her mother-in-law Mary Kathlene 'Kay' McCabe, 91 (seen together in 2020)

Alves, who shares three kids with the Oscar winner, 53, to whom she's been married since 2012, revealed that after she first began dating him in 2006, Kay, now 91, started 'testing' her

Tough beginnings: 'She did all these things when I first came in the picture. She was really testing me. I mean, really testing me,' Camilla revealed on Tuesday; The trio seen in 2014

Camila then described the incident that got Kay to finally accept her as part of the family.

She recalled how after she landed a modeling job in Istanbul, and got an extra first class ticket and a free stay at a hotel, she told her mother-in-law: 'Ma Mac, you're gonna come with me.'

'The whole way there, the whole plane ride to Istanbul, she was telling me all these stories and putting all these things in my head,' Camila went on.

'When we landed, I was like, "Okay, all right. Let me buckle up. Let me get ready for this situation."'

'About day three, I was taking her to her room, and she got into this whole other thing that it's not my place to share, and she starts crying, and I'm like, "Oh my gosh!" You know, "Ma Mac!" and feeling so sorry. And as I put her to bed, I look at her and I'm like, "Oh my gosh. She's full of s**t.'"

That's when Camila decided that it was time to stand up for herself.

'So I just [flipped] it on her and brought my spicy Brazilian, Latin side, and I let her have it. So I went back at her, and we had it back and forth, back and forth.'

At the end, the interaction earned her Ma Mac's respect.

MIL: 'She would call me by all of [his] ex-girlfriends' names, she would start speaking Spanish with me in a very broken way, kind of putting [me] down a bit,' she shared; Pictured in 2014

All good: Camila said her relationship with Kay turned a corner after she finally stood up for herself one day: 'She just looked at me and she was like, "Okay. Now you're in"'; Pictured 2019

'She just looked at me and she was like, "Okay. Now you're in,"' Camila explained, adding, 'All she wanted was for me to fight back.'

She revealed that ever since that day the duo have had a great relationship, though it can get 'tricky' at times.

'From that day on, that night on, we have the most amazing relationship, and I have so much respect for her.'

'She has so much respect for me,' she shared, adding, 'it can get tricky sometimes.' However, Camilla explained, 'We always end with a good laugh and a joke.'

And in 2020, the pair discussed having a close bond and how 'it took some work' to get to the place they are today on The Drew Barrymore Show.

Kay said that at the beginning of Camila and Matthew's courtship, the two strong-willed women were 'testing each other' but the model saw things a bit differently: 'Well I'll say more you were testing me,' she said.

Camilla is not the only one in the family who's had a tough time getting along with Ma Mac at some point.

Matthew famously didn't speak to his mother for eight years after she continually leaked their private conversations to the press, prompting him to eventually set 'some boundaries' with her.

'I would have conversations and then all of a suddenwhoopwhat wed talk about would end up in the paper three days later,' the Dallas Buyers Club star shared on The Howard Stern Show in 2020.

Happy family: Alves started dating McConaughey in 2006 and they tied the knot in 2012. The couple share three children together, Levi, 15, Vida, 13, and Livingston, 10; Seen in 2019

Candid: In 2020 Matthew and his mother Kay sat down for their first joint-interview, after the release of his memoir, which details their eight-year estrangement

After continuously explaining their chats needed to be kept between themselves, he reached his tipping point after she gave a televised tour of his childhood home.

When Stern asked if he stopped talking to his mother after she showed off the bed where 'he lost his virginity,' he explained those years were 'tough.'

He also detailed their eight-year estrangement in his 2020 memoir, Greenlights.

Over the years, Matthew has 'forgiven her' and she even quarantined with him, Camila and their children, Levi, 15, Vida, 13, and Livingston, 10, during the Covid pandemic lockdowns in 2020.

'It was tough for eight years, but we went through it and we're on the other side of it. It's good,' he shared, noting things between them are no longer 'strenuous.'
Martin Sheen led the way as The West Wing cast reunited on the picket line outside of Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.

The 83-year-old actor, who played President Josiah Bartlet on creator Aaron Sorkin's account of a fictional White House, was joined by his colleagues on the hit political drama, including Sorkin.

In his speech, he introduced costars Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford, Dule Hill, Richard Schiff, Janel Moloney, Joshua Malina and Mary McCormack.

The series ran for 155 episodes on NBC for seven seasons, garnering 26 Emmys wins in that time.

Sheen made reference to his time on the show, saying, 'I spent the time from 1999 until the fall of 2006 as a member of an extraordinary company called The West Wing, and I was affectionately known in some quarters, at least, as the acting President of the United States.

The latest: Martin Sheen, 83, led the way as The West Wing cast reunited on the picket line outside of Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes

Joshua Malina, Bradley Whitford, Richard Schiff, Aaron Sorkin and Dule Hill were among the cast and crew present for the demonstration

'When the show ended its run in 2006, I became known, in some quarters, equally fondly as the former acting president of the United States, and I'm proud to have been part of that extraordinary company, most of whom are here today.'

Sheen spoke to the crowd about how he has been a union member since 1961, according to EW.

'That was the same year I got married,' Sheen said. 'Clearly I have a fondness for unions.'

In his speech, Sheen said 'the Irish tell the story of a man who arrives at the gates of heaven and asks to be let in and St. Peter says, "Of course! Just show us your scars."

'The man says, "I have no scars." St. Peter says, "What a pity. Was there nothing worth fighting for?"'

The venerated actor said that 'this union has found something worth fighting for, and it is very costly.

'If this were not so, we would be left to question its value. And so now we are called to support the union, support the leadership, and to stand together for the long haul, and to stick to it like a stamp!'

Sheen said that amid a 'dangerously divided' country, workers can 'come to gatherings like these and we're inspired because we see the effective unionism and unity.'

The West Wing ran for 155 episodes on NBC for seven seasons, garnering 26 Emmys wins in that time

In his speech, Sheen introduced costars Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford, Dule Hill, Richard Schiff, Janel Moloney, Joshua Malina and Mary McCormack

The group behind the long-running NBC political drama posted together with signs

Tuesday's demonstration marked the National Day of Solidarity, in which workers spread across numerous industries united on the picket line

Sheen said of the show's cast and crew, 'I'm proud to have been part of that extraordinary company, most of whom are here today'

Sheen spoke to the crowd about how he has been a union member since 1961

Sheen posed with costar Schiff and a SAG-AFTRA T-shirt at the demonstration

Sheen was seen sharing a laugh with Hill and Schiff as the cast reunited at the event

Sheen played President Josiah Bartlet on Aaron Sorkin's account of a fictional White House

Sheen was nominated for six Emmy awards for his acting efforts on the series

Tuesday's demonstration marked the National Day of Solidarity, in which SAG-AFTRA and WGA will join forces 'with the AFL-CIO and its affiliates from across the nation and across industries,' according to SAG-AFTRA.

'In this "Summer of Strikes,"' SAG-AFTRA said, 'working Americans everywhere are fighting for fair contracts, better compensation, safe working conditions, and protections from encroaching technology.'

It added: 'Together, we are showing corporate America that when we fight, we win!'
He stunned fans after incorporating a giant inflatable sperm into his show last month.

And Chrissy Teigen became the latest person to see the insane prop in person while attending Drake's concert on Monday night.

An amused Chrissy posted to Instagram along with video of her striking poses: 'drake! I met the flying spermatozoa backstage! much smaller than I imagined but still very impactful.'

She also shared a snap of her meeting the iconic prop backstage - along with a very perplexed expression on her face.

Chrissy held the inflatable device as it rested upon a storage case backstage.

Started from the bottom now we here! Chrissy Teigen met the infamous giant sperm as she attended Drake's concert with her husband John Legend on Monday

Her posts included a look at her sexy concert look - a fitted leather maxi skirt with lace top - along with footage from the show and a cute snap with husband John Legend.

The couple appeared to be posing in their home before heading off to the concert together for some well-deserved fun.

John was looking stylish as usual in a red Varsity jacket, frayed jeans, and chunky white trainers.

'Young love !!' Chrissy captioned the post with her husband.

Last month, Drake stunned fans after he incorporated a giant inflatable sperm into his show while holographic sperm began swimming around him.

The 36-year-old rapper put on the rather graphic display while performing his 2016 hit Child's Play on-stage in Chicago - bringing a very different meaning to the title of the track.

The visual spectacle accompanying the number - which loosely chronicles a conflict with a girlfriend - apparently took a biologically literal spin on the refrain: 'Girl, that's just some child's play.'

Date night! Teigen headed to the show with her musician husband John Legend

If you've got it! She wowed in a sexy leather skirt and lace top

For better or for worse, the extravaganza certainly seems to have left an impression on fans and haters alike - and ensured that the opening night of Drake's It's All a Blur tour certainly received some buzz online.

'WHY TF DRAKE HAVE A SPERM FLYING ABOVE HIS HEAD,' queried one baffled Twitter user.

'[A]verage draketivities,' mused a more nonchalant fan.

Another emphatically expressed disappointment at having to sit out on seeing Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham, perform live, writing, 'WHY AM I BROKE I SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEE AUBREYS SPERM.'

'Its a semen bro  whatever my brother. Drake is so crazy,' another chimed in.

'[Y]eah drakes fully lost it,' agreed someone else.

'[H]e doin some weird s**t lately,' echoed yet another.

What a night! 'drake! I met the flying spermatozoa backstage! much smaller than I imagined but still very impactful,' she captioned this post

Night out! She included footage from Drake's LA show

Drake stunned audiences last month by introducing a massive floating sperm to his show

A swarm of holographic sperm flew in a circle above the audience's head

Others readily offered up speculation on the symbolic meaning of said sperm.

'Drake going through a mid life crises rn,' wrote someone else.

Still others were openly critical of the sperm-ridden sight.

'All this talk about black womens respectability policies and Drake in here with a damn floating sperm,' one user fumed.

'Hes gross and Im not even joking,' lambasted another.

One armchair culture critic lamented, 'There's too much sexual s**t in the media man, why tf is drake performing and there's a floating sperm cell ova there wtf.'
Good Morning Britain presenter Katy Rickitt is set to make cameo appearance on Hollyoaks this week.

The TV star, 38, is married to Hollyoaks star Adam Rickitt, who played Kyle Kelly on the popular soap until 2020.

As students of Hollyoaks High receive their GSCE results this week Katy will get the latest scoop airing the teens reactions live to morning viewers.

Katy filmed alongside Ashley Taylor Dawson and Ela-May Demircan playing herself as she makes her first appearance in the Chester village.

The episode will be available to stream on All 4 on Wednesday, airing on first look E4 at 7pm, and again on Thursday at 6:30pm on Channel 4.

Exciting: Good Morning Britain presenter Katy Rickitt is set to make cameo appearance on Hollyoaks this week

Here she is: As students of Hollyoaks High receive their GSCE results this week Katy will get the latest scoop airing the teens reactions live to morning viewers

Regarding her day on set, Katy said 'I have been a lifelong fan of Hollyoaks from bingeing the omnibus with my university friends to proudly following my husband, Adam, in his role as Kyle Kelly.

'It was an absolute honour to be asked to do a cameo for the soap. Also, how many people get to play themselves in soapland?!

'When I found out I'd be on hand to help the Hollyoaks High students open their GCSE results it also brought a smile to my face.

'It's a day I've covered every year without fail for Good Morning Britain and remains a highlight witnessing such a life changing event.

'My day on set was amazing... from the minute you pull up you are submerged in the village and it was incredible picking out all the landmarks.'

She added: 'I spent most of the day with Ashley Taylor Dawson (Darren) and Ela-May Demircan (Leah Barnes). Ashley I know well from working alongside Adam and he looked after me from the moment I arrived.

'I've always loved the humour he brings to Darren's character but also have incredible respect for the empathy he brings to his role.

'Ela-May is nothing short of a little diamond, a real pro who's submerged herself in her role since practically the moment she was born. I was learning from the best.

Role: Katy filmed alongside Ashley Taylor Dawson and Ela-May Demircan playing herself as she makes her first appearance in the Chester village

Upcoming: The episode will be available to stream on All 4 on Wednesday, airing on first look E4 at 7pm, and again on Thursday at 6:30pm on Channel 4

Thrilled: Regarding her day on set, Katy said 'I have been a lifelong fan of Hollyoaks from bingeing the omnibus with my university friends to proudly following my husband, Adam, in his role as Kyle Kelly'

'As someone who spends most of their time in a three-man band (myself, camera and sound) it was incredible witnessing such a large and smooth operation and everyone was so supportive and friendly.

I really hope GMB are called in to report on more newsworthy events in Hollyoaks land, and we all know there are plenty of those!'

Last month it was revealed that Adam is set to make his TV comeback 20 years after his Coronation Street debut.

The actor, 45, previously starred on the cobbles as Nick Tilsley from 1997 to 1999 and then again in 2004.

He then went on to appear as Kyle Kelly in Hollyoaks from 2017 until 2020, before starting his own business and working a 'normal job'.

In between his onscreen stints Adam opened a craft beer bottle shop, gin specialist and 'micro bar', Dexter and Jones in Knutsford with his GMB presenter wife, Katy.

Now, he is set to make a return to the screen in BBC soap Doctors, after bagging a new role.

An insider told The Sun: 'Adam was amongst the best soap actors in the country so it was only a matter of time before he landed a new role.

'Hes really excited to get started on Doctors and bosses cant wait to see how viewers react to him.

'Adam has spent a lot of time working on his bar but is in a position to get back to acting now.'

MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment.

Last year the star was scammed out of 'tens of thousands of pounds' from a cunning bank fraud.

In an emotional video, Adam told his followers how he thought he was rather 'savvy' when it came to security but admitted he was completely duped by who he believed was the fraud team at Barclay's bank, remarking: 'They knew EVERYTHING about me'.

The star admitted he could hardly look his wife Katy in the eye after being conned and said that though some people may 'laugh' at him, he wanted to warn others from making his mistake.

An authorised push payment (APP) scam is when someone willingly transfers money from their own banking account to a scammer's. Scams can be highly sophisticated, with criminals posing as legitimate organisations such as banks, government bodies or the police.

A visibly moved Adam said in the video: ' So, I need to make an admission of something which is going to make me feel very stupid and embarrassed.'

'I'm sure everyone's going to rip the schmeichel out of me, but fingers crossed it means it won't happen to someone else, so here you go. I got scammed this week with a push payment scam.'

He went on: 'I will preface all this saying I know I am not the brightest button in the entire repertoire but I consider myself relatively savvy but I just got completely conned.

Positive: She added: 'I spent most of the day with Ashley Taylor Dawson (Darren) and Ela-May Demircan (Leah Barnes). Ashley I know well from working alongside Adam and he looked after me from the moment I arrived'

She continued: 'When I found out I'd be on hand to help the Hollyoaks High students open their GCSE results it also brought a smile to my face'

Together: The presenter, 38, is married to Hollyoaks star Adam Rickitt, who played Kyle Kelly on the popular soap until 2020

'Essentially what happened is that on Tuesday I got a text from Barclays bank saying there had been some suspicious activity on my account and a member of the fraud investigation team was going to be ringing me to discuss it. "

'I got a phone call from an 0845 number and the chap Martin introduced himself said I am ringing from Barclays fraud department, did the same security questions I always have.

'While I was on the phone to him on my laptop I even went on the Barclays website to check the number he was calling from and sure enough it was the Barclays fraud number.'

Adam, who shot to fame on Coronation Street, continued: 'Long and short of it was he explained to me that someone had been into the Crewe branch and had attempted to withdraw money. He said the only way that person could do that was using my driving licence and my passport and my signature.

'He was saying "was that you? They somehow have your passport and driving licence", at which point I was petrified it was identity fraud. Rang my wife, she checked and sure enough I had my passport and driving licence at home. So I said I dont understand how this is happening. He said "let me ring you back".

'So he hung up the phone, I logged into my bank account, everything seemed fine. I got the phone call back again, and I immediately borrowed one of my friends phones to try and ring this number I had found on the website and it went through.

'He said what he thought had happened was that it was a bit of an inside job, they had seen CCTV footage of a young lad, obviously not me, who had gone to the teller, asked people to go in front of them in the queue and when he got there he wasnt asked to hand over his passport.

'He said what was concerning them was not only was those two people, because of the size of the funds that were withdrawn there should have been a notification.'

Fighting back tears as he continued to recall his ordeal, Adam added: 'So again, I got very nervous.

'They said what they needed me to do was do a dummy payment, and what it would do is trigger a member of the fraud department. I said no I didnt want to.

'They said they would have to shut down the account, so I went back on to my account and sure enough the money was gone.'

After telling how the thieves stole 'tens of thousands of pounds', Adam confessed: 'I feel like an idiot. Its hard to look my wife in the eye'.

The former pop star also shared a lengthy caption in which he expressed his shock that the robbers knew 'everything' about him.

He penned: 'CONFESSION TIME! I know a lot of people will laugh at me for this...but I want to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else.

'I got completely scammed this week by some fraudsters impersonating @barclaysuk

'I was 100% sure it was the bank, that they were helping me and that I wasn't even transferring funds or giving any details away. Alas the former wasn't true..they managed to duplicate everything I thought to be safe...they knew EVERYTHING about me and my history with the bank...

Career: Adam appeared as Kyle Kelly in Hollyoaks from 2017 until 2020, before starting his own business and working a 'normal job' (pictured as Kyle Kelly in Hollyoaks)

'I know we all think we know what to do or how to react...but honestly I have never known the stress it created over the course of the scam......and now the embarrassment I feel.

'I can't even begin to suggest how to protect yourself as I thought I was doing everything right...but please just be aware there's people out there who know exactly how to play the system.Be safe x.'

UK Finance said their data shows that 485.2 million was lost due to APP scams in 2022, down 17% year-on-year. Impersonation scams accounted for 23% of the losses.

Nearly 40% of APP fraud losses were due to impersonation scams, where criminals pretend to be from a trusted contact or organisation such as the NHS, a bank or a government department to trick victims into moving their money.
MULTITUDES thronged various polling stations across the country to cast their votes in yesterdays harmonised elections, which were conducted in a peaceful manner.

Most polling stations were a hive of activity as early 5.30am as voters trickled in from different directions seeking to be the first to cast the vote.

Among them were first time voters mainly the youths, women and the elderly who came with their assistants.

The outcome of the election will usher in the next President from 11 candidates, a new Parliament with 210 National Assembly members and 1 958 councillors.

In Bulawayo voting at some of the polling stations was delayed by logistical issues such as late delivery of ballot papers among others. In Bulawayo South Constituency, polling began three hours late but determined voters endured the wait.

More than 300 people patiently waited for the voting to start at Greenfield Primary School. Cde Raj Modi, the Bulawayo South Member of Parliament candidate, commended the voters for their patience and orderly conduct during the delayed voting process.

Similarly, Lobengula Magwegwe Constituency encountered late starts in some wards due to delayed ballot paper deliveries. Despite the setbacks, voters displayed remarkable patience.

Emakhandeni/Luveve constituency faced similar challenges, with Ward 11s Easy Pick shops polling station starting at 10:30AM due to delayed ballot papers and ink delivery. Voters continued to trickle in until 8 PM to exercise their right to vote.

In Cowdray Park suburb, after a six-hour wait under the scorching sun, residents, including Professor Mthuli Ncube, the aspiring Zanu-PF National House of Assembly candidate, finally cast their votes. Professor Ncube stressed his commitment to action and expressed pride in the countrys economic achievements.

In Ward 23 of the Nkulumane constituency, 3 308 males and 3 769 females had cast their votes by 7pm. Assisted voters numbered 48 males and 107 females while 45 males and 35 females were turned away.

Voting in a majority of wards within the Bulawayo Central constituency faced a late start, with some polling stations anticipated to remain open well past midnight.

Despite the delayed commencement, the voting was smooth throughout.

The Central Business District (CBD) experienced reduced activity as most shops were closed as yesterday was a public holiday to allow people time to vote.

Vendors and omnibus operators were notably absent from the scene.

Voting was still on after 8PM at polling Stations in the Pelandaba-Tshabalala constituency and at Induba Primary school Station, polling officers had to resort to using candles.

In Matabeleland South voting progressed peacefully from 7am with over 300 000 registered voters and 721 polling stations. In the morning there were long winding queues at various polling stations in high-density areas of Gwanda urban while the low-density areas were characterised by shorter queues.

By 3pm, polling stations in Gwanda Urban had started handling a handful of voters who were trickling in as the day progressed. Voters at some polling stations faced challenges as their names were not appearing on the voters roll.

Most of them were able to get assistance and managed to locate their names at other polling stations. Polling officers deployed at various polling stations rendered assistance to voters who either had queries or grievances.

The elderly and people with disabilities were given preferential treatment at polling stations.

Matabeleland South provincial elections officer, Mr Rabson Nyoni said all polling stations in the province completed the election process on time.

We made it a point that all outstanding issues were addressed before the election day. The voting process progressed well and it was peacefully across the province, he said.

In Bulilima and Mangwe constituencies, voting went peacefully until closing time at 7pm. Bulilima Constituency election officer Mr Vincent Sibanda said by 5pm, 21 106 voters comprising 6 766 males and 14 340 females had cast their votes. The constituency has 19 wards and 76 polling stations.

Early voting was witnessed in Insiza constituencies with preliminary statistics showing that women dominated the polls as they voted more than their male counterparts.

Insiza South National Assembly Zanu PF candidate, Cde Spare Sithole was among the first people to cast their votes at St Matthews Primary School polling station.

A prospective voter collapsed at Nkankezi Shopping Centre on his way to cast his vote and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Filabusi District Hospital.

In Gwanda South, the voting exercise was peaceful with polling stations opening at 7am and closing at 7pm. Outgoing Gwanda South MP and Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Abedinico Ncube was one of the first voters at Buvuma Primary School.

Cde Ncube, who waited patiently in the queue for his turn to cast his vote, expressed satisfaction with the voting process.

In Matobo Constituency, voting proceeded without incident and less than 7 000 people had cast their votes by 6pm.

Constituency elections officer, Mr Marko Dube said preparations for the elections went smoothly with ballot papers and other equipment having been at polling stations two days before.

The total number of people who had been turned away at the time of going to print stood at 16 while those who were redirected were 36, among them media personality Mr Promise Mangena of the local community radio station.

He managed to confirm his voting centre through the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) portal.

Mr Mangena checked his name at Minda Primary School only to discover that he was supposed to vote in Mahetshe, some 6km away. Mr Dube said over 360 males and 650 females were assisted to vote.

Matopo North MP, Cde Edgar Moyo who voted at Malundi Farm at 11am, said the election was peaceful.

In Beitbridge Zanu-PF Vice President Cde Kembo Mohadi voted at Beitbridge Government Primary School in Ward 2. In Matabeleland North Province voting went on well with all but one polling station opening after the prescribed 7am with the Provincial Elections Officer, Mr Richard Sibanda saying no major challenges were encountered.

He said only Mazansia polling station in Binga South opened at 730am as they were having challenges communicating with that station.

We are happy with how the election were conducted. We have one polling station that opened at 7:30am because of network challenges and they closed at 7.30pm. We are now receiving figures from various polling stations. Our only glitch is that some of the stations do not have network.

In terms of voters, the challenge was that some people were not found on the voters roll while some did not show up with the correct documents hence they were turned away. We also had some who were turned away because they were giving wrong addresses during the voter registration process, said Mr Sibanda.

Zanu-PF candidate for the Lupane East constituency National Assembly candidate, Cde Phathisiwe Ncube expressed satisfaction with voting process.

She cast her vote at Makhovula Primary school in Lupane.

United Zimbabwe Alliance leader, Ms Elisabeth Isabel Valerio expressed satisfaction with the voting process, saying it was important for all Zimbabweans to exercise their democratic right to vote. She voted at Hwange Main Camp Primary School.

In Tsholotsho District voting began at 7am at almost all polling stations and proceeded normally and peacefully for the rest of the day. There were no challenges although the turn-out was a bit subdued at some polling stations.

In Tsholotsho South, 4419 people were counted to have voted late in the afternoon before closure of polling stations, with only 16 polling stations out of 83 stations submitting figures to the command centre by 2pm. Herald
A controversial Gold Coast influencer had her nails 'all ripped off' after a visit to a salon at the tourist mecca.

Henrietta Moody, who rose to fame after blasting her followers in July about their morning routine, shared her experience on Instagram.

The star, who has 30,000 Instagram followers, shared a photo of chunky looking nails following her salon visit.

'I can't bring to words the hideous nail appointment I had today,' she said, showing the painful-looking nails.

'Not only did this crime scene take two hours but they had to get removed and I left with no nails,' she added, clearly upset.

Influencer Henrietta Moody's nails were 'all ripped off' after getting 'hideous' fake acrylics at a salon she told Instagram followers on Tuesday, adding she was blamed for being upset

Henrietta explained she usually refused to rant over minor inconveniences but was upset the salon made her feel like it was her fault.

'Not only did that place I am a regular at/support and send all people I know to not even apologise,' she began.

'But they made me feel like s**t for being so upset that they had done the chunkiest most terrifying nails I have ever seen,' she wrote.

A full set of acrylic nails usually costs around $60 and $80.

'Not only did this crime scene take two hours but they had to get removed and I left with no nails,' she wrote, clearly upset. The nails appeared hunky and painful-looking

The star, who rose to fame with her tough love approach to life and problems, went on to say she decided to accept it.

'I had two choices. 1. Wallow in self pity... or 2. Get on with my day and channel my frustration into productivity,' she added,

Henrietta said she refused to shame the business as she usually 'loves' the girl who does it but disagreed with how it was mishandled.

Henrietta caused outrage in July after she shared a video of herself getting ready for the day and said she hoped the clip would 'change her followers' lives'.

Henny, who refused to shame the business, told her followers she usually loves the job the nail technician does. She went on to say she refused to wallow in pity over it and just moved on

The OnlyFans star can be seen getting ready for the gym before telling her fans they are 'lazy' if they don't do the same thing as her each morning.

'None of the bimbo influencers have the courage to tell you this [those that have morning routines]. Listen up closely because I am about to change your life. You are lazy and they are not, they are disciplined and you are not, you are full of bulls**t excuses and they are not,' she says in the video.

'They are hungry to make their goals happens you don't even try. Start focusing inwards and being angry with yourself, use that anger and energy to change your life and to take some responsibility. There is no secret to it, you go to bed with purpose, your alarm goes off and you get your ar** up to the gym.'

She added if her followers don't develop a morning routine they will be 'forever a prisoner of their s***ty lives'.
Kanye West and his 'wife' Bianca Censori have been slammed for committing a major faux pas while holidaying in Italy.

The couple have made headlines over the past month for their odd wardrobe choices, with critics especially taking aim at Bianca, 28, for 'going around virtually naked' in the conservative Catholic country.

However a recent visit to a local vending machine has also rubbed people the wrong way.

The American rapper, 46, and his Australian architect ladylove raised eyebrows on Sunday when they made a pit-stop at a vending machine on the side of the road in Tuscany.

Bianca was seen putting euros into the coin slot to purchase two bottles of soft drink and a snack.

Kanye West, 46, (left) and 'wife' Bianca Censori, 28, (right) have been slammed for visiting a vending machine while holidaying in Italy - one of the world's gastronomical capitals. (Pictured on Sunday in Tuscany)

Online critics have since branded the couple 'bizarre' for failing to go to a restaurant, given Italy's rich culinary reputation.

'Who goes to Italy and eats out of vending machines?' one wrote.

'Lol. I love how they are in Italy but buying stuff from a vending machine. Hahahaha! Americans are weird ASF,' another user agreed.

Online critics have since branded the couple 'bizarre' for failing to eat at a restaurant, given Italy's rich culinary reputation. (The couple are pictured in Los Angeles in May)

Others claimed that a celebrity as famous as Kanye would never be caught dead using a public vending machine, while others suggested the outing was a 'PR stunt'.

It comes after critics implored Italian authorities to punish Bianca for her wardrobe choices in the country.

In the photos on Sunday, the brunette wore an outrageous nude catsuit, and at some points was forced to cover her nipples with a black cross-body bag.

It comes after critics implored Italian authorities to punish Bianca for her wardrobe choices in the country. (The couple are pictured together in Italy earlier this month)

According to the Italian Constitutional Court, a Fine from 5,000 to 10,000 euros can be issued, or whoever exposes in a place or nearby to a place attended by minors, may be sentenced from four months to four years imprisonment.

'It's surprising she hasn't been arrested. Italy is much more conservative, in this case rightly so!' one user wrote.

'I hope Italy kicks them both out of the country. They don't need this pair polluting it,' another raged, as someone else agreed: 'Completely disrespectful to a conservative catholic culture; the Italians should have kicked them out.'

According to the Italian Constitutional Court, a Fine from 5,000 to 10,000 euros can be issued, or whoever exposes in a place or nearby to a place attended by minors, may be sentenced from four months to four years imprisonment

Many argued that Bianca's latest look constitutes 'public indecency,' a charge for which comes with a hefty fine.

'It's a shame that they can't arrest her for public indecency. They look like clowns, how embarrassing,' someone wrote.

Another critic agreed: 'How about police in every country arrest anyone who is nude? It's called indecency... Tired of being forced to see nude women and should be illegal for children to see this,' someone wrote.

Kanye and Bianca wed in a private ceremony in Beverly Hills in January, about two months after the rapper's divorce to Kim Kardashian was finalised

One user even suggested that local restaurants should deny entry to Bianca and West for 'failing to dress appropriately'.

According to major tourism website CIU Travel, locals find it 'offensive' to see visitors 'wandering the streets in varying states of undress'.

It is also against the law to do so in may local ordinances, and can result in fines.

The website reads: 'Walking around in beach attire or, worse, shirtless, is a huge no-no in Italy, unless you have your feet buried deep in the sand.'

Bianca arrived in Italy with Kanye earlier this month, and has stepped out on several occasions with her bare breasts clearly visible beneath see-through mesh outfits.

The couple wed in a private ceremony in Beverly Hills in January, about two months after the rapper's divorce to Kim Kardashian was finalised.

However, the legality of the union is in question, as they did not file a marriage certificate.
She's best known for her impeccably groomed appearance as co-host of Sunrise.

But on Wednesday, Natalie Barr showed off her natural beauty as she went makeup free in an Instagram post.

Natalie posted a cooking video to her Instagram Stories, as she said she wanted to show people how to cook restaurant-style recipes at home.

The Channel 7 presenter looked fresh and flawless as she wore her hair in a loose ponytail.

Natalie recently revealed how she stays looking so youthful and fresh, despite her stressful job.

In a sponsored post, the 54-year-old shared her skincare secrets, including how she protects her face from the daily ravages of television makeup.

'I'm always asked about my skincare, especially how I take off all my TV makeup after work,' Natalie captioned a video shared to Instagram.

'Well for the past 5 years I've used a brand called @dermaviduals. (I've just become an official ambassador for them).

While she normally wears a lot of makeup on Sunrise, Natalie Barr (pictured) recently braced her bare skin online

The 54-year-old showed off her glowing skin on Instagram as she went makeup free in a video

'My skincare regime all starts with a really simple cleanser,' the breakfast television host continued.

'With a combination of their DMS Cleansing Milk & Gel, the @dermaviduals cleansing range supports your skin and is powered with all these pure, active ingredients that gently nourish your skin. They mix it up to suit you,' she explained.

Natalie added in the video that the worst thing about working in breakfast TV is 'wear and tear on your face and hair. Lots of makeup.'

Natalie Barr (pictured) likes to care for her skin. And the Sunrise presenter has revealed just how she stays looking so youthful and fresh

She added that she has a 'travel kit' that she takes on assignments that includes a mini version of her favourite moisturiser.

Natalie explained that she prefers Dermaviduals because their products don't contain 'nasty chemical stuff'.

She replaced Samantha Armytage as Sunrise's co-anchor in March 2021, which she now presents alongside Matt 'Shirvo' Shirvington.

Prior to her promotion, Natalie was the show's longtime newsreader.
Movie heart-throb Jude Law was part of North London's hedonistic 'Primrose Hill set'.

So, imagine the shock among the group when they found out his real name is David Jude Heyworth Law.

'It just makes it so unsexy,' says former Hollyoaks star Davinia Taylor, 45, who was a socialite in similar circles.

She played Jude Cunningham in the Channel 4 soap and later named her son after her character.

Davinia adds: 'People used to say to me, 'Is he called Jude after Jude Law?' and I said no, because Jude Law's actually called Dave'.

Shock: Movie heart-throb Jude Law was part of North London's hedonistic 'Primrose Hill set'. So, imagine the shock among the group when they found out his real name is David Jude Heyworth Law

Thoughts: 'It just makes it so unsexy,' says former Hollyoaks star Davinia Taylor, 45, who was a socialite in similar circles

She was speaking on the Blethered podcast with Sean McDonald recently when she made the remarks.

It comes as Jude's former partner Sienna Miller revealed she is expecting her second child by showing off her baby bump while on a beach in Ibiza this week.

The actress, 41, who is already mother to daughter Marlowe, ten, with her ex Tom Sturridge, confirmed she is expecting while on the beach holiday, People reports.

The film star is currently in a relationship with Oli Green, 26, who is 15 years her junior.

The couple confirmed their romance at a Vanity Fair party in February 2022 and have made numerous public appearances since.

Sienna slipped into a tiny bikini and placed her hand on her bump during the outing as she soaked up the Spanish sun.

The Anatomy of a Scandal star took a dip in the sea to cool off before wrapping herself in a large grey towel and drying off.

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Sienna Miller for comment.

Star: She played Jude Cunningham in the Channel 4 soap and later named her son after her character

Ex: It comes as Jude's former partner Sienna Miller revealed she is expecting her second child by showing off her baby bump while on a beach in Ibiza this week (pictured in 2010)

The news of Sienna's pregnancy comes after she revealed she froze her eggs after turning 40.

Speaking to Elle, Sienna told how she often wondered, 'should I have more [children], and why haven't I, and all of that, which is a really loud noise'.

She said: 'Biology is incredibly cruel on women in that decade  that's the headline, or it certainly was for me.

'Then I got to 40 and I froze some eggs. Having been really focused on the need to have another baby, I'm just like, if it happens, it happens. That kind of existential threat has dissipated.'

Speaking to The Sunday Times Style Magazine in 2019, Sienna told how she hoped to grow her family in the future.

She said: 'I would love to have more children. I would love it for my daughter as well. I think I would be open to getting married'.

At the time the star was in a relationship with Lucas Zwirner, but they ultimately parted ways the following year.

Sienna previously told how she felt 'overwhelmed' and thought she had 'failed' the first stages of parenthood after having Marlowe in 2012.

Reflecting on the difficult time, the actress said she was 'obsessed' with Marlowe but at the same time was also in 'absolute hell' as she 'didn't know what she was doing'.

Sienna revealed that she had a 'traumatic birth' with her daughter and felt she had 'failed' at the time by not being in a 'blissful little bubble'.

Speaking on This Morning, she said: 'I remember when I had Marlowe, yes, people would phone and say, "I'm sure you're in your blissful little bubble" and I was obsessed with my daughter but I was also in absolute hell.

'Because you lose 24 hours sleep a week overnight, you spend so much time preparing for the birth and then you have to take the baby home and I didn't know what I was doing.

'It was intense, I had a traumatic birth, but the whole thing I felt like I failed at something by not being blissful in the first stages of parenthood.'

The actress wanted a 'natural water birth' but instead endured a painful 27-hour long labour which resulted in an urgent caesarean.

More recently, Sienna spoke out about her relationship regrets, saying she previously hoped to be married with three children by her 30s.

The actress said she spent years investing in a relationship with someone who was 'a bucket with a hole in it of a person'.

She told British Vogue: 'I'd invested what felt like the important years in something that was just a bucket with a hole in it of a person. I wasted time. And I felt like time was really my currency.'

Sienna was quick to point out she was not referring to daughter Marlowe's father Tom Sturridge, who she dated from 2011 to 2015.

Prior to her relationship with Tom, Sienna was engaged to fellow actor Jude Law in 2004 after he popped the question on Christmas Day.

Love: The film star is currently in a relationship with Oli Green, 26, who is 15 years her junior (pictured with Oli in July 2023)

He apologised to her in July of the following year for having an affair with the nanny of his children.

Reflecting on her thirties, she added: 'There was a lot of anxiety. Relationships hadn't worked out  I imagined that I would be married with three kids, being a great mum. I love being a mother. It's what I do best.'

Discussing her relationship with Oli, who is 15 years her junior, Sienna added: 'There's a misogyny that is ingrained in men of my age and older that I don't see in [the] generation below'.

Sienna's ex Tom is now in a relationship with presenter and fashion designer Alexa Chung, with the actress saying she is 'really happy' for the couple.
Zendaya gave her look a 'little refresh' this week by re-dying her hair the perfect chocolate brown shade.

She eagerly showed off the results on her Instagram Story Tuesday following an appointment with celebrity colorist Sarah Shears in Hollywood.

The Emmy Award-winner, 26, put her iPhone in front of her face as she snapped a the self portrait.

Her dyed hair looked freshly blown out due to its glamorous volume and she wore it swept over to one side for the photo.

Also on display was the Smartwater ambassador's toned midriff as she pointed her iPhone at a large mirror.

Zendaya rocked a cropped white T-shirt and low-rise denim jeans that she secured in place with a tan leather belt.

'Refresh'

A brown suede purse was slung over one shoulder and she accessorized with a disc pendant necklace.

'Needed a little refresh,' she captioned the IG Story post.

Zendaya has relied on Shears' expertise for the past several years  even letting her take her brunette to red in 2021,

Shears  who is the master colorist at OneEleven Lounge in Hollywood and has worked with celebrity clients for a decade  previously dished to POPSUGAR about the dramatic transformation.

'We discussed length options from bob to mid-length,' she explained to the outlet. 'We decided to go with something in between the two  '90s supermodel.'

Zendaya is known for experimenting with her looks  whether it be her natural coiled hair or a chic blunt bob with a fierce fringe.

She chopped off her long hair in December 2022 and has continued to embrace her shoulder-length cut, including for her most recently Smartwater campaign.

One of the designer who dressed Zendaya for the shoot, Aaron Esh, unveiled some stunning promo images on Instagram Monday.

The superstar blew through a string of glamorous ensembles, including a see-through mesh gown.

Some of her outfits brought back memories of Old Hollywood, including a hooded purple number that fell to the floor.

Loyal: Zendaya has relied on celebrity colorist Sarah Shears for the past several years; Zendaya seen in July

The chop: She chopped off her long hair in December 2022 and has continued to embrace her shoulder-length cut; seen in April

Another one of her looks featured a 1960s hairdo and a sleeveless wrap dress that lent her campaign a summery air.

Along with Aaron Esh, Chet Lo, Conner Ives, Di Petsa, Nensi Dojaka all created custom looks for Zendaya to wear.

She became a global brand Ambassador in June 2022 and is the face of Smartwater's 'Keep It Smart' campaign.

Tuesday's IG Story post was a rare move for Zendaya, who has mostly kept off social media in the weeks following her Euphoria co-star Angus Cloud's tragic death.

Angus died at the age of 25 on Monday, July 31 at his family home in Oakland, California - after he struggled with the loss of his father, his family told TMZ. His mother, who called 911, reported it as a 'possible overdose.'

Zendaya broke her silence on Angus' untimely death as she penned an emotional tribute to Instagram on Tuesday, August 1.

'Words are not enough to describe the infinite beauty that is Angus (Conor). I'm so grateful I got the chance to know him in this life, to call him a brother, to see his warm kind eyes and bright smile, or hear his infectious cackle of a laugh (I'm smiling now just thinking of it),' the actress wrote.

'I know people use this expression often when talking about folks they love... "they could light up any room they entered" but boy let me tell you. He was the best at it. I'd like to remember him that way. For all of the boundless light, love and joy he always managed to give us. I'll cherish every moment,' she added.

Model behavior: On Monday, new images of Zendaya for Smartwater were released

She became a global brand Ambassador in June 2022 and is the face of Smartwater's 'Keep It Smart' campaign

Glamour girl: The superstar blew through a string of glamorous ensembles, including a see-through mesh gown

Mourning: Tuesday's IG Story post was a rare move for Zendaya, who has mostly kept off social media in the weeks following her Euphoria co-star Angus Cloud's tragic death; seen in 2022

Zendaya broke her silence on Angus' untimely death as she penned an emotional tribute to Instagram on Tuesday, August 1

She concluded: 'My heart is with his mother and family at this time and please be kind and patient as grief looks different for everyone.'

One week later, Zendaya returned to Instagram to share a photo of a mural that was painted in Angus' honor in Oakland.

Friends close to the late actor painted the memorial and it was the site of a candlelight vigil on Friday, August 4.

It features an image of Angus smiling as well as various tributes to the star that show the positive impact that he continues to have on his community.

Zendaya also posted a photo of a street sign that had 'No Love Fades' written on it in white spray paint. It's unclear if this art piece is in relation to Angus.
Jackie 'O' Henderson recently splashed out $13.25million on a three-storey oceanfront house in Sydney's East.

And despite its high price tag, she has been doing major renovations on the Clovelly house to make it her perfect home.

However, the KIIS FM presenter recently revealed that she is pairing back on some renovations, and decided she won't be getting a wellness centre built.

Speaking on The Kyle & Jackie O Show on Wednesday, she said: 'I want an intimate house, a house that I feel is a home.

'I made the decision to take off a level actually, because I don't need that.'

Kyle then sarcastically made the KIIS FM crew clap for her, as he said: 'Wow guys Jackie is taking off a level'.

When asked what was going to be on the level, Jackie laughed and said she was 'so relatable' before explaining.

'A wellness centre,' she said. 'So a spa, infrared sauna, gym and an ice bath. I've decided to ditch it because it's not needed Kyle!'

Jackie 'O' Henderson (pictured) recently splashed out on a $13.25million on a three-storey oceanfront house in Sydney's East

The KIIS FM presenter recently revealed that she is pairing back on some renovations in her new house, and decided she won't be getting a wellness centre built

Jackie won an auction for the $13.5million home in March

Jackie won her new Clovelly oceanfront home at an auction last March.

The fixer-upper is set back from the road, offering privacy she didn't have on the narrow streets at her former address in Woollahra.

She bought her new home after pocketing a tidy $2million in profit on the sale of her old home in Woollahra, after paying $11million for it in 2020.

Jackie had previously complained about intrusive paparazzi as the reason for her sale of her former home.

She bought her new home after pocketing a tidy $2million in profit on the sale of her old home in Woollahra (pictured) after paying $11million for it in 2020

As she spoke about the auction on her radio show, KIIS FM newsreader Brooklyn Ross pointed out that Jackie's reaction to winning the auction was caught on camera by nearby paparazzi.

'You know what? That was kind of good to have that moment, because you would never film yourself at an auction,' Jackie replied.

The presenter looked absolutely elated when she placed the winning bid on her dream home.
She opened up about her infertility battle last year and disappointment over not freezing her eggs when she was younger.

But Jennifer Aniston is still appreciated on Mother's Day.

During her interview with WSJ. Magazine, the actress, 54, revealed she receives flowers every Mother's Day from her good friend Adam Sandler, 56, and his wife Jackie.

Aniston, who does not have any children, described last year her regret at not freezing her eggs earlier in life and revealing that she 'threw everything' at her infertility battle, including going through IVF and 'drinking Chinese teas' in a desperate attempt to conceive.

During a 2022 interview with Allure, Jennifer said: 'I was trying to get pregnant. It was a challenging road for me, the baby-making road,' she said of her IVF journey, which the magazine noted was 'several years ago'.

Touching gesture: Jennifer Aniston revealed she receives flowers every Mother's Day from Adam Sandler and his wife Jackie, following her own infertility battle; pictured 2019

'All the years and years and years of speculation... It was really hard. I was going through IVF, drinking Chinese teas, you name it. I was throwing everything at it.'

She also slammed speculation that any of her former husbands - she has been married to both Brad Pitt and Justin Theroux - divorced her because she 'wouldn't give him a kid', noting that the constant rumors about her relationship made her infertility battle all the more difficult.

The actress added that she wishes someone had told her to freeze her eggs when she was younger, adding that she has now come to terms with the fact that she will never conceive children.

'I wouldve given anything if someone had said to me, "Freeze your eggs. Do yourself a favor." You just dont think it. So here I am today. The ship has sailed,' she said.

Jennifer - who spent ten years starring on the hit sitcom Friends, from 1994 until 2004 - admitted that she was too focused on her career to think about the fact that her future self may one day want to settle down and have children, although she hit out at the constant scrutiny she faced for not getting pregnant during her five-year marriage to Pitt.

'I just cared about my career. And God forbid a woman is successful and doesnt have a child,' she said. 'And the reason my husband left me, why we broke up and ended our marriage, was because I wouldnt give him a kid. It was absolute lies. I dont have anything to hide at this point.'

She then faced further scrutiny during her marriage to Justin, now 52, with reports at the time of their 2017 split suggesting that part of the reason for their break-up was her inability to have children.

In February 2018, months after their divorce was made public, People magazine reported that the pair had tried for children, but that 'it didn't work out', with one source saying that Jennifer was 'sad that it never happened but that it never consumed her'.

'It was a challenging road for me': Aniston, who does not have any children, described last year her regret at not freezing her eggs earlier in life and the various methods she underwent in a desperate attempt to conceive; pictured 2020

Speaking to Allure last year, the actress insisted that she has come to terms with the fact that she won't have children, noting that she actually feels some 'relief' in the fact that the possibility of kids is no longer lingering over her as never-ending 'maybe'.

Indeed, with age has come a new-found sense of confidence in herself - and the actress said she no longer cares what people think or say about her, thanks in large part to the struggles she faced during her late 30s and 40s.

'I would say my late 30s, 40s, Id gone through really hard s***, and if it wasnt for going through that, I wouldve never become who I was meant to be,' she explained.

'Thats why I have such gratitude for all those s****y things. Otherwise, I wouldve been stuck being this person that was so fearful, so nervous, so unsure of who they were. And now, I dont f***ing care.'

Jennifer added that she 'feels the best in who she is today', explaining that she has learned to stop saying 'bad s*** to herself'.

'It was absolute lies': She also slammed speculation that any of her former husbands - she has been married to both Brad Pitt and Justin Theroux - divorced her because she 'wouldn't give him a kid', noting that the constant rumors about her relationship made her infertility battle all the more difficult

The way they were: Aniston pictured with her then-partner Justin Theroux in 2014

She explained that she's been through what she describes as a 'period that was challenging' and is only now 'coming back into the light' - having done some 'personal work that was long overdue' and faced up to issues that had been a part of her life since childhood.

Jennifer also hinted that she may one day pen a book about her lengthy infertility struggles - something that she chose to kept hidden from the world for years out a need to 'protect' herself and her story.

'Im going to [write a book] one day,' she said. 'Im going to stop saying, "I cant write."

'Ive spent so many years protecting my story about IVF. Im so protective of these parts because I feel like theres so little that I get to keep to myself. The world creates narratives that arent true, so I might as well tell the truth. I feel like Im coming out of hibernation. I dont have anything to hide.'
Giada De Laurentis' long time boyfriend, television producer Shane Farley, 51, shared a sweet snap on his Instagram Stories in celebration of the celebrity chef's 53rd birthday.

The photo of the birthday girl was an extreme closeup of the Everyday Italian author wearing a pair of aviator-style sunglasses.

She's leaning over and drinking a margarita through a straw.

The Rachael Ray producer tagged Giada in the post and had a rotating message that read Happy birthday and then flipped over to read Happy birthday to you.

The couple has been dating for seven years.

This is 53: Giada De Laurentis' long time boyfriend, television producer Shane Farley, 51, shared a sweet snap on his Instagram Stories in celebration of the celebrity chef's 53rd birthday

Earlier this year, the Giadzy founder left the Food Network after 21 years.

She inked a new multi-year deal with Amazon Studios for unscripted series production which she will both star in and produce.

Her reruns will continue to air on the Food Network though she will not be collaborating on any new shows.

'I've had a rebirth in my career and in what I really want to do,' she explained to People about this new era of her career which includes her lifestyle e-commerce site Giadzy.

'At the heart of it, I'm a teacher and a storyteller, and when you're in a partnership with somebody else, you have to make compromises in that storytelling.'

And there's another milestone moment in the Giada at Home alum's life - her lookalike daughter Jade, 15, is learning to drive.

'It's so emotional to watch your child grow up like this, and I feel like driving is such a big step,' she said.

Long time love: The Rachael Ray producer tagged Giada in the post and had a rotating message that read Happy birthday and then flipped over to read Happy birthday to you. The couple has been dating for seven years

New gig: Giada is leaving the Food Network after 21 years for a new multi-year deal at Amazon Studios

Entrepreneur: She also runs her lifestyle e-commerce platform Giadzy

And when she looks ahead a bit to a few years from now when her only child heads off to college, she tears up.

'It's been an emotional rollercoaster,' she said. 'It's also really fun to see her excitement. She is so excited to be independent.'

Jade was named after her mother - Giada is Italian for Jade.

She shares her daughter with her ex-husband Todd Thompson, whom she was married to for a decade.
A small West Australian band has said they've got no interest in putting themselves forward for a chance to support Coldplay at their concerts Down Under.

Coldplay, arguably one of the world's biggest bands, will be playing two shows at Perth's Optus Stadium in November, with as many as 120,000 fans expected to turn out across both nights.

The UK band on Monday launched a $15,000 competition seeking out the best musical act in WA to open both of their shows.

Coldplay will personally pick the winner themselves from a list of finalists created by industry experts.

But one local rock band, The Southern River Band, have unapologetically announced they've got better things to do.

Coldplay will be playing two shows at Perth's Optus Stadium in November, with as many as 120,000 fans expected to turn out across both nights

'We've been getting tagged in this (the competition) a whole bunch today, really appreciate you guys putting us forward but um pretty f**king busy at the minute,' frontman Callum Kramer said in a video shared to the group's Instagram.

'Don't know if we're going to be able to do it. If it was ACDC or the Foo Fighters or something like that then yep, f**king oath, we'd probably be able to make that work.

'But at the minute for Coldplay, um yeah we're good thanks.'

The Southern River Band has just over 10,000 followers on Instagram, with some fans applauding the group on their decision given both groups have vastly different sounds.

WA rock band The Southern River Band have said they have no interest in putting themselves forward for a chance to support Coldplay for their Aussie shows

'Glad I'm not the only one that thinks Coldplay are overrated,' one fan said.

'Good on them, way too rock and roll, stick to your guns!' commented another.

But others said the band was foolish to pass up such a huge opportunity.

'This is a dumb move,' said one.

'I think they should take it. Any exposure is good exposure,' said another.

'They're gonna regret that,' one wrote.

Coldplay earlier announced they would be bringing their Music of the Spheres World Tour to Perth in November for a special performance.

The beloved group last performed in Australia in 2016, and the concerts will be their first in the WA capital since February 2009.

The Perth shows will be the band's only concerts in Australia.
Tallulah Willis took to social media on Tuesday to update her followers on her ongoing recovery from an eating disorder.

The actress, 29, shared a trio of images to Instagram: a throwback selfie showing herself before she embarked on recovery, a shot of her fuller tummy and a photo of a fruit platter with grapes and sliced melon.

The youngest daughter of Demi Moore, 60, and Bruce Willis, 69 - who's said that she has been at the end of nasty remarks online directed at her appearance - captioned the post with a trigger warning.

She wrote: '~TW: ED pre-recovery image~ I love her. And I love her, and I see how courageous shes been. steady on the course my bbs.'

Tallulah added the hashtags #edrecovery and #iloveme to her post.

Update: Tallulah Willis took to social media Tuesday to give an update on her ongoing recovery from an eating disorder, posting this throwback selfie before she embarked on change

'Look at my healthy body!' Tallulah, 29, followed with a snap of her now fuller tummy as she continues her quest for a more healthy lifestyle, winning praise from her social media followers

The Stars on Mars personality opened up about battling an eating disorder and body dysmorphia in a May 31 article for Vogue.

'For the last four years, I have suffered from anorexia nervosa, which I've been reluctant to talk about because, after getting sober at age 20, restricting food has felt like the last vice that I got to hold on to,' Tallulah said.

Tallulah said that at the age of 25, she entered a residential treatment facility in Malibu to deal with both the eating disorder and depression she had been living with.

'It was a largely therapeutic experience; for the first time, I grieved the 15-year-old misfit me, the ugly duckling,' she said. 'I was also diagnosed with ADHD and started on stimulant medication, which was transformative.

'I felt smart for the first time, but I also started to enjoy the appetite-suppressant side effect of the meds. I saw a way to banish the awkward adolescent in favor of a flighty little pixie.

Tallulah said that 'like so many people with eating disorders, [her] sense of myself went haywire.'

She said that 'the beginning of losing weight rapidly' leads to a sense of 'unhealthy deliciousness.'

Tallulah said, 'People are like, "Oh wow!" And then quickly it turns to, "Are you okay?" My friends and family were terrified, and I dismissed it. Theyd say, "Is this the ADHD medication?"'

Tallulah shared another shot of a fruit platter with grapes and sliced melon

The youngest daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis was pictured at a June 1 event in LA

Tallulah said that she was 'very protective' of her medication and 'rationalized it' by reminding herself how it improved her focus.

'An eating disorders therapist would tell me later, the smaller you are, the bigger you fee,' she said. 'How twisted is that?'

She said that by spring of last year, she weighed 84 pounds and was dealing with significant health complications as a result.

'I was always freezing,' she said. 'I was calling mobile IV teams to come to my house, and I couldn't walk in my Los Angeles neighborhood because I was afraid of not having a place to sit down and catch my breath.'

She said that she was subsequently treated at the Texas-based center Driftwood Recovery - where she had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder - before leaving the facility in a better state of mind.

'I felt a lot better,' Tallulah said. 'I realized that what I wanted more than harmony with my body was harmony with my family - to no longer worry them, to bring a levity to my sisters and my parents. An emaciated body wouldn't do that. I had felt the weight of people worrying about me for years, and that put me on my knees.'

Tallulah said that amid reminders of the worst times of her earing disorder, her treatment has guided her to move forward.

'Most of my clothes are too small now, and in the morning, as I go through my closet, I have to resist the temptation to linger on that and urge myself to move on,' she said.

The body positive celeb was pictured in a swimsuit on social media last month

Tallulah said that she has been working toward being there for her family. Pictured in 2019 in LA (L-R) Rumer Willis, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis, Scout Willis, Emma Heming Willis and Tallulah

Tallulah said that she has been working toward being there for her family, in particular her father Bruce Willis amid his ongoing battle with dementia.

'Recovery is probably lifelong, but I now have the tools to be present in all facets of my life, and especially in my relationship with my dad,' she said.

People who are living with eating disorders should contact the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) at 1-800-931-2237 or go to NationalEatingDisorders.org. If you or someone close to you is in need of mental health assistance, please text 'STRENGTH' to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741.
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) Gwerus ward 14 candidate Silas Mutendeutswa has said the August 23 harmonized elections were already rigged accusing the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) of bedding Zanu PF.

Mutendeutswa, who is the partys Midlands Provincial Chairperson was speaking at a press club discussion organized by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) in Gweru.

He said ZEC had failed to show impartiality in conducting a free and fair election saying the voters roll was in shambles, a clear testimony that the election body cannot run a credible election.

If you look at the voters roll, there are voters who were registered under my ward but are not supposed to be in ward 14. There is massive displacement of voters in the voters roll, which is a clear sign that the election is already rigged, said Mutendeutswa.

Mutendeutswa also added that the failure by ZEC to release the voters roll was chaotic.

He said though the party president Douglas Mwonzora withdrew from the race, they were still contesting fully aware that the elections were rigged.

Although our president, Douglas Mwonzora pulled out of the presidential race, all other candidates for house of assembly and local authority are still participating,

We are participating but we already know that this is a rigged election, ZEC is failing to play a neutral role and appear to be siding with Zanu PF, said Mutendeutswa.

MDC-T president Mwonzora pulled out of the race after citing a plethora of irregularities caused by ZEC.

Last week the Catholic Commission on Peace and Justice Midlands Chapter urged political parties to uphold peace ahead of the coming elections saying elections were a one day event. TellZimNews
Kylie Jenner looked absolutely stunning while enjoying a sunset picnic during her lavish Italian getaway.

The Kylie Cosmetics founder, 26, slipped into a white lace-up corset dress that propped up her ample bust  which she recently revealed are implants.

The romantic-looking garment had a flowy, sheer skirt that pooled around her as she relaxed on a blanket in a lush meadow.

Kylie's flowing brunette hair was worn down and her complexion was noticeably sun-kissed. Instead of her full glam, she kept her makeup light and natural.

She sat beside a brown wicker picnic basket that was filled with fresh fruit, pastries and bottles of expensive wine.

In her photos, two glasses were visible and Kylie had a bouquet of flowers in her hand  which made fans wonder if she was on a date with her beau Timothee Chalamet.

Sunset picnic: Kylie Jenner looked absolutely stunning while enjoying a sunset picnic during her lavish Italian getaway

Busty: The Kylie Cosmetics founder, 26, slipped into a white lace-up corset dress that propped up her ample bust  which she recently revealed are implants

There were also two pillows laid down beside one another.

Kylie and the Lady Bird actor sparked romance rumors in January shortly after her split from on/off boyfriend Travis Scott.

They've been spotted on low-key dates around Los Angeles and are rumored to have met during a fashion show in Paris, France.

Kylie is currently in Italy with her older half-sister Khloe Kardashian, 39, and mother Kris Jenner, 67.

Her daughter Stormi, five, and Khloe's daughter True, five, are also there.

She also let fans in on the vacation over the weekend by sharing a slideshow of photos she's taken this week.

Instead of her typical glam appearance, Kylie looked fresh with minimal makeup and opted for a pair of comfy blue jeans.

She included several stunning selfies as well as photos taken of her and the gorgeous scenery

Kylie and the gang landed in Perugia, Italy last week via private jet just days after she rang in her 26th birthday in Los Angeles.

Beauty: Kylie's flowing brunette hair was worn down and her complexion was noticeably sun-kissed. Instead of her full glam, she kept her makeup light and natural

Romantic: Her romantic-looking garment had a flowy, sheer skirt that pooled around her as she relaxed on a blanket in a lush meadow

She sat beside a brown wicker picnic basket that was filled with fresh fruit, pastries and bottles of expensive wine

The mother-of-two showed off her famous pout in back-to-back selfies that she snapped while sitting at an outdoor table.

The shots showcased her natural freckles and long lashes as well as her raven hair's natural wave.

She posed with her hand pressed under her chin before flashing a smirk.

Another pair of photos showed Kylie in full vacation bliss as she sipped on a drink while taking in the views.

She was sprawled out on a green lounge chair with a woven purse by her side and a glass in hand.

Employing Khloe as her personal photographer for the week, Kylie had her big sister capture her strolling though a scenic pathway with her back to the camera.

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians alum was surrounded by lush greenery and the sky above her was blue and clear.

Along with her understated makeup and fashion, Kylie also gave fans a look at what's been on the menu this trip.

Come along! She also let fans in on the vacation over the weekend by sharing a slideshow of photos she's taken this week

Natural: Instead of her typical glam appearance, Kylie looked fresh with minimal makeup in selfies snapped outdoors

She strolled the area in a pair of comfy blue jeans and a flowy white blouse

Lounge Chair: Also among the images that the 26-year-old included in her Instagram photo dump include these two snaps of her relaxing in a lounge chair

The View: This scenic shot showed the clear blue swimming pool in the backyard of the property that Jenner was staying at, with several green tress in the background

Aperol Spritz: A glass bottle of Coca Cola and two glasses of Aperol Spritzes were among the drinks seen on the table full of food that was included in Jenner's Instagram post

One image showed a table full of delicious bread, fresh vegetable plates, and cocktails that she and several people had for lunch.

A glass bottle of Coca Cola and two glasses of Aperol Spritzes were among the drinks seen on the table.

While it is unclear what destination she was vacationing at, it appeared that the 26-year-old was vacationing in Perugia, Italy.

She was photographed at the local airport coming out of her private jet with her older half-sister Khloe Kardashian, 39, and Khloe's daughter True Thompson, five, on Tuesday.

The trio appeared to be excited when they arrived to Perugia, the capital of Italy's Umbria region, which is known for its palaces, historic landmarks and chocolate.

The sighting of Kylie, Khloe, and True came just five days after Kylie celebrated her 26th birthday on August 10.

It was unclear if Kylie's daughter Stormi, five, and her son Aire, one, accompanied their mom on the trip with their aunt and cousin.

The 26-year-old shares both of her children with former boyfriend, the rapper Travis Scott.
Katy Perry appeared on Instagram on Tuesday to share a new post promoting her Katy Perry Collections shoe brand.

The 38-year-old music sensation - who dined with Jeff Bezos last week - put on a leggy display in a silver-toned dress that accentuated her assets.

The California native bared her busty cleavage in the low-cut number, which also had a thigh-high slit.

She showed off her toned thighs as she rocked a pair of caramel-colored to-the-knee boots.

The photo featured a desert-like backdrop, and the caption of the post read, 'Its not a mirageits the @katyperrycollections.'

Entrepreneur: Katy Perry appeared on Instagram on Tuesday to share a new post promoting her Katy Perry Collections shoe brand

For the marketing material, the mother-of-one wore her raven locks with an extra short bang framing her face.

The tresses were styled straight and slightly tousled as they fell over her shoulders and chest in layers.

The I Kissed A Girl hitmaker's dark and thick eyebrows were carefully shaped and she rocked a cat eye.

Perry, born Katheryn Hudson, blushed her cheeks with a bubblegum pink tint and a matching shade of lipstick.

The post quickly racked up thousands of likes from the star's more than 200 million followers.

Perry founded the brand in 2017 and the line offers sneakers, sandals, flats, and high heels.

Earlier this month she teased her long-awaited musical comeback during a performance of her hit Las Vegas residency PLAY.

'Now, if you can't love me at my Witness or Smile era, then you can't love me at my KP6 era!' she said to the audience.

She loves fashion: Perry founded her footwear brand in 2017 and the line offers sneakers, sandals, flats, and high heels

New music soon: Earlier this month Katy teased her long-awaited musical comeback during a performance of her hit Las Vegas residency PLAY

London! Katy hung out with Chelsea Handler at the BST Hyde Park festival earlier this summer

The pop star has been enjoying her summer as she juggles work and play, sometimes documenting it on social media.

So far, the songstress has watched Bruce Springsteen perform, soaked up the sun during a trip to St. Tropez with beau Orlando Bloom and their almost 3-year-old daughter Daisy, and vacationed with Jeff Bezos.

Last month it was announced that Katy will return as a judge for American Idol season 22, despite suffering backlash from fans of the show.

Despite the drama behind-the-scenes, ABC has billed the forthcoming installment as the 'lucky seventh season on ABC.'
The highly anticipated reboot of Australian sitcom Mother & Son premieres on Wednesday evening and audiences can expect a more reflective experience than the original.

Lead actor and series creator Matt Okine, 38, told the ABC the reboot will address some of the hilarious domestic problems seen in the original through a modern filter.

'Australia has changed in the last 30 years and that's why we're doing it. I'm not trying to tick any boxes,' he began.

'I think that people think that we are trying to do something woke or doing some diversity, box-ticking exercise, but I came up with the idea that I wanted to remake Mother and Son, alright?'

'If my mum was still alive, she would be a 60-something-year-old white woman. I also have a sister, who is older than me, who is half African as well. This is what my house looks like.'

The highly anticipated reboot of Australian sitcom Mother & Son premieres on Wednesday evening and audiences can expect a more reflective experience than the original. Pictured: Lead actors Denise Scott and Matt Okine

Okine was born in Brisbane in 1985 to a Ghanaian father and a European mother and worked to incorporate his own experiences into the show.

The reboot sees Okine star in the role made famous by Garry McDonald while comedian Denise Scott takes over from the late Ruth Cracknell as Maggie.

The new series will have less punchlines than the original as it switches from an outright sitcom to a comedy-drama, although viewers can still expect lots of hilarious one-liners.

'We're not trying to copy anything, I'm just living,' Okine added.

Lead actor and series creator Matt Okine, 38, told the ABC the reboot will address some of the hilarious domestic problems seen in the original through a modern filter

Some of the modern sensibilities viewers will see include same-sex relationships, technological developments and modern concerns around taking care of the elderly.

The original Mother & Son ran from 1984 - 1994, and starred Gary McDonald as a bewildered adult son trying to cope with his ageing mother, played by the late Cracknell.

In the re-boot, comedian Matt Okine now plays Arthur, who moves in to look after the recently widowed Maggie (Scott), who may or may not have burnt down the kitchen in the family home.

The reboot sees Okine star in the role made famous by Garry McDonald (left) while comedian Denise Scott takes over from the late Ruth Cracknell (right) as Maggie

As in the original, the reboot sees Maggie run rings around her well-meaning family.

Also featured in the cast of the re-boot are Angela Nica Sullen who plays Arthur's older sister Robbie and Fat Pizza's Jean Kittson.

Mother & Son premieres at 8:30pm Wednesday, August 23 on ABC.
Kylie Jenner looked like the ultimate pinup girl on Tuesday as she enjoyed a night out in Italy.

Sharing photos to Instagram, the makeup mogul, 26, showed a lot of cleavage in a very sexy red satin bra.

She exaggerated her hourglass shape in a tight champagne-toned corset that laced up the front.

Kylie completed her look with a low-rise miniskirt and white satin Manolo Blahnik heels called Carolyne Bride.

The mother-of-two's lustrous raven hair was swept up in a glamorous bun with pieces left down to frame her heart-shaped face.

Pinup girl: Kylie Jenner looked like the ultimate pinup girl on Tuesday as she enjoyed a night out in Italy

Busty: Sharing photos to Instagram, the makeup mogul, 26, showed a lot of cleavage in a very sexy red satin bra and Manolo Blahnik heels

The Kylie Cosmetics founder had a peach flush and amped up her lashes with pitch black mascara.

Her famously plump pout had a peach hue and she accessorized with diamond stud earrings.

She delivered a very sultry stare for the camera while climbing an outdoor staircase.

In another shot, Kylie leaned up against the rock railing with her legs crossed and let her stray hairs fall over her face.

She captioned her slideshow with an emoji of the Italian flag as well as emojis of a plate of spaghetti and a glass of red wine.

Kylie and her daughter Stormi, five, landed in Perugia, Italy last week via private jet just days after she rang in her 26th birthday in Los Angeles.

They're joined by Kylie's mom Kris and older half-sister Khloe Kardashian as well as Khloe's daughter True, five.

Earlier Tuesday, Kylie looked absolutely stunning while enjoying a sunset picnic during her lavish Italian getaway.

Cinched: She exaggerated her hourglass shape in a tight champagne-toned corset that laced up the front

Glam: The mother-of-two's lustrous raven hair was swept up in a glamorous bun with pieces left down to frame her heart-shaped face

Sultry: She delivered a very sultry stare for the camera while climbing an outdoor staircase

She slipped into a white lace-up corset dress that propped up her ample bust  which she recently revealed are implants.

The romantic-looking garment had a flowy, sheer skirt that pooled around her as she relaxed on a blanket in a lush meadow.

Kylie's flowing brunette hair was worn down and her complexion was noticeably sun-kissed. Instead of her full glam, she kept her makeup light and natural.

She sat beside a brown wicker picnic basket that was filled with fresh fruit, pastries and bottles of expensive wine.

In her photos, two glasses were visible and Kylie had a bouquet of flowers in her hand  which made fans wonder if she was on a date with her beau Timothee Chalamet.

There were also two pillows laid down beside one another.

Sunset picnic: Earlier Tuesday, Kylie looked absolutely stunning while enjoying a sunset picnic during her lavish Italian getaway

Busty: The Kylie Cosmetics founder, 26, slipped into a white lace-up corset dress that propped up her ample bust  which she recently revealed are implants

Beauty: Kylie's flowing brunette hair was worn down and her complexion was noticeably sun-kissed. Instead of her full glam, she kept her makeup light and natural

Romantic: Her romantic-looking garment had a flowy, sheer skirt that pooled around her as she relaxed on a blanket in a lush meadow

She sat beside a brown wicker picnic basket that was filled with fresh fruit, pastries and bottles of expensive wine

Kylie and the Lady Bird actor sparked romance rumors in January shortly after her split from on/off boyfriend Travis Scott.

They've been spotted on low-key dates around Los Angeles and are rumored to have met during a fashion show in Paris, France.

Kylie also let fans in on her Italian vacation over the weekend by sharing a slideshow of photos she's taken this week.

Instead of her typical glam appearance, Kylie looked fresh with minimal makeup and opted for a pair of comfy blue jeans.

She included several stunning selfies as well as photos taken of her and the gorgeous scenery

She showed off her famous pout in back-to-back selfies that she snapped while sitting at an outdoor table.

The shots showcased her natural freckles and long lashes as well as her raven hair's natural wave.

She posed with her hand pressed under her chin before flashing a smirk.

Another pair of photos showed Kylie in full vacation bliss as she sipped on a drink while taking in the views.

She was sprawled out on a green lounge chair with a woven purse by her side and a glass in hand.

Employing Khloe as her personal photographer for the week, Kylie had her big sister capture her strolling though a scenic pathway with her back to the camera.

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians alum was surrounded by lush greenery and the sky above her was blue and clear.

Along with her understated makeup and fashion, Kylie also gave fans a look at what's been on the menu this trip.

Come along! She also let fans in on the vacation over the weekend by sharing a slideshow of photos she's taken this week

Natural: Instead of her typical glam appearance, Kylie looked fresh with minimal makeup in selfies snapped outdoors

She strolled the area in a pair of comfy blue jeans and a flowy white blouse

Lounge Chair: Also among the images that the 26-year-old included in her Instagram photo dump include these two snaps of her relaxing in a lounge chair

The View: This scenic shot showed the clear blue swimming pool in the backyard of the property that Jenner was staying at, with several green tress in the background

Aperol Spritz: A glass bottle of Coca Cola and two glasses of Aperol Spritzes were among the drinks seen on the table full of food that was included in Jenner's Instagram post

One image showed a table full of delicious bread, fresh vegetable plates, and cocktails that she and several people had for lunch.

A glass bottle of Coca Cola and two glasses of Aperol Spritzes were among the drinks seen on the table.

While it is unclear what destination she was vacationing at, it appeared that the 26-year-old was vacationing in Perugia, Italy.

She was photographed at the local airport coming out of her private jet with her older half-sister Khloe Kardashian, 39, and Khloe's daughter True Thompson, five, on Tuesday.

The trio appeared to be excited when they arrived to Perugia, the capital of Italy's Umbria region, which is known for its palaces, historic landmarks and chocolate.

The sighting of Kylie, Khloe, and True came just five days after Kylie celebrated her 26th birthday on August 10.

It was unclear if Kylie's daughter Stormi, five, and her son Aire, one, accompanied their mom on the trip with their aunt and cousin.

The 26-year-old shares both of her children with former boyfriend, the rapper Travis Scott.
Celebrity nanny Andreza Cooper shared yet another glimpse into the jet-setting life of luxury that goes along with being employed by The Kardashians producer-star Khloe Kardashian, especially when they escape her $17M Hidden Hills mansion.

The 39-year-old Calabasas socialite has been vacationing in Tuscany since last Thursday with five-year-old daughter True Thompson, one-year-old son Tatum Thompson, momager Kris Jenner, and half-sister Kylie Jenner - so naturally she required the assistance of the newborn care specialist.

On Monday, Andreza - who boasts 56K Instagram followers - shared an Instagram reel of her voyage to Italy beginning with a designer suitcase-filled van.

Cooper then joined the wealthy Kardashian-Jenner clan aboard the 26-year-old Kylie Cosmetics CEO's $73M, 10-seat 'Kylie Air' private plane where she enjoyed a plate of fresh fruit.

The Brazilian brunette accompanied little True - whom she affectionately calls 'Tutu' - inside the plane bathroom where the pair shook their ponytails in the mirror.

Celebrity nanny Andreza Cooper (R, pictured last Friday) shared yet another glimpse into the jet-setting life of luxury that goes along with being employed by The Kardashians producer-star Khloe Kardashian (L), especially when they escape her $17M Hidden Hills mansion

Full house! The 39-year-old Calabasas socialite has been vacationing in Tuscany since last Thursday with five-year-old daughter True Thompson, one-year-old son Tatum Thompson, momager Kris Jenner (R, pictured Tuesday), and half-sister Kylie Jenner - so naturally she required the assistance of the newborn care specialist

Once the ostentatious entourage arrived to their accommodations in Tuscany there was a banquet of food laid out for their jet-lagged stomachs.

Andreza has said the biggest perk for working for celebrities like Khloe is having the opportunity to travel to exotic destinations like the Turks & Caicos, the Bahamas, Rome, Paris, and Indonesia.

'The good things work has given me - trips. They are always challenging, tiring, and have a lot more hard work than [glamour],' Cooper wrote on Instagram in 2019.

'However, the opportunity to see and experience other cultures cheers my soul. These pictures were taken in Indonesia, where I tried the best coffee in the world, visited an elephant sanctuary, tasted different dishes and discovered people that are so happy and in a higher spiritual level than us. An unforgettable experience indeed. And yes, I had pink hair once.'

The postpartum doula has hung out in the Palace of Versailles, checked out the Arch of Constantine, and once even met President Barack Obama inside the White House's Oval Office.

'As we travel a lot internationally, I also monitor [the children's] sleep, because there are a lot of time zones, so, to change, I always travel with [them] when [they are] international,' Andreza told Papo De Mae in 2021.

'If it's just three days, I keep Los Angeles time. If it's more than three days, local time is a little late.'

In 2021, Kardashian penned a sweet handwritten birthday note for Cooper, whom she affectionately calls 'Shesh.'

On the road! On Monday, Andreza - who boasts 56K Instagram followers - shared an Instagram reel of her voyage to Italy beginning with a designer suitcase-filled van

Fancy: Cooper then joined the wealthy Kardashian-Jenner clan aboard the 26-year-old Kylie Cosmetics CEO's $73M, 10-seat 'Kylie Air' private plane where she enjoyed a plate of fresh fruit

Rocking out! The Brazilian brunette accompanied little True - whom she affectionately calls 'Tutu' - inside the plane bathroom where the pair shook their ponytails in the mirror

What a spread! Once the ostentatious entourage arrived to their accommodations in Tuscany there was a banquet of food laid out for their jet-lagged stomachs

'I hope you know how loved and adored you are by True and I,' the Good American co-founder gushed.

'You have been such a blessing to me and my little family. Every day I give thanks because you are in our life.'

The 'specialist in infant sleep' shared a silly snap in 2020 of herself 'bathing' in a tub of gold coins as True watched, and captioned the post: 'And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a picture how people think I live.'

It's unclear when Andreza first began working for Khloe, but she reportedly moved to the States in 2010 after attending college in Portugal.

Kardashian - who still has two more frozen embryos (boy and girl) with LA Lakers center Tristan Thompson - actually employs two Brazilian nannies including Monica Longanbach.

And while it's unclear how much the People's Choice Award-winning reality star pays Cooper, her big sister Kim Kardashian 'paid a team of nannies $100K salaries' back in 2019 - according to Radar Online.

The caretaker and expert face painter previously worked for Shotgun Wedding action star Josh Duhamel, Fast X actress Jordana Brewster, and stand-up comedian Kevin Hart.

'The good things work has given me - trips!' Andreza has said the biggest perk for working for celebrities like Khloe is having the opportunity to travel to exotic destinations like the Turks & Caicos (pictured in 2021), the Bahamas, Rome, Paris, and Indonesia

Cooper wrote on Instagram in 2019: 'They are always challenging, tiring, and have a lot more hard work than [glamour]. However, the opportunity to see and experience other cultures cheers my soul' (pictured in 2022)

She continued: 'These pictures were taken in Indonesia, where I tried the best coffee in the world, visited an elephant sanctuary, tasted different dishes and discovered people that are so happy and in a higher spiritual level than us. An unforgettable experience indeed. And yes, I had pink hair once' (pictured in 2020)

Traveler: The postpartum doula has hung out in the Palace of Versailles (pictured in 2019), checked out the Arch of Constantine, and once even met President Barack Obama inside the White House's Oval Office

'I hope you know how loved and adored you are!' In 2021, Kardashian penned a sweet handwritten birthday note for Andreza, whom she affectionately calls 'Shesh'

Cooper shared a silly snap in 2020 of herself 'bathing' in a tub of gold coins as True watched, and captioned the post: 'And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a picture how people think I live'

'My loving, generous, fabulous, selfless queen!' It's unclear when Andreza first began working for Khloe, but she reportedly moved to the States in 2010 after attending college in Portugal (pictured in 2022). She is seen here going to the premier of The Kardashians in 2022

'You are a blessing in this world!' Kardashian - who still has two more frozen embryos (boy and girl) with LA Lakers center Tristan Thompson - actually employs two Brazilian nannies including Monica Longanbach (M, pictured July 29)

'I'm so happy to celebrate your life with you!' And while it's unclear how much the People's Choice Award-winning reality star pays Cooper, her big sister Kim Kardashian 'paid a team of nannies $100K salaries' back in 2019 (pictured in 2022)
Nearly a month after the Venice Film Festival unveiled its lineup featuring the highly-anticipated biopic Priscilla, stars Jacob Elordi and Cailee Spaeny are now allowed to walk the red carpet.

The lineup was announced in late July, just weeks after actors union SAG-AFTRA went on strike July 12, with one of the provisions of the strike being that no actor can promote any of their films made by a struck company.

The film has landed a SAG-AFTRA Interim agreement, according to Deadline, which would allow Elordi, 26, and Spaeny, 25, to attend the world premiere screening and walk the red carpet during the 80th Venice Film Festival.

Priscilla was produced by A24 - which is not a part of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and has gotten interim agreements for two other films during the strike.

However, the film's agreement has more to do with the fact that it was filmed in Canada under the TCB Productions Canada banner, than its affiliation with A24.

Allowed: Nearly a month after the Venice Film Festival unveiled its lineup featuring the highly-anticipated biopic Priscilla, stars Jacob Elordi and Cailee Spaeny are now allowed to walk the red carpet

Red carpet ready: The film has landed a SAG-AFTRA Interim agreement, according to Deadline , which would allow Elordi, 26, and Spaeny, 25, to attend the world premiere screening and walk the red carpet during the 80th Venice Film Festival

Agreement: Priscilla was produced by A24 - which is not a part of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and has gotten interim agreements for two other films during the strike

Shortly after the actors portion of the strike launched on July 12, SAG-AFTRA issued waivers for 39 productions, including two A24 films: Mother Mary, starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel, and Death of a Unicorn, starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega.

The waivers raised eyebrows among many, since it included other films from A-listers such as Matthew McConaughey, Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson, as some questioned whether these waivers went against the spirit of the strike itself.

Viola Davis even backed away from a movie she was about to be filming called G20, releasing a statement that she thinks, 'it would be appropriate for this production to move forward during the strike.'

A month later, SAG-AFTRA modified the waivers, stating they would exclude any projects shot in the United States, therefore opening it up to include projects that weren't filmed in the U.S.

Since film was shot in Toronto, it qualifies for a waiver, which would allow Elordi, who plays Elvis Presley, and Spaeny, who plays Priscilla Presley, to attend the premiere.

Still, there is no confirmation that Elordi and Spaeny will actually attend the premiere, though now they're now able to under SAG-AFTRA provisions.

Priscilla writer-director Sofia Coppola - who is a member of both the Writers Guild of America and the Directors Guild of America (which struck a deal with AMPTP) - will be attending the festival under the ratified DGA deal.

Coppola is also expected to attend the premiere with Priscilla Presley, whose 1985 memoir Elvis and Me served as the basis of the film.

Exclude: A month later, SAG-AFTRA modified the waivers, stating they would exclude any projects shot in the United States, therefore opening it up to include projects that weren't filmed in the U.S.

No confirmation: Still, there is no confirmation that Elordi and Spaeny will actually attend the premiere, though now they're now able to under SAG-AFTRA provisions

No confirmation: Still, there is no confirmation that Elordi and Spaeny will actually attend the premiere, though now they're now able to under SAG-AFTRA provisions

The film follows a teenage Priscilla Presley as she meets Elvis Presley at a party in Germany, following their friendship through their eventual courtship and then marriage.

Priscilla also stars Raine Monroe Boland, Emily Mitchell, Dagmara Dominczyk, Jorja Cadence, Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll and Luke Humphrey.

Priscilla is produced by Lorenzo Mieli, Coppola, and Youree Henley, with Roman Coppola, Chris Hatcher, Fred Roos and Priscilla Presley executive producing.

The film is slated to hit theaters on October 27 from A24, going up against Five Nights at Freddy's and Sight.
Alessandra Ambrosio displayed her supermodel frame as she stepped out in West Hollywood on Tuesday.

The former Victoria's Secret Angel, 42, showcased her toned legs in a pair of tiny black hotpants as she ran errands.

The Brazilian bombshell paired her low-key look with a purple cardigan and white trainers.

The mother-of-two carried a black Chanel bag and accessorised with a pair of dark sunglasses and multiple necklaces.

Alessandra's appearance comes after she shared a series of Instagram snaps as she felt nostalgic for her recent Ibiza trip last month.

Leggy lady: Alessandra Ambrosio displayed her supermodel frame as she stepped out in West Hollywood on Tuesday

Stepping out in style: The former Victoria's Secret Angel, 42, showcased her toned legs in a pair of tiny black hotpants as she ran errands

The supermodel could be seen kayaking at sunset with her children Anja, 14, and Noah, 11, whom she shares with her businessman ex-fiance Jamie Mazur.

They were joined at sea by Alessandra's close pal, hairstylist Dominick Pucciarello, who helped little Noah row his boat.

During her glamorous jaunt to the island, Alessandra enjoyed an excursion where she indulged in such delights as a yacht party, cocktails and shellfish.

Not pictured in Alessandra's new album was her model boyfriend Richard Lee, with whom she has travelled to exotic locations, 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 with her ex-fiance Jamie Mazur, who co-founded RE/DONE.

Jamie and Alessandra were together for a total of 13 years and were even engaged before their eventual split in 2018.

Model figure: The Brazilian bombshell paired her low-key look with a purple cardigan and white trainers
Denise Welch says she's open to the idea of launching a new subscription based site for the over sixties after being inspired by X-rated digital platform OnlyFans.

The Loose Women panelist, 65, hit upon the novel idea while visiting close friend and former colleague Carol McGiffin in Cote d'Azur on the French Riviera.

Taking to Instagram, Welch shared a photo of herself alongside McGiffin, 63, as they reclined on a sun-lounger in their respective swimsuits.

Captioning the snap, she joked: 'A momentary lapse in concentration whilst shooting our Only Nans content chez @the_mcgiff!!!! Get ready to subscribe.'

Welch had travelled to the South-of-France with artist husband Lincoln Townley to revisit the Boscolo Hotel & Spa in Nice - where he proposed to the presenter in 2012.

Coming soon? Denise Welch says she's open to the idea of launching a new subscription based site for the over sixties after being inspired by X-rated digital platform OnlyFans

Pals: The Loose Women panelist hit upon the novel idea while visiting close friend and former colleague Carol McGiffin in Cote d'Azur on the French Riviera (L-R: Mark Cassidy, Denise Welch, Carol McGiffin and Lincoln Townley)

The trip gave them an opportunity to reunite with McGiffin, who was enjoying her own family holiday in the French town of Vence with husband Mark Cassidy and her mother-in-law Marie.

Sharing the same photo with her own Instagram following, she added: 'What a great day yesterday having Denise and Lincoln for lunch followed by a little shimmy around Saint Paul de Vence and finishing with ice cream in Vence. Perfect. See Densys post below for other activities.'

McGiffin later joked about Welch and her lighthearted OnlyNans idea, a play on the adult-only site favoured by celebrities such as Kerry Katona, Lottie Moss and Megan Barton-Hanson.

Writing for Best magazine, she told readers: 'We laughed so much, mostly at her genius idea for shooting content for her OnlyNans! Watch this space for more soon!'

Welch previously showcased figure in a blue swimsuit as she soaked up the sun in Nice.

She captioned her post: 'This bird has flown away to Nice. Back to the where 11 years my husband proposed to me.

'Saying yes was the best decision I ever made. Weve had a stressful few weeks as my stepson has had major surgery for Crohns.

'But hes now safely back home with his wife and baby so weve grabbed a few days away. Thank you for helping me maintain my weight around French cuisine!!!'

Don't mind me: Welch previously showcased figure in a blue swimsuit as she soaked up the sun in Nice

There she is: Taking to Instagram in July, Welch shared another picture of herself posing in a colourful patterned swimsuit as they holidayed in Malta

Taking to Instagram in July, Welch shared another picture of herself posing in a colourful patterned swimsuit as they holidayed in Malta.

Captioning the post, the presenter revealed husband Townley had taken the picture for her as temperatures hit 37 degrees.

She wrote: 'And before you ask..yes I do always sunbathe perched on the edge of a small table using my husbands shirt as a tablecloth!! Who doesnt!!!

'Anyway theres only time for 3 minutes a day sunbathing as its soooo f..g hot!!!

'But were in a beautiful boutique hotel and its a great excuse to do nothing but lie around, get massages, read and eat!! Bliss.'
Maura Higgins is set to take America by storm, after landing a huge career-changing deal.

The 32-year-old Love Island star, who recently landed the role of social media ambassador for Love Island USA, is now eager to secure more work Stateside.

Consequently, she has now teamed up with Selling Sunset star Christine Quinn's publicist in a bid to boost her US profile.

A source told The Sun: 'Maura continues to make waves across the pond as the digital host for 'Love Island USA' and it's come with huge demand and work opportunities Stateside.

'Maura is keen to follow in Christine's footsteps by conquering the fashion world as well as becoming a regular face on US TV.

Big moves: Maura Higgins is set to take America by storm, after landing a huge career-changing deal

'Maura's management from the UK were spotted taking meetings with American television executives and brands in Los Angeles earlier this year.

'Expanding Maura's team is part of a carefully drawn out global strategy.'

One of the jobs Maura has been tipped for is host of upcoming series Love Island Games, which will see ex-Islanders from across the world compete in physical challenges.

It will be produced for Peacock, who air the American version of the hit dating show.

It comes after Maura looked stunning as she teased her Love Island USA appearance on earlier this month.

The reality star, who jetted over to Fiji last month after landing a new job on the show, slipped into in a busty dress with revealing cut-out sections.

The colourful number clung to her gym-honed figure, showing off her taut midriff as she strutted into the villa.

Maura styled her brunette hair into beachy waves and accessorised with a pair of gold hooped earrings.

Exciting: The 32-year-old Love Island star, who recently landed the role of social media ambassador for Love Island USA, is now eager to secure more work Stateside

Big star: Maura has now teamed up with Selling Sunset star Christine Quinn's publicist in a bid to boost her US profile - (pictured, Quinn)

Looking simply sensational in the Instagram video, Love Island's voiceover star Iain Stirling could be heard as he announced: 'Love Island royalty, Maura Higgins enters the villa.'

Season 5 of Love Island USA premiered on Peacock three weeks ago, with actress Sarah Hyland returning as host.

Maura, who finished in fourth place on the fifth series of the UK show in 2019, is now the social media ambassador for Love Island USA.

Last month, she shared the thrilling news by writing: 'This just in Maura Higgins will be your social ambassador this season bringing (sneaking) you the BTS scoop all summer!'

While Maura continues to share her Fiji content, her new boyfriend Bobby Holland Hanton recently confirmed their romance on Instagram.

In Bobby's snap, he was showing Maura's hand as well as his own Rolex-clad wrist while also sharing clips showing him hanging out with Lisa Snowdon.

MailOnline revealed that Bobby is a divorced father-of-one whose ex-wife says she supports their new romance.

She was seen kissing Bobby while on holiday in Ibiza last month and the couple got so carried away that the hunk was seen pictured sucking her toes.

Incredible: It comes after Maura looked stunning as she teased her Love Island USA appearance on earlier this month

At the time, little was known about the mystery man, with whom the Irish TV personality was cavorting.

It's now been revealed that Bobby, 39, was previously married beautician Rachel Hunter five years ago and is a stepdad to her 10-year-old daughter, who sees him as a father figure.

He is also a film industry stunt double who has stood in for household name film stars including Daniel Craig and Chris Hemsworth.

Now Maura is happily loved up, fans won't expect to see her on the Love Island all stars reboot.

Yet she previously insisted that she wouldn't sign up anyway, saying that she 'doesn't want to go back in time' and she has moved on from the show.
Ben Foden's three-year-old daughter Farrah has been rushed to hospital and left unable to walk following an accident near their home in New York.

The Rugby star, 38, took to his Instagram to share snaps of the little one with her foot in a cast after suffering a fall inside a parkour gym - with his wife Jackie, 37, slamming the venue's safety procedures.

Farrah took a tumble into a foam pit only to hit a hard surface which resulted in a 'hairline fracture'.

Doting dad Ben could be seen wearing a led apron and disposable mask as he held his daughter's hand while she underwent an X Ray.

Jackie also shared a glimpse of their trip to the hopsital before sharing a lengthy statement to explain what happened.

Scary stuff: Ben Foden 's three-year-old daughter Farrah has been rushed to hospital and left unable to walk following an accident

Pain: The Rugby star, 38, took to his Instagram to share snaps of the little one with her foot in a cast after suffering a fall inside a parkour gym

She captioned one snap: 'What summer vacay would be complete without a trip to the ER'.

The American businesswoman penned: 'Just so I don't have to write this to everyone individually!'.

'Farrah was jumping into the foam pit at Ferox (which is a parkour gymnasium down the block) off those gymnastics jumping platforms, not even just the ledge, into the pit,'

'And some moron kids had removed most of the foam blocks right in front of the jump, which no one regulates, which I didn't realise from my angle I was sitting at, because there were still a couple [of pads] left,'

She continued: 'So it's hard to judge the depth, and she jumped in and her foot hit the floor inside the pit, which insanely wasn't padded, also, the entire place is unsupervised, that have a bunch of staff that lingers about but pays ZERO attention to anything going on or to what kids are doing / altering equipment etc,'.

'So in Farrah's case, it's a hairline fracture in the front of her foot, but because babies slip out of their casts so easily they have to have cast up to the thigh,'

Before adding: 'She can't walk or do anything for the next 4-6 weeks, which is unfathomable even to think about for a toddler'.

'So yah, pray of us'.

Details: Ben's wife Jackie also shared a glimpse of their trip to the hopsital before sharing a lengthy statement to explain what happened

Family: Jackie and Ben wed in 2019 a year after his split from ex-wife Una Healy

Kids: Ben is also father to Aoife Belle, ten, and seven-year-old Tadgh, with the former Saturday's singer

MailOnline have contacted Ferox for comment.

Jackie and Ben wed in 2019 a year after his split from ex-wife Una Healy.

Ben is also father to Aoife Belle, ten, and seven-year-old Tadgh, with the former Saturday's singer.

It comes after Jackie found her daughter covered head to toe in Nutella spread after she successfully unscrewed the lid herself.

Posting the hilarious video on Instagram, the American businesswoman wrote 'Happy Tuesday! Don't leave the Nutella out around a 3 year old, even if it's screwed tight, even for just 5 minutes!'

As if that wasn't funny enough, Jackie then confessed that Farrah proceeded to keep licking herself in the shower and she exclaimed 'MMMmmm that's delicious!'

Uh Oh!: It comes after Jackie found her daughter covered head to toe in Nutella spread after she successfully unscrewed the lid herself

Father Ben reshared the clip over on his Instagram account, commenting 'I leave for 5 minutes'!

Fans found the incident hilarious and were quick to comment. One fan joked 'I hear that's the new trend for skincare very moisturizing'.

This isn't the first time Farrah has stolen the show on her mother's Instagram after Jackie shared a video back in April of Farrah looking confused while getting her hair dyed at the hairdressers.

Jackie confessed to her followers: 'Did I accidentally put peroxide in my child's hair in the Bahamas thinking it was just lemon juice and then turn her ginger? Yes. Yes I did.

So we're correcting mama's woopsie and going back to brown. Because I can't have people thinking she's a soulless ginger.'
Tickets for the lineup-less Fyre Festival 2 are selling out quickly, founder Billy McFarland claims.

The convicted fraudster appeared on TMZ Live Tuesday to talk about his latest attempt to put on a musical festival.

We announced our first presale on Sunday, they sold out very, very quickly, McFarland said, crediting the social media attention Fyre Festival has gotten for driving the sales.

Despite not having a lineup or location (other than the Caribbean), the $500+ tickets are getting scooped up because people are so curious to see whether hell actually pull it off, McFarland said.

Everyone wants to watch. Whether I crash or land, they want to have a front-row seat, he explained.

He added that interest from investors in the new festival increased after he signed a deal to turn the story of the first Fyre Fest into a musical.

The original iteration of the festival in 2017 was billed as a lavish VIP event in the Bahamas, but was canceled as attendees arrived amid sheer chaos. Those who made it to the island were met with anything-but-luxurious tents, trips on school buses and school cafeteria-style meals, including the now-infamous cold cheese sandwiches.

Ja Rule, Blink-182, Desiigner, Pusha T and Tyga were among the top-tier acts who were scheduled to perform for the (at least) $12,000-a-person crowds.

McFarland was sentenced to six years in prison for fraud over the debacle a year later and made a public apology from behind bars. He was released from prison early in May 2022.

McFarland, 31, added to TMZ that he wouldnt have many responsibilities during the actual festival, whenever and wherever it happens, except cooking cheese sandwiches with Andy King, the viral star of a Netflix documentary about the first Fyre.

Fyre Festival 2 is expected to take place on Dec. 6, 2024 in the Caribbean, according to the festivals website. Additional rounds of pre-sale tickets are said to be coming soon.
Leni Klum looked incredible as she continued to soak up the sun with her boyfriend Aris Rachevsky in Forte dei Marmi, Italy on Wednesday.

The model, 19, put on a stunning display as she topped up her tan in a red two-piece with thong bikini bottoms from Australian swimwear label FAE.

She shielded her eyes with a pair of black sunglasses and was seen documenting the day by taking snaps on her phone before relaxing on a deckchair.

The daughter of Heidi Klum was seen soaking up the rays as she joined pals on the deckchairs, before she cooled off with a dip in the ocean.

Leni and Aris, who are said to have been dating for three years, also looked as loved-up as ever as they were seen sharing a cosy smooch on the beach.

Wow! Leni Klum looked incredible as she continued to soak up the sun with her boyfriend Aris Rachevsky in Italy on Wednesday

Sun-kissed: The model, 19, put on a stunning display as she topped up her tan in a red two-piece with thong bikini bottoms for the day out in Forte dei Marmi

Relaxing: She shielded her eyes with a pair of black sunglasses as she enjoyed the balmy climes

The pair were also seen sharing a hug as they socialised with their friends and family during the sun-soaked beach day.

Aris, who is the son of Los Angeles talent agent Rhea Rachevsky and is reportedly enrolled at Harvard, went shirtless in blue board shorts for the outing.

They were also joined by Leni's father Flavio Briatore, 73, and other family members as they enjoyed some quality time together.

Leni was adopted by Heidi's now-ex-husband Seal shortly after their marriage in 2005, but her biological father is Italian multi-millionaire Flavio.

Leni and Aris have been soaking up the sun on a luxury yacht in the south of France in recent days, before heading across to Italy.

Although Aris and Leni are said to have been dating for three years, they are assiduously private and he rarely appears on her Instagram.

Leni has embarked on a modeling career over the past few years. She made her debut in 2020, when she appeared alongside her mother on the cover of Vogue Germany at the age of 16.

She has since appeared in promotional campaigns for various brands, including Dior Beauty, Fila and Intimissi, among others.

Snapping away! Leni was seen documenting the day by taking snaps on her phone before relaxing on a deckchair

Very close: Leni and Aris, who are said to have been dating for three years, also looked as loved-up as ever

Sweet: Leni was seen sweetly putting her arm around Aris' face as they looked cosy during the trip

Angles: Leni was seen working hard to get the perfect photograph as she held on to a roof and perched on a chair to take a snap

Cooling off: Leni cooled off with a quick dip in the swim in her thong swimwear

Glitzy: Leni accessorised her beachwear look with a silver bangle, while she swept her blonde locks back into a loose ponytail

Good friend: Leni was seen helping out her pals as she topped up their sun cream while they relaxed

The fashion industry personality's mother previously spoke to People and voiced her approval of her child's career choice.

Heidi told the media outlet that 'I'm very proud of my daughter and her modeling' during her sit-down with the publication.

Leni's stepfather Seal has also expressed his support for his stepdaughter and recently told E! News that he was 'so proud of everything that Leni has done.'

The media figure spoke about her first modeling gig during an interview with People, where she discussed her introduction to the fashion world.

'I've always gone to work with my mom and thought, "This looks so fun. She looks so happy while she's working,"' she said.

Pals: Her friend was seen laughing as Leni helped them to apply their sun cream during the balmy weather

Sweet: Leni wrapped her arm around Aris' shoulders while he sweetly placed his arm on her leg

Loved-up: Leni was seen sweetly brushing her hands through Aris' hair as they looked very close

Group day: They were also joined by Leni's father Flavio Briatore, 73, and other family members as they enjoyed some quality time together

Topping up their tans: Leni was seen applying sun cream to her pals as they soaked up the rays

Good spirits: Leni appeared to be in jovial form during her sun-soaked holiday

Refreshments: Leni, Aris and Leni's father Flavio were all seen enjoying drinks under a lavish marquee on the beach

Sweet gesture: Leni was seen touching her boyfriend's face as they looked as loved-up as ever

Catching up: Leni was seen chatting and socialising with her father Flavio during the trip as they enjoyed some quality time together

Beach day: Aris, who is the son of Los Angeles talent agent Rhea Rachevsky and is reportedly enrolled at Harvard, went shirtless in blue board shorts for the outing

Romance: Although Aris and Leni are said to have been dating for three years, they are assiduously private and he rarely appears on her Instagram

Leni then spoke about her time on set with her mother and told the media outlet that she thoroughly enjoyed her time in front of the cameras.

'It was just such a good day. I wasn't nervous at all. I was just so excited,' she recalled.

The social media personality also expressed that she was happy to have her mother with her during her modeling debut.

'My mom and I are just completely comfortable around each other and we were dancing around the whole day,' she said.
Britney Spears wants to repair her relationship with her father nearly two years after the controversial conservatorship he held her under came to an end.

It's been claimed the popstar, 41, is concerned about Jamie Spears' health and doesn't want to 'regret waiting too long' to reach out.

According to TMZ, Jamie has been suffering complications following a knee replacement 16 years ago, with Britney's brother Bryan filling her in on the latest health woes.

Jamie is said to be 'elated' at the possible of rebuilding a friendship with his daughter and harbours no ill will after their legal battle.

Britney is currently only in contact with her brother, with the rest of her family said to be concerned for her welfare after she split from husband Sam Asghari.

Claims: Britney Spears wants to repair her relationship with her father nearly two years after the controversial conservatorship he held her under came to an end

Struggles: It's been claimed the popstar, 41, is concerned about Jamie Spears' health and doesn't want to 'regret waiting too long' to reach out

She is still in the midst of a legal battle with her father, whom she's suing for conservator abuse.

Jamie has defended his actions, claiming without the conservatorship, Britney would be dead.

MailOnline has contacted Britney's representatives for comment.

Britney is apparently once again estranged from her whole family after previously patching things up earlier this year.

Last month she was said to have made amends with her mother Lynne and sister Jamie Lynn and removed a host of 'nasty' content about them from her tell-all memoir, The Woman In Me.

According to a source who is very close to the popstar, Britney had originally vented in her book about her 'anger' over the way in which her family members handled her 13-year conservatorship.

However in recent weeks, she 'let all of this go' and made the decision to remove the harshest passages from her memoir in the hopes that it will help her to 'heal' her relationship with Lynne, 68, and Jamie Lynn, 32.

'Britney was not asked by Lynne or Jamie Lynn to remove some of the nasty stuff she'd written about them,' the source revealed to DailyMail.com. 'It was her own choice to do this.'

Worried: Britney is currently only in contact with her brother Bryan (pictured Jamie, Bryan, grandfather June, Jamie-Lynn Britney and Lynne in 2003)

Britney's tumultuous relationship with her younger sister Jamie Lynn, which was made worse by scathing accusations Jamie Lynn made in her 2022 book, Things I Should Have Said, is 'the best it's ever been,' the source claims. 'Britney and Jamie made a pact to not ever throw each other under the bus.'

Two months prior to her breaking bread with Jamie Lynn, in May, Lynne flew from Kentwood, Louisiana to Los Angeles to pay a surprise visit to Britney at her home in Thousand Oaks.

The stage mum's efforts proved to be worth it, as they sat down for 30 minutes and were able to hash out their issues and undue the damage that was caused by the horrific 13-year conservatorship.

At the time, a source told DailyMail.com exclusively that Lynn's only objective was to reunite her two daughters, stating that she would 'not rest' until it was done.

'Lynne is begging Britney to make amends with her sister Jamie Lynn now,' the insider shared. 'They are both leaning towards a yes. Lynne knows that Britney does miss her sister and she told her that the feeling is obviously mutual.'
Monica Bellucci admits she was happy to be sexually objectified during the early years of her career because it helped turn her into a global phenomenon.

The Italian star rose to prominence as a model with Dolce & Gabbana before transitioning to TV and film, with notable roles in Francis Ford Coppola's adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula and Mel Gibson's controversial religious epic The Passion Of The Christ.

And Bellucci, 58, credits the objectification she experienced as a young model and actress for giving her a solid professional foothold.

She told Harper's Bazaar Spain: 'Being objectified didn't bother me. When I felt that critical attitude towards me, I went along with it. Sometimes beauty creates masks.'

Referring to two early films in which Bellucci appears nude, she added: 'And then I've also made the most of body in certain roles, haven't I? Like in Malena or Irreversible.'

Opening up: Monica Bellucci tells Harper's Bazaar Spain she was happy to be objectified during the early years of her career because it turned her into a global phenomenon

Old times: The Italian star rose to prominence as a fashion model before embarking on a career as an actress in films such as 2000 thriller Under Suspicion (pictured)

The Italian star admits it was easy for critics to highlight her sex appeal because she was an established model before embarking on a career as an actress.

'Of course they labelled me like that,' she said. 'The fact of coming from a fashion background, having worked with a lot of photographers before I started making films, created that image a bit.'

Bellucci also discussed her new romance with Tim Burton, just weeks after finally confirming their relationship.

She said: 'I found in Tim [Burton] a wonderful spirit. I met a spectacular soul.'

Her romance with Burton comes ten years after her separation from Vincent Cassel, with whom she was married for 14 years. They share daughters Deva, 18, and Leoni, 13.

Speaking about her personal life, she also described fame as a 'double-edged sword' and told how she tries to keep aspects of her life private.

'Fame is a double-edged sword, it causes a lot of curiosity and can also provoke conflicting feelings,' she explained.

'When I am not working, I like to lead a normal life - I go shopping, I take my daughters to school.'

Previously: Bellucci says she made the most of her body in 2000 romantic comedy Malena (pictured), in which she appears nude

Iconic: Another early film role came in Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula, with Bellucci playing one of Dracula's brides (pictured)

Fashion first: Bellucci pictured in a 1991 fashion shoot - she worked as a model before embarking on her acting career

Bellucci finally confirmed her romance with American filmmaker Tim in June, after months of secretly dating.

She professed her love for the offbeat director and told how she was glad that she met him during an an interview with Elle France.

'What I can say... I'm glad I met the man, first of all,' she said. 'It's one of those encounters that rarely happens in life... I know the man, I love him, and now I'm going to meet the director, another adventure begins.'

The model and actress has recently been shooting Beetlejuice 2 with Tim in London, and she reflected on the filmmaker's vision for the much-anticipated sequel.

'I love Tim,' she continued. 'And I have great respect for Tim Burton... I love this dream world where the monsters are kind, like we can turn our darker aspects into something bright, forgiving. Tim Burton's films talk about that a lot.'
Amy Childs and boyfriend Billy Delbosq were all smiles as they took their baby twins to Old MacDonald's Farm and Fun Park in Brentwood while filming the latest series of TOWIE in Essex on Tuesday.

The family outing comes as Tommy Mallet returned to The Only Way Is Essex to film the new series for the first time since quitting the show in 2021.

Amy, 33, cut a stylish figure in a green satin shirt and distressed blue denim shorts as she enjoyed the outing with her partner Billy, 40.

She kept comfortable in a pair of beige Crocs and shielded from the British summer sun behind a pair of chunky black sunglasses.

Billy looked smart in a pink open shirt which he wore over a white T-shirt, grey shorts and white trainers.

Family outing: Amy Childs and Billy Delbosq took their baby twins to Old MacDonald's Farm and Fun Park in Brentwood while filming the latest series of TOWIE in Essex on Tuesday

He's back! The family outing comes as Tommy Mallet returned to The Only Way Is Essex to film the new series for the first time since quitting the show in 2021

Looking good: Amy, 33, cut a stylish figure in a green satin shirt and distressed blue denim shorts as she enjoyed the outing with her partner Billy, 40

The couple seemed in high spirits as they pushed their two bundles of joy Amelia Mae and Billy River, known as Milly and Billy, as they slept in their pushchairs.

The TV personality and Billy were also joined by Amy's daughter Polly, six, who she shares with ex Bradley Wright .

The couple were every inch the doting parents as they held Polly's hand while pushing their newborns.

Polly looked adorable in a blue denim Barbie jacket and matching shorts as she enjoyed the day at the farm while filming.

Amy's older son Ritchie, who isn't allowed on social media due to an agreement she has with his father, whose identity remains a mystery, was not seen with the couple.

Former Love Islander Elma Pazar flashed her toned midriff in a white crop top as she chatted away to Amy while filming the ITVBe show.

Elma put on a leggy display in a pair of distressed ripped blue denim shorts which she teamed with a pair of beige cowboy boots.

She pulled her long brunette tresses back in a neat ponytail and added a large blush pink bow.

Stylish: Amy kept comfortable in a pair of beige Crocs and shielded from the British summer sun behind a pair of chunky black sunglasses

Smart: Billy looked smart in a pink open shirt which he wore over a white T-shirt, grey shorts and white trainers

High spirits: The couple seemed in high spirits as they pushed their two bundles of joy Amelia Mae and Billy River, known as Milly and Billy, as they slept in their pushchairs

Family: The TV personality and Billy were also joined by Amy's daughter Polly, six, who she shares with ex Bradley Wright

Family outing: The couple were every inch the doting parents as they held Polly's hand while pushing their newborns

Mum life: Amy's older son Ritchie, who isn't allowed on social media due to an agreement she has with his father, whose identity remains a mystery, was not seen with the couple

Leggy display: Former Love Islander Elma Pazar flashed her toned midriff in a white crop top as she chatted away to Amy while filming the ITVBe show

Chic: Elma put on a leggy display in a pair of distressed ripped blue denim shorts which she teamed with a pair of beige cowboy boots

High spirits: She pulled her long brunette tresses back in a neat ponytail and added a large blush pink bow

Pals: Ella and Amy couldn't contain their laughter as they fed the pigs with her children

Amazing: The stunner was spotted giving Amy a hand with her newborn twins as she pushed one of the prams

Busy: Amy and Billy walked around the farm while filming with the TOWIE cast

Having fun: The TV personality styled her long dark tresses in luxurious waves

Glamorous: Amy accessorised her summery outfit with a pair of large round green earrings

Posing up a storm: Ella Rae Wise got into the country spirit in a blue denim dungaree playsuit which she donned over a white off-the-shoulder T-shirt and pink cowboy boots

Friends: The beauty was spotted chatting away to co-star Harry Derbidge and his new love interest Joe Blackman while at the farm

The stunner was spotted giving Amy a hand with her newborn twins as she pushed one of the prams.

Ella Rae Wise got into the country spirit in a blue denim dungaree playsuit which she donned over a white off-the-shoulder T-shirt.

She teamed the ensemble with a pair of chic pink cowboy boots and pulled her long blonde tresses back in a ponytail.

Ella posed up a storm ahead of filming as she showed off her plump pout and held up a peach sign.

The beauty was spotted chatting away to co-star Harry Derbidge and his new love interest Joe Blackman while at the farm.

Harry turned heads in a eye catching pink and red open shirt which he teamed with a black top and shorts.

Joe was all smiles as he stepped out in a pair of denim shorts, blue open shirt and a pink T-shirt as he filmed the hit reality show.

He accessorised with a pair of green and white Nike trainers and rocked a chunky silver Gucci belt.

The reality stars seemed in high spirits as they helped Polly feed the pigs at the farm.

Amy later pulled out her phone to snap pictures of her daughter while sitting on a tractor with Harry.

The TOWIE stars had a jam packed day and were spotted pushing their heads through a large farm cut out while posing for snaps.

Elsewhere, Tommy caught up with Dan Edgar in a pub as the star filmed for the first time since 2021.

Tommy cut a casual figure in a beige ribbed jumper, which he teamed with black shorts and white trainers.

Dan looked smart as he arrived chatting on the phone wearing a brown shirt and beige trousers.

Dan was spotted posing with pals Diags, Roman and Jordan outside the pub before filming with Tommy.

TOWIE season 32 is set to air on ITVBe later on this year with 'juicy gossip, major LOL's and serious drama' being teased.

Turning heads: Harry turned heads in a eye catching pink and red open shirt which he teamed with a black top and shorts

Dressed to impress: Joe was all smiles as he stepped out in a pair of denim shorts, blue open shirt and a pink T-shirt as he filmed the hit reality show

So cute: Polly looked adorable in a blue denim Barbie jacket and matching shorts as she enjoyed the day at the farm filming

Helping hand: Polly was all smiles as Harry picked her up so she could have better visibility over the wall into the pig pen

Farm: The reality stars seemed in high spirits as they helped Polly feed the pigs at the farm

Making memories: Amy later pulled out her phone to snap pictures of her daughter while sitting on a tractor with Harry

Adorable: The group took it in turns posing with Amy's daughter on the tractor

Hilarious: The TOWIE stars had a jam-packed day and were spotted pushing their heads through a large farm cut out posing for snaps

Sweet: Polly was all smiles as she pointed at the animal as Billy picked her up for a closer look

Amazing: Amy captured the outing with her TOWIE co-stars on her phone

Exciting: Polly led the way carrying a bag of food ready to meet the farm animals

Home time: The TOWIE stars seemed in high spirits as they departed the farm after a busy day of filming

Catching up: Elsewhere, Tommy caught up with Dan Edgar in a pub as the star filmed for the first time since 2021

Filming again: Tommy cut a casual figure in a beige ribbed jumper which he teamed with black shorts and white trainers

The boys: Dan was spotted posing with pals Diags, Roman and Jordan outside the pub before filming with Tommy

Smart: Roman dressed smart for the outing in an all black ensemble while Jordan opted for a white T-shirt with matching shorts and trainers

Can't wait! TOWIE season 32 is set to air on ITVBe later on this year with 'juicy gossip, major LOL's and serious drama' being teased

It comes after Tommy revealed that he is planning to tie the knot with fiancee Georgia Kousoulou next year following their tragic miscarriage in April.

He also detailed the couple haven't ruled out trying for another baby and that they 'will do anything in their power to make it happen'.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, the businessman, who owns successful footwear company Mallet London, discussed his future plans with Georgia, 32.

He said: 'The wedding is going ahead bigger than ever next year. We pushed back the planning of the wedding after we lost the baby.

'We were meant to fly to Majorca to plan the wedding and have some alone time but didn't go because we discovered the miscarriage.

'But we haven't cancelled anything. We're going strong, we've got a big day to plan and Georgia needs it as well.

'I want her to have the same second name and she deserves a really good day now and next year we're making it happen.'

The reality star, who shares son Brody, two, with Georgia, has said he has always lived his life with the mentality of 'what's meant to be, is meant to be'.
Billie Shepherd looked nothing short of sensational as she showcased her incredible figure while soaking up the sun on a Greek getaway on Wednesday.

The former TOWIE star, 33, appeared not to have a care in the world as she took a dip in the water at the lavish Porto Sani Hotel on the island of Halkidiki, where week-long breaks can cost an eye-watering 7,000 in August.

The reality TV personality flaunted her envy-inducing curves in a black and white belted strapless swimsuit as she shared her family holiday album featuring husband Greg, 38, and children Nelly, nine, Arthur, six, and Margot, eight months.

Taking in the Greek summer heat, Billie slicked her wet hair back and covered her face with black sunglasses.

In another sweet snap shared to her social media, the television star then posed with her son Arthur as they shared a sweet kiss on the sand.

Beach babe: Billie Shepherd looked nothing short of sensational as she showcased her incredible figure while soaking up the sun on a Greek getaway on Wednesday

Sweet kiss: The former TOWIE star, 33, appeared not to have a care in the world while staying at the lavish Porto Sani Hotel in Halkidiki, where week-long breaks can cost 7,000 in August

Sweet: The reality TV personality flaunted her envy-inducing curves in a black and white belted strapless swimsuit as she posed with son Arthur, six

Billie also shared a slew of snaps with her daughters Nelly and Margot.

In one snap, Nelly was smiling as she carried her little sister by the swimming pool.

Captioning the Instagram post, Billie wrote: 'Beach days. Staying on the beach to watch the beautiful sunset is the best'.

It comes after Billie was recently cruelly mum-shamed by trolls after jetting to the luxurious Greek resort for a family getaway earlier this month.

The star has been eagerly documenting her break on social media after flying to Halkidiki to stay at the Porto Sani Hotel, where week-long holidays can cost an eye-watering 7,000 in August.

The family are making the most of their time away, staying in a luxury villa with a huge lagoon-style swimming pool with views of the Aegean Sea.

Billie has shared a slew of social media snaps from her family break, but has been hit by trolling from mum-shamers.

They questioned why she was jetting off on another holiday after splashing out 1.4 million on a mansion in Essex, which they then completely rebuilt.

Family time: In one snap, Nelly, nine, was smiling as she carried her little sister Margot, eight months, by the swimming pool

Lavish: Billie also cradled her youngest child on the beach, whilst relaxing in the shade

Tiny jet-setter: Baby Margot has already enjoyed holidays to Abu Dhabi and the Maldives this year, despite being only eight months old

Tasty treat: Arthur tucked into a bowl of pasta on the beach

One follower commented: 'Wow more holidays?? How come built such a beautiful home, yet never in it.'

Another added: 'She has a magnificent home and is hardly ever in it. They go on holiday whenever. Constantly see that they're away.'

But some fans were quick to defend Billie, with one writing: 'Cause it's her money and she can do what the hell she wants with it lol.'

Another commented: 'Yeah sitting in a house over making priceless memories with family is much more important clearly.'

Billie has already enjoyed a string of breaks abroad with her brood this year, including trips to the Maldives, Abu Dhabi, and Disneyland Paris.

Just days before flying to Greece, the family enjoyed a UK retreat in the upmarket Lakes By Yoo resort in The Cotswolds.
Strictly star Johannes Radebe enjoyed a night out with his fellow co-stars on Tuesday after pictures emerged of him and former contestant John Whaite holding hands.

The star looked positively dapper in a fitted brown checked blazer with white suit suit trousers.

The professional dancer accessorised the look with a smart black hat and brown loafers as he kept his essentials in a yellow-tan leather bag.

The 36-year-old was joining his co-stars as they all headed to the La! Bamba press night at the Peacock Theatre in London.

The snaps come after pictures emerged earlier this week of him and former Bake Off star John holding hands as they left an awards ceremony last October.

Stylish: Strictly star Johannes Radebe, 36, looked dapper in a brown fitted blazer as he enjoyed a night out with co-stars in London on Tuesday night

Dapper: The star wore a fitted brown checked blazer with white suit suit trousers as he accessorised the look with a smart black hat and brown loafers

PDA: The snaps come after pictures emerged earlier this week of him and John Whaite, 34, holding hands as they left an awards ceremony last October

The former Strictly contestant couldn't keep his hands off Johannes months after they performed together on the BBC show.

Earlier this month, the Great British Bake Off winner admitted he 'fell in love' with Johannes during their time together on the show as he revealed he almost fell victim to the Strictly curse.

The pair, who finished the show in second place, were seen hand in hand at a London awards ceremony in October 2022. They were later sat arm in arm together.

John recently revealed he and his fiance and partner of 15 years Paul Atkins 'spent some time apart' after he opened up about his feelings towards the South African dancer.

Onlookers at the event, which was held at the Camden Roundhouse in North London nine months ago, were surprised at how openly affectionate they were.

The pair, who won the Attitude Gamechanger Award at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards for breaking ground for Strictly's first same sex coupling 'could not keep their hands off each other.'

An onlooker said: 'If there was a night which showed how close they were, then this was it. John wore a deep cut V neck see-through shirt at the event and all his chest muscles which he flaunted on Strictly were clearly on show for everyone to see and Johannes seemed to love it all.

'But the pair left no-one in doubt they could have been an item that night. The pair sat next to each other all night and at one point were arm in arm. They clearly seemed a couple. It was very romantic to watch. They were inseparable.

PDA: Onlookers at the event, which was held at the Camden Roundhouse in North London nine months ago, were surprised at how openly affectionate they were

Speculation: The pair, who won the Attitude Gamechanger Award at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards for breaking ground for Strictly's first same sex coupling 'could not keep their hands off each other

Partner: The pictures emerged just days after the Great British Bake Off star, 34, revealed that he and his fiance and partner of 15 years Paul Atkins 'spent some time apart' after he opened up about his feelings towards the South African dancer

'Throughout the evening the pair looked into each other's eyes and held hands. At one point John had his arm around John's waist at their table for everyone to see and Johannes had his arm around John.

'The pair stayed until the end of the night and held hands as they walked down the staircase at the Roundhouse. The pair were careful not to be photographed together hand in hand as they stepped outside the venue after midnight to avoid waiting photographers.

'There was one telling moment as they left. Johannes looked visibly upset as John left him behind to get into his waiting car and Johannes was seen confiding his feelings to a friend who was with him on the night that they had to be split apart due to photographers surrounding the venue who were eager to get a photo of them leaving together.

'They clearly looked together but at the time were careful not to share it with everyone as their close bond was not an open secret at the time, unlike it is now.'

John and Johannes were the first ever male same-sex pairing on the show and made it to the final two, before being beaten by Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.
Gino D'Acampo and Fred Sirieix have reunited for a new ITV travel series, after the chef was caught with cannabis in his luggage on a flight back to the UK.

The pair are attempting to go green in the show titled Emission Impossible, which sees them eat, sleep and travel as sustainably as they can while seeking out some of Europe's most stunning locations.

In March, Gino announced that he was departing his Road Trip show with Gordon Ramsay and Fred, with the final series featuring the trio set to air next month.

Inspired by his children, Fred has genuinely become more eco-conscious and his concerns were accelerated by watching his beloved Europe burn in 40 degree temperatures this summer.

Therefore, he's determined to re-educate, re-cycle and re-engineer his eco-sceptic sidekick in their own backyard

Back together! Gino D'Acampo and Fred Sirieix have reunited for a new ITV travel series, after the chef decided to quit their Road Trip show

Drama: In April, Gino was reportedly caught with cannabis in his luggage by sniffer dogs as he flew into the UK

Gino and Fred will visit Austria, whose capital was ranked as the greenest city in the world in 2020, but which is suffering from melting glaciers.

They'll also travel to Croatian islands that are at risk of rising sea levels, all the while tracking down sustainable produce and immersing themselves in environmentally-friendly lifestyles, that we could all learn from.

Gino and Fred said: 'We're thrilled to be upcycled by ITV for another action-packed adventure and can't wait to cook up some fantastic sustainable dishes whilst hopefully stirring up debate around these important issues.

'We might not come up with the recipe to save the planet but we hope to entertain, inform and inspire the audience to think about making changes in their own lives.'

Nicola Lloyd, ITV's Factual Commissioning Editor, said: 'Gino and Fred have embraced their fair share of adventure over the years, but none more important than doing their tiny bit to save our planet  one organic vegetable at a time.

'Prepare for epic locations, mouth-watering food and a friendship that's as durable as a reusable keepy cup.'

In April, Gino was reportedly caught with cannabis in his luggage by sniffer dogs as he flew into the UK.

He was allegedly given a warning as he arrived back in the UK with Gordon and Fred at Farnborough Airport, Hampshire on November 29.

It's over! In March, Gino announced he'd quit his travel series with Fred and Gordon Ramsay, claiming it was due to a row over 'complicated contracts'

Ambassador: Fred Sirieix was recently announced as Neilson Beach Club's new 'Good Energy Officer'

They had been in Spain filming Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip, with a source telling The Sun: 'Fred and Gordon were pretty cross.'

It came just weeks before Gino quit the travel show, claiming it was due to a row over 'complicated contracts'.

The source said: 'Gino and the gang had been filming in Spain, and flew back home on Gordon's private jet. When they landed, out of nowhere sniffer dogs suddenly started circling Gino.

'Gordon, Fred and Gino were all held for some time by Border Force, as Gino initially tried to laugh it off.

'Eventually, it was clear who the dogs were after, and Gino went away with uniformed police for questioning. It was Gino's bags that were stopped and searched, and a small box with some weed inside was found.

'Neither Fred nor Gordon, nor anyone else on the jet, had a single trace of anything suspicious.'

Back: Gino and Fred are set to appear in one more Road Trip series with Gordon next month, which had already been filmed when the This Morning star decided to quit

The source added that Gino called Gordon and Fred the following day to explain he had been smoking it to help his bad back, and they added that he was released by police 'without issue'.

It is claimed Gordon and Fred were both angry about the situation, particularly as Gordon has always been vocal about his anti-drugs stance.

The TV star broke his silence amid the claims in a video he shared to Instagram, but made no reference to the reported incident.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Gino, Gordon and Fred, television production company Studio Ramsay, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary for comment at the time.
Ruth Wilson has told how her Catholic schooling led to her love of acting as she posed up as storm for a sensational magazine cover shoot.

The actress, 41, put on an elegant display in a series of eye-catching outfits as she appeared as the cover star for October's issue of Tatler magazine.

Alongside the stunning photoshoot, Ruth spoke about how attending a Catholic school in Surrey and becoming an altar girl as a child taught her 'what theatre is'.

'I think [Catholicism] actually gave me my first idea of what theatre is,' the Luther star told the magazine.

'Catholicism is so sensual as a religion, the smells, the iconography, the colours, the outfits  it's incredibly vivid. I know a lot of actors who are Catholics, I think it gets into your blood.'

Glitzy: Ruth Wilson has told how her Catholic schooling led to her love of acting as she posed up as storm for a sensational magazine cover shoot

Ruth is soon set to return to screens in a brand new series with a Catholic backdrop - the BBC's new gothic thriller The Woman In The Wall.

The fictional six-part series sees Ruth take on the role of Lorna Brady and examines the legacy of one of Ireland's most shocking scandals, the inhumane institutions known as the Magdalene Laundries.

The chilling story sees Lorna wake up to find a corpse in her house, and she has no idea who the dead woman is or if she herself might be responsible for the apparent murder.

Lorna has long suffered from extreme bouts of sleepwalking after she was confined to the Kilkinure Convent aged 15. The institution was home to one of Ireland's infamous Magdalene Laundries.

The Catholic-run workhouses, where untold horrors are said to have taken place, housed women branded 'undesirable' by the church and orphaned children. They were shockingly in operation until 1996.

Lorna was incarcerated at one of the Magdalene Laundries before giving birth to her daughter Agnes, who was cruelly taken from her and whose fate she has never known.

During the BBC's new series, the ambitious and elusive Detective Colman Akande (Daryl McCormack) is on Lorna's tail for a crime seemingly unrelated to the dead woman in her house.

The Magdalene Laundries were institutions, generally run by Catholic religious organisations, that operated for more than 200 years from the 18th century to the late 20th Century.

Stunning: The actress, 41, put on an elegant display in a series of eye-catching outfits as she appeared as the cover star for October's issue of Tatler magazine

Career: As well as the stunning cover shoot, Ruth also spoke about how attending a Catholic school in Surrey and becoming an altar girl as a child taught her 'what theatre is'

The laundries, depicted in the award-winning film The Magdalene Sisters, put an estimated 10,000 women and girls as young as nine through uncompromising hardship from the foundation of the Irish state in 1922 until 1996.

Run by Catholic nuns, the laundries have been accused of treating inmates like slaves, imposing a regime of fear and prayer on girls sometimes put in their care for becoming pregnant outside of marriage.

They were established to house unmarried mothers, but later expanded to house girls who were considered 'promiscuous', the criminal, mentally unwell and girls who were seen as a burden on their families.

Former inmates spoke of physically demanding work, enforced by scoldings and humiliation, at the laundries that operated on a commercial basis to wash linen and clothes for the state, private firms and individuals.

In the past, Ireland's strict Catholic morality made it deeply shameful to become pregnant before marriage, and women would be rejected by their families and society as sinful.

The power of the Church and the stigma associated with unmarried mothers were so overwhelming that for decades, the harsh treatment of these women and their children were taboo subjects, and many were forgotten.

While the Magdaline Laundries were especially prevalent in Ireland, there were also homes across Australia, Canada and England.

Thriller: Ruth is soon set to return to screens in a brand new series with a Catholic backdrop - the BBC's new gothic series The Woman In The Wall

It comes after Ruth teased a possible return to the hit thriller Luther during an appearance on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday.

Ruth, who played Alice Morgan on the hit show, said people need to 'wait and see' when she was questioned about a return, despite her character 'falling to her death'.

Speaking to presenters Richard Madeley and Kate Garraway, she said: 'I can't comment sorry. That's a very Alice answer.

'Wait and see as always, I'll keep the mystery forever unfolding. She's [Alice] always close, she's close to me all the time, so Alice is never far away.'

In season five of the thriller, Luther (Idris Elba) and Alice had a tense stand-off that resulted in her falling to her 'death' through scaffolding in a chase scene.

Alice did not appear in the latest installment of the series - a movie called Luther: The Fallen Sun - but that doesn't mean she'll never be seen again.

Despite her 'death', Idris revealed that psychopathic Alice could still be alive in the 'Luther universe', during an appearance on Capital Radio in March.

Return? It comes after Ruth teased a possible return as Alice to the hit thriller Luther, starring Idris Elba, during an appearance on Good Morning Britain

Is she really dead? In season five of the thriller, Luther (Idris Elba) and Alice had a tense stand-off that resulted in her falling to her 'death' through scaffolding in a chase scene

The pair have one of the most dysfunctional on-screen relationships and after fans called for Ruth to reprise her role as Alice, it was revealed the door is open for a return.

On Capital Radio, when Idris was asked if there would be a Luther spin-off following Alice, he revealed: 'This is a question for Neil Krause, who writes Luther and I think he's definitely thought about that'.

'And I think we've all imagined an Alice show because it would just be amazing. But also, I think Alison in the Luther universe is not dead.'

See the full feature in the October issue of Tatler available via digital download and on newsstands from Thursday August 31.
BBC Breakfast host Sally Nugent was replaced on Wednesday's show in yet another unexpected presenter shake-up.

Despite having joined Jon Kay in the studio earlier in the week the 52-year-old's seat was taken by the show's business correspondent Victoria Valentine, 39.

There have been several hosting changes this month, including meteorologist Carol Kirkwood being replaced by Sarah Keith-Lucas.

Despite the shake-up viewers loved 'new duo' Victoria and Jon and called for the change to a permanent one.

All change : BBC Breakfast host Sally Nugent was replaced on Wednesday's show in yet another unexpected presenter shake-up (Sally pictured with co-host Jon Kay earlier this month)

New addition: Despite having joined Jon Kay in the studio earlier in the week the 52-year-old's seat was taken by the show's business correspondent Victoria Valentine, 39 (R)

Taking to Twitter one asked: 'Can we have the wonderful Victoria Valentine every day please?'.

While another added: 'Victoria is doing well , surely shes next in line for a job for the top job'.

And a third said: 'Such a lovely relaxed vibe on breakfast this morning maybe John & Victoria could be a permanent duo'.

With someone else commenting: 'I will watch #BBCBreakfast everyday if Victoria Valentine was presenting'.

And: 'I must say Victoria is a breath of fresh air on BBC1 breakfast this morning'.

It comes after Carol was replaced by Sarah Keith-Lucas who brought viewers the latest weather updates.

Other shake-ups have seen Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty taking some time off to enjoy the summer holidays.

Recently Carol was left red-faced once again after host Jon noticed a funny blunder during her live report.

Old guard: Sally has been a permanent presenter on the show after replacing Louise Minchin in 2021

New team: Despite the shake-up viewers loved 'new duo' Victoria and Jon and called for the change to be a permanent one

Fans: Delighted viewers took to social media

She had an awkward interaction with the broadcaster as she kicked off her look at the latest forecast.

As Carol gushed about a picturesque snap sent in by one of their viewers, Jon was quick to point out an element she'd failed to notice.

He noted: 'Right, it's just after 10 to eight and you know Carol gets beautiful pictures from all over the UK from you everyday that just encapsulate the weather.

'Well, this morning she's got a cracker, I think that's how you say it.'

Laughing, Carol turned to the image on her screen, and said: 'It is. It's beautiful. I am looking at the sky of course Jon. I don't know what you're looking at.'

Absent: There have been several hosting shake-ups this month, including meteorologist Carol Kirkwood (pictured) being replaced by Sarah Keith-Lucas

But Jon was quick to remark that he 'wasn't looking at the sky.'

While Carol's image did include a gorogeous blue skyline over a road, it was somewhat spoiled by a line of portable toilets.

She told Jon: 'I didn't notice that when I pulled it in unfortunately.

'But it is lovely isn't it? This is one of our weather watcher's pictures taken a wee bit earlier in John O'Groats in the Highlands.'

Carol then quickly moved on from the gaffe and straight into her weather report.
Abbie Chatfield is no stranger to turning up the heat for attention.

And on Wednesday evening, the former reality star set social media ablaze once again when she provocatively posed in a very revealing lace bra for her 455k loyal followers.

In the image shared to Instagram, Abbie is seen leaning seductively with her hair up in curlers, as she nibbles on what looks like a chocolate.

The blonde bombshell captioned the racy image, 'Yeah???? And???'

It wasn't long before one of her fans pointed out the obvious.

Abbie Chatfield is no stranger to turning up the heat for attention. Pictured

In the image shared to Instagram, Abbie is seen leaning seductively with her hair up in curlers, as she nibbles on what looks like a chocolate. Pictured

'And now everyone has seen your nips', they wrote.

Of course, Abbie wasn't having any of it. 'God forbid,' she replied.

Earlier this week Abbie announced she was quitting radio to focus on her TV career, podcast, and personal life earlier this week.

Jimmy Smith and Nath Roye will step into the role with The Jimmy & Nath Show which begins broadcasting from 7-10pm weeknights from today.

'I can only imagine this is what Lizzie McGuire felt like when she stepped out on that stage in Rome,' the radio stars said in a statement.

'Nights of Australia we are coming for ya, we may not be 'Hot' but we can ensure 'mildly adorable and kind of funny Nights with Jimmy & Nath' will be worth a listen! This Is What Dreams Are Made Of'

Earlier this week Abbie announced she was quitting radio to focus on her TV career, podcast, and personal life earlier this week

Despite the success of her Hit Network show Hot Nights with Abbie Chatfield, the 28-year-old told her fans via a 3-minute-long Instagram video that she was 'happy' with her decision to quit.

'I simply need to put my energy into projects that bring me joy and that energise me, rather than drain me,' she explained.

But Abbie might be dropping radio for a more practical reason: her podcast ratings.

The Bachelor alum's podcast, It's A Lot, has been consistently losing listeners and downloads since it was launched in January 2022.

Shortly after launch, it was the 8th biggest podcast in the Australian charts, with 287,000 listeners and 731,000 downloads.

Jimmy Smith and Nath Roye will step into the role with The Jimmy & Nath Show which begins broadcasting from 7-10pm weeknights from today. Both pictured

Yet just over a year later, It's A Lot had fallen to 21st place in Australia with 206,000 listeners and 490,000 downloads in April.

There was only some improvement last month when Abbie took weeks off the radio while producing eight new episodes of It's A Lot, allowing the podcast to climb back up to a number 18 spot.

Yahoo Lifestyle reports that Abbie didn't take her podcast's ratings dip lightly and was especially concerned by the gap between her show and rival podcast Life Uncut, which is one of most popular in Australia.
China's Sanjiangyuan National Park releases master plan for comprehensive protection

Xinhua) 16:55, August 23, 2023

XINING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park in northwest China's Qinghai Province released a master plan on Wednesday, with an aim to ensure further protection of the park.

With 2021 as the base year, the plan covers the period from 2023 to 2030. According to the plan, by 2030, the grassland vegetation coverage of the park will increase to 69 percent and the population of wildlife under key protection including Tibetan antelope and snow leopard will be stable and healthy.

The Sanjiangyuan area is known as Asia's "water tower" as it contains the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers.

In 2021, China established the first batch of national parks, with a protected land area of 230,000 square km. These parks, namely, the Sanjiangyuan National Park, the Giant Panda National Park, the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park, the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park and the Wuyishan National Park, are home to nearly 30 percent of the key terrestrial wildlife species found in the country.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Columbia University outlined a series of steps Wednesday to review its admissions policies in the wake of the Supreme Courts ban on affirmative action in higher education.

We are of course conducting all admissions policies and practices in compliance with the law, University President Minouche Shafik wrote in an email to students, faculty and staff, while upholding the values that have made Columbia a great place to learn, advance knowledge, and contribute to society.

A high-level working group to review admissions policies started meeting this month and is expected to issue recommendations by December. The task force is led by Interim Provost Dennis Mitchell and includes the three undergraduate deans and other heads of Columbias graduate and professional schools.

Each school will be able to implement its own practices, but the working group is meeting universitywide to compare notes as we adjust to the new landscape, the memo stated.

University officials could also expand pipeline and pathway programs that predate the Supreme Courts summer decision, to smooth the way to enroll student groups historically shut out of the Ivory Tower.

One focus so far has been to beef up opportunities for students in the citys public high schools and community colleges, who are more likely to be people of color or from low-income households.

It will take time for us to develop and refine this new approach, said Shafik. But I promise a sustained commitment, including securing the resources necessary for meaningful impact, to ensure Columbia remains a beacon for generations of future students.

What I have outlined today is a first step, and you will hear more from me and others as the work advances, she added.

At the end of June, the conservative Supreme Court issued a 6-to-3 decision to ban affirmative action in college admissions decisions.

The ruling could have lasting effects on American campuses, increasing white and Asian enrollment at elite schools at the expense of Black and Hispanic students.

But the courts majority opinion noted that nothing prohibits universities from considering an applicants discussion of how race affected the applicants life.

During the last couple of months, some New York colleges have already started to tweak their admissions processes.

In a particularly creative approach, the liberal arts college Sarah Lawrence added an optional essay prompt that quotes the majority opinion verbatim, asking applicants to describe how their goals for a college education might be impacted by the courts decision.

New York universities including Columbia have also come under pressure to reconsider giving priority to the children of alumni in admissions decisions.

Shafiks email did not address any plans to overhaul the practice, known as legacy admissions.
Model Georgia May Jagger looked incredible in a skimpy black bikini as she kneeled on a log in the river in Portland on Instagram on Wednesday.

The daughter of Rolling Stones rocker Mick Jagger, 80, and model Jerry Hall, 67, looked incredible in the two-piece in a gallery of images.

She also enjoyed a leisurely swim in the water as she swam backstroke and shared lots of lovely pictures of the surrounding forest.

Georgia, 31, was obviously rather taken with the place because she wrote in the caption: 'Moving to Portland.'

Portland is a city in Oregon in the US.

Wow! Model Georgia May Jagger looked incredible in a skimpy black bikini as she kneeled on a log in the river in Portland on Instagram on Wednesday

Stunning: The daughter of Rolling Stones rocker Mick Jagger, 80, and model Jerry Hall, 67, looked incredible in the two-piece in a gallery of images

The pictures looked a lot more low-key than when Georgia celebrated her father Mick's 80th birthday in Embargo Republica in Chelsea with other family members.

Sir Mick celebrated his milestone birthday with a huge party alongside Hollywood A-listers and music legends.

He was joined by his family, including his fiancee Melanie Hamrick, 36.

His ex-partner Jerry, who he was with for 23 years, also joined the celebrations, as well as his Rolling Stones bandmate Ronnie Wood.

There were even surprise appearances from Hollywood stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Lenny Kravitz as the A-listers travelled from far and wide.

Sir Mick cut a very suave figure in a dark green suit, which he styled with a black polka-dot satin shirt.

Poser: She also enjoyed a leisurely swim in the water as she swam and shared lots of lovely pictures of the surrounding forest

All smiles: Georgia, 31, was obviously rather taken with the place because she wrote in the caption: 'Moving to Portland'

Meanwhile, last year, it was reported that Georgia May's business Catfish Soup was in financial trouble, according to the Daily Mail's Richard Eden.

She established the company six years ago to develop a skincare range.

However, accounts filed last year showed that it's accumulated total debts of 355,956  up 100,000 on the previous year.

A note states that Georgia, the sole director, 'is satisfied that she can continue to support the company until ... [it] starts to make sufficient profits from product sales'.
Love Island's Dr Alex George is raking in an eye-watering 5K a day thanks to his property empire.

The reality star, 32, is now worth 2M after launching the lucrative side hustle Newgale Property while still working as an NHS medic.

In figures filed with Companies House last week it was revealed Newgale Property boasts 1M in assets alongside 817K reported by his other company Newgale Limited and 160K for his online brand Prescrib'd.

Alex, who found fame in the ITV2 Villa back in 2018, set up Newgale Property in late 2021 and operates in the 'hotels and similar accommodation' sector as well as 'buying and selling real estate'.

Meanwhile his second business Newgale Limited was launched in 2021 and is said to work as 'other business support service activities not elsewhere classified'.

Big bucks: Love Island's Dr Alex George is raking in an eye-watering 5K a day thanks to his property empire

Impressive: The reality star, 32, is now worth 2M after launching the lucrative side hustle Newgale Property

Finally Prescrib'd is a lifestyle brand that sells a range of sustainable bath and shower products.

Alex was previously slammed by local residents after snapping up four rental holiday cottages on the West Wales coast.

Townsfolk said the area is already suffering from sky-high property prices due to an influx of investment from second home hunters from London - who flocked to the Pembrokeshire seaside town during the Covid pandemic.

It comes after he took to TikTok earlier this month to talk about his 'life changing weight loss' after overcoming body image battles.

Having suffered from an eating disorder, the reality star noted that weight loss was never the goal but is feeling much healthier after deciding not to fixate on calories.

Telling his followers: 'So I've lost a lot of weight within the last year, I'd say a life changing amount of weight'.

'The main reason I was able to make the change was because I didn't think about weight'.

He continued: 'So even though the biggest physical thing that's changed about me is I've lost a lot of weight, it was never the goal'.

Money bags: In figures filed with Companies House last week it was revealed Newgale Property boasts 1M in assets alongside 817K reported by his other company Newgale Limited and 160K for his online brand Prescrib'd

Busy boy: Alex raked in the dough while continuing to work as an NHS doctor

'If you want to lose weight it's probably because you want to feel happier, healthier, more capable or maybe it's about confidence or your mental health'.

Alex revealed that instead of worrying about the calories he simply removed the 'toxic' things in his life including people and alcohol.

Saying he refused to restrict himself and instead had been concentrating on nourishing his body.

Earlier this year Alex bravely revealed he suffered with an eating disorder and 'didn't eat for days' after being fat-shamed by two women at work.

The TV star who works as the UK Youth Mental Health Ambassador and an A&E doctor, penned a heartfelt post to his Instagram.

Recalling the incident from 'a few years ago,' Alex said he could still hear the women's 'cruel laughter' as they 'squeezed his tummy' in the canteen.
There were real tears on the set of Grantchester as actor Tom Brittney filmed his final ever scenes as the vicar in the popular ITV crime drama.

Tom's character, parish priest Will Davenport, was seen saying goodbye to his best friend, Inspector Geordie Keeting, played by Robson Green, as they walked through Grantchester Meadows.

The pair have teamed up to solve countless crimes during the four years Tom has been in the 1950s detective drama and there were emotional scenes as they hugged before parting ways.

Robson was later seen taking a photo on his mobile phone of Tom outside the wisteria-covered vicarage, where he has spent weeks filming over the last four years.

Tessa Peake-Jones, who plays Will's housekeeper Mrs C and Al Weaver, who plays parish curate turned cafe owner, Leonard Finch, were also spotted looking tearful as they waved goodbye to the vicar as he drove away from the village.

Emotional: There were real tears on the set of Grantchester as actor Tom Brittney filmed his final ever scenes as the vicar in the popular ITV crime drama

Farewell: Show star Tessa Peake-Jones was seen tearing up as her character Mrs C bid farewell to Tom's Will Davenport

Heartwarming: Al Weaver, who plays parish curate turned cafe owner, Leonard Finch, was seen giving Tom a warm hug

Making memories: The cast and crew all looked emotional as they hugged and cried during the filming of Tom's final scenes and Al Weaver was later spotted taking a selfie of the cast

Tessa was seen giving Will a big hug, whilst Leonard wiped away his tears with a hanky.

Tom himself also looked emotional as he bid farewell to his co-stars after deciding to leave the show to pursue other projects.

Will's Grantchester friends gathered to wish him farewell as he drove off in a car with his wife Bonnie, played by Charlotte Ritchie and their baby.

The cast and crew all looked emotional as they hugged and cried during the filming of Tom's final scenes and Al Weaver was later spotted taking a selfie of the cast.

Tom, 32, who took over from actor James Norton as the vicar of the village of Grantchester in 2019, is set to be replaced by Hollyoaks star Rishi Nair, who will play vicar Alphy Kotteram.

Rishi, who is best known for his role as Sami Maalik in Hollyoaks, said he had been overwhelmed by the welcome and support he had received from everyone.

He said in a recent statement: 'The success of the show and the reason we are here for a ninth season is a testament to all the people that have previously worked on it.

'I'm really excited to get started and cannot wait for the Grantchester fans to meet Alphy and to see all that's in store for him.'

End of an era: Tom's character, parish priest Will Davenport, was seen saying goodbye to his best friend, Inspector Geordie Keeting, played by Robson Green, as they walked through Grantchester Meadows

Tearing up: Tom himself also looked emotional as he bid farewell to his co-stars after deciding to leave the show to pursue other projects

Plot: Will and Geordie have teamed up to solve countless crimes during the four years Tom has been in the 1950s detective drama and there were emotional scenes as they hugged before parting ways

Scene: Will's Grantchester friends gathered to wish him farewell as he drove off in a car with his wife Bonnie, played by Charlotte Ritchie and their baby

Pals: Al looked very emotional as he shared words with Tom during his last day of filming

Heartbroken: Al was seen wiping away tears as the cast gathered to say farewell

Romance: Tom was seen tenderly touching Charlotte's cheek during one scene

Fun: It wasn't all doom and gloom as the actors were also seen laughing between takes

Statement: While fans will be sad to see Tom go, the actor explained: 'I've had the most incredible time playing Will Davenport for the last five years'

While fans will be sad to see Tom go, the actor explained: 'I've had the most incredible time playing Will Davenport for the last five years.

'I got to solve crimes with my best friend, and work with the best cast and crew I could ever ask for.

'I'll miss it more than anything. But it's time for the baton to be passed, as it once was to me, and I'm so excited for Rishi to join the Grantchester family.'

Emma Kingsman-Lloyd, Executive Producer for production company Kudos, described Tom's departure as 'the end of an era' and the cast will prepare to say an emotional goodbye.

She added: 'But audiences can look forward to a new and fantastically entertaining chapter as we welcome Rishi Nair to the series.

Tom added: 'I got to solve crimes with my best friend, and work with the best cast and crew I could ever ask for'

He said: 'I'll miss it more than anything. But it's time for the baton to be passed, as it once was to me, and I'm so excited for Rishi to join the Grantchester family'

Departure: Emma Kingsman-Lloyd, Executive Producer for production company Kudos, described Tom's departure as 'the end of an era' and the cast will prepare to say an emotional goodbye

She added: 'But audiences can look forward to a new and fantastically entertaining chapter as we welcome Rishi Nair to the series'

Role: Tom took over from actor James Norton as the vicar of the village of Grantchester in 2019

New face: Tom is set to be replaced by Hollyoaks star Rishi Nair, who will play vicar Alphy Kotteram

Show: Grantchester is a co-production of Kudos and Masterpiece for ITV, it airs on Masterpiece on PBS in the U.S. and on ITV1 and ITVX in the U.K.

Adaptation: The series is adapted from the Grantchester Mysteries novels by James Runcie and was developed for television by Daisy Coulam

Series: Season eight is currently being shown in the US and is expected to arrive on ITV1 and ITVX later this year

'Alphy Kotteram is charismatic, witty and will give Geordie a run for his money. I think the audience will love our new addition.'

Grantchester is a co-production of Kudos and Masterpiece for ITV, it airs on Masterpiece on PBS in the U.S. and on ITV1 and ITVX in the U.K.

The series is adapted from the Grantchester Mysteries novels by James Runcie and was developed for television by Daisy Coulam.

Season eight is currently being shown in the US and is expected to arrive on ITV1 and ITVX later this year.

The previous season ended with Will and Bonnie getting married.
Hailey Bieber debuted Rhode's newest peptide lip color, strawberry glaze, on Monday.

The gloss is inspired by Krispy Kreme's strawberry glazed donuts.

The next day she was seen in a denim bikini by a red convertible car as she modeled the shiny lip gloss.

Rectangular sunglasses, chunky gold hoop earrings and red and pink polished nails completed her look.

'STRAWBERRY GLAZE. Coming 8/28 9am pst shot by @studio_jackson @rhode,' wrote the cover girl in her caption.

Her pal Khloe Kardashian wrote in the comment box, 'You're so cute.'

Hot stuff: Hailey Bieber debuted Rhode's newest peptide lip color, strawberry glaze, on Monday. The gloss is inspired by Krispy Kreme's strawberry glazed donuts. The next day she was seen in a denim bikini by a red convertible car as she modeled the shiny lip gloss

Good look: Here she is seen in little bikini bottoms that could pass for shorts

Gloss is good: Here the daughter of Stephen Baldwin applies the lip gloss which flashing her Love tattoo on her neck

Her brunette bob was parted on the side and windblown as she walked to the Corvette swinging her hips.

Hailey's makeup gave her a glowing complexion and carried the red theme to her lips.

'Rhode <3's @krispykreme,' Bieber and Rhode captioned the joint post. 'Meet our new limited edition peptide lip treatment in strawberry glaze, inspired by Krispy Kreme's iconic Strawberry Glazed Doughnut launching 8/28 at 9am PST, only on rhodeskin.com.'

The caption continued: 'To celebrate, Krispy Kreme is bringing back its Strawberry Glazed Doughnut in all participating US and Canada shops for a limited time only, starting 9/1. Glazed doughnut lips for summer.'

The star sat down for an interview with Cosmopolitan to talk about the inspiration behind her strawberry glazed lip peptide.

'I've always loved the comparisons to beauty and food  it's just so silly and cute and imaginative,' she told the outlet.

'And since I've always said I wanted to look like a glazed doughnut when I go to bed, I knew that if there was a world in which I could do something fun with Krispy Kreme, I wanted to do it,' she explained.

'I decided that I wanted to make a scent that was reminiscent of strawberry, in general, but strawberry glaze specifically because when I was a kid my favorite doughnut ever was a strawberry-frosted doughnut with sprinkles,' Hailey explained.

Cherry red: Bieber debuted Rhode's newest peptide lip color, strawberry glaze, on Monday

Strawberry glaze: The new gloss is inspired by Krispy Kreme's strawberry glazed donuts

Beautiful: The model carried a box of donuts to a cherry red convertible Corvette in a video promoting the new product

Lip gloss: She wore a fitted red leather jacket featuring three studded belts that showed off her thin waist

Cheeky: The influencer pairs the sexy jacket with a pair of low-rise, very short denim shorts that exposed the bottoms of her butt cheeks and a denim bra

Closeup: Rectangular sunglasses, chunky gold hoop earrings and red and pink polished nails completed her look

Convertible: 'Rhode <3's @krispykreme,' Bieber and Rhode captioned the joint post . 'Meet our new limited edition peptide lip treatment in strawberry glaze, inspired by Krispy Kreme's iconic Strawberry Glazed Doughnut launching 8/28 at 9am PST, only on rhodeskin.com'

'So, this is a really nostalgic flavor for me, because I would still go and get that doughnut to this day, that's how much I love it,' she concluded.

The new product debut comes as news surfaced that she has become 'heavily involved' in her husband, Justin Bieber's, business affairs.

'Hailey has taken control and is heavily involved. She's a part of meetings and she's talking a lot for him,' a source informed Page Six in an article published on August 20.

'She's the voice. Theyre becoming this power couple. She's a big part of everything he's doing,' the insider further added.
Flo Rida fans were left with their jaws on the floor as a baby was crowd surfed during a recent concert.

In a clip shared on Twitter, Flo Rida, 43, whose real name is Tramar Lacel Dillard, is seen singing his hit single Low before he stretches his arms out.

A baby is then seen being crowd surfed towards the hitmaker who takes the tot int his arms and carries on singing.

Later in the video, the same baby is seen on stage as a man holds him up in front of the audience.

The clip, which has been viewed more than 1.1million times, has divided pinion among fans.

A baby was crowd-surfed at a Flo Rida concert. pic.twitter.com/RT1Z1ElCUn  Pop Base (@PopBase) August 23, 2023

Surprise: Flo Rida fans were left with their jaws on the floor as a baby was crowd surfed during a recent concert

Crowd surf: A baby was crowd surfed towards the hitmaker who took the tot int his arms and carries on singing

While some found the idea of a baby being crowd surfed 'disgusting', others thought the baby looked fine.

One user wrote: 'Our generation is filled with terrible parents... Why bring a child to a concert?'

Another agreed, writing: 'Sure, the child was scared,' while a third added: 'Some people don't need to be parents'.

A fouth agreed that it was 'terrible parenting' while a fifth user added: 'Poor baby he's not even wearing earmuffs'.

On the other side of the debate, some users didn't think the baby appeared to be in any trouble.

One user said: 'That's adorable,' while another added: 'The baby looks like he's enjoying the experience'.

A third said the baby was 'lucky' while a fourth wrote: 'This will be the coolest documented memory of this person's life'.

It comes after Flo Rida landed in hot water with a New York City judge, after he tried to Zoom into a child support hearing instead of appearing in person.

Wow: The clip, which has been viewed more than 1.1million times, has divided pinion among fans

Unimpressed: Some found the idea of a baby being crowd surfed 'disgusting'

The rapper failed to physically appear in front of the NYC Family Court back in April, via TMZ.

He was ordered to pay 100% of the medical bills, educational bills and child support to his ex Alexis Adams for the care of their 6-year-old son Zohar.

His ex Alexis had requested the judge order him to set aside $400K in a bank account for these expenses, which comes after he won a massive $82 million judgment in his lawsuit against energy drink manufacturer Celsius.

The failure to appear also comes less than a month after Zohar - who suffers from a rare disorder known as hydrocephalus - suffered a near-death experience when he survived a five-story fall from his mother's apartment in New Jersey.

While Alexis was present at the hearing, the rapper wasn't there and asked the judge to participate over Zoom, though the judge wouldn't allow it.

Alexis claimed that he stopped paying the insurance just after the death-defying fall, forcing her to apply for Medicaid and Department of Education funding to cover the bills.

Not fussed: Others thought the baby looked fine and some even said the tot was 'lucky'

While Flo Rida has claimed on social media that Zohar has been, 'getting the best medical care,' Alexis claims the rapper has never even met his son.

The judge has yet to rule on Alexis' request, and it's unclear when the judge will offer a ruling.

The incident with the rapper's son Zohar happened on March 4, and it was reported at the end of March that he was still in intensive care.

The child suffered, 'multiple fractures, a liver laceration, internal bleeding and collapsed lungs,' following the fall in New Jersey.

Zohar fell from Alexis' fifth-floor apartment, with the mother currently suing her apartment complex's owners and managers, a construction company, a window installer.

She claims that windows on the building 'posed a hazardous condition' that allowed the incident to happen.

'As a single mom to a special needs child, this feels like a nightmare. My heart is broken into a million pieces,' Adams said in a statement.

'I am devastated, angry and struggling to come to terms with the fact that my only child has suffered severe injuries due to willful negligence of our landlord and others involved In failing to take necessary safety measures,' she added.

Flo Rida in trouble: It comes after Flo Rida was in hot water with a New York City judge, after he tried to Zoom into a child support hearing instead of appearing in person

Fall: The failure to appear also comes less than a month after Zohar - who suffers from a rare disorder known as hydrocephalus - suffered a near-death experience when he survived a five-story fall from his mother's apartment in New Jersey

Flo Rida has yet to comment on the incident or the lawsuit.

The suit seeks damages, attorney fees and money for Zohar's medical bills. It claims that the building owners, managers and maintenance companies failed to install the correct guards on the windows at the apartment.

It claims Zohar was 'seriously injured', will incur expenses for treatment and 'has been disabled and in the future will be disabled and not be able to perform his usual functions'.

Zohar 'has been and in the future will be caused great pain and suffering, to his great loss and damage and will in the future suffer great physical and mental pain and suffering', the suit claims.

Adams told DailyMail.com in 2018 that the rapper refuses to meet his toddler, who suffers from a rare brain disorder, and called him an 'evil f**king child'.

He also denied that Zohar was his son, before a DNA test revealed a 99.9 per cent match that Flo Rida was the child's father.
Joanne Froggatt celebrated her 43rd birthday with a trip to the supermarket in London on Wednesday.

The Downton Abbey star teased a glimpse of her trim midriff in a tight which crop top which she teamed with flared jeans.

She slipped her feet into a pair of comfy Birkenstock sandals and toted her essentials in a brown leather cross-body bag.

Joanne, who played Anna Bates on the ITV period drama, let her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders.

She parked her 82K Range Rover Sport and headed inside with her reusable bags before emerging with a trolley full of shopping.

Big day: Joanne Froggatt celebrated her 43rd birthday with a trip to the supermarket in London on Wednesday

Party tonight? The Downton Abbey star teased a glimpse of her trim midriff in a tight which crop top which she teamed with flared jeans

Joanne appears to have found love again following her split from husband James Cannon as she was spotted holding hands with new man Mark earlier this month.

The TV star is thought to have been seeing her new man for several months now and is 'besotted' with him.

According to the Daily Mail, Joanne recently took him to a party with her group of pals at The Greyhound Italian restaurant in Marylebone, Central London.

She was seen laughing at the friend's birthday bash last month, and one source close to her revealed: 'Joanne is having a great time with Mark.'

It is the first time that she has been publicly linked to a love interest since she split from IT consultant James in February 2020.

The star announced the couple had parted ways just weeks before lockdown.

She said: 'We've been separated for a little while. I'm looking to the future. I'm just going to embrace this year and see what happens.'

A year on, in 2021, Joanne admitted the divorce from her long-term partner had thrown her life into a state of flux.

Busy bee: She slipped her feet into a pair of comfy Birkenstock sandals and toted her essentials in a brown leather cross-body bag

Blondie: Joanne, who played Anna Bates on the ITV period drama, let her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders

Smitten: The TV star is thought to have been seeing her new man Mark for several months now and is 'besotted' with him (pictured together earlier this month)

She said: 'I didn't think I'd be divorced, I didn't think we'd be going through a pandemic, I didn't think my life would be in flux in the way it was. But I'm OK with that.

'I'm so grateful for my friends and family, for my health and to have been working so much during this past year. You realise, when it comes down to it, how many positives you have in your life.'

Joanne, who was engaged to DJ Phil Vane at 19, married Cannon in 2012 in a private church ceremony in Oxfordshire attended by her fellow Downton Abbey cast members.

Trendy: She cut a stylish figure on the outing

Essentials: She parked her 82K Range Rover Sport and headed inside with her reusable bags before emerging with a trolley full of shopping

Who? Her famous face appeared to go unrecognised by fellow shoppers

In an interview in 2015 she described her marriage to James as 'perfect'.

She added: 'He's passionate about film and theatre, so we have a common interest  and he's not in the business, so it's perfect.'

While they were together she and James owned a production company called Run After It, however the actress now manages the business on her own, and said that being in charge 'feels like an exciting new chapter'.
Priscilla Presley has revealed her late daughter Lisa Marie Presley complained of her stomach 'hurting really bad' just days before her tragic death from a bowel obstruction.

Lisa Marie died on January 12 2023 aged 54 from the small bowel obstruction caused by previous weight-loss surgery - with opioids found in her blood at the time of her death.

Her final public appearance was at the Golden Globe Awards on January 10 - in which she sparked concern - with Priscilla detailing her final memories with her only daughter in an emotional interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

She said: 'I did know there was something not right' about the days preceding Lisa Marie's death, recalling how the pair went to Chateau Marmont to celebrate Austin Butler's win for his role as the music icon in movie Elvis.

Priscilla said: 'We had just gotten there, you go down all these stairs. I tripped a little bit because I had these high heels on, and she started laughing so hard. I started laughing. We hadnt even had a drink yet.

Tragic loss: Priscilla Presley has revealed her late daughter Lisa Marie Presley complained of her stomach 'hurting really bad' just days before her tragic death from a bowel obstruction (pictured June 2022)

Interview: Priscilla conducted the interview alongside Sofia Coppola, who has directed upcoming biopic Priscilla, based on the star's biography Elvis And Me, which was originally published in 1985

'She goes, "Oh my God, Mom, you cant even have a drink."  It was fun, a fun memory. Then we sat down and ordered drinks, and she says, "Mom, my stomach hurts really bad." We immediately got up and left.

Two days later Lisa Maries ex-husband Danny Keough called Priscilla to inform her the star had collapsed at home and was in the hospital - with Priscilla saying: 'I got right in the car, but she was already gone. I still can't believe it. I dont wish this on any mother.'

Lisa Marie's death sparked a dispute between her daughter Riley Keough, 34 and Priscilla over ownership of the estate.

In a recently-signed settlement Priscilla agreed - in exchange for $1.4 million plus an undisclosed sum for ten years - to relinquish control of her late daughter's Promenade Trust, leaving Riley, star of TV's Daisy Jones and the Six, as sole trustee.

The agreement between Priscilla and Riley settled a reported feud between the two sparked when, only two weeks after Lisa Marie's death in January, Priscilla filed a legal challenge to her daughter's will - which had taken control of her wealthy Promenade Trust away from Priscilla and given it to Riley.

Riley was said to be furious when her grandmother went to court to protest the will.

But in her motion to seal, Priscilla nixed the notion of a feud and said she had fired the lawyers who filed her petition disputing the will.

'My January 2023 petition was misconstrued in the press as a "fight" over my beloved daughter's Trust,' she wrote. 'That was not the intent. The petition was filed by a law firm who has since been terminated.

Stunning: Priscilla slipped into a long black gown for the magazine shoot

Supportive: Both Priscilla and Lisa Marie attended the 80th Golden Globes two days before her death, in a show of support for the acclaimed Elvis (2022) biopic - Priscilla says Lisa Marie said 'my stomach hurts really bad' after they went for drinks on the night

Final appearance: Priscilla said: 'I still can't believe it. I dont wish this on any mother.'. (Lisa Marie pictured January 10 - two days before her death)

Pose: Priscilla and Sofia posed up for the magazine shoot

'I filed the petition to resolve all potential uncertainty surrounding the interpretation of the Promenade Trust.

'My daughter's passing was both devastating and heartbreaking.

'We have learned that the fans realize that we are "Just A Family". Elvis would be proud and his and Lisa's wishes are what are most important to all of us.

'My grand-daughter, through her own counsel, along with my team, worked diligently and tirelessly to resolve all misunderstandings as a family.'

Riley also agrees with sealing the private financial arrangement she has made with her grandmother - which includes paying Priscilla a certain amount (redacted in the court document) 'per year for 10 years or life' as a special advisor to the trust, plus $1 million and $300,000 - $400,00 in legal fees.

Their settlement also grants Priscilla's wish to be buried at Graceland, Elvis' home in Memphis, Tennessee.

In the interview Priscilla denied Riley and her were ever on bad terms, adding it was the 'right' decision that Riley should be executor of her estate - and that the pair were having dinner together that night.

She said Riley 'knows' that she is there to help her and wants the assistance.

Priscilla conducted the interview alongside Sofia Coppola, who has directed upcoming biopic Priscilla, based on the star's biography Elvis And Me, which was originally published in 1985.

The movie tells Priscilla's side of the story of her life with the King of Rock 'n' Roll.

Family: Lisa is pictured with mom Priscilla and daughter Riley Keough in 2015

The flick - due for release on October 23 - stars Jacob Elordi as Elvis and Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla whom he started romancing when she was a young girl. The movie was filmed in Toronto, Canada last year.

Elvis and Priscilla met for the first time in Germany in 1959 when he was 24 and serving in the army and she was just 14.

After he returned home to the US, they kept in touch via phone calls - before she eventually convinced her parents to let her move to Memphis, Tennessee full-time to be with him in 1963.

Priscilla spent eight years in a relationship with Elvis before they wed in a Las Vegas ceremony in 1967. The pair welcomed one daughter - Lisa Marie.

They divorced in 1973 over the Blue Suede Shoes hitmaker's infidelities - with Elvis tragically dying just four years later aged 42 from a heart attack.

Last month an L.A. County Coroner report revealed Lisa Marie died from sequelae (a condition which is the consequence of a previous disease or injury) of small bowel obstruction.

The bowel obstruction was in the form of strangulated small bowel, caused by adhesions that developed after bariatric surgery (stomach stapling) many years prior.

The toxicology results also show Lisa had 'therapeutic' levels of Oxycodone in her blood, with a second opioid Buprenorphine - which is used to treat opioid dependence - also found.

There were also traces of Quetiapine, an antipsychotic drug, reported TMZ.

New film: Priscilla - due for release on October 23 - stars Jacob Elordi as Elvis and Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla whom he started romancing when she was a young girl

The coroner states there was no 'drug paraphernalia or narcotics' found at her home and her urine toxicology screen was negative.

The report confirms Lisa had a cosmetic procedure a few months before her death and was prescribed opioids, with the star having a history of 'overmedicating' - forgetting she had taken her medication and then taking them again.

The reports also states the star had a 'history of alcohol and drug abuse.'

Lisa Marie welcomed daughter Riley and son Benjamin with ex-husband Danny Keough - who she was married to from 1988 to 1994. Benjamin died by suicide in 2020 at age 27.

She welcomed twin daughters Harper and Finley in 2008 with then-husband Michael Lockwood, but the pair divorced in 2016.

Lisa Marie's life was tumultuous, with five stints in rehab for cocaine and opioid abuse four failed marriages - including one to Michael Jackson - as well as losing her son to suicide and a fierce custody battle over her twin girls with an ex-husband she falsely accused of having child pornography

Sources told TMZ that Lisa Marie was found unresponsive in her bedroom by her housekeeper and that her ex-husband, Danny Keough, who she has been living with, performed CPR until paramedics arrived.

Lisa Marie was trying to lose weight for the Elvis awards season and was even taking opioids in the weeks before her death.

The star underwent plastic surgery two months before the Golden Globes and lost up to 50 pounds as part of a strict regimen.

Lisa Marie had previously struggled with an addiction to opioids after she was given a short-term prescription during her recovery from the birth of her twin daughters, Harper Vivienne and Finley in 2008.

By 2013, she was heavily abusing cocaine and checked into rehab at least five times.

Tragedy: Lisa's son Benjamin died by suicide in 2020 at age 27 (pictured 2015)

Daughters: The star was also mom to twin girls Finley and Harper Vivienne, 14, with ex husband Michael Lockwood (pictured 2017)

Famous family: Lisa is seen as a baby with father Elvis Presley and mom Priscilla

Legacy: The star was just nine years old when her father Elvis died (pictured 1970)

Ex: The star is seen with ex husband Michael Lockwood in 2015

She was believed to have been sober in recent years, but following her son's death her ex-husband Michael Lockwood said he feared she could relapse.

As a teenager, she rebelled with drugs from the age of 13 to 17, but her mother put her into The Castle, a Scientology center in Hollywood, to get her off drugs.

'I did everything but mushrooms and heroin or crack,' she said.

'Cocaine, sedatives, pot, and drinking  all at the same time... I don't know how I lived through it.

'I woke up one day with a bunch of people on the floor. I drove myself to the Church of Scientology and said: 'Somebody... help me right now.'

For a time it worked, and Lisa Marie said she was drug-free from the age of 17.
Andy Cohen recounted a sizzling hot smooch with Jennifer Lawrence during his Ask Andy roundup on Monday.

The 55-year-old Watch What Happens Live host gushed about the kiss after being asked to rank his onset smooches, saying, 'I think shes so hot.'

Adding that he was, 'so nervous,' when the 33-year-old Hunger Games actress suggested they kiss on his show, Andy said, 'It was nice. It was really nice.'

The kiss in question was inspired by the blonde starlet roasting the television show host for kissing John Mayer, but not her.

In response, the Radio Andy host joked, 'Id love to kiss you  consensually.'

Sparks fly: Andy Cohen gushed about a kiss he shared with Jennifer Lawrence earlier this summer, saying: 'I think she's so hot'; seen in June

Jokesters: The kiss was initiated by the No Hard Feelings starlet joking that Andy wanted to kiss John Mayer, but not her; seen in June

With her trademark sense of humor, The Silver Linings Playbook actress asked after the kiss if the Real Housewives host's penis, 'moved.'

Flustered, Andy joked back with, 'Im hard as a rock. Im bone hard.'

The two friends laughed about the moment.

The Red Sparrow star is happily married to art dealer Cooke Maroney, adding another layer of humor to the silly onscreen kiss during the June episode of Watch What Happens Live.

Rumors swirled around the noted reality television show host and John Mayer after the two shared a kiss back in June 2018, to celebrate Andy's 50th birthday.

However, the Missouri-born television personality has insisted over the years that while the two are 'in love with each other,' they never had a sexual encounter.

Opening up on the Howard Stern Show, Andy insisted that nothing sexual had ever happened between him and the Gravity crooner, even when Howard told him to swear it on his children's lives.

'I swear,' the television personality said, doubling down on the fact that he 'loved' John Mayer but had never acted on it physically.

Happy camper: The television personality jumped for joy after kissing the blonde beauty

Thick as thieves: The kiss was a humorous joke but Andy recounted how 'hot' he found the Passengers star's kiss months after it happened

Friends or more: The kiss between Andy and Jennifer Lawrence was inspired by the Oscar winning star joking that he had kissed John Mayer, but not her; seen in August

The Most Talkative author actually made history by being the first openly gay host of a talk show.

Mayer dating rumors aside, the hardworking television personality hasn't confirmed that he's been dating anyone as of August 2023.

He enlisted the help of a surrogate for his two children, Ben and Lucy.

Previous exes of the Riverdale star include Clifton Dassuncao and Broadway star John Hill.

Meanwhile, Jennifer shares one child, a son named Cy, with Cooke  the pair have been going strong since their nuptials in 2019.
Amanda Bynes was seen on an outing in public over the weekend, marking her first public sighting since she entered an inpatient treatment facility in July.

The 37-year-old former actress was pictured out in Orange County, California, after she made a trip to a Ralph's grocery store for some supplies on Saturday. She had also reportedly been spotted in public on the previous day.

Sources told TMZ on Wednesday that Bynes has graduated from her initial status at the mental health facility, which had prevented her from making excursions.

Now she has been bumped up to the facility's minimal supervision group, meaning she can leave the grounds at certain times of day on her own.

Bynes had previously been enrolled in an outpatient treatment program, but she left that program and checked herself into her current more-intensive inpatient program late last month.

On the town: Amanda Bynes was seen over the weekend after taking a short trip without supervision fro her inpatient mental health treatment facility in Orange County, Calif., marking her first sighting since she checked herself in late last month

At the time, sources told TMZ that Bynes wanted to avoid the solitude she felt living by herself in an apartment, and she also wanted a more dedicated team of mental health professionals that her current program offers.

Amanda was dressed casually for her weekend trip in a white shirt with a thin gray zip-up hoodie and a black windbreaker.

She paired the tops with a slim set of dark blue jeans, and she had her black-dyed hair pulled back in a top knot.

The outlet's sources noted that Bynes was making considerable improvements  enough to go out on her own without supervision  but she still wants to stay there and doesn't yet have a plan for when she will end treatment.

In the meantime, she'll continue meeting with mental health professionals to aid her recovery.

The sources added that the She's The Man star feels comfortable with her current living situation, and she reportedly appreciates having therapists and medical professionals at her fingertips, as well as having other patients around to socialize with, something she apparently wasn't getting much of before she entered treatment.

According to people who spotted her on her trip around town, Bynes dropped by a smoke shop around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, though it's unclear what she may have purchased.

She was seen again on Saturday when she headed to a Ralph's located near the facility. The All That star was seen in photos leaving the store with a full paper bag of groceries.

Stocking up: Bynes was seen visiting a smoke shop in the OC around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, then photographed on Saturday (pictured) as she bought a bag of groceries at Ralph's

Improving: Bynes has graduated to be able to leave the inpatient facility without supervision at specific times. She checked in last month after feeling her outpatient facility wasn't cutting it

In crisis: In March, Bynes was placed on a psychiatric hold after she was found wandering the streets of Downtown LA in the nude; seen in 2013

Amanda has lately left her loved ones concerned after she seemingly failed to achieve a more stable mental state in the wake of past issues that have led her to check in and out of mental health facilities.

Back in June, she was placed on a 5150 psychiatric hold just two months after she was released from a three-week stay at a mental health facility after she had been found roaming the streets of Downtown Los Angeles in the nude in March.

A mental health evaluation had deemed her 'a danger to herself and others,' members of the Los Angeles Police Department told TMZ at the time.

In a surprising twist, they added that it was Bynes herself who initially called the police to report that a woman was allegedly in distress.

Her psychiatric hold was subsequently extended by at least a week as doctors worked to stabilize her medication.

After she was picked up by police for wandering the streets naked, Bynes' former fiance Paul Michael claimed to Page Six that she had not been taking her prescribed medications prior to the mental health crisis.

Prior to March of 2022, Amanda had been under a conservatorship, and it was her mother Lynn who helped ensure that she took her medication as prescribed before it was ended.

Michael subsequently claimed that he and his ex had broken up shortly before her March hospitalization.

However, Bynes' parents had banned Michael from contacting or visiting their daughter while she was in the hospital, sources exclusively told DailyMail.com.

Contributing factors? Her former fiance Paul Michael (L) claimed they broke up before her breakdown, and he also said she had not been taking her prescribed medicine beforehand

Ongoing problems: During her March hold, a source said her parents didn't want to reinstate her conservatorship because they thought it was an isolated event, but she had continued to have mental health issues; seen in 2015 in LA

'They do not want her ex-fiance around her, and he has been instructed to have no contact with her,' an insider explained.

'He does not seem to have her best interests in mind and her family has nothing good to say about him.'

Despite her continued mental health issues, the insider said that Bynes' parents weren't considering trying to reinstate her conservatorship at the time, as they believed her hospitalization was an isolated event.

However, she has continued to require extensive psychiatric services in the months since then.
Vanderpump Rules star LaLa Kent has branded Rachel Leviss' decision to quit the show following her affair with Tom Sandoval a 'travesty' and accused Bethenny Frankel of manipulating the star.

Kent, 32, slammed Frankel, 52, for 'exploiting' Leviss on her Just B podcast, as she waxed lyrical about the star's exit from the show on her Wednesday episode of the Give Them Lala podcast.

She said: 'It is a travesty that she didnt end up coming back. She should have come back. I think she would have been very surprised. And instead she went and did this [podcast with Bethenny] and she was manipulated yet again.

'There were things that she was then saying that were not perspective. It was a flat out lie and I cant imagine you believe what you are saying.'

Kent blasted Leviss' claim she was called 'reality TV ratings gold' by herself Katie Maloney and Kristina Kelly, saying: 'That never happened. Raquel that night after she said, "Its a good thing you dont have a man," went to her bedroom.

Former pals: Vanderpump Rules star LaLa Kent has branded Rachel Leviss' decision to quit the show following her affair with Tom Sandoval a 'travesty' and accused Bethenny Frankel of manipulating the star

Controversial: Kent, 32, slammed Frankel, 52, for 'exploiting' Leviss o n her Just B podcast , as she waxed lyrical about the star's exit from the show on her Wednesday episode of the Give Them Lala podcast

'She went to sleep and the next morning when she comes into our room and feels embarrassed is the first time we had seen her. There was no we came into her room and told her she was reality TV ratings gold. This never happened and this isnt perspective. This is fact. No one every said this to you.

Discussing the controversial podcast, she said: 'I saw this all the time that there are going to be moments where our voice is all we have. We have all been able to go on a platform  whether it is our own or someone elses  to share our side of any story.

'Raquel absolutely has that right and I am happy that she finally got to take advantage of a giant platform to tell her story. I only saw clips and what I gathered from it is Bethenny completely exploited that girl yet again.'

Slamming Leviss for sleeping with Sandoval behind Ariana Madix's back, she said: 'I dont think that reality TV is for everyone. It is a very intense environment. If you are not mentally tough as f**k, it can break you. It definitely can.

'Now to say that Raquel was a victim of something, I dont know. What I do know is you made a decision to sleep with your best friends partner of 10 years.

'You didnt need to do that. No one was forcing you to do it and no one asked you to do that. It felt like Bethenny was really trying to push her in a certain direction.'

Vanderpump Rules fans accused Leviss of 'not learning from her mistakes' after watching her first tell-all interview since receiving treatment at a mental health facility.

Listeners flocked to social media to express their outrage over Leviss trying to 'diminish' her friendship with Ariana Madix to defend her affair with Tom Sandoval.

Scandoval: Leviss and Tom Sandoval are seen together in a social media snap

Struggling: She said: 'It is a travesty that she didnt end up coming back. She should have come back. I think she would have been very surprised. And instead she went and did this [podcast with Bethenny] and she was manipulated yet again (pictured in March)

One Bravo fan warned others before listening to the podcast: 'In case y'all are wondering if Rachel has grown or learned from her mistakes save your listen. The answer is no.'

Others condemned the Real Housewives of New York City alum, 52, for giving the former pageant queen a platform and promoting 'a woman who betrays women.'

'Just curious if you would have this much compassion for someone sleeping with your fiance in you driveway after you dog died?' one asked Frankel, who is engaged to Paul Bernon.

One listener agreed with Frankel that a 'woman's voice is powerful' but said when one is 'morally deficient' their 'power is immediately depleted.'

'Bethenny, I'm a huge fan of yours, but giving a narcissist a platform to sell their story is a huge NO!' another user commented. 'They take that platform to sell their story and play the victim. Narcissists are devoid of feeling for anyone, but themselves.'

One fan expressed frustration that Leviss said she 'looked up to the cast as role models' and said they 'had all normalized cheating.'

'So yeah, accountability is still lacking. This isn't about women supporting women. This is excuses. Sh**ty ones,' a viewer scoffed.

Behind Ariana Madix's back: Lala said: 'Now to say that Raquel was a victim of something, I dont know. What I do know is you made a decision to sleep with your best friends partner of 10 years

During the episode, Leviss, who has remained out of the limelight since the show's reunion episodes aired in June, opened up about why she chose to take a step back from the public eye.

'Its been a whirlwind, its been chaos. But Ive taken some time to myself to reflect and try to understand my actions. And I finally have come to the place where it makes sense to me,' the Bravo star told Bethenny.

Bethenny explained that she had felt sympathy for Rachel while witnessing the Scandoval backlash and stated that she felt the star's life was being 'exploited' without compensation.
More than two-thirds of New York City public schools are not fully accessible for students with physical disabilities, making many programs out of reach for children in wheelchairs or with limited mobility, according to a new report out Wednesday.

At four in 10 schools there are no accessible classrooms at all, stranding hundreds of kids at the schoolhouse door when classes resume in just a couple of weeks, researchers found.

No child should be turned away from a school because the facilities are not accessible, said Kim Sweet, executive director of Advocates for Children of New York, which published the analysis.

Under federal law, people with disabilities are entitled to equal access to public programs and services, including public schools. While the city has taken long-delayed steps in recent years to move closer to that promise, scores of children are still shut out of their neighborhood schools.

(L-R) Kira Cleveland, 8, Mia Simpson, 14, and Yovania Espino make their way home from PS 110 on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023 in Manhattan, New York.

Just short of 500 local public school students have disabilities classified as orthopedic impairments on their individualized education plans, according to city data. But that figure obscures more than 2,500 students categorized as having multiple disabilities, which may include a physical condition, or without specifically designed programs.

The rough sketch also does not account for the untold number of children briefly on crutches or otherwise struggling to get around, teachers and school workers pushed out of job opportunities, and aging parents or grandparents who cannot attend graduations, parent-teacher conferences or other events.

The problem has not affected all corners of the five boroughs equally.

Roughly one in 10 school buildings are fully accessible in Districts 8 and 14 in the South Bronx and northern Brooklyn. On the other end of the spectrum, at least half of the public schools in Queens District 24, spanning from Ridgewood to Corona, are fully accessible.

On the Lower East Side of Manhattan, mom of two kids Yuvania Espino struggled to find a public school for her eldest daughter, Mia, 14, who has cerebral palsy, a muscular disorder and developmental delay.

Mia started using a wheelchair when she was 3 years old. She attended Public School 138 in Harlem until the fourth grade  when she could not matriculate to the next class with kids in her grade because the room was on the third floor of a building with no elevator.

Mia Simpson, 14, and Yovania Espino are pictured Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023 in Manhattan, New York.

Espino transferred Mia to a series of private schools for students with disabilities on the Upper West Side, then in NoMad, where she could focus on her education and life skills.

We wanted accessibility to be something that was in the background, said Espino. No parents should have to look at schools, fall in love with the program, and wonder if their kid can get into the building.

While the program is a fix for Mias classes, her younger sister, Kira, 8, still attends public schools that the family sometimes cannot enter for holiday events and award ceremonies.

Because you need this accommodation, youre treated like a second-class citizen. It makes me question the message sent to children, Espino said.

An entrance to PS 110 is pictured Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023 in Manhattan, New York.

There are more than 1,400 public school buildings, many of which are more than a hundred years old.

But school accessibility has gained momentum in recent years. Only 18% of schools were fully accessible in 2018, compared with 31% in the next school year, the report showed.

The Daily News ran a front-page story about Espino that fall with the print headline CITY FAILS MOST NEEDY. By the next month, the city allocated $750 million for school accessibility projects under the current five-year capital plan, now in its final year.

Front page of the New York Daily News on Oct. 10, 2018. After the News front-page story about Espino, the city allocated $750 million for school accessibility projects under the current five-year capital plan, now in its final year.

Officials will propose their next capital plan this November. Advocates are pushing for the city to allocate $1.25 billion for such projects through 2029, with the goal of making at least half of buildings fully accessible.

The next capital plan should build on the progress that has been made and move us closer to a system in which all schools are fully accessible, said Sweet, of Advocates for Children.

The School Construction Authority would not say whether it would meet the advocates demands.

This report acknowledges how far we have come, and the ongoing $750 million commitment in our current capital plan towards our shared goal of making school buildings more accessible, said spokesman Kevin Ortiz, who pointed to an additional 65 accessibility projects in the pipeline.

We are on track to make a third of the buildings throughout the city fully accessible and at least half of elementary school buildings fully or partially accessible, he added.
The rapper Polo G was spotted being marched out of his home and placed in handcuffs on Wednesday morning.

The 24-year-old performer  who was previously arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer in 2021  was first pictured walking out of his LA-area mansion with his hands up in photos obtained by TMZ, before he was seen being handcuffed by an officer next to a police vehicle.

According to law enforcement sources, police were searching the house as part of the investigation into a robbery, but a rep for Polo G claimed that he was not the focus of the investigation.

DailyMail.com has reached out to a representative for the rapper.

Bradford Cohen, an attorney for the rapper, told the TMZ that his client was 'being held to under the guise that the police department needs to double check that he is not a convicted felon as there was a purported firearm found in the home.

Detained: The rapper Polo G was pictured in handcuffs in photos obtained by TMZ after a Wednesday morning raid at his LA mansion by police; seen in 2019 in LA

Family ties: Law enforcement sources claimed a warrant was obtained in relation to a robbery, though it was focused on Polo G's brother Taurean (known as Trench Baby); pictured in a 2021 Miami mugshot

However, he said that Polo G 'is not and never was a convicted felon.'

'Any precious charges he had I got dismissed and it's all public record. They are also denying myself and my California law partner Zoey Aron access to him while he is being illegally detained."

Later in the morning, a law enforcement source told TMZ that the warrant was obtained in relation to Polo G's brother Taurean (known as Trench Baby).

The source said police were detaining Polo G as they attempted to determine if he had been harboring a fugitive.

Footage from the police response outside the artist's house showed police interceptor vehicles lined up down the block while officers wearing body armor stood in the middle of the street facing the mansion.

Officers could be heard on loud speakers as they ordered several people to step out of the house one by one.

Polo G was captured in the footage with long braids obscuring his face as he gingerly walked down his driveway with his hands held high.

An officer closest to him then patted him down and marched him over to a nearby vehicle, where another man and two women were waiting in handcuffs.

Legal mixup? Polo G's attorney said he was being held because police claimed they needed to determine if he was a convicted felon because a weapon was found in the house, but he said the rapper is not a felon; seen in 2019 in Las Vegas

The rapper and his companions stood still be the police car, and there wasn't any indication from the video that they were fighting back.

After the occupants of the house had been handcuffed, police reportedly searched the home thanks to their warrant.

Law enforcement sources said it was obtained in relation to a robbery.

Four suspects were reportedly taken into custody, though it's unclear if they were Polo and the three other handcuffed people seen handcuffed in the raid.

However, they have reportedly not yet been booked.

Polo G is no stranger to run-ins with the law, and he was previously arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer in 2021, which his mother, Stacia Mac, claimed was the result of racial profiling.

In June of that year, taken into custody in the early morning hours after he and his entourage left an album release party and subsequently got into a confrontation with a police officer who had stopped their vehicle.

According to TMZ, the performer was booked and charged with several offenses, including battery on a police officer and resisting an officer with violence, among others, and his bail was set at $15,000.

Law enforcement sources claimed the alleged victim was assault with Polo G's elbows and suffered multiple facial lacerations.

Hidden away: The attorney also accused police of denying himself and his law partner access to Polo G while he was being detained; seen in 2019 in Chicago

Polo G's 40-year-old mother later released a video expressing her feelings about the incident and noted that her younger son, who is 16, was not allowed to speak to her.

She also captured a large row of police vehicles that had assembled at the scene of the incident, which she described as 'beyond ridiculous,' though it mirrored the scene at his detainment on Wednesday.

The rapper's manager alleged that her son's vehicle was stopped en route to an afterparty for 'driving while Black' and that, when she asked the police about the reason for the stop, they threatened to arrest her as well.

Mac described the police's response to the incident as a 'waste of taxpayers' money' and that her children were racially profiled simply for being 'Black and successful.
She's no stranger to showing off her figure on catwalks all over the world.

And Doutzen Kroes flaunted her toned midriff during a family holiday to Mykonos, Greece on Wednesday.

The former Victoria's Secret Angel, 38, slipped into a purple bikini to enjoy a day at the beach.

She looked incredible in the skimpy two-piece, with tie-side bottoms as she dipped her feet in the sea.

Doutzen let her long blonde hair fall loose and shielded her face from the sun with a straw visor and sunglasses.

Beach ready: Doutzen Kroes, 38, flaunted her toned midriff during a family holiday to Mykonos, Greece on Wednesday

The model was joined on the trip by her husband DJ Sunnery James Gorre and their two children, a son Phyllon Joy, and daughter Myllena Mae.

The couple have been married since 2010 with Doutzen telling The Times of their relationship: 'We still have so much passion together, its just that now were in a grown-up situation.'

Doutzen began her modelling career in 2003, and is said to be one of the highest-paid models, with an estimated income of more than $5 million per year.

Back in 2014, she came in second on the Forbes top-earning models list, estimated to have earned $8 million in one year.

Style maven Doutzen was a Victoria's Secret Angel from 2008 to 2014, and in 2013 she made history as the first model to land four different solo international covers of Vogue's September issue in a single year.

Despite her success, Doutzen didn't dream of becoming a model and only started doing it as a way to earn extra pocket money as a teen.

Recalling her early days in New York, she said: 'I was 18, but I think I came across as someone who was 13, oblivious to everything that was happening.

'Being from a very small village, I always wanted to go home. Its almost like I didnt want it.'

Stunning: The former Victoria's Secret Angel slipped into a purple bikini to enjoy a day at the beach

Relaxing: She looked incredible in the skimpy two-piece, with tie-side bottoms as she dipped her feet in the sea
Salma Hayek showed off her jaw-dropping curves in a new snap she shared on Wednesday.

In her latest Instagram post, the actress, 56, flaunted her phenomenal figure as she modeled a black one-piece swimsuit with a plunging neckline and a high-cut style to highlight her curves.

Teamed with the sexy swimwear, she also sported a wide-brimmed straw fedora with a black band.

The Magic Mike's Last Dance star  who gushed about 'the man who raised the love of my life' as she celebrated her billionaire father-in-law's 81st birthday on Monday  also sported a pair of black, patent leather platform sandals with a chunky heel.

In the snap, she was seen sitting straight in a patio chair with her legs crossed as she raised a mug.

Jaw-dropping: Salma Hayek showed off her jaw-dropping curves in a new snap she shared on Wednesday. In her latest Instagram post, the actress, 56, flaunted her phenomenal figure as she modeled a black one-piece swimsuit with a plunging neckline and a high-cut style to highlight her curves

Alongside a coffee emoji and a translation for her Spanish-speaking fans, she wrote in her caption: 'Who likes coffee?'

While relaxing outdoors and enjoying her morning beverage of choice, the film producer showed a hint of a soft smile.

The Oscar nominee shielded her eyes from the sun with a pair of all-black glasses with a slight cat-eye frame and sat at the edge of the shade.

She appeared to be sporting a minimal makeup look featuring a soft pink lip to showcase her natural beauty.

The Frida alumna also opted to leave her hair casual underneath her chic choice of headwear.

She left her brunette tresses down in soft and intentionally tousled beach waves.

Many A-list stars took to her comments section to praise her enviable physique and ample assets.

Her longtime best friend, Zoe Saldana, 45, offered a witty remark with a double entendre.

Round of applause: Many A-list stars took to her comments section to praise her enviable physique and ample assets. Her longtime best friend, Zoe Saldana, 45, offered a witty remark with a double entendre while Sharon Stone, 65, left her a gushing compliment

Enjoying a relaxing getaway: Most recently, Hayek has been keeping her many fans and Instagram followers well-updated as she enjoys a late summer getaway

Family vacation: The film producer had traveled to Los Cabos in Mexico with her billionaire husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, 61, and their blended family earlier this month

'I need to get me a pair of coffee mugs like yours,' the Avatar actress quipped underneath her post.

Basic Instinct star Sharon Stone, 65, also took to Hayek's comments section to send her a compliment.

'You are a hot cup of Java lady,' she wrote alongside an emoji with heart eyes and another one laughing.

Her photo was also liked by Catwoman actress and beauty queen, Halle Berry, 57.

Most recently, Hayek has been keeping her many fans and Instagram followers well-updated as she enjoys a late summer getaway to Mexico with her billionaire husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, 61, and their blended family.
She's spent her career preaching about the evils of animal cruelty in the fashion industry.

But Stella McCartney has landed in hot water after a marketing campaign featuring a horse was branded 'exploitative'.

Photographs taken for the fashion designer - who refuses to use any animal products in her clothing lines - show model Kendall Jenner lying naked on the back of a white pony.

The reality star-turned-model, 27, who has been criticised in the past for wearing clothes made of fur and leather, wears just a pair of Ms McCartney's boots and holds a handbag in the shot.

Ms McCartney, 51, dubbed the campaign 'Horse Power' and said that her new 'Stella girl' was a 'next-gen horse lover and equestrian.'

Ms McCartney, 51, dubbed the campaign 'Horse Power' and said that her new 'Stella girl' was a 'next-gen horse lover and equestrian.'

Reality star-turned-model Kendall Jenner, 27, who has been criticised in the past for wearing clothes made of fur and leather, wears just a pair of Ms McCartney's boots and holds a handbag in the shot

She wrote on Instagram: 'A celebration of the timeless healing relationships between humans and horses. It is a collection of what Stella loves, crafted from 92 per cent responsible materials.

'The campaign is shot by Harley Weir at the Camargue Salt Flats in the south of France, among white ponies native to region - raised freely by horse whisperer Jean Francois Pignon.'

But many of Ms McCartney's social media followers were quick to criticise her for using an animal in an advertising campaign.

'Whether a horse is large or not, using them for profit disregards their flight instincts, making them uncomfortable around lights, cameras, and noises. Horses don't receive payment or have a choice in working,' one person wrote in the comments section.

Kendall Jenner posing with white horses. Ms McCartney wrote on Instagram: 'A celebration of the timeless healing relationships between humans and horses. It is a collection of what Stella loves, crafted from 92 per cent responsible materials'

Another follower wrote: 'I love this brand, its mission and vision, I don't find this photo campaign appropriate, especially if we have to protect animals and nature, this is a celebration of vulgarity and nudity.'

One posted: 'This is not a good campaign Stella McCartney, this is supporting exploitation of horses. You are promoting something that many of your patrons feel is cruelty to animals.'

'Horses have a strength that is almost hard for humans to understand, and even though I can't communicate with them directly, I feel that the ones I've cared for have always lent that strength to me,' said the model.

Ms McCartney, whose father is former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney and mother is the late animal rights activist Linda, received a CBE last year for her services to fashion and sustainability.

Ms McCartney says on her website that she has 'never used leather, feathers, fur or skin since day one' and uses 'innovative animal and cruelty-free alternatives.'

Ms McCartney was approached for comment.
Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen's daughter, Sami, sent a very cheeky message to her more than 144,000 followers on Wednesday morning.

In her latest Instagram post, the 19-year-old social media influencer sported a black cropped top, which read: 'Your boyfriend subscribes to my OnlyFans.'

'Read the shirt,' she teased in the caption while rocking a pair of cargo pants, large gold hoop earrings and magenta Adidas sneakers with white stripes on the sides.

As she displayed her toned midriff and belly button piercing, her white underwear was visible over the waistband of her low-rise bottoms.

Her bared arms exposed multiple tiny tattoos situated on her trim biceps, including a a shiny disco ball and flower.

Behind-the-scenes footage from her photo shoot, uploaded by Creators Inc, showed Sami sitting on a stool and posing as photographer, Roy Reyna, captured her every move.

At one point, her platinum blonde tresses could be seen being gently blown back by a wind machine.

Despite her bleached eyebrows and glamorous makeup look, many of her followers couldn't help but marvel over her striking resemblance to her father.

'You look a lot like Charlie!' one remarked under the post while other mused over her t-shirt.

Since turning 18, the teenager has been selling raunchy content on OnlyFans.

Insiders close to her father later claimed that her father went 'ballistic' over her career choice.

Despite watching the downfall of his acting career due to his promiscuity and sexual proclivities, sources revealed that Charlie 'thought Sami would have learned from his mistakes and is convinced Denise should have done more to steer her away from such a sleazy career.'

The former Playboy model  who created her own OnlyFans account shortly after Sami did and has posed topless herself  had previously fired back in support of her adult daughter's own decisions.

'All I can do as a parent is guide her and trust her judgment, but she makes her own choices,' the reality TV personality told In Touch Weekly in June 2022.

Funny: Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen's daughter, Sami, sent a very cheeky message to her more than 144,000 followers on Wednesday morning

OnlyFans star: In her latest Instagram post, the 19-year-old social media influencer sported a black cropped top, which read: 'Your boyfriend subscribes to my OnlyFans'

'Read the shirt,' she teased in the caption while rocking a pair of cargo pants, large gold hoop earrings and magenta Adidas sneakers with white stripes on the sides

Previously, Denise had jumped to social media to defend her daughter when Sami started her OnlyFans account before she ended up joining the subscription service herself just days later.

'Lots of negative comments on my social this past week,' she had written. 'I have to say, I wish I had the confidence my 18 yr old daughter has.'

She continued: 'And I also can't be judgmental [sic] of her choices. I did Wild Things & Playboy, quite frankly her father shouldn't be either.'

Denise and Charlie had welcomed two daughters during their marriage that began in 2002 and ended four years later in 2005.

Social media sensation: Since turning 18, the teenager has been selling raunchy content on OnlyFans

Making her own name: Insiders close to her father later claimed that her father went 'ballistic' over her career choice

Sparks flew when the pair first met on set in 2000, but it wasn't until a year later when she guest-starred on his show Spin City that they kicked off their romance.

In June 2002, the former couple tied the knot and welcomed their first child and daughter, Sami.

When Denise was six-months pregnant with their second child in 2005, she filed for divorce, citing 'irreconcilable differences.'

Sami and her sister, Lola, who both originally made their reality TV debut on their mother's short-lived series Denise Richards: It's Complicated in 2008, were recently spotted filming their unnamed reality series in Los Angeles.

Last month, a source told People that 'Sami has her own place' that her mom, Denise, 'helped her get set up and decorate everything and get settled in.'

'They're really closer than ever now. Denise really wants to keep her girls close to her. She doesn't want to push them away,' the insider added. 'For Denise, it has been traumatizing trying to stay on top of everything and work full time.'

Darker times: In September 2021, Sami sent shockwaves across the internet after claiming in a series of TikTok videos that she was 'trapped' at her mother's 'hell house'

Doing better: A year later, she said that she 'had a spiritual awakening' and is 'full of self love'

New chapter: Sami and her sister, Lola, who both originally made their reality TV debut on their mother's short-lived series Denise Richards: It's Complicated in 2008, were recently spotted filming their unnamed reality series in Los Angeles

Despite some challenge parenting moments, including her eldest referring to her mother's home as an 'abusive' household and briefly moving in with her father, the actress reportedly has 'limitless energy for her kids' and 'puts them first above everything.'

The publication noted that Lola, 18, is still living with her mother and 12-year-old younger sister Eloise, who Richards adopted in 2011.

In September 2021, Sami sent shockwaves across the internet after claiming in a series of TikTok videos that she was 'trapped' at her mother's 'hell house.'

'1 year ago today: trapped in an abusive household, hated myself, would go days without eating or sleeping, insanely depressed, hated school, etc,' she wrote over an emotional video of herself.

The footage than transitioned to footage of her looking much happier as she declared that after moving out she 'had a spiritual awakening' and is 'full of self love.'

Additionally, the influencer, who has more than 144,000 Instagram followers, raved that she owns two cats and had 'dropped out of high school.'

At the time, her father told The Sun: 'Sams amazing. I love her and all my children unconditionally. Were having a ball. GED here we come!'
He was the ultimate Mr Fixit, who acquired a 6 million mansion in South-West London and a 4 million villa in Portugal, knew everyone from popes to prime ministers, and married a princess  having first received a handwritten note of congratulations from his pal Tony Blair.

Not bad for a lad from the metropolitan suburb of Ruislip who once sold menswear.

But his glory days can only be a dimming memory for PR smoothie and Labour donor Anthony Bailey, who, I can disclose, has this week been stripped of his OBE by King Charles. It was awarded to him in 2008 by the late Queen for 'services to inter-religious relations and charity'.

It's difficult to conceive of anything which could be more painful for Bailey, 53.

In his pomp, he glad-handed several members of the Royal Family, including the then Prince of Wales, and even facilitated the wedding of the Duke of Kent's younger son, Lord Nicholas Windsor, at the Vatican  the first time a British royal had married there for 400 years.

PR smoothie and Labour donor Anthony Bailey (pictured in 2016) has this week been stripped of his OBE by King Charles. It was awarded to him in 2008 by the late Queen for 'services to inter-religious relations and charity'

In his pomp, he glad-handed several members of the Royal Family, including the then Prince of Wales. Bailey is pictured with then-Prince Charles in 2001 during a visit to Saudi Arabia

But last year, Mr Justice Peel handed Bailey a 12-month sentence after finding him in contempt of court for breaching a divorce agreement with his ex-wife, Princess Marie-Therese von Hohenberg. The former couple are pictured together on their wedding day in 2007

But last year, Mr Justice Peel handed Bailey a 12-month sentence after finding him in contempt of court for breaching a divorce agreement with his ex-wife, Princess Marie-Therese von Hohenberg, a great-granddaughter of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination in 1914 triggered World War I.

Six hundred guests attended the couple's 2007 wedding in Austria. But 12 years later, Marie-Therese initiated divorce proceedings, culminating in last year's High Court drama  during which Bailey stayed in Portugal.

Ruling that he had 'obstructed the court at almost every possible turn', and 'deliberately left the country', the judge noted that there were 'major question marks' about his conduct.

Bailey remains in Portugal, from where he tells me that he had 'not been notified' about the loss of his OBE 'or that such a process was even under way'.

He adds that the 'bitter' divorce proceedings have 'seen me lose everything I've ever had in Britain, from my home, my job and even access to my beloved son.

'This latest news will no doubt bring great joy to my ex wife. It is yet another illustration of what is fundamentally wrong with the deeply flawed divorce process in Britain and why its overhaul is long overdue'.
The TV industry's fear of causing offence has led to an 'atmosphere of anxiety' and 'less confident' programming, Louis Theroux said last night.

Giving a keynote speech at the Edinburgh Television Festival, the BBC documentary star also took aim at the Corporation as he accused it of seeking to 'play it safe' and 'avoid the difficult subjects'.

While Theroux is best known for his 2000 special on paedophile celebrity Jimmy Savile, his other documentary subjects have included the Church of Scientology, neo-Nazis, crystal meth, plastic surgery and America's notorious San Quentin prison.

His MacTaggart Lecture last night came against the backdrop of fierce debate about the influence of the 'woke' agenda on television and society in general, with concerns that 'cancel culture' is leading to less risky decision-making on programmes.

Addressing an audience of broadcast professionals in his prestigious speech, he spoke about a new focus in television that was 'more thoughtful about representation, about who gets to tell what story, about power and privilege, about the need not to want only give offence'.

Documentary star Louis Theroux was giving a keynote speech at the Edinburgh Television Festival. He took aim at the BBC as he accused it of seeking to 'play it safe'

Addressing an audience of broadcast professionals in his prestigious speech, he spoke about a new focus in television that was 'more thoughtful about representation

But while saying he was personally 'fully signed up to that agenda', he added: 'I wonder if there is something else going on as well.

'That the very laudable aims of not giving offence have created an atmosphere of anxiety that sometimes leads to less confident, less morally complex filmmaking.'

He added that a potential knock-on effect was that 'programmes about extremists and sex workers and paedophiles might be harder to get commissioned'.

Speaking specifically about the Corporation, he said: 'From working so many years at the BBC, and still making programmes for the BBC, I see all too well the no-win situation it often finds itself in.

'Trying to anticipate the latest volleys of criticisms. Stampeded by this or that interest group. Avoiding offence.

'Often the criticisms come from its own former employees, writing for privately owned newspapers whose proprietors would be all too happy to see their competition eliminated.

'And so there is an urge to lay low, to play it safe, to avoid the difficult subjects.'

He added: 'But in avoiding those pinch points, the unresolved areas of culture where our anxieties and our painful dilemmas lie, we aren't just failing to do our jobs, we are missing our greatest opportunities.'

Theroux said: 'Taking risks can mean failure.....But I'd rather fail on my terms than succeed on someone else's.

'And the risk of not taking risks is something worse. Not just failure, but a kind of loss of integrity. A mimicry, that is a denial of oneself. A forgetting of the melody of one's own soul.'

Theroux also spoke about his 2000 Jimmy Savile documentary - which some see as a missed opportunity to expose the paedophile before his death

In the speech he also addressed his Savile documentary, which has been retrospectively seen by some as a missed opportunity to expose the star before his death, as it hinted at the TV presenter's dark side.

He said: 'I was among many examining their consciences to figure out if there was anything I could have done differently.'

The documentary maker said it had been 'fascinating' and 'a little dispiriting' at how the 'Right' and 'especially the far-Right' had used Jimmy Savile, 'cynically, as a stick to beat the BBC'.

He added: 'In the fever swamps of the internet, Jimmy Savile has become a meme. A convenient and easy shorthand to discredit and besmirch the BBC and anyone who works there.'
Camila Alves made a rare remark about her husband Matthew McConaughey as she debunked the public's perception of him as a free-spirited stoner.

Despite portraying a chilled-out high-school grad in Dazed and Confused (1993) and burnout poet in The Beach Bum (2018), the 53-year-old's longtime spouse, who he wed in 2012, mused that he is nothing like most of his iconic characters.

'When we first started dating, it was this image of Matthew of getting high, laid-back, no shirt, whatever,' the Brazilian model, 41, said on Tuesday's episode of Southern Living's Biscuits & Jam podcast.

At the time, she recalls thinking: 'The guy doesn't even smoke. What is this vision coming from?'

The mother-of-three revealed he is 'actually the opposite' and 'just like' his mother, Mary Kathleen McCabe.

Supportive: Camila Alves made a rare remark about her husband Matthew McConaughey as she debunked the public's perception of him as a free-spirited stoner; seen in 2021

'She's very organized, very minimalistic, very on time, very prepared, and he gets a lot of those traits from her,' Alves continued.

Back in 2014, she playfully called him out for being different than his characters in some of his most famous romantic comedies, alongside stars like Kate Hudson, Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker.

'It's very funny because people see him onscreen or out there in public in a certain way, and they have this vision of him being this romantic and so passionate,' she said during Inside the Actors Studio at the time. 'Just very romantic and grabs you and kisses you. And sometimes I'm like, 'Who is this guy? Can you be a little bit of that?'

McConaughey was previously romantically linked to Sandra Bullock, Ashley Judd, Renee Zellweger, Patricia Arquette and Penelope Cruz.

Before meeting his wife, the Texan was viewed as a bongo-playing, bong-toking free spirit, who loved to play those drums in the nude while stoned on weed.

In 1999, a knock on his door was the police responding to the neighbor's noise complaint. They found him stoned and naked with a bong nearby.

He resisted arrest and was hauled off to jail for resisting as well as on a marijuana possession.

The charges were dropped eventually but he had to pay a fifty dollar fine for disturbing the peace, a mere drop in the bucket for the actor who was then earning $4 million a film.

Despite portraying a chilled-out high-school grad in Dazed and Confused (1993) and burnout poet in The Beach Bum (2018), the 53-year-old's longtime spouse, who he wed in 2012, mused that he is nothing like most of his iconic characters; seen in his role as David Wooderson in Dazed and Confused

'When we first started dating, it was this image of Matthew of getting high, laid-back, no shirt, whatever,' the Brazilian model, 41, said on Tuesday's episode of Southern Living's Biscuits & Jam podcast; seen in the 2018 film The Beach Bum

Happy family: Alves and her husband share three kids: Levi, 15, Vida, 13 and Livingston, 10 (pictured in 2016)

In his memoir, Greenlights, McConaughey recalled undressing, opening his windows and smoking 'a bowl' while listening to 'the beautiful African melodic beats of Henri Dikongue play through my home speakers.'

'What I didnt know was that while I was banging away in my bliss, two Austin policemen also thought it was time to barge into my house unannounced, wrestle me to the ground with nightsticks, handcuff me and pin me to the floor,' he wrote.

Two days later, he said: 'BONGO NAKED T-shirts were all over Austin.'

In 2019, McConaughey also revealed that his rapper co-star Snoop Dogg switched out his prop oregano joint for real weed when they filmed The Beach Bum while appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

'It was one of those highs when I really didnt catch my breath until 5:30 p.m. the next day and I came back to work,' he recalled.
Stacey Solomon has admitted she was 'scared' to tell people she was home alone with her baby daughter Belle.

The TV personality, 33, regularly shares updates on her life with her 5.7 million Instagram followers.

But when her husband Joe Swash jetted off to Spain with her older kids, Stacey chose not to share the information as she was 'scared'.

Joe had taken their kids Rose and Rex to visit his mother in Spain, where she lives for the summer months.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Stacey took a video of herself getting dressed to collect her family from the airport.

Struggle: Stacey Solomon has admitted she was 'scared' to tell people she was home alone with her baby daughter Belle

Influencer: The TV personality, 33, regularly shares updates on her life with her 5.7 million Instagram followers (pictured with Belle)

The Loose Women star told fans: 'I haven't said anything, because basically Joe's mum lives in Spain for the summer so he wanted to take the kids out to see her.

'But he didn't feel confident taking all three, so he took Rose and Rex with him for a week to go and see his mum and I kept Belle with me. She's basically been coming everywhere with me for the last week and I haven't seen Rex and Rose for a whole week!'

'I didn't say anything while they were away because it's scary if people know it's just me and Belle on our own at home together, so I didn't say anything.

She added: 'But today's the day I finally get to go and pick them up and I've missed them so much. Like, I literally cannot to squeeze them! This is the longest I've been away from them ever, so I'm going to get my babies back!'

The pair recently returned from a lavish holiday in Turkey with their kids Zachary, 15, Leighton, 11, Rex, 4, Rose, 1 and six-month-old Belle.

Stacey hit back over criticism of her 3,000-a-week family trip to Turkey which sparked backlash.

She spent time soaking up the sun with her family at the luxury Regnum Carya resort in Antalya, Turkey.

The lavish resort boasts its own private beach, 15 bars, an epic waterpark, eight pools, and 10 a la carte restaurants, as well as a patisseries on site and a lavish spa.

After a wave of backlash to the lavish trip she said on her Story on Tuesday night that fans should 'unfollow' her if her getaway pictures 'didn't make them feel good'.

And now she has doubled down in another post where she said she had only had 'two holidays abroad in the last three years'.

It came as she answered a Q&A from fans about her holiday as she penned: 'Loads of you asking if I know about any other places nearby or similar hotels in different price ranges etc...

'I've only been to two places abroad in the last 3 years so I know nothing but I asked Suzi @trendingtravel & she sent me a link of the deals she thought were good ones. Different price ranges, prices and things to do. Hope this helps!'

Outing: Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Stacey took a video of herself getting dressed to collect her family from the airport

Family: Stacey and Joe recently returned from a lavish holiday in Turkey with their kids Zachary, 15, Leighton, 11, Rex, 4, Rose, 1 and six-month-old Belle

On Tuesday Stacey told fans to 'unfollow' her after jetting off on 3k-a-week holiday sparked backlash.

In an Instagram story post, Stacey appeared to hit back as she posted a family snap. She wrote: 'I'll do a little holiday Q&A while I'm on my way to work tomorrow night so feel free to ask away.'

Stacey added: 'If me sharing our holiday doesn't make you feel good then unfollow or just mute me or something. I love coming on here and sharing things so much and I love our community on here.

'All I ever want is to take you on the adventure with us and hopefully make you smile along the way.' She continued to post more photos after sending out the message.'
Do YOU think you were debanked? Please email: money@dailymail.com

It comes after a debanking row broke about between Bank of America and a ultra-conservative Christian charity

Former UK politician Nigel Farage revealed he had spoken to the Trump family about the rise in 'debanking' in the US

The former UK politician who pioneered Brexit and recently became embroiled in a 'debanking' row has warned the 'worrying' trend is on the rise in America.

Nigel Farage revealed he has spoken to the Trump family about the increase in 'debanking' in the US after it emerged a conservative Christian charity that supports impoverished Ugandans had its account closed by Bank of America (BofA).

Farage, who is often referred to as 'Mr Brexit' and is a close ally of the ex-President, was at the center of global headlines when he had his account with the bank Coutts closed. A memo from the firm flagged concerns he was 'xenophobic and racist' and held views which were deemed inconsistent with its 'position as an inclusive organization.'

He told DailyMail.com: 'The situation in America is absolutely as bad as it is in Britain.

'Banks have become political campaigning organizations. Unless you take a woke view of the world, you are in danger of it happening to you.'

Nigel Farage, who is often referred to as 'Mr Brexit' and is a close ally of the former President, has warned that 'debanking' is as common in America as it is in the UK. He is pictured with Trump in 2016

He added: 'I have actually spoken to the Trump family about this.'

Historically the term 'debanking' referred to cases where banks limit financial services to businesses it assessed as having money laundering risks.

But firms are increasingly being accused of closing accounts over reputational fears.

Farage - who is now planning to build a UK lobby group to tackle the issue of debanking - said he had heard from prominent Republican figures whose accounts had been shut down in the US.

He added he is planning to raise the issue with more American politicians.

This week DailyMail.com revealed that a 'debanking' row had broken out after the Memphis-based non-profit Indigenous Advance Ministries alleged its BofA account had been closed due to its 'religious views.'

The organization - which claims to have had a banking relationship with BofA since 2015 - purports pro-life and anti-same sex relationship values on its website. It has filed a complaint relating to the issue to the Tennessee Attorney General's office.

BofA firmly denies it 'debanked' the body over these views, telling DailyMail.com that 'religious beliefs are not a factor in any account-closing decision.'

Indigenous - which was previously named World Shine USA - opened a new business checking account with BofA in January before shortly applying for two credit cards.

On April 24 this year, it was sent a letter by the bank advising that its accounts were being shut down within 30 days.

Associated accounts belonging to partner entity Indigenous Advance Customer Center and a church operating at the same address - Servants of Christ Community dba University House of Prayer - were also closed.

Indigenous Advance Ministries has filed a complaint to the Tennessee Attorney-General's office over concerns their accounts were closed because the bank disagrees with its 'religious views.' Pictured: Indigenous founder and current board member Steve Happ in Uganda

BofA firmly denies the accusations, telling DailyMail.com that 'religious beliefs are not a factor in any account-closing decision'

The correspondence from BofA stated: 'Upon review of your accounts, we have determined you're operating in a business type we have chosen not to service at Bank of America.'

Representatives for Indigenous said they 'repeatedly' asked for an explanation about the closure.

On May 24, the organization was sent a follow-up letter that stated its 'risk profile no longer aligns with the bank's risk tolerance.'

At the time, Indigenous said it had $270,000 in its deposit account.

Associated accounts belonging to partner entity Indigenous Advance Customer Center and a church operating at the same address - Servants of Christ Community dba University House of Prayer - were also closed.

The charity works with Ugandan ministries to provide support for orphaned and vulnerable children and prisoners in the African country.

Under the 'Core Beliefs' tab on its website it endorses a number of evangelical Christian views including that 'all human life is sacred... from conception to natural death.'

It also advocates that 'marriage between one man and one woman is the only proper context for sexual relations.'

A letter to the Tennessee Attorney General's office, signed by board members Steve Happ and Bob Phillips, read: 'I am concerned that Bank of America cancelled our and our partners' accounts because it disagrees with our religious views.'

Bob Phillips, left, is the current Board of Trustees of Indigenous Advance Ministries. Steve Happ, right, is the founder and a board member of the charity. Together the pair have written to the Tennessee Attorney General's office over fears they were 'debanked'

BofA since said the closure was related to a part of Indigenous' operations which includes debt collection. However, when DailyMail.com asked BofA to share the exact part of its policies that says it doesn't service debt collection agencies, it was unable to do so.

The firm added that the organization's business operations in Uganda also made it a high-risk account.

In a statement, a BofA spokesman said: 'We are proud to provide banking services to non-profit organizations affiliated with diverse faith communities throughout the United States.

'Religious beliefs are not a factor in any account-closing decision. Our U.S. division that serves small businesses doesnt offer banking services to organizations that provide debt collection services for a variety of risk-related considerations and doesnt serve small businesses operating outside the United States.'

Indigenous is now being represented by the legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF).

The office for Tennessee attorney general Jonathan Skrmetti has confirmed it received the complaint and is reviewing the details of the case.
Three car thieves with nowhere to go were busted in Staten Island Wednesday after cops slowed traffic on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, forcing them to abandon their vehicle and jump 15 feet down from the roadway to the grounds of Fort Wadsworth, police said.

The arrests came as police pursue a new strategy aimed at avoiding high-speed pursuits by tracking vehicles with license-plate readers and other technology, and trapping them at traffic choke points.

NYPD Assistant Chief Joseph Gulotta, the commanding officer for Staten Island, said an app shared by the NYPD and cops in New Jersey, along with constant intelligence sharing, has helped crack down on the problem of New Jersey criminals coming into New York City to steal cars or commit other crimes.

The Wednesday incident involved a Range Rover stolen during a home invasion in New Jersey.

The Range Rovers driver got past police on the Brooklyn-bound side of the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge  and then returned back to Staten Island a few minutes later, shortly before 11 a.m.

By then, Gulotta said, the NYPD had stopped traffic on the bridge, giving giving the suspects nowhere to go. The police plan was to trap the vehicle on the bridge.

The idea is not to chase [these vehicles], Gulotta said. The idea is to have [these cars] travel to the Verrazzano, the Goethals, the Bayonne bridges, where we put mitigation point in placeand were able to pin these cars in.

In this case, Gulotta said, the plan worked perfectly, with the driver and his passengers stuck in traffic.

Two of the three suspects bailed from the car  [and] made a 15-foot jump down off the roadway, down into Fort Wadsworth, he said. We chased them down.

The third suspect tried to run away without jumping into Fort Wadsworth, said police. Police helicopters tracked the suspects, allowing police to place all three of them in custody.

Charges against the suspects were pending. Their names were not immediately released.

On Tuesday, police said, Joshua Padilla, a 29-year-old ex-con with more than 200 arrests on his record, was busted in Washington Heights after stealing two vehicles.

Police said a license plate reader flagged a 2021 Dodge Charger  stolen Aug. 2 on Staten Island  as Padilla steered through the Holland Tunnel shortly before 11:30 a.m.

Aided by the cars GPS system, the NYPD tracked Padilla to the Henry Hudson Parkway in Washington Heights.

When officers tried to stop him near W. 158th St., Padilla hit the brakes and ran off, leaving behind his passenger, Sophia Serroukh, 23.

Padilla then jumped off an overpass three blocks south, then hopped into a work truck that was unoccupied with the engine running, police said.

But Padilla didnt get far before he crashed the work truck into a police cruiser inside Riverside Park, near W. 166th St., police said. The suspect and two cops were treated at a hospital for minor leg injuries.

Padilla was charged with grand larceny auto and possession of stolen property. Serroukh, who lives with Padilla in Bushwick, was charged with possession of stolen property.

Police said Padilla has more than 200 arrests dating back to when he was a teen and had seven warrants. Records show he was paroled in January 2021 after serving three years in state prison for grand larceny.
A day ahead of the G20 trade ministers meeting here, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said the member countries are looking at reaching a consensus on a "Jaipur call for action" to help promote industry, MSMEs, and global trade.

Representatives of the G20 countries are gathering here for the trade and investment ministerial meeting, scheduled on August 24-25.

Briefing the media about the meeting, Goyal said that the officials of the countries have been burning the midnight oil to forge consensus and build a document on the priority areas.

When asked whether disagreement among G20 member countries over the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a concern, Goyal said members are trying to build a consensus on as many issues as possible keeping in mind this reality.

".There are some realities on which there is no possibility of a consensus ... Barring this we are trying to build a consensus on all the remaining priorities," he added.

In February, the meeting of finance leaders of the world's 20 biggest economies, referred to as the group of 20 or G20, in Bengaluru had ended without a joint communique after Russia and China opposed any reference to the war in Ukraine. Also, no communique was issued after the third G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting at Gandhinagar in July.

The five priority areas that are being discussed are trade for growth and prosperity; trade and resilient global supply chain; integrating MSMEs in global trade; logistics for trade; and WTO reforms.
Indias moon landing is no mean achievement. It is the time to ensure that nations cooperate in space exploration and do not compete in outerspace

The success of the Chandrayan-3 landing is a great achievement for our scientific community and the nation as a whole. Only three nations, namely the Soviet Union, the United States, and China have achieved successful soft landings on the Moon. But nobody has landed in the south pole, a region whose shadowed craters are thought to contain water ice that could support a future moon settlement. Our space scientists have made the country proud and Chandrayan-3 success will be written in the annals of lunar soils in golden letters.

Also, our scientific prowess in developing space vehicles at a competitive price has caught international attention. The Chandrayaan-3 was launched with a budget of approximately 6.15 billion rupees, which is equivalent to $74 million.

Now the question that lingers on the lunar horizon is: what comes next? Who is the custodian of Lunar soil? Will there be competition among the countries in exploiting the resources from the moon? Will the future war be fought in outer space as we visualize in science fiction movies?

When we start establishing ourselves as a multiplanet species more such questions need to be debated. When more countries join the race to conquer the Moon we need to control the human activities there. Otherwise, it will damage its environment similar to what we have done to planet Earth. Controlling human activities on the Moon requires a combination of international cooperation, established guidelines, regulatory frameworks, and responsible practices. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) plays a central role in facilitating global collaboration for the peaceful utilization and exploration of outer space. UNOOSA serves as the Secretariat for the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), which is the primary international forum for discussing space-related issues and developing space law. COPUOS oversees the development of various space treaties and reviews and approves various space-related guidelines and recommendations.

Moon Agreement (1984): The Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies addresses the exploitation and use of the Moon's resources and other celestial bodies. It emphasizes the concept of the "common heritage of mankind" and sets out principles for the equitable sharing of benefits from lunar resources.

In addition to these endeavours, NASA has initiated the Artemis Accords in collaboration with numerous partner nations. Presently, 27 countries, including India, have become signatories to this accord. The Artemis Accords provide a pragmatic framework of principles intended to steer collaborative space exploration efforts among nations involved in NASA's lunar exploration initiatives of the 21st century. Meanwhile, Russia and China are working together on the development of their forthcoming lunar outpost, referred to as the International Lunar Research Station.

It's sure that countries shall show their strength in space also that is not good for humanity. We need to consider the whole universe as a common property. Raising above the nationalistic feelings we need to consider ourselves as the children of a common ancestor and need to formulate regulations that support the cause of human survival.

Moon or for that matter any outer space planets we are looking for our establishment and survival should be considered as  common heritage of humankind. The benefits of activities carried out on the Moon by various countries should be equitably shared among the nations and no single power should be allowed to exploit its resources.

(The writer is a science communicator and an adjunct faculty at NIAS, Bangalore)
Dialogue, reconciliation, and understanding underscore the transformative potential of peaceful means in resolving conflicts and building a harmonious world

August is a month that holds historical significance in various cultures and contexts. August was originally the sixth month in the ancient Roman calendar, named after the Roman Emperor Augustus (Gaius Octavius), who ruled from 27 BC to 14 AD. He named the month after himself to honour his victories and rise to power.

Cut to the early twentieth century. It was August 1914 that marked the beginning of World War I when Germany declared war on Russia. This event propelled the start of one of the most significant conflicts in modern history. A few years later the hunger for supremacy saw two major devastations. On August 6 and August 9, 1945, during World War II, the United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, respectively. These bombings had a profound impact on global geopolitics and the development of nuclear weapons. The aerial bombings together killed between 129,000 and 226,000 people, most of whom were civilians, and remain the only use of nuclear weapons in an armed conflict. The devastating impact of these bombings led to unparalleled human suffering and long-term effects due to radiation exposure.

The bombings not only ended World War II but also ushered in the nuclear age, raising concerns about the potential for global annihilation. It had significant implications on the geopolitics of the world with the United States emerging as a dominant superpower, while the Soviet Union, another nuclear-armed nation, became its rival during the Cold War era. The arms race that followed heightened tensions between nuclear-armed nations and brought the world to the brink of nuclear war on multiple occasions.

Mahatma Gandhi's words resonate deeply: "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind." The destruction and loss of life caused by the atomic bombings underscore the folly of pursuing violence as a means to an end. It highlighted the urgent need for diplomacy, dialogue, and nonviolence to address conflicts and disputes.

After 'Little Boy' and 'Fat Man' snuffed out over 2,00,000 lives in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, the apostle of peace, Mahatma Gandhi, had commented that if the world had not adopted non-violence, it would lead mankind towards suicide. Gandhi also said that the world could be saved from an atomic bomb only by non-violence, not by another bomb. It was almost during this period of global turmoil, Indias struggle for Independence was at its peak. The British had already started fearing the actions of the Indian National Army under Netaji Subhash Chandra Boses leadership. Back home, taking forward his non-violent struggle on the path of Satyagraha, Mahatma Gandhi had given a clarion call to the Britishers to Quit India which he launched on August 9, 1942, three years before the atomic bombs were dropped by the United States on Japan. Gandhis Quit India Movement called for the immediate withdrawal of British forces from India and mass civil disobedience against British authority.

The Quit India Movement had far-reaching implications not only for India but also for the global anti-colonial struggle. It showcased the power of nonviolent resistance as a potent weapon against oppressive regimes. In today's turbulent times, where conflicts persist and violence remains a common approach to address any form of differences, the lessons of peace and nonviolence from these historical incidents remain relevant. The rise of extremist ideologies, terrorism, and nuclear proliferation are constant reminders of the devastating consequences of violence. The world needs to embrace the power of nonviolent dialogue and conflict resolution to address complex geopolitical issues.

In the contemporary context, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of escalating violence and the importance of dialogue for conflict resolution. The conflict, which began in 2014, has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions of people. It has strained international relations and raised concerns about regional stability. While international sanctions and measures can exert pressure on aggressors, they fall short of addressing the root causes of the conflict. To achieve a lasting solution, dialogue and diplomacy must take precedence over military actions.

The world must draw inspiration from historical events and visionary leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and other practitioners of peace and nonviolence. The power of dialogue for conflict resolution must be recognized and prioritized, even in the most challenging and turbulent times. Nelson Mandela(1918-2013), the South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and statesman, spent 27 years in prison for his activism before becoming the first president of South Africa. He strongly believed in peaceful means to bring about change and said, "If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner."

Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968), the American Civil Rights leader, championed nonviolent civil disobedience to combat racial injustice and segregation in the United States. He believed that love and understanding were key to overcoming hatred and violence. King famously said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

(The writer is Programme Executive, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti)
The Centre is likely to deploy about 20-22 more companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in violence-hit Manipur after withdrawing these personnel from the security details of Amarnath Yatra, which is coming to a close soon.

These companies will be in addition to the 125 companies of already deployed in the northeastern State since the outbreak of ethnic violence in the first week of May.

A typical CAPF company comprises about 100 personnel. Roughly 20-22 companies of CAPFs, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Border Security Force (BSF), and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), will be deployed in Manipur to strengthen the security grid in the State, according to officials.

These units are being withdrawn from Amarnath Yatra duty in Jammu & Kashmir due to the temporary suspension of the Yatra for pilgrims starting Wednesday.

About 10-15 more companies, deployed for the Amarnath pilgrimage protection duty, could be further moved to Manipur later when the Yatra officially comes to a close on August 31.

Violence in Manipur erupted in early May after a Tribal Solidarity March was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

The sectarian strife has taken a toll of over 160 persons and injuries to several hundred people from the two communities in Manipur.

About 20 CAPF companies withdrawn from the Amarnath Yatra are also being moved to Delhi for their deployment in the security grid of the September 9-10 G20 Leaders Summit being held under Indias presidency here.

On Sunday, the Jammu and Kashmir administration had declared that the Amarnath Yatra will remain temporarily suspended from August 23 in view of reduced pilgrim footfall and also for undertaking track restoration work of the path that leads to the cave shrine of Lord Shiva in the south Kashmir Himalayas.

However, the Chari Mubarak (the holy mace of Lord Shiva) shall proceed via the traditional Pahalgam route marking the culmination of the Yatra as scheduled on August 31, the administration had said.

Over 140 CAPF companies were deployed for the Amarnath Yatra that began on July 1 on two tracks-- the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the shorter 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Paramilitary and Army units already based in the Valley were also part of the security set up for the conduct of the Yatra.

Officials said the paramilitary forces will have a tight deployment schedule over the next few months as an estimated 300 companies will be required to be deployed for the upcoming Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram to be held later this year.
Overriding the Biden administrations appeal, a US court has ordered a stay on the extradition of Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana to India where he is facing a trial for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

Rana, 62, has appealed before the Ninth Circuit Court against the order by a US District Court in the Central District of California that denied the writ of habeas corpus.

District Judge Dale S Fischer of the US District Court in Central California in his latest order said Ranas ex parte application seeking a stay on his extradition is granted.

The extradition of Rana to India is stayed pending the conclusion of his appeal before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Judge Fischer said in the order issued on August 18.

In doing so the judge overrode the Governments recommendations that there should be no stay on Ranas extradition.

Rana faces charges for his role in the Mumbai attacks and is known to be associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

While the court does not find that Rana has made a strong showing that he is likely to succeed on the merits otherwise the court would have ruled in his favour in the first instance  he has certainly raised serious legal questions going to the merits, the judge wrote.

The proper meaning of offence in Article 6(1) of the extradition treaty is not clear and different jurists could come to different conclusions. Ranas position is certainly colourable and could very well be found to be correct on appeal, the judge noted.

Continued on Page 2

26/11 mastermind Ranas deportation to India halted

The final two factors merge when the Government is the opposing party. There is value in compliance with Indias extradition request, but Ranas extradition proceedings have been going on for more than three years, which suggests that the process has not been rushed so far. Otherwise, the public interest, if anything, favours Rana, the judge wrote.

The public has a strong interest in the proper interpretation of extradition treaties, particularly in the interpretation of provisions that provide important individual protections like the one at issue here. Further, there is a strong public interest in definitive, binding interpretations of treaties. District courts cannot provide those rulings; courts of appeals can, the judge wrote, throwing the legal battle to the Ninth Circuit Court now.

The US court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has asked Rana to submit his argument before October 10 and the US Government has been asked to submit its response by November 8. Judge Fischer wrote that Rana has shown that he is likely to suffer significant irreparable harm absent a stay.

He will be extradited to India for a trial on serious crimes with no hope for a review of his arguments or hope for his return to the United States. The Government admits this, but then argues that because this claimed irreparable harm applies categorically to any fugitive who seeks a stay of extradition pending appeal, it does not count, the judge said.

Earlier the US attorney John J Lulejian appealed before the District Court to deny Ranas ex parte application for a stay of extradition pending appeal and argued that the stay would cause unwarranted delay in the United States fulfilment of its obligations to India and this will damage its credibility in the international arena and impair its ability to obtain the cooperation of foreign nations in bringing United States fugitives to justice.

Rana, he argued, cannot show a likelihood of success on the merits of his claims or otherwise meet his burden of justifying a stay. Accordingly, the United States respectfully requests that the Court deny his ex parte application, the US attorney wrote. In his ex parte application for a stay, Rana has made no showing whatsoever, let alone a strong showing, that he is likely to succeed on the merits of his appeal, he argued. Indeed, he simply states that he seeks a stay to permit his non-bis in idem argument to be heard by the court of appeals.

Indias National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing Ranas role in the 26/11 attacks carried out by terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba group. The NIA has said that it is ready to initiate proceedings to bring him to India through diplomatic channels. A total of 166 people, including six Americans, were killed in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 10 Pakistani terrorists laid a more than 60-hour siege, attacking and killing people at iconic and vital locations of Mumbai.
The Delhi Government has approved a proposal to declare a holiday from September 8 to 10 due to the G-20 summit in the national Capital. The order to this effect is expected to be issued soon.

Top sources said a proposal from the General Administrative Department has been approved by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. During the G20 summit, offices and schools of the Delhi Government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) will be closed.

Earlier, in view of planned security and traffic arrangements for the G20 summit, the Delhi Police has suggested declaring a public holiday and closing of commercial establishments located mostly in the New Delhi area.

In an August 18 letter to Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, Special Police Commissioner Madhup Tiwari mentioned there will be arrangements of huge scale during G20 summit.

And he said during which a comprehensive security-cum-movement plan has been prepared.

This comes as a move to alleviate any potential traffic congestion and logistical challenges.

Closure of a few metro stations like the Supreme Court and Central Secretariat is also on the cards due to security reasons, said police sources, adding that heavy vehicles, excluding those involved in essential services, may not be allowed to enter the city from September 8 to 10.

In the letter, police said the summit is likely to be attended by 29 Heads of State/Heads of Government including, EU and invited guest countries and 14 Heads of International Organisations. Apart from the main summit venue i.e. IECC, Pragati Maidan, there are other venues such as Rajghat, IARI Pusa and NGMA (Jaipur House) which will be visited by the foreign dignitaries.

The G20 summit, a gathering of leaders from the worlds largest economies, is scheduled to be held on September 9 and September 10 at the recently-inaugurated state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam convention centre in Delhis Pragati Maidan under Indias presidency.

India is hosting the G20 summit and the main event will be held in New Delhi on September 9-10. The summit is likely to be attended by 29 heads of state as well as top EU officials and invited guest countries and 14 heads of international organisations.

There are multiple Hotels in Delhi/NCR which have been so far earmarked as places of stay for the Heads of States/ Governments/ International Organisations and their respective delegates. There will be multiple arrangements of massive scale during this summit for which the Delhi Police has prepared a comprehensive security-cum- movement plan, the letter read.

Since, most of the arrivals will take place on September 8 and delegates will depart to their respective countries on September 10-11, there will be a massive movement of traffic which needs to be curtailed to ensure safe passage for the delegates from airport to hotels and to the other venues during the summit, the Delhi Police said in its letter.

It is also advisable to issue directions for all business/commercial establishments falling within the controlled zone falling mostly in New Delhi District and indicated on the enclosed map (with red border), to remain closed during this period, it said.

The Delhi Police are busy making special arrangements to ensure smooth vehicular movement during the summit which will see the arrival of several heads of state and diplomats including US President Joe Biden, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron. As part of the preparations, the Delhi traffic police conducted a mock drill on major roads connecting Pragati Maidan - the main venue of the summit, with various hotels, to review restriction and diversion arrangements on Monday.

Multiple teams of traffic police personnel were deployed at different junctions and barricades were put up at diversion points and junctions as part of the exercise.

Special CP (Traffic) SS Yadav said his department was in coordination with the transport department and the Delhi Metro. Routes on which DTC buses will not be allowed to ply during the summit would be decided and some of the metro stations might be closed as well, he said. It is a coordinated effort and people of Delhi will be informed about each and every step taken in this direction, Yadav said.
The Centre has assured the Delhi High Court that its policy governing social media platforms and intermediaries will incorporate necessary rules to ensure the space occupied by them is free from vulgar language and profanities.

The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, in an affidavit showing compliance of the high courts earlier directions, said it has taken note of the concerns expressed by the HC in its earlier orders.

The HC had earlier said framing rules and guidelines to regulate the content on social media and OTT platforms need urgent attention.

It had underlined the need for taking seriously the use of vulgar language in public domain and on social media platforms which are open to children of tender age.

It is stated that it is a policy decision and having taken note of the concerns of this court expressed through its directions, the concerned Ministry, while undertaking its regular exercise of policy making, will incorporate rules/regulations to regulate the social media platforms, intermediaries for making it safer from the use of vulgar language including profanity, bad words, etc, as per the judgment of this court, Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma said in an order on August 17.

Considering the submission of the Ministry, the HC disposed of the matter, saying it is a sufficient compliance of its previous orders.

This court takes note of the fact that it is a policy decision which is to be undertaken by the Ministry and the legislature, it is sufficient compliance of the order of this court.

This court has been assured that the concerns of this court expressed through the said judgment will be incorporated in the future rules and regulations which will be shortly undertaken, the HC said.

The HC came down heavily on the language used in TVF web series College Romance.

It had said the use of obscenities in the form of foul language degrades women so they may feel victims as the expletives and obscenities refer to women being objects of sex. The HCs March 6 verdict had come while upholding an order of the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) asking the Delhi Police to register an FIR against TVF, the shows director Simarpreet Singh, and actor Apoorva Arora under the Information Technology Act.

It had clarified that the direction to register FIR does not include a direction to arrest any of the accused or petitioner. The court had said the challenge faced by India, as by many other countries, for enacting appropriate law, guidelines and rules to regulate the content on social media and OTT platforms needs urgent attention.

After watching a few episodes of the series, the court had found excessive use of swear words, profane language and vulgar expletives. The judge had said she had to watch the episodes with the aid of earphones in the chamber, as the profanity of language was such that it could not have been heard without shocking or alarming the people around.
Prime Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday attributed Indias successful moon mission to all humanity with its approach of one earth, one family, one future, as he richly congratulated the scientific community for making India the first country to land on the south pole of the moon.

Addressing ISRO scientists virtually from Johannesburg, he said India made a resolve on the Earth and fulfilled it on the Moon.

This is a moment to cherish forever, Modi said, noting that India has reached the south pole of the moon, where no country had ventured so far. India is now on the moon and now is the time to walk on the Chandra Path, the PM said.

Holding Tiranga, the PM came on the screen immediately after ISRO chief S Somanath announced the landing of space module Vikram on the surface of the Moon.

Chanda Mama has been brought closer to the earth by this success, Modi said in a lighter vein and hoped that soon it would be much easier to tour the Moon changing the childhood lullaby which said Chanda mama door ke.

As the space module started its crucial descent on the surface of the moon, Modi joined the scientists gathered at ISROs Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) near Bengaluru virtually.

The Prime Minister called the ISRO Chairman from Johannesburg to congratulate on Chandrayaan-3 landing on the Moon. He also told the ISRO chief that he will soon visit Bengaluru to greet the team on the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission.

In his address in Hindi and English, the Prime Minister said the momentous moment belonged not only to India but to the entire world.

Indias successful moon mission is not Indias alone...Our approach of one earth, one family, one future is resonating across the globe...Moon mission is based on the same human centric approach. So, this success belongs to all of humanity, Modi said.

The Chandrayaan-3s landing on the moon is a historic moment and sounds the bugle for a developed India, Modi said. We are witness to the new flight of new India. New history has been written, the Prime Minister said.

Modi waved the Tricolour the moment Chandrayaan-3 landed on the moon.

The Congress said it is a collective success of every Indian, and ISROs achievement reflects a saga of continuity and is truly fantastic.
A city court on Tuesday sent to one day judicial custody suspended Women and Child Development (WCD) department officer Premoday Khakha who allegedly raped a minor girl several times and impregnated her. His wife Seema Rani, who is accused of giving the girl medicine to terminate her pregnancy, was also sent to judicial custody for a day. Both were produced separately before the duty metropolitan magistrate, Katyayini Sharma Kandwal.

In a related development, Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal on Tuesday requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to direct the Delhi Police to allow her to meet the girl. In a letter to Shah, she also urged him to order an inquiry into the delay in arresting the accused and to shift the 16-year-old girl to AIIMS for better treatment. In case the survivor and her family do not want to be shifted to AIIMS, a team of doctors from AIIMS should be sent to examine her and oversee her treatment, the DCW chief wrote. A police officer said the girls mother did not want to meet anyone since her daughter is still under observation.

Maliwal, who began her dharna on Monday morning, left the hospital on Tuesday afternoon after failing to meet the survivor.

Maliwal, said while the police and hospital authorities prevented her from meeting the girl and her mother, they allowed the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights chairperson to interact with the mother.

It is extremely unfortunate that even though I waited for over 24 hours outside the hospital and even slept there, the Delhi Police and the hospital authorities disallowed my meeting with the survivor or her family. Despite my repeated requests, I was not allowed to meet with the survivor or her family, which is an illegal act, both by the Delhi Police and the private hospital (sic), the letter read.

She alleged that the police and the hospital authorities misused their power to stall the DCWs functioning.

In a post on X, Maliwal said in Hindi, Had I not come to meet the girl, they would have said that I didnt bother to see her. Now, when I am here, they are saying its a drama. Politics has fallen to such levels that politicians cannot speak the truth.

Khakha, was recruited as a Welfare Officer in the Delhi Government in 1998. He has worked in the WCD and social welfare departments for the last 25 years. He also dealt with rights and welfare of vulnerable groups and children, according to his social media profiles and official documents. In his work profile on LinkedIn, Premoday Khakha says he aims at building relationships to protect humanity. His LinkedIn profile says he was a resource trainer on child protection, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. He was also the superintendent of the juvenile home where the minor accused in the Nirbhaya case was detained.

He has a 21-year-old son and a 22-year-old daughter.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday inaugurated five Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics (AAMCs). These mohalla clinics are located at Keshopur Vegetable Market, Shahbad Dairy, Govindpuri and Kalkaji Market. The Government said that similar facilities will soon come up in Gazipur, Murga Mandi and Okhla Mandi, just like the Keshopur Mandi. At present, a total of 533 AAMCs are functional in Delhi. Kejriwal asserted that even rich people are seeking treatment at these medical facilities as doctors and services there are good. In a veiled attack on the BJP, Kejriwal alleged that these people conspired against Delhiites and tried to stop development works, but asserted that he would not allow any such move. The AAP national convener made the comments on the microblogging site X after inaugurating five new mohalla clinics, including a women-only facility fully staffed by women.

In a post in Hindi on X, Kejriwal said, These people hatched big conspiracies against the people of Delhi and tried to stop the work of the people of Delhi. But I assure every Delhiite that I will not let any work be stopped. Five new mohalla clinics started in Delhi today. In the last one year, more than two crore people got themselves treated at all the mohalla clinics of Delhi. People have benefited a lot from Mohalla Clinics, he added. There was no immediate reaction from the BJP. After inaugurating the new clinic, Kejriwal said the footfall at AAMCs in 2022-23 was over two crore while more than 10 lakh tests were conducted in this period. Mohalla clinics are one of the flagship initiatives of the Kejriwal Government to boost the primary healthcare system in Delhi. The project was started in 2015-16. In his address, Kejriwal said that five Mahila Mohalla Clinics are operational in Delhi and there demand is demand for more such facilities. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, Environment Minister Gopal Rai and Tilak Nagar MLA Jarnail Singh were among those present on the occasion.

Once Saurabh Bharadwaj, who is an MLA from Greater Kailash, asked me that a mohalla clinic be opened in his constituency too. I was wondering if it was needed in that area where the rich and well-off live, Kejriwal said. Now, there are 11 AAMCs in Greater Kailash, he said.
A tow truck driver with connections to the Bonanno crime family who fatally struck an 88-year-old Queens chef told police he only tapped the victim with his Chevrolet Silverado, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Thank God I wasnt going fast, Filippo Bonura, 48, told police after he struck Chung Lun Shao on Dry Harbor Road and 84th St. in Middle Village just before 5 a.m. on July 29, according to court documents. I just tapped him with the truck.

When police arrived at the scene, Shao was sitting on the sidewalk with a deep cut to his elbow, prosecutors said.

He was taken to Elmhurst Hospital Center. He died three weeks later from the injuries he received in the crash, which included a punctured lung, broken ribs, fractured pelvis, internal bleeding and a brain bleed, investigators and relatives said.

His daughter made the hard decision to take him off a ventilator.

Bonura remained at the scene and was charged with driving on a suspended license, cops said. He was released without bail and is expected to face the charges in Queens Criminal Court on Oct. 31, prosecutors said.

This was not Bonuras only scrape with the law.

In August 2019, he was operating an unlicensed tow truck when he was arrested for possessing burglar tools.

A police officer found him at the scene of a crash trying to solicit the driver for a tow. He had a police scanner in his truck in what may have been an effort to circumvent the citys Directed Accident Response Program that allocates tows to licensed companies, cops said.

Bonura told cops Shao stepped out between two cars and was walking right across the street when he ran into him, but Shaos daughter showed the Daily News video that tells a different story.

The footage shows Shao clearly visible in the roadway for several seconds when the driver struck him.

Its completely the drivers fault. He basically killed my father. Even everyone in this building, they expected to see my father for another 20 years, Alice Shao, 48, told The News.

Bonura was a former longshoreman until his registration was revoked in 2017 by the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor after an administrative judge found that he consorted with three high-ranking members of the ruthless Bonanno organized crime family.

As a teenager, Bonura worked at a deli owned by Giacomo Jack Bonventre, an acting Bonanno capo. He also worked as a tow truck driver for Bonventre, the judge found. Bonura palled around with Ronald Ronnie G Giallanzo, another Bonanno capo and convicted racketeer. He was also chummy with Sandro Santo Aiosa, a Bonanno soldier, according to the judge.
Ratibad police have booked a contractor for sedating a couple and sexually assaulting a woman in the forest of Kekadiya village near Samasgarh.

The accused committed the incident in the forest of Kekadiya village near Samasgarh. He took the victim and her husband to the forest by giving them a lift in the car. On the complaint of the woman, the police registered a case of rape and started the investigation.

Ratibad police station said that the woman and her husband living in Samasgarh-Kekadia village work as laborers. Both were going for work on Sunday during which contractor Santosh offered to drop both of them by car to the village.

The accused offered alcohol to victim's husband who drank till he became unconscious. Not only this, the victim was given sedated cold drink. Due to this she started fainting and later he took car to Kekadiya forest in front of Samasgarh and raped the victim.

The accused Santosh fled leaving the victim and her husband unconscious. Both reached home somehow. On Monday evening, both of them reached Ratibadh police station and registered a case of rape against the contractor Santosh.

Ratibad police station in-charge Hemant Srivastava told that both the victims were acquainted with Santosh. The accused gave a lift to the victim and her husband and made them sit in the car and took them to a deserted area in the forest, a case has been registered for raping the woman.

Meanwhile Piplani police have booked a man for sexually assaulting a minor on the pretext of marriage, victim was sexually assaulted for over a year and the victim's mother complained to the police.

The accused took her to a village in Indore and raped the victim several times throughout the year. The accused has committed atrocities with the minor by assuring her of marriage. It is being told that he used to threaten to kill the victim several times. This came to light when the accused refused to marry the victim. After which the victim's mother reached the police station and filed a complaint in the matter. The police have registered a case and started investigating the matter.
Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) Ramkishore 'Nano' Kawre has said that Ayurveda is the best means to maintain good health in today's modern lifestyle. Ayurveda system of medicine has a 5 thousand years old history in the country.

The most complex diseases can be totally cured without any side effects with the herbs found in the forests. Minister of State Kawre was addressing the conference of Ayurveda physicians "Ayurveda Amrit Manthan" in the auditorium of Pt. Khushilal Sharma Ayurveda College, Bhopal. Ayurveda experts from all over the country participated in the conference.

AYUSH Minister Kawre said that during the Corona period, the general public understood the importance of Ayurveda in boosting the immunity of the body. Madhya Pradesh has forest area rich in rare herbs. Medicines can be prepared from the herbs found in the forests.

There is a strong potential of manufacturing AYUSH medicines in the state. Ayush Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Park can be established in the state. For the development of Ayurveda, we need to plan with the vision for the year 2047.

Commissioner AYUSH Smt. Sonali Ponkshe Vayangankar said that farmers are being encouraged to cultivate medicinal plants in the state through Devaranya Yojana. For this, arrangements have been made to give special training to the farmers. MoUs are being signed with Ayurveda companies for processing, storage and marketing of medicinal plants. Dr. Dilip Kumar, CEO of Laghu Vanopaj Sangh, said that many important medicines are being manufactured by the Sangh in the state under the Vindhya herbal brand. Across the country, this brand has created a unique identity with its credibility.

The conference was also addressed by Dr. Ravi Narayan, Director General, CCRAS, New Delhi and Prof. GG Gangadharan, Bengaluru. Earlier, the Principal of the college Dr. Umesh Shukla told that new researches are being conducted regularly by the students in the field of Ayurveda in the college.
The Delhi BJP on Tuesday launched a public information campaign through seven mobile vans to explain to the people of the national Capital why the central Government needed to bring the Delhi Services Act.

BJP national vice-president and incharge of Delhi, Baijayant Panda, State president Virendra Sachdeva, MPs Dr Harsh Vardhan, Ramesh Bidhuri and Pravesh Singh flagged off the campaign from the State office.

The vans will go to all 70 Assembly constituencies to help Delhiites understand the need for the Delhi Services Act to provide development and clean administration.

On this occasion, State General Secretary Harsh Malhotra, Yogendra Chandolia and Kamaljit Sehrawat, BJP leaders Pawan Sharma, Ashish Sood, State vice-president Gajendra Yadav, Vishnu Mittal, Yogita Singh and Sunita Kangra and other officials of the State along with prominent workers were present. Gajendra Yadav will coordinate the 10-day mobile van campaign.

Panda said that the Kejriwal Government is anti-people. Comparing the Chief Minister to a film villain, Panda said, Many of the Chief Ministers Cabinet Ministers are tainted. Two of them are in jail in connection with a scam worth hundreds of crores, a former Minister is accused of rape and today, the name of a Minister has come to the fore in the form of Kailash Gahlot, who had selected a person who exploited a minor girl as his OSD.

Kejriwal always says that he gets coverage in foreign countries but the reality is that he is running a Government steeped in corruption, he said.

Panda said Kejriwal has been promoting them as part of his success story in the country by publishing sponsored news in foreign media, but now the people of Delhi and the country have understood his false game and will not be confused.

Virendra Sachdeva said that the direct answer to why the Delhi Service Act is necessary is that it has been brought to stop the arbitrary and false propaganda of the chaotic Kejriwal Government and to provide justice to Delhiites.
As the calendar inches closer to 2024, the looming Lok Sabha elections have shifted the political spotlight to Uttar Pradesh, a crucial battleground that holds the key to the power corridors of the nation. With 80 Lok Sabha seats at stake, UPs electoral significance in government formation is unparalleled. In a strategic move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has used Kalyan Singhs death anniversary to inaugurate its Mission-2024.

In a poignant programme on Monday, veteran BJP leaders asserted that the party is primed for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, intending to once again highlight its campaign to the tenets of Hindutva. The blueprint for Mission-2024 involves captivating voters in the Paschimanchal (west UP) region through the legacy of Babuji Kalyan Singh, an icon closely associated with the Ram Mandir movement and cherished by the Hindu populace.

The construction of the Ram Mandir stands as a watershed moment for the Hindu community.

The Supreme Courts decision in favour of the temple was embraced with immense fervour, akin to Diwali celebrations. It was as if, with this verdict, Lord Ram had reincarnated in Ayodhya once again.

Former CM Kalyan Singh played a pivotal role in the Ram Mandir movement. During his tenure, he refrained from using force against the kar sevaks and even resigned from his position in the aftermath.

In a bid to forge a stronger emotional bond with Hindu voters, the BJP has declared his death anniversary as Hindu Gaurav Diwas (Hindu Pride Day), establishing a resonance between the party and the electorate.

At a function to pay tributes to Kalyan Singh in Lucknow on Monday, both Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasised on the significance of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Shah credited the BJP with resolving the issue promptly, after years of stasis under the Congress regime. He indicated that in January 2024, the grand temples consecration would take place.

Adityanath echoed the same sentiments, using the Ram temple as a cornerstone of his appeal to Hindu voters. He proclaimed that after 550 years, Lord Ram would finally adorn the majestic temple, an accomplishment facilitated only by the dual-engine government of the BJP.

The chief minister also highlighted the Cancer Institute named after Babuji and the Government Medical College in Bulandshahr to underscore the governments commitment to healthcare and education.

A tantalising prospect emerged during the event as Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya referred to Aligarh as Harigarh, sparking speculation about a potential name change for the district.

Hindu organisations have long advocated for renaming Aligarh to Harigarh, citing historical precedent. This mention has reignited hope among Hindu voters, suggesting that a name change could potentially bolster their support for the BJP.

The BJPs Mission-2024 is marked by a fervent determination to secure a resounding victory in the state, with the Ram Mandir movements legacy and Hindutva as central pillars. The tribute ceremony dedicated to Kalyan Singh symbolised the launch of this mission, amidst cries of Jai-Jai Shri Ram and fervent appeals to the citizens to rally behind the BJP and bring Prime Minister Narendra Modi back to power with an overwhelming mandate. As the electoral landscape heats up, UPs pivotal role in shaping the nations destiny remains undisputed, Manish Dixit, a political analyst, said.
Punjab govt releases Rs 186 crore as compensation for crops damaged in floods



Chandigarh: The Punjab government on Tuesday said it has released over Rs 186.12 crore as compensation for crops damaged in the state's flood-hit areas. Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa said the money has been released from the relief fund to deputy commissioners of 16 districts. Crops were damaged due to flooding in many areas of the state in July and August, the minister said in a statement. A special 'girdawari (survey to assess losses)' was conducted in all the affected areas, he added. The state government is committed to provide compensation to the victims and it has no dearth of funds for the purpose, the minister said. Providing a district-wise breakdown, he said Rs 59.50 crore was released to Patiala, Rs 26.52 crore to Tarn Taran, Rs 26.08 crore to Sangrur, Rs 22.44 crore to Ferozepur and Rs 12.92 crore to Mansa.



Admn sets a goal of "TB-free Chandigarh" by 2024



Chandigarh: Setting a goal to make Chandigarh Tuberculosis (TB)-free by 2024, UT Chandigarh Advisor Dharam Pal on Tuesday entrusted upon all stakeholders the task of eliminating TB from Chandigarh, with a comprehensive approach encompassing sensitization, organizing camps, adherence to the treatment and stigma reduction. While chairing an important meeting of the State TB cell of the health department, the Advisor took this momentous step towards combating Tuberculosis (TB) in the UT. He said that the collaboration between all the stakeholders will spearhead a dedicated campaign in every sector of the UT. He said that under the TB-free Chandigarh campaign, all stakeholders will make people aware of the TB disease in their respective areas and assist the department in identifying the affected persons for ensuring their early treatment and reducing the stigma associated with the disease to encourage more people to seek a diagnosis.



Samvidhi 5.0The Legal Conclave at DPS, Chd from Aug 25-26



Chandigarh: To promote the spirit of collaborative learning and healthy competition, Delhi Public School, Sector 40, Chandigarh will hold 'Samvidhi 5.0 -The Legal Conclave' from August 25-26 in the school premises. DPS Principal Reema Dewan said that under 'Samvidhi - The Legal Conclave' not just a Moot Court will be held but a myriad of activities that help in giving a platform to students to show their talent and hone their skills shall also be organised. Dewan said, "We sowed the seed of the Legal Conclave in 2019 and the seed blossomed and came into fruition. As a result, four editions of 'Samvidhi' have already been held and this year we will be organizing the 5th edition. Our pursuit of legal literacy always was and is a synthesis of human values and ethics. The conclave shall play an important role in creating awareness among participating students about 'legal issues' while giving them a chance to showcase their inherent talent in debating and a host of other activities.



Legitimate demands of disabled will be considered sympathetically: Pb Minister



Chandigarh: Punjab Minister for Social Security, Women, and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, held a meeting with representatives of the Disabled Association on Tuesday and said that in various departments, corporations and boards, filling up of vacant and backlog posts related to disabled people, promotion of disabled employees and demands related to disabled sportspersons are being done. She said Punjab government was committed to make life easier for the disabled people in the state and assured the association's representatives during the meeting that their legitimate demands will be considered and resolved.



PUNJAB POLICE WORKSHOP TO PROTECT NGOs FROM BEING MISUSED FOR TERROR FUNDING



CHANDIGARH: To protect Non-Government Organisations (NGOs)/Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) from being misused for terror funding or money laundering, Punjab Police in collaboration with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Central Board of Direct Taxation (CBDT) organised a 1-day workshop at Amity University in Mohali on Tuesday. FATF is an intergovernmental organisation that promotes policies to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. As many as 130 members from 100 NGOs from various districts of Punjab participated in this workshop. IGP Internal Security Nilabh Kishore, OSD FATF Cell Rimjhim Pandey, Income Tax Officer Abhineet and Jt Deputy Director, Union Ministry of Home Affairs Ashwine Rathore were amongst those who shared information with the participants to protect them from abuse by Terror Organizations. Nilabh Kishore said that the intent to organise this workshop was to sensitise NGOs about the various provisions of FATF and Income Tax related to charitable institutions to protect them from being misused for Terror Funding (TF).
The Fourth Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Conclave, organised under the patronage of CII Jharkhand, was held at Beldih Club. With the theme "The Future is Now: Unlocking the Potential of AI for Industries," the event provided a platform for experts and professionals to discuss the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on various sectors.

Ujjwal Chakraborty, Chairman of CII Jharkhand State Council, highlighted the increasing indispensability of AI in global manufacturing operations. In his address, he emphasized how AI is revolutionizing businesses by optimizing processes, boosting productivity, and minimizing environmental impact. Chakraborty underscored that the scope of AI in factories extends far beyond the realm of robotics, marking a pivotal shift in industrial paradigms.

Speaking on the occasion, Chakraborty elucidated the significant advantages that the steel industry can reap from the incorporation of AI technologies. AI's potential in optimizing every facet of steel production - from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing and quality assurance - was underscored. By leveraging AI, historical data and real-time sensor inputs can be analyzed to fine-tune manufacturing procedures. Moreover, machine learning algorithms can proactively predict equipment malfunctions, optimize production parameters, and curtail energy consumption.

Dipankar Chakraborty, Chairman of the ICT Subcommittee at CII Eastern Region, called for the establishment of comprehensive AI policies. He stressed the importance of a robust framework to guide the ethical, regulatory, and operational aspects of AI integration.

During the event, Siddharth Kumar Rai, Additional Director of STPI Ranchi Center, and Dr. Sanjay Patro, Dean of XLRI Jamshedpur, delved into the challenges posed by AI and the pioneering work being undertaken in this domain.

Sarjit Jha, Convenor of CII ICT Jharkhand, provided insights into the overarching theme. Umesh Singh, Chairman of CII Jamshedpur, extended a warm welcome to all attendees.

In the technical sessions, industry experts shared their perspectives on the future of technology with a special focus on AI. Shivam Kamani, Prashant Garg, Amit Kaul, and Ashidhara Lahiri, Co-Convenors of CII Jharkhand ICT, engaged in meaningful discussions on the evolving landscape of AI. The conclave also addressed the pivotal role AI plays in transforming the manufacturing sector in India, with Sarjit Jha, Devpriya Nandan, Avinash Singh, and Rohit Sarkar presenting key insights.

The event culminated with a session on e-governance and the sharing of successful AI deployment stories. Vivek Tulsian, member of CII Jharkhand ICT, along with Dr. Anish Kumar Pani from XLRI and Subojit Sinha, illuminated the possibilities of e-governance and showcased instances of AI-driven success stories.

The Fourth ICT Conclave by CII Jharkhand underscored the pivotal role of AI in reshaping industries and urged for concerted efforts towards policy formulation, technological innovation, and strategic integration to unlock its full potential.
In a step towards modernizing the Indian legal framework, Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the central government is vigorously undertaking the revision of key colonial-era legislations, including the Indian Penal Code 1860, Criminal Procedure Code 1898, and Indian Evidence Act 1872.



Meghwal was addressing the Ministers, MLAs, officials and legal fraternity while paying a courtesy call on Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. The Haryana CM provided insights into various state government schemes and initiatives.



The Union Law Minister said that the process of removing archaic terminology and concepts deeply entrenched in these statutes was a formidable task. After extensive analysis, it was found that these laws are related to the Irish system and it is necessary to adapt them to today's situation.
A city court has granted permission to former Deputy Chief Minister and MLA from Patparganj Manish Sisodia to utilise his MLA fund. He had filed an application before a city court to give him permission to release funds for development work in his Patparganj constituency. Sisodias plea came after the residents of Patparganj wrote to him asking him to complete pending work, including development of local roads, society gates, barriers, water coolers, and cleanliness of community centers among others.

Reacting to the permission granted by the court, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed pride over Sisodias dedication. He said, Even in jail, Manish Sisodia is concerned about the welfare of the people of Delhi and his Assembly constituency.

According to a statement issued by the AAP, Sisodia who is in jail in connection with the alleged liquor scam was continuously receiving letters from the people of his constituency regarding development projects. In response, Manish Sisodia filed an application in the Rouse Avenue Court seeking permission to withdraw funds from his MLA fund for the development of the area, the AAP said.
Bhopal Crime Branch police have arrested two accused and seized around 1 quintal of Cannabis worth over Rs 15 lakh; accused were trying to smuggle drugs in the manner smugglers used in movie Pushpa and car was modified for smuggling.

Iron boxes were made under the seat of the car. Keeping Cannabis in these boxes, both the accused used to smuggle Cannabis from Odisha to Bhopal. According to the Crime Branch Police, a case has been registered against the accused under the NDPS Act.

Crime Branch Police said that in the night on Saturday information of large consignment of Cannabis was received after which crime branch teams were deployed at different entry points of the city and when the drug peddlers reached Central Jail Road bypass with the consignment the police team stopped the car of the accused and searched the car of the accused. In which 10 packets of 10 kg each carrying Cannabis were found.

Crime branch police said that the seized hemp is worth about Rs 15 lakh in the market. Rais Radio and his accomplice Abrar were the accused who have modified their private car to smuggle.

Police said that Rais Khan alias Radio has been arrested earlier in cases like drug smuggling, assault, arson. He was released from jail only a few weeks back. The police are questioning Raees Radio about the local network of smuggling of drugs. So that those who supply drugs in the capital can be caught.
In view of several cyber complaints related to FedEx parcels or customised parcel service where people, especially doctors are being intimidated by some foreign cyber fraudsters, the cyber crime police station of Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) has issued a cyber advisory. Most of the complaints about such frauds were filed by the doctors of Max Hospital, Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) hospital and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rishikesh, said the deputy superintendent of police of the STF cyber crime police station Ankush Mishra. Informing about the modus operandi of such fraudsters, he said that the cyber frauds pretending to be an officer from an airport or immigration checkpost call people and tell them that they have seized their FedEx parcel or customised parcel that contains illegal drugs or other prohibited items like fake passport or visa among others. To threaten and intimidate people, they claim that they have handed over all contents of the parcel to the police and ask them to send them money if they need legal assistance for fighting their case, said Mishra. He said that they even send fake government notices to the victim to make their claims believable to intimidate them more. Fearing legal consequences and embarrassment, many victims ended up paying lakhs to crores of rupees in such frauds. The DSP said that many victims are also honey trapped via foreign nationals on Facebook and Instagram where the fraudsters promise to send a parcel with jewellery/import-export goods. After that the process mentioned above is repeated with them to make them believe that they have actually received a customised parcel from abroad. The STF also arrested many Nigerians and Cameroon nationals in 2021 and 2022. Besides this, authorities also took legal action against eight Nigerian accused who were reportedly involved in similar cases which was one of the biggest operations in the country. Mishra said that one must remember certain points to stay safe from such frauds. He asks not to accept a friend request or a follow request from unknown people on social media. One should also never trust unknown people on social media claiming to send them gifts. If one receives a call where the caller claims to be calling from a FedEx parcel or customised parcel service or airport, do not panic or send them money in the name of legal assistance. One should refrain from sharing any personal identification documents with unknown persons on social media irrespective of their claims. Mishra said that one should immediately report to the police if they come across such threats or call at 1930 for assistance regarding financial fraud.
A moped driver killed in a Bronx crash while being chased by an SUV driver was remembered Wednesday as a kind soul always ready to lend a helping hand.

He was a jokester, Schuchanna Adlam said of Kadeem Davis, 32, who died Monday after crashing head-first into a light pole on the Cross Bronx Expressway service road in Parkchester. He was a great father who lived for his kids. Loved them out of this world.

Davis was being pursued by a 2004 Honda Pilot driver when he made a sharp turn at Gleason St. at 2:15 p.m., hit the curb and was flung from his 2023 JiaJue gas-powered moped into a light pole, cops said. The chase sparked off after the two men quarreled, according to police.

Medics rushed Davis to Jacobi Medical Center, where he died.

A moped rider was killed in a crash on the Cross Bronx Expressway on Monday.

SUV driver Brehisly Jimenez Gonzalez, 22, never struck the black moped, but he was arrested for leaving the scene of the crash, cops said.

Davis, who was coming from his apartment in the Bronx, made the sharp turn and crashed as Jimenez Gonzalez was speeding toward him, according to the NYPD.

Its unclear what the dispute was about.

Adlam described his high school buddy as easygoing and generous.

Back in the day, if we went to eat out after school and you did not have the money, he would pay without asking, said Adlam, who attended the East Bronx Academy with Davis, who graduated in 2008. We hung out a lot as young kids, watched movies, went to the park. (He was a) really fun guy and always ready to lend a helping hand.

Kadeem Davis is pictured with his mother, Hope Sand, in an undated photo.

Davis was one of six siblings. Sanje James, 35, the eldest sister, remembered her brother as a loving and supportive father who was always there for his children.

He used to call his older daughter a princess, that was the name for her. He was always like, How are you doing, Princess? Lets go to the park, Princess. He always wanted to be a dad, said James.

He was like a jack-of-all-trades, kinda. He was an independent car salesman, basically, and an entrepreneur who was involved in many different things, his sister said.

His brother, Chad Wheatley, 24, said that Davis was a very talented brother and he loved being around him. He was a very outgoing person. He was my brother that I would do things with. We used to chill and stuff like that, he added.

The mother of Davis children was too grief-stricken to speak with the Daily News on Wednesday.

Kadeem Davis died Monday after crashing head first into a light pole on the Cross Bronx Expressway service road in Parkchester.

Jimenez Gonzalez fled onto the Cross Bronx Expressway after the crash, but cops pulled him over a short distance away and took him into custody.

Cops also charged him with reckless driving and having no insurance.

His arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court was pending Wednesday.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday directed officials concerned to deal with public issues with seriousness and sensitivity and take strict legal action against those illegally encroaching upon peoples properties or trying to bully and harm the weak.

During the Janata Darshan held at Hindu Sevashram inside the Gorakhnath temple premises in Gorakhpur on Tuesday, the CM heard the issues and grievances of around 200 people and referred their letters to authorities concerned.

Yogi directed the officials to resolve the problems of people promptly and satisfactorily and assured the visitors that no injustice would be meted to anyone during his regime.

Those seeking financial assistance for the treatment of serious diseases were asked to get Ayushman cards. The CM also said that the government would ensure full treatment to patients who do not have the Ayushman cards.

Handing over their applications to the officials concerned, the chief minister said that costs should be estimated at the earliest and the government be apprised.

Yogi said that Ayushman cards should be made available to all the needy. He also asked the officers to settle issues related to revenue and police with complete transparency and fairness.
Joshimath began experiencing land subsidence in January this year which put a number of families at risk. The authorities built 15 prefabricated structures at Dhak, about 12 kilometres from Joshimath for the affected families. However, so far none of the affected families have shown interest in shifting to the prefabricated structures about four months after they were constructed. With none of the affected families applying to live in these houses, the prefabricated structures have remained vacant.

It will be recalled that land subsidence had affected Gandhinagar, Sunil, Manoharbagh and Sinhdwar wards in Joshimath due to which 181 homes were marked unsafe and 868 homes developed cracks. The authorities facilitated temporary accommodation for the affected families in hotels. The authorities also built 15 prefabricated structures in Dhak village but none of the affected families have shown interest in living in these structures. Officials state that the prefabricated structures were built at a cost of Rs 2.60 crore and were ready in April. Affected locals Digambar Singh and Deepak Singh said that the homes made in Dhak are about 12 kilometres from Joshimath. The distance will pose inconvenience for the school going children. Further the locals have their businesses and other sources of livelihood including farmlands in Joshimath, which makes Dhak an inconvenient location, they added. Meanwhile, the authorities have paid about Rs 35 crore compensation to 159 affected families so far. Joshimath sub divisional magistrate Kumkum Joshi said that the prefabricated structures in Dhak have been kept reserved for disaster relief. In case there is need for shifting anyone, they will be shifted to the prefabricated structures in Dhak.
Madhya Pradesh ATS had received information about the arrival of a senior cadre of Maoists in Mandla area. On receiving the information, taking prompt action by ATS, Madhya Pradesh, action was started in Mandla.

On August 21, 2023, information was given by a trusted source regarding Naxalite, on which absconding Naxalite Ashok Reddy alias Baldev age 62 years resident of Golconda Telangana and his wife Ramti alias Kumari Potai age 43 years resident of District Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh were arrested from Jabalpur. Succeeded in arresting. Among the above accused, Ashok Reddy is a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee of the banned organization CPI (Maoist), while his wife Ramti alias Kumari Potai does press work for the party in North Bastar region, such as Maoist literature, pamphlets, pamphlets, press releases. , handles the printing of banners, posters etc.

More than 60 cases against accused Ashok Reddy in Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra mainly related to murder, attempt to murder, dacoity, mutiny, attack on police, kidnapping, robbery, arson including Explosives Act, Arms Act and UA (P) Act Serious crimes are registered. For being a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee of CPI (Maoist), a reward of Rs 82 lakh has been declared on Ashok Reddy including Telangana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

A pistol with cartridges, cash amounting to more than three lakh rupees and literature of banned organization CPI (Maoist) have been recovered from the accused.

The main area of work of accused Ashok Reddy has been related to the states of Telangana and Chhattisgarh, but there is every possibility of involvement of the above Naxalites in the work of strengthening the Naxal cadre and network in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

After arresting both the accused, offenses under section 419 of Indian Penal Code, section 20 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and section 25, 27 of Arms Act are being registered in police station ATS, Bhopal. Information about other networks and modules related to the accused is being ascertained.
Lohardaga MLA cum Finance Minister Dr. Rameshwar Oraon visited Hesal, Kujji, Jario, Sundru Sarnatoli, Vishramgarh, Chiri Navatoli, etc. villages of Lohardaga district.

The minister started the programme by meeting the rural people in Hesal panchayat of Lohardaga block and got aware of their problems, and assured to solve their problems on priority basis. Also talked to the civil surgeon regarding the health related problems of the villagers. On the occasion, the villagers told the problems related to roads, drinking water supply, irrigation, on which the minister assured to solve the problems. After that, he laid the foundation stone of 1.20 km road from Kujji Vidyalaya to village Basardih in Kujji village under Hesal Panchayat of Lohardaga block and said that it will be ready within three months.

After this he inaugurated the PCC road located at Padha Bhavan from MLA Funds in village Jario of Barki Chapi Panchayat under Kudu block and inaugurated tiles floor renovation in Padha Bhavan from MLA Nidhi and said that this is our cultural, religious and cultural identity. Our effort is to do better work than the previous government.

After this, he inaugurated the amphitheater constructed with the MLA fund in village Sarna Toli of Sundru Panchayat under Kudu block and became aware of the problems of the villagers. The minister directed the officials to find a quick solution.

After this, while addressing the villagers of Vishramgarh village of Sundru Panchayat under Kudu block, said that I am ready to serve you, so I am solving the problems by reaching your doorstep through field visits and will continue to do so through the application of the villagers. Placed the problems related to housing construction, electricity supply, zonal office.

After this, in village Chiri Navatoli of Chiri Panchayat under Kudu block, he met the villagers and said that the problems of all the areas of the district should be solved on priority basis. Also trying to fix it. For cultural development, Akhara building and Padha building are being constructed.

Rohit Priyadarshi Oraon, MLA representative Nishith Jaiswal, Zip President Reena Oraon, etc were present on the occasion.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday virtually gave job offer letters for various posts to as many as 746 candidates. The candidates who received job offers will have a 15-day window to confirm their acceptance of the positions offered to them.



Chairing a meeting with the officers of Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam (HKRN) in which the functioning of the Nigam was also discussed in detail, Khattar clarified that some people are spreading rumours that people are giving various kinds of inducements to get job opportunities through HKRN. He clarified that such allegations are baseless and untrue and urged the citizens not to be misled by such rumours. He reaffirmed Nigams commitment to a streamlined and transparent employment process, ensuring fairness and equality for all candidates.

The HKRN has been working towards providing contract-based employment opportunities to the youth, fostering skill development and honest job placements.



Khattar clarified that this employment is only for one year, if the candidate wants to rejoin the service again after one year, he/she has to apply again on the HKRN portal one month before the expiry of the contract period.



The Government official spokesperson said that the candidates who were shortlisted include posts from Level-1 to Level-3. Among these posts, 227 Assistant Lineman, 55 Driver (ERV), 47 Fireman/Fire Driver, 46 Data Entry Operator, 42 Block Cluster Coordinator, 40 Driver, 31 JE (Civil), 30 Sweeper, 20 Ayush Yoga Assistant, 15 Clerk, 11 Legal Assistant, 7 Accounts Clerk etc.



Chief Executive Officer, HRNL Makrand Pandurang said that the initiative taken by the Chief Minister to constitute Nigam is aimed to provide ample job opportunities to the youth and this step underscores the commitment of the government to address concerns of the contractual employees through transparent and credible means. Till now several employment opportunities have been made available to many youths through the Nigam, as they have been selected in a transparent and robust manner, he said.
The Cabinet meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at CM's residence 'Samatva Bhavan'. Cabinet ministers approved the increase in allowances given to the officers and employees of the Police Department. Reimbursement of the cost of 15 liters of petrol every month for the travels undertaken for official works from the constable to sub-inspector level employees posted in police stations, the amount of nutritious food allowance increased from Rs 650 to Rs 1000 per month for non-gazetted employees of constable to inspector level, the amount of kit clothing allowance for constables and head constables has been increased from Rs. 2,500 and Rs. 3,000 respectively to Rs. 5,000 per month, uniform renewal grant to be given every 3 years from assistant sub-inspector to inspector level officers has been increased from Rs. 500 to Rs. 2500 per 3 years and the rates of free food provided to police personnel engaged in law and order have been increased from Rs. 70 per day to Rs.100 per day. Along with this, the employees of Madhya Pradesh Special Armed Forces (SAF) will also be given the benefits of the schemes.

Increase in dearness relief rate of state government pensioners / family pensioners approved The Cabinet has given approval to increase the rate of dearness relief payable to state government pensioners/family pensioners from July 01, 2023 (payment month is August, 2023). The rate of dearness relief has been made 42% under the seventh pay scale and 221% under the sixth pay scale. For this, an estimated additional expenditure of Rs 410 crore is likely to be incurred on the government.

"Madhya Pradesh Naxalite Surrender, Rehabilitation cum Relief Policy 2023" approved

The Cabinet Ministers have approved the "Madhya Pradesh Naxalite Surrender, Rehabilitation cum Relief Policy 2023" with the objective of providing gainful employment and entrepreneurship opportunities to the surrendered Naxalites. Madhya Pradesh Naxalite Surrender, Rehabilitation cum Relief Policy has been prepared keeping in view the current security scenario arising in the state. The main objective of this policy is to bring those into the mainstream who voluntarily surrender by renouncing the path of violence. According to the policy, for those who surrender Rs. 1 lakh 50 thousand rupees will be given for the construction of a house, Rs. 10 thousand to 4 lakh 50 thousand ex-gratia for surrendering arms, Rs. 50 thousand for the incentive for marriage, for meeting the immediate need Rs 5 lakh or the announced award amount whichever is more, Rs 20 lakh will be given for purchase of immovable property, Rs 1 lakh 50 thousand for vocational training.

Simultaleously, the benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana and Food Assistance Scheme will also be provided.

Provisions have been made in the policy to help those affected by Naxal violence. According to which Rs 15 lakh will be given to the victim's family in case of death of the victim affected by violence, Rs 20 lakh to the family of a deceased security personnel and Rs 4 lakh in case of physical disability. In case of a citizen's demise due to Naxal violence, the family member will be given appointment on a class Three/Four post. Rs 1 lakh 50 thousand will be given in case of complete damage to immovable property and maximum Rs 50 thousand will be given in case of partial damage. Simultaneously, with various schemes of the government, the victim's family will also be given the benefit of Ayushman Bharat Yojana and Food Assistance Scheme.

Approval for creation of new sub-division Amla in district Betul

Approval has been given by the cabinet minister for the creation of new sub-division Amla in district Betul. A total of 12 posts have been approved for the operation of the new sub-division, Amla. These include 1 post of Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue), 1 post of Steno Typist, 2 posts of Assistant Grade-2, 3 posts of Assistant Grade-3, 1 post of Driver and 4 posts of Peon.

Approval for creation of 305 new posts for nursing colleges

The Cabinet approved the creation of total 305 new posts of nursing teachers and other cadres for nursing colleges operating in Bhopal, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Rewa and Sagar to meet INC standards and provide excellent training to nursing students. These posts will be filled by the Governing Body constituted for Government Medical Colleges as per the provisions of the Madhya Pradesh Autonomous Medical College Academic Model Rules, 2018. Students of the state will get an opportunity to use paramedical techniques along with excellent education in graduate/post-graduate courses in the field of nursing, so that they can get employment in various hospitals of the country by acquiring excellent paramedical and surgical paramedical technical knowledge in their field.
The Himachal Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday expressed grief and paid tribute to the people who lost their lives due to massive devastation caused by heavy monsoon rains, resulting in heavy loss. The Revenue Department gave a detailed presentation on disaster management and huge losses incurred to public and private properties.



The Cabinet decided to amend Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy, wherein MoU will be for a period of 40 years. The royalty will be as 15 percent for the first 12 years, 20 for the next 18 years and 30 percent for the remaining 10 year period. Thereafter, the project shall revert back to the State Government free of cost and free from all encumbrances and liabilities. However, the royalty payable to the State for an extended period will not be less than 50 percent.



It also decided to withdraw the relaxation given for staggered free power royalty in favour of SJVNL and NHPC for 210 MW Luhri Stage-I, 66 MW Dhaulasidh, 382 MW Sunni Dam and 500 MW Dugar Hydro Electric Projects with immediate effect. The Cabinet decided to rationalize the tariff of water cess to be charged from the Hydel Power Projects.



It gave its approval to enhance the financial assistance from Rs. 65 thousand to Rs. 2 lakh under Himachal Pradesh Widow Remarriage Scheme.



The Cabinet gave its approval to enhance the support price of apple, mango and citrus fruits being procured under the Market Intervention Scheme for the year 2023-24 in the State. Henceforth, the support price of apple and mango will be Rs. 12 per kg instead of Rs. 10.50. Additionally, the support price of Kinnow, Malta and orange has been increased to Rs. 12 per kg from Rs. 9.50, whereas the support price of galgal and lemon has been enhanced to Rs.10 from Rs. 8 per kg.



The cabinet gave its consent to include Sanitary Workers of the State under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme to provide them with health insurance. It decided to select and train 874 candidates as patwari's and 16 chain-men to be deployed in the next five years in the State.



Nod was given to create and fill up 48 posts of different categories for newly set-up three Traffic cum Tourist Police Stations in Bilaspur, Mandi and Kullu districts in order to manage and control traffic and ensure road safety norms on the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane. Furthermore, the Cabinet also decided to fill up 35 posts of Junior Office Assistant (IT) in the Rural Development Department.



The Cabinet gave its nod to Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for enumeration, marking, extraction and disposal of salvage trees from the forest land. This will ensure the availability of timber at the local level, reduction in transportation costs, boost in revenue, better and enhanced efficiency of field staff and conversion in raw forms.



It gave its approval for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for hiring of e-taxi under Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgaar Yojna-2023 by any government department/Local Authorities/Autonomous Body/Board/Corporation/ Government Undertaking or any other establishment. This scheme will open employment avenues to the youth of the State and the State Government would provide a 50 percent subsidy to purchase e-taxi which will go a long way in reducing pollution and a step forward towards becoming a 'Green State'. It will be implemented from 2nd October 2023.
The Congress will conduct a caste census in Madhya Pradesh after winning the assembly polls in the state, said party president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday. He was addressing a public rally in Sagar in MP's Bundelkhand region.

Assembly polls are expected to be held in the BJP-ruled state at the end of the year. The BJP government has not implemented the Bundelkhand package sanctioned on the recommendation of senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, said Kharge.

The Congress president criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of not doing "anything" for violence-hit Manipur.

Referring to the laying of the foundation stone of a Rs 100 crore memorial-cum-temple of Sant Ravidas, a revered figure for Scheduled Castes, by PM Modi earlier this month, Kharge said "they laid the foundation of Saint Ravidas temple in Sagar but demolished his in Delhi.

He alleged that PM Modi remembered Saint Ravidas only during elections. As per the 2011 Census, the population of Dalits in MP was 1.13 crore.

Kharge blasted the Bharatiya Janata Party and its leaders for stealing the popular mandates by bribing and intimidating MLAs after losing the elections. Their only aim is cling to power by any means, he remarked about the BJP.Addressing a mammoth public rally here today, Mr Kharge questioned the claims of clean image and clean politics made by the BJP leaders while referring to Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh where the party (BJP) stole the popular mandate by either bribing or intimidating the MLAs to switch sides.

The Congress president said, the BJP has always been vindictive and intimidating against political opponents. He said, the party uses agencies like the Enforcement Directorate, the CBI, the Vigilance to harass and intimidate its opponents. He said so many Congress leaders were being harassed and jailed. He said, after November these people, while referring to BJP leaders, will run away to Mumbai and Delhi for cover as they will be held accountable for what their misdeeds.

He added, the Congress does not believe in vindictiveness, vendetta or intimidation. We neither intimidate people, nor get intimidated, he asserted. He avowed that in Karnataka people had removed the corrupt BJP Srakara in recently concluded assembly election and now was the turn of the people of Madhya Pradesh to throw a more corrupt BJP government out of power.

Referring to the corruption charges, he said, in Karnataka it was 40 percent corruption while asking people how much was it in Madhya Pradesh. To this there was a unanimous shout from the crowd, 50 percent. He told them now was the time to remove the 50 percent corrupt government in MP. The Congress president reiterated partys five commitments including the waiving off of the farmers debt, 100 units of free power, Rs 1,500 monthly stipend for women, gas cylinder for Rs 500 and old pension scheme for the government employees.

Bundelkhand, in north-east MP, has six Assembly seats reserved for SCs, and the BJP had won five of them in the 2018 state polls, namely Bina, Naryoli, Jatara, Chandala, and Hatta, while the Congress managed to get Gunnor.

Bundelkhand comprises Sagar, Chattarpur, Tikamgarh, Nimari, Damoh, and Panna districts, with 26 Assembly seats, of which 15 were won by the BJP in the last state polls, while the Congress got nine, and one each was won by Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated his commitment to ensuring socio-economic advancemen of the weaker sections. No poor will remain landless. The Mukhyamantri Bhu-Adhikar Yojana is under implementation in the interest of the poor. Land titles were given to 27,000 people in Shivpuri.

Residential plots will be made available to anyone. Soon a college will be established at Bairad in Pohri. He was addressing tendupatta collectors in Pohri district Shivpuri today.

Chouhan said that the tribal people are being empowered by improving access to water, forests and land. The tendu patta collectors are being given shoes, slippers, sarees, water bottles, umbrellas and other essential items under CM Charanpaduka Yojana.

Chouhan welcomed the beneficiaries by showering flowers. The Chief Minister dedicated and performed bhoomi-pujan for various development works worth Rs 77 crore. The Chief Minister offerred charanpadukas to Kanti Bai and Smt. Mamta and handed over sarees and water bottles to them.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, State Forest Minister Vijay Shah, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Mahendra Singh Sisodia, Minister of State for Public Works Suresh Dhakad other public representatives were present.

Chouhan said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, a campaign for the welfare of the poor is in progress. Soon Prime Minister Modi will hand over keys of houses to the beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Every needy family will have housing facilities. The families who could not get housing unit under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, will be helped construct houses under the Mukhyamantri Jan Awas Yojana. No family will be deprived of housing facility.

The Chief Minister said that it is our resolve to transform the lives of poor families. Arrangements for education, treatment, assistance in marriage have been made. Under Mukhyamantri Seekho-Kamao Yojana the youth can enhance their skills while getting a stipend of Rs 8,000 per month. Students should study well, cycles and scooties are provided to the students to encourage and support them.

In order to empower women, Rs. one thousand per month is being given to the Ladli Bahna Yojana, which will be gradually hiked to Rs three thousand. Under the Teerth Darshan Yojana, arrangements have been made to take elderly persons of the family on pilgrimage by air. The previous government had stopped the public welfare schemes.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that continuous activities have been conducted for the development of the area by arranging roads, canals, education etc. in Pohri area. Roads were constructed in this area at a cost of Rs 124 crore.

Forest Minister Vijay Shah and Minister Suresh Dhakad also addressed on the occasion.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia performed bhoomi-pujan of 6 projects costing Rs 59 crore 47 lakh. In these projects, under Water Resources Department, at a cost of Rs 3 crore 38 lakh, Katengara stop cum causeway, Rs 2 crore 43 lakh Phulipura stop dam, Rs 3 crore 94 lakh Berja stop dam cum causeway and Rs 4 crore 71 lakh Bilwara. Stop dam cum causeway, upgradation work of 2.70 kilometer road from Devpura road to Shankarpur road at a cost of Rs. 2 crore 53 lakh under Public Works Department and Rs. 50 tap-water schemes are included.

During the program organized in Pohri, 7 development works worth Rs 17 crore 5 lakh 32 thousand were inaugurated, in which Rs. 3 crore 31 lakh Akursi stop dam cum causeway under Water Resources Department.
Women employees of NHM are protesting in front of Ravindra Bhawan in Bhopal for outsourcing the support staff and said they all of sisters are standing with moist eyes carrying rakhi for the CM and will not go without tying rakhi.

We will leave our children and come to Bhopal every week. But, we are not being heard. Every time the state government forwards the police force to mitigate.

Support staff employees are demanding that they should be given contractual appointment as before. Data entry operators and support staff recruited through outsource in the health department should be taken in NHM. By removing the support staff employees from NHM, the support staff in the outsourced agency should be regularized on the vacant posts in the department.

Women employees could not meet CM Shivraj. While going to CM House, the police blocked his way. Congress MLA Kunal Chowdhary reached the spot. He tied Rakhi.

At the same time, while besieging the government and the BJP, he said that this government, the Chief Minister and the Bharatiya Janata Party only talk about dear sisters. These sisters have come to tie Rakhi to the Chief Minister. When she came forward for her demands, the administration is doing this by sending the police forward, how to torture her with the help of sticks, how to stop her.

Assuring the contract employees, Kunal Chowdhary said that on behalf of the Congress party, I assure that the day the Congress government will be formed. These will be kept somewhere under the facility. Will be done to regularize them. These sisters will be brought to justice. We will take strong action against the atrocities that this government is doing on these sisters.

Rogi Kalyan Samiti and outsourced support staff employees should be regularized on vacant posts in the department by removing them from the National Health Mission contract. Or it should be merged again in the National Health Mission and all benefits should be given like other employees.

Expelled employees should be taken back 100 percent in service again. Data entry operators and support staff recruited by outsource in the department should be merged in NHM. Outsource practice in the health department should be ended immediately.
In a bid to resolve a series of unsolved cold cases, authorities are searching a Kansas property that once belonged to a Dennis Rader, the self-dubbed BTK Killer who admitted to murdering 10 people between the 1970s and 1990s.

The efforts in Park City began this week, nearly a decade after Raders arrest in 2005. He is currently serving out 10 life sentences at El Dorado Correctional Facility, but authorities believe Rader may have killed more people before he was finally caught.

Our investigation has led to additional unsolved murders and missing persons that are possibly connected to BTK, Osage County Undersheriff Gary Upston told NBC News Wednesday.

Upston noted the new search efforts were sparked by a possible connection with the disappearance of Cynthia Kinney, a 16-year-old high school cheerleader who was reported missing from Oklahoma in 1976. She was last seen leaving a laundromat.

The El Dorado Correctional Facility in El Dorado, Kansas.

For years, Rader  a dedicated churchgoer and married father of two  evaded law enforcement. It inspired him to mail out cryptic letters to the media and investigators, a practice that eventually culminated in his capture. Police were able to trace a floppy disk he mailed to a local TV station to a computer at his church. From there, investigators determined Raders DNA matched that of the killer.

In one of his many notes, Rader said that he should be called BTK, which is short for bind, torture, kill. He pleaded guilty in June 2005 to 10 murders that occured in Wichita and Park City from 1974 to 1991.

A family walks in the street in front of the house that Dennis Rader lives in February 26, 2005 in Park City, Kansas.

During his trial, Rader described a double life, explaining to the court that he was a church congregation president and Boy Scout leader who also had violent rape fantasies and hit kits, his term for bags packed with items like rubber gloves, rope, tape, and handcuffs. He also said he would choose his victims and then stalk them before killing them.

In more than one instance, the killer claimed he took Polaroid photos of the people he murdered.

Rader lived at the site, which is now an empty field, with his family for nearly two years. Two of the murders he admitted to happened in the area, the Wichita Eagle reported. The house was torn down in 2007, shortly after his arrest.
A day after Delhi Vigilance Minister Atishi directed Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to take action against Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) officials allegedly asking for bribes and submit a report within a week, Kumar who is also the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO), formed a committee of senior officials from various departments to inspect the offices of the SDM, Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Tahsildar and the Engineering Department. The committee will recommend how to improve the functioning of these offices keeping in mind the procedural changes required for the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) and simplification of processes and applicable laws.

The committee members are AK Singh, Principal Secretary, Environment & Forests Department, Dilraj Kaur, Secretary-cum-Commissioner, Food and Civil Supplies Department, Ashok Kumar, Secretary, Education Department and Buniyad Singh, Assistant Director, Vigilance Department. The committee will inspect the process followed by these offices and submit its report in the next 20 days.

The committee will study the processes followed in the above-mentioned offices, and make recommendations for identification and implementation of systematic improvement measures like procedural changes required in these departments for EODB and simplification of processes and applicable laws, leveraging of information technology to make the processes faceless in a time-bound manner, including introduction of blockchain technology in such processes, effective implementation of e-Courts, effective monitoring processes, including mechanism for inspections of such offices along with frequency and level of such inspections, capacity building programs and any other suggestion the Committee would like to make to improve the transparency and efficiency in these offices, the order said.

It further added that the committee may co-opt any other officer of the GNCTD for this purpose and secretariat assistance to the committee will be provided by the Vigilance Department. The committee will submit its recommendations to the CS-cum-CVO by September 11.

On Monday, Vigilance Minister Atishi in a communication to Kumar, asked that a team be formed comprising senior IAS and DANICS officers to inspect the SDM offices.

This team should visit all SDM offices within the next week and conduct an on-site inspection to uncover any instances of corrupt practices, she said. Atishi added that people complained during public hearings that some officials were demanding bribes to expedite their work related to various certificates issued by the Revenue Department.
Piplani police have arrested the absconding murder accused from Patel Nagar who killed a man near Gayatri hospital on August 20, stick used in the murder was recovered from the accused.

Manju Ahirwar lodged a complaint on August 20 with Piplani police that Gokul Thakur hit her husband on the culvert near Gayatri Hospital on the head and leg with a stick, which resulted in fracture of his leg and head injury and in injured state he was taken to JP hospital for treatment, from where the doctor referred him to Hamidia hospital, after which he died during treatment. On the basis of the report, an offense under section 294, 325, 506, 302 of the IPC was registered against the unknown accused and taken into consideration.

The CCTV footage was immediately searched by the police team at many places and many people were questioned and information was received that the accused Gokul Thakur is trying to escape from home and taking prompt action the accused was nabbed.

Meanwhile Kolar police have nabbed a burglar and recovered a mobile phone worth Rs 20000, police have started further investigation.

Vishal Rai alias Chotu reported that he had gone to JK Hospital for treatment of his frind Vikas and stayed in JK Hospital at night that on Monday and was carrying Samsung A25 black color and Rs 1000 were kept in the cover and which was found stolen in the morning.

The CCTV footage revealed that Deepak alias Nonitram Ahirwar had stolen the valuables. He was nabbed and valuables were recovered.
Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company (MP TRANSCO) has installed Additional 160 MVA new power transformer at 220 KV substation Ganjbasoda of Vidisha district. . Energy Minister of Madhya Pradesh Pradyuman Singh Tomar told that in order to make transmission capacity of MP Transco stronger and more reliable.

The power transformer of 160 MVA capacity is energized. With the installation of this transformer, Capacity of 220 K.V Ganjbasoda substation increased to 320 MVA.

Energy Minister of Madhya Pradesh Pradyuman Singh Tomar said that success has been achieved in energizing this transformer installed at an estimated cost of about Rs 14.84 crore from Bhopal SCADA Control Center through remote technology. This technique has been used for the first time in Vidisha district, in this technique the equipment of substations is controlled and operated by the coordination of human and computer machines.

Tomar said that this capacity increase has strengthened the transmission capacity of Vidisha district, due to which 132 KV Shahrwasa, Bareth, Gyarspur substations will be benefitted, apart from this, quality power supply will be available to the consumers of areas like Sironj, Kelava, Kanjana, Masodpur, Somwara, Basoda, Gulabganj, Vyonda, Pathari, Banwa Jagir, Udaipur etc. Energy Minister Mr. Pradyuman Singh Tomar congratulated employees of M.P. Transco for this success.

MP TRANSCO Total installed capacity has been become 78165 MVA

MP Transco's Superintending Engineer Mohammad Yakub Mansoori said that the total installed transformation capacity of MP TRANSCO has now increased to 78165 M.V.A, in which 11095 MVA in 400 K.V. side, 32585 MVA in 220 KV side and 34485 M.V.A. in 132 KV side exists. MP. TRANSCO transmits power through its 414 EHV substations in Madhya Pradesh. In which 14 no of 400 K.V., 88 of 220 KV and 312 substation in 132 KV side are included. MP. Transco supplies electricity in the state through its total 1006 EHV power transformers.
Pakistani national Seema Haider on Tuesday said she has sent rakhis to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and others ahead of Raksha Bandhan.

Haider, who entered India illegally via Nepal earlier this year, said she has also sent rakhis to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

I have posted these (rakhis) in advance so that they reach my brothers, on whose shoulders this countrys responsibility lies, well in time. I am very happy. Jai Shri Ram. Jai Hind. Hindustan Zindabad, Haider said in a purported video that surfaced on social media on Tuesday.

In another clip, the 30-year-old woman from Sindh province of Pakistan is purportedly seen along with her children packing rakhis, with the song Bhaiya Mere Rakhi Ke Bandhan ko Nibhaana playing in the background. Haider had illegally entered India through Nepal to live with her lover Sachin Meena who stays in Greater Noida. She had come along with her four children  all below the age of 7 years  in May and lived in Rabupura area in a rented accommodation secretly.

Haider and Meena, who claimed to have got in touch over online game PUBG in 2019-20, were arrested on July 4 this year, but a local court granted them bail on July 7.

The duo has been living together in Greater Noida ever since, even as the local police and the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad continue separate investigations into the case.
A court in Indore sentenced an activist of the banned outfit Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) to three years of rigorous imprisonment in a 2008 case for possession of inflammatory pamphlets.

First class judicial magistrate Rekha Tiwari on Monday convicted and sentenced Mohammad Naved Irfan for charges under section 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The judge also imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 on him.

As per a release issued by the district public prosecution office, Irfan was arrested on April 7, 2008 in Khajrana police station area of the city and inciting pamphlets were recovered from his possession.
Seven policemen were suspended in Bareilly, including six of them for allegedly conniving with a criminal, a senior police official said on Tuesday.

The cops were suspended by Bareilly Senior Superintendent of Police Ghule Sushil Chandrabhan, Superintendent of Police (SP), Rural, Rajkumar Aggarwal said. Station House Officer (SHO) of Fatehganj Paschimi Manoj Kumar Singh was suspended after it was found that he was allegedly in contact with a man (Mohammad Shanu alias Sonu Kalia) named in two drug cases and stalling his arrest, the official said. He added that Shanu is still at large.

Singh was communicating with Shanu on WhatsApp, the SP said, adding that the policeman also faces charges of gross negligence, laxity, indiscipline, arbitrariness and misbehaviour in this matter. He was suspended with immediate effect by the SSP, Aggarwal said.

Head constable Babar, posted at the Shergarh police station; constables Dildar and Munawwar Alam, posted at the CB Ganj police station; constable Harsh Chowdhary, posted at the Hafizganj police station; Uttar Pradesh Special Operations Group head constable Anil Kumar Premi, who were in touch with Shanu, have also been suspended, the official said. The action was taken after a nexus between police personnel and criminals came to light, the SP said.

Shanu was named in cases registered under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act at Mirganj and Fatehganj police stations in 2021 and 2022, respectively, the police said, adding that he has also been charged under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

In a different matter, the SP said the computer operator of Faridpur police station, Harish, was suspended after a purported video surfaced online showing him accepting money from a person.
The Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a woman Monika Kapoor from Delhi, who was wanted in five districts and had 15 cases registered in seven districts of the State in connection with financial fraud. She was the mastermind of the gang that duped thousands of people of crores of rupees in the past eight years, said the senior superintendent of police Ayush Agrawal. He said that Kapoor was the director of a company named Janshakti Multi State Multi Purpose Co-operative Society Limited whose headquarter was in Delhi. She formed the company along with her colleagues and set up many offices in different subdivisions of different districts of the State in 2015. The company employed educated and unemployed youths of respective areas to ensure maximum locals invest in their company. Several people deposited money in the company in the name of opening saving accounts, RDs and FDs. The company also paid people interest in the initial years but after they accumulated huge amounts and the period of most of the RDs and FDs was going to end, they fled with the money in 2021, said Agrawal. The company possibly duped people of various districts of about Rs 40 to 50 crore since 2015 including about Rs 16 crore from Uttarkashi, Rs 13 crore from Dehradun, Rs six crore in Chamoli and Rs 1.25 crore in Tehri. The police had earlier arrested three accused in this case.
Aimed at developing a sense of community among newly enrolled International students and also at providing them a glimpse into the varied and fascinating academic career awaiting them, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad organized a welcome meet on August 21 at International Hostel of the Institute here today .

The 18 newly admitted students who began their academic journey at IIT (ISM) belonged to Srilanka, Nepal, Thailand, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Kenya, Congo, Tanzania, Syria and Sierra Leone.

Speaking during the occasion, Prof JK Pattanayak, Director, IIT (ISM), who was present during the function talked about modern trends in the education system. He also spoke extensively on the institute's journey, its future aspirations, and the role played by the students and the faculty members in shaping its legacy.

Prof. Dheeraj Kumar deputy director talked about the institute's dedicated efforts towards the holistic growth of students and also emphasized on how the institute serves as a home away from home for the students rather than being merely as a college.

He also proposed to Prof MK Singh, Dean of Student Welfare to initiate events that would celebrate the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

Prof. R.M Bhattacharjee, Dean of IRAA, while extending the welcome to the students, highlighted the significance of cultural exchange in modern education. He shared insights into how IIT-ISMDhanbad nurtures an environment where students from around the world converge to learn, Innovate and evolve.

Prof Rajni Singh, Dean (Media & Branding) said that the International Students would act as Brand Ambassadors of IIT (ISM) at International Fora after leaving the institute.

Prof MK Singh, Dean of Student Welfare, shared his perspective on the vibrant campus life that IIT ISM Dhanbad offers. He also spoke about the various activities, students clubs and cultural experiences that enrich student life inside the campus while also giving the details of facilities like mess facilities available at campus.

Prof. Chiranjeev Kumar, Dean (Academic) spoke about the need to go beyond academics to keep up with the demand of todays highly evolving world.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks extended by Associate Dean of International Relations, Prof Gauri Shankar to all the dignitaries, SAIRC members and staff members. This was followed by the distribution of traditional bandis to the international students.

Prof. Rajeev Upadhyay, Associate Dean(Alumni Affairs); Saurabh Datta Gupta, Associate Dean(Hostels); Prof. Prashant Sharma (Chief Hostel Warden); Prof. Swapnil M also addressed the newly admitted foreign students.
Delhi Lieutenant-Governor (LG) VK Saxena has referred the Vigilance Departments request to Delhi Assembly Speaker, seeking prosecution sanction against Akhilesh Pati Tripathi, Model Town MLA from the AAP in a bribery case, a Raj Niwas official said. Tripathi is accused of demanding Rs 90 lakh bribe for securing an AAP ticket to a woman aspirant in the 2022 MCD elections. A complaint in this regard was lodged by the womans husband, following which the ACB registered a case. The incident came to light after Gopal Khari, who claimed to be an active AAP worker since 2014 approached the ACB with the complaint.

No immediate reaction was available from the AAP or Tripathi on the development while Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor has written to the Delhi Assembly Speaker, urging him to act as per constitutional propriety and allow prosecution of the MLA.

Three people, including the MLAs brother-in-law Om Singh, Shiv Shankar Pandey alias Vishal Pandey (Personal Assistant of Tripathi) and Prince Raghuvanshi were arrested on November 16, last year in the matter. In November 2022, Delhis Rouse Avenue Court had granted bail to Shiv Shankar Pandey, who is Tripathis personal assistant.

Pandey was arrested from the complainants residence where he had allegedly gone to return the bribe money after the woman did not get the AAP ticket from the Kamla Nagar ward, officials of the Anti-Corruption Branch said.

The Vigilance Directorate has found that the evidence  both human and technical  strongly indicated serious complicity of the MLA and other persons in the case, they added.

Officials said the ACB has made a strong case against Tripathi in which there was a red-handed seizure of money and confirmatory statements by the other accused. The CCTV footage at the house of Wazirpur AAP MLA Rajesh Gupta at about 1.30 AM on November 12, 2022 shows the complainant leaving. The CCTV footage also indicates the arrival of Tripathi at Guptas residence and his presence there for a while, he said. All the accused confessed during the investigation that Tripathi gave Rs 33 lakh in cash to return to the husband of the aspirant.

Saxena, while referring the matter to Goel, noted that the Speaker is the competent authority to grant prosecution sanction in the case as the accused is a sitting MLA.

The Supreme Court verdict in the PV Narasimha Rao versus CBI (1998) case also held that the Speakers sanction is needed for prosecution of MPs and MLAs for offences made under the Prevention of Corruption Act as they are public servants for the purpose of the law, the officials added.
(): A North Korean commercial flight has taken off from Beijing in a sign that Pyongyang is opening its borders again after almost three years of severe COVID-19 restrictions.

The Russian-made Air Koryo Tupelev Tu-204 jet with capacity for 210 passengers reportedly landed in the Chinese capital Tuesday morning and was filmed taking off shortly after 1:30 p.m. local time (0530 GMT).

China has approved the regular flight plan of North Korean Air Koryo Pyongyang-Beijing-Pyongyang and other passenger routes in accordance with the procedures, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said.

The specific flight is subject to the arrangement of the airline in accordance with the approval of the Chinese competent authority, Wang said.

China is North Koreas closest diplomatic ally and a key source of food and fuel aid for an economy beset by natural disasters and mismanagement.

Little is known about conditions inside the country due to the ruling Workers Partys complete control over information and its exclusion of most foreign diplomats, United Nations organisations and overseas media.

The flight follows a meeting between US President Joe Biden and the leaders of Japan and South Korea, who agreed Friday to expand security and economic ties at a historic summit at Camp David just outside Washington.

Biden maintained, as have US, South Korean and Japanese officials, that the summit was not about China but was focused on broader security issues.

Yet, the leaders in their joint summit concluding statement noted Chinas dangerous and aggressive action in the South China Sea and said they strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the waters of the Indo-Pacific.

Biden said the nations would establish a communications hotline to discuss responses to threats. He announced the agreements, including what the leaders termed the Camp David Principles, at the close of his talks with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Yoon noted in particular the threat posed by North Korea, saying the three leaders had agreed to improve our joint response capabilities to North Koreas nuclear and missile threats, which have become sophisticated more than ever.

Isolated diplomatically and highly food insecure, North Korea has persevered in its campaign of missile and nuclear threats that seek to glorify the regime of Kim Jong Un, the third generation of the family-run totalitarian state.
Authorities in Maryland are urging residents to remain vigilant amid the ongoing manhunt for Rachel Morins killer, described by police as someone with an absolute disregard for human life who will likely strike again if he is not caught.

A search for the man who murdered Morin began on Aug. 5, after the mother of five vanished during a hike in Bel Air. Her naked and badly beaten body was later discovered in a tunnel along the scenic Ma & Pa Heritage Trail, less than 24 hours after her boyfriend reported her missing.

Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler warned the suspect could become more brazen the longer he is on the loose. He added that its very likely someone knows him and called on anyone with information to come forward.

This individual poses a threat to every community from here to Los Angeles because we dont know where hes laying his head at night, he told Fox 5 news.

A memorial for Rachel Morin is displayed on a tree on the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail in Bel Air.

Gahler said his concern for the community was further stoked when DNA recovered near Morins remains matched that of a person wanted in Los Angeles in connection with a March burglary. Police recently released surveillance video showing a shirtless man, believed to be the suspect, leaving the home hed just targeted.

I just dont believe you do two things that are so serious in nature and thats your starting point, Gahler told the news station. Most likely youve been involved in other crimes.

While the DNA from both crime scenes match, neither the Los Angeles Police Department nor officers in Hartford have identified the man connected with the violent crimes. Gahler said it remains their top priority.

Metro Crime stoppers is offering up to $2,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of Morins killer. Hes described as being approximately 5-feet-9, 160 pounds, 20-30 years of age, with dark hair and a muscular build. Hes believed to be of Hispanic decent.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will be notably absent when Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders from the BRICS group of emerging economies start a three-day summit in South Africa on Tuesday.

The bloc, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is holding its first in-person meeting since before the COVID-19 pandemic, but Putin will participate via video call after his travel to South Africa was complicated by an International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued for him in March over the abduction of children from Ukraine.

Xi, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend in person as the bloc  home to 40% of the worlds population and responsible for more than 30% of global economic output  mulls a possible expansion.

That will top the agenda at Wednesdays main summit meeting in Johannesburgs financial district of Sandton. More than 20 nations have applied to join the bloc, according to South African officials, including Saudi Arabia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan will be at the summit, as will Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

The five BRICS countries will have to agree on the criteria for new members before any countries are admitted, but a bigger BRICS is seen as a policy favoured by China and Russia as a kind of coalition amid their deteriorating relations with the West. The BRICS group was formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India and China. South Africa was added in 2010.

Overall, around 1,200 delegates from the five BRICS nations and dozens of other developing countries are expected in Johannesburg, including more than 40 heads of state, according to Ramaphosa. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also is expected to attend.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stressed that Putin will fully participate despite appearing virtually and will make a speech. Russia will also be represented in person by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

At the summit, there will be calls for more economic cooperation and collaboration in areas such as health, education and climate change  but under a growing sentiment in the developing world that it is not being served by what it sees as Western-led institutions such as the UN, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Ramaphosa met with Xi in the capital, Pretoria, on Tuesday ahead of the summit. The South African leader said he was seeking Chinese support for South Africa and Africas call for the reform of global governance institutions, notably the United Nations Security Council. Africa and South America have no permanent representatives on the Security Council despite being home to nearly 2 billion people.

Xi, who has gradually resumed foreign travel after the lifting of his countrys strict COVID-19 restrictions, joined Ramaphosa to watch a ceremonial parade by soldiers at the Union Buildings, the official seat of the South African government. He then planned to travel 60 km (37 miles) through South Africas most important economic province of Gauteng to the summit in Johannesburg.

Xi made brief comments, saying China was ready for more cooperation with Africas most advanced economy to take our comprehensive strategic partnerships to new heights.

BRICS officials have pushed back at characterizations that the bloc is taking an anti-West turn under the influence of China and Russia, saying it is rather looking out for the interests of the Global South.

But the BRICS stance is at odds with the United States and its Western allies on a number of issues, not least over Russias invasion of Ukraine. The European Union called on Xi, Lula, Modi and Ramaphosa to use this weeks gathering to condemn Russia and Putin for the war in Ukraine, but thats unlikely to happen. If anything, BRICS has been a forum for Russia to express its anti-Western rhetoric, with Lavrov using a BRICS foreign ministers meeting in June to lambast the West for its hegemony and using financial blackmail to serve its selfish interests.

A small protest against Russias invasion of Ukraine was held Tuesday at a public park more than 3 km (1.8 miles) from the summit venue.

The US and EU will be closely monitoring events in Johannesburg, with the long list of countries lining up to join BRICS suggesting that the blocs calls for a reorganisation of the global governance structure might be hitting home with many.

Ahead of the meetings, the US stressed its close ties with India, Brazil and South Africa.

Not officially on the agenda but an issue for closed-door negotiations will be food security, with the developing world especially eager to use its BRICS ties with Russia to seek more grain shipments out of both Russia and Ukraine. Ramaphosa led a mission of African leaders to Russia and Ukraine in June, meeting Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to press for more grain exports to Africa, with little result.

Theres added urgency after Russia halted a deal allowing Ukraine to export through the Black Sea last month, exacerbating hunger and pushing food prices higher. Putin later announced free Russian grain shipments to six African nations and might offer more shipments this week, some analysts say, as a means of gaining favour among the dozens of developing nations represented at the BRICS summit.

The summit officially began with a business forum on Tuesday morning, and Xi, Lula, Modi and Ramaphosa were expected to arrive at the Sandton Convention Centre for the first meeting of the leaders in the afternoon. They will hold a retreat Tuesday evening at the luxury Summer Place estate in Johannesburgs plush Hyde Park suburb.
(): US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo will meet with Chinese officials and American business leaders next week amid efforts to stabilise relations that have sunk to historic lows. Raimondos Aug 27-30 visit to Beijing and Shanghai aims for constructive discussions on issues relating to the US-China commercial relationship, challenges faced by US businesses, and areas for potential cooperation, the Commerce Department said in a news release posted on its website Tuesday. Chinas Ministry of Commerce said the visit came at the invitation of Minister Wang Wentao but gave no other details. Raimondos visit follows the imposition of foreign investment controls by her agency that have

stung numerous Chinese companies.

Raimondo last met with Wang in Washington in May to discuss trade issues. Trade tensions have only ramped up since then.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Aug 9 to impose blocks and regulations on US high-tech investment in China, reflecting the intensifying competition between the worlds two largest economies.

The order covers advanced computer chips, micro electronics, quantum information technologies and artificial intelligence.

Senior administration officials said the effort is narrow in scope and related more to national security than economic interests. It seeks to blunt Chinas ability to use US investments to upgrade its military capabilities, while also preserving broader levels of trade that are vital for both nations economies.

China says it is assessing Bidens order and will take the necessary response measures based on the results of the assessment.

The United States and China are increasingly locked in a geopolitical competition, at odds over Russias invasion of Ukraine, human rights, Chinas territorial claims in the South China Sea and its threat to attack the self-governing island democracy of Taiwan.

However, given the importance of trade with the US, and with its economic growth sliding to 0.8% for the three months ending in June, China appears willing to set aside political differences in order to engage on economic issues.

Biden officials have insisted that they have no interest in economic decoupling from China. Yet, the administration also has limited the export of advanced computer chips and retained the expanded tariffs set up by former President Donald Trump.

China has meanwhile engaged in crackdowns on foreign companies, prompting a loss of confidence and the shifting of investment plans by global companies to other countries.

Calls by Chinese leader Xi Jinping and others for more economic self-reliance have left investors uneasy about their future in the state-dominated economy.
Ukraines President Volodomyr Zelenskyy met Tuesday with leaders of Balkan nations and the head of the European Commission on the sidelines of a meeting between European and Balkan leaders in the Greek capital. The leaders included Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, whose country has refused to join the international sanctions imposed on its traditional ally Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

An open, honest, and fruitful meeting with the President of Serbia, Zelenskyy posted on the X social media platform formerly known as Twitter. Good conversation on respect for the UN Charter and the inviolability of borders. On our nations shared future in the common European home. On developing our relations, that is in our mutual interest.It was the first time Zelenskyy, who arrived in Athens on Monday afternoon, met with Vucic since the start of Russias invasion of Ukraine last year.

Speaking to reporters, Vucic described the meeting as good and open.I repeated that Serbia respects the territorial integrity of Ukraine, unlike some who respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine, but not Serbia, Vucic said, referring to Serbias former province of Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008 and is recognised by most European Union states, but not by Russia and China.

Ukraine also does not recognise Kosovos independence, but there were signs recently that it might because of Belgrades pro-Moscow narrative over the war.Vucic said after the meeting with Zelenskyy that he was almost certain Ukraine will not recognize Kosovo.

The Serbian president, whose country seeks EU membership, said he managed to ensure that a formal declaration issued after Mondays meeting in Athens of the Balkan leaders does not include a text on sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.There are things for which we are not ready at this moment, Vucic said. As much as we could, we protected our interests.

Zelenskyy also met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, whom he said he thanked for her efforts to normalise Ukraines agricultural exports and transit.Von der Leyen said the two discussed Ukraines progress on the EU path as well as our continued support in the face of Russias aggression.Well continue working together to bring Ukraines grain to world markets and to provide economic assistance, she tweeted.

Ukraines economy relies heavily on farming, and its grain is crucial for world supplies of wheat, barley and sunflower oil.

Last month, Russia broke off a key wartime shipping agreement that allowed safe passage of grain exports through the Black Sea.

The suspension marked the end of an accord the United Nations and Turkey brokered last year to allow shipments of food from the Black Sea region after Russias invasion of its neighbour worsened a global food crisis. The initiative was credited with helping reduce soaring prices of wheat, vegetable oil and other global food commodities.

While in Athens, Zelenskyy also met with Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov, the president of North Macedonia Dimitar Kovachevski and the prime minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenkovic.
S&P 500 4,117.37 DOW 32,417.59 QQQ 345.31 G-7 nations back strong supply chains for energy and food despite global tensions New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) King Charles III seeks to look ahead in a visit to Kenya. But he'll have history to contend with Trade tops the agenda as Germany's Scholz meets Nigerian leader on West Africa trip New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) Hurricane Otis death toll rises to 48, missing now number 36 as search and recovery work continues Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) UAW escalates strike against lone holdout GM after landing tentative pacts with Stellantis and Ford

S&P 500 4,117.37 DOW 32,417.59 QQQ 345.31 G-7 nations back strong supply chains for energy and food despite global tensions New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) King Charles III seeks to look ahead in a visit to Kenya. But he'll have history to contend with Trade tops the agenda as Germany's Scholz meets Nigerian leader on West Africa trip New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) Hurricane Otis death toll rises to 48, missing now number 36 as search and recovery work continues Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) UAW escalates strike against lone holdout GM after landing tentative pacts with Stellantis and Ford

S&P 500 4,117.37 DOW 32,417.59 QQQ 345.31 G-7 nations back strong supply chains for energy and food despite global tensions New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) King Charles III seeks to look ahead in a visit to Kenya. But he'll have history to contend with Trade tops the agenda as Germany's Scholz meets Nigerian leader on West Africa trip New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) Hurricane Otis death toll rises to 48, missing now number 36 as search and recovery work continues Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) UAW escalates strike against lone holdout GM after landing tentative pacts with Stellantis and Ford
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Ltd., Occidental Oil Shale Inc., Occidental Oil and Gas Corporation, Occidental Oil and Gas International Inc., Occidental Oil and Gas International LLC, Occidental Oil and Gas Oman Ltd., Occidental Oil and Gas Pakistan LLC, Occidental Oil and Gas of Peru LLC, Occidental Oman Block 27 Holdings Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 51 Holding Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 51 LLC, Occidental Oman Block 65 Holding Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 65 LLC, Occidental Oman Block 72 Holding Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 72 LLC, Occidental Oman Gas Company LLC, Occidental Oman Gas Holdings Ltd., Occidental Oman North Holdings Ltd., Occidental Oriente Exploration and Production Ltd., Occidental Overseas Holdings B.V., Occidental PVC LLC, Occidental Peninsula II Inc., Occidental Peninsula LLC, Occidental Permian Ltd., Occidental Permian Manager LLC, Occidental Permian Services Inc., Occidental Peruana Inc., Occidental Petrolera del Peru Block 101 Inc., Occidental Petrolera del Peru Block 103 Inc., Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Occidental Petroleum Corporation Political Action Committee, Occidental Petroleum Pakistan Inc., Occidental Petroleum de Venezuela S.A., Occidental Petroleum of Nigeria, Occidental Petroleum of Oman Ltd., Occidental Petroleum of Qatar Ltd., Occidental Power Marketing L.P., Occidental Power Services Inc., Occidental Qatar Energy Company LLC, Occidental Red Sea Development LLC, Occidental Research Corporation, Occidental Resource Recovery Systems Inc., Occidental Resources Company, Occidental Shah Gas Holdings Ltd., Occidental South America Finance LLC, Occidental Specialty Marketing Inc., Occidental Tower Corporation, Occidental Transportation Holding Corporation, Occidental West Texas Overthrust Inc., Occidental Yemen Ltd., Occidental Yemen Sabatain Inc., Occidental of Abu Dhabi Bab Ltd., Occidental of Abu Dhabi Holdings Ltd., Occidental of Abu Dhabi LLC, Occidental of Abu Dhabi Ltd., Occidental of Abu Dhabi Shah Ltd., Occidental of Algeria LLC, Occidental of Bahrain Ltd., Occidental of Bangladesh Inc., Occidental of Colombia Chipiron Inc., Occidental of Colombia Cosecha Inc., Occidental of Colombia Medina Inc., Occidental of Colombia PUT-36 LLC, Occidental of Colombia Putumayo Ltd., Occidental of Colombia Teca Ltd., Occidental of Dubai Inc., Occidental of Iraq Holdings Ltd., Occidental of Iraq LLC, Occidental of Oman Inc., Occidental of Russia Ltd., Occidental of South Africa Offshore Inc., Occidental of Yemen Block 75 LLC, Oceanic Marine Transport Ltd., Opcal Insurance Inc., Oryx Crude Trading & Transportation Inc., Oxy Barilla Draw Gathering LLC, Oxy BridgeTex Limited Partnership, Oxy C & I Bulk Sales LLC, Oxy Canada Sales Inc., Oxy Carbon Solutions LLC, Oxy Carbon Storage LLC, Oxy Climate Ventures Inc., Oxy Cogeneration Holding Company LLC, Oxy Colombia Holdings LLC, Oxy Colombia TopCo Ltd., Oxy Delaware Basin LLC, Oxy Delaware Basin Plant LLC, Oxy Dolphin E&P LLC, Oxy Dolphin Pipeline LLC, Oxy Energy Canada Inc., Oxy Energy Services LLC, Oxy Expatriate Services Inc., Oxy FFT Holdings Inc., Oxy Holding Company Pipeline Inc., Oxy International Ventures Ltd., Oxy LPG Terminal LLC, Oxy Levelland Pipeline Company LLC, Oxy Levelland Terminal Company LLC, Oxy Low Carbon Ventures LLC, Oxy Midstream Strategic Development LLC, Oxy Oleoducto SOP LLC, Oxy Overseas Services Ltd., Oxy Permian Gathering LLC, Oxy Permian Plaza LLC, Oxy Petroleum de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Oxy Renewable Energy LLC, Oxy Salt Creek Pipeline LLC, Oxy TL LLC, Oxy Taft Hub LLC, Oxy Technology Ventures Inc., Oxy Transport I Company LLC, Oxy Vinyls Canada Co., Oxy Vinyls Export Sales LLC, Oxy Vinyls LP, Oxy Westwood Corporation, Oxy Y-1 Company, OxyChem Corporation, OxyChem Ingleside Ethylene Holdings Inc., OxyChem do Brasil Ltda., OxyChile Investments LLC, Oxychem Shipping Ltd., Permian Basin JV Tax Matters Member LLC, Permian Basin Limited Partnership, Permian VPP Holder LP, Permian VPP Manager LLC, Phibro, Placid Oil LLC, Ramlat Oxy Ltd., Rio de Viento Inc., Rodeo Midland Basin LLC, San Patricio Pipeline LLC, Scanports Shipping LLC, SequestCo LLC, Stetson Exploration LLC, Sun Offshore Gathering Company, Swiflite Aircraft Corporation, Transok Properties LLC, Troy Potter Inc., Turavent Oil GmbH, Tuscaloosa Holdings Inc., UP Petroleo III Ltd., Upland Industries Corporation, Venezuela US SRL, Vintage Gas Inc., Vintage Petroleum, Vintage Petroleum Argentina Ltd., Vintage Petroleum Boliviana Ltd., Vintage Petroleum International Finance B.V., Vintage Petroleum International Holdings LLC, Vintage Petroleum International LLC, Vintage Petroleum International Ventures Inc., Vintage Petroleum Italy Inc., Vintage Petroleum South America Holdings Inc., Vintage Petroleum South America LLC, Vintage Petroleum Turkey Inc., WGR Asset Holding Company LLC, WGR Canada Inc., Wardner Ranch Inc., Western Gas Resources Inc., Western Gas Resources-Westana Inc., Western Midstream Holdings LLC, Woodlands International Insurance Ltd., and YT Ranch LLC.

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Realty Income, Inc is a US-based investment company focused on the commercial retail market. The company is structured as a REIT and pays 90% of its income in the form of dividend payments. The company hails itself as The Monthly Dividend Company, a name it has trademarked. It is a member of the S&P 500 and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrat index having increased the payment 117 times since its IPO in 1994. Since its inception and as of December 2022, the company has paid 629 consecutive monthly dividends.

Realty Income, Inc is focused exclusively on free-standing commercial properties in the US, UK and Spain. Unlike some commercial REITs, Realty Income operates on a triple-net lease basis which means its tenants pay for taxes, maintenance and utilities. The company is incorporated in Maryland but has its headquarters in San Diego, California. As of Marcy 2022 the company owned 11,281 properties enclosing more than 213 million square feet of space making it the 7th largest REIT in the US and internationally. At the time, it was worth nearly $40 billion in market cap making it the world's 425th most valuable company.

The companys top 10 tenants are Walgreens Boots Alliance, 7-11, Dollar General/Dollar Tree, FedEx, LA Fitness, Sainsburys, BJs Wholesale Club, CVS and Walmart. This lineup of tenants ensures a steady stream of monthly income that allows the company to pay its monthly distribution. The company's CAGR runs in the range of 15% since the IPO and that is boosted by the dividend and its history of growth as well.

The company was founded in 1969 by William and Evelyn Clark. Their first target was a Taco Bell and since then they (and the company) have expanded into all aspects of commercial real estate. The strategy was to target the real estate needed to operate a commercial business and then lease it back to the business. These deals are attractive to businesses because they provide needed capital while guaranteeing long-term occupation of existing facilities.

Some notable milestones in the companys history are 1994 when it IPOd and then 1997 when Mr. Clark retired and a new era began. In 2013 the company made its first major acquisition with the purchase of Realty Capital Trust and then in 2015 it was added to the S&P 500 index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats index in the same year. In 2019 the company made its first acquisition outside the US with the sale and leaseback of some Sainsburys properties in the UK and in 2021 it purchased Vereit.
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Company is a leading global biopharmaceutical company with a long and impressive history of innovating and developing medicines that improve the lives of patients around the world. Founded in 1887 when William McLaren Bristol and John Ripley Myers purchased the Clinton Pharmaceutical Company, the company was initially named Bristol, Myers and Company. Its first nationally recognized product, Sal Hepatica, was released in the 1890s.

Bristol Myers-Squibb offers chemically synthesized drugs and biologics administered through injections or infusions to patients. The company's pharmaceutical portfolio includes a large number of well-known products. BMS's primary research and development sites are in New Jersey, California, Spain, Massachusetts, New York, Belgium, Japan, India and Massachusetts. The company's products sell to wholesalers and distributors around the world.

Bristol Myers-Squibb has a robust pipeline of investigational medicines in its pipeline. In addition, the company has established strategic collaborations and partnerships with various companies, successfully launching new products. These partnerships and investments generate portions of the company's revenue.

Bristol Myers-Squibb has acquired several companies over the years, including Medarex in 2009, ZymoGenetics in 2010, Inhibitex Inc. in 2012, Amylin Pharmaceuticals in 2012, iPierian in 2014, Flexus Biosciences in 2015, Cardioxyl in 2015, Padlock Therapeutics in 2016, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals in 2017, IFM Therapeutics in 2017, Celgene in 2019, Otezla in 2019, Forbius in 2020, MyoKardia in 2020 and Turning Point Therapeutics in 2022.

In 2005, the company divested individual consumer products and its subsequent consumer products businesses. In December 2014, the company received FDA approval for its cancer drug, Opdivo, used to treat skin cancers that do not respond to drug therapies. In 2019, the company divested its consumer health business, UPSA, to Taisho.

The company has also faced several scandals, lawsuits and investigations over the years, the biggest of which is the ongoing $1 billion lawsuit from Guatemala for the company's role in a 1940s experiment that infected hundreds with syphilis. In 2001 BMS faced an accounting scandal that resulted in a restatement of revenues from 1999 to 2001. In 2002, BMS faced a lawsuit based on illegally maintaining a monopoly on Taxol, a chemotherapy medication. The former head of the pharma group and the ex-CFO were indicted for federal securities violations in 2005. In July of 2006, an FBI raid on the company's corporate offices revealed that the company took steps to delay the release of a generic version of one of its drugs.

BMS began a significant restructuring in 2009, focusing on the pharmaceutical business and biologic products, productivity initiatives and cost-cutting. The U.S. attorney forced the company into oversight and appointed a monitor as part of a deferred prosecution agreement. Lou Schmukler joined Bristol-Myers Squibb in 2010 as global product development and design president.

In 2013, Forbes magazine ranked the company as the drug company of the year. Dr. Giovanni Caforio took the reigns as CEO in 2015. In 2017, reports began to surface that activist investor Carl Icahn took a stake in the company, widely seen as a signal for a potential future takeover.

As Bristol-Myers Squibb continues to experience success and growth, the company is committed to delivering innovative treatments to patients and staying ahead of the curve in the biopharmaceutical industry. With its focus on research and development and a long and rich history of delivering innovative medicines, BMS offers an excellent long-term investment opportunity.
Two people were killed Tuesday after a twin-engine cargo plane crashed near a small airport in Maine.

The plane crashed in a field in the town of Litchfield in central Maine around 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

Both people onboard the plane died. They were not immediately identified, other than being referred to as pilots. No one on the ground was injured.

The cause of the crash remains unclear, officials said.

The crash occurred about half a mile from Wales Airport under unknown circumstances, Sarah Taylor Sulick, a spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board, told The Associated Press.

The investigator will document the accident site, airplane, and gather witness statements and any surveillance video that may have captured any part of the accident flight, Taylor Sulick said.

The plane took off from an airport in Lewiston, about 18 miles from Litchfield, and crashed about half an hour later, according to Manchester Ink Link.

Multiple residents called 911 after seeing the plane go down and hearing an explosion.

Witness Linda Desrosiers told WMTW that she and her husband traveled to the crash site and found debris strewn across the road, a few small smoking areas and an eerie quiet.

The plane was totally demolished in the area we were in. The biggest piece was no larger than 3 feet wide, she said.

The plane is owned by Wiggins Airways, a New Hampshire-based cargo airline.

We are filled with sorrow at the passing of our flight crew members, Wiggins Airways president Donna Nixon said in a statement. The identities of the pilots will not be released out of respect to their families and friends. Our focus is on supporting their families and our employees through this difficult time.

Officials said the wreckage would be moved to a facility for further inspection, but clean-up could take up to three days.

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Procter & Gamble Co, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a multinational consumer goods corporation founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble. The company has a rich history of innovation and has become a household name in many countries worldwide. Proctor & Gamble Co is a consumer staples stock. A consumer staples stock is a type of stock that offers investors a more stable and steady growth pattern that is minimally affected by economic factors.

With a market capitalization of over $327.9 billion as of February 2023, Procter & Gamble is one of the largest companies in the world. The company operates in over 70 countries, with its products sold in more than 180 countries globally. Its brand portfolio includes household names such as Tide, Pampers, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Crest, and Olay.

Procter & Gamble's business is divided into five segments: Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment includes SK-II, Pantene, and Herbal Essences. The Grooming segment comprises brands such as Gillette, Venus, and Braun. The Health Care segment includes brands such as Oral-B, Vicks, and Pepto-Bismol. The Fabric & Home Care segment includes Tide, Downy, and Swiffer brands. The Baby, Feminine & Family Care segment includes brands such as Pampers, Always, and Tampax.

Procter & Gamble's products are sold through various channels, including retail stores, online retailers, and direct-to-consumer channels. The company has also invested in e-commerce capabilities and digital advertising, recognizing the importance of these channels in reaching consumers.

Procter & Gamble has a long history of innovation and investing in research and development. The company's R&D efforts are focused on improving its existing products and developing new products that meet the evolving needs of consumers. Procter & Gamble also invests heavily in marketing and advertising, recognizing the importance of building strong brands that resonate with consumers.

Recently, Procter & Gamble has made sustainability a key focus area. The company has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental footprint, such as using 100% renewable electricity at all its plants by 2030. Procter & Gamble has also committed to reducing its plastic packaging waste to reduce its use of virgin plastic by 50% by 2030.

Procter & Gamble has a strong financial position, a solid balance sheet and a history of strong cash flows. The company has a long record of paying dividends, with over 130 years of uninterrupted dividend payments. Procter & Gamble has also implemented a share buyback program, repurchasing over $30 billion of its shares in the past three years.

Despite its size and global reach, Procter & Gamble faces competition from various large and small companies. The consumer goods industry is highly competitive, with companies constantly vying for market share and consumer attention. Procter & Gamble must continue to innovate and invest in its brands to stay ahead of its competitors.
Eli Lilly and Company is a US-based multinational pharmaceutical company. It is the 12th largest pharmaceutical company by revenue and has offices in 16 countries. Its medicines are sold in at least 125 countries including its 8 blockbuster drugs. The company is a member of the S&P 500 and S&P 100 indices, it brought in roughly $5.5 billion in revenue for 2021 and employs more than 35,000 people across its network of research and production facilities.

Eli Lilly and Company was founded in 1876 by Colonel Eli Lilly. The colonel, a veteran of the Civil War, had recently dissolved an unsatisfactory partnership and set on his own to produce and develop medicinal chemicals. Colonel Lilly remained as president until his death in 1898. His charge to his family, company and coworkers was to take what you find here and make it better and better. The company is well-known for many drugs, including the first mass-marketing of quinine to treat malaria.

The company brought in $4,470 in its first year and saw that figure grow 10X over the next 3. Among the many innovations during this time period is the addition of gelation coatings for pills which helped set the company up for rapid expansion. The company was incorporated in 1881 as Eli Lilly and Company issuing stock to family and friends. The 1900s brought about more change for the company, change in the form of expansion which included international markets.

Advancements during the war years included increases in efficiency due to increased automation and the development of precision technologies. Among the technologies was pill manufacturing which included injecting medicines directly into a gelation capsule. This method allowed for more exact dosing, setting the standard for modern production. The company produced capsules for itself and sold excess capacity to competitors. Other major advancements include fruit flavorings in medicine, straight-line manufacturing and a method of blueprinting manufacturing tickets to prevent errors.

The modern period saw the company grow and discover new, world-class pharmaceuticals. Today, the company is engaged in the discovery, development and marketing of human pharmaceuticals. It offers a wide range of treatments, including Prozac but is perhaps most noteworthy for its work with insulin. The company is the first to mass produce insulin and has made numerous advances in treating diabetes in the time since. While other drugs are more widely known, its diabetic drugs Basaglar, Jardience, Trulicity, Humalog and Humulin are its top-sellers and contribute the bulk of revenue and cash flow.

Along with Diabetic research, the company also focuses on Alzheimer's, Oncology, Immunology, Obesity and Pain care. At the end of 2022, the company pipeline had 23 compounds in Phase 3 clinical trials and 1 in review. There were another 18 in Phase 2 trials and more than 2 dozen in Phase 1 trials. The average cost to discover a new drug was running at $2.6 billion with a 10-year discovery-to-patient timeline.
The death of Tafari Campbell, a former White House sous chef and personal cook for Barack and Michelle Obama, was an accident, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Massachusetts.

Campbell vanished on July 23 while paddleboarding in Edgartown Great Pond on Marthas Vineyard, triggering an intense search effort involving diving units and sonar. It ended in tragedy just hours later when the chefs body was recovered not far from the Obamas Katama estate, according to Massachusetts State Police.

On Tuesday, Timothy McGuirk, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, confirmed Campbells cause of death was accidental drowning following submersion in a body of water.

The chef, who was from Dumfries, Virginia, lost his balance while standing on his board and toppled into the water, another paddleboarder told authorities, according to the Boston Herald. The witness added that they tried to save Campbell, but they were unable to reach him in time. His body was pulled from the water on July 24 around 10 a.m. He was 45 years old.

Campbell worked in the White House during Barack Obamas eight years in office. The former first couple mourned his death in a statement released last month, calling the cook a beloved part of our family.

When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House  creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together, the couple said. In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter.

Thats why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed. Hes been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that hes gone.

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The Boeing Company is the worlds largest manufacturer of airplanes and commands more than 50% of the market in some channels and categories. The company and its family of subsidiaries design, develops, manufacture, sell, service, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight, and related services worldwide. The company operates through four segments including Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; Global Services; and Boeing Capital providing products and services to end-users in 150 countries.

Boeing got its start in 1910 when William E. Boeing developed a love for aircraft. Soon after he takes his first plane ride which leads him to build a hangar and begin construction of his first plane. The onset of WWI helped spur the companys growth but business was cut drastically in its wake. The start of WWII was another milestone for the company and one that led to its current position of dominance. The company was incorporated in 1916 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. Boeing employs over 140,000 people in 65 countries making it one of the most diverse employers on the planet.

The Commercial Airplanes segment is built around the iconic 7-series which includes the 737, 747, and 787. The segment provides commercial jet aircraft for passenger and cargo requirements, as well as fleet support services for regional, national, and international air carriers and logistics and freight companies. In terms of global volume, the company estimates about 90% of all air freight is carried aboard one of its jets. This segment also includes the Dreamliner family of planes. The Dreamliner is a game-changing airplane for many carriers as it opens up the potential for new one-stop destinations because of its capacity and range.

The Defense, Space & Security segment develops and manufactures a range of systems including manned and unmanned aircraft, missiles, missile defense systems, satellites, communications equipment, and intelligence systems for governments. Among the many iconic brands within this segment are the AH-64 Apache, Air Force One, B-52, C-17 Globemaster, Chinook, F/A-18, and the V-22 Osprey VTOL aircraft used by the Marines.

The Global Services segment offers a range of products and services that include supply chain and logistics management, engineering, maintenance, upgrades, conversions, spare parts, pilot and maintenance training, technical and maintenance documents, and data analytics to its commercial and defense customers.

Boeing is also a leader in innovation, leveraging its many decades and avenues of experience to further aerospace and defense technology. Among the many innovations is the MQ-25 Stingray which will be the worlds first autonomous aircraft. The Stingray is only one of many areas of research that also include drones and undersea vehicles.
The following companies are subsidiares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.: 2235158 Alberta Limited, A.J. 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Gallagher & Co., Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AUS) Ltd, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (Bermuda) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (Illinois), Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Insurance Brokers of California Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher (Aus) Pty Ltd, Arthur J. Gallagher (Bermuda) Holding Partnership, Arthur J. Gallagher (Life Solutions) Ltd, Arthur J. Gallagher (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Arthur J. Gallagher (U.S.) LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher (UK) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Asesoria S.A.C., Arthur J. Gallagher Australasia Holdings Pty Ltd., Arthur J. Gallagher Brokerage & Risk Management Services LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Broking (NZ) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Financial Services Professionals Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Group Quebec ULC, Arthur J. Gallagher Holdings (UK) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Latin America LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Management (Bermuda) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Real Estate Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services (Hawaii) Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services of Utah Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher School Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Service Company LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Services (UK) Ltd, Ashmore & Associates Insurance Agency, Atlantic Risk Management Corp., Atrex Insurance (Cayman) SPC Limited, Avantek Pty Ltd, Axe Insurance PCC Limited, BIS Insurance Services, Baker - Tillys employment benefits solutions, Ballard Benefit Works, Bankers Financial Benefits, Barmore Insurance Agency, Behnke & Co. 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Susanin Inc., EHE Holdings LLC, EHS Holdings Limited, Elantis Premium Funding (NZ) Limited, Elantis Premium Funding Limited, Elite Benefits Insurance Marketing Services, Employee Benefits Analysis Corp., Employee Benefits of The Carolinas, Encore Insurance & Bonding, Everett James, Evolution Risk Services Limited, Evolution Technology Services Limited, Evolution Underwriting Group, Evolution Underwriting Group Limited, Evolution Underwriting Limited, Excel Insurance Services, FYI Direct Canada Corporation, FYI Direct LLC, Farallone Pacific Insurance Services, Fenchurch Faris Limited, Fidelity Benefits & Insurance Services, Financial Profiles Inc., Finergy Solutions Pty Ltd, First Agency, First Iowa Insurance Agency, First Premium Inc., First Premium Insurance Group, Fish & Schulkamp, Fishermans Insurance Services, Foley Healthcare Limited, Fortress Financial Solutions Pty Ltd, Fortress Insurance LLC, Foundation Strategies, Fox Lawson & Associates, Franklin-Case Agency LLC, Fraser MacAndrew Ryan Limited, Friary Intermediate Limited, Fuller & O'Brien, G.S. Chapman & Associates Insurance Brokers, G.S. Levine Insurance Services, GBS (Australia) Holdings Pty Ltd, GBS Administrators Inc., GBS Insurance and Financial Services Inc., GBS Retirement Services Inc., GBS Specialty Markets LLC, GGB Finance 1 Limited, GGB Finance 2 Limited, GGB Finance 3 Limited, GGB Finance 4 Limited, GPL Assurance, GPL Assurance Inc., Gabor Insurance Services, Gale Smith & Co. Inc., Gallagher (Bermuda) Insurance Solutions Ltd., Gallagher - Grace/Mayer Insurance Agency, Gallagher Bassett Aires Inc., Gallagher Bassett Canada Inc., Gallagher Bassett Insurance Services Ltd., Gallagher Bassett International Ltd., Gallagher Bassett NZ Pty Ltd., Gallagher Bassett Services Inc. , Gallagher Bassett Services Pty Ltd., Gallagher Bassett Services Workers Compensation Victoria Pty Ltd., Gallagher Benefit Services (Canada) Group Inc., Gallagher Benefit Services (Holdings) Limited, Gallagher Benefit Services Inc., Gallagher Benefit Services Management Company Limited, Gallagher Benefit Services Pty Ltd, Gallagher Benefits Consulting Limited, Gallagher Bomford Couch Wilson, Gallagher Burgess, Gallagher Canada Acquisition Corporation, Gallagher Caribbean Group Limited, Gallagher Clean Energy LLC, Gallagher Communications Limited, Gallagher Community Clinic RPG LLC, Gallagher Consulting Ltda, Gallagher Corporate Services LLC, Gallagher Coyle, Gallagher CyberRisk, Gallagher Energy Risk Services Inc., Gallagher Fiduciary Advisors LLC, Gallagher Holdings (UK) Limited, Gallagher Holdings Bermuda Company Limited, Gallagher Holdings Four (UK) Limited, Gallagher Holdings Three (UK) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (Barbados) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (St. Kitts & Nevis) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (St. Lucia) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (St. Vincent) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers Jamaica Limited, Gallagher International Cash Management s.r.l., Gallagher International Holdings (US) Inc., Gallagher Investment Advisors LLC, Gallagher Inwest Group, Gallagher Koster, Gallagher Lambert Group, Gallagher Madison Risk & Insurance Services, Gallagher Mauritius Holdings, Gallagher Mississippi Brokerage LLC, Gallagher RE Colombia Ltda Corredores de Reaseguros SA, Gallagher Risk & Reward Limited, Gallagher Risk Group LLC, Gallagher Risk Placements Pty Ltd, Gallagher SKS, Gallagher Service Center LLP, Gallagher-Tarantino, Galtney Group, Game Day Insurance Inc., Gardner & White Corp., Gardner Marine Agency, Garza Long Group, Gatehouse Consulting Limited, Gault Armstrong Kemble Pty Ltd, Gault Armstrong SARL, Giles Group, Giles Holdings Limited, Giles Insurance Brokers, Gillis Ellis & Baker Inc., Goodman Insurance Agency, Grandy Pratt Co., Greenseed Alternative Mangaers Platform Ltd, Grossman & Associates, Group Benefits of Arkansas, Group Insurance Associates, Gruppo Marcucci, HLG Holdings Limited, HMG-PCMS Limited, HPF Investments LLC, HR Owen Insurance Services Limited, Hagan Newkirk Financial Services, Hagedorn & Company, Hardman & Howell Benefits, Harlequin Insurance PCC Limited, Hartstein Associates Inc., Healthcare Professionals Purchasing Group LLC, Healthcare Risk Solutions, Heath Lambert Group Ltd., Heath Lambert Limited, Heath Lambert Overseas Limited, Heiser Insurance Agency, Henderson Phillips Fine Arts Insurance, Herbruck Alder & Co., Heritage Insurance Brokers (CI) Limited, Hesse & Partner AG, Hesse Consulting, Hexagon ICC Limited, Hexagon Insurance PCC Limited, Hill Chesson & Woody, Hogan Insurance Services, Home & Travel Limited, Honour Point Limited, Horseshoe Corporate Services Ltd, Horseshoe Fund Services (Cayman) Ltd, Horseshoe Fund Services Ltd, Horseshoe Fund Services USA Inc., Horseshoe ILS Services UK Ltd, Horseshoe Insurance Advisors US LLC, Horseshoe Insurance Advisory Ltd., Horseshoe Insurance Services Holdings Ltd, Horseshoe Insurance Services Holdings US Inc., Horseshoe Management (Gibraltar) Limited, Horseshoe Management (Ireland) Ltd, Horseshoe Management Ltd., Horseshoe PCC Limited, Horseshoe Re Limited, Horseshoe Services (Cayman) Ltd, Horseshoe Services (Pty) Ltd, Horton Insurance Agency, Housing Authorities Services Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Human Resource Management Systems, I-Protect Underwriting Pty Ltd, IBIS Advisors, IBS Reinsurance Singapore Pte Ltd, ILS Fund Services Ltd., ISG International, ITI Solutions, Igloo Insurance PCC Limited, Independent Benefit Services, Independent Fiduciary Services, Ink Underwriting Agencies Limited, InsSync Group Pty Ltd, Inspire Underwriting Limited, Instrat Insurance Brokers, Instrat Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd, Instrat Integration Holdco Pty Ltd, Insurance Acquisitions Holdings Limited, Insurance Associates Inc., Insurance Dialogue Limited, Insurance Dialogue Ltd., Insurance Plans Agency, Insurance Plus Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Insurance Point, Insurance Risk Managers of Missouri Inc., Insure My Villa Limited, Insure Pty Ltd, Integrated Healthcare Strategies, InterNational Insurance Group, InterPacific Underwriting Agencies, Intermountain Financial Benefits, Interstate Insurance Underwriters, JPGAC LLC, James F. Reda & Associates, James R. Weir Insurance Agency, Jenkins and Associates, Joe E. Martin Inc., John P. Woods Co. Inc., Jones Brown, Jones Brown Group Inc., Jones Brown Insurance Solutions Inc., Joseph Distel, Joseph James & Associates Insurance Agency, Just Landlords Insurance Services Ltd, KDC Associates, KRW Insurance Agency, Kahl Insurance Services, Kaler Carney Liffler & Co. Inc., Kane Group - Insurance Management Operations, Kelly Financial, Kent Kent & Tingle and RBS, Keyser Benefits Corp., Kingspark Enterprises Pty Ltd, L&R Benefits, LSG Insurance Partners, Learn About Money Limited, Lewis & Associates Insurance Brokers, Leystone Insurance & Financial, Life Plans Unlimited, Lincoln Financial Management, Longfellow Financial, Lucas Fettes Limited, Lucas Fettes and Partners Limited, Lutgert Insurance, MA Underwriting Pty Ltd, MDM Insurance Associates, MG Advanced Coal Technologies-1 LLC, MGA Insurance Services, MRS Holdings Ltd., Madison Scott & Associates, Managed Healthcare Solutions, Mannequin Insurance PCC Limited, Marchetti Robertson & Brickell Insurance, Marine Insurance Service, Martin Gordon & Jones Inc., McDowall Associates Human Resource Consultants, McIntyre Risk Management, McLean Insurance Agency, McNeary, McPherson Benefits Group, McRory & Co., Mecacem Insurance SPC Ltd, MedInsights Inc., Melton Insurance Associates, Memberworks Canada LLC, Merit Insurance, Metcom Excess, Metzler Bros. Insurance, Meyers-Reynolds & Associates, Mid America Group, Midwest Surety Services, Mike Henry Insurance Brokers, Mike Henry Insurance Brokers Limited, Mike Henry Insurance Funding Limited, Miller Buettner & Parrott, Miller-Harrison Insurance Services, Milne Alexander Pty Ltd, Minvielle & Chastanet Insurance Brokers, Monument Insurance (NZ) Limited, Monument Llc, Monument Premium Funding Limited, Mortgage Insurance Agency, Murphy Consultants, Mutual Insurance Services, NationAir Aviation Insurance, National Administration Co., National Ethics Association, National Transportation Adjusters, Nelson/Monarch Insurance Services, Nicoud Insurance Services, NiiS/Apex Group Holdings, Nonprofit Insurance Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Noraxis Capital Corp, Nordic Forsakring & Riskhantering AB, North Alabama Insurance, Nourse Insurance Brokers, O'Gorman & Young, OAMPS (UK) Limited, OAMPS Gault Armstrong Pty Ltd, OAMPS Limited, OAMPS Special Risks Ltd, Offshore Market Placements Limited, Optimum Talent, Orb Financial Services, Orb Financial Services Limited, Osprey Insurance Brokers Limited, Oval Group, Oval Healthcare Limited, Oval Insurance Broking Limited, Oval Limited, Oval Management Services Limited, Oxygen Insurance Managers, P2 Group, PEN Insurance Management Advisors Ltd, PT IBS Insurance Broking Service, Pacific Insurance Agency, Palmer Atlantic Insurance, Palmer Atlantic Insurance Ltd, Palmer Atlantic Risk Services Ltd., Park Row Associates, Parkstar Enterprises Pty Ltd, Parmia Pty Ltd, PartnerSource, Pastel Holding (NZ) Company, Pastel Holdings Pty Limited, Pastel Purchaser (NZ) Limited, Pastel Purchaser Pty Limited, Pavey Group Holdings (UK) Limited, Pavey Group Holdings Limited, Pavey Group Limited, Pearson Dunn Insurance Inc., Pen Underwriting Canada Limited, Pen Underwriting Group Pty. Ltd., Pen Underwriting Limited, Pen Underwriting Pty Ltd, Persing Dyckman & Toynbee Inc., Personal Advice Services Pty Ltd, Petty Burton Associates, Pointer Insurance Agency, Portmore Insurance Brokers (Wilshire) Limited, Portmore Insurance Brokers Limited, Potter-Holden & Co., Powell Insurance Agency, Premier Insurance Services Inc., Premier Risk Services, Premium Finance Corporation, Preston-Patterson, ProSource Financial, Professional Agents Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Professional Claims Managers, Proinova AB, Proinova Agency AB, Pronto California Agency LLC, Pronto California General Agency LLC, Pronto Florida Claims LLC, Pronto Florida General Agency LLC, Pronto Franchise LLC, Pronto General Agency Ltd, Pronto General Agency Management LLC, Pronto Holdco Inc., Pronto Holding California LLC, Pronto Holding Florida LLC, Pronto Insurance Agency of Laredo Inc., Pronto Premium Finance LLC, Property & Commercial Ltd., Property Insurance Initatives Limited, Property and Commercial Limited, Protected Insurance Company, Protection Plan Association Inc., Protek Group Limited, Providium Consulting Group, Ptarmigan Underwriting Agency Limited, Ptarmigan Underwriting UK Limited, Purple Bridge Claims Management Limited, Purple Bridge Finance Limited, Purple Bridge Group Limited, Purple Bridge Investments Limited, Purple Bridge Online Services Limited, Purple Bridge Publishing Limited, Quantum Underwriting Solutions Limited, Quillco 226 Limited, Quillco 227 Limited, R. L. Youngdahl & Associates, R.G. Speno Inc., R.W. Scobie, RA Rossborough (Guernsey) Ltd., RA Rossborough (Insurance Brokers) Ltd, REGENCY Group inc., RGA Referencing Limited, RGA Underwriting Limited, RIL Administrators (Guernsey) Ltd., RJ Dutton Inc., RSM Insurance Services Limited, Reassurance Holdings Inc., Rebholz Insurance Agency, Reid Manson Ltd., Reimbursement Services, Rentguard Limited, Reward Management Limited, Reynolds & Rodar Insurance Group, Riley & Associates, Rio 587 Limited, Rio 588 Limited, Risk & Reward Group, Risk Management Partners Limited, Risk Placement Services Inc., Risk Planners, Risk Services (NW) Limited, Risk Services (NW) Ltd., Risk Solutions Group Limited, Robert A. Schneider Agency, Robert Keith & Associates, Roberts & Roberts Insurance Service, Robinson-Adams Insurance, Rossborough Healthcare International Ltd, Rossborough Insurance (IOM) Ltd., Rossborough Insurance Services Ltd. (Jersey), S. A. Freerks & Associates, SEG Insurance Ltd, SGB-NIA Insurance Brokers, SHILLING Ltd, SKANCO International, SMERI AB, SRS Underwriting Pty Ltd, Secure Enterprises Pty Ltd, Securitas Re, Sellers Group, Sentinel Indemnity LLC, Septagon Insurance PCC Limited, Shuford Insurance Agency, Sigma II Insurance Agency, Sinclair Billard and Weld Limited, Sobieski & Bradley, Solid Benefit Guidance, Spanjers Insurance Agency, Spataro Insurance Agency, Specialised Broking Associates, Specialty Risk, Stackhouse Poland, Stackhouse Poland Bidco Limited, Stackhouse Poland Group Limited, Stackhouse Poland Holdings Limited, Stackhouse Poland Midco Limited, Stackouse Poland Limited, Stanton Group, Stark Johnson & Stinson Inc., Steel Agency, Strata Solicitors Ltd, Strategic Health Plans Corp., Strathearn Insurance Brokers, Strathearn Insurance Brokers (Qld) Trading Trust, Strathern Insurance Group Pty Ltd, Strathern Integration Holdco Pty Ltd, Strathern Unit Trust, Strong Financial Resources, Summit Insurance Group, Sunday and Associates, Sunderland Insurance Services, Super Advice Corporate Services Pty Ltd, Taylor Benefits, Texas Insurance Agency, Texas Insurance Managers, The BeneTex Group, The Buchholz Planning, The Chapman Group, The Commonwealth Consulting Group, The Daniels Group Inc., The EHE Group LLC, The EHE Insurance Agency LLC, The Eagle Insurance Agency LLC, The Eriksen Group, The Forker Company, The Gleason Agency, The Great Lakes Agency, The HR Group, The Hawk Agency, The Human Capital Group, The Lance Group, The Levitt/Kristan Co., The MW Bagnall Company, The Old Greenwich Consulting Group, The Parks Johnson Agency, The Plus Companies Inc., The Presidio Group, The Producers Choice, The Rains Group, The Splinter Group, The Titan Group, The Treiber Group, The Woodsmall Companies Inc., Title & Covenant Brokers Ltd., Title Investments Limited, Tom Sherwin Insurance Agency, Total Reward Group, Total Rewards Group (Holdings) Limited, Towle Agency, Transwestern, Tri-State General Insurance Agency, Triad Insurance Agency, Triad USA, Tribeca Strategic Advisors, Trinder & Norwood, Trip Mate, Trissel Graham & Toole, Tropp & Co., Tudor Risk Services, Tyloma Holdings Limited, Uni-Care Inc., Unison Inc., Universico Group, Unoccupied Direct Limited, V2V Holdings LLC, VEBA Service Group, Vasek Insurance Services Limited, Velo ACU LLC, Velo Holdings Inc., Verbag AG., Vertrue LLC, Victory Insurance Agency, Vincent L. Braband Insurance, Vital Benefits, Voluntary Benefits Solutions, W. E. Kingsley Co. Inc., WM. W. George & Associates, Walker Taylor Agency, Welling Associates, Wesfarmers Insurance - Insurance Brokerage Operations, Western Benefit Solutions, White & Company Insurance, Whitehaven Insurance Group, William Gallagher Associates Insurance Brokers, William H. Connolly & Co., Williams Insurance Agency Inc., Williams-Manny Insurance Group, Winn & Company Insurance Brokers, Wischmeyer Benefit Partners, Woodbrook Underwriting Agencies, Woods & Grooms, WorkCare Northwest, Worksite Communications, Y. S. Liedman & Associates, YOA Capsicum Reinsurance Broker Limited, Zenor Limited, Zuber Insurance Agency, and e3 Financial.

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BlackRock, Inc. is a leading American multinational investment company headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1988, BlackRock has become the world's largest asset manager, overseeing more than $8 trillion in assets under management. The company operates on a global scale, with a presence in 30 countries and serving clients in 100 countries across the globe.

BlackRock's history dates back to 1988, when it was established as an enterprise risk management and fixed-income institutional asset manager. Over the years, the company steadily expanded its range of services and investment products to meet the evolving needs of its clients. BlackRock's dedication to innovation, data-driven strategies, and commitment to responsible investing contributed to its meteoric rise in the financial industry.

BlackRock offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services, catering to a diverse clientele, including institutional, intermediary, and individual investors. The company's core functions include investment management, risk management, and advisory services. BlackRock's wide range of investment products encompasses mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and hedge funds designed to suit various risk profiles and investment goals.

BlackRock's target market primarily consists of institutional investors such as pension funds, insurance companies, endowments, and sovereign wealth funds. The company also caters to individual investors seeking professionally managed investment options through mutual funds and ETFs. BlackRock's reputation for expertise, global reach, and innovative solutions has attracted clients from various sectors seeking competent and reliable asset management services.

BlackRock's leadership team consists of accomplished individuals with diverse expertise in the financial sector. Mr. Laurence Douglas Fink, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer and a co-founder of BlackRock, possesses extensive experience in finance and investments, steering the company's strategies and vision since its inception.

BlackRock has displayed impressive financial performance. Despite challenges in the market, the company has maintained robust revenue growth, reflecting its ability to attract and retain clients. Additionally, BlackRock's earnings metrics have remained solid, underlining the effectiveness of its investment strategies and risk management practices. The company's profit margin metrics also highlight its efficiency in managing costs and generating profits. BlackRock's consistent focus on innovation and technological advancements, such as the Aladdin software, has likely contributed to improved profitability and operational effectiveness.

Aladdin is a comprehensive investment management software platform developed by BlackRock, Inc. Aladdin stands for "Asset, Liability and Debt and Derivative Investment Network." BlackRock was initially created in the late 1980s as an internal risk management tool to help the company manage its investment portfolios. Over the years, Aladdin has evolved into one of the financial industry's most widely used and sophisticated investment management systems.

Furthermore, BlackRock's prudent approach to managing its debt levels ensures a healthy financial position and minimizes financial risks. By maintaining a manageable debt-to-equity ratio, the company exhibits a responsible financial strategy, instilling confidence in investors.

BlackRock's valuation metrics showcase the market's recognition of the company's strong performance and future growth potential. Compared to industry peers, BlackRock's valuation appears favorable, reflecting investor confidence in its ability to deliver sustained returns. The company's solid financial track record, extensive global reach, and diverse product offerings contribute to its attractive valuation.

BlackRock operates in the highly competitive financial services industry, specifically in the asset management and custody banks sector. Several large players characterize the industry, each vying for market share and client assets. BlackRock's competitive advantage lies in its scale, global presence, and reputation for delivering consistent investment performance.

As an industry leader, BlackRock benefits from economies of scale, allowing it to offer cost-effective investment solutions to its clients. The company's focus on ESG principles and risk management aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and responsible investment options, positioning it favorably in the industry.

BlackRock's growth opportunities are abundant, fueled by global economic growth, expanding financial markets, and increased demand for investment products. The company's broad range of mutual funds, ETFs, and other investment vehicles cater to various investor preferences, offering diversified and tailored solutions.

Moreover, the growing interest in ESG investing presents a significant growth avenue for BlackRock. As investors seek socially responsible investment options, the company's expertise in ESG integration can attract a broader client base.

Furthermore, as technology continues to reshape the financial landscape, BlackRock has the opportunity to capitalize on digital innovations. The company's Aladdin platform, a sophisticated investment management system, has driven efficiency and risk management. By leveraging technology and data analytics, BlackRock can enhance its product offerings, expand its client base and deliver personalized investment solutions.

In addition to organic growth, strategic acquisitions can be pivotal in expanding BlackRock's market presence. Selective mergers and partnerships can provide access to new markets, strengthen the company's capabilities and foster innovation. However, successful integration and alignment with the company's long-term vision are critical considerations in pursuing such opportunities.

Despite its strong market position, BlackRock faces various risks and challenges that can impact its performance and direction. Market volatility, asset price fluctuations, and interest rate changes can affect the company's investment returns and lead to potential client redemptions.

Moreover, regulatory changes and compliance requirements pose ongoing challenges for the financial industry. As governments implement new regulations and policies worldwide, BlackRock must adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape to ensure compliance and maintain its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen.

The competitive landscape also presents challenges. As new players enter the market and existing competitors innovate, BlackRock must continuously differentiate itself and demonstrate its value proposition to retain and attract clients.

Furthermore, cybersecurity threats are a growing concern for financial institutions. BlackRock's vast data and information infrastructure make it a potential cyberattack target. The company's proactive approach to cybersecurity and investment in robust risk management practices is crucial to safeguard its assets and protect client data.
An attempt to serve an eviction notice in Pittsburgh Wednesday escalated into a gunfight with police that had neighbors evacuating or sheltering in their basements as hundreds of rounds were fired, authorities and witnesses said.

After more than five hours, at around 5 p.m., police confirmed that the suspect, 63-year-old William Hardison Sr., was dead. No one else was seriously injured.

Three hours into the shootout, shots could still be heard as hundreds of rounds rang out in an almost continuous stream. One block in the citys Garfield neighborhood was locked down, with cops trying to evacuate residents as bullets flew.

Gunfire could be heard as late as 3:50 p.m. as Hardison remained barricaded inside the home his brother lived in before his death a year or two earlier, sources told KDKA-TV.

Just after 4 p.m., a drone sent in through the window of the home located Hardison, motionless, with blood visible, the station reported. Police sent in a robot to investigate and found his body.

Sheriffs deputies had arrived around 11:30 a.m. to evict Hardison, forewarned that it could be a volatile situation.

In a briefing after the incident, Sheriff Kevin Kraus told reporters seven deputies clad in body armor arrived to serve the eviction notice. When Hardison did not open the door, they used a battering ram after attempting to kick it in. They were met by a torrent of gunfire.

We certainly didnt expect this, Kraus said. We had no information that this individual was this dangerous or that there were firearms in the house.

Deputies dove for cover and called for help as they returned fire. The department issued a warning, telling the public to avoid the area.

For adjacent residents, the sound of gunfire was all the advisory they needed. In one video posted to social media at 11:33 a.m., the rounds sounded like popcorn popping.

Neighbors described hitting the floor in their living rooms or struggling to get to their basements as bullets pierced their windows.

Leslie Thompson, who lives across the street, spent two hours in her basement before she could be evacuated.

Shots were just everywhere, she told KDKA, describing a barrage of bullets flying through the windows and walls into the living room and bathroom. Glass was shattered everywhere.

The gunman also shot down at least two police drones, KDKA and other outlets reported.

Officials said the standoff lasted hours because police wanted it to end differently.

We did give him every opportunity to surrender, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Chief Larry Scirotto said. We provided ample opportunity for peaceful surrender.

The neighborhood where the shooting took place is typically quiet, residents told local media. Its near Allegheny Cemetery, the Childrens Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center..

Neighbors and friends were shocked by the actions of what one longtime acquaintance described as a teddy bear of a man, a jokester who loved to make people laugh.

Hes a family guy, his brother just passed away, one neighbor told KDKA of Hardison. I feel like this is just out of character for him.

Throughout the day, relatives told reporters that they had tried to get the police to allow them to talk to Hardison but that authorities refused, telling them it wasnt safe.

Some who knew the neighborhood and its occupants located Hardisons Facebook page and filled the comments of his last post, from nine hours earlier, with entreaties for him to give himself up. Strangers chimed in as well, expressing sympathy with what must have been Hardisons state of mind.

No one wanted Hardison to die.

According to property documents dug up by local media, Hardisons brother was on the homes deed. Following his death, the house was owned by Hardisons father, who sold it to a real estate company earlier this year, WPXI-TV reported. Those who knew him said Hardison refused to believe in the sale and had been living there, essentially squatting, paying utilities but not taxes.

State police have taken over the investigation, authorities said, noting that it would be hours before people were able to get back into their homes.

Mayor Ed Gainey promised support to the traumatized neighborhood.

Pittsburgh  I ask for you to join us in prayer tonight for the entire community of Garfield, a peaceful neighborhood that was home to an unfortunate tragedy today, he said in a statement. As a city, we are committed to caring for all those who have been harmed, and we will continue working over the next several days to connect this neighborhood to mental health and trauma support services.
Target Corporation has a long history dating back to 1902. The company began as Goodfellows Dry Goods, operated by George Dalton, and later changed its name via a progression of mergers and acquisitions. The first Target store was opened in Roseville, Minnesota in 1962 as the discount division of the parent company. The idea was discount or low-priced items could still be fashionable and desirable. After meeting great success in the home territory, the concept went public in the late 1960s was later expanded on a national level during the 1980s. Target Corporation is now the 7th largest retailer in the US and is projected to bring in more than $113 billion in revenue for fiscal 2023.

The department stores were shed in 2004 so today Target operates as a general merchandise retailer that serves on-trend items at discounted prices. It is known as a big box retailer and is a member of the S&P 500. The company listed about 2,000 stores in mid-2022 and had plans for growth. The company offers an assortment of everyday, household, and food goods in a bright and cheery atmosphere. It has set itself apart from other low-priced retailers as the chic choice for savvy shoppers. The companys stated purpose is to help families discover the joy of everyday life and it does so by offering quality products that families can afford.

The company sells its products through a chain of stores as well as eCommerce. eCommerce is about 20% of Targets total revenue and was boosted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Services like delivery, same-day pickup, and access to thousands of necessary and discretionary items are also driving adoption. Target also offers amenities like cafes and opticians, and it hosts Starbucks inside the stores.

Target Corporation has paid and increased its dividend for more than 5 decades. The company issued its 53rd consecutive distribution increase in calendar 2022 bringing the total annual payout to $4.32. In late October 2022, the payout was worth 2.7% in yield and came with a 40% payout ratio and a 9% distribution compound annual growth rate.

Target is a leader in ESG and giving back to the community. Among its many endeavors is to return 5% of its profits to community charities as well as to inspire its employees to volunteer. Volunteers donate more than 1 million man-hours per year.
GE is a multi-national conglomerate that was originally incorporated in 1892. The company was founded by Thomas Edison as the Edison General Electric Company and shortened its name to General Electric following a merger with two other early electric pioneers. The name was later shortened again to GE. The company is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts but has operations on a global scale. One of the original 12 Dow stocks, the company was a component of the index for 122 years until its ousting in 2018.

Originally intended to make and market Edisons incandescent lamp and following products, the company grew over the years through mergers, acquisitions, and natural expansion into newly created fields. Among the many early accomplishments is the creation of RCA and NBC which will both become forces of their own. Other major innovations include the worlds first turbine superchargers, industrial gas turbine engines, and the first jet engine. In the field of computing, General Electric Company is credited as being one of the 8 major computer companies of the 1960s and shares responsibility for todays digital world. In regard to its employees, two were awarded the Nobel Prize for their work with the company.

Today GE operates as a high-tech industrial company in Europe, China, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. The company operates through four segments including Power, Renewables, Aerospace, and Healthcare although there are plans in the works to split the company into three separate entities. The three new companies would be GE Vernova (power and renewables), GE Health, and GE Aerospace. The spin-offs are expected to be completed by 2025.

The Power segment offers a variety of turbine engines for power production as well as the full range of services from plant construction to retrofit and refit. The Renewables segment is focused on solutions for renewable energy including wind and hydro and the technology to operate them. The Aviation segment manufactures aircraft engines of all varieties and the Healthcare segment offers technology for imaging, monitoring, diagnostics, and drug discovery to health and medical facilities.

General Electric is committed to helping the world transition to a greener way of life and is exiting the new-build coal-fired power industry. Instead, its advancements in wind, grid efficiency, and natural gas are being deployed around the world helping to reduce emissions and generate cleaner energy for businesses, industry, and communities. The company is targeting 2030 for its own carbon neutrality and 2050 for net zero emissions.
ConocoPhillips is a US-based muti-national energy company. ConocoPhillips is a diversified and integrated energy company with operations in all energy industry segments. In 2021, it was ranked the 8th largest petroleum company by market cap and was #156 on the Forbes Fortune 500 list. Regarding the global economy, it is the worlds 574th largest business, with operations in 13 countries. It is one of 5 remaining companies from Standard Oils split up and is the result of decades of mergers and acquisitions.

The companys earliest origins are in 1875 with the birth of Continental Oil and Transportation Company, Conoco. The company grew quickly with the industrial revolution and the widening usage of Kerosene, among other petroleum products, for heating and lighting. By 1885 it had become part of the Standard Oil family of companies, a time in which it also saw explosive growth.

Assets related to the original Conoco were sold to oil exploration leader E.W. Marland and were later remerged following Standards demise. By 1929, the company was an independent and fully integrated energy company specializing in crude and derivative products. Phillips Petroleum Company was founded in 1917 as an oil exploration company that quickly expanded into diversified operations. The company hit the big times upon the discovery of natural gas in the Texas panhandle and it saw explosive growth in the war and post-war periods of the early and mid-20th century.

Today, ConocoPhillips explores for, develops and produces crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids and bitumen across a diversified portfolio of assets. The company also transports and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), natural gas liquids and their derivative products through a global network of distributors.

The companys operations span the conventional and tight oil markets, including shale gas, heavy oil, oil sands and other petroleum-related businesses. As of late 2022, the company had more than 6.1 billion barrels of proven oil and oil-equivalent reserves and was producing 1.731 million barrels of crude and equivalents per day. Roughly 50% of operations are centered in the crude oil market while less than 40% are natural gas, with the remainder made up of LNG and bitumen (asphalt).

The company's portfolio includes conventional, unconventional plays in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Assets are primarily located in Alaska (about 33% of US production), Eagle Ford, the Permian Basin, the Bakken, the Gulf of Mexico and the Anadarko Basin. Revenue topped $45.8 billion in 2021 and the company employs about 9,900 worldwide. Exploratory operations are underway in Columbia and Chile where the opportunity for both scale and flexibility is present.

ConocoPhillips was the first major oil company to adopt the Paris Climate Accord and pledge to achieve net-zero scope 1 and scope 2 emissions by 2050. Areas of focus include increasing operational efficiencies, supporting the reduction of end-use pollutants and advancing low-carbon alternatives, including hydrogen production and fuel cells.
A rare spotless giraffe was born at the family-owned Brights Zoo in Tennessee, and researchers are saying its the first on record since 1972.

The zoos founder, Tony Bright, has been in contact with researchers who believe she is the only solid-colored reticulated giraffe living anywhere on the planet, he told People Magazine.

Located in Limestone, a rural community in northeastern Tennessee, Brights Zoo is now letting the public vote on what to name the nearly month-old calf.

This undated photo provided by Brights Zoo in Limestone, Tenn., shows a plain brown female reticulated giraffe that was born on July 31, 2023, at the family-owned zoo.

In a post to their Facebook page, the company offered four Swahili name options to choose from, saying they will tally up the votes through Sept. 4:

Kipekee, which means Unique

Firali, meaning Unusual or Extraordinary

Shakiri, meaning She is most beautiful

Jamella, meaning One of great beauty

Zoo director David Bright said the post was, in part, an attempt to help grow awareness for conservation efforts surrounding the species.

We generally do not post really any babies in the zoo but with this being such a unique situation, we knew that it would bring a lot of attention to giraffes, which would help us point people in the right direction of hey, heres how you can help giraffes in the wild,' he said.

Reticulated giraffes are found in Africa, Somalia, and Kenya, and are defined by their chestnut-colored coat, which is usually divided by white lines into a spotted or geometric pattern.

Roughly 16,000 now remain in the wild, down more than 50% from the approximated 36,000 reticulated giraffes which were alive less than 40 years ago, according to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.

We believe that giraffe numbers have dropped by about 30% in the last 30-35 years, however, we also see that conservation efforts are making a difference, said foundation Director Stephanie Fennessy.

The zoos Facebook post was linked to another page called Save Giraffes Now, where they are asking people to donate their support.

With News Wire Services
Shopify Inc. is a commerce platform and eCommerce infrastructure provider connecting small businesses with a large and growing global marketplace. The company was formed in 2004 in Ottawa, Canada as Jaded Pixel Technologies but changed its name to Shopify Inc in 2011. The name change was part of a rebranding strategy that helped accelerate the business and drive it to $5.5 billion in sales in 2022.

As of October 2022, the company boasted millions of merchants in 175 countries with more than $543 billion in economic activity generated since launch. In terms of scale, Shopify employs more than 10,000 individuals and is among the top 20 publicly traded companies in Canada.

Shopify was founded by Tobi Lutke. Mr. Lutke had been working on a website for a snowboard store but quickly realized the software was more valuable than just selling snowboards so his team switched gears. The platform was launched in 2006 and it quickly gained momentum. Mr. Lutke is a member of the board of directors and the companys CEO, a position he has held since 2008.

Shopify is a commerce company but, more importantly, it is an eCommerce commerce company that can assist small businesses with all aspects of their operations. The company is in business to provide an eCommerce platform for small businesses globally. Its platform enables merchants to market, manage, and sell their products through a variety of sales channels that include but are not limited to eCommerce. Channels include the companys core Shopify.com website as well as brick & mortar locations, pop-ups, social media, and buy-now buttons.

Because branding is such an important part of a business's success the company goes to great lengths to assist its merchants in that regard. The Shopify.com website includes several tools to help with branding that include a business name generator and a logo maker as well as a website builder and a full range of marketing products. Marketing products help merchants with email marketing and Facebook ads as well as automation of the same.

Among the many benefits of using Shopify is acceleration. Businesses that use the website to its fullest are able to accelerate their growth and reach milestones years ahead of their competitors. Brands that use Shopify.com include Heinz, Tupperware, and Netflix. According to data from BuiltWith, the Shopify platform was host to more than 1.58 million websites in 2021 and the figure is growing. Data from W3Techs suggest that more than 4.0% of the top 10 million websites are using Shopify.
South Carolinas new all-male Supreme Court reversed course on abortion Wednesday, upholding one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country.

Abortion is now banned in the state after six weeks of pregnancy  or before most people even know they are pregnant, according to Planned Parenthood South Atlantic.

The legislature has made a policy determination that, at a certain point in the pregnancy, a womans interest in autonomy and privacy doesnt outweigh the interest of the unborn child to live, Justice John Kittredge wrote in the decision. As a Court, unless we can say that the balance struck by the legislature was unreasonable as a matter of law, we must uphold the Act.

The 4-1 decision marks a reversal for the states high court, after striking down a similar ban earlier this year.

A previous ban, which was passed in 2021, went into effect in June 2022 after Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The legislation was immediately challenged in court by a group of doctors and abortion rights advocates, who argued the legislation violated residents right to privacy.

In January, the states Supreme Court agreed with abortion providers and voted to strike down the ban.

Former Justice Kaye Hearn, who was then the lone female on the court, wrote the leading opinion in the 3-2 ruling overturning of the 2021 ban.

In February, the Republican-majority legislature replaced Hearn  who had reached the courts mandatory retiring age  with Justice Gary Hill, making South Carolina the only state with an all-male Supreme Court.

With a newly configured court, state Republicans passed a new ban earlier this year, addressing some concerns expressed by Justice John Few.

Abortion providers and advocates challenged the law again.

But on Wednesday, an all-male court upheld horrifying and dystopian legislation that bans abortion in South Carolina before many women even have the chance to find out theyre pregnant, South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain said in a statement, attributing the ruling to the MAGA Republicans in our legislature.

Women in rural, low-income, and communities of color across the Palmetto State, who already face insurmountable barriers to health care, will be disproportionately impacted, she said.

Republican Governor Henry McMaster celebrated the ruling as a historic moment in our states history and the culmination of years of hard work and determination by so many in our state to ensure that the sanctity of life is protected.

With News Wire Services
Teachers and administrators believe that this event offers a golden opportunity for students to witness and be inspired by India's technological prowess. (Image: ISRO)

Hyderabad: Schools in the city are making the most of the historic Chandrayaan-3 soft landing scheduled to take place on August 23. With an aim to foster curiosity, inspire young minds, and celebrate the country's scientific achievements, teachers are blending learning and national pride, and have encouraged students to watch the event's live streaming on YouTube and news channels.

"We hoped to show it on big screens in our school, but the landing is at 6.04 pm, so we're asking them to watch at home with their family," said a school principal Manjushree A.

The excitement surrounding the event is palpable within the education community. Teachers and administrators believe that this event offers a golden opportunity for students to witness and be inspired by India's technological prowess.

"Its a great learning experience, a moment of immense pride for India. We hope this ignites the curiosity of many young minds and motivates them to explore the wonders of space and science," said Anil Matthew, a science teacher.

As part of schools weaving the event into their curriculum, with a multidisciplinary approach to learning, some schools have dedicated class time to discuss the mission, showing related videos that explain the intricacies of the lunar exploration. These discussions going beyond technical aspects, exploring the historical and cultural significance as well.

Teachers have also assigned homework related to the upcoming landing. They have been asked to research the mission, understand various aspects including its objectives, and presenting it all in creative ways.

Additionally, some schools have also organised quizzes to be held the day after the landing, allowing students to test their newfound knowledge. "As the clock counts down to the landing, we are gearing up for an educational and inspiring evening that is sure to inspire children to explore professions outside the regular streams," said a teacher Satyavathi Narayanan.
Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy set the foundation stone, in virtual mode, for three renewable energy projects for producing 5,314 mw power in Nandyal district on Wednesday. (Image: By Arrangement)

Vijayawada: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has said renewable energy projects will help Andhra Pradesh become number one in green energy.

The Chief Minister set the foundation stone, in virtual mode, for three renewable energy projects for producing 5,314 mw power in Nandyal district on Wednesday.

APGenco signed an MoU with National Hydro-Electric Power Corporation (NHPC) in the presence of the Chief Minister to promote pumped storage power projects.

The CM set the foundation stones for the 2,300 mw solar power project to be set up by Greenko at Junuthala village in Owk mandal, a 700 mw solar and 314 mw wind power plants by AM Green Energy at Kandikayapalle village in Panyam mandal and a 1,000 mw solar and wind power projects each by Ecoren Energy at Muddavaram village in Bethamcherla mandal.

Jagan Mohan Reddy said that these companies would invest Rs 10,350 crore, Rs 4,500 crore and Rs 11,000 crore, creating employment opportunities for 2,300, 1,000 and 2,000 persons respectively.

The CM said that pump storage power projects were environment-friendly and would reduce dependence on fossil fuels. He released a white paper on the opportunities for investments in the green hydrogen sector in the state.

Jagan Mohan Reddy said, "Pump storage power projects will help us produce power during peak hours and bring in a revolution in green energy, which will control the world in future. The state will become a part of the green energy revolution. In all, 37 locations have been identified to start pump storage units to produce 41,000 mw and feasibility studies were completed on 29 projects for producing 33,240 mw power. DPRs are ready for projects to produce 20,900 mw, out of which companies were permitted to begin work to produce 16,180 mw."

The Chief Minister explained that as per the MoU between APGenco and NHPC, the two will set up 1,000 mw and 950 mw pump storage units at Yaganti and Kapalapadu respectively with an investment of Rs 10,000 crore in partnership mode These units would provide jobs to 2,000 persons.

He said APGenco and NHPC would also set up pump storage power units worth 2750 mw in three more locations for which feasibility studies are underway, he said.

He said: "Besides providing jobs to locals, the companies will also pay a royalty of Rs 1 lakh for each MW and pay farmers Rs 30,000 per acre every year with a price escalation of five per cent every two years for giving their lands. The state is already producing 8,999 mw of solar and wind power."

"The agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation to get power at Rs 2. 49 per unit will help in the supply of free power to farmers during day time for another 25 to 30 years."

Energy minister P. Ramachandra Reddy, finance minister Buggana Rajendranath, deputy chief minister (endowments) K. Satyanarayana, chief secretary K.S. Jawahar Reddy, APGenco MD K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu, NREDCAP VC & MD S. Ramana Reddy, British deputy high commissioner Gareth Wynn Owen, deputy head mission (UK government) Varun Mali, senior adviser to UK government Nishnat Singh, NHPC finance director RP Goel, Greenko vice president Seshagiri Rao, AM Green Energy business head Samir Mathur, Ecoren Energy CMD Lakshmi Prasad and others were present.
Handout screen grab taken and received from the live feed of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) website on August 23, 2023, shows the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft seconds before its successful lunar landing on the south pole of the Moon. (ISRO)

TIRUPATI: India has reached where no nation has gone before.

India rejoiced on Wednesday as a proud moment enveloped it with the soft-landing of Chandrayaan-3 on Moon's surface  an event that was telecast live by channels to a cheering audience across the country and beyond at 6.04pm.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) announced that it successfully executed the soft landing of its lunar probe mission's Lander Module (LM), Vikram, on the Moon's surface. This feat places India in an exclusive group -- the (former) USSR, the United States and China  that had successfully conducted soft landings on the lunar surface.

Significantly, this marks the nation's ascent to becoming the first nation to achieve a soft-landing near the Moon's south pole.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Isro team, noting that India's lunar success transcended national boundaries. He underscored the global resonance of India's "one earth, one family, one future" philosophy, which also underpinned this lunar mission. "Moon mission is based on the same human-centric approach. So, this success belongs to all of humanity," the Prime Minister said.

Modi witnessed the landing while on a tour of South Africa for the Bris Summit. He proudly waved an Indian flag, signifying a triumph that extends beyond the nation's borders. After the touchdown, the Prime Minister called Isro chief S. Somnath and conveyed his congratulations.

President Droupadi Murmu, Union ministers, chief ministers, the scientific and film fraternity and leaders cutting across political spectrum also showered encomiums on the space scientists.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission embarked on its journey from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Tirupati district on July 14. After 41 days of anticipation, Vikram gently touched down on the Moon's surface.

This milestone was all the more thrilling as it happened after a setback the Chandrayaan-2 mission faced four years ago-- when Vikram's attempt for a soft landing failed. However, Isro's meticulous planning, dedication to innovation, problem-solving and preparations ensured that Vikram's powered descent on Wednesday took place smoothly and precisely as intended.

"We have successfully executed a soft landing. India has effectively reached the Moon. Chandrayaan-3 stands as the outcome of collaborative efforts involving thousands of scientists, engineers, staff, industries and support teams spanning various locations," stated Somanath in his first comments after the triumphant landing.

He thanked the Prime Minister for being a part of the successful journey, and all those who offered prayers for the mission's success. Notably mentioned were Isro veterans such as A.S. Kiran Kumar, former head of the space agency; P. Veeramuthuvel, project director; Srikant, director of Mission Operations.

Somanath acknowledged their significant contributions, as also of the other team members, in building confidence, conducting reviews and ensuring an error-free execution.

The achievement was a collective endeavour, not solely the result of current efforts, but rather the culmination of Isro's leadership and scientific endeavours over generations," Somnath stated.

He reflected on the journey initiated with Chandrayaan-1, followed by Chandrayaan-2, and highlighted the importance of acknowledging all contributors to these missions.

Veeramuthuvel, the project director, remarked, "Significantly, we have become the first country to go near the South Pole of the Moon."

In their conversation, the Prime Minister referenced Somnath's name, which means "Moon," and assured a personal visit to Isro soon.

Recalling the call, Somnath stated, "Prime Minister Modi was kind enough to call me. He extended his message to all scientists and contributors involved in the mission. His keen understanding of the 'Amrit kaal' (golden era) of Space exploration was evident. I am confident he will continue supporting our future exploratory endeavours."

Following the successful landing of the lander on the Moon's surface, celebrations erupted at the Mission Operations Complex at Isro Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network, Bengaluru and SHAR, Sriharikota. Isro stated that in the coming hours, the LM would deploy a rover, tasked with conducting in-situ chemical analysis on the lunar terrain while it moves about.

The LM and rover, designed for a mission duration of one lunar day (equivalent to 14 Earth days), carry scientific instruments for various experiments on the lunar surface.

Soon after the touchdown, Isro unveiled images of the Chandrayaan-3 landing site. The photographs, taken by the Landing Imager Camera shortly after the landing, showcased the lunar surface, pinpointing the location where the ambitious Moon mission successfully touched down.

Notably, a portion of the Lander Module 'Vikram' can also be observed in one of the released images, as conveyed by the Isro on its official 'X' account.

The Space agency had previously announced that Chandrayaan-3 lander had successfully established a communication link with the MOX-ISTRAC centre in Bengaluru. This achievement marked a crucial step forward in the mission's final objectives.

Further underscoring the progress made, Isro released the first set of images captured from the Lander Module 'Vikram.' These images provide a glimpse of the lunar terrain, offering scientists and Space enthusiasts some valuable insights into the Moon's surface.

The Indian Space agency highlighted several remarkable achievements resulting from Vikram's lunar landing. Most notably, India became the first nation to successfully land a spacecraft in the demanding polar region of the Moon. Notably, the Moon's polar areas have long-held mysteries about its geological history and potential resources.

The success of this lunar mission is attributed to a combination of ISRO's unwavering efforts and meticulous improvements made to the Chandrayaan-3, in the wake of Chandrayaan-2's setback.

Over the course of nearly four years, the Space agency worked tirelessly to anticipate and address failure scenarios. Isro introduced a series of improvements in its third lunar mission, with the most significant enhancements applied to Vikram, the lander.

Notably, Vikram's landing gear was fortified to withstand higher landing velocities, increasing the tolerance level from 2m/sec to 3m/sec. This crucial upgrade ensures that even under less-than-ideal scenarios, the lander can execute its soft landing without catastrophic consequences.

Additionally, Vikram was equipped with extra fuel for better maneuverability and resilience against potential disruptions.

Another notable addition was the laser Doppler velocity meter, a novel sensor capable of analysing the lunar topography and providing vital navigation and orientation data. The redundancy in measurements offered by this sensor enhances the safety and success of the mission.

ISRO also revamped the software, making it more resilient to failures and eliminating the central engine that had caused issues in the Chandrayaan-2.

Given the increased mass of the lander, two engines are now utilized for a safe landing, a strategic decision aimed at ensuring a successful outcome.

The lead-up to the mission involved extensive testing, encompassing autonomous flights, helicopter trials, simulations of crane-assisted landings, drop tests and software simulations. This rigorous testing regimen surpassed that of Chandrayaan-2, thoroughly evaluating potential failures and recovery strategies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Open Plenary Session of BRICS Summit, in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday. (Image: PTI)

New Delhi: India "fully supports the expansion of the Brics membership and welcomes moving forward with consensus on this", Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at the open plenary session of the 15th Brics summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday evening.

Speaking at the plenary session of the Brics summit, just hours before Indias Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission succeeded, the Prime Minister mooted "cooperation in the field of space" and suggested the creation of a Brics space exploration consortium wherein the grouping can work for the global good in areas like space research and weather monitoring.

The Prime Minister added that the grouping is already working on the Brics satellite constellation. He said that Brics will be "Breaking barriers, Revitalising economies, Inspiring innovation, Creating opportunities and Shaping the future".

"With initiatives like the Brics satellite constitution, the vaccine R&D centre and mutual recognition of pharma products, we are bringing positive changes in the lives of common citizens of the Brics countries," Modi said in his speech.

"My second suggestion is cooperation in education, skill development and technology. To make Brics a future-ready organisation, we have to make our societies future-ready. Technology will play an important role in this. In India, we have created DIKSHA, which is the Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing platform, to provide education to the children of remote and rural areas... Bhashini, an AI-based language platform, is being used in India to remove language barriers," he said, adding that "diversity is a great strength of India".

Talking about the importance of Africa in the world, Modi said that India, as the G20 grouping chair, had "proposed to give permanent membership of the G20 to the African Union" and added, "I am sure all the Brics partners are also together in the G20. And all will support our proposal."

The Prime Minister further said: "Giving special place to all these efforts in Brics will increase the self-confidence of the countries of the Global South (developing nations) The countries of the Global South have been given special importance in the Brics, under the chairmanship of South Africa. We heartily welcome it. This is not only the expectation of the present time but also the need."

Modi added: "Our effort is to move forward together with all the countries on the motto of One Earth, One Family, One Future. As many as 125 countries participated in the Voice of Global South summit held in January this year, sharing their concerns and priorities Our New Development Bank is playing an important role in the development of the countries of the Global South."

The Prime Minister talked about joint efforts for the protection of big cats of different species that are found in all five Brics countries under the International Big Cat Alliance. He also highlighted the ecosystems of traditional medicine in Brics countries.

Earlier, on the issue of Brics expansion at the Brics leaders retreat, sources said, "India took the lead in forging consensus on membership criteria and selection of new members", adding that Indias efforts were guided by the objective to incorporate Indias strategic partners as new members.

The Brics currently has five member nations  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. According to reports, more than 20 nations have formally applied to join the grouping, while over 40 nations are keen to join the Brics. Countries that are keen to join reportedly include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Indonesia, Egypt, Argentina and Bangladesh.
Mayor Adams, on his third day in Israel, suggested Wednesday that NYPD officers would be more effective in responding to crime scenes and emergencies if they could use motorcycles and drones together in a coordinated fashion.

Speaking with reporters on a press call from the Holy Land, where hes on a four-day trip, Adams said the unconventional concept came up during a meeting he had with local law enforcement officials near Jerusalem that was also attended by NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella.

By deploying drones in real-time in response to 911 calls, NYPD officers would be well aware of what is in front of them by the time they arrive at a scene, Adams said. If cops are at the same time able to ride motorcycles to scenes and rely on drone footage to weave through traffic, theyd get there faster, he added.

The mayor, whos expected back in the city Thursday, said such tech use could be especially fruitful in congested Big Apple neighborhoods.

We have a real traffic issue in our city, particularly in Manhattan and in parts of Brooklyn area, and so it is the methods in which theyre using them, the methods in which they are training to use them is what caught my interest, he said.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks beside NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban during a press conference on permitting for drone operations in New York City on Pier 35 in Lower Manhattan on July, 21, 2023.

Israeli authorities have faced scrutiny from international human rights observers for using drone technology to surveil Palestinians. Asked about that, Adams vowed that the NYPD will not use any tool that is not in alignment with the laws of our city, our state and our country.

Many police forces across the globe, they use various methods that are not suitable in our city, and we are not going to use any method that does not conform with our rights and the laws of our country, he said.

Adams interest in exploring tech coordination comes on the heels of his administration unveiling new guidelines that make it easier to use drones in New York City. It also comes amid a surge in NYPD-involved car chases.

According to a recent report from the news outlet The City, NYPD officers gave chase 304 times in the first three months of this year  a nearly 600% spike compared with the same period in 2022. The outlet reported the increase in car chases has corresponded with an uptick in injuries among cops and civilians.

Adams has held several meetings focused on technology during his Israel visit.

He has also met with top local leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whos facing criticism from pro-democracy activists in Israel over his far-right governments overhaul of the countrys judicial system. Critics say the reforms are putting Israel on a path toward dictatorship.

Adams has avoided taking a stance on the judicial system controversy, telling reporters hes in Israel to listen not weigh in.

However, Israel Gantz, a leader of the Israeli annexation movement in the West Bank who met with Adams privately Tuesday, issued a statement after the sitdown saying the mayor voiced great interest in the growth of Jewish settlement in the region. Gantz also said Adams agreed to tour the settlements next time hes in Israel.

The West Bank settlements are considered illegal under international law, and the U.S. government has condemned Israels expansion of them.

Asked in Wednesdays briefing about Gantzs comments, Adams said the word settlement did not come up in their meeting. Adams would not say, however, whether he agreed to join Gantz for a tour of the Israeli settlements in the future.
A girl stands with the Indian national flag as she watches a live telecast of the landing of Chandrayaan-3, in Mumbai, India, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (AP)

NEW DELHI: As Indias Chandrayaan-3 mission achieved a successful lunar landing, it catapulted the nation into an elite club of lunar explorers. Citizens across India gathered in schools, workplaces, public squares, and religious venues to witness the Indian Space Research Organisations (Isro) live telecast of Chandrayaan-3's final descent to the uncharted lunar south pole. The remarkable achievement places India as the first country to land on this uncharted lunar terrain.

Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2, with objectives encompassing a safe and soft lunar landing, lunar roving, and insitu scientific experiments.

Chandrayaan-3 missions lander Vikram chose a relatively flat region on the lunar surface to touch down, images captured by its camera showed. Soon after Vikram, with four landing legs, successfully reached the Moon, these images captured by the Landing Imager Camera after the landing showed a portion of Chandrayaan-3's landing site. "Seen also is a leg and its accompanying shadow," Isro noted. "Chandrayaan-3 chose a relatively flat region on the lunar surface," the space agency said.

It also said a communication link was established between the lander and the space agencys Mission Operations Complex (MOX) here. The MOX is located at the Usri Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (Istrac). Isro also released images from the Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera taken during the descent to the Moons surface.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. (ANI)

Johannesburg: On the second day of the 15th BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Later in the day, PM Modi is scheduled to attend open and closed plenary sessions in Johannesburg.

The plenaries will be followed by a cultural performance and a banquet dinner hosted by President Ramaphosa.

The opening day of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg was witness to the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue.

In his address at the BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue, PM Modi said India will soon be a 5 trillion dollar economy and in the coming years will be the growth engine of the world.

PM Modis special message to the dialogue was that mutual trust and transparency can help create a big impact, especially in the Global South.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa said as the country has an urbanised population and can provide a stable workforce in future, BRICS countries have an opportunity to contribute to and participate in Africa's growth story.

"Africa has a young digitally connecting and urbanizing population. A population that provides a stable workforce for companies in future. The investment in skills... continues to grow," President Ramaphosa said.

Soon after the Business Forum, PM Modi arrived at the Summer Place in Johannesburg to participate in the BRICS Leaders Retreat where the leaders of the grouping will deliberate on global developments and explore how to utilize the BRICS platform effectively to address and resolve global challenges.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attended the event.

PM Modi arrived in South Africa earlier on Tuesday and received a ceremonial welcome at Waterkloof Air Force Base.

Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora chanting 'Vande Mataram' and the members of the Indian community were waiting for PM Modi's arrival to welcome him with 'dhols' outside the Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg.

Women members of the Indian diaspora tied 'Rakhi' to the wrist of PM Modi as they welcomed him to the country. The prime minister also inspected a model of the Swaminarayan Temple in Johannesburg.

The under-construction temple once completed by 2025 will be the largest Hindu temple in Africa and Southern Hemisphere.

This is PM Modi's third visit to South Africa and the trip marks the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between India and South Africa.

Initially formed as BRIC, a visionary concept coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim ONeil in 2001, BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, and China - a collective representation of burgeoning emerging markets brimming with current and future economic prowess. In a momentous development in 2010, South Africa joined the bloc, prompting a change in the acronym to BRICS.

BRICS stands as a beacon of economic optimism, presenting an alternative global order to challenge the dominance of traditional institutions.
A man has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged with possessing a series of drugs.

James Doherty (36) of Banks of the Faughan Hostel faced three charges of possessing cannabis, Pregablin and Diazepam on August 21.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail.

The court heard that staff in the hostel were changing a light bulb in Doherty's room and came across suspected drugs.

Police were alerted and 120 Pregablin tablets were found on Doherty.

A small amount of cannabis was also found and later as staff were clearing out Doherty's room they found more drugs.

Bail was opposed due to the risk of re-offending and the officer said they had 'grave concerns' about this man's offending.

The court heard that Doherty had 56 previous convictions with 28 being for drugs.

The police officer said that Doherty was currently on licence for drugs and police believed there was 'a very, very high risk of re-offending.'

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that his client was prepared to plead guilty to these charges.

He said Doherty has 'addiction issues' and was released from prison in January this year.

The solicitor said that Doherty was 'more of a danger to himself' than anything.

Deputy District Judge Francis Rafferty said that the fact Doherty had breached his licence meant he was unsuitable for bail.

Doherty was remanded in custody to appear again on August 31.
A major conference focusing on Artificial Intelligence will take place in Derry in September.

GenAIEdu 2023, a national conference on Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education, will explore the cutting-edge world of Generative Artificial Intelligence in an educational context at Ulster Universitys Magee campus.

The summit will bring together world-leading educators, researchers, teachers, students and industry professionals, to understand how generative AI is revolutionising the way we learn, teach and assess.

Some of the leading voices from the UK and Ireland on AI in education have been confirmed to speak  these include industry leaders from Microsoft, the National Centre for AI at JISC: the UK digital, data and technology agency focused on tertiary education, research and innovation, ICS: UK's first Microsoft AI Inner Circle Partner, TransformEducation as well as researchers from Ulster University, Dundalk Institute of Technology and the University of Manchester.

Attendees will explore cutting-edge technologies and large language models such as ChatGPT, Bard and Claude and how these tools and natural language processing capabilities enable personalised and interactive learning experiences through a series of keynotes, talks, discussion panels and hands on workshops, demonstrations and networking events with leading academics, researchers and industry experts in this area.

The three day conference will take place at Ulster Universitys Derry campus on 11th-13th September 2023 and will be hosted by the School of Computing, Engineering, and Intelligent Systems.

Michael Callaghan, Conference chair and Reader in the School said: Generative AI offers unprecedented opportunities and challenges for transformation in education which we must navigate carefully.

The GenAIEdu conference will explore the impact of Generative AI on students, and the evolving role of educators and institutions in this technologically enriched and rapidly evolving landscape.

Professor Jim Harkin, Head of the School added: The School is delighted to host this conference and explore the use of Generative AI both in education and society in general. We are uniquely positioned on the Derry campus to be at the forefront of shaping the next generation of computing and AI graduates with our offering of undergraduate degree courses in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence.
The first episode of new Star Wars spinoff series Ahsoka paid tribute to late Northern Irish actor Ray Stevenson.

The actor, who plays the villainous Baylan Skoll in the series, died in May aged 58, though no further details about his death were made immediately available.

At the end of the first episode of Ahsoka, which launched on Disney+ on Wednesday, the words For our friend, Ray appeared.

Ahsoka follows former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy.

Rosario Dawson, who plays the title character, previously remembered Stevenson, as a very spiritual person with whom she had the most extraordinary conversations.

Speaking to US outlet People prior to the Hollywood actors strike, Dawson described him as really beautiful and so thoughtful.

She said Stevenson owned many different crystals and they had had conversations about the divine feminine.

(He was) almost like (a) Nordic kind of man, who was very heavy-handed and then just like the most gentle, brilliant, loving divine feminine spirit, she said.

Once a rebel, always a rebel. Watch the brand-new trailer and experience the two-episode series premiere of @AhsokaOfficial, a Star Wars Original series, streaming August 23 on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/XTNLV6ABfb  Star Wars (@starwars) July 11, 2023

You just had the most extraordinary conversations with him about his family and philosophies.

Ive had so many people who I know are friends with him. We were so blessed to have him working with us. He made all of us better.

As well as Dawson and Stevenson, Ahsoka stars Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ivanna Sakhno and Doctor Who star David Tennant.

The series is written by Dave Filoni, who executive produces alongside Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Colin Wilson, and Carrie Beck.

Stevenson was well known for films including Thor and Punisher, though also starred in multiple television shows including as soldier Titus Pullo in the BBC/HBO series Rome from 2005-2007.

He starred as Porthos in the 2011 film The Three Musketeers  alongside Luke Evans, Matthew Macfadyen and Milla Jovovich  and was in Divergent with Kate Winslet and Zoe Kravitz in 2014.

More recently, he appeared as the villainous Governor Scott Buxton in the 2022 Oscar-winning Bollywood film RRR.
HIGHLIGHTS India is just a few hours away from becoming the first country to land on the lunar south pole of the Moon.

You can watch the Vikram Lander landing on the moon on ISROs social media handles like Facebook, Youtube and more.

The live telecast will start on all of these platforms at 5:20 PM IST.

Chandrayaan-3 mission is going smoothly as planned, and the spacecraft has successfully started separating modules in space. The landing module, Vikram Lander, named in honour of Vikram Sarabhai, is finally detached from the propulsion module. India is just a few hours away from becoming the first country to land on the lunar south pole of the Moon. The Vikram lander is scheduled to land on Moon in the evening at 6:04 PM IST. If you are interested in watching the live streaming of the landing, heres how you can do it.

Where and how to watch Chandrayaan-3 moon landing

On various platforms, the live telecast of Indias Lunar Mission, Chandrayaan-3, will be shown. You can watch the Vikram Lander landing on the moon on ISROs social media handles like Facebook, Youtube or on ISROs website and on Doordarshan TV as well. The live telecast will start on all of these platforms at 5:20 PM IST, and interested viewers can start watching the landing from 5:27 PM IST.

Also read: Chandrayaan-3 Lunar Mission: ISRO releases images of the Lunar far side captured by LHDAC

As for the recent updates, the landing module is currently finding a spot to soft-land on the Moon. India is just some steps away from being the fourth country to soft-land on the Moon. The other three countries are the US, Russia and China.

The next step after landing will be the release of Pragyan Rover to search for water and study the chemical composition of the surface of the Moon during a lunar day.

Chandrayaan-2, which was launched in 2019, said hello to Chandrayaan-3's Lunar Module on Monday, announced by the Indian Space Research Organisation. They mentioned that both of these spacecraft can talk to each other.

Also read: Microsoft partners up with ISRO to help space-tech startups in India

ISRO also said that India is getting closer to completing another mission to the Moon, which is Chandrayaan-3. This mission aims to safely land on the Moon's surface. This is a big achievement for India in science, engineering, technology, and industry. It shows that India is making good progress in exploring space, according to the space agency.
Gov. Hochuls administration dragged its feet for months on green-lighting a large-scale migrant housing facility in Queens, delaying its opening at a time when dozens of asylum seekers resorted to sleeping on a Manhattan sidewalk because of a lack of city shelter space, according to a new court filing from Mayor Adams office.

The filing, submitted in Manhattan Supreme Court by Adams lawyer Daniel Perez on Tuesday, said City Hall officials approached the Hochul administration on May 4 about erecting a tent-style migrant shelter in the parking lot of Queens state-owned Creedmoor Psychiatric Center. The Adams administrations hope was at the time to get the Creedmoor site up and running within the following week, according to Perez.

But Hochuls administration did not agree, despite repeated requests, to provide funding for certain goods and services relating to the administration of the Creedmoor site until July 14, Perez wrote in the papers, which were obtained by the Daily News after not being filed publicly on the court docket.

The Creedmoor facility, which has capacity to house at least 1,000 migrants, did not end up opening until Aug. 15 following the delay in clearance from Hochuls team.

Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams

Amid the slow pace of getting Creedmoor open, nearly 200 migrants slept on the sidewalk outside the Adams administrations Roosevelt Hotel asylum seeker intake center in Manhattan between July 29 and Aug. 3. Adams office has said it had no choice but to let the group sleep on the curb because there was no more room in the citys shelters, which continue to house more than 101,000 people, about half of them migrants.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the Creedmoor delay can in part be blamed on city and state lawyers struggling to come to an agreement on the details of a so-called memorandum of understanding establishing the right to use the Queens site as a migrant shelter.

Josh Goldfein, a staff lawyer with the Legal Aid Society, said the dilemma outside the Roosevelt couldve been avoided if Hochuls administration acted faster on the Creedmoor matter.

Its very frustrating that people were sleeping on a sidewalk when a shelter was not open because lawyers were arguing over a lease or bureaucratic details, Goldfein told The News.

Avi Small, a spokesman for Hochul, said the state offered to repurpose Creedmoor into a Humanitarian Emergency Relief and Response Center on May 3, adding it was one of dozens of State-owned sites that could have housed more than 3,000 individuals had the City decided to utilize them.

We are pleased the City finally decided to accept our offer of help on July 14 of this year, nearly two weeks before the incident at the Roosevelt Hotel, Small said.

Perezs filing, addressed to lawyers for Hochuls administration, was submitted as part of the decades-old Manhattan Supreme Court case that established the citys right-to-shelter mandate. The case, which the state is a party to, was revived by Adams earlier this summer when his administration asked a judge to allow it to suspend the mandate amid the citys deepening migrant crisis.

The Perez letter is not available on the court docket because presiding Judge Erika Edwards has ordered that all deliberations and filings be kept under wraps.

Filings in the case have exposed a rift between Adams and Hochul over how to manage the citys migrant crisis.

Earlier this month, lawyers for Hochul filed a scathing letter blasting the Adams administrations overall handling of the crisis, saying that City Hall has been inconsistent in its communication with the state and sloppy in its handling of state-provided funding. Also in the letter, Hochuls lawyers charged that the Adams administration had no one but itself to blame for its decision to let migrants sleep on the street outside the Roosevelt, given that there were hundreds of vacant beds in the shelter system on all five nights in question, as first reported by The News.

Adams administration, meantime, has stressed it needs more help from the state, and reiterated that in its Tuesday filing. Among other requests, the filing asked that the state more than double its funding for a city program that helps migrants apply for U.S. work permits  from $20 million to at least $57 million.

The latest hearing in the Manhattan Supreme Court case took place Wednesday afternoon. As previous hearings, most of it happened behind closed doors in Edwards chambers.

Hundreds of migrants are seen outside the Roosevelt Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, Aug. 2, 2023.

In short remarks from the bench after the private deliberations, Edwards characterized the discussions as productive and set another hearing for Sept. 18.

She made a point of saying the proceedings are taking place out of the public light because she hopes that will make it easier for a settlement to be reached in due time between the city, the state and the Coalition for the Homeless, whose 1979 lawsuit established the right to shelter. At its core, the mandate requires the city to provide shelter to anyone who needs it.

Goldfein, who represents the coalition in the case, told reporters outside the courthouse after the hearing that hes sympathetic toward the fact that there is some tension between the city and the state over the migrant crisis.

You have three different levels of government here that each has some responsibility, and inevitably, they want the other level of government to do more, he said. Its going to take some time to work all of this out, but the good news is we are having productive conversations.

Instead of seeking to suspend the citys right to shelter amid the migrant crisis, homeless advocates and progressive Democrats have urged the Adams administration to ask the court to expand it to cover the entire state.

Asked Wednesday if the administration favors that idea, Anne Williams-Isom, Adams deputy mayor for health and human services, was noncommittal.

That is all going to play out in court, she said at City Hall. I think its no secret that we have said that we think that [the right-to-shelter] needs to be looked at.

With Tim Balk
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Samsung localizes supplier base amid rising geopolitical risks

Amid rising geopolitical risks, official data shows that Samsung Electronics has been localizing its suppliers, with Korea-based suppliers accounting for over 50% share in 2023.

According to Korean media outlet ET News, Samsung increased its suppliers from 100 in 2022 to 113 in 2023, and among the 13 additional suppliers added, 11 are based in South Korea. Overall, 59, or 52.2% of Samsung's suppliers, are Korea-based, more than that in the past two years.

Samsung expanded its suppliers in the US and Vietnam, while China-based companies remain eight of Samsung's suppliers in 2023 as in 2022, with the share falling from 7.8% to 7.1%.

Meanwhile, according to Samsung's supplier list on its website, Korea accounts for 54 of 198 manufacturing facilities supplying Samsung. Facilities in China, Vietnam, and the US constitute 29, 28, and 28, respectively. Except for the US, Asia remains Samsung's primary manufacturing hub.

Amid rising geopolitical tensions in Asia and Europe, major economies worldwide seek to build more resilient supply chains through supplier localization and regionalization. Lee Jae-Yong, the executive chairman of Samsung Electronics, said in March that the company would invest KRW60.1 trillion (US$44.9 billion) to increase localized sourcing.

Source: Samsung, August 2023

Source: Samsung, August 2023

Source: Samsung, August 2023
SMIC's unspoken mission and Huawei's 5G smartphone chips

As Huawei boldly proclaimed the comeback of its flagship 5G smartphone in early August, rumors about Huawei commissioning China's largest semiconductor foundry SMIC to break through the US export sanctions flared up again. Apparently, SMIC is the most likely source of Huawei's 5G chips, which has to be made by advanced semiconductor processing technologies. What did SMIC not say about its advanced foundry services? How is it coping with the business downcycle, alongside new export controls by the US, Japan, and the Netherlands on semiconductor equipment, to stay competitive?

According to SMIC's latest 2Q23 financial report, among the sources of revenue, the share contributed by smartphones rebounded to 26.8%, an increase of 1.4 percentage points year-over-year and 3.3 percentage points quarter-over-quarter. Why did SMIC achieve growth against the trend of double-digit declines reported by others as well as compared to the revenue contributed by the Internet of Things (IoT) and other consumer electronics products, which were both down year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter?

Could it be that China's smartphone market has recovered significantly across the board and is helping SMIC? Apparently not. In 2Q23, China's smartphone market shipped 65.7 million units, a 2.1% year-on-year decrease, and in 1H23, 130 million units, a 7.4% year-on-year decrease. That is to say, under the premise of weak overall sales, SMIC's smartphone business has shown significant growth against the trend. Where did the momentum come from?

One of the keys is the reshuffling of China's supply chain under US sanctions. Under the import substitution policy, China's chip makers have increased their previous market share, which in turn has benefited SMIC as a foundry partner. In particular, in the second quarter of 2023, the shipment of China's high-end smartphones ($600+ per unit) not only did not decline but increased by 3.1%.

SMIC benefited from the rush orders, including 28/40/55nm, and increased its fab capacity utilization by more than 10 percentage points quarter-over-quarter. However, while the Chinese market supported SMIC's rebound, the recovery was not necessarily a result of the overall smartphone market, but rather an increase in the market share of some of the Chinese companies that have been working closely with SMIC. The sustainability of this demand momentum remains to be seen.

Now, since SMIC co-CEO Zhao Haijun has repeatedly expressed pessimism over the business outlook and said it took a longer-than-expected time for the consumer electronics market to recover, where did that sudden burst of growth momentum for premium smartphones come from? The answer is already very clear.

The "unspoken" part

Yet SMIC has mummed over the development of its advanced semiconductor manufacturing technologies over the past 2 years. The last time co-CEO Liang Mong Song, who is in charge of SMIC's cutting-edge technologies, commented on public information was at the second-quarter 2021 financial report press conference two years ago.

In fact, Liang Mong Song made high-profile revelations about details of SMIC's FinFET process 14nm and 12nm customer validation and customer introduction in 2019. In SMIC press conferences between 2020 and 2021, he still mentioned the progress of the second-generation pilot production of the advanced process and advanced technology, as well as how to strengthen the development and deployment of the first-generation (14nm) and second-generation (12nm) FinFET multi-platforms under the impact of the US sanctions.

Since November 2021, when SMIC last mentioned the slow ramp-up of its advanced manufacturing process considerations, SMIC has seldom been seen mentioning its advanced manufacturing process progress, whether in a press conference or in a press release. In contrast, SMIC's recent press conferences have been dominated by demonstrations of its "mature process" expansion and order intake.

Has SMIC stopped developing advanced manufacturing processes? Is it possible that Liang Mong Song has left his job? On the contrary, SMIC's official website still displays a photo of Liang Mong Song as co-chief executive officer. Various sources over the past few years have also revealed that SMIC has been pushing forward the mass production of 7nm chips and that it has teamed up with Huawei to produce 5G and AI chips, among others.

SMIC's advanced process development seems to be the "unspoken" aspect of the advancement of China's semiconductor industry; and as for the "spoken" mature process expansion, it naturally became the main focus of Zhao's communication with the outside world in his past press conferences.

SMIC's new chairman, Liu Xunfeng, took office in mid-July on the "recommendation of the Big Fund". The Chinese semiconductor industry has interpreted that the will of SMIC's major shareholders, such as the Big Fund, should have set the course after Liu took over the chairmanship of SMIC or from the time he joined SMIC in May and assumed the position of vice chairman.

SMIC's aggressive investment in 12-inch fabs is also suspicious. Zhao emphasizes that the largest portion of SMIC's capital expenditures will be used to build capacity. "SMIC must expand its 12-inch fab capacity to an economic scale, whether it is 6,000 wafers, 10,000 wafers, or even 15,000 wafers, it will not be enough," said Zhao. SMIC will build four major fabs, one in Tianjin, one in Lingang, one in Beijing, and one in Shenzhen, and build them simultaneously so that it can reach an economic 12-inch capacity at the fastest possible speed, according to Zhao, undeterred by the painstaking destocking seen all over the world.

In addition, under the procurement policy of import substitution, as Chinese suppliers have gained a larger market share in the supply chain of smartphones, consumer electronics, and electric vehicles, where there are a large number of SMIC chip customers, SMIC's revenue from Chinese customers has also been growing, and the contribution from the Chinese market in 2Q23 has reached 80%.

The question is whether the rush orders in the past one to two quarters, even with the continued full capacity of 28/40/55nm nodes in Q3, are equivalent to the recovery of the overall terminal market.

In the 23 years since SMIC's founding, there have been seven replacements for the chairman of the board. Today, the number of SMIC's board of directors has been reduced from 15 to 8, with Liu Xunfeng the only remaining executive director, and Liang Mong Song and Zhao Haijun exited from board decision-making in 2022. Does this mean that the board of directors, which is dominated by SMIC's major shareholders such as the Big Fund and Datang Telecom, will make the decision in SMIC's future strategy?

And is the expansion of mature process capacity the only important task for China's leading foundry, SMIC, which is Beijing's crown jewel? The "unspoken" nature of China's semiconductor manufacturing process, even if it burns a lot of money in the process of executing its mission, maybe a financial burden that the shareholders of SMIC must bear. SMIC's mature process platform will continue to play its role in generating revenues and making profits, so as to allow its unspoken advanced processing nodes to move forward with its other "missions."
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who made a career prosecuting criminals before his two-term, law-and-order-focused mayoralty, surrendered to Georgia authorities Wednesday on 2020 election interference charges.

Giuliani, who faces 13 counts including violation of the Georgia RICO Act and several false statement charges, was processed at the Fulton County jail. His bail was set at $150,000, according to Fulton County jail records.

At his booking on Wednesday afternoon, Giuliani  described in jail records as 5-foot-11, 230 pounds  wore a navy blue suit, and a red, white and blue tie, an American flag pin hanging from his lapel. He appeared to lean forward, grimacing slightly, in his mugshot.

Hours earlier, he told a phalanx of TV reporters outside his Manhattan apartment that he was going to Georgia and feeling very, very good about it.

I feel like I am defending the rights of all Americans, as I did so many times as a United States attorney, said Giuliani, the first former New York City mayor indicted in modern times.

Im the same Rudy Giuliani that took down the Mafia, that made New York City the safest city in America, he added.

Rudy Giuliani talks to the media outside the Fulton County Jail after being booked on August 23, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The former mayor arrived by plane at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, outside Atlanta, about 11 a.m., according to WANF-TV, a Georgia station.

Giuliani has been ensnared in the sweeping case led by Fani Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, that produced charges against 18 others, including former President Donald Trump.

Trump, who faces a $200,000 bond, said on his Truth Social platform Wednesday that he would proudly be arrested in Georgia on Thursday afternoon.

John Esposito (2L) and Brian Tevis (3R), lawyers of Rudy Giuliani, former attorney to former US President Donald Trump, leave the Lewis R. Slaton courthouse in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 23, 2023.

In January 2021, Trump called Georgias Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, and asked him to find enough votes in the 2020 election to shift the presidential results in the state in his favor, according to a recording.

Giuliani, who has served as Trumps personal lawyer, amplified many of the lies Trump spread about voter fraud after he lost the election to President Biden.

Trump and Giuliani insist that Trump won in 2020.

The greatest mayor in the history of New York City was just arrested in Atlanta, Georgia, because he fought for election integrity, Trump said on Truth Social. The election was rigged & stolen.

In fact, Biden won the election by 74 electoral votes and more than 7 million votes in the popular vote. Independent reviews found no evidence of widespread voter fraud or election rigging.

Trump is set to headline a fund-raiser for Giuliani in Bedminster, N.J., on Sept. 7, according to the former mayors son, Andrew, who is organizing the event.

Dominic Santana, a protester from Florida, demonstrates in front of Lewis R. Slaton courthouse in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 23, 2023.

In New York, the cash-strapped Giuliani has been defending himself against a lawsuit that was brought by a former ShopRite worker and is centered on allegedly inflated assault claims the former mayor made.

Giuliani had his law license suspended in New York in 2021 over his election lies, a dramatic black mark for a man who spent most of the 1980s crusading against crooks.

As the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, he took down leaders of La Cosa Nostra. Later, he served as mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001, earning the nickname Americas Mayor for his widely praised, hands-on leadership of the city after the 9/11 attack.

But he has been tainted by his ties to Trump, and by his decision to serve as the former presidents legal attack dog after the 2020 election.

Trump corrupted his soul, said Ken Frydman, who was Giulianis press secretary during his 1993 mayoral campaign. Trump has a real talent for finding the strike price for someones soul.

Frydman said he thinks Giuliani remains fundamentally the same person he was when he led the five boroughs, but that a potent mix of avarice and pride had paved Americas Mayors path to a southern county jail.

Its definitely greed, he said. Its definitely an overweening need for relevance and access to power.

Former Mayor of New York Rudy Giuliani speaks to reporters as he leaves his apartment building in New York, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

An Economist poll published Wednesday found the former mayor has grown deeply unpopular across the U.S. The poll showed 51% of respondents viewed him unfavorably, and 27% saw him favorably.

But it is the opinion of a jury of Georgians that may ultimately matter most to New York Citys 107th mayor.

With Molly Crane-Newman and Dave Goldiner
The Irish government liked to roll the pitch in favour of their own team in intergovernmental conferences with the UK, a senior Northern Ireland Office (NIO) official said in 1998.

Declassified state papers reveal behind-the-scenes preparations for a meeting between the two governments in Dublin just weeks before the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998.

The civil servant also remarked that frequent meetings between officials from the two governments during the Castle Buildings talks which led to the historic peace deal meant that the high political passion of the conferences had worn off.

A meeting of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) was scheduled to take place in March 1998 with then Northern Ireland secretary Mo Mowlam and Irish foreign minister David Andrews to lead the respective delegations.

State papers show that UK officials predicted that the Irish delegation would raise concerns about the levels of RUC and Army patrolling in Northern Ireland as well as disappointment that the recently constituted Parades Commission inadequately represents the nationalist community.

In a memo sent two days before the meeting, NIO official Peter Bell said the UK had tended to leave the running to the Irish Government.

He added: In preparations for meetings of the Intergovernmental Conference they have generally tried to create expectations of outcomes, highlight the main points on which their ministers would focus, in short they have rolled the pitch in the interests of their own team.

I wonder whether we could not ourselves do better in future, beginning with the IGC in Dublin this Thursday?

Mr Bell said: The problem is that IGCs are not what they were.

When NIO and Irish Ministers met infrequently; when the modern AI (Anglo-Irish) relationship was just being formed; then they were major events in the political calendar.

Now, we enjoy (enjoy?) Ministerial colloquy on a virtual daily basis in Castle Buildings; the novelty  and indeed, usually, the high political passion  of the marriage has worn off.

He added: The IGCs main function now is a political theatre so it may be worth a little trouble to get the advertising right in advance.

When the Good Friday Agreement was signed the following month, one of its elements was to create a new British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) to replace the Intergovernmental Conference.

Mr Bell wrote another memo in June where he said the Irish government never like to go too long without a meeting of the IGC.

He added: They had, however, accepted that to call a meeting before the Referendum, or even the Assembly election would be insensitive.

They now accept that the same is true of a conference during the height of the marching season, and between Assembly election and Drumcree.

This points, in their own mind, to a meeting in the second half of July.

This degree of realism, even taking account of the arrival of the Agreement, is a welcome, if unusual step.

Mr Bell concluded by saying that it was of the highest importance in the future not to give the impression that the BIIGC was merely the IGC rebranded.
New Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson was advised to avoid referring to the Republic of Ireland as The Free State or The Republican Government when he took up the role in October 1999, newly declassified files have revealed.

Mr Mandelson had recently replaced Mo Mowlam as Secretary of State for the region when a first day briefing paper was provided for him by the Northern Ireland Office.

The 164-page document contained guidance information for Mr Mandelson and other new NIO ministers on the state of politics in Northern Ireland at a time when preparations were advancing towards devolving power to the new Stormont Assembly which had been established by the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

The briefing paper contained extensive information on the state of the Northern Ireland political parties, their key figures, the security situation, media organisations, and relations with the Republic of Ireland.

It stated: In recent years the working relationship between the two Governments has been particularly strong and effective.

The tone has been set by the close personal relationship between the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern.

The briefing paper included a section titled Terminology, including expressions best avoided.

The new Northern Ireland Secretary was advised to avoid referring to Great Britain as the mainland.

The paper stated: A term used by unionists but not generally acceptable. Reference should be made to GB.

The document said the term Northern Ireland is preferable to Ulster or the Province.

It added that the North is an acceptable colloquialism used by both communities.

Mr Mandelson was told the term the Province is best avoided when talking to nationalists.

He was also told when in Northern Ireland to avoid the phrase Being out here  because it smacks of the colonial outpost attitude.

The new Northern Ireland Secretary was provided with a list of terms to avoid using when referring to Ireland and the Dublin Government.

The document stated: The Free State  official name of the Republic from 1922-37. Sometimes used as a derogatory term by unionists and republicans. Unacceptable.

Eire  official name of the Republic in Irish. Refers to the island of Ireland and implies claim to the 6 counties comprising Northern Ireland. Unacceptable.

The Republican Government  A term occasionally used to describe the Government of the Republic of Ireland. To be avoided at all costs, as being deeply offensive to that Government.

The briefing paper also advised against using the term Prods to refer to Protestants, and Fenians or Taigs to refer to Catholics.
The finalists for Blas na hEireann, The Irish Food Awards, 2023 have been announced, with ten producers from Louth making the shortlist and the countdown is now on for the return of the awards weekend to the pretty seaside town of Dingle. The three-day event will take place from Thursday September 28th to Saturday 30th September.

After the joyous reunion of last years in-person event for the first time in two years, the excitement is already building and the Blas team are hard at work preparing for the arrival of food and drink producers across Ireland to celebrate the very best of Irish.

Now in its 16th year, Blas na hEireann saw its highest entries from across all categories along with many new producers entering the awards for the first time this year. During the judging, which took place over June and July, over 3,000 entries were judged, the highest on record.

The finalists shortlisted from Co Louth across a range of different categories are: Carlingford Oyster Company, Dan Kelly's Cider, DK Connemara Oysters, East Coast Bakehouse, Hilton Foods, King of Kefir, Listoke Distillery, Morgans Fine Fish, Nature's Best and Tastees.

Speaking as the finalists were announced, Blas na hEireann Chairperson, Artie Clifford said, After last years success, we are thrilled to be back again.

"The Blas village and Eat Ireland in a Day tents were a fantastic addition and created brilliant awareness for the finalists and winners to both the public and key industry people.

"Seeing so many new producers enter this year is testament to the fantastic produce Ireland has to offer and I am looking forward to celebrating past and new finalists and winners again this year.

This years Blas na hEireann awards in Dingle will see the return of last years new additions including the Eat Ireland in a Day tent and the Blas Village where the 2023 finalists will get the opportunity to showcase their products, engage with customers and meet key industry buyers.

With over 3,000 products entered in this years Blas na hEireann, making it as a finalist is a huge achievement and one to be very proud of. The competition ramps up year on year, meaning those producers who are short listed as finalists really are the creme de la creme of Irish food and drink.

For finalist producers it is not just their exceptional food & drink which will be celebrated in Dingle but the people themselves, the passionate producers who make the very best of Irish will be recognised and rewarded making this autumns Blas na hEireann a food event not to be missed!
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Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne TD, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council chairperson Valarie Harte, Head of local youth services Lyndsey Braniff and Senator Erin McGreehan visited the Dolmen Centre in Omeath recently, to meet young people from Omeath and Warrenpoint who were attending a weeklong cross border Summer Splash Youth Initiative.

The programme aimed to help young people feel safe, have a renewed sense of belonging and to provide opportunities for them to contribute within their communities. The initiative is being run as a partnership between NM&DDC, The Education Authority (Crotlieve) and Omeath District Development CLG -Steering & Sparring Youth Programme.

Lynsey Branniff, Education Authority Head of Local Youth Services, commented, the Education Authority is delighted to be involved in this cross-border partnership programme about water safety for young people in the Carlingford Lough area.

"As a service, we focus our efforts on supporting young peoples learning about the dangers and risks involved. Summer Splash has been a fun-filled week of activities with a serious message about how our children and young people can stay safe.

Thanks to our partners in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, the PCSP and colleagues in Omeath District Development Association who collaborated with us on the programme, to ensure positive outcomes for young people.

Cllr Valarie Harte Chairperson of NM&DDC commented I am delighted to see first-hand the delivery of the Knife & Edged Weapon Awareness Programme for young people facilitated by Mark Montgomery, and truly inspired by Aidan Walshs Mental Health outdoor training session and motivational talk and would like to thank both Mark and Adain for coming today and facilitating the session. It is not every day the young people of the area get to meet Olympic and commonwealth medallists.

The programme was funded through numerous agencies including The Department of Justice Ireland Community Safety Innovation Fund, Newry, Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), NM&DDC Community Engagement Dept and the Education authority.
A jet skier who washed up on the shores of South Korea last week is believed to be a Chinese dissident.

The South Korean coast guard said earlier this week that a Chinese man in his 30s tried to enter the country last Wednesday after riding the watercraft 200 miles across the Yellow Sea from Shandong area of China.

The man said he left China with a life vest, helmet, binoculars, a compass and five canisters of fuel weighing about 28 gallons.

He refilled the petrol on the ride and dumped the empty barrels into the sea, the coast guard said in a news release.

The man was detained after his jet ski got stuck in the muddy shore of the South Korean port city Incheon and he called for rescue.

Lee Dae-seon, a South Korean pro-democracy activist, identified the man as Chinese human rights activist Kwon Pyong.

While his means of entry into South Korea in violation of the law was wrong, surveillance of the Chinese authorities and political persecution of Kwon since 2016 are behind his life-risking crossing into South Korea, Lee told Agence France-Presse.

China frequently uses exit bans to prevent activists from leaving its territories, according to BBC News.

Kwon has previously been jailed for criticizing Chinese President Xi Jinping and participated in pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong.

While its unknown how long Kwon will be in South Korean custody after being arrested for entering the country illegally, he doesnt plan to stay.

He wants to go to a third country, Lee told CNN on Wednesday. He went to Iowa State University so he speaks English. He wants to go to an English-speaking country.

Kwons daring escape comes nearly three weeks after jailed Russian dissident Alexei Navalny was sentenced to 19 more years behind bars.
More than 20% of Louth pubs have closed since 2005 according to a report by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI).

The Irish Pub: Supporting our communities report reveals that the Wee County has seen a 22.5% decrease in the number of pubs operating, falling from 227 in 2005 to 176 in 2022.

Post pandemic there has been a 6.4% decrease with 22 pubs closing in the county between 2019-2022.

Nationally, almost 2,000 pubs have closed in Ireland since 2005 according to latest research, with an accelerated rate of closure in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The groups analysis shows a 22.5% decline in the number of pubs in the State from 2005 to 2022  this represents the closure of 1,937 small and family-run Irish businesses. DIGI says this decrease sparks concern about the future sustainability of many other businesses in the industry.

An average of 114 pubs a year are closing their doors across the country, rising to 152 per year since 2019, with disproportionate impact in more rural areas.

The latest data shows an additional 108 pubs closed in 2022.

Over 450 pubs nationally have closed in the period since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic with the greatest decreases seen in more rural parts of the country compared with Dublin. Analysis also established that the rate of closures has accelerated in the aftermath of Covid-19, with 349 pubs closing in 2020 and 2021.

Although all 26 counties experienced a decline in the number of public houses during the 2005 to 2022 period, the lowest decrease was in Dublin at 3.4%.

The largest decrease was seen in Limerick with 32% less pubs in the county since 2005.

Roscommon (30.3%), Cork (29.9%) and Laois (29.9%) saw the next largest decreases, with a further eight counties all showing the closure of more than a quarter (25%) in the number of pubs: Offaly (28.7%), Leitrim (28.6%), Tipperary (28.6%), Mayo (27.8%), Longford (26.5%), Donegal (26.3%), Clare (25.7%) and Waterford (25.4%).

DIGI says the data shows the number of closures disproportionately impacts more regional counties and areas outside of urban centres  such as Dublin and the immediate surrounding counties.

According to an economic and social analysis of the numbers found in the DIGI report, economist Anthony Foley notes that while public houses play a particularly important role in contributing to the communities in Irelands towns, villages and rural areas, smaller local markets and populations mean many pubs in regional counties operate on tight margins marking them more at-risk of closure.

The 6,680 pubs operating across the country are at the cultural and social heart of their communities, supporting social relationships and, community cohesion and social capital, reducing the risk of isolation - according to Foley.

Commenting, Kathryn D'Arcy, Chair of DIGI and Communications and Corporate Affairs Director at Irish Distillers said:

The analysis in this report paints a stark picture of a sector that is fighting against continued decline due to a number of significant external pressures  many of which are outside of our control.

"Irelands excise on spirits is the third highest in Europe, our excise on wine is the highest in Europe and our excise on beer is the second highest in Europe. We have some of the highest excise duties in the world and the second highest in Europe overall, despite the industry being at the heart of Irelands tourism sector and its international reputation as a vibrant destination.

"The majority of the almost 2,000 pubs cited in the report which have closed represent the closure of a small or family-run business, the loss of a livelihood and the disappearance of a high-street landmark.

"We must create a sustainable operating environment for the sector and particularly those in more rural parts of the country who are being disproportionately impacted by Government policy.

"To address this challenge, DIGI are calling on Government to deliver a reduction in Irelands extremely high excise duties which would make an immediate, positive difference to the hundreds of small businesses in our sector struggling to stay open," Ms D'Arcy said.
The search is officially underway to find the An Post Bookshop of the Year for 2023 with customers in Louth urged to nominate their favourite bookshop.

After a hugely successful inaugural year in 2021, the category is now back for the third year running in the An Post Irish Book Awards, the annual literary event that celebrates and promotes Irish writing to the widest range of readers possible.

The An Post Bookshop of the Year category is designed to acknowledge the significant role played by independent bookshops and local branches of bookshop chains in helping their local communities to find and savour the titles of their choice. Previous winners include Kennys Bookshop and Art Gallery, Galway in 2021 and Bridge Street Books, Wicklow in 2022.

Customers simply have to click onto https://www.anpost.com/bookshopoftheyear to submit their nomination for their favourite bookshop.

They will also have the option to explain the reason for their choice. Readers can also enter by scanning the QR code in their preferred bookshop and following the instructions. Everyone who votes will be entered into a draw to win a 100 book voucher.

Nominations for the An Post Bookshop of the Year will close on 17th September at midnight. The 12 bookshops around Ireland with the most votes will then be longlisted and invited by the judges to enter a written submission.

Mystery shoppers will visit the 12 shops as part of the judging process. Following this, a shortlist of six shops will be finalised for the An Post Bookshop of the Year and they will be officially announced on the 19th October.

The overall winner will be presented with their trophy at the An Post Irish Book Awards event on 22nd November 22. The winner will receive a trophy along with a prize worth 15,000 from An Post Commerce.

Each year, the An Post Irish Book Awards bring together a vast community passionate about books  readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians  to recognise the very best of new and established Irish writing talent and 2023 will be no different. Other categories in the An Post Irish Book Awards include Novel of the Year, Childrens (Junior and Senior), Cookery, Crime Fiction, Popular Fiction, Non-fiction, Sports, Short Story, Poetry, Teen and Young Adult and Irish Language.

Brendan Corbett, Chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards, says:

Bookshops are at the core of communities throughout Ireland and offer a cultural and social hub for many.

We introduced this category to acknowledge the important contribution bookshops and their booksellers make to not only to their communities and readers, but the significant role they play in the Irish book trade.

We are delighted to see the category returning for the third year running and encourage everyone to support and vote for their local bookshop in the An Post Bookshop of the Year category.

Dawn Behan, Chair of Bookselling Ireland, says:

Our local bookshops are truly at the cornerstone of every Irish village and town and work every day to connect readers with titles they will truly love. Booksellers have an important role in fostering a love of literature among children and those who are new to the wonderful world of reading.

This category brings together readers and booksellers and I look forward to seeing local bookshops celebrated once again at the An Post Irish Book Awards this year.

Garrett Bridgeman, Managing Director of An Post Mails & Parcels said:

Irish bookshops are thriving because they know how to look after their customers and they offer seamless in-store and delivery options. In addition to providing reduced parcel and stamp rates for booksellers through the An Post Advantage Card, we are delighted to once again sponsor this very special award category which means so much to both bookshops and their customers across the country.

The shortlist for all categories in the An Post Irish Book Awards 2023 will be announced on Thursday 19th October, while the winners will be announced on Wednesday 22nd November. A television programme will be broadcast on RTE One television in December and will culminate in one of the 2023 winning titles being announced as the An Post Irish Book of the Year 2023.
The leader of the Russian mercenary Wagner Group, which openly rebelled against Vladimir Putin two months ago, was killed in a plane crash Wednesday, Russian officials said.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, 62, was one of 10 people on board the plane from Moscow to St. Petersburg, according to a passenger list shared by Russian officials. Russias Federal Air Transport Agency also confirmed he was on board.

The plane was 300 miles from its destination when it went down near the city of Tvar, about 100 miles northwest of Moscow. The other nine victims were not immediately identified.

According to posts in a Telegram channel popular with the Wagner Group, the jet was shot down by Russian military air defenses, the BBC reported. Witnesses near Tvar said they heard two bangs before the crash and saw two vapor trails in the air.

Russias state-run Tass news agency said only that the plane had crashed shortly after takeoff and four bodies had already been recovered. Three pilots and seven passengers were on board the private Embraer jet, which was reportedly owned by Prigozhin.

A view of site after a private jet, allegedly carrying Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin and other passengers crashed in Russias northwestern Tver region, Russia on August 23, 2023.

In late June, Prigozhin led his Wagner Group mercenaries in an open rebellion against Putin and Russian leadership. The revolt began on June 23, and the Wagner Group seized the southern city of Rostov-on-Don, the Russian militarys hub for its invasion of Ukraine.

Prigozhin threatened to march on Moscow; Putin called his actions treasonous.

Regarding the betrayal of the motherland, the president was deeply mistaken, Prigozhin responded. We are patriots of our homeland.

All those who prepared the rebellion will suffer inevitable punishment, Putin said in a video address to the Russian people. The armed forces and other government agencies have received the necessary orders.

This image taken from video released by Ostorozhno Novosti on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, shows plane wreckage falling near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver Region.

Putin and Russian military leaders had pushed to bring all private forces under government control by July 1. Prigozhin was furious that he would lose control of Wagner, the group he founded, and launched the rebellion in response.

While the Wagner Group is state-funded, Prigozhin had authority over its day-to-day operations. After the Russian military was humiliated early in its invasion of Ukraine, the Wagner Group was called in, and the mercenaries became among the most feared soldiers in the conflict.

Prigozhin had criticized Russian military leaders throughout the war, saying they failed to sufficiently arm his troops and made strategic blunders. But almost as soon as his revolt began, it fizzled.

After threatening to march on Moscow, Prigozhin cut a deal with Putin. The agreement would see Prigozhin and his rebellious troops move to Belarus, which has aided Russia in the war. In exchange, the rebels would face neither criminal prosecution nor penalties in Russia.

Prigozhin and Putin had been longtime friends and allies before the failed rebellion. Prigozhin was spotted in the neighboring nation shortly afterward. In the ensuing two months, Prigozhins whereabouts were tracked closely, and he appeared to be making routine trips to Moscow.

In this image taken from video released by Ostorozhno Novosti on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, shows the crash site of a private jet near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver Region.

Hours before Prigozhins plane went down, one of his allies in the Russian military was ousted. Gen. Sergei Surovikin was the leader of Russias air force but had not been seen in public since the attempted rebellion.

On Wednesday morning, Surovikin was dismissed from his powerful position. During the revolt, he had reportedly urged Prigozhin to fall back, but that was evidently not enough given his longtime ties to the mercenary leader.

Surovikins monthslong disappearance was the subject of much speculation in Russia, to the point that his daughter had to publicly claim he had not been arrested. Prigozhin had previously suggested that Surovikin be appointed to lead the entire Russian military.

Prigozhin himself kept his head down for months, but appeared Monday in his first recruitment video since the revolt. In the video, reportedly filmed in Africa, Prigozhin urged people to join Wagner Group with a goal of making Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa even more free.

With News Wire Services
The eight Republicans contenders on tonights debate stage in Milwaukee all oppose Donald Trump (which is why they are running against the twice nominated, twice impeached and once defeated candidate) but most of them are not opposed to him. Trumps just dandy, but I can carry out his program better than he, chatter they.

While Chris Christie and Asa Hutchinson have been laudably vocal in denouncing the indicted Trump (which makes sense as both were U.S. attorneys once, although fall of Rudy Giuliani shows that lawmen can be corrupted) and Mike Pence, in his earnest way, is finally critical about the man would have had his loyal veep hanged by a rabid mob, the bulk of the field are wannabe mini Trumps.

Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Tim Scott, Ron DeSantis and Doug Burgum dont want to talk about Trump, which ignores the biggest issue in this primary: Is Trump (or Trumpism without the man) the future of the party? The same blindness to the plague of Trumps lawlessness applies to some of the others who didnt make tonights show; the RNCs iffy criteria has a couple of them, Perry Johnson and Francis Suarez, complaining about unfairness.

Tonights debate, televised by Fox News, is being held in a publicly owned building, the Milwaukee Bucks arena, called the Fiserv Forum, at 1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave., in downtown Milwaukee, with a stuffed deer inside, also which will host the partys convention next July to crown a nominee. For Trump, tomorrows spin room will be at another publicly owned building, the Fulton County Jail at 901 Rice St. NW in Atlanta. Sheriff Patrick Pat Labat doesnt have any taxidermied carcasses, but live prisoners, as Trump and 18 fellow rogues file through this week to get arrested.

Wisconsin also happens to be one of the seven states where the criminal enterprise, as called by the Atlanta district attorney, Fani Willis, tried to use fake electors to steal Joe Bidens victory. Lets see if that comes up in the debate and how the candidates handle it. Was cheating Cheeseheads from their votes fine by DeSantis and the rest?

Eight years ago, Fox also hosted the first GOP debate, where Trumps stage manner and charisma and humor put him in the lead and hes been there ever since, the No. 1 of the once great Republican Party. Abe and Teddy and Ike and Ronald are in a far better place, commiserating with each over the fall and fate of their party, which stood for principles above all. Trump has turned it into a personality cult.

Like the petulant brat that hes been for all of his 77 years, Trump isnt just skipping the Milwaukee face-off, hes going to do his best to distract the publics attention by presenting at the same time, 9 tonight, an interview by Tucker Carlson, who was so horribly bad that Fox had to fire him. If Trump cant be the center of attention, no one else can.

He doesnt have to fret. He is the center of attention  tonight onstage  and tomorrow before the sheriff and the judge. And thats the problem, as the party must reject him and break free, otherwise it will be ruination for the Republicans.
EBRD signs a loan of up to EGP 200 million with Reefy Micro-Finance Enterprise Services

Investment to finance Egyptian youth-led or owned MSMEs in Egypt, mainly microbusinesses

Donor support from the European Union

The EBRD is supporting young entrepreneurs in Egypt with a loan of up to EGP 200 million (approximately 6 million) to Reefy Micro-Finance Enterprise Services (Reefy), the first licensed microfinance institution in Egypt and one of the countrys largest micro lenders.

Supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) led or owned by young entrepreneurs is essential to help the Egyptian economy absorb the financially underserved but ever-growing number of young people joining the labour market and open up their economic opportunities.

The loan is provided under the EBRDs Youth in Business (YiB) programme and will be used to mainly support privately-owned micro-enterprises that are led or owned by entrepreneurs under the age of 35, with a special focus on borrowers located outside of Cairo and Alexandria. Eligible businesses will also receive incentive grants provided by the European Union (EU), of up to 10 per cent of the total sub-loan amount.

The YiB programme will also offer capacity-building and advisory services to help Reefy better understand and serve the financial needs of young entrepreneurs on the one hand, and to boost the young entrepreneurs business skills and entrepreneurial mindset through non-financial services on the other.

This is the EBRDs second loan to Reefy, following a successful Women in Business loan signed in 2021, and the fourth YiB loan under Egypts YiB Programme.

Egypt is a founding member of the EBRD. Since the start of its operations there in 2012, the EBRD has invested more than 10.3 billion in 164 projects.
The city must make special education a priority

Brooklyn: In an op-ed in the Dec. 21, 2021 Daily News, New administration, new hope for special ed, I described the New York City Department of Educations neglect of special needs children and their parents and my experience advocating for change that never materialized. I respectfully implored then-Mayor-elect Adams to bring NYCs special education system into compliance with federal law.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures children with disabilities a free and appropriate public education. IDEA reflects our nations commitment to equitable and inclusive education for all children, regardless of their (dis)abilities. However, for years, the NYC DOE has been out of compliance with the law.

So, on July 19, 2023, I cheered when Manhattan Federal Judge Loretta Preska ordered the failing system fixed, issuing 40 steps to address the long delays in receiving services or payments for services. Now, a new school year is about to begin and we are still waiting to hear a plan. We need a special education czar appointed to lead a dedicated operation unit who will blitz through the backlog and follow through on every step of the order  on time! This small investment is a legal obligation, but it is a moral one too.

This is an urgent call to action for our mayor: You were propelled to office as a beacon of change. You can fulfill the dream today and secure a legacy as the NYC leader to safeguard the rights of all our children. Be the hero we need for special education reform. Simcha Felder, New York State senator

Unceremonious exit

Brooklyn: Chief of Detectives James W. Essig did everything correctly, yet with two more years to go before mandatory retirement, they ask him to leave. Just another example of sick politics. Again, the people of this city lose. Well done, chief. Louie Scarcella

Bad touch

Astoria: Brooklyn Councilwoman Inna Vernikov gets kissed by a stranger, which she describes as a very creepy moment. Queens Councilwoman Lynn Schulman called the peck abhorrent and disgusting. My question is, what are their thoughts when a stranger sucker punches an ordinary citizen? Or is that the norm in todays society? Aris Sakellaridis

Waste of space

Brooklyn: So, the Daily News has no room to print a full-size paper but seems to have unlimited resources to devote to judicial reform in the Upper West Side. You have devoted two editorials to this topic and now a word salad by Voicer Alan Flacks to rehash the topic of judge selection in some obscure corner of Manhattan. Joseph Patterson is likely spinning in his grave over this travesty. Auxil Benevosoc

Headliner help

Brooklyn: Jacqueline Cutlers story (Music rambled  despite drugs, death and prison, Aug. 20) regarding the publication of the Allman Brothers Band biography blatantly omitted some crucial information when she pointed out that they drew more than 600,000 fans to Watkins Glen, New York, in 1973. With all due respect to the Georgia bands increasing acceptance, the two other bands on the bill that day  the Grateful Dead and The Band  certainly had a considerable impact on drawing a crowd larger than Woodstock. Neil S. Friedman

Pep talks

Port St. Lucie, Fla.: Imagine how bad the New York Yankees season would be if they didnt have manager Aaron Boone inspiring them with his pre-game speeches. Edward C. Burke

Easy out

Staten Island: I could not be more disgusted by this presidential administration for proposing to offer plea deals to 9/11 terrorists who murdered 3,000 people in this country. I am without words and someone needs to step in and remove President Biden from the Oval Office. I understand that most people in this country never knew or heard of anyone who died on 9/11. The people in charge of this country are destroying it. Rest in peace to all 9/11 victims. Survivors, families and friends, your president doesnt care about you. He thinks time heals old wounds. Glenn Stevenson

Immunity

Long Island City: 9/11 was a sad day for Americans but there was no payback to the Saudis. When the families of the dead wanted to sue the corrupt Saudis, Barack Obama vetoed a bill that would allow families of victims to sue. Obamas treasonous act was perhaps done for cash or his hatred for America. He also redacted information that could have implicated the Saudis. Guiseppe Pollicino

Minority rule

Edgewater, N.J.: Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy voiced his concerns that recent protections accorded to same-sex couples have created a new tyranny of the minority. Is he also as concerned about the tyranny of the minority in the U.S. Senate? In the Electoral College? Jay K. Egelberg

Loathsome character

Bronx: It should be a gagging experience to vote for, much less like, a person who is constantly in ill humor, calls people names, makes fun of people with disabilities, grouches and kvetches, is uncivil to most people everywhere all the time, bullies, and cares only for himself and his big ego. Also, a person who doesnt pay his debts, is loyal to no one while demanding unyielding loyalty of family, friends and employees, and who offers no programs, goals or respect for the law in past or maybe future office. How anyone in their normal, human, working right mind can vote for Donald J. Trump is something I just can not countenance. Can you imagine your chagrin if you had to deal with a relative like him? Rose Mary Lancaster

Spend wisely

Brooklyn: A fool and his money are soon parted is a saying thats been around since at least the 1500s. Its incisive advice, yet many modern fools continue to part unwisely with their cash. Some donate money to Trump, who boasts of his wealth. Some buy high-priced designer items of dubious value. Some regularly purchase and use things that become destructive habits such as tobacco, hard drugs or lottery tickets. There are multiple things we could add to this list. Please think carefully about how (and why) you spend your money. Ellen Levitt

Interesting read

Alvin, Texas: The History of the Great American Nipple Rub and Other Important Historical Tidbits. Dont let the title fool you. Check it out on Amazon. You wont regret it. Darren Stilwell

Oldies but goodies

Howard Beach: Is there anyone left in this world who will remember some of these great old songs (besides me)? Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Smile, Smile, Smile, So Long Pal, You Are My Sunshine, As Time Goes By, Goodnight Sweetheart. Jean Novak

Wacky taxis

Bronx: Arent there any laws in place to protect the people from these new rickshaw/pedal-driven taxis? They make U-turns in the middle of the street. Cars cant do that. They run red lights whenever they feel like it. Cars cant do that. I saw one at 49th and Seventh Ave. the other day. He ignored pedestrians and only slowed down to avoid being hit by a car, which had the right of way. Once his own skin was no longer in danger, he continued to glide through. Howard Phillips

Not sad

Brooklyn: I see former U.S. Sen. James Buckley died at age 100. I will shed no tears. I recall him as a wealthy carpetbagger from Connecticut who openly played the race card in his 1970 senatorial campaign, appearing at the World Trade Center construction site in his Brooks Brothers suit and declaring to the cheering assembled white hard hats, Isnt it time we had a senator? In actuality, he would not have let a single one of those workers enter his house through the front door, and that was probably the only time in his life that he wore a hard hat. During his single term in office, Buckley did next to nothing to advance the interests of average New Yorkers, but as the son of an oil tycoon, he advanced his familys financial interests in the oil and gas industry. Thankfully, he was handily defeated in 1976 by a bona fide, true blue New Yorker, Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Dennis Middlebrooks
Ten learners from Cork ETBs National Learning Network have recorded their own song at the iconic Windmill Lane studios.

The recording of Find Your People comes in advance of the formal adoption of the song as the anthem of more than 340,000 learners across Irelands 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs).

Riverdance composer Bill Whelan, rapper/songwriter MuRli, and musician/composer Ellen Cranitch were the prestigious judges of the ETB Anthem Competition held to mark the 10-year anniversary of the establishment of Education & Training Boards.

Education & Training Boards Ireland invited learners and participants in all ETB schools, colleges and programmes around the country to compose an anthem to celebrate the work and core values of the largest state providers of education and training.

The initiative was run in partnership with Music Generation, Irelands national music education programme that gives children and young people access to high-quality performance music education.

Ten learners from Cork ETBs National Learning Network pictured at the recording of their song at Windmill Lane. Pic: Marc O'Sullivan.

The winning anthem, Find Your People, was written by ten ETB learners aged 16 to 33 years on the Skills for Life programme at National Learning Network Hollyhill, funded through Cork ETB.

NLN Hollyhill provides a range of training, support and confidence-building skills to people who have had an accident, illness, injury or have a disability and extra support needs.

The young learners worked collectively to write lyrics, rap, sing and create an uplifting anthem that captures the essence of empowerment, inclusivity and lifelong learning within education and training, according to the judges.

Limerick Based rapper, MuRli, said: I was privileged to be on the judging panel earlier this year.

I think the learners did an incredible job in writing and performing this song and it really encapsulates the inclusive values and ethos of the ETBs.

"Find your People is a great anthem and Im really glad we found these people.

As well as recording their anthem with a music industry professional in Windmill Lane Recording Studio, the winners will premiere their anthem on September 28 in Cork City Hall, performing in front of the 16 Education & Training Boards.

The song will also be released and form part of a nationwide campaign to promote the services of ETBs.
The people of Cork have always been very kind to me, and it is my great pleasure and honour to come over here to City Hall to meet the lord mayor, Echo Boy Dave Hogan said on Monday afternoon.

For the past 44 years, since he was a child of 10, Mr Hogan has sold The Echo for nine hours a day, six days a week, in all weather conditions.

The self-described Last of the Echo Boys, Mr Hogan has become the lone voice in Cork crying what was once known as the song of the city, sitting at his perch outside Oliver Plunkett Streets General Post Office (GPO) offering The Echo and the Irish Examiner  and the Holly Bough, when its in season  to discerning readers.

Echo Boy Dave Hogan visits the Lord Mayor.

For the third year in a row, in what has surely now become a Cork tradition, Mr Hogan has been welcomed to City Hall by the Lord Mayor of Cork Kieran McCarthy, where he signed the distinguished visitors book and shared some words of wisdom.

It began three years ago, when the then-lord mayor Colm Kelleher, introduced him to the US ambassador and an invite to City Hall followed.

Last year, Deirdre Forde repeated the invitation, and now Mr McCarthy has honoured the tradition, with the lord mayors driver, Finbarr Archer, dryly remarking as Mr Hogan arrived at Cork City Hall, another year, another lord mayor.

Lighthouse of safety

Describing his guest as a Cork legend, Mr McCarthy said that when he was growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, the Echo Boys were everywhere in the city.

They were an important source of news, and I know Cork people like to know whats going on in the city, and when you heard that shout, Echo, youd know that news was nearby, the safety even of someone collecting that news, Mr McCarthy said.

Im a big fan of The Echo, it is a community newspaper, the editorials that come out every day, there is a moral that is published every day, and its like a lighthouse of safety, and I think that David is one of those beacons  hes a mini lighthouse.

Mr Hogan said he was very grateful to the friends who helped him in his life and his career.

I especially want to remember my great friend and mentor as an Echo Boy, the late Michael ORegan, he said.

Mr Hogan thanked his friends in Minihanes Pharmacy, the Long Valley, and all in the GPO, especially John, Daniel and branch manager Damien Nagle.

Mr Hogan said that he has, in his time as an Echo Boy, been attacked on the street, and he singled out Sergeant Sean Minihane in Anglesea Street for all of his support.

Help the homeless

Asked by the lord mayor for his thoughts as someone who sees life on Corks city streets every day, Mr Hogan had a blunt message for those in a position to help our most vulnerable citizens.

The Government should be doing more to help the homeless.

What I mean by that, there are some really, really bad cases, and Im saying now to the likes of Micheal Martin and the Taoiseach to wake up and help the homeless, Mr Hogan said.

Teased by The Echo reporter for wearing gear from its sister paper, the Irish Examiner, to give them a much-needed boost, Mr Hogan let rip with a cross-company roar of Examiner, Holly Bough, Echo.

As he left City Hall, Mr Hogan wished Mr McCarthy all the best for his year ahead. Asked by The Echo whether he would visit next years lord mayor, Mr Hogan grinned and said: Sure youd never know.
A GYM with a difference is attracting members from as far as Dublin who are availing of robotic technology for people living with paralysis.

Elite Fitness, which is situated at the Marina Commercial Park, is among the only gyms to offer the exoskeleton, a wearable device that allows wheelchair users to take simulated steps, outside of a clinical setting.

Nathan Kirwan, from Currabinny, who was paralysed in an accident, had fundraised to cover the 150,000 cost of purchasing the device for the facility back in 2015. The gym is now seeing people flock from all parts of the country to reap the devices benefits.

The technology was initially co-developed in the 1960s by the US armed forces to amplify the strength of soldiers.

Society, however, is only beginning to see the possibilities it offers, particularly for those living with disabilities and life-changing injuries.

Bernard Healy is among the number of people travelling long distances to avail of the exoskeleton at Colin OShaughnessys gym.

The device, which he uses once a week, has become an important part of his life decades after a rugby injury left him with a broken neck and in need of a wheelchair.

He spoke about what motivates him to make the difficult trip from Skerries in Dublin every week.

My injury happened back in 1980, Bernard said.

I think the talk in those days was that there might one day be some miracle surgery that could help people walk again. However, I never thought that anything like the exoskeleton would be available in a gym. Its been around now about 10 years ago, maybe a little more.

The 61-year-old described the new lease of life the exoskeleton has given him since retiring from his job of 30 years in AIB.

Youre using an awful lot of energy to use your whole body to try to stay upright to take those steps. Although the machine is helping you, youre doing a lot of the work so youre wrecked after it, he said.

Colin, who owns the gym, and I were discussing the advantages this must have for your internal drainage because youre standing upright in a more natural position than wheelchair users would be used to.

Bernard recommended the wearable device for anyone who has sustained a life-changing injury.

Psychologically, particularly for somebody whos young and not long after an injury, it helps enormously to just to get out of the wheelchair for a while and have that feeling of being upright, he added.

The feeling is one of real control and there is a sense of achievement in it. Im not sure how quantifiable it is but I imagine that everyone who uses the exoskeleton benefits from it psychologically as well.

The Dublin man, who also avails of other exercises in the gym, said that fitness is proving even more beneficial to his health as he ages.

I was able to take some steps very awkwardly many years ago with crutches or a walking frame, he explained.

However, there are other things that come with a spinal injury like scoliosis, spinal curvature and all those kind of issues. As you get older the body slows down and the same goes for people with spinal injuries.

Anyone wishing to donate funds to purchase a new exoskeleton or maintain the existing device can call 087 132 6600 or email info@elitefitnesscork.com.
BLACKROCK Castle Observatory is set to welcome a celebrated author to Cork for a talk on his latest series of books which are part of the social, environmental, and scientific education curriculum in Ireland.

The local observatory will host an evening in conversation with Terry Deary, celebrated author, actor, and educator. Deary is the renowned author behind the acclaimed Horrible Histories series.

The event will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, September 19, with tickets available on Eventbrite for between 7.50 and 10.

The event is a collaboration between Blackrock Castle Observatory and CJ Fallon, the publishers behind Dearys latest series of books.

In a statement, organisers said: Join us for an exclusive evening in conversation with Terry Deary, celebrated author, actor, and educator, renowned writer of the acclaimed Horrible Histories series.

Prepare to laugh, learn, and be inspired as Terry regales us with stories and imparts wisdom from his remarkable career in which he has been educating and entertaining children and adults alike for more than 50 years.

Unleash your imagination and sense of adventure and let Terry Deary introduce you to his latest series The Tales of Ballydoon. This is a series of six novels written specifically for the first to sixth class Social Environmental and Scientific Education curriculum in Ireland. These unique novels take a fresh approach to education, seamlessly weaving the curriculum through fun, engaging stories, organisers added.

All guests will receive a free Tales of Ballydoon title. Dont miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to get your book signed and engage with one of the most beloved figures in childrens literature and explore the incredible world of Ballydoon like never before.
I was strolling along French Church Street looking for a sign that said, Blues Cafe, when I heard a Hey bro! I turned to see the big smile and the outstretched arm of Khaled Azrag, AKA Blue. He gave me his strong hand slap and embrace as he buzzed about in high spirits on the opening day of his new venture. The sun was shining on French Church Street adding to its already idyllic appearance and Blue was playing the host role full of zest and welcoming attitude.

Blues other business is already a staple on French Church Street. His headquarters called Blue Nile Lifestyle is a cooperative of skills and services housed in a large  appropriately painted blue  building. Blue is a central figure in a community of business owners and his building hosts different arms for life and style, such as a beauty salon, a hair salon, a barbers, a photography studio, as well as his own fitness studio which hosts a range of classes. Hes certainly been keeping busy for years training people of all types and ages in different fitness styles, martial arts and dancing.

Blues Cafe on French Street, Cork. Pic: Richard Gordon

Everything I do is good for the mind! Blue explained to me. Hes come a long way in his lifetime.

In 2008, Blue left the wartime hardship of Sudan in search of a better life and ended up in Ireland. He first sought asylum in Dublin where he stayed in a direct provision centre, but then he found accommodation in Kinsale and he ultimately called Cork home.

Blue threw himself into fitness of all kinds, which is obvious to the eye when you look at him as he is an impressively built fella.

I put my body through intense workouts, bro! he said referring to the muscle-up challenges he has on his online profiles.

But I always wanted to open my own cafe! Its been a dream of mine for so long now.

"I used to have a kitchen in my previous building at Penrose Wharf where we served food. Ive always wanted this! So when I heard this building was available I decided to take it over. 8am to 8pm will be the opening hours every day, and a lot of people hang out after fitness classes so it will be good for that.

Lots on the Menu

The only thing his Blue Nile Lifestyle building was missing was a cafe! So this feels like an inevitable progression for Blue, and a location only a stones throw down the lane proved to be irresistible.

Blue walked me through some menu items and explained how they are Arabic/Middle-Eastern inspired dishes, and also predominantly vegan. Kushari, which is lentils, rice and pasta. Lentil soup with onion, coriander and garlic. And sandwiches and salads with fillings of falafels and grilled aubergines available. Juices with mint, lemon and fresh hibiscus on offer, too.

The coffee menu is your classic style of modern coffee, such as Americanos and lattes, but there is also a twist of Turkish coffee available keeping the Arabic theme. Blue is taking his coffee seriously as hes being supplied by Soma and hes brewing his espresso using a La Marzocco.

The building is formerly of Rebel Coffee so the framework for a cafe was already in situ for Blue to takeover. And the upstairs is the familiar Insta-friendly axe throwing range. The building is owned by the property developer John Lundy, who was present the morning I visited overseeing the opening day activities.

Disco Vibe

Blue flicked through some old videos and images of the previous set up and how things have changed under his curation. Hes gone for a more disco vibe to your average modern cafe, with dance music, black paint and blue neon. The leopard print tabletops stand out also giving it a night club feel. Blue is a man with his own signature style and his cafe certainly exemplifies this as he isnt following any trends but rather is keeping to what he knows and enjoys.

There are plenty of finishing touches still to be put down, with almost no signage visible yet save for a small logo cello taped to the door, but apparently this is all coming very shortly. Blue had a selection of people helping him and working for him on the day, with fresh pastries being baked in house  such as vegan pastel de nata and chocolate cake  which Im told were an accurate representation of what will be the backbone of the menu. Lots of vegan treats and coffees is the idea.

I work very hard and have done for many years now, Blue said as we chatted about his ventures. I wouldnt doubt a spirit like Blues whos had to fight for his share in life and seems to carry an indominable spirit around with him daily.

Hes always like this, always jumping around doing one thing and then another, his friend told me on the morning as Blue chatted with everyone, took phone calls, and worked on little bits here and there around the cafe. Hes a man with bundles of energy, ideas, and a real go-getters attitude.

His opening hours will be 8am to 8pm seven days a week at 4 French Church Street.
A HOME security company has provided advice for keeping households secure in Cork and across Ireland as families prepare for the upcoming return to school.

PhoneWatch, Irelands leading home security company, has shared advice for families to help protect their home from burglary and fire during the school season, which is a busy time for both parents and children.

Marguerite Cotter, marketing director of PhoneWatch, said: Back to school is a busy time for many of us. The school run is an opportune time for burglars to target your home. Remember, burglars are savvy and, in most cases, have been watching a home to build up a knowledge of the comings and goings.

"Burglaries happen in seconds, especially if a home is being watched, so make sure all entry points are locked when you leave the house," she advised.

"Dont broadcast your plans on social media especially if your social media profiles are public. Little notifications like 'just dropping the kids to school' can provide potential burglars with vital information about your schedule and routine.

"They will then know when your home is likely to be unoccupied.

"Preventing your kids from oversharing on social media may be difficult, but the first step is having a conversation on the importance of not sharing too much information online," she added.

"If your child is old enough to stay home alone when they return from school, establish clear guidelines for safety, including not opening the door to strangers and using kitchen appliances responsibly."

Visit www.phonewatch.ie for more information.
A 76-YEAR-old Cork man is defying stereotypes about the elderly with an impressive fitness routine that includes three gym sessions a week.

Sean Lenihan, from the Lough, is attending Elite Fitness at the Marina Commercial Park, which includes a gym catering for the older fitness fanatic complete with specialist equipment and tailored work outs.

The gym welcomes older people from all walks of life including those recovering from the effects of a stroke and living with debilitating conditions such as Parkinsons disease and MS.

Sean, who has been with the gym for four years, said he initially signed up as a means to ease crippling anxiety attacks and depression.

The Cork man said he hasnt experienced an attack since joining the sessions.

Sean is just one of dozens of older people who have signed up for the service. He described the months leading up to his fitness journey.

I didnt want to do anything. I couldnt be in a crowd. I could handle two people but three was a crowd, he said.

He revealed how a panic attack could strike at any time.

I was a member of the Cork Male Voice Choir so there was always the chance of an attack while on stage.

The pensioner described one such incident.

I was in City Hall singing for what I believe was Cara OSullivans last ever concert, he recalled. 

I could feel this thing come over me. When this happens there is nothing you can do about it. All I could think was that I had to get out of there. The others in the choir knew all about the attacks so I just slid away sideways and left.

Sean said that joining Elite Fitness, which was set up by Cork man Colin OShaughnessy, helped to clear his panic attacks and depression.

I didnt want to do anything when I had it. I had a polytunnel in the Lough I used to love caring for that I just left to go wild, he said.

I can remember seeing people my age at the beach one day exercising and doing all kinds of things. That was when I emailed Elite to see if I could make an appointment, he added.

BENEFITS

Sean spoke about the benefits of joining the gym. Ive lost a lot of weight and put on muscle. I can feel it in my clothes. I had a lot of clothes at home that I couldnt wear before that now fit again. Ive had the odd person slagging me, he laughed. I hear questions like what are you doing going to the gym? You should be praying for a happy death.

The fitness fanatic said he had never so much as heard of gyms while growing up.

I must have been about 40 when small gyms started to become a thing in Ireland. You can see how it might be intimidating to be in a gym with people who are so much younger than you. There are no lycra or leotards with us, he joked.

Its all about getting to a level you are comfortable with.

Sean praised gym owner Colin OShaughnessy and trainer Tammy, who he said have been instrumental in motivating him to maintain his fitness levels.

Colin has a great way with people. Tammy is great for motivating me. Im even coming on bank holiday weekends to make sure my fitness routine doesnt slip, he said.

Meanwhile, Tony Collins from Douglas also opened up about the new lease of life the gym has given him.

I suffer from diabetes and Parkinson disease type 2 and came down here off my own bat after my daughter suggested it, Tony said. Ive been going for six months. I went to the gym at UCC before that, but found it was dominated by youngsters. The concept of what you can do when youre young is different to what you can achieve when youre older. I find this gym is more suited to older people. Now, I come here three times a week.
AN advocate for the elderly in Cork has called on NCT Ireland to exempt those aged over 60 from cashless payments at test centres.

In recent days, NCT Ireland, which is operated by Applus+ on behalf of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), announced that NCT centres will soon no longer accept cash payments.

Were saying goodbye to cash! NCTs are going cashless over the coming months for your safety and convenience, this means that payment must be made in advance of attending for your NCT. When introduced, payment can be made online or by postal order, it said.

Speaking to The Echo following the announcement, local advocate for the elderly, Paddy OBrien, said he believes the move is unfair to elderly people who are not tech-savvy.

I meet elderly people every day who know nothing whatsoever about going online. The people Im referring to regrettably dont even know how to handle a mobile phone and now theyre expected to go online, which they have no chance in the world of doing, he said.

I am calling on NCT Ireland to take into consideration the effect this will have on elderly people.

Mr OBrien suggested that NCT Ireland could make an exception for those over 60 to allow them to continue to pay in cash at test centres.

However, if the decision does go ahead, Mr OBrien appealed to community organisations to assist elderly people with payments.

If it is implemented, I think what has to happen is that a lot of voluntary organisations will have to help the elderly in their own specific areas and Im not speaking just about voluntary groups who care for the elderly, Im speaking about all organisations  the farmers associations, Muintir na Tire, the Countrywomens Association and so on. They know themselves the elderly people who are living alone, and it applies to the city as well It wouldnt be too much to ask.

In a statement to The Echo, the RSA said: The RSA would like to acknowledge that we are in ongoing discussions with the NCT service as to the various payment alternatives and supporting processes that need to be implemented to ensure the needs of our customers are met.
THE Montenotte Hotel has announced its latest partnership with Cork-based flight organisation, the Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA) for its new The Skys the Limit package.

Adventure seekers will be able to pair a two-night stay at The Montenotte with a one-hour scenic flight for two in one of AFTAs avant-garde planes, enjoying views of the city and its coastlines from above.

Founded in 1995, AFTA is a leading flight training organisation based in Cork and Waterford, operating one of the youngest and most modern fleets of aircraft and simulators in Europe.

It offers world-class pilot training with an unrivalled success rate, training over 2,300 pilots for many of the worlds leading airlines including British Airways and Qatar Airways.

CEO of AFTA, Captain Mark Casey, said: AFTA are thrilled to announce this exciting partnership with the esteemed Montenotte which will offer the Scenic Flight Experience to all their valued guests.

The future of Cork Tourism has never been more promising, and we look forward to collaborating with the team at The Montenotte on this joint venture.

General Manager of The Montenotte, Frits Potgieter and Captain Philip Smythe, Safety Manager at AFTA. Pic: Brian Lougheed.

This alliance will undoubtedly elevate the travel experience, providing guests with unforgettable moments soaring above Corks stunning harbour, landscapes, and coastline.

AFTA is committed to delivering the highest standards of service and ensuring every flight is an unforgettable journey. The skys the limit, and we look forward to embarking on this new adventure with The Montenotte. General Manager of The Montenotte, Frits Potgieter said he is pleased to finally be able to announce our partnership with the wonderful AFTA.

At The Montenotte, we pride ourselves on inviting guests for the most memorable experience by partnering with the best Cork businesses, and were so excited to offer our guests a completely unique experience to enjoy Cork by air.

We have no doubt that this will be a huge success with our guests, adding to our other completely unique experience packages. Chauffeur transfers will be included in the package, as well as a dining experience for two at The Panorama Restaurant and a complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival in an executive room. The Scenic Flight Experience package is available to book from Wednesday, August 23.
PESTER power can wear down parents, who, despite their child-rearing principles, often give into their kids demands for a bit of peace and quiet.

Being constantly nagged at for a smart phone can see tired, put-upon parents giving in. But really, you should resist until kids are in their teens.

More and more evidence shows that constant smart phone use is bad for attention spans and can be the conduit for cyber bullying. A recent Department of Education action plan on bullying identified cyber bullying as the biggest concern for parents of young people.

Also, being constantly on their phones makes children sedentary (which can lead to obesity), not to mention being exposed to inappropriate content that they are far too young to deal with.

Anxiety is another issue that concerns children as a result of constant exposure to social media. Its not something they should have to deal with.

Whatever happened to childhood innocence, playing outside with friends and using the imagination to amuse themselves?

With the new school year kicking off, its time for schools and parents to take a stance on smart phones. They can follow the example of primary schools across Waterford that are appealing to parents not to buy a smart phone for a child who is at primary school. They are not allowing them onto social media.

This initiative, in conjunction with the childrens charity, Barnardos, is also asking that parents respect the age ratings on video games.

While the Waterford schools are not the first to seek a voluntary code among parents not to purchase smart phones for primary school pupils, its the first such initiative being undertaken on a countywide basis.

Even though most primary school pupils are below the age limit required for social media platforms, there is growing concern around children accessing them.

From third class on, children exert pressure on their parents to buy them a smart phone. By sixth class, almost four in ten primary school pupils have a smart phone. Thats far too young.

And now, UNESCO, the United Nations education, science and culture agency, says there is evidence that excessive mobile phone use is linked to reduced educational performance, and that high levels of screen time have a negative effect on childrens emotional stability.

It has to be said that technology can potentially open up learning opportunities for millions. But the benefits are unequally spread, with poorer people from around the world being effectively excluded.

UNESCO says that countries are waking up to the importance of putting learners first when it comes to digital technology. It cites China, which limits the use of digital devices as teaching tools to 30% of all teaching time.

Based on its analysis of 200 education systems around the world, UNESCO estimated that one in four countries has banned smart phones in schools, either through law or guidance. This includes France. Next year, the Netherlands will introduce restrictions.

As the Dutch education minister, Robbert Dijkgraaf says: Students need to be able to concentrate and need to be given the opportunity to study well. Mobile phones are a disturbance, scientific research shows. We need to protect students against this.

And protecting kids from the more negative effects of screen time should start in the cradle. Its all too common to see harassed parents shove their phone into a screaming toddlers hands on the bus to shut them up. But this easy way out of distracting very young children is inadvisable.

Too much screen time for babies and toddlers result in shorter attention spans and lower empathy.

Granted, screens captivate childrens attention instantaneously and are seen as a salve for harassed parents. But scientists say that children learn best from off-screen experiences. Only through these will they improve their cognitive and social skills  and be healthier and happier in the future.

A leading brain scientist, Patricia Kuhl, runs experiments with more than 4,000 babies a year.

What weve discovered is that little babies, under a year old, do not learn from a machine, she says. Even if you show them captivating videos, the difference in learning is extraordinary. You get genius learning from a live human being, and you get zero learning from a machine.

The World Health Organisation recommends no screen time for babies under two and no more than one hour of screen time a day for those aged two to four years.

Childrens attention spans are stymied by screens. They need to learn how to concentrate. That ability starts to develop during their earliest years when their brains are particularly sensitive to the environments around them.

In order for a brain to develop, it needs essential stimuli from the outside world. Reading story books out loud to children is hugely beneficial. Dont take the lazy option of giving them your phone.
A New Mexico judge on Wednesday dismissed a request filed by Alec Baldwins attorneys to dismiss a civil lawsuit filed by three Rust crew members who alleged that poor safety training on the set endangered the cast and crew of the Joel Souza-directed western.

Baldwin, who is the star and one of the producers of the film, was pointing a gun at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during an on-set rehearsal at the Bonanza Creek Ranch set in New Mexico on Oct. 21, 2021.

The gun went off, killing Hutchins and wounding Souza.

Earlier this year, Ross Addiego, Doran Curtin and Reese Price, who worked on Rust as contractors, sued Baldwin and co-defendants El Dorado Pictures and Rust Movie Productions for negligent and reckless conduct, according to Deadline.

They allege producers cut corners on safety, as Baldwin skipped his own safety training.

On Wednesday, Chief District Judge Bryan Biedscheid rejected a request by Baldwins attorneys to dismiss the lawsuit. He also declined to delay the proceedings until the conclusion of the criminal trial.

The stars legal team said that doing so could put Baldwin  who can still face criminal charges for the shooting  at risk of self-incrimination since prosecutors have yet to decide whether to refile charges against him.

The court is putting Baldwin in an unfortunate position, his lawyer Robert Schwartz said.

Whats going to happen is Mr. Baldwin is going to assert his 5th Amendment rights and the plaintiffs are not going to get any discovery in the meantime, Schwarz said.

Biedscheid disagreed, adding the court would be mindful of Baldwins rights.

The 65-year-old actor and producer was charged with involuntary manslaughter in late January, but the charges were dropped three months later over concerns about the state of the firearm in question.

With News Wire Services
By PA Reporter

Wednesday's front pages are focused on the row over the status of the Ironman competition in Cork which saw two men die.

The Irish Times and Irish Examiner report the national body for triathlons and the organisers of the Ironman event in which two swimmers died have clashed over the circumstances in which the Cork race started.

The Echo lead with a piece about complaints of people gathering at a graveyard in Kilcully.

Don't miss your comprehensive Community Games results pullout in Wednesday's Irish Daily Mail. pic.twitter.com/Q7EETxhrI4  The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) August 23, 2023

Morning readers. Stay with @BelTel for all your breaking news. Here's a look at the front page of Wednesday's Belfast Telegraph.



Today's front page story  https://t.co/8q9Hh7gM2x pic.twitter.com/7sVX6vTCIW  Belfast Telegraph (@BelTel) August 23, 2023

In the UK, continuing questions and fallout from the case of child killer nurse Lucy Letby continues to feature on the front pages of Wednesdays newspaper front pages.

There is happier medical news with several titles featuring Britains first womb transplant, while dramatic pictures of a cable car rescue in Pakistan also appears on a number of front pages.

The Guardian covers all three stories on its front page but concentrates on demands into a statutory inquiry into the Letby murders with one bereaved family accusing the hospital of a total fob off.

There are more calls for action in The Independent with a consultant who raised the alarm over Letby wanting hospital bosses to face regulations.

The Daily Mirror talks to the parents of a girl who nearly died after an attack by Beverley Allitt, another nurse convicted of killing children in 1991, and asks how it could happen again.

There are more calls for a watchdog for NHS bosses on the front of The Times, which leads on an investigation into a Chinese spy targeting UK officials by using fake LinkedIn profiles.

The Daily Mail gives over its front page to the woman who donated her womb to her younger sister, which it calls a groundbreaking transplant which could help thousands of women who have been unable to give birth.

Wednesdays Daily MAIL: Woman Gives Womb To Her Sister In UK Transplant First #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/pk2VvdpuIc  Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) August 22, 2023

Sisters gift is the take of the i while the Metro says both operations  totalling more than 17 hours  had been a massive success.

Tomorrow's Paper Today 



UK'S FIRST TRANSPLANT: I GAVE WOMB TO MY BABY SISTER pic.twitter.com/aA9NygiaNf  Metro (@MetroUK) August 22, 2023

The Daily Telegraph focuses on the expansion of Londons Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez), saying government plans to stop the move were overruled by lawyers.

The front page of today's Daily Telegraph:



'Lawyers block PM overruling Ulez plans'#TomorrowsPapersToday



Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4Oomry pic.twitter.com/8H3mphqYC6  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) August 22, 2023

Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch is the focus of the Daily Express as she says warnings of doom over Brexit have been proved wrong as she finalises a trade deal with India.

Fears over exposure to significant Chinese risks for investors in the initial public offering of UK chip designer Arm leads the Financial Times.

And the Daily Star warns the wet and warm summer will bring swarms of flies and daddy longlegs.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

Retired broadcaster Charlie Bird has said he is receiving hospice care at his Co Wicklow home in his ongoing battle with motor neurone disease.

The former RTE chief news correspondent is urging businesses across Ireland to host a coffee morning next month in a bid to help raise funds for the brilliant work that hospices do.

Two years on from his terminal diagnosis, Bird, 73, said his condition had worsened and that every day is a struggle for me now.

But I live each day at a time. My MND has deteriorated, especially affecting my mobility, he said.

Addressing people who had been recently diagnosed with MND, he said people should live each day at a time and fight as hard as you can.

Speaking through an app which clones his voice, he said he has been receiving care at his home from Our Ladys Hospice and Care Services.

I want to make one thing very clear: when my time comes, I want to pass away at home surrounded by my family  and the hospice care team say they will look after me there, he said.

Since his diagnosis, Bird has vowed to continue to support groups and charities as long as I have a breath in my body.

He helped raise more than 3.3 million for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and mental health charity Pieta last year in a campaign that saw him climb Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo.

Charlie Bird is urging businesses to host a coffee morning to help raise money for hospice care. Photo: Bryan Brophy/1IMAGE Photography/PA.

Bird was joined by his wife Claire and their dog Tiger at Powerscourt Hotel Resort and Spa in Wicklow on Wednesday, as he asked the public, coffee shops, hotels and other businesses to join Irelands biggest coffee morning on September 21st.

Bewleys Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice has raised 43.2 million for Together for Hospice, the National Hospice Movement, since its inception in 1992.

The fundraising drive helps to pay for medical and general staff, palliative care beds, home care visits, specialist equipment and new hospice builds.

Bird said that hospices and specialist palliative home care providers across Ireland need further support to continue their brilliant work.

I would plead with everyone, in addition to businesses and organisations, to host or sponsor a coffee morning on September 21, or whenever suits them.

Even two people getting together for a coffee counts as a fundraiser.

Charlie Bird with his dog Tiger. Photo: Bryan Brophy/1IMAGE Photography/PA.

None of us knows in this life when we might need hospice care. So please, extend the hand of friendship and support the hospice wherever they are in the country.

To those newly diagnosed with MND, I would advise: live each day at a time and fight as hard as you can.

There are many great supports there to help us, so please use them.

His wife Claire said the hospice care is providing a lifeline to the couple.

They listen and take so much time and care looking after both Charlies physical and mental needs and also my needs as Charlies wife and carer, she said.

They never give up on us and their visits to our home give us hope that this dreadful journey can be made less stressful by letting them into our lives.

Geraldine Tracey, interim director of nursing at Our Ladys Hospice and Care Services, said Bewleys Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice is entering its fourth decade of raising funds.

This ongoing support is invaluable and funds vital services and quality initiatives, enhancing care for patients living with a life-limiting illness.

The public and businesses can register to host a coffee morning on Thursday September 21st, or on another date that suits, at hospicecoffeemorning.ie or by calling 0818 995 996. A donation can also be made at hospicecoffeemorning.ie/donate.
ARE you ready? Ready to relinquish your sandy, summertime darlings into the suited and booted world of school once again?

These holidays havent been the easiest, with plenty of rain at a time when youve been trying to occupy smallies, so the answer may indeed be a resounding yes.

The return to an autumn routine, however, means that were back to the fun of school lunches.

Along with the simultaneous dread and delight at the onset of the new school year, theres also the cost. This year, for the first time, students in primary and special schools will benefit from the Free Primary Schoolbooks Scheme. Not having to buy schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks means theres one less job to be done before that first day back, along with having a chunk of money still in your pocket.

And while its not so easy to outsource school lunches, there are definitely ways of making it easier.

Galway-based, GMIT-trained chef Lou Robbie worked at several well known Galway restaurants, including Cava, Ard Bia and The Kitchen, before starting to teach cooking in 2015. She set up Little Lou Cooks in 2021 to offer online cooking classes to adults and children.

Chef Lou Robbie.

As a mother of two, she is passionate about getting kids into the kitchen, teaching them about food, and showing them how to cook. Her instagram feed @littleloucooks has more than 11,000 followers - not at all surprising when you see the simple and accessible recipes for homemade family food that she shares.

Robbie also has years of lunchbox experience under her belt, with one child who loves to try everything, while the other is not very adventurous. She understands that back-to-school feeling adults get, their hearts sinking in August at the thought of it:

We as parents have so much to do in the general day-to-day running of the house that making lunches is just another annoying job on the list, she says. Its a continuous job that only lets up in the holidays.

Robbie has ways to make it less challenging - and cheaper - for everyone.

All it involves is a little bit of planning at the beginning of the school year. Make a list of all the foods your child will eat for lunch.

She advises you break it down into three categories:

1. Carbs with protein - eg, cheese sandwich / chicken and pasta

2. Fresh - eg fruit/veg sticks

3. Snacks - here I like to add homemade snacks that my kids enjoy.

Once you have your plan in hand, stick it up on a noticeboard or the fridge door and dont let it disappear into the sea of print-outs that come home with kids.

Keep this list in the kitchen for reference when you do your food shop for the week. The homemade snacks will save money on expensive plastic-wrapped supermarket alternatives.

Robbie is a fan of batch cooking and freezing the results for the future.

I like to make homemade snacks for the lunchbox, including batches of mini scones, muffins, oat bars and nut free energy balls.

This doesnt have to be something parents tackle alone. At weekends, it can be a good idea to make baking into a family activity that everyone can enjoy, eating some and stashing the rest away in the freezer while making sure that you can find them at the crucial time.

I advise parents and their young cooks to make big batches, then to cool and freeze them in labelled bags so they are at hand during the week to pop into the lunchbox.

Having a system for making lunches helps to avoid running out of steam halfway through the year, especially during those dark, grim February mornings.

When I make the lunches for my kids, I do it in the evening at 9pm, says Robbie. I usually make a sandwich each, add a piece of fruit or two each, and take one or two snacks from the freezer for each of them. Pop everything into the lunchbox and keep it in the fridge until morning. If I defrost scones, I add my homemade chia berry jam and butter in the morning. Job done.

Its also important to realise this is not a solo job. My husband and I take it in turns to make the lunches in the evening, packing the lunches is a shared job. And when the kids are old enough they will do their own.

More information about Lou Robbies cooking classes at www.littleloucooks.com.

Find her recipes for snacks, meals and all kinds of good things via @littleloucooks on Instagram

Smoothies can be a great start to the morning.

FIVE IDEAS FOR SCHOOL MORNING BREAKFASTS

1. You cant beat porridge, particularly as the weather gets colder. Ring the changes by adding different add ins every day.

During school time, we love creamy warm porridge with a choice of toppings like yoghurt, nut butter, fruit and granola for crunch, says Robbie.

2. Too warm for porridge? Try bircher muesli. Its as simple as soaking oats in a little apple juice overnight, adding some milk to bring it to your preferred consistency, and eating it with a grated apple, and / or some chopped fruit and a big spoonful of yogurt.

3. Bring on the eggs. My 14-year-old secondary school student gears up for her day by frying an egg in butter, adding lots of black pepper and devouring it between two hefty slices of toast.

4. Smoothie central. Smoothies are a great addition at breakfast time, bringing more fruit and calcium to the morning. Peel, chop and freeze any overripe bananas or soft fruit, then blend them - an immersion blender works brilliantly here, less washing up too - with yogurt and milk. Serve with a straw for slurping. Add a spoonful of smooth nut butter before blending to make it more filling.

5. We love waffles. After discovering our waffle recipe of dreams on the BBC Food website (search for it under Belgian Waffles), weve been cranking these out all year. Any leftovers, kept in the fridge overnight, can be popped into the toaster for an extra special, and still speedy, breakfast.

Pitta pockets are a great way to use up some leftovers.

Five days of lunch boxes - with snack ideas from @littleloucooks on Instagram.

Monday: Leftover roast chicken in wholemeal pitta pockets, raw broccoli florets with French dressing for dipping, mini lunchbox scones.

Tuesday: Sweetcorn fritters, a handful of strawberries, carrot and courgette veggie muffins.

Wednesday: Salami pasta salad, carrot sticks with hummus, wholemeal apple and banana muffins (using up ripe fruit).

Thursday: Cheese sandwich, a kiwi fruit, halved (dont forget a spoon), energy balls.

Friday: Chickpea salad with tomato pesto, their favourite yogurt, chopped fruit to add to the yogurt or eat separately, puffed quinoa cakes.

Baked Potatoes are a quick and easy dinner.

A SCHOOL WEEKS WORTH OF EASY DINNERS

Baked potatoes and beans: Wash one - or more - large floury potatoes per person, prick with a fork (to avoid explosions), place on a large baking sheet and sprinkle with crunchy sea salt (not essential, but makes the skins taste great). Bake at 220C for approximately an hour or until theyre cooked through. Serve with a choose-your-own adventure selection of butter, grated cheese and baked beans. Good with a green salad on the side as well. Got leftover potatoes? Scoop from their skins, mash, and save for tomorrow night.

Gnocchi: Conor Spacey, in his just-published recipe book Wasted (Blasta Books) has a recipe for gnocchi with homemade ricotta that will turn those leftover potatoes into a family-friendly week-night dinner. The book is well worth reading for suggestions around repurposing all your food waste.

Stir fry: A fast option for hump night. Kwanghi Chan has some great ideas using Irish beef that are great for serving with noodles or rice. Google Kwanghi Chan + beef stir fry for recipes.

Fish pie: Smoked fish often goes down well with small people and Donal Skehan has a Smoked Fish, Cheese & Potato Bake on his website that takes the idea of fish pie to another level.

Macaroni cheese: This comfort food classic can be prepared early in the day or even the night beforehand and kept in the fridge and baked when needed. Get as much veg in as possible by cooking a head of broccoli or cauliflower with the pasta before tossing it with cheese sauce. Crispy bacon is also a fabulous add-in.

Fish Pie is another great winter warming dish.

SCHOOL LUNCH TIPS

Rediscovery: Go looking for lunchboxes and water bottles in plenty of time. That way, you wont have unpleasant surprises on the evening before the first school day and you can see if anything needs replacing. Theres nothing worse than starting the new school year with a lunchbox that has been festering all summer long.

Lunch boxes: I always recommend Sistema lunch boxes. Theyre readily available, not too expensive, come in a range of sizes and colours, and have plenty of compartments so that you can bento it up if you feel like being that kind of parent. Theres a great selection of Sistema and other options at thekitchenwhisk.ie

Pick a colour: Always buy different coloured lunch boxes. If you have more than one child, its pretty much guaranteed that they will all have their own particular likes and dislikes. Sending someone to school with a lunchbox intended for another of the children is a guaranteed fail.

Make it easy: Be sure that your child can open their lunchbox. My youngest daughters first pre-school lunchbox was a very cute apple-shaped one that turned out to be impossible for her to open, causing all manner of food explosions until we upgraded her to a Sistema.

Take before-school promises with a pinch of salt: My pair swore - cross my heart, hope to die - that they would take hot meals to school on alternating winter days if I bought them an insulated food flask. I wasnt taken in, but their father was. That flask is still sitting on the worktop.

Dont panic: You cannot control what your kids eat or do not eat out of their lunchboxes. Once theyre outside the house, its up to them. Make gentle enquiries about what may or may not have happened. Sometimes, they didnt eat that particular sandwich because they ran out of time - or because last weeks favourite is this weeks bete noire.

Always remember: Lunch is just one meal over the course of the day. Take pressure away from the lunch- box by focusing on the meals when the children are with you, giving them a nutritious breakfast, after-school snack and dinner.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Caroline Hennessy is a Food writer and broadcaster. She is also Chair of the Irish Food Writers Guild. See www.bibliocook.com
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.

Since late April, wildfires have been burning across Canada, blanketing the country and parts of the U.S. in unhealthy and sometimes dangerous smoke, in what Canadian wildfire officials have called the worst wildfire season ever recorded.

In a new study, scientists from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) Initiative examined the conditions that lead to the record series of wildfires and concluded that they were at least twice as probable due to human-caused climate change.

In todays climate, intense fire weather like that observed in May-July 2023 is a moderately extreme event, expected to occur once every 20-25 years. This means in any given year such an event is expected with 4-5% probability, the study said. Combining lines of evidence from the synthesis results of the past climate, results from historical and future projections and physical knowledge, we conclude that January-July cumulative DSR like that experienced in 2023 is at least seven times more likely to occur, and was 50% higher than it would have been without climate change; that peak fire weather intensity (FWI7x) like the 2023 event is at least twice as likely to occur, and around 20% more intense, than it would have been without human-induced climate change; and that this trend is projected to continue if warming continues.

The study, Climate change more than doubled the likelihood of extreme fire weather conditions in Eastern Canada, was conducted by scientists from the Netherlands, Canada and the UK.

The area burned by this years wildfire season in Canada is bigger than Greece, reported The Guardian. More than 34 million acres have been burned  more than twice the previous record.

The word unprecedented doesnt do justice to the severity of the wildfires in Canada this year. From a scientific perspective, the doubling of the previous burned area record is shocking. Climate change is greatly increasing the flammability of the fuel available for wildfires  this means that a single spark, regardless of its source, can rapidly turn into a blazing inferno, said Yan Boulanger, a research scientist at Natural Resources Canada and part of the study team, as The Guardian reported.

For the study, the scientists used the fire weather index, which measures wildfire risk using a combination of temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind speed. The conditions caused by climate change like higher temperatures, low humidity and less snow cover primed regions across Canada to be more prone to fires by drying out vegetation.

This year, high temperatures led to the rapid thawing and disappearance of snow during May, particularly in eastern Quebec, resulting in unusually early wildfires, said Philippe Gachon, a researcher at the Universite du Quebec a Montreal, as reported by The Guardian.

Friederike Otto, senior lecturer at the UKs Grantham Institute and co-founder of WWA, said the influence of climate change on this years Canadian wildfire season may be even greater than the figures in the report demonstrate because the estimates used by the researchers were conservative, CNN reported.

Its becoming evident that the dry and warm conditions conducive to wildfires are becoming more common and more intense around the world as a result of climate change, said Clair Barnes, a Grantham Institute research associate and one of the authors of the report, as reported by CNN.

Quebec has had the most area affected by the wildfires with 12.8 million acres burned so far this year  approximately 26 times more than the average through late August.

The wildfires have not only affected the air quality in Canada, but in U.S. cities like New York, Minneapolis, Chicago and Seattle.

Hundreds of fires continue to burn across the country, with one-fifth of them in the Northwest Territories. Thousands of people were ordered to evacuate there last week, with thousands more being evacuated in British Columbia as wildfire smoke floated down into the Pacific Northwest.

Until we stop burning fossil fuels, the number of wildfires will continue to increase, burning larger areas for longer periods of time, Otto said, as The Guardian reported.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

The Emile-Huchet thermal power plant, coal plant and combined gas plant in France was initially shut down on March 31, 2022 but was powering up again in September due to the energy crisis. FREDERICK FLORIN / AFP via Getty Images

During last years energy crisis, when prices soared due to Russias invasion of Ukraine, the Group of 20 (G20) nations provided $1.4 trillion to boost energy supplies and keep prices from climbing even higher, according to the thinktank International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).

Financial support from the G20 was in the form of money borrowed from public financial institutions, subsidies and investments made by state-owned enterprises (SOEs), the IISD report, Fanning the Flames: G20 provides record financial support for fossil fuels, said. About one third of these funds were to back new fossil fuel projects.

According to the report, instead of subsidizing fossil fuels to reduce prices, prices need to be maintained at a level that reflects fossil fuels negative cost to society, in order to curb their use.

This support perpetuates the worlds reliance on fossil fuels, paving the way for yet more energy crises due to market volatility and geopolitical security risks. It also severely limits the possibilities of achieving climate objectives set by the Paris Agreement by incentivizing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while undermining the cost-competitiveness of clean energy, the report said. G20 governments need to shift their financial resources away from fossil fuels to instead provide targeted, sustainable support for social protection and the scaling-up of clean energy.

Fossil fuel subsidies by the G20 in 2022 were more than four times those in 2021, mostly thanks to expanded support for consumers.

The largest category of consumption subsidies was price support: governments fixing retail fossil fuel prices below the international market price. Below-market pricing was more common in G20 emerging economies, where it created large holes in government and SOE budgets, either due to direct spending or foregone revenue, the report said.

An extra $1 trillion could be raised per year if an increased carbon tax of $25 to $75 for each ton of greenhouse gases was set, the IISD found, as reported by The Guardian.

There is huge potential in subsidy reform, said Richard Damania, a World Bank chief economist of a sustainability group, as The Guardian reported. By repurposing wasteful subsidies, we can free up significant sums that could instead be used to address some of the planets most pressing challenges.

France, Germany and Italy provided $213 billion in energy crisis support last year.

Helping households and businesses during an energy crisis is understandable and necessary, but there are better ways to do it than subsidizing fossil fuels, which keeps consumers locked into emissions-intensive, polluting, and price-volatile energy sources, the IISD report said.

IISD recommendations for G20 nations included setting a deadline for the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies. The Group of Seven most advanced economies in the world chose 2025, which the IISD said is appropriate for all developed countries.

The IISD also recommended ensuring that low-income workers, consumers and communities have alternative welfare mechanisms in place during the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies, and that the G20 report on fossil fuel subsidies each year.

The energy crisis has caused energy poverty and hardship, which have warranted strong government intervention. But fossil fuel subsidies are a notoriously inefficient way to help the poor and are perpetuating dependence on fossil fuels. Governments should instead provide social welfare through other mechanisms, like targeted welfare payments, the report said. Where such programs do not yet exist or cannot be implemented, energy subsidies should be targeted to the poor and vulnerable while governments incubate alternative clean energy technologies.
My dream ended even before it began, said Ubair Fayaz, a hopeful contender of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) scholarship sponsored by Bangladesh that is awarded to meritorious students to pursue MBBS in the countrys private and government medical colleges. Ubair, who is a resident of Jammu and Kashmir, passed his Class XII in the year 2021 from the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBose) and had applied for the scholarship for the year 2023.

I have already lost two years waiting for this opportunity. I had no other options available for pursuing MBBS in India as the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) cut-offs are really high, felt Ubair, after the list of those who bagged the scholarship was put out on July 31, 2023 by Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME), Bangladesh.

Ubairs case sheds light on the complexities one might face while wanting to pursue an MBBS education. In India, this year, for 48,012 medical seats, more than 20 lakh students had appeared for the NEET examination. Scholarships, like the one SAARC offers, are a way for these meritorious students to pursue their medical dreams with assured financial backing and are a hassle-free alternative to competitive exams such as the NEET.

But with the passing of time, the competition increases too. The student failed to procure a place on the list. His grievances rose from a sense of disbelief that even after achieving an aggregate of 98.6%, scoring a 98 in Biology, 99 in Physics and 99 in Chemistry and with a total of 493 marks out of 500 in his J&K Board of State Examination (JKBose) for Class XII in the year 2021, he could not qualify for it.

To seek justice for himself, he wrote to Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Ravinder Raina and the Ministry of External Affairs, requesting them to look into the matter, but to no avail. I received no response. I decided that I cannot stop here, hence I approached the Lieutenant Governor again.

This time, Ubairs grievances were taken up by the resident Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir, and a circular dated August 8 was forwarded to the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, requesting concerned officials to look into the matter and send intimation to their office at the earliest.

But, this time too, Fayaz had to taste defeat.

I know that all my doors have closed but all I can do is hope for a second list and find my name there, says Fayaz, who hopes that his dreams will not see an end here.

It is to be noted that the Bangladesh government reserved a total of 104 seats for MBBS and 13 seats for BDS courses for the students from the seven SAARC nations namely India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives and Afghanistan, out of which 22 MBBS seats are reserved for Indian nationals.






Relief programme to support drought-affected livestock producers in Saskatchewan, Canada

The government in Saskatchewan, Canada, is introducing a new relief programme for livestock producers grappling with drought.

The programme will be administered by the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation and is aimed at offsetting feeding costs as below-average rainfall continues to leave fields and pastures dry.



Through the programme, livestock producers can receive financial aid amounting to $80 per head, with the government providing up to $70 million. It is open to those involved in various breeding stocks, including beef cattle, bison, horses, elk, deer, sheep and goats.



David Marit, the province's minister of agriculture, said he met with around 30 ranchers a few weeks ago. He added that many want to downsize their herds due to challenges securing and transporting feed.



"Recognising the dire circumstances these ranchers are facing, it was imperative for us to expedite this announcement," Marit told reporters.



He also revealed that Lawrence MacAulay, Canada's federal minister of agriculture and agri-food, has received an application from Saskatchewan for an assessment under the AgriRecovery framework.



The move sets the stage for further assistance to livestock producers, potentially through an extended relief scheme or a cost-sharing agreement between the federal and provincial governments.

- Insurance Business




Proximar Seafood completes salmon RAS facility construction, nears full production



Proximar Seafood, the company behind a state-of-the-art salmon recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, has announced the completion of the Shizuoka facility's construction in its Q2 performance results, Seafood Source reported.

Having commenced operations at its premises in October 2022, Proximar Seafood is currently engaged in the cultivation of five distinct batches of Atlantic salmon within its RAS setup. The latest announcement from the company affirms the successful acquisition of the facility's land, culminating in the resolution of the seller credit and the official transfer of ownership to Proximar Ltd. This strategic development has not only curtailed financing costs but is also aligned with the company's original blueprint.

As Proximar chief executive officer Joachim Nielsen explained during the results briefing, the second quarter has been marked by intense activity. The land procurement was facilitated by the initial tranche of bank debt, amounting to JPY 8.8 billion (~US$60 million; JPY 100 = US$0.69), generously extended by Mizuho Bank, Shizuoka Bank, and Development Bank of Japan. To fortify its financial position, the company has also secured funding through a private placement yielding NOK 74 million (~US$6.9 million; NOK 10 = US$0.94) and a shareholder loan from Grieg, totaling NOK 104 million (~US$ 9.7 million).

Nielsen noted the steady progression of the facility's development and installation of equipment. He said he is pleased to that the company is approaching the completion of construction and equipment installation of its 5,300-tonne facility after many years of planning and more than two years of construction activities. Presently, the company's nursery hosts fish in eight of its tanks, each exhibiting commendable growth.

As the company's facility approaches its final stages, Nielsen emphasised the compelling prospects for Atlantic salmon production in Japan. The high transportation costs within Japan bolster the appeal of domestic production. With an annual consumption of 40,000 metric tons of fresh Atlantic salmon, transported predominantly via costly air freight,

While the Q2 financials for Proximar underscore its status as an emerging player in aquaculture, with no revenue generated during the quarter, it is evident that the company is steadily advancing. Operating expenses for the facility surged to NOK 13.4 million (~US$ 1.26 million), reflecting a notable increase from the NOK 6.7 million (~US$629,000) recorded in Q2 2022. This upswing is attributed to heightened operational activities.

Proximar posted a loss of NOK 13.7 million (~US$1.2 million) for the quarter, an outcome chief financial officer Ole Christian Willumsen regarded as in line with expectations, influenced by amplified activity and escalated personnel costs as the company expands its workforce. Willumsen said that personnel costs make up about 60% of the operating expenses.

The company's assets have experienced an impressive doubling in value over the past year, soaring from NOK 554 million (~US$52 million) in Q2 2022 to NOK 1.1 billion (~US$1.2 million) at the end of Q2 2023 on June 30. Willumsen said that more than 90% of this value corresponds to land, assets under construction, and associated equipment.

Looking ahead, Proximar Seafood is forging ahead with confidence. The company anticipates the completion of the grow-out building by Q3, with continuous biomass development at the heart of its strategic goals. Nielsen said the company is on track to meet their planned production growth.

- Seafood Source




Philippines promising importer of ASF vaccines from Vietnam



Vietnam's African swine fever (ASF) vaccines have found an eager market in the Philippines, with the import of 300,000 doses of AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine by AVAC Vietnam Joint Stock Company through the Philippines' KPP Powers Commodites Inc company in July 2023, Vietnam Plus reported.

The Philippines Department of Animal Health collaborated with AVAC to test the AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine. As part of the trial, AVAC Company provided 1,000 doses of the vaccine. The results of this trial demonstrated the vaccine's efficacy and safety across all 1,000 vaccinated swine.

Michael Quilitis, representing KPP, said the vaccine has high potential in the Philippines, and is valued from local farmers. Quilitis said that if the positive outcomes of the vaccination persist, the company plans to expand its imports of the vaccine.

Nguyen Van Diep, general director of AVAC, noted that after successful phase 1 trials in the Philippines on a small scale, the company proceeded to phase 2 trials on a larger scale.

Vietnam has made significant strides in the fight against ASF, becoming the pioneer in developing and producing two vaccines against the disease. With a history tracing back to its emergence in Africa in 1921, ASF has a mortality rate of up to 100%.

Vietnam achieved a milestone in June 2022 with the announcement of the NAVET-ASFVAC vaccine, a commercial vaccine developed by the National Veterinary JSC (NAVETCO), as the world's first commercial vaccine against ASF.

Vietnam introduced the AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine in February 2023, developed by AVAC Vietnam Joint Stock Company. The administration of 600,000 doses of ASF vaccines across more than 40 provinces and cities under the supervision of the Department of Animal Health yielded positive results. This achievement prompted Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to authorise the use of these vaccines on a larger scale in various localities.

- Vietnam Plus






Thai farmers get subsidy support to cover feed costs

Thailand is supporting local farmers by allowing them to apply for a subsidy of up to 10,000 (US$286.43) to absorb animal feed costs.



The application deadline has been extended to August 31. The original deadline was August 12, 2023.



The subsidies apply to pig farmers with up to 5,000 pigs and poultry farmers (egg or meat) with up to 100,000 chickens.



According to a government website, the subsidies aim to alleviate the impact of rising prices of feed ingredients and compounded feed.



The subsidies will help farmers to purchase animal feed at a price of 1 (US$0.03) per kilogramme, up to a maximum of 10 tonnes or 10,000 per individual.

- Thaiger
Brielle Biermann, daughter of Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann, has been sued over an unpaid credit card bill amid her parents ongoing financial troubles.

American Express filed a lawsuit to compel the younger Biermann to pay an outstanding $12,870 balance, TMZ reported Tuesday. Biermanns reps told the outlet she plans to pay in full.

In its suit, American Express claimed it had attempted to reach Biermann in other ways to convince her to pay up, but received no money, according to TMZ. The company said Biermann failed to make even the minimum payment on her Delta SkyMiles Reserve card.

Biermann, 26, is an Instagram influencer with more than 1.3 million followers.

Zolciak  who has appeared on The Real Housewives of Atlanta off and on since its first season  married Biermann, who played for the Atlanta Falcons, in 2011. In May 2023, Zolciak filed for divorce, but in July the couple retracted the legal documents and vowed to try again.

But their financial troubles did not disappear so easily. The couple reportedly owes $1.1 million in unpaid taxes to the IRS and $15,000 to the state of Georgia. Their expansive home in the Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta was briefly foreclosed in February.

And Brielle Biermann isnt the only one in her family dealing with credit lawsuits. In June, Target sued Zolciak over an unpaid balance of nearly $2,500. Earlier that same week, a casino in the Bahamas sued Kroy Biermann for failing to make good on his own debts.

Brielle is the eldest of Zolciaks six children. She and her sister, Arielle, were legally adopted by Kroy in 2013.




How Chinese pig producers fared in 2022?

An eFeedLink Hot Topic





In 2022, Chinese pig prices were mostly below production costs from January to June while the industry was hit by multiple losses.

Pig prices then recovered since late June and reached their peak in October, hence helping pig producers to make profits in the second half of the year.

However, as production patterns differed among different companies, some companies managed to offset their losses in Q1 with profits made in Q2, thereby achieving full-year profits. Others failed to break even.

By observing the performance of listed Chinese pig-producing companies in 2022, the divergence in performances can be seen  with Muyuan making a huge profit and Zhengbang suffering a massive loss, for example.

As the first listed, Chinese pig company with a revenue of over 100 billion, Muyuan achieved a total operating income of 119.744 billion in 2022. Last year, it sold a total of 61.201 million pigs as it remains a leader in pig releases in China. Its net profit totaled 13.266 billion, a year-on-year increase of more than 92%.

As for Zhengbang Technology, it suffered a 13.387 billion loss in 2022 (following a 18.819 billion loss in 2021). The company did not disclose its pig slaughter data in its annual report but, according to its monthly pig sales briefing, the number of slaughtered pigs last year was 8.45 million, a 43.41% drop from 2021. In 2021, the sales volume of Zhengbang's live pigs was as high as 14.9267 million heads (56.14% more than in 2020).

In 2019 and 2020, Zhengbang saw profits of 1.6 billion and 5.7 billion, respectively. Driven by a lucrative profit, Zhengbang expanded aggressively in 2020. This set the stage for a sharp deficit in 2022 as pig prices tumbled.

In 2022, Wen's Group sold a total of 17.91 million pigs, ranking second among Chinese pig producers. New Hope Liuhe sold a total of 14.61 million pigs, ranking third.

Other top, listed companies involved in pig farming include Haid Group, Tangrenshen, Tiankang Biology, Hunan New Wellful, Juxing Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Jinxinnong, Shennong Group and Dongrui Technology. Among them, Haid Group, Tangrenshen, Tiankang Biology and New Ng Fung rank among the top 20 pig producers.

Overall, the top 20 pig farming giants in China produced 170 million pigs last year, an increase of 32.83 million pigs (or 24%) compared to 2021.

- David Lin, eFeedLink




Australia's strong cattle supply benefits global protein giant JBS



As the US beef industry grapples with constrained livestock supply and surging cattle prices, global protein leader JBS finds support in Australia's thriving cattle supply, with analysts told of the positive impact of Australia's role in the company's global diversification strategy across geographic regions and protein types, Beef Central reported.

Gilberto Tomazoni, JBS's global chief executive officer, said that Australia exemplifies the favourable outcomes derived from JBS's diversification strategy. He shared that JBS Australia's second-quarter figures underscore the benefits accrued from increased cattle supply, manifesting in improved regional margins.

Guilherme Cavalcanti, JBS' chief financial officer, said that despite a drop in consolidated net revenue when compared annually, JBS's pre-tax profit margin within its Australian operations rose notably to 8.6%, as per US GAAP reporting terms. This upswing was attributed to a more favourable cycle that facilitated a lower purchase price of live cattle due to their augmented availability.

Tomazoni highlighted the holistic approach the company is taking, combining investments in value-added products, strong brands, and geographic diversification to foster growth. He posited that JBS's diversified global platform's competitive edge has yet to be fully acknowledged by the market. Tomazoni underscored the significance of the company's dual-listing proposal on the NY Stock Exchange, which is seen as a transformative step toward unlocking new avenues for growth.

Addressing analysts' inquiries, Tomazoni expounded on Australia and Brazil's position within their cattle rebuilding cycles. He noted that both countries are at the commencement of their respective cycles, marked by growth. Tomazoni revealed the progression in Australia's operations, from a three-day workweek to a five-day week and plans for a second shift, reflecting favourable conditions for the next two years.

Batista elaborated on the US beef business, emphasising that the supply situation would play a crucial role in activity and profitability. He noted a tight supply perspective, projecting a constriction in cattle supply that might extend into 2024.

The impact of China's economic slowdown on protein prices was another topic of discussion. Tomazoni cited short-term market fluctuations influenced by factors like the COVID-19 lockdown's end and Brazilian meat shipments. He underscored China's long-term growth prospects in the protein market, driven by structural demand.

Cavalcanti shared a remarkable rise in China's per capita annual beef consumption, from 4kg to 7.8kg over five years, indicating an evolving appetite for protein.

As JBS navigates the intricate dynamics of global protein markets, Australia's thriving cattle supply and strategic diversification strategies position the company to weather industry challenges and pursue sustainable growth.

- Beef Central
Rapper Polo G is currently in police custody after a Wednesday raid on his L.A. mansion, during which police handcuffed people one-by-one before executing an hours-long search of the nearly $5 million estate.

Polo G, whose real name is Taurus Tremani Bartlett, was reportedly arrested in connection to a case involving his brother, Taurean. Authorities say they have reason to believe the rapper may have been harboring a fugitive, reports TMZ.

Another law enforcement source said the raid was related to a robbery. While four suspects are now in custody, they have yet to be booked.

Polo Gs lawyer, Bradford Cohen, claimed that Polo had been wrongfully detained and that the raid was connected to a reported firearm.

Polo is being held to under the guise that the police department needs to double check that he is not a convicted felon as there was a purported firearm found in the home. He is not and never was a convicted felon, Cohen stated.

Any previous charges he had I got dismissed and its all public record. They are also denying myself and my California law partner Zoey Aron access to him while he is being illegally detained, Cohen added.

Before the raid, Taurean  who goes by the rap name Trench Baby  posted a video to his Instagram story showing police waiting outside.

Before the raid, Taurean, who goes by the rap name Trench Baby, posted a video to his Instagram story showing police waiting outside.

U.S. Marshalls got my house surrounded gang, wtf? Taurean captioned the video, before a second post which read, I love yall man, with a sad-eyed emoji.

One of Polo Gs reps said we are hopeful the LAPD will handle this matter with tact and transparency, adding that the rapper plans to update his fans about the incident when he can.

Polo G was previously arrested during a traffic stop in Miami in 2021, after which he was charged with battery to a police officer and resisting arrest, among other charges.

Later that same year, the rapper was arrested in L.A. and charged with carrying a concealed weapon, which is a felony.
There are desks with just enough room to put a coffee next to your laptop without the risk of it spilling over the edge, and then there are desks that are big (and complex) enough that you could practically open up your own coffee stand. The upcoming Corsair Platform:6 Modular Computer Desk falls firmly in the latter category thanks to its six-foot wide surface, additional one foot by two and a third feet in extensions and further customizable options.

Corsair's Platform:6 is a good option if you want a variety of features all from the same place  no cobbling around parts from different companies. Seriously, this desk might as well team up with Hasbro and learn to defend the planet because it would fit right in. It seems to have something for gamers, workers and creatives alike, with the last group getting flexible mounts for any 3D printing accessories they might want to use. The flagship Platform:6 Creator Edition also exclusively offers the new Elgato Multi Frame top-mounted pegboard for mounting anything from cameras to controllers.

Every Platform:6 has a modular rail system, which brings an aluminum T-channel crossbar, side rails and a top-mounted rail. You can also opt to include dual electric motors for any Platform:6, adjusting the height using an LCD controller fitted with memory presets. Plus, each desk has plenty of wire storage, including a Corsair RapidRoute wire management tray that's big enough to hold power strips and a smaller in-desk cubby with USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports.

The Platform:6 is available in sturdy black laminate or a more environmentally friendly classic dark walnut-stained rubberwood. You can pick one up sometime in Q4 of this year for a yet-to-be-revealed price (though our guess is this transformer won't come cheap).
Greek firefighters backed by aircraft battled a blaze spreading outside Athens for a second day, one of hundreds ravaging a country where wildfires have already killed 20 people this week.
Credit Agricole's latest analysis on the Pound Sterling (GBP) against the U.S. Dollar (USD) offers a nuanced perspective, as foreign exchange analysts delve into the historic exchange rate patterns and potential headwinds facing the GBP rates.

Traditionally, August has not been favourable for the Pound-to-Dollar exchange rate (GBP/USD), seeing its most significant dips during this month over the past two decades.

However, future rate hikes by the Bank of England (BoE) are tipped to provide GBP with a protective shield against the adverse effects of an assertive Federal Reserve and associated market risks.

"The main driver seemed to be the broad USD strength that was particularly pronounced vs risk-correlated & commodity currencies and less accentuated against liquid safe-havens like the EUR, JPY and CHF," says Valentin Marinov, Head of G10 FX Strategy at Credit Agricole.

The analyst further points out that despite this long-standing trend, this year's August paints a slightly different picture for the GBP.

"So far this month, the GBP has underperformed the USD but managed to outperform all other G10 currencies," he adds.

One of the significant tailwinds for the GBP's recent resilience is a series of favourable UK data releases.

These numbers have not only bolstered the credibility of the BoEs hawkish stance but also set the GBP apart in its performance against the USD and other major currencies.

"The key reason for the GBP resilience in the face of the USD resurgence is the steady inflow of better-than-expected UK data that is burnishing the credibility of the BoEs hawkish policy stance," the strategist notes.

Market sentiment, at present, leans towards the BoE taking a lead as the most hawkish of the G10 central banks.

This sentiment has led to projections that suggest a push for the terminal policy rate to ascend to 6% by early 2024.

Emphasising the importance of incoming data, Marinov comments on the weight these releases carry for the GBP's future trajectory.

"The BoEs hawkish stance remains informed by the incoming data, and the UK data releases in the run-up to the September policy meeting will be scrutinised by FX investors and thus have a meaningful impact on the GBP," says Marinov.

Key events on the horizon also have the potential to recalibrate GBP/USD dynamics, particularly the central bank symposium in Jackson Hole scheduled for 24-26 August.

With significant addresses expected from influential figures, such as Fed Chair Jerome Powell and BoE Deputy-Governor Ben Broadbent, the markets are poised for potential shifts.

The analyst draws attention to potential threats to the GBP's performance, stating, "A key downside risk for GBP/USD would be a more hawkish Fed language that could undermine global risk sentiment and give the high-yielding, safe-haven King USD another boost."

Nevertheless, amidst these concerns, Credit Agricole's forecast suggests an enduring resilience for the GBP.

The prospect of further rate hikes from the BoE, as Marinov implies, could be the GBP's defence mechanism against negative ramifications stemming from the Federal Reserve's hawkish stance or global market uncertainties.
Author Jill Ammon Vanderwood won the Silver Quill award for her book, Cheers! The Path You Choose #3, which teaches about the dangers of underage drinking, at the annual conference held through the League of Utah Writers in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Jill's book, Cheers! The Path You Choose #3 is written from a girl's point of view, for students between the ages of nine and fourteen. In the winning book, Cheers! the reader will learn about the dangers of underage drinking in a realistic fiction story, where the book reader is the main character. The reader will be asked to make choices at intervals throughout the book: Should you drink alcohol when it's being offered to you by a friend or an older sibling? Should you ever get into a car with a drunk driver? If someone has passed out from drinking, should you call 911 and wait for help to arrive, or get out of there fast, before the police arrive? Cheers: The Path You Choose #3.

On the Rock: The Path You Choose #2 also explores underage drinking from a boy's point of view.

Joe Wisinski for Reader's Favorite wrote: "Note that the book discusses serious topics, including drinking, juvenile detention, and the potentially tragic outcome if people drink and drive. The author recommends that children younger than grade 5 not read it. But I highly recommend this book to those in the target age group. I also recommend it to their parents and grandparents. Buy this book for your children or grandchildren. It might literally save their lives."

Jill Ammon Vanderwood is the multiple award-winning author of fourteen books. Her goal is to make a difference for the next generation, through her writing. She often tackles hard topics so kids will learn how to make tough choices. Jill is available as a speaker to youth groups and middle school assemblies.

The League of Utah Writers has nearly one thousand members. This group helps the community to embrace arts and culture. The League of Utah holds two major conferences per year. They bring in leaders in the writing industry as workshop presenters and keynote speakers. The League also holds annual writing contests for their members, along with categories where non-members can enter. At the conferences, their members can also meet one on one with agents and editors from New York to California. There are 27 local chapters of the League of Utah Writers which hold monthly meetings across the state. Many of the chapters meet virtually and you do not need to live in Utah to join in. The League of Utah Writers.

Cheers: The Path You Choose #3 Available through Amazon, Amazon Kindle, and from BarnesandNoble.com
UPDATE, AUG. 24:

As containment on the Colt Fire has grown to 63%, officials will no longer be providing updates on the fire.

Suppression repair and rehabilitation plans are being implemented in areas of containment.

Forest Service closures in place due to the fire are still in effect.

UPDATE, AUG. 22:

The Colt Fire received a three-quarter inch of rainfall Monday.

Moisture from Hurricane Hillary is expected to stay in the area for the next couple days, with a chance of thunderstorms.

According to Inciweb, suppression repair and rehabilitation plans are ongoing with the hopes of increased containment.

Crews are still monitoring and patrolling the fire.

Swan Valley is forecasted to see temperature highs in the mid-70, with slightly lower temperatures at the ridgetops.

Firefighters will do mop-ups, weather dependent.

The Colt Fire is burning 7,154 acres and is still at 51% containment.

UPDATE, AUG. 21:

The Lolo National Forest has lifted closures on some campgrounds near the Colt Fire Monday.

The campgrounds that have reopened are: Rainy Lake Campground and access road, and Alva Lake Campground and access road.

All other forest closures are still in effect, including Lakeside Campground.

Specific closures can be found here.

Currently, excavators have set up waterbars in dozer lines to prepare for the large amount of rain in the forecast Monday.

Crews are still monitoring and patrolling the fire, and moping up the southwestern edge.

Chipping material made during fuel reduction along contingency lines will persist on the southern and eastern perimeters.

UPDATE, AUG. 20:

Expected precipitation over the Colt Fire area combined with highs in the 70s are leading officials to predict low fire behavior.

Closures on the Rainy Lake Campground and access road as well as on the Alva Lake Campground and access road will be lifted Monday. All other forest closures, including Lakeside Campground, remain in place.

Wyoming Team 4 Type 3 team took command of the Colt Fire Saturday evening.

UPDATE, AUG. 19:

Firefighters on the Colt Fire are taking advantage of limited fire activity to patrol and mop up hot spots. Containment on the fire is now at 51%.

Wyoming Team 4 Type 3 will take command of the fire at 8:00 pm Saturday.

Temperatures around the fire area are expected to be moderate over the weekend with precipitation possible on Sunday, with tropical moisture from Hurricane Hillary expected to make its way into the area at the beginning of next week.

UPDATE, AUG. 18:

A more accurate assessment of the perimeter of the Colt Fire shows the fire has burned 7,154 acres as of Friday morning. The fire is 46% contained.

Limited fire activity was reported on the southern portion of the fire Thursday, allowing crews to strengthen fire lines.

Crews on the north and east edges continue their mop-up efforts and pull hose from sections of the fire line where it is no longer needed.

A red flag warning is in effect starting at 3:00 pm Friday, to midnight Saturday morning as strong, gusty winds are anticipated to pick up at the mountain ridges.

The following are planned actions for Friday on the Colt Fire:

In areas of containment, crews collected hose lays and equipment will be collected and ready for reuse. Helicopters and crews are available respond to potential new fire starts.

Crews are continuing to mop-up residual heat along the fires perimeter.

The majority of the fires heat remains on the fires southwestern edge. Chipping operations will continue on the southern and eastern perimeters.

UPDATE, AUG. 17:

Firefighters on the Colt Fire were treated to an Ice Cream Social at Fire Camp, hosted by the Seeley Lake Leo's Club.

After a long hot day, the firefighters appreciated the cold, sweet treat. Thank you to the Leo's Club for showing their support, the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 5 said.

The following are the planned actions for Thursday:

Chipping operations on will continue along the eastern and southern fire perimeter. Firefighters will continue to seek out and mop up pockets of heat, assisted by data from the UAS, which can detect heat using infrared technology.

Some crews are still constructing hand line along the fires edge in areas where the fire burned in patches, leaving some areas burned and others not.

Crews will continue to remove pumps and hoses along the contained areas around the fire.

Aerial resources will be available to assist firefighting efforts, as conditions allow.

UPDATE, AUG. 16:

The Colt Fire is still reported to be 7,202 acres large and 45% contained as of Wednesday morning.

An update from the Northern Rockies Team 5 says crews will remove hoselays and pumps from the Beaver Lake area, where they are no longer needed.

Unmanned aerial system operations will continue their detection of hot spots inside and outside the fire perimeter.

Crews will mop-up residual heat along the fires perimeter through the fire area.

Along the fires eastern and southern edge, chipping operations will continue.

No evacuation orders or warning are in effect due to the Colt Fire

UPDATE, AUG. 14:

Evacuation warnings for the Colt Fire have been lifted Monday, according to the Missoula County Sheriff's Office.

The cancellation is due to more containment, resources assigned and moderated fire behavior.

The areas where the evacuation warnings are lifted are:

Beaver

Rovero Flats East

Rovero Flats West

North Inez

South Inez

The Missoula County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook cards placed by law enforcement are now okay to remove at this time.

UPDATE, AUG. 13:

In the area of the Colt Fire, southwest of Beaver Lake, a specialized crew of firefighters successfully felled hazardous trees using explosives.

Crews continued to pro-actively search for areas of heat to mop-up along the fires eastern edge, an update from the Northern Rockies Team 5 said.

Even though smoke is not visible in this area, there are areas of ground that remain hot and have the potential to reignite.

Crews searched out these hot spots and cooled them by mixing in cold dirt and water.

Planned actions for Sunday include:

Crews will mop-up residual heat interior to the completed handline, dozer line, and roadson the fires southwest edge. They will use hose lays and pumps to assist with the mop-up process.

Throughout the fire area, crews will continue to mitigate areas with hazard trees as needed to ensure crew safety while working.

To the south and east of the fire area, crews will begin chipping operations.

Firefighters chip wood to limit the concentrations of heavy fuels in and around the fire area. Essentially, by chipping the wood, it becomes less of a fire hazard.

The unmanned aerial system (UAS) assigned to the fire will continue mapping hot spots on the fires northern flank.

UPDATE, AUG. 12:

Handline connecting to Sunset Ridge has been successfully completed by crews on the Colt Fire.

Northwest of Sunset Ridge, crews are continuing to construct line in the most active area of the fire.

Along the fires eastern edge, crews have collected all water equipment, such as pumps and hoses, and will now begin the process of inventorying all supplies, the Northern Rockies Team 5 said in an update Saturday.

One of the aircraft assigned to the fire assisted Flathead National Forest in successfully putting out a new fire start west of Lindberg Lake.

Lake Alva Campground, Lake Inez Campground, and Rainy Lake Campground remain closed at this time due to firefighter activity in the area.

The following are the planned actions for Saturday:

Crews are beginning the mop-up process along the fires southwest edge as they finish constructing handline in the area. They will be installing temporary hose lays and pumps to assist in efforts to extinguish heat along the fires perimeter.

Crews determined a few hazardous trees on the southwestern edge of the fire were too dangerous to fell with a chainsaw. For this reason, a specialized crew will be on the fire line tomorrow to fell these trees using a tool called a Fireline Explosives Blaster (FLEB). The FLEB assures the safe and effective felling of hazardous trees using specialized explosives.

UPDATE, AUG. 11:

A weather trend of rising temperatures may bring more active fire behavior on the Colt Fire, according to an update from the Northern Rockies Team 5.

Currently, the fire is mainly burning in dead standing or downed trees, however, as fuels dry out it is expected that other fuels, such as huckleberry bushes and other shrubs, may ignite more readily.

Heavy equipment will continue to improve existing roads in the fire area to allow for better firefighter access to the fires southern flank Friday.

The update says crews will spend the next few days completing handline on the southwest edge of the fire.

Once the handline is completed, crews plan to begin the mop-up process in the area. In order to facilitate this effort, a helicopter crew brought supplies (such as hose lays and pumps) into the southwest area of the fire.

While mopping up, crews will use these supplies to cool hot spots along the fires edge.

UPDATE, AUG. 10:

The Colt Fire is 7,202 acres large and 45% contained Thursday.

An update from the Northern Rockies Team 5 says crews are expected to need three more days to complete the handline from the south flank of the fire to Sunset Ridge.

This will connect their handline with the existing line constructed by heavy equipment along the ridgeline.

Crews on the southwest end of the fire continue to construct handline along the fires edge, however, progress is slowed by steep terrain and hazardous trees. Heavy equipment is assisting crews by improving existing roads in the fire area.

The temporary flight restriction for the fire area has been extended to a full 24-hour restriction as the UAS will be mapping out the southern edge of the fire as conditions permit.

UPDATE, AUG. 9:

Containment on the Colt Fire has grown to 45%, with the majority of added containment being on the southern edge, the Northern Rockies Team 5 reported.

As crews continue to mop-up the southern and northern edges, they work east to west to increase containment in the coming days.

More showers are expected over the fire area Wednesday evening with warm, dry weather anticipated for Thursday.

UPDATE, AUG. 8:

Containment on the Colt Fire has increased to 39% as crews were able to take advantage of quieted fire behavior from the moisture and mop-up on residual heat on the northeast and eastern edges.

The current size of the fire is 7,179 acres with 506 total personnel working to fight the fire.

Air operations will be using two unmanned aerial systems (UAS drones) over the coming days to map out areas of heat within the fire area.

The UAS aircraft is best able to pick up areas of heat within the fire late at night and early in the morning due to lower air temperatures at these times. For this reason, the temporary flight restriction (TFR) for the fire area (FDC 3/7867) has been extended from 8am-10am to a full 24-hour restriction.

Today, crews will continue to mop-up remaining residual heat along the fire's northern and eastern edges between Colt Lake and Beaver Lake.

They will also continue to construct lines west to Sunset Ridge on the south flank and heavy equipment will assist crews with additional line construction on the northwest corner of the fire.

UPDATE, AUG 7:

The Colt Fire remains at 25% contained as of Monday morning at 9:22am.

Northern Rockies Team 5 sent out a press release saying while rainfall in the area decreased fire activity, it also limited firefighters' ability to access roads in certain areas of the fire.

Crews were able to mop-up some residual heat from much of the fire's northern and eastern edges.

Right now, crews are continuing to mop-up residual heat.

Heavy equipment will search for opportunities to construct line further along the fires southwest edge near Sunset Ridge.

Hand crews will again be in the area, searching for a path to continue the line beyond the ridge.

Along the southern edge of the fire crews will continue to construct handline above West Fork Clearwater River.

Aircrafts will be available to assist firefighters as needed as long as conditions allow.

The release says showers and thunderstorms may return this afternoon, bringing with them a risk of heavy downpours, lightning, and gusty outflow winds.

While the rain has lessened fire activity for the time being, fire activity is expected to increase later in the week as temperatures rise and relative humidity's decrease.

This incoming warm weather with possible gusty winds will increase the chances of larger fuels burning, as the dryness of these fuels is still near record lows.

UPDATE, AUG. 6:

The Colt Fire is now 25% contained as of Sunday morning.

Crews are working to mop-up residual heat along the fires north perimeter from Beaver Lake to Colt Lake.

On the east side of the fire, heavy equipment will begin constructing line from Sunset Ridge east, continuing the progress of the line constructed by hand crews.

Firefighters will continue constructing handline along the south edge of the fire Sunday, as weather permits.

The fires forward progression has been slowed by recent rain, with growth mainly contained to the southwestern portion of the fire.

While the fire will likely exhibit creeping and smoldering behavior in the coming days, single tree torching is possible if the fire burns into large areas of unburned ground fuels, the Northern Rockies Team 5 reported.

As the weather warms towards the middle of the week, with less precipitation anticipated, an increase of fire activity is expected.

UPDATE, AUG. 5:

The Northern Rockies Team 1 transitioned command of the Colt Fire to the Northern Rockies Team 5 Saturday.

Monsoonal moisture in the upper atmosphere and cloud cover of the fire area subdued fire activity Friday, however, persistent dry conditions at the surface keep the potential for fire spread high.

Cooler temperatures and higher humidity with a chance of rain are being forecasted for the weekend.

Acreage was reportedly added to the fire Friday, however, there was no overnight infrared mapping flight to verify the increase.

The following are the planned actions Saturday:

In the southwest corner of the fire heavy equipment and crews will continue to construct indirect control lines.

Along the west side, crews will prepare roads and handlines and use hose lays to secure and mop up the fire edge.

On the north and east sides of the fire, personnel will patrol, hold, and mop up where needed.

Crews that have been working from east to west on the south side of the fire north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River will continue handline construction.

The crews are working in steep terrain and the handline construction is slow and steady.

Helicopters will be used to cool hot spots and slow fire spread.

Operations personnel from both teams will work together on all sides of the fire to transfer knowledge and situational awareness to provide for a safe and efficient team transition.

The Missoula County Sheriffs Office has issued the following evacuations and closures:

Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Warning.

Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order.

UPDATE, AUG. 4:

The Colt Fire is burning an estimated 7,179 acres and is 23% contained as of Friday morning.

Fire activity was the highest in the southwestern corner due to persistent dry conditions over the area, the Northern Rockies Team 1 reports.

Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and a chance of rain are forecasted for the area in the coming days.

Crews on the southwest corner of the fire are working to keep the fire north of Sunset Ridge.

Engines are patrolling, holding and mopping up along the north and east side of the fire.

Helicopters are being used to cool hot spots and slow fire spread.

The Structure Protection Group will continue structure protection assessment work in the Lindbergh Lake area and will be patrolling the Highway 83 corridor and other identified structure zones.

The following evacuation and closures are in pace according to the Missoula County Sheriffs Office:

Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Warning.

Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order

UPDATE, AUG 3:

The Colt Fire is now 6,860 acres large and 19% contained as of Thursday morning.

The Northern Rockies Team 1 says fire personnel in the southwest corner will be re-evaluating the locations planned for indirect control line construction and adjusting those actions based on where the spot fire moved.

On the forest road systems west of the fire, heavy equipment and crews will work on linking roads and control lines together forming indirect control lines.

Along the north side, east side (Forest Road 646), and southeast corner firefighters will continue to hold and mop up along the line.

On the south side, and north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River, four crews will continue to build fire control line moving from east to west. These crews may camp closer to the line to decrease travel time.

Helicopters and airplanes will continue to be used to keep the fire checked up on the west side and southwest corner.

The Lindbergh Group will continue structure assessments as well as look for indirect control line opportunities that would have the highest opportunity for success ahead of the fire.

A night shift of engines will patrol and monitor fire conditions.

The following evacuation and closures are in pace according to the Missoula County Sheriffs Office:

Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Warning.

Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order

UPDATE, AUG. 2 AT 11:14 A.M.:

The evacuation orders in the areas of Rovero Flats East and Rovero Flats West have been lifted Wednesday, the Missoula County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook.

Those areas are now under evacuation warning.

MCSO said residents may notice law enforcement taking down the red order cards and replacing them with yellow warning cards.

MCSO shared a map reflecting evacuation status in the identified zones: Red means the zone is under evacuation order, yellow means warning and green means pre-identified zones in the event the fire approaches those areas.

Currently, there are more zones that have been pre-identified and are in green: Fawn, 83 N, 83 S, Boy Scout N, and Boy Scout S.

For the more updated information on wildfires in Montana, visit mtfireinfo.org.

UPDATE, AUG 2:

The Colt Fire is burning 6,860 acres with containment at 19% Wednesday morning.

The Northern Rockies Team 1 reports a high-pressure ridge weather system is keeping smoke from nearby and far away wildfires in the area.

In addition, the ream is reporting warm, dry weather could lead to active fire behavior, Wednesday.

The following actions are planned for the day:

On the southeast corner and east side along Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road) firefighters will continue to hold and mop up along the line. Patrol and mop up will also continue in areas on the north side of the fire.

In the northwest corner crews will continue to construct indirect line working to connect between Colt and Beaver Lakes.

Along the west side crews and equipment will access the area and start working to prepare Forest Road 9570 as an indirect control line. Access routes have been found and an attempt will be made to bring equipment into the southwest corner if fire activity safely allows. Helicopters will continue to be used to keep the fire checked up on the west side and southwest corner.

On the south side, and north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River, crews will move from east to west working on fire control line construction. These crews will start to spike camp closer to the line to decrease travel time. The night shift of engines will patrol and monitor fire conditions.

Evacuation warnings and orders:

Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order.

Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order.

The list of current closures includes:

Forest Road 906 (closed at Highway 83)

Rainy Lake Campground access road 4357 (closed at Highway 83)

Rainy Lake Campground

Alva Lake Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83)

Alva Lake Campground

Lakeside Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83)

Lakeside Campground

Lake Inez Campground

Forest Road 646 (closed at the junction of FSR 552; FSR 4354; Forest Road 552 (beyond the turn off to west side Lake Inez access

Forest Road 5407 and 463 closed beyond the West Side snowmobile trailhead (these roads access the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Marshall Wildlife Management Area and Lake Marshall)

Temporarily closing the Forest System Road loops of the Clearwater (FSR 4370 and 4353) and Richmond (FSR 667 and 720)

For the more updated information on wildfires in Montana, visit mtfireinfo.org.

UPDATE, AUG. 1:

The Colt Fire grew an additional 527 acres, burning 6,704 acres total with containment increased to 8%.

According to Inciweb, fire activity continued Monday due to increasing temperatures and decreasing relative humidity.

Fire crews continued holding efforts on all sides of the fire.

Crews held the fire line and looked out for hot spots on the southeast corner, helicopters cooled hot spots where necessary.

On the east side, personnel mopped up and put effort into raising containment along Forest Road 646, Colt/Uhler Road. Firefighters will resume holding, securing and mopping up Forest Road 646, Colt/Uhler Road.

Crews on the north side, crews and equipment worked to hold along the existing fire lines and resumed building control lines. Crews will work a mix of indirect line preparation along Forest Road 906, holding the existing lines and looking out for fire spots.

Crews on the west side took the chance on working on a direct fire line upslope from Colt Lake.

Aircraft dropped fire retardant to slow fire spread on the southwest corner, and will continue to be used in this area if necessary.

On the west side of the fire, there is a plan in place for access and indirect control line building on the west side of the fire, and according to Inciweb, "These plans will start to be implemented as crews can be shifted from other parts of the fire area."

On the south side, crews will be working on direct control line moving east to west while north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River.

A group will resume evaluating structure protection.

Evacuations and closures:

The Missoula County Sheriffs Office Evacuation Warning and Order summary:

Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order.

Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order.

If conditions rapidly change an Evacuation Order may be issued with no prior notice or warning. Home and property owners in the surrounding area should remain vigilant and prepared. Have an evacuation plan for family, pets, and livestock; sign up for emergency alerts at Smart911.com; and be familiar with the Missoula County evacuation process and what an order and warning means by clicking on the following link: https://www.missoulacounty.us/government/publicsafety/officeofemergencymanagement/evacuationinformation. For evolving Evacuations and Warnings please visit the Missoula County Sheriffs Office Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MissoulaCountySheriffsOffice .

The Lolo and Flathead National Forests have closed several forest roads, areas, and campgrounds near the fire area for public safety. The list of current closures includes:

Forest Road 906 (closed at Highway 83)

Rainy Lake Campground access road 4357 (closed at Highway 83)

Rainy Lake Campground

Alva Lake Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83)

Alva Lake Campground

Lakeside Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83)

Lakeside Campground

Lake Inez Campground

Forest Road 646 (closed at the junction of FSR 552; FSR 4354; Forest Road 552 (beyond the turn off to west side Lake Inez access

Forest Road 5407 and 463 closed beyond the West Side snowmobile trailhead (these roads access the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Marshall Wildlife Management Area and Lake Marshall)

Temporarily closing the Forest System Road loops of the Clearwater (FSR 4370 and 4353) and Richmond (FSR 667 and 720)

UPDATE, JULY 30:

Containment on the Colt Fire grew to 6% by Sunday morning. Fire growth was reported, however, the exact figure is unavailable.

Moderate growth is expected Sunday with the fire moving through the heavy dead and down surface vegetation.

The following are the planned actions for Sunday, according to the Northern Rockies Team 1 update:

On the southeast corner of the fire personnel will continue firing operations and secure the line north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River and tie in with Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road).

Crews will continue to hold and mop up along the eastern control lines along Forest Road 646.

On the north side, crews will hold and secure the fire along Forest Road 4356 and look for opportunities for fire control line from Colt Lake to Beaver Lake.

North and South Structure Protection will assist with burning operations and holding operations on the east and southeast sides of the fire.

Structure Group remains ready to respond for structure protection as needed.

A night shift of engines and personnel will patrol and monitor fire conditions. Helicopters and airplanes will be used to drop water and retardant on the fire as needed.

The Missoula County Sheriffs Office has the following evacuations and closure orders in place:

Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order.

Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order.

UPDATE, JULY 29:

The Colt Fire is 5,475 acres large and 3% contained as of Saturday morning.

Fire behavior is expected to be moderate with the active fire edge moving through the heavy dead and down surface vegetation.

On Saturday, crews will hold and secure the eastern control lines along Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road) as well as on the north side of the fire where burning operations have taken place, according to the Northern Rockies Team 1.

On the southeast corner, crews will continue burning operations and work on securing that area and tying in with Road 646.

On the south side, crews will look for potential control features north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River.

To the north, the Heavy Equipment Task Force will continue working on control line preparation along the Beaver Creek Road.

South Structure Protection will conduct structure assessments and protection work at Lake Inez.

A night shift of engines and personnel will patrol and monitor fire conditions. Helicopters and airplanes will be used to drop water and retardant on the fire as needed.

The following evacuation and closures are in place by the Missoula County Sheriffs Office:

Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order.

Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order

UPDATE, JULY 28:

Pilots are being reminded of a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in the area of the Colt Fire.

The closure is for firefighting aircraft to safely work the fire. In addition, the Condon air strip has been closed for general aviation as it is being used as a firefighting helicopter base.

Overnight, the Colt Fire was estimated to have grown to 5,252 acres, according to an update from the Northern Rockies Team 1.

Fire behavior Friday is expected to be low to moderate with the active fire edge moving through the heavy dead and down surface vegetation. Torching and spotting are possible in the subalpine fir and lodgepole pine.

Fridays planned actions include:

Crews will continue burning operations along Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road) to secure the north and east flanks of the fire.

On the south side, crews will continue to secure the spot fires, construct direct hand line towards the west, and assess road systems for potential control features near the West Fork of the Clearwater River.

A Heavy Equipment Task Force and crews will continue working on vegetation removal and control line preparation along the Beaver Creek Road on the north side of the fire.

South Structure Protection will continue structure assessments and protection work at Lake Inez.

A night shift of engines and personnel will patrol and monitor fire conditions. Helicopters will be used to drop water on the fire as needed and where they can be most effective

The following are current evacuations and closures from the Missoula County Sheriffs Office:

Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order.

Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order.

UPDATE, JULY 27 AT 9:56 AM:

The Colt Fire has grown more than 500 acres since Tuesday, for a total of 4,937 acres burned. Fire containment is at 0% Thursday.

An update from the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1 says fire activity remained moderate on Wednesday even as temperatures started trending a few degrees warmer and relative humidity levels started dropping a few points lower.

Temperatures in the area of the fire are expected to range from mid60s to high70s Thursday depending on the location of the fire, with relative humidity levels as low as 20%.

Fire behavior is expected to be moderate.

Crews will be doing the following planned actions Thursday, according to the update:

Crews will continue to secure the spot fires on the east flank of the fire and continue to burn ground vegetation in select locations between the fires edge and Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road).

On the south side, crews will work to hold fire spread by constructing direct hand line where appropriate and continue to assess road systems as potential control features near the West Fork of the Clearwater River.

On the north side of the fire a Heavy Equipment Task Force and crews will continue working on vegetation removal and control line preparation along the Beaver Creek Road.

The north and south Structure Protection Groups will conduct structure assessments, remove fuels, and install water handling equipment where needed. Helicopters will be used to drop water on the fire and have been very effective when needed.

As fire suppression work continues, firefighter and public safety remain the number one priority.

The following evacuations and closures are in place by the Missoula County Sheriffs Office:

Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order.

Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order.

UPDATE, JULY 26 AT 9:55 AM:

A dry cold front along with cooler temperatures and lighter winds provided for moderate fire activity in the area of the Colt Fire the last couple of days.

An update on the size of the fire was not provided Wednesday morning as cloud cover prevented an overnight infrared mapping flight from gathering information.

Fire behavior is expected to be moderate Wednesday as personnel continue working on securing spot fires on the east flank and begin to burn ground vegetation in select locations between the fires edge and Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road), an update from the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1 said.

At this time, the following forest roads, areas and campgrounds near the fire area have been closed:

Forest Road 906 (closed at Highway 83)

Rainy Lake Campground access road 4357 (closed at Highway 83)

Rainy Lake Campground

Alva Lake Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83)

Alva Lake Campground

Lakeside Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83)

Lakeside Campground

Lake Inez Campground

Forest Road 646 (closed at the junction of FSR 552; FSR 4354; Forest Road 552 (beyond the turn off to west side Lake Inez access

Forest Road 5407 and 463 closed beyond the West Side snowmobile trailhead (these roads access the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Marshall Wildlife Management Area and Lake Marshall)

Temporarily closing the Forest System Road loops of the Clearwater (FSR 4370 and 4353) and Richmond (FSR 667 and 720)

The Missoula County Sheriffs Office has issued the following evacuation warnings and orders:

Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order.

Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order.

UPDATE: Tuesday, July 25 at 2:19 p.m.

The Colt Fire is burning an 4,390 acres as of Tuesday and remains 0% contained.

Fire personnel will be leading a public meeting Tuesday from 78 p.m. at the Seeley Lake Elementary School gym.

The meeting will be streaming online via the Colt Fire Facebook page.

UPDATE: Monday, July 24 at 11:08 a.m.

The Colt Fire has nearly doubled in size Monday, now burning nearly 3,000 acres.

According to Inciweb, the Colt Fire is 2,927 acres big and is still zeropercent contained as of Monday morningthe size of the fire grew by 1,352 acres within two days.

The fire is lightningcaused.

Sunday fire activity was moderate with faint winds and stable air in the area, according to Inciweb.

More fire crews and equipment are responding to the fire.

Crews resumed placing an indirect fire line along Forest Road 646, northeast area of the fire, by clearing out brush and ground vegetation.

In the south, west and north areas, personnel were scoping out road systems for access and opportunities to build direct or indirect fire lines.

The Structure Protection team were doing assessments and preparations for sturcture protection along Highway 83 and near the lakes south and east of the fire.

Air crews were scooping water on areas of the fire.

The National Weather Service put out a Red Flag warning in place from 2 p.m. to midnight Mondaypilots and public boaters on Seeley Lake and Lindbuergh Lake are asked to keep away from firefighter aircrafts when they are scooping water from lakes.

Inciweb said crews finished clearing brush ground vegetation and improved access along Forest Road 646.

Crews will be working on the north and south parts of the fire to open existing roads and start building fire lines in places with high chances of containing the fire.

According to Inciweb, north side of the fire is demonstrating more difficulties for access the Structure Protection team is continuing structure assessments and preparations.

Aircraft will keep scooping water depending on if the flying conditions are still safe.

With the Red Flag warning in place, fire personnel will be assessing escape routes and safety zones with an increased awareness of fluctuating weather and fire activity.

Weather conditions are forecasted with low humidity levels at 30 percent and strong winds of 20 milesperhour with 30 mileperhour wind gusts blowing over the fire area.

The following evacuations are in place, according to Inciweb:

Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order.

Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning.

Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order.

The following closures are in place:

Forest Road 906 (closed at Highway 83)

Rainy Lake Campground access road 4357 (closed at Highway 83)

Rainy Lake Campground

Alva Lake Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83)

Alva Lake Campground

Lakeside Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83)

Lakeside Campground

Forest Road 646 (closed at the junction of FSR 552; FSR 4354; Forest Road 552 (beyond the turn off to west side Lake Inez access

Forest Road 5507 and 463 closed beyond the West Side snowmobile trailhead (these roads access the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Marshall Wildlife Management Area and Lake Marshall)

Temporarily closing the Forest System Road loops of the Clearwater (FSR 4370 and 4353) and Richmond (FSR 667 and 720)

UPDATE: Monday, July 24 at 9:29 a.m.

Smoke was moving through several valleys Sunday night and into Monday morning due to the Colt Fire burning northwest of Seeley Lake.

Air quality is at unhealthy conditions from Lake Inez through Condon Monday morning.

Missoula CityCounty Air Quality Specialist Sarah Coefield said in a release air quality in Seely Lake is overall moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups.

The smoke drifted all the way down to the Potomac Valley where air quality is at unhealthy for sensitive groups, and reached the Mission Valley where air quality sits at unhealthy for sensitive groups.

"Due to overhead smoke mixing down to the valley floors, air quality for those near the Colt Fire may get a bit worse this morning before it gets better," Coefield said in the release.

However, Coefield said the air quality is expected to get better by Monday afternoon.

"The high pressure ridge that caused our hot temperatures these last several days is breaking down and that will create a turbulent atmosphere, which means air will be more capable of moving up and down and shaking it all around. For the short term, this is good, because it means smoke should easily lift out of the valleys by this afternoon and folks should see decent air quality."

But, Cofield said there will be heavy winds a significant portion of Monday afternoon and a lot of Tuesday.

A red flag warning is in place over the Colt Fire, with winds picking up over the course of Monday from the south, southwest and west.

Coefield said fire activity and a big column of smoke is expectedfast winds may be heading towards the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Smoke is expected to impact the Highway 83 corridor, and northwest breezes are expected to push smoke to Seeley and Salmon lakes. Southerly winds are likely to spread the fire north bringing more overnight smoke into the Swan Valley, Coefield said.

In Missoula, Frenchtown, Lolo, air quality improving is based on how the weather affects the fires in Idaho.

"One of the smoke models thinks the Little Bear Fire is going to get feisty and send smoke to Lolo. The Little Bear Fire has been slowly fiddling around in a previously burned over area, but based on heat detections, it has started picking up acreage. It may see enough wind and activity today to send smoke our way, so keep an eye out," Coefield said.

The Little Bear Fire has been increasing acreage, and there may be enough wind to push smoke towards the Missoula area.

Coefield said the general haze throughout Missoula County is due to fires burning in the region and is fluctuating air quality from good to moderate Monday morning; but, Coefield said the air quality should not be a huge worry by Monday afternoon.

UPDATE, JULY 23:

Another 500 acres have been burned by the Colt Fire overnight Saturday, making the fire a total of 1,575 acres in size.

As of Sunday afternoon, containment on the fire is still at 0% and the fire is active on all sides.

Brent Olsons Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the fire Sunday morning and additional fire personnel and equipment have been arriving and are being integrated into fire operations.

The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Monday, July 24.

The Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1 warns that hot, dry, and windy conditions may lead to critical fire weather conditions on existing or new fires.

The Missoula County Sheriffs Office have issued the following evacuation warnings and evacuation orders:

Residences on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning

Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under Evacuation Order

Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under Evacuation Warning. USFS has issued emergency closures of Rainy Lake Campground and the main Lake Alva Campground and Lakeside at Alva

Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order

The Red Cross shelter at the Ovando church is going on standby.

If you are evacuated due to the Colt Fire and need shelter, you can call the Red Cross at (406) 2151514.

The following are the planned actions for Sunday according to the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1:

Crews will work on clearing vegetation along the Colt and Beaver Creek Roads to improve fuel break areas. On the south and east areas of the fire, personnel and crews will be looking for direct and indirect opportunities to prepare containment lines and fuel breaks. Direct and indirect fire suppression tactics will be assessed and prepared to be implemented as fire conditions allow. Structure protection assessments and preparations will continue. As new crews arrive, they will be safely orientated to the fire area and begin working where safe to do so. Firefighter and public safety are the number one priority as this fire response transitions into longer duration suppression work. Air resources will be used as needed to slow fire spread and cool down areas of heat.

UPDATE, JULY 22 AT 5:00 PM:

An evacuation warning has been issued for residents on the east side of Lake Inez, specifically those residences on Beargrass Ln. and West Lake Way.

Residents are being warned that due to the possibility of rapidly changing conditions, an evacuation order may be issued with no prior warning.

The Missoula County Sheriffs Office is asking people to not stop along Highway 83 for the safety of firefighters and first responders.

Missoula County 911 reports that the Red Cross shelter at the Ovando church is on standby due to lack of demand.

If you are evacuated due to the Colt Fire and need shelter, you can call the Red Cross at (406) 2151514.

UPDATE, JULY 22 AT 10:38 AM:

Overnight, the Colt Fire has grown to about 1,000 acres as active fire behavior continues on all sides.

Predicted burning conditions anticipate the fire to continue to grow, the Montana DNRC reported.

Ground crews are continuing to perform structure protection northeast of the fire while aviation resources continue suppression efforts by cooling hotspots and slowing the fires rate of spread.

An Evacuation Order is still in place for residents along Highway 83, between mile marker 27 and 31(Rainy Lake to Summit Lake).

An evacuation warning has also been issued for residents along Highway 83, between mile marker 15.5 and 27.

Those evacuated due to the fire can go to a Red Cross shelter that has been set up at the Blackfoot Community Bible Church in Ovando at 209 Birch St..

A Complex Incident Management Team will be inbriefed Saturday to assume command of the fire Sunday.

Multiple aviation resources including four CL415 super scoopers,one very large air tanker, and multiple large air tankers. Fire managers are using all available tools to suppress the, for lives, homes, property.

People are being reminded to not fly drones while crews are working on a fire after a drone incursion happened in the area Friday.

It is a criminal misdemeanor in Montana to fly drones that interfere with fire suppression efforts, with a fine of up to $1,500 and the potential of being charged with firefighting costs.

According to the Montana DNRC, the following are the planned actions for Saturday:

Crews will continue working along Colt Road, clearing vegetation, and creating a stronger fuel break.

Engine crews will continue structure assessment in the Summit Lake housing area.

Incoming resources will start clearing vegetation along the Beaver Creek Rd.

Aviation resources will continue suppression efforts by cooling hotspots and slowing the fires rate of spread.

The Missoula CityCounty Health Department is donating air purifiers to daycare, nursing homes and community businesses as the fire season begins.

UPDATE, JULY 21 AT 6:00 PM:

Red Cross has been contacted and is working to secure a location for those evacuated by the Colt Fire, according to the Missoula County Sheriff's Office.

If you have questions, you may contact them at 1800REDCROSS or, in Montana, at 4062151514.

UPDATE, JULY 21 AT 3:45 PM:

Residents along Highway 83, between mile marker 27 and mile marker 31 (Rainy Lake to Summit Lake) have been ordered to immediately leave the area.

The Missoula County Sheriff's Office is reporting incident conditions present an immediate threat to people in the area.

For evacuation information, you can call 2584636.

UPDATE, JULY 21:

An evacuation warning has been issued for residents along Highway 83, between mile marker 27 and mile marker 31 (Rainy Lake to Summit Lake) due to the Colt Fire.

The Missoula County Sheriff's Office is warning the conditions can change quickly and that if fire activity increases, emergency personnel may not be able to make personal notifications.

InciWeb is reporting the Colt Fire grew to about 200 acres Friday due to late afternoon fire conditions.

Crews reengaged the fire Friday morning after having to back off due to the increased activity.

A Complex Incident Management Team has been ordered to manage the fire and will be debriefed Saturday and take formal control of the fire Sunday.

As of Friday afternoon, the fire is not contained and is active.

SEELEY LAKE, Mont. - A 15 acre fire is burning in dense timber northwest of Seeley Lake.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation reports the Colt Fire was detected July 18 and is burning about 15 miles northwest of Seeley Lake. It was reportedly started by lightning.

At this time, the fire is on land managed by the Lolo National Forest but under Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation fire protection and is currently 0% contained.

Firefighters are working the perimeter of the fire with chainsaws to create a break in fuels (saw line)and finding success with aerial resources committed to the fire.

No structures are threatened and no evacuations are in place, however, the public is being told to avoid the Beaver Lake and Colt Lake areas where crews are actively working.
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UPDATE, AUG. 30:

Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino in coordination with Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 6 has deemed that the imminent risk of danger to life and properties in the vicinity of the East Fork Fire has diminished at this time.

The Pre Evacuation Warnings issued on August 17, 2023, and August 20, 2023, are rescinded, and will be effective at 01:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.

A Pre-Evacuation Warning may need to be reissued if the risk of danger to life and property should again warrant such action.

For more information, please visit https://flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/oes/emergency-management/east-fork-fire-information or call the Flathead County Office of Emergency Services Public Information Line at 406-758-211

UPDATE, AUG. 25:

Crews on the Big Knife Fire are beginning to time out, reaching the end of their working days on the fire to either go home or be reassigned to another fire, CSKT Division of Fire reported.

Remaining crews are busy with the start of suppression repair work.

Its not often realized how much work goes into this stage of a fire. In the coming weeks, dozer line will need to be naturalized and the rest of the equipment will be removed off the fire line. The objective is to leave it in as good condition, or better, than we found it, CSKT Division of Fire said.

Several areas near the base of the mountains west of the fire are still under a pre-evacuation warning from the Lake County Sheriffs Office.

The Big Knife Fire is reported to be 7,257 acres large and is 13% contained.

UPDATE, AUG. 24:

The Jocko Lookout is being assessed for additional protection improvements against the Big Knife Fire.

CSKT Division of Fire reports crews are staging structure wrap, an aluminum/fiberglass covering that blocks up to 96% of radiant heat, at the tower in the event fire behavior picks up.

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.

UPDATE, AUG. 22:

The Niarada and Mill Pocket fires have reached 100% containment Tuesday.

CSKT Division of Fire wrote the following on Facebook regarding the Big Knife Fire:

"Fire Behavior Analysts assigned to the Big Knife Fire utilized a weather analysis program that uses historical and current weather data to assess the fire outlook. Rain yesterday and forecast for today will be a fire season-slowing event, but it will not be fire season-ending event. A fire season-ending event consists of a combination of weather events followed by a persistent combination of environmental factors to mark the end of fire season. Weather events can include rain or snow, lower temperatures, higher relative humidity, and cloud cover. Environmental factors such as lower sun angles and shorter day lengths reduce the active fire burning period. By the middle of September, there is a 50% chance of a fire season-ending event happening. By the last week of October this chance increases to 90%. The weather is forecasted to get warmer and drier by Friday providing the opportunity for the fuels to dry out and support fire growth again. Fuel drying is expected to take longer than the rain event that wet the Big Knife Fire the first week of August. The crews on the fire will be patrolling and monitoring the fire perimeter today. Tonight will be the last night shift.

The Big Knife Fire is currently 1.25 miles north of the Rattlesnake Wilderness Boundary (Lolo National Forest) with no significant growth towards the Lolo National Forest in the last week. Smoke from the fire may impact the Snowbowl area, however the Lolo National Forest does not have any forest closures in place on the Missoula Ranger District.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES: 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). The Tribal Primitive Area, Belmore Slough and Burnt Cabin Roads are closed.

A PRE-EVACUATION WARNING means you may remain in your home. Individuals in this status should not bring back evacuated livestock until this status is lifted.

A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect around the fire area. Do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) near the fire areas.

Weather: More rain is predicted tonight through Wednesday morning. Warming and drying starts on Thursday.

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 from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., no operating vehicles off designated roads and trails. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in place in Granite County. The following are prohibited until rescinded: Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire except within a developed recreation site or improved site. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. Visit https://www.mtfireinfo.org/ for more fire restriction information across Montana."

UPDATE, AUG. 21:

Officials have reduced the mandatory evacuation order for the East Fork Fire to a pre-evacuation warning, effective Sunday, Aug. 20.

The following is a Facebook post by Flathead County MT:

PRESS RELEASE: East Fork Fire Lifts Mandatory Evacuation.

The Evacuation Order issued on August 18, 2023, for all properties North of mile marker 146 on Highway 93 to mile marker 157.9 -- Lincoln/Flathead County line, and the Residents of Good Creek Road, and those who access Good Creek west to the Lincoln County line have been downgraded to a PRE-EVACUATION WARNING and will be effective at 02:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 20, 2023.

All PRE-EVACUATION warnings issued on Thursday, August 17, 2023, are still in effect.

Residents may return to their homes under a Pre-Evacuation Warning but may need to leave again on short notice if required. An Evacuation Order may need to be reissued; however, if that is deemed necessary, the Evacuation Order process will re-commence.

For the most current information regarding evacuation status please visit https://flathead.mt.gov/.../east-fork-fire-information or call the Flathead County Office of Emergency Services Public Information Line at 406-758-2111.

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.
APPLE CREEK, Ohio  Fertilizer prices, soil health concerns, and extreme weather events have led many Ohio row crop growers to consider the benefits and barriers of adding manure, perennial crops in rotation and other livestock production elements to their row crop operations. An Ohio State research project has spent the last year and a half working with farmers to study the economic and environmental tradeoffs associated with different approaches to integrating livestock and row crop production.

The research team has collected on-farm samples and interview data from 31 Ohio farms to compare outcomes associated with different levels of crop and livestock integration. Members of the community are welcome to review and discuss results from the studys first growing season at a project field day from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 30, at 12892 Western Road, Apple Creek, Ohio.

The field day will feature a panel of local farmers and conversation about strategies and approaches to crop and livestock integration, as well as soil health study results and a catered meal. For more information, register online at go.osu.edu/IDEAS23Field Day or call the study program manager at 330-263-3634. There is no cost to attend but registration is requested for meal planning.
If you come across a tree with dead branches, sawdust-like material on the ground around it, shallow scars in bark or small, dime-sized holes in it, take a closer look. Those things could be signs of Asian longhorned beetles.

The wood-boring beetles are an invasive species that kill the trees they feed on. Tens of thousands of trees in Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Illinois have been lost since the beetle was found in the U.S. in 1996, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture factsheet.

The USDA is asking Ohioans to keep an eye out for the beetles and the damage they cause, especially this month as they emerge from trees.

[Infestation confirmations] pretty much all have been through public findings  people reaching out to extension agencies saying hey, my tree is covered in holes  can you help me figure out why? said Kyle Costilow, acting director of the USDAs Ohio ALB eradication program.

Beetles

Asian longhorned beetles arrive in the United States primarily through international trade. There are currently quarantines in Ohio, New York, South Carolina and Massachusetts. The beetles were first confirmed in Ohio in 2011.

They spend the majority of their lifecycle as larvae within trees, Costilow said.

The larva can stay in larval form for several years, he said.

Then they come out to reproduce and lay eggs back in the trees. August is the time when people are most likely to see the beetles themselves, as the adult beetles emerge from the trees.

This is when we have peak flight season, Costilow said.

Infestations

The beetles infest 12 different species of hardwood trees, including maple, birch, elm, ash, willow and more.

With it doing damage in the heartwood of the tree, it removes timber value and a lot of the structural integrity of trees, Costilow said. Thats our concern.

When the USDA confirms an infestation, the next step is to inspect trees in the area, and then remove any infested trees at no cost to the landowner, Costilow said.

The current quarantine zone in Ohio is in Clermont County. In Ohio, maples are the bugs favorite host tree. Clermont County has a lot of old farmland that has turned back into wooded areas, Costilow said.

Maples are usually one of the first trees to move into those old farm fields that were left fallow, he explained. More than 98% of infested trees in Ohio have been maple.

The USDA has been able to eradicate other infestations in Ohio in Monroe Township, Batavia and Stonelick townships and East Fork State Park through tree removal and chemical treatments.

Within the U.S., the beetles usually spread when people move wood from an infested area to another area.

The biggest issue with this pest is going to be human movement, and that typically occurs in firewood, Costilow said.

Quarantined areas have restrictions on moving potentially-infested wood. The USDA also encourages people to get firewood locally, or where they plan to burn it when traveling, or to buy wood that has been properly heat treated to kill pests if it is not local.

The USDA has also designated August Tree Check Month and is encouraging Ohioans to check their trees for Asian longhorned beetles or signs of them.

Signs

The adult beetles bodies are about an inch to an inch and a half long, and are black with white spots. They have black and white antennae that are longer than their bodies. They also have six legs and feet that can look bluish in color.

The damage to the trees, however, is often easier to spot. When the beetles emerge from trees, they make a perfect circle exit hole about three-eighths of an inch in diameter, Costilow said.

You can take a No. 2 pencil and insert it an inch or two into the tree, he said.

They also leave sawdust-like material, called frass, on the ground around the trees, and shallow, oval or round wounds in bark at their egg sites. Sap might weep from the wounds. Another common sign is branches or limbs falling from trees that look healthy otherwise.

Report

If you see signs of Asian longhorned beetles, or the beetles themselves, call 1-866-702-9938 or visit asianlonghornedbeetle.com to report it.

The USDA encourages people to take pictures of the beetle or tree damage, and to catch the beetle in a durable container and freeze it so it can be identified. USDA staff can confirm sightings and respond to get rid of the bugs.
Scottish farmers will have the opportunity to benefit from free business support via the RCFs flagship 2023/24 Farm Resilience Programme which gets underway this autumn.

The Royal Countryside Fund (RCF), formerly the Princes Countryside Fund, will be working in partnership with RSABI to deliver workshops providing free business training skills, and one-to-one support to families.

As part of the partnership agreement, the RCF is awarding a 15,000 grant to RSABI to assist the work the charity does to support people in Scottish agriculture.

Farmers in North Ayrshire, West Aberdeenshire and Orkney can apply now to take part in the programme which is open to dairy and livestock family farm businesses and crofters.

Since 2016 the programme has supported around 1,400 farming families to improve their business performance and make real changes on farm.

A recent independent evaluation of it found it delivers significant economic, social, and environmental benefits for farmers, with 58% of farmers reporting increased profitability and 73% improving their business skills.

Keith Halstead, executive director of the Royal Countryside Fund, said: The RCF was delighted to be working in partnership with RSABI on delivering the Farm Resilience Programme in Scotland in 2023/24.

The workshops cover areas such as benchmarking and improving on-farm efficiencies to reduce costs, as well as succession planning, integrating environmental management and business planning.

"The programme has shown to increase the confidence of farming families in their decision-making which enables their farm enterprises to become more adaptable and helps build their resilience to change.

Carol McLaren, chief executive of RSABI, said the charity was looking forward to working with the RCF again this year following the successful delivery of the programme in Ullapool, Stranraer and Caithness over the past year.

With agriculture facing particular challenges at the moment and a time of change ahead, this free-of-charge programme offers farming families a very valuable opportunity to really focus on their businesses and identify where savings can be made and profitability improved.

"A wider benefit is that the programme pulls farmers together to share experiences and suggestions.

Doug Bell, who is working with RSABI to manage the programme in Scotland, said the programme represents a 'fantastic opportunity' for farming families.

Those who take part will gain insight into their own businesses and benefit from a wide range of expert consultants, brought in to deliver the workshops.

"The value of the programme was again emphasised by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from last years participants.

Coordinators are currently being sought for the three designated areas for the programme, which will shortly be open for applications.
Aliens could contact Earth imminently.

Aliens could contact humanity at any moment now

Space boffins are nervously waiting for extraterrestrials to respond to a message that was beamed into the sky 40 years ago - with 10pm on Tuesday (22.08.23) the earliest point that they could receive an answer.

Two Japanese astronomers, Masaki Morimoto and Hisashi Hirabayashi, sent their message out on August 15, 1983 by blasting 13 drawings in radio waveform to the Altair star 16.7 light years away.

Images sent included a history of life on Earth, what humans look like and an explanation of DNA.

The experts have deployed the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's antenna as they search for a reply from the little green men.

Hirabayashi said: "I believe in aliens but they are very difficult to find."

Morimoto added: "Altair may have a planet whose environment can sustain life."
Joe Biden has been accused of dozing off during a Maui wildfires memorial service.

Joe Biden has been accused of sleeping during a memorial service

The US president has been blasted by conservative critics after footage showed him dropping his head for several seconds during the service, compounding an error-strewn visit to the area devastated by the blazes earlier this month.

Biden was met with boos after arriving in Hawaii on Monday (21.08.23) amid criticism of a lack of federal support following the deadly infernos and did little to help the mood of the shocked islanders.

The president delivered a rambling speech that mentioned the death of his wife and baby daughter in a car accident in 1972 and later told a story about a kitchen fire in his Delaware home back in 2004.

As he met one of the rescuers, Biden made an awkward joke about the need for protective footwear, saying: "Hot ground!"

The gaffe-filled visit has provided further ammunition to those who have questioned whether 'Sleepy Joe' (as he has been nicknamed by Donald Trump) has the cognitive ability to lead the United States and a Republican congressman even called for him to step down.

Andy Ogles, a congressman representing Tennessee, tweeted: "Imagine the President of the United States falling asleep while you're describing the effects of the deadliest fire in the last 100 years.

"This is absolutely disgusting. Biden should resign from his post immediately."
Andy Cohen felt "nervous" about kissing Jennifer Lawrence on 'What What Happens Live'.

Andy Cohen has recalled his experience of kissing Jennifer Lawrence

The 55-year-old TV star and the Oscar-winning actress locked lips during an episode of the show in June, and Andy has now admitted to feeling nervous about their on-screen smooch.

Asked about their kiss on an 'Ask Andy' segment of the show, he replied: "You know what? I was so nervous to kiss her. I think shes so hot."

Despite this, Andy has fond memories of the smooch, describing it as "really nice".

He said: "Yeah, it was nice. It was really nice."

The celebrity duo locked lips after Andy joked that he was "negotiating a kiss" with Jennifer, 33.

The actress - who has been married to art dealer Cooke Maroney since 2019 - said to him: "I just feel like youve kissed John Mayer, but youve never kissed me."

Andy then replied: "I am attracted to you. I mean, Id love to kiss you."

Jennifer and Andy then leaned in towards one another and shared a brief kiss.

During the show, Jennifer also rubbished rumours that she hooked up with Liam Hemsworth while he was still with Miley Cyrus.

In response to the speculation, the blonde beauty said: "Total rumour.

"We all know we only kissed one time and it was years after they broke up."

Back in 2015, Jennifer appeared on the same show and admitted she kissed Liam, 33, off camera - but it was after his split from the 30-year-old pop star.

The Hollywood star - who appeared alongside Liam and Josh Hutcherson in the 'Hunger Games' film franchise - laughed: "Liam and I grew up together. Liams real hot. What would you have done?"
The cast of 'The West Wing' reunited on Tuesday (22.08.23) on the picket line outside Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.

Martin Sheen gave a speech on the picket line in support of the Hollywood strikes

Martin Sheen was joined by co-stars including Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford, Dule Hill, Richard Schiff, Janel Moloney, Joshua Malina and Mary McCormack - as well as show writer Aaron Sorkin - to support the ongoing strikes by the writers and actors unions which have brought Hollywood to a standstill

Sheen gave a rousing speech in the style of his character President Bartlet as he addressed the crowd gathered outside the studio on the National Day of Solidarity, telling them he's been a member of an acting union since 1961. He joked: "That was the same year I got married. Clearly I have a fondness for unions."

The screen star then introduced his colleagues and added: "I spent the time from 1999 until the fall of 2006 as a member of an extraordinary company called The West Wing, and I was affectionately known in some quarters, at least, as the acting President of the United States.

"When the show ended its run in 2006, I became known, in some quarters, equally fondly as the former acting president of the United States, and I'm proud to have been part of that extraordinary company, most of whom are here today."

Sheen went on to express his support for the strikes by the SAG-AFTRA union and the Writers Guild of America and urged members to keep up the pressure and stick to it "like a stamp".

He told the crowd: "The Irish tell the story of a man who arrives at the gates of heaven and asks to be let in and St. Peter says: 'Of course! Just show us your scars. The man says: 'I have no scars.' St. Peter says: 'What a pity. Was there nothing worth fighting for?'

"Clearly this union has found something worth fighting for, and it is very costly. If this were not so, we would be left to question its value. And so now we are called to support the union, support the leadership, and to stand together for the long haul, and to stick to it like a stamp!

"The studios are always seeing what is and asking why. Let us continue to dream things that never were and say 'why not?' There's so much going on in our country, it is so dangerously divided, and very often we come to gatherings like these and we're inspired because we see the effective unionism and unity."

According to EW.com, Sheen ended his speech by reciting a prayer by poet Rabindranath Tagore: "We are called to help lift this nation up to that place where the heart is without fear, and the head is held high. Where knowledge is free, where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls. Where words come out from the depths of truth, and tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection.

"Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sands of dead habit. Where the mind is led forward by thee, and to ever-widening thought and action into that heaven of freedom, dear father. Let our country awake."
Zac Efron is "crushed" after The CW pulled his travel show off air after only two episodes.

Zac Efron 'crushed' after travel show axed

'Down to Earth with Zac Efron's second episode attracted only 232,000 viewers  the second lowest ever recorded by the network - and The CW made the decision to take it off the air.

A source told the National Enquirer: "To find out so few people were interested was crushing. Hes taking it really hard. That is the biggest blow about getting cancelled - Zac enjoys travelling."

'Down to Earth With Zac Efron' originally premiered on Netflix in 2020, with a second season in 2022.

It followed Zac as he travelled the world, and explored nature and sustainable living.

Zac previously described travel as "one of [his] greatest passions in life".

The actor also spoke about how keen to "explore" new places and cultures with his show.

He told E! News: "Travel is one of my greatest passions in life. I love to explore new places and immerse myself in their culture and learn different ways of life."

Back in 2022, Zac thanked the production team behind 'Down to Earth' after winning the first Emmy of his career.

The 'Greatest Showman' actor took home the award for Outstanding Daytime Program Host for his role on the series, which saw him travel to places such as Puerto Rico, London, Iceland, Costa Rica and Peru.

Following his success, Zac - who shot to international stardom as Troy Bolton in the 'High School Musical' series - wrote on Twitter: "Wow! Never expected this and so grateful. A HUGE thank you to @DaytimeEmmys @netflix and our small but powerful crew, #downtoearth who made this show what it is. And most of all, thank all of you for watching and enjoying D2E. This is for you. [heart emoji] (sic)"
Zendaya is determined to "control" what she shares with the outside world.

Zendaya controls what she shares with her fans

The 26-year-old actress has a huge online following, including more than 180 million Instagram followers - but Zendaya feels she's still managed to retain a degree of control over her life.

The Hollywood star - who is dating her 'Spider-Man' co-star Tom Holland - told the September issue of ELLE magazine: "Parts of my life, I accept, are going to be public. I cant not be a person and live my life and love the person I love.

"But also, I do have control over what I choose to share. Its about protecting the peace and letting things be your own but also not being afraid to exist. You cant hide. Thats not fun, either. I am navigating it more than ever now."

Zendaya first found fame as a child, but interest in her personal life has spike in recent years.

The actress - who plays Rue Bennett, a drug-addicted teenager, in the hit HBO drama series 'Euphoria' - noticed a "visceral change" in the spring of 2022, when she was filming in Boston.

She said: "After the last 'Spider-Man' and the last season of 'Euphoria', there was a visceral change.

"Before, I could get away with going places and getting in and out. But in Boston, I would end up going right back home, because it was really overstimulating. Everybody would go hang out at a bar or something, and Id be like, Id love to, but I think I could ruin everybodys night. Because its just not going to be fun once Im there.'"
In todays rapidly evolving digital world, companies across the globe are integrating artificial intelligence (or AI) into their business operations. Businesses of varied types and sizes now regularly use AI in multiple ways. The investment and financial industry is no different and is a good example of this technology adoption trend.

Dr Leen Kawas

Within the financial industry, investment firms operate in a distinctive niche. Leen Kawas, Ph.D. is Propel Bio Partners co-founder and Managing General Partner. Propel Bio Partners is an investment firm that provides financial resources and technical expertise to biotechnology companies.

In her Propel Bio Partners leadership role, Dr. Kawas continues to explore AIs utility in the firm's operations. She believes AI can provide significant advantages for companies introducing significant efficiencies.

Investment Candidate Selection Criteria

Each speculative investment has considerable risk. In addition, the firm is likely besieged with emerging companies seeking cash and/or technical expertise. To formulate an investment candidates shortlist, the venture capital firm uses several predetermined criteria.

Experienced Management

Investment firms want to invest in a company led by a seasoned management team. Ideally, the business leaders will have proven success in delivering good returns for previous investors.

Significant Market Size

According to a recent Forbes article by Leen Kawas, Investment firms are looking to invest in companies with substantial market size. A $1 billion market size would likely get a venture capital firms attention and potentially its investment dollars.

Quality Product with a Market Advantage

Ideally, the companys product or service will provide a real solution to a common marketplace problem. The offering should be better (and less expensive) than competitors products or services. The venture capital firm wants to rack up substantial sales before competitors reduce the items profitability potential.

The favorable upside to downside profile

Every start-up or emerging business investment carries substantial risk. The venture capital firm may be concerned about the companys financial resources, potential regulatory or legal problems, and an unclear exit strategy. Each business overall risk profile and potential upside is a major factor in the investment decision. If there is a clear skewed probability of success with a significant upside then this would make a unique and attractive investment opportunity.

How AI Can Change the Playing Field

Evaluating each potential investment target takes time, and many companies are looking for investment dollars. To streamline the process, investment firms have begun to integrate AI technology into multiple aspects of the candidate selection process.

Enhanced Industry Trend Analysis

Investment firms closely monitor industry trends and technologies. Done consistently, this information can highlight emerging opportunities and challenges.

AI-driven software seamlessly accomplishes this task by gathering relevant data from news articles, credible studies, social media, and other sources. Finally, AI identifies candidates with pioneering technologies that may optimize opportunities and resolve challenges.

More Efficient Due Diligence

Conducting thorough due diligence on investment candidates is important. Equipped with relevant data, an investment firm executive can make a better-informed decision on allocating the firms funds. However, sifting through multiple candidates application materials is a time-consuming task.

Fortunately, AI-enabled software can analyze targeted data in an accurate way if the investment criteria are clearly defined, which will lead to an efficient triaging of opportunities. To illustrate, the AI software swiftly scans all candidates legal documents, financial statements, pitch decks, and other documentation. One growing aspect is the ability of AI software to provide detailed information on intellectual property, an early indication of the freedom to operate in a specific space, and most importantly, the competition that is out there. Based on the results, AI-driven software can pinpoint early-stage businesses that may match the firms investment parameters.

Examples of firms that use AI

In Stockholm, Sweden, EQT Ventures integrates its proprietary Motherbrain AI platform into the firms initial candidate evaluations. The platform rates investment candidates on a 1 to 340 scale. The companys investment professionals first evaluate the higher-ranking companies.

For perspective, Motherbrain helped to facilitate four initial investment opportunities. One of those companies has already been sold at a significant profit.

Targeted Fundraising Initiatives

Investment firms depend on a steady influx of investor cash. With that said, the typical fund manager must evaluate a large volume of investment opportunities and potential investors. Even the most efficient fund manager would find this a laborious, time-consuming task.

Thats where AI can help. First, AI-enabled software creates individual investor profiles. Next, the AI evaluates each investors risk tolerance, physical location, and investment history.

Equipped with this information, an AI algorithm produces a profile of optimal investors for each fund. Now, a fund manager can market to prospects who are most likely to say yes. This maximizes the managers time, and the funds resources, that might have been wasted on poorly qualified prospects.

Optimizing Investor Exchanges

Interestingly, AI can also conduct optimized exchanges with investor prospects. First, the AI algorithm analyzes an investors tone and language. Based on the results, a fund manager can create a message likely to persuade that individual to invest in the fund. This tactic can be especially effective when a fund manager wants to communicate highly technical information to a non-expert audience.

Two Notable AI Applications

The venture capital industry is increasingly making use of two AI applications. These AI subsets are typically used in the investment candidate evaluation process.

Natural Language Processing

A natural language processing (or NLP) algorithm analyzes an investment candidates corporate language and investment presentations. Based on the results, the algorithm presents details of a start-ups competitive landscape. Now, a venture capital firm can identify candidates with a good value proposition and a favorable industry position.

Machine Learning Algorithms

Machine learning is a systems ability to learn from large dataset analyses. Through repeated use of an algorithm, the system gradually makes better-informed decisions. Machine learning algorithms have at least two venture capital industry applications.

After some training, a machine learning algorithm can predict a candidates performance based on its financial reports and data. To illustrate, the algorithm could predict a candidates revenue growth relative to its previous financial performance. This enables the venture capital firm to deliver a higher-accuracy assessment of the companys success potential.

Machine learning algorithms can also analyze non-traditional datasets. The algorithm could gradually become adept at analyzing social media data, revealing candidates that are gaining consumer recognition. Even if the brand is relatively new, or doesnt have a big following, the company could be a viable investment target.

Signalfires AI Evolution

Since 2013, early-stage investment firm SignalFire has used Beacon, an AI-enabled software, to enhance the firms investment activities. During the past decade, SignalFire has directed Beacons performance of increasingly complex tasks.

Historically, Beacon has gathered internal and competitive data on SignalFires investment candidates. The company also used AI for multiple back-office operations. However, today Beacon has morphed into a generative AI function similar to the increasingly popular ChatGPT.

With its large language model capability, Beacon can now seamlessly interpret huge volumes of information. Therefore, SignalFire can now view companies similarities and interrelationships without the extra steps required in previous iterations.

How AI Can Transform Recruiting and Hiring Practices

Companies human resources departments are increasingly integrating AI tools into the recruiting and hiring process. These time- and cost-saving technologies enable hiring managers to focus on higher-value tasks. In turn, AI can enhance each business operating and competitive positions.

Candidate Identification Tasks

AI tools can perform large-scale resume and social profile scanning along with viewing previous position applications. An AI model can also be trained to eliminate unconscious bias in the recruiting process.

Taken together, these tasks should produce a well-rounded talent pool for each opening. However, the AI tool takes it one step further, guiding candidates through the recruiting process.

Targeted Talent Acquisition

To identify in-person interview candidates, the AI tool can perform personality testing, job simulation, and virtual interview functions. Candidates who successfully navigate this process are more likely to match the position requirements and sync with the companys culture.

Streamlined Onboarding Process

Once a candidate accepts a position, the AI tool can handle repetitive tasks such as performing background checks and assembling required documentation. This enables faster employee onboarding and permits human resources staff to focus on higher-level issues.

Dr. Leen Kawas Envisions an AI-Enhanced Future

In her Propel Bio Partners leadership role, Dr. Leen Kawas regularly handles investment candidate engagement and technical support tasks. Before assuming her Propel Bio Partners position, Dr. Kawas excelled as Athira Pharmas Chief Executive Officer. She successfully guided several drug developments and led the company through its initial public offering in September 2020 raising over $400 million to support the company's growth and advancement.

Today, Dr. Leen Kawas channels her background and industry expertise to guide emerging biotechnology companies forward. She embraces the advantages AI tools can bring to the financial and biotech industries. Dr. Leen Kawas believes AIs current applications only scratch the surface of this powerful technology.
S Somanath, ISRO Chairman

P Veeramuthuvel, Project Director

Kalpana K, Associate Project Director

M Vanitha, Deputy Director



S Mohana Kumar, Mission Director

S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)

M Sankaran, Director of U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC)

A Rajarajan, Chief of Launch Authorisation Board

In a groundbreaking achievement for the, the 3rd lunar exploration mission,With live telecast of operations beginning as early as 5:20 PM, India united in witnessing the historic moment unfold at 5:44 PM as previously predicted by. And true to expectations, the Lander Module (LM) achieved itsat 18.04, sparing us any prolonged anticipation.The mission comprises distinct components: a propulsion model encompassing theand thewhich will spearhead a series of scientific experiments.Undoubtedly, this space mission carried immense significance. While the United States, China, and the Soviet Union have all reached Earth's satellite, none have managed to successfully touch down at the south pole. Unfortunately,scheduled for a south pole landing, lost control and crashed on Sunday.Stepping into the path paved by Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 which launched on 14th July has achieved what no other country has  a moment of immense pride for every Indian citizen whichApart from assuming leadership of ISRO last year, he has been given credit for fast-tracking other missions as well, including Gaganyaan (India's first crewed mission) and Aditya-L1 (India's mission to study the sun).An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, he is renowned for playing a critical role in the Chandrayaan-2 mission as well.Having previously worked on Chandrayaan-2 and Mangalyaan missions, she kept the Chandrayaan-3 team working despite the hardships of the Covid pandemic.The first woman in India to lead a lunar mission, she was also the project director for Chandrayaan-2.A senior scientist at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, he was earlier the director for the commercial launch of the One Web India 2 satellites on board the LVM3-M3 mission.VSSC was responsible for developing the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark-III, now known as Launch Vehicle Mark-III.As the director of URSC, M Sankarans team is responsible for designing and crafting India's satellites for Isro.A distinguished scientist and the director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR) in Sriharikota.
A region-wide digital economy pact was on the agenda of the 55th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers (AEM) meeting, held recently in Semarang, Indonesia. The meeting endorsed a study on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). It will pave the way for members to start negotiations on the pact, according to a joint statement by the ASEAN.

The DEFA negotiations are expected to be officially launched at the 23rd ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) council meeting and to be officially acknowledged by ASEAN leaders at the 43rd ASEAM Summit in Jakarta in September, it said.

A region-wide digital economy pact was on the agenda of the 55th ASEAN Economic Ministers meeting, held recently in Semarang, Indonesia. The meeting endorsed a study on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement that will pave the way for members to start negotiations, which will be officially launched later. A new ASEAN Tariff Finder was also launched.

The ASEAN regions digital economy will triple by the end of the decade, according to projections by the Boston Consulting Group. Progressive rules in DEFA would double this contribution to $2 trillion, said another ASEAN statement.

The ASEAN Services Facilitation Framework was also completed at the meeting. It aims at fostering a more transparent and predictable business environment for companies to engage in cross-border trade in services in the region. A new ASEAN Tariff Finder was also launched there.

ASEAN ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Intellectual Property Organisation to help regional businesses better leverage and monetise their intellectual property (IP). One such initiative was a single-stop platform for businesses to search ASEAN IP data.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
China and South Africa will consider working towards bilateral cooperation and synergy within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) frameworks.

This was announced in a joint statement after Chinese President Xi Jinping visited South Africa yesterday to discuss with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa bilateral relations, China-Africa cooperation, and regional and international affairs of mutual interest.

China and South Africa will consider working towards bilateral cooperation and synergy within the Belt and Road Initiative and the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan frameworks as President Xi Jinping visited Pretoria yesterday. China will support the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the African integration process.

Both sides pledged to continue to seek the strengthening of cooperation in key areas like infrastructure and logistics; trade and investment; manufacturing; agro-processing; energy and resources; the financial sector; the digital economy; science and technology, and green development.

The two sides undertook to strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership henceforth, actively build a quality China-South Africa community, and play a meaningful, joint role in China-Africa relations and South-South cooperation, the joint statement said.

South Africa pledged continuous support for China on issues concerning its core interests and major concerns and reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China policy.

The two sides agreed to improve the current trade structure, address market access, enhance two-way investment, and keep industrial and supply chains stable and secure.

China expressed its support for the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African integration process, as well as the efforts of African countries and regional organisations under the auspices of the African Union (AU) to provide continental solutions to African problems.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
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Ji Chang-wook's new stills from the upcoming Korean drama The Worst of Evil is out now.The crime-action drama, The Worst of Evil follows the story of Kang Joon Mo, a police officer who embarks on an undercover mission to dismantle a large drug operation located in Gangnam. This area was known as the hub of drug trafficking in the 1990s, connecting Korea, China, and Japan.In the upcoming series, Kang Joon Mo, an undercover detective portrayed by Ji Chang-wook, assumes the identity of Kwon Seung Ho to infiltrate the Gangnam alliance, which is involved in a significant drug ring. He is a resolute individual who will stop at nothing to accomplish his mission, and he exhibits bravery in perilous situations. Kang Joon Mo is a remarkable character who stands out even more when faced with danger.As Kang Joon Mo goes undercover, he finds himself getting more involved with Jung Ki Chul, the leader of the Gangnam drug cartel. Ji Chang Wook impressively brings his character to life, showing the gradual transformation of both detective Park Joon Mo and gang member Kwon Seung Ho as they navigate different circumstances and emotions.The Worst of Evil will premiere on OTT on September 27.
Maharashtra Education Society Includes Sex Education In Curriculum: In a trailblazing move inspired by the thought-provoking theme of Akshay Kumar's latest release, OMG 2, the Ulhasnagar-based Sindhu Education Society has become the first educational institution in Maharashtra to introduce sex education as a compulsory subject in its curriculum.

This decision was announced in the wake of the society's screening of the film, where the director, Amit Rai, shared insights and discussed the importance of sex education with educators, administrators, and legislators.

The journey of OMG 2 has been marked not only by its commercial success but also because of its central message that advocates the integration of sex education into school curricula nationwide.

The film, starring Akshay Kumar and Pankaj Tripathi, underscores the significance of open conversations about sexual health and relationships, and challenging societal taboos.

As per a report by ETimes, following a special screening organized by the Sindhu Education Society, that was attended by 184 teachers, school principals, and the local Member of the Legislative Assembly, the society made the landmark decision to incorporate sex education into their syllabus.

OMG 2 DIRECTOR AMIT RAI ELATED WITH THE SOCIETY'S MOVE

Amit Rai, the director of OMG 2, expressed his elation at the society's move, emphasizing that the film's goal of fostering positive change in society had been achieved.

"The purpose behind making this film has been attained. I am so happy that the film is not just doing well commercially but our message has reached out to people at large and we are witnessing changes happening all around us. Nothing can be more gratifying than this," Amit Rai said.

ABOUT OMG 2

OMG 2 that was released in theaters on August 11, features Pankaj Tripathi portraying a follower of Lord Shiva, while Akshay plays the role of Lord Shiva's messenger. Yami Gautam takes on the character of a lawyer. Despite being aimed at a teenage audience, the film underwent several cuts and ultimately obtained an A certificate from the censor board. Censor Board's decision to classify the film as Adult faced criticism.
Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K., collectively known as Raj & DK are the names behind some of the most critically and commercially approved web shows and films. An Indian screenwriter, director and producer duo, Raj & DK's latest offering is 'Guns & Gulaabs', a black comedy crime thriller featuring Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer Salmaan, Adarsh Gourav and Gulshan Devaiah along with the late veteran actor Satish Kaushik.

With a partnership of over 21 years, the two have earlier directed the Amazon Prime Video series The Family Man (2019), Glitch (2020) and Farzi (2023). They have also entertained audiences on the silver screen with mainstream films such as 99 (2009), Shor In The City (2011), Go Goa Gone (2013), Happy Ending (2014), A Gentleman (2017), Stree (2018), and Cinema Bandi (2021) which won the Jury Special Mention at the 53rd IFFI.

Recently present for a tete-a-tete with Film Companion's Anupama Chopra, Raj & DK spoke about their partnership, not prepping with actors before the shoot and more.

Talking about creating comedy with drama for their latest release 'Guns & Gulaabs', the duo said, "In this show, we went to the morbid side with the humour and the violence especially, we wanted to treat it in a more cartoony way, but in a realistic sense. It was realism meeting cartoon in a way - the way he falls with a spanner, the way slashes are done, these things are quite Asterix. When we think it's funny on paper, we execute it and because we are there executing it, sometimes if it's not working out then we get into a corner, huddle, saying why is it not working out? It was funny on paper. Usually, there is the solution and like okay, if there's a problem here in this, we work it out. Some of them are funny on the paper itself and you already know that the entire sequence has fallen into place as soon as it is decided."

Raj & DK next spoke about why they believe in not prepping with actors before shooting and actors not performing after the first take. They shared, "We don't prep at all with the actors, we prep for everything else. we don't rehearse with the actors. Even in characters where they were put in for the first time that they haven't done before the radically different characters, we go with an instinct and their confidence. It's just a chat, we discuss the character with them, how we think it should play out or how they think it should play out. So conversations happen, but never ever open the scene and read. if training needs to happen, it does, but we all do not sit around and open the pages. It's unnecessary after a little while. Even on a set, these actors are like this, they figure this out so they don't give you what they'll give you in the take so they don't give you what they'll give you in the take. They're like, allow me to surprise you, especially Manoj and anyone who has worked a second time with us. Actors acknowledge it too now."

The filmmaker duo further shared how's it's like when actors like Shahid Kapoor and Varun Dhawan came on a series set for the first time. They said, "They are coming with this thing, saying oh my God, there is a lot to shoot and then they're pleasantly surprised at how much they shot in a day comparatively like if they would shoot two or three pages in a day. We have six or nine pages in a day. The takeaway is that after a couple of days, they are looking at the number and thinking are we going to shoot all this? This is too much. After a while, they come to the realisation that this has been effortless or you will shoot three pages and after six hours you will be like, let's go home, there is nothing else to do. It becomes that right, so they've all understood that now as an idea."

Lastly, the two got candid about their 21-year-old partnership and fighting with each other on set. Raj & DK told Anupama Chopra, "When we started off, we did not know who does what well so we were all doing everything. Even to this day, we keep doing everything. Performance wise, we are on the same page. It's pretty much as you are seeing, we are talking to each other and we're done right there. In fact, two lines into a scene and we know this is a golden take. I think we suit with each other like I wanted it and you want it this way, I am just going to go for a walk and you finish the shot. Usually, we just disappear for a few minutes and then it's fine. It's 21 years, we know each other."
King Of Kotha Early Review: With anticipation reaching its zenith for the spectacular Onam releases, there's one movie that's shining in the limelight like never before - 'King of Kotha,' featuring the talented Dulquer Salmaan.

Jailer Climbs To 6th Place In Kerala's Highest Grossers: Can It Surpass 'Lucifer' And 'Pulimurugan'?

Poised to be a multi-language extravaganza, this pan-Indian production is garnering attention not only for its star power but also for its impressive pre-release marketing strategies.

The anticipation surrounding 'King of Kotha' has reached new heights, owing to a remarkable promotional stint that extended far beyond conventional boundaries.

Just a few days ago, the film's marketing campaign reached the iconic New York Times Square, adorning some of the world's most expensive billboards. This unprecedented move marks a significant milestone for Malayalam cinema, asserting its presence on the global stage.

Directed by Abhilash Joshiy in his directorial debut, 'King of Kotha' has generated massive pre-bookings, setting a record-breaking trend. Jointly produced by Zee Studios and Dulquer's Wayfarer Films, the film is set to grace theatres tomorrow.

Now, what's capturing attention is the social media post of film marketing strategist Vijith Amirthalingam regarding "King of Kotha." In his Twitter post, he wrote, "Brace yourselves for an adrenaline-fueled ride! Tomorrow, the wait is over, as the highly anticipated action thriller King Of Kotha, starring Dulquer Salmaan, hits theatres near you. Get ready for heart-pounding action, suspense, and the ultimate cinematic experience," he said.

Brace yourselves for an adrenaline-fueled ride! Tomorrow, the wait is over as the highly anticipated action thriller #KingOfKotha, starring #DulquerSalmaan, hits theaters near you 



Get ready for heart-pounding action, suspense, and an ultimate cinematic experience  pic.twitter.com/2miLy0q9Yk  Vijith Amirthalingam (@Vijith_offl) August 23, 2023

King of Kotha Cast And Crew

Alongside Dulquer Salmaan, the film boasts an ensemble cast including Aishwarya Lakshmi, Shabir Kallarikkal, Prasanna, Gokul Suresh, Shammi Thilakan, Shanthi Krishna, and Anikha Surendran. With Nimish Ravi behind the camera lens and the musical talent of Shaan Rahman composing the score, "King of Kotha" promises a complete cinematic experience.

Onam 2023 Malayalam Movie Releases: Dulquer's King Of Kotha Vs. RDX And Nivin Pauly's Ramachandra Boss

This movie marks a historic juncture for Malayalam cinema with its unique promotional endeavours and impressive pre-release reception. As the countdown begins for the much-anticipated release, all eyes are on "King of Kotha" to see if it can live up to the monumental expectations it has set.
Bigg Boss Tamil 7 first contestant: It's difficult to keep calm as Kamal Haasan has announced the return of his popular reality show. While there were rumours that he would quit the show, the Tamil superstar has squashed all the speculations with a blockbuster promo. In the viral video, the Indian 2 star dropped hints about 'waiting for something'.

BIGG BOSS TAMIL 7 PROMO, LAUNCH DATE AND TIMINGS

Kamal Haasan, who has been hosting the show since its inception, was seen on a wooden deck while being surrounded by the sea in the Bigg Boss Tamil 7 promo. His gestures were enough to make us understand that he was 'watching' all our actions. The makers also unveiled the logo of Bigg Boss Tamil season 7 as they released the promo on social media.

TV buffs have not been able to stop themselves from gushing over the promo since it was released on Friday. Who will participate in Bigg Boss Tamil 7? This is the question on everyone's mind as several names are doing the rounds on the internet. Gossip mills suggest that Bigg Boss Tamil season 7 will go on air on October 8. While there's no official confirmation, there are mumours that the show will have a grand premiere in the second week of October.

BIGG BOSS TAMIL 7 CONTESTANT LIST

According to a report in Tamil OneIndia, the makers have approached a popular Tamil actress for BB 7. We are talking about Rithika Tamilselvi. The actress, who remained in the headlines after quitting Baakiyalakshmi, is expected to be a part of the upcoming season.

Rithika created ripples on social media as she shared a picture, dropping hints about her participation in Bigg Boss. While the photo was reportedly shared on her Instagram story, fans wondered if the Cooku With Comali star would enter the BB Tamil house as a contestant. She posted a photo that resembled the interior of Bigg Boss house, sparking speculations about her entry in the show.
Rakhi Sawant Case: In a surprising turn of events, Rakhi Sawant's long-time friend, Rajshree More, has filed a police complaint against the actress. This comes at a time when Rakhi's ex-husband Adil Khan Durrani, who was recently released from jail, has made a barrage of serious accusations against the actress.

RAJSHREE MORE FILES CASE AGAINST BESTIE RAKHI SAWANT

Rajshree More, who has been friends with Rakhi Sawant for several years, claims that Rakhi threatened her and also used her for personal gain. More also expressed her intention to share the intricate details of the complaint with the media shortly in a press conference.

Speaking to a paparazzo, she revealed, "Rakhi threatened me on the day Adil made his first appearance, and there is much more that I am prepared to disclose to the media."

RAKHI SAWANT REACTS TO RAJSHREE MORE'S CASE

Now, Rakhi Sawant has responded to the allegations in a conversation with ETimes. Expressing her shock and disbelief, she "I am totally shocked. She has been my friend, my jaan. Yeh logon ko kya ho raha hai. In friendship, differences happen. Behti Ganga mein sab haath dho rahe hain. Ab sirf Rakhi dikhne wali hai. Ab usko kya ho gaya? I am shocked. Ab jao is bechari ka interview le lo. She wants to be seen on TV. After this, if you want my reaction please come and take it. Rakhi ko kya kya jhelna padta hai. She is my friend and will always remain one. We have stood by each other in difficult times. I will continue to love her because she is amazing."

Rakhi further commented on paparazzo Viral Bhayani Instagram post about the news and wrote, "Wow Adi, you are using my friends again. I cannot believe others know what Adil is. I'll fight against everything. I have no one; I have God."

Meanwhile, Rakhi also held a press conference last evening and revealed that Adil was in jail because of the rape charged by his Iranian gf. She also accused Adil of shooting her n*de video to sell in Dubai.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 22, 2023 / SouthGobi Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:SGQ, HK:1878) ("SouthGobi" or the "Company") announces that reference is made to (i) the announcement of the Company dated July 5, 2023 in relation to the New Record Date (the "Announcement"); and (ii) the Management Proxy Circular (the "Circular") and the notice of the Special Meeting (the "Notice") of the Company dated July 20, 2023. Unless otherwise defined, capitalized terms used in this announcement shall have the same meanings as those defined in the Announcement and the Circular.

POSTPONEMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING

The Company hereby announces that the board of directors of the Company (the "Board") has decided to postpone the Special Meeting (the "Meeting") of holders of SouthGobi's common shares (the "Shareholders") that was scheduled to be held at 7:30 pm (Vancouver time) on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 to a later date, as the Board is in an effort to encourage greater Shareholder engagement and to enable a broader level of Shareholder participation at the Meeting. The Board has decided that it is in the best interest of the Company and its Shareholders to reschedule the Meeting to Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. (Vancouver time), which is Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. (Hong Kong time) (the "Postponed Meeting"). The Postponed Meeting will continue to be held at the offices of Dentons Canada LLP, 20th floor - 250 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

NO CHANGE ON RECORD DATE

For the avoidance of doubt, the record date for the determination of the Shareholders who are entitled to receive the notice of, and to attend and vote at, the Special Meeting or any postponement(s) or adjournment(s) thereof (including the Postponed Meeting), will remain unchanged as Wednesday, July 19, 2023, Vancouver and Hong Kong. As such, any person who has become a Shareholder from Wednesday, July 19, 2023 (Vancouver and Hong Kong time) to Tuesday, August 29, 2023 (Vancouver time)/ Wednesday, August 30, 2023 (Hong Kong time) is not entitled to attend or vote at the Postponed Meeting.

PROXY FORM FOR THE POSTPONED MEETING

All resolutions as set out in the Circular remain unchanged, and will be considered and, if thought fit, passed at the Postponed Meeting. The form of proxy for use at the Postponed Meeting, which have been despatched to the Shareholders on August 2, 2023 (the "Proxy Form") together with the Circular and the Notice, will remain valid and applicable for use at the Postponed Meeting.

Shareholders who have yet to return the Proxy Form or Shareholders who want to change their votes at the Postponed Meeting are required to complete and return the Proxy Form in accordance with the instructions printed no later than 48 hours before the time appointed for the holding of the Postponed Meeting (i.e., not later than 7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 25, 2023 (Vancouver time) for Canadian Shareholders, which is 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 28, 2023 (Hong Kong time) for Hong Kong Shareholders).

For the avoidance of doubt, any Proxy Form duly completed and returned in accordance with the instructions printed thereon remains valid for the Postponed Meeting and the relevant Shareholders who have submitted the Proxy Form and do not change their vote for the relevant resolutions are not required to return another Proxy Form. If any Shareholder chooses to re-submit the Proxy Form, the last Proxy Form received will revoke and supersede the Proxy Form previously submitted by such Shareholder.

Save for the aforesaid changes, all other information and contents as set out in the Circular, the Notice and the Proxy Form remain unchanged.

About SouthGobi

SouthGobi, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange, owns and operates its flagship Ovoot Tolgoi coal mine in Mongolia. It also holds the mining licences of its other metallurgical and thermal coal deposits in South Gobi region of Mongolia. SouthGobi produces and sells coal to customers in China.

Contact: Investor Relations Email: info@southgobi.com Mr. Ruibin Xu Chief Executive Officer Office: +1 604 762 6783 (Canada) +852 2156 1438 (Hong Kong) Website: www.southgobi.com

SOURCE: SouthGobi Resources Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/776075/Postponement-of-the-Special-Meeting
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan--(Newsfile Corp. - August 22, 2023) - 1844 RESOURCES Inc. (TSXV: EFF) (the "Company" or "1844") further to the Company's news release dated June 9 and July 20, 2023, 1844 announces a 30 day extension of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") to finalize remaining subscriptions and coordinate an orderly closing. The Company is keeping the same terms as previously announced and will raise up to 57,142,858 Units at $0.035 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $2,000,000.

The Units will consist of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). The Warrants are exercisable for a period of 36 months from closing and the exercise price is $0.055 per Warrant.

In connection with the Offering, the Company will pay 8% cash finders fee and 8% non-transferable share purchase warrants, each warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.05 per share for a period of 12 months from closing.

1844 will use the net proceeds from the Offering in connection with its option to acquire the Hawk Ridge Project, for exploration on the Hawk Ridge Project and for general corporate purposes. Mr. Sylvain Laberge, President and CEO of the Company, commented: "The option to acquire a 100% interest in the Hawk Ridge Project is transformational for 1844. Hawk Ridge is expected to become one of the flagship properties of the Company and is expected to add to our existing portfolio of copper and other critical mineral projects in coastal Quebec."

For more details on the Company's option to acquire the Hawk Ridge Project, see the Company's news releases dated March 6 and 7, 2023. The Company originally announced the Offering on April 12, 2023. Copies of the Company's news releases are available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company's option to acquire the Hawk Ridge Project remains subject to Exchange approval.

About 1844 Resources Inc.: 1844 is an exploration company with a focus in strategic and energetic metals and underexplored regions "Gaspe, Nunavik Quebec". With a dedicated management team, the Company's goal is to create shareholder value through the discovery of new deposits.

1844 RESOURCES INC.

(signed) "Sylvain Laberge"

Sylvain Laberge

President and CEO

514.702.9841

Slaberge@1844 resources.com

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company's option on the Hawk Ridge Project and the Offering. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which the Company operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. These include assumptions regarding, among other things: general business and economic conditions; the availability of additional exploration and mineral project financing; and Exchange approval.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include exploration or other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, including those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178205


Image of the collaboration

TOKYO, Aug 23, 2023 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu, Information Services International-Dentsu, Ltd. (hereinafter ISID) and DIGITAL PROCESS LTD. (hereinafter DIPRO) today announced a collaboration in the area of engineering chains starting August 23 to deliver product life cycle management (hereinafter PLM) systems for customers in the Japanese manufacturing industry.BackgroundIn April 2022, Fujitsu, ISID, a subsidiary of Dentsu Group Inc., and Dentsu Inc. started a strategic partnership toward the realization of customer-oriented transformation aligned with three value chains -- "engineering chain," "supply chain" and "demand chain" -- to contribute to the continued business growth of client companies and the resolution of environmental and societal issues. As part of this partnership, Fujitsu and ISID announced the launch of a joint project to provide Siemens Digital Industries Software's (1) product life cycle management (PLM) system "Teamcenter," and will work toward achieving digital transformation (DX) in the manufacturing industry in the engineering chain.DIPRO, a member of the Fujitsu Group, has now joined this joint project, and the three companies have agreed to further strengthen their organization for providing PLM systems.About the collaboration1. Optimal solutions through combined know-howBy combining Fujitsu's know-how in the introduction of ECM, SCM and DCM solutions (2), ISID's capabilities in areas that cover the entire spectrum from ECM consulting to IT solutions, and DIPRO's expertise in ECM business and IT implementation capabilities cultivated in the automotive industry, the three companies will offer customers optimal solutions based on the introduction of PLM systems with special focus on "Teamcenter."In addition to addressing challenges in the engineering chain, the three companies will further combine their respective solutions to contribute to the resolution of challenges across the supply chain and demand chain.2. Training of PLM system engineersBased on their experience in the introduction of "Teamcenter," the three companies will collaborate in the training of Fujitsu Group engineers. The partners will further form a project team of trained engineers to respond to large-scale introduction projects in a wide range of fields and build an organization capable of providing high-quality services in a short period of time.Future PlansMoving forward, Fujitsu, ISID and DIPRO will accelerate their collaboration across the entire engineering chain including the provision of PLM systems, and will further support the promotion of DX in the Japanese manufacturing industry and contribute to the enhancement of international competitiveness by focusing on the coordination between the supply and demand chains. Fujitsu will further continue to promote its vision for "Sustainable Manufacturing," one of seven Key Focus Areas under its global business brand Fujitsu Uvance. Under the vision of "HUMANOLOGY for the future ~ Building beyond with people and technology. ~" ISID will support companies, consumers, and society in solving problems through IT solutions created with technological capabilities and human attractiveness. DIPRO will contribute to the sustainable development of manufacturing by supporting customer innovation in manufacturing processes through the practice of "combination of Monozukuri and IT," "dissemination of software originating in Japan," and "responsibility for results."(1) Siemens Digital Industries Software: Headquarters: Shibuya, Tokyo; Japan Country Manager: Kunihiko Horita(2) ECM/SCM/DCM: Abbreviation of Engineering Chain Management, Supply Chain Management, and Demand Chain Management.About Information Services International - Dentsu, Ltd.ISID defines its vision as "HUMANOLOGY for the future: Bringing people and technology together to shape the future" and supports the digital transformation of companies and society with solid technological and creative capabilities. In addition to providing the solutions we have cultivated in four fields finance, manufacturing, business solutions, and communication IT we promote "X Innovation (Cross Innovation)," or transcending technological, industrial, corporate, and regional boundaries. In this manner, we continue to create solutions that contribute to the advancement and coexistence of clients, consumers, and society. Please see our official website for the details. www.isid.co.jp/english/.About FujitsuFujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.7 trillion yen (US$28 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.Press ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations Divisionhttps://bit.ly/3rrQ4mBInquiriesInformation Services InternationalDentsu, Ltd.Corporate Communications OfficeE-mail: g-pr@isid.co.jpSource: Fujitsu LtdCopyright 2023 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
ZURICH, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Neoss Group, a leading provider of dental implant solutions, is pleased to announce the signing of a distributor agreement with Apex-Material e Equipamento Medico, Lda, based in Porto, Portugal. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Neoss Group's expansion strategy and will enable the distribution of Neoss products and solutions throughout the Portuguese market.

Apex-Material e Equipamento Medico, Lda has been a committed player in the Dental Medicine segment since 1986, providing dental professionals with attractive and competitive solutions. The company's extensive experience and dedication to the dental field make them an ideal partner for Neoss Group in Portugal

"Together with Apex-Material e Equipamento Medico, we can deliver the highest standard of dental implant treatments and ensure optimal patient outcomes. Apex will be a great partner for us to launch our products in Portugal." - Dr. Robert Gottlander, CEO and President of Neoss Group.

With the increasing demand for quality dental solutions, Neoss Group's investment in the Portuguese market is strategically aligned with their mission to meet the diversified needs of doctors and patients. By collaborating with Apex-Material e Equipamento Medico, Lda, Neoss Group aims to provide Portuguese dental professionals with access to their innovative and simple to use dental solutions.

"We are excited to partner with Neoss Group as their distributor in Portugal. This collaboration allows us to deliver high-quality dental implant treatments, meeting the diverse needs of doctors and patients. Neoss Group's innovative solutions align perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to a successful partnership." - Mr. Artur Ribeiro, General Manager of Apex-Material e Equipamento Medico, Lda.

About Neoss

Neoss offers intelligent solutions that are intuitively easy to use. Our products allow dental professionals to provide reliable and cost-effective treatments to their patients with predictable long-term results. We strive to set new standards by leading the market with ingenuity and integrity. In developing smart treatment solutions and working closely with each practice, Neoss makes the complex less complicated. We call that Intelligent Simplicity. Headquartered in Harrogate, UK, with research and development based in Gothenburg, Sweden, the company has established a global footprint with a long-standing presence in key markets. To find out more visit https://www.neoss.com

Apex-Material e Equipamento Medico, Lda

Established in 1986, Apex-Material e Equipamento Medico, Lda is an innovative company dedicated to the health sector, specifically focused on the Dental Medicine segment. Our primary goal is to offer attractive and competitive solutions to our valued customers. We prioritize building trust with the market by conducting thorough market research, maintaining an ethical commercial approach, and fostering transparent communication channels. By diversifying our product offerings and enhancing service quality, we aim to benefit Dental Medicine professionals while ensuring utmost customer satisfaction. We uphold high standards of quality through stringent supplier and product selection, as well as investing in specialized employee training for enhanced competence. Our commitment to generating added value contributes to the long-term stability of the company, fostering enduring and fruitful relationships with our customers, suppliers, and employees. To find out more visit https://www.apex.pt

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1489998/Neoss_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/neoss-group-signs-agreement-with-apex-material-e-equipamento-medico-lda-for-distribution-in-portugal-301907033.html
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Power Nickel Inc. (the "Company" or "Power Nickel") (TSXV:PNPN)(OTCQB:PNPNF)(Frankfurt:IVV) is pleased to report that it has commenced its fall drilling program with the drilling of the deep target hole PN-23-036, identified as #1 in Figure 1.

Figure 1: 2023 Fall Drilling Program, Nisk Main Zone Longitudinal Section. Proposed hole number also refers to the anticipated drilling sequence.

The hole is testing at depth an area to the east of two of the best holes, PN-22-009 and PN-23-035 as noted in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 2: 2021-2023 Drilling Results, Nisk Main Zone Longitudinal Section

PN-23-036 is approximately 300 metres south and east of holes PN-22-009 and PN-23-035 holes. We would anticipate hitting the massive sulfide body at a vertical depth of 390 metres. This will be the first in a series of deeper holes testing some of the best previous holes where they were open at depth.

This drill program will test a series of airborne EM targets hosted by the Ultramafic body (Figure 3). The areas targeted by the currently planned drilling is also further corroborated by the Ambient Noise Tomograpy (ANT) surveys being completed by contractor Fleet Space Technologies. (For a video on this technology https://fleetspace.com/mineral-exploration). In addition, downhole EM will complement the ANT and the ongoing target generation for massive sulfide zones hosted by the ultramafic body.

Figure 3: 2023 Drilling Results & Drill Targets, Nisk Main Zone, Plan Map

The plan is for a second drill to be mobilized in late September to drill several holes to follow up the results from drill hole 23-031A in the Wildcat area (Figure 4), approximately 4 km northeast of the main Nisk Zone. This drill hole intersected 20.76 grams of Platinum, 5.71 grams of Palladium, 1.47% of Cu, and 0.28 grams of gold over 7.75 metres at a downhole depth of 60 metres.

Figure 4: 2023 Drilling Results, Wildcat Zone, Plan Map

Qualified Person

Kenneth Williamson, Geo, M.Sc., VP Exploration at Power Nickel, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

About Power Nickel Inc.

Power Nickel is a Canadian junior exploration company focusing on developing the High-Grade Nisk project into Canada's first Carbon Neutral Nickel mine.

On February 1, 2021, Power Nickel (then called Chilean Metals) completed the acquisition of its option to acquire up to 80% of the Nisk project from Critical Elements Lithium Corp. (CRE: TSXV). Subsequently, Power Nickel has exercised its option to acquire 50% of the Nisk Project and delivered notice to Critical Elements that it intends to exercise its second option to bring its ownership to 80%. The last remaining commitment to activate this exercise of the option is the delivery of a NI-43-101 Technical report which is anticipated to occur at the latest in Q4 2023.

The NISK property comprises a significant land position (20 kilometers of strike length) with numerous high-grade intercepts. Power Nickel is focused on expanding the historical high-grade nickel-copper PGE mineralization with a series of drill programs designed to test the initial Nisk discovery zone and to explore the land package for adjacent potential Nickel deposits.

In addition to the Nisk project, Power Nickel owns significant land packages in British Colombia and Chile. Power Nickel is expected to reorganize these assets in a related public vehicle through a plan of arrangement.

Power Nickel announced on June 8, 2021, that an agreement had been made to complete the 100% acquisition of its Golden Ivan project in the heart of the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle has reported mineral resources (past production and current resources) in 130 million ounces of gold, 800 million ounces of silver, and 40 billion pounds of copper (Resource World). This property hosts two known mineral showings (gold ore and Magee) and a portion of the past-producing Silverado mine, reportedly exploited between 1921 and 1939. These mineral showings are Polymetallic veins containing quantities of silver, lead, zinc, plus/minus gold, and plus/minus copper.

Power Nickel is also 100 percent owner of five properties comprising over 50,000 acres strategically located in the prolific iron-oxide-copper-gold belt of northern Chile. It also owns a 3-per-cent NSR royalty interest on any future production from the Copaquire copper-molybdenum deposit sold to a subsidiary of Teck Resources Inc. Under the terms of the sale agreement, Teck has the right to acquire one-third of the 3-per-cent NSR for $3 million at any time. The Copaquire property borders Teck's producing Quebrada Blanca copper mine in Chile's first region.

For further information on Power Nickel Inc., please contact:

Mr. Terry Lynch, CEO

647-448-8044

terry@powernickel.com

For further information, readers are encouraged to contact:

Power Nickel Inc.The Canadian Venture Building 82 Richmond St East, Suite 202 Toronto, ON

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor it's Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This message contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" concerning the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "indicates," "opportunity," "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, among others, the timing for the Company to close the private placement or the second Nisk option or risk that such transactions do not close at all; raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward; to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; to explore and develop its projects; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of nickel and other metals; changes in general economic conditions; accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the potential for new discoveries; the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if accepted, to obtain such licenses and approvals in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the applicable project; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry.

SOURCE: Power Nickel Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/776124/Power-Nickel-Commences-Fall-Drill-Program-with-Deep-Target-Hole-23-H2-01
FRANKFURT, Germany, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jackery, a global leader in innovative portable power and green energy solutions is proud to have worked with National Geographic Traveller, alongside outdoor photographer Jack Atkinson, as he captured the rugged and diverse landscapes of the volcanic island of Tenerife.



Jackery teamed up with outdoor photographer, Jack Atkinson, as he embarked upon an exploration of the lesser-known regions of Tenerife, treating travel and photography enthusiasts to a behind-the-scenes experience of a photography shoot on the Mediterranean island, creating inspiring and engaging shots for the Capturing Tenerife campaign, all powered by the latest Jackery Explorer.

Jack was able to fully explore Arico, in the southeast of the island, renowned for its rural tourism and vast untouched open terrains. The newest Jackery Solar Generator ensured all of Jack's camping and photography equipment was kept fully charged and powered up with industry-leading solar panels and a USB port for charging from a vehicle.

Ricky Ma, Head of EMEA, Jackery, said:

"We are excited to present this collaboration with Jack (Atkinson). It has been fantastic to see how Jack was able to put our newest Solar Generator model through its paces while capturing the beautiful landscapes of Tenerife. National Geographic Traveller readers can enjoy the scenic photography of Jack's adventure and see how Jackery helped power the trip. We hope this inspires budding photographers and travellers across Europe to embark upon their own adventures."

Reflecting on his experience, photographer Jack Atkinson, said:

"I was inspired by the vast volcanic landscapes, especially the Teide National Park and the opportunity to show the magazine's readers a very different side to the popular holiday island of Tenerife. Having the Jackery on hand to help power not only my photography equipment but also essential camping items in the wilderness was really liberating. Jackery helped me to explore that little bit further than I usually would do on my own - giving extra peace of mind and also allowing me to enjoy some luxuries in the outdoors like freshly ground coffee in the morning."

Capturing Tenerife can be enjoyed in full when published on 11 August 2023 or viewed online here: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/paid-content-capturing-tenerife-jack-atkinson

For all media enquiries and product reviews, please contact:

Nicola Cutler

Senior PR UK/EU

nicola@jackery.com

+44(0)7395 603007

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2166803/jackery_national_geographic.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2147390/Jackery_Logo.jpg





View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/jackery-powers-capturing-tenerife-adventure-for-outdoor-photographer-jack-atkinson-301906745.html
Commerzbank AG (London Branch) - Pre-Stabilisation notice

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, August 23

Pre-Stabilisation notice

August 23, 2023

Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

EFSF EUR dual-tranche

Tap 3yr Aug-2026 & New 15yr Aug-2038

Pre-Stabilisation Notice

Commerzbank AG (contact: Daniela Olt-Farrelly; telephone: +49 69 136-20) hereby announces, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilising Managers named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014).

The security to be stabilised: Issuer: European Financial Stability Facility Guarantor (if any): by the member States Aggregate nominal amount: tap 2026 tbc  2bn new tranche Description: Tap 3yr Aug-2026 & New 15yr Aug-2038 Rating Aaa/AA/AA- Offer price: tbc Other offer terms: tap due Aug.2026 new due Aug 2038 payment date: 30 August 2023 Stabilisation: Stabilisation Coordinator: Stabilising Managers: Commerzbank AG HSBC Nomura Stabilisation period expected to start on: August 23, 2023 Stabilisation period expected to end on: no later than 30 days after the proposed issue date of the securities Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over-allotment facility. The Stabilising Managers may over-allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law. Stabilisation trading venue: Luxembourg regulated market

In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilising Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities during the stabilisation period at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, stabilisation may not necessarily occur and any stabilisation action, if begun, may cease at any time Any stabilisation action or over-allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.

This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.

This announcement is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any other jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

END
EHR will connect Bon Secours Health System for improved care, safety, and efficiency

Bon Secours Health System, one of the largest providers of private healthcare in Ireland, will implement MEDITECH Expanse as the foundation of its clinical transformation project. The Electronic Health Record (EHR) will replace its current combination of multiple platforms and paper documentation to establish one integrated healthcare record.

The Expanse platform is a key component of Bon Secours Health System's 2025 Strategic Plan which includes leveraging state-of-the-art equipment and technology for enhanced clinical care, patient safety, efficiencies, and patient experience. The organisation named the EHR project 'BonsConnect.'

"Bon Secours Health System continues to be unrivalled in the quality of our service, combining the latest medical technologies and approaches with compassionate and personalised medical care," said Bon Secours Health System Group Chief Executive Bill Maher. "BonsConnect is the next step in our digital journey and will change how care is delivered at our five hospitals, including our new hospital in Limerick, due to open in 2025. This will lead to improved clinical decision-making, more efficient and accurate clinical documentation, and an increased level of access to the right information by the right person at the right time."

Expanse will provide seamless integration between clinicians, specialties, and the system's five hospitals, benefiting the 300,000 patients Bon Secours Health Systems cares for annually. As part of the EHR plan, Bon Secours Health System will implement Expanse Oncology, an outpatient solution that provides specialty-specific workflows, decision support, and mobile access to patient data.

"We are excited that Bon Secours Health System has selected MEDITECH Expanse as the EHR to lead its digital transformation journey, and we look forward to supporting them in their mission to improve the health and well-being of their communities," said MEDITECH Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Helen Waters. "Our new partnership provides an extraordinary opportunity to work together and use the latest technology to drive patient-centred care, improve patient access, and enhance the clinician experience while ensuring equitable access to quality care across the communities they serve."

To help support this digital transformation, the health system announced 30 new jobs with a further 30 positions to be created in September.

Find out more about MEDITECH's global impact and how its customers are leveraging Expanse to transform care.

About MEDITECH

MEDITECH systems have been deployed in some of Ireland's most prestigious private hospitals for over two decades. Expanse, the world's most intuitive and interoperable EHR, positions organisations for the next digital era, enabling care across settings, designing cloud-based systems to drive better outcomes, and providing mobile, personalised solutions to improve efficiency for an overburdened workforce. See why organisations in 27 countries and territories choose Expanse to meet the challenges of a new era in healthcare, boosting the productivity and satisfaction of their physicians, nurses, and staff. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn and visit: ehr.meditech.com/global/meditech-uk-ireland.

About Bon Secours Health System

As Ireland's largest independent hospital group, Bon Secours Health System is renowned for the quality of its service provision coupled with a rich tradition in healthcare. Bon Secours Health System CLG is a not-for-profit organisation with its mission centred on providing compassionate, world-class medical treatment to all those it serves. With more than 4,000 staff and 500 leading consultants, Bon Secours treats more than 300,000 patients annually in its five modern acute hospitals in Cork, Galway, Limerick, Tralee, and Dublin, as well as a Care Village in Cork. For more information, visit bonsecours.ie.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823753783/en/

Contacts:

Robin Montville, rmontville@meditech.com
PARIS (dpa-AFX) - France's private sector continued to contract in August, flash survey data from S&P Global showed on Thursday. The HCOB composite output index posted 46.6 in August, unchanged from July's 32-month low. The score signaled a solid decline in the private sector activity. The expected score was 47.5. Output volumes across the service sector shrank for the third straight month and manufacturing output extended the decline that has been ongoing since last summer. The services Purchasing Managers' Index slid to a 30-month low of 46.7 in August from 47.1 in the previous month, while the reading was forecast to improve to 47.5. Meanwhile, the manufacturing PMI unexpectedly rose to a five-month high of 46.4 in August from 45.1 in July. The score was seen falling to 45.0. 'The French economy is stuck in a rut, showing signs of struggle once again,' Norman Liebke, an economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank, said. 'Despite hopes of a positive economic outlook, the latest PMI data is throwing a curveball, hinting that we might be headed for a contraction in the third quarter,' said Liebke. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
 Revenue increase: Alfen grows H1 2023 revenues by 9% to 223.9m vs. H1 2022 (205.5m), driven by its Energy Storage Systems (+526%) & Smart Grid Solutions (+20%) businesses, while its EV Charging business declined (-36%). Group gross margin at 30.5% compared with 35.3% in H1 2022, purely driven by a shift in the business line mix towards Energy Storage Systems. Adjusted EBITDA of 21.1m (9.4% of revenue) vs. H1 2022 37.3m (18.1% of revenue). Alfen maintains significant head room in its bank overdraft facility. Alfen updates its 2023 full-year revenue outlook from 540-600m to 490-520m driven by a lower EV charging revenue outlook due to destocking and challenging market conditions. Alfen reconfirms its mid-term financial objectives. In addition, Alfen quantifies its mid-term objective on its asset light business model: to keep its CAPEX below 5% of revenue.ALMERE, THE NETHERLANDS - Alfen N.V. (AEX: ALFEN), a specialist in energy solutions for the future, to-day reports its condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the first half-year of 2023.Marco Roeleveld, CEO of Alfen:"Alfen has a robust business model at the heart of the energy transition that is uniquely diversified across business lines, countries and product segments. In 2023, we see Energy Storage Systems growing tremendously with Smart Grid Solutions starting to see a step change in growth. In a year with challenging market conditions for EV charging, our diversified portfolio of solutions is clearly paying off. Alfen's financial position continues to be strong and healthy at a time when other players in the EV Charging market are declaring insolvency or forced to raise capital. To illustrate this further, our cash (including bank overdraft) amounts to 35.2m (credit) at 30 June 2023. Given the current account overdraft facility of 101.5m, our total cash availability amounts to  66.3m.2023 is really the breakthrough year for energy storage for Alfen. Our first half year revenue grew more than sixfold compared to H1 2022, and our current backlog is over 170m of which more than half is expected to be executed in the second half of 2023. With our stationary and mobile battery solutions, we are well positioned for continued strong growth, underpinning our confidence that we can outperform the European market in 2023.In Smart Grid Solutions, we see continued momentum with the grid operators and private networks businesses, resulting in 20% revenue growth. Grid operators announced substantially higher ambitions in their 2022 annual reports to roll-out substations until 2030. We expect a step change in growth in this business line into 2024. We are well prepared for this growth. We invested upfront in additional capacity to ensure we are not hampered by production capacity. The construction of our additional production & warehouse facility in Almere is advancing as planned (see photo below) and is on track to be operational Q1 2024.In EV Charging, the destocking challenge continued through the first half, and we saw market challenges in the home segment in certain geographies, including countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany. Key drivers include the ending of the OZEV grant and KfW440 subsidy respectively. To stay ahead of these challenges, we have a clear operational focus on partnering with and managing our customers both at the country and customer level to drive growth. We have weekly meetings with customers to manage our joint plans and clarify where to invest and when in joint channel marketing efforts.We are building on recent innovations such as solar charging, DC destination charging and Plug & Charge (ISO 15118) and continue to prioritise innovation as a way to add value for our customers. Despite these challenges we are seeing the first positive signs from destocking, with some customers beginning to order again after moving through their inventory. We are also seeing ongoing orders in the business and public segment, as you can witness in our new commercial wins. We observe continued strong growth in battery EVs registered in Europe in H1 2023 (+45%) that logically translates into charge point demand in the second half of 2023. We still expect the destocking to be over after the summer months and then turn into increased order intake. However, 2023 will be a transition year for EV Charging and even with an improvement in order intake after destocking, emerging market challenges will be present. We expect Q3 revenues to be in line with Q2 revenues. From Q4 and onwards we expect sequential increases in revenues compared to the preceding quarter.The temporary lower volume in EV Charging also impacted our adjusted EBITDA margin: it decreased from 18.1% in H1 2022 to 9.4% in H1 2023. We reiterate that operational leverage is not developing as a linear line. Due to lower volumes, deleverage is also possible as we intentionally do not decrease the fixed cost base proportionally to revenue. In H1 2023, we continued to focus on the long-term, investing in our production, innovation and organisation capabilities to equip us for the step change in growth in our markets. Also, a lower gross margin than in H1 2022, purely driven by a different business line mix, contributed to a lower adjusted EBITDA margin percentage.Based on our first half year performance and current revenue visibility, Alfen updates its 2023 full-year revenue outlook from 540-600m to 490-520m driven by lower EV charging revenue outlook due to destocking and challenging market conditions. Long-term, Alfen continues to anticipate positive market developments for all of its business lines, and we are confident about our strong market position. Therefore, Alfen reconfirms its mid-term financial objectives.Diving deeper into one of these objectives; at our Capital Markets Day, we set the qualitative objective to maintain our asset-light business model. With this half-year update, we would like to provide further clarity by translating it into a quantitative objective: to keep CAPEX as % of revenue below 5%. This objective will be maintained in the mid-term (until 2025-2027)."About AlfenNetherlands-based Alfen is operating internationally in the heart of the energy transition, as a specialist in energy solutions for the future. With 85+ years history, Alfen has a unique combination of activities. Alfen designs, develops and produces smart grids, energy storage systems, and electric vehicle charging equipment and combines these in integrated solutions to address the electricity challenges of its clients. Alfen has a market leading position in the Netherlands and experiences fast international growth benefitting from its first mover advantage. For further information see Alfen's website at: www.alfen.com.For enquiries, please contact:Investor relations:Mr. Dico van Dissel, Director IR Alfen, phone +31 (0) 36 549 34 00, email ir@alfen.com.Hefbrugweg 281332 AP Almere, The NetherlandsPhone: +31 (0) 36 549 34 00info@alfen.com / www.alfen.comNotes to the press releaseThis is a public announcement by Alfen N.V. pursuant to section 17 of the European Market Abuse Regulation (596/2014). This public announcement does not constitute an offer, or any solicitation of any offer, to buy or subscribe for any securities in Alfen N.V. The reported data in this press release have not been audited.Forward looking statementsThis press release may include forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms such as guidance, expected, step up, announced, continued, incremental, on track, accelerating, ongoing, innovation, drives, growth, optimising, new, to develop, further, strengthening, implementing, well positioned, roll-out, expanding, improvements, promising, to offer, more, to be or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. Forward-looking statements may and often do differ materially from actual results. Any forward-looking statements reflect Alfen's current view with respect to future events and are subject to risks relating to future events and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to Alfen's business, results of operations, financial position, liquidity, prospects, growth or strategies. Forward-looking statements reflect the current views of Alfen and assumptions based on information currently available to Alfen. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Alfen does not assume any obligation to update such statements, except as required by law.Alfen's revenue outlook estimates are management estimates resulting from Alfen's pursuit of its strategy. Alfen can provide no assurances that the estimated future revenue will be realised and the actual revenue for 2023 could differ materially. The expected revenue has also been determined based on assumptions and estimates that Alfen considered reasonable at the date these were made. These estimates and assumptions are inherently uncertain and reflect management's views which are also based on its historic success of being assigned projects, which may materially differ from the success rates for any future projects. These estimates and assumptions may change as a result of uncertainties related to the economic, financial or competitive environment and as a result of future business decisions of Alfen or its clients, such as cancellations or delays, as well as the occurrence of certain other events.
Celonis, the global leader in Process Mining, today announced the opening of its new offices in Copenhagen, Denmark and Stockholm, Sweden. The launch of these new sites bolsters Celonis' existing operations and adoption for its market leading process mining technology in the Nordics.

Celonis' investment in the region is a reflection of the enormous demand for value creating technologies from Nordics' businesses, especially in the areas of manufacturing and IT both of which have already greatly benefited from process mining.

Since starting operations in the Nordics about three years ago, Celonis has grown to more than 40 employees and more than 70 customers, including some of the most innovative and well-known companies in the Nordics such as Nokia, Telia and Equinor.

The opening of the new Swedish office overlooking Norrmalmstorg will be honored with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a cocktail reception for prospects, partners and customers. Bastian Nominacher, co-CEO and co-founder of Celonis, will be in attendance to deliver a speech.

"The new Stockholm and Copenhagen offices are important steps in our mission to bring the value of process mining to customers across all regions and industries," said Nominacher. "Our strengthened presence in the Nordics enables us to accelerate process mining adoption for enterprises in the Nordics. We look forward to helping organizations in the region yield immediate cash impact and radically improve customer experience. Furthermore, the Nordic countries have a strong focus on environmentalism and sustainability, and Celonis has a proven track record of helping customers reduce carbon emissions. We will leverage our process mining technology, to enable customers in the region to perform at levels they never thought possible."

"These new office locations are a clear commitment to Celonis' expansion in the Nordics," said Michael Zink, Regional Vice President and General Manager of the Nordics at Celonis. "This region has many companies focused on driving innovation, with a well-educated and skilled workforce. Ingenuity and sustainability also go hand in hand in the Nordics. Our market leading process mining technology will accelerate business performance for companies in the region, delivering fast and sustainable value that support the innovation and sustainability ethos found throughout organizations here in the Nordics."

Mikael Schwarzman, Sales Director Country Leader at Celonis, has been named Site Leader in the Stockholm office and will oversee operations across Sweden. Sales Director Karsten Mayland is Site Leader for the Copenhagen office.

This office opening follows Celonis being named leader of the first-ever 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Process Mining Tools, as well as leader in the Everest Group PEAK Matrix for Process Mining for the fourth year in a row.

About Celonis

Celonis enables customers to optimize their business processes. Powered by its leading process mining technology, Celonis provides a unique set of capabilities for business executives and users to continuously find improvement opportunities within and across processes, and execute targeted actions to rapidly enhance process performance. This optimization yields immediate cash impact, radically improves customer experience, and reduces carbon emissions. Celonis has thousands of implementations with global customers and is headquartered in Munich, Germany and New York City, USA with more than 20 offices worldwide.

2023 Celonis SE. All rights reserved. Celonis, Execution Management System, EMS, Process Sphere and the Celonis "droplet" logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Celonis SE in Germany and other jurisdictions. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823526175/en/

Contacts:

Celonis

press@celonis.com
BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - French stocks traded higher on Wednesday even as new data indicated that the French economy might he heading for a contraction in the third quarter. France's private sector continued to contract in August, flash survey data from S&P Global showed earlier today. The HCOB composite output index posted 46.6 in August, unchanged from July's 32-month low. Output volumes across the service sector shrank for the third straight month while manufacturing output extended the decline that has been ongoing since last summer. The services Purchasing Managers' Index slid to a 30-month low of 46.7 in August from 47.1 in the previous month. The manufacturing PMI unexpectedly rose to a five-month high of 46.4 in August from 45.1 in July. The benchmark CAC 40 was up 40 points, or 0.6 percent, at 7,281 after rising 0.6 percent in the previous session. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European stocks traded higher for a third consecutive session on Wednesday in a build-up in expectations over Nvidia's earnings release later in the day. The world's most valuable chipmaker will report its second-quarter earnings after the closing bell on Wall Street. Meanwhile, investors shrugged off weak regional activity data and looked ahead to the Fed's Jackson Hole symposium at the end of the week for directional cues. Eurozone business activity contracted further in August as the region's downturn spread further from manufacturing to services, according to PMI survey data published earlier today. The S&P Global composite index flash reading fell to 47.0 from 48.6 in July, hitting its lowest since November 2020. The pan European STOXX 600 was up 0.6 percent at 454.17 after rising 0.7 percent on Tuesday. The German DAX and France's CAC 40 both rose about 0.4 percent while the U.K.'s FTSE 100 climbed 0.8 percent. Swiss drug maker Roche jumped 4.4 percent after an announcement that it had inadvertently published positive lung cancer drug trial data from an interim analysis. GSK rose about 1 percent in London after reporting significant positive findings from its first efficacy trial of the 'Shingrix' shingles vaccine in China. Cohort's, an aerospace defense company, jumped over 4 percent after its unit Systems Engineering & Assessment secured a contract worth 17.5 million pounds from a U.K. customer. Oil & gas company Ithaca Energy fell nearly 2 percent after posting a drop in first-half attributable profit and revenue. German wind turbine manufacturer Nordex jumped 2.1 percent after securing three contracts from Heitkamp Industrial Solutions GmbH, a German subsidiary of contracting company Ronesans Holding. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Relevant Gold Corp. ("Relevant Gold" or the "Company") (TSXV:RGC) is pleased to announce the results of its Annual General Meeting held August 18, 2023: All matters were overwhelmingly approved by shareholders. In particular, each of the following directors were re-elected: Peter Megaw (an independent director), Ronald Parratt (an independent director), Sarah Weber (an independent director), Brian Lentz, and Robert Bergmann. In addition, Smythe LLP was re-appointed as auditor of the Company and shareholders approved the Company's omnibus equity incentive compensation plan.

The Company also announces that, subject to regulatory approval, it has engaged Independent Trading Group (ITG), Inc. ("ITG") to provide market-making services to the Company in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV). ITG will trade shares of the company on the TSXV and all other trading venues with the objective of maintaining a reasonable market and improving the liquidity of the Company's common shares (the "Shares").

The market-making services agreement between the Company and ITG (the "Agreement") will run on an ongoing month-to-month basis at the cost of up to $6,000 per month, payable monthly in advance. The Agreement will renew automatically unless terminated by one of the parties pursuant to the terms of the Agreement. The services under the Agreement include, among others, assisting in establishing a fair and orderly market for the Shares, enhancing market depth and augmenting liquidity for the Shares, adding stability and efficiency to the market for the Shares and increasing the efficiency of the price discovery mechanism. There are no performance factors contained in the agreement and ITG will not receive Shares or options as compensation. ITG and the Company are unrelated and unaffiliated entities and at the time of the agreement, neither ITG nor its principals have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Shares or other securities of the Company. The appointment of ITG is subject to the approval of the TSXV.

About Independent Trading Group (ITG), Inc.

Independent Trading Group (ITG) Inc. is a Toronto-based CIRO dealer-member that specializes in market making, liquidity provision, agency execution, ultra-low latency connectivity, and bespoke algorithmic trading solutions. Established in 1992, with a focus on market structure, execution, and trading, ITG has leveraged its own proprietary technology to deliver high-quality liquidity provision and execution services to a broad array of public issuers and institutional investors.

About Relevant Gold Corp.

Relevant Gold Corp. is a North American gold exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, discovery, and development of district-scale gold projects in the state of Wyoming - one of the most mining-friendly jurisdictions in the United States and globally. Founded by experienced exploration geologists, Relevant Gold is managed by a highly respected team with a proven record of significant value creation for shareholders.

On behalf of Relevant Gold Corp.,

Rob Bergmann, Chief Executive Officer

More information

For further information about Relevant Gold Corp. or this news release, please visit our website at www.relevantgoldcorp.com or contact Rob Bergmann, President and CEO, or Kristopher Jensen, Manager of Investor Relations, at 763-760-4886 or by email at ir@relevantgoldcorp.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events of Relevant Gold Corp. ("Relevant" or "Relevant Gold" or "the Company"). Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe", "outlook" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks include, among others, the inherent risk of the mining industry; adverse economic and market developments; the risk that the Company will not be successful in completing additional acquisitions; risks relating to the estimation of mineral resources; the possibility that the Company's estimated burn rate may be higher than anticipated; risks of unexpected cost increases; risks of labour shortages; risks relating to exploration and development activities; risks relating to future prices of mineral resources; risks related to work site accidents, risks related to geological uncertainties and variations; risks related to government and community support of the company's projects; risks related to global pandemics and other risks related to the mining industry. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company does not intend and does not assume any obligation, to update any forward-looking information except as required by law.

The scientific and technical contents of this release have been approved by Mr. Brian C. Lentz, CPG #11999, Chief Exploration Officer of the Company, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects). Mr. Lentz is not independent of the Company.

SOURCE: Relevant Gold Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/776106/Relevant-Gold-Announces-Results-of-AGM-and-Engages-Market-Maker
Challenge reflects Foundation's mission to create equal opportunities for women and youth in low-income communities in East Africa

The Leila Janah Foundation (LJF), a nonprofit organization supporting entrepreneurs in East Africa, today announced the winners of its sixth annual Give Work Challenge (GWC) for existing businesses: Mvuvi (Kenya), Kono Farm (Kenya), Mawejje Creations (Uganda) and The Reusable Sanitary Pad Project (Uganda). Each of the four companies will receive one year of mentorship and a grant of $6,000 USD to continue building their businesses and impacting their communities. The GWC is the Foundation's primary execution of its mission to alleviate poverty and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs in East Africa by creating new work opportunities.

"The Give Work Challenge is a movement that displays the powerful will of women and youth in East Africa to create decent work opportunities for their communities and play a role in global economic and gender empowerment. Through the GWC grant and mentorship, each of our winners will have a larger impact on their communities that will ripple out and positively impact many more individuals," said Liliosa Mbirimi, Program Director at the Leila Janah Foundation. "We are proud to continue the mission of our namesake, Leila Janah, to alleviate global poverty by giving work, not handouts."

The LJF is the primary shareholder of Sama, the leader in providing data annotation solutions that power the AI models of the future. Both entities take their mission from Leila Janah, who founded Sama in 2008 on the belief that talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. In its early inception, Sama received a major boost from a grant and since then has helped more than 65,000 people lift themselves out of poverty. The GWC aims to recreate that boost. Since its establishment in 2018, it has awarded more than $200,000 USD in grant money to 37 ventures, which have created 322 jobs for previously unemployed youth to enter the formal economy, supporting economic growth in Kenya and Uganda.

Based in Kenya, Mvuvi, named for the Swahili for fisherman, produces high-quality processed fish while reducing waste and environmental pollution in Lake Victoria by converting fish waste into animal feed, fertilizer and energy. Kono Farm is promoting sustainable snail agriculture as both an alternative protein source as well as an ingredient for skincare.

"Mvuvi applied for the LJF's GWC because it resonates deeply with our mission to empower marginalized individuals through meaningful opportunities," said Arnold Adero, founder of Mvuvi. "Winning the fund fills us with immense gratitude and excitement, as it fuels our commitment to creating a lasting impact and driving positive change in the fisheries and aquaculture community."

In Uganda, Mawejje Creations leverages both plant-based fibers and textile waste to create fashionable clothing and is providing young people in the community with the skills to become job creators, not seekers. Finally, The Reusable Sanitary Pad Project is a social enterprise aiming to keep girls in school and empower young mothers through jobs to make and distribute reusable sanitary pads and education on menstrual health.

"My joining GWC was compelled by the amplification of Leila Janah's vision of creating opportunities for those who don't have them through giving work, skills training and imparting wisdom to sustain their lives," said Dimma Mawejje, founder of Mawejje Creations. "I am humbled and honored because I am part of the solution Leila thought of."

Each GWC consists of a three-round competition, where entrepreneurs from Kenya and Uganda submit their business plans and information to a jury made up of Sama volunteers from East Africa and North America. Entrepreneurs who make it to the final round pitch live to a regional judging panel of volunteer seasoned entrepreneurs from Kenya and Uganda.

"Sama and the LJF's shared mission has already helped thousands in East Africa, whether it's by helping them establish or grow their own businesses, develop valuable work skills, materially improve their lives and positively affect their communities through formal employment or business ownership. Seeing what we have already accomplished reminds us that our mission is not complete, however. Our work to empower and support marginalized communities continues," said Wendy Gonzalez, CEO of Sama and a member of the Board of Directors of the Leila Janah Foundation.

The LJF also runs a GWC for new businesses in ideation, stealth or operating for less than 12 months at the time of application. In February 2023, four businesses were each awarded $4,000 USD in grant funding; a $1,000 incubator membership and training and mentorship for one year.

For more information on previous winners of the GWC, please visit the LJF's website. To learn more about the LJF's mission, subscribe to the GWC YouTube channel or follow the LJF on LinkedIn.

About the Leila Janah Foundation

The Leila Janah Foundation, founded in 2019, is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to furthering the mission of its namesake, Leila Janah: supporting entrepreneurs in Kenya and Uganda by giving meaningful work and creating equal opportunities for women and youth in low-income communities, consequently alleviating global poverty. Its signature initiative is the Give Work Challenge, which is run twice a year (once for established businesses, and once for new businesses). It is the primary shareholder of Sama. For more information, visit www.leilajanahfoundation.org.

About Sama

Sama is a global leader in data annotation solutions for computer vision that power AI and machine learning models. Our solutions minimize the risk of model failure and lower the total cost of ownership through an enterprise ready ML-powered platform and SamaIQ, actionable data insights uncovered by proprietary algorithms and a highly skilled on-staff team of over 5,000 data experts. 25% of Fortune 50 companies, including GM, Ford, Microsoft, and Google, trust Sama to help deliver industry-leading ML models.

Driven by a mission to expand opportunities for underserved individuals through the digital economy, Sama is a certified B-Corp and has helped more than 65,000 people lift themselves out of poverty. An MIT-led Randomized Controlled Trial has validated its training and employment program. For more information, visit www.sama.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823174635/en/

Contacts:

press@samasource.org
DUBLIN, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FlowForma, the leading provider of enterprise-class process automation tools for Microsoft 365, is excited to announce that Breheny Civil Engineering are digitalising their business processes to overcome process challenges within their organisation using the award-winning FlowForma Process Automation tool.

Breheny, a large-scale civil engineering firm, works on a wide range of projects including highways, marine, utilities, and environmental. In what is a highly regulated industry, the company sought a complete end-to-end process automation solution to digitalise its business processes within various departments of the organisation.

With an existing SharePoint environment already in place, the team needed a solution which could seamlessly slot into their current software stack. Having already compiled a detailed digitalisation plan with pain point processes ripe for automation, Breheny Civil Engineering soon discovered the 100% no code FlowForma Process Automation tool and knew they had selected the right option to digitalise both complex and simple business processes.

Procuring an easy-to-use process automation solution that could also be adopted quickly by employees was key for Breheny Civil Engineering. Featuring forms, workflow, and document generation all in one place, the FlowForma Process Automation tool is preferred by road, rail and highway construction firms for its ease-of-use, BIM compliance support, and unrivalled return on investment as processes are digitalised with speed, with most seeing results within 6 weeks.

The business has taken its first steps on its digital transformation journey with 'Site Checklists,' 'Site Audits,' 'Plant Inspections' and 'Hot Works Permits' already fully automated, with approximately another 100 processes already identified for digitalisation across multiple departments.

Additionally, Breheny Civil Engineering are utilising the FlowForma Construction Process Accelerator which empowers users with a wide variety of ready-to-use, fully editable, process templates for digitalising common construction processes. The Construction Accelerator features process templates for addressing tasks such as: 'Field Change Request,' 'Concrete Pre-Pour Check Sheet,' 'Labour Requisition,' 'Materials Requisition,' 'Hot Work Permit,' 'Safety Observation,' and more.

"We have a lengthy list of use cases identified across the business for digitalisation. We are working with the FlowForma team on their SureStart onboarding program to help us ramp up quickly and deliver fast results. We are excited to work with FlowForma and the operational efficiencies their tool can provide for our entire organisation. It is a game changer for the business!" said a spokesperson at Breheny Civil Engineering.

Processes such as 'Concrete Pour' and 'Permit to Break Ground' have been identified to quickly improve visibility and governance site-wide, with 'Site Diaries' and 'Inspection Reports' processes also in the pipeline for development.

As with any large-scale construction organisation, collaboration is a common challenge. Employees are deployed across multiple offices or on-site in disparate locations, often remotely, with little to no connectivity to get work completed. As a result, the FlowForma Mobile App has become a key component in the toolbelt of firms across the industry thanks to its clever offsite capability, allowing processes to be completed and uploaded later when back online.

Olivia Bushe, Chief Executive Officer, FlowForma added: "The construction industry is an area where FlowForma is assisting multiple organisations to overcome current challenges such as the labour skills shortage, project over runs, and resiliency across the sector, producing huge results. Going forward, Breheny Civil Engineering will be much more efficient and productive with enhanced visibility of what stage each business process is at. Teams will have much more insight into project timescales and budgetary elements. The complete audit trail will also ensure compliance requirements are met."

To find out how the FlowForma Process Automation tool works visit:

www.flowforma.com/how-it-works

To find out how the FlowForma Process Automation tool assists businesses in this sector visit:

www.flowforma.com/helping-construction

T o download a free 14-day trial of FlowForma Process Automation visit:

www.flowforma.com/start-your-flowforma-trial

To learn more about FlowForma Process Automation, book a demo with one of our experts:

www.flowforma.com/book-a-demo

Supporting Resources:About FlowForma

FlowForma, the leading provider of Process Automation tools for Microsoft 365 is revolutionising the construction industry with an innovative approach to developing award-winning products that empower users to create and streamline processes smarter and faster, utilising the familiar SharePoint platform, without any coding.

FlowForma is a Microsoft Gold Partner with over 200,000 global users of its product. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with offices in New York, Boston, and London, FlowForma is motivated by its values to innovate, evolve, and achieve with employees, customers, and partners.

For further information or a 14-day free trial, visit www.flowforma.com.

About Breheny Construction

Established in 1963, Breheny is one of the largest family-owned civil engineering companies in the UK, with over 400 employees and a plant fleet containing over 3,000 items of plant and equipment.

Breheny Civil Engineering has developed to provide civil engineering services to almost two-thirds of the UK from its offices in Suffolk, Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire, Kent, Hampshire, and Oxfordshire.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2192294/Olivia_Bushe_CEO_FlowForma.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/715823/FlowForma_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/breheny-civil-engineering-build-process-digitalisation-roadmap-with-flowforma-process-automation-301907890.html
PHSC Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, August 23

23 August 2023

PHSC PLC

("PHSC" or the "Company")

Transaction in Own Shares

PHSC (AIM: PHSC), a leading provider of health, safety, hygiene and environmental consultancy services and security solutions to the public and private sectors, announces that it has made the following purchases of ordinary shares of 10p each ("Ordinary Shares") pursuant to its latest share buyback programme announced on 15 August 2023 (the "Buyback Programme"):

Date of purchases: 22-23 August 2023 Number of Ordinary Shares purchased (the "Buyback Shares"): 706,767 Highest price paid per Ordinary Share: 24.45p Lowest price paid per Ordinary Share: 24.45p Volume weighted average price: 24.45p

The Company will hold the Buyback Shares in treasury. Following the repurchase of the Buyback Shares set out above, the Company's issued share capital consists of 11,140,252 Ordinary Shares (excluding treasury shares), and the Company will hold 706,767 Ordinary Shares in treasury with no voting rights attached. Therefore, the total voting rights in the Company will be 11,140,252. This figure for the total number of voting rights may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

Directors' Dealings and Concert Party Holding

As announced on 15 August 2023, the Board notes that certain of the Company's directors, namely Stephen King (Chairman and CEO) and Nicola Coote (Deputy Chairman and Deputy CEO) (the "Concert Party Directors"), co-founders and longstanding executive directors of the Company, are deemed, along with their respective spouses and close relatives, to be members of a concert party in respect of the Company as defined in the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the "City Code") (the "Concert Party").

Accordingly, the Concert Party Directors agreed, prior to any share purchases occurring pursuant to the Buyback Programme, to enter into irrevocable undertakings in respect of the Buyback Programme (the "Irrevocables"). Pursuant to the terms of the Irrevocables, the Concert Party Directors have irrevocably and unconditionally agreed to sell (in the case of Stephen King, via his SIPP provider, the entity which holds the majority of his interest in the Ordinary Shares) to the Company such number of Ordinary Shares as is required to ensure that the existing aggregate percentage holding of the Concert Party does not increase at any time as a result of the implementation of the Buyback Programme.

Pursuant to the Irrevocables, the Buyback Shares above therefore include Ordinary Shares acquired by the Company from Stephen King and Nicola Coote, as detailed below along with their resulting interests:

Shareholder(s) Ordinary Shares sold to the Company on 22-23 August 2023 Resulting holding of Ordinary Shares (including spouse's holding) Resulting percentage interest in the Ordinary Shares (including spouse's holding) Stephen King 156,116 2,405,732 21.59 Nicola Coote 150,651 2,379,605 21.36 Other Concert Party members - 50,000 0.45 Concert Party 4,835,337 43.40

The Company will make further announcements in due course following the completion of any further purchases pursuant to the Buyback Programme.

For further information please contact:

PHSC plc

Stephen King Tel: 01622 717 700

Stephen.king@phsc.co.uk

www.phsc.plc.uk

Strand Hanson Limited(Nominated Adviser) Tel:020 7409 3494

James Bellman / Matthew Chandler

Novum Securities Limited (Broker) Tel:020 7399 9427

Colin Rowbury

About PHSC

PHSC, through its trading subsidiaries, Personnel Health & Safety Consultants Ltd, RSA Environmental Health Ltd, QCS International Ltd, Inspection Services (UK) Ltd and Quality Leisure Management Ltd, provides a range of health, safety, hygiene, environmental and quality systems consultancy and training services to organisations across the UK. In addition, B2BSG Solutions Ltd offers innovative security solutions including tagging, labelling and CCTV.

PDMR Forms:

1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated a) Name: Stephen King 2. Reason for the notification a) Position/status: Director b) Initial notification/Amendment: Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name: PHSC plc b) LEI: 213800H1B3AR1XRE2674 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) b) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument: Identification code: Ordinary shares of 10p each GB0033113456 Nature of the transaction: Sale of ordinary shares to Company pursuant to Buyback Programme c) Price(s) and volume(s): 22 August 2023 Price(s) Volume(s) 24.30p 86,480 23 August 2023 Price(s) Volume(s) 24.30p 69,636 d) Aggregated information: Aggregated volume:

Price: 156,116 24.30p e) Date of the transaction: 22-23 August 2023 f) Place of the transaction: Outside a trading venue

1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated a) Name: Nicola Coote 2. Reason for the notification a) Position/status: Director b) Initial notification/Amendment: Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name: PHSC plc b) LEI: 213800H1B3AR1XRE2674 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) b) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument: Identification code: Ordinary shares of 10p each GB0033113456 Nature of the transaction: Sale of ordinary shares to Company pursuant to Buyback Programme c) Price(s) and volume(s): 22 August 2023 Price(s) Volume(s) 24.30p 85,440 23 August 2023 Price(s) Volume(s) 24.30p 65,211 d) Aggregated information: Aggregated volume:

Price: 150,651 24.30p e) Date of the transaction: 22-23 August 2023 f) Place of the transaction: Outside a trading venue

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of United Kingdom domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended by virtue of the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.
Base Resources Limited - FY23 full year investor webcasts - UK webcast date change

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, August 23

AIM and Media Release

23 August 2023

Base Resources Limited

FY23 full year investor webcasts - UK webcast date change

Base Resources Limited (ASX & AIM: BSE) (Base Resources) advises that, due to Monday, 28 August 2023 being a bank holiday in the UK, the UK investor webcast to discuss the company's FY23 full year results will now be held on Tuesday, 29 August 2023 at 4.30pm AWST / 9.30am BST.

The date of the Australia investor webcast is unchanged and remains Monday, 28 August 2023. Refer below for further details for both webcasts, including details about how to join via the teleconference line.

As previously noted, the webcasts will be hosted by Tim Carstens (Managing Director) and Kevin Balloch (Chief Financial Officer), who will both be available to answer questions following a presentation of the company's results.

Questions and accessing the teleconference line

Participants will only be able to ask questions via the teleconference line. Participants that propose using the teleconference line will need to pre-register their details using the teleconference registration URL provided below. Upon registering, participants will receive an email with their unique PIN and dial-in details so that they can join the call on the day without needing to speak to an operator.

For those participants that have already pre-registered for the teleconference for either the Australia or UK call, your unique PIN and dial-in details remain valid and should be used to join the relevant call.

Australia webcast and teleconference

Date: Monday, 28 August 2023

Time: 8.30am AWST / 10.30am AEST

Webcast URL: https://webcast.openbriefing.com/bse-fyr-2023/

Teleconference registration URL: https://registrations.events/direct/OCP61319

UK webcast and teleconference

Date: Tuesday, 29 August 2023

Time: 4.30pm AWST / 9.30am BST

Webcast URL: https://webcast.openbriefing.com/bse-fyr-2023-uk/

Teleconference registration URL: https://registrations.events/direct/OCP60433

ENDS.

For further information contact:

Australian Media Relations UK Media Relations Citadel Magnus Tavistock Communications Cameron Gilenko and Michael Weir Jos Simson and Gareth Tredway Tel: +61 8 6160 4900 Tel: +44 207 920 3150

This release has been authorised by the Base Resources Disclosure Committee.

About Base Resources

Base Resources is an Australian based, African focused, mineral sands producer and developer with a track record of project delivery and operational performance. The company operates the established Kwale Operations in Kenya, is developing the Toliara Project in Madagascar and is conducting exploration in Tanzania. Base Resources is an ASX and AIM listed company. Further details about Base Resources are available at www.baseresources.com.au .

PRINCIPAL & REGISTERED OFFICE

Level 3, 46 Colin Street

West Perth, Western Australia, 6005

Email: info@baseresources.com.au

Phone: +61 8 9413 7400

Fax: +61 8 9322 8912

NOMINATED ADVISER & JOINT BROKER

Canaccord Genuity Limited

James Asensio / Raj Khatri

Phone: +44 20 7523 8000

JOINT BROKER

Berenberg

Matthew Armitt / Detlir Elezi

Phone: +44 20 3207 7800
Generated revenue of $9.2 million, EBITDA of $2.3 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $1.0 million.

13 th consecutive quarter of positive EBITDA 1 and positive Adjusted EBITDA 1 .

Regulatory approval received for the Company's previously announced acquisition of entities controlling a Tier I cultivation facility and an operating manufacturing facility in Ohio - on track to close prior to the end of August 2023.

Ownership transfer of Columbus, Ohio dispensary expected to be approved by the end of 2023, giving Vext two dispensaries in the state.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - Vext Science, Inc. (CSE: VEXT) (OTCQX: VEXTF) ("Vext" or the "Company") a U.S.-based cannabis operator with vertical operations in Arizona and Ohio2, today reported its financial results for the period ended June 30, 2023. All currency references used in this news release are in U.S. currency unless otherwise noted.

Summary Financial Results



Q2 2023 Q1 2023 Q2 2022 Revenue $9,187,122 $9,110,651 $8,765,798 Gross margin before impact of biological assets (%)1 29% 52% 70% Adjusted Gross Margin (%)1,3 30% 51% 75% EBITDA1 $2,264,980 $1,638,009 $4,155,368 Adjusted EBITDA1 $1,049,114 $2,850,918 $4,847,110 Adjusted EBITDA margin (%)1 11% 31% 55%

Management Commentary

Eric Offenberger, CEO of Vext, commented, "During Q2, our team's efforts to drive more traffic with targeted promotions and a broad selection of value-based products were successful and led to gains in market share in a challenging environment. We made the strategic choice to accept lower gross margins in Q2, in order to generate a return on the product from our recently idled outdoor grow as pricing remains under pressure due to overcapacity in the market. We are well positioned from a vertical perspective, with indoor capacity from our Eloy facility picking up the slack and ensuring we are matching demand at our owned retail locations with our own internal supply. We expect gross margins to progressively recover through the second half of Q3 and in Q4 on the way back to more normalized levels. This quarter marked our thirteenth consecutive quarter of reporting positive EBITDA1 and positive Adjusted EBITDA1, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to generating profitability, while prudent working capital management contributed to robust cash flow from operations of $3.4 million through the quarter."

Mr. Offenberger continued, "Operations in Ohio continue to track well over the second quarter. We have received regulatory approval and remain on track to close the Ohio Acquisition by the end of August, enabling us to add a fully operational vertical footprint in the state. The Ohio market continues to expand with patient count up 23% in June 20234 as compared to the same period last year. We view Ohio as a very attractive growth opportunity, with its limited license structure and the recreational use initiative making Ohio's November ballot. Through the combination of our strong balance sheet and strategic positioning in two limited license states, we expect to continue generating profitability and shareholder value through the remainder of the year and through 2024."

Update on Ohio Acquisition

The Company also announces that it has received the approval of the Ohio Department of Commerce for the ownership transfer of Appalachian Pharm Processing, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies (collectively, "APP"), pursuant to the Company's previously announced acquisition of APP for a total consideration of approximately $12.5 million, with $11 million paid in cash or promissory notes and $1.5 million through the issuance of common shares of Vext (the "Ohio Acquisition"). The Company is working with APP to satisfy the remaining conditions of closing and currently expects that closing of the Ohio Acquisition will occur prior to the end of August 2023, subject to the terms of the definitive purchase agreements. For further details about the terms of the Ohio Acquisition, see the Company's news release dated December 15, 2022.

As a result of closing of the Ohio Acquisition, Vext will also obtain the right to acquire ownership of a cannabis dispensary in Columbus, Ohio. The Company has applied to the Ohio Board of Pharmacy for an ownership transfer of such dispensary and expects to receive approval this year and to close promptly after receipt of regulatory approval.

Summary of Recent Announcements

On August 10, 2023, the Company announced that Stephan Bankosz has resigned as CFO and Corporate Secretary of the Company effective August 25, 2023 to pursue other opportunities. Vext will appoint experienced financial executive and operator Trevor Smith as CFO. Nalee Pham, the Company's Chief of Staff and a director of the Company's wholly-owned operating subsidiary Herbal Wellness Center, LLC, has been appointed Corporate Secretary.

Q2 2023 Financial Results Conference Call

Vext will host a conference call and webcast on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. ET to discuss its second quarter financial results.

Date: August 23, 2023 | Time: 8:00am ET

Participant Dial-in: 416-915-3239 or 1-800-319-4610

Replay Dial-in: 1-800-319-6413

Conference ID: 10022320

Playback #: 0372 (Expires on September 6, 2023)

Listen to webcast: https://www.gowebcasting.com/12681

For more details, visit Vext's investor website or contact the IR team at investors@vextscience.com.



Non-IFRS Financial Measures

This news release contains certain non-IFRS financial measures (equivalent to "non-GAAP financial measures", as such term is defined in National Instrument 52-112 - Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure) including "Gross margin", "Adjusted Gross Margin", "EBITDA", "Adjusted EBITDA" and "Adjusted EBITDA margin". These non-IFRS financial measures do not have a standardized definition under IFRS, nor are they calculated or presented in accordance with IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company defines "Gross margin" as Gross Profit divided by Revenue and "Adjusted Gross Margin" as Gross margin before the impact of biological assets, as adjusted for one-time inventory fair value adjustment, divided by Revenue. The Company defines EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Company defines "Adjusted EBITDA" as net income (loss) from operations, as reported, before interest and tax, adjusted to exclude extraordinary items, non-recurring items, other non-cash items, including stock-based compensation expense, depreciation and amortization, foreign exchange and acquisition related costs, if applicable. The Company defines "Adjusted EBITDA margin" as Adjusted EBITDA divided by Revenue.

The Company has provided these non-IFRS financial measures as supplemental information and in addition to the financial measures that are calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS. The Company believes that these supplemental non-IFRS financial measures provide a valuable additional measure to use when analyzing the operating performance of the business. These supplemental non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered superior to, as a substitute for or as an alternative to, and should only be considered in conjunction with, the IFRS financial measures presented herein.

The following information provides reconciliations of the supplemental non-IFRS financial measures presented herein to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS.

Gross Margin Before Impact of Biological Assets and Adjusted Gross Margin

Gross Margin Before Impact of Biological Assets is defined as: Gross Profit Before Impact of Biological Assets, divided by Revenue.

Adjusted Gross Margin is defined as: Gross Margin Before Impact of Biological Assets, adjusted for one-time inventory fair value adjustment, divided by Revenue.

Q2 2023 Q1 2023 Q2 2022 Revenue $ 9,187,122 $ 9,110,651 $ 8,765,798 Gross Profit $ 2,669,719 $ 4,701,716 $ 6,127,275 Change in Fair Value of Biological Assets 119,802 (59,623 ) (456,060 ) Gross Profit Before Impact of Biological Assets $ 2,789,521 $ 4,642,093 $ 5,671,215 Relative fair value adjustment to inventory - - 863,000 Adjusted Gross Profit $ 2,789,521 $ 4,642,093 $ 6,534,215 Adjusted Gross Margin 30% 51% 75%

Adjusted EBITDA

Q2 2023 Q1 2023 Q2 2022 Net Income after taxes $ 535,454 $ 73,059 $ 1,952,210 Interest (Net) 1,010,812 860,978 337,407 Income Taxes (1,141,064 ) (1,141,064 ) 322,725 Depreciation & Amortization 1,859,779 1,845,036 1,543,027 EBITDA $ 2,264,980 $ 1,638,009 $ 4,155,368 Accretion (6,004 ) (6,026 ) - Share (Profit) / Loss on JVs 13,854 91,205 190,783 Share-based compensation 68,862 130,332 104,762 (Gain)/Loss on Asset Disposal - - (10,164 ) Gain on derecognition of ROU - - - (Gain)/Loss on Investment - - - Loan modification non-convertible debentures - - - Loan Costs WPCU Loan 342 742,036 - FV of WPCU Loan 219,518 190,984 - Loan Costs EWB Amortized 43,969 45,451 - Other Income - - - RSU Taxes 4,274 75,825 - Foreign Exchange 310 2,726 (580 ) ERC Tax Credit (1,680,793 ) - - Relative FV adjustment to inventory - - 863,000 Change in FV of Biological 119,802 (59,623 ) (456,060 ) Adjusted EBITDA $ 1,049,114 $ 2,850,918 $ 4,847,110

About Vext Science, Inc.

Vext Science, Inc. is a U.S.-based cannabis operator with vertical operations in Arizona and Ohio. Vext's expertise spans from cultivation through to retail operations in its key markets. Based out of Arizona, Vext owns and operates state-of-the-art cultivation facilities, fully built-out manufacturing facilities as well as dispensaries in both Arizona and Ohio. The Company manufactures Vapen, one of the leading THC concentrates, edibles, and distillate cartridge brands in Arizona. Its selection of award-winning products are created with Vext's in-house, high-quality flower and distributed across Arizona and Ohio, as well as through Vext's partnerships in other states. Vext's leadership team brings a proven track record of building and operating profitable multi-state operations, with the Company having operated profitably since 2016. The Company's primary focus is to continue growing in its core states of Arizona and Ohio, bringing together cutting-edge science, manufacturing, and marketing to provide a reliable and valuable customer experience while generating shareholder value.

Vext Science, Inc. is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol VEXT and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol VEXTF. Learn more at www.vextscience.com and connect with Vext on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For more details on the Vapen brand:

Vapen website: VapenBrands.com

Instagram: @vapen

Facebook: @vapenbrands

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "potential for", "see" and similar expressions have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, the Company's outlook for and expected operating margins, capital allocation and other financial results; statements relating to the business and future activities of, and developments related thereto, the Company after the date of this news release, including such things as future business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, expansion and growth of the Company's business, operations and plans; expectations regarding cultivation and manufacturing capacity; expectations of market size and growth in the U.S. and the states in which the Company operates; expectations for other economic business or competitive factors related to the Company; the Company's business outlook; expectations regarding the closing of the Ohio Acquisition and additional dispensaries in Ohio, the Company's application for, and receipt of, regulatory approvals; and the appointment of the Company's new CFO. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations of the Company's management for future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, without limitation, those listed in the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed at www.sedarplus.ca). Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. These factors should be considered carefully, and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to revise forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release.

Eric Offenberger

Chief Executive Officer

844-211-3725

For further information:

Jonathan Ross, Vext Investor Relations

jon.ross@loderockadvisors.com

416-244-9851

SOURCE: VEXT Science, Inc.

1See "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" below for more information regarding Vext's use of non-IFRS financial measures and other reconciliations.

2Vext has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Appalachian Pharm Processing, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies. Subject to the terms of the definitive purchase agreements, this proposed acquisition (the "Ohio Acquisition") is expected to close by the end of August 2023.

3Adjusted Gross Margin is adjusted for the one-time fair value adjustments to inventory in Q1 & Q2 2022 that were made as a result of Vext's transition to a for-profit operating and accounting model. The Company does not expect to report Adjusted Gross Margin on an ongoing basis after Q2 2023.

4Ohio Medical Marijuana Program

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178141
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - ALX Resources Corp. (TSXV: AL) (FSE: 6LLN) (OTC: ALXEF) ("ALX" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an update on its lithium exploration activities at the Hydra Lithium Project ("Hydra") located in the Eeyou Istchee-James Bay region of Quebec, Canada. Hydra is the subject of a 50%-50% joint venture between ALX and Forrestania Resources Limited of West Perth, Australia ("Forrestania") (ASX: FRS) formed to explore for lithium-cesium-tantalum ("LCT") bearing pegmatites, with ALX as operator.

The prospecting program that was suspended in early June 2023 due to unprecedented forest fire conditions has resumed in the northeastern area of Hydra. This area remains unaffected by the fires. The ALX geological crew has mobilized to the area of the Python East and Python West sub-projects (see Figure 1 below) where wilderness lodge accommodations were secured. The lodge is serviced by air and serves as a base for the helicopter contracted for the work program. Prospecting is guided by the use of satellite imagery and spectral analysis for lithium and associated pathfinder elements. The work program at Python East and Python West is planned to continue into early September 2023.





Figure 1. Forest fire status map in the James Bay Region, August 2023 (Source: NR Canada)



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ALX utilized an artificial intelligence ("AI") search of Quebec government assessment files to locate the Python West lithium showing reported during a historical uranium exploration program. A 2008 sample from the Python West pegmatite returned an anomalous value of 330 parts per million ("ppm") lithium, a showing which will be followed up in the current prospecting program.

Forrestania shares ALX's opinion that Hydra holds potential for LCT pegmatites, supported by the encouraging exploration and development results from nearby projects. Patriot Battery Metals Inc. has reported its maiden National Instrument 43-101-compliant Inferred mineral resource estimate for its Corvette Lithium Project consisting of 109,242,000 metric tonnes ("Mt") at an average grade of 1.42% Li2O and 160 ppm Ta2O5 containing 1,551,000 Mt Li2O and 3,835,000 Mt Lithium Carbonate Equivalent1. ALX's Volta sub-project lies 20 kilometres to the east of the Corvette Deposit and is 1 kilometre north of the Corvette east property boundary.

The Viper and Cobra sub-projects are located 50 kilometres north of Q2 Metals Corp.'s Mia Lithium Property, where numerous spodumene-bearing pegmatite outcrop samples have returned significant lithium grades of up to 4.37% Li2O2. Both Viper and Cobra host similar greenstone belt settings.

1 TSXV: PMET news release July 31, 2023: "Patriot announces the largest lithium pegmatite resource in the Americas at CV5, Corvette Property, Quebec, Canada."

2 TSXV: QTWO news release December 21, 2022: "Queensland announces sampling results averaging 2.65% Li2O from the Mia LI-1 occurrence at its Mia Lithium property in Quebec, Canada"

About Hydra

Hydra consists of eight sub-projects totaling 29,262 hectares (72,306 acres) known as Volta (4,751 ha.), Echo (5,566 ha.), Nike (2,462 ha.), Sprite (3,437 ha.), Cobra (4,249 ha.), Viper (1,280 ha.), Python East (3,218 ha.) and Python West (4,298 ha.), located within a fertile lithium exploration district that hosts the James Bay, Rose, Whabouchi and Corvette lithium deposits and numerous other lithium showings.

The Hydra sub-projects were selected for staking based upon the presence of historical lithium, cesium and tantalum lake sediment anomalies and by a review of public-domain geological mapping. A proprietary AI process for pegmatite detection by KorrAI of Halifax, NS is ongoing to prioritize target definition for the 2023 prospecting program.

To view maps and more information on Hydra, visit our website at: https://alxresources.com/hydra-lithium/.

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by John Charlton, P.Geo., a consultant to ALX, who is a Qualified Person in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101.

About ALX

ALX is based in Vancouver, BC, Canada and its common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "AL", on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "6LLN" and in the United States OTC market under the symbol "ALXEF".

ALX's mandate is to provide shareholders with multiple opportunities for discovery by exploring a portfolio of prospective mineral properties in Canada, which include lithium, uranium, nickel-copper-cobalt and gold projects. The Company uses the latest exploration technologies and holds interests in over 220,000 hectares of prospective lands in Saskatchewan, a stable jurisdiction that hosts the highest-grade uranium mines in the world, a producing gold mine, and production from base metals mines, both current and historical.

ALX owns a 50% interest in eight lithium exploration properties staked in 2022-2023 collectively known as the Hydra Lithium Project, located in the James Bay region of northern Quebec, Canada, a 100% interest in the Anchor Lithium Project in Nova Scotia, Canada, and 100% interests in the Crystal Lithium Project and the Reindeer Lithium Project, both located in northern Saskatchewan, Canada.

ALX's uranium holdings in northern Saskatchewan include 100% interests in the Gibbons Creek Uranium Project, the Sabre Uranium Project, the Bradley Uranium Project, and the Javelin and McKenzie Lake Uranium Projects, a 40% interest in the Black Lake Uranium Project (a joint venture with Uranium Energy Corporation and Orano Canada Inc.), and a 20% interest in the Hook-Carter Uranium Project, located within the uranium-rich Patterson Lake Corridor with Denison Mines Corp. (80% interest) as operator of exploration since 2016.

ALX also owns 100% interests in the Firebird Nickel Project (now under option to Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc., who can earn up to an 80% interest), the Flying Vee Nickel/Gold and Sceptre Gold projects, and can earn up to an 80% interest in the Alligator Lake Gold Project, all located in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. ALX owns, or can earn, up to 100% interests in the Electra Nickel Project and the Cannon Copper Project located in historic mining districts of Ontario, Canada, the Vixen Gold Project (now under option to First Mining Gold Corp., who can earn up to a 100% interest in two stages), and in the Draco VMS Project in Norway.

For more information about the Company, please visit the ALX corporate website at www.alxresources.com or contact Roger Leschuk, Manager, Corporate Communications at: PH: 604.629.0293 or Toll-Free: 866.629.8368, or by email: rleschuk@alxresources.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of ALX Resources Corp.

"Warren Stanyer"

Warren Stanyer, CEO and Chairman

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this document which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this news release include: ALX's 2023 exploration plans at the Hydra Lithium Project, and ALX's ability to continue to expend funds at that project. It is important to note that the Company's actual business outcomes and exploration results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include that ALX may not be able to fully finance exploration on our exploration projects, including drilling; our initial findings at our exploration projects may prove to be unworthy of further expenditures; commodity prices may not support further exploration expenditures; exploration programs may be delayed or changed due to any delays experienced in consultation and engagement activities with First Nations communities and local landowners in the region, and the results of such consultations; and economic, competitive, governmental, societal, public health, weather, environmental and technological factors may affect the Company's operations, markets, products and share price. Even if we explore and develop our projects, and even if lithium, uranium, nickel, copper, gold or other metals or minerals are discovered in quantity, ALX's projects may not be commercially viable. Additional risk factors are discussed in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023, which is available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Except as required by law, we will not update these forward-looking statement risk factors.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178224
Dr. Denlinger is currently NCCN's Chief Scientific Officer and previously served as Chair and Member of multiple NCCN Guidelines Panels-in charge of maintaining gold-standard evidence-based expert consensus cancer treatment recommendations.

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)-a not-for-profit alliance of leading academic cancer centers-announced Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, FACP, as incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Dr. Denlinger-who is currently NCCN's Senior Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer-is being promoted to lead the global guidelines organization following a national search to replace the retiring longtime CEO, Robert W. Carlson, MD.

Dr. Denlinger has a long history of global cancer care leadership with NCCN and beyond. She was named an NCCN Young Investigator Awardee in 2012 and received the NCCN Rodger Winn Award in 2018 for exemplifying leadership, drive, and commitment in service to developing NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines). Before being named Chief Scientific Officer in January of 2021, she was chair of the NCCN Guidelines Panel for Survivorship (a role previously held by Dr. Carlson), as well as serving on the Bone, Esophageal/Gastric, and Occult Primary Cancers Panel, the Panel for Older Adult Oncology, the JNCCN-Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Editorial Board, numerous abstract and scientific review committees, and participated in NCCN's work on NCCN Harmonized Guidelines for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Since joining NCCN full-time, she has provided organizational guidance, spearheaded pilot programs for the Health Equity Report Card, has overseen oncology research grant facilitation through the NCCN Oncology Research Program (ORP), and has championed NCCN's outreach efforts to improve cancer care and policy worldwide. Dr. Denlinger has also overseen the NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium (NCCN Compendium), NCCN Biomarkers Compendium, and library of NCCN Chemotherapy Order Templates (NCCN Templates).

"Dr. Denlinger is the perfect person to build on Dr. Carlson's impressive and enduring work leading this premier oncology organization," said John W. Sweetenham, MD, FRCP, FACP, FASCO, Professor of Medicine and Associate Director for Cancer Network Clinical Affairs at the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern; Chair of the NCCN Board of Directors. "She has shown a career long commitment to improving outcomes and experiences for all people with cancer. Dr. Denlinger is beloved throughout NCCN and the larger oncology community. Her tireless efforts and excellence treating patients, advancing new research, forging partnerships, and advocating on Capitol Hill will help NCCN continue to define and advance high-quality, high-value, patient-centered cancer care globally for years to come."

Dr. Denlinger previously served as Chief, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology; Deputy Director, Early Drug Development Phase 1 Program; Director, Survivorship Program; and Associate Professor, Department of Hematology/Oncology and continues on the Adjunct Faculty at Fox Chase Cancer Center-an NCCN Member Institution.

Dr. Denlinger graduated from a combined BS/MD program at The College of New Jersey and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, followed by an internal medicine residency with Mount Sinai Medical Center, and hematology/oncology fellowship at Fox Chase Cancer Center/Temple University Hospital. She has authored hundreds of clinical research articles and abstracts and received numerous awards from organizations that include the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Foundation and the American College of Physicians.

As CEO, Dr. Denlinger will oversee a staff of more than 150 employees at NCCN Global Headquarters, located just outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The work includes maintaining the library of NCCN Guidelines- the recognized standard for clinical direction and policy in cancer management and the most thorough and frequently-updated clinical practice guidelines available in any area of medicine. She will also lead and oversee programs advancing global collaborations, new oncology research, peer-reviewed publication, patient information, and cancer policy.

"I have wanted to be a doctor since first grade, and an oncologist since high school. I've experienced first-hand what it means to be there for a loved one while they face cancer, both early stage and advanced disease," said Dr. Denlinger. "In my years of seeing patients, managing clinical trials, and helping to update international, evidence-based standards for care, I have seen tremendous progress in cancer therapy and outcomes. I am eager to continue serving wherever I can do the most good for the greatest number of people-which is why I am so honored and excited to accept the role of CEO with NCCN. I am grateful to Dr. Carlson-as well as the NCCN Board of Directors and all of my colleagues-for this opportunity."

A Legacy of Improving and Facilitating Quality, Effective, Equitable, and Accessible Cancer Care

Dr. Carlson first announced his plans to retire in January 2023, 10 years after taking the helm at NCCN. At the time he stepped into the role, NCCN was maintaining 58 NCCN Guidelines and 11 NCCN Guidelines for Patients. Under Dr. Carlson's direction, the clinical information program expanded to 84 NCCN Guidelines, sharing the very latest evidence and expert consensus for treating nearly every type of cancer, as well as screening, prevention, and supportive care. The library of NCCN Guidelines for Patients now contains 67 easy-to-read books to empower people with cancer and caregivers with the information they need to make informed treatment choices.

NCCN Guidelines utilization has also grown significantly over the past decade. The guidelines were downloaded 4.4 million times during 2012; that number rose to 13.3 million in 2022. These free resources are accessed by more than 1.7 million different registered users; nearly half located outside of the United States.

Dr. Carlson has grown the membership for NCCN from 21 elite academic cancer institutions when he began, to 33 elite academic centers across the United States as of April 2023. The number of staff at NCCN's global headquarters also doubled during his tenure.

"We will forever be grateful for the passion and expertise Dr. Carlson brought to the role of NCCN CEO, and the tremendous difference he has made in the lives of people with cancer and their loved ones everywhere over the course of his incomparable career," said Dr. Sweetenham. "He matched unwavering commitment to excellence with an equally unwavering commitment to kindness and compassion. This was particularly visible in his work partnering with local experts to make NCCN Guidelines more accessible across countries and regions with differing resource levels. Dr. Carlson also personally spearheaded the successful 'Just Bag It' campaign to improve safe handling of chemotherapy. He has overseen NCCN's growing work to fight for equity in cancer care, and the inclusion of respectful, gender-affirming language throughout the NCCN Guidelines. NCCN's recognition and influence relating to national and global cancer care policy also increased dramatically during his tenure."

"I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Denlinger as NCCN's new CEO and look forward to seeing NCCN continue to build on our numerous and longstanding successes helping all people with cancer to live better lives," said Dr. Carlson. "It has been an extreme honor to work with so many dedicated colleagues, patients, and advocates to profoundly improve access to high-quality cancer care over the years."

Dr. Denlinger will assume the role of NCCN CEO on October 9, 2023.

About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is a not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. NCCN is dedicated to improving and facilitating quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care so all patients can live better lives. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) provide transparent, evidence-based, expert consensus recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and supportive services; they are the recognized standard for clinical direction and policy in cancer management and the most thorough and frequently-updated clinical practice guidelines available in any area of medicine. The NCCN Guidelines for Patients provide expert cancer treatment information to inform and empower patients and caregivers, through support from the NCCN Foundation. NCCN also advances continuing education, global initiatives, policy, and research collaboration and publication in oncology. Visit NCCN.org for more information.

Media Contact:

Rachel Darwin

267-622-6624

darwin@nccn.org

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by Alexander Ziperovich

As Ukraines much-hyped but bitterly disappointing summertime counteroffensive stumbles, with paltry territorial gains and little change in the conflicts larger dynamic, policymakers in Washington and Kyiv must now confront a difficult reality. The stalled three-month-old offensive has raised hard questions about Ukraines strategic direction in the war going forward, ones with profound geopolitical implications in America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.





But with so much hanging in the balance, theres surprisingly muted discussion about the future of the war itself, particularly with the expansive Western involvement in the conflict, which has become a proxy war in all but name between East and West. Its a conversation that is as necessary as it is painful.





President Volodymyr Zelensky and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen inside an F-16 fighter jet at the Skrydstrup airbase in Denmark on Aug. 20. (Photo: President's Office)





Should Kyiv abandon its efforts to retake every single inch of its illegally annexed territory, and seek a negotiated peace with Vladimir Putins regime? Should Washington concede its efforts to impose a strategic defeat on Moscow in a bid to punish Russian aggression in Europe, and dissuade Chinese aggression in Taiwan? As of now, these critical questions lack firm answers, even as the death and destruction Russia has unleashed on Ukraine continues to claim new victims.





Rather, theres rising pessimism about the ongoing offensives likely results, and frank dissatisfaction among American strategists with Kyivs tactical decision-making, allocation of forces, and general execution of its war plans. Theres frustration that Ukraine continues to pour its best and most experienced troops into Bakhmut, with little strategic rationale, even as Ukraines crucial southern thrust bogs down.





Similarly, American war planners believe Ukraine has become casualty averse, and are refusing to concentrate sufficient forces to punch through Russian lines in the south toward Melitopol. There seems to be something of a blame game happening in Washington right now, even as the fog of war prevents a perfect understanding of why the offensive seems to have failed.





Whats clear is that efforts to turn the Ukrainian military into a mini-American army have come up short, even as the Russian military, for all of Moscows dire failures, missteps, and internal political maladies, has proven to be a far more durable and formidable foe than was previously accepted, particularly when on the defensive. The New York Times noted that Russia is keeping with its traditional way of fighting land wars in Europe: performing poorly in the opening months or years before adapting and persevering as the fighting drags on.





Some argue that if Kyiv had been given F-16 fighter jets or longer-range ATACMS precision guided missiles, Ukraine would have had far more success in this latest counteroffensive, a hypothetical counterfactual that does little to address Ukraines current shortfalls, nor clarify future goals. Complicating matters is the fact that a total of 61 F-16s have now been promised to Kyiv, 42 from the Netherlands and 19 from Denmark, although not in time for this offensive, obviously. Those jets are expected to arrive early next year, even as Ukrainian pilots have been training on the American fighter for several months.





A bleak picture





Ukrainian and Western leaders must begin to reevaluate, and start to game out next steps. First, a frank discussion of whether and how the war should continue is necessary, as opposed to seeking negotiations with Moscow. In the latter case, what does an acceptable negotiated end to this bloody conflict eventually look like, and should Ukraine consider peace talks if its offensive fails?





At this point, it seems clear the Russian military will neither collapse on the battlefield, nor be easily thrown back out of the Donbas or Crimea, and the roughly 20 percent of Ukrainian territory currently occupied by Russian forces and their proxies. For all the well-documented ailments of the Kremlins armies on and off the battlefield, the results of this recent offensive paint a grim picture for Kyiv and her allies.





Recent American intelligence estimates assess that more than 500,000 troops from both Russia and Ukraine have perished thus far in the conflict, an astonishing butchers bill that will only continue to rise exponentially higher as the war continues. Russian casualties are far higher than Ukrainian casualties, but Russia is fielding far more troops in the first place, by a factor of three to one. Ukraines army of about 500,000 faces down a Russian army of 1,330,000, including active-duty, reserve, and paramilitary troops on both sides. Russias numerical superiority poses a distinct challenge for Ukraines military, simply because Moscow can afford to absorb far more casualties than Kyiv.





In recent days, Ukraine seems to have gained a foothold in the southern town of Robotyne. At the same time, U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that the Ukrainian military will not reach Melitopol, and will thus be unable to sever the land bridge from Russia to Crimea, the primary goal of this latest offensive. In other words, Ukraines counteroffensive will likely fail, if it hasnt already.





Ukraines military leaders have all but abandoned pursuing American-style combined arms frontal assaults on the heavily mined and well-defended Russian lines, instead opting to return to a war of attrition style of long-range fire and artillery-heavy combat that could lock in the basic lines of contact for the foreseeable future.





Indeed, despite more than $75 billion in humanitarian, financial, and military assistance provided by the United States, and tens of billions of the latest offensive Western armor, tanks, artillery, and countless other weapon systems, the conflict remains at an impasse on the battlefield.





Negotiations





Last November, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley came out of pocket a bit, and said publicly that Kyiv should pursue a negotiated settlement with Moscow, on the basis of what had been successful recent counteroffensives in Kherson and Kharkiv. He warned that President Volodomyr Zelenskys goal to push the Russians entirely out of Ukraine simply wasnt feasible, but he was mostly criticized or simply ignored.





Now, on the heels of Ukraines stalled offensive, his cautionary words seem prophetic. The window to pursue peace talks with Moscow, when Ukraine was still riding high from earlier successful offensives, may have closed somewhat. Its unclear if the Kremlin would seriously consider peace talks, or simply continue on with its murderous war.





Nevertheless, Ukrainian and Western leaders have an obligation to pursue a policy with a real probability of victory that doesnt assume a Russian collapse on the battlefield, or yet another coup detat unseating what appears to be a remarkably resilient wartime regime in Moscow. If the conceptual framework undergirding this last offensive was so fundamentally flawed, perhaps a larger reevaluation is in order.





Its in nobodys interest to have an endless and increasingly escalatory war burning in perpetuity in Europe. As this war enters its 19th month, it may be time to rethink what success and victory looks like, and how best to achieve both. At a bare minimum, its a discussion that should be had publicly and thoroughly, no matter how difficult and painful it might be.





Alexander Ziperovich is a Political analyst and Opinion columnist. He writes about politics, justice, foreign affairs, and culture, dissecting the larger historical and social context behind important events.
LONDON, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- China's world-leading Electric Vehicle (EV) industry is pushing into Europe. According to a new report from global technology intelligence firm ABI Research, in 2030, 1.2 million Chinese-made Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) will be imported by the European Union (EU), making up 12% of the bloc's BEV sales.

Chinese brands like BYD, XPENG, and NIO are launching models across Europe in 2023, giving Western automakers plenty to be concerned about. Dylan Khoo, Industry Analyst at ABI Research, says, "Local OEMs are still finding their feet with electrification, these Chinese disruptors are more experienced and entirely focused on EVs. They offer European customers BEVs that are competitive in price and quality across various segments. Chinese-owned brands such as MG and Polestar have already been in the market for a while, and their models imported from China are selling well."

In the last five years, exports of cars from the EU to China have fallen slightly, but EU imports of Chinese cars have quadrupled, reversing the trade flow. In 2022, China became the biggest source of imported cars for the EU, but this still only accounted for under 6% of all vehicles registered that year. However, 28% of the EU's BEVs were imported from China.

Chinese brands did not make the majority of these imported EVs. Western automakers are increasingly using China as an export base, taking advantage of the local supply chain and the benefits of locating their capacity with the largest source of demand. Tesla has employed this strategy effectively: 40% of the cars made at its Giga Shanghai factory are exported, supplying 80% of Europe's Teslas. BMW exclusively produces the iX3 in China for sale locally and worldwide export. The Dacia Spring, made in China by Renault and Dongfeng, is one of the best-selling cars in Europe.

"Overcapacity, economic slowdown, and the highly competitive automotive market at home are making Chinese OEMs look overseas for sales. In Europe, they see a lucrative market with a great demand for EVs and few protectionist measures. The European automotive supply chain will be disrupted from two directions: these Chinese brands pushing into Europe, and Western OEMs building production capacity in China for export to Europe," Khoo concludes.

These findings are from ABI Research's Chinese Electric Vehicle OEMs application analysis report. This report is part of the company's Electric Vehicles research service, which includes research, data, and ABI Insights. Based on extensive primary interviews, Application Analysis reports present an in-depth analysis of key market trends and factors for a specific technology.

About ABI Research

ABI Research is a global technology intelligence firm delivering actionable research and strategic guidance to technology leaders, innovators, and decision makers around the world. Our research focuses on the transformative technologies that are dramatically reshaping industries, economies, and workforces today.

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For more information about ABI Research's services, contact us at +1.516.624.2500 in the Americas, +44.203.326.0140 in Europe, +65.6592.0290 in Asia-Pacific, or visit www.abiresearch.com.

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SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantstamp , a global leader in blockchain security, is pleased to announce the launch of its novel service called Economic Exploit Analysis. This exclusive, first-of-its-kind offering allows Quantstamp to uncover flash loan attack vectors in smart contracts through automated tooling before protocols get hacked. The Economic Exploit Analysis service is powered by research from the University of Toronto that Quantstamp advanced and turned into a production-level tool.

In the first half of 2023 alone, an estimated $207M was stolen through flash loan attacks. A flash loan is an uncollateralized loan provided by a smart contract that can be taken out for as short as a single transaction. In these attacks, hackers leverage flash loans to borrow substantial funds and manipulate DeFi protocols into unexpected states that developers may not have anticipated. Flash loan attacks can drain the entire TVL (total value locked) of a DeFi protocol, and their complicated nature combined with DeFi's composability means these attack vectors often evade conventional audits.

Seeing the dire need to prevent these attacks, Quantstamp collaborated with researchers from the University of Toronto to advance their research into a production-level automated tool. With the tool now fully developed, Quantstamp is unveiling a new service for DeFi clients called Economic Exploit Analysis, where the Quantstamp team uses the tool to detect flash loan attack vulnerabilities in a client's code. Available for both deployed and undeployed protocols, this innovative service will vastly benefit the entire DeFi ecosystem by reducing the number of flash loan attacks and the amount of funds lost to those hacks.

Quantstamp believes that the Economic Exploit Analysis service will have a lasting impact on the DeFi ecosystem. Coupled with Quantstamp's core business offering, smart contract audits, services such as Economic Exploit Analysis will foster a safer and more secure environment for both DeFi companies and their users, pushing the industry further toward mainstream adoption.

"DeFi has the potential to change the global financial infrastructure for the better, but its success requires preempting threats like flash loan attacks. We developed this tool to provide DeFi protocols an extra layer of security on top of audits," said Martin Derka, Head of New Initiatives at Quantstamp. "As DeFi evolves, security measures need to evolve with it. Services like Economic Exploit Analysis give us an edge against hackers."

While the search process of the tool is automated, some manual guidance and protocol-specific adaptations are required. In addition to checking clients' contracts, auditors also incorporate contracts from the integrated and other relevant DeFi protocols, which enhances Quantstamp's ability to discover flash loan attack vectors that involve multiple protocols. While the search tool is non-exhaustive, meaning that attacks may still exist even if the automated tool doesn't detect them, its practical success rate is remarkably high. Currently available across all EVM-compatible chains, the Economic Exploit Analysis service has the potential to adapt the tool to other blockchains and VMs (virtual machines) suffering from similar attack vectors.

Quantstamp also offers security services including smart contract audits, ZK rollup audits, and more. Quantstamp is blockchain-agnostic, conducting audits for several other blockchains beyond Ethereum including Solana, Flow, Cardano, Avalanche, Binance Smart Chain, Near, Hedera Hashgraph, Tezos, Aptos, and Sui.

To learn more about Quantstamp's Economic Exploit Analysis service, visit quantstamp.com/economic-exploits

About Quantstamp

Quantstamp is a global leader in blockchain security, on a mission to secure the future of web3. Founded in 2017, the team has honed their expertise through hundreds of audits and worked with some of the top projects in the industry including Maker, Compound, Polygon, Arbitrum, Sandbox, and many more. To date, Quantstamp has performed 600+ audits and secured over $200 billion in digital asset risk from hackers. In addition to providing an array of security services, Quantstamp facilitates the growth and longevity of the web3 space through strategic investments and acting as a trusted advisor to help projects scale. To learn more head to our website Quantstamp.com or follow us on Twitter @Quantstamp

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SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Anycubic is thrilled to announce its eagerly anticipated 8th-anniversary celebration, scheduled for September 2nd. As part of the celebrations, Anycubic is staging the inaugural A-Creators Fest. This year's festivities will span an entire week, uniting esteemed users, revered influencers, and media partners from across the globe.

During the A-Creators Fest, Anycubic will unveil a series of exciting events, casting a spotlight on the company's latest breakthroughs and advancements in the dynamic realm of 3D printing, and celebrating the journey of success the company has been on over the past eight years.

1. Anycubic's Formnext China 2023 Showcase

As trailblazers in the 3D printing industry, Anycubic is buzzing with anticipation exhilarated to showcase its cutting-edge technologies and innovative products at Formnext China 2023. This three-day event provides a prime platform to connect directly with esteemed users, respected media partners, and industry peers.

A highlight of Anycubic's participation in Formnext China 2023, taking place from August 29th to 31st in Shenzhen, China, is the eagerly anticipated debut of the Kobra 2 series that features multiple build sizes with significantly enhanced speed, reportedly up to 500mm/s, and the revolutionary Wash and Cure Max. The Kobra 2 series and Wash and Cure Max have been meticulously crafted, surpassing expectations and boasting an array of pioneering features that are destined to captivate 3D printing aficionados and professionals alike.

Visitors are invited to the booth (B25), Hall 6, Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center, to try out the Kobra 2 for themselves. Whether individuals are seasoned 3D printing enthusiasts or inquisitive beginners, they'll discover the perfect Kobra 2 model to elevate their unique creative journey. Other top-selling offerings are also available for exploration, along with the opportunity to win prizes. Anycubic extends a warm invitation to all to join in at the Formnext China 2023. Stay tuned to our social media channels for the latest event updates.

2. Anycubic's A-Creators Fest Livestream Extravaganza

The A-Creators Fest commences with an exhilarating Livestream Product Launch - a prelude to the highly anticipated reveal of the Kobra 2 series and the groundbreaking Wash and Cure Max. The date to remember is August 31st, 2023, at 9:00 AM EDT. The host for this exciting event is TikTok star Ben Pendergast (@itsboyinspace) !

WATCH THE LIVESTREAM:

Facebook

YouTube

TikTok

Prior to this, make sure to follow the live interview between Jonathan Levi(@thenextlayer) and Anycubic Vice President James on August 29th, 9:30 PM EDT.

Live at: YouTube

3. A-Creators Fest Continues with Exclusive Offers

Spanning over five remarkable days from September 1st to September 5th, this event stands as a resounding testament to Anycubic's steadfast commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing creativity.

During the A-Creators Fest Livestream, attendees will be captivated by a series of captivating experiences. From the awe-inspiring Kobra 2 series, poised to redefine the very landscape of 3D printing, to the revolutionary Wash and Cure Max, cutting-edge technological marvels will be unveiled. This offers participants opportunities to acquire tools that can transform their creative visions into tangible realities, all at A-Creators Fest.

Find Early Bird Offers at:

A-Creators Fest

4. PrintTech Connect: Anycubic's Practical Salon

Anycubic invites friends and users from around the world to join in celebrating innovation, converging ideas and interactions. Scheduled for September 1st at 2:00 PM CST, this gathering serves as a testament to Anycubic's unwavering pursuit of excellence within its global community. Providing a unique platform for hands-on participation, the Global Innovation Rendezvous offers a glimpse into the heart of the company's innovation core.

Esteemed media partners and influential figures will convene, engaging in candid conversations and sharing genuine insights. Guided by Anycubic's engineers and management, this workshop and communication session will unfold as a dialogue-driven exchange of knowledge and exploration. Questions will meet answers, curiosity will foster connections, culminating in a narrative that intricately weaves individuals into Anycubic's innovation journey.

About Anycubic

Since its establishment in 2015, Anycubic has been committed to propelling 3D printing technology to ensure that 3D printing is accessible and affordable to people from all walks of life. We are happy to see people unleash their imagination and creativity into reality. Anycubic has made its presence in over 200 countries and regions since 2015.

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ARNPRIOR, ON / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Plaintree Systems Inc. (CSE:NPT) ("Plaintree" or the "Company").

Quarterly Statements for the first Quarter of Fiscal 2024 ending June 30, 2023.

Plaintree announced today that it has released its unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related management discussions and analysis for the three months ending June 30, 2023.

During the first three months of fiscal 2024 ending June 30, 2023, Plaintree realized revenues from operations of $7,752,991 as compared to $5,466,500 for the same period in fiscal 2023.

Net income was $664,873 in the three month period ending June 30, 2023 as compared to net income of $338,644 for the same period a year earlier.

"These favourable quarterly results reflect the successful completion of the Elmira integration and that Triodetic is well into what is expected to be a busy year" said David Watson CEO.

About Plaintree Systems

Plaintree has two diversified product lines consisting of Specialty Structures and Applied Electronics.

The Specialty Structures Division includes the Triodetic Group with over 40 years of experience, is a design/build manufacturer of steel, aluminum and stainless steel specialty structures such as commercial domes, foundations for unstable soil conditions and flood zones, for free form structures, barrel vaults, space frames and industrial dome coverings, and Spotton Corporation, a design and manufacturer of high end custom hydraulic and pneumatic valves and cylinders.

The Applied Electronics Division includes the legacy Hypernetics, Summit Aerospace USA Inc. and Elmira Stove Works Inc. businesses. Hypernetics was established in 1972 and is a manufacturer of avionic components for various applications including aircraft antiskid braking, aircraft instrument indicators, solenoids, high purity valves and permanent magnet alternators. Summit Aerospace USA Inc. provides high precision machining to the aerospace and defense markets. Our facility includes 5 axis CNC precision machining of complex castings and large ring parts such as turbine and assembly shrouds as well as assembly & pressure seals. Summit will support requirements from concept, prototype and throughout production. Elmira Stove Works Inc a manufacturer of high-end heritage and retro-styled kitchen appliances under the brand names "Northstar", "Fireview" and "Heritage".

Plaintree's shares are traded under the symbol "NPT". Shareholders and Investors can access Company information on CSE's website and receive full Company disclosure monthly. For more information on Plaintree or to receive stock quotes, complete with trading summaries, bid size and ask price, brokerage house participation, insider reports, news releases, disclosure information, and CSE and SEDAR filings, visit the CSE website at www.cnsx.ca or the Company's website at www.plaintree.com.

Plaintree is publicly traded in Canada on the CSE (NPT) with 12,925,253 common shares and 18,325 class A preferred shares outstanding.

This press release may include statements that are forward-looking and based on current expectations. The actual results of the company may differ materially from current expectations. The business of the company is subject to many risks and uncertainties, including changes in markets for the company's products, delays in product development and introduction to manufacturing and intense competition. For a more detailed discussion of the risks and uncertainties related to the company's business, please refer to documents filed by the company with the Canadian regulatory authorities, including the annual report of the Company for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 and related management discussion and analysis.

Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.

For further information: Robert Turley, CFO (613) 623-3434 x2282

SOURCE: Plaintree Systems Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/776267/Plaintree-Systems-Inc-Announces-Third-Quarter-Fiscal-2023-Results
WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / During World Water Week 2023, Global Water Challenge (GWC) and Cargill announced the launch of new projects in Brazil in partnership with Brazilian-based non-profit organizations. This initiative supports Cargill's global commitment to addressing local water challenges and specifically improving access to safe drinking water in communities in priority regions.

Cargill and GWC launched its Cargill Currents platform in 2021 to address water challenges faced by local communities. The program supports access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and enhanced water security in priority regions by tailoring to the specific needs of the target communities. The global program is expected to benefit more than 150,000 people by the end of 2024. Building on this partnership, Cargill and GWC are expanding their efforts across Brazil by constructing sanitation facilities and water supply systems, which will significantly improve drinking water provision, community health and the overall well-being of Brazilian community members throughout seven projects across five municipalities and watersheds.

The new projects in Brazil, managed by GWC through the Cargill Currents platform, are designed to build community resilience, promote economic development and deliver multiple socio-economic and sustainability co-benefits beyond water access alone. These initiatives will prioritize efforts to promote community health and livelihoods by improving access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

"Because of our position as a connector of the food system, Cargill has the unique ability to develop holistic water solutions that drive impact-at-scale. That's why we've set a global ambition to enable a water positive impact across our operations, supply chains and communities by 2030," said Michelle Grogg, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at Cargill. "Partnering with organizations like Global Water Challenge is just one way we are working to strengthen local water systems. Together we will continue to drive sustainable change in communities where it is needed most."

Following a Call for Proposals and a rigorous review process, Cargill and GWC have selected and partnered with the following organizations to drive and implement the in-country execution of the project's goals and initiatives:

ChildFund is a child-focused international development organization that helps deprived, excluded and vulnerable children to have the capacity to improve their lives and the opportunity to become young adults, parents and leaders who bring lasting and positive change in their communities. In Brazil, ChildFund has been working since 1966 to address challenges impacting Brazilian children living below the international poverty line. These challenges include inadequate education, poor health care and lack of access to safe drinking water. ChildFund works with local partners to provide support, protection and care for children so that they grow up healthy and strong. This work also includes improving water quality and preventing water-borne diseases and infant mortality.

Instituto de Projetos e Pesquisas Socioambientais (IPESA) is a Brazilian NGO comprising experts and environmental activists working to build a sustainable society that balances economic growth, preservation of natural resources and social justice. IPESA has worked extensively in Brazil to train on appropriate water management and improving water and sanitation access in rural communities.

These two organizations will play an instrumental role in ensuring that project activities are implemented in collaboration with the local communities in the following Brazilian municipalities: Luis Eduardo Magalhaes, Sao Desiderio, Santarem, Sao Felix do Xingu and Rio Verde. Key interventions include community upliftment and improving clean water access through the construction and rehabilitation of water supply and distribution systems, the development of water treatment systems, the promotion of effective water systems management, WASH education and training - particularly to reduce water-borne diseases and the empowerment of communities through training in financial and entrepreneurship skills.

"This World Water Week, we celebrate the power of collective action and partnerships that galvanize sustainable solutions to address water access challenges," said Monica Ellis, CEO of Global Water Challenge. "Cargill's global commitment to addressing critical needs in priority regions and building community resilience is commendable. As the partnership is at the core of GWC's water stewardship programs, we are excited to be a part of these continued efforts through the expansion of our partnership with Cargill into Brazil. Brazil will form part of a growing list of countries and communities where livelihoods are being positively impacted through our partnership."

The Cargill Currents platform is one example of how Cargill is working toward its global ambition to enable water-positive impacts across their operations, supply chains and communities by 2030, in alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6. The Cargill Currents program, in partnership with GWC, started in 2021 and has implemented 13 projects in Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, India and the United States, positively impacting nearly 48,000 people to date. The newly launched projects in Brazil are expected to benefit an estimated 41,000 people with improved water access, sanitation and hygiene. By the end of 2024, Cargill Currents initial investments aim to benefit up to 150,000 people with improved WASH in priority communities and basins around the world. Additional projects are in development for Europe, North America and West Africa.

Across the world, Cargill is dedicated to effectively balancing and addressing the shared water challenges of availability, quality and access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, using an approach that is informed by local context. You can learn more about Cargill's commitment to water here.

# # #

About Cargill

Cargill helps the world's food system work for you. We connect farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and families with everyday essentials - from the food they eat, to the ground they walk on. Our 160,000 team members worldwide innovate purposefully, empowering our partners and communities as we work to nourish the world safely, responsibly, and sustainably raise feed. This includes our 11,000 colleagues in Brazil, where we have worked since 1965 to make our global vision a local reality. The possibilities are limitless, from feeds that reduce methane emissions to renewable fuels based on waste from feeds meal synergies. But our values remain the same. We put people first. We got further. We do the right thing. And that's how Cargill meets the changing needs of the people we call neighbors and the planet we call home - today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com.

About Global Water Challenge?(GWC)

Global Water Challenge (GWC) is a coalition of leading organizations deploying expertise and networks to advance global water security and achieve universal access to safe and affordable drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in communities around the world. Since 2006, GWC has positively impacted over 3 million across Africa, the Americas and Asia with clean water access, and its campaigns, tools, data, and best practices reach millions more. In collaboration with multi-sector partners, GWC engages in action - catalyzing financial resources and driving innovative programming for sustainable, local solutions. For more information, please visit globalwaterchallenge.org.

Press Information

Emily Webster - media@cargill.com

Madeline Flamik - madeline.flamik@globalwaterchallenge.org





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Global Environment & Technology Foundation (GETF) on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Global Environment & Technology Foundation (GETF)

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/global-environment-technology-foundation-getf

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Global Environment & Technology Foundation (GETF)

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Falcon Gold Corp. (TSX-V:FG)(GR:3FA)(OTCQB:FGLDF); ("Falcon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the company has received assay results from the late spring, early summer 2023 exploration program conducted over the Gun Flap Hill project located in Southern Newfoundland. The project covers the northwestern portion of the Golden Brook Property, and is located approximately 160 kilometers southwest of Deer Lake. Samples from the first pass reconnaissance program have identified multiple anomalies from rock samples, including:

Copper-Tantalum-Vanadium anomaly

Anomalous Gold

Nickel-Chromium anomaly

Multiple Critical and Rare Element anomalies including Lithium, Tantalum, Cerium, Lanthanum and Strontium

Prospecting surveys were completed by the company in late May and early June 2023 over predetermined target locations within the largely unexplored Gun Flap Hill project, as part of the company's Q2 2023 Reconnaissance Program. The program was developed to investigate the gold potential of the property through initial prospecting along predefined traverses over a number of priority target areas that were identified in 2022 on the basis of geophysical, geological and structural analysis completed by Falcon. The comprehensive review identified multiple areas deemed prospective in the northwestern part of the Golden Brook Property. A total of 57 rock samples were collected by the prospecting team and submitted to Eastern Analytical Ltd. In Springdale, Newfoundland, an ISO 17025 Certified Analytical Testing Facility, for 34 Element ICP Analysis. Sample collection included chip and grab samples from locations deemed of interest by the in-field personnel. Assay results identified anomalous gold (>5ppb) in three locations in association with quartz vein within granite host. The exploration program further identified multiple anomalous critical and rare metals, and the highlights from this sampling include the following:

Two sample stations returned anomalous Nickel-Chromium up to 410ppm Ni and 765ppm Cr.

One sample station returned anomalous Copper-Tantalum-Vanadium reporting 280ppm Cu, 19ppm Nb, 23ppm Ta, and 1180ppm V.

Two sample stations identified anomalous Lithium (up to 71ppm Li) associated with anomalous Cerium (up to 130ppm Ce), Lanthanum (up to 63ppm La), and Lead (up to 73ppm Pb).

Multiple sample stations returned anomalous Strontium (up to 1531ppm Sr), Zirconium (up to 281ppm Zr) and Barium (up to 3552ppm Ba) proximal to the anomalous Lithium sample stations.

The nickel-chromium anomalies are preliminary in nature and should not be considered conclusive evidence of a mineral occurrence. The results represent new information for the area in which the samples were collected, and there are no previously documented nickel or chromium anomalies historically recorded within the public domain from the areas in which the exploration work was conducted. The highly anomalous results are interpreted by the company to be associated with unexplored gabbroic intrusive rocks emplaced within the Gun Flap Hill project area. The newly identified base metal anomalies are under further review by the company. A follow-up survey that includes detailed local geology mapping, additional prospecting and targeted sampling is being considered for a fall 2023 exploration program.

Falcon interprets the multiple critical and rare earth element anomalies to be associated with undocumented pegmatites emplaced in relation to unexplored granite rocks in the project area. The potential for pegmatites in the vicinity of the Gun Flap Hill project was first documented during regional mapping in the early 1980's by the Mineral Development Division, of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Mines and Energy which identified an undisclosed number of pegmatites emplaced within deformation zones of granite plutons west of the project. The critical and rare earth element anomalies represent new information for the area in which the samples were collected, and there are no previously documented rare earth anomalies historically recorded in the public domain from the areas in which the samples were collected. The newly identified anomalies are under further review by the company to better determine their significance, and to develop an exploration program for further follow up.

Mr. Karim Rayani, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Our Gun Flap Hill Property was originally staked to explore its gold potential due to its close proximity to the Cape Ray Fault zone, which hosts the nearby former Hope Brook Mine. The anomalous gold values are significant in that they identify three areas of anomalous gold within the Cape Ray Fault deformation zone, and results greater than 5ppb gold in the province are considered anomalous enough to require follow up work. I must state again these were reconnaissance surveys conducted within an extensive and largely unexplored area, and to have found new areas of Nickel and Chromium and REE mineralization in previously undocumented areas serves to highlight the highly prospective nature of this land position. We feel the Hope Brook Property holds tremendous potential for new exciting discoveries, and we are very excited to see a new critical element discovery for battery elements in the camp as we prioritize projects for our fall exploration campaign."

The Cape Ray Fault Zone has historically been recognized as being fertile for gold. The property is located in proximity to several gold prospects (Wilding Lake, Cape Ray), an advanced stage gold deposit (Valentine), and a former gold mine (Hope Brook). The Company had originally acquired the Golden Brook for its gold potential. Within this immediate area, the most significant deposit is the former Hope Brook Gold Mine, which was in production from 1987 to 1997, producing 752,163 ounces of gold. The Hope Brook deposit now owned by First Mining, and has since been optioned to Big Ridge Exploration Corp., which has outlined an additional 6.33 million tonnes at an average grade of 4.68 grams per tonne gold for 954,000 ounces of gold in the indicated and inferred categories. Falcon has applied for financial assistance for the Golden Brook (Hope Brook) project through Newfoundland's Junior Exploration Assistance (JEA) Program.

Qualified Person

Greg Robinson, 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 Falcon Gold Corp.

Falcon is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on generating, acquiring, and exploring opportunities in the Americas. Falcon's flagship project, the Central Canada Gold Mine, is approximately 20km southeast of Agnico Eagle's Hammond Reef Gold Deposit which has currently estimated 3.32 million ounces of gold (123.5 million tonnes grading 0.84 g/t gold) mineral reserves, and 2.3 million ounces of measured and indicated mineral resources (133.4 million tonnes grading 0.54 g/t gold). The Hammond Reef gold property lies on the Hammond shear zone, which is a northeast-trending splay off the Quetico Fault Zone ("QFZ") and may be the control for the gold deposit. The Central Gold property lies on a similar major northeast-trending splay of the QFZ.

The Company holds multiple additional projects: The Esperanza Gold/Silver/Copper mineral concessions located in La Rioja Province, Argentina; The Viernes Gold/Silver/Copper project in Antofagasta Chile; The Springpole West Property in the world-renowned Red Lake mining camp; a 49% interest in the Burton Gold property with Iamgold near Sudbury Ontario; in B.C., the Spitfire-Sunny Boy, Gaspard Gold claims; the Great Burnt, Gander North/South, Valentine Gold South, Victoria West, and Golden Brook acquisitions adjacent to First Mining, Matador, Benton-Sokoman's JV, and Marvel Discovery in Central Newfoundland; and most recently Battery Metals projects in Ontario and Quebec, The Timmins West and Outarde Property.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Falcon Gold Corp.

"Karim Rayani" Karim Rayani

Chief Executive Officer, Director

Telephone: (604) 716-1036

Email: k@r7.capital

Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements which reflect the expectations of management. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: completion of the Spin-Out. Actual future results may differ materially. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. There is no assurance any of the conditions for closing will be met. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Falcon Gold Corp.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - Rome Resources Ltd. (TSXV: RMR) (FSE: 33R) ("Rome" or the "Company") is pleased to announce further assay results from the recently completed drilling program within the Bisie North Tin Project ("BNTP"), including for 3 holes at its Kalayi Prospect and 5 additional holes at its Mont Agoma Prospect. The BTNP is situated in the Walikale District of the North Kivu Province in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo ("DRC").

Results from Drilling at the Kalayi Prospect

Assay results from initial three drill holes confirm the significant tin (Sn) discovery at the Kalayi Prospect

at the Kalayi Prospect Drilling covered 150m of a high-grade tin in soil anomaly covering a strike length of 2,000m. Best intersections included: 12.5m at 1.06% Sn from 41.5m including 2.5m at 3.39% Sn from 50m and 0.5m at 11.7% Sn from 51.5m in KBDD003 2.5m at 2.60% Sn from 79m including 0.5m at 7.15% Sn from 80m in KBDD002

Best intersections included: Results to date demonstrate potential for further significant tin mineralisation from next phase of drilling planned to test remainder of the 2,000m strike length.

Results from Drilling at the Mont Agoma Prospect

Further assay results received support the current model that Mont Agoma is a multi-element prospect over a strike length of more than 1,000m with upper mineralised levels of tin, zinc, silver and high-grade copper and high-grade tin mineralisation expected at deeper levels. Assay results were reported for a further 5 holes.

Best tin intersections within upper mineralised levels included: 12m at 0.31% Sn from 29m including 1.75m at 1.14% Sn from 31.75m in MADD005 9.0m at 0.25% Sn from 122m including 0.50m at 1.20% Sn from 124m in MADD011

Best copper and zinc intersections within upper mineralised levels included: 41m at 3.52% Cu from 139m including 13.15m at 7.8% Cu from 143.85m in MADD010A 49m at 3.76% Zn from 76m including 4m at 10.04% Zn from 90m in MADD010A



CEO and President Mark Gasson commented: "We are extremely excited about the new discovery at Kalayi. Two of the first four holes have intersected significant tin mineralisation and we have only tested 150m of the defined 2km tin in soil anomaly. We are confident of identifying further significant tin mineralisation as we continue to test the anomaly. We consider the initial drilling at Kalayi to be hugely successful as it is unusual to have two intersections of this magnitude from a first round of drilling, given the team's understanding of mineralisation along the Bisie Ridge. The same team was responsible for the discovery and resource drilling on Alphamin's world-class tin projects.

We are equally excited about drilling at deeper levels at Mont Agoma. The high-grade copper, zinc, lead and silver and associated anomalous tin clearly demonstrates that we are drilling at the upper levels within the mineralised system. Typically, tin is deposited from high temperature hydrothermal fluids closer to the source at depth. Our focus is high grade tin mineralisation at depth, but significant near surface high grade copper mineralisation has the potential to materially enhance project economics."

We strongly believe our team has a good handle on the mineralisation identified at the two different targets at Bisie North, both of which have potential for the definition of significant tin resources from extension and deep drilling."

Discussion of Results at the Kalayi Prospect

Four diamond holes were drilled for a total of 463.5m beneath the artisanal workings at the Kalayi Prospect as shown in Figure 1, where previous channel sampling reported up to 1m at 11% Sn. Drilling tested 150m of the 600m high grade tin in soil anomaly (>80ppm Sn) within the broader 2,000m soil anomaly (>40ppm Sn). Assay results have been received for 3 holes at Kalayi as summarised in Table 1 and shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Three discrete zones of tin mineralisation were intersected in KBDD003 as shown in plan in Figure 1 and in section in Figure 2. Highly significant intersections included 12.5m at 1.06% Sn from 41.5m including 2.5m at 3.39% Sn from 50m and 0.5m at 11.7% Sn from 51.5m and 3m at 1.92% Sn from 70m including 0.4m at 12.85% Sn from 70.7m. These high-grade intercepts are highly significant as they have potential to develop into zones of substantial width and grade at depth and on strike due to the pinch and swell nature of mineralisation associated with quartz veins and shearing. Alphamin Resources's Mpama South Prospect has little near surface mineralisation above the bulk of its resource where they have defined 147,900 tonnes of contained tin in the Indicated and Inferred Resource categories.*

Tin mineralisation is also expected to have a strong shoot geometry as observed elsewhere along the Bisie Ridge which will be confirmed in the future planned drilling programme.

KBDD002 reported a best intersection of 2.5m at 2.60% Sn from 79m including 0.5m at 7.15% Sn from 80m. Initial interpretations suggest that the high-grade tin intersected in KBDD002 forms part of a separate zone of shearing to that in KBDD003 and it is possible that the mineralisation at Kalayi is within a series of en echelon parallel structures which are potentially mineralised along the 2,000m tin in soil anomaly.

Mineralisation at Kalayi is clearly within the tin zone with very little copper or base metal support. Tin mineralisation is expected from surface and is interpreted to continue along the ridge to the northwest and southeast of the drilling at Kalayi over the full extent of the 2,000m soil anomaly. Infill close spaced soil sampling and pitting/trenching programmes have commenced on the ridge and will guide future drilling programmes.

*Alphamin Resources, Investor Presentation, BMO Roadshow 19, June 2023

Initial focus will be to follow up on the significant tin intercepts in holes KBDD002 and KBDD003 at depth and on strike to identify any potential shoot geometry and continuity of mineralisation within the mineralised structures.





Figure 1: Diamond Drill Hole Collar Positions and Drilling Intersections on the Kalayi Tin in Soil Anomaly

view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9037/178227_e1ed1c2f14a86a2f_001full.jpg





Figure 2: Section Across KBDD003 showing Drilling Results within the broader Zone of Shearing at the Kalayi Prospect. Mineralisation is Open at Depth and on Strike.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9037/178227_e1ed1c2f14a86a2f_002full.jpg

Discussion of Results at the Mont Agoma Prospect

Assay results have been received for 5 additional holes at Mont Agoma as summarised in Table 1 and shown in section in Figure 4.

The most significant intercept in understanding the model for mineralisation at Mont Agoma was from the deepest intersections reported to date from MADD010A which included 26m at 0.15% Sn from 149m, 41m at 3.52% Cu from 139m including 13.15m at 7.8% Cu from 143.85m and significant silver mineralisation with 8m at >100g/t Ag within a 35m intercept. These results clearly indicate that drilling at Mont Agoma has been concentrated on the upper levels of mineralisation within tin deposits which typically show a strong zonation with concentrations of copper, zinc, lead and silver typical of tin deposits in the upper levels and tin mineralisation at lower levels. Intersected base metal mineralisation is analogous to the upper levels mined out at San Rafael in Peru where copper, lead, zinc and silver were mined from surface before passing through a transition zone of copper and tin and today it is a tin producing mine. San Rafael currently produces 10% of the world's tin.

The 26m tin intercept in MADD010A is the deepest and widest continuous tin intercept reported to date at Mont Agoma and supports a potential increase in width and grade at depth. Future drilling will target the tin, copper and zinc zone and the tin zone shown in Figure 4 which are potentially mineralised over more than 1,000m at depth and to the southeast.

Tin intercepts of 12m at 0.31% Sn from 29m including 1.75m at 1.14% Sn from 31.75m were also reported from MADD005 and 9m at 0.25% Sn from 122m including 0.5m at 1.2% Sn from 124m and 0.65m at 1.03% Sn from 128.5m from MADD011.

Two zones of zinc mineralisation were intersected at Mont Agoma as shown in section in Figure 4. It is not clear whether the eastern zone is a cross-cutting conduit for zinc impregnated mineralised fluids which were deposited along the western shear intersected in MADD002 (90m at 4.01% Zn) or whether it is a localised zone of zinc mineralisation which is not observed on the neighbouring section lines.





Figure 3: Diamond Drill Hole Collar Positions on the Mont Agoma Tin in Soil Anomaly

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9037/178227_e1ed1c2f14a86a2f_003full.jpg

The Company has completed infill soil sampling programmes and will trench the high-grade areas where possible to better define the surface strike continuity of the mineralised structures to assist with planning of the next phase of drilling at the Mont Agoma Prospect. Results for the remaining 4 holes are expected by the end of August 2023.





Figure 4: Section 1 Across MADD002, MADD007, MADD005 and MADD010A and MADD015A showing Multiple Tin and Base Metal Mineralised Structures which cover more than 200m Width and remain Open at Depth.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9037/178227_e1ed1c2f14a86a2f_004full.jpg





QP Statement

Dr Deon Vermaakt is a consultant of Rome Resources Ltd and qualified geologist and is a registered Professional Natural Scientist (Geological Science) with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP Reg. No. 400074/03). Dr Vermaakt is a qualified person (QP) under NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

Dr Vermaak reviews all sampling procedures and results of QAQC samples, which are inserted at regular intervals throughout the sample submissions on an on-going basis. A total of 29 QAQC control samples were inserted into the sample stream, consisting of 9 pulp duplicates, 9 Blanks and 10 CRM's. All returned satisfactory and acceptable values.

About Rome Resources

Rome Resources Ltd. is a mineral exploration company that has entered into two option agreements and a binding term sheet to acquire direct and indirect interests in two contiguous properties situated in the Walikale District of the North Kivu Province in eastern DRC, which are collectively referred to as the "Bisie North Tin Project". Rome has completed an initial phase of drilling on the project where it is responsible to fund exploration up to the completion of a definitive feasibility study.

Contacts

Investors / Shareholders

Mark Gasson

President, CEO & Director

P: (604) 687-6140

Media

E: info@romeresources.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this news release may include certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Although Rome Resources Ltd believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, Rome Resources Ltd disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States.

Table 1: Significant Mineral Intercepts at the Kalayi and Mont Agoma Prospects (0.1% cut-off grade for Sn, 0.5% cut-off grade for Zn & Cu; 3m maximum internal waste)

BHID From (m) To (m) Width (m) Sn% Cu% Zn% Pb% KBDD001 53,00 54,00 1,00 0,17 KBDD002 31,20 32,00 0,80 1,32 79,00 81,50 2,50 2,60 incl. 80,00 80,50 0,50 7,15 KBDD003 40,50 52,50 12,00 1,06 incl. 43,50 44,50 1,00 2,78 50,00 52,50 2,50 3,39 51,50 52,00 0,50 11,70 59,00 60,00 1,00 1,11 70,00 73,00 3,00 1,92 incl. 70,70 71,10 0,40 12,85 MADD004A 7,00 10,50 3,50 0,19 incl. 10,00 10,50 0,50 0,59 14 17 3 0,39 76,00 92,00 16,00 1,37 84,10 92,00 7,90 0,63 88,00 92,00 4,00 1,16 incl. 91,00 92,00 1,00 6,97 133,00 138,00 5,00 1,37 MADD005 6,50 8,00 1,50 1,45 9,00 13,00 4,00 0,18 29,00 41,00 12,00 0,32 61,00 62,00 1,00 1,34 65,65 71,00 5,35 1,73 77,00 78,00 1,00 1,16 94,50 98,00 3,50 0,22 94,50 104,25 9,75 2,85 1,66 101,00 103,00 2,00 0,16 142,00 145,00 3,00 2,68 167,00 174,00 7,00 3,32 179,50 190,00 10,50 2,59 196,50 203,00 6,50 2,94 212,00 218,00 6,00 1,20 226,00 231,00 5,00 5,56 235,00 256,00 21,00 2,93 263,00 264,00 1,00 1,34 271,00 272,50 1,50 1,96 279,00 281,50 2,50 1,14 MADD010A 51,00 52,00 1,00 1,71 56,00 57,00 1,00 1,11 75,00 80,00 5,00 5,78 76,00 125,00 49,00 3,76 incl. 77,00 83,70 6,70 4,71 incl. 90,00 94,00 4,00 10,04 incl. 111,00 120,00 9,00 5,42 82,20 92,00 9,80 0,61 120,70 124,00 3,30 0,52 139,00 180,00 41,00 3,52 incl. 143,85 157,00 13,15 7,80 incl. 150,00 157,00 7,00 11,48 incl. 165,50 167,00 1,50 6,34 149,00 175,00 26,00 0,15 incl. 171,50 172,00 0,50 0,74 150,00 162,00 12,00 1,47 157,50 158,00 0,50 1,04 MADD011 0,00 12,00 12,00 1,01 87,30 92,50 5,70 0,10 95,00 103,00 8,00 0,58 96,00 105,00 9,00 2,64 incl. 96,00 97,00 1,00 9,97 102,00 103,00 1,00 0,86 111,00 139,00 28,00 1,04 113,00 139,00 26,00 1,26 114,00 115,00 1,00 1,06 122,00 131,00 9,00 0,25 incl. 124,00 124,50 0,50 1,20 incl. 128,50 129,15 0,65 1,03 123,00 125,50 2,50 0,72 147,00 148,00 1,00 1,66 MADD012 50,85 63,00 12,15 2,06 incl. 52,75 54,00 1,25 9,47 86,00 107,00 21,00 1,32 incl. 100,00 100,90 0,90 6,68 91,00 92,50 1,50 0,66 98,00 100,90 2,90 0,18 98,00 108,00 10,00 1,43 98,00 107,00 9,00 0,59 111,00 112,00 1,00 0,34 112,00 121,50 9,50 0,57 135,00 142,15 7,15 1,68 135,00 146,00 11,00 1,69 137,00 141,55 4,55 0,46 137,50 141,55 4,05 0,10

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178227
Amsterdam, Netherlands--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - ClickDealer is pleased to announce that Digital Media Solutions acquired the assets of ClickDealer in early March. This acquisition materialized despite the precarious state of ClickDealer's Ukrainian assets and the termination of its operations in Russia. ClickDealer navigated away from significant losses that jeopardized its existence and emerged in an acquisition within a year's time. The development of ClickDealer and its strategic prowess in confronting adversity was covered in a recent article.

ClickDealer was established in 2012 as a modest affiliate network, primarily focusing on the dating vertical, with its operations centered in a single office in Ukraine. This marked the first of several challenges that the company encountered.

ClickDealer swiftly diversified to counteract the industry's turbulence that could have threatened its survival. By hiring professionals with connections and expertise in markets like the US, APAC, LATAM, and Europe, ClickDealer's strategy proved successful. The company not only expanded its verticals, but also established offices in key international locations.

In 2018, ClickDealer reached a crossroads: rely on third-party software or develop its platform. Opting for the latter, with an in-house team, they solved server problems, introduced innovation, and spurred growth. The new platform's speed and autonomy set ClickDealer apart, showcasing both growth and tech prowess. The dedicated team continued crafting tools enhancing services.

The global ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic affected every sector, including affiliate marketing. For ClickDealer, this meant the loss of the travel vertical but a surge in e-commerce. Moreover, the pandemic brought along the common challenges of remote work, restricted travel, and health concerns. However, the most significant blow to ClickDealer's operations was the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While ClickDealer operated on a global scale, its origins in Ukraine meant that its offices, including key executives, were operating in a war zone.

Of particular consequence was ClickDealer's strategic push into the Russian market over several years, marked by industry sponsorships, partnerships, and campaigns. Recent military mobilization had, however, influenced the company's terminating its operations in Russia. In response, the company established an office in Warsaw to accommodate employees who left Ukraine, while most of the Ukrainian team chose to work remotely from their home country.

As it had done before, ClickDealer adapted to the dire circumstances. Leveraging its diverse assets accumulated over a decade, the company shifted focus to the US and European markets. Investments in e-commerce, smartlink technology, pay-per-call, iGaming, and lead generation verticals proved fruitful, leading to Digital Media Solutions' acquisition of ClickDealer's assets for a substantial $40 million.

Reflecting on ClickDealer's 11-year journey and recent acquisition, their ability to excel under pressure is attributed to diversification, adaptability, and exceptional teams. ClickDealer thrived by identifying trends, amassing resources, and executing strategies effectively. Central to their success were teams that forged partnerships, drove platform evolution, and triumphed during conflicts. Investing in people stood out as the key lesson. A united, capable team ensures with resilience. ClickDealer's path highlights persistence, strategic acumen, and team commitment as drivers of success, emphasizing that challenges can fuel growth with the right approach.



Contacts

ClickDealer

pr@clickdealer.com

Bloemgracht 17 H, 1016KB

Amsterdam, Netherlands

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178228
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - Wedgemount Resources Corp. (CSE: WDGY) (OTCQB: WDGRF) ("Wedgemount" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement ("PSA") for the acquisition of additional oil and gas assets (the "Assets") located in the Permian Basin of west central Texas. The PSA is with an arm's length private company (the "Seller") located in Texas, USA.

Highlights:

1200 acres including 9 oil and gas leases adjacent to Wedgemount's core area

8 producing and one injector well currently producing 27 barrels of oil per day

Total consideration of US$650,000 comprised of US$50,000 cash and a US$600,000 vendor take back loan ("VTB")

Non-dilutive to WDGY shareholders as purchase will be financed with cash on hand and VTB loan

Minimal capital required to significantly increase current production

Multiple up-hole shallow targets on acreage for potential future growth

Opportunity to add additional assets in immediate area

Wedgemount will acquire a 100% working interest in 1200 acres including nine oil and gas leases, eight producing and one injector well and all surface facilities. Current production from the eight wells is approximately 27 barrels of oil per day of high quality, low-decline operated production. The area's geology consists of numerous hydrocarbon producing formations which will be targeted by the Company.

"We're excited to announce Wedgemount's third Permian Basin light oil acquisition in our new core area in central Texas," stated Mark Vanry, CEO of Wedgemount. "We believe the new assets offer the same low-cost production upside exhibited by our existing assets. Further, the deal demonstrates the Company's ability to source and execute on low-cost conventional oil acquisitions in central Texas. Field work including chemical treatments and well-workovers are expected to commence immediately upon closing. Additional upside potential includes new zone perfs, and additional wells targeting undeveloped zones."

Terms of the Purchase

In consideration for the purchase of the Assets, Wedgemount will pay the Seller US$50,000 in cash from the balance sheet and a 10%, 24-month take back loan of US$600,000. Wedgemount expects to close the proposed transaction as outlined in the PSA on or before October 31, 2023.

About Wedgemount Resources Corp.

Wedgemount Resources is a junior oil & gas company focused on maximizing shareholder value through the acquisition, development and exploitation of natural resource projects in the southern US.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

WEDGEMOUNT RESOURCES CORP.

Mark Vanry, President and CEO

For more information, please contact the Company at:

Telephone: (604) 343-4743

info@wedgemountresources.com

www.wedgemountresources.com

Reader Advisory

This news release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information," including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements made in this news release include the anticipated completion of the acquisition and the proposed timing thereof, the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, the potential for gas production and production from additional zones on the Assets, and potential additional acquisition opportunities in the area of the Assets. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, availability of funds, personnel and other resources necessary to conduct exploration or development programs, successes of the Company's exploration efforts, availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178236
Rogue Baron Plc - Equity Raise

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, August 23

For Immediate Release

23 August 2023

ROGUE BARON PLC

("Rogue Baron" or "The Company")

Equity Raise

Rogue Baron PLC (AQSE: SHNJ), a leading company in the premium spirit sector, is pleased to announce that it has raised 50,000 by way of with the issue of 6,666,667 new ordinary shares in the Company at a price of 0.0075 per share.

Admission to AQSE Growth Market

Application will be made for the 6,666,667 new ordinary shares to be admitted to trading on the AQSE Growth Market ("Admission"). It is expected that Admission of the new ordinary shares will become effective at 8.00 a.m. on or around 30 August 2023. The new ordinary shares will be issued credited as fully paid and will rank in full for all dividends and other distributions declared, made or paid after Admission and will otherwise rank on Admission pari passu in all respects with the existing ordinary shares.

Total Voting Rights

Following Admission, the Company's issued share capital will comprise 96,709,743 Ordinary Shares with voting rights. The Company does not hold any Ordinary Shares in treasury. The figure of 96,709,743 Ordinary Shares may therefore be used by shareholders in the Company as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change in their interest in, the share capital of the Company under the FCA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement.

For further information, please contact:

Ryan Dolder

rdolder@roguebaron.com

AQSE Corporate Adviser:

Peterhouse Capital Limited

Guy Miller +44 (0) 20 7469 0936

AQSE Corporate Broker:

Peterhouse Capital Limited

Lucy Williams +44 (0) 20 7469 0936
by Stephen Bryen

If the Ukraine war ended tomorrow, the United States will still need to send hundreds of billions in aid to that country. The bill includes continuation of military assistance, budget support for the Ukrainian government and reconstruction assistance.





President Biden has just asked for another $24 billion to support Ukraine, primarily for military equipment but also budget support ($7.3 billion). While Congress is increasingly skeptical about another huge chunk of money to fund an endless conflict, it is peanuts compared to what will be asked after the war ends.





Members of the SPG-9 anti tank recoilless gun crew fires the gun onto Russian positions near the occupied Ukrainian city of Bakhmut on August 14, 2023 in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. (Photo by Roman Chop/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)





For example, Ukraine will need massive help in rebuilding the shattered country.





The World Bank has done a revised estimate on reconstruction needs, based on data from the first year of the war (February 2022 to February 2023). The Bank says that Ukraine needs $411 billion for reconstruction over a ten year period. That estimate will need to be significantly increased to account for February to August 2023 and beyond. It would make sense to think that even if the war stopped tomorrow, reconstruction aid would come to $600 billion or more, or more than half a trillion dollars.





For comparison purposes, the war in Iraq featured a reconstruction program of $60 billion.





The US also spent $90 billion over twelve years to support Afghanistan (although the war continued in that country.)





There is no doubt that most of the US assistance to Afghanistan was probably stolen or went over to the Taliban. On top of that, billions of US war fighting equipment was left in place and is now used by the Taliban.





In the case of Iraq, most of the aid was wasted thanks to bad management, corruption and poor planning.





The US and its allies will need to cough up $60 billion annually to support Ukraine, and expect that a lot of it will be stolen. It will have to keep the funding up for 10 years.





Consider that Germany has committed to support Ukraine for as long as it takes at $5 billion annually. But the German government in power is likely to soon be replaced, and that pledge is about as worthless as the Weimar Mark. Likewise the UK economy is very dodgy, and finding serious money in future will prove a real challenge. The bottom line is that most of the money will have to come from Uncle Sam.





It may be that some Washington insiders are thinking that the best thing is to prolong the war as long as possible, because if the fighting continues the US just needs to provide military assistance and budget support for the government, but not reconstruction assistance. In effect, that is the Biden administration policy. By continuing the war the Biden government thinks they can convince Congress to keep paying and they can keep Ukraine alive by forking over arms and money to pay salaries and for needed supplies. But will Congress be willing to keep spending for an endless war? It is likely Congress will want to know where the money is going, how it is used, and how the US government accounts for its spending.





Most Americans oppose more aid to Ukraine. We are entering an election period with the first Republican presidential debates coming soon. Ukraine is sure to be an issue and some candidates, like Robert Kennedy Jr., already are speaking out against supporting the war. This could mean Biden will have a huge problem trying to get a skittish Congress, including his fellow Democrats, to sign up for more spending on a losing proposition.





It has long been understood that Ukraine is a corrupt country. Ukrainian politicians, including Zelensky, have offshored some of their wealth (Zelensky has a villa in Tuscany on the seashore in Forte dei Marmi which he bought before he entered politics and now rents to Russian clients at 12,000 euros a month). President Biden and his son Hunter are embroiled in an investigation of illicit payments and other activities centered partly on Ukraines Burisma energy company (and in part on transactions in China).





When the big reconstruction money starts flowing, assuming that happens, political and military officials in Ukraine will enthusiastically help the United States line their pockets.





Ukraines corruption was highly visible this month as President Zelensky fired all the military recruiters in the country because they were selling recruitment passes to young men seeking to avoid the war.





Ukraine is the most costly operation ever carried out by the United States. The US Marshall Plan for European reconstruction after World War 2 cost the United States $13.3 billion. That amount, in 2023 dollars, would be $173 billion, roughly a third of what reconstruction would cost for Ukraine.





There will be a strong lobbying effort by some US companies who anticipate getting rich providing support to Ukraine (these in addition to the usual suspects in defense industries). We have seen them before in the Iraq reconstruction exercise. This lobbying will provide bait to Democrats and Republicans who otherwise might walk away from the war. But will it be enough to go against the will of American voters?





Americans can rightly ask what are we getting for these huge outlays that will seriously burden US taxpayers?





The US policy on Ukraine is a disaster from many angles, but for sure one of them is the huge dollar cost in supporting this endless misadventure.





Stephen Bryen is a former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense and is a leading expert in security strategy and technology. Bryen writes for Asia Times, American Thinker, Epoch Times, Newsweek, Washington Times, the Jewish Policy Center and others.
Leadership Addition Strengthens Company's Commitment to Advancing Innovative Therapies



NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2023) ("Tiziana" or the "Company"), a biotechnology company developing breakthrough immunomodulation therapies via novel routes of drug delivery, is pleased to announce that it has appointed William A. Clementi, Pharm.D., FCP as Chief Development Officer. Dr. Clementi will formally take up the CDO role effective September 1, 2023. In this role, Dr. Clementi will be responsible for overseeing the company's development strategies and advancing its portfolio of groundbreaking therapeutic candidates.

Dr. Clementi brings with him a wealth of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, having held leadership roles at several prominent companies. He has a proven track record of successfully guiding development programs from early stages through clinical trials, regulatory approval, and commercialization. His deep understanding of drug development and his strategic insights will be invaluable as Tiziana continues to advance its pipeline.

Dr. Clementi has followed a science-driven career path since completing his NIH Training Fellowship (under John L. McNay M.D. and Thomas M. Ludden Ph.D.). Upon completing his Fellowship research in drug metabolism and vascular smooth muscle relaxation, Dr. Clementi joined the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (UTGBS) faculty and the College of Pharmacy faculty in Austin, Tx, in the Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology at the Health Sciences Center in San Antonio. His primary responsibilities were interdisciplinary, and he led innovative programs in the Colleges with teaching, research, and clinical commitments. Dr. Clementi directed the Clinical Pharmacokinetic Consultation Service, providing novel computer-based drug dosing to the acute care settings at two major teaching hospitals.

Dr. Clementi continued his career in the pharmaceutical industry, joining Synthelabo and the U.S. affiliate Lorex Pharmaceuticals, where he held the Worldwide Director of Market Development position. Lorex and Synthelabo launched three EMA and FDA-approved products (betaxolol, zolpidem, and alfuzosin).

In 1991 Dr. Clementi established a regulatory consulting company, Clementi & Associates, Ltd. (dba as Clementi Ltd). Clementi Ltd. provides regulatory and clinical consultation to small companies developing drugs, biologics, cell-based therapies, organ sustainability products and contrast media for medical imaging. Clementi Ltd. has experience with required regulatory submission standards and processes, including orphan designation, exploratory INDs, expanded access INDs, and combination drug-drug and device-drug products. Clementi Ltd also provides high-level cGMP and GCP oversight.

Dr. Clementi is a graduate of Boston University and the University of Texas and the College of Pharmacy.

Commenting on his new role, William A. Clementi said, "I am excited to join Tiziana Life Sciences and contribute to the advancement of its innovative therapeutic candidates. I am excited to apply my regulatory and drug development experience and skills to Tiziana and contribute to the leadership team. The company's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs and its dedication to scientific excellence are truly inspiring. I look forward to working closely with the talented team at Tiziana to drive the development of novel treatments that have the potential to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives."

Gabriele Cerrone, Chairman, acting CEO and founder of Tiziana Life Sciences, expressed his enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, "We are delighted to welcome William to Tiziana as our Chief Development Officer. His extensive experience and leadership in drug development align perfectly with our company's vision to bring transformative therapies to patients in need. As Tiziana enters a critical phase of growth and development, William's expertise will undoubtedly contribute to our success."

About Tiziana Life Sciences

Tiziana Life Sciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing breakthrough therapies using transformational drug delivery technologies to enable alternative routes of immunotherapy. Tiziana's innovative nasal approach has the potential to provide an improvement in efficacy as well as safety and tolerability compared to intravenous (IV) delivery. Tiziana's lead candidate, intranasal foralumab, which is the only fully human anti-CD3 mAb, has demonstrated a favourable safety profile and clinical response in patients in studies to date. Tiziana's technology for alternative routes of immunotherapy has been patented with several applications pending and is expected to allow for broad pipeline applications.

For further inquiries:

Tiziana Life Sciences Ltd

Paul Spencer, Business Development and Investor Relations

+44
BERLIN and NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2023, the leading composable commerce platform for sophisticated use cases in B2B Commerce, Enterprise Marketplaces, and Thing Commerce, has been recognized by Gartner as a Visionary in the 2023 Magic Quadrant for Digital Commerce. 2023 marks Spryker's fourth consecutive inclusion in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Digital Commerce, and its third as a Visionary. The evaluation was based on specific criteria that analyzed the company's overall Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute.



"From my point of view, being positioned as a Visionary for our Completeness of Vision is a true testament to the groundbreaking work our product and technology teams are delivering around composability with a focus on B2B, Enterprise Marketplaces, Unified Commerce, and B2C capabilities," said Boris Lokschin, Co-Founder and CEO at Spryker. "In my opinion, this recognition confirms our conviction that composability is the future of commerce and the Spryker App Composition Platform is the answer to that future. Our App Composition Platform simplifies the processes of creating exceptional commerce experiences with pre-integrated solutions of trusted technology partners that is constantly growing, further empowering our customers to efficiently connect the right technologies needed to differentiate themselves."

The Spryker App Composition Platform enables a revolutionary approach to composable commerce for enterprises that slashes integration time, radically reduces costs, and helps businesses to adapt to an ever changing market. The cloud-native platform provides enterprises seamless access to third-party services and best-of-breed digital commerce vendors via an industry-first trial model, which includes full service level agreement (SLA) and software lifecycle coverage for all composed capabilities.

"As competition continues to heat up in all industries, we strongly believe that businesses that take advantage of composable and sophisticated commerce will lead the way when it comes to providing customers with stand-out digital commerce solutions," said Boris Lokschin. "We are continuing to innovate as we expand, and earlier this year we launched our Composable Value Services offering. The new set of tools and services empower enterprises to get more from their composable commerce investments, ensure faster ROI, and accelerate their timeline from adoption to achieving business outcomes. With developments like Composable Value Services, Spryker's state of the art platform is leading the way for enterprises to drive growth, innovate efficiently, and ensure customers get the expected business value out of their digital commerce experiences."

Spryker's Composable Value Services were designed alongside the customer journey to optimize implementation and success. Each service is designed specifically to help customers achieve their business objectives and is a unique bundle that combines Spryker's strategic Solution & Technology Partner Services and Spryker's Success Enabling Services. Combined with Spryker's composability and cloud-native B2B and B2C capabilities, businesses using Spryker's platform can more easily differentiate themselves from competitors based on how they operate and sell best.

Spryker remains committed to its mission to ensure digital differentiation by providing a platform designed for sophisticated transactional business. This includes best-in-class SLAs with 99.99% uptime and true flexibility. Its intelligent platform and solutions adapt to customers' needs, allowing them to stay ahead of constantly changing market trends.

Download the 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Digital Commerce here to learn why Gartner recognizes Spryker as a Visionary in digital commerce.

References:

*Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Digital Commerce, Mike Lowndes, Aditya Vasudevan, Penny Gillespie, Sandy Shen, Yanna Dharasthira, Jason Daigler, 21 August 2023.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, and MAGIC QUADRANT is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Gartner disclaimer

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Spryker

Spryker is the leading composable commerce platform for enterprises with sophisticated business models to enable growth, innovation, and differentiation. Designed specifically for sophisticated transactional business, Spryker's easy-to-use, headless, API-first model offers a best-of-breed approach that provides businesses the flexibility to adapt, scale, and quickly go to market while facilitating faster time-to-value throughout their digital transformation journey. As a global platform leader for B2B and B2C Enterprise Marketplaces, Thing Commerce, and Unified Commerce, Spryker has empowered 150+ global enterprise customers worldwide and is trusted by brands such as ALDI, Siemens, Hilti, and Ricoh. Spryker is a privately held technology company headquartered in Berlin and New York backed by world class investors such as TCV, One Peak Partners, ProjectA, Cherry Ventures, and Maverick Capital.

https://spryker.com
LONDON, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate five years since its grand opening by HRH Prince William, Prince of Wales, Japan House London announces a programme of special events and offers, running from 13 to 24 September 2023, including a ramen masterclass with MasterChef winner Tim Anderson, an exhibition 'Late' event and create-your-own Japanese craft workshops, as well as the chance to win two flights to Japan.

Japan House London, which presents Japan's leading creative talent, craftsmanship, and cuisine from its location on Kensington High Street, was officially inaugurated by Prince William, Prince of Wales on 13 September 2018. In his opening speech the Prince said: "This amazing building - Japan House London - is intended to be the bridge across which the best in ideas and creativity between the UK and Japan will flow." Bringing the Prince's words to life, Japan House has since worked on collaborations with the likes of the British Museum, the V&A and the Royal Collection Trust. Its varied programme has included 17 exhibitions and displays, hosting world renowned Japanese talent, from highly popular manga artist Urasawa Naoki through to esteemed architect Sejima Kazuyo. The building itself has welcomed over 1,626,000 visitors who have sought out Japan House London's programme of free events, its range of thoughtfully designed and crafted products in the Shop, the curated collections of books in the library and Japanese drinks and cuisine at the cafe stand and restaurant.

To celebrate its fifth anniversary, Japan House invites guests to join a festival of enticing events, taking place from 13-24 September, encouraging visits from those who have yet to step foot inside and welcoming back all for whom the building and its events have become a regular fixture of London life. The free celebratory event programme includes:

Exhibition 'Late': evening access to the Japan House London gallery to enjoy its current exhibition WAVE: Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts, with a backdrop of exciting DJ sets, spotlight talks, workshops, drinks and snacks

Ramen Masterclass: a unique chance to catch chef Tim Anderson as he showcases the art of making ramen in this free demonstration

Competition: from 13 September - 1 October 2023 visitors to Japan House London (in person or online) can enter a competition to win a pair of premium economy seats on board a Japan Airlines (JAL) flight from London to any destination in Japan (conditions apply)

Film Screening: a free screening of 'I Wish' by esteemed Japanese film director Koreeda Hirokazu

Creative Workshops: try your hand at producing elegant wagara (Japanese patterns) using markers from popular Tokyo-based company Copic and create a take-home hand towel, or come along for a soothing suminagashi (marble painting) experience

(Japanese patterns) using markers from popular Tokyo-based company Copic and create a take-home hand towel, or come along for a soothing (marble painting) experience Giveaways: catch staffs from Japan House London on 13, 15 and 16 September at the Kensington Arcade as they hand out free celebratory gifts

Alongside this lineup of events, the Shop on the building's ground floor will offer tea and cake sets for 5 (limited to 50 per day) and AKIRA restaurant on the second floor will serve Kohaku Daifuku - celebratory rice cakes stuffed with red bean paste.

On the achievements of Japan House London to date, Director General Sam Thorne said: 'We're still a relatively young organization but we feel like we've achieved a great deal over the last five years, from holding over 900 free events to inspiring visits to Japan by students, professionals and tourists. There is no doubt that as well as the hard work of our own team, these achievements have come about as a result of the generous support of our collaborators, partners, and of course our visitors. As we reach this significant milestone, we are delighted to be able to say thank you to all of our supporters with this series of free events, activities and competitions.'

For further details on specific events and booking information, please see the Japan House London website: www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on/.

------------------------------------ ADDITIONAL NOTES ----------------------------------------------

About Japan House

Japan House London is a cultural destination offering guests the opportunity to experience the best and latest from Japan. Located on London's Kensington High Street, the experience is an authentic encounter with Japan, engaging and surprising even the most knowledgeable guests. Presenting the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, and technology, it deepens the visitor's appreciation of all that Japan has to offer. Part of a global initiative, there are two other Japan Houses, one in Los Angeles and the other in Sao Paulo.

Events hosted by Japan House can be found here: www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on

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The global gas turbine MRO market is driven by a surge in the replacement of nuclear and coal-driven turbines with gas turbines, and the growth in demand for power generation.

PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Gas Turbine MRO Market by Technology (Heavy Duty, Light Industrial, Aero-Derivative), By Type (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul), By Provider Type (OEM, Independent Service Provider, In-House), By End-Use (Power Generation, Oil, And Gas, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032." According to the report, the global gas turbine MRO industry generated $14.5 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to generate $20.4 billion by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 3.5% from 2023 to 2032.



Gas Turbine MRO, also known as Gas Turbine Maintenance, Repair, or Overhaul (MRO), is the process of maintaining, repairing, and overhauling gas turbines. Gas turbines are used to transform fuel into mechanical power for electricity generation or propulsion. They are used in a variety of industries, from power generation to oil and gas to aviation and marine. Gas Turbine Maintenance, Repair, and Operating (MRO) involves a variety of activities related to the inspection, testing, and cleaning of gas turbines, as well as the replacement and refurbishment of components and optimization of performance to ensure maximum efficiency, dependability, and longevity of the machinery.

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Prime Determinants of Growth:

The global gas turbine MRO market is driven by the growing demand for electricity and the growing adoption of gas turbines in various industries, including power generation, aviation, and oil and gas. Also, the surge in global energy demand and the shift toward cleaner and more flexible power generation options, such as gas turbines, contribute to the rising demand for gas turbine MRO services. However, the high cost associated with gas turbine MRO is expected to act as a major restraint for market growth. Nevertheless, innovation and technological advancement are expected to provide ample market growth during the forecast period.

Report Coverage & Details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $14.5 billion Market Size in 2032 $20.4 billion CAGR 3.5 % No. of Pages in Report 300 Segments covered Technology, Type, Provider Type, End-Use, and Region. Drivers Surge in replacement of nuclear and coal-driven turbines with gas turbines Opportunities Technological advancement Restraints High cost associated with gas turbine MRO



Russia-Ukraine War impact analysis on the gas turbine MRO market-

The Russia-Ukraine War had led to disruptions in the supply chain for gas turbine components and spare parts. Both Russia and Ukraine are significant players in the global gas turbine industry, with many manufacturers and suppliers based in these countries. Any disruptions to the production and transportation of parts can lead to delays and shortages for gas turbine MRO companies, affecting their ability to conduct timely repairs.

Geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine can create uncertainty and instability in the region, potentially impacting international trade and business relations. MRO service providers operating in or relying on supplies from the region may face challenges due to political and economic factors.

Energy Prices and Demand: The conflict in the region can have broader implications for energy prices and demand. Gas turbines are used in various industries, including power generation, and fluctuations in energy prices and demand can influence the need for maintenance and repairs. Economic instability resulting from the conflict may also impact investment in new gas turbine projects, affecting the long-term demand for MRO services.

Gas turbine operators in the region and those with operations or assets located in the affected area may face challenges due to the war's direct impact on infrastructure and operations. MRO providers catering to these operators might experience changes in service demand or contract cancellations.

In response to geopolitical risks, gas turbine MRO companies may consider diversifying their supply chains and customer bases to reduce reliance on regions affected by the conflict. This may lead to increased trade with other countries and regions, potentially expanding the global gas turbine MRO market.

The heavy-duty segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period-

Based on technology, the heavy-duty segment accounted for the largest share in 2022, contributing to more than two-thirds of the global gas turbine MRO market revenue, and is projected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. Heavy-duty gas turbines are large and powerful machines used primarily for power generation in utility and industrial applications. MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) for heavy-duty gas turbines is critical to ensure their optimal performance, reliability, and safety throughout their operational life. On the other hand, the aero-derivative segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2023 to 2032. Aero-derivative gas turbines are derived from aircraft jet engines and are used in various industries for power generation, mechanical drive systems, and other applications. Aero-derivative gas turbines MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) are essential to ensure the reliable and efficient operation of these high-performance machines.

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The maintenance segment to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period-

Based on type, the maintenance segment accounted for the largest share in 2022, contributing to more than two-fifths of the global gas turbine MRO market revenue, and is projected to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. Gas turbines require regular scheduled maintenance, which includes routine inspections, cleaning, and replacement of consumable parts such as filters and seals. Scheduled maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensures continuous and efficient operation. However, the repair segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2023 to 2032. Gas turbines repair is a critical aspect of the overall MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) process, focused specifically on addressing issues, damages, or malfunctions in gas turbines. Repair activities aim to restore the gas turbine to its optimal operational condition, ensuring it can perform efficiently and safely.

The OEM segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period-

Based on provider type, the OEM segment accounted for the largest share in 2022, contributing to nearly three-fifths of the global gas turbine MRO market revenue, and is projected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. Gas turbine MRO services are provided by the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of gas turbines. These services are usually carried out by the manufacturers themselves or their authorized service centers. Since the OEMs have an in-depth understanding of their own products, they are well-equipped to provide comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul solutions to ensure the continued performance, reliability, and safety of their gas turbines. However, the in-house segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.0% from 2023 to 2032. Gas turbine MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) carried out in-house refers to maintenance activities performed by the operators or owners of the gas turbines themselves, rather than relying on external OEMs or independent service providers. In-house MRO is when a company or organization maintains and services its gas turbines using its own resources, personnel, and facilities.

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Asia-Pacific to maintain its dominance by 2032-

Based on region, the Asia-Pacific segment held the major share in 2022, accounting for nearly three-fifths of the global gas turbine MRO market revenue and is likely to dominate the market during the forecast period. The same region would also display the fastest CAGR of 3.7% from 2023 to 2032. The Asia-Pacific region encompasses a diverse range of countries with varying levels of economic development and industrialization. This region's increasing energy demands, economic growth, urbanization, and investments in infrastructure have contributed to the rising demand for gas turbine MRO services.

Leading Market Players: -

MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD

SOLAR TURBINES INCORPORATED

KAWASAKI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.

SIEMENS ENERGY AG

DOOSAN ENERBILITY

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY

ANSALDO ENERGIA SPA

BAKER HUGHES COMPANY

SULZER LTD.

METALOCK ENGINEERING



The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global gas turbine MRO market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

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Series C is led by Koch Disruptive Technologies and includes Bristol Myers Squibb, DFJ Growth, Willett Advisors and existing investors Eclipse, Decheng Capital, and 8VC

Cellares' commercial-scale IDMO Smart Factory in Bridgewater, NJ is a 118,000 sq ft facility with capacity for 40,000 cell therapy batches per year demonstrating a 10x increase in productivity compared with conventional CDMO facilities

Cellares' TAP program allows participating partners to automate and tech-transfer manual processes onto the Cell Shuttle manufacturing platform in only six months

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cellares , the first Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) dedicated to clinical and industrial-scale cell therapy manufacturing, has secured $255 million in Series C funding led by new investor Koch Disruptive Technologies. In connection with the financing, David Mauney, Managing Director at Koch Disruptive Technologies, will join the company's board of directors. Global biopharmaceutical company and cell therapy leader Bristol Myers Squibb also participated in the round, alongside DFJ Growth, Willett Advisors and existing investors Eclipse, Decheng Capital, and 8VC.

"Cell therapies have tremendous curative potential across a wide range of diseases. But right now, manufacturing by conventional CDMOs is expensive, failure-prone, and impossible to scale," said David Mauney, managing director of Koch Disruptive Technologies. "Cellares is driving transformation in the marketplace by combining an Industry 4.0 approach with full vertical integration. As the first IDMO, Cellares is empowering cell therapy companies to build viable businesses, remain competitive, and meet the needs of fast-growing patient populations."

Cellares will use the new funding to launch the world's first commercial-scale IDMO Smart Factory, which seamlessly integrates advanced robotics, purpose-built technology, and interconnected software. The 118,000 sq. ft. IDMO Smart Factory, located in Bridgewater, New Jersey, will be capable of producing 40,000 cell therapy batches per year[1]. By leveraging integrated technologies, IDMO Smart Factories can produce 10 times more cell therapy batches per year than traditional CDMO facilities, even with the same footprint and the same workforce. Cellares' Smart Factories will be deployed around the world to enable the cell therapy industry to meet global patient demand.

"The creation of the first IDMO marks the beginning of a new era, in which cell therapies will finally be able to reach patients in need," said Cellares CEO Fabian Gerlinghaus. "We've developed integrated technologies for the entire drug development and manufacturing life cycle. Now we're leveraging these technologies to offer global manufacturing services for the living drugs of the 21st century. Our partners are some of the best academics, biotechs, and large pharma companies in the world. We're enabling them to meet total patient demand, improve consistency and quality, lower manufacturing costs, and accelerate expansion to new markets."

The company's flexible manufacturing technology supports both autologous and allogeneic cell therapy processes and about 90% of cell therapy modalities. The Cell Shuttle platform integrates all the technologies required for all unit operations and is successfully running CAR-T cell therapy processes with true walk-away, end-to-end automation. Compact automation leads to a 90% reduction in labor and facility size to produce the same number of batches, thus enabling the 10x increase in productivity of Cellares' IDMO Smart Factories.

Cellares currently operates two Smart Factories in the US and is planning a third. Cellares' first Smart Factory, located in South San Francisco, is currently being used for preclinical process development and tech transfer of manual processes onto the Cell Shuttle for existing partners. The South San Francisco Smart Factory will be cGMP-ready in the first half of 2024.

The new Smart Factory in Bridgewater, New Jersey is dedicated to commercial-scale manufacturing. With 118,000 sq. ft. of space, the site has capacity for 50 Cell Shuttles and will be able to produce 40,000 batches per year. The New Jersey site will be cGMP-ready in the second half of 2024. While the company can support clinical trials in Europe out of its US Smart Factories, it will also break ground on the first IDMO Smart Factory in Europe in 2024.

Manual processes can be automated and tech transferred onto Cellares' automated Cell Shuttle platform in only six months via the company's Technology Adoption Partnership (TAP) program. Under the TAP program, participating cell therapy developers can tech-transfer their cell therapy processes onto a Cell Shuttle at any stage - during pre-clinical development, in the clinic, or after regulatory approval. Thanks to automation, standardization, and software-defined manufacturing (SDM), every tech transfer thereafter is instantaneous, to any other Cell Shuttle in any other Smart Factory anywhere in the world.

Please visit cellares.com/partnering/ to learn more about the TAP program and request a meeting with a business development representative.

About Cellares

Cellares is the first Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) and takes an Industry 4.0 approach to mass manufacturing the living drugs of the 21st century. The company is both developing and operating integrated technologies for cell therapy manufacturing to accelerate access to life-saving cell therapies. The company's Cell Shuttle integrates all the technologies required for the entire manufacturing process in a flexible and high-throughput platform that delivers true walk-away, end-to-end automation. Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares' Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and pharma companies to accelerate drug development and scale out manufacturing, lower process failure rates, lower manufacturing costs, and meet global patient demand.

The company is headquartered in South San Francisco, California with its commercial-scale IDMO Smart Factory in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The company is backed by world-class investors and has raised over $355 million in financing.

For more information about Cellares, please visit cellares.com .

Media Contact

cellares@consortpartners.com

[1] Based on a 7-day autologous process. With shorter processes or allogeneic approaches, the IDMO Smart Factory in Bridgewater, NJ can produce even more doses per year.

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The "Czech Republic Agriculture Tractor Market Industry Outlook Forecast 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Czech Republic tractor market is expected to reach 3,835 units by 2028 from 3,326 units in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 2.4%

The Czech Republic tractor market increased by 7.9% in 2022 from 2021. The increase in crop production and tractor sales was due to favorable climate conditions and government support to farmers. The Central Bohemian region witnessed a massive increase in farm mechanization in terms of agricultural and industrial productivity.

The Czech Republic tractor market is highly concentrated, with the top players controlling most of the industry. Domestic and global brands, on the other hand, are equally represented in the industry. The Czech Republic government plans schemes and initiatives to facilitate credit and improve agriculture-related operations, which will contribute to the growth of the overall value chain of the market.

John Deere, Kubota, CNH, and AGCO dominated the Czech Republic tractor market. These brands have adopted several strategies to gain traction in the market. In the Czech Republic, both domestic and international tractor market manufacturers have established dealer networks.

These dealerships offer sales, service, and spare parts, ensuring farmers can access dependable aftersales services and tractor maintenance. The dealer network is important in growing market penetration and providing clients with localized support.

MARKET TRENDS DRIVERS

The Development of Advanced Tractors

Like, other countries, the Czech Republic is also developing advanced tractors. The country has a strong agricultural sector, and the adoption of innovative agriculture technologies has been focused on research and development.

Several Czech companies have been developing smart tractors and associated technology. These firms frequently collaborate with research organizations, universities, and overseas partners to capitalize on automation, data analytics, and robotics knowledge.

Reducing Workforce Boosting Farm Mechanization

The availability of trained farm labor has declined while labor cost has increased. To solve these issues, farmers increasingly look to mechanization to compensate for labor shortages and lower labor expenses. When compared to manual labor, farm mechanization improves efficiency and production.

Modern machinery can complete tasks faster, more correctly, and consistently. Mechanization allows Czech farmers to complete farming operations more efficiently, improving yield and lowering the time required for various chores. Precision agricultural technology integration has aided farm mechanization in the country.

Precision location, automated guiding systems, and data-driven decision-making are made possible by technologies such as GPS, sensors, and data analytics. These technologies enable farmers to optimize their operations, avoid overlaps, and maximize resource utilization, resulting in higher efficiency and lower labor requirements.

SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY HORSEPOWER

Based on the engine power output, the Czech Republic tractor market is segmented as less than 50 HP, 50 HP-100 HP, and above 100 HP.

In 2022, the above 100 HP segment recorded a high market share in the Czech Republic tractor industry. The major factor for the steady growth of the medium-power range of tractors is the increased business turnover among hobby and livestock farmers. Above 100 HP tractors are popular among farmers that own large farmlands.

For Large-scale land, farmers in the South Bohemian region prefer the Above 100 HP range of tractors. These tractors will help farmers to increase their efficiency and enable better production returns.

INSIGHTS BY DRIVE TYPE

Ease of driving and flexibility with light loads and in plain fields are major factors that boost the demand for two-wheel-drive tractors in the Czech Republic tractor market.

Industry players redesign their 2WD tractors with more power and features so farmers can upgrade them per their requirements. The features are fuel efficiency and added comfort for operations in confined spaces. Thus, manufacturers customize their products according to the industry and end-user requirements.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The Central Bohemian region dominated the Czech Republic tractor market and led in adopting and penetrating farm mechanization practices. The major Czech Republic regions in Central Bohemian are Kolin, Nymburk, Benesov, Beroun, and Kladno. Kolin is a high-potential market for new tractors and advanced agricultural tools in Central Bohemian.

Further, the size of the Central Bohemian and South Bohemian farms necessitates using stronger, more expensive tractors. In addition, farms in these areas have more potential to get EU funding and produce higher revenue. These elements enable farmers in the abovementioned areas to purchase tractors with superior technological specifications, particularly those with greater power.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Opportunities Trends

Development of Advanced Tractors

Increasing Potential for Electric Tractors

Reducing Carbon Emissions in Country

Market Growth Enablers

Assistance to Farmers Through Loans Subsidies

Use of Alternative Fuel-Based Tractors

Reducing Workforce Boosting Farm Mechanization

Market Restraints

Climate Change Adversely Impacts Agricultural Equipment

Lack of Awareness of Latest Agricultural Equipment Innovations

Competition Landscape

Recent Developments by Top Players

Brand Loyalty

Sales Exports

Value Chain Analysis

Overview

Raw Material Component Suppliers

Manufacturers

Dealers/Distributors

Retailers

End-Users

Common Agricultural Policy Eu Agricultural Expenditure

Technological Advances

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Company Profiles

John Deere

Kubota

CNH Industrial

AGCO

Other Prominent Vendors

Deutz-Fahr

Yanmar

Iseki

Zetor

JCB

CLAAS

Steyr Traktoren

SALEK

CASE IH

URSUS

New Holland

Fendt

Valtra

SAME

Kioti

Massey Ferguson

Belarus

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Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, August 23

For immediate release

23 August 2023

FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC

(the "Company")

MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES

The Company announces that it has today purchased 50,000 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 858.75 pence per Ordinary Share. Such shares will be held in treasury by the Company.

The transaction was made pursuant to the authority granted at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 17 January 2023.

Following this transaction, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury is 18,745,544; the total number of Ordinary Shares that the Company has in issue, less the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury following such purchase, and therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 206,245,759.

The figure of 206,245,759 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for calculations of interests in the Company's voting rights in accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

For and on behalf of

Frostrow Capital LLP

Company Secretary

For further information, please contact:

Victoria Hale

Frostrow Capital LLP

Tel: 020 3 170 8732
WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EB5 Capital, a prominent leader in the EB-5 investment industry, is pleased to announce that investors in their Portland Hilton Canopy (JF14) project have started receiving I-829 approvals from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS issues I-829 approvals, or permanent residency, to investors who have met USCIS's stringent vetting requirements and demonstrated that their EB-5 investment created at least ten full-time jobs for the US economy.



Portland Hilton Canopy, a 153-room boutique hotel, is in the heart of the Pearl District in Portland, Oregon. It features a rooftop lounge with city views, a ground-floor cafe, a state-of-the-art meeting and events center, and a 24-hour rooftop fitness center overlooking the neighborhood.

"Obtaining I-829 approval signifies a pivotal moment within the EB-5 immigration process," said Natalia Pronina, Vice President of Investor Relations at EB5 Capital. "The I-829 petition is the second and final petition that investors need to submit to USCIS. Receiving I-829 approvals in a project signals USCIS's confirmation that the necessary jobs were created, and investors are now eligible for permanent residency."

EB5 Capital raised $15.5 million to develop Portland Hilton Canopy, fostering economic growth and job creation in Portland. The project alone has added 769 new jobs to the local economy. Including Portland Hilton Canopy, EB5 Capital has funded 13 hotel projects across the US. Portland Hilton Canopy is a prime example of EB5 Capital's ongoing efforts to stimulate job growth and elevate economic prospects nationwide.

About EB5 Capital

EB5 Capital provides qualified foreign investors with opportunities to invest in job-creating commercial real estate projects under the United States Immigrant Investor Program for more information.

Contact:

Katherine Willis

Director, Marketing & Communications

media@eb5capital.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - American Aires Inc. (CSE: WIFI) (OTC Pink: AAIRF) ("Aires" or the "Company"), a leader in scientifically-proven EMF modulation technology, announces the filing of its unaudited Financial Statements and the MD&A for the second quarter of 2023, covering the period April 1 to June 30, 2023. The Company reported Q2/2023 sales were $1.93 million. This represents a 29% or $0.43 million increase compared to the same period a year ago. Compared to the previous quarter of Q1 2023, reported sales increased $0.44 million or 29% mostly due to timely supply of product and inventory buildup allowing our marketing team to take advantage of strong product demand.

The Company's strong Q2 2023 performance is further highlighted by its Gross Profit, which improved by 81% or $0.51 million YoY to $1.13 million. As a result, the reported gross margin reached a strong 59%, up from 42% in Q2 2022 and fairly consistent with 60% reported in Q1 2023.

Advertising and Promotion expenses increased by $0.28 million, or 51% YoY, to $0.82 million, while Marketing expenses saw a modest increase of $0.06 million or 14% YoY to $0.49 million. The company's calculated marketing initiatives and controlled spending highlights Aires' ability to effectively manage costs while achieving substantial top line growth. Removing a one-time equity-based finance charge of $0.92 million, Adjusted Net Loss for the quarter was $1.02 million, 7% higher than $0.95 million reported in the second quarter a year ago. Reported Net Loss was $1.94 million, 105% higher than $0.95 million rerported in the same period a year ago. When looking at earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA", "adjusted net loss", non-IFRS measure), EBITDA improved by 7% YOY to the adjusted net loss of $0.72 million from $0.77 million during the same period last year.

About American Aires Inc.

American Aires Inc. is a Canadian-based nanotechnology company committed to enhancing well-being and environmental safety through science-led innovation, education, and advocacy. The company has developed proprietary silicon-based microprocessors that reduce the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Aires' Lifetune products target EMR emitted by consumer electronic devices such as cellphones, computers, baby monitors, and Wi-Fi, including the more powerful and rapidly expanding high-speed 5G networks. Aires is listed on the CSE under the ticker 'WIFI' and on the OTC Pink under the symbol 'AAIRF'. Learn more at www.airestech.com.

On behalf of the board of directors

Company Contact:

Josh Bruni, CEO

Email: wifi@airestech.com

Telephone: (415) 707-0102

Website: www.airestech.com

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements may be discussed in this news release and the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis filed at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws.

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The Shares have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of any person in the United States, absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any common shares in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. We seek safe harbour.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178270
Financial institutions are showing growing curiosity in cryptocurrency. This sparks a potential new surge in crypto prices.

More precisely, prominent find managers like Fidelity and BlackRock have submitted their applications for Bitcoin EFTs, which is a significant change in the point of view on digital assets from the traditional finance sector.

Another thing that contributes to this change is the CNBC interview with BlackRocks CEO, Larry Fink. According to him, global crypto products can surpass all challenges that the decreasing dollar imposes!

The Institutional Interest in Crypto Assets is Rapidly Increasing

On a recent episode of the Crypto Mile, Michael Roberts was a guest. Hes leading the main operations at Copper and was discussing the growing institutional attraction toward crypto and other similar digital assets.

Roberts highlighted the growth in momentum that occurred after the FTX exchanges collapse in November 2022. He also mentioned that the crypto industry faced the first positive month for institutional interest in June.

According to Roberts, many recent developments are becoming part of significant financial institutions. He claims that major fund managers of spot Bitcoin EFT applications, like BlackRock and Fidelity, contribute to the higher validation of investment banks. But this also strengthens the fact that cryptocurrencies are becoming a promising asset class.

Besides this, Roberts points out that large companies within the investment landscape also have a considerable influence. More precisely, when industry giants like BlackRock express their pleasure, investment banks start considering Bitcoin and other currencies as legitimate options.

Tokenization of Real-World Assets

Regarding the changing perception of Bitcoin, Roberts stated that it seems like Bitcoin is fulfilling its commitments. More precisely, the coin acts as a safeguarding mechanism with high value. He additionally said that people must have a sense of maturity when it comes to the crypto market, as this is one rapidly changing industry.

Roberts continued the interview by talking about the intriguing innovations in the realm of cryptocurrencies. He especially emphasized the tokenization of real-world assets and its relevance to traditional financial markets.

He says that the true potential of this domain lies in the many advancements it incorporates, particularly the digital representation of tangible assets like bonds and stocks.

However, cryptocurrencies are making their mark in various industries beyond finance. Their decentralized nature and underlying blockchain technology have sparked interest in sectors like supply chain management, where tamper-proof record-keeping can enhance accountability. But they also started to enter the healthcare industry. This sector now explores how crypto projects can improve patient data security and streamline medical record management.

On top of this, such crypto innovations and projects have also become part of our every day hobbies, such as online casinos and online shopping. In fact, the UK has one of the fastest-growing crypto industries. Therefore, there is almost no UK online casino with slots in 2023 that doesnt accept crypto payments. You will encounter the same thing even if you want to shop online. There is rarely an eCommerce website that doesnt enable purchases with cryptocurrencies.

Coppers Offerings and Unique Selling Propositions

Somewhere before the end of the interview with Yahoo Finance, Roberts mentioned Coppers offerings. He explained that their range of products allows institutional clients to become part of the crypto world without worrying about security issues.

Roberts also talked about Coppers value propositions. They include providing exchange solutions that combine collaterals within the UK trust framework. According to him, this approach ensures that investors can enter the crypto sector confidently. On top of that, he perceives digital assets as bearer instruments that wont be misunderstood, like FTXs.

Then, he put a little bit of focus on the Asian market, which he claims has great potential. He revealed that public blockchains in Asia capture a lot of interest. Although he finds this surprising, he is astonished by the fact that digital assets managed to gain that much attention in a short amount of time. Roberts ended the interview by mentioning that the upcoming bullish run in the crypto market may originate from Asia.

Right now, the crypto market has faced some severe issues in the last few days, as Bitcoin and Ethereum faced liquidations of $1 billion. So, it looks like we just need to leave time to tell whether Roberts claims will somehow enhance the industry.
In a startling revelation, the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) has sounded the alarm on what it calls a sinister plot to undermine Sri Lankas sovereignty by turning it into a digital colony of India. The alleged conspiracy revolves around the acquisition of all Sri Lankan citizens data under the guise of providing electronic identity cards, a claim made in a recent press conference held in Kandy by the partys education secretary, Pubudu Jayagoda.





This controversial scheme traces its roots back to 2013 when the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration introduced the electronic identity card bill, a move that was met with fierce public opposition. However, it was ultimately passed in 2015 with the unanimous approval of all political parties in the parliament.





Madras Security Printers also bears the dubious distinction of being blacklisted in countries such as Kenya, Liberia, and Sudan, primarily for its interference with an e-ID project in the Philippines.





Recent revelations suggest that the real intentions behind this electronic identity card project may go beyond domestic governance. With a staggering cost of 41.05 billion rupees to provide electronic identity cards to the Sri Lankan population, India offered a significant grant of 22.33 billion rupees on the condition that an Indian company would be entrusted with the project. The consequences of such an agreement are nothing short of alarming.





If this project proceeds as planned, India would have access to a treasure trove of sensitive biometric data, including facial features, family lineage, medical histories, and even bank account information of every citizen in Sri Lanka. Its a situation that eerily mirrors colonialism, with Sri Lanka potentially becoming a digital vassal state.





Furthermore, Indias economic entanglement with Sri Lanka has raised eyebrows. In a bid to address Sri Lankas economic crisis, India extended a loan of 4 billion dollars, a move that some argue could be viewed as a strategic manoeuvre to gain undue influence over the island nation. This situation is beginning to resemble a digital invasion rather than a financial bailout.





The tender for this project was initiated on May 8th of this year, and its deadline was subject to suspicious alterations. Originally set for July 3rd, it was postponed multiple times, shifting from August 14th to July 18th and then August 1st before finally settling on August 2nd. The reasons behind these mysterious changes are yet to be disclosed.





Notably, only two Indian companies, Madras Security Printers and Protein Technologies, submitted tender bids by the August 2nd deadline. Other firms were deterred by what has been described as absurd tender conditions, particularly regarding unlimited liability. Protein Technologies, one of the bidders, was disqualified due to its lack of a base ID project.





The imminent award of the tender to Madras Security Printers has raised eyebrows due to the companys checkered history. In 2016, the same company was awarded a contract to print stickers for alcohol bottles, only to betray the public trust by selling those stickers to bootleg liquor producers. This illicit activity resulted in the loss of approximately 60 billion rupees in excise revenue per year, a revelation made by the Minister of Justice in the Sri Lankan Parliament.





Madras Security Printers also bears the dubious distinction of being blacklisted in countries such as Kenya, Liberia, and Sudan, primarily for its interference with an e-ID project in the Philippines. The implications are clear: India seems to be orchestrating a digital invasion of Sri Lanka through this tainted company.





In light of these concerning developments, the Frontline Socialist Party vehemently urges the Sri Lankan government to withdraw from this project immediately. Citizens are implored to reject the new electronic identity card and to refrain from providing any personal information to it. The fate of Sri Lankas sovereignty hangs in the balance, and the world watches with bated breath as this high-stakes digital drama unfolds.
equiwatt, a Gateshead, UK-based energy management company whose app helps consumers save money by switching off appliances at peak times, raised an additional 300k in funding.

The funding has been secured from the North East Venture Fund (NEVF), supported by the European Regional Development Fund and managed by Mercia Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to scale up plans to secure more users of the app, through direct and partnership sign ups, and to continue to enhance its technology platform to support the creation of a network of connected users to form a virtual power plant.

Launched in 2020 by Dr Johnson Fernandes, equiwatt is a clean-tech startup that brings residential demand side response to householders in the UK. Its mobile app connects to smart meters and smart plugs, alerting consumers to reduce the energy used by appliances and EV charging during periods of peak demand. By establishing a collective community of users engaged in energy reduction at the same time, equiwatt is helping restore balance in the national energy supply.

In September 2022, equiwatt was accepted on the government-backed Tech Nation Net Zero 3.0 programme as a company whose innovative technology is tackling the UKs net zero goals.

In December 2022, the company received R&D funding from the Dept of Energy Security and Net Zero Energy Entrepreneurs Fund as a leading energy management innovator.

equiwatt currently employs nine staff and has thousands of households registered on its platform who collectively save energy and earn points to redeem as shopping vouchers or charity donations.

FinSMEs

23/08/2023
Francisco Partners, a global investment firm that specializes in partnering with technology businesses, is to acquire The Weather Company assets from IBM (NYSE: IBM).

Specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The deal is expected to close by the end of Q1 2024 and is subject to regulatory approvals, completion of local labor processes and other customary closing conditions.

The assets being acquired by Francisco Partners include The Weather Companys digital consumer-facing offerings, The Weather Channel mobile and cloud-based digital properties including Weather.com, Weather Underground and Storm Radar, as well as its enterprise offerings for broadcast, media, aviation, advertising technology and data solutions for other emerging industries. The Weather Company will also bring its forecasting science and technology platform to Francisco Partners.

Upon close, The Weather Company will become standalone company.

IBM will retain its sustainability software business, including its Environmental Intelligence Suite (EIS) to help clients curate, measure, report and operationalize ESG data to inform decision making, improve performance and meet regulatory requirements. IBM intends to continue leveraging The Weather Companys weather data for EIS, which spans various climate related use cases. EIS also uses a geospatial foundational AI model powered by NASAs satellite dataset and offered as part of watsonx, IBMs AI and data platform. This model has a wide range of applications, including tracking changes in land use, monitoring natural disasters, and predicting crop yields.

Through increased investment and resources from Francisco Partners, The Weather Company will look to move beyond forecasting alone and bring new tools and experiences to users to help them understand how weather impacts all aspects of their lives, starting with health and well-being. For businesses, The Weather Company plans to offer more actionable insights so organizations can provide greater value to their customers. With its advertising platform, The company will continue to provide quality real-time experiences for the ad and subscription media industry, while complying with all consumer privacy laws and regulations.

FinSMEs

23/08/2023
Gympass, a New York-based corporate wellness platform, raised $85M in Series F funding, at $2.4 Billion valuation.

The round was led by EQT Growth, with participation from Neuberger Berman on behalf of its client funds, General Atlantic and Moore Strategic Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to continue to accelerate its global expansion and product innovation, investing in its platform to enhance the user experience for both employers and employees.

Led by Cesar Carvalho, CEO, Gympass is a corporate wellness platform, offering a network of gyms, studios, classes, personal trainers, and wellness apps  all in one employee benefit. More than 15,000 companies use it to give their employees access to fitness and wellness partners.

The funding follows some milestones for Gympass, including:

Surpassing 15,000 corporate customers in July (up 80% YoY), including Aflac, Citizens Financial Group, Dignity Health, and Zendesk.

Surpassing two million employee subscribers in July and 300 million total member check-ins to its network of more than 50,000 partners.

Announcing new partnerships with wellness organizations, including 24 Hour Fitness, Barrys Bootcamp, CorePower Yoga, Headspace, Lifetime, MyFitnessPal, Orangetheory Fitness, Sleep Cycle and Thrive Global.

Expanding into new, non-physical wellness categories including mental health, nutrition and financial wellness.

Releasing its first Return on Wellbeing Study, a survey of more than 2,000 human resource leaders that found 78% of wellness programs save companies money on healthcare expenses.

FinSMEs

23/08/2023
Now Insurance, a San Francisco, CA-based AI-enabled commercial insurance platform specializing in medical professional liability coverage, received an undisclosed amount in funding from Arch Capital Group.

The company intends to use the funds for launching its new suite of medical malpractice products, scaling their platform, and expanding distribution networks.

Founded in 2019, and led by CEO Philip Cabaud, Now Insurance is a data-driven, AI-powered Insurtech company delivering a range of customizable, and flexible coverage options that meet the needs and requirements of modern physicians and healthcare providers. To this end, Now leverages technologies such as predictive analytics and machine learning.

FinSMEs

22/08/2023
Nursa, a Salt Lake City, UT-based provider of a care management platform, raised $80M in Series B funding.

The round was led by Drive Capital and joined by existing partners Pelion and Kickstart.

The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its business reach.

Led by Founder and CEO Curtis Anderson, Nursa is a nationwide platform whose real-time technology that enables hospitals, health systems, skilled nursing facilities and community organizations to secure qualified, local nursing talent for per diem shifts. To date, the company has secured more than $100 million in funding and is trusted by more than 1,300 facilities and 95,000 nurse users.

Founded in 2019, Nursa has nearly 300 team members in its Salt Lake City headquarters and remote positions. The leadership team includes:

Amanda Duke, Chief Revenue Officer

Melissa Matross, Chief Product Officer

Brad Taylor, Chief Technology Officer

FinSMEs

22/08/2023
Springshare, a Miami, FL-based library-centric SaaS vendor, acquired Patron Point, a Dublin, OH-based marketing automation and engagement solution company.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

The acquisition brings together two organizations and teams, fully dedicated to helping libraries delight their users and engage with the communities they serve. Springshare will invest resources to enhance the Patron Point platform and expand the Patron Point staff.

Led by Ian Downie, Founder and CEO, Patron Point is a patron relationship management system built specifically for public libraries and helps them attract, onboard, inform, engage and retain library customers through targeted marketing and automated engagement. The company will become an independent brand within Springshares corporate umbrella. All staff will remain at their positions and the company will continue to be led by its current management team.

Led by Slaven Zivkovic, Founder and CEO, Springshare helps libraries improve the user experience by enhancing their online presence and offering tools to increase the usage of their resources and services. Its SaaS suite is used by over 7,500 libraries in 106 countries around the world.

In the coming months the Patron Point software will be enhanced with new functionality and tight integration with Springhare software modules, including event calendars & attendee management, library of things lending, space & room bookings, virtual reference with 24/7 coverage, surveys, data analytics, and more.

FinSMEs

23/08/2023
Xalient, a Leeds, UK-based secure digital identity and network transformation specialist, acquired Integral Partners, a US-based digital identity consulting and advisory firm focused exclusively on IAM.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

The addition of Integral Partners to its portfolio enables Xalient to deliver deep identity security capabilities, and bolster its existing presence in North America.

Led by Scott Silver, CEO, and president, Integral Partners is an identity cybersecurity consulting firm dedicated exclusively to helping customers define, implement, and support the right Identity and Access Management programs. Its solutions include Advisory, IGA, PAM, Customer Identity, Access Enforcement, and Managed Services. The firm has deep knowledge and experience with all the top IAM platforms, including SailPoint, Saviynt, CyberArk, BeyondTrust, and Okta, is vendor agnostic.

Founded in 2015 by Sherry Vaswani, CEO, Xalient has been delivering a portfolio of zero-trust solutions and AI-powered managed services that span cybersecurity, software-defined networking, and communications. Headquartered in the UK and with offices in the USA, the company servesKelloggs, Avis Budget Group, WPP and Keurig Dr Pepper among its clients.

FinSMEs

23/08/2023
Ayushmann Khurrana may have charmed and mesmerized an army of love deprived men in the first Dream Girl back in 2019 with her voice, but hes literally in a drag for the sequel four years later. Pooja, the character he created, is now being chased by some new men along with the ones we saw in part one. The actor had eight consecutive hits between 2017 and 2020, but after a spate of some failures, this comedy promises to put him back to the pedestal. What are his expectations? What more can we expect from Dream Girl 2? He spills the beans on all in an exclusive interaction with Firstpost.

You recently made a reel with the original dream girl of Hindi cinema, Hema Malini. How was that experience for you?

It was a dream come true, it was so beautiful, shes so graceful and her energy levels are crazy, I have mad respect for her. Shes 74 and look at her, thats why shes called the dream girl.

Annu Kapoor said in an interview for Dream Girl 1 that this film would make over Rs 170 crore at the box-office and his prediction was bang on. What are your expectations of the sequel?

Let me call him right away (smiles). I dont know but the box-office prediction as off now is good, opening numbers and advance bookings look good so it looks like a healthy sign, the vibes are good. As far as the content is concerned, its a laugh-out-loud film, its a commercial, massy, fun film. It does justice to the first one and its a fun film as I said.

What is your take on back-to-back Bollywood hits and the anticipation of Dream Girl 2?

Yes, the curve is back, the tide has turned into the favour of the Hindi film industry. August 15 was the biggest day ever recorded in the history of commercial Hindi Cinema. Im glad we are a part of that wave, people that are watching OMG 2 and Gadar 2 are also watching our promos at single screens, multiplexes and everywhere. They have been sending me messages and live videos of how they are reacting to the trailer and its a very positive sign.

Sperm donation, erectile dysfunction, caste politics, parents pregnancy, pre-mature balding. These are topics you explored in the mainstream space. And they began a conversation. Do you feel you have showed heroism in a more real, relatable manner?

I have. I had no option because I was always the unconventional actor. They all were unconventional subjects and I worked with a lot of amazing script writers and directors that were thinking out of the box and making clutter-breaking content. Talking about Dream Girl 2, theres no message in the film, its fun, commercial, slapstick, massy film but its slight away from my filmography. Its not a woke film but catering to a larger section of the audience.

What are some of the qualities of Pooja that you like?

Shes hotter than me and sometimes Im jealous of her

Whats the one takeaway for you from the film?

The one takeaway is that if your co-actors are great, the film is great. I love working with great actors and great talent and it all starts from writing, Rajs writing is brilliant in the film and thats followed by his direction. Also, we have full women power in the team, right from Ekta Kapoor to Shobha Kapoor to Seema Pahwa, and I think its a great sign.
Language: Hindi

Cast: Nushrratt Bharuccha, Tsahi Halevi, Rajesh Jais, Amir Boutrous, Nishant Dahiya

Director: Pranay Meshram

Heart wrenching story of an Indian girl trapped in Iraq could have been filmed well. Nushrratt Bharuccha has done justice to the role. But the story of Akelli, I somehow felt was not stitched well. Too much of creative liberties failed the film. Its based on a real incident which occurred in Iraq in 2014. There are reports that says, 39 Indians were abducted in Iraq by ISIS along with 46 nurses who safely returned to their home country. It begins well, but couldnt captivate the audience.

Not a very convincing script, the film starts with Jyoti (Nushrratt Bharuccha) trying to get a job in a foreign country and finally lands up in Mosul, Iraq. She takes this life threatening decision to support his family. As she arrives in Mosul, she sees a girl being bombed. Her life takes a harsh turn when she and other workers of the other workers of the garment company where she had picked up a job gets captured by the ruthless Syrians, who rapes her and the other girls regularly.

Akelli could have been an intense, emotionally charged cinematic experience, but it failed miserably. And this is not because of the performance of the actors, but because of the way the story was weaved. An unconventional story which could have been done well, but the immature method of direction and the noticeable gaps failed the film.

Jyoti (Nushrratt Bharuccha) is seen to be trapped in the midst of a war zone in Iraq. She is struggling to escape the chaos and her struggles are real. What didnt work for the film are the unrealistic depictions and her method of escape. You cannot hide on the jet of the engine and fly from Baghdad to Delhi, it is just impossible. There is no logic applied.

Akelli could have been a good story on human resilience, but what I felt was the film failed because of the inconsistent script and because of the under-experience of debutant filmmaker Pranay Meshram. The intention of the film was good where the director has made an attempt to highlight the dangers of traveling to dangerous zones like Iran in search of better jobs and plump salaries.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5
by Lucas Leiroz





The documents were leaked months ago when several secret US Department of Defenses files were exposed by Jack Teixeira, a 21-year-old soldier working at the 102nd Intelligence Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard. Being employed in the information technology sector, Teixeira had access to several classified government data, having leaked many of them. In April, Teixeira was arrested and is expected to be sentenced to around 10 years in prison.





Nuland vs. Zelenskyy





What was not known until now is that among the documents there was a letter in which a Pentagon official showed his interest in putting someone more competent than Zelensky to take the presidency in Ukraine. In addition, Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland herself is apparently also involved in this plan, having expressed her personal desire to see Vitali Klitschko as president. In a certain part of the document, there is an open call for creating conditions to elect Vitali in 2024.





The letter, dated February 22, 2023, states that the leadership of the US State Department, as well as top officials of the US Department of Defense, are not happy with Ukrainian President Zelensky and are planning his exchange as President of Ukraine, for the ex-boxer Vitali Klitschko as his replacement in 2024 () According to the letter, the leadership of the Pentagon expresses agreement with an opinion of the United States Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland that Zelensky is exhausting his political capacity rapidly. Judging by the letter, both Department of Defense and Department of State would like to see the former boxer and an active participant of the events of 2014 Maidan coup detat Vitali Klitschko, now the mayor of Kiev, as the President of Ukraine, Dutch journalist Sonja van den Ende wrote.





Former boxer and a famous supporter of the neo-Nazi regime, Vitali Klitschko has governed the city of Kiev since the 2014 coup detat. He gained notoriety in the international media for his patriotism after the start of Russias special military operation, when he stated that he would take up arms with his brother, Vladimir, to defend the Ukrainian capital and repel the Russian invaders. Portrayed by Western newspapers as courageous and heroic, Klitschko has won the sympathy of many Westerners, which explains why some figures now want him as the new head of state.





However, Klitschko is not the only name on the list of predictions to replace Zelensky. There are several reports that point to different people as possible candidates for the Ukrainian presidency. Previously, names like the Commander in Chief of Ground Forces Alexander Syrsky, Ukrainian intelligence head Kirill Budanov and Armed Forces Commander Valeri Zaluzhnyi have been mentioned as possible candidates for Zelenskys office. More recently, western media outlets have suggested that the Ukrainian president would be replaced, not by another individual head of state, but by a team of officials led by the head of parliament Ruslan Stefanchuck.





Apparently, there is still no consensus on who may be the new president of Ukraine. But the consensus is real about the Western desire to remove Zelensky. For Western authorities and media, Zelensky is already a problematic and negative public figure. As stated in the documents, the Ukrainian president is exhausting his political capacity rapidly. This is due to his constant unjustified beggar behavior towards his NATO partners, in addition to the repeated military failures and territorial losses.





The possibilities of justifying Zelenskys actions through mere propaganda are running out, which is why he is likely to be removed. In this sense, Vitali Klitschko seems to sound more interesting to Kievs international partners. His image seems more positive than Zelenskys for public opinion, which tends to legitimize among citizens the continuity of the military assistance policy. In other words, in order to continue to wage the proxy war against Russia, the West needs someone more competent, less criticized than Zelensky.





It remains to be seen how Zelensky would be removed. Being a dictatorial regime under martial law, it is difficult for changes to occur through electoral and democratic means. Recently, in an article published by Politico, it was suggested that Zelensky could be assassinated and some officials have even a secret plan to be followed in case this happens. The move looks like an attempt to prepare public opinion for a false flag operation. Zelensky could be killed and his death falsely blamed on Russia, legitimizing a new escalation.





Considering that plans to replace him have been in the works since at least February  as leaked documents show  and that the media is already talking about a possible assassination.





Lucas Leiroz, journalist, researcher at the Center for Geostrategic Studies, geopolitical consultant.
China has domestic troubles of its own. Amid all this, President Xi Jinping is in South Africa to attend the BRICS Summit. In only his second trip abroad this year, the Chinese leader aims to boost Beijings influence among developing nations at the gathering. Yet, Xi acted mysteriously. He did not show up at the BRIC Business Forum.

Its not like China to offer any explanations and the presidents no-show has only left geo-political observers guessing.

Also read: Which countries are lining up to join BRICS?

What happened at the BRIC Business Forum?

Xi Jinping was scheduled to deliver a speech at BRICS Business Forum alongside his counterparts on Tuesday. He was expected to defend Chinas economy and its support for emerging markets amid rising fears that its domestic troubles could have global ramifications. However, the leader decided to skip the forum at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

Instead of Xi, Chinas commerce minister Wang Wentao delivered a brief speech, criticising the one country obsessed with maintaining hegemony and going out of its way to cripple the emerging markets and developing countries in a thinly veiled attack on the US. He further said that America tended to fight nations that threaten its global dominance.

Wang was essentially reading out the speech Xi was to give. Quoting the Chinese president, he added, Whoever develops first becomes their target of containment. Whoever is catching up becomes its target of obstruction.

Xi arrived in South Africa on Monday evening and yet failed to attend the gathering. The Chinese leader was conspicuous by his absence at the business forum, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, and his Brazilian president Lula da Silva, all of who delivered speeches. Russias Vladimir Putin addressed the event virtually.

Also read: Will PM Modi meet Xi Jinping? How India-China ties are a big focus at BRICS Summit

Why did Xi skip the forum?

So far, no explanation has been given and it is unlikely Beijing will address the issue. China does not answer questions related to decisions taken by its leaders.

Xis move has taken experts by surprise. Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the Indo-Pacific Programme at the German Marshall Fund, wondered if his absence meant something was amiss. She wrote in another post that the Chinese president arrived in South Africa 20 hours ago, but did not show up.

Xi Jinping fails to show up at the BRICS Business Forum. Something is amiss? https://t.co/Xkz8puYmtE  Bonnie Glaser /   (@BonnieGlaser) August 22, 2023

This should be stop the presses news! Jorge Guajardo, a former Mexican ambassador to China, said in response to Glasers post, reports South China Morning Post (SCMP). An unannounced absence, especially in a multilateral forum (which the PRC seldom misses), after all the ground work with India, is truly newsworthy. If true, something is certainly amiss.

Drew Thompson, a former Pentagon official and businessman in China who is now a senior fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore, told Bloomberg that the leader prioritised political and security issues over business and economy. So if he [Xi] is in a position where he has to prioritize and skip one meeting, it would not surprise me that he favours the political and security topics over the economic ones, he was quoted as saying by the publication.

The Chinese state media did not report the absence of its president, saying that he delivered the speech without any mention of Wang. Hua Chunying, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, tweeted hours after the event that Xi delivered an address at the closing ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum 2023, along with a picture showing the crowded conference room.

However, the official Xinhua News Agency English said that the remarks were read on Xis behalf.

If Xi gave the speech, it would be his first public address overseas this year. Before South Africa, he has only travelled outside China for two days in 2023, when he visited Russia in March.

Xis decision to not skip the speech on Chinas economy comes at a time when the country has slipped into deflation, unemployment is on the rise, the property market is in the doldrums, and local government debt is soaring. US president Joe Biden has called the economic woes a ticking time bomb for the world, reports Bloomberg.

What has Xi been doing in South Africa so far?

Xi arrived in South Africa on midnight Monday and was received by his counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa. Prior to the event on Tuesday, he met the South African president as part of his state visit to the country.

Now as friends and BRICS partners, we stand together in our shared objective and quest for a better and more egalitarian world that frees the potential of all the people in the world, said Ramaphosa in Pretoria at the opening of Xi's state visit.

Today, standing at a new historical starting point, inheriting friendship, deepening cooperation, and strengthening coordination are the common aspirations of the two countries, and are also the important tasks entrusted to us by the times, said the Chinese leader.

In the evening, Xi attended a dinner hosted by Ramaphosa, along with the leaders of Brazil and India and Russias foreign minister. He is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with PM Modi.

With inputs from agencies
India is unwavering and determined to win the space race today by landing first on the Moons south pole. The competition is all about science, national status, and politics, but money is a new frontier that is playing an essential role. Indias space programme is far from expensive. It only cost Rs 615 crore, which is less than the cost of its last mission, Chandrayaan-2, and Russias Luna-25, which cost roughly $200 million, according to the news website Opoyi.

If Chandrayaan-3 is successful, analysts and executives believe it will provide an immediate boost to South Asias fledgling space sector.

Russias Luna-25, which launched less than two weeks ago, had been on track to get there first  before the lander crashed from orbit, possibly taking with it the funding for a successor mission, analysts say.

Also Read: Chandrayaan-3 costs lesser than big films: How India keeps its space missions frugal

The seemingly sudden competition to get to a previously unexplored region of the Moon recalls the space race of the 1960s, when the United States and the Soviet Union competed.

But now space is a business, and the Moons south pole is a prize because of the water ice there that planners expect could support a future lunar colony, mining operations and eventual missions to Mars.

India can set the standard for low-cost engineering

With a push by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has privatised space launches and is looking to open the sector to foreign investment as it targets a five-fold increase in its share of the global launch market within the next decade.

Indias present space sector is valued roughly $8 billion and has been rising at a rate of about four per cent per year in recent years, compared to two per cent globally, as per a TOI report.

Indias space economy is also predicted to reach $40 billion by 2040, and a successful Chandrayaan-3 mission might help India accomplish that goal much sooner, since additional countries are expected to approach India for satellite launches.

Chandrayaan-3, if successful, will benefit Indias space business on its reputation for cost-effective engineering. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had a budget of around just $74 million (Rs 614 crore) for the mission.

NASA, by comparison, is on track to spend roughly $93 billion (Rs 7.72 lakh crore) on its Artemis moon programme through 2025, the US space agencys inspector general has estimated.

Also Read: Why ISRO is bracing for 20 minutes of terror ahead of landing

The moment this mission is successful, it raises the profile of everyone associated with it, said Ajey Lele, a consultant at New Delhis Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses.

When the world looks at a mission like this, they arent looking at ISRO in isolation.

Russia facing a crunch



Despite Western sanctions over its war in Ukraine and increasing isolation, Russia managed to launch a moonshot. But some experts doubt its ability to fund a successor to Luna-25.

Expenses for space exploration are systematically reduced from year to year, said Vadim Lukashevich, an independent space expert and author based in Moscow.

Russias budget prioritisation of the war in Ukraine makes a repeat of Luna-25 extremely unlikely, he added.

Also Read: Why Russias Luna-25 crash-landed into the Moon

Russia had been considering a role in NASAs Artemis programme until 2021, when it said it would partner instead on Chinas moon programme. Few details of that effort have been disclosed.

China made the first ever soft landing on the far side of the moon in 2019 and has more missions planned. Space research firm Euroconsult estimates China spent $12 billion (Rs 99,637,200 crore) on its space programme in 2022.

NASAS playbook

But by opening to private money, NASA has provided the playbook India is following, officials there have said.

Elon Musks SpaceX, for example, is developing the Starship rocket for its satellite launch business as well as to ferry NASA astronauts to the moons surface under a $3-billion contract.

Beyond that contract, SpaceX will spend roughly $2 billion on Starship this year, Musk has said.

US space firms Astrobotic and Intuitive Machines are building lunar landers that are expected to launch to the moons south pole by years end, or in 2024.

Also read: How is ISROs Chandrayaan-3 mission different from Chandrayaan-2?

And companies such as Axiom Space and Jeff Bezos Blue Origin are developing privately funded successors to the International Space Station. On Monday, Axiom said it raised $350 million from Saudi and South Korean investors.

Space remains risky. Indias last attempt to land failed in 2019, the same year an Israeli startup failed at what would have been the first privately funded moon landing. Japanese startup ispace had a failed landing attempt this year.

Landing on the moon is hard, as were seeing, said Bethany Ehlmann, a professor at California Institute of Technology, who is working with NASA on a 2024 mission to map the lunar south pole and its water ice.

For the past few years, the moon seems to be eating spacecraft.

With inputs from Reuters
Something is strikingly similar about the Chandrayaan series, which began with the first lunar mission in 2008. A Tamil link.

It is not only Tamil Nadus sons of the soil  former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Chandrayaan-2 Mission Director Mayilsamy Annadurai, and Chandrayaan-3 Project Director Veeramuthuvel P  who have contributed to ISRO missions, but literally the states soil itself.

But why is it that only Tamil Nadu provides soil for the Chandrayaan missions? Lets take a closer look.

Tamil Nadus soil is similar to that of moons

Since 2012, Namakkal, which is about 400 km from state capital Chennai, has supplied soil to ISRO for testing for the Chandrayaan mission capability, as the earth in that district is similar to that of the lunar surface.

This has enabled ISRO to test and refine the ability of the lander module to soft land on the surface of the Moon, given that the properties of the Namakkal soil are similar.

So, if Chandrayaan-3s lander module achieves its objective of successfully soft landing on the Moon, it would give Tamil Nadu an extra reason to cheer.

This is the third time that Tamil Nadu has supplied the necessary soil to the Bengaluru headquartered space agency for performing the tests for its ambitious Moon missions.

According to the Director of Geology Department of Periyar University, Professor S Anbazhagan, the soil was available in abundance in the Namakkal area, enabling them to rise to the occasion when the need arose for ISRO.

Also Read: Chandrayaan-3: How ISRO has been inspired by NASA to gain speed in the space race

We have been engaged in conducting research in geology. Tamil Nadu has the kind of soil that is present on the lunar surface, particularly that which is very similar to the soil present at the southern pole (of the Moon). The lunar surface has Anorthosite (a type of intrusive igneous rock) type of soil, he said.

We have been sending the soil to ISRO soon after it announced the Moon exploration programme, he told PTI in a brief interaction.

How it all started

The Chandrayaan-3 mission aims at soft-landing of the spacecraft on the unexplored southern pole of the Moon. It would make India the fourth country to achieve this remarkable feat after the United States, erstwhile Soviet Union and China.

Elaborating on how it all began, Anbazhagan said that following the success of the Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008, scientists were gearing up to perform the Chandrayaan-2 mission, which aimed at demonstrating the capability to soft land on the surface of the Moon. In comparison, Chandrayaan-1s mission was to orbit the Moon and not land on its surface.

In Chandrayaan-2 mission, it was planned that a rover would come out of the lander module and crawl on the surface of the Moon, undertaking tests in the process, he said.

About 50 tonnes of soil were sent to ISRO, which was similar to the kind of soil present on the lunar surface, Anbazhagan, who specialises in remote sensing and groundwater exploration at the university in Salem, said.

After undertaking various tests, scientists at ISRO confirmed that the soil available in the Namakkal area matched with that of the lunar surface, he added.

Also Read: Why ISRO is bracing for 20 minutes of terror ahead of landing

To a query, Anbhazhagan said the soil was available in abundance in places like Sithampoondi and Kunnamalai villages surrounding Namakkal, and also in some areas in Andhra Pradesh and northern parts of the country.

We have been sending the soil to ISRO as per their requirement. They (ISRO scientists) have been performing tests on the soil supplied by us, he said, adding, Even if a Chandrayaan-4 mission comes up, we are geared to supply the soil for it.

With inputs from PTI
Since assuming the G20 presidency in December last year, India has been hosting many meetings in various states.

The G20 summit will take place on 9 and 10 September at the brand-new, cutting-edge Bharat Mandapam convention venue in Delhis Pragati Maidan.

From declaring a government holiday to putting stringent security measures in place, New Delhi is getting ready to ensure the seamless movement of over 30 leaders, including invitees and their entourages.

Lets take a closer look at how the National Capital prepares for one of the busiest September.

Also read: G20: How India has walked the talk on Global South

Government holiday declared

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has declared that all public, municipal corporation, private, and schools in the city will be closed from 8 to 10 September in anticipation of the G20 Summit.

He also noted that businesses such as banks, financial institutions, and retail stores will also be closed during this time, according to NDTV.

This comes shortly after the Special Commissioner of the Delhi Police wrote to the citys Chief Secretary urging the declaration of a holiday during the key summit.

This will also alleviate any potential traffic congestion and logistical challenges.

Since most of the arrivals will take place September 8 and delegates will depart to their respective countries on September 10-11, there will be a massive movement of traffic which needs to be curtailed to ensure safe passage for the delegates from airport to hotels and to the other venues during the summit, the letter read.

Also read: Why Indias G20 theme of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam has made China see red

Route rehearsals & other security arrangements

The US president Joe Biden, Chinese president Xi Jinping, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, and French president Emmanuel Macron are among the heads of state and diplomats who will attend the summit. The Delhi Police is hard at work making special arrangements to ensure smooth vehicular movement during the summit.

The Delhi traffic police reviewed the restriction and diversion measures on Monday as part of preparations by conducting a mock drill on important routes connecting Pragati Maidan, the summits primary location, with numerous hotels.

As part of the practice, numerous teams of traffic police officers were stationed at various crossroads, and barricades were erected at diversion points and junctions, reported Times of India.

Officials claim that a rehearsal was held on Monday morning that included travel from the airport to the hotels, the hotels to the summit site, and other locations that the dignitaries would visit.

The purpose of the practice, they continued, was to measure the time taken on the routes and traffic flow as well as to see how commuters reacted to limitations.

In addition to focusing on their soft skills, the police are educating their personnel to handle chemical and biological threats.

Additionally, VK Saxena, the lieutenant governor of Delhi, was told to keep an eye on the routes that delegates and foreign dignitaries would take, as well as the roads, street lights, attractive plants, street furniture, fountains, and other installations near the G20 venues, as per Jagran.

Also read: How Delhi is dealing with its stray dog problem ahead of G20 Summit

Parking space for aircraft in check

The Indira Gandhi International Airport and the IAF base in Palam, which only have parking space for around 40 aircraft each, are scheduled to receive roughly 50 VVIP planes, therefore the MEA is reportedly considering moving the remaining aircraft to Jaipur, Lucknow, Amritsar, and Indore.

The matter was covered at a recent coordination meeting that was presided over by the MEAs chief of protocol.

The chief of protocol is learnt to have informed that about 50 special aircraft would be arriving. Specific details of the aircraft configuration, date, time of arrival are expected later. The chief of protocol also informed that about 13 heads of states/delegates would arrive in commercial flights. DIAL officials said these specified flights would be parked in Bay-1 and Bay-3, which are very close to the ceremonial lounge, said Indian Express quoted its sources as saying.

The sources added, DIAL officials are learnt to have informed that they have identified the parking space at IGI Airport, Terminal-1 and cargo terminal; the IAF said 18 aircraft can be accommodated at the Palam base.

According to ANI, approximately 70-80 aircraft belonging to GoFirst, SpiceJet, Jet Airways, and other private jets are also parked at the Delhi airport due to various reasons.

Also read: Will Vladimir Putin visit India for G20 summit?

Travel curbs

TOI reported during the summit, access for heavy vehicles will be restricted to those transporting only necessities. For the two days of the G20 Summit as well as the day before, there will be traffic restrictions for the general public in the NDMC area due to the presence of dignitaries from all over the world.

The principal routes that the dignitaries would travel are from the airport to 18 hotels (16 in Delhi and 2 in Gurgaon) and from the hotels to the principal site (Pragati Maidan) and Rajghat. Apart from any limitations, traffic will occasionally move in a regulated way in the airports immediate vicinity.

Delhi Traffic Police will also share information about the limits with other map-based applications so that people may stay updated in a way that is comfortable for the general public.

According to Outlook, markets in Lutyens Delhi, such as Khan Market and Connaught Place, which are having a makeover, could be open but with restrictions and traders could be given special passes.

Hotel preps

Nearly all of the most prestigious hotels, including ITC Maurya, Taj Palace, Taj Mahal, The Oberoi, The Lodhi, The Imperial, Le Meridien, Shangri-La Eros, Hyatt Regency, Leela Palace, The Lalit, and The Claridges, are sold out from 7 to 11 September.

Due to the availability of presidential suites, hotels in Aerocity may also be sold out on those days. However, some heads of state may choose to stay there.

US president Biden will stay at the ITC Maurya, which has 400 rooms, according to Navbharat Times. The hotel has previously entertained several heads of state in addition to US presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.

Mint reported while Hotel Shangri-La prepares to receive UKs Rishi Sunak and a few German officials, Chinese President Xi is set to stay at Delhis Taj Hotel.

While Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stays at the Imperial Hotel, French President Emmanuel Macron and his entourage will stay at The Claridges.

Security, the media, and other delegations are anticipated to arrive early for the summit. From 4 to 11 September, most hotels were completely booked. Due to security concerns, certain hotels have received requests to remove their inventory from online booking platforms.

In order to meet the needs of prominent visitors, many hotels have also been asked to upgrade their security systems, as per TOI. During routine safety and security drills, the Ministry of External Affairs, Delhi Police, and embassies have been gathering information about the employees who will be working during the head visits.

Additionally, in order to assure that they wont require anything from outside on particular dates, hotels are storing up on both product and staff.

According to the report, hotels are utilising this chance to the fullest by creating special Indian menus that primarily feature millet dishes and aim to provide visitors with the greatest possible dining experiences. In a letter to their loyal customers, they warn them that their restaurants, coffee shops, and spas might not be accessible to outsiders.

Also read: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the G20 maxim in 2023, and its links to ancient Indian

Revamped roads

In preparation for the major event, city agencies are preparing 66 key highways and stretches.

The Public Works Departments (PWD) plan calls for the renovation of 22 sections of roadways. According to Indian Express, the highways will be used by international delegates, ministers, and political figures for their movement during the summit.

Additional responsibilities include painting the road markings, adding reflectors to the median, putting appropriate signage and lighting, having the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) perform routine mechanical sweeping, and cleaning the portions of the road of any trash or waste.

CNBC-TV18 reported along the roads, designer fountains, sculptures, and flower pots have been installed as part of the beautifying campaign. Furthermore, walls are being painted, and pavements are being renovated. On significant avenues like the Janpath and Sansad Marg, fountains have been erected.

A report by TOI suggests MCD is transforming the Mahipalpur roundabout, Shaheedi Park at ITO, the PVR Anupam market, and G20 Park in M block Greater Kailash II. The MCD has also instructed all zones to begin painting the walls in the necessary locations.

Stray dogs sterilisation

In accordance with the ABC guidelines 2023, stray dogs shall be sterilised and immunised, the MCD ordered on 5 August, as per TOI.

Earlier, the citys civic body had mandated the transfer of stray canines to various parts of the city, including Karol Bagh, Chandni Chowk, Malviya Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Hauz Khas Village, and Greater Kailash.

Residents of Delhi and animal rights activists, however, disagreed with the order. The activists said that entire plan was flawed and that they should have been consulted before it was made public.

Also read: Indias G20 presidency crosses the halfway mark: How has it fared so far?

Rented left-hand-driven cars

In order to prevent any hiccups at the G20 summit, the central government, according to Hindustan Times, has rented 50 left hand driven (LHD) bulletproof Audi automobiles from Germany.

Senior authorities confirmed that trained paramilitary personnel will be driving the vehicles.

Additionally, since driving an LHD vehicle is prohibited in India, Delhi police is also having a lot of problems with the special convoys. The agency is concerned about LDH vehicles sharing roads with right-hand drive (RHD) automobiles, even if police may disregard the legality aspect.

Only India, Australia, Japan, South Africa, and the UK use RHD vehicles among the G20 nations.

G20 Summit in New Delhi

The G20 Summit in Delhi will be held at the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition-Convention Centre (IECC) at Pragati Maidan.

Prior to India assuming the presidency of the G20 in December last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that Indias theme would be grounded in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or One Earth  One Family  One Future.

The theme is drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad. The theme affirms the value of all life  human, animal, plant, and microorganisms  and their interconnectedness on the planet Earth and in the wider universe.

To discuss global economic concerns, cooperation, and policy coordination, the G20 summit is expected to bring together heads of state, economists, and officials from diverse sectors.

The coordination between law enforcement agencies and the local administration will be essential to guarantee the success of the event, which will draw the attention of the entire world to Delhi.

With inputs from agencies
India on Wednesday made history as the Indian Space Research Organisations ambitious third Moon mission Chandrayaan-3 successfully touched down on the lunar surface.

The Lunar Module comprising the lander (Vikram) and the 26 kg rover (Pragyan), made the soft landing near the south polar region of the Moon on Wednesday evening.

Indias third Moon mission Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the lunar south pole at 6.04 pm after a flawless 41-day voyage.

This makes India just the fourth nation to accomplish the feat, and the first to reach the uncharted south pole of Earths only natural satellite.

The development comes days after Russias unmanned Luna-25 spacecraft spun out of control and crashed into the Moon.

But how will the Chandrayaan-3 leave an imprint of the Ashoka emblem on the Moon? And what happens next?

Lets take a closer look:

How will it leave imprint?

The rover Pragyan will now leave the lander module.

It will descend from the landers belly onto the Moons surface using one of its side panels which will act as a ramp.

As per The Week, the wheels of Pragyan have been imprinted with the ISRO logo and the national emblem depicting the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath.

The Pragyan rover will thus leave Indias imprint on the Moon.

This comes a decade and a half after a Moon Impact Probe in 2008 with the Tricolour painted on it crash-landed on the Moon.

What happens next?

Pragyan will then begin studying the surface of the Moon.

This will be done through its payloads APXS  Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer  to derive the chemical composition and infer mineralogical composition to further enhance understanding of lunar surface.

The rover, which has a mission life of 1 lunar day (14 Earth days), also has another payload Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) to determine the elemental composition of lunar soil and rocks around the lunar landing site, ISRO said.

After powered descent on to the landing site, there will be deployment of ramp and rover coming out. After this all the experiments will take place one after the other  all of which have to be completed in just one day on the moon, which is 14 days, Somanath earlier explained.

Noting that as long as the sun shines all the systems will have its power, Somanath added, The moment the sun sets, everything will be in pitch darkness, temperature will go as down as low as minus 180 degree Celsius; so it is not possible for the systems to survive, and if it survives further, then we should be happy that once again it has come to life and we will be able to work on the system once again, and we hope like that to happen..

Polar regions of the moon are a very different terrain due to the environment and the difficulties they present and therefore have remained unexplored. All the previous spacecraft to have reached the Moon landed in the equatorial region, a few degrees latitude north or south of the lunar equator.

The Moons south pole region is also being explored because there could be a possibility of presence of water in permanently shadowed areas around it.

Meanwhile, the Propulsion Module, whose main function was to carry the Lander Module from launch vehicle injection till lander separation orbit, will continue its journey in the current orbit for months/years, the space agency said.

Apart from this, the Propulsion Module also has one scientific payload as a value addition. The SHAPE (Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth) payload onboard it, whose future discoveries of smaller planets in reflected light would allow us to probe into a variety of Exo-planets which would qualify for habitability (or for presence of life).

Noting that this is the work of a generation of ISROs leadership and scientists, ISRO chief S Somanath paid tribute to a generation of leadership and scientists of the countrys space agency.

This is the journey we started with Chandrayaan-1, continued in Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-2 craft is still working and doing lot of communication work with us and all the team that contributed to building Chandrayaan-1 and 2 should be remembered and thanked, while we celebrate Chandrayaan-3.

With inputs from agencies
US president Joe Biden will visit India from 7 to 10 September for the G-20 Leaders Summit in Delhi. During the summit, Biden will address a variety of global concerns, including the transition to renewable energy, climate change, the effects of the Ukraine war, and strengthening the capabilities of multilateral development banks, including the World Bank. US president Joe Biden will visit India from 7 to 10 September for the G-20 Leaders Summit in Delhi. During the summit, Biden will address a variety of global concerns, including the transition to renewable energy, climate change, the effects of the Ukraine war, and strengthening the capabilities of multilateral development banks, including the World Bank.

The White House stated on Tuesday that Joe Biden will push for International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank reforms that will better serve the interests of developing countries.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that the two (IMF and World Bank) need to offer a better alternative for development support and financing to what he called Chinas coercive and unsustainable lending through Beijings Belt and Road Initiative.

We have heard loud and clear that countries want us to step up our support in the face of the overlapping challenges they face, Sullivan told reporters.

At the G20, Biden will really focus a lot of his energy while he is there on the modernisation of the multilateral development banks, including the World Bank and the IMF, he said.

The aim is to ensure that the development banks offer high standard, high leverage solutions to the challenges developing countries face, he said.

The move comes at a time when the BRICS group of developing economies is contemplating measures to oppose the dominance of the West-led financial system in global trade at the blocs annual summit in Johannesburg. Lets take a closer look.

US endorses World Bank and IMF over Chinas development finance

Sullivan called the two institutions highly effective and transparent, contrasting that to Beijings Belt and Road Initiative, a decade-old program to extend Chinas weight in global development that has involved large infrastructure and industrial loans to poorer countries.

I am suggesting the World Bank and IMF are a positive, affirmative alternative to what is a much more opaque, or coercive method of development finance China is offering, he said.

The US will push proposals in New Delhi that will increase World Bank and IMF lending power by some $200 billion (Rs 16.58 lakh crore), he said.

But Sullivan stressed that, as a member of the G20 and a key partner in the IMF and World Bank, China is central to modernising both institutions.

So our support for the World Bank and the IMF is not against China, he said.

BRICS not a geopolitical rival to the US

Sullivan made his comments as a China-dominated forum of major emerging economies, the BRICS, were holding their own summit in South Africa.

The so-called BRICS nations  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  represent a quarter of the global economy, and interest in joining the club has surged.

We are not looking at the BRICS as evolving into some kind of geopolitical rival to the United States or anyone else. This is a very diverse collection of countries, said Sullivan.

US president will applaud Modis G20 leadership

The US [resident will also commend Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his G20 leadership and reaffirm the US commitment to the G20 as the premier forum of economic cooperation, including hosting it in 2026.

India assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December, 2022, from Indonesia. The summit is set to be one of Indias largest meetings of international leaders.

Due to the summit, all Delhi government and municipal corporation schools and offices in the national capital will be closed on 8, 9, and 10 September. Meanwhile, US vice president Kamala Harris will be in Jakarta, Indonesia, for the US-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit.

According to the White House statement, her engagement would centre on shared prosperity, security, the climate issue, maritime security, sustainable economic growth, and the implementation of international laws in the region.

With inputs from AFP
India has done it.

The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully pulled off a soft-landing on the Moon as its Chandrayaan-3 module comprising its lander Vikram and rover Pragyan touched down near the lunar south pole on Wednesday evening.

India joins the elite club of the United States, China and the former Soviet Union of countries who have managed to carry out a soft-landing.

Even better, India is the first country to reach the region near the Moons south pole.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation after the successful soft-landing, said, Indias successful moon mission is not Indias alone. This is a year in which the world is witnessing Indias G20 presidency. Our approach of one earth, one family, one future is resonating across the globe.

No other country has been able to land on this side of Moon before; this will change all narratives and stories about Moon. I heartily congratulate ISRO, its scientists for this unprecedented feat, Modi added.

Perhaps no other country has been paying closer attention to Indias success than the United States  which made history by putting a man on the Moon over half a century ago.

Lets take a closer look at why:

Artemis Accords

ISROs success comes months after India, during Modis first state visit to the United States, joined the Artemis Accords.

The Artemis Accords is a non-binding multilateral arrangement between the American government and other world governments to return humans to the Moon by 2025.

India joins 26 other countries committed to peaceful, sustainable, and transparent cooperation that will enable exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. NASA will provide advanced training to Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) astronauts with the goal of launching a joint effort to the International Space Station in 2024, a White House statement said.

India has signed the Artemis Accords, which advance a common vision of space exploration for the benefit of all humankind, the United States added.

The Moons south pole

The ISRO has now put India in an exclusive club of one  to successfully land on the Moons unexplored south pole.

The Moons south pole region has been chosen because the Lunar south pole remains much larger than that at the north pole. There could be a possibility of presence of water in permanently shadowed areas around it.

The rover, after the soft-landing, would come out of the lander module and study the surface of the moon through its payloads APXS  Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer  to derive the chemical composition and infer mineralogical composition to further enhance understanding of lunar surface.

The rover, which has a mission life of 1 lunar day (14 Earth days) also has another payload Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) to determine the elemental composition of lunar soil and rocks around the lunar landing site, ISRO said.

India, like it did in the past, could make some momentous discovery.

As per The Statesman, ISRO in 2008 intentionally crashed the Chandrayaan-1 into the south pole  which in a massive development confirmed the presence of water ice.

As Space.com noted, Chandrayaan-1, which launched in October 2008, sent a moon orbiter aloft in Indias first-ever deep-space effort. The orbiter carried a 64-pound (29 kilograms) impactor probe that slammed hard (but intentionally) into the lunar surface near the south pole. The impactor detected water ice just before it crashed, a discovery matched by a NASA instrument aboard the Chandrayaan-1 orbiter called the Moon Mineralogy Mapper.

Chandrayaan-2, which took off on 22 July in 2019, was Indias first attempt to carry out a soft-landing on the Moon.

During that mission, the lander instead of making a soft landing crashed on the surface.

NASA eyes human mission to Moons south pole

According to Sci Tech Daily website, NASA in 2025 plans to send the first human beings to explore the region near the Moons south pole.

According to the NASA website, the agency has its sights set on locations around the south pole for the Artemis era of human lunar exploration.

Extreme, contrasting conditions make it a challenging location for Earthlings to land, live, and work, but the regions unique characteristics hold promise for unprecedented deep space scientific discoveries. Using advanced technology including autonomous systems, the crew inside of Starship will land at a carefully selected site within a 100-meter radius, the website states.

The south pole region has very different geology from the region around the [US] Apollo missions, so Chandrayaan-3 will provide a close-up view of an entirely new region of the Moon, planetary geochemist Marc Norman, from the Australian National University of Canberra, told Nature.

Similar measurements were made by the US Apollo and Chinese Change missions when they landed nearer the Moons equator, but this will be the first analysis of the environment at one of the poles. Thermal conductivity in particular depends on the grain size and packing of regolith  the surface layer of loose rubble  and so will be useful for characterising the landing site, Norman added.

Nature noted that such data cannot be observed from orbit.

With inputs from agencies
The Indian diaspora here is eagerly waiting for Chandrayaan-3s much-anticipated landing on the Moon on Wednesday with many of them saying the lunar mission will propel India as a global leader in space technology and inspire millions of children to take up science, physics and astronomy as their area of pursuit.

ISROs ambitious third Moon mission Chandrayaan-3s Lander Module (LM) comprising the lander (Vikram) and the rover (Pragyan) is all set to land on the lunar surface on Wednesday evening at 6.04 pm, as India eyes becoming the first country to reach the uncharted south pole of Earths only natural satellite.

I am very excited about what Chandrayaan-3 can achieve for us, New York-based commodity trader and Physics enthusiast Sandeep Daga told PTI.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission is really a shot in the arm for the Indian space programme and the ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). It will propel India as a global leader in space technology and it will inspire millions of kids to take up science, physics and astronomy as their area of pursuit. Thats the way to go, Daga said.

Daga, like many other members of the Indian diaspora here, are keenly following Chandrayaan-3s countdown to land on the lunar surface later today, propelling India to the elite space club of nations that have landed a rover on the moon.

Till now only three other nations  the US, China and the erstwhile Soviet Union  have landed a rover on the moon.

I am very excited about Chandrayaan-3. We will be only the fourth country in the world to land a rover on the moon, Daga said. Describing the lunar mission as a moment of pride for India, Daga underlined the projects massive economic impact.

We know that the space economy is worth more than half a trillion dollars every quarter. So it is a pretty big deal. I see (Chandrayaan-3) as a vindication of Indias technological prowess. And whats even more amazing is that we have achieved this mission at a cost of less than USD 75 million, which is much lower than what a Hollywood space movie would cost today, he said.

Daga further noted that India will be the first country to land a rover on the lunar south pole. All prior missions have landed on the equator of the moon where the surface is quite flat and smooth. Trying to land it on one of the poles is extremely difficult because they have a large number of craters and mountains and it becomes technically quite challenging to land safely, he said.

Daga added that Chandrayaan-3 can give immense data about water at the southern pole of the moon, which he said can be a very important input into having some permanent establishment on the surface of the moon. As a physics enthusiast, Im quite excited about the fact that Chandrayaan-3 is going to scan the surface and give us more insights into the constituents of the Moon including how Earths natural satellite was formed. I am really looking forward to answers to some of these questions, he said, which the Indian lunar mission can provide.

Bihar Foundation of US (East Coast Chapter) Chairman and former President of Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Alok Kumar visited the Om Sri Sai Balaji Temple and Cultural Centre in New Jersey with his family and friends to offer prayers for the success of Chandrayaan-3. We pray that Chandrayaan-3 achieves success. The mission will write a new chapter in Indias space programme and history, Kumar said.

VIDEO | We are praying for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 and extend our best wishes, said Alok Kumar, Chairman of Bihar Foundation of USA (East Coast Chapter) on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/wn5kZdI8dR  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 23, 2023

New Jersey-based cardiologist Dr Avinash Gupta said the Indian diaspora is very excited and eager to watch Chandrayaan-3s successful landing on the Moon. We want to congratulate the scientists and teams of ISRO for making us proud and making India shine in the world, Gupta said.

Members of the leading diaspora organisations Federation of Indian Associations of NY NJ CT and NE (FIA) also wished success to the Indian lunar mission. FIAs past president Srujal Parikh congratulated and lauded the entire team of ISRO, saying the lunar mission will forever be hailed as among Indias biggest achievements.

With inputs from PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called ISRO director S Somnath on Wednesday to congratulate him and his team on this historic accomplishment as Chandrayaan-3 successfully touched down on the South Pole of the moon, making India the first nation to reach that specific spot.

Somnath Ji, your name is Somnath, which is associated with the moon, and therefore your family members will also be very happy today. Many many congratulations to you and your entire team from my side, PM Modi said in the telephone conversation.

The Prime Minister added that he would later congratulate the head of the ISRO in person.

On Wednesday night, the Chandrayaan-3 lander module successfully touched down on the South Pole of the moon, marking a significant victory for India.

The Prime Minister watched the live stream of Chandrayaan-3s landing online while he was attending the BRICS Summit in South Africa.

Following the landing of the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission at 6:04 PM today, ISRO Chief S Somnath said, India is now on the Moon!

The historic event was celebrated by people all around the nation.

As the Vikram started its powered vertical fall towards its landing site, officials at the ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru, India, cheered.

(With agency inputs)
The ASTRA indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile was successfully fired from Tejas, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) on the coast of Goa on Wednesday.

The missile release was successfully carried out from the aircraft at an altitude of about 20,000 ft, the Ministry of Defence said in an official statement, adding that all the objectives of the test were met and it was a perfect textbook launch.

#DRDOUpdates | Achieving major milestone towards #atmanirbharbharat ASTRA-Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missile in its maiden flight trial was successfully fired from LCA Tejas off the coast of Goa.@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD https://t.co/UF4p5GVfeI pic.twitter.com/dqoIWY0LTf  DRDO (@DRDO_India) August 23, 2023

The test launch was monitored by the test director and scientists of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) along with officials from Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) and Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DG-AQA). The aircraft was also monitored by a Chase Tejas twin-seater aircraft.

ASTRA, a state-of-the-art BVR air-to-air missile to engage and destroy highly manoeuvring supersonic aerial targets, is designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and other laboratories of DRDO.

The indigenous Astra BVR firing from homegrown Tejas fighters is a major step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented ADA, DRDO, CEMILAC, DG-AQA and the industry for the successful firing of the missile from Tejas-LCA. He said the launch would significantly enhance the combat prowess of Tejas and reduce the dependency on imported weapons.

Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman DRDO have also congratulated the teams involved in the successful launch.
At least 17 workers were killed on Wednesday after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed near Sairang area of Mizoram, police said. Expressing his grief over the incident, PM Modi announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for those who died in the accident, and Rs 50,000 each for the injured.

Several people are feared trapped at the site, as 35-40 workers were present when the incident occurred around 10 am, about 21 km from Aizawl, they said.

Seventeen bodies have been recovered from the debris so far many others are still missing, a police officer told PTI.

Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMMRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured, PMO tweetd.

Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMMRF would be given to the  PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 23, 2023

Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister of Mizoram Zoramthanga said, Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; atleast 17 workers died: Rescue under progress. Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations.

Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; atleast 17 workers died: Rescue under progress. Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the pic.twitter.com/IbmjtHSPT7  Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) August 23, 2023

Sabyasachi De, CPRO of NF Railways told ANI that railway officers have rushed to the spot and senior officials of Northeast Frontier Railway will also visit the site.

This is a developing story. More details are awaited.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Nitin Bhatnagar, one of the key accused in connection with the Moser Baer case.

Bhatnagar, a former relationship manager of the Bank of Singapore, was taken into custody under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Tuesday.

He was produced before a local court by the agency that sent him to ED custody till August 31.

The money laundering case stems from a August, 2019 FIR of the CBI where it was alleged that the company Moser Baer India Ltd. (MBIL) and its promoters allegedly cheated and defrauded the loan taken from the Central Bank of India to the tune of Rs 354.51 crore. The case was registered after the bank sent a complaint to the CBI.

Both the CBI and the ED had booked Ratul Puri, his father Deepak Puri, mother Nita (Kamal Naths sister). Ratul Puri was arrested by the ED in this case in 2019 and he is now out on bail.

The Puri family, other individuals like Sanjay Jain and Vineet Sharma were booked by the CBI and the ED for alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery and corruption. Ratul Puri was booked in this case in his capacity as the then executive director of MBIL, a firm promoted by his father Deepak Puri.

The company was involved in the manufacture of optical storage media like compact discs, DVDs, solid state storage devices. Ratul had resigned from the post of executive director in 2012, while his parents continue to be on the board, the bank had said in a statement and complaint to the CBI.

The company (Moser Baer) was taking loans from various banks since 2009 and went for debt restructuring a number of times, the bank has alleged in the complaint.

When it was unable to pay the debt, a forensic audit was done and the the account was declared as fraud by the Central Bank of India on April 20, 2019, it has alleged.

Bhatnagar, the ED told the court, facilitated opening of a bank account for a company called Pristine River Investments Ltd. in the Bank of Singapore, as he was its relationship manager.

The company was owned by Savannah Trust of which Ratul Puri was the settler, the ED said.

It alleged that the company (Pristine River) was used for layering proceeds of crime and Bhatnagar knowingly assisted in doing do for the main accused Ratul Puri. It claimed Bhatnagar was instrumental in doing certain other acts which do have a bearing in connection with the present case.

Ratul Puri is facing investigation by three main central probe agencies, ED, CBI and the Income-Tax department.

Nath has denied any wrongdoing in these cases.

With inputs from PTI.
As per the annual report of the Central Vigilance Commission for 2022, over 500 requests from the CBI seeking sanctions to prosecute corrupt government employees were pending with different government departments.

The CVCs annual report added that 272 of the requests have been pending for over three months.

The report further said that the highest of pending requests 167 out of total 525 pending requests were with the Department of Financial Services under the finance ministry, 41 with the Maharashtra government and 31 each with the revenue department under the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Coal and Mines, among others.

As many as 25 requests were pending prosecution sanction with the Himachal Pradesh government, 23 each with the governments of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal and 22 with the Ministry of Railways, as on December 31, 2022, according to the annual report.

The government departments are supposed to decide on the requests seeking sanction to prosecute a corrupt official within three months. An additional one-month time can be further granted in cases where consultation is required with the Attorney General or any other law officer in his office.

A total of 20 such requests seeking prosecution sanction were pending with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, 16 with the defence ministry, 12 with the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, 11 with the Ministry of Home Affairs and eight with the education ministry, the report said.

The report added that there were six requests each pending with the Delhi government, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and five each with the Tamil Nadu government and the Lok Sabha.

The report said the CVC reviews the progress of cases pending for sanction of prosecution with various organisations.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reported that at the end of the year 2022, a total of 198 cases belonging to different organisations were pending for grant of sanction for prosecution under PC Act, 1988, said the report made public recently.

In these cases, pending with the central/state government and other departments/ authorities, 525 separate requests have been made for prosecution sanction during the year 2022, as some of the cases involved more than one accused, added the report.

The report said the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) follows up the cases pending for sanction for prosecution on a regular basis, with the central government departments and its organisations for early decision of the competent authority.

The Commission has also emphasised on the need for the competent authorities to decide upon the grant or denial of prosecution sanction by issue of appropriately worded speaking orders, the probity watchdog said.

In cases of difference of opinion between the competent authorities in ministries/departments/organisations and CBI/other investigating agencies, where the latter have, after investigation sought sanction for prosecution of public servants, the Commission resolves such matters of difference of opinion on the basis of available documents/materials and after taking into consideration, the tentative views of the competent authorities of the ministries/departments/organisations concerned, the report said.

The report further said the Commission also takes note of the pendency with the ministries or departments for previous approval sought by the investigating agency, under section 17A of the PC Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018), and follows up with the authorities concerned on a regular basis for expeditious disposal.

As of 31.12.2022, 99 such references were pending involving 224 officers, it added.

With inputs from PTI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with ISRO Chief S Somanath from South Africas Johannesburg, where he is attending the BRICS summit, to congratulate him on the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moons surface.

During the call, he lauded the ISRO and his entire team for the feat.

The Prime Minister also told S Somanath that he would soon be visiting Bengaluru to personally greet the team on the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Your name is Somanath which is associated to Moon. Your family members are also very happy today. I want to congratulate you and your entire team. Convey my greetings to everyone and very soon, I will congratulate you all face-to-face, PM Modi told the ISRO during the call.

VIDEO | PM Modi spoke to ISRO chief S Somanath over phone after successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on Moon surface. (Source: Third Party)#Chandrayaan3 #ISRO pic.twitter.com/JnXP4CixQn  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 23, 2023

The Vikram lander touched down on the lunar surface at 6:04 pm IST.

India, on Wednesday, made history by becoming the first country to touch down near the little-explored south pole region and joins the United States, the Soviet Union and China in achieving a moon landing.

The Chandrayaan 3 mission was launched on July 14 on board Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM-3) rocket, for a 41-day voyage to reach near the lunar south pole.

The Vikram lander's soft-landing took place days after Russia's Luna-25 spacecraft crashed into the Moon after spinning out of control.

With inputs from agencies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hoped that BRICS nations would support Indias proposal to accord permanent membership of the G20 to the African Union.

India is according highest priority to the issues of countries of the Global South under its G20 presidency, PM Modi said in his address at the BRICS ((Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) summit in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

India is hosting the G20 summit on September 9 and 10. All the BRICS nations are permanent members of the G20.

We have also proposed to give permanent membership of G20 to the African Union. I am sure all the BRICS partners are also together in the G20 and all will support our proposal, Modi said.

The African Union (AU) is an influential organisation consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African continent.

In June, Modi wrote to the leaders of the G20 countries pitching for giving the African Union full membership of the grouping at its upcoming summit in New Delhi.

The proposal was formally included in the draft leaders declaration at the third G20 Sherpas meeting that took place in Karnatakas Hampi from July 13 to 16.

Last month, Indias G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant told PTI that Prime Minister Modis proposal to make the African Union a permanent member of the G-20 has received an overwhelming response from the grouping.

In his address, Modi also referred to Indias hosting of the Voice of Global South summit in January.

125 countries participated in the Voice of Global South summit held in January this year, sharing their concerns and priorities, he said.

The Prime Minister also complimented South Africa for giving special importance to countries of the Global South under its presidency of BRICS.

The countries of the Global South under the chairmanship of South Africa have been given special importance in BRICS. We heartily welcome it, Modi said.

This is not only the expectation of the present time, but also the need. India has given top priority to this subject in its G-20 chairmanship, he said.

Modi arrived in Johannesburg on Tuesday on a three-day visit primarily to attend the BRICS summit.

The BRICS brings together five of the largest developing countries of the world, representing 41 per cent of the global population, 24 per cent of the global GDP and 16 per cent of the global trade.
RPF Constable Chetan Singh, who stands accused of fatally shooting four individuals on the Jaipur-Mumbai Superfast Express last month, has admitted to the killings during a telephone conversation with his spouse.

He also expressed a wish to end his own life.

According to reports, Singhs wife has shared the details of this phone conversation with both security agencies, namely the RPF and the GRP (Government Railway Police).

At present, Singh is incarcerated in Thane Central Prison. Following the approval from the Borivli Magistrate Court, a group of RPF personnel visited him in prison this week to formally document his statement.

This process is part of an internal investigation. However, Singh was not very forthcoming with information during this interaction.

On July 31, Singh carried out the shooting spree, beginning with his superior, ASI Tikaram Meena, followed by three passengers in separate compartments of the train between Vaitarna and Mira Road stations.

Investigations have uncovered that in addition to the shootings, he menaced a woman wearing a burqa and a family at gunpoint on separate occasions. Fortunately, he did not open fire on them as they resisted his threats.

When a passenger activated the emergency brake and the train came to a stop between Mira Road and Dahisar at 5.55am, Singh leapt from the train with his rifle. Even after disembarking, he continued to discharge his weapon in the direction of the train.

Insiders linked to the inquiry have shared that following his departure from the train, Singh contacted his wife by phone and admitted, Mujh se galti ho gayi hai (I have made a mistake).

He conveyed his intention to end his life and informed her that she would now have the responsibility of raising their two young children. He also placed a call to his uncle. Investigators are currently scrutinizing his call records, which will be included in the formal chargesheet.

The investigative team is meticulously reconstructing a step-by-step timeline of events that unfolded on the train, commencing from the point when the RPF escorting team boarded the train at Surat, up until the bodies of the four victims were recovered at Borivli.

Crucial evidence will also encompass phone conversations between terrified passengers and their loved ones, where they described the gunshots they had heard.

Furthermore, witnesses aboard the train have provided video footage that captures moments of the incident, including Singhs incendiary speech delivered beside one of the victims bodies.
The Delhi government official who raped a minor multiple times before impregnating her has been sent to 14-day judicial custody along with his wife who acted as an accomplice.

The order was pronounced by Tis Hazari court Special POCSO judge.

The government official and his wife has been identified as Premoday Khakha (51) and Seema Rani (50).
The Supreme Court has taken a provisional pause on a trial courts request for senior Samajwadi Party figure, Azam Khan, to provide his vocal specimen as a component of the inquiry into a hate speech case dating back to 2007.

A panel comprising Justices AS Bopanna and Prashant Kumar Mishra has summoned the Uttar Pradesh administration to respond to Khans plea contesting the trial courts order.

Earlier, on July 25, the Allahabad High Court had opted not to interfere with the trial courts directive, culminating in the appeal lodged with the apex court.

The appeal was filed by Lzafeer Ahmad on behalf of his client Azam Khan. Scheduled for today, the trial court was set to convene for the case hearing.

The case pertains to a speech delivered at a public gathering in Rampur during August 2007, purportedly containing content that was disparaging towards a specific community.

The High Court noted that Khans primary contention revolved around the non-certification of electronic evidence under Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act, which, according to Khan, could be undertaken at a later point.

Prominent Lawyer Kapil Sibal stood on behalf of Khan during the Supreme Court proceedings.

In a related development, earlier this year in May, a local court in Uttar Pradesh acquitted Khan in a hate speech lawsuit stemming from remarks he made against the States Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, in 2019.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Amitveer Singh overturned the verdict from October 2022 issued by a special court in Rampur, which had previously found Khan guilty and sentenced him to three years imprisonment.
Amid the tumultuous currents of conflict in Manipur, a remarkable narrative of strength, complexity and resilience unfolds. In this intricate tapestry, women emerge as both torchbearers of hope and participants in a conflict-driven struggle. Their roles are multifaceted, their actions defying easy categorisation. As the conflict rages on although stymied for now, the women of Manipur navigate a delicate dance between protector and instigator, embodying the nuanced essence of a society caught in the throes of change.

The Meira Paibis, which translates to torchbearers, an ethnic women-led social movement, which rose to prominence during the protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, aka AFSPA that grants the military unparalleled power, has again made headlines in this conflict.

In the instigated violence that has ravaged Manipur, women have been victims of sexual assault and brutal attacks. It is miserable that women had to go through it, said social activist Shabnam Hashmi. In a conflict, women are easily targeted and sexually abused to humiliate their community, as seen in Manipur.

Manipur is the safest place for women. We condemn the viral video and what the women had to endure. We stand with the two women. We have also been through similar things, but there is no video, Ratna, a Meira Paibis volunteer said while speaking about the atrocities on the Kuki women, a community which her won community Meitei can hardly see eye to eye.

But in the northeastern state of Manipur, women have simultaneously played a vital role in the ongoing conflict. While the Meira Paibis movement in Manipur has undoubtedly shown the strength and determination of women on the frontline of conflict, its crucial to acknowledge the complexities that arise when discussing their role. These women have taken on a dual role, both as defenders of their communities and, at times, as participants in the ongoing conflict. This transition from protectors to instigators is a reflection of the deeply entrenched tensions and divisions within Manipurs society.

Survivors of sexual abuse say that women stood by, watched and encouraged the assault. A legal team expert from Kangpokpi narrated several accounts of 3 May where women instigated violence against other women. They pointed the men to the vulnerable houses who grabbed and dragged women out and beat them up, Hao recalls. All available evidence points to the widespread use of sexual violence in the conflict. Shockingly, women encouraged the abuse and violence.

It is dehumanising. This is also how patriarchy works; women become a part of it. They are influenced by it, Hashmi said.

The fact that women have been involved in inciting violence against other women is a stark reminder that conflict often erodes traditional roles and expectations. While its tempting to romanticise their participation as a sign of empowerment, its equally important to recognise that this reflects the dark reality of how societal fractures can push individuals to engage in acts that contradict their initial intent.

The conflict in Manipur is not simple, as both sides have been provided with illegally procured arms mostly by looting government armouries.

We have been defamed in the media without even knowing our story. Our culture is such that when something goes wrong, women participate. Why should women back down if men can give up their lives? asked Ratna.

From blocking roads leading to Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Chandel and Tengnoupal to guarding their villages at night, the Meira Paibis participation has placed them on a pedestal among locals. They have garnered support in the valley but are often considered a nuisance by the armed forces, who view them as a war tactic used by black hats.

On 3 August, the Meira Paibis at Moirang in Bishnupur district thronged to the frontline arguing with the Assam Rifles and Rapid Action Force (RAF) to clear the buffer zone. The stick-wielding women boldly took to the streets for the interest of their community.

I want to go across and see my house; it is in the demilitarised zone. It has been over 100 days, I want to see if anything is left. Move out of my way, Sophia, another volunteer, told the soldiers. The Kuki militia have come towards the valley and are occupying the area in the buffer zone. We are requesting that the zone be pushed back by a few kilometres so that we can access our homes, she said. The verbal engagement with the forces is part of the protest plan.

As arguments spiral, the women dragged the barricade away from the frontline. The armed forces found it tough to handle the situation as chaos followed. The women push further towards the line of demarcation.

The armed forces have found themselves unprepared to deal with the might of Meitei women. The Meira Paibis, undeterred, stand their ground.

We want to see our homes, one volunteer bellows; the crowd echoes the same in Manipuri. With the bevy of women on the frontline, the troops cannot lathi charge, nor do they have orders to do so, and the Meira Paibis know that. The protesters mobilise every hour. A handful of exhausted ones will return to rest and be replaced by more members invigorating the crowd. And the strength of Meira Paibis remains stagnant at the forefront.

The vicious circle continues as a few armed men in black and a few in commando attire appear from the alley, but theyre not state commandos. Now the Meira Paibis take a back seat. They hover around, aiding the men from their side while facing the troops.

Unity is our strength. Without it, we cant do anything. Every Manipuri community has Meira Paibis; every woman is a Meira Paibis, Ratna said.

Such willpower and strength shown on the frontline by women have not been witnessed anywhere else in the country. But the line between being safeguards of their society to becoming perpetrators and participating in the assault has blurred. The quick transition from defenders to fighters is unique to the state. The check posts across the state were set up to safeguard villages and prohibit entry of the other community much of that ire is now directed to the army, officials, doctors and drivers with essential supplies as well.

This nuanced situation underscores the need for comprehensive approaches to conflict resolution and community healing. The Meira Paibis and similar movements are emblematic of the complex dynamics at play in conflicts around the world. The involvement of women both as peacemakers and as participants in violence underscores the importance of addressing not only the overt conflicts but also the underlying social, economic and political factors that contribute to such situations.

Regrettably, women who should be at peace protest are getting involved in the conflict. When hate takes over society, everyone is prone to be consumed by it, Hashmi said.

The Kuki-Zomi women protestors from Kuki Women Union and Human Rights (KWH&HR) in Tengnoupal believe in looking out for people of their ethnicity by providing essentials and guarding their district against the evil state authorities.

We cannot go to Imphal anymore; the roads have been blocked. We will not allow state forces to cross the Kuki area. The government has let us down, and so have the police, said president Chongboi of KWH&HR while a group of local women fortify NH 102.

Some women prefer to be silent supporters. We cook food for the village defence force (VDF). When they come from the bunker, the food is ready. If they are fit and healthy, they will guard better, said Thibu as her wrinkled face lights up, seeing the village avengers approach. The women understand it is a war for them but not with another country. The battle is within.

The violence that started on 3 May, with vile miscreants and instigators pitting the majority Meitei against the minority Kuki-Zo community, has yet to be quelled. In the end, Manipurs story serves as a poignant reminder that movements led by women can be a powerful force for change, but the path to lasting peace requires a deeper understanding of the intricate web of emotions and motivations that shape human behaviour in times of crisis.

The author is a senior journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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The United States recently revealed that two American sailors were arrested and charged with spying for China. Both men were ethnic Chinese who were born in China but grew up in the United States, and one had applied to become a naturalized citizen. Both men provided confidential, not highly classified information, including technical manuals used by sailors to do their jobs on various warships. The two sailors also provided details on planned deployments of some ships. The mother of one of the sailors encouraged her son to cooperate with Chinese intelligence because that might enable him to move back to China and get a better civilian job. That will have to wait until they are out of custody. Both men were jailed pending trial because both were considered a flight (to China) risk.

Despite years of growing numbers of arrests and prosecutions of Americans accused of spying for China, the Chinese persist. While ethnic Chinese Americans are prime targets for Chinese recruiters of pies or informants, any foreigners with pro-Chinese attitudes are potential candidates for Chinese intelligence officers looking for potential recruits.

A favorite tactic of Chinese intel officers is to arrange for a financial arrangement between Chinese organizations and people China considers potential candidates for Chinese intelligence sources. Much of this effort is concentrated in large English speaking nations like the United States and Britain that have many trading relationships with Chinese firms and institutions. Western universities and faculty were always a prime target because these institutions and their key staff are not seen as a major target for Chinese influence operations. China understands that the staff of universities in the West are recognized by locals as a source of expert opinion on many matters. These faculty members can also be influenced by gifts of cash. These are not called gifts or, more accurately, bribes. Rather the money is considered a grant to support further academic studies on one subject or another. China arranges large grants. Government and popular opposition to these programs has not eliminated them, just forced China to change how it implements the program. While Western intelligence agencies remain alert and aware of this program, few others in government or academia seem to be concerned. After several years of indifference by university administrators towards requests to monitor and block Chinese influence efforts, governments are becoming more energetic and aggressive about this.

This was a return to methods last employed three years ago. For example, in 2020 an American and two Chinese were indicted for secretly providing China with U.S. technology. The American was Charles Lieber, head of the Harvard Chemistry and Chemical Biology department. He was accused of secretly establishing a working relationship with a Chinese university at Wuhan. Lieber established research efforts at Harvard, recruiting top scientists to work on projects of interest to China and secretly passing research results to China. He also received millions of dollars from China to further this research. During the FBI investigation Lieber repeatedly lied about these activities, which did not prevent the FBI from eventually gathering all they needed to arrest Lieber and indict him. It is rare for China to convince a senior American academic, like Harvard department head Charles Lieber, to get involved in illegal research projects. Why Lieber got involved in such blatantly illegal activities was not disclosed and details probably wont emerge until his trial.

Also indicted for Harvard related espionage was a Chinese citizen, Zheng Zaosong, who was studying at Harvard on a student visa and was accused of trying to smuggle 21 vials of biological material and research data back to China. The third defendant was Yanqing Yeh, a Chinese student at nearby Boston University. She was also an active duty lieutenant in the Chinese Army who was supervised by a colonel at a Chinese military academy that was working on new technology for the Chinese military. This school was on an American list of Chinese educational institutions that were banned from working with anyone in the United States. Yeh was also caught trying to smuggle research data back to China. Yeh had lied about her military status when she applied for a student visa, asserting that she had been discharged from the army and left out her connections with the banned (in the U.S.) Chinese military academy she was working for as an army officer. She was also accused of being an unregistered foreign agent. Among the items uncovered by the FBI was that Yeh had been assigned to investigate one American academic at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School who was researching computer security. Given how active China has been using hackers to steal valuable data from the United States, that particular assignment was ominous. Yeah had presented herself as a student but further investigation showed she was a very active Chinese spy.

It is illegal for American academics and researchers to secretly work for Chinese government or commercial firms. These restrictions wont trigger similar measures for Americans in China because China has long assigned police and intel specialists to closely observe who visiting Americans visit. This surveillance often involves MSS (secret police) agents advising Chinese to refuse such meetings or only do it with an MSS agent present, usually pretending to be an employee of the firm.

Meanwhile, China has been making the most of their access. One recent FBI investigation documented the use of the Chinese Confucius Institute's cultural centers at American universities and how these programs were actually part of a widespread intelligence operation that employed visa fraud for Chinese visiting scholars who were actually MSS operatives. This program recruited Chinese-born businessmen, academics and others, often naturalized American citizens, to participate in IP (Intellectual property) theft. Further encouragement was that some of these operatives could sometimes profit from it personally. Not all these recruits knew they were participating in espionage but the Chinese could effectively pressure their citizens to cooperate. Worse, the FBI discovered that many of the Chinese in the U.S. on J-1 visas (for visiting scholars) spent most of their time on espionage and a bare minimum on actual research.

As successful as this espionage effort was, most of the Chinese-Americans approached by recruiters were not interested and politely declined. More importantly, many of them quietly reported their encounters to the FBI or to friends they knew could do it for them. The Chinese knew these alerts to the FBI posed a risk but considered it an acceptable risk given the amount of intellectual property that was being stolen and put to work back in China. The same thing happens when China seeks to recruit informants or spies in the American armed forces.

The United States has been prosecuting and convicting a growing number of Chinese-born men (and a few women) conspiring to commit or actually carrying out economic espionage in the United States. Some of these suspects are naturalized American citizens but a growing number are Chinese citizens here on legitimate visas. As more suspects were identified patterns began to appear which revealed the inner workings of known Chinese intellectual property espionage efforts.

It was known that China had a state-sponsored program to make it easy for foreign-educated Chinese to return home and apply what they had learned in the West to start their own companies. China offered billions of dollars in venture capital for this program. This made it easier for Chinese moving back to China from the West to establish their own companies using what they learned in the West. This program helped create thousands of new firms. Many of these firms were using stolen trade secrets and patents that were being laundered. That is, changed sufficiently to make it difficult for the owners of the stolen intellectual property to easily prove theft.

The FBI and CIA again noted several interesting patterns. While many of the returning Chinese students were operating legally, a large number of those new Chinese firms were operating illegally by depending on stolen intellectual property. There were other patterns as well. A lot of the stolen tech seemed to involve Chinese and Americans associated with various Chinese efforts that helped returning Chinese to profit from what they had learned in the West. These programs involved establishing hundreds of Confucius Institutes associated with Western universities, including a hundred in the United States. That, plus the aggressive recruiting of Chinese and non-Chinese academics willing to help China mobilize the largest IP theft in history.

Participating in this program has become riskier. The growing number of convictions are for conspiring to steal or actually stealing trade secrets. Many of the technologies involved are dual-use; for commercial and military applications. Many of these investigations begin when American companies provided the FBI with documentation showing how the Chinese obtained and applied the trade secrets. What the American firms usually lack is information about who was getting the information, often including detailed manufacturing techniques, to the Chinese. The U.S. is not the only victim here. Many other Western nations are experiencing the same losses. Even Chinese neighbor and ally Russia has suffered heavy losses due to this Chinese economic espionage.

There have been a lot more court cases about this because Chinese firms have become bolder in how they exploit stolen software, trade secrets and other technology. In the past, the Chinese were careful in the use of stolen tech when exporting their own military equipment copied from Russian designs. The Chinese had started doing this during the Cold War, which sometimes got fairly hot (there were some deadly border skirmishes in the 1970s) because China and Russia developed some territorial and ideological disputes that did not settle down until the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991.

The Russians are still angry about the continued Chinese theft of their tech, and growing Russian threats over this caused the Chinese to sign agreements in the last decade that declared Chinese firms would stop stealing and reselling Russian tech. In practice, this only slowed the Chinese down, but it placated the Russians for a while. Currently, the Americans are starting to sound like the Russians in the 1990s, but the Americans have more legal and economic clout to deploy and this situation is liable to get ugly before (if ever) it gets better.

By 2012 most American officials had come to openly admit that a whole lot of American military and commercial technical data has been stolen via Chinese Internet (and more conventional) espionage efforts. Details of exactly all the evidence of this is unclear, but apparently, it was pretty convincing for many American politicians and senior officials who had previously been skeptical. The Chinese efforts have resulted in most major American weapons systems having tech details obtained by the Chinese, in addition to a lot of non-defense or dual-use technology. Its not just the United States that is being hit but most nations with anything worth stealing. Many of these nations are noticing that China is the source of most of this espionage and few are content to remain silent any longer.

Its no secret that Chinese intelligence collecting efforts since the late 1990s have been spectacularly successful. As the rest of the world comes to realize the extent of this success, there is a growing desire for retaliation. What form that payback takes remains to be seen. Collecting information, both military and commercial, often means breaking laws and striking (or hacking) back at the suspected attackers will involve even more felonies. China has broken a lot of laws. Technically, China has committed acts of war because of the degree to which it penetrated military networks and carried away copies of highly secret material. The U.S. and many other victims have been warning China there will be consequences. As the extent of Chinese espionage becomes known and understood, the call for consequences becomes louder.

China tries hard to conceal its espionage efforts. Not just denying anything and everything connected to its hacking and conventional spying but also taking precautions. But as their success continued year after year, some of the Chinese hackers became cocky and sloppy. At the same time, the victims became more adept at detecting Chinese efforts and tracing them back to specific Chinese government organizations or non-government hackers inside China.

Undeterred, China has sought to keep its espionage effort going and has even expanded operations. For example, starting in 2008 China opened National Intelligence Colleges in many major universities. In effect, each of these is an "Espionage Department" where, each year, several hundred carefully selected applicants are accepted in each school, to be trained as spies and intelligence operatives. China has found that espionage is an enormously profitable way to obtain military and commercial secrets and now China trains and rewards those who have a talent for such things and make a career of it. The Internet-based operations, however, are only one part of Chinas espionage efforts.

While Chinese Cyber War operations in this area get a lot of publicity, the more conventional spying brings in a lot of stuff that is not reachable on the Internet. One indicator of this effort is the fact that American counter-intelligence efforts are snagging more Chinese spies. This is partly due to increased spying efforts by China, which puts more of their people out there to get caught, as well as more success by the FBI and CIA. All this espionage, in all its forms, has played a large part in turning China into one of the mightiest industrial and military powers on the planet. China is having a hard time hiding the source of the new technologies they are incorporating into their weapons and commercial products. Many of the victims initially had a hard time accepting the fact that the oh-so-eager (to export) Chinese were robbing their best customers of intellectual property on a grand scale. Now Western firms are a lot more wary about dealing with the Chinese.

China has been getting away with something the Soviet Union never accomplished, stealing Western technology and then using it to move ahead of the West. The Soviets lacked the many essential supporting industries found in the West. These firms were largely founded and run by entrepreneurs, which was illegal in the Soviet Union.) Because of that, the Russians were never able to acquire all the many pieces needed to match Western technical accomplishments. Soviet copies of American computers, for example, were crude, less reliable, and less powerful. It was the same situation with their jet fighters, tanks, and warships.

China got around this by making it seemingly profitable for Western firms to set up factories in China, where Chinese managers and workers were taught how to make things right. At the same time, China allows thousands of their best students to go to the United States to study. While many of these students will stay in America, where there are better jobs and more opportunities, a growing number are coming back to China and bringing American business and technical skills with them. Finally, China energetically uses the "thousand grains of sand" approach to espionage. This involves China trying to get all Chinese going overseas, and those of Chinese ancestry living outside the motherland, to spy for China, if only a tiny bit.

This approach to espionage is nothing new. Other nations have used similar systems for centuries. What is unusual is the scale of the Chinese effort, and that makes a difference. Supporting it all is a Chinese intelligence bureaucracy back home that is huge, with nearly 100,000 people working just to keep track of the many Chinese overseas and what they could, or should, be trying to grab for the motherland. This is where many of the graduates of the National Intelligence College program will work.

It begins when Chinese intelligence officials examine who is going overseas and for what purpose. Chinese citizens cannot leave the country legally without state security organizations being notified. The intel people are not being asked to give permission. They are being alerted in case they want to have a talk with students, tourists, or business people before leaving the country. Interviews are often held when these people come back as well.

Those who might be coming in contact with useful information are asked to remember what they saw or bring back souvenirs (legal or otherwise). There are over 700,000 Chinese students attending foreign universities. Even more Chinese go abroad as tourists or on business. Most of these people were not asked to actually act as spies but simply to share, with Chinese government officials, who are not always identified as intelligence personnel, whatever information they obtained. The more ambitious of these people are getting caught and prosecuted. But the majority are quite casual and individually bring back relatively little and are almost impossible to catch, much less prosecute.

Like the Russians, the Chinese are also employing the traditional methods, using people with diplomatic immunity to recruit spies and offering cash, or whatever, to get people to sell them information. This is still effective and when combined with the "thousand grains of sand" method brings in a lot of secrets.

Not getting caught is becoming more important because that can lead to increasingly dangerous diplomatic and legal problems. When the Chinese steal some technology and produce something that the Western victims can prove was stolen via patents and prior use of the technology, legal action can make it impossible, or very difficult, to sell anything using the stolen tech outside of China. For that reason, the Chinese long preferred stealing military technology and tried to avoid using stolen commercial tech in a way that made it easy to determine the source of stolen data. This meant keeping stolen commercial tech inside China. And in some cases, like manufacturing technology, there's an advantage to not selling it outside of China. Because China is still a communist dictatorship, the courts do as they are told, and they are rarely told to honor foreign patent claims when stolen tech is discovered in China by its foreign owners.

Increasingly, Chinese firms are boldly using their stolen technology, daring foreign firms to try and use Chinese courts to get justice. Instead, the foreign firms are trying to muster support from their governments for lawsuits outside China. Naturally, the Chinese government will howl and insist that its all a plot to oppress China. This has worked for a long time, but many of the victims are now telling China that this conflict is being taken to a new, and more dangerous, level.
It is ironic that China should now be playing second-fiddle to India in both the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS. This is not admitted to by either side, but perceptually it is increasingly evident. India held the rotating chair in the SCO for a year most successfully till it ended recently and appears to be dominating the agenda at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg too. So much so, that while Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi pointed out that it will soon be a $5 trillion economy open to do business with the Global South and others, Chinese President Xi Jinping did not make a speech, and stayed away from the business session attended by the other three.

Russias President Vladimir Putin joined in virtually from Moscow. This is the first in-person summit of BRICS since 2019. Prime Minister Modi called India the growth engine of the world in an unabashed pitch to over 40 countries present, and the global audience via coverage of the ongoing three-day event.

Russia was represented by its highly experienced Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. It complained, as expected, about the Western sanctions imposed on it, but pledged support to the Global South, and Africa in particular. If President Putin was referring to grain shipments, Africa would note that those too were disrupted more than once.

India is more credible in this matter, because of its timely help with vaccines during the Covid pandemic, while most others, including the rich Western countries, hoarded their own supplies. Its treatment of the many additional invitees to the G20 Summit approaching its climax next month is also much appreciated by the Global South and indeed most of the G7 countries as well, including Japan and France.

Xi did attend the retreat for the heads of government, but, reading between the lines, did not make any headway with Chinas bid to expand the BRICS line-up immediately. China wants to form a larger block to rival the domination of the Global Commons regime, helmed by the US. However, previous attempts ranging from the post-colonial Non-Aligned movement to the G-15 have never been effective. A line-up of about 45 countries in BRICS is unlikely to do any better.

This Commons regime refers to the dominance of the US dollar as a global reserve currency, the SWIFT system as the international method of banking money flows, and free and open access to the trade waterways of the high seas. It also includes Americas established hold on a number of global institutions, and defence cooperation-oriented organisations such as NATO, AUKUS and QUAD.

Any attempt to go beyond talking about a BRICS currency is unrealistic. India has made headway in trading bilaterally in local currencies with a number of countries, but this too is hampered with not enough presence in global trade. As Indias economy grows, the rupee will gain greater acceptance in international trade, said Columbia University professor and economist Arvind Panagariya in a recent article.

China, by way of contrast, could not properly float its external Yuan as an exchange currency and has been struggling to make something of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), an Asia-Pacific-based trade pact, akin to a common market. Many in it are chafing at the direction from China which tends to advantage it, and India, of course, has refused to join just as it refused to join Chinas Belt and Road initiative. This was prescient because it has severely stressed or bankrupted those who have.

India, under Modi, since 2014, has been joining and participating in other regional meetings of organisations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). These are influential, but not subject to outright Chinese domination. It is also making every effort in BIMSTEC, particularly with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the successor, more or less to SAARC, that has been stymied by Pakistan. Relations with Nepal too are getting better with its infatuation with Chinese communism on the decline.

India is trying hard to reduce its trade with, and investment from, China. Moves like the licencing of the manufacture of laptops and other electronic items is a step in this direction.

Given the eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation of over 50,000 troops with massive deployment of military equipment on each side along the Line of Actual Control (LaC), the relationship between India and China is not good.

Intrusions and illegal holding of perceived Indian territory in Eastern Ladakh, actual skirmishes and clashes in Ladakh and in Arunachal Pradesh make up an adverse list, alongside Chinese training, arming and funding of multiple insurgencies in India. Chinese encouragement of Pakistani terrorism is also a huge problem, as is its blocking of Indian initiatives against terrorists in the UN. China has also blocked Indian membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Chinese companies that have been operating in India have been caught evading taxes and breaking rules. Most Chinese companies are now banned from making investments in India. China itself has also broken international trading rules after joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Indian diplomacy has been candid in stating that the relationship with China is, at present, not normal and cannot be, given the circumstances. Even today, China is regularly menacing the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan and Japan in its near neighbourhood. Against this backdrop, the possibility of a bilateral meeting at Johannesburg between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping is unlikely and rather pointless.

However, both are conducting many bilateral meetings with the other BRICS members and over 40 invited countries, many of whom want to join BRICS.

Prime Minister Modi in Johannesburg also called for the building of a resilient supply chain, a diplomatic code used by the Americans to reduce dependence on China. China, on its part, complained rather bitterly of US hegemony and hostility towards the poorer countries of the Global South. While this may seem incongruous in a BRICS Summit, perhaps it is trying to claw back some vestiges of its global image that has taken a severe battering of late.

Not only is China regarded as the villain of the piece with regard to the global Covid pandemic that has taken millions of lives, but its plummeting economy, huge unemployment, collapsing companies, and chronic belligerence has put off most of the world. African countries have been expelling the Chinese for their arrogant, racist, and predatory ways. Most of the world is losing faith in Chinas ambitions given its sharp decline.

The only economy that is growing strongly amongst the five present members of BRICS is Indias. And India has apparently persuaded the other two present  namely Brazils Lula da Silva and South Africas Cyril Ramaphosa to agree to a process for expanding the BRICS line-up first.

The Shanghai-based BRICS Bank, formally known as the New Development Bank, has failed to rival the major US-backed multilateral lending institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and others.

India is a darling to these institutions, with its approximately 7 per cent GDP growth year on year. It is called a beacon of hope in a world troubled economically, at present.

US President Joe Biden has stated that he considers India to be the most important country to him, in the backdrop of the BRICS Summit, and will be visiting New Delhi shortly between 7-9 September for the G20 Summit, along with a host of other heads of government. His announced agenda at the G20 is to condemn Russia for the Ukraine War.

This 15th Summit of BRICS was preceded by Prime Minister Modi pointing out the need to identify new areas of cooperation. He will go to Greece on 25 August from South Africa for a day-long visit, on his return path to India. Greece is offering a gateway to Europe for India, even as it has been interacting closely with rival China in recent years after its economy went bankrupt and was rescued by its membership of the EU and massive new loans.

Like the rivalry in BRICS and SCO, India and China will continue to compete with each other in the global arena, and in economy-oriented organisations. This will have multiple effects on the geopolitics of the world, but Indias economy, much smaller than China at present, is assured of medium to long-term success. This is mainly because of an alignment with America and its Western allies that give it an edge in security matters. Indias largely Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) economy, backed by strong domestic demand and proportionate exports, is poised to make it the third biggest in the world by 2028-2030. After that, its numbers wont stay very much smaller than those of the Chinese economy, presently at number 2.

The writer is a Delhi-based political commentator. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, Pakistans former Ambassador to US, India and China writes in The Dawn, Pakistans relations with India are hostile, largely due to India. Its relations with Afghanistan are strained because of strategic short-sightedness. Its relations with Iran are dubious because of US diplomatic and economic leverage over Pakistan. Its relations with China are stable but static because of its structural inability to avail of transformation opportunities. Its relations with Russia remain undeveloped due to Pakistans elite deference to the US and Indias continuing influence in Moscow. Its relations with the US, despite its elite deference, have declined because of its diminished strategic relevance as well as Indias rising strategic profile in Washington.

In one brief paragraph, Qazi sums up Pakistans diplomatic failures while praising Indias success. Pakistans diplomatic shortcomings are due to its own follies but adopting a policy of denial it blames India and its deteriorating strategic relevance. Indirectly Qazi has given credence to the Indian diplomatic cadre which worked as per plan and isolated Pakistan from almost all its supposed allies. Qazi, however, did ignore a few realities.

The cardinal rule that Pakistan ignored, in recent years, was believing that there are free meals, solely because the country was strategically located and possessed nuclear weapons. Yes, free meals were provided as long as the US or Russia was in Afghanistan. Pakistan would have continued to gain financially and diplomatically with US presence in its neighbourhood, but assumed that strategic depth was more beneficial than US funding.

It began arming, protecting and backing the Taliban against the providers of free meals. The end result is no strategic depth and no free breakfast. Today, it is ignored by both sides (US and Afghanistan) and it has only itself to blame.

Qazi also bypasses Pakistans relations with its Middle Eastern friends. Earlier the UAE and Saudi Arabia provided Pakistan with funds to overcome its financial problems (which led to Pakistan forgetting to bring about structural reforms to its economy). With Indias Middle East diplomatic outreach, these nations prefer to invest in India as also enhance trade ties with it. In Pakistan, they seek strategic assets, including airports and docks, as collateral for future provision of loans.

India providing food and medical aid to Afghanistan has ensured that anti-India groups do not find easy space in the country but anti-Pakistan groups do. There are calls by AQIS (Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent) but these are limited to online radicalisation. Currently, there is no country in the globe in such a dire diplomatic predicament as Pakistan, where almost every neighbour is an enemy or with whom relations are deteriorating.

On Afghanistan, Qazi was right. He writes, Why out of Afghanistans six neighbours, only Pakistan, which has fenced almost its entire border, complains of terrorism? This is a question that Pakistan needs to ponder. Afghanistan also has members of other terrorist groups on its soil including the ETIM (East Turkestan Islamic Movement) which operates in Xinjiang against China, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan-focused Jamaat Ansarullah, among others.

However, the Kabul regime has either subdued these groups or relocated them thereby reducing the threat to its neighbours, less the anti-Pakistan TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan). Such a scenario is more a result of Pakistans flawed policies and belief that the Kabul dispensation would grovel before it and accept their diktat. It forgets that Afghanistan is an independent nation, which needs nothing from Pakistan and will never be subservient to it.

Pakistan needs to look inwards at its own follies, rather than point fingers at others. For two decades, it blamed India for funding and arming the TTP as also the Baloch. Now it has none to blame. Its yearly dossiers, presented with much fanfare to the UN Secretary-General and all others accusing India of backing terrorist groups are now a global joke. Dossiers against Afghanistan are not even worth the paper on which they are written.

On ties with India, for which Islamabad blames Delhi, it is time the Pakistani leadership reconsidered its own perceptions. India and Pakistan are today vastly different. India is an economic and military powerhouse, while Pakistan struggles to survive. Talks between nations can never be held ransom to terrorist attacks or reversing internal decisions, as Pakistan demands.

To enhance ties, nations need to give and take. For Pakistans struggling economy to revive, trade and peace with India are paramount. Expecting India, which currently can ignore Islamabad, to accept pre-set terms and conditions is immaturity. Unless Islamabad climbs down from its high horse, it will continue expending much-needed funds for defence rather than development.

Pakistans deepening ties with China have led to the West being suspicious of its intent. Its ties with Russia have stagnated, not due to Indian influence, but due to its own inabilities and confusion on which club to join. It forgets that it is beholden to China, implying that it is a member of the anti-west group.

India, a nation with a growing economy and military power, can choose its own strategic path which will be globally acceptable, but not Pakistan. Demanding from the US that it be treated equally as India is living in utopia. Forgetting its rightful place and living in an illusion is a major cause of its diplomatic failures. Believing that possessing nuclear weapons is a sign of strength is a misnomer, which Pakistan fails to realise.

Another factor for Pakistans diplomatic quagmire is that the nation had either fixated foreign ministers or immature ones, Shah Mehmood Qureshi is an example of the earlier and Bilawal Bhutto of the latter. India, on the other hand, appointed experienced and dedicated foreign ministers, who exploited Indias strengths, pushed the nations global agenda forcefully and compelled the world to take note of Indias concerns. Unless Islamabad reads the tea leaves and corrects its flawed outlook, it will continue being a global entity with no voice.

Qazi also forgets that it takes two hands to clap and no nation seeks to join hands with beggars, terrorist sympathizers or those who face internal instability, forget influencing the regional environment. Pakistan must first rise above the ashes of its own internal quagmire before it seeks global recognition. Piggybacking on China, to whom it is beholden will only make the world ignore it.

The author is a former Indian Army officer, strategic analyst and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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All eight people trapped inside a cable car dangling hundreds of meters above a deep ravine in a remote part of northwest Pakistan have been rescued successfully after over 14-hour-long operation, the countrys interim Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar said on Tuesday.

Six children and two adults became trapped earlier in the day when one of the cables snapped while the passengers were crossing a river canyon in Battagram district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The children were on their way to school when the incident occurred at around 8 am in Battagram districts Allai tehsil.

Relieved to know that all the kids have been successfully and safely rescued. Great teamwork by the military, rescue departments, district administration as well as the local people, Prime Minister Kakar posted on X.

The successful completion of the operation was confirmed in a statement issued by Rescue 1122, Dawn newspaper reported.

Assistant Commissioner (AC) Jawad Hussain said the cable car was privately run by locals for transportation across rivers as there were no roads or bridges in the area.

The cable car remained dangling in the middle of a deep ravine surrounded by towering mountains and a rocky surface along with the Jhangri river for hours.

The rescue operation to retrieve the stuck passengers began in the morning, but the first two children could not be rescued before late in the evening.

They were rescued by the armed forces amid rough weather and following multiple attempts shortly before the sunset as part of an operation that saw the use of four helicopters.

Once the darkness set in, state broadcaster PTV News reported that the aerial operation had been called off due to night and weather conditions but rescue efforts through alternative means were ongoing, the report said.

Since helicopters could not fly after sunset, rescuers eventually shifted from an airborne effort to a risky operation that involved using one cable that was still intact to approach the car with the chairlift.

Earlier, two helicopters belonging to the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Air Force arrived at the site for a rescue operation. Two attempts were made to move towards the chairlift. One of the helicopters then moved away.

The local administration along with Rescue 1122 teams were present at the spot, but due to the height and the hilly terrain, it was not possible for rescue officials to carry out a relief operation, Assistant Commissioner Jawad Hussain said.

Ghulamullah, chairman of the Allai Valley area, earlier had told Geo News that every time the helicopter lowered the rescuer closer to the chairlift, the wind from the helicopter would shake and disbalance the chairlift making the children scream in fear.

Gulfaraz, a 20-year-old who was inside the chairlift, told Geo News over the phone that they did not have drinking water in the chairlift.

Prime Minister Kakar had directed authorities to rescue all the people stuck in the chairlift and asked the national and provincial disaster management authorities to utilise all the available resources.

He issued directives to ensure safety measures for cable cars in the hilly areas.

The chairlift accident in Battagram, KP is really alarming, he posted on X.

Im closely monitoring and tracking the rescue efforts in Batgram, KP. I am happy that progress is being made, and thanks to the efforts of our army personnel, Air Force, rescue organizations, district administration and others, students stuck in the chairlift have started returning to the ground safely. Ill keep monitoring closely till the completion of the rescue operation, insha Allah, he said in another post.

According to a local school teacher, Zafar Iqbal, at least 150 students take the hazardous journey to school by cable car every day due to the lack of road facilities in the area, the Dawn newspaper reported.
A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Brazils Rio Di Janeiro as a young schoolgirl lost her life after her head collided with a pole as she leaned out of the school bus window to waive at her friends.

Fernanda Pacheco Ferraz, a 13-year-old student, was on her way back home from school when a tragic mishap occurred.

Reports from witnesses recount that Fernanda was seated towards the rear of the bus when she made the unfortunate choice to lean out of the window.

In a gesture of farewell to her friends on the pavement, she inadvertently collided with a concrete pole situated near the curb. This collision resulted in severe head injuries that proved to be fatal.

The incident took place in Nova Friburgo, a locality near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Fernanda had been returning home from her studies at The Professor Carlos Cortes State College.

The bus, operated by Novafaol, came to a halt immediately after alarmed passengers alerted the driver about the incident. The driver, who possesses more than a decade of experience with the company, promptly notified the relevant authorities and the companys management.

Despite the swift response of emergency services, the paramedics declared her dead on arrival.

Novafaol, the bus company, expressed deep regret over the unforeseen and sorrowful event through an official statement. They also pledged their full cooperation with the authorities during the ongoing investigation.

In light of this distressing occurrence, the Rio de Janeiro State Department of Education released an official statement. They declared a two-day mourning period and decided to suspend classes at Fernandas school for the remainder of the week as a mark of respect.

The funeral of the teenage victim took place at the Trilha do Ceu Cemetery on August 17.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke at the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg where he announced that India will support an expansion of the group.

In around two decades, BRICS has undertaken a long and magnificent journey. In this journey, we made numerous achievements, the Indian Prime Minister said.

#WATCH | India fully supports the expansion of BRICS, we welcome moving forward with consensus on this: PM Modi at the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit pic.twitter.com/37CB4H3U0l  ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2023

During his speech, PM Modi said that BRICS will become future-ready only when the worlds society thinks and prepares itself for the future.

To make BRICS a future-ready organisation, we will need to make our respective societies also future-ready, and technology will play an important role in this, he said.

#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi speaks at the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg To make BRICS a future-ready organisation, we will need to make our respective societies also future-ready, and technology will play an important role in this pic.twitter.com/wd4yluSm1j  ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2023

He added, In around two decades, BRICS has undertaken a long and magnificent journey. In this journey, we made numerous achievements.

Talking about Indias contribution to BRICS, PM Modi said, To give a new path to the BRICS agenda, India had put forth suggestions on issues such as railway research network, close cooperation between MSMEs, online BRICS database and startup firms. I am happy that a lot of progress was made on these issues.

VIDEO | To give a new path to the BRICS agenda, India had put forth suggestions on issues such as railway research network, close cooperation between MSMEs, online BRICS database and startup firms. I am happy that a lot of progress was made on these issues, says PM Modi at pic.twitter.com/Nl9UGxLZrD  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 23, 2023

The BRICS leaders are at Sandton Convention Centre for BRICS Plenary Session, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The BRICS leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arrived at the Sandton Convention Centre to attend the plenary sessions.

Prior to attending the sessions, the leaders posed for a BRICS family photograph.

VIDEO | PM Modi in BRICS family photo with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. pic.twitter.com/ueNXwliImc  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 23, 2023

PM Modi, Xi Jinping, Ramaphosa, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Brazil President Lula da Silva were in the BRICS group photo.

#WATCH | PM Modi at the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg pic.twitter.com/bc2Rz4LPtm  ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2023

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg said, BRICS nations need to advance the interests of the global south and call for industrialised countries to honour their commitments to support climate actions by developing economic progress.

Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the plenary session via video conferencing.

#WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit, via video conferencing pic.twitter.com/zNaFaOgIao  ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2023

The plenaries are scheduled to be followed by a cultural performance and a banquet dinner hosted by President Ramaphosa.

PM Modi arrived in South Africa on Tuesday and received a ceremonial welcome at Waterkloof Air Force Base.

Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora chanting Vande Mataram.

The members of the Indian community were waiting for PM Modis arrival and welcomed him amid lusty drumbeats outside the Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg.

The opening day of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg was witness to the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue.

In his address at the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue, PM Modi said India will soon be a 5 trillion dollar economy and in the coming years will be the growth engine of the world.

PM Modis special message to the dialogue was that mutual trust and transparency can help create a big impact, especially in the Global South.

BRICS is a grouping of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

This is the first in-person BRICS Summit after three consecutive years of virtual meetings owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

With inputs from ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday held a bilateral meeting in Johannesburg, on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.

Watch:

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hold a bilateral meeting in Johannesburg, on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit. pic.twitter.com/gxW20jS5J5  ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2023

Had an excellent meeting with President @CyrilRamaphosa. We discussed a wide range of issues aimed at deepening India-South Africa relations. Trade, defence and investment linkages featured prominently in our discussions. We will keep working together to strengthen the voice of the Global South as well, tweeted PM Modi.

Had an excellent meeting with President @CyrilRamaphosa. We discussed a wide range of issues aimed at deepening India-South Africa relations. Trade, defence and investment linkages featured prominently in our discussions. We will keep working together to strengthen the voice of pic.twitter.com/xhxEClr1Dl  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2023

PM Modi, who is in South Africa to attend the 15th BRICS Summit, will attend open and closed plenary sessions in Johannesburg later today.

The plenaries will be followed by a cultural performance and a banquet dinner hosted by President Ramaphosa.

PM Modi arrived in South Africa on Tuesday and received a ceremonial welcome at Waterkloof Air Force Base.

Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora chanting Vande Mataram and the members of the Indian community were waiting for PM Modis arrival to welcome him with dhols outside the Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg.

The opening day of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg was witness to the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue.

In his address at the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue, PM Modi said India will soon be a 5 trillion dollar economy and in the coming years will be the growth engine of the world.

PM Modis special message to the dialogue was that mutual trust and transparency can help create a big impact, especially in the Global South.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa said as Africa has an urbanised population it can provide a stable workforce in future, BRICS countries have an opportunity to contribute to and participate in Africas growth story.

Africa has a young digitally connecting and urbanizing population. A population that provides a stable workforce for companies in future. The investment in skills continues to grow, President Ramaphosa said.

Soon after the Business Forum, PM Modi arrived at the Summer Place in Johannesburg to participate in the BRICS Leaders Retreat where the leaders of the grouping will deliberate on global developments and explore how to utilize the BRICS platform effectively to address and resolve global challenges.

Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attended the event.

Notably, this is PM Modis third visit to South Africa and the trip marks the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between India and South Africa.

Initially formed as BRIC, a visionary concept coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim ONeil in 2001, BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, and China  a collective representation of burgeoning emerging markets brimming with current and future economic prowess. In a momentous development in 2010, South Africa joined the bloc, prompting a change in the acronym BRICS.

With inputs from ANI
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday told a summit of the BRICS grouping that Moscow wants to put an end to the war unleashed by West.

He said, The desire of a number of Western countries to maintain their hegemony in the world led to a severe crisis in Ukrainethe actions of the Russian Federation in Ukraine are dictated only by the desire to stop the war of extermination unleashed by the West

Addressing the plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit via video conferencing, Putin also called for de-dollarisation stressing that BRICS countries must expand settlements in national currencies and enhance cooperation between banks.

Putin also announced that Russia as chairman of BRICS next year plans to hold summit in Kazan in October 2024.

In our chairmanship, we will have the following mottos- strengthening multilateralism for global development and security; we plan to have some 200 political, economic and public events; BRICS summit is scheduled for October 2024 in the city of Kazan

#WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit, via video conferencing Next year Russia will assume the BRICS chair. In our chairmanship, we will have the following mottos- strengthening multilateralism for global pic.twitter.com/cFYcsDpB55  ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2023

The BRICS leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arrived at the Sandton Convention Centre to attend the plenary sessions earlier today.

Prior to attending the sessions, the leaders posed for a BRICS family photograph. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov posed for the picture along with other BRICS leaders in place of Putin.

Other than Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, PM Modi, Xi Jinping, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Brazil President Lula da Silva were also in the BRICS group photo.

BRICS is a grouping of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

This is the first in-person BRICS Summit after three consecutive years of virtual meetings owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The plenaries are scheduled to be followed by a cultural performance and a banquet dinner hosted by President Ramaphosa. The opening day of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg was witness to the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue.
The BRICS Summit will advance the cause of common prosperity and progress, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday afternoon as he welcomed the leaders from Brazil, Russia, India and China at the opening of the 15th BRICS Summit.

Ramaphosa said the BRICS partnership that straddles four continents and five countries that are home to almost three-and-a-half billion people has over the past decades been a major driver of global growth, trade and investment.

We are confident that this 15th BRICS Summit will advance the cause of common prosperity and progress. We are confident that (it) will enrich and inspire our work towards the achievement of a more humane global community, he said.

Underlining that BRICS stands for solidarity, progress, sustainable development, inclusiveness and a more just, equitable world order, the president said, We are an inclusive formation of developing and emerging economies that are working together to benefit from our rich histories, cultures and systems to advance common prosperity.

Ramaphosa said the BRICS partners know that poverty, inequality and underdevelopment are the biggest challenges facing humankind and are, therefore, determined that the partnership must be harnessed to drive an inclusive global economic recovery.

He reaffirmed that the African agenda is a strategic priority for South Africa during its Chairmanship of BRICS this year.

It is for this reason that we have chosen as the theme of this years Summit: BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism. We welcome the ongoing engagement of BRICS countries with Africa in the spirit of partnership and mutual respect, Ramaphosa said as he highlighted that the objective was reciprocal trade and investment.

We want the goods, products and services from Africa to compete on an equal footing in the global economy. The African Continental Free Trade Area, once fully operational, will unlock the benefits of the continental market and generate mutually beneficial opportunities for both African and BRICS countries, he said.

On climate change, Ramaphosa said the BRICS partners must ensure that the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future is just, fair and takes into account differing national circumstances. In line with this objective, BRICS nations need to advance the interests of the Global South and call for industrialised countries to honour their commitments to support climate actions by developing economy countries, he said.

Expressing concern over global conflicts, Ramaphosa said peace and stability are preconditions for a better and more equitable world.

We are deeply concerned about conflicts across the world that continue to cause great suffering and hardship. As South Africa, our position remains that diplomacy, dialogue, negotiation and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter are necessary for the peaceful and just resolution of conflicts, he said.

The president said the increasing use of global financial and payment systems as instruments of geopolitical contestation was a matter of concern.

Global economic recovery relies on predictable global payment systems and the smooth operation of banking, supply chains, trade, tourism and financial flows. We will continue discussions on practical measures to facilitate trade and investment flows through the increased use of local currencies, he said.

While there has been a great deal of speculation about the BRICS partners reaching an agreement on local currency trading, none of the other leaders mentioned this in their addresses.

Ramaphosa concluded his opening address with a call for fundamental reform of the institutions of global governance so that they may be more representative and better able to respond to the challenges that confront humanity.
The first co-defendants in the election racketeering case targeting former US president Donald Trump surrendered to the authorities in Georgia on Tuesday.

John Eastman, a former campaign attorney for Trump, and Scott Hall, a bail bondsman, were booked at the Fulton County Jail, according to jail records.

Trump is expected to turn himself in at the same Atlanta jail on Thursday to face charges of seeking to overturn the 2020 presidential election won by Democrat Joe Biden.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee set bond for the 77-year-old former president at $200,000 on Monday.

Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, and the 18 other co-defendants in the landmark case have until noon (1600 GMT) on Friday to turn themselves in to the authorities in Georgia.

Eastman, a conservative constitutional law scholar, is accused of drawing up a scheme to submit a false slate of Trump electors to Congress from Georgia instead of the legitimate Biden electors.

Speaking to reporters after being booked, Eastman said, I am confident that when the law is faithfully applied in this proceeding, all of my co-defendants and I will be fully vindicated.

Asked if he continued to believe, as Trump falsely claims, that the election was stolen, Eastman replied, Absolutely.

He added: No question in my mind.

Hall is charged with racketeering and conspiracy to commit election fraud in connection with tampering with voting machines in Georgia.

Eastmans bond was set at $100,000 and Halls at $10,000.

Bond has also been set for seven other co-defendants including Jenna Ellis, a former Trump campaign attorney. Her bond was set at $100,000. A public crowdfunding appeal for Ellis had raised nearly $95,000 as of Tuesday to help defray her legal expenses.

Trump was indicted in Georgia last week on charges of racketeering and a string of election crimes after a sprawling, two-year probe into his efforts to overturn his election defeat to Biden in the Peach State.

Fani Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, has asked the judge to set a trial date of March 4 next year for Trump and the other co-defendants.

Trump is facing four criminal trials as he bids for a return to the White House.

Others facing charges in the alleged Georgia conspiracy include Trumps former personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and his White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows.
In spite of being present in South Africa, Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped the key meeting of BRICS Business Forum which was held in Johannesburg and was attended by the leaders of the grouping.

Chinas Commerce Minister Wang Wentao delivered the speech on behalf of the Chinese President in which he said, Some country obsessed with maintaining its hegemony has gone out of its way to cripple the emerging markets and developing countries.

Xi Jinping is on a state visit to South Africa which is also coinciding with the 15th BRICS Summit.

In a vieled attack at US, Commerce Minister Wentao said, Everything we do is to deliver better lives to our people. But some country obsessed with maintaining its hegemony has gone out of its way to cripple the emerging markets and developing countries. Whoever is developing fast, becomes its target of containment, whoever is catching up becomes its target of obstruction. But, this is futile. Every country has the right to development and the people in every country have the freedom to pursue a happy life.

Right now, changes in the world are unfolding in ways like never before, bringing human society to a critical juncture. Should we pursue cooperation and integration or just succumb to division and confrontation? Should we work together to maintain peace and stability or just sleepwalk into the abyss of a new cold war? he further questioned.

Wang on Tuesday said the BRICS Business Council has deepened cooperation, contributing to social and economic developments of BRICS countries and helping sustain global economic growth.

It is my great honour to read out the remarks on behalf of Xi Jinping, President of the Republic of China at the closing ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum 2023, the Chinese Commerce Minister said.

I wish to extend my warm congratulations on the success of the BRICS Business Forum in South Africa. Ten years ago in South Africa, we BRICS leaders witnessed the birth of the BRICS Business Council. Since then, the council has stayed true to its founding mission. It has seized opportunities to deepen cooperation contributing to social and economic developments of BRICS countries and helping sustain global economic growth, he added.

The business forum saw the attendance of South Africas Cyril Ramaphosa, Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russias foreign minister Sergei Lavrov was also present at the event virtually.

He said that the course of history will be shaped by the choices made today.

Meanwhile, PM Modi on Wednesday said the BRICS Business Forum provided him with the opportunity to highlight Indias growth trajectory, the steps taken to boost Ease of Doing Business and public service delivery.

BRICS Business Forum gave me an opportunity to highlight Indias growth trajectory and the steps taken to boost Ease of Doing Business and public service delivery. Also emphasised on Indias strides in digital payments, infrastructure creation, the world of StartUps and more, PM Modi tweeted.

PM Modi in a special message at the BRICS Business Forum said mutual trust and transparency can help create a big impact, especially in the Global South.

There is no doubt that India will become the worlds growth engine. This is because India took challenges as an opportunity for economic reforms, he said.

With the use of technology, India has made major leaps in financial inclusion, benefiting rural women the most. In the last nine years, peoples income has almost doubled, the Prime Minister said in the short address.

PM Modi arrived in South Africa on Tuesday to attend the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg from 22-24 August at the invitation of the countrys president Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa.

This will be the PMs third visit to South Africa and the trip marks the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between India and South Africa.

This years BRICS is under the presidency of South Africa. The theme of this years summit is: BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism.
India and the UK have made good progress in closing chapters and the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations are now laser-focussed on goods, services and investment, UK officials said on Wednesday ahead of Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenochs visit to India to attend the G20 summit.

After the G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting in Jaipur, which is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, Badenoch is expected to head to New Delhi for bilateral talks with her Indian counterpart, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. Their discussions will coincide with the ongoing twelfth round of FTA negotiations that are underway in Delhi since last week.

The UK and India are committed to working towards the best deal possible for both sides. Weve made good progress in closing chapters, and are now laser-focused on goods, services, and investment, said a UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) spokesperson.

While we cannot comment on ongoing negotiations, we are clear that we will only sign when we have a deal that is fair, balanced, and ultimately in the best interests of the British people and the economy, the spokesperson said.

Official estimates peg bilateral trade between the two countries at around GBP 36 billion in 2022, a figure expected to significantly benefit from an FTA.

According to a joint outcome statement issued at the end of Round 11 of the negotiations last month, technical discussions were held across nine policy areas over 42 separate sessions and covered detailed draft treaty text discussions. Goyal had flown into London to meet Badenoch during the last round and UK government sources said their interaction proved helpful.

However, they are also keen to underplay expectations of a deal being clinched any time soon, given Rishi Sunaks first visit to India as British Prime Minister next month for the G20 Leaders Summit. There are still complex talks ahead on areas such as goods, services and investment, which will take time to land a deal that works for both sides, the sources indicated.

They reiterated the UK government stance around its the deal not the date, which has been the mantra to distance the Sunak-led government from former prime minister Boris Johnsons proposed Diwali 2022 deadline which was missed amid political turmoil in the country.

We want an ambitious deal that benefits us in the years and decades to come. We wont sign until we get a deal which is right, UK government sources said.
An Indian-origin finance director of a pharma company died at the hands of armed assailants who robbed him of approximately $10,000 before fatally shooting him, last week in Mexico City.

The deceased identified as Ketan Shah, (38), was employed as finance director at Laboratorios Torrent SA de CV, a subsidiary of Ahmedabad-based Torrent Pharmaceuticals.

According to a reports, Shah fell victim to armed robbers who targeted him, snatching $10,000 from him before shooting him fatally on Simon Bolivar Street in Mexico City.

The incident took place when Shah was making his way home after withdrawing $10,000 from a foreign exchange center at the airport.

The attackers, riding on two motorcycles, trailed Shahs vehicle and unleashed a volley of seven shots. Although the local authorities swiftly responded to the scene, Shahs life could not be saved.

In a tragic turn, Shahs father, who was also present during the attack, sustained injuries but is presently in stable condition.

Mexican authorities have initiated an inquiry into the incident. Torrent Group officials have assured that they are actively working to facilitate the secure return of Ketan Shahs family to India.

Shah had been an integral part of Torrent Pharma for a span of seven years. Since May 2019, he had been stationed in Mexico City as part of his work for the company. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Conveying their condolences, the Indian Embassy in Mexico issued a statement on twitter: We deeply mourn the unfortunate and tragic demise of an Indian citizen, who was shot by unidentified assailants in Mexico City. The Embassy is in constant contact with law enforcement agencies, striving to swiftly apprehend the culprits and bring justice to the victims family.
It has been revealed that a Chinese spy is persistently trying to gauge UK officials through the online networking platform LinkedIn, in an attempt to secure classified state information by offering cash rewards or trips to China.

The spy, operating under various aliases but frequently using the name Robin Zhang, has been preying on individuals within British security agencies, government employees, scientists, and scholars who possess access to confidential data or commercially valuable technology.

Zhangs strategy involves soliciting state secrets in return for substantial financial incentives and business arrangements.

Over an extended period, he concentrated his efforts on the UK, managing his activities from his base in Beijing.

Regarded as one of the most active spies aimed at undermining the British state in a generation, Zhang resorted to creating fictitious security enterprises and websites to enhance his credibility.

He even falsely claimed to have received education at a prestigious London university, according to reports from The Times.

Zhangs approach primarily revolved around building connections with officials operating in sensitive sectors such as science and technology, politics, and the military.

According to reports, he approached a recruitment consultant with an 8,000 offer each time confidential information about an intelligence services candidate was divulged.

Similarly, a former military intelligence officer was enticed with substantial monetary rewards for disclosing details about the nations counterterrorism network.

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To safeguard Western spies from potential danger, The Times refrained from disclosing Zhangs actual identity.

However, the report did identify several pseudonyms he used, including Zhang, Eric Chen Yixi, Robin Cao, Lincoln Lam, John Lee, and Eric Kim.

Zhang employed generic stock images or unrelated individuals photographs on his LinkedIn profiles, asserting connections with a security company based in Shanghai.

Described as insistent and unprofessional by a targeted individual, Zhangs methods were reportedly successful due to the scale at which he operated.

His initial approach involved sending a generic introductory message, followed by offers of financial compensation for intelligence reports, invitations for trips, or business prospects.

Subsequently, Zhang would transition the conversations to WeChat, a Chinese messaging and social media platform, introducing the target to supposed colleagues or alternate aliases within his purported company.

In response, a spokesperson for LinkedIn stated that creating fraudulent accounts constitutes a clear violation of their terms of service.

They highlighted their proactive measures, such as the Threat Prevention & Defence teams efforts to detect signs of state-sponsored activity and remove fake accounts using information from various sources, including government agencies.

The spokesperson also referred to their Transparency Report, which outlines the steps taken to ensure that LinkedIn remains a secure platform for genuine professionals to connect and engage.
US President Joe Biden will embark on a four-day trip to India starting 7 September to attend the G-20 Leaders Summit during which he will discuss with other leaders a range of global issues, including the Ukraine conflict, the White House announced on Tuesday.

President Biden will also commend Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership of the G20, the White House said in a statement.

The G20 world leaders summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on 9 and 10 September. The summit is expected to be one of the largest gatherings of world leaders in India. India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1, 2022, from Indonesia.

President Biden and G20 partners will discuss a range of joint efforts to tackle global issues, including on the clean energy transition and combatting climate change, mitigating the economic and social impacts of Putins war in Ukraine, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

Increasing the capacity of multilateral development banks, including the World Bank, to better fight poverty, including by addressing global challenges, she said in a statement.

While in New Delhi, President Biden will also commend Prime Minister Modis leadership of the G20 and reaffirm the US commitment to the G20 as the premier forum of economic cooperation, including by hosting it in 2026, Jean-Pierre added.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that Bidens talks with leaders on the sidelines of the summit will focus on climate change, Russias war in Ukraine and other global challenges.

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.

From 4-7 September, Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Jakarta, Indonesia to attend the US-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit and engage with leaders from the Indo-Pacific, Jean-Pierre said.

Harris and ASEAN leaders will review the unprecedented expansion in US-ASEAN relations under the Biden-Harris Administration and the vice president will reaffirm the United States enduring commitment to Southeast Asia and ASEAN centrality, the press secretary said.

This visit builds on President Bidens participation in the US-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in November 2022, his virtual participation in the US-ASEAN Summit and East Asia Summit in November 2021, and the Presidents and Vice Presidents engagements with ASEAN leaders at the historic May 2022 US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington, D.C.

This is the Vice Presidents third trip to Southeast Asia in the past two years, and builds on her August 2021 visit to Singapore and Vietnam and her November 2022 visit to Thailand and the Philippines, Jean-Pierre said.
Following a visit by a Chinese spacecraft-tracking vessel last year that sparked security concerns from neighbouring India, Sri Lanka is reportedly processing a request by China to allow a research ship to dock in the country, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.

China has requested permission for a research ship to dock in Sri Lanka, Colombo said Tuesday, following a visit by a spacecraft-tracking vessel last year that sparked security concerns from neighbouring India.

The Chinese embassy here has made an application and the ministry is currently looking at it, Priyanga Wickramasingha, the foreign ministry spokesperson, told PTI. No dates have been fixed yet for the visit, she said.

The Chinese research vessel SHI YAN 6 is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka for marine research activities in October.

Described as a Research/Survey Vessel with a carrying capacity of 1115 DWT, the current draught is reported to be 5.3 metres in length overall 90.6 metres and width 17 metres,

The media here is abuzz that the foreign office here is in an awkward position about the request due to possible concerns being raised by India.

The vessel is expected to undertake research jointly with the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA).

The Chinese despatch their vessels to Sri Lanka on a regular basis. Two weeks ago, the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Navy warship HAI YANG 24 HAO arrived in the country on a two-day visit.

It was reported that the arrival of the 129-metre-long ship was delayed due to concerns raised by India.

In August last year, a similar visit by the Chinese ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship, Yuan Wang 5, which arrived in the southern Sri Lankan port of Hambantota elicited strong reactions from India.

There were apprehensions in New Delhi about the possibility of the vessels tracking systems attempting to snoop on Indian defence installations while being on its way to the Sri Lankan port.

However, after a considerable delay, Sri Lanka allowed the ship to dock at the strategic southern port of Hambantota, being built by a Chinese company.

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka considers both India and China equally important partners in its task to restructure its external debt. China is one of the top lenders to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka owes USD 7.1 billion to bilateral creditors, including USD 3 billion to China.

The negotiations for Sri Lankas external and domestic debt restructuring must be concluded by September, the time for the International Monetary Funds review of its USD 2.9 billion bailout extended in March this year.

The island nation was hit by an unprecedented financial crisis in 2022, the worst since its independence from Britain in 1948, due to a severe paucity of foreign exchange reserves.
The United States has received formal requests from the Netherlands and Denmark regarding the transfer of F-16 fighter aircraft to Ukraine. However, before these transfers can be approved, Ukrainian pilots will need to meet specific conditions such as learning English, as outlined by a spokesperson from the Pentagon.

Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, speaking at a briefing on Monday, explained that certain prerequisites must be fulfilled for the third-party transfer to proceed.

These requirements include English language proficiency for Ukrainian pilots and logistical arrangements on the ground. Singh emphasized the importance of comprehensive language training for Ukrainian pilots and noted that this process would require a substantial amount of time.

Earlier in August, Politico reported concerns about language barriers potentially impeding F-16 training for Ukrainian pilots, which is being provided by European nations.

Sources cited by the outlet indicated that among the initial group of 32 pilots selected to operate the US-designed fighter jets, only eight had an adequate command of English to participate in the training program.

Singh stated that once the specified criteria are satisfactorily met, the authorization for the transfer can proceed.

Furthermore, she confirmed the willingness of the US to consider training Ukrainian pilots in operating the F-16s if the Netherlands and Denmark are unable to accommodate the entire contingent sent by Kyiv at once.

The decision regarding the number of Ukrainian pilots to be trained on the F-16s will rest with Ukraine. Singh mentioned that the final count of pilots to be trained has not yet been determined by Kyiv.

On Sunday, both the Netherlands and Denmark officially announced their commitment to providing F-16 aircraft to Ukraine, a demand that Kyiv had been advocating for during its ongoing conflict with Russia.

Although the Netherlands, possessing a fleet of 42 F-16 jets, did not specify the quantity to be donated, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky indicated that the entire fleet would eventually be delivered to Kyiv.

Denmark, on the other hand, pledged to supply Ukraine with 19 aircraft, six of which are scheduled to be delivered by years end.

In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed the belief that the F-16s, like previously supplied Leopard-2 tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles, and other Western-provided weaponry, would meet a fiery fate once they reach Ukraine.

Moscow has consistently cautioned against the provision of advanced weaponry to Ukraine by the US and its allies, warning that such actions could cross perceived red lines and potentially escalate the conflict significantly. Russias contention is that Western nations are effectively becoming involved in the conflict by providing arms, intelligence sharing, and training to Ukrainian forces.
The United States is set to impose visa sanctions on Chinese officials involved in the forced assimilation of children in Tibet. This move comes as a response to the separation of approximately one million children from their families in Tibet, according to UN experts.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the US would limit visas for Chinese officials responsible for the state boarding school policy, despite ongoing high-level discussions between the two nations, reported AFP.

Blinken stated that these measures were aimed at countering the coercive policies that are attempting to erode the unique linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage of Tibet among its younger generations.

He called on the authorities of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) to halt the practice of coercing Tibetan children into government-run boarding schools and to discontinue assimilation policies not only in Tibet but also in other parts of the PRC.

According to a spokesperson from the US State Department, the new visa restrictions would apply to both current and former officials involved in education policy in Tibet. However, specific details were not provided due to US confidentiality laws regarding visa records.

In a separate move, the US had previously imposed sanctions in December on Wu Yingjie and Zhang Hongbo, two senior Chinese officials, in response to alleged widespread human rights abuses in Tibet.

The statement from Blinken referred to a report by three UN experts in February that estimated around one million Tibetan children had been forcibly placed into boarding schools.

This program seems to have the objective of assimilating Tibetans into Chinas predominant Han culture, with a mandatory focus on Mandarin education and the absence of instruction aligned with the cultural practices of the Buddhist-majority Himalayan region, as stated by special rapporteurs.

Additionally, a report released by UN experts earlier in the year highlighted that hundreds of thousands of Tibetans had been coerced into leaving their traditional rural lifestyles for vocational training of low significance, as a pretext to undermine their distinct identity.

The Chinese foreign ministry dismissed these reports as baseless, asserting that the Tibet region enjoys stability, economic progress, ethnic harmony, and religious accord.

With inputs from agencies
Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was listed among passengers on a private jet that crashed in Russias Tver region on Wednesday, according to a report by Interfax, that cited Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsiya.

All three pilots and seven passengers onboard the plane that was travelling from Moscow to St. Petersburg are believed to be dead, state news agency Tass reported.

According to initial reports at least 10 people have died after the private jet crashed in a region north of Moscow. Prigozhin is believed to be among them.

The Embraer aircraft, en route from Moscow to St Petersburg, was carrying seven passengers and three crew, TASS said.

The head of the Russian paramilitary Wagner group was reported to be onboard the private jet that crashed, two months after he led an aborted mutiny against the Kremlin.

The news comes barely days after Prigozhin appeared in a video message posted on social media  his first such message since he led the failed revolt against Russian President Vladimir Putin in late June.

The short video posted online showed Prigozhin dressed in military fatigues and brandishing an assault weapon in a Savannah-like landscape that he claimed was somewhere on the African continent  the site of multiple past Wagner operations.
Ship insurers have hiked the premium for ships operating in Russias Black Sea ports in the form of war risk premiums, a Reuters report said Wednesday. The war risk premium was hiked from around 1% of the cargos cost to somewhere between 1.20 and 1.25%.

The report cited four traders as sources and added that a war risk premium was added to the usual insurance costs for tankers last year after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Military skirmishes have heightened in the Black Sea area, including brushes between Russia and the US in the airspace over, especially since Russia pulled out of the Black Sea Grain Deal this July.

Reuters report cited several attacks that Russia reported at its Black Sea ports in recent times. So far, oil loadings from Russias Black Sea ports have not been affected by the attacks, but risks are mounting, the report quoted traders as having said.

The increase means every voyage will cost $200,000 per one Suezmax tanker (can carry 120,000-200,000 tonnes) more if Russian oil is delivered to India. The rise in the premium means the overall cost of the premium will be almost $1 million, Reuters said.

According to assessments, while the cost is not exorbitant it only escalates Russias costs and, therefore, negatively impacts the countrys overall oil export costs which have constantly surged since February 2022 owing primarily to Western sanctions.

The Reuters report said that the traders it talked to added that the increase was mostly affecting Russian oil and products.

Volumes originated from Russia are associated with higher risks than others, though current situation gives insurers lots of reason to raise prices for anyone operating in Russian Black Sea ports, one of the traders told Reuters.

According to reports, grain traders have increasingly been becoming wary of the safety of shipments that has most certainly added to the hike in the insurance premium.

Overall crude oil loadings from Black Sea Novorossiisk and CPC terminal account for some 2% of global supply. Oil product exports from Russias Black Sea ports are about 4 million tonnes per year, Reuters observed.
At the BRICS Summit, flag of each member country are marked to denote the standing position of the leaders during the group photo. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noticed the Indian flag on the ground and made sure not step on it.

The Indian Prime Minister, instead, promptly picked up the Tricolour and kept it with him.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, however, had already stepped on his countrys flag, but when he saw PM Modi, he followed his cue.

Immediately, Ramaphosa took his countrys flag and kept it with him.

The video also shows someone coming on the podium to take the flag from Ramaphosa and PM Modi. While the South African President gave his countrys flag, the Indian Prime Minister neatly folded the Tricolour and kept it in the pocket of waist coat instead.

Watch the video here:

Captivating scenes at #BRICSSummit2023. Each leaders spot to stand is marked by their respective flag.

Indian PM #NarendraModi makes sure to not step on the Tricolour and immediately keeps it with him. Meanwhile, #SA President #Ramaphosa, who accidentally stepped on his own pic.twitter.com/iL47IkskUv  Firstpost (@firstpost) August 23, 2023

On the second day of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bi-lateral talks with the South African President.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, PM Modi said during the meeting, they discussed a wide range of issues aimed at deepening India-South Africa relations.

"Trade, defence and investment linkages featured prominently in our discussions. We will keep working together to strengthen the voice of the Global South as well," PM Modi said.

Had an excellent meeting with President @CyrilRamaphosa. We discussed a wide range of issues aimed at deepening India-South Africa relations. Trade, defence and investment linkages featured prominently in our discussions. We will keep working together to strengthen the voice of pic.twitter.com/xhxEClr1Dl  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2023

The BRICS leaders are at Sandton Convention Centre for BRICS Plenary Session, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
NVIDIA has introduced DLSS 3.5, a new technology featuring Ray Reconstruction, an advanced AI model that elevates the visual quality of ray-traced graphics for real-time 3D applications and games. This innovation was revealed at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany.

DLSS 3.5: Advancing Ray-Traced Graphics

DLSS 3.5 introduces Ray Reconstruction for all GeForce RTX GPUs, replacing old denoisers with an AI network from NVIDIAs supercomputers. This upgrade enhances pixel quality between rays, creating realistic lighting like reflections and shadows for an immersive gaming experience.

Ray Reconstruction in DLSS 3.5 utilizes a well-trained AI network with vast data. It recognizes different ray-traced effects and cleverly employs temporal and spatial data. Unlike DLSS 3, this version learns from five times more data, making denoising smarter and more effective.

Since its start in February 2019, DLSS has evolved to improve visuals and speed. DLSS 3.5 now integrates Ray Reconstruction, Super Resolution, Deep Learning Anti-Aliasing, and Frame Generation. These enhancements, powered by GeForce RTX GPUs Tensor Cores, lead to smoother frames, superior graphics, and faster responses.

Upcoming Adoption and Enhancements

NVIDIA has revealed that highly anticipated games like Alan Wake 2, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, and Portal with RTX will embrace DLSS 3.5. Additionally, this technology elevates real-time 3D creator apps, enabling professionals to display superior images without prolonged rendering.

Ray Reconstruction will extend to software like D5 Render, Chaos Vantage, and NVIDIA Omniverse  a hub for crafting 3D tools and apps.

DLSS shines in over 330 games and apps. Awaited titles including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, PAYDAY 3, and Fortnite will feature DLSS 3, refining visuals and performance.

Reduced Latency with NVIDIA Reflex

Games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, PAYDAY 3, and Alan Wake 2 will launch with NVIDIA Reflex, a technology that reduces system latency, giving players an advantage in multiplayer matches and enhancing single-player gaming experiences.

NVIDIA Reflex has gained popularity and is already used by over 50 million players each month, contributing to a more competitive and responsive gaming environment.

Enhanced Half-Life 2 and AI-Powered NPCs

The Half-Life 2 RTX: An RTX Remix Project is a community-driven remaster of Valves acclaimed game. Developed by four top mod teams, it integrates ray tracing, DLSS 3, Reflex, and RTX IO for an enhanced gaming experience.

Additionally, NVIDIAs Avatar Cloud Engine (ACE) introduces NeMo SteerLM, a technique that enhances AI-driven NPCs, making interactions more emotive and realistic.

GeForce NOW Expansions

GeForce NOW members will soon have access to a range of new games and improved server capabilities. Ultimate members can connect to powerful RTX 4080 SuperPODs for optimal performance.

The collaboration with Microsoft Store will bring more Xbox PC Game Pass titles to GeForce NOW, offering gamers a wider range of choices across different devices.

DLSS 3.5 at Gamescom

DLSS 3.5 is being showcased at NVIDIAs booth (Hall 2.1, Booth A10) at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, from August 23 to 27, 2023.
The Indian Space Association, a prominent consortium of private space and satellite companies in India, has lauded ISRO and the Indian government for their recent accomplishment of safely landing the Chandrayaan-3 lander on the moons southern pole at 6:04 PM today.

The accomplishment marks India as the fourth nation to softly land on the moons surface, following the USA, China, and the previous Soviet Union. Notably, India is the first to achieve this feat on the moons south pole.

Chandrayaan-3 Sends Heartening Message

In the aftermath of the landing, Chandrayaan-3 transmitted a message: India, I reached my destination and you too!: Chandrayaan-3. This achievement highlights how space is becoming more accessible and displays Indias firm resolve in conquering challenging space endeavors.

It also bodes well for Indias involvement in the upcoming era of lunar exploration, which aims to establish lasting structures on the moon.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Highlights

Launched on July 14, 2023, from Sriharikota, India, the Chandrayaan-3 mission involves the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover. The landers main task is to softly land on the moons surface, enabling the rover to perform on-site chemical analyses. This mission strives to advance novel technologies crucial for future interplanetary missions.

Private Companies Contribution

In addition to ISROs efforts, several private companies such as Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Walchandnagar Industries, Centum Electronics, Godrej & Boyce, and Ananth Technologies have played pivotal roles in the successful launch and landing of Chandrayaan-3 and other ISRO missions. Their contributions often go unnoticed, despite their significant impact over many years.

Commenting on the occasion, Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (Retd.), Director General, Indian Space Association, said:
For those of you who know me, you can understand how I was biting my tongue to keep from res

Timeline of events from A&M documents

 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. March 7  Joy Alonzo lectures first-year University of Texas Medical Branch students on the opioid crisis and overdoses.

 2:50 p.m. March 7  Alonzo emails the medical branch professor who invited her to speak, saying she had received a call from Texas A&M University leadership about a complaint.

 3:21 p.m. March 7  Alonzo emails the medical branchs media department, asking whether the lecture had been recorded. The emails subject line was Gosh  I am in a ton of trouble, please call!

 3:29 p.m. March 7  Alonzo sends a follow-up email to the medical branch, informing officials the governor had called about the complaint.

 4:22 p.m. March 7  the medical branch issues a censure of Alonzo over reported comments critical of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

 6 p.m. March 7  Texas A&M begins an investigation into comments Alonzo was accused of making, saying it was only because the medical branch issued a censure.

 March 9  Texas A&M interviews a graduate student who attended the lecture. The student didnt remember the comments.

 March 10  a letter informs Alonzo she has been placed on administrative leave during an investigation.

 March 21  Texas A&M lifts Alonzos leave.

 July 25  The Texas Tribune published a story detailing the investigation and censure.

 Aug. 3  Texas A&M issues a statement and timeline of events.

 Aug. 3  Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp sends a column to news organizations statewide, saying the investigation happened only because of the medical branchs censure.
MANZINI  Eswatini has to consider BRICS, one way or the other, as she is indirectly in it, says an economist.

University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Economics Lecturer Sanele Sibiya said the country was exposed to the impacts of the five economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS). These countries were initially grouped as BRICS in 2001. The term was coined to describe fast-growing economies that would collectively dominate the global economy by 2050. The BRICS were originally identified for the purposes of highlighting investment opportunities and had not been a formal intergovernmental organisation. Over the years, there has been a growing role of BRICS and countries have been invited to be part of the member States of the entity.

Carefully

Sibiya said Eswatini had to plan carefully on how to exploit the free-trade opportunities that would be brought by BRICS. He said in the long-term, BRICS was a formidable trade bloc and Eswatini needed to take up the new trade arrangements that shall emerge, given that more countries had reportedly registered their interest in joining BRICS. We shall be forced to value markets as BRICS can bring more markets and there is also the BRICS bank, which stands to bring favourable banking rates to member States, Sibiya said. The economist said BRICS shall improve trade and bring value production and assist in global markets. Sibiya said the country, at some point, shall be forced to value the benefits that may come with BRICS. He said there was also a possibility of Eswatinis exports being excluded in some of the countries which shall join BRICS, as they would be getting favourable opportunities within the bloc.

Sibiya said Eswatini could be forced to value its markets and as such, it was essential to plan efficiently. This, he said, was to curb a possibility of losing existing markets while seeking new ones. A lingering factor that needs to be considered, he said, was the aid from the European Union (EU), which was in diverse sectors within Eswatini. Meanwhile, there is an ongoing BRICS Summit in South Africa, which has an African theme and is reportedly attended by many African leaders as part of an outreach programme. During the summit, according to the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), it is said, at least six African countries applications shall be considered for membership.

The ISS reported that interest in joining BRICS has surged and it quoted South Africas International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor as having said, while several more nations had shown interest, 23 had formally applied. These were said to be Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Honduras, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Morocco, Nigeria, State of Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and Vietnam.

On the other hand, this publication, in recent months, reported that Eswatini was one of the countries that had been lobbied to be part of BRICS. This was confirmed by the Russian Federation Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov, during a press conference held at the Cabinet Offices, at Hospital Hill, Mbabane. Lavrov said during the private talks they had with the head of government and other Cabinet ministers, he relayed the invitation to Eswatini to be part of the group of growing economies in the world, BRICS. He made it known that if countries joined the BRICS, they would not feel any burden of restrictions that came with being part of the other global economic groups like the EU, the United States of America (USA) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). BRICS is one of the new organisations where member States are not controlled by a particular State and have to follow its orders like it is in the case of the NATO, EU and the USA, he said.
Xiaomi Assures 4 Years of Android OS And 5 Years of Security Updates For Redmi K60 Ultra: What About Others? News oi -Alap Naik Desai

Xiaomi has assured it will offer long-term OS and security updates for its smartphones; beginning with the just-launched Redmi K60 Ultra. The company appears to be stepping up and matching Samsung's commitment to older devices.

Companies, such as Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and a few others offer regular security updates as well as annual Android OS updates. Xiaomi appears to be realigning its strategy to match these companies in ensuring its smartphones remain useful and secure for a long time.

Xiaomi To Offer Long-Term Regular Android OS And Security Updates Redmi K60 Ultra?

The Android smartphone ecosystem is highly fragmented, and not just in terms of hardware. Most of the smartphones running Android OS get one or two major OS updates and a few security patches.

Android smartphones that aren't manufactured by Google, Samsung, OnePlus, and a few others seldom get software support that goes beyond one to two years. Hence, millions of Android devices are still running older versions of Android OS and outdated security updates.

Xiaomi has announced it will join the short list of companies that offer long-term Android OS and security updates, at least for some of its smartphones.

Xiaomi announced a long software support cycle for the recently launched Redmi K60 Ultra in a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. The Xiaomi Redmi K60 Ultra will receive four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security patch updates.

Needless to say, Samsung is one of the few companies that offer such a long software and security update assurance, and that too for a select few Samsung Galaxy devices. The majority of smartphone manufacturers end Android OS updates after about two major releases of the smartphone operating system.

Some companies do offer security updates beyond the conventional two-year period. However, such companies are few. This leaves millions of Android devices vulnerable to newly discovered security flaws or vulnerabilities.

Will Xiaomi Assure Long-Term OS And Security Updates For Its Other Smartphones?

The just-launched Xiaomi Redmi K60 Ultra runs MIUI 14 OS, which is based on Android 13. Under the revised update cycle, the Redmi smartphone will receive up to Android 17 and get security updates right until 2028.

Several surveys have revealed that smartphone users have been using their older devices for longer durations. Such commitments will help customers safely use their smartphones until they decide to upgrade. On the other hand, Xiaomi may experience marginal regression in smartphone sales as older devices will continue to remain relevant and useful, at least on the software front.

Hence, it is doubtful if Xiaomi will extend such long-term software update commitments to other Redmi smartphones. Xiaomi may be trying to push Redmi K60 Ultra sales via such announcements. However, from the customer's perspective, it would be very helpful.

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Chandrayaan-3 Vikram Lander Will Attempt Soft Landing On Moon Today: How To Watch ISRO Event Live? News oi -Alap Naik Desai

Chandrayaan-3 will attempt to land on the lunar surface today. The Vikram Lander, housing the Pragyan Rover had separated from the main propulsion vehicle earlier this week.

The Chandrayaan-3's lander module is gradually decreasing its altitude and velocity with respect to the Moon. It will try to position itself over an optimum landing zone and attempt to gradually descend on the lunar surface this evening. Here's how our readers can watch the event unfold live.

Chandrayaan-3 Vikram Lander Spotting Landing Site On Moon's South Pole

The Indian Space Research Organization, popularly known as ISRO, launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission on the Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM-3), housing the Vikram Lander and the Pragyan Rover on July 14, 2023. After a journey that spanned almost 40 days, the lander detached from the main rocket this week.

The Vikram lander is equipped with an array of sophisticated cameras and multiple guidance systems that allow it to scout for a good landing site and set itself down gently. After the Russian Luna-25 tragically crashed on the Moon's surface, India's Chandrayaan-3 is now the only hope not just for Indians but also for the entire world.

So far, the Chandrayaan-3 mission has proceeded without any glitches. The onboard propulsion and navigation systems placed the primary rocket and the subsequent stages in desired orbits and ensured the entire payload was securely placed in the lunar orbit.

Vikram Lander has started de-boosting, which essentially means it is safely closing in on the Moon. All the systems have performed well so far. However, the most critical stage will begin today, when the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram Lander will attempt to gently land on the Moon, a feat in which the Chandrayaan-2 and the Luna-25 failed.

Watch Chandrayaan-3 Vikram Lander Attempt Landing On The Moon Live

India would be the fourth nation to successfully land on the Moon. ISRO has confirmed the Chandrayaan-3 mission is right on schedule and it will be attempting to land as planned.

ISRO is allowing Indians and the world to watch the event live, which will begin today, August 23, 2023, at 5:20 PM IST. If everything proceeds according to plan, the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram Lander will land on the lunar surface at 6:04 PM IST.

ISRO will livestream the last stage of the Chandrayaan-3 mission on multiple social media channels. The live stream will be available on ISRO's official website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page. Our readers can click on the Play button above to be notified about the event and watch it live.

[Update] The Chandrayaan-3 Vikram Lander has successfully landed on the Moon's south pole. Although the most difficult stage of the mission is now successfully completed, the Vikram lander will now have to survive for 14 Earth days on the Moon, collect information, and relay it back to Earth. Meanwhile, the orbiting propulsion module will continue its mission for a long time.

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MANZINI  Incensed community members reportedly stopped the demolition of property at Moneni yesterday morning.

The community members are said to have organised themselves after they witnessed an excavator demolishing two one-room flats, which form part of a block of flats with 24 units.

According to Nelsiwe Khumalo (37), who resides within the block of flats, they were woken up by a deputy sheriff and other people, demanding that they vacate the houses they were renting. She said leading to yesterday morning, they had been ordered to vacate the premises, as the houses would be demolished. This, she said, led to the 22 tenants of the flats vacating the premises, leaving her with another tenant. Khumalo said when they exited their houses, the excavator started to demolish the flats; however, as this was happening, a group of people gathered around, demanding that this should stop.

She claimed that among the people calling for the suspension of the demolition were land owners, whose structures were to be demolished as well. Khumalo said: As the people saw that the crowd was angry and was stating that they were expecting the issue to be discussed at the Moneni Royal Kraal after the elections, they left. She bemoaned that the deputy sheriff was supposedly not in the company of the police when the property was being demolished. On the other hand, one of the people who claimed her property was to be demolished, said they had bought land from a certain family. She said they discovered that the land was first sold to one individual and later subdivided into plots and sold to nine other people. The land owner, who requested not to be named, said they had approached the Moneni Royal Kraal to report the incident and were expecting to meet over it.

However, she said before the meeting could happen, they were informed that yesterday their properties would be destroyed. Following such news, she said they tried to contact the person who sold them the land; however, they overheard him saying that the caller should be informed that he was dead. She said they had reported the matter to the police and the royal kraal. A member of the royal kraal, known as MaRand, said they were aware of the matter and were still anticipating to meet the affected people when they learnt that there was an effort to demolish the homesteads. We have engaged the person said to have been selling the land and we are yet to meet all of them so that we get to know the finer details, he said.

He said there were reports that community members stopped the demolitions but they were yet to get a full report. MaRand said they had also contacted the police in fear of the agitation of the community members resulting in a fatalities. Meanwhile, the owner of the flats, who was alleged to be Patson Sibandze, said he was not aware of anything as he was at his homestead in Siteki. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed that the matter was reported. She said the police were investigating it.
Beijing nabs another 'CIA spy'

Overseas analysts fret about anti-espionage hyper-vigilance and the emergence of a culture of fear.

By Chris Taylor for RFA and Gu Ting and Kai Di for RFA Mandarin 2023.08.22 -- Less than a month after the new National Security Law came into effect, China's security ministry has announced another espionage case allegedly involving the American spy agency.

The Ministry of State Security, or MSS, on Monday accused a government worker of spying for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, the second such case this month, as Beijing ramps up an anti-espionage campaign that it says every Chinese citizen should participate in.

On Aug. 1 China's national spy agency opened an official WeChat account with the announcement, "Counter-espionage requires the mobilization of [the] entire society."

WeChat has more than 1.3 billion active monthly users - think of it as Twitter (now known as X), Facebook and daily banking all rolled into one.

The latest arrest by the MSS is a 39-year-old Chinese national, identified only by his surname Hao, whom the ministry claims was recruited by the CIA while he was studying in Japan.

Some China watchers called the latest developments disturbing.

Associate Professor Chongyi Feng of the University of Technology, Sydney in Australia said that since the new National Security Law was implemented, China's anti-espionage efforts have gone into a state of hyper-vigilance.

"This newly implemented law empowers security personnel to commit injustice. They have a strong motive to fabricate false accusations to gain merit. They can easily concoct a story and then release it to the world. It's a mechanism of persecution that's extremely terrifying," Feng said.

China's state spy agency said the latest arrest, Hao, was groomed by a U.S. embassy official in Japan while applying for a U.S. visa before introducing him to a colleague name Li Jun, who later revealed himself to be a CIA officer and asked Hao to return to China to work for a "core and critical department."

Hao allegedly agreed, signed an espionage agreement with the U.S. and received training, the statement said.

Upon returning to China, Hao landed a job at a government ministry, and allegedly met with CIA agents multiple times to "provide intelligence and collect espionage funds," the Chinese spy agency claimed, adding that the case is under further investigation.

Spies in the woodwork

The MSS statement comes just 10 days after the same ministry claimed it uncovered another Chinese national of spying for the CIA - a worker at an unidentified Chinese military industrial group who was allegedly recruited while studying in Italy.

Ten days ago, the MSS announced that the suspect - identified only by the surname Zeng - had secretly met with CIA personnel multiple times and provided a substantial amount of core Chinese intelligence, and received espionage funds.

The time and location of the case's occurrence were not disclosed, leaving some to question the veracity of the case.

Professor Yang Haiying of Shizuoka University in Japan claimed that the latest espionage case involving Hao in Japan seemed somewhat sensational, as it involved the CIA and occurred in Japan, where relations with China are tense.

"Firstly, I think this might be fake news," the professor said. "There might not be any real individuals involved, but they can create such a narrative and tell the citizens that imperialists have undying intentions against us. It involves Americans, and the stage is set in Japan, which is very targeted."

A Japan-based student who chose to be only identified by the surname Ma, told RFA Mandarin that given frequent announcements on how to guard against espionage and report suspicious persons, many students in Japan are now hesitant about returning to China.

"While the national security agencies are making a show of mobilizing the entire populace to catch spies and agents, their true intention isn't on the actual act of catching spies, but to stir up nationalist sentiments of xenophobia."

Broader dragnet

While there are apparently no obvious reasons to connect what are multiple cases of China clamping down on perceived security risks, since the National Security Law came into effect clampdowns have become more frequent.

Last week, China's spy agency accused a former Yunnan province party-school lecturer named Zi Su of "attempting to overthrow the state power."

Zi was accused of planning to purchase weapons from abroad and recruit a "suicide squad" online for violent actions and his arrest was related to his public support for democratic constitutionalism and his publication of political commentaries, not for spying.

Earlier this month, the Shanghai Public Security Bureau confirmed the arrest of the head of Wailian Chuguo, one of Shanghai's largest China-U.S. immigration agencies, on charges of "illegal business operations."

Reports have circulated suggesting that the authorities demanded decades of immigration data from the company, raising concerns that Chinese citizens who have emigrated overseas or have overseas connections could become targets.

Meanwhile, just a month ago, CIA director William Burns told the Aspen Security Forum that the agency had "made progress" in rebuilding its spy networks in China after being badly compromised a decade ago.

In response, Beijing said it would take "all necessary" countermeasures to safeguard national security.

Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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August 21, 2023

Transcript

Press Gaggle With Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh

Sabrina Singh, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary

SABRINA SINGH: ... it's like, 11:30, so I guess we'll just go ahead and get started. So just, I wanted to give everyone just a very quick update on why, and then happy to just jump into questions.

So as everyone knows, the Joint Task Force 5-0 is at full operational capacity and actively synchronizing all DoD support to operations. The new updates from the ground: as of this morning, altogether, more than 655 DoD personnel and 156 Coast Guardsmen are actively engaged in the coordinated response to the Western Maui fire -- wildfire. Moving forward, the Department of Defense and the Joint Task Force 5-0 will (inaudible) -- will continue to work closely with state officials, FEMA and other supporting agencies to support the people of Hawaii in response to this terrible disaster.

Additionally, the U.S. Army's 25th Intrant -- Infantry Division's Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck fuelers are onsite and ready for fuel distribution operations to begin later today. The Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck -- Trucks will provide approximately 1,500 gallons of fuel daily in support of 18 generators operating all along the West Coast, and in addition, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has deployed six forensic anthropologists to assist in gathering and identifying human remains. DPAA anthropologists were transported by U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific on an USMC P-20 fixed-wing aircraft.

Those are the updates of the day. I don't see AP, so happy to just start taking questions for anyone that has any.

Idrees?

Q: Just a quick update. Do you have any update on the F-16 training? Do you have a timeline for when the jets might be delivered to Ukraine? Just any sort of update. I know the White House put out a statement...

MS. SINGH: Yes.

Q: ... (inaudible) expedited approval for the (inaudible)...

MS. SINGH: No...

Q: ... and process from here.

MS. SINGH: Sorry?

Q: And process from here -- just walk us through the next steps.

MS. SINGH: Sure. So no updates from -- from Friday and what was announced. I think there was a gaggle on Friday that sort of outlined next steps. But essentially, in order for the third-party transfer to be completed there are certain criteria that have to be met, including the English language training, other things like logistics on the ground. So once that criteria is met we'll be in a position to authorize the -- the transfer, but no additional updates on any type of training and fur- -- further updates on that front. Yes.

And Oren, did you have a follow-up to that?

Q: No, I was just asking the process from here, but I do have a quick question on...

MS. SINGH: Sure.

Q: ... just to clarify, you have already received the third-party transfer request from Netherlands/Denmark?

MS. SINGH: That's correct. We've received the third-party transfer request, but for more information on that, I would direct you to State.

Q: OK.

MS. SINGH: Sure. Hi, Jim.

Q: Sabrina, my question is on Niger. Do you have any updates in regards to the situation there, the status of the U.S. troops, your -- your contacts, military community contacts with your allies, European allies...

MS. SINGH: Yes.

Q: ... and the Africans in that regard?

MS. SINGH: Sure. So in terms of what's happening on the ground, our military posture has not changed. We have restricted, as we previously announced. Any movement has just been contained to the base there, but no force posture changes. We continue to monitor what's happening on the ground. I know -- I know that you've heard it from us and you've heard it from other podiums here -- or in the administration, but we still are urging for a diplomatic end to what is happening on the ground in Niger, and we are, you know, fully supportive of that. I think ECOWAS has also said that any type of military intervention is -- is certainly a last resort. So we are continuing to be hopeful that there will be a diplomatic resolution.

Q: So the 1,400 or 1,100, I (inaudible)...

MS. SINGH: 1,100.

Q: ... 1,100 are -- are inside the base?

MS. SINGH: Yes, that's correct.

Q: They're -- they're not allowed to go outside to do any -- any operation or any -- anything of...?

MS. SINGH: We have -- we have put a pause on any operations or any training with Nigeriens on the ground until we have better clarity of -- of -- of what happened. But there's no -- there's no ongoing training or operations right now at this time.

Q: So what's the purpose of keeping them there?

MS. SINGH: What do you mean, what's the purpose of keeping them there?

Q: Just -- just, you know...

MS. SINGH: We have, of course, an invested interest in the region. We've invested a -- an incredible amount of resources in Niger and -- and have -- like, you even mentioned, 1,100 people there. And of course, you know, we stand in solidarity with being this -- attempted coup being resolved diplomatically. And so our -- our presence there is a reminder that, you know, the U.S. still stands with Niger and hopes for a diplomatic resolution.

Let me move on. Did I see Brandi; you had a question?

Q: Yes, thank you, Sabrina.

MS. SINGH: Yes.

Q: DOD and Japan's Ministry of Defense initiated a new cooperative development program for a Glide Phase Interceptor. Can you guys share any more details, specifically, when that work will commence, how it will be funded, including any cost-share arrangements, and when the U.S. and Japan are eyeing fielding that weapon?

MS. SINGH: I don't have any more details on that, unfortunately.

Q: Can you take the question?

MS. SINGH: Sure, I'll take the question.

Yes?

Q: Thank you. Yesterday, North Korea published a photo of Kim Jong-un observing the fifth firing of the strategic cruise missiles, so what's your assessment on this? And do you expect further provocation from North Korea during U.S.-ROK annual (inaudible)?

MS. SINGH: In terms of the photo op and -- and what to assess from that, I mean, of course, they can -- you know, there -- there's allowed to be photo ops in -- in the country. We continue to assess what North Korea, their further developments and any provocations that they take against the U.S. or our allies. But I don't have anything specific in terms of, like, that -- that visit that you're referencing.

And your second question? I'm sorry.

Q: Do you expect further provocation, including ICBM launch from North Korea?

MS. SINGH: I mean, right now at this time, we continue to monitor what's happening on the ground. You saw the president lead a very successful summit at Camp David reaffirming our alliance with Japan and ROK. There were some deliverables out of that, including ongoing exercises that we will do within the region, but beyond that, I don't -- I don't have more to share.

Ryo, yes?

Q: Yes, thank you. I want to follow up...

MS. SINGH: Sure.

Q: ... on trilateral with Japan and South Korea.

MS. SINGH: Yes.

Q: Can you say a little bit more about the trilateral hotlines the president talked about during a press conference? Are you creating a new trilateral coordination mechanism for future emergencies in the region?

MS. SINGH: Yes, I think -- if I remember correctly, I think the White House put out a fact sheet on all of the (inaudible) -- deliverables from the summit, including a little bit more on the hotline. You know, it's a -- it's another way, another mechanism for leaders to -- to connect with each other. But I don't have more details to share at this time just on, like, what that entails and, you know, just -- I -- I can't really expand more just beyond what was announced on Friday.

Q: Is there DOD's involvement in the hotline?

MS. SINGH: This is, I think, more for -- it's my understanding, for more diplomatic conversations to have. We maintain our own -- I wouldn't say it's a hotline -- our own way of reaching out to Japan and ROK through our own military channels. I believe that's more of a -- a diplomatic way of -- of just like being able to quickly engage and -- and connect with our partners and allies in the region.

Q: OK, thank you.

MS. SINGH: Let's see. Yes -- yes, hi.

Q: How are you?

MS. SINGH: Good.

Q: I just want to ask -- we are -- we're tracking this report that Human Rights Watch put out today about Saudi border forces or Saudi units on the Saudi-Yemeni border opening fire and killing civilians, people who are trying to get into Saudi Arabia.

My -- my understanding -- the State Department is saying that the United States does not provide assistance to the specific border guard units that are described in this report but I'm just wondering if there's anything you can say, given that the Defense Department considers Saudi Arabia and Saudi -- the Saudi Armed Forces, government forces generally, as such an important security partner, how do you guys think about these kind of allegations, given that -- the partnership?

MS. SINGH: So I've seen the reports, and because it's just sort of in this -- beginning stages of -- of information that we're getting to, I just don't have anything to add right now. I would refer you to the State Department comments, but from a DOD standpoint, I just don't have more -- I don't have more information on the report and I -- I -- candidly, I -- I -- unfortunately, I have not read the full report yet.

Yes? Yes.

Q: Thanks. Can I -- on borders of Syria and Iraq, can you talk at all about any type of force posture changes or updates, I mean there's been reports over the last several weeks that there's American envoy -- military convoys coming in and out, and I know there's always a change and there's a shift in -- in -- in personnel. Are there any updates? Is there anything, in -- in terms of -- with the -- you know, the recent deployment of troops to the Middle East and to the Gulf, any updates on -- specifically on -- on the borders of Syria or Iraq?

And then just secondly, we haven't seen as -- well, we haven't seen any reports on the Russians kind of -- in -- in recent weeks, I guess, in terms of what they were doing -- harassing (inaudible) drones and -- and (inaudible) fighter jets out there. Has the deconfliction line been used at all in that? Do you see -- or can you explain -- I mean, apart from referring me to the Russians, can you explain maybe why you've seen a decrease in that?

So just those two (inaudible).

MS. SINGH: Well, I'd refer you to the Russians in -- to -- to speak to -- to their own activities.

But let me take the -- the first one. In terms of border activity or U.S. force posture changes, there have been no -- there's been none to my knowledge and -- and I don't -- I don't have anything to announce today, in terms of any changes to our -- to our force posture there, particularly when you reference the border.

In terms of Russian aggression or unprofessional, unsafe behavior, you know, I would -- I would refer you to the Russians to speak to that and -- and -- as into why there's been a -- a decrease. We have of course always followed the proper procedures when it -- when -- when conducting our own operations or flying, sailing, and operating in international airspace.

So I can't really speak to why there's been a decrease on the Russian side but we continue to always reach out through our own means if -- if, you know, we see this unsafe, unprofessional behavior, but I don't have any, like, recent updates or announcements to read out about the deconfliction line being used ...

Q: OK.

MS. SINGH: ... on -- on any of these specific things.

Yes?

Q: So this week, the U.S., Japan, and Australia will be participating in a joint Navy exercise in the South China Sea. Is there a reason why the Philippines wasn't invited?

MS. SINGH: I mean, I'd -- we're just -- it's a trilateral exercise that we're conducting. We certainly do exercises with the Philippines. I don't think it was that there was an exclusionary purpose here, it's just a trilateral exercise that the United States is participating in.

Q: Are they ever going to be? Cause they're always saying, you know, "we're open to this" because this is international waters, so there's -- it is open to everyone.

MS. SINGH: Yes. Well, again, we can talk -- we conduct exercises with different partners and allies all around the world. I -- you could certainly ask that question of why isn't another country participating in this trilateral exercise, not just the Philippines but others.

I -- this is just one instance of this being a trilateral exercise with just these three countries. We conduct exercises all around the world that include other countries as well. You've seen the Secretary engage with his Philippine counterpart. He visited the Philippines recently. So we certainly view them as an important partner in the region but this is just one exercise that speaks for itself.

Q: One more.

MS. SINGH: Sure.

Q: Are we ever -- but we've never had all four of them come together and participate in a Navy drill. It's only been maybe a trilat with these three or bilateral navy but we've never had all four come together and -- and ...

MS. SINGH: Sure, and I'm not going to speak to any future exercises that we are going to do, I'm just going to speak to the one that's happening now, and it's just a -- a -- with the three countries that you mentioned.

I see Liz?

Q: Yes, thanks. There's a report that Iran's Navy intercepted a U.S. ship last week near the Strait of Hormuz. Can you confirm those reports and what the U.S. response was?

MS. SINGH: Yeah, I saw those reports. That was -- that is not true. I believe -- I -- I think -- I believe what you're referring to is that they had forced one of our aircraft ...

Q: Like a helicopter to land.

MS. SINGH: Yes, that report is not true. So I don't know where that's coming from but we've seen this from them before, pushing out -- I don't know if it's propaganda but I would say, like, untrue statements, and that just is not accurate.

Q: So no intercept?

MS. SINGH: No -- no.

Yes?

Q: I was actually going to ask that but ...

MS. SINGH: OK.

Q: ... they also shared a video. So what is the -- what is the video showing?

MS. SINGH: I have not seen the video, so I'd have to take a look and get back to you, but I can just tell you that the reports that there was some type of intercept of a -- a U.S. helicopter is just not true.

Great -- yes?

Q: Hi. (Inaudible).

MS. SINGH: Hi.

Q: Just to go back to Russia -- is there any update on what's going on with last week? How much grain has been hit by Russian drones or Russian attacks? And any update on what Russian assets are actually in the Black Sea right now?

MS. SINGH: I don't have an update for you on what Russian assets are in the Black Sea.

No further update since Russia withdrew from the Black Sea grain deal.

We have seen some ships be able to transit out safely but I don't have an update in terms of how much grain has actually been able to move out since Russia withdrew from the deal. I would say that that's something that maybe State or USAID might be able to answer for you in more detail.

From our standpoint, from here at the -- at the department, you know, we've said very publicly we would urge Russia to return to the grain deal. This is -- you know, many millions of people are very dependent on this grain for their livelihood.

And so each day that Vladimir Putin continues to engage in this war and each day that grain is not able to get to the countries that need it the most, more people starving, more people dying, and it's incredibly irresponsible.

Anyone else? Yes, OK, we've got one more and then we can -- we can wrap.

Q: What is the DOD's current assessment with the Russian production of Iranian drone -- drones in Russia?

MS. SINGH: In terms of, like, how -- like, numbers?

Q: Like, are they -- have they already -- the last update was that -- I -- from Kirby, I believe in July, that, you know, production could become -- happen early next year, and the UK said last week they've already started.

MS. SINGH: Yes. I don't have a specific update to offer on if production has begun. We know that Russia is certainly seeking that out, and I think they -- I think it'd be fair to say that they want to ramp that up as quickly as possible. But in terms of has -- has it started or how many have been produced, I just don't have that for you right now.

Q: Thank you.

MS. SINGH: OK, great. Oh, we don't - Luis? OK, one last one. All right.

Q: I have another F-16 question.

MS. SINGH: OK.

Q: As of last week, I saw some quotes from Gen. Ryder saying that the U.S. might be open to training F-16 -- training F-16 pilots ...

MS. SINGH: Yes

Q: ... stateside. Can you expand on that? What was he talking about? And could that still hold or, like, what (inaudible)?

MS. SINGH: Open to training F-16 pilots if capacity is reached in Europe. That -- that's the condition. So if -- Denmark and the Netherlands are taking the lead on training. If they just do not have the capacity that they'll -- to train as many pilots as Ukraine wants to send or plans to send, then he will train those that -- or we will help train stateside here, just due to capacity reasons if -- if the Netherlands and Denmark can't -- can't train all of them at the same time.

Q: And have you seen a number attributed to what that capacity would be? I mean, the Netherlands, I guess this week, had said 42, that then the (inaudible) said 19 aircraft.

MS. SINGH: Aircraft? Yes.

Q: Yes. What -- what about the pilots? I mean, what -- what -- what is the capacity that they are capable of training?

MS. SINGH: I don't have -- well, Ukraine will be the one -- it -- and I think is still putting together how many pilots they have that are going to be able to be trained. So I don't have those numbers yet. We have to remember also that the Ukrainian pilots are going to have to go through significant English language training, which is going to take some time.

But in terms of those exact numbers, I mean, that hasn't -- that's -- that's starting up but it hasn't, I think, got fully underway yet. And so when I have a better sense of numbers, I'd be happy to get back to you on that, but right now, we just -- we just don't have a -- a final number yet.

Q: Thanks.

MS. SINGH: Yes. Great. OK, we'll wrap it up. Thank you.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3499844/

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Israeli-Palestinian death toll highest since 2005: UN envoy

21 August 2023 - More than 200 Palestinians and nearly 30 Israelis have been killed so far this year in demonstrations, clashes, military operations, attacks and other incidents, which already surpasses last year's death toll, UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland said in a briefing to the Security Council on Monday.

It represents the highest number of fatalities since 2005 and reflects "concerning trends" seen in recent months throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory

"Palestinians and Israelis are killed and injured in near daily violence - including just hours before this briefing when another fatal shooting attack killed an Israeli in the West Bank," he said, speaking from Jerusalem.

Extremists taking advantage

The violence is fuelled and exacerbated by a growing sense of despair about the future, said Mr. Wennesland, whose official title is UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.

"The lack of progress towards a political horizon that addresses the core issues driving the conflict has left a dangerous and volatile vacuum, filled by extremists on both sides," he told the Council.

"We are a long distance apart from the sentiments prevailing when the Oslo Accord was signed 30 years ago on 19 August."

Although the parties have taken measures towards stabilizing the situation, "unilateral steps" continue, including Israeli settlement growth, demolitions, Palestinian militant activity, and settler violence.

Mr. Wennesland reiterated that all perpetrators must be held accountable and brought to justice. He also condemned violence against civilians, including acts of terror, and urged security forces to exercise maximum restraint and use of lethal force.

Gaza ceasefire holding

Meanwhile, a cessation of hostilities in Gaza continues to hold following the escalation in May. However, the humanitarian situation there remains dire.

Gazans have been facing higher-than-normal electricity shortages lasting up to 12 hours a day, amid lack of capacity to meet soaring summertime demands. Additional funding by Qatar has increased supply by nearly two hours a day.

The power cuts sparked mass protests against Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, under blockade now for over 17 years. Thousands took to the streets on 30 July, and videos showing Hamas security forces beating protestors were widely circulated. In response, Hamas led counter-protests against Israel.

Hamas also sentenced seven civilians in Gaza to death for collaborating with Israel. Mr. Wennesland underlined the UN's strong opposition to the death penalty in any circumstances.

Turning to the wider region, he reported on incidents such as the deadly violence at the Ein el Hilweh Palestine refugee camp in southern Lebanon that erupted in late July. Clashes between Fatah and Islamist factions left 13 people dead and over 50 injured. He appealed for restraint and called for an end to any further violence.

Funding shortfalls affect millions

Mr. Wennesland also updated ambassadors on the dire fiscal state of the Palestinian Authority, which controls the West Bank. It has a projected deficit of more than $370 million this year.

"Austerity measures have resulted in significant reductions to civil servant salaries and social assistance," he said.

Humanitarians also need funding for their activities across the region.

The UN agency that assists Palestinians, UNRWA, urgently requires $35 million to provided food aid to 1.2 million people in Gaza, while the World Food Programme (WFP) needs $41 million to restore its operations across the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Furthermore, an overall $502 million humanitarian plan is only around 30 per cent funded, and he called for increased international support.

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US Army exercise Agile Spirit 2023 kicks off in Georgia, Turkiye

By Sgt. Allison Gilstrap-Roberts August 22, 2023

KRTSANISI TRAINING AREA, GEORGIA -- Georgia National Guardsmen departed Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, Georgia, to convene upon the country of Georgia for the biennial, multinational exercise known as Agile Spirit. The final group of Soldiers arrived in the country on August 19, 2023.

Originating in 2011, Agile Spirit had just six partners in 2015, and has made the substantial leap to 21 different NATO countries and allied partners participating in the exercise. This year combines the forces of more than 3,500 troops from countries such as Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Jordan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Turkiye, United Kingdom, and United States. Approximately twelve hundred combat-credible service members come from the United States alone. Opening ceremonies commenced on August 21.

Critical training includes a Brigade-level Command Post Exercise with NATO Multinational Division Southeast, a Brigade-level field training exercise, a Combined Battalion-level Joint Forcible Entry into Turkiye, Combined Battalion Live Fire and Field Training Exercises, combined special forces operations, combined medical and protection training, and other live fire exercises executed in multiple locations within the country of Georgia.

Elements from the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and SOCEUR are also incorporated into the overall training. The brigade-level exercise will feature field training and live-fire demonstrations, as well as various response scenarios to simulate a realistic combat training environment.

United States units that are participating include 173rd Airborne Brigade, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 54th Security Forces Assistance Brigade, 122nd Tactical Support Detachment, and U.S. Special Forces Command Europe.

Col. John Avera, commander, 122nd Tactical Support Detachment, 78th Troop Command, Georgia Army National Guard, and co-exercise director for Agile Spirit, discussed the main points that he wanted to drive home after the ceremony concluded.

"What matters most is two things: collaboration and interoperability," Avera said. "Because of these exercises, we've learned to work with each other. After that, it's more than just operations; it comes down to logistics and how we incorporate communications. We know that we can maneuver ourselves towards a positive outcome."

Avera added that, in order to be stronger together, Soldiers need to "train as we fight."

Critical training for the exercise includes a brigade-level command post exercise with NATO Multinational Division Southeast, a brigade-level field training exercise, and a combined battalion-level joint forcible entry into Turkiye featuring the 173rd Airborne Brigade. The exercise also features unit-level training to include battalion live-fire and field training exercises, combined special forces operations, combined medical and protection training, and other live fire exercises executed throughout multiple locations within the country.

"We must operate in the field because when you fight, that's where you end up," said Avera. "This exercise goes to great lengths of setting up progressions in order to simulate a combat environment. We want these simulations to be as real as they possibly can be."

Exercise Agile Spirit 23 is designed to support theater security cooperation and interoperability among NATO Allies and partners to improve joint and multinational readiness capabilities by exercising rapid mobility, and posture combat credible forces across the European theater to the country of Georgia to bolster their defense efforts and deter aggression in the Black Sea region while exercising the enduring U.S. State Partnership Program with the Georgia Army National Guard.

The exercise is scheduled to conclude September 1st.

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Brazilian Marine Corps Exercise "Formosa" Highlights Crucial U.S. Involvement in Strengthening Defense Ties

US Marine Corps News

22 Aug 2023 | Gunnery Sgt. Daniel Wetzel Marine Corps Forces South

BRASILIA, Brazil -- Not far from the capitol of Brazil lies a Brazilian Marine Corps Expeditionary Base. Among the arid red-sand landscape, the Brazilian Marine Corps embarked on the much-anticipated Exercise Formosa in a display of military prowess. The exercise underscores the growing importance of international collaboration in addressing global security challenges and promoting regional stability.

This year's exercise was marked with tragedy when a Brazilian military helicopter, carrying 14 passengers, crashed. Twelve individuals were rescued, two Brazilians tragically lost their lives.

Brazilian Defense Minister Jose Mucio Monteiro Filho visited the base the next day to help service members cope with the loss. He said that despite the tragedy and ongoing risk, the Fuzileiros Navais (Brazilian Marines) owe it to their comrades to continue training and fighting to ensure a safer world. He praised the brave and rapid response of medics, drivers and many other Brazilian service members as they helped save and treat the survivors.

After an operational pause, leadership decided to continue with the infantry training exercise but with a truncated training schedule to ensure safety and readiness of the battalions.

Infantry training exercises are essential for maintaining and improving the readiness and preparedness of the Brazilian Marine Corps. This exercise allows their marines to hone combat skills, test equipment, and practice operating in various terrains and scenarios. Regular training ensures they are prepared.

This training event also marked a milestone for Brazilian military as they continue to work towards more joint operations, allowing different services to work together seamlessly and improve overall military effectiveness. Along with the U.S. Marines from Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, the Brazil's Air Force, Army and Navy also participated in various training events.

The Formosa exercise, held at Brazil's premier expeditionary military training facility, offers an ideal platform for the armed forces of both nations to enhance their interoperability, conduct joint military operations and exchange invaluable insights on tactics and strategies. With the backdrop of an ever-changing global security landscape, the participation of the Camp Pendleton, California-based U.S. Marines and militaries from other nations, including Germany, South Africa and France, shows commitment to regional security.

The bilateral partnership between Brazil and the United States has continued to strengthen in recent years. U.S. and Brazilian participated together in bilateral jungle warfare training, multiple subject matter expert exchanges and work together annually during UNITAS, last year's event occurring in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Through mutual understanding and shared interests, both nations have recognized the importance of cooperating to address common threats, such as transnational organized crime, terrorism and safeguarding maritime security.

Commandante do Primeiro Bataliao do Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais Capitao de Mar e Guerra fuzileiro naval (Commandant of the Brazilian Marine Corps 1st Battalion Colonel) Alex Ribeiro spoke to the U.S. Marines and said, "Many militaries in the world want to achieve your professionalism. I hope we learned from you more than anything how to overcome difficulties and to accomplish our mission."

For the United States, engagement in Exercise Formosa reaffirms its commitment to strengthening ties with strategic partners in Latin America. The U.S. Marines' participation shows support for Brazil's continued efforts in promoting democratic values and supporting the rule of law across the continent.

While multiple countries are participating in the exercise and observing, Formosa is the Brazilian Marine Corps' annual field training exercise.

"Field training exercises are fundamental to the Brazilian Fuzileiros Navais' operational readiness, skill development and preparedness," said Capitao Fuzileiro Naval (Brazilian Marine Corps captain) Mombrine. "By engaging in these exercises regularly, the military ensures that its personnel are well-trained, versatile and ready to fulfill their mission of defending Brazil's interests at home and potentially abroad."

Capt. Benjamin Fischer, Brazil desk officer with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South, lauded the Brazilian-American partnership, stating, "Our involvement in Exercise Formosa reflects the close collaboration between the United States and Brazil in confronting common security challenges. Together, we reinforce the message that preserving regional stability is a shared responsibility, and our militaries play a crucial role in achieving that objective."

The U.S Marines participated in many training events throughout the exercise, from M240G medium machine-gun live fire to a notional amphibious landing that included real tactical maneuvers with multiple elements of infantry, Amphibious Armored Vehicles, defensive tactics and resupplies and relief. Training even included multi-part cognitive courses, designed by the Brazilian Marine Corps.

"It's just as important to train your mind to think and be able to make decisions rapidly as it is to have the muscle memory to automatically take action without thinking," said Mombrine. "We practice the basics to build muscle memory to perfection and we also need to practice being able to observe, orient ourselves and take decisive action."

This cognitive training is similar to the military decision-making process called OODA-Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide and Act, then proceed to do it again), which was created by U.S. Air Force Colonel John Boyd to help aviators increase their decision making when conducting air combat. The Brazilian Marine Corps created training that can increase proficiency and speed in making decisions, especially when those decisions are the difference between life and death, Mombrine added.

The Brazilian Marine Corps was more than accommodating to U.S. Marines with facilities and training ranges, explained Fischer. Brazilians helped the U.S. Marines build a new machine-gun firing range where they set up American M240s and Brazilian squad automatic weapons for an unknown distance defensive range.

While Brazil has a dynamic array of climates, the dry and arid conditions experienced during Formosa offers no less diversity in training than Brazil's better-known climates in the wet jungles of the Amazon Rain Forest, or urban operation training in Favelas.

By engaging in these exercises regularly, the U.S. and Brazilian Marine Corps ensure their personnel are well-trained, versatile and ready to fulfill their mission of defending Brazil's interests at home and abroad.

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U.S. State Department approves potential sale of Apache attack helicopters to Poland

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 11:09, August 22, 2023

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of State has approved the potential sale of Apache attack helicopters and related equipment to Poland for an estimated value of 12 billion U.S. dollars, the Department of Defense said Monday.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), an arm of the Pentagon responsible for providing military assistance to U.S. allies, said in a statement that it "delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale" in light of the State Department's determination.

According to the DSCA, Poland has requested 96 Apache attack helicopters and related equipment, including 1,844 Hellfire missiles and 508 Stinger missiles, from the United States. Boeing and Lockheed Martin have been named the principal contractors for the weapons.

Despite the approval by the State Department, the DSCA's notification to Congress does not guarantee the sale, nor does it indicate that a contract with the manufacturers has been signed, according to U.S. media reports.

Bordering Ukraine to the east, Poland has made boosting its national defense a priority since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in February 2022.

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MANZINI - There were mixed feelings as over 300 voters were turned back at the special voting centres yesterday.

The special voting exercise was hosted in three venues; Divine Healing Ministries International Auditorium for constituencies under the Manzini Region, St Michaels High School for the Hhohho Region and Manzini Central High School for Lubombo and Shiselweni regions. In some of the voting centres, in particular at Divine Healing Ministries International Auditorium, some voters were told that they did not qualify to vote under this special arrangement. This, they were told, was because they were not employed by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) or government, by extension, to work in the ongoing general elections.

Category

When the voting process started at around 10am, some nominees realised that some of the electorate, who were casting their votes, did not fall under the category of people who were supposed to vote yesterday. In that regard, some of them approached the EBC officials and enquired as to what instrument were they using to screen the voters, to see if they qualified to vote yesterday. They also highlighted that their concern was that they had already spotted individuals casting their votes yet they did not qualify. Thereafter, the EBC officials, in partnership with members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), reinforced the screening of the electorate. They did so by increasing the screening point, from one to two. At the screening points, they asked the electorate where they were employed and if it was found that they would not be working on Saturday, the day of the primary elections, they were turned back.

Some of those who were turned back included voters who work in grocery shops and supermarkets, while others said they were civil servants, but would not be working during the primary elections on Saturday. After seeing that the number of ineligible voters was high, the EBC made announcements that those who would not be working during the general elections should excuse them. Others left after the announcements, but some remained in the queues and they were eventually turned back at the screening points. When reacting to this, some of the nominees said EBC was right to turn the ineligible voters back, because if they were allowed to vote, it would have promoted corruption.

Meanwhile, some of the nominees said they believed EBC was wrong, because when making final announcements through the media, in particular Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS), the impression was that all those who might not be able to vote on Saturday, should cast their votes during the special voting. In that regard, they said EBC should have allowed them to vote, because even grocery and supermarket workers, among others, would be working on Saturday. A questionnaire was sent to EBC Communications Officer Mbonisi Bhembe yesterday afternoon, but at the time of compiling this report later on in the evening, he had not responded to it. Bhembe was asked to confirm the incident with the estimated number of voters, who did not qualify to vote yesterday and as a result were turned back. He was also asked to clarify the EBCs position regarding the concern which was raised by some of the nominees regarding the voters who were turned back.
Taliban rulers kill over 200 former troops, officials since takeover of Afghanistan: UN

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 22 August 2023 7:28 PM

More than 200 former Afghan soldiers and officials have been killed extrajudicially since the Taliban overthrew the government of former president Ashraf Ghani and seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021, the United Nations has said.

The report by United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), covering the period from the Taliban takeover to June 30, 2023, said "impunity prevails" in Afghanistan, where efforts by the authorities to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable have been "extremely limited".

It recorded almost half of all extrajudicial killings of former government officials and Afghan security forces during the first four months of Taliban rule. But violations continued in 2022, with 70 extrajudicial killings recorded.

The UNAMA has documented 800 cases of serious human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture and ill-treatment and enforced disappearances.

Rights violations were recorded across all 34 provinces, with the greatest number in Kabul, Kandahar and Balkh provinces.

The report documented more than 424 arbitrary arrests and detentions of former government officials and former members of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) and more than 144 instances of torture and ill-treatment.

Individuals interviewed by the UN agency described being beaten with pipes and cables, as well as receiving verbal threats and abuse.

UNAMA heard from family members whose relatives had been arrested or gone missing, their bodies found days or even months later. In some instances, individuals have never been found.

Even in the few cases where an investigation was announced, progress lacked transparency and accountability, UNAMA said.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, said that the violations were committed by the rulers despite a general amnesty announced by the Taliban immediately after its takeover.

"UNAMA's report presents a sobering picture of the treatment of individuals affiliated with the former government and security forces of Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover of the country," Turk said in a statement accompanying the release of the report on Tuesday.

"Even more so, given they were assured that they would be not targeted, it is a betrayal of the people's trust," Turk said, urging the Taliban to uphold international law and prevent further violations.

Days after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country in August 2021, the Taliban announced a "general amnesty" for government workers across Afghanistan and urged women to join its government.

Roza Otunbayeva, the secretary-general's special representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA, called on the Taliban to "demonstrate a genuine commitment to the general amnesty".

"This is a crucial step in ensuring real prospects for justice, reconciliation and lasting peace in Afghanistan," Otunbayeva said.

The Taliban took control of Afghanistan as the United States and NATO troops withdrew from the country after two decades of war.

Despite promising a more moderate administration compared with their previous stint in power in the late 1990s, the Taliban has enforced harsh rules, banning girls' education after the sixth grade and barring Afghan women from public life and most work, including for nongovernmental organizations and the UN.

There's no curb on women's education and employment in most Muslim-majority countries around the world.

No country has yet recognized the Taliban as legitimate rulers of the country. Regional nations say the establishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan is only possible through the formation of a broad-based government in the war-ravaged country.

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Hamas: Palestinians face Israeli violations in West Bank with more resistance

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 22 August 2023 6:53 PM

The political bureau chief of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says Palestinians will face Israeli violations in the occupied West Bank with more steadfastness and resistance.

In a press release on Tuesday, Ismail Haniyeh said that the Palestinian people would face the Israeli blockade and colonial settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank with steadfastness, resilience, and resistance.

"There is no political or security solution in the West Bank after the so-called political process has failed and the papers of the Oslo accords have scatted around," the Hamas chief added.

"Our people no longer wager on this [political] path, which has been detrimental to the Palestinian cause and our historical rights in Palestine," Haniyeh emphasized.

The most recent Israeli violations in the West Bank, including arresting and killing Palestinian citizens, demolishing homes, and continuing the annexation and Juadization plans in Jerusalem al-Quds "will not break the Palestinian people's steadfastness and resilience," he further stressed.

"There is no solution but ending the Israeli occupation of our land and holy places," the Hamas chief concluded.

Israeli forces launch raids on various cities of the West Bank almost on a daily basis under the pretext of detaining what the regime calls "wanted" Palestinians. The raids usually lead to violent confrontations with residents.

More than 200 Palestinians have been killed this year in the occupied Palestinian territories and Gaza. The majority of these fatalities have been recorded in the West Bank. At least 30 people have been killed in Palestinian retaliatory attacks against Israeli settlers during that time.

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Algeria rejects request by France to use airspace for military operation in Niger

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 22 August 2023 4:42 PM

Algeria has turned down a request by France to use its airspace to conduct a military operation in crisis-hit Niger, whose pro-West president was toppled through a military coup last month.

Algerian state radio broadcast the news late Monday, stressing that the country was opposed to any foreign military action in Niger and favors diplomacy to restore constitutional order in the landlocked Sahel state, where France keeps some 15,000 troops.

Niger was engulfed in political chaos on July 26, when its democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum was toppled by a military coup, triggering worldwide condemnation as well as trade sanctions by Niger's neighbors. Niger lies south of the Algerian border.

Algerian state radio, which usually reflects official thinking, did not give any details of the so-called French operation in its southern neighbor.

This is while Paris has not said it would intervene militarily to overturn the military takeover and restore order in Niger.

On Tuesday, the French Army responded to the news by Algerian state radio, denying that it had asked Algeria to use its airspace for a military operation in Niger.

"France's joint defense staff denies making a request to fly over Algerian territory" Reuters quoted a source in the French Army as saying.

French forces have been kicked out of Mali and Burkina Faso, and anti-French sentiment has increased on the streets of Niamey, the Nigerien capital, since the coup.

West Africa's main regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), threatened coup leaders with military action if they do not reinstate the ousted president. Last week, it had also agreed an undisclosed "D-Day" for a possible military intervention if diplomatic efforts fail.

The generals who toppled Bazoum have so far resisted pressure to step down and proposed a three-year timeline to organize elections, a plan which ECOWAS rejected on Monday.

Separately on Tuesday, the 55-nation African Union bloc also said in a statement that it had suspended Niger from all of its institutions and activities "until the effective restoration of constitutional order."

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African Union suspends Niger until it reinstates pro-West president

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 22 August 2023 2:08 PM

The African Union has suspended the membership of Niger until the military regime reinstates pro-Western President Mohamed Bazoum who was toppled on July 26.

The 55-nation African Union bloc said in a statement on Tuesday it has suspended Niger from all of its institutions and activities "until the effective restoration of constitutional order."

The African Union's Peace and Security Council called on the bloc to assess the economic, social, and security implications of deploying such force in Niger and report back to the Council.

The African Union also reiterated calls for the coup leaders to immediately release ousted President Bazoum, and return to their barracks.

The generals who toppled President Bazoum have so far resisted pressure to step down and proposed a three-year timeline to organize elections, a plan which the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) rejected on Monday.

ECOWAS threatened Niger with military action if it does not reinstate the ousted president.

The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) group in Nigeria has warned against any ECOWAS military intervention, saying it would "practically exacerbate the crisis and inflict further suffering on the innocent people in the Niger Republic and the wider region."

Mali and Burkina Faso have said an intervention would be tantamount to a declaration of war on them.

Last week, thousands of anti-West protesters took to the streets recently to protest against plans by West African nations to deploy a military force to the country.

The protesters surrounded a French military base in Niger, protesting against years of military intervention by the European country in the West African nation.

Protesters rallied near the army base on the outskirts of the capital Niamey on August 11, shouting, "Down with France, down with ECOWAS."

The Niger Army has accused the African nation's former colonizer France of being the force behind ECOWAS' determination to restore Bazoum to office to serve the West's interests.

France was a colonial power in West Africa until 1960. Since independence, the European country has maintained trade relations and a military presence in the region.

African American journalist and political analyst Abayomi Azikiwe told Press TV recently that the US-led NATO military alliance is behind the ECOWAS military threats against Niger.

"The ECOWAS are merely code words which indicate that Washington favors a return to the status quo under ousted President Mohamed Bazoum," he stated.

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'Forced To Dress Like a Muslim': Taliban Imposes Restrictions On Afghanistan's Sikh, Hindu Minorities

By Freshta Negah, Abubakar Siddique August 22, 2023

When the Taliban seized power in 2021, there were concerns that some of Afghanistan's tiny non-Muslim minorities could vanish.

Two years on, those fears are becoming realized. Afghanistan's last-known Jew fled the country shortly after the Taliban takeover. Meanwhile, the Sikh and Hindu communities are believed to have shrunk to just a handful of families.

Under the Taliban, Sikhs and Hindus have faced severe restrictions, including on their appearances, and have been banned from marking their religious holidays in public, leaving many with no choice but to escape their homeland.

"I cannot go anywhere freely," Fari Kaur, one of the last remaining Sikhs in the capital, Kabul, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi.

"When I go out, I'm forced to dress like a Muslim so that I can't be identified as a Sikh," she said, in reference to the Taliban's order that all women must wear the all-encompassing burqa or niqab.

Kaur's father was killed in a suicide attack targeting Sikhs and Hindus in the eastern city of Jalalabad in 2018. The attack reportedly led as many as 1,500 Sikhs to leave the country, including Kaur's mother and sisters.

But Kaur refused to leave and stayed in Kabul to fulfil her father's dream that she finish school.

In March 2020, 25 worshipers were killed when Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) militants stormed a Sikh temple in Kabul. Following the attack, most of the remaining members of the minority left Afghanistan.

Again, Kaur refused to leave. But now, more than two years after the Taliban seized power, she said the lack of religious freedom under the militants has left her no choice but to seek refuge abroad.

"We have not celebrated our key festivals since the Taliban returned to power," she said. "We have very few community members left behind in Afghanistan. We cannot even look after our temples."

History Of Persecution

There were up to 100,000 Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan in the 1980s. But the war that broke out in 1979 and the onset of growing persecution pushed many out.

During the civil war of the 1990s, the Taliban and rival Islamist groups pledged to protect minorities. But many Sikhs and Hindus lost their homes and businesses and fled to India.

During its first stint in power from 1996-2001, the Taliban caused an international uproar after the militants announced that all Sikhs and Hindus in the country would be required to wear yellow badges.

The Taliban prohibited Sikhs and Hindus from building new temples. They were also forced to pay a special tax called jizya, which was historically imposed by Muslim rulers on their non-Muslim subjects.

Following the U.S.-led invasion in 2001, Sikhs and Hindus were granted the same rights as other Afghans and also received seats in the parliament.

When the Taliban regained power in August 2021, it attempted to assuage the fears of non-Muslim Afghans. The militants visited Sikh and Hindu temples to try and assure the remaining members of the communities of their commitment to their safety and well-being.

But the Taliban's draconian restrictions on Sikhs and Hindus have forced many to seek a way out of their homeland.

'Extreme Desperation'

Many of the Afghan Sikhs and Hindus who have left the country have moved to India, where most face a life of poverty.

"We abandoned our country out of extreme desperation," said Chabul Singh, a 57-year-old Sikh man who left Afghanistan with his wife and two sons several years ago.

The family now lives outside the Indian capital, New Delhi, where Singh and his young sons eke out a living by doing menial jobs.

"In Afghanistan, our distinctive turbans gave us away, and we were killed both by the Taliban and Daesh," he told Radio Azadi, referring to IS-K by its Arabic acronym. Sikhs often wrap their hair, which they are not supposed to cut, in a turban.

Despite his family's struggles in India, Singh said returning to Afghanistan is not an option.

"In Afghanistan, our Muslim brothers often asked us, 'Why have you come from India?'" he said. "But here in India, they ask us, 'Why don't you go back to Afghanistan?'"

Niala Mohammad, the director of policy and strategy at the nonprofit Muslim Public Affairs Council in Washington, said the situation for religious minorities in Afghanistan -- including Hindus, Sikhs, Bahai's, Christians, Ahmadis, and Shi'ite Muslims -- has deteriorated sharply under Taliban rule.

"The situation continues to deteriorate as political extremist factions that claim to represent Islam, such as the Taliban, ascend to power in the region," said Mohammad, who was previously the South Asia analyst for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. "This exodus of diverse religious groups has left a void in the country's social fabric."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-sikh- hindu-muslim-taliban-restrictions/32559175.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Announcement of Visa Restrictions to Address Forced Assimilation in Tibet

US Department of State

Press Statement

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

August 22, 2023

The State Department is taking steps to impose visa restrictions under the authority of Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act on People's Republic of China (PRC) officials for their involvement in the forcible assimilation of more than one million Tibetan children in government-run boarding schools. These coercive policies seek to eliminate Tibet's distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious traditions among younger generations of Tibetans.

We urge PRC authorities to end the coercion of Tibetan children into government-run boarding schools and to cease repressive assimilation policies, both in Tibet and throughout other parts of the PRC. We will continue to work with our allies and partners to highlight these actions and promote accountability.

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No: 203, 22 August 2023, Press Release Regarding the United Nations Security Council Press Statement on the Construction of the Pile-Yigitler Road

Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The press statement issued by the United Nations Security Council on August 21, 2023 on the construction of the Pile-Yigitler road in the territory of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is completely divorced from the realities on the ground. Rather than making any positive contribution to the issue, the statement makes the process more difficult. The wording used regarding the events of 18 August distorts the facts and misleadingly reflects what happened. We fully support the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the TRNC on this issue.

The construction of the Pile-Yigitler road is a humanitarian project aiming to facilitate the direct access of TRNC citizens in the village of Pile to their own homeland. The notification regarding the road work was made well in advance. This being the case, the physical intervention by soldiers of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) in the road construction work was the cause of the tension. It will be recalled that this point was also emphasized in the recent statements of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the TRNC and our Ministry.

On August 18 UNFICYP, in violation of the territorial integrity of the TRNC, unfairly attempted to prevent the road project, endangering both its own personnel and all workers involved in the road construction. We regret that four UNFICYP personnel and eight TRNC citizens were injured as a result of UNFICYP's irresponsible behavior and we wish them a speedy recovery.

UNFICYP was deployed to the Island of Cyprus in 1964, shortly after the Greek Cypriots hijacked the partnership state in 1963 and gave rise to the Cyprus issue. We assume that the call in the UN Security Council's press statement for the "removal of all unauthorized constructions" is also directed at the Greek Cypriot side, which over the years has built the Larnaca-Dhikelia-Ayia Napa road, which goes through Turkish Cypriot property situated in the buffer zone and the village of Pile, the Pile-Oroklini road which also goes through the buffer zone, the university building in Pile and numerous other constructions in violation of the buffer zone.

UNFICYP is obligated to treat the two sides on the Island equally and to act impartially. Unfortunately, developments such as the incident on 18 August indicate that UNFICYP is losing the trust of the Turkish Cypriots and becoming part of the problem in Cyprus. It is the duty of the UN Security Council to prevent this trend and to ensure that UNFICYP displays the impartiality expected of the United Nations Organization's peacekeeping missions.

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The UK Minister for Africa Andrew Mitchell has made a statement following evidence of atrocities in Sudan.

22 August 2023

Minister Andrew Mitchell said:

The UK is extremely concerned by the growing body of evidence of serious atrocities against civilians being committed in Sudan.

The continued widespread violence across the country and significant civilian death toll are horrific. Reports of deliberate targeting and mass displacement of the Masalit community in Darfur are particularly shocking and abhorrent.

Intentional directing of attacks at the civilian population is a war crime.

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have dragged Sudan into a wholly unjustified war, with utter disregard for the Sudanese people, and they will be held accountable.

The UK is working hard to end the fighting in Sudan, including bolstering our capacity to monitor the atrocities that are taking place. This evidence will be shared with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the International Criminal Court to ensure the evidence is preserved and used to hold people to account.

In July the UK announced a package of sanctions freezing the assets of commercial entities linked to both SAF and RSF, and stand ready to take additional measures. We call on international partners to join us in taking action to target the warring parties' access to funding and arms.

In the United Nations Security Council and Human Rights Council, the UK continues to highlight and condemn human rights atrocities in Sudan, urging partners to do the same, particularly the heinous crimes being committed in Darfur.

We have announced 21.7 million in humanitarian funding for those in need in Sudan in addition to 5 million to help meet the urgent needs of refugees and returnees in South Sudan and Chad.

Both the SAF and RSF must enable humanitarian access in Sudan. It is disgraceful that at a time of unprecedented need, humanitarian actors face targeted attacks and increased barriers, such as restrictive visa and customs procedures. The widespread blocking of convoys that are attempting to deliver life-saving supplies is deplorable. The UK calls on warring parties to comply with their obligations to protect civilians under international humanitarian law.

The UK stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan in their demands for a peaceful and democratic future.

The world is watching the dreadful events taking place there and the UK will do all in its power to ensure there are credible investigations and accountability - however long it takes to do so.
U.S. maritime forces join Royal Canadian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force for exercise Noble Chinook

US Navy

22 August 2023

From Lt.Cmdr. Seth Koenig

PACIFIC OCEAN -- U.S. Navy and Coast Guard forces joined with allies from the Royal Canadian Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) for exercise Noble Chinook in the Northwestern Pacific on Aug. 22.

Noble Chinook is the latest event of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command-led Large Scale Global Exercise 23, a series of joint and multinational military activities and operations that demonstrate a robust presence and the strength of regional partnerships, interoperability and cooperation.

For Noble Chinook, U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 83) joined the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball; Royal Canadian Navy's HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331), HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341) and MV Asterix; and JMSDF JS Hyuga (DDH 181) for the exercise.

"Through the exercise, we improve our tactical capabilities and strengthen cooperation with the participating navies," said Capt. Okishige Hiroki, commanding officer of JS Hyuga. "The exercise also demonstrates the will and the capability of Japan, allied and like-minded partners to maintain rules-based international order in order to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific."

The exercise provided a valuable opportunity to improve allied interoperability and conduct complex scenarios to improve combined readiness.

"These exercises provide our allied navies with an incredible opportunity to sustain and improve interoperability through dynamic, complex interactions at sea," said Capt. Walter Mainor, commander of TF 71 and DESRON 15. "Operations like these continue to reinforce our confidence in protecting a free and open Indo-Pacific together, as a seamlessly integrated multinational force."

Commander, Task Force 71, is U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force. CTF 71 is responsible for the readiness, tactical and administrative responsibilities for forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers as well as any surface unit conducting independent operations in the region.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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Former Afghan Leaders Powerless Inside, Outside Their Homeland

By Akmal Dawi August 22, 2023

When the Taliban entered Kabul in August 2021, nearly the entire leadership of the Afghan government fled the country fearing for their lives.

President Ashraf Ghani, accompanied by his wife and closest aides, sought asylum in the United Arab Emirates, while the rest of his Cabinet, including his two vice presidents, scattered to different parts of the world.

In a video statement three days later, Ghani said his departure might have been the only way to escape the fate of his predecessor, former President Mohammad Najibullah, who was tortured and killed by the Taliban in 1996.

"If I had stayed, the president of Afghanistan would have been executed in front of the eyes of Afghans once again," Ghani said.

What the Taliban would have done to Ghani is open to speculation, but Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's chief spokesman, told VOA that the group had no intention of harming anyone, including Ghani.

That is not entirely true. The United Nations reported Tuesday that since seizing power, the Taliban have killed, tortured, jailed and mistreated hundreds of former Afghan military personnel  a charge the Taliban deny.

But some former leaders did choose to stay in Afghanistan and have been able to remain politically active, if only in a restrained way, thanks to a surprising amnesty announced by the Taliban for its former enemies.

Hamid Karzai, the nation's first democratically elected president who signed the U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement in 2012, declared his commitment to the country in a video posted on Facebook within days of the Taliban takeover in August 2021.

"To the esteemed residents of Kabul, I say that my family, my daughters and I are here with you," Karzai said in the Dari language as his three small daughters huddled with him.

Similarly, Abdullah Abdullah, a former chief executive and foreign minister of Afghanistan, chose to remain in Kabul despite his history of opposition to the Taliban.

"I personally had a conversation with former President Karzai 10 days prior to the collapse of the government and asked him specifically what his plans were if some morning he woke up to the scenario of Kabul overrun by the Taliban," Omar Zakhilwal, a former Afghan minister, told VOA.

"He responded that he'd thought about it, realized the possibilities of very high risks to him and his family, particularly in the initial moments of the overrun, but under no circumstances would either he or his family leave Kabul."

'No influence or freedom'

Inside Afghanistan, former leaders like Karzai and Abdullah appear active, meeting with locals, diplomats and aid workers. On their verified social media accounts, they issue carefully crafted statements calling on de facto authorities to reopen secondary schools for girls and allow women to work, while avoiding direct criticism of the Taliban's globally condemned misogynistic policies.

What has become evident in the two years since the fall of Kabul, however, is that regardless of whether they chose to flee or remain, none of the former leaders has had any significant influence over Taliban policies.

"Those who stayed in Afghanistan under the Taliban have no influence or freedom to stand against the Taliban," Sediq Seddiqi, a former spokesperson to Ghani, told VOA.

Outside of Afghanistan, Ghani and other former Afghan officials are more critical of the Taliban on social media platforms.

"If the Afghan politicians in exile can bring about an enduring political settlement and work together for a better Afghanistan, it is justified," Seddiqi said.

It remains uncertain what kind of a political settlement the exiled Afghan leaders could reach with the Taliban, particularly now that they have little, if any, leverage.

"History will judge harshly of those who left," Nader Nadery, a former Afghan official and a member of the former government's negotiating team with the Taliban, told VOA.

Now a research fellow at the Wilson Center in the United States, Nadery said many Afghans appreciate Karzai, Abdullah and those former leaders who have remained in Afghanistan.

"When the time is hard, leaders stay with their people," he said.

Exodus of skilled Afghans hurts country

Concerned that the Taliban would target Afghans who worked for the U.S. and the Afghan governments, the United States airlifted more than 120,000 individuals from Kabul in August 2021. Among them were Afghan lawmakers, ministers, journalists and human rights activists.

Over the past two years, the United States, Canada and some European countries have continued evacuating tens of thousands of at-risk Afghans.

Prevalent poverty and Taliban repressions have also forced many Afghans to migrate to Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and elsewhere.

The exodus of mostly educated and skilled Afghans continues to hurt Afghanistan, Zakhilwal said.

"Afghanistan would have been better off if not only the political leaders but also the tens of thousands of other [mostly educated] Afghans who were evacuated by the West had remained in Afghanistan," the former official said.

For others, however, life under the Taliban is unbearable.

"Afghanistan now has become the most oppressive country for women," Pashtana Dorani, an Afghan women's rights activist, wrote last week on X, formerly known as Twitter.

As the Taliban consolidate their grip on power, rejecting domestic and international calls to respect women's rights and forming an inclusive government, former leaders  inside the country and in exile  appear to have little sway on how the Taliban govern Afghanistan.

Last week, the Taliban's Justice Ministry announced that political parties were outlawed, effectively forcing their opponents to either leave the country or submit to non-democratic rule.



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The US remains the preferred choice for shopping holidaymakers, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

This was revealed at Virtuoso Travel Week that took place in Las Vegas, from August 13 to 18, 2023.

Retail tourism is a thriving market segment of the travel and tourism sector in the US, said WTTC President & CEO, Julia Simpson, at the event.

The joint research collaboration between WTTC and the Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, in collaboration with The Bicester Collection, will be published on 7th September during an event taking place at La Roca Village, part of The Bicester Collection, in Barcelona, Spain.

According to the report, in 2019, retail tourism was worth $178.2 billion, equivalent to 6% of the travel and tourism sector, and can represent more than 15% in some destinations.

Historically, retail tourism has been overlooked by researchers; resulting in limited data for travel providers to plan and invest strategically.

The latest report by WTTC seeks to correct that, providing valuable insights into people's shopping habits when travelling, such as out-of-town retail destinations; the latest trends in retail tourism, such as sustainable retail, and the immense potential it holds for destinations and businesses.

The latest data revealed by the international body names the US as the largest contributor of retail tourism to GDP in 2019 ($34.7 billion).

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the US retained its leading position in 2020 with $17.5 billion and continued to grow in 2021, contributing $23.9 billion to the country's economy through retail tourism.

Governments that incentivise this retail segment with tax-free shopping have seen tourism revenues boom. Countries like the UK that scrapped tax-free shopping have seen visitors move to other countries like France or Italy, depriving the UK economy of critical export revenues.

In Paris, retailers have thrived since France set a three-day VAT rebate window for purchases exceeding 100 in 2019, with The Bicester Collection witnessing a dramatic spike in Paris visits, surpassing London as the UK phased out its VAT refund scheme.

The upcoming WTTC report seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of retail tourism, covering retail habits, emerging trends, and the challenges and opportunities that the sector faces.

By incorporating insights from sector experts, academics, and practitioners, the report offers a holistic perspective on this vital market segment.

This pioneering research will also include recommendations for both the public and private sectors, aiming to guide destinations in attracting new visitors, incentivising retail tourism, and fostering sustainable growth in this sector. - TradeArabia News Service
WFP Geneva Palais Briefing Note: Millions in the DRC risk going hungry as funding dries up

World Food Programme

22 August 2023

This is a summary of what was said by Peter Musoko, Country Director for WFP in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) - to whom quoted text may be attributed - at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

Geneva -- The ongoing political instability and armed conflicts in the DRC have devastated food production and distribution systems. Displacement of people, destruction of infrastructure, and disruption of agricultural activities have led to widespread food shortages and increased vulnerability to hunger, with 1.5 million people in emergency levels of food insecurity.

Some 6.3 million people are internally displaced in the country. Of this, approximately 6 million are within the three eastern provinces. The conflict in eastern DRC is an interlinked crisis, affecting food insecurity, malnutrition, health, education, access to clean water and shelter.Malnutrition affects 4.4 million people, while lack of access to essential services has further compounded the protection of civilians and fueled gender-based violence. With each passing day, the situation in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to put the lives of women and children at risk.

"In my conversations with those displaced in Eastern DRC, I was struck by their strength in the face of adversity. Their challenges, such as the daily struggle to secure enough food and the additional dangers women face when seeking sustenance, are deeply concerning. It's evident that the assistance we provide, though impactful, must be reinforced to ensure their well-being."

Funding has almost dried up; WFP operational requirements are at stake. WFP has received limited funding. Notably, in July, WFP provided assistance to some 1.2 million people. However, without additional funding, it's unlikely more people risk not receiving that we will even approach half of our intended target.

WFP requires US$ 728 million for its response efforts in the eastern region. Regrettably, we face a staggering funding gap of US$ 567 million, equivalent to 78 percent of the required funds for the next six months.

Flexible funding has enabled WFP to procure vital complementary food commodities such as pulses, oil, and salt, ensuring a comprehensive nutritional approach. However, the stark reality is that our operations hang in the balance and are at a critical juncture.

The situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo demands our immediate attention. Lives are at stake, and the cost of inaction has untold consequences for the people. The DRC needs our immediate attention and support to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. We ask governments, donors, and humanitarian partners to stand with us in this time of need.

# # #

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

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China-South Africa friendship at new historical starting point: Xi

Global Times

'Comrades plus brothers' relationship a miniature of China-Africa ties with cooperation in various fields to deepen

By Xie Wenting in Johannesburg and Chen Qingqing in Beijing Published: Aug 22, 2023 09:39 PM Updated: Aug 22, 2023 10:17 PM

Chinese President Xi Jinping kicked off his state visit to South Africa and met with the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit, as China-South Africa relations enter a golden era with cooperation across various fields expected to deepen. The Chinese leader also hailed the China-South Africa friendship which stands at a new historical starting point.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 25 years ago, China and South Africa have achieved leapfrog development, which has gone far beyond the scope of bilateral relations and has more and global significance, some experts said. The two leaders jointly unveiled a blueprint for the future development of China-South Africa relations, embarking on a new journey of building a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future.

During the meeting between Xi and Ramaphosa on Tuesday, Xi said this is his fourth visit to South Africa as Chinese President. "I have warm feeling when I visit the country again after five years. Under the leadership of President Ramaphosa, South Africa enjoys a growing national development and international influence. China is pleased about this and wishes South Africa even greater progress on its development path," Xi said.

The reason why China's relationship with South Africa is so good and the China-South Africa friendship is so deep is crucially because both countries and parties have shared weal and woe on their respective developmental paths, forging a profound friendship like comrades and brothers, Xi said.

Right now, standing at a new historical starting point, inheriting the China-South Africa friendship, deepening cooperation and strengthening collaboration are the mutual wish of both countries and also the significant responsibility of our times, Xi said, noting that he is willing to work alongside President Ramaphosa to push the China-South Africa partnership to new heights.

Xi said on Tuesday that China and South Africa will work to deepen bilateral cooperation in electric power, new energy as well as scientific and technological innovation. He also said that China is ready to import more quality products from South Africa and will continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in South Africa.

On Tuesday morning local time, the Union Buildings in Pretoria displayed the flags of China and South Africa. A considerable crowd of people have gathered, anticipating the arrival of Chinese President Xi. The atmosphere was full of anticipation and excitement.

Following the meeting between Chinese and South African leaders, Xi also received the Order of South Africa from President Ramaphosa on Tuesday. Speaking at the ceremony, Xi said the China-Africa comprehensive strategic partnership has entered a golden age, as political mutual trust between the two sides continues to deepen, and mutually beneficial and practical cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results.

Xi reiterated that no matter how the international situation changes, the two sides will remain committed to deepening bilateral friendly cooperation.

Xi arrived in Johannesburg on Monday evening to attend the 15th BRICS Summit and to pay a state visit to South Africa. South African President Ramaphosa and other South African officials extended a warm greeting to Xi at the airport.

In a written speech, Xi extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of South Africa on behalf of the Chinese people. Noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa, Xi emphasized that the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries has entered a new stage.

During a press briefing held on Tuesday, Wu Peng, Director-General of the Department of African Affairs at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that this visit fully demonstrates China's high regard for the development of relations with both developing countries and South Africa, as well as China-Africa relations. He emphasized that the visit injects new impetus into the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and South Africa.

Wu said that during the signing ceremony, President Xi and President Ramaphosa witnessed the signing of 11 cooperation documents, covering areas such as new energy power, direct investment, economic zones and industrial parks, blue economy, technological innovation, higher education and training, emergency power assistance, and the joint construction of Belt and Road infrastructure.

Wu said that both sides also issued a joint statement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa.

'Comrades plus brothers'

Busi Mabuza, Chairperson of the South Africa Chapter of the BRICS Business Council, told the Global Times in Johannesburg that South Africa and China share a profound friendship. In 2010, China staunchly supported South Africa's inclusion in the BRICS mechanism, providing South Africa with the opportunity to engage in close cooperation across various domains with several of the world's largest and rapidly growing economies, yielding substantial benefits.

She expressed that there is extensive space for cooperation between South Africa and China in economy and trade, noting that she was pleased to witness an increasing number of high-quality South African specialty agricultural products entering the Chinese market.

She also hopes for deeper collaboration between South Africa and China in infrastructure, aiding South Africa to enhance its transportation systems including roads, railways and aviation, to create better conditions for trade connectivity.

Mabuza hailed the China-proposed Global Development Initiative, which she said is in accordance with South Africa's development plan and is conducive to the equitable and sustainable development of the world.

South Africa and China have a thriving economic relationship. China is currently South Africa's largest global trading partner, and South Africa holds the distinction of being China's foremost trading partner in Africa. According to data released by China's Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade between China and South Africa reached $56.74 billion in 2022, marking a 5 percent increase year-on-year and reaching an eight-year high. This growth trend has continued to accelerate in the first half of this year, with a further increase of 11.7 percent.

In Johannesburg, Chinese brands such as Huawei, Gree are ubiquitous. Chinese appliances, smartphones, and automobiles are all favored by the local population, the Global Times learned.

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of a slew of cooperation agreements ranging from industrial cooperation to energy to agriculture on Tuesday, among which energy cooperation is seen as critical for tackling the domestic energy woes in South Africa.

Historical reasons have led to a long-term lack of investment in the power sector in South Africa, coupled with the seriously aging of existing thermal power units, resulting in electricity shortages. To help address this issue, Chinese companies will sign agreements with South Africa during the BRICS Summit to promote energy security and electricity development, the Global Times learned.

"The China-South Africa partnership is like comrades plus brothers, and the state visit paid by our top leader will help elevate bilateral relations to a new high," He Wenping, director of the African Studies Section at the Institute of West Asian and African Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Besides helping South Africa tackle one of its most pressing issues like the shortage of electricity, China will play an important role in the country's industrial development, helping create more jobs and increase people-to-people and cultural exchanges, He Wenping said. "Xi's visit to South Africa will deepen the special 'comrades plus brothers' friendship of the two countries."

The development of China-South Africa relations is a microcosm of the China-Africa friendship, and China-Africa relations can best reflect the imprint of China's major-country diplomacy, some experts said.

Milestone gathering

South Africa is about to enter "BRICS time" soon. The news center for the BRICS Summit is now operational, with nearly 100 journalists working there on Tuesday. The Global Times learned during the pre-registration process that the daily registration count is around 500 participants, encompassing individuals from various industries including media and businesses.

Traces of the BRICS Summit are evident on the streets of Johannesburg. South African authorities have allocated increased police resources to ensure the security of the event. Local media broadcasts are predominantly centered around BRICS-related news.

Leaders from the BRICS nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - are expected to gather on Tuesday with the BRICS expansion, the Ukraine crisis and reducing the dependence on the US dollar topping the agenda, according to media reports.

During the BRICS Summit, Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi "will have chances to have close exchanges," Wu said at the press conference on Tuesday.

However, some Western media hyped that the gathering of BRICS leaders is about "countering the US," to draw many countries in the Global South closer to China and is a test of Beijing's ambitions to remake the grouping.

Both Chinese and South African experts believe that the BRICS grouping has now become a counterbalancing force against global governance led by developed nations. Representing major developing countries, they hold significant weight in terms of economic strength, voice and the pursuit of fairness and justice. Their voice represents the concerns of developing countries, and this voice can drive changes in global governance, experts said.

The motives for a dozen countries that reportedly want to join BRICS include interest in the organization's economic development potential and their desire to build a more equitable global order, David Monyae, director of the Center for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, told the Global Times in a recent interview.

"What is key is that these emerging powers are unhappy with the current global order. For these emerging powers, when they look at the current global order led by the US and Western countries, the system hasn't evolved since 1945," Monyae said. It has not been changed to reflect the current realities in terms of the size of the economy, population, and other issues, he noted.

There is also unhappiness with the weaponization of the US dollar and the weaponization of some global public goods, such as SWIFT, in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he said.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on August 22, 2023

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

CCTV: The plenary meeting of the Central American Parliament on August 21 local time adopted the resolution of revoking the "permanent observer status" of the so-called "Legislative Yuan" of the Taiwan region and accepting the National People's Congress of China as a permanent observer. What's China's comment? Will China consider becoming a permanent observer of the Central American Parliament?

Wang Wenbin: China welcomes and commends the resolution of the Central American Parliament to revoke the "permanent observer status" of the so-called "Legislative Yuan" of the Taiwan region and accept the National People's Congress of China as a permanent observer. This again shows that the one-China principle represents the unstoppable trend of the times and has the overwhelming support of the people. China stands ready to develop friendly cooperation with the Central American Parliament on the basis of the one-China principle.

Bloomberg: Japan announced today that it would begin releasing Fukushima waste water from as early as August 24. What is China's response and will it take any further action on Japan or Japanese goods in the aftermath of the decision?

Wang Wenbin: In disregard of the strong concerns and firm opposition from the international community, the Japanese government announced the decision to start releasing the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean from August 24. This is extremely selfish and irresponsible, as the discharge will spread the risks of nuclear contamination to the rest of the world, and by doing so, Japan is putting its selfish interests above the long-term wellbeing of the entire humanity. China is gravely concerned and strongly opposed to this. We have made serious dAmarches to Japan.

For the past two years and more, the legitimacy, legality and safety of Japan's ocean discharge plan has been questioned over and over again by the international community. Japan has yet to address major international concerns such as the long-term reliability of the purification facility, the authenticity and accuracy of the nuclear-contaminated water data, and the effectiveness of the monitoring arrangement. China and other stakeholders have pointed out on multiple occasions that if the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water is truly safe, Japan wouldn't have to dump it into the seaaand certainly shouldn't if it's not. It is unjustified, unreasonable and unnecessary for Japan to push through the ocean discharge plan.

Regrettably, Japan has given scarce response to international concerns. It has been trying to create an impression that the ocean discharge is safe and harmless. It has even made unfounded accusations against neighboring countries who have expressed legitimate concerns. All of this has caused outrage among people in neighboring countries and in Japan.

The ocean sustains humanity. It is not a sewer for Japan's nuclear-contaminated water. China strongly urges Japan to stop its wrongdoing, cancel the ocean discharge plan, communicate with neighboring countries with sincerity and good will, dispose of the nuclear-contaminated water in a responsible manner and accept rigorous international oversight.aChina will take all steps necessary to protect the marine environment, ensure food safety and safeguard people's life and health.

China News Service: On August 21 local time, giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji turned three in the US. The National Zoo at Washington DC organized a "birthday party" for him. Many visitors came to celebrate his birthday. Do you have any comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: We are glad that Xiao Qi Ji had a happy third birthday. Based on what we have learned from relevant authorities, the three giant pandas at the National Zoo in WashingtonaMei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Jiawill return to China at the end of this year as previously scheduled.

Since China and the United States began cooperation on giant panda conservation and research in 2000, we have achieved good results in conservation and breeding, disease prevention and control, technical exchanges and public awareness. This has played a positive role in protecting endangered species and enhancing the friendship between the Chinese and American people. Since the cooperation began, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian have given birth to four cubs, creating joy for the American people and bringing hearts closer between our two peoples. In particular, the birth of Xiao Qi Ji, whose name means "little miracle", during the pandemic, brought encouraging news to panda lovers all over the world.

The family of three is overall in good health. The zoo provides professional treatment and care for the ones with common diseases of elderly pandas. China and the US are going through the relevant procedures and preparing for the transportation to ensure that the panda family will have a safe journey home.

Giant pandas are China's national treasures and messengers of friendship in China's cultural exchanges with the rest of the world. China is engaged in collaborative research on the conservation of giant pandas with 22 organizations in 19 countries, including the US. Such cooperation plays an important role in the conservation of pandas. There are currently 65 giant pandas outside China. Those exchanges and cooperation not only help overcome the technical difficulties in the protection and breeding of giant pandas, but also provide people in other countries knowledge about what has been achieved in giant panda protection and expand people-to-people exchanges. Available data shows that around the world, more than 1 billion tourists have viewed giant pandas, and hundreds of events for people-to-people exchanges on giant pandas have been organized. While bringing joy to people all over the world, giant pandas have also played a unique role in raising public awareness of wildlife conservation and promoting friendly people-to-people exchanges between China and the world.aa

Reuters: It's been reported that UK Foreign Minister James Cleverly will visit China at the end of this month. Can the foreign ministry confirm the schedule for this visit and let us know China's hopes and expectations for this visit?

Wang Wenbin: China values growing stable and mutually beneficial relations with the UK and we are open to strengthening bilateral exchanges with the UK. For information about the visit, you may follow our ministry's website.

The Paper: On August 22, Cambodia's National Assembly elected Khuon Sudary as its new President and approved members of the new cabinet headed by Hun Manet as the Prime Minister, marking the official formation of the country's new government. What's China's comment? What's your expectation for the future growth of China-Cambodia ties?

Wang Wenbin: We extend warm congratulations to Cambodia's newly-elected National Assembly and newly-formed government. We believe that under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, the new government will achieve greater success in national development.

China and Cambodia are ironclad friends. Our friendship has withstood the test of the changing international landscape and remained rock-solid. Going forward, we will continue to support Cambodia in its national development, and work with the new government to build a high-quality, high-level and high-standard China-Cambodia community with a shared future for the new era, deepen our comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and add new vitality and dynamism to our ironclad friendship to deliver more benefits to both peoples.

NHK: China tightened import controls on food from Japan before the release of nuclear-contaminated water from Fukushima. Today, the Japanese government officially decided to start the ocean discharge plan. Will China consider introducing new control measures? If the Japanese government provides China with relevant experts' advice on the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water, will China accept that?

Wang Wenbin: The Chinese government puts the people first, and relevant departments will take measures necessary to safeguard food safety and the health of our people. We strongly urge Japan to reverse its wrong decision, cancel the ocean discharge plan, communicate with neighboring countries with sincerity and good will, dispose of the nuclear-contaminated water in a responsible manner and accept rigorous international oversight.

Bloomberg: This morning, the US announced that it was removing 33 entities, including 27 Chinese companies, from its Unverified List. What is the foreign ministry's reaction to this? And will China be making a reciprocal gesture?

Wang Wenbin: China welcomes the US decision to remove Chinese entities from the "unverified list". It shows that the two sides can address specific concerns through communication based on mutual respect. China will continue to firmly defend the lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies and institutions.

Beijing Youth Daily: Recently, a delegation from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) visited China's Xinjiang. Could you share some details?

Wang Wenbin: From August 16 to 21, a delegation from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) visited China and made a trip to Xinjiang at the invitation of the Chinese side. The delegation comprised representatives from 23 countries and two OIC Assistant Secretaries-General.

During its stay in Beijing, the delegation held meetings with officials from departments including the Foreign Ministry and the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and held exchanges with the China Islamic Association. During its trip to Xinjiang, the delegation met with member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Party Secretary of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) Ma Xingrui and Deputy Party Secretary and Chairman of the government of the XUAR Erkin Tuniyaz. The delegation traveled to Urumqi, Kashgar, the Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture and Changji, where they saw an exhibition on counter-terrorism and de-radicalization and visited the Xinjiang Islamic Institute, the ancient city of Kashgar and projects of green development and rural revitalization. They also visited Uyghur families and religious figures and prayed together with local Muslims at a mosque.

Members of the delegation spoke highly of China's economic and social progress and commended the Chinese government for its strong commitment to protecting the multi-ethnic culture in Xinjiang. They noted the success of China's people-centered governance in Xinjiang, including the effective counter-terrorism and de-radicalization policy, which has brought peace and happiness to people of all ethnic backgrounds in Xinjiang. They also pointed out the huge gap between what they saw on this trip and how certain countries depicted the region and that the narratives and accusations attacking Xinjiang's human rights conditions couldn't be further from the truth.

The OIC delegation's objective and just observations prove once again that people can tell right from wrong. A handful of countries' scheme to manipulate Xinjiang-related issues and smear China will not succeed. We welcome more friends from around the world to visit Xinjiang and see for themselves the peace, dynamism, harmony and freedom in Xinjiang.a

Reuters: Earlier this year, five members of staff at Mintz were detained. Does the Chinese foreign ministry have any information about their current whereabouts? Are they still in detention? If so, for breach of which law and do they have access to lawyers, etc?

Wang Wenbin: I'd like to refer you to the competent authorities on this question. Let me stress that China is a country under the rule of law. Businesses operating in China need to abide by Chinese laws. Judicial authorities investigate suspected offenses in accordance with the law. China remains firmly committed to advancing high-level opening up and fostering a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment for companies from other countries, including from the US.a

Reuters: A flight of Air Koryo, the North Korean state-owned airline, has arrived in China from North Korea. Does China have a plan along with North Korea to open the borders between the two countries? And also does the Chinese government have a comment on the near future for this air route between China and North Korea?

Wang Wenbin: You may refer to my response to a related question yesterday.

CCTV: In an interview with Yonhap News TV on August 21, ROK Foreign Minister Park Jin said Seoul explained in detail to China the results of the Camp David meeting through diplomatic channels. He stressed the trilateral gathering was not conducted to target any particular country. On bilateral ties with Beijing, Park said Seoul wants to foster a mature and healthy relationship with China on a foundation of mutual respect and mutual benefit. What's China's response?

Wang Wenbin: We have noted the remarks by Foreign Minister Park Jin. Following the US-Japan-ROK summit at Camp David, the ROK briefed China on the meeting and explained it through diplomatic channels.

In response to the trilateral meeting and the joint statement, especially the negative developments concerning China, China has immediately stated our serious position and concerns and made serious dAmarches to relevant parties. We urge relevant countries to be prudent with words and actions, stop smearing China's image and harming China's interests, stop stoking division and confrontation and harming regional peace and stability, and stop pursuing selfish gains at the expense of other countries' strategic and security interests and the wellbeing of people in Asia-Pacific.

We attach importance to the desire expressed by the ROK to grow relations with China. We hope that the ROK will join China and other countries in the region in rejecting the outdated pattern of division, confrontation and bloc confrontation and opening up new prospects for solidarity, cooperation, development and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific.

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US commerce secretary to visit Beijing next week

The trip comes as the Biden administration rolls out a framework to ban certain US investments in China.

By Alex Willemyns for RFA 2023.08.22 -- U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo will visit Beijing early next week, becoming the fourth Biden administration official to make the trip since a thaw in relations began two months ago.

Raimondo will leave Washington on Sunday and return on Wednesday, according to a Commerce Department statement issued Tuesday.

"Secretary Raimondo's travel follows President Biden's meeting with President Xi last November," the statement said. "While in [China], Secretary Raimondo looks forward to constructive discussions on issues relating to the U.S.-China commercial relationship, challenges faced by U.S. businesses, and areas for potential cooperation."

Raimondo's trip follows trips to Beijing in June and July by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and U.S. climate envoy John Kerry, and comes amid an open invitation for Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to make a return trip to Washington.

But it has been complicated by a number of developments in both the United States and China, including the hacking of Microsoft-run U.S. government email servers in June, including Raimondo's account, which led some American lawmakers to call on her to cancel the trip.

Earlier this month, Biden announced a new framework to ban certain U.S. investments in China over national-security concerns, which angered Beijing, which slammed it as protectionist. China has also hit back at U.S. bans on sales of high-end microchips there.

National security

Raimondo, though, says that her mission to promote American business interests in China can be separated from national security issues.

She told a forum at the Wilson Center last month there is no risk to national security in U.S. businesses "selling coffee and beauty aids to China," and that she could promote such interests without ceding any space on demands from China to loosen security measures.

"At a high level, we need to do business with China, wherever we can," Raimondo said on July 25. "We need to promote [U.S. businesses] wherever we can, but we need to protect wherever we can."

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday that Raimondo's trip was part of an ongoing U.S. effort to reopen lines of communication after almost a year of bad blood between the world's two powers, and that he didn't expect any major announcements.

"We do not view these trips as about deliverables, or particular policy outcomes. We view them as a method of managing a complex relationship, a competitive relationship so that that competition doesn't tip over into conflict," Sullivan said on a call with reporters.

He said Raimondo would, for example, be able to "walk through" with Chinese officials the new outbound investment ban that has angered them, and then ask them about their "lack of transparency on economic data, so that we can understand where they are coming from."

Such diplomacy was not to "change China," Sullivan added, but to ensure "each side understands what the other is doing, and what they are not doing. That's really what these visits have all been about."

Edited by Malcolm Foster

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Chinese navy's floating hospital visits Solomon Islands as part of soft-power mission

The U.S. Navy hospital ship Mercy is expected in the Solomon Islands in November during the Pacific Games.

By Gina Maka'a for BenarNews 2023.08.22 -- China's navy hospital ship Peace Ark is docked for a week in the Solomon Islands, a hotspot in the U.S.-China rivalry in the Pacific, underlining the soft power battle to shape regional opinion.

The floating hospital, which arrived at the capital Honiara's port on Saturday, has also visited Kiribati, Tonga and Vanuatu as part of its current mission to provide free medical treatment in Pacific island nations, many of which struggle to provide sufficient basic healthcare.

The U.S. Navy hospital ship, Mercy, visited the Solomon Islands in August last year and will again be docked in Honiara in November to provide medical care when the city hosts the 24-nation Pacific Games.

A substantial crowd greeted the Peace Ark's arrival in Honiara and people have queued near the port since Sunday, when the doctors and nurses aboard began providing treatment.

Honiara resident Hugo Make, who has been experiencing stomach pain, said the Peace Ark's time in the city was an "opportunity for more efficient and accessible healthcare."

It was "frustrating," he said, to have to queue for long periods at clinics in Honiara, especially when they often lacked the necessary medical supplies.

The Solomon Islands has been China's highest profile success in building influence among Pacific island countries in recent years.

The island nation's government switched its diplomatic recognition to Beijing from Taiwan in 2019 and last year signed a security pact with China, alarming the U.S. and allies such as Australia, who fear it could pave the way for a Chinese military presence.

Solomon Islands Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga and China's ambassador to Honiara Li Ming attended a welcoming ceremony for the Peace Ark on the weekend. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare visited the ship on Sunday.

"Today, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese People's Liberation Army navy for their dedication in promoting friendship and cooperation between our nations," Maelanga said.

Eileen Natuzzi, a Pacific islands health expert and affiliate faculty at Georgetown University's Centre for Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Studies, has said that the hulking white hulled hospital ships are only "big public relations" for the nations that operate them.

Military medical missions do not address the significant health system issues that people living in Pacific Island countries currently face, she said in a July commentary for the Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank.

"These problems require a much deeper long-term commitment than the Mercy or Peace Ark can achieve," she said.

A Solomon Islands doctor, who did not want to be named, told RFA-affiliated news service BenarNews the government needed to provide answers about the country's shortages of medicines and medical supplies.

He said he was thankful for the hospital ship visits.

"It's a relief for our people that both the USA and China have sent their floating hospitals to assist us," he said.

The United States Agency for International Development is also trying to show a greater commitment to the Pacific in response to China's inroads.

Samantha Power, the USAID administrator, visited Papua New Guinea and Fiji earlier this month for the official opening of an enlarged mission in the region.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Court dismisses appeal in National Security Law for HK violation case

Global Times

By Chen Qingqing and Yu Xi Published: Aug 23, 2023 12:05 AM

The Court of Final Appeal in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday dismissed the appeal of a former university student who had pleaded guilty to violating the National Security Law (NSL) for Hong Kong, which experts noted was an "instructive, authoritative, and binding" ruling that upholds the spirit of the rule of law.

Lui Sai-yu, who was a student from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was sentenced to five years in prison in April 2022 by the district court in the HKSAR after being accused of "inciting others to commit secession." Lui didn't accept the decision and asked for an appeal. On November 30, 2022, the High Court of the HKSAR dismissed the appeal and upheld the sentence.

The district court in HKSAR had decided that the starting point for Lui's prison term should be five years and six months, then six months were deducted to reflect his guilty plea, RTHK reported on Tuesday.

Normally a defendant who admits to his or her crimes receive a one-third reduction, but the six-month reduction was the maximum allowed under the NSL for Hong Kong, which specifies that those who commit a serious secession offense shall be required to serve a sentence of at least five years, but no more than 10 years, said the report.

During Tuesday's judgment, the judges refuted the appellant's argument that a five-year prison sentence should have been the starting point for sentencing - which would allow for actual sentences to be below the threshold, according to the report.

This case is of special significance in determining the legislative intent of the NSL for Hong Kong regarding the establishment of a mandatory minimum sentence. In fact, the appellate dispute of the case is whether the five-year minimum sentence for "serious cases" is a "sentencing guideline" or the "final sentence," Louis Chen, a member of the Election Committee and general secretary of the Hong Kong Legal Exchange Foundation, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Article 33 of the NSL for Hong Kong clearly states that provisions related to lighter or reduced punishments do not include pleas of guilt; thus, defendants should not receive reduced sentences. Taking the crime of murder, which requires a mandatory life sentence, as an example, it emphasizes that mandatory punishments truly reflect the severity of the crime. The sentencing mechanism of the NSL for Hong Kong should prioritize deterrence, and not all mitigating factors apply, Chen said.

Willy Fu, a law professor and vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Legal Exchange Foundation, also welcomed and supported the ruling made by the court.

Fu pointed out that the NSL for Hong Kong is a national law and therefore holds a paramount position. The law needs to be coherent, compatible, and complementary with local laws. However, when inconsistencies arise between the NSL for Hong Kong and the local laws of the HKSAR, Article 62 of the NSL for Hong Kong should be given priority.

This principle also applies to the interpretation of sentencing provisions in the NSL for Hong Kong. Therefore, local sentencing laws and principles fully function within the sentencing framework set by the law.

In the judgment released on Tuesday, the Court of Final Appeal in the HKSAR also correctly noted that "[local] sentencing laws must therefore operate in tandem with the NSL to achieve the aim of safeguarding national security, giving priority to NSL provisions in case of inconsistency."

The law aims to prevent, stop, and punish crimes endangering national security. It should adhere to the rule of law, respect and safeguard human rights, combat the very small number of criminals endangering national security, protect the legitimate rights and interests of the majority of citizens, maintain HKSAR's prosperity and stability, and ensure the steady and far-reaching practice of One Country, Two Systems, Fu said.

The court's ruling on the mandatory sentencing guidelines for the crime of secession under the NSL for Hong Kong, specifically regarding cases of "serious circumstances," which require a prison sentence of five to 10 years, clearly indicates that mandatory punishments reflect the severity of the crime.

"This ruling is instructive, authoritative, and binding, upholding the spirit of the rule of law. Its significance is profound and deserves the support of the general public," Fu said.

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North Korea's first intl commercial flight in 3 years lands in Beijing, welcomed as 'positive sign' for border reopening

Global Times

By GT staff reporters Published: Aug 22, 2023 11:36 AM

North Korea's first international commercial flight in three years landed in Beijing on Tuesday morning, the Global Times learned from flight information provider VariFlight.

Air Koryo flight JS151 from Pyongyang was believed to have arrived at Beijing Capital Airport at 9:17 am, according to a screenshot provided by VariFlight on Tuesday.

It was North KOrean flag carrier Air Koryo's first commercial arrival into China since early 2020, after North Korea closed its borders in response to the outbreak of what was later called the COVID-19.

The flight took off from North Korean capital Pyongyang at 8:33 am local time, according to the screenshot. And the last flight of JS151 was recorded on February 1, 2020.

Some Chinese experts on China-North Korea relations believe that the resumption of international commercial flights between the two countries is a positive sign showing that North Korea is gradually reopening its border after the three-year COVID lockdown.

"It's believed that people-to-people exchanges between the two countries will soon resume to pre-pandemic levels," LA Chao, an expert on the Korean Peninsula issue with the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

After announcing the decision to downgrade COVID-19 measures to the level of a Class-B infectious disease on January 8, 2023, China resumed taking applications for international commercial flight routes. In the process of shifting to the summer-autumn schedules in 2023, China has approved Air Koryo's application for scheduled Pyongyang-Beijing-Pyongyang flights, Wang Wenbin, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a routine press conference on Monday.

The airline operates specific flights according to approvals by relevant Chinese authorities, Wang said.

Some South Korean media earlier reported that buses were spotted crossing the border from Northeastern Chinese border city Dandong into North Korea.

"Both Chinese and North Korean residents eagerly await the resumption of cross-border tourism," LA noted. "For Chinese tourists, North Korea is a popular travel destination.".

The Global Times reached out to some travel agencies located in cities along the China-North Korea borders asking the possible resumption of outbound tourism between the two countries. However, Dandong China International Travel Service in Northeast China's Liaoning Province and Hunchun International Travel Agency in adjacent Jilin Province told the Global Times on Tuesday that there are currently no relevant plans.

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N Korea warns of 'thermonuclear war', slams US deals with S Korea, Japan

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 22 August 2023 8:03 AM

North Korea has warned of a "thermonuclear war" as the potential outcome of recent trilateral deals reached at the US Camp David presidential retreat to further boost ties between Washington, Seoul and Tokyo while slamming huge annual war games between US and South Korean forces.

"If the agreements fabricated at the Camp David Resort are additionally put into practice in the war drill ... the possibility of outbreak of a thermonuclear war on the Korean peninsula will become more realistic," North Korea's official Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) underlined in a commentary published on Tuesday.

It further emphasized that the first standalone summit between the top leaders of the US, South Korea and Japan on Friday was aimed at formulating a "nuclear war provocation" despite claims by the three allies that they were seeking to project unity against China's growing power and Pyongyang's nuclear threats.

The development came as the US and South Korea began on Monday their joint annual war game -- dubbed Ulchi Freedom Shield - prompting Pyongyang's condemnation of the move as a military rehearsal aimed at waging aggression against the North.

The commentary also pointed out that the prevailing situation requires North Korea's military to "take the initiative, offensive and overwhelming action for a war," without elaborating on details.

South Korean lawmakers, meanwhile, have claimed that Pyongyang could test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile or take other military measures in response to the latest war games as well as the Camp David summit agreements.

Beijing protests Camp David's anti-China statement

This is while China declared on Monday that it had lodged complaints over a joint statement issued following the Camp David summit in which top leaders of Washington, Seoul and Tokyo criticized what they claimed as Beijing's "aggressive behavior."

Reacting to the unprecedented summit, China on Monday blasted its joint statement, insisting that the three leaders had "smeared and attacked China on Taiwan-related and maritime issues, grossly interfered in China's internal affairs and deliberately sowed discord between China and its neighbors."

Beijing further voiced its "strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition and has lodged solemn representations with relevant parties," China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin asserted at a news briefing on Monday.

Wang also slammed the Camp David summit as an example of an "attempt to revive Cold War mentality by inciting division and confrontation represented by various closed and exclusive small circles."

US President Joe Biden hosted the summit -- described as launching a "new chapter" of close, three-way security cooperation with South Korea and Japan.

Camp David marks the first time the leaders of the United States, Japan and South Korea have met for a standalone summit, rather than on the sidelines of a larger event.

Biden praised the "political courage" of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in turning the page on historical animosity.

Such a summit would have been unthinkable until recently due to the legacy of Japan's harsh 1910-1945 occupation of the Korean peninsula.

The three leaders agreed to a multi-year plan of regular exercises in all domains and made a formal "commitment to consult" during crises, with Biden saying they would open a hotline.

The three leaders also agreed to share real-time data on North Korea and to hold summits every year.

Meanwhile, China's People's Liberation Army began air and sea drills around Taiwan on Saturday in what it said was a "stern warning" after the island's vice president visited the US.

"If relevant countries really care about peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, they should abide by the One-China principle, stop condoning and supporting separatists advocating for Taiwan independence and their activities, and take concrete actions to safeguard regional peace and stability," Wang further stressed on Monday.

"The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair," he then pointed out. "Solving the Taiwan question is China's own business."

China has sovereignty over Taipei, and under the internationally-recognized "one-China" policy, nearly all countries recognize that sovereignty, meaning that they would not establish diplomatic contact with its secessionist government.

The US, too, professes adherence to the principle, but in violation of its own stated policy and in an attempt to irritate Beijing, Washington courts the secessionist government in Taipei, supports its anti-China position, and supplies it with massive amounts of armaments.

China describes Taiwan as the most sensitive and important issue in its relations with the US, and the topic remains a constant source of friction between Beijing and Washington.

Last August, China deployed warships, missiles, and fighter jets around Taiwan in its largest show of force in years, following a trip to the island by then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

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North Korea Warns Japan of Plans to Launch Satellite From August 24-31

Sputnik News

20230822

TOKYO (Sputnik) - North Korea warned Japan of plans to launch a ballistic missile with a satellite from August 24-31, the Japan Coast Guard said on Tuesday.

"Urgent information. Launch of a missile with a satellite. Warning of vigilance when navigating in the areas of the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea and Luzon Island from 00:00 on August 24 [15:00 GMT on August 23] until August 31," the agency said, adding that Pyongyang informed that fragments of the missile are likely to fall in these areas.

At the same time, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ordered the government structures to be on full alert due to North Korea's plans to launch the satellite.

"Instructions by the Prime Minister in Response to Notification that North Korea Plans to Launch a Ballistic Missile, Referred to as a 'Satellite.' 1. Execute all possible measures to gather and analyze information through the cooperation of the relevant ministries and agencies and provide information to the public in an appropriate manner. 2. In coordination with the United States of America, the Republic of Korea, and other countries concerned, strongly urge North Korea to exercise restraint and refrain from conducting a launch. 3. Take all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of the Japanese people, including fully preparing for contingencies," the prime minister's office said on X, formerly known as Twitter.Kishida later told reporters that firing a ballistic missile even to launch a satellite violates UN Security Council resolutions.

"In case it [missile] falls on the territory of our country, the necessary measures have already been taken: the destroyers of the self-defense forces equipped with the Aegis ... system, as well as the Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems [were deployed]. Together with collecting information and maintaining vigilance, we will act in cooperation with the US and South Korea," Kishida added.

The Japanese broadcaster reported that the missile could pass over the archipelago of Sakishima Islands in Japan's southern prefecture of Okinawa within 10 minutes of its launch if it is successful.

A Sputnik

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Prime Minister's departure statement ahead of his visit to South Africa and Greece

India - Ministry of External Affairs

August 22, 2023

I am visiting the Republic of South Africa from 22-24 August 2023 at the invitation of H.E Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, to attend the 15th BRICS Summit being held in Johannesburg under the South African Chairmanship.

BRICS has been pursuing a strong cooperation agenda across various sectors. We value that BRICS has become a platform for discussing and deliberating on issues of concern for the entire Global South, including development imperatives and reform of the multilateral system. This Summit will provide a useful opportunity for BRICS to identify future areas of cooperation and review institutional development.

During my stay in Johannesburg, I will also participate in BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue event that will be held as part of the BRICS Summit activities. I look forward to interacting with a number of guest countries that have been invited to participate in this event.

I also look forward to holding bilateral meetings with some of the Leaders present in Johannesburg.

From South Africa, I will travel to Athens, Greece on 25 August 2023 at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece. This will be my first visit to this ancient land. I have the honour to be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Greece after 40 years.

Contacts between our two civilizations stretch back over two millennia. In modern times, our ties have been strengthened by shared values of democracy, rule of law and pluralism. Cooperation in diverse sectors such as trade and investment, defence, and cultural and people-to-people contacts have been bringing our two countries closer.

I look forward to my visit to Greece opening a new chapter in our multifacted relationship.

New Delhi

August 22, 2023

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New Delhi, Aug 23 UNI) In a major relief to Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Mohd Azam Khan, the Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the trial court order to give voice sample in a case of allegedly delivering a hate speech and using derogatory language against former Uttar Pradesh State Chief Minister, Mayawati in 2007.

The trial court order had been upheld by the Allahabad High Court.

The Apex Court bench led by Justice A S Bopanna, and also comprising Justice P K Mishra, on Wednesday stayed the lower court and Allahabad HC order, and issued notice to the UP government and police and sought their response, on an appeal filed by Khan.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Azam Khan, submitted although the Special MP/MLA Court in Rampur was informed that a Special Leave Petition (SLP) has been in the Supreme Court, the trial Court judge refused to defer the taking of voice sample.

"Issue notice to the respondent (UP state govt and police). In the meanwhile, there will be an interim stay of the direction of the trial court order dated October 29, 2022, and upheld by the high court dated July 25, 2023," the bench said in its order Wednesday.

The accused, Azam Khan had moved the Supreme Court challenging the Allahabad High Court's decision to uphold the order of the trial court in Rampur.

The complaint was registered by one Dheeraj Kumar Sheel against Khan at the Tanda police station under 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 171-G (False statement in connection with an election) of SC/ST Act in 2007.

The police also charged Khan with delivering a hate speech and allegedly using derogatory language against then chief minister Mayawati.

The police had also invoked section 125 of the Representation of Peoples Act and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against Khan.

UNI SM SY SSP
Indian Coast Guard signs MoU with Philippines Coast Guard on enhanced maritime cooperation; holds the first bilateral meet

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 22 AUG 2023 7:06PM by PIB Delhi

In a significant step towards bolstering the bilateral cooperation between India and Philippines, Indian Coast Guard has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on enhanced maritime cooperation. The MoU was signed by DG Rakesh Pal, Director General Indian Coast Guard and CG Admiral Artemio M Abu, Commandant, PCG at the Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi on 22 August 2023. Both the sides held their first bilateral meeting on a range of maritime issues.

The MoU inked today seeks to enhance the professional linkage between the two Coast Guards in the domain of Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE), Maritime Search & Rescue (M-SAR) and Marine Pollution Response (MPR). The implementation of this MoU will enhance bilateral maritime cooperation between the two nations for ensuring safe, secure and clean seas in the region.The first ever bilateral meeting between both the maritime agencies signifies the dedication in strengthening the professional bonds by sharing best practices, conducting joint exercises and enhancing training collaborations.

A five member delegation of PCG is on an official tour of India from 20-24 August 2023. Earlier, the delegation visited Goa on 21 August, where they witnessed the operational capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft under 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. During the visit, the delegation was also provided with a customer demonstration flight on the Indian Coast Guard Advance Light Helicopter MK-III. The delegates also visited Indian Coast Guard Ship Sujeet built by Goa Shipyard Limited.

*****

SR/Anand



(Release ID: 1951181)

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Iran defense minister calls newly-unveiled drone 'exceptional'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 22, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Minister of Defense Brigadier-General Mohammadreza Ashtiani has described the Iranian newly-unveiled home-made Mohajer 10 drone as "exceptional".

The minister said that Mohajer 10 drone has a speed of over 200 km/h and is capable of travelling 2000 km which makes it an exceptional drone.

If telecommunication and radar equipment is also installed on it, the drone can act as a reconnaissance aircraft, Ashtiani added.

Mohjer 10 drone was unveiled earlier today in a ceremony marking Defense Industry Day which was participated by President Ebrahim Raisi.

The drone has a maximum fuel capacity of 450 liters and a maximum payload weight of 300 kilograms. It can carry different kinds of ammunition and bombs. Mohajer 10 drone is also equipped with electronic warfare and intelligence-gathering systems.

9341**2050

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Russia describes Iran as strategic partner

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Tue / 22 August 2023 / 12:10

Tehran (ISNA) - Russian Ground Forces Commander Army General Oleg Salyukov described Iran as a strategic partner for Moscow.

An Iranian military delegation, led by Ground Forces Commander Kiumars Heidari arrived in Moscow for discussion of bilateral cooperation between ground forces of the two countries, the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters.

The official part of the bilateral negotiations took place at the Ground Forces Main Command Center; the sides discussed issues of military cooperation and interaction, aimed at the implementation of projects that are supposed to improve the combat readiness of both countries' armed forces.

"The Russian Federation views Iran as one of the key states in the Middle East - it is Russia's strategic partner, and the constant intensive political dialogue is a hallmark of the current stage of our partnership," Russian Ground Forces Commander Army General Oleg Salyukov underscored.

The Russian Defense Ministry noted that the sides achieved an agreement on further improvement of cooperation between Russian and Iranian ground forces in various areas.

During the visit, the Iranian delegation laid down flowers to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin and visited the Army 2023 international defense forum, where it examined the newest types of weapons and upcoming military vehicles. In addition, the foreign guest will visit ground forces educational facilities and military-industrial complex enterprises.

End Item

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Iran unveils 'Mohajer-10' drone with 2,000km flight range

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 22 August 2023 8:50 AM

Iran unveiled the Mohajer-10 drone during a ceremony marking Defense Industry Day on Tuesday.

The domestically-manufactured drone was put on display during a ceremony in Tehran in the presence of President Ebrahim Raeisi.

Mohajer-10 has a maximum flight duration of 24 hours at an altitude of 7,000 meters and an operational radius of 2,000 kilometers.

It also has a maximum fuel capacity of 450 liters and a maximum cargo weight of 300 kilograms.

Equipped with electronic warfare and intelligence systems, the unmanned aerial vehicle can fly at a maximum speed of 210 kilometers per hour and carry different kinds of ammunition and bombs.

Tuesday's ceremony also saw the unveiling of Arman-1 guided air-launched bomb.

Meanwhile, President Raeisi ordered the joining of strategic "Khorramshahr" and "Haj Qassem" missiles to the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

Commanders highlight self-reliance in defense sector

Speaking to the Tehran-based al-Alam Arabic language news network, Iran's Army Chief Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi emphasized that despite sanctions, the country has been able to produce all the defense equipment required by the Armed Forces to protect borders.

IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza also said that "Today, we are proud of covering all the country's needs for advanced equipment through reliance on the capabilities of our youth."

Tangsiri further warned that the enemy will not be allowed to even think about an operation on Iranian soil.

Defense chief enumerates achievements

In a message marking the day, Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani enumerated multiple achievements in the country's defense sector over the past two years.

According to Ashtiani, Iranian experts have managed to reduce the ballistic missiles' target miss to less than 35 meters and increase their range to 2,000 kilometers.

In air defense, he added, several systems have been developed in order to deal with low-altitude targets and cruise missiles.

Ashtiani further noted that the experts have designed and manufactured Nasr and Ghadir air-based cruise missiles (with a range of 35 to 200 kilometers) as well as Talaiyeh ground attack missiles with a range of more than 1000 kilometers.

In the field of drones, the Defense Ministry is seriously pursuing the development of the fifth generation of strategic drones under a "drone leap" program, which also involves the development of artificial intelligence along with support, electronic warfare, and signal collection missions.

Ashtiani also said that in the past two years, the production of solid fuel ballistic missiles, as well as air defense and cruise missiles have jumped by 64, 45, and 100 percent, respectively.

He also reported a 30 percent increase in the development of different types of speedboats.

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Iranian Sunni Cleric Calls For Colleague's Release Saying It Will Ward Off Unrest

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda August 22, 2023

Molavi Abdolhamid, a spiritual leader for Iran's Sunni Muslim population, has urged the country's authorities to promptly release Molavi Fathi Mohammad Naqshbandi, the Sunni imam of Rask in the northeastern Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchistan.

In a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Abdolhamid said Naqshbandi's arrest, due mainly to his criticism of the authorities, may exacerbate public discontent and could have broader negative implications. He also underscored the urgency of an early release, arguing it would be in the best interest of the community.

On August 20, the judiciary of Sistan-Baluchistan Province confirmed Molavi Naqshbandi's arrest, saying he is accused of "disturbing public sentiment through misleading speeches, defamation against the Islamic republic of Iran, actions detrimental to national security, and illicit occupation of state lands."

Local news source Haalvsh, a group that monitors rights violations in Iran's Baluchistan region, highlighted that the arrest was executed "with a degree of humiliation" as it was carried out publicly in front of Naqshbandi's associates.

The arrest comes amid increasing pressure on Abdolhamid and his supporters.

People in Sistan-Baluchistan, which borders Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been holding protest rallies every Friday since September 2022, when a demonstration turned deadly as security forces opened fire on demonstrators, leaving at least 96 dead and another 300 injured.

The government has unleashed a brutal crackdown on the months of unrest -- one of the deepest challenges to the Islamic regime since the revolution in 1979 -- that erupted following the September 16 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in police custody for an alleged dress code violation.

Sunni Muslims make up a majority of the population in Sistan-Baluchistan Province and Kurdistan but account for only about 10 percent of the population in Shi'a-dominated Iran overall.

Since Amini's death, more than 500 people have been killed in the police crackdown, according to rights groups. Several thousand more have been arrested, including many protesters, as well as journalists, lawyers, activists, digital rights defenders, and others.

Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-sunni-cleric- -colleague-release-abdolhamid-unrest/32559223.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Lawyer For Family Of Mahsa Amini Reportedly Ordered To Appear In Tehran Court

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda August 22, 2023

The lawyer for the family of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old Iranian woman whose death while in police custody sparked months of nationwide unrest, is due to appear in Tehran's Islamic Revolutionary Court on August 29 just weeks ahead of the first anniversary of the tragedy.

The France-based Kurdistan Human Rights Network reported that Saleh Nikbakht has been charged with propaganda against the system, for his media interviews and criticism of official findings on the cause of Mahsa Amini's death, which authorities blamed on health issues while the family and their supporters have rejected saying witnesses saw her being beaten when arrested.

In an interview with the Faraz website in January, Nikbakht said that "incomplete investigations had been carried out without [the family's] presence or participation as the complainant."

Beyond the dispute over Amini's death, the lawyer's comments on a range of issues, from women's rights to motorcycle driving licenses to the treatment of Afghan migrants, were cited as evidence of his alleged propaganda activities.

Amini was detained by the morality police while visiting Tehran in September 2022 because she was allegedly wearing a head scarf, or hijab, improperly. She died on September 16 after being moved to a hospital.

Nikbakht called on investigators to study the two-hour period between Amini's arrest and her transfer to the Morality Police Center instead of pushing him and her family to accept the "late arrival and failure" of medical staff as a major factor contributing to her death.

Amini's death prompted thousands of Iranians to take to the streets nationwide to demand more freedoms and women's rights. The widespread unrest, which continues, represents the biggest threat to the Islamic government since the 1979 revolution.

The government, fearing a flare-up in protests next month on the anniversary of Amini's death, has ramped up its crackdown against activists and families of those killed in the protests.

In a statement released on August 21, Amnesty International detailed the situation of 36 families from 10 provinces in Iran who have suffered human rights abuses in recent months at the hands of Iranian law enforcement.

Thirty-three of the cases involved families who had loved ones killed by security forces during the protests, two that lost a relative who was executed arbitrarily, and one family of a torture survivor who took their own life after being released from detention.

The August 16 arrest of 12 women's rights activists who are accused of planning events ahead of the anniversary of Amini's death have intensified concerns that officials will stop at nothing to try and quell any unrest.

Iranian officials have attributed the protests to Western instigation and have pledged a more aggressive crackdown. Over 500 individuals have lost their lives since the start of the protests, which also led to the arrests of thousands, including demonstrators, journalists, lawyers, activists, and digital rights defenders.

Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-mahsa-amini-lawyer-order- court/32559269.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russian Military Delegation Arrives in Libya at Haftar's Invitation

Sputnik News

20230822

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - A Russian delegation headed by Deputy Defense Minister Col. Gen. Yunus-Bek Yevkurov on Tuesday arrived in Libya at the invitation of Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Khalifa Haftar, the Defense Ministry said.

"On August 22, 2023, at the invitation of the commander of the Libyan National Army, Marshal Khalifa Haftar, a delegation of the Russian Defense Ministry headed by the deputy defense minister of Russia, Col. Gen. Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, arrived in Libya," the ministry stated, mentioning that this is "the first official visit" of a Russian military delegation to the North African country.

"This is the first official visit of the Russian military delegation to Libya," the ministry noted.

It was organized following the results of Russia-Libya negotiations at the 11th Moscow International Security Conference and the Army-2023 military-technical forum.

"During the visit, it is planned to discuss prospects for cooperation in the fight against international terrorism, as well as other issues of joint actions," the ministry added.

A Sputnik

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Myanmar troops arrest 100 villagers, kill man in Magway region

Junta soldiers stole food and set fire to houses.

By RFA Burmese 2023.08.22 -- Junta troops arrested around 100 villagers in Myanmar's Magway region, killing one man, locals told RFA Tuesday.

Around 100 soldiers raided Shwe Lin Swea in Myaing township on Sunday after bombarding the village with heavy artillery.

They arrested 40 men and around 60 women, setting most free the following day.

Locals said they held onto four men and tortured them, killing one 50-year-old man.

"There were four arrested including Htay Win but he was killed," said a local who didn't want to be named for fear of reprisals.

"One man escaped ... When he was asked to drive a bullock cart by the soldiers he released the bullocks, pretended to chase them and ran away."

The local said two men were still being held by the troops but he didn't know their names.

The troops took rice, oil, beans and cooking utensils from the villagers before heading to another village, according to another local who also requested anonymity for safety reasons.

"The troops moved on to Let Htoke Taw village in the afternoon and grabbed things from the village and even from the monastery [and put them in] three trucks," the local said.

"There is no one left in the village. The village was set on fire without anyone to defend [the houses]."

Another local said troops burned around 40 houses in Myaing township. He said nearly 1,700 residents of Shwe Lin Swea and Let Htoke villages fled ahead of the junta raids.

Aung Zeya, leader of the Myaing Villages Revolutionary Front, told RFA local defense forces clashed with the troops on Sunday as they moved the stolen food to another village in the township but he didn't say how many casualties there were on either side.

The junta spokesperson for Magway region, Than Swe Win, said that he was not aware of the incident because he was on medical leave.

More than 10,000 homes in Magway region have been burned down by the junta and affiliated militias since the Feb. 2021 coup, according to the independent research group Data for Myanmar.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Clashes With Militants Near Afghan Border Kill 6 Pakistani Soldiers

By Ayaz Gul August 22, 2023

Pakistan said Tuesday that a counterterrorism raid in a volatile district on the border with Afghanistan had killed at least six soldiers and four "terrorists" in the ensuing clashes.

The troops "effectively engaged the terrorists' location" in South Waziristan and injured two other insurgents, according to the Pakistani military's media wing.

"However, during an intense exchange of fire, six brave soldiers, having fought gallantly, embraced shahadat [martyrdom]," Inter-Services Public Relations said.

The banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, claimed responsibility for inflicting the casualties, saying the shootout erupted after its fighters ambushed a military convoy in the remote district. The insurgent group claimed a significantly higher number of Pakistani troop casualties, but it often releases exaggerated claims.

Pakistani officials maintain that fugitive TTP commanders have moved their bases to Afghanistan and intensified cross-border terrorism since the Taliban retook control of the neighboring country two years ago.

On Sunday, a bomb explosion hit a vehicle transporting laborers to a police post in the turbulent North Waziristan district adjacent to South Waziristan. Officials confirmed the killing of 11 laborers.

Afghan Taliban authorities reject the allegations, saying they are not allowing any group to use their soil against other countries, including Pakistan.

This year alone, TTP-led insurgent violence has killed nearly 500 people in Pakistan, including civilians and security forces. Army officials have confirmed the death of around 130 officers and soldiers.

The TTP, an offshoot and close ally of the Afghan Taliban, claims its insurgent campaign aims to bring an "Islamic system" to Pakistan. The United States and the United Nations have listed the TTP as a global terrorist organization.

A U.N. report last month said that up to 6,000 TTP fighters are operating out of Afghanistan.

Last month, a suicide bomb explosion ripped through a political rally in Bajaur, another volatile district bordering Afghanistan. The blast killed over 60 people, including children, and wounded many more. The Islamic State terrorist group claimed that attack.

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Russian warships visit China following joint naval patrol in Pacific Ocean

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun Published: Aug 22, 2023 11:59 PM

A ship detachment of the Russian Pacific Fleet is visiting China following intensive interaction between the two countries' navies over the past month, which demonstrates a high level of mutual trust and military cooperation, experts said on Tuesday.

The Russian warships made a port call in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province, after the third China-Russia joint naval patrol of Pacific Ocean waters, Russia's Ministry of Defense said in a press release on Monday.

During their stay in Qingdao, which is set to last until Thursday, Russian servicemen are scheduled to tour the city and join their Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) counterparts in cultural and sporting events, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

The three-week joint naval patrol saw Chinese and Russian warships cover more than 6,400 nautical miles. It started in the Sea of Japan, stretched across the West Pacific and the North Pacific, including international waters near Alaska, and finished in the East China Sea, according to official releases from the two countries and US media reports.

The joint naval patrol was not aimed at a third party, and was not related to the current global or regional situation, the Chinese Defense Ministry said when announcing the event in late July.

Prior to the joint naval patrol, the Chinese vessels wrapped up a three-day visit to Vladivostok in Russia on July 27, during which time the two countries' servicemen conducted professional exchanges, vessel visits as well as cultural and sporting competitions, the PLA Daily reported at the time.

The start of this series of interactions between the Chinese and Russian navies was the Northern/Interaction-2023 joint exercise that was held in the Sea of Japan from July 20 to 23, in which the two countries' warships practiced safeguarding strategic maritime routes.

The Chinese side was represented by the Type 052D guided missile destroyers Qiqihar and Guiyang, the Type 054A guided missile frigates Zaozhuang and Rizhao, and the Type 903 comprehensive replenishment ship Taihu, while the Russian side sent vessels including the large anti-submarine ships Admiral Tribunts and Admiral Panteleev as well as the corvettes Gremyashy and Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov.

Chinese military expert Fu Qianshao told the Global Times that the recent military interactions between China and Russia displayed the high level the two countries' military cooperation and mutual trust.

The Sea of Japan, the West Pacific and the North Pacific link China to Arctic shipping routes, which are gaining strategic significance with global warming, so it is important to safeguard the security of these waters, Fu said.

China and Russia are expected to continue to hold joint military exercises and patrols and enhance pragmatic cooperation, experts said.

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Kabul, Aug 23 (UNI) The relations of the Afghan caretaker government with regional countries are on the track of strengthening, state media quoted Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi as saying.

According to the state-run news agency Bakhtar on Tuesday, Muttaqi said at a meeting of a government accountability program that 70,000 foreign tourists, including 10,000 Europeans, traveled to different parts of Afghanistan last year.

He said that the government has kept border routes with neighboring countries open so that Afghan products can be exported overseas, the press agency reported.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also working on a plan to solve the problem of Afghan refugees through a joint committee with regional countries, Bakhtar said.

UNI/XINHUA ARN
Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answer to a question from Rossiya Segodnya on Switzerland joining the EU's 11th sanctions package against Russia

22 August 2023 09:00

1622-22-08-2023

Question: Ms Zakharova, what is your assessment of the fact that Switzerland, supposedly a neutral country, has joined new European Union's restrictive measures against our country?

Maria Zakharova: The fact that Switzerland joined the 11th package of illegitimate EU anti-Russia sanctions did nothing but confirm the obvious: this country has deviated from the principles of neutrality. No matter how the Swiss authorities try persuading themselves and others that this is not the case, their practical steps demonstrate in all clarity that Bern is fully committed to the sanctions war against Russia waged by the collective West. It also openly supports the criminal regime in Kiev and is increasingly tilting towards NATO.

We sincerely regret that the Confederation's authorities have chosen this path, depriving their country of an effective foreign policy advantage. Until recently, it ensured Switzerland's unique standing and status as a respected venue for international diplomacy. Even before that, we faced restrictions regarding the entry to Switzerland of Russian diplomats attending various multilateral events.



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Putin: Russia Among World's Top Five Economies, Overtakes Germany

Sputnik News

20230822

Despite pessimistic forecasts, Russia is among the five largest economies in the world and has overtaken the Federal Republic of Germany, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the Council on Strategic Development and National Projects.

According to the World Bank, the Russian Federation "has moved ahead of the Federal Republic of Germany in terms of purchasing power parity, in terms of the size of the economy," Putin added. The president highlighted that this is one of the most important indicators.

The president stressed that the growth rates are steady, including in industry, while the current budget situation is stable and risk-free.

"The current budgetary situation is generally stable and does not carry risks for macroeconomic stability. In the second quarter, the federal budget deficit decreased almost eight times compared to the first quarter and totaled 264 billion rubles. In July, the budget balance was 458 billion rubles better than a year ago," Putin clarified.

For July-September the budget will be reported with a surplus, and by the end of the year the excess of expenditures over revenues will amount to the planned 2% of GDP, Putin noted.

According to the president, in a year and a half, the ruble's share of payments for Russian exports has more than tripled, from 12% to 42%, and "if we count it together with the currencies of friendly countries, this share reaches 70%".

Domestic manufacturers are quickly filling the niches of foreign companies that have left, and Russia will continue to do the same, the president emphasized.

On August 4, Sputnik calculated using data from the World Bank that Russia's GDP by purchasing power parity (PPP) in 2022 for the first time ever exceeded $5 trillion, allowing the country to remain the world's fifth-largest economy.

Earllier Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said that the Russian economy had adapted to Western sanctions and was growing steadily, adding that, despite all attempts to cut it off from global production chains, logistics routes and financial systems, interest for the country's economy was increasing.

In early August, an American newspaper reported that the West's strategy of imposing sanctions on Russian businessmen and their families proved to be ineffective. Russia's ability to withstand the sanctions will be a subject for analysis in the future, according to the report.

A Sputnik

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South Africa hosting BRICS summit amid expansion plan

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 22 August 2023 10:47 AM

Johannesburg is hosting a summit of the leaders of BRICS nations, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, with the bloc's expansion being at the top of its agenda.

In an address ahead of the August 22 to 24 summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his support for the bloc's enlargement.

"An expanded BRICS will represent a diverse group of nations with different political systems that share a common desire to have a more balanced global order," he pointed out.

Ramaphosa hosted his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for a state visit on Tuesday morning ahead of meetings with the grouping's other leaders later in the day.

The summit will also be attended by Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin will join the summit virtually.

Boosting the use of local currencies of member states also remains on the summit's agenda.

The BRICS leaders will reportedly hold a mini-retreat and dinner on Tuesday evening where they will probably discuss a framework and criteria for bringing in new members to the grouping, which is already home to nearly 40 percent of the world's population and a quarter of global GDP.

According to South African officials, more than 40 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS, with almost two dozen of them having formally asked to be admitted.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi is scheduled to participate in the 15th BRICS summit at the invitation of Ramaphosa.

Iran is among dozens of countries that seek membership in BRICS and has submitted a formal application to join the body.

Russia and China have welcomed Iran's application and the group's expansion to include international powerhouses.

The potential expansion of the bloc, referred to as BRICS +, aims to turn it into a geopolitical bloc to challenge Western financial and currency dominance.

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Israel stages airstrikes against Syria, wounding soldier

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 22 August 2023 2:53 AM

Israel has staged airstrikes against the vicinity of the Syrian capital of Damascus, wounding a Syrian soldier.

The attack was carried out late Monday from the direction of Syria's Tel Aviv-occupied Golan Heights, the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported.

The projectiles "wounded a soldier and caused material damages," the agency added.

SANA had earlier reported that Syria's air defenses had intercepted "hostile targets" in the Damascus area, without providing further details.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based so-called monitor, said the targeted areas included "warehouses and military sites" belonging to Hezbollah. The Lebanese resistance movement has been aiding Damascus in its efforts to fight off foreign-backed violence.

The Golan Heights have been under Israeli occupation since 1967, when the regime launched a large-scale war against the regional Arab states, including Syria.

Tel Aviv has been using the territory as a launchpad for its acts of military aggression against the Arab nation ever since.

The attacks intensified after 2011, when Syria found itself in the grip of all-out foreign-backed militancy and terrorism.

The regime has been also using the occupied territory to provide safe passage and medical treatment for the anti-Syria Takfiri terrorists, who would flee there from the Syrian military's counter-terrorism operations.

Earlier this month, the occupying entity similarly attacked areas near Damascus, killing four Syrian soldiers and wounding as many others.

The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates subsequently called on the United Nations to condemn Israel's incursions, asking it to take "immediate action to compel the occupying entity to stop its aggressive policies."

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Israel Fired 8 Cruise Missiles at Damascus Outskirts on Monday - Russian Military

Sputnik News

20230822

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Two Israeli F-16 fighter jets fired eight cruise missiles at Damascus outskirts on Monday from airspace above the Golan Heights, Vadim Kulit, the deputy head of the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria, said on Tuesday.

"On August 21, from 23:03 to 23:10 [08:03 to 08:10 pm GMT], two F-16 tactical fighters of the Israeli air force attacked facilities in the vicinity of the city of Damascus with eight cruise missiles from the airspace of the occupied Golan Heights. Israeli airstrike injured one Syrian soldier," Kulit told a briefing.

The deputy official also detailed during the Tuesday briefing that Russian aerospace forces had attacked a command post of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham* terrorist group in a village southwest of Syria's Idlib the day prior.

"On August 21, a strike conducted by Russian aerospace forces at the command post of the Hayat Tahrir ash-Sham terrorist organization in the Faylun village (4 kilometers [2.4 miles] southwest of the city of Idlib) killed 17 militants," Kulit told a briefing.

Kulit noted that the dead included "several high-ranking field commanders responsible for organizing and carrying out recent attacks on Syrian government forces in northern Latakia province."

* a terrorist group banned in Russia

A Sputnik

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Terry Gou floats cross-strait peace strategy amid rumored presidential run

ROC Central News Agency

08/22/2023 06:55 PM

Taipei, Aug. 22 (CNA) Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. founder Terry Gou () on Tuesday announced plans to provide at least US$20 million in funding for initiatives to promote peace across the Taiwan Strait, amid continued speculation he will launch an independent bid for Taiwan's presidency.

One of the plans will seek to establish the outlying Kinmen County -- which lies just 2 kilometers from the coast of China at its closest point -- as a venue for regular cross-strait dialogues, Gou said during a visit to Kinmen.

In addition, Gou said that he will create a think tank and a new media platform to collect and disseminate messages from around the world conducive to cross-strait peace efforts.

Gou also said he will facilitate dialogue between academic research institutions and think tank experts on both sides of the strait, while also fostering relations and dialogue with peace organizations globally through scholarships and lectures.

Gou arrived in Kinmen on Tuesday for a two-day trip to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the 823 artillery bombardment, a prolonged shelling campaign by the Chinese People's Liberation Army against the island in 1958.

During an earlier visit to Kinmen in May, Gou released a "peace declaration" calling for a resumption of talks between Beijing and Taipei based on the so-called "1992 Consensus," under which both sides of the Taiwan Strait acknowledge there is only "one China" but are free to hold different interpretations of what "China" is.

The Hon Hai founder has yet to officially declare if he will run against Vice President Lai Ching-te () of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, as well as New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih () of the Kuomintang and former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je () of the opposition Taiwan People's Party in next year's presidential election, scheduled to take place on Jan. 13, 2024.

(By Liu Kuan-ting and Chung Yu-chen)

Enditem/ASG



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Hou proposes turning Kinmen into cross-strait economic pilot zone

ROC Central News Agency

08/22/2023 05:07 PM

Taipei, Aug. 22 (CNA) Main opposition Kuomintang's (KMT) 2024 presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih () on Tuesday proposed to turn the offshore frontline island of Kinmen into a cross-Taiwan Strait economic pilot zone and a transportation hub to help facilitate peaceful exchanges between Taiwan and China.

During a trip to Kinmen, which lies less than 10 kilometers off the southeast coast of China, the New Taipei Mayor said turning Kinmen into an economic pilot zone that offers tax incentives would help attract Chinese investment into the island county.

He also pledged to enhance the quality of major ports in Kinmen and to increase the frequency of flights in and out of Kinmen to make the economic pilot zone possible.

Hou also proposed that Kinmen form a medical and healthcare hub to not only solve the longstanding problem of a lack of medical resources on the island but to also make Kinmen a destination for Chinese medical tourists.

Meanwhile, the KMT candidate proposed to start importing electricity and natural gas from China's Fujian Province in order to ensure supply.

This comes after Kinmen began importing water from China's Jinjiang City in 2018, he added.

Regarding the controversial issue of the wish of some Kinmen residents to construct a bridge linking Kinmen and China's Xiamen City, Hou said he is open to all opinions and has full respect for Kinmen residents who are planning to hold a referendum vote on the issue.

Hou stressed that his support of a referendum, and importing electricity and natural gas from China rely on the condition that doing so will not have negative impact on Taiwan's national security.

The proposal for a Kinmen-Xiaman Bridge has previously being criticized by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government, which says the bridge could pose a national security risk to Taiwan should China invade.

Hou arrived in Kinmen on Tuesday afternoon, a day before the 65th anniversary of the Aug. 23 Artillery Bombardment of the outlying island county in 1958, a key battle that marked the beginning of the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis.

On Aug. 23, 1958, nine years after the Republic of China (ROC) government relocated from mainland China to Taiwan after losing the Chinese civil war, Chinese communist forces launched an attack on the ROC-held Kinmen island.

Over the next 44 days, 475,000 artillery shells were fired at Kinmen in an attempt to take over the island, but ROC forces on the island held firm against the Chinese bombardment, according to Taiwan's historical records.

In his Kinmen press briefing, Hou thanked Kinmen's people for standing on the frontline of defending the ROC from Chinese invasion 65 years ago.

The ROC's prosperity and democracy will forever be indebted to the contributions of Kinmen residents, he said.

He reiterated his support for a version of the "1992 consensus" that conforms with the ROC Constitution, without elaborating, and said that he will try to reopen dialogue with China on equal footing to prevent a cross-strait war from breaking out because "there can be no losers in peace and no victors in war."

According to the KMT, the "1992 consensus," reached in a 1992 meeting between the two sides during a KMT administration headed by former ROC President Lee Teng-hui (), refers to a tacit understanding that both sides recognize there is only "one China," with each having its own interpretation of what China means.

Beijing has never formally endorsed this stance, officially maintaining that there is only one China, of which Taiwan is a part, and that the People's Republic of China (PRC) is the sole legitimate representative.

The PRC shut down its official communication channel with the ROC after the DPP government came to power in May 2016 and has refused to accept the "1992 consensus."

The DPP has refused to accept the "1992 consensus" on the grounds that Beijing has never acknowledged the ROC's existence and that agreeing to the consensus implies acceptance of China's claim over Taiwan.

(By Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/kb





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Update 180 - IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

International Atomic Energy Agency

82/2023

Vienna, Austria

22 Aug 2023

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has started pumping water from a new groundwater well and plans to build more at the site in the coming month as part of efforts to ensure sufficient cooling for its six reactors after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam earlier this summer, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

The collapse of the downstream dam on 6 June and the subsequent disappearance of much of the water in the Kakhovka reservoir, which the ZNPP had been using for its cooling needs, forced Europe's largest nuclear power plant (NPP) to take steps to protect the bodies of water still available to it - including a large cooling pond next to the site - and to start looking for alternative sources of water.

The IAEA team of experts at the site has been informed that the new well, whose location close to the plant's sprinkler ponds was selected after consultations with geological specialists, has already been commissioned and is now providing about 20 m3 of water per hour. The ZNPP intends to build an additional 10-12 wells around the perimeter of the sprinkler ponds.

At the same time, the site's large cooling pond and its other main supply of water - the discharge channel of the nearby Zaporizhzhya Thermal Power Plant (ZTPP) - remain intact, the IAEA experts said. The height of the ZNPP cooling pond continues to drop by about 1 centimetre per day while water from the ZTPP inlet channel is regularly pumped into its discharge channel to compensate for water used for cooling or lost through natural evaporation. The site has sufficient cooling water for many months.

"The plant continues to take action to address the additional challenges caused by the loss of the Kakhovka dam some ten weeks ago. The fact that more wells will be built should add to the water reserves available for cooling. However, the overall nuclear safety and security situation remains precarious," Director General Grossi said.

Underlining the potential risks for the plant located on the frontline of the conflict, the IAEA team continues to report about regular indications of military activity in the area, sometimes close to the site, sometimes further away. For example, a strong detonation shook their room windows on 14 August and gunfire was heard two days later. Another explosion near the site occurred on 17 August, five detonations were heard some distance from the ZNPP on 20 August and five more on 21 August.

"In order to prevent a nuclear accident that could affect people and the environment, it continues to be of paramount importance that the five basic principles for the protection of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant are respected and adhered to," Director General Grossi said.

As part of their monitoring activities at the ZNPP, the IAEA experts are expecting access to the rooftops of reactor buildings 1, 2, 5 and 6 in the coming days. Earlier in August, the team did not observe any mines or explosives on the rooftops or turbine halls of units 3 and 4 after receiving the requested access there.

The IAEA team also continues to conduct regular walkdowns across the site. Over the past ten days, for example, the experts have visited: the cooling pond and cooling towers; the plant perimeter and sprinkler ponds; the main control room, emergency control room and other safety-related rooms of unit 3; the reactor hall, main pumps, steam generators, and safety system rooms of units 3 and 4; the reactor hall, main pumps, steam generators, and safety system rooms of unit 6; the turbine halls of units 3, 4, 5 and 6. In addition, on 14 August, the IAEA team went to the second of the plant's fresh fuel storage facilities, where they confirmed that the fresh fuel was safely and securely stored. The IAEA experts did not observe any explosives and confirmed that the previously reported landmines remain in the same location in between the perimeter fences.

Reactor unit 6 has been generating steam for various nuclear safety purposes at the plant - including the processing of liquid radioactive waste - since 13 August when it reached a hot shutdown state, replacing the steam previously produced by unit 4. As reported by the IAEA on 10 August, the ZNPP began transferring reactor unit 4 from hot shutdown to cold shutdown following detection of a water leak at one of its four steam generators. There was no radioactivity released to the environment arising from the water leak at the steam generator in unit 4.

The cause of the leak, as later confirmed by the site, was due to a hairline crack in the weld of the steam generator primary header vent pipe. Last week, the site performed welding on the pipe and pressure testing of the steam generator was subsequently conducted, the IAEA team was informed. Final tests involving the primary and secondary circuits are in progress.

The IAEA continues to strongly encourage the installation of an external source of process steam, which, from a nuclear safety perspective, would provide the safest longer-term solution at the site. The IAEA has offered its assistance with this issue. In a possible step in this direction, the IAEA team was informed that the ZNPP has initiated a process to buy an external steam generator by sending technical requirements to possible vendors.

Separately, the IAEA is aware of reports of an explosion, with some injuries, on the morning of 18 August in the nearby city of Enerhodar, where most of the ZNPP's staff live. The IAEA experts have not heard of any injuries to plant personnel and there was no damage reported at the ZNPP site.

In northern Ukraine, there were reports of a missile attack at the city of Chernihiv on the morning of 19 August with several fatalities and many injuries. The city is located around 40 kilometres from Slavutych where most of the Chornobyl site's workers live. However, some of them live in Chernihiv itself. The IAEA experts have not heard of any injuries to plant personnel and there was no damage at the Chornobyl site. However, the IAEA team at the Chornobyl was informed that staff were very concerned about family and friends living in the affected area.

Director General Grossi expressed concern as such incidents could affect one of the seven indispensable pillars of nuclear safety and security that he outlined early during the conflict in Ukraine.

"The third pillar states that operating staff must be able to fulfil their safety and security duties and have the capacity to make decisions free of undue pressure," he said. "It is not just damage to physical structures that puts Ukraine's nuclear facilities at risk, but also the psychological impact on operating staff. That is why, as this terrible war continues, the Agency is working with Ukraine to provide medical assistance to Ukraine at, and in the vicinity of, nuclear facilities - including counselling services. This is vital work. But the real solution is for the conflict to end."

In addition to their presence at the ZNPP and the Chornobyl site, IAEA experts maintain a continued presence at Ukraine's other NPPs. Over the past week, the IAEA conducted rotations of its teams at Rivne, Khmelnitsky, and South Ukraine NPPs and will conduct a rotation at the Chornobyl site this week.

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The Netherlands promises Zelenskyy F-16s and continued support

Netherlands Ministry of Defence

News item | 22-08-2023

On 20 August 2023, Mark Rutte informed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the Netherlands will supply F-16s to Ukraine. The Ukrainian president arrived at Eindhoven Air Base in the morning for a visit of only a few hours. He was received at the military site by Prime Minister Rutte and ministers Kajsa Ollongren (Defence) and Wopke Hoekstra (Foreign Affairs).

Rutte said that although the war was being fought on Ukrainian territory, it was not limited to that nation because the values at stake are ones shared by the Netherlands and other countries. The prime minister went on to say that that feeling of shared values is widespread, hence the strong international support for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy had visited the Netherlands in May. He was informed during that visit that the Netherlands intended to train Ukrainian military personnel to operate F-16s. However, as Rutte explained, such training would serve no purpose if there were no F-16s to actually operate. In other words, training also means delivery of the fighter aircraft.

The number of aircraft concerned and the time at which they will be delivered were not made known. A number of preconditions must be met before the Netherlands starts delivering F-16s to Ukraine. The infrastructure at Ukrainian airfields must be made suitable, for example. The number of Ukrainian military personnel who are trained to operate the F-16 must also be sufficient.

Logical and crucial step

Like Rutte, Ollongren again made it clear to Russia that the Netherlands will continue to assist Ukraine. The minister of defence stated that Ukraine deserves the support of the Netherlands for as long as necessary and that, in that context, the future use of F-16s from the Netherlands by Ukrainian pilots was a logical and crucial step. The minister concluded by saying that just as Ukraine will not give up, the Netherlands will remain steadfast in its support.

To date (reference date of 26 June 2023), the Netherlands has provided military support worth approximately 1.9 billion euros.

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Russia jet crushes Ukraine spy boat, intercepts 4 more drones: Defense Ministry

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 22 August 2023 6:38 AM

A Russian warplane has destroyed a Ukrainian "reconnaissance boat" in the Black Sea as its air defense forces thwarted attempts by four more drones to attack Moscow, its defense ministry declared.

"Tonight, the crew of the Su-30cm naval aviation of the Black Sea Fleet destroyed a reconnaissance boat of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the area of Russian gas production facilities in the Black Sea," the ministry said in Tuesday post on its official Telegram channel.

The statement, however, did not elaborate on the type of boat destroyed or the precise location of the incident.

The development comes as Russian military authorities have asserted recently that they have thwarted a series of Ukrainian sea drone raids against its ships in the Black Sea.

Attacks by both warring sides have escalated in the Black Sea since Russia pulled out of a deal that had allowed the safe export of Ukrainian grain through the shipping hub, citing Kiev's repeated drone attacks on its naval assets in the area near Crimea, which joined the Russian Federation in 2014 following a referendum the overwhelmingly supported the idea.

According to Moscow's defense ministry, Russian ships were also targeted by a Ukrainian naval drone attack on Thursday evening.

Four more Ukraine drones targeting Moscow intercepted

The Russian Defense Ministry separately announced on Tuesday that the "Kiev regime" further unleashed four drones aiming to strike Moscow on Tuesday, insisting that all of them were intercepted.

"Earlier today, the Kiev regime's attempt to carry out a terrorist attack using drones was foiled," the ministry said in a statement.

"Two drones, which were detected by air defense facilities on duty and suppressed by electronic warfare systems, crashed over the territory of the Bryansk Region [in west Russia]," it emphasized. "The other two drones were detected and destroyed by air defenses above the territory of the Moscow Region."

"No casualties occurred as a result of these foiled terrorist attacks," the ministry further noted as quoted in a report by Russia's TASS news agency.

The report also cited Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin as stating in a Telegram post earlier in the day that Russia's air defense forces had shot down two strike drones approaching Moscow in the early hours of Tuesday.

The mayor further noted that one drone was downed near Krasnogorsk, a satellite city adjacent to the northwestern boundary of Moscow, and another crashed near the settlement of Chastsy west of Moscow.

In recent weeks, Ukraine has ramped up its attempts to target Moscow with drone strikes, which have been mostly unsuccessful.

Ukraine, after a long delay, began its widely publicized counteroffensives in early June which has so far proved to be a major failure, suffering the loss of thousands of its troops in the process.

Moscow has frequently warned that a continued supply of Western arms and military equipment for the Ukrainian military would only prolong the war.

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Agartala, Aug 23 (UNI) Indian Railway on Tuesday made a successful run of a specially designed track car on the newly built railway line for the most ambitious cross-border connectivity between India and Bangladesh from Agartala, which will connect Kolkata via Dhaka.

Railway officials here on Wednesday said that an uninterrupted run of track cars cleared the way for a trial run of a railway engine between Agartala and Gangasagar railway stations in Akhaura, Bangladesh, which took about 75 minutes to reach the zero line at the international border.

Officials said the test train will take a few more days to finalise all necessary preparations.

However, there has been an indication that perhaps the inauguration of Indo-Bangladesh train service will happen on September 9, when the Prime Ministers of both countries will sit together in New Delhi.

The track car, responsible for laying stones on the railway line, has been operational on the route for several days, and thereafter, a trial run of the railway engine will take place, the officials stated.

Meanwhile, Sharat Sharma, head of the project on the Bangladesh side, claimed that around 6.5 kilometres of track have been laid in the Akhaura section and that the entire railway line will be ready for train movement within a week in Bangladesh.

The Ministry of Development of the Northeast Region (DoNER) sanctioned Rs 580 crore for the construction of a railway corridor of 5 km in the Indian part connecting Agartala with Bangladesh in 2016.

The Ministry of External Affairs has also funded the remaining 10 km of railway stretches in Bangladesh territory, which were supposed to be completed five years ago.

UNI BB ARN
Ukraine Liberates Strategic Village As Deadly Russian Strikes On Civilians Continue

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service August 22, 2023

The Ukrainian military on August 22 said its forces have liberated a strategic village in the south after two months of fierce fighting as Russia continued to rain missiles and drones on several regions of Ukraine, killing at least one person and wounding several others.

Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar said on August 22 that Ukrainian troops had liberated Robotyne, a village along an important road leading to Melitopol in the Zaporizhzhya region.

Melitopol, known as the "gateway to Crimea," was captured by Russian troops in March last year after several days of heavy fighting.

"Soldiers of the 47th brigade battled their way into Robotyne," Malyar wrote on Telegram.

The 47th Brigade posted a video online showing tearful women greeting its soldiers and said it was organizing the evacuation of civilians from the village.

The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) confirmed that Ukrainian troops had achieved "significant tactical successes" in Robotyne on August 20-21.

If Ukrainian forces advance and retake Melitopol, located at the intersection of two important highways and a major railway hub, they could use the city as a springboard to liberate the whole Zaporizhzhya region.

The Ukrainian military and regional officials on August 22 reported Russian drone and missile strikes on Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhya, Kryviy Rih, and Kupyansk as Russia's Defense Ministry said it had repelled drone attacks on the Moscow and Bryansk regions while temporarily closing three airports in the capital.

In the northern city of Chernihiv, one man was killed by Russian shelling, regional Governor Vyacheslav Chaus said. On August 19, at least seven people, including a child, were killed and 129 were wounded in a Russian missile strike on the city.

Also on August 22, one person was wounded and 20 buildings were damaged in a Russian missile attack on Kryviy Rih, in the Dnipropetrovsk region, Governor Serhiy Lysak said on Telegram.

Russia also struck the southern city of Zaporizhzhya overnight, causing damage but no casualties, the secretary of the Zaporizhya City Council, Anatoliy Kurtev, reported early on August 22.

"Overnight, the enemy attacked Zaporizhzhya again. As a consequence of the blast wave, four high-rise buildings sustained damage," Kurtev wrote on Telegram. Russian forces have repeatedly launched attacks on Zaporizhzya.

Russian troops shelled Kupyansk and Vovchansk in the eastern Kharkiv region overnight, Oleh Synyehubov, the region's governor, said on August 22.

"Four residential buildings were damaged and destroyed," Synyehubov said on Telegram, adding that a woman was slightly wounded.

Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry said early on August 22 that four drones were shot down overnight -- two over the Moscow region and two over the Bryansk region, some 400 kilometers southwest of Moscow.

Russian state news agency TASS reported that three Moscow airports -- Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo -- briefly suspended flights, without giving a reason for the suspension.

Moscow airports have suspended flights several times recently due to what authorities said were Ukrainian drone attacks.

The ministry also early on August 22 said that a Russian warplane destroyed what it said was a "Ukrainian reconnaissance boat" that was sailing in the vicinity of Russian gas production facilities in the Black Sea. The claim could not be independently verified.

On the battlefield, heavy fighting has been continuing in the east and south of Ukraine, with the General Staff of the Ukrainian military reporting that a Russian counterattack had been repelled in Bakhmut, the city in the eastern region of Donetsk that was battered by months of heavy fighting before it fell to Russian forces in May.

U.S. national-security adviser Jake Sullivan on August 22 described the battlefield as "very dynamic" in a briefing with reporters.

"There is attacking and defending taking place on both sides at multiple points along a very extended front line," he said. "We are seeing [Ukraine] continue to take territory on a methodical, systematic basis."

Sullivan added that the United States does not think the conflict is a stalemate.

On the diplomatic front, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on August 22 that he had "an open, honest, and fruitful meeting" with Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic.

"Good conversation on respect for the UN Charter and the inviolability of borders. On our nations' shared future in the common European home. On developing our relations, that is in our mutual interest," Zelenskiy said in a post on the X social media platform, formerly known as Twitter.

Serbia, a traditional ally of Russia, has bucked EU pressure to join Western sanctions to punish Moscow for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Ukraine-Balkans summit held in Athens, the Ukrainian Presidency said.

With reporting by AP and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-drone-attacks- russia-war-shelling-airports-moscow/32558375.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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In The Kharkiv Region, Ukraine Struggles To Demine As Russia's Invasion Rages On

By Hrihoriy Pyrlik August 22, 2023

As Russia masses troops near Kupyansk and shells it almost daily, Kateryna, 35, a survivor of Russia's six-month occupation of the strategic railway town in Ukraine's Kharkiv region last year, has imposed a stringent set of rules on her three children: Don't touch anything, don't step off the pavement, always ask soldiers about suspicious objects, and don't accept candy, toys, or packages from anyone -- even a neighbor.

Mines are the reason why.

The Ukrainian government estimates that mines cover roughly 30 percent -- some 174,000 square kilometers -- of Ukraine, a figure that makes it one of the most mined countries in the world. The Kharkiv region, which borders Russia and the war-ravaged Donetsk and Luhansk provinces of Ukraine, ranks among the region's worst-affected, according to the Interior Ministry's State Service for Emergency Situations (DSNS).

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, mines in the Kharkiv region have killed 27 people and wounded 195, regional government data shows. The total of 222 casualties includes 45 children.

That compares with 220 deaths and more than 450 injuries from mines nationwide, according to the DSNS.

Russia's bombardment of Kupyansk, which led to the August 10 evacuation of 12,000 area residents, means the chances of encountering land mines have now increased.

In July alone, six residents of the Kharkiv region were wounded in mine blasts. Sappers are struggling to keep pace.

As of mid-August, sappers had not managed to clear even 1 percent of the estimated 12,400 square kilometers of territory -- a third of the entire Kharkiv region -- that the government believes has been mined, according to DSNS regional spokesman Yevhen Vasylenko. Farmland, to date, has not been touched.

The DSNS and the Kharkiv military administration acknowledge that the pace of work is slow. Official blame falls on the proliferation of Russian mines as well as shortages of sappers and demining vehicles.

What sappers have cleared is primarily land around so-called critical infrastructure sites such as power lines, roads, railroad tracks, gas pipelines, and water conduits, Ivan Sokol, head of the regional department for civil defense, which coordinates all of the Kharkiv region's sappers, told RFE/RL in an interview.

Ihor Ovcharuk, head of the DSNS's Interregional Humanitarian Demining Center, which focuses on clearing civilian-inhabited territory more than 20 kilometers from the front, estimates more than 8,000 kilometers of power lines still need to be cleared.

Ovcharuk blames traps set by the Russian armed forces for the slow cleanup of these sites.

"There's a hunt for sappers going on. The Russians are deliberately placing mines so that the sapper is blown up," he commented.

For demining vehicles to reach the affected power lines, sappers must first clear a section of road about 8 to 10 meters wide -- "the most difficult thing" in the whole operation, according to Sokol.

"The area has got extra mines," said Ovarchuk. "You start to demine one thing and another one next to it blows up."

Ovarchuk survived a mine explosion himself in May 2022. Overall, eight DSNS sappers have been killed and 33 wounded in the Kharkiv region since the start of the full-scale invasion, he told RFE/RL.

One military sapper, Captain Pavlo Herman, said Russia is using its "entire arsenal" of mines, mine traps, and explosive devices against Ukraine's current counteroffensive, which began in early June and has made slow progress. Those supplies include "very developed" mines with seismic sensors that respond to movement and antipersonnel mines without a timed self-destruct device -- mines banned by the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, of which Russia is not a signatory.

In the Zaporizhzhya region, where Herman usually works along the front line, both antipersonnel and antitank mines "totally" cover some grasslands, rather than the customary three or four rows of mines across the width of a field, he added.

"They set up mine traps that look like explosives. Or they leave a grenade under an antitank mine," Herman said. "And if an inexperienced deminer starts to remove it, then it explodes."

Summer grass as tall as two meters, which grows over dried older grass that conceals mines, further complicates matters, said Sokol.

With farmland not deemed critical infrastructure and sappers strapped for time, farmers cannot always clear out these mines without government or international funding.

In Kharkiv, Kherson, and parts of the Mykolayiv region, farmers -- many of whose operations were shut down by the war -- do not have the money to pay for demining, commented Denys Marchuk, deputy chairman of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council, an advocacy group. The cost for a group of professional sappers clearing an "intensively mined" field can run "from between $1,000 to $1,300 per hectare," not including surveying fees, he said.

Marchuk estimated that over 7 percent of Ukraine's farmland, roughly 28 million hectares, remains mined. So far, he said, sappers have cleared only 160,000 hectares of the 470,000 requested by the government.

In Kharkiv, to demine all of the region's mined territory within a year would require 125,000 sappers, Ovcharuk estimates. The DSNS currently only has 183.

Aside from scheduled demining, the sappers also respond to inquiries from civilians, for whom, like Kateryna's children, unusual objects can appear "interesting."

"The sappers, like the [Armed Forces of Ukraine] as well, are now worth their weight in gold," Ovcharuk told Current Time in December 2022.

Aside from the DSNS, the Special State Transportation Service, National Police, and certain armed forces units also have deployed sappers in the region. Out of 14 anti-mine groups certified to demine in Ukraine, three work in Kharkiv.

Overall, 300 people handle humanitarian demining and "operative" or urgent demining, such as when a shell is found during construction.

Vehicles are in even shorter supply. The entire region has only seven remote-controlled vehicles for mechanical demining, Sokol told RFE/RL. He believes at least 500 vehicles are needed.

He hopes a vehicle invented by Kharkiv farmer Oleksandr Krivtsov, the head of an agricultural company, can help meet that demand.

With sappers overburdened, Krivtsov, eager to sow seeds, combined a tractor with tank parts to produce his own remote-controlled demining vehicle, Reuters reported in May. In a test run, the contraption cleared 33 antipersonnel mines in a village within a few days, according to the Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne.

The Kharkiv region now plans to start producing the vehicle itself. Its cost is 10 times less than that of a Western model, which can cost around $1.3 million, Sokol emphasized to Suspilne.

Work on an excavator-based demining vehicle and testing of mine-detecting drones is under way elsewhere in Ukraine.

These efforts target Russian mines, but, despite being a signatory of the Mine Ban Treaty, Ukraine faces accusations from Human Rights Watch that it, too, has used antipersonnel mines that have killed and maimed Ukrainian civilians. The government has stated it will review the report.

Still, such allegations have not dented Kyiv's requests for international assistance to tackle its demining needs -- an amount that could reach $37.4 billion, according to the World Bank.

On August 13, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged Ukraine's partners to help the country respond to bolster Ukrainian security "more actively" and support local production of demining vehicles.

At the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London in June, the Croatian company DOK-ING and the Danish firm Hydrema, both manufacturers of demining vehicles, signed memoranda of understanding about collaborating with local partners to do just that.

Written by Elizabeth Owen based on reporting by Hrihoriy Pyrlik

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-kharkiv-struggles-demine- russia/32559297.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Greece's Largest Opposition Party Slams Gov't for Offering Training to Ukrainian Pilots

Sputnik News

20230822

ATHENS (Sputnik) - Greece's largest opposition party, the Coalition of the Radical Left - Progressive Alliance (SYRIZA) said on Tuesday that it was strongly opposed to the Greek government's offer to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F16 fighter jets and other initiatives that constitute Greece's "direct military involvement" in the Ukraine conflict.

On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated at a press conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens that Greece had offered to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets. They also adopted a joint declaration in which Mitsotakis committed Greece to continuing to provide military support to Ukraine.

The party said that a joint declaration adopted by the two leaders could present risks for Greece and its international role as it sets out Greece's commitments to continue military support for Ukraine and its aspirations to join NATO.

"SYRIZA is resolutely against Greece's further direct military involvement in the conflict in Ukraine with the above-mentioned commitments, especially the training of Ukrainian pilots by Greeks, which is especially dangerous for our country and which the Ukrainian president said was Mitsotakis' proposal," the statement read.

At the same time, the party noted that it was against Russia's special operation in Ukraine.

Mitsotakis met with Zelensky in the Greek capital on Monday on the sidelines of an informal gathering of Balkan leaders with top EU officials which also took place that day. In the joint declaration Greece pledged its support to Ukraine's NATO membership aspirations, provided Kiev fulfills all necessary conditions and there is consensus among member states.

A Sputnik

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Ukraine Loses Up to 240 Troops in South Donetsk Direction in Past Day

Sputnik News

20230822

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine has lost up to 240 soldiers both killed and injured in the South Donetsk direction over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

"Enemy losses [in the South Donetsk direction] amounted to up to 240 Ukrainian military personnel killed and wounded, two armored combat vehicles, the US-made M777 artillery system, and the UK-made FH-70 gun," the ministry stated.

Ukraine also lost 235 servicemen in the Dontesk direction and over 125 soldiers in the Zaporozhye direction over the given period, the statement read.

Additionally, Russian armed forces have repelled five attacks by Ukrainian troops in the Kupyansk direction, four in the Zaporozhye direction, three in the Donetsk direction and two in the Krasny Liman direction.

A Sputnik

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Ukrainian Sabotage Group Fails to Breach Border of Russia's Bryansk Region - Governor

Sputnik News

20230822

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - A Ukrainian sabotage group unsuccessfully tried to breach the state border of Russia's Bryansk Region near the Klimovsky District, Governor Alexander Bogomaz stated on Tuesday.

"Today, Ukrainian saboteurs attempted to breach the state border in the Klimovsky district. Thanks to the coordinated and heroic actions of the units of the border department of the FSB of Russia in the Bryansk Region, the Ministry of Defense, the special forces of the National Guard in the Bryansk Region, the attack was repelled," Bogomaz said on Telegram.

Measures are currently being taken to ensure the safety of civilians in the region, the governor added.

A Sputnik

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Russian Air Defense Downs 2 Ukrainian Drones Near Crimea, Moscow Region

Sputnik News

20230822

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian air defense suppressed two Ukrainian drones near Crimea by means of electronic warfare, as a result of which they fell into the water 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) northwest of the peninsula, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

"On August 21, at about 23:00 Moscow time [20:00 GMT], an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack with aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles was thwarted. Two Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were detected and suppressed by electronic warfare by the air defense forces," the ministry said.

The ministry added that drones, having lost control, "crashed over the Black Sea, 40 kilometers northwest of the Crimean peninsula."

Not long afterward, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin detailed that air defense forces had also shot down two strike drones on their way to the Russian capital. "The air defense shot down two strike drones. One in the Krasnogorsk region, the other in the Chastsy region. Special services went to the scene of the incident," Sobyanin said on Telegram.

At the same time, the Russian Defense Ministry said that another two drones were suppressed by the means of electronic warfare in Russia's Bryansk Region. The ministry added that no one was injured due to drone crashes.

"An attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out terrorist attacks by unmanned aerial vehicles was thwarted tonight. Two UAVs were detected by air defense systems and suppressed by electronic warfare systems, they crashed over the territory of the Bryansk Region. Two UAVs were detected and destroyed by air defense systems over the territory of the Moscow Region," the ministry stated.

The latest foiled attack comes on the heels of efforts undertaken earlier Monday in the Belgorod Region and the Moscow Region by Kiev forces; in fact, Ukraine has continued to launch drones into Russian territory since the start of its fruitless counteroffensive in early June.

A Sputnik

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The overall summary of these days is that Ukraine has become stronger - address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine

22 August 2023 - 19:43

Good health to you, fellow Ukrainians!

A brief report on our activities these days. Four visits: Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Greece. The Ukraine-Balkans Summit. Negotiations on the margins of the summit with Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Moldova, and the President of the European Commission. We are coming home with new political support and new agreements. Everyone clearly confirms the territorial integrity of Ukraine. There will be jets for Ukraine. There will be additional armored vehicles. We will reinforce air defense. Economy, our exports, European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Almost every meeting touched upon the protection of export routes across the Black Sea and through the "solidarity lanes" on land. A very important agreement with Greece, for which I am particularly grateful to the Prime Minister, is Greece's willingness to take patronage over the recovery of our Odesa. The decision is not only substantive, but also very symbolic. It is filled with many historical and cultural meanings. The overall summary of these days is that Ukraine has become stronger.

I would also like to mention Luxembourg today - thank you for joining the G7 declaration on security guarantees. Every week adds new security opportunities for us. I am grateful to our entire team that is working for this!

And one more thing.

The annual veterans' forum was held in Kyiv. I was honored to open it with my address. I hope that all government officials participating in the forum will listen carefully to the needs and suggestions of our veteran community. The Ukrainian policy of heroes, that is, the Ukrainian veteran policy, must be effective. And it will be. This is the responsibility of every relevant official.

I thank everyone who is fighting and working for Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!

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President of Ukraine meets with Prime Minister of North Macedonia

President of Ukraine

22 August 2023 - 13:41

On the sidelines of the Ukraine-Balkans summit in Athens, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia Dimitar Kovacevski.

The Head of State thanked the head of the government of North Macedonia for his unwavering and principled support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The leaders discussed the situation on the battlefield. The President drew attention to Russia's increasing production of missiles using Western components.

Zelenskyy thanked Kovacevski for defense support, in particular, the preparation of a new assistance package. The parties discussed the development of further cooperation between the states in the field of defense.

The leaders said that integration into the European Union is a common goal of the two countries, and agreed to coordinate efforts on this path.

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President of Ukraine holds talks with President of Moldova

President of Ukraine

22 August 2023 - 13:27

As part of his working visit to Greece and participation in the Ukraine-Balkans summit, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu.

The heads of state touched upon the pressing issues of bilateral cooperation, regional security, joint opposition to the Kremlin's aggressive policy and Russian hybrid influence.

The parties discussed cooperation between the two countries in creating alternative routes for exporting Ukrainian grain after Russia blocked the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

The presidents also focused on the important issue of the integration of Ukraine and Moldova into the European Union and common challenges along the path.

Zelenskyy and Sandu noted the active development of the political dialogue between the countries and discussed further contacts, in particular Moldova's participation in the third international Crimea Platform summit in Kyiv on August 23.

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Head of State meets with Prime Minister of Croatia in Athens

President of Ukraine

22 August 2023 - 12:48

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as part of his participation in the Ukraine-Balkans summit in Athens, held a meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia Andrej PlenkoviA.

The head of the Ukrainian state talked about the situation on the battlefield, the offensive steps of the Ukrainian army and the problems it faces. He also briefed the interlocutor on preparing the Ukrainian power system and air defense for the autumn-winter period.

Zelenskyy thanked Croatia for preparing a new defense package for Ukraine, which will contain important components. The parties discussed the further development of defense cooperation between the two states.

The President informed the Prime Minister of Croatia in detail about Russia's illegal blockade of navigation in the Black Sea and heavy Russian missile strikes on Ukraine's port infrastructure, which endanger world food security.

Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is ready to continue to be a guarantor of global food security and is interested in finding new ways of supplying food to world markets, one of which could be Croatia. The Croatian side confirmed its readiness to provide ports on the Danube and the Adriatic Sea for transporting Ukrainian grain.

The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Croatia discussed geopolitical and other challenges caused by Russian aggression against our country. They coordinated steps for further cooperation in the international arena.

The head of state separately emphasized the importance of Croatian experience in the field of humanitarian demining and thanked Croatia for its practical assistance and leadership in demining Ukrainian territories. The importance of holding the International Donor Conference on Humanitarian Demining, which will be held in Zagreb in October, was noted.

Zelenskyy separately thanked Croatia and the Croatian people for their special concern for forced migrants from Ukraine.

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Deaths in mine accident in Kazakhstan rise to 36 29 Oct 2023 | 4:46 PM Astana, Oct 29 (UNI) The death toll of the mine accident in Kazakhstan's Karaganda region has risen to 36, with 10 people reported missing, the country's Ministry of Emergency Situations said on Sunday. see more..

Friends' star Matthew Perry dies 29 Oct 2023 | 4:38 PM Moscow, Oct 29 (UNI) American-Canadian actor Matthew Perry from the US TV sitcom "Friends" has died at 54 after an apparent drowning, TMZ reported, citing law enforcement sources. see more..

Putin congratulates Erdogan on centennial of Turkish Republic - Kremlin 29 Oct 2023 | 4:03 PM Moscow, Oct 29 (UNI) Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday congratulated his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey, lauding the respect the country enjoys on the global stage. see more..

13 injured taken to hospital as fresh quake jolts west Afghanistan 29 Oct 2023 | 1:56 PM Herat, Afghanistan, Oct 29 (UNI) Thirteen injured persons have been taken to hospital as a fresh quake struck west Afghanistan's Herat province on Saturday night, head of the province's regional hospital Noor Gul Walizada said. see more..
Everything in our country should become an assistant to a veteran, just as it is an assistant to a warrior today - President's address to the participants of the VI International Veterans Forum

President of Ukraine

22 August 2023 - 12:34

Glory to Ukraine!

Dear defenders of Ukraine! Dear Ukrainian people!

It is very important and symbolic that the Veterans Forum is opening on the eve of the Ukrainian Independence Day.

There would be no independence if it wasn't for our warriors. All of our soldiers and sailors, sergeants and petty officers, officers and generals at war are at the heart of Ukrainian independence.

And this is the first priority of the state policy - to give our warriors everything necessary. Necessary to fight. Necessary to win.

That's why we work 24/7 to provide the best weapons in the world for Ukraine's warriors.

Now, the visits during these days resulted in at least four new defense packages from our partners, and the main thing we have achieved is the unlocking of F-16 deliveries to our country.

We have agreed on a specific number of the first delivery of aircraft - from two countries, the Netherlands and Denmark. And we are working on an even greater result.

I met with our men and women who have already started training in Denmark. Ukrainian pilots and engineers will also begin training in other countries of the aviation coalition - we are expanding our training programs. And all our warriors of the sky are highly motivated to use the new combat aircraft for our country as soon as possible.

In terms of combat aviation performance, Ukraine will be among the top strongest countries in the world. This means that we will be able to save more lives of our people. Both military and civilian.

And all the bilateral meetings that I am holding now in the framework of the Ukraine-Balkans Summit - Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Moldova, other meetings with other leaders - all of them strengthen Ukraine, all of them help our country become much closer to our strategic goals.

Dear Ukrainians!

As long as our country is on the path of the war for freedom and independence, it is the duty of every person to do everything possible, and sometimes impossible, to make Ukraine stronger. I am grateful to all those in the country for whom this principle is the first and foremost.

A lot depends on a person's simple initiative. On the ability not to miss an opportunity for Ukraine. On the ability to convince for the sake of Ukraine. On the ability to hear and see what can be done now to make it easier for Ukraine to fight.

Ukrainians demonstrate such initiative. Among those present at the Veterans Forum are many who have made significant personal achievements for Ukraine and know for sure that often everything depends on one person. On a person's care. On a person's determination. On how dedicated a person is to the cause and the defense of Ukraine.

Unfortunately, in this terrible war, we lost thousands of the most dedicated. Thousands of the bravest and most caring. Those who stood up to defend Ukraine in 2014. Those who stood up to defend the state after February 24. And now I ask all Ukrainians to observe a minute of silence in memory of all the warriors who gave their lives for the sake of Ukraine's independence.

Thank you.

This year we have established a new Ukrainian policy - the policy of heroes. The policy of honoring and creating opportunities for all our warriors, for all our veterans, thanks to whom Ukraine is alive.

To implement such a policy, decisions are needed. We all realize the scope of these decisions. And the responsibility for their implementation.

Today, at the Forum, government officials will present a package of decisions that are of utmost importance for our veterans to be able to integrate into social life with dignity after returning from the war.

People always come back from war changed. And that's why it's especially difficult - after everything you've been through, after everything you've experienced, after all the losses you've seen... It's especially difficult to build a life.

But you are heroes! You are needed! Ukraine needs you! Each and every one of you. Those who are fighting for Ukraine. Who brought and is bringing Ukraine's victory closer.

Millions of people are fighting and working to ensure that Ukraine prevails and defends itself. We need everyone of these millions!

No lost lives! No lost generations! No lost opportunities! And, of course, no lost time. The time of life.

These are the main principles underlying the policy of heroes. Everything in it - from honoring the heroic deeds of Ukrainians to new educational opportunities for veterans, from the quality of the work of the military medical commissions and rehabilitation to economic opportunities, business and legal opportunities, housing for veterans - everything in the policy of heroes should help people live.

Any official who does not understand this will be replaced. Any regulations that cause a delay should be simplified. Everything in our country, one way or another, should become an assistant to a veteran, just as it is today an assistant to a warrior. And all effective initiatives of the state and the public, very importantly, of business, very importantly, of veterans themselves, all initiatives aimed at improving the quality of Ukraine's policy of heroes, at integrating and helping veterans must be implemented.

The Intercession, the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, is ahead. It is on this day that we should see and evaluate the results. This is the first significant result of the implementation of the policy of heroes and the solution of the problems that will be discussed, in particular, today at the Forum. I am confident that there will be a result. It has to be.

Glory to all Ukrainian warriors! Glory to all our veterans!

Glory to Ukraine!

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the European Commission in Athens

President of Ukraine

22 August 2023 - 12:00

In the framework of the Ukraine-Balkans Summit, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

The Head of State expressed gratitude to the interlocutor for the efforts aimed at normalizing the export and transit of Ukrainian agricultural products.

"It is important to restore full-fledged duty-free trade between Ukraine and the EU and ensure free access of Ukrainian agricultural exports to the entire territory of the EU single market. I expect that on September 15, any restrictions on Ukrainian agricultural products in the EU will be lifted," he emphasized.

The parties also discussed in detail alternative routes for the "grain corridor" after Russia's blocking of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Particular attention was paid to security and financial aspects, as well as ship insurance.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Ursula von der Leyen for the next tranche of assistance worth EUR 1.5 billion. The parties discussed the revision of the IMF program for Ukraine.

The leaders also assessed our country's progress in implementing the seven recommendations of the European Commission and further steps in this direction.

"We aim to achieve maximum results in the implementation of the recommendations of the European Commission. We expect a positive assessment in the report within the enlargement package in October and a decision of the EU member states to start negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the European Union in 2023," the President of Ukraine said.

In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ursula von der Leyen coordinated positions on the Peace Formula and the preparation of the Global Peace Summit.

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Head of State met with President of Serbia on the margins of the Ukraine-Balkans Summit

President of Ukraine

22 August 2023 - 10:41

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic on the margins of the Ukraine-Balkans Summit held in Athens, Greece.

The parties noted that mutual support for territorial integrity and sovereignty is an important part of the partnership between Ukraine and Serbia.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed his colleague about the situation on the battlefield and the actions of the Ukrainian army.

The leaders discussed the most important issues of regional security, bilateral relations and prospects for their development.

The presidents also focused on common challenges on the path of Ukraine and Serbia to EU membership.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Aleksandar Vucic for the humanitarian assistance provided by Serbia to the Ukrainian people, as well as for the support of Ukrainians who have found refuge in this country from the war unleashed by the Russian Federation.

The President of Ukraine invited the Serbian side to support the Ukrainian Peace Formula and take part in the third summit of the international Crimea Platform on August 23.

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Athens Summit Declaration

President of Ukraine

22 August 2023 - 09:18

August 21, 2023

We, President Aleksandar Vucic, President Maia Sandu, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Jakov Milatovic, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister Ion-Marcel Ciolacu, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers Borjana Kristo, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski, Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov, and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, in the presence of the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission, met in Athens today, twenty years after the historic EU-Western Balkans Summit in Thessaloniki, and issued the following statement:

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a pivotal moment for Europe, creating a new level of awareness of shared principles, unity and common future within the EU. This is a critical time for the security, peace and stability of our European continent. The laws and principles that contributed to a stable and predictable European security order for so long have been violated and we witness anew the manifestation of the disastrous effects of revisionism. In the face of Russian aggression, we express our unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, based on the values of democracy and rule of law. In our discussions in Athens today, we expressed support and appreciation for the earnest efforts by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in setting out the principles for peace in line with the UN Charter, in his Peace Formula. We also welcomed the efforts of the UN General Assembly to promote a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine. We agreed that there can be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities, such as attacks against civilians and the destruction of infrastructure and all those responsible must be held accountable. Twenty years ago, the Thessaloniki Summit acknowledged that the Western Balkans belong to the European Union. We firmly believe that today this statement remains more relevant than ever. The escalating war of aggression against Ukraine revealed the urgent need for a strong, resilient and inclusive EU as a cornerstone of peace and prosperity among our peoples during these challenging times. We stressed that the Western Balkans, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, geographically adjacent to EU Member States, have a common European heritage, history and a future defined by shared opportunities and challenges. As a strategic investment in peace, security and stability in Europe, it is important for these regions to be embraced as full-fledged members of the European family. Today in Athens, we discussed the way forward, in order to make this vision of Europe a reality. We underlined the importance of setting ourselves a target for the completion of the vision of an EU enriched with the Western Balkans, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. We underlined the need for a re-energized and re-focused enlargement process that is tangible and credible, without shortcuts to the set conditions. We expressed our commitment to support Ukraine and Moldova to take the next steps in their accession process as soon as they have completed the necessary reforms. We firmly believe that 20 years after the Thessaloniki Summit and in light of the new geopolitical reality, the time has come to adopt a bold and ambitious end goal that will serve as guide, inspiration and context.

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President of Ukraine had a meeting with Prime Minister of Bulgaria in Athens

President of Ukraine

22 August 2023 - 08:50

On Monday, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria Nikolai Denkov in the framework of the Ukraine-Balkans Summit held in Athens.

The Head of State thanked Nikolai Denkov for comprehensive support of Ukraine in the struggle against the Russian aggressor, particularly for the recent decisions of the Bulgarian government on the provision of defense support.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the head of the Bulgarian government discussed further cooperation to protect our country.

The interlocutors paid special attention to the situation in the Black Sea region. They discussed cooperation between the Black Sea states to ensure sustainable security in the Black Sea and the functioning of the "grain corridor" in alternative ways.

"I am grateful to Bulgaria for condemning Russia's unilateral withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Ukraine is ready to use alternative ways for the "grain corridor". We count on Bulgaria's support in this regard," the President of Ukraine said.

He thanked Nikolai Denkov for his support of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and the readiness of the Bulgarian side to participate in the implementation of its specific points.

The Head of State also noted Bulgaria's accession to the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine adopted by the G7 countries at the NATO Summit in Vilnius.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister, for his part, reaffirmed his principled support for the Crimea Platform, the third summit of which will be held in Kyiv on August 23, 2023.

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Ukrainian Saboteurs Behind Attacks Inside Russia, Reports Say

By VOA News August 22, 2023

Two Ukrainian news outlets reported Tuesday that Ukrainian saboteurs were responsible for attacks on Saturday and Monday that destroyed two Russian bombers and damaged two other aircraft at two airbases deep inside Russia.

The attacks took place on Saturday at the Soltsy air base in northwestern Russia, 700 kilometers north of the Ukrainian border, and on Monday at the Shaikovka air base about 300 kilometers northeast of the Ukrainian border. The Associated Press could not independently verify the claims on the ground.

However, the Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged that the attack on Soltsy damaged one aircraft, the AP reported. It didn't comment on the reported attack on Shaikovka, but Russian media did.

Satellite images from Planet Labs analyzed by the AP showed what appeared to be 10 Tupolev Tu-22M long-range bombers parked at the Soltsy air base on August 16. By Monday, two days after the attack, all of the bombers had left the air base. A large black spot was visible where one of the Tupolevs had been parked.

Photos purporting to be from the Soltsy air base and published by Russian and Ukrainian media showed a Russian Tu-22M bomber ablaze there after the attack.

Russian artillery kills three

Elsewhere, Russian artillery killed three people in eastern Ukraine Tuesday, local authorities said late Tuesday.

Two villages near the city of Lyman were hit, killing two women and a man, ages 63 to 88. The three were sitting together on a bench when the shelling hit.

Separately, four people were injured in an attack using two explosive drones in a village in northeastern Ukraine near the Russian border, military officials said.

Earlier Tuesday, Russia said its air defenses shot down Ukrainian drones over the Moscow region and the Bryansk area along the border between the two countries.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the attack in the Moscow area involved two drones and that there was no reported damage.

Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, said on Telegram that one drone was downed in the Krasnogorsk area on the northwestern side of Moscow and the other in the Chastsy area west of the city.

Reuters said there was some minor damage to a high-rise residential building in Krasnogorsk and that falling debris had damaged some cars on the ground.

The Russian Defense Ministry said two Ukrainian drones brought down by jamming systems over Bryansk crashed without causing any casualties.

Moscow airports suspend flights

The Ukrainian aerial attacks prompted Moscow airports to suspend flights, a step that has been taken in response to drone attacks in the Russian capital region in previous days.

Russia also said Sukhoi jets destroyed a Ukrainian reconnaissance boat operating in the area of Russian gas production facilities in the Black Sea. A Defense Ministry statement did not give further details on the incident, including exactly where it took place.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Selbyville, Delaware, Aug. 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



Nuclear Imaging Devices Market size is expected to be worth USD 4.6 billion by 2032. The industry trends are driven by the rising incidence of chronic diseases. Various ailments such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and neurological disorders require accurate diagnostic tools.

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Nuclear imaging devices, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), provide valuable insights into the functioning of organs and tissues, aiding in the early detection and monitoring of various diseases. Moreover, significant advancements in nuclear imaging technology have led to improved resolution, sensitivity, and overall performance of these devices. The development of hybrid imaging systems, such as PET/CT and SPECT/CT, which combine the anatomical information from computed tomography (CT) with the functional information from nuclear imaging, has been a game-changer in diagnostic imaging.

Preference for personalized medicine to fuel demand for PET scans

Nuclear imaging devices market is divided into positron emission tomography (PET), planar scintigraphy, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and others. The positron emission tomography (PET) segment will favor the industry development through 2032. PET provides functional information about organs and tissues, enabling early disease detection and accurate staging. This is particularly valuable in the field of oncology, where PET scans aid in identifying tumor locations, evaluating treatment response, and detecting potential recurrence. This type of imaging is crucial for personalized medicine, as it allows for the evaluation of treatment efficacy based on an individual's unique physiology. Inclination for tailored treatment among patients as well as medical practitioners will boost the segment development.

Need for accurate diagnosis in Cardiology driving product uptake

The nuclear imaging devices market is bifurcated into cardiology, oncology, neurology, and others. The cardiology segment is expected to generate product demand during 2023 and 2032. Cardiology extensively utilizes nuclear imaging devices for various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Nuclear imaging techniques such as Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) play a crucial role in evaluating cardiac function, myocardial perfusion, and viability. These imaging modalities enable the assessment of blood flow, detection of ischemic heart disease, identification of areas with reduced blood supply, and evaluation of myocardial viability after a heart attack. Additionally, nuclear imaging devices help in diagnosing and managing cardiac conditions like coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, and heart failure.

Improving healthcare access in APAC region

Regionally, Asia Pacific nuclear imaging devices market has experienced significant increase in recent years. Factors such as increasing healthcare expenditure, advancements in medical technology, and a growing geriatric population are contributing to industry expansion. There is a rise in the prevalence of chronic diseases, leading to an increased demand for accurate diagnostic tools. Governments in countries like China, Japan, and India are investing in healthcare infrastructure, which along with favorable reimbursement policies and ongoing R&D activities will drive the adoption of nuclear imaging devices in the region.

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Nuclear Imaging Devices Market players

Some leading industry players are Absolute Imaging Inc., CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION, DIGIRAD Corporation, Neusoft Corporation, SurgicEye GmbH, Lucerno Dynamics, LLC., CMR Naviscan., Bartec Technologies Ltd., Berthold Technologies GmbH & Co.KG, GE Healthcare, Incom Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Siemens Healthineers AG among others.

Partial Table of Contents (ToC) of the report:

Chapter 3 Nuclear Imaging Devices Industry Insights

3.1 Industry ecosystem analysis

3.2 Industry impact forces

3.2.1 Growth drivers

3.2.1.1 Growing prevalence of chronic diseases worldwide

3.2.1.2 Rising technological advancements in nuclear imaging systems

3.2.1.3 Rise in healthcare expenditure

3.2.1.4 Favourable government initiatives

3.2.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges

3.2.2.1 High cost of the nuclear imaging devices

3.2.2.2 Lack of skilled or trained personnel in the developing and underdeveloped region

3.3 Growth potential analysis

3.3.1 By product type

3.3.2 By application

3.3.3 By end-use

3.4 COVID-19 impact analysis

3.5 Technology landscape

3.6 Regulatory landscape

3.6.1 U.S.

3.6.2 Europe

3.7 Porter's analysis

3.8 PESTEL analysis

Chapter 4 Competitive landscape, 2022

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Company matrix analysis, 2022

4.3 Competitive dashboard, 2022

4.4 Company market share analysis, 2022

4.5 Competitive analysis of major market players

4.6 Competitive positioning matrix

4.7 Strategic outlook matrix

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Q2 2023 Highlights (in thousands of Canadian dollars):



Q2 2023 Revenue increased 4% compared to Q1 2023

Q2 2023 Gross Profit increased 11% compared to Q1 2023

Adjusted EBITDA increased from ($2,583) for Q1 of 2023 to $530 for Q2 of 2023



TORONTO and TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Voxtur Analytics Corp. (TSXV: VXTR; OTCQB: VXTRF) ("Voxtur" or the "Company"), a North American technology company creating a more transparent and accessible real estate lending ecosystem, today announced its financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. The Company's Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for Q2 2023 and the related Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

"We continue to execute on our financial strategy with a focus on near term revenue opportunities, while instilling financial discipline and placing a great amount of emphasis on profitability," said Gary Yeoman, CEO. "Our achievement of having a profitable quarter is due to an increase in volume of our high margin products and the benefit of significant expense reduction measures implemented."

Financial Results for Q2 2023:

Q2 2023 Revenue decreased 22% compared to Q2 2022 Revenue

YTD 2023 Revenue decreased 26% compared to Q2 YTD 2022

Q2 2023 Gross Profit increased 19% compared to Q2 2022

YTD 2023 Gross Profit increased 7% compared to Q2 YTD 2022





Unaudited Unaudited Three months ended June 30 Six months ended June 30 (In thousands of Canadian dollars) 2023 2022 2023 2022 Revenue $ 29,877 $ 38,069 $ 58,619 $ 78,901 Adjusted EBITDA, Unaudited1 530 (3,987 ) (2,053 ) (6,891 )



Discussion with respect to the above-noted results can be found in the Companys MD&A.

1 Adjusted EBITDA is an unaudited non-GAAP measure and does not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other reporting issuers. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA provides meaningful information with respect to the financial performance and value of the Company, as items that may obscure the underlying trends in the business performance are excluded. Adjusted EBITDA is defined and calculated by the Company as earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation/amortization of property and equipment, intangible assets and right-of-use assets, share-based compensation expense, foreign exchange gains (losses) recorded through profit and loss, impairment losses and other costs or income that are: (i) non-operating; (ii) non-recurring; and/or (iii) related to strategic initiatives. The Company classifies income or costs as non-recurring if income or costs similar in nature are not reasonably expected to occur within the next two years nor have occurred during the prior two years, and such costs are significant.

Earnings Call Details:

The Company will host a conference call on Thursday, August 24th, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, to discuss financial results and highlights for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023.

The conference call can be accessed live by dialing +1(888)-396-8049 or +1(416)-764-8646. Please dial in ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time. A digital recording of the call will be available for replay on Voxtur's website.

About Voxtur

Voxtur is a transformational real estate technology Company that is redefining industry standards in a dynamic lending environment. The Company offers targeted data analytics to simplify tax solutions, property valuation and settlement services throughout the lending lifecycle for investors, lenders, government agencies and servicers. Voxturs proprietary data hub and workflow platforms more accurately and efficiently value assets, originate and service loans, securitize portfolios and evaluate tax assessments. The Company serves the property lending and property tax sectors, both public and private, in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit www.voxtur.com.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking information) which reflect the expectations of management regarding the Companys future growth, financial performance and objectives and the Companys strategic initiatives, plans, business prospects and opportunities. These forward-looking statements reflect managements current expectations regarding future events and the Companys financial and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. By their very nature, forward-looking statements require management to make assumptions and involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future events, performance or results, and give rise to the possibility that managements predictions, forecasts, projections, expectations or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that the assumptions may not be correct and that the Companys future growth, financial performance and objectives and the Companys strategic initiatives, plans, business prospects and opportunities, including the duration, impact of and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, will not occur or be achieved. Any information contained herein that is not based on historical facts may be deemed to constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities laws. Forward-looking information may be based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release, and may be identified by the words may, would, could, should, will, intend, plan, anticipate, believe, estimate, expect or similar expressions. Forward-looking information may include but is not limited to the anticipated financial performance of the Company and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the information is provided. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance, or achievements of the Company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information include but are not limited to: additional costs related to acquisitions, integration of acquired businesses, and implementation of new products; changing global financial conditions, especially in light of the COVID-19 global pandemic; reliance on specific key employees and customers to maintain business operations; competition within the Companys industry; a risk in technological failure, failure to implement technological upgrades, or failure to implement new technological products in accordance with expected timelines; changing market conditions related to defaulted mortgage loans, and the failure of clients to send foreclosure and bankruptcy referrals in volumes similar to those prior to the COVID-19 global pandemic; failure of governing agencies and regulatory bodies to approve the use of products and services developed by the Company; the Companys dependence on maintaining intellectual property and protecting newly developed intellectual property; operating losses and negative cash flows; and currency fluctuations. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information contained herein. Factors relating to the Companys financial guidance and targets disclosed in this press release include, in addition to the factors set out above, the degree to which actual future events accord with, or vary from, the expectations of, and assumptions used by, Voxturs management in preparing the financial guidance and targets.

This forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise this information to reflect new events or circumstances except as required in accordance with applicable laws.

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Voxtur's common shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol VXTR and in the US on the OTCQB under the symbol VXTRF.

Contact:

Jordan Ross

Chief Investment Officer

Tel: (416) 708-9764

jordan@voxtur.com
TORONTO, Aug. 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Moses Znaimer, Chairman of CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons), announces the appointment of veteran public broadcaster Rudy Buttignol, C.M. as the membership and advocacy associations new President effective immediately.



Rudy comes to CARP following 30 years in public broadcasting where he steadfastly championed trusted quality programming for predominantly 50plus audiences, first at Ontarios TVO, and then as President and CEO of British Columbias Knowledge Network which became the most donor-supported public broadcaster in Canada under his leadership.

Said Moses, Chairman CARP: Ive known Rudy for a long time; in fact, since my early days getting Citytv off the ground. Later, I became aware of the impressive work he was doing at Knowledge Network not only to bolster the channels content, but to grow its membership by 2.5 times. Like CARP, Rudy understands the importance of serving older audiences. And like Knowledge, CARP understands that growing the membership base is what fuels our vitality and our clout with all levels of government across Canada. With CARP headquarters in Toronto, Chief Policy Officer Bill VanGorder headquartered in Nova Scotia, and the addition of Rudy from British Columbia, CARP is certain to better fulfill our national mandate, representing Zoomers from coast to coast.

Said Rudy Buttignol, incoming President CARP: Its no surprise that Ive long admired Moses. Hes a media legend and the opportunity to work with him was a big draw. Moses knew that retirement was not on my mind, but I do appreciate that there are 15 million Canadians 50plus for whom it potentially is. I believe that retirement is not a condition to be endured. Instead, it is a major lifes accomplishment - a milestone to be recognized and respected. Its an honour to lead CARP and serve as the voice of our members and their communities, so they can enjoy the rights and rewards they rightfully deserve.

Said Bill VanGorder, Chief Policy Officer, CARP: CARP has three audiences; our members, our prospective members, and the policy makers to whom we advocate. The addition of Rudy Buttignol to the CARP leadership team will help us better communicate on all three fronts, particularly with the experience he brings in membership development, from a successful career in member-supported, educational television - with whom CARP shares a demographic.

About CARP

CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons) is a national, non-partisan, not-for-profit organization that advocates for improved health care, financial security, and freedom from ageism for Canadians As We Age. With over 350,000 members and 23 chapters across Canada, CARP plays an active role at all levels of government in the creation of policy and legislation that impacts the 45plus. CARP enlists members voices to increase its clout as an effective advocate. CARP also has a unique affiliation with ZoomerMedia Limited (TSXV:ZUM), founded by Moses Znaimer in 2008, the leader in speaking to and for the Zoomer demographic in Canada. ZoomerMedias powerful suite of media channels support CARP's advocacy including ZOOMER Magazine, ZoomerTelevision/VisionTV, and Zoomer Radio (AM740/96.7FM). For more information and how to join, visit carp.ca .
NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC (KSF) and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until September 11, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX), if they purchased the Companys 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.



What You May Do

If you purchased securities of Baxter and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-bax/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by September 11, 2023 .

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 Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nations premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients  including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors  in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.

To learn more about KSF, you may visit http://ksfcounsel.com/.

Contact:
Johannesburg, Aug 23 (UNI) Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged BRICS countries to uphold fairness and justice, and improve global governance.



Xi, while addressing the 15th BRICS Summit, said strengthening global governance is the right choice if the international community intends to share development opportunities and tackle global challenges.



International rules must be written and upheld jointly by all countries based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, rather than dictated by those with the strongest muscles or the loudest voice, he said.



Xi also said ganging up to form exclusive groups and packaging their own rules as international norms are even more unacceptable.



BRICS countries, Xi said, should practice true multilateralism, uphold the UN-centered international system, support and strengthen the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, and reject the attempt to create small circles or exclusive blocs.



"We need to fully leverage the role of the New Development Bank, push forward reform of the international financial and monetary systems, and increase the representation and voice of developing countries," he added.

UNI/XINHUA AKS1850
Westford, USA, Aug. 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to SkyQuest, the Flexible Packaging Association has highlighted that flexible packaging is predominant in the food sector, representing over 60% of the overall rigid packaging market . This strong emphasis on food packaging has contributed to the robust growth of the flexible packaging industry.

Browse in-depth TOC on the "Rigid Packaging Market"

Pages - 157

Tables - 126

Figures  77

Packaging has evolved into a crucial component of a product's marketing mix, serving multiple functions such as surrounding, enhancing, and protecting goods in the rigid packaging market. It plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient and organized handling of materials, reducing costs, and facilitating effective supply chain management. Additionally, packaging enables modern consumer marketing strategies by providing a platform for branding, product differentiation, and communicating essential information to consumers.

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Prominent Players in Rigid Packaging Market

Amcor plc

Berry Global, Inc.

Ball Corporation

Crown Holdings, Inc.

Sealed Air Corporation

DS Smith Plc

WestRock Company

Sonoco Products Company

Huhtamaki Oyj

Ardagh Group S.A.

Silgan Holdings Inc.

Owens-Illinois, Inc.

Graphic Packaging Holding Company

Tetra Pak International S.A.

Smurfit Kappa Group plc

Mondi plc

Coveris Holdings S.A.

Gerresheimer AG

Bemis Company, Inc.

AptarGroup, Inc.

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Plastics Segment is Expected to Dominate the Market Due to its Versatile Nature

Plastics sector is poised to deliver substantial returns from 2023 to 2030, driven by its numerous advantages in the rigid packaging market. Plastics offer an appealing visual aesthetic, enhance hygienic attributes, and extend the shelf life of products. Its versatile nature allows the plastic to be molded into various sizes and forms while maintaining its high-quality standards.

The market in Europe emerged as the second most dominant region in the rigid packaging market. The region's strong position can be attributed to the well-established food and beverage and personal care product industries. Over time, these industries have reached a saturation point in terms of market penetration and have achieved a high per capita consumption of packaged goods

Food and Beverage Segment is Expected to Grow the Market Due to the Increasing Demand for Packaged Food

Food and beverage sector emerged as the dominant force in the rigid packaging market. The sector's growth has been fueled by the increasing demand for packaged food, driven by shifting lifestyles and consumer preferences. The need for ready-to-eat and easily accessible food products has soared as individuals opt for convenience and time-saving options. This trend has propelled the growth of rigid packaging within the sector.

Regional markets in the Asia-Pacific emerged as the most dominant region for the rigid packaging market. This dominance can be attributed to the region's significant presence of food and beverage and personal care product manufacturers.

A comprehensive analysis of the major players in the rigid packaging market has been recently conducted in a report. The report encompasses various aspects, including collaborations, mergers, innovative business policies, and strategies, providing valuable insights into key trends and breakthroughs in the market. Furthermore, the report scrutinizes the market share of the top segments and presents a detailed geographic analysis. Lastly, the report highlights the major players in the industry and their endeavours to develop innovative solutions to cater to the growing demand.

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Key Developments in the Rigid Packaging Market

Mondi and Fiorini International recently collaborated to develop an innovative paper packaging solution for Antico Pastificio Umbro, an Italian premium pasta manufacturer. The newly created packaging is fully recyclable, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable packaging options. Upon implementation across all pasta products, this solution has the potential to save up to 20 tons of plastic annually, contributing to a reduction in plastic waste and environmental impact.

Coveris recently announced an expansion of its capacity at the Kufstein site. The newly established extrusion facility has been fully operational, representing a significant step forward in the plant's modernization efforts. The expansion focuses on enhancing the production speed of stretch film designed explicitly for silage bales.

Key Questions Answered in Rigid Packaging Market Report

What specific growth drivers are projected to impact the market during the forecast period?

List the top companies in the market and explain how they have achieved their positions of influence.

In what ways do regional trends and patterns differ within the global market, and how these differences shape the market's future growth?

Related Reports in SkyQuests Library:

Global Plastic Decking Market

Global Antimicrobial Packaging Market

Global Retort Packaging Market

Global Flexible Glass Market

Global Wax Emulsion Market

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Gate terminal starts construction of 4th LNG tank at the port of Rotterdam

Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 23 August 2023 07:00 CEST



Gate terminal and its shareholders Gasunie and Vopak, are pleased to announce that the final investment decision has been taken to expand Gate terminals storage and regasification capacity. The expansion consists of a new LNG storage tank of 180,000 cubic meters and additional regasification capacity of 4 BCM per year. The new capacity is already rented out under long term commercial agreements and is expected to be ready for operation by the second half of 2026.



Vopak and Gasunie are the founders and owners of Gate terminal in Rotterdam which has been operational since 2011. The terminal plays a crucial role in the supply and availability of gas in the Netherlands and its neighboring countries. Once all envisaged projects at Gate terminal have been completed, the terminal will have a total regas capacity of 20 billion cubic meters per year.



Hans Coenen, on behalf of the Board of Directors of Gasunie: The investment in this new tank is part of a broader package of proposed and already realized measures to increase LNG import capacity in the Netherlands. This is necessary to compensate for the loss of Russian natural gas and to reduce

the scarcity of natural gas on the European gas market. In addition to expanding LNG import capacity, Gasunie is continuing to accelerate the energy transition. For example, through the construction of a national hydrogen network and the conversion of import terminals. We will also continue to focus on green gas, transport of heat and CO2 capture and storage.



Dick Richelle, CEO at Vopak: We are excited to build upon our successful partnership with Gasunie. This investment fits well with Vopaks strategy to grow in LNG infrastructure. We are proud to develop and operate reliable and open access infrastructure as this plays an important role in the security of supply of energy.



Jarmo Stoopman, Managing Director at Gate terminal: Now that all elements are in place, we are happy that today we can start with the construction of this important expansion. We look forward to working with our contractors and ensuring a safe and timely construction of this 4th tank.



Financial paragraph

The total investment is approximately EUR 350 million. The envisaged financing structure of this expansion is approximately 15% of the costs to be funded with equity and approximately 85% to be funded via a non-recourse project financing for which commitments are in place. The project financing is expected to be finalized by the end of 2023. The equity contribution of each of the shareholders will be approximately EUR 26 million with cash outs expected in the coming years.





About Gasunie

Gasunie is a European energy high-- infrastructure company. Gasunies network is one of the largest pressure pipeline networks in Europe, comprising over 17,000 kilometres of pipeline in the Netherlands and northern Germany. Gasunie provides natural and green gas transport services through its subsidiaries, Gasunie Transport Services B.V. (GTS) in the Netherlands and Gasunie Deutschland in Germany. With its crossborder gas infrastructure and services, Gasunie facilitates TTF, which has become a leading European gas trading point. Gasunie also provides other gas infrastructure services, including gas storage and LNG. Gasunie wants to help accelerate the transition to a CO2 neutral energy supply and believes that gas related innovations, for instance in the form of renewable gases such as hydrogen and green gas, can make an important contribution. Both existing and new gas infrastructure play a key role here. Gasunie also plays an active part in the development of other energy infrastructure to support the energy transition. www.gasunie.nl



About Vopak

Royal Vopak is the worlds leading independent tank storage company. We store vital products with care. Products for everyday life. The energy that allows people to cook, heat or cool their homes and for transportation. The chemicals that enable companies to manufacture millions of useful products. The edible oils to prepare food. We take pride in improving access to cleaner energy and feedstocks for a growing world population, ensuring safe, clean and efficient storage and handling of bulk liquid products and gases at strategic locations around the world. We are excited to help shape a sustainable future by developing infrastructure solutions for new vital products, focusing on zero- and low-carbon hydrogen, ammonia, CO2, long duration energy storage and sustainable feedstocks. We have a track record of over 400 years in navigating change and are continuously investing in innovation. On sustainability, we are ambitious and performance driven, with a balanced roadmap that reflects key topics that matter most to our stakeholders and where we can have a positive impact for people, planet and profit and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Vopak is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam and is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. For more information, please visit www.vopak.com



About Gate terminal

Gate terminal B.V. is a 50/50 joint venture between N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie and Koninklijke Vopak N.V. The terminal has been operational since September 2011. The imported LNG is unloaded at the terminal, stored and evaporated to natural gas before it is delivered to the transmission network for the European markets. Gate terminal also offers a portfolio of other services including backloading services for LNG vessels, ranging from small bunker vessels to large LNG carriers, and loading of LNG tank trucks and containers.Once all envisaged projects at Gate terminal have been completed, the terminal will have a total regas capacity of 20 billion cubic meters per year. For more information please visit www.gateterminal.com

For more information please contact:



Gate terminal

Ingeborg Ris - Communication Manager

info@gateterminal.com



Vopak Press: Liesbeth Lans - Manager External Communication,

e-mail: global.communication@vopak.com

Vopak Analysts and Investors: Fatjona Topciu - Head of Investor Relations,

e-mail: investor.relations@vopak.com

Gasunie - Press:

Marie-Lou Gregoire - Communication Manager, M.H.Gregoire@gasunie.nl

Attachments
Dublin, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Toluene Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023-2028)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global toluene market is projected to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of over 5.5% during the forecast period. While the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted various sectors, including automotive, chemicals, paint and coatings, the toluene market is expected to rebound and maintain its growth trajectory in 2022.

Key Factors and Highlights

Solvent Usage: The growing utilization of toluene as a solvent is a significant driver for the market. Toluene is commonly used in various industrial applications, such as producing paints, glues, printing materials, and leather tanning processes. These applications contribute to its demand in the chemical industry.

The growing utilization of toluene as a solvent is a significant driver for the market. Toluene is commonly used in various industrial applications, such as producing paints, glues, printing materials, and leather tanning processes. These applications contribute to its demand in the chemical industry. Regulations and Restraints: Stringent governmental regulations are expected to pose challenges to the market's growth. Additionally, the increasing demand for diesel compared to gasoline is restraining the market, as diesel demand affects the gasoline market, which toluene is used for.

Stringent governmental regulations are expected to pose challenges to the market's growth. Additionally, the increasing demand for diesel compared to gasoline is restraining the market, as diesel demand affects the gasoline market, which toluene is used for. Segment Dominance: The benzene and xylene segment currently holds the largest market share. It is also expected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This segment's dominance is contributing to the overall growth of the toluene market.

The benzene and xylene segment currently holds the largest market share. It is also expected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This segment's dominance is contributing to the overall growth of the toluene market. Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI) Production: The growth of toluene usage in TDI production offers an opportunity for market expansion. TDI is used extensively in various industries, including furniture, bedding, mattresses, and flexible polyurethane foam manufacturing.

The growth of toluene usage in TDI production offers an opportunity for market expansion. TDI is used extensively in various industries, including furniture, bedding, mattresses, and flexible polyurethane foam manufacturing. Geographical Distribution: The Asia-Pacific region, led by China and India, dominates the global toluene market. China's significant chemical, paints, coatings, and adhesives production is driving demand in the region. India's allocation of funds and potential production-linked incentive scheme in the chemical sector further support market growth.

The Asia-Pacific region, led by China and India, dominates the global toluene market. China's significant chemical, paints, coatings, and adhesives production is driving demand in the region. India's allocation of funds and potential production-linked incentive scheme in the chemical sector further support market growth. Industry Application: The chemical industry application is expected to dominate the toluene market. Toluene is used as a solvent to produce various chemicals, such as phenol, benzoic acid, nitrobenzene, and benzyl chloride. Chemical industry production growth, especially in countries like China, is contributing to this trend.

The chemical industry application is expected to dominate the toluene market. Toluene is used as a solvent to produce various chemicals, such as phenol, benzoic acid, nitrobenzene, and benzyl chloride. Chemical industry production growth, especially in countries like China, is contributing to this trend. Toluene Di-isocyanate (TDI) for Furniture Production: Toluene is used in TDI production, which is vital for manufacturing flexible polyurethane foams used in furniture and mattresses. Growing demand for these products is boosting toluene consumption in this sector.

Toluene is used in TDI production, which is vital for manufacturing flexible polyurethane foams used in furniture and mattresses. Growing demand for these products is boosting toluene consumption in this sector. Gasoline Production and Octane Booster: Toluene is used as an octane booster in gasoline fuels, contributing to its demand. It can improve octane ratings in fuels used in various engine types.

Toluene is used as an octane booster in gasoline fuels, contributing to its demand. It can improve octane ratings in fuels used in various engine types. Market Overview: The toluene market is characterized by a fragmented landscape, with no single major player holding more than a 10% market share. Key players in this market include ExxonMobil Corporation, INEOS, LyondellBasell Industries NV, SABIC, and BASF SE.

In conclusion, the global toluene market is expected to demonstrate steady growth, driven by factors like its use as a solvent, dominance in certain segments, and its role in various industries such as chemicals and furniture manufacturing. The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China and India, is projected to be a significant contributor to this growth.

Key Topics Covered



1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Study Assumptions

1.2 Scope of the Study



2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY



3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



4 MARKET DYNAMICS

4.1 Drivers

4.1.1 Growing Use of Toluene as a Solvent

4.1.2 Escalating Demand from the Paints & Coatings Sector

4.2 Restraints

4.2.1 Increasing Demand for Diesel as compared to Gasoline

4.3 Industry Value Chain Analysis

4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

4.4.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers

4.4.3 Threat of New Entrants

4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products and Services

4.4.5 Degree of Competition

4.5 Feedstock Analysis

4.6 Technological Snapshot

4.7 Trade Analysis

4.8 Price Index

4.9 Regulatory Policy Analysis



5 MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size in Value)

5.1 Derivative

5.1.1 Benzene and Xylene

5.1.2 Gasoline Additives

5.1.3 Toluene Diisocyanates

5.1.4 Other Derivatives (Benzoic Acid, Trinitrotoluene, and Benzaldehyde)

5.2 Application

5.2.1 Paints and Coatings

5.2.2 Adhesives and Inks

5.2.3 Explosives

5.2.4 Chemical Industry

5.2.5 Other Applications (Pharmaceuticals, Solvents, Dyes, etc.)

5.3 Geography

5.3.1 Asia-Pacific

5.3.2 North America

5.3.3 Europe

5.3.4 South America

5.3.5 Middle-East and Africa



6 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

6.1 Mergers and Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Collaborations, and Agreements

6.2 Market Share(%)/Ranking Analysis

6.3 Strategies Adopted by Leading Players

6.4 Company Profiles

6.4.1 BASF SE

6.4.2 Braskem SA

6.4.3 Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC

6.4.4 China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec)

6.4.5 China National Petroleum Corporation

6.4.6 Covestro AG

6.4.7 CPC Corporation

6.4.8 ExxonMobil Corporation

6.4.9 Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation

6.4.10 INEOS

6.4.11 LyondellBasell Industries NV

6.4.12 Mitsui Chemicals Inc.

6.4.13 Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

6.4.14 Royal Dutch Shell PLC

6.4.15 SABIC

6.4.16 SK Innovation Co. Ltd.

6.4.17 Total SA

6.4.18 Valero



7 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/yz5mxw

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AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc (OTCQB:OTLC) ("Oncotelic", the "Company" or "We" or Our), announced today its joint venture partner, GMP Biotechnology Limiteds wholly owned subsidiary  Sapu Bioscience, LLC (Sapu), together with with Cromos Pharma, LLC (Cromos), a US-based international contract research organization (CRO), to conduct Sapus registrational trial for OT-101 in Pancreatic Cancer.



P201: A Randomized Phase 2b/Phase 3 Study of the TGF-2 Targeting Antisense Oligonucleotide OT-101 in Combination with FOLFIRINOX Compared with FOLFIRINOX Alone in Patients with Advanced and Unresectable or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer.

The rates of pancreatic cancer are risingand are rising faster among younger women, particularly Black women, than among men of the same age. Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers, accounting for 3% of all cancer deaths in the U.S., and is more common among men than women. Addressing this urgent medical need, Oncotelic, through Sapu, is launching a registrational Phase 2b/Phase 3 trial with their TGF-2 targeting therapy, OT-101 in combination with Standard of Care- (FOLFIRINOX) against pancreatic cancer. This is a multinational trial with sites across the USA, EU, and China involving up to 500 patients. Sapu has engaged Cromos Pharma, an international midsized CRO, to assist in the conduct of the trial. Leveraging Cromos Pharma's distinguished oncological expertise, this collaboration underscores the joint commitment to bring innovative treatments to cancer patients.

Cromos Pharma's renowned proficiency in site selection, and its vast global network for patient enrollment, stands as an invaluable asset for this clinical trial venture. Handling complex trials with precision, Cromos Pharma's unparalleled expertise should ensure efficient, high-quality site choices and good global patient onboarding. For a trial of such magnitude and intricacy, Cromos Pharma's involvement is pivotal and will ensure streamlined operations and meticulous execution that can potentially hasten the time towards finding a solution for this devastating cancer.

"Over the past years we have been meticulously planning this trial to ensure its success. Spearheaded by our discovery that suppression of TGF2 could more than double survival in pancreatic cancer, we have engineered the trial to deliver a decisive win against pancreatic cancer. We look forward to engage physicians and patients in this critically important clinical trial," expressed Dr. Vuong Trieu, CEO of Sapu and Oncotelic.

"It's truly an honor for Cromos to collaborate with Sapu and Oncotelic, visionaries within the oncology space. With over 20 years in the drug development cycle I have witnessed firsthand the monumental impact such partnerships can have on advancing medicine. Our expertise will ensure that this clinical trial's complexities are navigated with precision and efficiency. Together, we aim to break new ground to bring a new therapy to those affected by pancreatic cancer," said Dr. Vlad Bogin, MD, FACP, CEO & Founder of Cromos Pharma.

About Cromos

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in the United States, Cromos Pharma is an international CRO. Cromos offers comprehensive clinical research solutions, covering all trial phases and a wide range of therapeutic areas. These areas include oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and gastroenterology. Over its almost 20-year journey, Cromos Pharma has successfully completed more than 300 clinical trials, demonstrating its commitment to excellence and precision. Its mission is to expedite the development of drugs and devices that save lives and enhance its quality. Cromos Pharma achieves this by combining innovation with validated best practices, reducing drug development time and costs while maintaining unparalleled quality standards. Cromos Pharma serves a diverse clientele, including Global Pharma, Biotechs, and other notable CROs. It has a strong operational presence across the US, Central and Eastern Europe, and Central and Southwestern Asia. Their country-specific operations cover Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Turkiye, and Ukraine. For collaborations or inquiries, please contact them at inquiry@cromospharma.com.

About Oncotelic

Oncotelic (f/k/a Mateon Therapeutics, Inc.), was formed in the State of New York in 1988 as OXiGENE, Inc., was reincorporated in the State of Delaware in 1992, and changed its name to Mateon Therapeutics, Inc. in 2016, and Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc. in November 2020. Oncotelic is seeking to leverage its deep expertise in oncology drug development to improve treatment outcomes and survival of cancer patients with a special emphasis on rare pediatric cancers. Oncotelic has rare pediatric designation for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG through OT-101) through its 45% joint venture, GMP Biotechnology Limited, melanoma (through CA4P), and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML through OXi 4503). Oncotelic also acquired PointR Data Inc. in November 2019 to build an AI driven biotechnology company. Further, Oncotelic acquired AL-101, during the 4th quarter of 2021, for the intranasal delivery of apomorphine. We intend to develop AL-101 for the treatment of Parkinson Disease, erectile dysfunction, female sexual disorder and hypoactive sexual desire disorder. All these ailments have a very large population suffering from them and there is a need for treatments for each. For more information on AL-101, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC on April 19, 2023.

Oncotelic's Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this communication regarding strategy, future operations, future financial position, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Words such as "may", "expect", "anticipate" "hope", "vision", "optimism", "design", "exciting", "promising", "will", "conviction", "estimate," "intend," "believe", "quest for a cure of cancer", "innovation-driven", "paradigm-shift", "high scientific merit", "impact potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements about future plans related to the operations of the JV, taking the JV into an initial public offering or the success thereof, the progress, timing of clinical development, scope and success of future clinical trials, the reporting of clinical data for the Companys product candidates and the potential use of the Company's product candidates to treat various cancer indications as well as obtaining required regulatory approval to conduct clinical trials and upon granting of approval by the regulatory agencies, the successful marketing of the products; building and the success of our nanoparticle platform and the related success of launching the platform,. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements or may not occur at all. Many factors may cause differences between current expectations and actual results, including unexpected safety or efficacy data observed during preclinical or clinical studies, clinical trial site activation or enrollment rates that are lower than expected, changes in expected or existing competition, changes in the regulatory environment, failure of collaborators to support or advance collaborations or product candidates and unexpected litigation or other disputes, taking the Company or its affiliates through initial public offerings. These risks are not exhaustive, the company faces known and unknown risks, including the risk factors described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC on April 19, 2023 and in the company's other periodic filings. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, the company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in expectations, whether because of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contact Information:
Dublin, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Investor ESG Software Industry Assessment 2023-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global investor ESG software market is expected to reach US$ 2.34 billion by 2030 from 627.85 million in 2022, with an estimated CAGR of 18.3% from 2022 to 2030.



Managers are increasingly incorporating ESG into their asset allocation process and effectively employing a complete approach. Greenstone+ Ltd, a prominent player in the investor ESG software market, strongly believes that the integration of ESG factors into investment decisions has increasingly become a standard today. Investors across the globe are, therefore, looking at the company's long-term value by analyzing the ESG score and ESG information of that company. Software has become an immediate solution for such investors who are looking to streamline the ESG data of companies. Investors are looking for purpose-built ESG software that helps these investors collect, track, and effectively analyze data from a pool of portfolios. This overall trend of the shift of investors' focus toward ESG is driving the investor ESG software market.



The investor ESG services include professional services. The professional services comprise training; integration; and other services such as consulting, support and maintenance, and bureau service. Services are the intangible assets of any organization and, therefore, play a critical role in boosting its core competence. The services offered by companies enable them to stay agile, drive innovation, and effectively respond to market changes. Greenstone+ Ltd provides a range of targeted services to help businesses get the most from environmental sustainability software across environment, health & safety, frameworks, supply chain, and investor ESG. All these factors have boosted the demand for investor ESG services, contributing to the investor ESG software market size.



Organizations with 1-500 employees are classified as small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These enterprises play a significant role in all economies and are significantly increasing year-on-year. The requirement for investor ESG software in SME businesses is rising worldwide. These businesses are transforming their organizational processes with the use of technology for managing portfolios, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has triggered the demand for investor ESG software solutions. Thus, the growing adoption of investor ESG software from SMEs is anticipated to drive the investor ESG software market during the forecast period.



The investor ESG software market is segmented based on component and organization size. Based on component, the investor ESG software market is segmented into software and services. Based on enterprise size, the investor ESG software market is bifurcated into large enterprise and small & medium enterprises. By region, the investor ESG software market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South America.



CLARITY AI, PLANA.EARTH GMBH (PLAN A), DATAMARAN, ARABESQUE GROUP, S&P GLOBAL (SUSTAINABLE1), COLLIBRA (OWN ANALYTICS), Goby, Greenstone+ Ltd, Refinitiv, and WeSustain GmbH are among the key players operating in the investor ESG software market that are profiled in this market study.



Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 153 Forecast Period 2022-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $627.85 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $2.34 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 18.3% Regions Covered Global

Key Industry Dynamics

Market Drivers Increasing Government Initiatives to Promote ESG Investment Benefits of the Investor ESG Software

Market Restraint Low Awareness about ESG Software

Market Opportunity Rising Adoption of Investor ESG Software Worldwide

Future Trend Rise in Climate and Social Concern is Impacting ESG Investing



Key Topics Covered



1. Introduction

2. Key Takeaways

3. Research Methodology

4. Investor ESG Software Market Landscape

5. Investor ESG Software Market - Key Industry Dynamics

6. Investor ESG Software Market - Global Analysis

7. Investor ESG Software Market Analysis - By Component

8. Investor ESG software Market Analysis - By Enterprise Size

9. Investor ESG Software Market - Geographic Analysis

10. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Investor ESR Software Market

11. Industry Landscape

12. Company Profiles

Conservice, LLC

Greenstone+ Ltd.

Refinitiv Ltd.

WeSustain GmbH

COLLIBRA (OWN ANALYTICS)

ARABESQUE GROUP

DATAMARAN

PLANA.EARTH GMBH (PLAN A)

CLARITY AI

S&P Global Inc.

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ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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MONTREAL, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brunswick Exploration (OTCQB:BRWXF), based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, focused on Lithium Exploration, today announced that Killian Charles, President & CEO, will present live at the Clean Energy Metals Virtual Investor Conference, hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on August 24th , 2023.



DATE: August 24th

TIME: 1:30 PM ET

LINK: https://bit.ly/43OHGxR

Available for 1x1 meetings: August 28th and 29th

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com .

Recent Company Highlights

- Brunswick Exploration (BRW) is focused on exploring and developing a diversified portfolio of highly prospective critical minerals projects in Canada. The company continually evaluates new acquisitions to expand its portfolio of underdeveloped lithium hard-rock (pegmatites) assets.

- The Company has built the largest grassroot lithium portfolio in the Americas and one of the largest in the world. BRW is active in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Atlantic Canada.

- BRW has staked over 500 untested prospective pegmatites measuring a minimum strike length of 500 meters and within 40 kilometers from infrastructure.

- The Company has also acquired a number of lithium-bearing pegmatites including the Hearst Project in Ontario and the Hanson Lake Project in Saskatchewan.

- BRW's board includes Robert Wares, founder of Osisko Mining.

- BRW commenced its 2023 exploration program with an inaugural drilling campaign at the Anatacau West Project in Quebec. The Company also expects to drill test the Hearst Project and the Hanson Lake Project in H1 2023 before beginning a Canada-wide systematic prospecting campaign to highlight new drill targets.

- BRW was recognized as one of the Top 50 TSX Venture listed companies in 2023.

About Brunswick Exploration

Brunswick Exploration is a Montreal-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V under symbol BRW. The Company is focused on grassroots exploration for lithium in Canada, a critical metal necessary to global decarbonization and energy transition. The company is rapidly advancing the most extensive grassroots lithium property portfolio in Canada with holdings in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

About Virtual Investor Conferences

Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

CONTACTS:

Brunswick Exploration

Alexander Morlando

Investor Relations Associate

6477208057

alex@refinedsubstance.com

Virtual Investor Conferences

John M. Viglotti

SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access

OTC Markets Group

(212) 220-2221

johnv@otcmarkets.com
Pune, India, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States water purifier market report was USD 6.12 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 6.44 billion in 2023 to USD 9.59 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 5.9% during the 2023-2030 period. The population in the U.S. is turning to be more health-aware and has turned to consistent drinking habits to sustain the proper functioning of important systems. Pure water offers a range of benefits. This has propelled the demand for the establishment of purification systems in commercial and residential spaces.

This information is provided by Fortune Business Insights in its report, titled United States Water Purifier Market, 2023-2030.

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https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/us-water-purifier-market-104696

List of Key Players Covered in the United States Water Purifier Market Report are:

A. O. Smith Corporation (U.S.)

Brita LP (U.S.)

Omnipure Filter Company (U.S.)

Helen of Troy (U.S.)

APEC Water Systems (U.S.)

Instapure Brands, Inc. (U.S.)

Crystal Quest (U.S.)

Pentair PLC (U.S.)

Paragon Water Systems, Inc. (U.S.)

Apex Water Filters, Inc. (U.S.)

Pure-Pro Water Corporation (U.S.)

Report Scope & Segmentation:

Report Attributes Details Forecast Period 2023-2030 Forecast CAGR 5.9% 2030 Value Projection USD 9.59 Billion Market Size in 2022 USD 6.12 Billion Historical Data 2019-2021 No. of Pages 130 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends Segments Covered By Product Type

By Category

By Application Regions Covered North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East and Africa Water Purifier Market Growth Drivers Groundbreaking Product Presentations by Crucial Players to Spur Market Growth Various Benefits of Water Purification Devices to Fuel Market Growth

Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/us-water-purifier-market-104696

Segmentation

Point-of-Use Filters to Exhibit Notable Traction Driven by Various Advantages Offered

Based on product type, the market is segmented into point-of-use filters and point-of-entry filters. The point-of-use filters segment accounting for a dominating share and is expected to lead the market over the forecast period. This is on account of a range of advantages such as space-saving designs and higher quality output.

RO Filters Segment Share to Depict Substantial Upsurge Owing to High Efficiency

On the basis of category, the U.S. market for water purifiers is segmented as RO filter, gravity filter, UV filter, and others. Of these, the RO filters segment held a majority share in the market and is touted to grow at a remarkable pace over the estimated period. The growth is due to rising popularity on account of potential to remove 99% of the contaminants.

Residential Application to Register Considerable Expansion Due to Higher Water Consumption

Based on application, the market is bifurcated as residential and commercial. The residential segment is expected to register substantial growth over the study period. The surge is driven by the rapid urbanization in the U.S.

Offline Stores to Exhibit Notable Growth Driven by Surging Consumer Preference

Based on distribution channels, the market is segmented into offline stores and online stores. The offline segment is anticipated to record appreciable growth over the forecast period. The expansion is driven by growing consumer inclination toward product purchases from offline stores.

COVID-19 Impact

Consumer Consciousness about Clean Drinking Water to Affirmatively Spur Market during COVID-19

The complete U.S. was not under strict lockdown guidelines amid the pandemic. However, various areas in this country had restrained the mobility of people and the transportation of materials. As the water purification industry is a labor-based one, the pandemic led to an adverse supply chain disturbance. As numerous companies import filters from Asian countries, an insufficiency of material coupled with an absence of manpower, owing to health problems, was observed across the country.

Report Coverage

The report offers a rounded review of the U.S. water purifier market share, size, and growth factors combined with present trends and upcoming predictions to inaugurate nearby investment gains. An extensive review of any impending prospects, pressures, rivals, or fueling factors is also mentioned in the report. The prime companies operating in the market have been acknowledged and their approaches to boost the market growth are disclosed in the report.

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https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/get-a-quote/us-water-purifier-market-104696

Driving Factors

The basic purpose of water purification products is to eradicate dangerous viruses, bacteria, and other impurities and make the water suitable for drinking as well as for other domestic applications. Contaminated water is a chief source of waterborne illnesses comprising cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and diarrhea. This is expected to bolster the U.S. water purifier market growth.

However, the industry expansion could be hampered by the higher maintenance cost associated with water purifiers.

Competitive Landscape

The chief players implement numerous tactics to bolster their position in the market as dominating companies. One such pivotal approach is procuring companies to boost brand value among users. Another effective tactic is intermittently launching inventive products with a methodical review of the market and its target audience.

Key Industry Development

September 2020: LARQ unveiled its groundbreaking pitcher installed with a UV light and plant-grounded filter. The company intended to offer suitable drinking water to the American population and reduce the plastic pollution triggered by using bottled water.

Speak to Our Expert:

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Detailed Table of Content:

Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Key Insights Key Market Trends Latest Technological Advancements Key developments: Acquisition, Collaboration, Strategic Partnership, and Joint Venture Insights on Regulatory Scenario PORTERs Five Forces Analysis COVID-19 Impact Analysis Supply Chain Challenges Steps Taken by Companies to combat COVID-19 Potential Opportunities due to COVID-19 Outbreak U.S. Water Purifier Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2030 Key Findings / Summary By Product Type (Value) Point-of-use Filters Under the counter filters Counter top filters Pitcher filters Faucet mounted filter Others Point-of-entry Filters By Category (Value) RO Filters UV Filters Gravity Filters Others By Application (Value) Residential Commercial By Distribution Channel (Value) Offline Stores Online Stores Competitive Landscape Company Market Share Analysis 2022 (%) Company Profiles (Overview, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments, Strategies, Financials (Based on availability)) A.O. Smith Corporation Overview, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments, Strategies, Financials (Based on availability) Helen of Troy Overview, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments, Strategies, Financials (Based on availability) Pentair PLC Overview, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments, Strategies, Financials (Based on availability) Brita U.S.A. Overview, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments, Strategies, Financials (Based on availability) OMNIPURE Overview, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments, Strategies, Financials (Based on availability) Advanced Purification Engineering Corp. Overview, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments, Strategies, Financials (Based on availability) Instapure Brands, Inc. Overview, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments, Strategies, Financials (Based on availability) Crystal Quest Overview, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments, Strategies, Financials (Based on availability) Paragon Water Systems, Inc. Overview, Product Portfolio, Recent Developments, Strategies, Financials (Based on availability)



TOC Continued...!

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New York, USA, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Building Energy Management System Market Analysis:

The global Building Energy Management System Market will touch USD 15.9 billion at a 13.20% CAGR by 2032, as per the recent Market Research Future report.

Key Players:

Eminent market players profiled in the building energy management system market report include General Electric Company

Honeywell International Inc

Siemens AG

Schneider Electric

Hitachi Ltd

Rockwell Automation Inc

Emerson Electric Co

Rockwell Automation Inc

Mcloud Technologies Inc

ABB Ltd

among others

Key players have incorporated several strategies to stay ahead in the competition such as partnerships, mergers, new product launches, to name a few.



Get Free Sample PDF Brochure:



https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/11848





Scope of the Report  Building Energy Management System Market:





Report Metrics Details Market Size by 2032 USD 15.9 Billion CAGR during 2023-2032 13.20% Base Year 2022 Forecast 2023-2032 Key Market Opportunities Government initiatives toward the construction of new smart homes Key Market Dynamics An uptick in the management of energy use across commercial, industrial, and public sector organizations and increase in activities in the construction sector







Buy Now Premium Research Report - Get Comprehensive Market Insights.

Building Energy Management System Market Segmentation

The building energy management system market is bifurcated based on type, component, and application.

By type - wired will lead the market over the forecast period. A rise in the construction-related activities like those involving the development and construction of infrastructure, is the primary factor. The high initial cost involved with setting up energy management systems & the price volatility in energy management, however, severely restrict the market for building energy management solutions.

- wired will lead the market over the forecast period. A rise in the construction-related activities like those involving the development and construction of infrastructure, is the primary factor. The high initial cost involved with setting up energy management systems & the price volatility in energy management, however, severely restrict the market for building energy management solutions. By component - software will domineer the market over the forecast period. The software category comprises lighting systems, heating, ventilation, & air conditioning (HVAC), data management, application platforms, and asset performance optimization.

- software will domineer the market over the forecast period. The software category comprises lighting systems, heating, ventilation, & air conditioning (HVAC), data management, application platforms, and asset performance optimization. By application - HVAC will spearhead the market over the forecast period. The increasing investments being made by major market players like IBM Corporation, Schneider Electric, and Honeywell International Inc. for data analytics software integration in their current building energy management systems are predicted to support the future revenue growth of the software platforms market.





Browse In-depth Market Research Report (128 Pages, Charts, Tables, Figures) Building Energy Management System Market-



https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/building-energy-management-system-market-11848



Drivers

Surging Energy Consumption to Boost Market Growth

The rising energy usage is one of the most significant factors affecting the worldwide market for building energy management systems. Increased electricity generation as a result of increased energy consumption has a direct impact on both production and consumption costs. Because BEMS is an energy-efficient technology, it will encourage more people to manage the usage of natural resources effectively and ease the financial burden of high power costs.

Opportunities

Advances in IoT Technology to offer Robust Opportunities

The basis for linked smart devices in buildings has been laid by the development of Internet of Things (IoT). Building systems may be intelligently controlled and automated with the help of BEMS , which makes use of IoT technology to gather real-time data both from sensors and devices.

Restraints and Challenges

High Initial Cost to act as Market Restraint

The high initial cost to deploy energy management systems coupled with price volatility in the energy management may act as market restraints over the forecast period.





Ask for Customization - Get a customized version of the report by submitting a customization request.



COVID-19 Analysis

Construction efforts were hampered by the epidemic, and several projects were postponed or delayed. The need for BEMS installations especially in new buildings may have suffered as a result. Office buildings, retail locations, and educational institutions all saw their occupancy rates decline as remote work became more common. As the necessity for energy optimization decreased for underutilized buildings, this circumstance could have had an impact on BEMS demand and utilization. The pandemic made it clear how crucial indoor air quality is for stopping the spread of infections. The air quality monitoring & ventilation systems that may be integrated with BEMS solutions may have been purchased by building owners and managers. The accessibility of BEMS installations and components may have been hampered by manufacturing & supply chain interruptions brought on by lockdowns and limitations. To lessen the consequences of the epidemic, governments throughout the world undertook a variety of economic stimulus initiatives. Energy policy and incentives for energy-efficient technology like BEMS may be affected by these initiatives.

Related Reports:

Cloud Object Storage Market - The Cloud Object Storage Market is expected to reach USD 18.4 Billion by 2032 at 13.50% CAGR during the forecast period 2023-2032

- The Cloud Object Storage Market is expected to reach USD 18.4 Billion by 2032 at 13.50% CAGR during the forecast period 2023-2032 Visual Analytics Market - The Visual Analytics Market is anticipated to reach USD 31.4 Billion by 2030 at a 19.30% CAGR during the forecast period 2022-2030

- The Visual Analytics Market is anticipated to reach USD 31.4 Billion by 2030 at a 19.30% CAGR during the forecast period 2022-2030 Facility Management Services Market The Facility Management Services Market is projected to reach USD 1323.62 Billion by 2030 at a 7.73% CAGR during the forecast period 2022-2030

Regional Analysis

North America to Head Building Energy Management System Market

In 2022, this market was headed by the North American market (45.80%). Due to the increasing usage of smart grids & investments in infrastructure, it is projected that the United States and Canada will present business prospects. According to the IEA, investments in energy networks will increase by 10% in 2021, and the United States will be one of the top countries making infrastructure investments. Additionally, the region's need for the smart energy has increased substantially, which has prompted investors to fund EMS. The largest demand for the IoT-based solutions is projected to be in the building, residential, and commercial sectors. Additionally, the North American market in the US grabbed the biggest market share, while the market in Canada had the quickest rate of expansion. In 2021, the market was led by North America. The manufacturing industry in the area has expanded as a result of several government initiatives. For instance, the government-has sponsored initiatives such as "Make in India" & "Made in China 2025" have both contributed to the expansion of the manufacturing industry. The building energy management system will get more prevalent in companies over the next several years due to the region's rapid expansion in the manufacturing sector.

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Listing its Reg A+ offering on Netcapital should greatly expand the audience of potential investors following Thumzup

Thumzup is ranked among the top 10 percent of actively registered Reg A+ and Reg CF offerings, according to KingsCrowd data [ 1]

More than $4 million dollars raised since inception, across all funding rounds

Los Angeles, CA, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thumzup Media Corporation ("Thumzup" or the "Company") (OTCQB: TZUP) is pleased to announce that Netcapital Advisors is now hosting Thumzups Regulation A+ offering by Thumzup Media on the Netcapital.com website, representing its first such listing. Thumzup believes listing its Reg A+ offering on Netcapital will expand the audience of investors following Thumzup.

We believe that hosting our first Regulation A+ offering is a milestone for the Netcapital ecosystem and a strong addition to the scope of services we offer for the benefit of both investors and issuers, said Martin Kay, CEO of Netcapital Inc. By hosting Reg A+ offerings, we are expanding our addressable market with later stage issuers, which is a key part of our growth strategy. We believe that Netcapital can now help Reg A+ issuers maximize their capital raising potential, as by servicing their offerings, we give investors the opportunity to become early-stage investors in emerging companies with strong growth ambitions. This strategic step forward expands our value proposition and is expected to raise our competitive profile within our industry.

Thumzups Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Steele, commented, To date we have received over $750,000 in funded subscriptions to our qualified Regulation A+ offering. This puts Thumzup in the top 10 percent of all currently active equity crowdfunding offerings including both Regulation A+ and Regulation CF, ranked by amount raised as of August 6, 2023 [1] . We look forward to speaking with some of Netcapitals 100,000+ users who may like to know more about Thumzup.

[1] According to an analysis of data available at https://kingscrowd.com/ as of August 6, 2023.

About Thumzup

Thumzup Media Corporation (Thumzup) is democratizing the multi-billion dollar social media branding and marketing industry. Its flagship product, the Thumzup platform, utilizes a robust programmatic advertiser dashboard coupled with a consumer-facing App to enable individuals to get paid cash for posting about participating advertisers on major social media outlets through the Thumzup App. The easy-to-use dashboard allows advertisers to programmatically customize their campaigns. Cash payments are made to App users/creators through PayPal and other digital payment systems.

Thumzup was recently featured on CBS News Los Angeles and is a publicly traded company (OTCQB stock ticker: TZUP). For more information, please visit https://www.thumzupmedia.com.

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This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include, without limitation, statements about its potential growth, impacts on the advertising industry, plans for potential uplisting, and planned expansion. These statements are identified by the use of the words "could," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "may," "continue," "predict," "potential," "project" and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, objectives, expectations or intentions will be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience and present expectations or projections. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements and the trading price for our common stock may fluctuate significantly. Forward-looking statements also are affected by the risk factors described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

AN OFFERING STATEMENT REGARDING THIS OFFERING HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SEC. THE SEC HAS QUALIFIED THAT OFFERING STATEMENT, WHICH ONLY MEANS THAT THE COMPANY MAY MAKE SALES OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED BY THE OFFERING STATEMENT. IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE SEC HAS APPROVED, PASSED UPON THE MERITS OR PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION IN THE OFFERING STATEMENT. YOU MAY OBTAIN A COPY OF THE OFFERING CIRCULAR THAT IS PART OF THAT OFFERING STATEMENT FROM:

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1853825/000149315222036476/partiiandiii.htm

YOU SHOULD READ THE OFFERING CIRCULAR TO UNDERSTAND THE TERMS, CONDITIONS AND RISK FACTORS PRIOR TO CONSIDERING AN INVESTMENT INTO THE COMPANY.

Contact Info:

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800-403-6150

Attachment
Portland, OR, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, Pest Control Market by Type (Chemical, Mechanical, Biological, Others), by Pest Type (Insects, Termites, Rodents, Others), by Application (Commercial, Residential, Agriculture, Industrial, Others) Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 ". According to the report, the pest control market was valued at $24.6 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach $42.5 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.7% from 2023 to 2032.

Prime determinants of growth

Advances in pest control methods and technologies, such as eco-friendly and targeted treatments, have made pest management more efficient and less harmful to the environment, driving market growth. However, the pest control industry is heavily regulated due to the potential risks associated with pesticide use. Compliance with regulations can be complex and expensive for pest control companies, leading to administrative burdens and potential legal issues. On the contrary, leveraging technology for digital monitoring, data analysis, and remote pest control management can provide an edge. Developing smart devices and software applications for pest detection and management can improve efficiency and accuracy.

Download Sample Pages of Research Overview: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/2328

Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $24.6 billion Market Size in 2032 $42.5 billion CAGR 5.7% No. of Pages in Report 370 Segments covered Type, Pest Type, Application, And Region. Drivers Increase in urbanization coupled with exponential growth of population.



Changes in climatic conditions.



Easy availability of pest control products and services. Opportunities Consistent product development and product launches. Restraints Health hazards related to pest control chemicals.



The chemical segment maintains its leadership status throughout the forecast period.



Based on type, chemical held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for nearly one-fourth of the global market and is projected to maintain its dominant share in terms of revenue in 2032. Advances in chemistry and technology have led to the development of safer and more targeted chemical pest control solutions. These innovations attract both consumers and businesses looking for effective and environmentally friendly options. However, mechanical is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.0% from 2023 to 2032. Stringent regulations on chemical pesticide use in certain regions or for specific applications can drive the adoption of mechanical pest control methods. These methods are often perceived as safer and less harmful to the environment.

Procure Complete Report (370 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ https://bit.ly/47Ur4bg

The insects segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period.

Based on pest type, insects held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for nearly one-third of the global market and is projected to maintain its dominant share in terms of revenue in 2032. Insects can be inadvertently transported across borders through international trade and travel. Invasive species can establish themselves in new environments, disrupting local ecosystems and becoming pests that require control measures has significantly fueled the demand for pest control for insecticides. However, rodents are projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.15% from 2023 to 2032. Innovations in rodent control technology, such as smart traps and monitoring systems, offer more effective and efficient ways to detect and manage infestations. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies promote a combination of preventive measures, monitoring, and targeted treatments to manage rodent populations in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The commercial pest control segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period.

Based on application, commercial pest control held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for nearly two-fifths of the global market and is projected to maintain its dominant share in terms of revenue in 2032. Strict regulations regarding hygiene and sanitation in commercial settings, such as restaurants, food processing plants, and healthcare facilities, drive the demand for pest control services to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. Certain industries, like pharmaceuticals and healthcare, have specific regulations that mandate pest control to maintain product quality and safety. However, agriculture is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.21% from 2023 to 2032. Pests, including insects, weeds, and diseases, can cause significant damage to crops leading to reduced yields and economic losses for farmers. Effective pest control measures help optimize crop yields by preventing or minimizing damage, thereby contributing to food security and increased agricultural productivity.

North America to maintain its dominance by 2032

Based on region, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for nearly half of the global market, and is projected to maintain its dominant share in terms of revenue in 2032. North America is a popular destination for international travel and tourism. This can lead to the inadvertent introduction of pests from different parts of the world, increasing the need for effective pest control measures to protect public health and local ecosystems. However, Asia-Pacific is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.01% from 2023 to 2032. Government regulations regarding the use of pest control chemicals and methods can significantly impact the market. Stringent regulations may lead to the adoption of more environmentally friendly and sustainable pest control practices. Further, concerns about invasive species and the protection of local ecosystems can drive the demand for effective pest control solutions.

Leading Market Players: -

ANTICIMEX

BASF SE

BAYER AG

CLEANKILL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD.

DODSON PEST CONTROL, INC.

ECOLAB

FMC CORPORATION

JG PEST CONTROL

ROLLINS, INC.

SYNGENTA AG

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global pest control market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.



Want to Access the Statistical Data and Graphs, Key Players' Strategies:

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/pest-control-market/purchase-options

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Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

Pawan Kumar, the CEO of Allied Market Research, is leading the organization toward providing high-quality data and insights. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.



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SABINE PARISH, La. - Wildfires are still burning out of control in areas of the ArkLaTex.

In Sabine Parish, a fire on Dess Road that broke this afternoon has spread south toward Nelson Road and west toward Highway 191 near Shadows Road and Old Highway 476.

The fire was still uncontrolled as of 8:30 p.m. Residents in the area have been notified.

Another fire jumped Willie Salter Road, putting residents on Crepe Myrtle, Nichols and Hammontree roads on alert.

Residents are being asked to take caution.

The state forestry has several bulldozers and plows working in the area.

Just over the state line in Shelby and Panola counties, several fires are also raging.

In Panola County, multiple volunteer fire departments and the Texas Forest Service are fighting a large fire in the Yellowdog area off FM31S. Deputies are in the process of evacuating residents from County Roads 452 and 453.

People should avoid the area. Anyone near the fire zone and needing assistance evacuating should notify dispatch by calling 911 or 903-693-0333.
RIMOUSKI, Quebec, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Puma Exploration Inc. (TSXV: PUMA, OTCQB: PUMXF) (the Company or Puma) is pleased to announce that it successfully demonstrated that gold mineralization extends beyond 100 m depth at its 100%-owned Williams Brook Gold Project in Northern New Brunswick, Atlantic Canada. Twenty-four (24) holes for 3,475 m were drilled at the Lynx Gold Zone (LGZ) as part of the Phase 1 2023 drilling program. More than 100 specks of visible gold (VG) were observed in 37 separate areas (Figures 1 and 2, Table 1), with 16 occurrences located between 100 m and 211 m downhole depth. Gold mineralization appears to be constrained at the favourable rhyolite/sediment contact, and potential bonanza-grade veins are typically associated with carbonate alteration (dolomite) and sulphides. Assays from Phase 1 drilling are pending; results will be announced when received.



Pumas President and CEO Marcel Robillard commented, We are extremely pleased with this first phase of our 2023 drilling program and what we see in the core. Theres tremendous validation of our approach and model when we can hit VG successfully, and multiple instances of it is remarkable. The mineralization, mineralogy, alteration etc., all indicate that we are dealing with a large hydrothermal system that extends laterally and at depth. We are confident that well substantially add to the gold inventory at the Lynx Gold Zone as we continue to advance our 2023 program and beyond.

Figure 1. Phase 1 drilling at the Lynx Gold Zone  3D gold-grade shell is available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dd086ae6-1e30-4687-ad6b-a2c4573ede70

Table 1. Visible gold occurrences in Phase 1 2023 drilling



DDH # Downhole Depth (m) Vein type Host rock Associated sulphides WB23-129 45.4 white qtz rhyolite ga WB23-129 48.4 white qtz Sed-lim/GS in rhyolite WB23-132 87.9 white qtz sed-lim ga WB23-133 32.5 fracture in GS Sed altered-lim WB23-133 49.2 white qtz rhyolite WB23-133 50.3 white qtz Sed altered at contact with rhyolite sph WB23-133 60.7 white qtz Sed altered WB23-136 37.6 milky white qtz brec with GS fragments rhy-lim/Sed altered-lim WB23-137 3.0 white qtz sed-lim WB23-137 26.7 white qtz brec. With rhy fragments rhyolite-lim WB23-137 33.3 stw QV 1cm Rhy-lim WB23-137 33.6 stw QV 1cm Rhy-lim WB23-138 100.4 white qtz rhyolite ga WB23-138 109.2 white qtz rhyolite ga-cpy-sph WB23-138 138.7 white qtz rhyolite ga-sph-lim WB23-138 153.8 white qtz rhyolite ga-sph-lim-ma-cpy WB23-138 175.9 white qtz rhyolite sph-ga WB23-139 90.5 white qtz rhyolite cpy-ga-sph WB23-139 139.9 white qtz rhyolite cpy-ga-sph WB23-139 149.8 white qtz rhyolite cpy-ga-sph WB23-139 149.9 white qtz rhyolite cpy-ga-sph WB23-139 150.0 white qtz rhyolite cpy-ga-sph WB23-139 150.1 white qtz rhyolite cpy-ga-sph WB23-139 151.9 white qtz rhyolite cpy-ga-sph WB23-139 211.2 white qtz rhyolite ga-sph WB23-140 129.8 white qtz rhyolite ga-cpy-py-sph WB23-142 60.7 Rusted qtz, stw rhyolite-lim WB23-142 64.0 white qtz rhyolite-lim/sediment altered ga-cpy-ma WB23-142 82.0 white qtz rhyolite ga WB23-142 136.3 white qtz, stw rhyolite ga-cpy-sph WB23-144 161.7 white qtz rhyolite / sediment altered ga-sph-cpy WB23-145 80.6 white qtz rusted rhyolite-lim ga-ma WB23-145 81.8 white qtz rhyolite-lim WB23-145 81.8 white qtz rhyolite-lim ga-cpy WB23-145 82.6 white qtz rhyolite-lim ga-cpy-sph WB23-145 82.7 white qtz rhyolite-lim ga-cpy-sph WB23-145 174.4 white qtz rhyolite ga

This first phase of drilling focused on the Lynx and Moose areas of the LGZ (Figure 2) and was designed to confirm and extend high-grade gold mineralization at depth and along strike. Its objective was also to target, along the favourable contact, specific veins previously mapped at surface with different drilling orientations to better define the veins geometry and update our structural model.



Drilling successfully confirmed the extension of the mineralization beyond 150 m depth and revealed that the supergene alteration observed in the core transitions to fresh sulphides at 100 m vertical depth. Most of the holes show pervasive sericitization, but visible gold and associated potential bonanza-grade veins appear to be linked to the presence of carbonate alteration (dolomite) and Py-Cpy-Ga-Sp sulphide assemblages that occur as disseminated massive sulphides or as semi-massive veinlets within the quartz veins (Figure 3). Of note, the same sulphides were intersected 255 m downhole (180 m vertical depth) in hole WB22-145.

Figure 2. Map of the Lynx Gold Zone with 2023 Phase 1 drilling of VG is available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8033f797-e640-49bf-9ec8-3681e045cd68





Figure 3. Pictures of the mineralized core with VG intersected at the LGZ is available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8de63a36-6ae9-42f5-93ef-440a608e5e46

Table 2. Coordinates and depth of drilled holes

DDH # Easting * Northing* Azimuth () Dip () Length (m) WB23-122 660246 5259235 335 -45 107.0 WB23-123 660256 5259214 335 -65 83.0 WB23-124 660213 5259379 155 -80 122.0 WB23-125 660263 5259293 330 -45 170.0 WB23-126 660242 5259412 155 -65 80.0 WB23-127 660237 5259421 155 -75 134.0 WB23-128 660236 5259382 155 -85 116.0 WB23-129 660263 5259417 155 -65 65.0 WB23-130 660207 5259347 155 -80 113.2 WB23-131 660227 5259340 165 -65 89.0 WB23-132 660303 5259443 230 -45 196.0 WB23-133 660336 5259560 202 -45 107.3 WB23-134 660312 5259564 155 -65 122.0 WB23-135 660335 5259521 335 -55 100.0 WB23-136 660350 5259505 295 -55 92.0 WB23-137 660371 5259519 295 -50 87.0 WB23-138 660362 5259507 260 -45 257.0 WB23-139 660361 5259481 260 -45 230.0 WB23-140 660343 5259458 260 -45 218.0 WB23-141 660343 5259458 330 -45 178.0 WB23-142 660287 5259359 338 -46 236.0 WB23-143 660351 5259599 202 -45 101.0 WB23-144 660388 5259550 260 -46 197.0 WB23-145 660335 5259430 260 -46 275.0 * Projection: UTM Nad83 zone 19 Total: 3475.5

2023 Drilling Program



The fully-funded and permitted 2023 program (minimum of 6,000 m) is focused on the Lynx Gold Zone (LGZ) and is designed with three (3) primary objectives:

Extend the continuity of the LGZ at depth and along strike; Validate and refine the existing geological model; Corroborate Pumas current geophysical pathfinder tool.



The planned fifteen (15) holes (approximately 2,000 m) of Phase 1 drilling was expanded to twenty-four (24) holes and 3,500 m as the Company successfully intercepted the depth extensions of the high-grade shoots defined by previous drilling programs and intersected at depth and along the newly identified orientation, the bonanza-grade quartz veins sampled at surface.

Puma will now complete surface exploration work to localise the favourable rhyolite sediment contact along the strike extension of the Lynx Gold Zone in preparation for the Companys Phase 2 drilling program.

Upcoming AGM

Pumas 2023 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at 2 pm (EDT). Again, this year, the Company will hold the Meeting via a live webcast at TSX Trust Virtual AGM, where all Shareholders and their proxy holders, regardless of geographic location, will have an equal opportunity to participate. Shareholders and proxy holders will not be able to attend the Meeting in person. Further details and instructions about virtual participation are included in the Meeting materials available on the Company's website and under Puma's profile on www.sedar.com.

About the Williams Brook Gold Project

Puma's flagship Williams Brook Gold Project covers an impressive 44,650 ha of prospective gold landholdings in Northern New Brunswick, an established and mining-friendly jurisdiction near paved roads and with excellent infrastructure nearby. The nearby towns of St-Quentin and Bathurst have a history of forestry and mining. The local communities support the industry and host a skilled labour force. The land package is located near the Rocky Brook Millstream Fault (RBMF), a major regional structure formed during the Appalachian Orogeny and a significant control for gold deposition in the region.

Figure 4. Main gold showings and occurrences at the Williams Brook Gold Project is available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e9302ee8-78ed-4e43-8873-ac9555a210af

Since 2021, and with only $7M of exploration investment, Puma made four (4) significant gold discoveries at the Williams Brook property - the Lynx, Cougar, Jaguar, and Panthera Gold Zones, with gold mineralization hosted in quartz veins at surface. The Lynx Gold Zone remains the companys focus. Still, Puma believes that a large orogenic/epithermal gold system is present at Williams Brook and is focused on building a gold camp on the large property package.



Qualified Person

The technical information of this release was reviewed and approved by Dominique Gagne, PGeo, a consultant of Puma and a qualified person as defined by the National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

On-Site Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Measures

Drill core samples are bagged, sealed and sent to the facility of ALS CHEMEX in Moncton, New Brunswick, where each sample is crushed and pulped before being fire-assayed (Au-ICP21). The remaining coarse reject portions of the samples remain in storage for further work or verification as needed. As part of its QA/QC program, the Company inserts external gold standards (low to high grade), blanks and duplicates for every batch of samples. All samples over 10 g/t gold or with abundant visible gold are analyzed with a gravity finish (Au-GRA22). Check assays are routinely performed for samples with visible gold to ascertain the gold content of the mineralization zone.

About Puma Exploration

Puma Exploration is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company with precious metals projects near New Brunswick, Canada's Famous Bathurst Mining Camp ("BMC"). The Company is committed to deploying its DEAR strategy (Development, Exploration, Acquisition, and Royalties) to generate maximum value for shareholders with low share dilution.

Connect with us on Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn.

Visit www.explorationpuma.com for more information or contact:

Marcel Robillard, President and CEO, (418) 750-8510;

president@explorationpuma.com

Mia Boiridy, Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Development, (250) 575-3305;

mboiridy@explorationpuma.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve several known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Puma to be materially different from actual future results and achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made, except as required by law. Puma undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are described in the quarterly and annual reports and in the documents submitted to the securities administration.
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Friends of Humane Services Tijuana (FHSTJ), a dedicated non-profit organization in San Diego committed to animal rescue and welfare, announces its remarkable journey of overcoming challenges and appeals for ongoing support to sustain its vital operations. With a rich history of resilience and compassion since 2008, FHSTJ remains steadfast in its mission to support animal rescues, offer free spay/ neuter, and street clinics for animals located mainly in the poorest locations of the greater Tijuana metropolitan area.



In a recent blog post dated August 2, 2023, FHSTJ highlighted its extraordinary journey of perseverance and determination. Over the years, the organization has encountered numerous obstacles that threatened to impede its critical animal rescue work. From health & economic challenges to funding shortages, FHSTJ has faced it all, yet each setback has only strengthened their resolve to make a positive impact on the lives of countless animals in need.

As FHSTJ finds itself on the cusp of returning to normalcy, the organization acknowledges the indispensable role that supporters, volunteers, and donors have played in its journey. The collective effort to rise above challenges has brought FHSTJ to a point where they can almost resume their operations at full capacity. However, the road to complete recovery is not without its remaining hurdles, and need for continuing support.

FHSTJ is now reaching out to the community, animal lovers, and philanthropists to continue their remarkable journey of animal rescue and welfare. The organization's co-founder & volunteer President, Richard Massa, emphasizes the importance of sustained support to ensure FHSTJ can maintain its vital role in providing shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation to animals in distress.

"Our journey has been one of resilience and hope, and we are incredibly proud of the progress we've made in the face of adversity," Richard Massa stated. "But we recognize that the road ahead requires ongoing support from individuals who share our passion for animal welfare. Donations, no matter the size, will help us bridge the remaining gaps and continue our mission to create a better world for animals in need."

FHSTJ's plea for support resonates with its legacy of unwavering dedication. By contributing to FHSTJ's cause, donors become integral partners in enabling the organization to provide a lifeline for animals in need. The impact of each donation reverberates through the stories of countless animals given a second chance at life, love, happiness, and the pursuit of a forever home. Their YouTube channel highlights great examples of the type of compassionate care they provide.

Supporters can make a difference by visiting FHSTJs website at https://www.friendsofhstj.org/ and exploring ways to donate, volunteer, or spread awareness. FHSTJ's journey of resilience serves as an inspiring testament to the power of collective compassion, and together, the communities can help ensure that FHSTJ continues its vital animal rescue work for years to come.

About Friends of Humane Services Tijuana (FHSTJ)

Friends of Humane Services Tijuana (FHSTJ) is a volunteer, non-profit organization with a mission to rescue, spay/neuter, provide veterinary care and rehabilitate animals in need across the greater San Diego/Tijuana area and primarily in the poorest areas of Tijuana. FHSTJ has faced and overcome numerous challenges over the years, exemplifying resilience and dedication to the animals. The organization seeks ongoing support to continue its vital work and create a brighter future for animals in distress. To learn more or offer support, please visit https://www.friendsofhstj.org/.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Steven A. Esparza

(619) 363-1368

info@camppublicrelations.com

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6591c6bb-1a9e-4e3d-8d66-694bcfc765a4
Dallas, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dickeys Barbecue Pit is excited to continue expanding across Canada with two new stores opening in the greater Edmonton area.

At the midpoint of a smokin hot summer in Edmonton, the world largest barbecue concept announces that a letter of intent for two store locations has been signed with local businessman, Mr. Nabeil Moussa in both Red Deer and Sherwood Park.

In regard to partnering with Dickeys, Mr. Moussa stated, "We have a strong admiration for the Dickey's brand after seeing that they have successfully found a winning menu and appreciate their commitment to quality food. We feel that choosing to grow our organization with Dickey's Barbecue Pit was a natural decision as their commitment to family values, established reputation, and proven franchise model perfectly align with our vision for success, as we grow our position in the food industry. The brand's emphasis on tradition and exceptional customer service also resonates deeply with our core values, making it an ideal partnership to drive growth in our organization.

With both communities expressing high interest and excitement in the barbecue restaurant, Mr. Moussa and his team are excited to bring a solid level of energy, intellect, and youthfulness to the brand and to their barbecue loving guests.

We are thrilled to continue to expand Dickeys throughout the greater Edmonton area, said Jim Perkins, Dickeys Executive Vice President of International Development and Support. I deeply appreciate Mr. Moussas understanding of the local community and how these two locations will best serve their communities. I cant wait to open with Mr. Moussa, its going to be a good time for all.

To learn more, follow Dickeys Barbecue Pit on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Download the Dickeys Barbecue Pit App from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

To learn more about Dickeys Virtual Concepts follow: Wing Boss on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok , Trailer Birds on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and Big Deal Burger on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok .

About Dickeys Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.

Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the worlds largest barbecue concept, was founded in 1941 by the Dickey family. For the past 80 years, Dickeys Barbecue Pit has served millions of guests in 44 states Legit. Texas. Barbecue. At Dickeys, all our barbecued meats are smoked onsite in a hickory wood burning pit. Dickeys proudly believes theres no shortcut to true barbecue and its why our name isnt BBQ. The Dallas-based, family-run barbecue franchise offers eight slow-smoked meats and 12 wholesome sides with 'No B.S. (Bad Stuff)' included. Dickeys Barbecue has 550 locations across the United States and eight other countries.

Dickeys was named to Newsweeks 2022 Americas Favorite Restaurant Chains list and USA Today 2021 readers choice awards. Dickeys won first place on Fast Casuals Top 100 Movers and Shakers list, been named a Top 500 Franchise by Entrepreneur and named to Hospitality Technologys Industry Heroes list. Led by CEO Laura Rea Dickey, who was named among the countrys 50 most influential women in foodservice in Nations Restaurant News, was recognized by Fast Casuals Top 100 Movers and Shakers list and honored by Dallas Business Journal. Dickey's Barbecue Pit has also been recognized by Fox News, Forbes Magazine, Franchise Times, The Dallas Morning News, The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine and QSR Magazine. Dickeys Barbecue is part of Dickeys Restaurant Brands which has more than 700 restaurants nationwide including brands Wing Boss, Trailer Birds, Big Deal Burger and bbqathome.com. DRB is led by CEO Roland Dickey Jr. For more information, visit www.dickeys.com.

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Attachment
Santa Clara, CA and Kyoto, Japan, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ROHM Semiconductor today announced the BD5310xG-CZ / BD5410xG-CZ series of Hall ICs designed for automotive applications requiring magnetic detection.

In recent years, the continuing computerization of vehicle systems to meet the demand for increasing electrification and functionality, along with greater comfort and safety, has required additional ECUs (Electronic Control Units) and sensors to provide control. Among these sensors, Hall ICs are becoming one of the most adopted type due to their ability to detect position and motor rotation in a non-contact manner that reduces the wear-and-tear prevalent with mechanical switches while also being compact, and they can be equipped with protection circuits.

ROHM has developed Hall ICs for automotive applications that improve reliability by combining Hall IC expertise cultivated over many years for the mobile and consumer sectors with original high withstand voltage processes. As a result, the BD5310xG-CZ / BD5410xG-CZ series features an industry-leading[1] 42V withstand voltage that enables direct connection to a primary (12V battery) power supply. This contributes to improved reliability under battery power, which can fluctuate rapidly depending on the operating conditions. At the same time, a wide operating supply voltage range of 2.7V to 38V enables support for a variety of applications. The unique internal topology also reduces power consumption by approximately 20 percent over general products to achieve an industry-leading current consumption of 1.9mA. Both series comply with the AEC-Q100 (Grade 1) automotive reliability standard, while incorporating multiple protection circuits required for vehicle systems.

The BD5310xG-CZ series is a unipolar detection type, while the BD5410xG-CZ series provides latch-type detection, giving designers the flexibility to select the ideal product based on set needs. A total of eleven models are offered in detection magnetic flux densities, ranging from 2.0mT to 28.0mT. Unipolar detection can be used for detecting position in applications such as door open/close and door locks, whereas latch detection is ideal for rotation detection in various motors used in power windows, sliding doors, and the like.

Going forward, ROHM will continue to expand its lineup of sensor ICs that contribute to higher reliability and functionality in automotive applications.

42V Withstand Voltage Hall IC Lineup

Application Examples

Automotive systems: Door locks, seat position, seat belts, wiper motors, power windows, sliding doors, etc.

Sales Information

Sales Launch Date: June 2023

Distributors: DigiKey, Mouser, Farnell (also scheduled for release at other online distributors)

Applicable Part Numbers: BD53103G-CZTL, BD53108G-CZTL, BD54102G-CZTL





[1] ROHM study, August 2023

Attachments
Washington, D.C., Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the New Civil Liberties Alliance filed a brief opposing the governments motion to dismiss NCLAs Vanderstelt v. Biden lawsuit against the Biden Administrations unconstitutional Covid-19 vaccine mandate for government contractors. President Biden withdrew the mandate in May, but still claims the authority to reimpose it at his whim. NCLA asks the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan not to dismiss this suit against a major abuse of executive power that could resume at any moment, especially as Covid-19 restrictions re-emerge at companies and institutions across the country.

The federal contractor mandate required Plaintiffs to take a vaccine without their consentand for those with naturally acquired immunity, against the medical advice of experts. This measure disregarded their statutory right to informed consent and trampled on their constitutional rights to bodily integrity and to refuse unwanted medical care. The mandate was one of several administrative actions announced in September 2021 that were aimed at coercing about 100 million Americans to obtain a Covid-19 vaccine, including employees of private companies, healthcare facilities, and the federal government. The government withdrew the federal contractor mandate, so it now claims NCLAs lawsuit against the mandate is moot. But it simultaneously defends the mandate as perfectly legal. Since Biden could unilaterally reinstate the mandate quite easily, NCLA argues the suit remains contested.

The President cannot exercise such sweeping authority under the guise of procurement without clear and explicit congressional authorization. Neither Congress nor the Procurement Act gave the President the power to impose the mandate in the first place, nor re-establish it in the future. Presidential policies prescribed under the Procurement Act are only valid if theres a nexus between the regulations and some delegation of requisite legislative authority by Congress. There has never been one here. Under the unconstitutional conditions doctrine, the government may not impair Plaintiffs right to refuse medical care through subtle forms of coercion.

The Fifth, Sixth, and Eleventh Circuits affirmed preliminary injunctions against the federal contractor mandate. But no final decision has declared the mandate to be unlawful. The Ninth Circuit, however, held that the contractor mandate was lawful. By keeping NCLAs lawsuit alive and ultimately ruling against the mandate, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan can ensure a final court judgment against abuse of executive power.

NCLA released the following statement:

It would be one thing if the government agreed with the several courts of appeal that held the Contractor Mandate exceeds the Presidents authority. But instead it is vigorously defending the legality and wisdom of the Mandate, and thus the Presidents power to reimpose it at his whim. The government cannot have its cake and eat it too. A challenge against a withdrawn policy is not moot when the government insists on having unfettered ability to reimpose it.

 Sheng Li, Litigation Counsel, NCLA

For more information visit the case page here.

ABOUT NCLA

NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights.

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SUDBURY, Aug. 23, 2023 - SPC Nickel Corp. (TSXV: SPC) ("SPC Nickel"), is pleased to announce assay results at the West Graham Project, located in the world-class Nickel-Copper mining district of Sudbury, Ontario. SPC Nickel is reporting the first 13 holes of 30 from the ongoing Phase 2 drill program. The Phase 2 program is well underway, with over 6,748 metres already completed, and continues to confirm and extend historic mineralization at expected or better grades while discovering new high-grade mineralization. The program is on track to provide the data required to complete an updated global resource estimate for the West Graham Project by the end of 2023.

Highlights

Hole WG-23-047, intersected a high-grade section that returned 1.27% Ni, 0.47% Cu over 18.00 metres from 245.00 to 263.00 metres within a thick zone of nickel and copper mineralization grading 0.70% Ni, 0.32% Cu over 50.00 metres from 221.00 to 271.00 metres. Length refers to downhole length. Estimated true thickness ratios are given in Table 1.





A total of 12,086 metres in 57 holes have so far been completed on the West Graham Project since drilling commenced in early March. The Phase 1 program consisted of 5,338 metres in 27 holes and was completed in late May while a total of 6,748 metres in 30 holes have been completed from the ongoing Phase 2 program (Figure 1).





Assay results from a total of 40 holes completed as part of the Phase 1 and 2 programs have been received and significant results are presented in Tables 1 and 2. Samples from the remaining 17 completed holes are being processed and will be reported when available.

Grant Mourre, CEO and President of SPC Nickel commented, "We are very pleased with the excellent results we have so far received from our Phase 2 drill program. The drill program successfully demonstrates the robust upside potential at West Graham, where we have not yet reached the limit of the strike and depth continuity of the main mineralized zone. While the recently completed ground EM survey has the potential to identify new targets within a sparsely tested footwall environment, we're looking forward to announcing additional drilling result and a maiden Mineral Resource estimate for the combined deposits in 2023."

The Company is also pleased to announce the completion of a 6.5 line kilometre, ground electromagnetic (EM) survey covering a large portion of the property. This survey represents the first ground EM survey to date completed on the property. The objectives of the survey are to test the contact of Sudbury Igneous Complex (SIC) west of the ongoing Phase 1 and 2 drilling as well as to evaluate the potential of the related footwall to host economic sulphide mineralization similar to what is observed at other Sudbury mines.

Furthermore, we are pleased to announce that SPC Nickel has received an Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) grant from the Ontario Government to support our ongoing exploration efforts.

Through the OJEP program, SPC Nickel has been selected to receive up to $200,000 to cover 50% of eligible explorations costs on the project, aimed at facilitating the exploration of Critical Minerals within Ontario. The receipt of grant funding represents a meaningful milestone, leveraging government support towards advancing the exploration of this high-quality magmatic nickel project.

For detailed sections across the West Graham Property, please visit the website at https://spcnickel.com/projects/lockerby-east/ or click on the following link West Graham Sections.

Assay Results

Table 1: Reported assay results from the Phase 2 drill program on the West Graham Project. Assays from all holes not listed in Table 1 are pending.

HOLE ID From

(m) To

(m) Length

(m)1 Ni

(%) Cu

(%) Co

(%) Pt

(g/t) Pd

(g/t) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) Estimated True Width % WG-23-046 381.55 402.35 20.80 0.46 0.58 0.01 0.32 0.04 0.14 4.03 65 including 381.55 387.30 5.75 0.51 0.59 0.01 0.76 0.08 0.07 3.79 65 Including 395.30 402.35 7.05 0.89 1.09 0.02 0.29 0.06 0.35 7.63 65 WG-23-047 221.00 271.00 50.00 0.70 0.32 0.02 0.14 0.03 0.04 1.57 80 including 245.00 263.00 18.00 1.27 0.47 0.04 0.20 0.05 0.04 2.16 80 WG-23-048 196.00 229.10 33.10 0.54 0.38 0.02 0.09 0.03 0.03 1.98 85 including 216.00 230.00 14.00 0.76 0.60 0.02 0.14 0.06 0.05 3.03 85 WG-23-049 271.00 302.00 31.00 0.46 0.38 0.01 0.12 0.03 0.04 1.78 70 including 289.00 299.00 10.00 0.69 0.47 0.02 0.16 0.04 0.05 2.10 70 WG-23-050 118.00 143.00 25.00 0.53 0.34 0.02 0.07 0.02 0.03 1.82 85 including 130.00 141.00 11.00 0.76 0.48 0.02 0.10 0.03 0.04 2.56 85 WG-23-051 86.00 111.05 25.05 0.28 0.23 0.01 0.04 0.02 0.02 1.11 100 WG-23-052 174.00 228.00 54.00 0.55 0.29 0.02 0.07 0.02 0.03 1.45 60 including 184.60 208.00 23.40 0.78 0.35 0.02 0.07 0.02 0.02 1.63 60 including 202.50 206.15 3.65 1.24 0.21 0.04 0.11 0.03 0.02 0.92 60 WG-23-053 256.00 259.85 3.85 0.41 0.35 0.01 0.04 0.02 0.02 2.09 90 and 276.75 281.00 4.25 0.49 0.29 0.02 0.08 0.02 0.03 1.62 90 and 294.00 299.00 5.00 0.52 0.35 0.01 0.30 0.06 0.05 2.10 90 WG-23-054 339.00 384.15 45.15 0.38 0.28 0.01 0.18 0.06 0.05 1.74 85 including 348.70 369.00 20.30 0.55 0.38 0.01 0.17 0.04 0.06 2.30 85 WG-23-055 335.00 354.30 19.30 0.36 0.22 0.01 0.09 0.02 0.03 1.00 75 and 382.5 394.00 11.50 0.35 0.25 0.01 0.19 0.03 0.05 0.92 75 WG-23-056 455.00 480.75 25.75 0.47 0.36 0.02 0.15 0.03 0.04 2.01 65 and 485.35 492.00 6.65 0.56 0.46 0.02 0.17 0.04 0.06 2.49 65 WG-23-057 409.00 428.00 19.00 0.41 0.33 0.01 0.09 0.03 0.03 1.67 95 and 447.00 462.00 15.00 0.39 0.28 0.01 0.34 0.07 0.06 0.63 95 and 467.00 468.05 1.05 1.47 0.17 0.04 0.46 0.58 0.09 0.70 95 WG-23-058 327.00 358.00 31.00 0.52 0.37 0.02 0.16 0.03 0.05 2.11 90

Notes: 1. Length refers to downhole length. Estimated True Width is expressed as a percentage of downhole length. Bold intervals are based on a Ni wt.% grade thickness greater than 15.

Previously Reported Results

Table 2: Previously reported assay results from the Phase 1 drill program on the West Graham Project.

Hole ID From

(m) To (m) Length

(m)1 Ni

(%) Cu

(%) Co

(%) Pt

(g/t) Pd

(g/t) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) Estimated

True Width % WG-23-019 64.00 93.00 29.00 0.39 0.25 0.01 0.04 0.02 0.02 1.36 70 WG-23-020 47.00 91.00 44.00 0.53 0.27 0.02 0.05 0.02 0.02 1.41 100 including 75.00 83.00 7.00 0.75 0.39 0.03 0.06 0.02 0.02 1.86 100 including 87.00 91.00 4.00 1.03 0.62 0.04 0.07 0.05 0.03 2.85 100 WG-23-021 41.00 72.00 31.00 0.46 0.29 0.02 0.06 0.02 0.02 1.50 90 including 42.00 46.00 4.00 0.63 0.46 0.02 0.10 0.03 0.04 2.40 90 including 58.00 63.00 5.00 0.66 0.30 0.02 0.04 0.02 0.01 1.50 90 WG-23-022 61.00 81.00 20.00 0.51 0.26 0.02 0.03 0.01 0.01 1.12 100 including 76.00 80.00 4.00 0.85 0.46 0.03 0.05 0.02 0.02 1.80 100 WG-23-023 45.00 83.00 38.00 0.47 0.28 0.02 0.04 0.02 0.02 1.45 90 including 71.00 82.00 11.00 0.71 0.41 0.02 0.07 0.02 0.04 2.09 90 WG-23-024 29.00 48.00 19.00 0.46 0.25 0.02 0.04 0.01 0.02 1.21 100 and 56.00 61.00 5.00 0.93 0.50 0.03 0.06 0.02 0.02 4.18 100 WG-23-025 20.00 67.00 47.00 0.56 0.30 0.02 0.05 0.02 0.02 1.85 90 including 42.00 65.00 23.00 0.72 0.42 0.02 0.08 0.03 0.03 2.73 90 WG-23-026 106.00 186.90 80.90 0.49 0.25 0.02 0.05 0.02 0.02 1.29 35 including 167.00 186.90 19.90 1.19 0.37 0.04 0.09 0.02 0.02 1.29 35 including 170.00 177.90 7.90 2.48 0.64 0.08 0.15 0.04 0.02 1.82 35 WG-23-027 68.00 120.50 52.50 0.43 0.27 0.01 0.05 0.02 0.02 1.49 85 including 96.65 120.50 23.85 0.57 0.33 0.02 0.06 0.02 0.03 1.79 85 including 111.00 120.50 9.50 0.83 0.37 0.02 0.09 0.03 0.03 2.16 85 WG-23-028 79.00 275.85 196.85 0.32 0.19 0.01 0.04 0.01 0.02 1.07 30 including 89.00 110.00 21.00 0.72 0.18 0.03 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.75 30 including 93.60 95.00 1.40 3.73 0.27 0.17 0.06 0.07 0.01 1.26 30 WG-23-029 84.00 107.00 23.00 0.37 0.25 0.01 0.03 0.02 0.02 1.39 50 WG-23-030 20.00 52.00 32.00 0.60 0.36 0.02 0.07 0.02 0.03 2.02 45 including 39.00 46.00 7.00 0.98 0.54 0.03 0.15 0.38 0.04 3.00 45 WG-23-031 3.00 9.65 6.65 0.37 0.22 0.01 0.04 0.01 0.01 1.08 95 WG-23-032 34.50 42.50 8.00 0.49 0.38 0.02 0.05 0.02 0.03 2.00 85 WG-23-033 38.00 52.00 14.00 0.35 0.24 0.01 0.04 0.02 0.02 1.29 80 WG-23-034 59.00 90.00 31.00 0.27 0.19 0.01 0.04 0.01 0.01 1.26 50 including 96.00 97.65 1.65 0.67 0.34 0.02 0.05 0.03 0.03 2.29 50 WG-23-035 43.00 51.00 8.00 0.26 0.21 0.01 0.04 0.02 0.02 1.25 80 WG-23-036 97.00 102.00 5.00 0.39 0.23 0.01 0.05 0.02 0.01 1.54 45 WG-23-037 147.00 188.65 41.65 0.50 0.34 0.02 0.08 0.02 0.03 1.64 50 including 174.00 188.65 14.65 0.81 0.51 0.02 0.14 0.04 0.05 2.61 50 including 174.00 179.00 5.00 1.21 0.69 0.04 0.14 0.04 0.05 3.32 50 WG-23-038 130.00 140.00 10.00 0.43 0.25 0.01 0.06 0.02 0.21 1.31 75 WG-23-039 191.50 241.00 49.50 0.36 0.28 0.01 0.05 0.02 0.02 1.49 40 including 224.00 241.00 17.00 0.43 0.49 0.01 0.08 0.03 0.04 2.58 40 WG-23-040 169.00 209.00 40.00 0.46 0.32 0.01 0.07 0.02 0.03 1.90 60 WG-23-041 237.00 276.00 39.00 0.43 0.36 0.01 0.17 0.03 0.06 2.04 55 including 243.00 250.00 7.00 0.60 0.49 0.02 0.10 0.03 0.04 2.13 55 including 262.82 275.00 12.20 0.60 0.54 0.02 0.36 0.05 0.11 3.46 55 WG-23-042 256.00 306.00 50.00 1.06 0.34 0.03 0.15 0.04 0.04 1.71 75 including 286.00 306.00 20.00 1.71 0.46 0.05 0.17 0.06 0.06 2.61 75 including 286.90 291.70 4.80 3.15 0.21 0.09 0.15 0.11 0.02 0.95 75 and 331.00 331.40 0.40 6.23 0.30 0.14 0.10 0.12 0.03 2.60 75 and 336.90 337.20 0.30 7.07 0.09 0.15 0.04 0.07 0.01 2.50 75 WG-23-043 212.00 280.00 68.00 0.46 0.36 0.01 0.09 0.02 0.03 1.90 60 including 246.00 280.00 34.00 0.64 0.50 0.02 0.12 0.03 0.04 2.64 60 including 266.00 275.00 9.00 0.94 0.68 0.02 0.19 0.05 0.06 3.83 60 including 277.50 280.00 2.50 0.96 1.02 0.02 0.05 0.04 0.04 4.58 60 and 304.10 304.60 0.50 6.09 0.07 0.12 0.81 0.30 0.03 2.50 60 WG-23-044 362.35 375.40 13.05 0.74 0.81 0.02 0.22 0.05 0.10 4.84 45 including 369.25 375.40 6.15 0.96 1.33 0.03 0.26 0.08 0.18 8.04 45 WG-23-045 286.00 296.00 10.00 0.33 0.24 0.01 0.12 0.02 0.03 1.33 60 and 302.05 304.00 1.95 0.54 0.75 0.02 0.21 0.05 0.11 4.93 60 and 307.55 308.55 1.00 0.81 1.12 0.02 0.31 0.09 0.37 8.50 60

Notes: 1. Length refers to downhole length. Estimated True Width is expressed as a percentage of downhole length. Bold intervals are based on a Ni wt.% grade thickness greater than 15.

West Graham Project

On January 23, 2023, SPC Nickel announced the signing of an Agreement with Vale Canada ("Vale") granting SPC Nickel the right to earn an 100% interest in Vale's Crean Hill 3 Property that is located adjacent to SPC Nickel's West Graham Property (see Figure 2 for property location and SPC Nickel's January 23, 2023 press release for full details of the Agreement).

As an advanced project, the combination of the West Graham and Crean Hill 3 assets is a transformational opportunity for SPC Nickel. The historical mineral resources on these properties form one contiguous near-surface deposit and consists of the following:

Crean Hill 3 hosts a historic mineral estimate of 16.78Mt @ 0.43% Ni and 0.30% Cu 1 .

.

West Graham hosts a historic indicated mineral resource of 8.55Mt @ 0.45% Ni, 0.31% Cu along with an inferred mineral resource of 2.0Mt @ 0.38% Ni, 0.30% Cu2.

SPC Nickel considers the West Graham and Crean Hill 3 resource estimates to be historical mineral estimates for purposes of NI 43-101. Neither the Company nor a qualified person on behalf of SPC Nickel have done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources and SPC Nickel is not treating such historical estimates as current mineral resources. SPC Nickel considers the historic mineral estimates to be relevant to an understanding of the Project but has not done any work to validate the estimates.

Reference 1. Van Wiechen, A.G (1990): December 31, 1989 Mineral Resource Inventory table in: The Exploration Potential for Sulphide Mineralization in the Crean Hill - Ellen - Crean Hill No.3 Environment, Internal Inco Report, December 13, 1990. 2. Routledge, Richard and Churchill, Bruce (2009): Technical Report on the West Graham Property Conwest Zone Resource Estimate, Graham Township, Ontario, Canada prepared for First Nickel Inc., January 15, 2009. Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates .

Quality Assurance, Quality Control and Qualified Persons

The technical elements of this news release have been approved by Mr. Grant Mourre, P.Geo. (PGO), CEO and President of SPC Nickel Corp. and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.

SPC Nickel follows rigorous sampling and analytical protocols that meet or exceed industry standards. Core samples are stored in a secured area until transport in batches to the ALS facility in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Sample batches include certified reference materials, blank, and duplicate samples that are then processed under the control of ALS. All samples were analyzed in Vancouver by ALS Chemex. Platinum, palladium, and gold values were determined together using standard lead oxide collection fire assay and ICP-AES finish. Base metal values were determined using sodium peroxide fusion and ICP-AES finish. Silver values were determined using an aqua regia digestion and an AAS finish. A Certified Reference Material (CRM) standard, blank or duplicate is inserted on every 10th sample in the following order: CRM, blank, CRM, duplicate. The cycle repeats every 40 samples, thus ensuring that 10% of samples submitted are control samples.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About SPC Nickel Corp.

SPC Nickel Corp. is a Canadian public corporation focused on exploring for Ni-Cu-PGMs within the world class Sudbury Mining Camp. SPC Nickel is currently exploring its key 100% owned exploration project Lockerby East located in the heart of the historic Sudbury Mining Camp that includes the West Graham Resource and the Crean Hill 3 property under option from Vale. SPC Nickel also holds three additional projects across Canada including the large camp-scale Muskox Project (located in Nunavut), the past producing Aer-Kidd Project (located in the Sudbury Mining Camp) and the Janes Project (located 50 km northwest of Sudbury). The corporate focus is on Sudbury, and SPC Nickel continues to look for new opportunities to add shareholder value. Additional information regarding SPC Nickel and its projects can be found at www.spcnickel.com.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Information

Except for statements of historical fact contained herein, the information in this news release constitutes "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities law. Such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "plans", "proposes", "estimates", "intends", "expects", "believes", "may", "will" and include without limitation, statements regarding estimated capital and operating costs, expected production timeline, benefits of updated development plans, foreign exchange assumptions and regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, metal prices, competition, risks inherent in the mining industry, and regulatory risks. Most of these factors are outside the control of SPC Nickel. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, SPC Nickel expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE SPC Nickel Corp.
HIGHLIGHTS



Novo has received full over-subscriptions for its maximum A$7.5 million raising under ASX IPO. With the offer fully subscribed, Novo has closed the offer period ahead of schedule. Proposed ASX listing presents an opportunity to enhance Novo's profile across a broader mix of investors and facilitate the potential for further growth of its Pilbara gold exploration portfolio. Novo is in discussions with ASX whether it can bring forward the proposed ASX listing date



VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 23, 2023 -- Novo Resources Corp. ("Novo" or the "Company") (TSX: NVO, NVO.WT & NVO.WT.A) (OTCQX: NSRPF) is pleased to advise it has now closed the offer period for its IPO offer of CDIs ahead of schedule, having received subscriptions totalling A$7.5 million. This means the full over-subscription limit has been reached following overwhelming support, with significant demand coming from sophisticated and institutional investors across Australia.

The offer opened on Thursday, 10 August 2023 and was originally scheduled to close on Friday, 1 September 2023, with an expected ASX admission date of Thursday, 14 September 2023 (all dates local time in Australia). Given the level of subscriptions received, and the early offer close, Novo is in discussions with ASX as to whether it can bring forward the date of its listing on ASX. Novo's offer remains subject to ASX approving the Company's application for admission (which process is ongoing and cannot be guaranteed).

A listing on ASX is the logical next step in the Company's Australian growth plans, given historical local investor appetite for new mining discoveries with exploration upside. An ASX listing would provide an opportunity to enhance Novo's profile across a broader mix of investors, increase liquidity and attract additional equity research coverage.

Argonaut PCF is acting as financial adviser and Argonaut Securities Pty Ltd is acting as broker to the IPO.

Novo recently entered into a major earn-in and joint venture agreement with leading Western Australian gold developer, De Grey Mining Ltd (ASX: DEG) ("De Grey"), which has undertaken to spend (within four years) up to A$25 million on exploration of Novo's flagship Becher Gold Project and adjacent tenements. De Grey has also made a cornerstone investment of A$10 million in Novo (pre-IPO) to become the Company's largest shareholder with a pre-IPO undiluted 11.6% interest (~ 10.30% post-IPO).

Novo Executive Co-Chairman and Acting CEO Mike Spreadborough said the Company was pleased with the significant amount of interest in Novo and looks forward to continuing to deliver value to all shareholders and stakeholders by progressing the Company's exploration and development plans.

"To close our offer ahead of schedule is a major achievement and one the team is very proud of. We have received a positive response and overwhelming demand for the IPO.

"It has been a busy few months with De Grey becoming our JV partner at Becher and a cornerstone investor, which is a substantial endorsement of what we have been working on at Novo.

"We are ready to keep building on the momentum with a significant exploration program scheduled for the remainder of the year as we focus on identifying and defining deposits with significant development potential and thank all of Novo's supporters in making the IPO process to date an outstanding success."

ABOUT NOVO

Novo explores and develops its prospective land package covering approximately 10,500 square kilometres in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, along with the 22 square kilometre Belltopper project in the Bendigo Tectonic Zone of Victoria, Australia. In addition to the Company's primary focus, Novo seeks to leverage its internal geological expertise to deliver value-accretive opportunities to its stakeholders.

CONTACT



Investors:

Mike Spreadborough

+61 419 329 987

mike.spreadborough@novoresources.com





North American Queries:

Leo Karabelas

+1 416 543 3120

leo@novoresources.com

Media:

Cameron Gilenko

+61 466 984 953

cgilenko@citadelmagnus.com



On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Novo Resources Corp.

"Michael Spreadborough"

Michael Spreadborough

Executive Co-Chairman and Acting CEO

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation) including, without limitation, the anticipated completion of the ASX IPO and the planned significant exploration program scheduled for the remainder of the year. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, receipt of ASX approval to the Company's application for admission, customary risks of the resource industry and the risk factors identified in Novo's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2022, which is available under Novo's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date those statements are made. Except as required by applicable law, Novo assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference herein to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements. If Novo updates any forward-looking statement(s), no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.
Vancouver, August 23, 2023 - Cullinan Metals Corp. (CSE:CMT) (OTC:CMTNF) (FWB:7KO) ("Cullinan" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that further to its news release dated August 21, 2023, it has entered into another non-binding letter of intent ("LOI") with a vendor ("Vendor") to acquire a 100% interest in and to a series of highly prospective lithium mineral properties (the "Properties") located in Northern Quebec.

The LOI is dated July 26, 2023, and it includes a series of mineral projects located in Quebec, commonly referred to as "James Bay Pegmatite", "James Bay Spodume", "VS Lithium", "VN Lithium", and "Wells Lake".

The Properties

Geologically, James Bay Pegmatite and James Bay Spodumene are located in the Superior geological province, which consists predominantly of amphibolite grade mafic to felsic metavolcanics, metasediments and minor gabbroic intrusions. Pegmatites occur as sharply bounded homogeneous to zoned bodies within igneous or metamorphic host rocks.

VS Lithium and VN Lithium are situated on the Archean Preissac-Lacorne batholith, a syn- to post- tectonic intrusion that was emplaced in the Southern Volcanic Zone of the Abitibi Greenstone Belt of the Superior Province of Quebec. In this region, pegmatitic and aplitic dykes occur in muscovite granite, particularly near its north and south contacts where they constitute the bulk of the exposed rock. Generally, the best lithium mineralization can occur in the north and east striking pegmatite dykes.

The deposit model for the area is that the target lithium mineralization is associated with lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) type pegmatites which are generally located in the upper parts of the pegmatites. LCT pegmatites are associated with S-type, peraluminous (Al-rich), quartz-rich granites. S-type granites crystallize from a magma produced by partial melting of preexisting sedimentary source rock.

Wells Lake is a part of the Grenville Series of rocks which are mainly comprised of quartzofeldspathic, garnetiferous paragneiss and limestone / marble beds. Quartzites are the least abundant of rocks in this Series. The igneous rocks which have invaded the metasedimentary sequence consist of gabbros, monzonites, anorthosites and diabase.

LOI Terms

Pursuant to the terms of the LOI, the Company was granted the right to conduct a full due diligence investigation on the Properties. This includes the right to visit the Properties and to conduct preliminary sampling and exploration work to the extent permitted by applicable mining laws.

Upon discovery of spodumene mineralization on any of the Properties (the "Discovery"), the relevant Vendor and the Company will execute either:

a) An assignment and assumption agreement (the "Option Agreement") pursuant to which the Vendor will assign to the Company all rights and interests to the property purchase options agreements; and/or

b) A property purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") pursuant to which the Vendor will grant all rights and interests in and to the Properties to Cullinan.

The considerations for the Option Agreement and/or Purchase Agreement will be negotiated between the Vendor and Cullinan immediately after the Discovery.

"With all the discoveries in the James Bay region and established lithium deposits in the Abitibi area, we wanted our shareholders to have exposure in this area," said Marc Enright-Morin, CEO. "The transaction is similar to what we did in Ontario, no dilution and no payments until the Discovery."

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Afzaal Pirzada, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

The transaction is an arms-length transaction and will not constitute a fundamental change or result in a change of control of the Company within the meaning of the policies of the CSE.

The transaction is subject to conditions precedent including, but not limited to, completion of due diligence, entering into an Option Agreement and/or Purchase Agreement, satisfaction of the conditions negotiated therein and receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that an Option Agreement and/or Purchase Agreement will be entered into or that an acquisition will be consummated on the terms or timeframe currently contemplated, or at all.

On Behalf of the Company,

Cullinan Metals Corp.

Marc Enright-Morin

CEO

(604) 669-9788

About Cullinan Metals Corp.

Cullinan Metals Corp. is a Canadian mining and exploration company focused on the development of energy metals. With a strong emphasis on key energy resources such as copper, graphite, and lithium assets, Cullinan is dedicated to unlocking the potential of these resources globally.

Forward-looking statements

Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including assumptions that all conditions to the closing of the proposed transaction will be satisfied and that the proposed transaction will be completed, in whole or in part, on the terms set forth in the LOIs. The forward-looking information reflects management's current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Such risk factors may include, among others, the risk that required approvals and the satisfaction of material conditions are not obtained in connection with the proposed transaction, the risk that the proposed transaction is not approved or completed on the terms set out in the LOI or that an Option Agreement and/or Purchase Agreement will not be entered into in connection therewith.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Company's management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information.

The forward?looking statements set forth herein concerning the Company reflect management's expectations as at the date of this news release and are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward?looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
RIMOUSKI, Aug. 23, 2023 - Puma Exploration Inc. (TSXV: PUMA, OTCQB: PUMXF) (the "Company" or "Puma") is pleased to announce that it successfully demonstrated that gold mineralization extends beyond 100 m depth at its 100%-owned Williams Brook Gold Project in Northern New Brunswick, Atlantic Canada. Twenty-four (24) holes for 3,475 m were drilled at the Lynx Gold Zone ("LGZ") as part of the Phase 1 2023 drilling program. More than 100 specks of visible gold ("VG") were observed in 37 separate areas (Figures 1 and 2, Table 1), with 16 occurrences located between 100 m and 211 m downhole depth. Gold mineralization appears to be constrained at the favourable rhyolite/sediment contact, and potential bonanza-grade veins are typically associated with carbonate alteration (dolomite) and sulphides. Assays from Phase 1 drilling are pending; results will be announced when received.



Puma's President and CEO Marcel Robillard commented, "We are extremely pleased with this first phase of our 2023 drilling program and what we see in the core. There's tremendous validation of our approach and model when we can hit VG successfully, and multiple instances of it is remarkable. The mineralization, mineralogy, alteration etc., all indicate that we are dealing with a large hydrothermal system that extends laterally and at depth. We are confident that we'll substantially add to the gold inventory at the Lynx Gold Zone as we continue to advance our 2023 program and beyond."

Figure 1. Phase 1 drilling at the Lynx Gold Zone - 3D gold-grade shell is available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dd086ae6-1e30-4687-ad6b-a2c4573ede70

Table 1. Visible gold occurrences in Phase 1 2023 drilling



DDH # Downhole Depth (m) Vein type Host rock Associated sulphides WB23-129 45.4 white qtz rhyolite ga WB23-129 48.4 white qtz Sed-lim/GS in rhyolite WB23-132 87.9 white qtz sed-lim ga WB23-133 32.5 fracture in GS Sed altered-lim WB23-133 49.2 white qtz rhyolite WB23-133 50.3 white qtz Sed altered at contact with rhyolite sph WB23-133 60.7 white qtz Sed altered WB23-136 37.6 milky white qtz brec with GS fragments rhy-lim/Sed altered-lim WB23-137 3.0 white qtz sed-lim WB23-137 26.7 white qtz brec. With rhy fragments rhyolite-lim WB23-137 33.3 stw QV 1cm Rhy-lim WB23-137 33.6 stw QV 1cm Rhy-lim WB23-138 100.4 white qtz rhyolite ga WB23-138 109.2 white qtz rhyolite ga-cpy-sph WB23-138 138.7 white qtz rhyolite ga-sph-lim WB23-138 153.8 white qtz rhyolite ga-sph-lim-ma-cpy WB23-138 175.9 white qtz rhyolite sph-ga WB23-139 90.5 white qtz rhyolite cpy-ga-sph WB23-139 139.9 white qtz rhyolite cpy-ga-sph WB23-139 149.8 white qtz rhyolite cpy-ga-sph WB23-139 149.9 white qtz rhyolite cpy-ga-sph WB23-139 150.0 white qtz rhyolite cpy-ga-sph WB23-139 150.1 white qtz rhyolite cpy-ga-sph WB23-139 151.9 white qtz rhyolite cpy-ga-sph WB23-139 211.2 white qtz rhyolite ga-sph WB23-140 129.8 white qtz rhyolite ga-cpy-py-sph WB23-142 60.7 Rusted qtz, stw rhyolite-lim WB23-142 64.0 white qtz rhyolite-lim/sediment altered ga-cpy-ma WB23-142 82.0 white qtz rhyolite ga WB23-142 136.3 white qtz, stw rhyolite ga-cpy-sph WB23-144 161.7 white qtz rhyolite / sediment altered ga-sph-cpy WB23-145 80.6 white qtz rusted rhyolite-lim ga-ma WB23-145 81.8 white qtz rhyolite-lim WB23-145 81.8 white qtz rhyolite-lim ga-cpy WB23-145 82.6 white qtz rhyolite-lim ga-cpy-sph WB23-145 82.7 white qtz rhyolite-lim ga-cpy-sph WB23-145 174.4 white qtz rhyolite ga

This first phase of drilling focused on the Lynx and Moose areas of the LGZ (Figure 2) and was designed to confirm and extend high-grade gold mineralization at depth and along strike. Its objective was also to target, along the favourable contact, specific veins previously mapped at surface with different drilling orientations to better define the veins' geometry and update our structural model.



Drilling successfully confirmed the extension of the mineralization beyond 150 m depth and revealed that the supergene alteration observed in the core transitions to ''fresh sulphides'' at 100 m vertical depth. Most of the holes show pervasive sericitization, but visible gold and associated potential bonanza-grade veins appear to be linked to the presence of carbonate alteration (dolomite) and Py-Cpy-Ga-Sp sulphide assemblages that occur as disseminated massive sulphides or as semi-massive veinlets within the quartz veins (Figure 3). Of note, the same sulphides were intersected 255 m downhole (180 m vertical depth) in hole WB22-145.

Figure 2. Map of the Lynx Gold Zone with 2023 Phase 1 drilling of VG is available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8033f797-e640-49bf-9ec8-3681e045cd68





Figure 3. Pictures of the mineralized core with VG intersected at the LGZ is available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8de63a36-6ae9-42f5-93ef-440a608e5e46

Table 2. Coordinates and depth of drilled holes

DDH # Easting * Northing* Azimuth () Dip () Length (m) WB23-122 660246 5259235 335 -45 107.0 WB23-123 660256 5259214 335 -65 83.0 WB23-124 660213 5259379 155 -80 122.0 WB23-125 660263 5259293 330 -45 170.0 WB23-126 660242 5259412 155 -65 80.0 WB23-127 660237 5259421 155 -75 134.0 WB23-128 660236 5259382 155 -85 116.0 WB23-129 660263 5259417 155 -65 65.0 WB23-130 660207 5259347 155 -80 113.2 WB23-131 660227 5259340 165 -65 89.0 WB23-132 660303 5259443 230 -45 196.0 WB23-133 660336 5259560 202 -45 107.3 WB23-134 660312 5259564 155 -65 122.0 WB23-135 660335 5259521 335 -55 100.0 WB23-136 660350 5259505 295 -55 92.0 WB23-137 660371 5259519 295 -50 87.0 WB23-138 660362 5259507 260 -45 257.0 WB23-139 660361 5259481 260 -45 230.0 WB23-140 660343 5259458 260 -45 218.0 WB23-141 660343 5259458 330 -45 178.0 WB23-142 660287 5259359 338 -46 236.0 WB23-143 660351 5259599 202 -45 101.0 WB23-144 660388 5259550 260 -46 197.0 WB23-145 660335 5259430 260 -46 275.0 * Projection: UTM Nad83 zone 19 Total: 3475.5

2023 Drilling Program



The fully-funded and permitted 2023 program (minimum of 6,000 m) is focused on the Lynx Gold Zone ("LGZ") and is designed with three (3) primary objectives:

Extend the continuity of the LGZ at depth and along strike; Validate and refine the existing geological model; Corroborate Puma's current geophysical pathfinder tool.



The planned fifteen (15) holes (approximately 2,000 m) of Phase 1 drilling was expanded to twenty-four (24) holes and 3,500 m as the Company successfully intercepted the depth extensions of the high-grade shoots defined by previous drilling programs and intersected at depth and along the newly identified orientation, the bonanza-grade quartz veins sampled at surface.

Puma will now complete surface exploration work to localise the favourable rhyolite sediment contact along the strike extension of the Lynx Gold Zone in preparation for the Company's Phase 2 drilling program.

Upcoming AGM

Puma's 2023 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at 2 pm (EDT). Again, this year, the Company will hold the Meeting via a live webcast at TSX Trust Virtual AGM, where all Shareholders and their proxy holders, regardless of geographic location, will have an equal opportunity to participate. Shareholders and proxy holders will not be able to attend the Meeting in person. Further details and instructions about virtual participation are included in the Meeting materials available on the Company's website and under Puma's profile on www.sedar.com.

About the Williams Brook Gold Project

Puma's flagship Williams Brook Gold Project covers an impressive 44,650 ha of prospective gold landholdings in Northern New Brunswick, an established and mining-friendly jurisdiction near paved roads and with excellent infrastructure nearby. The nearby towns of St-Quentin and Bathurst have a history of forestry and mining. The local communities support the industry and host a skilled labour force. The land package is located near the Rocky Brook Millstream Fault ("RBMF"), a major regional structure formed during the Appalachian Orogeny and a significant control for gold deposition in the region.

Figure 4. Main gold showings and occurrences at the Williams Brook Gold Project is available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e9302ee8-78ed-4e43-8873-ac9555a210af

Since 2021, and with only $7M of exploration investment, Puma made four (4) significant gold discoveries at the Williams Brook property - the Lynx, Cougar, Jaguar, and Panthera Gold Zones, with gold mineralization hosted in quartz veins at surface. The Lynx Gold Zone remains the company's focus. Still, Puma believes that a large orogenic/epithermal gold system is present at Williams Brook and is focused on building a gold camp on the large property package.



Qualified Person

The technical information of this release was reviewed and approved by Dominique Gagne, PGeo, a consultant of Puma and a qualified person as defined by the National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

On-Site Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QA/QC") Measures

Drill core samples are bagged, sealed and sent to the facility of ALS CHEMEX in Moncton, New Brunswick, where each sample is crushed and pulped before being fire-assayed (Au-ICP21). The remaining coarse reject portions of the samples remain in storage for further work or verification as needed. As part of its QA/QC program, the Company inserts external gold standards (low to high grade), blanks and duplicates for every batch of samples. All samples over 10 g/t gold or with abundant visible gold are analyzed with a gravity finish (Au-GRA22). Check assays are routinely performed for samples with visible gold to ascertain the gold content of the mineralization zone.

About Puma Exploration

Puma Exploration is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company with precious metals projects near New Brunswick, Canada's Famous Bathurst Mining Camp ("BMC"). The Company is committed to deploying its DEAR strategy (Development, Exploration, Acquisition, and Royalties) to generate maximum value for shareholders with low share dilution.

Connect with us on Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn.

Visit www.explorationpuma.com for more information or contact:

Marcel Robillard, President and CEO, (418) 750-8510;

president@explorationpuma.com

Mia Boiridy, Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Development, (250) 575-3305;

mboiridy@explorationpuma.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve several known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Puma to be materially different from actual future results and achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made, except as required by law. Puma undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are described in the quarterly and annual reports and in the documents submitted to the securities administration.
VANCOUVER, Aug. 23, 2023 - Luminex Resources Corp. (TSXV: LR) (OTCQX: LUMIF) (the "Company" or "Luminex") announces that on August 22, 2023, the relevant subsidiary of Anglo American plc ("Anglo American") submitted a withdrawal notice with respect to its option to increase its ownership in the Pegasus project in Ecuador from 25% to 51%. Anglo American has drilled approximately 1,800 metres at the Medusa North target at Pegasus A and had planned to continue drilling at Medusa South. Anglo American encountered delays in receiving surface access to drill its preferred target.

Luminex and Anglo American may engage in discussion to realign the earn-in agreement terms given Anglo American's spend to date, 25% ownership in Pegasus and in-country team. The next concession payments for Pegasus are due in March 2024.

Marhsall Koval, CEO and Director commented: "Although it is disappointing to see continued drilling delays at Pegasus, the Company still believes this area offers numerous attractive copper porphyry targets. Anglo American has spent approximately US$26 million as of June 30, 2023, which can pave the way for either Luminex or a new partner to carry on the high-quality work that has been completed so far."

About Luminex Resources

Luminex Resources Corp. (TSXV:LR, OTCQX:LUMIF) is a Vancouver, Canada based precious and base metals exploration and development company focused on gold and copper projects in Ecuador. Luminex's inferred and indicated mineral resources are located at the Condor Gold-Copper project in Zamora-Chinchipe Province, southeast Ecuador. Luminex also holds a large and highly prospective land package in Ecuador.

Further details are available on the Company's website at https://luminexresources.com/.

To receive news releases please sign up at https://www.luminexresources.com/contact/contact-us/.

Follow us on: Twitter, Linkedin or Facebook.

Luminex Resources Corp.

Signed: "Marshall Koval"

Marshall Koval, CEO and Director

Luminex is solely and entirely responsible for the contents hereof. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) nor any other person, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future earn-in agreements at Pegasus or work programs at Pegasus. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur or be achieved.

With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, the Company has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about general business and economic conditions, the prices of gold and copper, and anticipated costs and expenditures. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

Although management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions (including with respect to the tonnage, grade and recoverability of reserves and resources); risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks relating to adverse weather conditions; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting mining concessions); and other risk factors as detailed from time to time in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed with Canadian securities administrators. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/luminex-announces-an-update-on-the-pegasus-earn-in-301908508.html

SOURCE Luminex Resources Corp.
From the reporter's notebook

While I took a small container of Montana sapphires to Thailand to see if there was a market for them, I also took a special sapphire with me. A sapphire fit for a king.

It started with a knock on my door in Bothell. It was Will Chausee, a friend and the owner of the sapphire mine in Montana.

He was excited and wanted to show me a special sapphire he found at his mine.

He had shaped it and polished it. It had an image of a pagoda in the center of it.

Its fit for a king, Chausee noted.

Chausee had been in touch with the Thai ambassador to the U.S. about the sapphire and the idea of giving it to the Thai king.

Since I was the one making the trip, the sapphire would be mine for the presentation.

The ambassador walked Will through the things he needed to do, and the plan was underway.

I went with Will to a place in Seattle whose specialty was making things out of gold.

The sapphire was fitted with a clasp so it could hold a gold chain. Then a gold case was made with a blue silk lining and a gold lid.

The guy there said it would take a month to do.

When it came time for me to head out to my Asian trip, Will presented me with the gold/sapphire gift to the king of Thailand and a letter of introduction.

About two weeks into my trip, I arrived in Bangkok and tried to figure out how to proceed with the gift.

I had planned to spend some time with the family of a student we sponsored at UW. As it turned out, the nephew of my student had a friend that worked in the palace grounds, and he assured me that he knew where I had to go.

Earlier, I had been to a Thai sapphire mine area, so I was used to being escorted around.

We picked a day to go to the palace grounds for the gift presentation and then made our way to the palace grounds.

When I explained that I was there to give the king a gift, people became cooperative.

I was led into a beautiful appointed room and told to sit and wait.

In about 29 minutes a small, rather dignified looking man came down a long staircase and he made his way over to me.

I started to get goose bumps wondering if this was the king.

He introduced himself as the kings first secretary.

I gave the man my letter of introduction and then tried to explain to him how all of this started. He had trouble with Montana. I finally explained where it was.

The first secretary explained that we had missed the king by one day. He said the king had left the day before for the ancient capital Chiang Mai, where it was cooler. He thanked me for the gift and explained that the king got many gifts because he was loved and respected throughout the world. He said that gifts were put inside a special room and the king would go to the room on a regular basis to inspect the gifts.He was with me for 20-30 minutes and was a very intense and interesting guy.

He called someone over to lead me out, thanking me for the gift.

So that ended my hope of getting to meet the king, but gave me a lesson on how things were done in a world that I had not entered before.

Naturally when I returned home Chausee had me go through the visit a number of times with a lot of questions.

The first secretary didnt explain what happens to the gifts.
Gasly admits turbulent times at Alpine

Pierre Gasly admits he is still getting up to speed at chaos-struck Alpine.

Pierre Gasly, Belgian GP 2023

 Alpine

The Frenchman moved from the Red Bull camp to the Renault-owned team this year to complete an all-French lineup next to incumbent Esteban Ocon.

He filled the big shoes left behind by impressive Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso.

I still feel like I'm in a kind of learning process, Gasly said. "Not always, but on certain topics or in communication.

I wish I could say we're already at 100 percent, but that kind of thing takes time. The cars have become so complex.

He admitted that communication errors and an imperfect 2023 car have not made matters easier.

Sometimes we still talk past each other about what I want from the car and what they are able to give me, Gasly, 27, told Auto Motor und Sport.

"This Alpine is the evolution of last year's car driven by Esteban and Fernando. I had no input into it, so some things I'd wish for are not possible with the existing package.

I hope the car will suit me better by the end of the year, he added.

As for all of the shareholding and management chaos at Alpine in recent weeks, Gasly admits it has been a turbulent time at Enstone.

It's a bit difficult for me to comment further on that, Gasly said. "Integrating into a new team is a big step.

Laurent (Rossi), Otmar (Szafnauer), Alan (Permane) and Pat (Fry), who I met at the factory, certainly did their best for the team, he added.
Race boss admits 2025 Dutch GP in doubt

Jan Lammers admits the Dutch GP does not have its future on the Formula 1 grid locked in.

Lando Norris, Dutch GP 2022

 McLaren

Zandvoort's current race contract expires after next year, and the former F1 driver and Dutch GP boss admits talks with Formula One Management could be difficult.

FOM knows what they want and we know what we want, he told Viaplay ahead of the popular event this weekend.

If you see countries like Saudi Arabia committing to their grand prix for 900 million for ten years, we can't take on that kind of competition, Lammers admitted.

Kees van de Grint, a former Bridgestone and Ferrari engineer in F1, thinks it would be ridiculous if Zandvoort fell off the calendar because the sport asked for too much money.

Money shouldn't be the most important thing, he said. "When I see what the Dutch have created, it's unique. The audience we attract is also unique.

"If you are logical, the race stays here. Then those few million more should play no role.

And when you hear the news from Amnesty International about Saudi Arabia, then it is already a shame that we are going there, van de Grint added.

So high-profile is the Dutch GP already that activists are using the 2023 to get their message out.

Climate change protesters blocked F1 trucks from entering the circuit this week, and disgruntled taxi drivers are also threatening to disrupt the event.

The (climate) demonstrators were assigned a place to protest, but they didn't use it, a race spokesperson told Noordhollands Dagblad.

As for the taxi drivers, they're upset that only local drivers are being granted work permits for the grand prix weekend.

It's a bit of a tricky situation because in the past people have kind of abused those passes, Lammers admitted.

There has just been some disagreement and that is why the good have to suffer because of the bad, he added.

"You can't escape it. With this kind of event, people take the platform to get attention for their story. That is their right.
Verstappen has no fears about post-F1 life

Max Verstappen says he has no fears about his life beyond Formula 1.

Max Verstappen, Belgian GP 2023

 Red Bull

The ultra-dominant Red Bull driver has been outspoken recently about changes to the format in F1, and admits he is even looking forward to retirement.

It will be different, I am aware of that, but that might also be nice, he told the Dutch magazine Formule 1.

"There is always a lot of pressure on you during a race weekend and that goes on year after year. Maybe it's nice to relax and do the things you like at a certain point.

A lot of people say I'm going to miss this life and the pressure it brings - my father says so too. But personally I don't think so, the soon-to-be triple world champion said.

If you've done it a lot and for a long time, you're a bit done with it at some point, added Verstappen, who has not even ruled out quitting before his 2028 contract expires.

Not yet of course, the Dutchman said, "but there will come a time when enough is enough. Don't forget, I started karts when I was four.

You wonder at some point when constantly getting the best out of yourself to reach the very highest levels will stop.

He admitted, however, that it may be a big adjustment to post-F1 life.

That's right - I don't know any better, said Verstappen. "But there are other areas where I will probably want to get the best out of myself.

But when something doesn't work out then, it won't be a disaster. It will all be just a bit more relaxed.

One of his biggest gripes with modern F1 is the huge race calendar - set to expand to an unprecedented 24 grands prix in 2024.

It's enough, yes, said Verstappen. "It's a lot.

And it's not just about the races, but everything around it that makes it so tough. All the marketing activities, the simulator days, the personal sponsorship obligations. You don't have any days off left.

When asked if some of it is a chore, he admitted: "Yes, and I often talk about that with people around me.

"It's all factors that go into deciding how long I keep going.

"Of course I'm glad that I am in the position that I can make those future decisions for myself. The goal was always to become world champion and win races - that has all worked out.
Tropical Cables supports Korle Bu Surgical Unit with new Uroflow machine

Business Desk Report Business News Aug - 16 - 2023 , 10:13

Tropical Cables and Conductor Limited as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility has donated a new uroflow machine worth over $10,000 to the Surgical unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

This is to support the treatment of men with prostate issues.

Speaking at the donation ceremony, Human Resource and Administration Manager of Tropical Cables, Andy Mensah, said the local indigenous company had been supporting Korle Bu to provide the kind of services the country requires of them as the premier teaching hospital.

We cannot expect more from the hospital and expect them to foot the kind of bills they have so we are doing our bit.



This machine is critical in the treatment of prostate cancer and they have only one which they were using both for treatment and at the same time for teaching so we found it important to add one, he stated.

Mr Mensah urged all Ghanaians to support Tropical Cables by patronizing their products and services, stating that the more we have many Ghanaians patronising us, the more we can support such institutions.

For his part, the Head of the Surgical Department and Professor of Urology, Dr James Edward Mensah, expressed his gratitude to Tropical Cables for the donation.

We are extremely grateful. We are a teaching hospital and we have three objectives which are treating patients, training the next generation of specialists and conducting research so we need such machines to help in our mandate, he stated.

He said the donation would help patients receive treatment at a lower cost.

We are in a country where there are a lot of financial challenges so most of our patients cannot afford the true cost of the treatment but the donation we have received will help provide the service at an affordable cost to them.

With this machine, if a man cannot urinate, if your prostate has blocked your urine flow, hardly will we cut to remove it, we can remove the middle part without cutting you and this require expensive equipment and our patients cannot pay fully for it.

This is why we need the assistance of benevolent organisations so that we can make the service available to people who cannot afford it. Anytime we receive a donation, it means a patient who cannot afford is going to have his surgery, he explained.

Dr Mensah therefore encouraged all companies to consider supporting the hospital.

We are not asking for money, just support us in buying some of these equipment. The government is doing its best but there is little it can do alone.

At Korle Bu, we do not turn anybody away and that is why the place is always crowded and this means that we will need support from all companies, he stated.

He said the department currently had over 300 patients waiting to have their surgeries and the new machine would help greatly in this regard.
Lil Win declares intention to contest Parliamentary seat at Afigya Kwabre South

Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Aug - 23 - 2023 , 10:43

Popular Kumawood actor, Lil Win has declared his intention to contest the Afigya Kwabre South seat in the Ashanti region as an independent candidate in the 2024 general elections.

According to the musician and comedian, real name, Kwadwo Nkansah, he is making the move following numerous calls from the traditional leaders and constituents who have been expressing confidence in his abilities to represent the constituency which presently has the New Patriotic Partys William Owuraku Aidoo as Member of Parliament.

In a report by Adomonline.com, it mentioned that Lil Win disclosed his intention in an interview on Accra-based Okay FM after several requests from October 2022.

He disclosed that his mother and other close relatives have already been contacted to convince him and he has wholeheartedly accepted the request even though he was initially not interested.

The constituents believe that I will be a good leader and serve them better with the investment I have made in the district with the establishment of my school, Great Minds.

They are convinced that even with the little resources, I have been able to do many projects for the area including a school and so I can help them a lot when I have many resources at my disposal, he stated.

The latest news about Lil Wins political ambitions may possibly surprise many of his followers when he recently disclosed in an interview on Oyerepa TVs ente Cinifie programme that he has been advised by former President John Mahama to stay away from politics.

He, however, mentioned that to avoid courting the displeasure of members of the two leading political parties, National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), he has always stayed neutral and Mahamas counsel further encouraged him to stay to true to his beliefs.

I had the opportunity to speak with NDC and NPP members during the 2016 campaign session. Ex-President John Mahama is the one who advised me not to accept any payment to support a political party, he said.

Read also: I charge 200 cedis a month for boarding fees in my school- Lil Win

Lil Win reveals he was crippled for five years
Caregiver stress and burnout

Dr Nana Esi Gaisie-Tetteh Opinion Aug - 23 - 2023 , 09:56

The environment in which children grow is so important for their healthy development.

For children with special needs, this environment largely consists of the adults who care for them.

The role of such caregivers in fostering good physical and mental health is so crucial.

By supporting such persons and helping to resolve the systemic inequities that these families face, we are helping to ensure that the environment the children are growing in is health-promoting.

The demands of caregiving can be exhausting and overwhelming for parents and families living with a child with a special need.

Special need

A child with a special need is one who requires extra care because of a physical challenge, mental impairment, speech and language impairment, emotional disability or learning disability.

These special children are different from children without impairments in that; they are 25 per cent more likely to be wasted, 34 per cent more likely to be stunted, 24 per cent less likely to receive early stimulation and responsive care and 49 per cent more likely to have never attended school.

The sadness and difficulty that parents and families experience when they get to know about their childs disability can be traumatic.

The dreams they had for these children seem shattered and most parents are consumed by grief.

Overtime, the demands of the caregiving can even make some parents antisocial as they give all their time to the child.

Suspicion

Some parents live with a guilty suspicion that it might be their fault for having such a child, and live with a constant fear of what might happen next.

They are stressed by unending visits to hospitals and therapies (where available).

They may miss out on various social events because their childs disability prevents them from participating successfully.

In the event where they make it to social functions (barring all accessibility odds), they may encounter persons who even criticise and judge them for their kind of parenting without even knowing or understanding the childs disability.

Challenge

One major challenge is the strain on family finances.

In most families in Ghana, at least one parent ends up giving up on their job in order to give maximum attention to their child.

They are compelled to take such decisions in situations where there are no schools or specific places of care they can leave their child, whilst they go to work.

All these challenges and more (including disrupted spousal relationships), can take a toll on the health and state of mind of caregivers eventually leading to burnout.

At this point, both the child and the caregiver suffer a lot.

A burnout is a state of emotional, mental and physical exhaustion.

This is the reason such parents and families must be supported and encouraged to pay attention to self-care.

The first hurdle is to deal with the issue of acceptance.

It is normal for parents and families to go through the processes of grieving with the aim of attaining resolution of diagnosis.

This is the term used to describe the process of acceptance and coming to terms with the diagnosis of ones child, and pertains to parents reaction and coping strategies of dealing with this new situation.

Parents and families must be supported through the initial period of denial.

This may be followed by anger directed at anyone perceived to be worthy of blame.

A period of bargaining then follows.

Theres a mix of depression as parents settle down and they may occasionally feel a sense of acceptance.

At every point in time, certain experiences may trigger any of these feelings.

It is always best to have a psychologist at hand to support such families.

This makes coping easier and bearable.
Miryam Naddaf in Nature:

It took 10 years, around 500 scientists and some 600 million, and now the Human Brain Project  one of the biggest research endeavours ever funded by the European Union  is coming to an end. Its audacious goal was to understand the human brain by modelling it in a computer. During its run, scientists under the umbrella of the Human Brain Project (HBP) have published thousands of papers and made significant strides in neuroscience, such as creating detailed 3D maps of at least 200 brain regions1, developing brain implants to treat blindness2 and using supercomputers to model functions such as memory and consciousness and to advance treatments for various brain conditions3.

When the project started, hardly anyone believed in the potential of big data and the possibility of using it, or supercomputers, to simulate the complicated functioning of the brain, says Thomas Skordas, deputy director-general of the European Commission in Brussels.

Almost since it began, however, the HBP has drawn criticism. The project did not achieve its goal of simulating the whole human brain  an aim that many scientists regarded as far-fetched in the first place. It changed direction several times, and its scientific output became fragmented and mosaic-like, says HBP member Yves Fregnac, a cognitive scientist and director of research at the French national research agency CNRS in Paris. For him, the project has fallen short of providing a comprehensive or original understanding of the brain. I dont see the brain; I see bits of the brain, says Fregnac.

More here.
Canada considering foreign student visa cap to address housing shortage

reuters.com International News Aug - 23 - 2023 , 12:19

The Canadian government, under pressure over the rising cost of housing, could consider capping foreign student visas, which have rocketed in recent years, new Housing Minister Sean Fraser said on Monday.

Official data show there were more than 800,000 foreign students with active visas in 2022, up from 275,000 in 2012. Canada is a popular destination for international students since it is relatively easy to obtain a work permit.

Fraser, who was immigration minister before taking up his job last month, said the sharp rise in the number of students was putting pronounced pressure on some housing markets.

Asked whether a cap could be imposed on the number of foreign students, he said, "I think that is one of the options that we ought to consider." The government has not yet made a decision, he added.

"We've got temporary immigration programs that were never designed to see such explosive growth in such a short period of time," Fraser told reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet retreat in the Atlantic province of Prince Edward Island.

The official opposition Conservative Party, ahead in the polls of a federal election which must be held by October 2025, say the Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is not doing enough to tackle the housing issue.

Canada, which has a population of around 39.5 million people, plans to take in a record 500,000 new permanent residents in 2025. Fraser said limiting the number of newcomers was not the answer.
Withholding our August salary is a slap on democracy  CETAG

Getrude Ankah Nyavi Education Aug - 22 - 2023 , 16:18

The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has described the move by the government to withhold their August salary following their strike action as a "slap on Ghanas democracy."

I think this is a slap on the face of democracy and all meaning Ghanaians who believe in democratic dispensation must rise and speak against this kind of treatment," the Vice President for CETAG, John Newton Kumi said in a radio interview with Accra based Starr FM on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

This followed a directive from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) asking the Controller and Accountant General's Department not to validate August salaries of CETAG members, because they are on strike and have done no work for the month.

The directive also includes the non payment of the allowances of the teaching staff of all the 46 Colleges of Education.

According to the Vice President for CETAG, Newton Kumi, the National Labour Commission (NLC) has not at any point declared their strike action illegal.

All along CETAG has been law abiding and so our case was taken to the NLC by the employer. You know weve been fighting for these two years now. On no occasion has CETAG taken the government to NLC. It is the government that often takes CETAG there and we respond. NLC has given awards after compulsory arbitration but the government failed to honour them. We gave adequate information and time over a month to do the necessary thing so that we do not go the other way. All fell on dead eyes. he said
Ministry of Education, USAID launch $14.39 million education project

Mohammed Fugu Education Aug - 23 - 2023 , 07:10

A $14.39 Million project aimed at improving student learning outcomes and financing options for Low-Cost Private Schools (LCPSs) in Northern Ghana has been launched in Tamale, the Northern Regional Capital.

Dubbed: Advancing Partnerships for Improved Learning Activity, the five-year intervention project seeks to increase teacher certification and retention, strengthen school leadership capacity and quality, and use a comprehensive investment strategy that will support school improvement.

It would also offer affordable financing options for selected low-cost private schools serving disadvantaged communities while strengthening the relationship and regulator capacity of the Ministry of Education in its oversight of private schools.

Objective

The project is being initiated by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Opportunity International, a private and humanitarian bank as the lead implementer.

In all, it is expected to strengthen business skills for more than 200 school leaders, equip 400 teacher mentors with evidence-based classroom best practices to teach another 2,000 teachers and certify 1,200 untrained teachers.

The Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, joined the USAID Deputy Mission Director, Grace Lang, to launch the project in Tamale last Friday.

Overview

Giving an overview of the project, the Chief of Party of the Advancing Partnerships for Improved Learning Activity, Salome Ongele, indicated that a total of 213 selected Low-Cost Schools within the northern part of the country were expected to benefit from the project.

She said the overall objective was to ensure that every child, regardless of their geographical location or school affiliation, had access to quality basic education.

Ongele added that Opportunity International, which was the lead implementation partner, would create a School Capacity Building Fund (SCBF) to empower schools with catalytic grants for operational enhancements and increased credit worthiness.

Improving quality education

For her part, Madam Lang said the project aimed to attract increased private sector investments into northern Ghana's education landscape.

In his remarks, Dr Adutwum said the project was in line with the governments commitment to improving quality education especially communities in rural areas.

While thanking the U.S government for committing the funds for the project, he reiterated his commitment to ensuring its successful implementation.
Cecilia Dapaah theft case: One more suspect granted GH 300,000 bail

Justice Agbenorsi Aug - 23 - 2023 , 07:25

Job Pomary, husband of one of the accused persons charged with dishonestly receiving some of the stolen money from the house of the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah, has been granted bail.

The accused is said to have acted with his wife, Christiana Achab, to purchase a four-bedroom house at Kokrobite at a cost of GH280,000 from the stolen money.

This brings to three the number of people granted bail.

Pomary was admitted to bail in the sum of GH300,000 with two sureties to be justified.

Meanwhile, the two lactating mothers granted bail by the Circuit Court in July have still not been able to execute their bail.

Sarah Agyei and Achab  both lactating mothers  are struggling to meet the GH1 million bail bond granted them by the Court presided over by Afia Owusuaa Appiah.

Their lawyers are expected to file a formal application for bail variation to be considered on September 5, 2023  the date set for the case to continue.

The date was set after an Assistant State Attorney, Akosua Agyapomaa Agyemang, who made her first appearance on behalf of the Attorney-General prayed for a two-week adjournment to enable the prosecution to complete investigations into the matter.

Prosecutions facts

The facts presented by the prosecution are that on June 2023, the complainants, Ms Dapaah, and her husband reported theft of their cash and some personal effects.

Upon the receipt of the complaint, the police commenced investigations into the issue, leading to the arrest of Botwe and Sowah at their hideout in Tamale in the Northern Region.

A search conducted in their room revealed cash sum of $40,000 and GH72,619.70.

Police investigation revealed that in October 2022, complainant Daniel Osei Kufour, the ministers husband, returned from town to observe that their bedroom which was locked had been opened, and he heard an unusual noise.

Kufour entered the room and found Botwe hiding behind his storeroom door with duplicate keys to his master bedroom.

Subsequently, the minister and her husband detected theft of properties.

Statement

Botwe indicated during interrogation that she gave $70,000 out of the stolen money to A5 to buy a three-bedroom house at Amrahia for her.

Brand-new items which Botwe used some of the stolen money to buy were also retrieved from the said house.

These included a double decker refrigerator, a television set, one washing machine, one chest freezer, one gas cooker, one water dispenser and related items.

Police investigation also established that Botwe and Sowa used some of the stolen money to buy Hyundai Elantra saloon car worth GH80,000.

Botwe also gave GH180,000 to Sowa who used same to purchase an unregistered Honda Civic saloon car.

Investigation also disclosed that Botwe and Sowa used part of the stolen money to rent a three-bedroom apartment in Tamale at a total cost of GH105,600 for a period of two years.

Additionally, Botwe and Sowa used part of the stolen money to rent a storeroom worth GH120,000.

Botwe also mentioned Agyei as her accomplice to the effect that, when they were working in the complainants house, she used to keep watch of the main gate for Agyei to go into the complainants room to steal their money after which they shared the spoil.

Agyei was subsequently arrested from her hideout in Budumburam, a suburb of Kasoa, for investigation.

Further investigations

Investigation further disclosed that Agyei used part of the stolen money to build a three-bedroom self-contained house at Budumburam.

Achab, Pomary and Sarakpo who were wanted for their involvement in the case were arrested for investigation.

The prosecutor also said that Pomary who knew that Botwe had stolen money from the complainants collected GH 42,830,000 of the stolen money from Botwe.

Achab upon receipt of the said amount, also purchased an 11-unit chamber and hall self-contained house at Budumburam worth GH800,000 for herself.

Achab again purchased a three-bedroom house at Aplaku, worth GH300,000, also for Botwe.

Achab and Pomary also purchased a four-bedroom house at Kokrobite at the cost of GH280,000 AS.

Achab called Sumaila from Tamale and purchased a three-bedroom self-contained house at Amrahia at a cost of Gh850,000 in the name of Sumaila.

Investigation further disclosed that Achab purchased two Honda Acura vehicles at a cost of GH300,000 each which are registered in the name of Sarakpo and Botwe respectively from the proceeds.
Climate resilience project launched in Northern Region

Mohammed Fugu Aug - 23 - 2023 , 06:53

A project aimed at advancing climate resilience in vulnerable farmer communities in northern Ghana through capacity building and advocacy has been launched in Tamale.

The GH8,300,000 project seeks to support an inclusive climate adaptation planning process from the community level to the district level, to feed into the national adaptation plan while strengthening the adaptive capacity and resilience of smallholder farmers.

Dubbed: GoAdapt, the project is being implemented by a consortium of non-governmental organisations including Changing Lives in Innovative Partnerships (CLIP), YEFL Ghana, Ghana Venskab, a Danish organisation, with funding support from CISU, a German donor agency.

It is a two-and-a-half-year project to be implemented in the Kumbungu, Nanton, Savelugu and Tolon districts in the Northern Region.

The project

Presenting an overview of the project at the launch in Tamale, the Director of CLIP, Lukman Yussif, said the project was targeting young farmers, smallholder farmers, vulnerable farming communities as well as the district assemblies.

Given the growing impact of climate change, he indicated that the project sought to adopt innovative approaches to build the resilience of communities to adapt and respond to the menace.

He said the project was not only an initiative but also a way of fostering the sense of ownership and empowerment among beneficial community members.

Climate resilience

For his part, the Technical Advisor for Youth Advocacy and Gender of YEFL Ghana, Ganiw Alhassan, said the project would be implemented with strategies that included awareness creation, equipping communities to embark on climate change vulnerability analysis, as well as climate resilience approaches to enhance flexibility.

He said GoAdapt was different from other climate resilience projects, as it sought to adopt the bottom down approach in its implementation to achieve best results.

He noted that the capacity of smallholder farmers would be built to enable them to champion their own adaptation processes that would result from adaptation analysis, to help adopt best options.

Mr Alhassan, therefore, advised the beneficiary districts and communities to embrace the project so as to fight climate change and enhance food security.
Compassion Ghana builds capacity of staff

Beatrice Laryea Aug - 23 - 2023 , 19:33

To promote learning and development among their staff, Compassion International Ghana (CIGH), a non-governmental organisation advocating the comprehensive development of children and youth in the country, has held its maiden Thriving Child Seminar Series (THriCSS) in Accra.

The THriCSS was also used as a conduit for forging strategic partnerships with organisations which shared same values with the CIGH, endowed with resources and capacities that complement their efforts in responding to the exigencies of child and youth development in Ghana.

In a welcome address read on his behalf, the National Director of CIGH, Kobina Yeboah Okyere, noted that after nearly two decades of operation, his outfit had encountered various hurdles in ministering to children and young people.

Thus, this initiative provided a platform for seeking solutions with similar organisations which were serving the needs of children and the youth in Ghana.

Theme

Touching on the theme  Policy Framework on Children: The Law and Practice, Mr Okyere said the policy framework concerning children must be firmly rooted in international conventions and declarations that delineate their rights.

This theme encapsulates our unwavering dedication to fostering a society where every child is not merely observed, but genuinely heard.

A society where their dreams are nurtured and their vulnerabilities are shielded from harm, he said

Challenges

At the event, the Executive Director of the Ark Foundation Ghana, Dr Angela Dwamena Aboagye, said globally, there were great issues when it comes to the welfare and protection of children.

She outlined the fast pace of technological changes, climactic changes, threats from full scale war, breakdown of the family system, sex tourism and prostitution as well as child marriage as some of the challenges threatening children.

She, therefore, called for collaboration between researchers, advocates and practitioners to solve these challenges which affect the welfare of children.

Looking at the global outlook, since COVID-19, the world has moved in a fast pace of technological changes and the current global challenges present more complex issues to practitioners and the concerns have been collaboration, she said.

Cyber security

For his part, the Executive Director of Child Rights International, Bright Appiah, called for cyber security laws to protect children from online abusers.

At every stage there is something that we must do to protect children.

The issue of online protection of children is a big issue and cyber security law is one of the things we have to push for.

I am of the view that in order to grow our laws, we have to look at other countries and how they protect children, Mr Appiah said.
Committee to review nation's cultural policy constituted

Daniel Kenu Aug - 23 - 2023 , 10:29

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has constituted a 20-member committee to review the country's 2004 cultural policy.

The new policy would hinge on technological advancement, while maintaining the principle of inclusiveness, diversity and sustainability.

The committee comprises individuals of exceptional expertise and passion drawn from academia, arts and culture institutions, among others.

They are Nana Gyan Apenteng, communication, media and culture consultant; Prof. Michael P. K. Okyenefo, University of Ghana, Legon; David Dontoh, DAS Professional Acting and Film Institute; Chris Wetcher, Ghana National Commission for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO); George Bosompim, Ghana Academy of Film and Television Arts, and Ahumah Bosco Ocansey.

They are to examine successful cultural policies around the world and make recommendations that will shape the foundation and landscape of the industry in the country.

They are also to ensure that the country's culture policy does not only reflect the richness of "our tradition, but also embraces the potential for innovation and progress".

While embracing technology and artificial intelligence, the committee would also hold dear the relevance of the country's foundation for which culture is the heartbeat.

Funding

In line with this, the sector ministry last year sent a proposal to UNESCO for assistance to build the capacity of key stakeholders and also roll out programmes and projects.

UNESCO subsequently gave approval and agreed to fund the initiative at $82,000, of which the first tranche of $41,000 had been released.

Inauguration

The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey, who inaugurated the committee in Accra yesterday, gave an assurance that the government will offer the necessary resources and also create an environment that would encourage innovation and excellence in arts and culture.

"Our cultural heritage belongs to every citizen and it is our duty to safeguard it for future generations while also allowing it to evolve in response to changing times.

"The world around us is changing at an unprecedented pace and we must remain relevant and adaptive," he added.

Mr Okraku Mantey said that culture was the thread that weaved the tapestry of the nation's identity, heritage and aspirations.

The deputy minister, therefore, urged the committee to evaluate and enhance the cultural policy to align with "our evolving society."

Appreciation

Nana Gyan Apenteng expressed appreciation for the honour done them and said the task underscored the government's commitment to preserve, promote and develop the nation's cultural heritage.

He said culture was the driving force for social cohesion, economic growth and the overall well-being of the nation.

Nana Apenteng, therefore, said he and his colleagues would use their expertise and come out with a policy that would stand the test of time.
Ghana saves $1.5bn from GNPC-Genser deal  Parliamentary Select Committee

Suleiman Mustapha Aug - 23 - 2023 , 12:04

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Energy has stated that the country saved about $1.5 billion from the Gas Sales Agreement between the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and the Genser Energy Ghana Limited (GEGL).

The contract is to deliver 329 million metric British Thermal Unit (mmBTU) of gas to the GNPC for 16 years.

The committee said the sales agreement would also reduce the transmission losses by $480 million when the Ameri plant is relocated to Kumasi and made operational.

The parliamentary probe follows criticisms by some civil society organisations last year that the agreement would cause financial loss to the state.

The committee said in its report that after a careful evaluation of testimonies from stakeholders, the country would derive some benefits from the sales agreement.

Civil society groups, IMANI Africa and the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), alleged that Ghana bought gas for $95.8 million and sold to the Genser Energy Ghana Limited (GEGL) for $43.5 million, accounting for a $1.5 billion financial loss to the state.

Parliaments Mines and Energy Committee interrogated the management of the GNPC and the Ministry of Energy over the said gas supply deal with Genser Energy, which IMANI Africa and ACEP had criticised.

The sales agreement was signed in 2020 and amended in 2021 following a directive from the Ministry of Energy.

11-month probe

But after an 11-month-long investigation, the parliamentary committee enquiry report, seen by the Daily Graphic, indicated that the sales agreement between the GNPC and Genser Energy would offer a cheaper and cleaner alternative to diesel for industry, which could boost economic growth and development.

The GNPC officials, during the committees probe, testified that the GNPC had an option to buy a primary pipeline at a price between $125 million and $145 million, with an additional $54 million for a branch line.

The GNPC, however, instead made a deal with Genser Energy, allowing them to invest $170 million for a pipeline extension.

 The GNPC then retained the right to transport its gas for free along the new pipeline route to Kumasi.

The difference in commodity prices serves as the pipeline financing cost, specifically for the Nyinahin-Kumasi pipeline.

The GNPC can buy the Genser Energy primary pipeline at $33.88 million plus a reasonable return."

As such, the committee posited that the claim that GNPC was losing $1.5 billion was based on confusion regarding the GEGL's Gas Discount Charge for shortfall payments and that keeping the GNPC-Genser deal actually resulted in a gain of $1.462 billion for the GNPC.

Computations

The committee found the computation methods used by the ACEP and IMANI faulty.

The CSOs calculated a hypothetical loss based on the contractual sum of $2.79/mmBTU but that price reflected offsets from a capacity charge of $3.29/mmBTU.

The agreement, the report said, also had other benefits such as reducing carbon dioxide emissions, increasing port revenue, creating jobs and extending the life of mines.

The report stated that the deal would enable the GEGL to expand its business operations in Ghana, which would create more employment opportunities for Ghanaians.

The GEGL is a private company that provides power generation and gas supply solutions in Ghana.

It has invested over $980 million in Ghana and operates several power plants and gas pipelines across the country.

The Ranking Member of the committee, John Abdulai Jinapor, however, disagreed with the committees findings, saying the agreement would lead to significant losses for the state.
I don't fear going to jail at all - MP James Gyakye Quayson

Kweku Zurek Aug - 23 - 2023 , 06:45

Assin North's Member of Parliament, James Gyakye Quayson, has expressed unwavering confidence in Ghana's criminal justice system as he faces charges of perjury and forgery in an ongoing trial. During an interview on Citi TV, Quayson affirmed his belief that he will be exonerated from all accusations.

When questioned about any concerns regarding the possibility of incarceration if found guilty, the Assin North MP responded resolutely, stating, No, why should I? I believe in the justice system. The fundamental thing about any judicial matter is that person intended to commit that crime. Did he plan it, I have not planned anything of such.

Mr. Quayson further emphasized his conviction that time will vindicate him. He asserted, "My strongest conviction is that this is just a matter of time. When you believe you have done the right thing, you shouldn't be afraid. I trust the court will deliver a very positive verdict. I trust my lawyers, I trust the conscience of the people."

The MP disclosed that he had been exercising his dual citizenship since 2009. He explained the process of obtaining dual citizenship through the Ministry of Interior, involving the presentation of both a Canadian and Ghanaian passport to secure a green certificate.

Quayson's dual citizenship allowed him to travel freely between Ghana and Canada without the need for a visa. He pointed out that the Ghanaian authorities officially recognized his dual citizenship status, raising questions about the allegations surrounding his nationality.

In closing, Quayson dismissed any fear of incarceration, asserting, "So I don't fear going to jail at all." As the legal proceedings unfold, the MP's unwavering faith in the justice system remains a prominent facet of his defense strategy.

Charges

Mr Quayson is facing charges of forgery and perjury in relation to certain alleged offences in the run up to the 2020 Assin North parliamentary election.

He has pleaded not guilty to five counts of forgery of passport or travel certificate, knowingly making a false statutory declaration, perjury and false declaration for office.

It is the case of the prosecution that Mr Quayson allegedly made a false statement to the Passport Office that he did not hold a passport to another country when he applied for a Ghanaian Passport.

In addition, the prosecution has accused Mr Quayson of making a false declaration to the Electoral Commission (EC) to the effect that he (Quayson) did not owe any allegiance to a foreign country when he filed to contest as candidate for the Assin North seat.
Karpowership relocation saves nation millions of dollars

Dotsey Koblah Aklorbortu Aug - 23 - 2023 , 19:33

The relocation of the Karpowership Ghana to Sekondi in the Western Region to use natural gas from the oil fields has saved the country $18 million a month since 2019.

The power barge, which relied on heavy fuel oil (HFO) to fire while in Tema, now uses natural gas leading to the monthly savings.

The relocation of the barge, christened Karadeniz Powership Osman Khan, also helped to ease pressure on the government to utilise substantially the contractual gas volumes agreed with the operators of the Offshore Cape Three Point.

It costs the government about $40 million a month for the countrys inability to utilise gas volumes, hence the relocation of the barge to rely more on natural gas.

During a recent visit by the Daily Graphic to the Karpowership Ghana, which is one of Ghanas largest private thermal power generating companies, the managers said the generating units were functioning well and poised to continue contributions to the countrys energy mix.

In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Takoradi, after a guided tour of the Home Port in the Western Naval Command in Sekondi where the power barge is currently moored, the Communications Manager of the company, Sandra Amarquaye, reaffirmed the commitment of the company to meet the countrys power demands.

The company said it would fulfil its mandate through efficient management, coupled with the proximity of the powership to the countrys oil and gas fields.

The plant remains reliable and efficient to deliver the required megawatts to the country, Ms Amarquaye said.

The commitment

We are committed to the cause to produce power to support the industrialisation drive of the country and to impact the country through our social investment initiatives and skills transfer through local content, she said.

In June 2014, the owners of Karpowership signed a 450MW power supply contract with the country to deploy the powership to meet the high and growing demands from the domestic and industrial power consumers and to also export to neighbouring countries.

Ms Amarquaye explained that since its inception in 2014 and subsequent actual upstream operations in 2015, the company had consistently served the countrys energy needs.

The Project Manager of the company, Michelle Hazel, said the companys operations had greatly contributed to the economy at the macro and micro levels.



Impacts

The project, since its inception, has impacted both the macro economy of the country and the micro economies of our host communities, she added.

Enumerating some of the items, Ms Hazel mentioned the companys direct investment of more than $3 million into site preparation and sourcing of vendors locally as one of the tangible feats as it worked closely with the teams to deliver.

With the companys commitment to skills transfer and ensuring local content, we sourced many skills locally and engaged in tangible social interventions and capacity-building as part of its commitment to host country and communities, she said.



Pre-financed

Ms Hazel added that Karpowership Ghana in the quest to save cost and support the national economy, off-took the natural gas meant for the country to help meet the countrys upstream commercial obligations.

The company also pre-financed the construction of the transmission lines at the cost of $8 million.

The powership currently off-takes the gas from the countrys offshore field processed by Ghana National Gas Company and the gas from the Sankofa fields.

In all, the powership has a total installed capacity of 470MW, out of which it delivers 450MW.



The savings

In 2015, the country approved a $7 billion investment in the Offshore Cape Three Point (OCTP) oil field to achieve energy self-sufficiency by utilising its natural gas for power generation.

The development of the multibillion-dollar OCTP was aimed to address the power challenges and unreliable gas supply from Nigeria, supporting sustained economic growth.

The World Bank provided a $700-million security package to ensure project success, with a focus on generating hundreds of megawatts of power from the gas.

The presence of the Karpowership Ghana, therefore, saved the country the monthly take-or-pay obligation of $52.9 million after it took action to relocate the plant and made the most of the gas resources.

The country was at the time encountering difficulties in utilising the planned 171-mmscf of gas per day from the OCTP project due to perceived inadequate planning and misaligned infrastructure investments.
Aleks Phillips in Newsweek:

Russell Moore, editor-in-chief of Christianity Today and a former stalwart of the American Baptist church, said during an interview this month that he saw Christianity as being in crisis because the teachings of Jesus were being viewed by a growing number of people as subversive to their right-wing ideology. Multiple pastors tell me, essentially, the same story about quoting the Sermon on the Mount, parenthetically, in their preachingturn the other cheek[and] to have someone come up after to say, Where did you get those liberal talking points?' he told NPR. While devout Christians rebuffing the words of Jesus Christ may come as a surprise to some, what Moore was elucidating was what experts described to Newsweek as a rift within the conservative Christian faith that has been growing for decadesbut had come to be defined by support for Don.

What Russell Moores talking about is real and important and certainly, for anyone who cares about the longer history of Christianity, its deeply concerning, said Heath Carter, associate professor of American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary. But I dont think its new.

More here.
Minerals Commission discusses exploration of lithium at Mfantseman

Timothy Ngnenbe Aug - 23 - 2023 , 11:07

The Minerals Commission is holding preliminary discussions with Atlantic Lithium Limited, a mining company, on the development of the Ewoyaa Lithium deposits in the Mfantseman Municipality in the Central Region.

The project has, however, not received the approval of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, neither has a contract, transaction, deal or stake for any person, company or entity been signed.

By law, the commission is mandated to make recommendations to the minister for the granting of mineral rights, including a mining lease.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Kwaku Ayisi, told the Daily Graphic that the commission had not made any such recommendations for the granting of a mining lease for the development of the lithium deposits at Ewoyaa.

He explained that Atlantic Lithium had a prospecting licence which it acquired through its Ghanaian subsidiary, Barari Development Ghana Limited.

At this stage, Atlantic Lithium Limited still holds a prospecting licence in the name of its local subsidiary, Barari Development Ghana Limited, Mr Ayisi added.

Context

The interview comes in the wake of claims by Piedmont Lithium in respect of the company's acquisition of a stake in the Ewoyaa Lithium Project in Ghana.

The press release by the commission follows that Australian Mining firm, Piedmont Lithium had acquired a 22.5 per cent stake in Atlantic Lithiums Ewoyaa project in the country.

The CEO of Piedmont, Keith Phillips, was quoted in a release saying: We are pleased with the results of the Ewoyaa lithium project (definitive feasibility study) and our election to earn our initial 22.5 per cent interest in Atlantic Lithiums Ghanaian lithium project portfolio.

Policy framework

Cabinet on July 27, this year, approved a new policy framework for the exploitation, management and regulation of lithium and other green minerals in Ghana.

The overarching goal of the new framework is anchored on the principle that the exploitation of green minerals including lithium must benefit the people who are the true owners of the mineral resources.

Mr Ayisi said that the government was committed to ensuring that the country reaped optimum benefits from the exploitation of lithium and other green minerals.He, therefore, debunked reports that the government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, had signed a deal with Atlantic Lithium Limited for the exploitation of lithium deposits.

The CEO said such speculations were erroneous and a misrepresentation of the facts.

Mr Ayisi further said that discussions had not evolved to a stage where the company could be granted operating licence and that any reports to the contrary were false and must be treated with the contempt it deserved.

He said the commission would ensure that the exploitation and harnessing of the countrys minerals, including the Ewoyaa Lithium deposits, were done for the benefit of citizens, adding that any deal which was likely to have adverse effect on the public interest would be rejected.
MTN, Graphic strengthen partnership

Maclean Kwofi Aug - 23 - 2023 , 07:04

The newly appointed Chief Corporate Services Officer of MTN Ghana, Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, has paid a working visit to the Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL) to familiarise herself with the operations of the Daily Graphic and its sister brands.

Accompanied by some executives of the telecommunications company and Touchpoint Magna Carta (TPMC), the visit was to officially introduce Mrs Wiafe to the Editor, Graphic, Theophilus Yartey, strengthen the relationship between the two companies and also discuss areas of support and collaboration.

The delegation comprised MTN Ghanas Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, Georgina Asare Fiagbenu; Manager, Corporate Communications, Efua Falconer, and Media Relations Advisor, Afua Asafo-Adjei .

It also included the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Clarence Amoatey; Senior PR Executive, William Tamakloe, and Senior PR Executive, Nana Akua Amofa from TPMC.

Mr Yartey received the seven-member delegation in the company of the Director, Marketing, of GCGL, Franklin Sowa.

Strong relationship

In a brief remark, Mrs Wiafe commended her team at MTN for the work it had done over the years to build a strong relationship with the media and journalists in the country.

The media is a key stakeholder in our work, as without them our messages cannot be delivered, and so we are very grateful for the partnership with the Graphic Communications Group Limited, she said.

Theophilus Yartey (5th from right), Editor, Graphic, with Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe (5th from left), Chief Corporate Service and Sustainability Officer, MTN; Franklin Sowah (2nd from left), Marketing Director, Graphic Communications Group Limited; Georgina Asare Fiagbenu (4th from right), Senior Manager, MTN, and other officials of the company

She stated that the telecommunication firm was committed to working with the GCGL at all times in all areas to further deepen the relationship to the extent that each could support the other.

And so, we are thankful for the continued support over the years to help build the MTN brand, she added.

Important partner

Welcoming the delegation, Mr Yartey stated that MTN over the years had been an important partner of the GCGL.

He explained that the strong bond between the two parties made it easy to verify and understand each other on a professional level.

We have worked with the team at MTN over the years and they are the best because they have managed to engage journalists so well.

It has been a solid partnership, he said.

The Editor noted that the Graphic Communications Group thrived on the back of a 73-year-old historic feat which had been built on objectivity and professionalism.

There are certain things that have been done right to ensure this longevity and we will continue to value those critical values that have brought us this far.

We are objective and professional in our work and we ensure that things that are of interest to the nation are promoted in our brands and anything short of that we are not interested at all, he said.

He added that the Graphic Communications Group Limited would continue to support and collaborate with MTN for mutual benefit.

Ghana Year Book

The Editor also informed the Chief Corporate Services Officer and her team that the group had revived the informative Ghana Year Book (GYB) which used to be a prominent feature and reference document for individuals and organisations but whose publication stopped over four decades ago.

He explained that the revival of the publication was part of activities to commemorate GCGLs 70th anniversary, as well as the strong consideration of calls for the book from some long-standing loyal patrons of the Daily Graphic, who had found it useful in the past.

Graphics interest

The GCGLs Director Marketing noted that Graphic would continue to support the drive to build a prosperous nation for businesses to thrive.

We are a brand that has been in existence for several decades and for that reason we will try our best to be consistent to promote issues and topics that would help grow the economy.

We believe in brands that also share a common interest with us like MTN, he said.
NIB busts alleged cable thieves

Daily Graphic Aug - 23 - 2023 , 07:31

The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) has busted two persons for allegedly stealing conductors and fibre optic cables belonging to the Ghana Grid Company (GridCo) worth several millions of Ghana cedis.

Simon Kwamina Atta, 49, a coconut seller, and Osama Adamu, 19, a scrap dealer, were arrested last Saturday at Mpeasem, near Half Assini in the Jomoro Municipality in the Western Region.

The electrical cables were found in concealed raffia huts on the outskirts of the town.

When a search was conducted in their rooms some of the fibre optic cables and cutters were found by the officials of the NIB with the assistance of the police and the Ghana Navy based on a month-long intelligent gathering.

The owner of the hut, David Kaku, who was nursing a leg injury, told the police that he rented his hut to some Nigerien scrap dealers in the area.
President calls for return of African properties

Donald Ato Dapatem Aug - 23 - 2023 , 10:55

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called for the repatriation of stolen and looted African cultural properties under pre-colonial and colonial circumstances.

That, he said, would help Africans and descendants of communities, groups and individuals who created and produced such cultural properties to reconnect with their history and improve on their knowledge and skills.

President Akufo-Addo made the call at the opening of a three-day conference for the restitution of Africa Heritage by Open Society Foundation, a CSO, at the W.E. B Du Bois Memorial Centre in Accra.

The event, which was organised by the foundation, was attended by participants from around the world, including a former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, who represented the West Africa Elders Forum, made up of former presidents of the bloc.

Significance

President Akufo-Addo said that when the cultural properties were returned, it would offer Africans the opportunity to develop local knowledge of the technology, cultural, social and aesthetic value of the objects.

He said a reconnection of the past and the present would also help establish new relations with the international community, especially Europe, which is principally responsible for the original theft of the cultural properties.

The President added that no amount of money could restore the damage caused by the transatlantic slave trade and its consequences which had spanned many centuries, nevertheless, it was now time to revive and intensify discussions about reparations for Africa.

If reparations can rightfully be paid to victims of the Holocaust, reparations can be paid to victims of the slave trade, he said.

Restitution

President Akufo-Addo further said that the restitution processes would not evoke tension if it involved state and non-state institutions, activist groups and local community leaders who would work in partnership with international counterparts based on mutual trust and respect through dialogue, negotiation and consensus building at all levels.

He also said that Africa deserved a formal apology from European nations who were involved in the slave trade and caused crime and damages on the people.

The President announced that the AU had chosen Ghana to host a global conference on reparation for Africa this year.

In line with that, he said the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture had set up a national research team on restitution and repatriation to research and advise on international best practices and guidelines that would support the country in the restitution process.

President Akufo-Addo mentioned Senegal, Nigeria and Benin as some of the countries that had managed to successfully regain possession of some of their cultural properties that were illegally moved out of their territories.

He said the country had also restituted some of its stolen cultural properties and relics and cited the example of 2008, when the government, in collaboration with elders of Ahanta in the Western Region, retrieved the severed head of Nana Badu II, who was executed in 1838.

Others were the return of some collections of the Ashanti royal family and an Ashanti stool in 1984 by the British government.

Elders Forum

The former President of Sierra Leone, Mr Koroma, also said that the West Africa Elders Forum believed there was the need to engage with those who held the illicitly acquired and or stolen heritage resources to restitute them to their natural and original environment.

He called for a common framework of inter-governmental action and cooperation on practicalities of the restitution and management of illegally acquired and stolen heritage resources.
Republic Bank Africa sets up hub in Accra

Maclean Kwofi Aug - 23 - 2023 , 07:00

The parent company of Republic Bank Ghana is poised to establish its regional headquarters in Ghana to oversee its expansion to other parts of Africa.

Leveraging its Ghana operations, Republic Financial Holdings Limited, a Caribbean financial institution headquartered in Trinidad and Tobago, has started putting in place the necessary processes to ensure that the new entity is founded on a solid footing for it to become sustainable.

Expected to operate under the franchise The Republic Africa, it will enable the financial institution to deepen its footprints and reach out to the over 1.3 billion consumers in Africa.

Working visit

This came to light when the management of the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), led by its Managing Director (MD), Ato Afful, paid a courtesy call on the MD of Republic Bank Ghana, Benjamin Dzoboku, in Accra last Wednesday.

The meeting was meant to deepen business relations and complement each other in their activities.

It was to further build on the relationship between the bank and the media house, discuss areas of collaboration and introduce the new Editor, Graphic, Theophilus Yartey, who has oversight responsibility for the Daily Graphic, its sister brands as well as the news department.

Among the delegation, was the Director, Marketing and Sales, Franklin Sowa.

The MD of Republic Bank Ghana received the delegation in the company of the Manager in charge of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Genevieve Aboney.

Signed agreement

Mr Dzoboku stated that an agreement for the establishment of the headquarters had already been signed in 2015.

The plan is to build a holding company in Ghana, which will be called Republic Africa, with a presence in the region and it will serve as the headquarters in Africa, he said.

We want to set the platform and secure the human resource before we can start to acquire or set operations in other African countries because when we start, we will need to send people there and if the human resource is not ready, it will be difficult, he added.

Mr Dzoboku explained that Ghana was chosen to host the headquarters of the Holding Company based on its stable political environment.

He said plans were far advanced for the bank to establish its operations in one of the countries within the southern African sub-region this year.

The President of the Group in Trinidad and Tobago will join us to visit the country in question by the end of this month (August) as part of measures to conduct feasibility studies, the MD of Republic Bank disclosed.

We selected that country because the economic fundamentals and political climate are good for business, now what is left is for us to see and experience the friendliness of the environment and other business opportunities, Mr Dzoboku added.

Market share

With a history dating back to 180 years ago, Mr Dzoboku stated that the parent company of Republic Bank was committed to creating additional value for its customers and clients in Africa.

He said Republic Financial Holdings so far had over 40 per cent of the market share with a total asset of $17.1 billion.

So, it is a big bank, which is making a profit of over $398 million as of last year and this year about $400 million, Mr Dzoboku said.

The MD of Republic Bank said after the bank took over the then-HFC Bank, it decentralised the mortgage portfolio and as a result, the market share was lost.

So, we were not doing mortgage for a while, we were just doing commercial banking and personal loans.

When I took over as the MD, my first strategy was to go back to base and we set out a team purposely for the mortgage business and we are now doing well in the market, Mr Dzoboku said.

Lets deepen relationship

Mr Afful noted that the Graphic Group was committed to the already established business relationship between the two parties.

Our mission is, first of all, to congratulate you on assuming the MD position of the bank and introduce the new Editor, Graphic and secondly to deepen and build stronger relationships which will be beneficial to both parties, he said.

Mr Afful maintained that the GCGL had over 70 years of history and for that reason was not interested in publishing negativity, but rather focused on building strong credibility and relationship for mutual benefits.

He added that the Graphic Group would prefer that its partners, which include the Republic Bank, were part of the day-to-day activities of its operations in the country.

Mr Afful said the GCGL was also able to assist Republic Bank in its brand-building processes, while it availed its printing and packaging business, G-PAK, at the disposal of its partners for all printing, branding, packaging and marketing communication materials to increase their brand visibilities.

He also spoke about the digitisation of the 70-year archival news and information of Graphic since 1950, which would be of valuable importance to all segments of society.
Tanzania opens new consulate in Ghana

Kweku Zurek Aug - 23 - 2023 , 20:12

The United Republic of Tanzania has announced the opening of its new consulate in Ghana, having received the Exequatur of the President of the Republic of Ghana through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana.

The new consulate will be located in Accra, the capital of Ghana.

The opening of the new consulate is expected to further boost the long history of trade, investment, and Pan-African cooperation between the two countries.

Ghana and Tanzania enjoy a cordial relationship dating back to the independence era when the founding leaders of both countries were pioneers in the pursuit of African solidarity. The two countries have maintained this relationship through diplomatic engagements, cultural exchanges and educational programmes.

The consulate will be headed by His Excellency Dr. Ken Kwaku, who has been appointed as the Honorary Consul-General of Tanzania to Ghana.

Dr. Kwaku is a successful international civil servant with a long history of ties to both Tanzania and Ghana.

Opening the consulate, Dr. Ken Kwaku said, it has been long overdue for Tanzania to have a strong diplomatic presence in Ghana. I was honoured to play a key role in opening the Ghana Consulate in Tanzania and today this consulate will be the continuation of that effort all in the name of Pan-African cooperation.

About the Honorary Consul

H.E Dr. Ken Kwaku has a PhD in Political Economy from the University of Toronto, Canada.

He has built a long career in international civil service as a trade advisor, investment promoter, researcher, economic advisor and consultant.

For more than three decades, he worked at the World Bank helping countries navigate complex relations and structures of international trade and investment.

Upon retirement, Dr. Kwaku served as economic advisor to the late former President of Tanzania, Benjamin Mkapa.
Use dialogue to restore democracy in Niger - AFRO-GLOBAL to ECOWAS leaders

Nana Konadu Agyeman Aug - 23 - 2023 , 19:31

The Africa Centre of Global Engagement and Diplomacy (AFRO-GLOBAL), a research think tank, has urged the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) leaders to resort to dialogue in restoring democracy in Niger.

It said while the military takeover in Niger was unfortunate, ECOWAS leaders must reconsider the military option and allow dialogue and diplomacy to work.

Unpredictable outcome

In a statement issued in Accra last Friday and signed by the Director/Lead Research of AFRO-GLOBAL, Professor Lord Mawuko-Yevugah, the centre said it strongly believed the situation needed a diplomatic solution and not a military solution.

Our call is based on the understanding that military solution has never had a predictable outcome, the centre said.

Unanswered issues

The centre said there were too many unanswered issues that might undermine a credible ECOWAS-led intervention.

It said there were reports that suggested that France and the United States of America have over 1,500 and 1,100 troops respectively in Niger.

It, therefore, asked what would be the role of those foreign troops in the event of an ECOWAS-led intervention, questioning how will their role undermine the image and independence of ECOWAS.

Another dimension is the ethnicity at play in this crisis, with the ousted President being seen as coming from the minority foreign Arab ethnicity against the coup makers' native ethnicity.

Would the ethnic kith and kin of the coup makers become involved as armed civilians?

If they get involved, how easy would it be to reconcile the society even if ECOWAS succeeds in restoring the democratic order, Prof. Mawuko-Yevugah asked.

Pointing out reports of the coup makers seeking the assistance of the Russian mercenary group Wegner, the AFRO-GLOBAL also sought to know if ECOWAS was prepared for a war that might become a proxy of superpowers.

In view of the general poor economic situation in the sub-region, who will pay for the cost of the intervention? Will it be the struggling economies of the region or a foreign power? it asked.

Be cautious

The centre, therefore, appealed to regional leaders to be cautious of the involvement of foreign powers in the ongoing process.

It appeared to any observer that France seemed more interested in the return to power of the ousted leader than the people of Niger, it said.

It explained that comments by French officials on the ECOWAS position and the planned military intervention only went to deepen suspicion about

the neutrality of ECOWAS.

France is a party to the current crisis and must restrain itself from any issues relating to efforts by ECOWAS to resolve the crisis.

We, therefore, urge the French government and other powers to refrain from comments that may undermine the efforts aimed at resolving the crisis, it said.

Engage Algeria

The centre added that given that Algeria had so far played a constructively positive role by not appearing confrontational as ECOWAS, the group might engage Algeria to play a mediating role in the crisis.

ECOWAS needs to engage Russia, China and any other power that may likely come to the aid of the coup makers to prevent them from intervening on the side of the coup makers.

This will enable the sanctions to be effective, it said and also urged the regional leaders to isolate foreign powers, particularly France from any solution it adopted to resolve the crisis.

The sanctions imposed by ECOWAS should be used to negotiate a timetable for a return to civilian rule where every achieved target will result in the lifting of specific sanctions.

ECOWAS must find military resources to replace foreign troops--French and US troopsin Niger as part of the processes to ensure peace and stability of the country, it added.
Don't interpret my comments as indulging in partisan politics  Dormaahene

Biiya Mukusah Ali Politics Aug - 23 - 2023 , 06:30

The Omanhene of the Dormaa Traditional Area, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, has said that his recent comments on national issues must not be misinterpreted to mean he was indulging in partisan politics.

Nobody should twist my comments as indulgence in politics.

I will never do that.

I have only one vote and I will never tell anybody to vote for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) or the National Democratic Congress (NDC) or any other party.

Sometimes when I speak on national issues, a section of the public see me as a person who hates or is against the government. I, as Dormaahene, does not need to engage in politics to become popular, Osagyefo Agyemang Badu II said.

He was speaking when members of the Ghana Union Association at Caserta, Italy (GUACI), presented a citation to honour him for his many years of dedication and commitment as the Omanhene of the Dormaa Traditional Area.

The presentation was made after Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu led residents of Dormaa Ahenkro to embark on a clean-up exercise on Tuesday morning.

Osagyefo Agyemang Badu II, who is also the President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, explained that he would continue to speak against national issues and decisions which were not healthy to the development of the country.

While not claiming to be an angel, he said his comments on national issues were to remind duty bearers to always take the right decisions in the interest of the people.

Looking critically at some of my comments, it is rather to help the government to do the necessary corrections to give it the opportunity to retain power, Osagyefo Agyemang Badu said.

Avoid insult

Osagyefo Agyemang Badu appealed to the public to avoid insulting leaders of the country such as politicians, chiefs and heads of departments, adding that they could always speak to the issues without insulting personalities.

Osagyefo Agyemang Badu said he was elated to have been honoured by Ghanaian citizens in Italy who had recognised some of his contributions towards the development of the country, particularly the regular clean-up exercises.

He explained that though the clean-up exercises started some years ago they had been intensified since August 2021.

He dedicated the award to the entire people of the Dormaa Traditional Area who had continued to patronise the exercise.

Osagyefo Agyemang Badu said the government alone could not develop or solve the entire sanitation problem in the country, and expressed the need for the chiefs to support the government to deliver.

Clean-up exercise

The clean-up exercise brought together a cross-section of the general public who gathered at Abanpredease, the seat of the traditional area, as early as 7:30 a.m. to begin the exercise.

Osagyefo Agyemang Badu who supervised the exercise had to hold a broom at a point, and a cutlass to sweep and weed bushy places.

The enthusiastic participants swept, collected rubbish, emptied all waste bins stationed on the shoulders of the principal streets and weeded all the bushy surroundings of government institutions and bungalows.

While the cleaning was ongoing, a group of women followed with singing of traditional songs to praise the chief for his commitment toward the development of the area.
Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto aims to foster financial independence for NPP leadership

GraphicOnline Politics Aug - 23 - 2023 , 07:35

A contender in the New Patriotic Party (NPP)'s flagbearer race, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, has outlined his determination to steer the party towards financial autonomy and self-sufficiency, free from dependency on government support.

He envisions fostering fiscal independence through commercial enterprises, thereby not only advancing the party's self-reliance but also generating sustainable employment opportunities for the nation's youth and dedicated party members.*

Dr. Afriyie Akoto is resolute in his aspiration to unshackle the party's national leaders from external influence, safeguarding their autonomy from governmental manipulation. His comprehensive strategy to achieve this involves empowering the NPP tradition to fund its political activities independently, without relying on state resources.

Articulating his vision to members of the media at his campaign headquarters in Accra on Monday, August 21, 2023, Dr. Akoto elaborated on his plan's core elements. Drawing from his own track record as a disciplined and committed two-term Member of Parliament for Kwadaso, he highlighted the importance of financial discipline and dedication in realizing such an ambitious objective.

Dr. Akoto underscored the urgency of breaking away from current trends of party indiscipline and discontentment among grassroots members. He attributed these issues to the party's lack of involvement in commercial endeavors and the consequent failure to provide meaningful employment opportunities for its base.

Citing the ANC's example in South Africa, he advocated for the NPP to venture into commercial business to generate revenue that not only sustains the party but also offers well-deserved compensation to its activists. He highlighted the ANC's ownership of commercial businesses and investments in companies worldwide as models to emulate.

"The ANC in South Africa owns commercial business and are able to generate enough money to pay their activists. They own shares in companies in South Africa and around the world. This is what I want to do with the NPP. If we want to grow as a party, this is what we have to do and I am committed to doing it for all to enjoy," Dr. Akoto affirmed.

The aspirant emphasized the transformative potential of commercial ventures in creating wealth for the party's six million-strong following. His vision aligns with creating a party that thrives through sound financial management, independent of external forces.

To make his vision a reality, Dr. Afriyie Akoto seeks the endorsement of party delegates in both the Super Delegates Conference and the National Delegates Conference. He aspires to secure their support and trust to lead the party, implementing his innovative strategy that aims to reshape the NPP's financial landscape and empower its dedicated members for a prosperous future.
Minority, police reach modalities for street protest against BoG

Getrude Ankah Nyavi Politics Aug - 23 - 2023 , 16:45

The Minority in Parliament on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, met with the police ahead of a planned street protest against the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison, and his two deputies.

The Minority group after the meeting said they had reached an agreement with the police on the modalities of the protest.

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) at a press conference dubbed the "Moment of Truth" on August 8, 2023, called for the resignation of the Governor of BoG over alleged mismanagement of the nations central bank.

The NDC threatened to occupy the central bank if the governor and his team refused to vacate their positions after the 21-day ultimatum.

In this regard, we call for the resignation of the Governor of the central bank and his deputies within 21 days from today," it said.

Briefing journalists after a closed-door meeting with the police at the Greater Accra Regional Police headquarters, Deputy Minority Leader Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah said all necessary arrangements have been made for the forthcoming demonstration against the management of the Bank of Ghana.

The protest is set to take place at the Bank of Ghana head office, with the Minority aiming to voice their concerns about what they describe as the mismanagement of financial resources and the resulting economic implications.

A leading member of the pressure group, AriseGhana, Bernard Monarh, who joined the Minority for the meeting with the Police criticised the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, for his justification of the new headquarters for the central bank.
Politicians milking the nation  Rev Opuni-Frimpong

Getrude Ankah Nyavi Politics Aug - 23 - 2023 , 17:09

A former General Secretary for the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong has accused politicians in Ghana of milking the nation through corruption.

He said both past and present government officials have not proved to anybody that they are serious with the corruption fight.

This, he said was because politicians are benefiting from the nation through corruption.

They are all benefiting from it. Now going into politics has become business. They are all milking the nation. Therefore, if I found the government official just doing this when I heard it in the room. It sounds like a cliche, he added

A Senior Presidential Adviser, Mr Yaw Osafo Maafo, had called on Christians to lead the fight against corruption.

Addressing the 23rd General Meeting of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana at Kwahu Abetifi in the Eastern Region on Saturday, August 19, 2023, Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo questioned the quality of moral impact of the church, as 70 percent of Ghanaians profess to be Christians.

Mr Osafo-Maafo said corruption was growing from bad to worse in Ghana which calls for retrospection by the church and government to find practical solutions to reduce the menace.

I think we need to go back and visit the drawing board to see what we should do as a christian group to influence the behaviour of the system, is it that your preachings, your moral lessons are now not effective? We should ask a few questions, if indeed 70 percent of us are christians and corruption begins to go from bad to worse, what is really happening. We need to do some retrospection together as a country with the government taking certain actions to redeem the nation from corruption, he added

But reacting to that call in a radio interview with Accra based Starr FM on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, Rev Opuni-Frimpong said the call was a political sound bite.

Past and present governments have not proved to anybody that they are serious with the corruption fight. They have just made the corruption fight a political sound bite."

Questioning the basis for Mr Osafo-Maafo's question and call for christians to fight corruption, Rev Opuni Frimpong said the government only requests for evidence when government appointees are sighted for corruption.

I was expecting what he said should come from a Pastor, even if they clap for him. Going back he must ask himself what exactly he was telling us. Is fighting corruption a church business? What are we hearing from Parliament? The kind of things from Ministries and all that they go to Parliament for on the Auditor Generals Report.

You expect Pastors and Bishops to do what? How many people (accused of corruption) even from the government's own side even those that people have brought up, what have we heard? Bring evidence. Is that not what the pattern has been over the years? Rev Opuni-Frimpong stated.

He continued: You leave all your cabinet meetings only to go and stand before innocent church people and ask them you are 72 percent what? You are in government, you are on cabinet, you advise President, and the question of why should come to him. Not to Pastors, not church members. So to me what I heard in the room is a political soundbite.
We're ready to provide security for protest against BoG Governor but... - Police

Emelia Ennin Abbey Politics Aug - 23 - 2023 , 19:02

The Accra Regional Police Command has confirmed it's readiness to provide needed security to the Minority in Parliament to carry out its planned protest against the Governor of the Bank of Ghana and his two deputies on September 5, 2023.

The protest is set to take place at the Bank of Ghana head office, with the Minority aiming to voice their concerns about what they describe as the mismanagement of financial resources and the resulting economic implications.

The organisers of the protest had earlier proposed the route for the protest as follows: from the frontage of Parliament House, through Osu cemetery traffic light, Ministry of Finance, High Court Complex, Kinbu  Makola - Rawlings Park -Opera Square - Bank of Ghana.

However, the police in a statement after a close door meeting with the organisers of the protest said it had drawn the attention of the organisers to the fact that using the selected routes for the demonstration might endanger public order and public safety among others.

The statement, dated August 23, 2023 and signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Accra Regional Police Command, Superintendent of Police, Juliana Obeng said the organisers were to relocate the routes and destination of picketing in the interest of public order, public safety and running of essential services.

It said the Command received a notice of public protest from the office of the Minority Leader on August 21, 2023 informing the police of the Minority in Parliaments intention to embark on a public protest to demand the resignation of the Governor, Deputy Governor and Board of Directors of the Bank Of Ghana, in collaboration with some others.

The statement indicated that the police upon receipt of the notice undertook a security assessment of the chosen routes and the destination for the picketing.

Following the security assessment, on August 23, 2023, the police requested the organisers to relocate the routes and destination of picketing.

The police are waiting to hear from the organizers to enable us to provide them the necessary security during the protest.

The Police assured the public of its commitment to continue to deliver on its mandate, as it works together with all stakeholder to deepen democratic credentials of the country.

Related article: Minority to protest against BoG Governor, others on September 5

Minority, police reach modalities for street protest against BoG
Guam Economic Development Authority is at the ASD Market Week trade show in Las Vegas to provide a platform for Guam-based companies to connect with potential buyers.
Mallgoers and others check out a Guam Animals In Need puppy adoption event at the Micronesia Malls Center Court in Dededo on April 2, 2023.
To help recognize the honorable service of Republic of Korea Veterans who fought alongside the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, the Guam Veterans Affairs Office presented certifications to three ROK veterans at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the Office of Senator Dwayne T.D. San Nicolas.

The Korean-American veterans certifications from the GVAO will now allow them to obtain Veteran Vehicle Licenses Plates.

The three Korean-Americans honored on Wednesday were Bryan Ha, Tarry Ho Lee and Stan Y. Ko.

Sen. San Nicolas, chairman of the legislative committee on military and veteran affairs, helped continue this process with the passage of his Bill 82-37, which is now Public Law No. 37-28.

Its unfortunate that it took thirteen years for this to materialize in Guam, said San Nicolas during the opening remarks. Im very happy to be here and to be able to honor our friendly forces who fought alongside us and are now proud Americans.

Stan Y. Ko, one of the three honored RoK veterans, also shared his happiness in the moment.

I feel very good, and Im very happy right now because I tried to do this for thirteen years, said Ko. I dont know why it took so long to do this, but now, we can have it easily. I can now drive around the island so everyone can see my veteran license plate.

San Nicolas also noted in his bill that ROK veterans and those who are recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross have bravely fought for our behalf and are more than deserving of all the benefits that can be provided to them, especially license plates that denote their service to our country.

The fact that these veterans are excluded from this basic benefit is a transgression that needs to be remedied as soon as possible, noted San Nicolas in the bill. This issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible in order to prevent the injustice of not honoring those who bravely fought for us and our country.

Joseph Meno, administrative officer of the Guam Veterans Affairs, noted that one of veterans honored on Wednesday, Stan Y. Ko, was a true pioneer for this event.

We owe a lot of credit to Mr. Ko for staying on top of it, said Meno. It seems small, but its great for them because now, they have the actual recognition.

Meno added that this has finally come to fruition after years of Ko visiting different veterans organizations, including the GVAO.

Mr. Ko just kept pushing it, administration after administration, added Meno. Nobody had given the attention that was needed.

According to Meno, there may have been up to thirty RoK veterans who may have been initially eligible for this recognition, so the urgency was also evident with the decreasing number of the RoK veterans on Guam due to relocation or death.

The bill, now known as Guam Public Law 37-28, also allows recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross to qualify for Guam veteran vehicle license plates. Additional documents can also now be used for veteran qualifications, including the National Guard Bureau 21, Armed Forces Retirement Certificate or the Armed Forces Statement of Personnel Record.

The bill was also co-sponsored by the remaining fourteen senators of the Guam legislature.
Sen. Telo Taitague is part of the 37th Guam Legislature and the Vice Chair on General Government Operations & Appropriations.
Korean Movie | 2011

 Action  Western

Directed by Ji Ha Jean ()

Written by Ji Ha Jean ()

89min | Release date in South Korea: 2012/07/12

Link

Synopsis

Chulki (30 yrs old) who just got of prison kills a police officer and junk shop owner in order. He carries a small ballerina music box with old memories. Chulki leaves for Kangwon province in order to find the remaining two people in his memos, Ghostface (42 yrs old) and Axe (38 yrs old).

Ghostface and Axe commits murder by order of their Boss (52 yrs old) and becomes a wanted criminal. The two hide out at an illegal gambling house in Kangwon province run by the Boss. Commiting all sorts of crimes all their life, the two have no where left to run.

Taeyeon (25 yrs old) is a female con artist working at the gambling house. She seduces rich men at the casino and lures them to the house and gets paid for it. But the real reason she came to this place is to meet her father. Chief monk Sungkwang who resides in the temple is her father. She visits the temple daily to give prayers. They both know who each other are but do not talk about it.

Ghostface and Axe were always a pain in the Bosses ass, but now the Boss finds a way to make use of them. He accumulated a huge debt due to failure in a luxurious resort construction deal, and has to get this mineral water business up in order to pay out that debt. And at the heart of the water spring is Mt. Maebul. The Boss orders Ghostface to go see the owner of Mt. Maebul who lives at the little temple.

Chulki who is in vein for finding Ghostface and Axe, gets injured by their henchman Hakbong. He passes out and finds himself lying at the little temple of Mt. Maebul. He meets Taeyeon, and gains interest in this con artist and devoted Buddhist.

Eventually the Ghostface gang brutally murders the monks of Mt. Maebul temple. But the Boss finds out that the chief monk had an heir and becomes furious. The Boss being fed up by the brutality of Ghostface, orders Axe to kidnap Taeyeon. But just as Axe successfully kidnaps her, Chulki appears in front of him and after a dogfight finally finishes Axe off. Just before his last breath, Axe vaguely remembers where he saw that ballerina music box.

After hiding Taeyeon at a safe place, Chulki goes after his last hunt Ghostface. But Chulki is ambushed by Ghostfaces henchmen and becomes captive. In their long anticipated reunion Ghostface does not remember Chulki at all. Just as Ghostface was starting to torture Chulki the Boss appears. The Boss having been pushed into a corner, now wants Ghostface to get rid of Taeyeon and flee to Thailand with a false passport. Ghostface holds off his encounter with Chulki and goes looking after Taeyeon.

Chulki barely escaping captivity finally finds Ghostface again, but he is already dying being betrayed by his peers. Before his last fight with Chulki, Ghostface wants to get revenge with the Boss. Chulki gladly accepts the request.

After killing the Boss and his son, Ghostface returns to Chulki. The exhausted Ghostface gets an electrifying chill by this fight with a complete stranger. Chulki proposes they pick up the knife just as the music box stops. Ghostface gets lost in memories as he sees the music box. He remembers his relationship with Chulki. 12 years ago, when he worked as an illegal security guard, he killed Chulkis parents in a shantytown while raping and murdering his older sister.

Now Ghostface remembering everthing, Chulki gets his final revenge by killing him. Finally at peace, Chulki says farewell to Taeyeon and leaves the village.

Source
Korean Movie | 2014

 Melodrama

Directed by Bong Man-dae ()

Written by Lee Chang-yeol-I ()

107min | Release date in South Korea: 2015/09/17

New work of director Bong Man-dae of "The Sweet Sex and Love" and "Cinderella". The fatal love story of a teenage girl Yu-mi, who seduces guests who come to the inn, and Jeong-min, a writer in his 30s.



How far can a man run away when he is trapped by fatal attraction?



Jeong-min, a scenario writer, was recently dumped by his girlfriend who left for another man. No matter how much he begs she never seems to return to him. To forget everything and concentrate on his scenario, Jeong-min stays in a small inn in a remote country town. There he meets an attractive teenage girl, Yoo-mi who lives with the mysterious landlord. Day by day Yoo-mi seduces Jeong-min and when he finally falls for her, she asks him to kill the landlord.

Source
Published on 2023/08/23 | Source

New poster added for the upcoming Korean movie "Havana" (2022)

Advertisement

Directed by Hong Yong-ho

With Yoo Da-in, Kang Min-hyuk, Gong Sang-ah, Joo Bo-young, Jung Sae-byeol, Lee So-yoon,...

Synopsis

Jeong-min, a rookie lawyer, becomes Yoon-ah's public attorney, as she is accused of murdering her husband. Against a nasty prosecutor, a mysterious judge, and all the suspicions surrounding the defendant, Jeong-min seeks to unravel the truth behind the conspiracies of the case.

Release date in Korea : 2023/09
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analysis

Nelson Chamisa, the 45-year-old leader of Zimbabwe's main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), is making a second bid to be Zimbabwe's next president.

A lawyer and a pastor, Chamisa is the most formidable candidate against the ruling Zanu-PF led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The incumbent took over after the coup that ousted the country's founding president Robert Mugabe in 2017.

Chamisa is over three decades younger than his (81-year-old) opponent, and the youngest person running for president in this election. His youthfulness has been a major issue in this election, as it was in the last.

At least 62% of the population is under 25. They are "born-frees" who feel the brunt of Zimbabwe's failing economy. The actual unemployment rate is unclear; some claim it is as high as 80%. The government claims it is 18%. What is true is that many of Zimbabwe's youth eke a living in the informal sector, estimated to be 90% of the economy.

Many young graduates have settled for being street vendors or have taken the dangerous illegal track across the crocodile infested Limpopo River to find work in neighbouring South Africa. Others with some financial means seek work overseas, even if it's below their qualifications.

It is to this demographic that Chamisa is speaking directly. He promises the young a total revamp of the economy. His messaging often includes glossy pictures of high-rise buildings and modernised highway networks that stand in contrast to many dilapidated roads and buildings in Zimbabwe.

As a political scientist who focuses on voting behaviour, migration and social media, I think Chamisa would have a more than fair chance to win in a truly free and fair election. He resonates with the country's large disenchanted youth, mainly because of the poor state of the economy. However, campaigning in autocratic conditions is not ideal for the opposition. His and his party's weakness are also serious hurdles.

Youth appeal

According to the independent African surveys network Afrobarometer, 67% of Zimbabweans are unsatisfied with the direction the country is taking.

In its recently released election manifesto, the Citizens Coalition for Change promises to transform Zimbabwe into a US$100 billion economy over the next 10 years. The World Bank puts the country's battered economy at just under US$ 21 billion.

Chamisa defines himself as a social democrat who believes in providing substantial welfare. His party's manifesto promises universal healthcare and basic education. He also promises to open Zimbabwe to international trade and re-engagement, ending over 20 years of isolation. The country was suspended from the Commonwealth and excluded from debt relief programmes due to ongoing human rights abuses.

Zimbabwe was once Africa's breadbasket but can no longer feed its small population of just over 16 million people.

Chamisa's appeal to the youth vote has been received along partisan lines. For supporters of the ruling party, he is too young, too naive, too western-leaning, and lacks liberation credentials. For his support base of mostly young urbanites, Chamisa's youth is his trump card. They have turned the age mockery from Zanu-PF into a campaign slogan, "Ngapinde Hake Mukomana" (let the young man enter the state house).

Chamisa is popular, as shown by huge attendance at his rallies. But will this be enough to help him win his first election as the founding leader of CCC?

Voter apathy, funding and harassment

Chamisa and his party face a number of hurdles. The first is getting the youth to vote.

Youth political participation in Zimbabwe has historically been very low. Although the election body, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, is still to release a full voter's roll, analysis by the Election Resource Center shows that while 85% (6.6 million) of eligible voters are registered, only a third are under the age of 35.

In addition to voter apathy, Chamisa must contend with other hurdles within the opposition movement and the usual obstacles of running for office in electoral authoritarian state.

Chamisa founded the CCC following his forced exit from the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in 2021. The married father of three had been mentored by the opposition movement's founder, the late Morgan Tsvangirai. But Tsvangirai's death in 2018 ended Chamisa's career in the party as divisions grew between him and the old guard.

The formation of the CCC helped him draw in a younger generation of politicians like Fadzayi Mahere. But it also opened up Chamisa to new problems. The CCC has little money against Zanu-PF's elections war chest.

Chamisa lost access to state funds and opposition institutions when he left the MDC. His departure also left him with few friends at home or abroad.

He argues that what some see as disorganisation and isolation is strategic ambiguity. He claims that his party keeps its cards closely guarded against infiltration and manipulation.

Chamisa has valid reasons to do so. The ruling party has successfully co-opted opposition leadership by offering patronage. The ruling party also uses courts to their advantage and violence against opponents.

In 2007, in the months leading up to the election, Chamisa suffered a fractured skull. In 2021, his party reported threats to his life when his envoy was attacked using a homemade bomb. Members of his party have been beaten up, and others have even lost their lives. Job Sikhala, a senior member of the opposition, has been in jail for over a year on unclear charges.

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One man show

Chamisa's vagueness on policy adds to his challenges. On the social platform X, where he has more than a million followers, he regularly only shares Bible verses or ambiguous messages. This is a lost opportunity for a candidate counting on the youth vote.

His party structures are unclear and it has yet to release its constitution. The only formal position in the party is his position of president. Everyone else is known only as a change agent.

Chamisa has not announced a running mate. This feeds into rumours that he has weak leadership skills and prefers to centre power on himself. One might even wonder if he does not trust his supporters.

Still, those supporting him say they do not need to know his structures. Zimbabweans are hungry for change after four decades of Zanu-PF rule. Many who hoped for change after Mugabe's ouster are dismayed by the continuing economic challenges and increasing militarisation of the Zimbabwean politics. For these voters, Chamisa is the change they hope to see.

Chipo Dendere, Assistant Professor, Africana Studies, Wellesley College
(HedgeCo.Net) The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has issued an order filing and simultaneously settling charges against Peter L. Bryant of Texas and his company, Bryant Capital Trade Management Corporation (Bryant Capital), a registered Texas entity, for committing fraud while acting as an unregistered commodity trading advisor (CTA) and for failing to register as a CTA.

The order requires Bryant and Bryant Capital to pay, jointly and severally, $55,655.90 in restitution and a $195,000 civil monetary penalty, and to cease and desist from any further violations of the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and CFTC regulations, as charged. In addition, the order imposes four-year trading and registration bans on Bryant and Bryant Capital.

Case Background

According to the order, beginning approximately February 2014 and continuing through approximately December 2022, Bryant and Bryant Capital acted as unregistered CTAs through direct outreach, electronic communications, newsletters, and web-based advertisements. Such solicitations offered advice regarding the value and advisability of trading in commodity options, futures, and/or swaps in energy markets and promoted respondents paid trading advisory services.

According to the order, these solicitations included numerous false and misleading statements regarding their business and performance, their expertise and experience in the energy derivatives markets, client base, past performance, as well as the applicability of the CFTCs registration requirements to their business. For example, in one newsletter, respondents falsely represented that in 2021, they provided services to 47 clients with proprietary  detailed analyses and made countless recommendations, and that in 44 of these 47 analyses, their work had identified performance markers resulting in a 27%-39% reduction in 2021 energy costs (the proper term here is avoidance of increased costs) in addition to showing a minimum 5% immediate reduction in current energy costs within the first 90 days of engagement.

To the contrary, as found in the order, these representations were entirely fabricated. The respondents also falsely represented their business was operating as an exempt swap intermediary that did not require CFTC registration.

The order finds the respondents misrepresentations regarding their business and services resulted in at least $55,655.90 in client losses.
The Helsinki Harp Festival of 2023 is set to resonate with themes of well-being and the musical legacy of both past and present harp composers. Alongside esteemed artists and premieres, attendees will have the opportunity to unwind during a sound bath concert accompanied by the soothing tones of the harp. The festival will feature the international Helsinki Harp Competition and the inaugural Finnish competition for amateur harpists.

Organized by the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki and the Finnish Harpists association, the festival will grace the halls of Musiikkitalo in Helsinki. Virtually every concert will showcase multiple harps playing together, a rare delight even for the harpists themselves, as they come together in harmony.

On Friday evening, September 1, the festival will welcome the internationally acclaimed jazz harpist, Park Stickney, in his debut performance in Finland. A jazz maestro of longstanding repute, Stickney will dazzle the audience not only with his astounding pedal technique but also with his fusion of the Rubik's Cube and harp playing.

Saturday, September 2, will feature the world premiere of "Forbidden Love," a politically charged piece by Norwegian harpist-composer Uno Vesje. The composition delves into the theme of queer love within the Muslim immigrant community, addressing issues of racism, exploitation, and resilience. The opening segment of the concert will be performed by Birgitte Volan Havik, solo harpist of the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra.

"Says the composer, the piece narrates the experiences of vulnerable individuals subjected to racism, abuse, and exploitation. The composition draws from personal conversations and research. Vesje aims to bring a difficult subject and harsh experiences to musical language, while still instilling a sense of hope," explains Paivi Severeide, the head of harp studies at the Sibelius Academy and the artistic director of the festival. The concert is not recommended for children under 12, as the text of the composition could be distressing to sensitive listeners.

In addition to chamber music, the festival will showcase solo performances, including the Finnish premieres of works by Heta Aho and Lotta Wennakoski. Heta Aho will also present the world premiere of a new chamber composition. Laura Hynninen will provide an entire concert dedicated to her own music and visual art.

"After two competitions, master classes, thirteen concerts, and numerous well-being themed lectures, I can confidently assure that no one will leave with a 'harp overload'," Severeide assures.

Helsinki Harp Competition and Lilly Kajanus-Blenner Harp Competition

The festival will host two competitions. The second edition of the international Helsinki Harp Competition, targeting students aged 1928 pursuing harp professionally, will take place. Winners will have the honor of performing as second harpists with orchestras such as the Stockholm Philharmonic, Oslo Philharmonic, Norrkoping Symphony, Tampere Philharmonic, or Turku Philharmonic Orchestra.

Moreover, the festival will introduce the inaugural national Lilly Kajanus-Blenner Harp Competition, designed primarily as a purposeful tool for the education of young Finnish harpists and as a positive experience for the aspiring artists themselves.

Closing Concert at Musiikkitalo on September 3

The final concert of the festival, on Sunday, September 3, will celebrate Finnish music, dedicating the opening section to the memory of Kaija Saariaho. Alongside the competition winners, the performance will also feature artists seen earlier during the festival. The program includes music by Saariaho and harp duet adaptations by Anni Kuusimaki of the Helsinki Philharmonic, performed by Sivan Magen and Kuusimaki.

Helsinki Harp Festival at Musiikkitalo from August 31 to September 3, 2023

Organized by the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki and the Finnish Harpists association

HT
The ballet classic "Swan Lake" will mark the beginning of the Opera and Ballet season on September 9th, following an extended summer break due to renovations at the Opera House. "Swan Lake" holds a significant place in the history of the National Ballet, as it initiated the ballet group's activities over a century ago in 1922. It also graced the opening program of the current Opera House exactly 30 years ago in 1993.

The rendition by David McAllister, making its return to the repertoire, premiered in January 2022 to commemorate the National Ballet's centenary. Due to the gathering restrictions imposed by the pandemic at the time, the performance was presented through a live broadcast on Yle Teema and Opera and Ballet's Stage24 service, without a live audience. The initial performances in April and May 2022 sold out rapidly.

David McAllister, the former Artistic Director of the Australian Ballet, crafted a version that pays homage to the ballet's long-standing traditions while incorporating elements inspired by the cold North. "It was a tremendous honor to create 'Swan Lake,' which also celebrates the group's century-long history. That's why I wanted this version to be specifically Finnish, something that Finns can take pride in," McAllister shared.

The set and costumes for the production are designed by Gabriela Tylesova, with lighting by Kalle Ropponen. This season, the dual role of Odette-Odile will be portrayed by Hanako Matsune, Violetta Keller, and Yuka Masumoto, while Michal Krcmar, Jun Xia, and Florian Modan will take on the role of Prince Siegfried. The music composed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky will be performed by the Finnish National Opera Orchestra under the baton of conductor Benjamin Pope.

Performances at the Opera House are scheduled closely in September and May. Additionally, the National Ballet will visit Tampere Hall in October, where "Swan Lake" will be presented three times. The Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra will provide the musical accompaniment.

A recording of the premiere in January 2022 will be available on Yle Areena and Stage24 service until November 17, 2023.

HT
Downed tree plunges downtown into darkness

A large hardwood tree fell across South Church Street after sundown Monday night, taking down power lines and plunging downtown into darkness as diners were sitting down to eat and shoppers were browsing in shops.

The tree in the narrow front yard of the old Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors, now Church Street Funeral & Cremation, fell directly across the busy one-way street, sparing the funeral home but causing plenty of problems for downtown businesses. The blackout affected Church, Main and King from Allen Street to Sixth Avenue.

There was a lot calls, Hendersonville Fire Chief D. James Miller said. All of downtown was absolutely pitch black. People were coming out of restaurants and were leaving stores, many using their cellphones to light their way. I know we had Church Street blocked for four or five hours.

It was the second time in 11 days that a large old hardwood came down in clear conditions, took down power lines and blocked a busy road. On Aug. 11, a large oak tree fell across Greenville Highway, blocking that road for hours and causing power outages. As in the Greenville Highway case, Miller said he had no idea what caused the Church Street tree to come down.

I would think some of the storm would have cleared out all the deadwood but apparently it did not, he said.

Chae Davis, manager of the Church Street funeral home, said security camera footage showed that there was no wind, no breeze, nothing. It just fell over.

The building was fine, she said. It just gave up the ghost. It looked pretty hollow when they went to cut it up. It was pretty old. It had been trimmed a few times. The fire department told me the root system was pretty much gone. We were kind of sad to lose it.
A woman from Henley has nearly reached France on her Channel swim.

Laura Reineke, a Henley Mermaid, has undertaken the challenge of swimming the British Channel, from Dover to France.

She has been swimming for 15 hours straight, setting off from Samphire Hoe in Dover at 2.38am this morning. She is due to land in Wissant Beach in around an hour.

She is supported by fellow mermaid Joan Fennelly aboard the accompanying pilot boat, who will be livestreaming her arrival to the French coast on the Henley Mermaids' Facebook page..

Ms Reineke was briefly joined around noon by friend Lee Saudan, who has previously swum the channel, for some moral support. Her friend Lee Saudan, who is updating friends and family with Ms Reineke's progress, says that the going is getting tough now and she is tiring. She added: "Time for Laura to dig deep...this is where strength of mind needs to take over."

Ms Saudan swam with her again at around 3pm to help pick up the pace.

Setting off in the dark this morning, Ms Reineke said: I'm okay. Slightly apprehensive now. Its very dark and its quite bumpy because the waves are bumping off the harbour wall as were coming out, but apparently when we get to Samphire Hoe, it will settle down.

Ill have to jump in and swim to shore, wave at the boat and then swim back to the boat  all in the dark.

Upon arrival at Samphire Hoe, Ms Reineke, 50, was covered in Vaseline to stop the chafing. The water temperature was around 19.4 degrees at shore but has dropped to 18.4.

Ms Fennelly, Ms Saudan and friend Debbie Fraser are showing Ms Reineke waterproof text messages on a whiteboard from friends and family on a group chat, including from her parents, who wrote: Speechless at your courage. So proud. Mum and Dad.

She recovered from a bout of seasickness this morning after drinking some flat, warm Coca Cola, and is fed every couple of hours on a line from a bottle of liquid food.

Having a feed at 10:45am, Ms Reineke appeared exhausted and said: "How the f*** did Sarah Thomas swim this four times?" referring to an American cancer survivor who became the first person to swim across the Channel four times non-stop.

She is followed by pilot boat Anastasia and can be tracked via this link: http://cspf.co.uk/tracking
AN open water swimmer from Henley swam the Channel on Wednesday.

Laura Reineke, 50, a member of the Henley Mermaids, endured cramp, seasickness and jellyfish to complete the 21-mile (34km) challenge in about 16 hours.

She set off from Samphire Hoe in Dover at 2.38am, shortly after being lathered in Vaseline to prevent chafing, and spent the first two and a half hours of her swim in the dark.

She was accompanied by a pilot boat Anastasia and a support team comprising fellow Mermaid Joan Fennelly, friend Lee Saudan, who has swum the Channel herself, and Debbie Fraser, another friend.

Ms Reineke managed to maintain a swim stroke rate of between 58 and 59 for almost the entire way. Ms Fennelly called her a machine.

She arrived at Wissant Beach on the French coast before getting in the pilot to return to Dover, where she was greeted by friends and family including two of her children, Mae and Alfie.

Supporters sent messages of love and support to a WhatsApp group chat, which were relayed to Ms Reineke via a whiteboard by Ms Fennelly.

Ms Reinekes parents wrote: Speechless at your courage. So proud. Mum and Dad.

Upon arrival at Samphire Hoe, she had food to fuel the first part of her swim. The water temperature was around 19.4C at the shore but as she neared the middle, it dropped to 18.4C.

Setting off, Ms Reineke said: Im okay. Slightly apprehensive now. Its very dark and its quite bumpy because the waves are bumping off the harbour wall as were coming out, but apparently when we get to Samphire Hoe, it will settle down.

Ill have to jump in and swim to shore, wave at the boat and then swim back to the boat  all in the dark.

At noon, she suffered from cramp in her leg and was joined in the water by Ms Saudan, who swam with her for a while.

They synchronised their swimming and the boat pilot and observer said it was the best example of a support swimmer they had ever seen. Ms Saudan helped pick up her pace at about 3pm as well by going for another swim.

Ms Reineke also suffered from bouts of seasickness but recovered after drinking some flat, warm Coca-Cola. She was fed liquid food from a line every couple of hours as well as chocolate treats.

Ms Reineke had been training for two years.

She said: Since October it has been full on. At weekends there have been eight-hour swims on Saturdays followed by four- or five-hour swims on Sundays.

I have had to go down to the coast as often as possible and there have been lots of hours in the open river You dont stop as the tide will take you back and there are different strengths of tide, depending where you are.

Ms Reineke, who founded and runs Henley Music School, is raising money through the swim to refurbish Trinity Hall in Harpsden Road to create a Henley Community Hub. She has raised more than 3,000 so far.

She said: I am doing it because I can. I feel I am lucky to make it to 50 and I think we have to live our best life and do everything you can.

Last weekend was the first weekend I had not swum and I did not know what to do with myself.

To support her, visit https://tinyurl.com/2p9dassd
Joseph Milk from Liberia prepares a meal with his fellow migrants in Tunis.

Tunis, Tunisia  One-month-old Ishmael knows nothing beyond a scrappy migrant camp in Tunis, its makeshift tents, buttressed with plastic bags, offering respite from a scorching August sun.

"Hush, hush," a resident tells the wailing infant, as Ishmael's mother Edna Kemorsay spreads a soothing ointment on him.

It's not the future she was hoping for.

"This country is not easy to live in," said Kemorsay, from Sierra Leone, who crossed the Sahara desert heavily pregnant, hoping to use coastal Tunisia as a springboard to Italy. "We just go out to the streets to beg for food."

For Kemorsay and other sub-Saharan migrants at the camp, pitched in an affluent Tunis neighborhood, dreams of reaching Europe are fading. Instead, they are surviving on handouts and confronting mounting hostility in this North African country that has seen a spike in attacks against Black African migrants in recent months.

And they are the lucky ones.

Across Tunisia, sub-Saharan Africans including students have been ousted from jobs and homes, and subjected to police checks and detentions, migrants and rights activists say. Following July clashes between residents and migrants in the port city of Sfax, Tunisian authorities reportedly transported hundreds of migrants to the Algerian and Libyan borders, with some dying of thirst in the desert.

The alleged abuses backdropped a July migration deal between the European Union and Tunisia, now a top route for Africans -- including Tunisians -- heading to Europe.

"We want our agreement with Tunisia to be a template. A blueprint for the future," said European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen of a deal that sees Tunisia receiving $109 million in EU funds to fight illegal migration -- with similar agreements anticipated with Egypt and Morocco.

"It was really shocking to see the European leaders push for a deal with Tunisia on migration control where hundreds of Black migrants were stranded at the border calling for help," said Salsabil Chellali, Tunisia director for Human Rights Watch.

Critics, including EU lawmakers, have also taken aim at Brussels.

"For Europe, giving up on rights, rules and the law to its south is not just unprincipled or, as some would say, immoral. It is not even pragmatic," wrote analyst and EU adviser Nathalie Tocci in a commentary in Britain's The Guardian newspaper.

Surging migration -- and heartbreak

Authorities and rights group say illegal migration from Tunisia has surged in recent months. Tunisian authorities say they have intercepted more than 34,000 migrants off the country's shores in the first six months of this year, compared to 9,000 in 2022. It's not just sub-Saharan Africans. Tunisians also are boarding rickety boats to Europe, as the country's economy tanks and unemployment soars. Hundreds have drowned so far this year.

"Tunisians don't see a future, even if they have jobs," said Alaa Talbi, executive director of the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights, a nonprofit. Rather than trying to stop migration, he says, Tunisians and Europeans need to look at the problem more holistically and creatively.

"We send young people to Europe; Italy sends us its retirees," Talbi said of the expatriates in coastal towns. "It needs to be seen in this angle as well."

The fate of the sub-Saharan Africans is a more immediate problem. Rights groups say they have documented cases of collective migrant expulsions, along with arbitrary detentions and even torture by Tunisian security forces.

Nor has a recent deal between Tunisia and Libya to share responsibility for migrants stranded at their border improved matters, HRW's Chellali said. Migrants in Tunisia continue to face danger, she said, while Libya has long been accused of rights abuses.

The European Union's executive arm did not respond to VOA requests for comment. For their part, Tunisian authorities have denied carrying out collective expulsions or other mistreatment -- while adding the best option for undocumented migrants is going home.

"I know about the history of racial discrimination in Tunisia, but we've always had a culture of welcoming people in crisis," said Reem Garfi, a Black Tunisian activist for anti-racist group Mnemty. "To see people feeling unwelcome and attacked in my country is heartbreaking."

Homeless

Triggering the uptick in racist attacks, observers say, were February remarks by President Kais Saied, who described "hordes of illegal migrants" in a broader plot to change "the demographic landscape of Tunisia" -- remarks denounced by the African Union among others.

Tunisia's tiny far-right Nationalist Party and social media are also feeding anti-migrant sentiments and conspiracy theories.

"There's a big mafia controlling this immigration," said taxi driver Walid Ben Olthman. "Migrants get a lot of money sent to them to stay; it's a big manipulation."

African migrants say they are destitute.

"When the president gave his speech, everything changed," said Joseph Milk from Liberia. He had been living and working in Tunis since arriving five years ago. "My boss told me to leave work. The house I was staying in -- they told me to leave."

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Climate Tunisia By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

Milk said he was jailed for 2 months after police claimed he had no legal papers, which he disputes. Today, he is camping out in the migrant squat, located next to the International Organization for Migration's Tunis office.

By day, he and other sub-Saharan Africans go out to beg. By night, they guard the camp.

"Tunisian citizens come every night," he said. "Some of them try to stone us."

Other migrants, like 36-year-old Victor, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, are hiding out.

"Since the president's remarks, I don't work anymore," said Victor, who declined to give his full name, speaking from his bare-bones apartment in a working-class Tunis neighborhood. He alleges police detained him, releasing him only when he paid them money. His student visa expired a few months ago.

At the migrant camp, Kemorsay still hopes to get to Italy. She is worried about her future here -- but also crossing the Mediterranean.

"It's risky," she said. "It's very risky."
The Carte Blanche team paid tribute to Derek Watts in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

analysis

A consummate professional and national treasure, Carte Blanche's Derek Watts died on Tuesday at the age of 74 after a short battle with cancer.

Two months after stepping away from the camera to focus on his health, South Africa's beloved TV broadcaster and veteran journalist, Derek Watts, succumbed to cancer on Tuesday in the company of his loved ones.

In a statement, Carte Blanche executive producer John Webb expressed deep sadness at the news.

"Having been with Carte Blanche from the beginning, Derek became synonymous with the show, and we acknowledge that it's largely because of him that we have become who we are.

"Derek was a consummate professional and a dyed-in-the-wool television journalist. But, more importantly, he was a profoundly decent and kind man. We will miss him."

In 2022, Watts was diagnosed with skin cancer that spread into his lungs. In April this year, he was admitted to the ICU following a suspected stroke while on holiday with his family. Lying in his hospital bed at the time, he remained in high spirits.

In a video posted on social media, he said: "Looks scary, but collapsed with a suspected stroke in Hoedspruit 14 days ago and dispatched to super-pro Milpark Hospital ICU."

At 2 metres tall, Watts was a towering figure. He was born in Hillbrow, Johannesburg. At the age of five,...
For anyone who wants to unlock the secrets of the future, we recommend Pradip Verma, the best astrologer from India, as the ultimate Astrological guide to help you on a journey of stars and destiny! Pradip Verma is the best astrologer in India and also considered one of the best astrologers in the world. This Delhi based astrologer is a champion of Corporate Astrology, Medical Astrology, Career Astrology, Kundli matching, Horoscopes, Astrological Remedies, Gemstones, Astrological Solutions, and more. Astroyog, founded by the finest astrologer Pradip Verma has emerged as the best online astrology platform in India.

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Step into the world of astrology with Pradip Verma, who brings you the power of Vedic astrology. This ancient system ensures his predictions are like golden treasures  always accurate and trustworthy! With his magical astrological remedies and solutions, Pradip Verma specializes in Medical Astrology, Corporate Astrology, Vastu, Gemstones, and Horoscopes. He even masters the art of Color Therapy! The best astrologer in India - Pradip Verma is like a superhero with a cosmic cape, using his astrology wisdom to make your life better.

Pradip Verma stands as a shining star in the world of astrology in India. His mastery of Vedic astrology sets him apart, ensuring that his predictions are consistently precise and reliable. With deep expertise in Medical Astrology, Corporate Astrology, Vastu, Gemstones, and Horoscopes, he's like a wise guide who navigates the celestial map with finesse. What makes Pradip Verma truly exceptional is his ability to simplify complex remedies, transforming lives with practical solutions. He's a beacon of authenticity in an ocean of mysticism, making astrological wisdom accessible and life-changing for all.

Pradip Verma's reputation isn't just local; it's celebrated across India and beyond. His recognition by esteemed media outlets, his clientele from diverse corners of the world, and his dedication to sharing knowledge make him a true gem in the astrological realm. With over two decades of experience, he has perfected the art of respecting privacy while delivering transformative insights. Pradip Verma isn't just an astrologer; he's a celestial mentor guiding individuals toward brighter, more fulfilling lives through the power of the stars.

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Ever felt lost in a sea of confusing advice? The best astrologer in India Pradip Verma is your compass, guiding you with simple and effective solutions that truly change lives. His clients can't stop raving about his incredible understanding of Vedic Science. Pradip Verma is like a wise wizard who makes things easy  wearing a black thread and chanting mantras? Piece of cake! No more puzzling remedies, just practical magic for you!

Astrology for Everyone  Pocket-friendly and Powerful

With money matters on everyone's mind, the best astrologer in India Pradip Verma knows how to make solutions that won't break the bank. Whether you're a big shot or an everyday hero, he's got your back. This famous astrologer creates affordable solutions that truly work wonders. It's like getting a treasure chest of solutions without emptying your pockets!

A Star in the Media's Eyes

Imagine being so amazing that top media outlets hail you as the best astrologer in India. Pradip Verma is a true Vedic Science devotee, sharing knowledge like a cosmic storyteller. He believes that sharing wisdom multiplies its power, and he sticks to his word.

From Delhi to the World  Pradip Verma's Reach

People from all over India and beyond seek Pradip Verma's guidance because they consider him the best astrologer in India. He's not just the best astrologer in Delhi, he's a shining star for NCR, UP, Maharashtra, and more! And guess what? He's just a click away on his website www.pradipverma.com, ready to sprinkle stardust on your life through online consultations.

What started as a passion and free social service, is now a full time career for Pradip Verma and his rise to become the best astrologer in India is because of his continuous social service mindset. He is happy to share the best astrological remedies online and offline with anyone who consults him. From common man to celebrities, politicians, film stars and more, everyone consults him on a daily basis.

Celebrities' Secret Weapon

Ever wondered who helps your favorite stars and business moguls shine brighter? It's none other than Pradip Verma - the best astrologer in India! Actors, models, politicians, and sportspersons  they all trust him with their destinies. He's the grandmaster of Corporate Astrology, making sure businesses reach for the stars.

Vastu Expert Extraordinaire

Pradip Verma isn't just about stars  he's also the king of Vastu Shastra! Pradip Verma is considered as the best Vastu Shastra expert in India. His clients sing praises about his expertise in industrial, residential, commercial, and Vedic Vastu. It's like he knows the language of spaces and energies, turning buildings into lucky charms.

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Did you know that astrology is like a map of your life, drawn by the stars at your birth? Vedic Science Legend and the best astrologer in India Pradip Verma unravels this amazing science, revealing how your choices, feelings, and attitudes shape your destiny. He's like a cosmic time traveler, using your birth date to unlock your past, present, and future.

Colors that Heal and Reveal

Colors hold the key to our moods and health. Pradip Verma who is regarded as the best astrologer in India, is the color maestro, using their magic to balance the planets' influences. Just like superheroes have their gadgets, he wields colors to keep us in harmony. So, next time you pick a color, remember  Pradip Verma's wisdom is behind it!

Guardian of Privacy and Wisdom

With over two decades of experience, Pradip Verma is more than an astrologer. The best astrologer in India is also a guardian of trust and privacy. His dedication to his clients' integrity is unwavering. So, when you step into his world, you're not just a client  you're part of a cosmic family.

Join the Journey of Stars with the best astrologer in India Pradip Verma  Where Dreams Meet Destiny!

Phone/Whatsapp: +91 99109 93008

Astroyog: www.astroyog.com

Please note that Pradip Verma is referred to as Pradeep Verma in some contexts.

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.

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New Delhi, Delhi, India  Business Wire India

Impetus, a renowned cloud, and data engineering firm, celebrates its triumph as the winner of the prestigious "Dream Employer of the Year 2023" award at the prestigious Asia's Best Employer Brand Awards. Impetus has earned this extraordinary distinction for the seventh year in a row.



Asia's Best Employer Brand Awards, presented by the World HRD Congress, are famous for honoring companies that excel at fostering employee engagement, talent management, and overall workplace culture.



"Our consistent success in being named the 'Dream Employer of the Year' is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing a workplace where talent thrives and aspirations are realized," said Sanjeev Agrawal, the company's chief human resource officer.



By winning this coveted title, Impetus has reinforced its commitment to remaining at the forefront of innovation, offering its employees opportunities to challenge themselves and advance their careers.



For more information about Impetus, please visit www.impetus.com.



About Impetus Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.



Impetus Technologies is a digital engineering company focused on delivering leading-edge Big Data and cloud solutions to help large enterprises worldwide achieve their transformation goals. We solve the analytics, AI, and cloud puzzle, enabling Fortune 100 companies to drive unmatched innovation and growth.

The company is headquartered in Los Gatos, California, with international offices in India, Australia, the UK, and Canada.
Global businesses of almost every industry out there need assistance from competent software development organizations to implement and improve the efficiency and capability of their business operations. Professionals from top IT Companies assist global organizations in implementing digital solutions integrating the latest technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain, and many more. This not only enhances their service offering but also assists them in reaching out to their global target audience to establish their business as a global brand.

If you want to expand your business, you should find the best IT & software development companies in India that can assist you develop the best-in-class mobile applications and websites. There are several things one should consider while selecting a top IT & software development company in India. These things include anything that could have an impact on the effectiveness and quality of your web app solution. Here are several crucial factors:

Company's Expertise: A business that has been around for a while is more likely to have the knowledge and skills required to create a successful mobile app. To confirm their knowledge, be sure to look up their qualifications, certifications, ratings, and honors.

A business that has been around for a while is more likely to have the knowledge and skills required to create a successful mobile app. To confirm their knowledge, be sure to look up their qualifications, certifications, ratings, and honors. Development Strategy: You should select a business that employs a development process and approach that is transparent and easy to understand.

You should select a business that employs a development process and approach that is transparent and easy to understand. Development Cost: For your development project, look for a business that provides a fair and clear cost estimate. Find a business that offers high-quality services within your specified budget. Spend some time comparing the prices of the top Indian app developers to choose which one best suit your requirements.

For your development project, look for a business that provides a fair and clear cost estimate. Find a business that offers high-quality services within your specified budget. Spend some time comparing the prices of the top Indian app developers to choose which one best suit your requirements. Diverse Portfolio: Look at the company's prior projects to discover how they have served their clients and produced outcomes. Additionally, check the diversity of their portfolio to get an idea of how well-versed they are to bring positive results for the industry-specific development requirements.

Even with the accurate selection criteria, there are many exceptional IT & software development companies that you can end up with. To help you out a bit the team of TopSoftwareCompanies.co has compiled a list of the top 10+ IT & Software Developers in India 2023  2024 based on their years of experience, competence, abilities, knowledge, company strength, service offering, client base, and many more.

List of the Top 10+ IT & Software Development Companies in India 2023-2024



1. Hyperlink InfoSystem

Founded in the year 2011, Hyperlink InfoSystem is a leading and most trusted IT & Software Development Company in India. The company is well known to develop the most innovative & user-friendly mobile applications, websites, and software solutions. Hyperlink InfoSystem has a rich work portfolio that includes 4500+ Apps, 2200+ Websites, 140+ Games, 20+ NFT Marketplace, 120+ AI & IoT solutions, 25+ Metaverse solutions, 120+ Salesforce solutions, 80+ Blockchain solutions, and various other solutions. They have a team of 1000+ employees always ready to work on any simple to complex client requirement and deliver amazing solutions.

2. TCS

Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, consulting, and business solutions organization that has been partnering with many of the worlds largest businesses for the past 50 years. They believe innovation and collective knowledge can transform all futures with greater purpose. TCS is bringing in Preventive Application Maintenance as part of its service delivery model to increase productivity and reduce repair costs by streamlining IT costs and enhancing business performance.

3. iMOBDEV Technologies

Starting from its foundation in 2009, iMOBDEV Technologies has been offering various solutions which include app development, web development, software development, and more. They have qualified, industry-experienced experts to work in any possible technical platform. Their technological transparency is what makes iMOBDEV Technologies the ideal candidate for cross-platform or multi-platform projects. They have made significant growth in a short period by developing and deploying more than 1000+ apps on the app store and Android Play Store in the last decade.

4. FPT Software

FPT Software is a global technology and IT services provider, with $803 million in revenue and over 27,000 employees in 27 countries. As a pioneer in digital transformation, the company delivers world-class services in Smart factories, Digital platforms, RPA, AI, IoT, Cloud, AR/VR, BPO, and more. It has served 1000+ customers worldwide, 89 of which are Fortune Global 500 companies in Automotive, Banking and Finance, Logistics & Transportation, Utilities, and more.

5. HData Systems

Founded in 2019, HData Systems is a prominent company offering business analytics services to global businesses. HData Systems helps businesses to turn raw numbers into strategic business insights. Alongside helping businesses and providing Data science services the company HData Systems also offers various software solutions offering Data Logging, Data Warehousing, Data Migration, Data Analytics, Data Visualization, Video Analytics, Productive Analytics, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Development, DevOps, and many other specific services.

6. Globant

Globant is a digitally native company that helps organizations reinvent themselves to create a way forward and unleash their potential. They are the place where innovation, design, and engineering meet scale. They have more than 27,000 employees and are present in 25 countries working for companies like Google, Rockwell Automation, Electronic Arts, and Santander.

7. Comarch

Comarch is a global IT business solution provider that optimizes operational and business processes. Since its inception in 1993, we have developed at a rapid pace. Comarch is the leading global IT company and employs 7000 experienced IT engineers, business consultants, marketing specialists, and more. Thousands of complex and successful IT projects and implementation of our software in more than 40,000 companies worldwide are a source of great pride.

8. Valtech

Valtech is a company that specializes in digital transformation and provides innovation with a purpose. They are a network of over 5000 developers, designers, and marketers located in 19 different countries enabling businesses to predict future trends and engage with customers more intimately across their digital contact points while maximizing time-to-market and ROI.

9. Deloitte

Deloitte is another leading provider of top-notch software development services to drive traffic and acquire more customers by developing engaging and beautiful websites. The firm has skilled professionals with diverse experiences and domain abilities. The websites built by Deloitte are reliable & properly tested to enable people easily navigate and find all that they are looking for.

10. Tech Mahindra

Tech Mahindra represents the connected world, offering innovative and customer-centric information technology experiences. They are a USD 6.5 billion company with 152,000+ professionals across 90 countries, helping 1297 global customers including Fortune 500 companies. They are focused on leveraging next-generation technologies including 5G, blockchain, metaverse, quantum computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and more, to enable end-to-end digital transformation for global customers.

11. Cybage Software

Cybage is a global leader in the Digital Product Engineering Services space. They have a strong track record of over 27 years in offering the most comprehensive and prudent digital product engineering services to technology-led businesses around the globe. One of the most exciting facets of their service offerings is that they deliver these services under the aegis of their proprietary ExcelShore platform. ExcelShore empowers its entire delivery ecosystem to internalize and practice a data-driven approach to provide the utmost customer satisfaction and a tangible ROI.

12. HCLTech

HCLTech is a global technology company, home to 225,900+ people across 60 countries, delivering industry-leading capabilities centered around digital, engineering, and cloud, powered by a broad portfolio of technology services and products. They work with clients across all major verticals, providing industry solutions for Financial Services, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Technology and Services, Telecom and Media, Retail and CPG, and Public Services.

Source: TopSoftwareCompanies.co

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Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said he will unveil a 100 per cent ethanol-fueled variant of Toyota's Innova car on August 29. Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari (ANI file)

The Union minister, who has been exhorting automakers to come out with alternative fuel-powered and green vehicles, had last year launched a hydrogen-powered car, Toyota Mirai EV.

"On August 29, I am going to launch the popular (Toyota) Innova car on 100 per cent ethanol," Gadkari said while addressing the Mint Sustainability Summit here.



ALSO READ: Explained: What is ethanol blending and why is it important?

This car will be World's first BS-VI (Stage-II), electrified flex-fuel vehicle.

Gadkari said that he started taking interest in biofuels in 2004 after the petrol price hike in the country and visited Brazil for this purpose.

He opined that biofuels can do wonders and save a lot of forex which is being spent on the import of petroleum.

"If we want to become Atamnirbhar (self-reliant) we have to bring this oil import to zero. At present it is 16 lakh crore. This is a big loss to the economy," Gadkari said.

He stressed that India needs to take more sustainable measures as pollution is a big problem in the country.



ALSO READ: Ethanol pumps will be installed across India soon, says Nitin Gadkari

"We have taken a lot of (sustainability) initiatives but we need to take more because pollution is a problem. Ecology and the environment are very important. We need to reduce air and water pollution. We have to improve the quality of water in our rivers. This is a big challenge. We need to protect our ecology and environment," he said.

He also said that various road projects worth 65,000 crore are expected to be completed by the year end which includes the construction of the Dwarka Expressway.

He also pointed toward the harmful impact of chemical fertilizers and pesticides saying this causes cancer-like diseases. He opined that organic farming can create a lot of wealth and move us towards sustainability.

"We need to educate people to change waste into wealth," he said. He also hoped that the logistic cost would come down to nine per cent from 14 to 16 per cent at present with the construction of more highways.

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Abuja  Former Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, is to stand trial on a fresh bribery allegation in the United Kingdom. The alleged offence, according to the Agence France-Presse (AFP), was said to have been committed during her tenure as Minister of Petroleum.

Alison-Madueke fled Nigeria shortly after former President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office. The Buhari administration had accused the former petroleum minister of corruption and filed various charges against her, including the permission from courts of competent jurisdiction to seize properties linked to her on grounds that they are proceeds of crime.

Besides, the former administration also sought for orders to extradite her to Nigeria to come and face charges against her.

She was first arrested in London in October 2015, but was granted bail.

However, eight years after, the 63-year-old mother is billed to appear in court in the British capital on October 2.

The fresh charge filed by the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) accused Alison-Madueke of collecting bribe from contractors before awarding them projects, AFP reported.

A statement by the head of the NCA, International Corruption Unit, Andy Kelly, stated, We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million pound contracts.

According to the NCA, Alison-Madueke allegedly benefited from at least 100,000 ($127,000) in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, flights on private jets, luxury holidays for her family, and the use of multiple London properties.

The charges also detailed financial rewards, including furniture, renovation work, and staff for the properties, payment of private school fees, and gifts from top designer shops, such as Cartier jewellery and Louis Vuitton goods.

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Bribery is a pervasive form of corruption, which enables serious criminality and can have devastating consequences for developing countries, Kelly said.

These charges are a milestone in what has been a thorough and complex international investigation, he added.

AFP also reported that Alison-Madueke had been living in the Upmarket St Johns Wood area of North London since she was first arrested, and undergone chemotherapy for breast cancer, according to her family.

At the time of her arrest, the NCA said it had detained five people in London on suspicion of international corruption, without naming those held.

The NCA said assets worth millions of pounds in relation to the case had been frozen as part of the investigation.

In March, the agency, which targets international and organised crime, provided evidence to the US Department of Justice allowing them to recover assets totalling $53.1 million linked to Alison-Maduekes alleged corruption.

Alison-Madueke, in office from 2010 to 2015, was the first woman to be oil minister in Nigeria and the first female president of the global oil cartel, OPEC.

Soon after her arrest, her familys lawyer told AFP she would strongly contest corruption allegations that had dogged her during and after her time in former President Goodluck Jonathans government.
Acting on a tip-off, the anti-drug special task force (STF) of Punjab Police busted a cross-border drug smuggling module with the arrest of three of its members at Mehimad Mandra village in Amritsar district on Wednesday. The police recovered 41kg of heroin smuggled by them from Pakistan via the Ravi river. The three accused (faces covered) with the heroin consignment recovered by the anti-drug special task force (STF) personnel of Punjab Police in Amritsar district on Wednesday. (Sameer Sehgal/HT)

The accused were identified as Agyapal Singh, 27, of Ghumrai village, Ranjodh Singh, alias Rana, 26, of Mehimad Mandra, and Sandeep Singh of Panjgrain village in Amritsar district.

Also read: Rivers in spate, smugglers hiring professional swimmers to get consignment from Pakistan

Addressing a press conference in Amritsar, assistant inspector general (AIG), STF, Mukhtiar Rai said, Our team led by deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Vawinder Mahajan had launched a special operation to break the nexus of smugglers operating with the help of Pakistani nationals for the supply of heroin from across the border. During the operation, a tip-off was received that Agyapal, who is the kingpin of the drug smuggling module, along with his two accomplices had got a consignment of heroin from Pakistan, which had been kept in Mehimad Mandra village. Our team conducted a raid and 41kg of heroin was recovered from Ranjodhs house. The three were arrested after the recovery of the heroin.

He said preliminary investigation showed Agyapal had been in touch with Pakistani drug smugglers. The heroin recovered was smuggled via the Ravi river when the level of water increased recently. We are investigating the riverine route. The accused have confessed that five to six such consignments had already been smuggled from Pakistan. We are working to ascertain forward linkages of the accused, AIG Rai said.

A case was registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act at the STFs Mohali police station.

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Calling Congress leader Sajjan Kumar the principal abettor in a case related to the burning of a gurdwara during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, a Delhi court on Wednesday framed charges against the former MP, paving the way for his trial. Congress leader Sajjan Kumar (PTI file)

Special judge MK Nagpal said he was of prima facie view that oral and documentary evidence placed on record by the prosecution was sufficient to hold that an unlawful assembly or mob consisting of hundreds of people armed with dandas, iron rods, bricks and stones etc. had gathered near the gurdwara in Gulab Bagh in the national capitals Nawada area on November 1, 1984 around 11 am.

Accused Sajjan Kumar was also a part of the said mob and common object of the said mob was to put the above said gurdwara on fire and to burn and loot the articles lying therein and also to burn and destroy the houses of Sikhs situated in the said locality, to damage, destroy or loot their articles or property and to kill the Sikhs residing in that locality, in order to avenge killing of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the judge said.

Discharges Kumar of murder charge in another case of riots

The judge, however, discharged Kumar of the charge of murder under Section 302 of the IPC in another case of riots that took place on November 2, 1984 that left two men  Sohan Singh and Avtar Singh  dead and several others injured outside the Congress party office in Uttam Nagar.

While ordering framing of the charges in the case related to the November 1 incident, the judge noted that Kumar had prima facie instigated others in the mob, who remained unidentified and could not be identified during the investigation, to achieve the above illegal objectives, including burning down the gurdwara.

The court said a prima facie case was made out against the accused for commission of the offences punishable under various sections of the IPC, including those for rioting, attempt to murder, dacoity, promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race etc., outraging religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs and causing grievous hurt.

It said Sajjan Kumar was the principal abettor at the scene of the crime.

SGPC condemns quashing of Section 302

SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said the quashing of Section 302 (punishment for murder) of the IPC against Sajjan Kumar is unfortunate in the ongoing Janakpuri and Vikaspuri case.

He said, The victims who have been demanding justice for the past 38 years have been traumatised by this.

Sajjan Kumar is clearly guilty of the Delhi Sikh genocide and is already serving a sentence in one case. Although the framing of charges by the court under several other Sections of the IPC is welcome in the Janakpuri and Vikaspuri case, it is not right to quash Section 302, because this case is related to the killing of Sikhs, he said.

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In the second such case in as many days, two motorcycle-borne men fired seven shots at a house in Gharuan village on Monday evening. Two motorcycle-borne men fired seven shots at a house in Gharuan village at Mohali. (HT File)

Before leaving, the shooters threatened him that it was just a warning, house owner Manpreet Singh Dhanoa told the police.

Soon after the incident, gangster Jota Hoshiarpuria claimed responsibility for the firing through a Facebook post. The gangster claimed Dhanoas brother, who was settled in the US, was sharing his gangs inputs with rivals.

However, police have not established any gangster link behind the firing.

Mohali SSP Sandeep Garg said, Property dispute appears to be the reason behind the incident. We have got vital clues from the spot and further investigation is on.

Investigators said while escaping the shooters fell after their motorcycle got stuck in gravel and fled on foot.

Police did not confirm whether the motorcycle used in the crime was stolen.

Kharar DSP Karan Sandhu said a case under Section 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 25, 54, 59 of the Arms Act was registered against the unidentified accused.

Earlier on Sunday, an unidentified youth had opened fire at a flat in TDI Wellington Heights-II society in Sector 117. No arrest has been made two days later.

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The shorter route being planned from Chandigarh to Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Mohali will be 60 metres wide, with three main carriageways, two service lanes and 2-metre-wide cycle tracks on both sides. To speed up land acquisition for the road, the deputy commissioners of both Mohali and Chandigarh will be meeting on August 26. (HT Photo)

This was decided during a meeting of officers of the Punjab government and UT administration on Wednesday, held on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana high court to expedite work on the project.

To speed up land acquisition for the road, the deputy commissioners (DCs) of both Mohali and Chandigarh will be meeting on August 26. The railway authorities also assured that once the required land was acquired, they will construct the railway under bridge (RUB) within four months.

Additional solicitor general Satya Pal Jain presided over the meeting, which was attended by the Chandigarh DC, Punjab advocate general Vinod Ghai, senior advocate Chetan Mittal, lawyers associated with the PIL and amicus curiae ML Sareen.

The Chandigarh administration is planning a shorter route from near Sector 48. The new road will start from the T-point intersection of Vikas Marg (coming from Sector-43 ISBT) and Purv Marg (coming from Tribune Chowk).

The current distance from this intersection to the airport is 11.5 km after traversing through Mohali. The shorter route will reduce this to around 3.5 km, thereby bringing the travel time down from 25 minutes to 5 minutes.

A total of 51 acres needs to be acquired for the project of which 39 acres fall in Chandigarh and the remaining 12 acres in Punjabs Jagatpura and Khandala villages.

But Punjab, for years, had been refusing to foot the land acquisition cost, especially as the Mohali Master Plan already includes an alternative 164-foot-wide route to the airport via Sector 66-A.

At the last meeting on May 22, Punjabs chief secretary VK Janjua had said Punjab was ready to acquire the required land falling in Mohali, but the 50-crore compensation involved needed to be taken up with the chief minister. The chief secretary had shared that the Punjab government had given its in-principal approval for acquiring the land.

Other stakeholders, including the ministry of defence, ministry of railways, air force authorities and Chandigarh International Airport Ltd had given their nod to Chandigarhs proposal on May 12.

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The Punjab government on Wednesday announced the closure of all government, aided and private schools in the state till August 26 in view of the possibility of a flood-like situation due to the ongoing spell of heavy rain. School students waving the Tricolour in Amritsar as they gathered to mark the landing of Chandrayaan-3, Indias third lunar mission, on Wednesday. The state government later announced the closure of all schools till August 26 due to heavy rain forecast. (Sameer Sehgal/HT)

Also read: Himachal rain: Migrant couple found dead in Shimla, IMD issues flash flood warning

Announcing the decision on social media, state education minister Harjot Bains said, All schools in Punjab will remain closed from August 23 to 26. Following heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, which has created flood-like situation in many areas, it has been decided to shut all schools till August 26 with immediate effect.

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The prestigious National University of Singapore on Wednesday appointed UK-based Punjab-origin academician Jasjit Singh as a visiting faculty to conduct lectures on Sikh beliefs and raise appreciation of the Sikh way of life internationally. Associate professor Jasjit Singh, who has been appointed by the National University of Singapore to conduct lectures on Sikh beliefs and raise appreciation of the Sikh way of life internationally. (PTI)

Jasjit Singh (51) is currently associated as an associate professor at the UKs University of Leeds and is considered to be a leading authority in the field of Sikh studies.

With his expertise on British Sikhism, Associate Prof Singh will sharpen our scholarly lens on Sikh beliefs and practices, and deepen our students knowledge and appreciation of the Sikh way of life not only in Singapore but internationally, said Professor Lionel Wee, dean at National University of Singapores (NUS)Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS).

He announced Singhs appointment as the inaugural Central Sikh Gurdwara Board (CSGB) Visiting Professor (Chair) in Sikh Studies on Wednesday.

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UT administrator Banwarilal Purohit on Wednesday paid homage to freedom fighters at the state-level ceremony to make the conclusion of the Meri Maati, Mera Desh campaign organised at the Tiranga Park in Sector 17. UT administrator Banwarilal Purohit honouring family members of freedom fighters at Tiranga Park, Sector 17, Chandigarh. (Keshav Singh/HT)

The administrator inaugurated the festivities by unfurling the national flag and unveiling the Shilphalakam, on which quotes from PM Narendra Modi and names of freedom fighters are inscribed.

Having commenced on August 9, the celebrations were being organised as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav as per the directions of the UT administration and central government.

Purohit administered the Panch Pran pledge to the attendees, urging them to forever honour the bravehearts who paved the way for our freedom and progress, and to commit to the cause of nation-building. He also paid homage to freedom fighters and honoured their families by presenting shawls as tokens of respect and underscored the national anthems message that embodies the spirit of Unity in Diversity, a central aspect of Indias rich cultural heritage.

UT adviser Dharam Pal, meanwhile, emphasised that the campaign envisioned a harmonious celebration of Indias soil and valour.

He expressed gratitude to the freedom fighters, defence personnel, Central Armed Police Forces and state police, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. A symbolic gesture of unity followed, with everyone in the gathering holding a fistful of maati (soil) in their hands. The event also featured cultural performances by school students.

Among others in attendance were mayor Anup Gupta, UT home secretary Nitin Yadav, deputy general of police Praveer Ranjan and other senior officials of the administration and members of the armed forces.

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Gurugram: A government school teacher died after allegedly being run over by a speeding truck in Farrukhnagar, said Gurugram police on Wednesday. Woman teacher run over by speeding truck in Farrukhnagar

Police said the incident took place near Jamalpur Chowk on Gurugram-Pataudi Road at about 3.20pm on Tuesday, when the woman was returning to her residence in New Colony in Pataudi from her school located at Kasan on her scooter.

Investigators said a speeding truck hit her from behind and then ran over her. They said the truck driver fled from the spot after the accident. As per police, passers-by used the mobile phone of the teacher, identified as Sudha Singh (41), to alert her colleagues and the police control room.

Police said Singh was rushed to a private hospital in Sector 90, but she was declared dead on arrival. Police said she had sustained severe injuries to the head due to the accident.

On the basis of a complaint from Singhs husband Umed Singh Yadav (45), an FIR was registered against the unidentified truck driver under Section 279 (rash driving or riding on public way) and 304A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Farrukhnagar police station on Tuesday evening, said police.

Yadav, who is also a teacher in a government school in Kadipur, said his wifes colleagues were the first to know about the incident. I came to know about the incident through my school principal. I was near the accident spot as I was returning home and directly rushed to the hospital where she was taken for treatment, but by then she had succumbed to her injuries, he said.

Subhash Boken, public relations officer of Gurugram police, said the truck driver fled after leaving behind the vehicle some metres away from the accident spot. The truck was seized. Its owner will be served a notice to furnish the details of the driver after which suitable action will be taken against him, he added.

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Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led governments welfare schemes and policies will be the core objective of the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP)s social media platforms in the run-up to elections in Rajasthan due later this year, party leaders have said. Elections in Rajasthan are due later this year. (HT PHOTO)

Polls in five states, including Rajasthan, accounting for roughly 15% of Indias population, are expected to set the tone for the 2024 national elections.

BJP leader B L Santosh, who chaired a workshop for districts in charge of social media cells in Rajasthan on Tuesday, called constant fact-checking, trolling, and answering the questions the biggest challenges.

Suggestions were sought from the workshop participants for better utilisation of the partys social media platforms.

State BJP chief Chandra Prakash Joshi, members of Parliament Sudhangshu Trivedi, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, and former Uttar Pradesh minister Shrikant Sharma were among those who attended the workshop.

Sharma called for better coordination and said they have to spread awareness among common people about Modis policies.

Trivedi cited the achievements of Modi over the last nine years and said he took some historic steps. The country is now in strong hands. Social media turned out to be an important tool and should be used carefully.

Joshi hit out at the ruling Congress saying it has neither leaders nor programmes. Development has come to a standstill in the state. Only the schemes of the central government are functional. Congress banks on the advertisements. But we are known for our close relationship with the people.

Congress leader Swarnim Chaturvedi said the BJP has nothing to say given the scale of development undertaken during their rule. They always stayed away from the people and we have worked closely with them.

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Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday urged migrant workers from West Bengal working in other states to return home and start their own businesses. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee (PTI)

Addressing a programme on MSMEs, she said her government was working to prepare a list of migrant workers, which would be done at the 'Duare Sarkar' (government at doorstep) camps.

"Why are you going to other states to work and not opting for the 5 lakh loan (being provided by the state government)? Why are you leaving your family here to work elsewhere? I will ask you all to come back," she said, listing the initiatives taken by her government to attract investments to the state.

Banerjee said her government has launched a scheme in which 5 lakh is offered as loans to entrepreneurs, and the government is itself the guarantor.

"I urge people to use that money and work here instead of going to other states," she added.

"While migrant workers travel to other states for marginally better pay, there is no safety. The quality of life is poor as people have to live in shared spaces away from their families. I urge the migrant workers to come back, and we will ensure livelihood for them," she said.

The chief minister said a committee has been formed with Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam as its head to look into the issues of migrant workers.

Banerjee said the state would auction government land occupied by encroachers.

Claiming that West Bengal is at the top in the MSMEs, she said that over 1.5 crore people of the state work in the sector.

She also announced that the MSME sector would be the focus of the Bengal Global Business Summit, which is scheduled on November 21 and 22.

"I will ask the chief secretary and home secretary to ensure that small business owners are given identity cards from the state government," she said.

Banerjee announced that under the 'Krishak Bandhu' scheme, a compensation of 2 lakh will be given to the family of a farmer in case of accidental death or serious injuries.

The same compensation was announced for 'tant' workers as well.

From the programme, Banerjee also inaugurated state-run showrooms at Dakshinapan in Kolkata and New Digha in Purba Medinipur.

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MUMBAI: Posing as the head of an international research firm, an unknown person tried to extort US$1 lakh from a city-based tyre manufacturer threatening to expose the company by publishing a damning report on major websites in the USA, Luxembourg, and India, which will harm its share prices. HT Image

The NM Joshi Marg police have registered an extortion case against the unknown accused based on a complaint filed by Amit Das, who works as a senior manager with Balkrishna Industries Limited, a multinational tyre manufacturing company.

Posing as the head of an international research firm, the unidentified person wrote an e-mail that the firm had studied the tyre companys growth in the last five years, its financial activities and made a research report. The e-mail said they will publish the report on all the major websites in America, India and Luxembourg, said the police officer.

It was written in the e-mail that the report will have an impact on the companys standing in the market and its shares would fall, added the police officer.

If the manufacturer wished to avoid the publication of the said report, the accused demanded last five years financial audit report of the company, list of active directors presently on its board and US$1 lakh.

The man even provided details of a bank account for the company to transfer the money. When the company enquired about the research firm, they learnt that there was no such research firm of the name mentioned in the e-mail, said a police officer.

They also learnt that the person might be a fraud who was trying to extort money from them by threatening them and decided to report the matter to us, said the officer.

We have registered the offence and will take help from Cyber cell to find the details of the e-mails origin and also locate the bank through the details given in the e-mail, said the police officer.

The case has been registered under sections 385 (putting person in fear of injury in order to commit extortion), 420 (cheating), 465 (forgery) and 467 (forgery of valuable security) of the Indian Penal Code and under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

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Residents of south Mumbai will have to reschedule their daily route of commute as another British-era road overbridge (ROB) is likely to be demolished in the next few months. The 130-year-old Bellasis ROB at Mumbai Central connects Tardeo, Byculla, Nagpada, Grant Road and nearby areas. HT Image

A Western Railway (WR) official said a plan for razing the portion above the rail lines would be ready by September 15 and tenders had already been floated for this work.

We will, however, not be able to go ahead until the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has prepared a plan to demolish the approach roads. We are already in touch with the Mumbai traffic police for taking measures on movement of vehicles, the official, who did not wish to be named, said.

Sources said as per the ongoing discussion, the civic body will finalise its plan only by November.

An official from BMCs bridges department said, The existing ROB has been declared dangerous. WR is going to pull it down and construct a new one. They have appointed a contractor. WR has plans to raze it in two to three months and subsequently we will invite tenders for demolition.

The length of the bridge above the rail tracks is 56 metres with a width of 28 metres. The cost of demolition is pegged at 36 crore of which civil and engineering works will be carried out at an approximate cost of 24 crore. Building a new one would take 18-24 months and the expenditure is expected to be around 60-70 crore, officials said.

According to the traffic police, 25,000 to 30,000 motorists use this bridge every day.

I prefer taking this bridge to go to AC Market in Tardeo. If this is closed for traffic, then it will put pressure on the Mahalaxmi and Grant Road bridges which see heavy traffic during peak hours, Kailash Patil, a resident of Lalbaug, said.

In June, the Delisle ROB in Lower Parel was partially opened after being closed since August 2018 and was later demolished. Meanwhile, the work of launching steel girders for Gokhale ROB in Andheri will begin in October.

The existing road overbridges of Hancock and Carnac have been demolished and havent been rebuilt for a few years now. The Railways should ideally take one bridge at a time rather than demolishing multiple ones that would cause inconvenience to public, Kamlakar Shenoy, a resident of Mazgaon, said.

Earlier, Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited was supposed to construct a cable stayed ROB on Bellasis road at a cost of 150 crore. However, the work was later transferred to WR and the new one will not be cable stayed.

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Senior IPS officer Rashmi Shukla has emerged as a strong contender for the post of state police chief, two days after a court accepted the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) closure report in a case pertaining to disclosure of her confidential report. Pune, India - June 23, 2017:Rashmi Shukla, Commissioner of Police, Pune City posses for photo at her office in Pune, India, on Friday, June 23, 2017. (Photo by Pratham Gokhale/ Hindustan Times) (Pratham Gokhale/HT PHOTO)

The current director general of police (DGP), Rajnish Seth, will retire on December 31. Considering this, the home department will soon send a list of probable candidates to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) who will in turn select three of them. The state government will have to pick one of them as the next DGP.

Shukla, a 1988-batch IPS officer of Maharashtra cadre, is currently the DGP of Sashastra Seema Bal and is senior to Seth. She is due to retire in June 2024 but if she becomes the DGP, she can get a stipulated two-year term.

Apart from Shukla, another prominent name on the list would likely be Mumbai police commissioner Vivek Phansalkar, who will retire in April 2025.

Sources at Mantralaya said since there are elections due, there is a high chance of the state appointing Shukla. The second choice could be Phansalkar. But if Phansalkar is promoted, then the state can downgrade the post of police commissioner so that an officer of additional DG rank can be accommodated there. The state can possibly appoint special commissioner Deven Bharti to head Mumbai police or get another officer, the sources said.

Shukla did not respond to a message by this correspondent.

The states list is also likely to have names of other DG rank officers such as police housing corporation chief Sandeep Bishnoi, railway police DG Pradnya Sarvade, Thane police Commissioner Jaijeet Singh, Anti Terrorism Squad chief Sadadand Date, National Investigation Agencys additional director Atul Chandra Kulkarni and state security corporation DG Bipin Kumar Singh. There will also be the names of officers who can be promoted to DG rank by December 2023 and some additional director general rank officers who have completed 30 years of service.

The UPSC normally prepares a panel of three officers and the state selects from this. Earlier, the home department got its fingers burnt after it appointed IPS officer Sanjay Pandey as DGP and he was not empanelled. He was later sent as a police commissioner.

Shukla had served as Pune police commissioner, additional DG (traffic), inspector general (law and order), DIG (administration), SP in Nagpur and DCP in Solapur. But her stint as State Intelligence Department (SID) commissioner was controversial as during this period the department allegedly tapped telephones of top political leaders.

The Mumbai cyber police on March 26, 2021, filed a case, based on a complaint filed by an assistant commissioner at SID, against unknown persons for allegedly leaking a report prepared by Shukla highlighting irregularities in police transfers and postings in Maharashtra.

In February 2022, the Pune police booked Shukla for allegedly tapping the phones of several politicians during her tenure as the Pune City police commissioner. The police in December 2022 filed a closure report, but a court rejected it stating that there was enough prima facie evidence against her.

The Colaba police in March 2022, too, registered a similar FIR against her. The police in April last year filed a chargesheet and Shukla then approached a court seeking discharge. In this case, there is no sanction to prosecute Shukla.

Last November, the home department headed by Devendra Fadnavis sent a report to the Centre on the status of the FIRs.

On Monday, the metropolitan magistrate court accepted an A-summary report (an investigation report indicating that the facts are true but there is no prosecutable evidence to put the person on trial) submitted by the CBI on May 22, 2023, in connection with the report leak case.

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With no flights operating for the past couple of months, the civil terminal in Hindon has now been asked to maintain preparedness that may be required for services during the G20 Summit on September 9-10, which is likely to culminate with the meeting of heads of the governments and states of member nations in New Delhi. The Hindon Airport Civil Terminal in Ghaziabad in 2019. (Sakib Ali/HT Archive)

The officials of the civil terminal from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said they have received a communication in this regard from the ministry of home affairs (MHA).

We have received communication from the MHA to keep the civil terminal ready for the G20 Summit. The details will be shared by the MHA and ministry of external affairs and cannot be disclosed. We have started preparations with the limited staff available with us, said Saraswathi Venkat, the director of the civil terminal.

The civil terminal, which became operational in 2019, operated flights to different routes under the central governments regional connectivity services, also known as Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN).

The civil terminal, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 8, 2019, was initially proposed to operate flights to eight routes -- Nasik, Pithoragarh, Kannur, Hubli, Faizabad, Shimla, Jamnagar and Kalaburgi.

However, flights to Pithoragarh were suspended in 2020 and have not resumed since then while those on the other routes were suspended in January 2023. Since then, no flight has operated from the civil terminal.

The station director refused to comment on the reasons for suspension of flights and when they might resume.

The civil terminal has come up at Sikandarpur adjacent to the Hindon airbase and uses the runway of the airbase to operate civil flights.

The officials of the Ghaziabad municipal corporation said they have started a survey of the maintenance needed from the Delhi-Wazirabad Road near the civil terminal.

We will soon chalk out the maintenance needed for the road and other agencies will also chip in. The nearby Hindon elevated road which connects to Delhi is already pothole free and will be checked again. The roundabouts and road will be subjected to repairs or relaying wherever needed while we will also ensure that all streetlights, cleanliness and other amenities are in proper order before the G20 events. It is likely that the works will get complete within the next seven to 10 days, said NK Chaudhary, chief engineer of the corporation.

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The Assam polices special task force (STF) in collaboration with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) arrested five poachers and smugglers of wild animal body parts from Assams Nagaon district. Police said that this was one of the biggest seizures of animal body parts in Assam this month. (Representative Image)

According to the police, the STF and WCCB team also seized a large amount of body parts of animals like one-horn rhino, tiger, elephants and others from the arrested persons.

STF officials on Wednesday told the media that based on specific information, they planned a joint operation with WCCB on Tuesday and conducted a raid at Kaliabor area in Nagaon district.

During the joint operation 12 elephant tusks, 2 tiger canine teeth, 15 rhino hooves, 1 deer antler, 1.031 kg pangolin scale were recovered. The special team also seized five mobile phones used for networking and police said these phones will help them in further investigation.

The arrested poachers and smugglers have been identified as Gafar Quresy (24), Mohammad Okil Quresy (60), Mohammad Safiqul Islam (39), Ujjal Bharali (20) and Aditya Sarma (23).

Gafar, Okil and Safiqul are residents of Jakhalabandha area of Nagaon district while Ujjal and Aditya are residents of Guwahati, police said.

STF handed them to the Jakhalabandha Police Station along with the recovered items. According to the police, a case has been registered against them under sections 9, 39, 44, 48(A), 49(B), 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

They have been arrested under several sections of the Wildlife Protection Act and our special team is interrogating them. Theyll be produced before the court soon, an official of Jakhalabandha Police Station said.

Police said that this was one of the biggest seizures in Assam this month and with the arrests, more information about poaching and smuggling of wildlife animals will be collected.

This was also the fourth recovery of smuggled animal body parts including elephant tusks in Assam in the last ten days. The Government Railway Police (GRP) on Tuesday seized elephant tusk weighing 2.3 kilograms from Lachit Express train at Assams Kamakhya Railway Station in Guwahati.

On August 18, Forest officials in Morigaon recovered elephant tusk weighing 2.5 kg from a residence. The owner of the house was arrested under the Wildlife Protection Act for allegedly being involved in smuggling of wildlife animal body parts.

On August 13, WCCB and STF arrested three suspected poachers from Chirang district near Bhutan border and recovered a large amount of elephant tusks.

The recovery of body parts of wildlife animals in frequent manner has raised concern over the safety of those species. A senior official of Assam police has claimed that they are conducting more operations now and as a result, the recoveries are happening.

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The three-member search committee has sent names for the post of Vice-Chancellor of DDU Gorakhpur University to Raj Bhawan. The official announcement of the name is expected by late Thursday, said officials. DDU Gorakhpur University (file)

The governor, who is also chancellor of the University, had constituted a three-member search committee comprising a member of university executive council, ex-judge of Allahabad HC and one nominated member for recommendation of 3 to 5 names for the post.

The search committee, after two rounds of screening, had invited 20 contenders for interactions on August 20 but only 17 of them had turned up.

Officials said the search committee had submitted five names to the governor on August 20. The governor would select a name after interaction with each of them.

Registrar of the university prof Ajay Singh said that university had no information regarding this. He said the tenure of current VC Professor Rajesh Kumar Singh would end on September 4.

Speculations were doing rounds in the academic circle about the probable name for the post.

However, people at the varsity said that VC Prof Rajesh Singh might get another term to serve as VC as DDU Gorakhpur university had bagged A++status in assessment of NAAC.

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The district administration is to construct a park for children on a big plot of land freed from slain mafioso-politician Atiq Ahmed in 2020. The plot was grabbed by Atiq and was in the name of his deceased father, Haji Feroz. Slain mafioso-politician Atiq Ahmed (HT File Photo)

Atiq grabbed massive properties in different areas of Prayagraj using his influence and terror. After the regime change in the state, a crackdown was launched against mafia and gangsters during which lands grabbed by Atiq were also freed. One of the bigger plots of land freed by administration in Lukarganj area was used for construction of 76 flats for the poor.

Another of Atiqs illegal properties included a plot of land on which he had constructed a cold storage. The 400 square yards prime land was freed by the administration in 2020. After its measurement, it was decided by the administration to build another residential building for the poor. However, it was later found that the plot comes under flood-affected areas. As per the rules no construction can be done here.

In such a situation the revenue department is now handing over the freed plot of land to Prayagraj Development Authority. As no construction can be done here, the plot will now be used for building a a park and meditation centre.

Kunwar Pankaj, chief revenue officer, said that as the plot is ina prime location it will now be used as a park.

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The Manipur government on Wednesday began the process of handing over pre-fabricated temporary shelter houses to the violence-affected displaced families in the northeastern border state. The shelters have two bedrooms, one washroom, a common kitchen and dining hall. (HT Photo)

State chief minister N Biren Singh handed over the temporary shelters at a function organised in Sajiwa jail premises, about 8 km north-east of Imphal, to those affected by the ongoing ethnic clashes in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Singh said that the step has been taken up by the government on a temporary basis to accommodate the displaced families until permanent houses are constructed.

He said the government is making efforts to restore normalcy in the state.

Also Read: Manipur Cabinet again approves convening of assembly session on Aug 29

The pre-fabricated temporary shelter houses at Sajiwa which will accommodate nearly 400 displaced families of violence affected Ekou and Dolaithabi villages in Imphal East district who are presently taking shelter at relief camps after their houses were destroyed in the aftermath of clashes which broke out in early May.

The shelters have two bedrooms, one washroom, a common kitchen and dining hall.

Currently 50,000 displaced people are taking shelter at over 350 relief camps.

The displaced families from other relief camps will also be shifted to the temporary shelter houses within the next 10 to 15 days, said Singh.

Along with this, construction of the permanent houses will also take place once the on-going survey ends, he added.

Singh shared the pictures of the shelters on his official X account (formerly Twitter).

Im pleased to share that the Govt of Manipur has successfully handed over the temporary shelter home at Sajiwa Jail Complex to the first lot of displaced families today. In the upcoming weeks, we will also be inaugurating similar facilities in the other hill and valley districts of Manipur, he wrote.

The temporary shelter houses are being constructed by the Manipur Police Housing Corporation Ltd at a cost of 149 crore in eight places.

Similarly, temporary shelter houses will also be constructed in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts for which land identification process is nearing completion.

In June, CM Singh had announced plans to build around 4,000 pre-fabricated houses.

Clashes in Manipur 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.

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PRAYAGRAJ: The former president of Allahabad Universitys student union, Richa Singh, has once again lodged a formal complaint at the Shivkuti police station against Manish Jagan Agarwal, the official Twitter handler of the Samajwadi Party. How long will the party chief, Akhilesh Yadav, continue to support the accused, asked the complainant. (HT File)

Singh alleges that Agarwal used derogatory language against women in a tweet posted on August 18. This follows closely on the heels of another FIR filed against Agarwal the day prior for issuing threats, at the very same police station.

Ajeet Singh, the Station House Officer (SHO) at Shivkuti police station, confirmed the registration of an FIR under IPC Section 509, which pertains to the intent to insult the modesty of a woman, along with Section 67 of the IT Act.

In her complaint submitted to the police on Wednesday, Richa Singh detailed that after having lodged an FIR against Manish Jagan Agarwal on August 17 for his obscene remarks and threats aimed at her, he once again resorted to objectionable comments concerning women in a tweet on August 18.

In this tweet, Agarwal referred to women using terms such as Supnakha, item, garbage, and use and throw object, according to the complainant. Richa Singh emphasised that Agarwals posting of the contentious tweet amounted to a direct challenge to the rule of law.

The accused is brazenly denigrating women with the backing of the Samajwadi Party. How long will the party chief, Akhilesh Yadav, continue to support him? questioned Richa Singh. She further pointed out that Agarwals offensive comments come at a time when the Supreme Court is taking a serious stance on the protection of womens rights and is actively issuing guidelines for the appropriate usage of language when referring to women.

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At least 17 workers were killed, and several others are feared trapped, after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed near Sairang area of Mizoram on Wednesday around 11 am, about 21km from state capital Aizawl. Visuals from the site of the accident in Mizoram. (HT Photo)

There were 40 construction workers on the bridge at the time of the incident.

Seventeen bodies have been recovered from the debris so far...many others are still missing, a police officer said, according to PTI.

The Sairang branch of Young Mizo Association is currently carrying out rescue operations.

The bridge that collapsed was part of an Indian Railways project to connect all state capitals in the northeast region. It has been under construction for some years now. The incident happened around 11am. We are yet to ascertain the reason behind the accident and how many people actually were on it when it occurred, Sabyasachi De, chief public relations officer of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), said.

Union railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced 10 lakh compensation for the kin of the deceased, and 2 lakh for those who are critically injured.

Grieved by the unfortunate incident in Mizoram. NDRF, state administration and railway officials are at the site. Rescue operation on war footing.Ex-gratia compensation: 10 lakh in case of death, 2 lakh towards grievous and 50,000 for minor injuries, he announced on social media.

The bridge was being constructed over Kurung river and is located between Bairabi and Sairang railway stations. The height of the pier of the bridge is 104mts. Sairang railway station is set to be the last railhead before reaching Mizorams capital. Once completed, the project will connect Aizawl with the national railway network.

Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga expressed grief over the incident on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), and said, Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; atleast 15 workers died: Rescue under progress. Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations.

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LUCKNOW When the Indian Space Research Organisations (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander accomplished a successful soft landing on the Moons south pole at 6:04 pm (IST), educational institutions across Uttar Pradesh resonated with chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Sare Jahan se Achcha Hindustan Humara, as thousands of students and teachers erupted in joy. Students of Loyola Public school watching the Landing of Chandrayan-3 (Deepak Gupta)

Despite heavy rainfall, curious students and enthusiastic teachers attended school to witness the live stream of Chandrayaan-3s lunar landing in various government and private schools across Lucknow and other regions of Uttar Pradesh. Even madrasa students observed this historic moment with great enthusiasm.

To create a fitting atmosphere, several schools also crafted models of Chandrayaan-3. Holding the national flag aloft, students and teachers raised spirited slogans in honour of ISRO scientists as the lander touched down on the lunar surface.

A majority of Uttar Pradesh government schools remained open on Wednesday evening to broadcast the event live for students, as per the directive issued by the education department. However, attendance was slightly affected due to heavy rainfall in the state capital during the evening.

At UPS Nizampur in the Gosaiganj area of Lucknow, over 100 students gathered to witness the event on their teachers laptop. Anupam Kumar Gupta, an assistant teacher at the school, elucidated the significance of Indias lunar mission to the students.

In Primary School Kamalpur, located in Block Rajpura in Meerut, students watched the event on an LCD TV brought by a teacher from her home. Chinki, a fourth-grade student, expressed, It was a moment of pride for all of us.

The students of Primary School Kampa Baldirai Sultanpur revelled in the successful completion of the mission. The students celebrated the occasion with thunderous applause, and some even adorned astronaut attire.

Meanwhile, La Martiniere College live-streamed the event for its hostel students. St. Josephs, Lucknow Public School, and several other private institutions arranged auditorium screenings, allowing students to witness the proceedings on a massive screen.

GD Goenka Public School in Lucknow, in collaboration with CBSE Sahodaya Schools Complex Lucknow, hosted a public event to experience this unique achievement. The event encompassed the live telecast of Chandrayaan-3s landing on a large projector screen, captivating presentations by astronomers and astrophysicists, and interactive sessions that engaged the audience in meaningful discussions about the impact of space exploration on the nations progress. It also provided an avenue to inspire and educate the next generation about the marvels of science and technology, while also acknowledging Indias remarkable feats in space exploration.

The event was graced by the presence of District Magistrate Surya Pal Gangwar, along with various other city dignitaries. Shreya Verma, an 11th-grade student, exclaimed, Its unbelievable; weve become the first country to land on the Moons South Pole. What an achievement! Im so proud of our country and the ISRO team.

Samriddhi Gulati, a seventh-grade student, said, We never comprehended the magnitude of Chandrayaan Mission 3 until we watched it live and witnessed the efforts of the ISRO team. Similarly, Vivaan Mishra, a sixth-grade student, said, What a historic moment! We all held our breath in anticipation of Chandrayaan 3s landing, and we have triumphed. I also aspire to be a scientist and bring pride to my country one day.

Uttar Pradesh minister Kapil Dev Aggarwal joined students at City Montessori School, Lucknow, to observe the missions landing. Mala Mehra, the principal of Hoerner College, said, Words fail to express the pride we feel as a nation for the Chandrayaan 3 mission and its successful outcome. The entire day at Hoerner College, Lucknow, was dedicated to sharing the journey of this mission as students watched in awe, and the excitement for the landing was palpable.

ISRO scientist Ritu Karidhal, an LU Alumnus

For students of Lucknow University, it was an extraordinary moment as they gathered at Malviya Hall to witness the live streaming of Chandrayaan-3s landing. LU Vice-Chancellor Professor AK Rai commended Ritu Karidhal, one of the lead scientists at ISRO responsible for executing the third lunar exploration mission. Ritu Karidhal completed her post-graduation from LUs Physics Department, subsequently pursuing a PhD within the department. Merely six months later, she was selected by ISRO and joined as a scientist. Her PhD studies were supervised by Professor Manisha Gupta, focusing on materials.

During her time at LU, Dr Ritu Karidhal engaged with students, sharing insights about the Mars Mission, which was chiefly led by young scientists and accomplished at a remarkably low cost on the international scale, within a record 18 months. Karidhal had interacted with students during a lecture on Mangalyan and Chandrayan-2, an event organised by Lucknow University as an extension of the 2019 convocation.

Prayers and Rituals in Temples

In Lucknow, a group of individuals performed a havan and offered prayers for the triumphant landing of Chandrayaan-3s lander. These acts of devotion took place at Hanuman Temple and Mankameshwar Temple. Similarly, after the namaz at Eidgah, people extended their prayers for the success of Chandrayaan-3.

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A court of additional chief judicial magistrate (ACJM-7) in Bihars Aurangabad has awarded a fine of 1.50 crore to former president of the primary agriculture credit society (PACS) Sunil Kumar Yadav in a case involving the dishonour of a cheque worth 1.25 crore. (Representative Photo)

The ingredients of Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments (NI) Act have been established by the complainant and the accused has failed to rebut the statutory presumption as contemplated under the Act, observed the court.

The court of ACJM Madhvi Singh also ordered a two-year imprisonment upon failing to pay the fine.

As such, in my considered opinion, the accused has committed an offence under Section 138 read with Section 142 of the NI Act and shall be punished for the same, read the court order.

Accordingly, the court imposes a fine of 1,50,50000 crore (one crore, fifty lakh and fifty thousand) on Sunil Kumar Yadav, to be paid in five months, failing which he has to serve two-year simple imprisonment, the order further stated.

Plaintiff Arun Kumar of Kanchanpur village falling had filed a fraud complaint under Rishiyap police station against Sunil Yadav, who is also the owner of Om Sai Modern Rice Mill.

According to the plaintiffs counsel Satish Kumar Snehi, between August 23 and August 30 in 2018, Arun provided rice worth 1,26,75000 crore against which Sunil Yadav had provided him with a cheque.

However, the cheque was dishonoured.

According to defence lawyer Lakshman Yadav, Sunil Yadav had already paid Rs.25.50 lakh to Arun on the directive of the court during the hearing of the matter for interim relief.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Avinash Kumar Avinash, a senior correspondent, reports on crime, railways, defence and social sector, with specialisation in police, home department and other investigation agencies. ...view detail
Pune: The Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMC) of Lasalgaon in Nashik, Asias largest onion market, has decided to resume auctions from Thursday. They were on protest over the Centres imposition of a 40 per cent export duty on the kitchen staple since last three days. APMCs in Nashik has decided to resume auctions from Thursday after meeting Union minister Dr Bharati Pawar, (HT FILE)

According to a traders representative, the decision was taken at a meeting of the representatives of traders-exporters and farmers with Union minister Dr Bharati Pawar here on Wednesday.

Pawar, the Union minister of state for health and family Welfare and member of Parliament from Dindori in Nashik, said, After a heated debate since past three days over the Centres export duty decision, the traders have agreed today to restart APMC markets in Nashik for the benefit of farmers. About the 40 per cent export duty, we will request the Centre to rethink and take a positive decision on the issue.

While traders were firm not to purchase onions, farmers in several parts of Maharashtra staged protest to oppose the 40 per cent export duty fearing the move will result in fall in prices in domestic markets.

Pawar said that as per the announcement made Union minister Piyush Goyal, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) will purchase onion from farmers at 2,410 per quintal.

Whichever rate is good for farmers, they can sell the commodity as the markets will resume now, she said.

During the meeting, the minister assured that the Centre will look into the demand of traders-exporters on allowing onions at ports and India-Bangladesh border waiting to be shipped without export duty.

According to Pawar, Goyal has instructed the Nashik district collector to give a detailed information about the containers of traders stranded at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (Raigad) and other places.

Khandu Kaka Deore, president, Nashik district traders association, said, Although traders have closed the auction markets, we are buying onion from farmers. We have withdrawn the protest after the assurance from the minister.

District collector Jalaj Sharma, Chandwad MLA Rahul Aher and NAFED officials attended the meeting.

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Pune: To reduce the annual immersion procession period, Shreemant Dagadusheth Halwai Ganesh Mandal has decided to carry the procession at 4 pm even as other mandals have not shown interest to the ceremony that takes place on Laxmi Road. To reduce annual immersion procession period, Shreemant Dagadusheth Halwai Ganesh Mandal has decided to carry the procession at 4 pm. (HT FILE)

Dagadusheth Ganesh Mandal announced their decision on Wednesday, hoping to minimise the overall time of procession. For years, citizens, administration, police and other Ganesh mandals have been pressing for the need to reduce the timing of annual immersion procession that lasts for over 24 hours.

In 2022, the ceremonious Ganesh immersion marked a high point of the 10-day festival, completing in record 29 hours. The duration was the highest after 2014 with huge crowd seen on roads after two years to bid farewell to the elephant god.

Hemant Rasane, secretary, Dagadusheth Ganesh Mandal, said, Our Mandal has been facing public criticism for delaying the procession since last few years, but we were not getting a place to start it as other mandals occupied the path. Last year, we got a chance to immerse the idol the next day of immersion. Considering this, we have decided to carry out the procession at daytime which is also suitable for devotees.

In Pune, the immersion procession begins with five manache (most revered) Ganesh Mandals. However, once they immerse the idols, no other mandal is eager to start procession till midnight when Dagadusheth Mandal turns up and heavy crowd await to see the chariot. We have identified the slot when no mandal is on Laxmi Road at around 4 pm, said Rasane

The mandal met workers for Ganesh immersion and unanimously decided to carry out procession at 3pm or 4pm without affecting other mandals and complete the procession by 7pm.

Years ago, our procession was getting over by afternoon. As the number of Ganesh mandals increased, Dagadusheth Mandal started getting late to get place on Laxmi Road. Later, we started at 8pm, then midnight, and last year we entered the procession line the next day, Rasane said.

The annual immersion process is a main highlight of the 10-day Ganeshotsav in Pune. Over five lakh people turn up to witness the procession even as it poses huge security burden for police and local administration. Hence, the police and administration have been appealing to mandals over the past few years to wind up the procession early even as the latter are often seen defying it.

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The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) conducted raids at around three dozen locations across Jharkhand in connection with the illegal liquor trade scam on Wednesday, people aware of the developments said. ED raids the premises of Jharkhand finance minister Rameshwar Oraon in conncetion with alleged liquor scam, in Ranchi. (ANI)

According to the people, besides Ranchi, raids were conducted in Dumka, Deoghar and Giridih.

They further said those under the scanner included Rohit Oraon, son of incumbent finance minister Rameshwar Oraon, whose residence in Ranchi was on the list of places raided by the federal agency.

The agency raided the residence of Neeraj Shahbadi, nephew of former BJP MLA Nirbhay Shahbadi in Giridih, and multiple locations related to Jamtara-based liquor trader Yogendra Tiwari, who has business interests in hospitality and real estate, were also searched, the above-cited people said.

While ED officials remained tight-lipped about the specific case for which the raids were conducted and the recoveries made during the searches, people indicated that the federal agency initiated a fresh ECIR based on first information reports (FIRs) registered against Tiwari in Jamtara as a predicate offence.

Tiwari has been under scrutiny and has had several cases registered with different police stations in the state. Additionally, he has also been under the scanner of the income tax department, which conducted searches at his locations last year, an official said.

The raids occurred a day before chief minister Hemant Soren is expected to appear before the federal agency in connection with a land scam being investigated by the agency.

Soren described the ED summons as politically motivated and demanded the agency to withdraw it.

However, the federal agency sent a second summons on August 19, directing Soren to appear at its Ranchi zonal office on August 24.

It remains unclear whether Soren will appear before the agency.

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A Jamshedpur court on Tuesday acquitted alleged Mafia don Akhilesh Singh in connection with the case of the daylight murder of shoe baron Ashish Dey, owner of the famous brand Sreeleathers. This is Singhs 54th acquittal in criminal cases. Representational image.

The court of additional district and session judge Rajendra Prasad Sinha acquitted Akhilesh Singh charged under section 302 and 129 B of the Indian Penal Code in the absence of conclusive evidence. We examined 16 prosecution witnesses, none of whom supported the prosecution charge. On the other hand, we have produced 14 documentaries and circumstantial evidence against prosecution evidence. After examining all the evidence, the court found it inadequate to convict Akhilesh Singh of conspiracy and acquitted him giving the benefit of doubt, Singhs counsel, senior advocate Prakash Jha, told HT.

The trial was carried out over three sessions in the past 16 years. In the first session, the court convicted Singhs brother Amalesh, Vinod Singh and Pappu Don for murder and handed out life sentences to them.

In the second session, Akhileshs alleged mentor Vikram Sharma was acquitted by the court in the case about six months ago, and Akhilesh was acquitted in the third session. An FIR was lodged in the murder case based on a complaint by Deys manager Tapas Pal.

He is, however, still in jail and will remain so in view of his conviction in the murder of Jamshedpur jailor Umashankar Pandey. He was acquitted on August 11 in the murder of Bagbera resident Upendra Singh.

Amlesh and Vinod Singhs appeal against their conviction has been pending in the Jharkhand high court, while they have been out on bail after the Supreme Court allowed their interlocutory application and granted bail.

Ashish Dey was shot dead by motorcycle-borne shooters on 2 November 2007, near Aambagan ground when he was coming out of his residence to go to his shop in Sakchi market under Sakchi police station in the heart of the city.

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Department of School Education, Karnataka has released KARTET Hall Ticket 2023 on August 23, 2023. Candidates who will appear for Karnataka Teacher Eligibility Test can download the admit card through the official site of KARTET at sts.karnataka.gov.in. KARTET Hall Ticket 2023 released at sts.karnataka.gov.in, download link here

KARTET examination will be conducted on September 3, 2023 at various exam centres across the state. The examination will be conducted in two sessions. The first session or Paper I will be conducted in the morning and the second session or Paper II will be conducted in the afternoon. The Paper I exam will be conducted from 9.30 am to 12 noon and Paper II exam will be conducted from 2 pm to 4.30 pm.

KARTET Hall Ticket 2023: How to download

Candidates who will appear for the examination can download the admit card through the steps given below.

Visit the official site of KARTET at sts.karnataka.gov.in.

Click on KARTET 2023 hall ticket link available on the home page.

Enter the login details and click on submit.

Your admit card will be displayed on the screen.

Check the admit card and download it.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

For more related details candidates can check the official site of Department of School Education, Karnataka.

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Ranbir's birthday gift for Alia

In the interview with Harper's Bazaar, Alia opened up about being a foodie, and candidly shared an anecdote involving Ranbir Kapoor. She said, He was my boyfriend at the time, and we were shooting a movie together in Bulgaria. Theres a particular milk cake from LEto in London that Im obsessed with, and he flew the cake from London to Bulgaria so that I could cut it on my birthday. I literally did not share it, even with him!

Alia's lipstick remark

This confession arrives a week after mixed reactions to Alia's recent makeup video where she confessed that she likes to wipe the lipstick off because she wants the faded look. She also explained that the reason she started to do this is because how her then-boyfriend Ranbir would tell her to wipe the lipstick because he liked the natural colour of her lips. The video went viral where many slammed Ranbir and called him a 'walking, talking red flag.'

Alia and Ranbir tied the knot in April 2022. They started seeing each other while working together on the sets of Brahmastra and dated for years before finally taking the plunge. Alia gave birth to daughter Raha on November 6, 2022.

Besides, Heart of Stone on Netflix, Alia's most recent release was Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani, which is still running successfully in cinemas. The film, directed by Karan Johar, released last month to rave reviews and commercial success. It also stars Ranveer Singh, Shabana Azmi, Churni Ganguly, Dharmendra, and Jaya Bachchan. Alia is scheduled to star in Farhan Akhtar's next Jee Le Zaraa, also starring Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra. However, the film has been delayed for some reasons, as director Farhan Akhtar has started work on Don 3, with Ranveer Singh in the lead role.

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Actor Kareena Kapoor hosted a get-together at her home in Mumbai on Monday night and also shared photos. It was attended by her friends--filmmaker Karan Johar, Malaika Arora, Amrita Arora, and Natasha Poonawalla among others. Several videos and pictures of the guests arriving at Kareena's residence were shared online. (Also Read | Kareena Kapoor excited to watch Chandrayaan-3s landing on the moon with her 'boys' Jeh and Taimur) Kareena Kapoor posed for photos with Karan Johar and Malaika Arora.

What Kareena, Karan, Malaika wore

In a video, Karan Johar was seen wearing a printed blue sweatshirt, denims and white sneakers and arriving at Kareena's home. He smiled and posed for the paparazzi. Natasha wore a pink dress and matched it with black boots. Malaika Arora opted for a green outfit while Amrita wore a black dress under a white jacket. Kareena was seen in a multi-coloured kaftan.

Kareena shares pics

Taking to Instagram Stories, Kareena shared several pictures as she posed with her guests. She posted a photo of Karan talking on the phone excitedly as Natasha clicked his photo. He sat next to a table with beverage glasses on it. She wrote, Rocky in the house (red heart, rainbow and collision emojis) along with the picture.

Posing with Malaika inside her home, Kareena wrote, "Kaftan girls for life (red heart, rainbow and star emojis)." In another photo, she laughed while hugging Amrita. She wrote, "It's called forever... (red heart, rainbow and laughing emojis)."

Malaika, Amrita post photos

In another photo on Instagram, Malaika laughed while Kareena pouted. She wrote along with the photo, "Smiles and pouts forever (red heart emoji)." Sharing a photo of Amrita kissing Natasha, she wrote, "Cuties." Malaika also posted a goofy selfie with Amrita and their friend and wrote, "Craziessssss". She also shared a selfie clicked by Karan also featuring Kareena and wrote, "Toooo much talent and love." Amrita, on her Instagram Stories, shared a group selfie clicked by Kareena. The picture also featured Natasha and Malaika.

Kareena shared several pictures.

Malaika and Amrita also shared photos.

Kareena's upcoming films

Kareena will be next seen in director Sujoy Ghosh's thriller which is based on the book The Devotion of Suspect X. It also stars Vijay Varma and Jaideep Ahlawat. Kareena also has The Crew in the pipeline. It also features Tabu, Kriti Sanon and Diljit Dosanjh in the lead roles. The Crew is all set to hit the theatres on March 22, 2024. Apart from that, she also has director Hansal Mehta's next untitled film in the pipeline.

Karan Johar's recent film

Karan Johar recently returned to the directors chair after seven years. His romantic drama Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani has already entered the 300 crore club globally. The film stars Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi in lead roles. It released in theatres on July 28.

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Kriti Kharbanda once found a hidden camera, set right behind the set-top box in her hotel room, the actor has revealed. Talking to Hautterfly in a new interview, Kriti also revealed that her team always scans hotel rooms for such things. (Also read| Pulkit Samrat on marriage plans with Kriti Kharbanda: It changes the equation) Kriti Kharbanda recalls being pinched, and whacked by random strangers.(Instagram/@kriti.kharbanda)

Hidden camera

Kriti said, There was this one incident that I remember when I was shooting for one of my Kannada films. This boy, who used to work at the hotel. He actually left a camera in my room. My staff and me, we have this habit of checking around to make sure nothing is popping out from anywhere. He was obviously not a pro because it was kept so badly. I could see it, he had kept it behind the set-top box. It is scary, the kind of stuff you have to be careful about. Not flowery at all.

When a man pinched her

She also recalled the time when she called out a man for touching her inappropriately while getting a picture clicked with her and he pinched her so hard that she had a blood clot. It is very disturbing, but it happens and happens many times. And he ran (after the pinch), I did not know how to react. I was in shock, I was taken aback, she said.

When a biker whacked her

Kriti also opened up about a time when a biker whacked her on her bottom and she fell on a Bengaluru street while the biker went ahead like nothing happened. She could not even tell her parents about it for months, she added. She also said that the pinch really scarred her.

Kriti's career

Kriti made her acting debut with Raj Pippalla's Boni in 2009. With reviews raving about her performance, she bagged Pawan Kalyan's Teen Maar and soon featured in various Kannada and Telugu films. In Hindi, she made her Bollywood debut with Vikram Bhatt's Raaz: Reboot in 2016. She has since featured in many movies including Karwaan, Housefull 4, Pagalpanti and Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT Entertainment Desk Dedicated professionals who write about cinema and television in all their vibrancy. Expect views, reviews and news. ...view detail
The divorce agreement between Hollywood star Halle Berry and her ex-husband Olivier Martinez has been finalised after eight long years. According to a report by Page Six, Los Angeles Superior Court has ordered Berry to pay $8000 a month to Martinez in child support for their 9-year-old son, Maceo. Halle Berry(File Photo)

According to the court documents, Berry has been ordered to pay for her sons private school tuition, school uniforms, and school supplies, but the payments will be made directly to the school and not to Martinez. Additionally, Berry will have to pay for her sons health insurance and 100 percent of all uninsured medical expenses, including therapy.

Moreover, Berry has to pay 4.3 percent of any income which is above $2 million, and that would be considered additional child support for Maceo.

Meanwhile, Berry has expressed desire to contribute $55,000 toward Martinezs attorneys fees.

As per the divorce agreement, both Berry and Martinez will get physical custody of their son for half of the week  Monday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Friday  with alternating weekends. And the couple have agreed upon a schedule for the same.

Notably, Berry and Martinez had filed for divorce in October 2015 but the proceedings took lot of time due to their unresolved child custody issues.

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Berry and Martinez's marriage and subsequent split

The couple had got married in July 2013. After their split in 2015, they released a joint statement which read, It is with a heavy heart that we have come to the decision to divorce.

We move forward with love and respect for one another and the shared focus for what is best for our son. We wish each other nothing but happiness in life, and we hope that you respect our, and most importantly our childrens privacy, as we go through this difficult period.
Drew Barrymore was in for a shock while speaking at the 92nd Street Y event in New York City on Monday, August 21. The 48-year-old talk show host and actress was approached by an alleged stalker who tried to interrupt her interview with Renee Rapp. Drew had to suddenly be whisked away from the stage. Drew Barrymore appears at the 24th Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on March 19, 2023, in Washington (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File)(AP)

Drew Barrymore! the man can be heard yelling as she spoke. Oh my God, yes  hi, Drew replied, taken aback. The man yelled, You know who I am. I need to see you at some point while youre in New York. He identified himself as Chad Michael Busto, according to Variety.

A bodyguard stepped in as Chad spoke, and Drew was escorted off the stage. However, she returned to the event shortly after, and was welcomed by fans with a huge round of applause.

By the way, just to be clear, the second they were like, Ok, were good, I was like, Hey, do you need anything, do you need to sit? She was like, Oh, no, I got it  Im good,' Renee said of Drew after their return to the stage. Well, I have a new definition of your sexiness  its the protectiveness that went full Bodyguard! Drew said in response. Drew then stood up and embraced Renee, 23.

Who is Chad Michael Busto?

It is unclear if Chad knew or previously met Drew. According to Santa Monica Daily Press, he may have been apprehended in 2009. He was reportedly arrested for resisting officers at the time. He allegedly had multiple disorderly conduct and trespassing arrests in states like Georgia, Texas, Minnesota, Florida and Wisconsin.

Chads past offences include criminal trespass, resisting arrest, indecent exposure, disorderly conduct, theft, harassment and more, according to New York Post. He began committing the crimes from June 1999, and the latest were committed as recently as in January 2022.

Chad may also have been obsessed with Amber Heard, according to The Daily Beast. He was allegedly banned from an online fan forum after being accused of stalking, sexual harassment and threats.
Popular sitcom Frasier is being revived after 19 years, with Kelsey Grammer returning to his iconic Frasier Crane role. The reboot is set to debut on October 12 with its first two episodes on Paramount+ in the US and Canada. In all other regions, it can be watched from October 13. New episodes will be dropped every Thursday. Kelsey Grammer has been listed as the only original cast member set to return (IMDb)

Kelsey is seen performing the shows theme song, Tossed Salads & Scrambled Eggs, in a new teaser released by Paramount Plus. Frasier first premiered in 1993 and has 11 seasons.

"The new series follows Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) in the next chapter of his life as he returns to Boston with new challenges to face, new relationships to forge and an old dream or two to finally fulfill," a press release said, according to Yahoo. "Frasier has re-entered the building!"

Are other original cast members returning?

Kelsey has been listed as the only original cast member set to return. Other stars who will appear in the show include Jack Cutmore-Scott, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Toks Olagundoye, Jess Salgueiro and Anders Keith

"Niles (Crane) and Daphne (Moon) are not coming back," Kelsey previously told TODAY of the characters played by David Hyde Pierce and Jane Leeves. "If there is a spot for a one-off appearance, and they're interested, I'm sure we would do something like that. But, it's a new world. It's a new life. Frasier's going back to Boston to put himself back in a place where he didn't feel like he quite made it." Kelsey added, He wants to feel like he conquered it again. Kelsey also told the news outlet PEOPLE that David wasnt really interested in repeating the performance of Niles.

I love those characters, but I dont miss them

I dont have a strong feeling that theres anything more that I can think of that I need to say about the character.  I love those characters, but I dont miss them. That said, he left the door open to potentially appear on the show: I would never disrespect that in such a way as to say just offhandedly, Oh, no, thanks. Im not going to do that again. Its too valuable to me. But by the same token, because its so valuable to me, I also wouldnt do it just to do it. And I believe it can be done without me, too  finding new stories to tell, in the same way that Frasier did after Cheers. They didnt bring along the Cheers gang to make a new show, David told Vulture.

Frasier is written by Chris Harris and Joe Cristalli. They executive produce with Kelsey, Tom Russo and Jordan McMahon. Frasier has won as many as 37 Emmys.
Its a strange thing to see at any time, even in Pakistan. A president of a country uses social media to deny that he signed on to legislation severe corrosive of fundamental rights, creating a constitutional crisis. Even more unusual, its parliament had signed some 108 bills into law, including those giving substantially more powers to the Pakistan Army, just before it was dissolved on August 10. And even as Prime Minister (PM) Modi was addressing cheering crowds in Delhi on Independence ay, in Pakistan an army chief, did the honours a day earlier. Its a rare democracy country that doesnt have an elected representative presiding. A flood of abuse on social media castigated the Chief even as the countrys leading thinkers seemed deeply saddened with their countrys trajectory. But this is the result of decisions made over years, that set the seal on what is now a dangerously unstable state, faced with perennial debt, and loss of sovereignty. Pakistan crisis(Fondazione CESV)

Consider some statistics. Following independence, it took three governor generals, four PMs, two constituent assemblies (1947-1954 & 1955-1956), and nine years of protracted constitution making process to produce the first constitution of Pakistan in 1956. It was rejected on the final day of its adoption (February 29,1956) by all Hindu minority parties and the largest Muslim political party, which was the Awami League from the then East Pakistan. Political instability led to imposition of the first martial law on October 7,1958 by General Ayub Khan, who enacted the 1962 constitution to the country through an executive order. The current constitution, enacted by the third constituent assembly in 1973, was twice suspended by military coups, with military regimes amending it in ways that fundamentally changed its Islamic and federal character. One such was the grant of power to the president to dissolve the lower house of the federal legislature. That proved to be the death  sometimes literally  of many a PM. In other words, by the time Pakistan got a stable constitution, India had already been functioning as a noisy and no doubt unruly democracy for three decades.

Arising from this, Pakistan, constitutionally a parliamentary democracy, has had a total of 29 PMs since 1947.On 18 occasions, they have been removed on different pretexts, including corruption charges, direct military coups and forced resignations. There were two assassinations, and one hanging. Pakistan has been under direct military rule for some 33 years of its 74 years of independence, and under a so called hybrid thereafter after. As Imran Khan was driven out, the hybrid is only nominal. The caretaker PM Anwarul Haq Kakar is a complete establishment man. Dont just blame the khakis however. Politicians connived at destabilising their opponents using every institution available. Imran Khan was no exception, using the National Accountability Bureau to the maximum. The fact that not a single PM has completed his or her term, is not just a technicality. That means that continuity of policy is sacrificed, as well as building of democratic institutions, however flawed. Indian politics is as noisy as it gets. But governments have a continuity of policy, backed by a bureaucracy that knows its files. In Pakistan, a once highly competent bureaucracy suffered due to politicisation and abandonment of merit based criteria.

Pakistan first went to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1958, but did not draw the funds. It went back in 1965 and hasnt looked back since, with the Bhutto government forced to go the Bank at least three times, and each incoming government seems to have run to the Bank, with promises of reforms and monetary tightening. However, up till the mid 1970s, Pakistans Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was much better than Indias, with the latter struggling with a GDP of 3.3 % to Pakistans 7.1 % (1973). But after two wars with India, Pakistans total external debt began to rise, sky rocketing after about 2005 onwards, - with this particularly apparent in terms of debt to GDP ratio. After that period comes the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (2015) and theres no looking back. The Shaukat Aziz government, followed by the Yousef Raza Gillani leadership all had to return to the IMF. Its not that democratic governments didnt try. Sharifs first tenure saw the opening up of the economy  a key requirement of the bank, but this was not pursued by the next government, unlike India where PM Manmohans Singhs reforms were carried on by the new Vajpayee government. Musharraf went on with a series of important reforms which ran out of steam as he began his confrontation with the judiciary. A former Governor of the State Bank points out that lack of ownership of reforms was a key issue, and since governments were short term, so were the measures adopted, shying away from harsh measures for political survival. The Shabaz Sharif government went out announcing a 35% hike in pay, and a 15 per cent in Government pensions, despite a totally unsustainable debt of some 5.6 trillion Pakistani rupees India too was under threat of sovereign default in 1991. It took PM Narasimha Rao and his finance minister Manmohan Singh to institute harsh measures like rupee devaluation and a fundamentally new industrial policy. Thats accountability. Today India is the 13th largest quota holder in the IMF with shareholdings of 2.75%.

Not so long ago, Imran Khan was furiously declaiming before his public that Pakistan was being arm twisted by the United States (US) for its support to Russia ( following his disastrous visit to Moscow) but India did as it pleased. He was right. But then one can hardly expect a independent foreign policy when the economy is desperate for a bail out from an international Bank, where Washington holds the largest shares. Pakistan fell into the USs arms with a Mutual Defence Agreement in 1954, followed by the South East Asian Treaty Organisation, and later the Central Treaty organization. Following this, aid to Pakistan rose from a paltry $68 mn to $377 million less than a decade later. That naturally came with strings. As Pakistan normalised relations with China under foreign minister Bhutto, the US held off its meetings for aid, and cancellation of President Ayub Khans visit a few days before. Aid was resumed after Bhutto resigned. Meanwhile India steered clear of much of these with Non-Alignment Movement, though it took American food aid ( PL-480) ending this as the US tried to arm twist it by stopping it during a famine, objecting to Delhis criticism on Vietnam . On December 29, 1971, AP Shinde, minister of state for agriculture announced cancellation of all grain imports from the US even before the existing PL-480 agreement had expired. That followed a bumper rabi crop, even as the US 'tilt' to Pakistan became evident. Yahya Khan was diplomatically agile in using the China card, but that nurtured dependency. US economic aid rose to $2.5bn rising steeply after the Soviets invaded.

Pakistan managed to skip nimbly and profitably between the US and China for years, but the relationship with China proceeded largely along the same lines. Pakistan took its first interest free loan in 1964 ,and later some $200 mn in loans were deferred  a practice that was to continue - and new loans provided after the 1965 war. This was like providing opium to an addict, and in sum Islamabad ended up being in debt to both. In one respect, however, Pakistan gained. With the military leaders at the helm, its defence industrial base grew with China providing assistance to set up the Heavy Mechanical Complex at Taxila, the basics of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, with the Pakistan Ordnance Factory taking on Sweden, France and other countries in its rapid expansion. Indian defence industry however remained on a lower priority for elected governments that was targeting growth for its voters.

As Pakistan teeters on the edge, its president at odds with the parliament, and the economy sliding ever downwards, its tempting to focus on the undoubtedly bizarre actions of the present Army chief, with the large scale arrests, and the complete erosion of even a pretence of democracy. But the rot has been setting in for years, aided and abetted by decision makers at all levels, political and non-political, as well as self-interest of major powers like the US and China. But at the heart of all this, is one single issue, which is that Pakistan has not been able to resign itself to the fact that living in peace with India might actually be good for its health. Hostility to India has determined its national trajectory, leading to the growth of a security state rather than a secure one.

This article is authored by Tara Kartha, distinguished fellow, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies.

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Hyderabad Police said the misfire might have happened when constable Srikanth was counting the bullets in the gun before going to bed. (HT Archives)

A 28-year-old head constable belonging to Telangana State Special Police (TSSP) force died when his service rifle went off accidentally at a police outpost in Hyderabad early on Wednesday, a senior police official said.

The deceased cop, identified as Bhupati Srikanth from the 12th battalion of TSSP, was working on guard duty at Kabutar Khana police outpost near Hussaini Alam in the old city of Hyderabad.

Additional deputy commissioner of police (south) Syed Jahangeer told reporters that Srikanth went to bed in the outpost between 1 am and 1.30 am. Some time later, a loud sound of gunfire was heard in the room. His colleagues rushed to the room only to find Srikanth in a pool of blood. His weapon  a carbine gun -- was lying beside him, Jahangeer said.

Apparently, the bullet pierced through his forehead and came out of his right ear. He was immediately rushed to the Osmania General Hospital, where he succumbed to the bullet injury, while undergoing treatment, the additional DCP said.

He said the misfire might have happened when Srikanth was counting the bullets in the gun before going to bed. We have registered a case of suspicious death and shifted the body to OGH mortuary for post-mortem, he added.

According to Vinay, one of his colleagues at the Hussaini Alam police outpost, Srikanth, who hailed from Appannapet village of Suryapet district, belonged to the 2018 batch. He was to get married shortly and was shifted from APSP battalion to Hussaini Alam police station outpost on guard duty recently.

Having been from a poor family, Srikanth was very passionate about his duty and was working with a lot of commitment. We regularly deposit our weapons in the locker in the outpost before going to bed. Maybe, the gun misfired while he was checking it before depositing it in the locker, Vinay added.

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Hyderabad After laying foundation stone for three renewable pumped storage power projects producing 5,314 MW of power in Nandyal district, chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy said these projects were environment-friendly and would reduce dependence on fossil fuels. (HT Photo)

Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday exuded confidence that the state would become number 1 in the country in the generation of green energy in the coming few years.

Speaking to the officials at his camp office at Tadepalli, after laying foundation stone for three renewable pumped storage power projects producing 5,314 MW of power in Nandyal district, the chief minister said these projects were environment-friendly and would reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

The projects for which Jagan laid the foundation stone include: a 2,300 MW solar power project to be set up by Greenko at Junuthala village in Owk mandal, 700 MW solar and 314 MW wind power plants to be set up by AM Green Energy at Kandikayapalle village in Panyam mandal, and 1000 MW solar and wind power projects each to be set up by Ecoren Energy at Muddavaram village in Bethamcherla mandal.

The chief minister said these companies would invest 10,350 crore, 4500 crore and 11000 crore, respectively, creating employment opportunities for 2,300, 1,000 and 2,000 persons.

He also released a white paper on the opportunities for investments in the state in the green hydrogen sector. In all, 37 locations have been identified to start pump storage units to produce 41,000 MW and feasibility studies were completed on 29 projects for producing 33,240 MW.

Detailed project reports are ready for the projects to produce 20,900 MW, out of which companies were permitted to begin work to produce 16,180 MW.

Pump storage power projects will help us produce power during peak hours and bring in a revolution in green energy which will control the world in future and the state will become part of the green energy revolution, he said, adding that once these projects are completed, they will help Andhra Pradesh become number one in green energy.

During the meeting, state-run Andhra Pradesh power generation corporation (APGenco) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with National Hydro-Electric Power Corporation (NHPC) in the presence of the chief minister to promote pumped storage power projects.

As per the MoU, the NHPC, in collaboration with APGenco, will set up 1000 MW and 950 MW pump storage units at Yaganti and Kapalapadu respectively with an investment of 10,000 crore in partnership. These units will provide jobs to 2,000 persons.

The two public sector units will also set up pump storage power units worth 2750 MW in three more locations for which feasibility studies are underway, Jagan said.

He said besides providing jobs to locals, the companies will also pay a royalty of 1 lakh for each MW and pay farmers 30,000 per acre every year with a price escalation of five percent every two years for giving their lands.

The State is already producing 8,999 MW of solar and wind power. The agreement with Solar Energy Corporation of India to get power at 2.49 per unit will help in the free power to farmers during day time for another 25 to 30 years, he added.

Energy minister P Ramachandra Reddy, finance minister B Rajendranath, deputy chief minister (endowments) K Satyanarayana, chief secretary K S Jawahar Reddy and others were present at the meeting.

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The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted bail to former Mumbai Police officer Pradeep Sharma, who was arrested in connection with the Antilia bomb scare case and the killing of businessman Mansukh Hiran. The Bombay high court had refused him bail in January. Former Mumbai police officer Pradeep Sharma. (Photo by Pramod Thakur/ Hindustan Times)

On February 25, 2021, a gelatine-laden SUV was found near billionaire Mukesh Ambani's residence 'Antilia' in south Mumbai. Businessman Mansukh Hiran, who was in possession of the SUV, was found dead in a creek in neighbouring Thane on March 5, 2021.

Sharma's lawyer submitted the only allegation against the former police officer was that he had helped his former colleague Sachin Waze  the main accused in the Antilia bomb planting case and the killing of Hiran  in eliminating Hiran.

Known as an "encounter specialist", Sharma was a member of the Mumbai Police's encounter squad that killed over 300 criminals in numerous encounters.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Sharma, submitted that Sharma was a decorated police officer who retired after 37 years of service.

"Waze wanted to have some recognition and be in spotlight. They wanted to plant an explosive outside the house of an industrialist in Mumbai so he procured gelatin sticks. The deceased is Mansukh Hiran.

"In conjunction with Hiran, he got his car and showed it as a stolen car, put gelatin sticks and parked it outside the industrialist's house. This was done with an intention that he will recover the car and he will be in spotlight that he has discovered an attack. The high court records this I (Sharma) am unconcerned with all this," Rohatgi said.

He said there was no direct evidence to link Sharma to Sachin Waze.

"I am a retired police officer. I met Waze at Malabar (Hill) police station. He called me and is known to me. Second time I met him at police commissioner's office. Is it possible to hatch a conspiracy to murder someone at police commissioner's office?" Rohatgi submitted.

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New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested a banker, Nitin Bhatnagar, as part of its money laundering probe in connection with the 354-crore bank fraud case, involving Ratul Puri, the businessman nephew of senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath, people familiar with the development said on Wednesday. Ratul Puri (File)

Bhatnagar, a former relationship manager of the Bank of Singapore, was taken into custody under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Tuesday.

The ED probe stems from an August 2019 first information report (FIR) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that said that Moser Baer India Ltd, and its promoters cheated and defrauded Central Bank of India over a 354.51-crore loan taken from it.

Both CBI and ED booked Ratul Puri, his father Deepak Puri, and mother Nita (Kamal Naths sister). ED arrested Ratul Puri in 2019 and he is now out on bail.

Moser Baer manufactured optical storage devices such as compact discs, DVDs, and solid-state drives.

Puri resigned from the post of executive director of the company in 2012, but his parents continued to be on the board, the Central Bank of India had said in its complaint to CBI.

The company was taking loans from various banks since 2009 and underwent debt restructuring several times. When it was unable to pay the debt, a forensic audit was done and the companys accounts were declared fraudulent by the Central Bank of India on April 20, 2019.

Bhatnagar, ED told a Delhi court on Tuesday, facilitated opening of a bank account for a company, Pristine River Investments Ltd, in the Bank of Singapore, where he was a relationship manager.

The company was owned by Savannah Trust of which Ratul Puri was the settler, ED said. It alleged that the company (Pristine River) was used for layering proceeds of crime and Bhatnagar knowingly assisted in doing so for the main accused Ratul Puri.

Bhatnagar was instrumental in doing certain other acts which do have a bearing in connection with the present case, ED added.
PANAJI: The Bombay High Court at Goa on Wednesday took on record an assurance by Meghana Sinai Sawardekar, the owner of the speeding luxury car allegedly involved in the road accident in which three people died, that she will deposit 2 crore in the high court registry to be used for compensating the victims of the accident. The assurance came on a nudge by the bench of justices M S Sonak and Bharat Deshpande (File Photo)

Three people including a couple died in the accident and three others were injured - one of them is still undergoing treatment at the hospital - in the August 6 accident when a Mercedes SUV allegedly crashed into oncoming traffic on a bridge in Banastarim, around 15km from the capital city of Panaji.

The assurance came on a nudge by the bench of justices M S Sonak and Bharat Deshpande during the hearing asked if she would offer compensation to the victims without prejudice to their rights and contentions and further, without in any manner prejudicing their rights to defend themselves.

The court was hearing the Sawardekar plea challenging the summons issued to her by the police probing the case.

Paresh alias Shripad Sinai Sawardekar, her husband, who was allegedly driving the SUV under the influence of alcohol, has been arrested by the Goa Police and charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

According to the police, Shripad, 48, was allegedly under the influence of alcohol when the accident took place. Police said Meghana Sinai Sawardekar was also in the car when the vehicle allegedly entered the highway from the approach ramp at a high speed, veered into oncoming traffic along the narrow two-lane road that led up to the bridge and crashed head on into a motorcycle and scooter before ramming into three cars and settling on the opposite side of the bridge.

Suresh (58), his wife Bhavana Phadte (52) and Anup Karmakar (26) died in the accident.

Once the amount is deposited, it should be apportioned to the victims in the following manner: 50 lakh to be paid to the legal heirs of the Phadte couple (Bhavana and Suresh Phadte); 50 lakh to be paid to the parents and brother of Arup Karmakar and 25 lakh each to Vanita Bhandari, Raj Majgaonkar and Shankar Halarnkar, the high court ordered.

This amount is basically for the treatment of these injured persons The balance amount of 25 lakh will remain deposited in this court for the time being. This amount should be invested in a nationalised bank by the registry, the high court ruled.
Chandrayaan 3 successfully touched the lunar surface, marking India as the first country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon's dark side, at the South Pole. This achievement triggered celebrations at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru, where the space agency's staff were joined by the media and other witnesses to celebrate this historic event. (LIVE updates on Chandrayaan-3 here) ISRO chairman S Somnath addressing headquarters in Bengaluru following Chandrayaan-3's landing on the Moon.(ISRO)

Pics here:

Celebration at ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru on Wednesday after Chandrayaan-3 soft-landed on Moon successfully(Singh Rahul SunilKumar/HT Photo)

Media celebrates the historic moment of Chandrayaan-3's landing on Moon at ISRO headquarters. Bengaluru on Wednesday.(Singh Rahul SunilKumar/HT Photo)

'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' chants at ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru as India scripts history making a 'soft-landing' on Moon's south pole.(Singh Rahul SunilKumar/HT Photo)

ISRO chief S Somnath addressed media at Bengaluru soon after the historic moment of Chandrayaan-3's landing. (Singh Rahul SunilKumar/HT Photo)

People outside ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru waving the tricolour to celebrate India's victory. (Singh Rahul SunilKumar/HT Photo)

The chants of 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' echoed through the space center, while the people of Bengaluru joined in the celebration with a display of fireworks outside.

Soon after Chandrayaan-3 landed on Moon's south pole  a tough terrain  which was unable to achieve by any other nation till date, ISRO took to X (formerly Twitter) to share big news, saying, 'India, I reached my destination and you too!': Chandrayaan-3.

Chandrayaan-3 has successfully soft-landed on the moon! ISRO further wrote.

People outside the headquarters were carrying Indian flags, chanting Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai, as well as chanting ISRO Ki Jai.

What will Vikram lander and Pragyan rover do now?

After landing, the Lander Module's lander Vikram and rover Pragyan, will explore the Moon's surface for up to 14 Earth days, equivalent to one lunar day. The payloads on the lander will help carry out measurements of the thermal properties of the lunar surface near the polar region, measure seismic activity around the landing site, delineate the structure of the lunar crust and mantle, and aid in understanding the dynamics of the Moon.

The rover's payloads will conduct quantitative and qualitative elemental analysis, deriving chemical composition and inferring mineralogical composition to enhance the understanding of the lunar surface.

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Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Wednesday said that ISRO scientists haven't received their salary in 17 months, days after a similar claim was debunked by the fact-checking arm of the Government of India Press Information Bureau. On the day of Chandrayaan 3's attempt to land on the lunar surface, the veteran Congress leader said that the prime minister should take note of the salary disbursal of ISRO scientists. Congress MP Digvijaya Singh.(ANI)

We are proud that ISRO scientists are making an effort for the successful lunar landing of Chandryaan. We pray to the Almighty for their success. But there are reports in newspapers that the scientists who made this happen have not received a salary in 17 months. Prime Minister should take note of this too, Singh told ANI.

Hitting out at the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya tweeted, The abominable Digvijay Singh called out for peddling #FakeNews on the day ISRO is all set to make India proud. Congress hates Prime Minister Modi, but it hates a strong resurgent India even more, because a confident India will never vote for the Congress.

While India celebrates Chandrayaan-3, Congress whines.

Entrepreneur and political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla made a similar claim recently at a podcast saying the ISRO scientists were not paid salaries for three months.

During an episode of 'The Ranveer Show podcast', Poonawalla claimed ISRO scientists havent been paid salaries for the last three months. Is that fair? And thats my issue with this government. Were very proud of ISRO. Its a great organisation. Three-month salaries have not been paid, and feel free to fact-check me on this.

PIB Fact Check later debunked the claim saying ISRO scientists receive their salaries on the last day of each month.

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With Chandrayaan-3 gearing up for its landing on Moon, there's an interesting story of its genesis and how it got its name. Back in 1999 when the lunar mission was given governmental approval, India's prime minister was Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He not only motivated space scientists to explore the moon but also used his Sanskrit skills to rename the mission 'Chandrayaan' instead of Somayaan. Atal Bihari Vajpayee as India's prime minister approved Chandrayaan mission

This twist in naming raised eyebrows within the space community, as their initial choice, 'Somayaan,' had drawn inspiration from a Sanskrit verse: "O Moon! We should be able to know you through our intellect. You enlighten us through the right path."

"Vajpayee said the mission should be called Chandrayaan, and not Somayaan, as the country has emerged as an economic power, and will make many exploratory journeys to the Moon," recalled Dr K. Kasturirangan, the then chairperson of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), reported Deccan Chronicle.

Kasturirangan was among the top invitees to New Delhi in May 1999 to make presentations to mark the first anniversary of Pokhran II. He told the news website: "It took four years to plan the mission, and another four years to implement it."

ALSO READ: Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 3 iconic contributions to India's science & technology

The origin story of the Chandrayaan mission

1. According to ISRO, the concept of an Indian lunar mission emerged in 1999 through discussions within the Indian Academy of Sciences, followed by further talks within the Astronautical Society of India in 2000.

2. Drawing from insights provided by experts in these forums, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) established the National Lunar Mission Task Force, comprising prominent scientists and technologists.

3. This task force engaged in deliberations to evaluate the feasibility and specifics of an Indian mission to the Moon, considering its potential objectives and configuration.

4. After thorough exchanges, a unanimous recommendation emerged that India should indeed undertake a lunar mission, driven by heightened international lunar interest and the opportunity for scientific advancement, including challenges beyond the Geostationary Orbit.

5. Subsequently, in November 2003, the Government of India approved ISRO's proposal for the inaugural Indian Moon Mission, paving the way for Chandrayaan-1 to take flight.

Addressing the nation from the rampart of the Red Fort on Indias 56th Independence Day in 2003, Vajpayee unveiled the first moon exploration plan of India- Chandrayaan 1. He trumpeted, Our country is now ready to fly high in the field of science. I am pleased to announce that India will send her spacecraft to the moon by 2008. It is being named Chandrayaan.
The moon boasts a faint atmosphere. By landing and analysing the air, we can unravel more of the moon's mysteries, says Somak Raychaudhury, an eminent astrophysicist currently serving as Vice-Chancellor at Ashoka University. He adds that a driving force behind these endeavours is the anticipation of establishing lunar colonies for future space exploration. The moon could serve as a crucial waypoint on our journey to Mars and beyond. Chandrayaan 3 landing: An enthusiast with his body painted in tri-colours reacts as he holds up a model of LVM3 M4 which was used to launch India's third lunar spacecraft.(REUTERS)

Professor Raychaudhury, previously the Director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune, joined us to discuss the importance of the Chandrayaan 3 mission as it prepares for a soft landing. Here's an edited excerpt from the interview.

What specific outcomes is India aiming for with the Chandrayaan mission?

Although India's space exploration began later than America's moon and planetary missions, ISRO initially concentrated on Earth-related projects such as climate, weather, communication, satellites, and remote sensing. With lunar missions now underway, we aim to showcase our capabilities and global leadership in pushing technological boundaries.

Why is the moon so important to us?

The moon and Earth formed around the same time, approximately 4.5 billion years ago. Although they originated from the same material, their fluid states during formation led them to solidify with distinct structures. Notably, certain features present on Earth's surface also exist deep within the moon, and vice versa. Therefore, studying the moon can provide insights into our own planet's history.

Why are we targeting the moons southern pole as Chandrayaan 3's landing site?

Previous missions primarily explored the moon's northern hemisphere, but comparing it to exploring Africa versus Europe underscores the differences.

We have already unequivocally confirmed the presence of water on the moon. This knowledge stems from analyzing the spectrum of light emitted by the moon. One suspicion is that water may be concentrated in the moon's southern hemisphere, where elevated mountains, deep craters, and extensive shaded regions reside, devoid of sunlight and with temperatures as low as -200 degrees.

Why has the lunar exploration programme gained sudden momentum?

Our understanding of the solar system and the moon has expanded significantly since the 1960s and 70s.

Technological progress, including faster data transmission rates and advanced computing, along with miniaturization, has revolutionized space exploration, rendering it more cost-effective. The participation of private entities, including notable figures like Elon Musk, has catalyzed ambitious undertakings.

ALSO READ: Chandrayaan-3, Luna 25, what's next? Japan's upcoming moon mission and more | List

While Luna 25, the Russian lunar spacecraft, reached moon orbit in just ten days due to a powerful rocket, Chandrayaan 3's journey spanned over a month. Is there a need to expand beyond the scope of frugal engineering?

I believe India has chosen a more controlled and less risky path to the moon. Learning from the past crash, meticulous orbit design and parameter considerations have been prioritized.

The ongoing Gaganyaan mission for human lunar exploration underscores the paramount importance of safety.

ISRO has devised specific strategies for these missions. The agency has transitioned from being a highly insular organization to actively seeking advice from a broader array of experts.

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Russian president Vladimir Putin on Wednesday congratulated India on the successful moon landing of the Chandrayaan 3 mission. Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Please, accept my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the successful landing of the Indian space station Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon near its South Pole. This is a big step forward in space exploration and certainly a testament to the impressive progress made by India in the area of science and technology, Kremlin quoted Putin's message to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



Chandrayaan 3 landing : LIVE updates



Kindly convey my sincere congratulations and best wishes for new achievements to the leadership and staff of the Indian Space Research Organization, Putin added.



India became the fourth country after US, erstwhile Soviet Union and China to achieve the soft landing on moon. It became the first country to touch down on the south pole of the lunar surface, just days after Russian Luna 25 had crashed into it after spinning out of control. The Russian spacecraft was aiming to be the first ever to make a soft landing on the lunar south pole.



Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated India on becoming the first country to land a spacecraft on the lunar south pole, which has difficult terrain.

"Congratulations to our friends in India for the successful landing on the moon. Nations are built through perseverance, India continues to make history," he said in a message posted on his account on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' also congratulated his Indian counterpart on the success of Chandrayan-3.

"I congratulate Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and ISRO team of India on successful landing of Chandrayan-3 on the surface of the moon today and the unleashing of a historic achievement in science and space technology," he said in a post on X.

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At 6.04pm on Wednesday, India scripted history by becoming the first nation to land the Indian Space Research Organisation's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the Moon's south pole, days after a Russian probe Luna-25 crashed in the same region. Chandrayaan-3: Animated representation of Vikram Lander's successful soft landing on the Moon's surface.

The solar-powered rover Pragyan will now explore the surface and transmit data to Earth over its two-week lifespan.

Chandrayaan-3, which means Mooncraft in Sanskrit, touched down near the little-explored lunar south pole. A previous Indian effort  Chandrayaan-2  failed in 2019.

For India, the successful landing marks its emergence as a space power as the government looks to spur investment in private space launches and related satellite-based businesses.

Before India, the Soviet Union, the United States, and China were the only three countries that have successfully carried out soft landings on the Moon.

People across the country were glued to television screens and said prayers as the spacecraft approached the surface.

The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft landed on the lunar south pole, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said. This was India's second attempt to land a spacecraft on the moon and comes less than a week after Russia's Luna-25 mission failed.

On Wednesday, the ISRO said it was all set to activate the automatic landing sequence of the spacecraft, triggering the algorithm that will take over once it reaches the designated position and help it land.

"Landing on the south pole (of the moon) would actually allow India to explore if there is water ice on the moon. And this is very important for cumulative data and science on the geology of the moon," said Carla Filotico, a partner and managing director at consultancy SpaceTec Partners.

A few hours before the scheduled landing, the mood was upbeat at the spacecraft command centre on the outskirts of Bengaluru as ISRO officials and scientists hunched over massive screens monitoring the lander.

Anticipation before the landing was feverish, with banner headlines across Indian newspapers and news channels running countdowns to the landing.

Prayers for Chandrayaan-3 across India

Prayers were held at places of worship across the country, and schoolchildren waved the Indian tricolour as they waited for live screenings of the landing.

Children gathered on the banks of the Ganga river, considered holy by Hindus, to pray for a safe landing, and mosques in several places offered prayers.

At a Sikh temple, known as a gurduwara, in the capital New Delhi, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also offered prayers for Chandrayaan.

"Not just economic, but India is achieving scientific and technological progress as well," Puri told reporters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi watched the landing from South Africa, where he is attending the BRICS summit.

Rough terrain makes a south pole landing difficult, and a first landing is historic. The region's ice could supply fuel, oxygen and drinking water for future missions.

For India, a successful moon landing marks its emergence as a space power as Modi's government looks to spur investment in private space launches and related satellite-based businesses.

Chandrayaan-3 took much longer to reach the Moon than the Apollo missions in the 1960s and 1970s, which arrived in a matter of days.

India is using rockets much less powerful than the ones the United States used back then, meaning the probe had to orbit the Earth several times to gain speed before embarking on its month-long journey.

The lander, Vikram, which means "valour" in Sanskrit, detached from its propulsion module last week and has been sending images of the Moon's surface since entering lunar orbit on August 5.

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After years of mocking the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), former Pakistan minister Fawad Hussain on Tuesday praised India's third lunar mission Chandrayaan 3, calling it a historic moment for humankind. Congratulating India, the former Science and Technology minister under the Imran Khan regime urged his country to broadcast Chandrayaan-3's moon landing on Wednesday evening. Former Pakistan minister Fawad Hussain

Pak media should show #Chandrayan moon landing live tomorrow at 6:15 PM historic moment for Human kind specially for the people, scientists and Space community of India. Many Congratulations, he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Fawad Hussain congratulated India's space and science community earlier on July 14 when ISRO launched the third moon mission. Congratulations to Indian space and Science community on the launch of #Chandrayan3 wishing you all the best, he said.

This comes after the ex-Pakistani minister had brutally trolled the Indian space agency in 2019 during the Chandrayaan-2 mission. He had questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government on spending 900 crore on the second lunar mission saying that it was not wise to venture into an unknown territory. He had also used the hashtag India Failed on his X post after the previous mission failed in the final stages when Vikram Lander lost communication with the ground state just 2.1 km above the Moon.

Chandrayaan 3 moon landing today

Chandrayaan-3 is scheduled for a soft landing on the south pole of the moon on Wednesday evening at 6:04 pm. With almost 12 hours left for India's historic moment, the Lander Module - the Vikram lander - is trying to locate the right spot on the Moon's surface for landing.

If everything goes according to the plan successfully, India will enter an elite list, becoming only the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon, joining the United States, Russia, and China.

ISRO will live telecast the landing operations from 5:27 pm on August 23. It can be viewed on ISRO's website (https://isro.gov.in), ISRO's official YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/watch?v=DLA_64yz8Ss), and ISRO's official Facebook channel (https://facebook.com/ISRO).

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Chandrayaan-3 missions soft-landing on the moon is being telecast live on the ISRO website with students across the country watching Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS) and history being made. Chandrayaan-3 is expected to make a historic landing on Wednesday at 6.04 pm.(ANI/ X)

Live actions of landing have been made available on the ISRO website, its YouTube channel, Facebook, and public broadcaster DD National TV from 5.27 pm. The lander's descent has begun and it will take place in four phases.

Union Minister for Science and Technology is at CSIR headquarters in Delhi to witness the landing of Vikram lander on the Moon

People across the country are glued to their screens to watch the success of India's third lunar mission.

Special prayers were held at temples, mosques and gurudwaras for the success of mission which is crucial for ISROs future inter-plentary endeavours..

Chandrayaan-3 is expected to make a historic landing on Wednesday at 6.04 pm.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is South Africa for the BRICS Summit, will join the live telecast online.

ISRO launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradeshs Sriharikota on July 14.

A GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle was used for the launch of the spacecraft that was placed in the lunar orbit on August 5 and since then it has been through a series of orbital manoeuvres been lowered closer to the moons surface.

The stated objectives of Chandrayaan-3 are safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, rover moving on the moon's surface, and in-situ scientific experiments.

If successful, India will join the elite club of nations of China, the United States and Russia to achieve this feat, but India will be the only country in the world to land on the lunar south pole.

Before India, only the United States, Russia and China have achieved a soft landing on the surface of the Earth's only natural satellite.

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Indians around the globe have been conducting prayers in anticipation of the significant moment of a soft landing of Chandrayaan-3's Lander Module on the Moon's surface, scheduled for 6.04 pm on Wednesday. People of all faiths offered prayers on Wednesday morning, hoping for India to achieve a historic milestone in space exploration. If successful, India will become the world's first country to achieve a landing on the south pole of the Moona challenging terrain. Russia's recent attempt with Luna-25 to achieve the same ended in failure just 12 hours before the scheduled landing time. Rituals performed at Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday ahead of Chandrayaan-3's landing. (ANI)

From Rishikesh to the United States, people are performing special rituals, prayers, and ceremonies to ask for blessings for the success of Chandrayaan-3. Religious ceremonies spanning various faiths are being conducted across India to seek blessings for the success of the groundbreaking moon mission.

Prayers across Indian states

In Madhya Pradesh, people came together at Ujjain's Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple to perform a special ceremony called 'Bhasma Aarti' for successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on Moon's south pole.

A different kind of ceremony, known as 'Ganga Aarti', was dedicated to India's moon mission at Parmarth Niketan Ghat in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh, where people held the Indian flag while performing the Aarti. Before this ceremony, devotees also performed a special worship called 'Havan Pujan' at the Ghat to wish for the mission's success.

In places like Bhubaneswar, Varanasi, and Prayagraj, groups of people gathered to perform a ritual called 'havan' and pray for Chandrayaan-3's safe landing.

Similarly, at the Hanuman temple in Uttar Pradesh's Aliganj, people came together to perform an aarti, a traditional ritual involving lights and prayers. Many devotees took part in this aarti and prayed earnestly for Chandrayaan 3 to achieve its goal.

Meanwhile, at the Islamic Center of India in Lucknow, people offered namaz, a form of Islamic prayer, with the intention of the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3.

Prayers abraod

In the United States, Indian Americans are turning to religious practices like performing a 'havan' (fire ritual) and 'Abhishekam' to wish for the success of the Chandrayaan-3's landing on the Moon.

Members of the Indian diaspora gathered at a temple in Virginia, US, to perform a havan. News agency ANI quoted a visitor to the Virginia temple, Madhu Ramamurthy, who is connected to aerospace and defence through her work, saying, I've been personally working in the area of advanced materials that go into aerospace and defence for a very long time now. I own a company in Bangalore that makes a lot of components that go into defence. Now, it so happens, very coincidentally, that we also make a very high-strength fabric that is used to reinforce and make it stronger.

Indian students and researchers in Uxbridge, London, organised a special prayer at the Adya Shakti Mataji Temple to pray for the safe landing of the Chandrayaan-3.

(With inputs from agencies)

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India is expecting to join a select group of nations as the fourth country to achieve a successful soft landing on the Moon's surface. With a triumphant landing on Chandrayaan-3 expected on Wednesday, India will also claim the title of being the first nation to reach the challenging south pole of the Moon. The Lander Module is scheduled to touch down at 6.04 pm (IST), assuming all goes as planned. While the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists have engineered a design for a secure soft landing, they remain optimistic that the lander is equipped to manage a rough landing if necessary. (Follow LIVE coverage on Chandrayaan-3's landing here) Chandrayaan 3: ISRO remain optimistic that the lander is equipped to manage a rough landing if necessary.(ISRO)

The lander has the capability to hover like a helicopter if a proper spot for landing is not there. There are a lot of boulders and craters in the south pole of the Moon. The surface is very rough. The landing area has been increased from 2.5 kilometres to 4 kilometres, news agency ANI quoted a former senior advisor for the Satellite Navigation programme at ISRO as saying.

As for which other countries have succeeded in landing on different terrains of the Moon, the former Soviet Union, the United States, and China as the three nations that have achieved successful soft landings on the lunar surface.

Why did this Moon race start?

Back in the 1960s, even before the first Apollo landing of the United States, scientists speculated water presence on the moon. When the Apollo missions brought back samples in the late 1960s and early 1970s, those seemed to be dry.

In 2008, scientists from Brown University of the US looked at those lunar samples again using new methods and found hydrogen inside tiny bits of volcanic glass. Then, in 2009, a NASA's tool on the ISRO's Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft discovered water on the moon's surface.

During the same year, another NASA spacecraft that hit the moon's south pole uncovered water ice beneath the surface. An earlier NASA mission in 1998, called the Lunar Prospector, had suggested that the biggest amount of water ice was in the dark craters of the south pole.

The reason for scientists being interested is the old pockets of ice could hold information about the moon's history, the stuff that comets and asteroids brought to Earth, and where Earth's oceans came from.

(With Reuters inputs)

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The Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully landing on the Moon is a clarion call for developed India, a sign that the countrys space mission will continue to break new ground, a success that belongs to all humanity, and an event that will help moon missions by countries across the world, particularly the Global South, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told a roomful of cheering scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) minutes after the historic event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation via video conferencing on Wednesday. (AFP)

Modi, who is in Johannesburg for the Brics Summit, virtually joined the scientists gathered at Isros Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru to follow the final moments of the descent, and waved the Tricolour on the screen when it became clear that India had become the first country in the world to land on the lunar south pole.

In the minutes that followed, Isro chief S Somanath took to the mike, and said to the Prime Minister, Sir, we have achieved soft landing on the Moon. India is on the Moon.

Prime Minister Modi responded: When we see history being made in front of our eyes, life is blessed. This moment is unprecedented; this moment is unimaginable; this moment is developed Indias clarion call In the first light of Amrit Kaal, this is the Amrit Varsha of success. Humne dharti par sankalp liya, aur chand par usse sakaar kiya (we dreamt of this on earth, and made the dream come true on the Moon). As our scientist colleagues said, India is now on the Moon.

Modi describes Amrit Kaal as the period between Indias 75th and 100th years of Independence, between 2022 and 2047, and said in his Independence Day speech last week that the aim was to make India a developed country by the time this 25-year period ends.

In his brief address on Wednesday, Modi said that though he was in South Africa, like everyone else in the country, his mind was with the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

This new history has meant every Indian is full of joy. In every home, there is a festival. I congratulate Team Chandrayaan, team Isro, and all scientists in the country, those who have worked for years for this moment, Modi said.

The Prime Minister said that landing on the Moons south pole was an achievement no other country in the world could boast of.

From today, the myths associated with the Moon will change In India, we call the earth ma(mother) and the moon mama (uncle). It was once said chanda mama bahut door ke hai(the Moon is very distant). Now, one day will come when children will say chanda mama bas ek tour ke hai (the Moon is just a tour away), he said.

Modi also addressed the people of the world and said the success of the moon mission is not Indias alone. This is a year where the world is witnessing Indias G-20 presidency. Our approach of one earth, one family, one future is resonating across the globe. This human centric approach that we present and represent has been welcomed universally, he said.

The Prime Minister said that the moon mission was also based on this human-centric approach and was evident that countries from the Global South could match these achievements.

This success belongs to all of humanity and it will help moon missions by other countries in the future. I am confident that all countries in the world, including those from the Global South, are capable of achieving such feats. We can all aspire for the Moon and beyond, he said.

Modi also said that Indias space programme would not stop here, would test the limits of the solar system, and work to realise the infinite possibilities of the universe.

We have set big targets for ourselves. Soon, for a deep study of the sun, Isro will launch Aditya L1. Venus is in our sight. And for Gaganyaan  Indias first human space flight mission  India is preparing hardtodays success is proof that through lessons learnt, defeat can be turned into victory, Modi said.

Separately, Prime Minister Modi also dialled Isro chief S Somanath and congratulated him and his team for the historic achievement.

Somanath ji, your name has Somanath in it, which is associated with the Moon. Your family will also be tremendously happy today. Many congratulations to you and your team from my side, Modi said, adding that he would soon meet and felicitate the scientists in person.

The word Somanath means lord of the moon.

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The success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission on Wednesday is likely to boost the Centres ambitious Make in India programme by spurring investments in private space launches and related satellite-based businesses, according to experts. Scientists and engineers watch the live telecast of the Chandrayaan-3 lander Vikram's soft-landing on the moon's surface at Isro's headquarters, in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro)s remarkable feat has opened new vistas for the countrys space programme in the lucrative market of space exploration and commerce and is expected to assist private space companies increase their share of the global launch market.

Also read: 'Need to make our respective societies future-ready': PM Modi at BRICS

Following the successful completion of the lunar project, shares of 13 Indian space-sector companies, including PTC Industries Ltd, Zen Technologies Ltd. and Centum Electronics Ltd., rallied and added more than $2.5 billion in market value this week, according to data complied by Bloomberg.

The Make in India programme dates back to 2014, the first year of the Narendra Modi governments first term in office, and is aimed at attracting investments in the manufacturing sector. Since then, the government has focussed heavily on indigenising a space programme that so far leaned heavily on foreign manufacturers.

According to officials, for the lunar mission, Isro took help from private partners to ensure that parts of the spacecraft, the hardware and other components are manufactured in India. This also ensured that the mission was cost effective in the longer run.

Tata Consulting Engineers Limited (TCE), the largest Indian private-sector engineering and project management consultancy, engineered unique and indigenously built critical systems and sub-systems for the project. These facilities played an important role in the launch of the mission. Similarly, Godrej Aerospace, a business unit of Godrej and Boyce, made significant contributions by supplying liquid propulsion engines such as Vikas Engine and satellite thrusters.

Also read: Chandrayaan 3 importance: Future Moon colonies could be Mars mission stops, says astrophysicist

The missions overarching goal is to advance and showcase novel technologies essential for future interplanetary endeavors. While this is Isros mission, not many of us are aware of the hard work and contributions of many other private companies like Larsen & Toubro, Walchandnagar Industries, Centum Electronics, Godrej & Boyce, Ananth Technologies who have contributed, Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (Retd.), director general, Indian Space Association, said.
Shortly after India on Wednesday became the fourth country to land on the Moon after the Indian Space Research Organisation's Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the lunar south pole, Pakistani politician Fawad Chaudhry, who had mocked India after Chandrayaan-2 failed to land successfully, described it as a great moment for the ISRO. Pakistani politician Fawad Chaudhry

What a great moment for #ISRO as #Chandrayaan3 lands on the Moon, I can see lots of young scientists celebrating this moment with Mr Somnat Chairman ISRO, only Younger generation with dreams can change the world  good luck, Chaudhry wrote on X (formally Twitter).

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chandryaan-3-moon-landing-updates-23-august-2023-pakistans-fawad-chaudhry-who-mocked-chandrayaan-2-reacts-101692799130229.html

Interestingly, Chaudhry has been congratulating India since Tuesday morning with his series of X posts.

Hours before Chandrayaan-3 makes its scheduled soft-landing on the Moon, he had congratulated India on this great achievement. This came a day after Chaudhry urged Pakistan's media to show a live broadcast of what he said was a "historic moment for humankind".

All eyes on #Chandrayaan3 Moon landing 5:40 PM, great day for Indian Science Community and Space Scientists, Congratulations to people of India on this great achievement, he wrote.

Pak media should show #Chandrayaan moon landing live tomorrow at 6:15 PMhistoric moment for Human kind specially for the people, scientists and Space community of India. Many Congratulations, he wrote on Tuesday.

In 2019, when the lander of Chandrayaan-2 suffered a technical glitch and was unable to land on the Moon, Chaudhry took a brutal dig at the lunar mission and he was slammed by Indians on social media.

In a tweet, the Pakistani leader had criticised India for "spending 900 crore" on the Moon mission and claimed it was "unwise" to venture into "unknown territory".

India over the Moon

This was India's second attempt to land a spacecraft on the Moon and comes less than a week after Russia's Luna-25 mission failed. People across the country were glued to television screens and said prayers as the spacecraft approached the surface.

Nearly 7 million watched the YouTube live stream.

Chandrayaan means "moon vehicle" in Hindi and Sanskrit. In 2019, ISRO's Chandrayaan-2 mission successfully deployed an orbiter but its lander crashed.

The Chandrayaan-3 is expected to remain functional for two weeks, running a series of experiments including a spectrometer analysis of the mineral composition of the lunar surface.

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New Delhi: Transfer of prisoners from overcrowded jails to prisons with vacant cells within the state or other states; formation of a separate cadre of prison officials in Union territories; creation of separate barracks for transgender inmates  these are among a list of suggestions made by the parliamentary standing committee on home affairs in its draft report on prison reforms. The parliamentary standing committee on home also recommended the Centre to create a separate cadre of prison officials for Union territories. (PTI)

The standing committee, headed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha member Brij Lal [also a former Uttar Pradesh police chief], also suggested that women prisoners be allowed to live with their children till the age of 12.

The committee notes that the issue of overcrowding and delayed justice has become a pressing concern, leading to a series of consequences for both the prisoners and the criminal justice system, the draft report, which is set to be taken up for adoption by the committee on Thursday, stated.

The committee recommends that prisoners from overcrowded jails may be transferred to other jails with vacant cells in the same state or other states by signing MoUs [memorandums of understanding] to that effect. This kind of an arrangement can be mutual in nature between the states signing the MoU, it added.

The 31-member parliamentary standing committee on home affairs prepared the report after six meetings, interaction and reports received from prison officials across the country. The committee took up the subject  Prisons: Conditions Infrastructure and Reforms  for examination on October 14, 2020.

The standing committee on home affairs has also been assigned the task to review three bills that seek to replace the British-era criminal laws  Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

Noting that 554,034 inmates were lodged in prisons across the country against a capacity of 425,069, the committee found out that Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab and Haryana collectively accounted for more than 50% of the total prison population.

The panel also recommended the Centre to create a separate cadre of prison officials for Union territories, with a provision to transfer them regularly, maintaining it as one way to break the prisoner-jailer nexus.

For years, prison experts have been stressing the importance of such a cadre, especially for Delhi jails in the backdrop of rising incidents of nexus between prison officials and inmates.

If a Tihar jail officer, for example, is transferred for alleged collusion in corruption with a criminal gang, they can only be transferred to other jail in the city, such as Rohini or Mandoli jails. Experts opined that the purpose of the transfer in such cases is defeated because the administrative control of the other jails is also in Delhi and the accomplices of the same gang could be lodged in the other two jails.

In recent years there have been many instances of jail officers helping prisoners like alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar or Unitech promoters Sanjay and Ajay Chandra.

The committee recommends that the Government of India shall create an all-India Jail-Cadre of Union Territories. The jail staff belonging to the UTs needs to be transferred rotationally from one jail of UT to the other, the standing committee said in its report. From the replies of the State/UT Governments, the committee has noted that there is no exclusive transfer policy in the state prison departments and recommends that the Government of India may issue periodic advisories to State Governments to have an exclusive transfer policy for their respective prison departments... This will also minimise nexus with local criminals.

The standing committee has also recommended that women prisoners be allowed to live with their children until the latter attain the age of 12. Currently, prisons across the country allow women inmates to keep their children only till the age of six.

According to Prison Statistic Report 2021, prepared by the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), there were 1,650 women prisoners with 1,867 children in jails across the country as on December 31, 2021.

On transgender inmates, the committee recommended separate infrastructure facilities for them. Separate barracks or ward may be ensured for transmen and transwomen. To preserve their right to privacy and dignity, there should also be provision for separate toilets and bathing facilities for such prisoners, the report added.

According to records, of the 554,034 prison inmates across the country, 531,025 are male, 22,918 female and 91 transgenders.

To be sure, the number of transgender prisoners could be more as most jails do not identify a prisoner as a transgender at the time of admission. Most jails follow practice of lodging transgender prisoners in womens jail.

The standing committee said that when transgender inmates are brought to prison, a doctor of their choice should be assigned to identify their gender. Prison officials should not be allowed to identify the gender of the inmate, it added.

Listing some of the measures taken by prisons in Assam and Tamil Nadu as best practices, the committee said other states could also follow the model adopted by Tamil Nadu where prisoners are allowed to meet and touch their family members, which will enable inmates to cope with loneliness and stress.

In prisons such as Tihar jail, inmates are allowed to meet their family members twice a week, but the meetings happen in a room where they are separated by a glass enclosure. The prisoner and their family speak to each other using an intercom device.

The committee also recommended Assams Ashirvad Anusthan scheme that allows children of convicts to meet their parents physically and take their blessing before going for an interview or examination in school/college. The committee said that because inmates are deprived of contact with their family for a long time, such isolation during incarceration is detrimental to their mental health.

Advocate Ajay Verma, former national convener of the National Forum for Prison Reforms, said: Transferring prisoners may be a good idea but one has to take into account that most inmates are from lower economic strata of the society. It will be a problem for them to meet their family members if they are shifted from one state to another.

Verma also hailed the idea to have a separate cadre for prisons, saying it will ensure that professional jail experts are posted in the prison. Currently, the situation in Delhi is such that a person may be part of any state department, such as education, but she/he is suddenly sent to jail as a superintendent. Having a cadre will also ensure that prison employees have regular promotions to look forward to.

On the committees suggestion to allow women inmates to keep their children for up to 12 years, Verma added, The government must first ensure that the facility for children who grow up behind bars is robust.

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Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday said it has seized incriminating documents and digital evidence during raids at multiple locations of a company in Kolkata linked to Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee, in connection with the alleged teachers recruitment scam. Trinamool Congress MP and partys national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in teachers recruitment scam. (ANI)

The federal agency held searches at three premises of the firm, Leaps and Bounds Pvt. Ltd., as part of its ongoing money laundering investigation into alleged irregularities in teachers recruitment. In a statement, ED said the action was undertaken against arrested accused in the case, Sujay Krishna Bhadra.

The accused Sujay Krishna Bhadra was the chief operating officer (COO) of Leaps and Bounds Private Limited, a company used for making dubious transactions running into crores of rupees. Bhadra was also been a director in this company from April 2012 to March 2016, ED said in a statement. Abhishek Banerjee, MP from TMC is the chief executive officer (CEO) of Leaps and Bounds Private Limited and was also a director in the company from April 2012 to January 2014.

The raids took place a day after Abhishek Banerjee, the nephew of West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, returned to Kolkata from the US, where he had gone for eye treatment.

During the search operations various incriminating documents and digital evidence were recovered and seized, ED said. The agency has so far attached assets worth 126.70 crore.

Abhishek Banerjee has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

The ED statement, however, triggered a political row, with the opposition BJP attacking the TMC national general secretary.

Bhaipo (nephew; as Abhishek is often referred to by political opponents) is behind the whole scam. He siphoned crores of rupees. He cannot escape the agency. Everything will be revealed soon, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari told reporters.

The ruling party hit back, accusing central agencies of shielding Adhikari, the leader of opposition in the assembly.

ED should question Adhikari immediately. He was named as a suspect in CBIs FIR in the Saradha chit fund scam in 2014, TMC Rajya Sabha member Santanu Sen said.

The Saradha investigation was started by CBI in 2014 following orders of the Supreme Court. Adhikari was in the TMC at back then.

Arrested on May 30, Bhadra is now in judicial custody. The charge sheet against him was filed by ED on July 28 at a Kolkata court.

In May 2022, Calcutta high court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay ordered CBI to probe the appointment of non-teaching staff (Group C and D) and teaching staff by the West Bengal School Service Commission and West Bengal Board of Secondary Education between 2014 and 2021. The appointees allegedly paid bribes in the range of 5-15 lakh to get jobs after failing the selection tests.

The suspected involvement of TMC leaders surfaced when the ED arrested education minister Partha Chatterjee and his aide Arpita Mukherjee in July 2022.
Renowned mathematician and statistician Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao, widely known as C R Rao, died on Wednesday at the age of 102. He had recently received the prestigious International Prize in Statistics-2023, often referred to as the statistics' equivalent of the Nobel Prize. Statistician C R Rao.(PIB)

Telangana governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, expressed her condolences on his passing and highlighted his remarkable contributions.

Deeply shocked to know about the passing away of eminent Indian-American scientist Dr.C.R.Rao garu. His works earned him the prestigious International Prize in Statistics-2023 and his monumental work in statistics will continue to enormously impact the discipline of statistics and varied other disciplines. He remains a great inspiration to many aspiring scientists across generations. In his demise, Mother India lost one of its great scientists. Heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family, she wrote on X (formerly Twitter)

Five things to know about him

-C R Rao was born into a Telugu family in Ballari, which was part of the Madras Presidency and is now in Karnataka. In 1941, he completed his MSc in Mathematics from Andhra University and joined Indian Statistical Institute in Calcutta in 1943 as research scholar.

-In 1945, when Rao was just 25, his paper titled Information and accuracy attainable in the estimation of statistical parameters was published in the Bulletin of the Calcutta Mathematical Society, a lesser-known journal in the statistics community.

-His influential work has stretched beyond statistics, impacting diverse fields such as economics, genetics, anthropology, geology, national planning, demography, biometry, and medicine. Rao's active contributions persist even today, leading him to be celebrated as a living legend whose influence extends, as recognised by the American Statistical Association.

-In 2020, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Indian government conferred a felicitation to C R Rao, when he turned 100 in an online symposium for his path-breaking contributions in the field of statistics, for recognising and facilitating the critical role of data and computing to handle scientific and social challenges, for mentoring inspiring and nurturing generations of students and researchers and for developing world-class statistical infrastructure in India.

-Recognisng his contributions, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan award in 1968 and the Padma Vibhushan award in 2001. In 2023 he was awarded with International Prize in Statistics.

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New Delhi India may flag the European Unions move to impose a carbon tax on imports during the upcoming G20 trade ministerial in Jaipur on behalf of developing and least developed countries, as it is a non-tariff barrier hindering a robust and reliable global supply chain, two persons aware of the development said. India and EU may also discuss their TTC agenda in the bilateral meeting in Jaipur (REUTERS)

India, both as G20 president as well as an individual member, may raise issues pertaining to carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) with the EU, both multilaterally as well as bilaterally, at different forums of the G20 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting (TIMM) in Jaipur, they said, requesting anonymity.

There are several bilateral talks expected from Wednesday on the sidelines of the two-day ministerial (August 24-25), which is expected to be opened on Thursday with Prime Minister Narendra Modis video message, they said. Besides in bilaterals, topics like inclusive trade for global growth and resilient global value chain will be discussed at the ministerial, one of them said.

Bilateral meetings are expected with key trading partners such as the US, the UK, Canada and the EU on the sidelines of the G20 ministerial, a second person said. Besides the India-EU free trade agreement, CABM and Trade & Technology Council (TTC) are also likely to on the India-EU bilateral agenda, he said.

CBAM is a tariff on carbon-intensive products to offset carbon leakage and it may see up to 35% tariff on imports of high-carbon goods such as steel, iron ore and cement from India, he said, adding that this move is against the principle of equity and is seen as a trade barrier.

Carbon leakage occurs when companies based in the EU move carbon-intensive production abroad to countries where less stringent climate policies are in place, or when EU products get replaced by more carbon-intensive imports, according to the European Commissions website. The tax will be implemented in phases from October 1 and becomes fully effective in January 1, 2026.

India would like to directly engage with EU on CBAM, experts said.

Instead of pursuing the matter through the World Trade Organization, India aims to negotiate directly with the EU to secure favourable conditions for its small manufacturers. As a significant exporter of steel and aluminum, India seeks exemptions from the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) imposed by the EU, according to a June report by Primus Research.

While India has already filed a discussion paper with the WTO addressing the impact of environmental regulations on trade, it believes that direct negotiations with the EU could lead to a quicker resolution, said the report prepared by Primus Partners, a consultancy.

The CBAM would lead to trade distortion, particularly for developed and least developed countries, the second person said, citing a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development report published in July 2021.

Several countries have raised concerns in different trade fora about the implementation of the CBAM, particularly regarding the potential creation of trade distortions and the need to implement special treatment to least developed countries, said the report titled A European Union carbon border adjustment mechanism: implications for developing countries.

Moreover, considering the cumulative contribution of the European Union and the United States to CO2 emissions, countries such as China, Brazil, India, and South Africa continue to argue that the primary obligation to reduce emissions falls upon developed countries, it said. For some countries, the CBAM could be seen as going against the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

India and EU may also discuss their TTC agenda in the bilateral meeting in Jaipur. TTC talks may involve cooperation in strategic sectors such as semiconductors and may strive to concluding a memorandum of understanding next month, the first person said.

The TTC is a coordination platform to address key challenges pertaining to trade, technology and security. The first ministerial meeting of TTC was held on May 17 in Brussels, co-chaired by external affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, commerce minister Piyush Goyal and minister of state for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar representing India, and executive vice-presidents Margrethe Vestager and Valdis Dombrovskis from the EU.

India is striving to build consensus among G20 members over five key agenda at the TIMM in Jaipur -- trade for growth and prosperity, resilient trade and global value chain, integrating micro, small and medium enterprises in global trade, logistics for trade, and WTO reform. Adoption of a G20 trade and investment ministerial statement is expected on Friday after the conclusion of the meeting, the first person said.

Founded in 1999, the G20 comprises 19 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US and the EU. The G20 members represent around 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of global trade and about two-thirds of the world population. Besides G20 members, other invitees at TIMM are Bangladesh, Egypt, Netherlands, Oman, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
New Delhi: Ahead of the G20 Leaders Summit in September, a report has found that G20 member countries spent $1.4 trillion last year to support fossil fuels. The authors of the report have recommended that the G20 this year agree to act on their climate commitments by eliminating all public financial flows to fossil fuels other than those necessary to provide energy access to the poorest. (REUTERS)

The report titled Fanning the Flames: G20 provides record financial support for fossil fuels by International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), released on Wednesday found that G20 members spent $ 1.4 trillion public money to support fossil fuels -- more than double the pre-Covid-19 and pre-energy crisis spends, as recently as in 2019.

The amount includes subsidies, investments by state-owned enterprises, and public financing.

The authors of the report have recommended that the G20 this year agree to act on their climate commitments by eliminating all public financial flows to fossil fuels other than those necessary to provide energy access to the poorest. The authors have also highlighted that as the G20 chair, India can confidently demonstrate global leadership in this area, having reduced its fossil fuel subsidies by 76% from 2014 to 2022 while significantly increasing support for clean energy.

The boldest, fastest action should be from the G20s highest per-capita income members, given their historical responsibility for emissions and higher emissions per unit of GDP. The G20 should incentivise consumers and investors to shift away from fossil fuels by setting minimum carbon taxation levels, the report said.

Experts said that in 2009, G20 governments committed to phasing out and rationalizing inefficient fossil fuel subsidies in the medium term, but 14 years later, the countries spent a record amount of public money to support coal, oil, and gas. Moreover, the issue of fossil fuel subsidies is absent from this years G20 agenda ahead of the Delhi Summit in September.

These figures are a stark reminder of the massive amounts of public money G20 governments continue to pour into fossil fuels despite the increasingly devastating impacts of climate change, said Tara Laan, Senior Associate at IISD and the lead author of the study in a statement. The G20 has the power and the responsibility to transform our fossil-based energy systems. It is crucial for the bloc to put fossil fuel subsidies on the Delhi Leaders Summit agenda and take meaningful actions to eliminate all public financial flows for coal, oil, and gas.

The report also highlighted that the G20 nations could raise an additional $ 1 trillion per year by establishing a carbon tax floor of U$ 2550 per tonne of carbon-dioxide emitted (tCO2e). These funds could help solve some of the most pressing global issues including climate commitments. Experts note that shifting less than a quarter of the $ 2.4 trillion generated from subsidy reform and carbon taxation could help close the wind and solar energy investment gap$450 billion per year until 2030to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C, with public support leveraging additional funds from private investors.

The largest category of consumption subsidies was price support last year, which is governments fixing retail fossil fuel prices below the international market price. Below market pricing was more common in G20 emerging economies. Even when fuels were sold above international market prices, G20 governments (mostly developed) provided large subsidies to reduce energy bills for transport fuels, electricity, and heating. Germany, France, and Italy alone provided $ 213 billion in fossil fuel crisis support in 2022, the report said.

With fossil fuel companies gaining record profits amid the energy crisis last year, there is little incentive for them to change their business models in line with whats needed to limit global warming. But governments have the power to push them in the right direction, Laan added.

HT reported on July 29 that the G20 countries, which contribute 80% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, failed to reach an agreement on the most critical steps to tackle the climate crisis at ministerial talks.

Among the issues on which the countries were unable to put up a united front were scaling up renewable energy, phasing down unabated use of fossil fuel, doubling the global rate of improvement of energy efficiency, and ensuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions peak no later than 2025.
A person has the constitutional right to change their gender through surgical intervention, the Allahabad high court has observed, ordering the Uttar Pradesh director general of police (DGP) to decide on an application by a woman police constable who sought permission for sex reassignment surgery (SRS) On April 15, 2014, the Supreme Court recognised transpersons as third gender and affirmed their rights (Representative Picture)

The petitioner, a constable employed by the Uttar Pradesh Police, moved the court on April 29 saying they were experiencing gender dysphoria and applied for a necessary sanction to undergo SRS on March 11, 2023.

The petitioner submitted the request for SRS authorisation on March 11, 2023, to the Director General of Police in Lucknow, U.P. However, no decision has been reached in this regard, leading to the filing of this petition, the petitioners legal representative told the court during a hearing on August 18.

Acknowledging the constables right to undergo SRS, a single-judge bench of justice Ajit Kumar observed, There should be no doubt that a person experiencing gender dysphoria, whose emotional and psychological attributes align with the traits of the opposite sex, possesses a constitutionally acknowledged right to undergo surgical gender change. The order was passed on August 18.

During the hearing, the counsel for the petitioner relied on the 2014 Supreme Court judgment in National Legal Services Authority vs Union of India  a landmark decision on the rights of transpersons  to argue against withholding the petitioners application.

On April 15, 2014, the Supreme Court recognised transpersons as third gender and affirmed their rights.

Failing to acknowledge this inherent right would perpetuate gender identity disorder syndrome within our modern society. In certain cases, this syndrome can have severe consequences, including anxiety, depression, negative self-perception, and discomfort with ones own sexual anatomy. When psychological interventions prove ineffective in alleviating such distress, surgical gender transition should be deemed necessary and actively encouraged,

The authority may request the submission of relevant materials and documents to assess whether the application warrants genuine consideration. Such a request must be supported by cogent material, it added.

The bench also instructed the state governments counsel to provide information about the implementation of guidelines aligned with the Supreme Courts 2014 decision. The apex courts directive focused on ensuring medical care for transgender individuals within hospitals, along with provisions for separate public facilities and social welfare initiatives aimed at their betterment.
Hyderabad KCR said his government had been adopting pro-farmer policies and introduced several initiatives to uplift the farmers, whereas the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party had miserably failed to address the farmers issues. (HT Photo)

Bharat Rashtra Samithi president and Telangana chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Wednesday sought the blessings of the people of the state for a third successive term for his government which, he claimed, had addressed the needs of every section of the society in the last two terms.

KCR, as the chief minister is popularly called, virtually kickstarted the election campaign, two days after the declaration of his party candidates for 115 out of 119 assembly seats, by addressing a rally Pragati Sankharaavam (Blowing the conch of progress) at Medak in the evening.

It is time for the people to judge what is true and what is not. They should show their real power when it matters most. Please compare the performance of the BRS government with the previous governments and vote accordingly, he said.

KCR said his government had been adopting pro-farmer policies and introduced several initiatives to uplift the farmers, whereas the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party had miserably failed to address the farmers issues.

He said that while the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre had been insisting on installation of smart power meters for agricultural pump sets, the Congress was advocating power supply to agriculture only for three hours.

The chief minister said the central government had denied grants to the extent of 25,000 crore to Telangana for not following its condition of installation of smart meters to the agriculture pump sets.

Taking a dig at the Congress for making tall promises for the assembly elections, KCR pointed out that the grand old party had failed to deliver on many promises it had made during the assembly elections in Karnataka.

In Karnataka, the Congress government is barely giving seven-hour power to the agriculture sector, whereas in Telangana, our government is giving round-the-clock power supply to farmers free of cost, he said.

KCR further slammed the Congress for proposing to roll back the Dharani portal, the state governments official land records management portal, which he said had removed several hurdles and made the land transactions simple.

Due to the Dharani portal, farmers are now able to complete the land registration process within 15 minutes and the mutation process in 5 minutes while in the past, the process was unpredictable and full of corruption, he said.

He pointed out how Medak had been deprived of irrigation facilities during the Congress and the Telugu Desam Party regimes in the past. In the last nine years of Telangana, Medak had become fertile, he asserted.

Earlier in the day, he inaugurated the BRS party office, the district superintendent of polices office, and the integrated district offices complex in Medak.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president A Revanth Reddy lashed out at KCR for saying that the Congress had done nothing for the state in its previous regimes.

He should go back and study the history of the state. Who built several irrigation projects, including Nagarjunasagar, when the BRS was not even born? In fact, KCR has misappropriated thousands of crores in the name of Kaleshwaram project. While the Congress government had built the outer ring road, KCR government has sold it for 7500 crore, he alleged.

Telangana BJP chief Kishan Reddy on Wednesday said KCR should apologise to people as he failed to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in the assembly polls while releasing the list.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Srinivasa Rao Apparasu Srinivasa Rao is Senior Assistant Editor based out of Hyderabad covering developments in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana . He has over three decades of reporting experience. ...view detail
India is now on the moon and the success belongs to all humanity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday during his address after Chandrayaan-3 landed successfully on the lunar surface, adding that it was a memorable moment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing ISRO scientists from Johannesburg. (X/Narendra Modi)

Virtually addressing Isro (Indian Space Research Organisation) scientists, he said India made a resolve on the Earth and fulfilled it on the Moon, and also said that the successful landing was an announcement of the start of Indias journey as a developed nationa new India.

In the first light of Amrit Kaal, this is Amrit Varsha of success. India has reached the South Pole of the Moon where no country in the world could reach to date with the dedication and talent of our scientists, Modi said.

He joined the scientists gathered at the Isro Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) virtually from Johannesburg.

Modi, who is in the South African city to attend the five-nation Brics (Brazil, Russia, India , China, South Africa) Summit, waved the tricolour the moment Chandrayaan-3 landed successfully on the moon.

India is now on the moon and now is the time to walk on the Chandra Path. Our moon mission is based on human-centric approach. Therefore, this success belongs to all of humanity. Well test the limits of our solar system, and work to realize the infinite possibilities of the universe for humans. India is proving again and again that the sky is not the limit, Modi said.

Adding that this feat has been achieved during Indias G20 presidency, Chandrayaan-3s landing on the moon is a historic moment and sounds the bugle for a developed India.

We are witness to the new flight of new India. New history has been written. Though I was in South Africa for the BRICS Summit, my heart and soul was here (in India), he added.

This is a moment of capability of the 140 crore heartbeats and the confidence of new energy of India, he said.

Also Read: Momentous occasion: President Murmu hails Chandrayaan-3s landing on Moon

Referring to the Indian folklore where the Earth is considered Maa and the Moon, Mama, Modi said that the Moon is also considered very distant and referred to as Chanda Mama dur ke, but the time is not far when the children would say Chanda Mama ek tour ke i.e. the moon is only a tour away.

The PM expressed confidence that the achievements of Chandrayaan Maha Abhiyan will take Indias flight beyond the lunar orbits.

He highlighted setting ambitious goals for the future and said that ISRO is soon going to launch the Aditya L-1 mission for a detailed study of the Sun. He also touched upon Venus being one of ISROs goals, and that for mission GaganyaanIndias first human space flight mission India is preparing hard.

Modi emphasised that science and technology are the basis of the bright future of the country. He said that this day will inspire all of us to move towards a bright future and will show the way to the realization of resolutions.

This day signifies how victory is achieved from the lessons of defeat, Modi said.
NEW DELHI: India fully backs the expansion of Brics (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) on the basis of consensus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told a summit of the five-nation bloc on Wednesday in the face of a push by China to enlarge the grouping. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi gestures at the plenary session during the 2023 BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg (via REUTERS)

PM Modi suggested enhanced collaboration between Brics member states in areas such as space, education and technology, including the use of solutions developed by India which he said can help make the bloc a future-ready organisation. He offered to share platforms developed by India with other Brics members.

India fully supports the expansion of Brics membership, and welcomes moving forward on this with consensus, he said, speaking in Hindi at the open plenary session of the summit in Johannesburg. Modi noted that when Brics was chaired by India in 2016, the grouping was defined as Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions.

After seven years, we can say Brics will be Breaking barriers, Revitalising economies, Inspiring innovation, Creating opportunities and Shaping the future, he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who spoke after Modi at the session, reiterated Beijings push for speedy expansion of Brics to make global governance more equitable.

I am glad to see the growing enthusiasm of developing countries about participating in Brics cooperation and quite a number of them have applied to join the Brics cooperation mechanism, Xi said, speaking in Mandarin.

Xi added, We need to...accelerate the Brics expansion process to bring more countries into the Brics family so as to pool our strengths [and] our wisdom to make global governance more just and equitable.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his interventions at the session, said Brics members are still discussing the expansion. Hopefully, we will find a clear solution to this matter as we discuss it amongst ourselves as Brics leaders, he said after Modis speech.

People familiar with the matter said the Indian sides efforts on the Brics expansion at an informal session of the leaders on Tuesday night were guided by the objective of including Indias strategic partners as new members.

The Indian side took the lead in forging consensus on criteria for expanding Brics and selecting new members at the leaders retreat, an informal session that allows for unstructured discussions, the people said.

The session lasted more than the scheduled two hours and was followed by a dinner hosted by Ramaphosa. The people described the developments at the leaders retreat as significant.

Prior to Modis departure for Johannesburg, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra had said on Monday that India is approaching the issue of expanding Brics with a positive intent and an open mind. Kwatra insisted that there will have to be full consensus on the expansion and the guiding principles for this.

Some 20 to 30 countries have expressed interest in joining Brics, and Argentina, Egypt, Indonesia, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have emerged as leading candidates. Indias greatest concern about the expansion is that Brics shouldnt become a China-centric grouping, especially at a time when relations between New Delhi and Beijing are at their lowest ebb due to the standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

China has aggressively pushed efforts to expand Brics to make the grouping a counterpoint to Western dominance of world affairs. It has been backed in these moves by Russia, grappling with its diplomatic isolation because of the Ukraine war.

In his speech at the open plenary session, Modi also pitched for enhanced cooperation between Brics members in space, technology, digital infrastructure and education.

As the member states work on the Brics satellite constitution, they can consider creating a Brics space exploration consortium that can work on space research and weather monitoring, he said.

Cooperation in education, skill development and technology can make Brics a future-ready organisation, he said while citing Indias creation of solutions such as Diksha (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) for education in remote areas, Bhashini, an AI-based language platform, the CoWIN platform for vaccination, and digital public infrastructure or the India Stack.

Diversity is a great strength of India. The solution to any problem in India comes out of the test of this diversity. Thats why these solutions can be easily implemented in any corner of the world, Modi said while offering to share all platforms developed by India with Brics members.

Brics members can also do skill mapping to identify each others strengths and cooperate on the preservation of different species of big cats found in the five countries, he said.

Modi also sought the support of Brics states for Indias proposal to give full membership of the G20 to the African Union. We have also proposed permanent membership of the G20 to the African Union. I am sure all the Brics partners are also together in the G20 and will support our proposal, he said.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rezaul H Laskar Rezaul H Laskar is the Foreign Affairs Editor at Hindustan Times. His interests include movies and music. ...view detail
India fully backs the expansion of Brics (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) on the basis of consensus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told a summit of the five-nation bloc on Wednesday in the face of a push by China to enlarge the grouping. HT Image

Modi suggested enhanced collaboration between Brics member states in areas such as space, education and technology, including the use of solutions developed by India, can help make the bloc a future-ready organisation. He offered to share platforms developed by India with other Brics members.

India fully supports the expansion of Brics membership, and welcomes moving forward on this with consensus, he said, speaking in Hindi at the open plenary session of the summit in Johannesburg. Modi noted that when Brics was chaired by India in 2016, the grouping was defined as Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions.

After seven years, we can say Brics will be Breaking barriers, Revitalising economies, Inspiring innovation, Creating opportunities and Shaping the future, he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who spoke after Modi at the session, reiterated Beijings push for speedy expansion of Brics to make global governance more equitable.

I am glad to see the growing enthusiasm of developing countries about participating in Brics cooperation and quite a number of them have applied to join the Brics cooperation mechanism, Xi said, speaking in Mandarin.

Xi added, We need to...accelerate the Brics expansion process to bring more countries into the Brics family so as to pool our strengths [and] our wisdom to make global governance more just and equitable.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his interventions at the session, said Brics members are still discussing the expansion. Hopefully, we will find a clear solution to this matter as we discuss it amongst ourselves as Brics leaders, he said after Modis speech.

People familiar with the matter said the Indian sides efforts on Brics expansion at an informal session of the leaders on Tuesday night were guided by the objective of including Indias strategic partners as new members.

The Indian side took the lead in forging consensus on criteria for expanding Brics and selecting new members at the leaders retreat, an informal session that allows for unstructured discussions, the people said.

The session lasted more than the scheduled two hours and was followed by a dinner hosted by Ramaphosa. The people described the developments at the leaders retreat as significant.

Prior to Modis departure for Johannesburg, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra had said on Monday that India is approaching the issue of expanding Brics with a positive intent and an open mind. Kwatra insisted that there will have to be full consensus on the expansion and the guiding principles for this.

Some 20 to 30 countries have expressed interest in joining Brics, and Argentina, Egypt, Indonesia, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have emerged as leading candidates. Indias greatest concern about the expansion is that Brics shouldnt become a China-centric grouping, especially at a time when relations between New Delhi and Beijing are at their lowest ebb due to the standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

China has aggressively pushed efforts to expand Brics to make the grouping a counterpoint to Western dominance of world affairs. It has been backed in these moves by Russia, grappling with its diplomatic isolation because of the Ukraine war.

In his speech at the open plenary session, Modi also pitched for enhanced cooperation between Brics members in space, technology, digital infrastructure and education.

As the member states work on the Brics satellite constitution, they can consider creating a Brics space exploration consortiumthat can work on space researchand weather monitoring, he said.

Cooperation in education, skill development and technology can make Brics a future-ready organisation, he said while citing Indias creation of solutions such as Diksha (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) for education in remote areas, Bhashini, an AI-based language platform, the CoWIN platform for vaccination, and digital public infrastructure or the India Stack.

Diversity is a great strength of India. The solution to any problem in India comes out of the test of this diversity. Thats why these solutions can be easily implemented in any corner of the world, Modi said, while offering to share all platforms developed by India with Brics members.

Brics members can also do skill mapping to identify each others strengths and cooperate on the preservation of different species of big cats found in the five countries, he said.

Modi also sought the support of Brics states for Indias proposal to give full membership of the G20 to the African Union. We have also proposed permanent membership of the G20 to the African Union. I am sure all the BRICS partners are also together in the G20 and will support our proposal, he said.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rezaul H Laskar Rezaul H Laskar is the Foreign Affairs Editor at Hindustan Times. His interests include movies and music. ...view detail
The Indian side took the lead in forging consensus on criteria for expansion of the Brics grouping and selection of new members at a meeting of leaders of the five-nation bloc, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. The expansion of Brics (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) is one of the top items on the agenda. (PTI Photo)

The expansion of Brics (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) is one of the top items on the agenda of the summit being held in Johannesburg.

As moves to include new members in the grouping picked up pace in recent months, India had insisted that the bloc should finalise principles and set criteria for the expansion.

The issue came up during the Brics leaders retreat, an informal session that allows for unstructured discussions, on Tuesday night.

The session lasted more than the scheduled two hours and was followed by a dinner hosted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Also Read: What can Brics meet achieve

India took the lead in forging consensus on membership criteria and selection of new members, one of the people cited above said.

The people described the developments on the issue of expansion of Brics during the leaders retreat as significant.

Indias efforts during the discussions were guided by the objective of incorporating the countrys strategic partners as new members of Brics, they said.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis departure for the Brics Summit a day earlier, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra had said that India is approaching the issue of expanding Brics with a positive intent and an open mind.

Kwatra also said that since the bloc works on the principle of consensus, all member states have to have full consensus on how they would want Brics expanded, what should be the guiding principles of that expansion [and] what would be the criteria for such an expansion.

Some 20 to 30 countries have expressed interest in joining Brics, and Argentina, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have emerged as leading candidates.

China is being seen as the main proponent of an aggressive push to expand Brics to make the grouping a counterpoint to Western dominance of world affairs. It has been backed in these efforts by Russia, currently grappling with its diplomatic isolation because of the Ukraine war.

Indias greatest concern regarding the expansion is that Brics shouldnt become a China-centric grouping, especially at a time when relations between New Delhi and Beijing are at their lowest ebb due to the military standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rezaul H Laskar Rezaul H Laskar is the Foreign Affairs Editor at Hindustan Times. His interests include movies and music. ...view detail
A workshop on Chandrayaan-3 will be organized by the Indira Gandhi Planetarium, at the council premises on Wednesday. The workshop will take place at the council premises from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Animated representation of Chandrayaan -3 hovering in Moon's orbit.

In this workshop, Dr Aniruddh Uniyal, a scientist, the Remote Sensing and Applications Center, will provide an insightful lecture on the Moon, offering valuable insights about its composition.

Furthermore, the Indira Gandhi Planetarium will furnish information about Chandrayaan-3 and participants of this program will be awarded participation certificates.

The Planetarium will also conduct live broadcasts during the landing of Chandrayaan-3, providing a unique opportunity for engagement of general public, the release stated.

The live telecast of the landing operations will begin at 5:20 PM IST on Wednesday. Live actions of landing will be available on the ISRO website, its YouTube channel, Facebook, and public broadcaster DD National TV from 5:27 PM IST on Aug 23, 2023.

India will be the fourth country in the world to achieve this feat after the United States, Russia, and China, but India will be the only country in the world to land on the lunar south pole.

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Amidst the ongoing dispute over releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah convened an all-party meeting at Vidhana Soudha on Wednesday. In the meeting, the opposition parties were apprised of the prevailing ground situation, including updates on the legal battle at the Supreme Court. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa, former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai and other dignitaries during an all-party meeting at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Wednesday. (ANI)

During the session, CM Siddaramaiah briefed about the governments intention to form an all-party delegation to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the escalating water dispute between the two states.

Prominent attendees at the meeting included former chief ministers BS Yediyurappa, Veerappa Moily, HD Kumaraswamy, Basavaraj Bommai, Sadananda Gowda, and Jagadish Shettar. Additionally, several Members of Parliament (MPs) also participated in the discussions.

Following the meeting Siddaramaiah said the government has decided to take a non-negotiable stance concerning water, language, and border issues. We have held an all-party meeting to communicate the real state of affairs and our Attorney General elaborated on the legal nuances. We will consider the suggestions from various party leaders. In defence of our farmers interests, we have strongly presented our arguments before the Cauvery Water Management Authority [CWMA], the chief minister said.

Earlier this week, Tamil Nadu had approached the Supreme court with a plea to direct Karnataka to release 24,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily for standing crops

Detailing about the situation of water, the chief minister explained, Due to low rainfall this year, we were slated to release 86.38 thousand million cubic feet [TMC] of water but managed only 26 TMC. While July saw favourable rains, the lack of adequate rainfall in August posed challenges. Initially directed to release 15,000 cusecs per day, our effective arguments resulted in a reduction to 10,000 cusecs per day until Augusts end.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the governments handling of the dispute. He sought the release of water for Karnatakas farmers and the strategic storage of water for the states drinking needs. The governments representation before the CWMA has been ineffective. The current allocation of 10,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu is disastrous. We have assured our support for the government on water and border matters. Had we released water to our farmers earlier, this situation could have been averted, Bommai said after the meeting.

Janata Dal (Secular) leader and former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy too questioned the release of water to Tamil Nadu. Why the water has been released immediately after Tamil Nadus approached the Supreme Court?We should have contested the matter more robustly and retained our presence at the CWMA. Weve provided valuable suggestions to the government, which remain confidential, Kumaraswamy said.

Highlighting the issue of severe water shortage, Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar urged opposition parties to prioritise state interests over political agendas. Shivakumar emphasised that politics should not influence irrigation decisions. The protection of the states interests is paramount, and the government will persevere in the legal battle. Cooperation from all leaders is vital to collectively safeguard the states interests, Shivakumar said.

He acknowledged that despite the crisis in Karnataka, 10 TMC of water had been released to Tamil Nadu on August 16, underscoring the need for collaboration to support the farmers of both states. Shivakumar also criticised Tamil Nadus decision to resort to the Supreme Court, deeming it unnecessary.

Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty detailed the circumstances surrounding the water crisis. The failure of the South West monsoon in the Cauvery basin of Karnataka and Kerala has marked 2023-24 as a crisis year. Despite this, he revealed that the Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee had considered the shortfall of rainfall until June.

As the situation unfolds, Karnatakas farmer organizations continue their protests against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. The protests reflect concerns over drought-like conditions due to reservoirs dwindling water levels.

Karnataka received below normal rainfall. Very little water is left in KRS dam and other reservoirs. There will not be enough water for irrigation, drinking, and factories if it is released to Tamil Nadu, one of the protesting farmers told media.
The Karnataka Lokayukta police have arrested survey supervisor K T Srinivasa Murthy on Wednesday on charges of amassing assets that appear to be beyond his legitimate income sources, officials familiar with the matter said. The officer posted at KR Puram taluk office was arrested after Lokayukta reportedly found evidence of disproportionate assets amounting to more than 4.39 crore. The arrest comes after meticulous searches carried out at 14 locations in Bengaluru and Tumakuru (HT Archives)

The arrest comes after meticulous searches carried out at 14 locations in Bengaluru and Tumakuru. Murthy, originally from Gubbi in Tumakuru and a resident of Kalkere, was taken into custody by the Lokayukta authorities on Wednesday.

A senior officer said that during the investigation it was found that Murthys family owned five liquor shops, all registered in the names of his wife, brother and sister. These establishments are spread across Bengaluru and Tumakuru. We also suspect there could be seven more such bars owned by other proxies of his, said the officer.

During the course of the raids, the police unearthed his ownership of two plots in Andrahalli, Hennur, and Kothanur within Bengaluru, along with two residential properties in the city.

We are actively considering the possibility of more such establishments and properties being concealed. So the investigation into his assets will continue, he the officer added.

Srinivasa Murthy was associated with K R Puram Tahsildar Ajith Kumar Rai, who was arrested following Lokayukta-initiated searches on June 29. Rais assets reportedly encompassed documents pertaining to extensive land holdings spanning 100 acres, an opulent Toyota Land Cruiser valued at 2.5 crore, eight other SUVs, properties estimated at 1.9 crore, and a substantial cash amounting to 40 lakh.

Following these findings, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and income tax authorities collated additional information about Rai from the Lokayukta police. Rai was subsequently granted bail.

These developments transpired against the backdrop of the Karnataka Lokayukta conductinga series of searches at 48 locations throughout the state on the preceding Thursday. The motive behind these operations was to ascertain if public officials had amassed disproportionate assets.

The locations subject to the searches encompassed cities such as Bengaluru, Mysuru, Belagavi, Bidar, Dharwad, Kodagu, Madikeri, Tumakuru, Raichur, Davangere, and Chitradurga.

This orchestrated effort underscores the Lokayuktas commitment to unveiling cases of alleged asset accumulation that go beyond an individuals legal means.

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KOCHI Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan released the textbooks of history, political science, economics, and sociology by distributing them to select students at a government school in Thiruvananthapuram. (ANI)

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday released additional textbooks for students of classes 11 and 12, which include the portions that were recently deleted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

The CM released the textbooks of history, political science, economics, and sociology by distributing them to select students at a government school in Thiruvananthapuram.

At the event, CM Vijayan said, For the 2023-24 academic year, in the textbooks that NCERT prepared, some important changes were made in the name of rationalisation. Some portions were taken out completely. Our government looks at this very seriously because the lessons that were deleted were those that should not have been removed. As a result, we have prepared additional textbooks for the subjects of history, political science, economics and sociology by including those portions that should not have been removed. In the name of educational reforms, NCERT is making unilateral interventions at the national level.

For students of classes 11 and 12, NCERTs 44 textbooks across 12 subjects are available for perusal which have certain lessons that have been prepared with special interest, the CM alleged.

Such lessons will change the social and historical perspectives of students. The danger is that a generation will grow up lacking human values. It will endanger our society which is rooted in brotherhood and thinks with a secular mind. Thats why the state government has come up with this alternate proposal, he said.

The CM pointed out that one of the portions deleted by NCERT from the textbooks concerned the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.

Those who were involved in Gandhis assassination, which organisation were they a part of and what principles guided them, we know very well. The removal of such details from textbooks are not to reduce the weight of textbooks, but for some political interests. Such reforms are aimed at whitewashing individuals and organisations involved in the Gandhi assassination. There is no doubt that those whitewashing such organisations may tomorrow hail Godse as a great man. We should imagine how dangerous this situation is, he said.

By removing lessons connected to Mughal history from the textbooks, an attempt is being made to create the feeling that this country belongs to a particular section of society, he claimed.

Some of the portions, allegedly removed by the NCERT and subsequently retained by the Kerala government, include Mughal history, industrial revolution, partition of India, assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, five-year economic plans and American capitalism.

Jayaprakash RK, director of State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), said six textbooks across four subjects were prepared timely by including portions removed by the NCERT.

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Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was expected to include at least four new ministers in his Cabinet to address complaints about lack of political representation of certain castes in the run-up to the polls in Madhya Pradesh due later this year. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. (HT PHOTO)

People aware of the matter said the inclusion was expected to balance the representation of the so-called Upper Caste and the Other Backward Class leaders. There is a possibility of some ministers being dropped as well, said a person, requesting anonymity.

There has been speculation of a reshuffle in the state Cabinet to tide over the anti-incumbency that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faces. The BJP this month announced the first list of its candidates for 39 seats in the state, which it lost in the last election.

Except for 18 months between 2018 and 2020, the BJP has been in power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003. Polls in five states, including Madhya Pradesh, accounting for roughly 15% of Indias population, are expected to set the tone for the 2024 national elections.

The Congress returned to power in Madhya Pradesh in 2018 but lost it in March 2020 when 22 legislators quit the party and resigned from the state assembly.

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US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on Tuesday highlighted the profound connection between nations through the Indian diaspora. Delivering the keynote address at the Indiaspora G20 forum, Garcetti said US President Joe Biden had stressed to him the importance of India in the world. US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti addresses during the 'Indiaspora G20 Forum: The Road to India@100- The Diaspora Dimension', in New Delhi on Tuesday.(ANI)

Talking about his dream to be in India, the envoy said he thought he would come back to live in Bodh Gaya and do a Buddhist studies programme.

But politics got in the way. I got elected to the student council and I promised I would serve, so my India dream kind of died, or so I thought. But the universe has a curious way of connecting people and dreams. Now suddenly I'm living that dream here when President Biden asked me to consider serving here, the diplomat said.

He (President Biden) told me, when he asked me to come here to serve, he said, this is the most important country in the world for me, I think something that no American president has ever uttered in the history of our two countries, he added.

I thought it was just Joe Biden and he tells the candidate for ambassador to Liechtenstein, Liechtenstein is the most important country in the world. But he actually meant it because I heard him say it to the prime minister during the state visit.

Highlighting the importance of the Indian diaspora, Garcetti said 4 million people represent 1 per cent of the population of America but 6 per cent of the tax base.

They are 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs.

Garcetti said the best thing "you can have in life is being comfortable crossing borders, navigating between places".

"We are part of multiple identities. But in reality, we are part of concentric circles," he said.

His keynote address was on 'The Indian Diaspora - A Bridge between the United States and India'.

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Prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended full support to the expansion of the BRICS and said that India welcomes decision to move forward on this based on consensus. PM Modi at BRICS Summit(ANI/ X)

Follow BRICS Summit LIVE Updates here

While speaking at the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, PM Modi said India had given a lot of importance to the countries of Global South under its G20 Presidency and lauded South Africa for the initiative as the chair of the BRICS summit. He said, "We welcome the move to give special importance to the countries of the global south in BRICS under the chairmanship of South Africa. India has also given importance to this subject under its G20 presidency," news agency ANI quoted.

PM Modi said the BRICS embarked on a long and amazing journey in the last two decades and highlighted how the New Development Bank of the grouping is playing an important role in carrying forward developmental activities in the Global South.

India suggested measures in areas of Railway research networks, and cooperation among MSMEs and start-ups and there has been significant progress in these fields, PM Modi said.

While emphasising the use and development of technology, PM Modi said that the BRICS countries have to make their societies future-ready to make the grouping a future-ready organisation and that technology will play an important role in these endeavours.

The prime minister also recalled the deep and old relations of Johannesburg with India and Mahatma Gandhi's connection with South Africa and the historical connections between the two countries.

He said, "To come to a beautiful city like Johannesburg once again is a matter of joy for me and my delegation. This city has deep and old relations with Indians and Indian history. At a distance from here is located Tolstoy Farm the construction of which was done by Mahatma Gandhi 110 years back. By connecting the great ideas of India, Eurasia and Africa, Mahatma Gandhi placed a strong foundation of our unity and harmony."

PM Modi arrived in South Africa on Tuesday and received a ceremonial welcome at Waterkloof Air Force Base. Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora chanting 'Vande Mataram'.

BRICS is a grouping of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This is the first in-person BRICS Summit after three consecutive years of virtual meetings owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

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NEW DELHI: Students of classes 11 and 12 will have to study two languages including one of Indian origin, according to the final National Curriculum Framework (NCF) released by the NCERT on Wednesday. The NCF also recommended board exams should be held twice a year, and there should be no restriction on students choosing subjects within streams such as science or commerce. The NCF defines benchmarks for NCERT textbooks taught in CBSE-affiliated schools in classes 3 to 12, teaching and learning practices, and assessment methods adopted by the schools (HT File Photo)

The NCF, which has been drafted by the union government-appointed national steering committee headed by former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) K Kasturirangan, is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The NEP emphasised on teaching Indian languages and offering them as medium of instruction in school and higher education.

The NCF defines benchmarks for NCERT textbooks taught in the schools affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in classes 3 to 12, teaching and learning practices, and assessment methods adopted by the schools. However, these will remain recommendatory in nature for state education boards given that education is a state subject. NCF was last revised in 2005.

An early draft of the NCF was released in April by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for public consultation.

The final NCF retains most of the recommendations included in the draft but there are some changes as well.

The NCFs suggestion that at least two languages, one of them being an Indian language, will be offered to students in classes 11 and 12, is one such change.

The languages will be chosen by students from the pool of language and literature courses that are offered. The choices for languages would include Sanskrit and other modern/classical languages and literature of India, including classical Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Pali, Persian, and Prakrit, among others. In addition to this, foreign languages, such as French, German, Japanese, and Korean would also be offered.

Presently, only one language is taught to students in classes 11 and 12 in CBSE schools. It means the addition of a language will increase one more subject in these classes.

This is to ensure that these languages and literatures stay alive and vibrant, especially in States where they may be best taught and nurtured, the framework said.

The framework also underlines that at least one language native to India will be offered as an option for the medium of instruction to all students up to Grade 12.

Recently, CBSE has asked its schools to offer Indian languages as a medium of instruction.

The framework also confirms the recommendation proposed in the draft to conduct board examinations twice a year to ensure that students have enough time and opportunity to perform well.

Students can then appear for a board examination in courses they have completed and feel ready for. This process could be made possible through the creation of a comprehensive test item bank which can be used to create tests using suitable software. This will enable the movement towards a system of on-demand examinations in the near future as described in NEP 2020, the framework stated.

It also recommended a semester system for classes 11 and 12, and no hard separation between arts, humanities, and sciences.

In the long term, all (education) boards should change to semester or term-based systems, where students can test in a subject as soon as they have completed the subject, which would further reduce the content load being tested in any one examination, the framework said.

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An undercurrent of BJP versus Congress started hours before Chandrayaan 3 touches down on the lunar surface making India the first-ever country to land on the south pole of the moon. While most of the opposition leaders celebrated the feat, Congress leader and Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel said Nehru laid the foundation stone of space science which is now going to be world-famous. On Chandrayaan 3, Bhupesh Baghel said, "Jo aadharshila Nehru Ji ne rakha, aaj world mein danka baja raha hai'".

BJP's Nalin Kohli said if the Congress party gives the credit of Chandryaan 3 in 2023 to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, then they are stuck in the past. "If the Congress party would like to give the credit of Chandrayaan in 2023 to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who was in the 1960s, I can only say this is a party which is stuck in the past and has no idea either about the present or future. We should give due credit to the scientists, space organisation and the government," Kohli said.

Chandrayaan 3 soft landing today: Follow LIVE updates

The Congress on Wednesday made a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, giving out the trivia that Chandrayaan 1 mission was successful when Manmohan Singh was the prime minister.

BJP's Amit Malviya said India, under PM Modi, achieved a lot more than it ever did between Nehru to Manmohan Singh. "Before everyone, from the Congress to the Trinamool Congress, start mouthing homilies and staking claim on the stupendous strides India has made in Space Technology and Missions, here is a recap of how much India has achieved in the last 9 years. The truth is, India, under Prime Minister Modi has achieved lot more, than it ever did between Nehru to Manmohan Singh," Malviya said.

Key opposition leader and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said the success is not of any political party's. "Chandrayaan-3 mission is a matter of pride for the entire nation!. The @isro team belongs to India. Their hard work is a testament of the country's progress which has come from the people, scientists and economists, and not any political entity. Scientists from across the country, including Bengal, have greatly contributed to the mission. I applaud the efforts of all those who have worked hard at taking India's lunar exploration to greater heights! With Chandraayan-3 inching closer to reaching the lunar South Pole, we must all stand together and cheer for its successful soft landing!" Mamata tweeted.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Poulomi Ghosh Poulomi Ghosh is a journalist with Hindustan Times, New Delhi. ...view detail
NEW DELHI: There are 272 requests of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking sanction for prosecution against public servants pending with various central ministries, departments, state governments and Union territory administrations for at least three months, according to the 2022 annual report of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) released last week. The CBI sent 525 requests in 209 corruption cases to various departments and states/UTs, out of which 272, related to 80 cases, were pending for more than three months (HT File Photo)

The data is the status as of December 2022 and may have changed since.

The maximum number of requests, 87, were pending with the department of financial services (DFS), which comes under Union finance ministry. Several states including Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra, the UT of Jammu & Kashmir, and even the Lok Sabha Secretariat have not responded to CBIs requests in some cases.

The data reveals that 41 and 25 requests under Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, mandatory for filing charge sheets, were sent to Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh, respectively, but all of them are pending. The ministries at the Centre which have not responded include: railways, science and technology, law and justice, education, road transport and highways, and petroleum and natural gas.

Overall, the premier agency had sent 525 requests in 209 corruption cases to various departments and states/UTs, out of which 272, related to 80 cases, were pending for more than three months (in 80 cases).

DFS has granted sanction for prosecution in the case of 80 requests. Officials at the agency said the high number of requests to DFS is due to a lot of banking fraud cases being taken up in the last few years.

Besides sanction for prosecution under section 19 of the PC act, 99 requests from the agency under section 17A  prior approval to investigate a government servant - were also pending with government offices concerned for at least three months, data from the CVC annual report 2022 showed.

The law says the administrative ministries or departments concerned must convey their decision on section 19 and 17A requests within three months. An extension of a month is granted in cases where consultation is required from the attorney general (A-G) or any law officer in the office of A-G.

Section 17A was inserted in the Prevention of Corruption Act by the Centre in July 2018 through an amendment, making it mandatory for police or CBI to seek prior approval for conducting any enquiry or inquiry or investigation into any corruption-related offences.

Officers in CBI who did not want to be named said this tendency of keeping prosecution sanction requests or 17A references pending hinders our work as the investigations are delayed, and as a result trials in courts are held up.

This process needs to be fast-tracked, said an officer who asked not to be named.

N R Wassan, former CBI joint director, said, It is total apathy because when there is a time limit, they must either give prosecution sanction or deny it with written reasons.

According to the CVC report, CBI registered 628 corruption cases in 2022 against 713 public servants out of which 228 were gazetted officers. Trial was pending in various courts across the country in at least 6,841 cases.

Normally, it is required of CBI to complete investigation within one year of registration of case. Completion of investigation would imply filing of charge sheet in courts wherever warranted, after receipt of sanction from the competent authority. The commission has observed some delays in completing investigation in certain cases, the report said.

This happens due to excessive work, inadequate manpower, delay in receiving replies to the Letter Rogatories (LRs) sent to other countries, slow verification of documents, time taken in scrutiny of voluminous records, especially in bank frauds, time taken in locating witnesses, and delay in prosecution sanction or supply of records by competent authorities, the report added.

The federal agencys action in corruption cases has also been affected by the withdrawal of general consent under Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) act by at least 10 state governments, which means it cannot suo motu operate in these jurisdictions and must send a request every time to the state to initiate a corruption probe.

States that have withdrawn the general consent for CBI since 2018 include West Bengal, Telangana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Kerala, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu. All these states are governed by parties opposed to the BJP and have alleged that the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre has weaponised agencies such as CBI and the Enforcement Directorate against political opponents.
The successful touch down of Chandrayaan-3 mission's lander on Moon's surface has got the world talking about the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The major stride by the space agency positioned India as the fourth nation to successfully carry out a soft landing on Moon and a first to land on the lunar south pole. ISRO employees watch the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the surface of the moon at ISRO's Telemetry,(PTI)

From The New York Times to BBC and The Guardian to The Washington Post, ISRO made headlines in all major international news sites across the globe.

UK-based publication BBC called the achievement a massive moment for India and it bumps them up the space superpower list. Similarly, headline by The Guardian reads the successful landing marks its (Indias) emergence as a space power'. "For India, the successful landing marks its emergence as a space power as the government looks to spur investment in private space launches and related satellite-based businesses," it wrote.

US-based publication CNN wrote in its article that this lunar mission could cement Indias status as global superpower in space'.

International news agency Associated Press termed the mission an eagerness of the Narendra Modi government to showcase technology and space powerhouse.

Deutsche Welle, the German state-owned media, commended India for being able to compete at the international level and part of the big league even in its space program.

Coming to publications from Asia, Japanese daily Nikkei appreciated the mission by calling it a historic leap as it makes the South Asian country only the fourth to successfully reach the lunar surface.

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The DRDO-developed ASTRA air-to-air missile (AAM) was test-fired successfully on Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said, adding that the exercise, conducted off the coast of Goa, resulted in a launch that was text book perfect. ASTRA, an indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile, being test fired by Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) LSP-7 at an altitude of about 20,000 ft off the coast of Goa, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (PTI Photo)

The Beyond Visual Range (BVR) weapon was fired by the Tejas, an indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the MoD noted in a press release.

Tejas, LCA LSP-7 successfully fired the ASTRA missile at an altitude of about 20,000 feet. All the objectives of the test were met, the ministry stated in its release.

The test launch, the MoD said, was monitored by officials from the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and others.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh, as well as Secretary of Defence, and Chairman, DRDO, have congratulated the teams for the successful launch, the released said.

ASTRA

According to DRDO, the missile system is designed to be mounted on a fighter aircraft, and engages and destroys highly manoeuvring supersonic aircraft. Built to function across weather conditions, and during both day and night, the system is being developed to meet specific requirements, as per the agency.

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NEW DELHI: Pioneering statistician C Radhakrishna Rao died in the United States on Wednesday, statisticians in India said. Rao, 102, was professor emeritus at Pennsylvania State University. Penn State professor emeritus and preeminent statistician C.R. Rao (science.psu.edu)

Rao, born in Bellary in 1920 (he would have turned 103 on September 10), made his reputation at the age of 24 in 1945, when he wrote a seminal paper in the Bulletin of the Calcutta Mathematical Society. He was then with the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI).

That one paper has changed the complete statistics scenario. There are three fundamental problems he has addressed, which have impacts on every field of science: social sciences engineering sciences, biological sciences, everywhere, said Raos former PhD student Debasis Kundu, now a professor of statistics at IIT Kanpur.

Rao went on to make many more significant contributions over his long career, but the three results he described in the 1945 paper are recognised as his definitive achievements. In April this year, when he was chosen for the International Prize in Statistics, the announcement dwelt on those three results: the Cramer-Rao lower bound, the Rao-Blackwell Theorem, and insights that pioneered a field known as information geometry.

Quality of an inference

In statistics, one often needs to make estimates and inferences from data collected. Two of Raos 1945 results, the Cramer-Rao lower bound and the Rao-Blackwell Theorem, relate to the quality of such inferences.

In April, Probal Chaudhuri, a professor at ISI Kolkata, described these two concepts to HT. These essentially give you an idea about how much accuracy you will get if you use a certain amount of data to draw a certain inference or get an estimate. Especially, the Cramer-Rao lower bound gives you the amount of uncertainty you have when you draw your inference, he had said.

If the Cramer-Rao lower bound allows a statistician to assess how accurate an estimate is, the Rao-Blackwell Theorem is a procedure to improve that estimate. As described by the International Prize in Statistics Foundation, the theorem provides a means for transforming an estimate into a better  in fact, an optimal  estimate.

Independently, Swedish mathematician Harold Cramer and American statistician David Blackwell each established one of these results, which is why they are called the Cramer-Rao lower bound and the Rao-Blackwell theorem. Cramer would describe the lower bound in his book Mathematical Methods of Statistics in 1946; Rao was not aware of Cramers independent result when he arrived at it himself, according to a 2021 article in the International Statistical Review, co-authored by Nandini Kannan (Indo-US Science and Technology Forum) and Kundu (Raos former student).

The way Rao reached this breakthrough is the stuff of legend. Back in 1944, one of the existing methods for assessing the accuracy of estimates was known as the Fisher Information, named after the British statistician and geneticist RA Fisher. This, however, works only for large data samples, while Raos results work for samples of any size.

Rao was teaching Fishers results in class when a student asked what would happen if the sample size was not large. Rao is said to have gone back, worked on it and established his famous result, all in 24 hours.

The impact

The Cramer-Rao lower bound and the Rao-Blackwell theorem have applications in practically every field where data is analysed and interpreted. The former has been used in signal processing, spectroscopy, radar systems, multiple image radiography, risk analysis, and quantum physics, while the Rao-Blackwell process has been applied to stereology, particle filtering, and computational econometrics, among others, the International Prize in Statistics Foundation noted.

Raos paper was also one of the earliest to approach probability models with differential geometry (the study of certain shapes and spaces using algebra and calculus). This was the third of the celebrated results. It pioneered the field called information geometry, which is the study of probability theory using differential geometry.

Information geometry has been used to aid the understanding of Higgs boson measurements at the Large Hadron Collider, in recent research on radars and antennas, and in advancements in artificial intelligence and signal processing.

Signal processing, in which both the Cramer-Rao lower bound and information geometry has applications, is a field of study that involves the analysis of signals such as sound, images, or potential fields. It was on statistical signal processing that Kundu worked under Raos supervision; he said Rao was possibly the first statistician to recognise the importance of statistics in signal processing.

I dont think too many people know about Raos contribution to the field of signal processing, which is an area of electrical engineering. Rao made some significant contributions to statistical signal processing in the 1990s, Kundu said. He always tried to think in a different way rather than the traditional way. That made him different.

His legacy

Technical terms bearing Raos name appear in textbooks on statistics and other subjects in which his work has applications. Apart from Cramer-Rao lower bound and Rao-Blackwell Theorem, other such terms include Fisher-Rao Theorem, Rao Distance, and Raos Orthogonal Arrays.

Raos work has earned him the Padma Bhushan (1968) and the Padma Vibhushan (2001), the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award (1963) and the India Science Award (2009), as well as the National Medal of Science (2002) in the US, besides the International Prize in Statistics this year.

The Indian government has instituted a biennial The Professor C R Rao Award in statistics. while the CR Rao Advanced Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science and Prof C R Rao Road in Hyderabad are named after him. Pennsylvania State University has instituted a C R and Bhargavi Rao Prize in Statistics.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kabir Firaque Puzzles Editor Kabir Firaque is the author of the weekly column Problematics. A journalist for three decades, he also writes about science and mathematics. ...view detail
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday reviewed bilateral relations and discussed coordination between the two sides at multilateral bodies as they met on the sidelines of the Brics (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) Summit in Johannesburg, according to a statement from the external affairs ministry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 2023 BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on Wednesday. (AP Photo)

The leaders reviewed the progress made in bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved in various fields including defence, agriculture, trade and investment, health, conservation and people-to-people ties, the statement said.

They also exchanged views on continued coordination in multilateral bodies and regional and multilateral issues.

Ramaphosa expressed his full support for Indias G20 presidency and appreciated New Delhis initiative for giving the African Union full membership of the grouping of the 20 largest economies.

Modi recently wrote to the leaders of all G20 member states seeking their support for a move to give full membership to the African Union during the groupings upcoming summit in September.

Ramaphosa said he looked forward to visiting New Delhi for the G20 Summit.

PM Modi congratulated Ramaphosa on the successful hosting of the Brics Summit, and also accepted the presidents invitation to pay a state visit to South Africa at a mutually convenient date.

The Indian leader is expected to hold several bilateral meetings on the margins of the Brics Summit. There has been growing speculation about a meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to help address the dragging military standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Showing respect to the Indian tricolour flag, prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday picked the national flag up after he noticed it on the ground during the group photo at the BRICS meeting to mark the standing place of every leader and to make sure no one stepped on it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi picks up the Tricolour placed on the stage as a marker for his standing position, during the group photo session at the 15th BRICS Summit.(PTI)

Each leader's place was marked with their respective country's flag to denote their standing position. PM Modi showed respect for the tricolour when he picked it up. Acknowledging PM Modi's gesture, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also picked his country's flag after stepping on it.

While President Ramaphosa handed over his flag to an official, PM Modi kept the tricolour with him.

The BRICS leaders, including PM Modi, arrived at the Sandton Convention Centre on Wednesday to attend the plenary sessions. Prior to this, the leaders posed for a BRICS family photograph. Meanwhile, PM Modi and Chinese premier Xi Jinping were seen standing apart from each other as Ramaphosa held their hands together.

While addressing the plenary session, PM Modi hoped that India's proposal to accord permanent membership of the G20 to the African Union will be supported by all the BRICS nations.

We welcome the move to give special importance to the countries of the Global South in BRICS under the chairmanship of South Africa. This is not just the aspiration, but also the need of the present times. India has also given importance to this subject under its G20 presidency. One Earth One Family One Future - we are trying to move forward with all countries on this mantra. In the Voice of Global South summit in January this year, 125 countries participated and shared their concerns and priorities, he said.

BRICS Summit: PM Modi Spots Indian Flag Lying On Ground; Watch What He Did Next

On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Ramaphosa during which they reviewed the progress made in bilateral ties, exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues and also on ways to work jointly to strengthen the voice of the Global South.

PM Modi arrived in South Africa on Tuesday and received a ceremonial welcome at Waterkloof Air Force Base. Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora chanting 'Vande Mataram'.

BRICS is a grouping of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This is the first in-person BRICS Summit after three consecutive years of virtual meetings owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)
A Pune-bound Vistara flight landed back at Delhi airport on Wednesday after its windshield cracked due to adverse weather conditions. A Vistara spokesperson said the pilots decided to land the plane at the IGI Airport as a precautionary measure and an alternate aircraft was arranged for the passengers. Vistara flight. (Photo by Vipin Kumar/ Hindustan Times -- For representational purpose only)

We confirm that Vistara flight UK 991, flying from Delhi to Pune, encountered adverse weather soon after take-off, resulting in a crack in its windshield. As a precautionary step, the pilots decided to turn back and the aircraft landed safely at the IGI Airport, Delhi," the spokesperson said.

"An alternate aircraft has been immediately arranged, which will depart shortly. The inconvenience caused to customers is deeply regretted. As always, safety of our customers and crew is most important to Vistara, the spokesperson added.

This comes days after a Delhi-Pune Vistara flight was delayed for around eight hours at the IGI Airport following a bomb threat call which later turned out to be hoax. The bomb threat assessment committee declared the call, received at 7:38 am, non-specific or hoax at 2:15 pm.

Flight UK971 was to depart at 8:30 am and finally left at 4.30 pm, according to police.

Vistara said, in a statement, that flight UK971 was delayed due to "mandatory security checks".

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Two Indian languages as compulsory subjects in Class IX and Class X and one in Class XI and Class XII; a semester system for Class XI and Class XII with the option to sit for so-called board examinations twice a year, helping students test immediately in a course they have finished in a semester; and the freedom to choose subjects from arts, sciences, and humanities in these two classes  these are some of the far-reaching and radical changes in the final version of National Curriculum Framework (NCF) released by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on Wednesday. HT Image

NCF, drafted by the Union government-appointed national steering committee headed by K Kasturirangan, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. NEP emphasised on teaching Indian languages and offering them as medium of instruction in school and higher education.

NCF also defines benchmarks for NCERT textbooks used in schools affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), teaching and learning practices, and assessment methods .

To be sure, NCF will remain recommendatory in nature, with states free to accept or reject it. NCF was last revised in 2005.

An early draft of NCF was released by NCERT in April for wider public consultation. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday handed over the final NCF to the recently constituted 19-member National Syllabus and Teaching Learning Material Committee (NSTC) which will now finalise the curriculum, textbooks and learning material based on this.

While the final document retains most of the recommendations mentioned in the draft, there are some changes, with the most notable one being that on languages.

Learning a language is learning a culture. Language education aims to enable the student to immerse and participate in the linguistic heritage and culture of India, including through participatory engagement with the rich written and oral literature of India such as stories, poems, songs, epics, plays, films, and more, the framework stated.

According to the framework, in Class IX and Class X, students will now study three languages of which at least two of which are native to India. And in Class XI and Class XII, students will now be studying two languages with one of them being an Indian language.

The languages will be chosen by students from the pool of language and literature courses that are offered. The choices for languages include Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Pali, Persian, and Prakrit. In addition to this, foreign languages, such as French, German, Japanese, and Korean will also be offered.

This is to ensure that these languages and literatures stay alive and vibrant, especially in states where they may be best taught and nurtured, the framework said.

The framework also underlines that at least one language native to India will be offered as an option for the medium of instruction to all students up to Grade 12.

Recently, CBSE asked its schools to offer Indian languages as a medium of instruction.

School principals welcome the move while also raising caution over the availability of trained teachers for languages. It is a welcome move to introduce Indian languages as mandatory subjects and it will help preserve our culture and heritage. However, schools will take time to fulfill the requirements for the successful implementation of NCF. We will need trained teachers, more space, and resources for the introduction of new courses, said Jyoti Arora, principal of Mount Abu Public School.

Tania Joshi, principal of The Indian School in Delhi, said that it will take some time to prepare students for an extra subject. The schools will have a challenge to prepare students, especially those who are in Class X now. Many of them have not studied an Indian language after Class VIII because they took French or German. Now they will have to study the Indian language as a compulsory subject. So, it will not be a smooth transition, she said.

The framework confirms the recommendation proposed in the draft to conduct board examinations twice a year to ensure that students have enough time and opportunity to perform well. It says that the board examinations for Class X and Class XII will also be substantially reformed and made easier, while allowing students to retain the best score.

Board examinations should be offered at least twice a year to ensure that students have enough time and opportunity to perform well. Students can then appear for a Board examination in subjects they have completed and feel ready for, the framework stated.

It also recommended a semester system for Class XI and Class XII, and no hard separation between arts, humanities, and sciences.

Choice-based courses are to be offered to enable flexibility and choice for students and to remove hard separations between disciplines and academic areas, it stated.

The framework also stated that eventually all education boards should move to a semester system. In the long term, all boards should change to semester or term-based systems, where students can test in a subject as soon as they have completed the subject, which would further reduce the content load being tested in any one examination.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Fareeha Iftikhar Fareeha Iftikhar is a Special Correspondent with the national political bureau of the Hindustan Times. She tracks the education ministry, and covers the beat at the national level for the newspaper. She also writes on issues related to gender, human rights and different policy matters. ...view detail
Senior scientific officer at Nehru Planetarium in Bengaluru Dr Anand, speaking on Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) moon mission Chandrayaan-3, said that no issues had been seen in any instrument on the lander, which is set to land on the moon on Wednesday around 6:05 pm. He added that ISRO was very well prepared for the mission. Chandrayaan-3 Mission: An image of the Moon captured by the Lander Position Detection Camera (LPDC) from an altitude of about 70 km. (ISRO/Twitter)

Speaking to news agency ANI, Anand explained how Chandrayaan-3 will be landing on the moon. He said that the exercise of the lander landing on moon will begin around 5:45pm on Wednesday.

He further said, When the lander is 25 kilometres away from the moon, the exercise will start and it will reduce its velocity from 7,000 km/h to 1,200 km/h during the hard breaking phase. The lander will continue to reduce its velocity as it passes through other phases. When it reaches around 0.2 m/s velocity, it will shut off its booster and fall on the moon's surface very safely.

Chandrayaan-3 is scheduled for a soft landing on the south pole of the moon on Wednesday evening at 6:04 pm. With almost 12 hours left for India's historic moment, the Lander Module  the Vikram lander  is trying to locate the right spot on the Moon's surface for landing.

Anand said that when the lander falls on the moon's surface, it will land on its stong legs, which he said have very high shock absorbers. These will see that there's no harm done to the lander. This is a very difficult procedure, as per the technical challenges that are there.

He added that once the lander lands, all the other scientific analysis will continue with the instruments that it has onboard.

If everything goes according to the plan successfully, India will enter an elite list, becoming only the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon, joining the United States, Russia, and China.

Anand also spoke about ISRO's last moon missions Chandrayaan-2 and said that it was the first attempt in making the landing.

He added, During the Chandrayaan-2 landing, there were some technical glitches due to which the lander couldn't land on the moon. Looking at the errors, they modified the software, modified the equipment. They have built a much more stronger lander.

He also said that all the technical difficulties faced during the time of Chandrayaan-2 were modified and taken care of in this mission and hence it had more possibility of landing safely.

Chandrayaan-2 was launched under K Sivan's tenure as ISRO chief in September 2019. The mission had failed in the final stages when Vikram Lander lost communication with the ground state just 2.1 km above the Moon, leaving Indians dejected.

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The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted bail to former Mumbai police officer Pradeep Sharma over two years after he was arrested in connection with the recovery of 20 gelatin sticks from a car parked outside industrialist Mukesh Ambanis residence in 2021 and the killing of the vehicles owner, Mansukh Hiran. Police outside the residence of industrialist Mukesh Ambani after the explosives were found. (HT PHOTO)

Sharma moved the Supreme Court against the Bombay high courts refusal to grant him bail in January. We have allowed the appeal and granted bail, said a bench of justices AS Bopanna and PS Narasimha. A detailed order was awaited.

Hirans widow accused Sachin Waze, another former Mumbai police officer, of killing her husband. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) later took over the probe into the case and accused Waze and Sharma of conspiring to kill Hiran.

Additional solicitor-general SV Raju, who represented National Investigation Agency (NIA), cited the investigation in the case and said the agency has not found any evidence linking Sharma to the gelatin sticks or the theft of Hirans vehicle. The only case in which his involvement has been found is Hirans murder. He added Sharma met Waze multiple times before the murder.

Sharmas lawyer Mukul Rohatgi argued his client cannot be linked with the crime because he had multiple meetings with Waze.

Hirans body was found in March 2021 days after he reported the theft of his vehicle. A note threatening Ambani and his wife was also found in the vehicle.

The NIA booked Sharma under the Indian Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosive Substances Act, and Arms Act. It accused Waze of arranging money for Sharma to hire contract killers.

In May, Sharma was granted interim bail for his wifes surgery. But the surgery could not be performed and Sharma returned to prison this month.

The high court rejected Sharmas bail citing his clout within the police and the possibility of influencing the witnesses. It noted Sharma was acquitted in an extra-judicial killing case but the appeal against the acquittal was pending. The high court cited material on record and said prima facie it points to Sharmas complicity in Hirans murder.
New Delhi The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked as to how the constitution of a federating unit can be superior to the constitution of the Union, or have an overriding effect on the latter, as it pointed out that Article 370 of the Indian Constitution clearly has a self-limiting character, giving the President the authority to abrogate it through a certain procedure. The bench is seized of a raft of petitions, filed by parliamentarians from the National Conference party, Kashmiri citizens, former bureaucrats and various organisations that have laid the challenge to the abrogation of Article 370 soon after the presidential order in August 2019. (File photo)

Hearing a clutch of petitions that have challenged the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 which granted J&K special status and restructuring of the state into two Union territories, the five-judge Constitution bench pointed out that anything decided by the constituent assembly of J&K could not bind the successive governments and executives unless an embodiment of such a mandate was found in the Indian Constitution.

The bench, which also comprised justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, Bhushan R Gavai and Surya Kant, raised a raft of queries for senior counsel Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing for one of the petitioners in the case, after the lawyer pressed that J&K Constituent assembly had taken a conscious decision to keep the special status of J&K intact while having its own Constitution.

To this, the bench pointed out that Article 370 may have two terminal points. First, after the J&K constituent assembly wrapped up in January 1957; second, when the President can abrogate the constitutional provision following the concurrence of the J&K constituent assembly.

Interestingly, Article 370 is silent on the course of action after the constituent assembly has taken a decision. If there is complete silence in Article 370, then Article 370, possibly has worked itself out...In which case, we have two options. Your line of thinking would be that the constitution of J&K will fill in the void and that will be the supreme document. The other view possibly is - Can the constitution of a federating unit ever rise above the source of the federating unit? it asked Sankaranarayanan.

Responding to Sankaranarayanans submission that the special provisions with respect to J&K was a result of the deference shown to the constituent assembly of J&K, the bench observed that there was no corresponding provision in the Indian Constitution to recognise any such rights for the valley state under the J&K constitution.

Its (Article 370) a provision in the Constitution which itself points out its self-limiting character. If the text itself shows its self-limiting character...but then your argument is that our Constitution should be so read to treat the constitution of J&K as overriding document which will apply in preference to our Constitution... How can that be? it asked Sankaranarayanan, who replied that the J&K constitution defers to the Indian Constitution.

So, really speaking, though J&K constitution framed itself in relation to the Indian Constitution, unless that relationship is embodied in the Indian Constitution, how will we bind the Dominion of India or the successor parliaments or executives here? it asked.

While Sankaranarayanan argued that the recognition of constituent assembly of J&K in Article 370 was an evidence of the Indian Constitution recognising special status of J&K, the bench retorted: Does that mean that anything said by the constituent assembly of J&K would bind the nation or parliament or executive here. Subsequent to 1957, it had to be embodied in a binding arrangement, to be reflected in our Constitution...which was never done.

The court said that a batch of constitutional orders were issued between 1957 and 2019 to extend the provisions of the Indian Constitution to J&K since the idea was to gradually bring J&K into the mainstream. And we are not saying at all that these constitutional orders were unconstitutional...Obviously, these were the statesmen who have operated this nation for last 70 years and we should not say what they did was something unconstitutional. They did that to further the course of governance in the nation, it added.

The ninth day of the arguments in the matter culminated with the petitioners wrapping up their submissions. The Union government, through attorney general R Venkataramani and solicitor general Tushar Mehta, will commence its arguments on Thursday.

The bench is seized of a raft of petitions, filed by parliamentarians from the National Conference party, Kashmiri citizens, former bureaucrats and various organisations that have laid the challenge to the abrogation of Article 370 soon after the presidential order in August 2019.

On July 3, the Supreme Court notified the setting up of a new Constitution bench, comprising its five most senior judges. The new bench began day-to-day hearing in the case from August 2.

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The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought the response of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on a plea filed by activist Shoma Sen, an accused in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, seeking interim bail on account of her deteriorating health. The NIA filed an affidavit before the top court on Tuesday detailing activist Shoma Sens role in the entire conspiracy. (HT file photo)

Sen (64), was arrested in June 2018 and is currently lodged at Byculla jail in connection with her role in the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence.

The case relates to alleged inflammatory speeches delivered at the Elgar Parishad conclave, held at Shaniwarwada in Pune on December 31, 2017, which police claimed triggered violence near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial in the district the next day. Pune police claimed the conclave was backed by Maoists.

Also Read: Elgar Parishad case: Court refuses bail to two activists

A bench of justices Aniruddha Bose and SVN Bhatti issued notice on the application by Sen and directed NIA to submit its response by October 4, the next date of hearing.

Senior advocate Anand Grover appearing for Sen said, She is suffering from multiple ailments. There is no reason for her to be in jail. Others who have got bail, their case is egregious. She is inside for over five years and there is no sight of trial beginning in the next five years.

Sen had approached the top court after the Bombay high court turned down her bail plea on January 17.

The high court noted that the trial court had not considered the evidence against her as she had directly moved the high court for bail against a common order passed by the special NIA court against other co-accused.

The HC order allowed her to approach the trial court again for bail.

The top court asked Grover, You were given liberty to approach the trial court, to which he responded, When facts are same, why should high court not have considered my bail.

He informed the Court that the accused is suffering from osteoporosis with degeneration of both her knees and is also from regular loose motions due to a diagnosed condition of irritable bowel syndrome for which she needs to be treated at a facility other than the government hospital.

The application filed through advocate Nupur Kumar said, The undertrial has a right to health under the right to life guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution of India... this court is beseeched to direct the release of the undertrial on interim medical bail in view of her health condition and advanced age of the applicant.

The NIA filed an affidavit before the top court on Tuesday detailing Sens role in the entire conspiracy.

The agency said that the petitioner was not only possessing Naxal material but took an active part in the unlawful activities of CPI(Maoist). Investigations revealed that she was a member of several organisations that received funds from the banned outfit and deleted incriminating material from her electronic devices on directions of the co-accused and senior members of CPI(Maoist), the NIA stated.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed an Uttar Pradesh trail court order directing senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan to give a voice sample in connection with a 2007 hate speech case. The case pertains to Azam Khans speech made during a public meeting in Tanda area of Rampur in August 2007 (HT Archive)

The case pertains to Khans speech made during a public meeting in Tanda area of Rampur in August 2007, when he allegedly made derogatory remarks against Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati. The voice sample was sought to match it with Khans speech which was recorded on a cassette.

There shall be an interim stay of the direction of the trial court order dated October 29, 2022, and upheld by the Allahabad high court dated July 25, 2023, a bench of justices AS Bopanna and PK Mishra said.

The bench also issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh government and the complainant in the case.

Khan had approached the top court after the high court last month refused to consider his objections and directed him to submit his voice samples. As the matter was listed on Wednesday before the Rampur court as well, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Khan, requested the apex court to pass an urgent order.

The complaint against Khan, then a member of legislative assembly (MLA), was filed by one Dheeraj Kumar Sheel at the Tanda police station under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in 2007, charging him with delivering a hate speech and allegedly using derogatory language against then chief minister Mayawati. The complaint also alleged that Khans speech violated the model code of conduct enforced at the time by the Election Commission.

Besides booking Khan under Sections 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) and 171-G (false statement in connection with an election) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the police also invoked Section 125 of Representation of the People Act and SC/ST Act against the Samajwadi Party leader.

Sibal pointed out that the high court in its order said that the recording of the speech was handed over to the police and was sent for forensic examination. However, the same could not be verified by the forensic lab without proper documentation. As the voice sample in the recording had to be verified, the trial court directed Khan to give his voice sample.

The Uttar Pradesh police filed had a charge sheet in the case in March 2009, but the disputed cassette containing Khans speech was not made part of it. Before the high court, Khan argued that any electronic evidence requires a certificate of the competent person for the disputed cassette to be treated as evidence. This is provided under Section 65-B of the Evidence Act. However, the high court said it was a procedural irregularity and the requisite certificate can be obtained even at a subsequent stage of trial.
A teacher died and another was injured after the roof of the Government Senior Secondary School in Ludhiana's Baddowal village collapsed on Wednesday. A total of four teachers were trapped inside the rubble and had been rescued after the incident. NDRF team at at Government Senior Secondary School Baddowal after roof of staff room of the school was collapsed in Ludhiana. (Gurpreet Singh/Hindustan Times)

Ravinder Kaur and Narenderpal Kaur, both English teachers, were in the school's staff room when the roof collapsed. Two other teachers were also injured and were rushed to hospital.

When Kaur, a resident of BRS Nagar's Housing Board Colony, was taken to the hospital, she was declared brought dead.

Several students were also present in the school but all were rescued safely.

Deputy commissioner Ludhiana Surabhi Malik ordered a magesterial probe into the matter. Speaking to reporters, Malik said, The verification is going on. It takes time for medical tests to take place and to ascertain the proper situation. I am also ordering a magesterial inquiry into the matter. We will form a proper team to look into the incident to find out why this happened and how it happened. We will submit a report to the government.

As found out by the Hindustan Times, the school's construction was old and dated back to 1960. Some repair work was underway on the second floor when a cement slab fell down on the first floor resulting in the collapse of the staff room's roof.

SAD MLA from Dakha Manpreet Singh Ayali, who was present at the spot, said, Proper investigation should be run for such buildings so that such incidents do not occur again. All old buildings and schools should be checked by the government. Who is getting this construction work done? Is it the PWD or the MUnicipal department? An investigation should be done and strict rules should be made so it doesn't happen again.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and police units reached the spot shortly after the incident. Several police personnel were seen trying to disperse the crowd gathered around the school.

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The Moodabidare police arrested three people in the Dakshina Kannada district on charges of moral policing on Tuesday, officials familiar with the matter said. The incident had sparked a widespread outrage among people (HT Archives)

The arrested people have been indentfied as Vijay(24), Abhilash,(26) and Sanjay (23), all residents of Moodabidare town. The arrests were made following a complaint filed by a student, who was attacked by the accused people for speaking to a female classmate.

According to police, the survivor, identified as Mohammed Imran, is a 21-year-old student of a degree college, in Moodabidare. Imran spoke to his female classmate at around 9 PM near the Rajiv Gandhi Commercial Complex in Moodbidire on Monday, after which, theboarded a bus to her native place in Bengaluru.

After the woman departed, the accused came to know that the man who spoke to the woman is a Muslim, and the woman he spoke to is a Hindu. The accused people got into a fight with Imran for speaking to a woman from different religion. They allegedly assaulted him and also threatened to kill him.

The survivor was admitted to Mudabidare government hospital and was discharged on Tuesday.

The incident had sparked a widespread outrage among people. Various local Congress leaders reached the police station on the night of the incident to advocate for justice for the survivor. Their efforts persisted as they rallied in larger numbers on the following morning, fervently demanding the registration of a formal case against the accused and their subsequent arrest.The pressure of Congress leaders prompted police department to take swift action against the accused.

Soon after receiving complaint, we had registered the case against the accused on Monday night itself, Moodabidare police inspector Siddappa told HT. We arrested two accused on Tuesday and booked them under Indian Penal Code [IPC] sections 323 [assault] and 506 [posing threat to life]. The accused were produced before Moodabidare JMFC court on Wednesday, which has remanded them to a judicial custody of 15 days, the inspector added.

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A 28-year-old head constable of the Telangana State Special Police (TSSP) force died when his service rifle went off accidentally at a police outpost in Hyderabad in the early hours of Wednesday, a senior police official said. The deceased cop was identified as Bhupati Srikanth from the 12th battalion of the Telangana State Special Police. (Representative Image)

The deceased cop was identified as Bhupati Srikanth from the 12th battalion of TSSP, working on guard duty at Kabutar Khana police outpost near Hussaini Alam in the old city of Hyderabad.

Additional deputy commissioner of police (south) Syed Jahangeer told reporters that Srikanth went to bed in the outpost at around 1am and 1.30am. Some time later, a loud sound of gunfire was heard in the room. His colleagues rushed into the room only to find Srikanth in a pool of blood. His weapon  a carbine gun, was lying beside him, Jahangeer said.

He was immediately rushed to the Osmania General Hospital, where he succumbed to the bullet injury, while undergoing treatment, the additional DCP said.

He said the misfire might have happened when Srikanth was counting the bullets in the gun before going to bed. We have registered a case of suspicious death and shifted the body to OGH mortuary for post mortem, he added.

According to Vinay, one of his colleagues at the Hussaini Alam police outpost, Srikanth, who hailed from Appannapet village of Suryapet district, belonged to the 2018 batch. He was to get married shortly and was shifted from APSP battalion to Hussaini Alam police station outpost on guard duty recently.

Having been from a poor family, Srikanth was very passionate about his duty and was working with a lot of commitment. We regularly deposit our weapons in the locker in the outpost before going to bed. Maybe, the gun misfired while he was checking it before depositing it in the locker, Vinay added.

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At least 18 people were killed and three were injured on Wednesday when a section of an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in Mizorams Sairang town, 21km from the state capital Aizawl. Mizoram government officials present at the scene said five others were missing. Rescue workers conduct a search operation at the site of an accident where an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in Sairang town of the Aizwal.(AFP)

Also read: Entire country pained by violent conflict in Manipur, says Mizoram CM

The accident took place on Bridge 196 over Kurung river between Bairabi and Sairang railway station at 9.45am, according to a statement from the Mizoram information department. Video footage posted by Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga on X (formerly Twitter) showed a metal frame, known in technical terms as a gantry girder, that toppled off towering columns into a wooded valley below.

Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured, Zoramthanga said.

Officials from the contracting firm, ABCI Infrastructures Ltd, which is responsible for assembling and erecting the gantry girders and officials from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) said twenty-six people were working on the bridge when it collapsed. The Indian Railways has constituted a high-level committee to investigate the accident and identify its cause.

High level inquiry committee has been constituted to investigate into the matter, Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) posted on X.

The bodies of 16 victims, all from West Bengal, had been recovered, while two were still stuck underneath the gantry girder, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) officials said as this paper went to print. Five people were said to be missing. It was not clear whether those missing were still alive. The three injured workers were taken to Durtlang Hospital in Aizawl.

Efforts were underway to locate the missing workers.

Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recovered soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X.

He announced an ex-gratia of 2 lakh for the families of those who were killed.

Union railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said he was grieved by the unfortunate incident abd announced that Indian Railways would provide 10 lakh to families of those killed, 2 lakh to those who sustained serious injuries and 50,000 for minor injuries.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said she has instructed officials to coordinate with the Mizoram government to assist in the rescue operation.

Shocked to learn about the tragic collapse today of an under-construction railway bridge in Mizoram, leading to loss of lives of several site workers, including some belonging to our Malda district. Have instructed my chief secretary to coordinate with Mizoram administration at once for rescue/ assistance operations, she said on X.

The remains of the 16 victims will be sent to Silchar, in Assam, from where they will be sent to their homes in West Bengal, an official from the ABCI infrastuctures told the media.

Senior district officials reached the spot immediately after the incident and rescue efforts were undertaken jointly by personnel from state police, NDRF, Border Security Force (BSF) and local residents.

Taphid, a resident of West Bengal, whose son is among the five missing, said, I was sitting nearby the bridge when the girder suddenly collapsed. My 20-year-old son was working on the bridge at the time of the collapse and is still missing.

The accident is a setback to the Centres effort to connect all state capitals in northeast with the national railway network.

At least 20 workers were crushed to death in western India this month when a crane collapsed above an under-construction expressway outside Mumbai.

In October last year, 130 people were killed in Gujarat when a bridge collapsed soon after it was repaired.

And in 2016, the collapse of a flyover onto a busy street in Kolkata killed at least 26 people.

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Uttar Pradesh Teacher's Union on Wednesday expressed resentment over the government's order directing schools to remain open in the evening for the live telecasting of India's lunar mission, Chandrayaan 3, an official said. Uttar Pradesh Teacher's Union on Wednesday expressed resentment over the government's order directing schools to remain open in the evening for Chandrayaan 3's live telecasting.(Representational image)

Dinesh Chandra Sharma, chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh Secondary Education Federation along with coordinator Suresh Kumar Tripathi wrote a letter to the Director General of School Education (Uttar Pradesh) stating that there is no facility of television, projector, dish and smartphone in most schools.

Earlier in the week, the Uttar Pradesh government had ordered all the government schools to remain open in the evening for the live telecast of Chandrayaan.

"On August 23, the Chandrayaan-3 moon landing process will be telecast live on the ISRO website, YouTube channel and DD National. In such a situation, arrangements should be made for live telecast by organising special meetings in schools and educational institutions from 5.15 to 6.15 pm," said the State Education Department of the UP government.

Furthermore, an official stated ,"It is not possible for children to stayback till dusk".

Meanwhile, boys and girls studying in Madrasas of Uttar Pradesh will also witness Chandrayaan-3 landing on the Moon on Wednesday.

Minister of State for Minority, Muslim Waqf and Haj, Danish Azad Ansari has instructed the Director of Minority Welfare Department to conduct the live telecast of the historic moment of Chandrayaan-3 landing on the moon in all Madrasas of the state.

The scheduled timing for the soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moons south pole on August 23, 2023 (Wednesday), is around 18:04 IST, with the powered descent of Vikram lander expected at 1745 IST.

140 crore Indians have kept their fingers crossed as D-day approaches for the much-awaited soft landing of the countrys third moon mission -- Chandrayaan-3. People across the country are praying to God for a successful ISRO mission.

The live telecast of the landing operations at Mission Operation Complex (MOX) will begin at 1720 IST on Wednesday. Live action of landing will be available on the ISRO website, its YouTube channel, Facebook, and public broadcaster DD National TV from 17:27 IST on Aug 23, 2023.

In its latest update on Chandrayaan-3 soft landing, ISRO has said the mission is on schedule and systems are undergoing regular checks. It also released a series of up-close images of the moon. These images assist the lander module in determining its position (latitude and longitude) by matching them against an onboard moon reference map.

This mission, if it turns out to be fruitful, will make India the only country to have marked its presence on the lunar south pole which is considered to be difficult for its rough and harsh conditions, and fourth  after US, China, and Russia  to have successfully landed on the moons surface.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in South Africa to attend the 15th BRICS Summit, will virtually witness the historic landing attempt on the lunar surface as part of the country's third lunar mission  Chandrayaan-3.
Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday participated in a special ardas at Delhi's Gurdwara Bangla Sahib or the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 lander module on the moon. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri offers prayers at the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara for the successful landing of ISRO's 'Chandrayaan-3' on the surface of the Moon, (PTI)

The gesture combined spirituality and space exploration as prayers were offered for the mission's success.

Besides Puri, people across the nation held special prayers at temples, mosques and gurudwaras for the success of India's third lunar mission.

Meanwhile, 150 girl students of Al Jamiatul Islamia Islahul Banat madrassa at Delhi's Mandoli also offered a special prayer which was held there hours before the scheduled landing of the Chandrayaan-3 lander, reported news agency PTI. Several People offered special prayers at a mosque in Srinagar, Bhubaneswar for the successful lunar landing of Chandrayaan-3.

Further, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) organised a "Yajna" at Sant Nagar Burari, praying for the success of India's ambitious project. In Uttarakhand's Haridwar, Yoga guru Ramdev performed a yagya in Acharyakulam campus while priests recited Hanuman Chalisa at a temple on the banks of the Ganga on Wednesday for the successful landing of Chandrayan-3, PTI reported.

Ramdev performed the yagya and havan amid the chanting of Vedic hymns by the students of Acharyakulam, praying for the successful completion of the mission

Indian Space Research Organisations (ISRO) ambitious third Moon mission Chandrayaan-3's Lander Module (LM) is all set to land on the lunar surface at around 6:04pm on Wednesday. Ahead of the launch, ISRO said it is ready to initiate the missions automatic landing sequence which is scheduled at 5:44pm.

At 5.45pm, the soft landing process will start after internal checks and when the sun rises on the moon. Starting from 5.45pm, it will be 17 minutes of terror in which lander will fire its engines and prepare the landing.

The national space agency which carries out India's space missions, has also invited schools and educational institutes to live-stream the historic moon landing.

The mission's current location is 25 km from the nearest point on the Earth's only natural satellite, and 134 km from from the farthest.

Chandrayaan-3 was launched on July 14. Before India, only the United States, Russia and China have achieved a soft-landing on the surface of the Earth's only natural satellite. If successful, India will also become the first nation to reach the celestial body's South Pole.
Chandrayaan 3, India's third lunar mission is gearing up to make a soft landing on the Moon's south pole today evening. If successful, India will claim the title of being the first nation to reach the challenging south pole of the Moon. While globally India would emerge as a space power, the Indian lunar program has a Tamil connection. (CHECK LIVE UPDATES) Chandrayaan-3 consists of an indigenous lander module (LM), propulsion module (PM) and a rover (Twitter/@isro)

From the scientists who helmed each of the three crucial Moon missions to the state's soil, Tamil Nadu has a special link with the historic mission.

Tamil scientists connection

Chandrayaan 3 mission's Tamil connection refers to the three scientists from Tamil Nadu who helmed each of the crucial Moon missions of India's space program - Mayilsamy Annadurai, dubbed as the Moon Man of India, led the maiden Chandrayaan mission in 2008, M Vanitha led the Chandrayaan-2 mission in 2019, and M Veeramuthuvel is heading the current Chandrayaan-3 Mission.

Tamil soil connection

Reportedly, Namakkal district which is about 400 km from Chennai, has been supplying soil to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) since 2012 for testing the Chandrayaan missions' capability. According to the Director of the Geology Department of Periyar University, Professor S Anbazhagan, the soil was available in abundance in the Namakkal area, enabling them to rise to the occasion when the need arose for ISRO, reported news agency PTI.

We have been engaged in conducting research in geology. Tamil Nadu has the kind of soil that is present on the lunar surface, particularly that which is very similar to the soil present at the southern pole (of the Moon). The lunar surface has 'Anorthosite' (a type of intrusive igneous rock) type of soil, the professor told PTI.

He added that following the success of Chandrayaan 1, about 50 tonnes of soil - similar to the kind of soil present on the lunar surface - was sent to ISRO. After undertaking several tests, scientists at ISRO confirmed that the soil from Namakkal matches with the soil on the lunar surface.

"We have been sending the soil to ISRO as per their requirement. They (ISRO scientists) have been performing tests on the soil supplied by us. Even if a Chandrayaan-4 mission comes up, we are geared to supply the soil for it, Prof Anbazhagan said.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Pakistan does not see India as an enemy, neither does it consider India as a friend, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar said pushing for the resumption of India-Pakistan dialogue. Every prime minister before PM Modi tried for some kind of dialogue with Pakistan but now it is a freeze situation, the Congress leader said to news agency PTI ahead of his book launch 'Memoirs of a Maverick -- The First Fifty Years (1941-1991)' Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar blamed PM Modi for the freeze in India-Pakistan relations. (PTI)

Recounting his experience as India's consul general in Karachi from December 1978 to January 1982, Aiyar said Pakistan sees India neither as an enemy nor a friend. India's 'biggest asset' in Pakistan were the people who did not consider India as its enemy country.

'This is an enemy country, right?'

"We were coming back from a dinner one day, within the first two-three weeks of the posting, when my wife Suneet asked me a question that reverberated in my mind in my stay in Karachi -- 'This is an enemy country, right?" Aiyar said. I have come to the conclusion that whatever may be the view of the sections of the army, or sections of polity, as far as the people of Pakistan are concerned, they are neither an enemy country nor do they regard India as an enemy country," Aiyar added.

'Why we don't know'

According to the Congress leader, an integral part of India's diplomatic approach should be leveraging the goodwill of the Pakistanis. "Every time we want to display our disapproval of the (Pakistani) government, visas are stopped, films are stopped, TV exchanges are stopped, books are stopped, travel is stopped, so I don't see why we do not know how to leverage the goodwill of the people of Pakistan as an integral part of our diplomatic approach," Aiyar added.

"Until Mr (Narendra) Modi became prime minister of India, almost every prime minister, if he had the time, was attempting some kind of a dialogue with the Pakistanis but now we are in a freeze and the victims of this freeze are not the army of Pakistan which is still swigging its scotch, it is the people of Pakistan whose relatives in large numbers live in India and many of whom have a desire to visit our country," the Congress leader said.

'Why are we targeting the Pakistani people?'

Aiyar said when he was in Karachi, he issued three lakh visas and there was not a single complaint of misuse. "So why are we targeting the Pakistani people? You can target the Pakistani establishment if you want to, but as far as the people are concerned, they are our biggest asset and as far as the establishment is concerned, we can target them but we need to engage with them," Aiyar said.

(With inputs from PTI)

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The Union government on Wednesday recorded an undertaking in the Supreme Court that it has no intention to touch or amend the special provisions relating to the northeastern states of the country, and that the constitutionally granted status and safeguards for such states shall continue. The bench is seized of a raft of petitions that have laid the challenge to the abrogation of Article 370 soon after the presidential order in August 2019 (Agencies)

The Centres statement came before a Constitution bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud while opposing a plea that urged the top court to assess the impact of abrogation of Article 370 on the special provisions contained in Article 371.

Also read: Kuki group reimposes blockade of NH-2, NH-37 leading to Imphal Valley

Refusing to expand the proceedings on Article 370 to the special provisions concerning the northeastern states under Article 371, the bench, which also comprised justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, Bhushan R Gavai and Surya Kant, took note of the undertaking of solicitor general (SG) Tushar Mehta that the Centre has no intent to touch any of the special provisions for the states in northeast or any other state mentioned under Article 371.

We must understand the difference between a temporary provision like Article 370 and special provisions under Article 371. I am saying this on instructions that the central government has no intention of touching any part relating to the special provisions for states in the northeast. I am putting the apprehensions to rest on behalf of the central government so that, so such submissions are not entertained by this court, the SG submitted.

Clauses A to J under Article 371 incorporate a bundle of special provisions for the northeastern states, including Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Mizoram, as well some other states, including Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. Article 371 includes a wide range of specific safeguards, including protection of customary rights, land and boundaries, that are deemed important for these states. For example, Article 371-A states that no act of Parliament would apply to the state of Nagaland in matter relating to religious or social practices of Nagas, Naga customary law and procedure, while Articles 371-B and 371-C provide for a committee of legislative assembly of the state consisting of members elected from the tribal areas.

Mehtas statement came after senior counsel Manish Tewari, representing a former Congress legislator from Arunachal Pradesh, argued that the process adopted in the nullification of Article 370 has direct and portentous implications on the unique federal scheme incorporated into the Constitution of India in order to integrate the northeastern states into the Indian Union. Even a slightest apprehension can have serious implications in the northeast, said Tewari, citing the ongoing violence in Manipur.

This prompted the SG to get up and clarify that the Centre has no intention to tweak the special provisions under Article 371 and therefore, allowing Tewari to argue on the possibility of the government tinkering with the constitutional provision may have serious repercussions.

Agreeing with Mehta, the bench told Tewari that there is no reason for the Supreme Court to deal with a situation in apprehension. Why should we deal with anything in apprehension? We dont have to expand the ambit of our proceedings to what will be the impact of the present proceedings on other provisions, it said.

The bench further pointed out that while Article 370 has been classified as a temporary provision in the Constitution, Article 371 enumerates special provisions for various states. We are not going to touch Article 371 in these proceedings. As a constitutional principle, when the government has no intention to touch any special provision in the northeast, why should we apprehend the government is going to do the same to other states? Lets not focus on northeast. The apprehension has already been allayed by the government, said the bench.

Also read: Six arsonists held in ethnic violence-hit Manipur

It then proceeded to close the application of former Arunachal MLA Padi Richoo, recording the SGs statement.

The learned solicitor general, on instructions, says that the Union government has absolutely no intent to touch or impact any other provisions relating to the northeast or any other parts of India. There is no commonality of interest sought to be addressed by the intervenor (Richoo) and the issue being adjudicated by the Supreme Court. In any event, the statement by SG allays apprehension of the applicant. The application is thus closed, stated the bench in its order. The bench is seized of a raft of petitions, filed by parliamentarians from the National Conference party, Kashmiri citizens, former bureaucrats and various organisations that have laid the challenge to the abrogation of Article 370 soon after the presidential order in August 2019.

On July 3, the Supreme Court notified the setting up of a new Constitution bench, comprising its five most senior judges. The new bench started day-to-day hearings in the case from August 2.

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The auspicious Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan is almost here. Also known as Rakhi, the festival will be celebrated on two days this year - August 30 and 31. We have written a detailed article on when you can tie Rakhi, which you can check out here. Marked on the full moon day (Purnima) of Shravan or Sawan month, this day commemorates the special bond between siblings. Sisters tie Rakhi on their brother's wrists and pray for their prosperity and long lives. Brothers promise to love and protect their sisters and shower them with gifts. However, in modern times, both sisters and brothers can tie each other Rakhi. Sisters also tie Rakhi on each other's hands to mark the celebrations. Raksha Bandhan 2023: Minimal, maximalist, and bridal Mehendi designs to inspire your Mehendi designs on Rakhi. (Instagram)

Apart from tying Rakhi, Raksha Bandhan celebrations also include eating sweet dishes, wearing new traditional clothes, and applying Mehendi. While finding the perfect outfit for the Raksha Bandhan festivities is essential, the right Mehendi design to go with your ensemble is equally important. And there are many trending Henna designs on the internet, including Indo-Arabic, white henna art, Moroccan, Pakistani, Rajasthani, floral, royal, lace gloves, and more patterns. So, instead of scouring social media, we decided to help you by shortlisting options. Whether you are a minimalist, a new bride or someone who loves going maximalist with their Henna, we have great picks in this trendy list. We even shortlisted the Mehendi worn by some of our favourite Bollywood brides in this article. Keep scrolling to check them out.

Raksha Bandhan 2023: Beautiful Mehendi designs to celebrate Rakhi

Minimal Mehendi

Inspiration for new brides

Katrina Kaif's bridal mehendi for wedding with Vicky Kaushal. (Instagram)

Maximalist Designs

Raksha Bandhan 2023 Muhurat:

According to Drik Panchang, Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi falls on Wednesday, August 30. However, because of Bhadra Kaal, you can also tie Rakhi on August 31. The Raksha Bandhan Bhadra end time will be at 9:01 pm. You can tie Rakhi after this.

Meanwhile, if you need inspiration for your Rakhi look, here are some celebrity-inspired options you can check out. Click here.

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Stephan Lehmann first saw the bronze sculpture of the ancient ruler in 2000 at the Winckelmann Museum in the small town of Stendal in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt. The archaeologist, now retired, was then a professor at the university in Halle  and curious about the well-preserved ancient work, which was considered a sensation. This suspected forgery was last displayed in public in 2000.

The sculpture, a bust of Alexander the Great, was on loan from a private collector, it was said. For Lehmann, one thing mattered: was it a fake? "I was there, I looked at it and I thought it was blatantly fake," he told DW. "That this was an original was out of the question."

Alexander III of Macedon (born ca. 356 BC), commonly known as Alexander the Great, was a king of Ancient Greece. He spent most of his ruling years conducting an extensive military campaign throughout western Asia and Egypt. By the age of 30, he had created one of the largest empires in history, ranging from Greece to India.

A catalog of 'fake' artworks

Lehmann searched the museum catalog for provenance information, but to no avail. He asked the museum point-blank but got no answers. He repeated his requests, unsuccessfully. "Museums are never amused, that's clear, when important pieces on display in their main hall are called into question," he says.

That did not stop the archaeologist from continuing to call the sculpture a fake. Lehmann sees it as his duty to reveal the history of suspicious works. He fears that a rare find from antiquity might find its way into a museum catalog and thus be academically legitimized.

That's why, in 2015, he catalogued 36 ancient works of art that he believes to be fakes. Among them was the bronze statue of Alexander the Great. He also organized an exhibition on the subject at the Archaeological Museum of the University of Halle and called it: "Long Ago in Stendal."

Masterful forgeries

He also accused the museum of allowing itself to be misused as a "laundry" machine. The Winckelmann Society promptly sued him for libel. At the time, however, the court did not address the question that really interested Lehmann: Is the sculpture genuine?

But that would have been impossible, because immediately after the exhibition, the sculpture disappeared  it was considered lost for a long time.

Lehmann believed it was the heist of a well-made forgery of an international art dealer mafia. To detect something like this, you need decades of experience, a great deal of knowledge  and intuition.

Those skills helped Lehmann when a Swiss collector sent him the supposedly ancient bust of Emperor Augustus for examination. "When you look at the details, you also have doubts as to whether this is really fake. It's perfectly done, after all. It's already masterful," he admitted to DW.

Who was the counterfeiter?

He had the sculpture scanned by computer tomography. Counterfeiters, as the assumption goes, have ancient coins melted down to cast new pieces from them. Theoretically, it's the perfect deception, because the material really is 2,000 years old.

But the depiction of Augustus did not stand up to scrutiny. Some criteria, such as the degree of corrosion, did not line up, so it could be proven that the item had been cast more recently.

Lehmann suspects the bust is from the counterfeiting workshop of someone known as the Spanish Master, who has yet to be identified. Whoever this person may be, they often create busts of ancient rulers and give them a beautiful patina. The facial features are always very well preserved, as though by magic. And of course, the counterfeiters create pieces that are currently in demand on the art and antiquities market.

"Regarding the value of archeological objects, bronze statues are in the premiere category. They're something very special, and of course they draw the most attention," says Lehmann.

Lucrative business

Whenever a find of this sort turns up, there's no shortage of people wanting to buy it. "We're talking about money, money, and more money as the dominant factor," says Oscar White Muscarella, who for many years was a curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He has watched dealers funnel fakes into the market, like galleries and art fairs. But the main gateways are auction houses, according to Muscarella. "At some point I realized that dealers in particular, but also collectors, were selling their fake objects at auction," he says.

"I once talked to a dealer about it, and he just smiled. What they do is this: Instead of selling fakes in their own store, they put the objects up for auction under a false name, then say, 'This ancient artifact comes from an old collection,' they invent a provenance, a Monsieur X. That way, these dealers don't show up in person in front of the buyers."

Restituted to Greece

The bronze bust of Alexander the Great comes from the New York art trade, from the gallery of Robin Symes. The Briton is considered one of the key figures in the illegal trade in ancient objects and has since gone into hiding. His company was liquidated, and the art objects stored in various countries were confiscated. So the bronze sculpture of Alexander the Great also found its way back to Greece, as one of 351 objects identified as looted art. Alexander is "Number 11."

Stephan Lehmann learned about the issue from a Greek colleague who sent him a newspaper clipping with a photo. "He just wrote, 'Can this be?' And I looked and saw a box, and packed inside was 'Alexander from Stendal.' The accompanying text said it was a piece from the art warehouse of the criminal Robin Symes in Geneva... And so it reappeared."

It's clear the bust should not have been exhibited in Stendal without proof of origin, as Lehmann had demanded in 2000. He still considers it to be a fake but is pleased that it has been found again. After all, it could have been melted down, or be in the living room of a billionaire. "But to turn up as a retransfer to a state, that's spectacular," Lehmann thinks.

Now, he hopes the material will be investigated. He assumes Athens is aware the bronze is suspected of being a forgery. After all, the Greek Minister of Culture herself holds a doctorate in archaeology. It is now up to the Greek state to investigate the provenance of the Alexander bronze. If it is genuine, it's worth many millions of euros. Or it could be worth only 100 euros, the value of its material. That, however, would be an inglorious end for Alexander the Great.

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Mosquito-borne illnesses continue to wreak havoc in several parts of the globe. Adding to the list is a rare mosquito-borne virus Eastern equine encephalitis, reported in the US states of Alabama and New York which has even resulted in a fatality, reported CNN. While Alabama has reported a few cases in human, in New York the virus has been founds in mosquitoes and horses. (Also read: Malaria in US: First locally acquired malaria case found in Maryland after 40 years; know all about the disease) Starting from high fever, headache, chills and nausea, eastern equine encephalitis can progress to seizures, disorientation, and coma. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The report further said that Alabama's Department of Public Health has informed that cases in the state have been reported in Baldwin County in the past few weeks. Eastern equine encephalitis is rare in the US and only few cases are reported every year 30 per cent of which could turn fatal and may have severe symptoms.

Symptoms of eastern equine encephalitis

Starting from high fever, headache, chills and nausea, it can progress to seizures, disorientation, and coma. The survivors may face neurological issues. People in the age group of above 50 and under 15 are said to be more at risk.

Not all people who contract the virus show symptoms and many people infected with eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus remain asymptomatic. The incubation period for those who display symptoms ranges from 4 to 10 days.

Severe symptoms of eastern equine encephalitis

It is the virus's impact on neurological health that's more concerning and can also leave an imprint even after recovery.

As many as a third of people with the disease die and death usually occurs from 2 to 10 days after symptom onset. Even after recovery, people may face long-term physical or mental impairments ranging from mild brain dysfunction to severe intellectual impairment, personality disorders, seizures, paralysis, and cranial nerve dysfunction.

Is there any treatment for eastern equine encephalitis?

There are no vaccines available to treat the disease. Precautionary measures are important. It has been advised to prevent mosquito bites and follow measures such as stopping mosquito breeding, applying repellents, and wearing full-sleeved shirt and full pants that cover the body. It is important to empty containers like flower pots, and uncovered water storage, as mosquitoes breed in such areas, to prevent mosquito breeding.

While most people bitten by an infected mosquito will not develop any symptoms, severe cases begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills and vomiting. The illness may then progress into disorientation, seizures, encephalitis and coma. said The New York health department as quoted by CNN.

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One of the most popular junk foods, burger is an ultimate comfort food that can be customised as per your liking and enjoyed at nearly any time of the day. As per the legend, burger was invented in the year 1900 at New Haven, Connecticut by Lassen when he placed a beef patty between two slices of bread and adorned it with cheese and other toppings, making it the first hamburger sandwich. (Also read: National Veggie Burger Day: Tasty and easy-to-make veggie burger recipes) As per the legend, burger was invented in the year 1900 at New Haven, Connecticut (Shutterstock)

The word hamburger or burger is said to be inspired from Hamburg, Germany, although it's not clear whether it's the place of its origin.

Veg or non-veg a burger is enjoyed with the patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, chills and other condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and other condiments.

National Burger Day is observed every year on August 24 to celebrate the comfort food that is loved by many.

On this occasion, Chef Sonia Sarpal shares secrets to make a delicious burger with HT Digital.

PREPARING PATTY

Use freshly ground low fat meat.

Shape patties larger than bun because it will shrink while cooking. Never add salt while making patties and dont bind tightly.

Make a thumbprint in the centre of the patty.

Refrigerate the patties till very cold but dont freeze.

Preferably grill the patties but if frying then use less oil and flip very often and fry on medium-high flame. This will keep the patties crisp and juicy.

TOAST THE BUN

Best choice of burger bun would be a milk bun.

Toast the bun on medium flame flipping it every minute.

Let the bun rest for 3-4 minutes before dressing.

ASSEMBLING THE BURGER

Always use the flat side first.

Apply tomato ketchup/chilli tomato ketchup on the bun.

Use iceberg lettuce for better crunch.

Use thick slice of tomato and sprinkle salt on it.

Put the warm patty, top it up with a cheese slice, so that it softens and will hold the pickled onion topping.

Cover the pickled onion with lettuce and apply some mustard sauce.

Apply a generous layer of mayonnaise on the inner layer of the burger cap.

Hold the burger upside down while eating and enjoy.

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In a remarkable turn of events, the serene and once-restricted territories along the Line of Control (LoC) in North Kashmir have evolved into captivating tourist hotspots. After enjoying a period of relative calm, the Jammu and Kashmir government, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, has thrown open the doors to numerous areas nestled in close proximity to the LoC. The tranquil years along the LoC have paved the way for the evolution of these areas from border zones into vibrant tourist destinations. (ANI photo)

This welcome move has not only unveiled the untouched natural beauty of locations like Keran, Gurez, Tangdhar, Machil, and Bangus but also extended a rare opportunity for visitors to witness firsthand the geographical boundary that separates the two nations.This transformation has been a long time coming, and its impact has been nothing short of awe-inspiring.

The tranquil years along the LoC have paved the way for the evolution of these areas from border zones into vibrant tourist destinations. The synergy between peace and progress has fostered an environment where locals and visitors alike can explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage that these regions have to offer. Aftab Ahmed, a seasoned traveller from Srinagar, expressed his admiration for the newfound accessibility of these once-restricted regions.

"The LoC proximity has added a unique layer of significance to our exploration. Being able to witness the majestic landscapes while understanding the historical context is a truly enriching experience," he said.

The government's strategic decision to open these areas has unlocked a treasure trove of beauty that was previously hidden from the prying eyes of outsiders. The lush valleys of Gurez, the enchanting beauty of Bangus, and the picturesque charm of Tangdhar have all become magnets for tourists seeking an escape from the mundane and a glimpse into the extraordinary. Zara Khan, a young traveller visiting from Mumbai, shared her impressions of Gurez, "It's like stepping into a hidden paradise. The untouched beauty of Gurez is breathtaking, and the warmth of the locals makes the experience even more special."

The opening up of Machil, Keran, and Bangus has not only delighted adventure enthusiasts but also provided local communities with economic opportunities. With the influx of visitors, hospitality and tourism-related businesses have flourished, leading to improved livelihoods for the residents. Bilal Ahmed, a resident of Machil, spoke about the positive change brought about by the surge in tourism.

"Our lives have improved significantly with the increase in visitors. We are able to showcase our rich culture and traditions, while also benefiting from the economic opportunities that tourism brings," he said.It's not just about the aesthetic appeal; it's about bridging cultures and fostering a sense of unity among people from various walks of life.

The open arms with which these areas have embraced tourists are a testament to the local population's yearning for connection and understanding.As a guide from Tangdhar, eloquently puts it, The LoC may physically divide us, but the spirit of hospitality and the beauty of our land unite us with our visitors. It's a reminder that our shared humanity is stronger than any boundary.

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Mumbai Police took to Instagram to share a video to pay a special tribute to ISRO scientists ahead of Chandrayaan-3s lunar landing. The departments in-house band, Khaki Studio, presented a rendition of the famous song We Shall Overcome using varied musical instruments. The Hindi version of the song is known as Hum Honge Kamyab. The image shows Mumbai Police band paying tribute to ISRO. (Instagram/@mumbaipolice)

Pura hai Vishwas! Hum Honge Kamyab! Entire nation is waiting for the unbelievable feat by @isroindiaofficial. Heres a special musical tribute by Mumbai Police Bands Khaki Studio to honour ISROs magnificent work, Mumbai Police wrote on Instagram.

The video opens to show the bands amazing performance. In between, the clip also shows scenes from Chandrayaan-3 liftoff, which happened on July 14 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Take a look at this video by Mumbai Police:

The post, since being shared about two hours ago, has accumulated close to 26,000 views. The video has gathered nearly 4,000 likes too. People posted varied comments while reacting to the video.

Check out what Instagram users have to say about Mumbai Polices video:

You never miss an opportunity to give tribute and that too with your style, praised an Instagram user. Very nice, Mumbai Police, posted another. Great musical tribute in unique style, added a third. You bravehearts are awesome, wrote a fourth. Many reacted to the video using heart emoticons.

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India, I reached my destination and you too! tweeted the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) after Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed on the surface of the Moon at 6:04 pm today. With this, India became the first country to reach the south pole of the Moon, a region of immense interest that holds the potential of finding reserves of frozen water. This historic event marks Indias entry into an exclusive club of nations that includes the US, China, and Russia, who have also soft-landed on the lunar surface. Chandrayaan-3 landed on the surface of the Moon at 6:04 pm today. (X/Zomato)

As India scripted history, a wave of happiness sparked across the nation. Many are taking to social media to celebrate the historic moment that solidifies Indias position as a leading space-faring nation.

Take a look at what ISRO tweeted after the successful moon mission:

Heres how brands reacted to Chandrayaan-3s successful moon landing:

About Chandrayaan-3

Chandrayaan-3 was launched on July 14 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, as a follow-up to Chandrayaan-2, which failed to land on the Moon in 2019. After successfully inserting into the lunar orbit on August 5, the spacecraft achieved a soft landing on the south pole of the Moon on August 23.

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Shashi Tharoor took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a post on the closure of the iconic Indian Club in London. In his share, he wrote that he laments the passing of the institution that has served so many Indians over the years. Shashi Tharoor also shared this image along with his post about iconic Indian Club in London. (X/@ShashiTharoor)

I am sorry to hear that the India Club, London, is to close permanently in September. As the son of one of its founders, I lament the passing of an institution that served so many Indians (and not only Indians) for nearly three-quarters of a century. For many students, journalists and travellers, it was a home away from home, offering simple and good quality Indian food at affordable prices as well as a convivial atmosphere to meet and maintain friendships, the MP wrote.

He also shared two images along with the post. Furthermore, he added more about the photos too. As the picture shows, I was there this summer with my sister (we are standing in front of photos of my father attending club events in the early 1950s) and am sad to realise that that was my last visit, since I will not be returning to London this year. Om Shanti! he explained.

Take a look at this post by Shashi Tharoor:

Since being shared on August 19, the post has accumulated close to 7.1 lakh views. Additionally, it has also received more than 2,500 likes. People posted varied comments while reacting to the post.

Also Read: Shashi Tharoor gives epic reply to Nagaland fans question about his intelligence

What did X users say about Shashi Tharoors post?

One nearly always remembers doing something for the first time, but one seldom ever knows one is doing something for the last time, posted a Twitter user. This is sad news, added another. No. I love IC, joined a third. Very sorry to hear this. What a London icon, wrote a fourth.

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The discovery of 10-year-old Sara Sharif's lifeless body at her residence in Horsell, Woking, on August 10, has prompted an investigation into her education circumstances. The young girl had been removed from school and was being educated at home prior to her demise. This is a photo issued by Surrey Police on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023 of Sara Sharif. Pakistani police in the eastern province of Punjab are seeking to arrest a man in connection with the death of his 10-year-old daughter in the U.K. Sara Sharif was found dead at her home in Woking, on the southern outskirts of London, on Aug. 10, U.K. police said in a statement. (AP)

Surrey Police is trying to locate her father, Urfan Sharif, his brother, Faisal Malik, and his partner, Beinash Batool, who had departed for Pakistan the day before the incident.

A recent post-mortem examination has revealed that Sara had endured "multiple and extensive injuries" over an extended period of time, further deepening the mystery surrounding her untimely death.

A neighbor, wishing to remain anonymous, shared insights into Sara's situation, revealing that the girl had been taken out of school due to bullying over her hijab. Sara's father's partner, Beinash Batool, had informed the neighbor about the decision to homeschool her.

The neighbor expressed concern about Sara's lack of interaction with children her own age, but Ms. Batool reportedly cited connections made through the mosque and swimming lessons. I suggested to Beinash that Sara needed to be with children her own age, she replied that she was making friends at the mosque and in her swimming lessons, the neighbor said.

Also Read | US teen dies in fatal crash in Belchertown, Massachusetts that sent car engine flying during police chase

Describing Sara, the neighbor recalled her as "reserved and quiet." The neighbor observed Sara's interactions with her younger sibling, noting her gentle demeanor. "She often carried the baby in her arms, and sometimes I saw her playing with him. I never saw her smile or laugh," the neighbor told BBC.

The authorities are collaborating with counterparts in Pakistan to locate the individuals who left the country before Sara's death. Surrey County Council and Surrey Police have acknowledged prior engagement with the family, though these interactions were characterized as "limited" and historic.
At least two educational workers were killed and three other people were wounded in a Russian attack on a school in the city of Romny in northeastern Ukraine on Wednesday, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said. A destroyed apartment in a heavily damaged residential building following Russian strikes (AFP)

He said two other school workers were still under the rubble in Romny, which is part of the Sumy region. Photos shared by Klymenko on the Telegram messaging app showed emergency workers carrying away a body on a stretcher.

The regional military administration said a drone fired by Russia had hit the school at 10:05 a.m. (0705 GMT).

"The school building was destroyed, and this is just before the school year, which unfortunately will never start for some," Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said on Telegram.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Russia denies deliberately targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

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As many as eight bodies have been found at the site where a Russian private jet, on which chief of Wagner mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin was listed as a passenger, crashed, according to Russian news agency RIA. A view shows smoke rising above a plane on fire following an alleged air accident at a location given as Tver region, Russia, in this still image from video published August 23, 2023.(via REUTERS)

The security services are carrying out the search and rescue operations. There is no confirmation whether Prigozhin was on-board the flight which crashed north of Moscow. However, the Russian aviation agency said he was listed as one of the passengers.

"An investigation has been launched into an Embraer plane crash that occurred tonight in the Tver region. According to the passenger list, the name and surname of Yevgeny Prigozhin is among them," Rosaviatsia, Russia's aviation agency, was cited as saying by the state TASS news agency.

Russia's emergency situations ministry earlier said the private Embraer Legacy aircraft was carrying ten people including three crew members and travelling from Moscow to St. Petersburg. According to Reuters, everyone had been killed.

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The death of former White House sous chef Tafari Campbell, who drowned in a pond near former President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in July, has been ruled an accident by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Massachusetts. FILE - White House Chef Tafari Campbell smiles, Nov. 6, 2008, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. Social media users are casting doubt about the drowning death of Campbell, former President Barack Obamas personal chef, on Marthas Vineyard on Sunday, July 23, 2023. His body was recovered Monday, July 24. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, File)(AP)

The cause of death was submersion in a body of water, according to Timothy McGuirk, a spokesman for the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, who told The Washington Post that Massachusetts does not release autopsy results publicly.

The chief medical examiner determined that Campbells death was accidental, The Boston Herald reports.

Campbell, a 45-year-old father of two who was a personal chef to former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, died in a paddle-boarding accident on July 23. He was visiting the Obamas Katama estate in Marthas Vineyard.

According to the Herald, another paddle boarder on the pond told police that Campbell lost his balance while standing on a paddle board and fell into the water. The other paddle-boarder tried to swim to Campbell, but could not reach him in time.

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Campbells body was found by divers from a pond on Edgartown Great Road shortly before 10 a.m. ET on July 24, Massachusetts State Police said in a news release.

MSP Underwater Recovery Unit divers made the recovery after the victims body was located by Massachusetts Environmental Police Officers deploying side-scan sonar from a boat, the department said in the release, noting the recovery was made approximately 100 feet from shore at a depth of about eight feet.

MSP later told PEOPLE in a statement, Mr. Campbell was visiting Marthas Vineyard at the time of his passing. President and Mrs. Obama were not present at the residence at the time of the accident.

The Obamas paid tribute to Campbell, who they called a beloved part of our family.

When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House  creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together, the Obamas quoted in a joint statement to PEOPLE.

In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter.

The statement continued, Thats why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed. Hes been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that hes gone.

ALSO READ| Donald Trump case witness reveals attempt to delete Mar-a-Lago footage after facing perjury charges

Today we join everyone who knew and loved Tafari, especially his wife Sherise and their twin boys, Xavier and Savin, in grieving the loss of a truly wonderful man, they added.

On July 24, in an Instagram post shared, his wife Sherise wrote, My heart is broken. My life and our familys life is forever changed. Please pray for me and our families as I deal with the loss of my husband.

In another post, Sherise, who owns a baking and catering company called Sweet Sage, said her company was putting orders on hold due to the recent tragedy in our family.
Leaders of the BRICS bloc of leading developing nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - have agreed mechanisms for considering new members, South Africa's foreign minister said on Wednesday. From left: Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, China's President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov raise their arms as they pose for a group photograph, at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. (AFP)

Agreement on expansion paves the way for dozens of interested candidate nations to make their case for joining the grouping, which has pledged to become a champion of the developing "Global South".

Enlarging BRICS has topped the agenda at a summit taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa's commercial capital. While all BRICS members had publicly expressed support for growing the bloc, there had been divisions among the leaders over how much and how quickly.

"We have agreed on the matter of expansion," Naledi Pandor said on Ubuntu Radio, a station run by South Africa's foreign ministry.

"We have a document that we've adopted which sets out guidelines and principles, processes for considering countries that wish to become members of BRICS...That's very positive."

Pandor said the bloc's leaders would make a more detailed announcement on expansion before the summit concludes on Thursday.

More than 40 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS, say South African officials, and 22 - Iran, Venezuela and Algeria among them - have formally asked to be admitted.

(Reporting Carien du Plessis in Johanneburg and Krishn Kaushik in New Delhi; Additional reporting by Rachel Savage in Johannesburg Writing by Joe Bavier; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)

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The New Development Bank of the BRICS group of nations will not be announcing new members at the BRICS Summit in South Africa this week, its Chief Financial Officer Leslie Maasdorp told Reuters on Wednesday. The NDB is registering an Indian rupee bond programme worth $2.5 billion over 5 years. (Representational Image)(REUTERS)

The bank, which was set up in 2015 to give BRICS members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa a greater say in financing infrastructure than in Western-led institutions like the World Bank, is keen to attract new members to boost its capital base after U.S. sanctions on Russia hobbled its lending.

The NDB, which now also has Egypt, Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates as shareholders, is under pressure to boost local currency fundraising and lending as the BRICS nations seek to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar and develop the BRICS bloc into a counterweight to the West.

"The process of ratifying new countries is happening at the discussion of the (BRICS) leaders, which they are having without us as the bank," Maasdorp told Reuters in an interview on the sidelines of the summit.

"There will be no announcements this week," he said, adding that it was "likely" there would be more new members applying this year, but that the timing was dependent on political processes in the countries that want to join.

At least 15 potential new member countries - including Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Argentina - are under consideration by the governments that are the bank's shareholders, Maasdorp said.

The NDB is registering an Indian rupee bond programme worth $2.5 billion over 5 years, after it issued its first South African rand bond last week, Maasdorp also said on Wednesday during a panel discussion.

The size of the first issuance, expected to be later this year, is still under discussion, he told Reuters afterwards

The bank will register a Brazilian real bond programme "when appropriate" and hopes to issue in Russian roubles in the "medium term" under a 100 billion rouble ($1.06 billion) programme it set up in 2019, Maasdorp told the panel. He added it cannot issue rouble debt at the moment due to sanctions.

The NDB has already raised $4.5 billion this year and will raise at least $8 billion by the end of the year, Maasdorp told Reuters, adding that it is working on issuing second U.S. dollar "benchmark" bond and one or two more Chinese yuan issuances, with the sizes and maturities yet to be decided.
China's President Xi Jinping has asserted that the 'Cold War Style' is still affecting the world and the geo-political situation is getting tense. President of China Xi Jinping attends the plenary session during the 2023 BRICS Summit(via REUTERS)

In his address to the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit in the South African city of Johannesburg, Xi said that BRICS countries should keep to the direction of peaceful development and consolidate the strategic partnership of the bloc.

"We should expand political and security cooperation to uphold peace and tranquillity. The Cold War mentality is still haunting our world and the geo-political situation is getting tense. BRICS countries should keep to the direction of peaceful development and consolidate the BRICS strategic partnership. We need to make good use of the BRICS Foreign ministers' meeting, a meeting of high representatives on national security and other mechanism; support each other on our core interests and enhance coordination on major international and regional issues. We need to tender good offices on hotspot issues pushing for a political settlement and lowering the temperature...," Xi Jinping said.

Xi further added by saying that China will also seek to construct the BRICS framework for industrial cooperation.

At the plenary session, Xi said, "China will also work with all parties to jointly establish the BRICS framework on industrial cooperation for sustainable development...," and further stated that "BRICS countries need to champion the spirit of inclusiveness."

"...Human history will not end with a particular civilisation or system. BRICS countries need to champion the spirit of inclusiveness and advocate peaceful coexistence and harmony between civilisations," Xi said.

We should respect all modernisation paths that each country chooses on its own and oppose ideological rivalry, systemic confrontation and clash of civilisations," Xi added.

Apparently, Xi Jinping is on a state visit to South Africa which is also coinciding with the 15th BRICS Summit.

The opening day of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg was witness to the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue.

In spite of being present in South Africa, Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped the key meeting of the BRICS Business Forum which was held in Johannesburg and was attended by the leaders of the grouping.

However, earlier today, the BRICS leaders arrived at the Sandton Convention Centre to attend the plenary sessions. Prior to attending the sessions, the leaders posed for a BRICS family photograph.

Significantly, PM Modi and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping were seen standing apart from each other as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held their hands together.

Other than PM Modi, Jinping and Ramaphosa, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Brazil President Lula da Silva were also in the BRICS group photo. The plenaries are scheduled to be followed by a cultural performance and a banquet dinner hosted by President Ramaphosa.

This year's BRICS is under the presidency of South Africa.

The theme of this year's summit is: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism."

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A Russian strike on a school in northeast Ukraine killed four people Wednesday, razing the building to the ground in the Sumy region that borders Russia in an attack that came as the war in Ukraine enters its 19th month. Rescuers clearing debris of a destroyed school following a Russian strike, in the town of Romny, Sumy region. (AFP)

Three civilians were also killed in Russia's Belgorod region while the capital Moscow was targeted by a drone attack for the sixth night in a row, with the war now hitting Russian territory daily.

In Ukraine's Romny village, 230 kilometres (140 miles) east of Kyiv, where the school attack hit, rescuers found the bodies of the school director, deputy director, secretary and librarian under the rubble.

"The number of victims of the Russian attack on the school in Romny has increased to four people," Ukraine's Interior Minister Igor Klymenko said on Telegram.

Four local residents passing by the school were wounded, Klymenko added.

The minister posted a photograph of a rubble-covered building, with a dozen rescuers clearing the site, with only one door left intact.

"In the photo, among the ruins of the school, there is a surviving entrance to the shelter. Unfortunately, people did not go down during the alarm to a safe place," Klymenko said.

He added that the "rubble removal operation has been completed."

The building was covered in bricks. Another photograph showed rescuers carrying a body bag.

Russian forces entered the Sumy region at the start of their invasion last year but were pushed back by Ukrainian forces.

It has since been spared from the fighting seen in other eastern regions but recently has increasingly seen deadly attacks.

- Three killed in Belgorod -

Moscow and other Russian regions were hit by more Ukrainian drone attacks Wednesday, as Kyiv vowed earlier this summer to "return" the war to Russia.

In the Belgorod region on the border with Ukraine, authorities said three civilians were killed by Kyiv's forces Wednesday.

"The Ukrainian forces launched an explosive device through a drone when people were on the street," Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram.

The region has been targeted by shelling, drone attacks and occasional cross-border incursions for months.

In Moscow's central business district -- Moscow City -- a drone attack crashed into a skyscraper and smashed a window, without causing any casualties.

Emergency services vehicles lined up along a street below a cluster of brightly lit skyscrapers.

Air traffic at Moscow's Vnukovo, Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo airports was briefly halted, the TASS state news agency reported, citing the aviation services.

Drones were also downed outside Moscow -- in the Mozhaisky and Khimki districts -- Russia's defence ministry said.

In Khimki, Russian state media reported that the wreckage of a downed drone had partially collapsed the roof of a private house and damaged a non-residential building.

Later, Vladislav Shapsha, the head of the Kaluga region south of Moscow, said air defence systems in his region had fended off two drones.

- Black Sea attacks -

Both Russia and Ukraine have also ramped up attacks in the Black Sea since the July collapse of a UN-brokered deal aimed at ensuring safe navigation for civilian grain shipments from Ukraine ports.

"The Black Sea is the key to global food and, therefore, social stability," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told a forum Wednesday.

"Crimea is the key to security in the Black Sea. You can't leave the keys in the hands of terrorists, and we won't."

Russia has consistently hit Ukraine's grain infrastructure, while Kyiv has targeted Crimea and Moscow's Black Sea Fleet.

Ukraine claimed it destroyed a Russian S-400 anti-aircraft system in Crimea, annexed by Russia since 2014.

Its defence ministry posted a video of a massive explosion with a huge column of smoke billowing in the sky, saying it took place near the village of Olenivka on the Tarkhankut Peninsula and destroyed "the system, its missiles and personnel."

There were no immediate comments from Moscow, but Russian military bloggers said the attack highlighted flaws in Russia's defence capacities.

Kyiv said Wednesday that Russian strikes on its sea and river ports had destroyed 270,000 tonnes of grain in the space of a month and that a Russian drone had hit and damaged grain infrastructure in the southern Odesa region.

Kyiv also denied Moscow's claim on Tuesday that it had destroyed two Ukrainian military boats, including one carrying troops.

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A witness in special counsel Jack Smiths case against former U.S. President Donald Trump has changed his testimony after facing possible perjury charges and switching lawyers, prosecutors say. (FILES) US President Donald Trump arrives to speak at the press briefing at the White House in Washington, DC, on July 30, 2020. Donald Trump said he will turn himself in on August 24, 2023 in Georgia to face racketeering and other charges stemming from his bid to overturn the 2020 election. (Photo by JIM WATSON / AFP)(AFP)

The witness, who is the director of information technology at Trumps Mar-a-Lago club and residence in Palm Beach, Fla., is referred to as Trump Employee 4 in a Justice Department court filing on Tuesday.

Several media outlets have identified him as Yuscil Taveras. He has given prosecutors information about alleged attempts to delete security camera footage at Mar-a-Lago.

The DOJs court filing says that Taveras repeatedly denied or claimed not to recall any contacts or conversations about the security footage at Mar-a-Lago when he testified before a grand jury in Washington, D.C., in March 2023.

Taveras received a target letter 12 days after Trump was indicted in the case, informing him that he had criminal exposure to perjury charges. The government says this was entirely due to his false sworn denial before the grand jury.

Taveras also learned that his lawyer, Stanley Woodward, might have a conflict of interest in the case because he also represented Trump co-defendant Walt Nauta.

The target letter to Trump Employee 4 crystallized a conflict of interest arising from Mr. Woodwards concurrent representation of Trump Employee 4 and Nauta, the filing said.

Advising Trump Employee 4 to correct his sworn testimony would result in testimony incriminating Mr. Woodwards other client, Nauta; but permitting Trump Employee 4s false testimony to stand uncorrected would leave Trump Employee 4 exposed to criminal charges for perjury, the filing explained.

Moreover, an attorney for Trump had put Trump Employee 4 in contact with Mr. Woodward, and his fees were being paid by Trumps political action committee (PAC).

ALSO READ| Mark Meadows seeks to stop arrest in effort to Georgia transfer election case to federal court

In July, after replacing Woodward with a public defender, Taveras recanted his previous grand jury testimony and provided information that implicated Nauta, [Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos] De Oliveira, and Trump in efforts to delete security camera footage.

Taveras new testimony led to a superseding indictment and new charges against Trump, Nauta, and De Oliveira in July. The former president has strongly denied any wrongdoing in the case.

A trial has been scheduled for May 20, 2024, in a Miami courtroom.
A passenger bus skidded off the main highway and plunged into a swollen river in Nepal's Bagmati province on Wednesday, killing at least eight people and leaving at least 15 others injured, according to a media report. Highway accidents in Nepal, which are mostly covered by mountains, are mostly blamed on poorly maintained vehicles and roads. (File)

The accident happened when the bus en route to the scenic city of Pokhara from Kathmandu veered off and fell into the Trishuli River at Chalise in the province's Dhading district, myRepublica.com reported.

"In the accident, at least eight people have been killed and 15 more injured. The number of those killed might go up. Rescue is ongoing," Deputy Superintendent of Police Santulal Prasad Jaiswar at the District Police Office, Dhading, was quoted as saying in the report.

He said that the bus was partly submerged in the Trishuli River after the accident, but rescuers were able to pull out many of the passengers alive from the wreckage.

The river had been swollen by continuous rainfall during the monsoon season.

Highway accidents in Nepal, which are mostly covered by mountains, are mostly blamed on poorly maintained vehicles and roads.

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Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of Russia's Wagner Group, was on the passenger list of a plane that crashed north of Moscow. The 62-year-old and his fighters hit international headlines after Russian invasion of Ukraine as his mercenary group-which reportedly includes thousands of convicts recruited from prison- led the Russian assault on the city of Bakhmut marking the longest and bloodiest battle of the Ukraine war. Yevgeny Prigozhin was often seen on social media trumpetting Wagner's successes. This later turned to him waging a feud with the military establishment of Russia accusing it of incompetence and even treason. Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin amid the group's pullout from the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia in June. (Reuters)

Read more: What we know about the crashed plane that had Prigozhin listed as a passenger

What happened in Wagner's brief June mutiny against Vladimir Putin?

In June, Yevgeny Prigozhin led a mutiny in which Wagner fighters took control of the southern city of Rostov-on-Don. They also shot down a number of military helicopters as they advanced towards Moscow.

Russian president Vladimir Putin called it an act of treachery that would meet with a harsh response. But the revolt was later defused in a deal whereby the Kremlin said that in order to avert bloodshed, Yevgeny Prigozhin and some of his fighters would leave for Belarus and a criminal case against him would be dropped.

Was Yevgeny Prigozhin in Belarus after that?

Confusion surrounded the implementation of the deal as the Kremlin said that he attended a meeting with Vladimir Putin five days after the mutiny. On July 5, an investigation against him was still being pursued and footage showing cash, passports, weapons and other items said were seized in a raid on one of his properties.

In late July, Yevgeny Prigozhin was photographed in St Petersburg while a Russia-Africa summit was taking place in the city.

Who is Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin?

Born in St Petersburg on June 1, 1961, Yevgeny Prigozhin spent nine years in Soviet prisons for crimes including robbery and fraud. After his releas in 1990, he launched a career as a caterer and restaurateur when he is believed to have met Putin, a top aide to St Petersburg's mayor, at that time. Prigozhin was awarded major state contracts, becoming known as "Putin's chef" after catering for Kremlin events. In 2014, Prigozhin founded Wagner, a private military company whose fighters have deployed in countries including Syria, Libya and the Central African Republic.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail
Former President Donald Trump has declared his intention to "proudly be arrested" in Georgia, asserting his commitment to election integrity. The announcement was made via his social media platform, Truth Social, where Trump posted, "NOBODY HAS EVER FOUGHT FOR ELECTION INTEGRITY LIKE PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP. FOR DOING SO, I WILL PROUDLY BE ARRESTED TOMORROW AFTERNOON IN GEORGIA. GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!" (FILES) US President Donald Trump arrives to speak at the press briefing at the White House in Washington, DC, on July 30, 2020. Donald Trump said he will turn himself in on August 24, 2023 in Georgia to face racketeering and other charges stemming from his bid to overturn the 2020 election. (Photo by JIM WATSON / AFP)(AFP)

Confirming his plans on the same platform, Trump expressed his disbelief, stating, "Can you believe it? Ill be going to Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday to be ARRESTED by a Radical Left District Attorney, Fani Willis, who is overseeing one of the greatest Murder and Violent Crime DISASTERS in American History."

Trump's impending surrender relates to allegations surrounding a "perfect phone call" he made, not murder, as he clarified. He criticized District Attorney Willis for being in cahoots with the "Crooked Joe Biden's DOJ," framing the case as a witch hunt focused on election interference.

Trump's lawyers have reached an agreement for a $200,000 bond, ensuring his quick arrest without prolonged detention. The agreement also prohibits Trump from intimidating witnesses or discussing the case through any means, including social media.

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This development emerges in the midst of a larger case involving 18 co-defendants, all linked to Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. Some of these co-defendants have already surrendered ahead of the noon deadline. Notably, the former president's decision to turn himself in coincides with his GOP rivals' first primary debate in Milwaukee, an event he has chosen to skip due to his commanding lead in the polls.

As the nation watches, Trump's surrender spotlights his dedication to what he terms "election integrity."
In a startling and unforeseen series of events, James Burke, a former Suffolk County police chief, was taken into custody on Tuesday for engaging in solicitation of sexual activities at a park in Long Island. FILE  Former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke, second from right, is escorted to a vehicle by FBI personnel outside an FBI office, in Melville, N.Y., Dec. 9, 2015. Burke, 58, who served federal prison time for beating a suspect, was arrested Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, for allegedly soliciting sex and exposing himself at a public park in Farmingdale, on New York's Long Island. (Steve Pfost/Newsday via AP, File)(AP)

The arrest took place at Suffolk County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park at around 10.15 A.M. by the park rangers. His attempts to evade the arrest by citing "public humiliation" were unsuccessful, and was then taken to the 6th Precinct for further processing of the case.

The following incident wasn't the first stain on Burke's record. He is also known for his infamous stunt upon assaulting a thief who stole personal items from him which included his porn collection and a sex toy.

Furthermore, his involvement in mishandling of the Gilgo murder probe added to his controversial legacy. The ongoing case involving the park incident led to Burke facing charges of criminal solicitation, indecent exposure, offering sex acts, and public lewdness.

Burke's history also includes fleeing away from a drunken accident and engaging with sex workers, resulting in his 46-month prison sentence for obstruction of justice and assault.

He was released in 2018 after serving his time for the given case.

ALSO READ: Report reveals how Gilgo Beach killer could've been caught 13 years earlier

Its an ideal place: Secluded area near Rex Heuermann's home may be harbouring more bodies, says cold case expert

John Ray, an attorney representing the family of Shannan Gilbert and the Gilgo Beach victims, expressed concern over Burke's history. He mentioned that Burke conducted a minimal investigation into the serial murder case, which excluded the FBI and other collaborating agencies in the process of uncovering 11 bodies along the South Shore of Long Island in 2010.

Meanwhile, District Attorney Tierney highlighted the longstanding doubts surrounding Burke's suitability for his former position as the county's top law enforcement officer. Tierney said:

The Suffolk County leadership should have never placed this guy in a position of power.

Former state Senator Phil Boyle reiterated his long-standing criticism of Burke. He told the post:

Chief Burke's involvement in the sex trade has been going on for decades and apparently continues

The arrest of James Burke brings to light a complex history marked by controversies, scandals, and alleged misconduct, leaving many to ponder the repercussions of his actions on Suffolk County's law enforcement landscape.

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Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, who was indicted along with Donald Trump in Georgia for trying to overturn the 2020 election, asked a federal court on Tuesday to stop his arrest while he seeks to transfer his case from state to federal court. FILE -Former White House Chief of staff Mark Meadows speaks with reporters at the White House, Oct. 21, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)(AP)

Meadows made this request after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis rejected his plea for an extension of his deadline to surrender by Friday noon.

The 64-year-old claimed in his lawsuit that he should not face Fulton County charges because he was acting as a federal official when he allegedly participated in a phone call on Jan. 2, 2021, where Donald Trump pressured Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find enough votes for him to win the state.

Meadows argued that if the case is moved to federal court, the charges should be dropped.

Another defendant, Jeffrey Clark, a former assistant attorney general, also made the same argument.

But the clock is ticking for the defendants, who have to turn themselves in for booking at the sheriffs office by Friday. A hearing on Meadows request is set for Monday at 10 a.m.

Willis warned that she would issue an arrest warrant at 12:30 p.m. Friday if Meadows doesnt comply.

I am not granting any extensions, Willis wrote in an email to Meadows lawyers on Tuesday.

Your client is no different than any other criminal defendant in this jurisdiction.

The former White House chief of staff urged U.S. District Judge Steve Jones to either grant his request urgently or to prevent Willis from arresting him. Jones had declined on Aug. 16, a day after Meadows filed his lawsuit, to rule in his favor immediately.

Willis is expected to respond on Wednesday to Meadows and Clarks filings.

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Trump and 18 others were charged with racketeering and other crimes related to their efforts to overturn the election results in Georgia. Meadows was charged with soliciting Raffensperger to violate his oath of office by joining the call with Trump.

All the defendants in the case are required to surrender for booking by Friday.

Others have agreed on bonds ranging from $10,000 to $200,000. Trump is expected to surrender on Thursday.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday congratulated India for its spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 and called it a momentous occasion for the BRICS. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa(via REUTERS)

Delivering his address at the open plenary session at the 15th BRICS Summit today, Ramaphosa said, "I would like to congratulate India, particularly as you speak about the need for cooperation in Space ... India's spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 will be landing on the moon. We congratulate you."

"This for us, as the BRICS family, is a momentous occasion and we rejoice with you. We join you in the joy of this great achievement...," he added.

Moreover, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also said that BRICS nations need to advance the interests of the Global South.

"...BRICS nations need to advance the interests of the global south and call for industrialised countries to honour their commitments to support climate actions by developing economic progress..."

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa also talked about the Russia-Ukraine conflict at length.

BRICS has proven itself to be a credible entity that stands in solidarity and seeks to promote a more equitable global system. We thank you also for the efforts that are being made by a number of BRICS countries to bring about a peaceful end to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia," Ramaphosa said addressing the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit.

He added, We agree that...the end these types of conflicts are best brought to an end by negotiationsBRICS members will continue to be supportive of the various efforts to bring this conflict to an end through dialogue, mediation and negotiation.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held a productive meeting and discussed the strengthening of the India-South Africa partnership in diverse sectors.

PM @narendramodi held a productive meeting with President @CyrilRamaphosa in Johannesburg. They discussed strengthening the India-South Africa partnership in diverse sectors such as boosting business ties, security and people-to-people connect, the Prime Ministers Office said on X (formerly Twitter).

Chandrayaan-3 is likely to make a historic landing on Wednesday at 6.04 pm, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced on Monday and said that they will organise a live telecast of the landing process.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join the live telecast online.

It has been a month and nine days since the ISRO launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradeshs Sriharikota on July 14.

A GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle was used for the launch of the spacecraft that was placed in the lunar orbit on August 5 and since then it has been through a series of orbital manoeuvres been lowered closer to the moons surface.

The stated objectives of Chandrayaan-3 are safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, rover moving on the moon's surface, and in-situ scientific experiments. If successful, India will join the elite club of nations of China, the United States and Russia to achieve this feat, but India will be the only country in the world to land on the lunar south pole.

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Unidentified Flying Objects(UFOs) have been a matter of intrigue for hundreds of researchers, explorers and people. There are numerous wild theories where people have claimed to have spotted a UFO in the sky and they narrate such stories with conviction. Representational Picture(Getty Images)

While the debate around UFOs rages on, a NASA scientist has weighed in on the matter. Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) director Dr. Laurie Leshin interacted with FOX10 Phoenix recently and was asked if she had seen spacecraft made from outside of this world.

Responding to the question, Leshin outrightly said Absolutely not.

I mean, look, theres clearly a lot of interest. Our interest is in actually scientifically following the evidence and looking for life elsewhere, and I think we have the chance within our lifetimes to answer that question, said Leshin.

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The NASA scientist also highlighted the objectives of JPL and how they were trying to find extra terrestrial life.

One of our biggest ambitions at JPL is to find life elsewhere. Were trying to explore all kinds of places in our solar system and beyond that might have life, Leshin said.

whether its intelligent life  that would be very interesting, obviously. she added.

If youre a scientist, the biggest question you can ask is, Are we alone in the universe?. So that is what were trying to answer. Were on the precipice of it, said Leshin.
A new TMZ documentary delves deep into the investigation of the Gilgo Beach murders and alleges that the case was "mishandled" for 12 years until Rex Heuermanns arrest. Rexs arrest is tied to the Gilgo Four, referring to the four women whose bodies were found within days of each other in 2010. The women in question were Melissa Barthelemy, 24, Megan Waterman, 22, Amber Lynn Costello, 27, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25. Accused Long Island serial killer Rex A. Heuermann appears during a hearing in Suffolk County Superior Court in Riverhead, New York, U.S. August 1, 2023 (James Carbone/Pool via REUTERS)(via REUTERS)

The documentary is airing on Hulu. TMZ Investigates: Gilgo Beach Serial Murders: Missed Warning Signs takes viewers into the details of the cases investigation, accusing James Burke, the former chief of the Suffolk County Police Department, of deliberately blocking the investigation. James has now even been accused of consorting with sex workers. Notably, most of the 11 victims found of Gilgo Beach were involved in sex work. Many now claim that the badly handled case allowed many of the victims to tragically lose their lives.

Rex was "very quiet" when he was arrested, it has been revealed. The 59-year-old was caught by plainclothes cops as he strolled down a Midtown sidewalk on Thursday night, July 13. Rex had worked in Midtown for several years at his own company, RH Architecture. He has pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and other charges.

Link between Rex Heuermann and murdered New Jersey mom Victoria Camara to be probed

Meanwhile, Rexs DNA will reportedly be tested against DNA recovered in the case of Victoria Camara, a New Jersey mom who was found murdered in 2003. Following Rexs arrest, Las Vegas authorities began probing cold cases to determine possible links. The Las Vegas Police Department's DNA lab is now set to conduct a direct comparison of Rexs DNA and the DNA recovered in connection with Victorias murder.

Victoria Camara, who was 17 when she was killed, resorted to sex work to earn a living for her baby girl and herself. In August 2003, her remains were found in the desert near a haul road in Boulder City. The location is about 26 miles southeast of Las Vegas.
A bank manager from New York is accused of hiring a hitman to kill her brother-in-law, but her plan was foiled when the hitman warned the intended victim a day before the planned murder. Bank manager's alleged murder-for-hire plot(Facebook)

Reshma Massarone, a 39-year-old mother of two employed at Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, was apprehended on Monday. She faces charges of racketeering and murder-for-hire, as per federal court documents disclosed on Tuesday.

She agreed to pay $10,000 for the hit, and sent $2,500 as a deposit from a Walgreens store in Orange County, New York, the documents claim.

Massarone, whose maiden name is Bhoopersaud, was ordered to remain in custody on Tuesday, as a judge deemed her a danger to the community. Her husband Jeffrey told The Daily Beast, You have to talk to my lawyer, before hanging up.

The case against Massarone began on July 20, when she contacted a police officer from Guyana on Facebook Messenger. The officer was a friend of Massarones brother-in-law and had provided security for him and his family when they visited Guyana, the documents say.

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Massarone told the officer that she wanted her brother-in-law dead, and that because of the preexisting friendship between [the officer] and [Massarones brother-in-law], Massarone believed that [her brother-in-law] and his wife would never expect that [the officer] would murder [the brother-in-law], according to the documents.

The officer told Massarone that he could not do the shooting himself, but that he knew a hitman who could get the job done, the documents say.

They communicated over Facebook and WhatsApp, and Massarone sent him a photo of her brother-in-law as well as money via Western Union.

You take care of business and you be a rich man, Massarone wrote to the officer, according to screenshots included in the documents.

I do hope that when we get rid of [your brother-in-law] for you, you dont roll us over, the officer replied. Its all about trust.

Swear on my kids, Massarone wrote back.

July 24 saw Massarone's brother-in-law and his spouse visiting the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana. During this visit, he alerted authorities that Massarone had allegedly enlisted a hitman to end his life. He revealed, learned of the hit because [the officer] had told him about it, and that the hit was supposed to take place the next day, July 25, in Guyana, the documents say

The documents do not specify a motive for the murder plot, but they say that the brother-in-law told embassy officials that he and Massarone had an ongoing civil litigation matter pending in New York.

In a phone call on July 25, the officer told Massarone that everything was ready, that he had hired the hitman, and that he had secured a car for the job. He then inquired once again if she solely wished to kill her brother-in-law.

Just he, just he, Massarone replied, according to a transcript included in the documents.

The officer told Massarone that the hitman was ready to kill her brother-in-law as soon as he left his house.

They shoot him from the road, you understand. So why I call you back, you understand, to make sure I let you know everything goes as planned and there is no turning back, the officer said.

Right, Massarone said.

No turning back.

But the plan was not executed, because the hitman never pulled the trigger. On July 27, the complaint says Massarone and the officer talked again, trying to figure out what to do next.

So, who there with them? Massarone asked.

Nobody there with them, the officer said.

Everything stick the plan. Everything set for today. Everything planned already.

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The officer told Massarone that the hitman would stage the murder as a robbery, the complaint says. He also told her to act normal after the hit and to watch the town.

Again, nothing happened, according to the complaint, which says Massarone and the officer, who seems to have been cooperating with the police, continued to communicate until August 16. The complaint says the officer gave his communications with Massarone to U.S. law enforcement.

Five days later, Massarone was arrested. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. She will appear in court again on Sept. 5.
The San Jose Police Department has claimed that there is no evidence of a crime in the disappearance of California Netflix software engineer Yohanes Kidane. The 22-year-old man who recently landed a job at Netflix in California mysteriously vanished after getting into an Uber earlier this week. Yohanes Kidane got the job as a software engineer right after college (Yohanes Kidane/LinkedIn)

Yohanes family told KTVU that he was seen on security camera leaving his apartment building in downtown San Jose. He then boarded a vehicle with an Uber sticker.

In a series of posts on X, San Jose Police Media Relations claimed that the investigation has uncovered no evidence to suggest that a crime has occurred. On 8/15/2023, at approximately 2:45 pm, Mr. Kidane was reported to the San Jose Police Department as a missing person. Patrol Officers took an initial report and investigated the circumstances of his disappearance, the first tweet reads.

Detectives from the Missing Persons Unit conducted further investigation into this matter. Detectives have learned that Mr. Kidane utilized a rideshare service and was driven from San Jose to San Francisco. Mr. Kidane was last seen in San Francisco, the post says, adding, SJPD Detectives are coordinating their investigation with the California Highway Patrol, the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District, the United States Coast Guard, and the involved rideshare service to obtain a conclusive answer as to Mr. Kidanes whereabouts.

The investigation has uncovered no evidence to suggest that a crime has occurred. San Jose Detectives have kept Mr. Kidanes family advised of all pertinent developments in the case. The case will remain open until Mr. Kidane is located, the post adds.

The disappearance of Yohanes Kidane

Yohanes had moved to the Bay Area in July. It was his second week at Netflix. For the majority of the day that he went missing, he was at the Golden Gate Bridge, his phones location revealed.

Yohanes cell phone, wallet and backpack were later discovered near the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center in San Francisco, a missing poster shared on Instagram by Yosief said. Someone who was in San Rafael, who was on a commute, saw a phone and wallet sitting on this small grassy hill right between the Welcome Center and coffee shop, Yohanes brother, Yosief, said.. Thirty bucks in cash was in his wallet, IDs cards, phone untouched.

We want to take him home. I need my son. I need my son, Mehret Hana Beyene, Yohanes heartbroken mother, said. Hes a good man who has a bright future, very loving to his family.

An unsettling Uber ride

Austin Farmer, Yohanes former college roommate, said that Yohanes had told him about a suspicious Uber ride that took place before his disappearance. The Uber driver insisted, if it was an actual Uber driver, that instead of taking him to the location that he needed to be, hes like, Oh, Im going to take you to Oakland. Its much safer there,' Austin told Fox News. And he just wouldnt let Yohanes go where he needed to go. So they took him to downtown Oakland. I guess he eventually got back to his apartment or wherever he lives, but that was pretty suspicious.

During the trip, Yohanes had texted Austin saying he might be in trouble. The driver had allegedly asked him to cancel the extra pay. I got a sense hes taking me there for no good reason, Yohanes said. He later said he was never going in Uber solo again in SF.
Once hailed as 'The King of Crypto' FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried is living on bread and water in prison, the former billionaire's lawyer, Mark Cohen has said. Cohen has highlighted that due to the unavailability of vegan food in the prison, Bankman-Fried is not getting adequate meals. As a result, Bankman-Fried is struggling to prepare for his trial, which is scheduled to start in October. FTX cryptocurrency exchange founder Sam Bankman-Fried, wearing prison clothing, stands next to his attorney Christian Everdell in Manhattan federal court where he pleaded not guilty to seven criminal charges contained in a new indictment during a hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in New York City, U.S. August 22, 2023 in a courtroom sketch. (REUTERS)

In new indictment, Bankman-Fried is facing seven criminal charges. His lawyer, Cohen has made the claims about food and medication, before Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn.

Bankman-Fried was "subsisting on bread and water", said Cohen.

Cohen also complained that in the prison, Bankman-Fried had not been provided with the attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) drug Adderall. The lawyer alleged that Bankman-Fried is taking medication for treatment of depression and the supply of it, was running low.

After the issues were raised, Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn assured that she would ask the US Justice Department's Bureau of Prisons, which runs the jail where Bankman-Fried is imprisoned, to resolve the problem.

Judge Netburn added that she was reasonably confident that vegetarian food was being offered at the prison, but was not sure whether vegan food was available.

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Meanwhile, the Bureau of Prisons assured that prisoners were being given "appropriate" healthcare, medicine and hot meals.

On Tuesday, during the court hearing in New York, Bankman-Fried pleaded not guilty to seven criminal charges contained in new indictment.

Bankman-Fried's cryptocurrency exchange FTX has collapsed. FTX was once the world's second largest cryptocurrency exchange and had a valuation of $32bn (25bn).

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Around 100,000 people have been evacuated from flooded villages in Pakistan's Punjab province, an emergency services representative said on Wednesday. Floods in Pakistan(AFP/Representational image)

"We have rescued 100,000 people and transferred them to safer places," Farooq Ahmad, spokesman for the Punjab emergency services, told AFP.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested the creation of a BRICS space consortium, hours before a spacecraft from the South Asian nation landed near the moons south pole. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi gestures at the plenary session during the 2023 BRICS Summit in Johannesburg (via REUTERS)

Modi was speaking at the plenary session of the BRICS bloc  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  in Johannesburg on Wednesday. India became the first country to land a spacecraft near the moons south pole after Russias attempt at a lunar touch down in the same area ended in failure following an engine malfunction.

We congratulate you, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said after Modis speech. This for the BRICS family is a momentous moment.

The successful touch down lifts Indias prestige in the global space race, after the country suffered a setback from a failed moon mission in 2019.

Modi wants to bolster the countrys place among the worlds space-faring nations and in June India signed the Artemis Accords, a US-backed initiative with more than two dozen other countries to govern joint missions and civilian space exploration.

Chandrayaan-3  spacecraft that launched last month  achieved a soft landing at 6:04 p.m. India time on Wednesday, after Russias Luna-25 crashed into the moon on Sunday.

A rover, named Pragyan, or wisdom, will then analyze the chemical makeup of the moons surface and search for water over the course of one lunar day, which is equivalent to 14 days on Earth.

The BRICS bloc already cooperate in sharing remote sensing data. Under a 2021 agreement, the five nations agreed to use their existing satellites to create a virtual constellation, while last year the group set up the BRICS Joint Committee on Space Cooperation.

During his speech, Modi also suggested the creation of a repository of traditional medicines.
Prince Harry is expected to meet his father, King Charles III after the conclusion of 2023 Invictus Games. According to a report by OK magazine, the reconciliation meeting may happen on September 17. Prince Harry, King Charles III(File Photo)

Notably, the 2023 Invictus Games is set to be held between September 9 and 16 in Dusseldorf, Germany. After the grand sporting event, Prince Harry is reported to fly back to California via London. Meanwhile, around the same time, King Charles is expected to be present in London after his family vacation in Balmoral.

King Charles is due to return to London from Balmoral in the middle of September which ties with the end of Harrys Invictus Games trip to Dusseldorf, a source told OK magazine.

The King has a rescheduled official visit to France on September 20 so has a few days to spare in London to meet with his son. Staff are trying to fine-tune the details as we speak, the source added.

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The latest report comes amid alleged strain in ties between Prince Harry-Meghan Markle and the British Royal Family. Notably, Prince Harry has not done any personal meeting with his father since the release of memoir "Spare".

If the talks take place, the King will make it very clear that there will be absolutely no private family business discussed in public moving forward, informed the source.

As per the report, Meghan Markle will not be a part of the meeting between the father-son duo. However, 2023 Invictus Games which celebrates the contribution of war veterans and provides them a platform to showcase their skills in a bid to have good mental health and raise the spirit of community life, will be attended by both Harry and Meghan.

Prince Harry and Meghan shunned their royal responsibilities in the United Kingdom and moved to California in the United States in 2020. Reportedly, in recent times, the couple are worried over their financial expenses in the wake of termination of million dollar deal with Spotify.
Russia and Ukraine traded drone attacks early Wednesday, officials said, with Kyiv apparently targeting Moscow again and the Kremlin's forces launching another bombardment of Ukrainian grain storage depots in what have recently become signature tactics in the almost 18-month war. An exhibition of destroyed Russian tanks and other military vehicles ahead of Independence Day in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Bloomberg)(Bloomberg)

Later Wednesday, the Ukrainian intelligence agency claimed it had destroyed a key Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile defense system in occupied Crimea. If confirmed, it would be another embarrassing blow for Moscow, as Ukraine increasingly targets Russia's assets far behind the front line in southern and eastern Ukraine.

The agency, known by its acronym GUR, claimed on its official Telegram channel that Russia has a limited number of the sophisticated systems and that the loss is a painful blow. Moscow officials made no immediate comment.

The long-range S-400 missiles are capable of striking enemy aircraft and are regarded as one of the best such systems available. They have a range of 400 kilometers (250 miles) and can simultaneously engage multiple targets.

Earlier, a three-hour nighttime Russian drone attack in Ukraines southern Odesa region overnight Tuesday caused a blaze at grain facilities, Odesa Regional Military Administration Head Oleh Kiper said.

The attack destroyed 13,000 metric tons (14,300 U.S. tons) of grain, bringing the months total grain losses to around 270,000 metric tons (300,000 U.S. tons), Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said in a Facebook post.

Russia zeroed in on Odesa last month, crippling significant parts of the port city's grain facilities, days after President Vladimir Putin broke off Russia's participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative. That wartime deal enabled Ukraines exports to reach many countries facing the threat of hunger.

Under a year of that deal, Ukraine shipped 32.9 million metric tons (36.2 million U.S. tons) of grain, most of it from the Odesa region.

Russian officials, meanwhile, claimed to have downed Ukrainian drones in Moscow and the surrounding region early Wednesday, the defense ministry and the mayor said. No casualties were reported in the drone attack, which has become almost a daily occurrence in the Russian capital.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said one drone smashed into a building under construction in Moscow City, a prestigious business complex hit by drones twice before. Several windows were broken in two buildings nearby and emergency services responded to the scene.

Russias Ministry of Defense said the drone had been electronically jammed.

It blamed the attack on Ukraine and said two other drones were shot down by air defense systems in the Mozhaisk and Khimki areas of the Moscow region. Kyiv officials, as usual, neither confirmed nor denied Ukraine was behind the drone attacks.

Moscow airports briefly closed but have now reopened, according to Russian state media.

Neither sides claims could be independently verified.

Ukraine has since early this year sought to take the war into the heart of Russia. It has increasingly targeted Moscows military assets behind the front lines in eastern and southern Ukraine and at the same time has launched drones against Moscow.

Meanwhile, a Russian drone attack on the city of Romny in northeastern Ukraine struck a local school, killing the principal, his deputy, a secretary and the school librarian, according to Ukraines Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Also, three people were killed in the Belgorod region of Russia on the Ukrainian border after repeated shelling of a sanatorium, according to Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov.

Gladkov said the sanatorium in the village of Lavy, about 40km (25 miles) from the border, was shelled, killing two refugees and a staff member.

The Belgorod region has witnessed sporadic fighting and shelling during the war, including a border incursion last May that prompted the Kremlin to introduce tighter security.

A handful of foreign dignitaries, including the prime minister of Finland and the presidents of Portugal and Lithuania, visited Ukraine on Wednesday.

Their presence coincided with the Day of the National Flag of Ukraine, which precedes Ukrainian Independence Day on Thursday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, along with Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander in Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi and other top officials, attended the unfurling in Kyiv of a giant Ukrainian flag with numerous signatures of soldiers, volunteers, doctors and rescuers.
President Vladimir Putin used a speech to a summit of BRICS leaders on Wednesday to defend Russia's war in Ukraine and praise the grouping as a counterbalance to U.S. global dominance. Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting of BRICS leaders via a video link in Moscow, (REUTERS)

Speaking by video link to leaders of the group, he repeated the Kremlin narrative that his invasion, condemned by Ukraine and the West as an imperialist land grab, was a forced response by Russia to Kyiv's and Washington's hostile actions.

"Our actions in Ukraine are dictated by only one thing - to end the war that was unleashed by the West and its satellites against the people who live in the Donbas," Putin said, referring to the eastern part of Ukraine where Russian proxies have been fighting the Ukrainian army since 2014.

"I want to note that it was the desire to maintain their hegemony in the world, the desire of some countries to maintain this hegemony that led to the severe crisis in Ukraine."

Putin was speaking to a forum of countries that have refrained from condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine. The BRICS - also including Brazil, India, China and South Africa - have taken on added importance for Moscow as it seeks to blunt Western sanctions by boosting trade with Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Russia has repeatedly said it is open to talks to end the 18-month war - but only if they take account of the "new realities" created by its forces who control nearly a fifth of Ukraine. Ukraine demands the restoration of all its territory and the removal of Russian troops.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who in June presented an African peace plan separately to Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said in response to the Russian president's speech that BRICS members would continue to support efforts to bring the conflict to an end.

Strengthening BRICS forms part of Russias vision of undermining U.S. dominance and building what Putin, in his speech, called "a multipolar world order".

He was unable to attend the summit in person because of an arrest warrant issued for him in March by the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing him of war crimes in Ukraine.

Russia rejected the accusation as outrageous and said the move had no legal meaning because it is not a member of the ICC. South Africa is a member, however, meaning it would have been obliged to arrest him if he had travelled there.
Space science enthusiasts have been intrigued by the disapperance of Neptune's clouds, in recent years. Scientists finally have an explanation for why the phenomenon happens with Neptune. Planet Neptune (Instagram/@nasahubble)

According to a report by CNN, Neptune's clouds largely vanished four years ago and today, only a patch can be seen near the planet's south pole.

To find answers to the question, scientists analysed three decades' worth of data captured by three space telescopes. After analysing the decades of Neptune observations, scientists feel the planet's clouds are affected by the solar cycle.

As per scientists, solar cycle causes shift in the abundance of the Neptune's clouds. Senior study author Imke de Pater, professor emeritus of astronomy at the University of California, Berkeley, explained the reasons in a news release.

These remarkable data give us the strongest evidence yet that Neptunes cloud cover correlates with the Suns cycle, said Imke.

Our findings support the theory that the Suns (ultraviolet) rays, when strong enough, may be triggering a photochemical reaction that produces Neptunes clouds, added Imke.

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Scientists say that during the solar cycle, the magnetic field of the sun gets affected. Every 11 years, the sun's magnetic field flips and when there is increased activity on the sun, more intense ultraviolet rays are released into the solar system.

Notably, scientists observed 2.5 cycles of cloud activity over the 29-year period of Neptune observations. They found that Neptune's reflectivity increased in 2002 but decreased in 2007. In 2015, the reflectivity increased but fell to the lowest level in 2020.

There is a correlation between Neptune's reflectivity and its clouds. Abundance of clouds ensures more reflectivity. Therefore, the lowest reflectivity in 2020 points to significant loss of Neptune's clouds.

Even now, four years later, the most recent images we took this past June still show the clouds havent returned to their former levels, said the studys lead author Erandi Chavez, a doctoral student at the Center for Astrophysics, Harvard & Smithsonian, in a statement.
Normal traffic is expected to resume through the Suez Canal within hours, the head of the canal authority said on Wednesday, following the collision of two vessels. A tugboat works to refloat the Oil Products Tanker BURRI after it collided with LNG Tanker BW Lesmes in the waterway of the Suez Canal, (via REUTERS)

"Slight contact" was made after liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier BW Lesmes made a sudden stop due to a technical failure that coincided with a strong current that drove oil tanker Burri towards it, authority chairman Osama Rabie said.

The canal authority responded by sending tugboats to move both ships, he said.

Singapore-flagged BW Lesmes was successfully towed outside of the waterway, Rabie said, while Cayman Islands-flagged Burri could be seen approaching the southern end of the canal as of 12:00 pm local time, according to ship tracker MarineTraffic.

The canal's north convoy will resume once Burri is towed, Rabie said.

BW LNG AS, operators of BW Lesmes, reported the vessel ran aground transiting southbound through the Suez Canal at approximately 21:35 (1835 GMT) on Tuesday, BW Group said in a statement.

The low speed collision did not affect the vessel's operational capabilities and the vessel "remains structurally sound," it added.

BW Lesmes was successfully re-floated at 03:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday and would undergo further inspections at Suez anchorage.

The Suez Canal chairman said there did not appear to be any significant damage or pollution but that Burri had a steering failure that would require repair.

TMS Tankers, which manages Burri, did not respond to requests for comment.

The Suez Canal is one of the world's busiest waterways and the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia.

About 12% of the world's trade moves through the canal. During strong winds in 2021, a huge container ship, the Ever Given, became jammed across it, halting traffic in both directions for six days and disrupting global trade.

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Recent flash flooding in California due to intense rainfall from Tropical Storm Hilary has prompted concerns about the safety of electric vehicles (EVs), particularly their batteries. This concern arose after several EVs caught fire in Florida when exposed to floodwaters following Hurricane Ian in 2022. FILE - An unsold 2023 Model X sports-utility vehicle sits outside a Tesla dealership Sunday, June 18, 2023, in Littleton, Colo. (AP)

Around 12 EVs experienced battery-related fires in Florida due to storm surge and saltwater interaction, according to federal estimates. Seawater was found to react with the battery components, leading to short circuits and combustion.

While California's flooding has largely resulted from heavy rains, experts warn that any flooding could pose a risk to EVs, including potential short-circuiting. Given California's prominent EV population, this concern extends to a large number of vehicles. The state boasts over 900,000 EVs, with more than a third likely being Tesla models.

The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for Southern California, including Los Angeles and Malibu, following Tropical Storm Hilary's landfall. The "potentially historic amount of rainfall" has the potential to trigger life-threatening floods and landslides.

California Governor Gavin Newsom urged caution, advising against driving through floodwaters and emphasizing the need for thorough inspections of vehicles exposed to flooding. Saltwater and even freshwater can lead to short circuits and damage in EV batteries.

Consumer advocacy group AAA's Director of Automotive Engineering, Greg Brannon, underscored the risks of water exposure for EVs. He emphasized that flooded EVs might become inoperable due to electronic corrosion.

Also Read | Tesla failed to fix Autopilot limitations after fatal crash, Engineers say

While EVs are statistically less prone to combustion than traditional vehicles, when they do catch fire, they are more challenging to extinguish. EV batteries can contribute to the fire by producing oxygen, leading to thermal runawaya process in which the battery sustains its own fire.

"In an electric vehicle, what can happen is that a short circuit can turn into a battery fire, and once an EV catches on fire and the main battery pack starts to burn, you can get into a situation which involves thermal runawaywhich is basically a fancy way of saying that the battery is not only on fire but is also making oxygen that contributes to the fire," Brannon explained.

While EVs present environmental advantages, the incidents emphasize the importance of cautious operation and proper maintenance, especially in regions prone to flooding.
Vivek Ramaswamy has emerged as a leading Republican candidate in the last few weeks, particularly among those seeking an alternative to Donald Trump but his faith might be a stumbling block amid Republicans. Ramaswamy, a practicing Hindu, has also been attacked for his faith by both the DeSantis campaign and Hank Kuneeman, a pro-Trump pastor, self-christened prophet and election denier. Supporters of Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump carry signs past a campaign bus of Republican presidential candidate businessman Vivek Ramaswamy parked near the Fiserv Forum on August 22, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.(Getty Images via AFP)

According to an article in The Rolling Stones, Kunneman, spent a large part of a recent sermon attacking Ramaswamys faith, claiming they were in danger from this new young guy.

He claimed: If he does not serve the Lord Jesus Christ you will have a fight with God. Attacking Ramaswamys beliefs, Kunneman said: What are we doing? Youre gonna have some dude put his hand on something other than the Bible? Youre going to let him put all of his strange gods up in the White House?

Kunneman said he didnt care how good someones policies were if you didnt profess the name of Yeshua. Incidentally, Ramaswamy has never denied his Hindu faith even going as far as saying that hes not running for pastor-in-chief but commander-in-chief. He claims that the real divide isnt between those of Hindu, Christian or Jewish faith but between those who believe in one true God and those who have replaced the vacuum with new religions like wokeism, transgenderism, climateism and COVIDism.

In fact, Ramaswamy claims his faith is a unique advantage: I stand unapologetically for the revival of faith. Im at liberty to do it even more freely without anybody accusing me of being a Christian nationalist.

However, Ramaswamy has been attacked by other Christian nationalists. Jackson Lahmeyer, who founded Pastors for Trump exclaimed at a a Hindu guy, thats like 35 being tied for second place with Ron De Santis.

Oklahoma pastor John Bennet, meanwhile called him an Indonesian guy who was claiming to be Christian so he can get Christian votes. Of course Ramaswamy has never pretended to be Christian and even though he has called Jesus the son of God.

However, his faith could be a stumbling block and is likely to be used by opponents as well. A New York Times piece claimed: But Mr. Ramaswamy has a potential liability that the DeSantis campaign appears ready to exploit with the heavily white, Christian conservative voting base of the G.O.P.  his background. His parents are immigrants from India. He maintains his Hindu faith, and as the DeSantis super PAC memo put it, he was very much ingrained in Indias caste system  his family is Brahmin, the highest caste in the Hindu hierarchy.

Vivek on India

While owning up to his ethnicity, Vivek Ramaswamy has also batted to expand partnership with India. He further added that America and India had a relationship of mistrust because Washington hadnt had a trust-based dialogue between the two countries.

He said: In fact, part of the reason that we have a relationship of mistrust, I would say a relationship of trust with India that could leave room for improvement, is that we havent had the kind of trust-based dialogue between our two countries. And so, you know what? If Im not gonna get that done by the end of my first term, I would consider that a personal failure on an ethnic count.

Vivek's 10 Truths

Recently, Vivek Ramaswamy came up with 10 truths for his campaign, reminiscent of the 10 commandments in some way which were:

1. God is real.

2. There are two genders.

3. Human flourishing requires fossil fuels.

4. Reverse racism is racism.

5. An open border is no border.

6. Parents determine the education of their children.

7. The nuclear family is the greatest form of governance known to mankind.

8. Capitalism lifts people up from poverty.

9. There are three branches of the U.S. government, not four.

10. The U.S. Constitution is the strongest guarantor of freedoms in history.

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Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Space Research Organisation on the successful landing of Chandrayan-3 on the surface of the moon on Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepalese counterpart Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda. (Ajay Aggarwal/HT)

Nepal PM took to his social media 'X', formerly known as Twitter, and said, I congratulate Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and ISRO team of India on successful landing of Chandrayan-3 in the surface of the moon today and unleashing of a historic achievement in science and space technology.

Moreover, Nepal Foreign Minister NP Saud extended his greeting to India for the successful soft-landing of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the moon.

Saud took to his social media 'X' and stated, Heartiest congratulations to India for successful soft-landing of Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the moon! This is not only a moment of national pride for our Indian friends but also an important milestone in the advancement of space science and technology, which ultimately contributes to making our lives better. @DrSJaishankar @ISRO.

People across the country were glued to their screens as India's third lunar mission made its way to the South pole of the moon and became the first country to do so.

Special prayers were held at temples, mosques and gurudwaras for the success of the mission which is crucial for ISROs future inter-planetary endeavours.

Earlier in the United States (US), the Chandrayaan-3 missions soft landing on the moon was telecast live on the ISRO website with students across the country watching the Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS) and history being made.

Sweets were also distributed at the Embassy of India as Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed on the Moon.

The Embassy of India in Washington, D.C. held a special screening of the Chandrayaan-3 as it successfully performed the soft landing on the moon today.

Apart from the embassy staff, the mission also invited some senior officials of NASA including NASA chief technologist AC Charania to witness the historic event.
US President Joe Biden is not surprised by reports of possible death of Russian mercenary group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in the recent plane crash that killed all 10 people on board, alleging that Russian President Vladimir Putin has a hand behind almost every activity that is being carried out in his country. U.S. President Joe Biden speaks to reporters(REUTERS)

I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprisedThere is not much that happens in Russia that Putin is not behind, the US President told reporters after being asked about the plane crash.

The Russian civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia has confirmed that Wagner group chief Prigozhin was aboard the private jet that crashed on the way to St. Petersburg from Moscow.

This comes days after Biden and CIA director Williams Burns spoke of the potential danger to Prigozhin for spearheading a mutiny to topple Russia's military leadership. The short-lived armed rebellion by the mercenary fighters, led by Prigozhin, had a significant potential to lead Russia into a civil war.

However, the mutiny ended after a deal was broken between Kremlin and Prigozhin where the mercenary chief agreed to relocate to neighbouring Belarus. However despite the deal, he made several appearances in Russia, along with other countries.

Earlier, Biden gave a hint regarding Wagner chief's possible life threat and said, If I were he, Id be careful what I ate. Id be keeping my eye on my menu. On similar lines, the CIA director tipped how it won't be a good idea for Prigozhin to fire his food taster. "I think Putin is someone who generally thinks that revenge is a dish best served cold If I were Prigozhin, I wouldn't fire my food taster," he said.
Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican who is running for U.S. president in 2024, faced a backlash on Tuesday after he was caught on tape questioning the role of federal agents in the 9/11 attacks and the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. FILE - Republican presidential candidate businessman Vivek Ramaswamy speaks at an event in St. Clair Shores, Mich., Monday, Aug. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)(AP)

In an interview with The Atlantic published on Monday, Ramaswamy said he wanted to know how many police and federal agents were on the planes that crashed into the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001. He also suggested that there was a high percentage of armed federal law-enforcement officers among the rioters who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

The 38-year-old presidential candidate claimed that his quote about 9/11 was inaccurate and that he did not believe in any conspiracy theories. He told CNN that the reporter had misquoted him and that he stood by the spirit of his statement. He also told Fox News that he had no doubt that there were no federal agents on the planes and that his point was of course not.

On Tuesday, The Atlantic released the audio of the interview, which confirmed that Ramaswamy had said exactly what was reported.

The reporter, John Hendrickson, asked Ramaswamy what he meant by saying that we can handle the truth about January 6. Ramaswamy replied, I dont know, but we can handle it. Government agents. How many government agents were in the field? Right? He then went on to compare Jan. 6 to 9/11 and said that he thought the number of federal agents involved in the Capitol riot was probably high.

Ramaswamys campaign thanked The Atlantic for releasing the audio but insisted that he was taken out of context. A campaign spokeswoman said that the audio showed only a small snippet of the conversation and that they wanted more of the recording to be released to show the full context and reality.

The Indian-origin outsider has previously expressed skepticism about the official narrative of 9/11. In an earlier interview with Blaze TV, he said that he did not believe the government had told us the truth about the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania.

Ramaswamy claimed that he was not convinced by the official account of 9/11 and that he had reasons to doubt the governments honesty.

Im driven by evidence and data. What Ive seen in the last several years is we have to be skeptical of what the government does tell us. I havent seen evidence to the contrary, but do I believe everything the government told us about it? Absolutely not. Do I believe the 9/11 Commission? Absolutely not, He said in an interview with Blaze TV.

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Ramaswamy later clarified that he was referring to the alleged role of Saudi Arabia in the attacks and that the government had lied about it. He told CNN, On 9/11, what Ive said is that the government lied. And this is incontrovertible evidence, Kaitlan. The government lied about Saudi Arabias involvement.

Ramaswamy also mocked his CNN interviewer, Kaitlan Collins, on X, a social media platform that replaced Twitter. He wrote, Felt like I was talking to a petulant teenager. He added that his experience on CNN was hilarious.
A former British intelligence officer said that he received information previously regarding a contract that had been put out on Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin. "We had heard some weeks ago from a source that a contract had been put out on Prigozhin in Russia by senior members of the business community," Christopher Steele told Sky News. Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin is shown.(AP)

It would be a "mistake", though, to assume any assassination attempt was authorised by Russian president Vladimir Putin himself, he said.

But certainly it looks as though it may well be a revenge attack by somebody in the elite, possibly somebody very senior, he added. There has been no confirmation yet on whether Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in today's plane crash, or what caused it but he was on the passenger list of a plane that crashed north of Moscow.

The private jet crashed in Russias Tver region, Interfax reported, citing the nations aviation authority. All three pilots and seven passengers aboard the plane that was traveling from Moscow to St. Petersburg are dead, state-run Tass news service reported. The crash occurred just two months after Prigozhin led a mutiny that posed the greatest threat to Vladimir Putins rule.

The Russian president had then denounced the June rebellion as treason but Prigozhin escaped any retaliation by the Kremlin under a deal brokered to end the revolt. This happened after his fighters came within 200 kilometers of Moscow.

Russian authorities are investigating the circumstances of the jet crash, Reuters reported.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, which led an unsuccessful coup against Russian president Vladimir Putin has been reportedly killed in a plane crash, Russian civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia said. The Russian Civil Aviation Authority have said that Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the list of passengers on the plane, the report claimed. Head of Wagner Group Yevgeny Prigozhin.(AP)

The notorious warlord had launched a failed coup against president Vladimir Putin in June.

The plane crashed on a flight from Moscow to St Petersburg, reports claimed. All 10 people on the plane, including three crew members, died in the crash, Russias emergency ministry said, according to state newswire RIA Novosti. Russian officials said a man with Yevgeny Prigozhins name was among the passengers, without sharing further details.

Unconfirmed media reports also claimed that the jet belonged to Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner private military company. Russias civilian aviation regulator, Rosaviatsia, said Prigozhin was on the passenger list but it was not immediately clear if he had boarded the flight, Reuters reported.

An investigation has been launched into the Embraer plane crash that occurred tonight in the Tver region. According to the passenger list, among them is the name and surname of Yevgeny Prigozhin, Rosaviatsia said.

Earlier, a Wagner-linked Telegram channel Grey Zone reported that the jet was shot down by air defences in Tver region, north of Moscow, BBC reported.

Yevgeny Prigozhin's private military force Wagner has also fought alongside Russia's regular army in Ukraine. After the short lived coup, the Kremlin said that he would be exiled to Belarus, and his fighters would either retire, follow him there, or join the Russian military.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail
Wagner mercenary group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin was listed among passengers on a private jet that crashed in Russias Tver region, Interfax reported, citing the nations aviation authority. The Embraer plane crashed in the Tver region near the village of Kuzhenkino while three pilots and seven passengers were on board. All of them have died, reported Russian state news agency Tass. A view shows smoke rising above a plane on fire following an alleged air accident at a location given as Tver region, Russia.(Reuters)

The plane was flying from Sheremetyevo Airport to St. Petersburg. Yevgeny Prigozhin suspected to be dead although there is no confirmation yet. According to the list of passengers, he was among them, according to the Federal Air transport agency.

Russian authorities are investigating the circumstances of the jet crash, press service of the Tver regional government said in a separate statement on its website without giving any details on the identity of the casualties. Representatives of law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Emergency Situations are working on the spot, according to news reports.

The investigation was taken under personal control by the governor of the Tver region Igor Rudenya, another report claimed.

What has Russian ministry of emergency situation said so far?

"There were 10 people on board, including 3 crew members. According to preliminary information, all those on board died," Russia's ministry for emergency situation said as per news agency AFP. The ministry announced that a private Embraer Legacy aircraft travelling from Moscow to Saint Petersburg crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino in the Tver Region adding that it was conducting search operations.

Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin?

In June, Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin's mercernaries led a short-lived rebellion against Russia's conventional army. Thousands of mercenaries took up weapons and marched from southern Russia towards Moscow with the aim of toppling the country's military leaders.

The mutiny ended with a deal, reportedly mediated by Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko, under which Prigozhin was expected to move to neighbouring Belarus with some of his fighters.

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Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin is thought to have been on board a private jet that crashed in the Tver region, north of Moscow. Reports claim that all 10 people have been killed although there is no confirmation of Yevgeny Prigozhin's death. A former special adviser to the US army told Sky News that it would "not be a surprise" if Vladimir Putin was behind the crash. Russia-Ukraine War: Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen. (AFP)

It is not clear what has caused the accident.

"We should not forget that the disappearance or the removal of some of Putin's enemies over the years have been linked to suspect aircraft crashes," Mark Voyager said citing the death of General Lebed as an example.

General Lebed- the governor of Krasnoyarsk Krai- was killed in a Mi-8 helicopter crash in the Sayan Mountains in 2002. At the time, a member of the Russian parliament said the crash could have been caused by sabotage.

"He was running for president before that, and he was criticising the Chechen War which Putin had started," Mark Voyager explained, adding, it "would not be a surprise if Putin has yet again chosen a method that provides some plausible deniability" to take out one of his enemies.

The former US official said people should look out for how quickly Russia tries to take control of Prigozhin's fighting empire and financial assets.

"By the follow-up steps of the Kremlin and the Putin regime, we'll know to what extent they knew about this, and they were prepared," he said.

Read more: What we know about the crashed plane that had Prigozhin listed as a passenger

Prigozhin mounted a short-lived mutiny against Russias military leadership in late June. The Kremlin then said that he would be exiled to Belarus along with some of his fighters. But the mercenary chief has since reportedly been seen in Russia.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail
IHG Hotels & Resorts - one of the world's leading hotel companies with over 6,000 hotels across 19 distinct brands and an award-wining loyalty programme, IHG One Rewards - has opened its newest and third Hotel Indigo in Australia, together with Pro-invest Group - Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders.

The unveiling of the creatively curated boutique lifestyle hotel marks the debut of Hotel Indigo in Melbourne on the city's most iconic laneway. Flinders Lane runs the entire length of the city and is a prominent feature in the bustling CBD. The Eastern end is home to the city's most renowned restaurants while the Western end pays homage to its seafaring and goldmining heritage with amazing architecture, warehouses and hidden historical gems. Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders' neighbourhood offers a laneway culture of street art, hidden cafes, bars, boutiques and galleries right on the hotel's doorstep.

The landmark property owned and operated by Pro-invest Group showcases 216 reinvented guest rooms which have been inspired by the intriguing and colourful legends of its Flinders Lane neighbourhood, primarily the internationally acclaimed fashion photographer, Helmut Newton whose original studio was nearby. Newton became one of the most famous fashion photographers in the world known for his edgy work that featured the likes of Grace Jones, David Bowie and Andy Warhol.

Newton's work was a muse for the hotel's design and guests will see fashion, art and runway combine with interiors paying homage to the photographic artform - starting with a dramatic lobby-gallery space and lounge filled with collected pieces and a specially designed selfie booth for guests to capture their own Newton-esque memory.

The 'lights, camera, action' themed design by Australian-firm Suede Interiors continues throughout the guest rooms featuring commissioned works by local artists', spacious work desks and dynamic city views across a patchwork of heritage and new buildings. A mezzanine level fitness centre with body weight powered equipment adds to the hotel's sustainable credentials (opening October) and stylish meeting and event facilities for up to 200 guests will be complete in early 2024.

Guests won't need to wander far to discover the city's renowned dining, with the opening of new streetside Spanish bar and restaurant BESO housed within the hotel. Helmed by Ana Cortes Garcia, a Spaniard with vast international experience and a Melbourne Chef's Hat accolade, diners will be treated to contemporary twists on traditional Spanish tapas. Local hospitality industry stalwart, Guy Holder, directs the offering that also includes a vibrant list of Victorian and Spanish wines.

General Manager of Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders, Joseph Simmons is looking forward to welcoming the first of a long line of curious travellers to the new look hotel: "We're confident our intriguing Flinders Lane neighbourhood, the Helmut Newton inspired styling and stories of the city artfully weaved into everything we do will fascinate and inspire our guests to discover Melbourne in new ways."

Matt Tripolone, Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts - Australasia & Pacific said of the opening: "We are thrilled that the first Hotel Indigo property will launch in Victoria. It's an exciting time for the brand as it continues to grow in Australasia and across the globe as one of the world's leading boutique lifestyle brands. No two Hotel Indigos are alike and, with Melbourne as its neighbourhood inspiration Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders will be an exceptional example of the brand's culturally rich boutique offering as we continue to evolve IHG Hotels & Resorts' Luxury & Lifestyle category - from the hotel's intriguing art and fashion-led design to its culinary offering built around the unique tale of Melbourne's Flinders Lane."

With 143 open and 128 pipeline hotels globally, Hotel Indigo is one of the world's leading boutique lifestyle brands that provide a gateway to discover some of the most inspiring neighbourhoods. Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders joins Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Centre and Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, with Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point set to open by the end of the year. Each Hotel Indigo draws inspiration from the local neighbourhood, culture and popular trends in food, drink, and design to create a warm and vibrant atmosphere.

Hotel website
Marriott Bonvoy's design-forward lifestyle brand, AC Hotels by Marriott, has unveiled its premier location in Croatia with the introduction of AC Hotel by Marriott Split. Nestled in the upper levels of the impressive 135-meter Westgate Tower, the hotel offers awe-inspiring vistas of the Adriatic Sea and the distinctive skyline of Split, promising guests The Perfectly Precise Hotel experience.

Matthew Boettcher, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Distinctive Select Brands, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Introducing AC Hotels' design-centric hospitality to the Dalmatian Coast signifies a broadening of Marriott Bonvoy's presence in this region. Positioned strategically in Split's urban heart, the AC Hotel by Marriott Split aims to be the go-to destination for business and leisure travelers, ensuring a smooth, enjoyable stay."

The architectural brilliance of Otto Baric combined with the interiors masterminded by Croatia's Atellior Studio gives the hotel its striking modern appeal. Its interiors, characterized by a harmonious color scheme and natural elements like oak and brass, create a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors. A glimpse of a historic 1700-year-old Roman aqueduct can be seen through a glass partition. Spaces designed for communal interaction ensure utmost comfort, ideal for business dialogues or relaxed gatherings. The hotel's AC Lounge is adorned with artwork from famed Croatian artist Vatroslav Kulis, exuding the aura of an exquisite gallery.

With 214 rooms showcasing a sleek, minimalist design, guests are treated to a flexible environment and panoramic city views.

Reflecting Croatia's coastal culinary tradition, the hotel's Laureto Restaurant, led by Croatian Chef Goran Sikic, dishes out exquisite Mediterranean flavors. Cumano Bar, on the other hand, offers innovative cocktails, including their signature AC Gin & Tonic. Additional amenities include the 178 SPA with an indoor pool and sauna, a spacious meeting area, and a modern gym offering panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea.

Ljubica Bauk, General Manager of AC Hotel by Marriott Split, commented on this significant addition: "Marriott International's decision to introduce the AC brand to Croatia marks a pivotal moment for our local hospitality sector. Our aim is to bolster the area's economic trajectory, appealing to both business and leisure visitors while building strong corporate relationships. We eagerly await our guests at AC Hotel Split to showcase what makes our hotel unique."

Croatia, known for its mesmerizing landscapes, azure waters, and quaint coastal settlements, has always attracted visitors. Split, Croatia's cultural jewel, acts as a portal to the scenic Dalmatian islands like Hvar, Brac, and Vis. AC Hotel by Marriott Split, due to its central location, ensures guests are a stone's throw away from iconic landmarks like Diocletian's Palace and the bustling Riva promenade.

Hotel website
Anna-Marie Dowling has recently been appointed as the general manager for Nofa Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Resort. Her extensive experience in the Middle East strengthens her role in managing one of Radisson Collection's premium brands. The group's regional chief lauds this recent appointment, acknowledging her approximately 30 years of proficiency in the hospitality sector, with seven of those years dedicated to roles in the Middle East.

Before joining Nofa, Dowling served as the area GM for IHG in Oman for a span of three years. During this period, Hotelier Middle East acknowledged her exceptional leadership by including her in the General Manager Power List. Before her role in Oman, Dowling oversaw operations as the complex general manager for both Westin Bahrain City Centre and Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre. Additionally, she has held significant positions as the general manager at Sofitel London Heathrow and the Royal Horseguards.
Flinders University's Dr. Ashokkumar Manoharan collaborated with Associate Professor Christina Scott-Young (RMIT University, Melbourne), and Professor Anthony McDonnell (Cork University Business School, Ireland) to create a framework that creates an effective industry brand.

"Industry talent branding: a collaborative and strategic approach to reducing hospitality's talent challenge" has been published in the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management.

Based on brand equity theory, signaling theory and employer branding literature, this framework places an onus on sector-wide cooperation to form a consistent brand that all hospitality employers and employees can clearly understand.

The researchers say there is merit in moving beyond organizational-level employer branding to instead create an industry talent brand by articulating a broader collaborative and strategic agenda with industry peak bodies to increase and widen the talent pool available to organizations.

Rather than individual businesses (especially SME hospitality employers) attempting to build their own brand profile that is attractive to employees, the researchers believe a cohesive industry talent brand will be more effective in developing greater trust and appeal among prospective and current hospitality employees.

"The proposed framework offers the hospitality industry a means to adopt a more proactive, collective and strategic approach to address long-standing talent challenges," says Dr. Manoharan, from Flinders University's College of Business, Government and Law.

"The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated talent challenges faced by hospitality organizations when prolonged closures led to many workers leaving the industry to pursue other employment."

The researchers say an effective brand that reduces job applicants' uncertainty about the quality, benefits and value of their employment offering comprises five elements: interest value (such as innovative or appealing products or services); social value (a positive work environment and friendly staff relationships); economic value (financial rewards); development value (future career opportunities); and application value (potential to use previous learnings in other roles).

"We argue that if the industry talent brand is perceived as attractive, then potential applicants may seek out and apply for positions in hospitality organizations, when previously they would not have," says Dr. Manoharan.

"Perceived industry talent brand attractiveness will also impact existing hospitality employees, resulting in them feeling proud and affirmed in their jobs, which is likely to encourage staff to continue working in the hospitality industry."

Because industry talent branding is a new concept, it will require all the hospitality industry's key stakeholderswhich includes industry associations, members, employers, plus existing and potential employeescoming together in a collaborative co-design process to identify specific characteristics of the industry's employment offering.

"To develop an effective employer brand, an organization needs to identify, clarify and strategically manage the employment experience offered to employees, identifying the holistic nature of the employment experience, both tangible and intangible, that employees receive within the organization."

Effective messaging may also help to attract older individuals with transferable skills from other careers.

The proposed framework is backed by measurable outcomes, to ensure that the promises offered by cohesive industry branding are being delivered to employeesand can be easily adjusted to accurately portray outcomes.

"This will create a realistic impression of the employee value propositionwhich means it outlines the benefits and rewards received by employees in return for their work performance," says Dr. Manoharan.

Dr. Manoharan hopes the framework will also enable hospitality industry associations to collaborate with government, education, and industry sectors to promote hospitality as an attractive employment optionand to also use such collaborations to improve wages, working conditions, flexibility and worklife balance to ensure there is real substance behind improving the brand image.

"Attracting greater numbers and quality of talent to sustain businesses in the hospitality industry is, and has for some time been, a critical global issuemagnified by the COVID-19 pandemic," says Dr. Manoharan. "However, we contend that there are excellent opportunities to attract and retain people who currently do not view the industry as a viable career path.

"Fostering a greater sense of belonging, satisfaction and motivation, engagement, morale and job satisfaction will result in a likely reduction in employees' long-term turnover intentions."

More information: Ashokkumar Manoharan et al, Industry talent branding: a collaborative and strategic approach to reducing hospitality's talent challenge, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management (2023). DOI: 10.1108/IJCHM-07-2022-0882

Read the full report
In the Q2 2023 Europe Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report from Lodging Econometrics (LE), analysts report the region currently has 1,715 projects/256,578 rooms in its construction pipeline at the close of the quarter.

There are currently 776 projects/118,400 rooms under construction. Projects scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months stand at 404 projects/61,842 rooms and those in the early planning stage stand at 535 projects/76,336 rooms.

The top countries in Europes construction pipeline at the close of the second quarter are the United Kingdom with 322 projects/45,181 rooms, Germany with 211 projects/34,981 rooms, France with 132 projects/14,869 rooms, Portugal with 127 projects/15,446 rooms, and Turkey with 107 projects/15,670 rooms. These leading countries, combined, are responsible for 52% of the projects and 49% of the rooms in Europes total pipeline. The United Kingdom, Germany, France, Portugal, and Turkey are expected to continue to lead Europe with the most hotels forecast to open through 2025.

The cities in Europe with the largest pipelines at Q2 are led by London, with 82 projects/14,767 rooms, and Istanbul, with record project counts of 42 projects/7,222 rooms. Following are Lisbon, with 37 projects/4,262 rooms, Dublin, with 32 projects/6,173 rooms, then Dusseldorf, Germany with 31 projects/5,669 rooms.

Franchise companies with the largest construction pipelines are led by Accor with 276 projects/36,909 rooms. Next is Hilton Worldwide with 202 projects/28,825 rooms, Marriott International with 178 projects/27,142 rooms, then IHG Hotels & Resorts with 143 projects/19,108 rooms, and Radisson Hotel Group with 59 projects/11,452 rooms. These five global franchises account for 50% of the projects in Europes pipeline.

The leading brands in the region at Q2 are Accors Ibis brands, with 91 projects/10,773 rooms. Following the Ibis brands are Hiltons Hampton by Hilton brands with 71 projects/10,345 rooms, IHG Holiday Inn Express with 45 projects/6,129 rooms, and Marriotts Moxy brand with 38 projects/6,091 rooms.

In the first half of 2023, Europe opened 150 new hotels with 20,027 rooms and is forecast to open another 265 new hotels with 35,491 rooms by years end. The LE forecast for new hotel openings in the years ahead expects 381 new hotels/51,708 rooms to open in 2024, and, in 2025, 365 new hotels/56,094 rooms are forecast to open.

About Lodging Econometrics (LE)

For over 25 years, Lodging Econometrics (LE) has been the industry-leading provider of global hotel intelligence and decision-maker contact information. LE custom-builds business development database programs for hotel franchise companies looking to accelerate their brand growth, hotel ownership and management companies seeking to expand their real estate portfolios, and lodging industry vendors wanting to increase their sales. To learn more about our business development programs contact us: +1 603.431.8740, ext 0025 or [email protected].
Flinders is a leading international university in Australia with a record of excellence and innovation in teaching, research and community engagement. We aim high to inspire achievement by our students to prepare them to meet the challenges and embrace the opportunities of modern life. Our main campus is located in Bedford Park, however our geographical footprint extends to a number of regional areas in South Australia, the Northern Territory and Victoria.
In May 2023, three BOSC 6 students enrolled in EHL Hospitality Business School were given the opportunity to attend the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) in Dubai as part of EHL's Educational Travel Program.

In May 2023, three BOSC 6 students enrolled in EHL Hospitality Business School, namely Matei Testa, Timo Kaiser, and Sophia Schutte, were given the opportunity to attend the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) in Dubai as part of EHL's Educational Travel Program. In the following blog post, they reflect on their journey and share valuable insights about the event.

EHL's Educational Travel Program brought us on a trip to the lively city of Dubai to attend the highly anticipated HITEC Conference. We took advantage of this excellent opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Middle Eastern hospitality and technology industry for three unforgettable days. The HITEC Conference, which is part of The Hotel Show, has established itself as a flagship event for the Middle Eastern hospitality industry, bringing together industry leaders through incisive panels, talks and seminars. In this blog post, we share our firsthand experiences and shed light on the important issues driving the future of this ever-changing industry.

We had the pleasure of working with the outstanding team from Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) throughout our time in Dubai, who expertly handled the planning of this remarkable event. We were fortunate enough to actively participate in the conference, attending captivating keynotes and insightful discussions, while also assisting with various supportive and administrative responsibilities behind the scenes.

The HITEC Conference features high-level conversations on how technology can be leveraged to enhance revenue generation. It also addressed the emergence of new challenges in the hospitality business, with a focus on three primary topics that are extremely important to the future of this industry: artificial intelligence, green technology and big data.

Artificial Intelligence: In today's market, customers are increasingly demanding quick interactions and tailored services. The unlocked potential of AI and machine learning to transform customer service is immense. AI chatbots for instance enable businesses to engage with customers around the clock, regardless of language barriers. Additionally, computer systems can utilize data to predict and optimize room occupancy, while an integrated network for omnichannel customer service can greatly enhance personalized guest experiences. AI is an opportunity and serves as an effective complementary dimension to the future of tourism and hospitality.

In today's market, customers are increasingly demanding quick interactions and tailored services. The unlocked potential of AI and machine learning to transform customer service is immense. AI chatbots for instance enable businesses to engage with customers around the clock, regardless of language barriers. Additionally, computer systems can utilize data to predict and optimize room occupancy, while an integrated network for omnichannel customer service can greatly enhance personalized guest experiences. AI is an opportunity and serves as an effective complementary dimension to the future of tourism and hospitality. Green Technology: Numerous hospitality brands are actively embracing sustainability measures, addressing issues such as food waste and the excessive consumption of plastic, water and energy. This strategic shift is crucial since failing to adopt environmentally-friendly practices could result in the loss of the largest consumer generation, Gen Z. Given millennials' strong support of social responsibility and sustainability, hotels, increasingly, must prioritize eco-friendly initiatives in order to attract and retain this generation, as well as future ones.

Numerous hospitality brands are actively embracing sustainability measures, addressing issues such as food waste and the excessive consumption of plastic, water and energy. This strategic shift is crucial since failing to adopt environmentally-friendly practices could result in the loss of the largest consumer generation, Gen Z. Given millennials' strong support of social responsibility and sustainability, hotels, increasingly, must prioritize eco-friendly initiatives in order to attract and retain this generation, as well as future ones. Big Data: The conventional hotel industry has undergone a complete transformation, as established hotel chains now find themselves compelled to evolve into digital-first entities that align with the demands of todays customers. This shift has been prompted by the emergence of on-demand digital services and an increase in accommodation providers that exclusively rely on technology to secure bookings. However, the absence of a centralized platform to consolidate various data sources can cause delays in analysis, leading to inefficiencies in reporting procedures. Data management systems, including the integration of business intelligence tools, have been at the heart of this transformation. As a result, it has become increasingly important to ensure that such information and data is coherent and useful. By analyzing big data appropriately, hotel revenue can be optimized.

We were able to network with attendees and speakers between panel discussions and after the conference. These interactions gave us an invaluable opportunity to expand our professional network, particularly among industry professionals mainly from the UAE. We truly felt the power of the EHL family, despite being thousands of kilometers from our familiar Lausanne campus. We felt welcomed at all times and were introduced to possible job opportunities in emerging hospitality companies from the Middle East.

Undoubtedly, this Educational Travel Program has had a profound impact on us. It broadened our horizons by exposing us to new knowledge and inspiration and provided us with valuable connections. These connections, forged with industry experts and like-minded individuals, will shape our professional lives.

Returning to the question, is technology the answer to everything? The answer is an unequivocal NO. While technical developments are critical for the hospitality sector, especially with regard to becoming more sustainable, our experience underscored the importance of human interaction in hospitality. Although technology can potentially substitute for human interaction in specific hotel contexts, it cannot completely replace it. We saw how technology is being harnessed to enhance efficiency and the guest experience: analyzing big data allows hoteliers to gather more insight and thus proactively customize their guests journey. However, we recognized that hospitality professionals' warmth, empathy, and individualized care remain invaluable and irreplaceable. The human touch makes guests feel appreciated and leaves an indelible impression on them.

We would like to thank EHL and HFTP for making this opportunity possible for us students!

This article originally appeared on EHL Insights.
Italy is Europe's Trending Destination

Mainland Europe is a hub of activity throughout the summer months with millions of global travelers flocking to key destinations for a mixture of sun, culinary delights, and culture. The consistently strong demand allows hoteliers in key summer destinations to strategize with confidence. This summer, however, there is one destination that has exceeded all expectations. The following analysis highlights how Italys hotel sector is thriving in bookings and room rates in addition to assessing how online trends set up a summer to remember for Italian hoteliers.

Record-breaking rates

Across Europe, certain key markets and countries can rely on consistently strong demand from June through August. Recent proof can be seen in strong monthly occupancy levels achieved in June and July across France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. These key markets achieved occupancy levels ranging from 74% to 80% in June and 73% to 80% in July, an indication of high demand as well as a relatively even split of guests across Southern and Western Europe.

The top-line revenue metrics are where Italys true success becomes evident though. The country recorded an average daily rate (ADR) of EUR271.84 in June and EUR263.89 in July, which was in stark contrast with Italys neighbors to the west, as Spain secured rates of EUR156.24 and EUR168.64. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) also impressed at a country level with Italy reaching EUR213.80 in June and EUR202.86 in July. Greece fell closely behind in June at EUR204.47, however, surpassed Italy in July at EUR240.52.

Digging deeper, rate is the driving force behind positive revenue performance in Italys luxury class properties. Revenue managers at high-end properties were able to command ADRs of EUR978.65 in June and EUR1,031.85 in July, representing respective uplifts of 26.6% and 22.8% from the previous year. Much of that gain can be associated with the return of travelers from the United States, one of the biggest spending groups on European luxury travel.

Interestingly, properties at the opposite end of the spectrum, Italys economy class, have posted the segments highest ADR (EUR87.96 in June, EUR81.45 in July) across the key destinations included in this analysis. This means that as rates have risen across all property types, more budget-conscience guests have turned toward more affordable accommodation. In turn, properties lower on the chain scale have pushed rates thanks to higher demand.

Bookings started to pick up early in 2023

Forward STAR provides insight into future demand. Looking at key tourism markets in Italy, we see how occupancy on the books has built up leading into June, July and August. Bookings at the end of 2022 were relatively low across five key Italian markets, with only a select few dates creeping over 20% occupancy on the books. Fast forward to the start of 2023 and a clear uplift in demand was seen across each of these destinations, with Florence being a prime example at 44% occupancy on the books as of 6 February.

As the months continued to roll in, demand across all markets grew. By May, it was the leading tourist destinations of Florence and Rome that had the largest proportion of rooms sold. Yet at periods in July, the Italian Islands managed to grab the top spot in relation to future booking levels.

On trend

From the data presented above, the success enjoyed by many Italian hoteliers throughout the summer of 2023 is abundantly clear. This data can be further supported through the examination of online trends. Specifically, Google trends highlight just how much global travelers have been chasing the notion a dream Italian summer.

At a global level, several search terms have leapt up over the course of the last 12 months. Italy tour packages has risen 300%, cheapest time to travel to Italy is up by 200% and best way to travel in Italy is up 170%. Typically, niche search terms have also risen drastically such as Taormina, which reached peak search popularity across the last five years on 6 August. This is very likely to be associated to increasing film tourism demand following the success of the HBO series The White Lotus, in which this small Sicilian commune plays a key role in the storyline.

This summer, the U.S. has been responsible for delivering some of the largest numbers of arrivals to Italian hotels. To get a sense of where this level of demand sits in relation to other key European destinations, Google trends data can help to provide an indication. When comparing the search for Hotels across France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain, those traveling from the U.S. have a clear favorite.

Are rates here to stay?

The big question for those in the Italian hotel sector is how sustainable are the current room rates? STR and Tourism Economics forecast modest ADR declines for Rome and Milan in 2024 on the basis that pent-up demand, U.S. travel supported by a strong U.S. dollar, and high inflation have pushed summer 2023 rates a bit higher than is sustainable. Demand will grow next year, but rates will reset and decline modestly as the dollar depreciates, U.S. slows economically, inflation moderates across Europe, and normalized demand growth slows pricing power. However, the fact remains that Italy is and will always be a key location for both short-haul and long-haul leisure travelers. Although the rates of summer 2023 may not be the norm, the appeal and popularity of this small Mediterranean nation is likely to drive strong hotel performance for the foreseeable future.

This article originally appeared on STR.
AC Hotel by Marriott Split

Situated in the Tallest Building in Croatia, AC Hotel by Marriott Split offers panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea

AC Hotels by Marriott today announced its brand debut in Croatia with the opening of AC Hotel by Marriott Split. Housed on the high floors of the 135-metre-high Westgate Tower with spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea and Splits unique cityscape.

We are excited to bring AC Hotels design-driven guest experience to the Dalmatian Coast, expanding Marriott Bonvoys footprint in the region, said Matthew Boettcher, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Distinctive Select Brands. Housed in a prime location in the city center of Split, AC Hotel by Marriott Split is set to serve as the perfect base for a seamless, comfortable experience for both business and leisure travelers.

Designed by renowned architect Otto Baric and Croatia-based interior designer firm Atellior Studio, AC Hotel by Marriott Split takes shape with clean modern lines and aesthetically proportioned spaces. The soothing and warm color palette together with the adoption of natural materials like oak, patinated brass and linen effect wallpaper allows spaces to blend from one to another, blurring the line between inside and out. Curious travelers can peek through a glass door to view part of a 1700-year-old Roman aqueduct running throughout the property location. Flexible and open communal spaces are designed to provide maximum comfort and function, making them perfect for business meetings and socializing. The hotels AC Lounge features locally sourced art by prominent Croatian artist Vatroslav Kulis, a collection of books, as well as architecture and fashion albums, to evoke the feeling of a well-curated gallery.

The contemporary, minimalistic design of the 214 guestrooms allows travelers to use the space in whatever way they see fit, offering plenty of room to store luggage or pull up a chair and work efficiently. All rooms offer panoramic views of the city below.

In keeping with Croatias coastal culinary scene, AC Hotel by Marriott Split serves delightful flavors of Mediterranean cuisine in Laureto Restaurant with Croatian Chef Goran Sikic at the helm. Cumano Bar offers a range of creative cocktails and timeless classics with a modern twist, including the signature AC Gin & Tonic. Other facilities include 178 SPA featuring an indoor pool, sauna and steam room; a 325 square-meter meeting space comfortably accommodating up to 240 people, and a gym with state-of-the-art Matrix equipment and unobstructed views of the Adriatic Sea.

The opening of AC Hotel by Marriott Split marks an exciting chapter for the local hospitality industry as Marriott International brings the AC brand to Croatia. We hope to contribute significantly to the regions economic growth by attracting business and leisure travelers alike as well as fostering corporate partnerships. We look forward to welcoming guests to the AC Hotel Split and showcasing the distinctive offerings of our new hotel. said Ljubica Bauk, General Manager of AC Hotel by Marriott Split.

Croatia's allure lies in its breathtaking natural landscapes, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and charming coastal towns. As Croatias second-largest city renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture, Split serves as a gateway to the picturesque Dalmatian islands, offering easy access to breathtaking destinations like Hvar, Brac, and Vis. With its prime location in the city center, AC Hotel by Marriott Split offers easy access to popular attractions, including the iconic Diocletian's Palace, the vibrant Riva promenade, and the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.
WTM London 2023 Conference Programme Announced

World Travel Market London 2023 has announced details of its conference programme, with high-profile speakers and seminars.

More than 60 conference sessions are lined up, empowering the global travel community, and reminding them they have the Power to Change travel.

The conference programme will include eight new tracks across three stages over three days, taking place at ExCeL London, from 6-8 November 2023. In a move away from previous years, the 2023 conference stages will be named Discover, Elevate and Innovate  a reflection of their goal.

Furthermore, in response to the demand in 2022  which saw 9,102 visitors attend the WTM London Conference sessions  stage sizes have been increased, and rather than one main stage, WTM will host three equally important stages across the event.

The eight conference tracks will be titled Sustainability, Technology, Geo-Economics, Emerging Markets, Consumer Trends, Marketing, Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) and Experience and aim to help the global travel community succeed and thrive, by informing, entertaining, and influencing their business decisions.

In another first, the Discover Stage will feature a new layout designed to support networking. Table-based seating, rather than traditional conference-style chairs, will promote networking between sessions, which will also include icebreakers, storytellers, and socialising during breaks.

Some of the key sessions taking place, listed by day, are:

Monday 6th November

The Ministers Summit at World Travel Market in association with UNWTO and WTTC

In its 17th year, this important event in the WTM London calendar brings together the largest gathering of dignitaries from around the world to discuss and ratify key tourism agreements. The Summit will take place on Day One of WTM London 2023. This a change from previous years, when it has taken place on Day Two and signifies the increasing importance of the Summit to the worldwide travel and tourism industry.

Also on Monday 6th November, attendees can look forward to the release of WTMs new research WTM PresentsA Global Travel Outlook. Delegates will gain valuable insights into the trends shaping the future of travel with a presentation of the new WTM Global Travel Report, supported by renowned researchers Oxford Economics.

This session will give a voice to the changing needs of travellers, emerging and growing destinations, and uncover behaviours and trends for 2024 and beyond.

Tuesday 7th November

Diversity & Inclusion Summit (D&I)

This important Summit launch will tackle why a travel business can perform better with diverse workforces, and the importance of inclusivity in the development of leisure travel strategy. Fostering sense of belonging with consideration for under-represented groups will ensure that travel is accessible to all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.

Amongst the sessions, Darren Edwards, a record-breaking disabled adventurer, will examine the stigma surrounding disability and will explore ways in which businesses can overcome subconscious biases.

Technology Summit

The Technology Summit will cover sessions such as Building Cities for Smart Tourism; the Future of Technology; and AI  Boundless Opportunities for Change in the Travel Sector.

Also, on Tuesday 7th November, on the Innovate Stage, the travel community will hear from Tom Hall, Vice President at Lonely Planet, who will review how changes in traveller behaviour and priorities have shifted the landscape of travel.

Wednesday 8th November

Marketing Summit

Marketing sessions will cover data-driven; storytelling and engaging with influencers. Wednesdays sessions will also cover the future of marketing and digital tools in travel marketing.

Sustainability Summit

Sustainability is still facing many barriers in the travel industry and the summit discovers how education, socio-economic benefits and effective funding can drive positive change and encourage the adoption of sustainable practices throughout the sector.

Among must-attend sessions: Where Next? Reimagining tourism in a constantly changing climate discovers what good tourism looks like as climate and biodiversity challenges worsen.

In addition, WTM London 2023 will be rounded off on Wednesday 8th November by a not to be missed Keynote speaker, whose identity will be revealed soon.

Brooke Gilbertson, International Conference Manager of WTM London, said:

We couldnt be more pleased with the great line-up of speakers and panellists headlining at this years event. For those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it, WTM London 2023 is a must-attend show with speakers coming from every corner of the world to spread their wisdom on every element of the travel industry.

To view the confirmed Conference Programme for 2023.

To book tickets: Register for World Travel Market London (wtm.com)
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AI Music Agreements need to address these 5 issues [Chris Castle]

YouTubes new deal with UMG to explore music and AI is among the countless initiates attempting to make sense of and monetize AI. Attorney Chris Castle cuts through the noise to focus on five key issues that should be the starting point of every music AI discussion and deal.

by CHRIS CASTLE of Music Tech Policy

When you see Big Tech start to make Newspeak noises about wanting to license creative works for artificial intelligence, its well to remember a couple of facts about how they treat people, business practices that they dont talk about at parties. Or to Congress.

Take their supply chain, particularly their manufacturing supply chain in China where some of all their products use slave labor. And the cobalt that goes into every battery powered device like your smartphone is obtained through the equally Newspeak artisanal mining otherwise known as impossibly poor children mining cobalt by clawing it out of the dirt with their bare hands. You know, artisanal. (Read Cobalt Red by Sid Kara for that story.). Not to mention the grotesque and parasitic waste of electricity and the resources that provide it whether they are crowding out the public investment in renewables or driving coal powered generators. They dont talk about it because they feel entitled to all of it which is to be expected from that feeder school for the Silicon Valley elites built with blood money from the Central Pacific Railroad.

So when you sit down at the negotiating table with these people, this is who they really are. That realization tells you a few things, but it mainly tells you they simply cannot be trusted in either life choices or in business choices.

Universal has taken a real leadership role in the AI negotiations that has both respected their artists and songwriters and given teeth to the principles of the Human Artistry Campaign. First of all, the company has made it clear that they are going to support their artists and songwriters in having a meaningful seat at the table. They will not send their artists to the charnel house. The only artists who participate will be the artists who decide to participateopt in rather than Googles preferred opt out structure which relies on the abuse of various safe harbors at scale.

It appears that until such time as both the artists and songwriters and Universal are comfortable with the integrity of the creative and business model of YouTubes AI music suite of tools, theres no deal. Negotiations presumably will continue so there may be at least a commercial frameworks.

To that end, here are five points that might prove useful.

Artists and songwriters need to be at the table: One takeaway from the frozen mechanicals experience is how necessary it is for the creators to be includednot through an organization but actual individuals who speak for themselves and are not influenced by lobbyists. Universal has proven that this is possible. This is a huge advancement in label-artist relations and publisher-writer relations, particularly because its obvious from the creators who stepped forward that these are articulate independent thinkers who are not going to tow the party line. That is the whole idea. If you dont trust your artists and writers enough to give them freedom to speak their minds, then lets face ittheres something wrong with your business model. All AI licenses should be opt in: Most of YouTubes many artist relations issues arise from artists not having the right and ability to withhold their work from whatever the platform is. This is particularly true with UGC and advertising supported platforms. When you have poured out your soul in a recording that ends up with ads for drugs or miracle hair replacement treatments, its deflating and if anyone asked for approval, youd probably decline. Which is why you negotiate marketing restrictions that prevent your music being used in advertising. No blind check deals and no big pool royalties: We havent gotten to the royalty rates yet, but there will be riots in the streets if anyone tries to perpetuate YouTube-style accountings, the grotesquely unfair TikTok blind check deals or big pool market centric royalties. AI gives us all a chance to get it right and build a new system that is artist centric. Its encouraging that Lucian Grainges blog post announcing the relationship with YouTube is entitled An artist centric approach to AI innovation which is consistent with his prior statements about making streaming royalties more fair. Ability to track and account is a precondition: It should go without saying that in order to have meaningful royalty accounting, the service must have the ability to track and account. This is especially challenging in AI given the training issues. I will be pleasantly shocked if Google engineers designing the music AI tools have not entirely ignored tracking and accounting which they typically have viewed as a bug, not a feature. This is what gives rise to the blind check deals and other unworkable approaches which are most definitely not artist centric. Accordingly, the need to issue per work reports is essential. Audits should be much more frequent: This new product is a chance to revisit the standard approaches to auditing which have unfortunately become perpetuated in digital deals and most prominently in the Music Modernization Act (Title I). There is not much difference between the MMA audit rights and the audit clause from a 30 year old record deal notwithstanding the vast difference in commerce between the two. With AI, not only have the DSPs blown up the album to a commercial singles world, they are now trying to blow up the single to mind-numbing fragmentation. Potentially, this world will be like selling stems. This ushers in a whole new need for minimum viable data laws and enforcement for using standard identifiers.

There will be many other issues to address, but I think if we dont address these key points, well find ourselves to be artisanal workers scratching out a living for ChatGPT.

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The Hoosac Valley High School band at last year's Fall Foliage Parade. This year's theme is 'Once Upon a Time.'

'Once Upon a Time' Theme for 67th Annual Fall Foliage Parade



Retired North Adams teacher James Holmes is this year's grand marshal. NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  The theme for the 67th annual Fall Foliage Parade is "Once Upon a Time in North Berkshire" and this year's grand marshal is James Holmes, a longtime North County teacher.

The parade steps off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1, from the intersection of State Street and Old State Street and marches 1.2 miles through downtown North Adams. It is presented by 1Berkshires.

The theme is a celebration of children's books and fairytales.

Holmes has been connected to education in North Berkshire for decades having been a teacher and a School Committee member. Most recently, he has been working with the North Adams Police Department on its reading program, in which officers read books to children on Facebook. In 2013, he was to be selected as North Adams' Marion B. Kelley Teacher of the Year.

While working at what was then North Adams State College, Holmes decided to begin a career in education. He earned his degree in 1996 and began a 20-year teaching career. He credits his cooperating teacher Lynn Reilly with advice that he carried with him for his entire career: "Don't worry about the kind of teacher you want to be, but know the kind of teacher you don't want to be."

"As I began my teaching career at [the former] Conte Middle School, I promised myself I would call at least one parent every week over the course of the school year to say something nice about their children," Holmes said.

Holmes began working with the police as a teacher because he "felt it was imperative that students have positive interactions with the North Adams Police Department." He developed a forensics program that ran for many years until his retirement. Afterward, he stayed involved with the department and many of their officers.

"When COVID hit and school was not in session, we began reading to students and their families and to this day Officer Erik Thomas and I have kept the reading alive," he said.

Holmes hasn't completely given up teaching as he is a substitute teacher at St. Stanislaus Kostka School in Adams. He credits his family, in particular his best friend and significant other Denise, and his daughters Jessica, Stephany and Allyson, with giving him the support to pursue his dreams and remain involved all these years.

"I am so excited to have Jim Holmes as our grand marshal," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey. "Jim truly cares for the youth of our community and knows the importance of reading to children. Jim is a true example of what giving back to the community is and means.

"I am honored to have him in our community and thank him for the time he invests in North Adams."
Clarksburg School Opens Four Slots for PreK 3-Year-Olds

CLARKSBURG, Mass.  Clarksburg School is opening a limited number of spots in its four-day prekindergarten program for 3-year-olds.

The School Committee voted on Monday to accept applications for four non-resident spots for the 2023-2024 school year on a first-come, first-serve basis until Aug. 28.

"We shouldn't have any more than 14, that will give us one, like a cushion in case there's a resident that comes in during the school year," said Superintendent of Schools John Franzoni. "We have currently 10 residents enrolled for the 3-year-old program."

The committee voted to charge a total of $4,320 for the school year to be paid monthly over 10 months beginning Sept. 1. Children must be age 5 as of Aug. 31 to enroll in the kindergarten program.

Franzoni said the recommendation was $120 a week for the four-day program is based on other Northern Berkshire School Union schools charging up to $150 for five days; residents pay $80 a week, or $288 a month. Business Administrator Lisa Blackmer said the decision to bill based on the full 10 months was to avoid figuring out short weeks, vacations and other breaks.

Blackmer said the 3-year-old prekindergarten class was budgeted at $26,379 and at nine children (at the time it was calculated) would generate $25,920. "So pretty much anything over that nine will help offset any other expenses for the program," she said.

Franzoni added that "this is not us looking to create revenue, it's needed to support the program."

School Committee members were concerned about selection and voting on costs, with Chair Laura Wood noting that they had usually approved a program and left it up to the administration to determine the details. "Would you give preference to sibliings?" she asked.

Assistant Superintendent Tara Barnes acknowledged it was not the usual but process but that was because it was not covered by state law, like school choice is. This would be a straightforward tuition and the board could determine how it wanted the administration to proceed.

It would also be only for one year at which time the committee would re-evaluate the program and whether it wanted -- or was possible -- to continue accepting non-residents, said Franzoni.

They discussed if it would be a hardship to give preference to children with siblings using school choice, since there was no guarantee those children could continue into the 4-year-old program or kindergarten.

"I'd almost rather just say as soon as you get it in, if there's a slot, you're guaranteed a slot," said Principal Sandra Cote. "And it's once the slots are closed, they're closed."

School Committee member Mary Giron asked if they should do a last robocall to ensure all Clarksburg residents knew about the program.

"I feel like we've done our due diligence [in getting the word out to residents] for six months," said Franzoni. "I think we can comfortabley set a deadline of Aug 28."

The school has seen a spike in resident children and did not accept any school choice students for the coming year. The full-day kindergarten is currently at 15, including a child the committee voted to allow to start school based on their parents closing on a Clarksburg home in September.

"We've had an unprecedented enrollment over the summer of new residents in Clarksburg," said Franzoni. He pegged some of the uptick to the school's limiting or eliminating school choice over the last several years.

"I think enrollment in the school has really motivated some increase. I think in the housing for families with school-aged children because they want their children to be enrolled in Clarksburg Elementary and the only way to do it now, really, is to be a resident."

In other business:

 The committee signed off on a two-year agree with the Clarksburg Teachers Association. The contract has 2 percent raises in each of the next two years and some longevity adjustments; it begins on the termination of the current contract next month.

 Franzoni gave an update on the installation of a lift to the middle school wing that had been hoped to be installed over the summer. Instead, the contractor is planning work during the Christmas break and asked about some preparation work the week before. The superintendent thanks Thomas Bona for volunteering his time to shepherd the process along for the school.

 Franzoni and Blackmer said they had a positive meeting with town officials including the new treasurer in getting financial reporting back to Blackmer for submission to the state. They said, however, there is still a "nonagreement" on the student activity account because of questionable deposits dating back at least six years.
Pittsfield Man Facing Prison on Firearms, Drug Convictions

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  A city man was found guilty on Wednesday on drug and firearms charges.

A jury in Berkshire Superior Court convicted Jason McFadden, 43, on counts including illegal possession of a large capacity weapon and a firearm, possession of those weapons during commission of a felony, improper storage of firearms, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.

Possession of a large capacity firearm during the commission of a felony carries with it a potential sentence of life in prison, according to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office.

McFadden was found not guilty on single counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony; improper storage of a firearm; and illegal ownership of a firearm. The three not-guilty verdicts were all tied to a weapon recovered at his residence on Daniels Avenue.

First Assistant District Attorney Marianne Shelvey represented the commonwealth.

The Berkshire County Drug Task Force and the Commonwealth Interdiction Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team executed a search warrant at 98 Daniels Ave., an apartment, on Sept. 28, 2018. McFadden was found in a bedroom along with a second individual.

A search of that premises uncovered about $64,000 in cash, multiple cellular phones, four firearms including the large capacity firearm (with a bullet in the chamber), drug distribution paraphernalia, keys including one that opened a lockbox with a firearm inside, and residency paperwork for McFadden and the second individual.

In clearing the basement of any possible individuals, investigators found an internal unlocked basement door that accessed the adjacent apartment. Officers then had probable cause to then search that apartment as someone could have fled into the adjoining unit.

In that unit, they found another loaded firearm, three cellular phones, drug distribution paraphernalia and a leather shoulder holster with ammunition pouch that fit one of the firearms located in the apartment, and residency paperwork for McFadden's brother, Timothy McFadden.

Jason McFadden has an extensive criminal history in the State of New York which includes convictions for drug distribution; significant possession of controlled substances; and felony possession of loaded firearms, according to the district attorney.

"McFadden is a dangerous criminal who brought violence to not just Berkshire County but the Northeast as well," said District Attorney Timothy Shugrue. "His arrest records show he distributed drugs beyond Massachusetts. With this guilty verdict, our community is now a safer place to live and also lessens the flow of drugs and guns into our county."

Shugrue commended law enforcement officers for their outstanding police work and thanked the jury for their careful deliberation throughout the case.

Sentencing by Superior Court Judge Maureen Hogan will occur after the bifurcated jury-waived trial on Sept. 6.

Jason McFadden is alleged to be an armed career criminal having been previously convicted of three violent crimes or serious drug offenses. This charge carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison with no eligibility for parole.




iciHaiti - France : Signing of a financing agreement for the school canteen





Vincent Hommeril, the Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Action of the Embassy of France in Haiti and Djina Guillet Delatour, the General Coordinator of the National Program of School Canteens (PNCS) signed a financing agreement to support the National Policy and Strategy of school feeding (PSNAS) implemented by the PNCS.



For the 2023 - 2024 academic year, the French Embassy is making an in-kind contribution which consists solely of local agricultural products intended for establishments in the PNCS school feeding network for the benefit of more than 40,000 students across the country. .



LKet's recall that the partnership between the Embassy of France and the PNCS has existed since 2005. France was the first partner to support Haiti in the purchase of local products under this program.



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iciHaiti - National Archive : 163rd anniversary of creation





Sunday August 20, 2023, the General Directorate of the National Archives of Haiti (ANH) celebrated the 163rd anniversary of the creation of this decentralized institution, founded on August 20, 1860, under the presidency of Fabre Nicolas Geffrard.



The National Archives of Haiti's mission is to ensure the preservation of documents produced by the Haitian central administration, as well as the management of civil status.



The Ministry of Communication welcomed the determination of the Director General Jean Wilfrid Bertrand, of the ANH and encouraged him and his entire team to hold firm their commitment and that of the Government to recover, protect, process and make accessible all administrative documents and historical archives of the country.



This century-old institution is considered a guardian of our heritage. According to the leaders of this institution, significant progress has been made in the training of technical staff, the rescue of funds threatened with destruction, the registers of accounts and correspondence, as well as all the civil status registers from 1804 to the present day.



IH/ iciHaiti


















Argentina, which is working to address the economic and currency crisis, is once again looking to China. In the process, it is helping give the yuan more international clout, experts note. Argentina is increasingly relying on the Chinese yuan not only to clear external debt but also for financial instruments and the trade of goods and services, according to analysts. There is a possibility for Argentine capital market participants to jointly operate different financial instruments denominated in renminbi, the Argentine government said, following an announcement allowing the trade of yuan securities and setting the conditions to clear and settle portfolios using the yuan. Earlier, facing a $2.7 billion payment to the International Monetary Fund this month, Argentina reached an agreement on Aug 4 with a Chinese bank, which would pay the equivalent of $1.7 billion in yuan directly to the IMF. The rest would come from a bridge loan provided by the Development Bank of Latin America. "In this way, we are protecting the reserves in a year in which the problem represented by the debt with the Fund was compounded by the worst drought in history," Economy Minister Sergio Massa told the media. The agreement with the People's Bank of China fell under an existing currency swap agreement. This type of swap is more often used to finance trade and direct investment. "The yuan has a higher status than it had before, but for the IMF to accept a payment in yuan is also like accepting or giving more relevance to the yuan," said Miguel Boggiano, CEO of Carta Financiera, a web portal that tracks Argentina's economy. Argentina and China first reached a 70 billion yuan ($10.3 billion) currency swap agreement in 2009 and expanded it in 2018 to 130 billion yuan. Part of the agreement allowed Argentina to access as much as 35 billion yuan of the swap line freely. Argentina activated this portion in January as it was trying to tackle a worsening currency crisis. In April, Argentina said it would start paying for Chinese imports using yuan. In June, the swap agreement was extended for three more years, while the freely accessible portion expanded to 70 billion yuan. Argentina's economic and financial crisis has not abated, but China's support has helped the country to avoid another default on its international debt. In 2001, the nation defaulted on $93 billion in external debt. An extended drought has made Argentina's economic situation worse. The drought has cost some $20 billion in lost exports, according to Massa. Argentina froze exports of beef for the second half of August, a move that is likely to cause more pain. The action was in response to a sudden plunge in its currency and stock markets after a surprise victory in primary elections, on Aug 13, of Javier Milei, a far-right candidate who has vowed to eliminate the Argentine central bank, replace the peso with the US dollar and privatize state companies, if elected. The primary is seen as an indicator of the likely outcome of the presidential elections scheduled for Oct 22. Trust built Analysts say that trust between China and Argentina has been built during several different Argentine administrations. "Institutional trust between the two countries has been built over the last few administrations. It is not something new," Cristian Inderkumer, director of research of the Civil Association for Argentine-Chinese Cooperation, told China Daily. There had been concerns that the IMF would reject payment in yuan, but the direct payment made by China on behalf of Argentina and remarks by the IMF suggest that the use of the yuan to handle international debt could become increasingly common. "With respect to the payments in renminbi, our general practice is not to comment on the specific transactions of a member country," Julie Kozack, the IMF's director of communications, said on July 13. "As we have stated in the past, the Argentine authorities continue to remain current on their financial obligations to the IMF. The renminbi is one of the five freely usable currencies that members can and have used to settle their obligations with the IMF," Kozack said. During a recent trip to Beijing, Massa met with Chinese officials and discussed, among other things, enhanced currency cooperation. "China is one of Argentina's main trading partners and this currency cooperation is an important tool to combat Argentina's foreign currency shortage," said Inderkumer.
To help boost the Philippine coffee industry, GCash, the Philippines no. 1 finance super app, partners with The Philippine Coffee Board Inc. (PCBI) to employ a science-based approach to plant 200,000 coffee trees across the country through GForest, its digital tree-planting movement.

Uplifts lives of local farmers and protects environment through planting of 200K coffee trees

The local coffee industry has been facing many challenges, with only 33% of coffee beans in the market produced locally due to various reasons, such as lack of capital, limited knowledge on tree cultivation, and pest control among small and backyard farmers. Even after the coffee beans are harvested, farmers must also face competitive pricing from international exporters.

GCash and PCBI aim to educate and encourage Filipinos to support local products and at the same time provide opportunities for women, which compose 50% of the farmers.

Using GCash not only allows our users to reduce their carbon emission by going digital, but also allows them to take an active role in our reforestation efforts via GForest. Through this partnership with PCBI, we envision to build agroforests that will not only help fight climate change, but also provide sustainable livelihoods to farmers and support the Philippine Coffee industry, said Martha Sazon, GCash President and CEO.

The Philippine Coffee Board is a private sector-led group established in 2002 by coffee experts to develop and promote quality Filipino coffee through technical assistance and credit programs to farmers and help them market and promote local coffee for domestic and export markets.

This project will provide much-needed long-term support to local farmers in Cavite, Benguet, Iloilo, Davao, and Basilan, enabling them to start their own backyard farms. This program will also educate them on how to plant local coffee seedlings, learn the science of natural coffee farming, and experience local brewing.

PCBI president Chit Juan shared that the Philippine coffee industry's demand is roughly around 133 million kilograms, which translates to each person now consuming 3 kilograms per capita. According to her, this makes the Philippines the highest in ASEAN and the second in Asia markets in per capita consumption, as of the recent report of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Id like to thank GCash for really appreciating this good cause in planting coffee because although it's still a far target to self-sufficiency with us only producing 41,000 metric tons out of 133,000; we would definitely be moving the needle with our partnership, said Juan.

By the end of 2023, PCBI, on behalf of GCash, will begin planting 50,000 seedlings in identified areas such as Cavite and Benguet. In the next two years, the project will expand to meet the goal of planting over 200,000 coffee trees.

Shade trees will also be planted to protect the coffee trees. Shade-grown coffee plantations will help mitigate carbon emissions by capturing and storing carbon through photosynthesis and incorporating it into the plant system. The entire coffee agroforestry ecosystem will act as a carbon sink that can help combat global warming and rising temperatures.

This collaborative project is part of GCashs GForest initiative, the biggest digital tree-planting movement in the country, which allows GCash users to plant a tree for free by collecting green energy points earned from using the apps various services. These points will be used to plant a virtual tree, and in turn, GCash, together with its local and international partners, will plant an actual tree.

Since its launch in 2019, 14 million users have already joined GForest and planted three million virtual trees. To date, GCash has already planted a total of 2.5 million actual trees on their behalf.

Take part in the green movement by joining GForest. To become a Green Hero, tap GForest in the GCash app; read the user agreement, and click I want to help! then allow access to your contacts and health app. Once accomplished, you can now start collecting energy points.
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Florence Pugh has revealed that director Christopher Nolan was very apologetic about her role in his latest film, Oppenheimer.

Pugh, 27, stars as psychiatrist and physician Jean Tatlock in the film about the life of the father of the atomic bomb, J Robert Oppenheimer, starring Cillian Murphy in the lead role.

Tatlock and Oppenheimer were in a relationship and later had an affair while the nuclear physicist was married to Katherine Kitty Puening (portrayed by Emily Blunt in the movie).

I didnt really know what was going on or what it was that was being made, Pugh told MTV UK about Oppenheimer in an interview conducted before the actors strikes.

Except I knew that Chris [Nolan] really, really wanted me to know that it wasnt a very big role, and he understands if I dont want to come near it. And I was like, Doesnt matter. Even if Im a coffee maker at a cafe in the back of the room, lets do it.

Pugh said she met Nolan in New York while filming Zach Braffs 2023 drama, A Good Person. I remember he apologised about the size of the role. I was like, Please dont apologise, she continued.

And then he said, Well send you the script, and honestly, you just read it and decide if its like I completely understand the sizing thing. And I remember that evening when I got the script being like, I dont need to I know Im going to do it.

Florence Pugh and Cillian Murphy in Oppenheimer (Universal Pictures)

As Tatlock, Pugh stars in the first sex scenes of Nolans career in Oppenheimer. One of the scenes was condemned in India as Oppenheimer is depicted reading out part of the Bhagavad Gita, one of Hinduisms holiest scriptures, during intercourse.

Speaking to British GQ in a recent interview, Murphy said the sex scenes in the film were vital.

I think the relationship that he has with Jean Tatlock is one of the most crucial emotional parts of the film, the Irish actor said.

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I think if theyre key to the story then theyre worthwhile. Listen, no one likes doing them, theyre the most awkward possible part of our job. But sometimes you have to get on with it.

In a previous interview with Insider, director Nolan agreed: When you look at Oppenheimers life and you look at his story, that aspect of his life, the aspect of his sexuality, his way with women, the charm that he exuded, its an essential part of his story.

It felt very important to understand their relationship and to really see inside it and understand what made it tick without being coy or allusive about it  but to try to be intimate, to try and be in there with him and fully understand the relationship that was so important to him.

Pughs nudity was censored in certain territories, including the Middle East, India and Indonesia.

Find The Independents review of Oppenheimer here.
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As a US Navy plane circled overhead, two Philippine boats breached a Chinese coast guard blockade in a dangerous confrontation in the disputed South China Sea to deliver food and other supplies to Filipino forces guarding a contested shoal.

Two Philippine coast guard vessels escorting the supply boats, however, were blocked by at least four Chinese coast guard ships for about five hours Tuesday in a tense standoff off Second Thomas Shoal.

The dangerous encounter is the latest flare-up from the long-seething territorial disputes in the busy sea that involve China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei. Its regarded as an Asian flashpoint and has become a delicate fault line in the US-China rivalry.

The Philippine coast guard invited a small group of journalists, including two from The Associated Press, to join its ships that secured the supply boats as part of a new strategy aimed at exposing Chinas increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety.

The Cabra and another coast guard ship, the BRP Sindangan, were forced to stop, surrounded by four Chinese coast guard ships and four suspected militia vessels, as the two boats delivered supplies to the Filipino forces at Second Thomas Shoal, more than 7 kilometers (4 miles) away.

All the Philippine vessels sailed away without further incident after the supplies and a fresh crew of Filipino sailors were delivered to the military outpost on a long-marooned Philippine navy ship at the shoal.

Were happy that the resupply mission succeeded despite all the dangerous blockings and other actions, Cmdr. Emmanuel Dangate of the Cabra told AP.

Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela condemned the Chinese coast guard blockade and other perilous maneuvers as a violation of international regulations aimed at avoiding sea collisions. The coast guard would provide a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila for a possible diplomatic protest against China, he said.

The United States lays no claim to the South China Sea but has declared freedom of navigation and flight and peacefully resolving disputes is in its national interest.

After a Chinese coast guard ship used a water cannon against a Philippine supply boat on August 5, Washington renewed a warning that its obligated to defend its longtime treaty ally if Filipino forces, aircraft and vessels come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea.
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Chinas president Xi Jinping surprisingly withdrew from addressing the Brics Summit in South Africa where world leaders of the economic bloc gave their own speeches on Tuesday.

Mr Xi reached Johannesburg on Monday to attend the key multilateral business forum and was scheduled to deliver his speech alongside the leaders of India, Brazil, South Africa and Russias president Vladimir Putin, who addressed the summit virtually.

The Chinese president was arranged to be seated next to Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, but instead, Chinese commerce minister Wang Wentao took his place after greeting delegates.

Mr Xis unexpected move at the forum has sparked rumours with several China analysts trying to understand the reason behind the last-minute change in arrangement.

No reason was presented by the Chinese side for Mr Xi missing the speech. Mr Wang ultimately addressed the forum.

Mr Xi is said to have met South African president Cyril Ramaphosa earlier that day and later went to the summit dinner with the leaders of South Africa, Brazil and India, as well as Russias foreign minister.

China observers noted the unusual peculiarity.

Something seems off, said Bill Bishop, the author of Sinocism, a popular newsletter about Chinese affairs.

The China Global South Project, that covers Chinas engagement with Africa, said on X, formerly Twitter, that calling the move extraordinary will be an understatement as the Chinese leader never misses highly choreographed events like these.

A handout photo made available by Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service shows Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (EPA)

A very unusual first day for the Chinese delegation at the BRICS summit in South Africa after President Xi Jinping did not show up for a scheduled speech at the BRICS Business Forum, said the non-profit multimedia organisation.

This is the second mysterious Chinese absence from a BRICS event this year. Before he was replaced, Qin Gang also inexplicably failed to appear at last months foreign ministers meeting in Cape Town, it said, referring to the former Chinese foreign minister who was recently replaced.

Bonnie Glaser, the managing director of the German Marshall Funds Indo-Pacific Program, also called it extremely unusual for the Chinese leader to miss the speech as Beijing remains hugely invested in Brics.

It appeared to be a last-minute change after several Chinese news outlets and even Chinese foreign ministry top spokesperson Hua Chunying referred to Mr Wangs remarks as if they were delivered by Mr Xi.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (right) at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa (EPA)

The summit taking place in 22-24 August holds even more importance for Beijing as the grouping seeks to counter-weigh Western dominance of global institutions, including blocs like the G7.

One of the main agendas of the Brics summit this year is the expansion of the bloc with hopes that broader membership will lend clout to the grouping that already boasts of representing about 40 per cent of the worlds population and a quarter of the global gross domestic product.

This realisation was not lost on China, which said the future will be shaped by the choices the grouping makes today.

Right now, changes in the world, in our times, and in history are unfolding in ways like never before, bringing human society to a critical juncture, Mr Wang said.

The course of history will be shaped by the choices we make.

He attacked the US without naming it and referred to it as obsessed with maintaining hegemony, [and] has gone out of its way to cripple the emerging markets and developing countries.

Whoever develops first becomes their target of containment. Whoever is catching up becomes its target of obstruction, he said.

All Brics members, however, are not on the same page as China.

India, a steadfast US ally that shares strained relations with its neighbour, is hesitant of empowering Beijing through the bloc.

India warned against rushing expansion and said it has positive intent and an open mind, according to its foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra.

Brazils president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, acknowledged that the motive is not to compete with Western institutions.
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South Korea has held nationwide air defence drills for the first time in six years in a bid to prepare citizens amid growing nuclear and missile threats from neighbour North Korea.

The 20-minute-long exercise kicked off at 2pm local time on Wednesday with sirens blaring on a rainy, but hot summer afternoon in downtown Seoul. The air raid alarm remained in effect for 15 minutes as community leaders in yellow jackets signalled pedestrians to seek shelter.

While Subway trains operated normally during this time, passengers deboarding at stations were not allowed to leave until the alarm was phased off. School officials also led students to take shelter in low-lying hallways, reported Korea Times.

But many people on the street appeared to ignore the calls or heed requests to find designated shelter.

Park Joo-ui, a community leader of the Jongno district in Seoul who passed out leaflets to notify the public about the drill said he was baffled by public indifference.

How can we be prepared for crisis when we dont get support from our people during this drill? People are just not interested, the 69-year-old said.

I didnt know about the drill. And people dont seem to care about it much. I dont believe there will be an actual war either, said Na Eun, a 52-year-old architectural designer.

While participation in the drill was not mandatory, it was organised for the first time since August 2017 to raise awareness about air raids.

In late May, the government caused panic among some residents and angered them when it issued a false air-raid alarm and evacuation warning following a failed satellite launch by North Korea, even though the capital was far off the rockets trajectory.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon (top centre) watches as people receive CPR training while practicing on dummys during a civil defence drill against possible artillery attacks by North Korea, in a subway station in Seoul on 23 August 2023 (AFP via Getty Images)

If North Korean soldiers suddenly invade, confusion will lead to more casualties, barista Ahn Tae-hong told New Strait Times. That is why we must train well.

Choi In-ho, a 62-year-old travel agent, lamented about the attitude towards the drill. We are always in confrontation with North Korea, but weve become too complacent about it, he was quoted as saying by AFP.

Around 500 multi-use facilities such as large supermarkets and movie theatres participated in the drill, while train, airplane and ferry services operated normally. Drivers in about 200 areas nationwide had been told to pull to the side of the road.

A civilian is offered snacks and bottled water during a civil defence drill against possible artillery attacks by North Korea, in a subway station in Seoul on 23 August 2023 (AFP via Getty Images)

At a large office buildings basement parking lot in Seoul, hundreds of office workers gathered following instructions of civil defence instructors through megaphones, with some sipping coffee and others complaining about no air conditioning.

Well, I dont know if this is going to happen, but if theres a bombing, this kind of shelter is useless, though it is still useful to know where those shelters are through the drill, a female banker said, asking not to be named.

A South Korean government official holding a civil defence flag guides citizens into underground facilities after an air raid siren sounded during a civil defence drill against possible artillery attacks by North Korea in Seoul on 23 August 2023 (AFP via Getty Images)

About 57 regions designated as special disaster zones due to rain from cyclone Khanun were exempted.

In some regions bordering North Korea, residents faced additional scenarios, including chemical, biological and radiological training, wearing a gas mask and using emergency food rations, reported Reuters.

South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol visited Command Post Tango, a bunker complex for the US-South Korea combined forces, and said, according to his office, that the joint drills are a source of power to deter North Koreas provocations.

The Ulchi civil defence exercises, aimed at preparing the residents for aerial offence scenarios, were launched in 1969 in the wake of a raid by North Korean commandos into the presidential compound in Seoul.

There are about 17,000 shelters installed across the country with a 52-million population.

Additional reporting by agencies
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At least 17 people have been killed in northeast India and dozens more are feared trapped after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed near the Sairang area of Mizoram state, police said.

The bridge collapsed on Wednesday around 10am local time (6.30am BST) when around 35 to 40 workers were present at the scene, the authorities said.

It was situated around 21 km from the state capital Aizwal.

Seventeen bodies have been recovered from the debris so far... many others are still missing, a police officer said, according to Indian media outlets.

A video of the incident tweeted by several Indian journalists purports to show half of the bridge broken down and reduced to rubble in the midst of the hilly area with dust rising from the scene.

Mizorams chief minister Zoramthanga said rescue operations were underway.

Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations, he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Prime minister Narendra Modi also shared his condolences and announced compensation for those killed and injured.

Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon, Mr Modi posted on X.

Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected.

An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh (1,891) from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs. 50,000 (472) would be given to the injured, he said.

Railway officers of the Northeast Frontier Railway rushed to the spot and are inspecting the scene, Sabyasachi De, the Chief Public Relations Officer of NF Railways told news agency ANI.
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Japan is facing growing diplomatic pressure from its neighbours as it readies to release treated radioactive water from the tsunami-wrecked Fukushima power plant into the ocean.

China on Wednesday said it would take all necessary measures to protect the marine environment, food safety and public health, after Beijing summoned the Japanese ambassador over the discharge of water.

"Vice foreign minister Sun Weidong summoned Japan's ambassador to China, Hideo Tarumi, to make solemn representations regarding the Japanese government's announcement that it would initiate the discharge of Fukushima's nuclear-contaminated water into the sea," a foreign ministry statement said.

Japan is to start releasing more than 1 million metric tonnes of treated radioactive water, enough to fill 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools, into the ocean on Thursday.

China, the biggest importer of Japanese seafood, has vehemently opposed Tokyo's decision, while imposing a ban on aquatic products.

The Asian financial centre of Hong Kong and the gambling hub of Macau will ban aquatic product imports from 10 Japanese regions, including Tokyo and Fukushima from Thursday.

The impact of the Hong Kong and Macau seafood bans could not be immediately calculated but would be "significant", Japan's ministry of agriculture, forestry and fisheries said.

In neighbouring South Korea, the majority opposition party and civic groups around the country stepped up protests on Wednesday against Japan, calling Tokyo's plan to discharge water from the Fukushima plant an act of "terror".

Hong Kong fishermen pour water on a depiction of Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at a protest outside the Japanese consulate in Hong Kong (AFP via Getty Images)

"We intend to hold the Yoon government responsible for failing to do its duties," opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung said at a party meeting.

A July public survey by Media Research found 62 per cent of the polled South Korean people said they would cut back or stop consuming seafood once the discharge goes ahead.

Democratic Party members and foreign minister Park Jin clashed in parliament over the possibility of direct impact to South Korea.

Mr Park said currents will carry the water around the Pacific along the Americas before it reaches South Korea's shores in four years containing less radioactive tritium than normal sea water.

Japan has said that the water release is safe and will be diluted to well below internationally approved levels of tritium (an isotope of hydrogen hard to separate from water) before being released into the Pacific.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved the plan in July, saying that it met international standards and that the impact it would have on people and the environment was "negligible".

I would like to reiterate that the release of tritium from nuclear facilities into waterways has and is undertaken worldwide with no evidence of environmental or human health implications, said Tony Hooker, director of the Centre for Radiation Research, Education and Innovation at The University of Adelaide.

I think with the likely comprehensive independent monitoring of the environment to occur around the release site of Fukushima, that this will hopefully alleviate some of the fear that has been generated around this issue.

The Fukushima discharge will be discussed at a meeting of the five-nation Melanesian Spearhead Group on Thursday as the Pacific Islands weigh in on the controversial move.
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Eight people were pulled to safety on Tuesday after a dramatic rescue effort hauled them from a cable car left dangling 900ft (274m) above a ravine in northwest Pakistan.

One of the two cable lines carrying the car snapped at around 0700 local time [GMT 0200] as six children were travelling to school alongside two adults in a remote mountainous area in Battagram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, about 200km (124 miles) north of the capital Islamabad.

Despite a desperate rescue mission, most of the pasengers were still trapped well into the night as the car clung to the lone cable, while local residents watched on anxiously from below and crowds gathered around televisions in offices, shops, restaurants and hospitals across Pakistan to watch the operation unfold.

Army commandos were called in as three helicopters initially scrambled to save those onboard, with efforts impeded by high winds and another rope some 30ft above the cable car.

People watch as a soldier dangled from a helicopter during the rescue mission (AFP/Getty)

The commandos initially managed to get food and medicine to the passengers in the cabin, which is believed to be used by dozens each day to cross the river to nearby schools, government offices and other businesses. Known by locals as Dolly, the cable car links the village of Jangri to Batangi, where the school is located.

The terrain below is difficult given the peaks and the river flowing underneath in the valley, said Bilal Fiazi, a spokesperson for the 1122 rescue service.

Our situation is precarious, for gods sake do something, Gulfaraz, a 20-year-old on the cable car, told local television channel Geo News over the phone, appealing to authorities to rescue them as soon as possible.

He said the children were aged between 10 and 15 and one had fainted due to heat and fear. It was reported by local media that one of the children on board had a possible heart condition.

Three of the children who were rescued from the cable car (AP)

But television footage appeared to show one schoolchild being winched to safety on a zip line in a harness shortly before night fell, with another said to have been rescued before the helicopter operation was grounded at around 1900 local time [GMT 1400].

Despite conflicting reports that four children had been pulled to safety at that point  and confusion over the ratio of children and adults onboard  it appears that six people remained onboard as the sun went down.

Floodlights were installed and an official said that cable crossing experts had been sent by the military to the area and would try to rescue the children by transerring them one by one on a smaller cable car, or trolley, along a cable.

Local residents said community members from surrounding areas who had experience rescuing people this way had also arrived.

A video shared by a rescue agency official showed more than a dozen rescuers and locals lined up near the edge of the dark ravine, pulling on a cable until a boy attached to it by a harness reached the hillside safely to cries of God is great.

A child is brough to safety along a zip line (EPA)

It is a slow and risky operation. One person needs to tie himself with a rope and he will go in a small [trolley] and rescue them one by one, Abdul Nasir Khan, a nearby resident told Reuters.

Just before 2300 local time [GMT 1800], Pakistans interim prime minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar announced that all the children onboard had been successfully rescued.

Moments later, his interior minister Sarfraz Bugti announced that the rescue mission had concluded successfully, as he expressed his appreciation for our valiant armed forces personnel, administration and locals for their selflessness and determination in carrying out this complex operation.

The rescue efforts had transfixed the country, while villagers had lined the slopes of the valley and appeared to have been eager to do all they could to rescue those trapped above.

An extremely difficult and complicated operation has been successfully completed by the Pakistan military, the military said in a statement. All stranded persons were safely evacuated and moved to a safe place ... civil administration and locals also actively came forward to participate in this operation.

Ten people were killed when a cable car lift installed by local villagers in the popular mountain resort of Murree broke and fell into a ravine hundreds of feet deep in 2017.

Mr Kakar said he had directed the authorities to conduct safety inspections of all such private chairlifts and ensure that they are safe to operate and use.

Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report
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Schoolchildren have hailed their miracle rescue after they were saved from a cable car dangling some 900ft (274 metres) above a ravine in Pakistan  saying they have been handed a second life after the ordeal, which lasted for more than 12 hours.

Army commandos, aided by civilians, used helicopters, before high winds and falling darkness forced them to be called away, and then a zip line to bring the eight people on board to safety. At least six children, aged between 10 and 16, were inside the apparatus, though accounts from officials differed on whether there were two adults, or one adult and another student, in the cable car.

Fifteen-year-old Osama Sharif said: I had heard stories about miracles, but I saw a miraculous rescue happening with my own eyes.

Another survivor, Attaullah Shah, 15, said: God has granted me a second life. He told reporters that he had thought it was my last day and I will be no more.

Osama had been been heading to school on Tuesday at about 7am local time, where he expected to receive the results of his final exams. It was a journey that normally took minutes. But a cable snapped, leaving the cable car hanging at a precarious angle. We suddenly felt a jolt, and it all happened so suddenly that we thought all of us are going to die, the 15-year-old said. We cried, and tears were in our eyes as we feared the cable car will go down.

Gul Faraz, aged 20, said he was the one to raise the alarm by ringing his parents. It is an unforgettable day, he told reporters, adding that he was unsure whether he would make it home. Faraz called his family first, and then television channel Geo News, whose coverage quickly drew the attention of the worlds media to the drama unfolding in the remote mountains of northern Pakistan.

Another unidentified passenger told a local TV channel that one of the other students on the cable car, who he said has a heart condition, had fainted. He said his own mobile battery was depleting fast and he had no means left to contact anyone during the initial moments after the cable snapped. Calls were made to other parents, and Osama said that they tried to reassure the children. They were telling us Dont worry, help is coming, he said.

Crowds gathered on either side of the ravine, anxiously waiting for news or trying to help in any way they could. They are in front of us but we are helpless  observing them and unable to provide any help, Mufti Hasan Zaib, a religious scholar from the village, told The New York Times. One of his relatives was stranded on the cable car.

There were fears that the remaining cable could give way at any time, and cries of God is Great arose as children were placed in harnesses and brought down by soldiers using the zip line. People had been constantly praying because there was a fear that the rope might break. People kept praying until the last person was rescued, emergency services official Waqar Ahmad said. Once everyone had been rescued, the families started crying with joy and hugging each other.

Locally made cable cars are a widely used method of transport in the mountainous Battagram district in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Gliding across steep valleys, they cut down travel time to schools, workplaces and businesses. But they are often poorly maintained.

A teacher, Iqbal, told local media that at least 150 students take that same cable car every day. The teacher explained that because there are no roads, students have no choice but to take the cable car. There are no other arrangements, he said.

Pakistans caretaker prime minister, Anwaar ul-Haq Kakar, has expressed concern over the cable cars failure and urged authorities to conduct safety checks on all private mountain chairlifts.

On Wednesday, police said a number of people had been detained in relation to the cable car incident. Local authorities in the mountainous regions in the northwest also said they would close all cable cars that were believed to be unsafe.

Authorities are preparing to repair the broken cable car, but Faraz urged the government to build new roads to link the village with other areas so that this method of transport is no longer necessary.

Ata Ullah, another rescued student, told reporters that he would steel himself for the next time he has to board a cable car.

I feel fear in my mind about using the cable car, but I have no other option. I will go to my school again when the cable car is repaired, he said.
 Close Pakistan cable car video

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A student who was stuck in a cable car suspended over a ravine in northwest Pakistan has spoken out about the 15-hour ordeal.

I thought it was my last day and I will be no more, Attaullah Shah was quoted as saying by AFP.

The 15-year-old, one of seven students travelling on the chairlift when one of its cables snapped, expressed gratitude for having survived the incident. God has granted me a second life, he said.

The families of the students rescued from the broken-down cable car erupted with joy as the last child was freed late last night, an official said.

Night fell as the first of the students was rescued and it was several more hours until the cable car was finally cleared of passengers.

People kept praying until the last person was rescued, emergency official Waqar Ahmad told AFP. Once everyone had been rescued, the families started crying with joy and hugging each other.

Pakistans government confirmed the rescue mission was complete some 15 hours after the car first got stuck, and declared inspections of cable cars will be carried out across the country.
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Thailands former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was moved from prison to a hospital less than a day after he returned from an extended exile and started serving an eight-year sentence.

Shinawatra, soon after landing in his home country after 15 years abroad, was sent to prison to serve sentences for several criminal convictions made in absentia that he had decried as politically motivated.

He was then transferred due to concerns about his heart and high blood pressure on his first night in jail following his arrest. The Corrections Department said in a statement that Shinawatra had to be referred to Bangkoks police hospital around 2am on Wednesday after he complained of chest tightness and high blood pressure.

Doctors at the prisons hospital said he should be transferred to prevent life-threatening risks, the statement said.

Corrections officials had previously said he was considered vulnerable due to his age and chronic heart and lung conditions, high blood pressure and back problems.

Police said Shinawatra was hospitalised because the prison was unable to guarantee he would get the right care.

The prison has assessed the situation and saw that it lacks doctors and medical equipment that can take care of the patient, assistant national police chief Lieutenant General Prachuab Wongsuk told Reuters.

Shinawatra made his homecoming on Tuesday and was escorted to jail in dramatic scenes that stole the spotlight from political ally Srettha Thavisin, who was elected prime minister in a parliamentary vote later in the day.

The Supreme Court confirmed on Tuesday that Shinawatra would have to serve eight years in prison over convictions for abuse of power and conflicts of interest.

The return of Thailands most famous politician was met with celebrations by his supporters and blow-by-blow media coverage of arrival in Bangkok on his private jet, and his transfer to prison soon after.

Thaksin Shinawatra greeting supporters on 22 August 2023 (AP)

His return and Mr Sretthas surprisingly smooth ascent to the top job will add to speculation that the influential businessman-turned-politician had struck a deal with his foes in the military and political establishment for his safe return and, possibly, an early release from jail.

Shinawatra and Pheu Thai have denied that.

Pheu Thai entered into a coalition with other parties that support the military, while excluding the progressive Move Forward party, which won the most votes in the polls.

A coup earlier in 2014 had removed the Pheu Thai from power.

Mr Srettha is expected to receive a royal endorsement as prime minister later on Wednesday, according to Thai media.

Additional reporting by agencies
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Authorities in Pakistan have evacuated over 100,000 people after weeks of rainfall once again led to a dangerous flooding situation, in a grim reminder of last years catastrophe.

The evacuation orders covered large parts of the eastern Punjab region along the Sutlej River where flooding has been recorded in the last three weeks, officials said on Wednesday.

Sutlej river swelled to extremely high levels on Saturday, at one point expanding around 4km wider, more than the Indus river, data showed.

The swelling of the river inundated several districts, prompting more rescue operations in recent days.

Most of the evacuations were reported in the districts of Bahawalpur and Kasur in Punjab province.

Small-scale evacuations had already begun in July after neighbouring India diverted water from dams into the Ravi River, which flows from India into Pakistan.

Later rainfall also flooded the Sutlej river, prompting authorities to evacuate people living nearby.

The national disaster management agency said water levels in the Ravi river are currently normal, but will rise further in the Sutlej river this week.

The water inundated roads and also threatened several government buildings in Hussainiwala city, including the National Martyrs Memorial.

This year, once again Pakistan has been struggling with flooding in low-lying areas due to heavy rainfall that has killed over 170 people since June.

The rainfall has also sparked catastrophes in neighbouring India, including flooding in national capital Delhi and landslides in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

South Asia receives 70-80 per cent of its yearly rainfall in the three-month monsoon season starting in June. However, various scientific assessments have found that increasing global temperatures due to the man-made climate crisis are making rainfall more intense and erratic, leading to more flooding.

Other factors, such as infrastructural vulnerabilities, also make the region highly prone to the increased impact of the disaster.

Pakistani authorities are still struggling to overcome the damage caused by massive floods last summer that affected 33 million people and killed 1,739. The floods caused $30bn in damage to the countrys economy.
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Camila Alves McConaughey has claimed that her mother-in-law Mary McCabe put her through a series of tests when she first began seriously dating Matthew McConaughey.

The Brazilian model, 41, started dating the How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days star in 2006. The couple married six years later.

Things, however, were a little tense between her and his mother at the beginning, Camila said during a recent appearance on the Biscuits and Jam podcast by Southern Living magazine.

Camila recalled: She did all these things when I first came in the picture, right? She was really testing me. I mean, really testing me.

She would call me by all of Matthews ex-girlfriends names, she would start speaking Spanish with me in a very broken way, kind of putting [me] down a bit. I mean, all kinds of stuff.

Determined not to let McCabe rile her, Camila said she invited her future mother-in-law to go with her on a work trip to Istanbul.

Initially, McCabe wouldnt give up either. Camila recalled: The whole way there, the whole plane ride to Istanbul, she was telling me all these stories and putting all these things in my head.

It was on the third day of the trip that the designer realised that McCabe was full of s***, she joked. So I just flip it on her and brought my spicy Brazilian, Latin side, and I let her have it.

So I went back at her, and we had it back and forth, back and forth. And then at the end, she just looked at me and she was like, OK. Now youre in.

Camila and McCabes relationship took a turn for the better after the model realised that the older woman had wanted her to fight back.

And then, from that day on, that night on, we have the most amazing relationship, and I have so much respect for her. She has so much respect for me, Camila said, adding that while things between them can be tricky at times, they are able to get through with a good laugh and a joke.

Camila and Matthew married in a three-day celebration at their home in Austin, Texas, on 9 June 2012.

Camila Alves and Matthew McConaughey attend the premiere of Illumination's "Sing 2" on December 12, 2021 (Getty Images)

Their wedding was attended by 120 guests, who included Reese Witherspoon and Woody Harrelson. Their children, Levi, 15, and Vida, 13, participated in the ceremony as ring bearer and flower girl.

Speaking to People, Camila said the children seemed to understand what we are doing on a spiritual level.

Matthew added: We decided to embrace the ritual of marriage as a opportunity and adventure well take together.

The couple welcomed son Levi in 2008 and daughter Vida in 2010. Their third child, Livingston, was born at the end of 2012.

Earlier this year, Camila and Matthew gifted 15-year-old Levi with social media accounts for his birthday, but opened up about feeling nervous about their son being online.

They revealed that they had been talking about it for three years now, but were confident that the teenager knows who he is.

i think he can handle it, Matthew said in a joint Instagram video with Camila. He has a great story to tell, to share.

I want to let all of yall know youre getting a very cool and respectful young man, Levi McConaughey is coming at you, and I hope you can all do your best to treat him the same way.
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Naomi Campbell has been hit with backlash from fans over her newly announced collaboration with fast fashion retailer PrettyLittleThing (PLT).

The supermodel, 53, who has modelled for Prada, Yves Saint Laurent and Burberry, is expected to release a clothing line with PLT in the coming months after the brand shared a promotional video to tease the collaboration.

In it, a directors chair is left empty on a photoshoot set, with the words: PrettyLittleThing designed by Naomi Campbell coming soon.

The retailer has previously been criticised for contributing to the fast fashion cycle  an industry which is based on mass-producing low-cost, low-quality clothes and accessories.

The negative environmental impacts of fast fashion are well-known, with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) previously naming the fashion industry the second-biggest consumer of water and responsible for eight to 10 per cent of global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined.

The forthcoming collaboration has been labelled by fans as disappointing and shocking due to the brands fast fashion business model.

Naomi Campbell x PLT is the most disappointing collab to come out in recent times.I have no words, wrote on Twitter user.

This Naomi Campbell x PLT news has hit me hard, another added. Is this just proof that the whole sustainable fashion system is so unattainable that weve pretty much given up / decided its not our problem to fix?

One fan wrote: Never thought Id see the day where PLT and a whole Naomi Campbell collab, as another added: A high fashion model for a fast fashion IG influencer online boutique??!! How do you go from Valentino to PLT? I HAVE QUESTIONS THAT NEED ANSWERS.

The Independent has contacted representatives of Campbell and PLT for comment.

The company has seen some major changes in its directorial roles recently. Last month, former Love Island star Molly-Mae-Hague stepped back from her creative director role to focus on her baby daughter Bambi.

The brand typically works with influencers and reality TV stars who front their campaigns. After leaving the Love Island villa in 2019, Hague signed with the online fast fashion outlet as creative director as she became the face of the brand.

I am still working with them and doing collections and edits, but I have actually decided to step down as my creative director role, Hague said in a YouTube video last month.

Over the last few weeks, I have realised that Im only going to get this time once with my first-born child and Im only going to get Bambi being four months old once and I feel like Ive had to rearrange my life a little bit and lose some commitments that I did have.

Hague added that she did not give herself maternity leave because her work is her phone but the decision to leave the role at the company was collectively decided with the brand.

The news comes as Campbell announced she has welcomed her second child, a baby boy, on Thursday (29 June). Campbell shared the surprise on Instagram with a photo of herself and her two-year-old daughter holding hands with the newborn.

Its never too late to become a mother, Campbell wrote in the caption.
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Starbucks has just dropped its 2023 fall lineup with the added surprise of two brand new drinks alongside fan favourites like the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte.

According to the coffee chain, fans should be prepared to say goodbye to summer with a taste of fall on 24 August, when items new and old make their way to Starbucks locations.

As companies all over begin to decorate their storefronts with autumn-themed merchandise, Starbucks prepares to celebrate not only one of its most lucrative seasons but also the 20th anniversary of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. The popular seasonal drink has over the past two decades become synonymous with fall itself.

Some other beloved drinks joining the 2023 lineup include newer fan favourites like the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato.

Meanwhile, the new drinks on the block will include the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, which was reportedly inspired by a popular barista and customer customisation. The new drink takes Starbucks classic chai up a notch with the added twist of the highly anticipated, seasonal pumpkin cream cold foam. Starbucks beverage developer Billy Altieri said in a press release: "The warm spice flavors of chai and pumpkin seamlessly blend together, creating a creamy and comforting iced beverage.

Meanwhile, another new addition will be the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, following in the footsteps of its much warmer predecessor. Altieri described the new twist on the fan-favourite as the warm, gooey taste of apple crisp paired with a cup of coffee meld perfectly to unveil a cosy beverage.

Starbucks Reserve locations around the United States will also be offering pumpkin spice beverages, including the Starbucks Reserve Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Spice Whiskey Barrel-Aged Iced Latt, and Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini. There will also be new items from the Princi Bakery on the menu, such as the Pumpkin Maritozzo and Pumpkin Spice cake among others. At Starbucks Reserve and select Starbucks locations, there will also be two special whole bean coffees available for purchase: the Starbucks Reserve Vietnam Du Lat and Malawi Sable Farms.

Some tried and true classics will also be on the menu at regular Starbucks shops to satisfy customers alongside the new fall flavours, notably pastries like the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, Baked Apple Croissant, and Owl Cake Pop. Staple coffee beans like the Guatemala Casi Cielo, which the company has been using since 2004 when the Pumpkin Spice Latte was first launched, will also return.

Fans took to Twitter to express their excitement, with one user writing that they had been waiting for this all year, and another wondering: Why not keep fan favourites year-round? Imagine sipping a Pumpkin Spice Latte in April! Its more than just a drink; its an experience.

However, some were perplexed that the company was launching its lineup so early, writing: its AUGUST bro.

But mostly, people were simply ecstatic that their favourite drinks were back: Enjoying all the pumpkin spice and dont care what anyone says!
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Jennifer Aniston has revealed why her friend and co-star Adam Sandler sends her flowers every year on Mothers Day.

Last year, the Friends actor spoke to Allure about her fertility journey, including her experience with in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and the public pressure to have children.

She alluded to her fertility journey when she discussed the really hard s*** she went through during her thirties and forties. I would say my late 30s, 40s, Id gone through really hard s*** and if it wasnt for going through that, I wouldve never become who I was meant to be, she said.

Thats why I have such gratitude for all those s****y things. Otherwise, I wouldve been stuck being this person that was so fearful, so nervous, so unsure of who they were. And now, I dont f***ing care.

Aniston went on to explain that she tried everything during those years to get pregnant, and described how difficult it was. I was trying to get pregnant. It was a challenging road for me, the baby-making road, she said.

All the years and years and years of speculation... It was really hard. I was going through IVF, drinking Chinese teas, you name it. I was throwing everything at it, she said. I wouldve given anything if someone had said to me, Freeze your eggs. Do yourself a favour. You just dont think it. So, here I am today. The ship has sailed.

Although her attempts to have children were unsuccessful, Aniston said she was glad to have gone through her fertility journey, so she wouldnt dwell on how her life could have been different if she tried. I have zero regrets, she told Allure. I actually feel a little relief now because there is no more, Can I? Maybe. Maybe. Maybe. I dont have to think about that anymore.

Aniston revealed that her private fertility struggle was made more difficult when it was rumoured that her and Brad Pitts divorce in 2005 was because she was selfish for not wanting children, and that she cared more about her career.

God forbid a woman is successful and doesnt have a child. And the reason my husband left me, why we broke up and ended our marriage, was because I wouldnt give him a kid. It was absolute lies, she said to Allure, adding: I dont have anything to hide at this point.

After opening up about her struggles, many people offered their support to Aniston, with some fans demanding the tabloids apologise for pushing the narrative that she chose not to have children. One of these people was Adam Sandler, her Murder Mystery co-star. In a new interview with the Wall Street Journal, the Morning Show actor and producer revealed that Sandler and his wife, Jackie Sandler, send her a bouquet of flowers every single Mothers Day in order to show their love and support.

Aniston also explained that its difficult for her to date because of her parents relationship. Her parents, actors John Aniston and Nancy Dow, got divorced when she was nine years old. It was always a little bit difficult for me in relationships, I think, because I really was kind of alone. I dont know, she said. My parents, watching my familys relationship, didnt make me kind of go, Oh, I cant wait to do that.
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Matthew McConaugheys wife, Camila Alves McConaughey, has revealed that her husband is not nearly as laid back as he may seem.

The model, 41, spoke candidly about her relationship with the actor, who shes been married to since 2012, during a recent episode of Southern Livings Biscuits and Jam podcast. She noted that, while fans may see her partner as a fairly relaxed person, hes actually nothing like that.

When we first started dating, it was this image of Matthew of getting high, laid back, no shirt, whatever, she said. Which Im like: The guy doesnt even smoke. What is this vision coming from?

While she said that fans may not necessarily have that image of her husband anymore, she further explained how hes not laid back. For example, she described the ways in which he likes to keep things in order, similarly to his mother, Mary Kathlene Kay McCabe.

Hes actually the opposite, and hes like his mom, she said. Shes very organised, very minimalistic, very on time, very prepared, and he gets a lot of those traits from her.

As Camila spoke candidly about the early days of her relationship, she also claimed that her now mother-in-law put her through a series of tests when she first began seriously dating the How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days star.

She did all these things when I first came into the picture, right? She was really testing me. I mean, really testing me, she recalled. She would call me by all of Matthews ex-girlfriends names, she would start speaking Spanish with me in a very broken way, kind of putting [me] down a bit. I mean, all kinds of stuff.

According to Camila, she didnt let the tests get to her, so she invited McCabe to go with her on a work trip to Istanbul. However, she said that while they were on the plane, her now mother-in-law kept sharing these stories and putting all these things in [her] head. The model explained that by the third day of the trip, she brought [her] spicy Brazilian, Latin side and let [her] mother-in-law have it.

So I went back at her, and we had it back and forth, back and forth. And then at the end, she just looked at me and she was like: Okay. Now youre in, Camila recalled.

Camila went on to acknowledge that she then realised that McCabe had wanted her to fight back, which ultimately bettered their relationship moving forward.

And then, from that day on, that night on, we have the most amazing relationship, and I have so much respect for her. She has so much respect for me, Camila said.

She added that while things between them can be tricky at times, they are able to get through with a good laugh and a joke.

Camila and Matthew first started dating in 2006, before getting married in a three-day celebration at their home in Austin, Texas, on 9 June 2012. Their children, Levi, 15, and Vida, 13, participated in the ceremony as ring bearer and flower girl. They went on to welcome their third child, Livingston, at the end of 2012.

Earlier this year, Camila gave a glimpse of her close relationship with McCabe, as she shared an Instagram post in honour of her on Mothers Day.

What can I sayYou teach me daily for the last few years since moving in with us, some lessons outside of my growing up values some that I need some that I dont..but lessons I will carry for the rest of my journey! she wrote in the caption of the post, which featured a snap of her and McCabe hugging. You surprise me constantly!! Love you Happy #Mothersday.

Meanwhile, Matthew has also been open about the early days of his relationship. During an interview with People in 2020, he said that, although he once wasnt sure that hed find the one for him, that all changed when he met Camila in 2006.

Thats when she showed up, and she moved right to left in front of my eyes across that club. It was as if she was floating. And I did not say: Who is that? I said: What is that? And then introduced myself, he said. Since that evening I have not wanted to spend time with any other woman, definitely have not wanted to sleep with anyone else. Ive not wanted to have children with anyone else other than her.
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A Tennessee news anchor unintentionally introduced a romantic segment starring her and her boyfriend during a live newscast.

Cornelia Nicholson was brought to tears when her partner and co-anchor Riley Nagel presented her with the best surprise on-air. The Chattanooga-based journalist exposed her unforeseen engagement in a 21 August TikTok. One moment, Cornelia is sitting at her desk reading off the teleprompter in front of her, and the next shes staring at Nagel with a bouquet of flowers in his hand.

Coming up right now, we have the story of two journalists who just so happened to find love in the same industry. Local 3s Riley Nagel joins us in the studio with a special report, Nicholson said, smiling to herself as she read the words given to her. Nagel approached her and proclaimed: Thats right, Cornelia. I have a special report for people at home who may know Cornelia and I met in the news, back in Montana.

Nagel explained how the two had been introduced four years ago and that he was immediately drawn to her. He complimented her bright personality and journalistic instincts. You are pretty much the reason, the main reason, why Im still in news today, Nagel noted.

I thought it would be fitting to ask you this question here, as we met in news, he continued. Cornelia Nicholson, would you marry me?

A shocked Nicholson brought her hands to her mouth, weeping, as Nagel knelt on one knee in front of her. She shook her head before answering: Yes. Nagel slipped the ring on her shaking finger, sealing the deal with a quick kiss and long embrace.

Still at a loss for words. Riley Nagel hid this so well. I am so excited for our future together, Nicholsons TikTok caption read. The video, which has now received more than 4.1 million views on the app alone, attracted thousands of supporters eager to congratulate the newly engaged pair.

One fan wrote: This was the sweetest most gentle proposal. Im crying.

I LOVE how he listed all the ways he admired and respected her, and even checked in on her mid-proposal, one man pointed out, while another added: I love how theyre keeping their news voices for the proposal.

I usually dont like to watch these cause Im bitter, but this was just beautiful, a self-proclaimed cynic remarked. Most viewers commented on how smitten Nagel seemed, adding that the pair stayed true to themselves in how they prefer to be broadcasted.

In a later video, Nicholson thanked her followers for their warm messages and sweet congratulations on behalf of her and Nagel. Thank you, everyone. We are so blown away and grateful reading all your comments. I cant believe Im engaged to my best friend.

Speaking to The Independent, Nocholson confessed: Saturday was the best day of both our lives. Were excited to spend the rest of our lives together and looking forward to make endless memories. We are so grateful to everyone for the outpouring love and support to us. We havent stopped smiling since the proposal.
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Just two weeks after Prince Harrys His Royal Highness was removed from the royal family website, another update has been made.

As the majority of the royal family is currently in Scotland at Balmoral Castle, some updates are being made to their official website.

On Tuesday, a royal family blogger under the username Gerts Royals, posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, an announcement that the monarchys website has been updated for the second time this month, and now features a drop down menu that leads to four other web pages.

In the top right corner of the royal.uk website, users can now see a menu titled Royal websites. Underneath that menu, visitors can navigate to The Royal Collection Trust, which is the manager of the royal art collection and public openings of royal residences, The Princes Trust, which is King Charles longstanding charity dedicated to at-risk youth, The Royal Foundation, which is Prince William and Kate Middletons charity, and The Duke of Edinburghs Award, a youth awards program founded by Prince Philip and headed today by Prince Edward, the new Duke of Edinburgh.

Another new website feature appears directly to the left of the dropdown menu and is titled, Their Majesties work as Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. This allows for users to look back on speeches, press releases, and other news from the Clarence House website from before the accession of King Charles and Queen Camilla, according to People.

The website has not been fully updated since the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II, as an explainer portion of the website on proper protocol for greeting a member of the royal family still refers to her as the sovereign.

(Royal family website)

The last website update took place in the beginning of August, when it was altered to reflect the current titles of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Prior to the change, the couple was referred to as the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, the titles they held prior to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Similarly, references to Prince William and Kate as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been updated to reflect the couples titles as the Prince and Princess of Wales.

There was also an update to Prince Harrys page on the royal family website, which no longer includes the title His Royal Highness. Until recently, the Duke of Sussex was still being referred to by his HRH title in his bio on the royal familys website. However, the current version of the page does not include any HRH references, instead referring to the royal either as the duke or the Duke of Sussex.

In June, a section of the site that detailed Harrys work to raise awareness around HIV/AIDS in 2016, previously read: In 2016, His Royal Highness underwent a public HIV test at Guys and St Thomas Hospital to raise awareness and promote how easy it is to get tested, as part of his on-going efforts to eradicate stigmas associated with HIV/AIDS.

In a statement to Express, the Palace explained their reason for the delays in website updates, stating: 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.

The Independent has contacted Buckingham Palace and a representative for the Sussexes for comment.
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A celebrity sightseeing tour that promises to take passengers within feet of Prince Harry and Meghan Markles Montecito home has sparked backlash over privacy concerns.

The bus tour - advertised as the Royal Celebrity Tour of Los Angeles and Montecito - is being led by photographer Karl Larsen, a close friend of Meghans estranged father, Thomas Markle. According to The Mirror, each tour costs $1,200 (958.84) for a group of six.

A listing for the sightseeing tour first popped up on the site Tripening, where it was advertised alongside a photo of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sharing a kiss at a polo match in Santa Barbara. The description for the Royal Celebrity Tour, written by Larsen, read: Im the world-famous celebrity photographer Karl Larsen, a best friend of Thomas Markle (Meghans father) and the guy with a stunning exclusive portfolio of pictures of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle together in Montecito.

Larsen described himself as the only person in the world who knows the truth about what happened between Meghan Markle and her father ahead of her marriage to Prince Harry in May 2018. I am the only person who has an open communication pathway between Meghans camp and the rest of the Markle family, he wrote. There is nobody on the planet that knows more info that [sic] me and Im the only person thats qualified to put on such a tour.

The listing promised that passengers would get an in-depth tour of where Meghan grew up and the beachside California town where Harry and Meghan and an army of other A-listers call home.

The tour aims to take tourists to Harry and Meghans favourite Montecito hangouts, the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club where the royals shared a kiss last year, Meghans old homes and schools in Los Angeles, and a road close to the Sussexes Montecito estate. There are also plans, according to the Mirror, to expand the trip to Rosarito, Mexico - where fans can meet Thomas Markle.

As fans caught wind of the Royal Celebrity Tour, many people took to social media to share their disapproval of the bus tour. Christopher Bouzy, a tech entrepreneur who appeared in Netflixs Harry and Meghan docuseries, expressed his concerns that the tour could open the couple up to harassment from tourists. His tech firm, Bot Sentinel, led research into online trolls targeting the Sussexes.

The harassment of Harry and Meghan is escalating, and now these deranged people are taking their harassment offline while trying to profit off their harassment. This is sick, he wrote on his social networking site, Spoutible.

This is sick, one user replied, while another said: Craziness indeed.

In response to the backlash, the official account for Tripening posted on X - formally known as Twitter - that they removed the Royal Celebrity Tour listing from its website. Thanks for the heads up! We removed that tour from sale, Tripening said.

Meanwhile, Larsen launched a YouTube channel with Meghans father, called Remarkable Friendship, in March 2022. In one episode, the photographer reportedly suggested that Thomas should buy the house next door to Meghans mother Doria Ragland, which was on sale at the time.

Speaking to Newsweek about the Royal Celebrity Tour, Larsen clarified that he had no intentions of going past Harry and Meghans house, just where the actor grew up in Los Angeles. I want to have the tour be available where she grew up. Were going to go to Montecito but just places they go to, restaurants they go to, he told the outlet. Its a custom tour so if people want to go see other sights thats what were going to do but we will not go past Dorias house and we will not go past Harry and Meghans.

He added that the online backlash to the tour will not stop it from going ahead, saying: This is not going to be the end of the tour.

After stepping down as senior members of the royal family in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan briefly relocated to Canada with their son, Archie, before finding a permanent residence in Montecito, California. At the time, Harry said he hoped their decision would lead to a quieter life as they continue to raise their four-year-old son and their two-year-old daughter, Lilibet, in the states.

The backlash to the Royal Celebrity Tour comes amid Harrys ongoing legal battle against a number of UK newspapers for an alleged invasion of privacy. During the couples bombshell sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Meghan also spoke of a desire for privacy. I think everyone has a basic right to privacy. Basic. Were not talking about anything that anybody else wouldnt expect, she said.

However, the Sussexes thoughts about privacy were infamously parodied in a recent episode of South Park. A spokesperson for the royal couple previously refuted claims that Harry and Meghan stepped back from the royal family because they wanted privacy, pointing out that the duke and duchess never said a desire for privacy was a factor in their decision.

Their statement announcing their decision to step back mentions nothing of privacy and reiterates their desire to continue their roles and public duties, Ashley Hansen, the couples global press secretary, told the New York Times. They are choosing to share their story, on their terms, and yet the tabloid media has created an entirely untrue narrative that permeates press coverage and public opinion. The facts are right in front of them.

The Independent has contacted Larsen and the Sussexes for comment.
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Zendaya has spoken candidly about how her rise to stardom elicited a lack of privacy in her personal life, especially in her relationship.

Between her unique vocals and captivating on-screen performances, the 26-year-old star is known for her myriad of talents. However, the recognition and increased visibility have brought about a forced acceptance of no longer being able to keep aspects of her life out of the public eye. When speaking to Elle, Zendaya said: Parts of my life, I accept, are going to be public.

The Bulgari muse reflected on the moment in her career when she realised fame changed her daily lifestyle. While filming The Challengers in 2022 opened her eyes to the shift, Zendaya didnt notice an intrinsic adjustment until filming for the last Spider-Man and the last season of Euphoria wrapped.

Before, I could get away with going places and getting in and out. But in Boston [last spring], I would end up going right back home, because it was really overstimulating, the former Disney Channel actor noted. Everybody would go hang out at a bar or something, and Id be like: Id love to, but I think I could ruin everybodys night. Because its just not going to be fun once Im there.

And its been no better for the model internationally. On a recent trip to Venice  where she was photographed by paparazzi with her dog  normal activities were impossible to do without eyes on her. I had this idea of, like, I can walk around Venice. No, I cant, she proclaimed. I had to pick up his poo, and I was like, Lord, please, dont take a picture of me picking up my dogs shit.

Zendaya continued: Theres a picture of me holding the bag, but thankfully they spared the grabbing and the putting it in the bag part.

For her relationship with the 27-year-old English actor Tom Holland, Zendaya has adopted a you get what you get mentality for her fanbase. She wouldnt have met the new Spiderman lead if it wasnt for her talent and notoriety. At the same time, the multifaceted A-lister doesnt like the idea of having the intimate details of their relationship known to everyone. But shes not going to avoid a connection and romantic experience either just because its difficult to keep hidden.

I cant not be a person and live my life and love the person I love. But also, I do have control over what I choose to share, she confessed. Its about protecting the peace and letting things be your own but also not being afraid to exist. You cant hide. Thats not fun, either. I am navigating it more than ever now.

Zendaya and Holland met on set in 2016. The two quickly sparked romance rumours as they were increasingly spotted together, but it wasnt until they were caught kissing at a stoplight in 2021 did the speculation have merit.

That same year, Holland spoke to GQ about how necessary privacy is in a relationship, even for a well-regarded individual like him. He said: One of the downsides of our fame is that privacy isnt really in our control anymore, and a moment that you think is between two people that love each other very much is now a moment that is shared with the entire world.

Following the moment, the Dune actor addressed her desire to hide parts of her relationship while speaking to GQ. The equal sentiment [we both share] is just that when you really love and care about somebody, some moments or things, you wish were your own, Zendaya added. I think loving someone is a sacred thing and a special thing and something that you want to deal with and go through and experience and enjoy amongst the two people that love each other.
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Prosecutors in Australia have dropped a potential criminal case against Amber Heard over allegations that she lied to a court about how her pet Yorkshire terriers were imported into Australia in 2015.

The dogs (named Pistol and Boo) were allegedly smuggled into Australia in June of that year when Heards then-husband Johnny Depp was filming the fifth instalment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

Australias Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, a biosecurity watchdog, said the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions decided against prosecuting 37-year-old Heard for allegedly feigning ignorance about the nations strict quarantine regulations.

Prosecution action will not be taken against Heard over allegations related to her sentencing for the illegal import of two dogs, the department said in a statement.

The case appeared to be settled years ago; in 2016 Heard pleaded guilty to making a false statement on her immigration card about the dogs and received a one-month good behaviour bond.

Prosecutors dropped more serious charges that the Aquaman actor illegally imported the dogs  a potential 10-year prison sentence.

However, during Depps 2020 libel lawsuit against The Sun, one of his employees told the UKs High Court that Heard instructed him to lie under oath and pretend she did not know she was breaking the law by travelling with her pets.

Amber Heard and Johnny Depp in Australia (AAP)

The department had investigated discrepancies between what her lawyer told an Australian court in 2016  when she admitted smuggling the dogs  and testimony given in London in 2020.

The false documentation charge carried a maximum penalty of a year in jail and a fine of more than 10,000 Australian dollars (5,089). Magistrate Bernadette Callaghan sentenced Heard instead to a one-month good behavior bond, under which she would only have to pay a fine of AU$1,000 (509) if she committed any offence in Australia over the next month.

The department told the Associated Press it collaborated with overseas agencies to investigate whether Heard had provided false testimony about her knowledge of Australias biosecurity laws and whether an employee had falsified a statutory declaration under duress of losing their job.

The department had provided prosecutors with a brief of evidence against Heard, but no charges would be laid.

After the situation received media attention in 2015, Australias deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce told a press conference: Mr Depp has to either take his dogs back to California or were going to have to euthanise them. Its time that Pistol and Boo buggered off back to the United States.

Depp later joked with reporters at the Venice Film Festival he had killed his dogs and ate them following direct orders from some kind of sweaty big-gutted man from Australia.

Pistol and Boo became Heards property when the couple divorced in 2017.

In 2021, Heard revealed she had named her new dog after the Australian politician.

Additional reporting from the Associated Press
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Gen. Sergei Surovikin, a former commander of Russia's forces in Ukraine who was linked to the leader of an armed rebellion, has been dismissed from his job as chief of the air force, according to Russian state media. The report Wednesday came after weeks of uncertainty about his fate following the short-lived uprising.

Surovikin has not been seen in public since armed rebels marched toward Moscow in June, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the Wagner mercenary group. In a video released during the uprising, Surovikin urged Prigozhin's men to pull back.

During his long absence, Russian media have speculated about Surovikins whereabouts, with some claiming he had been detained due to his purported close ties to Prigozhin.

Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, citing an anonymous source, reported that Surovikin has been replaced as commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces by Col. Gen. Viktor Afzalov, who is currently head of the main staff of the air force.

The agency frequently represents the official position of the Kremlin through reports citing anonymous officials in Russias defense and security establishment.

The Russian government has not commented on the report, and The Associated Press was not able to confirm it independently.

Russian daily newspaper RBC wrote that Surovikin is being transferred to a new job and is now on vacation.

Alexei Venediktov, the former head of the now-closed radio station Ekho Moskvy, and Ksenia Sobchak, the daughter of a Putin-linked politician, both wrote on social media Tuesday that Surovikin had been removed.

In late June, Surovikins daughter told the Russian social media channel Baza that her father had not been arrested.

The Wagner uprising posed the most serious challenge to President Vladimir Putin's 23-year rule and reports circulated that Surovikin had known about it in advance.

According to Sobchak, Surovikin was removed from his post Aug. 18, by a closed decree. The family still has no contact with him.

Surovikin was dubbed General Armageddon for his brutal military campaign in Syria and led Russias operations in Ukraine between October 2022 and January 2023. Under his command, Russian forces unleashed regular missile barrages on Ukrainian cities, significantly damaging civilian infrastructure and disrupting heating, electricity and water supplies.

Both Surovikin and Prigozhin were both active in Syria, where Russian forces have fought to shore up Syrian President Bashar Assads government since 2015.

Surovikin was replaced as commander in Russia's war in Ukraine by Chief of General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov, following Russias withdrawal from the southern city of Kherson amid a swift counteroffensive by Kyiv's troops, but the air force general continued to serve under Gerasimov as a deputy commander.

Prigozhin had spoken positively of Surovikin while criticizing Russias military brass, and suggested he should be appointed General Staff chief to replace Gerasimov.
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Taking an adult education class could help lower your risk of developing dementia, researchers have found.

Middle-aged and senior citizens in adult education have a 19% reduced chance of developing the condition within five years, a new study suggests.

The findings also suggest that people who took the classes kept up their fluid intelligence  the ability to reason quickly and to think abstractly  and non-verbal reasoning performance better than peers who did not.

First author Dr Hikaru Takeuchi, of Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan, said: Here we show that people who take adult education classes have a lower risk of developing dementia five years later.

Adult education is likewise associated with better preservation of non-verbal reasoning with increasing age.

Here we show that people who take adult education classes have a lower risk of developing dementia five years later Dr Hikaru Takeuchi, Tohoku University

Dr Takeuchi and his co-author Dr Ryuta Kawashima, also a professor at the Institute of Development, Ageing and Cancer at the university, analysed data from 282,421 people in the UK Biobank, which holds genetic, health, and medical information from approximately half a million British volunteers,

They had enrolled between 2006 and 2010, when they were between 40 and 69, and had been followed up for an average of seven years at the time of the new study.

Based on their DNA, people were given an individual predictive risk score for dementia, and self-reported if they took any adult education classes, without specifying the frequency, subject, or academic level.

The study looked at data from the enrolment visit and third assessment visit, between 2014 and 2018.

Those enrolled in the study were given psychological and cognitive tests, for example for fluid intelligence, visuospatial memory and reaction time.

According to the study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 1.1% of people in the sample developed dementia over the course of the study.

It also found that people who were taking part in adult education, at enrolment had 19% lower risk of developing dementia than participants who did not.

The results were similar when people with a history of diabetes, high cholesterol, cardiovascular diseases, cancer or mental illness were excluded.

The researchers suggest this means the observed lower risk was not exclusively due to people with developing dementia being prevented from following adult education by symptoms of these known conditions.

Dr Kawashima said: One possibility is that engaging in intellectual activities has positive results on the nervous system, which in turn may prevent dementia.

But ours is an observational longitudinal study, so if a direct causal relationship exists between adult education and a lower risk of dementia, it could be in either direction.
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The Crown Prosecution Service has been told to get a grip by a watchdog after crime victims who made complaints received responses containing basic errors.

Around half of the written responses to complaints scrutinised by the HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) were found to be inadequate.

The blunders ranged from getting the names of complainants wrong to simple spelling and grammatical mistakes. There were also delays in responding to complaints.

In one instance, the CPS failed to tell a domestic abuse victim when their attacker had been released from custody.

Its a part of the CPSs work that, for me, is disappointing and they need to get a grip of it now Andrew Cayley

Another victim was offered compensation in response to her complaint when she just wanted an explanation about how her case had been handled.

The watchdog set a deadline for standards to improve by December next year as it warned that sending letters containing errors could lead to an erosion in confidence in the criminal justice system.

HMCPSI chief inspector Andrew Cayley told the PA news agency: There is a significant proportion of letters that contain mistakes and I think that sends the wrong message to the public.

If, for example, somebodys name is spelt wrongly that shows unfortunately a lack of attention.

Its a part of the CPSs work that, for me, is disappointing and they need to get a grip of it now.

Its one of the only lines of communication members of the public have with the CPS and if the CPS get that wrong, that affects confidence in the criminal justice system. Thats how important this is.

Inspectors examined a sample of 351 letters sent by the CPS throughout 2022, with 232 (66%) being sent to victims of crime. Other complainants included 27 witnesses (8%) and 66 defendants (19%).

The very person that has been causing you all this trauma is suddenly released back into society and the CPS hasnt even bothered to tell you Andrew Cayley

In 49% of the letters, the CPS failed to inform the complainant about delays or did not clearly confirm whether the complaint had been resolved, the watchdog said.

Highlighting a string of examples, Mr Cayley said one victim of domestic abuse was not informed her attacker had been released from custody.

So she had absolutely no idea that this individual is back in circulation, which I thought was very poor, to be frank, when the very person that has been causing you all this trauma is suddenly released back into society and the CPS hasnt even bothered to tell you, he said.

Mr Cayley said he was shocked by obvious spelling mistakes in the central part of a letter to the mother of a young victim who had been threatened and intimidated by a defendant. The word intimidated had been misspelt as intimated, while apologise was written as apoligise.

He said the unfortunate errors demonstrated a lack of care and attention to detail, adding: It probably takes about a couple of minutes to spellcheck a document.

He called on the CPS to make better use of software designed to eliminate a lot of the problems.

According to the watchdog, a domestic abuse victim whose case had failed just wanted an explanation of what had happened, but was instead offered money. When she refused the initial 200 payment, she was then offered 400 even though it was clear the complainant wanted justice, not money.

We recognise that there is more that can be done, and we will continue to drive forward improvements so that we can provide the best possible service for victims CPS spokeswoman

Mr Cayley said: Nobody involved in this had actually read her complaint properly to understand what she really wanted.

Now, there are instances when the CPS compensate people financially where its appropriate. Clearly, in that case, what was appropriate was an adequate explanation and that wasnt given, so that was wrong.

Praising some improvements since similar concerns were raised five years ago, Mr Cayley said a very large proportion of the responses contained sufficient levels of empathy, with the person writing the letter putting themselves in the shoes of the victim.

This was a huge improvement since 2018, he said, adding that a reasonable and realistic solution was reached in the vast majority of cases.

Keen not to overstate the problems, Mr Cayley said there were other pressing issues the CPS needed to tackle.

How the police and CPS work together, in my view, is the most fundamental issue in criminal justice around the CPS and the police at the moment, and Im working very hard to try and resolve that.

If we can fix that, if we can make that relationship a lot better, many, many things within criminal justice will improve.

Londons victims commissioner Claire Waxman said: Communicating with victims in a timely, clear and trauma-informed way is crucial for their ability to cope and recover.

Complaints going unacknowledged and letters sent late with basic spelling and grammar mistakes are simply not acceptable. The quality of some of these letters reflect poorly on the CPS, at a time when I know they are working hard to enhance their service to victims; but they must focus on getting these basics right if they hope to improve the experience for victims.

A CPS spokeswoman said: We are committed to maintaining the highest standards for victims and improving our feedback and complaints procedure is a vital part of that.

We are pleased there have been significant improvements since our last inspection in 2018, with empathy, timeliness and our acknowledgement of mistakes all highlighted as strengths.

We recognise that there is more that can be done, and we will continue to drive forward improvements so that we can provide the best possible service for victims.
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Detectives investigating serial killer nurse Lucy Letby say they were surprised by the amount of material they found at her home and that a coded system in her diaries helped officers uncover key evidence.

Letby, one of the most prolific child killers in modern British history, has been jailed for life for murdering seven newborn babies and trying to kill six more between June 2015 and June 2016 in the neonatal ward at the Count of Chester Hospital where she worked.

The 33-year-old, only the fourth woman in UK history told she will never be released from prison, deliberately injected infants with air, force-fed them with milk or poisoned them with insulin during a cruel, calculated and cynical campaign of child murder.

Investigators looking into Letby when she was first arrested on 3 June, 2018 found dozens of post-it notes and scraps of paper at her home in Blacon, Cheshire, which were shown to jurors during her 10-month trial at Manchester Crown Court. One note said: I killed them on purpose because Im not good enough.

She also wrote several diary entries detailing the police investigation into the murders and investigators said they were taken aback by how much Letby documented about the dead children. When Leby was arrested for a second time a year later, detectives hoped she had continued to make notes.

The amount of material we found at her home address was, I think, a massive surprise to us when she was first arrested, Rob Woods, Cheshire Constabulary detective inspector, said in a documentary the force made about the investigation.

Lucy Letby is the fourth woman in UK history to be told she will never be released from prison (Cheshire Constabulary)

It gave us a really good steer for the second occasion as to what sort of things we were looking for, he added. So as an example, something thats been very useful to the enquiry has been Miss Letbys diaries. They appeared to be and it became clear later that it was almost a code of coloured asterisks and various other things put in a diary that marked significant events.

Senior doctors working with Letby warned for months that she had been the only medic present during the sudden collapses and deaths of a number of premature babies at the hospital in North West England.

A note found in the house of Lucy Letby (PA Media)

However, their concerns were ignored and one consultant said babies could have been saved had hospital management acted sooner. But senior doctor Ravi Jayaram claimed he was persuaded not to contact the police because it would harm the hospitals reputation.

Health secretary Steve Barclay announced an independent inquiry on Friday after Letby was found guilty of the murders.

But he stopped short of setting up an inquiry with statutory powers, meaning witnesses will not be required by law to attend, raising concerns that hospital managers could avoid being held accountable for putting reputation before child safety.

The grieving families of Letbys victims have demanded the government order a full independent public inquiry into how the nurse was able to go on a prolonged killing spree at the neonatal unit.

Lucy Letby with I am evil i did this HATE note found by police in bedroom. (Cheshire Constabulary)

The families join senior doctors and MPs who want the inquiry upgraded, amid fears it lacks the powers needed to unearth potential evidence of a cover-up at the Countess of Chester Hospital and prevent a similar horror from ever unfolding in the NHS again.

And on Monday the doctor who first raised the alarm over Letby has called for NHS managers to be held accountable for ignoring concerns.

Lead paediatric consultant Dr Stephen Brearey wants hospital managers to be regulated in the same way as doctors and nurses, after Britains most prolific child killer was allowed to continue in her role until June 2016 despite concerns being raised by clinicians months before.

Ministers initially said the decision to hold a non-statutory inquiry into the case was the right one because it would be more flexible and allow the victims families to get justice more quickly. But No 10 has since indicated that the probe could be upgraded after the government came under pressure to give it more powers to compel witnesses.
 Close Live: Lucy Letby sentenced for murdering newborn babies at Chester hospital

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Lucy Letby is set to be stripped of her NHS pension after her murderous rampage on the neonatal ward where she worked.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay is looking into all measures that prevent her pension from being paid to her, The Independent understands.

The NHS Pension Scheme Regulations allow him to forfeit pensions if NHS employees are convicted of crimes  particularly those that are gravely injurious to the state or to be liable to lead to serious loss of confidence in the public service.

Letby will spend the rest of her life in prison after being found guilty of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder six others, but she refused to appear in the dock to hear the sentence handed down on Monday.

It sparked widespread outrage with several British newspapers calling for a law change, arguing that the worst offenders should be forced to appear in court to witness the impact of their crimes.

Judge Mr Justice Goss said Letby would be sent written copies of the victim impact statements.
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The brother of a man wanted in connection with the death of his 10-year-old daughter told police she fell down the stairs, according to reports.

Sara Sharifs uncle, Imran Sharif, is currently being held in custody for questioning in Pakistan, according to Sky News.

He claims that he has not seen his brother Urfan and has denied having any knowledge of where he or his family are.

Saras body was discovered at her home in Woking, Surrey, after police were called on 10 August from Pakistan by her father, Urfan Sharif.

Urfan Sharif, 41, his partner Beinash Batool, 29, and his 28-year-old brother Faisal Malik are wanted for questioning over Saras death.

The day before Saras body was discovered, police believe they travelled to Islamabad with five children aged between one and 13.

While Saras exact cause of death remains unknown, Surrey Police said that a post-mortem examination found multiple and extensive injuries which were likely to have been caused over a sustained and extended period of time.

It is believed that Mr Sharif briefly returned to his family home in Jhelum, Punjab, and is wanted for questioning by Pakistani authorities.

His brother Imran is said to have told police: "I found out what happened to Sara through the international media.

Urfan Sharif and his partner Beinash Batool are wanted for questioning (Surrey Police)

"My parents told me Urfan briefly came home very upset. He kept saying they are going to take his children away from him.

"They," an officer said, referred to British authorities.

According to Jhelum police, Urfans brother has claimed that Sara fell down the stairs of the family home and broke her neck.

He is alleged to have told officers: "Beinash was home with the children. Sara fell down the stairs and broke her neck. Beinash panicked and phoned Urfan."

She was found dead at her family home on Hammond Road in Woking (Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

Mr Sharifs parents are said to be distressed by the news, with his fathers heart condition worsening from the stress, Sky News reports.

Surrey Police are continuing to appeal for information on Saras whereabouts and would like to speak to anyone who knew the family.

A statement from the force said: "No piece of information is insignificant, so if you can help, please contact us.

"If you would like to stay anonymous, you can report information to Crimestoppers."
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Nurse Lucy Letby has been found guilty of murdering seven babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital in a rare case that has shocked the nation.

An independent inquiry has been set up to understand how Letby was able to carry out the killings and attempt six others before being reported to the police.

For the latest updates, follow The Independents live coverage of Lucy Letbys sentencing

The reasons why Letby, a neonatal nurse, committed the murders may never be fully understood, although prosecutors and other experts told jurors during her trial of several possible motivations.

Here, The Independent takes a look at some of the main theories discussed in court.

To gain attention of doctor colleague she was infatuated with

One motivation put forward by the prosecution was that Letby attacked and killed babies in her care to gain the sympathy of a doctor who she had become infatuated with.

It was alleged she wanted to make herself the centre of his attention and focus.

Throughout the trial, Letby showed no flicker of emotion until 16 February when the medic, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, confirmed his name after he swore on oath.

Letby and people in the public gallery could not see the married registrar because he had asked to give his evidence from behind a screen.

His voice prompted her to break down in tears as she abruptly left her seat and walked towards the exit door of the dock.

When the time came for her to enter the witness box, she said she loved the doctor as a trusted friend but was not in love with him romantically.

She denied claims by the prosecution that she was infatuated with the doctor.

She enjoyed playing God

Lucy Letby is arrested by police (Cheshire Police)

Child P, one of the triplets Letby murdered, collapsed on 24 June 2016 and preparations were to move him to another hospital.

Shortly before the planned transfer, Letby is said to have told a colleague - the one she was accused of being infatuated with - "hes not leaving here alive, is he?".

During Letbys trial, prosecutor Nick Johnson KC said she made the comment because she "knew what was going to happen".

He said: "She was controlling things. She was enjoying what was going on and happily predicting something she knew was going to happen.

"She, in effect, was playing God."

Letby had earlier pumped air into Child Ps stomach as she fed him milk  just 13 minutes after murdering Child, one of his brothers.

Letby got a thrill from the grief and despair of parents

Letby acted unusually when the babies she killed or tried to murder suddenly declined, parents and other nurses on the ward where she worked said.

The parents of Child I, who died after repeated attacks by Letby, told police they remembered her smiling and going on about how she was present at [Child Is] first bath and how much she had loved it.

Letby has been found guilty of seven murders and six attempted murders (AFP via Getty Images)

Mr Johnson KC suggested to Letby that she was getting a thrill out of what you were watching, the grief and despair, in that room.

Letby denied the accusation.

The serial killer also searched Facebook for the families of her victims on the anniversaries of their deaths and would often look for a number of them within minutes of each other.

In one instance she carried out a search on Christmas Day. Letby, giving evidence, said she would search for all sorts of people  not just the parents of babies on the unit.

She found caring for less sick infants boring

Letby is said to have argued with a senior colleague when asked to work in an outside nursery where babies were treated in preparation for going home.

The unit was split into four rooms  intensive care in nursery one, high dependency care in nursery two and the outside nurseries of rooms three and four, the court was told.

Senior nurse Kathryn Percival-Calderbank told jurors that Letby was unhappy if she was allocated shifts in either room three or four.

She said: She expressed that she was unhappy at being put in the outside nurseries.

She said it was boring and she didnt want to feed babies. She wanted to be in the intensive care.

Doctor who helped catch Lucy Letby reveals he was made to apologise to nurse

Mrs Percival-Calderbank, who qualified as a nurse in 1988, added: If anything was going on within nursery one you would find she would migrate there, as we would all do to go and help. She would definitely end up in nursery one to assist.

It was more that we were worried for Lucys mental heath because it can be upsetting, emotional and sometimes exhausting as well at the end of a shift, if youre constantly put in that stressed situation all the time.

Sometimes youve got to come out of that environment and be in an outside nursery.

Letby was not good enough to care for them

Letby wrote I AM EVIL I DID THIS on a post-it note found by police at her home, in what was the closest the prosecution got to a confession.

She also wrote: I dont deserve to live. I killed them on purpose because Im not good enough to care for them. I will never marry or have children. I will never know what its like to have a family.

Letby told the court the notes, written after she was suspended from work pending an investigation, showed the ramblings of her mental anguish following the deaths of the babies in her care.

The nurse said the notes also contained protestation of innocence and they were never held up in court as concrete proof of her motive.
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A more humane GCSE system should be introduced so teenagers are not stuck in a demoralising cycle of retakes when they do not achieve a standard pass in English or maths, a headteachers union has urged.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), is calling for a new literacy and numeracy qualification to be developed that does not represent a cliff-edge over which many must fall.

His comments came as students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive their GCSE results on Thursday, as well as results for many Level 2 vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs).

In England, many students who do not secure at least a grade 4  which is considered a standard pass  in English and/or maths GCSE are required to retake the subjects during post-16 education.

While traditional A*-G grades are used in Northern Ireland and Wales, in England these have been replaced with a 9-1 system, where 9 is the highest. A 4 is broadly equivalent to a C grade, and a 7 is broadly equivalent to an A.

We have to introduce a more humane qualification system in which this forgotten third is not accepted as some sort of necessary collateral damage Geoff Barton, Association of School and College Leaders

The number of pupils in England achieving at least a grade 4 in maths and English GCSE is expected to fall this year amid efforts to restore grading to similar levels to 2019  the year before the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Barton said the return to pre-pandemic grading this summer meant a return to the forgotten third  the proportion of young people who are left without a grade 4 in GCSE English and maths.

He said: These young people then have to go through the grind of retaking these qualifications in post-16 education  where most again fall below the benchmark.

It is incredibly demoralising and instead of building confidence in the vital skills of literacy and numeracy, it has precisely the opposite effect.

We have to introduce a more humane qualification system in which this forgotten third is not accepted as some sort of necessary collateral damage.

Students in England are currently funded to retake maths and/or English until they achieve a GCSE grade 9 to 4.

For students with a grade 2 or below, they can either study towards a pass in functional skills level 2 or towards a GCSE grade 9 to 4.

It must be soul destroying to continually have to retake exams that you have failed in, perhaps several times, and to be denied entry to apprenticeships and much else if you cannot pass them Professor Alan Smithers, University of Buckingham

Mr Barton added: The answer is to develop a new style of English and maths qualification which can be taken by pupils at the point of readiness, which builds confidence, and which does not represent a cliff-edge over which many must fall.

ASCL has called on the Government to consider creating a certificate of proficiency in literacy and numeracy  a qualification which would be taken by all students when they are ready, not only at the age of 16.

The union envisages that many pupils would still take GCSEs in English and maths under the proposals, but these GCSEs would demonstrate mastery in the discipline rather than acting as a proxy for literacy and numeracy.

Ofqual has said a return to pre-pandemic grading means this years national GCSE results in England will be lower than last year and similar to 2019.

In Wales and Northern Ireland, GCSE results are not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until next year.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: We are returning to pre-pandemic grading this year, meaning results should be in line with 2019. Its important for students that their qualifications hold value now and in the future, ensuring we have a system that treats students fairly compared to previous years.

We remain committed to driving up standards as demonstrated by Englands continued rise up the international league tables in English and maths.

This is so important as we know students who leave education with a good grasp of English and maths increase their chances of securing a job or going on to further study. This is why we support students who do not hold GCSE grade 4 or above in English and maths at age 16 to continue studying these subjects. We will also be driving up standards through the Prime Ministers ambition for all students to study maths to 18.

It comes after Covid-19 led to an increase in top GCSE grades in 2020 and 2021, with results based on teacher assessments instead of exams.

In 2019, more than a third (35.4%) of state school students in England did not achieve grades 4 or above in English and maths GCSEs. This figure fell during the pandemic years.

Last year  when grades were set at a midpoint between 2021 and 2019  the proportion of state school students in England who missed out stood at 31.2%.

Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, called it a national scandal that many teenagers will miss out on a grade 4 or above in maths and English language GCSEs this summer.

We need a long-term inquiry to investigate why successive governments have failed to address an issue that continues to plague the British education system, he said.

Prof Elliot Major added that the worry for pupils is that one dropped grade in English and maths GCSEs can mean missing out on a sixth-form place, damaging future life prospects.

Professor Alan Smithers, director of the Centre for Education and Employment Research at the University of Buckingham, said it was striking how few students who resit their English and maths GCSEs actually pass second or third time around.

In his report, the expert said: It must be soul destroying to continually have to retake exams that you have failed in, perhaps several times, and to be denied entry to apprenticeships and much else if you cannot pass them.

Surely, there is an urgent need for a policy rethink.

Ahead of GCSE results day on Thursday, the Liberal Democrats have warned that students in England are being let down as millions of lesson hours are being taught by non-specialist teachers.

An analysis by the Lib Dems claims to show that the average GCSE pupil will have had one in 10 lessons with a teacher who is not a specialist in that subject over the past two years.

Speaking on Tuesday, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said GCSEs were very important exams.

She told Times Radio: For me, they were very important because I didnt do A-levels. They were the thing that got me on to my apprenticeship.

For me because that was my step into the workplace, they were a game changer and I also didnt think I was going to pass many and I ended up passing more than I thought.
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UK Government support for Ukraines nuclear fuel supply will help end the countrys reliance on Russian supplies, Grant Shapps said after a trip to a Ukrainian power station.

The Government has announced its intention to provide a 192 million loan guarantee through UK Export Finance (UKEF)  the UKs export credit agency  enabling UK-headquartered Urenco to supply Ukraines national nuclear company, Energoatom, with uranium enrichment services, which are vital for nuclear fuel.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said that, once provided, the support will bring the UKs non-military financial assistance to Ukraine close to 5 billion.

On his visit to Ukraine, Mr Shapps also visited a childrens nursery attended by Nikita, the young son of the family he took in under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The Energy Secretary played a recorded message from Nikita for the children, the Government said.

Mr Shapps also visited Kyiv, where he met with senior Ukrainian ministers and energy industry figures to discuss Ukraines recovery and ongoing UK support.

And he also visited a power station undergoing repairs after being damaged by Russian bombing.

Mr Shapps said: Our support for Ukraine is unwavering in the face of (Russian President Vladimir) Putins barbaric invasion  the UK continues to stand with Ukraine as they repel Russian attacks and rebuild their country.

Being here on the ground, its truly remarkable witnessing first-hand the sheer courage, resolve and gritty determination of the Ukrainian people.

Putin has used energy as a weapon of war: the action today to support nuclear fuel deliveries will help Ukraine end their reliance on Russian supplies and bolster their energy security.
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An Afghan pilot facing deportation to Rwanda has been granted asylum in the UK in a victory for The Independent and a string of campaigners who ran a tireless campaign fighting for the war heros sanctuary.

The air force lieutenant, who served alongside coalition troops, first urged Rishi Sunak to intervene in his case in March after he was forced to flee to Britain from Afghanistan, where he had been in hiding from the Taliban.

Asking Mr Sunak to bring his family  left behind in Afghanistan  to safety, he has also called for the same support for other veterans who served alongside British forces.

The pilot thanked all those who helped in the fight for him to remain in the UK (Holly Bancroft/The Independent)

Scores of military figures, celebrities and figures from across the political divide pledged their support to the campaign, including former head of the British Army Sir Richard Dannatt, former head of Nato Lord Robertson and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

The Home Office has now accepted the pilots right to asylum in the UK.

Read the Home Offices letter in full:

Your protection claim (asylum claim) made on [redacted] 2022 has been successful and you have been granted refugee status and refugee permission to stay in the United Kingdom (UK) until August 2028.

This decision was made in line with the legislation and Immigration Rules which were in force at the time your asylum claim was lodged.

For further information on the Immigration Rules under which your claim has been decided, please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/archive-immmigration-rules#2022

This means that we accept you have a well-founded fear of persecution and therefore cannot return to your country of origin, and we have recognised that you are a refugee under the 1951 Refugee Convention.

Your permission to stay ends on Aug 2028. You can apply to extend your stay in the UK and should do so before your current permission ends. Information on how to do this can be found in the Next steps section of this notice.

Your conditions

The following are all the conditions of your permission to stay in the UK.

Work condition

You can work in the UK, including paid and unpaid employment, paid and unpaid work placements undertaken as part of a course or period of study, self-employment and engaging in business or any professional activity.

Study condition

You are allowed to study. If you are aged 18 or over, any study is subject to the condition that you must obtain an ATAS certificate, if required to do so under Appendix ATAS of the Immigration Rules.

For guidance on whether you need to obtain an ATAS certificate for your intended study, check https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme.
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The hero Afghan pilot who served alongside British forces and was threatened with deportation to Rwanda has finally been granted asylum in the UK after a five-month-long campaign by The Independent.

The air force lieutenant, who fled the Taliban and came to the UK on a small boat because it was impossible to get here via a legal route, was previously rejected under the governments Afghan resettlement scheme  sparking fury from top politicians and military figures, who called it shameful that Britain should turn its back on the war hero.

But in a dramatic turn of events, the Home Office has now accepted that he has a well-founded fear of persecution and therefore cannot return to [his] country of origin.

The move comes after months of government indecision, questioning of the pilots work with UK forces by the Home Office and the Ministry of Defence, and resistance from defence secretary Ben Wallace and Rishi Sunak when they were asked to intervene in his case.

The pilot, who was forced to leave his young family in hiding in Afghanistan, said he was completely happy that the Home Office had finally answered his plea to stay in the UK.

General Sir Richard Barrons, a former commander of the UK Joint Forces Command  the organisation now known as Strategic Command  applauded the decision, but said that the governments threat to send the pilot to Rwanda was no way to repay the debt Britain owes him for his military service.

Illegal entry to the UK is certainly a problem, but once the facts of this case had become clear, a ticket to Rwanda was not only the wrong answer, it also made our promises look hollow and it diminished the sense of fairness and honour we lay claim to as a country, he said.

General Sir Richard Dannatt, the former head of the British army, said he was delighted that the government had backed down  but questioned why it had taken so long to do the right thing.

Former defence secretary John Hutton, now Lord Hutton, congratulated The Independent and said justice has been done, while former defence minister Kevan Jones said the threat to put the pilot on a one-way flight to Rwanda had clashed with a sense of fair play.

The war veterans refugee status means he can now get a job in the UK, but his battle is far from over as he will lose all government support within 28 days and faces what could be a year-long wait to bring his family to safety.

He told The Independent: I am really happy, completely happy. When they sent me the Rwanda letter I was in shock at how they could send me this kind of letter, but this morning I was equally shocked to see that they had granted me asylum. I couldnt believe it.

He continued: I want to say thank you very much to every one of you who has supported me. Thank you to The Independent, I really appreciate you, you worked very hard for me. I will not forget how you helped me.

The pilot said he will never forget those who fought to secure his safety in the UK (Getty)

I read the letter and I thought, maybe Im not understanding it, but really it was clear. I can stay in the UK and I have been given a life here. When I realised it fully, I became really, really happy at the result. And I am also really surprised.

I have told my wife I have some important news for her. I hope she will be able to join me here soon.

Those who backed our campaign welcomed the decision to grant the pilot asylum, but urged the government to honour its pledge to bring thousands of eligible Afghans stuck in Afghanistan, Pakistan and other countries to the UK.

Admiral Lord West, the chief of UK naval staff from 2002 to 2006, said: Im delighted we got there  its the right decision.

He added that it was unfortunate that it took so long to look at his case properly. The Home Office has now shown its possible  so if there are other Afghans in the same position who have a legitimate case, we must sort them out too, he said.

Lord Dannatt, the former army chief, said: Im delighted. Its the right outcome and Im very pleased. But there is some frustration, too. Why did it take so long to do the right thing? The case was right months ago  so why on earth didnt they do it then?

Sir Laurie Bristow, the British ambassador to Afghanistan during the fall of Kabul in 2021, said: Im glad for him  its very good news. The underlying principle is that we should be fulfilling our obligation to the people who worked for us and with us, and whose lives are at risk as a result.

The pilot will now apply to bring his young family to the UK from Afghanistan (The Independent)

Labours shadow defence secretary, John Healey, said that the party strongly welcomes the decision. He said that the saga showed how the Conservatives have failed the brave Afghans who supported British troops before the fall of Afghanistan, and they have failed them since.

And former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: If he has been able to show he fought with us against the Taliban and is in danger, then he is welcome. There are people who came to us for help after the [evacuation] debacle, and we owe them.

Urging the government to give sanctuary to those who have already accepted under the Ministry of Defences resettlement scheme but remain in limbo in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Sir Iain added: I hope we help as many people as possible who have reason to be here. It seems very difficult to get the process going any faster, but for the people over there its a nightmare.

General Sir John McColl, the armys former deputy supreme allied commander for Europe, said: Its good news  its disgraceful that its taken a campaign by The Independent to achieve what should have been a just outcome months ago.

Former army chief General Sir Richard Dannatt backed our campaign (Getty)

The unfortunate thing is that there are many still marooned in Afghanistan and Pakistan, accepted as deserving support after fighting alongside us, waiting to get permission to come here. Were still waiting for a coherent, focused plan. They are being treated as out of sight and out of mind.

The Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesperson, Alistair Carmichael, said The Independents campaign had highlighted the flaws in government policy. Im glad that things have been made right in this case, but its hard to keep something similar from happening again without real change, he said.

Lord Hutton said: I think this is a great result. Justice has been done. It is, however, extraordinary that it takes a campaign like this to see Afghan veterans treated in the appropriate way. Well done to The Independent.

Steve Smith MBE, a former army colonel and the CEO of refugee charity Care4Calais, which supported the pilots case, said everyone at the charity was delighted with the news. He added: The pilot is an incredible person. We are proud of how he has conducted himself throughout this ordeal, and honoured to have supported him.

We are very grateful for The Independents campaign on behalf of Afghan veterans. This is a great outcome for the pilot, but its not the end. His young family remain in danger in Afghanistan, and steps should be taken to reunite them in the UK as soon as possible.

The pilot will now be able to work and study in the UK and to apply for his young family, who are currently in Afghanistan, to join him here. Refugees sometimes have to wait for more than a year for their family reunification applications to be processed, with figures obtained by The Independent last month showing that there is a backlog of more than 11,000 people waiting for relocation to the UK to join family members.

Given that he has been granted refugee status, the pilot will now have 28 days to find a new place to live and find a job to support himself. He has so far been housed in Home Office hotel accommodation, and received 9 a week in support payments.

A spokesperson for the government said it did not comment on individual cases, adding: The government provides a safe and legal route through its family reunion policy which enables individuals with protection status in the UK to sponsor their partner or children to stay with or join them here, provided they formed part of the family unit before the sponsor fled their country of origin to seek protection.
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The Afghan pilot who was facing deportation to Rwanda despite serving alongside British forces has been granted asylum in the UK.

The plight of the air force lieutenant, who fled the Taliban, sparked outrage from top politicians and public figures who said it was shameful that Britain should turn its back on the war hero.

The pilot came to the UK on a small boat because it was impossible to get to the UK via a legal route and was previously rejected from the UKs Afghan resettlement scheme.

But in a shock move, the Home Office has now accepted that he has a well-founded fear of persecution and therefore cannot return to your country of origin.

The pilot, who was forced to leave his young family in hiding in Afghanistan, said he was completely happy that the Home Office had finally answered his plea to stay in the UK.

Here is what the politicians and military icons say about the war heros victory:

Admiral Lord West

Admiral Lord West, the chief of UK naval staff from 2002 to 2006, said: Im delighted we got there  its the right decision. Its just unfortunate that it took so long to look at his case properly. The Home Office has now shown its possible  so if there are other Afghans in the same position who have a legitimate case, we must sort them out too. We need to get on with looking after the people who worked with us in Afghanistan. We have a debt of honour.

Lord West of Spithead, former head of the Royal Navy (PA Archive)

Sir Laurie Bristow

Sir Laurie Bristow, the the British ambassador to Afghanistan during the fall of Kabul in 2021, said: Im glad for him  its very good news. The underlying principle is that we should be fulfilling our obligation to the people who worked for and with us, and whose lives are at risk as a result.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith

Sir Iain Duncan Smith, former Tory leader, said: If he has been able to show he fought with us against the Taliban and is in danger, then he is welcome. There are people who came to us for help after the [evacuation] debacle, and we owe them.

Urging the government to give sanctuary to those already accepted under the Arap scheme, but who remain in limbo in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Sir Iain added: I hope we help as many people as possible who have reason to be here. It seems very difficult to get the process going any faster, but for the people over there its a nightmare.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith said the Afghan pilot is welcome in the UK (PA Archive)

Sir Richard Dannatt

Sir Richard Dannatt, the former head of the British Army, said: Im delighted. Its the right outcome and Im very pleased. But there is some frustration too. Why did it take so long to do the right thing, when youve taken so much flak for doing the wrong thing? The case was right months ago  so why on earth didnt they do it then?

Lord Dannatt added: If there are other cases like this of Afghans in the UK, the difficulty is that they can fall between the Home Office and the Ministry of Defence. Officials may be doing their best, but if its clear there are exceptional cases of Afghans who may have worked with us, then there has to be a way of speeding up the decision.

Sir Richard Dannatt said he is delighted by the victorious outcome (PA)

Alistair Carmichael

The Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said The Independents campaign had highlighted the flaws in government policy.

Im glad that things have been made right in this case, but its hard to keep something similar from happening again without real change. That means fixing the loopholes in the Afghan resettlement schemes, scrapping the Illegal Migration Act and finally abandoning the Rwanda vanity scheme.

John Healey

Labours shadow defence secretary John Healey said the party strongly welcomes the decision.

Labour has long argued against the disgraceful deportation of this Afghan veteran  but this case is just another episode in the shameful saga of how the Conservatives have failed the brave Afghans who supported British troops before the fall of Afghanistan, and they have failed them since.

Britains moral duty to assist these Afghans is felt most fiercely by the UK forces they served alongside. Ministers must act now to fix the multiple failings in their Afghan schemes.

Labours shadow defence secretary said the party strongly welcomes the decision (PA Archive)

Steve Smith

Steve Smith MBE, CEO of refugee charity Care4Calais and former army colonel, said everyone at the charity was delighted with the news. He added: The pilot is an incredible person. We are proud of how he has conducted himself throughout this ordeal and honoured to have supported him.

We are very grateful for The Independents campaign on behalf of Afghan veterans. This is a great outcome for the pilot, but its not the end. His young family remain in danger in Afghanistan and steps should be taken to reunite them in the UK as soon as possible.

General Sir John McColl

General Sir John McColl, the armys former deputy supreme allied commander for Europe, said: Its good news  its disgraceful that its taken a campaign by The Independent to achieve what should have been a just outcome months ago.

The unfortunate thing is that there are many still marooned in Afghanistan and Pakistan, accepted as deserving support after fighting alongside us, waiting to get permission to come here. Were still waiting for a coherent, focused plan. They are being treated as out of sight and out of mind.

When it comes to Afghans and asylum claims, the Home Office must examine their cases regardless of how they got here  its the least we can do.

General Sir John McColl says the just outcome should have been given months ago (PA)

Ben McBean

Ben McBean, a former marine commando hailed a hero by Prince Harry, said: Im glad the pilot is getting what he was promised.

Mr McBean, who became a double amputee after being critically injured on a 2008 tour in Afghanistan, added: Its what he and his family deserve; now onto the rest who served alongside us. This is a good start.

This is a good start, said Afghan vet Ben McBean (Getty Images)

Lord Hutton

The former Labour defence secretary, John Hutton said: I think this is a great result. Justice has been done. It is however extraordinary that it takes a campaign like this to see Afghan veterans treated in the appropriate way. Well done to The Independent.

Kevan Jones

Kevan Jones MP, the former Labour defence minister, said: Threatening someone who had helped us with deportation clashed with a sense of fair play. But there have been other cases of Afghans threatened with deportation, because the system is an absolute mess. The rhetoric from ministers does not match up to reality.

Clive Lewis

Clive Lewis, who served a three-month tour of Afghanistan in 2009, said: It is great news that this pilot has been granted asylum, but he represents a powerful example of a much wider problem.

It is exceptional that someone who fought alongside the British in Afghanistan, who was forced because there are no safe routes to come here via small boats, to then be threatened with deportation to Rwanda.

And if it can happen to someone like this, who it is patently obvious does not deserve it, then we need to look at all the people who have equally valid asylum claims but might not have the air of being a fighter pilot.
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An Afghan pilot who has today been granted UK asylum after being threatened with deportation to Rwanda has thanked The Independent for its unwavering campaign to fight for his sanctuary in Britain.

The hero air force lieutenant, who served alongside British forces, fled the Taliban in fear for his life due to his work with coalition forces and was forced to complete part of the arduous journey via Italy, Switzerland and France to the UK on a small boat across the English Channel.

He had been rejected from the UKs Afghanistan resettlement scheme, but after months of this papers campaigning, with backing from top military brass and notable politicians, the Home Office has finally relented to give the pilot sanctuary.

The hero pilot fled the Taliban and was forced to come to the UK on a small boat (The Independent)

He told The Independent: I am really happy, completely happy. When they sent me the Rwanda letter I was in shock at how they could send me this kind of letter, but this morning I was equally shocked to see that they had granted me asylum. I couldnt believe it.

He continued: I want to say thank you very much to every one of you who has supported me. "Thank you to The Independent, I really appreciate you, you worked very hard for me. I will not forget how you helped me.

Military chiefs, politicians and celebrities backed our campaign and have since welcomed the decision but said the government still has more to do, with thousands of Afghans eligible for resettlement in the UK still stuck in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

(The Independent)

Here is how The Independent fought for the pilots sanctuary over a five-month campaign:

19 March 2023

The story started when The Independent reported how Afghans fleeing to the UK had been told to get their papers stamped by the Taliban.

(The Independent)

26 March 2023

We then tracked down an airman who was forced to take the treacherous journey to the UK across the English Channel in a small boat because there were no safe routes available to him. He hoped he would be welcomed with open arms due to his work with coalition forces but he was instead threatened with deportation to Rwanda.

(The Independent)

29 March 2023

Admiral Lord West, the former head of the navy, and former defence minister Tobias Ellwood demanded the pilot be allowed to stay  and the prime minister promised to investigate his case.

(The Independent)

30 March 2023

More senior military and political figures  including Rory Stewart, the former international development secretary; Sir Laurie Bristow, former ambassador to Afghanistan; General Sir Richard Barrons, former chief of joint operations who served in Afghanistan; and Sir William Patey, former ambassador to Afghanistan and Iraq, weighed in to back our campaign.

(The Independent)

31 March 2023

The Afghan pilot then wrote to the Rishi Sunak to plead his case to remain, as Sir Keir Starmer backed our call.

(The Independent)

1 April 2023

The former Nato chief, Lord Robertson, then added his support to our campaign, describing the deportation plan as an indefensible disgrace.

(The Independent)

2 April 2023

We have also highlighted the plight of other Afghans  including hundreds stranded in Pakistan after the UK government stopped military flights and demanded they pay for their own accommodation before being allowed to travel.

(The Independent)

We also had this comment piece from Bear Grylls, calling for better treatment of Afghans who fought alongside the British

9 April 2023

A poll for The Independent backed more support for Afghan veterans  as new figures showed that the vast majority of applications to the scheme set up to give them sanctuary were being rejected.

(The Independent)

10 April 2023

The former head of the British Army, Lord Dannatt, backed our campaign, saying the pilot must be treated as a special case.

(The Independent)

19 April 2023

Piers Morgan also backed our call  using his TalkTV programme  with Independent editor Geordie Greig and Lord Dannatt as guests  to demand sanctuary. He also made his call on social media:

(X (formerly known as Twitter))

20 April 2023

Air Marshal Edward Stringer, a former commander of RAF forces in Afghanistan, also backed us, drawing powerfully on his own experience in the country.

We trained Afghan pilots to fight the Taliban  we cant leave them to the mercy of the warlords

Ben McBean, a marine commando who lost an arm and a leg in Afghanistan, and was described as a hero by Prince Harry, also backed the campaign, saying we must help our pilot settle in the UK.

(The Independent)

23 April 2023

We won the backing of the Royal British Legion as its director general Charles Byrne urged the government to promptly and fully assess those who are applying for support.

(The Independent )

27 April 2023

Iraq war hero Colonel Tim Collins backed our campaign, saying we owe a duty of loyalty to our allies.

(The Independent)

1 May 2023

General Sir David Richards offered his backing, saying: Those who fought together in Afghanistan, the Afghan, British and other coalition forces did so with unwavering courage, dedication and solidarity. They forged a fellowship in battle.

(The Independent )

4 May 2023

Falklands war veteran Simon Weston warned no one will want to risk their lives to support British efforts abroad in future if an Afghan pilot is deported to Rwanda.

(The Indepedent)

13 May 2023

Film director Guy Ritchie backed the campaign  having just made a film about an Afghan interpreter abandoned by the US military

(The Independent)

14 May 2023

Following on from the Archbishop of Canterburys criticism of the Rwanda deportation policy, religious leaders from all major faiths in the UK backed our campaign:

(The Independent)

15 May 2023

Sting also backed the campaign, criticising the governments lack of decency.

(The Independent)

16 May 2023

James Heappey, the defence minister, was asked about our pilot in the Commons. He admitted that men like him acted heroically, but failed to intervene to give him refuge. We asked:

(The Independent)

22 May 2023

We launched a petition calling on the UK to give refuge to Afghans who served alongside British forces, which has currently had 50,000 signatures.

(The Independent)

29 May 2023

The White House made an extraordinary intervention in the case of the Afghan pilot by pledging to look into his case as the UK government continued to stall.

Spokesperson John Kirby, who is the strategic communications coordinator for the US National Security Council, promised to investigate whether the man would be eligible for asylum in the US.

(The Independent)

5 June 2023

The Independent found that Afghans who worked for the British army are being denied sanctuary in the UK despite being at risk of execution by the Taliban.

They include mechanics, labourers and chefs who have been rejected by the Ministry of Defences Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy scheme and now live in fear for their lives.

(The Independent)

18 June 2023

Threatened with deportation to Rwanda, the Afghan pilot said he felt abandoned after his UK resettlement was rejected despite his work with the British forces.

I am really disappointed, he told The Independent. We werent carrying out simple tasks in Afghanistan - we were doing your missions. Without our Afghan forces, the UK and US wouldnt have been able to do their activities.

(The Independent)

2 August 2023

The wife of the Afghan pilot made an emotional plea to Rishi Sunak to give her family sanctuary in the UK.

The woman, who is hiding in Afghanistan, said her family is paying a heavy price for her husbands work with the British armed forces.

(The Independent )

5 August 2023

The government began a shameful eviction of thousands of Afghan refugees from hotels across the country, with one in five presenting as homeless to their local council.

Many of those evicted had been evacuated during the fall of Kabul because of their heroic efforts with the British army.

(The Independent )

13 August 2023

With the governments deadline for giving sanctuary to Afghans approaching, thousands remained in limbo across the UK.

The failure flies in the face of the governments pledge to shift heaven and earth to relocate people out of Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover.

(The Independent )

15 August 2023

Rishi Sunaks government was accused of apathy in ignoring the plight of Afghan refugees as it was claimed there were no plans to rescue those left behind in Kabul.

MPs and military chiefs had urged the PM to help refugees who had worked alongside the British armed forces and were now fearing for their lives.

(The Independent )

23 August 2023

But in a dramatic turn of events, the Home Office now accepts that he has a well-founded fear of persecution and therefore cannot return to your country of origin and grants his asylum claim.
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Online adverts for baby formula products stocked by Boots broke advertising rules, the countrys watchdog has ruled.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) on Wednesday upheld a complaint against the retailer over ads for four brands of instant formula products that appeared on the sidebar on search engines, such as Google, earlier this year.

In the UK, it is against the law to promote instant formula products for babies up to six months since it could discourage breastfeeding.

The regulator noted Boots had apologised for the automated, paid adverts for four brands  Aptamil, Hipp Organic, Cow & Gate, and Kendaml  that had appeared due to human error.

Boots explained that these ads were generated automatically via an algorithm that promotes products on offer on its website.

Products that cannot be advertised or are subject to advertising restrictions, such as baby formula, are listed in an exclusions file.

Boots said the ads had appeared online because an up-to-date version of this file had not been sent to its paid ads team, while a previous list had become out-of-date as a result of a refresh.

Boots pointed out that the processes used for social media and digital display ads had continued to exclude the products, which suggested that the problem with the paid search advertising was due to human error, the ASA said.

It upheld that a consumer would understand the ads were promoting baby formula because of the text and imagery on them.

We welcomed Boots prompt action in removing the ads and their assurance that they would amend their processes to avoid a similar situation reoccurring, the ASA concluded. However, because the ads had the effect of marketing infant formula, which was prohibited under the [ASA] Code, we concluded that they breached the Code.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends only breastfeeding babies for the first six months, and supplementing breast milk with solid food until the age of two.

The health organisation has urged countries to ban baby formula ads because they might discourage breastfeeding.
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A senior Tory MP has accused Greece of blatant opportunism for suggesting the British Museum is not safe after items from its collection were stolen.

The London museum last week announced an unspecified number of artefacts were found to be missing, stolen or damaged and that a member of staff, who it did not name but was later identified as curator Peter Higgs, had been sacked and was facing legal action.

Despina Koutsoumba, head of the Association of Greek Archaeologists, has since said her colleagues were "worried" about the safety of Greek items at the museum.

She said: We want to tell the British Museum that they cannot anymore say that Greek culture heritage is more protected in the British Museum.

"It is obvious that it is very well protected in Greece and not in the British Museum."

Greece has been campaigning for decades for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures, which once adorned the Parthenon atop the Acropolis in Athens but are now housed at the London institution.

Athens has long claimed they were illegally acquired during a period of foreign occupation, while British officials have rebuffed repeated demands for their return.

Responding to Ms Koutsoumbas comments, Mr Loughton, chair of the British Museum All-Party Parliamentary Group and MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, told the BBCs Radio 4 Today programme: What is particularly damaging is (the) blatant opportunism of the Greeks and others saying Oh no, the British Museum is not safe...

Its incredibly rare that things go missing."

Tim Loughton accused Greece of blatant opportunism (PA Archive)

Mr Loughton accepted that news of the thefts was damaging and sought to reassure people that investigations were taking place at the musuem, which was taking the thefts seriously.

Christopher Marinello, a US-based lawyer and expert in recovering stolen art, also raised concerns about the safety of the museum.

"It makes one wonder whether the Parthenon Marbles are safe in the British Museum after all, and perhaps they should be returned to the museum in Athens for their security, he said.

The museum has not specified how many items have been stolen or detailed what the missing items are, saying only that they were "small pieces" including "gold jewellery and gems of semi-precious stones and glass dating from the 15th century BC to the 19th century AD".

The Times has reported that the thefts happened over at least two decades.

Mr Loughton was also asked about emails leaked to BBC News that claim the British Museum was alerted to the thefts in 2021 and ignored the report.

He said: "With respect, all thats come out is a few emails rather than the bigger picture.

"But the British Museum will need to account for that because if people are trying to report potential objects having appeared outside of the museum then absolutely those need to be investigated and potentially referred to the police.

"So what action was taken? What checks and balances are there at the museum?

"Also putting into context... the British Museum has the most online documentation online in the world. There are over two million objects available online to see."

The British Museum said items from its collection were found to be missing, stolen or damaged (PA Wire)

The Telegraph has reported that the number of stolen items is believed to be "well over 1,000" and "closer to 2,000", with a value running into "millions of pounds".

An independent review of security has been launched and the matter is also under investigation by the economic crime command of the Metropolitan Police. No arrests have been made.

The review will be led by former museum trustee Sir Nigel Boardman and Lucy DOrsi, Chief Constable of British Transport Police.

Mr Loughton, a former education minister, is one of several MPs who sits on the British Museum APPG, which was established to strike up a partnership between parliament and the British Museum, including work with local and regional museums, and an understanding of its role as a leading world museum.

Mr Higgs, 56, a curator of 30 years and head of the department of Greece and Rome, was dismissed last month after it was discovered that artefacts thought to be worth tens of millions of pounds had vanished from the vaults.

It is believed to have been the largest breach of security in a decade at the central London institution and tourist attraction.
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A woman received a uterus donated from her sister in the first womb transplant carried out by surgeons in the UK.

Her 40-year-old sister was happy to donate her womb due to already having two children and not wanting more.

The womb recipient, who does not want to be named, had the transplant in an operation that went on for just over nine hours at Churchill Hospital in Oxford in early February.

Professor Richard Smith, one of the lead surgeons, said the experience had been quite remarkable as he explained the operation was a massive success and the plans for IVF are on track.

The 34-year-old recipient, who lives in England, has been keeping embryos due to having plans to go through IVF later on in the year.

Professor Smith, consultant gynaecological surgeon at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, added: It was incredible. I think it was probably the most stressful week in my surgical career but also unbelievably positive. The donor and recipient are over the moon.

He said he felt emotional about it all, adding that, during the first consultation with the recipient post-op, we were all almost in tears.

He is really happy the donor is completely back to normal after the operation, he added, explaining the surgery involved more than 30 staff.

The recipient is, after her big op, doing really well on her immunosuppressive therapy and looking forward to hopefully having a baby, Professor Smith explained.

The transplant cost of around 25,000 was paid for by donations to the charity Womb Transplant UK. Surgeons and medical staff involved in the transplant were not paid for their time.

Recommended Baby girl becomes first born after womb transplant from deceased donor

Isabel Quiroga, another lead surgeon involved in the transplant, who is a consultant surgeon at the Oxford Transplant Centre, said she felt extremely proud of what weve achieved and desperately happy for her.

Ms Quiroga added: She was absolutely over the moon, very happy and is hoping that she can go on to have not one but two babies. Her womb is functioning perfectly and we are monitoring her progress very closely.

The woman who had the womb transplant was born with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH)  a rare condition which impacts around one in every 5,000 women.

Women who suffer from the condition have an underdeveloped vagina and a womb that is not fully developed or missing in some cases. The first sign of the condition is when a teenage girl does not have periods.

Nevertheless, their ovaries are intact and still function to produce eggs and female hormones, meaning they can potentially conceive via fertility treatment.

The transplant is expected to last for a maximum of five years before the womb is removed.

Dr Ranee Thakar, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, told The Independent: It is estimated that around one in 500 women cannot become pregnant or carry a pregnancy because they do not have a womb, or a womb that is unable to maintain a pregnancy.

The success of the first UK womb transplant, and the growing number of successful transplants around the world has the potential to offer more women who previously thought that they would not be able to carry a pregnancy the potential to conceive and give birth in the future.

A second UK womb transplant on another woman is scheduled to take place this autumn, with more patients in the preparation stages.

It comes after a recent study by researchers at the University of Gothenburg discovered womb transplants are a safe and successful way for individuals who do not have a functioning organ to cope with infertility.

Additional reporting by wires
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The British Museums director has spoken of his frustration after claiming the person who raised concerns about missing items at the institution did not say he had more artefacts.

Emails leaked to BBC News claim the London institution was alerted by an antiquities dealer to the thefts in 2021 and ignored the report.

In a statement to the PA news agency, Hartwig Fischer said: When allegations were brought to us in 2021 we took them incredibly seriously, and immediately set up an investigation.

Concerns were only raised about a small number of items, and our investigation concluded that those items were all accounted for.

We now have reason to believe that the individual who raised concerns had many more items in his possession, and its frustrating that that was not revealed to us as it would have aided our investigations.

In 2022 we embarked on a full audit  which revealed a bigger problem. I reported my concerns to the Trustees, and together we agreed to call in the police. We also then began the disciplinary process that resulted in a member of staff being dismissed.

I am clear that at every step my priority has been the care of the incredible British Museum collection, and that continues today  with our commitment to learning lessons from the independent review, our determination to help the police with their criminal investigation, and our focus on the recovery programme.

The British Museum said last week items from its collection were found to be missing, stolen or damaged and police are investigating.

Ittai Gradel, an author, academic and antiquities dealer who alerted the museum, called for Mr Fischer and deputy director Jonathan Williams to be sacked for the sake of this great institution as he alleged the museum did not carry out basic checks.

Mr Gradel told The Telegraph a thorough investigation only began two years after his initial report when he contacted former chancellor, George Osborne, who is the museums chairman, in January this year.

Since 2014, he has bought about 70 items from the same seller, with prices ranging from 15 to a few hundred pounds, he said.

Mr Gradel said he has returned some of the missing items, which include a ring from the reign of Cleopatra, bought for 150, to the police and museum.

Police have details of those who bought the other items from him, he said.

We want to tell the British Museum that they cannot anymore say that Greek (cultural) heritage is more protected in the British Museum. It is obvious that it is very well protected in Greece and not in the British Museum Despina Koutsoumba, Association of Greek Archaeologists

Mr Gradel also believes another 150 items, which he has not found on the museums online catalogue, from a separate seller could belong to the institution.

Legal action is being taken by the museum against an unnamed member of staff, who has been sacked.

The Telegraph also alleges that the unnamed staff member was promoted to oversee the Parthenon Sculptures, which once adorned the Parthenon atop the Acropolis in Athens, following Mr Gradel raising concerns.

Despina Koutsoumba, head of the Association of Greek Archaeologists, said her colleagues were worried about how many Greek items were missing.

She told the BBC: We want to tell the British Museum that they cannot anymore say that Greek (cultural) heritage is more protected in the British Museum.

It is obvious that it is very well protected in Greece and not in the British Museum.

Greece has been campaigning for decades for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures, which once adorned the Parthenon atop the Acropolis in Athens.

The country has long claimed they were illegally acquired during a period of foreign occupation, while British officials have rebuffed repeated demands for their return.

Chairman of the British Museum All-Party Parliamentary Group Tim Loughton told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that news of items going missing from the museums collection in London was damaging but that the institution was taking the thefts seriously.

The MP, who has been talking to museum, also said: What is particularly damaging is (the) blatant opportunism of the Greeks and others saying Oh no, the British Museum is not safe   Its incredibly rare that things go missing.

The museum has not specified how many items have been stolen or detailed what the missing items are, saying only that they were small pieces including gold jewellery and gems of semi-precious stones and glass dating from the 15th century BC to the 19th century AD.

The Daily Telegraph has reported that the number of stolen items is believed to be well over 1,000 and closer to 2,000, with a value running into millions of pounds.

Our dedicated law enforcement liaison team is in close contact with the Metropolitan Police and is supporting the investigation into this case eBay

PA understands that the items were taken before 2023 and over a significant period of time.

An independent review of security has been launched and the matter is also under investigation by the economic crime command of the Metropolitan Police.

No arrests have been made.

The review will be led by former museum trustee Sir Nigel Boardman and Lucy DOrsi, chief constable of British Transport Police.

Some of the items were allegedly sold on eBay, with the online marketplace saying in a statement: Our dedicated law enforcement liaison team is in close contact with the Metropolitan Police and is supporting the investigation into this case.

EBay does not tolerate the sale of stolen property. If we identify that a listing on our site is stolen, we immediately remove it and work with law enforcement to support investigations and keep our site safe.
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From the moment we reported on the plight of the Afghan airman, who fought alongside our troops and made his way to the UK only to be threatened with deportation to Rwanda, the groundswell of support was immediate.

Military top brass, members of parliament and our own heroes from the war in Afghanistan united in our pages to demand the government do the right thing and honour our debt to this brave pilot who joined Britain in fighting against the tyranny of the Taliban.

But when this plea was raised with government, from the home secretary to the defence secretary and even the prime minister himself, our call was fought at every turn, with heel-dragging and obfuscation, until finally  after five months  ministers were forced to capitulate. Heres how it happened.

Rishi Sunaks government dragged its heels on the pilots case prompting outrage from military chiefs and politicans across the political divide (Getty)

25 March

We first report on the case of the Afghan pilot, threatened by the Home Office with deportation to Rwanda because he had arrived on small boat across the English Channel. We reveal that his US coalition supervisor told Suella Bravermans department that he had risked his life to support his nations development and coalition forces in Afghanistan.

The Home Office lead on the response and say it is committed to providing protection for vulnerable and at-risk people fleeing Afghanistan.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) tells The Independent that it is a Home Office issue.

28 March

Rishi Sunak is questioned about the pilots case by senior Tory MP Caroline Nokes during a committee session in parliament. Mr Sunak says people like the airman were exactly the sort of people we want to help, and that he would pass on the details to the Home Office.

But No 10 then washed its hands of the case  telling The Independent on 30 March it was a Home Office matter.

Rishi Sunak questioned on The Independents investigation on Afghan hero facing deportation

29 March

Then-Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab is repeatedly challenged by the BBC on whether the pilot would be chucked out of the UK.

Mr Raab insists there is a safe and legal route to the UK and said the government was determined to crackdown on criminal gangs who feed the illegal asylum trade.

30 March

We report on a letter sent directly from the pilot to Mr Sunak, pleading for him to intervene in his asylum claim. I asked for help in return for the help I once gave your people, he wrote. But the letter goes unanswered by the PM.

31 March

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace says only that he would encourage people to apply for the Arap scheme [The MoDs resettlement scheme for Afghans who worked for or with British troops] if they fit the requirements. He stresses that they should apply before coming to the UK. It comes alongside a report that the MoD could consider taking up the case under Arap.

Defence secretary Ben Wallace (PA Wire)

15 May

Defence minister James Heappey is grilled on the war heros case by MPs in the Commons, but refuses to give a lifeline  saying the airman did not qualify in principle for Arap. Mr Heappey says that as a member of the Afghan national security forces, rather than somebody who worked directly with British armed forces, he would not automatically be in scope.

28 May

The US government adds to the pressure on the Sunak government, making an extraordinary intervention by pledging to look into the pilots case as the UK government continues to stall.

Biden's commitment to Afghan allies 'continues to stand' as pilot risks Rwanda deportation

3rd April

The Independent presses the Home Office and Number 10 for a response to the pilots letter to Mr Sunak. The Home Office says there is no update. Number 10 points us to the previous Home Office statement. The Ministry of Defence says it is an issue for the Home Office.

17 June

The Afghan pilots application for help to remain in the UK under the Arap scheme is rejected by the MoD on the grounds that he is not eligible. The deportation threat remains, meaning the pilots asylum claim is not being processed.

1 August

Asked again about his initial asylum claim, the Home Office points The Independent to the MoDs Arap scheme  but points out that it was established for a defined cohort of Afghans who had worked directly for, or with, the UK armed forces.

23 August

In a dramatic turn of events, the Home Office finally accepts that the pilot does indeed have a well-founded fear of persecution and therefore cannot return to your country of origin. He is granted refugee status and told he can remain in the UK.
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Nadine Dorries has ended her summer of silence to insist she is still working daily for her constituents, after a senior Tory colleague told Rishi Sunak she should be stripped of the party whip.

Caroline Nokes urged the PM to sack the ex-culture secretary as a Tory MP, as she was accused of making a mockery of her seat by refusing to resign as promised 10 weeks ago.

Shefford town council and Flitwick town council in her Mid-Bedfordshire constituency have said she is focused on political manoeuvres to embarrass the government and not representing her constituents.

But Ms Dorries, who has not spoken in parliament for more than a year, fired back at her critics on Wednesday  claiming that said she was getting on with her job.

She gave a short statement to News Agents podcast saying that political opponents, such as Labour-run Flitwick town council are choosing the summer and news-hungry outlets in the summer recess to be noted.

The Boris Johnson loyalist said myself and my team of four caseworkers are working daily with constituents, adding: We are just getting on with the work.

Ms Dorries was furious at failing to win a peerage in her former boss resignation honours  alleging that posh boy Mr Sunak had blocked it. She warned that she would not quit until the government releases documents surrounding the decision to deny her the honour.

Ms Nokes joined growing calls for the PM to withdraw the whip from Ms Dorries. Her hearts not in it and if your hearts not in it, then you shouldnt be taking up a seat that somebody who wishes to represent the people of that constituency with heart and soul could be doing, she told Times Radio.

It came a day after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer challenged Mr Sunak to force the issue and push Ms Dorries to finally quit her seat. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said on Wednesday Mr Sunak should have the guts to sack Ms Dorries as a Tory MP.

Rishi Sunak under pressure to pull Tory whip from Nadine Dorries (Getty)

Signs have popped up in Mid Bedfordshire branding Ms Dorries a dosser and calling for her to resign. Two councils in Ms Dorries Mid Bedfordshire constituency also calling for her to quit. Shefford Town Council wrote to the former culture secretary to criticise her scant interest in Mid Bedfordshire.

Mr Sunak himself has slammed Ms Dorries, claiming her constituents are not being properly represented and suggesting she should hurry up and quit. But he has so far refused to withdraw the whip, meaning she still sits as a Tory MP.

On 9 June, Ms Dorries pledged to stand down immediately over her failure to gain a peerage in Boris Johnsons resignation honours list  but 10 weeks on, she has yet to formally resign.

Ms Dorries last spoke in parliament more than a year ago. Her last written contribution was a ministerial statement almost a year ago, in early September 2022. And she last voted in the Commons in April.

Ms Nokes joined growing calls for the prime minister to withdraw the whip from Ms Dorries (PA Archive)

Ms Nokes, chair of parilaments women and equalities committee, said: She shouldnt have the Tory whip if shes made it plain that she no longer wishes to be a Conservative MP but cant take that final step towards resignation. I think she needs to crack on and do that.

There is, of course, the situation that MPs cannot be sacked unless by a recall petition and certainly Nadine has not done anything to trigger that.

Also speaking to Times Radio, Tory MP Damian Green said Ms Dorries should go. She said shes going to resign immediately - then do it.

I just think shes not just damaging [arliament, she is damaging her own reputation as well, I think. Having said shes going to go, it would be in everyones interest if she just went.

On a visit to the constituency to campaign for the Liberal Democrat candidate to replace Ms Dorries, Sir Ed said people in Mid Bedfordshire are fed up. He added: Rishi Sunak should have the guts to sack Nadine Dorries as a Conservative MP. His silence on this whole sorry saga has become deafening.
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The Conservative candidate for mayor of London is facing criticism after she branded the Notting Hill carnival dangerous and said it should be moved.

Susan Hall, who is facing off against Sadiq Khan next year said the event put residents through hell and should be moved for the safety of the innocent.

It comes after Ms Hall was last year criticised for claiming the Black community has a problem with crime.

The carnival, a celebration of British Caribbean culture, has been held since 1966 and is the largest such event in Europe, attracting between one and two million attendees.

Notting Hill has been a focal point for Londons Caribbean community since the 1950s, when many new arrivals in Britain were attracted to its cheap rents. The area has since gentrified and is now highly affluent.

Ms Hall has repeatedly called for the carnival to be moved, in 2020 asking: Why do we permit this vandalism every year?

I attended Notting Hill carnival last year [2019] to understand the police operation, she said at the time.

It was unbelievable. I dont think the public realise just how dangerous it can get. Astonishing that we should put our police in this position every year and the cost to the taxpayers is eye-watering.

In 2019 she said: Ive already said on Twitter that I think the carnival should be moved, adding that this was for the safety of the police, the innocent that attend and the poor residents that live in the area.

Labour's shadow foreign secretary David Lammy, who is MP for Tottenham, said it was astonishing for Ms Hall to be running as Tory candidate in the capital while holding such offensive views.

In London, were proud of our diversity and its something we celebrate and see as a strength, not a weakness, he said.

London has been shaped in many ways by Black and Caribbean culture and heritage, and there is no greater celebration of this than Notting Hill Carnival, which is famous around the world.

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy (PA Wire)

For someone running to be Mayor of London to express these offensive views about Notting Hill Carnival and Londons Black communities is astonishing. But its just another example of how the Tory candidate is a hard-right politician who is out of touch, does not share Londons values, and hates our citys great diversity.

Its also deeply worrying that someone running to be Mayor of a city as diverse as London has spoken out so aggressively against those campaigning for greater racial justice. Her views make her totally unfit to be Mayor.

A spokesperson for Ms Hall said she made no apology for condemning violence at public events and demonstrations.

The Notting Hill Carnival was in 2006 voted a national icon in a BBC poll alongside Big Ben, Blackpool Tower, and Hadrians Wall.

The 2023 event takes place on Sunday 27 August and is expected to be attended by around two million people. It did not take place in 2020 or 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Rishi Sunaks bid to overrule Sadiq Khans expansion of the ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) was dropped after lawyers told him it would fail in court, it has emerged.

Ministers were considering a bid to block the expansion of the scheme, introduced to tackle air pollution in the capital, using a legal power under which they can oppose plans that are inconsistent with national policies.

The 1999 Greater London Authority Act states a transport secretary can order the mayor to revise policies that go against national policies and are detrimental to any area outside Greater London.

But legal advice commissioned by the government concluded an attempt to block the expansion under the provision would fail if challenged, The Telegraph reported.

Mr Khan said instead of attacking the power of devolved mayors, the prime minister should be working with us and fulfilling his legal obligation to tackle the UKs toxic air pollution.

Hitting back at the inference his Ulez expansion could go against the governments policies, he said: Birmingham, Bath, Sheffield and Tyneside all have clean air zones, funded by the government.

Does the PM want people there to breathe dirty air too? Or just London?

Ulez, which costs drivers of vehicles that do not meet minimum emissions standards 12.50 a day to enter, is set to expand to all London boroughs from August 29.

The expansion has proved controversial, with the Conservatives citing anger against it for the partys shock victory in last months Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election  to replace former prime minister and local MP Boris Johnson.

And Mr Khan has faced pressure from within his own party, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer asking him to reflect on the expansion in the wake of the Uxbridge defeat.

Sir Keir said the charge was disproportionately hitting hard-up Britons during the cost of living crisis and said cities should look at other ways to tackle air pollution.

The Conservatives have said Sadiq Khans administration was attempting to silence academic challenges to Ulez (Lucy North/PA) (PA Wire)

But Mr Khan has refused to delay, water down or step back on vital public health and green policies.

Instead, he has expanded a support scheme to offer every Londoner with a polluting car a grant of up to 2,000 to switch to a greener model, while small businesses can get 21,000 to junk up to three vans.

No10s bid to block the Ulez expansion comes after Mr Khan was accused of attempting to squash dissent, after his deputy asked a City Hall-funded expert to counter scientific views that questioned the benefits of a charge on polluting vehicles.

Despite legal advice against the move, Tory MPs urged ministers to intervene anyway. Greg Smith told The Telegraph it would be perfectly legitimate for national government to step in and stop this crazy, nonsensical, punishing idea.

A Downing Street source told The Telegraph: We have and continue to look at options, but they are limited.

The people who could stop this tomorrow are the Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan and Sir Keir Starmer.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: It is for the mayor to justify the Ulez expansion, and at a time when the government is doing everything it can to support people with the cost of living, the mayor is responsible for explaining whether it is fair to charge those with non-compliant vehicles 12.50 every time they drive in London.
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The King has sent his support to the people of Canada as the country experiences its worst wildfire season on record.

The fires have pushed tens of thousands of people from their homes and threatened cities such as Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories.

About 30,000 people were under evacuation orders in British Columbia.

Charles said he and his wife, Camilla, were desperately concerned by the disastrous situation after states of emergency were declared in the Northwest Territories and British Columbia.

Charles, who visited Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories with Camilla last year, said he could only begin to imagine the heartbreak in those communities as they face this disastrous situation.

He continued: We know that this summer has been an incredibly difficult one for Canadians everywhere.

Severe flooding, devastating fires and deteriorating air quality due to smoke have impacted the country from coast to coast to coast.

Canada has seen a record number of wildfires this year that have also caused choking smoke in parts of the US.

There have been more than 5,700 fires, which have burned more than 53,000 square miles from one end of Canada to the other, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

Last month intense thunderstorms dumped record amounts of rain across a wide swathe of Canadas Atlantic coast, causing flash-flooding, road washouts and power cuts.

Charles continued: My wife and I send our deepest condolences to all those who have lost loved ones and we continue to pray for all those who have been displaced, who have lost their homes, businesses or property in such dire circumstances.

Our admiration is unbounded for the tireless work of local officials, volunteers and first responders in assisting and protecting their neighbours and communities in the face of such danger and uncertainty.

The beauty of Canada is not limited to its landscapes; its true beauty lies in the strength and resilience of Canadians and the care and concern they show to one another in the face of adversity.
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Delays marked voting in Zimbabwe on Wednesday as Emmerson Mnangagwa seeks a second and final term presidential in a country with a history of violent and disputed elections.

This is the second general election since a 2017 coup that toppled longtime ruler Robert Mugabe.

Twelve presidential candidates are on the ballot, but the main contest is expected to be between 80-year-old Mnangagwa, known as the crocodile, and 45-year-old opposition leader Nelson Chamisa. Mnangagwa narrowly beat Chamisa in a disputed election in 2018.

Chamisa hopes to break the ruling ZANU-PF partys 43-year hold on power. Zimbabwe has had only two leaders since gaining independence from white minority rule in 1980.

Emmerson Mnangagwa, known as the crocodile casts his vote (EPA)

A runoff election will be held on 2 October if no candidate wins a clear majority in the first round. The election will also determine the makeup of the 350-seat parliament and nearly 2,000 local council positions.

Its becoming tougher to survive in this country, said Basil Chendambuya, an early voter in a working-class township in Harare. I am hoping for change. This is my third time to vote and I am praying hard that this time my vote counts. I am getting desperate, so God has to intervene this time round.2

The father of three said his two adult children are working menial jobs and surviving hand to mouth.

Zimbabwe has vast mineral resources, including Africas largest reserves of lithium, a key component in making electric car batteries. But watchdogs have long alleged that widespread corruption and mismanagement have gutted much of the countrys potential.

A woman looks for her name on a voters list in Zimbabwe on Wednesday (AFP via Getty Images)

European Union chief election observer Fabio Massimo Castaldo said around 30% of polling stations in Harare had significant delays in opening, often linked to the lack of essential materials, notably, in many cases, paper ballots.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission acknowledged the late distribution of ballot papers at some polling stations and blamed it on delays in their printing "arising from numerous court challenges." Governing party activists and the opposition had brought a flurry of cases over who could run in both presidential and parliamentary elections.

Ahead of the election, opposition and human rights groups including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International accused Mnangagwa of seeking to silence dissent amid rising tensions due to a currency crisis, a sharp hike in food prices, a weakening public health system and a lack of formal jobs.

After voting, Mnangagwa expressed confidence he would win. If I think I am not going to take it, then I will be foolish, he said. He encouraged people to be peaceful.

Chamisa alleged intimidation in rural areas but said his supporters should be patient and not frustrated. We are winning this election, he said. They know it and thats why they are panicking.

Voters wait in Kwekwe, outside Harare, Zimbabwe on Wednesday (REUTERS/)

Mnangagwa was a close ally of Mugabe and served as vice president before a fallout ahead of the 2017 coup. He has sought to portray himself as a reformer, but many accuse him of being even more repressive than the man he helped remove from power.

Zimbabwe has been under United States and EU sanctions for the past two decades over allegations of human rights abuses, charges denied by the governing party. Mnangagwa has in recent years repeated much of Mugabes rhetoric against the West, accusing it of seeking to topple his regime.

Ahead of the elections, observers from the EU and the US came under criticism from officials and state-run media for alleged bias against the governing party.

The Carter Center, invited by the government to observe the polls, has said 30 members of its 48-member observer team had not yet been accredited on the eve of the elections and any further delay would hinder its ability to observe polling, counting, and tabulation in many locations.

Several local human rights activists, including lawyers and a clergyman viewed as critical of the government, were denied accreditation to observe the vote.

Associated Press
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Celebrities including Amy Schumer have reacted with outrage after the grieving parents of mass shooting victims were thrown out of a special Tennessee legislative session about gun control.

The Hollywood actor and comedian posted footage on Instagram showing the group of mothers holding up signs and speaking out at the hearing on Tuesday  before they were removed by troopers.

I love these woman its always women, she captioned the post.

Tennessee House subcommittee members had state troopers physically remove gun safety activists who quietly held signs from a hearing.

She added: We bow down to this woman who  visibly shaking  said: You will have to drag me out. Moms will win.

Several other celebrities also showed their support for the parents, with comedians Ilana Glazer and Sarah Silverman liking Schumbers post.

On Tuesday, the bereaved family members were seen breaking down in tears as troopers from the Tennessee Highway Patrol removed them from the second day of the legislative session where they'd been called to testify about gun control.

"I was supposed to speak, I was supposed to testify," said Sarah Shoop Neumann, sobbing and shaking in front of the silent GOP-controlled House subcommittee room.

Ms Neumann is a parent whose child attends The Covenant School  a private Christian grade school where three children and three staff were killed in a mass shooting in March. The suspect, 28-year-old Audrey Hale, was killed after being confronted and killed by police.

Ms Neumann said she was later allowed back to testify against a bill that allows for more teachers to carry guns at school. The House subcommittee advanced the bill, though its odds appear longer in the Senate.

"We're just trying to do something," Ms Neumann later told reporters, as other Covenant parents huddled around her. "It's overwhelming."

Republican governor Bill Lee had initially called lawmakers back to the Capitol to consider his proposal to keep firearms away from dangerous people. But his bill was defeated by the Republican supermajority, where legislative leaders have largely refused to consider the issue.

Without any debate, three variations of similar proposals for so-called extreme risk protection orders, or ERPOs, carried by Democratic rep Bob Freeman of Nashville, immediately failed Tuesday in the same House subcommittee where the public was kicked out.

People gather inside the Tennessee State Capitol during a special session on public safety in Nashville, TN (REUTERS)

On the first day of the special session on Monday, House Republicans advanced a new set of procedural rules that carried harsh penalties for lawmakers deemed too disruptive or distracting, and banned visitors from carrying signs inside the Capitol and in legislative hearing rooms.

The Senate and House also signed off on severely limiting the public from accessing the galleries where people have traditionally been allowed to watch their government in action.

Protesters on Tuesday defied the new sign ban by showing up to the House chamber with pro-gun control messages written on their bodies and clothes. Others wrote out messages on their phones and held them up for lawmakers to see.

That defiance faced a harsher response as lawmakers broke out into committee rooms to begin debating legislation.

Allison Polidor, a gun control advocate from Nashville, was escorted out of a hearing room because she was holding a sign that said, "1 KID > ALL THE GUNS."

"I wasn't saying anything. I wasn't doing anything. I was holding up a sign," Ms Polidor said.

Republican state representative Lowell Russell, who oversaw the meeting, had also warned that he could order everyone out of the room.

People gather inside the Tennessee State Capitol during a special session on public safety in Nashville (REUTERS)

Shortly after, another Republican lawmaker said his bill was stalled that would let people with handgun carry permits bring guns onto K-12 and college school property if they know the school doesn't have armed security. That announcement sparked some gun control advocates in the crowd to break out in applause.

"Are we going to quiet down and listen, or are we going to sit there and clap?" Mr Russell said.

When some kept clapping, Russell said, "Alright, troopers, let's go ahead and clear the room." Members of the media were allowed to stay, and some members of the public who were testifying on legislation were allowed in.

"We gave them three or four times to not do outbursts in the committee hearing, and unfortunately they continued after three, maybe four warnings," Mr Russell told The Associated Press afterward. "So unfortunately, that's just the way it goes, if they don't follow the rules."

Additional reporting by agencies
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The death of former US president Barack Obamas personal chef Tafari Campbell in the Massachusetts resort community of Marthas Vineyard was an accident, a state official said on Tuesday.

Campbell, 45, died while paddleboarding in the waters close to the former presidents home in late July. His body was recovered a day later with the aid of sonar technology about 100 feet from the shore and eight feet underwater in Edgartown Great Pond, a large coastal pool connected to the Atlantic.

Timothy McGuirk, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, told the media that the cause of death was ruled as drowning and the manner of death was determined to be an accident.

Massachusetts Police at the time of the incident said Campbell was not wearing a personal flotation device and was not leashed to the paddle board when he fell into the water.

He was with a fellow paddle boarder  who has not been named  who tried to help but could not reach him in time, police said.

The other paddleboarder then swam to shore and notified a person on shore of what had happened, police said.

That person placed a 911 call to the Dukes County Regional Emergency Communications Center, which initiated an immediate emergency search and rescue response by numerous public safety agencies.

Campbell had been a sous chef at the White House and came to work for the family after Mr Obama completed his second term in 2017, the former president and his wife, Michelle Obama, said last month.

Tafari was a beloved part of our family, the Obamas had said in a statement in response to the tragic accident. When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House  creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together.

Barack Obama paid tribute to his personal chef Tafari Campbell, pictured with his Sharise, who died in a paddleboarding accident off Marthas Vineyard (Instragam / Barack Obama)

In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter.

Thats why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed. Hes been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that hes gone.

Campbell had a brief brush with fame in 2012 when he brewed an ale from honey gathered from the beehives Ms Obama had installed on the White Houses South Lawn, which is believed to be the first alcohol ever produced within the grounds of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

The chef, who lived in Dumfries, Virginia, leaves behind his wife, Sherise, and twin sons.
 Close Family reacts to death of Andrea Vazquez

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The suspect in Andrea Vazquezs kidnapping and murder is reportedly scared after being hit with multiple felonies.

Gabriel Sean Esparza, 20, has been charged with murder, kidnapping and attempted rape in connection with the death of 19-year-old Andrea Vazquez. Mr Esparza entered a not-guilty plea when he made his first court appearance for the brutal slaying on Wednesday.

Vazquez was randomly kidnapped while on a date with her boyfriend at Penn Park in Whittier.

While Vazquez and her boyfriend were sitting in the parked car, an armed man approached them and began shooting. Vazquezs boyfriend fled the scene and when he returned, he discovered blood near it and Vazquez was gone.

Vazquezs body was found the following day in Moreno Valley.

Mr Esparzas attorney Ambrosio Rodriguez told FOX11 that the 20-year-old was scared.

Everyone in this case is in shock, and everyone who knows him cant believe that he has been charged with this crime, Mr Rodriguez told the network in a statement, adding that Mr Esparza is just beginning to understand what is going on.
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Authorities in Kansas say they have found items of interest in several cold case investigations during a search of BTK killer Dennis Raders former home.

Osage County Sheriff Eddie Virden told Fox News that investigators had dug up Raders former property in Park City over two days this week after linking him to unsolved missing person cases.

Through the investigation, we developed information of some possible trophies of Dennis Raders, and we followed up on those leads and worked with Park City, Mr Virden told the news site.

He said officers did a dig in the area, and we did recover some items of interest.

According to Fox News, one such item was a pantyhose ligature.

Osage County Sheriff Eddie Virden told Fox News Digital: One of the items we recovered at that time was what appears to be a pantyhose ligature. You know, that item was collected, and it will be turned over to KBI [the Kansas Bureau of Investigation] at some point in time when theyre ready, along with anything else.

Rader, the so-called bind torture kill serial killer, is serving 10 consecutive life terms after his 2005 confession to the brutal murders of 10 women in the Wichita area between 1974 and 1991.

Investigators have reportedly linked Rader to the unsolved disappearance of Cythia Cyndi Dawn Kinney, a 16-year-old cheerleader who disappeared from a laundromat in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, in 1976.

Raders daughter Kerri Rawson said in a press release that she had been assisting law enforcement with an investigation into Kinneys disappearance and several other unsolved murders.

Dennis Rader, aka the BTK killer, is suspected of involvement in several unsolved missing person cases (Getty Images)

Ms Rawson said she had recently learned of Kinneys cold case, and the separate unsolved murder of Shawna Garber, whose remains were found near Pineville, Missouri, in 1990.

She said she contacted law enforcement in Missouri and after being put in touch with the Osage County Sheriffs Office she was flown to Kansas to work as a volunteer in both cases.

As part of that work, she said she visited her father twice at the El Dorado Correctional Facility where he is incarcerated.

She had applied to lift a do not contact order banning all contact with her father in order to help the investigation, she said.

Beyond these two cases that have been released publicly, Im not at liberty to discuss other possible missing persons and unsolved murder cases that are being actively investigated as possibly committed by my father, nor can I comment on my direct assistance in the investigations, Ms Rawson said.

Multiple law enforcement agencies are seeking long-sought answers in decades-old missing persons and unsolved murder cases in the tri-state area of Kansa, Missouri and Oklahoma. And possibly locations that extend beyond the tri-state area, she added.

Kerri Rawson, a true crime author, whose father is the BTK killer Dennis Rader (Harper Collins)

Ms Rawson, a true crime author, also revealed that Rader had been offered immunity earlier this year to confess to any violent crimes he may have committed between the early 1960s and his arrest in 2005.

She called on local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to form a BTK killer special task force to fund and power these vital ongoing tasks.

Rader, 78, is one of the most notorious serial killers in US history. The married father-of-two and regular churchgoer told authorities how he would stalk and kill his victims, and claim trophies including Polaroid photos.

He would boast of his kills in cryptic messages sent to law enforcement and media.

Rader was eventually caught after investigators traced a floppy disk he had sent to a Kansas TV station to a computer at his church.

Ms Rawson spoke to The Independent in January after her father was linked to suspected killer Bryan Kohberger, who is awaiting trial for the murders of four college students in Moscow, Idaho.

Mr Kohberger gained a Masters degree in criminology in 2022 from Pennsylvanias DeSales University, where he was taught by Dr Katherine Ramsland, the leading academic authority on the BTK killings.

Ms Rawson said she believed it was possible that Mr Kohberger was in contact, and possibly influenced, by her father.
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A Philadelphia police officer who shot and killed a motorist during a traffic stop is expected to be fired after surveillance footage emerged contradicting his initial account of the incident, according to reports.

Eddie Irizarry, 27, was shot dead after he was pulled over for allegedly driving his Toyota Corolla erratically through the inner city suburb of Kensington on 14 August.

The officer, identified as Mark Dial, initially claimed to have shot Irizarry after he lunged at him outside of the car.

However, the officer changed his story after reviewing body camera footage which has yet to be released publicly, according to CBS Philadelphia.

Irizarrys attorneys then obtained Ring camera footage from a nearby property.

The video, played to reporters at a press conference on Tuesday, provided a birds eye view showing Irizarry turn down a one-way street, and knock over traffic cones before coming to a stop.

The police vehicle pulled alongside moments later, and Mr Dial then approached Irizarrys vehicle with his weapon drawn while he was sitting in the drivers seat.

Eddie Irizarry was shot and killed by a Philadelphia police officer seconds after they shouted a warning, according to surveillance footage (GoFundme)

Approximately five seconds after shouting what appeared to be a warning, Mr Dial fired through the drivers window, and continued to fire while he walked around the front of the car, surveillance video played to reporters on Tuesday shows.

The officer appeared to say show us your hands and show me your hands before firing six times.

He appeared to recoil from the shots, and then ran back to the patrol vehicle.

The video then showed Mr Dial and a second officer drag Irizarrys body from his vehicle and place him in their patrol car.

Surveillance footage shows Philadelphia police officer Mark Dial approach Eddie Irizarrys car before opening fire (CBS Philadelphia)

Sources told CBS Philadelphia that Mr Dial, who has reportedly not cooperated with an internal investigation, will be suspended for 30 days before he is expected to be fired by the Philadelphia Police Department.

Family attorney Shaka Johnson said during a press conference that inconsistencies in the police account pulls on the public trust of law enforcement.

What about what you just saw could ever be confused as he got out of a car and lunged at police officers? Not a single thing.

Irizarrys father, Eddie Irizarry Sr, wrote on a GoFundMe page that his son, known to family as Junito, had been pursued and killed by the police officers for no reason.

Philadelphia police said their Internal Affairs Bureau and Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Unit are conducting a full and thorough investigation into the shooting in a statement on Tuesday.

Police are expected to provide further information at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
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The daughter of a missing South Carolina woman claims she recognised Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect Rex Heuermann as the man who allegedly drove her mother to a nail salon just before she vanished six years ago.

That claim is now being looked at by the Sumter County Sheriffs Office, Investigator Scott Bonner confirmed to PIX11 News.

Julia Ann Bean, 36, disappeared from the Sumter area in May 2017. She hasnt been seen or heard from since.

Last weekend, Ms Beans friend Heidi Kovas shared chilling details with PIX11 News that she allegedly learned from the missing womans daughter.

She knew him right away, Ms Kovas said. She recognised him right away. She said that was the last person she ever saw with her mom.

Mr Heuermann, 59, who owns a home in South Carolina but was living in Suffolk County and working in Manhattan, was arrested last month for a slew of killings between 2008 and 2010 that gripped the New York area.

He is now charged in the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Costello, and Megan Waterman. Their remains were found along Gilgo Beach on Long Island. He is also the prime suspect in the death of a fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

Julia Ann Bean, 36, disappeared from the Sumter area in May 2017. She hasnt been seen or heard from since. (Sumter County Sheriffs Office)

Ms Kovas said that her missing friends daughter did not know about the Gilgo Beach killings until recently and got chills when she saw his picture.

I have seen him, she reportedly told Ms Kovas.

The daughter last saw her mother in May 2017 just before her high school graduation. She claimed Mr Heuermann had driven her mother to a nail salon in Sumter.

The salon is about 100 miles south of where Heuermann owns property in Chester County, PIX11 reported.

That was not his name, Ms Kovas said the daughter told her. That is not what he called himself.

Architect Rex Heuermann is accused of murdering at least three women near Long Islands Gilgo Beach. A South Carolina woman says she believes he was the last person to be seen with her mother who vanished in 2017 (jtc)

She explained that the daughter told her the man bragged about his lake houses and boats and wanted to marry Ms Bean.

Her daughter had mentioned multiple, different men giving her mom money, Ms Kovas said. I mean theres no doubt that she was more than likely escorting. She was a beautiful girl, she IS a beautiful girl.

Ms Bean, who struggled with drug addiction, was not reported missing for more than five months.

She just walked out of her house, Ms Kovas added. She didnt take a phone. She didnt take a purse. She didnt take her drugs. She always had her drugs. Even her daughter said that she left her dope kit.

Ms Bean vanished in 2017 without her phone or her purse, her friend said (Sumter County Sheriffs Office)

Ms Kovas noted that the Sumter area was known to be an active sex and drug scene and that it was possible Heuermann would make the drive there for dates.

She added that she wants to know where her friend is.

Im here, Julie Bean, Ms Kovas said in the video she recently posted on social media. Im not going anywhere, and Im not giving up.

Mr Heuermann, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, is due back in court on 27 September.

All four of the women were believed to be engaged in sex work prior to their disappearance. Other remains were also found in the vicinity but no connection has been made to Heuermann.
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Opening arguments are being heard at Antrim County Circuit Court in Bellaire, Michigan, on Wednesday in the trial of the last defendants to be accused of plotting to kidnap the states two-term Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Eric Molitor, 39, and the twin brothers William Null and Michael Null, both 41, were among 14 men  described by the prosecution as anti-government extremists associated with the Boogaloo movement  charged with planning to take Ms Whitmer hostage after becoming incensed by the strict lockdown measures she enacted in 2020 in the interest of protecting citizens from the coronavirus.

Fortunately, the FBI intervened on 7 October that year to prevent the plot from actually being carried out, making a string of arrests and charging its suspects a day later.

Mr Molitor from Cadillac and the Null Brothers from Plainwell and Shelbyville now stand accused of providing material support for terrorist acts and of the illegal possession of firearms.

They have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

It is alleged that the 14 Michigan conspirators believed Ms Whitmer had overstepped her powers and violated the US Constitution by imposing the social restrictions without legislative approval and conspired in secret to abduct her in order to ensure civil liberties were restored by force, whatever the cost to public health.

Focus on the states tough lockdown measures had greatly enhanced the governors national profile at the time, resulting in rallies that sprang up demonstrating against them in April and May.

They also attracted the ire of then-president Donald Trump, who feared their economic impact could harm his own re-election prospects in November, prompting him to repeatedly deride Ms Whitmer and tweet LIBERATE MICHIGAN! on 17 April.

Two weeks later, armed protesters taking part in an American Patriot Rally  the future Whitmer plotters among them  occupied the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing in a tense standoff with police that may well have been directly inspired by the presidents irresponsible rhetoric.

It was against this backdrop of anger and unrest that the alleged kidnapping was conceived between June and September of that summer, a time when the country was otherwise preoccupied with the advance of the virus and the Black Lives Matter demonstrations that had erupted in cities across the US in response to the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Eric Molitor (Antrim County Sheriffs Office/AP)

Evidence presented in previous trials reported that the likeminded plotters had first met up in suburban Dublin, Ohio, on 6 June to discuss the need for a more self-reliant society that adhered strictly to the US Bill of Rights, at which point the prospect of overthrowing tyrant state governors was first discussed.

Over the course of further talks carried out between June, July, August and September, often via a private Facebook chat, the plan to abduct Ms Whitmer from her vacation home on Birch Lake in Elk Rapids gradually evolved, with the group also proposing to blow up a bridge over the Elk River to prevent law enforcement from pursuing them.

Gatherings for field training and surveillance operations were carried out during that time before the FBI stepped in to make its arrests, the bureau having been well aware of the group for some time thanks to its infiltration by undercover agents, who had collected hundreds of hours of undercover audio recordings and more than 13,000 pages of encrypted text messages over the course of the summer.

The FBI and state police executed arrests of several of the conspirators when they were meeting on the east side of the state to pool funds for explosives and exchange tactical gear, Andrew Birge, US attorney for the Western District of Michigan, explained on 8 October when the men were charged and the plot exposed.

The individuals in custody are suspected to have attempted to identify the home addresses of law enforcement officers in order to target them, made threats of violence intended to instigate a civil war, and engaged in planning and training for an operation to attack the capital building of Michigan and to kidnap government officials including the governor of Michigan, added state attorney general Dana Nessel.

William Null (Antrim County Sheriffs Office/AP)

Nine men have since been convicted in federal or state courts related to the affair, including ringleaders Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr and four who pleaded guilty: Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Shawn Fix and Brian Higgins.

Two more  Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta  were acquitted at trial.

Half of the suspects proved to have ties to a small paramilitary group calling itself the Wolverine Watchmen, which was founded by Pete Musico and Joseph Morrison, who were likewise convicted over the Whitmer plot.

Jon Lewis, a research fellow at the Program on Extremism at George Washington University, later admitted the outfit had flown under the radar of experts due to its comparative obscurity and small size, despite widespread concern at the time about the growing influence of far-right groups in the state.

The final three defendants on trial have been portrayed as close to Fox, the mastermind who was convicted of orchestrating the scheme and sentenced to 16 years in jail.

Michael Null (Antrim County Sheriffs Office/AP)

He is currently serving time at US Penitentiary Florence High in Colorado and has declined to testify in the upcoming trial, invoking his right against self-incrimination.

Fox was recorded by an undercover FBI agent during one clandestine meeting in the basement of a vacuum repair shop in Grand Rapids on 20 June saying of the Null Brothers: Theyre willing to go die... if need be. They dont want to die in vain though.

According to a court filing citing earlier witness testimony, Molitor and the siblings attended a training session in the town of Luther where a fake kill house had been built out of PVC tubing to simulate Ms Whitmers property, before allegedly joining Fox and others on a night ride to see the real mansion.

The assignment for that vehicle was to be a look out for suspicious vehicles in Governor Whitmers neighbourhood and to interact with the other two vehicles participating in the surveillance by using hand-held radios, prosecutors explained.

Speaking out after the FBI had intervened and made its arrests, Governor Whitmer herself labelled the plotters sick and depraved men and wasted no time in laying the blame squarely at Mr Trumps door, accusing him of inciting hostility against her in interviews with CBSs Face the Nation and NBCs Meet the Press and in an article for The Atlantic.

If convicted, Mr Molitor and the Null Brothers could now be handed 20-year jail sentences for the crimes of which they stand accused.
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On Friday, 18 August, police were alerted to a report of a person being shot at a clothing store.

Officers identified the victim as the stores owner, Laura Ann Carleton, who had suffered a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials said there had been an altercation at her store over an LGBTQ Pride flag that she was displaying. The suspect, now identified as 27-year-old Travis Ikeguchi, had made several disparaging remarks about the flag before shooting her, police said.

Ikeguchi fled the scene after shooting Carleton, but was found by sheriff's deputies several miles away and was fatally shot in a confrontation.

Authorities later revealed that Ikeguchi had posted a series of homophobic comments on social media.

The attack has sparked outrage across the community and social media.

Carleton was a mother, business owner, fashion enthusiast  and a passionate LGBTQ+ advocate.

Who was Laura Ann Carleton?

Carleton, known as Lauri was 66 years old and was the owner of a clothing store called Mag.Pi, located in Cedar Glen, near San Bernadino in Southern California.

According to the official Mag.Pi store website, her love for fashion was sparked during her teenage years.

She started her career working in the family business at Fred Segal Feet in Los Angeles while attending the Art Center School of Design. She then made her way to Joseph Magnin Century City and began running the top fashion show floor.

Progressing in her fashion career, Carleton joined Kenneth Cole and remained there for over 15 years, where she worked with factory and design teams in Italy and Spain.

Laura Carleton was killed by a gunman outside her store (Mountain Provisions Cooperative)

The designer travelled with her husband Bort across the US, Europe and South America, which fuelled her love for design, fashion, food, fine art and architecture.

Carleton said Mag.Pi,strives to tackle everyday life with grace and ease and continuing to dream.

The couple lived in Studio City, Los Angeles, and also own a 1920s fishermans cabin on Lake Arrowhead. Her website sayd: With a penchant for longevity, Laura has been married to the same man Bort for 28 years. She is an amazing mother of a family of nine children, the youngest being identical twin girls.

What have people said about her?

Hollywood director Paul Feig  whose movies include Bridesmaids and The Heat  led tributes to the mother-of-nine, remembering the much loved true ally.

Under a picture of the two of them together, Feig wrote: We are all devastated for her husband Bort and her family and the LGBTQ+ community, for whom Lauri was such a true ally. Her alleged murderer was later shot and killed by the San Bernardino police and so no longer poses a threat to the community. But this intolerance has to end.

Paul Feig and Lauri Carleton (Paul Feig via Instagram)

Anyone using hateful language against the LGBTQ+ community has to realize their words matter, that their words can inspire violence against innocent loving people. Lets all keep moving forward with tolerance and love. Lets not let Lauris tragic death be in vain.

A charity organisation, Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ+, said in a statement that Carleton was an ally for the community.

It said: Lauri did not identify as LGBTQ+ but spent her time helping & advocating for everyone in the community. She will be truly missed. From what we understand the suspect is no longer a threat.

A resident leaves flowers at a makeshift memorial outside the Mag.Pi clothing store (AFP via Getty Images)

Carletons daughter, Ari, put out a heartbreaking message in homage to her fearless, cool and compassionate mother.

The post was coupled with several photos of Carleton with her loved ones, with the caption: Make no mistake, this was a hate crime. Her flags had been torn down before and she always responded by putting up a bigger one. Our family is broken.

We have a long road ahead of us as we navigate this new reality without our loving matriarch. We find peace in knowing she passed quickly in a place she cherished, doing what she loved while fiercely defending something she believed in. She was fearless, cool and compassionate  always putting others first.

The post continued: We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support that our family has received from loved ones and strangers alike, it has provided hope and light in our darkest days. We will continue to advocate for love, equality and acceptance in everything that we do. Love will always triumph hate.

I feel deeply saddened by this, actor Jamie Lee Curtis said on Instagram. This is our country now and we cant look away. Rest in peace Laura Ann Carleton, a mother of nine. Thank you for your allyship.

Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR and Sex and The City star Kristin Davis said Carletons murder is a hate crime and added: I cannot comprehend what has happened and I can only imagine what her family and close friends are going through. We cannot rest in our work towards love and understanding and equality for every person. It is abundantly clear that divisive senseless hate is the only motive for this hate crime.

Lauri was a strong ally, when her Pride flags were stolen she quickly replaced them. To think that she was murdered for her support of our LQBTQ+ family tears my heart into pieces. I want Lauri to be known as the HERO she was and is. I want her family to know we are thinking of them and for everyone to know that we must continue to stand up for what is right! #lovewins.

Tributes from the community

Comments from members of the community also began to pour in after daughter Ari made the post about her mother, sharing her pain and grief with the world.

A makeshift memorial is seen outside the Mag.Pi clothing store (AFP via Getty Images)

One person wrote: My husband and I met your mom 3 weeks ago as we stumbled into her store. She was kind, and generous and such a force. She spoke so highly of her two girls and told us about all the times she drove you up to lake arrowhead during HS to make memories with you. She made us feel like we were family in a 30 min conversation. I am so sorry for what has happened. She was an angel on earth and now a real one.

Another said: I am so grateful for angels like your mother who so selfless took care of others. As a gay man my heart goes out to you and your family even more so that she has been such a fearless warrior for my own personal acceptance in this world. I truly love you and your family. My heart is hurting, but I will take the advice I just got from her well-spoken, beautiful, brave daughter. That is to stay focused on positivity and love and to honor her legacy.
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Four people have been arrested in connection to the shocking kidnapping of twin babies from a Michigan motel which set off a statewide Amber Alert  but luckily ended in their safe return.

The 14-day-old twins, Montana and Matthew Bridges, were reported missing by their mother on Sunday.

The mother, whose name has not been released, told police she had left the babies with friendly acquaintances at the motel in Livonia and left for a period of time.

But when she returned, she said the babies  and her friends  were gone.

An Amber Alert was immediately issued with police stating they believed the babies, who were only wearing diapers, to be in danger and that they had been taken by two unidentified women.

Police released images from surveillance footage of the suspected kidnappers wearing jackets with the hoods pulled over their heads.

The mother told police she had met the acquaintances on Facebook and that they told her they would give her clothes and diapers for the babies.

The babies were safely returned at about 9.30am Monday morning at the Detroit Police Departments Ninth Precinct.

They were unharmed.

Detroit Police Chief James White said: We have the best outcome possible. The two kids have been recovered.

Earlier this week, police released security footage of the suspects in the kidnapping (Livonia Police Department)

On Tuesday, Livonia police announced the arrests of four people related to the kidnapping. Their identities have not been released.

The Livonia Police Department has made four arrests related to the kidnapping of Montana and Matthew Bridges, who were the subject of an Amber Alert on August 21, 2023, the statement said.

This case will be submitted to the Wayne County Prosecutors Office for review.

The investigation into the kidnapping is still ongoing with Livonia Police Captain Gregory Yon saying that a motive is not yet clear.
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A New York bank manager allegedly hired a hitman to kill her brother-in-law but the scheme failed when a foreign police officer she used as a middleman informed the target.

Reshma Massarone, 39, was arrested over the plot on Monday and charged with racketeering/murder-for-hire, according to unsealed federal court documents.

The mother-of-two faces up to 10 years in prison for allegedly agreeing to pay $10,000 for the hitman to gun down her relative, and had already paid a $2,500 deposit, reported The Daily Beast.

Investigators say that Ms Massarone, who works at the Mid-Hudson Credit Union, used Facebook Messenger on 20 July to contact a police officer she knew in Guyana, South America.

Court papers state that the officer, who has not been identified, had provided security for the suspects brother-in-law when he visited the country.

The criminal complaint states that the suspect wanted to use the officer because she believed that (her brother-in-law) and his wife would never expect him to be involved.

The police officer told the suspect that he would not carry out the killing but knew a hitman who could get the job done.

You take care of business and you be a rich man, Ms Massarone wrote to the officer, according to screenshots included in the court papers.

Prosecutors say that on 21 July, the suspect went to a Walgreens in Orange County, New York, and wired $2,500 to the officer in Guyana.

The criminal complaint states that the suspect was caught on store security counting out 25 $100 bills and handing them to a Western Union employee.

On 24 July, the suspects brother-in-law and wife visited the US Embassy in Guyana and said he had learned of the hit because (the officer) had told him about it and that it was scheduled for 25 July.

The brother-in-law told embassy officials that he and the suspect had an ongoing civil litigation matter pending in New York.

On 25 July the officer called the suspect and told her that everything was set for the job and asked if she only wanted her brother-in-law killed.

Just he, just he, the suspect allegedly told the officer, according to a transcript of the phone call included in the complaint.

But the hit never took place and the suspect kept in contact with the officer until 16 August, with the complaint stating that the officer turned all his communications over to US law enforcement.

She was then arrested five days later and remains in custody until her next court appearance on 5 September.
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Maryland law enforcement officials are worried that the suspect on the run in the Rachel Morin murder case could do something harmful to someone else.

Harford County sheriff Jeff Gahler said the accused has no regard for the sanctity of human life and his identification remains a top priority for the police.

This individual poses a threat to every community from here to Los Angeles because we dont know where hes laying his head at night, sheriff Gahler told Fox News.

Morin, 37, the mother of five, had left her home in Bel Air, Maryland, at around 6pm on 5 August and headed to a popular hiking trail just outside of town.

When the mother-of-five failed to return that night, her boyfriend Richard Tobin called the police at about 11pm to report her missing. The next day, her car and later her body were found at the Williams St entrance to the Ma and Pa Trail.

A manhunt is underway to identify the suspect and the only breakthrough the police have reached in the case is the DNA of the suspect from the crime scene which was linked to a 24 March home invasion and assault of a young girl on the West Coast.

Mr Gahler said they are working with the FBI to identify the man and believes that he would continue to commit acts of violence.

This person has an absolute disregard for the sanctity of human life and, until hes arrested, there is a threat hell do something harmful to someone else, he said.

I just dont believe you do two things that are so serious in nature and thats your starting point. Most likely youve been involved in other crimes, he said.

The police have denied any indication of involvement of Morins boyfriend Mr Tobin, who has also denied any wrongdoing after he came under intense speculation early in the case.

At this point, there is no indication that he was involved. But until we know who this guy is or whether he acted alone, the entire world is a suspect, Mr Gahler said.

Police have raised concerns a day after officials released video images of a shirtless man, believed to be linked to the murder.

The video showed a man exiting a residence in Los Angeles following a break-in and assault on a young girl whose identity remains undisclosed.
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The father of a gunman who killed a true LGBTQ+ ally for displaying a Pride flag outside her clothing store is a decorated Florida Highway Patrol state trooper, according to public records.

Travis Kirby Ikeguchi, 27, yelled many homophobic slurs at Laura Ann Carleton before fatally shooting her outside of Mag.Pi fashion store in Glen Cedar, California, on Friday, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said on Monday.

He fled the scene of the shooting and died after a shootout with deputies nearby, authorities said.

Ikeguchis social media accounts on X, formerly known as Twitter, and far-right site Gab are filled with bigoted anti-LGBTQ+ posts, and show an intense hatred for law enforcement, a San Bernardino County spokesperson said.

According to public records, his father David Jay Ikeguchi, 63, is a 35-year veteran state trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol based in Orlando.

Property records show David, Janet and Travis Ikeguchi lived in Sanford, Seminole County, in Florida, from 1991 to 2017.

Travis Ikeguchi also lived in Lake Mary, Florida, before moving to Cedar Glen, in San Bernardino County, California, property records show.

Mr Ikeguchi Sr and the suspects mother Janet Ikeguchi divorced in 2018. Ms Ikeguchi cited irreconcilable differences as grounds for the divorce, according to court papers obtained by The Independent from Orange County, California.

Florida Highway Patrol state trooper David Ikeguchi was awarded one of the departments highest honours after pulling a man from a burning car (Florida Highway Patrol)

According to Mr Ikeguchi Srs LinkedIn profile, he is a firearms and active shooter instructor with the Florida Highway Patrol.

I have 30+ years experience working as a State Trooper and 28+ years as an adjunct firearms/driving instructor for the Florida Highway Patrol Training Academy, the profile states.

I also have instructor certificates in patrol rifle and active shooter training as well as Glock and AR15 armourer.

In 2020, Mr Ikeguchi Sr was awarded the departments Silver Star award after he pulled a driver from a burning vehicle in Lake County while off-duty.

Without regard to his own safety, Master Trooper Ikeguchi, helped extricate the driver from the burning vehicle and carried him to safety, a citation reads. Master Trooper Ikeguchis quick thinking and immediate actions saved the life of this driver.

The award for exemplary performance of duty has only been given to 30 recipients since 2010, according to Florida State Highway Patrol records.

Laura Carleton was killed outside her store (Provided)

In social media posts, Travis Ikeguchi claimed to be a Christian, posted anti-semitic statements, followed and boosted rightwing personalities Jordan Peterson and Matt Walsh, and expressed support for anti-vaxx presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr.

Travis Ikeguchi had a burning Pride flag pinned to the top of his account on X, and retweeted a post comparing Nazi children with swastika flags to schoolchildren with Pride flags.

He also posted paranoid, threatening messages about police officers.

On June 27, he posted on Twitter: DO NOT TRUST COPS Do not follow their traps they want to know everything about you to catch you and used against you in court and lie about you. Watch out their sociopathic schemes.

In a 2021 post on the right-wing social media site Gab, Ikeguchi spoke chillingly of killing police officers.

I know its controversial for me to mention the option to kill a police officer, but these police officers are not the servants for the people they are the servants for the laws, the post read.

Ikeguchi appeared to harbour bitter feelings over his parents divorce.

In January 2019, Ikeguchi appears to have set up a GoFundme page asking for donations.

Burning Pride flag seen on Travis Ikeguchis X / Twitter account (X / Twitter)

According to divorce records, a court ordered Ikeguchis parents to divide their assets evenly, and Mr Ikeguchi Sr was ordered to pay $1,800 per month in spousal support.

The Independent emailed and left phone messages for David Ikeguchi, who did not respond.

A Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson told The Independent by email they would be in contact shortly when asked about the family connection, and did not provide any further comment.

Travis Ikeguchis family had reported him missing to Twin Peaks Sheriffs Station in San Bernardino County, on 17 August, one day before the shooting, authorities said Monday.

During the shootout with sheriffs deputies, Ikeguchi was armed with a handgun and refused orders to drop the weapon, investigators said during Mondays press conference.

The weapon was not registered in the state of California, according to the sheriffs department.

Investigators believe Ikeguchi had no registered firearms and did not have a concealed carry permit.

An investigation into the shootings is continuing.
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Travis Ikeguchi appeared to flinch before fatally shooting Laura Carleton during a heated dispute over a Pride flag, surveillance footage shows.

Authorities say Ikeguchi hurled homophobic slurs at Carleton over a rainbow flag flying from her Mag.Pi store in Cedar Glen, California, before firing a single shot that killed the 66-year-old mother of nine on 18 August.

The fatal shooting was captured on the stores closed-circuit cameras, according to the Los Angeles Times.

An acquaintance who viewed the disturbing footage told the Times that Ikeguchi momentarily paused before opening fire.

He then almost flinched as if thinking twice but then went for it, grabbed the gun and then aimed it and shot Lauri, the acquaintance told the Times.

Meanwhile, public records reviewed by The Independent have revealed that Ikeguchis father is a decorated Florida Highway Patrol state trooper and a firearms and active shooter instructor.

The police link comes after officials said that Ikeguchis social media accounts on X, formerly known as Twitter, and far-right site Gab were filled with bigoted anti-LGBTQ+ posts and posts showing an intense hatred for law enforcement long before he murdered Carleton.
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A FedEx driver in Nebraska performed an off-menu service for a customer when he killed a rattlesnake coiled up outside her front door.

Footage from a Ring camera actually caught a glimpse of the snake as it poked its head up over the woman's front stairs before continuing onward toward the front corner of the house.

A short time later, FedEx driver Matt Govier arrived to drop off a package. As he neared the house with his box he began to hear rattling from the agitated snake.

Initially unsure of where the snake was located, Mr Govier leapt up onto the woman's front landing steps. He then grabbed a rake and shovel from the house.

He managed to get the snake wrapped around the rake, which allowed him to carry the animal to the home's front lawn, where he then killed it with a shovel.

The FedEx driver texted the woman living at the house to let her know what happened and to apologise for the mess.

"I hope you didn't have a pet rattlesnake at your front door because I killed him. Sorry about the blood," the text said.

Christine Jones, the homeowner, said she was glad that Mr Govier removed the dangerous snake. She shared her experience in a Facebook post and called for the driver to be named FedEx's employee of the year.

A rattlesnake makes an appearance on a womans ring camera as it approaches her home in Nebraska. The snake was eventually killed by a FedEx driver (screengrab/ABC5)

Ms Jones mentioned that her 12-year-old daughter had been outside just 20 minutes before the driver's interaction with the snake, and mentioned that she harboured a deep fear of snakes.

Thank you, Matt, very much! Ms Jones told NTV. Were very thankful that you took care of business here."

The snake was likely a prairie rattlesnake, which are common throughout North America and can grow up to 5 feet long.

The animal was likely seeking out shade to help regulate its body temperature, which it unfortunately found near the corner of Ms Jones' home.
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An officer in Mississippis Senatobia Police Department was fired after taking a 10-year-old child into custody for urinating in public.

The boy was taken into custody earlier this month after peeing behind his mothers car, according to Fox13. When Latonya Eason stopped by the Senatobia attorneys office for legal advice, her son started urinating behind her car, and a police officer spotted him.

Ms Eason recounted the incident to the network. She asked her son why he did that and he reportedly replied, Mom, my sister said they dont have a bathroom there. Ms Eason then said, You should have come and asked me if they had a restroom.

The officer told the boy he could get back in the car, Ms Eason told the outlet, adding that the officer was just going to give a warning. But then several other police officers showed up  one said the child had to go to jail, she recalled.

No, him urinating in the parking lot was not right, but at the same time I handled it like a parent and for one officer to tell my baby to get back in the car it was okay and to have the other pull up and take him to jail. Like no, the mother told Fox13. Im just speechless right now. Why would you arrest a 10-year-old kid?

I started crying a little bit. They took me down there and got me out of the truck. I didnt know what was happening, the 10-year-old told the outlet. I get scared and start shaking and thinking I am going to jail.

The boy said they held him in a jail cell; his mother added that they charged him with child in need of services and then released him to her.

Police Chief Richard Chandler issued a statement saying the officers decision to transport the child to jail was a mistake (Senatobia Police Department)

That could really traumatise my baby. My baby could get to the point where he wont want to have an encounter with the police, period, Ms Eason said.

The Senatobia Police Chief Richard Chandler told Fox13 that the officer did not observe a parent on the scene during the initial contact. He said that the officers transported the child to the police station where the child was released to his mother. He called the incident an error in judgment to relocate the child, as Ms Eason actually was nearby.

Mistakes like this are a reminder in this profession as to the continual need for training and refreshers on the various topics that we encounter each day, he said.

On Monday, Mr Chandler issued a statement on Facebook, saying that this incident triggered an internal complaint, which resulted in an investigation.

The police chief said that one of the officers involved is no longer employed as the officers decisions violated our written policy and went against our prior training on how to deal with these situations.

He added that other officers involved will be disciplined.
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The grieving parents of victims of a Nashville school shooting were among dozens of people thrown out of a special Tennesse legislative hearing room while they waited to testify in favour of gun control measures.

The bereaved family members broke down in tears on Tuesday as troopers from the Tennessee Highway Patrol forced them out of the second day of the legislative session where they'd been called to testify.

Republican state representative Lowell Russell oversaw the meeting, where spectators were thrown out for allegedly clapping, yelling and holding signs after being ordered to stop.

"I was supposed to speak, I was supposed to testify," said Sarah Shoop Neumann, sobbing and shaking in front of the silent GOP-controlled House subcommittee room.

Ms Neumann is a parent whose child attends The Covenant School  a private Christian grade school where three children and three staff were killed in a mass shooting in March. The suspect, 28-year-old Audrey Hale, was killed after being confronted and killed by police.

Ms Neumann said she was later allowed back to testify against a bill that allows for more teachers to carry guns at school. The House subcommittee advanced the bill, though its odds appear longer in the Senate.

"We're just trying to do something," Ms Neumann later told reporters, as other Covenant parents huddled around her. "It's overwhelming."

Republican governor Bill Lee had initially called lawmakers back to the Capitol to consider his proposal to keep firearms away from dangerous people. But his bill was defeated by the Republican supermajority, where legislative leaders have largely refused to consider the issue.

Without any debate, three variations of similar proposals for so-called extreme risk protection orders, or ERPOs, carried by Democratic rep Bob Freeman of Nashville, immediately failed Tuesday in the same House subcommittee where the public was kicked out.

People gather inside the Tennessee State Capitol during a special session on public safety in Nashville, TN (REUTERS)

On the first day of the special session on Monday, House Republicans advanced a new set of procedural rules that carried harsh penalties for lawmakers deemed too disruptive or distracting, and banned visitors from carrying signs inside the Capitol and in legislative hearing rooms.

The Senate and House also signed off on severely limiting the public from accessing the galleries where people have traditionally been allowed to watch their government in action.

Protesters on Tuesday defied the new sign ban by showing up to the House chamber with pro-gun control messages written on their bodies and clothes. Others wrote out messages on their phones and held them up for lawmakers to see.

That defiance faced a harsher response as lawmakers broke out into committee rooms to begin debating legislation.

Allison Polidor, a gun control advocate from Nashville, was escorted out of a hearing room because she was holding a sign that said, "1 KID > ALL THE GUNS."

"I wasn't saying anything. I wasn't doing anything. I was holding up a sign," Ms Polidor said.

Rep Lowell Russell had also warned that he could order everyone out of the room.

People gather inside the Tennessee State Capitol during a special session on public safety in Nashville (REUTERS)

Shortly after, another Republican lawmaker said his bill was stalled that would let people with handgun carry permits bring guns onto K-12 and college school property if they know the school doesn't have armed security. That announcement sparked some gun control advocates in the crowd to break out in applause.

"Are we going to quiet down and listen, or are we going to sit there and clap?" Mr Russell said.

When some kept clapping, Russell said, "Alright, troopers, let's go ahead and clear the room." Members of the media were allowed to stay, and some members of the public who were testifying on legislation were allowed in.

"We gave them three or four times to not do outbursts in the committee hearing, and unfortunately they continued after three, maybe four warnings," Mr Russell told The Associated Press afterward. "So unfortunately, that's just the way it goes, if they don't follow the rules."

Additional reporting by agencies
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William Hardison Sr had been due to be evicted from his home in the Pittsburgh suburb of Garfield on Wednesday 23 August.

When sheriffs deputies showed up at around 11am to serve the eviction order, the 63-year-old opened fire sparking an hours-long lockdown of the neighbourhood.

Armed officers from the Allegheny County Sheriffs Office, Pittsburgh police, the FBI and SWAT crews descended on the densely populated area in the northeast of the city.

Hundreds of shots were fired across several hours in exchanges between Hardison and law enforcement officers, as neighbours homes were peppered with bullets.

The dramatic stand-off ended just after 5pm, when Pittsburgh Public Safety announced the gunman had been pronounced dead. Police later confirmed they had killed him with deadly force.

According to family members, Hardison had believed he owned the house at the centre of the eviction order. It had previously belonged to his brother, who died recently, and been sold to a private firm, family said.

Hardison was reportedly also a so-called sovereign citizen, who believed that he was not bound by federal or state laws.

What we know about the shooting

At a press conference after on Wednesday afternoon, Allegheny County Sheriff Kevin Kraus said that seven deputies had gone to serve the eviction notice at a property on the 4800 block of Broad Street and North Mathilda Street.

The deputies tried to talk to Hardison to bring him out of the house, but he refused, according to the sheriff.

We tried to make contact, we were outside the house, called for him, tried to bring him out peacefully to execute the order but clearly that was not on the cards today.

Mr Kraus said the suspect had fired from first and second floor windows, and through walls at the deputies.

Pittsburgh police respond to a shooting in the suburb of Garfield (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

It was a pretty lengthy gun battle, Mr Kraus said.

We certainly did not expect this, we had no information that this individual was this dangerous.

Authorities declared an active shooter situation.

Neighbours barricaded themselves in their homes as shots rang out around the street.

One told CBS News that shots had came through her living room window and bathroom, leaving shattered glass everywhere.

Police repeatedly shot tear gas into the home, and placed drones above the property, but two or three were shot down by the suspect, Mr Kraus said.

He had a lot of ammunition in that house, we were all strapped with ammunition but all had to call for more ammunition. We tried to give him every opportunity to come out but it elevated to the SWAT teams response.

Shortly before 5pm, CBS News reported that the gunman had been spotted injured in the house by a drone.

Hardison was pronounced dead at 5.08pm, according to Pittsburgh Public Safety.

The shooting forced the postponement of Pittsburghs City in the Streets event.

The White House said President Biden had been briefed on the shooting.

What his family are saying

A family member was called to the scene of the shooting by police at about 3pm in an attempt to negotiate with Hardison, CBS News reported.

He returned about an hour later in tears looking devastated, according to witnesses.

William Hardison Srs son, who is also called William Hardison, had earlier pleaded with his father to stand down.

William Hardison Jr told WTAE he and his family had been trying to get hold of his father all day.

Addressing his father directly as the stand-off was unfolding, he said: Hey dad please surrender, please give up. You have children and grandchildren who love you dearly. Please stand down.

A law enforcement officer responds to gunfire (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

He described his father as a very stern individual. Hes a mans man. When he believes in something, hes going to fight tooth and nail for something.

Mr Hardison Jr said his father believed he owned the house.

My uncle passed away, he only had a few more years left to pay on the house. So why would they close on something for $25,000 when hundreds of thousands of dollars had been put into the house?

According to Action News, the property was sold to a company called 907 East Street. A judge issued an eviction notice for it last week.

What we know about the suspect

Hardison Sr had a lengthy criminal past. Public records show he had been convicted of carrying a firearm without a licence, forgery, harassment, and an accident involving death or injury.

Sources told WTAE he identified as a sovereign citizen, which meant he did not believe he had to respect laws or pay taxes.

Sovereign citizens are extremists who have been linked to the murder of police officers, fraud, and ant-government scams, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Bystanders watch as Pittsburgh police and other law enforcement personal respond to gunfire (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Sovereigns hold truly bizarre, complex, antigovernment beliefs that are rooted in racism and anti-Semitism, the watchdog group states.

They believe they get to decide which laws to obey and which to ignore, and they dont think they should have to pay taxes. They participate in protests against governments or use paper terrorism  filing bogus lawsuits and fake liens on properties  to carry out their mission of disorder. Sometimes, they get violent.

Pittsburgh Police Chief Larry Scirotto addressed the suspects links to the movement during Wednesdays press conference.

He said police do not have any information about Hardison Sr being a sovereign citizen but Im sure we will uncover a lot about the suspect and his associations as we move forward.
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A teenager stabbed an eight year-old boy at a primary school in Germany, before reportedly setting himself on fire.

Officers were called to an incident at the school in Bischofswerda, east of the city of Dresden in Saxony, at about 9.45am local time on Wednesday morning.

The school was evacuated and the 8-year-old pupil, was taken to hospital for treatment. He suffered injuries to his back and neck but his condition was described as stable.

The suspect, a 16-year-old former pupil at the school, ran through the building before carrying out the attack.

The boy tried to set himself alight afterwards but the flames were quickly extinguished by specialist police officers, according to German news site Bild.

The assailant was also taken to hospital for treatment and arrested. The motive for the attack was unclear although Gorlitz police rubbished false rumours online that the boy had a migration background.

When officers searched the building, they found objects including knives, bottles and lighters, which were then secured for forensic examination, police said. An unknown liquid was also discovered on all four floors of the school.

The school remained closed on Wednesday afternoon and 53 children, two young people, teachers and parents were attended to by welfare specialists.

Lessons have been cancelled for Thursday and investigators continued working at the scene.

Christian Piwarz, Saxonys minister of education said his thoughts were with the victim, his family and the school.

"We will support the students and educators wherever necessary," he added.

Holm Groe, Bischofswerdas mayor said he was shocked and deeply affected by the attack.
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Russian general Sergei Surovikin, nicknamed General Armageddon for his purported ruthlessness in battle, has reportedly been dismissed from his role as commander of the countrys Aerospace Forces.

He has been replaced by Colonel General Viktor Afzalov, currently head of the main staff of the air force, state news agency RIA Novosti states.

Surovikin is being transferred to a new job and is currently on short-term leave, Russian daily newspaper RBC adds.

Russian general Sergei Surovikin, nicknamed General Armageddon (AP)

Ksenia Sobchak, the daughter of a politician linked to President Vladimir Putin, wrote on social media Surovikin had been removed from his post on 18 August by a closed decree. The family still has no contact with him.

General Surovikin has not been seen in public since Yevgeny Prigozhins Wagner Group mounted its extraordinary aborted coup on 23 and 24 June. The mercenaries left their posts in southern Ukraine to occupy Rostov-on-Don before marching on Moscow, seemingly in protest against the insufficient supplies of ammunition and resources they had been granted by the defence establishment.

That dramatic uprising was eventually called off after intense negotiations with the Kremlin  to avoid spilling Russian blood in the streets, Mr Prigozhin said  with his forces consenting to stand down while their leader agreed to relocate to Belarus, a condition that he does not subsequently appear to have observed, adding to the air of mystery surrounding the episode.

While the mutiny was ongoing, General Surovikin  who had previously been praised by the outspoken Mr Prigozhin as a man who is not afraid of responsibility and tipped to replace Russias chief of the general staff Valery Gerasimov or defence minister Sergei Shoigu  appeared in a brief video urging the Wagner leader to abandon his manoeuvre. Many observed that the general appeared unwell as he made his appeal, as though acting under duress.

Rumours have since circulated that he knew about the rebellion in advance and supported it and that he has been investigated over his possible complicity.

Asked about the generals disappearance from public view in the aftermath of the rebellion, Russian politician Andrei Kartapolov said on 12 July that he was resting and unavailable, a phrase that sounded chillingly like a cynical euphemism.

Assuming that Mr Surovikin really has been dismissed  and no worse  the sacking completes an astonishing fall from grace for the hulking Siberian, who was promoted less than a year ago to lead Russias forces in southern Ukraine before being stood down in January once the fighting had stalled amid the adverse conditions of winter.

Surovikin has not been seen since Wagners aborted mutiny in June (AP)

Who is Sergei Surovikin?

Surovikin was born on 11 October 1966 in Novosibirsk and went on to graduate from the General Staffs Frunze Military Academy, after which he fought in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Chechnya, Syria and Ukraine.

Otherwise recognised as a pragmatist unafraid to withdraw his men from the line of fire if he deemed the odds against them to be too great, the general became known for his menacing turn of phrase in regard to the conflict in Chechnya: For every soldier killed, we will destroy three rebels.

He was the target of several assassination attempts in that fight, one of which, a bomb blast, left him hospitalised with concussion.

He was sent to Syria in 2017 to lead Russian forces dispatched to prop up incumbent president Bashar al-Assad as he came under attack from rebel groups intent on his removal, helping to turn the civil war in the despots favour.

The generals nickname is said to derive from this period and one incident in particular in which an Islamic State fighter being interrogated by Russian troops supposedly cried out in anguish: This is Armageddon! This is Armageddon!

While Russia denied targeting civilians in Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said its air strikes and often indiscriminate bombing had killed 5,700 civilians in the two years to September 2017.

Mr Surovikin was rewarded for his barbarism with the command of Russias Aerospace Forces a month later and named a Hero of the Russian Federation.

By 2021 he was an Army general, equal in rank to Gerasimov.

Surovikin, left, and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, center, (Sputnik)

When he was appointed to oversee the war in Ukraines south last October, Russia had just been routed in northeastern Kharkiv.

General Surovikin quickly realised that, unless his men withdrew from the west bank of the Dnipro river in Kherson, they risked being cut off.

He ordered the tactical retreat of an estimated 30,000 troops, not an easy sell without sparking internal divisions. As they departed the region, his men blew up a strategic bridge to ensure they were not followed.

Ukraines defence minister Oleksii Reznikov and Western observers subsequently noted that General Surovikin appeared to have brought greater discipline to the aggressors ranks during his tenure and that he had clearly prioritised attacks on Ukraines infrastructure, disrupting heating, electricity and water supplies.

He has also been credited with constructing more than 600 miles of fortifications to slow the Ukrainian counter-offensive.

Despite these Russian wins, he was subordinated to Gerasimov in January once the war had begun to stagnate, the fighting having become particularly entrenched around Bakhmut, staying on as one of the latters three deputies in charge of the war effort.

Reflecting on the significance of General Surovikins dismissal, Professor David Lewis of the University of Exeter said the decision serves as a reminder that Putin is very much back in charge after the mutiny and sends a message that dissent will not be tolerated in the Russian military  or in Russian society more generally.

Professor Lewis added that it also provides further proof that loyalty is more highly prized than competence in Putins Russia.

Additional reporting by agencies.
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Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner mercenary group chief who led a failed munity against Moscow, is presumed dead after being named among passengers on a private jet that crashed into a field near Moscow with no survivors.

The 62-year-old warlord, who challenged Vladimir Putins authority in a 23 June uprising, was listed on the manifest, or passenger list, of an Embraer Legacy business jet that spiralled out of the sky in the Tver region, about 96km (60 miles) north of the capital, according to civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia. Dmitry Utkin, the co-founder of Wagner and a former Russian military intelligence special forces officer, was also on board, it said.

The other passengers onboard were Sergey Propustin, Evgeniy Makaryan, Alexander Totmin, Valeriy Chekalov and Nikolay Matuseev, according to Rosaviatsia. The regulator also said pilot Aleksei Levshin, co-pilot Rustam Karimov and flight attendant Kristina Raspopova were onboard.

Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the private planes passenger list (AP)

Flightradar24 online tracker showed that the Embraer Legacy 600 (plane number RA-02795) carrying Prigozhin had dropped off the radar at 1811 local time (1511 GMT).

Seven passengers and three crew were said to be aboard the aircraft, which was flying from Moscow to St Petersburg. The bodies of all 10 people travelling on board the crashed plane have been recovered from the site, and the search operation has been completed, says the Interfax news agency, quoting emergency services.

The cause of the crash was not immediately clear, but video circulated on the Baza Telegram channel, which is closely associated with Russian security services, showing a plane spiralling into a nosedive. Flight tracking data gave no indication of a distress call or inflight emergency, and the aircraft was still climbing when it disappeared from the radar. Media channels linked to Wagner quickly claimed a Russian air defence missile had shot down the plane, without citing evidence.

British security forces believe Russias FSB intelligence agency shot down the jet on the orders of Vladimir Putin, The Telegraph reports.

Prigozhins longstanding feud with Russias beleaguered military, and his aborted uprising, would give Mr Putins state apparatus plenty of motive for revenge. The mutiny, which ended when a deal was stuck between Prigozhin and the Kremlin, marked the most significant threat to Putins authority during his decades in power.

As news of the crash broke, the president was attending a concert commemorating the 1943 Battle of Kursk and hailing the troops of Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Mikhail Podolyak, a chief adviser to Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky, said Prigozhins reported demise showed it is obvious that Putin does not forgive anyone for his own bestial terror. Prigozhins deal to end the uprising was a death warrant, he added.

The UK Foreign Office said it was monitoring the situation closely, while US president Joe Biden said he was not surprised by the reports, adding that not much happens in Russia that Putin is not behind.

A Telegram channel linked to Wagner said Prigozhin is dead. The Grey Zone account said he was killed as a result of actions by traitors of Russia.

In an image posted by another pro-Wagner social media account showing burning wreckage, a partial tail number matching the jet could be seen. Prigozhin has reportedly used the plane before, including shortly after the aborted armed uprising.

A second private jet linked to Prigozhin, which also appeared to be heading to St Petersburg, turned back to Moscow and landed, flight tracking data showed.

Prigozhin is the leader of the Wagner mercenary group (HANDOUT/TELEGRAM/@ razgruzka_vagnera/AFP/Getty )

Once a low-profile businessman, Prigozhin profited from Mr Putins patronage, earning the nickname Putins chef. He amassed a fortune from state contracts and later went on to establish a paramilitary army that became an important extension of Russian power abroad.

Moscow would repeatedly deny any official link to the Wagner group, founded in 2014. Fighters for the private military company were deployed in support of Moscows allies in countries including Syria, Libya and the Central African Republic. The United States has sanctioned it and accused it of atrocities, which Prigozhin had denied.

Prigozhin had acknowledged that he founded and financed the Internet Research Agency, a company Washington says is a troll farm which meddled in the 2016 US presidential election. In November 2022 he admitted that he had interfered in US elections and would do so again.

He soared in prominence after Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, where his fighters  including thousands of convicts he recruited from prison  were at the vanguard of the Russian assault on the eastern city of Bakhmut. That battle became the longest and bloodiest battle of the war, and gave Prigozhin a boost in power among Kremlin circles and among the Russian military elite. It would also have made him plenty of enemies. Prigozhin used social media to trumpet Wagner's successes and wage a months-long feud with the military establishment, accusing it of incompetence and openly questioning decisions made on the Ukrainian frontline.

Vladimir Putin was at an event in Kursk when reports of the crash occurred (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

In June, Prigozhin led the mutiny in which Wagner fighters took control of the southern city of Rostov-on-Don and shot down a number of military helicopters, killing their pilots, as they advanced towards Moscow. In a television address as Prigozhins forces marched twowrads Moscow, Mr Putin called it an act of treachery that would meet with a harsh response. The deal ended the march would be made hours later.

As part of that deal, Prigozhin and some of his fighters would leave for Belarus and a criminal case against him for armed mutiny would be dropped. But confusion has surrounded the implementation of the deal and the future of Prigozhin. The Kremlin said he attended a meeting with Mr Putin five days after the mutiny ended.

Then, on 5 July, Russian state TV said an investigation against him was still being pursued, and broadcast footage showing cash, passports, weapons and other items it said were seized during a raid on one of his properties. In late July, Prigozhin was photographed in St Petersburg during a Russia-Africa summit in the city. Prigozhin appears to have been able to move relatively freely, a surprise given the anger Mr Putin showed while the mutiny was taking place.

On Monday, Prigozhin appeared in a video where he hinted he was in Africa, where Wagner are seeking recruits.

Also this week, Russian media reported, citing anonymous sources, that General Sergei Surovikin was dismissed from his position of the commander of Russias air force. Mr Surovikin, who at one point led Russias operation in Ukraine, has not been seen in public since the mutiny, when he recorded a video address urging Prigozhins forces to pull back.
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Vladimir Putin was at a concert hailing the heroes of Russias Ukraine invasion and marking a Second World War battle as a plane thought to be carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin crashed, killing all those on board.

The Russian president was filmed making a speech at the concert commemorating the victory of Soviet troops in the 1943 Battle of Kursk on the 80th anniversary.

Video footage suggested he handed out military honours at the event in Kursk, not far from the Ukrainian border in southwest Russia.

The plane went down in a field near Moscow (OSTOROZHNO NOVOSTI via REUTERS)

He received applause and cheers from the audience as he took to the stage.

Mercenary leader Mr Prigozhin is presumed to be dead after a private jet crashed while on fire into a field in the Tver region near Moscow.

The 62-year-old Wagner founder in June incurred President Putins wrath by staging an abortive armed mutiny against the armys top brass.

The rebellion was the most serious challenge to the Russian leaders authority since he came to power in 1999, and Mr Putin said it could have tipped his country into civil war.

Mr Prigozhin, who once won the Kremlins patronage for his catering business, had been on the passenger list for the Embraer business jet flight, and there were no survivors.

Emergency services on the site of the crash near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region (EPA)

Yevgeny Prigozhin is feared dead (REUTERS)

Putin at a ceremony to unveil the first phase of a Battle of Kursk memorial complex (EPA)

Dmitry Utkin, a Wagner co-founder and former Russian military intelligence special forces officer, was also on board when the plane spiralled out of the sky, according to civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia.

They were among the seven passengers and three crew flying from Moscow to St Petersburg. Eight bodies were found at the crash site, state news agency RIA reported.

If confirmed, Mr Prigozhins death would leave the Wagner Group leaderless and raise questions about its future operations in Africa and elsewhere.

Mikhail Podolyak, chief adviser to Ukraines president Vlodymyr Zelensky, said Mr Prigozhins reported death showed it was obvious that Putin does not forgive anyone for his own bestial terror.

Recommended

At the concert held for a new Battle of Kursk memorial complex, Mr Putin praised Russias special military operation in Ukraine.

Earlier, the Russian leader congratulated India on one of its spacecraft landing on the unexplored south pole of the moon.
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A military commander dubbed General Armageddon for his brutality during Syrias civil war has been removed as the head of Russias air force, having not been seen in public since the mutiny by Wagner mercenaries against Moscow at the end of June.

Sergei Surovikin, a former commander of Russias troops in Ukraine who was previously awarded his nations top military honour, has not been publicly sacked  but state media has published sources confirming the move. He was given his moniker in recognition of the brutal tactics he deployed in Syrias civil war, and was regarded as one of Russias most effective commanders.

General Surovikin  who is believed to have close ties to Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin  is the most senior military figure to have lost his position over the attempted uprising, which took place over a 24-hour period from 23 to 24 June. Russian president Vladimir Putin reacted with fury to the mutiny, which saw Mr Prigrozhins forces attempt to march on Moscow in protest at the way in which Moscows military top brass were handling the invasion of Ukraine. President Putin said that the revolt  the most significant threat to his leadership in years  could have tipped Russia into civil war.

The march on Moscow was eventually halted about 125 miles outside the capital after a deal was brokered between Mr Prigozhin and the Kremlin via Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko. The terms of the arrangement allowed for the Wagner founder and some of his troops to decamp to Belarus and leave combat operations in Ukraine, where they had been involved in some of the fiercest fighting seen in the war so far. Mr Prigozhin has been photographed in St Petersburg and Belarus in recent weeks, and posted a video on Monday that he suggested had been shot in Africa, one of Wagners other theatres of combat. The two men Mr Prigozhin had wanted to topple  defence minister Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the general staff  remain in their posts.

General Surovikins last public appearance was on 24 June, when he appeared in what looked like a carefully stage-managed video. Visibly strained and without insignia, he urged Mr Prigozhin to abandon his march on Moscow. Since that day, speculation has been rampant about General Surovikins fate. Some Russian news outlets and sources have said that the general, who was often publicly praised by Mr Prigozhin in the run-up to the revolt, was being questioned over possible complicity, and that he was potentially being held under house arrest. General Surovikins daughter told the Russian social media channel Baza in late June that her father had not been arrested.

US officials have previously told American media that General Surovikin was supportive of Mr Prigozhin, but that Western intelligence did not know with certainty whether he had helped the rebellion in any way.

Of the latest move, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, citing an anonymous source, reported that General Surovikin had been replaced as commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces by Colonel General Viktor Afzalov, who heads the main staff of the air force. The agency frequently represents the official position of the Kremlin, through reports citing anonymous officials in Russias defence and security establishment. The RBC newspaper reported a defence personnel source saying: Army General Sergei Surovikin has been relieved of his position in connection with his transfer to a different role ... He is currently on a short holiday.

The television personality Ksenia Sobchak, who is the daughter of a politician with links to Mr Putin, suggested that General Surovikin had not been in touch with his relatives. They say that he was relieved of his post on 18 August by way of closed decree. The family still has had no contact with him, she wrote on Telegram.

General Surovikin was placed in charge of Russian military operations in Ukraine last October, but in January that role was handed to General Gerasimov while General Surovikin was made a deputy.

News of the dismissal of General Surovikin came as another drone attack targeted Moscow, believed to be the sixth such assault in a week. The Ukrainian intelligence agency also claimed it had destroyed a key S-400 surface-to-air missile defence system in Russian-occupied Crimea. Such a loss would be another embarrassing blow for the Kremlin, as Ukraine increasingly targets Russias assets far behind the front line in southern and eastern Ukraine.

Speaking about the drone attack on the Russian capital, Moscows mayor Sergey Sobyanin said that one drone had smashed into a building under construction in Moscow City, a prestigious business complex that has been hit by drones twice before. Several windows were broken in two buildings nearby, and emergency services responded to the incident. Russias defence ministry claimed to have downed all of the drones in Moscow and the surrounding area.

Earlier, a three-hour night-time drone attack by Russia in Ukraines southern region of Odesa overnight on Tuesday caused a blaze at grain facilities, according to the head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, Oleh Kiper.

Elsewhere, a Russian drone attack on the city of Romny in northeastern Ukraine struck a local school, killing the principal, his deputy, a secretary and the school librarian, according to Ukraines Ministry of Internal Affairs. Three people were also killed in the Belgorod region of Russia on the Ukrainian border during the repeated shelling of a sanatorium, according to the regions governor.

Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report
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The first video message Yevgeny Prigozhin shared since the end of his failed mutiny against Vladimir Putin, may have ended up being his last  with reports that he was on the passenger list of a jet that crashed about 60 miles from Moscow, apparently killing all on board.

In the video, Mr Prigozhin was seen toting an assault rifle and wearing military fatigues, with his comments suggesting the clip was shot in an unnamed African country.

The Wagner boss said during the clip that he is recruiting strongmen and said the group will fulfil the tasks that were set by the Russian government.

The video was shared on Telegram channels affiliated with the Wagner group, as Mr Prigozhin said the mercenary group was making Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa even more free.

The temperature is +50 (122 degrees Fahrenheit)  everything as we like. The Wagner PMC [private military company] makes Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa  more free. Justice and happiness  for the African people, were making life a nightmare for Isis and al-Qaeda and other bandits, he said in the video.

In the background of the video, pickup trucks and other people dressed in fatigues could be seen. A telephone number was displayed as well for those who wanted to join the group. The Independent could not verify the date and exact location of the video.

According to the Russian social media channels affiliated with the mercenary leader, the Wagner leader is recruiting fighters to work in the continent. He is inviting investors from Russia to put money in the Central African Republic through Russian House, a cultural centre in the African nations capital, they suggested.

Mr Prigozhin was last seen in a video in July shot in Belarus shortly after his attempt to stir mutiny against the Kremlin failed, sparking speculation that he was taking refuge in the Russian ally nation as part of a deal to broker peace.

He was later photographed on the sidelines of a Russia-Africa summit in the Russian city of St Petersburg.

There is no official announcement of his current whereabouts. But one of the most prominent sites is the Central African Republic, where Wagners troops for hire have been active and accused of committing gross human rights abuses.

Until June this year, the Wagner leader and his mercenary fighters, comprising mostly prison convicts, spent months fiercely fighting Ukrainian soldiers in the eastern region, mostly Bakhmut.

Mr Prigozhin staunchly criticised Russias military performance and the top brass of the Russian defence ministry before he called for an armed uprising on 23 June to oust the defence minister and marched from Ukraine toward Moscow with his mercenaries.

The hours-long mutiny ended after a deal was brokered by Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko, following which Mr Prigozhin agreed to end his rebellion in exchange for amnesty for him and his fighters and permission to relocate to Belarus.

Before moving to Belarus, Wagner handed over its weapons to the Russian military, part of efforts by Russian authorities to defuse the threat posed by the mercenaries.
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A raid by Russian security services has revealed the colourful inside of mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhins lavish mansion in St Petersburg.

A wardrobe full of wigs, gold bars and a stuffed alligator were among the many bizarre finds in photos and footage published by pro-Kremlin media outlet Izvestia in July.

Officials are also said to have found assault weapons, ammunition and even a photograph allegedly showing the severed heads of the Wagner leaders enemies.

Officials are said to have found assault weapons with ammunition during the raid (@nexta_tv)

A wardrobe full of wigs were also uncovered, with colours ranging from grey to a mousy brown (@nexta_tv)

A lengthy indoor swimming pool complete with a bathing area, slides and even a jacuzzi can also be seen in the photographs, with the rooms lit up with what appear to be glass chandeliers.

Elsewhere, the contents of a wardrobe show an array of wigs with colours ranging from grey to a mousy brown, with photos purportedly showing the Wagner chief wearing them as a disguise leaked to state-backed Russian Telegram channels. The photographs, apparently taken from Mr Prigozhins personal photo albums, appear to have been taken during trips to various African and Middle Eastern countries where Wagner have had a presence in recent years.

Wagner was founded in 2014 and was involved in operations in Ukraines eastern regions. In subsequent years, it has fought in countries such as Syria, Libya, and the Central African Republic.

In a programme called 60 Minutes, broadcast on the state-run Rossiya-1 TV channel, it was claimed that cash worth 600 million roubles (5m) had been found in the Wagner chiefs properties.

Mr Prigozhin has previously said that Wagner only dealt in cash, with Russian president Vladimir Putin recently admitting that the group was financed by the state. With the Russian president saying Wagner had received more than 86 billion rubles (790m) between May 2022 and May 2023 for wages and additional items. That had come out of the defence ministry and state budgets. For years prior to Mr Putins speech late last month the Kremlin had denied any links to Wagner.

The mansion includes a lengthy indoor swimming pool complete with a bathing area, slides and even a jacuzzi (@nexta_tv)

Glass chandeliers are seen throughout the Wagner bosss mansion (@nexta_tv)

An indoor swimming pool is pictured following a raid on Yevgeny Prigozhins St Petersburg mansion (@nexta_tv)

The programme also showed multiple passports under different names. A normal person cant have so many passports, Petrov said. Why did this person have such strange powers like the serious leader of some kind of criminal group.

On Thursday, Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko said that Mr Prigozhin was not in Belarus, having brokered a deal last month to end an armed mutiny in Russia.

As for Prigozhin, hes in St Petersburg. He is not on the territory of Belarus, Mr Lukashenko told reporters, having said last week that Mr Prigozhin was still in Belarus.

Photos of the Wagner chief wearing the wigs as a disguise were leaked to state-backed Russian Telegram channels (@nexta_tv)

Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko has said that Prigozhin is no longer in Belarus (@nexta_tv)

Mr Prigozhin took control of the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on 24 June, seizing the command centre there and then taking a column of fighters towards Moscow. He eventaully stood down after striking a deal broked by Mr Lukashenko, a staunch ally of Mr Putin.

The agreement was meant to see Mr Prigozhin relocate to Belarus that criminal charges against him and Wagner over the attempted mutiny would be dropped.

However, it was stated during the Rossiya-1 broadcast that nobody planned to close this case... The investigation is ongoing.
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Once a businessman with a catering empire friendly with Vladimir Putin, Yevgeny Prigozhin manoeuvred himself into a position so powerful that, as Russias war in Ukraine progressed, he could openly question his paymasters strategy.

The owner of the Kremlin-allied Wagner Group, the mercenary force that has fought some of the Russian militarys toughest battles in Ukraine  most notably the drawn-out pursuit of Bakhmut  the 62-year-old stepped into his most dangerous role yet this summer: preaching open rebellion against his countrys military leadership.

Now, two months after his mens attempted uprising ended in uneasy peace talks, Prigozhin is dead in a plane crash just outside of Moscow.

Yevgeny Prigozhin has now been confirmed dead by Russian investigators (Razgruzka_Vagnera telegram channel)

On 23 August, a private plane he was on board came down in the Tver region after taking off from the capital en route to St Petersburg, killing 10 people on board.

Four days later, Russias Investigative Committee has confirmed that after genetic tests he was one of the victims. His deputies Dmitry Utkin and Valery Chekalov were also on the passenger list for the flight.

There have been claims - denied by the Kremlin - that the crash was retribution for the events of 23 June, when the Wagner chief finally escalated what had been months of scathing criticism of Russias conduct of the war by calling for an armed uprising to oust Russias defence chiefs Valery Gerasimov and Sergei Shoigu.

His men occupied Rostov-on-Don and marched on Moscow, shooting down a number of military helicopters, killing their pilots as they advanced. Russian security services reacted immediately, opening a criminal investigation and demanding Prigozhins arrest.

In a sign of how seriously the Kremlin took the threat posed, riot police and the National Guard scrambled to tighten security at key facilities in the Russian capital, including government agencies and transport infrastructure, Tass reported. Putin branded the rebellion an act of treachery.

Prigozhin urged Russian civilians to join his march to justice and the situation remained extremely volatile throughout the following Saturday before peace talks, seemingly mediated by Belarussian president Alexander Lukashenko, brought the standoff to a peaceful conclusion.

Prigozhin repeatedly condemned Russias regular army leaders (AP)

The Kremlin said that to avert bloodshed, Prigozhin and some of his fighters would leave for Belarus and a criminal case against him for armed mutiny would be dropped.

Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov revealed that a three-hour meeting had taken place five days after the mutiny, on 29 June with 35 people in attendance, including Wagner unit commanders, who reiterated their loyalty to their leader.

But confusion subsequently surrounded the implementation of that deal and it was not clear whether the mercenary leader ever made it to Minsk.

Before long, he was seen back in his homeland, appearing at the Trezzini Palace Hotel in St Petersburg, apparently on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit.

On 5 July, state television said an investigation against him was still being pursued and broadcast footage showing cash, passports, weapons and other items it said were seized in a raid on one of his properties.

In August, he appeared in a video that he suggested was shot in Africa, where Wagner has operations in several countries.

Putins chef

The relationship between Prigozhin and Putin went way back, both having been born in Leningrad, now St Petersburg, the former born on 1 June 1961.

During the final years of the Soviet Union, while the president was then a lowly KGB agent, Prigozhin served nine years in prison for crimes including robbery and fraud.

After his release in 1990, he launched a career as a caterer in his home town, owning a hot dog stand and then a string of upmarket restaurants that attracted Mr Putins interest. In his first term in office, the Russian leader took then-French president Jacques Chirac to dine at one of them.

Vladimir Putin saw how I built a business out of a kiosk, he saw that I dont mind serving to the esteemed guests because they were my guests, Prigozhin recalled in an interview in 2011.

Prigozhin showing Vladimir Putin his school lunch factory outside St Petersburg in 2010 (Sputnik/AFP/Getty)

His businesses expanded significantly into catering. Leveraging political connections, Prigozhin was awarded major state contracts and, in 2010, Mr Putin helped him open his own factory, built on generous loans from a state bank.

In Moscow alone, school meals contracts for his company Concord were worth millions. He also organised catering for Kremlin events for several years  earning him the nickname Putins chef, although more recently he joked that Putins butcher would be more appropriate.

Concord has also provided catering and utility services to the Russian military.

In 2017, opposition figure and corruption fighter Alexei Navalny accused Prigozhins companies of breaking antitrust laws by bidding for around 300m in defence ministry contracts.

Prigozhin reportedly had a net worth of $1 billion at the time of his death.

Military connection

In 2014, he founded Wagner, a Kremlin-allied private military company whose mercenary fighters have come to play a central role in Mr Putins projection of Russian influence in trouble spots around the world, including Syria, Libya and the Central African Republic.

The United States has sanctioned it and accused it of atrocities, which Prigozhin denied.

Wagner fighters allegedly provide security for national leaders or warlords in exchange for lucrative payments, often including a share of gold or other natural resources. US officials say Russia may also be using Wagners work in Africa to support its war in Ukraine.

Prigozhins mercenaries have become a major force in that conflict, fighting as counterparts to the Russian army in battles against Ukrainian forces.

A poster of a Russian soldier with a slogan reading Glory to the heroes of Russia opposite the PMC Wagner Centre in St Petersburg (AFP/Getty)

That includes Wagner fighters battling for Bakhmut, where the bloodiest and longest battles have taken place.

By May this year, Wagner forces and Russian soldiers appeared to have largely won the city, a victory with strategically slight importance for the invader, despite the cost in lives.

The US estimates that nearly half of the 20,000 Russian troops killed in Ukraine since December were Wagner fighters in Bakhmut.

Prigozhins soldiers-for-hire include thousands of inmates recruited from Russian prisons.

Raging against Russias generals

As his forces fought and died en masse in Ukraine, Prigozhin increasingly raged against the Russian militarys top brass. He used social media to trumpet Wagners successes and accuse the army of incompetence and even treason.

In a video released by his team in May, Prigozhin stood next to rows of bodies he said were those of Wagner fighters.

He accused Russias regular military of incompetence and of starving his troops of the weapons and ammunition they needed to fight.

These are someones fathers and someones sons, Prigozhin declared bitterly. The scum that doesnt give us ammunition will eat their guts in hell.

US election meddling

The former convict and Kremlin caterer has acknowledged that he founded and financed the Internet Research Agency, a company that Washington says is a troll farm that meddled in the 2016 US presidential election. In November 2022, Prigozhin said he had interfered in US elections and would do so again.

He and a dozen other Russian nationals and three Russian companies were all charged with operating a covert social media campaign aimed at fomenting discord ahead of Donald Trumps victory. They were indicted as part of special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian election interference.

The US Treasury Department subsequently sanctioned Prigozhin and associates repeatedly in connection with both the alleged election interference and his leadership of Wagner.

Masks showing the faces of Putin, Prigozhin and Chechnya's regional leader Ramzan Kadyrov at a souvenir shop in St Petersburg (AP)

After the 2018 indictment, the RIA Novosti news agency quoted Prigozhin as saying, in a clearly sarcastic remark: Americans are very impressionable people; they see what they want to see. I treat them with great respect. Im not at all upset that Im on this list. If they want to see the devil, let them see him.

The Biden White House called him a known bad actor prior to his death and State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Prigozhins bold confession, if anything, appears to be just a manifestation of the impunity that crooks and cronies enjoy under President Putin and the Kremlin.

Avoiding challenges to Putin

As Prigozhin grew more outspoken against the way Russias conventional military had conducted the fighting in Ukraine, he continued to play a seemingly indispensable role for the Russian offensive and appeared to suffer no retaliation from Mr Putin for his criticism of Moscows generals.

Media reports at times suggested Prigozhins influence over the president was growing and that he was hoping to be rewarded with a prominent political post, although some analysts felt this assessment of his ambitions was overstated.

Hes not one of Putins close figures or a confidant, said Mark Galeotti of University College, London, who specialises in Russian security affairs, speaking on his podcast, In Moscows Shadows.

Prigozhin does what the Kremlin wants and does very well for himself in the process. But thats the thing  he is part of the staff rather than part of the family, he said.

Prigozhin had become a thorn in Putins side - but the Kremlin denies involvement in his death (Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation)

A dramatic end

Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash just two months after his abortive mutiny on Russias top military chiefs, which culminated in a march on Moscow.

His private jet came down north-west of Moscow on 23 August, killing all those on board. His death was confirmed on Sunday, four days after the crash.

His right-hand man Dmitry Utkin was also on board the Embraer Legacy 600 jet, as well as five other passengers and three crew members, according to the passenger list.

The Kremlin has denied speculation it was to blame for the crash.

During a conference call with journalists on Friday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the BBC there was lots of speculation around the tragic deaths.

In the West, of course, this speculation comes from a certain angle. Its all a complete lie, Mr Peskov went on.
 Close Watch India's Chandrayaan-3 land on moon in historic space feat

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Indias space agency Isro has achieved the unprecedented soft landing of a probe on the Moons uncharted south pole.

The missions Vikram lander began hurtling towards the lunar surface as planned, travelling at about 1.68km per second, and fired its engines to successfully align the probe vertically to the Moons surface.

The space agencys teams were awaiting the arrival of the missions Lander Module (LM) at its designated point around 5.44pm local time (1.14pm BST) to initate the landing sequence.

The live telecast of the modules descent phase bagan at 5.20pm Indian time.

Until now, no other country has achieved a soft landing on the Moons south pole, which is known to contain traces of water ice in its shadowed craters.

The module then made a soft landing as planned on the lunar south pole at about 6.02pm local time (12.34pm GMT/UTC).

India is now on the Moon, said Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, who addressed Isro staff members immediately after the landing.
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India is making its second attempt to achieve the unprecedented soft landing of a spacecraft near the Moons south pole with the Chandrayaan-3 mission launched on Friday.

The mission is a successor of the Indian Space Research Organisations (ISRO) failed attempt in 2019 to land a rover on the lunar surface, in which a last-minute glitch sent the spacecraft crash-landing into the Moons surface.

The main aim of Chandrayaan-3 is to put a lander and rover in the highlands near the Moons south pole and demonstrate the countrys end-to-end landing and roving capabilities.

A successful mission would make India only the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to have landed a rover on the Moon, and it would be the closest landing yet of any space vehicle to the lunar south pole.

With the same orbiter launched as part of ISROs Chandrayaan-1 mission, which took place back in October 2008, India could make discoveries of water (H2O) and hydroxyl (OH) on the lunar surface with data suggesting their abundance towards the Moons polar region.

Chandrayaan-2 was launched in 2019 with the same goal of exploring the Moons south pole, but contact was lost with the missions rover and lander moments before its scheduled landing. It was later confirmed that the vehicle had crashed into the surface and been rendered unusable.

The mission, carrying a lander and rover, blasted off at 2.35pm local time aboard the LVM3 rocket from Indias main spaceport, Sriharikota, in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

ISRO confirmed that the spacecraft has successfully entered its planned orbit around Earth, adding that with a set of carefully planned manoeuvres in the coming days, the vehicle is expected to land near the Moons south pole towards the end of August.

The Indian space agency noted that both the rover and the lander are similar to those used in the failed Chandrayaan-2 mission, but with some improvements from the 2019 design to help ensure a safe landing.

ISRO will also make a number of scientific measurements on the surface and from orbit as part of the latest mission.

The rover, weighing about 26kg, will be carried to lunar orbit by a propulsion module that will then remain in orbit around the Moon and act as a communications relay satellite.

The lander, named Vikram after Indian space programme pioneer Vikram Sarabhai, will carry an instrument called Chandras Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) to measure the Moons surface thermal properties and an instrument for measuring lunar seismic activity (ILSA).

It also has an instrument called the Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA) to study the gas and plasma environment, and a laser device provided by Nasa for lunar ranging studies.

If the mission finds elements like hydrogen and oxygen it could have a significant impact on the future of deep space exploration.
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The fate of Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin is still unknown after the plane he was reportedly on crashed near Moscow earlier today.

It hasnt been confirmed whether Prigozhin is dead or if he was even on the plane but many officials, including President Joe Biden, have said his presumed death would not come as a surprise.

I dont know for a fact what happened but Im not surprised, Biden told reporters in response to the news shortly after being briefed.

When asked if he thought Russian President Valdimir Putin was behind it, the president responded: Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind. But I dont know enough to know the answer. Ive been working out for the last hour and a half.

Prigozhin is thought to be among 10 people who were killed in the crash.

The plane carrying three pilots and seven passengers was en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg, according to officials cited by Russias state news agency Tass.

Prigozhin was on the passenger list for the plane, but it wasnt immediately clear if he was on board.

Some have speculated that the crash may have been just a plausible excuse for Putin to eliminate a rival.

Although Prigozhin and Putin were formerly close, after the Wagner chief led an uprising against the Kremlin in June, many have speculated about his fate.

Prigozhin is thought to be among the 10 people who were killed in the crash (AP)

"We have seen the reports," National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson wrote in a tweet in response to the news. "If confirmed, no one should be surprised.

Former US special advisor Mark Voyager told Sky News: "We should not forget that the disappearance or the removal of some of Putins enemies over the years have been linked to suspect aircraft crashes.

"It would not be a surprise if Putin has yet again chosen a method that provides some plausible deniability."

Dr Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society, said: Prigozhin caused the biggest shock of Putins rule.

Putin needs to reassert his authority. Those travelling with Prigozhin will be his associates and not neutrals - taking them out actually helps Putin as it reduces his enemies count.

In short, this was too good an opportunity for Putin not to take.

As the news about the crash was breaking, Putin spoke at an event commemorating the Battle of Kursk, hailing the heroes of Russias the special military operation in Ukraine (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Kaja Kallas, prime minister of Estonia, told CNN: "If true, it shows (Russian President Vladimir) Putin will eliminate opponents and that scares anyone who is thinking of expressing opinion different than his."

British lawmaker Alicia Kearns, chair of parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee, said on social media platform X: "The speed at which the Russian Govt has confirmed Yevgeny Prigozhin was on a plane that crashed on a flight from Moscow to St Petersburg should tell us everything we need to know. Reports Russian Air Defence shot down the plane suggests Putin is sending a very loud message."

Prigozhins fate has been the subject of intense speculation ever since he mounted a short-lived mutiny against Russias military leadership in late June.

The Kremlin said the founder of the Wagner private military company, which fought alongside Russias regular army in Ukraine, would be exiled to Belarus.

But the mercenary chief has since reportedly popped up in Russia, leading to further questions about his future.

As the news about the crash was breaking, Putin spoke at an event commemorating the Battle of Kursk, hailing the heroes of Russias "the special military operation" in Ukraine.
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How bad is the baggage crisis? On Tuesday night, the Divas 3 vocalists aboard the Celebrity Apex cruise ship staged their opening show in the only dresses and high-heels shoes they could rustle up in Rotterdam in the hour before the vessel set sail for Warnemunde.

The checked baggage of the talented trio  and that of a good few passengers who shared the same flight from Los Angeles to Amsterdam  is somewhere between California and the Netherlands, while they are docked in Germany.

Musically speaking, the Beautiful South surely created the anthem to lost luggage: Rotterdam or anywhere  Liverpool or Rome?

The odds are that the three singing superstars will be reunited with their bags in Stockholm, Helsinki or Copenhagen. Most misrouted baggage eventually catches up with the owner. But the chances that the luggage you entrust to global aviation might stray are alarming.

During 2022, airlines collectively misplaced 26 million pieces of luggage, according to the aviation communications organisation Sita.

You, like me, might find that a difficult number to contemplate. So instead, imagine 50 cases per minute going astray. Or, if you prefer, visualise three passengers from every wide-bodied plane watching the carousel turn in vain  and slowly realising their baggage has not accompanied them.

This week Sitas head of baggage, Nicole Hogg, reported that handling has improved this summer. She told the BBC: The trend started to sharply improve from May to the end of July 2023, with fewer bags being misplaced despite strong growth in passenger numbers going into the summer.

Even so, business is booming at the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Alabama. This department store for luggage that has parted company permanently from its owner is a fascinating location: a unique trash-to-treasures realm in which lost possessions gain a second life. But behind every garment, device and piece of jewellery on sale lies a story of sadness and stress.

In the hope of reducing the chance that your worldly goods will make their way to the emporium at 509 West Willow Street, I shall spell out how you can maximise the chances that you will be separated from your bags.

Then, perhaps, you might choose to do the opposite.

Disregard the cabin baggage allowance. Some people exceed the airlines hand luggage limit and pay a fortune. Conversely, many underestimate the amount the carrier will allow you to take on board. On a British Airways flight to Rotterdam, Rome or anywhere else on the BA network, you can take two bags of 23kg each.

Why would anyone but a diva with a trunkful of professional costumes check anything in? If you can manage with cabin baggage only, do it.

Connect through a busy hub. However assiduous the ground handlers at your intervening airport may be, the complexity of assigning tens of thousands of bags between hundreds of daily flights at a busy hub such as Dubai or Amsterdam Schiphol is mind boggling. Some will inevitably go astray.

Anonymise your luggage. Identify it only through tags attached to the outside of the case. Unfortunately, some baggage systems are capable of removing all possible exterior identification. Then, when all possible ways of reuniting you with your case are exhausted, your prized possessions will make a final, forlorn journey to the Unclaimed Baggage Center.

Having spent a fair amount of time working in airports in various capacities, the most vital piece of advice I can offer is this: assume that you will never see your checked bag again, so dont include anything you cant bear to lose.

But to maximise the chance that you will be reacquainted, tape inside a big piece of paper with your name, physical and email address and phone number in indelible ink. Even if you are a diva.
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A passenger flying from Qatar to Perth, Australia, faced a hefty fine after forgetting to declare a gifted flower from Qatar Airways last weekend.

Travel influencer Lays Laraya was fined around A$1,878 (almost 950) for falsifying an official document  her passenger landing card after mistakenly ticking that she carried no plants upon arrival to Australia.

Ms Laraya hadnt wanted to stash the rose in her hand luggage for fears the gift would be damaged so she visibly carried the flower through Perth Airport.

The travel influencer told Insider she had nothing to hide and landed the fine for violating Australias Biosecurity Act after a screening by airport officials before immigration that she originally assumed was due to her Barbie-inspired airport outfit.

Known as Skywardsfreak on her, now private, travel social channels, Ms Laraya had her passport and phone confiscated, while her luggage was also thoroughly searched.

The blogger claims failing to declare the memento from the cabin crew of her flight was an honest mistake. She was pulled up for ticking a box on her landing card that stated she had not brought any plants into Australia.

It didnt pass through my mind that the rose was within the category of those plants that they would be looking for, she said.

I checked no and that was their accusation in the end.

Flowers pose a biosecurity risk to Australia as they can carry mites, aphids and invasive species.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry says failure to declare goods known to pose a threat to Australias biosystem and providing false information is a serious risk to the country. Infringements carry fines from A$100 to the A$1,878 fee Ms Laraya was forced to pay.

The rose was eventually returned after it had been inspected and the stem had been cut off.

Ms Laraya says she is currently trying to appeal the fine on the grounds that other passengers with similar infringements got off with just a warning.
Bombay Bicycle Club fans had the rare opportunity to sing with their favourite band on Tuesday, 22 August, as the four-piece put on a karaoke concert in London.

The London quartet acted as a house band, inviting fellow musicians to join them on stage at Rough Trade East in Shoreditch to belt out or play renditions of hits such as "Always Like This" and "Evening/Morning."

The band play Rough Trade stores in Nottingham and Bristol on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

My Big Day, Bombay Bicycle Clubs sixth studio album, will be released on 20 October via Mmm... Records.
A resurfaced clip shows US President Joe Biden joking that Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin should watch what he ate after his attempted mutiny in Russia in June.

If I were he Id be careful what I ate. Id keep my eye on my menu, Biden said, in apparent reference to potential revenge poisoning of the Wagner boss for his role in the attempted coup last month. Biden made the remarks during a joint press conference with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto in Helsinki last month.

Russian officials have reported that Prigozhin was on a private jet that crashed near Moscow on 23 August, killing all ten people onboard. However, his death has not yet been confirmed.
A species of insect feared to have gone extinct in Britain is set to 'come back from the dead' after 28 years following pioneering conservation work at a UK zoo.

The tiny river fly, known as scarce yellow sally, was thought to have died out back in 1995.

However, when a small number were rediscovered in a short stretch of the River Dee in North Wales, scientists launched a rescue mission to try to save them.

Now, the critically-endangered creature has been bred by a team of aquarists at Chester Zoo.

Experts plan to release it back into the wild.
At least 17 people have been killed and dozens more are feared trapped after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in northeast India.

The bridge in Mizoram collapsed at around 10am local time on Wednesday, when around 35 to 40 workers were at the scene, authorities have said.

Video footage shows the bridge broken in half and reduced to rubble as rescuers search for survivors

Seventeen bodies have been recovered from the debris so far... many others are still missing, a police officer said, according to Indian media outlets.

Mizorams chief minister Zoramthanga said rescue operations were underway.
Spanish law enforcement officers have intercepted a boat carrying 1,543 pounds (700kg) of cocaine off the coast of the Canary Islands, police said on Tuesday (22 August).

Four suspects were arrested.

They were part of a wider criminal organisation in charge of trying to smuggle large amounts of cocaine from South America into Europe, police said.

The joint operation to arrest the suspects, which began in 2022, was led by the Spanish Guardia Civil and Europol, also involved Croatian and Serbian police as well as investigators from Palermo in Italy.
Aimee Connolly is the founder of bestselling beauty brand, Sculpted by Aimee. Photo: Alice Forberg

Irish beauty entrepreneur Aimee Connolly is opening a branch of her make-up brand, Sculpted by Aimee, in Belfasts Victoria Square, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal.

The unit, which is understood to be planned for the lower floor of the shopping centre, will be her first bricks-and-mortar shop in Northern Ireland.

She already has two units in the Republic of Ireland, at Kildare Village and on Dublins Grafton Street.

Sculpted by Aimee products are also sold through other companies and online, with a limited range available at Boots.

Sculpted by Aimee is expected to move into a unit in Victoria Square currently occupied by luxury home and beauty brand Rituals.

Rituals is tipped to relocate into bigger premises as it launches its first concept store in the UK in Victoria Square.

Sculpted By Aimee confirmed the Belfast unit would be a flagship store for the brand and would open on September 23.

In an interview with the Sunday Independent last month to mark the Kildare Village opening, Ms Connolly said she was conscious of the importance of the relationships with retailers selling her products.

I have always maintained an omni-channel approach, the 30-year-old said.

The only difference was that, at the very beginning, it wasnt an own-store approach, it was via retail partners, which I still have brilliant relationships with, the likes of Boots, Dunnes Stores and McCauley.

She said new locations for Sculpted by Aimee would be carefully considered (We are not looking to flood every corner), while both online and retail worked well for the brand: We have definitely seen the high street come back bigger and better than ever.

The brand began selling into the UK and Middle East last year.

Any new market is a challenge, she explained.

Theres potential, but youre constantly trying to learn and flex for that particular market.

Ms Connolly, who is from Dublin, worked as a freelance make-up artist before setting up her own brand.

She won the top prize in the Emerging Category at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in 2021.

In an interview with Belfast Telegraph last week, Criona Collins, head of retail agency at commercial property agency Lambert Smith Hampton, which looks after lettings at Victoria Square, said the shopping complex had been pleased to secure a string of new retailers over the past few years.

Newcomers such as Sweaty Betty, Whistles and Gym+Coffee have all signed up, while luxury retailer The White Company is now fitting out a new store at the square.

On This Day In History - August 23rd

Ms Collins said: Retailers make or break a shopping centre, and thats down to supply and demand.

Having a really good tenant line-up that is attractive to your audience is key. Thats one of the things in the portfolios we manage, be it for Commerz Real (Victoria Square), New River REIT, Milestone Trust or whoever. We undertake constant searches, targeting what customers who shop within those centres want.

The investment from the landlord is absolutely fundamental as well."

However, the relatively healthy picture at Victoria Square contrasts with other, older shopping destinations.

An east Belfast resident contacted Belfast Telegraph last week to highlight the massive decline of Connswater Shopping Centre since the departure of anchor tenant Tesco in 2015.
Development Capital, an Irish development and growth capital fund manager, has invested 6m in IP Telecom.

The Dublin-based firm offers cloud-based voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services, as well as communications telephony services, to customers in Ireland.

IP Telecom, which was first established in 2010, now works with over 4,000 businesses across sectors such as tech, education and retail. Customers include Decathlon, Repak and Right Price Tiles.

The business also employs more than 40 people.

The minority investment from Development Capital will be used to accelerate the companys growth plans in the coming years through a combination of organic and acquisitive expansion.

IP Telecom plans to increase revenues from a forecasted 6m this year to 11m next year. Revenue growth has averaged around 25pc a year, the company reported.

Together with Development Capital, who share our vision for success, we are looking forward to reaching new heights, chief executive Shena Brien said.

At the start of 2023, we set out our goals for the year: the continuation of providing impactful and improved telecoms services nationally.

As part of the investment, Development Capitals investment director Anthony ODriscoll will join the board of the business.

We are excited to partner with and back IP Telecoms goal of becoming a significant player in the hosted business telephony sector, which has experienced significant recurring revenue growth and demand in recent years, he said.

The investment in IP Telecom is the 13th investment made by Development Capital.

It also brings the fund managers total investments in Irish small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to 100m in the past decade.

The fund provides development and growth capital ranging from 2m to 12m to Irish SMEs.

The 6m investment in IP Telecom is also the fourth by Development Capital Fund II, a 75m fund.

The other companies the fund has invested in since its establishment in 2020 include Spotlight Oral Care, based in Galway, as well as Donegal firm Nomadic Care and Louth company Wogan Build Centre.

Development Capital also managed the BDO Development Capital Fund, a 75m fund which was established in 2014. To date, this fund has successfully exited from seven of the nine investees.
State spending on forestry activity, largely directed towards encouraging private landowners to plant trees, has increased for the first time in almost a decade.

However, the level spent on forestry measures is still lower now than it was in 2002, despite the Government stating on multiple occasions that encouraging tree-planting is a crucial part of its climate change mitigation strategy.

New figures published by the Department of Agriculture show that 74m was spent by the State on forestry measures in 2022.

This included spending on afforestation, maintenance grants, grants for forest road infrastructure and annual premium payments.

Most of the money, some 50m, was spent on premium payments, which are paid to landowners who plant trees on their sites.

The overall rate of spending on forestry measures was up compared with 2021, when 69.5m was spent.

However, this marks the first time since 2014 that there was an annual rise in State spending on forestry.

This peaked at 125m in 2008, declining consistently year-on-year since then, besides a once-off increase of 1.5pc in 2014 compared with 2013. The 75m spent in 2022 was roughly equivalent to the annual spend in 2002.

The relatively low spending comes at a time when Ireland is struggling to hit its afforestation targets.

Some 11pc of land area in Ireland is forest. This consistently ranks Ireland as having one of the lowest rates of forest coverage of any country in Europe.

Ireland has missed its afforestation target every year for at least the last decade and rates of tree-planting have dropped sharply since the onset of the financial crisis.

Increasing Irelands forest cover is viewed as being crucial in achieving the States climate action goals and reaching net zero emissions by 2050, using additional forest cover as a carbon sink.

However, State spending on forestry is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.

Earlier this month the European Commission approved Irelands new afforestation programme under EU state aid rules.

The 1.3bn Forestry Programme aims to address a massive fall-off in tree-planting rates.

It is to run between 2023 and 2027 and will replace the previous programme, which expired at the end of 2022.

The target is to reach 18pc forest cover in Ireland by the end of 2027.

Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants, covering up to 100pc of the eligible costs. Premiums for planting trees are to be increased by between 46pc and 66pc and extended to 20 years for farmers.
Independent College in Dublin has been ordered to pay 8,000 to one of its lecturers after incorrectly calculating her holiday pay.

A decision published by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) said that Vera Toal started working as a part-time lecturer at Independent College, based in Dublins north inner city centre, in 2017.

She said that, of paying her annual leave, the organisation instead took 8pc from her gross pay.

She said this 8pc deduction was used to fund her annual leave, and was returned to her when she was not lecturing.

Ms Toal said she had previously queried this and objected to no avail, and was seeking all outstanding leave and compensation.

Ms Toal was contracted to work a 15-hour week at a rate of 70 per hour.

Independent College said Ms Toal was paid 70 per hour and 8pc was deducted and set aside for payment of annual leave.

This resulted in Ms Toal being paid an hourly rate of 64.81.

Ms Toal resigned in August 2020 and returned to work for the college in September 2021.

Independent College said Ms Toals contractual hourly lecturing rate was 64.81, which was discharged to her as is reflected in payslips.

The company said any reference to a payment of 70 per hour was characterised as this for budgetary purposes, but said that two written contracts of employment said her pay was 64.81 per hour.

The WRC adjudication officer said the agreed rate of pay was in dispute, and was central to the case.

The WRC found that it was not coincidental that 8pc of a rate of 70 per hour is 64.81.

I find her contracted rate of pay was in fact 70 per hour and her holiday calculation was not done correctly and resulted in an unlawful deduction from her wages to pay for her holidays, the WRC said.

The reference to the 8pc is not only confusing, it also did not result in the complainant getting her entitlement to holiday pay in line with the employers obligations as set out in the legislation.

The WRC officer said the claim succeeds as it is well founded.

In considering compensation I have had regard to the rate of pay, length of service of the complainant and considered what is just and equitable in these circumstances, the WRC said.

Based on these factors, I award 8,000, the WRC officer said in the ruling on Ms Toals dispute with the college.

Last year the WRC awarded another part-time lecturer at Independent College 10,000 over the same issue, where it was found the organisation had deducted 8pc of pay to fund annual leave payments.
What you need to know about your privacy using free messaging apps

It can be confusing to work out which messaging services protest your privacy completely

One feature of apps such as iMessage and WhatsApp is that your texts or voice calls are scrambled and private from everyone.

With end-to-end encrypted technology, no one but you and the intended recipients can know what you wrote or said - not hackers, the app companies or the police.

Except, not everything is end-to-end encrypted in end-to-end encrypted apps.

That could mean what you type in chats are saved on company computers that corporations such as Apple or your phone provider could read. Details such as the timestamps of every text to your boyfriend might not be under lock and key, either.

That's not necessarily bad. Each end-to-end encryption choice has trade-offs. More privacy and security could also make it harder for you to use an app, or can shield activity of terrorists and child predators.

The mess I'm describing - end-to-end encryption but with certain exceptions - may be a healthy balance of your privacy and our safety.

The problem is it's confusing to know what is encrypted and secret in communications apps, what is not and why it might matter to you.

To illuminate the nuances, I broke down five questions about end-to-end encryption for five communications apps.

- - -

Is the content of every message automatically end-to-end encrypted?

WhatsApp: Yes

Apple's Messages: No

Messages by Google: No

Meta Messenger: No

Signal: Yes

The biggest encryption caveat is for the built-in texting apps on iPhones and most Android phones in the United States. Those are Apple's Messages app, also known as iMessage, and the Messages by Google app.

If you use Apple's app, texts that you send and receive are only end-to-end encrypted if everyone else in the chat is using that app.

If the text you see is in blue, the contents of messages are end-to-end encrypted for everyone in the chat.

Even if Apple wanted to read your texts, it doesn't have a key to unscramble those messages. (There's a caveat in the next section about backup copies.)

But the dreaded green bubbles are Apple's warning. If you're in a group chat with three people using Apple's chat app and one person on an Android phone, no one's texts are end-to-end encrypted.

Each of your mobile phone providers might save every word of your communications. Those companies could, in theory, read your messages, lose them to thieves or hand them over to police with valid legal orders.

Google's chat app has the same encryption loophole. (For most people in the United States, Messages by Google is the standard texting app on Android phones.)

Your texts in Google's chat app are only end-to-end encrypted if everyone else is using that app.

Google shows if your texts are end-to-end encrypted with signs such as a lock icon under texts and another on the send button.

For most people using Meta Messenger, previously called Facebook Messenger, someone in a chat must turn on the option for your communications to be end-to-end encrypted.

- - -

Are backup copies of your messages automatically encrypted, with no option for the app company to unscramble them?

WhatsApp: Yes

Apple's Messages: No

Messages by Google: Yes*

Meta Messenger: No

Signal: Yes

WhatsApp and Signal don't let you save copies of your texts or call logs to the app makers' computers.

That means they don't have saved message copies in a cloud that crooks could break into.

But if you buy a new phone and forget your password, WhatsApp and Signal can't really help you transfer all your old texts.

If you back up copies from Apple's chat app and Meta Messenger, the companies have the keys to unscramble what's written in encrypted chat copies. Again, these unscrambled text copies can help in criminal investigations or they could be stolen or misused.

Apple recently introduced a choice to fully end-to-end encrypt backup copies of iCloud accounts, which means not even Apple could unlock your scrambled backup texts.

If you pick that option, Apple can't help recover your chats if you forget your account password.

This risk is why Apple makes this feature a pain to turn on, and requires you to list a plan B if you forget your password, such as a personal contact who knows your decryption code.

WhatsApp has an option to save backup copies of your messages to Apple's or Google's cloud. WhatsApp doesn't save those backups.

For Messages by Google, the company says chats backed up to the company's computers are automatically encrypted - as long as your Android phone has a screen that you need to unlock with a password or another method.

Google gets an asterisk because it says it cannot unscramble your backup texts in its cloud. But it can for attachments like photos.

Meta Messenger has been testing an option for people to turn on fully end-to-end encrypted backups.

- - -

Does the app save your account details in a way it can access?

WhatsApp: Yes

Apple's Messages: Yes

Messages by Google: Yes

Meta Messenger: Yes

Signal: Yes (see note)

Most end-to-end encrypted apps save some "metadata," or details about you or what you do with the app. They can retrieve the metadata if necessary.

The app companies aren't necessarily specific about which metadata they save and can unlock. This information can make you less private- and it can help in criminal prosecutions.

WhatsApp, for example, may have your general physical location when you use the app and the names of your group chats. Under legal orders, WhatsApp has the ability to log the phone numbers your number communicates with.

WhatsApp says these details can help identify spammers and aid in investigations of potential criminal activity including people who share images of child sexual abuse.

Note: Signal is a yes with an asterisk because it doesn't save much the app can retrieve - just a phone number used to set up an account and the last time the account connected to Signal.

- - -

Are disappearing messages an option?

WhatsApp: Yes

Apple's Messages: No

Messages by Google: No

Meta Messenger: Yes

Signal: Yes

Even with end-to-end encrypted texts, someone on the receiving end could leak them or turn them in to the police.

For extra privacy, WhatsApp, Meta Messenger, and Signal have an option to set texts to automatically delete in as little as 24 hours from the phones of everyone in a chat.

This isn't ironclad, either. Someone could take a photo of your messages before they disappear.

- - -

Does the app use the Signal protocol?

WhatsApp: Yes

Apple's Messages: No

Messages by Google: Yes

Meta Messenger: Yes

Signal: Yes

The Signal protocol is considered a gold standard. No one yet has found holes in the end-to-end encryption technology.
US actors Martin Sheen and Kerry Washington gave rousing speeches to crowds in Los Angeles as a major Hollywood strike continues.

Members of US actors union Sag-Aftra and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) took part in National Day of Solidarity rallies on Tuesday.

Thousands gathered outside studios in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago as the actors strike entered its 40th day  having begun on July 14.

Martin Sheen (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

The strike began after Sag-Aftra negotiations over new contracts with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) broke down.

It has caused a major halt in productions and film events in both the US and the UK, with work on films including Deadpool 3 being paused.

Sheen, known for films including Apocalypse Now and The Departed, channelled his character of president Jed Bartlet from HBO show The West Wing, as he addressed those gathered outside Walt Disney studios in Burbank, California.

He encouraged union members to stick to it like a stamp, with their determination for new contracts with the AMPTP.

I have been a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild and Equity since 1961. That was the same year I got married  clearly I have a fondness for unions, he said.

He continued: Clearly this union has found something worth fighting for and it is very costly.

If this were not so, we would be left to question its value. Now we are called to support the union and stand together for the long haul and stick to it like a stamp.

The studios are always seeing what is and asking why? Let us continue to dream things that never were and say, why not? he said.

Sheen was joined at the rally by other members of The West Wings creative team, as well as actor Ron Perlman.

In her own remarks, Washington, who played a government fixer on ABC political drama Scandal, said she had almost not pursued a career in acting until she learned about unions.

Kerry Washington speaks at the Day of Solidarity union rally (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

I learned that there are communities of people that were making a living being working actors, I learned I didnt have to want to be famous, I could just pursue a career doing what I loved to do and I could raise a family and live a life doing that, being paid a fair wage, she said.

We have come to a point in our history where that is no longer possible, where just being a working actor means I cant make a fair living. Its not ok.

Its not ok for other people to benefit for our hard work and sweat, when we work 16-hour days, when we put our vulnerabilities and hearts on the line, while we do the hard work, thats not ok.

We deserve to be paid a fair wage, we deserve to be able to have access to healthcare, we deserve to be protected from machines pretending to be us, we deserve to be working artists and to be paid fairly.

The dream of being a working artist should not be impossible.

Picket lines were cancelled on Monday in Los Angeles due to tropical storm Hurricane Hilary and a 5.1 magnitude earthquake in the city.
The Department of Transport has rejected calls in recent weeks for a derogation on lorry driver rest time rules to aid the collection of the grain harvest, which has been disrupted by bad weather.

In correspondence between the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) and the IFA last week, IRHA Vice President Ger Hyland said the refusal was due to the Department of Agriculture not indicating any risk to the overall production of grain in Ireland that could be considered urgent or 'exceptional.

In the letter, seen by the Irish Independent, Hyland told IFA President Tim Cullinan that it had submitted another letter on behalf of the IFA and asked the Department of Transport to reconsider their decision.

"They must have the blinds down in the Department of Agriculture and the RSA for the last month and have not noticed the appalling weather than is impacting on the grain harvest.

"As a representative body for the licensed haulage sector, we had requested that the Department of Transport would recognise the chronic and acute crisis impacting on the grain harvest arising primarily from the poor weather conditions of the last month," Hyland said.

The summers grain harvest has been seriously hampered by unsettled weather which has condensed the harvest into a short number of days between spells of rain putting huge pressure on farmers and hauliers.

Given, what he said was the very tight time window for the collection and drying of grain to ensure that the crop meets the required specifications, Hyland said the IRHA had requested that the Department of Transport grant a limited exemption from the working time restrictions, similar to that granted in other EU Member States.

"We are confident that a limited exemption could have been granted which would allow the safe and timely collection and transportation of the harvest, without any attendant increased road safety risks arising, he said in the letter.

The exemptions IRHA sought were limited (only to apply to drivers involved in the carriage of grain), temporary (for the next 30 days) and only involved limited extensions of working time required to address the current emergency situation (an increase of 2 hours per day or 14 hours per week), Hyland explained.

"I deeply regret that the Department of Transport has not seen fit to grant this derogation in light of the national emergency and the limited scope.

"The effect of this inflexibility means that hauliers will face risk of prosecution and sanction if they work outside the existing driving limits, regardless of the emergency position presented at present," he said.

Hyland told the IFA President the IRHA's members remain very keen to assist the farming community to get the harvest out of the ground and into appropriate storage.

"It is a matter of serious annoyance that they will be frustrated in this regard by the inflexible application of EU rules by our own Department, when other Member States have recognised and granted the need for flexibility to address what constitutes a serious challenge to our agriculture and food sector.

"You may have more success raising the matter with the Department of Agriculture, but despite putting our collective best foot forward, the Department of Transport have up to today said a firm No," Hyland told the IFA last week.

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport said it consulted with the Road Safety Authority and the Department of Agriculture and the Marine on the derogation request adding that the Department cannot act alone and requires corroboration with other relevant experts in order to make an informed decision.

"There are a number of factors to be considered in deciding on a derogation from the drivers hours rules. The derogation must address an urgent issue and it must also be in response to exceptional circumstances. Equally, a derogation should not in any way jeopardise driver or road safety.

"Having reviewed the available information presented in the request and consulting with the Road Safety Authority and Department of Food of the Marine, the Department of Transport decided against granting the temporary derogation. This decision was communicated to the Irish Road Haulage Association on 11 August 2023, it said.

However, the Department spokesperson also said it indicated in its decision that it would reconsider the matter if the situation changed substantially and a further submission, and evidence of the need for a derogation, was put forward.

"On 17 August 2023 the Department received a follow up request from the Irish Road Haulage Association with a supporting letter from the Irish Farmers Association. The Department is currently engaging with relevant stakeholders to assess this request and determine whether it represents an urgent and exceptional situation requiring a derogation, the spokesperson said.
Call for a reduction in high excise duties to ensure survival of existing businesses in sector

The rate of pub closures in Ireland has been described as 'alarming' by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland. Photo: Getty

Ireland has lost almost a quarter of its pubs in the last 18 years as more and more publicans abandon the trade.

Almost 2,000 pubs have shut their doors since 2005, with the decline accelerating since the pandemic.

Rural pubs were particularly hard hit and while the country as a whole lost 22.5pc of its pubs over the period, Limerick lost 32pc, Roscommon 30.3pc and Cork and Laois 29.9pc.

A further eight regional counties lost more than a quarter of their pubs while Dublin fared best, with 3.4pc of the capitals pubs shutting down.

The trends are revealed in a new study from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), which describes the rate of closures as alarming.

The industry is calling for a reduction in excise duty on alcohol in the upcoming budget to help boost trade.

Economist Anthony Foley, who carried out the analysis, said pubs played a particularly important role in contributing to the communities in the countrys towns, villages and rural areas, supporting social connections and reducing the risk of isolation.

However, those same communities were sometimes too small to make the pub viable.

'They're bleeding the public dry' public react to news of August price increase on pints

Smaller local markets and populations mean many pubs in regional counties operate on tight margins, making them more at risk of closure, he said.

In total, 1,937 pubs shut down since 2005, an average of 114 a year, although the annual average rose to 152 since 2019.

Many were small and family-run businesses, Mr Foley said, and were also an integral part of the tourism offering in regional areas.

Currently, 6,680 pubs remain in business and Mr Foley called for greater support to ensure their continued survival.

There are many reasons for the decline in the number of public houses in Ireland, both economic and social, he said.

The cause and impact of these closures requires full consideration given the knock-on impact it has on the fabric of local communities as social outlets.

The loss of hundreds of these local businesses, employers, purchasers and community hubs has repercussions. This is particularly so in more rural communities across the country.

DIGI chair, Kathryn DArcy, who is also corporate affairs director at Irish Distillers, said the Government must act to create a sustainable operating environment for the sector.

The analysis in this report paints a stark picture of a sector that is fighting against continued decline due to a number of significant external pressures, many of which are outside of our control, she said.

Irelands excise on spirits is the third highest in Europe, our excise on wine is the highest in Europe and our excise on beer is the second highest in Europe.

We have some of the highest excise duties in the world and the second highest in Europe overall, despite the industry being at the heart of Irelands tourism sector and its international reputation as a vibrant destination.

To address this challenge, DIGI are calling on Government to deliver a reduction in Irelands extremely high excise duties which would make an immediate, positive difference to the hundreds of small businesses in our sector struggling to stay open.
Workers in state-funded community and voluntary sector organisations are expected to begin voting on September 4

Up to 5,000 workers in vital health services across the country are set to ballot on strike action in the coming weeks following the collapse of pay talks.

Workers in state-funded community and voluntary sector organisations are expected to begin voting on September 4.

Staff at Cheshire Ireland, Ability West Galway, Western Care Mayo, St Josephs Foundation in Cork, St Lukes Home in Cork, the Cobh Centre community hospital, and Co Action in west Cork will be balloted.

Workers at Kerry Parents and Friends and Trinity Community Care in Dublin will also be balloted according to a Siptu Health Division update that was sent to members yesterday.

The message said unions will ballot members in several state-funded Section 39 agencies for industrial and strike action.

It said there had been a breakdown of talks between government departments and unions on pay justice for the Section 39 sector.

We intend to commence the ballot on the week beginning on September 4, it said.

It is important for members in all Section 39 agencies to support those taking action in pursuit of pay justice in the sector.

This campaign may need to be escalated in the coming weeks and months.

The health unions, led by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, walked out of talks at the Workplace Relations Commission last month.

They said they got a derisory pay offer of 5pc during the talks.

Kevin Figgis, Siptu health divisional organiser, said at the time if a huge recruitment and retention crisis continues, services will be shut down and the HSE will then have to step in to provide the services.

The unions Section 39 members are not HSE employees but their employers are funded by the health service.

They are demanding that a link between their members wages and public servants pay that used to exist be re-established.

They claim there is a 10pc pay gap between them that is feeding a recruitment crisis.

Their members work in a variety of health service roles, in professional, clinical, clerical and administrative grades.

A Department of Health spokesperson said its officials and officials from the Department of Children, Equality, Integration and Youth, the HSE and Tusla attended talks with unions at the Workplace Relations Commission in recent months.

She said the process culminated in an offer being made in line with those accepted by community and voluntary staff in other sectors.

The spokesperson said the offer amounted to a 5pc increase in funding for pay from November this year, with 3pc backdated to April last.

She said it included a commitment to re-engage with trade union representatives following the next public sector pay agreement.

This offer was not accepted by trade union representatives, she said.

On This Day In History - August 23rd

It is disappointing that their members were not afforded the opportunity to vote on whether they wished to accept the 5pc increase in pay funding, and that the unions have instead elected to ballot for industrial action.

She said any such action would impact negatively on people who rely on these services.

The spokesperson said the Department of Health urges all parties to work on resolving any disputes through the appropriate forums, and to uphold industrial peace in the interests of people who use the health service.
Clare Rose Aisling O'Connor on stage during the Rose of Tralee with host Kathryn Thomas. Photo: Domnick Walsh/Eye Focus

Rose of Tralee host Kathryn Thomas became tearful last night as the Clare Rose Aisling OConnor opened up about life after the deaths of her parents.

Her father Pat died in a shock accident in 2018. Her mother Denise died following a determined fight against breast cancer in 2021, she told the crowd in Tralee.

The eldest of six, the primary school teachers five younger brothers watched from the audience as she thanked their local community for the support through tough years.

Thomas fought back tears as she told the Clare Rose that she was always astounded by her bravery whenever they spoke.

Aisling OConnor's heartfelt account of losing both parents brings Kathryn Thomas to tears

Ms OConnor said the familys story started in 2004 when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant with her sixth child.

She said the diagnosis was really bad and her mother wasn't given much of a chance.

With so much determination and defiance she completely beat the odds and was with us all through our childhood and saw us grow up. We lived a really happy, normal life, right up until 2018 when our world completely stopped.

We lost our dad in a tragic accident, Ms OConnor said.

We were reeling, the community surrounded us and kept us really close at this time. It impacted all of us, but it impacted Mam probably deeper than the rest of us.

In 2020, our world stopped again, Mam got her second diagnosis and fought the most incredible, determined fight, right up until 2021 when she passed with all of us around her.

She told Thomas that the siblings wouldnt be anywhere without the community, describing the support they received from the local parish in Feakle, Co Clare.

I feel really lucky in a way, because weve never been alone. From 2021, there's been a dinner outside the gate every day, there's been vouchers, bags of shopping, electricity bills paid and always someone on the end of the phone, she said.

She added: They never want a thanks, there's never a name at the bottom of a card or anything like that. They do it for us and to support us. I think that's what being Irish is.

Thomas wrapped the Clare Rose in an emotional hug as she received a standing ovation after a poignant ballet dance to the song Better Days by Dermot Kennedy.

Social media immediately lit up with messages of support for the inspirational teacher.

Aisling OConnor, a winner in our eyes anyway! one viewer wrote on Twitter.

The Clare Rose succinctly describing how rural Clare communities like Feakle are at their best in the worst of times.

Everyone in East Clare and the entire county very proud of Aisling tonight.

Others described her segment with host Kathryn Thomas as moving and incredibly brave.

What an inspirational & strong lady she is, another wrote. I've no doubt her parents would be so proud of her. What a hero Aisling is.

Meanwhile New York Rose Roisin Wiley was crowned the 2023 International Rose of Tralee, following days of judging and two action-packed selection nights televised on RTE.

I dont know when it will hit me, she said last night. When I saw all of the girls come around me and I made eye-contact with them I was in shock  in the most amazing way.

The New York Rose said she was looking forward to the next chapter as the 2023 winner.

Growing up as an Irish-American in New York with a name like Roisin, being Irish is usually the first conversation I have with somebody new," she added.

"Im just so proud to represent Ireland in New York.
A 65-year-old tourist returning to her hotel in Dublin was dragged on the ground into a laneway during a predatory robbery, a court heard.

Rian Dunne, 24, of Raheen Park, Ballyfermot, Dublin, was refused bail on Wednesday after gardai charged him with the offence on Tuesday night around Bachelors Walk and Bachelors Way.
Tributes left to the late Sinead O'Connor outside the musician's former home in Bray. Photo: Dawn O'Porter/Instagram.

A touching tribute to Sinead OConnor has been left outside her former Bray, Co Wicklow home two weeks on from the singers funeral.

Presenter Dawn OPorter shared a picture of the thoughtful display through her Instagram account on Monday. It includes photos of OConnor, personal tributes written on stones, bunches of flowers and the text of When Im No Longer Here, a poem by the author Donna Ashworth.

Wicklow native Laura Whitmore replied and said you are 2 mins walk from my mams house x. Whitmore previously shared that OConnor was a frequent visitor to her family home when the former Love Island host was a child.

OPorter shared a tribute to OConnor on July 26, the day of her death, saying she was absolutely gutted by her passing.

Her husband, Irish actor Chris ODowd, paid tribute to OConnor on the day of her death and said she made mighty music for us.

Thousands lined the streets of Bray on August 8 for OConnors funeral, with President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and U2s Bono and the edge among the mourners.

A coroners report compiled by the authorities in London has not yet been released as to the cause of death, while in recent weeks the Coroner in London told the Irish Independent that the date of death is unknown after police confirmed O'Connor was found "unresponsive" at her London flat.
Clearson Holdings says that fake websites set up in its name, with derogatory reviews attached, cost it residential business

A building company has claimed before the High Court that it has lost at least 500,000 worth of contracts after false and defamatory reviews were posted about it on hoax websites set up by unknown parties.

Clearson Holdings Limited trading as Clearson Contracts and Developments claims that it first became aware last May of the first of two misleading websites which it says wrongly suggested that it was the companys own official site.

The High Court heard the company, which carries out renovations and construction works at residential properties, does not maintain a website.

The company says that the hoax sites were designed in a manner calculated to economically damage the firm.

The sites contained fake reviews, all of which were negative, from persons purported to have been clients and customers of the company.

The company says that the names, addresses and the works alleged to have been carried out in the reviews were unknown to it.

The reviews had been fabricated in an attempt to make false, defamatory and damaging claims about the quality and standards of the companys work, the company also says.

The company established that the website, called clearsonholdings.ie was hosted by an IT company called Protocol Internet Technology Limited trading as Hosting Ireland.

Clearson Holdings says that after making contact with Hosting Ireland, the first website was taken down and removed from the public realm.

A second fake website, called www.clearsonholdingsreviews.ie was subsequently set up and republished the allegedly defamatory material about Clearson Holdings.

Hosting Ireland, the court heard, also removed that website.

Clearson Holdings, with an address at Greemount Industrial Estate, Harolds Cross, Dublin 8, says that while the websites have been taken down, it wants to bring defamation proceedings against the unknown persons who set up and administered the websites.

At yesterdays vacation sitting of the High Court, barrister Eoin Morris for the plaintiff told Ms Justice Eileen Roberts that thanks to the co-operation of the defendant the sites are no longer publicly available, and the urgency had somewhat gone out of his clients action.

However, counsel said that the company wants to know who is behind the false posts and websites and bring legal proceedings against them.

Counsel said his client had lost contracts worth at least 500,000 due to the defamatory and false material posted about it.

Mr Morris, instructed by Thomas Loomes and Company Solicitors, asked the court to grant his Clearson Holdings disclosure orders  known as Norwich Pharmacal type orders  against Hosting Ireland.

Those orders would compel Hosting Ireland to provide all the details it has, including names and addresses, about the person or persons who set up and operated the websites to the plaintiffs lawyers.

Counsel said that Hosting Ireland was neither objecting nor consenting to his sides application but had stated in correspondence that it would not provide the information sought in the absence of a court order.

Ms Justice Roberts granted Clearson Holdings the disclosure order sought.

The judge said that she was satisfied to make the court order on an ex-parte basis.
Charlie Bird shared an emotional health update on Monday evening as he continues his battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The former RTE news correspondent was diagnosed with the condition in 2021.

In a social media post featuring a picture of him alongside his dog Tiger, Mr Bird said I am crying my eyes out this evening because of the way my illness is going.

But I am so honoured that I have been invited to help launch the Bewleys Hospice coffee morning tomorrow, the post said.

None of us knows when we might need the hospice. Please support the coffee morning 21st of Sept.

Bewleys Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice raises vital funds for local hospices as participants host coffee mornings across the country.

Fans responded with an outpouring of support for Mr Bird, with one saying fair play to you for championing other great causes.

Bird has raised more than than 3.6m for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House through his charity ClimbwithCharlie.

On April 2 last year, he and his supporters climbed Croagh Patrick to highlight the physical and mental battle people with terminal illness face and raise funds for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and suicide prevention charity Pieta.

Climb with Charlie hikes also took place in the US, South Africa, Australia and Spain, and about 10,000 supporters took part.
"Without the Belt and Road Initiative, I wouldn't have come to China, and I wouldn't have had the opportunity to fulfill my dreams. I often jokingly tell my friends that President Xi Jinping personally arranged a job for me," said Mielnik Maciej Dominik, a 34-year-old Polish man who founded his own international logistics company Hao Duo Huo  meaning "lots of goods" in Chinese  in Wuhan, the capital city of Central China's Hubei province. Dominik's connection with China runs deep. During his childhood, his sister pursued her studies in China. With his parents engrossed in their own business, Dominik was sent to China each year during summer and winter breaks to spend time with his sister. "The first time I came to China was in 1997. My sister stayed in China for a total of 15 years and did very well," said Dominik. "Seeing the abundant opportunities in China, I decided to pursue my university education here." Influenced by his parents, Dominik chose to study international trade at Central China Normal University in Wuhan in 2009. Throughout his studies, Dominik took pleasure in embarking on travel adventures. Engaging in many interactions with people during his journeys swiftly honed his proficiency in Chinese. "My favorite thing about China is all the mountain ranges. Even when I'm in the city, I like to go up high to admire the beautiful scenery," he said. After completing his undergraduate studies, Dominik went to Shenzhen, Guangdong province, to embark on a career in trade. It was there that he first encountered the field of logistics. "Poland is an important transit country for the China-Europe Railway Express, and, thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative, Poland's logistics sector has been thriving. It would have been stupid not to seize such a good opportunity," said Dominik as he mentioned the reasons behind his aspiration to start his own business. Carrying this dream forward, Dominik returned to Central China Normal University to pursue his master's degree in 2015. And in April 2021, he formally established Hao Duo Huo in Wuhan, a city he believes boasts a favorable geographical position. Not only does it serve as one of the starting points for the China-Europe Railway Express, but it's also home to numerous universities that can supply high-quality talent. "I'm quite fond of outdoor activities, and Wuhan's natural environment is stunning. I truly appreciate the lifestyle here," Dominik remarked. Explaining why he chose this business name, Dominik shared two main reasons: "The first is that I want my company to have an abundance of goods to sell so as to make a lot of profit. And second, China offers a wealth of quality products, and I want to deliver them to every corner of the world, spreading joy and convenience to more people." For Dominik, working in the logistics industry is something that brings him a great sense of accomplishment. His uncle in Poland loves to ride bicycles, but he's almost 70 and finds it a bit challenging to pedal, so Dominik bought him a high-end electric bicycle and sent it over through his logistics company. "Once my uncle received it, many people in the village saw it and wanted one too. So I sent several more back. Now there's actually an electric bicycle club established in the village," he said proudly. The path of entrepreneurship, however, isn't always smooth sailing. In the initial stages of establishing his company, Dominik faced challenges in acquiring clients. He reached out to potential customers one by one through e-mail, gradually building a solid client base. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he encountered unexpected disruptions, such as delays in shipping and container loading. However, he adeptly resolved these issues and guided his company through the hard times, ensuring a successful way forward. At present, the clients of his company are mainly garment and electronic equipment manufacturers, with the majority of the products destined for Europe. Talking about his future plans, Dominik exudes a strong sense of confidence: "Now that I have my own trading company, in the future, I'd like to set up an online retail platform like Amazon, controlling the whole supply chain from purchasing to shipping to delivery. As a result, more products made in China can be delivered to consumers all over the world." Liu Kuncontributed to the story
A wave of excitement and pride is flowing through the hearts of the Indian community in Ireland following the countrys historic space landing near the moon's south pole.

As the nation celebrates its technological and global triumph, Indians across Ireland are full of emotion.

The lunar landing has given a deeper meaning to members of the community who are far away from home, as they reflect on the journey that brought them to a land that welcomed them with open arms.

It's a moment of immense pride for the nation and for us as people, Sligo-based Priyanka Singh (30) said, an IT professional who moved to Ireland three years ago.

India cricket team cheer on moon landing from Malahide in Dublin

Priyanka and her husband watched the live coverage of the landing in what she described as a nerve wracking moment.

We had our fingers crossed, we were praying, let it be a success because it's the second attempt, she said.

"This landing would serve as an inspiration for generations to come. It will continue to scale new heights and inspire generations for our young people who dream to go in space, those trying to be scientists or astronauts. It acts as a fuel to their aspirations and their dreams.

Read more India beats all other countries to land spacecraft near south pole of the Moon

Everybody was hooked on their television or their cell phones. Everybody or anybody was one in that particular moment. This particular moment has put us on the global stage.

And as an Indian, our hearts were filled with anticipation of the success because it's the lunar cycle.

"Also, they famously called it the dark side with the far side of the moon where no one has been able to reach in decades but we were able to do it. We did it.

This successful landing was India's second attempt to land a spacecraft on the moon.

"Chandrayaan-3 has successfully soft-landed on the Moon," the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced at its headquarters.

People watch a live stream of the lunar landing. Picture: Amit Dave/Reuters

Four years ago, with Chandrayaan meaning "moon vehicle" in Hindi and Sanskrit, ISRO's Chandrayaan-2 mission successfully deployed an orbiter but the lander crashed.

Speaking with the Irish Independent, a former staff member of ISRO said the sense of pride extends to him.

Tarun Malviya (38), who lives in Limerick, recalled working for the Indian Space Agency during the first attempt in 2019.

When this first moon mission happened, I was part of that launch and I can recall all those memories and now I feel like I was back in the old days, amongst my former colleagues and I just wish I was with them, he said.

After watching the launch, the engineer who moved to Ireland in February said: When it [the spacecraft] landed, I went back to my memories where I was with my colleagues, with my friends in the Mission Control Centre, it was just an amazing feeling.

During his eight years with the ISRO, he was in the electrical integration systems and semiconductor laboratory departments, and now looks forward to what is next for space exploration.

Also watching the last crucial moments of the live coverage, was 42-year-old nurse Ninan Thomas, who is based in Sligo.

Ninan said this achievement would be one of the unforgettable moments of his life.

This moment is unforgettable. And it's phenomenal, the Indian native said. He has been living in Ireland since 2005.

Being a member of the Indian community living in Ireland. I am so proud that my country has continued to scale new heights and inspire generations of dreamers, he said.

I was watching the final 10 minutes of live coverage on TV, the feeling that I had was beyond me, I had my blood boiling, being an Indian it's such a proud moment towards seeing a control landing.

India was on the top of the world, Ninan said, emphasising that only three countries have previously managed to land successfully on the moon.

India now joins the United States, Russia, and China in the history books.

This is the difficult side of the moon, which is the south pole. So, India has paved the way and I'm sure there will be a lot of missions in the coming years led by India, Ninan added.
The Naval Service has been effectively reduced to one-quarter of its fleet as manpower shortages have left the navy only able to get two of its eight vessels out to sea at the same time.

Mounting recruitment, retention and retirement issues have resulted in the Naval Service no longer being able to operate a third ship on concurrent missions.

The Defence Forces declined to comment on the matter.

The Defence Forces do not give details on the specifics of our Naval Service fleet disposition for reasons of operational security, a spokesperson said.

However, concern over the staffing issue has reached such a pitch that both officer and enlisted personnel organisations are now understood to be seeking an emergency meeting with Naval Service Flag Officer Commodore Michael Malone.

PDFORRA officials declined to comment on operational matters. However, sources indicated that organisations representing both enlisted personnel and officers have been informed of the situation in respect of vessel operations and the worsening crewing situation.

One PDFORRA source said the situation now facing the navy was very, very worrying, amid concerns operational capacity was being driven back to levels not seen since the 1960s and early 70s.

Reduced navy operational capacity could have enormous implications for fishery protection, security and even anti-drug-smuggling missions.

Representative groups pointed out that it was difficult for the Naval Service to recruit and retain personnel given the requirements to earn vital service allowances which increase pay.

Some allowances can only be paid if personnel are at sea on operational duties for over 80 days.

Tanaiste and Defence Minister Micheal Martin admitted last April that the recruitment and staff retention situation facing the Naval Service was now critical.

Currently, the navy is operating at around 300 personnel below its 1,094 establishment strength.

However, the loss of experienced non-commissioned officers (NCOs), engineers and marine specialists  who can earn far more in the private sector through the growth in the offshore wind energy and cruise liner trades  has hit the navy particularly hard.

Such is the manpower crisis that operations by its four most capable vessels, the 90 metre 1,900 tonne offshore patrol vessels (OPV), have been severely hampered over the past 18 months.

In April, Mr Martin insisted that the navy had the capacity to crew three vessels for operational duties.

One Government source pointed out that a Naval Service vessel returned to Ireland on July 30 after a six week UN-sanctioned mission off the North African coast.

LE William Butler Yeats successfully deployed on a six-week mission off Libya to target criminal gangs engaged in people-smuggling, arms-trafficking and black market oil sales.

The navy has a total of six commissioned ships, LE Roisin, LE Niamh, LE Samuel Beckett, LE James Joyce, LE William Butler Yeats and LE George Bernard Shaw.

However, a number have been tied-up at Haulbowline Naval Base because of crewing issues.

LE Roisin and LE Niamh are currently in operational reserve status.

Two smaller ships were acquired from New Zealand for 26m and arrived in Cork harbour last May for commissioning.

The vessels were built in 2005 and 2008 but are being refurbished for operations out of Dublin in the Irish Sea.

Lake-class inshore patrol vessels, the 55-metre ships, are smaller than other Irish craft and will have significantly lower crewing needs, making them attractive to the Government given the manpower challenges facing the navy.
New York Rose Roisin Wiley as been crowned the 2023 International Rose of Tralee in an emotional final night of the festival.

I dont know when it will hit me, she said. When I saw all of the girls come around me and I made eye-contact with them I was in shock  in the most amazing way.

New York Rose said she was looking forward to the next chapter as the 2023 winner.

The 2023 International Rose of Tralee is New York Rose Roisin Wiley announced on stage at the Kerry Sports Academy, MTU during the Rose of Tralee International Festival TV Rose Selection night on Tuesday 22nd of August. Photo By : Domnick Walsh  Eye Focus LTD .

Growing up as an Irish-American in New York with a name like Roisin, being Irish is usually the first conversation I have with somebody new," she added.

"Im just so proud to represent Ireland in New York.

Hosting duties were divided for the first time in history this year, with Kathryn Thomas fitting into the familiar  and much beloved  format led by Daithi O Se in an evening that saw line dancing, leg waxing and proud loved ones.

An excited crowd carried banners laden with glitter into the audience ahead of the show, letting loose with roars of applause as each Rose took to the stage.

Longford Rose Grace Kemple pictured on stage at the Kerry Sports Academy, MTU with Kathryn Thomas during the Rose of Tralee International Festival TV Rose Selection night on Tuesday 22nd of August. Photo By : Domnick Walsh  Eye Focus LTD .

While the friends and family of Cork Rose Kate Shaughnessy hoisted up life-size cut-outs of the nursing home care coordinator, the supporters of the German Rose wore purple t-shirts with a simple slogan on the back: I dont give a Schnitzel as long as Megan Wolf wins!

Despite her best efforts, Thomas admitted she tried her best to get a pole installed on stage so that her co-host O Se could give pole-dancing  a hobby of the German Rose  a try. Give me a year! the RTE star quipped.

Texas Rose Eden Kasprak pictured on stage at the Kerry Sports Academy, MTU with Daithi O Se during the Rose of Tralee International Festival TV Rose Selection night on Tuesday 22nd of August. Photo By : Domnick Walsh  Eye Focus LTD

While night one saw O Se race to dress up in firefighting gear, the second selection night saw the host wax his legs on national television.

Carlow Rose and geography teacher Caoimhe Deering was given an impromptu quiz on stage, while the 88-year-old grandmother of Washington DC Rose Siobhan Spiak received a birthday cake from Thomas in the crowd.

Wearing a pink dress in homage to Barbie, the Operation Transformation presenter offered a hug to each Rose as they arrived on stage. She channelled the energy of the movie of the summer as she borrowed the sash of the Carlow Rose and shouted: Lets do this, girl!

New Zealand Rose KelsI Wallace played the tin whistle before lifting up her yellow dress to perform a jig, though amid all the song, dance and hijinks from the hosts, there were touching stories of grief, loss and heartache that left few dry eyes in the audience.

A tearful Thomas said she was always astounded by the bravery of Clare Rose Aisling OConnor as she recounted how she lost both of her parents within three years of each other  her dad in a shock accident in 2018 and her mother to breast cancer in 2021.

Kerry Rose Kelsey Lang McCarthy pictured on stage at the Kerry Sports Academy, MTU with Kathryn Thomas during the Rose of Tralee International Festival TV Rose Selection night on Tuesday 22nd of August. Photo By : Domnick Walsh  Eye Focus LTD .

"We wouldnt be anywhere without the community, she said, describing how dinners were left by neighbours without a name on the card as her and her brothers dealt with the loss of their parents.

"Thats what being Irish is. Its about no man being left behind. I just want to thank them so deeply, everybody. Thank you.

Thomas wrapped the Clare Rose into an emotional hug as she received a standing ovation after a poignant ballet dance to Better Days by Dermot Kennedy.

Antrim Rose Mollie OBrien pictured on stage at the Kerry Sports Academy, MTU with Daithi O Se during the Rose of Tralee International Festival TV Rose Selection night on Tuesday 22nd of August. Photo By : Domnick Walsh  Eye Focus LTD .

Texas Rose Eden Kasprak opened up about her experience as a court advocate for young children, becoming emotional as she recounted how she volunteered with families impacted by the Uvalde school shooting.

She lifted up her glittering black dress to reveal a pair of white cowboy boots, teaching the crowd a line dance as her parents kept their bedazzled Stetson hats on in the audience.

O Se swapped his tux out for a Texan-style blazer, later abandoning the steps as he grooved freestyle to the boot, scoot and boogie.

South Australia Rose Charlotte Burton opened up about being autistic with host Kathryn Thomas, admitting it was "daunting entering the contest but that there is strength in asking for help. She applauded the small adjustments that can make a world of a difference in some of the overwhelming moments of the tour.

We met at the festival 43 years ago  Friends and family arrive at the Rose of Tralee

"If at any point I get too emotional, I would love for everyone to help me, she asked the audience as she prepared to sing a song dedicated to her grandmother.

Sydney Rose Aoife Butler told how was travelling San Diego seven years ago when she got that phone call that no one wants to get.

She was alone when she learned her brother had passed away in Australia.

South Australia Rose Charlotte Burton pictured on stage at the Kerry Sports Academy, MTU with Daithi O Se and Kathryn Thomas during the Rose of Tralee International Festival TV Rose Selection night on Tuesday 22nd of August. Photo By : Domnick Walsh  Eye Focus LTD .

It was difficult for her family to learn that he had taken his own life as no one had seen it coming, she said.

The mental health nurse encouraged people to reach out and ask for help and support if they are struggling, adding: "You are loved and you are so wanted here on this world. If you have no hope, there are people who will hold hope for you.

Kerry Rose Kelsey Lang McCarthy, the last to take to the stage, said watching the 31 other contestants chat with O Se and Thomas helped to settle the nerves ahead of her turn.

Sydney Rose Aoife Butler pictured on stage at the Kerry Sports Academy, MTU with Daithi O Se during the Rose of Tralee International Festival TV Rose Selection night on Tuesday 22nd of August. Photo By : Domnick Walsh  Eye Focus LTD

Speaking to the Irish Independent before the show, she said Thomas gives everyone a little hug when they get on stage, it just makes you feel so comfortable.

When I was watching, thats something I picked up on. I was like Ok, shes going to give me a little hug and Ill be fine. Shes fab.
Ferry giant P&O has announced plans to close one of its routes towards the end of the year (Alamy/PA)

Ferry giant P&O has announced plans to close one of its routes towards the end of the year.

The Liverpool-Dublin route will be axed due to the unavailability of a berth in the Merseyside city for next year, the company said.

A statement said: Without agreement with the port owner to provide a berth in Liverpool, it is impossible for P&O Ferries to continue operating on this route. Extensive negotiations with the owner of our Liverpool site to extend our lease at the port or find an alternative site for our Liverpool-Dublin service to operate from have been unsuccessful.

We are saddened by our forced withdrawal from this route, which will reduce competition and the choice of sailings available to customers on a crossing where there is currently only one alternative operator.

The route is served by two P&O ferries making 24 sailings a week and is mainly used to transport freight between the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

P&O said: We are now beginning a consultation process with our employees affected by the intended closure of this service.
The RNLI lifeboat crew from Ballycotton, Co Cork rescued a yacht with five people on board on Tuesday.

A 44ft vessel was making its way from the Scilly Isles in the southwest of England to Dungarvan, Co Waterford when it lost its rudders and was left powerless 10 miles south of Mine Head.

The Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat crew were requested to launch by the Valentia Coast Guard at 7.45am after crew from the French yacht requested assistance.

They made contact with the yacht and arrived to the scene at 9.15am, where all five crew members were wearing flotation devices and were unharmed.

Towing the vessel was made more difficult by force four gales and a moderate swell. The yacht arrived in Ballycotton at 1.15pm on Tuesday afternoon where it will remain until damage is assessed and repairs are carried out.

Ballycotton Deputy Coxwain Barry McDonald praised the crew for responding to a particularly difficuly callout.

I would especially like to thank all the crew who responded to the pager as handling a rudderless yacht is challenging and also to the ground crew who assisted when we arrived back in the harbour, he said.

We would also like to congratulate David Casey on his first call out as newly qualified navigator.

The volunteer lifeboat crew who rescued the yacht comprised of deputy coxwain Barry McDonald, mechanic Adam Hussey, navigator David Casey and volunteers Eolan Breathnach, Ciaran Walsh, Kate Flemming and Stephen Sloane.
A Sinn Fein election candidate has apologised after previously claiming hundreds of gay perverts, some of whom he suggested were paedophiles, were meeting to have sex near a childrens playground in Co Mayo in the middle of the day.

Tony Geraghty, who Sinn Fein has picked to run for Mayo County Council in next years local elections, wrote in an article published in 2008 that drooling perverts are getting off whilst children played in a playground beside Lough Lannagh in Castlebar.

In the front page story for the now-defunct Mayo Echo, headlined Castlebar Lake Attracts Hundreds of Perverts, Mr Geraghty, who edited the freesheet, claimed hundreds of perverts are descending on Castlebar every week as the town has become the cruising capital of Connaught.

The article included a picture of an identifiable man whom Mr Geraghty alleged was having sex in plain view of passersby" and a car with its registration plate highlighted. Mr Geraghty threatened to publish more pictures of men whom he claimed were having sex in public near the lake.

In a statement issued through Sinn Fein, Mr Geraghty admitted the article was offensive to the LGBTQ community and claimed he apologised at the time. However, Mr Geraghty strongly defended the piece in a lengthy interview on RTEs Liveline in early June 2008 and claimed some of the men were paedophiles or have an interest in paedophilia". He also published a follow-up defence of the piece in the next edition of the Mayo Echo.

Mr Geraghty, who describes himself as a passionate and committed community activist, will run for Sinn Fein in the Castlebar local electoral area in next Junes local elections.

He is described locally as a Sinn Fein activist for many years who played a key role nationally for the party in its 2020 general election success. He is a member of Castlebar Chamber of Commerce and Breaffy GAA Club.

In his statement, Mr Geraghty said: Approximately 15 years ago I was the editor of a local newspaper in Mayo that published an article about men frequenting a local lake in the town. The tone and language were offensive to the LGBTQ community, and unhelpful to those who feared coming out to friends and family. I took full responsibility for publishing the article.

I apologised at the time for the tone and language, and for the offence that was caused, and I do so again. It was a mistake, it was wrong, and I learned from it. I can only promise in the future to try hard to use language that is inclusive, and non-offensive, and I will do my very best to do so.

I am glad that the Ireland of today is a more inclusive society than it was then, and I am committed to protecting our LGBTQ community from all forms of prejudice and discrimination.

The 2008 Mayo Echo story included pictures of used condoms on the ground and a picture of a tree with a caption that stated: The branch in the centre of the picture is well worn from use by the men.

Below a picture of the car park beside the lake, Mr Geraghty referred to gay perverts and claimed that men had been arriving during the day propositioning passers-by, including teenagers, for casual sex.

He outlined details of an investigation carried out by the Mayo Echo and claimed scores of men were arriving at the car park every day before making their way to remote spots to engage in sexual activity.

Unbeknown to parents who are minding their children playing on the swings or the slide, drooling perverts are getting off whilst watching their children, he wrote.

Mr Geraghtys article claimed teenagers were propositioned for sex by older men which might lead to sexual attacks in the future. The spot was now a no-go area for ordinary visitors and walkers, he claimed.

The article claimed there was a Garda undercover operation in place and that men had been arrested for having sex in public. But during Mr Geraghtys subsequent appearance on Liveline it emerged that no such operation was in place nor had arrests been made or complaints filed to An Garda Siochana.

Speaking to Joe Duffy on RTEs Liveline in early June 2008, Mr Geraghty strongly defended the piece. He said the spot by Lough Lannagh had been posted on a swingers website and this had led to an increase in it being used by gay men for sex.

He described spending weeks for over a year at the spot in question observing what was happening and speaking to some men who told him they were married and just wanted an anonymous spot to do this and they were quite open about what they were doing.

He said he told them it was disgusting what they were at in a public place and added: I told them that I would be writing a story on this if they didn't stop, I'd be monitoring the area and I asked them not to come back to the area to engage in this activity.

He said that he had found condoms and tissues on the ground along with copies of "magazines targeted at young boys" that were, he said, "left in the vicinity of where this activity is going on within two feet of where I saw men having sex". However, it later transpired that these were copies of a childrens comic.
The late maternal deaths happened between 42 days and one year after the end of pregnancy

Two late maternal deaths were reported by the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) last year. The deceased women in these cases took their own lives.

A late maternal death occurs between 42 days and one year after the end of a pregnancy.

The tragedies are outlined in the hospitals annual report, with sympathies extended to family and friends of the deceased women.

Up to one in five women can have mental health problems in pregnancy or after birth ranging from mild to severe.

More than one in seven women who gave birth at the hospital last year were seen by its perinatal mental health team.

The HSE said perinatal mental health services have now been developed in all maternity units and hospitals. They provide specialist support to women experiencing mental health problems in pregnancy.

Nationally, increased numbers of women were referred to specialist perinatal mental health services during the early years of the pandemic.

It has been reported that there was a 60pc increase in numbers of these patients seen. It comes as 412 deaths from suicide nationally were registered last year. The figure represents 81 women and 331 men.

There has been a reduction in these tragedies since 2012, when there were 585 deaths from suicide.

The report of the National Office for Suicide Prevention for 2022 also shows self-harm rates are stabilising.

Rates fell between 2010 and 2020, with self-harm among men dropping by 17pc and reducing by 5pc among women. However, it said self-harm remains a significant issue , particularly among young women in the 10-19 year age group.

Funding for the office has increased from 5m in 2012 to 14m last year.

A Healthy Ireland survey produced last year included a representative sample of 7,455 people aged 15 and older living in Ireland who were interviewed on the issue of suicide.

It showed that 67pc know someone who has died by suicide, with 14pc having a person close to them who has died in this way.

Those aged between 45 and 64 are most likely to know someone who has died by suicide, followed by people aged under 25 (58pc), and those aged between 25 and 34 (61pc).

Just over a quarter of 45 to 54-year-olds know someone close to them who has died by suicide, compared with 15pc of those under 25.

Almost three quarters of those living in Munster and Connacht/Ulster knew someone who took their own live.

This contrasts with 59pc of those living in Dublin and 69pc of people in the rest of Leinster.

Just over a quarter reported that the person they know who most recently died in this way was a friend, while 25pc identify them as an acquaintance and 23pc described them as an extended family member. Some 4pc said they were an immediate family member.

About 8pc of those who know a person that died by suicide said the death had a significant or devastating effect on them.

For help, call Samaritans Ireland on 116123 or Pieta House on 1800247247.
Theyre showing that being a Rose of Tralee is achievable: Pair lauded for opening up about life with autism

Limerick and South Australian Roses described as exceptional for spreading awareness

Jennifer O'Connor with AsIAm CEO Adam Harris and Policy Officer Adrian Carroll at the Kerry Rose Selection 2022.

Maeve McTaggart Wed 23 Aug 2023 at 03:30

The Limerick and South Australian Roses have changed the whole concept of the Rose of Tralee, an autism charity organiser has said.
NAPD figure calls for swift move away from out of date exams structure

A leader of a post-primary principals organisation has hit out at the cruel Leaving Cert, asking why who do we continue to do this to our young people?.

As more than 60,000 students brace for their exam results on Friday, Paul Crone is calling for meaningful change in how school leavers are assessed.

Why does Irish society still subject our teenagers to this cruel, all-or-nothing, and ultimately out-of-date terminal set of exams  a set of exams that we recognise as no longer fit for purpose? he said.

Mr Crone is director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), which represents school leaders in the post-primary sector.

Work on reform of the Leaving Cert has started, with a view to phasing in changes up to about 2030.

A plan published by Education Minister Norma Foley last year put a focus on June exams. This was done in order to discourage the practice, by some teachers, of teaching to the test and the rote learning it cultivates in students.

The reliance on traditional exams works to the advantage of those who can afford grinds, while rote learning does not nurture the critical thinking skills that school-leavers need in todays world

Under the planned reforms, there would be more continuous assessment, with teachers asked to grade their own students for 40pc of the marks in a subject, with 60pc for the written exam marked by external examiners.

But teacher unions have warned of their total opposition to grading their own students for any element of a State exam, which is likely to disrupt Ms Foleys ambitions. Mr Crones statement shows that principals believe fundamental change must happen quickly.

He noted that the Leaving Certificate class of 2023 saw a considerable duration of their second-level education interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said students had also been early adopters to the new junior cycle curriculum and assessment, and in doing so, they demonstrated flexibility, resilience, and critical thinking during this period of unprecedented change.

But he said, upon entering senior cycle, much of this progress comes to an abrupt halt.

Mr Crone added: The existing senior cycle curriculum dictates that we revert back to the prescribed rote learning methods of old, prioritising teaching to the exam and other restrictive teaching methodologies.

Musician does version of Irish leaving cert poem 'Spailpin Fanach' with a twist

He argued that as a society, we must commit to meaningful change, as opposed to superficial tinkering. This change must put our young people front and centre.

The NAPD director said that to deliver upon the reform agenda, it was imperative that the voices of school leaders be heard.

Mr Crone also pointed to the commitment in the current programme for government to holding a Citizens Assembly to discuss the future of the Irish education system. He said in line with this commitment, the NAPD was calling for a national conversation on the future of post-primary education.

He said it should be treated as an urgent priority within Government, with important questions asked, such as what skills do students need, how can they be delivered and how should those skills be assessed.
Kilmainham Gaol features on the list of hidden gems among Europe's museums.

Dublins Kilmainham Gaol has been listed among the top hidden gem museums in Europe.

The historic building, where seven signatories of the 1916 proclamation spent their last moments, made the list alongside the likes of the Churchill War Rooms in London and The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh.

The Knowledge Academy looked at both TripAdvisor and Instagram popularity to determine which museums offer value for money while also avoiding summer crowds.

Overall, Kilmainham Gaol ranked in fourth place, with 32,036 hashtags on Instagram and a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor.

A spokesperson said: Situated in Dublin, the Kilmainham Gaol held prisoners for over 100 years.

Visitors can walk through Irish history at the museum, with the Gaol being accessed by guided tour only with a maximum of 35 people per tour, ensuring guests can avoid the crowds.

Kilmainham Gaol held thousands of men, women and children for crimes that ranged from minor offences to being involved in some of the most momentous events in Irish history.

The Gaol was closed in 1924 but was preserved as a national monument in the 1960s and restored by the Kilmainham Gaol Restoration Committee.

It was handed over to the State in 1986 and today is run by the Office of Public Works. A visit to Kilmainham Gaol will include stories of ordinary criminals alongside those who fought for Irish independence.

Dublin's Kilmainham Gaol is one of the top hidden gems in Europe. Source: theknowledgeacademy.com

The number one hidden gem, according to the Knowledge Academy, is Naples Museo Cappella Sansevero.

With 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor, and a 10 entrance fee for adults, it has mind-blowing sculptures like the famous Veiled Christ by Giuseppe Sanmartino on display.

Churchill War Rooms in London came in second, described in the study as underrated and the perfect spot for those looking for a day out while avoiding busy crowds.

The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh came third on the list. It was awarded TripAdvisors number one UK attraction in 2023.

Acropolis Museum, Athens came in fifth place. With 76,071 Instagram hashtags, the museum may have more busy periods than others on the list, but entry for the museum costs 15, or its free for anyone up to the age of 25 from the EU.
Garda Assistant Commissioner Angie Willis, Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe, Chief Superintendent Pat McMenamin and Justice Minister Helen McEntee near the scene of the attack on US tourist Stephen Termini. Photo: Collins

A spate of savage and random attacks have stirred much understandable fear and foreboding in our capital this summer. Belated moves to increase the visibility of gardai in Dublin city centre have now been announced. They include deploying armed officers, riot police and dog units.

All will be welcomed so long as they are needed. But this cannot be mere gesture politics  it must be seen as a sign of ruthless intent to restore safety and decency to the streets of our nation.

The public were appalled by the recent assault on US tourist Stephen Termini on Talbot Street in Dublins north inner city. Mr Termini was left in a coma as a result, and the assault prompted the US embassy to issue a safety warning to its citizens visiting Dublin.

Weeks earlier, Ukrainian Oleksandr Hrekov also suffered a horrendous ordeal when he was mugged. The young actor came here to perform at the Abbey Theatre, but instead of fond memories he returned home with scars on his face, which he will have for life. There have been more stabbings and senseless attacks since.

Yet only weeks ago, Justice Minister Helen McEntee stood outside Store Street garda station and told the public Dublin was a safe city.

Whether she has had second thoughts or the Government is smarting from the public backlash at what was perceived as a too glib assessment of too grave a problem hardly matters.

What does matter is that the gangs who roam and strike at will without concern for the terrible consequences for their victims are taken off our streets, not just in Dublin, but across the whole country.

Too many innocent people have paid a high price for the spiralling drugs problem in cities and towns. The corresponding fall-off in the number of gardai on our streets  and years of station closures  has contributed to a perception that lawlessness has been given free rein.

Many have been perplexed that a police force with the proud tradition of An Garda Siochana, which for 30 years saw down the threat of terrorists intent on destabilising the State, have not brought these criminals to heel. Surely people living alone in rural areas, or those living in any town or city, have a right to feel protected.

Talk is cheap, and only action can express a governments priorities. It is time for the gardai to step up and step in, but they must get the resources and full backing to do what is necessary. In the long term, law and order does not come from having guns on the street or force alone. That takes buy-in from all of society.

But for now the best way to address the anxiety many are feeling is by applying real justice to those who have become used to feeling they are beyond it.

Those who cause cold fear or hurt must now experience it. Any misguided sense of invincibility must be crushed by the certainty that the forces ranged against them will be overwhelming if they overstep the mark again.
Plan is to protect ancient relic of Naomh Gobnait and present version as it was

By tradition people take a measure of Naomh Gobnait using a cloth measure on the 13th century statue which is brought out on display on La le Gobnatan, February 11, each year.

FOR more than seven hundred years, a wooden statue of St. Gobnait, approximately 75cm in length, has been venerated in the parish church nearest to where the widely respected saint is buried.

By tradition, the wooden statue is brought out on the Gaeltacht Mhuscrai saints feastday on February 11 each year and also on Whit Sunday which falls on the seventh Sunday after Easter and thousands of people, coming from far and near, take her measure with a cloth strip.

This Gobmaits Measure is widely respected for its healing powers, particularly for sore throats but also for other ailments.

But all those years of taking the measure have taken their toll on the statue and this has prompted the St. Gobnaits Shrine Committee in partnership with the parish priest, An tAth Sean Mac Carthaigh to come up with a scheme involving the latest 3D technology to produce an exact likeness of the current statue and also a version which depicts it as it would have looked when it was created first back in the 13th century.

Fr. Mac Carthaigh described the statue which is currently put on display as priceless and said this project was a means of keeping it safe for the next 800 years.

This year for St. Gobnaits Day there were hundreds who came to express their devotion to the saint, he said.

There were three Masses during the day and the church was full for each of them and there was a steady stream of people coming to the church during the day.

Im hopeful that this initiative will make more people aware of the story of Naomh Gobnait.

In May, the committee was successful in an application to Cork County Council for a Heritage Grant, under the Councils Heritage Grant Scheme initiative and received the sum of 2,250 for a project on St Gobnaits carved wooden statue.

This project is supported by both Cork County Council and the Heritage Council under the County Heritage Plan Funding 2023.

The innovative project will focus on the 13th-century carved effigy of the saint. The project had its genesis during conversations with County archaeologist Mary Sleeman when discussing important artefacts from Cork for the book that Cork County Council subsequently published, The Heritage Artefacts of Cork,.

The book includes a short piece on St Gobnaits wooden statue (Heritage Unit, Cork, 2021). Further discussions between the author and the Parish Priest in whose safe keeping the statue is kept on behalf of the parish, progressed the idea to fruition.

The statue of the wooden female figure was carved out of oak and, according to local history, was guarded over the centuries by the OHerlihy clan, who were the ruling Gaelic lords of the Ballyvourney area during the medieval and late-medieval periods.

It remained in the safe-keeping of members of the OHerlihy family until they handed it over to the then local parish priest in the late-19th century and it has been protected and kept secure by the Ballyvourney Church Committee ever since.

According to experts, the 13th-century wooden statue is of both local and national significance. As patron saint of the parish of Ballyvourney, the statue provides, on the one hand, a physical link to the saint and on the other, represents the long-standing tradition of living devotion to the saint. This is therefore a rare artefact not just because there are only four other remaining Medieval wooden statues in Ireland to female saints but also in that it provides the focal point, twice a year, for this vibrant, active pilgrimage, a statement announcing the project to the parish at the weekend proclaimed.

The aim of the project is to scan the statue in 3D and generate a 3D wooden print-out of it. This should provide a perfect copy of the statue.

The project also envisages that a hand-carving of an interpretive replica of what the statue was like when originally fashioned in the Medieval period would be put on permanent display in the church.

The two statues would then be placed in the parish church of Baile Mhuirne/Ballyvourney so that local and visitor alike can engage more easily with and appreciate the religious, historical and archaeological importance of the statue through the two replicas and associated information provided.

Its also intended to commission a conservation assessment of the artefact in order to assess its current condition and ascertain a plan for its preservation for future generations.

According to the statement, the plans aim is to raise the profile of Naomh Gobnait for a wider public.
A fallen tree completely blocks the road in Fairview after Storm Betty. Pic: David Conachy

Over 300 fallen trees have been removed so far in county Dublin during the clean-up from Storm Betty.

The storm bashed the east coast last Friday night, August 17, and the four councils in Dublin were left to clear the extensive damage caused by the wild weather conditions.

Dublin City Councils Roads, Parks and Dublin Fire Brigade divisions and its contractors, attended to 145 fallen tree incidents over the weekend.

According to DCC, their staff worked 24/7 throughout the weekend to remove fallen trees, while ensuring that safe access was provided along all Dublin city routes.

South Dublin County Council cleared fallen trees and branches in 45 locations. The council also received 57 storm-related emergency calls during out of hours service.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown records show that one fallen tree was cleared in Cabinteely Park. The condition of other trees is being monitored for any weaknesses or damage.

Car trapped on St Lawrence Road in Dublin after Storm Betty. Pic: Frank McGrath

A spokesperson said: There was no serious damage reported as a result of Storm Betty. There were some branches from large trees in Marlay Park, Cabinteely Park, Deer Park and Shanganagh Park. One tree fell in Cabinteely Park.

No injuries or other damage was reported. Dlr Parks staff are monitoring our trees on the streets and in parks on an ongoing basis.

The number of trees removed at present by Fingal County Council stands at 127.

In the Balbriggan/ Swords/ Rusk/ Lusk region, 75 trees were cleared. In Blanchardstown/ Mulhuddart/ Castleknock/ Ongar, 27 were cleared, while 25 were removed in the Howth/ Malahide region.

A spokesperson said: Fingal County Council crews responded to Storm Betty working throughout Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday to clear an unprecedented and significant number of fallen trees, prioritising those trees which were blocking public roads and footpaths.

Work on the clean-up and removal of trees is ongoing. Trees downed in parks and open spaces are being dealt with following completion of works in the above priority areas.

There were no injuries sustained as a result of the storm felling trees and branches. Current reports are that minor damage was sustained to one wall and one car.

Trees are being examined in parallel with the tree removal works, the spokesperson added.
The footpath opposite Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada on Griffeen Road in Lucan will remain closed until October

Ongoing road works on a footpath outside a primary school in Dublin is causing safety concerns for parents ahead of its reopening next week.

The footpath on Griffeen Road in Lucan, opposite Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada, has been closed to facilitate works on the delayed public swimming pool for Lucan.

The closure is required to allow the ESB and Irish Water carry-out necessary works. However, concerns have been raised over the timing and the lack of a traffic management plan as school term begins.

Local councillor Shane Moynihan said completing the work during the summer would have made more sense.

The frustration here is that the project is taking so long, the current finishing date is now the end of October, he said.

Parents want to know what the traffic management plan is, there has been disruption because of this plan already.

If there is going to be a change in drop off, pick ups and crossing, then let them know.

There is a traffic warden there at the moment and traffic wardens want clarity on where they are supposed to be situated.

There will be a temporary crossing put in place, which I think is welcome, but where the drop off, the crossing and where the warden is situated needs clarity, he added.

Cllr Moynihan said South Dublin County Council is working on a temporary traffic management and crossing plan due to be announced to parents before term begins.

The long-awaited swimming pool in Lucan has seen numerous delays since work began in 2018 and was expected to be open this summer.

The 10m facility includes a gym, cafe and indoor exercise and training area in Griffeen Valley Park.

At a council meeting last month, Chief Executive Colm Ward confirmed the pools opening date had been pushed back to October due to significant and unprecedented challenges in construction.

Cllr Moynihan said parents are concerned about the ongoing road works as the new school term approaches.

A lot of people raised this with me a few weeks back asking whats going on, he said.

Now we are back to school and its important that we get a plan out there to ensure safety and traffic management.

Its not ideal that its happening at this time, especially since its so delayed. Its pretty frustrating.

There have also been issues on Griffeen Road with a bus stop that has been removed to facilitate the works to the footpath.

South Dublin County Council has been contacted for comment.
Angela Willis Assistant Commissioner Dublin Metropolitan Region following the meeting which was held in Dublin today. Photo: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

THE senior garda in charge of policing in Dublin has said they will work with businesses to win back the feeling of safety in the city.

This morning Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis and other senior officers met around 300 frustrated business owners following a spate of violent attacks on the citys streets.

The town hall meeting at the Gaiety Theatre was described as tense with one publican saying that gardai need the support of politicians to improve matters.

Speaking after the meeting Ms Willis said that high visibility policing was important for people not just to be safe but to also feel safe.

Well continue to work in partnership with Dublin Town, with Dublin City Council and with all of the relevant stakeholders to make sure we can win back that feeling of safety in our city for all of our citizens, workers and people that visit the city, she said.

The senior garda also described commentary over an announcement that there would be an armed presence in the streets as misinformation, saying that gardai would not be marching down streets with guns in their hands.

I suppose theres been some misinformation if you like about the presence of armed gardai on the streets.

What I can say is weve had an armed response unit in the city on a 24-hour basis since 2016 so this is nothing new, Ms Willis told reporters.

That response is there to support our operational members on the ground, the same as our public order units.

So they are there in a support capacity and they will continue to do that. We are not going to be seeing people on the streets marching around with firearms on display. That is not what this is about.

They will be, as they always have been, patrolling in their high visibility patrol cars and even their presence, that creates a sense of safety if you like as well and it's part of the overall plan that they are there as required to deal with high-risk incidents and incidents that require their expertise.

Theyre very highly trained and they are a huge support to the operational high visibility police on the ground, she added.

Yesterday it was announced that 2m from a Government overtime fund of 10m would be allocated to have the Garda National Public Order Unit patrolling the city centre every day and that they would be supported by other specialist units.

Pub owner Noel Anderson described this mornings meeting as tense saying there was massive frustration among business owners.

He said the situation needs to be highlighted to build the city back up again and build the trust that the city is safe.

Mr Anderson also said he asked the Assistant Commissioner if she would be the person who would finally take the city back from gangs of feral youths running around.

He described the current situation in the city centre as the worst hed seen it in 15 years and that unfortunately it took a serious incident involving a tourist to highlight the problem

Garda visibility, he said, was the main request by the business owners in the room, adding that gardai need political will to improve the current situation.

It comes after a number of serious assaults including a stabbing on Grafton Street, a man being slashed on the face on Talbot Street, and three UK tourists being attacked in Temple Bar.

Last month US tourist Stephen Termini was also left with significant injuries after being assaulted on Talbot Street.

In all cases a suspect or suspects have either been charged or identified and are being sought by gardai.

A statement from Dublin Town, a collective of city centre businesses, said that the citys business community support the deployment of additional Garda resources to the city and, in particular, proposals to increase visible policing on city streets.

We believe that this increased visibility will act as a deterrent to anti-social and criminal behaviour.

The meeting also heard calls to engage all relevant stakeholders in addressing complex societal needs which can manifest as anti-social behaviour on city streets.

There was a broad welcome for the re-institution of the Better City For All process which outlines how support for the most vulnerable in society can be provided in the context of developing an inclusive vibrant and welcoming city, Dublin Town said.
Teresa Borza Forte tells of sleepless nights as family business battles scary costs

Teresa Borza Forte, owner of the original Borza chipper in Walkinstown, with daughter Gianna Forte, granddaughter Morena Rea and son-in-law Riccardo Rea. Pic: Mark Condren

A family chipper operating in Dublin for 55 years, may not make it to Christmas due to scary costs they are facing.

Owner, Teresa Borza Forte, started working for her parents business when she was just eight years old.

Id stand on a milk crate and serve customers, she told Independent.ie.

My mam came here on her own to work for another family when she was 12. Her parents were very poor in Italy. She started out in the Five Lamps on the northside.

My dad was also Italian, he went to Australia when he was 20. While he was over there, his whole family came to Ireland and my grandmother called him back to work in my uncles takeaway in Ballyfermot.

My parents met and then started their own business on Thomas Street. They were there for eight years before moving to Walkinstown.

Teresa started working in the family business at the age of 8. Pic: Mark Condren

We used to have a grocery part in our chipper, I enjoyed working there. Wed sell newspapers, sweets, milk, and all of that. When the takeaway started to expand, we got rid of the grocery side.

Weve seen a lot of changes over the years, weve had to add to our menu to keep it interesting.

There was no option to add curries to the menu when Chinese food came in, we had to add kebabs, we had to offer more than just fish and chips. Thats whats kept us in business until now.

'The saying cheap as chips is a thing of the past' - Traditional chipper may not make it to Christmas after 55 years in Dublin

My uncle used to own the Borza in Kimmage. He passed away in 1986 and it went into other people's hands.

It was my dream to get the Borza name back over that shop. Eventually we did 10 years ago, but were struggling with both shops now, she added.

Having grown up in the world of traditional Irish-Italian chippers, Teresa believes this year has been the worst ever for the industry.

She battled cancer earlier this year and now deals with sleepless nights as she worries about the future of her family business.

Now, its very dangerous for all the takeaways, especially the chippers, she said.

A lot of Italians are struggling on a lot of different fronts. Our own children arent interested in taking over the business. Right now, you dont blame them.

Ive four children, one of my daughters is running the business with me, Im very lucky because Ive had cancer for the last six months. Im back and cancer free thankfully, but if it wasnt for my daughter, wed be closed already.

My daughter is 32, shes in the business but I wish that she wasnt. This business right now has too many different issues, its not worth it anymore.

Its not getting any easier. It causes me not to sleep at night. We dont know if well still be here at Christmas if Im being honest.

I know everyone who comes into the shops, I know their faces. The elders come in, youd hold their hand, and youd talk to them.

The laughs you can have with customers when youre waiting for a batch of chips to come out of the pan.

Things are a lot quieter than they used to be. Were aware that people cant afford it, we try to hold our prices down, but it means weve to make cuts everywhere else.

Teresa has spent her whole life working under the Borza name and she hopes to see business improve in the next four months.

Teresa says the family business is struggling to make ends meet. Pic: Mark Condren

She explained what customers can do for all their favourite takeaways to help them out.

With all the price increases, we created a very big problem a long time ago where wed give large portions for a small amount of money. We could afford to do it.

Were trying to give the same amount of food, but our profit levels are on the floor. Were robbing Peter to pay Paul right now.

Our products have increased in price, our electricity, our gas. Potatoes are 32, but that goes up to 70 when you include cleaning, peeling and waste.

Right now, were living month to month unless something breaks, or something gives. This week, Id be lucky to have the wages, but well figure it out.

Theres a struggle for staff. Theres a lot of people looking for work, but they want to work the hours that suit them, not the hours we need them for.

If you order, do it over the phone or use the shops own app. Dont use delivery apps because theyre screwing us for a huge chunk of our takings.

Im asking customers not to pay by card. When we go over a certain threshold on card payments, they go into a higher bracket. Its a way to help cut costs so we can hold our prices and survive.
The two dogs were rescued after being swept out to sea in Dalkey. Pic: Dun Laoghaire RNLI

A rescue operation was launched after two dogs, believed to be chasing seals, were swept out to sea in Dalkey yesterday.

The Irish Coast Guard was alerted to two dogs in difficulty in the water by concerned members of the public at 5.20pm on Tuesday.

It is believed the two golden retrievers were pulled out to sea by the strong current after chasing a seal they had spotted in the water.

After the alarm was raised, the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre Dublin coordinated a search and rescue operation.

Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard Unit along with the Dun Laoghaire RNLI were tasked to the scene.

One of the dogs safely made its way back to the rocks on its own, while a local ferry boat assisted the other dog out of the water.

Both dogs were confirmed safely ashore and no members of the public were injured.

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport said: Yesterday afternoon at approximately 5.20pm, the Irish Coast Guard was alerted to an incident at Dalkey, Co Dublin, where two dogs were in difficulty with concern for members of the public.

The search operation was launched off the coast in Dalkey. Pic: Dun Laoghaire RNLI

Marine Rescue Coordination Centre Dublin coordinated a search and rescue operation. Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard Unit and Dun Laoghaire RNLI were tasked to the scene where both dogs were confirmed to be ashore and no members of the public were in danger.

Meanwhile, the Irish Coast Guard was also alerted to a separate incident yesterday in which a kayaker was believed to have been in difficulty.

The alarm was raised at 10.42am after a report from a member of the public that a kayaker was not moving in the water between Poolbeg and Seapoint along Dublins coastline.

The Irish Coast Guard, along with the Dublin based Coast Guard helicopter and Dun Laoghaire RNLI responded to the scene.

However, after a search of the area the object was confirmed as a white marker buoy and the operation was stood down.

The spokesperson said: Yesterday morning at approximately 10.42am, the Irish Coast Guard was alerted to an incident where it was believed that a kayaker was in difficulty in Dublin Bay.

Marine Rescue Coordination Centre Dublin commenced a search and rescue operation. The Dublin based Coast Guard helicopter, Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard Unit and Dun Laoghaire RNLI were tasked to the scene.

After a search of the area, the object was confirmed to be a white marker buoy. Concluding that it was a false alarm with good intent, the search and rescue units returned to base.
Cork Rose Kate Shaughnessy whose parents are from Tralee on stage during Monday's selection night. Photo Domnick Walsh

KERRYs Rose, Kelsey Lang McCarthy, wasnt the only Rose on stage at the MTU with very strong links to the Kingdom.

Kelsey proved a hit with audiences on Tuesday nights broadcast, with the talented young Cahersiveen musician hitting it off with Daithi O Se and Kathryn Thomas.

The Cork rose, Kate Shaughnessy  a 25-year-old care coordinator in a nursing home  got proceedings underway on Monday night as the first contender to take to the stage.

Ms Shaughnessy is from Ballincollig, but both her parents are from Tralee. It emerged during the show that were it not for the Rose of Tralee, Kate might not even be around at all.

Her parents, Niamh and John, actually first met at the Festival when they were teenagers, and the family have been regular visitors to the Rose of Tralee since Kate was a child.

The Melbourne Rose Katie Casey, who also appeared on Monday night, also has extremely close ties to Kerry as she is actually from the county. The 28-year-old nurse has lived in Australia since 2019 but is from Causeway, where she grew up on the family farm.

Given her family and friends are from just out the road she, unsurprisingly, had a huge number of supporters in the audience, and the roar that greeted her arrival on stage was matched only by the reception afforded to Kelsey Lang McCarthy on Tuesday night.

The young Causeway woman had the crowd in the palm of her hands when she recited a beautiful self-penned poem following a little encouragement from Ms Thomas, who told her to be yourself and you will be fabulous.

A few of the other Roses also had Kerry links.

The Chicago Rose, Kelley Leyden; San Francisco Rose Katie McFadden; and the Washington, DC Rose, Siobhan Spiak, all have grandparents from the county.
Aoifes Prestigious Nomination

Ballyboy Manorhamiltons Aoife Keaney has been nominated for one of this years esteemed national John Kelly Awards for her educational development.

The John Kelly Awards for Universal Design in Further and Higher Education recognises the innovative practice of teaching staff in further and higher education engaging with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to deliver a more inclusive learning experience for their students. The award aims to celebrate and promote the use of UDL in further education and higher education settings.

The awards are named after the late Professor John Kelly, former Registrar of UCD and founding Chair of AHEAD, in recognition of his pioneering work. John sadly passed away last year. Sometime prior to Johns death he addressed the audience in person at the awards final in October 2022.

Aoife Keaney works at the Rehab Group (National Learning Network) Kempton Parade Sligo. In a statement welcoming Aoifes nomination for the 2023 John Kelly Award the Rehab Group said we are delighted to announce that Aoife Keaney, our Senior Digital and Assistive Technology Officer, has been shortlisted for a prestigious John Kelly Award in the Individual category. This nomination recognises her exemplary work in the implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) practices in further education using assistive technology. Through DAT Central, Rehab Groups Digital and Assistive Technology Service, Aoife and our teams deliver more inclusive learning practices throughout National Learning Network and Rehab Care services.

To be named as a finalist for the John Kelly Award is commendable. Initial screening was conducted by AHEAD (Ireland) and UCD Access and Lifelong Learning. Following that, a panel of international experts reviewed each application. Aoife, with seven other finalists, will give a presentation as part of the John Kelly Awards Final Ceremony on November 14 in UCD. An expert judging panel will discuss the presentations of the shortlist and announce an overall winner. In 2022, National Learning Network were finalists for the John Kelly Award alongside University College Cork, university of Limerick, Atlantic Technological University, and were very much looking forward to joining all nominees at this years event. We wish Aoife every success in the next stage of this competition and congratulate her on her success to date.

Poet Stephen

Lurganboy, Manorhamilton poet, Stephen Murphy will be launching and reading from his first book of poetry, From the Sea Hound at Drumshanbo Written Word Literary Festival which takes place on Friday night, August 25, between 8 and 10 p.m. in the Mayflower Ballroom.

This is a free festival event. On Saturday morning, August 26, Stephen Murphy is facilitating a three-hour Poetry Writing Workshop at the Drumshanbo Festival. This is a ticketed event and booking is essential. For more information visit  drumshanbowrittenword.ie.

Childcarers Free Workshop

Leitrim County Childcare Committee Childminders Network is inviting all childminders to a free crafts workshop on the Friday night, September 14, at 7.15 p.m. in Childhood Days, Laird House, Church St, Drumshanbo N41H3C5. Booking necessary  contact aoife@leitrimchildcare.ie or phone 083 4683773.

District News

Please email all notes for next weeks Sligo Champion Manorhamilton District News to PJ Leddy  pjleddy@yahoo.com by 6 p.m. at the latest on Thursday, August 24.

MERVILLE CENTRE

CONDOLENCES

The Merville Management Committee, staff and on Behalf of the wider Merville community wish to offer our condolences to the family and many friends of Tommie Oates, Beechlawn, Maugheraboy, Sligo/Limerick, who has passed away recently. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.

DREAMCHASERS CHILDCARE

Preparations are under way for the Return of full Childcare Services at the end of the month. Some spaces are still available for our Award Winning Pre-School for this coming September. With a focus on outdoor play, Dreamchasers Childcare Service has an established Community Centered Programme for all children with an emphasis on fun being our number one priority. Free Preschool Places on the ECCE Scheme and Qualifying Supports such as the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) are available. Please contact 071 9152022 Mobile 086 4424093 for further information.

SAFETY MATTERS

All Patrons of Merville Community Centre are asked to exercise caution when driving in the area when on Drop Off and Pick Up, as these times can be extremely busy both at the centre and in the locality. Be especially aware of Pedestrians crossing at the centre Entrance and Exit. Think safe.

PENDANT ALARMS

Merville Community Centre facilitate on behalf of our community the provision to eligible persons of Social Monitored Pendant Alarms, under the Seniors Alert Scheme that is administered by Pobal. Equipment Funding is available for eligible persons over 65 years for the installation of an monitored alarm on a landline in the persons home. The alarms are now available for persons aged 65 or older and living alone, living with another person who meets the terms and conditions, living alone for significant periods of time during the day, or is a carer to someone else in their household. First year monitoring is free for all new applicants. Subsequent annual monitoring charges are then payable by the user. Other Systems are available at various costs for those who do not posses a Landline. Overall this monitoring product adds peace of mind for both the users, family and friends at minimal cost. Contact Merville Centre Office at 071 9150029 for further information.

PATHWAY TO EMPLOYMENT

Community Employment is a great option for those on a lower social welfare rate as it involves rising of payment on to the increased CE rate, while providing work experience/training for 19.5 hours a week. If you have been in receipt of DSP Payment of any amount, however small, for the last 12 months, you could be eligible to join the Merville Community Employment (CE) programme. Community Employment vacancies are currently available for School Age Care (Afternoons), General Operatives and Kitchen Assistant (Afternoons), Caretakers (Evenings and Weekends). No Experience is necessary as full training will be provided. Get involved in working in your community while availing of Career Changing Opportunities. Call 071 9150029 for further information.

YOUR NOTES

Local Voluntary and Community Groups are reminded that any notices for publication can be emailed to mervilleycc@gmail.com or hard copy left into the Merville Centre for inclusion in our Local Notes.

RIVERSTOWN

See the Sunrise Walk

Riverstown Pharmacy in conjunction with Shamrock Gaels Healthy Club are delighted to be hosting another See the Sunrise walk in aid of North West Stop Suicide, which will take place in the early hours of Saturday morning (to start at 6 a.m.), August 26, in Riverstown Park. Tea and coffee afterwards. Walkers can register for 20 online on the North West Stop website and should choose Riverstown as location. Free tee-shirt included with registration if desired. Participants can also register and pay at Riverstown Totalhealth Pharmacy or Martin Bakers shop, Riverstown. Registration is also possible on the day but tee-shirts cannot be guaranteed.

CINEMA CLUB

Coleman Community Cinema Club continues on Saturday, August 26, at 2.30 p.m. DC League of Super pets. This is an animated film suitable for all the family. Admission 5 and one adult per family goes free. Treat bags available. Telephone 071 9182599.

COLEMAN CONCERT

PJ Hernon, the multi-all-Ireland winning accordion player, was born into a traditional music family in Carna, Connemara. PJ is now living in Gurteen. On Wednesday, August 23, at 8 p.m. PJ with his family and friends presents a concert in the Coleman Music Centre in Gurteen, F56 TF88. PJ will be joined by his sons, Domhnaill, a renowned fiddle player in his own right and Seamus, who is a very fine flute player and the very talented Eoin on Banjo. This concert comes highly recommended with their special rendition of Connemara and Sligo music and it is only on rare occasions that there is an opportunity to enjoy the Hernon Family in the lovely setting of the Coleman Centre. Tickets 15 or call 071 9182599 or visit our website colemanirishmusic.com.

COMMUNITY NOTES

All are welcome have their news items included in the Riverstown community notes, so please email carrowcashel@eircom.net or alternatively text or call Iris at 086 8258525.

SKREEN-DROMARD

August Social Dance

The August Social Dance in the community centre Skreen will take place on Saturday, August 26, and music will be provided by Brendan Magee. Everyone welcome.

Beltra Country Market

Beltra Country Market on Saturday, August 26, from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. will hold a Sun Painting for children event at 11 a.m. This is a Free Workshop with Julia and everyone welcome.

Beltra Show

The annual Beltra Show will take place in Beltra Hall and grounds on Saturday, September 2, show schedules will be available soon. The annual Show Raffle which supports the ongoing running of the show will again take place and ticket sellers will be calling door to door in the local area over the coming weeks. Your support will be greatly appreciated. Anyone who would like to volunteer as help on the Show Day or join the committee should please contact the show secretary.

All enquiries to the show secretary Caroline Dowd at 086 0397900.

Community Council August Meeting Headlines

The following are the main headlines from the August Community Council Meeting. Kyle Flynn, in association with Community Retrofit to promote Home Energy Grants, will hold a Public Meeting in the community centre, on Wednesday, August 16, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Roof on the community centre Main Hall has now being replaced with double skin sheeting of 40mm thickness, along with new ridge cap and trim. Skreen Barracks is now maned every Tuesday with the extended time of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A Tractor Run will take place at the community centre on Sunday, September 17, at midday. Tickets for the annual Fuel Raffle will be on sale shortly with the draw taking place at the end of October.St Patricks GAA Fundraiser.

The local St Patricks GAA Club are planning a major fundraiser for the pitch development at their grounds. The Car Draw Fundraiser was launched at the community centre on Thursday, August 3, All support will be greatly appreciated.

The Draw First Prize will be a 241 Seat Arona along with other prizes.

Seniors Alert Scheme

Anyone wishing in availing of Personal Monitored Alarms should contact David Tuffy at 087 6773816 for further details or with any query.
The Mayor of Sligo has led the tributes to iconic Sligo retailer John Mullaney who passed away on Sunday after spending over 70 years at the OConnell Street shop.

Mayor, Councillor Declan Bree said Mr Mullaney (91) would be remembered as an extremely competent businessman who was gracious and considerate in all his dealings with customers and who was passionate about all matters relating to his native Sligo.

He said: I had the privilege of growing up in the town centre a short distance from OConnell Street, and even from my childhood days I can remember him as an extremely considerate and affable neighbour.

"He certainly was a visionary and a remarkable retailer who succeeded in maintaining the highest standards during his many decades serving the people of this community.

Impeccably dressed, charming and a wonderful conversationalist he epitomised all that was exceptional and unique about Mullaney Bros.

"His lifelong interest in the arts and his passionate and extensive knowledge of all aspects of local history and heritage was exceptional.

His passing is a huge loss. He will be sadly missed, not only by his extended family, but by the entire community.

"He has left a remarkable legacy including his iconic business premises in OConnell Street, which continues to provide an outstanding and wonderful service to the people of Sligo.

May he rest in peace.

The town of Sligo was saddened to learn of the passing of Mr Mullaney who died peacefully at Sligo University Hospital on Sunday. Mullaney Brothers has been operating since 1909 on Sligos main street and John Mullaney being the one constant since 1950, his father Michael having founded the store.

Mr Mullaney was very active in the running of the store up to the weeks leading up to his death, greeting customers in his usual friendly and mannerly fashion.

In more recent times he had stepped away from the day to day running of the business handing over to his nephew, also John but he was still an active presence in the store where he had devoted over 70 years of his life to.

Mr Mullaney was often been described as a gentleman, always impeccably turned out in a striped suit, a steady gaze, a nuanced twinkle in the eye and the ability to make you feel that you were the most important person in the room.

John was also the last person to live on OConnell Street and was the subject of an RTE television series, On the Street Where You Live in 2011.

A talented thespian, John loved the theatre and the arts along with classical music especially Beethoven but his greatest love was the poetry and plays of WB Yeats.

John was involved in the Yeats Society for many years and also acted in many of the poets plays with his late brother, Tom.

Once asked where his great interest in the arts came from, he said it was from Francis Tutner Palgraves, Golden Treasury, an anthology of English poetry.

He was also well known as an historian, a walking talking encyclopaedia of the town he knew and cared for so well. He could clearly recall cattle fairs in Sligo in the 1930s, the Second World War and its impact on Sligo.

And, his store was often the stopping place for many famous customers including former Taoisigh like Charles J Haughey, Garret Fitzgerald, John Bruton, Brian Cowen and Michael Martin. National politicians canvassing the town would make sure to call into the store.

Lord and Lady Mountbatten were also visitors to the shop. John knew the history of every street and kerb of his native town and he also ran a very successful travel agency which is still going strong. John had been in the family business for over 70 years which was started by his father Michael Mullaney who was the last of 17 children. In an interview in 2020 John said his people came from Sooey/Beltra and took over the business in 1909 from White Brothers.

Mr Mullaney proved to be a very astute businessman and Mullaney Brothers were the first business in Sligo to accept a credit card in 1950. When once asked what made for a good salesman, he said:The best man I ever heard was the late Gay Byrne, and if you watched him, his distinguishing factor was his ability to listen and that is the most valuable asset that you have.

If you listen to people, it does not mean that you have to be dumb. If you listen to the nuances of what people are saying and observe them, you can understand people.

But if you are totally superficial in your judgement you havent a hope in business. People have all sorts of depths in them.

But the man who came in to buy a pair of socks could go out having spent 1,000 given the right circumstances.

No man knows the whole of another mans story and it is not proper that he should.

In recent weeks Mr Mullaney had completed a documentary on his life with local journalist Trevor Sweeney. The 23 minute programme is set to be released on Youtube next week.

Mr Mullaney is survived by his nieces and nephews Ann, John and Neil McArdle and Michael, John, Mary, Mark, Kate, Niamh and Una Mullaney and their spouses Alan, Selva, Michele, Carmel, Christopher, Dympna, Marcus and Fiona, his much loved grand-nieces and grand-nephews, relatives, friends and the staff of Mullaney Brothers. The late Mr Mullaney will repose at the Mullaney family residence, Ballyweelin, Rosses Point, Sligo on Wednesday evening from 5pm to 8pm.

Funeral will arrive to The Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception, Sligo on Thursday morning for Requiem Mass at 11:30am with funeral proceeding to Sligo Cemetery for burial afterwards via OConnell Street where the cortege will stop outside the premises he gave a lifetime to.

Many tributes have been paid to the late Mr Mullaney on RIP.ie One person wrote that Mr Mullaney was the unofficial Ambassador for Sligo to all visitors who called into his shop.

Another wrote: Always ready for a chat. Impeccably dressed, so stylish. He will be missed. Others wrote: His passion for Sligo town and county knew no bounds. He will be sadly missed. He was a lovely man, the end of an era for sure.

A gentleman and a wonderful businessman who left his lasting mark on so many aspects of life in our town.

A thorough gentleman, always courteous and impeccably dressed, his presence will be missed on OConnell Street.

He was also humorous and insightful and a gifted amateur actor. John was an activist on behalf of Sligo before the word became common. He was a great friend to St. Angelas College, especially in the early days, when it was becoming established.

A courteous, knowledgeable, impeccably dressed gentleman who welcomed locals and tourists alike to his wonderful emporium.

A wonderful conversationalist , so knowledgeable about so many topics, always interested and interesting and he loved Sligo and its environs with a passion. He will be greatly missed.

I enjoyed reading his articles in the Sligo field club journal. A true kind gentleman. A great ambassador for Sligo. A life well lived.

Susan OKeeffe - Director, Yeats Society Sligo in a tribute said:

John Mullaney lived in the heart of Sligo, at 9, OConnell St, and became the heart of the city he loved so much. His traditional Mullaney Bros shop  elegant and traditional  stands testament to everything John himself stood for and valued.

Anyone who stepped across the beautiful tiled entrance, pushing the Edwardian brass handles were welcomed with Johns endearing smile as he stood, always ready to serve, elegant in his impeccable suit, with crisp white shirt and silk tie.

He was a gentleman to his pinstripes. He helped to build his fathers drapers shop into an emporium, while retaining its Irish identity, complete with the original travel agency, originally the agent for all the shipping lines, including the Cunard Lines Lusitania. And he carefully kept the original records, understanding their great historic value.

And it was behind those doors that John would engage and entertain all comers  local and international. He always had a special welcome for the many global students and academics attending the Yeats International Summer School. He loved nothing better than sharing his vast knowledge about Sligo, its history, its geography, archaeology and culture  its streets and streams, its dreams and dramas and its deep and real connection with the great global poet WB Yeats. He could hold fort on the right places to visit, the best poems to read and go right to the core of why Yeats had such a deep and lasting connection with this place. And sell hats, coats and tweed jackets too!

And those who met him during the Summer School struck up lifelong friendships and would come back to buy from John, and to hear him once again, with his deep, mellifluous, warming voice, talking music, art and poetry, and bringing to life the mountains, rivers and clouds that Yeats loved, in the warmth and comfort of his splendid shop. He and his store were very much part of the Summer School experience.

John valued the great Yeatsian connection and would always create a Yeats shop window for the School and for Yeats Day.

He and his brother Tom were long-time members of Yeats Society Sligo, as well as serving on the Societys Council. They shared their business and legal knowledge as the Society worked hard to build up the Summer School and to help it and the Society to endure. And, both brothers took part in the famous Walter McDonagh-directed Yeats plays, performed at the Town Hall as part of the earlier Summer School programme.

Former Yeats Society President Maura McTighe remembers how assiduous John was in attending meetings and giving his views and opinions, always wanting the best for the Society and the School and always adhering to his own principles of being honest and working hard.

John Mullaney certainly had Yeats in his deep hearts core and the many people he connected with through the poet will never forget him. And neither will we.

.
After years of appointments, years of consultations, examinations, and surgeries, Zara OBrien (8) can no longer afford to wait for the Irish health system to catch up.

She is now in a race against time, in a race to save her hearing, a race which her mam, Grace, fears she is losing. Since first noticing there was an issue with her daughters hearing five years ago, Grace has been fighting for answers, going from her GP to University Hospital Waterford (UHW) to Beacon Hospital as Zaras condition gradually worsened.

And now, with a degenerative infection causing irreversible damage to Zaras ears, Grace is pleading with the HSE to fast track a vital consultation in South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital in Cork to help save her daughters hearing. A cat scan carried out in UHW in the summer revealed the true extent of a problem which has plagued young Zara from a young age.

We got the results three days after the scan and it showed that both ears have a cholesteatoma (an abnormal collection of skin cells deep inside your ear), Grace explains. Theres a big pocket of infection and everything it touches, it eats away. It has to be surgically removed, theres no coming back from this; the left ear, the mastoid bones, have been eroded, theyre completely gone. I asked the doctors in Waterford what the prognosis was for her and was told it would be discussed in Cork.

That was in June. Zaras appointment in Cork is not until October 25.

It is a race against time, the longer this goes on the more damage its doing, its irreversible damage, whatever damage is done well have to work from that point, this will impact on whether she has hearing or not as an adult, said the Clonroche woman. I dont know how bad its going to be (by then) and that October 25 date is only to see the consultant, thats not a stepping stone towards getting the surgery. I dont what to do, she is living on Calpol and Nurofen, that cant be healthy for her either.

Im terrified that when they operate and remove everything shell wake up with no hearing, she cant do sign language. These are not things a parent should have to be thinking about. What damage has been caused? And what are they going to do when they find out how bad the damage is? Ive asked all these questions, asked what her future looks like, and those questions are not being answered, the buck is being passed.

As recently as the weekend, Grace and Zara were at the Care Doc and then the emergency department at UHW the following day, the latest in a long line of visits to medical professionals.

"She has constant pressure in her head, dizziness, constant pain, for the past ten days she's been complaining of a toothache, and when I looked in her ear theres all white stuff in there. I was in the Care Doc on Saturday night with her, sent to Waterford yesterday. Shes getting progressively worse, what we would have called her good ear is now causing trouble."

The issues date back to the very beginning of Zaras schooldays

Five years ago I noticed there was a problem with her hearing. She was attending speech therapy at the time and it wasnt working, obviously because she had a hearing issue. We had to wait for the hearing test, I ended up paying privately to go to the Beacon, to get the hearing test done  but after that it took well over 18 months for the ear, nose and throat (ENT) department in UHW to do the first set of grommets (tubes inserted in the ear which drain the fluid built up in the canal).

Within a couple of months of getting the first set of grommets her hearing was dropping again. She was in junior infants, she would have been five, when she got her first set of hearing aids. We continued to attend ENT appointments, but they decided, because her hearing tests kept dropping, that she needed another set of grommets.

Zaras condition grew more serious at the turn of this year.

On New Years Eve I noticed a smell coming from her ear. I had been told prior, to just call the ENT team in UHW and they would see her, the first thing I did when they re-opened in January was to contact the ENT department and I was told I had to wait for my review appointment which was due in March. We ended up in AE in February because her ear was bleeding, it was causing her an awful lot of pain. There was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing, being told to just keep using drops, the minute we stopped using the drops it was back doing the same thing.

Eventually, following an operation in May and the ensuing cat scan, Grace was provided with a more detailed analysis of her daughters condition.

The infection can spread up and go up to the bone between her ear and her brain, and it can eat away at that bone, cause meningitis, lead to major things. Clearly, its progressing, we had no trouble with the right ear all along and now within the space of two months it has a cholesteatoma as well. I spoke to the people in Cork and October 25 is the nearest they can get me in, I asked to put me on a cancellation list, but they said thats the nearest appointment they have.

With school resuming in the coming days, Zara faces yet more weeks of silence, of struggling to understand whats being said around her. And, because of her condition, she cannot currently wear hearing aids.

This is a child who needs to wear hearing aids but cant wear them because of her cholesteatoma, she cant wear them until this is sorted, Grace explains. Theres a ripple effect on her speech, she has been having speech therapy, it has improved things but the longer shes without her hearing aids the more its going to fall back, her speech therapy is stopped until shes back wearing the hearing aids or this is sorted.

"She has to sit at the front of the class, the teacher wears a microphone and theres a speaker, shes really self-conscious of it, her school reports show shes really struggling, shes really behind her peers, she has been almost from the outset because she wasnt able to hear during junior infants. Even something as simple as a shower is a major thing here. We have to make sure that absolutely no water goes in either or her ears as well. So fun things like swimming or anything like that isn't fun anymore for her because of the constant checking that no water is getting in either ear.

Having contacted local councillors, TDs, and even the Minister for Health via social media, for assistance, Grace says she feels as if she is being backed into a corner.

Its been unbelievably stressful, its hard because you feel like youre not doing enough (for your child), Ive been onto TDs, councillors, tweeted the Minister for Health, everything I could think of. Ultimately, its Zaras future Im worried about.
Askamore native Aoife Butler will honour her late brother and share an important message when she steps into the spotlight as this years Sydney Rose at the Rose of Tralee International Festival 2023.

A resident of Sydney for the last four years, the 28-year-old Mental Health Clinical Nurse Educator has a long-held dream of taking part in the event. However, the death of her brother Matthew coupled with a return to university to pursue a Masters prompted her to take the leap.

When we were all growing up, the Rose of Tralee was something we watched and thought about doing. Over the last few years, Aoife always mentioned it but it was never the right time, explained Aoifes proud sister Michelle.

This year, she felt it was the time to do it. Our brother passed away in Australia and that was a lot of what inspired her. Because of that, she became very involved in mental health and wanted to get out her message out there and she thought, why not do that through Rose of Tralee.

Aoife, who is a former student of Colaiste Bhride Carnew, moved to Australia nearly four years ago to travel and follow her late brother Matthews dreams. Matthew lived in Sydney for three-and-a-half years before he passed away in 2016 at the age of 25.

Aoife is very passionate about mental health and living up to honouring her brothers memory. She studied a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing in Ireland and is now currently studying her Masters of Mental Health at University of Newcastle, while also working full-time at St Vincents Hospital Sydney.

This is much more than the Rose of Tralee for Aoife. It signifies so much for her and gives her a chance to get her message out there, explained Michelle.

We didnt have a traditional family as such. Aoife wants to show people you dont have to be from the perfect situation to be successful and happy and to do these kinds of things. She has experienced challenges that arent typical to most, and lost a brother at such a young age. For her to come out the other side and push herself forward to do her masters and become a rose is incredible.

She hopes to be able to be a positive role model to young women and encourage them to follow their dreams, despite the challenges they may face in life.

With Aoife due home in June, her friends, family and local community are gearing up to give her a warm welcome back to Wexford before she takes on the competition.

The community have been so supportive, said Michelle. We are all so immensely proud of her.
A Wexford artist who is winning national and international acclaim, has said it is her roots in Gorey which have inspired her to pursue her lifelong passion for combining art and science.

Now based in Switzerland, Catherine McDonald has a show coming up in the Irish Museum of Modern Art from September 21  24.

The exhibition forms part of a festival IMMA launched last year called Earth Rising, at which Catherine exhibited. The pilot programme has been extended and this year, Catherine is teaming up with award-winning artist, filmmaker and musician David Bickley.

I met him in IMMA last year. He was showing there, and he was making a work last year all about salt, said Catherine. This year I made an exhibition all about salt in Clare. I had one in Newtown Castle and another show in Glor Theatre in Ennis.

The work is going to be a mixture of sculpture, augmented reality projections, and sound and film and light. It will be an interactive space that people can walk through and experience.

Using sculpture, film, sound and light, Catherine creates installations which probe the relationship between Earth and the imagination.

Catherine holds an MFA in Art and Ecology from the Burren College of Art, University of Galway.

Her ongoing installation series Past, Present, Future was exhibited at the LAB Gallery and IMMA in 2022, and her micrography series, Genescape, was recently published in SEED: Objects of Wonder journal.

Catherine received her BFA from TU Dublin, and her graduate work was chosen for exhibition at the 2021 RDS Visual Art Awards at the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA), and she has received the Image Now Purchase award.

The RHA exhibition is one of the most prestigious platforms in Ireland for younger artists to showcase their work.

I got to show work there at the RHA Gallery, and that was really great. That really got the ball rolling for me. That put me on the map in terms of being an actual working artist in Ireland, said Catherine.

Her work has been on show at The LAB Gallery, Dublin, the Laneway Gallery in Cork, Glor in Clare and with the Kilkenny Arts Office, all in the space of a whirlwind year and half since the RHA exhibition.

Last summer, Catherine was chosen to participate in the Roche Biotech continents programme, a wonderful week-long programme in France which brings together artists and scientists from all over the world to discuss ideas for a brighter future.

The 24-year-old attended Gorey Community School, and says she was inspired by her art teacher Paul McCloskey to pursue art over science, but she still combines the two in her installations.

Finishing her Masters in April, Catherine launched into a series of summer shows before deciding she decided she needed some breathing space to pursue new projects.

My work is all about landscapes. Ive been working with the Irish landscape for six straight years, so I wanted to do a different landscape to get a fresh perspective, she said.

Catherine moved in July to Switzerland where her partner lives. The Alpine country bordering five countries has proved inspirational.

I can get the train to anywhere. Id like to keep my foot in the door with the Irish arts scene, but I also wanted to get to experience how art works in all these countries in Europe.

Having tasted life in Venice with the Erasmus program as part of her undergraduate degree, where she studied more traditional methods of art, Catherine wanted to return once more to central Europe.

Closer to home, some of her work is currently on display in Gorey Cinema.
Paul Hayes (exhibitor), Cearuilin Ni Conchubhair (exhibitor) and Marie Fitzpatrick were pictured at the art exhibition at the Market House, Gorey on Sunday. Pic: Jim Campbell

Artists Cearuilin Ni Conchubhair and Paul Hayes were exhibiting their latest range of paintings and artwork at the Market House in Gorey during the week of Friday to Sunday, August 11  20.

Ms Ni Conchubhair said they were lucky to secure the Market House as a venue to display the exhibition, called Art by Cearuilin and Paul Hayes, as it was being closed due to renovations.

I was lucky to secure it as it was summer and high season, said Ms Ni Conchubhair. They allowed me in. I was delighted. I didnt have enough work built up because it was such short notice, but luckily, I got another artist, Paul Hayes, in with me. It was a great week.

The exhibition was opened with a gathering of close friends and family on the Friday evening. The display contained a versatile combination of 24 landscape paintings, seascapes, and abstract artists, between both artists.

It was a mix between acrylic and oils, said Ms Ni Conchubhair. I have been painting for the last ten years. I have always loved art from a young age. I did an introductory course in different art forms and from that, it just re-ignited my spark and love of art again.

I just started painting. Any opportunity I get, I paint. I do a lot of hiking in the outdoors and thats where I get my inspiration. Im also a tour guide for hikes around Ireland, in the midlands and west of Ireland.

Ms Ni Conchubhair said all the paintings are for sale and are available on her Facebook page, Art by Cearuilin.
On Saturday, August 26 at 8.30 p.m. in the Wexford Arts Centre, Brendan and Declan Murphy of The 4 Of Us bring their unique musical identity to the stage. After 30 years of playing together, and with a brand new album release in 2023 the band show no sign of abating.

The pair have forged a unique musical identity, producing original and award-winning recordings and building a loyal fan base along the way. With an enviable catalogue of timeless songs including Mary, Washington Down, She Hits Me, Sunlight and Sugar Island, expect some beautiful songs, stunning interplay and great stories from the road.

The 4 of Us released their first album, Songs for the Tempted on CBS Records in 1989, with the single Mary, becoming one of the most played songs on Irish radio that year. Consequently, the album went double platinum in the Republic of Ireland and won Best Album of the Year at the Irish Music Awards. The album Man Alive followed on Sony/Columbia Records in 1992, and saw the group enter the UK charts for the first time, with the album entering the chart at No. 64, and the single, She Hits Me spending four weeks on the chart peaking at No. 35.

Tickets cost 27 and are available by calling 053 912 3764.

2: FUDDLEFEST

A multi-genre music festival, FuddleFest takes place this weekend, August 26 and 27, in the beautiful rural setting of a family farm at Fuddletown, Killinick.

The festival programme features Wexford Sinfonia, flautist Lina Andonovska, vocalist Michelle ORourke, G.04 Duro, Will Troy, Tulua, Crimson Band, Ora String Quartet, Tonnta and Vox Amicum Brass Quintet. Festival-goers are encouraged to camp in the gorgeous campsite under the oak trees and camper vans are also welcome with parking free. Food will be available to purchase from Pot Belly Cafes stall and hot drinks and treats will be provided by The Hatch. Tickets can be bought from fuddlefest.ie.

3: RUN FOR YOUR WIFE

Run for your wife by Wexford Drama Group continues its run at the National Opera House for three more nights, from Thursday August 24 to Saturday August 26. The comic drama by UK playwright Ray Cooney which premiered in the West End in 1983, will be directed by Linda Hynes with actor Michael McKenny in the lead role of John Smith, a London cab driver who has two lives, two wives and a precisely-planned schedule for juggling them both. To book tickets for Run for Your Wife, go to www.nationaloperahouse.ie or telephone 0539122400.

4: COUNTRY CONNECTS WALK

The next Country Connects Walk is on Sunday, August 27, in Tara Hill, Gorey. This is a lovely way to visit new places, socialise and enjoy all the amazing benefits of the outdoors. This is a 6.5km walk, will take about 1.5 to 2.5 hours and is of a moderate grade. Meet at St Kevins Graveyard Car Park, Tara Hill at 2pm. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available afterwards at the finish point in St Kevins School. Thanks to Wexford Walking Trails, Wexford County Council, Healthy Wexford and the Irish Farmers Association for facilitating these events. More info at wexfordwalkingtrail.ie

5: JOE ROONEY HEADLINES BAILEY LAUGHS

Star of Father Ted, Killinaskully and much more, Joe Rooney, headlines the Bailey Laughs August Show at the Bailey Bar and Eatery, Barrack Street, Enniscorthy, on Thursday, August 24 from 8.15 p.m. Best known for his role as Father Damo, he will be supported by Ellen OReilly on the night, as well as comedy workshop performers Brendan Robinson, Alison Martin, Leona Eustace Breen, Natasha Annette Maureen, and Lisa Brooks. They take to the stage once again, for their first chance at dipping their toe in the big leagues. Wheelchair, and additional needs accessible. Any requirements or queries, call on 085-7271331, or email on baileylaughscomedy@gmail.com. This show is strictly over 18s, tickets are on sale at tickets.ie and priced at 17.50

6: THOMAS MOORE CULTURAL EVENT

Bannow Historical Society are hosting a very special concert celebrating the visit of the Bard of Erin, Tom Moore, to Bannow House 188 years ago will take place at Bannow House on Saturday, August 26, beginning at 4 p.m. In August 1835, Thomas Moore, then 56 years old, made a visit to Wexford from his home in England to visit the birthplace of his mother, Anastasia Codd, in Wexford town. He also stayed a few days with a fellow student from Trinity College, Thomas Boyse, a large landowner who was building a new house in Bannow at the time of his visit. The grounds will be open from 3 p.m. Tickets can now be obtained for this eagerly anticipated celebration of a very significant day in the history of Bannow from Wexford Arts Centre at wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com at 35 per person, inclusive of booking fee. Demand for tickets is likely to be intense, so early booking is advisable. Bannow House will remain private during the course of the concert and the society is very grateful to the owners and management of Bannow House for permission to hold this concert. 

7: BALLYBRITTAS DOLMEN TRAIL

A walking trail on Bree Hill which explores terrain created by a volcanic eruption 400 million years ago and leads to a dolmen dating back to 4000 BC is now open. The Ballybrittas Dolmen Trail on Bree Hill offers walkers an opportunity to explore one of the countys historic areas. The dolmen at the heart of the walk dates from the Neolithic period (4000  2500 BC) and is estimated to be Wexfords oldest standing structure. As one of two known dolmens in the county, the site at Ballybrittas is protected under the National Monuments Act. The walk to the site is 3km and starts at Bree Community Centre which has ample parking.
The remains of 14 Augustinian friars have been exhumed at the Augustinian Church graveyard in New Ross.

Work began on site near The High Hill on Saturday when a marquee was erected to prevent the public from viewing the grim exhumation work carried out by undertakers.

The earliest grave exhumed dated from 1914 with 13 more graves dug up. All works ceased on Tuesday and the grave plots have been restored.

The remains of the friars were carefully removed to Good Counsel College graveyard  located beside the church.

Mystery surrounds the decision to remove the remains from the Augustinian Church  which closed to the public in December 2015.

The entire property was placed on the market in 2020 with a guide price of 150,000, with strong interest reported over recent months.

The Augustinians have been in New Ross since the 1300s. The beautiful church in the High Hill area was opened in 1844 and the Augustinians have been a constant presence in New Ross since the early 1300s when St Augustine's Priory was established.

Mass continues to be celebrated at the Mount Carmel Convent every morning by local parish priests and there is an Augustinian friar based at Good Counsel College assisting its large student population in matters of faith.
Wexford man Tony (James Anthony) Corcoran, who died recently, spent most of his adult life in Australia where he ran a sheep farm and a caravan park and finally became postmaster in the small village of Buninyong, a small village in Victoria.

Tony was born in Wexford town on June 10, 1935 and raised in Mount Henry, Park, one of eight children of Patrick and Margaret Corcoran (nee Boggan).

His father was a successful bookmaker and it was in Park and on his uncle Pat and aunt Mary Ann Boggans farm in Newbay, Wexford that his love of horses and farming was nurtured.

After attending secondary school in Saint Peters College Wexford and farming for a number of years, Tony left for England where he worked for I.C.I. He also found time to indulge his passion for horses, riding out at a local stable and riding in some races under rules.

After meeting his future wife, Pauline Kenny, he emigrated to Melbourne, Australia close to where Pauline grew up.

Tony enjoyed a varied career in Australia as he and Pauline worked together to build a life that would support their five children. He ran a sheep farm, a caravan park, and finally became the Postmaster in Buninyong, a small village in Victoria.

After retiring, he was able to return to his true passion, farming, buying a holding close to Buninyong. He also worked part-time at an animal feed factory until he was 80 years old.

Tony and Pauline were very welcoming, generous and supportive to Tonys many nieces and nephews who visited or emigrated to Australia over the years. Their house was a genuine home away from home and Tony loved hearing and telling the news of home.

He had the gift of being able to relate to people of all ages and had the ability, due to his memory for detail and his skill as a storyteller, to bring the people and the events of which he spoke to life.

Tonys 88 years were not about achievements, although he had plenty of those, or about places hed been to, although hed been to many. They were about the people around him, and how he was able to effortlessly connect to almost anyone who came into his life.

He had pretty much worked out the secret to a happy life, which was to assume that your life was indeed a happy one and to live accordingly. He had his fair share of losses and disappointments, but he never dwelt on them. Instead, Tony lived and loved expansively. He was generous, thoughtful, and endlessly fascinated and amused by life.

For Tony, there were always exciting plans on the horizon and future guests (usually Irish!) to welcome. Although he was 88, it feels as though he was taken in the middle of his life, not at the end.

Tony who died in Ballarat, Australia on July 17, is sadly missed by his children Emma, Maria, Siobhan, Paddy and Brigid; his grandchildren; his brothers Brendan (Wexford) and Tim (Castlebar); his in-laws and his extended family in Australia and Ireland.

Tony was predeceased by his siblings Michael, John, Ann Bryant (Wexford), Joan Doyle (Wexford) and Margaret ODonnell (Dungarvan).
Wexford Credit Union has dismissed reports of major internal unrest surrounding the voluntary Board of Directors amid a host of resignations which has drawn the attention of the Central Bank.

The reported dispute culminated in Wexford Credit Unions Board Oversight Committee (BOC) resigning en masse, while the Chairperson of the Board of Directors Brian Murphy also stepped down from his position.
Friends, family and colleagues gathered to honour popular Arklow Springboard manager Martina Deasy as she retired after 16 prosperous years at the local family support service.

More than 60 people packed into the Old House pub in Arklow to honour Martinas unwavering dedication and leadership, including representatives from various support system agencies such as Tusla, the HSE and the National Youth Council of Ireland.

Established in Arklow in 2003, Martina moved from her native Cork to take up stewardship of the Springboard service in 2007, where she is said to have revitalised the delivery of services over the years through her excellent management and close connection with her wonderful staff.

Praising the impact Martina had on Springboard, Chair of the Advisory Committee, Jimmy Dunne, said: We were very fortunate to have Martina for so long, so we had the function to thank her massive contribution to Springboard over the last 16 years.

There were about 60 or 70 people in attendance, and Martina was thrilled with the turnout, and so were we. We always knew that Martina was highly respected, but for that many people to come and acknowledge her contribution and involvement, we were absolutely blown away by it.

She had a great relationship with the staff. One of the speakers on the night, Catriona Cooke, was a member of staff and she spoke about the role Martina played, highlighting that she was always the manager or was never the boss.

Martina was a great team player and, as she repeatedly said, had a great staff around her and appreciated how important her team was over so many years.

Running a service like Springboard, which supports families in need and stops children being taken into care, is a very intensive role, Jimmy continued.

From that point of view, we were always very grateful for Martinas unwavering dedication to the job.

The National Youth Council of Ireland had a representative there, and they acknowledged that during Martinas time, the Springboard project received a Gold Standard Health Quality mark on two occasions, which had never been achieved by any service dealing with family services in Ireland, and an Investing in Children Membership award.

These awards are not easy to come by, and when you hear that no other project or family resource centre has received them, that gives you an indication of the contribution that Martina and her staff made, and are making, to child and family services in the region.
Wicklow Sinn Fein TD John Brady has called for an urgent review of capacity at St Vincents University Hospital after Wicklow patients were among over 2,000 who left the emergency department without being seen.

Deputy Brady has published data from the HSE which shows that 2,379 patients left the emergency department at St Vincents, which has to cater for the majority of Wicklow emergency patients, in the first five months of the year without being treated. This compares with 770 in 2018.

Deputy Brady said the rise in numbers was inevitable following the closure of the emergency department at Loughlinstown.

Ten years ago, I warned that the closure of the emergency department at St Colmcilles Hospital in Loughlinstown would inevitably lead to St Vincents becoming overwhelmed as a result. At the time the current Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly offered erroneous assurances that extra resources would be put in place to ensure that this would not happen. As we were all aware at the time, his assurances proved false."

Deputy Brady also pointed to the extremely long emergency department waiting times of 19.5 hours on average as a contributing factor to Wicklow patients being forced to leave without being seen.

What is now clear is that just as Minister Stephen Donnelly failed St Colmcilles Hospital, he continues to fail St Vincents University Hospital, he said.

There needs to be an urgent review carried out into the emergency department capacity at St Vincents University Hospital, along with increased investment in community-based alternatives, such as out-of-hours GP and late-night pharmacy. Ultimately, more beds and staff are needed at St Vincents University Hospital emergency department to reduce waiting times, as well as a significant increase in GP capacity.

Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have brought the health service to its knees, with waiting times worse than ever. GP practices are bursting at the seams. Hospitals are grappling with a lost decade of underinvestment. This is heaping more pressure on emergency departments.

Tackling the crisis in our hospitals should be a priority for the Government, but they have failed at every step. They have not made the investments in beds and staffing that are needed. Young graduates continue to emigrate in their droves. Meanwhile, there are record levels of spending on outsourcing to the private sector instead of building public capacity.

Sinn Fein would ramp up training places to increase staffing in hospitals, in the community, and in general practice to reduce the pressures on emergency departments. We would engage with healthcare workers and address the cost of living and housing crises to increase worker retention. We would invest in expanding hospital capacity on a consistent, multi-annual basis, as outlined in our Alternative Budgets, to tackle overcrowding in emergency departments, he concluded.
The family and friends of late Wicklow man Aaron Matthew Smith will pay tribute to his memory by undertaking an 8km obstacle course known as Hell and Back in aid of the Shauna Kavanagh Foundation.

An infectious character who loved his fast cars, copious amounts of Lucozade and trotting the globe with beloved fiancee Orlaith, Greystones native Aaron passed away unexpectedly from sepsis in March, surrounded by his family and a wide circle of friends, having lived with cystic fibrosis.

Eager to commemorate his memory and give back to the foundation, which goes above and beyond for patients in hospital with long term illness, close friends Louise Nutty and Conor OReilly devised a fundraising challenge befitting Aarons intrepid nature and zest for life.

To be honest, ever since Aaron passed, it was on our minds that we really wanted to do something big in memory, Louise said.

He was an amazing human being in all ways, and while doing something like a table quiz might have been fun, that just wouldnt be our Aaron. We had to do something extraordinary for such an extraordinary person.

We wanted to do something that would bring out his adventurous spirit in everyone, and thats when we came up with the idea of Hell and Back. Im not sure Aaron would have done it himself, but knowing that, if he was here to see it, hed be having a good laugh at our expense is reason enough to put ourselves through it for him!

Theres actually a huge group of us signed up to do it, and we have about 30 people in our WhatsApp group. It was only myself and Conor at the start, but we quickly recruited some of our friends from Greystones and the rest soon followed.

Aarons fiancee Orlaith is doing it, as are his mum and dad, Matt and Jackie, as well as some of his aunts and uncles. His mother and father-in-law Dermot and Eileen, Orlaiths brothers and sisters  everyone is giving it a go.

Some of us dont have any experience with this kind of challenge, but everyone has been really motivated, and were all so honoured to be able to give back to the Shauna Kavanagh Foundation in Aarons honour.

The charity is very close to his familys heart, and they do so much to help with the day-to-day stresses, supporting people with long-term illnesses with everything from exercise equipment to vouchers and phone credit.

In Aarons case, they really went above and beyond, even arranging a family dinner for him, Matt and Jackie when he couldnt leave the hospital. Its special moments like these, and so many others, that have motivated us all to repay the foundation by raising as much as we can.

As a testament to Aarons indelible impact, a GoFundMe page started by Louise and Conor just over two weeks ago has already raised 7,839, with donations and well-wishes flooding in from around Wicklow and beyond.

Hailing Aarons loved ones and generous strangers for their outstanding support, Conor said: We officially launched the fundraiser last Wednesday, and to have raised over 7,500 in such a short period of time is beyond anything we could have imagined.

We have only really shared it among friends and family, and the Shauna Kavanagh Foundation shared it too, which just goes to show you what kind of impact Aaron had.

Ive had messages from people saying that they only met him a couple of times and wished they could have gotten to know him better.

He was the kind of guy who would give anyone the time of day. Then, once he was good friends with you, he would absolutely slate you  that was just his way of letting you know he cared!

He lived a very rich life and loved nothing more than going on adventures around the world with Orlaith. He racked up about 31 countries on his travels, seeing wonderful sights the rest of us could only dream of.

Cars were his main hobby. His prized possession when he was growing up was his Celica, and he and some of the lads wouldve called themselves car enthusiasts, but they were more like glorified boy racers.

He was a huge Liverpool fan and a very active guy, whether that was going to the gym or taking his dogs Tilly and Luca out for walks.

Fueling it all was Lucozade, and he drank gallons of the stuff. We often joke that they must be operating at a loss since he passed!

Although he had cystic fibrosis, he never let it slow him down or inhibit him in any way, and he was always up for a challenge. Thats why Hell and Back is the perfect tribute to his memory and why were all so committed to raising as much as we possibly can.

Speaking ahead of the challenge, Aarons fiancee Orlaith said: When Conor and Louise told me about their idea to take part in Hell and Back in Aarons memory, I thought it was so fitting. Although Aaron would have thought we were mad, he didnt do things half-heartedly. Aaron was truly one of a kind.

He never let CF stop him from doing what he wanted. Ive yet to meet a person with as much fire and ambition as he had to live life to the fullest. This year has turned out very different to the year we hoped 2023 would be for us.

After spending eight and a half years with Aaron, he taught me how to live and I feel I owe him so much.

Hes the only person I would ever do Hell and Back for.

In addition to the Hell and Back Challenge, popular Fleetwood Mac tribute band Mack Fleetwood will host a fundraising gig dedicated to Aaron in Dublins Purty Kitchen on Saturday, September 2.

Aarons aunty Mo inhabits the role of Christine McVie in the band, and Aaron was a regular at their gigs and loved supporting his aunty and the band. All proceeds from the show will go to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.

To support the Hell and Back Challenge and Shauna Kavanagh Foundation visit gofundme.com/f/hell-and-back-for-aaron

To purchase tickets for the Mack Fleetwood concert in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland go to eventbrite.ie
New residents Elizabeth Murphy and Rodney Keogh collecting the key to their homes last year at Fairgreen, Dunlavin, while Cllr Shay Cullen looks on.

TWO housing projects in west Wicklow have been shortlisted for the prestigious Irish Council for Social Housings upcoming Allianz Community Housing Awards.

The biennial awards recognise excellence across various different categories of public housing delivery by both local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs).

The Respond development at Rathcoran, Baltinglass has been shortlisted in the Regeneration category, while the Circle Voluntary Housing Association development at Fairgreen Manor, Dunlavin has been shortlisted in the Best Family Housing Category.

The Rathcoran project consists of 56 homes and a converted building preserving the historical character of the building and also features Irelands second Age Friendly Primary Healthcare building and a multi-use games area.

Niamh Randall, spokesperson for Respond, stated: We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for this award and we are incredibly proud of the beautiful Rathcoran development. In addition, our housing team have done great work with tenants in creating a real sense of community there.

The development at Fairgreen in Dunlavin was launched in February of last year and consists of 40 houses, a mix of two and three-bed, and four-bedroom homes on the outskirts of the village.

Cllr Edward Timmins, Cathaoirleach of Baltinglass Municipal District, welcomed the fact that the two Wicklow projects shortlisted were based in the west of the county.

He said: The Rathcoran project is a great example of being able to regenerate a site as the old convent where it is based had fallen into a state of disrepair. The original building where the nuns used to live was preserved, including all its architectural features, such as the high ceilings and the unique long windows.

The surrounding area was also landscaped and its based in a prime spot in the town. In addition to that there is also a Primary Care Centre adjacent to it in the same complex.

The Dunlavin project is also state-of-the-art and is a very high quality housing project. The fact both projects have been shortlisted just proves how successful social housing projects can be when they involve a local authority and approved housing body working side by side. Both these developments also provided much needed social housing when we are experiencing a housing crisis and the success of both projects has to be welcomed.

Projects shortlisted for the ICSH Allianz Community Housing Awards are also competing in the ICSH Public Choice Award. This category gives members of the public an opportunity to support a shortlisted project.

The public can vote for their favourite project at www.icsh.ie from early October. The winners will be announced at the ICSH Conference in Wexford on October 18 and 19.

CEO of the ICSH Donal McManus said: The quality of entries for the 2023 Community Housing Awards is of the highest standard yet. I was particularly impressed by the innovation showed across the regeneration category. Choosing which projects to shortlist was a difficult task and speaks to the dedication of all those working across housing associations and local authorities as they deliver much needed homes across the country.
CEO and founder of suicide prevention charity Talk To Tom, Ray Cullen, has been singing the praises of Wicklow businesses that have played a vital role in seeing their new Arklow centre come to fruition.

With the new Arklow premises and services now open to the public, and ready for its official launch on September 10, after the painstaking renovation of the previously derelict building, Mr Cullen has acknowledged the immense contributions made by local charity partners Servier, Wicklow town door manufacturer Dortek and family-run Arklow builders merchants Topline Bolands.

Supplying everything from financial donations to materials and tradespeople to complete the extensive refurbishment, Ray said that the realisation of the long-mooted project owes so much to the outpouring of support from the broader local business community.

Weve had outstanding support and sponsorship from so many businesses in the community, with Servier, Dortek and Topline Bolands generously backing us by nominating us as their charity partners for the next year, Ray said.

In return, were organising training for the businesses as well, so theres quite a bit of collaboration going on there between us.

Bolands actually sponsored some carpenters and labourers for the renovation of the building as well. They had carpenters in here for a week and paid for it all themselves. Its only because of their help that we are where we are, and the work they did was simply top-class.

Now that were up and running, all the businesses are really getting behind us, and indeed have been supporting us all the way through the renovation, raising funds for material on our behalf to do it in the first place.

Its been a real community effort to turn the building around. I do training for the prison services, and weve teamed up with Shelton Abbey, who will do the labour on the second unit, which has been untouched until now but will be completed prior to the launch. Well have a training room there, which will be made available to other groups in the community and will hugely benefit the town.

Praising the vital work done by Talk to Tom, Corey Mills from Topline Bolands said: The biggest thing for us is that we get to help spread the word about the fantastic range of services that Talk to Tom provides.

Theyd be well known for their helpline, but they do so much more, with aftercare and a whole load of other facilities, even for businesses in the town that can get involved in workshops and training.

We do a bit of an annual charity push here at Topline towards the end of summer, where we have free coffee and ice cream for the kids and get local charities involved, just as our way of giving back to the community and raising awareness  and a few donations!

We were delighted to welcome Ray here recently, and he was saying he got great feedback when handing out fliers to people, in terms of informing people about the service and getting people interested in training or volunteering.

One of our Managing Directors, Darren Fogarty, has been working closely with Ray, and were fully behind supporting and promoting the service going forward in any way we can.

The vital services they provide are all the drive we ever need, and its great to have them in the town.

Although Talk to Toms Arklow services has been available to the public for some weeks now, the premises is yet to launch officially, but Ray expects the grand opening to happen in early September.

We decided to a soft launch last Saturday week, Ray continued. We didnt really advertise it because we didnt want a huge flow of people coming in with our limited volunteers. It didnt prove to be much of a soft opening, as word got around on the day very quickly!

Services are open and have been for some time now, and we have two therapists currently. The feedback from the Arklow community and beyond has been just fantastic, and we have a big recruitment drive for volunteers going on at the moment.

We hope to officially open the centre in September, where well have festivities on the street, music and refreshments.

Something coming up soon on the horizon that will certainly be of interest to the south Wicklow community is a unique fundraising concert in Christ Church in Gorey on Saturday, September 2.

We were contacted recently by the Welsh 120-piece Bridgend Male Voice Choir, which accompanied Coldplay on stage recently, who were planning a trip to do a charity concert in Ireland and selected Talk to Tom. Rev Canon Mark Hayden gave us use of the church, and the Welsh group are going to team up with the Wexford Male Voice Choir, making it a 180-piece concert.

Over the next couple of weeks, Gorey Rangers were planning some big fundraising events for ourselves and the Hope Cancer Support Centre, so we said we do the concert jointly with Hope Cancer Support Centre. Its going to be a massive event.

Im sure there will be lots of support from Wicklow. It will be a very unique concert, and I think we could sell it out between Arklow, Gorey and the surrounding areas.
Responds Rathcoran development in Baltinglass has been shortlisted in the ICSH Allianz Community Housing Awards.

IRELANDS largest construction-led approved housing body and service provider Respond has 36 new social and cost rental homes in construction in Wicklow.

Respond now owns and manages 164 homes across Wicklow, providing secure and affordable accommodation for 377 tenants.

The announcement was made as Responds Annual Report 2022 was launched on Tuesday by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O'Brien TD, detailing the continued positive impact Responds home building and community support services have in cities across Ireland.

Respond is on track to triple the number of social and cost rental homes it has in construction to over 4,100 in the coming months, expanding its construction programme over the next 12 months to 2 billion.

Responds home building programme currently has 1,396 social and cost rental homes in construction across the country. They have begun construction on 3,347 homes since March 2018, and now manages 7,084 properties providing homes for 16,541 tenants.

While challenged by rising construction sector costs, last year alone it delivered 484 new social and cost rental homes and commenced construction of a further 460 homes. This includes the final completion of large mixed-tenure developments at Charlestown and Enniskerry Road.

Respond are also responsible for a housing project at Rathcoran, Baltinglass, which has been shortlisted for the ICSH Allianz Community Housing Awards.

Respond Spokesperson Niamh Randall said: Our annual report details the ongoing effort and commitment of our development and housing teams to help alleviate the urgent need for more social and cost rental housing across the country and to support the Governments Housing for All strategy.

Our focus is on adding to the national housing stock, and the fixed price contracts we have agreed with several developers mean we could quickly triple the number of social and cost rental homes we have in construction to 4,100 with Government support. These are large scale, development projects which will provide the volume of homes desperately needed, while also building inclusive, long-term sustainable communities.

"The sites are ideally placed in our biggest cities close to amenities including schools and parks, public transport routes and commercial centres. Each development will follow our evidence informed housing services delivery model and include community hubs, with several of the additional community services we also provide, including early learning and school age care services, and services for older people, readily accessible for families.
John Breen and Alex Klement at the Wicklow Archival film project screening during Heritage Week at Wicklow Library. Photo: Michael Kelly

Artist Katrina Shine and Iasbelle Connolly inspect a reel of film at the Wicklow Archival film project screening during Heritage Week at Wicklow Library. Photo: Michael Kelly

Luka Rice Flood and Alice Rice at 'The Big Dig' in Tinahely for heritage Week. Photo: Joe Byrne

Sinead O'Connor and Patrick Howlett of Festina Lente before a talk on seeds for Heritage Week at Bray Library. Photo: Leigh Anderson

Ellie May Heffernan at the Glenmalue PURE Mile Heritage Week Event at the Crusher House, Barravore. Photo: Michael Kelly

Carmel O'Toole and Charles O'Byrne at the Glenmalue PURE Mile Heritage Week Event at the Crusher House, Barravore. Photo: Michael Kelly

Judy McHugh, with Stephane, Anne and Cecile Maud at the Glenmalue PURE Mile Heritage Week Event at the Crusher House, Barravore. Photo: Michael Kelly

HERITAGE Week events have been taking place throughout the Wicklow as local communities explored the traditions, practises, knowledge and skills passed down through different generations.

One of the many walking tours took place in Ballyknockan, also known as the Granite Village, took place on Sunday and was attended by over 75 people. Ballyknockan granite plays a huge role in the structural integrity of many of Irelands historical buildings.

Killian OFlaherty said: We held a walking tour which visited Ballyknockan Quarry and several other disused quarries, as well some landmarks in Ballyknockan. We were delighted with the turnout of over 75 people and the event really started to grow legs the nearer it came to the event date.

We also held a traditional stone masonry demonstrations and a black smith demonstration and people were dressed in the traditional 1920s attire of the time.

We also had a recital of an old quarryman poem which took place in an old workmans cottage.

Heritage Week visitors were also able to join resident blacksmith Gunvor Anhoj at the Russborough Forge to take a step back in time and learn the history and practice of life at the forge throughout the ages.

Things went well and there seemed plenty of interest in what we had to offer, said Gunvor. We held demonstrations which showcased the whole process. We hold workshops during the year where people come and make a tool for themselves, such as a knife.

The blacksmith and the forge played a vital role in days of old and people generally seem very interested in learning all about the process and just how important a role it played.

In Wicklow town, Palette Knife Productions in conjunction with the RHG held a screening of some of the material from the current Wicklow Archival Film project in an exhibition held at Wicklow Library on Thursday.

The source material for the project is from Mr. J.T.O Byrnes 8mm film collection, which dates from 1899 to 1987.

An information session around the project also took place, explaining its history, the processes so far, the proposed outcome and public availability of the project.
Wicklow Rapid Response, which is a voluntary charity that provides advanced pre-hospital care in Wicklow, responded to 15 calls in the county in just a two-week period at the beginning of August.

In at least one of these cases, the intervention of the charitys doctor, Dr David Menzies, an Emergency Medicine Consultant from St Vincents University Hospital, was a life-saving one.

Wicklow Rapid Response provides critical care level treatment for Wicklow where there are life-threatening circumstances. Dr Menzies is tasked by the National Ambulance Service (NAS) for serious emergencies, when he is the closest available resource, or where the specialist critical care skills he can provide are required.

Dr Menzies said the service essentially provides an extra layer of support for the community but is hesitant to connect the recent surge in calls across the county and point to a pattern, instead saying it was something of a blip.

Normally, the average would be about three to four calls a week, he said. The last two weeks, there were more calls than normal and for most of the calls that came in, I was able to go out to them.

There are weeks where you mightnt get any calls, or there might be one or two. So it balances out over the year. If it was that busy for the whole year then wed be in a bit of trouble. For context, the NAS probably does over 1,000 calls a day, nationally. And that would be pretty standard. What you are seeing here is a confluence of calls.

I dont think it reflects a massive increase. Its sporadic, there isnt a wave of injury or illness out there. If you go into the Emergency Department, where I work, its busy. But its always been busy. But there hasnt been a surge.

Each of these are individual cases, many of them are tragic. But they are all individual, theyre not connected. There hasnt been a lot of assaults. Or there hasnt been a lot of collisions at a certain stretch of road. There hasnt been a lot of drug overdoses from a particular bad batch of heroin, or something like that, where you can tie it all together and say thats the reason. I think it is a statistical blip.

While Dr Menzies is unable to reveal the precise nature of the emergency calls he attended to in Wicklow recently, in order to protect the identity of those involved, he in general he said that the single biggest call category would be a cardiac arrest, where somebodys heart has stopped or their breathing has stopped.

In Ireland theres about 1,500 a year out of hospital, he said. And the intervention that matters most there is somebody starting CPR and getting a defibrillator as quickly as possible.

And we know that for every minute that passes, the persons chance of survival drops by about 10 per cent. Thats why theres lots of issues around teaching people CPR, having defibrillators available in the community and having first responders available.

So its really a case of whoever is closest, whether its the fire service, myself, the gards, a first responder, the Ambulance Service or indeed all of the above. There are a lot of things that we can do that the Ambulance Service cant do, in terms of ventilation, oxygenation, medication and adrenaline.

The second biggest group would be road traffic collisions, with plenty of big roads in the county with high speeds, and plenty of small roads which dont have the same safety infrastructure.

So we do get a certain amount of road trauma, and one of the other interventions that I would bring to a scene like that would be to put somebody in a medically induced coma, if they have a serious head injury, for example.

And thats probably one of the defining interventions of pre-hospital critical care. It has been shown to improve patient outcomes, particularly if they are not breathing well, theyre not getting enough oxygen to their brain.

But that requires a high level of training, a high level of equipment, a ventilator, and its a real team effort, its not just about me. But that would happen about once a month for us and it requires ourselves and the paramedics to work very closely together.

In terms of the demand for his service, Dr Menzies said the NAS decides how to respond as calls come in.

The call would go through to the NAS, always, and they will triage it appropriately and send the appropriate resource, be that an ambulance or a rapid response car. And depending on two things  one the proximity and, two, the seriousness of it  they may look for additional resources as well.

The NAS will task me by phone or radio, if there is something like a cardiac arrest and I might be the closest person to it, because its completely time-sensitive. The quicker you can get somebody to that scene, the greater the chances of survival.

Or, the other type of call is where there might be a crew on scene but the controllers have identified that they may benefit from a higher level of care than a paramedic can provide for seriously ill or seriously injured patients.

Or, for example, there could be a major trauma, a head injury, somebody is bleeding heavily, maybe is trapped in a road traffic collision and there might be a requirement for additional skills. The controllers may take that up at the time of the call, or a crew may get to a call and request additional assistance and then I can be contacted. Sometimes, I mightnt be the closest resource but its still worth my travelling to that call by the time they have the patient freed from the car. We can add some clinical interventions then.

However, as the sole doctor in the charity and a practising consultant, Dr Menzies acknowledges there are constraints on his time and services.

It is as available  I cant be doing 15 calls in two weeks all the time. Theres life and work and theres family. I would try to make myself available as much as possible, in particular for the serious calls. I am the only doctor with Wicklow Rapid Response.

There are other doctors around the country who would volunteer for similar charities. Ultimately, were there to complement the existing emergency services, not replace them. Were not a substitute. The way I would describe it is, if one of my neighbours had a call or, God forbid, a cardiac arrest, they would often come and knock on the door.

I would see this as an electronic extension of that. Its not quite a knock on the door, but if you get a call or a text message from Ambulance Control saying is there any chance you can help, its the same type of thing. I would hate to wake up in the morning and find out that somebody nearby had needed help and I didnt know about it.

Dr Menzies is keen to point out that the charity is not there to replace the emergency services, or to fill a gap in what is almost always perceived as a woefully under-resourced sector.

Without getting over-political, the health budget is very significant in Ireland at the moment, and healthcare internationally seems to generate relentless demand. Because something is a charity, doesnt negate everything else. There are lots of other charities that we dont question. Youve got lifeboats, mountain rescue or first responders. People are happy to volunteer their time for their community. Thats the point of it, rather than saying there is a gap.

I dont think its a negative because its not a state resource. In fact, sometimes people in a community have a little bit more ownership, in that theyve generated it themselves, and fundraised themselves. There is always going to be a case where somebody suffers an injury and the closest resource happens to be their neighbour.

Recently, a potentially fatal incident was averted involving two passengers of a single vehicle, which had overturned and burst into flames, just outside Greystones. The incident, in June, served to show how the resources of the emergency services overlap rather than permit gaps.

Dr Menzies took over treatment of the casualty on the scene but praised the Fire Service for the fast action of the crews, at considerable personal risk [which] undoubtedly prevented a worse outcome.

They were very lucky people, and to be fair to the Fire Service, they were incredible. And I did make the point of writing to the Chief Fire Officer. They were there in the nick of time but they didnt hesitate to get stuck in to try and free the person and what they did in that situation was use a smoke hood to help the patient breathe while they were releasing him. And that was really thinking on your feet. So in that situation, the Fire Service did the most important thing.

The chain of survival is a real team effort and everyone plays an important part.

To donate to Wicklow Rapid Response, go to: wwrr.ie
Youngsters who were trapped in the broken cable car get first aid following their rescue, in Pashto village, a mountainous area of Battagram district in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Photo: Nasir Mahmood/AP

Some of the students who were stuck in a cable car suspended over a ravine in northwest Pakistan and have told of their terrifying 15-hour ordeal.

One of the survivors said that he thought it was my last day and I will be no more.
Investing in Gujarat: Industrial Capacity and Preferential Policies

Gujarat is Indias top industrial state in terms of manufacturing capacity, investment opportunities, operational special economic zones and other investment-friendly locations for industrial set-up, logistics and connectivity infrastructure, opportunities for emerging sectors like renewables and financial services, and a stably policy environment. We discuss the state economic profile, including its leading industries, exports, and special economic zones and industrial investment corridors.

Gujarats status as Indias most industrialized state is reflected in its contribution to the national economy. By GDP, the western coastal state is ranked second among Indias states, at US$240 billion (2021-22 estimate). The Gujarat state GDP (GSDP) is projected to grow to US$280 billion in 2022-23. Gujarat contributes around 20 percent to Indias industrial production and merchandise exports and the states ports handle about 40 percent of Indias cargo. In this, Gujarat benefits from having Indias longest coastline at 1600km or 990 miles.

Between April 2015 and March 2020, the state received foreign direct investment (FDI) worth US$15.6 billion. In the FY 2019-20, the percentage of FDI inflow went up by 240 percent  propelling the state to grow sixty times the overall economic growth of India. However, the state has recorded a dip in its FDI inflow since, attracting INR 201.69 billion in 2021-22 and coming in sixth behind Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Haryana. This is likely to change given fresh policy impetus, infrastructure projects, and investments announced in 2022. Besides, the state boasts of a well-developed domestic industrial ecosystem, which will appeal to foreign firms seeking to diversify their supply chains and establish business partnerships in the country.

Gujarat has state-of-the-art infrastructure and a consistently policy-driven, business friendly ecosystem. The states flagship manufacturing industries include agro and food processing, automobiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals. In the following sections, we discuss key aspects that make the state attractive to offshore investors across a range of industries, including manufacturing capacity, location advantages, export capabilities, and other incentives.

GIFT City

For offshore financial market investors, Indias first International Financial Services Center (IFSC) has been set up at Gujarat International Financial Tec-City (GIFT City) in Ahmedabad. Recent changes in tax regulations include the waiver of several tax liabilities like goods and services tax (GST), dividend distribution tax, and capital gains tax for entities operating in the IFSC GIFT City. According to tax experts, Category III alternative investment funds (AIF) setting up in IFSC GIFT City will benefit from zero tax on bond trading and zero tax on derivative trading, which is in line with offshore treaties. GIFT City is modelled along the hybrid structure of Singapores financial center.

Key industries

Food processing

Gujarat has over 30,000 food processing units, 45 dairy plants, and 560 cold storage facilities and fish processing units. During FY 2020, the state produced 20.343 million litres of milk daily. Gujarat has eight sub agro-climatic zones and 20 agri-export zones.

IT/BPM

Gujarat accounts for 16 percent of investments made in the IT/ITeS sector in India. There are over 5000 small, medium, and large enterprises catering to the ICT sector. IT clusters in Gujarat are spread across the cities of Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, and Surat.

To learn more about the investment scope in Gujarat, read our articles Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-27: What Are the Incentives? and Major Incentives Under the Gujarat IT/ITeS Policy 2022-27.

In the semiconductor space, Vedanta-Foxconn has finalized Dholera Special Administrative Region as their location for their facility in the state. The consortium needed a 800-1000 acre land parcel that is also well connected with Ahmedabad. The Gujarat government had shown the JV entity sites at Sanand and Mandal-Becharaji in Ahmedabad district, two locations near Vadodara in central Gujarat, Dholera, Himmatnagar, Jamnagar, and Kutch.

The Gujarat government has set an eight-fold increase in its export target of INR 250 billion (US$3.28 billion), from the existing INR 31 billion (US$401 million), over the next five years (2022-27) and hopes to produce over 100,000 direct jobs as an outcome of its latest IT/ITeS Policy.

Automotive industry

Gujarat contributes nine percent to Indias total output of transport equipment manufacturing. The state has auto-clusters in Ahmedabad-Sanand, Mandal Becharaji, Hansalpur-Vithalpur, Vadodara-Halol, and Rajkot. Gujarat has a strong heavy and light engineering sector that supports the local auto production base. Major automakers with plants in Gujarat are Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, MG Motors, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI), and Hero MotoCorp.

Tata Motors acquired the Ford Gujarat plant (at Sanand) in August as the US carmaker exited the Indian market. Tata Motors plans to invest US$2 billion in the Indian electric vehicle (EV) business and roll out a portfolio of 10 models by 2025.

Gujarat offers plug-and-play infrastructure for automobile and ancillary companies. The state has clusters for automobile production, castings and machine tools, brass parts, engines, electric motors, bearings, and auto-ancillaries.

Cluster-wise major auto component suppliers

Sanand Auto component suppliers Products FCC Clutch, pulley assembly Endurance HPDC parts Radiant Small plastic parts Hilex Cable brake, throttle Lumax Ind. Cushion assembly Motherson Sumi Systems Painted bumpers JBM Stampings Magna (Cosma) Stampings Yanfeng Instrument panels Valeo Engineering cooling system Mahabal Machined/ferrous castings Visteon (Hanon) HVAC Yazaki Wiring harness Kautex Plastic fuel tank Magna Seat assembly Grupo Antolin Hard trims Saargumi Dyn weather strip Caparo Eng. India Pvt. Ltd. Steel metal parts Lumax Industries Ltd. Lights and lamps Tata Autocomp Stem Ltd. Bumpers and dashboard Rico Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Engine casting Rucha Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Engine components Tata Yazaki Autocomp Ltd. Wiring harness

Halol Auto component suppliers Products BADVE Chassis, suspensions, BIW ROCKMAN Aluminium die casting, alloy wheels AG Industries Ltd Clutchplate, gearbox, gasket SATYAM Auto Components Fuel tank, chassis, BIW ENDURANCE Suspension, transmission VARROC Lighting, electrical-electronics & precision metal component NAPINO Electronic & transmission system AUTOFIT Seat, wheel assembly Yangfeng India Automotive Interior Systems Pvt. Automotive interior Munjal Auto Industries Ltd Exhaust, wheel, accessories, complete assembly Liuzhou Wuling Automobile Industry Co., Ltd Vehicles & auto parts Lumax Industries Limited Lighting systems ASAL BIW, body and structural panel Caparo Engineering India Ltd Metal stamping, fastening, forging Hannon Automotive Systems India Pvt Ltd HVAC, compressor, controller Yangfeng Adient Seating Co.,Ltd. Seat, overhead systems

Other Location Auto component suppliers Products Chattral Advik Bracket L Brake Assy Modern Crank shaft GIDC-Mandal TSMD Seat Roki-Minda Air cleaner Karsanpura Fiem Ind. Light, plastic parts JRG Automotive Plastic parts Varroc Polymers Plastic parts Mahesana JNS Speedometer Jay-ushin Key set, switches Viramgam ASK Hub, Grip RR, Ccase covers Bony Polymers Rubber parts Vithalpur Badve Weld Parts: F/Body, Muffler NMPL Weld Parts: F/Body, Muffler Newswan Weld Parts: F/Body, Muffler Indo Auto Weld Parts: F/Body, Muffler Bharuch Continental Carbon Carbon Black, Power and steam Nocil Rubber chemicals Merchem Rubber chemicals Lanxess Rubber chemicals PCBL Carbon Black Gujarat Reclaim Reclaim rubber Acmechem Rubber chemicals

Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals industries

Gujarat is the leading pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in India, and accounts for 33 percent of sector turnover and 28 percent of Indias pharma exports. The state has more than 3500 licensed private players, and the state is also a major biotech destination. Gujarat has 130 USFDA-certified drug manufacturing plants.

The cities of Ahmedabad and Vadodara are the top destinations for pharma facilities in the state. The minimal capital requirement for building a pharmaceutical plant in Gujarat is INR 100 million (approx.US$1.22 million). Gujarat also has a mature industrial ecosystem in place  with ancillary and associated industries like packaging, chemicals, engineering, and pharma plant machinery manufacturing. This has resulted in the growth of a skilled talent base to serve the states pharmaceutical sector.

Gujarat is responsible for 62 percent of the total petrochemical production and 35 percent of the total chemical production in India. In marine production, Gujarat accounts for 70 percent salt production in India, 20 percent caustic soda, and 90 percent soda ash.

To further enhance Gujarats industrial capacity in these areas, the state has set up a Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) located at Dahej, Bharuch near the Gulf of Khambhat. The Gujarat PCPIR occupies 452.98 sq.km land area and has key logistics advantages in terms of rail, road, sea, and air connectivity.

Prominent investment locations

To attract large foreign investments, Gujarats industrial policy has organized its development zones that will enhance industrial activity by concentrating investment areas. These include the setting up of special investment regions (SIRs), improving existing investment regions (IRs), setting up new industrial parks, and establishing SEZs.

The Government of Gujarat enacted The Gujarat Special Investment Region Act-2009 to spur the creation of large industrial investment areas supported by world class infrastructure. (The concept of SIR has been evolved in concurrence with Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, a high impact industrial area within 150 km distance on both sides of the Dedicated Freight Corridor from Dadri-NCR to JN Port-Mumbai.) Out of 24 industrial nodes identified on Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, six nodes are located in Gujarat.

Six cities have been designated as investment regions to attract foreign investors (shown below).

The advantages of investing in these regions include:

Taking advantage of a business friendly environment;

Access to skilled human resources;

Abundance of natural resources;

Large consumer market;

Easy connectivity by road, air, rail, and sea;

Presence of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);

Existing social infrastructure; and

Urban development.

The following table discusses the functions of each type of industrial park in Gujarat.

The following infrastructure facilities are developed in industrial parks:

Upgrading of existing roads;

Construction of a water distribution network;

Construction of a gas/energy/electricity network;

Construction of warehouse facilities;

Construction of product development center;

Construction of a product testing center; and

Construction of a common facilities center.

Special economic zones in Gujarat

Gujarat boasts of several special economic zones in major cities (SEZ). SEZs are specific enclaves with relaxed duties and fiscal incentives to promote export of goods and services, expand economic activity, and facilitate increased investments. Such areas benefit from single window clearance and compliances based on self-certification. The distribution of SEZs in Gujarat are shown in the table given below.

Incentives for foreign investors

Foreign businesses will be able to access clear incentives if they choose to invest in Gujarat. The following sections highlight key benefits of setting up in the state.

Industrial ecosystem

Gujrat contributes to 16 percent of industrial production in India. It received 22 percent of incoming foreign investment worth US$18.59 billion between October 2019 and September 2020, facilitated by its regulatory mechanisms to ease of doing business, besides other incentives. These mechanisms include the provision of assigning relationship managers to key setups, an online approval system, and centralized inspection.

The state assigns eligible businesses with a relationship manager who acts as a single point of contact for all government related queries. A framework for online permissions is being prepared, wherein investors need only submit one application form for 26 state-related approvals and compliances. The centralized inspection system aims to bring more transparency to the ease of doing business. A special committee formed at the state level will aid the process of procuring land and converting it for industry use.

Exports and industry-specific special economic zones

With a contribution of over 22 percent to Indias net export share, Gujarat has begun setting up industry-specific SEZs that will encourage export-oriented manufacturing in key industries, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, jewelry, gems, and ceramics.

Preferential policy measures

With its 2020-25 Industrial Policy, the government of Gujarat has initiated progressive policies and incremental incentives that will aid the development of 15 thrust sectors, categorized into core sectors and sunrise sectors.

Core sectors: Electrical machinery and equipment, industrial machinery and equipment, auto and auto components, ceramics, technical textiles, agro and food processing, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, gems and jewelry and chemicals.

Sunrise sectors: electrical vehicles and their components, green energy projects, waste management projects, industry 4.0 manufacturing, and 100 percent-export-oriented units irrespective of sector.

Capital subsidy incentives (between 4% to 12% of fixed capital investment, depending on area or taluka category 1/2/3 and type of sector  general or thrust sector) will be provided to large industries setting up manufacturing operations in Gujarat while MSMEs can access incentives in the form of capital and interest subsidy on term loans based on the taluka category 1/2/3 (area category).

Incentives will also be available for start-ups, relocation from other countries, research and innovation, development of industrial infrastructure by private developers, etc.

Public-private partnership policy

The public-private-partnership (PPP) policy is a partnership between the enterprises in the state-supported and private sectors to efficiently utilize incoming foreign investment. A study by the Associated Chambers of Commerce (ASSOCHAM) stated that Gujarat accounts for 15.5 percent of the countrys total infrastructure projects in operation. (There are about 1,200 projects being carried out in the PPP mode in India in different segments of the infrastructure sector.)

The Blueprint for Infrastructure in Gujarat 2020 (BIG 2020) details plans for developing infrastructure in the state through PPP. The first objective states the need for inclusive economic growth. To accomplish this, 17 growth engines have been defined across the agricultural, services, and industry sectors that would enhance the economic and social welfare in the spheres of education, health, governance, and environment. The next step is to build the support infrastructure needed. Certain infrastructure sectors will be prioritized for development and investment.

Promotion of micro, small, and medium enterprises

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are invaluable in the industrial ecosystem, enabling the growth of upstream and downstream investments. The government has already initiated polices to facilitate the growth and diversification of the states MSME ecosystem. These include the implementation of the Gujarat Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Act of 2019 and the establishment of MSMEs in 11 districts.

For now, the goal of Gujarats MSME ecosystem is to be recognized at a global level by means of higher exports, superior capital management, global supply chain integration, and being able to access global markets. The end result should be foreigners choosing to invest directly into the states MSMEs. Market development assistance is one of the policies geared towards achieving this goal. Gujarats government will fully support the participation of domestic MSMEs and startups in exhibiting themselves internationally so that they may access global resources and tap into foreign markets.

The following table represents the types of exhibitions that can take place and the reasons MSMEs should be interested in participating in them.

Promotion of exports

Exports have contributed significantly to Gujarats economic expansion. As per the Gujarat Industrial Policy, 2020, the state government will continue to promote exports by facilitating the exporters and export-oriented units.

Promotion councils: The government will partner with national and state level export councils to continue seamless facilitation of exports.

Infrastructure: Exporters will be provided with exhibition cum convention centers where they will be able to display their products.

Global market access: Exhibitions are important platforms for companies, especially MSMEs, to network with global buyers and suppliers. This will further help high performing or qualified MSMEs to participate in international exhibitions as well as trade fairs.

Awareness and publicity: In partnership with the Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA), the government will organize an information dissemination mechanism that will conduct orientation workshops, allowing exporters to promote and explain their products. Trade guides and other informative documents will also be provided.

Grievance redressal: This will allow companies to effectively express their concerns regarding their exports and immediately expect answers in return. Under the Gujarat Industrial Policy, 2020  a robust grievance redressal mechanism will be set up under the export commissioner to address the concerns of enterprises and to ensure timely redressal of the same.

For more information and advice for foreign investors on doing business in India, please feel free to email us at india@dezshira.com.
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Photo Courtesy:ZoramthangaCM X page

Aizawl: At least 17 people are feared dead and several others injured after an under-construction bridge over the Kurung River, connecting Bairabi and Sairang, collapsed in Mizoram's Sairang area on Wednesday.

The incident occurred around 10 am when the workers were at the construction site, trying to fix segments of the bridge, East Mojo reported quoting police statement.

Police believe 35-40 workers are currently trapped under rubble.

Officials said 17 bodies have been recovered so far and the death toll might increase.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of live in the incident.

Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected.



An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the  PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 23, 2023

"Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected," PMO India wrote on X.

Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; atleast 17 workers died: Rescue under progress.



Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the pic.twitter.com/IbmjtHSPT7  Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) August 23, 2023

"An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured," the tweet said.

In a tweet, the West Bengal Chief Minister said some of the deceased were from Malda district in her state.

"I have instructed my chief secretary to coordinate with the Mizoram administration at once for rescue and assistance operations. The Malda district administration has been asked to reach out to the bereaved families to extend all possible help," she said.

Shocked to learn about the tragic collapse today of an under-construction railway bridge in Mizoram, leading to loss of lives of several site workers, including some belonging to our Malda district. Have instructed my chief secretary to coordinate with Mizoram administration at  Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 23, 2023

Banerjee promised due compensation to the next of kin of the affected families.

"Solidarity to the distressed, condolences to the families of the deceased. Situation under watch," Banerjee added.
PM Narendra Modi attends a bilateral meeting with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit at Johannesburg, in South Africa on August 23, 2023.

Indian PM Narendra Modi, who is currently in Johannesburg to attend 15th BRICS Summit, on Wednesday, met the country's president Cyril Ramaphosa who expressed full support for Indias G20 Presidency.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.

The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement: "Both leaders reviewed the progress made in bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved in various fields including defence, agriculture, trade and investment, health, conservation and people to people ties."

"Both sides also exchanged views on continued coordination in multilateral bodies and regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. President Ramaphosa expressed full support for Indias G20 presidency and appreciated Indias initiative for giving the African Union full membership of G-20. He conveyed that he looked forward to visiting New Delhi for the G-20 Summit," read the statement.

Prime Minister Modi accepted President Ramaphosa's invitation to pay a State Visit to South Africa at a mutually convenient date.


Image Credit : PMO

Johannesburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday suggested creating a BRICS Space Exploration Consortium to work in areas like space research, and weather monitoring while addressing the 15th BRICS Summit in South Africas biggest city Johannesburg.

PM Modi said, I would like to put forward some suggestions for further broadening our close cooperation. The first is cooperation in the field of space. We are already working on the BRICS satellite constellation.

Taking it a step further, we can consider creating a BRICS Space Exploration Consortium. Under this, we can work for global good in areas like space research, and weather monitoring.

My remarks at Plenary Session I of BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. https://t.co/JqJPCv045R  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2023

The BRICS countries can also work together for cooperation in education, skill development and technology, Modi said.

To make BRICS a future-ready organization, we have to make our societies future-ready. Technology will play an important role in this, he noted.

He said India has developed a Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) platform to provide education to the children of remote and rural areas, Atal tinkering labs, Bhashini, an AI-based language platform, is being used in India to remove language barriers, using technology to eliminate the bottlenecks education, skill development and technology.

Modi also mentioned the CoWIN platform developed by India for Covid-19 vaccination.

Public service delivery is being revolutionized through Digital Public Infrastructure i.e., India Stack, he added.

India has overcome many difficulties with unique solutions that have been developed and tested to prove effective despite the countrys diversity. Diversity is a great strength of India. The solution to any problem in India comes out at the test of this diversity. That's why these solutions can be easily implemented in any corner of the world.

In this context, India will be happy to share all these platforms developed in India with BRICS partners, he said.

Making his third suggestion, Modi said the BRICS countries can do skills mapping together to identify each other's strengths. Through this, we can complement each other in the journey of development.

Modi also pitched for cooperation between the member nations as many big cats of different species are found in all the five countries of BRICS.

Under the International Big Cat Alliance, we can make joint efforts for their protection, he said

The PM also suggested the creation of a repository of traditional medicines. My fifth suggestion is about traditional medicine. We all have ecosystems of traditional medicine in our countries, he said.

Modi said India heartily welcomes the special importance given to the countries of the Global South in BRICS, under the chairmanship of South Africa, adding that this is not only the expectation of the present time, but also the need.

India has given top priority to this topic under its G-20 presidency. Our effort is to move forward together with all the countries on the motto of One Earth, One Family, One Future. 125 countries participated in the Voice of Global South summit held in January this year, sharing their concerns and priorities, Modi said.

He said India has proposed the inclusion of the African Union in G-20 as a permanent member and hoped that the BRICS countries would support this proposal. We have also proposed to give permanent membership of G-20 to the African Union. I am sure all the BRICS partners are also together in the G20. And all will support our proposal. Giving special place to all these efforts in BRICS will increase the self-confidence of the countries of the Global South.

He underscored that India fully supports the expansion of the BRICS membership and welcomes moving forward with consensus on this.

In 2016, during India's chairmanship, we defined BRICS as Building Responsive, Inclusive, and Collective Solutions. After seven years, we can say that BRICS will be  Breaking barriers, Revitalizing economies, Inspiring Innovation, Creating opportunities, and Shaping the future. Together with all the BRICS partners, we will continue to contribute actively in making this new definition meaningful, he said, concluding his address.

Established in 2009, BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It is a major alliance of emerging economies on the global stage, serving as a platform for member countries to collaborate on economic, political, and developmental matters. With a focus on increasing influence and representation in international affairs, BRICS plays a crucial role in shaping discussions on issues such as sustainable development, financial stability, and multilateralism.

The group's annual summits provide an opportunity for leaders to exchange views, bolster diplomatic ties, and advance common interests, contributing to a multipolar world order.
Image: UNICEF/Rashad Wajahat Lateef

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, is calling on the international community to renew its commitment to the nearly one million Rohingya refugees who have fled persecution in Myanmar for neighbouring Bangladesh.

This week marks six years since over 700,000 mostly-Muslim Rohingya men, women, and children joined the hundreds of thousands of others already sheltering in Bangladesh, following a brutal crackdown by security forces in Myanmar.

As humanitarian conditions in the worlds largest refugee settlement worsen, however, the challenges surrounding this protracted crisis continue to increase.

Funds running out

Steep declines in funding are forcing humanitarian actors to focus on only the most critical of humanitarian needs, said UNHCR.

This  for the first time - has led to a reduction of food assistance, raising concerns over consequences such as rising rates of malnutrition, child labour, and gender-based violence.

In Bangladesh, funding shortfalls are already adversely affecting the wellbeing of nearly one million Rohingya refugees. Any further cuts to the Rohingya response will severely impact access to food, shelter materials, cooking fuels, sanitation facilities, and livelihood activities, said UNHCR in Bangladesh.

Sustainable return

A dignified and sustainable return to Myanmar remains the primary solution to the crisis, the refugee agency stressed. Many Rohingya refugees say they want to return to Myanmar but only when it is safe for them to do so voluntarily; and the international community must now renew its efforts to make that possible.

UNHCR is calling for access to education and vocational training for refugees. This will not only equip them for their eventual return to Myanmar, but also ensure their dignity, safety, and productivity while in Bangladesh.

While the UN remains ready to support a sustainable return of refugees, it is crucial that UNHCR and partners are provided unimpeded access to Rakhine State in Myanmar, so they can assist and monitor returns.

Until refugees can safely do so, they remain in camps off the coast of the Bay of Bengal, a region vulnerable to extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change.

As a result, UNHCR continues to prioritize a climate action strategy, advocating for weather-and fire-resistant shelter materials. The strategy can also save millions of dollars in maintenance and rebuilding costs.

Responsibility to act

With nearly one million Rohingya refugees within its borders, Bangladesh has demonstrated humanitarian commitments and a generosity that must be acknowledged through continued investment in both the refugee and host communities, the agency stressed.

International stakeholders will have a chance to boost support and commitments to the Rohingya at the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva in December.

As of mid-August, funding for the Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis totalled less than a third of its $876 million overall appeal.

The Rohingya response is facing a severe funding crisis, illustrated by two recent cuts in food assistance. There is an urgent need to invest in collective efforts to allow Rohingya to become self-reliant as they cannot, and do not wish to, remain dependent on humanitarian aid, said UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh Johannes van der Klaauw.
Photo Courtesy: Pixabay

Pakistani Christians demonstrated outside the country's High Commission in London recently against the violence in Jaranwala region when attackers set several churches on fire.

More than 100 Pakistani Christians living across England travelled to London to demand better protection for Christians back home and condemn the violence that took place in Jaranwala last week, reports Dawn News.

Apart from carrying Pakistani flags, the protesters were seen holding banners demanding the abolition of blasphemy laws and also placards saying Christian Lives Matter.

A delegation also met Pakistans high commissioner to share their concerns and demand action, Dawn News reported.

Rehana Noreen, a nurse trained at Aga Khan University Hospital in Pakistan, said she moved to the UK in 2006 and has since worked for the National Health Service.

I appeal to the UK government to allow British citizens to sponsor relatives so they can immigrate here. I am concerned for my family members back home, she told Dawn News.
Most Sikhs settled in Canada are not interested in buying anything from the shops opened by the Khalistanis, who are failing to find sufficient ground to push forward their separatist agenda.

The consulting editor of Khalsa Vox recently travelled to parts of the two prominent provinces of Canada, Ontario (ON) and British Columbia (BC), to get a feel of the so-called Khalistan movement that periodically finds space in the media reports from abroad. Requests to some managers of the Khalistan market in Toronto and Vancouver to grant an on camera audience turned futile.

In BCs Surrey, this correspondent contacted manager of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, Harjit Singh, to seek an audience with the members of the management of the Sikh temple once headed by late Hardeep Singh Nijjer, Indias designated terrorist.

There was no response to the request. In ONs Toronto City, a similar request was made  through a journalist friend  to Bhagat Singh, a son of Lakhbir Singh Rode (nephew of Jarnail Singh Bhinderanwale), chief of the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). Later the journalist conveyed what Bhagat Singh said: I will not talk to the Indian media. Efforts to feel and understand the Khalistani perspective thus failed.

In order to have feel of ground realities, this correspondent decided to meet a cross section of the Sikh Diaspora in parts of Canada.

In ONs Brampton City near Toronto, a very successful group of Punjabis engaged in the trucking business, employing over 100 young Sikh immigrants, viewed the Khalistan movement as a sheer waste of time. The three partners of the company were unanimous in saying: They (Khalistanis) have opened shops to collect money by misguiding people who do not have much work to do, adding Why dont they go to Punjab to fight it out where Khalistan is to be made.

In ONs Markham City, a retired Sikh Army man minced no words when he said that saare ujjad ikthe hoye ne (they all are illiterate people)dharm de naam te Gurdwarea vich baith ke siasat krr rahe ne (in the name of religion, sitting in Gurdwaras, they are playing politics).

A radio host in Toronto informed Khalsa Vox that the majority of the Sikhs in Canada do not like their (Khalistanis) activities but, as they are a small violent group, none wants to take a risk. There are divisions within the separatists, each accusing the other of being touts of Pakistan or the Indian agencies, the radio host disclosed. Such accusations linking Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) to Indian agencies are too common to hear. Pannun is the one who spearheads the Referendum 2020 voting exercise abroad.

In BCs Kelowna City, this correspondent hired taxis as many as 8-times in three days of stay.

All the drivers were young Punjabi Sikhs. During the short duration intra-city journey, none of the drivers expressed solidarity with the Khalistan movement.

These drivers originally hailed from villages falling in Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Faridkot, Gurdaspur, Ludhiana and Jalandhar districts. Only one seemed to be a fence sitter as he said, I am not inclined towards activities of Khalistanis per se, but the topic needed to be discussed at length to reach at a conclusion.

A granthi at a Gurdwara in Montreal expressed his dismay as the management had put up pictures of some of the slain terrorists in the langar hall in the basement of the Sikh temple.

He strongly opposed suffixing the word shaheed with the name of Deep Sidhu, founder of Waris Punjab De, who died in a road accident while travelling with his girl friend.

A group of high-earning Punjabi IT professionals working in Canadas capital city of Ottawa reacted very candidly when asked to give their views on Khalistan: Bhaji chhado, kehdia fizool gallan vich pe gaye hochalo glass chuko. (Brother, leave it. Why are you getting into a trash topicpick up your glass). Even after the evening get-to-gather, the young boys next morning did not exhibit any interest in the subject. Apparently, life for them was too good in a land of opportunities and they had no time for a non-issue.




The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) has declared a grant sum of $4,726,333 for the Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC) aimed at offering legal help to those of limited resources who faced the brunt of natural disasters in 2022.

Out of the nations organizations, ALSC is one of the 14 that have been identified for this grant award. Known as the leading financier for civil legal aid in the United States, LSC has received an additional $20 million through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. This act, approved by Congress, seeks to enhance the overall response to natural disasters.

After extreme weather incidents, those impacted often seek swift legal support to help with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and insurance claims. Additionally, they need guidance on landlord-tenant issues, obtaining unemployment advantages, and securing essential documents necessary for education and health benefits. The legal challenges arising from such disasters can persist for a long time. Situations involving FEMA disputes, insolvency, public accommodation, and domestic abuse instances can emerge. This makes those affected by disasters vulnerable to deceptive tactics and scams.

Ron Flagg, the LSC President, stated, Disaster response involves more than mere physical mending. Numerous Americans learn this annually when their homes or loved ones face these devastating occurrences. Legal assistance professionals are central in helping impoverished families access vital services and resources, setting them on a recovery journey.

The funds designated will be used by ALSC to form a joint disaster assistance resource center and a training system designed to support non-lawyer community justice workers (CJWs) in addressing twelve natural disaster episodes in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. These communities are catered to by ALSC, Montana Legal Services, Oklahoma Indian Legal Services, Anishinabe Legal Services, and DNA Peoples Legal Services. ALSC will be at the forefront of this grant, with other legal aid entities acting as secondary grant recipients. The susceptibility of Alaska Native and American Indian communities to calamities is accentuated due to their elevated poverty levels, food challenges, and inferior housing relative to the nations average. In 2022, twelve significant disasters were proclaimed in the remote areas covered by the partner entities.

This grant will enable the hiring of fourteen full-time personnel for the project and foster the creation of digital training modules and an online training platforms backing. The endeavor intends to offer immediate legal aid to impacted regions by establishing a cadre of local CJWs trained in disaster intervention.

Both Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Rep. Mary Sattler Peltola (D- AK, At-Large) conveyed their gratitude towards ALSC for procuring the grant and their central role in disaster assistance endeavors.

The aftermath of Typhoon Merbok inflicted significant damage on numerous communities, leaving many Alaskan families grappling with financial challenges, insurance claims, housing issues, and more. This grant from the Legal Services Corporation is a positive development for the survivors of Typhoon Merbok in Alaska. The funding will furnish them with legal aid as they continue to recover from the detrimental effects of the typhoon, stated Senator Murkowski.

This grant designed to aid Typhoon Merbok survivors is heartening news. Merbok caused extensive damage amounting to millions of dollars in a region where resources are scarce and communication with federal agencies can be sluggish. Several Alaskans are still grappling with navigating the FEMA application and appeals processes, and this funding for legal assistance will significantly impact their lives. Alaska rallied to support the communities affected by the storm, and it remains crucial that we continue to do so until the damage is rectified, Rep. Peltola said.
New research reveals that dams have inundated over a million acres of tribal lands, an expanse surpassing the size of Rhode Island. This adds to the long history of land confiscation and enforced relocation of Indigenous communities by settler col...
Having genuine friends by our side is always a reassuring blessing. These companions offer unwavering support, share our joys and sorrows, and remind us that we're not alone on life's journey. Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston is fortunate to have supportive friends.

In a recent interview, the former Friends star shared that her close friend Adam Sandler makes sure she feels cared for, especially during tough times.

Twitter

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Jennifer Aniston discussed her friendship with Sandler and their collaboration on the film "Murder Mystery" in 2019 (Aniston's production company, Echo Films, produced this year's "Murder Mystery 2").



Agencies

Aniston shared that Sandler and his wife, Jackie, have made it a tradition to send her flowers every Mother's Day after learning about her challenges with fertility.

The actors have maintained a strong bond for many decades, collaborating not only on the Murder Mystery film series but also on the 2011 romantic comedy "Just Go With It."

Aniston, who doesn't have children, shared in a 2022 interview with Allure about her past efforts to conceive several years ago.

Twitter

"I was trying to get pregnant. It was a challenging road for me, the baby-making road," she elaborated, noting that she underwent multiple rounds of in vitro fertilization, tried various "Chinese teas," and attempted a variety of methods in her quest to overcome infertility. Despite her efforts, none of these approaches proved successful.



"I wouldve given anything if someone had told me, Freeze your eggs. Do yourself a favor. You just dont think it. So here I am today. The ship has sailed," she added.

During the interview, the actor strongly criticized the speculation that her marriages to fellow actors Brad Pitt and Justin Theroux ended because she chose not to have children.

Instagram/JenniferAniston

"I just cared about my career. And God forbid a woman is successful and doesnt have a child," she said. "And the reason my husband left me, we broke up and ended our marriage, was that I wouldnt give him a kid. It was an absolute lie. I dont have anything to hide at this point."



These real friendships truly warm the heart. In a world often characterized by transient connections, these lasting bonds among public figures serve as inspiring reminders that authentic relationships, built on trust, mutual support, and genuine care, can indeed withstand the test of time.

(For more news and updates from the world of celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.)


As Chadrayaan-3's much-anticipated landing on the moon approaches, Indians await with bated breath.

The ISRO team is being cheered by India in numerous ways, with some holding prayers and viewing parties and others showing support in more creative ways, such as making miniature models of the satellite and sand art. But amidst this, Prakash Raj, a multilingual actor, has made an objectionable tweet on the Chandrayaan-3 landing.

This has landed Raj in trouble, with two complaints, including one to the governor, being lodged against him in Karnataka.

Police complaint lodged

On August 20, Prakash Raj had tweeted on X (formerly known as Twitter): "BREAKING NEWS:- First picture coming from the Moon by #VikramLander Wowww #justasking."

BREAKING NEWS:-

First picture coming from the Moon by #VikramLander Wowww #justasking pic.twitter.com/RNy7zmSp3G  Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) August 20, 2023

People did not take this tweet as a joke, with one commenting, "Are you so blind in your hate for Modiji that you are MOCKING the hard work of our ISRO scientists & made-in-India mission #Chandrayaan3 with Vikram lander named after Vikram Sarabhai, father of our space program?"

According to reports, while one S.B. Gayakwad, said to be a Sangh Parivar sympathiser, lodged a police complaint in Bagalkot district, one Pramod N from Shimoga sent an email complaint to the governor seeking action against the 'Singham' actor, stated reports.

Decades-old joke about a Malayali tea-seller

However, Prakash had later clarified that his intent was very different. Later, the 58-year-old actor also tweeted a clarification on the post that read, 'Hate sees only Hate.. i was referring to a joke of #Armstrong times .. celebrating our kerala Chaiwala .. which Chaiwala did the TROLLS see ?? .. if you dont get a joke then the joke is on you .. GROW UP #justasking'.

BREAKING NEWS:-

First picture coming from the Moon by #VikramLander Wowww #justasking pic.twitter.com/RNy7zmSp3G  Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) August 20, 2023

As it turns out, the tweet was a reference to a decades-old joke about how Neil Armstrong was greeted by a Malayali tea-seller when he first landed on the moon, hinting at the ubiquitous nature of Malayalis.

Vying to become the first country to reach Moon's south polar region

The Chandrayaan-3 mission is expected to attempt a soft landing on August 23 at 6.04 PM IST. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) developed the entire mission, serving as a follow-up to Chandrayaan-2, which could not meet its objectives.

ISRO

The space agency will attempt a soft-landing of the Chandrayaan-3 on Moon's south pole, a region considered particularly interesting due to potential water ice deposits.



ISRO

A successful soft landing on the Moon will make India the fourth country in the world to achieve the feat after the United States, Russia, and China. Besides, India will become the first country to reach Moon's south polar region.



For more on news, sports and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


India scripted history on Wednesday after the Vikram lander of the Chandrayaan-3 made a successful soft-landing on the south pole of the Moon, becoming the first country to do so.

And as over 1.3 billion Indians erupted in celebration, congratulatory messages also came from many countries worldwide.

Countries landed on the Moon surface:



United States

USSR

China

India



Countries have landed on Moon south pole:



 India



India Makes History, Out of 195 countries, only India has successfully landed on the Moon's south pole #Chandrayaan3 pic.twitter.com/pFCQWwY56n  Worldupdates ( Breaking ) (@itswpceo) August 23, 2023

Congratulations on being the fourth country

Curiously, most of them missed India's historic first and congratulated India for being the 4th country to successfully soft-land a spacecraft on the Moon.

"Congratulations ISRO on your successful Chandrayaan-3 lunar South Pole landing and congratulations to India on being the 4th country to successfully soft-land a spacecraft on the Moon. We're glad to be your partner on this mission", NASA Administrator Bill Nelson wrote in a post on X.

Congratulations @isro on your successful Chandrayaan-3 lunar South Pole landing! And congratulations to #India on being the 4th country to successfully soft-land a spacecraft on the Moon. Were glad to be your partner on this mission! https://t.co/UJArS7gsTv  Bill Nelson (@SenBillNelson) August 23, 2023

The European Space Agency (ESA) had a more generic message, which just read Congratulations to ISRO, Chandrayaan-3 team!

Incredible! Congratulations to @isro, #Chandrayaan_3, and to all the people of India!!



What a way to demonstrate new technologies AND achieve Indias first soft landing on another celestial body. Well done, I am thoroughly impressed.



And kudos once again to @esaoperations for https://t.co/GT3kyWHP6L  Josef Aschbacher (@AschbacherJosef) August 23, 2023

Russian state-affiliated media RT also gave it a miss.

"India's Chandrayaan-3 Lands On The Moon! The module has completed its Automatic Landing Sequence. India is now the fourth country to land on the Moon  after the US, Soviet Union, and China," RT's post read.

Indias Chandrayaan-3 Lands On The Moon!



The module has completed its Automatic Landing Sequence.



India is now the fourth country to land on the Moon  after the US, Soviet Union, and China.



Congratulations! Check out @RT_India_news pic.twitter.com/YBIKJmgtu3  RT (@RT_com) August 23, 2023

It should be noted that India and Russia were in a 'space race' of sorts recently until Moscow's first moon mission in 45 years, Luna 25, crashed on August 19.

The third country to have a successful moon landing is China, and Beijing's mouthpiece CGTN had the most muted headline reading "India's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft soft lands on the moon."

India's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft soft lands on the moonhttps://t.co/G2d5vLQRsI  CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) August 23, 2023

Not the first time

This is not the first time some countries, especially in the West, have demonstrated that they can't digest the space success of India.

In 2014, The New York Times had to apologise after the newspaper published an offensive cartoon mocking the success of India's first Mars Mission, implying that the other countries were part of an elite club and India was a misfit there.

India's historic moon mission

The Vikram lander landed near the Moon's South Pole after travelling about 3.84 lakh km for over 40 days.

The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft comprises a propulsion module (weighing 2,148 kg), a lander (1,723.89 kg) and a rover (26 kg).

Following the landing of the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission at 6:04 PM on Wednesday, ISRO Chief S Somnath said, "India is now on the Moon!"

For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
"Even if it doesn't rain for the next 2-3 years, we won't face a water crisis here," not many people in India can say this with confidence, but the residents of Lapodia village in Jaipur District, are pretty sure that they can.

That is because Lapodia has not experienced a drought, for more than three-and-a-half decades, even in extreme rain deficit years.

GVNML

How Lapodia became water surplus

And it is not luck that turned Lapodia, which gets just 300 mm of rainfall in a year, into a water surplus village.

It all began in 1977 when an 18-year-old Laxman Singh returned to his village from Jaipur to see that his people were living a life of abject poverty due to drought.

"There was an old pond in the village, but it had dried up some ten years ago, and no one in the village tried to or had the knowledge about how to revive it. So whatever little rain we were getting, the water used to flow into the river. This meant that there were only weeds on the field, and people were not able to grow anything," Singh told Indiatimes.

BCCL

Refusing to give up on his mission

After seeing the plight of his people, including their struggles to collect drinking water, by climbing down a common well, Singh decided to do something. He tried meeting with the people of the village to get them on board with the idea of reviving the village pond but failed.

Young and energetic, Sigh decided to take matters into his own hands, and with the help of a friend, who had come from Jaipur, he set out to dig up the pond.

"It was just the two of us, and as we were on our way, we got a couple more people. On the first day, we had seven people, which grew to 20-25 in the next few days. And by the time we had the next meeting, people had seen our work, and more of them were willing to join us. Someone also suggested that we form an organisation. That is how Gram Vikas Navyuvak Mandal Laporiya (GVNML) was founded," Singh said.

GVNML

Water changed lives in Lapodia

With the villagers' collective efforts, the pond spread across 1.5 km was revived, and in two months, when the monsoons came, it collected water for the first time in many years.



And what followed was a miraculous turnaround for the Lapodia village. Suddenly there was groundwater, drinking water, water for irrigation, and livestock.

This was an eye-opener for the villagers, who then created more and bigger ponds to collect rainwater.

GVNML

"We continued working towards building more ponds. We called them Dev Sagar and Phool Sagar. These were all done by the villagers, and every household had certain responsibilities assigned to them. Slowly our work started spreading to neighbouring villages as well," Singh said.

Chowka system

In the process, Singh also created what is now called the chowka system, which acts as an ecosystem of its own, with interconnected waterbodies and native plants.

GVNML

In the chowka system, water is collected in small sloping rectangular pits from where it flows to the next one, all the way to the pond, and in the process, makes the soil moist, recharges groundwater, and also enables the growth of native grasses and shrubs.

How chowka system works

"What the chowka system does is it prevents the rainwater from flowing away to the river by slowing down the water flow and thus allowing it to be absorbed by the soil. Once a chowka overflows, it will go to another and later to a smaller pond. From there, it will go to a larger pond. If the larger pond overflows, the water will go to the pond in the next village. All these waterbodies are interconnected," Singh explained.

GVNML

Water rebuilding lives in Lapodia

With their waterbodies regenerated, the agricultural fields of Lapodia also came back to life. People also started growing cattle, which helped improve their income.



"We brought Gir cows from Gujarat, and dairy farming was promoted. Gir produces 8-10 litres of milk in a day, and an average household started making about Rs 30,000  45,000 a month by selling milk and other milk products," Singh.

GVNML

Even when water was plentiful, Singh ensured it was not exploited or wasted by anyone in the village. For this, the farmers adopted less water-intensive crops and practised crop rotation.

Enough water to overcome drought years

The turnaround of Lapodia has been so remarkable that the village can store enough water to sustain them for a couple of years.

"Rains can be unpredictable. In some years, we will have good rains, and sometimes we don't get much. But since we are harvesting most of the rainwater in the connected system, it will remain there. Even after using the stored water for groundwater recharge, irrigation and other needs, we still have more water left in the ponds, which is carried over to the next year. So even if there is less rain the following year, we won't face water shortage," he said.

GVNML

Lapodia model

Today, the Lapodia model has been implemented in over a hundred villages in Rajasthan and has profoundly impacted local groundwater recharge and residents' income there.

Singh has also made it a mission to pass on his knowledge to the next generation so that they will take water conservation forward.

GVNML

"We named one of our ponds Ann Sagar, from where the water is used for irrigation to grow food. Another was called Phool Sagar, and the water from that is meant to raise the groundwater level. The water from the Dev Sagar pond is also only meant for groundwater recharge. The names are kept in such a way that even in the future, people should know which water is used for what purpose," he said.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
India's Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed on the moon's south pole. This achievement makes India the fourth country, after the US, China, and the former Soviet Union, to softly land on the moon. Before the historic lunar landing, celebrations and prayers took place across the country. The Chandrayaan-3 mission was launched from Sriharikota on July 14.

Live stream

The Vikram lander started descending toward the moon's surface at a speed of 1.68 km per second. It then slowed down and began a controlled vertical descent to land on the moon's surface.



In a moment that encapsulated both the scientific prowess and the cultural diversity of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), a group of accomplished female scientists, elegantly draped in traditional sarees, gathered to celebrate a monumental achievement.



Twitter

As the nation held its breath during the historic Chandrayaan mission, these brilliant minds were integral in steering India's spacecraft toward a gentle landing on the lunar surface.



Amid the intense atmosphere of anticipation and achievement, their attire symbolized a celebration of scientific success and a testament to the empowerment and unity that resonate through ISRO's endeavors.

As images of the saree-clad female scientists circulated across the internet, a wave of admiration and astonishment swept through online communities.

All the female scientists in ISRO are in saree bindi gajra  $U$H (@Drowned_inS) August 23, 2023

Where there is a saree, there is elegance, ISRO Scientist women wear a Saree with culture, tradition, and values.



Naari Shakti#Chandrayaan3 #Chandrayaan3Landing pic.twitter.com/EpaCWGZ67e  ADV. ASHUTOSH J. DUBEY  (@AdvAshutoshBJP) August 23, 2023

Sarees & gajras are the Tradition we flaunt with pride.

The Teachers in my school always adorned them.

The women scientists & staff at #ISRO reiterated that.

Never judge a book by a cover & people by their attire.

Humble people, proud moment!  skw (@4_Simplicity_) August 23, 2023

A big tight slap on people who said "Saree is regressive"



Proud of our ISRO scientist. pic.twitter.com/vvdZfA2Bcb  Vandana Gupta  (@im_vandy) August 23, 2023

The next time someone calls saree a regressive attire, ye picture muh pe phenk ke maarna unke#Chandrayaan3 pic.twitter.com/qnC6eeWccL  SwatKat (@swatic12) August 23, 2023

The saree, often steeped in tradition, was being hailed as more than just an outfit choice; it symbolized victory, empowerment, and progress.

In a world where labels and preconceived notions often cloud our perceptions, these scientists redefined the narrative surrounding the saree.

Unsplash

It was no longer seen merely as a relic of the past but rather as a vibrant emblem of modern achievement and emancipation.



This transformative perspective highlighted the depth of change that could be achieved when traditional elements intertwine seamlessly with contemporary accomplishments, inspiring individuals worldwide to embrace their heritage with pride while breaking free from outdated norms.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.


The immediate past Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has launched a group called Omoluabi Caucus within the fold of the All Progressives Congress in Osun state, and reassured of his commitment to the progressive ideals.

INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that the members of the caucus were drawn from each ward of the 332 wards in the state and were represented by five members each from each of the local government areas in the state.

Aregbesola made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday by his media adviser, Sola Fasure.

The former Minister inaugurated the caucus in his hometown of Ilesa, Osun State while re-affirming his commitment to the APC, adding that he and others in the caucus have no plans to dump the party.

The Omoluabi Tendency is a caucus within the All Progressives Congress (APC); actually one of the caucuses in the state. We are not a faction. We are the genuine foundation members of the party and we have no intention of abandoning the ship of the party as it navigates the most turbulent waters. We are no sprinters, but long-distance runners and we will still be standing when all the fair-weathers have gone.

A political party is actually an agglomeration of interests and tendencies. Reading well from the United States where we borrowed the Presidential System, we can see that the Republican Party is made up of big businesses, nationalists, religious right and others. The Democratic Party, on the other hand, is composed of welfarists, labour unions, ethnic and sexual minorities and others.

READ MORE: APC Elders Caucus Gives Condition To Accept Aregbesola

They are together in the party because their interests are broadly similar and they believe the party is the right vehicle for them to realize their goals. Sometimes they compete and clash, but for most part, they cooperate and form strong bond to give their party the victory in every election cycle. The party loses any time this bond is broken, Ogbeni Aregbesola stated.

Aregbesola further made it known in the statement that the launch of the Omoluabi Caucus was to renew their path in progressive politics as inherited from Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Bola Ige, amongst other progressives who epitomized the true meaning of Omoluabi.

He added that the party lost the last governorship election in Osun State because it deviated from such ethos. He however said they were back to return the party to winning ways.
Governor Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has posited that President Bola Ahmed Tinubus road construction project and other critical infrastructures will benefit the people more than palliatives.

Bello who made the remarks while inspecting work on the Abuja-Lokoja road with the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, said, By fixing roads across the country, we will alleviate poverty, which is preferable to giving out palliatives.

According to him, the Abuja-Lokoja road is vital to the peoples socio-economic lives because it connects the South-West, South-South and South-East region to the Federal Capital Territory and the Northern parts.

READ ALSO: We Are Sure President Tinubus Ministers Will Do Well  APC

He further lauuded Tinubu for appointing Umahi as Minister of Works, describing him as a field man who will deliver the Renewed Hope project.

He is not a media show man, he is a realistic man who works round the clock. He has done it as a governor in Ebonyi and he will do it again as a minister of works, he added.

He further urged civil servants to work with sincerity and commitment for the ex-Governor to deliver quality infrastructure to the country.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, disclosed he will focus on improving the security and sanitation in Abuja in the first six months of his tenure as Minister.

The former Rivers State Governor said this when he received a handover note from Olusade Adesola, the FCT permanent secretary, at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) headquarters in Abuja.

According to the Minister, he would work to ensure there are functional street lights in the nations capital as well as eradicate illegal motor parks across the city.

He furthered that his administration would not allow any ongoing projects to be abandoned in the FCT.

I dont do anything called abandoned project. Im not a party to an abandoned project. Any project that has no cash backing will not be awarded.

There must be money and I know that money has been provided for this project. And I dont do a project that will take me more than one year, Wike said.

READ ALSO: Five Electrocuted While Trying To Mount Billboard In Rivers

While asking members of the FCT administration staff to key into his leaderships goals, he urged any director who would not be able to cope with the task ahead to leave voluntarily.

I will make your blood pressure (BP) high. You wont sleep, because I will be calling you every time. So if you know you dont have the capacity, come and tell me now and I will post you to another place.

There is no going back on demolition. Illegality is illegality and that someone didnt take action before doesnt mean another will not take action today or tomorrow.

Keke NAPEP has taken over Maitama and Asokoro. How do you allow motorcycles, and even without helmets, in the city, we can have them at the satellite towns, he added.

While speaking, Olusade Adesola, FCDA permanent secretary, assured the minister of the members of staff support and loyalty.

Let me assure you of the unflinching loyalty and dedication of our workforce.

The men and women who tirelessly serve the FCDA are not merely employees; they are partners of our shared vision, ambassadors of progress and custodians of the dreams of our founding fathers, Adesola told Wike.
Nigerias former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has said that diplomatic interventions to restore constitutional order in Niger Republic will yield good result.

Abubakar disclosed this on Tuesday, after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Recall that on Saturday, the former head of state led a delegation which included Muhammad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, and Omar Touray, ECOWAS Commission President, to Niger Republic.

Following the meeting with ousted civilian President, Mohamed Bazoum, Abdulsalami had said he would brief Tinubu on the outcome of the discussion.

However, Abdulsalami who expressed hope that positive actions will follow suit in a chat with journalists after meeting with Tinubu at the State House, said the discussion with Nigers military junta had been very fruitful.

READ ALSO: Peter Obi Denies Coalition With Atiku, Kwankwaso Against APC

As you are aware, the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government have made me an envoy to Niger Republic and we were there over the weekend to see the military people and discussed to find a way out of the lacuna we find ourselves.

So, thats why Im here, together with the president of the ECOWAS commission, to give a report back to Mr President on our discussions in Niger.

I must say that our visit to Niger has been very fruitful and that it has opened an avenue to start talking and hopefully well get somewhere. he stated.

Abdulsalami said the coup leaders had also made their points which he has conveyed to the ECOWAS chairperson.

He will now consult with his colleagues and then the ding-dong starts and well get somewhere hopefully.

Hopefully, diplomacy will see the better of this. Nobody wants to go to war, it doesnt pay anybody, but then again, our leaders have said if all fails and I dont think all will fail, well get somewhere, well get out of this mess, he added.
Deeper Life Church general overseer, Pastor Williams Kumuyi has urged Nigerians to be at ease, noting that God will rebuild country through President Bola Tinubu.

Pastor Kumuyi stated this on Tuesday, while addressing newsmen ahead of the monthly Global Crusade of the Church scheduled for Osogbo on Thursday.

He said God has not forsaken the country and Nigerians will witness a new country through the President.

According to the cleric, President Tinubus cabinet members were carefully chosen, adding that Nigerians should cooperate with the new administration, God will make the country work through them.

READ MORE: 2023 Election: Vote Credible Leaders  Kumuyi Charges Nigerians

He said, Lets forget the past. This is a new day and I believe; we all believe that were going to see new things for our country through our President and through the members of the cabinet. Good things will happen.

If you look at the new ministers one by one, youll see the good things theyve done either as state governors of the past or as former ministers and I would say they have been carefully chosen. If we support and accept them and if we are not criticising their every step, we believe that God will walk through them and use them as instruments to build our nation.

God will perform a miracle in the heart of our leaders and their hearts will be towards the people and the wisdom to lead us and do everything that will benefit us as a country, the Lord himself will do it in their hearts.
Operatives of the Imo State Police Command, on Wednesday, arrested an Inspector of Police for assaulting a young man.

The incident which happened in Owerri, sparked reactions as many condemned the inhuman act meted out to the victim who is a motorist.

The States Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Barde, however ordered for the immediate arrest of the officer after several calls for his reprimand was recieved.

Henry Okoye, the spokesperson for the police in the State, relayed Berdes condemnation saying the officers conduct was unprofessional and unacceptable.

The attention of Imo State Police Command has been drawn to a viral video with a caption; Nigeria Police can Never be Your Friend Especially the Ones in Owerri, where a Police Inspector alleged to be serving in Imo State was seen forcefully removing the cap of a young man and slapping him several times on his face.

READ ALSO: With Tinubus Backing, 133m Nigeriansll Be Out Of Poverty  Humanitarian Minister, Betta Edu

The Commissioner of Police, Imo State, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde, psc(+), condemns this irritating act in totality as it highly contradicts the professional ethics and code of conduct of the Force. The Nigeria Police Force is a highly disciplined organisation and will never tolerate the misconduct of the officer seen in the video.

To this effect, the CP has mandated his monitoring team to investigate and identify the officer for necessary disciplinary action. More so, the victim is encouraged to call the PPRO Imo on 08148024755 or come to the Police Public Relations Department Owerri and make his complaint.

Meanwhile, a few hours later, the police spokesman announced that the erring cop had been identified and arrested.

Okoye who said the cop is currently undergoing an orderly room trial, confirmed that the irritating incident happened in Owerri. The recalcitrant Inspector has been identified; he is currently undergoing orderly room trial after which necessary disciplinary action will be taken against him.
Police operatives in Rivers State have announced the arrest of a Pastor (name undisclosed), over the electrocution of some people in the State.

Information Nigeria had reported how about nine men were electrocuted on Monday when a metal billboard they were mounting for the new-generation church came in contact with a high-tension cable.

The incident happened in the Rumuosi area of Obiri-Kwere in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State.

Five of them died on the spot while four were rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital for treatment.

The cleric is said to be the Assistant Pastor of the church and the victims are believed to be members of his church.

Grace Iringe-Koko, the States Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrest on Tuesday.

Yes, I can confirm that the assistant pastor of the Church has been arrested.

READ ALSO: Five Electrocuted While Trying To Mount Billboard In Rivers

He is in the custody of the China Police Division as we speak. An investigation is still ongoing, she said.

Also, officials of the Rivers State Signage and Advertising Agency (RSAA), on Tuesday, sealed the church.

Sealed also was the billboard stand which was still at the scene of electrocution along the Obiri-Kwere stretch of the East-West Road, as the two areas had been cordoned off with tapes.

Anthony Okeah, Managing Director of the RSAA, said no approval was given for the installation of the billboard.

He warned those engaging in such form of outdoor advertising without the agencys approval to desist forthwith, saying defaulters would be sanctioned.

If you must practise advertisement, you must go the right way. You must be certified and you must abide by the rules and regulations of the signage agency, he said.
Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has urged Nigerians to stop taking complaints against police officers to social media.

Egbetokun said this on Tuesday during a stakeholders meeting at the headquarters of the Police Command in Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to him, Nigerians should feel free to report their complaints against the operatives to the Commissioners of Police or any other senior officer that would ensure justice is served.

If you have any complaint against the police, dont go to social media. Go to the commissioners of police in the State.

Some of our men will misbehave, we cannot guarantee that all of them will behave well. Report to the CPs or any superior officer who will take it up and ensure justice is done.

There are a lot of falsehoods going on on social media. If you need clarification, go to the commissioners of police or police public relations officers (PPROs), he said.

READ ALSO: Medical Tourism Isnt Normal, Our Health Outcomes Should Be Improved  Health Minister, Ali Pate

Egbetokun who said his mission is to put in place professional, service-driven, rule-of-law-compliant, and people-friendly police officers maintained that he is desirous of having a police force that would be able to respond adequately to the dynamics of crime and criminality in society and ensure citizens sleep with their two eyes closed.

Modern policing is community-based, technology-driven, and intelligence-led. We are going to focus on community in all the states of the federation. But we are shifting to new policing strategies.

We are going to adopt community policing by taking cognisance of certain peculiarities of each community through collaboration with other security agencies and state-owned security outfits to fight and reduce crime, the acting IGP added.

He further called for the cooperation and support of all stakeholders to achieve results and rid society of crime.

The meeting was attended by representatives of traditional and religious leaders; the leadership of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), leaders of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), and Igbo and Hausa communities, among others in the State.
First Lady, Remi Tinubu has urged Nigerians to be patient with the administration of her husband, President Bola Tinubu, saying they mean well for the country.

The former lawmaker told Nigerians to look beyond the present situation in the country and see the bigger picture which has light at the end of the tunnel.

She stated this when she received Wives of Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police led by the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff and President, Defence and Police Wives Association, Mrs Oghogho Musa.

READ MORE: Government Cant Do Everything For You  Remi Tinubu Tells Nigerians

The First Lady said that the administration of President Tinubu is doing everything possible to ensure that it cushions the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, adding that Nigerians would begin to reap the fruits of the efforts when the gains of the policy begin to materialize.

She said, We will need your various Associations from time to time, at least to be able to reach out women in your various barracks, to reassure them that we mean well for this country, and that they should be patient and that whatever we can do to ameliorate what the subsidy has meted to us, we believe there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

It is a greater Nigeria we are looking out for and it is a legacy that our children and generations yet unborn, we would leave a Nigeria we can relate better as Nigerians and also look for the good of this nation and the wealth of this country can be greater enhanced.
A Magistrate Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, has sentenced a former lecturer, Peter Ekemezie, in the Department of Chemistry at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), to prison.

Ekemezie who was charged with three-count bordering on forgery and defamation, was given an option of N300,000 fine.

At the trial on Tuesday, Asigbo told the court that Ekemezie forged his signature when he refused to give him (Ekemezie) a witness statement but instead advised him to procure a subpoena.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has given go ahead to Nyesom Wike, the newly-inaugurated Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to deal with herders that are allowing cows graze in the city.

MACBANs President, Baba Ngelzarma, who gave the approval in a chat with The Whistler also raised concerns that the areas mapped out for the herders to graze their cows in the outskirts of Abuja have been taken over by farmers.

Recall that on Monday Wike threatened to restore FCTs masterplan.

While he raised concerns that grasses planted to beautify the FCT has been converted by herders to grazing fields, he posited that cows were not allowed inside the city but they could graze in Gwagwalada, Abaji, and neighboring areas of the city.

However, according to Ngelzarma, the MACBAN has equally set sanctions for pastoralists who breach Wikes orders.

Ngelzarma disclosed that the association had an agreement with the Federal Government to stop pastoralists from grazing or moving into the mapped-out city areas because it constitutes a nuisance.

We have an agreement with the federal government that from Area 1 to Area 11 in Garki, from Wuse Zone 1 to Zone 7, Maitama, and Asokoro within the central area, it is very embarrassing to see cows roaming the main city.

This we have done with the leadership of the association at the FCT levels, Area Council levels, and the immediate Fulani leadership grass root levels. We have called them and had series of engagements with them in the FCT to stop roaming the main cities with their cows.

So, whoever is allowed to be caught rearing his cattle in the main city is on his own, whoever is allowed to be caught, the law should take its cause, this is because we have severally discussed and drawn the attention of the pastoralist, Ngelzarma stated.

Meanwhile, he claimed that the grazing reserves in the citys outskirt which was mapped out for pastoralists have been illegally hijacked by farmers.

READ ALSO: Fixing Roads Better Than Palliatives  Kogi Gov., Bello

Hinting that it will likely result into clashes between farmers and herders, he said, Regarding the outskirt of the city, there will be a problem because we have grazing reserves in the FCT that are not being developed. Rather, they are being encroached on by farmers who are illegally living and claiming the grazing reserves to be theirs.

And once pastoralists decide to use the grazing reserves, this will create problems between them. The government needs to be serious about creating and developing these grazing reserves.

Ngelzarma further urged the FCT Minister to develop the mapped-out grazing reserves into ranches that suit the peculiarities of pastorals.

What we expect the minister to do for us is to develop all the grazing reserves on the outskirt of Abuja so that all the pastoralists leaving Abuja can settle there while measures will be taken to enable them to settle.

This will enable them to have enough green pastures without having to roam about. The minister should create a model for the settlement of pastoralists that other governors can emulate. What we have are grazing areas, those areas can be developed into community ranch and today, we have the concept of ranches that can be acceptable by communities because it suits their peculiarities.

We need the ministers to work with us closely so we can develop a settlement model. Also harnessing the livestock sector will help the government in revenue generation as well as security rather than seeing pastoralists as a security threat, he added.

Moreso, the MACBAN boss stated that he hopes Wike will replicate his records as former River Governor.

We are looking at him as somebody who can transform the livestock sector into a beneficial sector for the government and the pastoralist. This is because we see him as a bulldozer that intends and does what is necessary for development, Ngelzarma said.
Cambridge, UK, 23rd August, 2023: Technology developer TTP plc will launch its new subsidiary Gotonomi at the upcoming Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas. With the aim of seeding the market, Gotonomi will offer low size, weight and power satellite terminals for uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) as flight trial development kits to partners. The terminals will be compatible with Viasats Velaris global connectivity solution, and have been developed as part of the revolutionary Iris air traffic modernisation programme, led by the European Space Agency (ESA) and powered by Viasats ELERA satellite network.

Velaris provides secure communications for commercial UAVs to fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and seamlessly integrate with aircraft in commercial airspace. It allows operators to send their UAVs on long-distance flights and access various applications, such as real-time monitoring, to ensure safe integration with air traffic.

Once connected to the Velaris service, Gotonomi's terminals will offer an always-available 200kbps secure datalink between vehicles, remote operators and UAV Traffic Management (UTM) systems. Users can choose between three initial variants:

Velaris 200  satcom only, fully integrated antenna

Velaris Module  satcom only core module

Velaris Multi-link Module  satcom core module and LTE hybrid terminal with edge compute

With hybrid connectivity, users have the benefit of low latency, high-speed 4G communications backed by a resilient satellite connection almost anywhere on the planet - providing seamless connectivity through the intelligent routing of data.

Tristan Barkley, Head of Satellite and Space at TTP said We want Gotonomi to play a lead role in growing the ecosystem of resilient universal communications for autonomous vehicle safety, offering cutting edge products made possible by TTP know-how.

Anthony Spouncer, Viasats Senior Director of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) said Its exciting to see TTP launch Gotonomi to service the huge potential that this market has to offer. Backed by the engineering expertise of TTP, and using our highly resilient Velaris service, Gotonomi customers will have a unique combination of long-range communications capability onboard their UAVs.

Alongside satellite terminals, Gotonomi aims to play a key role in developing the market for safety products and services across a range of autonomous and remotely piloted vehicles on land, sea and air. For example, systems that will aid detect and avoid (DAA) - a key element for the safe operation of UAVs in commercial airspace.

To find out how to become a flight trial partner and for more information go to www.gotonomi.com. To learn more about the partnership with TTP, click here.

Well be exhibiting on booth 717 at Commercial UAV Expo, September 5-7th, 2023, Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, USA.


A surveillance video released by a lawyer for the family of Eddie Irizarry shows Officer Mark Dial approaching Irizarrys Toyota Corolla in the100 block of East Willard Street with his gun drawn and then shooting Irizarry through the window, in Kensington on Aug. 14. Read more

Officer Mark Dial, who shot and killed 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry in Kensington last week, will be fired for insubordination, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said Wednesday.

Dial, 27, will be suspended for 30 days with intent to dismiss after he refused to cooperate with the departments internal investigation into the shooting of Irizarry on Aug. 14, Outlaw announced at a news conference.

 READ MORE: New video shows Philadelphia Police officer shot Eddie Irizarry within seconds of getting out of patrol car

Outlaw said Dial, a five-year veteran of the force, had violated two department directives: refusal to obey orders from superior officers and failure to cooperate in a departmental investigation.

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Fortunato Perri, a lawyer who represents the Fraternal Order of Police, said in an emailed statement that Dial has the full support of the Fraternal Order of Police as we continue to review the facts and circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

Dials impending dismissal is the latest development in the shooting of Irizarry. His death has drawn mounting questions and widespread scrutiny from the community and Irizarrys family, particularly after the Police Departments shifting narrative and the release of security footage that shows Dial resorted to deadly force within seconds of encountering Irizarry.

Outlaw on Wednesday was careful to make clear that she was moving to fire Dial for administrative violations  not for any alleged wrongdoing involving the shooting. She said after reviewing footage of the shooting that she has questions about what happened, but that the departments Officer Involved Shooting Unit and District Attorneys Office continue to investigate.

The shooting investigation remains ongoing at this time, Outlaw said.

She declined to say whether she believes Dials actions were criminal.

Thats not my call, thats for the District Attorneys Office to make that determination Outlaw said. I do have questions and Im looking forward to the outcome of not only the administrative investigation but also the criminal investigation.

Protecting the integrity of those inquiries remains the priority, she said.

The DAs Office has declined to comment on the status of its investigation and has not publicly released body-worn camera footage of what happened.

How was Eddie Irizarry killed?

Dial shot Irizarry multiple times through his car window at near point-blank range, according to video released Tuesday by a lawyer for Irizarrys family. The video showed Dial fired his weapon just five seconds after getting out of his patrol car, and after his partner said he saw that Irizarry had a knife in the car.

Dial and his partner, who patrolled the 24th Police District, encountered Irizarry driving erratically in North Philadelphia about 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 14. The uniformed officers followed Irizarrys car south, until he pulled the wrong way onto the 100 block of East Willard Street.

Irizarry parallel parked, and the police cruiser then pulled up next to him. Dial and his partner stopped their cruiser in the middle of the street, then stepped out of the car, immediately drew their guns and pointed them at Irizarrys parked car.

Show us your hands! the officers yelled.

Hes got a f knife! one officer said.

Dial ran in front of the car, then over to the drivers side.

I will f shoot you! Dial yelled at Irizarry, who was seated in the drivers seat with his windows rolled up.

Almost immediately, Dial shot multiple times at close range through the drivers side window. He ran backward and fired again through the windshield, holding his gun with one hand.

Dial and his partner  whom police have not identified  then pulled Irizarry out of his car, and holding him by his arms and one of his legs, carried him to their police cruiser. He was rushed to Temple University Hospital, where he died a short time later, at 12:48 p.m.

Outlaw has declined to say whether Irizarry was holding a knife when he was shot. Police said they found a kitchen-style knife and a folded serrated blade inside his car. Irizarrys family said he used those for work, stripping wires and removing car parts as a mechanic.

Fired is not enough

The departments move to fire Dial brought little comfort to the Irizarry family on Wednesday.

Fired is not enough for my family, Zoraida Garcia, Irizarrys aunt, said in an interview. He needs to be in jail.

Mayor Jim Kenney joined Outlaw at the news conference Wednesday and spoke publicly for the first time about the shooting.

This is certainly a tragedy, and my heart breaks for the family and for the loss of Mr. Irizarry, he said.

The investigation will bring out whatever its going to bring out, and well move on from there, Kenney said.

The mayor said he believes the relationship between the police and community has improved under his administration, particularly since 2020.

I think we went through some really rocky times during the George Floyd murder in the civil unrest that followed, and then after Walter Wallace was killed, Kenney said. But I do think in general the community supports the police, the police are supportive of the community.

Certain circumstances like this do set us back, Kenney said, but I think were able to recover and move forward. And I think the next mayor will continue to make progress.

How did the PPDs false narrative originate?

Outlaw declined to share details about who provided a department spokesperson with the initial, inaccurate statement that Irizarry got out of his car with a knife and lunged at officers. She said only that the information came from an internal source, and declined to elaborate on who cleared the spokesperson to share that information with reporters at the scene that day.

After reviewing the body-worn camera footage, department officials saw that initial narrative was not true: Irizarry was seated in his car when he was shot, and never lunged at police with a knife.

Unfortunately, the information that was released has pretty dire consequences in establishing a framing narrative that, quite frankly, was not true, Outlaw said. I recognize the impact that has on the family, the community, the immediate area where that happened.

She said once the internal investigation into the false narrative is complete, someone will be held accountable. And, she said, less information will be shared with the media about shooting cases until details can be corroborated.
A witness to Jason Ford's shooting told police Birchett King admitted to shooting Ford over an argument about a car, according to court filings. Read more

A Folcroft man killed his uncle, investigators said, during an argument over repairs to a vehicle.

Birchett King, 25, was arrested late Monday and charged with first- and third-degree murder and related offenses.

There was no indication that he had hired a lawyer, and he was denied bail.

Police in Clifton Heights had been searching for King since Thursday, when he fled the scene of the shooting at ATP Motors on Baltimore Avenue, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest.

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Investigators were called to the auto-body shop for reports of a shooting and found James Ford, 39, shot multiple times, covered in blood, and lying on a grassy area nearby, the affidavit said. Ford was taken to Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A witness at the scene of the shooting told police he had received a call from King, who said he shot his uncle after the two argued over the cost of repairing a car, the affidavit said.

King did not have a permit to carry a concealed gun, according to investigators.

Surveillance footage from the shop showed Ford being chased by King down the street, toward the Lindbergh Bridge, the affidavit said. King was seen carrying a firearm, and then, a short time later, running back toward a car parked at the auto body shop.

King surrendered to police about 6 p.m. Monday, according to investigators.

 READ MORE: One man dead, 3 others injured in shooting at Upper Darby funeral luncheon

Meanwhile, police in Upper Darby are investigating a fatal shooting that took place during a crowded funeral luncheon for Ford about 45 minutes before King was taken into custody.

One person died at the scene and three others were wounded in the shooting on the 600 block of Long Lane, according to Upper Darby Police Superintendent Tim Bernhardt.

Surveillance video from surrounding businesses recorded at least one shooter getting out of a dark-colored Chevrolet Impala and firing into the storefront where the luncheon was being held.

Police did not identify the person who was killed. Another victim was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in critical condition, but is expected to survive, Bernhardt said. The two other victims suffered graze wounds.

A spokesperson for Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer declined to comment Tuesday on whether King was considered a suspect in the Upper Darby shooting, saying the case was still under investigation.

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Staff writer Robert Moran contributed to this article.
Thomas Jefferson University has picked a new medical school dean. Its flagship hospital, shown here, is in Center City. Read more

This weeks naming of Said A. Ibrahim as dean of Thomas Jefferson Universitys Sidney Kimmel Medical College means that in the last year Jefferson has put new executives in five top leadership positions.

Jeffersons 18 hospitals form the largest hospital footprint in the Philadelphia region. The not-for-profit health organization now has new leaders in all of its most prominent roles:

In the CEO suite, Joseph G. Cacchione succeeded Stephen K. Klasko last September. Baligh R. Yehia became president of Jefferson Health, which includes 18 hospitals and accounts for the vast majority of Jeffersons revenue, in January. Last month, Jefferson appointed board member Susan Aldridge interim university president. In another key move, John Mordach took over as chief financial officer in March. When he starts as medical school dean in December, Ibrahim will also serve as president of Jefferson University Physicians, a group of full-time faculty physicians.

Of the 25 senior executives listed on Jeffersons website two years ago, only five remain in top roles on the current roster of 20 leaders.

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Ibrahim will have relatively little direct responsibility for the business side of Jefferson, as it works to recover financially from the pandemic and streamline operations following a period of expansion that included the seven major acquisitions under Klasko. Those deals included four health systems, a small university, and a health insurer.

Thanks to acquisitions, Jeffersons revenue has soared to $9.7 billion in the year ended June 30, up from $2 billion in fiscal 2014, the last year before the expansion. The organization now employs more than 40,000 people. It announced a small number of layoffs this summer.

Ibrahim will join Jefferson from Northwell Health, a large New York system with $15.6 billion in revenue last year, where he is senior vice president of its medicine service line. Northwell, also a not-for-profit, owns 21 hospitals and employs more than 85,000 people, according to its website.

Jeffersons leadership structure

Jefferson has additional senior academic positions to fill on a permanent basis, including provost and university president, following the resignation of Mark Tykocinski this year, months after he caught criticism for liking certain tweets. Both positions report to Cacchione.

Jeffersons structure differs from other Philadelphia-area health systems. At the University of Pennsylvania Health System, for example, university president Liz Magill sits at the top of the organizational chart. Penns medical school dean, J. Larry Jameson, is also a university executive vice president who oversees the health system. Kevin Mahoney is CEO of the health system.

 READ MORE: Philly-area schools showcase diversity challenges in medical school leadership
About 12% of all permanent medical school deans, meaning deans who were officially appointed and not in interim roles, belonged to an underrepresented minority in 2022. Read more

At Philadelphia-area medical schools responsible for training one in six of the nations doctors, the top leadership often looks nothing like the diversity of their majority-minority city.

Thomas Jefferson University will soon be the only school with a top leader from a racial group underrepresented in medicine. Jefferson on Tuesday named Said A. Ibrahim, an internal medicine physician born in Somalia, as the first Black dean of its Sidney Kimmel Medical College. He starts on Dec. 1.

At the six other medical schools in the area  University of Pennsylvanias Perelman School of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Temple Universitys Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, and Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine  all the top deans identify as white. All but two are men.

 READ MORE: Thomas Jefferson University appoints doctor with a background in diversity efforts and local ties as new medical school dean

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At some medical schools, the only staffers from underrepresented racial groups in high leadership positions are the deans in charge of diversity, equity, and inclusion, The Inquirer found by reviewing websites and confirming the backgrounds of top officials with the institutions.

The leadership landscape in Philadelphia offers a snapshot of the diversity challenges facing schools across the country: About 12% of all permanent medical school deans, meaning deans who were officially appointed and not in interim roles, belonged to an underrepresented minority in 2022, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

Medical institutions have for years been trying to improve diversity. That endeavor may be even more complex following the Supreme Courts recent decision that universities can no longer consider application questions about students race.

All of the talk about diversity and inclusion at the end of the day, it really is about being able to look beyond yourself, said Abiona Berkeley, the interim senior associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.

Diversity at academic institutions can help provide students a more well-rounded education and cultural experience, studies show. At medical schools tasked with educating the next generation of doctors, diversity is increasingly considered mission-critical: Patients tend to respond better to treatment when they share a racial or ethnic background with their doctor, research has found.

For instance, one study of 1.8 million births between 1992 and 2015 found that Black infants cared for by Black physicians were more likely to survive than those cared for by white doctors.

A study interviewing 39 medical school admissions deans and directors found that even at schools with relatively diverse student bodies, students of color reported feeling dissatisfied with overwhelmingly white faculty.

You brought me here for what? one study participant reported hearing from students. Wheres the faculty, wheres the leadership?

Diversity challenges in Philadelphia

The AAMC defines underrepresented in medicine as any group that does not make up the same proportion of doctors as they do in the general population. That includes individuals who are Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native American, and Pacific Islander.

Asians and Asian Americans are typically not considered underrepresented because they account for a greater percentage of the physician workforce compared to their representation in the general population.

Medical school deans who spoke to The Inquirer said their schools are committed to improving diversity and pointed to progress:

Berkeley, the interim senior associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion at Temple, pointed to the medical schools first female head dean, Amy Goldberg, who was appointed last year. The medical school has worked hard to recruit faculty from wide-ranging backgrounds, considering factors beyond race and ethnicity underrepresented in medical leadership, including gender, sexual orientation, and also medical specialty, she said.

Annette Reboli, the top dean of Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, also noted the school has improved diversity by bringing on more women to the faculty.

The University of Pennsylvanias Perelman School of Medicine said that six of its 38-member extended leadership team come from underrepresented groups. The highest ranking is Eve J. Higginbotham, the vice dean of inclusion, diversity, and equity.

How to improve leadership diversity at medical schools

The solution isnt solely hiring more faculty and administrators from underrepresented communities.

As in much of society, implicit bias affects modern hiring practices for medical leadership, said Lauren Olsen, an assistant professor at Temple University and medical sociologist who studies inequality and diversity in medical education. Hiring leaders often rely on people who share similar social networks and favor those who have volunteered their time to the institution. This may give an upper hand to people who can afford to spend additional time on these duties.

Its not necessarily racism by design, Olsen said. Its like racism by default.

Other experts say qualified applicants are out there  schools just need to invest more in finding them and making sure they stay in academia.

For instance, schools could do more to mentor junior-level faculty members from underrepresented groups and encourage them to pursue leadership roles within the university, said Jasmine Weiss, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and founder of Black Med Connect, a platform for Black physicians and physicians-in-training.

Faculty members who dont see people who look like them in leadership roles may not even aspire to leadership positions, she said.

Nationally, white doctors make up 62% of medical school faculty, according to AAMC data. Asian doctors are second at 21% but tend to occupy more junior-level faculty positions, making up only 15% of full professors. Their white counterparts account for 74% of full professors.

Those statistics demonstrate how underrepresented groups can get squeezed out as they climb the academic career ladder, said Michelle Ko, an associate professor of health policy and management at UC Davis School of Medicine, whose research focuses on racism in health care and diversity in medical schools.

National accreditation organizations consider diversity when evaluating medical schools  and upping the specificity of the requirements could push institutions to move more quickly, she said.

You could change leadership makeup with intentionality, Ko said. But thats not happening, at least at the moment.

 READ MORE: New dean at Thomas Jefferson Universitys medical school continues revamp of top management
The notion of broadly screening seemingly healthy people has raised alarms among those who already lament the American medical systems penchant for overtesting and, often, overtreating patients based on test results. Read more

By summer 2021, Gilbert Milam Jr. was living a good life. A nationally renowned rapper who performs under the name Berner, Milam was also enjoying the global expansion of Cookies, a brand of cannabis products and clothing that he co-founded and was running as CEO.

But Milam was haunted by a family history of cancer, including his mothers death from stomach cancer at 54. So, at age 37, he told his physician in San Francisco that he wanted to take every precaution against being diagnosed too late to live a full life. As it happened, his doctor said there was a new test to try.

The blood test, Galleri, returned a DNA signal for colon cancer. After a colonoscopy confirmed it was stage 3, Milam underwent eight hours of surgery, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. Today, he said, he is cancer-free.

That test saved my life, and thats a fact, said Milam, speaking with KFF Health News from his tour bus in July.

Galleri, priced at $949, is the first of a wave of so-called multi-cancer early-detection (MCED) tests, which analyze DNA fragments in the blood for abnormalities associated with cancer. Grail, the Menlo Park-based biotech company that created Galleri, says it checks more than a million specific DNA sites for cancer signals and can identify more than 50 types of cancer, including cervical, colon, breast, and prostate. More than a dozen prospective rivals are developing their own cancer-screening products.

The medical community, however, has yet to come to a consensus on the value of MCED tests. The notion of broadly screening seemingly healthy people has raised alarms among those who already lament the American medical systems penchant for overtesting and, often, overtreating patients based on test results. Some note the controversy around prostate-specific antigen tests for prostate cancer as an example.

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A screening test has to be magnificent, mathematically, for it to be beneficial, said Jerome Hoffman, a professor emeritus at UCLAs Department of Medicine and a longtime critic of overtesting and overdiagnosis. The biggest threat on the horizon is overdiagnosis  finding things that dont matter but that we intervene on anyway.

 READ MORE: Proposed rule would make hospital prices even more transparent

Many experts say it isnt yet clear whether the tests do more harm than good  and having one already commercially available troubles them.

You interview a hundred people and tell them theres a test that could detect 20 or 30 or 50 cancers with a single blood sample, and a whole lot of them are going to say, I want that, said Philip Castle, cancer prevention director at the National Cancer Institute. But this is a brave new world. We dont know anything about these tests, truly.

Milams journey began in San Francisco when he was having blood drawn to check for covid-19 antibodies. He told his doctor, Jordan Shlain, about his fear of developing life-threatening cancer, and about his familys history with the disease.

Shlain, founder of the San Francisco-based concierge practice Private Medical, told Milam about Galleri.

Our practice had done a 12- to 18-month review of the science. We grilled the people at Grail, said Shlain. The short version is, new test, promising results, and we know that genetics and genomics have transformed the way cancer is treated. You have to be skeptical if youre a scientist, but this is also a tension between policymakers and primary care doctors. I take care of individuals, not populations.

 READ MORE: His anesthesia provider billed Medicare late. He got sent to collections for the $3,000 tab.

Shlain said he doesnt recommend the test for all patients; it would depend on their histories and risk factors. On the other hand, he said, You cant prevent cancer, but you can prevent it from killing you by catching it early. Thats just a truism.

Milam, who continues to both perform and run Cookies (the company has been the subject of recent lawsuits), has become an evangelist for the test. He has often discussed his experience with his more than 2 million Instagram followers, and he wonders why more doctors dont prescribe Galleri as they would standard screenings. Shlain said even some doctors in his practice are reluctant, despite Private Medicals deep dive into the research.

Grails path has not been smooth. The company was originally a spinoff of San Diego gene-sequencing pioneer Illumina, and after the firm raised venture funding and proved its technology, Illumina bought it back last year for $7.1 billion. But because Illumina dominates the market for the sequencers needed in MCED testing, the Federal Trade Commission has sued to unwind the deal on antitrust grounds.

Grail also acknowledged in June that about 400 of its customers were mistakenly told they might have cancer  not because of an error with the test, but because incorrect form letters were inadvertently sent out by a vendor.

 READ MORE: The hospital bills didnt find her, but a lawsuit did  plus interest

Josh Ofman, Grails president, said the company is lobbying Congress along with many constituent groups to authorize Medicare to cover the cost of MCED tests, which could unlock billions of federal dollars in potential revenue. Grail recommends annual screening, but its generally not covered by insurers.

Said Castle, speaking of MCED tests in general, I cant remember seeing anything [in laboratory tests] that compares with the potential market of this. This is the kind of money being thrown around that we usually reserve for pharma.

Grail used an exemption for laboratory-developed tests to begin marketing Galleri without FDA approval two years ago, a move that raised eyebrows in the medical community because that process is typically used for tests with no commercial value. Another MCED blood test, by Exact Sciences, is following the same path to market and is expected to be available soon.

Im going to guess that well see more and more of that because companies are eager to start selling, said Barnett Kramer, a former director of cancer prevention at the NCI and a member of the Lisa Schwartz Foundation for Truth in Medicine. But that sometimes comes before the actual proof of a benefit  and I think thats the case here.

Detailed studies on the net benefit of MCED tests could take 10 to 15 years, Castle said. The FDA doesnt have to wait for a large-scale federal study to be completed, but it could still be years before the agency approves any MCED test.

The aim of a longer, large-scale study is to better understand both the benefits and risks associated with early-cancer screening. Among other considerations: Many types of the disease lack treatments, and not all cancers grow significantly or ever become a problem. Skeptics of MCED tests worry about patients being diagnosed and treated  sometimes intrusively and with potential dangers  based on a finding that isnt a true threat.

Its not enough to say you find cancer, Castle said. The question is, can we find cancer and save lives? We also want to know about the harms associated with this  false negatives and false positives  and whether the test works equally well in all populations.

 READ MORE: Will the doctor see you now? The health systems changing landscape.

Ofman said Galleri has been the subject of multiple small-scale tests, including a study led by University of Oxford researchers that found a 76% positive predictive value  the probability that a patient with an abnormal test result actually has cancer. The study was supported by the United Kingdoms National Health Service, which has undertaken a randomized clinical trial of the test that will ultimately involve 140,000 adults. Early results are expected next year.

Currently, established tests screen for only a handful of cancers  and those generally identify cancer in its later stages, when less can be done to intervene. According to NCI research, 73% of people who die of cancer had cancers that werent detected by the standard tests in use.

You have more treatment options for cancers that are found early, sometimes including ones that are curative, Ofman said. And even with stage 3 or 4 cancers, treatments when the cancers are found asymptomatically get better outcomes.

But with more than 100,000 Galleri tests already sold, Kramer, with the Foundation for Truth in Medicine, is among those concerned that the marketing of the product is running ahead of evidence in its favor.

The weight of ethical burden shifts to the person who is trying to get the healthy person to take the test, Kramer said. The best-case scenario here is that the test might actually reduce the risk of dying from the second-most common cause of death in the adult population, and if it did that with a low risk of overdiagnosis, that would be a major win. But were a long way from being able to say that.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces journalism about health issues.
THE PARENTS: Jenny Osterweil, 34, and Leo Osterweil, 36, of Northeast Philadelphia

THE CHILD: Andre Santos, born Jan. 15, 2023

HIS NAME: When Jenny was at the hospital, a nurse asked about names. Max? they said. Or Miguel. Or maybe Andre. The nurse blurted, I love Andre!

The actual wedding, bumped because of the pandemic from October 2020 to the following year, was a blur. For Leo, the indelible moments came afterward: a ride home, Jenny still in her wedding dress, in the back of an Uber, followed by a Wawa run  they hadnt really eaten at the reception  for hoagies at 2 in the morning.

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Hed been skeptical about all the wedding pageantry  we can just go to City Hall, he protested during the months of planning  but afterward, he understood. It was a magical day that went by so quickly. I remember the feeling, though.

Jenny recalls walking in the rain through the parking lot, her arms sore from thrusting them overhead on the dance floor. We were feeling on cloud nine and saying, Yes, we did this. 

They met on Temple Universitys campus in 2009; Leos roommate had gone to high school with Jenny. Something flickered between them, enough that Leo added her on Facebook. She messaged first: Youre a Leo? Im a Leo! indicating her astrological sign.

They were opposites: Leo is 6-foot-3 and quiet; Jenny is small-framed and boisterous. She likes to have a five-year plan; he prefers to navigate life day by day. Shes first-generation Portuguese American, and her father initially pushed back against the idea of the pair living together before marriage.

Jenny herself was so nervous that first night in their Bustleton apartment  shed never even slept over at a cousins house, and she wanted everything to be perfect  that she threw up from stress.

In 2018, after a sushi dinner, Leo reached for Jennys hand as they walked into the apartment. Im going to ask you a question. Will you marry me?

Theyd already talked about children: a definite yes. Early in their courtship, theyd even found an app that morphed their faces into an image of what their hypothetical child would look like.

I was obsessed with babies, says Jenny, who is assistant director of a childcare center. That led me into the career of working with children. I feel very passionate and very confident in what I do.

When they saw a second line on a pregnancy test last spring, they worried that it might be a false positive prompted by Jennys recent COVID-19 vaccine. But after taking two more tests every day for a week, they were convinced.

After a moment of elation, Leo spiraled into self-doubt. Reality sunk in: Am I good enough? Am I going to be strong enough to raise a kid? For Jenny, the self-interrogation began when she started to show. She worried about being a good-enough mother, about whether there was enough room in their apartment, about whether it was safe to continue taking medication for anxiety (she stopped the drug, then resumed it after the birth).

A 10-day trip to Portugal  traveling with Jennys parents, meeting members of her extended family  helped quell their anxieties and fuse their partnership. That trip brought us together as a team, Leo says.

Her labor began six days early, on a Saturday morning, with contractions so fierce that Jenny screamed through each one. Her mother dropped off a traditional meal of pork and potatoes. Leo ran a bath.

I didnt want to do the breathing. I didnt really want to talk. I didnt want anyone talking to me, Jenny recalls. She was 4 cm dilated by the time they got to Jefferson Abington Hospital that afternoon. Andre was born at 10:06 a.m. the following day, weighing 6 pounds, 10 ounces  and though Leo and Jenny arent typically people who see kismet in numbers, it was hard to ignore that symmetry.

Leo had been planning not to look. But as Jenny pushed, I took little peeks, then I watched the whole birth and started crying. Andre was purplish, with a head squeezed from the birth canal. I was thinking: Is this normal? Is his head supposed to be shaped like this?

Jenny recalls feeling the baby crown, listening for his cry, noting his dimple. I was so scared of that moment, of giving birth, of going through that. I was proud of myself, proud of Leo. As I was pushing, the sun was rising. It was great.

She thought she was competent with infants; at work, she could easily toggle among four babies, diapering and feeding and soothing them. But Andre had a tongue-tie, tight neck muscles that required physical therapy, and severe acid reflux. He has a milk intolerance. There was blood in his stools. He was screaming when he would drink and when he would burp. Now hes on a formula that costs $260 for six cans. Those little things just added up. It was very stressful.

We love Andre, but it was tough because he was in so much pain and discomfort, Leo says.

Sometimes Jennys frustration  why wont Andre settle?  would erupt in impatience toward Leo. There were nights when no one slept. And they were trying to parent more equitably than the model Jenny had, growing up. I come from a family where the women do everything [at home], and men are the providers. But Leo is a great learner; he really listens.

In some ways, the two remain opposites: Jennys emotions span the arc from exuberance to despair; Leos more even-keeled. Its my job to balance her, he says. And she helps me be able to express my feelings more.

Andre has shifted the focus of their relationship. In lieu of spontaneous kisses or playful touches, theyre now scrubbing bottles, mixing formula, bathing the baby, changing his clothes. Were so preoccupied with being parents that sometimes we forget were married, that were also husband and wife, Leo says. It was just the two of us for so long. Sometimes we need to step back and just take care of each other.
Malcolm Talton stands in front of Mount Olivet Baptist Church and Parsonage on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023 in Haddonfield. Taltons cousin, the Rev. Anthony Talton, has served as church pastor for 19 years after he succeeded his grandfather. Read more

Having grown up in Haddonfield, Malcolm Talton has become accustomed to telling the little-known story of The Point, the segregated neighborhood where a small-but-vibrant Black community thrived for more than a century.

Now, Talton, 69, a retired Cape May County teacher, hopes to share the stories of Black residents through Preserving Black Haddonfield History Project, which aims to bridge racial gaps by educating the predominantly white South Jersey community about its past. Volunteers with the project are gathering first-person accounts, organizing walking tours and holding workshops.

Its surprising that many people outside of town didnt know there was a significant African American community in town, said C. Adrienne Rhodes, who grew up in Haddonfield and is the founder of the project.

On a muggy afternoon last week , several Haddonfield Memorial High School students interviewed Talton and the Rev. Gregory McMillan, who shared their stories about growing up there. The students were stunned by the racism and discrimination that both experienced.

I knew that happened in the South. I didnt know that was happening here in Haddonfield, said Phoebe Rynkar, 14, an incoming freshman. I would definitely say it was eye-opening. I learned a lot from [Talton].

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Senior Alexandra Gwaku, 17, president of the Black Student Union who conducted the interview with McMillan, said he shared information she will remember forever. Gwaku said she has not experienced racism, and Im grateful for that.

As a young man, McMillan said he was frequently stopped by police. Even today, he said, the sound of a police cruiser just sends chills through my body. He had another encounter with racism during the 1983-84 school year when he sought the lead character in the musical Pippin, the story of a young prince struggling with his future. McMillan said he wasnt selected for the role because the director wasnt comfortable with a Black male kissing a white girl.

I was taken aback, recalled McMillan, now 56.

Both men said they enjoyed happy childhoods growing up in The Point at the end of Potter and Ellis Streets along Lincoln and Douglass Avenues (believed to have been named for the abolitionist Frederick Douglass).

The close-knit neighborhood was mostly self-contained with two churches, a general store, a produce market, barbershop, little league fields and a segregated school for Black students. Everyone knew one another , looked out for one another and gathered for block parties and social gatherings.

It was wonderful growing up here, said Talton, who lived in Haddonfield until the late 90s. Mount Olivet Baptist Church, where his grandfather pastored, remains a mainstay in the neighborhood.

According to the history project, Black residents in 1950 comprised 2.2% of Haddonfields population of 10,495, about 200 people. They all lived in the area around The Point, and there were no white residents recorded living there.

Today, only a few of the properties in the tree-lined neighborhood are owned by Black residents . Historians say the Black population declined as a result of high property taxes and a social climate that forced them to relocate. Haddonfields population is about 1.2% Black these days, making it one of the whitest communities in the area.

Settled in the late 1600s by Quakers, Haddonfield later became home to former enslaved people, many freed by Quaker abolitionists. They were joined by residents who migrated from the South and formed a community in Haddonfield and nearby towns.

Rhodes, who graduated from Haddonfield High in 1978, decided to launch the four-part history project to capture narratives and improve diversity, equity and inclusion in the schools. She is a fourth-generation descendant of enslaved people who were amongthe early settlers of nearby Lawnside, a stop on the Underground Railroad..

She launched the project last year with help from alumni, educators, the Historical Society and the Haddonfield Anti-Racist Coalition. She especially wanted to include students to make the project intergenerational. Several teachers joined and encouraged students to get involved. Students created a Black History Club, too.

I was unaware of the history. I think it should be part of the education, said sophomore Tommy Grookett, 15.

Black students began attending Haddonfield High in 1910, while the lower grades remained segregated until 1948. Today, the high school enrolls about 900 students, 88% white, 3.5% Asian, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.4% Black.

Rhodes believes the history project will help bridge racial and generational divides at a time when Haddonfield has experienced a series of racial incidents in its schools and around the borough.

When people are better informed, they commit less harmful acts, said Rhodes.

In the first phase of the project, an AP English class interviewed people like Doris Brown Butler, residents between 70 and 100, who shared their experiences and some painful memories from their past. A lifelong resident born in 1930, Butler recalled shopping and attending school with white students for the first time.

A lot of the stores on Kings Highway, you could go in them but you couldnt try on anything. At first you go in there and you find that you cant try it on, it makes you angry. But then after a while you realize, well, you just dont go in there.

The narratives have been well-received by some residents like Michael Donnelly, 76, who wrote to Rhodes:

... I had no contact with Black people until I was a young adult. I always appreciated the Douglas Avenue neighborhood. I wish my son had more contact with Black people in school. In some ways, I failed him. I am very glad to see this project in the high school.

Rhodes said her group plans to use the interviews to produce more anthologies and a docuseries. A walking tour that debuted earlier this year to commemorate Juneteenth will officially launch on Sept. 23. Plans also call for later installing historical markers at 12 sites on the tour.

McMillan, pastor of the Bridge Church NJ in Hamilton Square in Mercer County, said his childhood experiences motivated him to go to college because his guidance counselor tried to discourage him, saying he wouldnt get accepted. He selected a career to serve people and moved back to Haddonfield in 2014 with his wife and four children.

Talton wants to see his hometown embrace its past.

When I tell people Im from Haddonfield, they dont believe it because they dont believe there are any Blacks in Haddonfield, he said. The good thing about this project is that it will educate people.

For more information about the Preserving Black Haddonfield History Project, call 917-497-8874.
VENTNOR, N.J.  A Ventnor code enforcement officer was arrested Tuesday and charged with taking $91,199 in cash transactions for permit fees from businesses and residents and keeping the money for herself, the county prosecutors office said.

She then fixed the balance sheets to cover up the discrepancies, prosecutors said.

The Atlantic County prosecutor said in a news release that Michelle Calderon, 37, of Egg Harbor Township, was charged with a pattern of official misconduct, official misconduct, altering computer software to commit theft, and misapplication of entrusted property. All were second-degree offenses.

In an affidavit of probable cause obtained by The Inquirer, law enforcement officials say the offenses were recorded on surveillance camera. The cash payments were embezzled from payments for building, housing, parking, zoning, fooding and dumpster permits, the affidavit said.

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Calderon was observed on surveillance footage bringing documentation from the building and housing department to the finance office at the end of her shifts, the affidavit said.

After comparing the paper copy of the Excel sheets and the original Excel computer copy it shows that the cash revenue was removed from the paper copy, the affidavit said.

Calderon could not be reached for comment. She has a hearing scheduled for Sept. 18 before Superior Court Judge Pamela DArcy in Atlantic County.

The release said the investigation began when city officials observed a discrepancy within its financial ledgers, leading to a one-day shutdown of the code enforcement office in June.

Prosecutors alleged that between 2021 and 2023, Calderon took cash transactions intended as payments for various city permits and kept the cash for herself.

She would then alter the balance sheets using a city-owned computer to cover up the discrepancies, the release said. The total amount of cash, the release said, exceeds $75,000.

The investigation was conducted jointly by the county prosecutors office of Professional Standards & Accountability Unit and the Ventnor City Police Department.

Mayor Lance Landgraf did not immediately return a request for comment.
Josh Glenn, 35, a beloved community organizer and youth justice advocate, died unexpectedly Aug. 12. The cause of death was not disclosed.

As a person, hes completely irreplaceable, said Kendra Van de Water, the executive director and co-founder of YEAH Philly, a nonprofit working with youth who have been impacted by violence, which Mr. Glenn joined this summer.

Its a loss for the whole community.

I watched him show up and interact and actually stand for people who were for the most part voiceless. Damone B. Jones, Sr.

When Mr. Glenn was 16, he was arrested on assault charges and spent 18 months in jail awaiting trial because he couldnt afford bail. Mr. Glenn always denied that he committed the crime, and the charges were eventually dropped. Though Mr. Glenn was freed, the ordeal showed him the indignities and injustices of the criminal justice system, especially when it came to youth defendants. He was determined to make sure that other young people avoided the same experience.

He always said that Im tired of having meetings. Why cant we just do? Why cant we just help people? There are people right now who need help, Van de Water said.

Mr. Glenn met Sarah Morris while he was still incarcerated, at a weekly poetry workshop inside of the jail. They and other formerly incarcerated juveniles founded the Youth Art & Self-empowerment Project (YASP) in 2006, a nonprofit organization working to end youth incarceration. YASPs programming is led by youth, and includes restorative justice work, policy campaigning, and working with other youth inside and outside of Philly jails on art projects to encourage self-expression.

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Mr. Glenn bonded with and cared for the youth he met, and believed that every kid deserved to be listened to and supported.

He wanted to dedicate his life to changing the city, to fighting for justice, to creating a world where all young people have the things they need and dont have to experience the kind of injustice that he [did], Morris said.

Mr. Glenns zealous advocacy for young people and against mass incarceration was not limited to YASPs direct work with impacted youth. He spoke to high school and college classes as well as City Council about his story, and helped push for the end of cash bail in Philadelphia and the creation of the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund.

He used writing and poetry to share his visions for a more just world and to inspire others to imagine the same.

He was an amazing leader, but he led in a way that didnt take over the mic and take up space, but instead helped other community members around him see how they themselves can be leaders, too, said Mark Standquist, who worked with Mr. Glenn in the Reentry Think Tank, which connects people returning from prison with artists and advocates to change public perceptions about and better support reentering individuals.

As the Youth Campaign Director with YEAH Philly, Mr. Glenn was working on training for young people so they could become organizers in and around the justice system. During the training, they would be paid over three months, and would learn about the inner workings of city government and how to take care of themselves as organizers.

He was so excited about it, Van de Water said. He cared so much about this work.

Even though Devren Washington, the organizing director with the Peoples Tech Project, was about the same age as Mr. Glenn, Washington couldnt help but admire him as they worked together on the community bail fund and most recently on the YEAH Philly training.

Part of me always looked up to him as someone who was a grounded organizer in Philly, from Philly, who had real connections to not just the work, but the communities that are most impacted by the issues that are going on, he said.

I watched him show up and interact and actually stand for people who were for the most part voiceless, said Damone B. Jones Sr., senior pastor at Bible Way Baptist Church, who met Mr. Glenn years ago as a fellow advocate for incarcerated youth.

Ive watched him engage at a level where the people that he was supporting sometimes [didnt] know the questions that they need to ask. And Josh would stand in that gap.

Jones founded his own mentoring organization, The BrothaHood Foundation, and has decades of experience working with kids who have fallen into trouble. Even still, he leaned on Mr. Glenn when it came to his own child.

When Jones son got into trouble, Mr. Glenn supported them both. Now, Jones will deliver Mr. Glenns eulogy on Thursday.

Its different when its your child and Josh was there not only to help me through it, but he also mentored my son. So I will always be indebted to [him and] the sacrifices he made to do that, he said.

We need more people like Josh.

I always experienced him as a a very loving family man. Devren Washington

As much as Mr. Glenn was known as a committed advocate and organizer, those who knew him said that he loved his wife, Danita, and children just as fiercely, and was not shy about sharing it.

I always experienced him as a very loving family man. Who loved all of his children and was really proud of [them] and of his family and his wife, Washington said.

Oh my gosh, thats all he talked about. He loved his wife and kids, Van de Water said. They were so important to him.

Survivors include his wife and their six children.

Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 24, at Monumental Baptist Church on 4948 Locust St. A viewing will begin at 9 a.m., with a service to follow at 10 a.m. People may also donate to the GoFundMe campaign that Mr. Glenns friends have started (which has been verified by GoFundMe) which will benefit Mr. Glenns wife, Danita, and their six children.
Ms. Newman poured her imagination and private musings into many of her pieces. Read more

Libby Newman, 100, of Philadelphia, celebrated artist, popular curator, energetic arts activist, and mentor, died Tuesday, Aug. 8, of frailty syndrome at her home.

A prolific creator of more than 1,000 pieces in textiles, paints, woodcuts, and other material, Ms. Newmans work resides permanently in more than 30 museums and libraries around the world. Her art can be seen in galleries, schools, theaters, businesses, public places, and homes around the United States and across Europe, South America, China, Africa, Japan, and the Middle East.

She showed locally at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, University City Science Center, Brandywine Workshop and Archives, and many other venues. She had lived since 1991 in the very shadow of the Art Museum.

Ms. Newman championed the infusion of art into all facets of society and told The Inquirer in 2001: If you could make people more inquisitive and enrich their lives, then I feel as if you did a noble thing.

Much of her abstract work focuses on interpretations of environment, nature, tranquility, and imagination. She was influenced by the rural Delaware countryside of her youth and said in a 2001 artists statement: I learned early in my life to reach inward and to reflect on the beauty of nature around me. In this sense my work is autobiographical, expressing references to my past and present environments.

She was inspired by the ocean, trees, and rain. She watched lightning flash and leaves fall, and recreated those experiences in her work.

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She used explosive color early in her career and became more subtle as she aged. She held her last show when she was 94.

Hers is a universe of showery light and color, Inquirer art critic Victoria Donohoe said in 1988. Her vaporous, lyrical, abstract works are fresh and free, with a curious, instinctive sense of composition and color.

Ms. Newman was founding director and curator at the University City Science Centers innovative Esther Klein Gallery from 1976 until her retirement in 2001. She designed the gallery to explore the relationship between art and science, and more than 9,000 students passed through her educational arts programs.

She mentored countless diverse young artists and, as a national leader of the Artists Equity Association, testified before Congress in the 1970s about the rights of artists regarding taxation on sales and other issues. She served as a visual arts panelist for the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts in the 1970s and was cocurator of the outdoor sculpture exhibitions at the governors mansion during Gov. Dick Thornburghs eight-year term in the 1980s.

Art requires a great deal of concentration, tranquility, and love. Libby Newman

She earned citations for achievement from Mayors John F. Street and Ed Rendell, and was named a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania in 1992. She received the Percy Owens Award from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 1995, and the Stella Drabkin Memorial Award from the Philadelphia Art Alliance.

She gained an internship in the 1980s at Brandywine Workshop and Archives and later established the Libby Newman Fellowship for aspiring artists. I believe in giving back to the art community that has always been so generous to me, she said on the BWA website.

She even judged Mummers parades in the 1980s. She was everybodys best friend, said her daughter, Andrea Newman Orsher. She was always asking questions. She was caring and loving. She had a good soul.

Lillian Goldberg was born Nov. 17, 1922. She grew up during tough times in rural Rockland, Del., hard by the Brandywine River, and never forgot the struggles she overcame as a girl. She danced and studied piano, and became certified in dental hygiene at the University of Pennsylvania after high school.

Later, she focused full time on her art and earned a bachelors degree in printmaking from the Philadelphia College of Art, now University of the Arts, in 1980. She married dentist Samuel Newman in 1945, had son Don and daughter Andrea, and set up a studio in Merion. Her husband died in 1985.

She married Herman Feldman in 1986, and their families became as one. She was a mother to his three sons and later a grandmother to his seven grandchildren.

Her second husband died in 2015. She was the most caring individual I know, said her son-in-law Rob Orsher.

Ms. Newman went often to the symphony and opera, and enjoyed weekends down the Shore in Longport. She designed and created many of her own clothes when she was young and later joined book clubs and wine clubs.

She explored many avenues of art and changed styles every few years, said her son Don. She taught me so much and made things fun.

In a short 1995 autobiography, Ms. Newman said: All in all, I have had an unusual life, full and rewarding with an incredible family and many caring and loving friends. I am very grateful for everything, even the toilets and running water.

In addition to her children, Ms. Newman is survived by a grandson, two great-grandchildren, a sister, and other relatives. A granddaughter and sister died earlier.

Services were held Friday, Aug. 11.

Donations in her name may be made to the Libby Newman Legacy Residency Award Fund, Philadelphia Foundation, P.O. Box 826728, Philadelphia, Pa. 19182.
President Joe Biden (left) walks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of a working session on Ukraine during the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, in May. Bidens reluctance to expedite the delivery of needed weapons systems to Ukraine is inexplicable, writes Trudy Rubin. Read more

On my recent trip to Ukraine, I met with a friend who is now a commander on the front line, someone I highly respect and have known since before Russia invaded last year. He posed a question I think Americans should ponder.

Why dont Americans have optimism about Ukraine? he asked me in a darkened restaurant in a frontline city. Americans fought for independence against the most powerful empire at that time, the British, who had the worlds best military. Many of the American fighters were farmers. Yet you won. So why dont you believe in our fight?

Of course, many Americans do support Ukraine. But too many fail to understand that Ukraine is battling a dictator, Vladimir Putin, who longs to restore the Russian empire.

Putin has declared that Ukraine has no right to exist as a sovereign nation. He already claims to have annexed four Ukrainian provinces, giving him control of the countrys seacoast.

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 READ MORE: Ordinary men, extraordinary heroes: Inside Ukraine's 74th Battalion | Trudy Rubin

Ukraine is not, as many critics would have it, fighting NATOs war on behalf of Washington. It is fighting its own war of independence. And contrary to the claims of many MAGA Americans and even some progressives, this struggle is important to the United States.

Of course, there are considerable historical differences between our war for independence and Ukraines fight for survival.

Russia has a massive superiority in murderous weaponry that was unimaginable in the 18th century, including nukes. (Kyiv gave away its nuclear weapons to Russia in 1994 in return for the Kremlins promise to respect its sovereignty.)

However, Moscows brutish strengths underline the David vs. Goliath nature of the struggle, not unlike the unbelievable chutzpah it took for Americas ragtag patriots to take on the Brits.

Moreover, just as colonial American patriots were a different breed from the Brits, despite a shared history, most Ukrainians are very different from Russians.

Those differences have enabled the Ukrainians to advance as far as they have.

Russians are mostly fighting because they have to or for money. Ukrainians are fighting for their countrys freedom from imperial domination.

In Russia, all major decisions must be approved at the top, discouraging military initiative. Russias fight depends heavily on ethnic minority draftees and convicts.

Moscow is indifferent to its own casualties, using a meat grinder approach that dispatches tens of thousands of Russian troops to certain death. As for the Russian public, most of it blindly follows the Kremlin.

Ukraine, on the other hand, has mostly encouraged initiative on the front and fighters have often seized it. I was told repeatedly by frontline soldiers that they believe their fight is existential. They have no doubts about what horrors they will face if Putin is able to destroy their state.

Unlike the passive Russians, Ukrainian civilians are deeply engaged in the war, volunteering at every level  from delivering food to old folks in half-destroyed villages to raising funds that purchase drones for the military units.

And Ukrainian techies, along with IT specialists who serve at the front, are spending their spare time  and often their own money  to develop new technologies and new weapons to offset their numerical disadvantages.

Their innovative sea drones, for example, have become key to the fight.

Ukrainians are from Europe, part of the democratic orbit that the United States is still (albeit limpingly) leading. Putins Russia is from the orbit of China, North Korea, and Iran.

This brings us to why Ukraines independence war should be embraced by Americans for strategic as well as moral reasons.

Ukrainians are fighting for us as well as for themselves.

As one soldier told me near Zaporizhzhia, We are the boundary between Europe and Russia. He meant the boundary between the democratic West and the authoritarian East.

Putin has failed miserably to develop his own country and has allowed it to fall into despotism dependent on selling discounted energy supplies to big brother China. To compensate, he is trying to change the rules of war and peace that have prevented another world war since 1945.

And China will learn lessons from how well the Russian leader fares.

Will Putin be allowed to dominate and destroy a sovereign, democratic nation? Will he be allowed to take military control of international Black Sea waters even though he has no legal right to do so? Will he be allowed to commit the most heinous war crimes with no repercussions?

 READ MORE: As Russian missiles again rain down on Odesa, Putin sneers at the U.N. and NATO allies | Trudy Rubin

If the answer is yes, we are in a new era, an era in which Putin feels free to further disrupt Europe and the U.S. His variant of extreme populist nationalism is gaining traction across the world  including in America, among MAGA Republicans and evangelicals. And, of course, he is admired by Donald Trump.

So when my Ukrainian friend asks, Why dont you believe in our fight? my reply is that we ignore Kyivs struggle because we misread history and fail to foresee the future.

President Joe Bidens reluctance to expedite the delivery of weapons systems such as ATACMS long-range missiles and F-16s (which are still being slow-walked) becomes even more inexplicable.

So does the growing, unsourced criticism of Ukraines slow counteroffensive by U.S. officials, which never mentions that the pace has been stalled by U.S. reticence in providing key weapons systems.

We should support Ukraines victory not just because there are historical parallels between their struggle for freedom and our own. We should support them because the parallels continue today: Kyiv is fighting authoritarianism now, so we dont have to further down the line.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie leaves a town hall in Manchester, N.H., after the launch of his bid for the 2024 Republican nomination for president in June. Read more

Chris Christie has been teasing his debate skills since he launched his presidential campaign.

You want me on that debate stage, he told voters in New Hampshire as he announced his second presidential bid there in June.

Hes repeatedly previewed on cable news shows and the campaign trail the kind of tough-talking former prosecutor jabs he says are needed to take down former President Donald Trump. Now hell have a chance to make his case on a nationally televised debate stage.

But Trump wont be on it.

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Trump, the front-runner for the Republican nomination, said this week that he will skip the debates. Instead, he had a sit-down interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson thats slated to run online during the GOP debate.

The first Republican debate will run two hours, starting at 9 p.m. Wednesday. Its being broadcast live from Milwaukee and moderated by Fox News Channel hosts Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum. Its unclear where the Trump interview will be posted; Carlson has been releasing interviews on Twitter since he was fired from Fox News earlier this year.

Christie, a former New Jersey governor whose popularity hovers about 2% in most national polls and in the high single digits in New Hampshire, will need to figure out how to make his case with Trump in absentia. He has largely had the anti-Trump lane to himself, an area hes trying to capitalize on despite backing Trump up until the former president falsely claimed he won the 2020 election.

The other candidates expected on stage are Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former Vice President Mike Pence, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. They largely fall into two groups when it comes to Trump: Christie and Hutchinson, who have been the most critical of him; and everyone else, who has been a mix of outright defensive or more mildly reproving.

Christie is a strong debater hoping to make a splash in a crowded field where no one has gained much traction. But hell need to do more than deliver some sound bites. Hes got to figure out how to make people care about his candidacy.

Hes been here before. Christie had a big debate stage moment the last time he ran for president in 2016, but it harmed Florida Sen. Marco Rubio more than it elevated Christies standing. Christie finished in sixth place in New Hampshire and dropped out of the race.

Here are other things were watching for on Wednesday:

What do the candidates do in a Trump-free space?

A stage without Trump is a blessing and a curse, as it lowers both the stakes and the likely viewership. Trump is a master at drawing attention toward himself and away from his rivals. By skipping the debate and scheduling an interview that will be on at the same time, hes actively pulling eyeballs away from everyone else.

Without the front-runner on the stage to absorb blows, the potential for a standout performance that shakes things up seems unlikely.

Still, a Trump-less stage presents opportunity for candidates, many of whom are introducing themselves nationally for the first time and who have become frustrated with a primary entirely defined by the former president and the criminal cases against him.

Just because Trump isnt on the stage doesnt mean his presence wont be felt  and mentioned. Do candidates such as DeSantis and Pence strengthen what theyve said about him in the past? Or steer clear of attacking a person leading by double-digits in most polls?

How much daylight is there on such policy issues as abortion?

There hasnt been much discussion of policy yet. Most of the candidates have, instead, focused on arguing why they are best suited to beat President Joe Biden. Many have also leaned into culture war issues, such as anti-transgender policies in schools.

One topic to look for will be abortion. The Fox News moderators could ask the candidates about it to suss out differences on a key topic. Or the conservative network could steer clear of an issue that can be political kryptonite for the GOP.

Does Ron DeSantis show signs of life?

DeSantis enters the debate polling a distant second to Trump after revamping his entire campaign.

DeSantis polling numbers have dropped about 50% since April, shortly before he announced his candidacy. Wednesdays debate is an opportunity for him to try to regain momentum.

It could also be a chance to see how he responds if he becomes the de facto target of other candidates on stage.

A memo drafted by a super PAC supporting his campaign encouraged DeSantis to go on the offensive and attack Ramaswamy while defending Trump against attacks from Christie. DeSantis has since denounced the memo and said he hasnt read it. (Campaigns and super PACs cannot coordinate.)

Does Vivek Ramaswamy continue to climb?

Two months ago, Ramaswamy was explaining how to pronounce his name. Now hes climbed to third place in most polls.

Ramaswamy, a political outsider and biotech millionaire, is the youngest GOP candidate and has gained traction for his anti-establishment, charismatic presence. His social media following has ballooned since he announced his candidacy and some, such as DeSantis, have indicated that they will try to halt his early momentum on the debate stage.

Some of Ramaswamys more controversial ideas could make such challenges easy. Hes said he wants to raise the voting age to 25 and plans to eliminate the Department of Education, the FBI, and the IRS.
Jair Bolsonaro may be on the verge of arrest, but not because of the accusations against him regarding fraud or election tampering or inciting Brazils January capitol riot. Instead, the downfall of the former president of Brazil may result from his alleged involvement in the sale of two luxury watches at a fluorescent-lit jewelry store at the Willow Grove Mall.

Federal police in Brazil this month accused Bolsonaro of participating in a wide-ranging conspiracy to embezzle diplomatic gifts he received while he was president.

In an extensively-detailed example, Bolsonaro directed his personal aide, Lt. Col. Mauro Cid, to sell a diamond and white gold Rolex that was a gift from Saudi Arabia, according to Brazilian court documents The Inquirer read using translation software. Bolsonaro also allegedly dispatched Cid to sell a Patek Philippe watch that authorities believed was a gift from Bahrain.

Cid and Bolsonaro were in Los Angeles for the Summit of the Americas in June 2022. About that time, Cid sold the two watches to Willow Groves Precision Watches & Jewelry for $68,000, the court documents said.

Precision Watches is a family-owned luxury watch retailer that sits across from the tween ear-piercing conglomerate Claires and below a shoe store called Got Em Kicks. Behind a security stanchion, large screens display a rotating selection of high-end watches.

On a recent visit to the store, a man in a three-piece suit offered a reporter a chilled bottle of water and a napkin embossed with the companys name, while declining to comment on Bolsonaros entanglements.

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It wasnt out of the norm, said a man who identified himself as the owner of Precision in an interview with The Inquirer about the sale. He declined to be identified by name because of safety concerns. He also said that he did not want to comment on the specifics of the transaction but that the shop has cooperated with authorities. Precision typically requires sellers to provide ID and sign a purchase contract when selling pre-owned watches, he said. Many of the stores watches retail for tens of thousands of dollars.

It appears that Cid visited the store in person to make the sale, using Waze to navigate to the Willow Grove mall. He connected to the Precision WiFi network during the sale, the court documents said.

Bolsonaro later received some of the resulting $68,000 in cash, according to the New York Times. Cids lawyer recently told reporters that Bolsonaro ordered Cid to deal with the Saudi gifts, which included the watch and other items, which led him to sell the watch and give the money to Bolsonaro.

Cid and Bolsonaros other aides allegedly attempted to sell a variety of other diplomatic gifts, as well, but the watch sale at Willow Grove was the only successful deal. (Its not clear where they tried to sell the other gifts.)

Bolsonaros trouble with foreign gifts first came to light when administration officials attempted to bring $3 million worth of jewelry into the country without declaring it in 2021. The jewels were seized and launched a federal investigation into money laundering and embezzlement, which became public in the spring.

Bolsonaros lawyer, Paulo Cunha Bueno, told the Times that the jewelry was personal property and Bolsonaro was therefore allowed to do whatever he wanted with it.

Its his right, Bueno told the Times. It doesnt matter.

In the meantime, Bolsonaro is ensnared in a number of other legal complications, including an investigation into his involvement in the January riot in Brazils capitol, which thousands of his supporters stormed after he lost reelection, as well as accusations that he directed police to interfere with his rivals voters on election day.

There is also an inquiry into whether the former president forged COVID-19 vaccine cards, allowing him and others close to him access to the United States when strict travel restrictions were in place. His assistant, Cid, has been jailed since May related to that case.

After the head of Brazils watchdog court learned of the jewelry and ordered Bolsonaro to return it, Bolsonaros former lawyer flew to Pennsylvania in March. He visited Willow Grove and repurchased the Rolex for $49,000, according to court records.

Initially, the lawyer denied ever having seen the watch, the Times reported. Then news sites published photographs of the receipt for the watch with his name on it, at which point he said he had indeed repurchased the watch, but not at Bolsonaros direction.

Staff writer Ryan Briggs contributed to this article.
The Design Advocacy Group said the 76ers' arena plan would likely fail to revitalize East Market Street despite the recent addition of a residential apartment complex to the team's development proposal. Read more

A Philadelphia organization made up of more than 2,100 architects and building design experts this week came out in opposition to the 76ers plan for a new downtown arena, saying it would not only fail to revitalize East Market Street but would also make matters worse for the long-struggling Center City thoroughfare.

The Design Advocacy Groups steering committee wrote in a statement that rather than integrate itself into the fabric of the city, the proposed arena, which would take up a footprint of 10th to 11th and Market to Filbert Streets, would abolish Filbert Street, bury SEPTAs Jefferson Regional Rail station, and wall off Chinatown.

Except for the 40-some times a year that the Sixers play, the arena will not fill the surrounding streets with activity, the committee wrote, and on those few busy nights, Sixers fans, who are not known to be devotees of public transportation, will clog the area in search of parking places.

 READ MORE: The future of a new Sixers arena shifts to City Hall after a year of contention

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76 Devcorp spokesperson Nicole Gainer said it was disappointing that members of the Design Advocacy Group Steering Committee issued a statement with several glaring inaccuracies.

Gainer said the group had glossed over the projects potential benefits to the city and attempted to minimize an unprecedented private sector development that will generate more than $1 billion in new tax revenues for the city, state and School District, create thousands of good new jobs and anchor the redevelopment of East Market Street.

Gainer objected to the group describing the arena as a gigantic blank box on top of another indoor shopping mall, like the one we have.

It will not sit on top of another indoor shopping mall, but rather REPLACE a third of the mall and is designed, as is clear in the new renderings, to be an open-facing building to draw people in, she wrote.

The renderings, however, appear to show similar levels of street-level retail as the Fashion District shopping mall, which the arena would partially replace.

She also said there are anticipated to be as many as 150 events a year at the arena, not just 76ers home games. That claim has been hotly contested and is a central issue in the debate over the project.

Gainer also referenced impact studies that the city has commissioned to evaluate the proposal. The 76ers are paying the city for the cost of those studies, which will be released this fall, leading opponents of the arena to question their independence.

Fortunately, the City of Philadelphia has hired professionals to determine the feasibility of a new arena at East Market  studies we are certain will affirm our vision for the future of Center City, Gainer said.

The 76ers are hoping to move into their own arena in 2031 when their lease expires at the Wells Fargo Center, which is owned by the Flyers parent company Comcast Spectacor.

The project has won support from some labor and business groups, including the African American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE; the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, a politically powerful coalition of construction unions; and the General Building Contractors Association.

The team has pitched its proposal as a transformational opportunity to improve the stretch of East Market Street between City Hall and the Independence Mall area, which for decades has failed to attract the kind of development that has fueled growth in other parts of Center City.

Earlier this month, the team added a 20-floor residential tower to the designs for the arena site and said 20% of the units would be affordable housing.

The 76ers development arm says it needs to get City Council approval for the project this fall, and it is working on two fronts to build support: a major public relations and community outreach campaign, and a behind-the-scenes lobbying effort in City Hall.

Design Advocacy Groups critique focuses on East Market Street

Much of the public opposition to the plan so far has been based around the concerns of advocates for Chinatown, who fear an arena at the edge of their neighborhood could displace Center Citys vibrant and historic Asian community.

The Design Advocacy Groups statement, however, focused on the other side of the proposed site: East Market Street.

What Market East needs is an influx of 24/7 street-oriented activity, preferably connecting with and amplifying the vibrancy of Chinatown, the group wrote. The published plans for the arena, although sketchy, suffice to show that the new structure will not generate what is required.

The steering committee said that the 76ers last-minute addition of an apartment tower to the arena plan is not enough to transform it into the kind of lively urban environment that we need and deserve.

 READ MORE: New drawings of proposed Sixers arena include an apartment tower

The group describes itself as a volunteer organization of more than 2,100 members from a broad spectrum of disciplines who share an interest in Philadelphias design, development and planning.

It weighs in on major proposals like the redevelopment of the waterfront and advocates for high-quality design and urban planning. While the group does not wield significant political clout, it is viewed as a respected voice for experts in design and architecture.

Eli Storch, an architect who chairs the groups steering committee, said the 76ers revisions to the arena plans over the last year have given him pause that the team is taking a slap-dash approach.

The recent unveiling of new renderings showing an apartment tower, he said, made it seem as if the team was saying, Lets tack on some housing, lets tack on another thing that we heard people want.

That doesnt give us any comfort that this is fully cooked or fully considered, he said.
Through the city's new Rental Improvement Fund, landlord Steve Hawkins was able to get a loan to fix up this rental property in West Philadelphia. Read more

Philadelphias small landlords  those the city relies on to provide affordable housing for its residents  can apply for millions of dollars in state and city funds in a new loan program that aims to fix and preserve their aging rental homes.

The citys established loan and grant programs for home repairs focus on owners who live in their homes. But many of the citys rental properties need repairs. And some of the small landlords who struggled during the pandemic either sold their rentals or deferred maintenance, jeopardizing the citys affordable housing supply. Home repairs also are a frequent sticking point between tenants and their landlords during eviction proceedings.

Rental property owners who receive loans through the Philadelphia Housing Development Corp.s new Rental Improvement Fund must follow rent limits, and cannot raise their rent by more than 3% annually.

At a news conference Wednesday, State Sen. Nikil Saval, whose signature Whole-Home Repairs Program will provide $5 million of the rental repair programs funds, thanked small landlords who endeavor to do right by their communities and the people they serve.

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Everyone deserves to live in a home that is safe, healthy, and affordable, he said. It doesnt matter whether you own your home or you rent it, your home is your home, and this is your right.

 READ MORE: More Philly landlords are selling properties and deferring maintenance, which threatens the supply of affordable housing

The rest of the programs funds, up to $4 million, will come from City Councils Neighborhood Preservation Initiative.

Steve Hawkins, a landlord who participated in the programs pilot, which started about six months ago, said that, initially, he was skeptical. But with his loan, he was able to complete about $16,000 worth of work in the West Philadelphia home he purchased in 1999.

He got the roof fixed, which alone cost about $8,500, he said. He got new floors throughout, new ceiling fans and countertops, new tiles in the shower, and new water-efficient toilets. New windows are coming.

To get all these things fixed at one time is really mind-blowing, Hawkins said at the news conference. He called the program a win-win for tenants, landlords, and communities.

So far, the program has closed 40 loans for a total of about $950,000, said Rachel Mulbry, housing programs manager at the Philadelphia Housing Development Corp. About 150 landlords are in the process of applying.

The program isnt looking for landlords whose properties are in fine shape and just want cosmetic fixes, Mulbry said. The agency wants the folks with roof leaks and where the electrical wiring is a fire hazard, and where tenants are complaining about mold. We want folks without rental licenses who cant get insurance. Those are the types of properties that we most want coming through this program.

 READ MORE: Philadelphias affordable housing strategy depends on repairing existing homes

She said the agencys hope is to set up a really robust, long-term referral pipeline of landlords through entities such as the citys Eviction Diversion Program, the Philadelphia Housing Authority, utility and weatherization programs, and the Department of Licenses and Inspections.

Greg Wertman, president of HAPCO Philadelphia, the citys largest association of rental property owners, which represents many small landlords, said his group has been pushing for something like the Rental Improvement Fund for years.

The preservation of affordable housing that helps the mom-and-pop landlords stay in business is essential in a city that doesnt have anywhere [near] enough affordable housing, he said.

At Wednesdays news conference, City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier agreed that the city needs to invest in small landlords that are providing housing to low-income and working-class neighbors.

If we let them go under, then affordable housing goes under and families go under, Gauthier said.

What are the loan terms, and what repairs are covered?

The loans can cover repairs that address safety, health, habitability, or utility concerns, such as roof and structural repairs, mold and lead remediation, and heating and cooling installation or repair. A licensed and insured contractor must complete repairs.

So far, roof work has been popular, as well as work on electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, Mulbry said. Some landlords have added cooling for the first time.

 READ MORE: These Philly neighborhoods get the worst of the summer heat

The program offers two types of loans: one for up to $24,999 per property that is fully forgiven after 10 years, and a 15-year loan for up to $50,000 per unit to be paid back at 0% interest.

A landlord can receive up to $100,000 from the fund.

Which landlords are eligible for loans?

Landlords can apply for funds if they own 15 or fewer rental units across five or fewer properties.

To be eligible, landlords cannot charge more than $1,081 for a studio, $1,218 for a one-bedroom unit, $1,470 for a two-bedroom unit, or $1,789 for three bedrooms. Landlords whose tenants use federal housing vouchers, also known as Section 8 vouchers, are exempt from the rent limits.

There are no income requirements for landlords.

 READ MORE: To prevent housing-voucher discrimination, renters, housing advocates, and city agencies want more resources

Rental property owners must be current on city taxes or in payment agreements, and have rental licenses and property insurance, unless they need the loans for repairs in order to get those.

During the term of the loan, they have to fix any code violations within six months.

As part of the loan application, rental property owners have to provide an itemized cost estimate from a contractor of the work that needs to be done. And the Philadelphia Housing Development Corp. will inspect properties to make sure that proposals are reasonable and that no health and safety issues are neglected.
IB identified this years most innovative insurance companies by inviting insurers, brokerages, and services providers from across Australia and New Zealand to submit a nomination, detailing the steps they had taken to introduce new innovations to the sector. The Insurance Business team encouraged the nominees to focus on initiatives introduced and results achieved in the 2022 calendar year.
We came together, and Bill said, we have to look at this and plan for the future, Ewell said. Bill feels that while the ESOP was a great completion of his vision for his employees, our partnership with Marsh McLennan Agency is the fulfilment of his legacy to his employees, and to our clients and future clients.
Most of the claims of sexual abuse and other mistreatment made in a lawsuit by dozens of former patients of a Virginia children`s hospital can move forward, a judge has ruled, rejecting arguments that many of the allegations were time-limited under the state`s medical malpractice law.

Judge Bradley Cavedo issued the ruling Aug. 14 in favor of most of the dozens of plaintiffs who are suing publicly traded health care company Universal Health Services Inc. and its co-defendants. His decision came two weeks after a hearing on the matter in Richmond Circuit Court, where attorneys for UHS, related corporate entities and the doctor at the center of many of the allegations urged him to whittle down the claims.

I think it is an incredibly important decision but ultimately a decision that we expected and anticipated would go this way, said Kevin Biniazan, an attorney for the plaintiffs, all former patients of the Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents east of Richmond.

The lawsuit was filed in October 2020 by 20 plaintiffs and later amended to add about two dozen more. The former patients at the New Kent County facility make a range of claims, including: sexual or physical abuse, negligence, and the falsification of medical records and diagnoses to prolong their stays.

According to court records, 37 of the plaintiffs specifically allege they were touched inappropriately by Dr. Daniel Davidow, the facility`s former longtime medical director, during medical examinations. Attorneys for Davidow, who is facing separate criminal charges but has not been convicted of a crime, have denied the allegations.

The parties in the matter before Cavedo were at odds, in part over whether allegations of sexual misconduct in a medical setting should be covered under the malpractice laws two-year statute of limitations, or the 20-year window laid out in a statute dealing with childhood sex abuse claims. UHS and its co- defendants argued that the vast majority of plaintiffs had waited too long to bring their claims.

But Cavedo found that the malpractice law doesn`t apply as there is no basis in health care or malpractice that would include the sexual assault as alleged by plaintiffs.

The factual allegations of the plaintiffs pleadings address conduct unrelated to any health care or professional service that Cumberland and its staff  including Doctor Davidow  should have rendered to each plaintiff individually, he wrote.

Cavedo did rule that two plaintiffs, identified only as J.L.E. and K.T., were time-barred from bringing their claims, saying they should have done so earlier.

Biniazan said he planned to file Monday for reconsideration of Cavedo`s decision regarding J.L.E and K.T.

Joseph Farchione, an attorney representing the hospital and UHS, said the judge`s ruling and potential next steps by his clients were under consideration.

We are in the process of reviewing our options, and at this point, no decision has been made, he wrote in an email.

Attorneys representing Davidow in the civil suit did not respond to emailed requests for comment.

Attorney Mike Herring of McGuireWoods, who previously served as Richmond`s top prosecutor, argued the case before Cavedo for UHS of Delaware, a subsidiary of UHS Inc.

In asking Cavedo to pare back the claims, he said the General Assembly has carved out exceptions to the Virginia Medical Malpractice Act`s statute of limitations, such as in cases involving cancer and the discovery of foreign objects. But he added: The General Assembly has never excluded claims for sexual assault.

In court documents, the plaintiffs` attorneys said the defendants were adopting an extreme position.

Alleged sexual abuse of a minor should never be argued to be the same as medical malpractice, Biniazan said in court.

The lawsuit, which has previously survived an attempt by the defendants to have it tossed, has been set for a jury trial next September, court records show.

Davidow who served as the medical director for Cumberland Hospital from 1996 until 2020, according to court records  appeared in a New Kent County court Monday for a status hearing. A judge set a five-day trial for April on the charges he faces: two counts of aggravated sexual battery and two counts of object sexual penetration, all felonies.

Biniazan has said the charges are connected to allegations raised by two of his clients.

Davidow was accompanied Monday by around a dozen supporters. His attorney, Craig Cooley, said they were a mix of family and professional connections and noted that they attended voluntarily, not because they were summoned. He otherwise declined comment and said Davidow would have no comment.

Scott Renick, the New Kent County commonwealth`s attorney, is handling the case after the office of Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares voluntarily handed off its jurisdiction last year. The move surprised some legal observers, as Miyares has repeatedly sought to expand the role of his office in criminal prosecutions.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation Claims Virginia Medical Professional Liability
Three houses at the center of a recent explosion near Pittsburgh that killed six people will need to be torn down and 10 others are not currently inhabitable, county officials said over the weekend.

The Aug. 12 blast in Plum leveled one home and engulfed two neighboring houses in flames. The 10 uninhabitable homes will need to be inspected by structural engineers for next steps, an Allegheny County spokesperson said.

Investigators with the county fire marshal`s office are still trying to determine the origin and cause of the explosion in a development about 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Pittsburgh.

All of the victims were found on the property of the home that exploded, an Allegheny County spokesperson said. One victim was found outside of the garage area. Four others were located in the basement and the sixth was located and rescued from the rear yard. He was transported to a trauma center, where he died several days later.

Natural gas from an abandoned underground mine is unlikely to have caused the explosion, the state Department of Environmental Protection said Friday. Authorities have said that the homeowners were having problems with their hot water tank and that is part of the investigation into the cause.

Crews from at least 38 fire departments worked to douse the flames, while three police departments and eight EMS agencies, from Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, also

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Pennsylvania
The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado touched down in Connecticut last Friday, joining a spate of four other twisters detected Friday in New England, including three in Massachusetts and another in Rhode Island.

The Connecticut tornado touched down just before 8 a.m. in the town of Scotland, about 37 miles (60 km) east of Hartford, with a peak wind of 100 mph (161 kmh) and followed a path of just under three miles (five kilometers).

While there wasn`t much in the way of structural damage observed, other than gutter damage to two homes, there was significant tree damage. It was estimated that well over one hundred trees were either downed or sheared off at their tops,  the weather service said in an update posted on its website.

In Rhode Island, a single tornado cut a nine-mile (14-kilometer) discontinuous path through three communities __ Scituate, Johnston, and North Providence, about four miles (six kilometers) north of Providence __ beginning around 8:40 a.m. with an estimated peak wind of 115 mph (185 kmh).

The tornado caused significant damage, uprooting or snapping hundreds of large trees and lifting a car off a highway before dropping it back, leaving the driver with minor injuries.

It is the strongest tornado to strike Rhode Island since the F-2 tornado in Cranston and Providence on Aug. 7, 1986, according to the weather service.

Three tornadoes struck Massachusetts.

The first touched down just after 9 a.m. and traveled a discontinuous path of about 7 1/2 miles (12 km) from North Attleborough to Mansfield, about 40 miles (64 km) south of Boston. Trees were snapped or uprooted, and an eyewitness saw swirling debris before taking shelter in her home.

Another tornado with peak winds of 80 mph (129 kmh) briefly touched down in Stoughton, at 9:37 a.m. about 20 miles (32 km) south of Boston.

A third Massachusetts tornado touched down in Weymouth, 16 miles (26 km) south of Boston, just after 9:50 a.m. and traveled about a third of a mile (half a kilometer) with peak winds of 110 mph (177 kmh). An eyewitness who received an emergency alert could see swirling debris out a window as she took shelter in her cellar.

There were no fatalities and only a single minor injury from the five tornadoes, according to the weather service.

Residents spent the weekend c leaning up debris, including fallen trees.

New England usually gets only a few tornadoes a year. Most  but not all  are relatively weak.

In 2011, a powerful tornado killed three people and caused severe damage in western Massachusetts. And in 1953, a powerful tornado killed 94 people and injured nearly 1,300 in central Massachusetts, including the city of Worcester. It lasted nearly 1 1/2 hours and damaged or destroyed 4,000 buildings.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Windstorm Massachusetts
More than one-third of desks in offices around the globe are unoccupied all week, according to a new report, raising questions about how well workplaces are currently designed as companies struggle to get employees back into them.

The report, from Australian workplace sensor provider XY Sense, found that 36% of so-called workpoints  cubicles and desks  are never occupied, indicating a general oversupply. Of those that are used, 29% were for three hours or less on a given day. Just 14% were occupied for five or more hours, according to the study that tracked 24,855 unique work areas in nine regions including the US, UK, Hong Kong and Singapore. Among the spaces used the most are meeting rooms for two or three people, which are 90% full on average. Overall, office utilization is stuck at about 50% of pre-pandemic levels.

The findings illustrate the challenges faced by organizations as they assess office-space needs. Workers and managers both say they should be on site at least one-third of the time, according to research from Bosston Consulting Group, but much of that in-person time is no longer spent tethered to a desk.

Spaces for small, private huddles, more open collaboration, and sound-proof enclosures for individual head-down work are all more relevant today compared with old-fashioned cubicles. Yet 80% of total floor space is taken up by individual workstations, with just 20% left for collaboration, XY Sense found.

Its time to rethink the humble desk, said Alex Birch, co-founder and chief executive officer of XY Sense. They dominate space in our offices, theyre expensive and were just not using them the way we were pre-pandemic. Companies just need less of them now that people do the majority of their focus work at home. Companies should either re-deploy that desk space for better workplace experiences or pocket the savings, but they cant ignore the waste thats going on.

Other data support the shift away from desks. Research from office-furniture maker Haworth found that 85% of employees had their own individual workstations before 2020, yet less than half do now. Following years where companies simply crammed as many employees as they could into static cubicle farms, or long rows of workstations, some see the changes wrought by remote work as long overdue.

For far too long we designed offices as if were potted plants, said Kay Sargent, director of the workplace practice at architecture and design firm HOK. Are you really inviting people back to the office to have them sit at a desk all day? Or do you want to encourage them to connect, mentor and innovate?

The dearth of desk usage could also prompt employers to rethink their real estate needs. More than nine out of ten big organizations reported low office utilization rates in a survey by CBRE, and more than half expect to reduce their real-estate footprints over the next three years. According to XY Senses data, office utilization didnt change much between the first and second quarters of 2023. But about one million US desk workers face mandates to return to offices more often by the end of the year, according to brokerage JLL.

We need to address the fact that weve accidentally created call center environments with the acres of large open workstations that are a feature of most offices these days, Domino Risch, a principal and co-leader of the workplace and commercial sector at architect Hassell, said in the report. The sea of repetitive banks of open plan workstations that typical knowledge-based organizations have just arent fit for purpose anymore.

Photograph: An office worker at a desk in London. Photo credit: Jason Alden/Bloomberg

Copyright 2023 Bloomberg.
Munich Re holds onto the top spot in AM Bests annual ranking of the top 50 global reinsurance groups for 2022, with Swiss Re coming in as the second-largest reinsurer  for the third year in a row.

These two reinsurers account for one-quarter of the top 50 reinsurance gross premiums written in 2022, up from 24.3% in 2021, which AM Best said is particularly notable given the euros depreciation.

Total gross reinsurance premiums written by the top 50 groups increased by 2.6% to US$363.6 billion in 2022, from US$354.4 billion in 2021, said the ratings agency, explaining that premium growth for many reinsurers was primarily driven by strong rate increases, rather than exposure growth. (See chart below. Click on the image to enlarge it).

Nevertheless, global investment market turmoil and more frequent and severe global catastrophe losses, compounded by severe secondary peril losses, resulted in many reinsurers failing to meet their cost of capital in recent years, said the report titled Worlds 50 Largest Reinsurers.

The No. 3 and 4 spots in the ranking  Hannover Re and Canada Life Re, respectively  were unchanged from their positions from 2021. At the same time, Berkshire Hathaway moved up one spot to fifth place  driven partially by its acquisition of Alleghany Corp.  which pushed SCOR to sixth place. The four largest reinsurers at year-end 2022 were ranked the same as in 2021.

Related: Conditions Are Challenging, Claims Are Elevated, but Reinsurers Profits Return: Reports

Ranked at No. 7 on the list, Lloyds saw a small premium decline, although it was mainly driven by the 10.1% depreciation of the pound agains the US dollar. At constant exchange rates for the current and prior year, GPW grew approximately 7.2%, AM Best explained. (Lloyds is No. 4 on the list of non-life reinsurance groups. See exhibit 3 below).

The 10 largest reinsurers on the list accounted for 69.4% of total reinsurance GPW, up from 67.9% at year-end 2021, and slightly higher than the 68.55 at year-end 2020, the report continued. Despite this concentration, the global reinsurance market remains highly competitive. (See exhibit 2).

Rankings Below Top 10

AM Best noted that there was significant movement in the rankings below the top 10, which was driven primarily by shifts in reinsurance portfolios mix, as companies sought to reduce operating performance volatility and balance sheet vulnerability or increase their exposures to certain lines as rates became increasingly attractive.

The companies with two of the biggest ranking improvements  Odyssey Group Holdings and Allied World Assurance Co. Holdings  have the same parent company: Fairfax Financial Holdings, according to AM Best. Odyssey rose from No. 27 at year-end 2021 to No. 20 in 2022, while Allied World rose from No. 44 to No. 39.

Odysseys GPW grew 30.9%, driven largely by its P/C lines of business in the US, which benefited from new business, expanded relationships with existing clients, and improved pricing, AM Best continued. Between year-end 2021 and year-end 2022, Allied Worlds GPW grew 24.3%, benefiting from the hard reinsurance market and improved terms and conditions.

Multiple reinsurers had smaller but still notable movements in the rankings. For example, Tokio Marine rose from No. 38 to No. 34, with GPW increasing 11.6%  a number that was dampened by the 8.0% depreciation of the Japanese yen against the US dollar. However, when using foreign exchange rates consistent with year-end 2021, AM Best said that non-life GPW rose 21.5% year-on-year.

Five companies moved up three positions:

Arch rose from No. 17 to No. 14, driven by 36.4% growth in non-life GPW;

MS&AD moved from No. 18 to No. 15, driven by 17.3% growth in non-life GPW (despite being dampened by the 8.0% depreciation of the yen);

Sompo International Holdings moved from No. 20 to No. 17, driven by 6.9% GPW growth;

MAPFRE Re moved from No. 21 to No. 18 on 3.5% premium growth;

Assicurazioni Generali rose from No. 22 to No. 19 on 4.1% premium growth.

Currency exchange rate fluctuations have a meaningful impact on companies rankings, AM Best noted. Those currencies with the greatest dampening effect on global reinsurers premium volume in 2022 were the Japanese yen, which depreciated by 8.1% against the US dollar; South Koreas won, which depreciated by 6.2%; the euro (5.7%); and the Canadian dollar (5.6%).

Cutting Property-Cat Exposure

Bermuda-based Fidelis, which was a new entrant in 2021, dropped out of the top 50 ranking as the company is working to cut its property-catastrophe exposure. Fidelis had significant property-catastrophe losses in both 2021 and 2022, with a combined ratio over 110 in both years.

AXA XL, which also has pulled back from property-catastrophe reinsurance as it looks to minimize volatility in its business, has dropped from No. 16 to No. 21 in the rankings, AM Best said.

Notable Changes, New Entries

Looking forward, AM Best expects Renaissance Re will have a notable ranking change once its acquisition of Validus from AIG is completed. In combination, the two entities had gross life and non-life premiums written of US$12.3 billion at year-end 2022, which would be ranked No. 10.

AM Best said two new reinsurers entered the top 50 list this year  Convex Group and Core Specialty Insurance Holdings, ranked at No. 40 and No. 44, respectively.

Convex, the Bermuda-based specialty re/insurer, was founded in 2019, while Core Specialty, the newly recapitalized carve-out of StarStone, was launched in December 2020, following extensive expansion of equity funding and new executive hires.

Non-Life Rankings

Commenting on trends in global non-life reinsurance groups, AM Best noted that Hannover Re overtook Swiss Re in the No. 2 position after nearly tripling Swiss res non-life premium growth.

The top 15 global non-life groups are Munich Re, Hannover Re, Swiss Re, Lloyds, Berkshire Hathaway, SCOR, Everest Re Group, RenaissanceRe Holdings, China Reinsurance (Group) Corp., PartnerRe, Arch Capital Group, Korean Reinsurance Co., General Insurance Corp. of India, Sompo International Holdings and Odyssey Group Holdings. (See exhibit 3 below).

Most of the changes in non-life rankings were seen in companies between No. 11 and No. 15 on the list, AM Best confirmed. For example, Arch Capital rose from No. 15 to No. 11, displacing Korean Re, which fell slightly from No. 11 to No. 12.

Two companies included in last years top 15 fell off the list this year: AXA XL, which pulled back from property catastrophe reinsurance, and Transatlantic Holdings Inc., which was consolidated into Berkshire Hathaway, according to the ratings agency.

The new entrants to the top 15 non-life list include Odyssey Group, ranked at No. 15, and Sompo International, ranked at No. 14.

Methodology

AM Best explained that only year-end gross reinsurance premiums written are calculated, eliminating any primary premiums, in order to isolate a reinsurers business profile. Rankings prior to 2021 had included primary premiums that were less than 25% of a reinsurers total premium volume.

To obtain the most accurate figures possible, we make a number of assumptions and adjustments as we navigate through different financial statements, accounting standards, and segment reporting. Capturing only third-party business and excluding affiliated or intragroup reinsurance are perhaps the most essential adjustments, AM Best said.

All reporting currencies are converted to US dollars, using the foreign exchange rate as of the date of the companies financial statements.

Related:

Topics Reinsurance AM Best Swiss Re
Gannett Co Inc., the largest U.S. newspaper publisher, is facing a lawsuit claiming its efforts to diversify newsrooms led to discrimination against white workers.

The proposed class action was filed in Virginia federal court on Friday by five current and former Gannett employees who say they were fired or passed over for promotions to make room for less-qualified women and minorities.

The plaintiffs say those decisions were driven by a policy announced in 2020 under which Gannett aims to have its newsrooms reflect the demographics of the communities they cover by 2025.

Gannett has also tied executive bonuses and promotions to success meeting the goals outlined in the policy, according to the lawsuit.

Gannett executed their reverse race discrimination policy with a callous indifference towards civil rights laws or the welfare of the workers, and prospective workers, whose lives would be upended by it, the plaintiffs said in the lawsuit.

Polly Grunfeld Sack, Virginia-based Gannetts chief legal counsel, said the company always seeks to recruit and retain the most qualified workers.

We will vigorously defend our practice of ensuring equal opportunities for all our valued employees against this meritless lawsuit, Sack said in a statement.

The lawsuit comes amid growing backlash to increasingly prevalent corporate diversity policies. Unlike other pending cases brought by conservative groups, the claims against Gannett were filed directly by the companys employees.

Starbucks Corp, Target Corp, and Progressive Insurance are among the companies that have faced shareholder lawsuits challenging diversity programs. A group founded by former Trump administration officials has filed more than a dozen complaints with a federal anti-bias agency accusing large companies of discriminating against white and male workers.

Many experts expect an uptick in such challenges following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June that struck down race-conscious college admissions policies. On Tuesday, a group formed by conservative activist Edward Blum, who spearheaded the Supreme Court case, sued two major U.S. law firms over fellowships they offer to racial minorities and LGBT people.

The lawsuit against Gannett notes that the Supreme Court said in the decision that eliminating racial discrimination means eliminating all of it.

In the lawsuit, plaintiff Steven Bradley says he was fired from a management job at the Democrat and Chronicle newspaper in Rochester, New York, and then passed over for a different position with Gannett because he is white.

Bradley in April filed a similar lawsuit against Gannett in New York state court. The status of that case was unclear.

Another plaintiff, Logan Barry, says he was in line for promotion to a leadership position at the Progress-Index in Petersburg, Virginia. After Gannett acquired the newspaper in 2019, the job went to a Black woman with fewer qualifications, according to the lawsuit.

The plaintiffs accused Gannett of violating a federal law prohibiting race discrimination in contracts. They are seeking to require Gannett to eliminate the 2020 policy, along with lost pay and benefits and other money damages.

Topics Lawsuits Virginia
QBE Insurance Group announced that Todd Jones, CEO of QBE North America, is leaving the organization at the end of this month.

After nearly four years with QBE, Jones has decided that now is the right time to leave QBE, the insurer said.

While QBE undertakes a search process to fill the role Jones is vacating on a permanent basis, Julie Wood has been appointed as Interim CEO North America.

Wood joined QBE in January 2023 as Group Head of Distribution. She was previously at Marsh as their South East Partnership and Zonal leader, and member of the U.S. Executive Committee. Previously, she had the position of Zonal Casualty Leader at Marsh in Atlanta.

She has also previously head senior executive roles at Zurich for 15 years.

Like Wood, Jones joined QBE from the brokerage side of the insurance industry, having most recently served as head of global corporate risk & broking and co-leader of the North American operations of Willis Towers Watson, before taking the position at QBE in August 2019.
PRETORIA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called on China and South Africa to strengthen their partnerships in four dimensions during his state visit to the African nation. Xi made the remarks during his meeting with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, here in the country's administrative capital. Ahead of his arrival, Xi said in his signed article published in South African media that the blossoming China-South Africa relationship "has entered a 'golden era,' enjoying broad prospects and a promising future." While meeting with Ramaphosa, the Chinese leader called on both sides to be strategic partners of high-level mutual trust, adding that "camaraderie and brotherhood" are the true quality of bilateral ties. The two sides should strengthen exchanges and cooperation between their legislatures, political parties, militaries and localities, and continue to support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, said Xi. The Chinese side is willing to strengthen inter-party exchanges and training cooperation with South Africa, and help the African National Congress (ANC) with building the African Leadership Institute, he added. China and South Africa, said Xi, should be development partners for common progress. He described mutual benefit and win-win results as the hallmark of China-South Africa cooperation, saying that the two sides should focus on advancing the Belt and Road Initiative, implementing the nine programs on China-Africa cooperation, as well as the 10-Year Strategic Programme on Cooperation between the two countries, consolidating cooperation in areas of strength and fostering new growth points for cooperation. Over the years, bilateral ties have experienced what Xi described as "leapfrog development," from a partnership to a strategic partnership, and then to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Official statistics showed that bilateral trade in 2022 reached 56.74 billion U.S. dollars, accounting for 20.1 percent of China-Africa trade. And in the first half of the year, bilateral trade topped 28.25 billion dollars, up 11.7 percent year-on-year. China has remained South Africa's largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years, while South Africa has been China's biggest trading partner in Africa for 13 years in a row. Meanwhile, South Africa has been one of the African countries with the largest stock of Chinese investment, which has risen to 10 billion dollars. More than 200 Chinese companies in South Africa have created over 400,000 local jobs and South African companies are also racing to invest in the Chinese market to seize its abundant business opportunities. Notably, South Africa was the first African country to join the Belt and Road cooperation. The pie of bilateral cooperation is getting bigger as South Africa's wines, rooibos tea, and aloe vera gels are trending in the Chinese market while automobiles and home appliances with Chinese brands gain increasing popularity among South African households. And in a joint statement between the two countries issued on Tuesday after the meeting of the two presidents, both sides will consider working towards bilateral cooperation and synergy within the Belt and Road Initiative and the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan frameworks. Both sides also pledged to continue to seek the strengthening of cooperation in key areas such as infrastructure and logistics, trade and investment, manufacturing, agro-processing, energy and resources, the financial sector, the digital economy, science and technology, and green development, according to the statement. During the talks, Xi said China will expand imports of South African products and encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in South Africa. Noting that poverty reduction, agricultural development programs and rural revitalization are important components of Chinese modernization, he said Beijing is willing to strengthen experience exchange with South Africa and help the country carry out the poverty reduction demonstration village project. Xi also elaborated on the necessity for the two countries to be friendly partners of deep mutual understanding and goodwill, saying that closer people-to-people bonds can best testify to the friendship between the two countries. China is ready to make good use of such mechanisms as the China-South Africa vocational education alliance to strengthen vocational education of the two countries, promote exchanges and cooperation in youth employment, and help South Africa train more talents urgently needed for economic and social development, he said. The two sides should strengthen tourism cooperation, and support scientific research institutions and enterprises to step up technological cooperation and joint research, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples, Xi added. South Africa in the joint statement further welcomed the identification of South Africa amongst the top 20 countries for group tourism promotion by Chinese tourists. The African country supports the increase in the frequency of direct flights between South Africa and China. The fourth partnership the Chinese leader called on the two sides to enhance concerns global peace and stability. This year's BRICS summit comes at a time when the world is facing rising uncertainties and accelerating changes unseen in a century. Xi urged China and South Africa to be global partners that uphold justice, saying that independence is a principle both sides adhere to. The Chinese side, Xi said, supports South Africa in playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs, and stands ready to work with South Africa and other developing countries to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. He also said that Beijing is also ready to join the developing world in practicing true multilateralism, increasing the representation and voice of the Global South countries in global governance, and strengthening collaboration on issues such as climate change, food security and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, so as to safeguard the common interests and development space of developing countries, Xi added. China and Africa, in the eyes of Xi, have always belonged to a community with a shared future. He told Ramaphosa that in a world which is undergoing transformation and turbulence, both sides need more than ever stronger solidarity and cooperation. And in their joint statement, the two sides reiterated their resolve to further strengthen cooperation in terms of African affairs and to support the African Union in resolving African conflicts peacefully. China expressed in the document its support for the efforts of African countries and regional organizations under the auspices of the African Union (AU) to provide African solutions to African problems, including to support the AU's early accession to membership of the Group of 20. Ramaphosa described China as a sincere brother, friend and partner of his country, saying that China has provided valuable support to South Africa in its struggle for national independence and liberation as well as its national development. He also mentioned China's timely support for his country during the COVID pandemic. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 25 years ago, South Africa has firmly adhered to the one-China principle, he said, adding that both nations share the same or similar positions on many major international affairs. Ramaphosa also said that in today's world that is facing multiple severe and complex challenges, South Africa and other Global South countries hope to strengthen unity and cooperation with China, so as to better meet challenges together, and push for a more equal, just and rational international order. In South Africa, Xi will also attend the BRICS summit scheduled from Tuesday to Thursday, and co-chair with Ramaphosa the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue on the sidelines of the summit.
Dollar Tree Inc. and subsidiary Family Dollar have entered an agreement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to make operational changes within two years.

The Department of Labors OSHA said it has cited the stores throughout the U.S. multiple times for safety violations such as blocked exits, improper material storage, and access to fire extinguishers and electrical panels. As part of the deal, the companies in the future will correct hazards within 48 hours, and submit proof to OSHA or face fines of up to $500,000.

Dollar Tree and Family Dollar have also agreed to pay $1.35 million in penalties to settle existing violations that were either contested or being inspected. First-quarter gross profit at Dollar Tree was about $2.2 billion, according to a company press release, on net sales of about $7.3 billion. The company expects net sales for fiscal year 2023 to be about $30 billion, it said. Chesapeake, Virginia-based Dollar Tree Inc. operates more than 16,000 Dollar Tree and Family Dollar locations in 48 states and five Canadian provinces.

OSHA said Dollar Tree will form safety advisory groups with extensive employee representation, enhance hazard identification and control programs, develop an audit program, create a new employee training program, and hire additional safety professionals.

We know that every worker deserves to come home safe at the end of the workday, said Julie Su, action secretary of labor. Through our robust enforcement of workplace protections and use of innovative legal methods that resulted in this agreement, thousands of workers will have a healthier, safer and more certain future.

In a June press release announcing fines for repeat violations against a Family Dollar location in Texas, OSHA officials said hazards were a recurring theme, and that safety conditions presented potential for tragic consequences. In another June press release to announce hazardous conditions at stores in Rhode Island, OSHA said its federal and state programs identified over 300 violations in over 500 inspections at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores since 2017.

OSHA said Dollar Tree has also agreed to maintain a 24-hour hotline to receive safety complaints, establish a system to ensure complaints are addressed, and hold quarterly meetings with OSHA to discuss progress with improvements.

Dollar Tree Inc. first entered a settlement with OSHA in 2015 but that agreement ended in 2018. Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda said the new agreement was made because these companies had already taken substantial steps to address the systemic issues, which gave us confidence that this innovative approach would work.

Our company is in the midst of a business transformation, and at the heart of it all is our continued focus on safety for our more than 200,000 associates, said Mike Creedon, chief operating officer at Dollar Tree, Inc., in a statement. We are implementing substantial safety policies, procedures, and training, all intended to safeguard the wellbeing of our associates. We appreciate the opportunity to engage with OSHA on our safety initiatives as we move forward, seeking to establish our position as a leading retailer in workplace safety.

Topics Workers' Compensation
PADRE ISLAND, Texas (AP)  Tropical Storm Harold made landfall on the South Texas coast Tuesday, where it is expected to bring wind gusts of up to 50 mph (80 kmh) in areas along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Forecasters said Tuesday that the storm is expected to produce 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) of rain with some isolated amounts of up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) in South Texas through Wednesday.

In Mexico, 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) of rain was forecast with isolated areas expected to receive up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) in the state of northern Coahuila and northern Nuevo Leon through Wednesday.

On the other side of the U.S., Hilary, the first tropical storm to hit Southern California was pushing across the Southwest toward the Rocky Mountains, where crews worked to rescue nursing home residents trapped by mud and water.

Hilary first slammed ashore on Mexicos arid Baja California Peninsula as a hurricane, causing one death and widespread flooding before becoming a tropical storm.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Texas Windstorm
A Black FedEx delivery driver who says two white men shot at and chased him in Mississippi in 2022 has now been fired from his job, he and his attorney said Monday.

I honestly feel disrespected, the former driver, DMonterrio Gibson, told The Associated Press shortly after he received an email from FedEx about his termination.

Meredith Miller, manager of global network communications for FedEx, confirmed Monday that Mr. Gibson is no longer employed at FedEx, but did not respond to other questions from AP.

Last Thursday, a Mississippi judge cited police errors in declaring a mistrial for the father and son charged in the attack. A detective testified about failing to give prosecutors and defense attorneys a copy of a videotaped police interview with Gibson.

Carlos Moore, an attorney who has represented Gibson in a civil lawsuit, provided AP with a copy of an email Gibson received from FedEx on Monday. It said Gibsons employment was terminated July 26, and the company attempted to deliver a letter and documents to him about the termination July 31.

FedEx fired Gibson because he did not accept a part-time, non-courier job that the company offered in mid-July, Moore said, adding that he did not know whether the company gave Gibson a deadline to accept.

They can`t tell me when I should be ready to come back, Gibson said.

Gibson, 25, said he has been on workers compensation leave, at about one-third of his pay, since shortly after he reported the attack to police in Brookhaven, Mississippi, on the night it happened, Jan. 24, 2022.

Gibson was not injured in the shooting or chase, but he said Monday that he has been in therapy to deal with anxiety because of it. He said he still has trouble sleeping.

The chase and gunfire led to complaints on social media of racism in Brookhaven, about an hours drive south of the state capital, Jackson.

The encounter happened as Gibson made FedEx deliveries in a van with the Hertz logo on three sides. After he dropped off a package at a home on a dead-end public road, Gregory Case used a pickup truck to try to block the van from leaving, and Brandon Case came outside with a gun, District Attorney Dee Bates told jurors last week.

As Gibson drove the van around the pickup truck, shots were fired, with three rounds hitting the delivery van and some of the packages inside, Bates said.

Gregory Case saw a rental van with a Florida license plate outside his mother-in- laws unoccupied home after dark, defense attorney Terrell Stubbs told jurors. The elder Case was just going to ask the van driver what was going on, but the driver did not stop, Stubbs said.

On Aug. 10, a federal judge dismissed Gibsons federal lawsuit seeking $5 million from FedEx, writing that the lawsuit failed to prove the company discriminated against him because of his race. That litigation also named the city of Brookhaven, the police chief and the Cases. Moore said he plans to file a new civil suit in state court, seeking $10 million.

A grand jury issued a report last month saying that Brookhaven Police Department officers poorly investigate their cases. The grand jury, made up of local residents, considered more than 60 criminal cases., and wrote that the department is complacent, does not complete investigations in a timely manner, shows a lack of professionalism and has a habit of witness blaming.

Photo: DMonterrio Gibson, right, and his mother, Sharon McClendon, at the trial of two white men charged in an attack on Gibson. (Hunter Cloud/The Daily Leader via AP)

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Workers' Compensation Personal Auto Mississippi
San Franciscos Roman Catholic archdiocese filed for bankruptcy this week, saying the filing is necessary to manage more than 500 lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse by church officials.

The Chapter 11 protection filing will stop all legal actions against the archdiocese and thus allow it to develop a settlement plan with abuse survivors, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone said in a statement.

The unfortunate reality is that the Archdiocese has neither the financial means nor the practical ability to litigate all of these abuse claims individually, and therefore, after much consideration, concluded that the bankruptcy process was the best solution for providing fair and equitable compensation to the innocent survivors who have been harmed, Cordileone said.

The San Francisco Archdiocese is the third Bay Area diocese to file for bankruptcy after facing hundreds of lawsuits brought under a California law approved in 2019 that allowed decades-old claims to be filed by Dec. 31, 2022. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland filed for bankruptcy in May. The Diocese of Santa Rosa became the first one in California to file for Chapter 11 protection, in March.

The overwhelming majority of the more than 500 claims stem from allegations of sexual abuse that occurred 30 or more years ago involving priests who are no longer active in ministry or are deceased, said Cordileone.

Survivors of clergy sex abuse victims criticized the bankruptcy filing, calling it a ploy to keep information hidden.

Cordileone will use every tactic and tool at his disposal to continue to run from the truth. He refuses to identify offenders in his diocese, he attempts legal maneuvers to eliminate the California Child Victims Act, and now he is attempting a last-ditch effort to hide the truth behind bankruptcy, Jeff Anderson, an attorney representing over 125 survivors in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, said in a statement.

The Archdiocese of San Francisco is the only diocese in California yet to release a list of clergy credibly accused of child sexual abuse, Anderson said.

SNAP, a survivors network for clergy sex abuse victims, said it doubts the Archdiocese is as financially strapped as it claims.

We seriously doubt that the Archdiocese of San Francisco does not have the assets to settle these lawsuits, SNAP said in a statement. We can only hope that the federal judge closely examines the Archdioceses real estate holdings, which are spread across three of the richest counties in the United States.

Cordileone said in his statement that a list of priests and deacons who are in good standing can be found on the Archdiocese website. He said those under investigation for alleged child sexual abuse are prohibited from exercising public ministry and are removed from the list.

Cordileone has established himself as one of the most prominent and outspoken of the hard-line conservatives within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

He attracted national attention in May 2022 when he said that then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a San Francisco resident, would be barred from receiving Communion in his archdiocese because of her support for abortion rights.

The San Francisco Archdiocese serves about 440,000 Catholics in the counties of San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits California
Source: Streetwise Reports

August 23, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) A graduate student mapping program has confirmed an important structural connection between two mineral systems at this company's British Columbia project.

A student-conducted mapping and sampling program has confirmed an important structural connection between two mineral systems on its Deer Horn property in British Columbia, First Tellurium Corp. (FTEL:CSE; FSTTF:OTCQB) announced.

In preliminary results, graduate students from the University of British Columbia and the University of St. Andrews found the connection between the project's Pond copper porphyry and gold-silver-tellurium systems.

The data confirm that "the primary structure within the Deer Horn property is a large, east-west trending thrust fault," First Tellurium consultant and Qualified Person Dr. Lee Groat noted in a release from the company. "Historically, mineral exploration has focused on the southeastern part of the property, where high-grade gold-silver-tellurium (Au-Ag-Te) mineralization is predominantly located in quartz veins associated with this thrusting event."

Due to retreating glaciers, new sites on the northwestern part of Deer Horn have been uncovered, with significant copper mineralization observed at the Pond and adjacent areas.

"This is thought to be part of a new porphyry copper system, potentially similar to the nearby Huckleberry Mine," the release said.

The Catalyst: Looking Toward Drilling Targets

The company is conducting geophysics work at Deer Horn this summer to help develop targets for a drilling campaign.

The mapping and sampling program will be added to the exploration conducted by Deer Horn in 2012, which discovered several significant mineralized zones. Students are working this summer under Groat's direction.

The company said it also had engaged Dias Geophysical of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to conduct induced polarization (IP) geophysical testing, which is following up on rock sampling, channel sampling, and prospecting done in 2022 that identified a possible 1.1-kilometer extension of a 2.4-kilometer gold-silver-tellurium vein system.

"There is obvious porphyry and abundant associated sulfide mineralization on surface at Deer Horn," Groat said. "The geophysical data from IP is needed to obtain subsurface information, such as the location of bodies of sulfide mineralization. This will help us direct the summer drill campaign and determine locations, directions, angles, and depths of drill holes."

Green Energy Needs These Minerals

Both tellurium and copper are needed for the switch to green energy.

Deer Horn is known to have the only positive preliminary economic assessment (PEA) for a tellurium project in North America and was named a world-class project by solar panel maker First Solar Inc. (FSLR:NYSE).

Tellurium is one of the least common elements on Earth, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Most rocks contain an average of about three parts per billion, making them eight times less abundant than gold.

Its use as a semiconductor in solar photovoltaic (solar PV) panels has increased. It is also used in thermoelectric applications, lithium batteries, vulcanizing rubber, tinting glass, and manufacturing rewritable CDs and DVDs.

Electric vehicles (EVs) use more than three times as much copper as gas-burning cars. New copper production - and investment in exploration - will be needed to fuel the supply of those vehicles, analysts say.

"Based on industry-wide capital intensity data, we calculate that some US$196 billion of investment will be required," a market analysis issued by RFC Ambrian said. "Of this, US$80 billion is for greenfield projects, and US$116 billion is for brownfield projects, of which US$71 billion is simply for replacement capacity. A further US$35 billion of investment will be required to close the supply gap."

An S&P report called copper "one of the most underappreciated critical minerals."

"Deeper electrification requires wires, and wires are primarily made from copper," the report said.

Billionaire Robert Friedland, founder and executive co-chairman of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd., recently told Bloomberg that he fears copper prices could jump tenfold.

"We're heading for a train wreck here," he said.

A Larger Ore-Forming Process

First Tellurium said about 200 additional structural measurements have been taken of primarily sulfide-bearing veins across Deer Horn. Those veins' main groupings intersect at 60 degrees along the thrust plane.

"These orientations appear to be consistent throughout the property across several lithological units," the company noted. "This suggests that these spatially separate mineralized veins on either side of the property formed as a result of the same structural regime and are likely a part of a larger ore-forming process that generated both the Deer Horn Au-Ag-Te and Pond copper porphyry mineralization."

Deer Horn's PEA was calculated on 450 meters of the original 2.4-kilometer gold-silver-tellurium vein system.

In addition, the company's Klondike tellurium project in Colorado is considered America's top tellurium exploration project and was previously owned by First Solar as a potential source of raw tellurium for its solar panels.

Ownership and Share Structure

According to the company, 11% of First Tellurium is owned by management and insiders.

Docherty owns 10.6% or 7.7 million shares, Director Josef Anthony Steve Fogarassy has 1.38% or 1 million shares, and Director Lyle Allen Schwabe has 0.73% or 0.53 million shares. There are no institutional investors, and the rest is retail.

The company has a market cap of CA$10.4 million, with about 73 million shares outstanding and 63.4 million free-floating. It trades in a 52-week range of CA$0.25 and CA$0.10.

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August 23, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Volt Lithium has been described in glowing terms by newsletter writer Michael Ballanger. Read on to see why and what the company is looking forward to in the future.

Volt Lithium Corp. (VLT:TSV; VLTLF:US) has announced that it has terminated two existing option agreements related to the copper assets that were part of its predecessor's portfolio. These copper assets were not being pursued as part of Volt's strategy. With the termination of these agreements, Volt's asset base has been streamlined and offers investors exposure to a growing, pure-play lithium development and technology company aiming to be North America's first commercial producer of lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonates from oilfield brine.

The two terminated option agreements include the option to acquire a 100% interest in the Stateline Property, pursuant to an option agreement among Cloudbreak Discovery PLC, Cloudbreak Discovery (Canada) Ltd., Tarsis Resources US Inc., Alianza Minerals Ltd. and Volt dated February 9, 2022, and the option to acquire a 100% interest in the Silver King Property, pursuant to an option agreement among Goodsprings Exploration LLC, Robert Cole, Lori Cole and 1269280 BC Ltd. dated February 10, 2021.

The company acquired the option underlying the SK Agreement when it acquired BCCo on October 27, 2021, pursuant to a three-cornered amalgamation in accordance with Section 260 of the Business Corporations Act. Pursuant to the RTO Transaction, BCCo was amalgamated with 1303288 BC Ltd., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company. The terms of the SK Agreement were disclosed in the company's filing statement dated October 18, 2021. In accordance with the SK Agreement, the company, through Volt SubCo, has given notice for the termination of the SK Agreement, which will be effective immediately.

Rising Demand

According to Cameron Drummond of Stockhead, factories in China manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) are raising demand for lithium and other battery metals.

According to a report by Benchmark Metals Intelligence (BMI), "In H222 and H123, the Asia region maintained its position as the regional leader in terms of EV battery plant investments, attracting 38 projects into either gigafactory or EV battery component plant investments."

A Life Altering Find

Michael Ballanger cited Volt Lithium as a "life-altering" find.

According to Ballanger, there is a market disconnect that "lies in the mistaken assumption that Volt's claim is either overstated or false" and that Volt benefits from "green company' benefits whereby Volt returns formerly toxic brines to the subsurface aquifer in pristine shape, free of all impurities, including oil, for which they are paid a royalty by Cabot Energy. This is a feature of immense benefit to politicians."

Ballanger predicts that Volt will receive approval for government grants.

Ownership and Share Structure

Management and insiders own 16.65% of the company. James Alexander Wylie owns 8.74% of the company with 11.38 million shares, Martin Scase owns 4.97% with 6.44 million shares, Warner Uhl owns 0.88% with 1.15 million shares, Morgan Tiernan owns 0.39% with 0.50 million shares, Maury Dumba owns 0.49% with 0.64 million shares, and Kyle Robert Hookey owns 1.180% with 1.54 million shares.

The company reports no strategic investors.

It has CA$7 million in the bank with a CA$100,000 monthly burn rate.

Middlefield and Backer Wealth represent strategic investors. There are 7.2 million warrants valued at CA$0.45 due in October 2023.

The company works with the Toronto-based IR firm Primoris but does not work with any influencers. Mike Ballanger provides news coverage and analysis of the company.

There are 103.22 million shares outstanding and 96.34 million free-float traded shares. The company has a market cap of CA$26.04 million. It trades in the 52-week period between CA$0.06 and CA$0.55.

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August 23, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Research analysis says a proposed hydrogen hub across three states has a good chance of seeing government funding.

An analysis by independent Norwegian research house Rystad Energy predicted that the HALO Hydrogen Hub, including Jericho Energy Ventures Inc. (JEV:TSX.V; JROOF:OTC; JLM:FSE) will be among the top ten hydrogen hubs in the running for billions in government funding.

The U.S. Department of Energy's Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program, or H2Hubs, is expected to reveal the winners of the money to establish six to 10 hydrogen hubs across the country this fall.

The H2Hubs program includes up to US$7 billion to establish six to ten regional clean hydrogen hubs across the United States.

The HALO Hydrogen Hub is listed second out of the ten projects named as favorites by Rystad. The hub includes projects in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana with partners such as Air Products, Baker Hughes, Cherokee Nation, GE, NextEra, and Woodside. HALO was among 22 projects that submitted a full application to the program.

Marina Domingues, senior analyst at Rystad's Clean Tech team, told Hydrogen Insight that the hubs should encourage more investment in clean hydrogen, a sector where banks have been reluctant to shoulder risk.

"The hubs will show the financial community where they can invest their money and get their return," Domingues said. "It reduces the technical risk because the government is investing, and because demand is baked into the proposal, it makes hydrogen projects more bankable."

Jericho subsidiary Hydgrogen Technologies' DCC boiler burns hydrogen and oxygen in a vacuum chamber to create high-temperature water and steam with no greenhouse gases or other pollutants. The only by-product is water, which is recycled. It's meant to replace existing boilers that burn coal, natural gas, diesel, or fuel oil.

The boilers are being considered for deployment at major facilities around the world, with feasibility studies being conducted or considered at dozens of locations, the company has said.

The Catalyst: 'Near-Zero' Emissions

In order to meet a net-zero emissions scenario by 2050, the world needs more hydrogen technology and projects, the International Energy Agency wrote.

"Faster action is required on creating demand for low-emission hydrogen and unlocking investment that can accelerate production scale-up and deployment of infrastructure," the agency wrote.

The DOE said the hydrogen market has the "potential for near-zero greenhouse gas emissions."

"Hydrogen generates electrical power in a fuel cell, emitting only water vapor and warm air," the agency wrote. "It holds promise for growth in both the stationary and transportation energy sectors."

There's more hydrogen in the universe than anything else, but it doesn't occur on its own naturally on Earth. It needs to be separated from water or hydrocarbon carbons using electrolyzers.

It's also a "uniquely versatile energy carrier," according to a report by the Hydrogen Council. "It can be produced using different energy inputs and different production technologies. It can also be converted to different forms and distributed through different routes - from compressed gas hydrogen in pipelines through liquid hydrogen on ships, trains or trucks, to synthesized fuel routes."

A Leader in Its Category

Jericho started as an oil company but is pivoting toward green energy, using profits from its oil and gas assets to fund investments in zero-emission hydrogen technologies.

The company recently announced its first sale of a DCC boiler system to a prominent anonymous university.

"This . . . positions JEV as a key industry leader and a first mover in its category," wrote Atrium Research analyst Nicholas Cortellucci in an Aug. 3 research note. Cortellucci has a Buy rating on the stock with a target price of CA$0.50 per share.

Another recent Jericho and Hydrogen Technologies announcement also bodes well for the company, Cortellucci wrote. The company is collaborating with a "leading global alcoholic beverage company" to study using the boilers at production facilities in four countries.

Jericho recently announced it was partnering with two other companies to manufacture, implement, and service a new DCC boiler-based hydrogen steam plant called the HSP3000 that will come pre-assembled in container-sized units and eliminate the CO2 equivalent of about 5,000 cars.

"The HSP3000 can also eliminate all NOx, CO2, and other GHG emissions from industrial steam and district heating applications, potentially allowing clients to harvest carbon credits," Cortellucci wrote. "We expect the product launch to expedite sales commitments across various industries including, Pulp & Paper, Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Industrial Chemicals, and O&G (oil and gas)."

Ownership and Share Structure

There are more than 660 district energy systems operating in the United States, providing heating to an estimated 5.5 billion square feet of floor space for everything from universities to business districts to hospitals and airports, according to a U.S. Energy Information report.

Around 35% of Jericho's shares are held by management, insiders, and insider institutional investors, the company said. They include CEO Brian Williamson, who owns 1.25% or about 3.1 million shares; founder Allen William Wilson, who owns 0.79% or about 1.97 million shares; and board member Nicholas Baxter, who owns 0.46%, or about 1.14 million shares, according to Reuters.

Around 10% of shares are held by non-insider institutions, and 65% are in retail, the company said.

JEV's market cap is CA$63.43 million, and it trades in a 52-week range of CA$0.44 and CA$0.22. It has 248.14 million shares outstanding, 178.38 million of them floating.

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Nestled among country roads on the Tipperary-Kilkenny county boarder are luscious green fields where calves roam and huge wind turbines twirl in the Irish wind.

The scene of agriculture and renewable energy co-existing together prompted Rasmus Errboe, rsted Europe CEO, to say it reminds me of Denmark.

Mr Errboe made this comment while visiting the Danish multinationals largest wind farm in Ireland Lisheen III, with senior vice president of Europe rsted onshore Kieran White.

The glistening white turbines are located next to rsteds existing developments at Lisheen I and II. The combined three phases of Lisheen have the capacity to generate 89MW of green energy.

The sight is a positive one for the renewable industry in Ireland which has consistently faced hurdles. However, Mr Errboe and Mr White expressed concern about future developments if infrastructure and the level of red-tape in the way of getting projects off the ground isnt addressed.

Mr White said he has heard of developers with other companies pulling out of projects elsewhere due to challenges and suggested that this may happen in Ireland as well.

We're seeing evidence that companies are walking away from projects in the UK in the US, and I suspect we'll see more of that, said Mr White.

To speed up projects in the renewable energy sector, the men at the centre of rsteds plans in Ireland said a number of improvements have to be made. At the top of the list is updating the grid infrastructure to increase connectivity and capacity on the system. Mr white added:

It's not too late, but it's long overdue.

Mr White said the grid issue is not unique to Ireland and indicated that developers are getting frustrated in other regions as well, including in the UK.

Meanwhile, there are growing concerns in the industry about the upcoming onshore RESS 3 auction and rumours have circulated in the industry that it will not be as successful as past auctions due to a laborious planning process in getting the projects operational, high input costs, and a chronic lack of infrastructure particularly with the grid.

The focus is now on Government to include attractive terms and conditions and a reasonable ceiling cap in the upcoming auction to keep developers interested in basing projects in Ireland.

That is a very, very important line in the sand for all of us developers in this country. We don't know what exactly the Government wants to procure through that round, said Mr White.

Mr White said he is confident though about the more advanced projects that will be included in RESS 3.

Through the auction, rsted is aiming to deliver projects, including solar developments, that will generate 200 additional megawatts. To date, the company has installed projects that can generate nearly 400 megawatts of renewable energy capacity on the island of Ireland.

European volatility

Apart from issues on the island, developers are also navigating a volatile economic environment across Europe.

Prices for building renewable projects have soared in recent years and Mr Errboe said he is increasingly being asked if wind companies like rsted will veer away from purchasing turbines from European manufacturing firms including Simens and Vestas for cheaper Chinese alternatives.

What I can say is we don't have any such plans right now. We will always we will always procure turbines in a way where we get what we believe fits our strategic aspirations and is also what is the better business case and also what is the risk profile of what we are buying, he said.

For others in the industry though Mr Errboe said I don't think that can be ruled out.

rsted entered into a contract with Vestas to build the Lisheen III wind farm. Overall though the two men remain optimistic about the industrys future in Ireland.

It's windy, and it is relatively mature from an onshore wind perspective, in Ireland. And that maturity is something that means something to us as the predictability means we know that what you see you're going get, said Mr Errboe.

Earlier this year, the countrys largest electricity provider ESB signed an agreement with rsted to develop an Irish offshore wind portfolio in a landmark deal.

rsted is now a 50% partner in a pipeline of offshore wind development projects off the Irish coast, which were until now held exclusively by ESB, under the agreement. Mr Errboe said:

There is no doubt that Ireland is day by day becoming strategically more and more important for us as a group.

Offhsore wind projects and solar still face unpredictability though which has enforced a need for certainty going into the future. Mr White said this is even more important going into an election next year.

I sincerely hope that whatever shape the new government we get is not a dramatic change, because where you get change, you create uncertainty, he said.

In addition to the abundant wind, Ireland also provides a European headquarters for Big Tech firms which are increasingly investing more in renewable projects while also being huge consumers of energy through data centres.

Working with what we call strategic corporate partners within global tech is core for us. Because we do fundamentally believe that from a global and also European perspective, we will see more and more demand for green electrons coming from global tech, as well as chemicals, but also very much global tech.

rsted have previously benefitted from deals with large tech companies. For example, the Lisheen III wind farm was part of a corporate power purchase agreement with Facebook-owner Meta.
A Morgan Stanley unit was fined 5.4m (6.3m) for failure to retain messages sent by traders over WhatsApp in the first-ever penalty of its type issued under the UK energy regulators powers.

Morgan Stanley International failed to record and retain electronic communications between January 2018 and March 2020 made by energy traders on privately-owned phones which discussed transactions, Ofgem said.

Morgan Stanley has taken steps to ensure the breaches dont happen again, according to Ofgem, which regulates UK energy markets. Hugh Fraser, a spokesperson for the bank, declined to comment.

The fine is the first issued by Ofgem under legal requirements to record and retain communications relating to wholesale energy trading. It also follows a slew of actions by US regulators to clamp down on the use of WhatsApp in trading floors across the world.

Ofgem found that Morgan Stanleys own rules prohibited using the messaging app for trading matters, but failed to take sufficient reasonable steps to ensure compliance with its own policies, according to the statement.

The banks settlement in the case led to 30% discount in its fine, which will go to the UK Treasury, a spokesperson for the regulator added by email.

Private messaging services in the UK have been under scrutiny for a while. The FCA issued a newsletter in January 2021 on the need for messaging apps to be monitored.

The UK financial regulator was quizzing banks about WhatsApp use last year although a full-blown probe wasnt in place at the time and the watchdog hasnt yet disclosed any fines.

In the US, total fines involving such probes have now exceeded $2.5bn (2.3bn) since December 2021, making this one of the biggest financial enforcement efforts of the past decade.

This month three Wells Fargo units agreed to pay a total of $125m to the Securities and Exchange Commission, while BNP Paribas will pay $35m.

Financial firms are required to monitor and save communications involving their business to head off improper conduct.

When they dont, regulators say its significantly harder to investigate wrongdoing. Their work is made even more difficult when bankers use messaging tools that delete communications automatically.

The UK has now joined US regulators in clamping down on banks failure to record and retain records of electronic communications between traders.

What began as a look at trading desks use of chat apps has expanded into a look into all of finances use of any kind of communication tool that doesnt archive transcripts appropriately.

Hedge funds and private equity firms are also under investigation for their use of personal communication apps.

- Bloomberg
Workers at Iceland's Waterford store have occupied the premises following an "abrupt" order by management to close the supermarket on Tuesday evening.

According to SIPTU, employees were given minimal notice to leave the store while still owed unpaid wages, holiday pay and redundancy, with Industrial Organiser, Mark Flynn saying, "Workers were informed at 4.30pm yesterday that they had thirty minutes to vacate the premises.

"Having seen what happened to their colleagues in the Clonmel store, they decided to stage a sit-in."

A notice placed on the shop door by workers yesterday evening read, "forced closure," with "30 minutes to close," apologising to customers for the short notice.

Impacting 12 Waterford employees, the latest closure has prompted SIPTU to call for an immediate meeting with the examiner responsible for Iceland supermarkets in Ireland over outstanding staff entitlements.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, a spokesperson for SIPTU said that the examiner has reached out to Iceland workers in Waterford, and that they hope to enter negotiations with them in the next few days.

Examinership

Iceland staff across the country have faced constant uncertainty since the chain was bought and franchised earlier this year by Project Point Technologies, with more than 20 stores placed into examinership in June, including shops in Douglas, Ballincollig, Talbot Street and Clonmel.

Last month, the High Court heard that "a number" of Irish retail stores in the Iceland chain would not reopen, affecting a large number of employees.

At the time, an examiner appointed by the court to Metron Stores Limited, which operates the Irish stores, reported that about 160 employees had been temporarily laid off, while 12 of the 26 Irish stores had temporarily closed.

Staff sit in at Iceland in Waterford. Kamila Unigawska store manager working in Iceland 9 years, Janet Phelan 5yrs, Catherine Nolan working in Iceland 10 months, Yvonne Kennedy working in Iceland 5 years all from Waterford phtoographed with union officials Mark Flynn Industrial organiser and David Lane sector organiser. Photo; Mary Browne

Joe Walsh, of JW Accountants, was appointed interim examiner to Metron in June, with the court told that the company was insolvent and unable to pay debts of about 36m as they fall due.

"The company has the protection of the courts through examinership, the workers only have their union," Mr Flynn continued.

Earlier this week, staff from Iceland on Talbot Street, who have occupied the store since being laid off, were present at the High Court for the presentation of the most recent report from the company's examiner.

In a statement on behalf of staff and the Independent Worker's Union, Donna Grimes, who has participated in the Talbot Street sit-in, said there are still thousands owed to laid-off employees.

"The company from day 1 of take over did not pay rent to many landlords, nor did it pay their energy bills, commercial rates, or, in some cases, even suppliers," said Ms Grimes. "This, alongside the refusal to pay correct wages, caused huge and obvious alarm as it revealed a level of premeditated calculation."

"We ask for orders to be issued compelling the company, which, with its cash reserve exceeding 300,000, can afford to settle all outstanding wage issues and unfair dismissals."

'Messages of support'

In a post on social media, the Waterford Council of Trade Unions said, "Iceland SIPTU members have occupied the store on Cork Road. Send messages of support and drop down to the store to show solidarity," adding that staff are owed wages and holiday pay and that many have "a number of years of service."

"SIPTU is determined that these low-paid workers will not be abandoned.," Mr Flynn continued. "We call for an immediate meeting with the examiner to secure their outstanding entitlements and ensure a just resolution."

Iceland has been contacted for comment.
The new succession planning advice grant for farmers aged over 60 has been welcomed by ifac, the Irish Farm Accounts Co-op.

Succession planning is important in every business, so its worrying that it is neglected on so many Irish farms, said Marty Murphy, Head of Tax with ifac.

He urged older farmers to take up the incentive and seek professional advice on how to best safeguard their financial security while looking after the next generation and securing a viable future for their farm.

Research conducted for ifacs 2023 annual Farm Report found that 64% of farmers surveyed didnt have a successor in place, and 90% had little or no understanding of the Fair Deal nursing home scheme.

While inheritance and succession can be a thorny subject, its crucial that farmers plan ahead, taking into account both their own aspirations and those of the next generation", said Mr Murphy.

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"Family circumstances differ, and every case is unique, which is why its so important to obtain professional advice.

"Getting the timing of a transfer of farm ownership wrong, or failing to take advantage of relevant tax-saving opportunities, can lead to significant hardship, he said.

When planning for succession, it is also important that farmers make a will. Once in place, succession plans and wills should be reviewed at least once a year, and updated when necessary.

Applications for the Succession Planning Advice Grant will open on September 19 next. The grant will cover up to 50% of vouched legal, accounting and advisory succession planning advice costs, subject to a maximum payment of 1,500.

To apply, farmers must be aged 60 or over, and farming at least three hectares for at least two years before applying. The grant does not apply to farmers currently in a succession farm partnership.

An online information webinar for the new scheme is scheduled for September 6 at 7pm.

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue said the grant will help older farmers to plan for their future and the future of their farms, by providing financial support towards the costs of legal and financial advice for succession planning.

This scheme will be an important addition to the range of supports for generational renewal already in place, including significant agri-taxation supports, and strong supports for young farmers and collaborative farming under the CAP Strategic Plan," he said.

The objectives of the scheme include best practice in intergenerational land transfer, to address, among other things, significant generational imbalances within farming.

Paper application forms will be available at the National Ploughing Championships and from the Department website. The application will be open until the end of 2023, and the first grant payments will be in early 2024.
The live trade may be a better option for under-finished lambs, according to the latest Bord Bia sheepmeat market appraisal.

Sending under-finished lamb into the factory doesnt really help anyone, said Bord Bia Sheep Sector Manager Seamus McMenamin, in conversation with Ciaran Lynch, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, in a recent Teagasc OviCast podcast.

After drought and excessive rain affected grazing conditions, fat cover on lambs coming into factories was lower than what is traditionally expected, unless grazing was supplemented with concentrate feeding.

But the cost of extra feed may not prove economical, hence the live trade may be a better option.

When you look at the lambs coming in, if theyre not of the highest quality, then you obviously cant service the highest quality markets with them, so the better the quality of the lamb coming in, the better the return that can be provided, said Mr McMenamin.

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He said 30,000 to 40,000 extra lambs may be destined for the market in the coming months.

It is looking like there will be more lamb pushed into the back end of the year. Weve definitely seen a shift in the supply pattern of sheep to later in the year.

Mr McMenamin agreed that the poor weather earlier this year, and perhaps reduced feed intake, contributed to reduced kill numbers, leaving a backlog of lambs to be supplied, and that the results are discernible in the lambs being presented for slaughter.

Some of the factories have reported lighter carcase weights, lambs coming in under-finished, and that obviously impacts the carcase quality.

It also limits the markets where that lamb meat can be sold. The largest markets are for carcases that are 19 to 21 kilos. Lighter carcases with lower fat cover have more limited outlets.

Increased supply on export markets is another challenge. An increase of 12% or more in sheepmeat imported into the EU is predicted to cancel out lower EU production of sheep meat.

Mr McMenamin said: Theres been a bit of a shift in focus now in the UK. Theyre talking about a 15 to 17% increase in what theyre looking to export, and practically everything they export goes into Europe.

"Theyre coming in to compete directly against us, for the same customers. Theyre at a very similar price point to ourselves. And then, on the other side, youve a lot more Australian product in the global market, and youve got New Zealand.

"There has been an increase in the volume of those products that are coming in to Europe, and particularly in frozen form, thats then completely under-cutting the European products.

With the UKs trade deals with Australia and New Zealand, theres the potential for more product to come from the southern hemisphere into the UK, and thereby free up more UK product to come into Europe. And then, obviously, there are also direct imports from New Zealand and Australia coming into Europe as well.

"So theres definitely a lot more product about, and New Zealand, in particular, have shifted from sending a chilled product to a frozen one, which is then at a lower price point. And the reports that were getting back is that a lot of that came in earlier in the year, and was in storage, and now is coming back out on to the market.

Australia is exporting large volumes of lamb meat, having increased the national flock by 10% over the past few years. Simultaneously, Australian domestic consumption of lamb has decreased, releasing a greater volume for export. There has also been an increase in Australian lamb carcase weights. All of this has increased the amount of Australian lamb on the global market.

Traditionally, the US and China would have been strong markets for Australia, and while China has shown signs of recovery, taking a lot more volume in the last few months than it had been, its for a much lower price point than what had traditionally been paid.

"And obviously, that has been feeding back into the Australian farmer price, and weve actually seen it fall just below 3 there in the last week or so, explained the Bord Bia Sheep Sector Manager. Consequently, Australia is seeking increased markets in the UK and EU, where higher prices can be achieved.

If China upgrades in terms of the quality and the type of product its taking off the global market, it will have a huge impact on the global trade, said Mr McMenamin.

As for the US, a very large market in terms of volume Is not anticipated, but high prices are expected. The Irish government is in discussion with the US Department of Agriculture about terms and conditions of accessing the US market.

Looking further ahead, Mr McMenamin agreed that the earlier Easter and Ramadan in the spring of 2024 will give a boost to the hogget trade, to help clear any backlog of lambs held over from 2023. Easter and Ramadan usually bring the largest weeks of throughput in Ireland and, usually, good prices.

Meanwhile, on the Irish market, given the difficult sheepmeat trade, Bord Bia has added digital promotional activities to the June promotional campaign on TV, radio and online, which will be repeated in September.

The domestic market accounts for about 15% of the lamb we produce, Mr McMenamin explained.
Jurgen Krausss elimination from the 2021 Great British Bake Off caused such a scandal, Ofcom received 115 viewer complaints.

The lovable German baker was seen as a top competitor, winning three star baker prizes before being booted off in the semi-finals.

Nearly two years on, Brighton-based Krauss, 58, has no hard feelings  but he did see the uproar coming.

I had a feeling there would be complaints  a feeling that people would take it very seriously, he says.

But he still has only good things to say about the show, noting the overwhelmingly positive reaction was quite amazing, and crediting the experience with boosting his baking skills massively.

He speaks particularly fondly about the period before the competition started, when the contestants were in a bubble and testing their recipes.

We had nine weeks to prepare one signature and one showstopper each week and submit the recipe  that was really a huge time for growth, he says.

He calls this a period of non-stop new ideas, non-stop new processes, adding with a wry laugh:

Most of the things Id done in the tent Id never done before, and some of them Ive never done since, [and] Im not sure Ill ever do them again. It was tough  it was amazing.

Many of the bakes Krauss made on the show were inspired by his childhood in the Black Forest, Germany. This formed the start of his new cookbook, aptly called German Baking: Cakes, Tarts, Traybakes And Breads From The Black Forest And Beyond.

During Bake Off, the briefs of all these signature bakes often included references to childhood that really reconnected me to my culinary home, to the Black Forest and the cooking of my parents, the things I liked to eat as a child or teenager, or while I was studying.

Some of Krauss favourite food memories growing up are from the period before Christmas. My brother and I, we were always in the kitchen with my mother, we were always part of cooking and baking Christmas  the time before Christmas was always amazing, he remembers.

It was fun, getting hands sticky in dough and tasting it all, and using ingredients like kirsch [brandy made from cherries]. I didnt think much of it, being able to make cakes like cheesecakes or Linzer torter [a spiced tart that would kick off the Christmas period in Krauss household].

But then much later, after the move to England [in 2003], I really took a deep dive into making bread. After 10 years or so, I really was craving German bread.

From apple marzipan tarts to the classic Black Forest gateau, Krauss book is an ode to his childhood and where he grew up.

Black Forest is an interesting region, because it has influences from France and Austria, Krauss explains.

It had a varied history. It was Austrian for almost 200 years  you get dark breads, but rye isnt such a dominant grain as it is in other German areas. Thats the Austrian influence  you get a lot more wheat and you get things like pancakes and dumplings, more than in other German areas, which is clearly inspired by the Austrian kitchen.

You have also a huge influence from France and Alsace in terms of day-to-day cooking, so its a bit of a conglomerate.

Jurgen Krauss, author of German Baking. Picture: Maja Smend/PA

Despite its name, Krauss suggests the Black Forest gateau was actually invented in Dortmund  a city around five hours drive away from his home.

But it has become iconic because on the borders of the Black Forest in the Rhine Valley there are huge orchards and cherries grow very well there. Making kirsch has a long tradition, making fruit brandies has a long tradition in the Black Forest because of that.

Other recipes in the book include the Flammkuchen, or what Krauss describes as kind of a Black Forest pizza.

Its an unleavened bread, so you could say its a matzah with sour cream on it, and you can put lardons on it, onions, or you can make it sweet with cinnamon sugar and apple slices. Its really so easy  you can have it ready in 20 minutes, from start to finish. You just need to have an oven that goes really hot.

While the book is all about traditional German baking, Krauss has added the occasional modern twist.

He says animal products are prominent in German cooking, And they dont run very strongly through my bakes in the book, because I wanted to make it appealing to a very wide audience. So I didnt use lard, where a traditional Black Forest baker would probably use lard or lardons  things like that. I definitely scaled back on that. You would make dumplings or doughnuts in lard, you would fry them in lard  this sort of thing has lost its appeal over the last few years I think.

While hes still known to many as Jurgen from Bake Off, Krauss says hes come a long way since the show.

I feel much more in command of things, he muses.

It feels a lot easier for me to change things. I got to a stage in bread baking where I can go fancy and know the outcome will be OK. I never had that with sweet things before Bake Off.

But now I can see how to change ingredients and how recipes work in general  so thats a huge change.

Jurgen Krauss soft pretzel recipe Its a German classic for a reason. Servings 10 Preparation Time  3 hours 0 mins Cooking Time  15 mins Total Time  3 hours 15 mins Course  Baking Ingredients For the starter:

100g bread flour

2g salt

18tsp instant yeast

65ml water

For the dough:

400g bread flour

9g salt

20g honey

5g instant yeast

25g unsalted butter, room temperature

180ml water

Coarse salt crystals, for sprinkling

For the lye or bicarb dipping solution:

2L water

8g salt

80g bicarbonate of soda or 80g sodium hydroxide pellets Method Prepare the starter the day before baking. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix with your hand or a spatula until all the flour is incorporated. Cover with clingfilm and leave to stand at room temperature for about two hours. Then put the starter in the fridge overnight until you need it  it will be good to use for up to three days. About one hour before making the main dough, take the starter out of the fridge. To make the main dough, combine all the ingredients except the salt crystals and the starter in a bowl and mix with your hand or a spatula. The resulting dough will be very stiff. Knead the dough on a work surface for about 10 minutes. Dont use any additional flour, you wont need it anyway. The resulting dough should be smooth and a bit elastic. Put the dough into a bowl, cover and prove at room temperature for about two hours. Fold the dough once after one hour. Meanwhile, prepare the dipping solution. Use a big stainless-steel pan and stainless-steel spoons for dipping. Cover your normal work surfaces in case the lye spills. When dipping, keep the baking sheets very close to the lye pan and the oven. Always wear protective gloves and goggles when working with sodium hydroxide and lye. Never ever touch sodium hydroxide pellets with your skin. If using bicarbonate of soda, bring the water to boil. Switch off the heat, add the salt and stir. Then add the bicarbonate of soda  there will be a bit of frothing and splashing, so be careful. Leave to cool. If using sodium hydroxide, put the water in the pan and then add the sodium hydroxide pellets. Sodium hydroxide creates a lot of heat when it dissolves. Once the dough has proved, divide it into pieces weighing 85 grams each. Roll each piece of dough into a cylinder. Once all the pieces have been rolled, start again with the first piece, to roll it into a long strand with thin ends and a belly in the middle. Aim for a length of 60 centimetres. Make sure you dont tear your strands  if there is too much resistance in the dough, move on to the next strand. You will need several cycles to reach the length required. Now shape the pretzels  the bakers use a slinging method, but there is a simpler, slower way to do this. Make sure the ends of the little arms are well attached to the middle bit. Place the pretzels onto lined baking trays, cover and leave to prove at room temperature for about 45 minutes. Uncover the pretzels and put them in the fridge for 30 minutes, so that a skin can form. Preheat the oven to 230C fan/gas mark 9. Take the pretzels out of the fridge. Dip each pretzel in lye or sodium carbonate solution for about five seconds. Transfer the pretzel back onto the lined baking sheet. One sheet will hold four to five pretzels. Once the sheet is full, slash the thickest part of the pretzels with a sharp serrated knife and sprinkle with salt crystals. Transfer to the oven immediately and bake for 1215 minutes. Leave to cool on a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining pretzels. Because of the salt, these pretzels are best eaten fresh.

Jurgen Krauss babka chocolate braid recipe Try out your braiding skills with this pretty bake. Servings 15 Preparation Time  1 hours 40 mins Cooking Time  40 mins Total Time  2 hours 20 mins Course  Input Ingredients For the dough:

190g bread flour

140g white spelt flour or plain flour, plus extra for dusting

6g instant yeast

1 pinch salt

40g caster sugar

180ml whole milk

1 medium egg

40g unsalted butter, softened

Zest of 1 lemon

Zest of 1 orange

tsp ground cardamom

For the filling:

100g dark chocolate (54% or 70% cocoa solids, to taste)

60g unsalted butter

60g soft light brown sugar

2tsp ground cinnamon

tsp ground cloves

30g cocoa powder

Unsalted butter, melted, or apricot jam for glazing Method For the dough, put all the ingredients in a bowl and, using your hands or a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, mix the ingredients until evenly distributed. Then knead the dough for several minutes until it has a smooth and silky texture. Cover with a tea towel or a plastic bag and leave to prove at room temperature for about one hour. Check with the poke test that the dough is ready. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Put the chocolate, butter and sugar into a pan and melt over low heat. Once liquid, take the pan off the heat and add the cinnamon, cloves and cocoa powder. Its OK if the filling looks grainy. Line a 950g loaf tin with baking paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a rectangle measuring about 50 x 30cm. Spread the chocolate filling over the dough rectangle, leaving 2cms of the far short edge uncovered. Roll up the dough rectangle, starting at the near short edge. Seal the seam by pinching it. Place the roll on a work surface with the seam facing down and, with a sharp knife, cut the roll lengthwise into halves. Twist the halves together to form a rope. You can do this starting at one end and twist this half of the roll, and then do the same for the other half; this way you dont have to manipulate the whole length at once. Place your hands palm down on the ends and, with a scooping movement, bring the ends to meet underneath the middle of your rope. Transfer this into the lined tin, and cover with a tea towel or a plastic bag. Leave to prove for 30 minutes to one hour until the Babka is well risen and the dough starts to feel fragile; a gentle touch with a finger will leave a dent that only slowly recovers. Preheat the oven to 170C fan/gas mark 5. Bake the babka for 30-40 minutes. Melt the butter for glazing or heat the apricot jam with a teaspoon of water. Brush the babka with melted butter or jam as soon as it is out of the oven. Leave to cool for about 15 minutes, then carefully remove from the tin and baking paper. Let the babka cool completely before eating. Stored in an airtight container it will last for three days.
The first episode of new Star Wars spinoff series Ahsoka paid tribute to late Irish actor Ray Stevenson.

The actor, who plays the villainous Baylan Skroll in the series, died in May aged 58, though no further details about his death were made immediately available.

At the end of the first episode of Ahsoka, which launched on Disney+ on Wednesday, the words For our friend, Ray appeared.

Ahsoka follows former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy.

Rosario Dawson plays the title role in new Star Wars spinoff Ahsoka (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Rosario Dawson, who plays the title character, previously remembered Stevenson, as a very spiritual person with whom she had the most extraordinary conversations.

Speaking to US outlet People prior to the Hollywood actors strike, Dawson described him as really beautiful and so thoughtful.

She said Stevenson owned many different crystals and they had had conversations about the divine feminine.

(He was) almost like (a) Nordic kind of man, who was very heavy-handed and then just like the most gentle, brilliant, loving divine feminine spirit, she said.

Once a rebel, always a rebel.



Watch the brand-new trailer and experience the two-episode series premiere of @AhsokaOfficial, a Star Wars Original series, streaming August 23 on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/XTNLV6ABfb  Star Wars (@starwars) July 11, 2023

You just had the most extraordinary conversations with him about his family and philosophies.

Ive had so many people who I know are friends with him. We were so blessed to have him working with us. He made all of us better.

As well as Dawson and Stevenson, Ahsoka stars Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ivanna Sakhno and Doctor Who star David Tennant.

The series is written by Dave Filoni, who executive produces alongside Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Colin Wilson, and Carrie Beck.
Schools should be allowed to recruit teachers on a full-time basis as they struggle with a very real, severe recruitment and retention crisis, according to the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI).

The post-primary teachers union has called on the Department of Education to allow schools to employ teachers on a permanent basis after the traditional cut-off point of the end of October.

According to the TUI, a shortage of teachers in second-level schools is narrowing the range of subject options available to students.

Schools are struggling with a very real, severe teacher recruitment and retention crisis, so the time for sticking plaster measures has long since passed, said TUI president Liz Farrell.

It is now time for a completely new approach to teacher recruitment so that Ireland can compete for graduates, who are increasingly looking at international options.

We have consistently raised these issues with the Department over the years but to date they have failed to implement the effective measures required.

Appropriate, targeted resourcing must be made available in Budget 2024 if the Government is serious about tackling this crisis, she added.

Suggested measures include increasing teaching allocations to allow schools more full-time, permanent jobs; halving duration of the two-year Professional Master of Education (PME) required to become a second level teacher; eliminating the red tape that hinders teachers working overseas returning to take up a position in Ireland.

A survey carried out by TUI earlier this year found that of those recently appointed, less than a third of teachers (31%) appointed received a full-time contract, and just over one in ten teachers (13%) were offered permanent positions.

"This culture of precarious work is driving both potential and serving teachers away from the profession."

Ms Farrell also criticised the lack of teacher union representation on the Department of Education's Teacher Supply Steering Group. "We are ready and willing to assist in this regard."

Earlier this week, primary school principals warned that up to 4,000 pupils in Dublin alone will potentially have no class teacher in place by next week when schools return, as the supply of teachers seems to be reaching crisis levels.

The Irish Primary Principals' Network (IPPN), which represents primary school principals, said on Monday it is acutely aware of and concerned about the challenges schools are facing when it comes to recruiting for the new school year.

A spokesman for the Department of Education said it meets on a regular basis with the school management bodies and the teacher unions and will "continue to work intensively with all stakeholders to develop and implement creative solutions to address the problems that schools face when it comes to sourcing teachers".
Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said that her draft hate speech laws are not her sole focus and are not being prioritised above 11 other pieces of legislation she has in the pipeline.

The bill is the first specific legislation that would deal with hate crime in Ireland, and would update existing hate speech laws, which the minister called ineffective and limited.

It would repeal 1989 laws in their entirety and replace them with legislation that would make it easier to secure convictions.

The bill, drafted by Helen McEntee, will be the first specific legislation that would deal with hate crime in Ireland (Jonathan Brady/PA)

There is also a provision to make hate an aggravating factor for existing offences when sentencing.

It would expand protected characteristics to gender and descent, referring to people who are transgender and of Jewish origin or mixed race respectively, and would make it an offence to condone, deny or grossly trivialise genocide and war crimes.

Ms McEntee has cited a 29% increase in reported hate crimes in 2022, most of which were based on race, sexual orientation or nationality, as the basis for the bill.

But the laws have faced criticism from various quarters, including from Donald Trump Jnr and Elon Musk, over how they would affect free speech.

Asked about criticism from members of her own Fine Gael party over her focus on the draft laws, Ms McEntee said: The hate crime bill is one of 12 that Im working on at the moment.

It is not my sole focus, it is not my sole priority, she told RTE Radios Today with Claire Byrne programme.

When I return in September, Ill be introducing the Policing Bill, which will be the biggest reform of An Garda Siochana since it was established.

It would put on a statutory footing community partnerships, which acknowledge Gardai are not the sole ones responsible for community safety.

The body-worn camera legislation will be enacted later this year, (and there will be) a new piece of legislation to enact an agency on domestic violence.

She added: It has not been put above anything else. Do I think that people who commit crimes against others simply because of who they are, is an issue that we shouldnt address?

I do think we should address it, but its not the only focus that I have.

When asked whether her colleagues had voiced any criticism about her focus on the laws over emphasising Fine Gaels policy on law and order, she said no.

Im always here to talk to colleagues, Im always open to talking to colleagues.

I engage with colleagues on any issue that they want, and that has always been the case, and that will continue to be the case.

After being passed by the Irish parliaments lower house, the Dail, and its upper house, the Seanad, the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022 now moves on to committee stage.

In a Seanad debate before the parliamentary recess, several senators raised concerns about the bill.

Senator Lisa Chambers said there is a level of subjectivity about the bill that makes people nervous (Conor McCabe/PA)

Leader of the Seanad Lisa Chambers said that concerns about the hate speech element of the bill are real and genuine, and raised concerns it could have a chilling effect.

The former Fianna Fail TD, who said she would be seen on the liberal side of her own party, said that the lack of a legal definition of what hate is presents a level of subjectivity that makes people nervous.

Ms McEntee had said that based on strong advice from the Attorney General, hatred is not being defined beyond its everyday meaning.

Ms Chambers added: There are many ordinary, middle-ground people who are not quite sure what we are legislating for, if it is needed, if it is reasonable and if we are doing what we are required to do or going further than that.

Most people here are absolutely united in wanting to see hate crime legislation. It is the hate speech element that is causing most difficulty because there is an element of vagueness around it. This is just a fact.
The Justice Minister has said it is too early to consider an independent inquiry into the double Ironman tragedy but insisted the full facts must be established.

Helen McEntee was speaking on Wednesday as the family of one of the victims prepares for his funeral on Thursday against the backdrop of a dispute over when the race organisers were told by the sports governing body they could not sanction the event.

Ivan Chittenden, in his 60s and from Toronto in Canada, and Brendan Wall, who was in his 40s and originally from Co Meath, but living in England, died competing in the swim section of the Ironman event in Youghal on Sunday morning. Mr Wall will be buried in Slane on Thursday.

Ms McEntee, who lives close to Mr Walls family, said we needed to understand the facts of what happened.

This is an absolute tragedy and devastating for all their families, she told Claire Byrne on RTE Radio 1 on Wednesday.

Brendan Wall and Ivan Chittenden.

I think we need to understand whats happened. My colleague in the constituency, Thomas Byrne [sports minister], has asked Sport Ireland to engage with Triathlon Ireland to try and ascertain the facts but also to provide support where necessary.

The gardai are also preparing a file to send to the coroner.

So without getting involved in whats happening there, we just need the facts. We need to know what happened. Two people have died here. It is very distressing for everybody involved and we need to know what happened.

Whether thats a public inquiry  it's think its too early to tell. We need to make sure that whats happening now is allowed to happen and then we make a decision after that, if something more is needed to happen.

Meanwhile, concern has been expressed about a dispute between the national governing body for triathlons, Triathlon Ireland, and the Ironman organisers, over the advice timeline around Sunday's race.

Triathlon Ireland has said its technical officials who were on the ground on Sunday told Ironman before Sundays swim that they could not sanction the event.

But a dispute erupted on Tuesday night when Ironman said it was not told about this until several hours after the swim was completed.

Flowers left in memory of the two Ironman athletes who lost their lives in Youghal. Picture: Howard Crowdy

Both bodies have declined to comment in public further because investigations into the two deaths are ongoing.

Higher Education Minister Simon Harris described the row between the two bodies as "unedifying".

He said that it was a horrifically sad tragedy and that the thoughts of the public were with the families of Mr Chittenden and Mr Wall.

However, he was critical of the disagreement between the race organisers and Triathlon Ireland, saying that the facts needed to be established.

Being very honest, I think some of the disagreement around facts has been unedifying to put it mildly, Mr Harris said.

Its really important that the truth is established and there can obviously only be one set of facts.

Mr Harris said that he was conscious that both Sport Ireland and gardai were examining the facts of the case, adding that lessons needed to be learned around public safety.

Its really important that we move beyond statement and counter-statement and different versions and that the facts are established, so that any lessons that need to be learned in terms of public safety and keeping people safe participating in such events can be learned.

Gardai are preparing files in relation to the deaths for presentation at the coroner's court in due course. That process could take several months.

Cork County Council, the Ironman event's host sponsor, has requested a full account of the incident from Ironman Ireland.

The council said it would determine its position as the host sponsor for next year's event once it considers both the full account from Ironman and any coroner's inquest.

Marc O Cathasaigh, a Green Party TD who has been involved in organising and taking part in triathlons, said its very worrying there are now conflicting accounts from Triathlon Ireland and from the Ironman brand about what happened and when.

Asked on RTE's Morning Ireland why so many people took part in the event given the conditions, he said months of training was needed for the event.

"If the race gun is starting, I think there'd be very few athletes who wouldn't step up and make that start," he said.

"And that's why the role of people like the officials in Triathlon Ireland and within the Ironman event, it's critical that they make those decisions  and very difficult decisions often to make  but to take those decisions in the interest in athletes' safety."

An aerial shot from the start of the swim at the Youghal Ironman 2023. Picture: Tri Coach Bjorn

Sinn Fein's spokesperson on sport Chris Andrews has called for an independent inquiry into the conditions on the day, and said Sport Ireland should take "a central role in this".

But Mr O Cathasaigh said the authorities need to be given space to make an "initial determination".

"Because, while looking at the videos, I can see that the conditions were certainly difficult, and we do know that two men lost their lives during the course of the event, but at this point, it hasn't been clearly established that one thing is associated with the other and that's the appropriate first step to take."

Some competitors have spoken out about the sea conditions on Sunday morning, saying there were rolling waves of 10ft to 15ft high and that threw competitors backwards towards the rocks.

People reported seeing others panicked in the water and other competitors said they stopped to assist others who were in distress.
Government plans to transform the Shannon Estuary into a multi-billion euro hub for renewable energy could lead to the extinction of a unique and protected species of bottle nose dolphin.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar last month unveiled the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce report, which aims to create 50,000 new green energy jobs and 30GW of green, off-shore wind energy before 2050.

The Clare-based Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) believes the developments could jeopardise the protected dolphins that live in the estuary, and has called on the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce to engage with local environmental stakeholders as soon as possible.

The IWDG says the unique species of dolphin in the Shannon Estuary is already under pressure because of loss of habitat and climate change, and any further encroachment could push them into further difficulty or even extinction.

Simon Berrow of the IWDG said a number of practical measures, such as introducing a speed limit on the large vessels using the estuary, could prevent the destruction of the dolphins and other species.

Concerns

Mr Berrow said the IWDG raised these concerns with Mr Varadkar, Environment Minister Eamon Ryan, and the Shannon Estuary Taskforce itself, but it is yet to receive a response.

We are lucky to have these dolphins, they are unique and it would be a tragedy if they were not there anymore in 30 years, he said.

The sooner they [the taskforce] start managing this issue, the better. It isnt going to go away. We are talking about a small, genetically unique population of dolphins, so if you lose a few individuals, the population can spiral to extinction very quickly, especially if we were to lose a few adult females. We have modelled data for this, we know how precarious their position is.

A spokesperson from Clare County Council said the local authority was committed to the environmental protection of the Shannon Estuary. Picture Dan: Linehan

The Shannon Estuary is a designated Special Area of Conservation, a Special Protection Area and has also been designated as a European Marine Protected Area.

Dolphins use sound to navigate and communicate, and increased traffic in the Shannon Estuary is expected to have a negative impact on their ability to feed and breed.

As noise is now considered a pollutant under European law, companies and local authorities have an obligation to both measure and manage it.

Mr Berrow believes a speed limit in the estuary, coupled with the installation of power banks to allow large ships to plug-in to the national grid rather than running noisy generators while docked, could lead to a significant reduction in the noise levels.

'Noise threshold'

We need a noise map of the estuary so that we can determine the present level of noise and we can monitor how that changes over time. What we could do is set a noise threshold, a level that wont impact on the dolphins and fish, and then manage how to maintain operations within that threshold, said Mr Berrow.

There is always solutions, but unless there is an acknowledgement that there is an issue and there is an open and respectful forum where we can share these issues then we cant find these solutions.

A spokesperson from Clare County Council said the local authority was committed to the environmental protection of the Shannon Estuary.

As lead authority on the Strategic Integrated Framework Plan [SIFP] for the Shannon Estuary, Clare County Council has always advocated for a holistic approach to the sustainable development of the Shannon Estuary based on scientific evidence, said the spokesperson.

In this regard, we welcome the inclusion of an action within the recently launched Shannon Estuary Taskforce Report to re-establish the Shannon Estuary Integrated Framework Planning Working Group to recommence preparatory planning and environmental activities.

As an SIFP lead partner, Clare County Council will ensure any concerns are brought to the taskforce and will work to ensure the economic development of the estuary into the future is undertaken with the necessary appropriate knowledge and scientific evidence to support any planning applications that may arise.

"Such an integrated and forward planning approach on an estuarine and ecosystem basis will ensure all development is carried out in the most sustainable approach.

A spokesperson for the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce did not respond to queries.

Mr Berrow said his group was in favour of the planned development of the Shannon Estuary but has urged those involved to take environmental factors into account before they become a serious issue.

These developments will put increased pressure on the dolphins at a time when they are already under pressure. We are seeing a phenomenal change in the sea water temperature so we really need good quality, scientific information about what is happening and how these proposed developments might impact on that, he said.

We need to have open and honest conversations with the people who are planning these developments. We need a mechanism where all the information that we have collected for the past 30 years can be fed into the planning process.

These developments are important for the national infrastructure, they are important for local jobs and for renewable energy, but that doesnt have to come at the expense of the wildlife. They can both go hand in hand. The Shannon Estuary is already industrialised and it is still a fantastic place for wildlife, we need to preserve that balance.
The mystery of the Barleycove whale bones has been solved, thanks to an eagle-eyed family from Co Wicklow with a hidden talent for marine anatomy.

The OTooles, who live near Greystones, have come forward to explain how they found a random pile of bones during a walk on Barleycove beach on the Mizen peninsula in West Cork last Saturday, and then set about reassembling them like a giant Lego set, before heading home.

Little did they realise that their beach-day fun of laying out a whale skeleton in near-perfect anatomical order would spark a mystery, raise the suspicions of marine experts, and become the focus of media attention.

Padraig Whooley, sightings officer with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, was the first to suggest that the skeleton had been laid out deliberately but locals said it would have taken huge effort to do so, given the location.

Now, Marcus OToole, who was on holiday in Barleycove with his wife, Sara, and their daughters, Ava, 12, and Zoe, 7, last weekend, has explained their central role in the "mystery".

I was shocked to learn that this was such a surprise to people, he said.

We set out that evening just to explore, collect litter, and look for crabs.

I spotted something from the distance and we thought it was plastic containers or something to do with fishing gear.

When we got closer it became apparent that there was some sort of set of bones.

Ava and Zoe O'Toole, from Co Wicklow, discovered and reassembled the whale bones on Barleycove beach last weekend, inadvertently sparking a mystery. Picture: Marcus O'Toole

The skull was upside down on the shoreline but most of the spinal and ribcage bones were retrieved from the channel.

Marcus said: I then thought it was a cow but once we flipped the head over, I knew it was something much bigger  so we decided to see if we were right.

When we started to assemble the spine we did not expect it to be as large as it was and were trying to figure out what bones went where.

Ava and Zoe were just fascinated finding such a large animal and were guessing what type of whale it could be but knew it was not a blue whale or a shark though as they had hoped.

So we got it largely assembled but then the tide quickly began to come in so we left it, assuming its just something everyone knew about.

Then much to our surprise on Monday we were made aware of some newspaper articles by a family member from the area and here we are.

Ava and Zoe O'Toole with the reassembled whale bones.

He has been in contact with Mr Whooley to explain how the bones came to be on the beach and said consideration is being given to retrieving the bones and using them for educational outreach work.

He said he was told that the family did a remarkable job reassembling the bones in near-perfect anatomical order  although they have since discovered that they mistook shoulder blade bones for fin bones and laid the spine out much longer than the animal would have been.

But he said the entire episode has piqued his daughters interest in marine life.

This might inspire them to become marine biologists. We love getting down to Barleycove and this has sparked a lot of curiosity about whale watching for Ava and Zoe so will definitely get down again and try to spot some in the wild this time, he said.
From scorching heat to deadly storms, floods, wildfires and hurricanes, the northern hemisphere has had no rest this year from the "summer of hell".

Despite repeated climate catastrophes across Europe, Asia, Canada and the US, a new study reported that on average people have fairly mild feelings about the planet heating up.

The study published in Global Environmental Change asked 2,000 people in Norway how they felt about the climate crisis. It found that activism was seven times stronger for anger than it was for hope. Fear and guilt were the best predictors of policy support while sadness, fear and hope were the best predictors of behavioural change.

"The problem isnt that people feel too scared about climate change," said lead author and climate psychologist Thea Gregersen at the Norwegian Research Centre. "The problem in Norway, at least, seems to be that theyre not scared enough."

The evidence showed that for every two steps a person took along the anger scale, they moved one step along the activism scale. A weakness of the study is that the researchers only looked at what people said they would do, rather than what they did. Previous studies have shown that intentions are only weakly aligned with actual behaviour.

Concerns are mounting that the constant doom-laden headlines and negativity will push people into despair and dissuade people from action. A survey of 10,000 young people in The Lancet in 2021 found that the majority agreed that "humanity is doomed", even though they understood that planetary heating could be curtailed in a matter of years if the greenhouse gas emissions were curtailed.

A helicopter drops water on the flames as the fire advances through the forest towards the town of El Rosario in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Picture: AP

Climate psychologist at the University of Bath and lead author Caroline Hickman suggests that the negativity is related to a lack of faith in society rather than a denial of physics.

"Rather than climate anxiety we should be calling it politician anxiety, because its the people in power who are failing to do the right thing whilst lying to us, or doing the opposite that is causing the terror," said Hickman.

Other researchers are working on the role that hope can play in the fight against climate change. A recent article published in Frontiers found some evidence that increasing hope can make people more engaged with climate, particularly if hope is based on the ability to make a difference rather than hope that is based on a belief that climate change is not a serious problem.

Climate optimism

Of all the books I have read on climate change the most optimistic and hopeful is The Future We Choose (2020) by Cristiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac. Figueres has reason to be hopeful. The UN Secretary of Climate Change between 2010 and 2016, she was the public face of the most pivotal climate agreement in history, the Paris Climate Agreement, in 2015.

Her father was three times president and is considered the father of modern Costa Rica. Not only did he initiate some of the most far-reaching environmental policies in the world, he remains the only head of state ever to have abolished a national army.

The McDougall Creek wildfire burns on the mountainside above houses in West Kelowna, Canada.

Figueres and Rivett Carnac state that all the studies to date consider the unprecedented levels of destruction that have been caused in five decades and the underlying assumption is that the die is cast and there is little room for hope.

"We take a radically different view. We argue that devastation is inevitably a growing possibility but not yet our inevitable fate. While the beginning of this period of human history has been indelibly earmarked the full story has not been written.

"We still hold the pen. In fact, we hold it more firmly than ever before. And we can choose to write a history of regeneration of both nature and human spirit. But we have to choose."

Change is on the way. Christiana Fugueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac suggest that if we want to be part of that change we have to filter every action by the question: "Does it actively contribute to humans and nature thriving together as one integrated system on the planet? If yes, green light. If not, red light. Period."

The authors state this is not a distant dream. It is already happening. Together with Arundhati Roy we can say: "Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. Maybe many of us wont be there to greet her, but on a quiet day, if I listen very carefully, I can hear her breathing."

Lifestyle changes

To meet the challenge of the climate crisis, it is time to make profound change in how we live, work and relate to each other.

The first step is to honour the past and let it go. Fossil fuels have given a huge boost to humanitys development, but their continued use is no longer supportable because of the extraordinary damage they cause to our health, our ecosystems and our climate. Viable alternatives are safer. Now is the time to thank fossil fuels, retire them and move on.

The same is true for so many of the profound shifts we need to make today. The building blocks of society  energy, transportation and agricultural systems  which we now know to be harmful must change radically.

We all find change difficult. We tend to cling to what we know  even when the new brings tremendous benefits. But there is no way back. Figueres and Rivett-Carnac suggest that we cannot go back to a way of life that created the climate emergency in the first place, but treading new ground is politically challenging and the political shocks currently reverberating across the world are just the start.

Research shows repeatedly how corporate interests have the power to capture our democracies. Figueres and Rivett-Carnac highlight how a minority of companies can use their power to purchase extraordinary influence in major legislative capitals and thereby prevent elected representatives from protecting the people.

The authors suggest that civil resistance by members of the public can outdo efforts by political elites to achieve radical change, suggesting that civil disobedience is not only a moral choice, it is also the most powerful way of shaping world politics.

"Historically, systemic political shifts have required civil disobedience on a significant scale. Few have occurred without it.

"History has shown that when approximately 3.5% of the population participate in non-protest, success becomes inevitable. No non-violent protest has ever failed to achieve its aims once it reached that threshold of participation."

In Ireland, this would be 175,000 people.

In 2019, the head of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) described the mass mobilisation of world opinion against oil as the greatest threat its industry faces.

Every additional person who chooses to participate will bring the tipping point for change closer to success.

Now is the time for us all to participate  in our schools, colleges, businesses, communities, towns and countries  to ensure the battle for the climate crisis becomes the biggest political movement in history. Corporations, cities, investors and governments are listening to the call of emergency from the streets.

Time to add your voice to that call.
The expansion of the Star Wars universe continues over on Disney+ as Ahsoka, one of the most highly anticipated live-action series, lands on our screens bringing adventure and danger from the galaxy far, far away.

Like other Star Wars content introduced through Disney+, especially The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, the Ahsoka series will draw on inspiration from an animated series that came before.

Following the remarkable journey of Ahsoka Tano, a beloved character from the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Rebels series, this live-action show promises to delve into uncharted territory.

As you get ready for this thrilling adventure, here's a comprehensive guide to what you need to know before throwing yourself into Ahsoka.

Who is Ahsoka Tano?

Ahsoka Tano was first introduced to Star Wars fans in the Clone Wars animated series, as the apprentice of Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, before he became Darth Vader, during the tumultuous Clone Wars.

The Ahsoka series continues to flesh out the weird and wonderful Star Wars universe. Photograph: 2023 & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

She played a pivotal role in the events of the prequel era, fighting alongside Anakin and Obi-Wan Kenobi and the clone army, as she developed her Jedi skills, a strong but stubborn personality, and a sense of independence that would come to define her character in later appearances.

Her story continued in Star Wars Rebels, where she played a key role in the early days of the Rebel Alliance as they fought to liberate the galaxy from the evil Empire.

The Ahsoka series is set to expand upon the character's appearance in the second season of The Mandalorian  played by Rosario Dawson in the character's first live-action appearance.

When is the series set?

Star Wars: Ahsoka will be set roughly five years after the Return of the Jedi, the closing movie to the original series. It follows the fall of the Empire as the former Jedi investigates a new threat to the galaxy.

What is the plot?

When Ahsoka turned up in The Mandalorian, she reveals that she is searching for the mysterious Grand Admiral Thrawn, who disappeared into the Unknown Regions in the Rebels series finale alongside young Jedi Ezra Bridger.

The series follows Ahsoka and Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) as they set off to find their friend Ezra. Photograph: 2023 & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

Ahsoka and Sabine Wren, a Mandalorian character from the Rebels series, set out to find their friend Ezra, as well as the Imperial office who has been dubbed 'Heir to the Empire' following the downfall of Emperor Palpatine during the events of Return of the Jedi.

Showrunner Dave Filoni, the creator of the Clone Wars series  alongside George Lucas  described the series as a mature look at the character and events for fans who grew up with Ahsoka in the animated shows.

Is there background I should know before watching?

A few plot points from previous Star Wars series are worth exploring before settling in for an unmissable series.

Ahsoka's history with The Jedi

Ahsoka's character is defined by her decision to leave the Jedi Order during the Clone Wars, one that shaped her beliefs and values. Her experiences have moulded her into a unique force and a much-loved staple within the Star Wars universe. Familiarity with Ahsoka's character will provide insight into her motivations and actions.

Order 66 and the Jedi purge

The series takes place more than two decades after the Jedi were all but wiped out by Emperor Palpatine and the clone army following the infamous Order 66.

The series introduces some new characters to the Star Wars Universe, including Baylan Skoll, a former Jedi and survivor of Order 66. Photograph: 2023 & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

Ahsoka's experience in the immediate aftermath of the Jedi extermination, and the events that followed, will surely play an important role in shaping her character in the new series when she meets other survivors of the purge.

Grand Admiral Thrawn and Ezra Bridger

The series looks set to centre around the search for Thrawn, the Imperial leader who many look to to restore the Empire after the fall of Palpatine, and how that intertwines with Ahsoka's mission to find young Jedi, Ezra Bridger. Their history and relationship from the Rebels series will provide greater context for Ahsoka's mission.

The World Between Worlds

The concept of the World Between Worlds, introduced in the Rebels series, is a mysterious dimension that exists outside of time and space. Discovered by Ezra Bridger in the series, it allowed him to save Ahsoka from a duel with Darth Vader. Ahsoka's encounter with this realm and its potential implications for the galaxy could play a significant role in the new series.

Mandalore

During the Clone Wars series, Ahsoka played a vital role in the liberation of the planet Mandalore, the homeworld of the Mandalorian people. Understanding some history of the planet from the Clone Wars and Rebels series, as well as from the live-action Mandalorian series, will give a greater appreciation for the Ahsoka series.

Any familiar faces?

Joining Rosario Dawson's Ahsoka will be fellow Rebel and Mandalorian warrior Sabine Wren, played by Natasha Liu Bordizzo, and Hera Syndulla, captain of The Ghost, played in live-action by Mary Elizabeth Winstead  wife of Obi Wan Kenobi star Ewan McGregor.

They will be joined by their Ghost crewmate Ezra Bridger, played by Eman Esfandi. Making the leap from voice actor, Lars Mikkelsen will reprise his role of Grand Admiral Thrawn in the series, having previously portrayed the genius Imperial officer in the Rebels series

Mary Elizabeth Winstead, wife of fan favourite Ewan McGregor (Obi Wan Kenobi), stars as Hera Syndulla. Photograph: 2023 & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

Perhaps one of the most exciting casting revelations has been that of Hayden Christensen who is due to reprise his role of Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka's former Jedi Master who fell to the dark side and became Darth Vader. Christensen most recently appeared as the Sith Lord in the Disney+ series Obi Wan Kenobi.

Irish actress Genevieve O'Reilly (centre) returns in her role as Chancellor Mon Mothma. Photograph: 2023 & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

Irish actress Genevieve O'Reilly will once again take up the mantle of Mon Mothma, Chancellor of the New Republic. O'Reilly previously played the character in Revenge of the Sith, Rogue One and most recently in the Andor series on Disney+.

Some new faces to the Star Wars Universe will be Baylan Skoll, a former Jedi and survivor of Order 66, alongside his apprentice Shin Hati, who will appear as villains in the series. Late Irish actor Ray Stevenson and Ivanna Sakhno will play them, respectively.

Doctor Who star David Tennant will also be making an appearance in the series, reprising his voice role of Huyang, a droid who specialises in crafting Jedi lightsabers.

Ahsoka is out now exclusively on Disney+ . Subscribe now as this is the only place that youll be able to watch this unmissable series.
The British Labour party has accused the government of creating huge uncertainty for businesses with absolutely shambolic post-Brexit border trade plans.

The party has demanded clarity after it was reported that ministers will once again delay the introduction of border checks on animal and plant products coming from the European Union.

The UK was planning to roll out the first stage of its new border model from October, with physical checks and other requirements due to be introduced throughout next year.

But it will be pushed back again over concerns the extra bureaucracy would raise food prices for consumers and fuel inflation, the Financial Times reported earlier this month.

Labour said the report of a further delay, which has not been formally announced by the government, are causing chaos and enormous uncertainty for businesses while millions of pounds of taxpayers money have already been spent on preparing for the changes.

Keir Starmers party had previously warned that the new measures could drive up soaring grocery prices further as households face ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

Goods from Britain have faced EU controls since it left the blocs single market at the start of 2021, but the UK has repeatedly put off checks in the other direction.

The government said it is assessing feedback on its border control regime and will publish its plans imminently.

Shadow international trade minister Gareth Thomas has written to Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch to demand an update on the latest border plans and costs of the preparation work.

Mr Thomas said: The Governments handling of this important issue has been absolutely shambolic. They have delayed new border checks time and again, creating huge uncertainty for businesses, who are already struggling as a result of Conservative economic mismanagement.

With the deadlines for new checks just months away, it is unacceptable that businesses have not received a clear update from the Government on whether the new border arrangements are even going to be introduced. The Tories trade barriers are stunting economic growth.

Labour will turn this around as part of our mission to secure the highest sustained growth in the G7.

A government spokesperson said: The Government remains committed to delivering the best border in the world. The border target operating model is key to delivering this and introduces an innovative approach to importing that will be introduced progressively.

We are reflecting on the valuable feedback provided by a range of businesses and industry stakeholders, and will publish the border target operating model shortly.
A former commander of Russias forces in Ukraine who was linked to the leader of an armed rebellion has been dismissed from his job as chief of the air force, according to Russian state media.

The report on Wednesday came after weeks of uncertainty about General Sergei Surovikins fate following the short-lived uprising.

Gen Surovikin has not been seen in public since armed rebels marched toward Moscow in June, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the Wagner mercenary group.

In a video released during the uprising, Gen Surovikin urged Mr Prigozhins men to pull back.

During his long absence, Russian media have speculated about Gen Surovikins whereabouts, with some claiming he had been detained due to his purported close ties to Mr Prigozhin.

Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, citing an anonymous source, reported that Gen Surovikin has been replaced as commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces by Colonel General Viktor Afzalov, who is currently head of the main staff of the air force.

Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin led armed rebels towards Moscow in a short-lived uprising in June (Razgruzka_Vagnera telegram channel/AP)

The agency frequently represents the official position of the Kremlin through reports citing anonymous officials in Russias defence and security establishment.

The Russian government has not commented on the report, and the Associated Press was not able to confirm it independently.

Russian daily newspaper RBC wrote that Gen Surovikin is being transferred to a new job and is now on leave.

Alexei Venediktov, former head of the now-closed radio station Ekho Moskvy, and Ksenia Sobchak, the daughter of a politician linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin, both wrote on social media on Tuesday that Gen Surovikin had been removed.

In late June, Gen Surovikins daughter told the Russian social media channel Baza that her father had not been arrested.

The Wagner uprising posed the most serious challenge to President Putins 23-year rule and reports circulated that Gen Surovikin had known about it in advance.

According to Ms Sobchak, Gen Surovikin was removed from his post on August 18, by a closed decree. The family still has no contact with him.

Gen Surovikin was dubbed General Armageddon for his brutal military campaign in Syria and led Russias operations in Ukraine between October 2022 and January 2023.

Under his command, Russian forces unleashed regular missile barrages on Ukrainian cities, significantly damaging civilian infrastructure and disrupting heating, electricity and water supplies.

Both Gen Surovikin and Mr Prigozhin were active in Syria, where Russian forces have fought to shore up President Bashar Assads government since 2015.

Gen Surovikin was replaced as commander in Russias war in Ukraine by Chief of General Staff General Valery Gerasimov, following Russias withdrawal from the southern city of Kherson amid a swift counter-offensive by Kyivs troops, but the air force general continued to serve under Gen Gerasimov as a deputy commander.

Mr Prigozhin had spoken positively of Gen Surovikin while criticising Russias military brass, and suggested he should be appointed Chief of General Staff to replace Gen Gerasimov.
Rudy Giuliani is expected to turn himself in at a jail in Atlanta on Wednesday on charges related to efforts to overturn then-president Donald Trumps loss in the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.

The former New York mayor was indicted last week along with Mr Trump and 17 other people.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said they participated in a wide-ranging conspiracy to subvert the will of the voters after the Republican president lost to Democrat Joe Biden in November 2020.

Mr Giuliani faces charges related to his work as a lawyer for Mr Trump after the general election.

Im feeling very, very good about it because I feel like I am defending the rights of all Americans, as I did so many times as a United States attorney, he told reporters as he left his apartment in New York on Wednesday.

He added that he is fighting for justice and has been since he first started representing Mr Trump.

Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani speaks to reporters as he leaves his apartment building (Seth Wenig/AP)

Mr Trump, the early front-runner in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, has said he plans to turn himself in at Fulton County Jail on Thursday.

His bond has been set at $200,000 (184,000).

He and his allies have characterised the investigation as politically motivated and have heavily criticised Ms Willis, a Democrat.

Mr Giuliani criticised the indictment of lawyers who had worked for Mr Trump and said the justice system is being politicised.

He also highlighted the fact that some of the people indicted are not household names.

Donald Trump told you this: they werent just coming for him or me, he said. Now theyve indicted people in this case I dont even know who they are. These are just regular people making a normal living.

David Shafer, a former Georgia Republican Party chairman, and Cathy Latham, who is accused of participating in a breach of election equipment in rural Coffee County and serving as one of 16 fake electors for Mr Trump, turned themselves in early Wednesday morning.

Attorney John Eastman, who pushed a plan to keep Mr Trump in power, and Scott Hall, a bail bondsman who was accused of participating in a breach of election equipment in Coffee County, turned themselves in on Tuesday.
A US judge has denied Alec Baldwins motion to dismiss a civil lawsuit brought against him by crew members of the Rust movie.

The lawsuit claimed Baldwin and the production company behind the film caused intentional emotional distress and physical trauma to crew members as a result of negligence and recklessness.

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed on the films set in October 2021 after a prop gun held by Baldwin went off.

Judge Bryan Biedscheid denied the motion after a hearing on Wednesday in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

In their original claim, crew members Ross Addiego, Doran Curtin, and Reese Price said they had sustained injuries during the incident as a result of failure to follow industry safety rules.

The lawsuit claimed Baldwin and the production company behind the film caused intentional emotional distress and physical trauma to crew members (Santa Fe County Sheriffs office/PA)

Defendants cut corners; ignored reports of multiple, unscripted firearms discharges; and persisted, rushed and understaffed, to finish the film, the claim said.

Plaintiffs are entitled to damages for their injuries caused by Defendants negligent and reckless conduct.

This is a robust case with detailed factual allegations, said Alex Cervantes, representing the crew members, at Wednesdays hearing.

In the motion, lawyers for Baldwin said the crew members did not suffer physical harm in the incident and claims of emotional distress failed to plead facts to establish extreme and outrageous conduct, or intent.

Plaintiffs were members of Rusts crew and witnesses to the incident. Nothing came into contact with them. None of them sustained physical injury, the motion said.

Based solely on their presence, they claim to have suffered mental anguish.

The issue here is where the Plaintiffs can recover against Mr Baldwin defendants for mental anguish. They cannot.

A discovery hearing, where further evidence will be examined, will take place at a date yet to be scheduled.

Alec Baldwin being questioned after the deadly shootin (Santa Fe County Sheriffs office/PA)

It comes after it was announced that the trial of Rust armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed will take place in February 2024.

Both Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed faced charges of involuntary manslaughter after the deadly shooting, though the charges against Baldwin were dropped in April.

New Mexico said the decision did not absolve Mr Baldwin of criminal culpability.

Last week, a weapons report appearing to cast doubt on Baldwins account of the incident was made public.

Prosecutors said previously charges against the actor could be refiled  but are yet to indicate whether they will do so.

On Wednesday, the judge also denied a motion to stay the civil lawsuit until the criminal trial is over.
Buddhist monks have criticized the junta for arresting a Swiss director and 13 amateur actors including a 12-year-old girl after alleging their movie blasphemes Buddhism.

Dont Expect Anything was written and produced by Swiss director Didier Nusbaumer and uploaded to the YouTube channel Isi Dhamma on July 24.

The regime vowed to take legal action against 14 people for using offensive and disrespectful language in the movie, saying they had insulted the virtue of Buddhist monks. The junta also alleged that the film harmed Myanmars culture and Buddhist traditions.

Buddhist monks opposed to military rule were quick to counter the allegations, pointing out that Buddhism encourages critical thinking and rejects blind acceptance of the Buddhas teachings.

They also accused the regime and its supporters of misusing Buddhism.

The 75-minute film shows the 12-year-old protagonist questioning certain Buddhist customs and criticizing monks who do not follow rules.

The military regime alleged the character uses rude and insulting words against the culture and tradition of Buddhists by harming the good virtues of monks.

However, Buddhist monk U Kovida from Mandalay said he perceived no insult in the characters statements and questions.

In my view, [the arrests] are just oppression on the pretext of [the response to] insulting Buddhism. Dictators have no faith in religion, they only have faith in power, said the monk.

In a statement released last week, the junta said: Despite the main characters being Buddhists themselves, their behaviors and words were reckless to the point of insulting the dignity and morality of Buddhist monks.

It added that harsh action will be taken against them in line with law.

Fellow Buddhist monk U Min Thonenya said: Buddhism encourages critical thinking. There is the Kesamutti Sutta, which discourages blind faith. The statements made in the Kesamutti Sutta could not have been more explicit. All Buddhist monks know that this is the essence of Buddhism. [The regime] is itself harming Buddhism by ordering others to believe in Buddhism on the threat of imprisonment.

The detained Swiss director holds a meditation visa and had been practicing at Phaung Daw Oo monastic school in Mandalay since 2016. He shares educational videos about Buddhism on the Facebook page Dhamma Pictures.

Phaung Daw Oo Monastery has asked authorities to limit their action to having the director lectured by the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, the highest-level Buddhist authority in Myanmar.

The Swiss Embassy told AFP that it had managed to contact the director in detention.

Junta media published photos of only 11 of the 14 detainees and remained silent on the charges they face.

The regime, on the other hand, has torched and bombed religious buildings including Buddhist pagodas and temples.

It has also arrested and killed Buddhist monks who oppose military rule. Over 60 Buddhist monks have been confirmed killed since the 2021 coup, and dozens more are missing, according to monastic sources.

U Kovida said: In my view, the bombing of religious buildings and Buddhist monasteries by military authorities who have forcibly seized power is a genuine insult to religion. Jailing of Buddhist monks without investigation is a genuine insult to religion.

U Min Thonenya said that Myanmars successive military dictators have all been killers who kill civilians including monks and students while disguising themselves as promoters of Buddhism.

No matter how many pagodas they have built, they do so only for show. The Buddha did not preach that [governments] should harm their own citizens, but should improve their well-being. Now, the whole country is in turmoil because of Min Aung Hlaing. Their houses are being torched. This violates the Buddhas teachings, said U Min Thonenya.

Min Aung Hlaing has overseen numerous war crimes against civilians while portraying himself as a champion of Buddhism in the Buddhist-majority country.

The junta chief has consecrated several pagodas at home and abroad and built a colossal marble monument touted as the worlds tallest sitting Buddha statue on the outskirts of Naypyitaw.
Two junta soldiers guarding a China-backed oil and gas pipeline in Magwe Region were killed in a resistance attack on Sunday.

Chinland Defense Force-Asho (CDF-Asho) attacked junta troops guarding an off-take station for Sino-Myanmar pipelines near Myelet village in Ngape Township, Magwe at around 5 am on Sunday, said the resistance group.

Two junta soldiers including a lieutenant were killed in the attack, CDF-Asho spokesman Salai Yoe Chin told The Irrawaddy.

Our mission was to seize weapons from them. We watched the outpost for a week before conducting the attack. We were able to enter the outpost during the attack. We saw that two soldiers were killed, and we learnt later that they were a lieutenant and a private, said CDF-Asho spokesman Salai Yoe Chin.

There were only five or six junta soldiers in the outpost at the time of attack, the spokesman added.

CDF-Asho fighters ran out of ammunition after 30 minutes of fighting and were forced to retreat as junta soldiers from nearby hills arrived.

Junta reinforcements from Ngape then beat and arrested ethnic Chin men from Myelet village near the scene of the clash. The village has around 50 households.

A bus driver from Ngape said: The military carried out checks on cars and motorbikes on Ann-Padan road on Sunday morning following the fighting. They did nothing to motorists. But I heard they beat both young and older Myelet villagers who dont speak Burmese for allegedly supporting the CDF. I also heard two villagers were arrested.

CDF-Asho said they only attacked to seize weapons, and did no damage to the pipelines.

The resistance group was formed in January this year by soldiers, police, teachers, and health workers who have joined the Civil Disobedience Movement, as well as students and pro-democracy Asho people.

The Asho are an ethnic tribe of Chin people native to Magwe, Ayeyarwady and other parts of the country.

Construction of the pipelines, which stretch 973 kilometers from Rakhine coast to Chinas Yunnan Province through Magwe and Mandalay regions and Shan State, began in 2011. They began operating in July 2013.

Resistance attacks on junta troops guarding the pipelines increased following then Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gangs visit to Myanmar in May, the highest-level visit by a Chinese official since the junta overthrew the democratically elected government in February 2021.
Four bodies were found in dumped fields outside villages in western Shwebo Township on Tuesday including one that was beheadedafter junta troops conducted a pre-dawn raid on Chi Par Village on Sunday in the township in Sagaing Region, according to local resistance forces.

Two of the victims were Han Zaw Myint, 25, a local resistance member and his cousin, 23, who were arrested by junta forces in Shwebo Town last week, according to the Chi Par Village defense group.

They used the two detainees as human shields and guides. Both detainees were slaughtered and their bodies were found south of the village, a member of the defense group said.

Another two bodiesyet to be identified were also discovered in Me Taw Village, the source said.

We found a mans body with gunshot wounds in the field this morning and another beheaded body in the west of the village yesterday,  a villager said.

Around 70 junta soldiers raided Chi Par Village on Sunday morning, targeting a village school used as a resistance base.

Junta troops seized the school and torched motorcycles and other vehicles, residents said.

One village resident was injured during the raid, they said.

The resistance stronghold of Shwebo Township has experienced an escalating campaign of terror by junta troops this year, and its residents have been fighting back with handmade weapons.

At least seven junta troops were killed in a land-mine ambush on Monday after the raid on Chi Par Village, according to the village defense group.

We ambushed them with mines when they transported rations to Pa Laing [a village controlled by a pro-junta militia] from Chi Par Village on Monday. Seven soldiers were killed by the mine attack, a resistance fighter said.

The Irrawaddy could not verify the casualty figures.

Resistance forces said they also exchanged gunfire with junta forces about 30 minutes after the land-mine ambush.

Sources said the junta column left Chi Par Village on Tuesday.

A local resistance group involved in coordinated land-mine ambush said they need more weapons and ammunition to attack junta forces.

We only have a small number of handmade weapons. For the most part, we cannot engage in direct fighting. We can only use homemade mines to attack them, a member of the group said.

In eastern Shwebo, a vehicle carrying junta troops was also ambushed with land mines on the Shwebo-Kyauk Myaung Road on August 15, killing at least four junta soldiers and injuring one, according to the Shwebo Ranger Defense Force.

On August 16, a junta column raided Gway Pin Kone Village, burning down 16 houses, according to residents.

Resistance forces also clashed with junta infantry near Thea Kyun Village on the same day, killing at least two junta troops, according to Burma Ranger, a resistance group based in eastern Shwebo Township.

The Irrawaddy could not verify the casualty figures.

One Burma Ranger also died in a land-mine explosion on August 16, according to the group.
At least 23 Myanmar junta troops were killed in the last three days as Peoples Defense Force groups (PDFs) and a Karen ethnic armed organization continued their attacks on regime targets in some regions.

Incidents were reported in Magwe, Sagaing and Bago regions.

The Irrawaddy has collected the following reports of significant attacks from PDFs and the EAO.

Some military casualties could not be verified.

Junta forces killed in resistance attacks in Bago

At least three regime forces were killed and many injured in Phyuu Township, Bago Region on Sunday when resistance forces attacked regime targets, said the Defense Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government (NUG).

First, White Peacock Drone Force and another resistance group dropped drone bombs on regime forces stationed in a village near Kanyut Kwin Town on Sunday morning, killing two soldiers and injuring two others.

On the same morning, PDF group Yoma Column and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of the countrys oldest rebel group the Karen National Union (KNU), used snipers to attack regime forces stationed on Oak Phyat Bridge, killing a soldier.

In the afternoon, Yoma Column continued to drop drone bombs on regime forces stationed near the police station in Oak Phyat Village, injuring five junta troops, said the Defense Ministry.

Junta camp seized by resistance forces in Magwe



Yaw Defense Forces take part in a raid on a military camp in Gangaw Township on Monday. / Yaw Defense Force

Yaw Defense Forces claimed to have killed three regime soldiers in Gangaw Township, Magwe Region on Monday when it raided a hilltop military camp near the juntas Weapons Factory 23 based in Kyaw town.

The rest of the soldiers fled the resistance raid, abandoning their camp and the bodies of their dead comrades.

Two military weapons and some ammunition were seized along with mobile phones, said YDF.

Shootout reported in Magwe

A 20-minute shootout broke out in Myaing Township, Magwe Region on Monday when resistance sentries of Myaing Villages Revolution Front (MVRF) and another resistance group attacked a military unit of 80 troops entering Htan Phone Taw Village, killing two soldiers and injuring five others.

Resistance forces retreated from the village without any casualties. Later, the junta unit torched houses in the village. The miliary unit stopped torching and retreated from the village when the combined resistance group conducted drone strikes against the unit, said MVRF.

Military checkpoint raided in Magwe



Resistance forces attack a military checkpoint in Yay Pyar Village in Pauk Township on Tuesday. / Anonymous Special Task Force (Pauk)

A junta police officer was killed and a number of other regime forces fled in Pauk Township, Magwe Region on Tuesday when five resistance groups raided a military checkpoint in Yay Pyar Village, said Anonymous Special Task Force (Pauk), which took part in the raid.

A junta weapon and some ammunition were seized in the raid.

Military convoy hit by mine in Magwe



A military convoy is hit by mine blasts on the Pauk-Pakokku road in Pauk Township on Sunday. / Anonymous Special Task Force (Pauk)

The Anonymous Special Task Force (Pauk) said it and four other resistance groups triggered 12 land mines to ambush a military convoy of 80 vehicles from Yay Pyar Village while it was traveling from Pauk to Pakokku Township on Sunday.

Regime forces are believed to have been killed or injured when two vehicles were hit by the blasts.

Junta forces attacked in Magwe

A miliary sergeant was killed in Yenangyaung Township, Magwe Region on Monday when Magwe District PDF Battalion 2 and other groups attacked regime forces from military Infantry Battalion 77 while they were patrolling in the town after shopping at a market.

Regime forces killed in resistance ambush in Sagaing



Combined resistance forces engage in a clash with regime forces in Shwebo Township on Monday. / MDF (Shwebo)

Myanmar Defense Force (Shwebo) said it and seven resistance groups killed seven regime troops when it ambushed a military unit of 20 troops on Monday while it was traveling to Chipar Village in Shwebo Township, Sagaing Region, which has been raided and occupied by another military unit, with several villagers detained.

After the ambush, the military units killed two village youths and released others. They left the village on Tuesday.

Regime forces killed, arrested in Sagaing

The Union Liberation Front (ULF), which comprises 18 local resistance groups, said it killed a soldier and arrested an army officer when it ambushed an advance unit of 25 junta troops that were heading out from their base in Nwar Chan Kone Village in Kani Township, Sagaing Region on Sunday.

Two bombs and many rounds were also seized from the military unit, the group said.

Military unit ambushed with mines in Sagaing

At least five regime troops were killed in Sagaing Township, Sagaing Region on Sunday when the Peoples Army to Fight Dictatorship used improvised land mines to ambush a military unit, the resistance group said.

The regime forces responded with firearms but all resistance members retreated from the ambush site without casualties.

Junta bases bombed in Sagaing



Salingyi Special Task Force conducts a drone strike against a police outpost in Salingyi Township recently. / SSTF

Salingyi Special Task Force (SSTF) said it used an improvised remote-controlled airplane to drop bombs on the township police station in Salingyi Town, Sagaing Region on Tuesday.

It also conducted drone strikes on junta-controlled township General Administration Department offices in Kani town and another junta base in the pro-regime village of Yay Lal Kyun in Kani Township on Sunday.

Regime casualties were unknown.
More than 919 days of turmoil in Myanmar have passed and still counting. The peoples suffering in all aspects of life in Myanmar reflects vividly a variety of integrated diverse stories of fear, pain, suffering, hunger, thirst, helplessness, loss of possessions and belongings, land and house, loss of life of loved ones and so on.

In all these experiences, ones dignity and aspirations are reduced to nothing and they become refugees seeking safety and shelter where they can.

Perhaps this is one of the darkest periods for the Chin people, all hopes are in vain due to military rule which has shot down the growth of democracy.

From a view in the eastern Indian state of Mizoram, one feels the pain of the people across international borders along with the democratic aspirations. The zest shown by the Burmese people and civil society across the country, in some instances daily, to protest against the military junta to attain their long aspiration of a fully fledged democratic nation with freedom and growth, is remarkable.

As someone who was involved in mobilizing and providing support to the refugees with the collective action of the Mizo community and different organizations since the first recorded arrival on March 1, 2021, the numbers increased day by day and continue to do so until today, with many camps set up across the different districts of Mizoram.

Visiting them and moving among them, we still get to hear their stories of being the victims of Burmese military atrocities, with family members being injured, arrested or killed and many having their houses burned down.

Ethnic affinity is one of the strongest points of welcoming refugees in Mizoram, as they are our brothers and sisters, claiming the same ancestry as the Zo ethnic group. They were divided by British rule as a result they were given different names. In Myanmar they are Chin, in Manipur they are Kuki and in Bangladesh they are Chin-Kuki and in Mizoram they are Mizo. The ethnic ties are strong though the government of India directed Mizoram state to send them back to their abusive military government. But the chief minister of Mizoram responded that they are our own family and did so at the risk of directly defying the central government.

Even now, Mizoram is also recovering from the impact of Covid-19, which impacted the economy, yet the Mizo community took the burden of hosting their Chin brothers and sisters from across the border. With the ongoing economic slowdown, and hosting Chin people, the Mizo society has undergone a strenuous situation of economic survival. Lack of support from the central government of India and little support from the international community or agencies on refugee support or sustainable solutions, the Burmese community and the Mizo community, both face pains and agonies.

On an urgent basis, food, clothing, safe shelter, drinking water and sanitation, and womens dignity kits, are all still needed, as many of the refugees continue to live in camps built by communities with grass roofs and bamboo and plastic walls. There are still children who need education, not to mention the presence of special needs children, for their food and upbringing in all aspects of life including socio-cultural, religious and spiritual life nourishment needs. There is no privacy for women and girls, along with a lack of economic opportunities for them. This is also because most of the camps are in the interior of many districts, where due to underdevelopment there are no employment opportunities and most villagers work on their farms. At the same time, due to the mountainous terrain, there is a lack of proper agricultural land which could be cultivated for sustenance living.

Medical services are in great demand as most of the camp dwellers are elderly people and mothers with children of all ages. There is frequent sickness and due to the lack of medical facilities in most of these remote areas, the refugees inability to pay for transport and medical services, the health of many people including the Mizo population is also challenged.

The humanitarian crisis in Mizoram has been escalating and it has scaled so high in the relief camps that it now challenges the refugee community to survive and be safe, especially with numbers exceeding 50,000.

Even if relocation is considered to other places, most of the existing villages in the interior of Mizoram are small, where everything is difficult and livelihood even more challenged. Even if village leaders are approached for temporary use of land for agricultural purposes for sustenance living, there is a lack of resources to initiate such activities.

Many of the refugees lack access to economic resources, very few may have the means but are also challenged due to the depreciating value of the kyat. The lack of any livelihood impacts the Mizo and the Burmese refugee community.

While there is no national refugee policy, Mizoram state can set its response by developing a policy for the relief and rehabilitation of displaced people in Mizoram, especially when refugees are crossing over from Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The policy if developed properly but without delay could facilitate Mizoram state to address the humanitarian needs, the relief measures to be undertaken, livelihood and sustainability options, addressing the needs of survivors of sexual violence and health care needs and facilitate engagement with the international community. It could also facilitate the state in opening engagements with national and international actors who could provide support for the displaced communities in Mizoram with transparency and accountability while working in close partnerships with Mizo organizations.

Such joint initiatives can facilitate expediting of finding livelihood and sustainability options which could also improve the economy in Mizoram.

The situation in Myanmar is not going to change anytime soon and while a revolutionary solution is being explored by the Burmese people, Mizoram can strengthen its support to the displaced Burmese community in the state by exploring all options it has at its disposal.

Rini Ralte, an ethnic Mizo, is the convener of the Women Peace Initiative and of the Campaign Another World is Possible! She is based in Aizawl, Mizoram, India.

Sanjay Valentine Gathia, an independent analyst and advocacy strategist, is the founder of the Borders and Broader Conversations Initiative, which focuses on issues related to India, Myanmar and Thailand.
On Tuesday, US Border Patrol agents found six Cuban migrants who made landfall in a homemade makeshift vessel, constructed with some type of blue tarp material and the words USA USA inscribed on the size.

According to an X (formerly known as Twitter) post, Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar said that early Tuesday morning, U.S. Border Patrol agents & Monroe County Keys Sherriff Department officers responded to a migrant landing in the Florida Keys.

The post confirmed that they encountered six Cuban migrants near Summerland Key but does not say what happened to the Cubans after they arrived.
Wednesday, Aug 23rd, 2023 (1:30 pm) - Score 912

Rural focused ISP and network builder GoFibre (BorderLink), which is deploying a 10Gbps capable Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband service across the North of England and Scottish Borders area, has expanded their rollout in Aberdeenshire by starting to build across the small town of Laurencekirk.

Currently, more than 4,500 premises across Portlethen, Newtonhill and Stonehaven are already said to have been covered in Aberdeenshire and, once completed, the addition of Laurencekirk is expected to add another 1,600 premises (local homes and businesses) to the total.

NOTE: GoFibre aims to cover 500,000 premises in the North of England and Scottish Borders by around the end of 2025 and is supported by an investment of 164m from Gresham House ( GoFibre aims to cover 500,000 premises in the North of England and Scottish Borders by around the end of 2025 and is supported by an investment offrom Gresham House ( here ).

The operator claims to have so far covered 50,000 premises (end of July 2023  up from 35k in late May 2023) with their new full fibre network and, once the next phase of expansion is complete, their network should reach almost 120,000 premises in early 2024.

Neil Conaghan, Chief Executive Officer at GoFibre, said: We are excited to share the news that our full fibre broadband network is now being rolled out in Laurencekirk, following remarkable progress and uptake across Portlethen, Newtonhill and Stonehaven. This expansion marks a significant milestone in our efforts to bridge the digital divide in rural areas with our network already bringing remarkable speed improvements to residents and businesses, transforming their connectivity experience. If you are a local resident or business owner interested in learning more about the advantages our network can offer, please get in touch to register your interest. We would like to thank everyone for their ongoing patience and support as we work to connect them to the benefits of full fibre technology.

Standard pricing starts at 36 per month on a 24-month term for a 100Mbps package, which rises to 69 for 1000Mbps. We should point out that Openreach also has a small amount of FTTP coverage on the west side of the town.
This Week in Review

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
An N.C. House Select Committee is recommending that the General Assembly change a state law forcing districts to start school the Monday closest to Aug. 26 and end no later than the Friday clo
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Mako Mining Corp. (TSX-V:MKO) (OTCQX:MAKOF) ("Mako" or the "Company") is pleased to provide financial results for the three months ended June 30th, 2023 ("Q2 2023"), which is the eighth full quarter of financial results since declaring commercial production on July 1st, 2021 at its San Albino gold mine ("San Albino") in northern Nicaragua. All dollar amounts referred to herein are expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise stated.

Q2 2023 Highlights

Financial

$12.9 million in Revenue

$4.0 million in Adjusted EBITDA (1)

$4.9 million in Mine Operating Cash Flow ( "Mine OCF ") (1) (3)

") $2.6 million Net Loss after $3.9 million of depreciation, depletion (4) and amortization and $1.5 million in exploration expenses

and amortization and $1.5 million in exploration expenses $995 Cash Costs ($/oz sold) (1) (2)

$1,090 Total Cash Costs ($/oz sold) (1) (2)

$1,322 All-In Sustaining Costs (" AISC ") ($/oz sold) (1) (2)

") ($/oz sold) Three monthly repayment installments totaling $1.1million were made on the Sailfish Loan during Q2 2023 and $4 million of the Wexford Loan principal was repaid as a result of the $6 million Silver Loan

Refers to a Non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of National Instrument 52-112 - Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure ("NI 52-112"). Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" as well as the reconciliations later in this press release. Refers to a Non-GAAP ratio within the meaning of NI-52-112. Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" later in this press release. Refer to "Chart 1 - Q2 2023 - Mine OCF Calculation and Cash Reconciliation (in $ millions)" for a reconciliation of the beginning and ending cash position of the Company, including OCF. The depletion for the quarter was calculated on the basis of the San Albino mine plan only; going forward, depletion will incorporate Las Conchitas material as well, substantially decreasing this expense.

Growth

$1.4 million in exploration and evaluation expenses ($0.5 million in areas surrounding San Albino and approx. $1.0 million at Las Conchitas).

Permits to begin extracting and processing material from Las Conchitas were received in June, with processing beginning in late July.

Subsequent to June 30th, 2023

On July 7, 2023, and on August 3, 2023, the Company delivered 17,190 and 16,367 oz of silver to Sailfish in lieu of $0.4 million and $0.4 million cash, respectively.

On August 23rd, 2023, the Wexford Loan was expanded by an additional $2 million to ensure the Company has a sufficient amount of working capital during the ramp up of Las Conchitas (see full details below under Loan Agreement)

Akiba Leisman, Chief Executive Officer, states that "Q2 2023 was the eighth full quarter of financial results since declaring commercial production at San Albino. Mine Operating Cash Flow and Adjusted EBITDA of $4.9 and $4.0 million, respectively, reflect that the Company was processing approximately 35% run of mine material (with the rest coming from lower grade stockpiles), instead of the normal 50% run of mine material prior to permits being received at Las Conchitas. Permits at Las Conchitas were subsequently received in June, with material from Las Conchitas beginning to be processed at the end of July. In this context, the Company reported Cash Costs of 995 $/Oz sold, Total Cash Costs of 1,090 $/Oz sold, and AISC at 1,322 $/Oz during the quarter. Q2 2023 is the last quarter the Company will be reporting a depletion and depreciation expense ($3.9 million) solely on the basis of the San Albino mine plan. The net book value of our Mineral Property and Plant are now just $3.2 million and $14.1 million respectively, compared to a cost of $14.8 million and $38.7 million as of year-end 2022. The remaining net book value is a tiny fraction of its net realizable value including the Las Conchitas resource, which will lead to materially lower depletion and depreciation expenses going forward. The maiden resource estimate at Las Conchitas will be released shortly."

Table 1 - Revenue

Realized price before deductions from Sailfish gold streaming agreement.

Table 2 - Operating and Financial Data

Refers to a Non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of NI 52-112). Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" as well as the reconciliations later in this press release. Refers to a Non-GAAP ratio within the meaning of NI-52-112. Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" later in this press release. Realized price before deductions from Sailfish gold streaming agreement.

Table 3 - EBITDA Reconciliation

Refers to a Non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of NI 52-112. Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" later in this press release.

Chart 1

Q2 2023 - Mine OCF Calculation and Cash Reconciliation (in $ millions)

Refers to Non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of NI 52-112. Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" later in this press release. Includes all expenses incurred to sustain operations. Excludes Nicaraguan Taxes and Royalties, changes in Non-cash Working Capital, and Exploration expenses.

Loan Agreement

The Company also announces that it has entered into a further amendment to the loan agreement dated February 20, 2020 (as amended, the "Existing Loan Agreement") between the Company, Wexford Capital LP ("Wexford") and the Lenders (as hereinafter defined) pursuant to which, among other things, Wexford Catalyst Trading Limited, Wexford Spectrum Trading Limited and Wexford Focused Trading Limited (together with Debello Trading Limited, collectively, the "Lenders") have agreed to make an additional loan to the Company in the principal amount of US$2,000,000 (the "Incremental Loan") subject to the terms of the Existing Loan Agreement.

The Company proposes to use the proceeds from the Incremental Loan for, among other things, its ongoing activities in Nicaragua and for general corporate purposes.

Funds managed by Wexford beneficially own an aggregate of 36,462,623 common shares of the Company, representing approximately 55.4% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares. Accordingly, the Incremental Loan constitutes a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101") as a result of the Company entering into the Loan Amending Agreement with the Lenders and Wexford Capital LP, who are related parties of the Company. Pursuant to Section 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(f) of MI 61-101, the Company is exempt from obtaining a formal valuation and minority approval of the Company's shareholders for the Incremental Loan on the basis that the Company's common shares trade on the TSXV and the Incremental Loan is a loan transaction with a related party that meets the criteria as set out in MI 61-101.

For complete details, please refer to the financial statements and the associated management discussion and analysis for the twelve months ended June 30th, 2023, available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or on the Company's website (www.makominingcorp.com).

Non-GAAP Measures

The Company has included certain non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios in this press release such as EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Mine Operating Cash Flow cash cost per ounce sold, total cash cost per ounce sold, AISC per ounce sold. These non-GAAP measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. In the gold mining industry, these are commonly used performance measures and ratios, but do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to other issuers. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's underlying performance of its core operations and its ability to generate cash flow.

"EBITDA" represents earnings before interest (including non-cash accretion of financial obligation and lease obligations), income taxes and depreciation, depletion and amortization.

"Adjusted EBITDA" represents EBITDA, adjusted to exclude exploration activities, share-based compensation and change in provision for reclamation and rehabilitation.

"Cash costs per ounce sold" is calculated by deducting revenues from silver sales and dividing the sum of mining, milling and mine site administration cost.

"Total cash costs per ounce sold" is calculated by deducting revenues from silver sales from production cash costs and production taxes and royalties and dividing the sum by the number of gold ounces sold. Production cash costs include mining, milling, mine site security and mine site administration costs.

"AISC per ounce sold" includes total cash costs (as defined above) and adds the sum of G&A, sustaining capital and certain exploration and evaluation ("E&E") costs, sustaining lease payments, provision for environmental fees, if applicable, and rehabilitation costs paid, all divided by the number of ounces sold. As this measure seeks to reflect the full cost of gold production from current operations, capital and E&E costs related to expansion or growth projects are not included in the calculation of AISC per ounce. Additionally, certain other cash expenditures, including income and other tax payments, financing costs and debt repayments, are not included in AISC per ounce.

"Mine OCF" represents operating cash flow, excluding Nicaraguan taxes and royalties, changes in non-cash working capital and exploration expenses.

On behalf of the Board,

Akiba Leisman

Chief Executive Officer

About Mako

Mako Mining Corp. is a publicly listed gold mining, development and exploration company. The Company operates the high-grade San Albino gold mine in Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua, which ranks as one of the highest-grade open pit gold mines globally. Mako's primary objective is to operate San Albino profitably and fund exploration of prospective targets on its district-scale land package.

For further information: Mako Mining Corp., Akiba Leisman, Chief Executive Officer, Telephone: 203-862-7059, E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website at www.makominingcorp.com and SEDAR www.sedar.com.

Forward-Looking Information

Some of the statements contained herein may be considered "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information can be identified by words such as, without limitation, "estimate", "project", "believe", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" or variations thereon or comparable terminology. The forward-looking information contained herein reflects the Company's current beliefs and expectations, based on management's reasonable assumptions, and includes, without limitation, that mining of high-grade material from the Phase 3 West Pit, and permits to begin mining Las Conchitas are expected later this month, at which point the Company expects that new record production numbers should be achieved; and Mako's primary objective to operate San Albino profitably and fund exploration of prospective targets on its district-scale land package. Such forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, changes in the Company's exploration and development plans and growth parameters and its ability to fund its growth to reach its expected new record production numbers; unanticipated costs; the October 24 measures having impacts on business operations not current expected, or new sanctions being imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department or other government entity in Nicaragua in the future; and other risks and uncertainties as disclosed in the Company's public disclosure filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Such information contained herein represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof, based on information currently available and is included for the purposes of providing investors with information regarding the Company's Q2 2023 financial results and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Mako does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
HIGHLIGHTS

Novo has received full over-subscriptions for its maximum A$7.5 million raising under ASX IPO. With the offer fully subscribed, Novo has closed the offer period ahead of schedule. Proposed ASX listing presents an opportunity to enhance Novos profile across a broader mix of investors and facilitate the potential for further growth of its Pilbara gold exploration portfolio. Novo is in discussions with ASX whether it can bring forward the proposed ASX listing date



VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novo Resources Corp. (Novo or the Company) (TSX: NVO, NVO.WT & NVO.WT.A) (OTCQX: NSRPF) is pleased to advise it has now closed the offer period for its IPO offer of CDIs ahead of schedule, having received subscriptions totalling A$7.5 million. This means the full over-subscription limit has been reached following overwhelming support, with significant demand coming from sophisticated and institutional investors across Australia.

The offer opened on Thursday, 10 August 2023 and was originally scheduled to close on Friday, 1 September 2023, with an expected ASX admission date of Thursday, 14 September 2023 (all dates local time in Australia). Given the level of subscriptions received, and the early offer close, Novo is in discussions with ASX as to whether it can bring forward the date of its listing on ASX. Novos offer remains subject to ASX approving the Companys application for admission (which process is ongoing and cannot be guaranteed).

A listing on ASX is the logical next step in the Companys Australian growth plans, given historical local investor appetite for new mining discoveries with exploration upside. An ASX listing would provide an opportunity to enhance Novos profile across a broader mix of investors, increase liquidity and attract additional equity research coverage.

Argonaut PCF is acting as financial adviser and Argonaut Securities Pty Ltd is acting as broker to the IPO.

Novo recently entered into a major earn-in and joint venture agreement with leading Western Australian gold developer, De Grey Mining Ltd (ASX: DEG) (De Grey), which has undertaken to spend (within four years) up to A$25 million on exploration of Novos flagship Becher Gold Project and adjacent tenements. De Grey has also made a cornerstone investment of A$10 million in Novo (pre-IPO) to become the Companys largest shareholder with a pre-IPO undiluted 11.6% interest (~ 10.30% post-IPO).

Novo Executive Co-Chairman and Acting CEO Mike Spreadborough said the Company was pleased with the significant amount of interest in Novo and looks forward to continuing to deliver value to all shareholders and stakeholders by progressing the Companys exploration and development plans.

To close our offer ahead of schedule is a major achievement and one the team is very proud of. We have received a positive response and overwhelming demand for the IPO.

It has been a busy few months with De Grey becoming our JV partner at Becher and a cornerstone investor, which is a substantial endorsement of what we have been working on at Novo.

We are ready to keep building on the momentum with a significant exploration program scheduled for the remainder of the year as we focus on identifying and defining deposits with significant development potential and thank all of Novos supporters in making the IPO process to date an outstanding success.

ABOUT NOVO

Novo explores and develops its prospective land package covering approximately 10,500 square kilometres in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, along with the 22 square kilometre Belltopper project in the Bendigo Tectonic Zone of Victoria, Australia. In addition to the Companys primary focus, Novo seeks to leverage its internal geological expertise to deliver value-accretive opportunities to its stakeholders.

CONTACT



Investors:

Mike Spreadborough

+61 419 329 987

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.





North American Queries:

Leo Karabelas

+1 416 543 3120

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Media:

Cameron Gilenko

+61 466 984 953

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On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Novo Resources Corp.

Michael Spreadborough

Michael Spreadborough

Executive Co-Chairman and Acting CEO

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation) including, without limitation, the anticipated completion of the ASX IPO and the planned significant exploration program scheduled for the remainder of the year. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, receipt of ASX approval to the Companys application for admission, customary risks of the resource industry and the risk factors identified in Novos annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2022, which is available under Novos profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date those statements are made. Except as required by applicable law, Novo assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference herein to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements. If Novo updates any forward-looking statement(s), no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.
JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday calls for actions to translate the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind into reality. Xi's appeal was made in a speech read out by Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao at the BRICS Business Forum 2023. "Right now, changes in the world, in our times and in history are unfolding in ways like never before, bringing human society to a critical juncture," Xi warned in the speech titled Enhance Solidarity and Cooperation to Overcome Risks and Challenges and Jointly Build a Better World. "Should we pursue cooperation and integration, or just succumb to division and confrontation? Should we work together to maintain peace and stability, or just sleepwalk into the abyss of a new Cold War? Should we embrace prosperity, openness and inclusiveness, or allow hegemonic and bullying acts to throw us into depression? Should we deepen mutual trust through exchanges and mutual learning, or allow hubris and prejudice to blind conscience?" Xi asked. "The course of history will be shaped by the choices we make." Our world today has become a community with a shared future in which we all share a huge stake of survival, Xi said, noting that what people in various countries long for is "definitely not a new Cold War or a small exclusive bloc; what they want is an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys enduring peace, universal security and common prosperity." Such is the logic of historical advance and the trend of our times, Xi stressed, urging all countries to uphold the correct views of the world, of history and of our overall interests. "We need to promote development and prosperity for all," Xi said, adding that with perseverance, hard work and huge sacrifices, many emerging markets and developing countries succeeded in gaining independence, and "everything we do is to deliver better lives to our people." "Every country has the right to development, and the people in every country have the freedom to pursue a happy life," Xi said, noting that China will work with all other countries to speed up cooperation under the Global Development Initiative, meet common challenges together and make life better for people across the world. "We need to achieve universal security," Xi said, adding that only a commitment to a new vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security can lead to universal security. China stands ready to jointly pursue the Global Security Initiative with all others, have dialogue and oppose confrontation, forge partnership but not alliance, and pursue win-win outcome and oppose zero-sum game, and work together to build a community of security, Xi added. "We need to stay committed to exchanges among civilizations and mutual learning," Xi said, stressing that human civilization is colorful by nature, and deliberately creating division with the assertion of "democracy versus authoritarianism" and "liberalism versus autocracy" can only split the world and lead to clash of civilizations. China, Xi said, welcomes all other countries to get involved in cooperation under the Global Civilization Initiative, promote the common values of humanity, encourage different civilizations to bring out their best and flourish together, and renew human civilization. The collective rise of emerging markets and developing countries represented by BRICS is fundamentally changing the global landscape, Xi stressed, noting that whatever resistance there may be, BRICS, a positive and stable force for good, will continue to grow. "We will forge stronger BRICS strategic partnership, expand the 'BRICS Plus' model, actively advance membership expansion, deepen solidarity and cooperation with other emerging markets and developing countries, promote global multipolarity and greater democracy in international relations, and help make the international order more just and equitable," Xi said. Over 20 countries are knocking on the door of BRICS and China hopes to see more joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism, according to Xi. Noting that China stays committed to an independent foreign policy of peace and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi said as a developing country and a member of the Global South, China breathes the same breath with other developing countries and pursues a shared future with them, and has resolutely upheld the common interests of developing countries and worked to increase the representation and voice of emerging markets and developing countries in global affairs. "Hegemonism is not in China's DNA; nor does China have any motivation to engage in major-power competition. China stands firmly on the right side of history, and believes that a just cause should be pursued for the common good," he added. Xi pointed out that at present, Chinese people, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, are advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization. China enjoys several distinct advantages: a socialist market economy in systemic terms, a supersize market in terms of demand, a full-fledged industrial system in terms of supply, and abundant, high-caliber labor force and entrepreneurs in terms of human resources, the Chinese president said, emphasizing that the Chinese economy has strong resilience, tremendous potential and great vitality, and the fundamentals sustaining China's long-term growth will remain unchanged. China will remain an important opportunity for the world's development, Xi noted, saying China will remain firm in advancing high-standard opening-up, foster a world-class, market-oriented business environment governed by a sound legal framework, and build a globally-oriented network of high-standard free trade areas. As it endeavors to achieve modernization for its more than 1.4 billion people, China will surely contribute even more to the global economy and provide even more opportunities for the global business community, Xi said.


La Romana drilling confirms continuity of the higher-grade tin mineralization in the west and adds high grade copper in the northeast

Romana West drilling intersects additional near-surface copper mineralization with assay results pending for eight drill holes

Elevated tin results continue to contribute to the mineralization profile at increased levels as drilling progresses in the west of La Romana

VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 23, 2023 /CNW/ - Pan Global Resources Inc. ("Pan Global" or the "Company") (TSXV: PGZ) (OTCQX: PGZFF) is pleased to report assay results for 15 drill holes at the La Romana discovery at the Company`s 100% owned Escacena Project in the Iberian Pyrite Belt in southern Spain. La Romana represents a coherent zone of moderately northward-dipping copper-tin-silver mineralization, currently delineated over approximately 1.2 kilometers along strike and from surface to 400m down-dip. A planned 25-hole drill program is ongoing to expand and test the western extensions to the near-surface mineralization at the Romana West target.

Highlights

LRD158  5.6m at 1.2% Cu, 3.3g/t Ag from 195.4m , and 1m at 3.6% Cu and 19.4g/t Ag from 109m

 at 1.2% Cu, 3.3g/t Ag from , and LRD154  23m at 0.4% Cu, 0.12% Sn, 2g/t Ag from 33m , including 7m at 0.5% Cu, 0.23% Sn and 2.8g/t Ag

 at 0.4% Cu, 0.12% Sn, 2g/t Ag from , including LRD147  32.25m at 0.4% Cu, 0.05% Sn and 1.3g/t Ag from 114m , including 3.25m at 1.9% Cu, 0.36% Sn and 7.6g/t Ag

 at 0.4% Cu, 0.05% Sn and 1.3g/t Ag from , including LRD146  30m at 0.3% Cu, 0.05% Sn and 1.8g/t Ag from 151m , including 8m at 0.6% Cu, 0.11% Sn and 3.4g/t Ag

 at 0.3% Cu, 0.05% Sn and 1.8g/t Ag from , including LRD150  10m at 0.6% Cu, 2.1g/t Ag from 83m , including 4m at 1.2% Cu, 4g/t Ag

 at 0.6% Cu, 2.1g/t Ag from , including LRD157  0.5m at 5.1% Cu, 24.5g/t Ag from 110m , and 3m at 1.5% Cu, 3.6g/t Ag from 195m

"We are very pleased with these results, which successfully expand the copper and copper-tin-silver mineralization at La Romana and further demonstrates the favourable continuity of the mineralization," said Tim Moody, Pan Global's President & CEO.

"The new step-out drill holes show the mineralization continues to remain open down-dip along the northern extent of the drilling. Infill drill holes in the northeast confirms continuity of high-grade mineralization intersected in previous drilling. Three infill holes, drilled for the ongoing tin metallurgy test program, confirm continuity of the tin mineralization in the west."

"At Romana West, we continue to be encouraged by the visible copper and tin mineralization observed in drill core from initial drill holes at this high-priority target that represents the potential western extension to the La Romana copper-tin-silver mineralization."

"Results are also pending from the recently completed follow-up drill program at the Canada Honda copper-gold target less than 4km to the north of La Romana."

Drill results are summarized in Table 1 and drill hole collar details are presented in Table 2 below. Drill hole locations are shown in Figure 1.

Step-out drill holes

The step-out drill holes have expanded the northern limits of the La Romana copper and copper-tin-silver mineralization a further 50m to 70m down-dip on several sections, and shows the mineralization remains open at depth. Results include broad zones of copper mineralization and/or bands of high-grade copper mineralization with associated strong chlorite alteration, indicating potential for mineralization to continue at depth. The mineralization also remains open along-strike. Selected highlights include:

LRD146 : 30m at 0.3% Cu, 0.05% Sn and 1.8g/t Ag from 151m , including 8m at 0.6% Cu, 0.11% Sn and 3.4g/t Ag





: at 0.3% Cu, 0.05% Sn and 1.8g/t Ag from , including at 0.6% Cu, 0.11% Sn and 3.4g/t Ag LRD147 : 32.25m @ 0.4% Cu, 0.05% Sn and 1.3g/t Ag from 112m , including 3.25m at 1.9% Cu, 0.36% Sn and 7.6 g/t Ag





: @ 0.4% Cu, 0.05% Sn and 1.3g/t Ag from , including at 1.9% Cu, 0.36% Sn and 7.6 g/t Ag LRD149 : 0.5m at 4.6% Cu and 10.3g/t Ag from 290.8m and 0.5m at 3.1% Cu, 9.7g/t Ag from 341.9m





: at 4.6% Cu and 10.3g/t Ag from and at 3.1% Cu, 9.7g/t Ag from LRD150 : 4m at 1.2% Cu and 4.0 g/t Ag from 83m , stratigraphically above the main La Romana mineralization





: at 1.2% Cu and 4.0 g/t Ag from , stratigraphically above the main La Romana mineralization LRD153 : 36.5m at 0.3% Cu and 1.7g/t Ag from 288m

Infill drill holes

The infill drilling included testing an area previously inaccessible due to farm infrastructure and confirmed additional high-grade copper mineralization within a continuous zone extending from near surface to approximately 450m down-dip (see Figure 2 below). Three additional infill drill holes (LRD152, LRD154 and LRD159) complement a tin metallurgical test program and confirmed continuity of the high-grade tin mineralization in the west. Selected highlights include:

LRD156 : 1m at 1.5% Cu and 7.5g/t Ag from 171m ; 25m at 0.3% Cu and 1.2g/t Ag from 203m , including 1.6m at 1.9% Cu and 7.4g/t Ag; and 0.5m at 2.0% Cu and 8.4g/t Ag from 262.7m





: at 1.5% Cu and 7.5g/t Ag from ; at 0.3% Cu and 1.2g/t Ag from , including at 1.9% Cu and 7.4g/t Ag; and at 2.0% Cu and 8.4g/t Ag from LRD157 : 0.5m at 5.1% Cu, 24.5g/t Ag and 0.12g/t Au; 3m at 1.5% Cu and 3.6g/t Ag from 195m ; and 0.65m at 1.8% Cu and 13.6g/t Ag from 228.35m





: at 5.1% Cu, 24.5g/t Ag and 0.12g/t Au; at 1.5% Cu and 3.6g/t Ag from ; and at 1.8% Cu and 13.6g/t Ag from LRD158 : 0.5m at 3.0% Pb, 4.0% Zn, 0.2% Cu and 22.9g/t Ag from 62.5m ; 1m at 3.6% Cu and 19.4g/t Ag from 109m ; 5.6m at 1.2% Cu and 3.3g/t Ag from 195.4m , including 0.35m at 10.5% Cu, 26.1g/t Ag, 0.14g/t Au and 0.08% Co from 196.3m





: at 3.0% Pb, 4.0% Zn, 0.2% Cu and 22.9g/t Ag from ; at 3.6% Cu and 19.4g/t Ag from ; at 1.2% Cu and 3.3g/t Ag from , including at 10.5% Cu, 26.1g/t Ag, 0.14g/t Au and 0.08% Co from LRD154 : 23m at 0.4% Cu, 0.12% Sn and 2.0g/t Ag from 33m , including 7m at 0.5% Cu, 0.23% Sn and 2.8g/t Ag (highest tin intersections on this section)





: at 0.4% Cu, 0.12% Sn and 2.0g/t Ag from , including at 0.5% Cu, 0.23% Sn and 2.8g/t Ag (highest tin intersections on this section) LRD159 : 1m at 0.5% Cu, 0.68% Sn and 2.5g/t Ag from 24m ; and 19m at 0.4% Cu, 0.05% Sn and 1.3g/t Ag from 37m

Table 1  Escacena Project, drill results summary (all intersections are >90% to approximately 100% of true thickness)

Hole From To Interval Cu Sn Ag Co Au Pb Zn m m m % % g/t ppm g/t ppm ppm LRD146 151.00 181.00 30.00 0.3 0.05 1.8 59 0.00 228 581 inc. 159.00 181.00 22.00 0.3 0.07 1.9 61 0.01 205 567 inc. 173.00 181.00 8.00 0.6 0.11 3.4 72 0.01 282 687 LRD147 114.00 146.25 32.25 0.4 0.05 1.3 70 0.01 4 75 inc. 129.00 146.25 17.25 0.5 0.08 2.0 84 0.01 16 98 inc. 143.00 146.25 3.25 1.9 0.36 7.6 185 0.03 29 166 LRD148 100.00 124.00 24.00 0.24 0.01 1.0 59 0.01 14 107 inc. 116.00 124.00 8.00 0.4 0.02 1.7 80 0.01 9 89 152.00 160.00 8.00 0.2 0.03 0.8 57 0.01 10 58 LRD149 227.45 228.00 0.55 0.4 <0.01 15.2 289 0.26 3410 6010 256.80 258.00 1.20 0.1 <0.01 12.7 37 0.04 17800 4940 290.00 291.30 1.30 1.9 <0.01 4.4 359 0.10 20 242 inc. 290.80 291.30 0.50 4.6 0.01 10.3 886 0.25 37 486 341.90 342.40 0.50 3.1 0.01 9.7 369 0.13 268 459 LRD150 22.00 22.50 0.50 1.1 <0.01 1.9 7 0.01 22 90 83.00 93.00 10.00 0.6 <0.01 2.1 46 0.01 19 227 inc. 83.00 87.00 4.00 1.2 <0.01 3.9 65 0.02 20 316 inc. 84.00 85.00 1.00 3.8 0.01 10.8 123 0.03 37 639 LRD151 257.00 258.00 1.00 <0.1 0.01 1.4 21 0.01 1205 11950 391.00 392.00 1.00 1.1 0.01 2.3 76 0.02 27 231 LRD1521 60.00 82.00 22.00 0.3 0.06 1.6 70 0.01 45 140 60.00 75.00 15.00 0.4 0.06 2.0 73 0.01 52 155 LRD153 251.00 254.00 3.00 0.5 <0.01 2.3 108 0.01 32 96 271.00 272.00 1.00 0.8 <0.01 5.1 92 0.01 261 969 288.00 324.50 36.50 0.3 0.01 1.7 51 0.01 177 445 inc. 300.00 324.50 24.50 0.3 0.01 2.0 55 0.01 188 503 inc. 313.00 314.00 1.00 1.2 0.02 4.5 70 0.01 89 355 inc. 317.00 317.50 0.50 3.0 0.03 14.3 140 0.07 2300 5730 LRD1541 33.00 56.00 23.00 0.4 0.12 2.0 94 0.01 51 131 inc. 33.00 46.00 13.00 0.5 0.14 2.9 104 0.01 78 155 inc. 36.00 43.00 7.00 0.5 0.23 2.8 122 0.01 47 155 LRD155 36.50 39.00 2.50 0.5 <0.01 3.8 27 0.01 842 309 41.00 42.00 1.00 0.5 <0.01 3.2 15 0.01 544 387 LRD156 171.00 172.00 1.00 1.5 0.01 7.5 94 0.03 144 151 203.00 228.00 25.00 0.3 <0.01 1.2 74 0.02 54 160 Inc. 203.00 204.60 1.60 1.9 0.01 7.4 449 0.08 306 218 262.70 263.20 0.50 2.0 0.01 8.4 315 0.16 100 390 LRD157 110.00 110.50 0.50 5.1 0.01 24.5 409 0.12 140 481 161.00 162.00 1.00 0.9 <0.01 5.9 86 0.03 142 407 195.00 198.00 3.00 1.5 <0.01 3.6 201 0.03 15 104 inc. 196.00 197.00 1.00 3.6 0.01 8.8 422 0.08 27 137 228.35 229.00 0.65 1.8 0.01 13.6 248 0.10 3360 7150 255.00 256.00 1.00 0.7 0.02 7.3 158 0.06 2570 2180 LRD158 62.50 63.00 0.50 0.2 <0.01 22.9 21 0.09 30400 39500 109.00 110.00 1.00 3.6 0.01 19.4 279 0.04 96 405 185.00 186.00 1.00 1.0 <0.01 6.6 130 0.02 12 149 195.40 201.00 5.60 1.2 <0.01 3.3 152 0.02 42 120 inc. 195.40 197.50 2.10 2.7 0.01 7.3 290 0.05 61 146 inc. 196.30 196.65 0.35 10.5 0.01 26.1 811 0.14 138 298 LRD1591 24.00 25.00 1.00 0.5 0.68 2.5 70 0.04 75 95 37.00 56.00 19.00 0.4 0.05 1.3 73 0.01 32 107 inc. 48.00 56.00 8.00 0.4 0.08 1.3 80 0.01 30 141 inc. 50.00 51.00 1.00 1.3 0.02 1.2 74 0.01 8 255 inc. 52.00 55.00 3.00 0.3 0.13 1.5 87 0.02 20 108 LRD160 236.00 273.00 37.00 0.25 <0.01 1.0 64 0.01 123 27 inc. 239.00 242.00 3.00 1.1 <0.01 2.6 180 0.02 95 40 inc. 239.90 240.40 0.50 5.3 0.01 12.3 635 0.08 215 216 inc. 300.20 300.70 0.50 1.0 0.01 4.0 416 0.16 123 131

1 Tin metallurgy drill hole

Table 2  Escacena Project, drill hole collar information (Total 3745.5m)

Hole ID Easting 2 Northing 2 Azimuth (o) Dip(o) Depth (m) LRD146 736281 4152845 180 -60 248.10 LRD147 736136 4152802 180 -60 209.30 LRD148 736085 4152796 180 -55 220.50 LRD149 736956 4152942 180 -60 424.35 LRD150 736539 4152884 180 -62 398.40 LRD151 737003 4152998 180 -60 442.85 LRD1521 736187 4152712 180 -55 86.20 LRD153 736734 4152936 180 -65 367.70 LRD1541 736233 4152669 180 -55 73.30 LRD155 736980 4152570 180 -55 89.40 LRD156 736905 4152811 180 -65 272.35 LRD157 736905 4152811 180 -55 272.50 LRD158 736903 4152812 192 -55 257.50 LRD1591 736138 4152687 180 -55 65.55 LRD160 736898 4152874 180 -60 317.50

1 Tin metallurgy drill hole

2 Coordinates are in ERTS89 datum UTM29N

About the Escacena Project

The Escacena Project comprises a large, contiguous, 5,760-hectare land package controlled 100% by Pan Global in the east of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Escacena is located near operating mines at Las Cruces and Riotinto and is immediately adjacent to the former Aznalcollar and Los Frailes mines where Minera Los Frailes/Grupo Mexico is in the final permitting stage with construction anticipated to start in 2023. The Escacena Project hosts the La Romana copper-tin-silver discovery and a number of other prospective targets, including Romana West, Canada Honda, Zarcita, Hornitos, La Jarosa, Romana Deep, Romana North, Bravo, Barbacena, El Pozo, and San Pablo.

About Pan Global Resources

Pan Global Resources Inc. is actively targeting copper-rich mineral deposits, given copper's compelling supply-demand fundamentals and outlook for strong long-term prices as a critical metal for global electrification and energy transition. The Company's flagship Escacena Project is located in the prolific Iberian Pyrite Belt in southern Spain, where infrastructure, mining and professional expertise, and support for copper as a Strategic Raw Material by the European Commission collectively define a tier-one jurisdiction for mining investment. The Pan Global team comprises proven talent in exploration, development, and mine operations - all of which are committed to operating safely and with utmost respect for the environment and our partnered communities.

QA/QC Procedures

Core size was HQ (63mm) and all samples were  core. Nominal sample size was 1m core length and ranged from 0.5 to 2m. Sample intervals were defined using geological contacts with the start and end of each sample physically marked on the core. Diamond blade core cutting and sampling was supervised at all times by Company staff. Duplicate samples of  core were taken approximately every 30 samples and Certified Reference materials inserted every 25 samples in each batch.

Samples were delivered to ALS laboratory in Seville, Spain and assayed at the ALS laboratory in Ireland. All samples were crushed and split (method CRU-31, SPL22Y), and pulverized using (method PUL-31). Gold analysis was by 50gm Fire assay with ICP finish (method Au-ICP22) and multi element analysis was undertaken using a 4-acid digest with ICP AES finish (method ME-ICP61). Over grade base metal results were assayed using a 4-acid digest ICP AES (method OG-62). Over grade tin was determined using peroxide fusion with ICP finish (method Sn-ICP81x).

Qualified Persons

James Royall, Vice President Exploration for Pan Global Resources and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed the scientific and technical information for this news release. Mr. Royall is not independent of the Company.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Forward-looking statements

Statements which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. It is important to note that actual outcomes and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information included in this news release are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental, environmental and technological factors that may affect the Company's operations, markets, products and prices. Readers should refer to the risk disclosures outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis of its audited financial statements filed with the British Columbia Securities Commission.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on information available to the Company as of the date of this news release. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information.

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.
VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 23, 2023 /CNW/ - Vizsla Silver Corp. (TSXV: VZLA) (NYSE: VZLA) (Frankfurt: 0G3) ("Vizsla" or the "Company") is pleased to report results from 11 new drillholes targeting the southern extension of the Napoleon Vein, at its 100%-owned flagship Panuco silver-gold project ("Panuco") located in Mexico. The new drill results are centered on the western portion of the district and are part of Vizsla's ongoing 90,000 metre resource infill and expansion/discovery-focused drill program.

Highlights

NP-23-388 returned 646 grams per tonne (g/t) silver equivalent (AgEq) over 10.00 metres true width (mTW) (217 g/t silver, 3.03 g/t gold, 1.44 % lead and 5.44 % zinc), including: 3,625 g/t AgEq over 0.95 mTW (1,590 g/t silver, 25.50 g/t gold, 7.28 % lead and 5.80 % zinc), and 1,323 g/t AgEq over 0.78 mTW (159 g/t silver, 0.89 g/t gold, 4.97 % lead and 26.70 % zinc)

(217 g/t silver, 3.03 g/t gold, 1.44 % lead and 5.44 % zinc), NP-23-391 returned 1,568 g/t AgEq over 1.90 mTW (908 g/t silver, 7.37 g/t gold, 1.62 % lead and 4.91 % zinc), including: 2,205 g/t AgEq over 0.65 mTW (1,500 g/t silver, 8.96 g/t gold, 2.05 % lead and 3.98 % zinc)

(908 g/t silver, 7.37 g/t gold, 1.62 % lead and 4.91 % zinc), And 648 g/t AgEq over 3.20 mTW (559 g/t silver, 1.53 g/t gold, 0.23 % lead and 0.49 % zinc), including: 1,720 g/t AgEq over 0.96 mTW (1,500 g/t silver, 3.89 g/t gold, 0.61 % lead and 1.22 % zinc)

(559 g/t silver, 1.53 g/t gold, 0.23 % lead and 0.49 % zinc), NP-23-392 returned 989 g/t AgEq over 2.50 mTW (527 g/t silver, 3.78 g/t gold, 2.13 % lead and 4.98 % zinc), including: 2,465 g/t AgEq over 0.69 mTW (1,500 g/t silver, 9.97 g/t gold, 5.25 % lead and 6.66 % zinc).

(527 g/t silver, 3.78 g/t gold, 2.13 % lead and 4.98 % zinc),

"Infill and expansionary drilling targeting the southern extent of Napoleon continues to intersect high silver and gold grades on both the main vein and its overlapping splay structures," commented Michael Konnert, President and CEO. "We have now identified several splay veins branching off the main Napoleon structure located within both the footwall and hanging wall that remain open for future expansion. Most notable is the shallow dipping Hanging Wall 4 structure which returned 646 grams per tonne silver equivalent over ten meters true width and is open down dip. We continue to view the Napoleon Area as a primary target for future resource growth and development. Of the six drill rigs currently turning on the property, infill drilling continues at Napoleon with one rig. In addition to drilling, we are pleased to announce Vizsla has achieved 1.5 million work hours without a lost time incident at Panuco. This is yet another major milestone for the Company and is a testament to the focus and dedication of every Vizsla employee and contractor working on the Project."

Details of the Napoleon Southern Extent

Infill and step-out (expansionary) drilling completed to date has led to an improved understanding of the mineralization controls along the Napoleon vein corridor. Observations based on metal zonation and alteration continue to support the interpretation that the corridor is tilted where the southern extent of drilling is at the top of the mineralized horizon, near surface (Figure 5).

Previously reported high-grade gold assay values near surface support the model (see press releases dated December 16, 2021 and March 29, 2022). Infill drilling assay results disclosed in this news release, show additional high-grade silver and gold values on vein splays at the hanging wall of the main Napoleon structure. The vein splays are situated between 25 to 120 metres into the hanging wall and typically contain high lead and zinc concentrations in addition to the precious metal values. Results from recent drilling suggests that the shallow dipping Hanging Wall 4 splay (HW splay 4) remains open down dip to the east (Figure 4). Results from hole NP-23-388 warrant follow up drilling to the east and at depth along Hanging Wall 4 (long section not shown). Vizsla continues working on structural and 3D geologic modelling to design specific drill holes for the exploration of the vein splays (HW splay 2 and HW splay 4).

Drillhole From To Downhole

Length Estimated

True

width Ag Au Pb Zn AgEq Vein (m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) (g/t) % % (g/t) NP-23-365A No significant values HW 7 NP-23-365A No significant values HW 2 NP-23-365A 454.65 455.15 0.5 0.45 178 8.33 0.07 0.17 736 Napoleon NP-23-365A No significant values FW 1 NP-23-365A 496.5 497.5 1 0.85 290 1.71 1.05 1.56 473 FW 2 NP-23-370 346.1 346.65 0.55 0.45 597 0.72 0.02 0.04 606 HW 6 NP-23-370 No significant values HW 2 NP-23-370 432.05 433.25 1.2 1 349 1.58 0.05 0.13 437 Napoleon NP-23-374 303.9 306.05 2.15 1.7 90 0.95 0.02 0.03 149 HW 7 NP-23-374 No significant values HW 2 NP-23-374 527.9 529.25 1.35 1 34 0.32 0.02 0.02 173 Napoleon NP-23-374 No significant values FW 2 NP-23-374 585.8 586.25 0.45 0.45 433 2.92 0.83 1.19 667 FW 3 NP-23-378 555 556 1 0.9 1,135 1.29 1.14 4.74 1,348 HW 2 NP-23-378 563.8 569 5.2 4.3 73 1.42 0.46 1.24 223 Napoleon Includes 566.9 568 1.1 0.91 284 1.92 1.44 3.28 555 NP-23-378 575.9 577.5 1.6 1.1 1,805 16.56 0.2 0.38 2,817 FW 1 Includes 576.5 577.5 1 0.69 2,780 26.1 0.29 0.55 4,376 NP-23-378 588 588.6 0.6 0.46 184 1.48 0.6 15.9 865 FW 2 NP-23-380 317.05 322.45 5.4 4.1 111 0.64 0.01 0.01 147 HW 7 NP-23-380 554.2 555.7 1.5 1.35 551 1.08 1.29 6.23 849 HW 2 NP-23-380 581.25 581.7 0.45 0.4 346 2.21 0.8 4.29 650 Napoleon NP-23-383 No significant values HW 7 NP-23-383 616.15 618.1 1.95 1.27 207 2.37 4.43 14.37 1,005 HW 2 Includes 616.8 617.8 1 0.65 270 4.15 8.4 23.2 1,621 NP-23-383 636.25 637 0.75 0.7 154 1.37 1.04 4.21 419 Napoleon NP-23-386 140.9 141.85 0.95 0.78 218 0.24 0.21 0.43 241 HW 7 NP-23-386 410.35 410.75 0.4 0.3 430 1.59 0.08 0.22 517 HW 2 NP-23-386 414.35 415.6 1.25 0.85 177 0.73 0.11 0.25 226 Napoleon NP-23-386 536.8 537.25 0.45 0.4 444 10.3 0.46 1.11 1,162 FW 3 NP-23-388 No significant values HW 5 NP-23-388 426.25 437.8 11.55 10 217 3.03 1.44 5.44 646 HW 4 Includes 434.8 435.9 1.1 0.95 1,590 25.5 7.28 5.8 3,625 Includes 435.9 436.8 0.9 0.78 159 0.89 4.97 26.7 1,323 NP-23-388 556.8 559 2.2 1.95 31 0.59 1.46 6.36 343 HW 2 NP-23-388 No significant values Napoleon NP-23-391 No significant values HW 7 NP-23-391 420.1 424.1 4 3.2 559 1.53 0.23 0.49 648 HW 2 Includes 422.35 423.55 1.2 0.96 1,500 3.89 0.61 1.22 1,720 NP-23-391 No significant values Napoleon NP-23-391 483.6 484.85 1.25 1 64 0.72 0.81 0.77 160 FW 1 NP-23-391 526.15 528.2 2.05 1.9 908 7.37 1.62 4.91 1,568 FW 2 Includes 526.15 526.85 0.7 0.65 1,500 8.96 2.05 3.98 2,205 NP-23-392 408.1 410.65 2.55 2.5 527 3.78 2.13 4.98 989 HW 4 Includes 409.25 409.95 0.7 0.69 1,500 9.97 5.25 6.66 2,465 NP-23-392 450.5 451.5 1 0.95 258 1.62 1.95 15.45 967 HW 3 NP-23-392 No significant values HW 2 NP-23-392 644.6 646.6 2 1.55 40 1.96 0.62 11.4 602 Napoleon NP-23-393 258.15 259.2 1.05 0.8 204 3.52 1.42 6.52 706 HW 4 NP-23-393 485.35 486.35 1 0.6 65 0.38 1.34 13.85 627 HW 3 NP-23-393 No significant values Napoleon

Table 1: Downhole drill intersections from the holes completed along the Napoleon main and vein splays. Note: AgEq = Ag g/t x Ag rec. + ((Au g/t x Au Rec x Au price/gram)+(Pb% x Pb rec. X Pb price/t) + (Zn% x Zn rec. X Zn price/t))/Ag price/gram. Metal price assumptions are $24.00/oz silver, $1,800/oz gold, $2,424.4/t lead and $2,975.4/t zinc. Metallurgical recoveries assumed are 93% for silver, 90% for gold, 94% for lead and 94% for zinc. Metallurgical recoveries used in this release are from metallurgical test results of the Napoleon vein (see press release dated February 17, 2022).

Drillhole Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Depth NP-23-365A 403,888 2,586,230 434 270 -49 636.0 NP-23-370 403,891 2,586,232 434 258 -40 534.0 NP-23-374 403,967 2,586,189 467 267 -43 621.0 NP-23-378 403,967 2,586,189 467 268 -52 674.0 NP-23-380 403,967 2,586,189 467 268 -56 702.0 NP-23-383 403,967 2,586,189 467 270 -60 750.0 NP-23-386 403,856 2,586,035 450 271 -60 582.0 NP-23-388 403,849 2,586,432 477 253 -68 705.0 NP-23-391 403,854 2,586,086 449 271 -63 558.0 NP-23-392 403,849 2,586,432 477 270 -61 738.0 NP-23-393 403,683 2,586,973 480 251 -57 582.0

Table 2: Napoleon vein drillhole details. Coordinates in WGS84, Zone 13.

Safety Milestone

Vizsla Silver is proud to report that it has achieved 1.5 million work hours without any lost time incidents at Panuco. The Company commends the safety department, employees, and contractors for their ongoing focus on the safety culture build over the life of the project and ensuring safe work conditions at the work sites.

About the Panuco project

The newly consolidated Panuco silver-gold project is an emerging high-grade discovery located in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, near the city of Mazatlan. The 7,189.5-hectare, past producing district benefits from over 86 kilometres of total vein extent, 35 kilometres of underground mines, roads, power, and permits.

The district contains intermediate to low sulfidation epithermal silver and gold deposits related to siliceous volcanism and crustal extension in the Oligocene and Miocene. Host rocks are mainly continental volcanic rocks correlated to the Tarahumara Formation.

The Panuco Project hosts an estimated in-situ indicated mineral resource of 104.8 Moz AgEq and an in-situ inferred resource of 114.1 Moz AgEq. An updated NI 43-101 technical report titled "Technical Report on the Mineral Resource Estimate Update for the Panuco Ag-Au-Pb-Zn Project, Sinaloa State, Mexico" was filed on SEDAR on March 10, 2023, with an effective date of January 19, 2023 was prepared by Allan Armitage, Ph. D., P. Geo., Ben Eggers, MAIG, P.Geo. and Yann Camus, P.Eng. of SGS Geological Services.

About Vizsla Silver

Vizsla Silver is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, focused on advancing its flagship, 100%-owned Panuco silver-gold project located in Sinaloa, Mexico. To date, Vizsla has completed over 250,000 metres of drilling at Panuco leading to the discovery of several new high-grade veins. For 2023, Vizsla has budgeted +90,000 metres of resource/discovery-based drilling designed to upgrade and expand the mineral resource, as well as test other high priority targets across the district.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Drill core samples were shipped to ALS Limited in Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico and in North Vancouver, Canada for sample preparation and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver and rock samples were shipped to SGS Lab in Durango Mexico for sample preparation and analysis. The ALS Zacatecas, North Vancouver facilities and SGS lab are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Silver and base metals were analyzed using a four-acid digestion with an ICP finish and gold was assayed by 30-gram fire assay with atomic absorption ("AA") spectroscopy finish. Over limit analyses for silver, lead and zinc were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with AA finish.

Control samples comprising certified reference samples, duplicates and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's quality assurance / quality control protocol.

Qualified Person

In accordance with NI 43-101, Martin Dupuis, P.Geo., COO, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has reviewed and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release.

Information Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources

The scientific and technical information in this news release was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 which differs significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The terms "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" used herein are in reference to the mining terms defined in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards (the "CIM Definition Standards"), which definitions have been adopted by NI 43-101. Accordingly, information contained herein providing descriptions of our mineral deposits in accordance with NI 43-101 may not be comparable to similar information made public by other U.S. companies subject to the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

You are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral resources will ever be converted into reserves. Pursuant to CIM Definition Standards, "inferred mineral resources" are that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Such geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. An inferred mineral resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an indicated mineral resource and must not be converted to a mineral reserve. However, it is reasonably expected that the majority of inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to indicated mineral resources with continued exploration. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.

Canadian standards, including the CIM Definition Standards and NI 43-101, differ significantly from standards in the SEC Industry Guide 7. Effective February 25, 2019, the SEC adopted new mining disclosure rules under subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "SEC Modernization Rules"), with compliance required for the first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. The SEC Modernization Rules replace the historical property disclosure requirements included in SEC Industry Guide 7. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC now recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources". Information regarding mineral resources contained or referenced herein may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies that report according to U.S. standards. While the SEC Modernization Rules are purported to be "substantially similar" to the CIM Definition Standards, readers are cautioned that there are differences between the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Definitions Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral resources that the Company may report as "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules.

Website: www.vizslasilvercorp.ca

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes certain "ForwardLooking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forwardlooking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forwardlooking statements or information. These forwardlooking statements or information relate to, among other things: the exploration, development, and production at Panuco, including plans for resource/discovery-based drilling, designed to upgrade and expand the maiden resource.

Forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information relating to any future mineral production, liquidity, enhanced value and capital markets profile of Vizsla, future growth potential for Vizsla and its business, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the price of silver, gold, and other metals; no escalation in the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; Vizsla's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect Vizsla's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information and Vizsla has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the Company's dependence on one mineral project; precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in Mexico; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding mineral resources and reserves; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of COVID-19; the economic and financial implications of COVID-19 to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities and artisanal miners; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in Vizsla' management discussion and analysis. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information. Although Vizsla has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Vizsla does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. (TSXV: ELE) (OTCQX: ELEMF) ("Elemental Altus" or "the Company") announces that it has entered into a binding agreement (the "Agreement") to acquire two existing royalties (the "Royalties") from RCF Opportunities Fund L.P. ("RCF") for consideration of US$10,000,000 payable in common shares of Elemental Altus (the "Acquisition"). The Royalties include an aggregate 0.68% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty on the Cactus Project in Arizona ("Cactus Project"), which is 100% owned by Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. ("Arizona Sonoran" or "ASCU"), and a 0.5% gross revenue royalty ("GRR") on the Nyanga Project in Gabon ("Nyanga Project"), which is 100% owned by Armada Metals Limited (ASX:AMM) ("Armada").

Acquisition Highlights

0.68% NSR 1 on the advanced development stage Cactus Project Cactus is a brownfields porphyry copper project in Arizona which produced 200,000 short tons of copper between 1974 and 1984 Project is located on private land, has major development permits in place and is 100% owned by ASCU Timely acquisition as a heap leach preliminary feasibility study (" PFS ") is underway and is expected to substantially rescale the project with the addition of the adjacent Parks / Salyer deposit, targeting 45-50,000 short tons of annual copper production over an approximately 30 year life of mine

on the advanced development stage Cactus Project 0.5% GRR on the exploration stage Nyanga Project, a highly-prospective magmatic nickel-copper sulphide project in Gabon with royalty coverage of 2,725km 2

Adds RCF as a new shareholder to Elemental Altus' high quality and institution-focused share register

Frederick Bell, CEO of Elemental Altus, commented: "We are pleased to continue to enhance our portfolio through the additions of the Cactus and Nyanga royalties and also welcome RCF, a highly recognised and credible mining investor, to our share register. The Cactus royalty substantially bolsters our advanced development pipeline with a uniquely de-risked copper asset in a premier jurisdiction. Operator Arizona Sonoran has demonstrated an outstanding rate of progress since acquiring the mine, and we eagerly anticipate the upcoming PFS expected to showcase the potential scale of the operation. In addition, the Nyanga royalty offers exposure to district scale discovery opportunities led by a highly-experienced exploration team."

Terms of the Acquisition

Elemental Altus has agreed to pay consideration of US$10,000,000 for the Royalties through the issuance of 11,111,111 Elemental Altus common shares at a price of C$1.20 per share. The shares issued to RCF will represent approximately 5.7% of the Company's enlarged share capital.

Closing is expected to occur on or before October 31, 2023, and is subject to certain conditions including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V").

Cactus Project Overview

The Cactus Project, formerly named Sacaton, is 100% owned by Arizona Sonoran. The project is situated on private land in Pinal County, Arizona, the US's leading copper producing state and 7th ranked mining jurisdiction globally, per the Fraser Institute's 2022 Investment Attractiveness Index.

The Cactus Project has an Indicated Resource of 151.8 million short tons @ 0.531% total copper ('CuT') for 806,000 short tons of contained copper, and an Inferred Resource of 449.9 million short tons @ 0.544% CuT for 2.45Mt of contained copper. Of the Inferred Resource, 143.6 million tons @ 1.015% CuT for 1.46Mt of contained copper is from the Parks/Salyer deposit2.

A PFS is targeted for release by operator ASCU by the end of Q1 2024, incorporating the Parks/Salyer deposit and the resumption of open pit mining at Cactus.

The Cactus Project previously produced from the Sacaton open pit, which extends to a depth of 317m and produced 38.1 million short tons of ore, recovering 200,000 short tons of copper, 27,455 ounces of gold and 759,000 ounces of silver.

Elemental Altus' royalty covers the majority of the combined Cactus project area and Resource, excluding the 0.64km2 Bronco Creek tenement estimated to cover approximately 25% of the Parks/Salyer Resource and 10-15% of the total Resource.

For more information on the Cactus Project, please visit https://arizonasonoran.com/.

Nyanga Project Overview

The Nyanga Project is 100% owned by Armada. The project is located in the Nyanga Province of southern Gabon. The project, consisting of two expansive tenements, extends for more than 75km of strike length and covers a land package of 2,725km2.

The project hosts multiple mafic-ultramafic intrusions which can host large scale nickel-copper sulphide deposits, principally along two significant trends, the Libonga-Matchiti Trend (LMT) and the Ngongo-Yoyo Trend (NYT). Armada Metals have commenced geophysical testing of the licence areas to generate targets across the whole belt following a successful Stage 1 diamond drilling program during 2022.

Armada boasts a management team and board with a strong track record of success exploring in Africa. Key members of the exploration staff were part of the Ivanhoe Mines exploration team awarded the 2015 PDAC Thayer Lindsley Award for an International Mineral Discovery at Kamoa, which has a current pre-development Indicated Resource of 38Mt Cu at 2.74% Cu3.

For more information on the Nyanga Project, please visit https://armadametals.com.au/.

On behalf of Elemental Altus Royalties Corp.

Frederick Bell

CEO and Director

Corporate & Media Inquiries:

Jacy Zerb, VP Investor Relations

Direct: +1 604-243-6511 ext. 2700

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Elemental Altus is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: www.discoverygroup.ca or contact 604-653-9464.

TSXV: ELE | OTCQX: ELEMF | ISIN: CA28619K1093 | CUSIP: 28619K109

About Elemental Altus Royalties Corp.

Elemental Altus is an income generating precious metals royalty company with 10 producing royalties and a diversified portfolio of pre-production and discovery stage assets. The Company is focused on acquiring uncapped royalties and streams over producing, or near-producing, mines operated by established counterparties, as well as generating royalties on new discoveries.

Notes

1 0.68% NSR royalty on the Cactus Project has an associated buydown right, allowing the operator the option to repurchase 0.14% for consideration of US$1,913,333. The buydown right may be exercised at any time prior to July 10, 2025, after which the right will expire.

2 Technical Report titled "NI 43-101-Compliant Mineral Resource Estimate and Technical Report, Parks/Salyer" effective September 26, 2022 and dated November 10, 2022, prepared by Stantec Consulting Services and posted under Arizona Sonoran Copper Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

3 Please refer to Ivanhoe Mines website for more detail. https://ivanhoemines.com/projects/kamoa-kakula-project/.

Qualified Person

Richard Evans, FAusIMM, is Senior Vice President Technical for Elemental Altus, and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this press release.

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

This news release contains certain "forward looking statements" and certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology.

Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, the ability to complete the Acquisition and the timing thereof, resource estimates at the Cactus Project and the timing for the PFS, the prospectivity of the Nyanga Project, the future growth, development and focus of the Company, and the acquisition of new royalties and streams. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies.

Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of Elemental Altus to control or predict, that may cause Elemental Altus' actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: the impact of general business and economic conditions, the absence of control over the mining operations from which Elemental Altus will receive royalties, risks related to international operations, government relations and environmental regulation, the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties; the uncertainties involved in interpreting exploration data; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with Elemental Altus' expectations; accidents, equipment breakdowns, title matters, labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions in operations; fluctuating metal prices; unanticipated costs and expenses; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, commodity price fluctuations; currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions; liability, competition, loss of key employees and other related risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of important factors which could cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements, refer to the annual information form of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2022. Elemental Altus undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements and information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking statements and information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement or information can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.
Toronto, ON - TheNewswire - August 23, 2023 - Star Royalties Ltd. (Star Royalties, or the Company) (TSXV:STRR) (OTC:STRFF) is pleased to report its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. All amounts are in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated.

Q2 2023 Corporate and Portfolio Highlights

Quarterly revenues of $188,033, representing a 31% decline over the previous quarter due to timing and lower volume of mineral sands sales at Keysbrook.

Quarterly net loss of $1,048,574 was negatively impacted by the recognition of a $418,800 equity loss from the Green Star Royalties Ltd. joint venture (Green Star), driven primarily by foreign currency translation.

Green Stars flagship regenerative agriculture carbon farming program continues to grow from inbound farmer interest and is approaching its official listing under Verras Methodology for Improved Agricultural Land Management, v2.0 (VM0042).

MOBISMART Mobile Off-Grid Power Storage Inc. (MOBISMART) continues to expand sales volumes and customer pipeline.

Alex Pernin, Chief Executive Officer of Star Royalties, commented: During the second quarter of 2023, our team worked diligently to position both Star Royalties and Green Star for upcoming success. We believe that these efforts should translate to shareholder value across the coming months. Management continued to refine Green Stars premium pipeline of opportunities, while also working closely with individual management teams across our investment portfolio to further de-risk their respective assets. Keysbrook performed in-line with internal expectations, despite the timing-related lower shipment volumes, and Copperstones Preliminary Economic Assessment demonstrated robust economics that we view as not reflected in that assets valuation. As Green Stars flagship regenerative agriculture program continues to approach official listing under the Verra Registry, we look forward to several relevant catalysts over the coming months. Lastly but importantly, we continue to actively evaluate capital raising opportunities in order to be well positioned to begin transacting on Green Stars expanded pipeline of carbon investments.

Summary of Q2 2023 Financial Results

For complete details, please refer to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and associated Management Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, available on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca or on the Companys website at starroyalties.com.

Significant Portfolio Updates

Keysbrook Mine

In the second quarter of 2023, royalty revenues from Keysbrook were $135,232, which were lower compared to the prior-year quarter due to timing and lower volume of mineral sands sales in the period, reflecting the variability inherent in bulk-shipped products. The overall outlook for 2023 remains in-line with the operators provided budget.

Elk Gold Mine

Gold Mountain Mining Corp. (Gold Mountain) (TSX: GMTN, OTCQB: GMTNF, FRA: 5XFA) continued ore mining operations and deliveries to New Gold Inc. (TSX, NYSE American: NGD) during the second quarter. The second quarter royalty payment from the Elk Gold Mine declined slightly to $52,801, compared to $54,959 in the previous quarter, due to lower shipments of ore by Gold Mountain. For its quarter ended April 30, 2023, Gold Mountain reported total sales of 1,798 ounces of gold and generated total revenue of C$4.2 million from the Elk Gold Mine.

In May, Gold Mountain reported that it had made its final C$3 million property payment to Sandbox Royalties Corp., thereby discharging all obligations owed relating to its purchase of the Elk Gold Mine, as well as entering into a C$3.3 million silver royalty on the Elk Gold Mine to enhance its financial position. In addition, Gold Mountain reported several changes to its management team during the period, including the appointment of Ron Woo, a founder of Gold Mountain, as Chief Executive Officer, and Simon Bucket as Chief Financial Officer.

Copperstone Gold Project

In June, Sabre Gold Mines Corp. (Sabre Gold) (TSX: SGLD, OTCQB:SGLDF) announced a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) on the Copperstone Gold Project. Results of the economic analysis in the technical report (filed in August), show an after-tax IRR of 50.5% at the base case ($1,800/oz gold) and initial capital of $36 million. The PEA supports a high-grade gold underground mining operation to recover and sell 228,283 ounces gold over 5.7 years of operation with an all-in sustaining cost of $1,286/oz gold. The PEA mine plan prioritizes high-grade portions of the resource in early years to result in a payback period of less than two years, while generating nearly $90 million in after-tax cumulative undiscounted cash flow.

Following Sabre Golds PEA announcement, Star Royalties announced reaching an agreement with Sabre Gold to forego the third $6 million tranche of Star Royalties stream investment as originally contemplated, with a corresponding one-third decrease in its originally proposed gold entitlement under the stream. This is anticipated to provide Sabre Gold with greater flexibility to include other forms of financing in its construction capital to bring the Copperstone Gold Project to production.

Green Star Joint Venture (61.9% interest)

During the second quarter of 2023, Green Star continued to focus on evaluating capital raising opportunities, primarily through private markets, as well as on enhancing the depth and quality of its advanced-stage investment pipeline of premium, North American, nature-based environmental solutions. These opportunities include potential investments in regenerative agriculture, improved forest management, reforestation, livestock enteric methane reduction, grasslands, biochar, and other category types. Green Star is well positioned to transact on several of these projects upon completion of an eventual capital raise.

Voluntary Carbon Market Update

The first half of 2023 has been eventful in the development and publication of much-anticipated guidance geared towards providing clarity and certainty for the voluntary carbon market.

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM), an independent governance body focused on the supply side of the voluntary carbon market, released its Core Carbon Principles (CCPs) and the Program-Level Assessment Framework and Assessment Procedure. The CCPs are a global benchmark for identifying high-integrity carbon credits through rigorous thresholds on disclosure and sustainable development. The CCPs are comprised of ten key principles around governance, emissions impact and sustainable development. The Program-Level Assessment Framework then leverages the CCPs to establish the requirements for carbon-crediting programs, such as Verra. This assessment framework is also intended to introduce a CPP-approved label, which is intended to provide market participants with confidence regarding which carbon credits meet the highest benchmark of integrity to guide buyers in their carbon credit purchase strategy.

In June, The Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI), an independent governance body focused on the demand side of the voluntary carbon market, released the VCMI Claims Code of Practice. While the ICVCM CCPs relate to the supply of carbon credits, the VCMI Claims Code of Practice relate to the demand for carbon credits. The Claims Code of Practice provides the rulebook for making credible claims on the use of carbon credits against a companys net-zero target. The purpose of the Claims Code of Practice is to provide clear guidance to entities on when voluntary use of carbon credits should be a part of their emissions reduction objectives and to provide clarity on the associated claims those respective entities can make regarding the use of those carbon credits.

Additionally, other consultations are currently being carried out by organizations such as the Science-Based Targets Initiative, a partnership between Carbon Disclosure Project, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute, and the World Wide Fund for Nature. Through its participation in the International Emissions Trading Association and several consultation processes, Green Star will continue to monitor and contribute to the development and evolution of guidance frameworks for the voluntary carbon markets.

Regenerative Agriculture Carbon Farming Program

Green Stars flagship regenerative agriculture CarbonNOW farming program is a partnership with Anew Climate LLC (Anew) and Locus Agricultural Solutions (Locus AG). During the first half of 2023, CarbonNOW continued to enroll farmers into the program, with current enrollment exceeding 300,000 acres. In addition to these enrolled acres, Locus AG and Anew are progressing through a meaningful pipeline of interested farmers with a target of participating in the Spring 2024 enrollment. Locus AG anticipates enrollment to accelerate going forward and has established a network of over 40 dealers and distributors to expand its probiotic fertilizer sales across multiple states. At present, the largest enrollment of acres has been from Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma, followed by Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Idaho, Kentucky, and Nebraska.

The CarbonNOW program is currently being listed under Verras Methodology for Improved Agricultural Land Management, v2.0 (VM0042), with official listing anticipated in the next several weeks. A 30-day public consultation period will commence immediately after listing, and third-party audit site visits, as well as validation and verification efforts are expected to occur over the coming months, with anticipated completion and first offset issuance in late Spring 2024.

Green Star continues to expect to generate cash flow equivalent to well over 400,000 attributable carbon credits per year at the programs full scope of 1.32 million acres.

MOBISMART

Green Star owns a 2.5% gross revenue royalty on MOBISMART, a private operating company that specializes in mobile solar power and fuel cell generation systems with integrated battery storage and diesel displacement capabilities. In early 2023, MOBISMART transitioned from research and development to commercialization, and became Green Stars first cash flowing asset.

During the current period, MOBISMART recorded its largest quarterly revenue to date of C$517,000 as it continued to push into the telecommunications and Lidar sectors, with several additional multi-unit orders booked during the quarter. In addition, MOBISMART is making progress in the construction sector, with ongoing efforts to initiate several pilot programs with key industry participants to demonstrate the superior ROI of its mobile solar power and fuel cell generation systems over diesel generators. MOBISMART anticipates a roll out of its systems at numerous sites across Canada to occur upon a successful completion of these pilot programs.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information, please visit our website at starroyalties.com or contact:

Alex Pernin, P.Geo.

Chief Executive Officer and Director

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

+1 647 494 5001

Dmitry Kushnir, CFA

Vice President, Investor Relations

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+1 647 494 5088

About Star Royalties Ltd.

Star Royalties Ltd. is a precious metals and carbon credit royalty and streaming company. The Company innovated the worlds first carbon credit royalties in forestry and regenerative agriculture through its majority-owned, pure-green joint venture, Green Star Royalties Ltd., and offers investors exposure to precious metals and carbon credit prices. The Companys objective is to provide wealth creation by originating accretive transactions with superior alignment to both counterparties and shareholders.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements in this news release may constitute "forward-looking statements", including those regarding future market conditions for metals, minerals and carbon offset credits. Forward-looking statements are statements that address or discuss activities, events or developments that the Company or Green Star expects or anticipates may occur in the future. When used in this news release, words such as "estimates", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "will", "believes", "intends" "should", "could", "may" and other similar terminology are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made based upon certain assumptions and other important factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of Star Royalties and Green Star to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be an accurate indication of whether or not such results will be achieved.

A number of factors could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, changes in business plans and strategies, market and capital finance conditions, ongoing market disruptions caused by the Ukraine and Russian conflict, metal and mineral commodity price volatility, discrepancies between actual and estimated production and test results, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries, mining operation and development risks relating to the parties which produce the metals and minerals Star Royalties will purchase or from which it will receive royalty payments, carbon pricing and carbon tax legislation and regulations, risks inherent to the development of the ESG-related investments and the creation, marketability and sale of carbon offset credits by the parties, the potential value of mandatory and voluntary carbon markets and carbon offset credits, including carbon offsets, risks inherent to royalty companies, title and permitting matters, operation and development risks relating to the parties which develop, market and sell the carbon offset credits from which Green Star will receive royalty payments, changes in crop yields and resulting financial margins regulatory restrictions, activities by governmental authorities (including changes in taxation), currency fluctuations, the global, federal and provincial social and economic climate in particular with respect to addressing and reducing global warming, natural disasters and global pandemics, dilution, risk inherent to any capital financing transactions, risks inherent to a possible Green Star go-public transaction, the nature of the governance rights between Star Royalties and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited in the operation and management of Green Star and competition.

These risks, as well as others, could cause actual results and events to vary significantly. Accordingly, readers should exercise caution in relying upon forward-looking statements and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise them to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.
Vancouver, B.C.  TheNewswire - August 23, 2023 - Cullinan Metals Corp. (CSE:CMT) (OTC:CMTNF) (FWB:7KO) ("Cullinan" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that further to its news release dated August 21, 2023, it has entered into another non-binding letter of intent (LOI) with a vendor (Vendor) to acquire a 100% interest in and to a series of highly prospective lithium mineral properties (the "Properties") located in Northern Quebec.

The LOI is dated July 26, 2023, and it includes a series of mineral projects located in Quebec, commonly referred to as James Bay Pegmatite, James Bay Spodume, VS Lithium, VN Lithium, and Wells Lake.

The Properties

Geologically, James Bay Pegmatite and James Bay Spodumene are located in the Superior geological province, which consists predominantly of amphibolite grade mafic to felsic metavolcanics, metasediments and minor gabbroic intrusions. Pegmatites occur as sharply bounded homogeneous to zoned bodies within igneous or metamorphic host rocks.

VS Lithium and VN Lithium are situated on the Archean Preissac-Lacorne batholith, a syn- to post- tectonic intrusion that was emplaced in the Southern Volcanic Zone of the Abitibi Greenstone Belt of the Superior Province of Quebec. In this region, pegmatitic and aplitic dykes occur in muscovite granite, particularly near its north and south contacts where they constitute the bulk of the exposed rock. Generally, the best lithium mineralization can occur in the north and east striking pegmatite dykes.

The deposit model for the area is that the target lithium mineralization is associated with lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) type pegmatites which are generally located in the upper parts of the pegmatites. LCT pegmatites are associated with S-type, peraluminous (Al-rich), quartz-rich granites. S-type granites crystallize from a magma produced by partial melting of preexisting sedimentary source rock.

Wells Lake is a part of the Grenville Series of rocks which are mainly comprised of quartzofeldspathic, garnetiferous paragneiss and limestone / marble beds. Quartzites are the least abundant of rocks in this Series. The igneous rocks which have invaded the metasedimentary sequence consist of gabbros, monzonites, anorthosites and diabase.

LOI Terms

Pursuant to the terms of the LOI, the Company was granted the right to conduct a full due diligence investigation on the Properties. This includes the right to visit the Properties and to conduct preliminary sampling and exploration work to the extent permitted by applicable mining laws.

Upon discovery of spodumene mineralization on any of the Properties (the Discovery), the relevant Vendor and the Company will execute either:

a) An assignment and assumption agreement (the Option Agreement) pursuant to which the Vendor will assign to the Company all rights and interests to the property purchase options agreements; and/or

b) A property purchase agreement (the Purchase Agreement) pursuant to which the Vendor will grant all rights and interests in and to the Properties to Cullinan.

The considerations for the Option Agreement and/or Purchase Agreement will be negotiated between the Vendor and Cullinan immediately after the Discovery.

"With all the discoveries in the James Bay region and established lithium deposits in the Abitibi area, we wanted our shareholders to have exposure in this area, said Marc Enright-Morin, CEO. The transaction is similar to what we did in Ontario, no dilution and no payments until the Discovery.

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Afzaal Pirzada, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

The transaction is an arms-length transaction and will not constitute a fundamental change or result in a change of control of the Company within the meaning of the policies of the CSE.

The transaction is subject to conditions precedent including, but not limited to, completion of due diligence, entering into an Option Agreement and/or Purchase Agreement, satisfaction of the conditions negotiated therein and receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that an Option Agreement and/or Purchase Agreement will be entered into or that an acquisition will be consummated on the terms or timeframe currently contemplated, or at all.

On Behalf of the Company,

CULLINAN METALS CORP.

Marc Enright-Morin

CEO

(604) 669-9788

About Cullinan Metals Corp.

Cullinan Metals Corp. is a Canadian mining and exploration company focused on the development of energy metals. With a strong emphasis on key energy resources such as copper, graphite, and lithium assets, Cullinan is dedicated to unlocking the potential of these resources globally.

Forward-looking statements

Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including assumptions that all conditions to the closing of the proposed transaction will be satisfied and that the proposed transaction will be completed, in whole or in part, on the terms set forth in the LOIs. The forward-looking information reflects management's current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Such risk factors may include, among others, the risk that required approvals and the satisfaction of material conditions are not obtained in connection with the proposed transaction, the risk that the proposed transaction is not approved or completed on the terms set out in the LOI or that an Option Agreement and/or Purchase Agreement will not be entered into in connection therewith.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information.

The forwardlooking statements set forth herein concerning the Company reflect management's expectations as at the date of this news release and are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: PEX) (OTCQB: PEXZF) ("Pacific Ridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the first four diamond drill holes (KLI-23-51 to KLI-23-054) from this year's exploration program at the Kliyul copper-gold porphyry project ("Kliyul" or "Project") intersected significant copper-gold mineralization with drill hole KLI-23-054 returning 305.5 m of 0.62% copper equivalent ("CuEq") (0.23% copper, 0.51 g/t gold, and 1.22 g/t silver) within 540.3 m of 0.46% CuEq (0.19% copper, 0.36 g/t gold, and 1.09 g/t silver). Kliyul is located in the prolific Quesnel Trough in northcentral British Columbia close to existing infrastructure (see Figure 1).

Highlights

KLI-23-054 returned 305.5 m of 0.62% CuEq (0.23% copper, 0.51 g/t gold, and 1.22 g/t silver) within 540.3 m of 0.46% CuEq (0.19% copper, 0.36 g/t gold, and 1.09 g/t silver) (see Table 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3).

KLI-23-052, a 130 m step out southeast from KLI-06-30, returned 137.0 m of 0.42% CuEq (0.22% copper, 0.26 g/t gold, and 1.41 g/t silver) from 63.0 m. KLI-23-052 also returned 27.8 m at 0.67% CuEq (0.29% Cu, 0.51 g/t Au and 2.05 g/t silver) from 161.2 m, and 63.2 m at 0.40% CuEq (0.23% copper, 0.21 g/t gold, and 1.53 g/t silver) from 403.8 m.

KLI-23-051, a 110 m south-southeast step out from KLI-22-043, intersected 36.0 m of 0.43% CuEq (0.22% copper, 0.28 g/t gold, and 1.37 g/t silver) from 70.0 m. The drill hole ended early at 138 m due to technical difficulties in a cross-fault structure.

KLI-23-053, a steeply drilled 130 m south-southeast step out from KLI-22-043, returned 31.5 m of 0.45% CuEq (0.27% copper, 0.24 g/t gold, and 0.93 g/t silver) from 102.5 m.

The first four drill holes have expanded the known extents of the Kliyul Main Zone (KMZ) mineralized body to 600 m east-west, up to 450 m north-south (previously 350 m north-south), and up to 600 m vertical depth.

A combination of IP chargeability high (>20 mV/V), DC resistivity high (>2000 ohm-m) and moderate-to-high MVI Induced 3D model values continues to be a reliable geophysical targeting signature for mineralization at Kliyul.

Pacific Ridge has completed approximately 6,500 m of the planned 9,000 metre diamond drill program at Kliyul. Further drill results will be released once they are received and compiled.

"The first four drill holes of the 2023 diamond drill program at Kliyul have expanded the known extents of the KMZ mineralized body to the south and southeast," said Blaine Monaghan, President & CEO of Pacific Ridge. "I'm very confident that this year's drilling will also expand the known extents of the KMZ mineralized body to the north, to the east, and to the west. I look forward to additional drill results within the next month."

Figure 1. Location of Kliyul



Figure 2. Plan View of KMZ, Kliyul West, Kliyul North and East Wedge with Magnetic Vector Inversion (MVI) Amplitude Magnetics



Figure 3. Cross Section - Looking West-Northwest



Table 1. 2023 Kliyul Assay Results Summary for Drill Holes KLI-23-051 to KLI-23-054

Hole No. From(m) To(m) Width(m) Cu(%) Au(g/t) Ag(g/t) CuEq(%) AuEq(g/t) KLI-23-051* 6.3 138.0 131.7 0.16 0.18 1.07 0.30 0.42 including 70.0 106.0 36.0 0.22 0.28 1.37 0.43 0.59 KLI-23-052 63.0 200.0 137.0 0.22 0.26 1.41 0.42 0.57 including 92.4 140.4 48.0 0.22 0.22 1.70 0.40 0.55 and 161.2 189.0 27.8 0.29 0.51 2.05 0.67 0.92 KLI-23-052 281.0 304.0 23.0 0.25 0.26 1.21 0.45 0.62 KLI-23-052 403.8 467.0 63.2 0.23 0.21 1.53 0.40 0.55 KLI-23-053 19.0 134.0 115.0 0.18 0.17 0.82 0.31 0.42 including 102.5 134.0 31.5 0.27 0.24 0.93 0.45 0.62 KLI-23-053 220.0 345.3 125.3 0.14 0.21 1.31 0.30 0.42 including 291.0 317.0 26.0 0.19 0.30 3.05 0.44 0.60 KLI-23-054* 11.7 552.0 540.3 0.19 0.36 1.09 0.46 0.63 including 17.0 122.0 105.0 0.19 0.23 1.49 0.37 0.51 and including 181.0 486.5 305.5 0.23 0.51 1.22 0.62 0.84 including 187.0 252.0 65.0 0.22 0.58 1.29 0.65 0.90 KLI-23-054 301.5 348.0 46.5 0.43 1.20 2.51 1.33 1.82 KLI-23-054 396.0 439.0 43.0 0.16 0.50 0.71 0.53 0.72 KLI-23-054 456.0 486.5 30.5 0.13 0.54 0.87 0.53 0.72



* End of hole.

CuEq = ((Cu%) x $Cu x 22.0462) + (Au(g/t) x $Au x 0.032151) + (Ag(g/t) x $Ag X.032151)) / ($Cu x 22.0462)

AuEq = ((Cu%) x $Cu x 22.0462) + (Au(g/t) x $Au x 0.032151)) + (Ag(g/t) x $Ag X 0.032151)) / ($Au x 0.032151)

Commodity prices: $Cu = US$3.50/lb., $Au = US$1,750/oz., and Ag = US$20.00/oz.

Factors: 22.0462 = Cu% to lbs. per tonne, 0.032151 = Au g/t to troy oz per tonne, and 0.032151 = Ag g/t to troy oz per tonne.

Recovery is assumed to be 100% - there has been no metallurgical testing on Kliyul mineralization.

Click on the link below for previous Pacific Ridge drill results at Kliyul.

2023-05-01_assay_summary_-_pacific_ridge_drill_holes.pdf

Discussion of Drill Holes KLI-23-051 to KLI-23-054

The first four drill holes of the 2023 Kliyul diamond drilling program tested a southeastern extension of KMZ. Results indicate that porphyry copper-gold mineralization continues laterally for 140 m to the southeast from the previous southeastern extent of KMZ (drill hole KLI-22-043). Like KMZ, mineralization in the southeast starts near-surface and continues to over 400 m vertical depth and remains open at depth. Key observations and preliminary interpretations include the following:

KLI-23-054 indicated that there is a northeast-trending cross-fault ("Valley Splay Fault") that appears to separate more continuous higher-grade mineralization (0.40-0.60% CuEq) from continuous lower-grade (0.20-0.40% CuEq) mineralization to the southeast. There is a higher-grade expansion area (50 m x 200 m to 400 m depth) north of the Valley Splay Fault while the lower-grade domain remains open and underexplored to the south of it.

With mineralization starting near-surface on both sides of the Valley Splay Fault, it is interpreted to be within a high-standing block of the KMZ porphyry complex and represents a new target area for shallow mineralization at Kliyul.

In general, the geophysical signature of porphyry mineralization at Kliyul continues to be a combination of IP chargeability high (>20 mV/V), DC resistivity high (>2000 ohm-m), and moderate-to-high MVI Induced 3D model values. This signature was successfully used to extend KMZ mineralization to the southeast and is being used to target mineralization in other fault-block defined zones this year.

Summary of Drill Holes KLI-23-051 to KLI-23-054

KLI-23-051 (azimuth 310, inclination -52, planned length 700 m, drilled length 138 m) was collared 140 m southeast of the where KLI-22-043 mineralization projects to surface at the southeastern extent of previous drilling on the west side of KMZ. KLI-23-051 was designed to step out from KMZ to the southeast and drill at -50 inclination back into KMZ and then across Valley Fault into Kliyul North at vertical depth of about 500 m. From 70.0-106.0 m, drilling returned 36.0 m of 0.43% CuEq (0.22% copper, 0.28 g/t gold, and 1.37 g/t silver) hosted in heavily fractured volcaniclastic andesite with chlorite-sericite and patchy magnetite alteration and sulfide mineralization (pyrite > chalcopyrite and chalcopyrite > bornite) as disseminations, fracture coatings, and in halos of early-stage quartz veins. The hole was terminated at 138 m due to drilling difficulties in a fault structure, interpreted as a southern splay of Valley Fault.

KLI-23-052 (azimuth 235, inclination -58, planned length 600 m, drilled length 611 m) was collared 185 m northeast of KLI-23-051 and 100 m southeast of where KLI-22-045 mineralization projects to surface. KLI-23-052 was designed to step out from KMZ to the southeast and drill westward across KMZ and through Lui Fault into Kliyul West at vertical depth of about 400 m. From 63.0-200.0 m, drilling returned 137.0 m of 0.42% CuEq (0.22% copper, 0.26 g/t gold, and 1.41 g/t silver) hosted in fractured and shear-foliated volcaniclastic andesite with intermittent narrow porphyry dykes (<10 m wide). Alteration is mainly chlorite-sericite with patchy relict magnetite. Sulfide mineralization (pyrite > chalcopyrite) is disseminated and hosted in early- and intermediate-stage veinlets. Deeper intervals at 281.0-304.0 m and 403.8-467.0 m returned 23.0 m at 0.45% CuEq (0.25% copper, 0.26 g/t gold, and 1.21 g/t silver) and 63.2 m at 0.40% CuEq (0.23% copper, 0.21 g/t gold, and 1.53 g/t silver). The interval from 281.0 m is spatially associated with a sericite-altered shear zone with sparse magnetite stringers. The interval from 403.8 m is associated with chlorite-sericite-quartz and Na-feldspar alteration. Mineralization in both is disseminated pyrite with fine-grained chalcopyrite. From 393-470 m the host rock exhibits strong shear fabrics undulating at a low angle to core axis, interpreted as related to the Valley Splay Fault.

KLI-23-053 (azimuth 310, inclination -85, drilled length 405 m) was drilled steeply from the same collar as KLI-23-051 following its early termination to follow up visual identification of near-surface copper oxide and sulfide mineralization. From 102.5-134.0 m, drilling returned 31.5 m of 0.45% CuEq (0.27% copper, 0.24 g/t gold, and 0.93 g/t silver) hosted in volcaniclastic andesite in the faulted/sheared footwall zone of a feldspar porphyry dyke. Alteration is chlorite-sericite. Mineralization (pyrite > chalcopyrite) is disseminated and associated with intermediate-stage veins with epidote and anhydrite.

KLI-23-054 (azimuth 310, inclination -60, drilled length 552 m) was a redrill of the planned KLI-23-051 from the same pad at a slightly steeper inclination. It was designed to test the southeast extension of KMZ and drill into KMZ at depth. From 181.0-486.5 m, drilling returned 305.5 m of 0.62% CuEq (0.23% copper, 0.51 g/t gold, and 1.22 g/t silver) hosted in volcaniclastic andesite with intermittent diorite (up to 18 m wide) and feldspar porphyry dykes. This zone lies on the north side of the Valley Splay Fault and extended high-grade KMZ mineralization (>0.6% CuEq; 65.0 m of 0.65% CuEq at 0.22% copper, 0.58 g/t gold and 1.29 g/t silver from 187 m) another 45 m to the southeast of KLI-22-043 (see Figure 2 and 3). Alteration is moderate to strong, patchy to pervasive, magnetite overprinted by chlorite-sericite with lesser epidote and albite. Anhydrite-cemented breccia occurs locally. Sericitic alteration intensifies after 440 m. Mineralization includes a central chalcopyrite > pyrite zone between 300-400 m. Outside of this is a broader pyrite > chalcopyrite zone. Sulfide occurs as disseminations and with early-stage quartz  magnetite veins.

On the south side of the Valley Splay Fault, drilling from near surface (17.0-122.0 m) returned 105.0 m of 0.37% CuEq (0.19% copper, 0.23 g/t gold, and 1.49 g/t silver) hosted in volcaniclastic andesite in the shallow depth rubble zone. This includes discontinuous narrow (<10 m) intervals of >0.4% CuEq, extending the >0.4% CuEq mineralization over 140 m to the southeast from the KMZ. Alteration is pervasive chlorite-sericite overprinting weak patchy magnetite. Mineralization occurs as disseminations and fracture fill sulfides (pyrite > chalcopyrite) and includes malachite on fracture faces in the oxide zone.

About Kliyul

Owned 100% by Pacific Ridge, Kliyul is over 60 km2 in size and is located in the prolific Quesnel Trough close to existing infrastructure. Kliyul comprises nine porphyry copper-gold targets along two main trends: the 1.5 km-long east-northeast Valley Fault Trend, which includes its five fault-defined target areas (Kliyul West, KMZ, Kliyul North, East Wedge, and Kliyul East); and the 6-km-long northwest-trending Divide Lake Fault Trend which includes Ginger, Parish Hill, Bap Ridge, and M-39 target areas.

QA/QC (Quality Assurance/Quality Control)

Pacific Ridge's 2023 exploration program is being managed by Equity Exploration Consultants Ltd. of Vancouver, B.C. The drill contractor is Paycore Drilling of Valemount, B.C. Half-core HQ (63.5 mm) or NQ (47.6 mm) sawed samples from continuous intervals throughout the reported drill holes were sealed on site and shipped to ALS Global Laboratories ("ALS") preparation lab in Kamloops or North Vancouver, BC. Fire assay and multielement analyses were completed at ALS Minerals analytical laboratory in North Vancouver. Drill core was crushed, pulverized and analyzed for 48 elements using a four-acid dissolution followed by ICP-MS (ME-MS61) with over limits by ore grade four-acid dissolution followed by ICP-AES (OG62), with a 30 g sample analyzed for gold by fire assay and atomic absorption finish (Au-AA23). Blanks and commercially certified reference materials were inserted blind into the sample stream with an overall insertion rate of 5%. Field duplicates representing a quarter core split of the original sample are inserted at 2.5%. Pulp and crush duplicates are inserted at 5% insertion rate by the laboratory. The QAQC results are reviewed as batches are returned from the laboratory and appropriate actions are implemented where required. The QA/QC results for the reported drill holes are acceptable.

About Pacific Ridge

Our goal is to become British Columbia's leading copper-gold exploration company. Pacific Ridge's flagship project is its 100% owned Kliyul copper-gold project, located in the Quesnel Trough close to existing infrastructure. In addition to Kliyul, the Company's project portfolio includes the RDP copper-gold project (optioned to Antofagasta Minerals S.A.), the Chuchi copper-gold project, the Onjo copper-gold project, and the Redton copper-gold project, all located in British Columbia. Pacific Ridge would like to acknowledge that its B.C. projects are located in the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Gitxsan Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Nak'azdli Whut'en, Takla Nation, and Tsay Keh Dene Nation.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Blaine Monaghan"

Blaine Monaghan

President & CEO

Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.

Corporate Contact:

Blaine Monaghan

President & CEO

Tel: (604) 687-4951

www.pacificridgeexploration.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-ridge-exploration-ltd-pex-

https://twitter.com/PacRidge_PEX

Investor Contact:

G2 Consultants Corp.

Telephone: +1 778-678-9050

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The technical information contained within this News Release has been reviewed and approved by Gerald G. Carlson, Ph.D., P.Eng., Executive Chairman of Pacific Ridge and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 policy.

Forward-Looking Information

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, which address exploration drilling and other activities and events or developments that Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. ("Pacific Ridge") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include the planned 9,000 m drill program at Kliyul. Although Pacific Ridge believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, that one of the options will be exercised, the ability of Pacific Ridge and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for Pacific Ridge's proposed programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Pacific Ridge does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
491 g/t AgEq over 27.3m including 7.6m of 1,670 g/t AgEq including 0.9m of 8,115 g/t AgEq

HALIFAX, NS, Aug. 23, 2023 /CNW/ - GoGold Resources Inc. (TSX: GGD) (OTCQX: GLGDF) ("GoGold", "the Company") is pleased to announce additional drilling results from Los Ricos South, within the Main area, including a high-grade intercept from hole LRGG-23-316. The hole intercepted 27.3m of 491 g/t silver equivalent ("AgEq"), including 7.6m of 1,670 g/t AgEq which also included a very high-grade interval of 8,115 g/t AgEq over 0.9m.

"We're happy with the results from our additional hundred drill holes in the Main zone at Los Ricos South since our initial July 2020 Mineral Resource Estimate, including todays results. We believe they will prove to be quite impactful on our upcoming updated Resource and Preliminary Economic Assessment," said Brad Langille, President and CEO. "We look forward to the release of our updated resource and PEA for Los Ricos South including the Eagle concession expected to be completed within the next few weeks."

Table 1: Drill Hole Intersections

Hole ID Area / Vein From To Length1 Au Ag AuEq2 AgEq2 (m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) (g/t) (g/t) LRGG-23-316 Main area 249.0 276.3 27.3 1.27 395.6 6.54 490.6 including 255.0 262.7 7.6 4.43 1,337.6 22.26 1,669.5 including 261.0 261.9 0.9 11.80 7,230.0 108.20 8,115.0 LRGG-23-303 Main area 33.3 43.4 10.1 0.53 91.7 1.75 131.3 including 40.5 42.0 1.5 0.99 150.0 2.99 224.3 LRGG-23-304 Main area 53.9 63.8 10.0 1.82 181.2 4.24 318.1 including 59.0 60.5 1.5 4.34 633.0 12.78 958.5 LRGG-23-305 Main area 20.3 33.0 12.7 0.51 111.8 2.00 150.2 including 27.7 28.9 1.2 1.69 487.0 8.18 613.8 LRGG-23-306 Main area 36.1 47.8 11.7 4.99 604.8 13.05 979.0 including 37.7 39.2 1.5 30.50 3,550.0 77.83 5,837.5 LRGG-23-308 Main area 159.7 173.2 13.6 1.36 157.9 3.46 259.6 including 164.0 169.0 5.0 2.78 246.9 6.08 455.8 LRGG-23-309 Main area 115.3 133.9 18.6 1.50 89.4 2.69 201.8 including 122.3 122.9 0.6 12.05 144.0 13.97 1,047.8 LRGG-23-310 Main area 39.8 55.0 15.3 0.50 74.4 1.49 112.0 including 47.0 49.8 2.8 1.53 249.4 4.85 364.0 LRGG-23-311 Main area 137.4 139.1 1.7 0.42 97.6 1.72 129.0 LRGG-23-312 Main area 157.0 158.0 1.0 0.80 204.0 3.52 264.0 and 165.5 166.5 1.0 2.14 158.0 4.25 318.5 LRGG-23-313 Main area 125.4 134.6 9.2 3.23 234.8 6.36 477.2 including 131.4 134.6 3.2 4.64 460.8 10.79 808.9 LRGG-23-314 Main area 123.0 131.2 8.2 0.58 98.9 1.90 142.6 including 130.0 131.2 1.2 0.78 291.0 4.66 349.5 LRGG-23-315 Main area 193.3 206.7 13.4 0.66 56.6 1.42 106.2 including 196.3 197.6 1.3 4.87 172.5 7.18 538.1

1. Not true width 2. AgEq converted using a silver to gold ratio of 75:1 at recoveries of 100%

The Main area drilling campaign's purposes is to better define the very high-grade portions of the current deposit that may be amenable to bulk underground mining. These holes are in addition to those drilled in 2019 and 2020 which formed part of the initial Mineral Resource Estimate ("Resource") upon which the Los Ricos South Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") was based upon when it was released on January 20, 2021. It is expected that these holes will be included in an updated Resource to be released by the end of the summer.

Figure 2, above, provides a summary of the Los Ricos District, including both the Los Ricos North and Los Ricos South projects. The map includes an outline of the concession areas and a summary of the current Mineral Resource Estimates ("MRE") on the projects, as well as stars locating each of the deposits included within the current MREs.

Table 2: Drill Hole Locations

Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Length LRGG-23-303 610444 2327886 1303 50 -45 82 LRGG-23-304 610444 2327885 1303 50 -67 110 LRGG-23-305 610367 2328148 1350 50 -45 59 LRGG-23-306 610350 2328133 1345 50 -45 78 LRGG-23-307 610255 2328050 1306 50 -42 59 LRGG-23-308 610426 2327675 1282 50 -45 216 LRGG-23-309 610437 2327744 1274 50 -47 188 LRGG-23-310 610329 2328131 1339 55 -57 77 LRGG-23-311 610183 2327997 1280 50 -59 179 LRGG-23-312 610183 2327997 1280 50 -74 221 LRGG-23-313 610604 2327564 1259 50 -46 139 LRGG-23-314 610548 2327620 1268 50 -41 169 LRGG-23-315 610324 2327703 1246 45 -47 234 LRGG-23-316 610324 2327703 1246 45 -70 306

VRIFY Slide Deck and 3D Presentation

VRIFY is a platform being used by companies to communicate with investors using 360 virtual tours of remote mining assets, 3D models and interactive presentations. VRIFY can be accessed by website and with the VRIFY iOS and Android apps.

The VRIFY 3D Slide Deck for GoGold can be viewed at: https://vrify.com/companies/gogold-resources-inc and on the Company's website at: www.gogoldresources.com.

Los Ricos District Exploration Projects

The Company's two exploration projects at its Los Ricos Property are in Jalisco state, Mexico. The Los Ricos South Project began in March 2019 and an initial Mineral Resource was announced on July 29, 2020, which disclosed a Measured & Indicated Mineral Resource of 63.7 million ounces AgEq grading 199 g/t AgEq contained in 10.0 million tonnes, and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 19.9 million ounces AgEq grading 190 g/t AgEq contained in 3.3 million tonnes. An initial PEA on the project was announced on January 20, 2021, indicating an NPV 5% of US$295M. The Eagle Concession was acquired in October 2022 and is adjacent to the Main Area which contains the initial Mineral Resource.

The Los Ricos North Project was launched in March 2020 and an initial Mineral Resource was announced on December 7, 2021, which disclosed an Indicated Mineral Resource of 87.8 million ounces AgEq grading 122 g/t AgEq contained in 22.3 million tonnes, and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 73.2 million ounces AgEq grading 111 g/t AgEq contained in 20.5 million tonnes. An initial PEA on the project was announced on May 17, 2023, indicating an NPV 5% of US$413M.

Procedure, Quality Assurance / Quality Control and Data Verification

The diamond drill core (HQ size) is geologically logged, photographed and marked for sampling. When the sample lengths are determined, the full core is sawn with a diamond blade core saw with one half of the core being bagged and tagged for assay. The remaining half portion is returned to the core trays for storage and/or for metallurgical test work.

The sealed and tagged sample bags are transported to the ALS Chemex facility in Guadalajara, Mexico. ALS Chemex crushes the samples and prepares 200-300 gram pulp samples with ninety percent passing Tyler 150 mesh (106m). The pulps are assayed for gold using a 30-gram charge by fire assay (Code AA23) and over limits greater than 10 grams per tonne are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish (Code ME-GRAV21). Silver and multi-element analysis is completed using total digestion (Code ME-ICP61 Total Digestion ICP). Over limits greater than 100 grams per tonne silver are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish (ME-GRA21).

Quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") procedures monitor the chain-of-custody of the samples and includes the systematic insertion and monitoring of appropriate reference materials (certified standards, blanks and duplicates) into the sample strings. The results of the assaying of the QA/QC material included in each batch are tracked to ensure the integrity of the assay data. All results stated in this announcement have passed GoGold's QA/QC protocols.

Mr. David Duncan, P. Geo. is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for the technical information of this release.

About GoGold Resources

GoGold Resources (TSX: GGD) is a Canadian-based silver and gold producer focused on operating, developing, exploring and acquiring high quality projects in Mexico. The Company operates the Parral Tailings mine in the state of Chihuahua and has the Los Ricos South and Los Ricos North exploration projects in the state of Jalisco. Headquartered in Halifax, NS, GoGold is building a portfolio of low cost, high margin projects. For more information visit gogoldresources.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy of any of GoGold's securities in the United States.

This news release may contain "forward-looking information" as defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Los Ricos South and North projects, and future plans and objectives of GoGold, including the intention to undertake further exploration at Los Ricos North, and the prospect of further discoveries there, constitute forward looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such information but which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions in connection with the continuance of GoGold and its subsidiaries as a going concern, general economic and market conditions, mineral prices, the accuracy of mineral resource estimates, and the performance of the Parral project. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from GoGold's expectations include exploration and development risks associated with GoGold's projects, the failure to establish estimated mineral resources or mineral reserves, volatility of commodity prices, variations of recovery rates, and global economic conditions. For additional information with respect to risk factors applicable to GoGold, reference should be made to GoGold's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with securities regulators, including, but not limited to, GoGold's Annual Information Form. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date of this release.
Actress and EXID member Hani mentioned for the first time in public her previous relationship with this former TVXQ member.

Can you guess who this idol-actor is?

EXID Hani Mentions Ex-Boyfriend Kim Jun Su on Live Broadcast

Hani made her guest appearance on Tak Jae Hoon's YouTube talk show, which aired on August 21. The idol-actress looked beautiful and comfy in her pink and white ensembles.

While sitting next to other guests, Hani answered some personal questions by the comedian-host.

The "Call It Love" star was asked about who she told about her appearance on the show and answered that only her mom and boyfriend.

After hearing her reply, Tak Jae Hoon immediately teased, "Boyfriend? Do you mean the one you've dated in the past?" which made Hani bring up her ex-boyfriend, Kim Jun Su, a former TVXQ member.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: EXID Hani Slammed For Questionable Acting Works- Here's What Happened

In particular, EXID's Hani has been in public romances twice: one with idol Kim Jun Su, and her current one Yang Jae Woong, who is a professional psychiatrist.

Hani Talks About Her Relationships

As Tak Jae Hoon referred to the former TVXQ member, Hani was not bothered by his sneaky question and got candid mentioning her ex-boyfriend.

She replied, "Oh, not that person I dated before," which made the host laugh.

Hani continued, "All right, I'll just say it outright," and frankly talked about her love life.

According to the "Ghost Doctor" actress, "I was involved with that person, and our relationship was made public. Now, I've been seeing someone for a while, and our relationship has gone public too."

The host asked why Hani's relationships kept making it in public and was even curious if the idol-actress was caught dating.

Hani didn't hesitate to speak and replied, "Well...I guess that's how popular I am," and adorably tried to excuse her self-assurance by apologizing, which made everyone in the room laugh.

To recall, Hani and Kim Jun Su admitted they were dating in January 2016. Unfortunately, in September of the same year, the celebrity couple broke up. Since then, this is the first time the celebrity has mentioned her ex-boyfriend in public.

Hani is currently dating Yang Jae Woong and has been in a relationship since June 2022.

Is Hani Doing New K-Drama?

Meanwhile, Hani just finished her dramas "Call It Love" and "Hit the Spot." As of this writing, the K-star has no confirmed acting projects yet. However, she's active with her social media accounts, where she communicates with her fans.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: EXID Hani Fashion: 4 Ways To Exude Femme Fatale Vibes Like The 'Call It Love' Actress

What can you say about the news? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments!

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article.

Shai Collins wrote this.
Go Yoon Jung addressed the concerns of fans after seeing her "freezing" at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards Red Carpet.

During the annual ceremony, celebrities brought their A-game to the red carpet, posing for the camera as they flaunted their stunning dresses and garbs. However, the "Moving" actress made headlines after she showed odd behavior during the event.

Months after the annual ceremony was held, the South Korean beauty responded to speculations that she had a panic attack on the red carpet.

Go Yoon Jung Speaks Out on Incident at 9th Baeksang Arts Awards Red Carpet

In the latest episode of "Salon Drip 2," which aired on the YouTube channel "TEO," the actress recalled the incident that happened before she hit the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards Red Carpet.

Along with "Moving" co-star Ryu Seung Ryong, Go Yoon Jung said that it was her second awards show since she made her debut as an actress.

"The first was the Blue Dragon Film Festival. Even then, I was very nervous," she said. As for her second awards ceremony, which is the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards, Go Yoon Jung thought that she had moved on from the anxious phase of going to a big event.

"I thought the second Baeksang Arts Awards would be okay. I wasn't nervous at all until I arrived at the scene," the actress recalled, as obtained by a news portal.

The actress shared that before stepping on the red carpet, she was asked by her manager if she was nervous. However, the manager's next words made Go Yoon Jung feel edgy even more.

"I think I'm going to be nervous too," the manager said, making the actress "even more nervous" than she was. This is the reason why she had an awkward moment at the red carpet and froze as the media took her photos.

According to Go Yoon Jung, a lot of people got worried about her after seeing the photos.

At the time, the actress was making headlines for her performance in "Alchemy of Souls" and managed to reprise her role in season 2.

Interestingly, Go Yoon Joong portrayed another striking character as she joined Disney+'s "Moving."

Go Yoon Jung As Ryu Seung Ryong's Daughter in 'Moving'

Since the webtoon-based K-drama was released, fans keep getting hooked on every episode, especially with the chemistry of the characters and cast members.

In "Moving," Go Yoon Jung, who plays as Jang Hee Soo, harbors a special power that she inherited from her father, Jang Joo Won, played by Ryu Seung Ryong.

Interestingly, the show's recent episode narrates Hee Soo's parents and how they met.

Meanwhile, "Moving" episodes 12 and 13 will be released on August 30 through Disney+ and Hulu.

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
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Heather Furnas, an adjunct clinical associate professor at Stanford and an aesthetic surgeon, joins us as we delve into the intricate world of recommendation letters, biases in evaluations, and their impact on diverse fields. Heather lends her expertise to unravel the complexities of authenticity, gender disparities, and alternative assessment methods. Discover how these issues resonate across academia, medicine, and beyond. Tune in for an insightful conversation that challenges conventional norms and explores pathways to more equitable evaluation processes.

Heather Furnas is an adjunct clinical associate professor at Stanford and an aesthetic surgeon in Northern California. She co-hosts the Skintuition podcast and can be reached on her website, Heather Furnas, and on Twitter @drheatherfurnas, Instagram @drheatherfurnas, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

She discusses the KevinMD article, Lets rethink letters of recommendation.

The Podcast by KevinMD is brought to you by the Nuance Dragon Ambient eXperience.

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The cure for ailing health care lies in returning to ethical traditions, prioritizing patient care over profits, holding physicians accountable, and reforming existing oversight bodies and professional organizations. The ailing health care is curable. To be made whole again, it requires obvious but drastic steps. The crux of the problem is that medicine largely abandoned its own traditions and time-tested modus operandi in favor of the seemingly efficient and shiny methodology of the business/merchant community. Human beings are not commodities. Disease is not an experience to be handled by techniques of the hospitality industry. Nor is it on par with buying items, e.g., clothes. The skill and compassion of a practitioner matter and will shine through, regardless of a cure, complication, life, or death. It is this sustained bona fide ethic that builds durable reputations and ultimately proves profitable, rather than gimmicks, latest business fads, or artificial and potentially exploitative productivity measurement tools.

The etiology of health cares indigestion includes insurance, administration, physicians (yes!), alongside patients themselves, professional organizations, and a lack of genuine oversight and accountability. Lets address each.

Insurance companies generating revenue in the stock market to spend on health care is genius. It isnt because it is unchecked. The remedy may be to categorize health-related stocks where a substantial portion of revenue must be obligatorily spent on enabling patients to obtain good health care. This portion should be substantial and protected from encroachment by expenses, e.g., administrative costs, salaries, dividends, bonuses, etc. Insurance companies save money by gaming the system and create a chain reaction, where hospitals and physicians counter with their own games. Rather than making health care affordable, insurance companies are the main perpetrators underlying its crisis. Treatments become mainstream or out of vogue, depending upon the payout or lack thereof. The insurance system creates a perverse incentive for the surgeon (and hospitals) to perform excessive operations instead of the one needed. Conversely, a general practitioner or a facility may find it far more rewarding to check the quality measure boxes accepted by insurance companies, farm out patient care to employed, relatively unsupervised PAs and NPs at business locations all over town, to the detriment of real patient care. Such entities usually are no strangers to litigation, where they may cause enough inconvenience for insurance companies to be usually left alone and benefit from dubious treatment claims. The squeaky wheel gets greased to the detriment of bona fide patient care.

The best and most suitable person to lead a hospital or health care organization is a capable, well-rounded doctor or nurse with practical experience in general and specialized health care and integrity and abundant empathy. It is not someone whose training is from the sales or assembly line tradition. Nor a physician who has pivoted to administration because of his/her ineptitude in practice. Health care is hierarchical like the military or the church. It too is best run by its own, steeped in its peculiar customs that have withstood the test of time. It makes a difference to such organizations whether they are led by Alexander (the Great) or Alexander VI. Counterintuitive as it may seem, prioritizing profit over care eventually is the undoing. Despite the best of intentions, the lack of lived experience as a physician/nurse causes non-physician/non-nurse administrators to make decisions that prove poor. It is tantamount to a military historian believing his vast knowledge in the subject renders him capable of commanding the army during war. Individuals or entities without a bona fide medical background usually enter health care with the objective of making money by practicing the techniques of the extractive economy, thereby depleting to death the very system that enriches them.

Physicians are the sun of the solar system that is health care. They make and break it. Therefore, they must stand up for their patients unfailingly and heed their conscience frequently. They must be held to a high standard. This is not a demand for perfection, rather for competence, empathy, humility, and integrity. Any physician found wanting and deliberately harming a patient for personal gain should be summarily banished from practicing forever. A physicians unique status must also be acknowledged by recognizing their autonomy and better compensation. The same holds true for nurses. Quality does not come for naught. As things stand, those who are most crucial are squeezed evermore, while those who are parasites on the system are well rewarded.

A patient cannot be faulted for being unable to separate the grain from the chaff. It is their right to expect that a physician is qualified to treat. Matters of health, life, and death should not rest on the luck of the draw. Conversely, patients are losers when they approach treatment as they would goods and wares and conflate health service with the hospitality industry. Sound health care occurs when there is a social contract whereby physicians treat to the best of their abilities, are transparent, and patients recognize that the physician is going over and above to restore health. They also recognize that an untoward outcome can be an act of God, not malintent or malpractice. When one approaches treatment with the air of someone looking to litigate an unfortunate occurrence, it may lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy. Ambulance chasers also harm themselves, for they may inadvertently reap the consequences of a depleted system, as patients.

In practical terms, the only protection the patient has against bad medicine is a physicians conscience. It is inadequate. While well-intended accountability tools are in place, e.g., morbidity and mortality (M&M) conferences, peer review, etc., as is their wont, humans have distorted them for purposes other than intended. Those who lead such bodies frequently suffer from dubious ethics and integrity. Rather than tools to learn from errors and improve patient care, they can be means of scapegoating and sweeping malpractice under the rug. They also shield otherwise bad physicians who generate significant revenue for the hospitals. Case in point, Christopher Duntsch of Texas, who mauled and killed in the guise of neurosurgery, and more than one hospital looked the other way. Why would a facility look into excessive surgery if it generates far more revenue than the straightforward (or no) surgery? JCAHO reviews and certifies hospitals. It draws subscriptions from the accredited hospital and has in its employ members from the hospital industry. JCAHO is conflicted because it is expected to bite the hand that feeds it. It shows in the number of hospitals de-certified.

Peer review is a commercial enterprise where hospitals may engage companies, frequently cognizant of the type of decisions they make. The peer review companies do whats necessary to remain viable. Proper accountability requires that as much as possible, the process is truly blinded. The members of oversight bodies need to be independent of the organization or industry. They may be retired health care nurses, physicians, and laypersons of proven integrity, unbiased, and with the objective of improving health care and protecting patients. The confidentiality granted to M&M and similar review bodies must be subject to effective audits, to gauge if they serve their intended purpose.

Health care is burdened by dinosaurs in the garb of professional organizations, e.g., AMA. Their primary purpose appears to be bilking their members to benefit those at the helm and support the organizations burgeoning and redundant bureaucracy. Medical specialties are balkanized evermore, and their requisite certification and re-certifications create new revenue streams. Unnecessary CME requirements are generated with physicians compelled to take (and pay for) them, where the body of information may be completely irrelevant to the particular practitioner. They monetize physician data, even to the detriment of the physicians and regardless of whether or not a physician is the organizations member or has consented to such data usage. It may be time to curtail or disband these behemoth, top-heavy organizations with overarching agendas. Perhaps physicians are better served by a union properly fighting their corner? Similar to driving and medical licenses, the qualifications and suitability to practice could be under the purview of a state (or federal) body? The same goes for granting privileges at hospitals or clinics. The current system can encourage monopolies or informal guilds whereby qualified physicians may be shut out, e.g., by creating conditions in the hospital bylaws that are very easy to change or insurmountable, depending upon what suits the administration or the entrenched physicians. Open and fair competition raises standards and weeds out the incompetent and the unsavory.

The suggestions above are doable. Remedy is possible for what ails health care.

Shah-Naz H. Khan is a neurosurgeon.
The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) and Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) say they have rescued 31 abductees in Tingwe hills.

According to the public information officer Mountain Division/Operation Shujaa, Maj Bilal Katamba, thirty abductees were yesterday rescued after they reported to the FARDC base in Erengeti.

The incident follows last weeks joint UPDF-FARDC attack in Tingwe hills where 19 abductees were rescued. Maj Bilal explained that the joint forces came in contact with the ADF terrorists and one rocket-propelled grenade launcher (RPG) was recovered with one woman on August 22.

He added that on August 20, 2023, the joint forces killed one terrorist, explaining that one PKM machine gun and two SMGs were recovered.

Bilal says the joint forces are still pursuing the group suspected to be under the command of one of the ADF senior commanders he identified as Muhammad Lumisa.
Consumer rights protection activists have lauded Parliament for passing the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Bill, 2023 for the second time.

Parliament yesterday considered and passed the Bill which imposes heavy fines and jail sentences for offenders.

The Bill seeks to domesticate international enforcement best practices and also provide interim measures against drug abuse, establish mechanisms for the rehabilitation of drug addicts, and put in place measures to save Uganda from being a transit route.

Speaking to KFM, Uganda Mable Kukunda Musinguzi, the head of advocacy and networking at the National Health Consumers Organization, said an overwhelming number of Ugandans are grappling with mental illnesses with a significant number attributed to increased use of drugs.

She is optimistic that once assented to by the president, the law will help save the lives of Ugandans.

The Act was annulled by the Constitutional Court on grounds that at the time of its passing, Parliament lacked the required quorum.

Consequently, government reintroduced the Bill in May this year
By Tausi Nakato

The owner of Cloud-9 Massage and Chill Outs in Bukaya West, Njeru Municipality, Buikwe District, has been charged with three counts of homosexuality and one count of trafficking in persons.

26-year-old Patricia Nantume alias Malaika, appeared before Njeru Grade One Magistrate, Egessa Masaaka, who said her case is only triable by the High Court, before remanding her to Bugungu Prisons until September 6 when she will reappear before the same Court.

The charges are contrary to Section 2(1) (2) of the Anti-Homosexuality Act (2023).

Prosecution led by Senior State Prosecutor, Amos Mpaka, alleges that Nantume and another, still at large, between April and August 2023, performed a sexual act with a person of the same sex at the aforementioned premises.

According to documents tendered before Court, Nantume between April and August 2023, allowed her rented house at Cloud -9 Massage and Chill Outs to be used for the alleged purposes of homosexuality.

It is further alleged, through Court documents, that Nantume, between April and August 2023, transported and maintained Ms Nahabwe for purposes of sexual exploitation.

Subsequently, charges of promotion of homosexuality, contrary to section 11(1) (2) (a) of the Anti-Homosexuality Act (2023), and trafficking in persons, contrary to Section 3(1) (a) of the Trafficking in Persons Act (2009), were slapped against her.

Mr Mpaka asked the court to give the prosecution more time before the defendant is committed to the High Court, saying investigations are incomplete.

However, the defence led by Alice Nambalilwa from Legal Aid Clinic of Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum asked prosecution to expedite investigations.

Four people, including Nantume, were last week arrested following a raid on her massage parlor that was alleged to be offering gay and lesbianism sex services.

However, a reliable source familiar with the investigations said three suspects were on Monday released on grounds that some were victims, while others will be used as state witnesses.

Their arrest followed a tip-off to the area defense secretary by a worker at the massage parlor, who was concerned by the alleged illegal activities at the facility, Ms Hellen Butoto, the Ssezibwa Region Police Spokesperson, said.

A Police raid on the massage parlor uncovered a dildo, two packets of shisha flavor, bottles of oils used for either massage or as a lubricant for anal sex, two video cameras and a tripod (camera stand), Ms Butoto said.
Kyambogo Universitys forthcoming graduation ceremony hangs in balance due to the withholding of students marks by part-time lecturers over their outstanding arrears, putting the fate of over 3,000 students in jeopardy.

The university is slated to host its 8th graduation ceremony in December, with the exact date pending approval by the university senate.

However, three months before the graduation ceremony, a number of students especially from the Faculty of Engineering and the schools of euilt environment have not seen their marks.

According to one of the affected students who preferred anonymity over fear of being penalised, whereas the draft graduation lists of their colleagues from other faculties have been pinned, theirs is nowhere to be seen.

The university guild president, Mr Wafula Koholo says his office has since received several complaints from the affected students and their efforts to rectify are futile, admitting that this issue is beyond them.

He says they contacted the dean of students and the university management who have since promised to solve this issue before December.

However, the university spokesperson, Jennifer Sibbo says management is aware of the above complaint, adding that they are doing their best to ensure that the results are uploaded on the system.

She adds that the university has not fully paid all the part-time staff due to the Covid-19 impact that left the institution in debt.
The assistant commissioner for the Dublin metropolitan region has clarified what she called mixed messaging over armed garda units on patrol in the capital.

On Tuesday, Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis said uniformed gardai would be supported by armed units as part of efforts to increase garda visibility in the capital.

The measure was part of an announcement detailing how a 10 million euro additional overtime allocation would be used in the capital, following a spate of high-profile assaults in the city.

On Wednesday, Ms Willis clarified the details of the plan by saying gardai from the specialist units will be patrolling in their armed support vehicles but will not be on the street on the beat.

Speaking to RTEs News at One radio programme following a meeting with representatives of Dublin businesses, Ms Willis said: I suppose theres been some mixed messaging in relation to the armed response units.

So just to reassure everyone, weve had the armed response units in Dublin City since 2016 and they support our operational people on a daily basis, on a 24/7 basis in relation to matters that require thoughtful response.

We wont see armed guards on the street on the beat, we will see  what we always see are the armed support vehicles on patrol and as required then they will be available to respond and to support matters that require that level of expertise that they can bring to particularly harmful situations and high-risk situations that that we deal with on a daily basis.

This is nothing new, I suppose. We will increase our visibility and well do that through the deployment as we said of, you know, leveraging support from the regional units, which weve done before as well.

Also clarifying the initial statement, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said the details of the overtime allocation had been misunderstood.

Speaking to the national broadcasters Claire Byrne radio programme on Wednesday, she said: I have to stress this: Were not going to have armed guards standing on our corners with helmets and batons and shields.

Operation Citizen, which is in place for about two years now, is about high-visibility patrols across the city centre and that operation has always been supported by the armed support units.

Theyre in their vans, theyre there, theyre around the city and theyre there to respond whether its a knife crime, incidents that escalate where theres a threat, thats not going to change with this plan.

What is being included now is the Public Order Unit but they wont have helmets, batons, shields. Theyre in plainclothes or theyre in normal garda clothes and theyre there to assist in the foot patrols, particularly at night-time.

Also addressing the policing plan, Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris said there has been public concern in relation to safety in the capital city.

Mr Harris, who covered the justice portfolio while Ms McEntee was on maternity leave, told reporters in Lucan: Its a question of gardai on patrol and having specialist units who can be there as back-up should an incident arise.

And quite frankly, I think when you do see situations regarding knife crime and the like, sometimes there can be a need for specialist units and I think it needs to be seen in that context.
The Sound of Animation is the theme for this years Kilkenny Animated Festival taking place in the heart of Kilkenny City from September 29 - October 1.

Hosted by five-time Oscar-nominated animation studio, Cartoon Saloon, BAFTA-winning Lighthouse Studios, and Schweppe Curtis Nunn events, Kilkenny Animated is a celebration of the creativity and craft of animation set against the backdrop of medieval Kilkenny in the heart of Irelands Ancient East.

This years theme, The Sound of Animation, will explore the rich soundscapes of animation from sound design to voice acting, composing to foley recording. Audiences of all ages can look forward to an immersive programme of events comprising of workshops, panels, talks, gigs, screenings, sketching tours and more.

Kila, whose Irish folk music features in several Cartoon Saloon productions, including WolfWalkers and Song of the Sea, will kick festivities off on Friday night with a live gig in the Watergate Theatre that is sure to set the tone for a lively weekend.

Fans of the Star Wars:Visions Vol 2 series are sure to be out in force on Sunday. Audio guru and supervising sound editor for the series, Mac Smith (Skywalker Sound) will join Screechers Reach director, Paul Young (Cartoon Saloon), I am Your Mother director Magdalena Osinska (Aardman) and Aaus Song directors, Daniel Clarke and Nadia Darries (Triggerfish) to discuss the making of the episodes, each of which will be screened as part of the event.

Other events announced so far include special screenings of The Inventor and Philharmonia Fantastique, both presented by director, Jim Capobianco of Ratatouille fame, and a host of workshops including a session where members of the public can try out voiceover work led by casting director Louise Kiely (Normal People, The Banshees of Inisherin).

As well as this there will be talks exploring the creative processes of sound, from aspects of recording with Windmill Lane, Gorilla Post and Leo Pearson, to sound design and direction with animation studios Turnip and Duck, Pink Kong, Aardman and Triggerfish. Irish composers will be well represented over the weekend, including the Screen Composers Guild who will give audiences a rare fly-on-the-wall opportunity to see how composers respond to a creative brief, supported by the Screen Ireland Stakeholder Fund. Plus silent-movie score composer, Neil Brand, will take audiences through a whistle-stop history of animation through music.

For second and third-level students interested in a career in the animation industry, the Pathways to Animation strand will offer a suite of talks, portfolio clinics and workshops in partnership with the National Talent Academy for Animation, South East Technological University (SETU) and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).

There will be an opportunity to spot new talent with the best of this years graduates in Irish animation showcasing their work. Kids and teens will enjoy getting stuck into lots of creative workshops, including sketching tours of Kilkenny, all led by artists from Cartoon Saloon and Lighthouse Studios. Both studios will also open their doors for guided studio tours to give audiences a glimpse of where the magic happens.

Kilkenny Animated is now in its fifth year, and the intimate festival has quickly established itself as one of the key events on the Irish animation calendar. Its charm lies in its ability to cater to audiences of all ages, and while full programme details are yet to be finalised, it promises to be an action-packed weekend for families, students, creative professionals, and the animation-curious!

Keep up to date with all programme announcements over on the Kilkenny Animated website kilkennyanimated.com.

Kilkenny Animated is core funded by Failte Ireland and Kilkenny County Council and supported by Animation Ireland, Screen Ireland/Fis Eireann and the Creative and Cultural Industries Skillnet.
Sometimes water doesn't just go down the drain. It leaks  and you have to pay for water you never used. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the average household's leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year. Did you know you can recover some of that ill-spent money? Here's how.

Water utility agencies across the United States, through goodwill policies or because of government regulations, offer customers a way to recover money they lose when a toilet runs, a lawn-sprinkling system bursts, a pipe leaks and other scenarios that cause money to needlessly fall through your hands like . . . water.

Depending on your water utility's policy, you could recover all or some of that lost money. You may be able to seek leak refunds only one time, once or twice every 12 months, or once every two years.

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"It's something the larger utilities are willing to do in an effort to maintain good relations with their customers," said Deirdre Mueller, public affairs manager of the Denver-based American Water Works Association, a trade group representing 3,500 of the nation's metropolitan water providers. "I suspect smaller utilities are less likely to do this simply because their financial situations tend to be a bit tighter."

Many utilities offer refunds

We found many water utilities  large and small  in the United States that have either mandated water leak adjustment policies or ways for customers to submit "courtesy leak adjustment" claims.

"It's really a public benefit, particularly here in California, with the drought we have," said John Tang, vice president of government relations and corporate communications at San Jose Water Co. "It's an incentive to try to motivate customers to fix a leak."

To recover one-time water losses, contact the agencys customer service department or fill out a form on the agency's website. Proof of repair must be submitted (a plumber's bill or receipts for parts purchased by the homeowner) or some municipalities use meter readings. The New York City water department doesnt require written proof if the property is hooked-up to an automated meter reader (AMR).

The utility then will reimburse some percentage of the overage caused by the leak in that month. The utility will review the last few months' bills to measure the extent of the overage in the month when the leak occurred.

Leak location matters

The location of the leak can impact the amount of refund you are eligible to receive. Some leaks are categorized as underground, or an outdoor leak that does not go into the sewer system or a leak that does go into the sewer system (such as a toilet leak.)

City of Concord Water Resources, in Concord, North Carolina, takes a proactive approach by automatically enrolling customers in its Water Loss Protection Program. It costs about 50 cents per month. The program provides a 100% leak adjustment one time over a 24-month period. Customers can opt-out, but if they choose not to participate in the program and then end up seeking a leak adjustment later on, it won't be provided.

The Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority serves 70,946 customers in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. "In the past 12 months, we have refunded over 600 accounts for leak adjustments," Pamela Flasch, director of public affairs, told Kiplinger. She added that "the most common is a toilet leak from a faulty flapper or chain. Also, broken hoses and pipes from extreme cold weather, aging pipes, and digging or hitting the pipes are common."

This water authority found a smart way to track leaks and alert customers. It has offered customers the use of an app called EyeOnWater. The app lets customers connect to their utility accounts and allows them to see how much water they're using and, most importantly, can alert users to possible leaks on their property. "In an area with a lot of vacation homes it's especially helpful," Flasch said, because the app can alert homeowners anywhere their smartphones work.

Thousands of homeowners across the country take advantage of such policies every year. Denver Water, for example, had 1,290 claims in 2021 and 1,786 claims in 2022, Jimmy Luthye, media relations coordinator, told Kiplinger.

West Virginia American Water provides what it calls a priority leak adjustment that covers only hidden leaks, said Laura Jordan, external affairs manager. That's part of the agency's policy as mandated by the state's public service commission.

"Typically, it's most often a service line, or plumbing in the wall, with a leak not detected until the customer gets their next water bill and sees exceptionally high usage," Jordan said.

So if you simply have a leaky toilet in the Mountain State, you're on your own regarding that water  and money  going down the drain.

Bottom line

Household leaks can waste more than 1 trillion gallons annually nationwide, according to the EPA. That's equal to the annual household water use of more than 11 million homes. Some of the most common types of water loss are toilet leaks, hot water tank leaks and broken pipes.

When you have a leak, promptly and properly repair the leak. This will put you in the best position to seek and receive a refund of the wasted water. Adjustments are typically made once the water authority can confirm that the leak has been repaired and consumption is back to normal.
By Melanie Burton and Scott Murdoch

MELBOURNE, Aug 23 (Reuters) - Emerging Australian lithium companies are witnessing a surge in buyouts as their lower valuations and cash needs attract some of the world's top producers of the battery material and other suitors who are racing to secure supplies.

Driven by receding prices of lithium and by major producer Chile nationalising the industry earlier this year, companies such as Albemarle Corp , the world's biggest lithium producer, have been sniffing around for buys in Australia, which makes the most lithium in the world and has more than 80 lithium-related companies listed on its main stock exchange.

However, they are reluctant to pay up for listed producers whose market valuations have sky-rocketed on the back of booming prices, while offers have been rebuffed on the promise of soaring demand to come from sales of electric vehicles and the lithium-loaded batteries that power them.

That is forcing acquirers to shift their hunt to earlier stage lithium developers, including some who are drilling to quantify reserves, according to bankers, lawyers and mining analysts. Many of these firms are less pricey and are hungry for funds as they ramp up their activities.

"It seems like the cheapest way to get lithium units is via the drill bit," said analyst Kaan Peker of RBC in Sydney.

"We'll see a lot of the exploration companies looking to increase their resources and reserves, so that usually puts them front of mind with the producers which are cashed up. So I think there's going to be some opportunistic acquisitions."

There is already evidence of frenzied deal activity involving pre-producing companies. Develop Global , a base metals explorer backed by diversified miner Mineral Resources , last month proposed to acquire lithium developer Essential Metals for A$152.6 million ($97.98 million). Essential Metals aims to ship ore by 2025.

And Chile's SQM , the world's second-biggest lithium producer, made an offer last month for Azure Minerals after buying a 19.95% stake in it for A$20 million in March.

Azure, which is developing the Andover lithium project and has ambitions to be in production by 2030, said last week it had rebuffed the offer.

Albemarle's $3.7 billion bid earlier in 2023 for Liontown Resources before it starts producing the material next year was also rejected.

The deals mania comes as Australia is implementing a critical minerals strategy that envisages significant collaborations with investors and international partners in order to become a renewables superpower.

The country, which supplies around half of the world's lithium, needs A$100 billion of strategic national interest capital to attract A$200 billion-A$300 billion of private investment to turn the country into a clean energy powerhouse, according to Australian think-tank Climate Capital Forum.

Consultancy WoodMackenzie expects global demand for EV battery materials to grow five-fold by 2030.

"Even though battery chemistry is evolving and impacting certain metals, lithium is a mainstay and the demand story remains robust. The battery metals landscape, and lithium in particular, looks poised for further M&A activity, said Gavi Friedland, head of metals and mining at Goldman Sachs in Australia & New Zealand.

TACTICAL BUYERS

Consolidation of the industry is also being driven by companies expanding activities across the value chain.

Mineral Resources is deciding whether to build an Australian lithium battery chemical plant, while Albemarle is expanding production at its Kemerton hydroxide plant and SQM is also building a lithium hydroxide plant.

"Downstream facilities need product, so that continues to drive M&A," said Guy Alexander, head of M&A at law firm Allens.

Buyers want to put their foot on supply early ahead of a supply gap that will widen from around 2030, he said.

"I think there's still going to be more in this for the next couple of years."

Tactical buyers from major automobile producing nations could also step up their M&A deals.

Japan's Idemitsu raised its stake in developer Delta Lithium to 15% in June. Delta plans to start mining at its Mt Ida lithium project later this year.

The inbound investment trend will continue, said Tony Chong, a partner at law firm Squire Patton Boggs in Perth, adding that he expected to see more Japanese interest in Australian projects.

China's critical minerals interest, however, could be limited by national security concerns as Australia has been vocal in prioritising investment from its allies and blocked the acquisition of the Bald Hill lithium mine last month by a China-linked firm.

Australian projects also face increasing competition for suitors from Canadian ones, partly because of Canada's

proximity to the U.S., the world's second-largest auto market.

Rio Tinto is looking at "a number of possible lithium opportunities" in a "pretty hot market" but any purchases require discipline, CEO Jakob Stausholm said earlier this month.

The world's second-biggest miner would not mind a lithium asset in Canada, Stausholm said.

And, Albemarle this month took a 5% stake in Patriot Metals, whose Corvette project in Quebec is not expected to be in production until the end of the decade.

But the Australians are not too worried.

"I guess Canada as a region,...is probably not as quick as Australia in terms of approvals and development timelines,"

Dale Henderson, CEO of independent lithium miner Pilbara Minerals whose market capitalisation has zoomed to A$14.5 billion now from around A$40 million in early 2020, told Reuters last month.

"I also see moves afoot to try to accelerate that. It will be interesting to see how that (industry) develops." ($1 = 1.5574 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Melanie Burton; Editing by Veronica Brown and Muralikumar Anantharaman)

+613 9286 1421; Reuters Messaging: melanie.burton.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))
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(Kitco News) - Precious metals royalty company Elemental Altus Royalties (TSX-V: ELE) (OTCQX: ELEMF) yesterday announced record revenue of $2.6 million in Q2 2023, up 25% compared to Q2 2022.

The company reported record adjusted revenue of $4.7 million in Q2 2023, inclusive of Caserones royalty revenue, up 127% compared to Q2 2022, as well as record adjusted EBITDA of $3.3 million, up 184% compared to Q2 2022.

Elemental also said it generated record gold equivalent ounces (GEOs) of 2,377 ounces in Q2 2023, up 109% compared to Q2 2022, adding it expects to achieve previously announced guidance of 9,000 to 10,200 GEOs, weighted towards the second half of the year.

Importantly, the company said that subsequent to the end of the quarter it generated three new gold and copper royalties through transactions on assets in Mali and Ethiopia.

The royalty in Mali in particular offers the potential for near-term revenue at Allieds adjacent Sadiola gold mine and we look forward to adding further royalties to the portfolio in the second half of the year, it said.

Elemental Altus is a precious metals royalty company with 10 producing royalties and a diversified portfolio of pre-production and discovery stage assets.

The company indicated it is focused on acquiring uncapped royalties and streams over producing, or near-producing, mines operated by established counterparties, as well as generating royalties on new discoveries.
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(Kitco News) - The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has officially concluded its pilot project exploring the use cases for a central bank digital currency (CBDC) and has determined that a digital Australian dollar has the potential to support increased efficiency and resilience in some areas of the payments system, though more research is required.

According to a report released by the RBA on Wednesday, a CBDC would be useful in four main areas: enabling smarter payments, supporting innovation in financial and other asset markets, promoting private digital money innovation, and enhancing resilience and inclusion in the digital economy.

The year-long investigation by the RBA and the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre (DFCRC) involved the RBA issuing a limited-scale pilot CBDC in a ring-fenced environment to selected industry participants, the report said. These participants sought to demonstrate how a CBDC could be used to provide innovative and value-adding payment and settlement services to households and businesses.

The project involved the use of pilot CBDC that had a real legal claim on the RBA, the report said. The RBA first announced the pilot project in September and published a report in March that outlined the 16 use case proposals and the respective providers that it has selected to take part in the pilot.

The benefit of exploring use cases with a pilot CBDC was that it forced the project to confront, and provide insights into, a range of issues that would be associated with issuance of a CBDC, should a decision to issue one in Australia ever be made, the RBA said. This included legal, regulatory, technical, and operational considerations.

The study determined that CBDCs held certain features and capabilities that would be valued in industry use cases. This includes the ability to make a direct claim on the central bank, guaranteeing a form of value while eliminating counterparty risk when used as a medium of exchange; the ability for holders to directly control the CBDC without relying on an intermediary, unlike transactions that use a traditional bank account; atomic settlement; and a greater degree of transparency.

The report also suggested that a CBDC may support financial innovation in areas such as debt securities markets, promote innovation in emerging private digital money sectors, and enhance resilience and inclusion within the wider digital economy.

The RBA said that while the pilot found an eAUD has numerous benefits, it was not clear that CBDC was exclusively required to achieve the desired economic outcomes.

Some combination of other forms of private digital money, wider access to RBA settlement account balances and enhancements to existing payments infrastructure, may have also yielded improvements over current practices, they said. There is considerable scope for further research in this regard.

Overall, the RBA determined that the use cases examined suggest that broad access to a CBDC could support (directly and indirectly) the creation of new or more efficient markets. They added that supply chain and business processes could also be enhanced, and noted a desire by industry participants to explore how the development of tokenized asset markets could be facilitated by the introduction of a CBDC.

Several participants also noted that a CBDC could facilitate the development of new forms of privately-issued payment instruments and infrastructure, including stablecoins that are fully backed by CBDC. In this sense, a CBDC could be viewed more as an enabling complement to, rather than substitute for, private sector innovation, the RBA said.

The project also raised a number of questions and revealed various legal, regulatory, technical and operational issues that warrant further consideration as part of future research on CBDC in Australia, the report said.

This includes the need for more analysis of the legal underpinnings of a CBDC, including the legal basis on which one could be issued and its legal status, and the need for further consideration as to whether (and if so, how) existing regulatory frameworks would require adjustment.

The pilot ran into technical difficulties that highlighted the potential challenges associated with the integration of use case applications with a CBDC platform. This included ensuring the efficiency and integrity of atomic settlements and programmability across networks, the RBA said. Further analysis would also be needed to validate the business and technical design features of a CBDC so it could deliver on the identified capabilities.

The central bank also identified key non-functional characteristics that were not included in the pilot but will need to be evaluated in the future as part of a wider research agenda. These include performance, scalability, and security.

Many of the issues identified in the project and in earlier research will require a program of research that is likely to unfold over a number of years, the RBA said. Considering the broader context  where the Australian payments system is currently meeting most of the needs of end users and work on CBDC in advanced economies is generally still in an exploratory stage  it is likely that any serious policy consideration of issuing a CBDC in Australia is still some years away.


By Siyi Liu and Fransiska Nangoy



BEIJING/JAKARTA, Aug 23 (Reuters) - Prices of nickel ore in top global producer Indonesia have surged about 10% in recent weeks, say local buyers, after an investigation into mining quotas disrupted production of the metal used in stainless steel and batteries.



Jakarta has also halted issuing new mining quotas for nickel miners, according to a manager at an Indonesia-based smelter and a report by Chinese consultancy Mysteel.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry did not respond to Reuters requests for confirmation.



Dozens of nickel smelters in the country are now rushing to stock up on ore, pushing up prices of the material, according to a smelter manager, a nickel trader and Mysteel.

"Smelters are scrambling for ore, with fears of not enough supply especially after big buyers lifted prices," said the manager at a Chinese-owned smelter who declined to be identified as he is not authorised to speak to media.



"Many smelters don't have much nickel ore stocks, and if the situation continues, we might see some stop production," he added.



Some smelters are raising offers for ore by as much as 15%, said a Chinese trader which buys nickel pig iron from Indonesia.



The suspension of new mining quota could reduce ore supply in the country by 30% during the August-December period, said MySteel.

Antam is keeping its 2023 production target at 11.3 million metric tons of wet ore, the company's corporate secretary Syarief Faizal Alkadrie told Reuters, despite the suspension of operations at its Mandiodo block.



Indonesia produced 1.61 million metric tons of nickel ore in 2022, half of the world's total, data from World Bureau of Metal Statistics showed.



Most of the ore is smelted into nickel pig iron, which is partly consumed locally to make stainless steel and partly exported to China for further processing.



The higher cost of ore has pushed up nickel pig iron prices to 1,175 yuan ($161.22) per nickel unit on Wednesday, up 10% from a month earlier and the highest since March, according to MySteel.



Export prices stood at $139 per nickel unit, the highest in more than two months, it said.



China, the world's top nickel consumer, imported 4.29 million tons of nickel pig iron in the first seven months this year, with 93% of shipments from Indonesia, Chinese customs data showed.



Prices of nickel pig iron in China's eastern Jiangsu province reached 1,165 yuan per nickel unit on Wednesday, up 10% from a month earlier and the highest since March, according to Mysteel.

The situation in Indonesia is also pushing up nickel ore prices in the Philippines, according to Dante Bravo, the president of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc , one of the country's biggest nickel ore producers.



($1 = 7.2883 Chinese yuan renminbi)



(Reporting by Siyi Liu in Beijing and Fransiska Nangoy in Jakarta; Additional reporting by Enrico dela Cruz in Manila and Beijing Newsroom; Editing by Dominique Patton and Devika Syamnath)
(Kitco News) - Gold prices are modestly up and silver prices are higher and hit a three-week peak in early U.S. trading Wednesday. More short covering by the futures traders and perceived bargain hunting are featured in the two precious metals. The technical posture for silver has significantly improved this week, which is inviting chart-based speculators to the long side of that market. December gold was last up $6.80 at $1,932.70 and September silver was up $0.41 at $23.86.

(Note: For exclusive market forecasts and intermarket insights, sign up to my new weekly Markets Front Burner newsletter, at https://www.kitco.com/services/markets-front-burner.html )

Asian and European stock markets were mixed in quieter overnight trading. U.S. stock indexes are pointed to higher openings when the New York day session begins. The dog days of summer are gripping much of the marketplace at mid-week.

In overnight news, the Euro zone composite purchasing managers index (PMI) for August came in at 47.0, compared to a consensus forecast of 48.8 and the July reading of 48.6. A reading below 50.0 suggests contraction.

Traders and investors are looking ahead to the late-week annual Federal Reserve symposium held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This meeting usually produces some market-sensitive news from world central bankers comments, including Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Powell is scheduled to speak at the confab on Friday.

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index higher, while Nymex crude oil futures prices are lower and trading around $78.75 a barrel. The benchmark U.S. Treasury 10-year note is presently fetching 4.265%.

U.S. economic data due for release Wednesday includes the weekly MBA mortgage applications survey, the U.S. flash and services purchasing managers indexes, new residential sales, and the weekly DOE liquid energy stocks report.

Technically, the gold futures bears have the firm overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are in a three-week-old downtrend on the daily bar chart. Bulls next upside price objective is to produce a close in December futures above solid resistance at $1,980.00. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is pushing futures prices below solid technical support at $1,900.00. First resistance is seen at $1,938.20 and then at $1,950.00. First support is seen at $1,925.00 and then at this weeks low of $1,913.60. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 3.0.
Weather Alert

...FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM CDT MONDAY... * WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 25 expected. * WHERE...Portions of south central, southwest, and west central Illinois. Portions of central, east central, northeast, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 10 AM CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. &&
S&P 500 4,117.37 DOW 32,417.59 QQQ 345.31 G-7 nations back strong supply chains for energy and food despite global tensions All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) King Charles III seeks to look ahead in a visit to Kenya. But he'll have history to contend with Trade tops the agenda as Germany's Scholz meets Nigerian leader on West Africa trip All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) Hurricane Otis death toll rises to 48, missing now number 36 as search and recovery work continues Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) UAW escalates strike against lone holdout GM after landing tentative pacts with Stellantis and Ford

S&P 500 4,117.37 DOW 32,417.59 QQQ 345.31 G-7 nations back strong supply chains for energy and food despite global tensions All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) King Charles III seeks to look ahead in a visit to Kenya. But he'll have history to contend with Trade tops the agenda as Germany's Scholz meets Nigerian leader on West Africa trip All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) Hurricane Otis death toll rises to 48, missing now number 36 as search and recovery work continues Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) UAW escalates strike against lone holdout GM after landing tentative pacts with Stellantis and Ford

S&P 500 4,117.37 DOW 32,417.59 QQQ 345.31 G-7 nations back strong supply chains for energy and food despite global tensions All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) King Charles III seeks to look ahead in a visit to Kenya. But he'll have history to contend with Trade tops the agenda as Germany's Scholz meets Nigerian leader on West Africa trip All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) Hurricane Otis death toll rises to 48, missing now number 36 as search and recovery work continues Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) UAW escalates strike against lone holdout GM after landing tentative pacts with Stellantis and Ford
TIANJIN/CAIRO, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- "From the Bohai Bay to the Red Sea, we measure the 15,000-li-long (7,500-km-long) march of our career with youth," reads a line on the front page of a manual of China-Africa TEDA Investment Co., Ltd. Thanks to the care of the heads of state of China and Egypt, the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone (SETC-Zone) has gradually become a demonstration project that aligns the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with the development of the Suez Canal Corridor. Not long ago, the SETC-Zone celebrated its 15th birthday. Xinhua reporters once again visited industrial developer TEDA's headquarters in Tianjin, China and the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) in Egypt to figure out how a cooperation zone in the desert became a bridge of common development and win-win cooperation between the two countries. A DESERT MIRACLE In the mid-1990s, Egypt was impressed by the blossoming of China's development zones and solicited China's assistance in establishing a development zone in Suez. The Suez area, mostly covered by desert, is located in the northeastern part of Egypt and on the north coast of the Red Sea, and is some 120 km away from the capital city of Cairo. Its geographical location and geological environment are very similar to TEDA -- Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area, situated about 150 km to the east of China's capital city Beijing with the Bohai Sea to its east. In 1998, the State Council, China's cabinet, assigned TEDA to undertake this project, said Qu Defu, chairman of TEDA Investment Holdings Co., Ltd. "In fact, it was replicating Tianjin's 'TEDA model' in the Suez area, and it became a national mission of 'TEDA people,'" said Qu. In recent years, China-Africa TEDA Investment Co., Ltd., which was jointly established by TEDA Investment Holdings Co., Ltd. and China-Africa Development Fund, opened a new chapter with the construction of the SETC-Zone. In 2008, the first-phase construction of the SETC-Zone kicked off on an area of 1.34 square km. In 2016, heads of state of China and Egypt unveiled the second-phase of the project, which covers an area of 6 square km. Over the past 15 years, the cooperation zone has attracted 145 companies to settle in and an investment of more than 1.7 billion U.S. dollars. With sales revenues exceeding 3.8 billion dollars, the businesses in the zone have provided about 5,000 direct jobs and 50,000 employment opportunities in related industries. Besides office buildings and production lines, supporting facilities such as star-rated hotels and amusement parks have been built. Ahmad Abdel Baqy, an engineering administrator in the zone, told Xinhua that he and his Chinese colleagues "built the cooperation zone into a beautiful city." LONG ROOTS LIKE DESERT PLANT On Jan. 21, 2016, the leaders of the two countries jointly unveiled the second phase of the China-Egypt SETC-Zone. That was the highlight for the "TEDA people," who regard investor-orientation as a priority, and uphold the spirit of the desert plant "Alhagi sparsifolia." "Alhagi sparsifolia is a low-growing shrub in Egypt. It does not 'drink' a drop of water all the year, even under high temperatures, and its root can reach as long as 40 to 50 meters. It's like our striving journey here," said Wei Jianqing, deputy general manager of China-Africa TEDA Investment Co., Ltd. The company helped cultivate the industrial chain in Egypt according to local conditions based on production capacity cooperation, Wei added. "For me and most Egyptians and even people in other Middle Eastern countries, fiberglass manufacturing was an entirely unfamiliar term," recalled Ahmed Soliman, deputy general manager of Jushi Egypt Fiberglass Co., Ltd. The cooperation zone supported Chinese enterprise Jushi to establish a subsidiary company in Egypt, which has enabled the Egyptian fiberglass industry to grow from scratch and made Egypt a major fiberglass producer in the world. What's even more commendable is that the company bolstered the seawater desalination project since the beginning of its design in order to solve the water problem. At present, the cooperation zone has attracted many Chinese-funded enterprises such as Jushi, XD-EGEMAC, and Midea, as well as enterprises from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Canada and other countries. The first-phase construction has been completed, featuring four leading industries, i.e. new building materials, petroleum equipment, high and low voltage equipment, and machinery manufacturing. In the second phase of the project, some 40 companies have settled in, attracting over 300 million dollars of investment. Meanwhile, the cooperation zone is continuously upgrading from "industrial cluster" to "industry-business collaboration" center. Since 2021, it has successfully promoted the official operation of the first Chinese-funded TEDA-Royal Bonded Warehouse project in Egypt. Besides, it has focused on building an international commodity distribution center, and an automobile and accessories distribution center. "Even in the three years of COVID-19, 90 percent of enterprises in the zone gained profits. This is the most fulfilling achievement for us as a cooperation platform," said Liu Aimin, chairman of China-Africa TEDA Investment Co. Ltd. GROWING LIKE AN "ACACIA TREE" Last month, the SETC-Zone held a 15th anniversary celebration, which also highlighted its "strategic upgrade." Wang Linqiang, employee of TEDA Investment Holdings Co., Ltd., who participated in the event, added a little sense of ceremony to his first trip to Egypt. From the Cairo International Airport to the cooperation zone, there was vast desolate desert along the way. Together with the bustling cooperation zone, there was also a tall acacia tree that caught his eye. "It takes many years for an acacia tree to grow from a seed to a tree. I heard from my colleagues that this tree has been here for decades, just like our zone, growing tall and straight," Wang said, pouring two buckets of water on it, honoring the dedication of everyone in China and Egypt to the cooperation zone. Nahla Emad, 39, is now the CEO of the Egypt-TEDA SCZone Development Company. She said that the cooperation zone has arranged five trainings for her in China, where she learned the basics of an economic and trade cooperation zone, how to formulate an overall plan, how to build and operate the cooperation zone, how to do marketing and so on, giving her great room for growth. Liu said the proportion of local employees in the cooperation zone has reached 90 percent, of which one-fifth are women. At the same time, the "TEDA Overseas Model," which is based on the model of TEDA, combined with the experience of the China-Egypt SETC-Zone, has been applied to more than a dozen overseas projects along the Belt and Road through consulting services. On the new starting point as the cooperation zone marks its 15th anniversary, the "Teda Cooperation Zone 2030 Vision -- Strategic Upgrade Plan" was released, which will further promote the three major projects of industrial agglomeration capacity improvement, industrial service capacity improvement, and industrial supporting capacity improvement, offering better support to Belt and Road cooperation. SCZone Chairman Waleid Gamaleldien said that the TEDA cooperation zone is located in the hub of Asian, African and European continents, and is an important project for the BRI. With its unique strategic position, he is optimistic about the future of the cooperation zone in the next 15 years, and will be happy to see it become a stellar example of China-Egypt cooperation.
The following companies are subsidiares of UnitedHealth Group: 1070715 B.C. Unlimited Liability Company, 1st Avenue Pharmacy Inc., 310 Canyon Medical LLC, 4C MSO LLC, 4C Medical Group PLC, 5995 Minnetonka LLC, ABCO International Holdings LLC, ACN Group IPA of New York Inc., ACN Group of California Inc., AHN Accountable Care Organization LLC, AHN Central Services LLC, AHN Target Holdings LLC, AMIL International S.a.r.l., APS  Assistencia Personalizada a Saude Ltda., ASC Holdings of New Jersey LLC, ASC Network LLC, ASC Operators-East Bay LLC, ASC Operators-San Francisco LLC, ASC Operators-San Luis Obispo LLC, ASC Operators-Santa Rosa LLC, ASC Operators-South Bay LLC, ASV-HOPCo-SCA Cornerstone LLC, ASV-HOPCo-SCA Florida LLC, AbleTo Behavioral Health Services P.C., AbleTo Inc., Accurate Rx Pharmacy Consulting LLC, Administradora Clinica La Colina S.A.S., Administradora Country S.A.S., Administradora Medica Centromed S.A., Advanced Surgery Center of Clifton LLC, Advanced Surgical Center LLC, Advanced Surgical Hospital LLC, Advocate Condell Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Advocate Southwest Ambulatory Surgery Center L.L.C., Advocate-SCA Partners LLC, Aliansalud Entidad Promotora de Salud S.A., All Savers Insurance Company, All Savers Life Insurance Company of California, Alliance Surgical Center LLC, Allina Health Heart and Vascular Surgery Center LLC, Allina Health Surgery Center-Brooklyn Park LLC, Aloha Surgical Center LLC, Ambient Healthcare Inc., Ambient Holdings Inc., AmeriChoice, AmeriChoice Corporation, AmeriChoice of New Jersey Inc., American Health Network of Indiana Care Organization LLC, American Health Network of Indiana II LLC, American Health Network of Indiana LLC, American Health Network of Kentucky LLC, American Health Network of Ohio Care Organization LLC, American Health Network of Ohio II LLC, American Health Network of Ohio LLC, American Physicians Inc., Amico Saude Ltda., Amil, Amil Assistencia Medica Internacional S.A., Angiografia e Hemodinamica Madre Theodora Ltda., Anne Arundel-SCA Holdings LLC, Anne Arundel-SCA Surgicenter LLC, Antelope Valley Surgery Center L.P., Analisis Clinicos ML S.A.C., Apothecary Holdings Inc., AppleCare Medical Management LLC, Aquitania Chilean Holding SpA, Arcadia JV Holdings LLC, Arcadia Outpatient Surgery Center L.P., ArchWell Health LLC, ArchWell Health MSO LLC, ArchWell Health Professional Services Holding Co., ArchWell Health Professional Services of Alabama LLC, ArchWell Health Professional Services of North Carolina P.C., ArchWell Health Professional Services of Oklahoma LLC, Archwell Health Professional Services of Arizona LLC, Archwell Health Professional Services of Nebraska LLC, Arise Physician Group, Arizona Physicians IPA Inc., Arlington Surgery Center LLC, Aspectus Inc., Associacao Lusiadas Knowledge Center  Health Education and Research, Audax Health Solutions LLC, Aurora Hospitalist P.C., Austin Center for Outpatient Surgery L.P., Avella Specialty Pharmacy, Aventura Medical Tower Surgery Center LLC, Avery Parent Holdings Inc., Aveta Inc., AxelaCare Intermediate Holdings LLC, AxelaCare LLC, B.R.A.S.S. Partnership in Commendam, BOSC Holdings LLC, BSC Holdings LLC, Ball Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Banmedica Colombia S.A.S., Banmedica Internacional SpA, Banmedica S.A., Barranca Surgery Center LLC, Beach Surgical Holdings II LLC, Beach Surgical Holdings III LLC, Beach Surgical Holdings LLC, Beaver Medical Group P.C., Bedford Physicians Risk Retention Group Inc., Behavioral Healthcare Options Inc., Beltway Surgery Centers L.L.C., Benefit Administration for the Self Employed L.L.C., Benefitter Insurance Solutions Inc., Bergan Mercy Surgery Center LLC, Bergen-Passaic Cataract Laser and Surgery Center LLC, Bessler MD PLLC, Bind Benefits Inc., Bind LH Holdings Inc., Bind Re Inc., Birmingham Outpatient Surgery Center Ltd., Birmingham Outpatient Surgical Center LLC, Bloomfield ASC LLC, Blue Ridge Day Surgery Center L.P., Blue Ridge GP LLC, Blue Ridge Properties LLC, Boca Raton Outpatient Surgery & Laser Center LTD., Bordeaux Barbados Holdings I SRL, Bordeaux Barbados Holdings II SRL, Bordeaux Barbados Holdings III S.r.l., Bordeaux Holding SpA, Bordeaux International Holdings Inc., Bordeaux UK Holdings I Limited, Bordeaux UK Holdings II Limited, Bordeaux UK Holdings III Limited, Bosque Medical Center Ltda., Brandon Ambulatory Surgery Center LC, BriovaRx Infusion Services 102 LLC, BriovaRx of Florida Inc., BriovaRx of Maine Inc., BriovaRx of Massachusetts LLC, CCEC Anesthesia Management LLC, CDC Holdings Colombia S.A.S., CLISA  Clinica de Santo Antonio S.A., CMO  Centro Medico de Oftalmologia S/S Ltda., CMS  Central de Manipulacao e Servicos Farmaceuticos Ltda., COI  Clinicas Oncologicas Integradas S.A., Cabin Enterprises LLC, Cabin Holdings LLC, California Medical Group Insurance Company Risk Retention Group, Camp Hill Ambulatory Centers, Camp Hill-SCA Centers LLC, Capital City Medical Group L.L.C., Cardinal Holding Company LLC, Care Improvement Plus Group Management LLC, Care Improvement Plus South Central Insurance Company, Care Improvement Plus Wisconsin Insurance Company, Care Improvement Plus of Texas Insurance Company, Care Logistics LLC, CareMount Dental Member LLC, CareMount Health Solutions ACO LLC, CareMount Health Solutions Employer LLC, CareMount Health Solutions LLC, CareMount Holding LLC, CareMount Medical Foundation Inc., CareMount Value Partners IPA LLC, Carr PLLC, Casa de Saude Santa Therezinha Ltda., Castle Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Castle Rock SurgiCenter LLC, Catalyst360 LLC, Catamaran 2 Unlimited Company, Catamaran Finance Ireland Unlimited Company, Catamaran S.a.r.l., Cedar Park JV Partners LLC, Cedar Park Surgery Center LLC, Cemed Care  Empresa de Atendimento Clinico Geral Ltda., Center for Quality Improvement LLC, Center for Restorative Surgery at Maple Grove LLC, Center for Surgery of North Coast L.P., Central Indiana Care Organization LLC, Central Ohio Care Organization LLC, CentriHealth Corporation, CentrifyHealth LLC, Centro Medico Hospitalar Pitangueiras Ltda., Centro Odontologico Americano S.A.C., Centro de Entrenamiento Capacitacion en Reanimacion y Prevencion Limitada, Centro de Servicios Compartidos Banmedica SpA, Centromed Quilpue S.A., Centros Medicos y Dentales Multimed Ltda., Centura-SCA Holdings LLC, Centurion Casualty Company, Channel Islands Surgicenter L.P., Channel Islands Surgicenter Properties LLC, Charleston Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Charleston Surgery Properties LLC, Charlotte Surgery Center LLC, Charlotte Surgery Properties LTD., Charlotte-SC LLC, Chatham Orthopaedic ASC LLC, Childrens Surgery Center LLC, Citrus Regional Surgery Center L.P., Claims Management Systems Inc., Cleburne Surgical Center LLC, Clinical Partners of Colorado Springs LLC, Clinton Partners LLC, Clinica Alameda SpA, Clinica Bio Bio SpA, Clinica Ciudad del Mar S.A., Clinica Davila y Servicios Medicos S.p.A., Clinica Iquique S.A., Clinica Medico Cirurgica de Santa Tecla S.A., Clinica Portoazul S.A., Clinica San Felipe S.A., Clinica Santa Maria S.p.A., Clinica Sanchez Ferrer S.A., Clinica Vespucio S.A., Clinica del Country S.A.S., Coachella Valley Physicians of PrimeCare Inc., Coalition for Advanced Pharmacy Services Inc., Cobranzas Banmedica SpA, Cogent Healthcare IPA of New York Inc., Cogent Healthcare Inc., Cogent Healthcare Management of New York Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Arizona P.C., Cogent Healthcare of California Prof. Corp., Cogent Healthcare of Georgia P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Illinois LLC, Cogent Healthcare of Iowa P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Jackson MS LLC, Cogent Healthcare of Jacksonville LLC, Cogent Healthcare of Mississippi Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Missouri Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Montana P.C., Cogent Healthcare of New Jersey P.C., Cogent Healthcare of North Carolina P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Oregon P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Pennsylvania Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Pensacola L.L.C., Cogent Healthcare of Tennessee P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Virginia Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Washington P.C., Cogent Medical Care P.C., Cogent Patient Safety Organization Inc., Cogent/Endion Medical Care of New York P.C., Collaborative Care Holdings LLC, Collaborative Care Services Inc., Collaborative Realty LLC, Colmedica Medicina Prepagada S.A., Colonial Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Colorado Innovative Physician Solutions Inc., Colorado Springs Surgery Center Ltd., Comfort Care Transportation LLC, Comprehensive Hospital Physicians of Florida Inc., ConnectYourCare Inc., ConnectYourCare LLC, Connecticut Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Connecticut Surgery Properties LLC, Connecticut Surgical Center LLC, Consorcio Regenero S.A., Constructora Inmobiliaria Magapoq S.A., Consumer Wellness Solutions Inc., Continuum Physicians Group Inc., Continuum Physicians Group of Washington PLLC, Cornell Surgicenter LLC, Cornerstone Surgery Center LLC, Cornerstone Surgicare LLC, Corpus Christi Endoscopy Center L.L.P., Country Scan Ltda., Critical Care Physician of New York P.C., Critical Care Physicians of Illinois LLC, Critical Care Physicians of New Jersey PC, Critical Care Physicians of Pennsylvania P.C., Cross Timbers Surgery Center LLC, Cypress Care Inc., DBP Services of New York IPA Inc., DSP Flint Real Estate LLC, DSP-Building C LLC, DTC Surgery Center LLC, DWIC of Tampa Bay Inc., Dallas Inpatient Specialist PLLC, Danbury Surgical Center L.P., Day-Op Surgery Consulting Company LLC, Definity Health, Dental Benefit Providers Inc., Dental Benefit Providers of California Inc., Dental Benefit Providers of Illinois Inc., Denton Endoscopy Surgery Center LLC, Denton Surgery Center LLC, Derry Surgical Center LLC, Diagnostico Ecotomografico Centromed Ltda., Diasnostico por Imagenes Centromed Ltda., Digestive Disease Center L.P., Dilab Medicina Nuclear Ltda., Diplomat Blocker LLC, Diplomat Corporate Properties LLC, Diplomat Pharmacy, Diplomat Pharmacy Inc., Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy Great Lakes Distribution Center LLC, Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy of Chicago LLC, Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy of Ft. Lauderdale LLC, Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy of Los Angeles County LLC, Distance Learning Network Inc., Divisadero Holdings LLC, DocASAP Inc., DocASAP India Technologies Private Limited, DocASAP US LLC, Doctor + S.A.C., Dry Creek Surgery Center LLC, Dublin Surgery Center LLC, Duluth Surgical Suites LLC, Durable Medical Equipment Inc., E Street Endoscopy LLC, EM Orange Tree LLC, EP Campus I LLC, EPIC Health Plan, EPIC Management Services LLC, East Bay Endoscopy Center L.P., East Brunswick Surgery Center LLC, Echo Locum Tenens Inc., Electronic Network Systems Inc., Elual Participacoes S.A., Emerald Coast Surgery Center L.P., Emisar Pharma Services LLC, Emmaus Holdings LLC, Emmaus Surgical Center LLC, Empire Physician Management Company LLC, Empremedica S. A., Endion Hospitalist North P.C., Endion Hospitalist of Western New York P.C., Endion Medical Healthcare P.C., Endion Medical Services P.C., Endoscopy Center Affiliates Inc., Enterprise Life Insurance Company, Equian, Equian LLC, Equian Parent Corp., Esho  Empresa de Servicos Hospitalares S.A., Everett MSO Inc., Excelsior Insurance Brokerage Inc., Executive Health Resources Inc., Executive Surgery Center L.L.C., Eye Clinic Oftalmologia Clinico Cirurgica e Diagnostico Ltda., Eye Specialists Surgery Centers LLC, FMG Holdings LLC, Family Health Care Services, Family Home Hospice Inc., Ferrell Physician Services P.C., Fideicomiso Clinica Barranquilla Portoazul FA-517, First Coast Orthopedic Center LLC, First Family Insurance LLC, Florence Surgery Center L.P., For Health Inc., For Health of Arizona Inc., Fort Sutter Medical Building a California Limited Partnership, Fort Worth Endoscopy Centers LLC, Fortified Provider Network Inc., Foundation Surgery Affiliate General of Huntingdon Valley LLC, Foundation Surgery Affiliate of Huntingdon Valley L.P., Franklin Surgical Center LLC, Freedom Life Insurance Company of America, Freeway Surgicenter of Houston LLC, Frontier Medex Tanzania Limited, FrontierMEDEX Inc., FrontierMEDEX Kenya Limited, FrontierMEDEX US Inc., Fundacion Banmedica, GLBESC LLC, GRANTS PASS SURGERY CENTER LLC, Gadsden Surgery Center LLC, Gainesville Surgery Center L.P., Gainesville Surgery Properties LLC, Genoa, Genoa Healthcare Inc., Genoa QoL Wholesale LLC, Genoa Technology Canada Inc., Genoa Technology Inc., Genoa Telepsychiatry Inc., Genoa of Arkansas LLC, Gladiolus Surgery Center L.L.C., Glenwood Surgical Center L.P., Glenwood-SC Inc., Global One Ventures LLC, Golden Gate Endoscopy Center LLC, Golden Outlook Inc., Golden Rule Financial Corporation, Golden Rule Insurance Company, Golden Triangle Surgicenter L.P., Grandview Surgery Center LTD., Greater New Haven ASC LLC, Greensboro Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Greenville Surgery Center LLC, Greenway Surgical Suites LLC, Grossmont Surgery Center L.P., Grove Place Surgery Center L.L.C., H&W Indemnity SPC Ltd., H.I. Investments Holding Company LLC, HCP ACO California LLC, HCentive Technology India Private Limited, HFHS-SCA Holdings LLC, HMG Holding Corporation, HMG Holdings LLC, HMP of Baltimore  USH P.C., Harken Health Insurance Company, Harrison Endo Surgical Center LLC, Hawthorn Place Outpatient Surgery Center L.P., Hays JV Partners LLC, Hays Surgery Center LLC, Health Care-ONE Insurance Agency Inc., Health Inventures Employment Solutions LLC, Health Inventures LLC, Health Plan of Nevada Inc., HealthCare Partners ASC-LB LLC, HealthCare Partners Affiliates Medical Group, HealthCare Partners Management Services California LLC, HealthCare Partners RE LLC, HealthEast Surgery Center-Maplewood LLC, HealthFirst IPA Inc., HealthMarkets Group Inc., HealthMarkets Inc., HealthMarkets Insurance Agency Inc., HealthMarkets LLC, HealthMarkets Services Inc., HealthSCOPE Holdings Inc., HealthScope Benefits Inc., Healthcare Solutions Inc., Healthplex America LLC, Healthplex Dental Services Inc., Healthplex I.P.A. Inc., Healthplex Inc., Healthplex Insurance Company, Healthplex of CT Inc., Healthplex of DC Inc., Healthplex of MD Inc., Healthplex of ME Inc., Healthplex of NC Inc., Healthplex of NJ Inc., Healthplex of TX Inc., Heartland Heart and Vascular LLC, Help Seguros de Vida S.A., Help Service S.A., Help SpA, Hemonefro  Hemodialise e Nefrologia Ltda, Highlands Ranch Healthcare LLC, Home Medical S.A., Honodav SpA, Hospice Inspiris Holdings Inc., Hospitais Associados de Pernambuco Ltda., Hospital Alvorada Taguatinga Ltda., Hospital Ana Costa S.A., Hospital Santa Helena S.A., Hospital de Clinicas de Jacarepagua Ltda., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of Broome County PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Binghamton P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Buffalo P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Newburgh P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Nyack P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Patchogue P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Alabama  TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Alabama  TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Alaska  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Alaska  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Goodyear Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Nogales Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Phoenix II Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Phoenix Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Sierra Vista Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Tucson II Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Tucson Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona  TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona  TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arkansas  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arkansas  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Buncombe County PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Apple Valley PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Bakersfield PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Camarillo PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Crescent City PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Fairfield PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Fremont PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Grass Valley PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Jackson PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Oceanside PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Oxnard PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Salinas PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - San Bernardino II PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - San Bernardino PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - San Leandro PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Sonoma PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Stockton II PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Stockton PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Thousand Oaks PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Vacaville PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Colorado - Brighton PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Colorado - Denver PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Colorado  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Colorado  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut - Manchester LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut - Rockville LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut - Wallingford LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of DC PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of DC  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of DC  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Delaware  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Delaware  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida - Ft. Lauderdale LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida - Jacksonville II LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida - Jacksonville LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida - Palm Coast LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Fredericksburg LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia - Atlanta PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia - East Point PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia - Lavonia PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia - Savannah PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Hawaii - Kealakekua Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Hawaii  TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Hawaii  TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Idaho - Nampa PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Idaho  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Idaho  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Illinois - Downers Grove LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Illinois - Elmhurst LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Illinois - Rockford LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Illinois - Winfield LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Illinois  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Illinois  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Indiana - Clinton LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Indiana - Mishawaka LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Indiana - Terre Haute LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Indiana LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Indiana  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Indiana  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Iowa - Cedar Rapids PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Iowa - Mason City PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Iowa PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Iowa  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Iowa  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Kansas - Topeka LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Kansas - Wichita II LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Kansas - Wichita LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Kansas  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Kansas  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Louisiana - Alexandria Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Louisiana - Bossier City Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Louisiana - Lake Charles Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Louisiana - Shreveport Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Louisiana  TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Louisiana  TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maine - Bangor PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maine - Lewiston PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maine  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maine  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland - Cheverly PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland - Cumberland PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland - Frederick PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland - Laurel PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland - Rockville PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Brockton PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Dorchester PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Framingham PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Holyoke PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Natick PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Norwood PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Springfield PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Stoughton PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Taunton PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Worcester PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Alpena PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Dowagiac PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Escanaba PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Grand Blanc PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Grayling PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Kalamazoo PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Plainwell PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Port Huron PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Saginaw PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Tawas City PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Minnesota  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Minnesota  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Mississippi LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Mississippi  TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Mississippi  TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Missouri - Bridgeton Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Missouri - Richmond Heights Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Missouri  TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Missouri  TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Montana - Billings PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Montana - Butte PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Montana - Miles City PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Montana - Missoula PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Montana  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Montana  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Multiple Practice Sites LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nebraska  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nebraska  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nevada - Henderson Bessler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nevada - Henderson II Bessler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nevada - Las Vegas Bessler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nevada - Las Vegas II Bessler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nevada  TCG Bessler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nevada  TCS Bessler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Hampshire  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Hampshire  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Jersey - Hackensack PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Jersey - Paterson PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Jersey - TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Jersey  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Mexico - Clovis LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Mexico - Rio Rancho LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Mexico - TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Mexico - TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New York PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina - Burlington PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina - Clyde PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina - Elizabeth City PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina - Jacksonville PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina - New Bern PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina - Rocky Mount PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Dakota  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Dakota  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Akron Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Batavia Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Canton Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Cincinnati II Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Cincinnati III Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Cincinnati Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Circleville Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Columbus II Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Columbus Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Dover Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - East Liverpool Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Fairfield Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Martins Ferry Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - 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Alexandria LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Front Royal II LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Front Royal LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Mechanicsville LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Midlothian LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Richmond II LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Richmond LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Winchester LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Arlington PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Auburn PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Bellingham PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Bremerton PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Burien PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Coupeville PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - 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Casper LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Wyoming  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Wyoming  TCS LLC, Hospitalists Management Group LLC, Humedica, Humedica Inc., Hygeia Corporation, Hygeia Corporation Ontario, IEC Holdings LLC, IHD Holdings LLC, INOV8 Surgical at Memorial City LLC, INSPIRIS of Texas Physician Group, Illinois Independent Care Network LLC, Imagen Technologies Inc., Impel Consulting Experts L.L.C., Impel Management Services L.L.C., InTouch Pharmacy LLC, Indiana Care Organization LLC, Indiana Endoscopy Centers LLC, Inland Surgery Center L.P., Inmobiliaria Apoquindo 3001 S.A., Inmobiliaria Apoquindo 3600 Ltda., Inmobiliaria Apoquindo S.A., Inmobiliaria Clinica Santa Maria S.A., Inmobiliaria Vinamed Ltda., Inmobiliaria e Inversiones Alameda S.A., Inpatient Services P.C., Inpatient Specialists of California P.C., Inspiris, Inspiris Inc., Instituto Radium de Cammpinas Ltda, Inter-Hospital Physicians Association Inc., International Healthcare Services Inc., Inversiones Clinicas Santa Maria SpA, Ironman Holdco Inc., Ironman Intermediate Holdco LLC, Isapre Banmedica S.A., JPM Healthcare LLC, Johnston Surgicare L.P., Joliet Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Jordan Ridge Family Medicine LLC, Joyable Inc., Kansal Inc. A Professional Corporation, Knox Diagnostic Imaging Center LLC, Kokomo Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, LDI Holding Company LLC, LDI Management Services LLC, LGH-A/Golf ASTC L.L.C., LHC Group, La Esperanza del Peru S.A., Laboratorio ROE S.A., Laboratorios Medicos Amed Quilpue S.A., Landmark Group Holdings LLC, Landmark Health Holdings LLC, Landmark Health LLC, Landmark Health NY IPA LLC, Landmark Health NY PO LLC, Landmark Health Technologies Private Limited, Landmark Health of California LLC, Landmark Health of Massachusetts LLC, Landmark Health of North Carolina LLC, Landmark Health of Oregon LLC, Landmark Health of Pennsylvania LLC, Landmark Health of Washington LLC, Landmark India LLC, Landmark Intermediate Holdings LLC, Landmark MSO LLC, Landmark Medical of Idaho PC, Landmark Medical of Massachusetts PLLC, Landmark Medical of Tennessee PC, Landmark Primary Care LLC, Laser Acquisition Holdings III LLC, Leehar Distributors LLC, Lemhi Ventures Fund I LP, Lemhi Ventures Fund II LP, Level2 Medical Services P.C. Alaska, Lexington Surgery Center Ltd., Liberty Anesthesia Services LLC, LifePrint Health Inc., LifeWell. Ltd. Co., Lifeprint Accountable Care Organization LLC, Limestone Medical Center LLC, Litomedica S.A., Logan Surgical Suites LLC, Lotten-Eyes Oftalmologia Clinica e Cirurgica Ltda., Louisville S.C. Ltd., Louisville-SC Properties Inc., Loyola Ambulatory Surgery Center at Oakbrook Inc., Loyola Ambulatory Surgery Center at Oakbrook L.P., Lusiadas - Parcerias Cascais S.A., Lusiadas A.C.E., Lusiadas Algarve S.A., Lusiadas S.A., Lusiadas SGPS S.A., Lutheran Campus ASC LLC, MAMSI Life and Health Insurance Company, MCNA Health Care Holdings LLC, MCNA Insurance Company, MCNA Systems Corp., MD Ops Inc., MD-Individual Practice Association Inc., ME AHS UC LLC, MGH/SCA LLC, MHC Real Estate Holdings LLC, MIAMI SURGERY CENTER LLC, MSLA Management LLC, Main Line Spine Surgery Center LLC, Managed Care of North America Inc., Managed Physical Network Inc., Mansfield Endoscopy Center LLC, March Holdings Inc., March Vision Care IPA Inc., March Vision Care Inc., March Vision Care of Texas Inc., Marin Health Ventures LLC, Marin Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Marin Surgery Holdings Inc., Marlin Holding Company LLC, Maryland Ambulatory Centers LLC, Maryland-SCA Centers LLC, Massachusetts Assurance Company Ltd. PIC, Massachusetts Avenue Surgery Center LLC, McKenzie Surgery Center L.P., MedExpress Primary Care West Virginia Inc., MedExpress Urgent Care Alabama LLC, MedExpress Urgent Care Inc. - Ohio, MedExpress Urgent Care Maine Inc., MedExpress Urgent Care New Hampshire Inc., MedExpress Urgent Care of Boynton Beach LLC, MedSynergies, MedSynergies LLC, Medical Clinic of North Texas PLLC, Medical Hilfe S.A., Medical Support Los Angeles Inc., Medical Surgical Centers of America Inc., Medical Transportation Services LLC, Melbourne Surgery Center LLC, Memorial City Holdings LLC, Memorial City Partners LLC, Memorial Houston Surgery Center LLC, MemorialCare Surgical Center at Orange Coast LLC, MemorialCare Surgical Center at Saddleback LLC, Mesquite Liberty LLC, Metro I Stone Management Ltd., Mid Atlantic Medical Services, Mid-West National Life Insurance Company of Tennessee, Midlands Orthopaedics Surgery Center LLC, Midwest Center for Day Surgery LLC, Mile High SurgiCenter LLC, Mississippi Medical Plaza L.C., Mobile Medical Services of New Jersey PC, Mobile-SC LTD., Modality Accountable Care Organisation Limited, Moen M.D. P.C., Mohawk Surgery Center LLC, Monarch Management Services Inc., Montgomery Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Monument Health LLC, Moore Orthopaedic Clinic Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Morris County Surgical Center LLC, Mt. Pleasant Surgery Center L.P., Multiangio Ltda., Murrells Inlet ASC LLC, Muskogee Surgical Investors LLC, Mustang Razorback Holdings Inc., My Wellness Solutions LLC, NAMM Holdings Inc., NPN IPA Washington PLLC, NSC Channel Islands LLC, NSC Greensboro LLC, NSC Greensboro West LLC, NSC Lancaster LLC, NSC Seattle Inc., NSC Upland LLC, Naperville Surgical Centre LLC, National Foundation Life Insurance Company, National Pacific Dental Inc., National Surgery Centers LLC, Navigator Health Inc., Nebraska Spine Hospital LLC, Neighborhood Health Partnership Inc., Netwerkes LLC, Nevada Pacific Dental, New Orleans Regional Physician Hospital Organization L.L.C., New West Physicians Inc., New York Proton Management LLC, Newton Holdings LLC, Niagara Hospitalist P.C., Nomad Buyer Inc., North American Medical Management California Inc., North Coast Surgery Center Ltd. a California Limited Partnership, North Dallas Surgical Center LLC, North Kitsap Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, North Puget Sound Oncology Equipment Leasing Company LLC, Northern Nevada Health Network Inc., Northern Rockies Surgery Center L.P., Northern Rockies Surgicenter Inc., Northern Utah Surgery Center LLC, Northwest Hills JV Partners LLC, Northwest Medical Group Alliance LLC, Northwest Spine and Laser Surgery Center LLC, Northwest Surgicare LLC, Northwest Surgicare Ltd. an Illinois Limited Partnership, OC Cardiology Practice Partners LLC, OCC MSO LLC, OSB  Tecnologia e Servicos de Suporte Lda., Omesa SpA, OmniClaim LLC, Oncocare S.A.C., One World Surgery, Ophthalmology Surgery Center of Dallas LLC, Optimum Choice Inc., Optum Bank Inc., Optum Biometrics Inc., Optum Care Inc., Optum Care Networks Inc., Optum Care Services Company, Optum Care of New York Management Inc., Optum Clinics Holdings Inc., Optum Clinics Intermediate Holdings Inc., Optum Compounding Services LLC, Optum Digital Health Holdings LLC, Optum Direct To Consumer Inc., Optum Financial Inc., Optum Frontier Therapies Holdings LLC, Optum Frontier Therapies II LLC, Optum Frontier Therapies LLC, Optum Genomics Inc., Optum Global Solutions Colombia S.A.S., Optum Global Solutions India Private Limited, Optum Global Solutions International B.V., Optum Global Solutions Philippines Inc., Optum Government Solutions Inc., Optum Growth Partners Holdings Inc., Optum Growth Partners LLC, Optum Health & Technology Holdings US Inc., Optum Health & Technology Hong Kong Limited, Optum Health & Technology India Private Limited, Optum Health & Technology Servicos do Brasil Ltda., Optum Health & Technology Singapore Pte. Ltd., Optum Health & Technology US LLC, Optum Health Plan of California, Optum Health Services Canada Ltd., Optum Health Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Optum Health Solutions UK Limited, Optum Health and Technology FZ-LLC, Optum Healthcare of Illinois Inc., Optum Hospice Pharmacy Services LLC, Optum Inc., Optum Infusion Services 100 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 101 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 103 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 200 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 201 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 202 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 203 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 204 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 205 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 206 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 207 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 208 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 209 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 301 LP, Optum Infusion Services 302 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 305 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 308 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 401 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 402 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 403 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 404 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 500 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 501 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 550 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 551 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 553 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 554 Inc., Optum Insurance of Ohio Inc., Optum Labs Inc., Optum Labs LLC, Optum Life Sciences Canada Inc., Optum Management Consulting Shanghai Co. Ltd., Optum Networks of New Jersey Inc., Optum Operations Ireland Unlimited Company, Optum Oregon MSO LLC, Optum Palliative and Hospice Care of Pennsylvania Inc., Optum Palliative and Hospice Care of Texas Inc., Optum Perks LLC, Optum Pharma Services Holdings Inc., Optum Pharmacy 601 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 700 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 701 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 702 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 704 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 705 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 706 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 707 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 800 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 803 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 805 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 806 Inc., Optum Public Sector Solutions Inc., Optum Rocket LLC, Optum SCA CS JV Holdings LLC, Optum Senior Services LLC, Optum Services Inc., Optum Services Ireland Limited, Optum Services Puerto Rico LLC, Optum Solutions UK Holdings Limited, Optum Technology LLC, Optum UK Solutions Group Limited, Optum Venture Global Partners II LP, Optum Venture Global Partners LP, Optum Venture Partners II LP, Optum Venture Partners III LP, Optum Venture Partners LP, Optum Washington Network LLC, Optum Women's and Children's Health LLC, Optum of New York Inc., Optum360 LLC, Optum360 Services Inc., Optum360 Solutions LLC, OptumCare ACO New Mexico LLC, OptumCare ACO West LLC, OptumCare Clinical Trials LLC, OptumCare Colorado ASC LLC, OptumCare Colorado LLC, OptumCare Colorado Springs LLC, OptumCare Endoscopy Center New Mexico LLC, OptumCare Florida CI LLC, OptumCare Florida LLC, OptumCare Holdings Colorado LLC, OptumCare Holdings LLC, OptumCare Management LLC, OptumCare New Mexico LLC, OptumCare New York IPA Inc., OptumCare Portland LLC, OptumCare South Florida LLC, OptumCare Specialty Practices LLC, OptumHealth Care Solutions LLC, OptumHealth Holdings LLC, OptumHealth International B.V., OptumInsight Holdings LLC, OptumInsight Inc., OptumInsight India Private Limited, OptumInsight Life Sciences Inc., OptumRx Administrative Services LLC, OptumRx Discount Card Services LLC, OptumRx Group Holdings Inc., OptumRx Health Solutions LLC, OptumRx Holdings I LLC, OptumRx Holdings LLC, OptumRx Home Delivery of Ohio LLC, OptumRx IPA III Inc., OptumRx Inc., OptumRx NY IPA Inc., OptumRx PBM of Illinois Inc., OptumRx PBM of Maryland LLC, OptumRx PBM of Pennsylvania LLC, OptumRx PBM of Wisconsin LLC, OptumRx PD of Pennsylvania LLC, OptumRx Pharmacy Inc., OptumRx Pharmacy of Nevada Inc., OptumRx of Pennsylvania LLC, OptumServe Technology Services Inc., Oregon Healthcare Resources LLC, Oregon Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Orlando Center for Outpatient Surgery L.P., OrthoNet Holdings Inc., OrthoNet LLC, OrthoNet New York IPA Inc., OrthoNet West Inc., OrthoNet of the South Inc., OrthoWest MSO LLC, Orthology Inc., Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County LLC, Orthopedic Surgery Center of Palm Beach County LLC, Orthopro Management LLC, Ovations Inc., Owensboro Ambulatory Surgical Facility Ltd., Oxford Benefit Management Inc., Oxford Health Insurance Inc., Oxford Health Plans CT Inc., Oxford Health Plans LLC, Oxford Health Plans NJ Inc., Oxford Health Plans NY Inc., P2P Link LLC, PCCCV Inc., PHC Subsidiary Holdings LLC, PHYSICIANS DAY SURGERY CENTER LLC, PMI Acquisition LLC, PMSI Holdings LLC, PMSI Settlement Solutions LLC, POMCO Inc., POMCO Network Inc., PPH Holdings LLC, PPH Management Company L.L.C., PPH-Columbia Inc., PPH-Gardendale Inc., PS Center LLC, PacifiCare Health Systems, PacifiCare Life Assurance Company, PacifiCare Life and Health Insurance Company, PacifiCare of Arizona Inc., PacifiCare of Colorado Inc., Pacific Cardiovascular Associates Medical Group Inc., Pacific Casualty Company Inc., Pacifico S.A. Entidad Prestadora de Salud, Panama City Surgery Center LLC, Park Hill Surgery Center LLC, Parkway Surgery Center LLC, Patient Care Associates L.L.C., PatientsLikeMe, Patrimonio Autonomo Nueva Clinica, Payment Resolution Services LLC, Peninsula Eye Surgery Center LLC, Penzo Enterprises LLC, Peoples Health, Peoples Health Inc., Perham Physical Therapy LTD, Perimeter Center for Outpatient Surgery L.P., Pharmaceutical Technologies LLC, Physician Alliance of the Rockies LLC, Physicians Health Choice of Texas LLC, Physicians Health Plan of Maryland Inc., Physicians' Surgery Center of Downey LLC, Pinnacle III LLC, Plano de Saude Ana Costa Ltda., Plus One Health Management Puerto Rico Inc., Plus One Holdings Inc., Pocono Ambulatory Surgery Center Limited, Polar II Fundo de Investimento em Participacoes Multiestrategia, Polo Holdco LLC, Pomerado Outpatient Surgical Center Inc., Pomerado Outpatient Surgical Center L.P., Post-Acute Care Center for Research LLC, Practice Partners in Healthcare LLC, Preferred Care Network Inc., Preferred Care Network of Florida Inc., Preferred Care Partners Holding Corp., Preferred Care Partners Inc., Preferred Care Partners Medical Group Inc., PreferredOne, PreferredOne Administrative Services Inc., PreferredOne Insurance Company, Premier Choice ACO Inc., Premier Surgery Center of Louisville L.P., Premiere Medical Resources LLC, Presidio Surgery Center LLC, Prime Health Inc., PrimeCare Medical Network Inc., PrimeCare of Citrus Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Corona Inc., PrimeCare of Hemet Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Inland Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Moreno Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Redlands Inc., PrimeCare of Riverside Inc., PrimeCare of San Bernardino Inc., PrimeCare of Sun City Inc., PrimeCare of Temecula Inc., PrimeDoc St. Francis P.C., PrimeDoc of Richmond P.C., ProHEALTH Care Associates L.L.P., ProHEALTH Care Associates of New Jersey LLP, ProHEALTH Medical Management LLC, ProHealth Physicians ACO LLC, ProHealth Physicians Inc., ProHealth Proton Center Management LLC, ProHealth/CareMount Dental Management LLC, Procura Management Inc., Professional Coverage Services PLLC, Progressive Enterprises Holdings Inc., Progressive Medical LLC, Promotora Country S.A., Pronounced Health Solutions Inc., Prosemedic S.A.C., Prospero Benefits Management LLC, Prospero Care Management LLC, Prospero Management Services LLC, Providence & SCA Development LLC, Providence & SCA Off-Campus Holdings LLC, Providence & SCA On-Campus Holdings LLC, Providence & SCA Outreach Markets Holdings LLC, Pulse Platform LLC, QoL Acquisition Holdings Corp., R Cubed Inc., RABessler M.D. P.C., ROC Surgery LLC, ROCS Holdings LLC, RX Ricardo Campos Ltda., Rally Health Inc., ReMedics LLC, Real Appeal Inc., Redding Surgery Center LLC, Redlands Ambulatory Surgery Center, Redlands-SCA Surgery Centers Inc., Reliant MSO LLC, Reliant Medical Group Inc., Reliant Medical Group The Endoscopy Center LLC, Research Surgical Center LLC, Resonancia Magnetica de Colombia Ltda., Resonancia Magnetica del Country S.A., RightCare Solutions Inc., River Valley ASC LLC, Riverside Corporate Wellness LLC, Riverside Electronic Healthcare Resources Inc., Riverside Medical Management LLC, Riverside Surgical Center of Meadowlands LLC, Riverside Surgical Center of Newark LLC, Robert A. Bessler MD PLLC, Rockville Eye Surgery Center LLC, Rocky Mountain Health Maintenance Organization Incorporated, Rush Oak Brook Surgery Center LLC, SC Affiliates LLC, SCA AHN JV Holdings LLC, SCA Alaska Surgery Center inc., SCA Athens LLC, SCA Austin Holdings LLC, SCA Austin Medical Center Holdings LLC, SCA Aventura Holdings LLC, SCA BOSC Holdings LLC, SCA Bloomfield Holdings LLC, SCA Cedar Park Holdings LLC, SCA Clifton LLC, SCA Colorado Springs Holdings LLC, SCA Community Service Foundation, SCA Cottonwood Holdings LLC, SCA Danbury Surgical Center LLC, SCA Denver Holdings LLC, SCA Development LLC, SCA Duluth Holdings LLC, SCA Duncanville Holdings LLC, SCA Duncanville MSO LLC, SCA ESSC Holdings LLC, SCA Englewood Holdings LLC, SCA Global One Holdings LLC, SCA Greenway Holdings LLC, SCA Grove Creek Holdings LLC, SCA Guilford Holdings LLC, SCA Hays Holdings LLC, SCA Health Value Enterprise LLC, SCA Heartland Holdings LLC, SCA High Point Holdings LLC, SCA HoldCo Inc., SCA Holding Company Inc., SCA Holdings Inc., SCA IEC Holdings LLC, SCA Indiana Holdings LLC, SCA Lutheran Holdings LLC, SCA Maple Grove Holdings LLC, SCA Mohawk Holdings LLC, SCA Murrells Inlet LLC, SCA Northern Utah Holdings LLC, SCA Northwest Holdings LLC, SCA Outside New Jersey LLC, SCA Pacific Holdings Inc., SCA Pacific Surgery Holdings LLC, SCA Palisades Holdings LLC, SCA Pennsylvania Holdings LLC, SCA Pinnacle Holdings LLC, SCA Premier Surgery Center of Louisville LLC, SCA Providence Holdings LLC, SCA ROCS Holdings LLC, SCA Rockledge JV LLC, SCA Rush Oak Brook Holdings LLC, SCA SSSC Holdings LLC, SCA Sage Medical LLC, SCA Sage Medical MSO LLC, SCA San Diego Holdings LLC, SCA Skyway Holdings LLC, SCA South Ogden Holdings LLC, SCA Southwestern PA LLC, SCA Specialists of Florida LLC, SCA Specialty Holdings of Connecticut LLC, SCA Stonegate Holdings LLC, SCA Surgery Holdings LLC, SCA Surgicare of Laguna Hills LLC, SCA Teammate Support Network, SCA West Health Holdings LLC, SCA Westgreen Holdings LLC, SCA Woodbury Holdings LLC, SCA eCode Solutions Private Limited, SCA of Clarksville Inc., SCA-Albuquerque Surgery Properties Inc., SCA-Alliance LLC, SCA-Anne Arundel LLC, SCA-Applecare Partners LLC, SCA-Bethesda LLC, SCA-Blue Ridge LLC, SCA-Bonita Springs LLC, SCA-Brandon LLC, SCA-Castle Rock LLC, SCA-Central Florida LLC, SCA-Charleston LLC, SCA-Chatham LLC, SCA-Chevy Chase LLC, SCA-Citrus Inc., SCA-Colonial Partners LLC, SCA-Colorado Springs LLC, SCA-Connecticut Partners LLC, SCA-DRY CREEK LLC, SCA-Davenport LLC, SCA-Denver LLC, SCA-Denver Physicians Holdings LLC, SCA-Derry LLC, SCA-Doral LLC, SCA-Downey LLC, SCA-Dublin LLC, SCA-Encinitas Inc., SCA-Eugene Inc., SCA-First Coast LLC, SCA-Florence LLC, SCA-Fort Collins Inc., SCA-Fort Walton Inc., SCA-Franklin LLC, SCA-Frederick LLC, SCA-Freeway Holdings LLC, SCA-Ft. Myers LLC, SCA-GRANTS PASS LLC, SCA-Gainesville LLC, SCA-Gladiolus LLC, SCA-Glenwood Holdings LLC, SCA-Grove Place LLC, SCA-Hagerstown LLC, SCA-Hamden LLC, SCA-Hilton Head LLC, SCA-Honolulu LLC, SCA-Houston Executive LLC, SCA-IT Holdings LLC, SCA-Illinois LLC, SCA-JPM Holdings LLC, SCA-Kissing Camels Holdings LLC, SCA-MC VBP Inc., SCA-Main Street LLC, SCA-Marina del Rey LLC, SCA-Mecklenburg Development Corp., SCA-Memorial City LLC, SCA-Memorial LLC, SCA-Merritt LLC, SCA-Midlands LLC, SCA-Midway Management LLC, SCA-Mobile LLC, SCA-Mokena LLC, SCA-Morris Avenue LLC, SCA-Morris County LLC, SCA-Mt. Pleasant LLC, SCA-Naperville LLC, SCA-Naples LLC, SCA-New Jersey LLC, SCA-Newport Beach LLC, SCA-Northeast Georgia Health LLC, SCA-PORTLAND LLC, SCA-Palm Beach LLC, SCA-Palm Beach MSO Holdings LLC, SCA-Panama City Holdings LLC, SCA-Paoli LLC, SCA-Phoenix LLC, SCA-Pocono LLC, SCA-Practice Partners Holdings LLC, SCA-River Valley LLC, SCA-Riverside LLC, SCA-Riverside Partners LLC, SCA-Rockville LLC, SCA-Sacred Heart Holdings LLC, SCA-San Diego Inc., SCA-San Luis Obispo LLC, SCA-Sand Lake LLC, SCA-Santa Rosa Inc., SCA-Somerset LLC, SCA-South Jersey LLC, SCA-Sparta LLC, SCA-Spartanburg Holdings LLC, SCA-St. Louis Holdings LLC, SCA-St. Louis LLC, SCA-St. Lucie LLC, SCA-SurgiCare LLC, SCA-Swiftpath LLC, SCA-VERTA LLC, SCA-VLR Holdings Company LLC, SCA-Wake Forest LLC, SCA-Western Connecticut LLC, SCA-Westover Hills LLC, SCA-Winchester LLC, SCA-Winter Park Inc., SCA-Woodlands Holdings LLC, SCAI Holdings LLC, SCLHS-SCA Holdings LLC, SCP Specialty Infusion LLC, SHC Atlanta LLC, SHC Austin Inc., SHC Hawthorn Inc., SHC Melbourne Inc., SJ East Campus ASC LLC, SRPS LLC, SSSC Holdings LLC, SVHS-SCA Florida JV LLC, Sacred Heart ASC LLC, Saden S.A., Sage Medical Prof. LLC, Salem JV Holdings LLC, Salem Surgery Center LLC, Salveo Specialty Pharmacy Inc., San Diego Endoscopy Center, San Diego Sports and Minimally Invasive Surgery Center LLC, San Francisco Endoscopy Center LLC, San Luis Obispo Surgery Center a California Limited Partnership, Sand Lake SurgiCenter LLC, Santa Barbara Endoscopy Center LLC, Santa Cruz Endoscopy Center LLC, Santa Helena Assistencia Medica S.A., Santa Rosa Surgery Center L.P., Santos Administracao e Participacoes S.A., Sanvello Health Holdings LLC, Sanvello Health Inc., Sanvello Health Limited, Scanner Centromed S.A., Seashore Surgical Institute L.L.C., Seisa Servicos Integrados de Saude Ltda., Senate Street Surgery Center LLC, Senior Benefits L.L.C., Serquinox Holdings LLC, Servicios Integrados de Salud Ltda., Servicios Medicos Amed Quilpue S.A., Servicios Medicos Bio Bio Ltda., Servicios Medicos Ciudad del Mar Ltda., Servicios Medicos Santa Maria Ltda., Servicios Medicos Vespucio Ltda., Servicios de Entrenamiento en Competencias Clinicas Ltda., Serviclinica Inmobiliaria S.A., Serviclinica S.A. Ex Los Leones La Calera, Servisalud Inmobiliaria S.A., Servisalud S.A. Ex Los Carrera Quilpue, Shark Holdings P.C., Sierra Dental Plan Inc., Sierra Health Services Inc, Sierra Health Services Inc., Sierra Health and Life Insurance Company Inc., Sierra Health-Care Options Inc., Sierra Home Medical Products Inc., Sierra Nevada Administrators Inc., Sistema de Administracion Hospitalaria S.A.C., Small Business Insurance Advisors Inc., Sobam  Centro Medico Hospitalar S.A., Sociedad de Inversiones Santa Maria SpA, Solstice Administration Services Inc., Solstice Administrators Inc., Solstice Administrators of Alabama Inc., Solstice Administrators of Arizona Inc., Solstice Administrators of Missouri Inc., Solstice Administrators of North Carolina Inc., Solstice Administrators of Texas Inc., Solstice Benefit Services Inc., Solstice Benefits Inc., Solstice Health Insurance Company, Solstice Healthplans Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Arizona Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Colorado Inc., Solstice Healthplans of New Jersey Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Ohio Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Tennessee Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Texas Inc., Solstice of Illinois Inc., Solstice of Minnesota Inc., Solstice of New York Inc., Solutran LLC, Somerset Outpatient Surgery L.L.C., Sound Inpatient Physicians Inc., Sound Inpatient Physicians Medical Group Inc., Sound Inpatient Physicians of Ohio LLC, Sound Inpatient Physicians of Texas I Inc., Sound Inpatient Physicians  Michigan PLLC, Sound Intensivists of Nevada RBessler M.D. PLLC, Sound Kenwood Hospitalists of Cincinnati Inc., Sound Kenwood Hospitalists of Cincinnati LLC, Sound Physicians Advisory Services Inc., Sound Physicians Alaska Hospitalist Group LLC, Sound Physicians Anesthesiology of Texas PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Arizona Inc., Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Georgia P.C., Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Illinois LLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Kansas LLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Kentucky PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Louisiana Inc., Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Michigan PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Nevada Bessler PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of South Carolina LLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Southern California P.C., Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Texas PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Washington PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of West Virginia PLLC, Sound Physicians Holdings LLC, Sound Physicians Intensivists of Arizona Inc., Sound Physicians Intensivists of Georgia PC, Sound Physicians Intensivists of South Carolina LLC, Sound Physicians Intensivists of Virginia LLC, Sound Physicians Intensivists of Washington PLLC, Sound Physicians Palliative Care of Maryland P.C., Sound Physicians Telemedicine Inc., Sound Physicians of Florida IV LLC, Sound Physicians of Georgia III P.C., Sound Physicians of Hawaii Inc., Sound Physicians of Idaho PLLC, Sound Physicians of Illinois LLC, Sound Physicians of Indiana LLC, Sound Physicians of Iowa PLLC, Sound Physicians of Kankakee Illinois LLC, Sound Physicians of Massachusetts II P.C., Sound Physicians of Massachusetts Inc., Sound Physicians of New Jersey LLC, Sound Physicians of New York PLLC, Sound Physicians of North Carolina PLLC, Sound Physicians of South Carolina LLC, Sound Physicians of Wyoming LLC, South Arlington Surgical Providers LLC, South County Surgical Center LLC, South Sound Inpatient Physicians PLLC, Southern California Medical Practice Concepts LLC, Southland Hospitalists P.C., Southwest Medical Associates Inc., Southwest Michigan Health Network Inc., Southwest Surgery Center LLC, Southwest Surgical Center LLC, Space Coast Surgical Center Ltd., Spartanburg Surgery Center LLC, Specialists in Urology Surgery Center LLC, Specialized Pharmaceuticals Inc., Specialty Benefits LLC, Specialty Billing Solutions LLC, Specialty Surgical Center LLC, Spectera Inc., Spectera of New York IPA Inc., Sports and Spinal Physical Therapy Inc., St. Cloud Outpatient Surgery Ltd. a Minnesota Limited Partnership, St. Cloud Surgical Center LLC, St. Louis Cardiovascular Institute LLC, St. Louis Specialty Surgical Center LLC, Stonegate JV Partners LLC, Stonegate Surgery Center L.P., Summer Street ASC LLC, SunSurgery LLC, Surgery Center Holding LLC, Surgery Center at Cherry Creek LLC, Surgery Center at Cottonwood LLC, Surgery Center at Grove Creek LLC, Surgery Center at Kissing Camels LLC, Surgery Center at South Ogden LLC, Surgery Center at St. Vincent LLC, Surgery Center of Boca Raton Inc., Surgery Center of Colorado Springs LLC, Surgery Center of Des Moines LLC, Surgery Center of Easton LLC, Surgery Center of Ellicott City Inc., Surgery Center of Fairfield County LLC, Surgery Center of Fort Collins LLC, Surgery Center of Lexington LLC, Surgery Center of Louisville LLC, Surgery Center of Maui LLC, Surgery Center of Mt. Scott LLC, Surgery Center of Muskogee LLC, Surgery Center of Rockville L.L.C., Surgery Center of Southern Pines LLC, Surgery Center of The Woodlands LLC, Surgery Centers of Des Moines Ltd. an Iowa Limited Partnership, Surgery Centers-West Holdings LLC, Surgical Care Affiliates, Surgical Care Affiliates LLC, Surgical Care Affiliates Political Action Committee, Surgical Care Partners of Melbourne LLC, Surgical Caregivers of Fort Worth LLC, Surgical Center of Greensboro LLC, Surgical Center of San Diego LLC, Surgical Center of South Jersey Limited Partnership, Surgical Center of Tuscaloosa Holdings LLC, Surgical Eye Experts LLC, Surgical Health LLC, Surgical Health of Orlando LLC, Surgical Hospital Holdings of Oklahoma LLC, Surgical Management Solutions LLC, Surgicare LLC, Surgicare of Central Jersey LLC, Surgicare of Jackson LLC, Surgicare of Jackson Ltd. a Mississippi Limited Partnership, Surgicare of Joliet Inc., Surgicare of La Veta Inc., Surgicare of La Veta Ltd. a California Limited Partnership, Surgicare of Minneapolis LLC, Surgicare of Minneapolis Ltd. a Minnesota Limited Partnership, Surgicare of Mobile LLC, Surgicare of Mobile Ltd., Surgicare of Oceanside Inc., Surgicare of Owensboro LLC, Surgicare of Salem LLC, Surgicenters of Southern California Inc., Symphonix Health Holdings LLC, T.M. Carr M.D. P.C., THE SURGICAL CENTER OF THE TREASURE COAST L.L.C., THR-SCA Holdings LLC, TeamMD Holdings Inc., TeamMD Iowa Inc., TeamMD Physicians of Texas Inc., TeamUP Insurance Services Inc., Tecnologia de Informacion en Salud S.A., Texas Health Craig Ranch Surgery Center LLC, Texas Health Flower Mound Orthopedic Surgery Center LLC, Texas Health Orthopedic Surgery Center Alliance LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Alliance LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Bedford LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Chisholm Trail LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Irving LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Las Colinas LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Preston Plaza LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Rockwall LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Southwest Fort Worth LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Waxahachie LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Willow Park LLC, The Advisory Board Company, The Alaska Hospitalist Group LLC, The Chesapeake Life Insurance Company, The Eye Surgery Center of the Carolinas L.P., The Intensivist Group of Langhorne LLC, The Lewin Group Inc., The Outpatient Surgery Center of Hilton Head LLC, The Polyclinic MSO LLC, The Surgery Center of Easton L.P., The Surgical Center of Connecticut LLC, Thomas Johnson Surgery Center LLC, Three Rivers Holdings Inc., Three Rivers Surgical Care L.P., Tmesys LLC, Topimagem Diagnostico por Imagem Ltda., Touchpoint Health Plan, Trails Edge Surgery Center LLC, Trauma Surgery Affiliates LLC, Travel Express Incorporated, Treasure Valley Emerald Properties LLC, Treasure Valley Hospital Limited Partnership, Tri-City Medical Center ASC Operators LLC, Tri-County Surgery Center LLC, Trinity Cardiovascular Care PLLC, Tufts Health Freedom Insurance Company, Tufts Health Freedom Plans Inc., Tuscaloosa Surgical Center L.P., U.S. Behavioral Health Plan California, UCSD Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, UCSD Center for Surgery of Encinitas L.P., UCSD Surgical Center of San Diego LLC, UCSD-SCA Holdings I LLC, UCSD-SCA Holdings II LLC, UHC Finance Ireland Unlimited Company, UHC International Services Inc., UHC of California, UHCG Holdings Ireland Limited, UHCG Services Ireland Limited, UHCG  FZE, UHG Brasil Participacoes S.A., UHG Holdings UK IV Limited, UHG Holdings UK V Limited, UHG Holdings UK VI Limited, UHIC Holdings Inc., UMR Inc., UPHT-SCA Holdings LLC, USHEALTH Academy Inc., USHEALTH Administrators LLC, USHEALTH Advisors LLC, USHEALTH Career Agency Inc., USHEALTH Funding Inc., USHEALTH Group Inc., USMD ASC IV1 LLC, USMD ASC IV2 LLC, USMD Administrative Services L.L.C., USMD Affiliated Services, USMD Holdings Inc., USMD Hospital at Arlington L.P., USMD Hospital at Fort Worth L.P., USMD Inc., USMD PPM LLC, Unidad Medica Diagnostico S.A., Unimerica Insurance Company, Unimerica Life Insurance Company of New York, Unison Health Plan of Delaware Inc., United Behavioral Health, United Behavioral Health of New York I.P.A. Inc., United Group Reinsurance Inc., United Health Foundation, United HealthCare Services Inc., United Medical Park ASC LLC, United Resource Networks IPA of New York Inc., United in Advancing Health Equity Foundation, UnitedHealth Advisors LLC, UnitedHealth Group Employee Assistance Fund, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated, UnitedHealth Group International Finance Ireland Unlimited Company, UnitedHealth International Inc., UnitedHealth Military & Veterans Services LLC, UnitedHealthcare Benefits Plan of California, UnitedHealthcare Benefits of Texas Inc., UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of California Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Georgia Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Texas L.L.C., UnitedHealthcare Consulting & Assistance Service Beijing Co. Ltd., UnitedHealthcare Europe S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare Global Medical UK Limited, UnitedHealthcare Inc., UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of America, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of Illinois, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of the River Valley, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Designated Activity Company, UnitedHealthcare Integrated Services Inc., UnitedHealthcare International Asia LLC, UnitedHealthcare International I B.V., UnitedHealthcare International II S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare International III B.V., UnitedHealthcare International III S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare International IV S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare International VII S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare International VIII S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare International X S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance Company, UnitedHealthcare Parekh Insurance TPA Private Limited, UnitedHealthcare Plan of the River Valley Inc., UnitedHealthcare Service LLC, UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits LLC, UnitedHealthcare of Alabama Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Arizona Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Arkansas Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Colorado Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Florida Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Georgia Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Illinois Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Kentucky Ltd., UnitedHealthcare of Louisiana Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Mississippi Inc., UnitedHealthcare of New England Inc., UnitedHealthcare of New Mexico Inc., UnitedHealthcare of New York Inc., UnitedHealthcare of North Carolina Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Ohio Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Oklahoma Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Oregon Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania Inc., UnitedHealthcare of South Carolina Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Texas Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Utah Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Washington Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Wisconsin Inc., UnitedHealthcare of the Mid-Atlantic Inc., UnitedHealthcare of the Midlands Inc., UnitedHealthcare of the Midwest Inc., UnitedHealthcare of the Rockies Inc., Unity Health Network LLC, Upland Holdings LLC, Upland Outpatient Surgical Center L.P., Urgent Care Holdings Inc., Urgent Care MSO LLC, Urology Associates of North Texas P.L.L.C., VERTA MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC, VPay Benefits Corporation, VPay Inc., VPay Intermediate Holdings LLC, Valley Hospital L.L.C., Valley Physicians Network Inc., Vascular Labs of the Rockies ASC LLC, Vascular Labs of the Rockies PLLC, Via Vitae MSO LLC, Vida Integra S.p.A., Vida Tres S.A., Virtua-SCA Holdings II LLC, Virtua-SCA Holdings LLC, Vivify Health Canada Inc., Vivify Health Inc., WESTMED Practice Partners LLC, Wake Forest Ambulatory Ventures LLC, Walnut Creek Endoscopy Center LLC, Walnut Hill Surgery Center LLC, Wauwatosa Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Wauwatosa Surgery Center LLC, Wayland Square Surgicare Acquisition L.P., Wayland Square Surgicare GP Inc., Waypoint Minnesota PC, WellMed Medical Management Inc., WellMed Medical Management of Florida Inc., West Coast Endoscopy Holdings LLC, WestHealth JV Holdings LLC, WestHealth Surgery Center LLC, Western Connecticut Orthopedic Surgical Center LLC, Westgreen Surgical Center LLC, Wilson Creek Surgical Center LLC, Winchester Endoscopy LLC, Winter Park LLC, Winter Park Surgery Center L.P., Woodbury Surgery Center LLC, XAS Infusion Suites Inc., XLHealth Corporation, XLHealth Corporation India Private Limited, divvyDOSE, divvyMED LLC, eCode Solutions LLC, gethealthinsurance.com Agency Inc., hCentive Inc., inPharmative Inc., naviHealth Care at Home LLC, naviHealth Coordinated Care LLC, naviHealth Coordinated Care SC P.C., naviHealth Holdings LLC, naviHealth Inc., naviHealth Michigan HBPC P.C., and naviHealth SM Holdings Inc..

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Despite a slightly encouraging downward trend in opioid deaths, far too many of our fellow Mainers are still being lost to overdoses. Far too many families are being impacted by the relentless and heartbreaking impacts of addiction.



And now, too much available funding has yet to be deployed against this continued crisis.



The Maine Recovery Council, a group of 15 members charged with distributing some of the more than $200 million the state is receiving as part of opioid settlements with various drug companies, has yet to spend any of the $17 million it has received thus far as reported by the Maine Monitor.



To be clear, the recovery council is not responsible for spending all of Maine's opioid settlement money, expected to be $235 million over 18 years. Half of the money will go through the council; 30 percent goes to eligible counties, cities and towns; and 20 percent is being distributed through the Maine Attorney General's office. And, this initial $17 million is just a piece of the much larger $117 million-plus that the council will be shepherding for nearly two decades. So even with pressing needs right now, the council needs to view its investments with a long-term lens.



The reasons for the slow start, seemingly administrative as this new council establishes rules and procedures and looks for public input, make some sense. But eight months into this work, it is hard not to see this as an example of a state body moving at the speed of bureaucracy rather than the speed of an ongoing crisis.



"We want to make sure when that money is handed out, it's not somebody who has a terrific idea but never been tested," the council's chair, Pat Kimball, told Maine Public on Monday. "We want to be able to say the money goes to programs that are evidence based, that are proven to make a difference in the lives of people who have substance use disorder, or an opiate use disorder."



This is a good standard. However, more urgency is needed as well.



Let's again be very clear: members of the recovery council need no reminder of the dire circumstances many Maine people finds themselves in everyday simply trying to survive in a world of fentanyl, xylazine, and persistent challenges that accompany trying to access prevention, treatment and recovery services (even as strides have been made in recent years). In their various professional capacities  whether they're a doctor, a recovery advocate, the state's opioid response director or a law enforcement official  members of council are frequently faced with these harsh realities.



As individuals, they surely don't need us to tell them about the ongoing, pressing needs of the opioid epidemic. But as a newly created group, they must work quickly to get this funding out into communities without delay.



With so much need, we understand that decisions about where to send the money can be difficult. And we appreciate the importance of incorporating public input and creating a fair, transparent and durable application process for the next two decades as opioid settlement payments continue. With many council members involved in organizations and efforts doing prevention, treatment and recovery work, we can certainly imagine potential conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts in the disbursement of this money. So having clear guardrails in place makes sense.



Planning is good. Public input is good. But we'll tell recovery council members something we've been telling local and county officials about the distribution of federal COVID-19 relief funds: avoid analysis paralysis. Include the public in your decisions, yes. But don't let process questions drag on and allow money to sit on the sidelines unused.



At a certain point, these council members need to recognize that they were appointed for a reason, and to trust their own expertise and experience. These settlement funds have the potential to significantly bolster prevention, treatment and recovery efforts across the state. But the money needs to actually get out into Maine communities for that to start happening.





This article was published in the Bangor Daily News and distributed by Tribune Content Agency.


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Kendallville, IN (46755)

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The EU has launched a new humanitarian air bridge operation for the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, transporting essential supplies to the city of Goma. They will be used to scale-up the humanitarian response in the eastern part of the country, where the already dire situation keeps deteriorating.

To mitigate this situation, the EU is organising two flights from Europe, carrying a total of over 180 tonnes of materials, including health and nutrition supplies. The humanitarian air bridge consists of two flights from Europe to Nairobi, from where the supplies are transported to Goma. The first two flights arrived in Goma on 22 August 2023, with a total of eight such flights scheduled to take place until the end of August 2023.

This humanitarian air bridge operation follows a similar one between March and May 2023, which transported a total of 260 tonnes of supplies via seven flights. These were organised in collaboration with France and EU humanitarian partners.

Background

Humanitarian needs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are among the highest in the world. There are currently over 6.2 million displaced people within the DRC  the highest number in Africa. More than 1 million Congolese refugees live in neighbouring countries. Given the instability in the region, the country itself hosts more than half a million refugees from neighbouring countries. The rapid deterioration of the security situation in the east of the country has resulted in more than 1.1 million civilians becoming newly displaced since March 2022.

The number of internally displaced persons keeps evolving as populations flee new areas of fighting. Many live in highly precarious conditions and nearly 500 000 people are stranded in and around Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. Almost all live in inhuman conditions and face multiple needs, including food, water and sanitation, healthcare, and shelter.

In conflict-affected areas, violence and insecurity limit income-generating opportunities, disrupt agriculture and displace populations, resulting in some 27 million people being acutely food insecure (over 1/4 of the population). An estimated 2.8 million children are acutely malnourished.

The lack of protection for civilian populations is the overarching key problem in the conflict-affected areas. Different armed actors involved in the conflict are perpetrating human rights and IHL violations, including gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, child recruitment, physical violence, murder, abduction, torture, attacks on schools, health structures and looting frequently and in a context of years of impunity. In addition, the DRC faces recurrent epidemics, such as cholera, measles, monkey pox and Ebola. Its weak health system and lack of basic infrastructure and social services, including in the health sector, add to the challenge.

Most of the EU-funded humanitarian projects are helping vulnerable people in the east of the country, where persistent conflict is ongoing. The EU works with partners to:

provide food assistance and nutrition, shelter, protection, emergency healthcare, including care for survivors of sexual violence

improve water, sanitation and hygiene conditions

ensure that children caught in humanitarian crises can go to school.

For More Information

EU Humanitarian Aid to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

EU Humanitarian Air Bridge

EU allocates over EUR 32 million in additional humanitarian funding
On 22 August Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attended the business forum on the first day of the leaders summit of the BRICS group of developing economies, comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China and this years host, South Africa.

Analysis:

At the start of the three-day summit in Johannesburg, Lula released an episode of his weekly podcast Conversa com o Presidente, in which he insisted that we do not want to be a counterpoint to the G7 group of advanced economies, rhetoric in line with his foreign policy which has sought multilateral cooperation regardless of geopolitical tensions. Lula has also been trying to foster ties with G7 countries and he did not share the hostile tone adopted by Russias President Vladimir Putin in his pre-recorded video speech shown at the summits business forum, in which he criticised the Western sanctions placed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Despite divisions among its members looming over the summit, such as the Ukraine issue, Lula did try to highlight some shared goals, such as the addition of new members to the group and further measures to reduce the dominance of the US dollar in global trade.

Over 20 countries in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia have expressed interest in joining the BRICS as full members. In his podcast, Lula vocally supported the application of Argentina to join the group.

Despite the global concern about Chinas economic slowdown, Lula reiterated that Brazil and Chinas economies were big enough for business to be conducted in reais and yuan or in another currency which we can make, without devaluing or denying our own currencies.

In his speech at the business forum, Lula reiterated his criticisms of traditional financial institutions and called for the BRICS development bank, the Shanghai-headquartered New Development Bank (NDB), to take a greater role as a platform for countries to trade in their own currency.

He also used the forum as a chance to promote Brazils infrastructure investment programme (PAC) which he launched on 11 August. Lula welcomed investors at the summit to contribute to PAC projects.

Looking Ahead: The topics of increasing investment, de-dollarisation and new members will continue to be discussed by the BRICS leaders, although they are likely to keep playing down the groups internal divisions, concerns about the Chinese economy, and other looming issues.
Tropical Storm Harold is now downgraded to a tropical depression and is continuing to weaken as it hits Texas, and its path is expected to soon make it to Mexico.

Harold first made landfall on Padre Island, Texas, with sustained winds of 50 mph and gusts as high as 67 mph. According to CNN, this makes Harold the first storm to come ashore in the United States for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season.

However, as Tropical Storm Harold pushed further inland, it slowly weakened and now has sustained winds of up to 30mph, as reported by the National Hurricane Center. For now, all tropical storm warnings along the Texas coast have been discontinued.

The storm's path to Mexico still has some flash flooding and tornado warnings up for parts of Texas, however, as heavy rain and strong winds are expected to continue, especially in portions of southern Texas and Mexico.

Southern Texas will expect 3 to 5 inches of rain to be dumped by the now-Tropical Depression Harold on Tuesday and Wednesday, with some locations getting up to seven inches of rain. Meanwhile, in Mexico, residents should expect at least 4 to 6 inches of rain, with up to 10 inches being possible.

The center of the storm is currently located around Laredo, Texas but is continuing to move toward Mexico. It is expected to cross the border in a few hours, and with it, some rain and high winds.

Tropical Depression Harold Expected To Dissipate on Wednesday

Harold is weakening despite all the rain it is pouring across southern Texas and northern Mexico, with scattered flash flood warnings all over these areas.

According to CBS News, the storm is expected to dissipate sometime on Wednesday as it continues to move inland toward Mexico.

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In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, President Joe Biden said that he had already directed FEMA to pre-deploy personnel to the Lone Star State and assist both state and local officials and "coordinate on any requests for resources should federal assistance be required." Biden added, "FEMA has also made preparations to surge personnel and resources if needed. I urge people in the storm's path to follow state and local guidance."

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott echoed NHC warnings and urged people in the path of the storm to check road conditions before driving.

Two More Tropical Storms Moving Toward the US

While the former Tropical Storm Harold is expected to dissipate, the US is not out of the woods yet as it is already the Atlantic hurricane season. In fact, not just one, but two more storms are heading to the US mainland right now.

Tropical Storm Franklin, which is currently around 230 miles east off the coast of the Dominican Republic, is one of these storms heading to the US. It is predicted to hit Puerto Rico on Wednesday and bring the US territory around 6 inches of rain,

The NWS is tracking these two storms right now, per the BBC.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Election Interference Co-Conspirators Turning on Each Other

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: High waves from Tropical Storm Harold behind apartments on Ocean Drive - KIII 3 News
John Eastman, the Donald Trump legal adviser facing disbarment, is also facing an election indictment in Georgia. He has now given himself up to Georgia authorities ahead of former President Donald Trump, who is expected to give himself up on Thursday.

The about-to-be-disbarred former law professor and Trump administration legal adviser was booked at the Fulton County jail. He is expected to be arraigned in the coming weeks as part of the sprawling RICO case that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has against him and 18 other co-defendants, including the former president.

The disgraced lawyer said to be the mastermind behind many of Trump's schemes to overturn the election, criticized the indictment, saying, "to an indictment that should never have been brought." He added that it targeted "attorneys for their zealous advocacy on behalf of their clients."

According to the Associated Press, Eastman also argued that each of the 19 defendants was entitled to rely on the advice of lawyers and past legal precedent to challenge the results of the election. He is facing disbarment in California for his actions that ultimately led to the January 6 Capitol Insurrection.

Eastman was once the dean of the Chapman University Law School in Southern California before becoming one of Donald Trump's closest advisors. He devised the plan for having then-Vice President Mike Pence "stop the counting of electoral votes while presiding over Congress' joint session on Jan. 6." However, other law experts stated that there was no legal basis for this, with even Pence saying that his role in the canvassing of votes was merely ceremonial.

He also helped push the fake electors scheme where a slate of fake electors would be placed in key battleground states and vote for Trump instead of the state's actual winner, Joe Biden.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Is 'Scared to Death of Chris Christie'

Bail Already Set For All of Donald Trump's Georgia Indictment Co-Defendants

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee has now set the bail for all 19 co-defendants in the sprawling 4th Donald Trump indictment that happened in Georgia earlier this month. The highest bond was set for Donald Trump himself at $200,000.

According to ABC News, the judge set former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis' bail at $100,000. Meanwhile, some of the other lesser-known co-defendants had their bond set much lower, with pastor Stephen Lee having a $75,000 while Georgia lawyer Robert Cheeley has a bond worth $50,000.

What Will Happen Should Donald Trump Break His Bond Conditions?

The judge set different bond conditions for Donald Trump, as compared to his 18 other co-defendants. However, his attorneys have agreed on these bond conditions already, according to NBC News.

The bond conditions state that the ex-POTUS "shall make no direct or indirect threat of any nature" against any of his co-defendants, any witnesses, the victims, the community, or property in the community. This means he cannot issue threats on social media or reposts, as he did for his 3rd indictment.

Should Trump break these conditions and attack Fani Willis, as he had been doing for weeks, he could be ordered to attend a hearing where the judge would review his conduct and determine if he did violate the conditions. Judge McAfee then has the power to decide an appropriate punishment should Trump be found liable of breaking his bond conditions.

However, it was pointed out that Trump could not be just thrown in jail, as the Secret Service still needs to be factored in. The call ultimately rests with Judge McAfee on how he should handle this situation.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Election Interference Co-Conspirators Turning on Each Other

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: John Eastman 'absolutely' believes the 2020 election was stolen - MSNBC
President Joe Biden's visit to the wildfire-ravaged island of Maui took a controversial turn as he faced intense criticism for making insensitive comments, per the latest Maui wildfire update.

The President's attempt at humor during a visit meant to offer solace and support to wildfire survivors triggered a backlash and raised questions about his response to the devastating crisis, the NY Post reports.

During his visit to Lahaina, Joe Biden interacted with first responders and a cadaver dog named Dexter, known for aiding in search and recovery operations.

In a video that quickly went viral, Biden could be heard making light of the situation, joking about the ground's heat and Dexter's protective boots.

While those present on-site reacted with laughter, the digital sphere responded to Joe Biden's joke with outrage.

Critics argued that the President's attempt at comic relief was in "poor taste,", particularly given the severity of the ongoing crisis.

Many felt that such remarks undermined the gravity of the situation and the suffering of those affected.

The backlash was particularly pronounced on social media platforms, where users voiced their disappointment and questioned the President's judgment, especially considering his delayed initial response to the wildfires.

READ NEXT: Maui Wildfire Update: Joe Biden Heads to Hawaii

President Joe Biden Cites Small Kitchen Fire He Experienced During Speech

President Joe Biden's endeavor to connect with Maui wildfire survivors by recounting a personal fire incident further fueled the controversy, per INSIDER.

He shared a story of a minor kitchen fire he and First Lady Jill Biden experienced, attempting to relate to the loss felt by those whose homes were consumed by the Maui wildfires.

However, this comparison drew skepticism and criticism.

Critics argued that likening a minor kitchen fire to the catastrophic wildfires facing the island downplayed the severity of the crisis.

However, the Cranston Heights Fire Company, which was called to the scene of the 2004 blaze, characterized it as an "insignificant fire" that didn't trigger multiple alarms or necessitate a widespread emergency response across the county, according to the New York Post.

They expressed concern that the President's anecdote trivialized the profound challenges faced by the affected communities, potentially eroding the empathy and support he intended to convey.

Maui Wildfire Update: Joe Biden Vows to Help the Island's Recovery 'For as Long as It Takes

Despite the negative reception of his comments, President Biden reiterated the federal government's commitment to assisting Maui in its recovery efforts.

He curtailed his vacation to stand in solidarity with the survivors and promised ongoing aid "for as long as it takes," EuroNews noted.

The island, grappling with the aftermath of one of the deadliest US wildfires in history, requires extensive support to heal and rebuild.

Addressing survivors near a charred 150-year-old banyan tree, Biden acknowledged the overwhelming devastation while emphasizing the island's resilience.

He likened the tree's endurance to the community's determination to overcome adversity.

Though some critics pointed out the initial delay in the President's response, the White House defended his swift actions and close coordination with local authorities.

As Maui embarks on the journey to recovery, the priority remains to locate the 850 missing individuals and reconstruct the shattered communities.

The wildfires caught many off-guard, leading to harrowing accounts of individuals escaping to safety, sometimes resorting to jumping into the ocean.

The western part of the island bore the brunt of the disaster, leaving behind a landscape scarred by destruction.

President Biden's visit aimed to convey the nation's empathy and commitment to aiding recovery.

"I also want all of you to know the country grieves with you, stands with you, and will do everything possible to help you recover, rebuild, and respect culture and traditions when the rebuilding takes place," said Joe Biden.

Nevertheless, his misguided attempts at humor and relatability overshadowed his intentions, eliciting widespread criticism.

As Maui endeavors to heal and rebuild, attention remains focused on the practical assistance and support provided by the federal government and the wider community.

READ MORE: Maui Wildfire Update: Hawaii Governor Warns Realtors

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Biden jokes deadliest US fire in century ruined plan to keep his speech under 18 minutes - From New York Post
As the Mexican Drug War continues against the country's drug cartels, authorities in Mexico are saying that these criminal organizations are using more and more roadside bombs as of late.

These roadside bombs, or IEDs, were typically used in warzones by terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda and the Islamic State. However, Mexican drug cartels like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), the Sinaloa Cartel, and others have been using them a lot lately, the Mexican Army revealed.

In 2023 alone, 42 people, including police officers, soldiers, and suspected rival cartel operatives, have been injured by these improvised explosive devices, commonly referred to as roadside bombs. This is up from 2022, which saw 16 people getting injured from these devices, per the Associated Press.

Mexico's Defense Secretary Luis Cresencio Sandoval was the one who provided these numbers, with Mexican officials acknowledging that there have already been multiple deaths this year thanks to roadside bombs, including at least one National Guard officer and four state police officers. They were killed in two separate explosive attacks this year.

Much like warzones in the Middle East, car bombs are also being used in Mexico. So far, six of these car bombs have been found in the country in 2023. Car bombs do have a history of being used in Mexico, though, as these were used several years ago in northern Mexico.

Most of the bombs, roadside bombs, and car bombs, along with drone-carried bombs, were found in Michoacan state, which is currently where a turf war between various criminal organizations is taking place. Around 1,411 were found in the state, which is getting invaded by the CJNG.

A total of 556 improvised explosive devices of all types have been found so far in 2023, with the current administration under President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador seeing a total of 2,186 explosive devices since taking office in December 2018. While most of the bombs were found in Michoacan, the rest were found in Jalisco and Guanajuato states.

READ MORE: Mexico Explosion Leaves 6 Police Dead; Governor Slams 'Cowardly Attack'

Many of Mexico's Roadside Bombs Are Homemade

During that same press conference, Defense Secretary Luis Cresencio Sandoval explained that many of the explosive devices they found are usually the ones that failed to explode. This reflects the homemade nature of these roadside bombs.

"All of these explosive devices are homemade, based on tutorials that can be found on the internet," said the secretary, who also confirmed that many of these IEDs were made with black powder "which is available in the marketplace."

According to Chron, some bombs use more advanced and powerful components, such as blasting compounds stolen from mines.

Mexican Drug Cartels Using Drones To Drop Bombs

It is not just roadside bombs that are terrorizing residents, but drones dropping bombs as well. However, these are not the highly-sophisticated drones that the US military is using, but just like the roadside bombs, they are also improvised in nature.

According to VOA News, these drones have been modified to drop bombs on targets, though some have proven to not be that accurate and instead hit completely unrelated things, like civilians. Mexican drug cartels, such as the CJNG, have developed these drones, with those operating them being called "droneros."

These drones have been described as "crude and dangerous to load and operate." They are also worrisomely indiscriminate. However, as technology improves, these bomb drones have also gotten a bit better, though they remain indiscriminate in the destruction it causes.

READ MORE: Mexico: Ex-Drug Czar Took Bribes From El Chapo, Sinaloa Cartel

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Border Report: Car bomb in Mexico - KTSM 9 NEWS
On the opening day of school in Ohio, a devastating incident unfolded as a school bus crash resulted in the tragic death of one student, while 23 other children sustained injuries, per ABC News.

The school bus was not equipped with seatbelts, potentially exacerbating the severity of the injuries sustained, according to Tyler Ross from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Moreover, the bus was carrying 52 students from Northwestern Local Schools when the accident transpired.

Around 8:16 am, a Honda Odyssey, traveling in the opposite direction, veered across the center line, entering the lane occupied by the school bus.

Despite the bus driver's efforts to avoid a collision by maneuvering onto the shoulder, the two vehicles made contact.

As a result of the impact, the school bus careened off the right side of the road and overturned, while the Honda veered off the road and came to a halt.

READ NEXT: Ohio Man With Down Syndrome Sues School

Ohio Student on School Bus Crash Dies on the Scene; One Passenger Sustains 'Life-Threatening' Injuries

The school bus crash took place on Tuesday morning along state Route 41 in German Township, Ohio, as confirmed by the Ohio State Highway Patrol in an official news release, according to CNN.

Regrettably, one young passenger lost their life on-site, while 23 individuals, including a passenger with severe and life-threatening injuries, were swiftly transported to hospitals.

The school bus driver suffered minor injuries, according to the release.

The occupants of the Honda Odyssey, the other vehicle involved in the collision, were taken to Springfield Regional Medical Center with injuries deemed non-life-threatening by the highway patrol.

Dayton Children's Hospital played a crucial role in providing medical care to the injured, The Columbus Dispatch noted.

In response to the scale of the incident, the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association invoked its mass casualty protocol.

In a statement, the hospital noted that the emergency department at Dayton Children's received 22 children from the accident, some arriving via ambulance and others accompanied by their parents.

Northwestern Local Schools communicated on Facebook, acknowledging the unfortunate incident involving one of their buses.

The school district assured the community of its ongoing efforts to gather information and share updates as they become available.

In a subsequent post, the school district revealed the tragic loss of an elementary student. It announced the suspension of classes for the following day.

To offer support during this distressing time, the school promised the availability of grief counselors. Both the Elementary and Jr/Sr High would open their doors at 8 am to provide a space for students, staff, and community members seeking assistance or a chance to converse with mental health specialists.

The community's heartfelt sympathies and prayers are extended to the families affected by this devastating incident.

As authorities continue their investigation, more insights will emerge in due course.

People Gathered at School Bus Crash Area to Pay Respect to Victims

In the aftermath of the Ohio school bus crash, a touching display of solidarity unfolded as community members arrived to pay their respects to the affected individuals.

As the site cleared, individuals came forward to pay respect to the victims. A heartfelt tribute emerged along the roadside, where the tire marks from the crash remained, said WHIOTV7.

Teddy bears and flowers were tenderly placed, creating a poignant memorial.

Among those who paid their respects was a woman who left a poignant bouquet. Overwhelmed by the tragedy, she said, "I don't know who lost their child. Just horrible. Our whole community is just behind you and praying for you, and I'm just so sorry. And wherever you are, I wish I could just hug you. The whole German township is just grieving for you," shared Betsy Essig of Springfield.

Another individual pledged to return to the site with a cross, intending to add it to the small yet growing memorial.

READ MORE: Mexico Bus Crash: 16 Dead, Dozens Injured

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Ohio school bus crash leaves 1 dead, 23 hurt - From Associated Press
A Mar-a-Lago security aide has now flipped and has retracted a previous testimony to investigators for the Donald Trump classified documents case, as shown by a new filing by prosecutors from Special Counsel Jack Smith's team.

The Trump employee who monitored security cameras at Mar-a-Lago was described in the filing as "Trump Employee 4." However, Politico noted that he has been identified as the former director of information technology at Mar-a-Lago, Yuscil Taveras.

After retracting his earlier testimony to the federal grand jury, "Trump Employee 4" implicated Trump and others in their obstruction of justice charge. This happened after switching attorneys representing him.

Taveras was previously represented by a defense attorney paid for by a Trump political action committee. A new lawyer from the federal defender's office in Washington is now representing him.

His former lawyer, Stanley Woodward, also represents Trump's co-defendant Walt Nauta, as well as other people closely related to Donald Trump himself.

Taveras was not charged alongside the other Mar-a-Lago employees, Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira. The security aide was reportedly the employee that Trump co-defendant Carlos de Oliveira approached to delete the Mar-a-Lago security tapes that have been subpoenaed by the DOJ.

'Trump Employee 4' Flip Led to New Charges Vs. Donald Trump

Yuscil Taveras's revised testimony and flip led to the dramatic turn of events that not just led to additional charges against Donald Trump but also de Oliveira.

According to NBC News, after changing attorneys, Taveras learned that the DOJ was investigating him on suspicion of having made false statements in his previous grand jury testimony. This led to him flipping on his employer.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Indicted Along With 18 Allies in Georgia Election Probe

"Immediately after receiving new counsel, Trump Employee 4 retracted his prior false testimony and provided information that implicated Nauta, [Carlos] De Oliveira, and Trump in efforts to delete security camera footage, as set forth in the superseding indictment," said the newly-unsealed filing.

Prosecutors have stated that Trump employee Carlos De Oliveira had tried to get Taveras to delete Mar-a-Lago security footage after a subpoena had been made. However, when initially asked about this, Taveras "repeatedly denied or claimed not to recall any contacts or conversations about the security footage at Mar-a-Lago."

'Trump Employee 4' Also Incriminated Donald Trump Aide Walt Nauta in Classified Documents Case

After the flip, Stanley Woodward may be facing a conflict of interest as his former client is testifying against his current client.

"The target letter to Trump Employee 4 crystallized a conflict of interest arising from Mr. Woodward's concurrent representation of Trump Employee 4 and Nauta," wrote the prosecutors in the filing.

"Advising Trump Employee 4 to correct his sworn testimony would result in testimony incriminating Mr. Woodward's other client, Nauta, but permitting Trump Employee 4's false testimony to stand uncorrected would leave Trump Employee 4 exposed to criminal charges for perjury," wrote the prosecutors added.

The trial has been set for May 20, 2024, per the Associated Press. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges levied against him.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Election Interference Co-Conspirators Turning on Each Other

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: BREAKING: Star witness in federal trial FLIPS on Trump - Brian Tyler Cohen
BrainLogic AI, a tech firm co-founded by renowned artificial intelligence or AI experts from Uruguay, has revealed a significant achievement with a $5 million investment round earmarked for developing Zapia, a groundbreaking AI assistant explicitly tailored for the Latin America market.

This round could potentially be the largest AI investment in the region to date, according to AccessWire.

Zapia, created by distinguished Latam entrepreneurs and researchers, is designed as a personalized AI assistant accessible through WhatsApp, meticulously customized to cater to the nuances of Latin American culture and preferences.

The service is already accessible to a limited user base at zapia.com, with plans to open up availability through a waitlist.

Zapia empowers users to swiftly access up-to-date local information, discover local product and service prices, stay informed through daily news updates, and even transcribe audio messages.

Looking ahead, Zapia aims to revolutionize daily life for Latin Americans, streamlining tasks like purchasing goods and services, making reservations, and more, all with utmost efficiency.

Factory HQ, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm founded by Stanford AI experts, led the capital round.

The tremendous interest in the initiative surpassed expectations, leading to an oversubscribed round.

BrainLogic AI assembled a prominent team of investors and advisors, including Diego Oppenheimer, Partner at Factory HQ and Uruguayan AI entrepreneur based in Seattle, who emphasized the team's exceptional aptitude for seizing this pivotal opportunity in the Latin American AI landscape.

READ NEXT: AI and Algorithms

AI's Impact on Latin America Businesses

AI's growing influence on various sectors in Latin America is undeniable, Contxto reported.

From enhancing operational efficiency to optimizing sales and marketing strategies, companies across the region are realizing the potential of AI to propel growth.

A venture capital fund ALLVP report underscores this trend, revealing that 46% of corporate entities in Latin America have already integrated AI into their daily operations.

A staggering 93% of these businesses have plans to adopt AI in the future, underlining the technology's critical role in maintaining competitiveness in today's business realm.

The OECD's AI Policy Observatory reinforces this trend, indicating that in 2022, financial and insurance services dominated AI-related venture capital investments across multiple Latin American countries.

Peru witnessed the entirety of its venture capital investments in AI startups directed toward the AI industry itself. In Chile and Colombia, the proportions were 53% and 38%, respectively.

However, Mexico diverged from this pattern, allocating 56% of AI investments to the logistics, retail, and wholesale sectors.

Meanwhile, Argentina and Brazil saw IT infrastructure startups claiming the lead, with 58% and 38% of investments, respectively.

Uruguay directed all its AI investments to the business process and support service sector.

However, while AI promises substantial benefits, it also brings forth challenges.

Fifty-five percent of respondents expressed concerns over data privacy, while 53% highlighted cybersecurity and regulatory compliance concerns. These apprehensions resonate across established companies and startups alike.

AI's Potential to Deepen Technological Disparities

While AI's potential for uplifting the quality of life across Latin America is evident, experts warn of its potential to widen existing technological disparities, per FOX News.

Jordi Albo-Canals, CSO and co-founder of Lighthouse Disruptive Innovation Group, raised concerns about who controls AI-generated data and how access to the technology remains limited in certain regions.

Albo-Canals noted that with appropriate regulations, AI could actually bridge these gaps.

However, disparate approaches to AI adoption across Latin American countries reflect their distinct technological experiences.

Albo-Canals elaborated on societal tendencies to avoid risks and mitigate them by advising the adoption of various technologies.

While certain universities in the US actively encourage students to embrace tools like ChatGPT, a contrasting approach is observed in many Latin American countries.

In his experience, some countries, such as Mexico, have taken a cautious and conservative stance by attempting to restrict the use of such technologies.

This approach, he believes, is intended to safeguard and protect. Yet, it inadvertently widens the gap in training new professionals, including engineers and specialists.

Such restrictions could hinder students from becoming proficient coders due to limited exposure to these technologies during their education.

READ MORE: Mexico Bus Crash Kills 16, Hurts Dozens

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Artificial Intelligence a new threat to jobs, research shows - From 7NEWS Australia
Editors note: This story has been updated with new details from a Jersey Mikes franchisee.

A popular sandwich chain is readying to unveil its fifth regional site in Forks Township.

Exterior and interior work is completed on the Jersey Mikes restaurant in one of two newly constructed buildings at Sullivan Trail and Town Center Boulevard. Jersey Mikes franchisee Gerrit Curran told lehighvalleylive.com the eatery is expected to grand open Sept. 13, but delays could push it to Sept. 20.

The grand opening is expected to include a fundraiser for ProJeCt of Easton. The organization helps economically and educationally disadvantaged adults and children in the Lehigh Valley.

The Forks sandwich shop will join at least four other Jersey Mikes sites at 7150 Hamilton Boulevard, in Upper Macungie Township; 3770 Dryland Way, in Lower Nazareth Township; at MacArthur Town Centre, 2548 MacArthur Road, in Whitehall; and at the Tilghman Square shopping center, 4670 Broadway in South Whitehall Township.

A neighboring space in that same 3,200-square-foot Forks building, 1512 Sullivan Trail, also is set to occupy a Starbucks, complete with with drive-thru. Sean Leonard, founding member at N3 Real Estate & Development and managing member of Cedarwood Properties LLC, told lehighvalleylive.com interior construction work on the Starbucks site is slated to begin sometime this fall and expected to be completed by early 2024.

The Forks site will then join several Starbucks locations across the region, including in Bethlehem Township; Bethlehem, Lehigh County; Hellertown; Hanover Township, Lehigh County; the Allentown area; Lower Macungie Township; Upper Saucon Township; and in Pohatcong Township. There also is a Starbucks at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall.

There are plans for even more Starbucks sites, including along Sullivan Trail (Route 115) in Plainfield Township, and in a shopping center along Easton Avenue in Bethlehem, under developer Posh Properties.

Initial plans showed the Forks Starbucks would have about six employees working at a single time. There would be seating for 10 people and 11 parking spaces. A Starbucks spokeswoman previously said the Forks Township location would employ a total of 25-30 workers.

The second newly-constructed Forks building, 1510 Sullivan Trail, includes a freestanding Chase Bank branch. That 3,500-square-foot site is slated to open Sept. 6, Leonard said.

Chase Bank has multiple other regional sites, including in the Allentown area in Pennsylvania, as well as Phillipsburg and Hackettstown areas in Warren County, New Jersey. Theres more than 4,700 branches nationally, according to its website.

Developer Cedarwood Properties received final approval in June 2021 from the township for the project on a more than one-acre site. The developer in winter 2020-21 demolished a defunct Ritas Italian Ice, an adjacent two-story home, and Aqua Pool & Spa Supply Inc. for the project.

The coronavirus pandemic, however, delayed the project and led to Cedarwood Properties scaling back some plans. Initial plans had called for four tenants in a single building versus the revised three tenants in two separate buildings.

At the time, plans showed at least 44 other parking spaces for Jersey Mikes and Chase Bank. Its unclear, however, if the parking lot continues to be that large under the revised proposal. Plans meet all the townships parking requirements, Leonard said Wednesday.

Manasquan, New Jersey-based Jersey Mikes is known for its premium meats and cheeses sliced on-the-spot and piled high on in-store baked bread. Cold choices include Jersey Shores Favorite, which is provolone and raised-without-antibiotics ham and cappacuolo; Club Supreme, which is roast beef, Swiss, applewood smoked bacon and raised-without-antibiotics turkey; and the Stickball Special, which is provolone, ham raised-without-antibiotics and salami.

Hot choices include the Chipotle Cheese Steak, with grilled onions, peppers, white American cheese; and BBQ Beef, with USDA choice top round sliced fresh and smothered in BBQ sauce.

Some of the eateries depict wall images of the Jersey Shore, paying homage to the original Point Pleasant location, which opened in 1956, according to the chains website. Today, there are more than 2,500 locations open or under development nationally.

Starbucks is known for its specialty beverages, including handcrafted espresso and tea drinks, as well as refreshers, which are made with real fruit juice and lightly caffeinated with green coffee extract in such flavors as kiwi starfruit, mango dragonfruit and strawberry acai. It also offers breakfast and lunch sandwiches, protein boxes, yogurt parfaits, oatmeal, and baked goods.

The site of the new buildings sit directly in front of an existing McDonalds on one side of Town Center Boulevard. The strip mall also includes a Hawaii Poke Bowl, Lafayette Cleaners, Dollar General and pizzeria. On the other side theres a Giant Food Stores, Verizon Wireless, Italian restaurant and other retailers.

A Chase Bank branch on Sept. 6, 2023 is set to open at a newly-constructed Forks Township building at 1510 Sullivan Trail. The building neighbors a second newly-constructed building, in which a Jersey Mike's also is set to open and a Starbucks.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
UPDATE: Man dies in fire on Eastons South Side

The Northampton County Coroners Office was called to a house fire Tuesday night on Eastons South Side, a county 911 dispatch supervisor confirmed.

Coroner Zachary Lysek and his staff respond only to incidents in which someone is pronounced dead.

Tuesday nights fire was reported at 8:40 p.m. in a two-story home in the 900 block of Glendon Avenue.

The Easton and Palmer Municipal fire department responded, with firefighters setting up blue tarps to shield the front yard of the home as the investigation got underway.

Police closed off West Canal Street, which becomes Glendon Avenue, on the east of the scene and Glendon Avenue to the west.

Fire Chief Henry Hennings was at the incident but not immediately available for comment.

A Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal also was called to assist with the investigation, the 911 dispatcher said.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
Aug. 23 is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, and Pennsylvania is looking for new recruits to help make sure every Election Day runs smoothly.

It takes 45,000 poll workers to staff Pennsylvanias 9,000 voting locations, the state department said in a news release. State Secretary Al Schmidt called it among the most rewarding acts of civic engagement you can ever perform.

Pennsylvanias poll workers must be registered voters. Seventeen-year-olds can also serve with permission from their school principal and parent or guardian.

The Vote.Pa.gov website has online forms for students and adults (available via the links).

The forms ask for agreement to attend mandatory training and understanding that work may extends beyond Election Day polling hours (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.). The forms also ask about willingness to travel in county, any other languages spoken and additional relevant skills.

Poll workers are paid for training and Election Day work.

It is #HelpAmericaVote Day. Poll workers, especially people who speak Spanish or Mandarin, are needed in all counties.... Posted by PA Department of State on Wednesday, August 23, 2023

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Tax-weary homeowners and renters in New Jersey can make new plans for their long-term budgets.

Eligible residents can expect to receive their ANCHOR property tax relief payment every year in the fall, the state Division of Taxation told NJ Advance Media.

Payments for the first ANCHOR benefit, which was for the 2019 tax year, didnt go out until the end of March 2023.
A search operation in Laois for a man thought to have been murdered could continue for a number of days.

William Delaney, who was 56 and lived in Portlaoise, went missing four years ago and is believed to have been murdered. Gardai acting on information are now searching for his remains at a location outside Portlaoise.

The ongoing search is taking place at bogland at Kyletalesha. Its understood Garda are conducting a very detailed search of a relatively small patch of land. They are using a mechanical digger to assist in the search.

The area is located off the main N80 Portlaoise to Mountmellick Road near the council-run Kyletalesha landfill. Its understood gardai, acting on information, identified an area of interest to focus their search and this is where the digger is being used.

They are also combing the surrounding area for anything of evidential value. The Leinser Express / Laois Live understands that the search could continue for a number of days.

Mr Delaney went missing on January 30, 2019. The Tipperary native had been living in Fielbrook, Portlaoise with his family at the time of his disappearance.

On the morning he vanished, Mr Delaney left Portlaoise Hospital where he had been receiving treatment. Gardai established that he collected his welfare payments at Portlaoise Post Office after leaving the hospital.

The last confirmed sighting of Mr Delaney was at approximately 3pm on January 30, 2019 in Monasterevin, Co Kildare where he called to visit a relative who lived in the area. The relation wasnt at home but William was spotted outside the premises which is situated on the old Cork-Dublin Road directly opposite the Hazel Hotel. Mr Delaney was then reported missing by his family on March 6, 2019.

In June 2019 Gardai received information that William Delaney had been killed and that his body had been buried at a location in Laois. A comprehensive search was conducted in the area surrounding the Rock of Dunamaise but no remains were discovered.

In May of this year a 29 year-old man was sentenced to two months in prison at Portlaoise District Court for providing false information in relation to the location of Mr Delaneys remains.
People coming to Laois to the Electric Picnic are being urged to add ear protection to their festival packs because of the risk of damage to their hearing that can result in tinnitus.

As the festival season rolls into Stradbally, Specsavers say research they commissioned revealed that 81% of festival goers admit they often leave such events with their ears ringing, which could be damaging to their hearing.

Of those surveyed, 14% love the sheer noise of a festival, with 22% saying there is nothing better than the feeling of the bass running through their bones or standing in the middle of a crowd. Almost half of those surveyed are convinced that their hearing has been damaged because of the loud noise.

Specsavers say research also revealed that 67% of people have never worn ear plugs or ear defenders at a festival or a concert. A total of 92% of those questioned also didnt know that it can take just five minutes for hearing damage to occur at a festival, with half also admitting they have never had a hearing test.

Picnicers are urged to protect their hearing was at the bottom of the list of festival essentials for those surveyed, with only 15 percent saying they would bring ear plugs and even fewer (10%) saying they would prioritise taking ear defenders.

Simon Baker was a successful DJ/producer and had releases on labels such as Kompa Kt, Cocoon and Last Night On Earth. He developed tinnitus due to over-exposure to loud noise.

I had what you could call a dream career. Working in the music industry as a touring DJ, music producer and sound engineer, I had been surrounded by loud music for years and never thought much of it. I wasn't particularly taking that much care of my health in my early days, and I wasnt too aware of the impact my lifestyle could have been having on my health, and then I developed tinnitus which led to a lot of stress.

My tinnitus started low level but increased over time, it really made me worry about the impact it could have on my life and career. Now, I want to encourage everyone to be aware of how to prevent tinnitus. The most important things are to wear ear protection in loud places and get your ears tested regularly."

The top essentials on the festival packing list included:

Water bottles (70%),

Sunscreen (67%),

Sunglasses (64%),

Wet wipes (55%)

Toothbrush (55%)

Hat (46%),

Painkillers (53%).

Martina McNulty, Specsavers Ireland Audiology Chairperson, advises: Hearing loss affects people of all ages and unfortunately the longer we leave hearing issues, the worse they can become. Therefore, it is vitally important to look after your hearing, especially when at festivals, gigs, concerts or anywhere just in general wheres theres loud music or noise. Wearing hearing protection, such as ear plugs can really help, and having regular hearing checks can help identify and manage hearing loss symptoms and minimise any long-term impact.

Specsavers say the survey of 2,000 UK and Irish adults was commissioned was conducted by Perspectus Global in June 2023.
Simon Harris has said he will not be asking his constituents to pay more money to RTE without a clear reform plan presented by the broadcaster.

The Minister for Further and Higher Education was speaking as new figures indicate there has been a further drop in TV licence fee revenues, putting pressure on the Government to make a decision on a long-term funding model for RTE.

Figures supplied by the Department of Tourism, Culture and the Media to the PA news agency show that 9,041 TV licences were purchased in the third week in August, compared to 12,507 licences in the same week last year.

The 160 euro licence fee, an obligatory payment for households with a television, goes towards funding operations at Irelands public service broadcaster.

Ministers are due to discuss what level of interim funding should be given to RTE as part of Budget 2024.

Speaking to reporters in Dublin on Wednesday, Mr Harris said of a long-term funding model: Before I ask any of my constituents in County Wicklow to spend any more money in relation to any of these matters  and at the end of day thats what Government money is, its not magic money, its money that comes from the people of Ireland  we need to see a very clear reform plan for RTE, Mr Harris told reporters in Dublin.

And I respectfully suggest, when people keep on saying: What is the Government going to do?  what is RTE going to do?

It is for RTE and the RTE board now to come forward with a plan that shows that theres a different culture, that theres a different attitude in relation to RTE and to show the people of Ireland that they can have confidence that the money being invested in RTE is going into public service broadcasting.

Lets remember this whole controversy and sorry saga, in my view, really was rested in the fact that there was a clear blurring of the lines between more public service broadcasting or commercial activities, and thats what needs to be unpicked.

He said the current Government would make a decision on a long-term funding model for the broadcaster before the next general election.

But we also cant be ignorant to the fact that we have just gone through a period of huge upheaval, where public trust and confidence has been eroded, and Government now awaits to hear from RTE, from the new leadership team there, from the board as to their plan.

I heard questions being asked at Oireachtas committees around what is public service broadcasting, and is everything that RTE does public service broadcasting?. I thought that answer lacked serious clarity, he said.

The crisis at Irelands public broadcaster began on June 22 when RTE said it had not correctly declared fees to its then highest-paid earner Ryan Tubridy between 2017-2022, but has widened out to other financial and governance matters.

In the last week of June, the week after the RTE controversy first arose, 10,612 licences were bought, compared to 15,825 in 2022.

Across the month of July, 40,103 licences were bought, which compares to 57,400 in the same month last year. (Week 1: 11,241 vs 15,432; week 2: 8,922 vs 12,981; week 3: 9,279 vs 14,836; week 4: 10,661 vs 14,151)

In the first three weeks of August, 25,568 licences were bought, representing a drop from the figure of 40,147 in 2022. (Week 1: 9,361 vs 15,030; week 2: 7,166 vs 12,610; week 3: 9,041 vs 12,507.)

This is 37,089 fewer licences across eight weeks when compared directly to the numbers bought in the same period last year, representing a possible loss of 5.9 million euro.

The Department of Media has warned that there are variations during the year in TV licence purchases, and weekly figures may not accurately reflect a drop in the annual figure.

It said: The buying or renewal of a TV licence is something that can be done 365 days of the year through various methods.

While reminders are sent out on the expiration of the TV licence, variations can occur in the timing of the purchase/renewal of a licence, and as such the number of valid licences on a given day is not recorded as it may not give a true picture of overall annual sales.

The annual sales figures provide the more complete picture, and determines actual revenues.

There was a total of 947,924 licences bought in 2022; 951,454 licences in 2021; 961,277 in 2020; 1,025,534 in 2019; and 1,038,986 in 2018.

Media Minister Catherine Martin said in mid-July that she was monitoring the TV licence figures to see if it becomes a long-term trend, while chairwoman of the broadcasters board Siun Ni Raghallaigh said there is concern about the decline among the organisations board and management.

RTE director-general Kevin Bakhurst announced last week that Tubridy would not return to his weekly radio programme because trust had broken down between the two sides.

Tubridy, who has not spoken publicly since the decision, posted a video of a coastline on Wednesday with the caption: A new dawn, a new day, a new beginning. Stay tuned for more
Minister Simon Harris has described a dispute between the national governing body for triathlons and the organisers of an event in which two competitors died at the weekend as unedifying.

Ivan Chittenden, in his 60s and from Toronto in Canada, and Brendan Wall, who was in his 40s and living in the UK but originally from Co Meath, died competing in an Ironman event on Sunday.

They died in the swimming segment of the triathlon at Claycastle beach in Youghal, Co Cork.

Triathlon Ireland is reeling from the news that Ivan Chittenden & Brendan Wall, athletes in the Ironman Cork event in Youghal, tragically died yesterday morning while participating in the race. Read statement from CEO Darren Coombes Click the link l https://t.co/glQRIJx5g5 pic.twitter.com/psxgftWV7B  Triathlon Ireland (@tri_ireland) August 21, 2023

Triathlon Ireland has said it did not sanction the event, but a dispute erupted on Tuesday over the timeline of when exactly they informed Ironman Ireland of this and whether it was before the race began.

Triathlon Ireland has said an investigation is ongoing, and that it would provide any assistance the authorities needed.

Gardai are preparing a file for the attention of the Cork City coroner.

Cork County Council, the events host sponsor, said it was seeking a full account of the incident from Ironman Ireland.

The council said it would determine its position as the host sponsor for next years event once it had considered both the full account from Ironman and any coroners inquest.

Speaking to reporters in Lucan, Minister for Higher and Further Education Mr Harris said the thoughts of people across the country were with the family and friends of the men who had died in the horrifically sad tragedy.

Mr Harris said: I think being very honest, I think some of the disagreement around facts has been unedifying to put it mildly.

Its really important the truth is established and there can only, obviously, be one set of facts.

My colleague Minister Thomas Byrne has been pretty clear in relation to Sport Ireland now having the space and the opportunity to help try and ascertain some of those facts.

And Im also very conscious that the gardai will be preparing a file for the coroner too, so therell be a number of processes that are under way.

He added: I do think it is really important that the truth emerges, its really important that we move beyond statements and counter-statements and different versions and that the facts are established.

Speaking to RTE radio, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said it was too early to say whether there should be a public inquiry.

She said: This is an absolute tragedy and is devastating for all of their families. I think we need to understand whats happened.

Marc O Cathasaigh, a Green Party TD who has been involved in organising and taking part in triathlons, said: I do think its very worrying that we have conflicting accounts from Triathlon Ireland and from the Ironman brand.

Asked on RTEs Morning Ireland why so many people had taken part in the event given the conditions, he said months of training was needed for the event.

If the race gun is starting, I think thered be very few athletes who wouldnt step up and make that start, he said.

In a previous life, I was pretty deeply involved with @WaterfordTri and involved in organising events for the club. If your TI Official said no, that was that, and they took that role and responsibility extremely seriously, in my experience. https://t.co/PV4FKrtKQl  Marc O Cathasaigh TD (@MarcKC_Green) August 22, 2023

And thats why the role of people like the officials in Triathlon Ireland and within the Ironman event, its critical that they make those decisions  and very difficult decisions often to make  but to take those decisions in the interest of athletes safety.

Sinn Feins spokesperson on sport Chris Andrews has called for an independent inquiry into the conditions on the day, and said Sport Ireland should take a central role in this.

But Mr O Cathasaigh said that the authorities needed to be given space to make an initial determination.

Because, while looking at the videos, I can see that the conditions were certainly difficult, and we do know that two men lost their lives during the course of the event, but at this point, it hasnt been clearly established that one thing is associated with the other and thats the appropriate first step to take, he said.

Some competitors have spoken out about the sea conditions on Sunday morning, stating that there were rolling waves 10ft to 15ft high that had thrown competitors back towards the rocks.

People reported seeing some competitors panicking in the water and others said they had stopped to assist athletes who were in distress.
Irish households pay on average 1,000 more each year on gas and electricity bills than their European counterparts, it has emerged.

Bills in Ireland are 80pc higher than the European Union average, according to the Household Energy Price Index.

The index is commissioned by the Austrian energy regulator and the Hungarian energy regulator.

The price of energy in the capital cities of 32 European countries and Britain, which is not in the EU, is compared in the index.

Its latest survey shows electricity prices here are the highest of the 32 capitals surveyed.

The latest figures show that Irish households are facing another winter of sky-high gas and electricity bills due to the Governments failure to act on sky-high energy prices, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.

Deputy Whitmore, who is the partys spokesperson on energy, said: It is completely unacceptable that domestic customers in Ireland are paying almost 1,000 more every year for their electricity than the European average. According to the Household Energy Price Index, bills here are 80 per cent higher than the EU average.

This is despite the fact that figures released by the Central Statistics Office this week showed that wholesale electricity prices fell by 64 per cent in July compared to the same time last year. In fact, electricity costs on the wholesale market are now lower than at any time during the past two years.

Speaking in the Dail last February, the Taoiseach signaled that energy companies would be taken to task by the Government if prices did not come down fast enough. But more than six months later, there is still no indication of when these exorbitant prices are going to fall.

The Minister for Finance said this week that it should not fall on the taxpayer to help householders with their energy costs this winter. However, it is inevitable that further State supports will be a feature of the upcoming Budget given the Governments failure to act on these enormous energy costs.

As families once again worry about the cost of heating their homes this winter, it is difficult to understand why the Government continues to treat energy companies with kid gloves, Deputy Whitmore said.

On Tuesday of this week, it emerged that wholesale electricity prices had reached their lowest point in two years after falling by 64% in the 12 months to July.

This comes after a further decline in prices recorded in June, down by a third compared to June 2022, according to figures published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

However, Daragh Cassidy of bonkers.ie recently wrote that there may be no change in domestic charges for a number of months, as energy suppliers buy their energy for delivery at different times throughout the year, and sometimes up to 12 or 24 months in advance through hedging.
A meeting is being organised to try and reinstate Meals on Wheels in Portlaoise.

The service, which had provided between 25 and 27 meals to elderly people in Portlaoise, has been out of operation since late June.

It is being acknowledged as a big loss for the county which has Meals on Wheels in Durrow, Portarlington and Mountmellick. The service is vital to many older people and helps them stay fed and feel secure in their own homes.

Meals on Wheels Network Development Officer at Irish Rural Link, Tracey Noone is well aware of the need for the service in Portlaoise.

She works with the national Meals on Wheels network under the umbrella of Irish Rural Link dealing with 260 providers across the country.

A gap exists hugely in Portlaoise. We are fully aware of the position in Portlaoise, she acknowledged.

Ms Noone said Rafters Cafe in Portlaoise Shopping Centre had provided the service on a completely voluntary basis with no funding whatsoever.

They werent linked in with the HSE they were running a cafe, they saw the need, she explained.

Rafters Cafe was supplying hot meals to between 25 and 27 people in Portlaoise on a regular basis until the Cafe closed in January of this year.

Hares Corner in Mountmellick were approached and they agreed to take over the service temporarily, explained Ms Noone.

However, in June this year the temporary arrangement with Hares Corner ended as they were unable to continue providing the service beyond the end of June due to funding and business constraints.

She was very, very heartbroken that she couldnt continue the service, Ms Noone explained.

The HSE, ourselves, Laois County Council, we are all aware of the gap that exists in Portlaoise, Ms Noone said. She said surrounding towns have their own service but are unable to cover Portlaoise.

She described the situation as extremely frustrating and said all of the relevant agencies were working hard to try and resolve the situation.

We are trying to identify a way of bridging the gap in Portlaoise, she said.

It is a service that is vital and essential, said Ms Noone.

She explained that for some of the service users the Meals on Wheels volunteers might be the only people they meet in a day so there was a social element. They also check in on people in rural areas.

Ms Noone said Laois County Council, the HSE and Meals on Wheels are due to hold a meeting in relation to Portlaoise in mid September. She said they would welcome a conversation with any groups or providers who may be willing to help re-establish the service.

Ms Noone explained that there are funding streams available for Meals on Wheels but they need to have volunteers and a provider onboard.

If we can get a group together and we could look at the options then, she said.

All agencies and all organisations are doing their utmost best to resolve the situation, said Ms Noone.

She said they are open to talking to any groups or possible providers who might be interested in providing the service.

Labour Councillor Marie Tuohy said she had been contacted in relation to the lack of the service.

We would be hoping that we would get the volunteers that were initially involved back in, she said.

She described the generosity displayed by the owners of Rafters Cafe as amazing and said she was hopeful another provider could be found.

Cllr Tuohy said the service was not just important in relation to nourishing those who are hungry.

To have somebody at the door, a persons day could revolve around that, she said.

She expressed a hope that the service would resume soon in Portlaoise.

Details of Meals on Wheels can be found here: https://mealsonwheelsnetwork.ie/
Parents of secondary school children in Emo and The Rock attending school in Mountmellick have lost out in a lottery for school bus places.

When students return to school this week, at least four families who applied for concessionary tickets to travel on the school bus to Mountmellick Community School (MCS) were told they had been unsuccessful in the lottery, a local parents group said.

This bus service is less than ten months in existence and hence the need/ demand for seats has not been adequately determined during this duration, they argued.

By not assessing the number of applicants, for at least a year of operation, the Government and Bus Eireann created a logjam, pitted classmate against classmate, claimed a group spokesperson.

The families concerned were approved and had bus seats for their children last year, on this new service, the spokesperson added.

The Parents Group is calling on Minister for Education, Norma Foley to revise established criteria for this particular case and resolve this situation to ensure that it is not repeated. They also asked that students who attain a bus ticket in their first year have it for the duration of their secondary school education.

There is a strong case for an additional bus service or bigger sized bus to be added - to cater for the children seeking to attend Mountmellick Community School. Quite simply, this particular school bus route of less than ten months in operation - needs a service to be provided for the demand, they said.

"You have to remember that these same families along with 27 other local families, went public last year - to fight an arduous yet successful campaign to get the school bus route (Emo/The Rock rural villages to Mountmellick) re-established, after over 20 years of no service on this route," claimed the spokesperson.

The group welcomed the addition of the service and the difference it has made to their lives.

We have managed to take over 100 car trips off Emo to Mountmelllick road every day. A huge impact on reducing carbon in a rural community, without having to place extra taxes on anybody, they said.

Although the bus was reinstated at end of October 2022 for the remainder of that school term, parents are now being notified that their children who had bus tickets last year - were being denied places this year.

The group said its members are enraged and asked how was it a fair and equitable system?

There is enormous anxiety and despair felt by the parents and pupils concerned, at a time when they should be relaxed after the summer break. These parents are frantic now trying to appeal the decision. Worry is also expressed by all other families depending on this particular bus service. They fear that, it could be any family (under the concessionary ticket system) in the same position next year, the group added.

The Parents of pupils attending Emo/The Rock to MCS School Transport Group say they are determined to stand together and fight once again this year for a bus service that caters for all families in need of this bus service.

In an email from Bus Eireann Athlone Regional Office last week, the parents group said a parent of one of the children who had lost out on a school bus ticket was informed that: routes will not be extended or altered, additional vehicles will not be introduced, nor will larger vehicles or extra trips using existing vehicles be provided to cater for children travelling on a concessionary basis.

They say Bus Eireann advised the parents that "your son/daughter is not eligible for transport to his/her chosen school" and that "concessionary spaces are not available as the service is at full capacity".

Bus Eireann administers the School Transport Scheme on behalf of the Department of Education. The guidelines of the Post Primary Scheme outline that in order to be considered eligible for school transport; pupils must reside not less than 4.8kms from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by the Department of Education/Bus Eireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats. Due to the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places. In these cases Bus Eireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using a random selection process.

The Minister for Education constantly reiterates that school bus scheme is a demand led system. That in itself shows it good planning is possible, year to year. Universal school transport for all school-going children is ultimately required and it would move reduce traffic pinch points in towns like Mountmellick. Abolishing the distance criteria would be a first step towards universality that would reflect the realities of students and families. The Department of Education and the Government needs to step up here and provide places for every child, the Parents Group spokesperson said.
The fire service in the Curragh Camp is one of a number of areas under review.

A spokesperson for the Department of Defence told the Leinster Leader: "As part of the implementation of the Working Time Directive (WTD) and following consultation with the Representative Associations, Oglaigh na hEireann is reviewing all of our current operational outputs.

"The Fire Service in the Curragh Camp is one of a number of areas under review."

The spokesperson continued: "Once the review is complete recommendations will be presented to the Minister for Defence.

"At this point no decision has been made regarding the continued operation of the Fire Service in the Curragh Camp."

Speaking on Kildare FM radio's Kildare Today programme earlier today, Independent TD Dr Cathal Berry, who previously served in the Army Ranger Wing, said that he would not be in favour of closing the station.

He also said that the main reason the station is under review is the staff crisis in the Defence Forces.

Sinn Fein TD Reada Cronin has also urged the Defence Forces not to close the station.

Ms Cronin, who is her party's spokesperson for defence matters, said that she has written to An Tanaiste asking him 'to examine, urgently, any mooted closure of the fire station at the Curragh Camp.'

She said a designated fire service at the camp is 'essential, given it is already so much relied on and that there are munitions on site.'

Ms Cronin elaborated: "To deprive the Curragh Camp of its fire service because of a lack of Defence-Force personnel would be retrograde and reckless.

"Staff at the Curragh must have the physical and psychological security of an emergency service as they, themselves, work diligently and loyally in the service of the State."

She continued: "The current poor working conditions of staff in the fire service reflect the wider personnel crisis across the Defence Forces.

"Our Defence Forces have been neglected and have been deprived of government money, respect and attention... this must change and urgently.

"I have asked the Tanaiste to make sure the fire station at the Curragh Camp remains open and that he address the wider issues of pay, conditions and recruitment in our Defence Forces with equal urgency," she concluded.

In addition, Fianna Fail Senator Fiona O'Loughlin also echoed the sentiments of Dr Berry TD and Ms Cronin TD.

Senator O'Loughlin said: "The fire station at the Curragh is an important service, and the 160 callouts a year are testament to that.

"I spoke to my party Leader, the Minister for Defence, Micheal Martin, about the potential closure of the service.

"It is important to note that the recommendation came from the Defence Forces themselves, not from Government, however, I made the case strongly to the Tanaiste that this be retained."

She continued: "There are issues in terms of the work time directive, and we are all aware of the recruitment and retention issues within the Defence Forces, but I want to see these issues worked through.

"The fire service has been in existence for 120 years, and we need to support it."

"I can confirm that no final decision has been made in terms of the closure, and I have lobbied and will continue to lobby the Minister and the Department to retain this service," the Senator concluded.
Data gathered by NCBI as part of its Clear Our Paths campaign shows that just 82 dog fouling fines were handed out by local councils over the course of 2022.

Information, provided by the local councils at the request of NCBI, showed that 17 councils from around the country handed out zero dog fouling fines over the course of last year. Kerry County Council had the highest number of fines with 27 and the council reported that there were two convictions related to those fines.

Dog fouling is a huge issue for people who are blind or vision impaired who use our footpaths daily. A recent NCBI survey showed that it was the third most frequent unexpected obstacle encountered by respondents. Not only can dog fouling cause a slip hazard, but it can also be distressing for white cane users whose canes are often dirtied by faeces.

Cars parked on footpaths emerged as the number one obstacle faced by respondents to our survey. NCBI recently learned that over 19,000 fines were handed out in 2022 for issues around street and inappropriate parking. Three councils reported that they had not handed out any fines, while Mayo County Council said there were no fines handed out in the Claremorris/Swinford area. Roscommon County Council said there are no traffic wardens in the county.

Parking inappropriately, especially on footpaths, causes a serious hazard for people who are blind or vision impaired. If a footpath is blocked, people with sight loss may be injured by walking into traffic to get around a vehicle, injured walking into the vehicle, or injured by stepping off kerbs in unfamiliar locations.

A full breakdown of the fines handed out for dog fouling and for cars parked inappropriately can be found below.

NCBI recognises local councils efforts and challenges to support clear paths in their communities and some councils provided information about positive steps they have taken to curb the dangers posed by dog fouling in particular.

Laois County Council confirmed that it had given out 96 mutt mitt dispensers to Tidy Towns groups around the county.

Tipperary County Council said it ran an anti-dog fouling stencil campaign in two municipal districts with messaging around cleaning up after a dog and about fines.

Wexford County Council said it, among other things, had provided free pooper scoopers and bins in towns, villages and at blue flag beaches.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Council said it runs a Green Dog Walkers programme to encourage all dog walkers to pick up after their pets.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithi de Roiste is supporting this years Clear Our Paths campaign with NCBI advocates who shared their concerns with him. He said: The stories and challenges Ive heard today have made it clear to me that we, the general public, need to work harder to keep our paths safe for people who are blind or vision impaired. It is important that we take an extra few seconds each day to ensure that our actions do not impact the ability of people who are blind or vision impaired to get out and about safely. Please support Clear Our Paths in whatever way you can, your small gesture can make a huge difference.

Aaron Mullaniff, Chief Services Officer with NCBI said: We would like to thank Lord Mayor Daithi de Roiste for his generous support of this important campaign. This new data we have gathered is a means to explain to the public the dangers of dog fouling on footpaths and the dangers of cars parked on footpaths. Firstly, the dog fouling data shows that councils cant be expected to police the issue alone. Its impractical to think that wardens could observe every single dog owner who doesnt clean up after their dog and then issue them with a fine. There needs to be significant effort from the public to clean up after their pets in the first instance. Its imperative that we all work to make our footpaths usable for all members in our communities.

Secondly, if councils have noted over 19,000 incidents of inappropriate parking by way of a fine, can you imagine how many undetected instances there are that will pose a real risk to those living with sight loss? Were asking everyone in Ireland to put yourself in a blind or vision impaired persons shoes when youre walking your pets, parking your car, putting out your bins or whatever it might be, and to act in a way thats considerate to those peoples needs.

As part of this campaign, NCBI has created a webpage aimed at supporting members of the public to have conversations with family members and friends about the importance of their own behaviour. We can all be active bystanders through our own actions and words and NCBI is asking people to start a positive conversation to encourage others to make sure our footpaths are clear and safe for everyone in our community.

NCBIs #ClearOurPaths campaign will run across social media from August 21st to 25th, highlighting the different obstacles each day. We encourage others to join us by sharing on their social media channels too. Together, we can garner a greater understanding among the public about the needs of people with sight loss and how unexpected obstacles can impact their daily lives.
Aklama anthropomorphic statuettes, 20th century. Ghana and Togo, Dangme and Ewe cultures. Wood, natural pigments. Ewa and Yves Develon collection. MUSEE DES CONFLUENCES/PIERRE-OLIVIER DESCHAMPS/AGENCE VU

In 2018, African art dealers and collectors Ewa and Yves Develon donated 40 works to Lyon's Musee des Confluences, to be shown in 2019 in the Desir d'art exhibition. From now on, their entire collection will be on display at the same museum, including almost 300 sculptures, masks, ritual and everyday objects. An exhibition, which opened in early June, is celebrating the event. This is not the first time that the Lyon institution has distinguished itself by its interest in non-Western art. Back in 2017, Antoine de Galbert entrusted the museum with the bulk of his collection of headdresses gathered from all over the world, consisting of over 300 headdresses and ornaments.

While it certainly can't compete with the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris, with its immense reserves, the Musee des Confluences is nonetheless tending to become one of France's richest in the arts that the critic Felix Feneon (1861-1944) once called the "arts from distant lands" in order to avoid improper adjectives  "exotic" or "primitive," for example.

This enrichment has come at a time when the process of translating artifacts from Africa to European and North American museums has been the subject of increasingly acute historical and critical analysis. Requests for restitution from the governments of countries that were once Belgian, British or French colonies have been coming thick and fast, and inquiries into the provenance and mode of acquisition of the objects have been on the increase.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes 'The end of colonial denial': Restitution is underway in European museums

At the same time, questions of museography have also been raised. It has become increasingly unsustainable to treat masks and sculptures as objects of artistic contemplation without mentioning what their religious and political uses were in the societies from which they came. We can thus hope that the 36 African pieces from the Marc Ladreit de Lacharriere collection donated to the Musee du Quai Branly in 2018 will be the last to have been encased in ostentatious glass cloches that would be better suited to jewelry.

Didactic trail

The presentation of the Develon donation has borne witness to the current and welcome evolution in this field. Although the pieces must be displayed in showcases, for conservation and security reasons, the latter have been designed to be unobtrusive. But it's the order of the exhibition that's most interesting. Neither geographical nor chronological, it is primarily didactic. At the entrance, shipping crates are piled up, as a reminder of the material history of the works, their departures, their journeys, and their life as trade objects that come to a close in a museum.

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The summit of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) in Johannesburg, South Africa, from Tuesday, August 22 to Thursday, August 24, while war rages in Ukraine, represents a collective identity whose demands cannot be ignored, but also one whose unspoken words  and indeed, deliberate omissions  cannot be overlooked. In a world that is becoming progressively less multilateral and more transactional, Europe needs to keep its cool, while keeping its eyes wide open.

The BRICS emerged in 2003, in the wake of the war in Iraq, under the initiative of Brazil, which like many others was appalled by the US intervention. The grouping embodies a political identity that dates back to the 1955 Bandung Conference in Indonesia, of countries seeking to emancipate themselves from Western control, aiming in particular to prevent the global agenda from being dictated or determined by the G7 countries alone. Not least in view of their growing economic clout and the fact that demographically speaking, they have become the largest group on the planet.

Today, almost twenty countries - and not insignificant ones - have applied to join the BRICS, and seventy-seven countries have been invited. The BRICS are a voice for a non-Western world in search of its own identity, one that wants to exist on its own without compromising the sovereignty of each of its members.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes China wants BRICS group to rival G7

This is their strength and their weakness. They are all in agreement when it comes to condemning Western encroachment, but they are not willing to share their power. The BRICS are therefore not an alliance, but a loose coalition of sovereign states. There is no discussion here about human rights, corruption or democracy. For many countries, this is where the coalition's appeal lies.

Global ambitions

The BRICS represent the demands of countries that want to talk about energy transition, climate change and debt reduction, and are concerned that financing Ukraine's reconstruction deprives them of financial resources to which they are legitimately entitled. In the Ukrainian question, the sometimes tense discussions that Europeans have had with the Global South have had less to do with the characterization of Russian aggression than with the emphasis  deemed excessive  that the West has placed on this issue.

They note that annual funding for the energy transition is not being met, although Europe has fulfilled its obligations. Finally, they are concerned that measures designed to combat climate change are leading to the prohibition of several deforestation-linked products from European markets.

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PLANNING permission looks set to be sought for a new 130-bed nursing home on the edge of the city.

Developers have signalled their intention to seek the green light from Limerick City and County Council for the elder care facility on land just off the R526 which links Raheen to Patrickswell.

According to a planning notice published in the Limerick Leader, Loughmore Healthcare No2 is seeking to construct the two-storey structure.

Also included at the site on lands in front of Loughmore Common is a biodiversity area and a separate building used to service the main nursing home.

The proposal would see 130 bed spaces across 128 bedrooms, with dining rooms, communal areas, a production kitchen and a first-floor terrace also included in the main complex.

Planning permission was granted by council in 2017 and 2020 for nursing home facilities on the same site.

The application in 2017 envisaged a 62-bed facility, while the bid in 2020 sought a nursing home with 82 single en-suite bedrooms.

Separate companies were named as the applicants on these applications - Limerick Healthcare Limited in 2017 and Loughmore Healthcare Ltd in 2020.

On this new application, Loughmore Healthcare No2 is the named applicant.

And the proposed bed numbers represent a more than 50% increase on what was proposed three years ago in terms of bed spaces, with 82 then, and 130 now.

Independent councillor Fergus Kilcoyne, who represents the area on the local authority has offered a warm welcome to the proposals.

He said: A nursing home where there are amenities nearby is most important. People who are able can go out and meet family and friends in the South Court Hotel, for example.

He acknowledged that nursing homes are badly needed.

We have an ageing population, and its important families do not have far to travel to go and see their loved ones. This would be a big bonus for the area, Cllr Kilcoyne added.

Earlier this year, the boss of Nursing Homes Ireland Tadhg Daly warned that urgent action was needed to prevent the closure of private nursing homes.

He said that facilities run by the HSE receive on average 69% more funding per patient, then homes run independent of the health service. This difference is sparking closures, he added.
THE GOOD people of Kilmallock and Templeglantine cant wait to roll out the red carpet to welcome the newly-crowned Rose of Tralee.

New York Rose Roisin Wiley, whose mum Majella (nee OReilly) is from Templeglantine and dad Eddie from Kilmallock, told Newstalk it was a dream come true.

My extended family still live in Ireland. Im very close to my Irish roots, said Roisin.

Kilmallock and Templeglantine are very proud of one of their own.

Her dad Eddie is Club Limerick New York chairman and a massive Limerick GAA supporter.

This will probably be the best year of his life! said Roisin, in reference to the hurlers' four-in-row and her new title.

Kilmallock-based councillor, Mike Donegan, said there was a great buzz all week, while Cllr Liam Galvin said it was a special occasion for Templeglantine.

Cllr Donegan said Kilmallock Tourism Development decorated a number of windows in the town with USA flags and banners wishing Roisin the best of luck.

On Monday night we had the Limerick jersey for Molli-Ann O'Halloran and we swapped it on Tuesday night for the New York Yankees! We were rooting for the Limerick Rose but obviously with the connections in Kilmallock and Templeglantine it was fantastic for Roisin, Majella and Eddie and the Wiley and OReilly families. Majella and Eddie are lovely people.

I would have known Eddie and, indeed, he was the best man at my late brother JJs wedding and vice versa so there is a strong family connection, said Cllr Donegan.

Roisins grandfather John Wiley passed away in 2015 but her grandmother Eileen is alive and well and residing in Beech Lodge Care Facility in Bruree.

Proprietor Anne Maria Moore said there has been a great excitement in the care facility in the build-up.

Eileen was counting down the days. Shes a lovely lady and is absolutely thrilled. Theyre watching it back today and having a party to celebrate, said Ms Moore.

Cllr Donegan said they are looking forward to welcoming Roisin to Kilmallock.

Well have to roll-out the red carpet and acknowledge her success in style with a presentation. There are a lot of family in Kilmallock, said Cllr Donegan.

On the other side of the county, Cllr Galvin said the pride Templeglantine have in Roisin was shown by the turn-out when the cavalcade of Roses passed through the village.

Its great that a local girl from just back the road is after winning the Rose of Tralee. There were contestants from all over the world - it is a remarkable achievement, said Cllr Galvin.

Sadly, her maternal grandparents are gone to her God.

I know her uncle Christy and Betty Walsh very well. As the crow flies, they live two miles from me. Were all delighted. The people of Glantine must be proud today - the OReilly family, nieces and nephews and cousins and we congratulate them all, said Cllr Galvin, who would also like to honour Roisin in her mothers homeplace. He suggested the Devon Inn Hotel as a lot of people from Templeglantine would like to attend the celebration.

Roisin also lived in Patrickswell for a year when she was younger so perhaps a third homecoming is on the cards.

Mayor Gerald Mitchell has extended his congratulations to Roisin.

Roisin was a very worthy winner and it is great to have such a strong Limerick connection to the International Rose of Tralee. The Wileys are a well-known and well-respected family in the Kilmallock area and I am delighted that they have this achievement to celebrate. Roisin is a fantastic representative of the Irish diaspora and clearly proud of her Limerick heritage. I wish her a fantastic 12 months and hope she enjoys every second of her time as International Rose of Tralee 2023, said Mayor Mitchell, who was also effusive in his praise for the Limerick Rose Molli-Ann OHalloran.

She did the county proud. Her personal story is very inspiring and I believe she has helped to give people a better understanding about autism. She has a wonderful singing voice as demonstrated with an outstanding performance on live television from the stage in Tralee.

I wish her all the best with her studies and I am sure we have not heard the last from this very impressive ambassador for Limerick, said Mayor Mitchell.
Hair transplantation offers an important aesthetic solution for many individuals experiencing hair loss. Turkey has gained worldwide recognition in the field of hair transplantation and has become a popular hub for hair transplant tourism, attracting numerous foreign patients. There are several top-tier hair transplant clinics in Turkey that provide high-quality services, experienced surgeons, and modern technologies to achieve successful outcomes.

List of The Best Hair Transplant Clinics in Turkey

Este Favor Hair Transplant Clinic

Dr. Serkan Aygn Hair Transplant Clinic

Dr. Emrah Cinik Hair Transplant Clinic

Ethica Hair Transplant Clinic

Transmed Hair Transplant

Acbadem Hair Transplant Clinic

Estetik International

Asmed Hair Transplant Clinic

Medical Park

Cosmedica Clinic

Adem & Havva Hair Transplant Clinic

What is Hair Transplantation? Is Turkey the Best in Hair Transplant Operations?

Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure performed to provide individuals experiencing hair loss or baldness with permanent and natural-looking hair. It is often used as an effective solution for the most common cause of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness), or other hair loss issues. Some of the best hair transplant clinics in Turkey include Este Favor Hair Transplant Clinic, Acbadem Hair Transplant Clinic, and Asmed Hair Transplant Clinic.

During a hair transplant, hair follicles are taken from a donor area and transplanted to areas that are bald or have thinning hair. Since the individual's own hair is used in the process, the results are both natural and long-lasting.

Turkey possesses a wealth of internationally recognized expertise in the field of hair transplantation, with skilled surgeons and experienced medical teams. The top hair transplant clinics prioritize patient satisfaction and success by adhering to high standards and utilizing cutting-edge technologies.

Turkey has become a global leader in hair transplant tourism. Offering high-quality services, attractive prices, and the opportunity for a pleasant vacation in addition to attracting a significant number of foreign patients. However, this situation can occasionally lead to overcrowding of clinics and fluctuations in service quality due to high demand.

Many patients who have undergone hair transplantation in Turkey return with successful outcomes and positive experiences. Positive testimonials serve as significant endorsements that support the reliability and success of hair transplant clinics. Considering the experiences of others regarding hair transplantation provides valuable references when selecting the best hair transplant clinic.

Turkey is globally recognized for its top-tier hair transplant clinics and high success rates in the field of hair transplantation. Individuals facing hair loss or baldness issues can achieve natural and lasting results through expert doctors and advanced technology in Turkey. Considering the opportunities in tourism and medical tourism, Turkey stands out as one of the best and preferred countries for hair transplantation.

For someone considering hair transplantation, consulting with an experienced and expert hair transplant surgeon is important for optimal treatment planning and setting realistic expectations. Hair transplantation can be an effective solution that enhances personal confidence and improves the quality of life, but it should be carried out with the correct method, expertise, and a carefully chosen hair transplant clinic in Turkey.

Turkeys Approach to Hair Transplant

Hair transplantation is an aesthetic surgical procedure that is becoming increasingly popular among individuals experiencing hair loss and Turkey has been recognized as one of the leading countries worldwide in the field of hair transplantation.

Hair transplantation is considered a significant aspect of aesthetic appearance and provides a reliable solution for individuals with hair loss issues. With its high-quality services, top hair transplant doctors, and competitive prices, Turkey has become a crucial destination for hair transplant tourism.

Turkey boasts numerous experienced surgeons specializing in hair transplant operations and technologically advanced medical clinics. In comparison to many Western countries, Turkey offers more cost-effective hair transplant costs, which is an appealing factor for international patients.

Combining its historical and touristic appeal with beauty, Turkey has become a popular choice for hair transplant tourism as patients have the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant vacation during their treatment period. Additionally, hair transplantation in Turkey continues to evolve and grow.

Continuous research on hair transplantation methods and devices allows for more effective, minimally invasive, and faster results. Robotic hair transplantation methods offer the capability to extract and implant hair follicles with greater precision and accuracy.

Hair transplantation is gaining increasing acceptance as a part of plastic surgery and is professionally performed by plastic surgeons in Istanbul. The best hair transplant clinics in Turkey specializing in these services are experts in hair transplantation methods and can offer comprehensive aesthetic solutions to their patients.

While hair transplantation was traditionally more popular among men, it is becoming increasingly popular among women. Women experiencing hair loss problems have the opportunity to regain the natural appearance of their lost hair through hair transplantation operations.

Especially among women, the search for the best hair transplant clinic in Turkey has gained momentum in recent times. Generally concentrated in major cities like Istanbul, the best hair transplant clinics operate in various regions across the country, making it possible for individuals to find a suitable clinic according to their budget.

Turkey is rapidly growing and evolving in the field of hair transplantation. Specialization, technological advancements, and affordable cost have made Turkey a preferred destination for hair transplant tourism on a global scale. With the continuous integration of advancing technology and aesthetic surgery, the future of the hair transplantation industry is expected to remain promising.

Which Hair Transplantation Methods are Most Commonly Used in Turkey?

The FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method is the most commonly used hair transplantation technique and is increasingly popular among the best hair transplant clinics in Turkey. It offers a less invasive approach to hair transplantation and is often preferred by patients.

The FUE method is based on the principle of individually extracting hair follicles. Surgeons use specialized micromotor tools to remove hair follicles one by one from the donor area, usually the back of the head. After extraction, small incisions are made in the recipient area where the hair will be transplanted. These incisions enable the natural placement of the hair follicles. The extracted hair follicles are then transplanted into these tiny incisions. This ensures a natural and homogeneous appearance of the transplanted hair.

DHI hair transplant (Direct Hair Implantation) is another method that is increasingly used and developed in Turkey. Although similar to the FUE hair transplant, DHI differs in the stage of implantation.

In the DHI method, a specialized tool called the Choi Pen is used. The Choi Pen is an instrument that directly implants hair follicles into the recipient area. After hair follicles are extracted, they are implanted using the Choi Pen. This method allows for precise angle and direction during transplantation.

The DHI hair transplant aids in faster recovery due to minimal trauma and enables achieving higher hair density through the precise working principle of the Choi Pen. It is applicable not only for scalp hair but also for eyebrow and beard transplantation.

Sapphire FUE hair transplantation is a technology rapidly gaining popularity in Turkey as an alternative to traditional hair transplantation methods. This technique uses special tips made of sapphire instead of the previously commonly used metal materials.

The Sapphire FUE hair transplantation method is preferred to delicately create incisions in the recipient area and enhance the efficiency and success of the transplantation process. Sapphire is a material commonly used in various surgical interventions. In Sapphire hair transplantation, specially designed, disposable, and sterile sapphire tips are utilized.

The sharpness and durability of Sapphire FUE tips allow for the creation of more delicate incisions for hair follicle transplantation, ultimately enhancing the natural appearance of the transplanted hair.

Which Hair Transplantation Method Should Be Preferred?

Hair transplantation is a popular aesthetic surgical procedure that offers an effective solution for many individuals dealing with hair loss or thinning hair. Nowadays, there are various hair transplantation methods available, and the choice of method depends on factors such as a person's hair structure, degree of hair loss, and personal preferences.

FUE hair transplant (Follicular Unit Extraction) is one of the most popular hair transplantation methods today. In this method, hair follicles are individually extracted from the scalp and then transplanted to the areas with hair loss. FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) is another common hair transplantation method. It involves removing a strip of tissue from the scalp, dissecting hair follicles from that tissue strip, and transplanting them to the recipient areas.

Hair transplantation costs also influence the choice of method. Therefore, opting for one of the best hair transplant clinics in Turkey is recommended to ensure a cost-effective and reliable procedure.

Which Are the Best Hair Transplant Clinics in Turkey?

Turkey is globally recognized as a hub for hair transplantation, boasting numerous high-quality and successful hair transplant clinics. The best hair transplant clinics in Turkey stand out for their expert surgeons, experienced medical teams, state-of-the-art technologies, and services focused on patient satisfaction. Some of the top hair transplant clinics in Turkey include the following:

Este Favor Hair Transplant Clinic

Este Favor is a renowned hair transplant clinic located in Istanbul. The clinic is known for its expert team, extensive experience, and high success rates in hair transplantation. By offering various hair transplantation methods such as FUE and DHI, they provide patients with natural and lasting results. Their free consultation service aims to provide individualized solutions. Este Favor Clinic targets natural results by performing 2-3 procedures per day, making it one of the best hair transplant clinics in Turkey.

View Full Image Turkey is globally recognized as a hub for hair transplantation, boasting numerous high-quality and successful hair transplant clinics.

Dr. Serkan Aygn Hair Transplant Clinic

Dr. Serkan Aygn Clinic is a prominent clinic operating in Istanbul and Ankara, specializing in hair transplantation. Dr. Serkan Aygn is a renowned surgeon in the field with international recognition and he provides aesthetic and natural-looking results using the FUE method. The clinic is known for its high-tech facilities and special services for patient comfort.

Adem & Havva Hair Transplant Clinic

Located in Istanbul, Adem & Havva is a leading hair transplant clinic in Turkey. With experienced surgeons and a skilled medical team, they offer high-quality services in hair transplantation. Utilizing various methods like FUE, DHI, and Sapphire FUE, they provide personalized treatments. They also offer specialized consultation services for international patients, ensuring convenience for those coming from abroad.

Dr. Emrah Cinik Hair Transplant Clinic

Located in Istanbul, the Dr. Emrah Cinik Hair Transplant Clinic is a specialized facility in the field of hair transplantation. Dr. Emrah Cinik is an internationally recognized surgeon who performs hair transplants using the FUE technique and micromotor tools. With a wide patient portfolio, the clinic offers quality service and personalized care. This clinic is easily accessible for individuals residing in Istanbul who seek the best hair transplantation.

Ethica Hair Transplant Clinic

A significant clinic in the field of hair transplantation, Ethica operates in Istanbul. With its expert surgeons and experienced medical team, it offers high-quality services to patients. By utilizing the FUE technique and DHI method in hair transplantation, they aim to provide natural-looking results. Ethica is recognized as a clinic poised to become one of the best hair transplant clinics in Turkey.

Transmed Hair Transplant Clinic

Transmed operates in Istanbul as a hair transplant clinic. Their expert surgeons provide services using the FUE technique and other innovative methods. With years of experience, Transmed offers individualized solutions for successful outcomes. Offering various hair transplant packages, Transmed continues to provide top-notch service to its customers.

Acbadem Hair Transplant Clinic

Part of the well-established healthcare group Acbadem, this clinic is located in Istanbul. Acbadem is known for its expert hair transplant surgeons and experienced teams. They are recognized for their high service standards and use of cutting-edge equipment. Acbadem holds the JCI accreditation, an international quality certificate, and is considered a reliable option.

Estetik International

One of the best hair transplant clinics in Turkey, Estetik International is known for its founder and head surgeon, Op. Dr. Bulent Cihantimur is an expert with extensive experience in hair transplantation. Employing various hair transplant methods like FUE, FUT, and DHI using state-of-the-art technology, Estetik International is recognized for its high patient satisfaction rate, experienced team, and quality service.

Asmed Hair Transplant Clinic

Dr. Koray Erdogan is a globally recognized surgeon in the field of hair transplantation, and ASMED is a prominent clinic. ASMED is renowned for its focus on the FUE method and attracts international demand. Dr. Koray Erdogan's meticulous approach and personalized treatment lead to natural-looking and lasting results.

Medical Park

A leading healthcare group in Turkey, Medical Park specializes in hair transplantation. With hospitals in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, Medical Park is a well-known clinic that provides high-quality services in hair transplantation. Among the best hair transplant clinics in Turkey, Medical Park continually expands its patient portfolio and gains international recognition.

Cosmedica Clinic Hair Transplant Clinic

A prominent hair transplant clinic in Istanbul, Cosmedica Clinic is a popular choice attracting many patients to Turkey. With its expert team utilizing FUE and other techniques, the clinic offers personalized solutions. Known for its patient-centric approach and successful results, Cosmedica Clinic holds a global ranking among the best hair transplant clinics in Turkey, leading to fully booked appointments throughout the year.

What Are Hair Transplant Costs in Turkey? What Are the Hair Transplant Packages in Turkey?

Turkey is known as a popular destination for hair transplant tourism, boasting numerous hair transplant clinics in this field. Hair transplant costs in Turkey and packages can vary depending on the chosen clinic, method, and the patient's specific needs.

Hair transplant costs in Turkey are generally more economical compared to other countries. However, the cost can differ based on specific criteria and among different clinics. Factors such as the reputation, experience, location of the hair transplant clinic, the chosen method, the extent of hair loss, and the size of the treatment area can influence the hair transplant cost in Turkey.

Hair transplant clinics in Turkey offer various hair transplant packages, which can be customized to match the patient's needs and preferences. Below are some of the services typically included in hair transplant packages in Turkey:

Standard Package: This package typically includes essential hair transplant services. It covers the hair transplant procedure itself, medications used during the operation, local anesthesia, and consultation services.

Premium Package: In addition to the standard package, this option offers more comprehensive services. It may include extras such as accommodation, transfers, post-operative care, and support.

VIP Package: This most comprehensive package provides luxurious and personalized services for patients. Privileges can include a five-star hotel stay, private transfers, personal assistance, and dedicated doctor support.

Hair transplant costs and packages in Turkey can vary based on the patient's needs, preferences, and the services provided by the hair transplant clinic in Turkey. Patients should reach out to different hair transplant clinics to compare treatment options and prices and to obtain detailed information about treatment plans. Generally, the hair transplant cost in Turkey is as follows:

The cost of a hair transplant with 5000 grafts ranges from 2500 USD to 4000 USD.

For a hair transplant with 4000 grafts, the cost varies between 2000 USD and 2500 USD.

The hair transplant cost with 3000 grafts falls within the range of 1500 USD to 2000 USD.

Hair transplant costs can vary depending on the clinic where the procedure is performed. While the average costs are generally as stated above, it's important for individuals to visit the hair transplant clinic of their choice to obtain detailed information. The best hair transplant clinics in Turkey also strive to satisfy their customers in terms of pricing.

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.

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New Delhi: Vasudha Munjal-ownedChoko La, known for its couverture chocolates, seeks to expand its national footprint by introducing new premium offerings in its retail fast-moving consumer goods portfolio, with products such as canned chocolate drinks.

The firms chief operating officer Vibhu Mahajan, said this strategic move follows its expansion into e-commerce, which gained significant post-covid, especially with a fresh product category, which is positioned to serve impulsive purchase preferences.

Choko La has seven outlets in the national capital region and has partnered with duty-free operators to run 13 outlets or kiosks at international airports in India. Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad are key hubs for its airport business. It is also looking to expand beyond the national capital, but initially plans to open cloud kitchens, focusing on a fresh foods offering, comprising chocolates, chocolate drinks, cakes and confectionary.

It had two cloud kitchens in FY21 and has since expanded to 15. By the end of FY24 it is looking to take the count to 25 in the NCR with 80% owned outlets.

Before covid, 95% of our revenue was from our own stores, while just 5% was from e-commerce and other sources. Now, 15% of the business comes from travel retail due to a resurgence in travel demand and higher traffic at airports. E-commerce business, too, has grown over 4x, which was just a few percentage points for us earlier," said Mahajan.

Last year, the company started operations in the US, and entered the UK this year. It has tied up with Amazon Global to serve the markets and is in discussions with Whole Foods Market, Selfridges and Harrods in the US. It seeks to launch in Singapore by FY24-end, and subsequently by FY25 in France and Germany.

In India, Choko La average ticket size or customer spending is at 1,000-1,200 per person compared with 100 in the generic FMCG category. Cosmic Kitchen Pvt. Ltd, the parent, began operations in 2005, and is expecting to post operating revenues of 35 crore. In FY23, it achieved its pre-covid numbers and expects to grow close to 60% over last year this financial year.

Within the luxury chocolate space, very few players operate. Royce, a Japanese chocolate maker, forayed into India. Earlier this year, Dharampal Satyapal Group Ltd partnered with Swiss brand Laderach for the launch in India.

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Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL") announced today that Qatar Investment Authority (QIA"), through a wholly-owned subsidiary, will invest  8,278 crore into RRVL, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited. This investment values RRVL at a pre-money equity value of  8.278 lakh crore. QIAs investment will translate into a minority equity stake of 0.99% in RRVL on a fully-diluted basis.

The previous fund-raise round by RRVL in 2020 from various global investors of an aggregate amount of  47,265 crore was done at a pre-money equity value of  4.21 lakh crore. Isha Mukesh Ambani, Director, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, said, We are delighted to welcome QIA as an investor in Reliance Retail Ventures Limited. We look forward to benefitting from QIAs global experience and strong track record of value creation as we further develop Reliance Retail Ventures Limited into a world class institution, driving transformation of the Indian retail sector. The investment by QIA is a strong endorsement of a positive outlook towards Indian economy and Reliances retail business model, strategy and execution capabilities."

Mansoor Ebrahim Al-Mahmoud, CEO, QIA, said, QIA is committed to supporting innovative companies with high-growth potential in Indias fast growing retail market. We are looking forward to Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, with its strong vision and impressive growth trajectory, joining our growing and diverse portfolio of investments in India."

RRVL, through its subsidiaries and associates, operates India's largest, fastest growing, and most profitable retail business serving 267 million loyalty customers with an integrated omnichannel network of over 18,500 stores and digital commerce platforms across grocery, consumer electronics, fashion & lifestyle, and pharma consumption baskets.

Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisor to Reliance Retail Ventures Limited and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and Davis Polk & Wardwell acted as legal counsels. Goldman Sachs, acting as financial advisor to RIL, advised on the process and transaction structuring.

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SpiceJet and its Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Ajay Singh on Wednesday filed an appeal before the Delhi High Court challenging a single judge's order directing them to refund over 270 crore to Sun Group promoter Kalanithi Maran and Kal Airways.

According to Bar and Bench report, the Division Bank of Justices Yashwant Varma and Dharmesh Sharma will hear the case tomorrow (Thursday).

Last month, the Delhi High Court upheld the validity of the arbitral award against the low-cost airline.

The dispute between Maran and SpiceJet dates back to 2015 when chairman Ajay, who used to own SpiceJet before Maran, bought it back from him.

Maran had transferred his 58.46% stake in the airline to Singh for just 2 in 2015. However, as per the deal, Maran was supposed to get redeemable warrants in return for the money invested by him during his tenure as a promoter of the airline. Maran was liable to get 18 crore warrants, which translated to 26% shareholding in SpiceJet. But Maran did not get his share of the money, neither convertible warrants nor preference shares. Maran then claimed that suffered damages of over 1,300 crore. Thereafter, Maran approached the Delhi High Court, which referred the matter to arbitration.

In 2018, an arbitral tribunal ordered SpiceJet to refund 270 crore to Maran. Besides, the tribunal also directed Spicejet to pay interest of 12% per annum on the amounts paid towards warrants and to 18% per annum on the sums awarded to Maran if the money transfer is delayed.

However, the tribunal found no breach of the share sale and purchase agreement reached between Maran and SpiceJet, and Ajay Singh. The tribunal rejected Maran's demand for restitution of his shareholding and his claim for damages.

Maran, his company KAL Airways, SpiceJet, and Ajay filed petitions before the High Court against the arbitral tribunal's order.

On November 2, 2020, the high court asked the airline to deposit around 243 crore as interest in connection with the share transfer dispute with its former promoter, Maran, and Kal Airways.

On November 7, 2020, the top court stayed the high court order.

On February 13 this year, the apex court said the bank guarantee of 270 crore of SpiceJet must be encashed immediately and the money is paid to Maran and Kal Airways towards dues from the arbitral award.

It said it had directed SpiceJet to pay within three months 75 crore to Maran and Kal Airways towards the interest component on the arbitral award.

However, on May 29, the high court was informed that SpiceJet has not paid the interest amount.

Marans counsel said the interest liability, which was 362.49 crore, has since increased to 380 crore and so the decree-holder insists on compliance with the February 13 order of the apex court.

The SpiceJets lawyer, however, submitted they have already paid the principal amount of 579.08 crore and now the payment concerning only the interest is pending.

On 31 July this year, Justice Chandra Dhari Singh ordered Spicejet to pay the refund to Maran.

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In January 2024 a court in Miami will start hearing an unusual trial: that of Andrew Fahie, the former elected leader of the British Virgin Islands (BVI). In 2022 he was arrested in the United States. The American authorities say he promised an informant working undercover for them that he would allow illegal drugs destined for the United States to pass through his territorys ports, in exchange for a fee. Mr Fahie, who is under house arrest in Miami, has pleaded not guilty. The grey concrete skeleton of the house he had been building still stands, unfinished, on a hill outside Road Town, the capital of the BVI.

The smell of rotten governance is the last thing the BVI needs. For four decades this luminous speck in the Caribbean has made a chunk of its living selling foreigners brass-plate companiesshells that exist largely on paper, without real staff or offices. That business has in some years funded more than two-thirds of the governments budget and has made a territory with a mere 33,000 people famous in the business world. The financial sector has served us very well," says Natalio Wheatley, who succeeded Mr Fahie as premier.

But lately global efforts intended to tame money launderers and tax evaders have been weighing on the BVIs financial industry; the total number of companies registered there has fallen by more than a fifth since 2011. Like financial centres all across the Caribbean, it is sailing into choppier seas.

Almost every rock in the Caribbean has, at one point or another, sought to build an offshore sector of some flavour. The Bahamas was the first to make a good go of it; these days it earns about 10-15% of GDP from financial services, particularly private banking. But the places that most depend on offshore work are the Cayman Islands, the BVI and Bermuda (in fact in the North Atlantic). All three are self-governing territories of Britain, reliant on it for defence and much diplomacy, but in all other matters in charge of their own affairs. The BVI is especially reliant. Offshore financial and corporate services make up one-third of GDP. They support about one-fifth of all jobs.

View Full Image (Graphic: The Economist)

Offshore centres provide a seafood buffet of useful and legitimate services. But among laymen, however, it is the way that Caribbean islands have sometimes been used by crooks and kleptocrats that most often fuels debate. The Tax Justice Network (TJN), an NGO based in Britain, guesses that wheezes involving financial centres in the Caribbean and Bermuda account for about 20% of the $472bn that it thinks governments around the world lose each year to cross-border tax evasion and minimisation schemes. A larger share of global losses arises from business done for foreigners in chilly countries such as mainland Britain, the Netherlands and Ireland. But for places so tiny, it is a whopping sum.

A bit rum

That bounty is now threatened by a new wave of international rule-making. In the Caribbean, two initiatives in particular are presently top of mind. The first relates to corporate transparency. In 2016 Britain began publishing, in a public database, the identities of everyone who owns a company on its mainland; it was the first big country to do so. Now it wants its overseas territories to follow suit, by the end of this year. The idea is that allowing journalists and NGOs to trawl records that at present are only made available to police and other relevant authorities will make it easier to detect tax abuse and fraud. But the offshore centres are dragging their feet, presumably because they fear that having a public register will ding sales.

A second pressure is a global corporate-tax deal struck by some 130 countries in 2021. For years multinationals have used legal loopholes to declare profits in havens that charge little or no tax, instead of where their sales are actually made. In future, companies that do this will be made to pay extra wherever they do businessat least, that is the theory. Another goal is to ensure they all end up paying at least 15% tax on their earnings, wherever in the world those profits are booked.

The extent to which Caribbean centres benefit from the corporate profit-shifting" of a sort targeted by this agreement ranges widely. A global minimum tax could reduce incentives for big corporations to pitch tents in palm-fringed places, but will probably not completely eliminate them. The Bahamas and Bermuda are talking about raising taxes for the biggest foreign firms: if multinationals will be forced to pay more, goes their thinking, they might as well try to pocket the cash themselves. The Cayman Islands and the BVI are still deciding how to respond. There is a high chance that the United States will yet wimp out of the deal; that would greatly limit its effect.

All this has taken the BVI some way from its glory days. In the 1950s the colony made half its revenues selling stamps to philatelists, notes Oliver Bullough in his book, Butler to the World". Everything changed in the late 1970s, when American firms began incorporating there in order to exploit the favourable treatment the BVI then enjoyed under a tax treaty between Britain and the United States. Within a few years, the BVI was selling brass-plate companies to people from all over. Hong Kongers grew especially keen; protecting their assets using offshore shells was one way to hedge against risks posed by their own islands looming return to China. In the 1990s the BVIs financial sector grew around 50% each year. At their busiest, bland buildings in Road Town lent their addresses to some 480,000 fee-paying companies. That is more than 15 for every resident.

Since then the number of new companies being created every year has slowed dramatically, from almost 80,000 in 2007 to 28,000 in 2022. The total number of businesses registered in the territory has fallen at a somewhat slower rate (whereas customers once bought and threw away BVI companies at some speed, they now purchase fewer of them and hang on to them for longer). But this figure is also drifting downwards, nonetheless. Lately the government has managed to prop up the revenues this industry generates for the territory, in part by raising fees. But there is probably a limit to how long it can do that. Some of the BVIs customers may be moving to incorporation centres that are cheaper and better sheltered from foreign prodding, such as Delaware.

The BVIs economy is more vulnerable to changing regulation than its Caribbean competitors because its financial sector is much less diverse. The Caymans is a big domicile for hedge funds; Bermuda a hub for insurers. The incorporation work which the BVI excels at is, by comparison, much easier to replicate. The territory has done a poorer job than its neighbours of building expertise in other kinds of financial and corporate services, which would provide more security as its ability to offer tax advantages and secrecy erodes. Efforts to diversify can be fraught with risk. The Bahamas courted cutting-edge finance, only to find it was host to Sam Bankman-Fried, a crypto-currency speculator, who was jailed on August 8th in the United States, ahead of his trial for fraud (in January he entered a plea of not guilty).

A major government report published in 2014 recognised the problem. It noted that the BVI needed to diversify the kinds of financial services it offers, as well as strengthen other pillars of the economy, such as tourism. But progress has been slow. It has certainly not been aided by the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Irma, which struck the island in 2017.

That calamity destroyed or damaged some 70% of buildings and set back essential efforts to improve its infrastructure. Look away from Road Towns shimmering harbours, and the territory looks scruffier than its income level suggests. Fires smoulder at its rubbish dump, jammed onto a platform cut into a steep mountainside. Its power station occasionally packs up. As elsewhere in the Caribbean, youngsters get tempted into gangs that ship drugs to the United States; violence sometimes results. On the edge of Road Town sits a car with three bullet holes in its windscreen.

But dysfunctional politics has harmed it, too. Even before Mr Fahies arrest, the BVIs British governor had launched a commission seeking evidence of corruption or serious dishonesty" in government; last year it concluded that politicians had been spending public money without applying any objective criteria, without giving any reasons and without fearing any comeback". The British government declined to suspend the territorys parliament, as the commission advisedbut says it could still do so if islanders do not make reforms that its report recommended.

Locals insist that after years of tumult, the territory is finally making good progress. In her office in Road Town, Lorna Smith, deputy leader in a government that took office this year, says her new ministry of financial services will protect the BVIs incorporation business and encourage value-adding services to grow around it. She talks enthusiastically about opportunities in blue finance", under which the Islands could raise money from international investors by protecting its waters and reefs. Next year, she adds, the BVI will host a big fintech conference on a cruise ship. Mr Wheatley says that tourism is bouncing back from its pandemic doldrums. For the first time in years visitors can reach the Islands on a direct flight from Miami.

Making the most of these opportunities will require slashing red tape that impedes too many local entrepreneurs. It will mean liberalising its immigration system, to make it easier for clever outsiders to start calling the place home (up to now islanders have not been very keen to offer admission and long-term residency to the large numbers of foreigners it may take to get new industries off the ground). In particular, it will require big efforts to fix iffy schools, which during fat years proved easy to neglect. Without these solid foundations, the BVI risks slipping behind.

 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
Only eight months ago Chinas economy was expected to roar back to life. Zero-covid had been abandoned; the countrys shoppers and tourists allowed to roam free. Yet the hoped-for rebound has fizzled out. GDP growth, which some economists had expected to hit an annualised rate of 10% in the second quarter of the year, instead struggled to just over 3%. The economy has tumbled into deflation. A strangely slow official response, and a property crisis that is going from bad to worse, have provoked fears of a prolonged downturn.

What happens in the worlds second-largest economy matters everywhere else. Because China is so big, its changing economic fortunes can drive overall global growth figures. But a slowing China also directly affects other countries prospects. Its households and companies will buy fewer goods and services than they would have otherwise, with consequences both for the producers of these goods and the other consumers of them. In some places, Chinas difficulties will be a source of pain. In others, though, they will bring relief.

View Full Image (Graphic: The Economist)

Commodity exporters are especially exposed to Chinas slowdown. The country guzzles almost a fifth of the worlds oil, half of its refined copper, nickel and zinc, and more than three-fifths of its iron ore. Chinas property woes will mean that it requires less of such supplies. That will be a knock for countries such as Zambia, where exports of copper and other metals to China amount to 20% of GDP, and Australia, a big supplier of coal and iron (see chart 1). On August 22nd bhp, an Australian firm and the worlds biggest miner, reported its lowest annual profit in three years, and warned that Chinas stimulus efforts were not producing changes on the ground.

View Full Image (Graphic: The Economist)

Weak spots in the West include Germany (see chart 2). Faltering demand from China is one reason why the countrys economy has stagnated of late. And some Western firms are exposed through their reliance on the country for revenues. In 2021 the 200 biggest multinationals in America, Europe and Japan made 13% of their sales in China, earning $700bn. Tesla is more exposed still, making around a fifth of its sales in China; Qualcomm, a chipmaker, makes a staggering two-thirds.

Provided the slowdown does not escalate into full-blown crisis, the pain will remain concentrated. Sales to China account for only 4-8% of business for all listed firms in America, Europe and Japan. Exports from America, Britain, France and Spain come to 1-2% of their respective outputs. Even in Germany, with an export share of 4%, it would take China collapsing to generate a sizeable hit to its economy.

Moreover, Chinas struggles come at a time when the rest of the world is doing better than expected. In July the IMF revised its forecast for global growth, compared with its projections in April. Most notable has been the rude health of the worlds biggest importer, America, which some surveys suggest is growing at the red-hot pace of nearly 6%.

When set against this backdrop, Chinas slowing growth should even provide some relief for the worlds consumers, since it will mean less demand for commodities, bringing down prices and import costs. That in turn will ease the task faced by the Federal Reserve and other central banks. Many have already raised rates to their highest level in decades, and would not relish having to go further still.

But what if things go badly wrong in China? Under a worst-case scenario, a property meltdown could reverberate through the worlds financial markets. A study by the Bank of England in 2018 found that a hard landing" in China, where economic growth fell from 7% to -1%, would cause global asset prices to fall and rich-world currencies to rise as investors rushed in the direction of safer assets. Overall, British GDP would drop by 1.2%. Although most Western financial institutions have relatively little exposure to China, there are exceptions, such as HSBC and Standard Chartered, two British banks.

A longer slowdown could lead China to turn inwards, reducing investments and loans. Having become the worlds biggest bilateral creditor in 2017, it has already cut back as projects turn sour. Officials may become fussier still if they are fire-fighting at home. Observers will watch celebrations of a decade of the Belt and Road Initiative", the label under which China has splurged on bridges in Mozambique and ports in Pakistan, for signals of intent.

Real difficulties at home would also change how the world sees China. Rapid growth, along with generous lending, boosted the countrys reputation. According to a recent survey of 24 countries by Pew, a pollster, people in rich places had a generally unfavourable view of China. The picture was different in much of the emerging world: Mexicans, Kenyans, Nigerians and South Africans all saw China in a more favourable light, and welcomed Chinese investment. The question is whether that will still be true in a years time.

 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
From now on, board exams will be conducted twice a year, Ministry of Education cited while announcing the launch of new curriculum framework on Wednesday. News reports also cited, as per guidelines, the exams won't be terms wise. These exams will be conducted separately and the students will be able to retain the best scores.

"Board exams will be offered at least twice a year to ensure students have enough time and opportunity to perform well. Students can then appear for a board exam in subjects they have completed and feel ready for. They will also be allowed to retain the best score," the ministry said, as per news reports

The new framework informs that class 11, 12 students need to study two languages, at least one language must be Indian. Also, the choice of subjects in classes 11 and 12 will not be restricted to streams such as arts, science, and commerce to give students flexibility to choose.

Aiming for futuristic teaching and learning, says Dharmendra Pradhan

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan informed that a steering committee has prepared the curriculum for the new National Education Policy under the the guidance of Kasturirangan. They later submitted it to the Centre, which was then handed over to the NCERT.

NCERT has made two committees, National Oversight Committee and National Syllabus and Textbook Committee (NSTC).We expect both these committees to prepare a syllabus according to the requirements of the 21st century and based on original Indian thinking."

The union minister further told news agency ANI, We want them to prepare futuristic teaching and learning material for class 3 to 12. The first orientation meeting took place today. We are confident that at a time when the world is expecting a lot from India, when the PM has shown the dream of Amrut Kal to the nation, at such times, the new textbooks will fulfil those requirements."
BARC has requested this ministry for being permitted to share audience measurement Raw Level Data (RLD) with broadcasters. ln this regard, BARC has apprised that it has significantly scaled up the panel homes by about 85% (from 30,000 to 55,000). Further, RLD data has been sufficiently masked and anonymized and does not include personally identifiable information of panels thereby ensuring the secrecy, privacy and integrity of the panel homes," the ministry has said in a letter.

Further, while BARC has conveyed that they are already sharing the RLD data with advertisers and media agencies, the Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in lndia issued in 2014 prescribes that such data be made available to all interested stakeholders in a transparent and equitable manner, the letter added.

In January 2022, the I&B ministry had asked BARC to release viewership ratings of news channels with immediate effect. The agency was to release data for the genre for the past three months, in a monthly format, with the revised system requiring the reporting of news and niche genres to be carried out on a four-week rolling average concept.

Ratings were suspended in October 2020 following allegations that they were rigged by a clutch of TV channels. BARC had said it was pausing the publication of weekly data for news to review and augment the current standards of measurement and reporting data. The exercise would take 8-12 weeks, it had said then.

TRP manipulation surfaced when Mumbai police said it had busted a racket based on complaints received from Barc India and Hansa, a consumer insights company and one of the vendors of Barc, about suspicious trends and activities. Certain households were paid to keep their television sets switched on, irrespective of whether they were at home, in order to increase the viewership of some news channels, they had said, naming Arnab Goswamis Republic TV and two other Marathi channels.

BARC had undertaken revision in its processes, protocols and oversight mechanism and initiated changes in the governance structure, following recommendations of the TRP committee constituted in November 2020 in the wake of the alleged ratings scam, as well as those of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), the ministry had said.

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Its been a little over a year since a massive front-running scandal erupted at Axis Mutual Fund . The firm has since set its house in order and is now readying for a fresh innings.

In May 2022, the asset management company (AMC) sacked its chief dealer Viren Joshi, for suspected front-running. Market regulator Sebi, in February this year, restrained Joshi and 20 entities from accessing the capital markets. Front-running refers to individuals aware of upcoming large trades putting their own order first so as to profit when the large order moves the stock. The scandal, accompanied by poor performance of the fund since 2021, took a toll on its management.

Axis MF soon decided it was time for a total makeover. It embarked on a massive restructuring of its managementit appointed a clutch of senior executives to lead the second coming and went back to the drawing board to give shape to a new strategy.

Yet, how exactly does Axis Mutual Fund plan to resurrect itself? Read on.

New folks at the helm

Early this year, B. Gopkumar took over as the chief executive officer (CEO) and Ashish Gupta as its new chief Investment Officer (CIO) . This was followed by the exit of Jinesh Gopani as head of equity in August. Shortly after, the firm elevated fund manager Shreyas Devalkar to this role.

The fund house now plans to hire a chief risk officer (CRO), chief financial officer (CFO), and a new chief operating officer (COO). The overarching theme here is to ensure that there is no concentration of power in a single individual.

The new CIO also plans to hire several fund managers who employ different styles such as growth at a reasonable price (GARP), value, and quant. Some have already been appointed. For instance, Karthik Kumar now runs Axis Quant Fund. More importantly, Gupta will give fund managers functional independence rather than impose his own style on them.

View Full Image Mint

What happens to growth style?

Earlier, Gopani was both CIO and the head of equity. His signature growth style had given Axis MF its stellar outperformance in 2018-20 and propelled its rise, briefly as Indias largest fund house on the equity side (it is now the fourth largest). However, this style ceased to be effective after 2021, causing the fund to underperform.

The key schemes of Axis MF, namely Axis Long Term Equity and Axis Bluechip, were characterized by Gopanis growth style. These were concentrated portfolios of high-growth stocks which trade at high valuations. When growth was scarce and concentrated among a few players in 2018-20, it paid off. However, in the post-Covid broad-based market, it failed. Growth stocks lost their premium and value stocks caught up. The fund house plumbed the depths and distributors were upset about the lack of consistency.

In the revamp of its schemes though, Axis MF will not give up on Gopanis style because it believes that investors in those schemes continue to believe in the growth style. However, the portfolios will be less concentrated, a process that is already underway in Axis MF. Axis Midcap and Small Cap Fund have delivered better performance than its flagship funds precisely for this reason.

Another issue is the significant cash holding in the schemes. Gopani was focused on growth stocks only and preferred holding cash rather than increasing the number of stocks in the portfolio. This became a drag on performance. Gupta plans to cut down on this policy of high cash holding.

Tackling fraud

Axis MF has implemented a series of damage-control measures in the wake of the front-running scandal. All orders from the fund manager to the dealer will be routed through a Bloomberg software system for facilitating trades on the electronic trading platform and will only be visible to the two of them. Employees of other teams like operations and compliance will get to see these messages only at the end of the day, after trading hours. Compliance measures will be automated in the Bloomberg system.

Also, orders given to brokers will be visible on group chats and will not be one-on-one. Brokers will be selected on the basis of an internal voting system or on the availability of stock in case of block trades. There will be a rotation of dealers between fund managers. The fund house will track volume and price spikes and ensure trades are not done at prices that are widely different from market prices. There will also be a monthly audit of the trades by audit firm Grant Thornton.

Will it all pay off?

Will Axis MFs revamp work? That, however, is difficult to predict. For instance, Dhirendra Kumar, CEO of Value Research, takes a dim view of the changes. Im cautious on the revamp for multiple reasons. A wholesale change in top management and strategy is likely to be disruptive. Fund managers need to be aligned with the top management and Im not sure if that will hold true for those hired by the previous management. Think of episodes of fund managers sticking out their neck and getting criticized for it, such as buying new-age IPOs (initial public offers) in 2021. Backing from the top is crucial in fund management. When risk aversion sets in, schemes become index fund-like and not truly actively managed," he said.

Moreover, Sebi orders against the AMC are still pending. If these ultimately hurt confidence and profits, there could be a loss of morale. Fund managers might become less incentivized to perform. All things considered, there are still a lot of dark clouds and these need to clear up before Axis Mutual Fund can bounce back," Kumar added.

Kaustubh Belapurkar, director of funds research at Morningstar, said that its probably a wait-and-watch situation for now. He said that Axis MF has been traditionally a growth-style manager so investors need to wait and watch how it will go about implementing new strategies .

Losing an experienced hand like Jinesh (Gopani) is a loss for Axis MF but the good thing is that Shreyas has been here for a while now," said Belapurkar.

From an investors point of view, its important to diversify across different strategies like growth, value, and growth at reasonable price (GARP) style as every strategy goes through different cycles, Belapurkar said. An investor needs to bring in diversification to get an evergreen portfolio because its hard to predict the performance of any particular style."
Cheap Flight Day is celebrated every year on August 23. While Cheap Flight Day is good opportunity to snag a deal in US as summer season comes to a close but it doesn't guarantee that it will consistently offer the best fares.

History

The concept of Cheap Flight Day emerged in 2015, driven by the aspirations of budget-conscious travellers seeking the best deals on airfare. While airlines' pricing strategies may vary, the general idea is that as the summer season comes to a close, and students head back to school, it becomes a prime time for airlines to lower their ticket prices. This trend is rooted in the assumption that as demand decreases, so do the fares.

While it's unrealistic to expect flight prices to be slashed in half, historical US data suggests that passengers who book their flights on Cheap Flight Day have often enjoyed savings of around 10 percent to 20 percent compared to booking a few weeks earlier.

Also read: Chandrayaan-3 set for historic lunar landing on August 23. Know when and where to watch live telecast

Significance of well-informed travel planning

However, travel industry is highly dynamic, especially in a post-pandemic world where conditions and pricing can fluctuate rapidly. Therefore, it's essential to stay well-informed about flight prices well in advance of planned travel date. To maximise chances of securing the most economical airfare, it's advisable to conduct thorough research and price comparisons. .

When it comes to finding affordable flights, it's often advantageous to consider travel days carefully. Based on data from Google, flying on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday has been consistently 12 percent cheaper than flying during the weekend over the past five years. While the most expensive days to fly are Fridays and Saturdays. Typically, early morning, midday, or late-night flights tend to be the most budget-friendly options.

Also read: Chandrayaan-3 Highlights: Vikram Lander scheduled to make soft landing at 6.04 pm on 23 August

Timeline of key milestones in the evolution of low-cost airlines and travel

1950s: The birth of low-cost travel

Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) pioneered intrastate flights between Northern and Southern California, marking the inception of the first low-cost airline in the United States.

1984: Record-breaking low fares

Ryanair, founded in Ireland, emerged as Europe's largest budget airline, offering international routes at astonishingly low prices, some as low as $3, with no need for club memberships, sales gimmicks, or misleading advertising.

Mid-1990s: The rise of travel blogs

During the mid-1990s, the popularity of travel blogs soared as the emergence of social media inspired individuals to share their personal travel stories.

2013: Scotts cheap flights takes off

Scott Keyes, the visionary behind Scotts Cheap Flights, embarked on a journey to uncover incredible airfare deals. In 2013, he secured a flight from New York City to Milan for just $130.

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Climate scientists have a message about this summers wild weather: Get used to it.

The wildfires, flooding and heat waves will get worse and happen more oftenand affect more people, they say.

There isnt really a new normal yet," said Rachel White, an atmospheric scientist and assistant professor at the University of British Columbia. What were experiencing right now is probably just a stopover on our way to the new normal."

Decades of pumping greenhouse gasses into the air is heating the planet, climate scientists say, making wildfires burn farther, storms grow stronger and heat waves last longer.

A warmer planet doesnt just mean extreme heat, said Michael E. Mann, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and the director of the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability and the Media.

The heat dries out soil, worsening summer droughts. Heat and drought is a recipe for intense wildfires. And as the atmosphere warms, it holds more water, leading to heavier rainfall and floods. In addition, the jet streama narrow band of strong, high-altitude winds separating warm and cold airhas slowed during the summer as the Earths poles warm. That is causing persistent weather extremes, such as longlasting droughts and fires, Mann said.

Some of these extreme weather events have hit parts of the world where they are historically rare, in aberrations that scientists say could become more common.

July was the Earths hottest month on record. And 2023 is on track to become the hottest year in history, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

If we continue to keep warming the planet, this is going to be the new cold year if were not careful," White said.

Heat

Heat waves in the summer arent new. But heres what is: heat waves with record-high temperatures that last for days or longer, said Akshay Deoras, a meteorologist at the University of Reading in England.

China set a new national record last month, when temperatures climbed to 126 degrees Fahrenheit in the northwest of the country. Phoenix had a record 31 straight days of temperatures above 110 degrees in July, beating a 1974 streak of 18 days. In Europe, heat waves are expected until the end of August.

Natural variability in the Earths climate means some years will be hotter or cooler than others. With the combination of climate change in those hotter years, you get really intense conditions," White said.

The long stretches of warm weather are affecting everything from food production to everyday activities. Farmers in Italy are growing mangoes, bananas and other tropical fruits. In the U.S., people are running errands after the sun sets, when its cooler.

Wildfires

The blistering heat has helped worsen drought conditions around the globe, stoking fires in Greece, Spain, the U.S. and Canada.

A team from World Weather Attribution, a group of climate scientists based in London and the Netherlands, found that fire weathera composite measure of temperature, rainfall, wind and humidity that influences the spread of wildfireshas been boosted by underlying climate warming.

The researchers focused their analysis on the conditions and fires this year in Quebec, which contributed to the heavy plumes of smoke that blanketed a huge swatch of the Eastern U.S. in June.

Their study found the weather conditions that spawned the record-breaking Quebec fires were twice as likely to occur and up to 50% more intense as the result of climate warming.

Quebec experienced less snow cover, which usually blankets the ground and tamps down potential fires, as well as severe drought conditions, said Yan Boulanger, research scientist at the Canadian Forest Service. May and June broke the previous national temperature record for the two-month period by 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit and fueled the spread of wildfires.

By taking the observed weather conditions and feeding them into existing climate models, the scientists found that fire weather is becoming more severe and more likely as the globe warms," said Clair Barnes, research associate at the Grantham Institute, Imperial College London, who was part of the research team.

More than 5,800 fires in Canada scorched 34.6 million acres this summer, nearly double the previous record from 1989, according to Boulanger.

The blazes have forced thousands to evacuate their homes. In June, a town of 16,000 in the suburbs of Halifax, Nova Scotia, was asked to leave due to fires. Last week, residents in Yellowknife, a town of 20,000 people in Canadas Northwest Territories about 300 miles south of the Arctic Circle, had to flee.

In Hawaii, drought, gusty windsand an overgrowth of invasive grasses and shrubs helped fuel the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. Flames destroyed Lahaina, the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, located in one of Mauis most fire-prone areas. At least 115 people died, and hundreds are still missing.

Flooding

As the Earths atmosphere warms, it holds more water vapor, leading to heavy rainfalls that can cause catastrophic flooding, said Mohammed Ombadi, a climate professor at the University of Michigan.

Every 1 degree Celsius the Earths atmosphere warms, it can hold 7% more moisture, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Last month, the worst floods in a century hit Vermonts capital city of Montpelier. Homes, businesses and critical infrastructure were destroyed across the state. Rescuers raced to save stranded residents.

In China, torrential rains from Typhoon Doksuri caused the deadliest flooding in a decade in the Beijing area. While tropical storms frequently hit the countrys coastal regions, the extent of the rainfall and flooding from Doksuri was unusual.

The remnants of Hurricane Hilary, meanwhile, dropped record amounts of rain on Southern California over the weekend, flooding roads in typically dry Palm Springs. Hilary was the first tropical storm in nearly a century to hit the region.
US President Joe Biden and slew of other world leaders will visit India in the second week of September for the G20 Summit . The main event will be held in the national capital on on September 9-10 and is likely to be attended by 29 heads of states as well as top officials of the European Union and invited guest countries and 14 heads of international organisations. Multiple hotels in the Delhi-NCR have been earmarked for attendees.

According to reports, rooms have been booked in leading hotels including ITC Maurya, Taj Palace, The Oberoi, The Lodhi, The Imperial and Le Meridien. President Biden and his entourage will be housed within the 400 rooms of ITC Maurya, reported Navbharat Times. The hotel has previously hosted US Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama as well as other heads of state. The hotel premises are reportedly being inspected by the US Secret Service ahead of the POTUS' arrival.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meanwhile is likely to be put up in Delhi's Taj Hotel while Hotel Shangri-La preps to host UK's Rishi Sunak as well as officials from Germany. French The President Emmanuel Macron and officials accompanying him will stay at Claridges while Australian PM Anthony Albanese checks into the Imperial Hotel in Delhi.

Meanwhile Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal approved a proposal for the closure of offices and commercial establishments in the Union Territory. According to reports, all private and Delhi government offices will remain closed on September 8-10 while banks and commercial establishments  including markets  in the New Delhi district will be shut during these three days. Schools and colleges will also remain shut during this time.

We kindly request the esteemed authority to consider declaring a public holiday in Delhi from September 8 to 10 and ordering commercial and business establishments to remain closed in the indicated 'controlled zone' for the overall success of the summit," Special Police Commissioner Madhup Tiwari wrote in a letter to the chief secretary on August 18.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Air traffic controllers at Delhi airport inadvertently set two Vistara flights on a collision course on Wednesday - avoiding tragedy at the last minute thanks to an alert pilot. The incident took place at Delhi airport as one flight was landing and the other taxing for take off. Combined, the aircraft had held around 300 passengers.

According to the DGCA an alert pilot in the aircraft crossing the runway had flagged the issue. She was later identified as Captain Sonu Gill of the Ahmedabad-Delhi flight. An NDTV report quoting sources adds that the two planes had been less than 2 km apart when the ATC was warned about the situation. Airport officials said that a major accident could have taken place if the flight taking off was not stopped at the right time.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has since de-rostered the air traffic controller and launched an investigation.

Flight VT1926 from Ahmedabad to Delhi was instructed to cross runway 29R after landing on runway 29L on Wednesday morning. At the same time, the controller 'momentarily forgot' and permitted another plane to take off. Vistara VTI725 was also operating the flight from runway 29R.

Momentarily, tower controller forgot this crossing and issued take off clearance to another Vistara flight VTI725 (DelhiBagdogra) from runway 29R. On realisation of the error based on input from VTI926, the tower controller instructed VTI725 to cancel take off," a senior DGCA official told PTI.

Earlier in the day a Pune-bound Vistara flight had returned to Delhi after adverse weather conditions resulted in a windshield crack. As a precautionary step, the pilots decided to turn back and the aircraft landed safely at the IGI Airport in Delhi. An alternate aircraft has been immediately arranged, which will depart shortly," Hindustan Times quoted a spokesperson to report.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Supreme Court on Wednesday granted bail to former police officer Pradeep Sharma arrested in connection with the Antilia bomb scare case and the killing of businessman Mansukh Hiren.

On February 25, 2021, an explosives-laden SUV was found near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's Mumbai home 'Antilia'. The SUV's owner, Hiran, was found dead on March 5, 2021. The incident sparked speculation and investigations into potential security threats and organized crime.

Dismissed police officer Sachin Waze is the main accused in the Antilia bomb planting case and the killing of Hiran. Sharma was arrested in the case in June 2021.

No direct link between Waze and Sharma, his counsel tells SC

A bench of justices A S Bopanna and P S Narasimha had reserved its order on August 21 after hearing submissions of senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Sharma, and Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, who represented the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the case.

Sharma's counsel said the only allegation against him was that he had helped his former colleague Sachin Waze in eliminating Hiran.

Rohatgi submitted Sharma was a decorated police officer who retired after 37 years of service. Waze wanted to have some recognition and be in spotlight."

He said there was no direct evidence to link Sharma to Sachin Waze.

"I am a retired police officer. I met Waze at Malabar (Hill) police station. He called me and is known to me. Second time I met him at police commissioner's office. Is it possible to hatch a conspiracy to murder someone at police commissioner's office?" Rohatgi submitted.

On July 24, the top court had extended by two weeks the interim bail to Sharma in view of his wife's surgery.

Sharma along with police officers Daya Nayak, Vijay Salaskar and Ravindranath Angre was a member of the Mumbai Police's encounter squad that killed over 300 criminals in numerous encounters.

(With agency inputs)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23 August is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the Day 2 of the 15th BRICS Summit . Then later in the day, the prime minister is also scheduled to attend open and closed plenary sessions in Johannesburg.

The plenaries will be followed by a cultural performance and a banquet dinner hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The opening day of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg was witness to the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue.

In his address at the BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue, PM Modi said India will soon be a 5 trillion dollar economy and in the coming years will be the growth engine of the world. "Though the global economy is in the doldrums, India has emerged as the fastest growing major economy, Modi added.

PM Modis special message to the dialogue was that mutual trust and transparency can help create a big impact, especially in the Global South.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa said as the country has an urbanised population and can provide a stable workforce in future, BRICS countries have an opportunity to contribute to and participate in Africa's growth story.

"Africa has a young digitally connecting and urbanizing population. A population that provides a stable workforce for companies in future. The investment in skills... continues to grow," President Ramaphosa said.

Soon after the Business Forum, PM Modi arrived at the Summer Place in Johannesburg to participate in the BRICS Leaders Retreat where the leaders of the grouping will deliberate on global developments and explore how to utilize the BRICS platform effectively to address and resolve global challenges.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attended the event.

PM Modi arrived in South Africa earlier on Tuesday and received a ceremonial welcome at Waterkloof Air Force Base. Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora chanting 'Vande Mataram' and the members of the Indian community were waiting for PM Modi's arrival to welcome him with 'dhols' outside the Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg.

Women members of the Indian diaspora tied 'Rakhi' to the wrist of PM Modi as they welcomed him to the country. The prime minister also inspected a model of the Swaminarayan Temple in Johannesburg.

The under-construction temple once completed by 2025 will be the largest Hindu temple in Africa and Southern Hemisphere.

This is PM Modi's third visit to South Africa and the trip marks the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between India and South Africa. Initially formed as BRIC, a visionary concept coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim ONeil in 2001, BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, and China - a collective representation of burgeoning emerging markets brimming with current and future economic prowess. In a momentous development in 2010, South Africa joined the bloc, prompting a change in the acronym to BRICS.

BRICS stands as a beacon of economic optimism, presenting an alternative global order to challenge the dominance of traditional institutions.

(With inputs from ANI)

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A Ganga Aarti was dedicated to Indias lunar mission. Ganga Aarti was performed with tricolour in hands at Parmarth Niketan Ghat in Rishikesh. A special Ganga Aarti was performed with tricolour in hands at Parmarth Niketan Ghat in Rishikesh.

A group of people in Bhubaneshwar, Varanasi and Prayagraj performed 'havan' and offer prayers for successfully landing of Chandrayaan-3.

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NEW DELHI : India and Iran have agreed not to seek commercial foreign arbitration for disputes between users and operators at Chabahar Port, paving the way for the two sides to sign a long-term deal for the development of the strategic port, two persons aware of the development said.

They said a team from the ministry of port and shipping is expected to visit Iran in September to try and reach an agreement over the rules of engagement and mode of arbitration. This would be followed up with the two countries reaching a formal agreement for long-term operation of the port located in South-east Iran, with an unhindered sea route to Indias West coast.

We have agreed that disputes at Chabahar will not go for commercial arbitration in foreign courts but take investment arbitration or other any other mode of dispute settlement. This would prevent Iran from having to amend its Constitution," one of the persons quoted above said. Under Irans Constitution, an arbitration cannot be referred to a foreign court. It would require a constitutional amendment, which would have been difficult and would have delayed a long-term contract. Currently, India and Iran sign one-year contracts for developing and running the terminal at Chabahar Port. However, New Delhi has been pushing Teheran to sign a longer-term agreement as it seeks more certainty for investment and development plans for the India-designed port. A long-term contract may be for a period of 10 years with provisions for automatic renewal.

Negotiations on long-term contract had been held up due to disagreements over the arbitration clause. Both sides have now agreed to pursue arbitration under rules framed by the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) which is favoured by India over those framed by the International Chambers of Commerce (ICC). Both arbitration routes do not have designated courts in specific jurisdictions. India had earlier suggested arbitration matters be taken up either in Dubai or Mumbai. The ministry of ports, shipping and waterways did not respond to a query sent on the issue till press time.

The positive development comes at a time when China has been showing growing interest in investments in ports and other coastal infrastructure in Iran, and the Iranian side has been pressing New Delhi to step up development of Shahid Beheshti terminal, which is operated by the state-run India Ports Global Limited (IPGL).

In 2016, India committed $85 million for the development of the port, along with a $150 million line of credit. As of 2023, India had supplied six gantry cranes to the tune of $25 million for the development of the port. However, Iran has voiced dissatisfaction with Indias efforts in the past. The countrys former Ambassador to Ali Chegeni termed the development work on Chabahar very slow".

Chabahar, located in South-eastern Iran, was developed with the hope that the port would allow India to sell goods to Central Asia. The port was on Indias radar since 2003, when both countries agreed to develop the port during the visit of Iranian President Khatami to India. However, the project stalled in subsequent years as Iran faced Western sanctions for its nuclear weapons program. In 2013, India committed $100 million to develop the port but matters only progressed after the 2015 nuclear deal was struck between Iran, the Permanent Members of the UN Security Council, Germany and the European Union.

In 2016, during PM Narendra Modis visit to Tehran, India, Iran and Afghanistan signed an agreement to develop Chabahar as a trade and transport corridor to bind their economies together. The resumption of US sanctions in 2019 and the fall of Afghanistan in 2021 have complicated matters and slowed work on the port. But last year a team from ministry of ports, shipping and waterways including the minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited Iran and negotiations for development of Chabahar has again gained pace.

State-run India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) operates the Shahid Behestti terminal at Chabahar port and since IPGL began operations at the terminal in 2018 (till May 2023), it has handled more than 6.56 million tonne of bulk cargo, including trans-shipments from Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Germany, Russia and the UAE, according to government data. For 2023, India is targeting a cargo handling of 13,282 TEUs at the Shahid Beheshti terminal. As against this, cargo handling in 2022 was 3,096 TEUs. This level of cargo traffic has made the operations viable at the port.

Experts say cargo quantity may increase significantly if the port is linked to the rail network. India is also involved in the construction of the 700-km long Chabahar-Zahedan railway line. An MoU was signed between Indian Railways IRCON and Iranian Railways Construction and Development of Transportation Infrastructures Company (CDTIC) in 2016 for the construction of the Chabahar-Zahedan Railway project.

India has major investment plans in the country, largely centered around the Chabahar port as it gives India a strategic advantage over both China and Pakistan. Chabahar Port is at a distance of about 170 kilometers from Pakistans Gwadar port. In union budget for FY22, the finance ministry allocated 100 crore for the development of the Chabahar Port.
NEW DELHI : India will supply 14,000 tonnes of non-basmati rice this year to Mauritius and 79,000 tonnes to Bhutan under humanitarian operations, making an exception for two key diplomatic partners.

The decision has been taken after India received requests from both the nations to exempt the export prohibition on non-basmati rice, two government officials aware of the matter said.

Mint on 20 August reported that after the UN World Food Programme, and three nationsSingapore, Indonesia and the Philippineshad appealed to New Delhi to resume rice exports to their nations following Indias decision to suspend non-basmati white rice shipments to check prices effective from 20 July.

Bhutan requested India to allow rice exports after Indias ban on shipments of non-basmati rice caused global rice prices to rise. Bhutan in late July made a diplomatic request for rice shipments of up to 90,000 tonnes.

Similarly, a request from the Mauritius to exempt it from the prohibition for a supply of up to 14,000 tonnes was also received earlier this month.

Consignments of 60 containers carrying about 1,500 tonnes of non-basmati rice were due to sail on 19 August from Mundra port (in Gujarat). After the clearance, the containers will reach Mauritius in the first week of September before their rice stocks exhaust on 15 September. A total requirement of 14,000 tonnes of non-basmati rice is to be imported from India this year," one of the government officials said.

Mauritius is a close and trusted foreign partner of India and annually imports around 24,000 tonnes of long grain white rice that is consumed by vulnerable groups.

During April-June of the ongoing financial year, India exported 784.14 tonnes of rice to Mauritius as against 843.46 tonnes during the corresponding period last year. In 2022-23 financial year, nearly 10,040 tonnes rice were exported to the nation by India.

Queries mailed to the embassies of Mauritius and the Bhutan in New Delhi, and Indias department of food and public distribution remained unanswered at press time.

India is the worlds biggest rice exporter, accounting for nearly 45% of the global rice trade. In April-June of the current financial year, the country exported 1.55 million tonnes of non-basmati white rice and 371,000 tonnes of broken rice compared with last years 1.15 mt and 141,000 tonnes, respectively.Neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh and Nepal, are heavily dependent on Indian rice, while some African countries are purchasers of broken rice.

Indias rice export ban, however, allows for government-to-government deals and for requests made by friendly countries" with genuine food-security needs

To ensure adequate availability of non-basmati white rice in the Indian market and to allay the rise in prices in the domestic market, the government of India has amended the export policy from free with export duty of 20% to prohibited," the government announced in July.But there is no change in the export policy of non-basmati rice (parboiled rice) and basmati rice, which form the bulk of rice exports. This will ensure that the farmers continue to get the benefit of remunerative prices in the international market," read a press release by the ministry of consumer affairs, food and public distribution.
Mizoram bridge collapse: At least 17 workers were killed and many have been feared trapped after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in Mizoram's Aizawl. Several others are feared trapped at the site, as 35-40 workers were present when the incident occurred around 10 am, police said. The incident happened in the Sairang area which is about 20 km from Aizawl.

Seventeen bodies have been recovered from the debris so far... many others are still missing," a police officer said. The Railway officiela officials have told ANI that So far, 9 people have been rescued. NDRF, State administration and Railway officials are carrying out rescue operations on a war footing. It is also stated that the bridge girder process was duly approved by IIT experts. A high level enquiry committee has also been constituted to investigate the matter." Mirozam CM expressed his deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. In a tweet on X, formerly known as Twitter, he wrote, Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; atleast 17 workers died: Rescue under progress. Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations."

Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram, PM Modi sent his condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the incident. Moreover, the Prime minister also announced an ex-gratia of 2 lakh from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased while Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured.

Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured: PM," PMO statement on X read.
Chandrayaan-3 is poised to make an indelible mark in history by successfully landing on the unexplored southern region of the Moon. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel lauded the significance of this feat, crediting India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's vision.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the organisation in charge of Chandrayaan-3, was set up under Nehru in 1962. During those days, it was known as the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR).

India is on the cusp of becoming the fourth nation to accomplish such a feat, following in the footsteps of the United States, Russia and China. However, what sets India apart is its unique aspiration to touch down on the lunar south pole, a territory no other country has ventured into.

Scheduled for a pivotal moment on August 23 at 6:04 PM, Chandrayaan-3's Lander Module, comprising the Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover, is all set to softly land in the vicinity of the Moon's southern pole.

CM Baghel hailed this achievement as a monumental triumph for the nation, praising the relentless dedication of Indian scientists. "Jo Aadharshila Nehru Ji ne rakha, aaj world mein danka baja raha hai (Nehru Ji's visionary foundation stone is now resounding globally)," he expressed, extending his best wishes to the scientific community.

Launched on July 14, 2023, under the aegis of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Chandrayaan-3 mission has stirred a sense of anticipation and unity across the nation. This collective fervour is a testament to the hopes and aspirations pinned on the success of this mission.

Chandrayaan-3 landing: When and how to watch LIVE

The historic Chandrayaan-3 landing will be broadcasted live on the Doordarshan TV channel. At the same time, the ISRO website - as well as numerous social media platforms - will also live-stream. You can also watch it here:

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi played up Indias economic growth story during his remarks at the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue in Johannesburg on Tuesday. Modi is visiting South Africa for the 15th BRICS Leaders Summit.

The prime minister said there was no doubt that India would be a growth engine for the world. Though the global economy is in the doldrums, India has emerged as the fastest growing major economy, Modi added.

He spoke about his governments record on bringing in reforms such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to improve ease of doing business and boost investor confidence. He also spoke about the improvement in public-service delivery, particularly through the use of technology, and the reduction in corruption. He added that direct benefit transfers worth over $360 billion have been made to citizens.

The success of UPI payments also found mention in Modis remarks. Citing the platform's international partnerships, he proposed possible collaborations with BRICS countries on UPI.

Modi also spoke about Indias startup ecosystem, progress on gender equality, and the countrys Make in India ambitions.

Modi shared the stage with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and President Lula da Silva of Brazil. President Xi Jinping of China did not attend the business forum event, while President Vladimir Putin of Russia will participate in the BRICS Summit virtually.

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NEW DELHI : Operational creditors, who have previously aggressively initiated bankruptcy proceedings against clients for payment delays, are adopting a less confrontational stance of late.

Data from the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) for the June quarter shows that operational creditors, who had outnumbered financial creditors like banks by a wide margin in initiating bankruptcy action against defaulting firms in the five years till FY22, have for the first time fallen behind lenders in invoking the bankruptcy code during FY23.

In the year ended 31 March, only 536 bankruptcy cases initiated by operational creditors were admitted to courts, compared to 654 cases by financial creditors, data showed.

The trend continued in the June quarter of this fiscal, where only 102 operational creditors initiated bankruptcy action against their clients against 118 lenders who dragged defaulting companies to tribunals invoking the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

One of the trends in the operation of the Code has been that creditors have used it as a payment-recovery tool more than a corporate-turnaround framework. That is changing.

Experts attributed a host of factors to the shift, including the jurisprudence evolved by courts and adjudicatory authorities over the years, that IBC should not be treated as a recovery mechanism. Also, the fact that operational creditors do not get to be part of the panel of creditors set up under a tribunals watch to rescue the defaulting company is a disincentive for them to invoke the Code.

Compared to financial creditors, operational creditors have various avenues to recover their claims such as recovery suits, arbitration, etc. that offer chances of recovery of full claim amount along with interest. Considering that the operational creditors are placed fairly low in the waterfall mechanism (the priority of distribution of funds recovered under IBC) as compared to the financial creditors, taking recourse to these other avenues becomes more profitable for the operational creditors," explained Yogendra Aldak, partner at law firm Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan Attorneys.

Aldak explained that while financial creditors can initiate insolvency proceedings without prior notice, operational creditors have to necessarily give notice, and it has been seen that operational creditors claims tend to get settled at the notice stage.

Also, with a number of reliefs being given to a lot of stakeholders on account of the pandemic, most of the debt becomes disputed. An application for initiation of insolvency proceedings cannot be admitted under section 9 of IBC if there are pre-existing disputes with respect to the debt," said Aldak. So, the success rate of admission of an application filed by a financial creditor is much high than that of an operational creditor, explained Aldak.

The declaration of homebuyers as financial creditors and the increase in the number of failed real estate projects during the pandemic have also increased the number of applications being filed by the financial creditors, Aldak said.

The government has been taking a host of steps to make sure that large corporations make timely payments to suppliers who are small enterprises. That includes the requirement for businesses to explain delays in making these payments. In the Finance Act of 2023, the government introduced a changededuction of expense while computing taxable income for amounts payable to small businesses will be allowed only when payments are actually made.
India should prioritize water conservation to make it an integral part of its development strategy as it emerges as one of the worlds fastest-growing economies, jal shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Wednesday.

With India being one of the fastest growing economies in the world today, it is imperative for the country to show seriousness towards increasing use of water and its conservation to move forward with its developmental pursuit," the minister told the Mint sustainability summit.

India, with 18% of the global population, possesses a mere 4% of the worlds potable clean water resources, setting the stage for a looming crisis. With water demand hovering at 1,100 billion cubic metres (BCM) per year and a projected rise to 1,447 billion cubic metres by 2050, the situation is critical.

Notably, India also ranks at the front of global groundwater exploitation. This need for seriousness is also important because our situation in terms of water is very challenging. When it comes to exploiting groundwater, what America and China do together, we do it alone," the minister remarked.

He, however, added that the achievements made by India in the last decade in water management are unique and historic.

India is the top country in the world in campaigning for water conservation and providing pure water to every household through taps.

Out of a total 190 million rural households in the country, more than 130 million (67%) are getting tap water supply. With the number of connections we have given in the past one year, we would have provided water to every household in Japan or Egypt," he said.

Stressing Indias commitment to achieving the UNs Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) goals, Shekhawat said that in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, historic work was being done not only in the field of water and sanitation in the country, but a sustainable model of development was also being set up.

According to the minister, the success of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has brought about a big change, especially in the lives of rural women.

The women of the country have suffered for a long time the painful experience of being forced to carry containers of water on their heads for several kilometers in the absence of tap water. So, ensuring availability of pure water at their homes naturally brings them great relief and joy."

Focusing on delivering pure drinking water, the government launched JJM in 2019 when there were 22,016 habitations with high levels of arsenic and fluoride in drinking water. Today, nearly 18 million people affected by water scarcity are getting safe water for drinking and cooking.

JJM has also created employment on a large scale for the rural population. IIM Bangalore in a recent study found that this mission has the potential to create 28.2 million jobs every year," the minister said.

He said that amid the limited availability of water, taking steps for its conservation is the need of the hour.

On this occasion, I would like to specially mention the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched as a coordinated effort for water conservation. From 2019 till now, many meaningful results of this campaign have come to the fore. In March this year, the fourth phase of this campaign was launched with the theme of Source Sustainability for Drinking Water," he pointed out.

Mission Amrit Sarovar has also made a big difference water conservation. Under this mission, more than 63,000 water bodies have been developed in a year, the minister said.

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The plight of Indian students , who returned to Ukraine to complete their medical degrees amid the ongoing war, shows no signs of improvement. They now increasingly face hostility from certain sections of the local population who perceive India as supporting Russia in the conflict, reported Times of India.

As the conflict persists, public sentiment in Ukraine has increasingly turned against Indian students. "You Indians are good friends with Russia'. They want us to leave their country," said another student.

This hostility has grown notably since Ukraine initiated its latest offensive operations in June. One student expressed, "Locals are asking them to leave the country. It's got worse in the last eight weeks or so." These students have been regularly reaching out to their respective state governments and the central government, pleading to allow them to transfer to universities in other countries, but their appeals have gone unanswered.

Also read: Chandrayaan 3: What is India's mission to moon? Why is it important?

In 2022, approximately 18,000 students were evacuated from Ukraine shortly after Russia's invasion. They had hoped to continue their studies in Indian institutions or other foreign universities but were met with disappointment. Despite the risks, around 3,400 students returned to Ukraine in January 2023 to complete their degrees.

A student from Madhya Pradesh explained, As per National Medical Council (NMC) guidelines, students who are studying abroad after December 2021 cannot transfer to any other university. This is why I and many other students had to come back here."

Also read: Chandrayaan-3: Meet the people behind India's lunar mission

Living conditions have also become challenging. Sometimes shopkeepers refuse to sell goods to them, and similar treatment is experienced in their hostels. "Sometimes, water is not available or the electricity goes out, or both. Sometimes the kitchen doesn't open. How will we survive? We are stuck here because we have no other option," alleged one student.

Whenever sirens blare, students live in fear. We live in constant terror. Our families in India live in fear. The sires are so frequent that we can't study," shared a distressed student. The student added that they are requesting their government to permit them to transfer to universities in other countries. "We are not seeking financial assistance from anyone," the student stated.

Mint could not independently confirm the development

(Read full report at Times of India)

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US President Joe Biden Wednesday said he was not surprised by reports that Russian Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin may have died in a plane crash. Biden said not much happens in the country that President Vladimir Putin is not behind, Reuters reported.

Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and Wagner Commander Dmitry Utkin were on board the plane that crashed north of Moscow, Russian Civil Aviation Authority said. There was no confirmation that Prigozhin was physically on board. "I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised," Reuters reported quoting Biden. "There is not much that happens in Russia that Putin is not behind, but I dont know enough to know the answer," he added. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak tweeted social media platform X ...It is obvious that Putin does not forgive anyone for his own bestial terror.... The demonstrative elimination of Prigozhin and the Wagner command two months after the coup attempt is a signal from Putin to Russia's elites ahead of the 2024 elections. 'Beware! Disloyalty equals death'"

British lawmaker Alicia Kearns and chair of parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee said, The speed at which the Russian Govt has confirmed Yevgeny Prigozhin was on a plane that crashed on a flight from Moscow to St Petersburg should tell us everything we need to know. Reports Russian Air Defence shot down the plane suggests Putin is sending a very loud message."

Despite any presumptions whether or not Prigozhin was killed by Putin according to his order or his plane was destroyed due to an inter-agency clash within the Russian elite, this event demonstrates that the Russian elite is not united, that the contradictions within the Kremlin are growing, that the coordination between different branches within the Russian leadership is really bad. In the end, if Vladimir Putin is so powerful, why didnt he arrest Prigozhin?" reported Reuters quoting Pavel Luzin, an expert with the Center for European Policy Analysis and a US thinktank.

Prigozhin spearheaded a mutiny against Russia's top army brass on June 23-24 which Putin said could have tipped Russia into civil war.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States has informed that it plans to enforce visa restrictions on select Chinese officials, accusing them of compelling Tibetan children to assimilate into Chinese society.

The new restrictions will be applied to present and former Chinese officials responsible for the execution of the education policy in Tibet, as DW reports cited

Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement, earlier this week, cited that a UN report that revealed that around one million Tibetan children have been sent into boarding schools  often by force.

Referring to the Peoples Republic of China, he said, We urge PRC authorities to end the coercion of Tibetan children into government-run boarding schools and to cease repressive assimilation policies, both in Tibet and throughout other parts of the PRC."

Such coercive policies seek to eliminate Tibets distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious traditions among younger generations of Tibetans, he added.

The move comes ahead of the high-profile visit by US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to China and political experts are of the opinion that US's direct interreference in Chinese domestic affairs will anger Beijing

What China says?

Reacting to the allegations, China responded calling them "smears" that "seriously undermine China-US relations."

"As a common international practice, boarding schools in China are set up according to the needs of local students," said Liu Pengyu, spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, cited DW news.

"Boarding schools have gradually developed into one of the important modes of running schools in China's ethnic minority areas, and the centralized way of running schools effectively solves the problem of ethnic minority students' difficulty in attending school at a distance where the local people live scattered," he said.

Tibet activists welcomes US action

Blinkens move was welcomed by Tibet activists. Chinas unconscionable separation of Tibetan children from their families cannot be left unchecked," said Tencho Gyatso, president of the Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet, as quoted by Bloomberg

It shows the depths of Beijings plan to eliminate the Tibetan way of life and turn Tibetans into loyal followers" of the Chinese Communist Party.

A team of United Nations experts said in February that about a million children of the Tibetan minority are being affected by Chinese government policies intended to assimilate Tibetan people culturally, religiously and linguistically through a residential school system. China condemned their findings.

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If religion in America were bought and sold like a stock, now might be a good time to short it. In recent months, a number of pundits have declared that the American love affair with organized religionand Christianity in particularis over. Recent surveys suggest that church attendance, already faltering in the 21st century, still hasnt recovered in the wake of the pandemic. But before we conclude that Americans are headed for a godless future, consider the longer ebb and flow of religiosity in the US. In the distant past, organized religion often lost adherents, only to rebound a generation later. And in modern times, church attendance has proven misleading, leading some otherwise-sensible observers to assume that secular thinking will triumph.

Many Americans have a vague idea that the first European settlers came to escape religious persecution. Thats sort of true, up to a point: Puritans in New England did; so, too, did various sects who settled in tolerant Pennsylvania. But many of the first settlers spent more time on Mammon worship. Even Puritans lost much of their initial enthusiasm by the late 1600s. By the 1690s, church membership in the region had plummeted to 15%.

That said, this same period underscores the peril of using church attendance as a proxy for religiosity. The aristocratic planters of 17th-century Virginia may well have attended the Anglican church on Sundays, but was this evidence that they embraced religion? One study of a typical Virginia county points to the answer being no. It found that only 15% of Caucasian infants were baptized between 1649 and 1680. One clergyman visiting Maryland in the 1680s described the colony as beyond redemptiona place where religion is despised.

Here, too, we see another lesson. When it comes to religion, the old adage about investing (past performance is not predictive of future results) applies equally well. A handful of preachers on both sides of the Atlanticlike George Whitefield among other famous menled an inter-denominational revival defined by emotional services and conversions.

Benjamin Franklin recalled how this transformation swept the colonies around 1740: It was wonderful to see the change soon made in the manners [and behaviour] of our inhabitants; from being thoughtless or indifferent about religion, it seemd as if all the world were growing religious; so that one could not walk thro the town in an evening without hearing Psalms sung in different families of every street." But this kind of outpouring was difficult to measure and sustain. Many people attended revivals, but whether individual church membership permanently increased is another question altogether. By the time of the American Revolution, religiosity seemed to have fallen off once more. Church attendance in cities like Boston and New York struggled to reach even 17% by 1780.

And then things changed yet again. Over the course of the first half of the 19th century, religion convulsed the US. This outpouring proved deeply consequential, spawning social reform movements and converting groups of peopleAfrican Americans, most notablywho had remained largely outside the revivals of the previous century. Yet, despite the astonishing growth of religion, there were fears of backsliding, with many pious observers lamenting the fact that some of their brethrendubbed Nothingarianshad yet to return to the fold.

This vacillation between piety and scepticism would continue over the 19th century. Religious attendance dipped after the trauma of the American Civil War before recovering and reaching new highs by the early 20th century. In the post-war era, it became an article of faith among sociologists and the general public that the US was a religious nation. Survey after survey dutifully confirmed that somewhere between 40% and 50% of Americans attended church or synagogue every week.

But then, some nosy researchers began to wonder if relying on respondents answers about church membership or attendance was wholly justified. In a series of somewhat creative studies, they began counting people in pews and comparing this data against what citizens told pollsters and social scientists. The result? It turned out that roughly half the people who claimed they went to church didnt.

This larger historyand the apparent dangers of relying on proxies of religious belief like church membership or attendanceunderscore why we should remain sceptical about recent claims that the US has fallen out of love with religion.

What looks momentous right now is likely a momentary blip. Before too long, more Americans will probably find their way back to churchor at the very least, lie about doing so.

Stephen Mihm is a professor of history at the University of Georgia and co-author of Crisis Economics: A Crash Course in the Future of Finance.

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Senior CPI (M) leader A C Moideen on Wednesday termed the raid carried out by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at his residence in Thrissur as "pre-planned," news agency PTI reported.

"The ED officials searched the entire premises. My bank account details, as well as those of my wife and daughter, were examined. The property documents kept at the house were also examined," he said addressing the media.

"In a normal case, the investigators would ask the respective person about the charge leveled against him. But, nothing like that happened. So, I feel that the raid was a pre-planned move," he said.

The former minister, however, made it clear that he would cooperate with any kind of investigation.

ED on Tuesday carried out searches at the premises of former minister and Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M) legislator AC Moideen and those linked to him in connection with a money laundering probe into the alleged 100-crore fraud at the Karuvannur Service Co-operative Bank in Kerala.

The search began on Tuesday morning, and continued till early today. The ED sleuths left at 5.15 am.

Moideen, 67, is a senior CPI(M) leader and he represents the Kunnamkulam constituency in the state Assembly.

Raids were carried out by the ED in connection with this case in August last year also. The residence of Moideen and those linked to him are being searched for evidence of gathering details of "benami" assets, they said.

The alleged fraud in the Thrissur-based CPI(M)-controlled bank triggered a political row in Kerala two years ago. The Kerala government, in August 2021, suspended 16 officials for their alleged lapses in detecting this alleged fraud at the bank.

-With PTI inputs

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Former MP CM Digvijaya Singh claims Chandrayaan-3 scientists haven't been paid; MP state president criticizes Singh.

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Congress Rajya Sabha MP, Digvijaya Singh on Wednesday courted a new controversy when he said that the scientists who are behind the Chandrayaan-3 have not been paid their salary. Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said, "We are proud that ISRO scientists are making an effort for the successful lunar landing of Chandryaan. We pray to the Almighty for their success. But there are reports in newspapers that the scientists who made this happen have not received a salary in 17 months. Prime Minister should take note of this too," as reported by news agency ANI. Meanwhile reacting to Digvijay Singh's comments, Madhya Pradesh state president VD Sharma said, ...Digvijaya Singh is trying to defame the country...Everyone is proud of Chandrayaan-3 and our scientists while he questioning it. He should pray for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon..." Hitting out at Congress leader, BJP's national IT cell in-charge, Amit Malviya said, The abominable Digvijay Singh called out for peddling #FakeNews on the day ISRO is all set to make India proud." "Congress hates Prime Minister Modi, but it hates a strong resurgent India even more, because a confident India will never vote for the Congress. While India celebrates Chandrayaan-3, Congress whines," Malviya said in a post on 'X', formally Twitter. Even as hours ticked down to the much-anticipated crowning moment of Chandrayaan-3  the attempted soft landing on the moon's uncharted South Pole  the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on Wednesday said that it is all set to initiate the Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS). A post on ISRO's official handle on X, formerly Twitter, read, "All set to initiate the Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS). Awaiting the arrival of the Lander Module (LM) at the designated point, around 17:44 Hrs. IST. Upon receiving the ALS command, the LM activates the throttleable engines for powered descent." "The mission operations team will keep confirming the sequential execution of commands. The live telecast of operations at MOX begins at 17:20 Hrs. IST," read the post further.

The attempted soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moons south pole has been scheduled for around 18:04 IST, with the powered descent of the Vikram lander expected at 1745 IST.

The live telecast of the landing operations at Mission Operation Complex (MOX) will begin at 1720 IST. Live broadcast of the landing will be available on the ISRO website, its YouTube channel, Facebook, and public broadcaster DD National TV from 17:27 IST on Aug 23, 2023.

In an earlier update on the soft landing by the Chandrayaan-3 lander, ISRO had said the mission is on schedule and systems are undergoing regular checks. It also released a series of up-close images of the moon. The images will assist the lander module in determining its position (latitude and longitude) by matching them against an onboard moon reference map.

This mission, if it turns out to be fruitful, will make India the only country to have marked its presence on the lunar south pole which is considered to be difficult for its rough and harsh conditions, and fourth  after US, China, and Russia  to have successfully landed on the moons surface.

The spacecraft was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradeshs Sriharikota on July 14. A GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle was used for the launch of the spacecraft that was placed in the lunar orbit on August 5 and since then it has been through a series of orbital manoeuvres been lowered closer to the moons surface.

Ever since the July 14 launch, ISRO has been maintaining that the health of the spacecraft remains normal".On August 5, Chandrayaan-3 was successfully inserted into the lunar orbit with multiple key manoeuvres thereafter.

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Vivek Ramaswamy, a contender for the Republican presidential nomination, has sparked controversy with his remarks concerning the tragic events of September 11 and the January 6 Capitol attack. In a recent profile published by the Atlantic, the biotech entrepreneur raised questions that have drawn widespread condemnation.

The events of September 11, 2001, remain indelibly etched in history, with a bipartisan commission establishing the details surrounding the days catastrophic events. Four hijacked planes targeted key locations, resulting in the death of 2,977 individuals. The World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and potentially the Capitol or the White House were identified as the intended targets.

During the interview, Ramaswamy posed inquiries into the presence of law enforcement personnel on the planes that struck the Twin Towers on September 11. He remarked, I think it is legitimate to say how many police, how many federal agents, were on the planes that hit the Twin Towers. Maybe the answer is zero."

I have no reason to think it was anything other than zero. But if were doing a comprehensive assessment of what happened on 9/11, we have a 9/11 commission, absolutely that should be an answer the public knows the answer to," he added.

Ramaswamys controversial comments weren't limited to the September 11 attacks. He also touched upon the January 6 attack on the Capitol. When asked What was the truth about January 6?", he replied, I dont know."

But we can handle it. Whatever it is, we can handle it. Government agents. How many government agents were in the field? Right?" he added.

Ramaswamy, initially an outsider, has experienced a surge in polling numbers, positioning himself as a serious challenger to Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, for the second spot in the Republican presidential nomination race, trailing behind former US president Donald Trump.

Reactions on Ramaswamys comments

Critics have vehemently objected to Ramaswamys statements. Charles P Pierce, a writer for Esquire, asserted that Ramaswamy's remarks effectively disqualified him from being a potential president of the United States.

Ramaswamy himself has slammed The Atlantic for misquoting him. He said he had asked the publication to send the recording before publishing the interview. But, the publication never sent it to him for approval.

The government lied to us about 9/11 & the Iraq War for over 20 years, just as they lie to us about Hunter Biden & Ukraine. If we dont learn from our past mistakes, we are doomed to make them again," wrote Ramaswamy.

Check his response:
A political row has sparked on social media ever sicne superstar Rajinikanth touched feet of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. While, the Jailer actor has clarified why he touched Adityanath's feet on Tuesday, Congress leader Udita Raj has a different opion on this act.

Also read: Rajinikanth defends touching Yogi Adityanath's feet According to the Congress leader, debates are happening that CM Adityanath will become the future Prime Minister of India and that's why Rajinikanth touched his feet. He said, the actor saw glimpse of future Prime Minister in Adityanath. "Debates are happening on CM Yogi Adityanath being seen as Prime Minister in the future. Otherwise, this courtesy was not shown by actor Rajinikanth for Prime Minister Modi. He is having a glimpse of the future Prime Minister in CM Yogi Adityanath. Such talks are making rounds...," the Congress leader said.

Rajinikanth tells why he touched UP CM Adityanath's feet

After facing backlash for touching Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath Yogi's feet during his visit to the BJP leaders residence in Lucknow, the superstar on Tuesday gave clarification in Chennai.

Rajinikanth said, "It is my habit to touch the feet of Yogis or Sanyasis and take their blessings, even if they are younger than me. I have done that only". Rajinikanth arrived in the city on Friday night for the screening of his film Jailer, which was attended by UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya.

He also met Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav in the city.

Rajinikanth, who is basking in the success of his latest film "Jailer", said he was happy to reconnect with Yadav, whom he called his friend, after almost a decade.

"Nine years ago, I had met Akhilesh at a function in Mumbai. Since then, our friendship has continued, and we talk over the phone. I had come here five years ago for a shooting, (but) Akhilesh was not there, and (I) could not meet him. He is here now and I met him," the 72-year-old actor told media.

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When Russian tanks began bearing down on Kyiv, Ukraines capital, in February of last year, Mykhailo Fedorov was overseeing improvements to an app that provides Ukrainians with easy access to government services. At the time the app focused on fairly conventional tasks: filing tax returns, obtaining business permits, claiming benefits and so on. But the 32-year-old Mr Fedorov and his colleagues quickly added extra features. Now DIIA (the Ukrainian for action" and also an acronym for the State and Me") allows patriots to donate to the war effort, struggling businesses to apply for state support and ordinary citizens to report Russian troop movements. And with the war making it hard for people to visit government offices, the ability to conduct official business online has become a godsend for many.

When Volodymyr Zelensky became Ukraines president in 2019, he promised to modernise a state that until then had been a byword for bureaucracy and corruption. DiIa, launched in 2020, was the centrepiece of this effort. But what began as a means to mollify exasperated voters quickly became part of Ukraines struggle for survival. To beat back the Russian onslaught and keep the government functioning, the state has had no choice but to become vastly more nimble and effective.

Wreckage and resolve

The young, tech-savvy Ukrainians leading this overhaul see it not just as a necessity, but also as an opportunity. We call it Ukraine 2.0. We all loved Ukraine as we knew it, but there were a lot of things in it which we dont want to bring into a new one. We got a unique chance to build a new country," says Oleksandr Kamyshin, a 38-year-old former manager of a venture-capital fund who is now restructuring Ukraines arms industry. The full-scale Russian invasion not only brought the horrors of war to millions of Ukrainians. February 24th 2022 was also an occasion for Ukraine to rethink itself," echoes Ukrainska Pravda, an online newspaper.

Like Mr Fedorov, the Ukrainian state was born in 1991. A vestige of the Soviet Union, it was seen by many Ukrainians as more of a nuisance than a benefit. Corruption was endemic, from the bribes demanded by traffic cops to the kickbacks needed to secure government contracts. The public put far more faith in civil society than in official institutions.

It was civil society, naturally enough, that spearheaded the campaign to change all this. It led the Maidan uprising of 2013-14, a protest movement which brought about the fall of Viktor Yanukovych, the grasping pro-Russian president of the day. The new government, with the help of Western aid agencies, set up a series of institutions to battle corruption, including an independent investigation bureau, dedicated prosecutors and a special court. Mr Zelensky has since strengthened this system by installing a new council composed partly of retired American and European judges to regulate judicial conduct. The details of most public procurement are now made public, to make crooked transactions easier to spot.

These new rules and institutions have not eliminated corruption, but they have made it a far riskier undertaking, rather than the accepted norm. In the three-and-a-half years that the anti-corruption court has been operating, 65 people have been convicted in it, including 20 judges and several MPs and senior officials. Such prosecutions were unheard-of before 2014. In the past few years corruption stopped being a system and became an ailment that could be dealt with," says Vitaly Shabunin, an anti-corruption activist.

Threatened by rectitude

This change seems to have infuriated Vladimir Putin, Russias president. Not only had the popular campaign for good government caused the downfall of a pro-Russian regime; it was also undermining Mr Putins favoured technique for suborning Ukrainian politicians and, worse, it was creating an alarming example of successful reform that might inspire his own citizens. In a speech laying out Russias case for war days before the invasion, Mr Putin included among Ukraines supposed crimes the creation of the new units to fight corruption. It was not just a passing reference: he listed each agency individually, and denounced them all as tools of America. Not every politician in Ukraine could name all these institutions. This was a real tribute to our work," says Mr Shabunin. Putin realised that if he does not interfere now, these reforms would lead Ukraine into the Western world."

But far from halting the overhaul of the Ukrainian state, Mr Putins invasion has accelerated it. The state-owned railway company, Ukrzaliznytsia, is a good example. In August 2021, just months before the invasion, it was put in the hands of Mr Kamyshin, who has not only a Cossack-style semi-shaved hairdo, but also a degree from INSEAD, a French business school. At the time, he says, Ukrzaliznytsia was a feeding trough for corrupt officials, politicians and shady intermediaries, who sold it second-rate supplies at inflated prices.

Mr Kamyshin quickly cleared out the middlemen. But to keep the trains running throughout the war, despite relentless shelling and blackouts, he also had to empower not just thrusting young managers but also the grizzled engineers who know the tracks inside out. As a result, Ukrzaliznytsia has kept essential cargo moving, be it weapons, troops, humanitarian aid or refugees. It even ferried Joe Biden, Americas president, across the country on a visit in February, earning its special service the sobriquet Rail Force One". All this has made Ukrzaliznytsia a popular brand among young Ukrainians. In November it opened its first merchandise shop in Kyiv.

In March Mr Kamyshin became the minister in charge of the defence industry, another pit of inefficiency and graft. State-owned factories produced more shells in the first month after his appointment than they had done in the entire previous year. Mr Fedorov, now a deputy prime minister, has found a different way to speed up military procurement, crowdfunding the purchase of around 4,000 drones and the training of 10,000 people to use them.

Mr Fedorov has also turned his hand to streamlining the operations of the armed forces. (In his trainers, sweatshirt and jeans, wielding only a sticker-spattered laptop, he has probably done more damage to Mr Putins war machine than most men in uniform.) He has helped create software to pool information from assorted drones, sensors and cameras to provide a comprehensive picture of the battlefield, which can be viewed in real time by everyone from generals to foot soldiers.

Appropriately enough for a system enabling quicker, less hierarchical decision-making, the software in question was developed not at a secret military research institute on orders from on high; instead, shortly before the war began, the army assembled a team of volunteer programmers and activists; they have applied themselves to problems as they have arisen. Mr Fedorov organises hackathons to come up with solutions to specific programming conundrums. There is a fundamental change now in how we think, how we make decisions and what kind of a country we are building," says Mr Fedorov.

The distaste for rigid hierarchies and the devolution of decision-making are among the defining features of this new approach to administration. Those may sound like boilerplate principles of good government, but they are rare in post-Soviet states. Their adoption by the Ukrainian army helps explain why it has been able to keep Russias numerically superior forces at bay. They have also been used to great effect by Mr Kamyshins former boss, Oleksandr Kubrakov, the minister of infrastructure, in the mammoth task of distributing all the weapons and supplies donated by Ukraines allies. These have to be brought to the front lines without being stockpiled in big warehouses or transported along predictable routes, since both would create easy targets for Russian bombs. He has achieved the near-impossible by dividing deliveries into multitudes of small consignments, the vast majority of which are moved by private hauliers along a plethora of obscure and ever-evolving routes.

That hints at another change: treating ordinary Ukrainians as allies of the state, rather than adversaries or subjects. Civil society has also grown stronger during the war. A survey conducted in mid-2022 found that 86% of Ukrainians had volunteered in some way to support the war effort. There has been an eight-fold increase in the number of registered charities since the start of the war. At the same time, there has been a blurring of the lines between activism and government. Mr Shabunin has enlisted in the army. Mustafa Nayyem, a journalist whose social-media posts were a catalyst for the Maidan uprising, served for a time as a deputy to Mr Kubrakov, overseeing the road network, and now heads the agency charged with post-war reconstruction. His brother, a human-rights lawyer, also enlisted, and lost an eye in combat.

The new generation of reformist administrators is well aware that they are not just restructuring ministries and state-owned enterprises, but are laying the foundation of a new country. It is essential that everybody has a vision and understands what they have fought for, what we are building" says Mr Fedorov. Without that vision, there can be no success."

Success is far from guaranteed, however, even if the war goes well. The forces arrayed against the reinvention of the Ukrainian state are many and powerful. For one thing, not all Ukrainians support the idea. Many in the old elite are losing their meal tickets. The office of the president is preoccupied not just with the war, but also with politics; the nitty-gritty of administration is a much lower priority. And the exigencies of the invasion have put the security services in positions of great authority, often with little oversight.

Corruption remains rife, a clear sign that not all bureaucrats have turned over a new leaf. Last month the most senior judge on the Supreme Court was charged with taking bribes. A scandal involving the procurement of military rations has also come to light since the beginning of the war, leading to the sacking of several officials and the resignation of the deputy minister of defence. A reforming official gripes that in some parts of the country businesses are suffering extortion on a par with the depredations of Mr Yanukovychs tenure.

What is more, the war is robbing Ukraine of many of its best and brightest. In addition to those killed or disabled on the battlefield (Ukraine does not disclose casualty figures), some 6.2m people have fled the country over the past 18 months, more than 15% of the pre-war population. The workforce has shrunk by the same proportion. And some 60% of the adults who have left had university degrees, says Tetyana Berezhna, deputy minister for economy.

The exodus is currently constrained, since men of working age are not allowed to leave the country. But with so many Ukrainians now settled elsewhere in Europe, in many cases with jobs or children in school, the likelihood is that lots of Ukrainian men will go join their relatives whenever travel restrictions are lifted. Those who stay will present problems, too: they will be traumatised by fighting, and in many cases gravely injured. The war has generated a major demographic crisis in the country," says Ms Berezhna.

Although the economy is showing some signs of life, it has been clobbered. It shrank by about 35% last year. The World Bank predicts that more than half the population may be living in poverty by the end of 2023. Some 3m people are unemployed. Roughly 5m are internally displaced.

The governments priority is to try to stop the economy from atrophying yet more. It is handing out grants to small and medium-sized businesses and farmers on the condition that they create new jobs. Some 6,000 new businesses have sprung up since the war began and some 40,000 jobs have been saved by relocating firms from the most war-torn parts of the country to safer areas in the west. The state is also creating programmes to reintegrate veterans into civilian life and to make it easier for the disabled to work.

In the longer run the government also wants to make Ukraine a more attractive place to invest and do business. It is debating sweeping deregulation of the labour marketto such an extent that some observers worry it will gravely reduce workers rights. Accession to the European Union, which officially accepted Ukraine as a candidate last year, will require detailed reforms to everything from energy markets to customs procedures. The process is seen by reformers as a critical safeguard, preventing the reinvention of the state from going into reverse.

The government has set all manner of lofty targets, such as doubling the size of the economy in a decade, which would require average annual growth of 7%. Its official Recovery Plan Blueprint" calls for privatisation, stronger laws on competition and corporate governance and de-oligarchisation". Mr Fedorov expresses hope that the war will transform Ukraine from an economy focused on natural resources and the associated rents to one driven by technology and innovation. The authorities see it, already 5% of GDP, as an important potential source of growth.

All of this is contingent not only on restoring security, but also on attracting vast amounts of investment. The government estimates the bill for reconstruction at more than $750bn. Ukraines allies and donors have gathered in London this week for a big conference intended in part to work out how to drum up such a daunting sum.

But Ukrainian civil-society groups biggest worry about reconstruction is not that there will too little money, but rather that it will not be well spent and much of it will be embezzled, according to a recent survey conducted by Chatham House, a British think-tank. These sorts of concerns are widespread: according to a recent poll commissioned by Zerkalo Nedeli, another Ukrainian online newspaper, 84% of Ukrainians agree that, even during the war, The facts about corruption should be made public, because through corruption we will lose unity, the support of partners, and, ultimately, victory."

The war on graft

Ukraine in this war is fighting not only for the right to exist, but also for the opportunity to become a European country, intolerant to corruptionThat is why scrutiny of officials and government becomes even more important for journalists than before the war," says Segvil Musaeva, the editor-in-chief of Ukrainska Pravda. We cannot allow our society, our army to find out after the end of this war that all this time officials have persisted in misconduct, bad governance or corruption."

Mr Fedorov agrees. In the eyes of the trailblazers of Ukraine 2.0, it is the governments efforts to work for its citizens, rather than exploit them, that make Ukraine worth fighting for. Everyone has been profoundly affected by the war, he explains, and everyone has become an activist, in effect. Our society has grown tremendously," he says, It will not allow us to turn in the wrong direction."

 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
Curious odours swirl in the bathrooms of Copthall School, an all-girls comprehensive just north of London. Pupils who puff on e-cigarettes say that lemon and lime" and sour apple" are the most popular hits. But its not only flavours that appeal: as ever, being a part of the crowd matters. Kids who vape are more accepted," says Manha, a 13-year-old (who has, nonetheless, resisted). Poonam Dave, a senior member of staff, estimates a quarter of the children use them. Thats broadly in line with a recent survey by an anti-smoking group, ASH, suggesting a fifth of 11- to 17-year-olds have tried vaping.

Buying e-cigarettes is illegal for those under 18, but vaping rates are drifting upwards. The most recent figures, from 2021, suggest 9% of students in secondary schools are regular or occasional vapers, up from 6% three years before. The increase coincides with the proliferation of cheap, plastic, disposable vapes from China that are sold in bright colours and heavily promoted in shops and on social media.

Similar trends exist in other countries, where authorities are more stirred up. China and many states in America have banned flavoured vapes, which are reckoned to be alluring to children. In recent months Australia and New Zealand said they will ban most disposable vapes, largely out of concern that tobacco companies, who own many e-cigarette-brands, are trying to get children hooked. In Britain Rishi Sunak, the prime minister, has no plans to follow suit but has said an illicit vape enforcement squad" will raid shops that are known to sell to children.

It would be better if children did not vape. Long-term health effects of the habit are still unknown. Potentially vaping is associated with a higher risk, versus those who dont smoke at all, of users developing cardiovascular disease. Vapes can also contain highly addictive nicotinealbeit in much lower quantities than cigarettes. Illegal vapes, meanwhile, often have dangerous levels of lead and nickel.

But excitable talk in the press of a vaping epidemic" among children is misplaced. Slightly more consumption of e-cigarettes has coincided with a welcome drop in smoking of the old, tar-filled and much more dangerous sort. Only 3% of secondary students regularly or occasionally smoke cigarettes (again, as of 2021), and only 12% say they have ever tried. Back in the 1990s around half had done so. This is part of a dramatic, positive trend across the general population that is too little remarked upon: estimated annual sales of cigarettes plunged from 38bn to 20bn in the past decade. Speeding that decline by getting remaining smokers, some 13% of the total population, to switch to vapes is smart: a new government scheme tells (adult) smokers to swap to stop".

Nor is it obvious that doing away with fruity flavours helps. A 1,468-page government review into vaping last year failed to conclude whether or not banning the sweetest flavours would discourage young vapers. It did warn that a ban could instead nudge some to buy illegal vapes. It could also put off adult smokers with a sweet tooth, who might otherwise give up their tar-filled cigarettes.

More tax on disposable vapes, making them pricier, would help. And cracking down on shopkeepers is likely to be more beneficial: there the focus should be on alcohol, which evidently causes more harm. Shopkeepers routinely offer 12-year-olds booze, says Kalwa, another Copthall pupil. Hospitals in England admitted 46 children for vaping-related reasons in 2022, but recorded 5,010 alcohol-related admissions among under-16s alone in 2018-19. Those who chug bottles of raspberry-flavoured Bacardi (around 6% of secondary students drink alcohol weekly) have a more dangerous habit than the vapers.

On the front lines of the battle against youth vaping, many tactics look ineffective. At Copthall much-vaunted vape detectors" (white boxes to alert staff when students are puffing in the toilets) have not yet been installed. A metal detector" (a cheap wand bought online) to sweep some pupils for vapes is easily evaded: vapers hand their goods to more cherubic children. Still, the fashion may turn. Reema, 13, who took up vaping because her mum did it, says she has stopped. The reason? She finds it boring".

For more expert analysis of the biggest stories in Britain, sign up to Blighty, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter.

 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
India created history when it became the first country to land a craft in the lunar south pole, beating other space faring nations. Mint looks at the unprecedented success of the Indian Space Research Organization (Isro) and what it means for Indias space programme.

What did India just achieve?

Chandrayaan-3 created history at 6.04 pm on 23 August when its lander, called Vikram, safely touched down on the lunar surface. India thus became only the fourth nation in the world, after the US, the former Soviet Union and China, to soft land an object on the moon (and the first to do so on the far side of earths natural satellite). Chandrayaan-3 was launched on 14 July using Isros LMV3 rocket. The objective: to demonstrate soft landing and roving capabilities on the lunar surface. Besides, at 650 crore, the mission cost less than that other scientific hitOppenheimer ( 820 crore).

Whats next for this mission?

Vikram lander carries a rover, named Pragyan, which will move around and conduct chemical analyses of the surface of the moon near the landing site. The lander also carries payloads to study thermal conductivity, measure lunar seismic activity and estimate plasma density, among other activities. The experiments by Pragyan will be carried out over one lunar day (equivalent to 14 earth days). The propulsion module which brought the spacecraft from its injected orbit to within 100 kilometres of the moon also has a scientific payload. This will look for exoplanets, or planets beyond our solar system.

View Full Image Graphic: Mint

How did Isro overcome its previous failure?

In September 2019 Chandrayaan-2 failed, in the last moments, to soft land the lander on the moon. Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-up with same mission objective and architecture. Isro scientists spent four years analyzing and rectifying errors. The landers engine configuration was changed. It was made sturdier and carried more fuel for any contingency.

What next for Indias lunar programme?

Isro has ambitious lunar plans. It wants to send a mission that will survive a lunar night (again, 14 earth days) without solar power. It wants to drill the moon and test the sample on site to start with, and eventually bring the samples back home to earth. A race has begun among space powers to explore the moon. China wants to set up a base there by 2030 and the US has announced the Artemis programme to put a man on the moon again by 2025. However, Russias recent attempt to soft land on the moon failed.

How does this boost Indias space plans?

Chandrayaan is designed to develop technologies needed for inter-planetary missions. Isro can now plan more such missions. Space powers are also looking at mining the moon for resources such as helium and rare metals that are desperately needed. India can now think on similar lines and also look for signs of water. Indias space programme has come a long way since 15 August 2003 when prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee announced Chandrayaan saying India was ready to fly high in the field of science".
Chip maker Nvidia blew away analysts and investors three months ago when it said the artificial-intelligence boom would propel its second-quarter revenue far beyond what Wall Street expected.

On Wednesday, investors will find out just how accurate that projection wasand whether the boom is continuing. The company is set to report results for its last quarter as well as its outlook for the current one after the markets close.

Nvidia is at the heart of the boom in artificial intelligence: Its chips are the computational muscle behind lots of popular AI tools, including OpenAIs ChatGPT and similar language-generation systems made by Google, Microsoft and others. Nvidia has invested in making chips and software for AI for more than a decade and has no competitors who can yet match it.

In May, the company said it expected revenue to be around $11 billion for its fiscal second quarter, almost $4 billion more than Wall Street expected. Its shares rose 24% the following day, adding almost $184 billion to its market value and eventually propelling the companys market value above $1 trillion.

This year through Tuesdays close, Nvidias stock has more than tripled, and investors in the options markets have been betting heavily that the shares will rise further after Wednesdays results.

By the numbers

 Nvidia is expected to report revenue of $11.19 billion for its latest quarter, up 67% from a year earlier, according to an average of analysts surveyed by FactSet. That would be slightly better than the companys guidance, but within its range of 2% above or below $11 billion. It would be a record amount for the company.

 Analysts expect profit to be $4.73 billion, compared with $656 million in the year-ago period. Nvidia doesnt give its own profit expectations.

What else to look for

 How the current quarter is evolving. Analysts and investors will be paying close attention to the companys outlook as an indication of the pace of the AI arms race that has Nvidia at the center. Currently, analysts forecast revenue of $12.59 billion for its third quarter ending in October.

 Nvidias supply chain. The company relies largely on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing to produce the chips it designs, leaving it susceptible to a slowdown if that company doesnt expand production rapidly enough. Meanwhile, demand for AI chips has been outstripping supply. In May, Nvidia said it had secured higher supply for the second half of the year.

 Comments about China. The U.S. last year placed export controls on advanced AI chips sold to Chinese companies, which Nvidia said at the time could cost it as much as $400 million in quarterly sales. Since then, Nvidia has developed a less-powerful version of its chips for the Chinese market, but the Biden administration is considering further curbs that would prohibit sales of those chips without a government license. China historically makes up about 20% to 25% of Nvidias sales of chips for data centers, according to Citi analysts.

Write to Asa Fitch at asa.fitch@wsj.com
The suspect is scheduled to be arraigned in the Collierville Town Court sometime Thursday.
Sister Matilda Fagan, a Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word, of San Antonio, Texas and native of county Longford, celebrated her 100th birthday recently.

Born August 8, 1923 in Ballymahon, Sister Matilda entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in Dunmore, Co Galway in 1939 and travelled to the USA in 1946.

At Incarnate Word College, now University of the Incarnate Word, Sister Matilda received a BA degree in Education and English and afterwards held teaching positions in several elementary and High schools in Texas and Louisiana.

Upon receiving an MA degree in Library Science from Louisiana State University, Sister Matilda assumed the position of Librarian with emphasis on Teacher Education at Incarnate Word College, now (UIW), a position she held for thirty years.

During this time she participated in an Academic Exchange with personnel at Adelaide College of Advanced Education in Adelaide, South Australia.

'Fantastic' Longford turnout for Trek with Theresa The changeable weather of the weekend did little to dampen the enthusiasm of over 100 walkers who marched across Ardagh Mountain in aid of a good cause.

The following ten years were devoted to service in the Congregations Archives & Heritage department, after which, Sister Matilda fully retired to the Congregations Retirement Center in San Antonio.

Asked how she felt at the 100th birthday mark, Sister Matilda smiled and said, I feel wonderful and grateful to God and my Congregation for all the blessings and opportunities I have experienced in my lifetime. I feel that I have accomplished all my lifes goals.

Asked about the secret of her long and healthy life, Sister Matilda replied, My long life has been greatly enhanced by the peaceful atmosphere of the religious lifestyle and the companionship and example of the Sisters, the observance of a healthy lifestyle with the advantages of a warm climate.
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Press Releases

By Long Island Published: August 23 2023

72-year-old pedestrian tragically killed in hit-and-run incident on Southern State Parkway, prompting intensive investigation.

On August 23, 2023, at 3:51 a.m., State Police were dispatched to the eastbound Southern State Parkway near Exit 15 in the town of Hempstead, Nassau County, for a report of a male walking in the roadway.

When troopers arrived, a male victim, later identified as Vincent Lashley, 72, of Queens, was observed laying in the right lane/shoulder of the road deceased.

A preliminary investigation determined that Lashley was walking on the Southern State Parkway when he was struck by an unidentified vehicle that left the scene.

The Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Collision Reconstruction Unit and Forensic Identification Unit responded to the scene and are assisting with the investigation.

This incident is under investigation and the State Police is asking for any witnesses or anyone with information to please call (631) 756-3300.
Community, Charity & Cause

By Chris Boyle Published: August 23 2023

It is so important that we gather to raise awareness of the deadly effects of heroin and remember our loved ones who lost their lives to the opioid epidemic," Supervisor Joe Saladino stated.

In recognition of National Overdose Awareness Day, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board will partner with Drug Free Long Island, along with the Village of Massapequa Park and Thomass Hope Foundation, to host an Overdose Awareness Memorial Service on Thursday, August 31st at 6:30pm at Brady Park in Massapequa Park.

Resource tables will be available for families from 6:30pm  8pm, and a 7:15pm memorial service will be held in memory of those who have lost friends and family to overdose. Following the memorial service, a candlelight vigil walk will take place from Brady Park to Village Square.

Supervisor Saladino stated, It is so important that we gather to raise awareness of the deadly effects of heroin and remember our loved ones who lost their lives to the opioid epidemic. Residents are invited to bring a photo of their loved one to the ceremony.

Drug Free Long Island will supply a large dreamcatcher in which residents can place a picture of a loved one lost and/or card in their memory. For more information, please call Drug Free Long Island at (516) 639-2386 or email info@drugfreeli.org.

Oyster Bay Town Hall, along with Park Blvd. in the Village of Massapequa Park, will be illuminated in purple in recognition of National Overdose Awareness Day. This event includes support from Assemblyman Michael Durso, County Legislator James Kennedy, the Town of Oyster Bay, Village of Massapequa Park and Massapequa Chamber of Commerce.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: August 23 2023

New Americans starting their lives in this country often need help navigating our immigration system, said Attorney General James.

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced an agreement that will stop a fraudulent immigrant assistance service provider who misled and threatened immigrants. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Jacquelin Mercado, an immigrant assistance service provider in Yonkers, fraudulently claimed to be an attorney licensed in the United States, illegally offered legal advice, intimidated at least one customer by threatening to report them to immigration authorities, and violated New Yorks immigrant protection laws from June 2020 to July 2022. As a result of todays agreement, Mercado will pay nearly $10,000 in restitution to four different customers in Westchester and New York City, stop all false advertising of her services, and fully comply with the law.

New Americans starting their lives in this country often need help navigating our immigration system, said Attorney General James. Jacqueline Mercado took advantage of that fact and used her position to intimidate and scam immigrants who relied on her for assistance and support. Every New Yorker, especially our most vulnerable, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and should be confident that the services they pay for are legitimate. I encourage any immigrant who thinks they may have been taken advantage of to contact my office and help us ensure bad actors and scammers are taken down.

Immigrant assistance service providers can help their customers by translating documents and providing other support with forms and applications. However, they are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice or representation. New York law requires providers to follow certain rules  including posting signs explicitly stating they are not attorneys  to protect immigrants from scams and fraud.

An investigation by OAG found that Mercado was in violation of numerous provisions of New Yorks Immigrant Assistance Service Enforcement Act. From at least June 2020 to July 2022, Mercado fraudulently posed as a lawyer and used the title attorney at law even though she was not licensed to practice law in the United States. Mercado also unlawfully offered legal advice, potentially putting her customers in danger. The OAGs investigation also found that she had threatened to report at least one customer to immigration authorities and threatened to undermine their efforts to secure lawful immigration status.

As a result of todays agreement, Mercado must immediately stop all false advertising, explicitly state in any advertisements that she is not a licensed attorney, and pay restitution to four different customers totaling $9,946.48. In addition, Mercado must fully comply with all laws governing immigrant assistance service providers, including posting the necessary signs informing customers of their rights, updating her contracts to include language informing customers that she is not an attorney and cannot offer legal advice, and obtaining the necessary financial surety to make sure customers seeking refunds or compensation for damages will be paid.

There are many legitimate resources, attorneys, and organizations dedicated to helping immigrants in New York, and as a state, weve invested tens of millions of dollars to help this population, said New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. I am so glad Attorney General James is taking on fraudulent immigrant assistance service providers who are looking to take advantage of this vulnerable community.

New immigrants to the United States face many challenges, said State Senator Shelley Mayer. Language barriers and unfamiliarity with our legal system may leave them vulnerable to intimidation and fraud. It is essential that those providing assistance are held to the highest possible standard. I appreciate the Attorney General's Offices work that will result in an agreement that will include restitution to clients in Westchester and New York City, an end to false advertising, and compliance with the law. I thank Attorney General James for her commitment to protecting all New Yorkers, particularly our most vulnerable residents.

While immigrant assistance service providers play a crucial role in supporting immigrants, they must adhere to the law and protect the rights of those they serve, said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. This settlement secured by Attorney General James serves as a reminder that fraudulent practices and misrepresentation will not be tolerated, and that New York's immigrant protection laws will be enforced to ensure the safety and well-being of all immigrants.

Those who target and exploit immigrants should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and I commend Attorney General Letitia James in ensuring that those who are seeking a better life in this country are treated with dignity and respect, said Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow.

We pride ourselves on welcoming those seeking refuge and the American dream here, said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. But when bad actors prey on these individuals for their own self-gain, their fraudulent acts must have direct punitive consequences. I applaud Attorney General James for taking swift action in this case to protect the good people of New York and to ensure no other immigrants fall victim.

My office applauds and supports the efforts of Attorney General Letitia James in her commitment to protect the vulnerable population of immigrants seeking assistance and services in the city of Yonkers and the surrounding greater New York City area, said Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy. Wrongdoers, be put on notice that your actions will not be tolerated, and that you will be swiftly prosecuted and brought to justice.

It is very unfortunate that some in our communities would choose to misrepresent the immigration legal system to deceive and hurt those who are trying only to make a better life for themselves and their families, said Yonkers City Councilmember Corazon Pineda-Isaac. These predatory and manipulative actions take advantage of some of our most vulnerable populations. This action taken by the New York Attorney General's office is so important. It sends a strong message to other would-be scammers that here in Yonkers, scams targeting our residents will not be tolerated.

Attorney General James is committed to protecting immigrants and all vulnerable New Yorkers. Anyone who believes they may have been the victim of fraud is encouraged to report complaints by filling out a complaint form or calling 1-800-771-7755. Any identifying information provided to the office will be protected according to state law and policies on the safeguarding of identifying information.

This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General in Charge of the Westchester Regional Office Andy Aujla, Assistant Attorney General Fellow Yomidalys Guichardo, Investigator Peter Schottenfeld, and Supervising Investigator Michael Christian all of the Westchester Regional Office. The Westchester Regional Office is a part of the Division of Regional Affairs led by Deputy Attorney General Jill Faber and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: August 23 2023

Police say that unknown subjects fired multiple rounds while on 131st Ave and then fled on foot in an unknown direction.

The Nassau County Police Department Homicide Squad is investigating a Homicide that occurred on Monday, August 21, 2023 at 8:23 p.m. in Valley Stream.

According to Detectives, Fifth Precinct Officers responded for a disturbance that occurred at a vacant store front, located at 85 Ocean Avenue.

Upon arrival, Police observed a 12-year-old male with a gunshot wound to his shoulder, a 17-year-old female with a laceration to her hand, and a 20-year-old male with a gunshot wound to his chest. All three victims were transported to a local area hospital for treatment.

The 20-year-old male victim was pronounced deceased at 9:05 p.m. by hospital staff. A short while later, two 17-year-old male victims, arrived at local hospitals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds to their legs.

Further investigation revealed that an unknown subject(s) fired multiple rounds while on 131st Ave and then fled on foot in an unknown direction. The investigation is ongoing.
(Alliance News) - Workers at an NHS trust have voted in favour of strikes in a dispute over pay and staffing.

Members of Unite at Barts Health NHS Trust backed industrial action by 95%.

The workers and their representatives will meet over the coming days to decide on strike dates.

Unite said that in a landmark agreement last year, 1,800 workers including cleaners, security guards, porters and domestic staff were transferred to NHS employment from a private contractor.

The union claimed more than 1,000 workers have not received a GBP1,655 lump sum which is part of the recent deal to end the NHS pay dispute.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "The workers at Barts are up in arms over the trust's failure to pay them a lump sum which was agreed as part of the NHS pay deal.

"They're rightly refusing to be short-changed.

"The workforce won its rights to be NHS workers, now they're planning a campaign of strike action to combat low pay and understaffing at the trust."

A spokesperson for Barts Health NHS Trust said: "A number of our staff were still employed by Serco on March 31 2023 and do not qualify for the lump sum under the terms of the national NHS pay deal. We are committed to working with our staff and unions to find a resolution and avoid industrial action."

Barts Health NHS Trust operates from four major hospital sites  The Royal London, St Bartholomew's, Whipps Cross and Newham  and a number of community locations, including Mile End Hospital.

source: PA

Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
A total of 649 candidates for 12 parties are running in the October election

Less than two months remain until Luxembourg's citizens head to polls

Less than two months remain until Luxembourg's citizens head to polls  Photo credit: Caroline Martin

Less than two months remain until Luxembourg's citizens head to polls  Photo credit: Caroline Martin

The share of women standing in the upcoming general election has dropped compared to the last vote in 2018, data released by the government showed on Tuesday - 6 weeks before voters go to the polls.

Just 43% of candidates are women, down from 46% in 2018, but still above the minimum threshold of 40% mandated by law. No party has more women standing than men.

Two parties, dei Greng and dei Lenk, achieved perfect gender parity in their candidate lists while the Luxembourg Communist Party (KPL) falls slightly below the mandated quota, with 37.3% female representation.

Luxembourg introduced a law in 2016 which states that 40% of politicians on lists for legislative and European elections must be women. Parties which do not comply with the quota will see their state funding cut. Those with a less than 30% female representation risk losing 75% of the state's financial support.

A total of 649 candidates representing 12 parties are vying for the 60 seats up for grabs on 8 October, according to the data.

The average age of candidates is 46, showing little change compared to 2018. The youngest candidate is just 18 years old, while the oldest is 84. The Volt party boast the lowest average age at just under 35, while the KPL have the highest at over 55. Candidates aged 18-24 make up only 3.4% of the total number of candidates.

Younger candidates are most prominently represented in the lists of parties that appear to have resonated more with the younger generation. Fokus, led by the former CSV president Frank Engel, has seven candidates under the age of 24 while dei Lenk have five.

There are no candidates under the age of 25 on the lists of the LSAP, DP, and CSV, the country's three largest parties.

Luxembourg will see a record number of parties competing in the South constituency - the country's largest - with twelve lists in contention. That is the highest amount since the 1989 elections when sixteen parties competed.

Candidates must posses Luxembourg nationality, be at least 18 years old on the day of the election and have their permanent address in the Grand Duchy.

(This article was first published on Virgule. Translation by Haneyl Jacob)
At the same time, foreign minister Asselborn slammed France's Sarkozy over remarks against Ukraine's EU and Nato membership

Luxembourg's Xavier Bettel pictured with Volodymyr Zelenskyy at an EU council meeting in February this year

Luxembourg's Xavier Bettel pictured with Volodymyr Zelenskyy at an EU council meeting in February this year  Photo credit: SIP / Thierry Monasse

Luxembourg's Xavier Bettel pictured with Volodymyr Zelenskyy at an EU council meeting in February this year  Photo credit: SIP / Thierry Monasse

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday thanked Luxembourg on social media for its "unwavering support" as the country joined a G7 declaration on security guarantees.

Zelenskyy posted his thanks amid a slew of messages closing a whistlestop tour to Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark and Greece, which hosted the Ukraine-Balkans summit this week.

Luxembourg has joined the G7 declaration on security guarantees for Ukraine, Zelenskyy said. The declaration was signed by the Group of Seven on the sidelines of the Nato summit in Vilnius in July. Signatories pledge to each work with Ukraine on specific, bilateral, long-term security commitments.

This includes military and defence assistance but also reconstruction and recovery efforts, strengthening Ukraine's economy stability and providing technical and financial reform to implement reforms towards good governance.

The Grand Duchy joined the declaration on Monday, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry confirmed to the Tageblatt.

A Kremlin spokesperson said the agreement was misguided and "potentially very dangerous" for Western allies to give guarantees to Ukraine that would infringe on Russias own security.

Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel in June had called for a ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow amid a counteroffensive by Ukraine against Russia. Bettel, like other European leaders, had held talks with both Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin in the early stages of the war but ceased contact with the Russian president following the Bucha massacre.

Still, in the interview with German news agency DPA, he said he would be prepared to act as the middleman in a negotiation between the two presidents.

Asselborn responds to Sarkozy

"We must do everything so that Vladimir Putin does not have the means to continue this war," Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn told Virgule, the French sister-publication of the Luxembourg Times, in an interview.

Asselborn in the interview slammed remarks by former French president Nicolas Sarkozy who had told Le Figaro that Ukraines future should be as a neutral country that is neither member of the EU nor Nato.

"I absolutely dont agree," Asselborn said, adding that Ukraine is a sovereign country.

Sarkozy had said a return of Crimea, which Russia had annexed in 2014, was "illusory", with a large part of the population feeling Russian. He suggested an internally observed referendum to settle the issue.

"It's solely up to Ukraine to decide to lead talks if it wants to and not up to an old political figure in a Paris apartment," Asselborn said, adding that "this is really very much right-wing France."

Luxembourg by February had spent 90 million on Ukraine military aid, with 13.2 million in contracts concluded for 2023, Defence Minster Francois Bausch said at the time.

The country in April opened the pathway for refugees from Ukraine staying in Luxembourg to exchange their temporary protection status for residency, provided they have found work and private accommodation.

Around 5,000 Ukrainians arrived in Luxembourg in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Nationwide strike action will affect travel to weekend events including Reading Festival and horse racing in Windsor, and train operators has warned those travelling to check their journeys.

Great Western Railways has reminded Reading Festival goers that there will be no late-night return services on Saturday evening for those not camping at Reading Festival.

On Saturday, a reduced timetable will operate and trains will be busier than usual with services starting later, finishing earlier and only operating for a limited period during the day.

On Friday and Sunday, a near normal level of services is planned to operate, with some alterations and cancellations.

Those heading to and from the festival on days other than Saturday will still have options.

Nearly 50 trains an hour serve Reading station on weekdays, more than 30 on the bank holiday Monday, as well as extra late-night and early-morning trains for those not camping.

GWR Reading Station Manager Kevin King said: Were really looking forward to welcoming people to Reading Station for the world-famous festival.

To try to keep everyone as safe as possible, please allow extra time for your journey home as a queuing system will be in operation on Monday (August 28) and remember that, unfortunately, we are not able to provide any trains home on Saturday evening.

To help you board safely and allow space for others, please do not bring excessive amounts of luggage.

To avoid disappointment when arriving at the stations travellers are advised to reserve a seat online or through the GWR app, allow extra time, remember railcards and keep phones charged for electronic tickets.

Customers who purchased tickets but do not travel can claim a full refund or amend their ticket, while those who are delayed by 15 minutes or more may be entitled to compensation.

Further industrial action is planned for Friday, September 1 and Saturday, September 2, and tickets for strike days will be valid for travel on alternative days on GWR services. Visit www.gwr.com/strike for more details

Meanwhile, South Western Railway services to and from Windsor & Eton Riverside will continue to face disruption next week.

Network Rail has been conducting signalling work for 14 consecutive days to switch on new digital signals on the Windsor Lines - a key route for commuters in and out of London.

From Monday, August 21 until Friday, September 1, buses will replace trains between Staines and Windsor and Eton Riverside.

However, there will be no rail replacement bus service due to network-wide strike action by members of the RMT union on Saturday, August 26.

Services on strike days that normally run to Ascot and Windsor & Eton Riverside will terminate at Feltham.

Rail replacement bus services will not run and customers have been advised to make alternative arrangements if they intend to travel to watch the horse racing at Windsor in the evening.

Apart from Saturday (August 26), two buses per hour will operate between Staines and Windsor & Eton Riverside for the duration of the engineering work.

Last Friday (August 18), the ASLEF union announced strike action on Friday, September 1 and an overtime ban on Saturday, September 2. Information is available at southwesternrailway.com/strike

Stuart Meek, Chief Operating Officer at South Western Railway, said: Were sorry that customers will once again face disruption due to strike action by the RMT union.

Once again, I must ask our customers to only travel if absolutely necessary on Saturday, August 26. If you do have to travel, please check your entire journey as these strikes also affect other train operators."
Manchester, VT (05254)

Today

Rain. Low 41F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Rain. Low 41F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
UPDATE: 5 hurt, 1 critically, after wall falls on workers at Bedford construction site

At least five people were taken to area hospitals after a building collapsed in Bedford on Wednesday morning, Bedford police confirmed to MassLive.

The workers were injured after a wall fell on them while they were working at a residential construction site on Dunster Road, WHDH reported.

The extent of the workers injuries and the cause of the collapse is unclear at this time, with no additional information immediately available.

Read More: Worker airlifted to Boston hospital following industrial accident in Holliston

Officials are expected to release more information later Wednesday morning.
Of the nations 16 largest cities, Boston and Dallas are considered the safest to live in or visit, while Detroit and Chicago are considered the least safe, according to a new poll.

More than 7 in 10 respondents (72%) to the new Gallup poll rate Boston as safe, while nearly three-quarters of respondents to the poll of 1,015 adults (74%) say the same thing about Dallas.

The findings coincide with an overall drop in crime across the city. Boston saw its crime rate decline by 1.5% in 2022, the Boston Herald reported in January. The polls results were first reported by Axios.

Majorities of respondents, ranging from 52% to 63%, also rated nine other large cities, including Seattle, Las Vegas, Miami, Minneapolis, Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., as safe, according to the poll.

In addition to Dallas and Chicago, less than half of all respondents said Philadelphia (47%), New York (41%) and Los Angeles (41%) are safe. With the exception of Philadelphia, which is seen as unsafe by half of U.S. adults, the other five cities received majority-level unsafe ratings, according to the poll.

Americans are most inclined to view Dallas and Boston as safe cities and least likely to perceive Chicago and Detroit as safe, Gallups pollsters noted. While Dallas and Boston have consistently enjoyed majority-level safe ratings throughout Gallups trends, Chicago has not since the early 2000s, and Detroit has never been considered safe by a majority.

The new poll marks the seventh time since 1990 that Gallup pollsters have gauged the safety of 14 of the 16 cities included in the latest canvass.

Several of the cities included in the poll, which was conducted from July 3-27, with a margin of error of 5%, are more likely to be considered safe than they were in 2006.

Those cities are New Orleans, Miami, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Conversely, Americans are significantly less likely than they were in 2006 to say Chicago, San Francisco, Minneapolis and Seattle are safe, according to the poll.

The poll also found partisan divides on how Americans view the safety of the countrys biggest cities.

Except for Dallas and Miami, Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents were more likely than Republicans and Republican-leaning independents to consider the cities in the poll safe, according to Gallup.

Majorities of Democrats consider all but two of the cities -- Chicago and Detroit -- to be safe places to live in or visit.

In contrast, majorities of Republicans view just five cities as safe -- Las Vegas, Miami, Dallas, Boston and Houston, according to Gallup. Democrats are most likely to perceive Seattle and Boston as safe, while Boston and Dallas top the list among Republicans.
HOLYOKE  Cable giant Comcast is slated for a city license renewal hearing next month, and city residents can weigh in.

The upcoming hearing, mandated by federal law, seeks to gauge the communitys cable-related needs and interests. Its also an opportunity for Holyoke residents to provide their insights on Comcasts past performance in the city.

The hearing is integral to the citys license renewal process with Comcast, as the current agreement expires March 11.

Franchise agreements between cities and cable providers, like Comcast, are negotiations that allow such companies to operate within public rights of way. In return, these companies often take on various responsibilities.

They can include paying franchise fees to the city, providing public, educational and governmental access channels, and offering other public benefits.

An agreement with Comcast, the citys sole cable television provider, designates a portion of annual profits to maintain a cable access channel, a community studio and a translation service. Holyoke Media was formed after the last 10-year contract.

The nonprofit cable access channel recently opened a $2.5 million state-of-the-art studio and performance space. Holyoke Media also announced the expansion of Spanish interpretation services for all City Council meetings and subcommittees.

Mayor Joshua A. Garcia announced that the hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on Sept. 14 at Holyoke Media, 1 Court Plaza.

Residents can attend in person or participate remotely via Zoom using Meeting ID: 881 3755 3176 and Passcode: 393722. The hearing is also available for call-in at 929-205-6099 with the same login details. Comcast Channel 15 in Holyoke will broadcast the proceedings for those who watch at home.

For additional information, related documents or to testify on Comcasts performance, contact Stephen Fay at the Holyoke Mayors Office, City Hall, 536 Dwight St., Holyoke, MA 01040, email: fays@holyoke.org, or call 413-561-1600.

The former agreement with Comcast

The last contract, signed by former Mayor Alex B. Morse, contained the following fee structure:

 Yearly subscriber fee: Every year, Comcast hands over to Holyoke 50 cents for each household in the city who subscribes to its service. This yearly fee comes with a deadline: March 15. The amount is adjustable and might change based on state or federal laws.

 Funding local TV: Comcast also contributes a portion of its yearly earnings to support local TV programs, primarily educational or government-related.

The fee breakdown includes the following:

 First 2 years: Comcast commits to giving the city 4% of its yearly profits.

 Years 3 to 5: The commitment increases to 4.5%.

 Years 6 to 10: Its bumped up to 5%. However, Comcast can subtract some other fees before calculating this percentage.

Payments for the commitments arent made in a lump sum. Instead, Comcast pays in four installments throughout the year. It also provides a quarterly financial rundown to Holyoke to maintain transparency.

According to the 2014 agreement, theres a penalty for being late, like any other bill. If Comcast misses these payments or underpays, the company owes interest. The rate is 2% above the prime rate, as of the end of the previous month.

Any late fees are not part of the regular funding and are considered separate. The former mayor hired an outside law firm to negotiate the licensing agreement on Holyokes behalf. Assistant City Solicitor Michael Bissonnette is leading the current round of negotiations.
One of the two teenagers arrested in connection with the stabbing death of a third teenager in Lynn on Tuesday will be arraigned as an adult in court next week, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tuckers office and Lynn Police Chief Chris Reddy said in a statement.

The teenager is being charged with murder and will be arraigned in Lynn District Court on Wednesday. The second teenager was charged with possession of a dangerous weapon.

The stabbing occurred at the Alpha Convenience Store on 1 Freeman Square at around 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Not long after, a stabbing was reported to a nearby fire station, Tucker and Reddy said.

The victim was taken to Salem Hospital, where they died from their stab wounds.

Read more: Worker airlifted to Boston hospital following industrial accident in Holliston

My heart breaks for the family of the victim we lost tonight and for our community at this senseless act of violence, Mayor Jared Nicholson wrote on Facebook. I join the entire City in mourning the loss of this young person and in our resolve against all forms of violence.

The name of the victim has not been released. Tuckers office, along with Massachusetts State Police detectives and Lynn police detectives continue to investigate.
Direct links to donate for Maui aid: Amazon Wish List; Maui Strong Fund; Maui Food Bank

Wildfires in Maui as Nicole Nagata and her family land in August 2023. Photo by Nicole Nagata

Survivors of the brutal Maui wildfires in Hawaii have trickled out to the sanctuary of untouched, still-lush island outskirts in pursuit of hope after losing everything in the blazes, which have already claimed the lives of at least 115 people with hundreds more missing since the fires began in early August.

Nicole Nagata, 38, a Pittsfield, Massachusetts, resident who used to live in Maui where she met her island-native husband Lee, 42, and their three children had arrived in Maui the night of Aug. 8.

Nagatas aunt called while they were in the airport earlier that evening to warn the family how dangerous conditions on the island were.

Are these the typical wildfires we see in Lahaina? Nagata had asked her aunt over the phone.

Read more: Greek firefighters find 18 bodies in area burned by large wildfire

No, her aunt simply replied. Things are really escalating here, and there will be evacuation orders in place by the time that you land.

Nagatas plane cut through smoke in the sky to land in Maui, and the family quickly got themselves to an unaffected and safe area of the island with other native family members.

Family homecoming visitations have now been sidelined, as Nagata, a former nurse on the island in 2007 until starting her career in 2012 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, has been volunteering with her husband and children since that day to help those whove been able to reach sanctuary, and plans to do so up until she leaves on Wednesday.

Nicole Nagata and her daughter Lyla Rose, 13, on their way to visit family in Maui. Photo by Nicole Nagata

The survivors are still in dire need of help as of late August, Nagata said, but the interpersonal connections and personification of the Hawaiian concept of aloha  encompassing love, peace and compassion  run deep, and many survivors have gone outside the shelters to the homes of families and friends.

There could be five to 10 tents set up in unaffected homes yards, Nagata described, juxtaposed against the islands bright greens and blues, and dozens of cars parked outside each residence hinting at the tons of people packed inside.

One of the methods the family is using to help any survivor they can, especially those outside shelters, is the organization of an Amazon Wish List, she said.

Those that are staying in shelters who are displaced by the fires, they have access to a lot of the clothing, donations, food donations  all of those things are handy, Nagata said.

Empty diaper shelves at a store in Maui after wildfires in August 2023. Photo by Nicole Nagata

Our Amazon Wish List is helping people out of the shelters, those that are staying with family and friends, who have lost everything but dont have direct access to all of the donations that are in the shelters, Nagata said.

Were making sure that were going into the community and getting needed supplies to those who have been displaced and lost everything.

The 38-year-old womans best friend is also a registered nurse who works on the island, she said, and has been going above and beyond to help the community to volunteer in shelters.

The friend opened up her home to receive and put together toiletry packages from orders off the Amazon list to distribute, easing the process along, Nagata said.

But the Amazon list is far from the familys only efforts, Nagata said, recalling their volunteer work for Hale Kau Kau, a food bank housed at a church in Maui, along with other daily local aid efforts.

The church where Hale Kau Kau, a Maui food bank the Nagata family has been volunteering at, is housed. Photo by Nicole Nagata

The needs are changing every day, and we just look for any little place where we can make a difference, Nagata said.

Sometimes that means dropping clothing donations off... purchasing underwear from the local Walmart and getting it to families who are now moving out of shelters into longer term housing solutions, which is hotels, timeshares, condos, rentals, because these people are leaving the shelters with a garbage bag full of clothing, and they could be a family of five, Nagata said.

[Its] making sure that the transitional needs are being met, really just working to support the community in any way that we can, and being flexible to those needs on a day to day basis.

Donations made through the Amazon Wish List and the Maui Strong Fund are two reliable ways Nagata knew for people off the island to help, along with mauifoodbank.org.

Weve been sharing the Maui Strong Fund because we know theyre on the ground using the donations already, immediately, to impact relief efforts right away, the former Hawaii resident said.

Lee Nagata, 42, and sons Jaxon, 3, and LJ, 9, on their flight to Maui. Photo by Nicole Nagata

Also, mauifoodbank.org  the food banks here have been completely tapped and they need replenishing, they need resources. You can donate food directly or you could also make a monetary donation; theres so many different ways that people can make an impact, Nagata said.

Nagatas 42-year-old husband Lee was born and raised on Maui, which is where the two met when Nagata first took her job at the Maui Memorial Medical Center, and they had their daughter on the island. Its been a heartbreaking yet symbolic experience to be physically there in her former home, Nagata said.

The areas of the island that are not impacted, meaning they werent directly affected by the fires: its still plush, and green. Theres still the ocean, and the beautiful sunsets and its very much reflective of exactly how people feel. You look at the areas that are impacted, and youre filled with such a deep sense of grief.

Then you look at the other areas of the island that were not directly impacted, and its that feeling of gratitude that you know, this is still Maui, this is still this is still the island that we love... its such a vast contrast between the devastation zones and the other sides of the island, Nagata said.

Wildfires in Maui as Nicole Nagata and her family land in August 2023. Photo by Nicole Nagata

With an extensive web of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and more family and friends who still live there, Nagata does feel fortunate none of her family was impacted, and has seen the communitys unshakeable aloha through her volunteering.

No one in our direct family lost their home, so its this wavering feeling of sadness and gratitude, sadness and gratitude. But then theres also this underlying glimmer of hope; the local people here, the way that the community has rallied together. Its one of the most remarkable things Ive ever seen in my life, Nagata said.
A Springfield representative is asking Gov. Maura Healey to permanently increase the presence of the State Police and for federal law enforcement agencies to establish a greater presence in his city as it deals with an uptick in gun violence this year.

Rep. Bud Williams, the Springfield Democrat who chairs the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion for the House, and the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, said Wednesday that Springfield is dealing with a more violent criminal element that has little respect for life and announced plans to lobby state and federal authorities for more officers to be assigned to the city.
An event is raising money for a Springfield family after a grandma and 10-year-old were killed in a shooting earlier this month.

The Stop the Violence event is from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26. It will be located at 365 Main St. in Agawam. It is different than a community vigil event taking place Wednesday held by the Springfield Diocese to bring people together in peaceful prayer following this and other shootings that took place this year.

Read more: Springfield Diocese hosting vigil after uptick in violence in Springfield

Without warning, upstairs neighbor Victor Nieves, 34, shot and killed Kim Fairbanks, 52, Aubrianna Serra, 10, a pet dog and injured another 12-year-old child before turning the gun on himself at 174 Berkshire Ave. in Springfield, officials said. Fairbanks was babysitting her three grandchildren while their parents were at work.

The 12-year-old was hurt but was in stable condition after being shot in the abdomen. Stephanie Croteau, their mother, said the bullet grazed that child. Shes now out of the hospital and with family. The third child, a 5-year-old, was not physically injured.

The childrens uncle, Sean Weeman Adams, told MassLive the 12-year-old is a hero, as she protected her younger brother during the shooting and then returned to help her sister.

The 12-year-old was shot  but she still called 911.

Im a grown man. I get a head cold and Im in bed crying for my mother, Adams said. This little girl was shot and she protected her family the best she could and she called 911.

A 10-year-old Massachusetts girl who died Thursday was known for her smile, laugh and sharp sassy attitude. Some called her a literal angel on earth.

A GoFundMe page also called her a hero.

... she sprung into action during an event that would freeze a grown man in his tracks. She protected her siblings as best she could, it read.

Read more: Springfield Diocese hosting vigil after uptick in violence in Springfield

The GoFundMe raising money for the funerals of Fairbanks and Aubrianna has raised more than $42,000. Another GoFundMe page that is hoping to help the family move forward has raised $3,200 raised of its $25,000 goal.

They are hoping to keep medical and funeral costs together in one GoFundMe and rebuilding costs in another GoFundMe. Both pages are raising money for the family, GoFundMe verified to MassLive on Thursday.

I would like to help ease their minds a little by helping them know finances are not a thing to worry about at this time, Adams wrote on the GoFundMe.

The Stop of the violence event on Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. is hoping to help contribute to the family.

Food and other items will be available for purchase, along with donation collections, according to the Facebook event. It also states there will be an exotic animal show, a bounce house and motorcycles.

Come show some support, it said.
A woman was stopped at Worcester Regional Airport on Monday afternoon when Transportation Security Administration officials found a loaded gun in her bag, TSA said.

The 59-year-old woman, a Worcester County resident, was passing through the TSA security line on Monday when officers detected a gun in her carry-on bag, TSA said. The officers then notified Massachusetts State Police.

Read more: Close call between planes at Boston Logan Airport forces 1 to stay grounded

State Police found a loaded .22 revolver in the womans bag, TSA said, along with six rounds, and confiscated the gun and ammunition.

The .22 revolver found in a woman's carry-on at Worcester Regional Airport on Monday, Aug. 21. Photo by TSA

The woman was also cited by the state for bringing a gun into a security screening area, TSA said, though she did have a valid license to carry in Massachusetts. The 59-year-old Worcester County resident was eventually allowed to continue to her flight.

This is the second gun discovered by TSA officers in the past month at the Worcester Regional Airport, the only two firearms detected at the airport this year. The first was detected on Aug. 6.

Read more: Pittsfield nurse spends Maui trip on wildfire rescue effort

A gun owner who possesses a Massachusetts License to Carry should know the rules and not bring a loaded firearm to a checkpoint, said Bob Allison, TSAs Federal Security Director for Massachusetts.

Bringing a loaded firearm into a security checkpoint is dangerous for everyone in the vicinity.

There have been a total of 37 guns detected in 2023 at airports across New England; in 2022, there was a record 47 total firearm detections.

A typical first offense for bringing a loaded gun into a checkpoint is $3,000, and can go as high as $15,000, the TSA said.

Read more: Worker airlifted to Boston hospital following industrial accident in Holliston

The TSAs website states they consider a weapon to be loaded if the weapon and its ammunition are both accessible to the passenger. TSA allows unloaded firearms to be transported within a locked, hard-sided container and declared to the airline before traveling in their checked baggage.

This rule applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits. Although a passenger may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow them to carry a firearm on a plane, officials said.

TSA has the complete list of civil penalties posted online, and its website has more details how to properly travel with a firearm.
One person was airlifted to a Boston hospital following an industrial accident in Holliston Tuesday night, Aug. 22, the Holliston Fire Department said on Facebook.

The department, along with the Ashland Fire Department, responded to the accident at a business on Lowland Street just before 10 p.m.

Read More: 2 arrested in connection with fatal stabbing at Lynn convenience store

Based on the workers injuries, a Boston Medflight helicopter was called to take the victim to Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, the department said. No other information was released.

Holliston police are investigating the incident.
Frightened in recent years by the stabbing of a rabbi in Brighton, a hostage situation at a Texas synagogue, and the mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, Jewish organizations in Massachusetts have clamored for state funding to strengthen security infrastructure at their temples and day schools.

Seventy-two religious institutions, also encompassing churches and Muslim centers, as well as health care facilities and human services organizations applied for more than $5 million worth of grants in fiscal 2023 through a program that supports target hardening and other physical security enhancements at nonprofits considered to be at high risk for terrorist attacks and hate crimes.

The money, for example, covers door locks, surveillance video cameras, building alarms, intercom systems, fencing and lighting.

But limited funds available for the Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program meant only half of those applicants secured grants totaling $2.85 million, according to a report from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. Applicants who hadnt received the state grant in past cycles or a similar federal grant were prioritized.

When the grant recipients were unveiled in April, Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement that her administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of those they service as centers of community, art and culture, learning, and social services. Lt. Gov. Driscoll said the vigilance of nonprofits gives all of us peace of mind.

Temple Bnai Abraham in Beverly received a grant of more than $91,000, as the congregation grew concerned by graffiti on the building, a sticker from a white supremacist group at a nearby traffic intersection, and the antisemitic Boston Mapping Project that outlined the locations of Jewish organizations and nonprofits statewide, said Vice President Linda Goodspeed. As part of the grant application process, Goodspeed said the Beverly Police Department chief wrote a letter detailing building improvements that were needed to bolster safety.

We always say the statistical chance that something may happen may be small  but if something happens, it would be catastrophic, Goodspeed said. Its really important that all our members, employees and teachers feel safe when theyre in the temple. Its a top concern for us.

Massachusetts saw a 41% rise in antisemitic attacks from 2021 to 2022, according to a May report from the ADL Center on Extremism. Researchers found the commonwealth also had the sixth-highest rate of antisemitic harassment, vandalism and assault last year.

Earlier this month, as Healey signed the fiscal 2024 budget into law, she slashed the $4 million allocation for the next round of nonprofit security grants approved by the Legislature by $2.5 million. In a line veto document that left $1.5 million for the grants, Healey indicated that alternate funding for this purpose was previously appropriated using federal COVID-19 relief dollars within an economic development bill signed by former Gov. Charlie Baker in November 2022.

The budget preserves $300,000 for a security personnel program, which is embedded in the nonprofit security grant line item, for organizations that can demonstrate a high risk for terrorist attacks and hate crimes, administration officials said.

Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem said Healeys funding reduction sparked concern among her constituents, including vocal members of the Orthodox Jewish community who say their congregations cannot afford to fully pay for building security measures and are relying on the state for help in a time of rising antisemitism.

At her own synagogue, the Newton Democrat said she needs to use a special security card to enter the building.

This is terrible to even think we have to have security in order to worship, but we do, Creem said.

The ADL New England declined to comment on Healeys veto.

As the lead advocates for the nonprofit security grant program, we appreciate the deep commitment demonstrated to funding this program and look forward to on-going conversations and opportunities to work with the Legislature and the Governor to continue meet the needs of at-risk organizations across the Commonwealth, said FayeRuth Fisher, senior director of public affairs at the Jewish Community Relations Council, in a statement.

Creem, initially confused by the funding mechanisms behind the governors veto, said last week she was considering a potential veto override this fall with Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues and Senate President Karen Spilka, who support the grant program. A veto override needs to originate in the House of Representatives before the Senate can take its own action, but branch leaders often work on overrides in tandem.

As it turns out, the $5 million that Healey alluded to has yet to be distributed through a separate grant program with the same overarching purpose for strengthening security at houses of worship, among other nonprofits across the state, said EOPSS spokesperson Tim McGuirk. The funds will be available through fiscal 2027, he said.

Creem said Tuesday that the House and Senate Ways and Means committees will need to wade through the nuts and bolts of the funding contained in the budget and last years economic development law, though shes still pushing to restore the full amount that Healey cut. Creem added she has a lot of faith in Healey and doesnt want to engage in name calling as discussions unfold around budget vetoes.

My position from my district is I need as much as we can get because we have a huge need, Creem said, as she lamented synagogues, churches and mosques that didnt receive nonprofit security grants in the past fiscal year. My position is we can use all of it. Theres been a huge demand  that demand would have covered both amounts.

McGuirk said EOPSS is still designing the new grant program, including determining the award criteria.

That process is nearly complete, and we anticipate beginning to use those funds shortly, McGuirk said in a statement without committing to a timeline.

Stan Schapiro, co-president of Congregation Bnai Israel in Northampton, sounded eager to learn more about the pending opportunity for additional state funding after officials rejected the synagogues request for a nearly $94,000 nonprofit security grant in fiscal 2023. The synagogue previously received a grant, though members continue to be on edge about safety issues, including passersby looking into the building in a menacing way, Schapiro said.

Schapiro said hes concerned more broadly about escalating antisemitic and white supremacist attacks statewide and nationally, combined with a general fear of violent incidents and gun incidents in our society. Massachusetts recorded the second-highest number of white supremacist propaganda incidents last year, trailing only Texas, the ADL report found.

We dont want to fool ourselves ... were not insulated from hate groups, Schapiro said. We havent had any serious incidents, but you never know.

The Epstein Hillel School, a Jewish day school in Marblehead that enrolls students from kindergarten to eighth grade, also failed to get a $100,000 grant from the state in the most recent cycle. But it previously received an almost $50,000 state grant, plus funding from a similar security infrastructure grant administered by Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston, said Michael Slater, the schools director of finance and operations.

Were grateful for what weve received, said Slater, who noted another grant would have translated into additional security investments, including requests from teachers to make the school building safer. Slater, calling the grant rejection disappointing, declined to disclose specific needs due to public safety concerns.

We would welcome the need to get more because we think the need is valid, Slater said. Successive governors and legislatures have cared about and prioritized the issue, and were grateful for that. It isnt the case all over the world that that happens.
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and other U.S. lawmakers met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a trip to capital of Kyiv on Wednesday, where they underlined the need to support the Eastern European nation in its ongoing war with Russia.

The freedom of the Ukrainian people remains under extraordinary threat, and on the eve of Ukrainian National Independence Day, I am glad to speak firsthand with those on the ground in order to help Ukrainians in need and move Presidents [Joe] Bidens request for additional Ukraine funding through Congress, Warren said in a statement released through her office. Ukrainians are on the frontlines in the battle for democracy and we must continue to support them.

Warren, the chair of the Senates Armed Service Committees Subcommittee on Personnel, was joined on the trip by U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who also serve on the panel.

The bipartisan delegation also met with senior Ukrainian officials, including the nations Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov, National Bank Gov. Andriy Pyshnyy, as well as staff from the U.S. Embassy.

The Wednesday visit was timed to coincide with Ukraines Independence Day celebration on Thursday, according to Warrens office.

The visit also came on the same day news outlets reported that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner mercenary group, was listed as a passenger on a plane that crashed north of Moscow on Wednesday, leaving no survivors.

An investigation has been launched into the Embraer plane crash that occurred tonight in the Tver region. According to the passenger list, among them is the name and surname of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Russian aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, said, according to the TASS news agency.

Biden, who is on vacation in Lake Tahoe, Calif., with his family, said he was not surprised, by the reports, the Guardian reported, citing Bloomberg News.

I dont know for fact what happened, but I am not surprised, Biden said, according to Bloomberg News.

In Kyiv on Wednesday, Blumenthal said he and his Senate colleagues were there to deliver a strong bipartisan message of U.S. and allied support, to Zelenskyy and to the Ukrainian people.

Ukraine needs F-16s with well-trained pilots immediately and longer-range artillery ... to capitalize on the steady gains of the Ukrainian counter-offensive. It may be slow going and difficult, which we knew it would be, but it is solid, steady progress with a real prospect of significant breakthrough, Blumenthal said.

Through Aug. 13, there were an estimated 9,444 civilian casualties as a result of the invasion, with 16,940 wounded, according to data compiled and verified by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The real tallies, however, could be much higher.

Graham, who was making his fourth trip to Ukraine, praised Ukrainians for their strength and resilience in the face of the invasion mounted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Ukrainians understand you dont end wars by giving territory to the aggressor. If Putin is not stopped here, he will keep going, Graham said in the statement released by Warrens office. He has repeatedly made that clear. And if Putin wins he will keep taking territory and that increases the chances that there will be a war between Russia and NATO, which would directly involve Americans in war. We do not want that.

Warren and Blumenthal are scheduled to travel to Brussels, Belgium on Friday, where they are slated to meet with the U.S. Mission to the European Union, and to visit NATOs headquarters there.

Warren and Blumenthal also are scheduled to meet with members of the European Parliament to learn more about E.U. antitrust enforcement and discuss national security issues including the use of cryptocurrency to facilitate money-laundering, Warrens office said in its statement.
On Wednesday night, eight Republican candidates will participate in a live television debate to compete for their partys nomination in the 2024 election.

The debate, which is scheduled to be aired at 9 p.m. EDT, will be hosted by Fox News, and will be held in Milwaukee, Wisc.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is eying a return to the White House, is skipping the debate in favor of an online interview with conservative media personality Tucker Carlson, according to the Associated Press.

Here is a breakdown of his competition.

Vivek Ramaswamy, speaking at CPAC in Dallas, Texas in 2022.

Name: Vivek Ramaswamy

Age: 38

Occupation: Tech entrepreneur

What to Know: Ramaswamy is a political newcomer with no previous experience in office, according to the Washington Post. A biotech entrepreneur, he launched his business, Roivant Sciences, in 2014, which focuses on reviving unwanted drugs from larger pharmaceutical companies, the newspaper reported.

A son of Indian immigrants, Ramaswamy has not been shy about attacking political correctness. One of his three books is called Woke Inc: Inside Corporate Americas Social Justice Scam. The book takes aim at corporate diversity and equity policies, according to the Post.

FILE - Republican presidential candidate former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson speaks during the Faith and Freedom Coalition Policy Conference in Friday, June 23, 2023. Seven weeks before the premiere debate of the 2024 GOP primary, anxiety is building that the event could prove messy and divisive for the party. Some, like Hutchinson, are struggling to meet fundraising and polling requirement to make it onstage. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)AP

Name: Asa Hutchinson

Age: 72

Occupation: Former governor of Arkansas

What to Know: A Reagan Republican who served as Arkansas governor from 2015 to 2023, Hutchinson is a political veteran. Hes a former federal prosecutor; a one-time chair of the Arkansas GOP; represented Arkansas 3rd Congressional District from 1997 to 2001, where he was a Republican impeachment manager in the trial of fellow Arkansasn Bill Clinton, and served in positions in the administration of former President George W. Bush.

Hutchinson made headlines earlier this month when he declared that Trump might be disqualified from serving again, citing the 14th Amendment, according to The Hill, a publication that covers Congress.

FILE - In this April 10, 2020, file photo, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum speaks at the state Capitol in Bismarck, N.D. Hospitalizations from COVID-19 have hit their highest points recently throughout the Midwest, where the growth in new cases has been the worst in the nation. Doug Burgum, North Dakota's Republican governor, acknowledges his state's numbers are moving in the wrong direction as it hit new highs for active and newly confirmed cases, as well as hospitalizations. But he's also touting the state's test positivity staying in the 7% range.(Mike McCleary/The Bismarck Tribune via AP, File)AP

Name: Doug Burgum

Age: 67

Occupation: Governor of North Dakota

What to Know: Burgumwas elected North Dakotas governor in 2016, in an upset win. He had never held elected office prior to that victory, the New York Times reported. He is the wealthy founder of Great Plains Software, which he sold to Microsoft in 2011 for roughly $1.1 billion, the newspaper reported.

As governor, Burgum has signed into law at least eight bills sent to him by the state Legislature targeting transgender or gender-nonconforming people  which is more than almost any other state in what already is an unprecedented year for such legislation, the newspaper reported.

FILE - Republican presidential candidate former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks during a gathering, June 6, 2023, in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)AP

Name: Chris Christie

Age: 60

Occupation: Former governor of New Jersey

What to Know: Christie, a former federal prosecutor, unsuccessfully sought the GOP presidential nod in 2016. He dropped out of the race after the New Hampshire primary, where he put up poor numbers.

Notably among the 2024 GOP primary pack, Christie has not been shy about attacking Trump, telling NewsMax that he would have prosecuted Trump over his mishandling of classified documents and his attempts to interfere in the 2020 presidential election.

Donald Trump will have to rise or fall based upon the proofs that are presented at his trial, Christie told the cable news outlet, when he was asked about the prospect of a pardon if elected. Now, if I felt like a trial was unfair, then I would consider it.

Florida Governor and Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference at the Celebrate Freedom Foundation Hangar in West Columbia, S.C. July 18, 2023. For DeSantis, Tuesday was supposed to mark a major moment to help reset his stagnant Republican presidential campaign. But yet again, the moment was overshadowed by Donald Trump. The former president was the overwhelming focus for much of the day as DeSantis spoke out at a press conference and sat for a highly anticipated interview designed to reassure anxious donors and primary voters that he's still well-positioned to defeat Trump.(AP Photo/Sean Rayford)

Name: Ron DeSantis

Age: 44

Occupation: Governor of Florida

Known for his far-right conservative policies, DeSantis has gained national attention for his opposition to woke-ism and government overreach. The Republican pol has signed legislation thats limited discussions around race and queer identities in schools, opposed COVID-19 restrictions, and has proposed a sweeping crackdown on undocumented immigrants. While his presidential bid was initially praised, DeSantis has been losing favorability in polls for months.

Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks to local residents during a meet and greet, Tuesday, May 23, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)AP

Name: Mike Pence

Age: 64

Occupation: Former vice president of the United States

The former veep already has a well-established national profile. A prominent conservative figure, Pence was often the voice of Americas white Christian evangelicals during his time in office with Trump. But, his decision to honor the results of the 2020 election amid the false claims of election fraud has created a deep rift between him and the MAGA base  one that has yet to be sutured.

FILE - Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley smiles while taking a question from the audience during a campaign event May 24, 2023, in Bedford, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)AP

Name: Nikki Haley

Age: 52

Occupation: Former governor of South Carolina and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations

Haley was the first candidate to jump into the GOP primary field. The former Palmetto State chief executive and onetime diplomat brings both national and international experience to the main stage.

As governor, she was praised for her leadership in helping her state heal in the aftermath of the Charleston church shooting in 2015, which left nine Black people dead. She also used her platform as an ambassador to rally international support for tougher sanctions and diplomatic measures against Iran and North Korea. Despite her accomplishments, some predict that Haleys political presence will be suffocated by Trump and DeSantis.

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)AP

Name: Tim Scott

Age: 57

Occupation: U.S. senator from South Carolina

As the only Black Republican in the U.S. Senate, Scott has made a name for himself as his partys key voice on racial issues. The South Carolina lawmaker has said that he rejects the notion that America is inherently racist, by sharing his own personal accomplishments in politics as a Black man. At the same time, hes also shared personal anecdotes of the frustration hes felt by being pulled over by police.

His campaign, which focuses on a more optimistic version of America  compared to Trump and DeSantis doom-and-gloom perspective  has set him up to be one of the Senate GOPs more successful fundraisers. However, Scott hailing from the same state as Haley could pit the two candidates in a heavy rivalry, especially during primary season.
SPRINGFIELD  The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is providing the city funds to study drinking and driving related to the casino and to take steps to mitigate the issue.

On Monday, the City Councils finance subcommittee approved the funding coming from the Community Mitigation Fund managed by the states gaming commission, according to Councilor Tracye Whitfield, chairperson of the committee.

The $191,200 will help fund a qualitative study that will help further understanding about operating under the influence cases.

Although weve applied for this grant for the city of Springfield because MGM is here, we know individuals who gamble at MGM come from surrounding towns and also come from out of state, said Helen Caulton-Harris, the citys Health and Human Services commissioner.

In a study issued in January 2022 by Christopher Bruce, a crime analyst for the gaming commission, looked at OUI charges around the states three casinos and found an increase of OUI-related crashes on highways near the establishments. Despite efforts by the casinos and police to prevent drunk driving among the thousands of patrons who visit the casinos a day, an increase of arrests and collisions was mathematically inescapable, Bruce wrote, but efforts could lower their number.

The initial funding will go to capacity building for the citys program, dubbed the Safe Ride Home Project, which includes hiring a community health worker focused on problem gambling with a $62,400 salary, and $17,500 will go towards resources to conduct the study. Meanwhile, $50,000 will go towards consulting fees with the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health.

The gaming commission reserved $61,300 of the award, opting to wait to approve the funds until the city completes its research.

The gaming commissions Community Mitigation Fund awarded $10.2 million in grants to municipalities statewide this year. The fund supports a range of community needs, including environmental issues, public safety and emergency services.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is proud to continue to support our local communities through the Community Mitigation Fund program as they seek to advance needs in road safety, public safety training and personnel, job readiness programming and tourism marketing, said Cathy Judd-Stein, chair of the gaming commission, in a statement.

The Department of Health and Human Services has also developed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Massachusetts Amherst to hire two students to help with the research portion of the study. The two students will receive a stipend.

We will also be working with the New North Citizens Council as well in terms of the outreach and educational portions, Caulton-Harris said.

She added that her department has a partnership with MGM Springfield and will have the students work internally with the casino and externally with Health and Human Services staff.

The commissioner said once the data is finalized, the department can develop mitigation strategies, intervention strategies or educational platforms to increase public safety efforts.

When the city sought the funds from the gaming commission, it said it wants to use the funds to create an ad campaign provide education to workers inside the casino, for instance.

Caulton-Harris said there will be a document developed with the research information that will be published on the citys website.

The department has until June 30, 2024, to complete the study. The findings, however, wont be available until September or October of that year, according to Caulton-Harris.

In addition to the $191,200 award, the department was awarded another $19,600 grant from the gaming commission to fund the Springfield Young Adult Gambling Project.

The goal of the project is to develop a research plan by engaging Springfield residents between the ages of 18 and 24 on a community advisory board. The board will identify gambling-related issues that merit further investigation and result in a research plan.

With our youth, gambling can really start as simple as a video game that is being played or, or a scratch ticket or something very minor that you get involved in where it may not be perceived as gambling but can be interpreted or internalized and begin the process of perhaps gambling at an early age, Caulton-Harris said.

The project will be a partnership between the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services, the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and the New North Citizens Council.
Africa.com, a leading media company dedicated to showcasing the diverse stories and perspectives of the African continent, is proud to announce a collaboration with Human Rights Watch (HRW) in Africa. This partnership marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of human rights advocacy and awareness across the region.

With a shared commitment to amplifying voices and catalyzing change, this partnership unites Africa.coms platform and reach with HRWs expertise and dedication to championing human rights. By leveraging the power of storytelling and factual reporting, this collaboration aims to shed light on crucial human rights issues, foster public engagement, and drive tangible positive change within African societies.

Human Rights Watch has long been a beacon of hope and advocacy in Africa, consistently shining a spotlight on violations, inequalities, and injustices across the continent. Through careful research, comprehensive reporting, and unwavering dedication, HRW has brought critical human rights concerns to global attention, catalyzing discussions and policy reforms that have impacted countless lives.

 Africa.com is honored to partner with Human Rights Watch, as we believe that access to accurate information and diverse perspectives is crucial in advancing human rights in Africa,  stated Teresa Clarke, CEO of Africa.com.  Our platforms ability to reach a large audience of people across Africa and beyond aligns perfectly with HRWs mission to expose and address violations, ultimately driving positive change. 

Mausi Segun, Executive Director of Human Rights Watchs Africa Division, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying,  We are thrilled to collaborate with Africa.com to expand the reach of our advocacy efforts. By combining HRWs research and expertise with Africa.coms media platform, we have a unique opportunity to engage a broader audience and rally support for human rights causes that are often overlooked. 

Africa.com and HRW aim to raise awareness about pressing human rights issues, facilitate informed discussions, and inspire collective action towards a more just and equitable Africa.

As part of this collaboration, both organizations are committed to delving into human rights topics ranging from gender equality and freedom of expression to access to education and healthcare.
The 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars is a list celebrating the remarkable achievements of a select group of women across Africas energy sector, such as Rekik Bekele. With the objective of providing access to electricity to Ethiopias population, Bekele founded Green Scene Energy, and serves as a source of inspiration for many across the industry. The African Energy Chamber (http://www.EnergyChamber.org) spoke to Bekele about her success and future aspirations.

Please share a brief overview of your journey in the energy industry that led to your current role? What are some key achievements or milestones that you are particularly proud of?

With a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Electrical Engineering from Addis Ababa University, I have been actively engaged in the sector since 2010. My commitment to professional development and industry engagement is demonstrated by my role as a board member of the Ethiopian-Solar Energy Development Association and her participation as an Acumen East Africa fellow.

In 2016, I founded Green Scene Energy PLC, where I currently serve as the CEO and co-founder. The company has made remarkable achievements in expanding access to clean energy, creating job opportunities, and driving positive change within the industry. I take pride in providing solar home lighting solutions to over 9000 households, installing over 85 pumps, and implementing productive use solutions, thereby improving the lives of numerous individuals and communities.

My dedication to creating a sustainable energy future is further exemplified by my active participation as a keynote speaker in major off-grid energy events. Through these engagements, I share valuable insights and promote sustainable solutions, inspiring others and fostering dialogue within the renewable energy sector. I also take part in speaking engagements at universities and other events, where I aim to motivate and empower young women engineers.

The energy industry is known for its complexities. What were some significant challenges you faced along the way, and how did you navigate through them to achieve your goals?

In the renewable energy industry, I have indeed faced several significant challenges along the way. The complexities within the energy industry have required careful navigation and innovative strategies to overcome.

Limited Access to Funding: One of the major challenges has been the limited availability of funding and financial resources. Building and scaling renewable energy projects require significant investments, and securing adequate funding can be a daunting task. To overcome this challenge, I actively sought out partnerships with investors, financial institutions, and international organizations that share our vision of sustainable energy solutions.

Regulatory Environment: Policies and regulations in the energy industry sometimes do not adequately support the growth and development of renewable energy projects. This creates hurdles for implementation and slows down market growth. To address this challenge, we actively engage with government agencies, policymakers, and industry associations to advocate for favorable policies and regulations.

Availability of Foreign Currency: Another challenge we encountered was the availability of foreign currency. This affected the importation of necessary equipment, materials, and components required for renewable energy projects. To navigate through this challenge, we worked closely with financial institutions and partners to explore alternative financing options and strategies for sourcing essential resources locally. This helped us overcome the limitations posed by currency availability.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the renewable energy industry. It disrupted supply chains, leading to delays in project implementations and hindering access to necessary materials and resources. Additionally, the closure of construction sites and limitations on international travel also affected progress. To navigate through this challenge, we adapted our operations by implementing remote working arrangements, exploring local supply chains, and prioritizing the safety and well-being of our employees.

Internal Conflict: The internal unrest between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front further added to the challenges faced in the industry. This conflict disrupted operations, hindered project progress, and impacted stability in the region. To navigate through this challenge, we closely monitored developments and made necessary adjustments to ensure the safety of our staff and projects.

Despite these challenges, we remain committed to our goals of promoting sustainable energy solutions.

What advice would you give to young females aspiring to excel in the energy sector? Are there any specific strategies or mindsets that helped you overcome obstacles and reach your current position?

As a young female aspiring to excel in the energy sector, I would advise you to:

Embrace Challenges: Be open to stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on challenging roles or projects. Sometimes, its in these unfamiliar territories that you discover your true passion and purpose.

Seek Opportunities to Learn: Look for opportunities to gain knowledge and skills in the energy sector. Attend workshops, webinars, and conferences, and stay updated with the latest advancements in the industry. Continuous learning will help you stay ahead and excel in your field.

Build a Strong Network: Connect with professionals in the energy sector, both male and female. Networking can provide you with mentorship, guidance, and valuable connections that can help you overcome obstacles and reach your goals.

Be Resilient: Overcoming obstacles is a part of any career journey. Develop a mindset of resilience, tenacity, and determination. Learn from failures, adapt and keep moving forward towards your goals.

Find Your Passion and Purpose: Identify what truly motivates and inspires you in the energy sector. Whether its finding solutions to community problems, like energy poverty, or innovating in the field of sustainable farming, align your work with your passion and become a driving force for positive change.

Remember, success is a journey, and perseverance, continuous learning, and passion will be your guiding lights along the way.

A career in energy can be demanding. Could you describe a typical day in your life?

A career in the energy sector is indeed demanding, and I can relate to the challenges you are facing. Here is a glimpse into a typical day in my life:

6:00 am: I start my day with exercise, either by going for a run or hitting the gym. Physical activity helps me stay energized and focused throughout the day.

8:00 am: I begin my workday by checking emails and reviewing my schedule for the day. This allows me to prioritize tasks and address any urgent matters.

9:00 am: I usually have meetings with my team to discuss ongoing projects, review progress, and address any challenges or opportunities. These discussions involve brainstorming solutions, making strategic decisions, and coordinating resources effectively.

11:00 am: I dedicate this time to collaborating with partners and stakeholders in the energy industry. This may include attending online conferences or meetings to explore potential collaborations, partnerships, or funding opportunities. Building strong relationships and networking are vital for success in this industry.

1:00 pm: I usually bring my lunch or breakfast to the office and have it around this time. Taking a break to nourish myself is important for maintaining focus and productivity.

6:00 pm: My work typically continues until this time, but it may sometimes extend to 8:00 pm or later, depending on the demands of the day. I prioritize completing pending tasks, following up on important matters, and preparing for the next day.

I understand the challenges of balancing work and family life. I am fortunate to have the support of my understanding and supportive family, especially my husband who is also my business partner. His sacrifice and dedication to our shared vision have been instrumental in establishing Green Scene Energy UK. While it can be demanding, I try to find a balance and make time for my family and personal interests like running and dancing.

Looking ahead, what changes or advancements do you hope to see in the energy sector, and how do you envision your role in shaping that future?

Looking ahead, I have several hopes for changes and advancements in the energy sector:

Energy Access for All: I hope to see a significant shift to ensure universal access to clean and affordable energy. I hope to see advancements in technology and innovative business models that can bring energy access to underserved communities, both in rural and urban areas.

Green Scenes vision is to contribute to the national electrification plan. Manufacturing solar appliances for rural households and generating energy with Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) are promising approaches.

Manufacturing Solar Appliances: By manufacturing solar appliances specifically designed for rural households, Green Scene can help bridge the electricity gap in Ethiopia. This initiative will provide access to clean and affordable energy for millions of households, improving their quality of life, and supporting socio-economic development.

Generating Energy with PPAs: PPAs can play a crucial role in increasing renewable energy generation capacity. By partnering with private investors, government entities, or utilities, Green Scene can establish renewable energy power plants and sell the generated electricity through long-term agreements.
Donegal TikTok sensation Eric Roberts tied the knot on Monday with childhood sweetheart Niamh.

Eric, who hails from Downings, has over 760,000 followers on his social media platforms and he wed Letterkenny native Niamh on Monday.

They got engaged in March while on holiday in Santorini and were married by Fr Ciaran Harkin at St Eunans Cathedral on Monday.

Eric previously recalled how he popped the question while the pair were on a yacht.

He said: I had the ring on me for three months and I was waiting for the right time. When we were in Greece together, I was like, It doesnt get much better than this.

The wedding reception was held at Harveys Point with music provided by Red Alert.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eric Roberts (@eric.roberts__)

As a surprise for his bride, Eric brought in his friends Chasing Abbey, the dance pop group from Tullamore.

Eric first met schoolteacher Niamh 16 years ago. This summer, Eric left his job as a special needs assistant in Mulroy College to concentrate full-time on his social media work.

Eric, who is signed with Andrea Roches agency, has credited Niamh with backing his career.

He said in a recent interview: She's the woman behind it all. She does all the photos and the videos for me.

Shes the first one to say You spend too much time on your phone and I'm like its all your fault. My addiction went from watching the videos in lockdown to making them.
One-hundred-and-thirty Mayo pubs have shut their doors since 2005, with 35 of these closing since 2019.

According to a new report by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), Mayo experienced the eighth-highest reduction in pubs of any county in Ireland.

Last year there were 337 pubs in Mayo, compared to 467 in 2005.

The number of pubs in the county has fallen by 27.8 per cent, with Donegal (26.3 per cent) and Leitrim (28.6 per cent) experiencing similar drops.

The Irish Pub: Supporting our communities report, shows a 22.5 per cent decline in the number of pubs in Ireland from 2005 to 2022. This represents a closure of 1,937 pubs.

Reacting to the news, publican Joe O'Malley told The Mayo News that it is becoming 'harder to survive' in the pub train.

Mr O'Malley, who owns pubs in Westport and Casltebar, described the level of excise duty on alcohol as 'crazy'.

"The costs are getting higher and since Covid I think everything has gone up," he said.

"It's changing and definitely. Theres less and less people seems to be drinking and I know were fortunate enough in Westport weve a lot of tourist comes to the town and they come and they like to enjoy themselves but definitely you can see it with the rural pubs."

DIGI warned that rural areas were being disproportionately hit by closures and called on the government to reduce excise duty on alcohol sales by 15 per cent over two years.

"A decrease in excise duty would - considering the importance of pubs for the cultural and social survival of the small towns and villages where they operate  support local communities and rural areas in line with Government policy into the future," said Anthony Foley, Economist and Associate Professor Emeritus, Dublin City University.
An organization that provides comprehensive services from invention through commercialization to deliver pharmaceuticals for healthcare is known as a contract manufacturing organization, also known as a contract manufacturing and development company. These businesses main purpose is to supply items that are created, produced, and made under contract to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Contract manufacturers typically work closely with the pharmaceutical and biotech industries to grow their businesses. Due to their tight connection, these businesses are able to provide products of the same caliber and quantity as those offered by the licensed facility. Contract manufacturing from a contract manufacturer has a variety of benefits.

The Global Healthcare CMO market is estimated to be valued at US$ 326.8 million in 2022 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 16.1 % over the forecast period (2023-2030).

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Top Companies Associated With The Healthcare CMO Market Report Are: Accellent, Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc., DSM, Fareva, Greatbatch, Inc., Lonza Group, Patheon, Inc. (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.), Piramal Healthcare, Binex, Cytovance Biologics, Emergent BioSolutions Inc., MilliporeSigma, Symbiosis Pharmaceutical Services, Albany Molecular Research Inc., Samsung Biologics, and Symmetry Medical, Inc.

Global Healthcare CMO Market: Drivers

The global healthcare CMO market is poised to experience significant growth during the projected period, driven by the expiration of drug patents. An illustrative example is the case of Eli Lilly and Companys drug, Cialis, used for addressing erectile dysfunction, which lost its patent protection in September 2018. Additionally, the patent for YAZ (drospirenone/ethinylestradiol), an oral contraceptive regimen, is scheduled to expire in 2021.

Furthermore, the markets expansion is expected to be bolstered by the escalating costs associated with drug development. A study conducted by the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, as featured in the Journal of Health Economics in May 2019, revealed that the overall cost of drug development reached a staggering US$ 2.6 billion. This encompassed average out-of-pocket expenses amounting to US$ 1.4 billion, coupled with time-related costs totaling US$ 1.2 billion.

Global Healthcare CMO Market: Opportunities

The global healthcare CMO market is poised to experience significant growth prospects due to the rising investments in the pharmaceutical sector. A case in point is The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations Key Data 2019 report, which highlights a notable increase in pharmaceutical investment from US$ 19,509 million in 2000 to an estimated US$ 39,895 million in 2018 in Europe.

Furthermore, the market is anticipated to receive a substantial boost from the research and development endeavors aimed at creating a Covid-19 vaccine.

Healthcare CMO Market Report Coverage

Report Attribute Details The market size value in 2023 USD 326.8 Million The revenue forecast in 2030 USD 928.8 Million Growth Rate CAGR of 16.1% The base year for estimation 2022 Historical data 2017  2021 Forecast period 2023  2030 Growth Drivers: Patent expirations of drugs

Increasing cost of drug development Restraints & Challenges: Varying regulatory scenarios around the world

Presence of risks such as concerns about quality of products, intellectual property loss and non-compliance of regulatory requirements

Detailed Segmentation:

Global Healthcare CMO Market , By Service: Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Services Medical Device Contract Manufacturing Services



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Table of Contents with Major Points:

Executive Summary

Introduction

Key Findings

Recommendations

Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Overview

Definition of Healthcare CMO Market

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Restraints

Opportunities

Trends and Developments

Key Insights

Key Emerging Trends

Key Developments Mergers and Acquisition

New Product Launches and Collaboration

Partnership and Joint Venture

Latest Technological Advancements

Insights on Regulatory Scenario

Porters Five Forces Analysis

Qualitative Insights Impact of COVID-19 on Global Healthcare CMO Market

Supply Chain Challenges

Steps taken by Government/Companies to overcome this impact

Potential opportunities due to COVID-19 outbreak

Conclusion

Appendix

Data Sources

Abbreviations

Disclaimer

TOC Continued!

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 Identified business opportunities  Our market research report can be used to analyze potential markets and new products. It can give information about customer needs, preferences, and attitudes. Also, it compare products and services.

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Clinical trials monitoring methods like risk-based monitoring are crucial for maintaining excellent data quality as well as patient safety. To find possible problems with trial conduct, safety, data integration, and compliance, it uses a variety of techniques and platforms. Clinical study expenditures are decreased and study quality is increased with risk-based monitoring. Regulatory bodies publish risk-based monitoring guideline sheets because they see the potential of risk-based monitoring to enhance clinical trials in all phases. In 2016, the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) established a requirement for sponsors to adopt a risk-based monitoring system for clinical trials, according to an article from the National Centre for Biotechnology Information.

Risk-Based Monitoring Market- Drivers :

During the forecast period, the market for risk-based monitoring is anticipated to rise as a result of the decline in the cost of clinical trials. Clinical trials throughout the drug development process are expensive, and it is thought that risk-based monitoring can save those costs by 30%.

As compared to conventional studies, the risk-based monitoring procedure decreases clinical data error, which could fuel market expansion during the projection period. According to the Association of Clinical Research Organisations (ACRO), for instance, a recent study of its members revealed a 16 percent decrease in major findings in audits among sites using this method. As a result, the organisation is urging the FDA to place even more emphasis on risk-based monitoring (RBM) of clinical trials in 2019.

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Risk-Based Monitoring Market- Restraints :

Numerous factors, including devoting time to identifying critical variables, the size and complexity of the trial, stakeholder buy-in, and understanding of regulatory requirements, which determine whether the company is ready for risk-based monitoring, make risk-based monitoring inaccessible to many companies. All of these factors are anticipated to limit the expansion of its installation in several businesses.

Risk-Based Monitoring Market- Regional Analysis :

The risk-based monitoring market is divided into regions based on geography: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. Over the course of the forecast period, North America is anticipated to maintain its dominant position in the risk-based monitoring market. According to the Association of Clinical Research Organisation, risk-based monitoring for clinical trials has been called for to ensure safer, more effective, and higher-quality studies in the US due to growing demand for it in clinical research.

Due to factors including the improvement in the calibre of clinical trial data in the area, the Asia Pacific region is experiencing the highest growth in the risk-based monitoring market. For instance, the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) published rules for self-verification and self-checking of newly submitted clinical drug data in July 2015. The effectiveness of ongoing clinical trials will be assessed in this process using risk-based monitoring.

Risk-Based Monitoring Market- Competitive Landscape

Key players operating in the risk-based monitoring market include TransCelerate, Bio Pharma Inc., Covance solution, Quanticate Ltd, IQVIA, Parexel, JMP clinical, and Cintec.

Risk-Based Monitoring Market- Taxonomy

The risk-based monitoring market is segmented on the basis of application, end users, and region.

By Application

Clinical Trials

Clinical Studies

By End Users

Pharmaceutical Industry

Biotech Industry

Academic Research Center

By Region

North America

Latin America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East

Africa

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Table of Contents with Major Points:

Executive Summary

Introduction

Key Findings

Recommendations

Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Overview

Definition of Risk-Based Monitoring Market

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Restraints

Opportunities

Trends and Developments

Key Insights

Key Emerging Trends

Key Developments Mergers and Acquisition

New Product Launches and Collaboration

Partnership and Joint Venture

Latest Technological Advancements

Insights on Regulatory Scenario

Porters Five Forces Analysis

Qualitative Insights Impact of COVID-19 on Global Risk-Based Monitoring Market

Supply Chain Challenges

Steps taken by Government/Companies to overcome this impact

Potential opportunities due to COVID-19 outbreak

Conclusion

Appendix

Data Sources

Abbreviations

Disclaimer

TOC Continued!

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The research study on the South Africa Biopharmaceuticals Market  Industry Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028 recently published by Arizton Advisory & Intelligence states that the South Africa biopharmaceuticals market to reach USD 2.21 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 12.30%.

The report considers the present scenario of the South Africa biopharmaceuticals market and its market dynamics for 20232028. It covers a detailed overview of several market growth enablers, restraints, and trends. The study covers both the demand and supply sides of the industry. It also profiles and analyzes leading companies and several other prominent companies operating in the industry.

South Africa Biopharmaceuticals Market Report Scope

Report Attributes Details Market Size (2028) USD 2.21 Billion Market Size (2022) USD 1.10 Billion CAGR (2022-2028) 12.30% Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2028 Market Segments Product and Therapy Area Geographic Analysis South Africa Market Dynamics The Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases & Growing Aging Population

The Increasing Focus on Precision Medicine

Biologics Uptake & Potential in South Africa

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Dynamic Growth in South Africa Biopharmaceuticals Market Revolutionizes Healthcare

In a remarkable evolution, the biopharmaceuticals sector in South Africa has emerged as a pivotal player in advancing the nations healthcare landscape. These sophisticated medical products, derived from living organisms or their components, encompass groundbreaking offerings like vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and other cutting-edge treatments reshaping disease management and elevating patient care. Recent years have witnessed an impressive surge in the South African biopharmaceuticals market. The soaring demand for inventive and precisely targeted therapies tailored to tackle intricate medical conditions, from infectious diseases to autoimmune disorders and cancer, is propelling the markets expansion. Anchored by a high prevalence of chronic ailments, a burgeoning elderly population, and augmented healthcare expenditure, the markets upward trajectory is undeniable.

The South Africa biopharmaceuticals market is a dynamic and rapidly growing sector, driven by increasing healthcare needs, a rising burden of chronic diseases, and advancements in medical research and biotechnology. The industry is characterized by intense competition among pharmaceutical companies vying for a share in this lucrative and critical industry. Companies operating in the market diversify their product portfolios to cater to a broad range of medical conditions. A diverse portfolio allows companies to address therapeutic areas and leverage growth opportunities. Further, collaboration, expansion, and new product launches are essential strategies that companies in the South Africa biopharmaceuticals market use to strengthen their presence, accelerate growth, and meet the evolving healthcare needs of the population. Several companies have embraced these approaches to foster innovation and enhance their industry position. For instance, Johnson & Johnson partnered with leading South African research institutions and academic centers to collaborate on research projects on infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. These collaborations aim to advance scientific knowledge, develop new treatments, and address healthcare challenges specific to the region.

Key Insights

The market benefits from advances in biotechnology, leading to the development of biologics, gene therapies, and targeted treatments. These cutting-edge therapies offer improved efficacy and reduced side effects than traditional pharmaceuticals.

Efforts to improve access to essential medications and reduce treatment costs are underway. Local manufacturing capabilities and partnerships with pharmaceutical companies contribute to affordability and availability.

The South Africa biopharmaceuticals market is marked by intense competitive rivalry among pharmaceutical companies. R&D, product portfolio, pricing strategies, and market access are key in determining market competitiveness.

Strategic collaborations between biopharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and healthcare providers foster innovation and accelerate new treatments development.

The South African government actively promotes healthcare access and drives the biopharmaceuticals market. Regulatory reforms and funding initiatives support the development and availability of critical medications .

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Infectious Diseases Segment Dominates the Market, and Oncology Segment Witness the Fastest Growth Rate

The biopharmaceuticals market in South Africa played a pivotal role in addressing infectious diseases by developing and distributing vaccines, antiviral drugs, antibiotics, and other therapeutics. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a game-changer in managing HIV/AIDS, improving HIV-positive individuals quality of life and life expectancy. Additionally, introducing the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine and routine childhood vaccinations significantly reduced the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases in the country. Challenges remain in combating infectious diseases in South Africa. AMR is a growing concern, particularly with tuberculosis and other bacterial infections. The emergence of drug-resistant strains necessitates continuous research and development efforts to identify new antibiotics and treatments.

In 2022, the oncology segment accounted for a 17.74% share of the South Africa biopharmaceuticals market. The countrys biopharmaceuticals market plays a vital role in addressing the challenges posed by cancer, providing innovative therapies, targeted treatments, and supportive care to improve the lives of cancer patients. Opportunities for the biopharmaceuticals market in oncology lie in continued R&D, access to cutting-edge therapies, and fostering collaboration between stakeholders in cancer care. Ongoing research is essential to identify novel cancer targets and develop new treatment options, particularly for rare cancers and tumors with limited treatment options. Collaboration between healthcare providers, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and patient advocacy groups can promote comprehensive cancer care and research. Multidisciplinary tumor boards and cancer care teams can enhance treatment planning and ensure a patient-centered approach to cancer care.

Key Company Profiles

AbbVie

F. Hoffmann-la Roche

GSK

Johnson & Johnson

Merck & Co.

Novartis

Novo Nordisk

Pfizer

Sanofi

Amgen

Biocon

Biogen

Cipla

Eli Lilly and Company

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries

Viatris

Market Segmentation

Product: Vaccines, Monoclonal Antibodies, Recombinant Proteins & Hormones, and Tissue, Cell & Gene Therapies

Therapy Area: Infectious Diseases, Diabetes, Oncology, Inflammation & Immunology, and Other Therapy Areas

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Executive Assistant, SHE and Communication Officer

Are you a dynamic and structured person, and want to have an impact on the health system and for patients in Central Africa? Roche RDC is looking for its Executive Assistant, also responsible for SHE (safety, health, environment) and Communication.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Affiliate Executive Assistant

Manage and follow up of GM and team agenda and coordinate all related activities with internal and external stakeholders

Specific follow-up requested by GM

Prepares expenses claims of GM

Preparing documents & presentations, travel and meetings arrangement for GM

Ensure affiliates Documentation Management in accordance with COREMAP requirements

Support issuing and update administrative/legal documentation (AGE, AGO, BoD, Delegation of duties)

SHE Officer

Supporting and advising site GM in SHE matters

Promoting SHE in the Company based on local / global Roche SHE objectives and goals

Supporting the organization for compliance with local legal regulations and with Roche SHE provisions (gap analysis; implementation of measures to close the gaps)

Preparing and maintaining the SHE handbook as required by the Roche Group SHE Guidelines

Supporting line management in SHE training for employees

Preparing, developing and maintaining a system for receiving, documenting and responding to SHE related reports and complaints

Ensuring that a risk analysis process is implemented and documented

Conducting and follow up on periodic SHE inspections

Communications Officer

Lead Companys internal and external communication strategy, planning & execution, in alignment with affiliate priorities and global Roche guidelines and network.

Design and coordinate Companys internal and external events.

Logistics responsible for the events

Organizing and coordinating regular project meetings

Organizing and coordinating external meetings

Keeps track of external local events and evaluates opportunity for Roche to take part

Monitor communication and events outcomes and continuously improve future plans.

Qualifications & Experience:

Degree in Administration, Project Management or Office Management;

At least 7-10 years of experience in similar roles in multinational companies,

Structured and methodic; excellent attention to details;

Perfect knowledge of MS office package;

Fluent in French and English;

Excellent writing and communications skills;

Strong leadership skills

Well organized, proactive, agile,

Ability to handle stress well, and to work well under pressure and tight deadlines

High integrity & worth of trust

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by Adam Buckman , Featured Columnist, August 23, 2023

One question that is sure to be asked of the eight GOP presidential hopefuls at Wednesdays televised debate on Fox News will be some variation on this: If Donald Trump were here now, what would you say to him?

This kind of question -- indeed, the very subject of Trump -- is sure to be on the minds of the debates questioner-moderators Brett Baier and Martha McCallum, and the debates eight Republican qualifiers.

Trump has declined to participate, and will be noticeably absent. The prevailing opinion of the political commentators is that he really doesnt have to.

When you have a 40-point lead in the opinion polls and 100% name recognition, why would you risk taking to a stage to exchange unpleasantries with people most viewers wouldnt recognize if they lived in their basement? asked The Wall Street Journals Gerard Baker in a column published on Tuesday.

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Trumps absence will be felt by both the network and the other candidates. For Fox News, as for all news platforms -- network, cable, online -- in good times or bad, no one draws eyes quite like Donald Trump.

This is why questions about him from the Fox News moderators are likely to be asked of the fateful eight, ensuring that Trump will be at the debate as a topic, if not in person.

What these other candidates say about him will make news.

For them, Trumps absence represents a lost opportunity to confront him on live TV on his legal entanglements, the divisiveness of his rhetoric, some of his policies and other baggage.

They must all be hankering for a chance to put on a show like that, but theyre not going to get it.

How commanding is Trumps lead right now? While the latest poll numbers differ slightly according to which polling source you care to cite, they all tell the same story: Trump is way ahead.

For example, the latest results from Morning Consult, updated on Monday, have Trump at 58% in its survey conducted August 18-20 among 3,608 potential Republican primary voters if their primary or caucus was held in their state right now.

Only two of the eight GOP hopefuls who will face off in Wednesdays debate scored double-digit percentages in this survey: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (14%) and entrepreneur and political newcomer Vivek Ramaswamy (10%).

Both pictured above, they are the two second-place frontrunners. As such, they will be positioned next to each other center stage at the debate.

The other six are: Former vice president Mike Pence (6%), former U.N. ambassador and one-time North Carolina governor Nikki Haley (3%), Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina (3%), former New Jersey governor Chris Christie (3%), former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson (1%) and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (0%).

The TV Blog does not know how Gov. Burgum made the cut with a 0% poll number. Perhaps he made it to 1% in some of the other polls.

Wednesday nights debate is the first clash of GOP candidates in what will be another typically long campaign slog leading up to the conventions next summer and Election Day on November 5, 2024.

The debate starts at 9 p.m. Eastern, live from Milwaukee on Fox News Channel and other FNC platforms.

Photo of Donald Trump courtesy of CBS News 60 Minutes.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, August 23, 2023

Advocacy groups on Wednesday renewed their call for the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether YouTube was serving behaviorally targeted ads to children under the age of 13.

Ultimately, only a body with investigative authority, such as the Commission, can conclusively determine whether Google and YouTube are engaging in behavioral advertising, Fairplay (formerly Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood), the Center for Digital Democracy, Common Sense Media and the Electronic Privacy Information Center write in a 92-page request to the agency.

The groups' request comes one week after Adalytics reported that YouTube sets cookies on the devices of viewers who watch made for kids videos.

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Adalytics specifically said Google has been observed to appear to set long-lasting 'advertising' related cookies on the browsers of consumers watching YouTube videos that are clearly labeled as 'for kids.'

Cookies can be used to track web users and serve them with personalized ads -- which could potentially violate the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). That law effectively prohibits businesses from knowingly deploying behavioral advertising techniques on children younger than 13, without parental consent.

Google denies tracking people who watch made for kids videos, noting that cookies can be used for analytics, fraud prevention and other ad-related activity that doesn't violate the children's privacy law.

Fairplay tells the FTC it conducted its own test of YouTube, and concluded that it may be serving behaviorally targeted ads on videos aimed at children.

For the test, Fairplay said it paid $10 to run a total of 1,446 ad impressions across across 46 made for kids channels including Miraculous Ladybug and CVS 3D Rhymes and Kids Song.

Fairplay also selected ad-targeting categories such as motorcycle enthusiasts, retiring soon and cloud service power users.

An audience segment report sent by Google to Fairplay said ads reached people in those categories.

For example, 432 of those 1,466 ad impressions came from users identified by Google as 'motorcycle enthusiasts,' and 70 impressions came from 'cloud services power users,' Fairplay and the others say in their request for an FTC investigation.

The groups add that Google shouldn't have been able to report that the ads were viewed by users based on their inferred interests, given that the company says it doesn't use behavioral targeting techniques on children.

But Google -- which previously paid $170 million to settle charges that YouTube violated COPPA -- says Fairplay appears to have jumped to the incorrect conclusion.

The company also says its made for kids channels can have a mix of content for children and content for adults.

The audience segment report that they received back does not indicate that personalization took place on made for kids videos, Google writes. Without being able to review the full details of this campaign and all of its targeting criteria, it is possible that these channels have not-made for kids videos (as described above given many channels have a mix of content types), and that may be the source of this reporting.
by Wendy Davis , Staff Writer @wendyndavis, August 23, 2023

Vaccine critic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, has failed to persuade a judge to order YouTube to refrain from suppressing videos in which he expressed controversial views about vaccinations.

In a ruling issued Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge Trina Thompson in the Northern District of California said Kennedy was unlikely to prevail on his claim that Google violated the First Amendment, given that Google is a private company.

While government officials are bound by the First Amendment's prohibition on censorship, private companies generally are free to reject material that doesn't meet their editorial standards. There's an exception for companies that are state actors -- meaning equivalent to the government -- but Thompson said Google didn't engage in the kinds of concerted action with the government that would transform the tech company into a state actor.

The ruling came in a lawsuit brought by Kennedy earlier this month, when he alleged that YouTube removed videos due to a partnership with the White House to censor dissenting views.

One of those videos was of an event held in March at Saint Anselm College's New Hampshire Institute of Politics Kennedy, where Kennedy delivered a speech in which he questioned the pharmaceutical industry.

His complaint also alleged that YouTube removed clips of interviews he did with podcast hosts Jordan Peterson and Joe Rogan, due to remarks that violated the platform's policy regarding medical misinformation.

He claimed the censorship campaign prevented his message from reaching millions of voters, and also makes it harder for groups that are supporting his campaign to amplify his message through public sources.

The complaint referenced a July 2021 press conference at which former Press Secretary Jen Psaki and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued recommendations aimed at curbing false information about COVID-19. Murthy said at the event that the government was asking tech companies to monitor and take action against misinformation super-spreaders, while Psaki said the government was flagging problematic posts for Facebook that spread disinformation.

Kennedy specifically requested that Thompson issue a temporary restraining order that would ban Google from using its misinformation policies to remove Kennedys speech on matters of public concern from YouTube during the 2024 campaign.

Thompson denied the request for several reasons, including that she hadn't been presented with evidence that government officials discussed Kennedy with Google, or demanded that the tech company adopt any particular policies regarding COVID-19.

Instead, she wrote, there was evidence that communications between government officials and Google were in the nature of consultation and information sharing.

Thompson also pointed to a separate reason to reject Kennedy's request -- public health.

The coronavirus still poses a health risk to certain individuals, and it would not serve the public interest to let medical misinformation proliferate on YouTube, she wrote.
The Marine Corps worked behind the scenes last month in an attempt to convince Fox News to retract its false story claiming a Gold Star family was forced to pay $60,000 to ship the remains of a Marine killed in Afghanistan, according to emails obtained by Military.com.

A service spokesman notified the news network that it was pushing an incorrect story and accused it of using the grief of fallen Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee's family to draw in readers, the email exchanges, released through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request, show. Fox News eventually deleted the story with no correction, and it never reached out to the Gee family with an apology as the Marine Corps requested, the family said.

The Fox News story came from Republican Rep. Cory Mills, a freshman congressman from Florida, who claimed Gee's next of kin were strapped with the $60,000 charge after a meeting with the families of Abbey Gate bombing victims, a suicide attack where 13 service members were killed outside of the Kabul airport in 2021.

Read Next: At Least 6 Soldiers Attacked by Coyotes, Treated for Injuries While Training at Fort Johnson

Gee's family never paid a dollar to transport her remains, and the Marine Corps let Fox News know -- in no uncertain terms -- that the July 25 story was false in a series of emails over the following days.

"This headline correction is still misleading and your story is still false," Maj. James Stenger, the lead spokesperson for the Marine Corps, wrote to Fox News in an email after the publication changed the headline and body of the story in an attempt to soften the accusation.

"Using the grief of a family member of a fallen Marine to score cheap clickbait points is disgusting," Stenger wrote. The spokesman was one of several military officials frustrated with the story, according to the documents.

The email from the Marine Corps came a day after the service requested a full retraction of the story, an apology to the family from Fox News, and a public explanation for any corrections, according to the emails provided by the service through the FOIA process.

Jay Wallace, president and executive editor of Fox News Media, at least one other executive and other Fox News staff members were included in the emails.

Fox News spokesperson Ali Coscia declined to answer Military.com's questions sent Monday to staff. The network also did not answer inquiries last month when the story was taken down.

The article appeared to have been wiped from the Fox News website. According to Gee's family, the outlet never contacted them with an explanation or apology after quietly deleting the piece.

Military.com reached out to Mills' office Tuesday about the story. A spokesperson from Mills' office said that neither the Marine Corps nor the Pentagon contacted the Republican's office "with any request" about the piece.

Mills also removed the story from his official website after the Fox News link became inactive, according to the spokesperson.

The email exchanges between the Marine Corps and Fox News suggest the service felt the false story crossed a sensitive line -- propagating a narrative that accused the service of not taking care of its fallen.

The original headline of the Fox News piece was: "Family forced to pay to ship body of Marine killed after Pentagon policy change: 'Egregious injustice.'"

As the week dragged on and the story spread, the Fox News article was changed. The word "forced" was removed from the headline and lead paragraph. Parts of the story body were changed, too, and reflected information added after publication.

The new headline indicated that the family "shouldered" the burden to transport Gee's remains -- also not true -- and attribution to Mills became more prominent.

Before publishing Mills' account of the meeting, Fox News did not obtain comment from Gee's family or the Marine Corps, though a statement was added after publication. The end of the original piece said that Fox contacted the Pentagon, which did not "immediately" comment.

"To be clear: It's not enough that you went back and added our statement after the original story was on your website for several hours," Stenger wrote to Fox News. "The story should be removed entirely and a new story should replace it."

Mills also appeared to walk back his original claim, saying instead that the family was "in their time of grief, confused" about the military transportation policy. Mills' spokesperson said the congressman stands by that statement and "looks forward to working with his colleagues in Congress to ensure this is never a concern for a Gold Star family."

Comments from Gee's family, the Pentagon and the nonprofit that actually stepped in to pay for the flight before the Defense Department became involved, worked their way into the piece before it was taken down.

None of the changes were marked with an update or correction, a common media practice that offers transparency when outlets make a mistake or change a story.

By the following Friday, the article was removed completely without explanation by Fox News, even as outrage over the alleged injustice continued to spread online.

Mills' post on X -- the site formerly known as Twitter -- sharing the false story with a now-defunct Fox News web link, as well as posts by other conservative lawmakers similarly spreading the narrative, were still available at the time of this reporting.

Meanwhile, the original claims in the story -- though incorrect -- included a kernel of truth.

The policy at the center of the story launched in the summer of 2021 and requires family members of fallen service members to front money for funeral transportation to a second location. Under the policy, they would then be reimbursed by the Pentagon later.

However, the nonprofit Honoring Our Fallen, through an anonymous donation from a veteran, paid to fly Gee's remains on private transportation to Arlington National Cemetery, according to the Marine Corps. No money was required from the family and the nonprofit stepped in before any reimbursement process was even started, let alone one with a $60,000 price tag.

Military.com cannot confirm how much was paid by the nonprofit to secure a private flight.

Christy Shamblin, Gee's mother-in-law, told Military.com Tuesday that she only wanted to bring attention to a frustrating 47-page policy when she spoke to Mills' staff during the meeting with Abbey Gate victims, and to make it easier for other Gold Star families to navigate the bureaucratic and tragic process of transporting remains.

Now, she wants to help clear any "muddy" waters in the wake of the story. Shamblin blames herself for the tumult it caused, and has been mostly alone in publicly taking responsibility.

When told about the Marine Corps' efforts behind the scenes to correct the record -- something Shamblin said she tried to do herself by contacting Fox News -- she said that "it falls in line" with her beliefs about the service.

"They are truthful, they're honest and they're dependable," Shamblin said.

-- Drew F. Lawrence can be reached at drew.lawrence@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @df_lawrence.

Related: 'Truly Very Sorry': Family of Fallen Marine Apologizes After Congressman Claims Pentagon Charged Them for Remains Transfer
WASHINGTON  The Biden administration has approved a $500 million arms sale to Taiwan as it ramps up military assistance to the island despite fervent objections from China.

The State Department said Wednesday it had signed off on the sale of infrared search tracking systems along with related equipment for advanced F-16 fighter jets. The sale includes the infrared systems as well as test support and equipment, computer software and spare parts, it said.

Although the deal is modest in comparison to previous weapons sales, the move is likely to draw fierce criticism from Beijing, which regards self-governing Taiwan as a renegade province and refuses to rule out the use of force to reunify it with the mainland.

This proposed sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipients continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability, the State Department said in a statement.

"The proposed sale will improve the recipients capability to meet current and future threats by contributing to the recipients abilities to defend its airspace, provide regional security, and increase interoperability with the United States through its F-16 program," it said.

The announcement came just hours after Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen renewed a pledge to strengthen Taiwans self-defense as she visited a war memorial from the last time Taiwan and China battled. Tsai, visited the outlying islands of Kinmen where the conflict was fought 65 years ago, commemorated those who died.

Wednesday's State Department announcement also follows an angry Chinese reaction to the transit through the United States of Taiwanese Vice President William Lai on his way to and from an official visit in Paraguay last week.

In recent years, China has stepped up its military activity in the waters and skies around Taiwan, sending fighter jets and navy vessels near the island or to encircle it.
Mets reliever John Curtiss underwent surgery to remove a loose body from his throwing elbow, the club announced (relayed by Anthony DiComo of MLB.com). Hes expected to be ready for Opening Day next season.

Curtiss was already ruled out for the rest of 23 when the Mets put him on the 60-day injured list last week. The 30-year-old righty threw 19 2/3 innings through 15 MLB outings. He posted a 4.58 ERA with slightly worse than average strikeout and walk numbers (19.8% and 9.9%, respectively). Curtiss spent a bit more time with Triple-A Syracuse, posting a 7.17 ERA in 21 1/3 innings. His Triple-A strikeout and walk rates were similar to his MLB marks but he surrendered six homers in that minor league look.

New York signed Curtiss to a major league contract on the eve of Opening Day last season. They knew hed miss the entire year rehabbing from a September 21 Tommy John procedure. New York triggered a $775K club option to keep him around as a depth reliever for this season, though they presumably envisioned something more closely resembling the 3.45 ERA he posted in 44 1/3 innings two seasons ago.

The Mets can retain Curtiss for two more years via arbitration. Even if hell be ready for next spring, he looks like a non-tender candidate since the Mets would have to reinstate him onto the 40-man roster at the start of the offseason. Curtiss exhausted his final option season in 2023; if the Mets tender him a contract, theyd have to carry him on the MLB roster or designate him for assignment.
LIVONIA, MI -- Livonia police say four people have been arrested in connection with the abduction of 2-week-old twins Matthew and Montana Bridges in Livonia.

Livonia police provided an update on the case in a short statement released later Tuesday, Aug. 22.
WARREN, MI -- A suspect wanted in connection with a hit-and-run that left a 14-year-old boy dead has been arrested. The driver has only been identified as a 43-year-old Warren man was taken into custody Tuesday as part of a Michigan State Police investigation.

The name of the suspect is being withheld pending formal charges being brought against the man, but police did say the vehicle was uninsured and the drivers license was suspended.

This was great work from detectives taking very little information from the scene and finding this suspect. said MSP F/Lt Mike Shaw. We are hopeful this gives his family a small amount of closure.

The teen was killed Friday morning after he was hit by a car while he was walking on the entrance ramp to eastbound I-696 at Groesbeck Highway. The driver who hit the teen did not stop at the scene and a search for the suspect had been ongoing.

Police were dispatched to the scene around 4:25 a.m. on Aug. 18 after witnesses reported seeing someone walking along the freeway entrance ramp. Shortly thereafter police were alerted that the pedestrian had been struck by a car. Witnesses told police they saw the boy stumbling in the roadway prior to being hit. First responders attempted life-saving measures when they arrived on scene, but they were unsuccessful.

Police say the teen had been reported missing just two hours before he was hit and that he had autism.

The investigation is ongoing and the case will be turned over to prosecutors for review of possible charges. Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to call 1-855-MICH-TIP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak Up.

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CLINTON COUNTY, MI  Police are investigating after a man was found dead after a standoff and fire in Clinton Countys Bath Township.

According to the Bath Township Police Department, the incident began when officers were called to residence on Clark Road at 9:16 a.m. on Tuesday.

Officers arrived on scene and tried to contact an unruly subject inside the home before they heard multiple gunshots.

The Clinton County Sheriffs Office arrived on scene to deploy a drone for a better view of the situation, but that mission ultimately failed, police said.

After several hours and more gunshots came from the home, some in the direction of police, the Clinton County Special Operations team was deployed.

Officers made several more attempts to speak with the subject but never received a response, police said.

During the standoff, officers saw smoke coming from the home. Due to the subjects dangerous behavior, firefighters could not immediately extinguish the fire.

The structure ultimately burned to the ground and crews then found the subjects dead body among the ashes, police said. The structure is considered a total loss.

The incident is under investigation. The deceased has not been identified by name.

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LEXINGTON, MI - Sushi is one of the foods that you either love or hate, with some people adamantly saying theyll never try it due to the ick-factor of raw fish. But a sushi chef in Michigans Thumb is looking to change that with his creative menu.

They think sushis just raw, but its not, said chef Jeffery Pandolfe of Lexington.

Pandolfe is the head executive sushi chef of the Windjammer, a nautical-themed lakeside restaurant located at 7420 Huron Avenue. Windjammer owner Richard Lamframboise brought in Pandolfe to create a sushi bar at this gem of an on-the-water restaurant.

Everybody told us, sushi in Lexington, really? said Lamframboise. But we knew that it would work, its been a big hit.

The biggest hit has been Pandolfes signature Redneck Roll. The star of the Redneck Roll is the fillet of fried perch that sits in the center, surrounded and topped with avocado, chili honey, eel sauce, spicy mayo and sprouts. The sweet and savory roll combines the fresh taste of the avocado and sprouts with the robust, salty fried perch and tangy sauces to create quite a complex flavor combination that screams Michigan in a sushi roll.

The Redneck Roll is a part of Pandolfes signature menu full of interesting creations like the Surf & Turf, which includes shrimp tempura and seared filet mignon and the Lobster Paradise, which features tempura lobster.

I kind of wrote the menu for the area so everybody can taste a little bit and I get them hooked, Pandolfe said. Once they try the redneck roll, then theyre trying everything.

The Windjammer also offers up plenty of traditional favorites among sushi lovers, including different types of tuna, roe and shrimp-based creations. Fresh fish is flown in from countries like Japan, Spain, and Thailand throughout the week ensuring that customers are getting the freshest product possible.

That renowned freshness has become a hit with customers, making the Windjammer a regional favorite.

People drive from Detroit up here just to have sushi and to sit and to have a decent meal, to get away from the city, so its just very nice, said Pandolfe.

The Windjammer offers more than just some specialty rolls. Hardcore sushi lovers can take part in what is called an omakase meal experience.

Omakase is a special one-on-one experience where patrons get to enjoy an interactive, customized multi-course meal curated by Pandolfe.

Omakase experiences should be booked two days in advance and the experience caps out at a maximum of six people, said Laframboise.

While sushi might not be the first thing on visitors minds when stopping by Lexington, the idea of enjoying fresh fish by the water runs deep into the towns history.

The vibe of the waterfront is fish, especially fresh fish, Laframboise said. You had 75 years ago, this was the fishery you could get fresh fish right off the water. Well, you cant do that anymore these days, you can with a sushi bar, however.

Laframboise brought Pandolfe all the way from California to create the areas only gourmet sushi experience, bringing with him his world-class skills.

Pandolfe traveled around the world and opened over 30 different sushi bars. He said that the sushi bar at the Windjammer was his 32nd sushi bar.

But, with a family to take care of, Pandolfe set his sights on Lexington as a great opportunity to take it slow and to enjoy what small-town living in the Thumb has to offer.

I just love the town, I think its an up-and-coming town, he said. Its kind of like the Hamptons of Detroit I think and in the next five years its going to grow a lot.

Visiting Lexington? Check out MLives guide to spending a Michigan summer day in Lexington here.

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ANN ARBOR, MI  Ann Arbor is in line to receive over $194,000 from a legal settlement with Walgreens, and thats a conservative estimate, according to the city attorneys office.

City Council voted 10-0 Monday night, Aug. 21, to approve the citys participation in the settlement of national prescription opioid litigation against the pharmacy chain.

The state of Michigan settled its claim against Walgreens in June and is joining the national settlement, allowing local communities to participate. The state and city also have participated in similar settlements against other drug makers and pharmacy chains over the past two years.

Ann Arbor eyes big payout in opioid legal settlements with Walmart, CVS, others

The money is expected to come to the city in installments over 15 years and at least 85% must be used for abatement of the opioid epidemic, Senior Assistant City Attorney Michelle Landis told council.

The deadline for entering the settlement is Sept. 6. Not taking action would have effectively meant opting out, but with councils approval the city is opting in.

Narcan nasal spray kits inside a naloxone vending machine at Ann Arbor's city hall April 3, 2023. "Naloxone is a safe medication that reverses opioid overdoses," a sign on the vending machine states. "Please take some for yourself or others and help stop this public crisis."Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

Overall, several million dollars from the various settlements are coming to Washtenaw County, where there have been several hundred opioid overdose deaths reported.

Opioid overdose deaths among county residents have ticked up again in the past three years after dropping from 81 to 60 from 2018 to 2019. There were 61 in 2020, 78 in 2021 and 80 in 2022, according to county health department figures.

Through April, another 11 were reported in early 2023, with the deceased ranging in age from 31 to 65, the health department reported. At the same time, there were 168 emergency responses for opioid overdoses in those four months, with treated patients ranging in age from 18 to 97.

I just want to recognize the profound impact of opioid use disorder on our community members, said City Council Member Cynthia Harrison, D-1st Ward. Its crucial that we end the stigma associated with this disease so that those affected can confidently seek the treatment they deserve.

Narcan nasal spray kits inside a naloxone vending machine at Ann Arbor's city hall April 3, 2023. "Naloxone is a safe medication that reverses opioid overdoses," a sign on the vending machine states. "Please take some for yourself or others and help stop this public crisis."Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

The over $194,000 the city expects to receive from Walgreens over 15 years is a step, but it does not fully address the pain and hardship endured by community members, Harrison said.

I had hoped for a greater commitment from Walgreens to reflect the gravity of this issue in our community, she said.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter.

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ANN ARBOR, MI  An Ann Arbor man accused of assaulting a neighbor and then setting his own apartment on fire, causing the mass evacuation of more than 100 tenants, will not be going to trial.

David Andrew Clair entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity on Aug. 16 to each of his three charges for arson and assault, effectively ending the criminal case against him as he undergoes mental health treatment, court records show.

The court accepted the plea, which comes after an evaluation by the state-run Center for Forensic Psychiatry found him not criminally responsible due to his mental health.

A review hearing for the plea is scheduled for Oct. 25.

Clair, 30, is charged with one felony count each of first-degree arson, malicious destruction of police property and one misdemeanor count of assault and battery.

The charges stem from an incident on Feb. 7, 2021, at Miller Manor Apartments, 727 Miller Ave., where Clair is accused of attacking a fellow resident, then intentionally setting his own apartment of fire, according to the Ann Arbor Police Department.

Related: Man accused of setting Ann Arbor apartment fire faces first-degree arson charge

Clair was arrested at the scene after he made several statements to police and residents admitting he started the fire. It is unclear exactly why he set his own apartment on fire, though it is believed mental health issues are factor, police said.

During his arraignment, Clair admitted he needed assistance and asked the court not to release him from jail unless hes being sent to a mental health facility.

Emergency crews were called to the 106-unit apartment building at 11:36 p.m. for a fire after heavy smoke was seen on the second floor of the seven-story building.

Crews arrived to find flames in the windows of one of the apartments. Due to the large number of tenants living in the building, crews called for additional support to assist with fire suppression and the evacuation of residents, officials said.

One resident was taken to Michigan Medicine to be treated for minor injuries. No firefighters were injured in the incident, officials said.

While being arrested, Clair was incoherent, acting erratically and damaging a police cruiser before being taken to the hospital for an emergency psychiatric evaluation, police said.

Clair was free on a personal recognizance bond in an unrelated case at the time of the fire.

In that case he is charged with one count each of felonious assault, assault and battery and disturbing the peace for an incident that occurred at the Fleetwood Diner on Nov. 12, 2020.

Clair is accused of repeatedly hitting a woman over the head with a plastic ketchup bottle after she told him he wasnt wearing his mask properly, and then hit a man with a coffee mug that shattered on the mans head, causing injuries, according to Ann Arbor police.

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ANN ARBOR, MI - An Ann Arbor Public Schools principal named in a recent lawsuit alleging the district did not review footage of a students assault by a bus aide for five weeks in 2021 is on leave to start the school year.

Carpenter Elementary School Principal Michael Johnson will be absent from the school during his leave, according to a letter sent to families on Aug. 21 by Superintendent Jeanice Swift and other district administrators.

We understand that our parents may have questions, and while we are uncertain of any specific timelines, we will, as always, continue to keep you updated as allowed, the letter reads.

Students will be back in classes on Monday, Aug. 28. Clague Middle School Assistant Principal Crystal Fluker will serve as interim principal in Johnsons absence, according to the letter.

Ms. Fluker brings a wide breadth of school leadership experience with an extensive background and expertise in supporting strong social-emotional development in students and connections within and across the school community, the letter states. Ms. Fluker will join Assistant Principal Terra Webster and our amazing Carpenter team in supporting and serving our students, staff and community.

While the school district did not respond to questions about the conditions or reasons for Johnson being on leave, the veteran principal is named in a lawsuit that has caused turmoil in the district, leading some parents to call for the removal of Swift as superintendent.

The lawsuit was filed July 26 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan by parent Jamie Nelson-Molnar. She alleges the school district, Johnson and Durham Transportation sent her child onto the bus where he was assaulted by bus aide Rochanda Jefferson. Court records show Jefferson was convicted of fourth-degree assault on June 28 in Washtenaw Countys 14A District Court.

Nelson-Molnar only learned of the physical abuse through a teacher who broke ranks to tell the truth, the lawsuit states.

Video shows that, with the boy restrained in a harness as he continued to scream, Jefferson hit him forcefully and repeatedly, each time, raising her right arm into the air before striking him, the lawsuit alleges.

The next day, on Dec. 15, 2021, multiple Carpenter students told AAPS staff they saw Jefferson hit the boy on the bus, the lawsuit states, reporting the incident to at least one teacher and one social worker.

On or about the same day, the social worker and/or other AAPS staff gave Johnson written reports about the assault and the interviews with children who witnessed it, the lawsuit states.

On Dec. 16, the boys teacher contacted Johnson about the assault reported by the students, expressing her sincere concerns that the bus aide was allowed to continue on the bus with Nelson-Molnars son and other children with disabilities, the lawsuit states.

On Jan. 19, 2022, five weeks after the alleged first assault, the lawsuit states Johnson admitted to Nelson-Molnar that there had been two incidents on the bus. The lawsuit states AAPS, Johnson and Durham still resisted disclosing details and simply transferred Jefferson to another bus.

Since the lawsuit has been filed, the Ann Arbor School Board has taken steps to remove Swift as superintendent. While recent news of the assault and lawsuit triggered additional concerns about Swifts leadership from Rima Mohammad, the board president said her concerns were not new before the incident and have compounded over time.

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ANN ARBOR, MI - A new Michigan Department of Transportation study recommends shuttering Ann Arbor M-14 ramps in an area near the Huron River bridge long marred by safety concerns, then later pursing a $41-million reconfiguration involving a dual roundabout system.

The Barton Drive on- and off-ramps to eastbound M-14 should be closed in the short-term with the long-term solution coming through the costly overhaul that would place a roundabout on Whitmore Lake Road and two on either side of the highway in a dog bone formation, the study advises.
ANN ARBOR, MI -- University of Michigan President Santa Ono has denounced homophobic graffiti he says was found on the sidewalk in front of the Jewish Resource Center near campus.

Ann Arbor Police are investigating the incident and called it hate-motivated graffiti.

The graffiti is believed to have been done sometime during the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 22, police said.

Ono, in a statement released Wednesday, said it was the second act of vandalism at a Jewish-centered location in the past three months.

We strongly denounce this act of vandalism and all antisemitic acts, he wrote. These incidents are in direct conflict with the universitys deeply held values of respect and inclusion and have no place within our community.

Ono described the Jewish Resource Center as an an important and valued part of our campus community.

Ono said the university will offer support to any affected University of Michigan students through the Campus Climate Support program in the Dean of Students Office and the Spectrum Center.

Ann Arbor Police on Wednesday said officers are investigating two incidents of hate-motivated graffiti and said they take the incidents very seriously.

Police ask that anyone who might have seen suspicious activity in the area, or captured the vandalism on doorbell cameras, to contact the police front desk at 734-794-6920, or contact the police tip line by calling 734-794-6939 or emailing tips@a2gov.org

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FLINT, MI -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will spell out the details of a prospective purchaser agreement negotiated with the company that plans to redevelop the bulk of the old Buick City site in Flint during a community meeting next week.

The EPA said the meeting will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29, at the Hasselbring Senior Center, 1002 W. Home Ave.

Ashley Capital, which broke ground on its Flint Commerce Center at the former General Motors property in June, and the EPA reached the purchaser agreement, detailing the companys plans for redeveloping roughly 330 acres of Buick City into a light manufacturing and distribution center.

In addition to roughly 20 acres where the development has started, Ashley is under contract to purchase additional property once it reaches an agreement with the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) regarding how materials are handled on the property.

Buick City was contaminated with PFAs and other pollution while it was used by General Motors as a hub for manufacturing Buick vehicles until 1999.

GM shed itself of the property during its 2009 bankruptcy and most of the more than 400 acres is owned by a court-created trust charged with remediating contamination and preparing the property for resale.

The EPA announcement says the agreement with the Commerce Center clarifies the companys environmental liabilities and obligations during building construction.

The agency says Tuesdays meeting will consist of a presentation on the prospective purchaser agreement followed by a question-and-answer session, which will include representatives of EGLE.

EGLE led a separate informational meeting in Flint earlier this month, detailing cleanup activities and pending requests by both the trust and Ashley in advance of the sale closing.

The EPA-Commerce Center agreement says the arrangement is subject to a 30-day public comment period, ending Sept. 13.

After the public comment period, EPA may modify or withdraw its consent to the agreement if comments received disclose facts or considerations that indicate this settlement agreement is inappropriate, improper, or inadequate.

The EPA announcement says written comments will be accepted during the Tuesday meeting.

Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter.

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FLINT, MI - The Flint Farmers Market will hold its final installment of Night at the Market this week.

From 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, the Night at the Market event will allow busy individuals and families who do not have time to visit the Market during regular hours of operation to experience the Flint Farmers Market, located at 300 E. 1st St.

The event is themed to the 1980s and will include the following activities:

 Live music

 Drawing for prizes with purchase

 Give-aways for customers in 80s attire

 Hula Hoop Competition at 6 p.m.

 Cooking Demonstration at 5:30 p.m.

Visitors are encouraged to wear 80s-themed attire, and those dressed up can receive a free gift at Friends of the Market.

We are very appreciative of the community support. We just want everyone to have fun, try something new, said coordinator and vendor Tee Mathis.

Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter.

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FLINT, MI  Three men huddled around a car outside the Durant Dort Carriage Company on Aug. 18.

They laughed and joked and swapped an endless amount of facts.

It wasnt unusual to see as thousands of people huddled around thousands of cars during Back to the Bricks week, the annual classic car event in downtown Flint.

But upon further inspection, there was something unusual happening.

The car they stood around  it wasnt just one. There was another, the same make and model, next to it. And another after that.

Row after row, all youd see is the Buick Reatta.

The Reatta was the feature car at Buicks on the Bricks, hosted by the Buicktown Chapter of the Buick Club of America, that took place at Factory One. There were over 70 Reattas in total, with spots for 10 specialty cars, showing off the years and options available.

The men huddled around  Tony Holewinski, Tom Taylor and Bob Spagnola  were proud Reatta owners.

Related: Back to the Bricks kicks off rolling cruise at Factory One, birthplace of GM

Holewinski drove a 1988 Reatta Coupe.

When the car first came out I was 24 years old and it was my dream car, Holewinski said. Took me 26 years to get it, but hey...

The Reatta saw a four-year manufacturing run, from 1988 to 1991 in Lansing, but the planning for the vehicle started almost a decade earlier in Flint, the car known then only as GM33. The design was created at the GM Technical Center in Warren by GM stylist David McIntosh.

Theyre just cool cars...You can get into a nice coupe for 10 to 15 thousand dollars, Marck Barker of East Coast Reatta Parts said. Theyre just a really underrated American-built car.

The detail and fascination of this car rests in the depth.

Barker owns East Coast Reatta Parts, the nations largest Buick Reatta part source, and he sold most of the Reattas in the lot to their new owners.

I buy wrecked Reattas, I buy cars with high mileage, engines blown, any number of things have gone bad, bring them back to North Carolina where we are based and take them apart for whats useful, Barker said.

Barkers business isnt only the biggest, but one of the only. He is a huge factor in why there are still running Reattas today.

He helped organize the event at Back to the Bricks with the Buick Club of America, and on the day of the gathering Barker donned a shirt that said got reatta?

The reason we are here today is because of Marck, Spagnola said.

Tom Taylor stands next to his 1989 Reatta Coupe outside Factory One in downtown Flint, Mich. on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023 for the Back to the Bricks main event. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com)Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com

While there were 20,000 Buick Reattas manufactured in America, the development of the manufacturing process, tooling and the building of the first 36 prototypes took place in England by Hawtal Whiting Design & Engineering Company Limited.

The contract to HW came at a time of understanding for GM; they realized they might be well-versed in production for big numbers, but could outsource work for low-volume production elsewhere. It was a turning point for the company.

The dies that were used for body sheet metal were made at Ogihara Iron Works in Ota City, Japan.

Eventually, the cars would be made at the Reatta Craft Center in Lansing.

Some 40-odd years later, there arent too many left.

They were kind of run into the ground, because theyre such a great built car, Spagnola said. Theyre the last hand-built Buick.

Spagnola drove a 1990 Buick Reatta convertible.

Its finished in driftwood metallic with a camel interior and top. Its one of 60 that were finished in that color, Spagnola said.

The finish was actually meant for a Cadillac, but near the end of production Buick added it to the selection.

His love for the car, like Holewinski, came when he was young.

In December of 87 I lived in Fort Lauderdale. One night I saw this beautiful little blue car buzz by and I chased it down the highway and found out it was a Buick, Spagnola said. At the time I didnt have the money. Fast forward to now and I was able to get my car.

Classic cars and cruisers made their way to downtown Flint, Mich. on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023 for the Back to the Bricks main event. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com)Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com

Theresa McPhersons 1990 Reatta convertible sat in the special lot. Her father bought it brand new and kept it in pristine condition.

When her father passed, McPherson inherited the vehicle and treats it the same as he did, cleaning it after every drive.

She remembers when her father would clean the engine after every drive and says at this point in time, thats the only thing she will slack on.

The convertibles were made in 1990 and 1991, making up less than one-quarter of the total Reattas made.

They were newer and you could drop the top, but they lacked a key addition that Tom Taylors 1989 coupe had: A touchscreen dash.

The forefather to all the stuff thats in the electric car today started with this car in 1988, but people couldnt get used to it so they put the traditional dashboard back in, Spagnola said.

Taylor drove the car from Pittsburgh, Pa. and parked it across the street from the Durant Dort Carriage Company  in the lot special to 10 Reattas.

His moonroof, white Reatta coupe only had 7,300 miles on it, making it extremely rare.

I do have the touchscreen in the dash, it looks like when ATM machines first came out, Taylor said. The car runs great. Its a dream to drive.

Tom Taylor sits in his 1989 Reatta Coupe outside Factory One in downtown Flint, Mich. on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023 for the Back to the Bricks main event. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com)Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com

The Reatta owners and car enthusiasts took part in a day full of activities at Factory One including a styling and design and development of the Buick Reatta presentation by GM stylist David McIntosh, as well as another presentation on the building of and vehicle evaluations of an experimental Reatta with a Turbo V6 by Michael Thodoroff.

That Sunday, the Reattas took a drive from Flint to the plant where the Reatta was made in Lansing.

The cult following is pretty amazing, Spagnola said.

Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter.

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HOLLAND, MI -- A 2-year-old died after being struck by a Jeep at Holland State Park, police said.

Police and rescuers responded to the park, 2215 Ottawa Beach Road, just after 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22 on a report of a child who had been struck by a vehicle.

Bystanders had begun CPR on the child and rescuers took over for them. But the child later died at Zeeland Community Hospital.

Ottawa County Sheriffs deputies said an initial investigation shows the child, of Elkhart, Indiana, ran across a road in front of the 2018 Jeep. The Jeep was driven by a 57-year-old man from Batavia, Ohio.

Police said the crash is under investigation. Anyone with information about it can call police at 616-738-4000.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A drunken driver who struck a bicyclist, dragging him beneath a van for about one-and-a-half miles, has been sentenced to prison for causing the mans death.

Trevon Poe, 27, was sentenced to 42 months to 15 years in prison Wednesday, Aug. 23 on a charge of operating while intoxicated causing death.

Poe was driving a van about 10:30 p.m. Oct. 16 when he struck 30-year-old Gurcharan Sikh Singh.

A witness called 911 and reported seeing an older tan van driving at a high speed, dragging something and leaving a blood trail, police said earlier.

Grand Rapids police responded to the area of Kalamazoo Avenue SE and Dickinson Street to find Singh in the street, critically injured. He died the next day at a hospital.

The witness who called 911 apparently followed the van because she informed police the van was parked at an apartment complex at Eastern Avenue and Thomas Street.

Poe soon after was arrested and a portable breathalyzer test showed a 0.21 blood-alcohol level. The legal limit in Michigan is 0.08.

Officers found several alcohol bottles in the van. The vehicles windshield also was smashed in the shape of a head and there was hair in the broken area.

Investigators determined the bicyclist had been dragged an estimated mile-and-a-half.

In court Thursday, Poe apologized to the Singh family and said hes been trying to turn his life around by going to Alcoholics Anonymous and counseling.

Taking his life will haunt me for the rest of my life, Poe said.

Judge Joseph Rossi said there were warning signs of substance abuse that Poe should have heeded. He had been cited twice previously with being a minor-in-possession of alcohol during traffic stops, Rossi said.

Rossi noted that Singh didnt die until hours after he was struck and questioned whether he might have lived if Poe had stopped when he first struck him.

The only certainty is that, at that time, you were too drunk to know what you were doing and too drunk to stop and render help, he said.

At sentencing, Poe was credited with already serving four days in jail.

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Grand Rapids Public Schools will move to a half-day on Thursday, Aug. 24, due to extreme heat and humidity.

Superintendent Leadriane Roby announced the schedule change Wednesday afternoon, citing soaring temperatures in the decision to release students early.

With the humidity and air temperatures in the forecast tomorrow, it will simply be too warm in some of our buildings as we move into the afternoon, Roby said. Its a difficult call to make so early in the school year but when temperatures reach such high levels it raises a safety concern.

All afterschool and evening activities are also canceled. Administration offices will remain open during the day.

Several other West Michigan school districts switched to half-days or canceled school altogether ahead of Thursdays expected high temperatures. Jenison, Grand Haven and Cedar Springs announced schedule changes for some or all schools.

RELATED: These West Michigan schools are changing schedules due to extreme heat

The National Weather Service Grand Rapids Office has issued a heat advisory for Ottawa, Kent, Allegan and Barry counties, which remains in effect until 8 a.m. Thursday.

Temperatures are expected to reach the low 90s on both days, but extreme humidity will make it feel like up to 103 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Here is a schedule of the half-day release times for all schools across GRPS:

Aberdeen Academy: 11:40 a.m.

Alger Middle School: 10:25 a.m.

Blandford School: 11:20 a.m.

Brookside Elementary: 11:40 a.m.

Buchanan Elementary: 11:40 a.m.

Burton Elementary: 11:40 a.m.

Burton Middle School: 10:25 a.m.

CA Frost Environmental Science Academy Elementary: 12:20 p.m.

CA Frost Environmental Middle High School: 10:45 a.m.

Campus Elementary: 11:40 a.m.

Cesar E. Chavez Elementary: 11:40 a.m.

City High Middle School: 10:45 a.m.

Coit Creative Arts Academy: 12:20 p.m.

Congress Elementary: 11:40 a.m.

Dickinson Academy: 11:40 a.m.

East Leonard Elementary: 11:40 a.m.

Gerald R. Ford Academic Center: 12:20 p.m.

Grand Rapids Learning Center: 11:45 a.m.

Grand Rapids Montessori Academy: 12:20 p.m.

Grand Rapids Montessori Middle High School: 10:25 a.m.

Grand Rapids Public Museum Middle School: 11:20 a.m.

Grand Rapids Public Museum High School: 11:25 a.m.

Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy: Half-day dismissal for grades 6-7 is at 10:45 and grades 8-12 dismiss at 10:20 a.m.

Harrison Park Academy: 11:40 a.m.

Innovation Central High School: 10:25 a.m.

Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary: 11:40 a.m.

Kent Hills Elementary: 11:40 a.m.

Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Academy: 11:40 a.m.

Mulick Park Elementary: 11:40 a.m.

North Park Montessori/Early Childhood Center: 12:20 p.m.

Ottawa Hilla High School: 10:25 a.m.

Palmer Elementary: 11:40 a.m.

Ridgemoor Park Montessori: 12:20 p.m.

Riverside Middle School: 10:25 a.m.

Shawmut Hills: 11:40 a.m.

Sherwood Park Global Studies Academy: 12:20 p.m.

Sibley Elementary: 11:40 a.m.

Southeast Career Pathways: 11:46 a.m.

Southwest Elementary School - Academia Bilingue: 12:20 p.m.

Southwest Middle High School - Academia Bilingue: 11:45 a.m.

Stocking Elementary School: 11:40 a.m.

Union High School: 10:25 a.m.

Westwood Middle School: 10:25 a.m.

Zoo School: 11:20 a.m.

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OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  After Ottawa County Board Chair Joe Moss suggested cutting the county health departments budget by $3.9 million, some residents and county officials pushed back on Tuesday, while others rejoiced.

Moss said hed like to cut the countys general fund contributions to the health departments budget for the 2024 fiscal year from $6.4 million down to $2.5 million during a meeting earlier this week.

On Tuesday, Moss posted a blog post on his website stating, It is time for Ottawa County to rein in the out-of-control expenditures and augmented influence of the public health department.

In the post, Moss said high levels of funding for the county health department has allowed health department staff to interfere with schools and parental rights, perform extreme levels of contact tracing on healthy individuals and threaten parents and school administrators.

RELATED: Ottawa County health officer warns proposed budget cuts could impair, eliminate services

Mosss daughter attended Libertas Christian School in Ottawa County during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the health department shut the school down for its refusal to follow masking and social distancing policies. Since then, he and other members of the far-right Republican group he formed called Ottawa Impact have been battling the health department.

Just before the start of an evening board of commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 22, Administrative Health Officer Adeline Hambley posted a lengthy message on the health departments social media pages stating the proposed budget cut will significantly impair, and likely eliminate, various public health services.

It is ridiculous to expect that services in 2024 could be completed with a budget below 2009 funding levels, Hambley wrote.

Moss, however, said the discussed budget cut would be providing the department the funds to fulfill statutory requirements and meet the needs of the community as it did historically.

RELATED: Ottawa County board tells health department to advertise child vaccine waivers

From 2009-19, it was relatively stable and then after that there was a very significant spike, Gibbs said. We know that for 2009 to 2019 the health department was providing services adequately to the county. Its gone up by 50% in the last two years, so I think its reasonable to take a step back and look at that.

During the Tuesday night meeting, several county residents spoke in support of and against the health department.

RELATED: Firings, 6-hour meetings and childhood innocence: The far-right takeover of Ottawa County

Gibbs wants a 50% cut? said Spring Lake Township resident George Maierhauser. Gut the whole department and start over. The current head of that department needs to go.

Holland Township resident Marla Walters said she believes county leaders are trying to decrease the health department budget as an act of retaliation for Hambley filing a lawsuit against Moss and the other members of Moss far-right political group called Ottawa Impact to prevent them from firing her.

The decisions you make affect real people, Walters said. Board meetings shouldnt be a place for political theater or (to) exact revenge. The health department should be the very last place to consider when cutting funding. Whats more important in a community than keeping our residents safe and healthy?

Hambley said she also believes the proposed budget cuts would be a clear act of unlawful retaliation against her.

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.

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OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  In a meeting filled with impassioned public comments about whether vaccines are safe for children, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday, Aug. 22, that asks the county health department to advertise childhood vaccine waivers.

The resolution, passed in a 9-2 vote, recommends that all Ottawa County health department communications to the public about vaccines for schoolchildren include information about the availability of exemption waivers.
JACKSON, MI  Two men accused of shooting at a narcotics detective working in Jackson were arrested Tuesday afternoon, police said.

A detective with the Jackson Narcotics Enforcement Team, was working on an investigation at 4:15 p.m. Aug. 22, in the 200 block of Second Street near Washington Street when someone in a passing vehicle shot at the unmarked police vehicle and fled the scene, according to Michigan State Police.
KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI -- More than 200 people are part of the extended family that collectively owns a cottage at Gourdneck Lake south of Kalamazoo, but perhaps not for much longer.

Kalamazoo County is working to force the owners to sell it the property via eminent domain. Some family members want to keep the house, while others say it should be sold to the county.

The house is surrounded by the countys Prairie View County Park. Kalamazoo County wants to incorporate the land into the rest of the park, saying its a liability to have private property in the middle of a park.

Edmund Mark Talanda -- the son of the last original cottage owner in his family, the late Dr. Edmund Talanda -- doesnt agree with Judge Curtis Bells ruling from earlier this month, which said the county can force the family to sell the cottage.

The judge limited what we could present at trial, which doesnt give the full truth, Edmund Mark Talanda told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette.

The family has not given up the fight to keep the cottage, he said.

He calls the countys pursuit of the land sleazy.

A family-owned cottage for generations

Edmund Mark Talandas father bought the cottage in 1949, he said.

Hes a proud American, doesnt swear, Talanda said, describing his late father.

In 1963, his father and four other owners signed an agreement with the county saying the county would get the first right to purchase the property if it was ever sold.

Over the years, the family slowly lost some of its members, as the original owners died.

Talandas father was the last. He died in 2019.

But before he did, the father and son spoke about the cottage and its future, Edmund Mark Talanda said.

He said hes honoring his fathers wishes when he says they shouldnt give up the cottage to the government unless theres good reason for it.

He does not believe the countys desire to add park space meets that need.

Its not for need, its for greed, Talanda said.

The large family tree is split on the issue of ownership.

As Talanda and other siblings are fighting in court to keep the cottage, other relatives say its time to move on because of the old agreement between the original owners and Kalamazoo County.

The signatures on the 1963 agreement show the names of the co-owners of the cottage at that time. All of them have died. Edmund Talanda was the last -- he died in 2019.

Edmund Mark Talanda and others, however, argue the agreement is invalid.

Its a big mess, Laraine Talanda said. Shes the daughter of Edmund and Dorothy and the sister of Edmund Mark.

There are more than 200 in the family, including children and grandchildren, Laraine Talanda said. Some of them, including Laraine Talanda, are considered estranged and have no ownership of the cottage, Edmund Mark Talanda said.

Laraine Talanda said she doesnt go there anymore.

The disagreement has created a rift between the two siblings and others.

The family knew when the last of the original owners died, the cottage couldnt be inherited, Laraine Talanda said.

We all knew it was coming, Laraine Talanda said.

The county was gracious not to condemn the cottage decades ago, she said, and waited until the current owners died. She believes her parents wouldve wanted the land to go back to the county.

Its the honorable thing, she said. They just wont let it go.

The cottage remains a gathering place for some family members. They celebrated a cousins newborn baby there two weekends ago, Edmund Mark Talanda said. Family members travel the lake on boats and kayaks and barbecue outside the five-room cottage, he said.

After the sun-filled and fun-filled weekend, Talanda was back at his home in Kalamazoo making careful considerations about what to do next.

The family has hired another law firm, Butzel Attorneys and Counselors, and is considering all options now, he said. That could include a court appeal.

Laraine Talanda instead calls the situation a hornets nest, and alleges teenagers and their friends come to the duplex to party. She said shes been threatened by a family member there, and another said she needed an exorcism.

County wants family cottage for park space

The judges ruling this month brings the process of condemnation one step closer to completion, though its not a done deal.

Prairie View Park is owned by the county and is open to the public, Judge Curtis Bell wrote, and the purpose of the proposed taking is to complete Prairie View Park, and thus far the proposed taking is unquestionably for a public use.

The ruling is part of a growing stack of court documents debating the family heirloom.

Another family member would not share their name for fear of harm. They believe the original owners were clear in their intention to let the county buy the land.

37 1 / 37 Kalamazoo County fights in court to force family to sell lakeside cottage

This story spans over seven decades and literally hundreds of relatives, the person wrote, and has been intentionally complicated in a game being manipulated by a high-powered attorney attempting to defame our own commissioners whove been nothing but kind and patient for decades.

The email continues, several of my siblings and relatives have been seriously threatened by other relatives.

Other family members reached out to MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette and many have attended county meetings over the years to give input.

Board of Commissioners Chair John Taylor told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette there were some offers made back and forth over the years. Taylor said its unfortunate the situation has gotten to this point.

Unfortunately we couldnt come to an agreement, Taylor said.

The county expressed empathy and understanding to the individuals associated with the private property, Public Information Officer Taylor Koopman said.

We recognize their emotional connection and personal investment over the years, Koopman said. Our intentions have always been rooted in serving the greater public interest and maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience for all park visitors.

The courts ruling aligns with the countys perspective in upholding the integrity of Prairie View Park, Koopman said.

"Save the cottage" signs are held up at a Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners meeting.

The county declined to answer further questions.

At this point, we are respectfully awaiting the decision on whether there will be a request to appeal the courts ruling, Koopman said. Recognizing the potential significance of that decision, we believe its essential to grant them the thoughtful consideration they deserve before transitioning toward future action.

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter.

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Editors Note: This story has been updated with a comment from the city of Portage as well as information regarding a since-filed lawsuit requesting the candidate be removed from the ballot.

PORTAGE, MI  A recent complaint over the address Portage mayoral candidate Lisa Brayton listed on her election affidavit is now under investigation by the Michigan State Police.
SAGINAW, MI  A Saginaw man is heading to prison for repeatedly raping a teen girl and trying to force her into having an abortion.

Saginaw County Circuit Judge Julie A. Gafkay on Aug. 22 sentenced 23-year-old Anfernique N. Martin to three terms of 6.25 to 15 years and a term of 6.25 to 10 years in prison. All the stints are concurrent.

Gafkay gave Martin credit for 714 days already served in jail and ordered he pay $402 in fines and costs. Martin must also register as a sex offender.

Martin in February pleaded no contest to three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim between the ages of 13 and 15 and one count of assault with intent to do great bodily harm.

In exchange, prosecutors dismissed charges of first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct causing injury and a misdemeanor count of domestic violence.

In a March 2021 preliminary examination, a 16-year-old girl testified Martin had lived with her family in Carrollton Township for a few months after his own mother kicked him out. The girl met him when she was 15 and they took courses at the Saginaw Youth Development Corporation, she said.

Thereafter, they became friends and would smoke marijuana and drink alcohol together, she said. The two began dating, with Martin instructing her not to tell anyone for fear of the police getting involved, she said.

The relationship turned sexual in the summer of 2020, at which point Martin was 20. After a few days, the girls mother learned of the misconduct and kicked Martin out of their home, the girl said.

The girl continued seeing Martin for the next several months, however. She later cut off contact with him, blocking him on social media after her mother discussed the gravity of the situation with her, she said.

I was like in denial about it, so when he actually left and my mom actually talked to me, it really opened my eyes into what was actually going on with me and Anfernique, she testified.

The girl discovered in August 2020 she was pregnant with Martins child. She discussed the pregnancy with Martin, who initially seemed in favor of having the baby. He later changed his mind, she said.

I think it was because he didnt want to get in trouble so he was suggesting an abortion, the girl testified. He pretty much told me if I abort the baby that they cant do a DNA test.

To encourage the girl, Martin told her his ex-girlfriend had a home abortion when she was about the same age, the witness said. When the girl told him she didnt want an abortion, Martin threatened to kill himself, the girl said.

Martin also threatened to shoot and burn the girls house and kill her if she left him, she testified.

Later, Martin discussed taking the girl to another state, where she would deliver the baby and live for about two years, after which they would return to Michigan, she said. On one occasion, Martin choked her and told her not to get in trouble with the police, as that would mess with his plans, the girl said.

The girl had no intent of leaving the state with Martin, and once ran away from home to a nearby park to attract police attention, she said.

The matter came to a head on Oct. 9, 2020, when the girl met with Martin inside a vehicle parked at a Saginaw gas station. Martin choked the girl and proceeded to sexually assault her in the vehicle as she tried fighting him off, she said.

The assault ended when the girls mother called, prompting Martin to exit the vehicle, the girl said. Police began investigating the matter the same day, with authorities issuing a warrant for Martin in February 2021.

The girl did not get an abortion and ended up delivering the baby, she testified.

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.

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When a person gets married and wants to change their last name, they can do so for typically under $50 and have their paperwork approved in a short period of time.

When a transgender Michigander wants to change their name, however, the process can take months, require the courts to get involved and cost up to $400 when all paperwork is filed  but only if everything runs smoothly.

What we should have is gender affirming documentation so that we can have the same quality of life as everybody else. Were not asking for special privileges, said Julisa Abad, director of Transgender Outreach and Advocacy with the LGBTQ legal group Fair Michigan.

An estimated 476,000 transgender adults in the U.S. are without any form of identification baring their correct gender marker, according to a 2021 report from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. That same report names Michigan as having the highest percentage of trans adults without a gender-accurate identification at nearly 78% or roughly 15,000 individuals.

Its part of the reason why lawmakers in Lansing are eyeing possible changes to the process  what one legislator referred to as a potentially huge step forward.

The goal is to level the playing field in terms of people who are changing their names because they got married  which is very, very easy to do  and people who are changing their name because they are trying to bring their name in line with their gender presentation, said Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia.

Pohutsky, who signed onto the package, said the four proposed bills would change the requirements a person publish notice of their name change in a newspaper, make physical mandated court hearings and be fingerprinted.

A judge could require these actions still take place, she added, but for most people, its not necessary. The bills are expected to be introduced this fall.

Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, speaks to a crowd of reporters regarding the recent Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision which overturned a woman's constitutional right to an abortion.

To get a name change in Michigan, a person must be a resident of the state for at least one year according to Michigan State Universitys Gender and Sexuality Campus Center.

After that, depending on the county a person lives in, they could expect to pay an estimated:

$175 for an initial filing fee with the court system

$45 for a criminal background check and fingerprinting

$20-$50 for an individual county processing fee, though this is not always applicable depending on a persons county of residence

$60 for a newspaper publishing fee, though this cost can vary depending on the paper a person selects to publish in

$30 fee for filing the order and two certified copies of the petition following the hearing

$10 for a new state identification card or drivers license

As this is ongoing, a person can expect for it to take roughly one week to obtain and mail a petition for name change to a court within their county; three to five weeks to obtain a criminal background check, if 22 years-old or older, and; two to eight weeks to receive hearing information from a clerk and to have that name change hearing scheduled.

A person must also publish their notice of hearing in a newspaper no less than 15 days prior to their scheduled hearing date. Failure to do so could result in a persons hearing being rescheduled and cost the that individual even more when it comes to seeking a name change.

This is the process regardless if a person is changing their name due to gender presentation, or if changing a name outside of marriage.

By comparison, recently married couples looking to change a name simply have to pay for a certified copy of their marriage certificates, costing between $15 and $30. The federal Social Security Administration will then issue a free, updated social security card once alerted by the couple.

That documentation can then be taken to a Michigan Secretary of State branch office where it costs $9 for an updated drivers license and $10 for an updated state identification card.

Filling the gaps

Given how convoluted a name change can be, support groups have been quick to try and fill knowledge gaps for Michiganders undergoing the process.

One of them, the Grand Rapids Trans Foundation, has even gone as far as to start its own name change aid clinic  dubbed Update!  which, among other things, offers microgrants to individuals unable to afford the process on their own. Already, the organization has helped 165 Kent County residents change their names since first starting in 2019.

Foundation Executive Director Ximon Kittok said finances are among the more common stumbling blocks for people seeking a name change.

Others include an inability to navigate the legal system and a general apprehension about having their deadname  or name given at birth which may not align with their gender presentation  appear in print.

The trans population is statistically underemployed, discriminated against, under-housed  and a lot of these things can offer a lot of financial barriers just to existing, to survival, Kittok said. Adding an extra $400 on to a sort of survival existence can be untenable for some folks.

For Gray Cacheris, 23, of Kent County, their effort to legally change their name change is almost complete.

With the help of Update!, Cacheris was able to have half the costs of their process covered via grants. Theyre expected to be done with everything in early September.

When asked what they found most daunting about the process, they were quick to answer: Definitely the newspaper publication.

I just think it adds a lot of extra stress to folks lives when theyre already stressed about this very expensive and long name-change process. ... There has to be another way to ascertain potential fraud concerns without forcing people to out themselves in a public newspaper in order to get their name legally changed, Cacheris said.

Its the process most, allies and trans people alike, pan as being outdated and no longer necessary.

The requirement for publication stems from a 1939 law rooted in keeping individuals from changing their name for fraudulent reasons, such as avoiding creditors, said Pohutsky. But the reason for a name change differs sharply from nearly 100 years ago, she argued, panning the move in 2023 as being antiquated when it comes to the trans community.

Abad, who underwent her own name change four years ago, added the need to publish a persons deadname could inadvertently put a trans person in harms way depending on who learns of their identity change.

Having had to navigate the process on her own, Abad now runs a name change clinic with the Fair Michigans Justice Project, which specifically aids lower-income individuals undertaking the process in the counties of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb.

Already, the group has helped almost 300 people in getting their names changed.

If someone is out there actively trying to target trans people, you know that all you have to do now is grab the newspaper and you can look up everything about us: what our dead name was, what our new name is, where we are, Abad said. If you simply get married, thats not a process you have to go through.
Michigans Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act is not violating the rights of a Catholic church and school in the state, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.

St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns and Sacred Heart Academy in Grand Rapids filed separate lawsuits in December, arguing new sex and gender protections in the law prevent the institutions from hiring and teaching according to their faith.

But Judge Jane Beckering in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids ruled that the Michigan Supreme Courts upholding in July 2022 of those protections stands. This means, for example, a person cant be denied a job based on those above factors.

ELCRA does not fail to recognize religious freedoms, Beckering wrote in her dismissal of St. Josephs suit.

She said the same in dismissing Sacred Hearts suit, adding in both rulings that neither institution presented a credible imminent threat in their suits by enforcement of ELCRA.

Beckering also on Tuesday denied reconsideration of her March dismissal of a similar lawsuit filed by Christian Healthcare Centers, a religious alternative to medical treatment and insurance with locations in Grand Rapids and Newaygo.

Attorney General Dana Nessel, who was a defendant in all three cases, said in a statement Wednesday the suits were unsupported by facts.

Under Michigan law, religious freedoms are already taken into consideration under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act when assessing discrimination claims, Nessel said. Our states residents can rest assured that Michigans recently enacted protections for the LGBTQ+ community will be enforced to the fullest extent as the constitution permits.

Related: Michigan bans discrimination against employees who undergo abortions

St. Joseph church claimed, in part, the Supreme Courts decision last year threatened its affiliated schools religious mission, which includes teachings that marriage is a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman, that sexual relations are limited to marriage, and that human beings are created as either male or female.

Sacred Heart, similarly, claimed it would have to hire faculty and staff who oppose the faith, speak messages that violate doctrine and refrain from articulating beliefs in teaching and advertising to prospective students or job applicants.

Rather than defy Catholic doctrine in these ways, Sacred Heart would shut down, the schools lawsuit stated.

St. Joseph also questioned whether it could carry out its activities or rent its facilities without being held liable as a public accommodation. Hypotheticals included a same-sex couple wanting to host a wedding at the church or biologically male students or Mass attendees wanting to use a female restroom.

Both institutions cited in their suits the First and Fourteenth Amendments, which provide freedom of religion and equal protection, respectively.

Sacred Heart and Christian Healthcare Centers have already filed an appeal, Nessels office said.

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Michigan appellate judges side with 3M on states PFAS cleanup rules
LANSING, MI  Michigans tough regulations about toxic forever chemicals may end up down the drain.

State environmental regulators did not follow proper administrative procedure when they established groundwater cleanup standards for PFAS chemicals, according to a judges ruling affirmed this week by Michigan appellate judges.

In a 6-page ruling issued Aug. 22, Michigan Court of Appeals Judges Christopher Murray and Michael Gadola  the latter the courts chief judge pro tem  agreed with a lower court that Gov. Gretchen Whitmers administration violated administrative protocol by failing to account for certain business costs while setting groundwater cleanup rules in late 2020.

A lower court invalidated the states PFAS rules in November last year but paused the ruling from going into effect pending expected appeals by the state. State officials have not yet exhausted all possible appeals, which means the PFAS level limits remain enforceable.

Meanwhile, federal officials proposed very low nationwide PFAS limits for drinking water that are expected to be finalized by this years end. The federal standards would be stricter than any existing state rule, including Michigans.

Related: EPA proposes very low nationwide PFAS limits for drinking water

But when it comes to the states PFAS rules, state appellate judges ruled that although environmental officials estimated actual statewide compliance costs for businesses and groups to comply with the state PFAS cleanup rules, it did not estimate costs that these changes automatically imposed on groundwater cleanup.

Officials with the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) confirmed the legal fight over state-level PFAS regulations was not yet over and they would continue to aggressively work to protect the water we all rely on.

It is disappointing that 3M, one of the major chemical manufacturing companies responsible for bringing PFAS to market, continues to push back on efforts that protect residents from toxic products. While EGLE respectfully disagrees with the courts decision, we appreciate that it has allowed the health standards to remain in effect while we appeal because the safety of our citizens should not be compromised while the legal process moves forward, according to a released statement from EGLE.

This decision on the state-level PFAS regulations arises from 3Ms challenge in May 2021 to Michigans new drinking water standards for PFAS, which the company claimed were developed through a rushed and invalid regulatory process.

The lawsuit did not challenge the actual PFAS level and water quality standards, only the administrative process that created the rules.

Michigan begin drafting PFAS drinking water standards in March 2019 for seven different PFAS compounds following toxicology reviews that started in 2018. The new rules took effect in August 2020 after the state legislature declined to block them. It marked the first time Michigan developed its own drinking water standards for a contaminant rather than adopting or modifying existing federal standards.

Existence of such rules gives the state leverage to force cleanup or sue polluters at sites where the chemicals exceed the allowable levels in groundwater.

PFAS are often referred to as forever chemicals because of their resistance to degradation in the environment and within the bodies of people exposed to them. The chemicals also accumulate in the bodies of those exposed through water or food.

Research shows high exposure to PFAS may lead to increased cholesterol levels, changes in liver enzymes, decreased vaccine response in children, increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, decreases in infant birth weight, and increased risk of kidney or testicular cancer.

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TRAVERSE CITY, MI  A planned aquatic research center received a green light this week from Michigans top court after more than two years of legal hurdles.

The FishPass project was cleared for development after the Michigan Supreme Court on Aug. 22 refused to take up an appeal filed by a Traverse City man who has for years challenged the citys authority to allow the project without a public vote. A local judge sided with the citizen in April 2021, but the Michigan Court of Appeals overturned the ruling in October last year.

The Michigan Supreme Court was not persuaded the issue warranted further review and denied the request for continued appeal.

FishPass was designed to replace the aging Union Street Dam in downtown Traverse Citys Boardman River, called the Ottaway River by the local Native tribe helping to fund the project.

Designs were finalized and a more than $20 million budget set before the lawsuit brought the project to a halt more than two years ago.

We are committed to working closely with our partners to ensure the effective implementation of FishPass, and we are confident that this project will deliver significant benefits for years to come, said Richard Lewis, Traverse Citys mayor.

FishPass is the capstone to about two decades of restoration work on the Boardman (Ottaway) River to reconnect the stream with Lake Michigans Grand Traverse Bay. Michigans largest dam removal effort already took out three dams on the river between 2012 and 2018.

Union Street Dam was built in 1867 to power a flour mill, but now it controls water levels on nearby Boardman Lake. State inspectors ranked the structure as fair to poor, but without expected imminent failure.

The planned 10-year FishPass project will develop in-water mechanisms to sort fish swimming upstream but requires construction of new scientific infrastructure at the site of the last remaining dam on the river.

The notion is to find a reliable way to allow desirable fish to pass beyond the structure to spawn  such as native trout or sturgeon  but block invasive species such as sea lamprey. The results will be shared internationally with environmental regulators facing the same river connectivity problems, according to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, the lead agency on the research project.

Initial plans called for the research facility in the river to be completely constructed by early this year.

Partners on the pending project include the fishery commission, City of Traverse City, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and the Boardman River Dams Implementation Team.

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Michigan made headlines this week after the nations first case of a mutating new coronavirus variant was detected in Washtenaw County.

With only seven detected cases of the highly mutated BA.2.86 variant, there are more questions than answers about the public health risk. Still, the World Health Organization has flagged it as a variant under monitoring due to its large number of mutations.

The coronavirus situation has been relatively quiet this summer with hospitalizations and deaths remaining low in Michigan and around the country. There have however been recent increases, which could be expected based on seasonal trends from the past four years.

Detection of the new variant also comes as federal officials are preparing to consider a new COVID booster shot this fall.

Whether youve been following the news, or are in need of a catch-up, heres what you should know:

What is BA.2.86?

BA.2.86 is the name of the latest observed lineage of the Omicron strain of SARS-CoV-2. Its believed to be a descendent of BA.2, which became the dominant global strain of coronavirus in early 2022. Since then, a number of Omicron variant mutations have taken turns as the most-common strain.

The BA.2.86 subvariant was first identified in Israel in late July. Since then, there have been six additional samples sequenced between Denmark, the United Kingdom, and the U.S, according to GISAID, a global virus tracker. The latest case was identified in Virginia.

With so few cases sequenced thus far, health officials dont know if sickness from the latest variant is any different from prior strains, including its symptoms, transmissibility, and severity. Its also not clear how well the existing vaccines and natural immunity will hold up against it.

There are another 29 different sub-lineage variations of Omicron circulating the country this summer. The EG.5 strain is the most common in the U.S., accounting for 20.6% of sequenced samples.

Whats the latest data on coronavirus in Michigan?

Coronavirus levels have been historically low throughout the summer, based on the state health departments case and hospitalization data. So while there has been a recent uptick, rates remain low.

As of Monday, Aug. 21, there were 212 adult patients in Michigan hospitals with confirmed COVID-19. Thats even a significant improvement from 414 patients in mid-May when the public health emergency came to an end.

All 83 counties have less than 10 COVID hospital admissions per 100,000 people.

State and local health departments continue to monitor transmission, primarily through hospital admissions, death records and wastewater surveillance.

Whats the COVID environment look like nationally?

Like Michigan, the U.S. has seen a recent increase in COVID metrics, including hospitalizations and deaths. For the week of Aug. 6-12, there were 12,613 COVID hospital admissions, which was up 21.6% from the prior week.

The vast majority of counties throughout the U.S. (97%) have low reported hospital admissions per capita. Of the 85 counties with medium-tier hospital admissions -- 10-20 per capita -- 21 are in Florida, which also leads all other states with 3% of emergency department visits being diagnosed with COVID.

Total COVID deaths also increased nationally in recent weeks. The week of Aug. 6-12 included an 8.3% increase from the prior week, led by Florida, Tennessee and Delaware.

Whats the COVID forecast?

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the states chief medical executive, said national models from a number of academic sites around the country are predicting an increase in cases again this year as Michigan heads into the fall and winter.

Like other respiratory illnesses, transmission is more common during the colder months as social gatherings move indoors where there tends to be less ventilation.

As the weather begins to turn, health officials are planning to increase messaging for residents to stay up to date on their vaccinations against COVID and influenza, and to monitor symptoms and avoid other people if youre feeling ill.

Whats the status on the next COVID-19 vaccine?

Advisors to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a recommendation for the next version of COVID-19 vaccine during their June 15 meeting. The vote was unanimous in recommending a monovalent XBB.1.5 composition for the booster.

Unlike the previous bivalent booster, which was made to combat both the original strain and the omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants, the recommended booster for the 2023-24 season would solely focus on offering defense against the XBB sub-lineages of the virus.

The FDA has advised vaccine manufacturers to update their COVID shots with the monovalent XBB.1.5 composition. That lineage accounted for about 64% of sequenced samples in May, but about 5% of samples as of last week.

Federal regulators are expected to change the Emergency Use Authorization to the new booster in mid-to-late September, according to the CDC. Once the FDA changes the EUA, it will signal the discontinuation of the current bivalent vaccine composition.

Vaccine availability will then be administered across all age groups with traditional pathways for procurement, distribution, and payment, according to the CDC. Uninsured adults will be able to received COVID-19 vaccines through the Bridge Access Program for COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments.

As for who will be recommended to get the new shot, Dr. Bagdasarian said the state is waiting for updated guidance from federal health officials before making a recommendation.

Vaccine uptake isnt expected to be substantial based on historical evidence. About 64% of Michiganders got at least one dose of COVID vaccine during the pandemic, but less than 18% got a dose of the bivalent booster that has been available for almost a year.

To learn more about COVID vaccines, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website, here. Visit vaccines.gov/search to find a vaccine provider near you or contact your local health department or primary care physician.

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Showbiz personality, Diamond Appiah was reportedly arrested on Monday moments after she was discharged by an Accra Circuit Court over an alleged fraudulent case.

According to a Starr FM report, the Office of the Attorney General (AG) in a process signed by Mrs. Evelyn Keelson, a Chief State Attorney, dropped the charge against her.

But moments after she stepped out of the courtroom, she was whisked away by the police.

Earlier this year, on January 17, Diamond Appiah was arrested and charged for an alleged fraudulent land transaction involving an amount of $30,000.

Appiah, who is said to have sold a portion of land at East Legon Hills to Ayisha Modi for $30,000, was then granted bail in the sum of GH300k after she pleaded not guilty to the charge.

However in court on Monday, August 21, 2023, the Prosecutor, DSP Evans Kesse, told the court that, the docket was referred to the AG's office for advice.

He said through that, a process was filed to withdraw the case.

DSP Kesse consequently, said the case shall not continue per the process filed by Mrs. Evelyn Keelson.

Counsel for the accused, for his part said, the Prosecution had no case against his client and it was not for anything that the law is used to fight justice.

While intimating that the law is meant for justice, he said the action against his client was incompetent.

The court, presided over by His Honour Mr. Isaac Addo, after listening to the arguments, acknowledged that such a process was filed and signed by a Chief State Attorney.

He said, when such a process is filed, the accused person is entitled to be discharged.

It was, however, not immediately clear why Diamond Appiah who was beaming was rearrested after being discharged.

Ayisha Modi, who was the complainant in the matter, was present in court.

Background

The brief facts of the case as presented to the court by DSP Evans Kesse said complainant, Ayisha Modi, is a businesswoman and lives at Adjiringanor, Accra.

The accused, Diamond Appiah, he said, is also a businesswoman and stays at East Legon.

According to DSP Kesse, in 2020, the complainant needed a plot of land to purchase for a building purpose and was discussing it with one Johnson, a witness in this case.

He said, the accused who overheard the conversation, jumped in and said she had a plot of land lying at East Legon Hills and could sell same to the complainant at a cheaper price.

The Prosecutor said the accused demanded and collected cash, the sum of $30,000 from the complainant under the pretext of selling her one parcel of land lying at East Legon Hills.

DSP Kesse said, the accused took the complainant to a land at East Legon Hills, and when the complainant later went to the land, she met one Gustav, who claimed ownership of the land.

The Prosecutor said, the complainant made several attempts to retrieve her money from the accused person but she failed, and therefore made a report to the police and accused was arrested.

He told the court that during investigation, it was established that the accused did not have any land at that location before she swindled the complainant.

In her investigation cautioned statement, she admitted the offence. After investigation, she was charged with the offence and brought before this Honourable Court, the Prosecutor told the court.
The Managing Proprietor of the Believers Inn, a popular restaurant located at the Kumasi Central Police Station, Mr Nicolas Djonor has stressed the need for the youth to develop interests in small businesses such as food vending to make ends meet.

He noted that society usually underrates such petty jobs which are lucrative.

Speaking to this reporter in an interview, Mr Djonor also known as NICO expressed worry that many youth have been complaining about the lack of jobs in the country when they could create one for themselves.

He kicks against the notion that it is always the responsibility of the government to provide jobs for the people, arguing that the destiny of the youth is in their own hands.

"I started this food vending business with a small amount of capital, but through humility and dedication to duty, my business continue to grow and l don't see the reason why many youth have been denouncing this simple but lucrative business and loitering around and putting blame on the government about their job problems," he stated.

Mr Dionor urged the youth to stop their laziness and find something to do.

"It is the time that the youth should be proactive to engage themselves in any jobs that can earn them income to see their way through," he admonishes.
The BRICS summit opened in South Africa on Tuesday as the loosely-defined club of large emerging economies seeks to assert its voice as a counterweight to the Western-led international order.

The BRICS nations of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa represent a quarter of the global economy, and interest in joining the group surged ahead of its three-day summit in Johannesburg.

Security has been bolstered across the city where South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is hosting China's President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and some 50 other leaders.

The so-called BRICS nations -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- represent a quarter of the global economy. By GIANLUIGI GUERCIA (AFP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is the target of an international arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, did not attend in person and addressed the summit via pre-recorded video.

Russia will be represented in Johannesburg by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov,

China is the BRICS most powerful economy and Xi's state visit to South Africa, just his second international trip this year, comes as Beijing pushes to rapidly expand the group's membership.

"Now as friends and BRICS partners, we stand together in our shared objective and quest for a better and more egalitarian world," said Ramaphosa in Pretoria at the opening of Xi's visit.

Spotlight on Ukraine

Representing 40 percent of the world's population, and democratic and authoritarian states at varying levels of economic growth, the BRICS nations share a common desire for a global order they see as better reflecting their interests and rising clout.

BRICS is also championing its own development bank as an alternative to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, and proposals to reduce the use of the US dollar in global trade.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attending the BRICS meeting in Johannesburg on Tuesday. By Handout (RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY/AFP)

"We are only saying that we exist, we are organising ourselves, and we want to sit at the negotiating table on an equal footing with the European Union, the United States or any other country," Lula said in a social media post on Tuesday.

The theme of its 15th summit is "BRICS and Africa" and comes as the continent emerges as a renewed diplomatic battleground with the United States, Russia and China jostling for influence.

The summit has underscored divisions over the war in Ukraine and the support Russia enjoys from its other BRICS partners at a time of global isolation.

South Africa, China and India have not condemned Russia's invasion while Brazil has refused to join Western nations in sending arms to Ukraine or imposing sanctions on Moscow.

Protestors gathered to demonstrate against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. By Luca Sola (AFP)

Ahead of the summit, Ramaphosa said his country would "not be drawn into a contest between global powers".

In a park near the summit venue, two dozen protesters held up blue and yellow Ukrainian flags and placards reading "Go home Lavrov".

'Importance, stature, influence'

The bloc began as four nations in 2009 but expanded the following year with the addition of South Africa.

Officials say more than 40 countries have shown interest in joining from across the 'Global South', a broad term referring to nations outside the West.

Like the BRICS themselves, these countries run the gamut and include traditionally non-aligned nations like Indonesia and others that are openly hostile to the United States and its allies, like Iran.

"It goes to show that the BRICS family is growing in its importance, in its stature and also in its influence in the world," said Ramaphosa.

South Africa will present BRICS leaders with a proposal to expand its membership.

BRICS and G7 compared. By John SAEKI (AFP)

But the issue divides China and its regional rival India, which is wary of Beijing shaping the forum to suit its own geopolitical agenda as it competes for global influence against the United States.

Russia and South Africa back expansion while Brazil's Lula said on Tuesday he supported the entry of "several countries" including Argentina.

Analysts say when considering new members, South Africa, India and Brazil must balance a desire for warm ties with China and Russia against the risk of estranging a major trading partner in the United States.
The African Union said Tuesday that it had suspended Niger's membership in the wake of a military coup, but responded cautiously to a threatened military operation to restore its ousted president, as Nigerien TV said 12 soldiers were killed in a new attack by suspected jihadists.

National guards carrying out an anti-jihadist operation in the southwestern region of Tillaberi were ambushed on Sunday night, the broadcaster Tele Sahel said, adding that the troops inflicted "heavy losses" on the enemy.

Niger's armed forces, struggling with an eight-year jihadist insurgency, have lost at least 29 men since officers toppled elected president Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.

The coup -- justified by its leaders over Bazoum's alleged failure to stem the insurgents -- triggered a bustup with France, Niger's staunchest ally, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

ECOWAS has imposed trade sanctions on Niger and approved the deployment of a "standby force to restore constitutional order" in Niamey.

The bloc is hazy about the plan in detail but insists it will intervene if attempts at a diplomatic solution ultimately fail.

As the crisis neared the end of its fourth week, the AU said Tuesday that it was suspending Niger from its ranks but indicated reservations about the ECOWAS threat following strong differences among its members.

The AU said its Peace and Security Council had asked the body's Commission to carry out "an assessment of the economic, social and security implications" of deploying the force.

Troubled Sahel

The coup has heightened international worries over the Sahel, which faces growing jihadist insurgencies linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

West Africa has been hit by a string of coups since 2020. By Nalini LEPETIT-CHELLA (AFP)

Niger is the fourth ECOWAS nation since 2020 to suffer a coup, following Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali.

The country's new military ruler, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has proposed a three-year transition back to democracy, a call rejected by ECOWAS, which sent a delegation to visit Niger on the weekend in a renewed diplomatic push.

Unlike a previous ECOWAS mission in early August, the envoys held talks with Tiani and also met Bazoum, who is being held with his family at the presidential palace.

Delegation chief and former Nigerian president Abdulsalami Abubakar gave a positive assessment of the talks.

"I must say that our visit to Niger has been very fruitful and that it has opened an avenue to start talking, and hopefully we'll get somewhere," he said.

But Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner for politics and security, described the three-year transition proposal as "a joke" and said the bloc would "never accept it".

"We want constitutional order to be restored as soon as possible," he told Al Jazeera in an interview broadcast on Monday.

The African Union faces internal rifts over how to respond to the Niger crisis. By Ludovic MARIN (POOL/AFP/File)

"Military action is not off the table," he warned.

In Johannesburg, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, China's Wu Peng, Africa affairs director-general at the foreign ministry, emphasised Beijing's policy of "non-interference".

"This kind of problem in Niger should be solved through peaceful dialogue through ECOWAS and the African Union," he said.

The AU communique said it "strongly rejects any external interference by any actor or any country outside the Continent... including engagements by private military companies."

Russia's Wagner group is the most prominent paramilitary group active on the continent.

Supplies concern

The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) warned last week that sanctions and border closures were crimping vital food and medical supplies into Niger.

President Bazoum survived two attempted coups before he was detained by guards on July 26. By Issouf SANOGO (AFP/File)

ECOWAS has imposed sanctions while Benin and Nigeria have closed their borders.

However, the juntas in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali have said that any military intervention in Niger would be considered a "declaration of war" against their countries.

Around 300 trucks arrived in Niger's capital of Niamey on Monday from Burkina Faso, most of them carrying food, the Nigerien authorities said.

The Sahel state ranks among the most turbulent and poorest countries in the world, often lying at the bottom of the UN's Human Development Index, a benchmark of prosperity.

In an article for France's conservative Le Figaro newspaper Tuesday, Bazoum's Paris-based daughter Zazia Bazoum Mohamed said her father, in refusing to resign, had "decided to fight to save democracy", while urging his release.

Bazoum's election in 2021 was a landmark, opening the way to the country's first peaceful transition of power.

He survived two attempted coups before finally being toppled in what marked the fifth putsch since Niger gained independence from France in 1960.
Dr Ernest Addison, Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), says it is important for Ghanaians to recognise the role of Central Banks as institutions of public policy that exist for national welfare and not for profits.

He said even with a negative equity position, the Bank could continue to be policy effective for the administration of the country's economy.

The Governor said the Central Bank's credibility should be based on its ability to achieve its core mandate of instituting measures that would have a favourable effect on the balance of payments, the state of public finances and the general development of the national economy.

It is important that we place the Central Bank's policy mandate ahead of profits, he added during a press briefing on Monday in response to a GHS55 billion losses incurred by the Bank.

He indicated that the losses reported were technical, arising from the haircut and the application of accounting standards to estimate expected credit losses over the tenor of the Government debt held by Bank of Ghana.

It is not money lost by the Bank of Ghana through its operations in 2022. Rather, one should look at this as a reflection of the total cost of the economic and social crisis the country faced over the years and an attempt to resolve a major structural problem of the Ghanaian economy, he said.

Dr Addison observed that anytime the economy faced major challenges, the Bank of Ghana balance sheet suffered, with the equity position moving into negative territories.

He noted that during the early years of structural adjustment, very large exchange rate depreciations led to revaluation losses that drove the Bank into negative equity.

You will recall that in 2017 and 2018, the Bank of Ghana incurred similar negative equity from the impairment of legacy liquidity support loans granted in 2015 and 2016 to insolvent banks, which our external auditors impaired due to the doubtful prospects of recovering from those insolvent banks.

The Bank of Ghana, however, recovered, and generated profits throughout the period 2019 to 2021,  he said.

The BoG reported profits of GHS1.6 billion in 2019, GHS1.5 billion in 2020 and GHS1.4 billion in 2021.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, BoG provided additional financing support through the purchase of GHS10 billion of the Government's Covid-19 bonds, which helped to close the exceptional financing gap.

Mr Addison noted that the eventual loss of access to the international capital market for new financing triggered a liquidity crisis for Government, which the Bank had to mitigate with critical external payments.

That, he noted, led to the Bank losing US$500 million in external reserves in just two months, with no new inflows of foreign currency from the usual annual Eurobond issuance by Government to replenish its reserves.

He said the Bank also extended additional overdraft to the Government to address auction failures, prevent domestic default and enable the Government to meet domestic debt obligations and other critical payments.

Throughout the first half of 2022, there was no new foreign financing until July when the Afrexim Bank stepped in to support with US$750 million, he said.

Dr Addison also noted that an agreement was reached with the IMF for the Bank to continue to provide the necessary support to keep the economy running until a reform programme had been put into place to trigger IMF financing.

As part of corrective measures to restore the economy, he said the Minister for Finance wrote a proposed treatment to BoG of 50 per cent haircut on Bank of Ghana's holdings of Government's non-marketable debt.

The debt included all the legacy debts of the Government of Ghana dating back to 1992 and included the accrued overdraft of 2022, overdraft to Cocobod, the Covid-19 Bond, and even BoG holdings of Telecom Malaysia (Ghana Telecom Bonds) Bonds and Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) bonds issued by Government. As of 2015, the accumulated claims on Government and Cocobod were about GHC13 billion.

The debt, therefore, is not about recent debt alone. Almost all lending from the IMF, including the Extended Credit Facility and the Rapid Credit Facility during the Covid 19 pandemic, and all financial sector resolution bonds have all been added as Bank of Ghana lending to Government, he said.

He said the Bank had to accept the proposal following an assessment by the IMF and how critical the measure was to secure a fund from the IMF.

GNA
Ethiopia said Tuesday it would launch a joint investigation with Saudi Arabia into a Human Rights Watch report accusing the kingdom's border guards of killing hundreds of Ethiopian migrants.

The report sparked global outrage after its publication on Monday, although a Saudi government source dismissed the allegations as "unfounded."

"The Government of Ethiopia will promptly investigate the incident in tandem with the Saudi Authorities," the foreign ministry said on X, formerly Twitter.

"At this critical juncture, it is highly advised to exercise utmost restraint from making unnecessary speculations until (the) investigation is complete," the ministry said, noting the "excellent longstanding relations" between Addis Ababa and Riyadh.

The report points to a surge in abuses along the perilous migrant route from the Horn of Africa to oil-rich Saudi Arabia, where hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians live and work.

One 20-year-old woman from Ethiopia's Oromia region, interviewed by the US-based rights monitor, said Saudi border guards opened fire on a group of migrants they had just released from custody.

"They fired on us like rain. When I remember, I cry," she said.

The UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) says hundreds of thousands of people each year take the so-called eastern route from Africa in the hope of working in the wealthy Gulf countries.

The travellers face "life-threatening dangers," including starvation, dehydration, kidnapping and arrest, or being forced to join warring groups, particularly in Yemen, it says.

One of the world's poorest countries, Yemen is in the grip of a deep humanitarian crisis after eight years of war pitting Iran-backed Huthi rebels against the Saudi coalition-backed government.

The Saudi government source who spoke to AFP rejected the HRW accusations.

"The allegations included in the Human Rights Watch report about Saudi border guards shooting Ethiopians while they were crossing the Saudi-Yemeni border are unfounded and not based on reliable sources," said the source, who requested anonymity.

US call for probe

Washington, a long-time ally of Riyadh, urged "a thorough and transparent investigation" into the accusations.

The European Union noted with "concern" the HRW claims and plans to raise them with Riyadh and with the Huthi rebels who control strategic parts of Yemen, a spokesman, Peter Stano, said Tuesday.

Each year hundreds of thousands of Africans attempt the perilous 'eastern route' to reach the wealthy Gulf states for work -- many are from Ethiopia and Somalia, which are struggling with drought and conflict. By Tupac POINTU (AFP)

"We welcome the announcement by the government of Ethiopia, specifically, to investigate the whole issue together with the authorities in Saudi Arabia," he said.

United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric called the report "very concerning" but noted the "serious" allegations were difficult to verify.

The French foreign ministry also urged a transparent probe and said it was raising the issue of human rights in Yemen and Saudi Arabia with the Saudi authorities, calling on them to "respect international law and protect civilian populations".

HRW has documented abuses against Ethiopian migrants in Saudi Arabia and Yemen for nearly a decade.

But it said the latest killings appear to be "widespread and systematic" and may amount to crimes against humanity.

Last year, UN experts reported "concerning allegations" that "cross-border artillery shelling and small-arms fire by Saudi Arabia security forces killed approximately 430 migrants" in southern Saudi Arabia and northern Yemen during the first four months of 2022.

In March of that year, repatriation of Ethiopians from Saudi Arabia began under an agreement between the two countries.

Ethiopia's foreign ministry said about 100,000 of its citizens were expected to be sent home over several months.
At least 23 villagers in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo have been killed in attacks blamed on rebels linked to the Islamic State (IS) group, monitors said on Tuesday.

"The ADF are suspected of having committed" the massacre on Monday in the villages of Lintumbe, Kisanga and Matuna in Ituri province, said the Kivu Security Tracker (KST), an NGO which monitors violence in the region.

Local activist Christophe Munyanderu gave the same toll, adding that some of the dead had been murdered out in the fields.

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) is one of more than 100 armed groups that are active in eastern Congo, many of them a legacy of regional wars fought in the 1990s after the fall of long-time dictator Mobutu Sese Seko.

The IS claims the ADF as its central African affiliate.

Originally a Muslim-majority coalition of armed Ugandan groups, it is one of the deadliest militias in the region, accused of slaughtering thousands of civilians.

The DR Congo launched joint military operations with Uganda against the ADF in November 2021, but rebel attacks have continued.
22.08.2023 LISTEN

Friends, please get ready for today's English lesson. Tenses show when an action took place. There are five types of tenses. 1. Simple tenses, under which we have present, past and future. Example: climb, climbed, will climb.

2. Perfect tenses, under which we have present perfect, past perfect and future perfect. Example: have climbed, had climbed, will have climbed. 3. Progressive tenses, also under which we have present progressive, past progressive and future progressive. Example: am climbing, was climbing, will be climbing.

4. Perfect progressive tenses, under which we have present perfect progressive, past perfect progressive, future perfect progressive. Example: have been climbing, had been climbing, will have been climbing.

5. Emphatic form, under which we have present emphatic and past emphatic. Example: do/does climb and did climb. There is no future emphatic because one can't emphasize something that hasn't been done yet.

In congruence with the above lesson, the following ensued between a teacher and his pupils:

Teacher: One day Bawumia will become the president of Ghana. Which tense is that? A boy raised up his hand and shouted, "Teacher, teacher."

Teacher: Yes, Samuel, tell us the answer.

Samuel: Future impossible tense, sir.

As much as Samuel's "future impossible tense" coinage may be funny, it is highly probable, and I will explain.

According to a report by Citi Newsroom on July 13, 2023, written by Leticia Osei, a national tracking poll conducted by the Global InfoAnalytics Limited says that 54% of Ghanaian voters prefer Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen to lead the New Patriotic Party into the 2024 polls, while 46% said they will prefer Dr. Bawumia to Allan.

The polls however states that even though Mr Kyerematen leads among all voting blocs especially floating voters, 55% NPP voters are for Bawumia as against 45% for Allan.

The polls further predicted that Dr. Bawumia may lose the primaries if there is a run-off because it is likely the supporters of the other aspirants will throw their weights behind Allan.

Some people have been accusing Dr. Bawumia of desperately moving from church to church in his quest to become the next president of the Republic, but I want to be honest here. Alhaji Bawumia's association with Christianity dates way back, perhaps decades, and I want to believe that he is not doing it now because he wants to be president.

I remember somewhere in 2007 he visited a church where I was worshipping, in the company of his friend who is now a Supreme Court judge. Dr Bawumia looked more affable, innocent, sweeter and happier without the weight he now carries. How I wish he had remained like that without going into politics.

When I was growing up, there was this saying in Akan that, "It is only at the end of a movie that you will see Charlie." The movie of who leads the NPP to the 2024 presidential election is getting fascinating by the day, but the picture does not look good for my friend, Dr. Bawumia.

Ah, well, the movie is still ongoing and we will definitely see Charlie in the end. But as to whether Richard will succeed in changing English grammar with his "future impossible tense" as the sixth type of tense, time will tell.

Anthony Obeng Afrane
China on Tuesday threw its weight behind plans to expand the loosely-defined BRICS club of large emerging economies, which is seeking to assert its political and economic clout on the global stage.

The BRICS nations of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, which represent a quarter of the global economy, are meeting for three days and interest in joining the group has surged.

In a speech read on his behalf by his Commerce Minister Wang Wentao at the start the BRICS summit in South Africa, President Xi Jinping said "hegemonism is not in China's DNA".

He said the talks taking place in Johannesburg were not aimed at "asking countries to take sides, or creating bloc confrontation, rather to expand the architect of peace and development".

"Whatever resistance there may be, BRICS, a positive and stable force for goodwill continue to grow," he said. "We will forge a stronger BRICS strategic partnership, ...actively advance membership expansion", and "help make the international order more just and equitable".

China is the BRICS most powerful economy and Xi's state visit to South Africa, just his second international trip this year, comes as Beijing pushes to rapidly expand the group's membership.

Divisions over Ukraine war

But the US does not see BRICS "as evolving into some kind of geopolitical rival to the United States," said Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor.

Washington will forge ahead with "strong positive relationships we have with Brazil, India and South Africa," he said adding "we will continue to manage our relationship with China and we will continue to push back on Russia's aggression".

The summit in Johannesburg has underscored divisions with the West over the war in Ukraine, and the support Russia enjoys from its other BRICS partners at a time of global isolation.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attending the BRICS meeting in Johannesburg on Tuesday. By Handout (RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY/AFP)

South Africa, China and India have not condemned Russia's invasion while Brazil has refused to join Western nations in sending arms to Ukraine or imposing sanctions on Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is the target of an international arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, did not attend in person and addressed the summit via pre-recorded video.

He blamed sanctions for "seriously" affecting the global economic situation through the "violation of all the basic norms and rules of free trade and economic life".

'Equal footing'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are also at the talks where some 50 other leaders have been invited.

Representing 40 percent of the world's population, and democratic and authoritarian states at varying levels of economic growth, the BRICS nations share a common desire for a global order they see as better reflecting their interests and rising clout.

BRICS is also championing its own development bank as an alternative to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, and proposals to reduce the use of the US dollar in global trade.

"We want to sit at the negotiating table on an equal footing with the European Union, the United States or any other country," Lula said in a social media post on Tuesday.

The theme of its 15th summit is "BRICS and Africa" and comes as the continent emerges as a renewed diplomatic battleground with the United States, Russia and China jostling for influence.

The bloc began as four nations in 2009 but expanded the following year with the addition of South Africa.

BRICS and G7 compared. By John SAEKI (AFP)

Officials say more than 40 countries have shown interest in joining from across the 'Global South', a broad term referring to nations outside the West.

Like the BRICS themselves, these countries run the gamut and include traditionally non-aligned nations like Indonesia and others that are openly hostile to the United States and its allies, like Iran.

"It goes to show that the BRICS family is growing in its importance, in its stature and also in its influence in the world," said Ramaphosa.

burs-np-sn/pvh
23.08.2023 LISTEN

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Builsa South, Dr. Clement Apaak has shot down the defense of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) on the losses incurred in 2022.

In the 2022 Annual General Report and Financial Statement of the BoG published this year, it incurred a loss of GHS60.8 billion last year.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, August 21, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison defended the losses with an argument that Central Banks do not exist to make profits.

We must recognise the special character of Central Banks and the role they play in an economy. Central Banks are institutions of public policy and do not exist for profit but for national welfare and as such could have a negative equity position and continue to be policy effective, the BoG Governor shared.

Sharing his view on this defense, Dr. Clement Apaak who describes the GHS60.8 billion losses incurred by BoG as criminal opined that the argument made by Dr. Ernest Addison is "idiotic."

He insists that if the BoG Governor believes Central Banks do not exist to make profits then he should tell Ghanaians whether BoG exists to make losses.

You criminally make losses of GH60B, and expect us to accept the idiotic excuse that BOG was not setup to make profit? Was BOG setup to make losses? Didn't you say you started the $250M project because you made profits in 2019, 2020 and 2021? You won't escape accountability, Dr. Clement Apaak shared in a post on Twitter.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has admitted a mistake in its award for the 2023 Komla Dumor Award.

The award was mistakenly announced via email to Paa Kwesi Schandorf, a Multimedia (JoyNews) journalist, instead of the actual winner, Paa Kwesi Asare.

Paa Kwesi Schandorf, in a press release addressed to the public on Tuesday, August 22, explained the sequence of events.

He received an email from the BBC congratulating him on winning the award, asking him to forward his details for processing, he noted.

"As a few of you may know, I was extremely delighted when received an email from the BBC congratulating me for winning this year's Komla Dumor Award," Schandorf wrote.

However, the following day, the BBC announced Paa Kwesi Asare as the official recipient.

Following this, Mr. Schandorf said he reached out to the BBC for clarification and was informed of the error.

"The BBC responded via a phone call where they promised to investigate the matter. Later after the call, they sent another email and extended their sincerest apologies to me, explaining that the initial email congratulating me was a 'regrettable oversight and an error'," he revealed.

Despite the BBC's error garnering a wave of controversy, Schandorf remains gracious, accepting the BBC's explanation and apology, and urging the public to do same.

"Indeed, mistakes do happen and as such I wholly accept the BBC's explanation. It's also important to acknowledge that errors with institutional processes do occur," Schandorf wrote in his release.

Paa Kwesi Asare, the rightful recipient of the award is a presenter and journalist from Ghana.

He works as the head of business news at Ghana's private TV3 channel.

Mr. Asare expressed his elation at the honor, stating, "This for me is a watershed moment in my career and an opportunity I'll grab with both hands."

As part of the award, the winner will spend three months working with BBC News teams in London across TV, radio, and online, and will travel to a country in Africa to report on a story for the BBC's global audiences.

The award was created in honor of Komla Dumor, a BBC World News presenter who worked tirelessly to bring a nuanced African narrative to the world.
IMANI Africa head Franklin Cudjoe has criticized President Akufo-Addo's refusal to reshuffle ministers despite Ghana's economic struggles.

He contrasted it with the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu IIs frequent destoolment of underperforming sub-chiefs.

The policy advisor highlighted the Asantehene's active removal of unsatisfactory subchiefs as an example of decisive action missing in Akufo-Addo's administration.

In a Facebook post Tuesday, August 22, he said "Asantehene is reshuffling. Destools 5 sub-chiefs in just 4 months. More in the pipeline. This record is unmatched by Nana, who seven years on is happy with his men even though they helped him run the economy into a ravine."

Meanwhile, Akufo-Addo in 2022, when the calls for ministerial reshuffling heightened, defended retaining his ministers, saying they have been outstanding.

"Many of them for me have done outstanding work. Their output has been considerable, and that is what I look at, he said.

"If the output measures expectations, then I don't have any strong reasons to heed the call," the president added.

Akufo-Addo believes calls for ministerial changes often are political motivated.

"The calls come for all kinds of reasons; NDC wanting to destabilise the government is one or people seeking to get appointment, he noted.
I recently questioned whether the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Mr Godfred Yeboah Dame was manipulating the judiciary in Ghana, (see, Is the Attorney General, Godfred Dame manipulating the Judiciary, Ghanaweb, July 19, 2023). This was after the Attorney General (AG) successfully appealed the decision of the new trial judge for the COCBOD case, Justice Kwasi Anokye Gyimah to restart the trial de novo (afresh) rather than adopt the proceedings of the previous judge, Justice Clemence Honyenuga, which led to his unceremonious transfer from Accra to Kumasi by the Chief Justice (see, COCOBOD trial: Justice Gyimah to be transferred from Opunis case  Report, Ghanaweb, June 26, 2023). It was reported last week that the MP for Assin North, Mr James Gyakye Quayson has reported the AG to the General Legal Council (GLC) for lying in court (see, Gyakye Quayson drags Godfred Dame to the GLC over professional misconduct, Ghanweb, August 17, 2023).

Mr James Gyakye Quayson is the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP who is standing trial for contesting the December 2020 parliamentary election that he won whilst ineligible to contest as a dual citizen of Ghana and Canada at the time he filed his nomination with the Electoral Commission (EC) to contest the election. His eligibility was challenged from the High Court to the Supreme Court and the Supreme annulled his election, resulting in a by-election that he contested and won. This article is analysis of the behaviour of the AG, his potential bad influence on the judiciary and its impact on the administration of justice in Ghana.

According to the two-page letter the MP sent to the GLC, and I quote part thereof. At the last adjournment (19 July 2023) during cross-examination of the first prosecution witness, Richard Takyi-Mensah, after the witness had testified confirming that he had given a statement to the police to which he had attached certain documents, which testimony is also reflected in the police statement itself, the Attorney General responding to an application by my counsel for disclosure of the attachments the witness referred to, stated that there were no attachments to the court, which I am advised and believe to be true, is clearly contrary to the rules of professional conduct by lawyers in a case.

The above quote, if true, should be sending alarm bells across the judiciary and the legal profession in Ghana, because its a very serious allegation against the most senior law officer of the state. In plain language, it means that the AG lied in court.

Another worrying aspect of the above quote, if true, is that it appears the trial judge accepted the alleged lies of the AG. Of course, the records of trial on the day in question is not available to the public so we do not know what the trial judge did about this allegation. However, the fact that the accused has had cause to complain to the GLC was an indication that the trial judge accepted the AGs version contrary to what his own witness had admitted in court through cross-examination and also confirmed by the police in their statement to the court.

The question is, if the allegation against the AG is true, why did the trial judge not act as appropriate by seeking clarification from the AG? Is the trial judge scared of the AG in case he incurs the raft of the AG and he is also transferred? The duty of a trial judge is to ascertain the facts of the case from both the prosecution and the defence to enable him or her make evidence-based judgement. This is one of the cardinal principles of fair trial. It is therefore, strange that a witness admits that he had provided a statement with documents attached to the police which the police also admits in their statement but the witnesss own counsel contradicts him in court but the trial judge does nothing.

From my experience with the UK judiciary, its my view that in such situations where counsel contradicts his own witness in court, it was the duty of the trial judge to clarify from counsel whether his witness lied to the court when he admitted under cross examination that he had attached certain documents to his witness statement to the police. This is important because its possible that either the police did not provide the documents to the AGs office or if they did the AG had not seen them. Assuming the police did not provide the attachments to the AGs office, or they did but the AG had not seen them, was it not the duty of the AG to ask for the attachments after his witness admitted in court that he had given a statement to the police with attachments? Is his failure to find out about the attachments not abdication of his duty as a prosecutor or was it the arrogance that he is the AG and that the judge must accept his word because he is above the law?

However, the failure of the trial judge to establish the facts as to which is which is very troubling. I say so because if the trial judge had done so, then the accused would not have complained to the GLC.

It is also plausible that the trial judge might have made up his mind that the records of the court are that the prosecution witness had admitted under cross examination that he provided a statement with certain documents attached and that is a fact. Therefore, what the prosecution counsel said in court is irrelevant. However, because the AG was responding to an application for disclosure by the defence counsel the judge ought to have sought clarification from the AG on contradicting his witness. This is important because the judge must decide on the defendant's application for disclosure of the attached documents.

Another general problem within the Ghanaian judiciary that I have observed with concern is the appearance of automatic right by the state prosecution to refuse to disclose and share documentary evidence being relied on to prosecute the accused before trial. Fair trial requires that the accused must know the evidence against him or her in advance. This is important so that the accused can adequately prepare for his or her defence. In fact, in the UK failure by the prosecution to disclose and share evidence in advance before trial will lead to the case being dismissed by the court, unless there are very good reason/s why the documentary evidence was not disclosed and shared prior to the trial starting. Among the few reasons accepted by the courts are that no reasonable person would have known the existence of the documentary evidence prior to the trial starting. That is, the documentary evidence was unearthed, or its existence became known after the trial had begun. In that case, the party seeking to rely on the new evidence will have to apply to the court for permission to introduce the document as evidence and the other party will have the opportunity to accept it or oppose it for the judge to make a judgement if the two parties cannot agree by mutual consent. The document will only be accepted if it is critical to the success and fair trial of the case.

This is done to avoid delays during trial and the general principle adopted by the UK judiciary is that there should be no surprises in court. In fact, this is taken very seriously by courts because if its not strictly enforced by the courts, it could lead to miscarriage of justice. For example, the UK Inland Revenue prosecuted a farmer who made millions from converting red diesel, which is subsided for farmers into petrol. Inland Revenue had a video of the farmer converting the red diesel into petrol and selling it but did not disclose the video to the farmers solicitors. During the trial, Inland Revenue applied to the court to introduce the video evidence. The judge rejected the application and dismissed the case against the farmer despite the huge money that farmer had made from his illegal activity. This was because, had Inland Revenue disclosed and provided the evidence prior to the trial, the framer might have pleaded guilty and only required sentencing and for that reason, the trial would have been unfair to him.

But in Ghana, its not the judiciary that has control over disclosure but state prosecution, that simply refuses to disclose and share their evidence, compelling defence attorneys to always apply to the courts for disclosure, including going to appellate courts up to the Supreme Court and unnecessarily causing long delays in trial cases. This is not only against the principles of fair trial but also abuse of state power, which delays trials and make the administration of justice expensive to both the state and the accused. It is wrong and it must be stopped. Judges must take control of disclosure of evidence by all parties prior to the start of trial and punish those who fail to disclose in advance.

Why am I concerned about the AG potentially lying in court on disclosure of evidence and the trial judge not addressing the problem to the extent that the accused had to complain to the GLC?

There are three arms of government, the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. Each must not intervene in the work of the other. However, the Judiciary has constitutional authority to hold both the Executive and the Legislature accountable. This is important because in Ghana the Executive is too powerful with a weak Legislature which is unwilling or unable hold the Executive accountable. Therefore, it is dangerous for the Judiciary to be controlled or influenced by the Executive. If the AG, a member of the Executive is that powerful to lie in court before a judge and the judge does nothing for what appears to be fear repercussion if he challenged the AG in court, then Ghana is in trouble.

Independent judiciary with fearless judges is critical for democracy, rule of law, good governance, transparency, and accountability in any country. Judges must be free to make judgements that are fair to all parties in accordance with the law (both the prosecution and the defence) without any influence or repercussion by the Executive. However, when Justice Kwasi Anokye Gyimah made the right decision to start the COCOBOD trial afresh, which the AG was not happy with and the judge was not only taken off the case but also transferred, it was a tacit message from the Executive that do as we say or get punished. It is therefore understandable that another judge would not challenge the AG in court even if he lied, though I will still give the benefit of the doubt to the judge, until the judgement on the defences application for the disclosure of the attachments is made.

I also do not understand why the MP is complaining to the GLC because the GLC like the Ghana Bar Association and the Judicial Council has shown to be biased to anyone with association to the opposition NDC for obvious reasons. For example, the president is on record to have said at a campaign event in the Assin North constituency that the constituents should not elect a candidate who will go to jail. Again, the minister for trade and industry, Mr KT Hammond is also alleged to have said that the MP will be jailed. Both the president and KT Hammond are lawyers from the ruling party. Has GLC invited them for disciplinary action? When Justice Clemence Honyenuga, then Appeal Court judge called for four more years for President Nana Akufo Addo, did the Judicial Council call him to explain? However, when the Dormaahene who is also a High Court judge, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II said the MP should not be prosecuted, he was hauled before the Judicial Council. I am not suggesting that the high court judge was right to comment on the case.

Again, after the financial clean up in 2018, some bankers are being prosecuted but what has happened to the CEO of Menzgold who has dupped thousands of Ghanaians out of their life savings? The case has been adjourned over 30 times by the court because the AG has failed to provide advice on the case. Why? Is it because Menzgold CEO supported the presidents campaign in 2016 or because he went to the same school (Adisadel College) as the AG?

I am not against the AG. On the contrary, I admire him as one of the youngest AG in Ghanas history. However, I have very serious concerns about his negative influence on the judiciary and the administration of justice in Ghana because I am passionate about rule of law, and strong independent judiciary in Ghana. Democracy, rule of law, good governance, accountability and the administration of justice thrive on a strong and independent judiciary that can hold the Executive accountable. We are in danger of a faux democracy if the Executive can influence and control the judiciary as it appears to be happening in Ghana. Martin Luther King Jnr said, True peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of justice.

Kofi Ata, Cambridge.
Alan Kyerematen, a flag bearer hopeful, New Patriotic Party (NPP), is focused on the November 4 primaries and not perturbed by projections about the Party's upcoming Super Delegates Congress, according to his Campaign Team

The Team said the NPP's upcoming Super Delegates Congress is a mere political process and cannot be used to gauge one's political popularity.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Yaw Buaben Asamoa, Spokesperson for Mr Kyerematen's Campaign, said the Camp was focused on the main November 4 presidential primaries and would continue to engage delegates across the country.

The NPP has scheduled Saturday, August 26, 2023, for its Super Delegates Congress to select five out the ten aspirants who would participate in the Party's main Presidential Primaries scheduled for November 4, 2023.

The ten aspirants, in the order in which they will appear on the ballot paper are: Mr Kennedy Agyapong, Mr Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, Mr Joe Ghartey, Mr Kwadwo Poku, and Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto.

The rest are: Mr Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Francis Addai Nimoh, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, Mr Boakye Kyeremanteng Agyarko, and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.

Mr Asamoa said purported surveys predicting a win for a particular candidate in Saturday's elections is designed to create a situation for a particular candidate as a psychological tool to impress others.

The Super Delegates Congress is not a popularity contest; it is a mere administrative process to whittle down the numbers.

A segment of 900 people out of 208, 000 people does not demonstrate popularity in any form particularly when that segment is a special group, he said.

Mr Asamoa said the Mr Kyerematen was prepared for the Super Delegates Congress and remained confident that the delegates for the Party would endorse his candidature on November 4, 2023.

Mr Kyerematen, who has been working towards becoming President since 2007, resigned as Minister of Trade and Industry in January this year to pursue his presidential ambition.

He officially announced his decision to contest the NPP flagbearership race in an address delivered on January 10, 2023.

In that address, Mr Kyerematen said the country required a new plan to build a self-reliant economy to avoid going back to the International Monetary Fund in future.

He said if he succeeded in his quest to become President in the next general election, he would launch and lead the execution of the Great Transformational Plan of Ghana which would span the period 2025 to 2030 to revamp key sectors of the economy.

GNA
23.08.2023 LISTEN

The Kadjebi District in the Oti Region has recorded 40 new epilepsy cases as of June 2023 as compared with 27 cases recorded in the same period in 2022.

Of the number, 20 are males and another 20 are females, with Dodo Sub-district recording the highest number of 14 cases, while Dodi sub-district was at the bottom with only one case.

Madam Mavis Atisu, Kadjebi District Mental Health Officer, disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview at Kadjebi.

She said though the cause of the disease was unknown; delayed labour, hereditary and an accident resulting in head injury could also cause it.

Madam Atisu, who is a Psychiatric Nurse, said within the period under review, the Mental Health Unit also recorded 21 substance abuse cases as against 19 cases last year and that male constitute 78 per cent of the cases, with female having 22 per cent.

She said:  There has been a decrease in psychotic cases such as schizophrenia from 42 in 2022 to 31 in 2023.

The district, however, recorded one death from suicide within the period under review as against zero last year, she lamented.

The Mental Health Officer said there was the need for self-care as looking after oneself and team members while working in any disaster and emergency situation.

GNA
Senior presidential advisor, Yaw Osafo Maafo, has partly blamed traditional leaders for the increasing destruction of river bodies in the country by illegal miners.

Osafo Maafo lamented that some chiefs in areas where illegal mining, also known as galamsey, takes place, offer their lands to the miners, who then pollute the water bodies beyond purification.

Yaw Osafo Maafo spoke at the 23rd General Meeting of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana at Kwahu Abetifi in the Eastern Region.

Look at what galamsey is doing to the land, and should we allow monies that a few people want to make to destroy the very base of water that we need to drink? There are areas where you cannot even purify the water and where you can, we are spending more than three times what we used to spend in purification and all this is happening in the direct face of our chiefs that gave the land for the galamsey.

He also expressed concern about the growing problem of corruption, despite the high number of Christians in Ghana.

If 72 percent of us are Christians and corruption begins to grow from bad to worse, then there is something wrong with even the message that we give to this 72 percent of the population. We need to do some retrospection and as a country, together with the government, take certain actions to redeem the country from corruption and cant just keep talking about corruption without doing anything about it.

citinewsroom
It is no secret that many pastors in Ghana who are close to the president, Akufo Addo, are receiving financial assistance from the government. As a result, they have abandoned their duties to God and are now supporting an unjust system that oppresses the poor. How long can Ghanaian pastors remain silent about rampant corruption that has brought the nation to its knees and caused the collapse of the economy, financial institutions, and domestic and international investments?

In John Mahama's time, several people, including pastors and church leaders, rose against him. They criticized him and demanded his resignation. One of the pastors even claimed that Mahamas excessive taxations gave him stomachache because he is Osofo, a priest. The Aglow a worshipping team with one Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie, prayed endlessly, asking the invincible God to throw stones from the sky to bury the former leader of Ghana alive.

Nowadays, all these people have disappeared in the worst part of Ghana, because my investigation revealed that Akufo Addo has either given those people appointments or financially supported them. The question is how can one criticize the one who feeds him? This is one of the reasons why many Ghanaian pastors paid by Akufo Addo have chosen to remain silent, watching the president do whatever he wants, even though the whole country is at a standstill, amid widespread corruption and crime.

Pastors in Ghana should be aware of their social duties as servants of God. They should desist from taking bribes and causing pain and suffering to the poor because by doing so, God will deal with them in such a way now or before the end of their lives in a ruthless manner. They cant depend on God and a government built on falsehoods and deception, whose fruits have been bitter for the people to consume at the same time. I dont view them as men of God, but complicit in this harmful regime.

I can see why Pastor Kofi Oduro, the leader of Alabaster International Ministries, is enraged by politicians who keep millions of dollars in their houses while depriving the underprivileged and young people of access to better housing and healthcare. Despite carrying out his Godly duties, many will hate him for speaking the truth. However; we shouldnt be surprised about that because Jesus stated "You will be hated by everyone because of Me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."

The accepting of a bribe was prohibited by God's Law, which was delivered to Moses on behalf of the Israelites since it "blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous" (Exodus 23:8). Deuteronomy 16:19 reiterates the same prohibition: "You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality; nor shall you take a bribe, for a bribe darkens the eyes of the wise and turns the words of the just." In these two sections, the consequences of accepting a bribe are spelled out. Justice is distorted by bribery. It has a numbing effect on knowledge and judgment. It distorts or perverts the words of people who would be virtuous in God's eyes and obscures the truth.

What is the punishment for those that bribe and pervert justice? Both the Koran and the Bible warn about bribe-taking. In the Koran, it is written The one who takes bribery, one who gives it, and one who acts as an intermediary between them is a curse and expulsion from the mercy of Allah by the tongue of the Messenger of Allah, while the bible says Proverbs 15:27  Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his household, but he who hates bribes will live.
Government has opened an administrative window for the GHS31 billion pension funds and USD809 million domestic notes and bonds to August 25, 2023.

The move is to allow bondholders who have not tendered additional time to secure internal approvals to participate in the debt exchange programme, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday.

The announcement date for both programmes is now on or about Monday, August 28, 2023, with September 1, 2023, as the Settlement Date, while the Longstop Date was Monday, September 4, 2023.

The issue date, interest accrual schedules, payment schedules, and amortisation schedules for the New Bonds will be adjusted to reflect the actual settlement date, the Ministry stated.

The Government on July 14 and July 31, 2023, domestic debt exchange pursuant to which it invited Eligible Holders to exchange approximately USD809mn of its dollar-denominated domestic notes and bonds and a swap of GHS31bn in pension funds for new ones.

That was part of efforts to address its liquidity challenges in the country under the US$3bn International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan-support programme.

The Government would like to thank all eligible holders who have so far tendered their eligible bonds.

GNA
A monarchical historian at the Manhyia Palace, Osei-Bonsu Sarfo-Kantanka, has explained the reasons for the destoolment of some sub-chiefs by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

He explained on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3 Tuesday, August 22 that chieftaincy institution has rules and regulations that all players in the sector should abide by.

In the Asante Kingdom, he said, the Asantehen is the highest order when it comes to the hierarchy and has the power to destool any sub-chief who has engaged in wrongdoing.

So far, the Asantehen has destooled five chiefs in 2023 for different various reasons including abandonment of stool, illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) as well as land issues.

Safo Kantanak explained that Chieftaincy institution has got its own way of life, the institution has got its rules and regulations in line with culture and tradition, just like any other institution has rules and regulations and so if you go against the rules and regulations in one with culture then, of course, you have to be penalized for doing the wrong thing.

It is a hierarchy and the highest order within the Ashanti community is the Asantehene at the topmost level of the chiefs within the Asante man community.

3news.com
Chinese President Xi Jinping unexpectedly skipped a speech he'd been due to give at the Brics summit in South Africa  instead sending his commerce minister to speak about the strength of the Chinese economy and to denounce wealthy nations who seek to contain the growth of developing ones.

No official reason was given for Xi's faulire to deliver his speech, raising questions over his health. The Chinese leader earlier met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and other leaders.

The speech was aimed at informing Brics nations that the fundamentals for Beijing's long-term economic growth remained unchanged.

"The Chinese economy has strong resilience, tremendous potential and great vitality," Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said.

The recovery of the world's second-largest economy has been impacted by a worsening property slump, weak consumer spending and tumbling credit growth.

But Wang said his country enjoyed economic advantages such as a "super-sized market," a fully-fledged industrial system, and an abundant high-calibre labour force.

"The giant ship of the Chinese economy will continue to ride the wind, cleave waves, and forge ahead," he said.

Push for expansion

The Brics nations  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  are meeting in South Africa for three days until Thursday. Interest from other countries hoping to join the group, which represents a quarter of the global economy, has surged.

China has thrown its weight behind plans to expand the club, with Wang saying the summit was aimed at expanding "the architect of peace and development" rather than asking countries to take sides.

"We will forge a stronger Brics strategic partnership, actively advance membership expansion" and "help make the international order more just and equitable", Wang said.

At odds with the West

The summit has underscored divisions with the West over the war in Ukraine.

South Africa, China and India have not condemned Russia's invasion, while Brazil has refused to join Western nations in sending arms to Ukraine or imposing sanctions on Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been unable to attend in person because as the target of an international arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

Instead, he addressed the summit via a pre-recorded video.

Putin blamed sanctions for "seriously" affecting the global economic situation through the "violation of all the basic norms and rules of free trade and economic life".

He also told African nations that Russia could take Ukraine's place as supplier of grain.

The support Russia enjoys from its Brics partners at a time of global isolation is a source of acrimony.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are also at the talks, where some 50 other leaders have been invited.

(with newswires)
Yaw Osafo Maafo, a Senior Presidential Advisor, has raised concerns about the message that church leaders convey to Christians, especially as corruption persists in a nation that identifies itself as predominantly Christian, with 72 percent of its population practicing the faith.

Mr Maafo questioned whether the teachings of the church are effectively transforming the mindset of the Christian population to discourage them from engaging in corrupt practices. He suggested that if the church's message is not succeeding in fostering a change in behavior, then Christianity itself may be facing a dilemma.

Speaking at the 23rd General Meeting of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana held in Kwahu Abetifi in the Eastern Region, Mr Maafo called upon religious institutions to engage in introspection. He encouraged them to collaborate with the government to take decisive steps in addressing the prevalent issue of corruption in the country.

He highlighted the significant level of decay and corruption in the country's political sphere and emphasized that the Christian community holds a responsibility in addressing this matter. Given that 72 percent of the population identifies as Christian, he posed questions about the effectiveness of the moral lessons and teachings being conveyed to this substantial portion of the population.

The former education minister inquired as whether the church's teachings and moral lessons were losing their impact. He pointed out that if corruption continues to escalate despite such a substantial Christian population, then there might be an issue with the message being conveyed.

There is that much decay and decadence in our body politics. The Christian community has a role to play. 72 per cent of the population is Christianity so what kind of message do we continuously give to those population of the country, what kind of moral lessons are we able to put through this high percentage? he quizzed.

If we are not able to do anything to make certain changes then Christianity itself has a problem in terms of making our words work.

So I think we need to go back to the drawing board to see what we can do as a Christian group to influence the behaviour of the system.

He questioned further Is it that your preaching, your moral lessons are now not effective? We should ask few questions. If 72 percent of the population are Christians and corruption begins to go from bad to worse then there is something wrong with even the message we give to this 72 percent of the population.

We need to do some introspection and together with the government take certain actions to redeem the nation from corruption, he added.

Source: Classfmonline.com
The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Honourable Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has officially launched the trial phase of the Digital Audio Broadcasting service in Ghana.

With the launch, Ghana becomes the first country in West Africa and the fourth on the continent to deploy the DAB service. The DAB platform in Ghana is being implemented by the National Communications Authority (NCA), and involves 18 stations  11 based in Accra and 7 in Kumasi. With the commencement of the trial, listeners in the two cities will be able to access any of the stations using DAB+ receivers. The initial trial is expected to last six months after which the NCA will review and decide the next phase of its deployment.

Sharing the challenges Ghana faces with the current FM Broadcasting service, the Director General of the NCA, Joe Anokye, said there are severe constraints on frequency for FM Radio Broadcasting services in many major cities in Ghana. According to Mr. Anokye, as an Authority mandated under Section 2 of the Electronic Communications Act 2008, Act 775, to regulate the radio spectrum allocated for use by broadcasting organisations and providers of broadcasting services, it is important that the NCA comes out with a mechanism that addresses the frequency limitations for FM radio and for stations to reach more cities outside of their immediate area with the same programme content

Mr. Joe Anokye, Director General of the NCA, stated that the introduction of DAB is consistent with the Governments vision for digital acceleration and transformation

Mr. Anokye indicated that DAB in Ghana will not use the same frequencies as the traditional analogue FM stations as DAB is being deployed in the frequency range 174 to 230 MHz. Mr. Anokye said in comparison to FM, DAB efficiently reduces signal interference thereby improving reception as well as energy efficiency by allowing up to 18 stations to share one transmitter.

The Director General called on all stakeholders in the value chain to help Ghana succeed in implementing this project especially the Electronic Communications Equipment Dealers since supply of DAB equipment is key in its implementation.

Delivering her keynote address, the Honourable Minister for Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD), Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, highlighted the benefits and the pivotal role played by Ghana in embracing this ground breaking technology. She touted Ghanas unwavering commitment to embracing digital innovation, adding that it has propelled the country to the forefront of the transformative movement.

She emphasised that the MoCD has been steadfast in its mission to craft and shape policies that do not only facilitate the creation of information and communications infrastructure, but also drive the development of services that foster economic competitiveness.

The Minister added that her Ministry is committed to empowering all Agencies under MoCD to adapt to the ever-evolving technological landscape by adopting innovative strategies and approaches to their work. She commended the NCA for their continuing efforts to deliver innovative and cutting-edge solutions. The National Communications Authority (NCA) is today launching the trial of yet another service, Digital Audio Broadcasting, in addition to its ground breaking media monitoring lab, the Common Platform, CERT, among many other innovations introduced in the past 6 years. These have all been focused on meeting the needs of the industry and ultimately, benefiting the consumer, she said.

Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Minister for Information, highlighted Governments support for Ghanas digitalisation agenda

Speaking at the event, the Minister for Information, Honourable Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, said that Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) will provide significant economic benefits within the broadcasting industry. He said with the relatively high operational costs of running traditional FM stations in Ghana, it was welcoming to have a technology that reduces these costs and improves efficiency of resources. He further expressed optimism that DAB will encourage the production of content that contributes to societal growth and attracts more investors, leading to job opportunities. The Minister applauded the NCA for their efforts and looked forward to the successful implementation of the DAB pilot programme together with a robust regulatory framework.

Stakeholders present at the launch included the Minister of Information, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ama Pomaah Boateng, the NCA Board Chairman, Isaac Emmil Osei-Bonsu Jnr and some members of the Board as well as the Executive Secretary of the National Media Commission, George Sarpong. Also present were the representatives of the 18 stations, Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Advertisers Association of Ghana (AAG), Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), PROTOA. Agencies under the MoCD and the Project Director of WorldDAB, Bernie Oneil were also present.

A group photograph of dignitaries at the event
23.08.2023 LISTEN

In the heart of Africa's unfolding narrative, a new chapter unfolds, bearing the weight of a somber tale woven with the threads of power shifts and tumultuous transitions. Once more, the world holds its collective breath, anticipating the reverberating repercussions of an African coup, a tempest of change that casts a shadow of unending sorrow upon the inhabitants of the land.

With the dawn of the 26 July 2023, a sudden upheaval danced across the canvas of the Sahelian nation named Niger, a country adorned with both natural beauty and historical complexities. The veils of uncertainty were woven even thicker as the coup unfurled its long-term tendrils, leaving behind an indelible imprint on the fabric of the nation. Niger, already beset by the trials of recent years, found itself entangled in a new struggle, a tapestry of challenges woven from the threads of adversity.

Yet, within this mosaic of turmoil, Niger emerges as a strategic gem, coveted by the great powers of our times. The symphony of global politics plays on its stage, with the Western and non-Western powers locked in a dance of polarities. This dance, a reflection of the global power struggle, casts its echoes upon the landscape of Niger, shaping the contours of its destiny.

Niger's history, which spans over six decades of independence, is characterized by a recurring pattern of coups, creating an orchestrated instability that resists the embrace of tranquility. The nation has transformed into a region of persistent uncertainty due to prolonged periods of authoritarian rule. The trajectory of development has been marred by dissonant elements: minimal economic growth, the icy grip of poverty, the ominous shadow of famine, and the looming threat of terrorism. Therefore, in a world where the global economic stage is meticulously set, this particular juncture in Niger's history carries profound significance. A fragile equilibrium must be delicately maintained, as the well-being of its citizens hinges upon the decisions that will unfold during these tumultuous times.

Why is Niger important?

Niger stretches out, touching the sun's warmth, and carries significant importance due to its diverse attributes. Geographically, it claims the title of West Africa's largest country, displaying expansive deserts meeting lush oases, narrating tales of contrast and beauty. Furthermore, the country holds a unique position as a connector between Western and Eastern Africa, facilitated by both sea ports and land routes.

In the realm of politics, Niger shines as a steadfast symbol of democratic stability in recent times. While its neighbors, Mali and Burkina Faso, underwent military takeovers, Niger remained committed to peaceful governance, demonstrating its dedication to progress. Hence, the occurrence of coups has cast uncertainty over the country's peaceful governance. Strategically, Niger is really important, with world politics recognizing its value. Its home to both French and American military bases, making it a key place in the fight against rebellion. Many countries work together here to battle the threat of extremist groups.

Niger's importance extends across the sea, as words of praise come from far away. Even the US State Department speaks highly of Niger, calling it a dependable partner against terrorism. This recognition comes from the nation's efforts to stand against groups like Islamic State and al-Qaeda.

Economically, Niger holds something valuable under its sunny lands  uranium, a metal with both potential and risks. On the global economic stage, Niger plays a big role by contributing 7% of the world's uranium supply. This impact is so huge that even the main street in the capital, Niamey, is named "Avenue de l'uranium," celebrating the economic strength that flows through the country.

Furthermore, Niger has displayed encouraging economic growth in recent times, indicating a promising future and positioning itself as a potential regional economic leader in the years to come.

Niger GDP Growth Rate 2017-2022 Year GDP Growth (%) Annual Change 2022 11.50% 10.11% 2021 1.39% -2.16% 2020 3.55% -2.39% 2019 5.94% -1.27% 2018 7.21% 2.21% 2017 5.00% -0.74%

Source: Compiled from trading economics

In every corner of its existence, from its geography to its politics, from its strategic alliances to its economic riches, Niger emerges as a constellation of importance, an emblem adorning the firmament of global awareness.

What are the consequences could the coup have?

In the delicate ballet of global dynamics, the tendrils of consequence reach far and wide, as the echo of a coup resonates beyond the borders of Niger, transcending both land and time.

To begin with, the coup and resulting uncertainty have led to an increased likelihood of migration towards Europe and other regions. Due to the potential for civil conflict and the rise of terrorist activities, the prospect of significant migratory movement is quite evident. However, the coup's tempestuous ripples carry with them the seeds of an unsettling spill, potentially sowing the seeds of more upheaval within the region. The vulnerability of this realm to the machinations of coups renders it akin to a delicate tapestry, where even a single thread unraveling can set the whole asunder.

In the midst of all that's happening, there's a worry about the economy not being stable. It's like a dark cloud that's making things uncertain. The prices of things are going up, and the economy is getting messed up. This is causing problems for the people in Niger. There's also a danger of not having enough food and money, and this could affect people's lives in the months to come.

What's even more worrying is that there's a chance that groups might try to hurt certain ethnic groups and that terrorism might become a bigger problem. These bad things are becoming a part of what's going on. The unstable situation is like a place where these bad things are growing, and it's making the future very unclear.

And, in the middle of all the consequences, it is human life that takes the brunt. The spectre of pain marries the tapestry of existence, which is laced with threads of desire and vulnerability. Death, that most last of notes, appears on the stage as a result of the dance between the political elite and the military orchestrators.

Moreover, West African countries issued a warning, threatening sanctions and perhaps military intervention if Niger's coup leaders do not reinstate deposed President Mohammed Bazoum within a week. The grouping of 15 nations has previously deployed armed forces within its member states. However, it is unclear whether other ECOWAS members will support the notion of military action to resolve the current problem in Niger. Niger's military authorities have not appeared keen to participate in dialogue, resulting in a lack of regional support for their leadership. As a result of this circumstance, Niger has emerged as a possible hotspot in the area.

Yet, within this tempestuous landscape, there are glimmers of light. President Bazoum's vigilant eye has cast its gaze upon the machinations of human traffickers, those purveyors of suffering that navigate the pathways between West African realms and those that lie to the north. Through resolve and action, these pathways of misery are disrupted, a testament to the power of leadership in the face of adversity.

But, with the arrival of a military junta, does the curtain finally fall, or will the ghosts of insurgency continue their eerie dance? The echoes of history reverberate, portraying a panorama of neighboring territories that went through similar upheavals, their takeovers resonating with deja vu. The weave of change appears to be stitched with familiar and enigmatic threads, a dance that leaves certain questions unexplained, leaving only the hope that wisdom will eventually win.

To summarize, the solutions to the issues ahead are hazy, like buried musical notes. The recent coup in the Sahel region has heightened the region's instability. The influence of Western and non-Western forces is considerable in this region, making the future contingent on local and global players' decisions. They can either help mankind and stability or fight for power. These decisions will determine the fate of the people of Niger.
23.08.2023 LISTEN

Recently, it was announced that the UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSMA) accelerated its withdrawal from Mali amid a deteriorating security situation. Although Mali demanded the Blue Helmets to leave its territory, the UN abandoned military bases could become a new bone of contention.

Within the framework of the agreement on the termination of MINUSMA the UN military bases must be handed over to the Malian authorities, but it causes serious discontent among the Tuareg, since one of the bases is located on the territory of Azawad. Earlier the UN forces monitored the observance of the peace agreement concluded between Bamako and the rebels, but now, when MINUSMA forces are completely withdrawn from the territory of the country, the likelihood of further incitement of conflict between the Malian government and the separatists of pro-Western Azawad is increasing.

Given that the current Malian government doesnt suit the West, it is highly likely that it would continue to finance the Tuareg, adding fuel to the fire and further destabilizing situation in the country. It is pertinent to note, that MINUSMA announced its accelerated withdrawal just after the protest against the Malian government and Wagner, which took place in Kidal on August 12 and was apparently planned by the West. Perhaps, the UN decided to change its strategy on the continent and begin to play proxy-games, pitting Africans against each other in order to weaken them.

Johannes Adebisi

Beginner freelance journalist

Grassy Park, Cape Town, South Africa

+27217068625
BRICS leaders on Wednesday will debate admitting new members to their five-nation bloc as it pursues a bigger role in shaping world affairs it sees as dominated by western powers.

China is seeking to rapidly grow the club of large emerging economies amid rising competition with the United States, and more than 40 nations are lining up to join.

But the BRICS other major power, India, is wary of rushing to expand and the divisive issue tops the agenda as it discusses its future at a three-day summit in Johannesburg.

The BRICS nations -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- represent 40 percent of the world's population and a quarter of the global economy.

A disparate association of big and small economies, democratic and authoritarian states, the BRICS share a common vision for an alternative to the Western-led world order that better serves developing nations.

"The world is changing," said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the opening of the plenary session of the BRICS on Wednesday.

"New realities call for a fundamental reform of the institutions of global governance so that they may be more representative and better able to respond to the challenges that confront humanity."

Shaping history

The other BRICS leaders of Brazil, India and China are also present for the summit, which is being attended by 50 other heads of state and government.

Putin, seen here in a picture distributed by the Russian news agency Sputnik, joined the summit by video link. By Mikhail KLIMENTYEV (POOL/AFP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who faces an international arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, did not attend in person and addressed the summit via video link.

Chinese President Xi Jinping told delegates on Monday that the "course of history will be shaped by the choices we make".

But the head of the BRICS most powerful state said the summit was "not an exercise of asking countries to take sides, nor an exercise of creating bloc confrontation".

"Rather, it is an endeavour to expand the architecture of peace and development," Xi said in remarks delivered on his behalf by his Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.

The US has said it does not see BRICS, which was created in 2009 and expanded to include South Africa the following year, evolving into a geopolitical rival.

The gathering has underlined divisions with the West over the war in Ukraine, and the support Russia enjoys from its other BRICS partners at a time of global isolation.

South Africa, China and India have not condemned Russia's invasion while Brazil has refused to join Western nations in sending arms to Ukraine or imposing sanctions on Moscow.

Rift over expansion

Chart showing the real GDP growth of the BRICS countries.. By Janis LATVELS (AFP)

China is the BRICS most powerful economy and Xi's state visit to South Africa, just his second international trip this year, comes as Beijing pushes to rapidly expand the group's membership.

Officials say nearly two dozen nations have formally applied to join the bloc from across the "Global South" -- a broad term referring to nations outside the West.

Like the BRICS themselves, these countries are varied in size and economic clout, but include traditionally non-aligned nations like Indonesia and others like Iran that are openly hostile to the United States and its allies.

BRICS leaders say this reflects the growing appeal of its message.

But the issue divides China and its regional rival India, presenting challenges for a forum that operates on a consensus basis.

New Delhi is wary of Beijing shaping the forum to suit its own geopolitical agenda.

Russia and South Africa back expansion while Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has said he supports the entry of Argentina.

"I know that as BRICS leaders you are discussing this matter, and giving close attention to it, and you will need to make your decisions known," said Ramaphosa.
Opposition is gathering pace against Japan's environmental policy in the Pacific, as Tokyo prepares to release waste water from the stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean.

Japan is set release water from the stricken Fukushima power plant into the Pacific Ocean from Thursday, 12 years after one of the world's worst nuclear disasters.

China, which has already partially halted Japanese food shipments, has sharply criticised the announcement, while Hong Kong and Macau have said they would ban the import of "aquatic products" from 10 Japanese regions, with the latter also banning vegetable and dairy imports.

Japan insists that the gradual discharge of the more than 500 Olympic swimming pools' worth of water from the site in northeast Japan, announced by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday, is safe.

The Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power station was knocked out by a massive earthquake and tsunami that killed around 18,000 people in March 2011, sending three of its reactors into meltdown.

Operator TEPCO has since collected well over one million tonnes of water used to cool what remains of the still highly radioactive reactors, mixed with groundwater and rain that has seeped in.

TEPCO says the water will be diluted and filtered before release to remove all radioactive substances except tritium, traces of which TEPCO maintains are far below dangerous levels.

However, the Japanese utility's claims have failed to reassure China, which said it would take "necessary measures to safeguard the marine environment, food safety and public health".

Foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Tuesday, "The ocean is the common property of all humankind, not a place for Japan to arbitrarily dump nuclear-contaminated water."

A nuclear expert, however, said the level of tritium was well below World Health Organization drinking water limits.

"Tritium has been released [by nuclear power plants] for decades with no evidential detrimental environmental or health effects," Tony Hooker, a nuclear expert from the University of Adelaide, told the AFP newswire.

IAEA says impact 'negligible'

Weather permitting, Fukushima waste water will be released into the ocean off Japan's northeast coast at a maximum rate of 500,000 litres per day.

In July, the UN atomic watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, said the release would have a "negligible radiological impact on people and the environment."

On Tuesday, the IAEA said its staff would be on site for the start of the discharge and beyond and would publish "real-time and near real-time monitoring data."

Meanwhile, Japan's fisheries agency will take samples of bottom-dwelling flatfish at two designated sampling spots near the outlet of the water pipe.

But environmental pressure group Greenpeace has said the filtration process is flawed.

Japan "has opted for a false solution  decades of deliberate radioactive pollution of the marine environment  during a time when the world's oceans are already facing immense stress and pressures," the NGO said Tuesday.

Salt panic in Korea

On the Asian continent, many South Koreans are alarmed at the prospect of the release, staging demonstrations and even stocking up on sea salt amid fears of contamination.

Dozens of protesters gathered in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul on Tuesday, with more rallies planned.

One protester held up a sign reading: "We denounce the Japanese government for killing the ocean!"

However, President Yoon Suk Yeol's government, taking political risks at home, has sought to improve long-frosty relations with Japan and has not objected to the plan.

For its part, China has already accused Japan of treating the ocean like a "sewer", banning imports of food from 10 Japanese prefectures even before the release and imposing strict radiation checks.

However, some observers have noted that, while China's safety concerns may be sincere, geopolitics and economic rivalry have their part to in Beijing's harsh reaction.
President Akufo-Addo has urged members of the Africa Heritage Restitution Movement (AHRM) to intensify their efforts in advocating reparations and the return of stolen cultural artefacts related to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the AHRM, organised by the Open Society Foundation (OSF) in Accra, President Akufo-Addo emphasised the importance of addressing both reparations and the restitution of cultural properties.

He stated that while reparations can never fully compensate for the historical harm caused by the slave trade, it is essential to revive discussions on this matter.

Drawing parallels with reparations for other historical injustices, he asserted that victims of the slave trade deserve similar recognition.

President Akufo-Addo expressed his complete support for the initiative, highlighting how the return of cultural artefacts would help Africans reconnect with their heritage, history, and skills.

He stressed that this reconnection would not only benefit Africans but also contribute to building new relationships with the international community.

Acknowledging the complexity of the issue, the President noted that his government had established a national focal team to research and advise on best practices for restitution and repatriation efforts.

He highlighted the need for collaboration between various stakeholders, including state institutions, non-state actors, and international counterparts, to ensure a smooth restitution process.

The subject of restitutions must go along with the matter of reparations.

No amount of money can restore the damage caused by the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and its consequences, which have spanned many centuries", he said, adding: "But nevertheless, it is now time to revive and intensify the discussion for reparations for Africans."

He continued, "Indeed, the time is long overdue. If reparations can rightfully be paid to victims of the holocaust, so can reparation be paid to victims of the slave trade.

"The restitution, return, reparation and repatriation of African stolen and looted cultural properties under pre-colonial and colonial circumstances have to be issues of major concern to all Africans.

"These concerns have in recent times dominated public discourse on the continent. Governments, civil society groups, traditional authorities, scholars, and researchers have called for the return of African cultural properties that were illegally and shamelessly transported from the continent".

The call for the return of African cultural artefacts gained momentum in recent years, with a renewed focus on objects taken from the continent during the colonial period.

The Open Society Foundations' Global Initiative for the Restitution for African Cultural Heritage aims to facilitate advocacy and negotiations for the repatriation of these artifacts.

The three-day summit in Ghana brings together representatives from the African Union, ECOWAS, NGOs, UN agencies, artists, academia, and the African diaspora.

OSF, founded by George Soros, supports independent groups worldwide working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights, guided by principles of justice, equity, and expression.

Source: Classfmonline.com
John Boadu, the former General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is advising party members to reject aspirants who are promoting the notion that the government has failed, in the upcoming party flagbearer race.

He has urged supporters to be cautious when considering the arguments put forth by these contenders for leadership positions in the 2024 general elections.

Mr Boadu cautioned that if any of these aspirants were to win the party's flagbearer position, it would be challenging to present them effectively to the public.

He argued that many of the individuals who criticise the government's performance lack concrete plans for advancing the "break-the-eight" agenda, referring to the party's goal of securing an unprecedented third consecutive term in office.

In his view, the credibility of these aspirants is compromised by their negative rhetoric. He pointed out that some of them struggle to identify the party's achievements even when asked during radio interviews, taking considerable time to name just one accomplishment.

Mr Boadu found it perplexing that potential leaders of the party would exhibit such behaviour.

Mr Boadu expressed concern that if these aspiring leaders cannot highlight even a single positive aspect of the party's performance, it signals a significant issue. He acknowledged that the competition among aspirants is intense, with each candidate attempting to claim credit for specific achievements.

For instance, credit for digitalisation is attributed to Dr Bawumia, while Alan Keyerematen is associated with the One-District-One-Factory initiative, he said.

Mr Boadu criticised party supporters who claim they have not received adequate attention from the party, cautioning them to be mindful of their actions.

Mr Boadu raised these concerns during an interview with Neat FM, a radio station based in Accra, on August 23, 2023.

-Classfmonline.com
James Gyakye Quayson, the Member of Parliament for Assin North has said he is not afraid of going to jail if found guilty of the charges against him.

Mr Quayson, who is currently facing forgery and perjury charges, expressed his faith in the justice system and maintained that he will ultimately be cleared of all charges.

Speaking in an exclusive interview on Citi TV's "Face to Face" monitored by ModernGhana News, Mr Quayson emphasized his trust in both the judicial process and the collective conscience of the people.

When queried by host Umaru Sanda about going to Nsawam prison should he be proven guilty, the Assin North MP responded, "No, why should I? I believe in the justice system.

The fundamental thing about any judicial matter is that the person intended to commit that crime. Did he plan it? I have not planned anything like that."

"My strongest conviction is that this is just a matter of time, when you believe you have done the right thing, you shouldnt be afraid," he added.

"I trust the court will deliver a very positive verdict, I trust my lawyers, I trust the conscience of the people," he asserted.

Mr Quayson, who has been charged with deceit of a public officer, forgery of passport and making a false statutory declaration disclosed that he had been using his dual citizenship status since 2009.

According to him, he obtained the necessary documentation from the Ministry of Interior and subsequently traveled between Ghana and Canada without using a passport.

"The Ghanaian authorities recognize me as a dual citizen person, so how can the same person be applying for or renewing his passport, and you say I dont have any other nationality? It doesnt make sense.

Unless they also dont check their own records. So I dont fear going to jail at all," asserted Mr. Quayson.
The Minority in Parliament says it has reached a consensus with the police on the modalities of its planned protest at the Bank of Ghana Head Office on September 5.

In response to what they perceive as the reckless management of the central bank and the 60 billion Ghana Cedis losses incurred in its 2022 financial report, the Minority issued a 21-day ultimatum to Dr. Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, and his deputies, to resign.

Following a closed-door meeting with the police at the Greater Accra Regional Police Headquarters, Deputy Minority Leader Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah told journalists, that all necessary arrangements have been made for the forthcoming demonstration against the management of the Bank of Ghana.

The protest is set to take place at the Bank of Ghana Head Office, with the Minority aiming to voice their concerns about what they describe as the mismanagement of financial resources and the resulting economic implications.

A leading member of the pressure group, AriseGhana, Bernard Monarh, who joined the minority for the meeting with the Police criticized the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Ernest Addison, for his justification of the new headquarters for the central bank.

In an earlier interview with the Police, Mr Mornarh was also concerned about the printing of money by the Bank in the years 2021 and 2022 which it attributed to recklessness and corruption.

We hold the view that the illegal printing of money by BoG in the year 2021 and 2022 to the tune of GH77 billion to finance the recklessness of the corrupt Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government, in flagrant disregard of section 30 of the BOG Act (as amended) is the height of irresponsibility and must be condemned by all well-meaning Ghanaians.

-Citi Newsroom
Former Rector of the Ghana Institue of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) Professor Stephen Adei, has said the implementation of the free Senior High School programme has not produced low-quality students than when the policy did not exist.

Prof Adei indicated that failure among students at the senior high school level is a foundational problem at the primary school level.

Speaking at the TV3 National Level Dialogue on the theme Free SHS in perspective: The problems, progress and prospects on Wednesday, August 23, he said It is statistically proven that free SHS has not produced lower quality students than when there was no free SHS.

About forty to fifty percent of our students fail at the SHS which has nothing to do with free SHS. It has to do with the foundation in terms of primary school.

The World Bank describes primary schools in Ghana as schooling without learning.

Professor Stephen Adei further said he is an avid supporter of the free senior high school programme.

As a beneficiary of free education during the Nkrumah era, he said, every Ghanaian should be able to access education up to the high school level and not be constrained because their parents cannot afford it.

He said I am an avid supporter of free SHS. Every child in Ghana must have access to education up to the high school level and not be constrained because their parents cannot affairs.

He added The Free SHS will be one of the greatest legacies of His Excellency the President. There is no rational Ghanaian who will want to scrap the policy of free SHS.

He further said that the policy is good and must be made better so that no child is left behind.

Prof Adei also indicated that persons calling for a review of the free should not be seen as an enemy of the regime.

Free SHS requires quality community schools, he added.

-3news.com
Former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) Professor Stephen Adei has dismissed assertions that the introduction of the Free Senior High School Policy is the cause of the current economic woes.

He says no one should ever point to the Policy as the cause of the current crisis.

The Free SHS is not the cause of the economic crisis, he asserted.

Prof Adei made this strong assertion while speaking at TV3s National Level Dialogue on the theme: Free SHS In Perspective: Problems, Progress and Prospects.

As the main speaker, the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) stressed that challenges were anticipated and he made that clear to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

But he said he advised him to ensure that the brains behind the Policy are retained when the challenges of the Policy emerge.

The Free SHS is good. It is facing challenges. It must be treated and made better and ensure that no Ghanaian child is left behind.

-3news.com
Mr Christian Kwabena Andrews

23.08.2023 LISTEN

Mr Christian Kwabena Andrews, the founder and leader of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), has said the leadership and supporters of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) are inclined to gossip and falsehoods.

He claimed that the very foundation of the NPP is gossip and the spreading of lies.

Mr Andrews contended that the NPP has a tendency to twist positive accomplishments with the intention of portraying them in a negative light.

He asserted that the party's historical precursor, the United Party (UP), was established on gossip and lies aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Ghana's first president, the late Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

According to Andrews, the NPP's ancestors propagated various unfounded rumours and falsehoods about Dr Nkrumah to undermine his government's popularity.

He said that these tactics of gossiping and misleading the public have been consistently employed by the NPP over the years.

Mr Andrews, who also serves as the head pastor of the Life Assembly Worship Centre, shared these thoughts during an interview on Accra 100.5 FM's Ghana Yensom morning show, hosted by Odehyeeba Kofi Essuman, on August 23, 2023.

He pointed out that the NPP employed similar tactics when they were in opposition during the 2016 elections, particularly targeting the National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by former President John Dramani Mahama.

Mr Andrews criticised the NPP for presenting only partially accurate information about Mahama's administration to the public, using their established methods of gossip and lies.

Mr Andrews emphasised the disparity between the infrastructure achievements of the Mahama government, which he claimed stood at 40 percent, and the current government led by President Nana Addo, which he alleged had achieved only 15 percent in comparison.

He criticised the NPP for previously criticising the NDC for purportedly not doing enough while, in his view, the NPP's performance under Nana Addo has been relatively inferior.

Mr Andrews even suggested that individuals close to President Nana Addo, including the president's father, might have been involved in propagating gossip about Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

He concluded by highlighting what he perceived as a discrepancy between the NPP's accusations against the NDC's past administration and the NPP's own performance in government.

Source: Classfmonline.com
The media's huge influence comes from the fact that it's capable of affecting public perceptions. In the light of this we set out to understand how South Africa's print media writes about foreigners. And the implications of this representation on local attitudes towards foreign nationals.

Our recently published study looked at the representation of foreigners in some of South Africa's biggest print and online newspapers. These included the Mail & Guardian, Sowetan, Times Live, Daily Maverick, Independent Online (IOL) and News24.

Foreigners make up about 7% (4 million people) of the country's population. Their presence in the country receives a great deal of media attention and has sparked a number of xenophobic attacks. Between 1994 and 2021 there were 796 incidents resulting in 588 killings, 1,000 physical assaults and almost 4,700 foreigner-owned shops looted.

This xenophobia also has an attitudinal dimension. A 2013 survey noted that about 44% of South Africans didn't agree with granting asylum to refugees, 45% said foreigners shouldn't be allowed to live in the country and 67% didn't trust foreigners. A more recent study asked respondents to mention the reasons behind anti-immigrant hate crimes: 51% blamed foreigners while only 23% blamed locals.

As researchers in Political Science and Sociology , we were interested in how South Africa's print media portrays foreign nationals. And how this can influence public attitudes. Many researchers have argued that such representation can determine power relations in society. The media's potential to influence public opinions on immigration and other social issues, is increased by its capacity to disseminate its representations at scale.

Our findings showed that the media often used language that portrayed foreigners in a bad light, and dehumanised them. We argue in our paper that this has the potential to trigger violence against the perceived invaders .

Read more: 5 xenophobic myths about immigrants in South Africa debunked by researchers

We also found that the language used was often alarmist when it came to the size of the African immigrant population in South Africa. This created the sense that the country has an overwhelming number of immigrants. This is not true.

We conclude that there's an urgent need to find a solution. We believe that part of the solution lies in rectifying erroneous public perceptions about foreigners.

How the media portrays foreign nationals

We found a common trend in the way the South African media describes the immigrant population . For instance, without incorporating academic or other credible research, there is loose use of adjectives such as undocumented or illegal when referring to African foreign nationals.

This reinforces the impression that all foreigners are undocumented and illegal .

Our research also highlighted the use of imprecise but nonetheless suggestive quantification of the African immigrant population. The media frequently used expressions such as huge numbers, many foreigners, thousands of immigrants, millions of foreign nationals, over 300 illegal foreigners, and a vast number.

We also noticed the use of dehumanising metaphors . This is mostly done through likening African immigrants to nonliving objects such as water, cargo or natural disasters that must be controlled. Often the movement of foreigners in the country was described using terms like massive influx, abnormal influx, flooding to South Africa', and "trickling into, roaming free, descended, fled or flocked.

In some instances, the threat level was emphasised through describing the immigrant population as having taken over and being an added burden to the country. Correspondingly, war terms and phrases such as crackdown, leading the charge, operation to rid and protect porous borders were used to signal a response while reinforcing the notion of an impending invasion.

Read more: Integrating languages should form part of South Africa's xenophobia solutions

Another issue our study investigated was how the media attached meanings to words. Words such as immigrants and foreigners were often accompanied by verbs such as blame, arrest, deport, employ, suspect, hold, transfer, scapegoat, prevent, dislike and kick.

Some of the common verbs associated with foreigners were steal, overrun, commit, dominate, enter, continue and occupy. The choice of these verbs perpetuates the narratives that foreigners commit crime, and have overrun, dominated, and occupied South Africa.

Us versus them

Corresponding to the negative depiction was the creation of separate identities (us versus them). Mostly, this was done by downplaying the negative traits of South Africans while emphasising their positive traits. The positive traits of African foreign nationals were minimised and their negative traits highlighted.

An example of how the negative actions of South African citizens are downplayed (or even concealed), was in media reports of xenophobic violence. These sought to conceal the agency of locals through the use of verbs as nouns and the selective use of passive and active voices .

The use of verbs to replace words that identify a class or group of people (nouns), leads to headlines like  Xenophobic attacks spread in Gauteng , Overnight xenophobic violence rocks Johannesburg , and  Night of horror for Malawians as attacks on foreigners hit Durban .

The terms xenophobic attacks, xenophobic violence, attacks', and "looting were often turned into nouns in a way that hid the perpetrators of the xenophobic violence.

Read more: South Africa is scrapping special work permits for Zimbabweans -- migrants will be left exposed

In contrast, we noticed how the agency of foreigners was highlighted in negative reports with headlines such as More than half of violent crimes in Gauteng committed by illegal immigrants .

Apart from the polarising nature of language use, one of our most important findings was that of unequal access to the media. Our study found that politicians (often critical of immigration) dominated media debates on foreigners. Reported speech from political elites was often reproduced without any critical analysis , followed by civil society and academics. Foreigners were quoted in only 14% of the reported speeches.

What should be done

The causal relations between media discourse and public attitudes have not been scientifically proven. Nevertheless it's plausible to argue that the media has the potential to shape public attitudes.

Read more: LGBT migrants in South Africa: religion can be a blessing, and a curse

More attention needs to be paid to how South African media practitioners portray foreign nationals in their platforms. Such portrayals are important, as they can affect how foreign nationals are treated not only by ordinary South Africans but also employers, the police and health institutions, among others.

Sikanyiso Masuku receives funding from the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Aairs. He is affiliated with the University of South Africa.

Sizo Nkala receives funding from Centre for Africa-China Studies which is affiliated with the University of Johannesburg.

By Sikanyiso Masuku, Research Fellow at The Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Aairs (TM-School), University of South Africa And

Sizo Nkala, Research Fellow
Containment measures, such as the lockdowns introduced to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, had devastating consequences for vulnerable urban populations globally.

In response, public, private, and civic organisations responded with various interventions to soften the impact, especially on the most vulnerable. Support was given in the form of cash transfers, food delivery, and personal protective equipment. In Ghana, government support also included tax waivers , and subsidies for water, electricity, and other household utilities.

Government officials claimed that the interventions reduced the impact of the pandemic on urban residents. And so we sought to analyse how COVID-19 related support from families, friends, government agencies, faith based and non-governmental organisations helped reduce the pandemic's impact on people. We looked at the impact on four aspects of their capital: financial, human, social and physical.

Our study in the Adenta municipality of the Greater Accra region found that the interventions had limited impacts. We also found that COVID-19 related support only reduced the negative impact of the pandemic on financial capital, and not on the other forms of capital. We discovered that building the residents' capacity to bounce back after a pandemic would have required comprehensive support, and interventions that were interconnected.

Based on our findings, we recommend that decision makers should anticipate, prepare and plan for risks by focusing on the multiple factors that expose poor people living in cities to severe impacts. This should also involve collaborating with vulnerable groups to draw on their knowledge and experiences.

The everyday life of the urban resident has many aspects. These interact to create and compound their vulnerabilities to a wide range of risks. We suggest that this complex challenge should be an opportunity to rethink planning for and responses to future risks.

The realities of poor people in cities

Accra, the capital of Ghana, is home to about 5.5 million residents . The city is characterised by poor planning, widening income inequalities and slow economic growth.

Most households, especially those in informal settlements , are exposed to poor environmental and economic conditions. City authorities are grappling with high unemployment, urban sprawl and pressure on public amenities.

The first two cases of the virus were recorded in Ghana on 12 March 2020. The virus spread quickly across the country, with Accra recording the highest number of cases.

For our study, we interviewed 400 respondents in the Adenta municipality. It is a densely populated area within the capital. We asked residents to indicate their agreement with a series of statements such as my accessibility to food was impacted by COVID-19, my standard of living significantly fell during the COVID-19 pandemic and I received support from government or religious organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The responses suggest that the pandemic affected residents' access to economic activities and opportunities to enhance their well-being. For example, most residents were unable to engage in economic activities. This led to a drastic reduction in their already irregular incomes. Others reported that the lockdown impeded access to regular visits to friends and relatives to express support during sickness or even bereavement. For residents, this was a huge psychological burden.

A package with no punch

Our findings point to key weaknesses in the various interventions.

Firstly, they did not help people when it came to social, physical and human aspects of everyday urban living. For some residents, the inability to continue educational and skill acquisition programmes was due to cost and limited online learning options. This affected their human capital, truncating initial progress.

Secondly, the most vulnerable people weren't always targeted. This was due to shortcomings in the way support was given. It was also due to the way beneficiaries were selected and how distribution took place.

For example, politicians and urban bureaucrats publicly claimed and highlighted the influential role of interventions by public authorities and their partners. However, our survey showed that people on the ground actually viewed the interventions as quick fixes. Some residents reported that while free food and cash transfers were necessary, they didn't address the root cause of their impoverishment and deprivation. They wanted functional social safety nets and access to secured jobs with regular incomes.

Also, household utility subsidies were targeted at lifeline consumers (those considered very poor) who barely made use of significant amounts of water and electricity. Consequently, these interventions appeared to have limited real impact. One community leader remarked:

We don't need financial tokens like one-time cash transfer but other important aspects of our lives that make it possible to make our own money: productive opportunities, access to social services such as affordable and quality public transport, health care, and for those of us without high education to acquire new employable skills.

Towards multi-dimensional approaches to future risks

We outlined one approach that we argue could be beneficial  to develop community based resilient planning platforms as avenues for action oriented collaboration among public, civil society and community groups. This would help ensure that responses to current and future pandemics or uncertainties were aligned with the multiple aspects of urban living.

Stephen Leonard Mensah, PhD Student at the University of Memphis, contributed to this study.

Seth Asare Okyere is part of an international team of scholars receiving funding from the Volvo Research and Educational Fund (VREF)

Louis Kusi Frimpong is part of an international team of scholars receiving funding from the Volvo Research and Educational Fund (VREF)

Matthew Abunyewah and Stephen Kofi Diko do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

By Seth Asare Okyere, Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Arizona And

Louis Kusi Frimpong, Lecturer, University of Environment and Sustainable Development And

Matthew Abunyewah, Research Fellow, The Australasian Centre for Resilience Implementation for Sustainable Communities, Charles Darwin University And

Stephen Kofi Diko, Assistant Professor, University of Memphis
The five BRICS nations are open to expanding the club to new members, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said Wednesday, as it pursues greater clout in shaping the world order.

Calls to enlarge the BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- has dominated the agenda at its three-day summit in Johannesburg and exposed rifts between its members.

China is seeking to rapidly grow the BRICS amid rising competition with the United States but the bloc's other major power, India, is wary of the intentions of its geopolitical rival.

Nearly two dozen countries have formally applied to join the BRICS, officials say, which accounts for 40 percent of the world's population and a quarter of the global economy.

Some 50 heads of state and government have joined BRICS leaders in Johannesburg.

The BRICS are a disparate mix of big and small economies, democratic and authoritarian states, but share a collective desire to challenge the Western-led global order they say does not serve their interests or rising clout.

The group operates on consensus and officials said the BRICS leaders were deliberating criteria for admitting new members.

On Wednesday, Ramaphosa told the summit that support for expansion "has been articulated by all BRICS members".

Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he supported opening the door to new members and "welcomes moving forward with consensus".

"We stand at the cusp of expanding the BRICS family," said Ramaphosa, who added that he hoped for a "clear solution to this matter" by the summit's close on Thursday.

'Turbulence and transformation'

Chinese President Xi Jinping, on just his second trip abroad this year, said expanding the bloc would "pool our strength (and) pool our wisdom to make global governance more just and equitable."

"We gather at a time when the world is undergoing major shifts, divisions, and regrouping. It has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation," said Xi, whose nation represents about 70 percent of the BRICS total GDP.

US officials have played down the likelihood of BRICS emerging as a geopolitical rival, describing the bloc as a "very diverse collection of countries" containing both friends and rivals.

The summit has underlined divisions with the West over the war in Ukraine, and the support Russia enjoys from its other BRICS partners at a time of global isolation.

South Africa, China and India have not condemned Russia's invasion while Brazil has refused to join Western nations in sending arms to Ukraine or imposing sanctions on Moscow.

Putin, seen here in a picture distributed by the Russian news agency Sputnik, joined the summit by video link. By Mikhail KLIMENTYEV (POOL/AFP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who faces an international arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, was the only BRICS leader not to attend in person, and addressed the summit via video link where he railed against sanctions.

Russia was "desperate for friends and partners so it's not surprising that they are so keen to have an expansion," said Gustavo de Carvalho, senior researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs.

BRICS divide

Chart showing the real GDP growth of the BRICS countries.. By Janis LATVELS (AFP)

Analysts said that in considering new members, Brazil, South Africa and India would have to balance a desire for good ties with China and Russia against the risk of estranging the United States, a major trading partner.

Like the BRICS themselves, the countries applying vary greatly, from G20 giants like Indonesia and Saudi Arabia to isolated states like Iran that are openly hostile to the United States and its allies.

BRICS leaders say the level of interest was proof its message resonated deeply in the "Global South" -- a broad term referring to nations outside the West.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has championed the BRICS development bank as an alternative to the Washington DC-based lending institutions, said he supported the entry of Argentina.

But the South American powerhouse feared "diluting" the influence of BRICS should it expand too quickly, said Carvalho.

"There is definitely a divide on BRICS members at the moment," he said.
23.08.2023 LISTEN

Professor Stephen Adei, former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) has said there is nothing wrong with the free Senior High School (SHS) Programme.

He noted that statistics support the claim that Free SHS is a good policy.

Speaking in an interview on TV3, he said It is statistically proven that free SHS has not produced lower quality students than when there was no free SHS.

About forty to fifty percent of our students fail at the SHS which has nothing to do with free SHS. It has to do with the foundation in terms of primary school.

The World Bank describes primary schools in Ghana as schooling without learning, Professor Stephen Adei stated.

He continued by asserting that no Ghanaian child should be denied education because their parents cannot afford it.

I am an avid supporter of free SHS. Every child in Ghana must have access to education up to the high school level and not be constrained because their parents cannot affairs. The Free SHS will be one of the greatest legacies of His Excellency the President. There is no rational Ghanaian who will want to scrap the policy of free SHS, he emphasised.
An influential Senegalese religious leader has joined calls for detained opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to end a hunger strike, an official from his political coalition told AFP.

A presidential candidate and head of state Macky Sall's fiercest critic, Sonko has faced a string of legal woes since 2021 that he claims are aimed at keeping him out of politics.

After beginning the hunger protest on July 30, he was hospitalised on August 6 and last week was admitted last week to an intensive care unit, according to his lawyers and party.

One of his attorneys, Cire Cledor Ly, on Wednesday said Sonko's condition had seriously deteriorated and that his lawyers and personal doctor had been blocked from seeing him.

Ly said there was an "imminent risk to his life".

Amid calls for his release, a delegation from Sonko's political coalition on Tuesday visited the head of the powerful religious brotherhood the Mourides.

Caliph General Serigne Mountakha Mbacke called on Sonko to start eating again, one of those present said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The leader sent a pack of dates to the politician, the person said.

In Senegal, religious leaders have often helped to mediate political impasses.

Legal woes

Sonko was arrested in late July and charged with crimes including fomenting insurrection, criminal association in connection with a terrorist enterprise and undermining state security over incidents dating back to 2021.

In a separate affair, he was on June 1 sentenced in absentia to two years in prison for morally corrupting a young woman, a conviction that makes him ineligible to stand in next year's election.

His sentencing in that case sparked clashes that left 16 dead, according to the government, or as many as 30, according to his party.

In May, he was handed a six-month suspended sentence in a defamation case.

Sonko has build up a passionate following among Senegal's disaffected young.

He portrays President Sall as a would-be dictator who oversees a corrupt elite. Sall's supporters retort that Sonko is sowing instability.

More than 140 academics, lawyers, journalists, former ministers and other people have signed an appeal asking the president to intervene to release Sonko and other detainees arrested in connection with his legal affairs.

Sonko's political party, PASTEF, claims that 1,062 people have been arrested in connection with those affairs in recent months, many of whom are on hunger strike.

Human rights groups have condemned the many arrests as well as the heavy death toll of June's demonstrations.
As President of Ghana since 2017, Nana Akuffo Addo promised to bring about positive change and spearhead a new era of development in the country. However, as the years have gone by, it becomes increasingly clear that his tenure has been riddled with disappointments, leaving Ghanaians disillusioned. This article aims to analyze the reasons why Nana Akuffo Addo has proven to be a disappointment to Ghanaians, examining his inadequacies in key areas such as corruption, economic management, social development, and human rights.

One of the most significant issues under President Akuffo Addo's governance has been the failure to effectively tackle corruption. Despite his lofty promises to fight corruption, the reality on the ground is far from satisfactory. Numerous corruption scandals, including the 'galamsey' scandal, have surfaced during his presidency, exposing the weakness of his administration in tackling this pervasive issue. The lack of accountability and the seemingly rampant corruption within the government has left Ghanaians deeply disappointed, eroding trust in the leadership and hindering progress.

Another area where President Akuffo Addo has failed to live up to expectations is economic management. Despite his promises to revive the economy and attract foreign investments, many economic indicators remain worrisome. The unemployment rate has been persistently high, hindering the livelihood of many Ghanaians. Furthermore, the government's inability to effectively manage the country's debt has led to a deterioration of public finances, which affects the provision of essential services such as education and healthcare. These economic challenges have left Ghanaians disillusioned and questioning the competency of President Akuffo Addo's administration.

Ghanaians had high hopes for substantial improvements in social development under President Akuffo Addo. However, the reality has fallen short of expectations. While some progress has been made in infrastructure development, many social services, such as healthcare and education, remain under-funded and inadequate. Ordinary Ghanaians continue to suffer from a lack of access to quality and affordable healthcare, and students still face challenges in accessing quality education. This lack of progress in the social development sector has caused frustration among Ghanaians and highlights the failure of President Akuffo Addo's administration to prioritize the needs of its citizens.

Human rights and democracy are crucial benchmarks to measure a leader's success. Sadly, President Akuffo Addo's administration has witnessed a deterioration in these areas. Cases of police brutality and to some extent killing, media intimidation, and restriction of freedom of speech have been reported under his presidency. This erosion of democratic values undermines the country's progress and stifles dissent. Ghanaians' hopes for a government that upholds human rights and fosters an inclusive society have been dashed, contributing to their disappointment in President Akuffo Addo's leadership.

In conclusion, Nana Akuffo Addo's presidency in Ghana has proven to be a disappointment to Ghanaians in various significant aspects. His administration's inability to effectively tackle corruption, manage the economy, promote social development, and uphold human rights has left individuals disillusioned and questioning the promises made during his campaign. As a citizen working at the public sector, it is clear that President Akuffo Addo's governance has fallen far short of the expectations he set, leaving a tangible negative impact on the lives of ordinary Ghanaians and hindering the country's overall progress.
23.08.2023 LISTEN

A 55-year-old fetish priest has allegedly shot himself dead, few minutes after he shot his longtime girlfriend.

Akwasi Antwi, now deceased, used a single barrel long gun, to shoot Ama Attaa, his girlfriend, at close range, on Saturday evening around 9:30pm.

The fetish priest after shooting Ama Attaa, realized that his life was in danger and decided to kill himself in a nearby bush, where he had taken refuge.

Ama Attaa, who, surprisingly, survived the gunshot incident, is reported to be responding to treatment in a medical facility in the Ashanti Region.

The weird and shocking incident is said to have happened at Ejisu-Juaben in the Ashanti Region, and it attracted scores of curious people to the scene.

Eyewitness reports indicated that Antwi and Ama Attaa have been dating for some time now but their relationship suffered problems in recent times.

According to reports, Antwi had been complaining that Ama Attaa had been denying him sex so he suspected that she was cheating.

On that fateful day, the fetish priest was said to be in possession of a single barrel long gun and stormed Ama Attaa's house in the evening around 9:30pm.

Ama Attaa, reportedly, warned Antwi not to visit her house with a gun again and this degenerated into an argument. Antwi left the scene and returned a few minutes later and accused Ama Attaa of cheating. He then shot Ama Attaa in the rib area and left the scene.

The sound of the gunshot attracted people to the scene, who raced after the fetish priest, with the aim of snatching the gun from him.

Antwi, sensing danger, then took to his heels and allegedly shot himself in the bush.

The body has since been deposited in a morgue.

-DGN online
Lilongwe, Malawi. 23 August 2023: African experts meeting in Lilongwe Malawi on Tuesday urged that health be a key agenda at the 28th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change set for Dubai in November.

The high level meeting in Lilongwe, Malawi and dubbed In pursuit of a unified African position on health in climate negotiations the experts noted that climate change has worsened the pre-existing public health inequalities and will most likely affect attainment of the 2030 sustainable development agenda.

Evidence needed to qualify and connect health with climate change already exists. What I hope this conference will come out with, is what sort of evidence do we need to put on the table to not only say that this is important in perspective of human rights or climate justice but also on investment perspective, said Dr Eliya Zulu, Executive Director, African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP).

He said climate change impacts health impacts are disproportionately harmful on the disadvantaged populations - including women and girls, indigenous communities, people in crisis, and the displaced people like those that suffered during Cyclone Freddy that hit Malawi early in the year.

Dr.Githinji Gitahi - Global CEO of Amref Africa decried the low role health has been given in the climate change discourses when its impacts are no longer secret.

Health has been an orphan of climate change conversation despite the obvious connections. Climate-related diseases, including COVID-19 continue to have huge impacts on our economies in the increase global warming, he said.

Dr. Mithika Mwenda, the Chief Executive Officer, Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) said the Malawi meeting should map out a major campaign to bring health as a critical sector in international climate change negotiations and interventions.

According to WHO, Climate change will account for 250,000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050. At the current rate of adverse climate impacts, it, will be achieved. Everyone is harmed by the effects of climate change to some degree.

Several Intergovernmental panel on climate change reports have showed that Africa is the continent most at risk of the adverse effects of climate change, both because of the expected change itself and the perceived lack of capacity of Africans and their governments to adapt to these effects.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, at least 57% of the countries experience the tremendous burden of climate-induced and political fragility hazards.

Ahead of the COP 28, AFIDEP join calls for greater application of PED approaches to yield the triple wins envisaged in sustainable development that would concurrently reduce fertility and slow population growth, preserve natural resources and enhance the resilience of communities and countries to impacts of climate change, and improve the wellbeing of women, their families, and communities.

We are aware that there is little appreciation of the fact that climate change affects multiple social determinants of health, particularly in sub Saharan Africa.

In the new context of Climate Change, it is only prudent that governments develop and strengthen responsive Health Systems to meet needs of population health, said Dr Zulu.

According to the 2022 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) NDC Synthesis Report, considering the implementation of NDCs until 2030, the best estimate of peak temperature in the twenty-first century is 2.12.9C. Such levels of warming would be catastrophic for human health.

The CSOs noted that while health is embedded in core UNFCCC documents, with the human right to health recognized in the Paris Agreement and the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, the linkages between health and climate change have not featured prominently in COP discussions, a thing that they want changed.
New York, August 23, 2023  The Committee to Protect Journalists called for Algerian authorities to immediately release journalist Mustapha Bendjama on Wednesday, after a prosecutor requested that he be sentenced to three years in prison.

By requesting a three-year prison sentence for journalist Mustapha Bendjama, the Algerian government is demonstrating its brutal intolerance for press freedom in the country, said CPJs Middle East and North Africa program coordinator, Sherif Mansour, in Washington, D.C. Authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Bendjama, drop all charges against him, and ensure that journalists can work freely without fear of imprisonment.

On February 19, authorities arrested Bendjama, editor-in-chief of local independent news website Le Provincial, and accused him of receiving foreign funding to commit acts against public order and publishing classified information.

At a court hearing in the eastern city of Constantine on Tuesday, August 22, prosecutors requested he be sentenced to three years and pay a fine of 100,000 Algerian dinars ($732). The verdict in his case is scheduled to be issued on August 29.

On June 18, an appeals court in Algiers increased imprisoned journalist Ihsane el-Kadis sentence from five to seven years in prison, on charges of receiving foreign funding for his business.

CPJ emailed the Algerian Ministry of Interior for comment but did not receive any response.
Former General Secretary of the Ghana Christian Council, Rev Dr Kwabena Opuni Frimpong, has criticised Senior Presidential Advisor Yaw Osafo Maafo for his comments on corruption and illegal small-scale mining in the country.

Osafo Maafo had admonished the church for not doing enough to address these issues, despite over 70 percent of Ghanaians identifying as Christians.

In an interview on Class91.3FM's 12Live, Rev Dr Opuni Frimpong expressed his skepticism towards Osafo Maafo's comments.

He highlighted the irony of a politician who holds a direct advisory role to the president and is, therefore, in a strong position to combat corruption, questioning the church's role in addressing the issue.

Rev Dr Opuni Frimpong noted that politicians often benefit directly from corrupt practices and found it puzzling that Osafo Maafo would shift the responsibility to the church.

Rev Dr Opuni Frimpong stated, "If these remarks had come from a pastor, a preacher, I would have been fine but that message coming from somebody who has the ears of the president, who is advisor to the president, who sits in cabinet and has been in government, who campaigned with the president and promised Ghanaians that they will come to power to protect the national purse, if he comes back to me, the church, and innocent church people and ask those questions, they are questions that must be answered by him not the church.

He further emphasized that the fight against corruption should ideally come from three major sources: state institutions, the government itself, and the church.

However, he underscored that state institutions need to fulfill their designated roles more effectively in order to combat corruption.

Rev Dr Opuni Frimpong added, "While I acknowledge the role of the church in fighting corruption, the primary responsibility lies with the government and state institutions."

Rev Dr Opuni Frimpong condemned Osafo Maafo's remarks as sounding like a political soundbite and urged for meaningful action from those in positions of power to combat corruption in Ghana.

He emphasised that rather than questioning the church, Osafo Maafo should address these concerns from within the government where he holds a position to make a tangible impact on the issue.

Source: Classfmonline.com
For the fourth straight day Wednesday, Sudanese paramilitaries fought the regular army in Khartoum for control of a key armoured corps base in the capital's south, witnesses said.

Fighters from Mohamed Hamdan Daglo's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began their assault on the vast strategic compound on several fronts on Sunday.

Residents of Al-Shajara, the neighbourhood where the base is situated, reported "large losses on both sides" on the first day of the attack when the fighting was constant.

"This is the longest the fighting has lasted in Al-Shajara," said one.

The army led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has put out several statements and videos saying it has repelled the RSF attacks.

But the paramilitaries said that since early Wednesday the RSF had "taken control of nearly the entire camp, with only a few minor areas still under contention".

Both sides post regular videos online showing what they say is their men inside the base, but it is not possible to independently verify which force holds which perimeter.

Each side has in the past claimed to have taken strongholds in Khartoum while they were in fact still fighting for them, as was the case with the army headquarters and the presidential palace.

The war between the rival generals and former allies erupted on April 15, and conservative estimates from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project are that nearly 5,000 people have been killed since then.

The bodies of many people have not been able to be recovered.

Rapid Support Forces commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, pictured with his paramilitary fighters at an undisclosed location. By - (Rapid Support Forces (RSF)/AFP/File)

According to United Nations figures, in the four months since the fighting broke out more than 4.6 million people have had to flee their homes.

UN coordinator for humanitarian affairs Martin Griffiths late Tuesday again pleaded for both parties to stop fighting so aid could get through.

Among the areas badly in need are Kadugli, in South Kordofan state, where the main road into town has been blocked by the al-Hilu faction of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), the UN said.

The faction has been battling Sudan's army in the area.

"Due to the insecurity, aid workers travelling from out of the area are not able to reach the town," a UN report said, adding that humanitarian food supplies "will only last families until the end of this month".

In a joint appeal on August 15, the heads of 20 global organisations had warned that "more than six million Sudanese people are one step away from famine".
The energy landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by the growing role of the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in meeting global electricity demands. In the intricate landscape of deregulated electricity markets, the role of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) is pivotal in driving electricity generation and supply. Recent debt haircut proposals by the Government of Ghana (GoG), driven by economic challenges, have triggered discussions on the potential ramifications for IPPs. This paper reveals the fundamental reasons behind IPPs reluctance to accept debt haircut proposals and highlights some important industry references that underscore the implications of such a stance for the energy sector, investor confidence, and sustainable development.

Guardians of Energy Infrastructure

Independent Power Producers (IPPs) play a pivotal role in ensuring energy security. They invest significant resources in developing and operating power generation facilities, making them essential partners in the energy ecosystem. IPPs as pillars of energy stability operate within a multifaceted energy system where they balance financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, and energy supply to meet growing demand. Their contribution is vital not only to energy generation but also to the overall stability of the market. As at date, the IPPs in Ghana have invested close to USD5billion (privately and commercially contracted debt and equity) in energy infrastructure;

Ensuring and Maintaining Financial Viability

IPPs operate as commercial entities, and their financial viability depends on generating sufficient revenue to cover their operational costs, debt obligations, and returns to their investors. Accepting a debt haircut could severely impact their financial health and ability to meet these obligations that comes with very strict commercial terms, including non-negotiable penal clauses. (International Finance Corporation (IFC) emphasizes the need for revenue predictability and long-term financial sustainability to attract private investments in energy projects.);

Investor Confidence: Accepting debt haircuts might erode investor confidence in the Independent Power Producers in the Ghanaian energy sector. Investors seek reliable returns and stable operating environments, and debt haircuts could introduce uncertainty, deterring future investments. (Reference: The World Banks Doing Business report underscores how stable regulatory environments, free from arbitrary policy changes, are pivotal in maintaining investor confidence);

Contractual Obligations and Regulatory Certainty:

IPPs typically enter into long-term contracts with various stakeholders, including lenders, suppliers, and off-takers. Accepting a debt haircut could trigger breaches of these contracts, leading to legal disputes and further financial strain. A debt haircut proposal might signal regulatory uncertainty or instability in the market, potentially discouraging IPPs from making long-term investments or commitments that drive technological innovation and energy expansion. (Global Energy Storage Alliance (GESA) stresses the importance of regulatory predictability in fostering investor trust and ensuring the stability of energy investments and The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) underscores the value of long-term contracts in enhancing market predictability and supporting consistent investments in the energy sector;

Credit Rating Impact: A debt haircut could lead to credit rating downgrades for IPPs, making it more expensive for them to secure financing for future projects. This, in turn, would hinder their growth and expansion plans;

Market Credibility and Business Continuity: Debt haircuts could undermine the credibility of the energy market as a whole, raising questions about the financial stability of both IPPs and the broader sector. Debt haircuts disrupt this financial equilibrium, jeopardizing their ability to meet these commitments. This might dissuade potential investors and disrupt market dynamics. (International Energy Agency (IEA): highlights that policy stability and investor-friendly regulations are essential for achieving sustainable energy transitions and fostering private investments);

Market Confidence: A debt haircut proposal might undermine confidence in the overall deregulated electricity market. Other market participants, including consumers, may become concerned about the financial stability of the market, impacting its functioning and competitiveness;

Lack of Guarantees: Given the economic turbulence, IPPs are the most worried and concerned about the governments ability to honor any new payment arrangements that arise from the proposal. Times without number, promises have failed and as a result, trust is lost;

Contract Renegotiation Concerns: Accepting a debt haircut could set a precedent for other contractual re-negotiations, possibly leading to pressure on IPPs to renegotiate other aspects of their contracts jeopardizing the sustainability and continuity of the investment. Other stakeholders might also approach IPPs with similar proposals, leading to a moral hazard situation where responsible financial practices are not incentivized;

IPPs Contribution to the Ghanaian Economy: IPPs contribute to in no small measure to Ghana's economy through job creation, infrastructure development, and tax revenue. Financial instability caused by debt haircuts could compromise these economic contributions;

Lack of Guarantees: If the local government proposing the debt haircut is facing economic problems, IPPs might be concerned about the governments ability to honor any new payment arrangements that arise from the proposal;

Impact on Operations: The reduction in revenues resulting from a debt haircut could impact the maintenance and operational activities of the IPPs, potentially leading to reduced reliability and efficiency of power generation. Reference: World Economic Forum (WEF) highlights how IPPs contribute to driving energy transition, innovation, and competitiveness within the energy market;

Striking a Balance: While acknowledging the economic challenges faced by Government of Ghana (GoG), the energy sectors sustainability and investor confidence cannot be compromised. Independent Power Producers are essential guardians of energy infrastructure and enablers of socio-economic growth. A collaborative approach involving governments, regulatory bodies, and IPPs is necessary to find solutions that ensure financial stability for all parties while safeguarding the reliable supply of electricity.

As we navigate the complexities of the energy transition, the importance of a stable and supportive regulatory framework cannot be overstated. By addressing the economic challenges in a manner that preserves the integrity of contractual obligations and fosters a conducive investment environment, we can continue to advance towards a sustainable energy future.

Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor | Power Systems Economist & CEO of the Independent Power Producers, Ghana
Bank of America has a rich history dating back to 1800 and even earlier. It was begun by immigrants as a group of separate and unrelated banks that, over the years, merged and grew together. One such is the Bank of Italy which was founded in 1904 by Amadeo Giannini to serve Italian immigrants that were facing discrimination. He later buys out the Banca de America e de Italia (Bank of America and Italy) which was also located in San Francisco. Over the years additional mergers and changes in Federal banking legislation, as well as the boom brought on by WWI and then WWII, helped boost the bank to national prominence.

Things turned sour, however, in 1998 with a major bond default that led to yet another merger, this time with Charlotte, NC-based Nations Bank to officially become the Bank of America that exists today. At the time, the merger was the largest bank merger in history and the company has only grown in the time since.

Other additions to the new Bank of America include MBNA (a major credit card operator), Fleet Boston (then the US 7th largest and one of its oldest banks), and Merril Lynch, now Merril, which was added to the group in 2008 to provide an investment banking branch. Together the company dominates as one of the Big Four Banks in America. Bank of America lays claim to nearly 11% of all US deposits which ranks in line with its peer group and Bank of America Securities is listed as the worlds 3rd largest investment bank.

Today, Bank of America Corporation provides banking and financial services for individuals, small businesses, institutions, corporations, and governments worldwide. The bank operates in three segments Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management, and Global Banking bringing in a combined revenue greater than $90 billion in 2022.

As of 2022, Bank of America serves approximately 67 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,200 retail financial centers. The bank also operates more than 16,000 ATMs and digital banking platforms with approximately 41 million active users.

Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional banking and investment products for retail clients. These range from deposit accounts to savings, credit cards, consumer loans, and IRAs. The Global Wealth & Investment Management segment offers investment and wealth management solutions including, brokerage, banking, and trust and retirement products. The Global Banking segment provides lending products and services, including commercial loans and leases for businesses of all varieties. The Global Markets segment offers market-making, clearing, settlement, and custody services, as well as risk management, derivatives, and FX exchange services.
The Charles Schwab Corporation is a financial services company that offers a wide range of investment services, including brokerage, banking, and financial advisory services. Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Westlake, Texas, the company operates through two main segments: Investor Services and Advisor Services. The Investor Services segment offers individual investors retail brokerage and banking services, while the Advisor Services segment provides custodial, trading, and support services to independent investment advisors. In 2020, the company completed its acquisition of TD Ameritrade, further expanding its client base and offerings.

Charles Schwab Corporation's management team is led by Walt Bettinger, who has been the company's President and Chief Executive Officer since 2008. Mr. Bettinger joined the company in 1995 and has held various leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer and Head of Schwab Institutional.

Over the past few years, Charles Schwab Corporation has experienced steady growth in its key financial metrics. It is reporting increased revenue and increased profit margin. Charles Schwab Corporation's valuation metrics are generally in line with industry peers. The company's price-to-earnings ratio is slightly lower than the industry average, and the company's price-to-book ratio is also somewhat lower than the industry average. Charles Schwab Corporation's stock has generally performed well over the past few years, with some fluctuations in response to broader market conditions and regulatory changes. The company's stock price has outperformed the S&P 500 for several years. The company has also experienced increases in trading volume in response to changes in market conditions and regulatory changes.

Charles Schwab Corporation operates in the financial services industry, which has experienced significant growth and transformation over the past few years. The industry has been impacted by a range of factors, including advances in technology, changing consumer preferences, and regulatory changes. Charles Schwab Corporation competes with other financial services firms, including traditional brokerage firms, online investment platforms, and banks.

Charles Schwab Corporation has a range of potential growth opportunities, including expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of its clients. The company has been investing in technology and digital platforms to improve its services and attract new clients. In addition, the company's acquisition of TD Ameritrade has provided new opportunities for growth and expansion. The company also focuses on expanding its international presence and exploring new markets.

Charles Schwab Corporation faces a range of potential risks and challenges, including changes in regulatory and political environments that may impact the company's operations and profitability. The financial services industry is subject to a wide range of regulations, and changes in these regulations could significantly impact the company's operations. In addition, the industry is subject to intense competition, which could affect the company's ability to attract and retain clients.

Another potential risk is the impact of market volatility on the company's operations. Charles Schwab Corporation generates a significant portion of its revenue from commissions and fees, which are impacted by changes in market conditions. In periods of market volatility, clients may reduce their trading activity, which could affect the company's revenue and profitability.

The company also faces risks related to data security and privacy. The company collects and stores sensitive financial and personal information on its clients. Any breach of this data could significantly impact the company's reputation and financial performance.

To address these risks and challenges, Charles Schwab Corporation is focused on maintaining a robust regulatory compliance program and investing in data security and privacy measures. The company is also focused on diversifying its revenue streams and expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of its clients.
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. provides reinsurance and insurance products around the world. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Bermuda with offices in Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, Singapore, and the US.

The company operates through two segments that include multiple underlying businesses and investment vehicles. The two main segments are Property and Casualty & Specialty. The company operates through intermediaries that include DaVinci Resinsurance Inc, Top Layer Reinsurance LTD, and RennaisanceRe Syndicate 1458 among others.

Top Layer Re is the first major venture and was started in 1999. It is a joint venture with State Farm targeting high layers of the US reinsurance business. DaVinci Re was formed in the wake of 9/11 to assist with capacity and it was given added capacity in the wake of hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. Medici was formed in 2009 and is an open-ended fund intended to spur investment in the catastrophe bond market.

The Property segment writes catastrophic insurance policies to insure insurance and reinsurance companies against natural and man-made catastrophes. These include but are not limited to hurricanes, floods, freezes, and terrorism.

The Casualty & Specialty segment provides a wide range of consumer products including business insurance, malpractice insurance, liability insurance, workers' compensation, mortgage insurance, and health insurance among others.

Among RenaissanceRes Specialty businesses is capital management. The firm offers 6 investment vehicles and has more than $11 billion under management making it the #1 ILS or insurance-linked asset manager in the US. In regards to its credit ratings, the firm and all of its vehicles carry an A or better rating from every credit rating agency.
Wells Fargo & Company is a multinational financial services company that has established itself as a prominent player in the global financial industry. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Wells Fargo operates in 35 countries and serves over 70 million customers worldwide. Its rich history and successful mergers and acquisitions have contributed to its significant global presence.

As a comprehensive financial services provider, Wells Fargo offers a wide range of banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer financial services. The company's mission is to satisfy its customers' financial needs and help them succeed financially. Wells Fargo aims to achieve this by providing exceptional service, acting with integrity, fostering diversity and inclusion, and contributing positively to the communities it serves.

Wells Fargo's extensive product and service portfolio caters to various market segments. The company serves individual consumers, small businesses, corporations, and institutional investors. Its key customers encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from everyday banking customers to high-net-worth individuals and large corporations. Wells Fargo aims to meet the diverse financial needs of its customers through personalized solutions and innovative offerings.

The company has achieved several notable milestones and received recognition for its contributions to the financial industry. Wells Fargo has been ranked as one of the "Big Four Banks" in the United States, alongside JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Citigroup. It is also recognized as one of the largest banks in the country by total assets, deposits, and market capitalization. Wells Fargo's commitment to delivering quality financial services has earned it a position among the most valuable bank brands.

Wells Fargo is led by an experienced and capable management team that guides the company's operations and strategic direction. The leadership team consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds and extensive finance, banking, technology, risk management, and customer service expertise. The Chief Executive Officer and President of Wells Fargo is Charles W. Scharf, who brings a wealth of experience in the financial industry. The management team also includes key executives such as Michael J. Santomassimo as the Chief Financial Officer and Scott Powell as the Chief Operating Officer. Each management team member contributes their professional background, accomplishments, and expertise to ensure the company's success.

Wells Fargo has demonstrated consistent financial performance over the years, driven by its diverse business segments and strategic initiatives. The company has reported steady revenue growth, reflecting its ability to attract and retain a large customer base. Wells Fargo's revenue metrics indicate its success in generating income through its various financial services and product offerings.

Earnings metrics illustrate the company's profitability and stability. Wells Fargo's focus on prudent risk management practices and diversified revenue streams contributes to its ability to generate sustainable earnings. Profit margin metrics showcase the efficiency of Wells Fargo's operations. The company's ability to manage costs effectively while generating revenue is key to maintaining healthy profit margins. Debt levels play a significant role in evaluating the company's financial position. Wells Fargo's management strives to maintain a conservative approach to managing debt, ensuring a strong balance sheet and financial stability.

Wells Fargo's valuation metrics are influenced by a range of factors, including its market position, financial performance, growth prospects, risk profile, and investor sentiment. Factors driving Wells Fargo's valuation include its brand recognition, customer base, diversified business segments, and ability to generate consistent earnings. Changes in investor sentiment, market conditions, and regulatory developments can also impact the company's valuation over time.

Investors closely monitor Wells Fargo's stock performance, assessing its ability to deliver value over the long term. The stock has had issues in the past due to news or events that have affected the company's share price, such as regulatory actions, the global pandemic, and strategic initiatives. These factors should be considered in analyzing its market performance.

Wells Fargo operates in the highly competitive financial services industry, which is subject to evolving regulatory frameworks and technological advancements. Understanding the broader industry in which the company operates is crucial to assessing its competitive positioning.

Wells Fargo competes with other major banks and financial institutions domestically and internationally. The company leverages its brand recognition, extensive product and service offerings, customer relationships, and technological capabilities to gain a competitive advantage. However, it also faces challenges such as regulatory compliance, changing customer preferences, and disruptive market forces.

Wells Fargo has identified several growth opportunities within its diverse business segments. The company aims to deepen relationships with existing customers, attract new customers and expand its presence in key markets. In consumer banking, Wells Fargo focuses on enhancing digital capabilities, improving customer experience, and providing innovative solutions to meet evolving customer needs. The company seeks to leverage its strong brand and customer base to drive growth and increase customer loyalty. In wealth and investment management, Wells Fargo aims to capitalize on the growing demand for comprehensive financial planning and advisory services. The company's expertise in wealth management positions it well to capture opportunities in an increasingly complex investment landscape.

As with any financial institution, Wells Fargo faces various risks and challenges. It is important to comprehensively analyze potential risks and challenges to understand their potential impact on the company's performance. Factors such as regulatory changes, cybersecurity threats, economic downturns, and reputational risks pose challenges to Wells Fargo's operations. The company has implemented robust risk management strategies, invested in technology and security measures, and enhanced compliance frameworks to mitigate these risks. Ongoing efforts to prioritize ethical conduct, transparency, and stakeholder trust are integral to managing risks effectively.
The benchmark Sensex and Nifty are likely to open marginally higher on October 30 as trends in the GIFT Nifty indicate a positive start for the broader index with a gain of 53 points. The market rebounded sharply after days of relentless selling in the previous session, with benchmarks Sensex and Nifty closing a percent higher on October 27. Bearish sentiment is expected to prevail and uptrend, if any, is likely to be sold into, experts said. At best the Nifty, which closed at 19,047, may consolidate below 19,500 with major support at 18,800, the low of the previous week, experts said. Selling pressure will intensify if the index slips below 18,800 and can slide to 18,600-18,500. On the higher side, 19,200-19,300 will be the immediate resistance, followed by 19,500. "The index closed significantly below the critical breakdown level of 19,250. As long as it stays below 19,250, the market may continue to be inclined towards selling on any upward movements," Rupak De, senior technical analyst at LKP Securities said. On the downside, weakness will resume if the index falls below 18,800. This is because Put writers are likely to defend the Nifty with substantial positions at 18,800, with immediate support placed at 19,000, he said. The pivot point calculator indicates that the Nifty may take support at 18,960, followed by 18,924 and 18,867. On the higher side, 19,074 can be the immediate resistance followed by 19,109 and 19,166. Stay tuned to Moneycontrol to find out what happens in the currency and equity markets today. We have collated a list of important headlines across news platforms, which could impact Indian as well as international markets. GIFT Nifty The GIFT Nifty indicates a marginally positive start for the broader index with a gain of 53 points. GIFT Nifty futures stood at 19,081 points after making a high of 19,090 points. Trade setup for Monday: Top 15 things to know before the opening bell US Markets US stock futures opened higher slightly ahead of a big week filled with a Federal Reserve rate decision, jobs report and Apples earnings report. S&P 500 futures added 0.3 percent, while Nasdaq-100 futures gained 0.4 percent. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were up 0.1 percent. The S&P 500 fell into correction territory last week, shedding 2.5 percent for the week to put it down by 10.6 percent from its 2023 high. The benchmark is off 4 percent for October, on pace for its third-straight negative month which would be its first such streak since 2020 as the pandemic struck. The Federal Reserve decision looms on Wednesday, where the central bank is widely expected to hold its benchmark interest rate at the same level. With surging interest rates as the main culprit of this stock market correction, investors will be hoping the Fed signals it could be done raising rates. Traders expect the Fed to be done raising rates at least for 2023. The 10-year Treasury yield jumped above 5 percent to start last week, but finished at 4.84 percent. Friday will bring the October jobs report with investors hoping for some slowing in the labor market that will allow the Fed to feel comfortable with staying on hold the rest of the year. European Markets European stocks closed lower on Friday, with earnings and the state of the global economy keeping sentiment on edge. The benchmark Stoxx 600 ended down 0.8 percent, with most sectors and major bourses in negative territory. Healthcare stocks slipped 2.9 percent to lead losses, while chemicals stocks climbed 0.8 percent. The pan-European index has had a muted week overall but is heading for its worst monthly performance since Sept. 2022, according to LSEG data. Company results have caused big movements in individuals stocks. NatWest plunged as much as 17 percent near the open, before paring losses and ending the session down 11 percent. The bank reported third-quarter results that showed a lower net interest margin, while the UKs Financial Conduct Authority said Friday morning it had found potential regulatory breaches in its report into a banking account scandal that ousted NatWest CEO Alison Rose. Asian Markets Asia-Pacific markets started the week lower ahead of a week of key economic data from around the region. Monetary policy decisions from Japan and Malaysia, inflation data from South Korea, and gross domestic growth figures from Taiwan and Hong Kong are the regional highlights of the week. Japans Nikkei 225 slid 0.96 percent as the Bank of Japan starts its two-day monetary policy meeting, while the Topix lost 0.91% in early trading. South Koreas Kospi dropped marginally, but the small-cap Kosdaq rose 0.54 percent. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.83 percent, ahead of September retail sales readings on Monday. Futures for Hong Kongs Hang Seng index stood at 17,175, pointing to a weaker open compared to the HSIs close of 17,398.73. On Friday in the US, all three major indexes ended the day mixed, with the S&P 500 entering correction territory as renewed selling occurred on Wall Street on fears of a recession. The 30-stock Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.12 percent, while the S&P 500 slipped 0.48 percent. The Nasdaq Composite held 0.38 percent higher to 12,643.01, thanks to Amazon beating analysts expectations for revenue and earnings in the third quarter. Primary market busy amid turmoil; Cello World, Mamaearth amid 7 IPOs to open this week Six initial public offerings (IPOs) together worth Rs 3,734 crore hit Dalal Street this week amid bloodletting in the market over the worsening situation in West Asia, worries surrounding US bond yields and FII selling. Two companies also make their market debut this week. Equity benchmarks the Sensex and the Nifty tanked 2.5 percent in the week gone by and are down 6 percent from their record highs. Will the gloom rub off on the public offerings, including those of Cello World and Honasa Consumer, remains to be seen. In the mainboard segment, consumer product company Cello World will be the first to launch its IPO today i.e., on October 30. The Rs 1,900-crore issue, which is an offer for sale of shares by promoters Rathod family, closes on November 1 and the price band has been fixed at Rs 617-648 a share. India Inc Top 10 suffer Rs 1.93-lakh-cr loss; TCS, HDFC Bank lead laggards All the top-10 most valued firms suffered a combined erosion of Rs 1,93,181.15 crore in market valuation last week, with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and HDFC Bank taking the biggest hit, in line with the bearish trend in equities. In a holiday-shortened last week, the BSE benchmark tanked 1,614.82 points or 2.46 percent. The market valuation of TCS plunged Rs 52,580.57 crore to Rs 12,25,983.46 crore, the most among the top-10 firms. HDFC Banks market capitalization (mcap) slumped Rs 40,562.71 crore to Rs 11,14,185.78 crore. The valuation of Reliance Industries Limited dropped Rs 22,935.65 crore to Rs 15,32,595.88 crore and that of Infosys tumbled Rs 19,320.04 crore to Rs 5,73,022.78 crore. The mcap of Bharti Airtel fell by Rs 17,161.01 crore to Rs 5,13,735.07 crore and that of Bajaj Finance diminished by Rs 15,759.95 crore to Rs 4,54,814.95 crore. FPIs withdraw Rs 20,300 cr from equities in Oct; invest Rs 6,080 cr in debt Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have pulled out over Rs 20,300 crore from Indian equities this month so far, primarily due to a sharp surge in the US treasury yield, and the uncertain environment resulting from the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, the story takes an intriguing turn on observing FPI activity in Indian debt as they have infused Rs 6,080 crore into the debt market during the period under review, data with the depositories showed. "Going ahead, the future of FPI flows hinges on several factors, including the US Federal Reserves November 2 meeting and global economic developments," Mayank Mehraa, small case manager and principal partner at Craving Alpha, said. "In the short term, FPIs are expected to remain cautious amid global uncertainty and increasing US interest rates. Nonetheless, Indias strong economic growth prospects should maintain its appeal for foreign investors in both equities and debt," he added. ESAF Small Finance Bank IPO to open on November 3, plans to raise Rs 463 crore The ESAF Small Finance Bank IPO will be launched for subscription on November 3, with a target to raise Rs 463 crore. This would be the third public issue during the coming week, after Cello World and Mamaearth parent Honasa Consumer. The anchor book will be opened for a day on November 2, while the public issue will be closing on November 7. The price band for the issue will be announced soon. The offer consists of a fresh issuance of shares worth Rs 390.7 crore by the company, and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of Rs 72.3 crore shares by three shareholders. Promoter ESAF Financial Holdings will be selling Rs 49.26 crore worth of shares via OFS, while PNB MetLife India Insurance Company and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company will offload Rs 23.04 crore worth of stocks in the OFS. IDFC First Bank Q2 Results: Net profit jumps 35% to Rs 751 crore Private sector lender IDFC First Bank on October 28 reported a net profit of Rs 751 crore for the July-September quarter of financial year 2023-24, 35 percent higher from the year-ago period. It was, however, lower than Rs 785.7 crore estimated by Motilal Oswal. The net interest income (NII), the difference between the interest the bank earned from its lending activities and the interest it paid to depositors, was at Rs 3,950 crore, up 31 percent from the year-ago period and above the estimates of Rs 3,923 crore. The lender's net interest margin (NIM) was at 6.32 percent compared to 5.83 percent in the year-ago quarter. The bank's deposits increased by 44 percent YoY basis to Rs 1.64 lakh crore in the July-September period. CASA deposits, too, grew 26 percent to Rs 79,468 crore. Oil Prices Oil prices slipped $1 a barrel on Monday as investors adopted caution ahead of the Fed policy meeting and Chinas manufacturing data later this week, offsetting support from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude futures dropped 98 cents, or 1.1 percent, to $89.50 a barrel by 0001 GMT while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $84.54 a barrel, down $1, or 1.2 percent. Investors are eyeing the outcome of the Federal Reserve monetary policy meeting on Wednesday, US employment data and earnings from tech giant Apple Inc for signs of any economic slowdown that could impact fuel demand at the worlds top oil consumer, CMC Markets analyst Tina Teng said. Both Brent and WTI ended 3 percent higher on Friday after Israel stepped up its ground incursions into Gaza, stoking worries that the conflict could widen in the region that accounts for a third of global oil production. Despite an escalation in the Hamas-Israel war, the ground invasion was widely expected, Teng said. Dollar Index The Dollar index traded 0.06 percent higher in futures at 106.58, whereas the value of one dollar hovered near Rs 83.41. Gold Prices Gold prices ticked higher and headed for a third consecutive weekly gain on Friday, supported by continued safe-haven demand fuelled by Middle East tensions, while investors awaited the US Federal Reserve policy meeting due next week. Spot gold rose 0.5 percent to $1,993.69 per ounce and gained 0.7 percent for the week. US gold futures settled 0.1 percent higher at $1,998.50. Gold has been holding nearly all of its recent gains as the market remains extremely concerned about a conflagration in the Middle East, said Tai Wong, a New York-based independent metals trader. Israeli forces carried out their biggest Gaza ground attack in their 20 day old war with Hamas overnight as Arab nations condemned the bombardment. Safe-haven bullion has gained around 8 percent, or more than $140, since the start of the war on Oct. 7. If there is an escalation in the conflict, there are prospects of additional safe-haven buying... Gold investors will also be watching the outlook for U.S. Treasury yields, said Daniel Ghali, commodity strategist at TD Securities. FIIs and DIIs Foreign institutional investors sold shares worth Rs 1,500.13 crore, while domestic institutional investors bought Rs 313.69 crore worth of stocks on October 27, provisional data from the National Stock Exchange showed. With inputs from Reuters and other agencies.
The lobby of the Office of the Attorney General is shown Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, at the Guam International Trade Center in Tamuning.
The U.S. Marine Corps MQ-9A MUX/MALE is formally unveiled during a ceremony for Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 (VMU-3), Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii, Aug 2, 2023. The ceremony commemorated the squadrons years of dedicated effort and work to reach Initial Operational Capability with the MQ-9A. VMU-3 can support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force by providing multi-surveillance and reconnaissance, data gateway and relay capabilities, and enabling or conducting the detection and cross cueing of targets and facilitating their engagement during expeditionary, joint and combined operations.
General Manager John Benavente of the Guam Power Authority gives a report to the Consolidated Commission on Utilities during a work session Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, at the Gloria B. Nelson Public Service Building in Mangilao.
McDonalds Guam and Saipan managers Leah Laxamana and Gisel Achal pose for a photo while displaying their certificates from Hamburger University in Chicago after completing the "Leading Great Restaurants" course.
Reporter

Andrew Roberto was raised his whole life on Saipan. He graduated from Saipan Southern High School, holds a degree from Northern Marianas College, and a BA in English from the University of Guam. He once worked for KUAM, UNO Magazine, and the Guam Daily Post.
Yves here. William Nordhaus needs to be assigned to his own special circle in hell for his destructively misleading work on climate change. We also posted on the Financial Times article that Ann Pettifor (via Richard Murphy) highlights here, How investors are underpricing climate risks. But Pettifor gives a great treatment of a part of this article we chose to skip over, that of how dangerously wrong mainstream economists have been.

By Richard Murphy, part-time Professor of Accounting Practice at Sheffield University Management School, director of the Corporate Accountability Network, member of Finance for the Future LLP, and director of Tax Research LLP. Originally published at Tax Research

I read this post by my Green New Deal colleague, and friend, Ann Pettifor, yesterday, and with her permission, I share it here because it is so good. I recommend subscribing to Anns blog on Substack. We dont always agree with each other, but she always has useful things to say:

The Financial Timess Lex column is legendary.

The editor, Jonathan Guthrie, argues that it is the oldest and arguably most influential column of its kind having first appeared in 1945. Lex is written by a collective  there are no author bylines because that would be inaccurate, writes Guthrie. The name is a riff on the Latin phrase for Law of the Markets and the column is for anyone interested in the story of global capital viewed through the prism of corporate news.

In other words, Lex is for the very serious people.

So it was with some interest my attention was drawn to the latest Lex in depth article, titled how investors are underpricing climate risks an unusual intervention for this conservative and mainstream column.

The Lex collective, it appears, is uneasy. Not surprising given cascading news reports of global climate upheaval; killer wildfires that destroy whole towns and populations; the record-breaking boreal fires that Scientific American warns may be a climate time-bomb; warming oceans; melting permafrost; and murderous floods.

Despite these events, Lex columnists are not panicking. Just warning investors against underpricing climate risks. They tentatively suggest that asset values may need recalibrating. The word unsustainable is deployed several times. The future underperformance of hypothetical portfolios is discussed. Climate induced sovereign downgrades could happen as early as 2030 the column warns  ignoring current calamities and leaving plenty of time to adjust a bond portfolio.

Skilful adaptation suggests Lex phlegmatically, would soften the blow from climate change.

The Lex collective does express concern about the future of tourism  singling out Greece as an example  but tongue-in-cheek suggests all may not be lost because destinations such as Belgium would become more popular.

The closest the column comes to expressing angst is when the authors warn

that existing models may be providing a false sense of security.

The column notes that the UK Pensions Regulator has already raised concerns over scenario impacts that

seem relatively benign and appear to be at odds with established science

and reminds readers that last November the little-known Financial Stability Board warned that scenarios used to assess risks to the financial system may understate climate vulnerability.

An undertone of genuine angst begins to emerge when the collective warns of a cavernous gap between theory and reality. A gap

 between  cataclysmic forecasts and the modest impacts anticipated by pension funds and listed companies in their climate risk reporting.

A gap that signals devastating financial detonators for the system.

Regrettably, the columns truth-telling comes a little too late. For even while signalling grave concern, Lex columnists are careful not to challenge mainstream economics  particularly those led by a Nobel Prize winner in economics, William Nordhaus and his disciples inside the Financial Times.

The Lex collective treat Nordhaus with undeserved respect, ignoring his catastrophic errors, citing his Nobel Prize and noting approvingly that he began modelling climate change as far back as 1975.

Why, given his Nobel Prize, is that respect undeserved?

Bear with me as I lean heavily on years of research by Prof. Steve Keen on Nordhauss contribution to climate economics and take you through just a few of his fundamental errors; his harmful impact on the economics profession and on UN climate scientists; on prominent FT journalists; and on the ultra-conservative central bank of Sweden, the Sveriges Riksbank  issuer of the so-called Nobel Prize in economics.

Above all, the baleful impact of Nordhauss theories on corporate, governmental and the UNs inter-governmental policy-making (the IPCC process).

But first a bias alert: Steve Keen is a good friend and long-standing colleague. We discovered each others work when in the early 2000s we both began predicting the Great Financial Crisis of 2007-9. Keen is a rigorous, insightful Australian economist who has not been considered for the Nobel Prize, despite his foresight in predicting the Global Financial Crisis. He has long studied and understood Nordhauss work  and repeatedly recorded its profound and dire influence on the UNs IPPCC process.

The angst in the Lex column was triggered (in my view) by Keens latest humdinger of a report with Carbon Tracker: Loading the Dice Against Pensions. (To read Steves work in full, click through to Carbon Trackers Supporting Document  How did we get here?)

Keens critique of Nordhaus and the economics profession  and the implications for future pension payouts to millions of the worlds savers  begins with the economic disciplines peer review process.

It turns out that

papers that should have been rejected for their obvious lack of understanding of the science of climate change were passed by referees who, as economists rather than climate scientists, also lacked a scientific understanding of climate change.

Because so few economists were, or are interested in climate change, the cohort writing about the impact of climate change is small, and therefore subject to groupthink argues Keen. And the leader of this group is William Nordhaus  an economist so ignorant of climate science that he makes the elementary error of confusing weather with climate as Keen explains:

Nordhauss 1991 paper To Slow or Not to Slow: The Economics of The Greenhouse Effect, published in the prestigious Economic Journalone of only 9 papers that this journal has ever published on climate change  kicked off the practice of economists estimating the economic effects of climate change. In it, Nordhaus assumed that 87% of Americas GDP manufacturing, mining, utilities, retail and wholesale services, government, and financewould be negligibly affected by climate change, because these activities take place in carefully controlled environments that will not be directly affected by climate change (Nordhaus 1991, p. 930).

Keen explains that:

The only thing these industries have in common is that they occur under cover (if one ignores, as Nordhaus evidently did in 1991, open-cast mining), and therefore are not directly exposed to the weather. The industries he said would be potentially severely impactedfarming, forestry and fishingare affected by the weather. Nordhaus therefore effectively equated being exposed to climate change to being exposed to the weather. In keeping with the groupthink problem noted earlier, the assumption that indoor activities are sheltered from climate change has been replicated by all subsequent studies. The 2014 IPCC Report repeated Nordhauss assertion that indoor activities will be unaffected. The only change between Nordhaus in 1991 and the IPCC Report 23 years later was that it no longer lumped mining in the not really exposed to climate change bracket. (Steves emphasis)

It gets worse. In that same 1991 paper Nordhaus writes:

We estimate that the net economic damage from a 3 warming is likely to be around % of national income  We might raise the number to around 1% of total global income to allow for these unmeasured and unquantifiable factors, although such an adjustment is purely ad hoc.  my hunch is that the overall impact upon human activity is unlikely to be larger than 2% of total output. (Nordhaus 1991, pp. 932-3. Emphasis added).

My hunch.

Keen explains how this hunch has influenced the UNs Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Three decades later, (in 2022) after about 50 more studies of the total economic costs of climate change had been undertaken (Tol 2022), the economics chapter of the IPCCs Sixth Assessment Report, Key Risks across Sectors and Regions, predicted a 10-23% fall in GDP from 4C of warming by 2100: With historically observed levels of adaptation, warming of ~4C may cause a 1023% decline in annual global GDP by 2100 relative to global GDP without warming, due to temperature impacts alone. (IPCC 2022, p. 2459) Since economists also assumed that economic growth would continue over this 80-year period, this 10-23% decline would still result in a per capita GDP of the order of four times higher than today. (Emphasis added)

To forecast that over an 80 year period of expected climate, biodiversity and civilisational collapse, society could confidently expect a rise in per capita GDP (income) four times higher than today is delusional, blind to the science of planetary boundaries.

Nordhauss unscientific hunch has had, and continues to have deleterious consequences for the planet, for human society, for policy-makers, the economic and scientific community, investors and pensioners. Largely because his lackadaisical approach to climate science, his prominence as a Nobel Prize-winning economist has induced a sort of coma in governments and policy-makers  when  as the climate scientist and physicist Prof. Kevin Anderson warns on Twitter:

We are heading towards 3 to 4C of warming across this century, an absolute climate catastrophe for all species including our own. And all we are doing so far is giving rhetoric and optimism and greenwash.

Some may doubt the power and influence of economists in bringing us to this pass. They would be wrong. Nordhauss economics suit the interests of the Fossil Sector. They suit the interests of the 1%  who even now are planning to evacuate the planet before their wealth is put at risk. Above all, economists like Nordhaus have influenced media commentary, including that of Stuart Kirk, once HSBC Asset Managements head of responsible investment, and now a weekly FT columnist.

On Kirks Linked-in page he proudly parades the following summary of his starring role in the climate denial debate triggered, he claims, by a speech he made in May, 2022. A speech that led to the cultural and political wars that now rage over ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) policies and caused the ESG pendulum to swing the other way in far right Republican circles:

At a Financial Times Moral Money conference, he (Kirk) suggested  perhaps not choosing his words terribly well  that the risk to investment returns from climate change was over-hyped, Miami becoming Amsterdam was nothing to worry about, and central bank doom-mongers were nut-jobs. The speech went viral and is now considered the moment when ESGs pendulum began to swing the other way. What one prominent journalist calls the most watched PowerPoint presentation ever is approaching 200,000 on You Tube. Twitter went mental. Overnight Stuart was a major general in the culture wars, generating acres of newspaper copy, hours of television debate, and a zillion Tweets. Even US senators weighed in. Like all overnight sensations, Stuart has had a global audience for almost two decades.

Posting that summary on his own Linked-in page takes some chutzpa. Especially as he is an ex-editor of the oldest and arguably most influential column of its kind  the FTs Lex column.

But Kirk is not just another clown. He is an exemplar of the power and influence of economic theories that have transformed human society and the ecosystem.

Theories that have caused human societies and economic activity to exceed safe planetary boundaries and thereby undermine critical life-support systems; but that have also generated obscene levels of inequality worldwide.

Theories that have led to the rise of Silicon Valleys platform economy and the neo-feudalist approach to democracy and accountability by capitalists like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel.

Economic theories that have led to government by markets, fuelling financial and other shocks, and the rise of authoritarian, and even neo-fascist regimes promising citizens protection from globalised markets.

Theories that are man-made. And that can be re-made. That will be the theme of my book.
As well unpack, the financial press has been depicting the soft Chinese economy as teetering on the edge of a crisis. As well soon show, even though China has had to intervene to defend the renminbi, the current wobbles are overhyped. That isnt to say that China has a housing debt bubble whose unwind will be a drag on growth. And that isnt also to say that China isnt at risk of an eventual crisis. But its current wobbles are not that.

But the media piling on comes in connection with some major press stories and now Jake Sullivan depicting China as a threat, for its alleged hegemony-building and now, per Sullivan, not being transparent enough about its economy. While yours truly is not a China fan, its pretty rich for the declining superpower to get upset about geopolitical competition, particularly when the new kid on the block has yet to engage in our speciality, regime change operations.

First to the finance part of the story. Conventional wisdom had it that China would rebound quickly from its Zero Covid restrictions, to the degree that its demand was expected to push up global energy prices. However, that didnt happen. July figures showed a 14.5% fall in exports and 12.4% in imports, the worst showing in three years.

China has also been suffering from a falling housing market. From Bloomberg last week:

Judging by Chinas official statistics, the nations housing market has been remarkably resilient in the face of tepid economic growth and record defaults by developers. New-home prices have slipped just 2.4% from a high in August 2021, government figures show, while those for existing homes have dropped 6%. But the picture emerging from property agents and private data providers is far more dire. These figures show existing-home prices falling at least 15% in prime neighborhoods of major metropolitan areas like Shanghai and Shenzhen, as well as in more than half of Chinas tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Existing homes near Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.s headquarters in Hangzhou have dropped about 25% from late 2021 highs, according to local agents. While its difficult to make apples-to-apples comparisons, industry insiders and economists say Chinas official home-price indexes are likely understating the depth of the downturn Thats heightening concern among investors about the availability of timely economic data in China, where access to some information has become increasingly restricted under the government of President Xi Jinping.

The article explains that Chinas official housing price figures relies on surveys, not on transaction data.

Mind you, it is hardly news that information about the Chinese economy is not terrific. Analysts would look at electricity consumption as a better measure of GDP growth than official stats.

It is also hardly news that China has been seen for some time at risk of a crisis due to its high level of private debt and its increasing dependence on debt for growth. A few of many many examples: Ambrose Evans-Pritchard of the Telegraph started banging on, even before the financial crisis, about how each dollar of Chinese debt was buying less in the way of GDP increased. In 2016, Steve Keen declared China a zombie to be economy.

Storied short seller Jim Chanos for years has been documenting how China has been unintentionally doing its version of Japans bridges to nowhere by building ghost cities. The counter-argument is that that housing will eventually be occupied and in many (most?) cases is being warehoused, including by parents to make sure their children, when married, have a place to live that is big enough for them to have kids.

The problem is, as any estate judge will tell you, housing that is not occupied deteriorates. Skeptics have also visited some of these developments and found shoddy construction, not just facades falling off but cracks in structural elements. Again, its hard to know how common this is but the fact that it happens at all is not a good sign. The ghost city video seems to be a hardy Chinese perennial:

However, it is possible to have a housing bubble unwind, even a pretty big one, not morph into a bigger economic crisis. In the early 1990s, the US suffered from both the well-publicized savings & loan crisis and a much less widely-discussed, but still pretty serious collapse of late-stage leveraged buyouts, which resulted in bankruptcies and workouts. New York City real estate was also a casualty, due to the hit to Wall Street employment and bonuses. Steve Ross of the Related Companies and Donald Trump were rumored to be the only major developer/owners not to have to give up equity in their debt restructurings.

Nevertheless, despite widespread distress, the US suffered only a short 1991-1992 recession. Its period of faltering growth was also shorter than many expected, due significantly to Alan Greenspan engineering a very steep yield curve, so that banks did very well from simple-minded borrow short, lend long. That meant they rebuilt weakened balance sheets quickly.

Admittedly, the China bust has been so often predicted without arriving that its easy to depict observers as having been lulled into complacency. Nevertheless, careful China watchers think the current bout of weakness has been greatly overhyped by the Western media:

We're not facing a "Lehman Moment". China is instead experiencing a long, drawn out economic slowdown as it is forced to reduce its over-reliance on non-productive investment without a commensurate rise in consumption. This has been the story for years.https://t.co/YZrjbpVolI  Michael Pettis (@michaelxpettis) August 23, 2023

Everyone thinks theres some big crisis taking place in China, but the reality is that theyre missing their 5% GDP target by maybe 0.5%, everything is trading normally, and the central bank is under-reacting relative to jittery Western analysts. https://t.co/XLU1Xu40yo  Philip Pilkington (@philippilk) August 22, 2023

For China to miss its 5% GDP target this year by a mere 0.5% its annual GDP growth rate would have to fall to 3.6% in the next two quarters. Substantially lower than Q1 (4.5%) and Q2 (6.3%). If this is the baseline case of analysts they are not doing their modelling properly. pic.twitter.com/sOo9TRWshE  Philip Pilkington (@philippilk) August 22, 2023

BHP Group, the world's biggest miner, saw its annual profit tumble 37% but said it saw solid growth from some sectors in China https://t.co/8nzhM938z4 pic.twitter.com/Ib9vbJSXLw  Reuters (@Reuters) August 22, 2023

Pettis in a separate tweetstorm points to the real problem, which we also wrote about many many years ago: China has not transitioned to an economy model driven by investments and exports to one powered by consumption:

5/14

But while most analysts now recognize that China must urgently raise the role of consumption in generating demand, and an increasing number recognize the institutional constraints in doing so, the real shocking imbalance, as this article notes, is China's extraordinarily  Michael Pettis (@michaelxpettis) August 20, 2023

8/14

One consequence is that a rising share of economic activity has had to shift from sectors of the economy that operate under hard budget constraints (mainly the private sector) to those that can operate under soft budget constraints (mainly government-controlled sectors).  Michael Pettis (@michaelxpettis) August 20, 2023

11/14

It was only when investment became non-productive in the aggregate, roughly 10-15 years ago, that debt associated with investment began to rise faster than GDP. In fact this is almost the definition of non-productive investment.  Michael Pettis (@michaelxpettis) August 20, 2023

Note that that time frame is when Ambrose Evans-Pritchard started pointing out that increases in Chinas debt were less and less productive in terms of GDP growth. So this is not news to anyone who has been paying attention.

Pettis has previously pointed out that Chinas measures in the early 2000s to deal with a serious banking crisis, where its four biggest banks were insolvent and required a huge bailout, had the effect of shifting the costs to consumers, which worked against the need to move to a consumption-led system.

We have also pointed out that no economy has gone from being export and investment led to consumption-fueled without experiencing a financial crisis. Perhaps China will somehow escape that fate and merely suffer a long period of zombification. But regardless, as they say in some circles, it is not this day.

With that as background, we have the unseemly spectacle of Jake Sullivan whinging about Chinas lack of transparency. From the Financial Times:

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan has called on China to be more transparent about the state of its economy as Beijing grapples with a slowdown that poses risks to global growth. Chinas government last week halted publication of data on its soaring youth unemployment amid concerns that it would reveal new weakness in the recovery of the worlds second-biggest economy, and has cracked down on corporate due diligence reporting in the country. These are not in our view responsible steps, Sullivan told reporters in Washington on Tuesday. For global confidence, predictability and the capacity of the rest of the world to make sound economic decisions, its important for China to maintain a level of transparency in the publication of its data.

I have no sympathy for this sort of thing. I suspect Sullivans complaining, despite complaining about growth risks to the rest of the world (um, Chinese growth will be whatever it winds up being regardless of the adequacy of Chinas reporting) is mainly on behalf of US investors. They took the risk of betting on an economy not operating on Western lines. That includes its degree of disclosure.

Mind you, this is the same Jake Sullivan, who according to a Seymour Hersh source, was the moving force behind the recent flop of a Jeddah peace conference:

He planned it to be Bidens equivalent of [President Woodrow] Wilsons Versailles. The grand alliance of the free world meeting in a victory celebration after the humiliating defeat of the hated foe to determine the shape of nations for the next generation. Fame and Glory. Promotion and re-election. The jewel in the crown was to be Zelenskys achievement of Putins unconditional surrender after the lightning spring offensive. They were even planning a Nuremberg type trial at the world court, with Jake as our representative. Just one more fuck-up, but who is counting? Forty nations showed up, all but six looking for free food after the Odessa shutdown [due to Russia refusing to extend the Ukraine grain deal].

And the US particular has no standing to complain about information in light of the 2007-2008 crisis, which we foisted on the rest of the world by having them eat our bad subprime cooking. In particular, we allowed the creation of an unregulated insurance product, the credit default swap, and had nada in the way of reporting on volumes and exposures. I recall the Bank of Englands semi-annual Financial Stability Report attempting to put together where things stood.

Even in early 2007, when it was clear CDS and CDOs composed substantially of CDS were greatly amplifying real economy subprime exposures, the Treasury and Fed did absolutely nothing even to get a dim idea of who was holding the CDS bag, not even pressing banks and monoline insurers for some answers.

The Financial Times had another revealing story the day before: Chinas blueprint for an alternative world order. Quelle surprise! China is acting like a hegemon! Key bits:

When Xi Jinping, Chinas leader, delivered an important speech at the UN in September 2021Xi used it to propose a new scheme called the Global Development Initiative, which is now gaining recognition as a foundation stone in Chinas blueprint for an alternative world order to challenge that of the US-led west. Ostensibly, the GDI is a Chinese-led multilateral programme to promote development, alleviate poverty and improve health in the developing world. But along with two follow-up initiatives also announced by Xi  the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative  it represents Chinas boldest move yet to enlist the support of the global south to amplify Beijings voice on the world stage and build up Chinas profile in the UN, Chinese officials and commentators say The key to Chinas blueprint is to steadily institutionalise its leadership over the developing world by creating, expanding and funding a raft of China-led groupings of countries, according to Chinese officials and commentators. They add that the aims of this strategy are largely two-fold: to ensure that a broad swath of the world remains open to Chinese trade and investment and to use the voting power of developing countries at the UN and in other forums to project Chinese power and values. The crucial context to this strategy is that by seeking increased leadership over the global south, China is throwing in its lot with the largest and fastest-growing part of the world. The 152 countries classified as developing at the UN vastly outstrip their developed counterparts on yardsticks such as population size and population growth, GDP growth rates over the past two decades and overall contribution to global GDP growth as measured by purchasing power parity.

In fairness, once you get past the headline, this is a pretty-level headed discussion, although it underplays how China has been on the path of forming strong relations abroad through investment and development for a very long time, notably with its Belt and Road Initiative and investment in Africa. Nevertheless, it seems surprising that the pink paper thinks it needs to tell its readers about Chinese measures like:

The list of international institutions in which Beijing hopes to magnify its influence and, by extension, that of the developing world is getting longer. It includes the UN, the World Trade Organization, the G20 and others, Chinese officials say. In addition, Beijing also intends to expand the membership and raise the profile of several groupings in which it already plays a leading role, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Brics group and others.

This is the point where the article starts impugning Chinas actions:

We should not take the Chinese Communist partys endeavours to establish a new world order lightly, says Xu Chenggang, senior research scholar at Stanford Universitys Center on Chinas Economy and Institutions. Developing countries with authoritarian regimes, particularly those in conflict with the US and other democracies, are finding that Chinas new order is beneficial to their domestic authoritarian rule and their foreign policy, he adds.

Its not as if the US has been fussy about who our allies are, starting with Pinochet, the Shah of Iran, and the Saudi royal family. And as much as great powers do tend to throw their weight around, to my knowledge, China has yet to engage in the US speciality of regime change.

The Financial Times suggests that China has been buying influence:

The most important move so far has come in the form of a new UN forum that China founded in 2020. Called the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative, it has about 70 member countries The full list of member countries in the group is confidentialHowever, a list compiled by the Financial Times of 20 countries believed to be members, shows that the group includes many of Chinas biggest debtors under the BRI A study by AidData, a US-based research lab, shows that the 20 countries on the list have displayed impressive loyalty to China in the form of votes at the UN. Between 2013 and 2020, each of them have voted with China on at least 75 per cent of occasions in the UN General Assembly (see chart), the main policymaking body which issues recommendations on global crises, manages internal UN appointments and oversees the UNs budget.

Lordie. How much of the time would have these countries have voted with China because developing countries often have common interests? And separate from the effects of the BRI to greatly strengthen economic ties, how many of these countries already had China as their biggest trade partner, and for that reason might also see eye to eye?

The article then recounts long-form a Chinese victory in the UN Human Rights Council. The Council voted down a Western-sponsored motion to debate Chinas human rights record, this mere weeks after the UN Office of the High Commission for Human Rights found China had committed serious human rights violations against the Uighurs. The Financial Times pointed out how motions like this are almost never defeated. China then poked the sponsors in the eye:

Following that victory, China then enlisted 66 countries  most of them recipients of Chinese lending under the BRI  to support a statement at the UN praising its human rights record. Its signatories outnumbered the 50 mostly western countries that endorsed a rival statement which condemned China.

The article contains other useful elements, noting Chinas efforts to position itself as a peacekeeper. It did mention Chinas success in negotiating a deal between Iran and the Saudis, while neglecting to mention that China had earlier floated a high-concept peace principles document for ending the war in Ukraine.

One can almost sense that members of advanced economies, whove been part of the same winning club since at least the end of World War II, are now discomfited that what were once developing economies collectively have more heft and are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. And China is making great use of that shift.
As college students across the country head back to school, they are struggling to find affordable housing. Heres Forbes:

As millions of college students happily move into their campus or off-campus digs, some of their peers still dont know where theyll be living during the fall semester. Being admitted to a university does not necessarily guarantee campus housing; schools typically plan to house just 25% to 35% of students on-campus with an emphasis on providing beds for freshmen and sophomores, says Daniel Bernstein, president and chief investment officer at Campus Apartments, the student housing development company led by billionaire David Adelman.

The writers at Forbes decline to pull on that thread anymore and instead focus on the fact college enrollment is ticking back up following declines during the first few years of the Covid19 pandemic. Private equity has indeed been taking over student housing for years, and the result is usually higher prices and fewer services, but what explains the lack of housing? The go-to answer is always that new student housing construction has not kept pace with demand.

Heres the problem with that response: Undergraduate college enrollment dropped 8 percent from 2019 to 2022. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, enrollment levels remained steady in the Spring of this year, but were still one million below pre-pandemic numbers.

At the same time, weve still been getting stories of students sleeping in cars in recent years even as enrollment dropped. What gives? Here are four possibilities:

1. More competition for off-campus rentals from the general population who can no longer afford to buy a home. This has led more students to seek student housing. The homeownership rate was at its lowest level in decades in 2020. From The Hill:

Slightly more than 80 million out of 126.8 million occupied housing units across the country were inhabited by homeowners in 2020, putting the nations homeownership rate at 63.1 percent. This is the lowest homeownership rate since 1970.

(This data from 2020 is before the recent rise in mortgage rates that has made owning a home even more unattainable.)

2. Private Equity has moved aggressively into private student housing in recent years, tempted by its steady revenue and frequent turnover, which allows more easily for consistent rent-raising. Wall Streets takeover of the American rental market really took off during Obamas foreclosure jamboree as private equity snapped up properties at bargain prices. Since then more innovative tools are being used by the investment goliaths. They use computer algorithms to find houses that would be profitable to turn into rental properties, often snapping them up with cash bids within minutes of a property coming onto the market. And when areas no longer have affordable houses to buy, they can raise rents. That brings us to:

3. While the astronomical growth in the cost of rental housing early in the pandemic has subsided, prices are still unaffordable for just about anyone who is working class in many markets.

The situation is even worse in student housing. From Inside Higher Ed:

Its no secret that housing costs across the United States are highfor students as well as for the general population. But from November 2022 to May of this year, the average rental cost for purpose-built student housing grew faster [8.8 percent] than rent prices for regular multifamily housing for the first time. As a result, some students are being priced out of apartments that were designed specifically for them.

That alone would likely be enough to explain the situation for college students, but an even bigger factor might be unfolding in a courthouse in Nashville.

4. Thats where a huge lawsuit against dozens of rental behemoths and a little-known Texas middleman company is moving forward after a federal judge in Nashville declined to dismiss the case earlier this month.

Texas-based RealPage is accused of acting as an information-sharing middleman for real estate rental giants. The lawsuits contend that that the property managers agreed to set prices through RealPages software, which also allowed the companies to share data on vacancy rates and prices in many of the US most expensive markets. The lawsuits also contend that the conspiracy has had an outsized impact on the student housing market.

Reporting, the lawsuits, and RealPages own statements showed that the companys software said that it was often more profitable for mega landlords to have higher vacancy rates and keep rents elevated, which contradicted the old landlord practice of getting heads in beds even if that meant lowering rents.

Many of the rental markets dominated by large landlords have seen astronomical growth in rental prices in recent years (even before the pandemic), as well as a rising number of evictions and spikes in homelessness. The lawsuits against RealPage and the rental management companies contend that its software covers at least 16 million units across the US, and private equity-owned property management companies are the most enthusiastic adopters of the RealPage technology. From ProPublica:

RealPages influence was burgeoning. [In 2017], the firms target marketmultifamily buildings with five or more unitsmade up about 19 million of the nations 45 million rental units. A growing share of those buildings were owned by firms backed by Wall Street investors, who were among the most eager adopters of pricing software. Somewhere around 2016, according to one trade group, the industrys use of the pricing software began to achieve critical mass.

Ive included this list gathered from the lawsuits in previous posts on RealPage, but I think its worth including again here. The following are some of the real estate goliaths named in the lawsuits who were using RealPage software to allegedly collude and keep rents artificially high. Many are also major players in student housing:

Greystar: The nations largest property management firm with nearly 794,000 multifamily units and student beds under management. In December, it was nominated for six( count em, six!) 2022 Private Equity Real Estate Awards. Roughly 100,000 student beds under management.

Trammell Crow Company, headquartered in Dallas, is a subsidiary of CBRE Group, the worlds largest commercial real estate services and investment firm.

Lincoln Property Co. Manages or leases over 403 million square feet across the US.

FPI Management. Currently manages just over 155,000 units in 18 states.

Avenue5 manages $22 billion in multifamily and single-family assets nationwide.

Equity Residential, the 5th largest owner of apartments in the United States, primarily in Southern California, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., New York City, Boston, Seattle, Denver, Atlanta, Dallas/Ft. Worth, and Austin.

Mid-America Apartment Communities, which as of June 30, 2022, owns or has ownership interest in 101,229 homes in 16 states throughout the Southeast, Southwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Essex Property Trust (62,000 units). This fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) acquires, develops, redevelops, and manages multifamily apartment communities located in supply-constrained markets on the west coast.

Thrive Community Management (18,700 units in Washington and Oregon). Refers to its employees as thrivers.

AvalonBay Communities, Inc. As of September 30, 2022, the Company owned or held a direct or indirect ownership interest in 293 apartment communities containing 88,405 apartment homes in 12 states and DC.

Cushman & Wakefield, with a portfolio of 172,000 units.

Security Properties portfolio reflects interests in 113 assets encompassing nearly 22,354 multifamily housing units.

Cardinal Group Holdings, LLC. 89,000 units managed with more than 100,000 beds and a heavy presence in student housing.

CA Ventures Global Services LLC. Manages more than 60,000 beds in 69 university markets.

DP Preiss Co. Specializes in student housing and has more than 30,000 beds in 12 states.

If all these property management companies were colluding to fix prices, it would help make sense of why students are sleeping in their cars.

Lets not stop there, though. All the money these rental management companies rake in also helps them to influence lawmakers and voters. Heres Housing Is A Human Right on Essex Property Trust, Equity Residential, and AvalonBay Communities activities in California:

Those same corporate landlords shelled out millions in campaign cash to successfully stop California rent control ballot measures Proposition 10, in 2018, and Proposition 21, in 2020. Essex Property Trust delivered a total of $26.2 million to kill Prop 10 and Prop 21; Equity Residential shelled out $17.9 million; and AvalonBay Communities gave $17 million. Housing Is A Human Right also broke the story that RealPage contributed $1 million to stop Prop 10 and Prop 21.

Private equity firms have been pouring into student housing for years, which they believe will provide better returns compared with other residential assets. For example, the private equity giant and corporate landlord Blackstone in 2022 paid $13 billion to acquire American Campus Communities, which owned 166 properties located on or around 71 large university campuses across the US. At the time Blackstone already had more than $7 billion worth of student housing in its portfolio. It wasnt long before it got even more.

Heres how that played out in California, courtesy of Jacobin:

As the worlds largest private equity firm faces potential losses from a cloudy real estate market, its executives blocked jittery investors from withdrawing their money from one of its real estate funds, while insisting that rent increases and evictions will bolster returns. Now, the Blackstone Groups real estate investment trust has received a multibillion-dollar bailout from a source whose employees and students are already suffering through the housing crisis: Californias public university system. Just months after Blackstones real estate investment trust purchased Americas largest owner of private student housing, the same trust received a $4.5 billion infusion from the University of Californias Board of Regents, two of whom have close ties to the company. The investment rewards the financial firm only a few years after the company and its executives spent $5.6 million to kill California ballot initiatives that would have expanded rent control in the state.  Effectively, University of California (UC) is funneling cash into privatized student housing and corporate landlords  doubling down on a controversial investment strategy that comes with a massive layer of fees and Wall Street profits  instead of doing its part to address a growing housing crisis, one that affects its students and employees.

One of the most attractive components of student housing for the likes of Blackstone is that rates often reset every year, which means prices can go up annually. Leases are also often co-signed by parents, and if students have trouble affording the higher prices, well, heres some financial aid. And when students are paying off those loans for the rest of their lives, more than half of it could be the result of helping to enrich their private equity landlord during four years of education:

Off-campus rents have gone through the roofnationally, theyre averaging $2,062 a month, up 28% from $1,614 at the start of 2021, according to rental data from Zillow. That raises both demand for on-campus housing and the difficulties students face when they cant get it.  Even campus housing isnt cheap in the California system. For in-state undergraduates, tuition at UC Berkeley, one of the nations top colleges, is a comparative bargain$15,600 this coming year. But living on campus (including a meal plan), costs freshmen an additional $16,000 to $20,000 per year.

Maybe thats why Congress doesnt do anything about the rising cost of housing or college, but it did manage to push through a bill to make it easier to apply for student loans.
US Bomber Task Force is currently underway, with over 150 U.S. Air Force Airmen and three B-2 Spirit aircraft from Whiteman Air Force Base, USA, deployed to Keflavik Air Base in Iceland on 13 August 2023. The aim of the mission is to improve NATO forces ability to integrate and enhance collective defence objectives, and to bolster their readiness to engage in a wide spectrum of military operations.

Photo credit: Tech. Sgt. Heather Salazar, US Air Force
(As prepared)

President Zelenskyy,

Minister Kuleba,

Distinguished hosts,

Friends of Ukraine.

It is an honour to address you today, at this third Summit of the International Crimea Platform.

On the eve of Ukraines Independence Day.

Since your independence, NATO has stood with Ukraine.

We significantly stepped up our support after the illegal annexation of Crimea nine years ago.

And since February 2022, NATO Allies have provided unprecedented military, financial and humanitarian aid.

NATOs support to Ukraine remains unwavering.

At our historic NATO Summit in Vilnius last month, we took steps to ensure that Ukraine moves closer to NATO than ever before.

We agreed a new multi-year assistance package to help you transition from Soviet-era to NATO equipment and standards, and make your forces fully interoperable with NATO.

We also agreed to remove the requirement for a Membership Action Plan. This changes Ukraines membership path from a two-step process to a one-step process.

And we will issue an invitation for you to join when Allies agree that conditions are met.

In Vilnius, we also held the inaugural meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council.

It was an honour to have President Zelenskyy join us for the occasion.

Ukraine and NATO Allies are now meeting as equals, to hold crisis consultations, and jointly take decisions.

NATO Allies also continue to make major new announcements of military support.

The supply of F-16 fighter jets by the Netherlands and Denmark is the latest example, and a very significant one.

We do not see any signs from President Putin that Russia is preparing for peace.

Russian missiles continue to strike targets in Ukraine daily.

But what we see is that Ukraine is making progress.

Beating back Russias invasion.

Liberating more territory. Slowly, but surely.

So it is even more important that we continue providing military support to Ukraine.

Because making you stronger on the battlefield is the best way to make you stronger at the negotiating table.

To achieve a just and lasting peace.



Ukraine - and Ukraine only - can decide when the prerequisites for peace negotiations are present.

It is for you to decide the terms of peace.

NATOs task, and the task of all the friends of Ukraine, is to support you.

That is precisely what we are doing now.

And you can count on our continued support for as long as it takes.

Minister Kuleba, thank you again for this important initiative.

And thanks to all the people of Ukraine for their bravery, resilience and determination.


ANOTHER ONE? American Plant Food Corporation fertilizer plant in Texas BURNS to the ground

A fertilizer plant that local media reports state is "vital to the local community" in and around Austin, Tex., has burned to the ground , making it the latest in a long line of food-related businesses that have mysteriously caught fire and collapsed into a ruinous heap over the past couple of years.

The American Plant Food Corporation in Bartlett, Tex., near Round Rock reportedly caught fire around 8:30 p.m. on August 20, which is when the Bartlett Volunteer Fire Department received a call to come put it out at 9901 North Highway 95.

According to Fire Chief Steven Wentrcek, crews arrived at the scene to find the facility "fully engulfed" in flames. The fire was so severe that the Bartlett Volunteer Fire Department sought help from numerous other departments in surrounding areas.

Firefighters initially worked to contain a six-acre grass fire that ignited as a result of the fire from the plant. Then, after that was put out, fire crews let the facility itself finish burning out overnight, after which it was finally contained.

(Related: Earlier this year, a whistleblower came forward with claims that the U.S. government is trying to starve out America by destroying the nation's food infrastructure.)

Bartlett fertilizer plant was essential for growing food in Central Texas

Because of voluminous hazardous and highly flammable chemicals at the plant, firefighters decided it was best to not try to extinguish the flames with water as they typically would for other types of fires.

"Hazard crews were on site all night, including Temple who was monitoring overnight until Round Rock hazard crews came to relieve them," Wentrcek told the media.

The other fire agencies that helped deal with the fire included Holland, Granger, Hutto, Jarrell and Georgetown, as well as Bell and Williamson Counties  Bartlett is split between the two.

"This is a pure definition of mutual aid, especially for a small town like ours," said Bartlett Mayor Chad Mees.

Despite its severity, Highway 95, which runs alongside the plant, remains open. Bartlett Independent School District likewise remains open and has not canceled classes as air quality has been deemed as "good."

"We did make the determination to keep school in session because we felt there was no danger for the children or the citizens in the area," said Wentrcek about the decision.

Hazmat crews continue to clean up the site of the fire while firefighters work to clear away all the smolder.

Both the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Texas Emergency Management were on the scene as well, with TCEQ testing air quality and providing guidance to fire crews about how best to protect the surrounding environment.

The American Plant Food Corporation currently operates 11 different locations across Texas  well, 10 now that the Bartlett plant, which first opened in the late 1990s, is out of commission for the foreseeable future.

Mayor Mees stressed at a press conference that the Bartlett fertilizer plant is essential to Central Texas, which relies on its products to grow food.

Prior to the fire, the Bartlett Volunteer Fire Department had actually had a meeting about what to do in the event the American Plant Food Corporation facility ever caught fire.

In the aftermath of the disaster, the Williamson County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating what caused it. We are told that it could take up to a month to fully clean up the damaged site.

"I've never seen fire that high, but other than that they took care of it okay," said Bartlett resident Anthony Fischer.

Will America survive the ongoing government-led assault on our food infrastructure? Stay tuned at Collapse.news.

Sources for this article include:

KWTX.com

NaturalNews.com

Fox7Austin.com
Study: Number of chronically absent students has increased by 6.5 MILLION after COVID-19 pandemic

At the height of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, people were told to stay indoors to stop the spread of infections.

However, a study conducted by Stanford University researchers on how COVID-19 lockdowns affected classroom attendance suggests that the lockdowns may have done more harm than good, especially among students.

According to the study, the number of chronically absent students has skyrocketed by 6.5 million from before the pandemic to the 2021-22 school year.

More than one-quarter of students missed at least 10 percent of the 2021-22 school year, making them chronically absent.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, only 15 percent of students missed that much time in school.

The Stanford study showed that in the worst-affected states of Alaska and New Mexico, almost 50 percent of students are missing a tenth of their classes. The study also revealed that poor and minority kids are the worst affected by chronic absenteeism.

The study, which was headed by Thomas Dee, an education professor, sparks growing fears of a national education crisis. After all, shuttered classrooms during the pandemic have already seen a decrease in literacy and numeracy rates.

Hedy Chang, executive director of Attendance Works, a nonprofit focused on absenteeism, said that the long-term consequences of missing so much school are "devastating."

Chang added that the COVID-19 pandemic made things worse for more students.

Data from 40 states and Washington D.C. offers the most comprehensive accounting of absenteeism nationwide. According to the study findings, absent students miss out on classes and on the other important things schools provide for young students, such as counseling, socialization and meals.

The students who are chronically absent, defined as "missing 18 or more days a year" in most places, are at higher risk of not learning to read and eventually dropping out of school.

Researchers found that absences worsened in every state with available data. In seven states, the rate of chronically absent students has doubled for the 2021-22 school year, compared to pre-pandemic 2018-19 school year.

Kids stay home for different reasons, such as:

Anxiety

Depression

Bullying

Generally feeling unwelcome at school

Housing instability

Illness

Money

School staffing shortages

Transport issues

The effects of online learning also linger. After spending many months at home during the pandemic, many parents and students no longer see the point of regular attendance.

Schools feel different post-COVID-19

According to experts on chronic absenteeism, the post-COVID era seems different.

Todd Langager, who is working to help San Diego County schools deal with absenteeism, advised that some of the factors that prevent students from getting to school are consistent, such as economic distress or illness.

However, Langager added that "something has changed." For example, some students "who already felt unseen, or without a caring adult at school, feel further disconnected." (Related: pandemic shutdowns to blame for historic drop in mathematics and reading proficiency scores among American children.)

Data showed that Alaska led in absenteeism, with a staggering 48.6 percent of students missing significant amounts of school. Alaska Native students' rate was much higher at 56.5 percent.

Heather Powell, a teacher and Alaska Native, explained that those students often deal with poverty and a lack of mental health services, along with a school calendar that isn't aligned with traditional hunting and fishing activities that are important to their way of life.

Many Alaska Native students are raised by their grandparents who remember the government forcing Native children into boarding schools.

Powell noted that Alaska Native families don't value education compared to those in other states because it isn't something that has ever valued them as people.

In New York, Marisa Kosek explained that her son James lost the relationships he fostered at his school. This eventually resulted in her son losing his desire to attend class altogether.

James is 12 years old and has autism. First, he struggled with online learning, then with a hybrid model.

Other students had chronic absences because of medical and staffing issues.

Juan Ballina is a 17-year-old with epilepsy. He requires a trained staff member nearby to administer medication in case of a seizure.

However, post-COVID-19, many school nurses retired while some looked for better pay in hospitals, resulting in a nationwide shortage.

In 2022, Ballina's nurse was on medical leave and his school couldn't find a substitute. This resulted in Ballina missing more than 90 days at his school.

His mother, Carmen Ballina, explained that the effects of his absence persist. Juan used to be an avid reader, but he isn't reading as much these days. Carmen thinks Juan has lost much of his motivation.

Educators and experts have cited another unfortunate lasting effect of the COVID-19 pandemic: Some parents and students have been conditioned to stay home even at the most minor signs of sickness.

Before the pandemic, Renee Slater's daughter rarely missed school. But last school year, her daughter, a former straight-A middle schooler, said she had to stay home 20 days because she "just didn't feel well."

Slater, who teaches in the rural California district her daughter attends, said that as children get older, it's much harder to physically pick them up, get them into the car and drive them to school.

She noted that her daughter doesn't dislike school, but she's missed many days because of "a change in mindset."

Learn more about the lasting effects of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns on children and adults at BadMedicine.news.

Watch the video below for more information on how pandemic lockdowns have killed more people than COVID-19 itself.

This video is from the RealNewsChannel.com channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Dr. Meryl Nass: WHO's pandemic treaty to remove human rights, sovereignty under the pretext of pandemic preparedness and biosecurity agendas.

Illinois Gov. Pritzker has secret plot to FORCE all children to be injected with covid vaccines to attend school.

U.S. government planned out, executed covid "pandemic": PROOF.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

OSF.io

Brighteon.com
Furthermore, Comer has asked for "unrestricted special access" under the Presidential Records Act (PRA) to Case Number 2023-0022-F, which is titled "Email Messages To and/or From Vice President Biden and Hunter Biden related to Burisma and Ukraine."

The request came after Devon Archer, one of Hunter Biden's ex-business partners, testified before the HOC and shed light on the extent of the influence of Hunter Biden over Ukrainian energy company Burisma Holdings during his father's tenure as vice president.

According to Archer, the presence of Hunter Biden on the Burisma board and his access to the position of then-Vice President Joe Biden enabled the company to effectively navigate the complex landscape of Washington, D.C.

Archer, who also served as a board member on Burisma with Hunter Biden, further revealed that Hunter had put his father on speakerphone during business meetings multiple times for over a decade. He portrayed Hunter's use of his father's influence as a form of defensive leverage for the company.

Notably, Archer confirmed that Joe Biden had engaged in dinners with Hunter and his foreign business partners, which seemingly led to financial transactions benefiting Biden-affiliated entities.

During a dinner in Dubai, Hunter Biden reportedly claimed he could secure help from Washington, D.C. to alleviate government pressure on Burisma. Archer testified that Burisma executives sought this help in the form of Hunter's influence over his father.

However, Archer clarified that the Burisma executives never explicitly asked for Joe Biden's assistance. Instead, they used vague terms such as "help in D.C."

The revelations in Archer's testimony potentially contradict Joe Biden's assertions that there was an "absolute wall" between his family's business dealings and his official duties as vice president. Republicans have seized on this testimony to question the extent of the Biden family's involvement and influence peddling.

"We already have evidence of then-Vice President Biden speaking, dining and having coffee with his sons foreign business associates. We also know that Hunter Biden and his associates were informed of then-Vice President Biden's official government duties in countries where they had a financial interest. The National Archives must provide these unredacted records to further our investigation into the Biden family's corruption," Comer said in a statement.

Learn more about the corruption involving Biden and his family at BidenCrimeFamily.news.

Watch Elijah Schaffer of Next News Network discussing Kentucky Rep. James Comer's threat of an "inescapable subpoena" against the Biden crime family below.
Pro-pedophilia group floats the idea of having body exploration rooms in German daycare centers for children

Pro Familia, Germany's leading professional association on sexuality and partnership, is under fire for issuing a new recommendation encouraging daycare centers across the country to implement "body exploration rooms" and "sexual games" for very young children.

It was German news outlet BILD that first drew attention to the matter by publishing an email that parents of children at Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO) daycare center in the Hanover region of Germany received about 10 new rules for children in the facility's new "body exploration room," where kids are encouraged to "pet and examine" both themselves and other kids.

"All children, especially preschoolers, are aware of the places in the facility where nudity and body exploration can take place," an English translation of the message reads.

"Each child decides for themselves whether and with whom they want to play physical and sexual games. Girls and boys pet and examine each other only as much as is comfortable for themselves and other children."

Other rules include the stipulation that children in the body exploration room be roughly within the same age group with no more than two years' difference. Also, at no point will any child be allowed to "stick anything into another child's body openings."

(Related: Like in the rest of the world that got covid jabbed, Germany saw its excess death toll soar after the launch of Operation Warp Speed.)

They're after your children

One shocked father told BILD that he was horrified to receive the email, as he had no idea that such sexualization was taking place at the Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO) daycare center.

"My daughter is five years old," he said. "I don't want boys groping her. I have another child in another daycare center [where] there is no such thing [as an exploration room]."

Another German father  speaking of which, where are all the U.S. fathers to stand up and speak out against the LGBT grooming of their children?  told the media that he was "devastated" to receive the email and its contents.

"We were told that this was determined by the Ministry of Education," he said. "As parents, we were intimidated. What options do you have if you don't want this?"

The good news is that the Ministry of Education in Lower Saxony responded to these and other concerned parents by immediately terminating the program before it even had the chance to take effect. A representative from the program told BILD that:

"... the state youth welfare office reported to the Ministry of Education that the pedagogical concept of the physical exploration rooms in the daycare centers cannot last, and that this puts the well-being of the child at risk."

In response to this, Dirk von der Osten, Chairman of the Board of the AWO Region in Hanover, tried to argue that sexualizing German children at daycare centers "is part of child development, during which [children] also learn to recognize their own limits, to express them clearly, and to develop shame."

"Children also play role-playing games in their group rooms," von der Osten added. "We do not see any child welfare endangerment in this."

Back in 2013, Pro Familia, the organization pushing all this, was reported by Deutsche Welle to have become "stuck in the pedophilia swamp," the suggestion being that the entire group was taken over by pedophiles to push a pro-pedophile agenda.

The Berlin newspaper Tagesspiegel covered Pro Familia as far back as the 1980s and 1990s, revealing that there were pro-pedophilia views already being expressed by the group even at that time.

Pedophilia seems to be a globalist favorite. Learn more at Globalism.news.

Sources for this article include:

Reduxx.info

NaturalNews.com
Critics slam JAMA study claiming 52 U.S. doctors spread COVID misinformation

Critics of a study published this week in JAMA concluding 52 doctors from across the U.S., propagated COVID-19 misinformation about vaccines, treatments, and masks on large social media and other online platforms called the study nothing more than propaganda.

(Article by Monica Dutcher republished from ChildrensHealthDefense.org)

Ultimately, misinformation is just a weaponized term meaning nothing, said Vinay Prasad, M.D., MPH. People who use it are often completely ignorant of science and truth.

Prasad and others pointed to several flaws in the study, including the researchers definition of misinformation, the reported percentage of those with post-COVID-19 condition, or long COVID and the false claim that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine alone led to deaths  as deaths also have been linked to the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines.

The CDC as the arbiter of COVID truths

The University of Massachusetts researchers who produced the study defined misinformation as assertions unsupported by or contradicting U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] guidance on COVID-19 prevention and treatment during the period assessed or contradicting the existing state of scientific evidence for any topics not covered by the CDC.

But in an Aug. 16 Substack article, Prasad  a hematologist-oncologist and professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco  challenged the notion of using the CDC as the litmus test for pandemic-related information.

CDC made many errors, Prasad wrote, citing a paper he published in March, documenting 25 statistical or numerical errors made by the CDC that he said raised questions about the agencys real or perceived systematic bias.

Its also well documented that the agency constantly changed its mask guidance and published conflicting information about vaccine effectiveness.

Dominique Brossard, professor and chair of Life Sciences Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who studies medical misinformation, told USA Today, The guidance kept on changing  Communication around the vaccine was horrible.

Dr. Jeff Barke, an Orange County, California, primary care physician and founding member of Americas Frontline Doctors, called the CDC a captured agency, saying it makes no sense whatsoever to recommend this toxic product [COVID-19 vaccines] to children.

The CDC never came out with early treatment guidelines, Barke said. It was always about vaccines and masks. Barke recalled prescribing ivermectin to his patients and the pharmacists not filling it, asking him for the diagnostic code in order to proceed.

Barke told The Defender:

The pharmacy never asks for a diagnostic code if you prescribe OxyContin for a patient. So its OK for a doctor to prescribe a Schedule II narcotic  no questions asked  but I cant prescribe a product that has a proven safety record of 50 or 60 years.

Barke is a co-plaintiff in a lawsuit to stop a California law that subjects the states doctors to discipline, including the suspension of their medical licenses, for sharing misinformation or disinformation about COVID-19 with their patients.

What exactly is misinformation?

The studys authors identified four categories of misinformation:

Claiming vaccines were unsafe and/or ineffective.

Promoting unapproved medications for prevention or treatment.

Disputing mask-wearing effectiveness.

Other misinformation, to include conspiracy theories and the viruss origins.

The authors reviewed COVID-19-related posts from doctors on the social media platforms Twitter (now X), Facebook, Instagram, Parler and YouTube between January 2021 and December 2022.

The researchers initially focused their Twitter review on Americas Frontline Doctors profile because of the organizations volume of COVID-19 misinformation in its tweets and large following.

Physicians who followed Americas Frontline Doctors Twitter page were targeted on Twitter and other platforms.

Using the search terms COVID, vaccine, doctor, physician, ineffective, pharmaceutical, ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine and others, the authors of the study identified 52 doctors  50 licensed and two unlicensed  who used social media to spread COVID-19 misinformation.

Results showed most of the 52 physicians (76.9%) who posted misinformation did so in more than one of the four categories identified. The majority posted vaccine misinformation.

Dr. Meryl Nass  who on Thursday sued the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine and its individual members, alleging the board violated her First Amendment rights and her rights under the Maine Constitution  called the JAMA study a piece of propaganda.

Nass said:

There is no science. They [the authors] are trying to make it look like theyre doing something quantitative when theyre not. There was a lot known about the ineffectiveness of the vaccines at the time they were working on this paper.

Unpacking the misinformation in the misinformation study

The University of Massachusetts researchers said doctors claims that myocarditis was common in children who received the vaccine and that the risks of myocarditis outweighed the risk of vaccination were unfounded.

But myocarditis does outweigh the benefits of vaccinations for some ages  in men  and some doses, said Prasad, citing an article published in the Journal of Medical Ethics.

The paper, which focused on booster mandates at American universities, concluded the mandates were unethical because they could result in greater health risks, like booster-associated myocarditis, than benefits to healthy young adults.

Several other studies have shown either myocarditis deaths across all age groups, or elevated myocardial injury after vaccination.

The researchers also flagged any posts discussing pre-pandemic studies that definitively concluded masks do not prevent the spread of respiratory viral infections. And they deemed as misinformation any post that undermined the role of masks in slowing the spread of the infection and that pointed to rising cases in areas with mask mandates.

But a plethora of studies on mask ineffectiveness emerged during the time the Massachusetts team was conducting its research on physicians and misinformation.

There were also reports on The Foegen effect  the idea that deep re-inhalation of droplets and virions caught on facemasks might make COVID-19 infection more likely or more severe. German physician Dr. Zacharias Fogen introduced the concept in a study that concluded: mask use might pose a yet unknown threat to the user instead of protecting them, making mask mandates a debatable epidemiologic intervention.

The totality of the evidence to date shows no benefit from community mask wearing, said Prasad, who pointed to Cochranes multiple analyses.

According to the JAMA study, doctors who said the COVID-19 vaccines were ineffective at preventing COVID-19 spread or that the virus originated in a lab in China were propagators of misinformation.

Yet plenty of data show the vaccines did not prevent transmission, and scientists even testified to evidence that COVID-19 could have resulted from controversial gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

In the wake of the pandemic, multiple organizations have published guidelines on medical misinformation  including YouTube andthe American Medical Association (AMA).

Last June, the AMA adopted a new policy to limit medical disinformation, including ensuring that medical licensing boards can take disciplinary action against health professionals who spread health-related disinformation.

In California, however, a judge ruled in January that the state does not have the power to penalize doctors who spread misinformation or disinformation.

COVID-19 is a quickly evolving area of science that in many aspects eludes consensus, the judge decided.

Read more at: ChildrensHealthDefense.org
Andrew McCarthy reveals the giant hole in Fani Willis case against President Trump which proves his innocence

Prominent conservative attorney Andrew McCarthy, a typical Trump-basher, wrote an article last week completely blowing up corrupt Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis garbage indictment of President Trump. It turns out there is a giant hole in the indictment that should be grounds for immediate dismissal.

(Article by Cullen Linebarger republished from TheGatewayPundit.com)

As Cristina Laila and Jim Hoft previously reported, Trump and 18 other Republicans were indicted by corrupt Fulton Country District attorney Fani Willis late Monday night on 41 total charges. These include RICO and Conspiracy.

Mark Meadows, Jenna Ellis, John Eastman, Rudy Giuliani, and Sidney Powell, Jeffrey Clark, Mike Roman were some of the other notable names indicted by Willis.

Andy McCarthy wrote an explosive article in the Messenger Thursday which provides the clearest case yet for Trumps total exoneration from these garbage charges. He focuses precisely on the key part of Williss indictment: the RICO conspiracy.

McCarthy writes:

Why has DA Willis invoked Georgias version of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, which is typically applied to mobsters engaged in the familiar rackets of murder, extortion, trafficking in narcotics and stolen goods, gambling, prostitution and so on? Because theres a giant hole in her case: the lack of a clear crime to which Trump and his co-defendants can plausibly be said to have agreed.

McCarthy briefly puts aside RICO and explains in full detail what a conspiracy means. A conspiracy, McCarthy notes, is an agreement to violate a criminal statute. This takes at least two people.

Moreover, McCarthy explains that there must be a meeting of the minds about the crime that is the objective of the conspiracy. If there does not exist an agreement regarding the crime, a conspiracy does not exist.

The constitutional process dictates that Americans cannot be charged with a crime and forced to stand trial unless probable cause exists that a crime has been committed.

McCarthy in his article next emphasizes the importance of Americans understanding why defendants have been charged in a particular case. He then points out that Willis is charging Trump with a crime for engaging in a completely legal action (trying to reverse the 2020 election results). McCarthy calls this strange.

Even though prosecutors bear the burden of proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt before there can be a conviction, we can easily understand why the defendants have been charged. If they are charged with conspiracy, the indictment will clearly state the crime they allegedly agreed to commit  e.g., drug trafficking, bank robbery, murder, extortion. That is whats so strange about DA Williss indictment. She alleges that the 19 people named in her indictment are guilty of conspiracy because they agreed to try to keep Donald Trump in power as president  specifically, to change the outcome of the election in favor of Trump. Trying to change an election outcome is legal; the end doesnt become illegal if pursued by illegal means  instead, those illegal means can be charged as crimes. But there is no conspiracy unless the objective itself is clearly a crime. You dont see prosecutors alleging, say, that defendants were in a conspiracy to unlawfully commit murder or robbery. Murder and robbery are crimes. If two or more people agree to commit murder or robbery, that is an agreement to commit a crime  a conspiracy. To the contrary, an agreement to try to reverse the result of an election is not an agreement to commit a crime.

McCarthy goes back to the RICO conspiracy charges which Willis laid out against Trump and the 18 other defendants. As he notes, a RICO conspiracy is an agreement to participate in such an enterprise  to belong to the group and sustain the group so that it continues to generate power and profits.

There was no organized effort and no crime. The fact is that Trump is getting charged by a partisan prosecutor for exercising his constitutional rights.

Read more at: TheGatewayPundit.com
Netherlands, Denmark confirm U.S. approval of F-16s for Ukraine  but will it matter?

The Netherlands and Denmark recently confirmed that the U.S. has approved the turnover of F-16 fighter jets from their fleets to Ukraine.

The Hague and Copenhagen, through their respective defense ministers, attested to Washington's approval on Aug. 18. Both the Netherlands and Denmark lead an 11-nation coalition to help Ukraine procure the aircraft. While no definite date was given, the planes will be turned over to Kyiv as soon as pilot training is complete  a detail confirmed by Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov.

"Great news from our friends in the United States," he tweeted. "There is a green light for the Netherlands and Denmark to deliver F-16s to Ukraine after our pilots complete their training."

"Ukraine has proven that the impossible is indeed possible. Our military has proven it is filled with fast learners," Reznikov continued, thanking the three nations that made it possible for Kyiv to obtain fighter planes.

Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said she welcomed America's decision "to clear the way for delivery of F-16 jets to Ukraine." This move, she added, would allow the coalition "to follow through on the training of Ukrainian pilots." However, Ollongoren did not disclose the number of Ukraine-bound planes.

Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra dubbed the move "a major milestone for Ukraine to defend its people and its country." He thanked U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken "for the good and swift cooperation."

In May, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the Netherlands was seriously considering providing Ukraine with F-16s. The Royal Netherlands Air Force is currently phasing out the jets for more modern aircraft.

The 11-nation coalition agreed during a summit by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in July to train Ukrainians to fly F-16s and other fighter planes. Given the approval, it plans to start training pilots in August. The training will be conducted in Denmark until a center is set up in Romania. (Related: US to train Ukrainians to fly nuclear-capable F-16s despite warnings that Russia will see this as a NUCLEAR THREAT.)

Denmark: F-16s must not stray from Ukraine's internationally recognized borders

Copenhagen also noted that with the approval from Washington, the discussion now shifts to providing Kyiv with fighter jets.

"The government has said several times that a donation is a natural next step after training," said Danish Defense Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen. He told the Ritzau news agency on Aug. 18: "We are discussing it with close allies, and I expect we will soon be able to be more concrete about that."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the progress on the F-16 deal during his visit to the Netherlands and Denmark over the weekend. He and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen were pictured while in the cockpit of one plane during his Aug. 20 visit to the Nordic country. Zelensky said the jets would "produce fresh results for Ukraine" and grant Kyiv an advantage over Russia.

But on Aug. 21, Ellemann-Jensen announced a caveat for the F-16 jets Copenhagen will turn over to Kyiv. He stressed that once transferred to Ukraine, the aircraft must not stray from the country's own internationally recognized borders. The fighter planes must also only be used to retake land occupied by Russian forces.

"We donate weapons under the condition that they are used to drive the enemy out of the territory of Ukraine, and no further than that," the Danish defense minister said. "Those are the conditions  whether it's tanks, fighter planes or something else."

Ukraine has clearly expressed its intention to restore its borders circa 1991, when the Soviet Union was dissolved. This would also involve taking back territories under Russian control since 2014 including Crimea and the Donbas regions. Kyiv's counteroffensive against Moscow has been slow despite huge promises, with Ukrainian leaders blaming the West's hesitation in giving them fighter jets.

Gen. Valery Zaluzhny, commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, remarked back in July: "Every day, every meter is given by blood. [The F-16s] are needed because there is no other way. A lot of people die every day  a lot  just because no decision has been made yet."

Visit MilitaryTechnology.news for more stories about F-16s and other military aid given to Ukraine.

Watch this video that explains why the F-16 jets for Ukraine can lead to a global nuclear war.

This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Poland does not plan to donate its own F-16 fighter jets and Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, but urges other nations to do so.

Joe Biden is preparing to provide US F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine  World War III can't come fast enough for these elites.

After securing new tanks from US and Germany, Ukraine now demanding F-16 fighter jets to combat Russia.

Sources include:

StrangeSounds.org

Twitter.com

Breitbart.com

Brighteon.com
Ramaswamy: Kids who believe they are trans have a mental health condition

(Article by Steve Watson republished from Summit.news)

When a kid is saying their gender doesnt match their biological sex, theyre going through a mental health struggle. Thats a mental health condition, Ramaswamy said during an interview with The Blaze.

He continued, The compassionate thing to do is not to affirm that confusion  that is not compassion, that is cruelty. The compassionate thing to do is figure out whats going wrong in that kids life.

The fact that that is now beyond the pale to even explore shows how far weve gone as a culture, the candidate urged.

It is inhumane and barbaric that we live in a culture that lets this happen to children, and if we dont learn from those mistakes, we only have ourselves to blame, Ramaswamy further asserted.

If youre an adult and want to dress how you want, Im not going to stop you. But youre not going to change our language, our sports, how we sort locker rooms, and youre certainly not going to change the way we indoctrinate our children, he emphasised.

Watch:

When someone says theyre trans, it usually means *something else* is badly wrong in their life. Lets abandon the farce that the humane thing to do is to affirm their confusion, rather than to actually help. Its inhumane. pic.twitter.com/cKVRUnKuaq  Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) August 16, 2023

The comments come in the wake of Ramaswamy schooling a LGBTQ+ reporter who confronted the candidate, demanding to know his views on the LGBTQ+ community.

Ramaswamy told the person that he doesnt think its one community, explaining that as far as he can tell Trans is fundamentally in tension with gay, if you ask me.

He then went on to provide a stark reality check for the activist:

Related:

\

Read more at: Summit.news
Socialist lawyer, conservative businessman head to second round of runoff elections to determine Ecuadors next president

The South American nation of Ecuador is expecting a second round of runoff elections in October, with a socialist lawyer and a right-wing businessman facing head-to-head.

Ecuadorians queued at polling places to cast their votes during the country's first-round of voting held on Aug. 20. However, no candidate hit the threshold to claim victory even though 98 percent of votes were already counted. Under Ecuadorian law, any presidential candidate who seeks to be elected must get over 40 percent of the votes and be 10 points ahead of the nearest rival.

Lawyer Luisa Gonzalez, a socialist who is close to, and shares the same politics as, former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, garnered 33 percent of the votes. Despite failing to reach the threshold, she nevertheless hailed her "triumph" in the first round, remarking: "We are making history."

Gonzalez has positioned herself as a defender of Correa's socialist legacy. She has previously remarked that if elected, the former socialist president who mentored her would be a close adviser in her government.

Businessman Daniel Noboa, meanwhile, garnered 24 percent of the votes, putting him at second place. He said the "youth" had chosen him to beat the Citizen Revolution Movement, the party Correa and Gonzalez are members of.

Noboa became notable for appearing in the country's only televised presidential debate in a bulletproof jacket. His father Alvaro, who amassed a fortune selling bananas and boats, ran for and failed to become president five times.

Given the results of the Aug. 20 elections, National Electoral Council President Diana Atamaint told journalists: "We are heading to a second-round election on Oct. 15."

Ecuador marred by violence days before elections

The banana-exporting Ecuador was once seen as a haven of peace between cocaine producers Columbia and Peru. However, this peaceful perception has changed over the last five years  with the nation becoming a battleground for drug cartels. Ecuador's large ports, lax security and widespread corruption have contributed to this negative view.

Violence often accompanies drugs, and Ecuador was no exception. The country was marred by violence days before Ecuadorians headed out to vote, with the Aug. 9 assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. The journalist-turned-politician was shot while walking to his vehicle at the end of a campaign event, with three rounds ending his life. (Related: Anti-crime, anti-China presidential candidate in Ecuador ASSASSINATED.)

Prior to his murder, Villavicencio was seen as the No. 2 contender in the country's elections. Fellow journalist Christian Zurita, his close friend, replaced the late candidate. Zurita only received 16 percent of the votes, however, putting him in third place after Noboa.

The late candidate had previously crossed swords with Correa over the socialist's pro-China stance and corruption. Correa has been in exile in Belgium for six years over criminal charges launched by Villavicencio. He called the assassinated candidate a "shameless coward" in his last threat issued on social media in November 2022, warning that his "party will be over soon."

Outgoing Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso declared a state of emergency in the country after Villavicencio's murder. Authorities also arrested six individuals linked to the murder. The Colombian suspects reportedly had ties to organized crime groups.

Lasso dissolved the National Assembly  Ecuador's unicameral parliament and called for general elections in a bid to stop an impeachment trial. He explained that the move was necessitated by incessant attempts to oust him, which made the regular business of government impossible.

Security was tightened at polling places following Villavicencio's murder. Soldiers and police officers searched voters at police stations. Some of the presidential candidates wore helmets and bulletproof vests as they were casting their ballots.

"The most serious problem is insecurity," remarked 40-year-old Eva Hurtado as she left a polling station north of the Ecuadorian capital Quito. "So many crimes, assassinations, disappearances. We are afraid."

Visit Chaos.news for more stories about the chaotic situation in Ecuador amid elections there.

Watch this footage of Fernando Villavicencio's assassination on Aug. 9, a mere 11 days before the Aug. 20 elections in Ecuador.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Ecuador declares 60-day state of emergency following ASSASSINATION of presidential candidate.

Food and fuel shortages, price spikes continue to get worse in protest-hit Ecuador.

Generals warn of aggressive Chinese military expansion into Latin America.

Sources include:

Barrons.com

Breitbart.com

Reuters.com

Brighteon.com
Several states plan to hire ILLEGALS to augment their fast-thinning police departments

Several states are looking to hire illegal aliens to augment the dwindling numbers of several police departments (PDs) in their cities.

The Washington Times recounted several instances of police departments looking into the idea, which specifically targets individuals benefiting from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.

In 2021, the Greeley Police Department in Colorado tried to hire a DACA recipient. While the applicant made it into the testing stage, the department ran into a roadblock while doing a background check. Attorneys for the PD said the man who applied as a police officer wasn't authorized to carry a firearm.

Over in Illinois, Blue Island PD Chief Geoffrey Farr said his department is working on hiring DACA recipients. While he acknowledged that illegals who become police officers can only carry weapons while on duty, he welcomed the move as they could help the department connect with the city's heavily Hispanic population.

"There's a segment of the population who cannot vote and cannot carry a gun. Those are usually referred to as convicted felons," Chief Farr said. "So in essence, the DACA recipients have the same restrictions upon them that convicted felons do. That aint right." (Related: Illinois bill would allow NON-AMERICANS to become POLICE OFFICERS in the Prairie State.)

Nevada and Wisconsin have also followed suit, with state lawmakers debating bills to allow DACA recipients to become police officers in their respective jurisdictions. Utah enacted a law in 2021 that permitted illegal aliens to sign up as police officers. While it had the backing of the Salt Lake City PD, the latter said it has not hired anyone under the new law.

Idea of turning lawbreakers into law enforcers faces opposition

But over in Georgia, a lawmaker has gone against the grain over the idea of making DACA recipients police officers. The said lawmaker has vowed to propose an amendment to the state constitution requiring police officers to be bona fide U.S. citizens.

D.A. King, founder of the Dustin Inman Society (DIS), said the amendment has a chance of being put to voters in 2024. The DIS supports stricter implementation of immigration laws, which have been relaxed since President Joe Biden began his term.

"Legislators are going to have to publicly pick a side on the possibility of foreign cops  perhaps even illegal aliens with DACA status  someday arresting Americans in Georgia," King told the Washington Times. "It will be difficult for Republican legislators who all ran as 'conservatives' to vote against this one if the opportunity arises."

Other commentators also expressed disagreement with the idea of allowing illegals to become police officers. This is because of the irony of illegals, who violated U.S. immigration law from square one, enforcing the same law they disobeyed.

Former immigration judge Matt O'Brien, who is currently the director of investigations at the Immigration Reform Law Institute, pointed out that the issue is a "massive problem." He expounded: "It's now crashing into the fact that these idiots in the 'defund the police' movement have caused a crisis in law enforcement."

Elizabeth Jacobs, director of regulatory affairs at the Center for Immigration Studies, noted that allowing illegals to become cops "raises questions of fairness, of conflicts of interest and security."

"If we are having folks that our government knows are in violation of the law or have broken the law and we are deputizing them to enforce other laws, that doesn't bring confidence to our legal system," she said.

NumbersUSA Vice President Rosemary Jenks, whose group lobbies for stricter immigration controls, dismissed the idea as "lunacy."

"We know nothing  literally nothing  about these people, other than what they told us. We don't even know if they're giving us their real names," she remarked. "If they have a criminal record back home, they're definitely not giving us their real names. So how are you going to vet people?"

Visit Migrants.news for more stories about plans to allow illegal aliens to become police officers.

Watch this clip from "The Jim Stroud Show" about the outrageous plan to augment police shortages by recruiting illegals.

This video is from The Jim Stroud Show channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Illinois bill would allow illegal aliens to become police officers.

Biden's plan to release mass of illegal aliens into U.S. revealed by Border Patrol.

Democrats chose ILLEGAL aliens over U.S. military personnel by letting govt. shut down.

Sources include:

WashingtonTimes.com

Brighteon.com
U.S. facing worsening ammo shortage while trying to keep up with Ukraines demands

The United States has shipped more than two million 155mm shells to Ukraine and now wrestles with the problem of restocking its arsenal of artillery munitions and building new production lines.

According to reports, the U.S. Department of Defense is neck-deep in its efforts to keep up with Ukraine's demands. Failure to sustain current production levels could jeopardize security on the home front, the reports warned.

Due to Ukraine's astonishing hunger for artillery ammunition, U.S. military contractors are expected to double the rate of standard NATO artillery round production recorded before Ukraine launched its counter-offensive last June.

America's bid to restock its arsenal is hampered by a shortage of raw materials, particularly the explosive TNT which it no longer produces. Much of the TNT is obtained from Poland.

The U.S. also lost a production partner when the region where the factory was located voted to become part of Russia in last year's referendum. Now, the U.S. is searching for new suppliers, including Japan.

To avoid future shortages, an unnamed Pentagon official suggested maintaining a "consistent high demand" for ammunition.

The Pentagon should "continue to procure at that level over a longer period of time so that we have not just healthy stocks, but a healthy production and industrial base that's able to meet them," the individual told the press.

The Pentagon hopes to increase output to one million shells per year by the fall of 2025.

"One of the lessons learned out of the Ukrainian experience is we need to go back and revisit those minimum standards [for ammunition stocks]. And we may have underestimated," Army Secretary Christine Wormuth told reporters last month.

Most Americans oppose additional aid for Ukraine

Just recently, President Joe Biden requested another $20.6 billion for Ukraine from Congress, a move that is now opposed by the majority of Americans. A new CNN poll conducted by SSRS showed that 55 percent of Americans think the Congress should not authorize additional funding to support Ukraine.

Fifty-one percent say that the U.S. has already done enough to help Ukraine as opposed to 49 percent who say that it should do more.

A survey conducted in the early days of the Russian invasion in late February 2002 found 62 percent felt the U.S. should have been doing more. (Related: Costly war: American aid to Ukraine about to hit $65 billion.)

Despite the abundance of support from the West, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted the campaign to push Russian forces out of occupied territories has been slower than desired.

Since its launch last June, Ukraine has only retaken about 241 square kilometers of territory in the country's south and east, according to Hanna Maliar, the countrys deputy minister of defense.

Ukrainian armor has failed to breach the lines in the absence of air and overwhelming artillery support.

Tanks were vulnerable to Russian anti-tank missiles fired from the trenches and from gunships. Russian mines were placed every meter or every two meters, requiring the Ukrainians to stop, dismount and push soldiers forward to clear those minefields and create lanes.

According to the Guardian, Ukrainian casualties since the counter-offensive could have reached 131,000 soldiers, including 17,500 killed on the battlefield.

A Russian report claimed that Ukraine has lost 1,831 tanks and armored vehicles, 26 planes, nine helicopters and 747 field artillery.

On the Russian side, the New York Times reported that as of Aug. 18, U.S. officials estimate that Russia's military casualties are approaching 300,000. The same report said the total number of military casualties from both sides so far is almost half a million.

Visit WWIII.news for more news related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Watch this episode of "The Silent War" as host Dustin Nemos talks about America running out of ammo before a potential world war.

This video is from the SecureLife channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

US military stockpiles at "dangerously low levels" not seen in decades due to military aid shipments to Ukraine.

Pentagon report: Huge amount of U.S. military aid to Ukraine has been stolen by criminal organizations and arms traffickers.

Pentagon overestimated value of military aid sent to Ukraine by $6.2 billion  this means MORE weapons will be sent to Ukrainian armed forces.

Sources include:

RT.com

WSJ.com

CNN.com

Brighteon.com
At least 13 communities in a city in Greece have been evacuated as wildfires threaten the area. The worse part was that 18 bodies were found in a forest following the deadly blaze.

Powerful winds as well as extreme high temperatures continue to cause destructive wildfires in various areas in the past days.

Authorities said that the fatalities, who were believed to be migrants, were found in the Dadia forest situated in northern Greece. Probers are already looking into the death of the victims.

Initial information stated that officials discovered the bodies when firefighting personnel had he fire inspected how parts of the forest, close to the village of Avantas, had been reduced to ruins.

In Alexandroupolis, residents of the 13 communities were evacuated to ensure their safety as the blaze bring risk in the area.

The blaze in Alexandroupolis could be considered as one of the worst fires; prompting the massive and forced evacuation of residents.

Read Also: Greece Wildfire: No Injuries Recorded As Wildfire Triggers Massive Explosion On Ammunition Depot

Fire warnings

Meanwhile, authorities have also raised extreme fire risk warnings across several regions in the southern portion of the country, including Athens. The city capital has been experiencing scorching temperatures during the summer season, specifically this week as it nears 40 degree Celsius.

Several warehouses in Althens were also ravaged by flames, including an industrial area in Aspropyrgos. It was also observed in the Attica Highway that the sky became dark with acrid smoke.

Moreover, there were also fires reported in the eastern Rhodope region as well as in the northern city of Kavala.

Still in Alexandroupolis, the blaze had struck university hospitals, prompting Greek authorities to deploy a fleet of ambulances and buses to save and transfer around 115 patients.

According to Copernicus, more than 8,500 hectares were burned in East Macedonia and three villages have been evacuated in Evia. The Rapid Mapping Team of Copernicus also continue to receive wildfire activations in various areas in the county.

Climate change

While it is common for Greece to encounter summer wildfires, experts warned that the rising frequency and intensity of the recent weather events has something to do with climate change.

European Union Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic said that Greece, so far, has experienced its worst wildfires since 2008.

The official pointed out that the burnt area was larger compared to what was damaged in the previous years. Further, the wildfires at present were more violent and intense.

The European Commission already mobilized additional firefighting resources to help in the ongoing efforts of Greek firefighters. Five of its firefighting airplanes, which were stationed in Croatia, Germany and Sweden, as well as one Blackhawk helicopter are already en route to Greece.

Further, 58 firefighters and nine water tanks from Czechia are also being deployed to the wildfire-stricken country.

"Greece is witnessing an unprecedented scale of wildfire devastation this summer and in such trying times the EU's swift assistance is vital. Today, we can see the real-life significance of having doubled our rescEU aerial firefighting fleet for this wildfire season," Lenarcic said in a press release.

The EU earlier deployed seven airplanes, one helicopter, 114 firefighters and 19 vehicles to assist respond measures in Greece due to the wildfires.

Related Article: Greece Suffers From Challenging Heat, Wildfires; EU Provides Support, Firefighters

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A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for Tucson, Arizona, this week. The storm will be accompanied by strong winds and can potentially spawn isolated tornadoes, and hail, and result in flooding because of heavy rain. Tucson and other locations such as Littletown, Summit, Sahuarita, Casas Adobes, Oro Valley, Three Points, Vail, Tanque Verde, and Picture Rocks are at risk.

The lingering severe weather threat comes after Arizona, the Southwest United States, and the southern part of the country experience massive heatwaves in recent weeks. In the coming days, Tucson and its surrounding areas could experience inclement weather or 'beneficial rain' that could temporarily address dry conditions.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

The NWS Office in Tucson issued the severe thunderstorm warning earlier this week. In a post on X, formerly called Twitter, on Tuesday, August 22, the weather service said the warning will include Tucson, Casas Adobes, and Cataline Foothills. There is a threat of powerful winds as the storm will bring wind gusts that can reach up to 70 miles per hour.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Tucson AZ, Casas Adobes AZ and Catalina Foothills AZ until 8:00 PM MST. This storm will contain wind gusts to 70 MPH! pic.twitter.com/aghdqMtvGA  NWS Tucson (@NWSTucson) August 22, 2023

In addition, the NWS forecast shows that penny-sized hail is possible. Overall, the storm may affect more than 900,000 people in the said areas, as well as over 300 schools and 18 hospitals.

Evacuation or stay-at-home orders from local authorities are possible, based on previous related weather events. Disruption of local flights, road traffic movement, and public transport are also expected due to the severe storm.

Last month, a separate thunderstorm caused power outages for thousands of customers in Tucson, as the weather system disrupted the area's electric power infrastructure, according to reports.

Also Read: Storm System to Unleash in Central U.S, Causing Heavy Snow and Severe Weather

What is a Severe Thunderstorm?

Thunderstorms occur not only in the U.S. but other countries in the tropic and subtropic regions. However, they cannot form deep in the Arctic and Antarctic, since there is only cold and dry air, which does not rise, according to Douglas Herman, from the National Museum of the American Indian, as cited by the Smithsonian Magazine.

In general, a thunderstorm is a weather phenomenon characterized as a rain shower where we hear thunder from its lightning, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). A thunderstorm becomes "severe" when it has one or more of the following:

One inch or greater hail

Wind gusts reaching over 57.5 miles per hour

Tornado

The NOAA estimates that there are approximately 16 million thunderstorms occurring worldwide each year. In the U.S. alone, there are around 100,000 thunderstorms annually, wherein 10% of these reach the severe category.

In recent years, severe thunderstorms in the U.S. have been responsible for spawning deadly tornadoes. Earlier this month, severe storms on the East Coast of the country killed at least two people, after one was struck by lightning and the other hit by a fallen tree.

In June 2023, a tornado killed at least four people in Texas as severe weather caused mayhem in the western and central parts of the U.S.

Related Article: U.S. Weather Forecast: Coastal Storm Possible This Weekend Until Next Week
The invasive plant kudzu was used to transform the landscaping of a North Carolina property. Their neighbors are furious because the HOA took no action to prevent the use of the invasive vine.

Concerning Landscaping Choice

A Redditor with the handle u/RichardFister became concerned with his neighbor's choice for landscaping, however, after talking to his neighbor and to the HOA, no action was implemented, prompting his post on the r/legaladvice subreddit.

In his post, the user said that his neighbor is putting down invasive and quickly dispersing plants on his land. Later, the user inquired about their legal options for stopping the new landscaping installation. They continued by saying that only a few feet from the tree line, a neighboring homeowner began growing kudzu as a ground cover.

Invasive Vine Kudzu

Fast-growing and invasive, kudzu is a vine. With the way it spreads, the Redditor compared it to a wildfire in the south.

The irate Redditor began looking for legal counsel to prevent the neighbor from releasing plants in the neighborhood after the HOA told him they couldn't do anything about it because it wasn't a substantial landscaping alteration. The Redditor worries that it will develop to a point where it will be difficult, if not impossible, to get rid of the vines.

Dubbed "mile-a-minute" and "the Southern devourer," this perennial vine invades the southeastern US, inching into the Midwest, Northeast, and Oregon. Kudzu, originating from Japan and southeast China, arrived in the US during the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. It was marketed as an appealing ornamental plant with fragrant flowers and strong vines.

Initially championed for soil erosion control by the Soil Conservation Service from the 1930s to 1950s, its invasive nature became evident as it ruthlessly overtook native species. Kudzu spreads rapidly via runners, rhizomes, and rooting vines, surging up to a foot daily and yielding vines up to 100 feet long.

The neighbor's addition of the quickly spreading Lily of the Valley along with the invasive vine kudzu raises additional concerns for the Reddit user.

Also Read: Invasive Plant Kudzu Vine Expected to Take Over Midwest US at Alarmingly Rapid Rate

Effects of Invasives

Plant invasions are a major source of worry. Due to their competition with local species for sunlight, moisture, nutrients, and space, they have the potential to do significant harm to the areas they live in. Additionally, invasive species can cause a decline in the region's total plant variety.

The US Forest Service stated that invasive plants have led to the overall reduction of 42% of US threatened and endangered species. They also harm wildlife habitats.

Kudzu contributes to ozone pollution in addition to rapidly encroaching on landscapes, transforming ecosystems, and expanding into new regions, according to Columbia Climate School.

Because of its propensity to create massive colonies and its capacity for quick expansion, the lily of the valley is regarded as invasive in many places. It is also poisonous to both people and animals.

Related Article: Invasive Weed Mile-a-Minute Risks Potential Spread in Maine as Barbs Attach to Native Plants, Blocking Sunlight
Lolita, who has been named as the second oldest orca in captivity, died just before she could returned to the waters of Pacific Northwest.

The Miami Seaquarium said that Lolita, also known as Tokitae, had manifested serious signs of discomfort days before she died on August 19. Due to this, the Miami Seaquarium and Friends of Toki medical team began treating the marine animal aggressively.

"Despite receiving the best possible medical care, she passed away Friday afternoon from what is believed to be a renal condition. Toki was an inspiration to all who had the fortune to hear her story and especially to the Lummi nation that considered her family," the Miami Seaquarium said.

"Those of us who have had the honor and privilege to spend time with her will forever remember her beautiful spirit," it added.

Those who had been checking Lolita alleged that the orca's death could be related to a renal condition. However, veterinary experts said that this is not yet certain as investigation is still ongoing.

Read Also: Baby Orca Found In Endangered Area Near British Columbia

Plan to release Lolita

Lolita was a 57-year-old female orca (Orcinus orca) that came from the endangered Southern Resident orcas, which lived off the waters of British Columbia, Washington and Oregon.

Lolita's keepers said that at the time of her sudden death, she was the second oldest orca in captivity behind Corky, or the 58-year-old male who is residing at SeaWorld San Diego.

There had been plans by the Miami Seaquarium to release Lolita back into her native ocean waters. Her keepers actually wanted her to spend her last days in her original home, which is situated in the waters of the Pacific Northwest.

Lolita was 4-years-old when she was captured from the Pacific coast near Seattle.

Through the course of decades, the said orca became popular and she was considered as the star attraction at the Seaquarium, performing about twice in a day. This, however, was not welcomed by animal rights groups.

The marine animal retired in 2022.

What are orcas

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration described the orca or killer whale as the ocean's top predator. It is the largest member of the Delphinidae family, or dolphins.

It said that members of this family include all dolphin species, as well as other larger species, such as long-finned pilot whales and short-finned pilot whales. Their common names also contain "whale" instead of "dolphin."

Experts said that these killer whales are one of the most recognizable marine mammals, with their distinctive black and white bodies. Killer whales usually reside in a wide range of habitats across the globe, including open seas and coastal waters.

At present, some killer whale populations are facing threats, including food limitations, chemical contaminants, and disturbances from vessel traffic and sound. There have been efforts to establish critical habitat, set protective regulations, and restore prey stocks to save these marine mammals.

The average lifespan for male killer whales is about 30 years, however, they can still live up to at least 60 years.

On the other hand, female killer whales typically live about 50 years, but they can also live up to at least 90 years in the wild.

Related Article: Elder Orca Moms Are Vital for Their Sons' Survival: How They Provide Food and Protection

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Tropical Storm Harold made landfall in south Texas at around noon on Tuesday, August 22, which could result in a widespread disruption in the coming hours. The major weather hazards for the state and potentially its surrounding areas are flooding due to heavy rain, coastal erosion, and strong winds.

Power outages are also possible, as well as disruption to businesses and local travel and life-threatening risks caused by the said hazards.

The arrival of Harold in the U.S. comes after it formed over the Gulf of Mexico overnight on Monday, August 21. The National Weather Service earlier on Tuesday previously warned that the said storm will hit south Texas and bring heavy rain and gusty winds, as well as produce flash flooding and urban flooding.

The weather service also warned of tropical storm conditions, coastal flooding, and multiple tornadoes across the state.

Tropical Storm Harold

In its short-range forecast, the NWS Weather Prediction Center previously stated Tropical Storm Harold was located in the western Gulf of Mexico and is expected move further westward into south Texas, bringing rainfall amounts from 3 to 5 inches, with 7 inches being the maximum.

The U.S. weather agency adds Harold could continue to impact the region until early Wednesday, August 23, where it will produce scattered areas of flash flooding. Furthermore, tropical storm force winds will be accompanying the weather system as it progresses further inland, in addition to the rough surf conditions along the coast.

By Thursday, August 24, the agency said Harold and its remnant moisture could move into northern Mexico and the Southwest U.S. or southern Rockies, leading to flash flooding concerns, especially near the flood-prone canyon in Utah.

Also Read: Eastern Pacific Hurricane: Tropical Storm Kay Expected to Hit Mexico, Southwest US This Week

South Texas Storm Landfall

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), flash flooding with potential landslides in mountainous areas in Mexico is anticipated through Wednesday, including a portion of northern Coahuila and northern Nuevo Leon. Moreover, the NHC emphasized that coastal flooding is a major threat along the south Texas coast, in addition to the tropical storm conditions.

Tropical storm warnings and watches remain in effect near the Texas coast, in areas that include Corpus Christi and South Padre Island. Low-lying areas and communities near the coast are at risk of flooding, according to meteorologists.

Latest weather forecasts indicate Harold will weaken as it further moves inland and this means that it is unlikely to develop into a hurricane in the coming days.

The U.S. is currently halfway on its Atlantic hurricane season which started on June 1 and will last until November 30. During this period, further tropical disturbances could develop into tropical storms, hurricanes, or even major hurricanes.

In 2022, Hurricane Ian struck Florida and its surrounding states from late September to early October, resulting in more than 100 deaths. It is also the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the Sunshine State since Hurricane Michael in 2018.

Related Article: Tropical Storm Earl Threatens US Atlantic Coast, Caribbean Region After Hurricane Danielle Weakens
Radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan will soon be released later this week, according to reports. The Japanese government will dump over 1 million metric tons of radioactive waste starting Thursday, August 24.

For months, some local fishermen and other members of the international community have denounced the Fukushima water release into the Pacific Ocean.

Despite receiving a green light from the U.N. nuclear watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Japan's neighboring countries such as China have expressed concern regarding the move.

Although Japan said the wastewater is safe, some of the potential reported threats from the tsunami-wrecked power plant are its impact on marine life in the waters of East Asia and even further down to Southeast Asia.

Fukushima Water Release

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated that he expects the Fukushima radioactive water to be released starting Thursday under circumstances the weather permits. The announcement comes after local authorities said it received "a degree of understanding" with the fishing industry in relation to the release of the water into the Pacific Ocean.

However, local fishermen are still concerned that the release could potentially ruin their livelihood. When it comes to international opinion, the neighboring countries of Japan differ on their take when it comes to the potential environmental repercussion of the Fukushima water. With this, the possible avoidance of fresh seafood from Japan is some measures being taken by Macau and Hong Kong.

In South Korea last month, various reports said shoppers had hoarded salt and seafood prior to the Fukushima water release. It is known that the country has banned the import of Japanese seafood from the Fukushima area since 2013.

Now, Japan's plan will take over 17 days starting August 24, initially discharging a total of 7,800 cubic meters during the mentioned period.

Also Read: Fukushima to Release Over a Million Cubic Meters Water From Nuclear Plant; Officials Urge Locals Stop Swimming

Fukushima Nuclear Disaster

The controversial plan surrounding the release of potentially dangerous radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant has its root more than a decade ago.

In March 2011, an earthquake ranging from 9.0 to 9.1 occurred off the coast of east Japan, resulting in a deadly tsunami responsible for killing more or less 20,000 people. The severity of the massive tsunamis caused a nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, located in Okuma, Fukushima, Japan.

According to the World Nuclear Association, a 15-meter tsunami disabled the power supply and cooling operations of three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi, causing a nuclear disaster beginning on March 11 of the said year. The disaster involves the melting of three cores in the first three days.

Since then, contaminated water remained at the plant, but developments about its release was only finalized earlier this year. Even after the release of the Fukushima radioactive water, Japan will still collect samples from the ocean to determine any incurred hazards.

Related Article: Hongkong To Ban More Products From Japan If Fukushima Wastewater Released
Under Albania's oldest lake, archaeologists discovered an ancient village on stilts that was fortified with 100,000 wood spikes for defense.

Ancient Village under Oldest Lake in Albania

Potentially, one of Europe's earliest settled communities has been discovered with a wall of defensive spikes, beneath the waters of one of the world's oldest lakes. The revelation beneath Lake Ohrid in Albania's Lin village affirms that lakeside settlements in the surrounding area, spanning North Macedonia's mountainous border, exceed archaeologists' initial estimations in terms of age.

Professor Albert Hafner from Switzerland's University of Bern expounds on this discovery. Collaborative efforts between Swiss and Albanian archaeologists, facilitated by skilled divers, unveil Lin's role as a nucleus for the evolution of agriculture, craftsmanship, and fishing approximately 8,500 years ago.

This positions Lin as the most ancient lakeside village known, surpassing counterparts throughout Europe, including southern Italy. Before the EXPLO project's revelation, settlements in the Mediterranean and Alpine regions were several centuries younger.

A fresh radiocarbon assessment designates the period between 6000 and 5800 BC as a pivotal time frame for one of Europe's earliest stilt house settlements.

The EXPLO project's official site underscores the significance of archaeological sites within the southern Balkan lakes-encompassing Greece, Albania, and North Macedonia-as invaluable resources for probing the intricate archives of societal and environmental shifts in the heartland of European agriculture.

The encapsulated records within natural lake sediments and submerged prehistoric settlements provide unparalleled conditions for preservation and offer comprehensive insights into the dynamics of human activity, the biosphere, and the geosphere across time.

Albanian archaeologist Adrian Anastasi emphasizes the intricate nature of constructing a village on stilts, stressing the necessity of understanding the motivations underlying this intricate decision.

Also Read: Climate Change, Habitat Expansion Allowed Interbreeding Between Neanderthals and Denisovans, DNA Study Reveals

100,000 Defensive Spiked Wall

While excavating numerous seeds, plants, and the bones of domesticated and wild animals at the site for the past four years, archaeologists suddenly found a fresh puzzle to attempt and solve. Archaeologists are unaware of why the inhabitants needed defensive barricades, despite the fact that the presence of palisades, or spiked walls, suggests the settlement was fortified.

According to researchers, some 100,000 spikes were likely driven into the lake bed off Lin. Hafner called the discovery a genuine study gold mine.

It will take another 20 years for archaeologists to completely investigate and study the village and come to a final judgment.

The crew will proceed with extreme caution to separate the distinct layers in both the land and underwater excavations, as has long been standard procedure in archaeological study.

The crew will be employing high-precision satellite GPS and, most importantly, drones to map the area digitally.

The Lin site is currently situated under farmland, 3 meters below the surface of the ground, and in 3 meters of water. Consequently, it cannot be seen immediately, unlike ancient ruins. However, studying underwater communities can reveal a wealth of knowledge about modern living that can't be found in ancient ruins.

Related Article: Ancient Citadel Acropolis Cuts Down Tourism to 20,000 Daily Visitors in Bid to Preserve UNESCO World Heritage Site
Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world, reaching lengths of up to 18 meters and weights of up to 15 tons.

These gentle giants are filter feeders, sucking in large volumes of water and filtering out plankton, krill, fish eggs, and other small organisms.

They are also highly migratory, traveling thousands of kilometers across the oceans to find food and mates. But what factors affect their health and survival in a changing world?

Habitat loss and human threats

Whale sharks are endangered by habitat loss and human activities such as fishing and shipping. They depend on productive areas where plankton blooms occur, such as coral reefs, coastal waters, and oceanic islands.

However, these habitats are threatened by pollution, overfishing, climate change, and coastal development.

Whale sharks are also vulnerable to accidental entanglement in fishing nets and collisions with boats, which can cause serious injuries or death.

Furthermore, some whale sharks are targeted by illegal fisheries for their meat, fins, oil, and skin.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), whale sharks are classified as endangered, meaning that their population has declined by more than 50% in the past three generations.

The global population size and trend of whale sharks are unknown, but some regional studies have reported significant declines in recent decades.

For example, a study in the Indian Ocean found that whale shark sightings decreased by 79% between 1994 and 2014.

Another study in the Gulf of Mexico estimated that the population declined by 30% between 1999 and 2005.

To protect whale sharks from further decline, conservation efforts are needed at local, national, and international levels. Some of the measures that have been implemented or proposed include:

Establishing marine protected areas where whale sharks can feed and breed without disturbance.

Regulating fishing activities and enforcing bans on whale shark trade and consumption.

Educating fishermen and boat operators on how to avoid or minimize interactions with whale sharks.

Promoting ecotourism and research opportunities that benefit both whale sharks and local communities.

Monitoring whale shark movements and population trends using satellite tags, photo-identification, and genetic analysis.

Also Read: Whale Shark Sight: How Rhodopsin Evolved for Them To See Through the Years?

Microbial health and diversity

Whale sharks are not only affected by external factors, but also by internal factors such as their microbial health.

Microbes are microscopic organisms that live on or inside other organisms, performing various functions that affect their host's well-being. For example, microbes can help digest food, produce vitamins, fight infections, or cause diseases.

Whale sharks have a diverse and abundant community of microbes on their skin surface, called the epidermal microbiome.

This microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's integrity and immunity against pathogens and parasites.

However, little is known about how the microbiome varies across different whale shark populations and habitats, and how it responds to environmental changes.

A recent study by scientists from around the world has shed some light on this topic.

The study sampled microbes from the skin surface of 74 whale sharks at five of the most famous diving sites around the world: Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, Oslob in the Philippines, Mafia Island in Tanzania, La Paz, and Cancun in Mexico.

The study used cutting-edge genomic sequencing technology to identify the types of microbes on the whale shark skin surface.

The study found that while microbial species differ across the world, they work together to form a balanced network that contributes to the health of the sharks.

The study also revealed characteristics of what comprises a balanced or unbalanced microbiome. For example, a balanced microbiome has a high diversity of microbes that interact positively with each other and with the host.

An unbalanced microbiome has a low diversity of microbes that interact negatively with each other or with the host.

The study also discovered 34 new species of microbes that have never been described before. The whale sharks from Ningaloo had the highest number of novel microbial species, suggesting that there is still much to learn about the microbial diversity of marine animals.

The study concluded that measuring and analyzing the epidermal microbiome of whale sharks is important for understanding how microbes affect their health and survival.

It also suggested that microbial health could be used as an indicator of environmental health, as changes in the microbiome could reflect changes in water quality or temperature.

Related article: Whale Sharks Designated as the World's Largest Omnivore After Scientists Found They Also Eat Plants
The Indian Ocean is home to a rich diversity of marine life, including many species of whales and dolphins.

However, these cetaceans are facing multiple threats from human activities and environmental changes, which could jeopardize their survival and the health of the ocean ecosystem.

A recent study by researchers from the University of Exeter and Greenpeace has revealed a hotspot for cetacean diversity in a remote part of the Indian Ocean, and called for its protection as either an Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA) or a Marine Protected Area (MPA).

A hotspot for cetacean diversity

The study, published in the journal Regional Studies in Marine Science, surveyed the waters around Saya de Malha, a vast submerged bank hundreds of kilometers off the coast of East Africa.

This area has not been previously explored for cetaceans, but the researchers found 12 species, including orcas, sperm whales, spinner dolphins, striped dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins.

The researchers used visual and acoustic surveys (over a 7,700 km area) using the Greenpeace vessel MY Arctic Sunrise, which was involved in a wider project to document marine life in the region during 2021.

According to the researchers, Saya de Malha is a unique area that includes seagrass meadows and coral reefs, and that the steeply shelving edges of the bank appear to be very important for cetaceans.

Moreover, Saya de Malha supports a diverse range of cetacean species and that the relatively shallow waters and tropical currents make it a hotspot for biodiversity.

Also Read: 10 Disturbing Facts About Dolphins You'll Wish You Never Knew!

A need for protection

The researchers also highlighted the threats facing cetaceans in the Indian Ocean, such as habitat loss, pollution, overfishing, climate change, and coastal development.

They also pointed out that cetaceans are vulnerable to accidental entanglement in fishing nets and collisions with boats, which can cause serious injuries or death.

Furthermore, some cetaceans are targeted by illegal fisheries for their meat, fins, oil, and skin.

To protect cetaceans from further decline, the researchers propose that Saya de Malha should be designated as either an IMMA or an MPA.

An IMMA is a discrete portion of habitat that is important for one or more marine mammal species, while an MPA is a clearly defined geographical space that is recognized and managed to achieve long-term conservation of nature.

Both designations would provide recognition and guidance for conservation actions in the area.

The researchers also hoped that their study will contribute to the implementation of the United Nations treaty that aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of the high seas (beyond national waters), which was adopted in June 2021.

They argued that by protecting fragile and important habitats like Saya de Malha, placing them off-limits to destructive industries, we can begin to turn around the threats facing our world's oceans.

A possible connectivity

The study also discovered a possible connectivity between cetacean populations in Saya de Malha and other regions.

Analysis of sperm whale calls in the study showed a "match" with a well-studied sperm whale population off the coast of Mauritius, suggesting that whales may move between these two areas.

More research will be needed to confirm this.

The study also revealed 34 new species of microbes that have never been described before.

The whale sharks from Ningaloo had the highest number of novel microbial species, suggesting that there is still much to learn about the microbial diversity of marine animals.

Related article: Bottlenose Dolphins Migrate to Bay Area for First Time as Water Temperatures Rise in North, Central California
Nuclear contamination is a serious environmental and health problem that affects many areas of the world.

Measuring and monitoring the extent and impact of nuclear contamination can be challenging, especially in remote or inaccessible locations.

Fortunately, scientists have discovered a new way to study nuclear contamination using tortoise and turtle shells.

These animals belong to the order of reptiles called chelonians, which have bony outer shells that are usually made of keratin, the same protein that forms human hair and nails.

The shells grow in layers, each representing one year of the animal's life.

By analyzing the uranium content and isotopic composition of these layers, scientists can determine when and where the animal was exposed to nuclear contamination.

Tortoise Shells Record Nuclear Contamination

Uranium is a naturally occurring element that can be found in rocks, soil, and water.

Some uranium isotopes are artificially produced by nuclear fission, the process of splitting atoms to release energy.

These isotopes have different atomic masses and decay rates than natural uranium, and can be used to identify the source and age of nuclear contamination.

Uranium-235 is used as fuel in nuclear reactors and weapons, while uranium-238 is a byproduct of nuclear fission that has a longer half-life.

Scientists have found that chelonians can bioaccumulate uranium from their environment or food sources, such as algae or plants.

This means that they can store uranium in their tissues or shells at higher concentrations than their surroundings.

The uranium isotopes in their shells can reflect the historical changes in nuclear contamination over time.

If a tortoise lived in an area that was affected by a nuclear test or accident, its shell would show a spike in uranium-235 or other artificial isotopes during that period.

To test this method, scientists analyzed the shells of five different chelonians from natural history collections. They used a technique called laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to measure the uranium content and isotopic composition of each layer of the shells.

They also compared the results with historical records of nuclear activities in the areas where the animals were collected.

Also Read: Sea Turtles Threatened By Plastic Pollution, Researchers Say

Tortoise Shells Tell Us About Nuclear History

One of the chelonians they studied was a sea turtle from Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific Ocean.

This atoll was the site of 43 nuclear tests conducted by the United States between 1948 and 1958, including the first hydrogen bomb test in 1952.

The sea turtle was collected in 1978, 20 years after the last test.

The scientists found that its shell had elevated levels of uranium-235 and other artificial isotopes, indicating that it was exposed to nuclear contamination from the tests or from legacy contamination in the atoll.

Another chelonian they studied was an eastern box turtle from Oak Ridge, Tennessee in the United States.

This city is home to a nuclear facility that has produced and processed uranium since 1943. The box turtle was collected in 1962, during the peak of nuclear production and testing.

The scientists found that its shell had high levels of uranium-238 and other byproducts of nuclear fission, indicating that it was exposed to nuclear contamination from uranium waste products in the area.

The other three chelonians they studied were from areas that were not directly affected by nuclear activities, but still showed traces of artificial uranium isotopes in their shells.

These were a gopher tortoise from Florida, a pancake tortoise from Tanzania3, and a radiated tortoise from Madagascar.

The scientists suggested that these animals might have been exposed to global fallout from atmospheric nuclear tests conducted by various countries between 1945 and 1980.

They concluded that tortoise and turtle shells can be used as a new tool to trace nuclear history in different regions and time periods.

According to the study, this method can be applied to other animals with keratinized structures, such as horns, hooves, or feathers.

Related Article: Geometric Tortoise Conservation: Endangered Rare Animal Get New Home [PHOTOS]
This summer, the German town of Raguhn-Jenitz made international news. This collection of villages, with less than 10.000 inhabitants, elected a mayor from the far-right Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) with 51 percent  the AfD's first mayor since the party's founding a decade ago.

Recent polls have put the AfD at up to 20 percent  twice what they got at the last elections in 2021 second only to the CDU/CSU. While far-right parties are advancing across Europe, many find this more worrying in Germany than in, say, Finland.

Friedrich Merz, who heads the CDU, blames progressive cultural shifts: With every newscast using gender-inclusive language, a few hundred more votes go to the AfD. Or maybe the proposed switch from gas furnaces to electric heat pumps is driving people to the far-right. Merz's solution is a Kulturkampf in the style of the republican Ron DeSantis, just with less charisma. In other words: Stop the AfD by taking up all of their talking points.

Something else is going on here. It's not really about wind turbines or rainbow flags. It's not even about immigration, when you consider that the people most enraged by uncontrolled immigration live in places where they never run into an Auslander. The AfD is particularly strong in East Germany, with up to 32 percent. From 1949 to 1989, this territory was the German Democratic Republic (GDR).

Column Red Flag Privat Red Flag is a column on Berlin politics by Nathaniel Flakin. It appeared in Exberliner magazine from 2020 to 2023 and found a new home at the Berlin newspaper nd  as their first content in English. If you like a regular dose of very local communist content, please share. Nathaniel is also the author of the anticapitalist guide book Revolutionary Berlin.



Lesen Sie diese Kolumne auf Deutsch.

The Federal Government's Commissioner for the East, Marco Wanderwitz of the CDU, thinks the GDR is to blame, even 30 years after its collapse: people in the East were socialized in a dictatorship so that they haven't arrived in democracy.

This column is appearing in nd, which was once the GDR's flagship newspaper, and today is an independent cooperative owned by journalists and readers. It seems like a good place to take that argument apart.

The GDR was, no doubt, a Stalinist dictatorship: the government completely suppressed civil society, but also persecuted Nazis. East Germany simultaneously guaranteed jobs and housing for all.

It wasn't the 40 years of the GDR, but rather the 30 years since then, that saw the rise of fascist forces. After the Wende, when the capitalist West swallowed up its smaller neighbor, the planned economy was sold for scrap. That left millions of former GDR citizens poor, atomized, and open for authoritarian fantasies. Especially young women fled, leading to one of the most male regions in Europe.

Along with an economic shock doctrine, the East also got a new state apparatus, with intelligence agencies that had been founded by Nazi war criminals. For a recent example, look at Hans-Georg Maaen, a former head of the Verfassungsschutz who has since outed himself as an antisemitic conspiracy theorist, raving against globalists who secretly control the world. During the 1990s, that agency funneled lots of money to Nazi groups across the East  if you believe their version, they had to fund Nazis in order to know what Nazis were up to.

Capitalist restoration tilled the soil, and West German Nazis planted the seeds, for the current rise of the AfD. In the 1990s and 2000s, all this discontent was channelled into the Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS)  a protest vote against the evils of capitalism. But the PDS was so successful that it became part of the establishment. Now called Die Linke, the party is administering the very misery it has promised to fight against.

Christian Lindner, Germany's finance minister and dark wizard of austerity, has told people they should rather vote for Die Linke instead of the AfD  which explains exactly why so many people are doing the opposite. The torturous paradox is that people who are trapped in poverty cast a protest vote for a party demanding drastic cuts in unemployment benefits. The AfD likes to claim that they are a party of the little guy but in reality, they are funded by billionaires.

The only way out of this fascist downward spiral is to give people what they once had: a sense of security and purpose though dignified work. I'm not saying we need the GDR back  they used to lock up critical communists like me, after all. But we need a socialism based on extreme democracy.
Versa is bolstering the AI security management features of its integrated Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) package to include improved malware detection for Advanced Threat Protection, network microsegmention and generative AI protection to help customers better detect and quickly mitigate threats to their networked service and applications.

The vendor supports AI in its integrated Versa SASE package that includes SD WAN, a next-generation and web application firewall, intrusion prevention, zero trust support and data loss prevention.

The Versa SASE platform works by integrating telemetry data from a variety of Versa networking product including its WAN Edge, Cloud, Campus, remote locations, users and devices  into a unified data lake. VersaAI then taps into this data lake to extract AI/ML insights.

Our advantage lies in our ability to train and correlate data across extensive unified security and networking telemetry, said Kumar Mehta, Founder and Chief Development Officer of Versa Networks in a statement. With our vast SASE deployment base, the telemetry data is leveraged to fine tune Large Language Models (LLMs) to bolster security in real time with a high degree of accuracy and automation, and optimize network operations and performance.

To that end the company is adding AI/ML-Enhanced Malware Detection for Advanced Threat Protection to its SASE package. The idea is to set up what Versa calls multi-stage AI/ML that will look at traffic in real time for files and code snippets to identify malware.

In addition, Versa AI can now use the platforms User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) support to assess user behavior and then isolate potential threats into microsegments in real-time. Potential threats are identified closest to the host, limiting the blast radius for a possible attack within the enterprise perimeter, the vendor stated.

Also new to the package is enhanced AI data loss prevention support. This new capability enhances pattern-recognition with context-based analysis by fine-tuned LLMs to identify sensitive data. The idea is to protect enterprises from data leakage of company proprietary information, including source code and personal identifiable information within prompt windows, documents, and images, Versa stated.

Another core feature of VersaAI is its natural language chatbot, Verbo, and a machine learning core called VANI. To these features Versa has added a Predictive Traffic Steering feature that customers can use to pre-emptively adjust traffic paths in real time to avoid degradation or reachability issues, and to help maintain application and network SLAs, the vendor stated.

VersaAI also now includes a feature that lets customers set up a policy to prevent sensitive data from being uploaded into Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT.

ChatGPT, while offering productivity benefits, presents risks including potential data leakage due to its training on vast datasets, wrote Sridhar Iyer, director ML/AI at Versa Networks in a blog about securing generative AI.

Like other SaaS tools, its vulnerable to credential abuse and unintended access. Moreover, there are privacy concerns as users might unintentionally share sensitive information.

Data controls can prevent unauthorized or unintended access to sensitive data. And companies should ensure that proper visibility into generative AI activity is available- this includes regularly monitoring system logs and events to track interactions and identifying malicious activities early on, Iyer wrote.

Like its competitors in the evolving single vendor SASE world  which includes Cisco, HPEs Aruba, Fortinet, Palo Alto and others, Versa is looking to reinforce its SASE package and try to stay ahead of the market with useful security options for enterprise customers.

Gartner says the single-vendor SASE trend is a growing one and that by 2025, there will be over a 50% increase in the number of vendors with generally available single-vendor SASE offerings, compared to mid-2023 and that by 2026, 60% of new SD-WAN purchases will be part of a single-vendor SASE offering, up from 15% in 2023.
By: Nav Chander, Head of Service Provider SD-WAN/SASE Product Marketing at HPE Aruba Networking.

In this first of a three-part blog series on SD-WAN, SSE, and multi-cloud networking (MCN), where we will highlight how these three technology areas are analogous to three different musical instruments that can be played separately. However, when these three technologies are synchronized, much like a musical ensemble of the three instruments blends the music to create a perfect harmony and an enjoyable listening experience.

So, lets first explore our first instrument the piano, a versatile instrument which will symbolize MCN, an important and emerging networking requirement and that is the focus for many enterprise IT executives. The macro driver of MCN needs is the digital transformation effort worldwide. Digital transformation is the broad trend being pushed from above by boards and CEOs; organizations large and small need to connect critical data, applications, and cloud services.

MCN enables enterprises to control, secure, and manage their data on networks traversing multiple private and public cloud resources and data centers. MCN architectures are software based and can intelligently connect disparate IT resources while providing control, visibility, and security over network connections.

MCN provides automated, policy-based networking for connectivity and network services of distributed workloads in and across multiple clouds. MCN solutions, provided as network software or as a service, are managed, on demand, elastically scalable, highly available, and secure.

Application programming interfaces (APIs) are key component of a good MCN solution. APIs have been a crucial element of datacenter and SD-WAN virtualization, and they are becoming increasingly important to connect MCN. APIs enable any platform, hardware, or software to expose software connectivity in the form of code and automation.

However, with any new technology area, there are challenges that CIOs and IT teams can expect to encounter when they are implementing an MCN solution. These can include:

Support for consistent, predictable application performance for branch-cloud or data center-cloud traffic flows that will deliver consistent end user quality of experience.

Easy integration of cloud-hosted SD-WAN appliances that connect to multiple public, SaaS, and private cloud environments.

Justification for expensive dedicated high bandwidth MPLS connections from branch sites and on-premises data centers, directly to each cloud provider.

Managing the complexity of integrating SD-WAN connectivity platforms with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud public cloud backbone networks or middle-mile providers like Equinix and Megaport.

One of the key value propositions of MCN is that it can increase the overall visibility, performance, and security of connecting to multiple clouds and services. So lets explore which MCN requirements address these challenges:

Enforce unique security policies for trusted or untrusted cloud-hosted applications over broadband internet infrastructure.

Establish an intuitive business-intent policy framework to simplify and optimize connectivity of authorized applications to multiple cloud providers from any enterprise location.

Develop a consistent network and security policy for business applications that provides granular application QoS and micro-segmentation optimizing control, prioritization, and visibility of traffic for all cloud-hosted applications.

Automate multi-cloud connectivity for flexibility to easily scale applications horizontally across multiple cloud providers which optimizes the best cloud provider for the right application.

Support QoE for business-critical applications, ensuring high availability, low latency for e.g., voice/real-time cloud-hosted apps.

Monitor the application performance and network connectivity to multiple public clouds from a single GUI-based dashboard.

Flexible MCN infrastructure that can support scale and diversity of cloud access.

MCN is our piano and our first musical instrument, and like any good musical instrument it needs to be tuned periodically to maintain and optimize the music quality. MCN functionality can also be integrated within advanced SD-WAN technology, much like a keyboard combines a piano with a saxophone, drum, or guitar instrument to make it easier for the musician to play a song without requiring other instruments.

Over the past five years, Aruba has invested resources in adding support for multi-cloud connectivity integrations and embedded capabilities for the Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN platform.For example, by deploying an EdgeConnect virtual appliance into a cloud environment, customers can build an overlay network into any cloud service, including the Big Five of Alibaba Cloud, Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Oracle Cloud and deploy these from the Aruba Orchestrator. Enterprises can use an Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN MCN overlay fabric to stitch several cloud networks together, instantly building scalable access to a global multi-cloud network.

This enables building global, multi-cloud networks easier than ever  now including services such as public-cloud onramps and gateways, datacenter cloud exchanges such as those provided by Equinix and Digital Realty, or Megaport.

In our next blog, we will unpack how SD-WAN technology, and our second musical instrument in this analogy, is an integral part of an enterprise digital transformation strategy and how it can be synchronized with MCN.
Shahid Faridi By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Centre is considering creating a new post of Chief Investigation Officer of India (CIO) on the lines of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the National Security Advisor (NSA).

As per discussions at the highest level, the chiefs of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) will report to the CIO, just like the three services report to the CDS and the two intelligence agencies to the NSA.

Sources said the government feels that there is a lot of overlap in the areas of investigation of the ED and the CBI.

The ED focuses mainly on financial frauds, including cases related to money laundering and FEMA violations, but the CBI also looks into cases of corruption and other economic offences.

A CIO heading the two agencies would bring better synergy between them, sources said.

According to sources, the new post will be in the rank of Secretary to the Government of India. They said the outgoing ED chief, Sanjay Kumar Mishra, could be appointed as the first CIO.

Mishra was recently allowed by the Supreme Court to continue as ED chief till September 15. The SC had termed as illegal the two extensions of one year each given to him by the Union government after his retirement.

It, however, allowed him to continue till September 15 in larger public and national interest as the central government requested his continuance due to the ongoing review of the Financial Action Task Force in which some neighbouring countries wanted India to be put in the grey list.

The apex court gave its ruling while hearing a petition against the Centres move to give a third one-year extension to the ED chief.

Sources said the post of CIO may be created before Mishra demits office on September 15. They said that the ED will continue to function under the Department of Revenue of the Union Ministry of Finance and the CBI under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.

The operational supervision of the two agencies would, however, be transferred to the CIO, who, in turn, is likely to report to the Prime Ministers Office.

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NEW DELHI: The Centre is considering creating a new post of Chief Investigation Officer of India (CIO) on the lines of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the National Security Advisor (NSA). As per discussions at the highest level, the chiefs of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) will report to the CIO, just like the three services report to the CDS and the two intelligence agencies to the NSA. Sources said the government feels that there is a lot of overlap in the areas of investigation of the ED and the CBI.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The ED focuses mainly on financial frauds, including cases related to money laundering and FEMA violations, but the CBI also looks into cases of corruption and other economic offences. A CIO heading the two agencies would bring better synergy between them, sources said. According to sources, the new post will be in the rank of Secretary to the Government of India. They said the outgoing ED chief, Sanjay Kumar Mishra, could be appointed as the first CIO. Mishra was recently allowed by the Supreme Court to continue as ED chief till September 15. The SC had termed as illegal the two extensions of one year each given to him by the Union government after his retirement. It, however, allowed him to continue till September 15 in larger public and national interest as the central government requested his continuance due to the ongoing review of the Financial Action Task Force in which some neighbouring countries wanted India to be put in the grey list. The apex court gave its ruling while hearing a petition against the Centres move to give a third one-year extension to the ED chief. Sources said the post of CIO may be created before Mishra demits office on September 15. They said that the ED will continue to function under the Department of Revenue of the Union Ministry of Finance and the CBI under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. The operational supervision of the two agencies would, however, be transferred to the CIO, who, in turn, is likely to report to the Prime Ministers Office. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Shruti Kamalia By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party on Tuesday said that a Delhi court has granted permission to Manish Sisodia, Patparganj MLA and former Deputy Chief Minister, to make expenditures from his MLA fund.

He had filed an application before a Delhi court for permission to release money from his MLA fund.

The AAP claimed that Sisodia was reportedly receiving letters from the people of his legislative assembly constituency in relation to area development projects.

Owing to this, Sisodia filed an application in the Rouse Avenue Court seeking permission to withdraw funds from his MLA fund.

The development works include internal roads in the Patparganj Legislative Assembly Constituency, apart from installing boom barriers in society gates and water coolers in religious places. The work is expected to be carried out soon.

The Aam Aadmi Party said that soon after the courts decision, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal conveyed his regard for the MLAs dedication saying, We are all proud of Manish Sisodia. Even while he is in jail, he cares about the people of Delhi and his legislative assembly constituency. Today, he requested permission from the court to utilize his MLA fund for the development of his constituency. The court granted him permission for this.

The order came while the Delhi excise policy case was being heard at the Delhi Rouse Avenue Court where the central investigating agency informed that a supplementary chargesheet would be brought in, based on the developments that have arisen in the course of the investigation.

Sisodia, who was produced in the court presented an application to release money from his MLA fund for development work in his constituency Patparganj. The application was not opposed by the CBI.

CBI to file supplementary charge sheet in Excise case

The CBI on Tuesday told a Delhi court that it is in the process of filing a fresh supplementary charge sheet in a case related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam against AAP leader Manish Sisodia and others.

The central investigating agency made the submission in response to a query by Special Judge M K Nagpal on whether the matter should be fixed for arguments on the framing of charges.

The CBI replied in the negative and said that the investigation was still ongoing.

The agency said a report will be filed after the completion of the probe.



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NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party on Tuesday said that a Delhi court has granted permission to Manish Sisodia, Patparganj MLA and former Deputy Chief Minister, to make expenditures from his MLA fund. He had filed an application before a Delhi court for permission to release money from his MLA fund. The AAP claimed that Sisodia was reportedly receiving letters from the people of his legislative assembly constituency in relation to area development projects. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Owing to this, Sisodia filed an application in the Rouse Avenue Court seeking permission to withdraw funds from his MLA fund. The development works include internal roads in the Patparganj Legislative Assembly Constituency, apart from installing boom barriers in society gates and water coolers in religious places. The work is expected to be carried out soon. The Aam Aadmi Party said that soon after the courts decision, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal conveyed his regard for the MLAs dedication saying, We are all proud of Manish Sisodia. Even while he is in jail, he cares about the people of Delhi and his legislative assembly constituency. Today, he requested permission from the court to utilize his MLA fund for the development of his constituency. The court granted him permission for this. The order came while the Delhi excise policy case was being heard at the Delhi Rouse Avenue Court where the central investigating agency informed that a supplementary chargesheet would be brought in, based on the developments that have arisen in the course of the investigation. Sisodia, who was produced in the court presented an application to release money from his MLA fund for development work in his constituency Patparganj. The application was not opposed by the CBI. CBI to file supplementary charge sheet in Excise case The CBI on Tuesday told a Delhi court that it is in the process of filing a fresh supplementary charge sheet in a case related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam against AAP leader Manish Sisodia and others. The central investigating agency made the submission in response to a query by Special Judge M K Nagpal on whether the matter should be fixed for arguments on the framing of charges. The CBI replied in the negative and said that the investigation was still ongoing. The agency said a report will be filed after the completion of the probe. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Ujwal Jalali By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The investigation into the rape case of a minor girl by a now-suspended senior Delhi government officer has revealed that the accused had first allegedly drugged the survivor before raping her, sources said on Tuesday.

The accused, identified by cops as Premoday Khakha (51) who was a deputy director in the Women and Child Development, had allegedly raped the girl several times between November 2020 and January 2021. His 50-year-old wife, identified by cops as Seema Rani, has been charged with giving the girl medicines to terminate a pregnancy.

Premoday Khakha had first raped the girl on October 31, 2020, after drugging her, sources said, adding that the victim was 14 years old at that time.

Meanwhile, the official was sent to one-day judicial custody by a local court on Tuesday.

ALSO READ | My private parts swollen after Khakha uncle raped me; aunty blamed me: Delhi rape survivor in FIR

According to police, the minor had started living with her guardian-turned-accused Khakha, in Burari, after the death of her father on October 1, 2020.

The girl, now in Class XII, recently narrated the incident to a counsellor at a hospital where she was admitted following an anxiety attack.

The police, based on her complaint, had registered a case under relevant sections of IPC and the POCSO Act on August 13, however, arrested the officer after nine days.

The accused had tried to flee along with his wife before getting arrested, according to CCTV footage doing the rounds on social media.

Sources in the police department said the couple, residents of Shakti Enclave in Burari, were going to meet a lawyer and planning to seek anticipatory bail from a court before they were arrested on Monday.

Meanwhile, the lawyer representing the accused refuted the allegations levelled by the victim, saying that she could not have gotten impregnated as Khakha had undergone a vasectomy 20 years ago.

ALSO READ | Police didn't allow me to meet minor rape victim: DCW chief Maliwal ends dharna at hospital

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NEW DELHI: The investigation into the rape case of a minor girl by a now-suspended senior Delhi government officer has revealed that the accused had first allegedly drugged the survivor before raping her, sources said on Tuesday. The accused, identified by cops as Premoday Khakha (51) who was a deputy director in the Women and Child Development, had allegedly raped the girl several times between November 2020 and January 2021. His 50-year-old wife, identified by cops as Seema Rani, has been charged with giving the girl medicines to terminate a pregnancy. Premoday Khakha had first raped the girl on October 31, 2020, after drugging her, sources said, adding that the victim was 14 years old at that time.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Meanwhile, the official was sent to one-day judicial custody by a local court on Tuesday. ALSO READ | My private parts swollen after Khakha uncle raped me; aunty blamed me: Delhi rape survivor in FIR According to police, the minor had started living with her guardian-turned-accused Khakha, in Burari, after the death of her father on October 1, 2020. The girl, now in Class XII, recently narrated the incident to a counsellor at a hospital where she was admitted following an anxiety attack. The police, based on her complaint, had registered a case under relevant sections of IPC and the POCSO Act on August 13, however, arrested the officer after nine days. The accused had tried to flee along with his wife before getting arrested, according to CCTV footage doing the rounds on social media. Sources in the police department said the couple, residents of Shakti Enclave in Burari, were going to meet a lawyer and planning to seek anticipatory bail from a court before they were arrested on Monday. Meanwhile, the lawyer representing the accused refuted the allegations levelled by the victim, saying that she could not have gotten impregnated as Khakha had undergone a vasectomy 20 years ago. ALSO READ | Police didn't allow me to meet minor rape victim: DCW chief Maliwal ends dharna at hospital Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Ujwal Jalali By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Building relationship to protect humanity, read the LinkedIn bio of 51-year-old Premoday Khakha on social media who is accused of raping a minor girl who came to reside with him after the loss of her father.

In the about column of his LinkedIn profile, Khakha mentioned that he is a resource trainer on child protection under the Juvenile Justice (CPC) Act, POCSO Act, and ICPS programmes. Even under the skills section, Khakha has written that he is adept in child protection.

Khakha served as the Superintendent of the Juvenile Justice Board in Delhi from February to August 2011.

Khakha, who worked as a deputy director with the Women and Child Department of the government, also served as the OSD to Minister Kailash Gahlot, in addition to his work as Deputy Director, when the WCD department was under him. However, after Atishi took over, the officer was repatriated, according to an order.

Khakhas social media profile further revealed that he had worked on multiple programmes related to rehabilitation and social reintegration of children in conflict with law, children who are in need of care and protection, and other schemes for ensuring child protection and development.

He did graduation, BA (Hons) in Geography from St Columbia College, Hazaribagh in Jharkhand and completed his Master's degree from Delhi University in Social Work.

READ HERE | My private parts swollen after Khakha uncle raped me; aunty blamed me: Delhi rape survivor in FIR

Khakha had allegedly raped the girl several times between November 2020 and January 2021. She was staying at the residence of the accused, a family friend, after her father passed away on October 1, 2020, the police had said.

A court here on Tuesday sent him to one-day judicial custody. His wife Seema Rani, who is accused of giving the girl medicine to terminate her pregnancy, was also sent to judicial custody for a day.

The couple was arrested on Monday after the victim recorded her statement before a magistrate at a hospital.

A case has been registered under provisions of the POCSO Act and Indian Penal Code sections 376(2)(f) (being a relative, guardian or teacher of, or a person in a position of trust or authority towards the woman, commits rape on such woman) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to outrage the modesty of a woman), police said.

IPC sections 506 (criminal intimidation), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 313 (causing miscarriage without woman's consent) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) have also been invoked in the case, police said.

ALSO READ | Police didn't allow me to meet minor rape victim: DCW chief Maliwal ends dharna at hospital

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NEW DELHI: Building relationship to protect humanity, read the LinkedIn bio of 51-year-old Premoday Khakha on social media who is accused of raping a minor girl who came to reside with him after the loss of her father. In the about column of his LinkedIn profile, Khakha mentioned that he is a resource trainer on child protection under the Juvenile Justice (CPC) Act, POCSO Act, and ICPS programmes. Even under the skills section, Khakha has written that he is adept in child protection. Khakha served as the Superintendent of the Juvenile Justice Board in Delhi from February to August 2011.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Khakha, who worked as a deputy director with the Women and Child Department of the government, also served as the OSD to Minister Kailash Gahlot, in addition to his work as Deputy Director, when the WCD department was under him. However, after Atishi took over, the officer was repatriated, according to an order. Khakhas social media profile further revealed that he had worked on multiple programmes related to rehabilitation and social reintegration of children in conflict with law, children who are in need of care and protection, and other schemes for ensuring child protection and development. He did graduation, BA (Hons) in Geography from St Columbia College, Hazaribagh in Jharkhand and completed his Master's degree from Delhi University in Social Work. READ HERE | My private parts swollen after Khakha uncle raped me; aunty blamed me: Delhi rape survivor in FIR Khakha had allegedly raped the girl several times between November 2020 and January 2021. She was staying at the residence of the accused, a family friend, after her father passed away on October 1, 2020, the police had said. A court here on Tuesday sent him to one-day judicial custody. His wife Seema Rani, who is accused of giving the girl medicine to terminate her pregnancy, was also sent to judicial custody for a day. The couple was arrested on Monday after the victim recorded her statement before a magistrate at a hospital. A case has been registered under provisions of the POCSO Act and Indian Penal Code sections 376(2)(f) (being a relative, guardian or teacher of, or a person in a position of trust or authority towards the woman, commits rape on such woman) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to outrage the modesty of a woman), police said. IPC sections 506 (criminal intimidation), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 313 (causing miscarriage without woman's consent) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) have also been invoked in the case, police said. ALSO READ | Police didn't allow me to meet minor rape victim: DCW chief Maliwal ends dharna at hospital Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

GUWAHATI: An under-construction railway bridge over the Kurung River in Mizoram collapsed on Wednesday around 9:30 am, killing at least 17 workers.

The incident occurred at Sairang, 25 km from the state capital Aizawl. Several others are feared trapped at the site, as 35-40 workers were present when the incident occurred around 10 am.

Seventeen persons are confirmed dead. We are waiting for further updates, Sabyasachi De, who is the Chief Public Relations Officer of Northeast Frontier Railway, told this newspaper.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga expressed his condolences over the tragic incident. "Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations," he wrote on X (f.k.a Twitter)

Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; atleast 17 workers died: Rescue under progress.



Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the pic.twitter.com/IbmjtHSPT7

Mizoram Home Minister Lalchamliana told the Assembly that around 35-40 workers were at the site when the mishap occurred and 17 of them had died.

Aizawl Superintendent of Police Rex Vanchhawng and a medical team from the health department rushed to the site. Further details are awaited.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the family of those killed and Rs 50,000 would be given to the injured.

Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected.



An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the

 PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 23, 2023

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GUWAHATI: An under-construction railway bridge over the Kurung River in Mizoram collapsed on Wednesday around 9:30 am, killing at least 17 workers. The incident occurred at Sairang, 25 km from the state capital Aizawl. Several others are feared trapped at the site, as 35-40 workers were present when the incident occurred around 10 am. Seventeen persons are confirmed dead. We are waiting for further updates, Sabyasachi De, who is the Chief Public Relations Officer of Northeast Frontier Railway, told this newspaper.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga expressed his condolences over the tragic incident. "Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations," he wrote on X (f.k.a Twitter) Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; atleast 17 workers died: Rescue under progress. Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the pic.twitter.com/IbmjtHSPT7  Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) August 23, 2023 Mizoram Home Minister Lalchamliana told the Assembly that around 35-40 workers were at the site when the mishap occurred and 17 of them had died. Aizawl Superintendent of Police Rex Vanchhawng and a medical team from the health department rushed to the site. Further details are awaited. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the family of those killed and Rs 50,000 would be given to the injured. Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the  PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 23, 2023 Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Rajesh Asnani By

Express News Service

JAIPUR: In the lead-up to the imminent assembly elections in Rajasthan, a sense of unity has emerged within the divided ranks of the Congress party.

The protracted tussle between former Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Sachin Pilot, and CM Ashok Gehlot, which had persisted for the past four years, is now showing signs of abatement.

This significant shift in dynamics has become increasingly evident following Pilots recent inclusion in the CWC committee.

A notable outcome of this reconciliation has been the prominent appearance of Gehlots image across Pilots social media accounts, as well as on promotional materials related to Pilots initiatives.

Conversely, Gehlot has also taken to social media platforms to express his protest against comments made by the BJP concerning Sachins father, Rajesh Pilot.

This newfound amicability between Sachin Pilot and Chief Minister Gehlot holds the potential to reshape the landscape of the upcoming assembly elections.

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JAIPUR: In the lead-up to the imminent assembly elections in Rajasthan, a sense of unity has emerged within the divided ranks of the Congress party. The protracted tussle between former Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Sachin Pilot, and CM Ashok Gehlot, which had persisted for the past four years, is now showing signs of abatement. This significant shift in dynamics has become increasingly evident following Pilots recent inclusion in the CWC committee. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); A notable outcome of this reconciliation has been the prominent appearance of Gehlots image across Pilots social media accounts, as well as on promotional materials related to Pilots initiatives. Conversely, Gehlot has also taken to social media platforms to express his protest against comments made by the BJP concerning Sachins father, Rajesh Pilot. This newfound amicability between Sachin Pilot and Chief Minister Gehlot holds the potential to reshape the landscape of the upcoming assembly elections. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Ramashankar By

Express News Service

PATNA: For the first time, the Bihar government has initiated a process for the appointment of vice-chancellors of universities in the state. Earlier the appointments of vice-chancellors of universities were made by the office of governor-cum-chancellor of universities.

The state government has sought applications from prospective candidates for the posts of vice-chancellors in seven universities of the state. The candidates can apply for the posts through both online and offline systems up to September 13.

The posts have been advertised at Patna University, Jai Prakash University, Dr B. R. Ambedkar Bihar University, L N Mithila University, Sanskrit University, B N Mandal University, and Aryabhatta University.

As per the state government's decision, appointments have to be done through a search committee set up by the state government. The candidates should be below the age of 67 years and must have teaching experience of at least 10 years.

The Chancellor's office has already advertised the vacant posts and applications have been sought between August 24 and 27. The applications have been sought for posts of vice-chancellors in the same universities.

This is for the first time in the history of state universities when appointments of vice-chancellors will be done by the state government. The new development is a fallout of the ongoing tussle between the state government and Raj Bhawan, a senior professor of Magadh University, Bodh Gaya, told this reporter.

He said the power is vested with the Chancellor, who has been entrusted with the task of appointment of the vice-chancellors of universities. The precedent has been going on for a long time. But for the first time, appointments will be done by the state government, said a retired teacher of L N Mithila University, Prof. Bashishtha Singh.

The tussle between the state government and Raj Bhawan intensified after the latter stayed the order of the state education department to cease operations of three bank accounts of Dr B. R. Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur.

The Raj Bhawan had expressed its displeasure over the way the operations of the bank accounts of the university were stopped by the state education department's additional chief secretary K K Pathak. He had also stopped the payment of salaries of the vice-chancellor of the university.

The relations between the state government and Raj Bhawan got further strained when the Bihar government's economic offence unit initiated a probe into the misappropriation of funds by the then vice-chancellor of Magadh University in Bodh Gaya.

The vice chancellor Rajendra Prasad was accused of siphoning funds worth Rs.30 crore. Later searches were conducted at his office in Bodh Gaya and residences in Uttar Pradesh. Subsequently, he was put under suspension.

On Sunday, a senior JD(U) minister Ashok Choudhary had said, If universities can't adhere to guidelines of the state government, they should manage funds to run the universities.

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PATNA: For the first time, the Bihar government has initiated a process for the appointment of vice-chancellors of universities in the state. Earlier the appointments of vice-chancellors of universities were made by the office of governor-cum-chancellor of universities. The state government has sought applications from prospective candidates for the posts of vice-chancellors in seven universities of the state. The candidates can apply for the posts through both online and offline systems up to September 13. The posts have been advertised at Patna University, Jai Prakash University, Dr B. R. Ambedkar Bihar University, L N Mithila University, Sanskrit University, B N Mandal University, and Aryabhatta University.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); As per the state government's decision, appointments have to be done through a search committee set up by the state government. The candidates should be below the age of 67 years and must have teaching experience of at least 10 years. The Chancellor's office has already advertised the vacant posts and applications have been sought between August 24 and 27. The applications have been sought for posts of vice-chancellors in the same universities. This is for the first time in the history of state universities when appointments of vice-chancellors will be done by the state government. The new development is a fallout of the ongoing tussle between the state government and Raj Bhawan, a senior professor of Magadh University, Bodh Gaya, told this reporter. He said the power is vested with the Chancellor, who has been entrusted with the task of appointment of the vice-chancellors of universities. The precedent has been going on for a long time. But for the first time, appointments will be done by the state government, said a retired teacher of L N Mithila University, Prof. Bashishtha Singh. The tussle between the state government and Raj Bhawan intensified after the latter stayed the order of the state education department to cease operations of three bank accounts of Dr B. R. Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur. The Raj Bhawan had expressed its displeasure over the way the operations of the bank accounts of the university were stopped by the state education department's additional chief secretary K K Pathak. He had also stopped the payment of salaries of the vice-chancellor of the university. The relations between the state government and Raj Bhawan got further strained when the Bihar government's economic offence unit initiated a probe into the misappropriation of funds by the then vice-chancellor of Magadh University in Bodh Gaya. The vice chancellor Rajendra Prasad was accused of siphoning funds worth Rs.30 crore. Later searches were conducted at his office in Bodh Gaya and residences in Uttar Pradesh. Subsequently, he was put under suspension. On Sunday, a senior JD(U) minister Ashok Choudhary had said, If universities can't adhere to guidelines of the state government, they should manage funds to run the universities. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Parvez Sultan By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Indias first car crash safety ratings floated on Tuesday received an overwhelming response with the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) receiving 30 applications for testing of different automobile models on the first day of its launch.

The scheme  Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP)  launched by the union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari will be implemented from October 1. Under the scheme, car makers can offer their vehicles tested as per Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197.

Based on the performance of the car in the tests, the vehicle will be awarded star ratings on a scale of 0-5. The ratings will help potential car customers make informed decision, said Anurag Jain, secretary, MoRTH. We have 1.5 lakh fatalities on roads every year. We have less number of accidents than the US but deaths are much more.

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NEW DELHI: Indias first car crash safety ratings floated on Tuesday received an overwhelming response with the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) receiving 30 applications for testing of different automobile models on the first day of its launch. The scheme  Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP)  launched by the union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari will be implemented from October 1. Under the scheme, car makers can offer their vehicles tested as per Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197. Based on the performance of the car in the tests, the vehicle will be awarded star ratings on a scale of 0-5. The ratings will help potential car customers make informed decision, said Anurag Jain, secretary, MoRTH. We have 1.5 lakh fatalities on roads every year. We have less number of accidents than the US but deaths are much more.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Shruti Kakkar By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: To nurse the strife-torn Manipur, a committee headed by former judge Gita Mittal was tasked to oversee the measures for relief, rehabilitation, and rebuilding. It has flagged issues in its report to the Supreme Court that need immediate attention. It has also suggested measures for restoring the efficacy of the administration.

The first of the three reports filed by the committee comprising former judges Shalini P Joshi and Asha Menon has highlighted the need for reconstructing essential documents lost by several residents.

The second report suggests upgrading the Manipur Victim Compensation Scheme (MVCS) with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) which entitles victims of identified criminal offences to receive compensation.

The third report deals with the appointment of domain experts to facilitate committees work in the core areas of compensation, violence against women, comprehensive psychological assistance and mental health care, medical care/health, relief camps, and data reporting and monitoring.

The issues which, according to the committee, need immediate attention range from the non-availability of critical supplies of baby food in relief camps to the swift removal of damaged settlements, the inability of persons in camps to reach the mortuaries in Imphal for identification of their deceased kin and failure of students in relief camps to attend their colleges.

Taking note of media reports underscoring the permanent destruction of properties of displaced persons, the committee in its first report, which was filed after conducting a meeting on August 12, has urged the top court to direct Deputy DG, UIDAI and Secretary, Manipur to ensure availability of their Adhaar cards.

Guv summons Assembly session on August 29

A crucial session of Manipur Assembly will be held on August 29 as ethnic tension continues in the state, an official notification said. This comes after the Manipur cabinet, which met on Monday, had decided to convene the Monsoon Session of the Assembly on August 29.

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NEW DELHI: To nurse the strife-torn Manipur, a committee headed by former judge Gita Mittal was tasked to oversee the measures for relief, rehabilitation, and rebuilding. It has flagged issues in its report to the Supreme Court that need immediate attention. It has also suggested measures for restoring the efficacy of the administration. The first of the three reports filed by the committee comprising former judges Shalini P Joshi and Asha Menon has highlighted the need for reconstructing essential documents lost by several residents. The second report suggests upgrading the Manipur Victim Compensation Scheme (MVCS) with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) which entitles victims of identified criminal offences to receive compensation. The third report deals with the appointment of domain experts to facilitate committees work in the core areas of compensation, violence against women, comprehensive psychological assistance and mental health care, medical care/health, relief camps, and data reporting and monitoring.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The issues which, according to the committee, need immediate attention range from the non-availability of critical supplies of baby food in relief camps to the swift removal of damaged settlements, the inability of persons in camps to reach the mortuaries in Imphal for identification of their deceased kin and failure of students in relief camps to attend their colleges. Taking note of media reports underscoring the permanent destruction of properties of displaced persons, the committee in its first report, which was filed after conducting a meeting on August 12, has urged the top court to direct Deputy DG, UIDAI and Secretary, Manipur to ensure availability of their Adhaar cards. Guv summons Assembly session on August 29 A crucial session of Manipur Assembly will be held on August 29 as ethnic tension continues in the state, an official notification said. This comes after the Manipur cabinet, which met on Monday, had decided to convene the Monsoon Session of the Assembly on August 29. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

KOLKATA: Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) Chairman Bibek Debroy on Tuesday said the government was losing revenue due to the GST, which should be revenue neutral with a single rate.

Speaking at an event organised by the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce here, he however said that GST has led to a lot of simplification.

"The ideal GST is one that has a single rate, and it was meant to be revenue neutral. When it was introduced, there were some calculations by the Ministry of Finance then that said, in order to be revenue neutral, the average GST rate must be at least 17 per cent.

"The average rate now is 11.4 per cent. So because of GST, the government is losing revenue," the eminent economist said.

Debroy said the public as well as members of the GST Council want the 28 per cent tax rate to come down, but "no one wants the 0 per cent and 3 per cent tax rates to go up".

"That way, we will never have a simplified GST," he said at the 'Special Session on Resilient and Self-Sufficient India'.

A "lot of abuse" of the GST provisions was also taking place, he said without elaborating.

On direct taxes, the EAC-PM chairman said the eventual goal of tax reforms should be the complete elimination of all exemptions.

Any exemption makes life more complicated, increases compliance costs and leads to litigations, he said.

"If the government needs to spend, it needs revenue. 10 per cent of GDP must be spent on health and education, 3 per cent on defence and 10 per cent on infrastructure. However, we as citizens pay around 15 per cent of GDP as taxes. What this means is we pay taxes at 15 per cent, but our demands and expectations from the government are to the extent of 23 per cent," Debroy said.

"So, whether we like it or not, either we must be prepared to pay more as taxes or our expectations cannot be like - we get airports like in the West or get railway stations like in China," he said.

The renowned economist also said the rate of population growth in India was slowing down sharply, and the burden of the aged will be a challenge for the country after 2035.

Social security for the aged can be managed if there is a balanced population pyramid, with young people coming into the labour force and their contributions financing the social security needs of the old, he stated.

"The annual rate of population growth now is 0.8 per cent. Beyond 2035, India will age very rapidly. Here is an example of a country like China, which will become old before it becomes rich. I want to mention that for India this is going to be a huge challenge. There are already states like Kerala where the burden of aged is exerting a very heavy toll," Debroy said.

He said there is a cause for concern about the nature of jobs being created in the country, and the lack of correlation between skills and education.

"We need to create about 8 million jobs per year, we are creating about 5 million. The big issue is about the nature of these jobs, which are not productive enough and of low value," Debroy added.

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KOLKATA: Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) Chairman Bibek Debroy on Tuesday said the government was losing revenue due to the GST, which should be revenue neutral with a single rate. Speaking at an event organised by the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce here, he however said that GST has led to a lot of simplification. "The ideal GST is one that has a single rate, and it was meant to be revenue neutral. When it was introduced, there were some calculations by the Ministry of Finance then that said, in order to be revenue neutral, the average GST rate must be at least 17 per cent.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "The average rate now is 11.4 per cent. So because of GST, the government is losing revenue," the eminent economist said. Debroy said the public as well as members of the GST Council want the 28 per cent tax rate to come down, but "no one wants the 0 per cent and 3 per cent tax rates to go up". "That way, we will never have a simplified GST," he said at the 'Special Session on Resilient and Self-Sufficient India'. A "lot of abuse" of the GST provisions was also taking place, he said without elaborating. On direct taxes, the EAC-PM chairman said the eventual goal of tax reforms should be the complete elimination of all exemptions. Any exemption makes life more complicated, increases compliance costs and leads to litigations, he said. "If the government needs to spend, it needs revenue. 10 per cent of GDP must be spent on health and education, 3 per cent on defence and 10 per cent on infrastructure. However, we as citizens pay around 15 per cent of GDP as taxes. What this means is we pay taxes at 15 per cent, but our demands and expectations from the government are to the extent of 23 per cent," Debroy said. "So, whether we like it or not, either we must be prepared to pay more as taxes or our expectations cannot be like - we get airports like in the West or get railway stations like in China," he said. The renowned economist also said the rate of population growth in India was slowing down sharply, and the burden of the aged will be a challenge for the country after 2035. Social security for the aged can be managed if there is a balanced population pyramid, with young people coming into the labour force and their contributions financing the social security needs of the old, he stated. "The annual rate of population growth now is 0.8 per cent. Beyond 2035, India will age very rapidly. Here is an example of a country like China, which will become old before it becomes rich. I want to mention that for India this is going to be a huge challenge. There are already states like Kerala where the burden of aged is exerting a very heavy toll," Debroy said. He said there is a cause for concern about the nature of jobs being created in the country, and the lack of correlation between skills and education. "We need to create about 8 million jobs per year, we are creating about 5 million. The big issue is about the nature of these jobs, which are not productive enough and of low value," Debroy added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Dilip Singh Kshatriya By

Express News Service

AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat Congress is using the OBC card to get back at the ruling BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. With the demand for a caste-based census in the state, the Congress organized a sit-in at Gandhinagar on Tuesday.

The Congress has invited senior OBC politicians from the ruling BJP to participate in the sit-in to raise awareness about a variety of issues impacting the Other Backward Classes, including the need for reservation in local bodies.

Amit Chavda, state Congress Legislature Party leader, asked a slew of OBC MLAs, MPs, and BJP ministers to attend the Swabhiman Dharna at Satyagrah Chhavni ground in Gandhinagar, via social media.

He added that the party invited political leaders from all communities, all religions and all parties to discuss the various issues impacting the OBCs. The Swabhiman Dharna raised four demands, including the caste-based census. We have called for the implementation of a 27 per cent OBC reservation in local self-government institutions, a 27 per cent allocation of the state budget for the OBCs, and allotment of seats as per reservation in cooperatives, said Chavda.

The Gujarat Congress has accused the BJP of trying to end the representation of OBCs in local bodies. According to Chavda, the protest has been organized by a non-political outfit, the OBC Anamat Bachao Samiti, which was formed last year to raise the issues concerning the community.

The main contention of the opposition party is the delay in making public a report submitted by a commission formed last year by the BJP government to ascertain the nature and implications of backwardness in local bodies to decide on the reservation for the OBCs.

The report was submitted by the commission in April this year. Since the report has not been made public, elections to several local bodies have been put on hold in the state, the Congress alleged. The OBCs comprise a majority of Gujarats population. However, there is no official data. Some estimates place them at nearly 40 per cent of the population.

In the 2022 assembly elections, 58 of the 182 BJP candidates were drawn from the OBCs. Last July, the state election commissioner (SEC) directed the Gujarat government to dissolve the existing 10 per cent reservation for OBCs and give it to general candidates. The order came as a shock in political quarters. The SEC directive was in line with a Supreme Court order, asking all states to conduct a survey and submit a report justifying the OBC quota in each seat.

After the SEC order, Gujarat Congress leaders alleged negligence by the state government saying the BJP wanted to do away with reservation for backward communities and, as a test case, begin with the local bodies. The Bhupendra Patel government then hastily formed a commission, headed by Justice KS Jhaveri (retired). The commission was asked to submit its report within 90 days, which would have been before the assembly elections last December.

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AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat Congress is using the OBC card to get back at the ruling BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. With the demand for a caste-based census in the state, the Congress organized a sit-in at Gandhinagar on Tuesday. The Congress has invited senior OBC politicians from the ruling BJP to participate in the sit-in to raise awareness about a variety of issues impacting the Other Backward Classes, including the need for reservation in local bodies. Amit Chavda, state Congress Legislature Party leader, asked a slew of OBC MLAs, MPs, and BJP ministers to attend the Swabhiman Dharna at Satyagrah Chhavni ground in Gandhinagar, via social media.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He added that the party invited political leaders from all communities, all religions and all parties to discuss the various issues impacting the OBCs. The Swabhiman Dharna raised four demands, including the caste-based census. We have called for the implementation of a 27 per cent OBC reservation in local self-government institutions, a 27 per cent allocation of the state budget for the OBCs, and allotment of seats as per reservation in cooperatives, said Chavda. The Gujarat Congress has accused the BJP of trying to end the representation of OBCs in local bodies. According to Chavda, the protest has been organized by a non-political outfit, the OBC Anamat Bachao Samiti, which was formed last year to raise the issues concerning the community. The main contention of the opposition party is the delay in making public a report submitted by a commission formed last year by the BJP government to ascertain the nature and implications of backwardness in local bodies to decide on the reservation for the OBCs. The report was submitted by the commission in April this year. Since the report has not been made public, elections to several local bodies have been put on hold in the state, the Congress alleged. The OBCs comprise a majority of Gujarats population. However, there is no official data. Some estimates place them at nearly 40 per cent of the population. In the 2022 assembly elections, 58 of the 182 BJP candidates were drawn from the OBCs. Last July, the state election commissioner (SEC) directed the Gujarat government to dissolve the existing 10 per cent reservation for OBCs and give it to general candidates. The order came as a shock in political quarters. The SEC directive was in line with a Supreme Court order, asking all states to conduct a survey and submit a report justifying the OBC quota in each seat. After the SEC order, Gujarat Congress leaders alleged negligence by the state government saying the BJP wanted to do away with reservation for backward communities and, as a test case, begin with the local bodies. The Bhupendra Patel government then hastily formed a commission, headed by Justice KS Jhaveri (retired). The commission was asked to submit its report within 90 days, which would have been before the assembly elections last December. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Agencies

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Chandrayaan-3's successful landing on the moon on Wednesday, saying the success belongs to all of humanity.

Addressing ISRO scientists virtually from the BRICS Summit venue of Johannesburg, he said India made a resolve "on the Earth and fulfilled it on the Moon".

"This is a moment to cherish forever," Modi said, noting that India has reached the South Pole of the moon, where no country had ventured so far.

"India is now on the moon and now is the time to walk on the 'Chandra Path'," the Prime Minister said.

"India's successful moon mission is not India's alone. Our approach of one earth, one family one future is resonating across the globe. Moon mission is based on the same human centric approach. So, this success belongs to all of humanity," Modi said noting that this stupendous feat has been achieved during India's G20 presidency.

The Chandrayaan-3's landing on the moon is a historic moment and sounds the bugle for a developed India, Modi said.

"We are witness to the new flight of new India. New history has been written," the Prime Minister said.

Modi, who is in the South African city to attend the five-nation BRICS Summit, waved the tricolour the moment Chandrayaan-3 landed on the moon.

"Though I was in South Africa for the BRICS Summit, my heart and soul was here (in India)," the Prime Minister said.

Modi joined the scientists gathered at ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) near here virtually.

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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Chandrayaan-3's successful landing on the moon on Wednesday, saying the success belongs to all of humanity. Addressing ISRO scientists virtually from the BRICS Summit venue of Johannesburg, he said India made a resolve "on the Earth and fulfilled it on the Moon". "This is a moment to cherish forever," Modi said, noting that India has reached the South Pole of the moon, where no country had ventured so far.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "India is now on the moon and now is the time to walk on the 'Chandra Path'," the Prime Minister said. "India's successful moon mission is not India's alone. Our approach of one earth, one family one future is resonating across the globe. Moon mission is based on the same human centric approach. So, this success belongs to all of humanity," Modi said noting that this stupendous feat has been achieved during India's G20 presidency. The Chandrayaan-3's landing on the moon is a historic moment and sounds the bugle for a developed India, Modi said. "We are witness to the new flight of new India. New history has been written," the Prime Minister said. Modi, who is in the South African city to attend the five-nation BRICS Summit, waved the tricolour the moment Chandrayaan-3 landed on the moon. "Though I was in South Africa for the BRICS Summit, my heart and soul was here (in India)," the Prime Minister said. Modi joined the scientists gathered at ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) near here virtually. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

BENGALURU: Three Lunar missions in 15 years! It seems the Moon truly beckons ISRO. And why not?

Scientists found frozen water deposits in the darkest and coldest parts of the Moon's polar regions for the first time using data from the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft in 2009.

Chandrayaan-1, India's first mission to the Moon, was launched on October 22, 2008, from Sriharikota Spaceport in Andhra Pradesh. The spacecraft, carrying 11 scientific instruments built in India, the USA, the UK, Germany, Sweden and Bulgaria, orbited around the Moon at a height of 100 km from the lunar surface for chemical, mineralogical and photo-geologic mapping of the Moon.

After the successful completion of all the major mission objectives, the orbit was raised to 200 km in May 2009. The satellite made more than 3,400 orbits around the Moon.

The orbiter mission, which had a mission life of two years, was, however, prematurely aborted after communication with the spacecraft was lost on August 29, 2009. "Chandrayaan-1 achieved 95 per cent of its objectives," said the then ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair.

And a decade later, Chandrayaan-2, comprising an orbiter, lander and rover, was successfully launched on July 22, 2019. The objectives of the country's second mission to the Moon were scientific studies by payloads onboard the orbiter, and technology demonstration of soft landing and roving on the lunar surface. Most of the components of the technology demonstration, including the launch, orbital critical manoeuvres, lander separation, de-boost and rough braking phase were successfully accomplished.

However, the lander with a rover in its belly crash-landed on the lunar surface in the final lap, failing in its objective to touch down gently. "We narrowly missed it (soft landing on the Moon in Chandrayaan-2 mission) in the last two km (above the lunar surface)," Nair had told PTI on Monday.

However, all eight scientific instruments of the orbiter, which had separated from the lander and rover, are performing as per the design and providing valuable scientific data. Due to the precise launch and orbital manoeuvres, the mission life of the orbiter increased to seven years, according to ISRO.

In fact, ISRO on Monday said that two-way communication between the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter and the Chandrayaan-3 lunar module has been established.

Moreover, the discovery of water on the Moon in 2009 was a hugely significant event, following which scientists, using data from an instrument that flew aboard India's Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, created the first map of water trapped in the uppermost layer of the Moon's soil. It would prove useful to future lunar explorers, ISRO officials said.

The study, published in the journal Science Advances, builds on the initial discovery in 2009 of water and a related ion, hydroxyl, which consists of one atom each of hydrogen and oxygen, in lunar soil.

Scientists from Brown University in the US used a new calibration of data taken from NASA's Moon Mineralogy Mapper, which flew aboard the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft in 2008, to quantify how much water is present on a global scale.

Using data collected by India's Chandrayaan-1 mission, NASA has detected magmatic water locked under the surface of the Moon. The findings represent the first remote detection of this form of water that originates from deep within the Moon's interior, NASA researchers had said.

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BENGALURU: Three Lunar missions in 15 years! It seems the Moon truly beckons ISRO. And why not? Scientists found frozen water deposits in the darkest and coldest parts of the Moon's polar regions for the first time using data from the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft in 2009. Chandrayaan-1, India's first mission to the Moon, was launched on October 22, 2008, from Sriharikota Spaceport in Andhra Pradesh. The spacecraft, carrying 11 scientific instruments built in India, the USA, the UK, Germany, Sweden and Bulgaria, orbited around the Moon at a height of 100 km from the lunar surface for chemical, mineralogical and photo-geologic mapping of the Moon.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); After the successful completion of all the major mission objectives, the orbit was raised to 200 km in May 2009. The satellite made more than 3,400 orbits around the Moon. The orbiter mission, which had a mission life of two years, was, however, prematurely aborted after communication with the spacecraft was lost on August 29, 2009. "Chandrayaan-1 achieved 95 per cent of its objectives," said the then ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair. And a decade later, Chandrayaan-2, comprising an orbiter, lander and rover, was successfully launched on July 22, 2019. The objectives of the country's second mission to the Moon were scientific studies by payloads onboard the orbiter, and technology demonstration of soft landing and roving on the lunar surface. Most of the components of the technology demonstration, including the launch, orbital critical manoeuvres, lander separation, de-boost and rough braking phase were successfully accomplished. However, the lander with a rover in its belly crash-landed on the lunar surface in the final lap, failing in its objective to touch down gently. "We narrowly missed it (soft landing on the Moon in Chandrayaan-2 mission) in the last two km (above the lunar surface)," Nair had told PTI on Monday. However, all eight scientific instruments of the orbiter, which had separated from the lander and rover, are performing as per the design and providing valuable scientific data. Due to the precise launch and orbital manoeuvres, the mission life of the orbiter increased to seven years, according to ISRO. In fact, ISRO on Monday said that two-way communication between the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter and the Chandrayaan-3 lunar module has been established. Moreover, the discovery of water on the Moon in 2009 was a hugely significant event, following which scientists, using data from an instrument that flew aboard India's Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, created the first map of water trapped in the uppermost layer of the Moon's soil. It would prove useful to future lunar explorers, ISRO officials said. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, builds on the initial discovery in 2009 of water and a related ion, hydroxyl, which consists of one atom each of hydrogen and oxygen, in lunar soil. Scientists from Brown University in the US used a new calibration of data taken from NASA's Moon Mineralogy Mapper, which flew aboard the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft in 2008, to quantify how much water is present on a global scale. Using data collected by India's Chandrayaan-1 mission, NASA has detected magmatic water locked under the surface of the Moon. The findings represent the first remote detection of this form of water that originates from deep within the Moon's interior, NASA researchers had said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Preetha Nair By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat spoke to Preetha Nair about her visit to strife-torn Manipur. She was part of a delegation of All India Democratic Womens Association (AIDWA) that visited the state from August 9-11.

Excerpts from the conversation...

You visited Manipur and submitted a memorandum to the President. How do you assess the situation?

The situation is extremely grave and there is a dire need for a political solution, which is being ignored by the Centres double-engine government. The statement of the PM on Independence Day was misleading. It was a message to the nation, but it was misleading regarding Manipur.

The country stands with Manipur, but the Centre does not. It aims to conceal its accountability and the culpability of the state government. Consequently, the lack of accountability of the Central government and the culpability of the state government has led to a situation where a Wagah border has been created within an Indian state.

What makes you say that?

Both geographically and literally, a border has been established. On one side, theres the CRPF, followed by a no-mans-land, and then the Army and Assam Rifles. People from the Valley area cannot venture into the hill areas, and vice versa. This situation resembles a border with a neighbouring country due to the lack of accountability and the culpability of both the Central as well as state governments.

What kind of political solution would you propose for peace in Manipur?

The Central government and the people of Manipur need to decide on a political solution. However, three steps are crucial for this solution. First, deliver justice to the victims, as peace cannot exist without justice. Second, remove the Chief Minister, who acts as the main barrier to a political resolution. Third, pay attention to the voices of the people and peace engaging in divisive politics.

You visited relief camps. What did you witness there?

The people in relief camps want to return to their homes and resume their normal lives. They are frustrated and distressed, especially children and women who are deeply affected. Children are missing out on education. While arrangements are being made for children in the Valley area to attend school, tribal children in the hill areas lack access to education.

Its a shameful situation that no child from any relief camp can attend school. They receive minimal food, just pulses and rice, without any prospects for the future. They want answers about their homes and lives, and they want to go back.

You also met the survivors of sexual assault. What transpired during those meetings?

The survivors are profoundly traumatised and in despair. They know that the perpetrators of the violence against them remain free.

You also met the governor. How did she respond?

The governor expressed concern and obtained details of our suggestions. She apparently dispatched a team to a specific relief camp we mentioned, which was in a dire situation near the border. The team provided some relief and organised water arrangements. Most camps lack water, hygiene, or sanitation, creating challenges, particularly for women. The governor also met the victims and expressed relief that the Supreme Court is taking notice. She refrained from criticizing any government and expressed genuine concern.

You submitted a memorandum to the President...

The President also voiced concern about the relief camps. I briefed her on the details of the sexual assault victims, and she expressed deep sadness upon hearing about it.

Additionally, rations arent reaching the hill areas due to blockades. The routes through Mizoram take around 15 hours for a truck to cross, even longer during the rainy season. Consequently, prices are exorbitant, and the ration system has collapsed. Unorganized workers are struggling, with reports of many eating only once a day due to lack of work.

Youre suggesting that the division between the two communities runs deep...

This division isnt spontaneous; its a product of the governments narrative and actions. Even now, the way they discuss the tribals is shameful, and they should be ashamed of themselves.

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NEW DELHI: CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat spoke to Preetha Nair about her visit to strife-torn Manipur. She was part of a delegation of All India Democratic Womens Association (AIDWA) that visited the state from August 9-11. Excerpts from the conversation... You visited Manipur and submitted a memorandum to the President. How do you assess the situation? googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The situation is extremely grave and there is a dire need for a political solution, which is being ignored by the Centres double-engine government. The statement of the PM on Independence Day was misleading. It was a message to the nation, but it was misleading regarding Manipur. The country stands with Manipur, but the Centre does not. It aims to conceal its accountability and the culpability of the state government. Consequently, the lack of accountability of the Central government and the culpability of the state government has led to a situation where a Wagah border has been created within an Indian state. What makes you say that? Both geographically and literally, a border has been established. On one side, theres the CRPF, followed by a no-mans-land, and then the Army and Assam Rifles. People from the Valley area cannot venture into the hill areas, and vice versa. This situation resembles a border with a neighbouring country due to the lack of accountability and the culpability of both the Central as well as state governments. What kind of political solution would you propose for peace in Manipur? The Central government and the people of Manipur need to decide on a political solution. However, three steps are crucial for this solution. First, deliver justice to the victims, as peace cannot exist without justice. Second, remove the Chief Minister, who acts as the main barrier to a political resolution. Third, pay attention to the voices of the people and peace engaging in divisive politics. You visited relief camps. What did you witness there? The people in relief camps want to return to their homes and resume their normal lives. They are frustrated and distressed, especially children and women who are deeply affected. Children are missing out on education. While arrangements are being made for children in the Valley area to attend school, tribal children in the hill areas lack access to education. Its a shameful situation that no child from any relief camp can attend school. They receive minimal food, just pulses and rice, without any prospects for the future. They want answers about their homes and lives, and they want to go back. You also met the survivors of sexual assault. What transpired during those meetings? The survivors are profoundly traumatised and in despair. They know that the perpetrators of the violence against them remain free. You also met the governor. How did she respond? The governor expressed concern and obtained details of our suggestions. She apparently dispatched a team to a specific relief camp we mentioned, which was in a dire situation near the border. The team provided some relief and organised water arrangements. Most camps lack water, hygiene, or sanitation, creating challenges, particularly for women. The governor also met the victims and expressed relief that the Supreme Court is taking notice. She refrained from criticizing any government and expressed genuine concern. You submitted a memorandum to the President... The President also voiced concern about the relief camps. I briefed her on the details of the sexual assault victims, and she expressed deep sadness upon hearing about it. Additionally, rations arent reaching the hill areas due to blockades. The routes through Mizoram take around 15 hours for a truck to cross, even longer during the rainy season. Consequently, prices are exorbitant, and the ration system has collapsed. Unorganized workers are struggling, with reports of many eating only once a day due to lack of work. Youre suggesting that the division between the two communities runs deep... This division isnt spontaneous; its a product of the governments narrative and actions. Even now, the way they discuss the tribals is shameful, and they should be ashamed of themselves. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Mukesh Ranjan By

Express News Service

RANCHI: Supai Mutkan, 52, was killed by Maoists on Monday night on suspicion of being a police informer in West Singbhum. This is the third consecutive killing of a villager near Kolhan jungles of the district.

The incident took place at Rengdahatu village under Tonto police station where around 5-6 armed Maoist cadres barged into the house of Supai Mutkan and dragged him out to the courtyard and started thrashing him.

While thrashing him with their boots and sticks, they alleged he was a regular police informer, and they then slit his throat with an axe, said Supais older brother Jamadar Mutkan.

The brother said that he too was beaten by the Maoists and warned that he too would meet the same fate if found to be indulging in such activities, he added.

Earlier, on Sunday, a 45-year-old man, identified as Arjun Surin, was found dead near Rajabasa  Lawaveda village under the Goelkera police station area. According to villagers, his dead body was found hanging from a tree by the police on Monday morning.

Police, however, claimed that Arjun Surin was a Maoist supporter and had gone into the jungles to meet them and died while returning after he stepped on an IED planted by the Maoists.

An improvised explosive device planted by the red rebels to target the security forces accidentally went off, killing Surin, Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Sekhar said, while dismissing media reports that claimed that Surin was killed by the Maoists on suspicion of being a police informer.

"Surin was a Maoist supporter himself and was involved in providing logistical support to the rebels by being based in Vangram Rajabasa village," he said.

On Saturday night, a 65-year-old man Rando Surin was killed by the Maoists who slit his throat near Gitilpi Chowk under Goilkera police station. The Maoists left pamphlets along with his body saying that he has been punished for sharing information on them with the police.

Villagers claimed that both Arujun and Rando Surin were abducted by the Maoists around five days back.

READ MORE | Jharkhand: Maoist groups beat up five security guards, set weighbridge on fire

Admitting that three deaths took place in the Kolhan jungles area in the last three days, the Police called them "act of cowardice."

"This is nothing but an act of cowardice by the CPI - Maoists apparently in repercussion against the regular police action being conducted in the region which has resulted in the destruction of many of their camps and recovery of huge arms and ammunitions, West Singhbhum SP Ashutosh Shekhar said.

Notably, the state police have launched a joint operation in the Kolhan jungles after a tip-off that some of the senior Maoist leaders including Misir Besra and Patiram Majhi alias Anal Da are hiding out there.

Police said that their forces are advancing slowly into the jungles and have already established several temporary security camps in the core areas of the Maoists.

Meanwhile, the Maoists have planted IEDs to bar security forces from entering into the jungles due to which regular incidents of blasts are taking place during operations.

The Maoists recently distributed pamphlets in the villages adjacent to Kolhan jungles and warned villagers not to venture deep into the jungles warning as they could walk over an IED.

This is the 13th civilian murder - either killed by the Maoists or died due to IED blasts - in the past 10 months on the hilly terrain inside the Kolhan reserve forests of the district.

ALSO READ | Maoist leader with total reward of Rs 1 crore on his head dies of illness in forest at 70

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RANCHI: Supai Mutkan, 52, was killed by Maoists on Monday night on suspicion of being a police informer in West Singbhum. This is the third consecutive killing of a villager near Kolhan jungles of the district. The incident took place at Rengdahatu village under Tonto police station where around 5-6 armed Maoist cadres barged into the house of Supai Mutkan and dragged him out to the courtyard and started thrashing him. While thrashing him with their boots and sticks, they alleged he was a regular police informer, and they then slit his throat with an axe, said Supais older brother Jamadar Mutkan.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The brother said that he too was beaten by the Maoists and warned that he too would meet the same fate if found to be indulging in such activities, he added. Earlier, on Sunday, a 45-year-old man, identified as Arjun Surin, was found dead near Rajabasa  Lawaveda village under the Goelkera police station area. According to villagers, his dead body was found hanging from a tree by the police on Monday morning. Police, however, claimed that Arjun Surin was a Maoist supporter and had gone into the jungles to meet them and died while returning after he stepped on an IED planted by the Maoists. An improvised explosive device planted by the red rebels to target the security forces accidentally went off, killing Surin, Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Sekhar said, while dismissing media reports that claimed that Surin was killed by the Maoists on suspicion of being a police informer. "Surin was a Maoist supporter himself and was involved in providing logistical support to the rebels by being based in Vangram Rajabasa village," he said. On Saturday night, a 65-year-old man Rando Surin was killed by the Maoists who slit his throat near Gitilpi Chowk under Goilkera police station. The Maoists left pamphlets along with his body saying that he has been punished for sharing information on them with the police. Villagers claimed that both Arujun and Rando Surin were abducted by the Maoists around five days back. READ MORE | Jharkhand: Maoist groups beat up five security guards, set weighbridge on fire Admitting that three deaths took place in the Kolhan jungles area in the last three days, the Police called them "act of cowardice." "This is nothing but an act of cowardice by the CPI - Maoists apparently in repercussion against the regular police action being conducted in the region which has resulted in the destruction of many of their camps and recovery of huge arms and ammunitions, West Singhbhum SP Ashutosh Shekhar said. Notably, the state police have launched a joint operation in the Kolhan jungles after a tip-off that some of the senior Maoist leaders including Misir Besra and Patiram Majhi alias Anal Da are hiding out there. Police said that their forces are advancing slowly into the jungles and have already established several temporary security camps in the core areas of the Maoists. Meanwhile, the Maoists have planted IEDs to bar security forces from entering into the jungles due to which regular incidents of blasts are taking place during operations. The Maoists recently distributed pamphlets in the villages adjacent to Kolhan jungles and warned villagers not to venture deep into the jungles warning as they could walk over an IED. This is the 13th civilian murder - either killed by the Maoists or died due to IED blasts - in the past 10 months on the hilly terrain inside the Kolhan reserve forests of the district. ALSO READ | Maoist leader with total reward of Rs 1 crore on his head dies of illness in forest at 70 Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Express News Service

NEW DELHI: More voices have emerged against the newly notified guidelines by National Medical Commission (NMC) that made it mandatory for doctors to prescribe only generic drugs. The Association of Healthcare Providers (AHPI), which represents the majority of healthcare providers in India, and the National Medicos Organisation, which represents both doctors and dentists, have also protested against the regulations that penalise doctors if they dont prescribe generic medicines.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) also wrote a letter to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya following their two-hour meeting with him on Monday. They have demanded the withdrawal of the regulations till there is quality assurance of all medicines.

It also expressed concern over the NMC regulations, which bar doctors from attending conferences sponsored by pharma companies, saying such a prohibition warrants reconsideration. It demanded associations and organisations should be exempted from the purview of NMC regulations.

In its letter to the health minister, the National Medicos Organisation suggested that the Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP) shall not be penalised once he or she demonstrates the branded or branded generic medicine is efficacious than generic formulation. As per the new regulations, the doctor would be penalised, including suspension of their license to practice for some time, if they don't prescribe generic drugs.

It also suggested that the chemical and fertilisers ministry may issue a separate circular for the pharma industry to produce cheaper formulations and sell all branded drugs as branded generic in the market.

Dr Girdhar Gyani, Director General, Association of Healthcare Providers (AHPI), also said that "in India, regulatory requirements for generic drugs differ from those in many other countries."

Indian regulators do not mandate bioequivalence studies for generic drugs, which poses concerns about their quality. Generic drugs are often manufactured by numerous small companies, some of which may not adhere to rigorous quality control standards. Doctors' decision to prescribe branded or generic drugs is based on various factors, including trust in established companies and past experiences with drug quality.

He also said the NMC regulation on barring doctors from attending medical workshops, seminars, conferences and symposia etc., may hinder their professional progress, participation in academic/ research activities and thereby potentially denying patients the advantages of the latest medical innovations.

Speaking with this paper, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, past president of IMA Cochin, said that in India, there is considerable variation in quality between tablets containing the same medication made by multiple manufacturers.

This means that not all available versions will benefit the patient equally. Besides, unlike checking for a counterfeit currency bill, there is no way a practising doctor can verify the quality of each medication. Hence they trust what has worked for their patients, he added.

The IMA, in their letter to the minister, said, It is a matter of great concern for IMA since this directly impacts patient care and safety. It is believed that less than 1 per cent of the generic drugs manufactured in India are tested for quality. Patient care and safety are nonnegotiable for the government and the medical profession,.

It added that the quality assurance mechanism in our country is fragile. India has more than 3 lakh batches of 70,000 drug formulations; the quality assurance mechanism in our country can ascertain the quality control of only 15,753 drugs annually, it said.

In 2023, only around 12000 tests were conducted by CDSCO and State Drug Control Department together. If we consider one sample from each batch tested, the minimum required number of tests was around 3,00,000, the IMA said in its letter.

Sent from my iPhone

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NEW DELHI: More voices have emerged against the newly notified guidelines by National Medical Commission (NMC) that made it mandatory for doctors to prescribe only generic drugs. The Association of Healthcare Providers (AHPI), which represents the majority of healthcare providers in India, and the National Medicos Organisation, which represents both doctors and dentists, have also protested against the regulations that penalise doctors if they dont prescribe generic medicines. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) also wrote a letter to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya following their two-hour meeting with him on Monday. They have demanded the withdrawal of the regulations till there is quality assurance of all medicines. It also expressed concern over the NMC regulations, which bar doctors from attending conferences sponsored by pharma companies, saying such a prohibition warrants reconsideration. It demanded associations and organisations should be exempted from the purview of NMC regulations.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In its letter to the health minister, the National Medicos Organisation suggested that the Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP) shall not be penalised once he or she demonstrates the branded or branded generic medicine is efficacious than generic formulation. As per the new regulations, the doctor would be penalised, including suspension of their license to practice for some time, if they don't prescribe generic drugs. It also suggested that the chemical and fertilisers ministry may issue a separate circular for the pharma industry to produce cheaper formulations and sell all branded drugs as branded generic in the market. Dr Girdhar Gyani, Director General, Association of Healthcare Providers (AHPI), also said that "in India, regulatory requirements for generic drugs differ from those in many other countries." Indian regulators do not mandate bioequivalence studies for generic drugs, which poses concerns about their quality. Generic drugs are often manufactured by numerous small companies, some of which may not adhere to rigorous quality control standards. Doctors' decision to prescribe branded or generic drugs is based on various factors, including trust in established companies and past experiences with drug quality. He also said the NMC regulation on barring doctors from attending medical workshops, seminars, conferences and symposia etc., may hinder their professional progress, participation in academic/ research activities and thereby potentially denying patients the advantages of the latest medical innovations. Speaking with this paper, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, past president of IMA Cochin, said that in India, there is considerable variation in quality between tablets containing the same medication made by multiple manufacturers. This means that not all available versions will benefit the patient equally. Besides, unlike checking for a counterfeit currency bill, there is no way a practising doctor can verify the quality of each medication. Hence they trust what has worked for their patients, he added. The IMA, in their letter to the minister, said, It is a matter of great concern for IMA since this directly impacts patient care and safety. It is believed that less than 1 per cent of the generic drugs manufactured in India are tested for quality. Patient care and safety are nonnegotiable for the government and the medical profession,. It added that the quality assurance mechanism in our country is fragile. India has more than 3 lakh batches of 70,000 drug formulations; the quality assurance mechanism in our country can ascertain the quality control of only 15,753 drugs annually, it said. In 2023, only around 12000 tests were conducted by CDSCO and State Drug Control Department together. If we consider one sample from each batch tested, the minimum required number of tests was around 3,00,000, the IMA said in its letter. Sent from my iPhone Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday lauded the initiative to introduce cheetahs from Africa to India.

"We were pleased to donate cheetahs to India and prepared to donate even more as you are a country that takes care of big cats," President Ramaphosa told Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

South Africa had sent 12 cheetahs to India in February. This was in addition to eight that were brought in from Namibia in November 2022.

While nine cheetahs (including three cubs born in India) have died, there are 15 surviving cheetahs in Kuno (which includes a female cub). Most deaths occurred from bacterial infection, maggots, renal failure, injuries and heat.

According to an MoU signed between India and South Africa on January 26, South Africa would facilitate translocation of 100 cheetahs to India over the next decade.

"The plan is to translocate 12 cheetahs every year from South Africa, for the next decade. The terms of the MoU on cooperation in the reintroduction of cheetahs will be reviewed every five years," the MoU states.

ALSO READ | Making sense of rising cheetah mortality

The death of the cheetahs has ignited speculation on whether Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh was the wrong choice for the cheetahs.

"Kuno was initially considered to translocate lions from Gir, but this proposal was shelved and then came the cheetahs. The total area in Kuno and the moist weather are not conducive to the cheetahs whose natural habitat is dry," says a source.

There has been talk of relocating the surviving cheetahs to Mukundra Hills in Rajasthan. However, since the Mukundra Hills house tigers, there are concerns of potential clashes between the two.

Meanwhile, PM Modi spoke in Johannesburg about the Big Cat Alliance and suggested cooperation on the issue of big cats.

Several species of big cats are found in the member nations of BRICS. Under the International Big Cat Alliance, BRICS nations can come together for their protection, he said.

India launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) on April 9th in Mysuru for conservation of seven big cats which includes the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma. The alliance aims to reach out to 97 countries covering natural habitats of these big cats.

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NEW DELHI: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday lauded the initiative to introduce cheetahs from Africa to India. "We were pleased to donate cheetahs to India and prepared to donate even more as you are a country that takes care of big cats," President Ramaphosa told Prime Minister Narendra Modi. South Africa had sent 12 cheetahs to India in February. This was in addition to eight that were brought in from Namibia in November 2022.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); While nine cheetahs (including three cubs born in India) have died, there are 15 surviving cheetahs in Kuno (which includes a female cub). Most deaths occurred from bacterial infection, maggots, renal failure, injuries and heat. According to an MoU signed between India and South Africa on January 26, South Africa would facilitate translocation of 100 cheetahs to India over the next decade. "The plan is to translocate 12 cheetahs every year from South Africa, for the next decade. The terms of the MoU on cooperation in the reintroduction of cheetahs will be reviewed every five years," the MoU states. ALSO READ | Making sense of rising cheetah mortality The death of the cheetahs has ignited speculation on whether Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh was the wrong choice for the cheetahs. "Kuno was initially considered to translocate lions from Gir, but this proposal was shelved and then came the cheetahs. The total area in Kuno and the moist weather are not conducive to the cheetahs whose natural habitat is dry," says a source. There has been talk of relocating the surviving cheetahs to Mukundra Hills in Rajasthan. However, since the Mukundra Hills house tigers, there are concerns of potential clashes between the two. Meanwhile, PM Modi spoke in Johannesburg about the Big Cat Alliance and suggested cooperation on the issue of big cats. Several species of big cats are found in the member nations of BRICS. Under the International Big Cat Alliance, BRICS nations can come together for their protection, he said. India launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) on April 9th in Mysuru for conservation of seven big cats which includes the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma. The alliance aims to reach out to 97 countries covering natural habitats of these big cats. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday slammed the scrapping of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by Karnataka as "anti-student" and asked the state's Congress government not to play with the futures of the young generation.

Pradhan also came down heavily on Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, saying that his "preposterous" statements on the NEP may please his political masters in Delhi but compromise the interests of students of Karnataka.

The education ministers comments came a day after Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced that the state government had decided to scrap NEP, introduced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the Centre, from the next academic year. Karnataka was the first state which had adopted NEP in 2021.

Shivakumars facts were wrong, and his statement was mischievous and regressive, Pradhan told reporters.

"NEP is a future document for the 21st century, not a political document. NEP is about (the) new emerging technology of the 21st century. It is about skills-based education in the school system," he said.

"What kind of politics (do) they want to play? Let politics take its own route and the Karnataka government should not play with the futures of the young generation," he added.

ALSO READ | Senior BJP leader questions scrapping of NEP in Karnataka

He also posed eight questions for Shivakumar and reposted them on X (formerly Twitter).

"Does he and Congress oppose early childhood care and education as a part of formal education? Does he not want our children to achieve foundational literacy and numeracy by the time they complete grade 2?

"Does he oppose localised Indian toys, games and play-based learning for our children? Does he oppose education in Kannada and other Bharatiya bhasha (languages)? Does he not want examinations such as NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), CUET (Common University Entrance Test), and JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) to be conducted in Bharatiya bhasha, including Kannada, in a transparent manner?" Pradhan asked.

On Monday, after a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar also announced that a committee will be formed in a weeks time to draft a State Education Policy which aligns more closely with Karnatakas unique educational requirements.

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NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday slammed the scrapping of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by Karnataka as "anti-student" and asked the state's Congress government not to play with the futures of the young generation. Pradhan also came down heavily on Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, saying that his "preposterous" statements on the NEP may please his political masters in Delhi but compromise the interests of students of Karnataka. The education ministers comments came a day after Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced that the state government had decided to scrap NEP, introduced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the Centre, from the next academic year. Karnataka was the first state which had adopted NEP in 2021.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Shivakumars facts were wrong, and his statement was mischievous and regressive, Pradhan told reporters. "NEP is a future document for the 21st century, not a political document. NEP is about (the) new emerging technology of the 21st century. It is about skills-based education in the school system," he said. "What kind of politics (do) they want to play? Let politics take its own route and the Karnataka government should not play with the futures of the young generation," he added. ALSO READ | Senior BJP leader questions scrapping of NEP in Karnataka He also posed eight questions for Shivakumar and reposted them on X (formerly Twitter). "Does he and Congress oppose early childhood care and education as a part of formal education? Does he not want our children to achieve foundational literacy and numeracy by the time they complete grade 2? "Does he oppose localised Indian toys, games and play-based learning for our children? Does he oppose education in Kannada and other Bharatiya bhasha (languages)? Does he not want examinations such as NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), CUET (Common University Entrance Test), and JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) to be conducted in Bharatiya bhasha, including Kannada, in a transparent manner?" Pradhan asked. On Monday, after a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar also announced that a committee will be formed in a weeks time to draft a State Education Policy which aligns more closely with Karnatakas unique educational requirements. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

BUDAPEST: Hungary has released more than 1,400 convicted human traffickers from prisons, authorities said Wednesday, a move that the European Commission is challenging.

Last month, the European Commission launched a legal procedure against Hungary after Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government in April decided to release jailed people smugglers and gave them three days to leave the country.

Hungary said at the time that its overcrowded jails were holding 2,600 people from 73 countries -- 13 per cent of the prison population -- at great cost to the taxpayer.

"We have released 1,468 detainees of foreign nationality who have been convicted of smuggling of human beings," the National Command of Penitentiary Services told AFP in an e-mail.

Fiercely anti-migration Orban accuses Brussels of pushing forward laws he says encourage migration.

"Hungary had to take this decision on people smugglers because Brussels does not contribute to the cost of border protection, but punishes Hungary when prisons are overcrowded," deputy interior minister Bence Retvari has said.

The EU executive says that no systems have been put in place to monitor whether the people smugglers serve the rest of their sentences in their homelands.

Austria in particular has been angered by its neighbour's decision and has tightened controls on its border.

Hungary has two months to explain how it intends to address Brussels' concerns or the Commission could draw up a case against Budapest.

Orban frequently clashes with the European Commission.

In June, the EU's top court ruled that Hungary had failed to fulfil its obligations under the bloc's law by hindering people from seeking asylum.

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BUDAPEST: Hungary has released more than 1,400 convicted human traffickers from prisons, authorities said Wednesday, a move that the European Commission is challenging. Last month, the European Commission launched a legal procedure against Hungary after Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government in April decided to release jailed people smugglers and gave them three days to leave the country. Hungary said at the time that its overcrowded jails were holding 2,600 people from 73 countries -- 13 per cent of the prison population -- at great cost to the taxpayer.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "We have released 1,468 detainees of foreign nationality who have been convicted of smuggling of human beings," the National Command of Penitentiary Services told AFP in an e-mail. Fiercely anti-migration Orban accuses Brussels of pushing forward laws he says encourage migration. "Hungary had to take this decision on people smugglers because Brussels does not contribute to the cost of border protection, but punishes Hungary when prisons are overcrowded," deputy interior minister Bence Retvari has said. The EU executive says that no systems have been put in place to monitor whether the people smugglers serve the rest of their sentences in their homelands. Austria in particular has been angered by its neighbour's decision and has tightened controls on its border. Hungary has two months to explain how it intends to address Brussels' concerns or the Commission could draw up a case against Budapest. Orban frequently clashes with the European Commission. In June, the EU's top court ruled that Hungary had failed to fulfil its obligations under the bloc's law by hindering people from seeking asylum. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
New Delhi, Aug 22

P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reached Johannesburg to attend the 15th BRICS summit.

"Deputy President of South Africa received the prime minister on this arrival," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

"I am visiting the Republic of South Africa from 22-24 August 2023 at the invitation of Cyril Ramaphosa, president of South Africa, to attend the 15th BRICS summit being held in Johannesburg under the South African chairmanship. BRICS has been pursuing a strong cooperation agenda across various sectors.

"We value that BRICS has become a platform for discussing and deliberating on issues of concern for the entire Global South, including development imperatives and reform of the multilateral system," Modi said before departing for Johannesburg.

He said that the BRICS Summit will provide a useful opportunity for BRICS to identify future areas of cooperation and review institutional development.

After attending the BRICS Summit between August 22-24, the Prime Minister will also visit Greece on August 25.

PM Modi reaches Johannesburg to attend BRICS summit

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Mumbai, Aug 22

T he trailer of the second season of the hit streaming show 'Scam' -- titled 'Scam 2003: The Telgi Story' -- was unveiled on Tuesday. It starts off with establishing the lead character of Abdul Karim Telgi through the curiosity and the dialogues of people.

The second season of the show tells the story of India's biggest stamp paper scam plotted by Abdul Karim Telgi, which shocked the nation with its unimaginable scale.

It then goes on to reveal the actor playing Abdul Karim Telgi -- Gagan Dev Riar -- as a dialogue exchange reminiscent of 'Guru' takes place - "Kya naam tha?", to which Riar replies, "Tha nahi madam Hai, Abdul Karim Telgi".

Telgi then explains what exactly is a stamp paper and it's importance in the Indian economy as he says, "Agar desh ki arthvyavashta kuber khazana hai toh stamp paper uski chabi hai", as a Garba tune plays in the background.

There are some compelling dialogues in the trailer, and the one that stands out is, "Saving saccount mein confidence jama kiya hai maine, cash bhi aa jaayega."

Telgi was a convicted counterfeiter, who started his counterfeiting career by making fake passports. He then started a business to export manpower to Saudi Arabia and opened a company.

For the same, he used to create several fake documents that would facilitate labourers' smooth passage at the airport even if their passport had an emigration check required stamp or other issues that could raise red flags for immigration officials.

Telgi moved to more complex counterfeiting when he began to counterfeit stamp paper. He appointed 300 people as agents who sold the fakes to bulk purchasers, including banks, insurance companies, and stock brokerage firms.

The show, which was earlier scheduled to release on September 2, is now arriving a day early on September 1 on Sony LIV.

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'Scam 2003: The Telgi Story' trailer gives a deep dive into Rs 30,000 crore stamp paper scam

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Chennai, Aug 22

T amil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written a letter to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister on Tuesday expressing solidarity with the people of that state who are suffering from natural calamities.

The state of Tamil Nadu also contributed an amount of Rs 10 crore to the relief work in the state of Himachal Pradesh.

Stalin in his letter said, "I am deeply saddened by the loss and devastation caused by heavy rains and landslides in Himachal Pradesh. My thoughts are with all those who have been affected by the natural calamity. I extend the support of the people of Tamil Nadu to state of Himachal Pradesh and its people in these difficult times."

He said, "I am confident that under your leadership the state will recover and rebuild soon."

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said that as a token gesture the Tamil Nadu government was contributing a sum of Rs 10 crore towards the relief works in the state.

"Please know that you have my full support of the state of Tamil Nadu and its people during this difficult time. If there is anything that we could assist in the recovery efforts, please do not hesitate to let me know," reads the letter.

He also commended the efforts of the Himachal Pradesh Government in reaching out to the affected people and extending emergency services in this hour of crisis.

TN contributes 10 cr for Himachal relief work, Stalin expresses solidarity

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San Francisco, Aug 23

O penAI has announced that fine-tuning for GPT-3.5 Turbo is now available, with fine-tuning for GPT-4 coming this fall.

"Developers can now run supervised fine-tuning to make this model perform better for their use cases," the company said in a blogpost on Tuesday.

According to early tests, a fine-tuned version of GPT-3.5 Turbo can match, or even outperform, base GPT-4-level capabilities on certain narrow tasks.

OpenAI further noted that similar to all its application programming interfaces (APIs), data sent in and out of the fine-tuning API is owned by the customer and is not used by the company, or any other organisation, to train other models.

Fine-tuning allows businesses to make the model follow instructions better, like making outputs "terse" or always responding in a given language

"Fine-tuning improves the model's ability to consistently format responses -- a crucial aspect for applications demanding a specific response format, such as code completion or composing API calls," the company said.

Also, businesses with a recognisable brand voice can use fine-tuning for the model to be more consistent with their tone.

In addition to increased performance, fine-tuning also enables businesses to shorten their prompts while ensuring similar performance.

"Fine-tuning with GPT-3.5-Turbo can also handle 4k tokens -- double our previous fine-tuned models," OpenAI said.

Also, early testers have reduced prompt size by up to 90 per cent by fine-tuning instructions into the model itself, speeding up each API call and cutting costs.

The company further mentioned that the support for fine-tuning with function calling and "gpt-3.5-turbo-16k" will be coming later this fall.

OpenAI adds fine-tuning on GPT-3.5 Turbo

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TN to bring in Tree Act, will lead to arrest for felling trees illegally

Chennai, Aug 23

Tamil Nadu government is mulling bringing in Tree Act in the lines of Delhi Tree Act of 1994.

Once implemented, the Act will make felling of trees without prior permission a punishable offence that could land one in jail for a period of one year or a fine of Rs 1000 or both.

Notably, the Tamil Nadu government has recently constituted green committees at the district and state levels after the directive from the Madras High Court that wanted a system to regulate and monitor the felling of trees in the state.

The move would provide green panels constituted at the district and state levels a legal binding and mandate.

The proposed Act would lead to felling, cutting or removal or disposal of any tree from any land including private properties without

prior permission would be termed an offense.

As per the Delhi Tree Act, any person who fells a tree without prior permission can be sentenced to a jail term that may extend for an year or can be fined Rs 1000 or both. The offence can also be compounded by paying the value of the forest produce or compensation which may be upto Rs 10,000 or both.

Tamil Nadu Environment secretary Supriya Sahu told media persons that the state would also be planting 260 crore saplings by 2030.

aal/shb

TN to bring in Tree Act, will lead to arrest for felling trees illegally

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San Francisco, Aug 23

S treaming platform Twitch has announced that it has started testing its Discovery feed, which the company introduced last month.

"Our first Discovery Feed experiment starts rolling out to select users today," the company posted on X.

"Feature Clips after every stream to get discovered in the Feed, even if you're not in the experiment."

The company also mentioned that this limited experience will help the platform train its algorithm and get users' feedback.

In a separate post, the streaming platform said, "We're rolling out horizontal Clips to start, but you'll see more vertical Clips as the feed evolves."

The company is also testing "Popular & Featured Clips" before switching to exclusively Featured Clips.

Also, the user's feed will be personalised "over time."

Twitch had first introduced the Discovery feed at its TwitchCon Paris event last month and described it as a scrollable feed in the app that would show users a personalised mix of Clips.

The platform had also said that users would be able to mark Clips as featured in their Creator Dashboard this month.

In June, the streaming platform had introduced a new programme -- Partner Plus -- which is scheduled to be launched on October 1 and will offer 70 per cent share on net subscription revenue to streamers who meet the qualification criteria.

Streamers in the new programme will receive a 70/30 revenue share on net subscription revenue -- money from recurring monthly subscriptions and gift subscriptions --, for 12 months and up to $1,00,000.

For three consecutive months, streamers must maintain a sub count of at least 350 recurring paid subscriptions in order to be eligible.

aj/prw

Twitch starts testing TikTok-like clips feed

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Biden to visit India in Sept for G20; Ukraine war, climate change on table: White House

W ashington, Aug 22 US President Joe Biden will travel to India on a four-day visit to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit in September in New Delhi during which he will discuss joint efforts to tackle global issues like climate change, including the Ukraine war with member nations, White House confirmed on Tuesday.

In a statement, the White House said Biden and G20 partners will also discuss clean energy transition and combating climate change increasing the capacity of multilateral development banks.

India is set to host G20 Summit on September 9 and 10.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the US in June, where Biden had said he was looking forward to the G20 summit in September in New Delhi.

While in New Delhi, President Biden will also commend Prime Minister Modi's leadership of the G20 and reaffirm the US commitment to the G20 as the premier forum of economic cooperation, including by hosting it in 2026, the White House announced on Tuesday.

"President Joseph R Biden, Jr will travel to New Delhi, India, from September 7-10 to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit," the White House statement read.

"President Biden and G20 partners will discuss a range of joint efforts to tackle global issues, including the clean energy transition and combatting climate change, mitigating the economic and social impacts of Putin's war in Ukraine, and increasing the capacity of multilateral development banks, including the World Bank, to better fight poverty, including by addressing global challenges," it added.

India assumed the G20 presidency for a year from December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023, and has been hosting several meetings across the country.

Biden to visit India in Sept for G20; Ukraine war, climate change on table: White House

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We will break tradition of changing govt in Rajasthan after every 5 years: Sachin Pilot

Tonk, August 22

F ormer Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot who has been newly inducted into the Congress Working Committee said that the desert state will break its polling tradition of changing its government every five years.

"We will break the tradition of changing the government in Rajasthan after every five years and the Congress government is going to be formed here," the Tonk MLA said in his constituency in Rajasthan.

The Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress have been forming the government in Rajasthan in alternate terms every election since 1993. The two parties have been voting each other out in every poll since then.

Taking a dig at the BJP, Sachin Pilot said that central BJP leaders have been visiting the state frequently in recent times in a bid to "wake up" the BJP organisation in Rajasthan but to no avail.

"BJP leaders from the Center are coming to Rajasthan again and again, trying to wake up the Rajasthan BJP organization, but they are not being able to do so. The BJP has failed in the government at the Centre and has failed as the opposition in Rajasthan," the former Deputy Chief Minister said.

Thanking the top leadership in his party for being newly inducted into the Congress Working Committee, Sachin Pilot said, "I humbly accept the responsibility Congress National president Kharge, Sonia Gandhi ji, Rahul Gandhi ji has given me in the working committee. All of us will work together. People have hope from Congress today."

Sachin Pilot said that Congress will work together against the politics of "hatred" being practised by the BJP.

"Rahul Gandhi had travelled throughout India trying to connect with people. We will all work together against the way BJP practices the politics of hatred," the Tonk MLA said.

Rajasthan will go to polls towards the end of this year, along with Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The BJP and the Congress are in direct contest with each other in these three crucial state assembly polls which will serve as a litmus test for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections next year.

We will break tradition of changing govt in Rajasthan after every 5 years: Sachin Pilot

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BRICS Leaders Retreat: PM Modi, leaders to deliberate on global developments, explore how to use utilize BRICS platform

Johannesburg, August 23

P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday arrived at the Summer Place in Johannesburg to participate in the BRICS Leaders Retreat where the leaders of the grouping will deliberate on global developments and explore how to utilize the BRICS platform effectively to address and resolve global challenges.

PM Modi was welcomed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are attending the BRICS Leaders Retreat.

During the ceremony, the leaders will deliberate on global developments and on leveraging the BRICS platform to find solutions to global challenges.

"PM @narendramodi arrives at the Summer Place to participate in the BRICS Leaders Retreat. Warmly greeted by the host, President @CyrilRamaphosa of South Africa. PM, along with other BRICS leaders will deliberate on global developments and leveraging the BRICS platform to find solutions to global challenges," Ministry of External Affairs Official Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted on Tuesday.

During the retreat ceremony, the heads of delegations of the BRICS member states posed for a group photograph.

Meanwhile, PM Modi in a special message at the BRICS Business Forum said mutual trust and transparency can help create a big impact, especially in the Global South.

"There is no doubt that India will become the world's growth engine. This is because India took challenges as an oppotunity for economic reforms," he said.

"With the use of technology, India has made major leaps in financial inclusion, benefiting rural women the most. In the last 9 years, people's income has almost doubled...," the Prime Minister said in the short address.

"Despite the global crisis,India is still the fastest-growing major economy and will soon be a USD 5 trillion economy. From street vendors to shopping malls, UPI is being utilised because of which India now has the most amonunt of digital transactions in the world. UPI is being used everywhere in India. India has the third largest startup ecosystem in the world," the Prime Minister said.

Pointing to the new investment opportunities opening up in the country, PM Modi said, "Today highways are being constructed at high speed. Soon, India is set to become a hub in green hydrogen, and will also become a market for renewable energy. I invite you to be part of India's journey..mutual trust and transparency can see us make a big impact, especially in the Global South..."

The Prime Minister emphasized that there is a specific emphasis on enhancing public sector performance, and over the recent years, the ease of doing business in India has improved through mission-oriented endeavors

"In the last few years, the ease of doing business in India has improved due to the work done in the mission mode...We have focused on public service delivery and good governance...Today in India UPI is used at all levels...Today among all countries in the world, India is the country with the highest digital transaction," PM Modi said at BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Despite the attendance of counterparts such as South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Xi was notably absent from the event.

Russia foreign minister Sergei Lavrov was present at the event .

PM Modi arrived in South Africa earlier on Tuesday to attend the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg from August 22-24 at the invitation of the country's president Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa.

PM Modi said he looks forward to holding bilateral meetings with "some of the leaders present in Johannesburg".

"BRICS has been pursuing a solid cooperation agenda across various sectors. We value that BRICS has become a platform for discussing and deliberating on issues of concern for the entire Global South, including development imperatives and reform of the multilateral system," the PM said in a statement.

This will be PM Modi's third visit to South Africa and the trip marks the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between India and South Africa.

This year's BRICS is under the presidency of South Africa. The theme of this year's summit is "BRICS and Africa Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism."

BRICS Leaders Retreat: PM Modi, leaders to deliberate on global developments, explore how to use utilize BRICS platform

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Mumbai, Aug 23

P opular rapper and hip hop mogul Badshah will be paying a special visit to Tata Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, where he will surprise children with a performance.

Badshah will be headlining a 30-minute live performance in the hospital's private auditorium.

Over 300 young cancer patients ranging from the age group of 8-15 years will be attending the not-for-profit performance which will also include a first-of-its-kind duet between the music hitmaker and a 10-year-old cancer patient Ayub Siddq Mohd Shah, on Badshah's single 'Heartless' from his album 'ONE'.

Badshah will also be seen personally interacting with all of the children stationed in the pediatric ward of the hospital, including the families of terminally ill patients currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

Badshah shared "What are we in this world for if we can't be of any use to others in some way? Thankfully, I have a rock-solid inner circle that teaches me to do better every single day and through hardships and setbacks I've learnt that kindness and humility take you way ahead in life than power and possessions."

Dr. C.S. Pramesh, Director, Tata Memorial Hospital added "Badshah is very popular amongst all of our patients, particularly children! The journey of cancer is not easy for the children and music helps them to forget their aches and pains and makes them happy and energetic! I am very grateful to Badshah for taking out time to come to the hospital and interact with the children and perform for them!"

Shalini Jatia, Tata Memorial Hospital's Officer-In-Charge, ImPaCCT Foundation elaborated further " His (Badshah) efforts will not only touch the lives of our young cancer warriors but will also serve as a reminder to all that a single act of kindness and positivity can have an immense impact on those in need."

Over the years, Salman Khan has engaged with Tata Memorial Hospital on several counts. More recently, Shahrukh Khan fulfilled the wish of his 60-year-old fan from Kolkata who is battling with cancer when he video called her.

Badshah to bring cheer to children ailing with cancer

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A ditya Babbar, Senior Director, Mobile Business, Samsung India, told IANS that not just urban centres but the response for Galaxy Fold5 and Flip5 from tier 2, 3 and even tier 4 cities has been overwhelming this year, signalling that the Galaxy premium devices are becoming mainstream in the country.

Aditya Babbar, Senior Director, Mobile Business, Samsung India, told IANS that not just urban centres but the response for Galaxy Fold5 and Flip5 from tier 2, 3 and even tier 4 cities has been overwhelming this year, signalling that the Galaxy premium devices are becoming mainstream in the country.

"Numbers speak the truth. The response from 'Bharat' for our ultra-premium devices, thanks to the 24-month EMI scheme, has been amazing. We are growing faster pan-India in the premium and ultra-premium segment than ever before," Babbar emphasised.

Faster availability in tier 2, 3 and even 4 cities, the unique 24-month EMI scheme and a growing set of aspirational Indian user base have helped Samsung further cement its position in the ultra-premium segment in the country.

With the new foldables, Samsung aims to reach over 50 per cent market share in India in the super-premium ($1,000 and above) segment.

"The interesting trend we see this year is a rush of new, first-time buyers for flagship foldables. For Fold5, they generally belong to the 25-44 age group, mostly male consumers and tech enthusiasts. On the other hand, Flip5 is attracting users in the less than 35 age group, and the demand for Flip is equal from both the genders," Babbar told IANS.

"We are determined to further grow our market share in the upcoming festive season, and consolidate our leadership riding on the Galaxy flagship devices," Babbar added.

To make foldables mainstream, Samsung increased its distribution footprint, ensuring Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 are available across 10,000 stores in India, up from 6,000 stores through which the previous generation of foldables were sold.

"We are excited to see the overwhelming response for our fifth generation foldable smartphones in India. We are confident that the robust demand for Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Fold5 among India's tech-savvy consumers will help us consolidate our leadership in the country," said Raju Pullan, Senior Vice President, Mobile Business, Samsung India.

Customers can buy Galaxy Z Flip5 (256 GB) for a net effective price of Rs 85,999, while Galaxy Z Fold5 (256 GB) is available at Rs 138,999 for a limited period in the country.

na/

Samsung India gets 1.5 lakh pre-orders for new foldables, demand surge in tier 2, 3 cities

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Modi holds talks with South African President Ramaphosa, accepts invitation to pay state visit

New Delhi, Aug 23

P rime Minister Narendra Modi met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS summit.

Both leaders reviewed the progress made in bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved in various fields including defence, agriculture, trade and investment, health, conservation and people to people ties, official sources said.

They also exchanged views on continued coordination in multilateral bodies and regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

President Ramaphosa expressed full support for India's G20 presidency and appreciated India's initiative for giving the African Union full membership of G20.

He conveyed that he looked forward to visiting New Delhi for the G20 Summit.

Modi congratulated Ramaphosa on the successful hosting of the BRICS summit.

He also accepted the South African President's invitation to pay a state visit to South Africa at a mutually convenient date.

Modi holds talks with South African President Ramaphosa, accepts invitation to pay state visit

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Johannesburg, August 23

P rime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, met South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa and held a bilateral meeting.

PM Modi, who is in South Africa to attend the 15th BRICS Summit, will attend open and closed plenary sessions in Johannesburg later today.

The plenaries will be followed by a cultural performance and a banquet dinner hosted by President Ramaphosa.

PM Modi arrived in South Africa on Tuesday and received a ceremonial welcome at Waterkloof Air Force Base.

Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora chanting 'Vande Mataram' and the members of the Indian community were waiting for PM Modi's arrival to welcome him with 'dhols' outside the Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg.

The opening day of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg was witness to the BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue.

In his address at the BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue, PM Modi said India will soon be a 5 trillion dollar economy and in the coming years will be the growth engine of the world.

PM Modi's special message to the dialogue was that mutual trust and transparency can help create a big impact, especially in the Global South.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa said as Africa has an urbanised population it can provide a stable workforce in future, BRICS countries have an opportunity to contribute to and participate in Africa's growth story.

"Africa has a young digitally connecting and urbanizing population. A population that provides a stable workforce for companies in future. The investment in skills... continues to grow," President Ramaphosa said.

Soon after the Business Forum, PM Modi arrived at the Summer Place in Johannesburg to participate in the BRICS Leaders Retreat where the leaders of the grouping will deliberate on global developments and explore how to utilize the BRICS platform effectively to address and resolve global challenges.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attended the event.

Notably, this is PM Modi's third visit to South Africa and the trip marks the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between India and South Africa.

Initially formed as BRIC, a visionary concept coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neil in 2001, BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, and China - a collective representation of burgeoning emerging markets brimming with current and future economic prowess. In a momentous development in 2010, South Africa joined the bloc, prompting a change in the acronym BRICS.

BRICS Summit, Day-2: PM Modi holds bilateral meeting with South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa

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Amaravati, August 23

A ndhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday virtually laid the foundation stone for three renewable energy projects for producing 5,314 MW of power in Nandyala district, a press note said.

Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation also signed a MoU with the National Hydro-Electric Power Corporation in the presence of the Chief Minister to promote pumped storage power projects, it read.

Speaking on the occasion after laying foundation stones from the Camp Office here on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said the projects will help Andhra Pradesh become number one in green energy.

He laid the foundation stones for 2300 MW solar power project to be set up by Greenko at Junuthala village in Owk mandal, 700 MW solar and 314 MW wind power plants to be set up by AM Green Energy at Kandikayapalle village in Panyam mandal and 1000 MW solar and wind power projects each to be set up by Ecoren Energy at Muddavaram village in Bethamcherla mandal.

These companies will invest Rs 10,350 crore, Rs 4500 crore and Rs 11000 crore creating employment opportunities for 2300, 1000 and 2000 persons respectively.

The Chief Minister said that pump storage power projects are environment-friendly and will reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

He also released a white paper on the opportunities for investments in the State in green hydrogen sector.

"Pump storage power projects will help us produce power during peak hours and bring in a revolution in green energy which will control the world in the future and the State will become part of the green energy revolution" the Chief Minister said.

In all, 37 locations have been identified to start pump storage units to produce 41,000 MW and feasibility studies were completed on 29 projects for producing 33240 MW.

Detailed Project Reports are ready for projects to produce 20,900 MW, out of which companies were permitted to begin work to produce 16, 180 MW.

As per the MoU between APGENCO and NHPC, the two will set up 1000 MW and 950 MW pump storage units at Yaganti and Kapalapadu respectively with an investment of Rs. 10,000 crore in partnership. These units will provide jobs to 2000 persons.

APGENCO and NHPC will also set up pump storage power units worth 2750 MW in three more locations for which feasibility studies are underway, he said.

Besides providing jobs to locals, the companies will also pay a royalty of Rs 1 lakh for each MW and pay farmers Rs. 30,000 per acre every year with a price escalation of five percent every two years for giving their lands. The State is already producing 8999 MW of solar and wind power. The agreement with Solar Energy Corporation of India to get power at Rs. 2. 49 per unit will help in the free power to farmers during day time for another 25 to 30 years.

Energy Minister P. Ramachandra Reddy, Finance Minister B. Rajendranath, Deputy Chief Minister K. Satyanarayana, CS Dr KS Jawahar Reddy, APGENCO MD KVN Chakradhar Babu, NREDCAP VC & MD S. Ramana Reddy, British Deputy High Commissioner Gareth Wynn Owen, Deputy Head Mission Varun Mali, Senior Advisor to UK Government Nishnat Kumar Singh, NHPC Finance Director RP Goel, Greenko Vice President N. Seshagiri Rao, AM Green Energy Business Head Samir Mathur, Ecoren Energy CMD Y. Lakshmi Prasad and senior officials were present.

Andhra CM lays stone for 3 renewable energy projects with 5,314 MW capacity

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Los mayores de 60 anos con comorbilidades, receptores de trasplantes de organos, pacientes con VIH, entre otros factores de riesgo, necesitan dos refuerzos de la vacuna bivalente contra la covid-19 para protegerse de las complicaciones del virus. https://t.co/GMDHH5bMDW
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The plaque at Rex Lookout in Queensland, Australia, had the name of the politician who made it possible, Martin Tenni, erased a few years after it was installed as he was swept up in a corruption scandal.
? En el marco del Dia Mundial del Folclore, la presidenta Dina Boluarte lidero la ceremonia de reconocimiento como Personalidad Meritoria de la Cultura a representantes del folclore peruano, a quienes rindio homenaje por mantener vivas nuestras costumbres y tradiciones. pic.twitter.com/HFYwBdqt2x
In the United States and other western countries, a form of esophageal and stomach cancer has risen dramatically over the last five decades. Rates of esophageal adenocarcinoma, or EAC, and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma, or GCA, are both highly fatal.

However, Joel Rubenstein, M.D., M.S., a research scientist at the Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research and professor of internal medicine at Michigan Medicine, says that preventative measures can be a saving grace.

"Screening can identify pre-cancerous changes in patients, Barrett's esophagus, which is sometimes diagnosed in individuals who have long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD," he said.

"When early detection occurs, patients can take additional steps to help prevent cancer."

While current guidelines already consider screening in high-risk patients, Rubenstein notes that many providers are still unfamiliar with this recommendation.

"Many individuals who develop these types of cancer never had screening to begin with," he said.

"But a new automated tool embedded in the electronic health record holds the potential to bridge the gap between provider awareness and patients who are at an increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma."

Rubenstein and a team of researchers used a type of artificial intelligence to examine data regarding EAC and GCA rates in over 10 million U.S. veterans.

Their findings were published in Gastroenterology.

Rubenstein and his team developed and tested the Kettles Esophageal and Cardia Adenocarcinoma predictioN tool, called K-ECAN for short.

K-ECAN uses basic information already readily available in the EHR, like patient demographics, weight, previous diagnoses and routine laboratory results, to determine an individual's risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma." Joel Rubenstein, M.D., M.S., research scientist at the Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research and professor of internal medicine at Michigan Medicine

"We developed a prior tool, M-BERET, over a decade ago for identifying patients with Barrett's esophagus. However, that tool requires measuring patients' hip and waist circumferences, which is not something that routinely occurs. In addition, providers must remember to use the corresponding website to calculate their patient's risk when using this tool."

To alleviate this burden, Rubenstein said that they "envisioned harnessing the large amount of data already present in the EHR, as well as presenting their patients' risk to their providers at opportune times," such as when an individual is due for a colorectal screening or refilling an acid reducing prescription medication.

According to Rubenstein, K-ECAN is more accurate than published guidelines or previously validated prediction tools and can "accurately predict cancer at least three years prior to a diagnosis."

"Symptoms of GERD, like heartburn, are an important risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma," he said.

"But most people with GERD symptoms will never develop esophageal adenocarcinoma and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma. In addition, roughly half of the patients with this form of cancer never experienced prior GERD symptoms at all. This makes K-ECAN particularly useful because it can identify people who are at elevated risk, regardless of whether they have GERD symptoms or not."

Akbar Waljee, M.D., M.Sc., professor in the Departments of Learning Health Sciences and Internal Medicine and senior author on the study, adds that this research wouldn't be possible without a collaborative effort.

"This publication, which leveraged invaluable data from millions of U.S. veterans, was made possible through the dedicated efforts of numerous staff members at our VA Health Services Research & Development Center of Innovation, as well as through collaborative partnerships between the VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Michigan Medicine, the University of Michigan Department of Statistics, and members of U-M's Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation and E-Health & Artificial Intelligence, or e-HAIL. This exemplifies the power of team science, data and machine learning to improve cancer prevention."

Incorporating this artificial intelligence tool into the EHR could alert providers with an automated notification regarding which patients are at an increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma.

And Rubenstein says that this can significantly decrease the burden of these cancers

"Our devoted team was able to use sophisticated machine learning tools to develop this unique tool, and we are very excited that this could potentially lead to increased screening and a decrease in preventable deaths. We look forward to conducting additional work validating K-ECAN for use outside of the VA."
For the first time, a scientific study shows that exposure to outdoor cold air is beneficial in reducing the severity of croup symptoms in children, particularly when symptoms are moderate. The study, conducted by the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and the University of Geneva (UNIGE), thus gives scientific support to a recurrent intuition of both healthcare practitioners and parents. Learn more about the study in the scientific journal Pediatrics.

Very common reason for consultation

Croup, also known as acute viral laryngotracheitis or laryngotracheobronchitis, is the most frequent cause of acute obstruction of the upper respiratory tract in children aged from 6 months to 3 years. Although most cases are mild, croup has a substantial impact on healthcare systems, as it is responsible for 3 to 5% of visits to pediatric emergency departments and 72-hour readmissions for children less than two years of age. It is characterized by the sudden appearance of a seal-like barking cough, mostly at night, accompanied by hoarseness and inspiratory stridor (sound or whistling). The recommended treatment of croup is steroids, which are effective 30 minutes after administration.

The effect of cold air is confirmed

The study included 118 children aged between 3 months and 10 years (average age: 32 months) presenting with croup and attending the Paediatric Emergency Department of the HUG. On their arrival, all received the oral single-dose standard treatment of dexamethasone. Half the children recruited in the study spent the 30 minutes following their admission inside the department, while the other half waited for the same time outside, exposed to temperatures below 10C, with blankets. On average, the difference between indoor and outdoor temperature was 20C, with air humidity levels of 30% inside and 68% outside.

Among the outdoor group, 29 children (49.2%) showed a reduction of their symptoms after 30 minutes according to the Westley Group Score (WCS), while only 14 children (23.7%) who stayed inside showed the same effect. Children presenting with moderate croup were those who showed the most benefit from exposure to fresh air.

As indicated by Laurence Lacroix-Ducardonnoy, deputy clinical director at the Paediatric Emergency department (SAUP) of the HUG, lecturer in the Department of pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics in the Faculty of Medicine of the UNIGE and author of the study, we sought to investigate whether a 30 minute-exposure to outdoor cold air could improve the symptoms of croup before the onset of action of steroids. Regarding the benefits that were demonstrated, it represents a valuable first recommendation for parents who can then apply this measure at home.

Explanatory elements

Animal models have demonstrated that cooling of the upper respiratory tract increased the activity of dilator muscles in the upper respiratory tract, reduced mucosal blood flow by vasoconstriction and lessened resistance of the upper respiratory tract. This suggests that changes in temperature may play a part in the control of the permeability of the upper respiratory tract.
Max Planck Florida will be able to expand their research program to investigate the neural circuits underlying Alzheimer's disease with new support. The National Institute on Aging of the NIH has awarded Dr. Yingxue Wang $1,038,819 over three years as part of the Alzheimer's Disease Initiative Fund. The research will shed new light on how the brain forms new memories and maintains them over time and what can lead to memory decline during Alzheimer's Disease.

Turning our daily experiences into memories involves a brain region called the hippocampus. Among the many signals the hippocampus receives, cholinergic inputs from the basal forebrain are crucial for learning and memory. As we age, cholinergic inputs become less effective at generating a neuronal response and deteriorate in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. While scientists understand that cholinergic function is an integral part of memory formation, exactly how it impacts the hippocampal circuits remains largely unknown.

We are excited and honored to receive this generous funding, which will significantly impact our ability to answer important questions about how we make and maintain memories. This grant not only advances our research but symbolizes the collective hope that drives us to study this devastating condition. My lab and I are profoundly grateful for this trust and support." Dr. Yingxue Wang

As part of this project, Dr. Wang will collaborate with Dr. Alex Roxin of the Centre de Recerca Matematica, Spain, who will be funded separately by the Spanish Research Agency, AEI.

Dr. Wang joined MPFI in 2018 and leads the Neuronal Mechanisms of Episodic Memory research group. Before that, she was a research scientist at the Janelia Research Campus of Howard Hughes Medical Institute, where she studied the hippocampal neuronal activities that represent memory traces.

Trained as an electrical engineer, Dr. Wang completed her graduate study at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ). During her Ph.D. training, she designed brain-inspired computational systems on silicon chips. These fully reconfigurable systems incorporated electronic circuits of a network of neurons with dendrites and synapses. Using these systems as simulation tools, she also investigated the computational principles native to a neuron with active dendrites.

Principals of engineering greatly inform Dr. Wang's work at MPFI, which combines experimental techniques with computational modeling, enabling the Wang lab to accelerate the analysis of big data, and build models to better explain the experimental findings.

"When it comes to the brain there are so many questions remaining, and the answers cannot come fast enough. Adding this support from the NIH to MPFI's already exceptional research resources will allow us to make greater progress toward understanding the role of these inputs in memory formation and stability," she said.

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R01AG085899. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Diabetes is a condition in which the body produces too little or no insulin. Diabetics thus depend on an external supply of this hormone via injection or pump. Researchers led by Martin Fussenegger from the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering at ETH Zurich in Basel want to make the lives of these people easier and are looking for solutions to produce and administer insulin directly in the body.

One such solution the scientists are pursuing is enclosing insulin-producing designer cells in capsules that can be implanted in the body. To be able to control from the outside when and how much insulin the cells release into the blood, researchers have studied and applied different triggers in recent years: light, temperature and electric fields.

Fussenegger and his colleagues have now developed another, novel stimulation method: they use music to trigger the cells to release insulin within minutes. This works especially well with "We Will Rock You," a global hit by British rock band, Queen.

Equipping cells to receive sound waves

To make the insulin-producing cells receptive to sound waves, the researchers used a protein from the bacterium E. coli. Such proteins respond to mechanical stimuli and are common in animals and bacteria. The protein is located in the membrane of the bacterium and regulates the influx of calcium ions into the cell interior. The researchers have incorporated the blueprint of this bacterial ion channel into human insulin-producing cells. This lets these cells create the ion channel themselves and embed it in their membrane.

As the scientists have been able to show, the channel in these cells opens in response to sound, allowing positively charged calcium ions to flow into the cell. This leads to a charge reversal in the cell membrane, which in turn causes the tiny insulin-filled vesicles inside the cell to fuse with the cell membrane and release the insulin to the outside.

Booming bass boosts insulin secretion

In cell cultures, the researchers first determined which frequencies and volume levels activated the ion channels most strongly. They found that volume levels around 60 decibels (dB) and bass frequencies of 50 hertz were the most effective in triggering the ion channels. To trigger maximum insulin release, the sound or the music had to continue for a minimum of three seconds and pause for a maximum of five seconds. If the intervals were too far apart, substantially less insulin was released.

Finally, the researchers looked into which music genres caused the strongest insulin response at a volume of 85 dB. Rock music with booming bass like the song "We Will Rock You", from Queen, came out on top, followed by the soundtrack to the action movie The Avengers. The insulin response to classical music and guitar music was rather weak by comparison.

"We Will Rock You" triggered roughly 70 percent of the insulin response within 5 minutes, and all of it within 15 minutes. This is comparable to the natural glucose-induced insulin response of healthy individuals, Fussenegger says.

Sound source must be directly above the implant

To test the system as a whole, the researchers implanted the insulin-producing cells into mice and placed the animals so that their bellies were directly on the loudspeaker. This was the only way the researchers could observe an insulin response. If, however, the animals were able to move freely in a "mouse disco," the music failed to trigger insulin release.

"Our designer cells release insulin only when the sound source with the right sound is played directly on the skin above the implant," Fussenegger explains. The release of the hormone was not triggered by ambient noise such as aircraft noise, lawnmowers, fire brigade sirens or conversations.

No triggering through ambient noise

As far as he can tell from tests on cell cultures and mice, Fussenegger sees little risk that the implanted cells in humans would release insulin constantly and at the slightest noise.

Another safety buffer is that insulin depots need four hours to fully replenish after they have been depleted. So even if the cells were exposed to sound at hourly intervals, they would not be able to release a full load of insulin each time and thereby cause life-threatening hypoglycemia. "It could, however, cover the typical needs of a diabetes patient who eats three meals a day," Fussenegger says. He explains that insulin remains in the vesicles for a long time, even if a person doesn't eat for more than four hours. "There's no depletion or unintentional discharge taking place."

But clinical application is a long way off. The researchers have merely provided a proof of concept, showing that genetic networks can be controlled by mechanical stimuli such as sound waves. Whether this principle will ever be put to practical use depends on whether a pharmaceutical company is interested in doing so. It could, after all, be applied broadly: the system works not only with insulin, but with any protein that lends itself to therapeutic use.
A new powerful antibiotic, isolated from bacteria that could not be studied before, seems capable to combat harmful bacteria and even multi-resistant 'superbugs'. Named Clovibactin, the antibiotic appears to kill bacteria in an unusual way, making it more difficult for bacteria to develop any resistance against it. Researchers from Utrecht University, Bonn University (Germany), the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Northeastern University of Boston (USA), and the company NovoBiotic Pharmaceuticals (Cambridge, USA) now share the discovery of Clovibactin and its killing mechanism in the scientific journal Cell.

Urgent need for new antibiotics

Antimicrobial resistance is a major problem for human health and researchers worldwide are looking for new solutions.

We urgently need new antibiotics to combat bacteria that become increasingly resistant to most clinically used antibiotics." Dr. Markus Weingarth, Researcher, Chemistry Department of Utrecht University

However, the discovery of new antibiotics is a challenge: few new antibiotics have been introduced into the clinics over the last decades, and then they often resemble older, already known antibiotics.

"Clovibactin is different," says Weingarth. "Since Clovibactin was isolated from bacteria that could not be grown before, pathogenic bacteria have not seen such an antibiotic before and had no time to develop resistance."

Antibiotic from bacterial dark matter

Clovibactin was discovered by NovoBiotic Pharmaceuticals, a small US-based early-stage company, and microbiologist Prof. Kim Lewis from Northeastern University, Boston. Earlier, they developed a device that allows to grow 'bacterial dark matter', which are so-called unculturable bacteria. Intriguingly, 99% of all bacteria are 'unculturable' and could not be grown in laboratories previously, hence they could not be mined for novel antibiotics. Using the device, called iCHip, the US researchers discovered Clovibactin in a bacterium isolated from a sandy soil from North Carolina: E. terrae ssp. Carolina.

In the joint Cell publication, NovoBiotic Pharmaceuticals shows that Clovibactin successfully attacks a broad spectrum of bacterial pathogens. It was also successfully used to treated mice infected with the superbug Staphylococcus aureus.

A broad target spectrum

Clovibactin appears to have an unusual killing mechanism. It targets not just one, but three different precursor molecules that are all essential for the construction of the cell wall, an envelope-like structure that surrounds bacteria. This was discovered by the group of Prof. Tanja Schneider from the University of Bonn in Germany, one of the Cell paper's co-authors.

Schneider: "The multi-target attack mechanism of Clovibactin blocks bacterial cell wall synthesis simultaneously at different positions. This improves the drug's activity and substantially increases its robustness to resistance development."

A cage-like structure

How exactly Clovibactin blocks the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall was unraveled by the team of Dr. Markus Weingarth from Utrecht University. They used a special technique called solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) that allows to study Clovibactin's mechanism under similar conditions as in bacteria.

"Clovibactin wraps around the pyrophosphate like a tightly sitting glove. Like a cage that encloses its target" says Weingarth. This is was gives Clovibactin its name, which is derived from Greek word "Klouvi", which means cage. The remarkable aspect of Clovibactin's mechanism is that it only binds to the immutable pyrophosphate that is common to cell wall precursors, but it ignores that variable sugar-peptide part of the targets. "As Clovibactin only binds to the immutable, conserved part of its targets, bacteria will have a much harder time developing any resistance against it. In fact, we did not observe any resistance to Clovibactin in our studies."

Fibrils capture the targets

Clovibactin can do even more. Upon binding the target molecules, it self-assembles into large fibrils on the surface of bacterial membranes. These fibrils are stable for a long time and thereby ensure that the target molecules remain sequestered for as long as necessary to kill bacteria.

"Since these fibrils only form on bacterial membranes and not on human membranes, they are presumably also the reason why Clovibactin selectively damages bacterial cells but is not toxic to human cells," says Weingarth. "Clovibactin hence has potential for the design of improved therapeutics that kill bacterial pathogens without resistance development.".
More and more bacterial pathogens are developing resistance. There is an increasing risk that common drugs will no longer be effective against infectious diseases. That is why scientists around the world are searching for new effective substances. Researchers from the University of Bonn, the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Utrecht University (Netherlands), Northeastern University in Boston (USA) and the company NovoBiotic Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge (USA) now have discovered and deciphered the mode of action of a new antibiotic. Clovibactin is derived from a soil bacterium. This antibiotic is highly effective at attacking the cell wall of bacteria, including many multi-resistant "superbugs." The results have now been published in the renowned journal Cell.

We urgently need new antibiotics to stay ahead in the race against bacteria that have become resistant." Prof. Dr. Tanja Schneider of the Institute for Pharmaceutical Microbiology at the University of Bonn and the University Hospital Bonn

She adds that in recent decades, not many new substances to combat bacterial pathogens have come onto the market. "Clovibactin is novel compared to current antibiotics in use," says the co-spokesperson of the Transregional Collaborative Research Center "Antibiotic CellMAP," who is also a member of the Transdisciplinary Research Area "Life & Health" and the Cluster of Excellence "ImmunoSensation2." The Institute for Pharmaceutical Microbiology, together with the German Center for Infection Research, specializes in deciphering the mode of action of antibiotic candidates.

The soil bacterium Eleftheria terrae subspecies carolina carries its place of origin in its name: It was isolated from a soil sample in the US state of North Carolina and produces the new antibiotic compound clovibactin to protect itself from competing bacteria. "The new antibiotic simultaneously attacks the bacterial cell wall at several sites by blocking essential building blocks," explains Tanja Schneider. It specifically binds to these building blocks with unusual intensity and kills the bacteria by destroying their cell envelope.

Clovibactin surrounds the target structure like a cage

Research groups from different disciplines and countries worked together to unravel exactly how this works. The team led by Prof. Kim Lewis of the Antimicrobial Discovery Center at Northeastern University in Boston (USA) and the company NovoBiotic Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge (USA) discovered clovibactin using the iCHip device. This allows bacteria to be grown in the laboratory that were previously considered unculturable and were not available for the development of new antibiotics.

"Our discovery of this exciting new antibiotic further validates the iCHip culturing technology for finding new therapeutic compounds from previously uncultivated microorganisms," says Dallas Hughes, Ph.D., president of NovoBiotic Pharmaceuticals, LLC. The company has demonstrated that clovibactin has very good activity against a broad spectrum of bacterial pathogens and has successfully treated mice in preclinical studies.

The mode of action of the new antibiotic was elucidated by researchers led by Tanja Schneider. The researchers from Bonn were able to show that clovibactin binds very selectively and with high specificity to pyrophosphate groups of bacterial cell wall components. Prof. Markus Weingarth's group from the Department of Chemistry at Utrecht University in the Netherlands uncovered exactly what this interaction looks like. Using solid-state NMR spectroscopy, the researchers deciphered the structure of the complex of clovibactin and the bacterial target structure lipid II - under conditions similar to those found in the bacterial cell. These studies showed that clovibactin grips around the pyrophosphate group. This is where the name "Clovibactin" comes from, derived from the Greek "Klouvi" (cage), because it encloses the target structure like a cage.

Combined attack minimizes resistance development

Clovibactin acts primarily on gram-positive bacteria. These include "hospital pathogens," such as MRSA bacteria but also the pathogens of the widespread tuberculosis, which affects many millions of people worldwide. "We are very confident that the bacteria will not develop resistance to clovibactin so quickly," Tanja Schneider says. This is because the pathogens cannot change the cell wall building blocks so easily to undermine the antibiotic - their Achilles' heel therefore remains.

But clovibactin can do even more. After docking to the target structures, clovibactin forms supramolecular filamentous structures that tightly enclose and further damage the target structures of the bacteria. Bacteria that encounter clovibactin are also stimulated to release certain enzymes, known as autolysins, which then uncontrollably dissolve their own cell envelope. "The combination of these different mechanisms is the reason for the exceptional resilience to resistance," says Tanja Schneider. This shows the potential that still exists in the natural diversity of bacteria that are candidates for new antibiotics.

"Without the interdisciplinary cooperation between the partners, this important step in the fight against resistance would not have succeeded," says Prof. Markus Weingarth. The research team now plans to use its findings to further increase the effectiveness of clovibactin. "But there is still a long way to go before a new antibiotic hits the market," says Tanja Schneider.

Participating institutions and funding:

In addition to the Institute for Pharmaceutical Microbiology and the Clausius Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry at the University of Bonn, participants in this study included Utrecht University (Netherlands), NovoBiotic Pharmaceutical in Cambridge (USA), the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (Netherlands), the University of Tubingen, the German Center for Infection Research, Tianjin Medical University (China), the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research in Cambridge (USA), the University of Florence (Italy), the Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metallo Proteine in Sesto Fiorentino (Italy) and Northeastern University in Boston (USA). The German Center for Infection Research and the Transregional Collaborative Research Center "Antibiotic CellMAP" of the German Research Foundation funded the project on the Bonn and Tubingen side.
Australia has experienced an intense surge in severe Strep A cases, similar to the northern hemisphere wave, despite differences in seasons and circulating respiratory viruses, according to a new study.

The national research project, involving researchers from Murdoch Children's Research Institute and published in The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific, highlighted how the unseasonal increase in case load across the southern hemisphere adds to the need for a safe and effective vaccine against Strep A.

The common deadly bacteria causes sore throats, scarlet fever and skin sores. Strep A infections affect about 750 million people and kills more than 500,000 globally every year, more than influenza, typhoid or whooping cough. Strep A can also cause severe life-threatening infections including toxic shock syndrome and flesh-eating disease as well as the post-infectious illnesses of acute rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease and kidney disease.

Strep A infections disproportionately affect young children, the elderly, pregnant women and Indigenous Australians. Rates of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease among Indigenous populations in northern Australia are some of the highest in the world. Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent Strep A.

For the study, the Paediatric Active Enhanced Disease Surveillance (PAEDS) Network collected data of children, under 18 years, admitted to five major Australian paediatric hospitals with severe Strep A infections. Strep A in Australia increased sharply from mid-2022 after a reduction in cases during 2020 and 2021. Cases jumped from 23 in 2020 to 107 by 2022. The incidence rate among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children was twice that of non-indigenous children.

Murdoch Children's Dr Yara-Natalie Abo said Australia had followed similar trends in the UK, US and western Europe during 2022, despite differences in climate, seasons and circulating viruses.

"Increases in Strep A cases have been reported around the world, occurring during, and outside of, typical spring peaks," she said. This increase is likely due to a combination of environmental factors and viruses in circulation and more research is needed into whether new strains might be responsible.

Strep A most commonly causes mild symptoms like sore throat, but in some children it can cause life threatening sepsis which requires early recognition and treatment. The global burden of Strep A is an unmet public health challenge." Dr Yara-Natalie Abo, Murdoch Children's

Dr Abo said reduced social contact during the COVID-19 pandemic may have also impacted on children's immunity to Strep A.

"Children normally get seasonal exposures to colds and common infections like Strep A, but lockdowns and other restrictions such as mask mandates during the COVID pandemic limited social contact for almost three years," she said. This may have contributed to a lowered immunity and a spike in invasive Strep A infections as we emerged from lockdowns."

The hospital data showed the extent of symptoms among children admitted with Strep A, including toxic shock syndrome and aggressive skin infections.

Sandeep Kaur's daughter, Gursirat, 1, spent almost two months in intensive care earlier this year after contracting a Strep A infection.

"Gursirat had a mild fever, but otherwise was fine, so we gave her pain relief and kept an eye on her," Sandeep said. But three days later she fell suddenly very ill. Her hands, lips and feet turned blue and her skin was discolored."

Sandeep said after she was admitted to hospital, Gursirat's condition worsened. She was diagnosed with kidney failure, a liver infection, and necrosis on seven of her fingertips, all linked to the Strep A infection.

"It was such a difficult time, our baby had drains in her leg, needed two operations and required dialysis for 12 days," she said. Thankfully, her fingertips were saved but she is yet to fully recover. I hope that a vaccine can be made for Strep A so no other child has to endure this."

Murdoch Children's Professor Andrew Steer said the study found more children were presenting with severe symptoms as a result of Strep A infections.

"More research is required into the causes of this spike and how we can prevent future surges," he said. With ongoing funding, we can begin to answer some of these complex questions and work towards an effective and accessible Strep A vaccine."

Professor Steer and his team are testing candidate Strep A vaccines developed by researchers in Australia and overseas in a first of its kind human challenge model.

The trials, which are planned to be conducted in Melbourne, involve about 50 participants receiving a candidate vaccine or placebo and having Strep A applied on their throats in a controlled environment.

"We hope this research will accelerate the development of a vaccine and move things forward to bigger field trials," Professor Steer said. A vaccine for Strep A will save hundreds of thousands of lives every year and prevent millions of infections that send children and adults to the hospital or doctor."

Researchers from The Royal Children's Hospital, the University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Queensland Children's Hospital, Telethon Kids Institute, Royal Darwin Hospital, Monash Children's Hospital, Brussels University Hospital also contributed to the findings.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (also called UT Health San Antonio) and seven regional collaborators will leverage $46 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) over the next five to seven years to translate scientific discoveries into therapeutic benefits for human health and well-being.

A key focus will be reducing health disparities among Mexican Americans, active military personnel, and veterans.

William L. Henrich, MD, MACP, president of UT Health San Antonio, announced the funding from the NIH Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program today. Henrich thanked partners including The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School and College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at San Antonio and the Texas Biomedical Research Institute for supporting the CTSA application. NIH's National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) is the awarding agency.

The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, San Antonio Military Health System, South Texas Veterans Health Care System and University Health are additional collaborators. "This is a consortium of talented individuals at significant institutions working together to ensure that, in the future, society will be transformed through clinical advances," Henrich said.

Sizable impact

UT Health San Antonio, the coordinating center for the South-Central Texas CTSA Program hub, first gained CTSA funding in 2008 and successfully competed for grant renewals in 2013 and 2018. Combining the previous CTSA awards and supplements with the new grants, the cumulative NIH investment in South and Central Texas through the CTSA program is projected to reach $126 million by 2030.

"Translational research has tended to focus on a particular disease, such as diabetes or lupus, and ask specific questions about causes, outcomes or interventions. With this new award, we will ask broader questions about clinical translational science, such as how to push ideas along toward national application in the clinic more quickly and effectively," said Robert A. Clark, MD, professor of medicine and director of the Institute for Integration of Medicine & Science (IIMS), which administers the CTSA Program hub at UT Health San Antonio and interacts with the regional collaborators.

Removing barriers

The goal will be to remove barriers that currently hinder the translation of scientific discoveries into new therapies for incurable diseases. Securing CTSA funding for a fourth time is an extraordinary accomplishment for this team of experts in our region." Robert A. Hromas, MD, FACP, dean of the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio and vice president for medical affairs

"Translational science is about accelerating innovation to impact health, which will reduce disease and improve health," said Jennifer Sharpe Potter, PhD, MPH, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and vice president for research, UT Health San Antonio. "After 15 years of continuous funding, the additional seven years of NCATS funding reflects the quality of work conducted at UT Health San Antonio with our partners and collaborators and permits us to explore and develop strategies for the most critical challenges impacting health in South and Central Texas."

Working side by side with communities

Seeking ways to reduce health disparities is a central theme of the South-Central Texas CTSA Program hub. Community engagement is crucial for this activity.

"We care so deeply about the South Texas community. Our researchers will work side by side with community members to plan future health programs and share scientific innovations in a way that is equitable, culturally tailored, actionable and reflective of local needs. The community voice will be omnipresent as we work together to reduce health disparities and build health equity," said Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH, MPH, professor and chair of population health sciences in the Long School of Medicine. She directs the Institute for Health Promotion Research and is associate director of cancer outreach and engagement at the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio.

"This is a unique opportunity to truly engage the community to identify needs and build responsive health research, programs and communications that will make a difference in the lives of South Texans and serve as a model for other communities with large Latino populations," Ramirez added.

Pilot grants

The Institute for Integration of Medicine & Science has offered pilot project awards since the first CTSA grant in 2008, typically $50,000 for one-year projects. The new expanded grant funding through 2030 will enable larger pilot projects supported over a couple of years at $125,000 to $150,000, said Kenneth M. Hargreaves, DDS, PhD, professor and chair of endodontics in the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry.

"These pilot grant awards are critical to developing the next generation of clinical translational scientists in South and Central Texas," Hargreaves said. "The grants are specifically in the area of clinical translational science and ask how we can get answers more quickly and push ideas forward more effectively."

Hargreaves, Potter, Ramirez and Clark together form the Multiple Principal Investigator group, which comprises the leadership of the UT Health San Antonio CTSA program.

Important partners

The inclusion of UT Austin, UTSA and Texas Biomed into the South-Central Texas CTSA Program hub is critical because their combined record of NIH grant support moved up the funding level by about $1 million a year compared with the amount that UT Health San Antonio would otherwise have received, Clark said.

"These partners provide input to our leadership and in some cases serve as co-leaders of one or another of the CTSA components," Clark said. "They also are a source of talented students and junior faculty for the training and career development portions of the CTSA."

The South-Central Texas hub recently received notice of T32 training grant funding and a K12 Mentored Career Development Award. These NCATS grants will enhance the hub's educational offerings.

The Institute for Integration of Medicine & Science also runs a pair of degree programs in concert with UT Health San Antonio's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. These are the Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) program and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Translational Science program. Shorter, topic-related certificates are offered through the MSCI program, including in cancer prevention and data science.

The community engagement function includes translational advisory boards, which are county-level groups of stakeholders who meet monthly or quarterly to discuss unmet local health needs. The CTSA Program hub also supports practice-based research networks in which research questions emanate from observations made in physician, dentist and other practitioner offices.

About 60 biomedical research institutions across the nation currently receive CTSA funding. "We are glad to be part of NCATS' vision for how the health and well-being of America can be improved through translational science and community engagement," Hromas said.

UT Health San Antonio is currently the only academic medical center in Texas to have each of these recognitions: 1) Clinical and Translational Science Award, 2) National Institute on Aging-designated Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases in collaboration with UT Rio Grande Valley), and 3) National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center (Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson).
In a recent study published in the BMC Infectious Diseases, a group of researchers analyzed the fecal microbiota composition in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in comparison to non-COVID-19 controls.

They assessed its correlation with disease severity and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) excretion in the gastrointestinal tract.

Background

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which surfaced in Wuhan in December 2019, was initially thought to affect only the respiratory system. However, it soon became evident that COVID-19 could affect multiple organs, including the gastrointestinal tract. Although primarily a respiratory infection, the gut plays a pivotal role in the disease progression and immune response.

The gut's significance is further underscored by the high COVID-19 positivity rate of stool samples, even when respiratory indications diminished. The gut's molecular involvement is attributed to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression, the primary receptor for the virus.

The human gut microbiota, dominated by three main bacterial phyla, impacts host health and possibly the body's immune response to respiratory diseases like COVID-19.

Few studies have delved into the gut microbiota dynamics in COVID-19 patients. However, their findings highlight a reduction in beneficial bacteria and an increase in opportunistic pathogens among COVID-19 patients. This highlights the need for further detailed studies to explore the gut microbiota in critical COVID-19 patients.

About the study

The present study was conducted on adult patients admitted with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 from March to December 2020. The criteria for inclusion comprised patients aged over 18 years, exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, with a positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2, and consent.

Pregnant or lactating women, those with certain bowel conditions, or those unable to give consent were excluded, and non-COVID critically ill patients were used as controls.

Every day, a list of PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 patients was updated and reviewed by infectious disease doctors. Stool samples were taken at various intervals after the SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. The hospital's electronic health record (EHR) system provided a plethora of patient information, including clinical, radiological, and laboratory data.

For control intensive care unit (ICU) patients, stool samples were collected within a specified timeframe post-intubation. The frequency and method of sample collection varied depending on circumstances such as suspected infection or ICU discharge.

Data, including clinical, laboratory, and radiological details, were sourced from the EHR and recorded in an electronic clinical report form using the research electronic data capture (REDCap) platform. Statistical analyses were executed with the R software. Different diagnostic methods were employed to detect SARS-CoV-2 in stool samples. Furthermore, 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) metagenomic sequencing was carried out to study bacterial communities in the samples.

This study was conducted ethically, following the Declaration of Helsinki, Good Clinical Practice, and the Swiss Human Research Act. The Ethics Committee of Canton Vaud approved the study, and the data were anonymized for analysis.

Study results

During the investigation, 57 individuals diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection were studied. Their median age stood at 68 years, with the majority falling within the 60-79 age range. Notably, about 23% of the participants were over 80 years old. A minority (8.8%) belonged to the 18-49 age bracket.

The median body mass index (BMI) was measured at 25.6, and a significant proportion, 54.4%, were overweight or obese, while 56.2% had hypertension. The median Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was 5.0. Of the total, 40.4% were on angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI).

Upon comparison between ventilated (24.5% of total) and non-ventilated patients, those with ventilation showed a higher incidence of renal insufficiency and elevated C-reactive protein levels.

The median period before hospital admission post-symptoms was roughly 6 days. Common symptoms included fatigue (80.7%), cough (73.7%), dyspnea (64.9%), and fever (59.6%). By the study's end, over a quarter of patients were either hospitalized or in rehab, while 61.4% returned home. Regrettably, 10.5% succumbed during their hospital stay, with hypertension being a significant mortality indicator.

Nineteen individuals served as the control set, split between those intubated but infection-free (5 patients) and those with pulmonary infections (14 patients). The median age for the control group was 62.4 years, with males comprising 57.9%. The baseline characteristics of ventilated SARS-CoV-2 patients and the control group appeared consistent in terms of age and gender.

Researchers sought to discern if there was a fecal microbiota distinction between COVID-19 patients and non-COVID-19 ICU patients. Initial observations showed no significant differences.

However, by the seventh day, variations in the microbiota composition became apparent. Notably, the COVID-19 cluster showed unique microbial attributes distinct from both the pneumonia and control groups. Intriguingly, only the COVID-19 condition exhibited a profound influence on the bacterial composition.

To comprehend microbial variances amid ventilated and non-ventilated patients, bacterial genera diversities were noted with time-adjusted sampling. For those on ventilation, some bacterial genera showed an increased presence, while others diminished.

In assessing variables impacting the microbiota, only ventilation displayed a considerable influence on microbial composition. As the study progressed, ventilated patients manifested rapid microbiota shifts, suggesting a dynamic change in their gut bacterial makeup.

Evaluating SARS-CoV-2 particle excretion in the gastrointestinal tract showed a comparable proportion of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-positive patients between ventilated and non-ventilated groups. However, ventilated patients demonstrated a notably higher viral load. There seemed to be a divergence between viral load, disease severity, and inflammation levels.
Worldwide, the practice of preparing agricultural fields by burning crop residue contributes large quantities of gaseous pollutants and aerosol particles to the atmosphere and is a known cardiorespiratory health hazard. It has been shown that combustion byproducts in smoke cross the blood-brain barrier causing brain inflammation, and repeated inhalation of smoke can contribute to cognitive decline and dementia among older adults.

Federal efforts to monitor air quality have been focused on population-dense urban communities. As such, impacts of smoke exposure from agricultural fires on the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) in rural populations are not well understood.

People who live in the rural communities along Lake Okeechobee are subjected to repeated, intermittent exposures to air pollution during agricultural fires. Not only is the risk of ADRD among aging residents of these communities from repeated air pollution a concern, but smoke exposure also is associated with an anxious, irritable and depressed mood, which could lead to social isolation and thereby impact mental health in general.

To better understand this issue, researchers from Florida Atlantic University have received a five-year, $4.2 million R01 grant from the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in collaboration with the University of Miami, Colorado State University and Washington State University.

The project, "The Role of Air Quality and Built Environment in Social Isolation and Cognitive Function Among Rural, Racially/Ethnically Diverse Residents at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease," will involve a total of 1,087 community-dwelling adults ages 45 and older who have not been previously diagnosed with ADRD from 50 neighborhood, block groups within five communities along Lake Okeechobee.

Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in Florida and the second largest in the contiguous United States. The southern portion of the lake is rural, multiculturally diverse and home to sugarcane farmworkers whose social engagement wanes during agricultural burns. As socially vulnerable residents, they are at risk for ADRD because they lack access to resources available in urban settings.

An interdisciplinary team from nursing, social work, urban and regional planning, and epidemiology will examine the effects of smoke-related air pollution during agricultural burn and non-burn seasons on social isolation, cognitive function and risk of ADRD in rural residents at the southern end of Lake Okeechobee in Palm Beach County. As part of the study, researchers also will deploy easy-to-install, low-cost air pollution monitors in about 60 homes to assess ambient smoke levels.

For the study, the research team will gather electronic data using smartwatches in a subsample of 120 residents representing five Lake Okeechobee communities. The smartwatch subsample will be monitored for physical activity, social activity and cognitive performance. Biomarkers will provide passive continuous sensing of heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, height/weight and calculated BMI.

"Our research team will use mobile devices and AI to explore how momentary changes in smoke from agricultural burns could lead to anxiety, depression and irritability, resulting in decreased physical activity, movement and social activity outside the home and in various built and social environments," said Lisa Kirk Wiese, Ph.D., principal investigator and an associate professor in FAU's Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. "We will be gathering real-time data from our study participants that will provide detailed insights to immediate changes to behaviors and mood that occur when they encounter low air quality or distressed environments and how this translates to cognitive performance."

A key factor in this work has been the continuous engagement of rural community residents and organizations in the design, implementation and evaluation of research to decrease dementia risk.

Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles  a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease  can begin 20 years before any symptoms start to appear. Most research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias targets older adults. Our study will include middle-aged adults when dementia risks begin to accelerate. As a result, we will be able to promote early awareness of the disease and earlier modification of the associated risk factors." Christine Williams, DNSc, multi-PI and professor emeritus in FAU's Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing

Research co-investigators of the project include experts across various scientific fields: Janet Holt, Ph.D., an academic researcher in FAU's Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing; JuYoung Park, Ph.D., a professor in the Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work, within FAU's College of Social Work and Criminal Justice; Diana Mitsova, Ph.D., chair and professor, Department of Urban and Regional Planning within FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Science; Lilah M. Besser, Ph.D., research assistant professor, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Sheryl Magzamen, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Epidemiology, Colorado State University; Jeffrey Pierce, Ph.D., professor of atmospheric science, Colorado State University; and consultant Diane Cook, Ph.D., Regents Professor and a Huie-Rogers Chair Professor, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Washington State University.

"This study will provide evidence for the interactions between community and individual factors that heighten dementia risk in rural and diverse communities that face severe, adverse social determinants of health as well as high rates of this disease," said Safiya George, Ph.D., Holli Rockwell Trubinsky Eminent Dean and Professor, FAU Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. "Importantly, the findings from this study will inform a mitigation model and public health interventions that will diminish the threat of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in rural settings and ultimately improve quality of life and reduce health care expenditures."
#RumboAPEC2024 | Canciller Gervasi, acompanada del Ministro de @MINCETUR, Juan Carlos Mathews, participaron en el panel de conversacion del Desayuno Empresarial #APEC2024, evento de lanzamiento de las actividades empresariales para la presidencia Peru APEC 2024. pic.twitter.com/RsCdgDP3yq
In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, researchers investigated the relationship between pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) use and clinical outcomes in cardiac surgery patients, focusing on in-hospital deaths and hospital stay durations both generally and within specific subgroups.

Study: Association of pulmonary artery catheter with in-hospital outcomes after cardiac surgery in the United States: National Inpatient Sample 19992019. Image Credit: J-THE PHOTOHOLIC/Shutterstock.com

Introduction

PACs provide specialized hemodynamic data essential for cardiac surgery decisions, yet while they may lead to more intensive treatments, improved outcomes are not always guaranteed.

Despite their potential utility, the absence of randomized trial data has led global guidelines to somewhat discourage PACs' routine use, highlighting the balance between its potential benefits and the scarcity of evidence in certain scenarios.

This stance is further complicated by inconsistent usage across nations, fueling the ongoing debate surrounding PACs.

PACs deliver direct and indirect hemodynamic measurements, assisting in treatment selection and monitoring chronic conditions. Some doubt their precision, especially concerning cardiac output (CO) estimations.

Limited studies have examined differences in outcomes, like in-hospital mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) admission, between PAC users and non-users. A knowledge gap persists regarding PAC's utility for certain patient subgroups. This highlights the need for further study investigating PAC's impact on cardiac surgery outcomes.

About the study

In the present study, analyses were conducted on data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) National Inpatient Sample (NIS) between 19992019, which holds hospital discharge records from the United States (US) community hospitals.

The data encompasses patient demographics, diagnoses, procedures, and hospital outcomes. The Fort Belvoir Community Hospital deemed the study exempt from human subject considerations.

The study focused on patients 18 years and older with a record indicating cardiac surgery. Records from hospitals with fewer than 50 cardiac surgeries from 1999 to 2019 and those with zero PACs yearly were excluded, after which 969,034 records remained.

Patients were categorized by age, sex, race/ethnicity, Charlson comorbidity index, elective admissions, admission quarter, weekend admission status, and primary payer. Comorbidities relevant to cardiovascular surgery patients were also taken into account. Hospitals were categorized by region, control, location, teaching status, and bed size.

Specific subgroups were identified using diagnostic and procedure codes: "heart failure," "pulmonary hypertension," "mitral or tricuspid valve disease," and "combined surgery."

Hospital discharge records were labeled based on whether the patient received a PAC or not. Outcomes considered were in-hospital mortality and length of stay (LOS).

Using Stata version 17, analyses were conducted incorporating descriptive statistics, bivariate associations, linear and logistic regression models, risk adjustment, and targeted maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE).

Sensitivity analyses were conducted based on hospital-level PAC rates. A significance level of P < 0.05 was adopted. The Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Institutional Review Board waived the study due to its non-human subject nature, adhering to the Declaration of Helsinki.

Study results

The study results reported that fewer disparities were noticed concerning PAC receipt between patients with selected subgroup characteristics than those without.

Among cardiac surgery patients, the PAC receipt rate was 9.49%. However, this was higher for patients with subgroup characteristics (10.01%) than those without (9.23%, significant at P=0.007).

The in-hospital mortality rate in the cardiac surgery group stood at 4.05%. Remarkably, there was a difference based on subgroup characteristics: 3.05% for patients without any and 6.06% for those with any of the characteristics (significant at P<0.0001).

The average hospital stay was 11.40 days, with patients having subgroup characteristics staying longer (13.37 days) than those without (10.41 days, significant difference at P<0.0001).

When comparing PAC recipients and non-recipients, there were noticeable variations in hospital stay lengths, but in-hospital death rates remained relatively consistent.

After accounting for various factors, the chances of in-hospital death did not show a significant difference between PAC recipients and non-recipients. Interestingly, in certain risk-adjusted models, PAC recipients had shorter hospital stays than non-recipients.

The results mirrored those from risk-adjusted models when looking at causal relationships between PAC receipt, in-hospital deaths, and hospital stays. PAC receipt was significantly associated with in-hospital death due to congestive heart failure patients. Moreover, PAC recipients were generally less likely to have hospital stays exceeding seven days.

In-depth stratified analyses based on subgroup status showed no major difference in the relationship between PAC and clinical outcomes. Sensitivity tests, when sorted by hospital PAC rates, showed distinct trends.

In particular, hospitals with PAC rates in the first to third quartiles had more in-hospital deaths, either no difference or longer stays for PAC recipients than non-recipients. In contrast, hospitals in the fourth quartile showed fewer deaths and shorter stays for PAC recipients.

Lastly, PAC use was not linked to in-hospital death upon excluding combined surgeries and focusing on specific cardiac surgeries. However, it was associated with shorter stays for mitral valve repairs and longer stays for tricuspid valve repairs.
During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, youth mental health problems have increased manifold. The contribution of school closures to this problem has been heavily debated but is largely unknown.

A new Science Advances study aimed to address this issue by combining data on variation in school closures and reopening across states in Germany with high-frequency data from the largest crisis helpline and survey data on youth mental health.

Study: The youth mental health crisis: Quasi-experimental evidence on the role of school closures. Image Credit: eldarnurkovic/Shutterstock.com

Background

The pandemic and the related public health measures have massively affected people's lives and mental health. During childhood and adolescence, the negative psychological consequences were particularly pronounced.

Mental health problems among children and adolescents are at all-time highs, and recent research has suggested a doubling of anxiety and depression levels in this age group during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. Despite this, studies on the role played by the pandemic are rare and of correlational nature.

Most studies find it difficult to disentangle the effects of the pandemic itself and the multiple public health measures. An exception is a Swedish study that revealed a lowering in mental health care demand among students who switched to remote learning at the start of the pandemic.

Despite the improvement compared to prior research, this study did not clarify whether the reduction in healthcare demand stemmed from an actual change in mental health or hid the rising number of unnoticed mental health problems, conveying a false all-clear signal.

About this study

The current study analyzed the potential costs and risks of school closures. It relied on unique German survey data on adolescents' mental health, collected between the 26th of May and the 10th of June 2020.

This was supplemented with data between August 2015 and November 2017, i.e., before the pandemic, to serve as control. Additionally, high-frequency data from the largest German crisis helpline was obtained from January 2019 until December 2020.

To isolate the overall strain imposed by the various pandemic measures and the pandemic, quasi-experimental variation in the length of school closures was used. The variation resulted from state-specific regulations for the different grade levels and school tracks.

To provide causal estimates, all state-specific corona protection ordinances were processed. A dataset was compiled, which enabled the assignment of each individual in the dataset with the respective mandatory weeks of school access restriction and causal estimation of the effect on mental health.

Key findings

It was observed that school closures significantly contributed to the recently observed aggravation of youth mental health problems. The crisis helplines' data helped understand that the youth were mainly struggling with family problems. It was highlighted that adolescents who experienced longer school closures struggled with these problems more and for prolonged periods.

Analysis of subgroups revealed that younger children struggled most, while the effects weakened monotonically with age. 11-year-olds were the youngest in the sample and experienced marked losses in their quality of life and behavioral and emotional problems.

Effects faded out and lost precision by mid-adolescence. Regarding gender heterogeneity, boys were seen to cope worse than girls.

Further, to understand the effect of living conditions at home, the living space available per school-aged child was considered. It was observed that adolescents suffered most from the burden if they resided in homes with limited living space.

The results documented here likely reflect only the tip of the iceberg. Only the short-run effects of prolonged school closures were explored in this study. More specifically, the estimates only correspond to the impact of school closures lasting between 4.7 and 10.1 weeks.

Subsequently, 25 or more additional weeks of school closure followed in Germany. The effects documented here are not expected to accumulate weekly because many adolescents could have learned to live with the altered situation.

Conclusions

The current study revealed that prolonged school closure led to a significant deterioration in the quality of life of youth, which stemmed from the development of early signs of mental health problems.

Compared to girls, this effect was more prominent in boys and younger adolescents. School closures were a significant reason behind the youth's mental health deterioration during the first COVID-19 wave.

In the future, more research must be conducted to formulate a better coping strategy to protect students from the negative effects of school closure.

These studies must focus on understanding the nature of student-teacher relationships and the quality of homeschooling that can alleviate the adverse effects of school closures.
As covid-19 devastated communities across the nation in spring 2020, a group of Black ministers in this racially divided city made an urgent plea for more testing in their neighborhoods.

Testing at the time "was outside of communities of color," said the Rev. Jordan Boyd, pastor of Rockwell AME Zion Church in Charlotte. For Boyd, pandemic losses were personal: Covid-related complications killed a brother-in-law who worked as a truck driver. "We saw what was happening with our folks."

Mandy Cohen, who led the state's pandemic response as secretary of North Carolina's health department, had said widespread testing was one of "our best tools to keep our community safe and to protect our frontline workers." But the state was failing to get tests to its most vulnerable people, with grim consequences: Black people in North Carolina were getting sick and dying from covid-related causes at far higher rates than white people, data show.

KFF Health News analyzed and confirmed publicly available data, including the location of testing sites that Cohen's office directed the public to in mid-May 2020 in Mecklenburg County, home to Charlotte, the state's largest city. Just 1 in 4 fixed sites stood in more disadvantaged areas with significant Black populations, including what is known as the Crescent, neighborhoods reaching west, north, and east of downtown that for generations have had elevated rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, lung disease, and other conditions that can cause life-threatening complications from covid. Far more testing was available in south Charlotte and suburban areas  the whiter, wealthier neighborhoods.

Life in the Crescent is marked by higher rates of poverty, crowded housing, and less access to health care, transportation, and internet service  factors that fueled transmission of the virus and created barriers to testing.

"There were a lot of hurdles that you had to go through," said Boyd, who helped spearhead the effort to bring testing to Black churches.

President Joe Biden and others in political and health policy circles have praised Cohen's pandemic leadership in North Carolina. Biden in June cited her "proven track-record protecting Americans' health and safety" when elevating Cohen to run the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the nation's top public health agency.

Those on the ground in North Carolina's most vulnerable communities, including Cohen's admirers, tell another story  about living with the downsides of the state's emergency response. These include advocates for groups that were disproportionately harmed during the public health crisis, including minority and immigrant communities, people with disabilities, and families of nursing home residents.

Corine Mack, president of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP, recalled that in late 2020 she and others complained to Cohen about public money going to white-led organizations instead of Black-led ones working in minority neighborhoods.

"I said we had to send resources tomorrow, not next month," Mack said. "She started crying. I was so passionate about our people dying. Once she understood the severity of the situation, she did what she had to do."

The challenges Cohen faced in North Carolina were exacerbated by structural inequities in and outside the health care system, problems that are too large for any one person to fix. Still, Cohen now faces the same challenges on a national scale, as she's charged with fixing the CDC after its pandemic missteps.

Cohen, through her spokesperson at the CDC, declined multiple requests for an interview.

A report in January called "Building the CDC the Country Needs," which was signed by dozens of health policy experts, urged an agency overhaul. Among the priorities cited: more quickly collecting data on racial, ethnic, economic, and geographic factors that is "foundational to improving equity of access to services."

For most of the pandemic, Black, Hispanic, and Native Americans fared worse than whites across the country.

In North Carolina, critics and allies alike say Cohen heeded concerns. She relied heavily on data and followed federal guidance closely, they said. And Cohen showed vigilance when she interpreted rules, like those on nursing home visitation and mask mandates, even in the face of criticism.

She also repeatedly urged personal responsibility to contain the spread of the virus, underscoring how public health messaging often focuses on choice rather than societal constraints, said Anne Sosin, a researcher at Dartmouth College who focuses on health equity.

"Many of the people and communities hardest-hit by the pandemic had little choice in their exposure" because they got covid where they lived or worked, Sosin said. "Limiting our focus on the choices that people make  rather than on the broader structural and social forces that shape risk  really will set us up for the same failures in the future."

With more than 1 million residents, Mecklenburg County has become a symbol both of North Carolina's economic rise and of its struggles to overcome a long history of racial discrimination and disparities. A short drive from the headquarters of Fortune 500 companies, such as Bank of America and Honeywell, sit minority neighborhoods plagued by poverty. A national study on social mobility found that, among the 50 largest cities, Charlotte was the hardest place for a child to move from poverty to the upper class.

Researchers from North Carolina's health agency and the University of North Carolina found that access to tests during the first three months of the pandemic  between March and June 2020  was not evenly distributed across racial and ethnic groups, with inadequate access for Black and Latino residents.

On May 14, 2020  two months after the national emergency was declared  Cohen's agency directed clinicians to prioritize testing for people from "racial and ethnic minority groups disproportionately affected by adverse COVID-19 outcomes," and officials recommended using mobile testing for "vulnerable populations," documents show.

The disparities persisted. In Charlotte, the difference in testing sites underscored the inequity people of color often face in health care, as they were left to depend on a few mobile units whose routes and hours varied by the day. Meanwhile, wealthier areas had an abundance of well-resourced, fixed sites with regular hours.

Critics say the state was slow to address glaring and predictable problems. Mecklenburg County Commissioner Pat Cotham, a Democrat, said it took authorities precious time to shift testing to the hardest-hit neighborhoods. Cotham said officials should have more quickly enlisted Black ministers and others who had established trust with residents. Instead, she said, even elected representatives of those areas were often locked out. I remember getting information from press releases or TV," she said.

North Carolina initially failed to prioritize testing for people who were exposed to covid because of where they live or work, said Jeanne Milliken Bonds, a professor of social impact investing at the University of North Carolina. She co-authored a white paper that criticized the national pandemic response, saying, "We are ignoring the critical impact of systemic racism in vulnerabilities to the deadly virus."

Black people, immigrants, and ethnic minorities disproportionately hold jobs that governments deemed essential  in food processing plants, retail stores, and nursing homes  and they were unable to isolate and work from home, Milliken Bonds said.

Charlotte had one of the biggest disparities in access to testing in the nation, according to a study of 30 large cities by researchers at Drexel and Temple universities. Only Austin and Houston in Texas fared worse.

In 2020, Black people in North Carolina died from covid at a higher rate than white people, although the disparity was slightly less pronounced than in the U.S. overall. A KFF Health News analysis of CDC data shows that 112 of every 100,000 non-Hispanic Black residents in the state died, compared with 89 per 100,000 non-Hispanic white residents. North Carolinas death rates for all racial and ethnic groups that year were lower than those nationally.

"The driving factor for testing and vaccination was, 'Let's get older people and let's protect our health care workers,'" Milliken Bonds said. "You end up losing the health equity lens. There was a course correction later in 2020. They looked at the data and said, 'Oh my God!' They were missing people of color."

Tensions rose

In April 2020, when covid tests were scarce nationally and states had little federal support, Cohen's Department of Health and Human Services convened a work group to increase testing. The initiative began as Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper indicated he would ease the restrictions he'd put in place in March to limit covid's spread.

The group included state employees, consultants, local officials, and representatives from major hospital systems, community health centers, and commercial labs, North Carolina HHS news releases and state documents show. Officials set priority groups for testing, including hospitalized patients, health care workers and first responders, and people in long-term care or correctional facilities, according to meeting minutes from April 24. The last item: "additional emphasis on equity and ensuring communities of color have access to testing."

The state also received guidance from experts focused on equity.

"We know that theres more covid-19 out in our communities than gets captured by whats in our lab data," Cohen said April 30, during one of Cooper's pandemic briefings.

Of the covid test results reported to North Carolina's health department at that time, a smaller share were coming back positive relative to prior weeks, and covid hospitalizations were level  developments Cohen hailed as progress. But tensions were brewing.

By May 5, Disability Rights North Carolina filed a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about a proposed state emergency plan. The advocacy group said the plan  which determined who would get lifesaving treatments in hospitals if supplies were scarce  would put people with disabilities in the "back of the line" and lead to a disproportionate death toll among people of color or with low incomes.

As the state began reopening businesses in early May, officials knew testing levels were not adequate, according to a review of public documents, interviews, and Cohen's public remarks. Hundreds of sites were up and running, "but there's more to do," Cohen said May 20.

In a letter in the North Carolina Medical Journal, North Carolina HHS employees and a consultant with Accenture said "testing was difficult to access outside of a hospital" that month. "Of the tests being performed early in the pandemic, the majority were in White populations even though we could already see differences in poor outcomes in Black/African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Latinx populations infected with the virus around the country," they wrote.

Kody Kinsley, who worked for Cohen and succeeded her as health secretary, said the state's response was stymied by factors beyond its control, including supply chain shortages. "We were essentially riding the backbone of the existing health care network with inadequate supplies," Kinsley said. The department tried to contract with outside firms to boost testing access in historically marginalized communities, but "resources weren't available."

Boyd, the pastor, said it was "difficult times." To reach hard-hit communities across the state, "you have to be able to do that through connections on the ground," he said. "Otherwise it's not going to happen. But that takes time."

In Charlotte, he said, fixed testing sites at hospitals and elsewhere, which required appointments, weren't as accessible for those in the city's poorest neighborhoods. "You had to go online and sign up," he said.

Black residents were desperate for testing: When a mobile van run by Atrium Health, the dominant hospital system in Charlotte, arrived at Boyd's church in early May, "Cars were lined up around the block at 4 or 5 o'clock in the morning," he said.

Atrium's mobile testing started in April, circulating in minority communities where data showed emerging hot spots. While people could walk up to get a test, locations shifted daily, according to internet archives, social media posts, and other announcements. Between mid-April and early July, the units stopped at many Black churches only once.

"We were last on the list. We lost a lot of people," said Vilma Leake, a Democratic member of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. Leake said she never received a satisfactory answer when she asked why people of color were not prioritized for testing given the South's long history of racial exclusion and wide disparities in health, education, and income. "History is repeating itself. It is always a fight for some people," she added.

Kinsley said the state's response "was intentionally designed to be conscious of class and race and ethnicity," which he said informed its guidance for essential workers and efforts to push businesses to provide paid leave and on-the-job covid tests.

By late spring, the state's testing data, which captured only a fraction of infections, painted a troubling picture. As of May 26, Black residents made up 31% of cases and 35% of deaths despite being 22% of the state's population. Latinos made up 9.6% of the state's population and 35% of covid cases.

That same day, Cohen stood at Cooper's pandemic briefing. While she described the state's efforts to improve safety for workers at meat processing plants, she again called for personal responsibility.

"Our ability to continue to ease restrictions and get back to work as safely as possible hinges on all of us working together to protect each other," Cohen said, adding, "We want to save lives. And we can do that with simple individual actions." By that time, North Carolina had allowed restaurants, pools, and personal care businesses such as barbers to open at 50% capacity.

The state's response "was not adequate for protecting essential workers," said the Rev. Rodney Sadler, the director of the Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation at Union Presbyterian Seminary.

"It was targeted toward those who had resources, who had a knowledge base, who had greater freedoms, who had the ability to work from home," he said, adding that it's important to "think about how this hits differently for poor Black and brown people in inner-city communities than it does for wealthier, white communities in the suburbs."

The Rev. Greg Jarrell helps lead QC Family Tree, a social justice organization in Enderly Park, a Black neighborhood near downtown Charlotte that is gentrifying. He said people often waited hours for testing at a site near his neighborhood, even with appointments.

"We saw the severe limitations of the whole system," he said. "Who has got time to sit in line for three hours? Not an hourly employee."

If you don't set up "race-conscious and class-conscious policy," Jarrell said, "the system is always going to serve people who have more resources."

Throughout June, as North Carolina's covid infections and hospitalizations climbed, the state focused more intensely on Black, Latino, and Native American residents. It took until July 7 for officials to announce they would deploy 300 free temporary testing sites in underserved communities across the state.

The state's covid death toll had reached 1,420 people, and 989 more were hospitalized. The trajectory, Cohen said, was "moving in the wrong direction."

A bigger challenge at the CDC

Political leaders, public health experts, and advocacy groups say Cohen is well suited to run the CDC.

She has navigated vast government agencies  experience her predecessor, Rochelle Walensky, lacked. Cohen has political acumen, having worked effectively in a politically divided state "with a range of views about public health," said Tom Inglesby, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and a former senior White House adviser on covid response. "She is super bright and a very clear communicator about the issues on the table."

During the Obama administration, Cohen, a physician, climbed the ranks to become chief operating officer and chief of staff at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which has more than 6,000 employees and oversees government programs like Medicare and Medicaid that insure millions of Americans. In 2017 Cooper appointed her North Carolina health secretary. She stepped down at the end of 2021.

Cohen's time "in North Carolina will inform the practical, on-the-ground work that will make a big difference at the CDC," Kinsley said, citing efforts to minimize racial and ethnic disparities in covid vaccination.

According to CDC data comparing covid mortality rates by state, North Carolina had the 12th lowest age-adjusted death rate in 2020. But the state's fortunes changed in 2021, when it dropped to 30th place. North Carolinians said Cohen listened to their perspectives, but their calls for help were punctuated by a drumbeat of deaths.

Mecklenburg County Commissioner Mark Jerrell, a Democrat, said the pandemic exposed how North Carolina is still reeling from centuries of racial discrimination. Even as Cohen "became a trusted community voice," he said, "there was a disconnect between the discussion of equity and the application of equity."

He worries that painful lessons of those early pandemic months seem forgotten, saying, "We don't even hear this conversation now."
In a recent article published in BMC Medical Genomics, researchers recruited a cohort of 25 Chinese genodermatoses patients to examine the genetic etiology by whole-exome sequencing (WES).

They evaluated the clinical utility of WES as a tool with the potential to expedite the discovery of the genetic variations underlying all skin disorders to aid genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis efforts.

Study: Whole-exome sequencing enables rapid and prenatal diagnosis of inherited skin disorders. Image Credit: Immersion Imagery/Shutterstock.com

Background

Genodermatoses are a conglomerate of specific or non-specific skin disorders caused by genetic mutations in a single gene.

Researchers have identified over 1,000 monogenic skin disorders, which are highly clinically variable, with clinical symptoms ranging from a generalized phenotype (severe) to a predominantly acral blistering phenotype (mild).

Even though some genodermatoses conditions are visually recognizable, e.g., neurofibromatosis, most patients with the same monogenic disorder have different clinical features, which makes disease diagnosis based on clinical manifestations and dermatopathological features very challenging for clinicians.

Clinical heterogeneity of genodermatoses also hinders its precise molecular diagnosis, which, in turn, hinders clinicians from providing genetic counseling to individuals at risk of inheriting these skin diseases.

Conventional genetic testing involves Sanger sequencing for genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (gDNA) analysis, which is a low throughput and time-consuming method; thus, it cannot meet the needs of molecular diagnosis of more than 1,000 genes associated with skin disorders.

Overall, there is an unmet need for a method that expedites the discovery of genetic variations to facilitate diagnoses in dermatology, including genodermatoses, which affect different parts of the skin in different ways, i.e., having high clinical heterogeneity.

About the study

In the present study, researchers enrolled 25 patients with hereditary skin diseases at Southwest and Xinqiao Hospitals in Chongqing, China, between January 2018 and December 2020.

First, they made physical examinations and health assessments of the probands and their families. Next, they collected peripheral blood samples from the patients, their families, and healthy controls for DNA extraction using a Wizard Genomic DNA purification kit.

The team performed WES on all gDNA samples and mapped sequencing reads to the reference human genome to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Further, they evaluated the pathogenicity of SNVs according to American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) guidelines.

Furthermore, the researchers used Sanger sequencing to confirm their results and perform prenatal diagnosis.

To this end, they obtained fetal amniotic fluid from the pregnant participants by amniocentesis under ultrasound monitoring during 1618 weeks of gestation.

Results

The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database has

compiled over 500 distinct Mendelian skin disorders subclassified into several phenotypic categories.

The authors found that 25 cases with hereditary skin disorders evaluated in this study fell into four phenotypic categories: tumor predisposition, a disorder of cornification, epidermolysis, and abnormal pigmentation, of which tumor predisposition was most common and occurred in nine of 25 cases, i.e., 36% of cases.

Within the tumor predisposition category, there were five and four cases of neurofibromatosis (NFs) and tuberous sclerosis complexes (TSCs), respectively.

WES accurately diagnosed nine known and nine novel variations in 16 of 25 genodermatoses patients. Of these, 12 variations had a genetic origin, and one even had a de novo origin. Around 48% of the 25 cases had positive family histories, so WES's diagnostic yield was likely higher than the traditional WES diagnostic rate (64% vs. 20-50%).

In addition, WES results helped uncover the pattern of inherited skin diseases in this Chinese province, which could serve as a clinical guide for dermatologists.

Based on WES results, researchers also performed genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for six pregnant women. In case #10, WES helped identify a genetic mutation in the asymptomatic mother and her daughter. Sanger sequencing also confirmed this prenatal diagnosis.

Unfortunately, nine of 25 cases remained without any molecular diagnosis. The unavailability of family history also made it tedious to find the genetic origin of the disease.

Conclusions

To conclude, the study data extended the genetic variation spectrum of genodermatoses by discovering nine novel pathogenic allelic variants.

The study investigation also confirmed the clinical application of WES as a diagnostic strategy aimed at expediting the identification of the genetic etiology of skin diseases and improving their prenatal diagnosis.

Indeed, WES could be an efficient and economical frontline clinical test for skin disorders, especially genodermatoses, in outpatient multidisciplinary dermatologic clinics.
Due to adverse weather conditions, a Vistara flight en route to Pune made an audacious return to the Delhi airport on August 23.

The aircraft, bravely piloted by its cockpit crew, successfully landed back at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, skillfully averting potential risks arising from a cracked windshield. The swift decision demonstrated the highest level of commitment to passenger safety and operational attentiveness.

According to a Vistara spokesperson, the pilots sensible decision led to this preventative measure, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew on flight UK 991. The unforeseen encounter with turbulent weather shortly after takeoff led to a concerning windshield crack, prompting the crew to make a swift and resolute choice to return to IGI Airport. Vistara, a symbol of reliability in aviation, promptly arranged an alternate aircraft to accommodate the passengers onward journey, mitigating any inconvenience caused.

We confirm that Vistara flight UK 991, flying from Delhi to Pune, encountered adverse weather soon after take-off, resulting in crack in its windshield. As a precautionary step, the pilots decided to turn-back and the aircraft landed safely at the IGI Airport, Delhi. An alternate aircraft has been immediately arranged, which will depart shortly. The inconvenience caused to customers is deeply regretted. As always, safety of our customers and crew is most important to Vistara, as stated by Vistara Spokesperson.

This incident follows closely on the heels of another disruptive episode involving a Delhi-Pune Vistara flight, which encountered an extensive delay of approximately eight hours at IGI Airport due to a bomb threat. The call, initially taken seriously, was later confirmed to be a hoax.

Sources reveal that the airports call center received the alarming call at around 7:30 am on a Friday, with the anonymous caller claiming the presence of explosives onboard flight UK971, parked near gate no. 42, set to detonate within the hour.

Law enforcement authorities disclosed that flight UK971 was slated for an 8:30 am departure but eventually managed to take off at 4:30 pm. Vistara issued a statement attributing the delay to compulsory security protocols.

In a world where air travels reliability is crucial, such incidents underscore the meticulous safety measures and rapid response strategies employed by airlines to ensure the security and well-being of passengers.
Investing in gold is a common thing in India. According to reports, India is the second-largest consumer of gold in the world after neighbouring China. But it is said that, as compared to the demand for gold here, the production is negligible.

Every year, people buy 800 tonnes of gold in India, whereas only 1 tonne of gold comes out of the mines located in the country. This means that 799 tonnes of gold are imported from outside. Reports suggest that gold consumption in India has increased continuously in the last 6 years, reaching from 666 tonnes to 799 tonnes. Gold consumption was 445 tonnes in 2020 during the COVID-19 epidemic. Along with this, since independence, the price of gold has risen from Rs 89 to Rs 59,000 but there has been no decrease in its demand.

As per reports, the USA is number one in terms of gold reserves in the world because the US government has 8,133 tonnes of gold in its treasury, while India has 797 tonnes of gold reserves. However, according to a report by the World Gold Council, Indians held more than 25,000 tonnes of gold in 2019. That is about 3 times more gold is owned by the people in India than the government treasury in the US. The value of gold held by Indians is more than Rs 1 lakh crore.

There are also jewellery accounts for about 80 per cent of the total gold held by Indians. At the same time, there are 2,500 tonnes of gold in the temples of India. There is an estimated 1300 tonnes of gold in the Padmanabhaswamy Temple which is dedicated to Maha Vishnu located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. The Tirupati temple, situated in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh and known for the famous Lord Venkateshwara Temple, is one of the most visited pilgrimage centres in the world and has 250 to 300 tonnes of gold. Every month 100 kg of gold comes here as an offering. India mainly imports gold from Switzerland, the UAE and South Africa.
Agricultural entrepreneurship requires resilience, hard work and sheer determination. A case in point is a farmer from Barmer, Rajasthan named Jetharam. He has set an example that agriculture has transformative power. In Bhimda village, near the Barmer border, small-time farmer Jetharams farm has flourished under his willingness to cultivate pomegranates.

Farmers in Rajasthan are known to cultivate crops like cumin, castor and Isabgol, which are less profitable crops. However, in many districts, a recent trend has been observed that the farmers have shifted towards pomegranate cultivation. In Barmer, farmers are earning in lakhs annually from cultivating this fruit.

Jetharam began pomegranate cultivation in 2016. He prepared his field by taking a loan of Rs 15 lakh. He also bought 4,000 saplings of high-quality pomegranate, called Bhagwa Sinduri, from Nashik in Maharashtra and planted them in his fertile field. His absolute commitment to his farming practices along with diligent efforts literally bore the fruit of his hard work. The pomegranates thrived and his first yield exceeded all expectations. Now, his produce is exported to cities in other states.

Ever since 2016, Jetharam never looked back. The quality of his fruits attracted buyers from local markets as well as big-scale retailers. This led to higher prices and better returns. Within some time, his income increased by 2.5 times which helped him repay his loan and further invest in his farm. Today, many of his fruits are shipped to Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Delhi and Kolkata and even exported to Bangladesh.

What inspired Jetharam?

As per reports, the idea of growing pomegranate plants in his field first came to Jetharam after he saw these fruit plants in Budiwada, Gujarat. Later, he brought saplings from Nashik and began his hustle of cultivating these fruits which have yielded in financial success.

Successful farming

Today Jetharam has approximately 28 acres of land in Barmer. He continues growing his plants which produce 25 kg of pomegranate. According to him, in the second year of fruit farming, his income was Rs 7 lakh. In the following year, it was Rs 15 lakh and in the fourth year, it was Rs 25 lakh. By the fifth year, he was earning Rs 35 lakh.
IT major Infosys employees will receive 80 per cent of their variable pay for the June 2023 quarter, according to a Moneycontrol report. It is higher than the 60 per cent average variable pay received in the April 2023 quarter and 70 per cent in the June 2022 quarter.

In an email sent to employees, the management said that the company has delivered a good performance in Q1, setting a robust foundation for future expansion.

We remained committed to helping businesses accelerate their digital journeys and catering to emerging client requirements. By staying focused on our priorities, collaborating closely across teams, and remaining adaptable to changing circumstances, we are confident in setting ourselves up for a productive and optimistic quarter ahead, the email sent to employees read.

The amount that individuals will get is based on their performance and contribution for the quarter.

Performance bonus budget was shared with Unit Delivery Managers to finalise bonus payout distribution for their respective DUs, the email said.

According to reports, some of the top performers will get 95 per cent of the variable pay. Infosys gives a variable payout to its employees on a quarterly basis.

Infosys Salary Hike

Infosys has so far not rolled out salary hikes for the financial year 2023-24. Its under consideration, the companys CFO Nilanjan Roy has said during the earnings call.

A query sent to Infosys did not elicit any response till the time story was published.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Indias largest IT services company, has said 70 per cent of its employees will receive a 100 per cent variable payout for the June 2023 quarter.

Infosys net profit jumped 10.9 per cent to Rs 5,945 crore during June 2023 quarter. Its revenue during the period rose 10 per cent to Rs 37,933 crore, against Rs 34,470 crore a year ago. On a quarterly basis, Infosys reported a fall of 3 per cent in its net profit in Q1 FY24.

On the outlook, Infosys has revised downwards its revenue growth guidance to 1-3.5 per cent in the constant currency term for the financial year 2023-24, against 4-7 per cent earlier, amid an uncertain global economic environment. The companys guidance on operating margin for FY24 now stands at 20-22 per cent.

Infosys IT services attrition declined to 20.9 per cent during the March 2023 quarter, compared with 24.3 per cent in December 2022 quarter.
After 40 days of taking off on July 14, Indias Chandrayaan-3 mission on Wednesday (August 24) witnessed the successful soft-landing on the moons south pole at 6.04 pm. As India has scripted history, heres a look at listed companies behind Indias journey to the moon and their 3-year return. The moon mission, spearheaded by ISRO, was also helped by these companies.

The companies that contributed to the Chandrayaan-3 mission are Larsen & Toubro (L&T), which has given over 170 per cent returns in 3 years; Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), which has given about 200 per cent return in 3 years; BHEL, which has grown 172 per cent during the period; Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd, which has jumped 83 per cent; and Walchandnagar Industries, which is up 66 per cent in three years.

Other companies include Centum Electronics (up around 300 per cent in 3 years), chemicals company Linde India (over 1,000 higher in 3 years), Paras Defence & Space Technologies (around 2 per cent up in 3 years), MTAR Technologies (up 41.2 per cent). Apart from these, Godrej Aerospace, which is part of Godrej Industries, also contributed to the mission. Godrej Industries is about 15 per cent up in the past three years.

L&Ts contribution includes providing critical booster segments, namely head end segment, middle segment and nozzle bucket flange, with a diameter of 3.2 meter were manufactured and proof pressure tested at L&Ts Facility in Powai. It also supplied ground and flight umbilical plates, which were manufactured from its hi-tech aerospace manufacturing facility at Coimbatore.

BHEL provided batteries for Chandrayaan-3 mission. Its Welding Research Institute (WRI) played a role in the supply of bi-metallic adaptors for the mission. According to media reports, components supplied by WRI were parts of cryogenic stage of LVM-3M4 flight Chandrayaan-3.

Mishra Dhatu Nigam developed and supplied critical materials such as cobalt base alloys, nickel base alloys, titanium alloys, and special steels for various components of the LVM3/M4, a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle used in the lunar mission.

HAL provided several components that supported Indias Chandrayaan-3 mission. Last year, a HAL-L&T consortium bagged an Rs 860-crore deal from New Space India Ltd (NSIL) to build 5 polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV) rockets.

Walchandnagar Industries manufactured and proof pressure-tested critical booster segments S200 in its facility, according to a Hindustan Times report quoting the companys CEO and MD Chirag Dosh. The company also supplied other LVM3-M4s subsystems like Flex nozzle control tankages and S200 Flex nozzle.

MTAR Technologies also made key parts for the mission at its facility at Balanagar, Hyderabad.

Chandrayaan-3s Total Cost

The total cost of the Chandrayaan-3 mission was Rs 615 crore, including launch vehicle (Rs 365 crore) and lander & rover development (Rs 250 crore).

Chandrayaan-1 (2008) and Chandrayaan-2 (2019) cost Rs 365 crore and Rs 978 crore.

ISROs Upcoming Projects

Aditya-L1-2023: It is Indias first solar mission to study the sun. It will cost Rs 378 crore.

NASA-ISROSAR (NISAR) Satellite  2024: It is low-earth orbit observatory for understanding changes in Earths ecosystems. It will cost Rs 12,296 crore.

SPADEX- 2024: Space Docking Experiment is ISROs twin spacecraft mission to to mature technologies related to orbital rendezvous, docking, formation flying, with scope of applications in human spaceflight, in-space satellite servicing and other proximity operations. It will cost Rs 124 crore.

Mangalyaan-2  2024: It is a mars orbiter mission, which is Indias second interplanetary mission in human spaceflight. Its cost is not disclosed yet.

Gaganyaan- 2024: It is Indias first human space mission. It includes launching crew of 3 members to an orbit of 400 km for 3 days. It will cost Rs 9,023 crore.

Shukrayaan 1  2031: It is ISROs Venus mission. It will cost Rs 500-Rs 1,000 crore.
Gianni Versace, born in 1946, was a dynamic and skilled fashion designer hailing from Reggio Calabria, a southern Italian region. He gained prominence in the field of fashion and, alongside his siblings Santo and Donatella, established the highly prosperous House of Versace after introducing his inaugural collection in Milan in 1978.

Gianni Versaces mother was a skilled tailor who sewed clothes at home. Learning by observing his mothers work, Gianni developed a unique passion for fashion. Creating his first dress at the age of 9, he cemented his desire to become a fashion designer from a young age.

At 26, Gianni relocated to Milan, renowned as Italys fashion hub. In 1973, he took on the role of designer for the Byblos fashion brand. After five years, he went on to establish his own small boutique on Milans renowned shopping street, Via della Spiga. This boutique, named Versace, marked the beginning of the iconic journey of the brand.

Presently, the Versace enterprise generates an annual revenue of around Rs 11,000 crore. Founded by Gianni, the son of a seamstress, the brands origins trace back to his childhood when he observed his mother sewing. Evolving from a modest Italian boutique, Versace ascended to join the ranks of the worlds most esteemed luxury brands.

By the time of his death in 1997, Gianni Versace had achieved worldwide acclaim as one of the foremost fashion designers. Within a span of fewer than two decades, he established a global fashion empire that not only elevated Italys position in the industry but also became synonymous with fashion.

Currently, Versace boasts a global presence with 223 stores worldwide and a network of over 1500 wholesalers. Capri Holdings, the parent company of Versace, employs around 5,000 individuals. The brands product range encompasses a diverse array of offerings, spanning from luxury apparel and watches to eyewear and fragrances.

Gianni Versace referred to his sister Donatella as my perfect woman, a figure said to have inspired him. Her role in shaping the visual identity and triumph of the Versace brand is immeasurable. Following Giannis untimely passing away in 1997, she assumed the position of creative director.

Donatella Versace introduced a contemporary and edgy essence to the label, serving as a counterpoint to Giannis enduring grace. She expressed her intention to infuse strength and enjoyment when designing, aiming for a bold and modern approach.
YEREVAN, AUGUST 23, ARMENPRESS. The Azerbaijani authorities have once again falsely accused Armenia of cross-border shooting in an ongoing disinformation campaign, the Armenian ministry of defense warned Wednesday.

The statement disseminated by the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan that allegedly on August 23, at around 02:10 a.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces discharged fire against the Azerbaijani combat positions located in the eastern part of the border, does not correspond to reality, the Armenian ministry of defense said in a statement.
Spanish billionaire and Zara founder Amancio Ortega has recently purchased a luxury apartment building in Chicago for $232 million to add it to his burgeoning United States property holdings. According to a company spokesperson, Ortegas family firm Pontegadea purchased 727 West Madison from an Ares Management and F&F Realty joint venture.

As per Bloomberg, the 45-story building joins a growing list of Ortega-owned notable United States properties, including Meta Platforms Inc.s headquarters in Seattle and Manhattans Haughwout building. The distinctive round tower houses 492 high-end apartments, with monthly prices ranging from around $2,200 (approximately Rs 1,82,000) for a studio to $6,000 (about Rs 4,97,000) for a three-bedroom flat.

Jones Lang LaSalle Inc (JLL), a renowned provider of real estate and investment management services, was appointed in 2020 to sell the skyscraper in the trendy West Loop neighbourhood of Chicago, where Google has its headquarters. According to Crains Chicago Business, the sale was expected to earn $250 million at the time.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, the billionaire founder of the Zara clothing chain is worth $75 billion, mostly due to his majority share in Spanish clothing company Inditex SA. Amancio Ortegas property holdings were assessed at 18.1 billion ($19.7 billion) last year, reports add.

Last year, Spains richest man spent nearly $1 billion buying up United States warehouses as he diversifies beyond his customary concentration on landmark office and retail space, reports state. Meanwhile, Pontegadeas most recent acquisitions include a logistics hub 60 miles east of Los Angeles, a warehouse in the Netherlands, and an office building in central London. The Real Deal magazine has previously reported on the purchase of 727 West Madison.

Apart from all the purchases, Amancio Ortegas family firm Pontegadea also has investments in energy and communication infrastructure providers as well as renewable energy sources, such as RENRedes Energetics Nacionais SGPS, a Portuguese power and gas grid operator, and Redeia Corporacion SA, a Spanish electricity transporter.

On the other hand, Amancio Ortegas private corporation Pontegadea stated in March that he purchased a premium residential complex with 120 flats for rent in Dublin, Ireland, for roughly 100 million euros ($108 million). It was Ortegas firms first purchase outside of the United States, according to Pontegadea, and it was also part of the companys plan to invest in a variety of real estate assets.

According to the buildings website, the Opus 6 Hanover Quay building is in the heart of Silicon Docks, Dublins commercial and technology hub, and provides luxury flats and townhouses for long-term rent.
Chandrayaan 3 Lander Module (LM) is slated to touch down on the moons surface today as part of the Indian Space Research Organizations (ISRO) third Moon mission. The Uttar Pradesh government has put out a set of instructions for the state government schools to follow ahead of the Chandrayaan 3 soft landing. The state government has ordered government schools to stay open on August 23 from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. to set up a live telecast of the Chandrayaan 3 landing on the Moon for all students.

The Uttar Pradesh government citing directions has confirmed that On August 23, the Chandrayaan 3 moon landing process will be telecast live on the ISRO website, YouTube channel, and DD National. In such a situation, arrangements should be made for live telecast by organising special meetings in schools and educational institutions from 5.15 to 6.15 pm, reported news agency ANI.

The District Institute for Education and Training school principals have been instructed by the state administration to make all necessary arrangements for the live broadcast of the historic event in the schools. The Chandrayaan 3s Vikram lander, which is carrying the Pragyaan rover, will make an attempt at a gentle landing on the moons surface on Wednesday night.

Madhusudan Hulgi, additional state project director, told ANI, This is the first time that the government has decided to open schools in the evening to educate the students on such a historic occasion. He stated that the Chandrayaan 3 moon landing is an important milestone that would not only spark curiosity but also inspire enthusiasm for exploration in the minds of the countrys youth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Johannesburg for the BRICS Summit, will virtually join in with ISRO to witness the landing of Chandrayaan 3s on the moon today. Shortly after 6 PM IST, the Chandrayaan 3 will attempt a momentous landing in the vicinity of the moons south pole and will be watched closely by the whole world.

From Andhra Pradeshs Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, the Indian Space Research Organisation launched the Chandrayaan 3 mission on July 14.

The stipulated goals of Indias third lunar mission, are a gentle and secure landing, lunar surface rover movement, and in-situ scientific research.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court upheld the judgement that a candidates application for a constable job with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) should be rejected because of a tattoo on his right forearm. According to Live Law, the panel chaired by Justice Jagmohan Bansal based its verdict on a decision made by the Delhi High Court in the case of Vikash Kumar vs. Director General, Indo-Tibetan (2021), which dealt with a similar issue. In that case, the High Court had stated its opinion that the petition could not be accepted given a particular clause prohibiting applicants with tattoos on their right arms. Additionally, officials could not be instructed to investigate the petitioners claim.

In this particular matter, the petitioner submitted an application for the position of Constable in the ITBP in response to an advertisement published in 2017. He passed all of the evaluation rounds, including the Physical Endurance Test/Physical Standard Test. He was, however, disqualified as a result of a tattoo on his right arm. People with tattoos on this region of the arm were excluded for consideration, per the rules of the recruitment advertisement. Monu, the petitioner, asked the High Court to throw out two medical unfitness certificates that had found him unfit for the ITBP constable position.

The lawyer who represented the petitioner argued that since the tattoo was removed by straightforward surgery, it is a treatable imperfection and the applicant should not be disqualified from consideration for ITBP recruitmentespecially since he has completed all the necessary formalities and is mentally and physically fit.

Additionally, it was contended that since he is not suffering from any illness, it would be unjust to deprive him of the benefits of the position.

However, the counsel for the respondents argued that because the advertising [Paragraph 4.4(iv) of the advertisement] contained a particular requirement, the respondent authorities were left with no choice.

Live law additionally reported that the removal of a tattoo at a later point in time was also argued to be unjustified since the respondent authorities (in this case ITBP) are unable to review each and every instance, despite the advertising expressly stating that a tattoo should not be worn on the right arm of the applicant.

The Court rejected his appeal and affirmed the denial of his candidature in light of these circumstances and the Delhi High Courts ruling in the Vikash Kumar case.
Exotic animals including ball pythons, squirrels, and iguanas were seized from a passenger at the international airport in Chennai, the Customs department said on Wednesday.

Acting on specific inputs, the authorities intercepted the passenger who arrived here from Bangkok on August 21 and recovered the animals from him.

On examination of his check-in baggage 14 ball pythons (Python Regius) of different colours, 30 blue iguanas (Iguana.sp) and four fiery squirrels (Sciurus flammifer) were found and seized under the Customs Act, 1962, a press release from Additional Commissioner of Customs Shivaprakash Veeresh Baddi said.

An investigation is on, he said.
Three hundred and eighty-nine foreign satellites took-off in the last nine years  nearly 90% of what India launched since Independence, a nearly 150% jump in the budget for the space sector since 2013-14, and reaching Mars  Indias space sector story under the Narendra Modi government is as remarkable as its quest for Moon.

LIVE: Chandrayaan 3 Just Hours Away From Moon Landing

As India aims to create history on Wednesday by becoming the first country to land on the South Pole region of the Moon, it comes on the back of some historic reforms done by the Modi government and the constant support to the scientists at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to not lose heart from setbacks such as Chandrayaan-2 in 2019, and learn from it to achieve greater goals.

The foresightedness shows in the fact that in June 2023, shortly before the scheduled Chandrayaan-3 launch, India also signed on to the NASA-led Artemis Accords aiming for peaceful human and robotic exploration of the Moon. The data from Chandrayaan-3 may be useful for future Artemis human landings too, a government source has told News18.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and junior minister of science and technology Jitendra Singh, who also holds the charge of MoS Prime Ministers Office, have been constantly monitoring the progress at ISRO. The political will has helped the scientists to excel without constraints of budget.

Government sources say one big change has been the involvement of the private sector in helping ISRO innovate while the government plays the role of an enabler and removes any bottlenecks in ISROs quest.

While only 35 foreign satellites were launched by India pre-2014 compared to 389 foreign satellites sent to space under the Modi government, earning India over Rs 3,300 crore. Around 104 satellites were launched in one go in 2017. This means that the yearly launch missions increased from just 1.2 before 2014 to 5.7 in the last nine years. A highlight was the success of Indias Mars Orbiter Spacecraft in September 2014, putting India into a league of select nations, which sent a spacecraft to Mars.

Money Counts

The big changes have also come from the increase in budgetary allocation to the Department of Space from Rs 5,615 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 12,543.91 crore in 2023-24, as per budget documents.

The government decided to focus on six guiding principles  enabling and promoting private enterprises, carrying out independent space activities, opening up ISRO infrastructure and technologies, allowing public sector to focus on research and development work, pursue a demand-driven approach for development of space assets and inspire youngsters and dreamers. The Indian Space Policy, 2023 was approved for enhanced participation of non-government entities across the entire value chain of the space economy.

The Indian Space Association (ISpA) was formed along with IN-SPACe to ensure greater private participation in Indias space activities while the New Space India Limited was formed in 2019 as the commercial arm of ISRO for promotion and commercial exploitation of the products and services emanating from the Indian space programme. All this effort from the government has helped in space start-ups growing to 140 as on July 2023 from just a couple before 2014.

The Results

The big achievements cited by the Modi government are launching AstroSat, Indias first dedicated Space Astronomy Observatory and the ongoing development of Aditya-L1, the first observatory-class space-based solar mission from India.

ISRO has also developed Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to cater the launch of up to 500 kg satellites to Low Earth Orbits on launch-on-demand basis. The first experimental mission of ISROs Scramjet Engine towards the realisation of Air Breathing Propulsion System was also successfully conducted in 2016. Indias first privately made rocket Vikram-S, developed by Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited, Hyderabad, was also set in motion in 2022 as well. After being mooted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 18th SAARC summit, ISRO also launched a communication satellite in 2017 to support neighbouring countries.

Frontiers Ahead

Indias next ambitious project is the Gaganyaan Mission for which ISRO has developed a spacecraft for carrying astronauts to space. The project is being primarily executed by Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), which was constituted in January 2019 in ISRO to implement the Human Space Flight Programme. Gaganyaan envisages demonstration of human spaceflight capability by sending a three-member crew to an orbit of 400 km for three days and bring them back safely to Earth by landing in Indian sea waters.

After the much hopeful Chandrayaan-3 landing, the Indian space mission is aiming bigger.
The Karnataka government has written to the Centre seeking withdrawal of the deemed-to-be university notification tag of Bengalurus Jain University, which witnessed a row in February over a skit with derogatory terms against Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and Dalits during a college festival. In the first-ever reaction, Prof M S Santhosh, Joint Registrar at the University, told News18 exclusively that they have no communication from the state government to this effect, but the skit was not done with their knowledge".

ALSO READ | 2 FIRs & 50 Complaints: Bengaluru College Faces Protests Over Skit Insulting Ambedkar, Dalits

The state governments committee formed to investigate the matter found that the management of the University was well aware of the script, content and dialogues". In spite of that, the management of the University did not prevent the student from performing the said skit," stated the letter to the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Education.

The letter dated August 8 highlighted that the skit used words such as untouchability, inequality, caste, and reservation in a contemptuous manner. This incident caused unrest in society and hurt the sentiments of the public," the letter further emphasised.

The recommendation from Karnataka is signed by Nandakumar B, the under-secretary of the higher education department, and underlines that the Centre should take immediate measures to withdraw the notification declaring Jain University as an institution deemed to be a university.

The apparent maladministration and mismanagement of the University constrained the state government to invoke coercive measures against the university. Accordingly, I am directed to request you to withdraw the notification declaring Jain University as an Institution deemed to be a University at the earliest," the letter said.

BENGALURUs JAIN VARSITY REACTS

Prof M S Santhosh said, We have no communication from the state government to this effect. We have written to the state government asking them about their communication to the Central government, if there is one. We are seeking details of the letter if any, and we want it to be shared with us. We have not been kept in the loop of the communication of this particular report, nor have we received a copy of it."

Santhosh further stated that it has come to their knowledge that the skit was done with our full knowledge". We would like to clarify that this is not true. It was not well within our knowledge. The alleged communication talks about mismanagement and maladministration. I sincerely dont know what they are talking about, and we are awaiting an official copy of this letter and the report. We would like to know what the inference has been on this issue," the Prof added.

Jain University, a Bengaluru-based private university that was initially operating as Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College, has five campuses in the IT capital and a student strength of over 30,000. It attained the deemed-to-be university tag in 2009.

THE CONTROVERSY AT JAIN VARSITY: SKIT INSULTING AMBEDKAR, DALITS

On February 11, students participating in the extended youth festival scheduled until February 20 performed a skit that allegedly contained derogatory references to Dr B R Ambedkar and Dalits. The skit contained dialogues that were considered offensive and contained derogatory remarks against the community and the Father of the Indian Constitution.

As the video went viral, there was outrage in the state, especially among Dalit organisations. The Bengaluru police arrested nine people, including seven students and two faculty members, who were part of the performance. The nine accused faced charges under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 153A, 295A, and 149 for offences related to instigating animosity between societal groups. They were later remanded in police custody for three days and were granted bail after spending 10 days in custody.

Dalit organizations staged protests, with more than 50 formal complaints and two first information reports (FIR) lodged in Nanded and Bengaluru by members of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

ALSO REAAD | Jain University Students Mock Ambedkar in Casteist Skit, Viral Video Sparks Outrage

The skit was presented by The Delroys Boys, a theatre group from the CMS unit of the university. They later issued an unconditional apology along with the management.

A university official, who spoke to News18 when the issue broke out in February, had said that the skit was categorized under a segment called Mad-Ads, where participants are to advertise imaginary products with humorous content. It was intended to be spontaneous". While its purpose was to highlight the societal challenges linked to the caste system, the seven students took liberties that crossed the line," the college authorities had said.

The apology letter said the skit aimed to highlight anti-caste sentiments but had crossed boundaries while being presented extempore". The university also outlined that the skits intention was to highlight the issues associated with the caste system in the country".
This day is an example of how to take lessons from defeat and achieve success  a jubilant Prime Minister Narendra Modi said from South Africa as India created history by becoming the first country to land on the south pole region of the moon with its Chandrayaan-3.

ALSO READ | As Chandrayaan-3 Reaches Its Dream Landing on Moon, Team ISRO on Cloud Nine | Exclusive

WHEN THEN ISRO CHIEF CRIED ON PM MODIs SHOULDER in 2019 AFTER CHANDRAYAAN-2 FAILED

The words lay bare the PMs sentiments on the meticulous success of Chandrayaan-3 Mission, in comparison to the disappointment from four years ago when then ISRO chief K Sivan had broken down on the PMs shoulder after Chandrayaan-2 had crash-landed on the moon. Modi had then whole-heartedly praised the Indian Space Research Organisations (ISRO) effort, too, and encouraged them to learn from the mistakes and keep going till they were successful.

#WATCH PM Narendra Modi hugged and consoled ISRO Chief K Sivan after he(Sivan) broke down. #Chandrayaan2 pic.twitter.com/bytNChtqNK ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2019

On Wednesday, soon after the Chandrayaan-3 success, Modi called up ISRO Chief S Somnath from South Africa to congratulate him. Your name is Somnath and this word is connected with the moon! I will soon congratulate you and your colleagues in person, Modi told him. He said this success belongs to all humanity and will help the other countries in moon missions.

Feeling the fervour all the way from Johannesburg for Chandrayaan-3! The enthusiasm of our diaspora in South Africa for India's achievements in the space sector is truly gladdening. pic.twitter.com/ApPdiQI9Fd  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2023

Modis address to ISRO scientists soon after the landing exhibited the effort of the past four years to invest in this mission.

This is result of an effort over so many years. No country has been able to reach the moons south pole. India is time and again is proving the sky is not the limit. We have seen history being made, and this makes our life worth it. This is beginning of a developed and New India. This moment is alike to crossing an ocean of difficulties. This will bring new energy to the country, the PM said.

ALSO READ | Moon-opoly for India with Chandrayaan-3: Pragyans Lunar Water Discovery to Spark New Race, Says ISROs Collaborator

Citing the statement of ISRO scientists that India is now on the moon, Modi said that though he is in South Africa for the BRICS Summit, his mind had been on the Chandrayaan-3 mission like every Indian. Every Indian is enjoying this moment, it is like a festival, PM Modi said.

ambitious targets

Importantly, the PM said ISRO could not stop here and was preparing for further frontiers like Venus and the Sun.

For the future, we have set new ambitious targets. ISRO is going to launch Aditya L1 mission soon for the Suns detailed study. After that, Venus planet is also an ISRO target. Gaganyaan will be our first human space mission  we are preparing fully for it, the PM said, in a forward-looking message depicting that India will not rest on its laurels.

He used the occasion to mention how this success was like an amritvarsha in Indias amritkaal and referred to other successes in India like the G20 summit. The countries of the global south can also achieve such feats, the PM said. He said the old saying that Chanda mama bahut door ke will now change to Chanda mama bas ek tour ke hain.

With these words, the disappointment of 2019 is now history and PM Modis jubilant words capture not just his happiness, but that of the entire country.
The Delhi government officer, who was suspended and arrested for raping his dead friends teen daughter, underwent a potency test on Tuesday, a India Today report mentioned. Generally, a potency test is taken in a criminal case of sexual assault or rape, to understand whether an accused is capable of engaging in sexual acts.

Presented before a Delhi court on Tuesday, the accused couple, identified as Premoday Khakha and his wife Seema Rani, has been placed in one-day judicial custody.

The legal representative for the duo said the accusations against Khakha are unfounded, highlighting that he had previously undergone a vasectomy 20 years ago and it is not possible for him to get the girl pregnant.

DCW chief Swati Maliwal on Tuesday requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to direct Delhi Police to allow her to meet with the minor girl.

Also Read: Delhi Minor Rape Case: Accused & Wife Held, DCWs Maliwal Spends Night at Hospital to Meet Victim

In a letter to Shah, she also urged the home minister to order an inquiry into the delay in arresting the accused and to shift the girl to AIIMS for better treatment.

Premoday Khakha  a deputy director in the city governments women and child development department  allegedly raped the girl several times between November 2020 and January 2021, according to the Delhi Police. His wife allegedly gave the girl medicine to terminate her pregnancy.

Khakha and his wife Seema Rani were arrested on Monday.

Maliwal, the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson, said that while the police and the hospital authorities prevented her from meeting the girl and her mother, they allowed the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights chairperson to interact with the mother.

Also Read: Delhi: Women And Child Development Dept Officer Booked for Raping Friends Minor Daughter
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on his third tour of South Africa  the third richest African country  in the last seven years. Apart from holding a bilateral meeting with the country, he will also participate in the 15th BRICS Summit to be held in Johannesburg.

Following his visit to South Africa, which is scheduled from August 22 to 24, with the BRICS Plenary to be held on August 23, the PM will visit Greece upon the invitation of the countrys Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. This will be an Indian PMs visit to Greece in 40 years since Indira Gandhis tour to the country in September 1983.

Modi first visited South Africa in July 2016 as part of a four-nation tour to the continent. The PM visited Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya during his official visit from July 7 to July 11, 2016. He began his tour in Mozambique on July 7.

The three-day South African tour was reminiscent of revisiting Indian history in a nation of a different continent, a country historically linked with India. This historical connection marked the beginning of a transformative journey for Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, a UK-educated Indian lawyer, who eventually became Mahatma Gandhi, leading India to liberation from British colonialism.

In addition to official meetings, Modis visit also traced historical landmarks and events associated with Mahatma Gandhis journey in the nation. After South Africa, Modi visited Tanzania and Kenya.

Modis 2016 tour marked his first visit to African mainland countries. Prior to this, he had visited island countries  Mauritius, and Seychelles  in East Africa in March 2015.

The visit to the African mainland aimed to enhance ties for Indias initiative to unite the Global South and take a leadership position in the trans-continental bloc of countries.

In October 2015, India hosted the third India-Africa Summit, with heads of 41 African countries participating. Subsequently, Indias President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice-President Hamid Ansari made visits in the coming months. Alongside promoting Make in India, India and four African countries also discussed two crucial issues: the menace of terrorism and food security, which affect India and numerous African countries alike.

Modis second visit to South Africa and the African mainland countries in July 2018 was a three-nation State Visit. The Indian PM visited Rwanda, Uganda, and South Africa from July 23 to July 27, 2018. His visit to Rwanda on July 23-24, 2018, marked the first visit by an Indian head of state to one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. This was followed by his visit to Uganda on July 24 and 25. Prior to him, Inder Kumar Gujral had visited the country in 1997. In addition to holding bilateral meetings, the Prime Minister delivered a keynote address at the Ugandan Parliament, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so.

In the final leg of his visit, he visited South Africa to attend the 10th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. Bilateral ties were strengthened through agreements signed in defence, trade, agriculture, and dairy cooperation.

India is an emerging global economic and political powerhouse. Many countries in Africa are also experiencing economic development along with increased political stability. They share historical ties through indentured migration during colonial times, and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation for the future is advantageous for both.

High-level visits to the continent were infrequent in the past. Indias foreign policy underwent a change in 2014 to address this. The current government has witnessed as many as 29 high-level official visits to different African countries, involving the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Minister of External Affairs, according to data from the Ministry of External Affairs. Additionally, Indias proposal to include the African Union as a full member of the G20 has been added to the draft communique for the September G20 Summit in Delhi.
A eight-year-old girl was allegedly murdered by her father in Telanganas Hyderabad, after her horoscope predicted that she will face hardships in future.

The father, identified as Chandrasekhar, allegedly took his daughter, identified as Mokshagna, in a car on the evening of August 18, and killed her by slitting her throat with a blade.

The incident came to light, after the girl went missing and didnt return home from school.

On the day that she went missing, the father reportedly switched off his phone and was nowhere to be found.

To hide his crime, Chandrasekhar was roaming around on the Outer-Ring-Road (ORR) between Taramatipet and Koheda, where he planned to dump the body of his daughter.

Around 10:30 pm, his car got punctured, and a passerby stopped to help him, only to find a dead body in the car, along with blood stains on the man.

Police was called at the spot, and an investigation is currently underway.
October 27, 2023 11:33

Mijatovic: Azerbaijan must guarantee Armenians human rights, including to return to their homes in safety

Human rights violations have again marked the last chapter of the long conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in and around the Karabakh region. Full respect for human rights of all and strict adherence to relevant international standards should be now placed at the centre of the path towards reconciliation and durable peace between the two countries, said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatovic, at the end of her visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan, including the Karabakh region, which took place from 16 to 23 October 2023.
At least 17 workers were killed and several others were injured after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in Mizorams Sairang on Wednesday. The incident occurred around 10 am, about 21 km from Aizawl, while construction work was underway at the site.

Several labourers are feared trapped as over 35-40 people were reportedly present at the site when the incident occurred.

Seventeen bodies have been recovered from the debris so far many others are still missing, a police officer said.

Rescue Op Underway

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident and said the rescue work is underway.

Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; at least 15 workers died: Rescue under progress. Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations, the Chief Minister posted on X (formally Twitter).

Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; atleast 15 workers died: Rescue under progress.Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the pic.twitter.com/nvtXvPGuWo  Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) August 23, 2023

Zoramthanga also posted a video of the incident, where the aftermath of the bridge collapse can be seen.

Ex Gratia Announced

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also forwarded his condolences to the people who lost their loved ones in the accident and announced Rs 2 Lakh ex gratia for the next of kin of each deceased and financial assistance of Rs 50,000 for people who are injured.

Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected. An ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured, Prime Ministers office posted on X.

Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected.An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the  PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 23, 2023

Further, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday spoke to Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Zoramthanga and assured them all possible assistance after 17 workers were killed when an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in the state.

Anguished by the tragic accident in Mizoram. I have spoken to the Governor and CM Mizoram and assured all possible assistance. The NDRF and local administration are on-site, conducting rescue operations. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured, Shah wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
A 62-year-old Naxalite accused in more than 60 criminal cases and wanted by police in four states has been arrested by the Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) from Jabalpur city, police said.

The accused Naxalite, Ashok Reddy, was carrying a collective reward of Rs 82 lakh in Telangana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, an official press release issued by the MP Police Headquarters on Tuesday said.

Following a tip-off, Reddy, a resident of Golkonda (Telangana) and his wife Raimti aka Kumari Potai (43), resident of Narayanpur (Chhattisgarh) were arrested from Jabalpur on Tuesday, it said.

More than 60 criminal cases, including of murder, attempt to murder, dacoity, rioting, attack on police, abduction, arson and cases under the Explosives Act, Arms Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) have been registered against Reddy in various states, the release said.

A pistol with cartridges, Rs 3 lakh in cash and CPI (Maoist) literature were recovered from the arrested couple, it said.

Reddy was a member of Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee of the banned CPI (Maoist), the police said.

His wife was looking after the work related to Naxal literature, printing pamphlets and posters, issuing press releases of the organisation, etc, the release said. The main area of Reddys work was Telangana and Chhattisgarh, but there is every possibility of involvement of these Naxalites in strengthening the Naxal cadre and network in Madhya Pradesh, it stated.

After the arrest, a case was registered against the arrested couple under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act and the UAPA at Bhopals ATS police station, the release said.

Further investigation is underway to find out more about the Naxal network and modules, the police said.
A 27-year-old pillion rider lost her life after her dupatta got entangled in the rear wheel of Bullet motorcycle while she was on her way home from Tungareshwar temple in Vasai (east) to Mumbais Kandivali. The accident took place on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad national highway in Naigaon, where another woman riding pillion was killed a few days before this incident.

According to a report in Times of India, Pratima Yadav (27), who worked in a private firm, and her husband Manish Kumar left their Kandivali home on the bike and were heading back at around 7.15 am on August 21.

When they reached the Bapane bridge in Naigaon, Pratimas dupatta got entangled in the rear wheel of the bike, TOI quoted police as saying, adding that the woman fell off the bike and was reportedly dragged for a few seconds before the bike came to a halt.

Mid-day stated that she was rushed to Sanskriti Hospital by her husband and some locals but was declared dead before admission. The report stated that Pratimas 33-year-old husband is a resident of Kandivalis Iraniwadi and works as a video editor.

He is currently grappling with profound trauma following his wifes sudden demise, the report quoted a police officer. Naigaon police has registered a case of accidental death.

Second Accident on Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway

A similar accident took place on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway on August 9 when another 27-year-old woman lost her life. According to a report in Mid-day, the victim was identified as Pooja Gupta.

The report stated that Malad resident Pooja was riding pillion when she fell off the motorbike on a potholed road in Naigaons Bapane. The victim and her brother-in-law, Deepak Gupta, were en route to Waliv to celebrate the birthday of Poojas sister. However, Deepaks bike encountered a pothole, resulting in Pooja falling off, a police office said.

The report stated that Pooja suffered multiple head injuries but was undergoing treatment at a hospital. However, on August 18 she succumbed to her injuries.
Chandrayaan-3 Moon Landing: Chandrayaan-3s Lander Module (LM) landed on the lunar surface on Wednesday evening successfully.

With this feat, India became the first country to reach the uncharted south pole of Earths only natural satellite. The LM comprising the lander (Vikram) and the rover (Pragyan), made touch down near the south polar region of the Moon at around 6:04 pm on Wednesday.

Here Are Reactions on Chandrayaan-3s Landing

 Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said the success of the lunar mission places India in a select group of nations to have successfully achieved the landing on the lunar surface. It is more significant because India is the only nation to achieve the lunar landing on the south pole of the Moon, he added.

 West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said Indian scientists have testified to the countrys scientific and technological progress. India is now in the super league of space. Sincere congratulations to all the proud architects and stakeholders of the expedition, he said.

 Union Home Minister Amit Shah said this landmark achievement is not only a testament to the power of Indian genius but it also launches Indias voyage through the Amrit Kaal to emerge as a global leader in the realm of space, as envisioned by PM.

 Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said the successful landing of Chandrayaan 3 on the southern pole of the Moon is a testament to Indias scientific prowess and unwavering determination.

 PM Modi said it was a historic day for the countrys space sector and added this is the dawn of new India.

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Indias successful Moon mission is not just Indias alone. as this success belongs to all of humanity.

 West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee congratulated ISRO scientists and said the credit must go to our country. She said there should not be divisive politics for this mission.

 Former ISRO chief K Sivan said he is confident of the missions success. We have done enough work Whatever lessons we have learnt, we have made corrections thats why we have more confidence now, he said.

 Senior Scientist CSIR Satyanarayana said ISRO has taken enough cautions to have a soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 over the Moons surface. We are going to join the elite group of four (countries) touching the Moons surface Failures give lessons. Weve learnt a lot, he said.

 Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri offered prayers at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 today.

 West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged people to stand together and cheer for its successful soft landing. Describing the Chandrayaan-3 mission as a matter of pride for the entire nation, Banerjee lauded Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists for all their efforts.

Chandrayaan-3 mission is a matter of pride for the entire nation!. The @isro team belongs to India. Their hard work is a testament of the countrys progress which has come from the people, scientists and economists, and not any political entity, she wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Scientists from across the country, including Bengal, have greatly contributed to the mission. I applaud the efforts of all those who have worked hard at taking Indias lunar exploration to greater heights!, she added.

 Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said they will celebrate when Chandrayaan-3 lands.

#WATCH | Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde says, We all will celebrate when Chandrayaan-3 lands tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/A2H9ZrN6EQ ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2023

 Union minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday morning updated that Chandrayaan 3 mission is on schedule. Live telecast of the landing operations at MOX/ISTRAC begins at 17:20 Hrs. IST today evening , that is, August 23, 2023, he posted on X.

 People offer namaz at the Islamic Center of India in Lucknow for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, on August 23.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh | People offer namaz at the Islamic Center of India in Lucknow for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, on August 23. pic.twitter.com/xpm98iQM9O ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2023

 Special Bhasma Aarti performed at Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple in Madhya Pradeshs Ujjain, for the successful landing of Chandrayaan 3.

#WATCH | Madhya Pradesh: Special Bhasma Aarti performed at Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, for the successful landing of #Chandrayaan3According to ISRO, Chandrayaan-3 is all set to land on the Moon on August 23 at around 18:04 hrs IST. pic.twitter.com/TSTq7yoYQe  ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) August 23, 2023

 Ganga Aarti performed with tricolour in hands at Parmarth Niketan Ghat in Uttarakhands Rishikesh ahead of the landing of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission on August 23.

#WATCH | Uttarakhand: Ganga Aarti performed with tricolour in hands at Parmarth Niketan Ghat in Rishikesh ahead of the landing of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission on August 23.#Chandrayaan3Mission pic.twitter.com/I45spQjJ1a ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2023

 Indian-American cardiologist Dr Avinash Gupta that the Indian diaspora in the United States is excited to watch the Chandrayaan-3 to land on the Moon.

VIDEO | Indian diaspora here in America are so excited to watch the Chandrayaan-3 to land on the Moon, said Indian-American cardiologist Dr Avinash Gupta on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/4VUc1vzAP4 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 23, 2023

 Actor Anupam Kher wrote a note for scientists, staff, technicians and everyone at ISRO. 140 crore Indians in India and millions of Indians all over the world are already looking up at the #Moon with prayers in their hearts and hope in their eyes for #Chandrayaan_3 to proudly land. Thanks in advance for giving us a great reason to celebrate what it means to be an Indian. Touch wood! Thu thu! Jai Ho! Tomorrow around 6.03pm I will scream my guts out- JAI HIND!! he wrote on X.

 Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced that the moon landing by Chandrayaan-3s will be telecast live in all state-run schools in Uttar Pradesh. Schools will open specially for one hour in the evening for the viewing.

Citing instructions of the State governments education ministry, the Uttar Pradesh government has said that On August 23, at 5.27 pm, the Chandrayaan-3 moon landing process will be telecast live on the ISRO website, YouTube channel and DD National. In such a situation, arrangements should be made for live telecast by organizing special meetings in schools and educational institutions from 5.15 to 6.15 pm.

 The Vishva Hindu Parishad on Tuesday said a mega yajna will be held in the national capital for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface. The yajna will be held on Wednesday morning by the Arya Samaj and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) at the Arya Samaj Mandir in Sant Nagar, it said.

 Havan organised by Patuli Upanagari business association in West Bengals Kolkata for the success of Chandrayaan-3 mission.

#WATCH | West Bengal: Havan organised by Patuli Upanagari business association in Kolkata for the success of Chandrayaan-3 mission. pic.twitter.com/x2alUYHAAS ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2023

 Havans and prayers in other places

#WATCH | Delhi | Havan performed by Jan Kalyan Samiti, Ganesh Nagar II for the successful lunar landing of Chandrayaan-3.Visuals from Nirmal Sadhna Ashram in Shakarpur. pic.twitter.com/NjQF21askS  ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2023

VIDEO | Locals in Jammu offer prayers for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface of Moon, scheduled later today. pic.twitter.com/f8EOAPyn2L Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 23, 2023

VIDEO | A havan was performed yesterday at Shree Math Baghambari Gaddi in UPs Prayagraj for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3.#Chandrayaan3Landing pic.twitter.com/5ws8wQGKqk Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 23, 2023

VIDEO | Hindu group members offer prayers at Sankastahara Ganapathi Temple in Bengaluru for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3.#Chandrayaan3Landing pic.twitter.com/ckLHX53vVN Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 23, 2023

 Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Chouhan said, The country is proudI want to thank all the scientists from the bottom of my heart. Under PM Modis leadership the country has achieved a lot.
The Nuh administration has denied permission to Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to hold a second Brij Mandal Jal Abhishek Yatra on August 28, almost a month after six people were killed on July 31 in communal violence during the yatra.

Haryana officials said the Nuh District Commissioner (DC) has formally written to the organisers denying permission. Top Haryana Police officers told CNN-News18 that first the Superintendent of Police (SP) and then the DC of Nuh took the decision as the situation on ground is not conducive to hold the yatra at this stage.

The DC has issued a letter denying permission, officials told CNN-News18, adding: Samvedansheelta ko dekhte hue ye faisla liya gaya hai (given the sensitive situation on the ground, the decision to deny permission has been taken)

A police officer said: Social media posts are still inflammatory. Comments being made on social media are keeping the situation tensed so permission cant be granted for any yatra that could inflame passions further.

One of the social media posts that has been flagged is a threat that July 31 saw limited numbers but on August 28, the number of people in the yatra will be manifold.

Local peace committee members have also expressed apprehension that tension could escalate if the yatra is allowed after such social media posts.

On July 31, six people were killed in the communal violence associated with the Jal Abhishek Yatra. Devotees at Nuhs Nalhar Shiv Mandir were pelted with stones and violence soon escalated to neighbouring Sohna and Gurugram too.

ADG Law and Order, Haryana, Mamta Singh told News18: A probe is on to ascertain whether the violence was spontaneous or a pre-planned conspiracy. There was some mobilisation in neighbouring Bharatpur, Rajasthan. It is being investigated if this was connected to the communal violence of Nuh.

More than 500 people have been arrested so far on charges of violence, arson, damage to public property and obstructing public servants from doing their duty. While Nuh locals blame wanted cow vigilante Monu Manesar for inflaming passions with his social media post assuring participation in the July 31 yatra, Haryana Police said there is no evidence to book Manesar for hate speech.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday evening dialled Indian Space Research Organisation chairman S Somanath after Chandrayaan-3 landed successfully on the lunar surface. PM Modi told ISRO chief that his name itself is linked to the moon (Somanath means Lord of Soma or moon).

Somnath naam chandra se juda hua hai. Isliye aaj aapke parivarjan bhi bahut anandit honge. Meri taraf se aapko aur aapki poori team ko bahut, bahut badhai. (The name Somanth is connected to the moon. And hence, Im sure your family members too might be elated today. Congratulate your team on my behalf), said PM Modi from Johannesburg.

Modi, who is in the South African city to attend the five-nation BRICS Summit, waved the tricolour the moment Chandrayaan-3 landed on the moon. Though I was in South Africa for the BRICS Summit, my heart and soul was here (in India), the prime minister said while addressing ISRO scientists virtually.

Modi joined the scientists gathered at ISROs Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) near Bengaluru virtually.

PM Modi also referred to the famous Hindi lullaby and said, Kabhi kaha jata tha chanda mama bahut door. Ab ek din wo bhi ayega jab bacche kaha karenge chanda mama bas ek tour ke hain, said the prime minister.

This is a moment to cherish forever, Modi said, noting that India has reached the South Pole of the moon, where no country had ventured so far. India is now on the moon and now is the time to walk on the Chandra Path, the PM said.

Indias successful moon mission is not Indias aloneOur approach of one earth, one family one future is resonating across the globeMoon mission is based on the same human centric approach. So, this success belongs to all of humanity, Modi said noting that this stupendous feat has been achieved during Indias G20 presidency.
The Cauvery river water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka is bubbling once again with both states calling for an all-party meeting to discuss the long-standing issue.

The dispute revolves around the volume of water Karnataka is obligated to release to Tamil Nadu. On Monday, the Supreme Court ordered Karnataka to release 10,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu daily for the next 15 days.

The all-party meeting in Karnataka, scheduled for August 23, is expected to be a charged one. Discussions on Cauvery water sharing and the way forward will be on the agenda, along with the concerns of the farmers in the state. Political parties in Tamil Nadu have urged Chief Minister MK Stalin to convene an all-party meeting immediately to discuss the water-sharing issue.

DOES KTAKA HAVE WATER TO RELEASE TO TN?>/h4>

Karnataka is facing a dilemma as its reservoirs are at a mere 17% of their capacity.

The state is also seeking a delay to await the arrival of monsoon rains, which are expected to contribute to raising the water levels in its reservoirs. With major reservoirs in the Cauvery basin hitting rock bottom and the monsoon delayed, Karnataka said it will abide by the SC order in the meantime but will also seek time to wait for the rains to build up water levels in the reservoirs.

In its application to the Supreme Court, Tamil Nadu said that the state has been facing severe water shortage and requested the court to direct Karnataka to release 36.76 TMC stipulated for September 2023 as per the CWDTs judgment.

Tamil Nadu claimed that it is essential for Karnataka to release more water or their farmers lives will be at risk.

A senior government source told News18 that Karnataka is heading towards a drought-like situation and the sub-committee meeting on Tuesday will discuss the situation and how severe the water shortage is.

The Cauvery Basin does not have enough water for both states. Just like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka is also sailing in the same boat as the rainfall has been deficient, the official said.

Karnataka will appeal in the Supreme Court on the order passed by it.

GRIM SITUATION IN KTAKA RESERVOIRS

The Cauvery Basin that received copious rains over the last five years has slipped into a grim situation with the combined storage of Kabini, Harangi, Hemavathi, and KRS reservoirs at just 30.5 tmcft against a capacity of 114 tmcft.

According to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, the storage is 148.22 tmcft as of July 1. The gross storage capacity is 865.20 tmcft.

If the Cauvery Basin does not receive normal rain in the next couple of weeks, drinking water supplies to Bengaluru, Mysuru, and districts along the Cauvery Basin will face a shortage. According to meteorologists, Kodagu, which falls in the Cauvery catchment area, has received less than 50% rain compared to last year and has seen a 75% deficit compared to 2021.

LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who is also the states water resources minister, maintained that the government would honour court verdicts, both past and present. He also emphasised that Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are neighbours and at no point in time would they want to fight with each other over the Cauvery issue.

He, however, said Tamil Nadu should not have hurriedly appealed in the Supreme Court to reconsider the decision owing to water scarcity in the state.

Its the duty of the government to help farmers on both sides of the border. I request Tamil Nadu to work with us. We dont want their farmers in distress, you (TN) too dont put our farmers in distress, he said, speaking to reporters.

LONG FIGHT FOR WATER

The Cauvery water dispute is a complex one, and there is no easy solution. The two states will have to find a way to balance the needs of their farmers and the impact on water sharing based on rains, which this year has been in the deficit, explained another senior minister.

In 2018, the Supreme Court modified the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) award of 2007 and, according to the verdict, Karnataka is supposed to make available a total quantity of 177.25 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) to Tamil Nadu in a normal water year (from June to May).

Given the deficit rainfall, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also written to the Centre to review the current parameters for a state to declare a drought and consider its amendment. Karnataka has said that the current definition is too rigid and does not take into account the unique challenges faced by different regions.

Making a case for Karnatakas severe water shortage, the CM highlighted the fact that the state has recorded 234 mm of rainfall as against the normal downpour of 336 mm, with a minus-34% deficiency. He said this was also in the backdrop of the delayed arrival of monsoon and a deficit of minues-56% in June.

The manual rigidly defines dry spells, assuming its impact on agriculture would be similar everywhere and in all time scales. Factors like the type of soil, type of crop, temperatures, and vegetative state equally matter due to which even a dry spell of two weeks can lead to irreversible crop damage, said his letter addressed to Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.

WATER POLITICKING

The JDS and BJP have attempted to corner the ruling Congress on the sensitive issue.

Former CM Basavaraj Bommai, who also held the portfolio of water resources during the BJP rule, said the Congress has been dragging its feet. He highlighted that Karnataka, compelled to release water to Tamil Nadu, is doing so meekly without raising a robust voice.

It is unprecedented and uncalled for. I dont understand the reasoning behind the actions of Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister Shivakumar. They should build a watertight case in the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA). Tamil Nadu was supposed to use 32 TMC, but they used more than 60 TMC for the Kuruvai crop. They were expected to irrigate 1.8 lakh hectares, but they have irrigated more than 4 lakh hectares. This is evident to all. Now they have shifted their focus to Karnatakas water, but the Congress must either present a strong case with the CWMA or release water to the farmers at the right time, he said.

Former Chief Minister and JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy described the decision to convene an all-party meeting as a desperate attempt to address a situation that has spun out of control. He criticised the Congress, a former ally, for its pre-election campaign Our Water, Our Right. The slogan, he said, seems to have changed to Our Water, Tamil Nadus Right.

Its akin to locking the stable after the horses have bolted. Whats the use? The water level in the KRS dam has dropped from 112 feet to 107 feet. What purpose does it serve to hold an all-party meeting at this juncture? Does the state government have a plan in place in case the rains fail? Kumaraswamy added.

Reacting to the statement, Shivakumar acknowledged that his friends in the BJP and JD(S) were attempting to politicise the Cauvery issue, but they appear to have conveniently forgotten what occurred during their tenures when they were in power.

According to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Centre, the state has seen a deficit in rainfall from January to August. The normal rainfall expected during this period is 763 cm, but the actual rainfall that the state received till date is 595 cm. The pre-monsoon showers north usually amount to 129 mm from January to May. However, this year it received 116.4 cm. The south west monsoon is estimated at 839 cm between June to September, but has yielded only 479 cm.
TULSIDAS JAYANTI 2023: Tulsidas Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Hindu saint and poet Goswami Tulsidas. This special occasion is commemorated annually on the seventh day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Sawan. This year, Tulsidas Jayanti will be observed on August 23. Tulsidas was a devotee and follower of Lord Rama. Out of Tulsidas notable literary renditions, one of his greatest works on Hindu literature includes Sri Ramcharitmanas, which is an Awadhi-language adaptation of the Sanskrit Ramayana, written in the 16th century.

Tulsidas also wrote the Hanuman Chalisa, a devotional hymn dedicated to Hanuman, the monkey god and devotee of Rama. The Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most popular Hindu prayers. He died in Varanasi in 1623 CE.

On the occasion of his 526th birth anniversary, lets take a look at some lesser-known facts about the great Hindu saint and some of his famous quotes.

Lesser-known Facts

Tulsidas was the son of Atmaram Shukla Dube and Hulasi Devi. He was born in Rajpur, a village in Uttar Pradesh. He is also believed to be a reincarnation of Hindu saint and poet Valmiki, who wrote the Ramayan epic. He translated the Sanskrit verse and wrote the life story of Lord Rama in the Awadhi language. As per legends, Tulsidas composed the Hanuman Chalisa. Apart from Ramcharitmanas, other well-known works by him include the Ramlalla Nahachhu, Barvai Ramayan, Ramagya Prashna, Parvati Mangal, and Janaki Mangal all written in the Awadhi language.

Famous Quotes by Tulsidas
The shooting of the highly anticipated film Martin is in full swing. Recently, hat-trick hero Shiva Rajkumar visited the sets of the film. Director A.P. Arjun and the lead actor, action prince Dhruva Sarja, extended a warm welcome to Shiva Rajkumar. The photos from his visit are now garnering a lot of traction on social media.

Martin revolves around a mans exploration of self, love, and an intense battle for his homeland. In Martin, Dhruva Sarja embodies the character Anna Martin, engaging in high-octane sequences that aim to stand up to Hollywoods action scenes. The movie is produced by Uday K Mehta under the banner of Vasavi Enterprises.

The other cast of the film includes Vaibhavi Shandilya, Sriram Reddy Polasane, Achyuth Kumar, Nikitin Dheer, Anveshi Jain, Nawab Shah, and Malavika Avinash, among others. With music composed by Ravi Basrur, the cinematography is handled by Satya Hegde.

Martin is slated to release in Kannada, along with dubbed versions available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam languages.

Reports suggest that the climax scene of the movie that was performed was worth Rs 10 crore. This substantial allocation was employed to create striking visuals showcasing luxury cars, trucks, and a visually captivating motorcycle chase sequence, as showcased in the teaser.

In the teaser, Dhruva Sarjas portrayal of high-energy action scenes has sparked enthusiasm among his fans. His role as Anna Martin portrays a man on a valiant mission to protect his homeland while navigating his own identity and matters of the heart. A line from the teaser, Its not a joke who is Martin," has gained notable attention.

Shiva Rajkumar was last seen in Nelson Dilipkumars directorial Jailer. Speaking about his upcoming releases, the actor is going to star in films like Captain Miller, Shivappa, Satyamangala, Nee Siguvaregu, Kabzaa 2, SRK, Karnataka Damanaka and an untitled project with director Ravi Arasu to name a few.

Meanwhile, Dhruva Sarja is gearing up to captivate viewers once again with the film KDThe Devil. This pan-India film delves into the gang wars of Bengaluru during the 1970s, setting the stage for yet another display of the actors versatility.
Alia Bhatt, whos currently basking in the success of her debut Hollywood project Heart of Stone and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, in a recent interview with Harpers Bazaar, reminisced about a birthday surprise from her then-boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor. Alia, whos quite a foodie, shared a sweet story about their time shooting Brahmastra in Bulgaria. She recalled, He was my boyfriend at the time, and we were shooting a movie together in Bulgaria. Theres a particular milk cake from LEto in London that Im obsessed with, and he flew the cake from London to Bulgaria so that I could cut it on my birthday. I literally did not share it, even with him!

Alia Bhatts recent video caused a stir on social media. She shared that her husband, actor Ranbir Kapoor, used to ask her to remove lipstick because he liked her natural lip colour when they were dating. This video made many people on social media upset, with some calling Ranbir a controlling husband.

In the video, posted by Vogue India on Instagram, Alia showed her different way of putting on lipstick. She said, The reason I do this, Ill tell you why is because a lot of time after eating I touch up my lipstick, I dont know, I think something about moving the lipstick across my mouth is just way more tedious as opposed to moving my mouth across the lipstick I thought, that was just something that I worked out for myself and then, I rub it off. Because one thing my husband [when he wasnt my husband when he was my boyfriend as well] says when we used to go out at night, he used to say Wipe that [lipstick] off. Wipe that off. Because he loves the natural colour of my lip.
NATO is fighting a full-scale war against Russia, using the Kiev authorities as proxies, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said in an op-ed dedicated to the 15th anniversary of Georgias invasion of South Ossetia and Russias recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Tass informs.

August 23, 2023, 13:49 Medvedev slams NATO for fighting full-scale war against Russia in Ukraine

STEPANAKERT, AUGUST 23, ARTSAKHPRESS: The politician pointed out that "hostile observers" should have learned a lesson from those developments but "unfortunately, it did not happen." "The Western world keeps falling into the same trap over and over again," Medvedev said.

"Our adversaries are up to their necks in the proxy war that NATO is fighting against us in Ukraine through the hands of the Kiev regime, which is a full-scale and deadly one," he stressed.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the ambitious Chandrayaan-3 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 14. The Vikram lander landed on the Moons surface on August 23 (Wednesday) and India has now joined an exclusive group of countries  the United States, Russia, and China  as the fourth nation to softly land on the Moon! The ISRO mission has created history by becoming the first to successfully land on the lunar south pole. India has joined the ranks of only four countries to achieve a gentle landing on the moon. Celebrities from the Indian film industry took to social media to cheer for India and congratulate ISRO on the historic feat.

Vivek Oberoi wrote on X, Not luck nor magic, but sheer determination achieves victory!

After 77 years of independence one country has only managed to put a moon on their flag while the other has put their flag on the moon! This is the difference between choosing peace and progress VS terrorism and violence. Salute to the incredible team at @isro and the dynamic leadership of our Prime Minister @narendramodi ji. Bharat mata ki jai Scrolling through my feed everywhere, I am filled with joy to see Indians everywhere celebrating and cheering on the team and #chandrayaan3, this is the true unity of our country, yet another reason to be a proud indian today!

Sanjay Dutt wrote, Another giant leap for India! Chandrayaan-3 has successfully landed on the lunar surface, marking a monumental achievement for our space exploration journey. Congratulations to @isro and the entire team! Jai Hind  #Chandrayaan3

Lara Dutta wrote, Indian flag on the dark side of the moon!!!    What a thrill watching history being made!!! Heart full of pride!! Heartiest of congratulations @isro.

Nagarjuna Akkineni wrote, Congratulations india!!#Chandrayaan3 we are on the moon.

Anupam Kher congratulated everyone involved and wrote, India on the moon, countrymen!!! Jai Hind!

Thanking team ISRO, Vicky Kaushal wrote, Thank you for making us all so proud.

Kartik Aaryan shared a photo of himself with the TV , thanked ISRO and wrote, Our India is now on the moon. Historic moment.c

An excited Shraddha Kapoor wrote, What a moment!

Hrithik Roshan wrote, My heart swells with pride a little more today, as I witness my people soar high and give their very best. Congratulations & all my respect to @isro & the geniuses behind #Chandrayaan3s lunar exploration mission. #IndiaOnTheMoon

Karan Johar wrote, A historic day for India today as #Chandrayaan3 lands on the moon. Thank you to @isro.in and the entire team for working with a passion to make us all believe that no dream is too far even the moon! Jai Hind!

Tagging ISRO, Anil Kapoor, who shared a video of himself watching the landing, wrote, What a brilliant display of Indian Space technology and genius! Congratulations to our brightest minds for adding yet another notch to our belt!

Jackie Shroff, too, took to Instagram to congratulate ISRO. Pride of India ISRO. Salute to all! he wrote.
When Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor starrer Bawaal was released in July this year, it left a large section of the audience disappointed. The film was accused of trivialising the suffering of the victims of the Holocaust. In a recent interview, Janhvi defended the movie and explained that the intention of the makers was not to trivialise the issue. She went on to say that the heart of the film was in the right place.

I was part of a lot of the initial discussions with the makers about what the intention was, what the thought was. I had a lot of clarity on what we were trying to say and where that was coming from, and I believe that its a very pure thought of just trying to move people by what had happened and try to hopefully motivate them to understand that our problems are nowhere near anything compared to what had happened, and hopefully get them to see things in a new way, she told Galatta Plus.

It is all a matter of perspective. I feel sad that what some people got from it was that we were trivialising it. That was not the intention. I would like to understand where that opinion is coming from, the actress added.

In Bawaal, Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor visit a gas chamber in Auschwitz. In one of the scenes, they enter a gas chamber in a dream-like sequence and struggle to breathe. In another scene, Janhvis character talked about human greed when she said, Arent we all a little like Hitler? and added, Every relationship goes through their Auschwitz. Last month, the Israeli embassy in India also issued a statement criticising the movie.

Prior to Janhvi Varun Dhawan also defended his movie and told Pinkvilla, Some people got trigged or sensitive about this. But I dont understand where does that sensitivity or trigger go when they watch, suppose an English film, Im saying for example. Theyre allowed to do everything there, theyre allowed to take leaps and theyre allowed to show things in a certain way, but youll find that correct.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Vijay Deverakondas upcoming film Kushi has been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film is slated to release on September 1. Although the film is a week away from its release, the makers have obtain the rating. Samantha took to her Instagram Stories and revealed that the film has been certified U/A. She also revealed that the booking Kushi have now opened.

According to Hans India report, the run time has also been revealed. It is said that Kushi will be 165 minutes

which is 2 hours 45 minutes long. The run time has also been approved by the Censor Board. The report added that the runtime is lengthy, considering that it is a love story.

Kushi is a romantic drama which stars Vijay Deverakonda and Samantha Ruth Prabhu in the lead. The film marks Vijay and Samanthas second film together. The two previously worked together in the 2018 film Mahanati. Kushi was shot in various parts of Kashmir and Andhra Pradesh. 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 film set to arrive in theatres on September 1, will be released in multiple languages including Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi.

Last week, the team hosted a massive music launch in Hyderabad. At the event, Samantha and Vijay performed for fans. Videos and photos of their performance went viral. Sid Sriram, Javed Ali, Anurag Kulkarni, Hari Charan, Chinmayi, Hari Shankar, Padmaja Sreenivasan, Divya S Menon, and Bhavana Isvi also took to the centre stage.
Mrs World 2022 pageant winner Sargam Koushal recently shared glamourous pictures from the beaches of Mauritius on her Instagram handle and the photoshoot is now going viral.

In the pictures, Sargam is flawlessly posing for the camera in black swimwear. Mrs World 2022 can be seen posing in the water on the shores of the beach in a black, embroidered bikini. In the next picture, she is seen lying in the water as she basks in the beach sun with her eyes closed and her hair open to the beach winds.

While posting the pictures, she wrote, Hello, not so summer body! My first ever swimwear shoot for @manishvaidofficial. The photographs were taken by Rishab Rambaruth, and the make-up was done by Naunkoo Neel, as mentioned in the caption. It ended with, Thank you team Mrs Mauritius World and Mr Prakash Ramdhun for making this possible.

Social media users praised her beauty. One user wrote, If you were at Miss World, you would have won that tooyou look stunning. Another netizen commented, Can someone look elegant in swimwear alsoyes yesits you. One reply on the second picture said, Absolutely fantastic, and many fans also showed love through heart emojis on the posts. Both posts have gained thousands of likes on the platform. The photo shoot is a promotional shoot for a swimwear brand.

Sargam Koushal won the title of Mrs World in 2022, in a Las Vegas ceremony. The Mrs World title is given to the women who are married. She became the second Indian woman to win the crown after 21 years. The only other Indian woman to win the title was Dr Aditi Govitrikar in 2001 and she was also a judge in the 2022 edition of the pageant.

Sargam Koushal is a 32-year-old former teacher, hailing from Jammu and Kashmir. She lives with her husband Aditya Manohar Sharma, an Indian naval officer, in Mumbai. She thanked her husband for providing support in her modelling journey. She said, The man who made this moment possible. She did her masters in English Literature from the University of Jammu, and she got her BEd degree from the Government BEd College Jammu.
In November last year, Paresh Rawal announced that Kartik Aaryan was roped in for Hera Pheri 3. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, he responded to a fans query surrounding the cast of the film and confirmed Kartiks name. Soon, it created a stir on social media with many strongly expressing their disappointment with Kartik reportedly replacing Akshay Kumar in the hit franchise. In an interview, earlier this year, the veteran actor cleared the air and stated that both Kartik and Akshay were supposed to star in Hera Pheri 3 but that the Shehzada star wouldnt be a part of it anymore.

As per reports, the original cast comprising of Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty will now take the Hera Pheri franchise forward and in all possibility, it will go on floors in September. In fact, Shetty exclusively revealed to News18 a while back that the promos of the film have already been shot. And now, Paresh Rawal in a conversation with us, addresses the whole episode where he confirmed Kartik to be a part of the film and the backlash that followed.

So, what actually transpired? Kartik Aaryan had a different role in the film. He wasnt supposed to play Raju, which was played by Akshay Kumar in the first two films. Kartiks character wasnt cut from the same cloth as Raju and was made with a different fabric, Rawal tells us. He further adds, Kartiks role was different and had a different kind of energy than Raju. The premise of his character was different. One shouldnt be afraid of backlashes. And once people watch a film, they forget all the backlashes.

Earlier, the veteran actor had mentioned that he was sick and tired of the memes and reels made out of Baburao Apte, his character in Hera Pheri. He now says that he grew over-confident during Phir Hera Pheri (2006). Prod him further and he remarks, There was a sense of over-confidence and that shouldnt have happened. Suniel Shetty anna was earnest and honest and carried the legacy of Shyam in an amazing way. Characters and premise like Hera Pheri come our way very rarely.

The Sharmaji Namkeen (2022) and Soorarai Pottru (2020) actor goes on to reveal that it was during the post-production of Phir Hera Pheri that he realised he didnt give it his all and thats something he intends to not repeat with Hera Pheri 3. We should work around it very diligently and treat it with a lot of nazaqat. We shouldnt make it impure. I realised my mistake when I was dubbing for Phir Hera Pheri. Mujhe samajh mein aaya ke maine paap kar diya hai, bahot hi ganda paap kar diya hai. Par maahol hi aisa tha. Having said that, we shouldnt have become so over-confident, he elaborates.

Paresh will next be seen in Dream Girl 2 and hes all set to showcase his impeccable comic timing to the audience once again. According to him, the mantra to creating a good comedy is to not take it too seriously. You approach comic characters like any other character. You shouldnt look at comedy as anything different. Theres no point of carrying around excess baggage when youre doing a comic role. Coolie ke tarah ghusna nahi chahiye, pahalwaangiri kyun karna? he asserts.
Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has an illustrious career spanning almost four decades. With contributions to films like Arjun, Naam Sardar, Sir, Andaz Apna Apna, Welcome, and Oh My God, he has earned a legendary status now. He recently produced the sequel to his 2012 blockbuster Oh My God, OMG 2, starring Akshay Kumar and Pankaj Tripathi. This film has already entered the 100 crore club.

Talking about why he didnt star in the film, he told ETimes, I didnt do the film because I didnt want this character (Kanti Sharan Mudgal) to be a shadow of my earlier character of Kanji. It would damage both the characters. The actor, who now wants to produce more films, said, Yes, but Id want to attempt different kinds of subjects (like OMG 2) and not the regular run of the mill kind of stuff. It is not favourable to my taste.

It was earlier rumoured that Paresh Rawal was gearing up for the toughest role of his careerplaying Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his own version of the biopic. It is the most challenging role of my career till date. I have a hunger for good roles. I want to be challenged and I am looking forward to this experience. We will start work this year itself, Paresh had told PTI back in 2019.

However, it now seems that the project has been put on hold. When asked about it, he mentioned, Not now, three-four films have already been made on him. But the story is very close to me. Rise of a simple man, it is such a big thing.

Yet, there is one film that the actor is certainly supporting  the Hindi adaptation of his successful Gujarati film, Dear Father. The actor revealed that the film is set for release in October, with him reprising the lead role in the Hindi version once again. He also noted that the rights for a South Indian remake were purchased by Prakash Raj, although hes unsure whether the film has been made yet.
Netflix has an amazing lineup of shows and movies awaiting release. Recently, the streaming platform launched the trailer for Rebel Moon, a space-themed fantasy film directed by Zack Snyder. The first part of the film, titled Rebel Moon Part 1: A Child of Fire, is scheduled to release on Netflix on December 22. The sequel, titled Rebel Moon Part 2: The Scargiver will release on April 19, 2024.

The highly enticing trailer video suggests that filmmaker Zack Snyder is planning to give his fans a visual spectacle. The three-minute teaser presents a perfect balance of action and stunning cinematography. It begins with a reference to Issa, a warrior princess who, as per myth, was destined to end a conflict in society. It then goes on to show the life of Kora, played by Sofia Boutella, who fights demons with the help of mysterious flying objects, unconventional creatures, and laser weapons to take down an undemocratic ruler. The trailer talks about fighting and giving up life for ones ideals and seeing the good win over the evil. The trailer also evokes a certain sense of mystery surrounding the plot.

The description given by Netflix along with the trailer reads, When a peaceful colony on the edge of a galaxy finds itself threatened by the armies of a tyrannical ruling force, Kora (Sofia Boutella), a mysterious stranger living among the villagers, becomes their best hope for survival. Tasked with finding trained fighters who will unite with her in making an impossible stand against the Mother World, Kora assembles a small band of warriorsoutsiders, insurgents, peasants, and orphans of war from different worlds who share a common need for redemption and revenge."

The Rebel Moon franchise also stars Charlie Hunnam, Djimon Hounsou, Ray Fisher, Anthony Hopkins, Ed Skrein, Michiel Huisman, Doona Bae, Jena Malone, Staz Nair, E. Duffy, Charlotte Maggi, Cleopatra Coleman, Cary Elwes, Corey Stoll, Sky Yang, and others.

As per a report by Variety, Zack Snyder created the project as a pitch for a story for the Star Wars universe prior to Disneys acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012. Reportedly, he began remaking the sci-fi film into an original while working on his Netflix feature Army of the Dead in 2021, and he intends to convert Rebel Moon into a series for the streaming service. The publication cites that the director was motivated by his love of Star Wars and Akira Kurosawa films to make this space fantasy rooted in traditional myths.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the ambitious Chandrayaan-3 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 14. The Vikram lander landed on the Moons surface on August 23 (Wednesday) and India has now joined an exclusive group of countries  the United States, Russia, and China  as the fourth nation to softly land on the Moon! The ISRO mission has created history by becoming the first to successfully land on the lunar south pole. India has joined the ranks of only four countries to achieve a gentle landing on the moon. Celebrities from the Indian film industry took to social media to cheer for India and congratulate ISRO on the historic feat.

For More : India Makes History With Chandrayaan-3: Hrithik Roshan, Kartik Aaryan, Vicky Kaushal Shower ISRO With Wishes

Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar has seemingly reacted to a controversial remark made by Kangana Ranaut against him. At the India Today Conclave 2019, Kangana had said that Karan Johar will never be where I am; look at my talent and look at his movies. Now, Karan has indirectly responded to the statement. During the Express Adda, Ananya Panday asked Karan Johar about the meanest thing someone said about his work. To this, Karan replied, Oh my god! Its like someone said, see my talent, see his films. And, I was like, Ok!'

For More: Karan Johar Seemingly REACTS To Kangana Ranauts Meanest Comment: See My Talent, See His Films

Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Vijay Deverakondas upcoming film Kushi has been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film is slated to release on September 1. Although the film is a week away from its release, the makers have obtain the rating. Samantha took to her Instagram Stories and revealed that the film has been certified U/A. She also revealed that the booking Kushi have now opened.

For More: Kushi: Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Vijay Deverakonda Film Gets U/A Certificate, Films Run Time Revealed

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan congratulated ISRO and India as Chandrayaan-3 was successful in its Moon mission. India became the first ever country to have landed on the south pole of the Moon. SRK took to X, previously known as Twitter, to pen the lyrics of his iconic song Chaand Taare from his film Yes Boss, along with his special note for the team who worked on Chandrayaan 3. The Swades star congratulated the scientists and engineers on the project.

For More: Shah Rukh Khan Sings Chaand Taare After Moon Landing, Says Aaj India aur ISRO Chhaa Gaya
Bollywood actor Sunny Deol was spotted in London on Tuesday. The actor made his first public appearance after the news of his Rs 56 crore loan came into light. Sunny has been promoting his new release, Gadar 2, internationally. Over the weekend, he was in Dubai and on Tuesday, he made his way to a theatre in London. In a video he shared on Instagram, the actor revealed he opted to sport a turban and the traditional look for the special event.

While Sunny was welcomed by dhol-taasha, he was also greet by a sea of fans and was eventually mobbed. Fortunately, the actor made his way through the crowd safely and was spotted inside the theatre hall, talking to fans about Tara Singh. He shared the video with the caption, When the streets of England resounded with #MainNiklaGaddiLeke and happy people !! London you have shown us so much love  #GadarInLondon #Gadar2.

Watch the video below:

Sunnys spotting came just days after it was reported that Sunnys Rs 56 crore loan made the headlines. On Sunday, a bank issued a notice that Sunny Deols Juhu home will be e-auctioned to recover a loan of Rs 56 crore given to the actor. A day after the statement was made, the bank withdrew the notice and claimed that there was a technical glitch.

On Tuesday, Sunny made a brief statement about the incident. I do not want to comment. These are personal matters. Main kuch bhi bolunga, log galat matlab nikalenge, Sunny Deol was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Meanwhile, addressing the recent developments, Sunny Deols spokesperson said, We are in process of resolving this issue and the issue will be resolved. We request for no further speculation on the same. The statement also came shortly after Bollywood actor Akshay Kumars team clarified that he did not help Sunny with relieving the loan.
One of the most popular Tollywood celebs Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi are all set to get married. According to the various reports, the couple will exchange vows in November in Italy, a favourite among celebrities for destination weddings. The event will be a private affair with only their close friends and family in attendance.

The couples love story began in 2016 on the set of their Telugu film Mister, which was released in the subsequent year. While the couples on-screen chemistry was appreciated and loved by their fans, rumours of their off-screen romance also created a buzz. The actors kept their relationship low-key and officially confirmed it with their beautiful engagement photos, on June 9 this year.

Take a look here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lavanya tripathi (@itsmelavanya)

Now sources close to Pinkvilla reported that the couple has also decided on their wedding reception plans. Upon their return to India, the couple will host a wedding reception in Hyderabad for friends and colleagues from the film industry. The couple is ready to take the plunge soon and the preparations for the wedding have kickstarted already. While the lovebirds will continue to remain tight-lipped about their wedding plans, they will exchange garlands in an intimate wedding soon in the presence of their close friends and family members. After their wedding in Italy, they will be hosting a grand party in Hyderabad which will be attended by many biggies of the industry, and from political and business circles, the report said.

At present, Varun Tej is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film Gandeevadhari Arjuna on August 25. Directed by Praveen Sattaru, the film will also feature Sakshi Vaidya, Nassar, and Vimala Raman in important roles. The couple doesnt shy away from showing affection for each other on social media and often share their photos from dates and vacations together. In a recent post, Varun shared a glimpse of their vacation and thanked fans for their wishes.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Varun Tej Konidela (@varunkonidela7)

The 33-year-old Varun Tej hails from a prestigious Tollywood family. His father, Nagendra Babu aka Naga Babu is a renowned actor, and he is the nephew of the megastar Chiranjeevi. His younger sister, Niharika, is a prominent producer and actress. With cousins like Ram Charan, Allu Arjun, Allu Sirish, Sai Dharam Tej, and Panja Vaisshnav Tej, he is surrounded by talent. Varun has made a name for himself predominantly in Telugu cinema with his performance in films such as Kanche, Fidaa, and Gaddalakonda Ganesh.

On the other hand, his fiance, Lavanya Tripathi is a TV actress who transitioned to the big screen in 2012 with Telugu romance Andala Rakshasi. The 32-year-old actress father is a lawyer and her mother is a retired teacher. The duos previous on-screen collaboration in movies like Mister and Anthariksham has already given audiences a glimpse of their chemistry, and now, fans cant wait for the big day.
On August 22 and 23, Artsakh Republic President Arayik Harutyunyan held discussions with various state, political and public circles.

August 23, 2023, 14:29 President Harutyunyan will personally present the information on the situation and the approaches of the authorities. Spokesperson

STEPANAKERT, AUGUST 23, ARTSAKHPRESS: Press Secretary of the President of the Artsakh Republic Lusine Avanesyan told ''Artsakhpress'', detailing that the humanitarian and security problems created in the Republic of Artsakh as a result of the complete siege by Azerbaijan, the actions of the Artsakh authorities and mediation proposals received from different centers to resolve the situation were discussed.



No decision was made, and the discussions continue, and soon President Harutyunyan will personally present the information on the situation and the approaches of the authorities, Avanesyan added.
It is ironic that China should now be playing second-fiddle to India in both the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS. This is not admitted to by either side, but perceptually it is increasingly evident. India held the rotating chair in the SCO for a year most successfully till it ended recently, and appears to be dominating the agenda at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg too. So much so, that while Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi pointed out that it will soon be a $5 trillion economy open to do business with the Global South and others, Chinese President Xi Jinping did not make a speech, and stayed away from the business session attended by the other three.

Russias President Vladimir Putin joined in virtually from Moscow. This is the first in-person summit of BRICS since 2019. Prime Minister Modi called India the growth engine of the world in an unabashed pitch to over 40 countries present, and the global audience via coverage of the ongoing three-day event.

Russia was represented by its highly experienced Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. It complained, as expected, about the Western sanctions imposed on it, but pledged support to the Global South, and Africa in particular. If President Putin was referring to grain shipments, Africa would note that those too were disrupted more than once.

India is more credible in this matter, because of its timely help with vaccines during the Covid pandemic, while most others, including the rich Western countries, hoarded their own supplies. Its treatment of the many additional invitees to the G20 Summit approaching its climax next month is also much appreciated by the Global South and indeed most of the G7 countries as well, including Japan and France.

Xi did attend the retreat for the heads of government, but, reading between the lines, did not make any headway with Chinas bid to expand the BRICS line-up immediately. China wants to form a larger block to rival the domination of the Global Commons regime, helmed by the US. However, previous attempts ranging from the post-colonial Non-Aligned movement to the G-15 have never been effective. A line-up of about 45 countries in BRICS is unlikely to do any better.

This Commons regime refers to the dominance of the US dollar as a global reserve currency, the SWIFT system as the international method of banking money flows, and free and open access to the trade waterways of the high seas. It also includes Americas established hold on a number of global institutions, and defence cooperation-oriented organisations such as NATO, AUKUS and QUAD.

Any attempt to go beyond talking about a BRICS currency is unrealistic. India has made headway in trading bilaterally in local currencies with a number of countries, but this too is hampered with not enough presence in global trade. As Indias economy grows, the rupee will gain greater acceptance in international trade, said Columbia University professor and economist Arvind Panagariya in a recent article.

China, by way of contrast, could not properly float its external Yuan as an exchange currency and has been struggling to make something of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), an Asia-Pacific-based trade pact, akin to a common market. Many in it are chafing at the direction from China which tends to advantage it, and India, of course, has refused to join just as it refused to join Chinas Belt and Road initiative. This was prescient because it has severely stressed or bankrupted those who have.

India, under Modi, since 2014, has been joining and participating in other regional meetings of organisations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). These are influential, but not subject to outright Chinese domination. It is also making every effort in BIMSTEC, particularly with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the successor, more or less to SAARC, that has been stymied by Pakistan. Relations with Nepal too are getting better with its infatuation with Chinese communism on the decline.

India is trying hard to reduce its trade with, and investment from, China. Moves like the licencing of the manufacture of laptops and other electronic items is a step in this direction.

Given the eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation of over 50,000 troops with massive deployment of military equipment on each side along the Line of Actual Control (LaC), the relationship between India and China is not good.

Intrusions and illegal holding of perceived Indian territory in Eastern Ladakh, actual skirmishes and clashes in Ladakh and in Arunachal Pradesh make up an adverse list, alongside Chinese training, arming and funding of multiple insurgencies in India. Chinese encouragement of Pakistani terrorism is also a huge problem, as is its blocking of Indian initiatives against terrorists in the UN. China has also blocked Indian membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Chinese companies that have been operating in India have been caught evading taxes and breaking rules. Most Chinese companies are now banned from making investments in India. China itself has also broken international trading rules after joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Indian diplomacy has been candid in stating that the relationship with China is, at present, not normal and cannot be, given the circumstances. Even today, China is regularly menacing the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan and Japan in its near neighbourhood. Against this backdrop, the possibility of a bilateral meeting at Johannesburg between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping is unlikely and rather pointless.

However, both are conducting many bilateral meetings with the other BRICS members and over 40 invited countries, many of whom want to join BRICS.

PM Modi in Johannesburg also called for the building of a resilient supply chain, a diplomatic code used by the Americans to reduce dependence on China. China, on its part, complained rather bitterly of US hegemony and hostility towards the poorer countries of the Global South. While this may seem incongruous in a BRICS Summit, perhaps it is trying to claw back some vestiges of its global image that has taken a severe battering of late.

Not only is China regarded as the villain of the piece with regard to the global Covid pandemic that has taken millions of lives, but its plummeting economy, huge unemployment, collapsing companies, and chronic belligerence has put off most of the world. African countries have been expelling the Chinese for their arrogant, racist, and predatory ways. Most of the world is losing faith in Chinas ambitions given its sharp decline.

The only economy that is growing strongly amongst the five present members of BRICS is Indias. And India has apparently persuaded the other two present  namely Brazils Lula da Silva and South Africas Cyril Ramaphosa  to agree to a process for expanding the BRICS line-up first.

The Shanghai-based BRICS Bank, formally known as the New Development Bank, has failed to rival the major US-backed multilateral lending institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and others.

India is a darling to these institutions, with its approximately 7 per cent GDP growth year on year. It is called a beacon of hope in a world troubled economically, at present.

US President Joe Biden has stated that he considers India to be the most important country to him, in the backdrop of the BRICS Summit, and will be visiting New Delhi shortly between 7-9 September for the G20 Summit, along with a host of other heads of government. His announced agenda at the G20 is to condemn Russia for the Ukraine War.

This 15th Summit of BRICS was preceded by Prime Minister Modi pointing out the need to identify new areas of cooperation. He will go to Greece on August 25 from South Africa for a day-long visit, on his return path to India. Greece is offering a gateway to Europe for India, even as it has been interacting closely with rival China in recent years after its economy went bankrupt and was rescued by its membership of the EU and massive new loans.

Like the rivalry in BRICS and SCO, India and China will continue to compete with each other in the global arena, and in economy-oriented organisations. This will have multiple effects on the geopolitics of the world, but Indias economy, much smaller than China at present, is assured of medium to long-term success. This is mainly because of an alignment with America and its Western allies that give it an edge in security matters. Indias largely atmanirbhar (self-reliant) economy, backed by strong domestic demand and proportionate exports, is poised to make it the third biggest in the world by 2028-2030. After that, its numbers wont stay very much smaller than those of the Chinese economy, presently at number 2.

The writer is a Delhi-based political commentator. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Chandrayaan-3 is not just a mission for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) but a mission for India. A counterfactual might be thrown at this assertion that any ISRO mission is an ipso-facto Indian mission too. Correct, but if we consider all previous missions of ISRO to be equal, then this mission would come off as first among the equals. The reason being the miss by a whisker in ISROs last attempt when Chandrayaan-2 failed to achieve its intended objectives has lived in the public memory for the last 4 years.

Public memory is a very strong emotion and in this case, its the collective memory of 1.4 billion people. The memory is made up of re-energised hope, an acute sense of nationalism, ideals of patriotism and a strong pride with respect to ISRO as an institution. This is despite the fact that between Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3, four years have passed. These four years were in no sense ordinary by any stretch of the imagination. The world went through a global pandemic with millions of lives lost. Despite this, an ordinary Indian still sees hope for himself in the success of Indias space mission. Very few things in India unite people together like nothing else. Success in outer space is one such thing.

Space as an entity has fascinated human beings since time immemorial. So, it comes as no surprise that human beings want to explore outer space. This exploration is seen in the form of mankinds conquest over the extra-terrestrial. The lunar exploration has gained the most limelight among all aspects of space exploration. This is also natural since the Moon is the Earths only satellite and is visible to the naked eye to every Earth-bound species. Therefore, lunar explorations over the last half a century and more have got a huge mass appeal.

Also, the Moon has got a special place and mention in various cultures and civilisations in the form of a story-time entity for kids or a regularly used metaphor in the local sphere of life. A scientist or an engineer is not generally concerned about these social aspects of cosmic or celestial entities but social scientists do look towards the broader picture and try to understand why certain things attract people more than others. The international politics of outer space is a discipline which deals with such aspects. Today, all space-powered nations are looking towards Chandrayaan-3 with great zeal, especially after Russias lunar mission crash-landed just a few days ago.

India is looking at this opportunity not only in terms of satisfying the conscience of its domestic audience but also to stamp its place as a space-powered nation among the comity of nations. Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who is currently attending the BRICS summit at Johannesburg in South Africa would also be looking at Chandrayaans feat closely. At a diplomatic forum like BRICS, Indias authority as a nation will increase if Chandrayaan-3 makes a successful landing on the Moons surface today, i.e. August 23, 2023. This would also boost Indias future endeavours in outer space such as Mission Gaganyaan, which will be Indias first attempt to have a human space flight mission. It was supposed to be conducted in 2022, during Indias 75th year of Independence, but has now been postponed to 2024 in order to focus on Chandrayaan-3.

Outer space is an extremely costly affair involving billions of dollars. Therefore, its successes are grand and its losses are almost crest-falling in nature. So, any attempt by humans to reach and explore outer space must be applauded by the general public. Of course, scientists and individuals in charge of such missions do a lot of cost analysis while assessing the success or failures of such missions. Outer space is not a friendly environment organically made for human endeavours or conquests. On the contrary, its humanitys zeal at large to conquer the universe. Keeping all this in mind, August 23, 2023, could prove to be a landmark in Indias space history. Success and failures are two sides of the same coin but hopefully, the Indian flag will fly on the moon this time.

The writer is a Doctoral Fellow at School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
A new controversy seems to be rearing its head in West Bengal after chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced increase in the stipend of Imams and Brahmin priests, with BJP attacking the Trinamool Congress for the pay disparity between the two even as experts explained the logic behind the move.

At the All India Imam Muezzin meeting, Banerjee declared that the stipend of Imams, Muezzins and Brahmin priests would be increased by Rs 500 in the state. While Imams will get Rs 3,000, Muezzins will get Rs 1,500 and Brahmin priests will also get the same amount.

The BJP used the opportunity to train guns on Banerjee, with Amit Malviya calling the TMC supremo brazenly communal and divisive.

Mamata Banerjee is brazenly communal and divisive.Yesterday, at a conference of Muslim clerics in West Bangal, she announced a 500 rupees hike in the remuneration of Imams and Muezzins. As an after thought, also included Purohits. But here is the catch. Imams get paid 3,000  Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 22, 2023

It was in 2012 that Banerjee first declared stipend for Imams and Muezzins. This had irked the Opposition which accused her of appeasing minorities. Soon, the Purohit association placed its demand for stipend and around 2020, the state government started giving priests a stipend of Rs 1,000.

As the row blows up, News18 spoke to several people in the administration and ruling party to know the logic behind the disparity.

First, the money given to Imams is via the Waqf Board, with the funds of the body and state government together forming the stipend of Imams  a higher amount.

Sources also said Imams cannot do any other work apart from being in the mosque whereas priests can opt for other jobs. Since the job of Imams is 14 hours long, more money is given to them.

Despite the increase, a section of Imams is not happy with the increment as they were expecting more funds after waiting for 12 years.

Meanwhile, Paschim Banga Sanatan Trust General Services head Sridhar Mishra, while speaking to News18, said: See, we dont know who is getting what but no government thought about us till date. Whatever we get, we are happy as Banerjee has thought about us. The chief minister had also declared that this year, the Durga Puja committee will get Rs 70,000 instead of the Rs 60,000 they received last year.

Not convinced with the dole, BJPs Suvendu Adhikari said: Purohits dont need her money. She is doing this for politics. No minorities received benefits of development here.

Justifying her decision to start stipend for religious leaders, Banerjee said: They work very hard. If there is a riot, they help. They also help in programmes such as polio awareness and thats why both Imams and Purohits get stipend.
In 2019, Narendra Modi went to the electorate seeking another term, harping on the much talked about Balakot strike in which the Indian Air Force went deep inside Pakistan to mount an aerial attack on February 26, 2019. The air strike  Indias response to the Pulwama attack  was piloted by 12 Mirage 2000 fighter jets that crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and demolished the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot, Pakistan.

This event, just ahead of the national election, became BJPs calling card in rallies and yielded 303 seats for the party. But in 2024, with the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in cold storage for now, what will be BJPs Balakot equivalent? While Ram Mandir and abrogation of Article 370 and 35A will dominate electoral discourse, the prime minister  behind closed doors  said they wont help win elections.

MACHO PROJECTION OF 3 SWADESHI LAWS

While it is premature to predict BJPs main electoral issue next year, the ruling party is likely to project the yet-to-be-passed three swadeshi laws that seek to replace centuries-old Acts  the Indian Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, and the Indian Evidence Act  as Modi governments masculine steps against anti-nationals, the Tukde Tukde gangs and those whom ministers call enemies inside, say BJP sources.

With enough numbers in Lok Sabha and support from friendly parties in Rajya Sabha  as was demonstrated in the case of the Delhi Services Bill in the Monsoon Session  getting the three Bills passed in the Winter Session later this year wont be a headache for the government.

Whats more, the department-related Standing Committee on Home Affairs has called a meeting on these bills starting Thursday  three days in a row. Leaving just half an hour on Thursday, the remaining period is kept for a presentation by the Home Secretary on the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023; The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023; and The Bharatiya Sakhsya Bill 2023. Interestingly, all the members were suddenly called for a dinner last weekend by Union Home Minister Amit Shah who informally told them about the importance of the Bills to become Acts.

BJP MP Dilip Ghosh, a member of the committee, told News18 that the target of the group is to submit its report to Parliament at the earliest.

It will be in the portal so that the details are available to one and all. We will also try to tell people about it. The issue may be legally complex but its important for the common people to understand the nuances as it is they who will be benefitted, said Ghosh. When asked about Shahs instruction last weekend, Ghosh said: He asked us to listen to all stakeholders and wrap up the process as early as possible.

Another member of the committee and BJPs Lok Sabha MP from Khargone (Madhya Pradesh), Gajendra Singh Patels reply was a confident nischit taur pe when asked whether the three Bills can be made into Acts this coming Parliament session. He said the BJP will go to town drumming about the benefits of them along with the governments welfare measures in the last nine years.

The government has already pitched the moves as walking away from the colonial imprint on the legal process. With increasing seizures of laptops and mobile phones by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to probe terror cases like 26/11 or Bhima Koregaon, electronic and digital records, email, server logs, and smartphone or laptop messages are included in the new avatar of the Evidence Act. This gives agencies more teeth to deal with foreign terrorists as well as the proverbial Tukde Tukde gang. Terrorism has been defined for the first time and new sections added to deal with separatism threatening the sovereignty of India.

WHAT IS MHAS VIEWPOINT?

MHA officials said the aim to introduce these Bills was to eliminate the colonial imprint on the legal process. The present laws, including CrPC and IPC, were enacted 160 years ago and intended to protect the interests of the British and their government in London.

In fact, the reason of removing sedition was that it was against the public. The aim was to make British rule paramount rather than human rights of the common man. Another reason to introduce the changes is to reduce the pendency of cases as innocents are also getting punished due to delays. The complex procedures of IPC, CrPC and Indian Evidence Act have led to a large number of pending cases.

However, politically speaking, Modi Sarkar  through these Bills  wants people to see its tough stance on terrorism, separatism, and notorious criminals. Hence, the BJP is likely to project the Bills as the governments macho avatar.
Leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) have met Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar ahead of the meeting of the opposition bloc INDIA here on August 31 and September 1.

After the interaction with Phansalkar on Tuesday, Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra legislative council Ambadas Danve told reporters that their delegation discussed security preparations ahead of the INDIA alliances meeting, which will be attended by top opposition leaders including chief ministers of various states.

Apart from Danve, the delegation comprised Nationalist Congress Party MP Supriya Sule, Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Desai, among others.

The INDIA blocs first meeting was held in Patna in June and the second in Bengaluru last month.

The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, known by its abbreviation INDIA, is an opposition front announced by the leaders of 26 parties to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to challenge the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The logo of opposition INDIA alliance is likely to be unveiled during the fronts meeting in Mumbai, sources earlier said.
Indias Chandrayaan-3 mission marks a significant milestone as ISRO aspires to achieve a soft landing of the Vikram Lander module on the Moons surface today, on August 23. If successful, India will officially become the fourth nationfollowing the United States, Soviet Union, and China, and notably, the first country ever to achieve a landing on the Moons South Pole.

Despite being ahead of most nations, ISRO has managed to execute the Chandrayaan-3 mission within a record estimated budget of Rs 615 crore, approximately $75 million.

In this article, we will explore how the budget and scope of the Chandrayaan-3 mission compare to the budgets of other notable Moon missions of similar scope conducted by countries such as China, Russia and Indias past missions as well.

Comparison with Chandrayaan-2 and 1 Costs:

Chandrayaan-2, a mission akin to Chandrayaan-3 in its lunar landing objective, had a budget of Rs 978 crorenotably more than the Rs 615 crore budget of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

In contrast, Chandrayaan-1, Indias first lunar probe launched by ISRO in 2008, had an estimated budget of around Rs 386 crore.

Comparison with Russias Luna25 Mission Cost:

While theres no official declaration by the Russian government, the estimated budget for Russias Luna25 mission, which crash-landed on the Moons surface, based on reports, could have approximately been between Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,600 crore. Notably, this budget is substantially higher than the Rs 615 crore allocated for Chandrayaan 3.

Comparison with Chinas Change 4 Cost:

In January 2019, Chinas Change 4 accomplished a successful soft landing on the Moons far side. The craft was initially going to be a backup for Change 3, but later, configured to be Change 4. The exact budget for the project remains unclear, but as Government of Indias Economic Survey, China spent $11 billion in 2018 on its space sector, which was only second to the USAs NASA at $19.5 billion. During the same year, India has spent only $1.5 billion, which is seven times less than China.

Furthermore, in the fiscal year 2022, Indias Department of Space was allocated a budget of Rs 13,700 crores, which was subsequently decreased to Rs 12,543.91 crore in the current year. This context denotes how Indias budget has consistently remained notably smaller in comparison to Chinas.

Chandrayaan-3s Final Countdown

Indias Chandrayaan-3 mission launched off on July 14 on the Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM-3) rocket, starting a 41-day journey to reach and land on the lunar south pole. And, today, on August 23 at 6:04 PM, the Vikram Lander Module will attempt to successfully soft land on the surface of Moons South pole.
LinkedIn is, indeed, an intriguing platform. Time and time again, unusual occurrences on the app find their way onto the internet, giving social media a dimension beyond mere business. Adding to this trend, a LinkedIn profile has now gone viral on X, previously called Twitter, and for all the right reasons. What caught everyones eye was an individual who boldly listed Investor in the Work Experience section. This not only ignited laughter across the internet but also led people to take notes on how to hilariously expand their resumes. Isnt this exactly what freshers in the professional world have been looking for?

Also Read: Old LinkedIn Post For Company Tracking Employees Sleep Awakes Twitter But Heres the Twist

Shared on X by a page named The State of LinkedIn, a screenshot showcased someone who had included work experiences as an investor in various prominent tech giants, including Alphabet, Apple, Tesla, and Microsoft  companies they claimed to have invested in. Although News18 couldnt verify the identity of this genius, the anonymous aspect went largely unnoticed by users on the micro-blogging site, who simply couldnt contain their amusement upon seeing it.

Check it Out:

Soon, reactions flooded in for the now-famous tweet, which has garnered over 2.5 million views and more than 920 reposts. Okay guys the man isnt technically wrong, one user pointed out. This guy probably tells girls at bars he owns Tesla, another user chimed in humourously.

Thats kind of brilliant, praised the third user, while the fourth one pondered, Wheres the lie?

Earlier, there was a viral instance of a woman who listed Homemaker in her work experience. Yugansh Chokra, the founder of the content marketing company Growthic, took to LinkedIn to share her resume, commending her for her honesty. The woman justified her 13-year stint by outlining her experiences as a homemaker and highlighting her valuable skills.

Read More: Womans CV With 13 Years of Experience as Homemaker Goes Viral on LinkedIn, Internet Reacts

No doubt, LinkedIn certainly knows how to serve up a platter of intriguing narratives and a side of eyebrow-raising scenarios!
Aishwarya Mohanraj rose to prominence by securing a spot among the top 10 contestants on Comicstaan, a stand-up comedy competition series showcased on Amazon Prime Video. Particularly recognized for her stand-up performances that deeply resonate with women, Aishwaryas relatable humour has garnered a significant fan base.

Read below to know more about this stand-up comedian:

Education Qualification:

The stand-up comedian hails from Mumbai, Maharashtra. She completed her school at R.N. Podar School, Mumbai. Post that, she pursued a degree in Bachelor of Pharmacy, and later, went on to pursue qualification in a Master of Business Administration (Pharm. Tech) at the School of Pharmacy and Technology Management NMIMS, Mumbai, India.

Personal Life:

Aishwarya Mohanraj, born on July 26, 1994, is the daughter of Mohanraj Pallat and Krishna Pallat.

Professional Life:

During her college years, Aishwarya ventured into the professional world through various roles. She worked as a Technical Intern (Quality Control) at Cipla, a pharmaceutical company, for a few months. Following that, she gained experience as a Public Relations Intern with Bristol-Myers Squibb for a span of 5 months. Aishwaryas journey then led her to Nielsen, the market research company, where she joined as an analyst at their Mumbai office in June 2017. However, her stint lasted only 6 months, as she swiftly realized that the role wasnt aligned with her aspirations.

Her subsequent transition into comedy marked a pivotal turn. Merely three months into this new pursuit, Comicstaan, a stand-up comedy competition television series broadcast on Amazon Prime, beckoned. The shows organizers presented Aishwarya with an opportunity, stipulating that participation required a three-month commitment.

Consulting her parents, Aishwarya garnered their support and embarked on a transformative journey. Consequently, in 2018, she emerged as a contestant on Season 1 of Comicstaan, ultimately securing a spot within the top 10.

Aishwaryas authenticity and relatable content have garnered her affection and admiration. Her approach to videos, reflecting genuine experiences, resonates universally. Additionally, she has worked as a content writer for several shows, including Son of Abish, Behti Naak, On Air with AIB, Comicstaan S02, and One Mic Stand.

Aishwarya Mohanrajs Relationship:

Aishwarya is married to Aakash Shah, the founder of One Hand Clap, a company specializing in advertising services. Before establishing this venture, Aakash also worked as the Social Media Head at All India Bakchod and as a Writer at ScoopWhoop Media Pvt. Ltd.

Also read: Meet Bhuvan Bam, The Man Who Redefined Comedy on YouTube Using Just a Phone

In her YouTube videos Aishwarya told that had met Aakash on a few occasions during his tenure as the social media head at AIB. At one point, she received a notification that Aakash had started following her on social media. Subsequently, they initiated conversations that gradually evolved into a romantic connection. This journey culminated in Aishwarya and Aakash tying the knot on October 19, 2022.

Most popular videos:

The most popular video on Aishwarya Mohanrajs was posted on May 20, 2020. The video is titled as, My First Relationship | Stand-Up Comedy by Aishwarya Mohanraj." It has accumulated 15 million views.

Following closely, the second most-viewed video on her channel is My Pregnancy Test | Stand-Up Comedy by Aishwarya Mohanraj," which was uploaded on August 11, 2020, and has garnered over 13.5 million views.

The third most-watched video is not a stand-comedy video but is a vlog capturing the moment her boyfriend proposed to her. This heartwarming video, posted on March 4, 2022, has attracted an audience of more than 4.7 million viewers.

Social Media Presence:

Aishwarya Mohanraj boosts an extensive fan base across multiple social media platforms. Her Instagram account commands a substantial following of more than 768k followers. She shares her stand-up comedy videos exclusively on her YouTube channel, which she established on September 29, 2012. This channel presently boasts an impressive 719k subscriber count. On the other hand, her twitter account has over 44.3k followers. While she is not that much active on her Facebook account, she still maintains 6k followers on the platform.
Often after eating at a restaurant, customers leave a small amount of money as a tip for the waiters. Restaurant-goers generally pay a 7 to 10 per cent tip on their total bill amount. But, apparently, a waiter in the coastal town of Saint-Tropez in France was left furious after a customer tipped him only 500 euros (approximately Rs 45,000) after eating at an expensive restaurant where he worked. The waiter did not stop at that. He even took the trouble of chasing the Italian man after he left the restaurant premises and accused the customer of paying him inadequately. The hilarious but equally bizarre incident was reported in a French local newspaper, Nice Matin.

As per a report by Nice Matin, the unnamed waiter was angry that the customers tip amount was only 10 per cent of the overall sum of the bill. He went on to explain to the customer that his tip amount should at least be 20 per cent of the bill. A friend of the Italian restaurant-goer, later on, claimed that the man thought that paying the waiter 500 euros (Rs 44,000 approx) was sufficient, but instead, he was reprimanded.

The friend told the local newspaper publication that after the waiter chased down the customer, following his departure from the restaurant, the waiter urged him that he could still rectify his mistake by paying him 1,000 euros (Rs 90,000) as a tip because it was more consistent in approaching 20 per cent of the total amount of his bill.

The Nice Matin reports stated that after the incident transpired, the Italian man swore that he would never visit Saint Tropez ever in his life, owing to the harassment he faced from the waiter, including the extra tipping changes he was asked to pay.

Saint Tropez is renowned for its bustling crowd and sky-high expensive restaurants. This small town has earned flak from the masses for being pricey and unwelcoming to tourists. Reports suggest that some of the eateries here have even begun wealth-screening customers, where restaurant authorities have mandated a minimum spend of 5,000 euros (about Rs. 4.4 lakh) for customers who wish to dine there.

Some countries like India do not demand tipping charges from customers. They are allowed to pay anything they want. In fact in restaurants where there is a separate amount of money allotted to Service Charge, customers need not pay waiters any additional amount.
Boasting a remarkable career spanning 25 years, Aarti Holla-Maini has emerged as a distinguished expert in the field of satellites, space, and telecommunications. The Indian-origin scientists journey is defined by pioneering contributions that have advanced space science and technology.

In June this year, Aarti assumed the role of Director of the Vienna-based United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), succeeding Simonetta Di Pippo of Italy. As the newly appointed UNOOSA Director, Aarti is poised to steer the key UN organisation towards closer space collaboration.

BREAKING NEWS!@UN Secretary-General has appointed Aarti Holla-Maini of Belgium/the United Kingdom as the next Director of UNOOSA.Ms. Holla-Maini brings to this position over 25 years of professional experience in the space sector. Press releasehttps://t.co/UfaEZWfr7d pic.twitter.com/prYA08ZAXb  UNOOSA (@UNOOSA) June 27, 2023

Leadership in Satellite Communications

Aartis leadership is said to have played a pivotal role in shaping the satellite communications landscape. Her tenure as Executive Vice-President for Sustainability, Policy & Impact at NorthStar Earth & Space underscored her commitment to sustainable practices. Her 18-year tenure as Secretary-General of the Global Satellite Operators Association has demonstrated her deep industry insights.

Her impact is magnified by her role in establishing the Crisis Connectivity Chartera crucial framework for emergency telecommunications via satellite. Her efforts have bridged critical communication gaps during crises, further highlighting her dedication to advancing global connectivity.

Driving Sustainability and Development

As a member of the World Economic Forums Global Future Council on Space Technology, Aarti contributed to shaping the trajectory of space advancements. Her commitment to sustainable development is evident through her contributions to the Space Sustainability Rating and the advisory board of the Satellite Industry Association of India.

Aarti has served as Secretary-General of the ESOA, orchestrating its evolution from a European association to a formidable global entity representing 20 satellite operators. Her commitment to bridging digital divides and aligning with the UNs Sustainable Development Goals characterizes her tenure.

Background

Aartis journey began with a bachelors degree in Anglo-German law from Kings College London, followed by a masters degree in business administration from HEC Paris. Her educational foundation and extensive experience have forged her into an aerospace industry leader known for her legal acumen and innovative spirit.

Fluent in English, French, German, and Punjabi, Aartis linguistic versatility enriches her ability to collaborate effectively on a global scale. Her expertise as an Expert Advisor for European Union studies underscores her profound understanding of space traffic management.

With dual British and Belgian nationalities and a multicultural background, Aarti epitomises collaboration in the ever-evolving realm of outer space affairs. Her contributions have garnered global recognition, positioning her as a prominent figure in international space cooperation.
By Mata Press Service

International students in Canada are struggling to find affordable places to stay, as rental prices skyrocket in major cities across the country.

With over 807,000 international students in Canada in 2022, many are facing discrimination in the rental market, rent gouging, rights abuses, and sexual harassment say international education experts.

They argue that post-secondary institutions need to coordinate with local governments to address the shortage of supply and high rents.

Average rents nationally jumped more than 10 percent last year and are expected to rise again this year, although rents in hotter markets, such as Toronto and Vancouver, are up significantly more.

The Canadian government, under pressure over the rising cost of housing, could consider capping foreign student visas, which have rocketed in recent years, new Housing Minister Sean Fraser said this week.

Official data show there were more than 800,000 foreign students with active visas in 2022, up from 275,000 in 2012.

Fraser, who was immigration minister before taking up his job last month, said the sharp rise in the number of students was putting pronounced pressure on some housing markets.

Asked whether a cap could be imposed on the number of foreign students, he said, "I think that is one of the options that we ought to consider." The government has not yet made a decision, he added.

"We've got temporary immigration programs that were never designed to see such explosive growth in such a short period," Fraser told reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet retreat in the Atlantic province of Prince Edward Island.

The official opposition Conservative Party, ahead in the polls of a federal election which must be held by October 2025, says the Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is not doing enough to tackle the housing issue.

Canada, which has a population of around 39.5 million people, plans to take in a record 500,000 new permanent residents in 2025. Fraser said limiting the number of newcomers was not the answer.

Continuing with a high-growth immigration strategy could widen the housing shortfall by about a half-million units within just two years, warned a recent report from the TD Bank.

Amid a continued housing crunch and sky-high costs of living, the federal governments immigration targets and plans for international students are facing renewed scrutiny, reported Global News.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller said in an interview with The Canadian Press that international student enrolments may need to be adjusted while noting that the government has no plans to cut immigration numbers.

Steve Pomeroy, a Carleton University Centre for Urban Research and Education (CURE) policy research consultant and senior research fellow says international students and temporary foreign workers put particular pressure on Canadas rental market.

In an interview with the National Post, Pomeroy said: Temporary foreign workers and students are going to be renters, as opposed to owners,

More visiting students, he said, create inordinate demand at the very bottom of the rental market, where theres already a tight market for low-income workers, fixed-income seniors and those who rely on social assistance.

According to the Post, most international students coming to Canada flock to Ontario, which in 2022 saw over 411,000 foreign students enrolled in the provinces post-secondary institutions.

British Columbia ranked second with 164,000 students last year, followed by Quebec with 93,000, Alberta with 43,000 and Manitoba with 22,000.

While Indias 319,130 international students rank as Canadas biggest cohort, followed by China with 100,075, the Philippines is seeing big bumps in the number of their students coming here.

Canada issued 25,295 study permits to Filipino students to study here in 2022, a 76 percent increase from the 14,355 visas issued to students from that country in 2021.

As of June 2023, 11,400 permits were issued to students from the Philippines.

The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA), in its latest report titled Living in The Red, said nearly 3 in 4 students (72%) reported they spent 30% or more of their income towards housing costs.

In addition, nearly 2 in 5 students experienced food insecurity in the past year, with this trend only intensifying as a result of the pandemic, said the report.

Canadas learners have faced significant financial barriers over the past year. We should not be in a place where students finances are pushed closer to the brink with each grocery trip. Students are struggling to afford the essentials, and this report makes that clear. Sadie, McAlear, CASA Chair.

Considering the findings of the report, CASA stands behind the following principles:

The federal government has an integral role to play in ensuring that all post-secondary students across Canada have the resources and support they need to reach their full potential.

The federal government must maintain accurate and up-to-date data regarding student housing and student food insecurity across Canada.

Post-secondary students have access to affordable and accessible food and housing options that benefit not only all students, but their communities, the economy, and Canadian society as a whole.

Meanwhile, post-secondary institutions say they're already building housing, but need more support from the federal government to match demand, reported CBC.

National organizations like Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) have asked for expanded eligibility in funding programs through the National Housing Strategy to help get more housing projects off the ground.

"Expanding access to low-cost financing to build housing, broadening eligibility for programs through the National Housing Strategy and prioritizing affordable housing projects will enable Canada to better meet its diverse and growing housing needs," Philip Landon, interim CEO and president of Universities Canada, said in an email to CBC.  with agencies
Hundreds of former Afghan government officials and armed forces members have been killed by the Taliban since its takeover of the country in August 2021, according to a UN report released on Tuesday.

The report documents at least 800 instances of extrajudicial killing, arbitrary arrest and detention, torture and ill-treatment, and enforced disappearance carried out against individuals affiliated with the former government and its security forces between August 15, 2021, and June 30, 2023.

In a report published on Tuesday, United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said the rights violations are despite the announcement by the de facto authorities of a general amnesty for former government officials and former members of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF).

In a new report released today, UNAMA has documented human rights violations by the de facto authorities against hundreds of former government officials & former armed forces members of #Afghanistan between 15 Aug 2021 & 30 June 2023.Full reporthttps://t.co/TIvMKaJKwc pic.twitter.com/NBpELaQsA7  UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) August 22, 2023

UNAMAs report presents a sobering picture of the treatment of individuals affiliated with the former government and security forces of Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover of the country. Even more so, given they were assured that they would be not targeted, it is a betrayal of the peoples trust, said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk. He urged the Taliban to consider the findings of this report and to uphold their obligations under international human rights law by preventing further violations and holding perpetrators to account.

In interviews conducted by the UN mission, Afghans described instances of torture and ill-treatment carried out by Taliban members, including beatings with pipes, cables, verbal threats and abuse. The mission also heard from family members whose relatives had been arrested or gone missing, their bodies found days or even months later. In some instances, individuals have never been found. The former Head of the Herat Womens Prison, Alia Azizi, never returned home from work on October 2, 2021. As of August 22 this year, her whereabouts remain unknown.

Asking the Taliban to clarify the terms of the general amnesty, the UN mission in Afghanistan has called for credible and transparent criminal investigations into alleged human rights violations against former government officials and ANDSF members.

While the announcement of a general Amnesty by the Taliban in August 2021 was a welcome step, it continues to not be fully upheld, with impunity for human rights violations prevailing, said Roza Otunbayeva, the Secretary-Generals Special Representative for Afghanistan and Head of UNAMA. The de facto authorities must demonstrate a genuine commitment to the general amnesty. This is a crucial step in ensuring real prospects for justice, reconciliation and lasting peace in Afghanistan.

In response to the UNAMA report, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that the radical Islamic group has followed through on promises of a general amnesty and that the Taliban are seriously investigating some personal and unknown cases of revenge attacks.

The United Nations and others, instead of understanding the realities of Afghanistan and seeing positive developments, are always looking for negative points, he added on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Human Rights Watch (HW) has raised concern about the increasing number of attacks on religious minorities in Pakistan and called for immediate action to protect them from violence. This rebuke came in light of the recent mob attack on a Christian settlement in the Faisalabad district of Punjab province.

On August 16, hundreds of people attacked a Christian settlement in Jaranwala, after two people were accused of committing blasphemy. The mob, armed with stones and sticks, vandalised several churches and dozens of houses. The HRW demanded that federal and provincial governments in the country probe and appropriately prosecute all those responsible for intimidation, threats, and violent acts against religious minorities.

The Faisalabad attack underscores the failings of Pakistans police to adequately protect religious minority communities and respond promptly to violence targeting them, said Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at HRW. The lack of prosecutions of those responsible for such crimes in the past emboldens those who commit violence in the name of religion.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the New York-based rights group highlighted that in recent months there has been an increase in attacks on religious minorities in Pakistan and their places of worship. The persecution of the Ahmadiyya community is embedded in Pakistani law and encouraged by the Pakistan government.

In Pakistan, mere accusations of blasphemy can put those targeted at risk of physical harm. Since 1990, at least 65 people have reportedly been killed in Pakistan over claims of blasphemy. The rights group underlined how Pakistans blasphemy law is largely used against members of religious minorities, while the authorities rarely bring charges against those responsible for attacks on people accused of blasphemy.

The group referred to the 2014 Pakistan Supreme Court observation where it said: The majority of blasphemy cases are based on false accusations stemming from property issues or other personal or family vendettas rather than genuine instances of blasphemy and they inevitably lead to mob violence against the entire community.

Concerned governments and intergovernmental bodies should press the Pakistani government to reform or repeal laws that discriminate against religious minorities, including the blasphemy law, Human Rights Watch stressed.

The Pakistan governments indifference to the abuses under the blasphemy law and the violence it provokes is discriminatory and violates the rights to fundamental freedoms, Gossman said. The authorities failure to hold those responsible for violence against religious minorities to account only encourages extremists and reinforces fear and insecurity among all religious minorities.
Pakistan Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Wednesday lamented that Pakistans successive administrations have struggled to stop corruption. (The countrys) system incentivises corruption, Kakar admitted. Kakar said the governments economic strategy is to bring people under the tax net and use that money for Pakistans betterment, including fighting terror and poverty.

Pakistan PM Kakar also admitted that people residing in the Indus Basin are facing food insecurity because of Pakistans collective inefficiency.

We plan on taxing people, and using those taxes to provide for the underprivileged. This is our aim. If we do not fulfil our aims, then we are to blame, Kakar said.

He said the fight against terrorism in Pakistan will continue and the nation will now bow down to threats emerging from radicalism, extremism and intolerance, Pakistan newspaper The Dawn said in a report.

Pakistan will not surrender in front of radicalism, extremism and intolerance. This is our home and we will run the country on our terms, Pakistan PM Kakar said.

Pakistan PM Kakar said the fight against terrorism must continue no matter what and asserted that surrendering was not an option.

Those who have misconceptions that such attacks will tire us should know that we will never forget our martyrs or their sacrifices and wont refrain from such sacrifices in future. We will, in fact, pursue them, Pakistan PM Kakar was quoted as saying by The Dawn.

He lauded the army for fighting terrorists in Waziristan which led to the deaths of six soldiers. At least four terrorists were killed and two others were injured in the gun battle. He said while law enforcement and army personnel receive salaries for the work they do but Pakistan also pays them with honour and respect.

Kakar said that the nations law enforcement agencies were not running on donations and the government is spending its own money collected through taxes to fight terrorism.

Calling suicide bombers dogs of hell, Kakar said: The suicide bombers  the dogs of hell  do they think that my soldiers sitting in Waziristan, Balochistan or any other corner of the country dont know what God has in store for them.

We will keep fighting against the misguided, Kakar said.
Two tankers, the Singapore-flagged BW Lesmes and Cayman Islands-flagged Burri, briefly collided in Egypts Suez Canal, ship tracking company MarineTraffic said early on Wednesday, citing eyewitnesses.

The shipping tracker showed the BW Lesmes, which carries LNG, stopped and pointing north, and Burri, an oil products tanker, moored and pointing south about 19 km from the southern end of the canal at 2:55 a.m.(2355 GMT).

LNG tanker BW Lesmes will be towed away to the Suez anchorage area, shipping sources told Reuters. A time-lapse shared by MarineTraffic showed Burri turning sideways and colliding with an already sideways BW Lesmes at 2040 GMT before backing up and pointing straight.

The last port call for both ships had been Port Said to the north. There was no immediate confirmation from the Suez Canal Authority.

Approximately 12% of the worlds trade moves through the canal. During strong winds in 2021, a huge container ship, the Ever Given, became jammed across it, halting traffic in both directions for six days and disrupting global trade.

Since then, there have been minor issues caused by technical problems with individual ships.
A teenager armed with a knife wounded an eight-year-old boy at a school in eastern Germany on Wednesday, police said.

Police said the incident happened in Bischofswerda, east of the city of Dresden, German news agency dpa reported.

The boy was taken to a hospital by helicopter with injuries to the head and neck, according to the regional education ministry, and was in a stable condition.

Police initially said that the victim was a girl, but then corrected that information.

The 16-year-old assailant, also a student, was overpowered and he also was taken to a hospital. The situation was under control, according to police. The school building was evacuated after police were alerted to the situation at about 9:45 am.
At least six Pakistani soldiers and four terrorists were killed on Tuesday when the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants attacked a convoy of security forces in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to the military.

The attack occurred in the Asman Manza area of the South Waziristan tribal district bordering Afghanistan when armed TTP militants opened fire at a convoy, killing six soldiers, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the militarys media wing, said.

The ISPR said that four terrorists were killed in retaliatory fire, while two were injured.

The banned TTP has accepted responsibility for the attack.

A sanitisation operation is underway in the area to eliminate any other terrorists, the statement said.

The TTP was set up as an umbrella group of several militant outfits in 2007.

Recently, Pakistan has been hit by a wave of terrorist activities orchestrated by the banned terror outfit.

Last month, two policemen were killed and as many injured when TTP militants attacked a police checkpoint in the countrys restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

On January 30, a Pakistan Taliban suicide bomber blew himself up during the afternoon prayers in a mosque in Peshawar, killing 101 people and injuring more than 200 others.

In February, TTP militants stormed the Karachi Police chiefs office in Pakistans most populous city, sparking gunfire that killed three rebels and four others, including two police constables.

The outfit, which is believed to be close to Al-Qaeda, has been blamed for several deadly attacks across Pakistan, including an attack on army headquarters in 2009, assaults on military bases, and the 2008 bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad.

The TTP also orchestrated the heinous Army Public School attack in Peshawar in 2014, in which over 130 students were killed.
A Russian drone attack hit grain infrastructure in Ukraines southern Odesa region on Wednesday, the local governor said, the latest strike since the collapse of a deal allowing safe shipments from the Black Sea.

There are hits on production and transshipment complexes Granaries were among the damaged objects, Oleg Kiper wrote on Telegram, adding there were no civilian casualties.

Air defence forces had destroyed nine Iranian-made Shahed attack drones during the strike, Ukraines southern military command said in a statement.

The enemy targeted granaries and a production and transshipment complex in the Danube, it said. A fire broke out in the warehouse, the fire was promptly contained. Firefighters continue their work.

Since exiting the United Nations-brokered deal Moscow has pounded Ukraines southern Odesa and Mykolaiv regions that are home to ports and infrastructure vital for shipment of grain.

Last week the first civilian cargo ship sailing through the Black Sea from Ukraine arrived in Istanbul in defiance of the Russian blockade.
Turkey on Tuesday angrily denounced a United Nations Security Council statement blaming the latest unrest on the divided island of Cyprus on the breakaway government backed by Ankara.

The war of words followed an altercation involving UN peacekeepers last Friday that underscored the many hurdles Turkey faces as it revives its drive to join the European Union.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made mending ties with Western allies one his main objectives since winning a difficult re-election in May.

But the long list of Turkeys disputes with Europe includes its support for a breakaway government in the north of EU member Cyprus whose rule is recognised only by Ankara.

Those tensions spilled over when UN peacekeepers last Friday tried to physically block the Turkish Cypriot administration from constructing a road in the buffer zone splitting the east Mediterranean island.

Both sides agree that four members of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) were injured in the incident.

The European Union and Washington both blamed the altercation on the Turkish-backed administration.

The UN Security Council issued a statement after a closed-door meeting on the emerging crisis warning that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute crimes under international law.

The 15-member council also called for the removal of all unauthorized constructions and the prevention of unauthorized military or civilian activities within and along the ceasefire lines.

Turkey called the UN statement unfair.

The press statement issued by the United Nations Security Council is completely divorced from the realities on the ground, the Turkish foreign ministry said.

The notification regarding the road work was made well in advance. This being the case, the physical intervention by soldiers of the UNFICYP in the road construction work was the cause of the tension, the Turkish statement said.

Turkey presses EU

The incident has become one of the most serious of its kind on the island in years.

Turkish Cypriot officials have since opened talks with local UN envoys and halted work in the disputed zone.

But both they and Ankara insist that the road was both legal and essential for linking Turkish Cypriot communities in the ethnically mixed village of Pyla with those living in the north.

Turkish officials also argue that the UN had turned a blind eye on roads linking Greek Cypriot communities in the buffer zone with the south.

Cyprus has been divided since Turkish forces occupied the islands northern third in response to a military coup sponsored by the junta in power in Greece in 1974.

Efforts to reunify the island have been at a standstill since the last round of UN-backed talks collapsed in 2017.

EU officials have made the revival of their own long-stalled negotiations on closer ties with Turkey contingent on finally settling the Cyprus dispute.

Solving the Cyprus issue in line with the relevant United Nations resolutions will be key in this re-engagement with Turkey, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said last month.

Turkeys Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Tuesday that Ankara expected Brussels to revise their stringent opinion about membership.

They need to re-evaluate that, Fidan told reporters. We believe that Turkeys accession to the EU is a strategic act that can further reinforce the EUs position in the world.
Newly released video shows the 98-year-old mother of a Kansas newspaper publisher confronting police officers as they searched her home in a raid that has drawn national scrutiny, at one point demanding: Get out of my house!

Video released by the newspaper Monday shows Joan Meyer shouting at the six officers inside the Marion, Kansas, home she shared with her son, Marion County Record Editor and Publisher Eric Meyer. Standing with the aid of a walker and dressed in a long robe or gown and slippers, she seems visibly upset.

Get out of my house  I dont want you in my house! she said at one point. Dont touch any of that stuff! This is my house! she said at another. The raids of the newspaper and the homes of the Meyers and a City Council member happened on Aug. 11, after a local restaurant owner accused the newspaper of illegally accessing information about her. Joan Meyer died a day later. Her son said he believes that the stress contributed to her death.

A prosecutor said later that there was insufficient evidence to justify the raids, and some of the seized computers and cellphones have been returned. Meanwhile, the initial online search of a state website that the police chief cited to justify the raid was legal, a spokesperson for the agency that maintains the site said Monday.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation continues to examine the newspapers actions. Legal experts believe the police raid on the newspaper violated a federal privacy law or a state law shielding journalists from having to identify sources or to turn over unpublished material to law enforcement.

Two state lawmakers, Kansas House Democratic Leader Vic Miller, and Democratic state Rep. Jason Probst, a former newspaper reporter and editor in Hutchinson, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southwest of Marion, said they plan to pursue legislation dealing with search warrants next year but are looking for other ideas as well.

I dont want this to fade away until weve addressed it, Miller said during a Statehouse news conference.

The raid on the Record put it and its hometown of around 1,900 residents about 150 miles (241 kilometers) southwest of Kansas City in the center of a debate about press freedoms protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Kansas Bill of Rights. It also exposed divisions in the town over local politics and the newspapers coverage of the community, and put an intense spotlight on Police Chief Gideon Cody, who led the raids after the newspaper had asked questions about his background.

As far as Chief Cody goes, he can take his high horse he brought into this community and giddy-up on out of town, Darvin Markley, a Marion resident, said during a Monday afternoon City Council meeting. The man needs to go. He needs to be fired.

Cody did not attend Mondays meeting or respond to email and cellphone messages seeking comment. He said in affidavits used to obtain the warrants that he had probable cause to believe that the newspaper and City Council member Ruth Herbel, whose home was also raided, had violated state laws against identity theft or computer crimes.

Both Herbel and the newspaper have said they received a copy of a document about the status of the restaurant owners license without soliciting it. The document disclosed the womans license number and date of birth, which are required to check the status of a persons license online and gain access to a more complete driving record. The police chief maintains they broke state laws to do that, while the newspaper and Herbels attorneys say they didnt.

Herbel, the citys vice mayor, presided over the City Councils meeting Monday, its first since the raids. It lasted less than an hour, and Herbel announced that council members would not discuss the raids  something its agenda already had said in an all-caps statement in red followed by 47 exclamation points. She said the council will address the raids in a future meeting.

While Herbel said after the meeting that she agrees that Cody should resign, other City Council members declined to comment. Mike Powers, a retired district court judge who is the only candidate for mayor this fall, said its premature to make any judgments.

Meyer said the newspaper plans to file a lawsuit over the raid of its offices and his home. The publisher has noted that among the items seized were a computer tower and personal cellphone of a reporter who was uninvolved in the dispute with the local restaurant owner  but who had been investigating why Cody left a Kansas City, Missouri, police captains job in April before becoming Marion police chief.

Video from a security camera overlooking the newsroom showed an officer reading the reporter her rights during the raid. Bernie Rhodes, the newspapers attorney, said the action meant she wasnt free to leave and could have been jailed. People keep asking me, Why havent you already sued? Rhodes said. I dont want to be rash like the police were. Im doing a thorough investigation.
Vivek Ramaswamy, the US presidential candidate, recently found himself in hot water due to remarks on 9/11 that sparked controversy. The Indian American hopefuls comments, which garnered criticism, raised doubts about the attacks origins and the role of US federal agents.

The row over the youngest Republican candidates comments emerged just prior to the inaugural GOP presidential debate in Milwaukee. The quote in question revolved around the presence of police and federal agents on the planes that hit the Twin Towers.

In an interview with CNN, Ramaswamy emphasised that while there are government falsehoods related to 9/11, he was not referring to those specific ones. Regarding quotes attributed to him in The Atlantic, he asserted that versions presented by the news outlet did not precisely capture his intended meaning.

Ramaswamy, who has risen in GOP ranks, asserted that The Atlantic had misquoted him, asserting that he was actually referring to January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, not the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, when discussing the role of federal agents. He also underlined the importance of having comprehensive knowledge about the events of 9/11 through a transparent commission.

Hilarious interview with @CNN last night. Felt like I was talking to a petulant teenager., Ramaswamy wrote on the social media platform X after the CNN interview.

Hilarious interview with @CNN last night. Felt like I was talking to a petulant teenager. https://t.co/MUik3mMfNp Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) August 22, 2023

Speaking the hard TRUTH to a female anchor isnt mansplaining, its the exact same treatment I gave to Don Lemon a few months back: I believe in equal opportunity for all media dishonesty, he said in another post.

The controversy emerged after a discussion with The Atlantic, where Ramaswamy expressed skepticism about the truth behind the January 6 Capitol riot. He questioned whether entrapment had occurred and whether government agents had played a role.

Despite Ramaswamys claims of misquotation, The Atlantic stood by its report and released a recording confirming the quotes authenticity. Ramaswamys campaign spokesperson described the conversation as a free-flowing one and clarified that Hendricksons questions pertained to January 6, not 9/11.

Ramaswamy further clarified that US federal agents were involved in the January 6 events and that the public should be informed. He reiterated his stance that The Atlantic had misrepresented him and also accused the federal government of lying about Saudi Arabias role in 9/11.

Regarding the 9/11 Commissions findings, Ramaswamy challenged their assertion that there was no evidence of Saudi government involvement in funding al Qaeda. He referred to recently declassified FBI documents revealing investigations into support for Saudi nationals linked to the attacks.

The GOP candidate went on to reiterate his defence on Fox News, clarifying that he doesnt believe federal agents were on hijacked planes during 9/11 but has a differing view of the January 6 events.
Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who rebelled against President Vladimir Putin in June this year, was on the list of passengers of a plane that crashed in Russia on Wednesday. Prigozhin is feared to be dead, according to Russian agencies.

The plane that crashed in the Tver Region listed Yevgeny Prigozhin among its passengers, (Russias aviation agency) Rosaviatsia said, TASS news agency reported, with RIA Novosti and Interfax issuing similar reports.

There were 10 people on board, including 3 crew members. According to preliminary information, all those on board died, Russias ministry for emergency situation had said shortly before.

Around 1700 GMT the ministry announced that a private Embraer Legacy aircraft travelling from Moscow to Saint Petersburg crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino in the Tver Region.

It said it was conducting search operations.

Videos on Telegram channels linked to Wagner posted footage  that AFP could not independently confirm  showing the wreckage of plane burning in a field.

Prigozhin commands thousands of mercenaries who played a key role in the Ukraine invasion.

In May, Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin furiously accused Russian military leaders of failing to provide his forces with ammunition. Then, on the night between June 23 and 24, after Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin called for the toppling of Russias military command. Less than 24 hours later, Prigozhin had turned his forces back.

The mutiny ended with a deal, mediated by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, under which Prigozhin was expected to move to neighbouring Belarus with some of his men. He since then refused to cede command of Wagner, but mostly stayed out of the public eye.

(With inputs from AFP)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi set an example for global leaders in Johannesburg on Wednesday when he displayed his respect for the Indian tricolour on a global stage.

Powerful Video of Prime Minister Modi from #BRICSSummit2023 PMs respect for the Tricolour To denote the standing position, each leaders place is marked with the countrys flag. PM makes sure to not step on the Tricolour and immediately keeps it with him in his pocket . pic.twitter.com/YdRuPkopDb  Siddhant Mishra (@siddhantvm) August 23, 2023

PM Modi was attending the plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit and was being guided to his position by his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa. At the stage where the global leaders were gathering, respective national flags were being put on the floor to denote the standing position where each leader is expected to stand.

PM @narendramodi held a productive meeting with President @CyrilRamaphosa in Johannesburg. They discussed strengthening the India-South Africa partnership in diverse sectors such as boosting business ties, security and people-to-people connect. pic.twitter.com/P1XXBgyKgh PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 23, 2023

Prime Minister Modi immediately spotted the national flag on the floor and immediately bent down and picked it up and put it in his jackets pocket.

South African President Ramaphosa who by that time already took his place following the marker indicated by the South African flag observed Prime Minister Narendra Modis actions and then picked the flag off the floor and handed it over to an aide.

PM Modi also gave a rousing speech at the plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. BRICS will be Breaking Barriers, Revitalising Economies, Inspiring Innovations, Creating Opportunities and Shaping Futures, PM Modi said.

PM Modi thanked South African President Ramaphosa for keeping the betterment and development of the Global South in his agenda for the 15th BRICS Summit.

He highlighted that the betterment of Global South is in Indias agenda for the G20.

We welcome the move to give special importance to the countries of the global south in BRICS under the chairmanship of South Africa. India has also given importance to this subject under its G20 presidency, PM Modi said.

PM Modi said that India supports the idea of BRICS expansion. India fully supports the expansion of BRICS, we welcome moving forward with consensus on this, PM Modi said while sharing five suggestions exploring fields where BRICS member-states  consisting of nations Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa who together represent 42% of the worlds population along with a significant 27% of the global GDP  can come together.

He suggested a BRICS Space Exploration Consortium for BRICS nations to explore space and map weather together. He also suggested that member-states can come together and work in the fields of conservation, traditional medicine, skill mapping and education.
Chinese President Xi Jinping was left feeling awkward after a person who was from his delegation was pushed aside by security personnel.

The aide was trying to catch up with Xi as the Chinese President was headed to attend an event at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa where the 2023 15th BRICS plenary session was being held.

Incident at the #BRICS summit in South Africa: the security service twisted Xi Jinping's aide The footage shows a Chinese official lagging behind Xi and trying to catch up with him in the meeting room, which aroused the suspicion of the guards. They detained him and closed the pic.twitter.com/pG1IBE0vN1  Madhaw Tiwari (@MadhawTiwari) August 23, 2023

Xi Jinping was visibly confused and looked back several times to understand what was going on before moving on to attend the events.

Later, Russian state-run news channel Russia Today aka RT in a tweet clarified that Chinese official was lagging behind Xi Jinping at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Since he was attempting to catch up with the Chinese President, his sudden movement raised suspicion among the security personnel present at the venue.

The Chinese President sparked rumours regarding his health when he skipped a speech at a business forum meeting in Johannesburg on Tuesday evening. He attended the dinner event but his commerce minister, Wang Wentao, delivered the remarks on behalf of him.

However, Xi addressed the 15th BRICS plenary session where he took indirect aim at western powers by saying that those with the loudest voices and strongest muscles attempt to dictate international order.

International rules must be written and upheld jointly by all countries based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter rather than dictated by those with strongest muscles or the loudest of voice, Xi Jinping said while addressing the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit.

BRICS countries should practise true multilateralism, stick to solidarity and oppose division, Xi Jinping further added.

China critics are likely to point out that Beijing is among those nations who upsets rules-based order with its actions on the border with India, its threats to Taiwan and with its attempts at coercing nations in the South China Sea into submission.

Xi Jinping also said that a Cold War mentality is still prevalent  indirectly hinting at the US. The Cold War mentality is still haunting our world and the geo-political situation is getting tense. BRICS countries should keep to the direction of peaceful development and consolidate the BRICS strategic partnership, he said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping said that all nations should write and uphold international rules based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and not by those who have the strongest muscles or the loudest of voice.

The Chinese Presidents statements will spark reactions from observers as China faces accusations of encroaching on territories of its neighbours on its western and eastern side. It also claims that it will reunify Taiwan with the motherland by force if necessary.

International rules must be written and upheld jointly by all countries based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter rather than dictated by those with strongest muscles or the loudest of voice, Xi Jinping said while addressing the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit.

BRICS countries should practise true multilateralism, stick to solidarity and oppose division, Xi Jinping further added.

Xi Jinping said that BRICS nations must focus on championing the spirit of inclusiveness and promote peaceful coexistence and harmony between civilisations. We should respect all modernisation paths that each country chooses on its own and oppose ideological rivalry, systemic confrontation and clash of civilisations, Xi Jinping said.

China finds itself in a precarious position as the western world is rethinking its relationship with Beijing following its posture over Taiwan and its support for Russia amid sanctions on Moscow for its role in the ongoing Ukraine war.

Xi Jinping advised member states to expand political and security cooperation to uphold peace and tranquillity. The Cold War mentality is still haunting our world and the geo-political situation is getting tense. BRICS countries should keep to the direction of peaceful development and consolidate the BRICS strategic partnership, Xi Jinping said.

The Chinese President advised member-states to make good use of the BRICS Foreign ministers meetings, meetings of high representatives on national security and other mechanisms.

(We must) support each other in our core interests and enhance coordination on major international and regional issues. We need to tender good offices on hotspot issues pushing for political settlement and lowering the temperature, Xi said.

Xi Jinping said Beijing will work with all member-states to jointly establish the BRICS framework on industrial cooperation for sustainable development.

(with inputs from ANI)
Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped the speech he was scheduled to give at a key multilateral business forum on Tuesday in South Africa. Xi Jinping is currently in Johannesburg, South Africa for the BRICS Summit and a state visit to the country.

This is his second international trip following his visit to Moscow in March. According to a report by the Guardian, Wang Wentao, Chinese commerce minister read the speech. Xi was expected to attend the forum but he attended the summit dinner.

The Chinese officials did not give any reason as to why Xi Jinping missed the speech. The Guardian in its report said that the decision to not give the speech was a last-minute decision and highlighted that state-run media and social media posts by the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson appeared in a manner which showed as if Xi Jinping delivered the speech himself.

Any explanation from China is unlikely to be given but the Guardian said that some China observers speculated if Xi was temporarily ill or if something was amiss.

The news outlet cited a China observer who highlighted that Xi did not make any public appearances this month.

The China Global South Project pointed out that it is the second time this year that a Chinese official was absent in an unexplained manner following the disappearance of former foreign minister Qin Gang who missed the BRICS foreign ministers meeting and has not been seen in public for months.

It said that Xis absence in a highly choreographed event such as this is beyond extraordinary.

Wangs speech targeted the US without naming it and said one nation is obsessed with maintaining hegemony, [and] has gone out of its way to cripple the emerging markets and developing countries. Whoever develops first becomes their target of containment. Whoever is catching up becomes its target of obstruction, Wang said, according to the Guardian.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov are attending the BRICS Leadership Summit. Lavrov is attending on behalf of the Russian President Vladimir Putin as he currently faces an arrest warrant for war crimes issued by the international criminal court.

The BRICS nations  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  represent 42% of the worlds population along with a significant 27% of the global GDP. The theme of the summit this year is BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism.

Last evenings forum was also attended by representatives of dozens of other countries. Some members like Russia and China want to expand the group but India and Brazil want more discussions.
An Italian expat has revealed her thoughts on a selection of Australian supermarket items, and she didn't hold back. The tourist previously ranted about aspects of Aussie life and this time let loose about local versions of traditional Italian foods that "would send an Italian into a coma".

While shopping at Woolworths, the woman slammed SPC Tomato and Cheese Spaghetti, and Heinz Spaghetti with Meatballs. "So bad," she said of the pantry staples, and showed particular disgust at a slice of bread in the serving suggestion for Heinz Spaghetti and Sausage.

An Italian woman has slammed the quality of traditionally Italian foods on offer at Aussie supermarkets. Photo: TikTok/@bysacconji

The shopper also thumbed her nose at ready-made pasta dishes, including Continental Alfredo and Kraft Mac & Cheese. "That's insane," she said of McCain Beef & Bacon Pasta Bake, and when it came to Healthy Choice Creamy Chicken Carbonara, all she could muster was, "Oh my God."

Likewise, supermarket-brand pastas didn't make the cut, with the woman sounding a warning to her compatriots: "If you're an Italian living in Australia, never try the Woolies or Coles pasta. This is awful." Instead, she suggested La Molisana pasta imported from, you guessed it, Italy.

Something is not right about these supermarket cheeses, according to the Italian expat. Source: TikTok/@bysacconji

Things really took a turn when she came across some of our cheese products. Holding up a packet of shredded Woolies Australian Mozzarella, she declared it "absolutely" not real Mozzarella, and she was completely dumbfounded by the powdery texture of Kraft grated Parmesan.

As for McCain Vegemite pizza, well, you can imagine how that went down with someone from the birthplace of the dish. In fact, she recommended fellow Italians never try Vegemite at all, in any form.

Aussies speak up

Some Australian viewers hit back at the woman's blistering critique, defending local supermarket goods. "Tinned spaghetti ain't about the spaghetti, it's about the experience. That's a tin of childhood right there," argued one, while another stated, "McCain frozen meals slap. RESPECT, LEARN IT!"

Story continues

However, others concurred with the Italian expat's assessment, for the most part. "I'm Australian and agree! I make my own pasta and sauces," one viewer wrote. "I agree. Most of these things I would not eat either, except maybe the packet mozzarella haha," laughed a second.

Honourable mentions

While the woman mostly noted what she didn't like, and also took issue with the price of chips in Australia, she did share positive feedback about a few items she thinks Italian's would love, including Cadbury Caramilk, Mars flavoured Pods, and most surprisingly, Woolworths brand garlic bread.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yevgeny Prigozhin was on board the private jet that crashed in the Tver region north of Moscow, the Russian aviation authority has said.

Rosaviatsia posted a list of seven passengers and three crew members, who it said were aboard the plane according to the airline.

All 10 bodies have been recovered from the site and the search operation has been completed, authorities said.

The private jet crashed en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg, around 60 miles north of the Russian capital.

Exactly two months ago, Prigozhin led a short mutiny against the Russian military that Vladimir Putin denounced as treason.

12:16 AM BST

That's all for this time

We will be back early in the morning to bring you the latest on the jet crash that killed Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group.

12:14 AM BST

Embraer reports only one accident previously for plane model in 20 years

The Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft on the tarmac of the Pulkovo International Airport in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in May - LUBA OSTROVSKAYA/REUTERS

The Brazilian Embraer executive jet that crashed in Russia, with Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin believed onboard, has only recorded one accident in over 20 years of service, and that was due to mistakes by the crew rather than mechanical failure, according to website International Aviation HQ.

Russias TASS news agency said the plane was a Brazilian Embraer jet.

Embraer on Wednesday said it was aware of a Legacy 600 plane crash in Russia, but that did not have further information about the case.

It also said it has been complying with international sanctions imposed on Russia and had not been providing aftermarket maintenance for the aircraft since 2019.

Flightradar24 online tracker showed that the Embraer Legacy 600 (plane number RA-02795) said to be carrying Prigozhin had dropped off the radar at 6:11pm local time (15:11 GMT). An unverified video on social media showed a plane resembling a private jet falling out of the sky toward the earth.

Under international rules governing air crash investigations, Russia would lead the investigation, but Brazil could participate since the plane was manufactured there, the Brazilian centre for research and prevention of aeronautical accidents (CENIPA) said in a statement.

Story continues

There had been no communication from Russian authorities to CENIPA about the accident in Russian territory, it said.

12:07 AM BST

Prigozhin 'a walking threat to authorities': analyst

Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre, said on Twitter that no matter what caused the plane crash, everyone will see it as an act of vengeance and retribution by the Kremlin, and the Kremlin wouldnt really stand in the way of that.

From Putins point of view, as well as the security forces and the military  [Yevgeny] Prigozhins death must be a lesson to any potential followers, Ms Stanovaya said in a Telegram post. According to her, after the mutiny, Prigozhin stopped being the authorities partner and could not, under any circumstances, get that status back.

He also wasnt forgiven, Ms Stanovaya wrote. Prigozhin was needed for some time after the mutiny to painlessly complete the dismantling of Wagner in Russia. But overall, alive, happy, full-of-strength and full-of-ideas Prigozhin was, definitely, a walking source of threats for the authorities, the embodiment of Putins political humiliation.

Ms Stanovaya doesnt expect much public outcry over Prigozhins death, as those who supported him will be more scared than inspired to protest while others would see it as a deserved outcome.

A few thoughts in light of Prigozhin's death.



1 No matter the cause of the plane crash, everyone will see this as an act of retaliation and retribution, and the Kremlin won't particularly counteract this view. From Putin's perspective, as well as many among the security and  Tatiana Stanovaya (@Stanovaya) August 23, 2023

12:01 AM BST

FSB seeks to keep US reporter Evan Gershkovich detained

The Wall Street Journal reported Russian authorities had requested an extension of the pretrial detention of Evan Gershkovich, the Journal reporter held in Russia.

Mr Gershkovich, a 31-year-old US citizen, was detained by agents from the Federal Security Service, or FSB, while on a reporting trip in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg on March 29. He is being held on an allegation of espionage that he, the Journal and the US government vehemently deny the Journal reported.

His pretrial detention was initially set to expire on May 29, but was prolonged to August 30 following an earlier request from the FSB.

On Wednesday, the FSB put forward a request to further extend Mr Gershkovichs pretrial detention by an unspecified length of time.

Moscows Lefortovo District Court will hold a hearing on Thursday to hear the application, according to Russian state media outlet TASS.

Evans wrongful detention is outrageous and we continue to demand his immediate release, the Journal said in a statement.

11:51 PM BST

Data shows plane's signal stopping soon after Moscow takeoff

Russian police officers on Wednesday night block a road to the site of the plane crash near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region, Russia - ANATOLY MALTSEV/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Flight tracking data reviewed by The Associated Press showed a private jet that Yevgeny Prigozhin had used previously took off from Moscow on Wednesday evening and its transponder signal disappeared minutes later.

The signal stopped suddenly while the plane was at altitude and travelling at speed. In an image posted by a pro-Wagner social media account showing burning wreckage, a partial tail number matching a jet previously used by Prigozhin could be seen.

Videos shared by the pro-Wagner Telegram channel Grey Zone showed a plane dropping like a stone from a large cloud of smoke, twisting wildly as it falls. Such freefalls can occur when an aircraft sustains severe damage, and a frame-by-frame AP analysis of two videos was consistent with some sort of explosion mid-flight. The images appeared to show the plane is missing a wing.

Russias Investigative Committee opened an investigation into the crash on charges of violating air safety rules, as is typical when they open such probes. Interfax, citing emergency officials, reported early Thursday that all 10 bodies had been recovered at the site of the crash and the search operation had ended.

Keir Giles, a Russia expert with the international affairs think-tank Chatham House, had urged caution about reports of Prigozhins death. He said multiple individuals have changed their name to Yevgeniy Prigozhin, as part of his efforts to obfuscate his travels.

A UK Government spokesperson said: We are monitoring the situation closely.

10:24 PM BST

Pictured: Emergency workers search through wreckage

Emergency personnel search through the wreckage of the plane in the Tver region - RUSSIAN INVESTIGATIVE COMMITEE/AFP/Getty Images

10:06 PM BST

Belarus opposition leader: 'Murderer' Prigozhin 'won't be missed'

The exiled opposition leader of Belarus, where some Wagner fighters moved after their short-lived mutiny in Russia, said that no Belarusian would miss Yevgeny Prigozhin.

The criminal Prigozhin wont be missed in Belarus. He was a murderer and should be remembered as such, said Svetlana Tikhanovskaya.

His death might dismantle Wagners presence in Belarus, reducing the threat to our nation and neighbours.

10:03 PM BST

Embraer says it was compliant with Russia sanctions

The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has said it was compliant with all international sanctions imposed on Russia.

Embraer has complied with international sanctions imposed on Russia, a company spokesman said.

Flightradar24 online tracker showed that the Embraer Legacy 600 said to be carrying Prigozhin dropped off the radar at 6.11pm.

The Legacy 600 entered service in 2002, with almost 300 produced until production ceased in 2020.

09:21 PM BST

Prigozhin: hotdog salesman who had Putin to thank for his rise  and fall

Mugger, convict, hotdog salesman, fine dining boss, warlord and the mercenary chief who dared to challenge Vladimir Putin, writes James Crisp.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the 62-year-old owner of the Wagner Group and the cruellest commander of Putins illegal war on Ukraine, was all these things before his reported death.

Now he is the centre of a murky story of suspected revenge that brings far fewer surprises than his incredible rise to power from prison to Putins orbit.

Prigozhin fell from grace after leading a June mutiny against the Russian president in the midst of his illegal war in Ukraine.

Whether his private jet was shot down over the Tver region north of Moscow or crashed is uncertain.

But few doubt that Putin would take his revenge against a man who became his close ally.

Read the full story here.

08:52 PM BST

Watch: Moment of crash

08:51 PM BST

Joe Biden: 'I'm not surprised'

Joe Biden has said he is not surprised at the news Yevgeny Prigozhin may have died in a plane crash.

I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised, he said.

Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind. But I dont know enough to know the answer.

Last month in Helsinki, Mr Biden jokingly warned that Prigozhin should watch his step after his abortive rebellion.

If I were he, Id be careful what I ate. Id keep my eye on my menu, Mr Biden said.

08:44 PM BST

Crash isnt an accident and has hallmarks of FSB, say UK security sources

British security sources believe that the shooting down of Yevgeny Prigozhins private jet was carried out by the FSB intelligence agency on the orders of Vladimir Putin.

Of course its Putin, one source said. Putin as a leader cannot afford to be humiliated in the way that he was. Putin functions on two things: loyalty above talent and the consequence of betrayal.

Another source said: All the mood music, all the habits, all the history point to the FSB.

The source added: The FSB remains loyal to Putin.

Read the full story here.

08:34 PM BST

'Wagner boss was bound to come to a bad end'

Several unnamed officials close to the Kremlin told Russian media that Prigozhins death was not unexpected.

One had a feeling after the mutiny that he would come to a bad end. The Kremlin doesnt forgive those things, an official close to the Kremlin told the news website Meduza, adding they were not surprised by his death.

08:29 PM BST

Prigozhin is dead, says Wagner-linked Telegram channel

A Telegram channel known to have a close relationship with the Wagner mercenary group has claimed that Yevgeny Prigozhin is dead.

Grey Zone posted: The head of the Wagner Group, Hero of Russia, a true patriot of his Motherland - Yegeny Viktorovich Prigozhin died as a result of the actions of traitors to Russia.

But even in Hell he will be the best! Glory to Russia.

The report has not been independently verified by The Telegraph.

08:25 PM BST

Pictured: Putin attends WW2 commemoration amid reports of Prigozhin's death

Russia's President Vladimir Putin addressing the audience during a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Kursk - GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/AFP

08:21 PM BST

'Putin does not forgive'

An adviser to Volodymyr Zelensky has said Putin does not forgive amid claims that Yevgeny Prigozhins private jet was shot down by Russian air defences.

Mykhailo Podolyak said the Russian president had been waiting for the moment to strike after Wagners march on Moscow in June.

He continued: Prigozhin signed a special death warrant for himself the moment he believed in Lukashenkos bizarre guarantees and Putins equally absurd word of honor.

The demonstrative elimination of Prigozhin and the Wagner command two months after the coup attempt is a signal from Putin to Russias elites ahead of the 2024 elections.

About Prigozhin: It is worth waiting for the fog of war to disappear... Meanwhile, it is obvious that Putin does not forgive anyone for his own bestial terror. Exactly the one that nullified him in June 2023. And he was waiting for the moment. It is also obvious that Prigozhin    (@Podolyak_M) August 23, 2023

08:16 PM BST

Zelensky aide: Prigozhin is on a 'highway to hell'

Andriy Yermak, Volodymyr Zelenskys chief of staff, has posted AC/DCs Highway to Hell on Telegram, in what appears to be a playful nod to reports of Yevgeny Progozhins death.

08:11 PM BST

'No signs of missile attack', say Russian bloggers

Russian military bloggers have said the debris that broke away from the plane allegedly owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin shows no evidence of an anti-aircraft missile attack.

Rybar, a Telegram channel with over a million followers, said: Only one of the pieces has something similar to the consequences of a shrapnel hit, but it can also be cracks.

For a potential hit by S-300 or Buk missiles, the damage is clearly very small.

Another channel, Military Informant, said: There are no traces of an anti-aircraft missile impact on the wreckage of the tail section... which broke away from the fuselage and fell separately.

Previous reports suggested the plane had been shot down by Russian air defences, but these have not been confirmed. Most of the aircraft seems to have been consumed by a fire.

08:03 PM BST

Putin 'sending a message with plane crash'

Vladimir Putin is sending a very loud message after claims that Russia shot down Yevgeny Prigozhins private jet, a prominent MP has said.

Alicia Kearns, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said: The speed at which the Russian Govt has confirmed Yevgeny Prigozhin was on a plane that crashed on a flight from Moscow to St Petersburg should tell us everything we need to know.

Reports Russian Air Defence shot down the plane suggests Putin is sending a very loud message.

The speed at which the Russian Govt has confirmed Yevgeny Prigozhin was on a plane that crashed on a flight from Moscow to St Petersburg should tell us everything we need to know.



Reports Russian Air Defence shot down the plane suggests Putin is sending a very loud message.  Alicia Kearns MP (@aliciakearns) August 23, 2023

07:57 PM BST

'Don't be surprised if Prigozhin is dead', says White House

The death of Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash would not be a surprise given his falling out with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the White House.

We have seen the reports of the crash, National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said, adding: If confirmed, no one should be surprised.

07:51 PM BST

The biggest surprise is that Prigozhin survived for so long

Death resolves all problems, Josef Stalin is supposed to have said. No man, no problem, Roland Oliphant writes.

Wednesdays air crash in the Tver region may have resolved one of the knottiest problems facing Vladimir Putin. In retrospect, the most surprising thing about Yevgeny Prigozhins reported death is that he survived for so long.

Ever since he marched an army of disgruntled mercenaries on Moscow in June, Kremlin watchers have been wondering why Putin allowed his former caterer to remain alive - let alone at liberty.

So while in an ordinary air crash it would be far too early to speculate about the causes, few will buy that this was really an accident.

Read the full story here.

07:48 PM BST

'No one knows what's going on,' says Wagner-linked blogger

A Wagner-linked Telegram channel has urged caution after reports that Yevgeny Prigozhin and another founder of the mercenary group were killed.

Grey Zone wrote: At the moment, it should be borne in mind that NO ONE, except for the people who personally saw Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin getting on the plane, has any information.

Not from any sources or other persons. And those who have, they will not say until the situation is clarified.

07:45 PM BST

Pictured: Crashed plane consumed by flames

Burning plane wreckage near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region - AFP/HANDOUT

07:42 PM BST

Plane crash 'must have happened very quickly'

Whatever caused the plane linked to Yevgeny Prigozhin to crash north of Moscow must have happened very quickly, according to reports.

Baza, a Russian Telegram channel close to the security services, said: The pilots of the crashed plane did not inform the dispatchers about any emergency situations.

According to experts, this means that the critical situation on board the aircraft developed very quickly.

07:35 PM BST

Investigators 'already sifting through flight records'

An investigation into the plane crash that reportedly killed Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin has already begun, according to Russian state media.

Ria Novosti reports: A specially-created commission... has begun collecting factual materials on crew training, the technical condition of the aircraft, the meteorological situation on the flight route, the work of dispatch services and ground radio equipment.

Specialists will also have to find on-board means of objective control for their subsequent decoding and analysis of the black box recordings.

07:30 PM BST

Biden briefed on private jet crash

US President Joe Biden has been briefed about the crash of a private jet in Russia on Wednesday, the White House says.

07:28 PM BST

Pictures: Smoke rises from plane after it plummets from the sky

Smoke rises over plane wreckage near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region - HANDOUT/AFP

A plane falling in the sky near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region

07:25 PM BST

Prigozhin and Utkin dead, claims official

A Russian-installed official in Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region claims that Yevgeny Prigozhin and Wagner co-founder Dmitry Utkin have been killed.

Vladimir Rogov wrote on Telegram: Just talked to some outstanding musicians [a term for members of the Wagner Group]. They confirm the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin.

Kingdom of Heaven to the newly-departed servants of God Yevgeny and Dmitry.

The Telegraph has not independently verified the report.

07:20 PM BST

Prigozhin 'arrived in Russia from Africa today'

Andrei Zakharov, a Russian investigative journalist, has quoted sources in Wagner saying that Prigozhin arrived in Russia from Africa today with the paramilitary groups commanders.

Prigozhin hinted heavily that he was in Africa yesterday in a video message that was apparently recorded in a desert.

07:17 PM BST

Russian media: Plane may have belonged to private company

A plane that crashed in the Tver region belonged to a business transportation company called MNT-Aero LLC, according to Russias Ria Novosti state news agency.

Previous reports have indicated that it was a private jet owned by Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin. Russias federal air transport agency said he was listed as a passenger on the plane.

07:07 PM BST

Reports: Second Prigozhin-owned plane lands near Moscow

A number of Russian military bloggers claim that a second private jet belonging to Yevgeny Prigozhin has landed at an airport near Moscow.

Grey Zone, a Telegram channel with close links to the Wagner Group, said: Where Yevgeny Prigozhin was himself in the end - at the moment there is no data.

The report has not been verified by The Telegraph.

07:03 PM BST

Plane belonged Prigozhin, reports AP

An aircraft with tail number RA-02795 that belonged to Yevgeny Prigozhin

The plane that crashed was a private jet belonging to Yevgeny Prigozhin, according to the Associated Press.

07:01 PM BST

'Contract was out on Prigozhin for weeks'

A contract may have been out on Yevgeny Prigozhin for some weeks, according to a former British intelligence officer.

Christopher Steele told Sky News: We heard some weeks ago from a source that a contract had been put out on Prigozhin in Russia by senior members of the business community.

He suggested that Vladimir Putin may not have authorised the assassination himself, addingL It certainly looks as though it may well be a revenge attack by somebody in the elite.

06:57 PM BST

Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin?

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Russian private security company Wagner, speaking in a desert area

It is not often a catering company tries to overthrow the government of a nuclear super power, writes Roland Oliphant.

Regarding treason, the president is deeply mistaken, Yevgeny Prigozhin snarled into a voice note released by his food companys press service on Saturday morning.

We are patriots of the motherlandand no one is going to surrender to the demands of the president, the FSB, or anyone else.

And with that, the man known as Putins Chef became Putins would-be usurper. It was unthinkable just hours earlier.

But Prigozhins path to rebellion has been a long one.

Read the full profile - written in June at the time of Wagners coup - here.

06:53 PM BST

Footage of plane plummeting from sky

Breaking. Commander of Wagner mercenaries Prigozhin has been killed tonight after his plane was shot down by Russian air defenses near Moscow.

His group played prominent role in supporting Assad in Syria, from Latakia to DeirEzzor. 100s fighters still deployed there. pic.twitter.com/187ikpH4hZ  QalaatM (@QalaatM) August 23, 2023

06:49 PM BST

Eight bodies recovered from crash site, say Russian media

Russian news agency Ria Novosti reports that eight bodies have been recovered from the crash site of an Embrear plane in the Tver region.

Previous reports have indicated that there were ten people onboard, including three crew members.

06:44 PM BST

Pictured: First images emerge of plane crash

What is reported to be a Embraer Legacy 600 Business Jet is engulfed by flames

06:43 PM BST

Plane 'may have been Prigozhin's private jet'

A media monitoring group has suggested that a plane that crashed this evening may have been a private jet owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Belarusian Hajun noted that the registration numbers seen on the wreckage of the plane matched those of the mercenarys boss Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft.

06:39 PM BST

Watch: Prigozhin issued what may have been final video message yesterday

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner boss, yesterday appeared in a video message for the first time since his short-lived rebellion against Russias military leaders, Joe Barnes writes.

The mercenary chief was seen standing, with desert terrain as the backdrop, in camouflage and holding a loaded rifle, appearing to recruit guns for hire for the groups operations in Africa.

The temperature is plus-50C  everything as we like. The Wagner PMC makes Russia even greater on all continents and Africa  more free, Prigozhin said in the video.

Read the full story here.

06:33 PM BST

Russian media: Terrorists may have targeted plane

Competing theories have emerged after a plane apparently carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin crash-landed.

Baza, a Russia Telegram channel with links to the security services, said: According to one verison, a terrorist attack was the cause of the explosion on board the plane.

Others have suggested that it was shot down by Russian air defences as it headed to St Petersburg.

06:29 PM BST

Wagner source: Prigozhin plane was targeted by Russian air defences

A Wagner-linked Telegram channel has suggested that a plane carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin was shot down by Russian air defences.

Grey Zone, which has a close relationship to the paramilitary group, said: Before the plane crash, two local residents listened to two bursts of characteristic air defence.

This is confirmed by contrails in the sky in one of the videos, as well as the words of direct eyewitnesses.

06:25 PM BST

Aviation authority opens investigation into air crash

Russias aviation authority has opened an investigation into the plane crash that reportedly killed mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Rosaviatsia said: An investigation has been launched into the Embraer plane crash that occurred tonight in the Tver region.

According to the passenger list, among them is the name and surname of Yevgeny Prigozhin.

06:23 PM BST

Reports: Another prominent Wagner member killed in crash

Another prominent member of the Wagner Group has also been killed in the plane crash, according to unconfirmed reports.

Russian military bloggers suggested that Dmitry Utkin, a former Russian intelligence officer and co-founder of the group, was also apparently killed.
American Airlines appears to be getting tough on skiplagging, also known as "hidden city" ticketingthe practice of buying an airline ticket with a layover and ending your journey in the layover city instead of the final destination. This can save travelers money when the longer flight is cheaper than a direct flight to the layover city, which is sometimes the case on routes with a lot of competition between airlines, but airlines say it's tantamount to fraud and is banned under conditions of carriage. American has filed a federal lawsuit against Skiplagged , a website that boasts it can save passengers money by exploiting loopholes, USA Today reports. The airline is threatening to cancel every ticket sold through the site.

The site's founder, Aktarer Zaman, has said he's helping people avoid "price gouging" airline practices. The lawsuit says Skiplagged has never been authorized to resell American Airlines tickets. "Skiplagged's conduct is deceptive and abusive," the suit states. "Skiplagged deceives the public into believing that, even though it has no authority to form and issue a contract on American's behalf, somehow it can still issue a completely valid ticket. It cannot. Every 'ticket' issued by Skiplagged is at risk of being invalidated." American previously sued Skiplagged in 2014 but a judge threw the case out of court the following year. The airline is also suing "travel hack" firm Kiwi.

In late June, a 17-year-old booked to fly on American Airlines from Gainesville, Florida to New York City had his ticket canceled after airline staff realized that his real destination was Charlotte, North Carolina, the New York Times reports. The teen's father says he was forced to pay for a direct flightwhich cost $300 more than the Gainesville-NYC fareand was banned from flying on American again for three years. Other skiplaggers have been told they could lose their frequent flier miles. Travel experts tell the Times that skiplagging has been growing in popularity for a simple reason: Air travel has become a lot more expensive in recent years. (Read more American Airlines stories.)
A mask mandate has been reinstated at a major Hollywood studio, at least for some employees. After multiple employees at Lionsgate's Santa Monica flagship office tested positive for COVID, the studio said workers on two of the five floors of the building (which amounts to almost half of the total employees, Deadline reports) must wear "medical grade" masks to work until further notice. Contact tracing is being carried out. And all Lionsgate employees are again being required to self-screen, and avoid the office if experiencing any symptoms; the studio is providing COVID tests by request. Those who have traveled internationally must also avoid the office for 10 days. The Hollywood Reporter notes that the move comes amid a new wave of COVID cases that has caused some to wonder whether mask mandates might make a comeback. (Read more mask mandates stories.)
Crews in mountain and desert towns worked to clear away mud and debris Tuesday in the aftermath of the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years. The system was dissipating as it moved over the Rocky Mountains. Hilary shattered daily rain records in San Diego and dumped the equivalent of a full year's worth on Death Valley National Park, forcing the park to be closed indefinitely and leaving about 400 people sheltering until roads could be made passable, park officials said. The storm dumped a record 2.2 inches on the area. As Hilary moved northeast into the neighboring state of Nevada, flooding was reported, power was out, and a boil-water order was issued for about 400 households in the Mount Charleston area west of Las Vegas, where the only road in and out was washed out, the AP reports.

Hilary first slammed into Mexico's arid Baja California Peninsula as a hurricane, causing one death and widespread flooding before becoming a tropical storm . So far no deaths, serious injuries or extreme damages have been reported in California, though officials in San Bernardino said Tuesday they were still searching for one missing person in a rural mountain community. In one dramatic scene, rescue officials in the desert community of Cathedral City, near Palm Springs, drove a skip loader through mud to a swamped care home and rescued 14 residents by scooping them up and carrying them to safety, Fire Chief Michael Contreras said.

It was one of 46 rescues the city performed between late Sunday night and the next afternoon from mud and water standing up to 5 feet. Flooding and mudslides were reported across Southern California's inland desert and mountain areas and parts of Nevada. The annual Burning Man counterculture festival in the desert 110 miles north of Reno remains on schedule to begin on Saturday, but rain from the remnants of the tropic storm has disrupted the plans of thousands of participants who typically set their camps up early.

story continues below

Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Harold made landfall on the South Texas coast Tuesday. Some 22 consecutive days of 100-plus temperatures ended in the Brownsville area Tuesday when Harold brought some relief, weather service meteorologist Joshua Schroeder said. The storm also brought heavy rainup to 6 inches in some areasin a region that has been experiencing drought, Schroeder said. "A lot of this rainfall is actually beneficial, and as it moves inland, it will rain itself out," Schroeder said, per the AP. (Read more Hurricane Hilary stories.)
A New York boy was hospitalized following a black bear attack in his yard that ended with the bear being shot dead. The 7-year-old was in the backyard of his Bedford home some 40 miles north of New York City around 11am on Tuesday when the bear apparently grabbed him. The child's parents managed to scare the bear off, though it remained in the family's yard. The boy's mom, a doctor, bandaged his wounds and he was taken to the hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening.

Officers with the North Castle Police Department said they were forced to shoot the animal as it presented a continued danger. "Our concern was he did not retreat. At one point he did advance. When you have that many human beings, an animal of that kind would normally retreat, and it did not," North Castle police chief Peter Simonsen tells FOX5. The remains will be tested for rabies. The New York Times reports bear sightings have been on the rise in Westchester County, which encompasses Bedford: The nine sightings logged in 2017 more than quadrupled to 40 last year. Yet attacks are virtually unheard of: "We've never encountered this before," said a 20-year veteran of the local fire department. (Read more bear attack stories.)
Four of former President Trump's co-defendants in the Georgia election interference case have turned themselves in, and two have had their mugshots released, while three others are fighting to avoid appearing at Fulton County Jail at all. The latest:



More surrenders: Georgia bail bondsman Scott Hall surrendered just before John Eastman was released Tuesday, per the Washington Post. Former Georgia Republican Party Chairman David Shafer and alleged fake elector Cathy Latham surrendered overnight on Wednesday, per CBS News. They were each released on $75,000 bond, Hall on $10,000 bond.
"BTK killer" Dennis Rader has been serving 10 life sentences since 2005, but investigators haven't closed the book on himand a new search of one of his former properties has returned "something worthy of disclosure," they say. NBC News reports deputies from Osage County, Oklahoma, spent Tuesday searching the former site of a Park City, Kansas, home where he lived for years; the location is now a vacant field. "Our investigation has led to additional unsolved murders and missing persons that are possibly connected to BTK," said Osage County Undersheriff Gary Upston.

He flagged a "possible connection" to the 1976 disappearance of Oklahoma woman Cynthia Kinney, who was last seen leaving her aunt and uncle's laundromat in Pawhuska, some two hours from Rader's location. Osage County Sheriff Eddie Virden provided Fox News with more specifics on what they were searching for: "We weren't looking for bodies, we were looking for items," Virden said. "We did find some items. We can't release what they are. ... The short version is, through the investigation, we developed information of some possible trophies of Dennis Rader's, and we followed up on those leads ... and we did recover some items of interest."

Rader's daughter, Kerri Rawson, got more specific, telling Fox, "The theory is he could have placed evidence of cases under stone pavers under the metal shed he built early to mid '90s, like drivers licenses in jars." When asked about Rawson's statement, Upston said "she's not too far off," per the Wichita Eagle. More info is expected to be released later Wednesday. Rader has denied having a hand in any cases beyond the 10 he was tried and sentenced for. In letters to the media after the killings began, he gave himself the name "BTK killer," for "bind, torture, kill." (Read more Dennis Rader stories.)
As a human rights activist with a history of criticizing Xi Jinping, it's highly unlikely that Kwon Pyong would have been allowed to leave China through normal channels. Instead, fellow activists say, he fled the country in a very unusual way, riding a jet ski for almost 200 miles across the Yellow Sea from Shandong province to the South Korean port of Incheon, CBS reports. Korean authorities say the 35-year-old was arrested and accused of trying to "smuggle himself" into the country after he got stuck in mud flats near Incheon's cruise terminal and called for help.

South Korea's coast guard says Kwon used a compass and binoculars to navigate the 1800-cc jet ski on the 186-mile journey. The coast guard says he set off with five barrels of fuel tied to the jet ski. Lee Dae-son, a South Korea-based activist with the Dialogue China group, tells AFP that Kwon was desperate to get out of China. "While his means of entry into South Korea in violation of the law was wrong, surveillance of the Chinese authorities and political persecution of Kwon since 2016 are behind his life-risking crossing into South Korea," Lee says.

Rights groups say Kwon spoke out against human rights abuses in China, criticized the regime online, and traveled to Hong Kong for pro-democracy protests in 2014. He was arrested in 2016 for "subverting state power" by "insulting state authority and the socialist system" and served 18 months in prison, the Guardian reports. Kwon doesn't plan to stay in South Korea, which only grants asylum to a handful of people every year, Lee says. "He wants to go to a third country. He went to Iowa State University so he speaks English. He wants to go to an English-speaking country," Lee tells CNN.
Russia's aviation authority says it has confirmed that Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was on a private plane that went down north of Moscow Wednesdaywith no survivors. Social media channels linked to the mercenary group claimed the jet was shot down by Russian air defenses, which the Wall Street Journal notes would be a "very public execution" of a man who posed a serious threat to Vladimir Putin's role. Wagner founder Dmitry Utkin, whose military call sign gave the group its name, was also on the list of seven passengers and three crew members released by the aviation authority, reports the BBC .

The Wagner-linked Grey Zone channel on Telegram said Prigozhin, "a true patriot of his Motherland," died "as a result of actions by traitors of Russia," NBC reports. The channel vowed that his death would be avenged. President Biden, asked by reporters whether he thought Putin was behind the crash, said, "There's not much that happens in Russia that Putin's not behind." He added, "But I don't know enough to know the answer," per the New York Times.

The cause of the crash of the jet, which was bound for St. Petersburg, is still unclear. According to tracking service Flightradar24, the jet had a "dramatic descent" before it slammed into the ground, and videos show the plane heading almost directly downward, NBC reports. The AP says its frame-by-frame analysis of two videos "were consistent with some sort of explosion mid-flight." (Read more Yevgeny Prigozhin stories.)
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At the heart of our mission is a community committed to the formation of our students. At St. Albert the Great Academy, we are very fortunate to have several volunteers who give their time, talent and treasure in different ways to make our school a greater place for children to learn, grow and thrive. Sursum Corda is the name of our volunteer organization. Sursum Corda means "lift up your hearts," and in a very special way this is what each member of our community does: lifts up their hearts for the children in the school. It touches your heart to see children happy to be dropped off at school each morning, laugh on the playground, welcome visitors into the classrooms with warm smiles and hugs, pray the Our Father loudly during Mass, and skip down the halls. It is this warmth of heart that brings our volunteers back each year. We welcome you to consider becoming a part of our community this year by contributing in your own way!

The purpose of our Sursum Corda is to facilitate a welcoming environment for all families of St. Albert's students; to promote St. Albert's throughout our community; to bring parents, faculty and the community together in support of St. Albert's; and to "lift up our hearts" in service to work on specific committees of interest to support the whole community. Who is this community? We are a group of parents, grandparents, faculty and community members who are able to give their time and talent to St. Albert the Great Academy to support all areas of our mission to educate mind, body and soul. Strengthened by a rich history of education in the Auburn Catholic community, our students know that they are supported, encouraged and loved in all of their learning. This witness of unity inspires our students to give back in service and leadership.

Giving of time, talent or treasure comes in many ways, and no small effort goes by unnoticed. In fact, it is the accumulation of many small gifts that makes our community fulfilled. As St. (Mother) Teresa has said, I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot. Together we can do great things. At St. Alberts some volunteers only work on fundraisers, some come in one day a week, some are "on call" when we have a project, and some make a yearly donation toward scholarships or our endowment fund.

Our Sursum Corda has different committees. The Classroom Support Committee includes those who like to give time in the classroom for lunch duty or recess, assistant teaching, as a substitute teacher, or in our library. Our teachers welcome help in the classrooms at any time! The Marketing Committee is looking for people with creative ideas on how to promote our school in not just our community, but surrounding communities as well. Our Fundraising Committee enjoys putting together fundraisers that are family-friendly and fun. Coming up again this fall on Sept. 30 is our annual Fast Cars and Big Rigs at Fingerlakes Mall. Our Hospitality Committee works on family activities for our parents and students, educational opportunities for families and service projects. The Buildings and Grounds Committee is our "go-to" people who can offer a hand on projects that help to keep our school clean, safe, up to date and inviting. People graciously think of us often making donations of items for the school and for the students. And as a community of prayer, we count on the many prayers from all of you too. Each day our students say a prayer to St. Albert asking to:

Protect our students, strengthen our families, and enrich our community.

St. Alberts is a joyful place and our students are naturally very giving because of the witness of so many who give warmly to them. Once a week a grandmother comes to help in several classrooms during lunch and she always leaves saying, "Boy, I love this school!" Many times we dont see the fruits of our labor, but in volunteering in our school, the fulfillment is great and the reward is immediate: the warm smile of a young student! With school approaching soon, would you consider how to contribute your time, talent or treasure in any way? We would love to welcome you. Please reach out to us at (315) 283-0555 or in person at 134 Washington Street.
Have you ever learned a useless fact? The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell became a popular meme a few years ago, making fun of the definitions we were forced to memorize as kids and then promptly never use again after taking the final exam. So why do we insist that our children learn facts about cellular biology, if the overwhelming majority of us will not need that information later in life? A cellular biologist conducting research will certainly have the knowledge of a cells mitochondria as part of an integrated network of information needed to accomplish the tasks in their chosen field, but imposing the information on the population through public education standards in hopes that someone will one day go on to be a cellular biologist seems like a inefficient process. At least, it's inefficient if we only measure education by its practical application.

The ancient Greeks wrestled with the problem of a practical education versus what the philosophers termed an education in the speculative sciences. When we hear the term speculative, our modern ears hear theoretical guessing or something to that effect thanks to our slang. The sense in which speculative was used among the Greek philosophers was that you were seeking knowledge that was worth knowing for its own sake.

In ancient Greece, you could study how to construct a ship. The knowledge obtained in this study was termed practical knowledge not because it was useful to know, but because it was knowledge that translated directly into use. Knowledge of making things was referred to as an art because, with the knowledge, man was able to produce artifacts. Because practical knowledge was always learned for the sake of something else, it was regarded as a kind of secondary knowledge. Learning about constructing ships is only meaningful if you plan to actually construct a ship.

Speculative knowledge is learning that has no practical application. It was knowledge that was worth seeking for its own sake. Because it was learned for its own sake, it was considered to be the more noble knowledge to possess. For example, studying the nature of goodness has no direct application. Nothing can be produced in a factory by that knowledge. This does not mean that it is not worth knowing, though. For example, in one of Platos dialogues, the philosopher was able to distinguish that goodness and pleasure are not equivalent (a very important lesson for children and adolescents to know)! He accomplished this by pointing out that goodness and pleasure had mutually exclusive traits, so they could not be the same thing. When pleasure is mixed with its opposite, it is increased, while when goodness is mixed with its opposite, it is not increased. For example:

 If the pain of thirst precedes the pleasure of drinking, our pleasure in drinking is greatly increased.

 Meanwhile, if someone commits an evil act, such as robbing a bank, that does not increase the goodness of their next donation to a charity.

This kind of knowledge is especially needed today, where instant gratification rules most teenagers' (and adults') lives. Just because something feels good does not mean it is the embodiment of goodness we should orient our lives around.

The current trend in education is to emphasize what the Greeks termed practical knowledge. Social medias praises of coding and robotics programs is an example of this. Fantastic as these programs are, speculative knowledge is still needed in our education system. It is not enough, though, to simply have students discuss speculative topics, such as the nature of goodness. If it is to be done in a scientific manner, then tools appropriate to the task must be used. The rules of formal logic have been the historical tools that led the greatest thinkers to their insights. The rules need to be taught and observed today. A discussion on the meaning of life that is not guided by principles established in formal logic is about as worthwhile as a chemistry class that does not employ the scientific method.

So is the definition of the mitochondria worth knowing? It may not be as practical as knowing how to change a car battery or how to do your taxes, but if it helps students discover the order and beauty of creation, it is worthwhile. Taxes and cars change from generation to generation, but appreciating the wonder of creation does not.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, yesterday issued Edict (68) of 2023, appointing officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, based on a proposal by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The edict stipulates the following:

Article (I)

1- Ali Khalid Ali Al Araifi, as Head of Al Madar Centre 2- Ahmed Mohammed Al Teraifi, as Head of the Arab and African Affairs Sector HRH Prince Salman issued Edict (67) of 2023 transferring a director in the Ministry of Interior, based on a proposal by the Minister of Interior.

According to the edict, Kholoud Abdullah Khalifa Hamada, the Director of the Human and Financial Resources Directorate in the General Coordination Organization for Governorates at the Ministry of Interior, shall be transferred to be the Director of the Civil Personnel Affairs Directorate at the same ministry.

The Minister of Interior shall implement the provisions of this edict, which takes effect upon its issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.

His Royal Highness issued Edict (66) of 2023, appointing a director in the executive body of the Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE), based on a proposal by the President of the SCE.

The edict stipulates the following:

Article (I)

Layla Ali Ahmed Sabeel, as Director of the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department in the Executive Body of the SCE. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister issued Edict (69) of 2023 appointing a director at the Ministry of Labour, based on a proposal by the Minister of Labour. According to the edict, Sharifa Ali Ahmed Al Hujairi was appointed as Director of the Human and Financial Resources at the Ministry of Labour.

HRH issued Edict (70) of 2023, appointing a director at the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), based on a proposal by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the LMRA.

The edict stipulates the following:

Article (I)

Ali Muhammad Ali Salman Yousif, as Director of Policy and Research at the LMRA His Royal Highness issued Edict (71) of 2023 appointing an acting director in the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), based on a proposal by the Minister of Labour and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the LMRA.

According to the edict, Marzouq Abdulkarim Marzouq Salem shall be the Acting Director of the Labour Inspection at the LMRA. HRH Prince Salman issued Edict 72 of 2023 appointing a director at the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, based on a proposal by the Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture.

According to the edict, Jaafar Sami Jawad Al Tajer shall be appointed as Director of the Local Agricultural Production Directorate at the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture.

HRH issued Edict (73) of 2023, appointing a director at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunication, based on a proposal by the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunication. The edict stipulates the following:

Article (I)

Salman Hasan Saleh Al Saati, as Director of the Land Transportation Planning and Studies Directorate. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister issued Edict (74) of 2023, appointing directors at the Ministry of Health, based on a proposal by the Minister of Health.

The edict stipulates the following:



Article (I)

1. Dr. Mohammed Abdul Majeed Ali Al-Awadhi, as Director of Public Health.

2. Fajer Yusuf Mohammed Saleh, as Director of Human and Financial Resources HRH Prince Salman issued Edict (75) of 2023, appointing two directors at the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, based on a proposal by the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments.

The edict stipulates the following:

Article (I)

1- Sabah Tariq Athbi Al Jalahma, as Director of the Judicial Accounts Directorate 2- Abdulrahman Essam Abdullah Mohammad, as Director of the Minors Fund and Affairs Directorate His Royal Highness issued Edict (76) of 2023 appointing a director at the Urban Planning and Development Authority, based on a proposal by the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning.

According to the edict, Maryam Ahmed Hussain Haidar was appointed as Director of Human Resources at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister issued Edict (77) of 2023, based on a proposal by the Minister of Sustainable Development.

The edict stipulates the following:

Article (I)

Futoon Abdulrahman Hussain Al Ammadi, as Director of Communication and International Relations at the Ministry of Sustainable Development.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Julia Cassano

With the expat community in Bahrain growing every day, popularity is rising for a weekly cultural and language exchange programme named Hablo!Bahrain Language Exchange, where participants get the chance to pick up a new language as well as meet new people.

It was in 2021 that the programmes creators, Yusuf Mukhtar and Murtadha Alhejairi, from Bahrain, got the idea to launch an online site where users could practise Arabic and Spanish.

Yusuf then participated in a local language programme in Vienna a year later and then created Hablo in collaboration with Yusuf Mukhtar, Kai Miethig, who is a resident of Bahrain from Germany, and Elizabeth Jimenez from Colombia.

Every Saturday, participants in the exchange programme get together to practise their Chinese, Spanish, German, and other languages. And while the programme aims to teach people new languages, it is also a place where people can socialise and indulge in new cultures.

Additionally, once a month there is a special event where the community comes together to plan different activities like international picnics or prepare various dishes together.

"Learning new languages with others with similar interests is great," Salman, a 26-year-old Bahraini learning Italian and teaching Arabic in the programme, told The Daily Tribune.

"The whole experience has been exciting, and the best part is meeting people from different cultural backgrounds who are willing to both teach and learn from you," he said. A bilingual woman who is learning Arabic and Spanish told The Daily Tribune that the programme is a wonderful place to meet new people and get to know the country better.

"Each person can use their own language to teach new learners and exchange news with other people from countries of the same origin," she said. And while teaching newcomers can be a fulfilling experience, she added that its also a great chance to talk in your mother tongue, as if you dont use it frequently, you risk losing it. On top of this, such groups allow expats to get a better feel for Bahrain.

"Trying different coffee shops and interacting with Bahrainis helped me get to know Bahrain better," she added. Yasser, a 16-year-old Syrian who is learning German, expressed his delight for the programme, noting that since starting it, he has learned how to welcome and bid farewell in Spanish, Italian, and Chinese.

Thoroughly enjoying the social aspect of the programme, Yasser said that meeting people from diverse backgrounds and engaging in various cultural activities has been the highlight of his experience.

While learning German, Taima Ahmed, a 23-year-old Yemeni, had the opportunity to expand her social circle, and the weekly meetups became part of her routine. "I had the chance to improve my existing languages like English, German, and Arabic. Its a very fun occasion as we try a new cafe or restaurant every weeka nice break from things," Taima said. While the group has motivated her to learn more, she hopes to make the time to learn a new language and wishes for more people to join the fun group!
AFP | Bangkok

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Thailand's king on Wednesday endorsed incoming prime minister Srettha Thavisin, an official said, paving the way for him to officially assume office later in the day.

Former property mogul Srettha, 61, of the Pheu Thai party long associated with billionaire ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, will head a coalition government that controversially includes pro-military parties.

Srettha was approved in a joint vote of both houses of parliament on Tuesday just hours after Thaksin returned to the kingdom from 15 years of exile -- and was immediately jailed on old graft cases.

"We have been informed that the King has endorsed the new PM, though the letter has not arrived back at the office yet," Kampi Dittakorn, a spokesman for the House Speaker told reporters.

The royal endorsement is expected to be read to Srettha in a ceremony at Pheu Thai headquarters around 6:00 pm (1100 GMT), at which point he will officially become prime minister.

Srettha's confirmation ended three months of deadlock and wrangling in Thailand that began with the May general election.

The upstart progressive Move Forward Party (MFP) rode a wave of youth and urban discontent with nearly a decade of military-backed rule to win the most seats.

But its push to reform royal insult laws and take on powerful vested business interests spooked the kingdom's powerful elite and saw leader Pita Limjaroenrat blocked from becoming prime minister.

- Deal rumours -

The last two decades of Thai politics have been coloured by the bitter tussle between pro-Thaksin parties and the kingdom's powerful pro-military and royalist establishment.

Thaksin was jailed for eight years on Tuesday, but the timing of his return, combined with Pheu Thai's decision to share power with pro-military parties, has led many to speculate that a backroom deal has been struck to grant him leniency -- though the party denies it.

The former Manchester City owner, 74, was moved from a prison quarantine facility to a police hospital on Wednesday.

Officials said he was suffering from multiple health problems, including heart trouble, and needed monitoring in hospital.

Loved by the rural poor for policies including cheap healthcare and the minimum wage, Thaksin is reviled by the kingdom's elite, who saw his 2001 to 2006 rule as corrupt, authoritarian and a threat to the Thai social order.

Pheu Thai has angered some of its supporters by allying with parties linked to the coup-maker generals who ousted Thaksin in 2006 and his sister Yingluck in 2014.

The deal shuts out MFP, and so despite winning most seats, the party will sit in opposition, with leader Pita on Tuesday saying Pheu Thai's coalition "contradicted the wishes of the people".
The Japanese government has announced a North Korean projectile likely flew over Japan's Okinawa Prefecture heading toward the Pacific Ocean.

North Korea had earlier notified Japan Coast Guard that a launch was planned for sometime between August 24th and 30th.

The Japanese government issued alerts to Okinawa Prefecture through its J-Alert warning system at 3:54 a.m. on Thursday.

It also used its emergency information network systems to issue a notice at 4:07 a.m. that the projectile appeared to have passed over Okinawa Prefecture and was heading to the Pacific Ocean. The government issued an evacuation alert, but later lifted it.

The defense ministry and others say there are no reports of damage, and that the Self-Defense Forces took no steps to destroy the projectile.

The government is advising the public to stay away from anything that could be debris. Any sightings of possible debris should be reported to police, firefighters, the coast guard or other authorities.
When the topic of Alaska and its ownership arises, questions about Russia's involvement often emerge. It's essential to understand the history, treaties, and agreements that have shaped the region's ownership over time.

The Russian Connection

Exploring Historical Claims

Early Russian Presence: Russia established its presence in Alaska during the 18th century.

Fur Trade Dominance: The Russian-American Company controlled Alaska for decades, primarily for fur trading.

Treaty of 1824: This treaty delineated the borders of Russian America, ensuring a clear demarcation of the territory.

The Sale of Alaska

Financial Strain: Russia's financial difficulties prompted the decision to sell Alaska.

Purchase by the U.S.: In 1867, the United States acquired Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million.

Public Opinion: The purchase faced skepticism and was initially dubbed "Seward's Folly."

Dismissing Misconceptions

Russian Ownership Today

Current Political Landscape: Russia no longer possesses any territorial claims on Alaska.

Sovereignty Transferred: The Treaty of Cession transferred ownership and control to the United States.

Strategic Importance

Cold War Implications: During the Cold War, Alaska gained significance due to its proximity to Russia.

Strategic Military Base: The U.S. maintains military bases in Alaska to monitor potential threats.

Debunking Common Myths

Unfounded Conspiracy Theories

Myth of Secret Clause: There is no secret clause allowing Russia to reclaim Alaska.

Legal Clarity: International law and treaties confirm Alaska as part of the United States.

Navigating International Law

Established Ownership

Recognition by Other Nations: Alaska's ownership by the U.S. is internationally recognized.

UNCLOS Guidelines: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea supports U.S. sovereignty.

In conclusion, the notion of Russia's current ownership of Alaska is a historical misconception. The sale of Alaska to the United States in 1867 solidified its status as an integral part of the U.S. territory. International treaties, historical records, and legal agreements confirm this reality. While myths and conspiracy theories may persist, the truth remains clear: Alaska is undeniably a part of the United States.

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HALIFAX, NS, Aug. 23, 2023 /CNW/ - The Salvation Army in the HRM is currently seeing a record high of over 950 individuals requesting back-to-school support. Already over 150 people more than last years total, request continue to flood in as families struggle to deal with the additional cost associated with the coming school year.

The Salvation Army Back-to-school (CNW Group/The Salvation Army Maritime Division)

"Currently we have enough school bags and supplies for 550 children," says Captain Brent Haas, leader of The Salvation Army in Bedford, Sackville, and Dartmouth. "So, we still need over 400 bags filled with supplies if we are going to meet the level of need we are seeing in the city."

Parents often spend a minimum of $100 on back-to-school provisions per child. This includes backpacks, clothing, shoes, school supplies and more, but for many families these additional costs simply are not feasible, and some children are left with no choice but to go without for the school season.

"For some families, the extra expense of the back-to-school season means having to decide between putting food on the table or giving their children the tools they need to succeed in school." Says Major Mark Hall, leader of The Salvation Army in Halifax West.

As part of The Salvation Army's national back-to-school campaign, Salvation Army branches located throughout Halifax are collecting school supplies and backpack donations to distribute to families in need. Unfortunately, the increased demand means the current level of back-to-school donations will not be enough.

"We are hearing it from community partners across the city," says Major Jennifer Hale, Executive Director of The Salvation Army's Center of Hope. "The level of demand for back-to-school support is higher than ever, and to meet it, we are going to need support from our communities."

Please donate today by dropping off schools supplies at one of the following locations: Sackville at 51 Metropolitan Avenue, Dartmouth at 946 Main Street, or Halifax at 2038 Gottingen Street.

About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become one of the largest direct providers of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and in more than 130 countries around the world. Its community and social service activities include: hunger relief for individuals and families through food banks and feeding programs; shelter for people experiencing homelessness and support for those needing housing; rehabilitation for those struggling with substance-use recovery; long-term care and palliative care; Christmas assistance such as food hampers and toys; after-school programs, camps and school nutrition programs for children and youth; and life-skills classes, such as budgeting, cooking for a family, and anger management. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.

SOURCE The Salvation Army Maritime Division

For further information: Please contact: Brent Haas (Captain), The Salvation Army, Canada and Bermuda Territory, Leader of Encounter Church of The Salvation Army, Phone: 902-201-0781, Email: [email protected]
A major business in Cayuga County will benefit from record funding for the Northern Border Regional Commission that was included in the 2021 federal infrastructure law.

The Cayuga County Water and Sewer Authority will receive $605,385 for a water infrastructure project at the county industrial park. The project will install more than 5,000 feet of water line to increase capacity by 1 million gallons per day.

Cayuga Milk Ingredients, the industrial park's main tenant, needs the additional water capacity for its $170 million expansion project. The milk plant, which opened in 2014, has needed improved wastewater infrastructure because of limited capacity.

The latest funding is in addition to another federal grant that was awarded in 2022. The Cayuga County Industrial Development Agency received $1.1 million to construct a new wastewater pumping station.

The Northern Border Regional Commission awarded nearly $11 million for 12 projects in upstate New York, the largest annual investment since the program was established in 2008.

According to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's office, the commission invested more than 28 million to support over 60 projects in a 12-year period, from 2010 to 2022. Last year, the commission provided $5.8 million for upstate New York projects.

Schumer, D-N.Y., noted that the increased funding is from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a bipartisan law that was signed in 2021. The legislation included $150 million for the Northern Border Regional Commission, a federal-state partnership that supports economic development in upstate New York, Vermont and parts of Maine and New Hampshire.

This year, the commission had up to $45 million in grants available for economic development projects, including $20 million from the infrastructure law.

"I fought to deliver historic increases for the (Northern Border Regional Commission) because I knew that would deliver unprecedented funding for communities across New York, and now communities from Watertown to Plattsburgh are reaping the rewards," Schumer said. "This is a big win for upstate New York, and it is only the beginning."

The largest grant awarded in this round of funding for upstate New York is $2.4 million to support broadband deployment in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

Cayuga County has benefited from Northern Border Regional Commission funding in the past. In 2021, Wells College in Aurora was awarded $1 million for water plant upgrades.
A warning of things to come?

With greenhouse gas emissions still on the rise, the future of climate change remains in the balance. While its estimated that global warming can be limited to 1.5C, its more likely global temperatures will increase by about 2.4C if emissions continue as they are.

At the moment, the researchers estimate that the canopies of tropical forests are 34C on average. However, some areas are much hotter than others.

Dr Greg Goldsmith, a co-author from Chapman University says, There are some good reasons to believe that no two tropical forests have the same canopy temperatures, and no two trees, or any given leaf, may do either.

Differences between different tree species, such as the shape of their canopy or the size and thickness of their leaves, may affect their temperature threshold.

To investigate how future global warming might affect trees, the researchers heated the air around individual leaves by 2C, 3C and 4C. This caused much larger increases in leaf temperature of up to 8C, meaning that only relatively small temperature increases could cause many more leaves to die.

Even the death of just a few leaves can start to have knock-on effects, which can build up across an entire rainforest.

Tropical forests are important for their climate regulation properties, and once you start losing bits of the forest this can cause feedbacks elsewhere, Christopher explains. The death of some leaves can reduce levels of transpirational cooling, raising the temperature of the rest of the branch and putting additional stress on other leaves.

The Amazon has experienced greater tree mortality than average in recent years, and while there are many theories as to why this might be the case, it might relate to temperature.

While the figures are a cause for concern, there are a number of caveats to the research. Though a temperature rise of around 3.9C was calculated as the threshold for most forests, the figures ranged from 2C to 8C.

It was also assumed that trees have no capacity to adapt to rising temperatures, because theres not yet enough evidence to prove this one way or the other.

The few studies looking into this havent found significant increases in trees acclimatising to their environment, Martijn explains. The tropics are generally stable in terms of climate, so its uncertain whether or not the plants can dynamically adjust to rising temperatures.

However, as there is not a lot of data it is important to find out more about this. At the moment, we have seen tropical trees seem to have some capacity to adjust, and we hope ongoing work will be able to confirm if this is the case.

The team are optimistic that by raising the alarm now, the countries of the world will redouble their efforts to cut their emissions over the next decade.

Dr Josh Fisher, the Science Lead for the ECOSTRESS mission and co-author, adds, While 0.01% of leaves scorching sounds small, its a canary in the coalmine for what could be about to come.
Suspected gunmen have abducted eight graduates travelling to Sokoto for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp.

Eddy Megwa, the director of press at the NYSC headquarters, confirmed the incident on Tuesday.

Megwa said the abducted graduates were travelling at night to their designated orientation camp when the gunmen waylaid their vehicle on the outskirts of Zamfara.

According to reports, the victims were travelling in an Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus from Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom to Sokoto state for their one-year national service when the incident happened.

Three of the passengers in the bus escaped while the remaining eight were seized by the gunmen.

Megwa said the director-general of the NYSC is in Zamfara to work with security agencies and secure their release.

It happened on Saturday just before Gusau road in Zamfara, the NYSC spokesperson disclosed.

Two days ago when the director-general heard about it, he relocated to Zamfara to work with the security agencies trying to secure their release.

Hes also in touch with the families of the prospective corps members. Were hoping that, in no time, they would be released.

The issue is that we have always been against night travel. It is risky and wrong.

Their call-up letter specifically says that they should rest and continue the next day once it gets dark during their trips. Times are bad. Even we as officers stop our trips once its 6pm.

We feel so bad for what the corps members are going through. We assure the public that, with the DGs intervention, we will secure their release.




The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has resumed orientation services in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, 12 years after the camp was shut down due to the Boko Haram insurgency.





The NYSC Orientation camp, located along Kano Road, was shut down in 2012 during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency due to fears expressed by Nigerians over the safety of their wards.





Due to years of inactivity, the NYSC camp was later converted to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) camp, where IDPs from Damboa, Gwoza and Konduga took refuge.





With the return of peace, camping activities have resumed, with corps members deployed to Borno State for the one year mandatory service.





Governor Babagana Zulum described the Batch B Stream 2 orientation course as historic and special, having marked the end of perennial dislodgement of corps members from the state.





The governor noted that the absence of corps members has denied the people of the state the right to enjoy auxiliary services from the scheme and the opportunity to share different norms, customs and cultures across the country.





Governor Zulum promised to engage the corps members, especially medical doctors and other frontline health workers, to contribute in critical areas of the state.





He also promised to reconstruct the NYSC permanent orientation camp, which has become a shadow of itself due to the long stays of IDPs overstretching the facility.





State Coordinator of NYSC, Comrade Mohammed Adamu, said a total of 1,125 prospective corps members have so far registered, comprising 629 males and 496 females, adding that none have reported any form of security threat in the course of their journey to the state.





The coordinator commended the military and other security agencies for ensuring that the camp and its environs were safe and secure.





Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board, Alhaji Mohammed Bukar, remarked that the state has been prompt in payment of allowances to the members, urging them not to relocate to other states for any reason at all.





The highpoint of the ceremony was the swearing in ceremony of corps members administered by the representative of the State Chief Judge, Justice Bukar Malgwi.
Hannatu Musa Musawa, minister of art, culture and creative economy, says one of her immediate plans is to create a national theme song for the Nigerian brand.

President Bola Tinubu on Monday sworn in 45 ministers, including Musawa as members of his cabinet.

She is the first female minister to be appointed to that office.

Speaking with permanent secretaries, directors, and other staff of the ministry on Tuesday when she assumed office, Musawa asked songwriters and music artistes from the six geopolitical zones to begin to think about creating the theme song.

The culture minister said the countrys creative industry is ripe, noting that this is the right moment to project it in a new exportable dimension for improved foreign earnings.

She asked Nigerians to expect innovative and inspiring concepts that will drive and support the countrys creative ministry.

The minister added that all relevant stakeholders would be engaged for the effective execution of the projects to be undertaken by the ministry.

She promised to do her best about rebranding the countrys image, adding that Nigeria would no longer be associated with poverty, fraud and terrorism.
SYRACUSE  One day after launching his 2024 reelection campaign, U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams welcomed House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to central New York.

McCarthy, R-California, joined Williams, R-Sennett, for a tour of JMA Wireless, a 5G equipment manufacturer in Syracuse.

JMA is a central New York success story. The company was founded by John Mezzalingua, its CEO, in 2012 and employs 1,000 people. One year ago, it opened a $100 million manufacturing campus in Syracuse. The company is already planning to expand its facility.

In 2021, JMA hailed the signing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a $1 trillion federal bill that included $65 billion for broadband. Former U.S. Rep. John Katko, who represented central New York in Congress at the time, voted for the legislation. But McCarthy, the top House Republican, did not.

McCarthy explained his vote on Wednesday. While he is supportive of investing in technology, such as what JMA Wireless produces, he thought there was "a different way to fund it" and said he doesn't support the government picking winners and losers.

Despite the opposition to the infrastructure law, McCarthy views JMA as a way to counter China's growing influence. He noted that he formed a select committee that is focused on economic and security competition with China.

"What happens in Syracuse isn't just about Syracuse," McCarthy said. "It's about leading the nation. And that's why when I came here, we wanted to come (to JMA) first. We want to make sure this continues to build out and grow because, as JMA grows, America grows stronger."

After the tour, McCarthy headed to Skaneateles to headline a fundraiser for Williams, who is in his first term representing the 22nd Congressional District.

Williams is one of the Democrats' top targets in 2024. His district, which includes all of Onondaga, Madison and Oneida counties, plus a portion of Oswego County, has more Democrats than Republicans. President Joe Biden, a Democrat, won it with nearly 54% of the vote in 2020.

Republicans have a slim majority in the House of Representatives. To retain control in 2024, the GOP can't lose more than four seats.

McCarthy praised Williams, who served as a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine officer and was a tech entrepreneur before being elected to Congress in 2022. When questions arise in Congress, the speaker says they turn to Williams because of his private-sector background and technology expertise.

He said that Williams works with Democrats and Republicans in Congress to do what's best for his district and is service oriented, noting that he gave up his career in business to run for Congress.

"I look for people, that servant heart, looking for what's best for America, not what's best for a political party but the community itself," McCarthy said.

This was not McCarthy's first visit to central New York. As House majority leader in 2014, he headlined an Auburn fundraiser for then-GOP House hopeful John Katko and toured the Seward House Museum.




The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the March 18 governorship election in Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, are on a wild goose chase at the Ogun State Election Petitions Tribunal, as their petitions rest on inconsistencies and distortions, Governor Dapo Abiodun and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have said.





Abiodun and the Ogun State Chapter of the APC made this submission in their final written addresses as respondents in the case brought against them, arguing that the petitioners did an awful job and failed to prove their case.





This, they said, was because Adebutu and PDP presented tutored and unreliable witnesses, relied on documents that contradicted their witnesses case, and presented experts whose testimonies and documents lacked probative value.





They argued that Adebutu and PDP who are accused of vote buying with credible evidence, have unclean hands and could not receive equity with those unclean hands.





They further said that out of the 87 witnesses of the petitioners, 38 stated they were polling unit agents but did not tender any evidence to prove their claim, adding that the 49 who testified as voters testified the same thing word for word, making the same mistakes, thereby creating a situation where the tribunal ought to hold that their depositions were too obvious to be coincidental and were therefore unbelievable and of no probative value.





Arguing that the petition itself was based on provisions of the Electoral Act that do not support the margin of lead principle, Abiodun/APC contended that while the Margin of Lead principle is rooted in section 134 of the Electoral Act, the petition is based on sections 24, 47, 51, and 62 of the Electoral Act.





Relying on the Supreme Court verdict in Oyetola v. Adeleke, they argued that the petitioners did not prove overvoting, as Adebutu did not tender the BVAS machines for any of the 990 units complained about and did not even tender any BVAS machine.





Again, while noting that the petitioners expressly stated that Governor Abiodun was duly sponsored by APC, the respondents said Adebutu did not present any evidence to back his forgery allegation against Abiodun, and that at the governors request, the Tribunal summoned a WAEC official who produced a certified copy of the same certificate that the governor submitted to INEC.





They further said that while the petitioners claimed that Governor Abiodun should not be Governor because he had been convicted in Miami, USA, they provided no judgment in evidence of the alleged conviction.





Arguing that non-qualification is different from disqualification, Abiodun/APC said that even if such judgment exists, it relates to events that purportedly happened 37 years ago, whereas a disqualifying conviction must occur within the last ten years preceding the candidates election.





They added that while the petitioners claimed that Adebutu and PDP scored the majority of lawful votes after APCs unlawful votes are deducted and their own excluded votes added, they never proved the unlawful votes credited to Governor Abiodun or the source of their excluded votes, even as the figures in the petition (63,015 and 35,228) conflicted with the figures in their witness report (62,998 and 34,368).





Finally, while indicating that the petitioners provided no admissible evidence to prove their allegations of vote-buying against Governor Abiodun, the respondents drew the tribunals attention to the massive and proven details of vote-buying conducted by Adebutu during the election, which had been established in two police investigation reports and for which Adebutu (now at large) and other PDP chieftains are standing criminal trial.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner Group, a private army in Russia, has reportedly died in a plane crash in the country.

Nine other people reported to be on board the aircraft are also part of the casualties.

According to TASS, Russian state-owned news media, the countrys agency for air transport said Prigozhin was included in the list of passengers of the flight which crashed on Wednesday.

An investigation of the Embraer plane crash that happened in the Tver Region this evening was initiated. According to the passenger list, first and last name of Yevgeny Prigozhin was included in this list, TASS quoted the agency as saying.

The plane which had been in flight for less than 30 minutes reportedly caught fire after crashing.

TASS, while quoting emergency services, added that four bodies have been found so far.

PRIGOZHIN, THE SOLDIER WHO REBELLED AGAINST PUTIN

On June 24, Prigozhin mobilised his troops against the countrys military and President Vladmir Putin.

Prigozhin said his fighters had crossed the border from Ukraine into Russia and would destroy anyone in their way, including roadblocks and aircraft.

Wagner, established in 2014, had been fighting alongside the Russian army in Ukraine.

But things took a different turn when Prigozhin accused Russian army of attacking a Wagner camp and killing a huge amount of his men.

He promised to take revenge and stop the evil brought by the military leadership of the country.

Putin described the mutiny as a stab in the back and vowed that anyone involved in the armed mutiny would face consequences as traitors of the state.

The Russian leader added that all relevant orders had been given to the military to take brutal actions in eliminating the threat that the Wagner group had become.

The mutiny was described as the greatest threat to Putins rule since he became Russias president in 1999.

In a turn of events, Prigozhin asked his troops to stand down from the insurrection. Dmitry Peskov, presidential spokesperson, said an agreement brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was struck with the Wagner leader which would see the mercenary move to Belarus in exile.

Weeks after confirming Prigozhins arrival, Lukashenko said the Wagner boss was still in Russia, and had met with Putin who reportedly promised to re-employ the mutinous soldiers.

The mercenary leaders whereabouts had been unclear following his rebellious stint until the news of the plane crash broke.

His last reported location appeared to be in Africa, when he posted his first video address since his uprising in Russia.

Prigozhin said Wagner was recruiting people, adding that the group would fulfil its commitments of setting Africa free.

Russia had condemned the military intervention proposal by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore democratic rule in Niger Republic following the coup, and backed dialogue instead.

However, the Wagner leader had hailed the coup leaders and applauded the people of Niger for taking their destiny into their hands.
Ahmadu Fintiri, governor of Adamawa state, has congratulated Nyesom Wike on his appointment as minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

On Monday, President Bola Tinubu swore in 45 ministers-designate.

The ceremony held at the banquet hall of the presidential villa in the federal capital territory (FCT).

In a post on the X platform on Monday, Fintiri said Wikes appointment is well deserved, adding that his service to the people of Rivers while he was their governor, earned him his current position.

Congratulations on your Senate screening and appointment as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Fintiri said.

Your Excellency, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike you have set precedence and demonstrated exemplary leadership traits by delivering service and good governance according to the peoples need during your tenure as Governor of Rivers State which I believe earned you this position.

I trust that you will continue to work for improved growth and development of the FCT just like you did in Rivers State as Governor.

I am confident that your influence will continue to encourage our proud tradition of hard work and dedication to country as well as involvement in worthwhile political causes.

My brother and friend once more congratulations on your appointment.

I know you have worked hard to reach this point, and I am so happy that you have been recognized for your accomplishment with this new assignment.

It is well-deserved.

A member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wike was one of 45 ministerial nominees screened and confirmed by the senate.

Before his appointment, there had been moves by some members of the PDP to suspend Wike over his association with chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his acceptance of the ministerial offer.

But Wike said he wrote to leaders of his party, including Iliya Damagum, acting chairman of the PDP, and got their approval to be part of Tinubus cabinet.

The PDP has been embroiled in a protracted internal crisis which has polarised the party.

The opposition partys crisis worsened in June last year after Wike lost the PDP presidential ticket to Atiku Abubakar.
Former lawmaker and social critic, Shehu Sani, says his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has no business being in court to challenge the outcome of the 2023 general elections, if it allowed members to join the current administration.

Sanis statement was contained in a post on his social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday.

If the PDP has approved and endorsed its members joining the Government, then it has no business being in Court, Sani said.

The statement came after former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike was appointed a minister by President Bola Tinubu.

Wike is of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and has not tendered any formal resignation.

Wike claimed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gave him the green light to accept the ministerial position under Tinubus administration.

He spoke following his inauguration on Monday as the minister of the FCT.

Before this appointment came, I wrote to the national chairman. I wrote to the minority leaders of the House of Reps and Senate, Wike said.
After a brief return this summer, Bischoffs Ice Cream, the iconic family business that closed last year after nearly nine decades in Bergen County, will close permanently, the business has announced.

In late 2022, Bischoffs owners said they were ready to close after 88 years on Cedar Lane in Teaneck. The owners cited declining business and competition from large retailers.

But earlier this year, they announced they would partner with Ronys Rockin Grill in Bergenfield to reopen around Memorial Day as a summer pop-up for take-out orders. If everything went well, they said theyd renovate and reopen in spring 2024.

But an extended reopening isnt going to happen. The store will close for good after the end of its business day on Sept. 3.

The Court Special from Bischoff's, featuring two different flavors of ice cream, marshmallow topping, hot fudge and whipped cream. (Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

We cant begin to express how painful this decision is for us. Five generations of our family have treasured our role in the community. Bischoffs has been everything to us, the owners wrote on their website.

Bischoffs said they needed the summer pop-up to determine whether they could thrive as they did for decades in the same locations.

Your support and love have been amazing, but weve come to the conclusion that its time to say goodbye and thank you, the business wrote.

In North Jersey, Bischoffs became immensely popular for its old-fashioned ice-cream soda fountain experience, complete with spinning stools and wait staff wearing paper hats.

According to Bischoffs website, the business started in the 1800s in New York City before moving to Teaneck in 1934.

Albert Bischoff started the business more than four generations ago, passing the business down through his daughters. The first shop opened near the Hippodrome Theater in New York City in the late 1800s before relocating to Teaneck, according to the companys website.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
A Lindenwold man who earlier this year pleaded guilty to a Jan. 6 offense has withdrawn from the plea deal and is headed to trial, court records and documents show.

Michael Oliveras, 50, had agreed in January of this year to plead guilty to a federal charge of assaulting, resisting or impeding authorities. He was originally indicted on five counts for his conduct during the rioting at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2023.

His lawyer told another publication that Oliveras withdrew from the deal because he was concerned due to new allegations from prosecutors filed this summer.

Oliveras, a carpenter by trade, was scheduled to be sentenced in April, but that was delayed twice, the first time because he hired a new lawyer, William Shipley.

In anticipation of a July sentencing, a federal prosecutor recommended in a presentencing report that a judge sentence Oliveras to 30 months behind bars.

The prosecutor argued that Oliveras relished politically-motivated violence before Jan. 6, 2021 on social media. And on that day, he participated in violence.

As a physical clash ensued between the officers moving forward and the rioters refusing to move, Oliveras, who stood at the front of the mob of rioters and directly faced the officers, stepped forward with outstretched arms and pushed directly into the line officers, making physical contact with the officers. One officers bodyworn camera fell to the ground after he was struck by a rioter and captured Oliveras pushing directly into officers, a prosecutor wrote.

Afterward, Oliveras felt no remorse for his conduct; rather, he glorified the violence of January 6, a prosecutor wrote. Back in New Jersey, he posted on social media: Did we want to get our bare hands on the flesh of those who have committed treason, yes. Would I, as one of those red blooded americans, if the opportunity presented itself, grasped and removed one of those traitors, yes.

Even in an interview with the FBI, Oliveras, when asked about his participation in the Capitol siege, confidently stated, I wouldnt change a thing, Id do it again.

Shipley, though, pushed back in his presentence report, in which he argued for a 12-month term.

The evidence shows no physical contact by Mr. Olivares with any law enforcement officer, and no dangerous instrument or weapon being used by him. Mr. Olivares was carrying a United States flag on a flagpole but the Government has not alleged, and there is no reference ... to the flag pole being employed by him in any fashion, he wrote.

Shipley portrayed his client as having lacked a good father figure and a strained relationship with numerous family members for decades that led to a lack of stability, which led to his client quitting high school as a 16-year-old sophomore. He then made poor life decisions and experimented with drugs.

Later, though, he married and had two children, which is his most important accomplishment. That fell apart too, in 2018, and Oliveras drifted away from his children, now ages 22 and 17.

Alone and living a solitary lifestyle in a one-bedroom apartment, Oliveras turned to the internet and social media, and exacerbated by the pandemic and civil unrest, he was, particularly vulnerable to disinformation and misinformation in the place of hard factual evidence.

Olivares difficult upbringing leading him to be susceptible to periods of isolation and loneliness  often self-inflicted  which led him to be an over-consumer of conspiratorial sources of news that reinforced his existing point of view which lacked any significant factual foundation, Shipley wrote.

Some of Oliveras comments were, repugnant and condemnable, but they should play no role in determining his sentence, as they are free speech, the lawyer added.

After those reports were filed, federal prosecutors obtained a new indictment against Oliveras, which added two additional charges, civil disorder and obstructing an official proceeding.

Prosecutors also filed a document that accused him in one of the counts of, physical contact with the victim and the intent to commit another felony.

That adjustment concerned Oliveras, Shipley told the Courier-Post newspaper, and led to the withdrawal from the plea deal.

Shipley did not immediately return messages left by NJ Advance Media.

Oliveras trial is currently scheduled for early November.

Michael Oliveras, of Lindenwold, enters the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021 attack. (Image from the FBI.)

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Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com
Police charged five people after breaking up a rowdy party attended by hundreds in a Gloucester County town.

Glassboro Police responded to a residence on the 200 block of Dickinson Road around 10 p.m. on Aug. 5 for a report of a large, noisy party, authorities announced Wednesday.

Officers found a few hundred people, loud music and improperly parked cars, according to police.

When officers tried to disperse to crowd, attendees became unruly and ignored orders to leave, police said, adding that partygoers gathered in the street, took items from neighbors yards and continued blaring music.

Officers called in assistance from neighboring police departments to disperse the crowd, but about 15 minutes after clearing the area, they began receiving reports of large crowds and noise less than a mile away on Rowan Boulevard.

Arriving officers verified it was the same group they had encountered on Dickinson Road, according to authorities.

Multiple fights began breaking out and some in the crowd caused unspecified damage to businesses in the area, police said. Outnumbered police requested a countywide mutual aid response to disperse the crowd.

Police charged a 19-year-old Philadelphia man with disorderly conducting, resisting arrest and obstruction, while a 19-year-old Williamstown resident was charged with disorderly conduct.

The owner of the property where the party originated was charged with maintaining a nuisance, while two tenants were cited for loud noise and maintaining a nuisance.

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Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
The state Civil Service Commission has rejected Jersey Citys position that it can fire police officers for using recreational cannabis, the third consecutive setback for the city.

Yet Mayor Steve Fulop is not deterred and plans to appeal the decisions. At the heart of the citys argument is the federal law that still considers marijuana an illegal, controlled substance.

New Jersey officials, well aware of federal laws, have stated that under the CREAMM (Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization) Act, law enforcement agencies may not take any adverse action against any officers because they do or do not use cannabis off duty.
A man convicted of fatally stabbing a woman to death in 2020 at a Hunterdon County home was sentenced Tuesday to 60 years in state prison, authorities said.

Brandon E. Petersen, 33, of Newton, will have to serve 51 years before he is eligible for parole, the Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office said.

On Dec. 6, 2020, an injured Michele Carkhuff, 38, was taken by her friend to a local hospital where she later died, the office said. Detectives from the Delaware Township Police Department said Petersen had fled the Kingwood Stockton Road home prior to officers arriving at 9:13 p.m.

Petersen was charged and arrested the next morning in Pennsylvania, investigators said.

Carkhuff, who was also a resident of Newton, is survived by two daughters. They were 20 and 6 years old at the time of her death.

This is an unspeakably tragic case and senseless murder, which has left Michele Carkuffs family without what should have been years to build memories for a lifetime, Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renee M. Robeson said in a statement Wednesday. Her family consistently attended every day of the trial and shared with the court the depth of the loss they suffered.

Petersen was previously sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2008 for repeatedly stabbing a neighbor during a robbery that took place in 2005 when he was 15 years old, court records show.

Records indicate that Petersen stabbed the 57-year-old woman numerous times on her head, cheek, forehead and wrists outside her home because he wanted to rob her of about $200 to repay a drug dealer.

Petersen was released from Southern State Correctional Facility on Aug. 21, 2019, according to the New Jersey Department of Corrections.

Court records also show Petersen was again arrested in February 2017 in Newton and charged with simple assault. The prosecutor dismissed the case a few months later because the victim does not wish to proceed, court records state.

Department of Corrections records show he had been released from prison in May 2016, and returned to prison in November 2017. He was released again in December 2018 before being returned to prison from April to August 2019.

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Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.
Taylor Swift is ready to hit the international live stage.

Swift will begin the second leg of the Eras Tour in Mexico City at Foro Sol Stadium on Aug. 24-27.

Heres everything you need to know to see Taylor Swift live on her international tour.

Where to buy the cheapest Taylor Swift concert tickets

Throughout The Eras Tour, the cheapest last-minute tickets for Swifts 2023 concerts have been on StubHub and Vivid Seats. But unfortunately for dedicated Swifties, the lowest-priced seats still cost hundreds of dollars.

As of now, the cheapest ticket for one of Swifts Eras Tour concerts at Foro Sol Stadium is $555 on Vivid Seats and some tickets are listed as high as $3,340.

First-time Vivid Seats users can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout.

Fans also should check out other secondary sites to snag last-minute tickets, like MegaSeats, TicketCity and TicketNetwork.

Where is Taylor Swift playing next?

Taylor Swift will perform 84 shows throughout the second leg of her Eras Tour.

Her next shows will be in Buenos Aires, Argentina with Sabrina Carpenter from Nov. 9-11. Tickets are available on sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, MegaSeats and TicketNetwork.

A complete list of Swifts tour dates is available here.

More massive upcoming tours

Taylor Swift is not the only artist on a huge tour right now.

Here are a few more upcoming tours you wont want to miss.

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Nicole Iuzzolino can be reached at niuzzolino@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
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When 13-year-old Joseph Wade Czyz was located after a two-day search in Owasco last week, relief quickly gave way to questions.

Why were police bloodhounds and a helicopter being used to find this local youth but few, if any, of the others who go missing?

And how did the teen manage to enter Owasco Elementary School and elude searchers from under their noses for almost two days?

The answers, The Citizen has found, involve several unique and unlikely circumstances. Among them, Joseph "basically just disappeared without a trace," Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck said.

When most youths go missing, authorities have reason to believe they ran away to a friend's home or another familiar destination. But Joseph's disappearance was so unique, Schenck told The Citizen, because he didn't have a history of running away. The teen didn't have a cellphone, either. His parents, Joshua and Rachel Czyz, posted on Facebook that he didn't even take any of his shoes.

"If we had evidence to suggest he was a runaway or he had a place to go, certainly he wouldn't have gotten that much attention," the sheriff said. "It was just a unique situation."

Without any indication that Joseph was intentionally hiding, as authorities would learn when they found him, they had to consider the possibility he was a victim of abduction or another form of foul play. That's why, after he went missing from his family's Owasco home the night of Monday, Aug. 14, Schenck's office was joined by a New York State Police K-9 unit to canvass the neighborhood the next day.

As the search intensified, the missing teen received significant interest on social media. The Facebook post from the sheriff's office announcing the disappearance was shared more than 5,000 times. While that interest led hundreds of volunteers to help with the search, Schenck stressed that it did not influence the search itself  nor did Joshua Czyz's role as chaplain for the sheriff's office.

"(That) did not trigger a different response than would have been given for any other child missing under the same circumstances," Schenck said.

That Wednesday, the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office's Air 1 helicopter swept the area as Cayuga County Highland Search and Rescue and others searched and handed out fliers. But it was the criminal investigation division of Schenck's office that traced Joseph to Owasco Elementary that evening, the sheriff said, by determining he was accessing the internet from a school in the Auburn district.

"Being in that area, we went to search the school for him, and sure enough we found him," Schenck said. "Looking back, people might say that was a lot of resources to find a kid who wasn't very far from his own house when he was found, but we didn't know that at the time. ... Had we found that he did in fact meet foul play, or was being held against his will, would the question be  did we do enough?"

Joseph entered Owasco Elementary by jimmying a window, Auburn Enlarged City School District Superintendent Jeff Pirozzolo told The Citizen. A security camera recorded him working on the window's lock for about five minutes before breaking it. But the school's alarm system was disarmed at the time due to capital projects underway there, including an upgrade to that very alarm system.

For the same reason, Pirozzolo continued, the teen's presence in the halls for two days didn't set off any motion sensors. No staff was at the school on those days, either, because the county sheriff's office was holding a school resource officer training. If the janitors were there, the superintendent said, they likely would have spotted the food wrappers Joseph left in the teacher's lounge.

"I don't want people breaking into our buildings. But at least the school provided an environment that kept him safe," Pirozzolo said. "I'm just so glad it was a happy ending."

Gallery: Volunteers step up to search for missing Owasco teenager
A 29-year-old woman with ties to New Jersey is charged with seven counts of attempted murder after driving her car into a group of pedestrians on a sidewalk in Midtown Manhattan on Sunday night, authorities said.

Imani Lucas, of New York City, blew through a red light while driving east on West 36th Street at the intersection with 6th Avenue and struck six men and a woman at 11:53 p.m. Sunday, the NYPD said in a statement.

Lucas then continued driving and soon went through the Queens-Midtown Tunnel into Queens, where she collided with two vehicles on the Long Island Expressway, police said. She was arrested following that crash in the area of 188th Street. Neither of the other two drivers was hurt, the NYPD said.

Lucas mother told Gothamist.com that her daughter, who has bipolar disorder, had been staying with her in Belle Mead in Somerset County and that she wouldnt intentionally hurt anyone.

Six of the pedestrians were brought to area hospitals in stable condition, police reported. One man declined to be treated.

Lucas is also charged with seven counts apiece of assault, reckless endangerment and leaving the scene of an accident with serious injury.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
A former corrections officer was arrested Wednesday on charges he ran a cryptocurrency scam that defrauded first responders out of more than $600,000, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said.

John DeSalvo, 47, of Upper Township, is also accused of soliciting about $100,000 from members of an online investment group in a similar scam. In both schemes, he withdrew most of the funds to spend on unrelated expenses, officials said.

He was charged by complaint with two counts each of wire fraud, securities fraud and money laundering and was scheduled to appear in Newark federal court Wednesday afternoon.

DeSalvo is accused of creating the Blazar Token in 2021 and marketing it to first responders on social media, promising them that it would supplement their pension plans.

He told potential investors that they were guaranteed rates of return of more than 20% with zero risk and tricked them with a series of misrepresentations, including that the coin was approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission and would be available for purchase on major exchanges, authorities said.

DeSalvo received about $620,000 from investors and frequently transferred the funds into his personal accounts, officials said.

Our investigation shows instead of actually making the rate of return he boasted about, he allegedly used hard-earned money from firefighters, police officers, EMTs and other public servants as his personal bank account, said FBI  Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy.

He is also accused of selling more than 41 billion tokens in May 2022, causing the price of the currency to plummet. Following the selloff, an investment initially worth $1,000 had a value of about $1.15, according to the criminal complaint.

Around the same time of the crypto scheme, DeSalvo created an online investment group that he was also touting on social media, authorities said. Investigators said that he falsely bragged about his investment skills to potential investors, claiming that he had an average return of about 1,200% over a two-year period.

He received about $100,000 from members of the group before transferring the funds to his personal accounts and notifying investors that their losses were due to poor market conditions, officials said.

The funds that DeSalvo withdrew in the two scams were used for used for personal expenses, high-risk cryptocurrency day trading, credit card bills, payments to a contractor who performed work on his home and making payments to previous investors in a Ponzi-like scheme, according to the criminal complaint.

This defendant, a former New Jersey corrections officer, is alleged to have committed two brazen investment fraud schemes in which he falsely promised huge returns to obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars from unsuspecting investors, Sellinger said. In one scheme, DeSalvo is alleged to have targeted law enforcement and first responders to invest in a digital token that he falsely claimed was SEC-approved and listed on cryptocurrency exchanges.

DeSalvo worked for the New Jersey Department of Corrections for 13 years before retiring in 2010, according to Amy Z. Quinn, a spokeswoman for the agency.

Authorities have also accused DeSalvo of providing false trading records to the investors.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission also submitted a civil complaint against him on Wednesday.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
A fugitive sought for two weeks after being charged with causing a fatal crash in Ocean County earlier this year turned himself in Tuesday, officials said.

John Zinkoski, 41, of Beachwood, showed up at the Ocean County Sheriffs Office with his attorney and surrendered, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office said Wednesday morning.

Zinkoski was charged Aug. 8 with vehicular homicide and strict liability vehicular homicide in a crash in Plumstead. Zinkoski was allegedly drunk, speeding and had drugs in his system May 12 when he caused a crash that killed a woman driving another vehicle in the area of the area of Pinehurst Road and Long Swamp Road.

Mr. Zinkoski was visiting family out of the state of New Jersey at the point in time when the charges were authorized, his attorney Terrence Turnbach said in a statement emailed to NJ Advance Media. Upon learning of the charges against him, Mr. Zinkoski returned to New Jersey, retained counsel and presented himself to the Ocean County courthouse to properly address the charges.

Judi Smith, 59, of Browns Mills, died from injuries she suffered in the crash, officials said. She was trying to make a right onto Pinehurst Road at 5:50 p.m. when her car was hit by Zinkoskis southbound pickup.

Zinkoski was treated and released from a different hospital following the crash. He had a blood alcohol content above the legal limit of .08, prosecutors said. The exact amount was not disclosed.

Officials say Zinkoski was traveling 86 mph and tests revealed the presence of cocaine and benzodiazepine in his blood at the time of the crash.

He is being held at the Ocean County jail ahead of a first appearance Wednesday afternoon, his attorney said. A detention hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
Public schools in New Jersey will be required to carry menstrual products at no cost for students from sixth through 12th grade when the new academic year begins in September, under a law Gov. Phil Murphy signed Wednesday.

Four out of five teens in the U.S. have missed school because they lacked tampons or pads, according to a national study in 2021. Frequently, these students are from minority communities and low-income families.

With the state footing the bill, the new law creates period parity for all young girls, its supporters say.
The Fox News Republican Primary Debate is airing on Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 9 p.m.

The event will feature 8 candidates: South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson.

Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum will host.

Former President Donald Trump, the current frontrunner according to polling, will not attend the debate.

Heres the information youll need to watch a free live stream of Fox News Republican Primary Debate online without cable.

How to watch Fox News Republican Primary Debate without cable

If youre a cord-cutter or dont have cable, you can live stream Fox News Republican Primary Debate on any one of the following streaming platforms:

Fubo TV (free trial)

Sling TV (half off first month)

DIRECTV Stream (free trial)

The debate will also be free to watch on the streaming platform Rumble.

When is Fox News Republican Primary Debate on?

Fox News Republican Primary Debate will air on Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 9 p.m. on FOX. The event will air for two hours, and will follow after a countdown to the debate at 8:30 p.m.

What channel is FOX News?

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 Fox News Republican Primary Debate online on-demand

If you missed Fox News Republican Primary Debate or want to binge watch other FOX content online, check out the following streaming platforms:

Fubo TV (free trial)

Sling TV (half off first month)

DIRECTV Stream (free trial)

The debate will also be free to watch on the streaming platform Rumble.

Heres a look at Vivek Ramaswamys surge in the polls ahead of the debate, courtesy of the official Fox Business YouTube channel:

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Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Joseph Rejent covers TV, writing about live television, streaming services and cord-cutting. He can be reached at jrejent@njadvancemedia.com.
Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost.

If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below.
The 2023 Silverado 1500 comes with a range of engine options, cab configurations, and features like the automatic locking rear differential, which contribute to its impressive towing capacity. Lets explore the different engine options available for the Silverado 1500, including the turbo 2.7-liter four-cylinder, the turbo-diesel 3.0-liter inline-six, and the powerful V-8 options, to understand their respective towing capacities and how they can meet your towing requirements.

Each engine option offers a different towing capacity, with the turbo 2.7-liter engine.

Advertisement

Turbo 2.7-Liter Four-Cylinder

The standard engine offered in the 2023 Silverado 1500 is the turbo 2.7-liter four-cylinder, which provides a solid balance of power and fuel efficiency. When equipped with this engine, the Silverado 1500 can tow up to 9,500 pounds, making it a great choice for those who need a reliable truck for everyday towing tasks. The configurations for the Turbo 2.7-Liter Four-Cylinder engine are rated for 9,200 pounds with 4WD or 9,000 pounds with 2WD, offering versatility for your towing needs.

Whether you need to tow a boat, trailer, or even a small camper, the Turbo 2.7-Liter Four-Cylinder engine will get the job done. Its features include:

Impressive towing capacity

Fuel efficiency

Reliability for everyday tasks

Power and performance

This engine is a solid choice for those who need a reliable truck without compromising on power and performance.

Turbo-Diesel 3.0-Liter Inline-Six

For those seeking a more powerful yet fuel-efficient option, the 2023 Silverado 1500 offers the turbo-diesel 3.0-liter inline-six engine. This engine can tow up to 9,500 pounds, providing ample power for various towing tasks. When equipped with the Max Trailering Package, the turbo-diesel 3.0-liter inline-six engine boasts a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds for a 2WD crew cab with a short bed or a 2WD double cab with a standard bed.

The turbo-diesel 3.0-liter inline-six engine offers the following benefits:

More power for towing needs

Fuel efficiency

Seamless blend of power, torque, and fuel economy

Popular choice for those who require a truck that can handle heavier loads while still being economical on fuel.

V-8 Engine Options

The 2023 Silverado 1500 also offers two powerful V-8 engine options: the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter. The 5.3-liter V-8 engine, when equipped with the Max Trailering Package, has a maximum towing capacity of 11,300 pounds, making it suitable for heavier towing tasks. Without the Max Trailering Package, this engine can still tow an impressive 9,500 pounds.

For those who require even more power, the 6.2-liter V-8 engine is the top-of-the-line option. With the Max Trailering Package, this engine can tow an astounding 12,200 pounds, providing you with the ultimate towing capability for your heavy-duty needs.

Whether you choose the 5.3-liter or 6.2-liter V-8 engine, you can rest assured that youll have the power and performance to tackle any towing task with ease.
A group of more than 250 blind people and allies are calling on the National Federation of the Blind in a new letter to move its 2024 convention from Orlando, Florida, arguing laws the state has passed negatively impacts LGBTQ+ and minority communities.

In the Aug. 18 letter, signatories also urge NFB, the largest advocacy group for blind people in the country, to develop a policy against holding future annual conventions in any other state with laws discriminating against LGBTQ+ people and other communities.

Choosing to host a convention in a state like Florida, known for its discriminatory policies against LGBTQ+ individuals, sends a message that the organization is willing to overlook these injustices, they write in the letter. We urge the NFB to prioritize the safety and dignity of its members over logistical convenience.

In a July 3 statement released with the location announcement, the NFB Board of Directors said they chose to host the 2024 convention in Florida because they made a previous commitment to come back to a Rosen property in 2024 specifically because of the hospitality and respect shown to all our members by the Rosen Hotels & Resorts staff.

This is not the first time people have complained about the treatment of LGBTQ+ people and people of color within the organization. At the Louisiana Center for the Blind in Ruston, in addition to allegations of sexual abuse, former students in 2021 gave Gambit several examples of staff at the center making derogatory comments about LGBTQ+ students and students of color.

The Louisiana Center for the Blind is one of three training centers affiliated with NFB around the country. They provide programming that helps blind people learn skills to help them live more independently, such as Braille, cane travel and computer literacy.

In the August open letter, community members cited travel warnings by The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Human Rights Campaign. The NAACPs called Florida openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals after Gov. Ron DeSantis efforts to restrict the teaching of Black history and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools.

In the July statement, the Board insisted they acknowledge the serious concerns raised in these travel advisories and said they would consider locations without travel advisories when looking for convention locations beyond 2025.

The letter also asks the organization to allow virtual participation in the conference. When asked about this and the rest of the open letter, NFB spokesperson Chris Danielsen told Gambit the organization had no comment.

+12 Former students allege 'toxic culture' of racism, abuse and assault at Louisiana Center for the Blind The Louisiana Center for the Blind was supposed to help blind people learn vital life skills. But many students say there was a 'toxic culture' of abuse, racism and assault.
Aldi has reached an agreement with Southeastern Grocers to acquire all of its Winn-Dixie supermarkets, a move that will boost the fast-growing grocery chains presence in the South.
Jefferson Parish School Board President Chad Nugent, second from left, and schools Superintendent James Gray, right, and their legal team cross Poydras Street in New Orleans on May 26 as they make their way to the Hale Boggs Federal Building for a court hearing in the involving KaMauri Harrison, a Woodmere Elementary student who was suspended for handling a BB gun on camera during a virtual lesson.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson may soon lose another top cop.

Paul Noel, the deputy superintendent in charge of the NOPDs criminal investigations division, was selected Friday as one of four finalists to head the police department in Chattanooga, Tennessee, according to an announcement from Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly.

The news comes just weeks after Capt. Jeffrey Walls left his post in the French Quarter to become a police chief for Ketchikan, Alaska. Ferguson's chief deputy, John Thomas, also recently retired to become the city's director of public safety and homeland security.

The NOPD declined to comment.

New Orleans chief of detectives Paul Noel gets national honor for police ethics program He helped teach officers to intervene when colleagues break - or are about to break - the law

Noel received a national award last year for creating programs to teach officers to intervene when colleagues are considering breaking the law or NOPD rules.
Lets dive into the top 10 best SUVs for towing with impressive towing capacities for 2023. These SUVs not only boast high towing capacities, but also come equipped with essential features and fall within various price ranges to suit your budget and requirements.

Whether youre planning a weekend getaway with your boat or an extended road trip with a camper, these SUVs have you covered.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit stands out with a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. This SUV is equipped with a Class IV trailer hitch receiver, a Trailer Reverse Guidance system, and a heavy-duty radiator as standard for towing. To maximize the towing capacity, consider upgrading to the optional adaptive air suspension, which is packaged with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) for $2,390.

Safety features such as hill descent control, dynamic stability control, brake fade compensation, dynamic traction control, dynamic brake control, and trailer stability assist ensure a safe towing experience.

The starting price for the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit is $64,204, and it comes equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 392 horsepower and 404 lb-ft of torque.

Dodge Durango SRT 392

The 2023 Dodge Durango SRT 392 boasts a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, making it a powerhouse in the SUV towing market. It offers a 475 horsepower engine and a range of upgraded features, with a starting price of $70,295. To reach maximum towing capacity, you can choose from the 6.4-liter V8, 710 horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter Durango SRT Hellcat, and AWD Durango R/T with the Tow N Go Package.

The AWD Durango R/T Tow N Go Package features a range of additions for optimizing performance. These include:

Electronic limited-slip differential

Trailer brake controller

Automatic headlight leveling

Upgraded brakes and suspension

Class IV trailer hitch

With its impressive towing capacity and comfortable interior, the Dodge Durango SRT 392 is an excellent choice for those in need of a powerful towing SUV.

Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV that offers a generous interior and a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds. This SUV is equipped with various features to make towing a breeze, such as:

Trailer side blind zone alert

Reverse automatic braking

Lane change alert

Max Trailering Package, which includes a trailering hitch platform, trailer sway control, and hitch guidance.

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban can tow between 7,600 and 7,900 pounds without the Max Trailering Package. Upgrading to the Max Trailering Package increases towing capacity. With its powerful towing capacity and spacious interior, the Chevrolet Suburban is a top choice for families and adventurers alike.

GMC Yukon

The 2023 GMC Yukon features a towing capacity of 8,400 lbs, offering an exclusive interior design and 13 camera views, including High Definition Surround Vision. To achieve maximum towing capacity, the 2WD version with the 5.3-liter V8 engine and the optional Max Trailering Package is recommended.

Available towing options for the GMC Yukon include:

In-vehicle trailering app

Blind-zone alert system for the trailer

Tire pressure monitor for the trailer tires

Multi-height load-leveling suspension

With its impressive towing capacity and unique features, the GMC Yukon is a top contender in the SUV towing market.

Ford Expedition

The 2023 Ford Expedition is a versatile SUV with a towing capacity of 9,300 pounds with the standard engine. To maximize towing capacity, consider adding the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, which includes:

Digital rearview camera

Integrated trailer brake controller

Pro Trailer Backup Assist

Reverse brake assist

Electronic limited-slip differential

The starting price for the Ford Expedition with the maximum towing capacity, the XLT with the heavy-duty trailering package, is $60,585. Equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, the Expedition provides ample power and performance for all your towing needs.

Toyota Sequoia

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia has the following features:

Towing capacity of 9,520 pounds

i-FORCE MAX 3.4L twin-turbo V6 hybrid drivetrain

SR5 model with rear-wheel drive and the Tow Tech Package is recommended for optimal towing capacity

Load-leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension

Adaptive Variable Suspension system

Panoramic View Monitor with a hitch view

With its impressive towing capacity and drivetrain options, the Toyota Sequoia is a top choice for families and adventurers in need of a powerful towing SUV.

Audi Q7/SQ7

The 2023 Audi Q7 and SQ7 models offer a towing capacity of approximately 8,000 pounds. These luxury SUVs feature an array of engine options, including a 3.0L V6 engine required to attain maximum towing capacity. To optimize towing capabilities, the Audi Q7 comes equipped with a tow hitch receiver and connector pin as part of the towing package.

With their impressive towing capacity and luxurious features, the Audi Q7 and SQ7 models are excellent choices for those seeking high-performance suvs for towing.

Mercedes-Benz GLS 450

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 boasts a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, offering luxurious features for towing, although specifics have yet to be revealed. The Class IV trailer hitch is the suggested option for this model.

Equipped with a twin-turbo inline-6 engine that generates 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 offers both towing power and a luxurious cabin experience for its passengers.

Land Rover Range Rover P530

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover P530 has the following features:

Towing capacity of 7,716 lbs

Powerful 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 engine

523 horsepower

553 pound-feet of torque

Please note that towing options must be added to reach the maximum towing capacity.

With its impressive towing capacity, horsepower, and luxury features, the Land Rover Range Rover P530 is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-performance SUV that can handle heavy loads.
Cibolo's search was conducted by multiple city agencies, according to Gonzalez, who added that it was "a full process that included interviews with our executive staff (and) panel interviews with city staff."

Gonzales also confirmed that the city was aware of Andres' past, in which he left the city of Henderson, Nevada under fire and with a "no confidence" vote. He also fatally shot a man after partying off duty in 2014. Andres said he was defending himself and was never charged.

Andres' new role leaves three finalists left to interview with Mayor LaToya Cantrell in the city's search for a chief. These include interim Superintendent Michelle Woodfork, former Oakland chief Anne Kirkpatrick and former Albuquerque police chief of staff David Franklin.
'Simply false'

Chief Walls is a veteran law enforcement officer who was enthusiastically hired by the city of Ketchikan last year. He has dedicated his career to public safety, and he most certainly did not commit an assault as the state has alleged," Hochberg said.

"In fact, he was simply detaining an individual who had committed a crime -- and using reasonable force to do so. The allegation of excessive force in this case is simply false. Chief Walls did absolutely nothing wrong, and I look forward to seeing him vindicated in court.

Trial is scheduled for March. If convicted, Walls would face as long as five years in prison.

+3 Capt. Jeffrey Walls named commander of the NOPD's 8th District, which includes French Quarter, CBD The New Orleans Police Department has named a new top cop for its highest-profile patrol district, which includes the French Quarter and Centr

The Ketchikan Daily News previously reported that Walls was hired at an annual salary of $132,761.

Walls worked in law enforcement for 25 years and was commander of several police districts in New Orleans, including the 8th District covering the French Quarter and Central Business District, before arriving in Ketchikan, which is located on an island in southeast Alaska and is a major cruise ship port for city-sized cruise ships coming to Alaska.
Sen. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge, makes a point while closing on his bill as the House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure takes up SB418 concerning liability insurance operating budget Tuesday May 26, 2020, in Baton Rouge, La. Legislation that supporters say will lower auto insurance rates and opponents contend will seriously limit an injured personOs ability to seek redress in courts cleared House committee 10-5 setting up a final vote later this week and a possible attempt to override an expected gubernatorial veto.
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The Plough Arts Centre is celebrating after being awarded 80k in National Lottery funding to support its work across two years.

The Plough, based in Torrington but with hubs in multiple locations across North Devon and Torridge will use the money to support their core activity and to press ahead with particular activities such as offering signed performances, increasing the number of free youth workshops and working with a wider range of people.

The Plough has been running since 1975 so is approaching its 50th anniversary. It recently received regular funding from Arts Council England and Torridge District adding to the regular funding it receives from Torrington Town Lands, Torrington Town and Barnstaple Town Councils and a host of other individuals, organizations and businesses.

From feeling that its existence was in jeopardy during the pandemic it is working hard to bring its programme and audiences back up to pre pandemic levels and secure its future.

For more information on what The Plough does visit the website at www.theploughartscentre.org.uk or take a look at the latest brochure.

The new funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest community funder in the UK, recognizes the role that the Plough plays in reducing isolation and providing a place to socialize.

The centre's director, Richard Wolfenden Brown, said: "Were delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. Now, thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to engage more people  particularly younger people and those with disabilities  in activities of all kinds.

"This is a busy period for us and a lot of our work goes under the radar of the general public. We have also recently received grants from the Claire Milne Trust, The Balsdon Trust and the Elmgrant Trust. With this support we will be able to host the theatre company Frozen Light who work with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

"We will also be starting to run drama sessions with Madewell (www.made-well.co.uk) as well as continuing our regular drama and dance workshops for people with disabilities. Our youth work is going from strength to strength."

Bella (aged 12) and a member of our youth council 'Plough The Future' said: "The Plough is an essential part of Torrington and its surrounding areas. It's a lovely creative, community space in which you can go to watch a play, a musical and a movie or look around the art gallery as well as do various creative workshops. But I also find it a nice space to sit back in the cafe and relax with some cake!

"The Plough has given kids like me so many fun and exciting things to do. I myself do a drama club there, various dance clubs, a script writing club and of course Plough of the Future, a group of young people helping organise events for the younger generation. But of course The Plough is not just for children but for adults and the older generation. It is safe to say that The Plough does not discriminate and welcomes all in.

"Over the many years since I have started going to The Plough at age two to three it has become like a second home to me and many others. It is because of that I found my passion and talent for acting and performing on stage. Not to mention the life long friends I have made along the way."
With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.

ZEEKR said to host IPO investor preview meeting at end of August

Geely's high-end electric vehicle brand, ZEEKR, is preparing for a new round of investor preview meetings at the end of August, with plans to raise approximately $1 billion in its upcoming IPO, according to a local media outlet. During Geely's 2023 mid-year financial report conference held the previous day, An Conghui, President of Geely Holding Group and CEO of ZEEKR, shared that the company will closely monitor the capital market trends, selecting an opportune window for the listing.

Photo credit: ZEEKR

GWMs WEY brand to kick off presale of Gaoshan MPV at Chengdu Motor Show

Great Wall Motor (GWM)s WEY brand will showcase its Gaoshan (translates to High Mountains) MPV at the upcoming Chengdu Motor Show and kick off presale.

MediaTek collaborates with Meta to enhance AI capabilities in terminal devices

MediaTek recently announced its close collaboration with Meta on the next-generation open-source large-scale language model, Llama 2. Through Meta's LLM and MediaTek's latest APU and NeuroPilot AI platform, MediaTek aims to establish a comprehensive edge computing ecosystem, accelerating the development of artificial intelligence applications in smartphones, IoT, automobiles, smart homes, and other edge devices.

Changan Automobile to adopt Huaweis HiCAR 4.0 system onboard

On August 23, Chinese automaker Changan Automobile announced that it will be one of the first companies to adopt the HUAWEI HiCar 4.0 system, to establish an unparalleled fusion of mobile and in-car hardware and software.

SVOLT breaks ground on energy storage battery project in Liaoning province

The groundbreaking ceremony for the energy storage battery module and system integration project of Fengsheng Energy Technology (Liaoning) Co., Ltd., a joint venture between Chinese power battery maker SVOLT and Beisheng Stock, was held in Chaoyang city, Liaoning province, according to a post on SVOLT's WeChat account.

ROX Motors EV brand announces prices of first model Jishi 01

Jishi Auto, the new energy vehicle brand under Chinese startup ROX Motor, officially put its first production model, the Jishi 01 ("") in Chinese, literally meaning "pole stone"), onto the market. It comes with two trim levels, which is priced at 349,900 yuan and 359,900 yuan, respectively.

XPeng to release G9 SUVs refreshed version in Q4 2023

XPeng's Senior Director of Powertrain, Gu Jie, recently took to social media to share insights about the upcoming refresh of the G9 model. In his post, he emphasized that the G9's revamp focuses on delivering high cost effectiveness, while preserving its current strengths such as silence, performance, energy efficiency, and fast charging. He teased that the rest of the enhancements are set to be unveiled in Q4.

Joyson Electronics turns loss into profit in H1 2023

Major Chinese automotive component supplier Ningbo Joyson Electronic Corp. ("Joyson Electronics") on Monday unveiled its H1 2023 financial report with a notable operating revenue of around 2.7 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year jump of approximately 18%.

Chery Holding to showcase over 30 car models at Chengdu Motor Show

The 2023 Chengdu Motor Show is set to kick off on August 25. Chery Group's four major brands  Chery, EXEED, JETOUR, and iCAR  are gearing up to present more than 30 impressive models, demonstrating their robust brand momentum.

SemiDrive, SAIC Volkswagen build joint innovation center in Shanghai

On August 22, Chinese automotive chip supplier SemiDrive announced the establishment of a joint innovation center with SAIC Volkswagen in Shanghai.

Geely-bakced Livan Auto starts presale of Livan 7 all-electric coupe SUV

Livan Auto, a Chinese new energy vehicle maker co-founded by Geely and Lifan Technology, on August 22 commenced the pre-sale for the Livan 7, an all-electric compact coupe SUV crafted upon the all-new GBRC (Global Battery Rapid Change) platform. Coming with four trim levels, the new model features a presale price range of 133,700 yuan to 163,700 yuan. It is expected to hit the market in September this year.
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Recently I ventured out for a very fun day trip that I wanted to share. It involved a pretty art installation that runs through the end of the month, so you still have time to get there and check it out. But before I get to that Ill share where we started our day.

I love heading out to Oak Brook, Illinois to shop even though I dont really shop at malls much anymore. I do a lot of my shopping online and most stores I shop at are stand alones in strip malls. But when I do go to a mall, I love making my way to Oak Brook Center - at least in the warmer months. Its an outdoor mall, which reminds me of mall shopping as a child and in my early teens at River Oaks Center before it was enclosed. Youd walk outside to get from store to store and there were a few concrete tiered pits that had stairs that youd walk down into that were fun to go run around in or sit in for a concert.

So, this recent day trip began with some shopping at Oak Brook Center. I stopped at a few department stores and clothing retailers. I ordered a new chair and got some throw pillows at West Elm. Being a foodie, I could not adore this place more. It has some nice specialty shops, a food hall and so many amazing restaurants attached to the mall.

We stopped in a store called Spirits and Spice and I learned that they have locations around the country - from Washington D.C. to Boca Raton to Jackson Hole Wyoming to Las Vegas. Theres also one in the Water Tower Place. At this location in Oak Brook, I was like a kid in a candy store - they carry oils, vinegars, spices, craft spirits, wine, fun signs and accessories and different mixes. Its a great spot to pick up gifts for foodies.

I also had to get a couple scoops of ice cream on that incredibly hot day. I can never pass up a Jenis Ice Cream and not stop.

Next we made our way to nearby Elmhurst for my true destination that day - an international art installation called the Umbrella Sky Project. It began in Portugal in 2012 and according to its website, it was inspired by Mary Poppins. It is composed of open umbrellas that appear to be floating in the sky above. Its simple, but colorful and you cant help but smile as you peer up at them. There have currently been over 170 international installations. It has appeared in such places as France, Spain, Japan and Norway. Elmhurst is the 6th U.S. city to welcome the Umbrella Sky Project.

Its been called an open-air museum that helps people produce beautiful viral images that are shared all over social media. I visited all three of the sites in Elmhurst and couldnt resist getting some bright photos and videos. There have been several spin-off installations - Color Rain, Tropicalia, Bubble Sky and Shiny Rain - that are also appearing all over the world.

For more information on the Elmhurst, Illinois exhibit, you can visit elmhurstcitycentre.com. It includes a map showing where to find the exhibits at Schiller Court, the Cultural Campus and North York Stage in the citys downtown.

Elmhurst is one of my favorite Chicago suburbs and we spent some time also walking the area. There are other art sculptures along York Avenue, a 1920s movie theatre, lots of quaint shops and numerous eateries. We landed at Pazzi di Pizza for dinner and I had one of the best Italian meals of my life. The carbonara was incredible and the Pesce Bianco was divine.

Getting away doesnt always have to mean hopping on a plane or setting off on an hours-long road trip. Theres so much to see and do that can be accomplished in taking a day trip. I highly encourage doing at least one a month. Its good for the soul. And this month, be sure to get to Elmhurst and see the Umbrella Sky Project for yourself before its gone.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- The groundbreaking ceremony for the energy storage battery module and system integration project of Fengsheng Energy Technology (Liaoning) Co., Ltd., a joint venture between Chinese power battery maker SVOLT and Beisheng Stock, was held in Chaoyang city, Liaoning province, according to a post on SVOLT's WeChat account.

Pivoting around crucial energy storage technologies, the project encompasses R&D, sales, manufacturing, and service to strategically advance the field of energy storage system integration, with the aim of establishing a complete industry chain for integrated energy storage systems in northern China. This endeavor will also contribute to the development of the National Songliao Clean Energy Base.

Photo credit: SVOLT

The aforementioned project is set to be constructed in two phases. The first phase will house a module PACK production line compatible with mainstream energy storage cell models on the market, targeting the start of production in the second quarter of 2024 (SOP). The second phase is designed for battery disassembly and cascade utilization lines, as well as battery rental and swap market layout, and development of innovative power consumption models.

Leveraging its technological prowess in power battery module PACK, SVOLT will play a pivotal role in cultivating an energy storage system industry base in Chaoyang County, Liaoning, contributing to its transformation into a demonstration area for energy storage bases in Liaoning province. Additionally, the Songliao National Clean Energy Base spans three provinces in northeastern China and serves as China's wind-solar-energy integration base. The establishment of Fengsheng Energy will drive the scale application of new energy storage technologies, accelerate the integration of power generation, grid connection, and load, as well as promote clean energy adoption in the Songliao region. The groundbreaking of this energy storage project signifies the further implementation of the company's energy storage strategic initiatives, gradually forming an integrated energy storage industry chain.

Since unveiling its "Power + Energy Storage" two-pronged strategy, SVOLT has expedited the expansion of its energy storage business. It has released short-blade energy storage cells and products applicable across three domains: electricity, industrial and commercial sectors, and households. The company has already achieved large-scale energy storage project deliveries and grid connections in various regions such as Guangdong, Jiangsu, Hebei, Gansu, Zhejiang, and Xinjiang. Noteworthy installations include the 400MWh energy storage project in Aksu, Xinjiang, and the 40MWh wind energy storage project in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, undertaken with State Power Investment Corporation Limited
MICHIGAN CITY  Autopsy results are pending for two people found dead from gunshot wounds Tuesday morning inside an apartment complex, police said Wednesday.

Officers were dispatched at 11:42 a.m. to the 2300 block of Normandy Drive at the Normandy Village apartment complex for a report of an unconscious person inside one of the units, Michigan City police said. Upon arrival, they found the bodies of Corey Robinson Jr., 23, and Kaliya Harrington, 20.

Multiple items of evidence related to the shooting investigation were recovered at the scene by detectives. Multiple gunshots were fired inside the apartment before the pair were killed, police said, although it is unclear how many.

This was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the community, police said. The investigation is ongoing.
Gary Community School Corp. has cancelled classes for Thursday due to the extreme heat.

Student were dismissed early on Wednesday since the extreme temperatures impacted the ability to keep building temperatures at a comfortable level, according to a message posted on the school district's website.

Middle schoolers and high schoolers were dismissed at 12:30 p.m., while elementary students were dismissed at 1:45 p.m.

Gary schools said they would plan to re-open on Friday morning.

The school district will provide to-go breakfast and lunch meals from 8 to 11 a.m. at four locations: Banneker at Marquette Elementary, Gary Area Career Center, Glen Park Academy and West Side Leadership Academy.

Temperatures in Northwest Indiana are expected be at or near record levels Wednesday and Thursday, with high humidity expected as well.

On Wednesday, temperatures reached into the low to mid-90s, with the heat index around 105 degrees. Temperatures on Thursday are expected to be higher, in the mid to upper 90s, with a heat index around 110 degrees.

PHOTOS: Gary Public Transportation Corporation electric bus unveiling
GARY  The lame duck president of the Gary Common Council has announced his resignation.

First term Councilman William Godwin, D-1, said he will resign effective Sunday because he has accepted a position that will not allow him to hold public office.

While Im not yet permitted to disclose the specific details of my plans, I can share that I have accepted a professional opportunity that will broaden my work in public service, Godwin wrote in a statement. As soon as Im authorized to share details about this new opportunity, I most certainly will do so.

Godwin was elected to the council in 2019 and became council president in 2021. He ran as an at-large candidate during the spring primary, but was defeated in a crowded race that included seven Democrats.

In his statement, Godwin said Council Vice President Tai Adkins, D-4, is ready, willing, and able to fulfill her duty as Vice-President for the rest of the year.

Serving as a member of the Gary Common Council over the past three years and eight months has been the highest honor of my life, Godwin said. I have truly enjoyed serving with each of you, my colleagues, even when we disagreed, in our shared effort to provide strong legislative leadership, solid representation, a voice, for the people of Gary, Indiana.

Godwin said he is proud of the achievements he and the council were able to make over the past few years. During Godwins tenure, the council established a weekly radio show, passed an ordinance regulating short-term home rentals, pushed for police and fire pay raises and made it through a particularly contentious redistricting process. Over the past two years, the council also worked to allocate much of the $80.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds the city was awarded. Funding has gone towards creating a mobile mental health crisis response unit, a new YMCA and wellness center, citywide broadband improvements a small business grant program and more.

Councilwoman Lori Latham, currently an at-large incumbent, won the 1st District seat during the May primary and is running unopposed in the November general election. Godwins replacement, who will serve until the end of December, will be chosen through a caucus held by the Lake County Democratic Party.

A graduate of Georgetown University, the London School of Economics and the University of Chicago Law School, Godwin is the founder and CEO of the Gary-based Godwin Realty Company.

Im excited about the future of Gary, and I stand ready to help in any way I can as a private citizen, Godwin said.

PHOTOS: Gary Public Transportation Corporation electric bus unveiling
GARY  The express lanes on Interstate 80/94 were closed for more than six hours Tuesday due to a crash that caused approximately 750 gallons of tar to spill onto the road, according to a Facebook post from Indiana State Police.

A semi appeared to crash into the back of a tanker carrying the tar in the early afternoon. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management assisted with clean up, ISP said.

The incident happened in the eastbound lanes between the Cline Avenue and Burr Street exits, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation.

As of 7 p.m., the road was cleared, according to INDOT.

GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week
MUNSTER  Hospice of the Calumet Area hosts a Butterfly Hunt/Cherishing Life event Sunday at Cloister in the Woods/Heritage Park in Munster.

Last year, the nonprofit Hospice of the Calumet Area provided $3 million in charity, discounted or uncompensated care to those in need.

Hospice of the Calumet Area is blessed to be a part of the fabric of such a caring community, said Hospice of the Calumet Area CEO Adrianne May.

The emotional and financial support we receive from the community helps us provide the resources to make HCA a 5-star hospice and inspires our team to provide this important cherishing life care, May said. We are especially grateful to those who attend and support our commitment to education and fundraising through our events.

Sunday marks the second time Hospice of the Calumet Area has hosted Butterflies in the Park. It runs from noon to 4 p.m. at Cloister in the Woods/Heritage Park, 1101 Park Avenue Drive, Munster.

The event is intended to honor and celebrate the lives of loved ones. It opens with a release of butterflies followed by a hunt for butterfly figurines hidden on the grounds.

This is such an inspiring event. It was awesome to see families searching for 25 hand-crafted butterflies valued from $50-1000, said Joan McInerney, HCA development director.

We are so grateful to be back to celebrate our loved ones and pay tribute to the beautiful legacies they leave behind, McInerney said. Once again, someone is going to find a $1,000 butterfly and last years winner was so elated to find hers.

Tammy VanVleet, RN with Hospice of the Calumet Area, originally suggested the idea of the release after beloved social worker Marietta Rogers died in 2019. After discussions and planning, the concept for Butterflies in the Park was created.

Marietta was such a loving social worker and friend to us all. We build such strong relationships with our partners, patients and families that its really special to celebrate the legacy of loved ones, VanVleet said.

Our jobs are so inspiring because we create bonds with the most amazing patients and families, she said. We do not take that for granted and feel extremely humbled to serve.

The day will also be filled with music, food and activities for the whole family. Last year, special guests and cartoon legends Tom and Jerry made a surprise appearance.

Tickets for the event and butterflies for the release can be purchased online at HospiceCalumet.org/butterflies. This years event sponsors include The Times Media Co., Peoples Bank, Calumet Electric Supply Corp. and Chase Lowden Financial Advisor.

There are several sponsorship opportunities still available.

My father (Marion Red Fulte) was always a strong supporter of Hospice of the Calumet Area and proudly gave his time and talents as a board member for years before his passing in 2018, said Janet Fulte Papesh, President of Calumet Electric Supply. Corp.

My father cared for his mother at the age of 12 and I believe that is what fueled his passion for the Hospice of the Calumet Area mission. This butterfly event is an inspiring way to celebrate his legacy.

Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for children (under 12) and can be purchased online at HospiceCalumet.org/butterflies. For more information, please call 219-922-2732.

Hospice of the Calumet Area is a nonprofit specializing in end-of-life care and serves all of Lake and Porter counties and parts of LaPorte County and surrounding Illinois communities, regardless of ability to pay.

GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week
Lake County Commissioner Kyle Allen Sr., D-Gary, facilitated the donation of a county-owned used wood chipper to the Town of New Chicago.

County workers delivered the chipper on Aug. 15 to New Chicago Town Hall, where town officials gathered to receive it.

The county recently retired the chipper and replaced it with a new one, while New Chicago's chipper had recently broken down, resulting in a backlog of limbs from recent storm damage that need mulching.
VALPARAISO  A survey was sent to more than 74,000 residences and businesses in Porter County last week to assess people's internet access and quality of service.

"We're trying to paint the best picture as possible for internet health in Porter County," said Jesse Butz, Porter County Public Library director. "Internet is a core utility. This is important to make our county accessible to as many people as possible."

The county has partnered with Next Level Connections through the Office of Community and Rural Affairs to provide grant funding to areas lacking broadband coverage, Butz said. This program provides funding to several internet service providers across the state to cover costs of capital expenses directly related to broadband projects.

Covered expenses include design, engineering, permitting and construction infrastructure, according to a Next Level Connections power point presented to the Board of Commissioners on Aug. 10.

"There's over $800 million of federal money allocated to Indiana for broadband expansion," Porter County Redevelopment Commission Project Manager Stu Summers said at Tuesday's city council meeting. "To find out where the state is going to spend that money, they need to identify underserved addresses."

It's encouraged for survey responses to be answered prior to the Sept. 15 deadline given by OCRA. Once all of the addresses lacking high-speed internet are gathered, OCRA will provide the adequate funding amount to eligible internet service providers.

As of Tuesday afternoon, there have been more than 1,200 survey responses, Summers said. Current areas with a high density of less reliable internet include Hebron, Malden, Lakes of Four Seasons, Pines Township and Jackson Township, Butz said.

"Porter County is ahead of the curve and it's really setting us apart to be successful in the future," Butz said.

PHOTOS: Indiana Vintage Fest Indiana Vintage Fest Low Waste Liv Offbeat Thrift and Vintage Indiana Vintage Fest The Gas Station Bad Fish Goods Bro Bros Closet Payless Vintage
On an oppressively hot and humid day with a heat index well over 100-degrees, I walked into a Thai food restaurant to pick up a carryout order.

I was dripping with sweat after a long bicycle ride. My face was red. My voice was hoarse. My shirt was drenched.

A female employee behind the counter must have noticed me pedaling along the sidewalk before walking through the door. When I went inside to pay, she handed me a plastic cup of ice cold water and a straw. She politely smiled and bowed her head without saying a word.

During this dangerous heat wave, try to do the right thing A female employee behind the counter of a Thai food restaurant in Valparaiso handed Jerry Davich a plastic cup of ice cold water and a straw d

It was the tastiest water Ive had in years. I never forgot her gesture.

On a similarly hot and humid day in our Region, I stood in line outside a high school as I waited for the doors to open for a meeting. A man who stood behind me bristled in the heat as he continually wiped his brow. His quiet annoyance turned into visible aggravation, then audible anger as he waited for what seemed like an hour.

Why dont they open these (expletive) doors? he griped to no one in particular. This heat is brutal.

During this dangerous heat wave, try to do the right thing The heat of summer brings bigotry and hatred to a boiling point in Brooklyn in this comedy-drama. Shot on location in the Bedford-Stuyvesant s

No one else in line acknowledged him. The guy looked like he was going to explode. The extreme heat seemed to amplify his type A personality. No one wanted anything to do with him.

A few minutes later, the doors opened, he marched into the school and straight for the school board president. He cursed at her and made a fool out of himself. Everyone noticed. This happened years ago. I havent forgotten it.

Excessive heat can push people to polar opposite reactions, from extreme kindness to extreme agitation. Ive witnessed both and Ill bet you have too.

During this dangerous heat wave, try to do the right thing Beginning Wednesday, Northwest Indiana and the entire Chicago metro area will experience a dangerous heat wave with predicted temps in the 90s

Beginning Wednesday, Northwest Indiana and the entire Chicago metro area will experience a dangerous heat wave with predicted temps in the 90s, high dew-point humidity and a heat index well above 100 degrees. It will feel like a hothouse. Many of us will look and feel like wilted flowers.

By Thursday, the heat wave will boil into a heat watch with heat index values up to 115 degrees. This three-day stretch could be the hottest one in a few years. It will be stupid hot, what I now describe as Mississippi hot.

Earlier this month I traveled to New Orleans and walked through the city under extreme heat warnings. I love the heat but I dont know how people there tolerate it day after day.

During this dangerous heat wave, try to do the right thing Who wants some ice cold water? a street vendor asked guests waiting outside for a riverboat jazz cruise in New Orleans in early August. I h

Who wants some ice cold water? a street vendor asked guests waiting outside for a riverboat jazz cruise.

He was working the crowd, selling bottles of water, with a sales pitch that defied the stifling heat.

I have the coldest water in the city! Certified to keep every woman hydrated and pretty, he told people.

He used a bicycle to pull a cart with a cooler attached. (Watch a video of him in action at NWI.com.)

Nobody got to holler. It only costs a dollar! he yelled.

During this dangerous heat wave, try to do the right thing Who wants some ice cold water? a street vendor asked guests waiting outside for a riverboat jazz cruise in New Orleans in early August. I h

I gave him a couple of bucks. Not for the bottled water but for the canned sales pitch. It was brilliant. And refreshing. In that extreme heat, he immediately chilled the mood of everyone waiting in line to board the riverboat.

A heat wave can serve as a particle accelerator for some people, speeding up their emotional thermostat, so to speak. It can also be a barometer for our personalities. If you already run hot, it can take you over the edge.

Heat can also serve as a metaphor for cultural climates in our lives, such as racism, classism and social tensions, as it did in one of my favorite films, Do the Right Thing, by director Spike Lee.

During this dangerous heat wave, try to do the right thing Heat can serve as a metaphor for cultural climates in our lives, such as racism, classism and social tensions, as it did in the 1989 film, Do

Set amid one of the hottest days of the year in the Brooklyn section of New York City, a blistering heat wave portrays a critical character in the movie. As the temperature gets hotter, the plot reaches its boiling point.

You might fall out from all this heat, the character Motha Sista, played by the late Ruby Dee, tells Lees character, Mookie.

During this dangerous heat wave, try to do the right thing In "Do the Right Thing," director Spike Lee stars as a pizza delivery man on a day in Brooklyn that ends with a Black man's murder at the hand

By the end of the movie, everybody falls out from the heat in a violent climax of American sins and flaws. One of the movies props representing a reprieve from the oppressive heat is water, whether its from a faucet or a fire hydrant.

Almost 35 years after the movies debut, it continues to share multiple takeaways including one I mentioned at the beginning of this column.

When our Region heats up these next few days, lets try to emulate that woman at the Thai restaurant by serving a cup of ice cold water and a polite smile to anyone in need. As I can attest, it can remain refreshing for years.

GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week
Jump to: Todays Theme | Tricky Clues

WEDNESDAY PUZZLE  Michael Lieberman returns today with an impressive 17th puzzle for the New York Times Crossword, though its his first Wednesday.

Its been a little bit since Ive written one of these columns, and this was a great puzzle to get the rust off with. It features lots of great fill and a wonderfully clever theme, and overall it made for an excellent solving experience. Id happily solve a dozen more like it.

Speaking of which, if you liked this puzzle and want more of a challenge, Mr. Lieberman also constructed one of my favorite Thursday grids from the past year or two. His June 2, 2022, puzzle features a brilliant theme.

Todays Theme

Mr. Lieberman gives us four theme entries.

This theme features a bit of cryptic-style wordplay, which may be tricky for some solvers  but dont sweat it, were here to help.
A black bear attacked a young boy outside his home in Bedford, N.Y., on Tuesday morning, but his parents were able to scare the animal away and save their son, officials said.

By the time emergency workers arrived, the boys mother, a doctor, had bandaged him, said Carlos Cano, the chief of the Armonk Fire Department. The boy was hospitalized, but officials said his injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.

Mr. Canos colleagues, who responded to the scene, told him that the bear appeared to have grabbed the boy, who he said was about 7.

Mom was still in shock, he said.

When officers arrived, the bear was still in the familys yard, and they shot it. The North Castle, N.Y., police department said the animal had presented a danger to emergency workers and residents.
Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) announced Tuesday that it would be opening the new location of its Cardiovascular and Cardiothoracic Surgery Clinic at 1895 N. Jasper Drive, Suite 1 in Flagstaff.

The clinics new location will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with appointments available by calling 928-773-2332.

With this new location, patients have access to an array of cardiothoracic surgery options, from traditional heart bypass surgery to minimally invasive heart, lung and electrophysiological procedures, NAH said in the announcement. Board-certified surgeons will help people return to their active lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible.

NAH also has a Cardiovascular Institute, including a clinic that specializes in general and interventional cardiology. More information is available at nahealth.com/cardiovascular-services/.

Close Remi Maturo, 2, runs through the Coconino High School cheer squad Saturday morning during the Climb to Conquer Cancer on Snowbowl Road. Remi was just finishing the charity event with her parents. The Talker family gathers for a group photo before walking 5 miles up Snowbowl Road during the Climb For Cancer event on Saturday. Coconino High School's cheer team motivates participants as they start and finish the Climb For Cancer Saturday morning on Snowbowl Road. More than 1,100 people signed up for the uphill walk that honors cancer survivors and victims and raises money for the American Cancer Society. More than 1,100 people trek Snowbowl Road Saturday morning during the Climb For Cancer event, which honors cancer survivors and victims and raises money for the American Cancer Society. Members of the Talker family pose for a selfie Saturday morning before setting off on Snowbowl Road during the annual Climb to Conquer Cancer event. Signs honoring cancer victims line a stretch of Snowbowl Road Saturday morning during the Climb For Cancer event. Friends and family members of those who died will take their sign when they reach it and carry it back down the hill. People who trekked the 2.5 miles up Snowbowl Road Saturday morning reach the wall of honorees on which they can write the name of who they are walking for during the Climb For Cancer Event. A family poses for a selfie Saturday morning before the start of the annual Climb to Conquer Cancer event on Snowbowl Road. Coconino High School's cheer team provides motivation as participants start and finish the Climb For Cancer Saturday morning on Snowbowl Road. Mat Pennick of Anchored Kings screenprints T-shirts Saturday morning during the Climb For Cancer event on Snowbowl Road. More than 1,100 people signed up for the uphill walk that honors cancer survivors and victims and raises money for the American Cancer Society. Gallery: More than 1,000 trek Snowbowl Road for Climb to Conquer Cancer More than 1,100 people signed up for the uphill walk that honors cancer survivors and victims, and raises money for the American Cancer Society. Remi Maturo, 2, runs through the Coconino High School cheer squad Saturday morning during the Climb to Conquer Cancer on Snowbowl Road. Remi was just finishing the charity event with her parents. The Talker family gathers for a group photo before walking 5 miles up Snowbowl Road during the Climb For Cancer event on Saturday. Coconino High School's cheer team motivates participants as they start and finish the Climb For Cancer Saturday morning on Snowbowl Road. More than 1,100 people signed up for the uphill walk that honors cancer survivors and victims and raises money for the American Cancer Society. More than 1,100 people trek Snowbowl Road Saturday morning during the Climb For Cancer event, which honors cancer survivors and victims and raises money for the American Cancer Society. Members of the Talker family pose for a selfie Saturday morning before setting off on Snowbowl Road during the annual Climb to Conquer Cancer event. Signs honoring cancer victims line a stretch of Snowbowl Road Saturday morning during the Climb For Cancer event. Friends and family members of those who died will take their sign when they reach it and carry it back down the hill. People who trekked the 2.5 miles up Snowbowl Road Saturday morning reach the wall of honorees on which they can write the name of who they are walking for during the Climb For Cancer Event. A family poses for a selfie Saturday morning before the start of the annual Climb to Conquer Cancer event on Snowbowl Road. Coconino High School's cheer team provides motivation as participants start and finish the Climb For Cancer Saturday morning on Snowbowl Road. Mat Pennick of Anchored Kings screenprints T-shirts Saturday morning during the Climb For Cancer event on Snowbowl Road. More than 1,100 people signed up for the uphill walk that honors cancer survivors and victims and raises money for the American Cancer Society.
Betty Tyson, who spent half her life in prison for the brutal murder of a businessman in a gloomy alleyway in Rochester, N.Y., before a judge ruled that she had been wrongfully convicted, died on Thursday in Rochester. She was 75.

Her sister, Delorise Thomas, said the death, in a hospital, was caused by a heart attack.

On May 28, 1998, 25 years to the day after she was arrested, Ms. Tyson, 49, left the maximum-security Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in Westchester County and headed home to freedom after Monroe Countys district attorney announced that he would not seek to try her again. By then she had become New York States longest-serving female inmate.

The judges ruling and the prosecutors decision effectively ended the investigation into a murder that had prompted allegations of police brutality and coerced testimony, as well as concerns about how the case could have been pursued to a conviction despite so many reasonable doubts.

Bettys was one of the early wrongful-conviction cases, and in many ways it alerted people to the possibility that these things could happen, Gary Craig of The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, whose reporting reopened the investigation and helped provide Ms. Tysons lawyer, Jon Getz, with the legal ammunition to set her free, said in a phone interview.
The North Carolina home of Caleb Farley, the Tennessee Titans cornerback, was destroyed in an explosion late Monday that killed his father and injured a family friend, the authorities said on Tuesday.

The explosion at Mr. Farleys house in Moorseville, about 30 miles north of Charlotte, occurred just before midnight, according to the Iredell County Sheriffs Office. Investigators believe it was most likely the result of a gas leak, though an investigation is continuing, said Kent Greene, director of fire services and emergency management for Iredell County.

There was no evidence of foul play, according to the sheriffs office.

Robert Matthew Farley, 61, Mr. Farleys father, was found dead in a bedroom at the home. Christian Rogers, 25, a family friend who was also staying at the home at the time of the explosion, survived. He was taken to the hospital and is awake and alert and expected to be discharged soon, Mr. Greene said on Tuesday afternoon.

Its a miracle he survived, Mr. Greene said.

Caleb Farley was not at home at the time of the explosion, a spokesperson for the Titans confirmed.
After his fourth indictment, bringing his total count of felony charges to 91, former President Donald J. Trump last week posted a video online accusing President Biden and his family of being criminals.

The Biden crime family, he claimed, had received millions of dollars from foreign countries. I believe we have a compromised president, Mr. Trump said, adding: Hes a Manchurian candidate. Thats why Crooked Joe is letting other countries walk all over the United States.

For Mr. Trump, outrage is a selective commodity when it comes to presidential families taking millions of dollars from foreign countries. During his four years in the White House and in the more than two and a half years since, Mr. Trump and his relatives have been on the receiving end of money from around the globe in sums far greater than anything Hunter Biden, the presidents son, reportedly collected.

Unlike other modern presidents, Mr. Trump never gave up control of his sprawling business with its interests in multiple countries, nor did he forswear foreign business even as president. He shattered norms in his money making and unabashed boosting of his familys company. The luxury hotel he opened down the street from the White House, for example, became the favored destination for lobbyists, dealmakers and foreign governments, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain, which paid handsomely for accommodations, galas and more.
Mr. De Oliveira was also charged in the superseding indictment, which cited testimony from a witness who appeared to be Mr. Taveras. Mr. Taveras has not been charged in the case.

Mr. Woodwards fees have been paid by Save America, the political action committee aligned with Mr. Trump. The PAC was seeded with small donations from Mr. Trumps supporters, who responded to his calls to help him prove what he falsely claimed was widespread fraud in the 2020 election. No evidence of such fraud ever surfaced. Trump advisers have insisted that there is no connection between any witnesss testimony and payment of their legal fees.

Mr. Taveras originally told the grand jury he did not recall having any conversations regarding security footage from Mar-a-Lago that the government had subpoenaed in 2022 as part of its investigation into Mr. Trumps retention of classified documents including national defense material. Mr. De Oliveira made similar statements.

According to the government, both statements were false.

After the government raised questions about Mr. Woodwards representation of multiple people who could be connected to the case, the prosecutors said in their filing on Tuesday, the chief judge overseeing the federal grand jury in Washington, James E. Boasberg, offered Mr. Taveras a federal public defender to provide advice about potential conflicts.

On July 5, 2023, Trump Employee 4 informed Chief Judge Boasberg that he no longer wished to be represented by Mr. Woodward and that, going forward, he wished to be represented by the First Assistant Federal Defender, the filing said, referring to Mr. Taveras. Immediately after receiving new counsel, Trump Employee 4 retracted his prior false testimony and provided information that implicated Nauta, De Oliveira, and Trump in efforts to delete security camera footage, as set forth in the superseding indictment.
In recent years, health officials have warned those who have bearded dragons, hedgehogs, ducks and chickens as pets to do their part in preventing the spread of salmonella infections.

Now, an outbreak of salmonella cases across 11 states has been linked to small turtles, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue safety instructions for people who have the reptiles as pets.

A simple piece of advice from health officials: Dont kiss or snuggle your turtle.

Twenty-six people have been sickened in the salmonella outbreak and at least nine people have been hospitalized in recent months, the C.D.C. said last week. No deaths have been reported, the agency said.

Although all turtles can carry salmonella germs that can make people sick, turtles with shells less than four inches long have been a known source of illness, the C.D.C. said. In 1975, the Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of turtles less than four inches in length because of the thousands of cases of severe illness at the time, particularly among children who touched their pet turtles and then their food or mouth without washing.
The personal chef to the Obama family died of accidental drowning last month in a Marthas Vineyard lake, the chief medical examiner of Massachusetts has ruled, officials said on Tuesday.

The chef, Tafari Campbell, 45, of Dumfries, Va., had been visiting the island in late July and was paddleboarding near the former first familys summer home when he was seen struggling in the water, the Massachusetts State Police said last month.

The chief medical examiners office has determined that Mr. Campbell's death on July 23 was an accident, Timothy McGuirk, a spokesman for the state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, said on Tuesday night. Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama were not home at the time of the accident, the state police said.

The emergency services in Edgartown had responded to a call of a male paddleboarder who had gone into the water, appeared to briefly struggle to stay on the surface and then submerged and did not resurface, the state police said in a statement. Another paddleboarder was on the pond with him at the time and saw him go underwater, the police said.
The superintendent of Tulsa, Okla., announced on Tuesday that she planned to step down, in an 11th-hour attempt to stop the state from taking over the largest school district in Oklahoma.

The superintendent, Deborah A. Gist, and the school system in Tulsa, one of Oklahomas rare Democratic footholds, had become targets of Ryan Walters, the states divisive schools chief who is known for his conservative politics and provocative statements.

Mr. Walters, a Republican who took office in January, has raised a litany of complaints against the Tulsa schools, including low test scores and financial mismanagement, and has battled over cultural and religious issues.

Questioning Dr. Gists leadership, he threatened to take over the school district, which could include appointing a new superintendent, and even said that he had not ruled out revoking accreditation entirely  which would force schools to close. Tulsa public schools serve nearly 34,000 students, with a student population that is 80 percent economically disadvantaged and majority Hispanic and Black.
With outstretched arms, dancers skimmed across the sand like gliding birds, soundless against the pressing wind and somehow soaring without actual wings. They tipped forward from their hips, leaning their torsos ever so slightly forward. They stood still while holding up a quivering, bent leg. Sometimes, as they lingered in a position, gradually lowering an arm or bending to the side, a sea gull flew past the glinting sun, dipping and then rising before disappearing into the horizon.

The glittering scene seemed like a dream. Surveying the shoreline of Rockaway Beach on a recent morning, Patricia Lent, from the Merce Cunningham Trust, was elated. This is a dream come true, she said, adding: Its someone elses dream  but it is a dream come true.

Cunninghams Beach Birds has finally made its way to the beach.

An adaptation of this 1991 dance is part of this years Beach Sessions Dance Series, at Rockaway Beach on Saturday. Staged by Lent and Rashaun Mitchell  both former company members and trustees  Beach Birds comes to life in a setting where the sand, the sea and real birds create, along with 11 dancers, a humming summer landscape.
This years heat can seem relentless, and appears to be only the beginning of a lifetime of hotter summers. Its even hot in the oceans. And then there are the wildfires, droughts and floods, which have recently hit the seeming paradises of Hawaii and California.

The weather extremes are enough to drive some people to pick up their lives and look for more climate-friendly places to live. Jesse Keenan, a climate adaptation expert at Tulane University living in low-lying New Orleans, is among them. Another Katrina is going to happen, he said, referring to the hurricane that struck the city in 2005. I tell my students this: Within your lifetime, Tulane will no longer be a university. Your alma mater will relocate or disappear because of where it is.

Are there places that are better suited to deal with climate change? Yes, experts say. The Midwest, inland Northeast and northern Great Plains are three examples in the U.S., and parts of Canada, Russia and Scandinavia could offer refuge internationally. These regions are not immune to climate problems; its called global warming for a reason. But they are expected to see less of the extreme weather that a hotter planet will bring.

Still, Americans are not moving to climate-friendly places today. If anything, many more have moved away. One of the fastest-growing U.S. cities is Phoenix, which has suffered temperatures above 110 degrees Fahrenheit for much of this summer. That trend could start to change as people endure more disasters.
Wagner leader listed as a passenger on crashed plane

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner mercenary group who led a brief mutiny against Russias military leadership in June, was listed as a passenger on a plane that crashed yesterday, killing all 10 people aboard, according to Russian aviation authorities.

His fate remains unclear. Several Russian news outlets reported, citing anonymous sources, that he was indeed on the plane that crashed. But Grey Zone, a Telegram account associated with the Wagner group, posted that it remained uncertain whether Prigozhin was dead or alive. U.S. officials also said they were unable to confirm his death. Dmitri Utkin, Wagners most prominent commander, was also on the passenger manifest.

Frustrated over the countrys military leadership, Prigozhin instigated a short rebellion two months ago with his Wagner forces that posed a threat to President Vladimir Putin. Despite his actions, he appeared to move about freely in the mutinys aftermath, including meeting with the president on June 29.

A falling out: After years of supporting Putin, Prigozhin began to openly criticize the Russian government. Heres what changed and when.
A significant rainfall event has impacted the Coconino Wash east of the Town of Tusayan, just south of the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park, according to a Coconino County press release. Due to a reported two to three inches of rainfall in a short amount of time this afternoon, water up to three feet in depth has reached State Route 64 and most of the gateway community.

Emergency notifications advising people in the flood-impacted areas to shelter in place until waters recede have been deployed through the Countys RAVE Emergency Notifications System. All students attending school at Grand Canyon Village are being safely sheltered inside the school at this time. The Coconino County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) and Emergency Management (CCEM) have asked parents not to attempt to pick up their children until it is deemed safe to travel in the area.

All unnecessary travel to and from the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is not recommended. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has closed State Route 64 south of Tusayan, all traffic from inside the National Park is being routed east on SR64 through Cameron.

County representatives are meeting with Tusayan and Park Service officials to coordinate an urgent response and ensure public safety. The County is also mobilizing resources to assist with emergency shelters, clear debris from roads, and assist with evacuations if necessary.

More updates are expected throughout the evening.
For more than two years, Leon Haynes, a New Jersey tax preparer, told some of his clients that the federal government was giving out free money in the form of pandemic relief to people who owned businesses. According to federal prosecutors, Mr. Haynes filed more than 1,000 false tax forms, fraudulently claiming more than $124 million in Covid-19 employment tax credits for businesses that he and others owned.

Mr. Haynes was arrested at the end of July.

The complaint is one of several Covid-19 fraud cases detailed on Wednesday by the Justice Department, which has been cracking down on businesses and individuals who inappropriately pocketed federal relief aid.

As of this week, the federal government has charged 3,195 defendants for offenses related to pandemic fraud and seized more than $1.4 billion in relief funds, according to data released by the department.

That included the results of a three-month sweep to combat Covid-19 fraud, which ended in July and involved more than 50 U.S. attorneys offices and dozens of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
After a research report last week found that YouTubes advertising practices had the potential to undercut the privacy of children watching childrens videos, the company said it limited the collection of viewer data and did not serve targeted ads on such videos.

These types of personalized ads, which use data to tailor marketing to users online activities and interests, can be effective for finding the right consumers. Under a federal privacy law, however, childrens online services must obtain parental consent before collecting personal information from users under 13 to target them with ads  a commitment YouTube extended to anyone watching a childrens video.

Now Fairplay, a prominent childrens group, is challenging the companys privacy statements. The group said it had used advertising placement tools from YouTubes parent company, Google, to run a $10 ad campaign this month targeted at different groups of adults, exclusively on childrens video channels.

The ads were shown to users in consumer segments selected by the childrens group  including motorcycle enthusiasts, high-end computer aficionados and avid investors  on popular channels including Cocomelon Nursery Rhymes, Talking Tom and Like Nastya, according to a placement report Fairplay received from Google. In total, the groups ads were placed 1,446 times on YouTube childrens video channels.
Visiting Israel is a rite of passage for the mayor of New York City, whose Jewish population is second only to Israels. Mayor Eric Adams has spent the last couple of days there. He had been there twice before, but this was his first trip as mayor. It was also the first trip there for our City Hall bureau chief, Emma G. Fitzsimmons. I asked her about her impressions of the trip. Here is what she said:

A few moments have stood out. When we visited the Western Wall, I asked Adams what being in that place meant to him. He had just visited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher as well and said that he was extremely emotional. He said he was thinking of his mother, Dorothy, who died in 2021, and whom he spoke about tearfully when he was campaigning that year.

This is a place she always wanted to come to, he told me. I wanted to have a special thought as I stood over the stone where Jesus was laid, and I said a remembrance of her.
An Erie County, N.Y., judge on Wednesday set aside the convictions of two men who, despite their protests of innocence, were found guilty in the grisly 1993 murder of a young mother outside Buffalo.

The ruling, by Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek of State Supreme Court, came after a lengthy re-examination of the case prompted by inconsistencies in the original prosecution, cited by lawyers for the two men, and by an explosive claim about another possible suspect: Richard Matt, one of two escapees in a famous New York jailbreak.

Justice Wojtaszek ordered that the two men, Brian Scott Lorenz and James Pugh, be granted new trials in the slaying of the young mother, Deborah Meindl, who was killed in her home in Tonawanda, N.Y.

The judge rejected the mens assertions of innocence. But he ruled that new trials were warranted because of new evidence, and because the original prosecutors had violated rules governing the sharing of evidence. The Erie County District Attorneys Office said it would be appealing the judges decision.
This was not another report of melting icecaps, rising oceans, blistering heat or unusual tornadoes somewhere far away; this was a horizon-to-horizon pall over us, rising from infernos across the great Canadian north that had been ignited by record temperatures, record drought and ceaseless lightning storms. Nothing like it had ever happened before  these wildfires began far earlier and spread far faster than usual, and they have burned far more boreal forest than any fire in Canadas modern history.

As of this writing, 5,881 wildfires have consumed 15.3 million hectares, about 59,000 square miles, dwarfing the 10-year average of 2.6 million hectares per summer. Thats like all New York State incinerated, and the fires are burning still. One environmentalist told me that unprecedented has been used so often that it has lost any meaning against the uniqueness and horror of what is happening.

With the melting Arctic to their north and the immensity of their northern wilderness, Canadians are not strangers to climate anxiety. But as The Globe and Mail reported, Canadas summer of fire and smoke has still come as a profound shock to the nation, materially and psychologically, as people across the country report a sense of dread about the disaster unfolding just out of sight, and what it portends for the future.

And as the summer unfolded, it became evident that its not just smoke, and not just Canada. This has been the summer from climate hell all across Earth, when it ceased being possible to escape or deny what we have done to our planet and ourselves. Even I am surprised by this year, said Michael Flannigan, a professor at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia, who has been studying the interaction of fire and climate for over 35 years. Temperatures are rising at the rate we thought they would, but the effects are more severe, more frequent, more critical. Its crazy and getting crazier.

The planet had its hottest week ever in July and is entering uncharted territory, the World Meteorological Organization declared. Maui, the loveliest of Hawaii islands, was savaged by a wildfire that killed more than 100 people and destroyed the picturesque town of Lahaina. Floods battered New England; a reading of 101.1 degrees Fahrenheit (the ideal temperature for a hot tub) was recorded in the waters of Manatee Bay in South Florida. China had its heaviest rains in 140 years; record wildfires devastated Greek islands, and the list goes on. None of it is normal.
While much of the rest of the industrialized world has become more secular over the last half-century, the United States has appeared to be an exception.

Politicians still end their speeches with God bless America. At least until recently, more Americans believed in the virgin birth of Jesus (66 percent) than in evolution (54 percent).

Yet evidence is growing that Americans are becoming significantly less religious. They are drifting away from churches, they are praying less and they are less likely to say religion is very important in their lives. For the first time in Gallup polling, only a minority of adults in the United States belong to a church, synagogue or mosque. (Most of the research is on Christians because they account for roughly 90 percent of believers in the United States.)

We are currently experiencing the largest and fastest religious shift in the history of our country, Jim Davis and Michael Graham write in a book published this week, The Great Dechurching.
To the Editor:

Re How Do We Fix the Scandal That Is American Health Care?, by Nicholas Kristof, with photographs by September Dawn Bottoms (column, Aug. 20):

Nicholas Kristof scratches the surface of the failures of the health care system in this country. I have been in practice for 28 years as a cardiologist and internist and have seen firsthand the miraculous breakthroughs in cardiac care as well as the appalling level of care typical in treatment of chronic diseases, especially among minority populations.

Most care in this country is delivered by large for-profit and nonprofit entities (which function largely as for-profit entities but avoid taxes). These systems are incentivized to invest in high-end tertiary care, typically cardiac, orthopedic, neurosurgical and oncologic care, as they have the highest reimbursement.

Chronic care for conditions such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure are not sexy areas of medicine and for the most part offer low compensation from Medicare, Medicaid and commercial payers.

Our health care system needs to incentivize primary care and force nonprofit entities to allocate larger portions of their budgets to primary care or lose their nonprofit status.
Frank Bruni, a contributing Opinion writer, hosted an online conversation with Ann Coulter, who writes the Substack newsletter Unsafe, and Stuart Stevens, a former Republican political consultant, to discuss their expectations for the first Republican debate and the future of American politics.

Frank Bruni: Stuart, Ive done many of these political round tables, but never one at a juncture this titanically and transcendentally bizarre. The first Republican debate of the presidential election season is tonight, the party front-runner is absent, and hes running, oh, infinity points ahead of his Republican rivals despite two impeachments, 91 felony counts and unquantifiable wretchedness. Color me morose.

But also, illuminate me: Given Donald Trumps lead and its durability, does this debate matter, and how? Is there an argument that it could change the trajectory of this contest?

Stuart Stevens: If a candidate enters the debate with a strategy of taking out another candidate, it can change a trajectory. In the 2012 primary, Mitt Romney did this to Rick Perry in their first debate and again in a subsequent debate to Newt Gingrich. (I was the campaign strategist for that Romney campaign.) But you must go into a debate with the attitude one of us will walk off this stage alive. I dont think anyone has the nerve to do that.
As if that were not daunting enough, Lee added,

DeSantiss difficulties are compounded by the fact that the roughly one third of Republicans who disapprove of Trump disapprove of him for different reasons. Some Republicans would like to see a more moderate alternative, in the mode of the pre-Trump Republican Party. Other Republicans fully embrace the changes Trump brought to the party, but oppose him for various reasons relating to him personally (such as his behavior on Jan. 6, his crude and offensive style, or doubts about his electability). It is extremely difficult for any alternative to consolidate the support of all the Republicans who would like an alternative to Trump. Even if a candidate succeeds in doing so, he or she still would not have a majority among Republicans, unless Trump drops further in support.

Robert Y. Shapiro, a political scientist at Columbia, elaborated on the difficulties facing DeSantiss bid to position himself to the right of Trump. The DeSantis strategy is weak in that there are not enough Republican voters to be gained to the right of Trump, he wrote in an email. In addition, Shapiro contended, Trumps style and language are more authentic and natural. Trumps Queens street-rhetoric style may help, but the point is that Trump sounds real and not staged for political purposes, in contrast to DeSantiss endless use of woke, which is very vague and has had more meaning in liberal-left and educated elite circles and does not have the clear meaning that Trumps position-taking has. DeSantis sounds staged and forced in discussing this.

Robert Erikson, a colleague of Shapiros in the Columbia political science department, wrote by email:

DeSantis appears about to become the latest in a long line of promising candidates who failed to convince their partys base that they should be president. The list includes many seasoned politicians who were otherwise successful at their craft. For the G.O.P., the line runs from George Romney (1968) through Rudy Giuliani (2008) to Jeb Bush and Scott Walker (2016). Democratic examples include Ed Muskie (1972) and John Glenn (1984). All saw an early collapse of their seemingly strong position, with some dropping out before Iowa or New Hampshire.

Can DeSantis overcome this challenge? Erikson asked in his email. Underdogs often surprise and win nominations by arousing enthusiasm among a sizable bloc of primary and caucus voters. Jimmy Carter was an example. The more contemporary list includes Obama and Trump.

So far, DeSantis shows no signs of following in the footsteps of past insurgents.

Martin Carnoy, a professor at Stanfords graduate school of education, argued that Trump has successfully carved out a special place in the Republican universe and there is no room left for a challenger like DeSantis.

DeSantiss main problem, Carnoy wrote by email,

is that he is not Trump and Trump is still around largely filling the space that Trump himself has defined and continues to define. This is the victim space, where the victims are the forgotten core Americans, besieged by liberals who want to help everyone but them  migrants, blacks, LGBTQIA, homeless, foreign countries in fights for democracy.

Carnoy argued that large blocs of the U.S. population have not been swept up in the economic growth of the past 40 years, which has largely enriched the top 1 percent of income earners. Blame Ronald Reagan, he added, but also blame Democrats, who left this political space to the very Republicans that created it.

While Democrats failed to compete for this space, Carnoy contended that Trump figured out in 2015 that he could continue to help the rich (including himself) economically through traditional tax reduction policies  stoking inequality  and simultaneously enthuse the forgotten by throwing rich red victim identity meat to this bloc of white (and Hispanic) working class voters.
FRONT PAGE

An article on Sunday about the local debate over The Marion County Record, the Kansas newspaper that was raided by police on Aug. 11, misstated the name of Eric Meyers former employer. It was The Milwaukee Journal, not The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

INTERNATIONAL

An article on Saturday about the state of emergency order that took effect in the western Canadian province of British Columbia misstated the name of the minister of forests in British Columbia. He is Bruce Ralston, not W. Bruce Ralston.

BUSINESS

An article on Tuesday about the newly ratified contract for pilots at American Airlines misstated the status of contract negotiations at United Airlines. The airlines pilot union has reached a tentative deal with the company, but the contract has not yet been ratified by the unions members.

ARTS

An art review on Friday about the Souvenirs of the Wasteland exhibition in Newburgh, N.Y., described incorrectly the collaboration between two artists. Caitlin McCormack supplies the crochet, and Katharine Ryals does the sculptural work, not the other way around.
What Are The Recovery Qualities Of Quit Irregular Bowel Movements? If you think that you have moderate or intense irregularity, of course, do not...
Syracuse, Ind. | $499,000

A 1903 Craftsman bungalow with four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, on a 0.2-acre lot

This house is half a block from Hoys Beach, a popular gathering spot on Syracuse Lake. Its a five-minute walk from the towns public library and the Pickwick movie theater. More stores and services are in Goshen, a small city about half an hour away. The University of Notre Dame is about an hour away, near South Bend.

Driving to Fort Wayne takes about an hour. Toledo, Ohio, is about two and a half hours away. Driving to Chicago or Indianapolis takes around three hours.

Size: 2,794 square feet

Price per square foot: $179

Indoors: Stairs lead up from the sidewalk to an expansive covered porch that could serve as an outdoor living area.

Beyond the front door is a living room with hardwood floors, a brick fireplace flanked by built-in cabinets and French doors that open to the front porch. This space flows into an area used by the sellers as a game room.
If you want to send astronauts to the moon, a place with water would be a good destination.

Obviously, humans need to drink water to survive, and water molecules can be split into hydrogen and oxygen. Oxygen provides air to breathe, and hydrogen and oxygen can also be used as rocket propellants to get back home to Earth, or somewhere else in the solar system.

But water is heavy, and lugging it from Earth is expensive and inconvenient.

The rocks brought back by NASAs Apollo astronauts from 1969 through 1972 suggested that the moon was completely dry. But then planetary scientists started seeing hints of water ice at the bottom of craters in the polar regions where the sun never shines. Indias first lunar orbiter, Chandrayaan-1, collected some of the data that confirmed the presence of water.

The armada of missions now headed to the south pole aim to measure how much water is contained in the shadowed craters and how difficult it would be to extract the water. (It could be very difficult if the water molecules are trapped within minerals and not as ice mixed in with the soil.)

Layers of ice in the craters could also provide a history book of the solar system, much like how ice cores in Greenland and Antarctica provide a record of Earths climate.
Edith Whartons 1934 autobiography, A Backward Glance, glances a bit more carefully at some things than others. She gives her close friend and fellow literary lion Henry James a chapter, but names her husband of 28 years exactly once. (And thats only because she quotes James referring to him.)

One subject Wharton doesnt mention at all? The Shadow of a Doubt, a full-length 1901 play that got close to a Broadway opening before foundering under murky circumstances. It was all but forgotten  which is perhaps what Wharton had intended  until two scholars unearthed a script in 2016.

Mary Chinery, of Georgian Court University in New Jersey, and Laura Rattray, of the University of Glasgow, found the script in the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin. (Crucially, the play was filed not under the centers well-combed-over Wharton holdings but rather in its collection of Playscripts and Promptbooks.)

We often dont have the complete picture, especially with women writers from that period, Chinery said. Their work is so spread out that theres a lot we still dont know about.
The office of the special counsel requested a Jan. 2 trial date in the election subversion case against Mr. Trump in Washington, and it said it would need four to six weeks to present evidence. At least theoretically, that could yield a verdict before the preponderance of Republican delegates are awarded in March.

Im not a lawyer, so I wont speculate about whether its likely that the special counsel will get his trial date, let alone a conviction, by Super Tuesday on March 5.

But as a political analyst, I can say Mr. Trump wouldnt ordinarily seem likely to lose the nomination by conventional means in a conventional race: His lead over Ron DeSantis is at least twice as large as that of any front-runner who has ever gone on to lose a party nomination at this stage.

Taken together, its entirely possible that the likeliest way for Mr. Trump to lose the nomination involves the mounting weight of his legal challenges, rather than a conventional electoral defeat on the campaign trail and debate stage. That weight could take a variety of forms, including some well short of a conviction, like the possibility that Republican voters gradually reassess the seriousness of the risks facing Mr. Trump as a trial nears  but realistically were talking trial, conviction and even imprisonment.

If we stipulate that these risks are in fact the greatest ones facing Mr. Trump, a certain strategy for his opponents begins to take shape: a strategy premised on capitalizing on Mr. Trumps collapse, should it come. It might involve avoiding conflict with Mr. Trump, rather than trying to bring him down, in hopes of winning the former presidents supporters once he falters. It might involve attacking the other minor candidates, so as to emerge as the likeliest to capitalize on a potential Trump collapse. In time, its a strategy that might yield victory. For now, it might not look any different than fighting to take second place  the fight well see on the debate stage.
The Latest

The Florida State Board of Education voted Wednesday to approve new rules at state colleges for transgender employees and students that are intended to comply with a law, passed in May, restricting access to bathrooms.

Colleges will be forced to fire employees who twice use a bathroom other than the one assigned to their sex at birth, despite being asked to leave.

And bathroom restrictions also now apply to student housing operated by the colleges.

Bathroom spaces are very intimate and private, said Dr. Grazie Pozo Christie, a radiologist, who serves on the state board and voted for approval, adding, This is not something that as a culture we should ditch.

Adding Sharp Teeth to a New Law

The new regulations show that colleges, like K-12 schools, may be caught in the bureaucracy required to enforce them.

The state college system serves 650,000 students on a network of 28 regional campuses.

It is operated separately from the State University System of Florida, which runs the 12 flagship campuses, including the University of Florida and Florida State.

The Board of Educations new rules go beyond the state bathroom law. Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate, signed that bill in May and has made restricting transgender rights a signature issue.

The legislation states that employees who break the bathroom rule can be found in violation of professional standards and are subject to discipline  but it does not mandate that they should be fired after two violations.

Were seeing in general that after laws are passed, agencies and boards are inflicting new harms, said Carlos Guillermo Smith, a senior policy adviser for Equality Florida, an L.G.B.T.Q. rights group. They are really exceeding their authority.

The Florida Department of Education did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

All seven members of the state education board are appointed by Gov. DeSantis. The board has generally approved sweeping new regulations that codify the governors education agenda. It has sought to remove content on race, gender, sex and sexuality from the curriculum; to restrict books on those subjects from K-12 school libraries; and to prevent K-12 educators from asking for students pronouns.

Whats Next

The law requires each individual college to outline disciplinary procedures for transgender students who break bathroom regulations.

Mr. Smith said he expected that the State University System would soon pass regulations interpreting the bathroom bill in a similarly restrictive way, since that system, too, is governed by officials appointed by the governor.

A spokesman for the Board of Governors, which runs the university system, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
More than eight hours before a deadly fire swept through the Hawaiian town of Lahaina on Aug. 8, a small brush fire broke out on the edge of a residential neighborhood located a little more than a mile away from the towns historic waterfront.

Firefighters spent hours dousing the blaze with water and carving boundaries around the burning fields with heavy machinery. They managed to keep the fire away from nearby homes, containing it to some empty plots of land.

Then came what could prove to be one of the key turning points in a disaster that became the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. With hurricane-force gusts still blowing over the fire site and the surrounding arid shrubbery, crews left the neighborhood. They were needed, officials said, at other locations.

Within an hour, residents and Maui County authorities said, the initial brush fire flared up again and roared down the hillside toward the ocean, destroying nearly everything in its path. This time, the fire swiftly grew out of control. The death toll has reached at least 115, and more than 2,000 structures were destroyed.
Prosecutors have accused the Null brothers and Mr. Molitor of traveling to Antrim County, about 250 miles northwest of Detroit, to scout out the governors vacation home and help prepare for an attack. If convicted, they could each face more than 20 years in prison. Unlike the men convicted in federal court, they are not charged with planning to participate in the kidnapping itself.

Opening arguments on Wednesday echoed many of the themes aired in two prior federal trials in Grand Rapids, as well as another in state court in Jackson, Mich.

Defense lawyers tried to downplay their clients actions. They suggested the men were minor players who did not know much about the plans to harm Ms. Whitmer, were egged on by F.B.I. informants and were caught up in overheated pandemic-era politics.

We have police protests  I mean, cities are burning, Kristyna Nunzio, a lawyer for William Null, said in court, describing national events in 2020. People are scared during this time period. And its fair to keep that in your mind when you review all of the evidence.

But prosecutors said the defendants were aiding the leaders of the plot, Barry Croft and Adam Fox. Federal jurors found that Mr. Croft and Mr. Fox had planned to kidnap Ms. Whitmer and blow up a bridge leading to her home in order to disrupt the police response. Mr. Croft is serving a nearly 20-year prison sentence, and Mr. Fox is serving a 16-year sentence.
For over half a century, records appeared to show that there were two brothers by the name of Gonzalez who had been born two years apart in Puerto Rico. They later lived at adjacent addresses in a small town in Maine. Both were 5-foot-7 and 190 pounds, with brown eyes.

In fact, the younger brother, Guillermo Gonzalez, had been dead since 1939, prosecutors say. And his older brother Napoleon not only used his identity for decades to claim extra retirement and veterans benefits, but also faked his own death in 1984 as part of attempted life insurance fraud.

All of that came to light after an official from the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles used facial recognition software three years ago to determine that the photos on the two mens drivers licenses showed the same person. That led to an investigation and a jury trial that ended in a federal courthouse last week with Napoleon Gonzalezs conviction on charges of identity theft, passport fraud, mail fraud and Social Security fraud.

Mr. Gonzalez could face up to 50 years in prison when he is sentenced, the Justice Department said on Monday.
The South Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the states new near-total ban on abortion by a 4-1 vote, reversing a decision it had made in January that struck down a similar ban and declared that the State Constitutions protections for privacy included a right to abortion.

The courts decision was not unexpected, because the makeup of the bench had changed, and Republicans in the State Legislature had passed a new abortion law in the hopes that it would find a friendlier audience with the new court. The decision in January was written by the courts only female justice; she retired and South Carolina now has the nations only all-male high court.

The decision repeated what the justices said in January about a right to privacy in the State Constitution, but said the Legislature had addressed the concerns in the first law and balanced the interests of pregnant women with those of the fetus.

To be sure, the 2023 Act infringes on a womans right of privacy and bodily autonomy, Justice John Kittredge wrote for the majority.
Follow live updates on Donald Trumps expected surrender at a jail in Georgia.

Rudolph W. Giuliani turned himself in on Wednesday in the racketeering case against former President Donald J. Trump and his allies, surrendering at the Atlanta jail where the defendants are being booked.

Mr. Giuliani, whose bond was set at $150,000, arrived in Atlanta as another defendant in the sprawling case, the lawyer Kenneth Chesebro, filed a motion seeking a speedy trial. Under that scenario, which Georgia law allows, the trial for all 19 people indicted in the case would have to start no later than Nov. 3, months earlier than prosecutors had sought.

After his booking, Mr. Giuliani, the former mayor of New York, stepped out of an S.U.V. to address a throng of reporters, calling the case an attack on the American people. He then made his way to A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds, a business near the jail.

He and Mr. Trump face the most charges among those indicted in the case. Mr. Giuliani served as Mr. Trumps personal lawyer in the aftermath of the 2020 election and played a leading role in advancing false claims that the election had been stolen from Mr. Trump.
President Xi Jinping of China, traveling to Africa for the first time in five years, pledged greater cooperation with South Africa to enhance the voice of poor nations, and commended developing countries for shaking off the yoke of colonialism.

And on Wednesday, he held talks with the leaders of the BRICS, a club of emerging nations, where he also called for members to accelerate its expansion to serve as a counterweight to the West.

At present, the Cold War mentality is lingering, and the geopolitical situation is grim, Mr. Xi said on Wednesday. The grouping, he continued, should bring more countries into the BRICS family so as to pool our strength, pool our wisdom to make global governance more just and equitable.

On his visit to South Africa this week for the BRICS meetings, Mr. Xi has sought to cast himself as a leader of the developing world. Mr. Xi kicked off his four-day trip on Tuesday with a state visit and was received with an honor guard and a 21-gun salute.
Wildfires ravaged northern Greece for a fifth consecutive day on Wednesday and forced the evacuation of settlements on the outskirts of the capital, Athens. The authorities said they were battling scores of blazes around the country after weeks of searing heat turned many areas into tinderboxes.

It is the worst summer for fires since records began, said Vassilis Kikilias, the civil protection minister.

In villages in the northeastern Evros region, desperate residents on foot or riding scooters rushed to beat back fires only to watch bigger ones rise up around them. Exhausted firefighters used trucks and water-scooping helicopters to tackle the rapid advance of a blaze in one spot while flames grew out of control in another.

By Wednesday evening, it was clear that on both major fronts for the wildfires, in the north and near Athens, they remained largely uncontrolled.
It was June 2016, and almost a year had passed since Stephen Brearey, the lead doctor at a neonatal unit in northwest England, first became concerned about a spate of troubling and unexpected deaths on his ward.

Five babies had died, and at least six others had experienced unusual complications. The neonatal ward at the Countess of Chester Hospital cared for premature and vulnerable babies, but the number of deaths was far above average for the unit. Something was desperately wrong.

Then, in the early evening of June 23, a baby boy  one of a set of newborn triplets  suddenly became sick and died. The following night, as the parents were still reeling, another of the triplets died.

The infants had been in the care of Lucy Letby, a seemingly conscientious and well-liked nurse. Dr. Brearey had noticed that she was present in every other suspicious case and raised that fact multiple times with executives, but he felt his concerns were dismissed.
The campaign appeared to start in April. Online, the Defense Ministry published a splashy video ad focusing on two central motivations: machismo, and money. It defines military service as more meaningful  and manly  than whats depicted as the Russian mans typical, humdrum existence. After moody shots of civilians transforming into modern warriors, the ad ends with a more down-to-earth reminder: Monthly payments starting at 204,000 rubles, or about $2,000.

The themes in the Russian Defense Ministrys recruitment campaign are picked up frequently in television newscasts  as would be expected, since all of Russias major television channels are controlled by the state. But the news anchors and reporters delivering the message are essentially acting as glorified recruiters themselves, repeatedly reminding viewers of the quick-dial phone number  1-1-7  they can turn to if they want to sign up to fight.

Since the invasions beginning, state television newscasts have been offering viewers a sanitized view of the war. Death and injury of Russians are rarely mentioned. The war itself is referred to with the Kremlins anodyne term, special military operation, or simply by the terms Russian initials: the S.V.O.

But there are signs that, at least in some regions, the costs of war have now become too widespread to ignore. During a local morning newscast in the city of Irkutsk, in Siberia, on Aug. 9, a reporter introduces a piece about new mobile recruitment stands with an interview of a Ukraine war veteran wounded last year.

I got all the payments that contract servicemen are entitled to if theyre wounded, the veteran, Nikolai Karpenko, says.

Contract military service, Nikolai says, gave him the chance to show that hes a real defender of the fatherland, the reporter intones.

The message: Yes, you could get hurt, but the government will take care of you. And you will have shown your patriotism.
The deadly assault on Lavy, a village in the Belgorod region near the border with Ukraine, was the latest in near-daily attacks on the area that have killed at least six others this summer, according to Russian officials. Since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion almost 18 months ago, Ukrainian forces have regularly fired on villages in the region, according to the regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov.

The claims have not been independently verified.

Two other drones were shot down early Wednesday in suburban districts of the Moscow region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on the messaging app Telegram. According to the ministry, the drone that struck Moscow City was electronically jammed and lost control before crashing into the building.

Ukrainian officials did not immediately comment on the episodes, as has been their practice on attacks inside Russia. Asked about the attacks, a representative for the U.S. State Department said that it didnt encourage them but that its up to Ukraine to decide how to defend itself.

Russia started this unprovoked war against Ukraine, the representative said. Russia could end it at any time by withdrawing its forces from Ukraine instead of launching brutal attacks against Ukraines cities and people every day.

The stepped-up attacks near the center of power in Moscow have been seen as an attempt to bring the war in Ukraine home to Russia and its citizens. The drone attacks in the Moscow region have not caused injuries or deaths, according to Russian officials.
Paul Oestreicher

Oh boy, was I wrong. Who needs these humanities requirements? I asked as a college student. I was going to be a scientist and wanted to place my attention on (what I thought was) my ultimate goal.

Sure, I learned to appreciate the genius of Shakespeare and enjoyed the scrum in my political science classes. But I loaded up on the hard, not the social, sciences. I bought the promise that technology had the answers to everything. One couldnt be a whole person without a rock solid background in math, chemistry, physics, biology.

Whole person, huh? I said I was wrong, right? Im not sure I can say it enough. Ive come to hate mutual exclusivity and false equivalencies and yet, there I was. It took me years to figure out (with no small contribution from my wife) that interesting people, valuable people, are a package. We should have an appreciationa facility, evenwith a multitude of subjects spanning a range from STEM subjects to the liberal arts.

We need to know enough about both the humanities and science to be capable citizens. With the politicization of so many topicsvaccines, evolution, climate change, stem cellsa more roundly educated public is essential.

We need to expect and demand more of our leaders, too. I wonder how many of them read books like David McCulloughs 1776 or John Adams that chronicled how the founding fathers built a nation on progressive values; Peter Watsons Ideas, with two million years worth of language, thought and invention; Constantines Sword by James Carroll on the evolution of faith and systematized prejudice; Stephen Hawkings A Brief History of Time to make your head ache when contemplating the enormity of our universe; or Abe by David Reynolds to show us how personal evolution and compromise gave rise to one of our greatest presidents.

Social media and cable news echo chambers have made it all too easy to receive what the algorithms are trained to feed us. We suffer from inertia, from a lack of curiosity, from what used to be the common practice of debating the issues (and not the facts). If the facts dont fit the persons worldview or frame, as the cognitive linguist George Lakoff termed it, the facts bounce off like bullets shot at Supermans chest. Your opponent deflects all the data, swears on what they believe to be true, while you get blue in the face.

But now comes the latest assault on holistic education. The New York Times recently reported that West Virginias flagship school will no longer teach world languages or creative writinga sign, its president says, of the future at many public universities. What the WVU administration is calling a transformation, others are calling a blood bath. Its frightening to think this could be the beginning of a very dangerous spiral.

The questions of how to educate, what to teach, and with what money are not new. But this is different. Were looking at institutional changes that could take years, generations to repair. If were not careful, if we dont invest in expansive, accessible education, we will be less able to govern, less capable of informed, civil discourse, and less capable of maintaining our competitiveness on the world stage. The hollowing out of education, and the under-budgeting and the reversal of opportunity are as grave a threat as any facing our country.

***

Paul Oestreicher, PhD is a recognized expert in strategic communications, marketing and public affairs, and crisis, change and reputation management. He is the author of Camelot, Inc.: Leadership and Management Insights from King Arthur and the Round Table and the blog C-O-I-N-S: Communication Opinions, Insights and New Strategies. Follow him @pauloestreicher.
AN application by Synergy Health Ireland Ltd to construct a sterilisation technology facility at Ballyduff in Tullamore has sparked a wave of objections from concerned local residents.

The objections centre around three main issues, the use of x-ray technology to sterilise, the potential increase in traffic and the imposing size of the facility.

Offaly County Council has put the application 'on hold' while it evaluates further information which it sought from the company.

If the proposed facility receives planning approval it will have a maximum roof height of 19.65 metres with a flue extending to 22. 4 metres and a gross floor area of 6,726 sqm.

The development will front the Clara Road at Ballyduff and include the repositioning and upgrade of the two existing entrances to the site from Clara road. The provision of internal roads, footpaths and a bicycle path and 42 car parking spaces.

Enda Scally lives near the site earmarked for the development. Mr Scally said there is no indication of how the proposed industrial facility is designed to achieve compliance with the Radiological Protection Act 1991 (Ionising Radiation Regulations 2019 or International Atomic Energy Agency guidelines and standards).

In addition he says that the overall height of the proposed industrial sterilisation facility is 2.4 times the height of the nearby units in Axis Business Park. He maintains that if built the industrial facility would have a direct effect on the visual amenities of the dwellings to the north and adjacent properties. ''Such an overbearing facility is contrary to proper planning and sustainable development,'' he said.

He said the application proposes bulky, large, high units that would result in overshadowing and appear visually dominant as viewed from the amenity space of the dwellings to the north. It would seriously injure the residential visual amenities, he claims.

He stresses that under the county development plan, Arden Road and Ballyduff is zoned to facilitate strategic large-scale employment. However, he points out that the proposed facility will employ just 32 staff members.

Mr Scally said a more suitable site would be the county development planned Arden Med/Bio Technology Park, which he said would bring industry and R&D together allowing the industry to flourish within the town. In addition such a site is better located for logistical distribution with the N52 and M6.

''The indicative masterplan will depreciate the value of domestic property in the vicinity and thereby be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the surrounding townlands. It will lead to unsustainable development on the land north of the grand canal and the town's northern environs,'' said Mr Scally.
Electric Picnic has just surprised loyal fans with a big announcement and a change of time for the 2024 festival.

The festival organisers have just announced that loyalty early bird tickets for 2024 have gone on sale.

The sale has begun this Wednesday morning, August 23, a week ahead of the 2023 festival.

It is normally held just afterwards.

The loyalty registration closed on August 21 but many regular picknickers have not yet received their code to buy, according to comments on the post.

Another big surprise is that the festival in 2024 will come some two weeks earlier than normal, here in its Laois home of Stradbally.

"Electric Picnic 2024 will take place from 16  18 August. EP24 Loyalty Early Bird Tickets are on sale now!" Electric Picnic say.

The time change could be due to the Coldplay circus rolling into Ireland. The band will play four gigs in Croke Park from August 29 to September 2.
THERE were 94 fines handed out to people for parking inappropriately in Offaly in 2022. 88 of those were in Tullamore and 6 were in Birr.

However, there were zero fines in Birr for dog fouling while the figure for Tullamore is not available.

The data was gathered by NCBI (National Council for the Blind of Ireland) as part of its 'Clear Our Paths' campaign. The figures show that just 82 dog fouling fines were handed out by local councils across Ireland over the course of 2022.

A statement from NCBI said: ''Dog fouling is a huge issue for people who are blind or vision impaired who use our footpaths daily. A recent NCBI survey showed that it was the third most frequent unexpected obstacle encountered by respondents. Not only can dog fouling cause a slip hazard, but it can also be distressing for white cane users whose canes are often dirtied by faeces.

Cars parked on footpaths emerged as the number one obstacle faced by respondents to our survey. NCBI recently learned that over 19,000 fines were handed out in 2022 for issues around street and inappropriate parking. Three councils reported that they had not handed out any fines, while Mayo County Council said there were no fines handed out in the Claremorris/Swinford area. Roscommon County Council said there are no traffic wardens in the county.''

Parking inappropriately, especially on footpaths, causes a serious hazard for people who are blind or vision impaired. If a footpath is blocked, people with sight loss may be injured by walking into traffic to get around a vehicle, injured walking into the vehicle, or injured by stepping off kerbs in unfamiliar locations.

NCBI says it recognises councils efforts and challenges to support clear paths in their communities and some councils provided information about positive steps they have taken to curb the dangers posed by dog fouling in particular.

Laois County Council confirmed that it had given out 96 mutt mitt dispensers to Tidy Towns groups around the county.

Tipperary County Council said it ran an anti-dog fouling stencil campaign in two municipal districts with messaging around cleaning up after a dog and about fines.

Wexford County Council said it, among other things, had provided free pooper scoopers and bins in towns, villages and at blue flag beaches.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Council said it runs a Green Dog Walkers programme to encourage all dog walkers to pick up after their pets.

People are being encouraged to clean up after their dogs and to remember that not everyone has sight. In addition they are renewing their call to motorists not to park on footpaths.
DMK Vs BJP  A tough battle in Ramanathapuram constituency

Chennai

oi-Oneindia English Desk

Visible symptoms for intense battle in the upcoming 2024 general elections started in Tamil Nadu now itself. The rumour in the political sphere is that PM Narendra Modi is going to contest the 2024 election from Rameswaram constituency, a spiritually important place in Tamil Nadu.

The rumour is confirmed when Amit Shah, the Home Minister, during his visit to Tamil Nadu said that someone from Tamil Nadu will become the next Prime Minister. In the 2014 election, PM Modi contested from Varanasi constituency in Uttar Pradesh and bagged an overwhelming victory. In the 2019 election, Modi contested from Varanasi and additionally he also contested from Vadodara constituency in Gujarat. Modi won in both the constituencies and resigned the MP (Member of Parliament) seat in Vadodara constituency.

Varanasi being a pilgrimage site, has a lot of BJP support and the reason why PM Modi resigned from the Vadodara seat in 2019. Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu is also a pilgrim site, so the right-wing political critics are hopeful that PM Modi is likely to test BJP's support in Rameswaram also. Either way Ramanathapuram district is going to be a political hotspot in the 2024 elections.

Even though Ramanathapuram is a spiritual land, politically BJP doesn't have a strong hold there. Rather it is DMK members, Anitha Radhakrishnan and Raja Kannappan who have a strong hold in Ramanathapuram. On one side, rumours about Modi's constituency are spreading like a wildfire and on the other side, without wasting time DMK has started formulating strategies for the upcoming elections. For the past 2 days, CM Stalin has been concentrating on Ramanathapuram district and trying to win over its residents.

In the journey of winning over the Ramanathapuram residents, CM Stalin is visiting the fishermen villages and inquiring about their grievances in order to redress them. In the 2nd phase of election works, the workshop for the training of polling booth in-charges was conducted yesterday in Ramanathapuram district. 16978 polling booth in-charges participated in the workshop from various districts like Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Dindigul East and West, Theni North and South, Madurai, Kanyakumari etc.

Seeing from the current scenario, BJP is not even in the picture when it comes to Ramanathapuram district. On the other hand, DMK's position is well fortified in the area. Here are some of the supporting facts for the derived conclusion.

List of facts:

1. In the past 4 elections to the Parliament, DMK and its alliance have won 3 of them. In 2004 and 2009 DMK directly won the seats and in 2019 DMK's alliance Indian Union Muslim League won the seat.

2. In the 2014 general election to Parliament, AIADMK won the seat and BJP was in 3rd place. In 2009 when DMK won the seat, the same scenario was repeated. Only in 2019, BJP moved to 2nd place which shows that BJP doesn't have a strong hold in the region as the regional parties have.

3. Ramanathapuram has approximately 2 lakh Muslim voters, who support only DMK and its alliance. As per the election surveys, BJP doesn't enjoy the support of Muslims.

4. Within Ramanathapuram parliamentary constituency, there are 6 assembly constituencies and in every one of them DMK and its alliance members are serving as legislators. (4 DMK MLAs and 2 Congress MLAs)

5. The vote difference with which DMK won the elections in various constituencies shows the strength of DMK. The vote margin in Tiruchuli constituency is 60,000; 50,000 in Ramanathapuram constituency; 30,000 in Aranthangi constituency and 20,000 in Muthukulathur constituency.

6. In the Ramanathapuram constituency during 2022 local elections, DMK won in 5 cities and 9 municipalities and a DMK member became a Chairman.

7. Opinion of some political critics is that DMK doesn't enjoy strong support in rural areas. On the contrary, AIADMK won majority in only 3 out of the 11 panchayat elections in Ramanathapuram and DMK won majority in 8.

8. Ramanathapuram new bus stand was launched by the DMK government. Foundation stone for the new bus stand has already been laid, now the construction works are going on at a swift pace.

9. Kaveri Joint Drinking water project was brought to the Ramanathapuram district by the DMK government.

10. For the first time a fishermen conference was conducted in Ramanathapuram by the DMK government, in which more than 60,000 fishermen participated.

11. 50% polling booths in Ramanathapuram don't even have polling booths in-charges from the BJP side. If BJP contests from Coimbatore or Kanyakumari constituency, there is a chance for them to win but in Ramanathapuram BJP doesn't even have a fighting chance.

12. Under the DMK regime, Ramanathapuram district was included in the list of developing districts in Tamil Nadu. More emphasis was given by DMK to the developmental factors such as the medical field, education sector and local government in Ramanathapuram. Ramanathapuram is one of the popular districts for women scholarship programmes.

DMK or BJP? DMK in Ramanathapuram clearly!

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Story first published: Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 13:09 [IST]
State or Centre? Who is responsible for the delay in Madurai AIIMS establishment?

Chennai

oi-Oneindia English Desk

The debate about the Manipur issue in Lok Sabha has turned into a DMK Vs. BJP clash. According to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Tamil Nadu is responsible for the delay in the construction of AIIMS in Madurai. Reacting to the statement of the Finance Minister, DMK MPs questioned the authenticity of the statement.

Regarding the Finance Minister's statement, Health minister Ma. Subramanian said, "Apart from Madurai, the Union government announced the construction of AIIMS in Gorakhpur, Guwahati, Jammu, Bilaspur and Awantipora."

Why is the union government fund allocated for other states alone?

In 2017, the Union government made the announcement for the construction of AIIMS in Rajkot, Telangana and Jharkhand. In 2019, Haryana was added to the list and in 2022 the announcement was made for the construction of AIIMS in Karnataka and Manipur.

The AIIMS in other states are functioning solely with the Union funds, the state's contribution is nil. The state government's only responsibility is the acquisition and allocation of land needed for the construction. Going by this arrangement Tamil Nadu has fulfilled its part, the acquisition and allocation of land but the Union government instead of using its own funds, approached JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) for financial assistance.

Ma. Subramanian, Health Minister of Tamil Nadu questioned the Union government about the bias shown by them towards other states in the funding of AIIMS projects. He also expressed concern about the inaction by the previous Edappadi K. Palaniswami government regarding the matter.

Ma. Subramanian also complains about the inaction by the government even after seeking financial assistance from JICA. The Union government explained that the reason for the delay is the change of plan from having a 600 bed facility to 900 bed facility. The Health Minister cited the recently inaugurated Kalaignar Super Specialty hospital in Chennai with a 1000 bed facility last month which was constructed within 1 year of its announcement.

"If a state government is capable of constructing a super specialty hospital with a 1000 bed facility within 1 year, then why was the Union government not taking any steps for the past 5 years?", asked Ma. Subramanian. He continued, "Union government's reply to the AIIMS construction delay was the cost overrun. The initial budget outlay was fixed at 1200 crores, which is now increased to 1900 crores. We asked about the details of AIIMS construction financial assistance to JICA authorities."

Truth revealed by JICA:

According to JICA authorities, the building plan will be completed by 2024 and the construction will be over by 2028. The Tamil Nadu government also requested JICA to speed up the AIIMS construction process. Ma. Subramanian asked the Finance Minister, "Why are you not supporting Tamil Nadu when you speak Tamil language and claim to be from Tamil Nadu? Why is the Union government not providing funds to Tamil Nadu alone when it is providing the same for all other states?"

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva said, "It's been many years since the land for AIIMS in Madurai has been identified by the Tamil Nadu government, still there is no signs of construction. The residents of Madurai who know the ground reality, cannot be fooled by misleading talks. Not just Madurai residents, the residents of all cities and towns in Tamil Nadu are aware about the sorry state of Madurai AIIMS."

Why is Tamil Nadu alone ignored by the Union government?

During the election campaign Udhayanidhi Stalin showed a brick to the public, which is the only step taken so far by the Union government regarding AIIMS in Tamil Nadu. AIIMS construction in other states which were announced after Madurai AIIMS, has been completed and brought to public use before the construction even began in Madurai. Madurai AIIMS is still in the same sorry state of how it was 5 years ago.

S. Venkatesan, Communist Party (Marxist) MP said, "Union government is continuously ignoring Madurai AIIMS alone. It's been 5 years since the announcement for the construction of AIIMS has been made and still no visible progress is seen."

Same story said in a loop:

He continued, "The story narrated by the Finance Minister in the Parliament has been told by the Union government several times, including 15 times in the written format. The story starts with the Union government asking for financial assistance from JICA and ends with the promise of starting the construction soon."

False promises will not work anymore. Truth of when and how should be addressed immediately which is why MPs from Tamil Nadu raised the issue in the Parliament. "Madurai AIIMS is the best example to showcase the fact that the Union government under Modi is ignoring Tamil Nadu alone. Now it is confirmed by the reply given by the Finance Minister", said Venkatesan.

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Story first published: Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 15:18 [IST]
17 Dead As Under-Construction Rail Bridge Collapses In Mizoram

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

At least 17 workers were killed on Wednesday after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed near Sairang area of Mizoram, police said, as reported by news agency PTI.

Several others are feared trapped at the site, as 35-40 workers were present when the incident occurred around 10 am, about 21 km from Aizawl, they said.

"Seventeen bodies have been recovered from the debris so far... many others are still missing," a police officer said.

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Sabyasachi De, CPRO of NF Railways told ANI that railway officers have rushed to the spot and senior officials of Northeast Frontier Railway will also visit the site.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed his sorrow regarding the collapse of the bridge and has declared a financial aid of Rs 2 Lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of the deceased, along with Rs 50,000 for the injured.

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The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) released a statement expressing, "The bridge accident in Mizoram is deeply distressing. Our condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives. We wish a swift recovery to the injured individuals. Ongoing rescue efforts are being diligently conducted, and comprehensive support is being provided to those affected. In alignment with this, an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh from PMMRF will be extended to the next of kin of each deceased individual, while Rs. 50,000 will be offered to those who are injured, as conveyed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.''

Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected.



An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the  PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 23, 2023

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Zoramthanga and assured them all possible assistance after 17 workers were killed when an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in the state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed grief and extended her condolensces over the incident. Taking to social media, Banerjee said,"Shocked to learn about the tragic collapse today of an under-construction railway bridge in Mizoram, leading to loss of lives of several site workers, including some belonging to our Malda district. Have instructed my chief secretary to coordinate with Mizoram administration at once for rescue/ assistance operations. Malda district administration has been asked to reach out to the bereaved families for extending all possible help. We shall give due compensation asap to the next of kin of the affected families. Solidarity to the distressed, condolences to the families of the deceased. Situation under watch."
In Pics: ISRO Scripts History As India Over The Moon

India

oi-Prakash KL

India on Wednesday scripted history as ISRO's third Moon mission Chandrayaan-3's Lander Module (LM) touched down on the lunar surface, making it only the fourth country to accomplish the feat, and first to reach the uncharted south pole of Earth's only natural satellite.

India is now on the moon and the success of the lunar mission has sounded the bugle for the emergence of a developed nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday as Chandrayaan-3 landed successfully on the lunar surface.

"We are witness to the new flight of new India. A new history has been written," Modi said while addressing ISRO scientists virtually from Johannesburg, and described the Chandrayaan-3 landing on the moon as the "first light of 'Amrit Kaal' and the 'Amrit Varsha' of success".

In Pics:

Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) S Somanath, former ISRO Chairman AS Kiran Kumar and others watch the final phases before Chandrayaan-3's soft landing on the Moon's surface, at the ISRO headquarters, in Bengaluru.

Lander Imager Camera of ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 captures a portion of its landing site on the surface of the Moon after its successful descent, in Bengaluru.



Surface of the Moon as captured by Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera during the successful descent of ISRO's Chandrayaan-3, in Bengaluru.

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath acknowledges the gathering before addressing the media after the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the surface of the moon, at ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network facility, in Bengaluru.

Pragyan rover begins exit process from lander as dust settles on Moon
Chandrayaan-3: Meet The Brains Behind India's Moon Mission

India

oi-Prakash KL

In a momentous achievement for India's space programme, the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar south pole on Wednesday sparked jubilant reactions from around the world, including the Indian diaspora.

India scripted history as the ambitious third Moon mission of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) touched down on the Moon's south pole, propelling the country to an exclusive club of four and making it the first nation to land on the uncharted surface.

Even as we celebrate the moment, it is time to hail the brains behind this space mission:

S Somanath, ISRO Chief

Sreedhara Panicker Somanath is an Indian aeronautical engineer who was born in July 1963. Somanath held the positions of director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. He is renowned for his contributions to the design of launch vehicles, especially in the fields of structural dynamics, structural design and pyrotechnics.

He has been the face of Chandrayaan-3 and has supervised other ongoing missions such as Aditya-L1 to Sun and Gaganyaan (India's first manned mission). Tasked with leading the Indian space agency, he bore the responsibility of ensuring thorough testing for the Chandrayaan-3 satellite prior to its launch. A graduate of the esteemed Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, he possesses proficiency in Sanskrit and has even taken on an acting role in a Sanskrit film titled 'Yaanam.'

Dr P Veeramuthuvel, Project Director

Assuming the position of Chandrayaan-3 project director in 2019, P Veeramuthuvel previously served as a deputy director at ISRO's primary office in the Space Infrastructure Programme Office. He also held a significant role in Chandrayaan-2. Hailing from Villupuram in Tamil Nadu, Veeramuthuvel is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M).

Drawing on his deep understanding of the lander Vikram, which encountered failure in 2019, he has played a pivotal role in developing a significantly more resilient Chandrayaan-3 mission.

K Kalpana, Associate Project Director

Kalpana K is the Deputy Project Director of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. In addition to her involvement in the Chandrayaan-3 project, she brings a wealth of experience from her contributions to the Chandrayaan-2 and Mangalyaan missions.

Apart from these three, M Srikanth, Mission Operations Director and 27 other deputy project directors from different ISRO centres have contributed significantly to the success of Chandrayaan-3.

The major ISRO Centres/units involved in the design, development, testing and realization of the CH-3 mission include

U R Rao Satellite Centre, URSC, Bengaluru

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, VSSC, Trivandrum

Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, LPSC Trivandrum & Bangalore

ISRO Satellite Tracking Centre, ISTRAC, Bangalore

Space Applications Centre, SAC, Ahmedabad

Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems, LEOS, Bengaluru

ISRO Inertial Systems Unit, IISU, Trivandrum

ISRO Propulsion Complex, IPRC, Mahendragiri

Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SDSC-SHAR

National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad

Physical Research Laboratory, PRL

Space Physics Laboratory, SPL

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Story first published: Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 21:38 [IST]
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Close Call: Delhi Airport Narrowly Escapes Major Accident As 2 Vistara Planes Cleared For Takeoff

India

oi-PTI

A runway incursion involving a Vistara plane took place at Delhi airport on Wednesday morning as an air traffic controller inadvertently gave take off clearance for another Vistara aircraft from the same runway at the same time, according to an official.

A flight that had landed at the Delhi airport from Ahmedabad and another flight that was to take off to Bagdogra were involved in the incident.

A senior official at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said Vistara aircraft VTI926 operating the flight from Ahmedabad-Delhi was involved in the runway incursion.

The aircraft landed on runway 29L and was instructed by the air traffic controller to cross runway 29R. At the same time, the controller also permitted take off of another Vistara plane VTI725 operating flight from runway 29R, the official said.

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According to the official, the air controller concerned has been derostered and the regulator will be probing the incident.

''Momentarily, the tower controller forgot this crossing and issued take off clearance to another Vistara flight VTI725 (Delhi-Bagdogra) from runway 29R.

''On realisation of the error based on input from VTI926, the tower controller instructed VTI725 to cancel take off,'' the official said. Vistara did not comment on the incident.

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Story first published: Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 15:26 [IST]
India To Send Man To Moon By 2040, Space Station To Set Up By 2035: PMO

Pragyan Rover Rolls Out Near Moon's South Pole! Chandrayaan-3's Next Chapter Begins

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Chandrayaan 3 achieved a significant milestone by executing a successful soft landing on the moon's south pole on August 23. With the Pragyan rover safely disembarked from the Vikram lander's belly, a new phase of lunar exploration has begun.

Over the next 14 days, equivalent to one lunar day, Pragyan will conduct a series of experiments on the moon's surface, transmitting valuable data to the lander, which will then relay it to Earth. Its duties include experiments to further understand the lunar surface.

The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 is a major achievement for India. It is the country's fourth lunar mission, and its first to land on the moon's south pole. The south pole is a region that has never been explored before, and it is thought to be rich in water ice.

The rover's mission is also significant for humanity as a whole. It will help us to better understand the moon's geology, topography, and history. It will also help us to explore the potential of the moon as a resource for future human exploration.

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The nation applauds the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, and it looks forward to the discoveries that the Vikram land rover will make.According to ISRO, Lander and the Rover have five scientific payloads which have been placed inside the Lander Module (LM).

Rover's Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) will be used to derive the chemical composition and infer mineralogical composition to further enhance the understanding of the lunar surface.

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) will determine the elemental composition of the lunar soil and rocks around the Moon's landing site.

The deployment of Rover to carry out in-situ scientific experiments would scale new heights in lunar expeditions, ISRO said.

The Mission life of both Lander and Rover is 1 Lunar Day each, which is equal to 14 Earth days.

The Lander Payloads are RAMBHA-LP (Langmuir Probe), to measure the near surface plasma (ions and electrons) density and its changes with time

ChaSTE Chandra's Surface Thermo Physical Experiment will carry out the measurements of thermal properties of lunar surface near polar region.

The Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) will measure the seismicity around the landing site and delineating the structure of the lunar crust and mantle.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on Tuesday that Japan will start releasing the nuclear-contaminated water that has been generated from the decommissioning of the tsunami-destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean as early as Thursday. It is no coincidence that the announcement came two days after he returned home from the Camp David meeting with his US and ROK counterparts.

Both the Yoon Suk-yeol government and the Joe Biden administration have kept a studied yet condoning silence on the announcement that heralds Japan opening a Pandora's box. Not only are the long-term impacts on the marine environment unknown, but also the move will set a bad example for other countries which may treat the oceans as a free dumping ground.

The way the Japanese leader claimed that his government has "removed" the so-called last obstacle to the move also shows how Tokyo has overstretched itself. The outcome of the hours Kishida spent on Monday lobbying Masanobu Sakamoto, head of the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives, for the organization's support were later presented in a different way. While the latter made his organization's firm opposition to the plan unequivocally clear, Kishida told reporters that Sakamoto's response signaled "improved understanding", and his government brazenly hinted that the last hurdle to the release of the radioactive water had been overcome.

Sakamoto's "response" included his welcome to Kishida's pledge that the government will provide long-term subsidies and support to the fishing communities until the release ends. Does that really mean they have an "improved understanding" of the move? Do they really have the power to veto the plan that Tokyo has treated as a political and diplomatic undertaking rather than an environmental one from the very beginning?

The Kishida government has smeared China's concerns as "politicized" and regarded those previously expressed by the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand and the Pacific island countries as "understandable but not necessary". It told the parties at home that are to be affected by the move: "The government is committed to taking full responsibility until the disposal of the treated water is completed."

But the question is whether that pledge will be binding on the future governments of Japan over the decades, and what about people in other countries that will be affected by the move. As Junichi Matsumoto, the Tokyo Electric Power Company executive in charge of the water release plan, told the media, the discharge is still only an initial step in a "daunting" decommissioning process that is expected to take decades.

It is the acquiescence of the International Atomic Energy Agency, as reflected by its partial report on the release plan, that has emboldened Tokyo to press ahead with the discharging of the water which many experts say is "ill-advised" and "premature".

Japan is making a shortsighted and selfish decision that the world is expected to pay the price for.




ED Raids 'Political Vendetta' To Tarnish INDIA Bloc's Image Before 2024 Polls: Congress

India

oi-PTI

The Congress, a constituent of the ruling JMM-led coalition in Jharkhand, on Wednesday described ED raids at premises linked to a state minister's son and some others as a 'political vendetta' at the behest of the BJP government at the Centre to tarnish the image of opposition bloc INDIA before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Several of the places raided by the ED as part of a money laundering investigation in connection with an alleged liquor scam in the state were linked to senior Congress leader and Finance Minister Rameshwar Oroan's son Rohit Oraon.

''The ED raids are nothing but an action of a political vendetta at the behest of the BJP at the Centre to tarnish the image of the INDIA alliance before the 2024 parliamentary elections,'' Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur told PTI. He demanded that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) should clarify its stance first.

The Congress leader asked, "Is the ED conducting similar raids in the entire country, or liquor is sold only in Jharkhand, Delhi and Chhattisgarh?'' Hitting out at the Centre, Thakur demanded to know whether there is no scam in BJP-ruled states. About 34 places in the state capital Ranchi, Dumka, Deoghar and Godda districts are being searched by officials of the central probe agency. The premises of the senior Oraon are being covered as the father and the son live in the same house. Business and residential premises of some liquor businessmen are also being covered, officials said.

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The current investigation is being conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said. Rameshwar Oraon, 76, who holds the portfolios of finance, planning and commercial tax in the Jharkhand cabinet represents the Lohardaga (ST) assembly seat. Oraon, a retired IPS officer of the 1972 batch, has earlier served as a Union cabinet minister under prime minister Manmohan Singh. Thakur also questioned the timing of the ED summons to Chief Minister Hemant Soren on August 15. The ED had sent a notice to Soren to depose on August 14 at the agency's office here and record his statement under the PMLA, which he skipped. ''The ED was in such a haste that it chose August 14, the eve of Independence Day, to summon the CM,'' Thakur said. Soren had alleged in a letter to the ED that he was being targeted for not being aligned with a political party at the Centre. Terming his assets as not illegal, the CM has asked the ED to withdraw the summons.

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Story first published: Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 13:38 [IST]
How NASA And European Space Agency Are Helping India's Moon Mission?

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Since the initiation of the Chandrayaan-3 mission on July 14, the ground stations of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have been providing assistance to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in monitoring the spacecraft's condition.

To contextualize, the Vikram lander, the propulsion module of Chandrayaan 3, and the Chandrayaan 2 orbiter are currently situated in the moon's orbit, approximately 384,000 kilometers from Earth. As the Earth and the Moon rotate on their axes and orbit around the Sun, ground-based antennas on Earth are meticulously tracking the gradual descent of the lander. One of India's largest 32-meter dish antennas, located in Byalalu near Bengaluru, is actively tracking Chandrayaan-3.

But there are times when the lander enters a shadow region where tracking becomes unfeasible from the Indian antenna's perspective. This is where the deep space networks of NASA and ESA come into play. However, it's important to note that this assistance is not without cost. India is incurring expenses based on the number of antennas employed and the duration of usage.

Consequently, when the lander is out of range of our antenna, NASA or ESA interfaces with the lander and relays pertinent information to the mission operations team stationed in Bengaluru.

From Aryabhata To Chandrayaan-3: India's Milestone Space Missions

It is to be noted that while these networks are aiding ISRO, they do not dictate the actions or communications directed to the lander. The ultimate control rests with ISRO's mission operations team in Bengaluru, with the external networks functioning solely as communication conduits during periods when ISRO's network cannot access the lander.

Chandrayaan-3's anticipated lunar landing is slated for soft landing around 6 pm. Nationwide mass viewing events have been organised, and well-wishes and prayers are being extended for the mission's triumph. Suspense surrounding the outcome is particularly heightened in light of Russia's recent lunar mission, which concluded with a crash of its Luna-25 spacecraft on Sunday.

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Story first published: Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 16:37 [IST]
India Supports Consensus-Based Expansion Of BRICS: Prime Minister Modi

India

oi-PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asserted that for a "future-ready" BRICS, the societies of these five countries will have to be "future-ready" and extended India's support to the expansion of the grouping based on consensus.

Addressing the annual summit of leaders of BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa), including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Modi, also hoped that India's proposal to make the African Union a permanent member of the G20 will be supported by BRICS member nations.

"We will have to make our societies future-ready to make BRICS future-ready," he said at the meet in Johannesburg. Welcoming the move to give special importance to countries of the Global South under the South African presidency of the BRICS, Modi said India has given the "highest priority" to the countries of the Global South under its G20 presidency as well.

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India fully supports the expansion of BRICS and welcomes the move to take forward the proposal based on consensus, he said. The Prime Minister said the BRICS embarked on a long and amazing journey in the last two decades and highlighted how the New Development Bank of the grouping is playing an important role in carrying forward developmental activities in the Global South. India suggested measures in areas of Railway research networks, and cooperation among MSMEs and start-ups and there has been significant progress in these fields, Modi said.

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Story first published: Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 16:56 [IST]
JU Student Death Row: Police Probe Reveals Student Was Molested, Paraded Naked

India

oi-Sushmita Halder

A horrific case of suicide by a first-year student of Jadavpur University has shaken the entire nation. The deceased took off his life by falling off a balcony at the hostel premises after being paraded naked in the hostel corridor.

A preliminary report by the Kolkata Police reveals that the student was forced to parade naked in the hostel corridor. The report also claimed that the student was sexually molested.

According to a quote given by a police official to news agency PTI, "The teen was definitely ragged and sexually molested. He was paraded naked in the corridor after he was forced to undress in room number 70. We have evidence."

The police revealed that the student was continuously humiliated by the seniors who called him gay and this led to the breakdown of the deceased who decided to commit suicide.

According to the police sources, the accused informed that the student committed suicide in front of them by falling off from the balcony.

Timeline Of Jadavpur University Incident: Student Death, Protest, Probe, And Arrests

The Kolkata Police arrested 12 persons including present and former students of the university who were actively involved in the incident. They also found a WhatsApp group created by one of the accused to misguide the police.

Earlier on Tuesday, the cook was interrogated about the incident while two others were summoned to appear for interrogation.

On the other hand, a statement issued by the students' union, the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Students Union (FETSU) reads that certain practices on campus can be acknowledged as ragging.

The 17-year-old student from the Bengali department who committed suicide on August 9 was a resident of Bagula in West Bengal's Nadia district.

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Story first published: Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 16:42 [IST]
Amit Shah appeals for votes in MP, says BJP ensured development in all sectors

PM Modi, South African President Ramaphosa Discuss Ways To Further Deepen Bilateral Ties

India

oi-PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said he had an excellent meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and discussed a range of issues aimed at deepening the bilateral ties and also working jointly to strengthen the voice of the Global South.

Prime Minister Modi, who is on a three-day visit to South Africa and Greece, reached here on Tuesday at the invitation of President Ramaphosa to attend the 15th BRICS Summit being held under the South African Chairmanship from August 22-24.

''Had an excellent meeting with President @CyrilRamaphosa,'' Modi tweeted after the meeting held ahead of the BRICS Summit.

''We discussed a wide range of issues aimed at deepening India-South Africa relations. Trade, defence and investment linkages featured prominently in our discussions. We will keep working together to strengthen the voice of the Global South as well,'' he said, sharing some photographs of the meeting.

PM Modi To Witness The Historic Landing Of Chandrayaan-3 From South Africa Virtually

The Global South is generally seen as home to Brazil, India, Indonesia and China, which, along with Nigeria and Mexico, are the largest Southern states in terms of land area and population.

''BRICS has been pursuing a strong cooperation agenda across various sectors. We value that BRICS has become a platform for discussing and deliberating on issues of concern for the entire Global South, including development imperatives and reform of the multilateral system,'' Modi said in New Delhi before his departure for Johannesburg.

The Summit, he said, will provide a useful opportunity for BRICS to identify future areas of cooperation and review institutional development.

This is the first in-person BRICS Summit after three consecutive years of virtual meetings because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday, Modi attended the Leaders' Retreat along with his counterparts from China, South Africa and Brazil.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has not travelled to Johannesburg for the annual summit of the BRICS nations comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

''The Retreat which took place in closed format, was an opportunity for the leaders to discuss global developments and ways for leveraging the BRICS platform to find solutions to global challenges,'' the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release.

The prime minister also participated in the BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue on Tuesday, the MEA said in another press release.

During the meeting, Modi highlighted the various reforms being undertaken by India to improve the ease of doing business, including technology-based solutions to address the social and economic challenges, it said.

India Will Be A 5 Trillion Dollar Economy Soon: PM Modi At BRICS

He also invited BRICS business leaders to participate in India's developmental journey.

The prime minister noted that Covid had highlighted the importance of resilient and inclusive supply chains, and emphasised the importance of mutual trust and transparency for this.

He also stressed that together BRICS can contribute significantly to global welfare, particularly of the Global South, the press release said.

During his stay in Johannesburg, Modi will also participate in BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue events that will be held as part of the BRICS Summit activities.

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Story first published: Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 15:35 [IST]
SC Grants Bail To Ex-Cop Pradeep Sharma In Antilia Bomb Scare Case

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Former Mumbai Police officer Pradeep Sharma, who had been taken into custody in relation to the Antilia bomb scare case and the killing of businessman Mansukh Hiran, was granted bail by the Supreme Court on Wednesday. This decision came after the Bombay High Court had previously denied his bail request in January.

The incident under scrutiny occurred on February 25, 2021, when an SUV loaded with gelatine was discovered close to the residence of billionaire Mukesh Ambani, known as 'Antilia,' situated in the southern part of Mumbai. Subsequently, Mansukh Hiran, the individual in possession of the aforementioned SUV, was found deceased in a creek in the neighboring Thane area on March 5, 2021.

Sharma's legal representative contended that the sole accusation against the former police officer was that he had assisted his former colleague Sachin Waze, the primary suspect in both the planting of the bomb near Antilia and the killing of Hiran, in the disposal of Hiran's body.

Recognized as a "specialist in encounters," Sharma had been a member of the Mumbai Police's encounter squad, which had been responsible for the deaths of more than 300 criminals in various police encounters.

CBI Challenges RJD Supremo Lalu Yadav's Bail In Supreme Court In Fodder Scam

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who was representing Sharma, put forth that Sharma was a decorated police officer who had completed 37 years of service before retiring. He further explained the events leading up to the case, stating, "Waze aimed for recognition and the limelight. They planned to place an explosive device outside the residence of an industrialist in Mumbai. For this purpose, gelatin sticks were procured. The victim in this case is Mansukh Hiran. In collaboration with Hiran, he took possession of Hiran's car, falsely reported it as stolen, placed gelatin sticks in it, and left it parked near the industrialist's residence. The intention behind this act was to subsequently recover the car and gain attention for discovering a supposed attack. The high court acknowledges this, and I (Sharma) remain uninvolved in all of these proceedings," Rohatgi asserted.

Rohatgi further argued that there was no direct evidence connecting Sharma to Sachin Waze. He highlighted, "I am a retired police officer. I encountered Waze at the Malabar Hill police station. He reached out to me and we were acquainted. The second time we met was at the police commissioner's office. Can a conspiracy to murder someone feasibly be hatched at the police commissioner's office?"

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Story first published: Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 11:49 [IST]
Watch: Pakistan Woman Seema Haider Prays For Chandrayaan-3 Success

India

oi-Prakash KL

Pakistani woman Seema Haider has joined the crores of Indians to pray for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon's surface.

In a viral video, the Pakistani woman, who has embraced Hinduism and India after illegally entering the country to be with her beau Sachin Meena, has claimed that she is fasting for the success of India's ambitious moon mission.

"My health is not well, but I am observing a fast for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3. Today, Chandrayaan will land on the moon, which will be a significant achievement for India. I will continue this fast until the successful landing of Chandrayaan. I am also offering prayers to Radha-Krishna and Shri Ram, whom I have immense respect and trust.

Our Prime Minister has worked hard for this project. The successful landing of Chandrayaan will raise India's name globally. Radhe, Radhe, Radhe Krishna," she said in a viral video.

Pakistani bride of #SachinMeena, #SeemaHaider fasting today for the success of #Chandrayaan3Landing



She praises Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said she will break her fast only after #Chandrayaan3 lands on the Moon successfully. pic.twitter.com/1Lec5Cn1Zs  Shameela (@shaikhshameela) August 23, 2023

Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 and its objectives are to demonstrate safe and soft-landing on the lunar surface, roving on the Moon, and to conduct in-situ scientific experiments. The Rs 600-crore Chandrayaan-3 mission was launched on July 14 onboard Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM-3) rocket, for a 41-day voyage to reach near the lunar south pole.

Ahead Of Raksha Bandhan, Pakistani Woman Seema Haider Sends Rakhis To PM Modi, RSS Chief Bhagwat

In a clip that went viral on Tuesday, Pakistani woman Seema Haider on Tuesday said she has sent 'rakhis' to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and others ahead of 'Raksha Bandhan'.

This year, 'Raksha Bandhan' is celebrated on August 30. It is an occasion where sisters tie a decorative thread 'rakhi' around their brothers' wrists as a symbol of their bond and protection.

In another clip, she is seen along with her children packing rakhis, with the song "Bhaiya Mere Rakhi Ke Bandhan ko Nibhaana" playing in the background.

Seema Haider, a married Muslim woman from Pakistan and mother of four, came across 22-year-old Sachin Meen on PUBG during the pandemic in 2020. After falling in love, she left her country and married him in Nepal. She then went back to her country, sold her property for flight tickets and a Nepal visa from where she illegally entered India with her four children to stay with the man whom she married in May.

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Story first published: Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 16:50 [IST]
Amit Shah appeals for votes in MP, says BJP ensured development in all sectors

Watch: PM Modi Picks Up Indian Flag, Keeps It With Him During BRICS Group Photo Session

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed his respect for the Indian flag by picking it up from the ground during the group photo at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

The leaders of the BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa - were posing for a photo when Modi noticed that the Indian Tricolour had fallen to the ground. He immediately picked it up and kept it with him.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who had already stepped on his country's flag, saw Modi's gesture and later picked his flag up as well.

The incident was widely praised on social media, with many people commending PM Modi for his respect for the national flag.

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VIDEO | During the group photo at BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, PM Modi noticed the Indian Tricolour on the ground, which was kept to denote standing position of leaders. PM Modi immediately picked the national flag and kept it with him. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, pic.twitter.com/9lDMUhD8hs  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 23, 2023

Notably, during the BRICS Summit group photo, PM Modi and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping were seen standing a distance apart, while South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held their hands together.

In addition to PM Modi and Jinping, the group photo included Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Brazilian President Lula da Silva as part of the BRICS leaders.

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Story first published: Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 15:53 [IST]
Wagner Chief Who Rebelled Against Putin Killed In A Plane Crash?

International

oi-Prakash KL

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led an unsuccessful rebellion against Russia's military leadership a few months ago, was killed in a plane crash, BBC reported.

He was believed to be on board the plane along with nine others. A Wagner-linked Telegram channel Grey Zone had earlier claimed that the jet was shot down by air defences in Tver region, north of Moscow.

According to a report from the TASS news agency, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of a group of Russian mercenaries, was identified as a passenger on a privately-owned aircraft that crashed to the north of Moscow on Wednesday. Russia's aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, stated that an inquiry has been initiated into the crash of the Embraer plane in the Tver region.

"An investigation has been launched into the Embraer plane crash that occurred tonight in the Tver region. According to the passenger list, among them is the name and surname of Yevgeny Prigozhin," Rosaviatsia said.

A video shared by Russian online news publication Mash on Telegram on Aug. 23 shows the crash site of Wagner Group's boss Yevgeny Prigozhins private plane in Russia's Tver Oblast.



Video: Russian online news publication Mash / Telegram pic.twitter.com/Ju0RckTGDE  The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) August 23, 2023

Earlier, the brief mutiny led by Prigozhin, in which Wagner fighters took control of the southern city of Rostov, was defused in a deal brokered by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

A video capturing Yevgeny Prigozhin's private plane crash in Russia's Tver Oblast was shared on Telegram by Russian media aggregator Baza on Aug. 23.



Video: Baza / Telegram pic.twitter.com/pSVcncYNwN  The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) August 23, 2023

Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin?

Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin is a Russian oligarch, mercenary chief, and a close confidant of Russian president Vladimir Putin until launching an alleged coup. In 1981, he was convicted of robbery and assault and sentenced to 12 years in prison. After his release, he opened a restaurant business in St. Petersburg in the 1990s and during this period he got to know Vladimir Putin, then the city's deputy mayor.

Prigozhin is the founder of the Wagner Group, a Kremlin-allied mercenary force that has come to play a significant role in Putin's projection of Russian influence in trouble spots around the world. Prigozhin's Wagner group was a major force in the Ukraine war, fighting as counterparts to the Russian army in battles with Ukrainian forces.
Putin's Health In Question As Unverified Reports Claim He Was Found Lying On Floor After Cardiac Arrest

'Absurd Hoax', Says Kremlin On Reports Of Putin Being Unwell, Using Body Doubles

Why Did Russia's Vladimir Putin Skip BRICS Summit In South Africa?

International

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Both Russian President Vladimir Putin was absent as leaders from the BRICS group of emerging economies convened for a three-day summit in South Africa on Tuesday. The BRICS consortium, composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is convening for its first in-person meeting since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originally established in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, the BRICS group welcomed South Africa into its fold in 2010.

Putin's travel plans to Johannesburg were entangled due to an ongoing International Criminal Court warrant for his arrest concerning the abduction of children from Ukraine. Despite the absence, he contributed to the bloc's first in-person meeting since the pre-COVID-19 era through a 17-minute prerecorded speech.

While Xi was present in South Africa and held bilateral discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa, he did not join the leaders of Brazil and India for a business forum alongside his host. Although the reason for his nonattendance was not disclosed, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao delivered Xi's speech on his behalf.

Putin Says Russian Mercenary Group Has No Legal Basis So 'Doesn't Exist'

The primary session of the summit, set in Johannesburg's financial district of Sandton, is scheduled for Wednesday. During this session, Xi, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and President Ramaphosa were expected to convene as BRICS contemplates potential expansion.

With the BRICS grouping already encompassing 40 percent of the global population and contributing to over 30 percent of worldwide economic output, more than 20 nations, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, have expressed interest in joining, according to South African authorities.

Both Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi were anticipated to participate in the summit.

Before new member nations are admitted, the current five-member countries must agree on the criteria for inclusion. However, a larger BRICS membership aligns with the interests of China and Russia, particularly as their relations with the West deteriorate.

The formation of the bloc occurred in 2009 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010.

While Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov represented Russia at the event, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov underscored that Putin would be actively involved in the summit despite his remote participation.

Local officials indicated that Putin would virtually attend a welcome dinner on Tuesday hosted by South Africa. The agenda also listed him as delivering a speech via video link on Wednesday.

In total, over 1,200 delegates from the BRICS member nations and various other developing countries gathered in South Africa's largest city, with more than 40 heads of state expected to participate in several summit sessions, as noted by Ramaphosa. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was also slated to be in attendance.

On the opening day of the summit, discussions centered around fostering economic cooperation and collaboration across areas such as health, education, and climate change. These conversations reflected a prevailing sentiment in some regions that institutions often viewed as Western-led, including the U.N., the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, inadequately serve the interests of developing nations.

During his time in Pretoria earlier that Tuesday, where he met with Xi, Ramaphosa expressed his aim to gain "Chinese support for South Africa and Africa's call for the reform of global governance institutions, notably the United Nations Security Council."

Notably, Africa and South America lack permanent representatives on the Security Council, despite collectively hosting nearly 2 billion individuals.

Following their meeting, Xi and Ramaphosa observed a ceremonial military parade at the Union Buildings, the official governmental seat in South Africa. Xi briefly commented at the event, expressing China's readiness for increased cooperation with Africa's advanced economy "to elevate our comprehensive strategic partnerships."

While officials within BRICS assert that the bloc is not adopting an anti-Western stance, contrary to claims influenced by China and Russia, the group does prioritize the interests of the Global South.

Nevertheless, the BRICS position often diverges from that of the United States and Western allies, particularly in matters like Russia's incursion into Ukraine. Despite calls from the European Union for Xi, Lula, Modi, and Ramaphosa to use the summit as an opportunity to condemn Russia and Putin for the conflict in Ukraine, such a statement is improbable.

If anything, the BRICS platform has provided Russia a forum to express its anti-Western rhetoric. In June, during a BRICS foreign ministers meeting, Lavrov criticized Western "hegemony" and its utilization of "financial blackmail" to further its "selfish interests."

A small demonstration against Russia's Ukraine invasion occurred Tuesday in a public park over 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the summit venue.

Both the United States and the EU are closely monitoring developments in Johannesburg, given the extensive list of countries expressing interest in joining BRICS. This suggests that the bloc's calls for global governance restructuring might be resonating with many nations.
CHICAGO  When I met Cam Brenson the other day, he was deep into the Es  Estonia, Eritrea, Egypt. We had Ethiopian for lunch. He was expecting to continue the next day with Ecuador. He had already picked through Chile, Cuba, Cameroon and Croatia, and was making plans to hit Finland, Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia and France.

I am a fan of people with unnecessary goals. Like collecting every model of vacuum cleaner, or visiting every Taco Bell in existence. Brenson, who works in marketing at a tech company in Chicago, has a more thoughtful goal: He wants to eat at least one dish from every country on Earth without leaving the greater Chicago area.

Since January, he has been posting videos of himself on TikTok eating those meals. He uses the tag @BoredinChicago, though considering the work and prickly issues he must navigate to accomplish his goal, he may be the least bored person in the city.

His videos, which are posted alphabetically by nation and only now moving into the Fs, have drawn an average of 100,000 viewers per post. What started as a personal project has become decidedly public.

When I did Canada, I went to (Lincoln Squares) Dear Margaret and, in the comments section of the videos, some people got very grumpy, he says. Dear Margaret is clearly French Canadian, but still, people came in hot and told me that it wasnt true Canadian food. Theres even a war going on right now in my comments about whether a salad I ate was Macedonian or Bulgarian. A shopska salad. Its the national dish of Bulgaria and even has the colors of the Bulgarian flag, but a lot of people from North Macedonia, which shares a border with Bulgaria, consider the shopska just as much their tradition.

He looks at me warily and tears off a piece of injera, the spongy Ethiopian bread that, depending who you talk to, is just as much a part of Eritrean and Sudanese tradition.

Consider even the seemingly uncomplicated question of how many nations exist.

The United Nations recognizes 193, plus two observer states, Palestine and Vatican City. But not every U.N. nation recognizes every other U.N. nation. Of those 193 U.N.-sanctioned countries, you wont find the countries of Taiwan and Kosovo. Greenland, which mostly controls itself, is a territory of Denmark  not unlike Puerto Ricos relationship with the United States. Scotland and Wales are a part of the United Kingdom and therefore not really independent. But dont tell that to a Scotsman. Indeed, if we decided the number of nations by flags, we would have about 250 countries.

Brenson is sticking somewhat to a U.N.-affiliated definition of country; hes going with 197, including Palestine and Taiwan.

Sovereignty is a slippery question.

But salad is a minefield.

When he began making these videos, Brenson just wanted to try Cambodian food. Or Romanian. There are bigger TikTok accounts, but if BoredinChicago were a nation, to judge by viewership and vibe, it would be Sweden, midsized, well-meaning.

Hes been tempted to have fun with the definitions. His father is British, so he has considered rocking the boat here and there and acknowledging the fluidity of cultures. For Great Britain, he has thought of eating chicken tikka masala, one of its national dishes, though its often associated with South Asia and definitely not with Yorkshire pudding.

Brensons wife, he says, isnt that thrilled with his passion project. Its become a time suck. Every Wednesday, when their corgi goes to day care, it was a chance to eat out. Now we dont argue over where we eat, he says. But she has to help him hold the camera.

At our Ethiopian spot, a server approaches with a carafe of coffee.

She pours a dark stream of Ethiopian. Brenson stops her. Im sorry, Im being annoying, he says, but would you pour again, so I can film? Sorry, Im causing chaos.

She smiles and pours again.

Brenson sips. His eyes go wide: Wow. He looks at me: Sorry for the camera and stopping, but I was introduced to an expression, The camera needs to eat first.

At the risk of journalistic heresy, I must reveal I held his camera for a single shot of Ethiopian treats. Brenson directs me to play the camera stand and record him picking around a large tray. He nibbles and looks floored, dish after dish. Which, he says, is his actual reaction. Im not a food critic and Im not very critical. I never post a negative experience, he says. I also wouldnt say I have a refined palate because of all this. I havent been anywhere I didnt love. At the worst, the places I have picked have been a 6 out of 10.

Still, compared with the billion other TikTok accounts that claim to reveal the out-of-the-way culinary secrets of Illinois, his videos can be uncommonly smart. When he cant find a restaurant dedicated to food from, say, Estonia, he eats at a festival organized by the Chicago Estonian Center of Lake County. When he finds a strictly Egyptian restaurant harder to come by than expected, he settles for a bowl of molokhia, a traditional Egyptian soup served at Salam, a Middle Eastern restaurant in Albany Park. He includes flags, maps, notes of biodiversity and the correct order of eating Danish dinners, and though he is offered a lot of free meals these days, he never accepts.

I first joined TikTok in 2019, he says, and I think I may have been the first person in Chicago to post that kind of Hey, have you been to this cool restaurant kind of content. But now a ton of people post exactly the same content. To the point where I dont actually go on TikTok, personally, just to browse. Its all the same thing. Its all: This is my day in the life of living in Chicago. I go to the gym and shoot some content, then I was invited to this cool pop-up and look at this cool bar, so shout out to this cool company for comping a meal ... Does anyone actually live those lives?

He shakes his head and takes a bite of sambusa, a samosalike fried pocket, folded up like origami.

You are supposed to disclose if you received free food on those videos and I would bet most of the time, (free meals) go undisclosed, he says. I mean, look, I can afford the $20 or so.

Brenson, who is 30 and lives in Humboldt Park, grew up in La Grange, Illinois and attended Wake Forest University in North Carolina. Because he studied abroad in China for a while, when it came time to eat Chinese in Chicago, he faced another uncomfortable question: If I am eating my way across the globe, do I eat the Chinese food (or Italian food, Japanese food or Mexican food) that is obvious and ubiquitous to most Americans, or try something interesting? For China, he went with the latter, the crepelike jianbing at Jian on Clinton Street, a typical Chinese street food he relied on as a college student.

His tastes, he says, have not evolved during the early months of this project. Instead, its forced me to do the thing I had hoped it would do  force me to expose myself to more. There is so much in Chicago people dont even try once, he says. For Chile, I had this Chilean corn pie that looked like pot pie and had eggs and the server was like, You sure you want this? and I was hyped. And it was absurdly sweet, just mind-boggling for me.

For Cambodia, I went to Khmai in Rogers Park, which is actually fine dining. Incredible. I had no idea what I would be eating and you have these shredded papaya salad, this coconut salmon curry thing wrapped in a banana leaf, sour beef soup. Wonderful stuff.

The project has expanded not only his palate, but also his mindset.

A lot of how we think about food, I think, is kind of defined by what people hate and how people hate on different cultures foods and how they feel it seems weird to them, Benson says. But there is a reason these dishes travel this far, and besides, tastes grow, tastes change. Plus, I will probably never go to Afghanistan, but doing these videos, Im sampling it.

Winter started with As  Armenia, Algeria, Austria.

Spring segued into Bs  Belgium, Bolivia, Belize.

He never could find Azerbaijani food in the Chicago area, and, in his preliminary research on national cuisines, hes come up blank on the Ivory Coast. (Yes, he is open to tips and suggestions. Send him a note through his website, BoredinChicago.com.) The best experiences  this is telling  have been when I didnt do the research I do before figuring out the next restaurant and went in blind and someone saved me, he says. I went to a Belarusian place and the menu was in Russian. What do I do? Someone helped.

When I first saw his videos and the dutifulness of how he approached his project, I assumed he was doing this partly as a modest 2023 cry for world understanding. Turns out, he was just looking for a continuing hook for new videos, something to do between his more ordinary videos about lunch specials and weekend things to do  which does not take away the ambition and thoughtfulness of the project itself.

He is not prone to on-camera gushing. He eats, he says, like a mindless zombie staring into the void. Sometimes he pumps his fist in the air after a particularly good bite, but even then its self-conscious. Intentionally or not, he provides room for you to question what authentic world cuisine even means in an online global community. He eats the ultimate Czech grandma dish (a dill soup named koprova) and makes you hungry for a Belizean restaurant on 63rd Street.

Eventually I will work my way towards Yemen and Zambia and Zimbabwe, he says, but as to where exactly Ill eat that, I dont know. Thats a question for two years or so from now.
Eurasia Review 30 Aug 2023

India is gearing to hold the G20 in its capital Delhi, from 9-10 September, for the first time in its history. G20 members, foreign..
By Robert Weiner and Kat Smith

The U.S. and the Taliban signed the Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan in February 2020 to end the 20-year war between the two forces. The U.S. agreed to slowly remove military presence in the country, while the Taliban claimed that they would cut ties al-Qaeda.

Once the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021, women's rights in the country began to diminish significantly. They have banned girls from attending school beyond the primary level. In 2017, over 100,000 girls were in university, while now they are barred from attending altogether.

Other women's restrictions are in place, such as not being allowed to travel further than 75 kilometers without a male chaperone, being excluded from political participation, harsh dress requirements, and not being permitted to work most jobs outside of their homes.

Kate Bateman, a senior specialist on Afghanistan for the United States Institute of Peace, says Ambassador Khalizad was pressured to rush the peace deal out of fear that the information could be prematurely leaked.

"So there was also a lot of volatility in the White House at the time and there was concern that President Trump would simply tweet that we were withdrawing all our forces."

In the peace deal, the U.S. did not include requirements such as better conditions for women in Afghanistan or even cutting down violence levels altogether. Former President Trump announced the deal, while President Biden followed through by removing any leftover military presence in Afghanistan. Trump initiated this deal with no support for Afghan women and girls and Biden chose to continue it.

"I wouldn't call it a peace deal or a peace agreement," Bateman says "It was an agreement, but it wasn't to bring peace."

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The US and Iran are in a negotiation to swap five prisoners held in Iran for five prisoners held in the US. The deal has not been finalized, and the prisoners may not arrive home soon, but the deal has been placed into motion as Iran has transferred the five prisoners to house arrest, some having been transferred out of the infamous Evin prison in Tehran. Qatar, Oman and Switzerland played a role in the deal, and when it finalizes, $6 billion dollars will be converted to Euros in a South Korean bank account which holds frozen Iranian funds. After the US dollars are converted to Euros, they will then be transferred to a bank in Qatar which will allow Iranian access, but the account will be restricted for food and humanitarian needs. Tensions between the US and Iran have escalated since President Trump pulled the US out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to ensure that Iran's nuclear program will be exclusively peaceful which was signed July 14, 2015. Trump's move was an appeasement to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has long threatened a military attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. With Israel now facing civil war over domestic issues, Netanyahu still threatens an attack to diffuse opposition to his government. After taking office, President Biden's administration has sought to come to a new agreement with Iran to curb the enrichment of uranium. However, the negotiations have failed to produce results. Experts have said this latest prisoner swap may be one small step in re-igniting the waning diplomacy between the US and Iran. Trump's decision to leave the JCPOA in 2018 has allowed Iran to escalate its enrichment of uranium to 60% purity, which is short of the 90% needed to produce a nuclear weapon. Biden has asked Iran to decrease its enrichment of uranium, hand over several American prisoners, pull back its support for Russia, and avoid targeting US forces stationed in the Middle East. Iran has agreed in principle to stop stockpiling uranium enriched to 60%, and is now in the process of a prisoner swap. Previously, Iran has cooperated with UN nuclear inspectors and provided some information to them concerning past nuclear activities in question. A report by the UN inspectors is expected by the end of this month, perhaps coinciding with the prisoner swap. Siamak Namazi, 51, Emad Shargi, 58, and Morad Tahbaz, 67, are three of the five in the proposed prisoner swap. The name of the fourth and fifth US citizen has not been made public. Iran's mission to the UN said, "As part of a humanitarian cooperation agreement mediated by a third-party government, Iran and the US have agreed to reciprocally release and pardon five prisoners. The transfer of these prisoners to out of prison marks a significant initial step in the implementation of this agreement." Tehran scaled back its nuclear program in 2015 in exchange for lifting of international sanctions, but after Trump's disastrous break with the deal in 2018, he piled on sanctions under his 'maximum pressure' policy, and Biden has also continued to impose new sanctions on Iran. The Chinese brokered agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia has given hope to the Middle East for a peaceful and prosperous future. Netanyahu set two main goals for his administration. He wants to sign Saudi Arabia onto the Abraham Accords with Israel, and to vastly expand Jewish settlements on the Occupied West Bank of Palestine. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia has said no agreement with Israel can be reached until the rights of the Palestinian people have been first met with Israel. In my personal view, all of the military tension which the US has created in the Middle East lately, by sending the US aircraft carrier with 3,000 Marines onboard to the Arab Gulf, and the military reinforcements to the east of Syria, is designed to promote negotiations on many issues concerning the region and the US role played. Steven Sahiounie is a two-time award-winning journalist
Ukraine appears to be running out of options in a counteroffensive that officials originally framed as Kyiv's crucial operation to retake significant territory from occupying Russian forces this year.

More than two months into the fight, the counteroffensive shows signs of stalling. Kyiv's advances remain isolated to a handful of villages, Russian troops are pushing forward in the north and a plan to train Ukrainian pilots on U.S.-made F-16s is delayed.

Ukraine's inability to demonstrate decisive success on the battlefield is stoking fears that the conflict is becoming a stalemate and international support could erode. A new, classified U.S. intelligence report has predicted that the counteroffensive will fail to reach the key southeastern city of Melitopol this year.

Meanwhile, a war-weary Ukrainian public is eager for leaders in Kyiv to secure victory and in Washington, calls to cut back on aid to Ukraine are expected to be amplified in the run up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

Without more advanced weapons slated to bolster the front line or fully committing forces still being held in reserve, it is unlikely that Ukraine will be able to secure a breakthrough in the counteroffensive, according to analysts.

"The question here is which of the two sides is going to be worn out sooner," said Franz-Stefan Gady, a senior fellow with the International Institute for Strategic Studies and the Center for a New American Security, who visited Ukraine in July. "We shouldn't expect the achievement of any major military objectives overnight."

Gady said that Russia and Ukraine are now in an "attrition" phase, attempting to sap each other's resources rather than secure significant territorial advances. With its ground forces largely stymied, Ukraine has mounted a flurry of new drone strikes on Russian soil, including targets in Moscow, but the strikes have caused minimal damage.

U.S. intelligence says Ukraine will fail to meet offensive's key goal

When asked about the counteroffensive's progress, Western and Ukrainian officials call for patience, describing the fight as slower than expected, but insisting that it is steadily making gains.

However, the window of time for Ukraine to conduct offensive operations is limited. Last year, Ukrainian forces made little progress after recapturing the southern city of Kherson in early November, as inhospitable weather set in.

With its ground forces advancing slowly, Ukraine is using drone strikes to expand its military's reach as it waits for more advanced munitions and training including greater air power, said Yuriy Sak, an adviser to Ukraine's minister of defense.

"We don't have the F-16s yet so we have to find a way to make up for their absence and drones are somewhat used to compensate for the lack of aviation," he said.

Ukraine's main internal intelligence agency was behind the maritime drone attacks that recently struck a major Russian port and a Russian oil tanker near occupied Crimea, according to a Ukrainian intelligence official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter.

Kyiv's statements on attacks in Moscow are more opaque. The government publicly distances itself from the strikes, while some officials acknowledge involvement.

But analysts caution that while the drone attacks can shift attention away from Ukraine's slow-moving ground counteroffensive, they are unlikely to tip the balance of the war in Kyiv's favor.

"The Ukrainians just don't have enough capacity to build enough drones and strike deep inside Russian territory at enough targets to erode Russia's will to fight," said Bob Hamilton, a retired U.S. Army colonel and head of research at the Foreign Policy Research Institute's Eurasia Program.

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Making a documentary about an artist is a challenging task, as anyone who has sat through earnest, well-intentioned histories that feel more like Wikipedia entries than explorations of creativity can attest.

With Wayne Shorter: Zero Gravity, writer-director Dorsay Alavi takes a more artful approach, in a three-part documentary that celebrates the accomplishments of legendary jazz saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter. Combining interviews with Shorter and others, animated sequences, and scenes featuring actors that suggest moments from Shorters youth, the documentary salutes the qualities that made Shorter, who died in March, extraordinary both as a musician and a person.

Wayne Shorter: Zero Gravity, whose producers include Brad Pitt and Carlos Santana, is broken into three parts, or portals, as the film calls them. The first covers the years from 1933 to 1971, and explores Shorters childhood in Newark, New Jersey, his bonds with his family, and how Shorters adoration of movies and comic books contributed to a love of the arts that culminated in his music.

The documentary also discusses how Shorters talent and originality led him to play with Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers, the Miles Davis Quintet, the popular band Weather Report -- which Shorter co-founded -- and the acclaimed Wayne Shorter Quartet.

In two of the documentarys portals, Shorter and others recall some of most difficult times of his life, including the death of Iska, the daughter Shorter had with his second wife, Ana Maria, and the death of Ana Maria and the couples niece in the crash of TWA Flight 800, which exploded after taking off from Kennedy International Airport in New York, in 1996.

While the film touches on Shorters absence as a touring musician and bandleader, and how other issues that affected those close to him, the tone is mostly laudatory, with music and interviews illustrating how Shorter was an innovator during a period when jazz was going through remarkable transformations, and how the practice of Buddhism became an important element in his life.

Many of those interviewed are well-respected musicians who either admired or collaborated with Shorter, including Herbie Hancock, Joni Mitchell, Sonny Mitchell, Terence Blanchard, and more.

Among the artists who appear in the documentary are esperanza spalding, the Portland-raised, Grammy-winning bassist and vocalist, who admired Shorter and whose collaborations with him included Iphigenia, an opera inspired by the Greek myth, for which Shorter composed the music and spalding created the libretto.

Toward the end of the documentary, we see an earlier collaboration between Shorter and spalding, the composition Gaia, in which spaldings celestial vocals seem to embody the soaring creativity that made Shorter so influential, and so singular in his achievements.

Wayne Shorter: Zero Gravity begins streaming on Prime Video on Friday, Aug. 25, a date that would have been Shorters 90th birthday.

 Kristi Turnquist

503-221-8227; kturnquist@oregonian.com; @Kristiturnquist

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Portland police Sgt. Michael Filbert was working an overtime shift July 22, his first day back from injury leave after someone broadsided his cruiser five days earlier.

All Central and North Precinct officers responded to a Code 3 call to help search for the gunman who shot a security officer on the maternity ward of Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Northwest Portland.
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.

Despite receiving national attention for raiding the offices of a small town Kansas newspaper and the residence of its owner, few are calling for the resignation of Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody.

On Aug. 11, Cody signed a search warrant for the headquarters of the Marion County Record and its co-owner Joan Meyers home, claiming that one of its reporters illegally obtained the drivers license information of a local restaurant owner.

The 98-year-old Meyer died the following day from a sudden cardiac arrest. A coroners report lists anxiety and anger as contributing causes, the outlet reported.

Officers took computers, cell phones and other electronic equipment. They were returned on Aug. 16, after Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey concluded that insufficient evidence exists to establish a legally sufficient nexus between this alleged crime and the places searched and the items seized.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has opened an inquiry into the matter.

Officers also raided the home of Marion City Vice Mayor Ruth Herbel, 80. The newspaper has maintained that accessing the information, which showed that the restaurant owner had been driving with a suspended license for 15 years, was not illegal.

The Kansas Department of Revenue, the agency that held the information, agreed with them.

The website is public-facing, and anyone can use it, Zack Denney, an agency spokesperson, the Washington Post.

Herbels husband was left traumatized by the raid, she said in an interview, adding that he suffers from dementia and a heart condition.

They had no reason to come to my house and raid my house, she told The Wichita Eagle. Herbel has called on Cody to resign.

The city council has yet to publicly comment on the matter and said that it would not be doing so at a Monday meeting, writing in its agenda that council will not comment on the ongoing criminal investigation at this meeting in red all-capital letters followed by 47 exclamation points.

But during the meetings public comment portion, town resident Darvin Markley addressed the council saying, The world is watching Marion. There has to be accountability for those involved.

He added that Cody can take his high horse he brought into this community and giddy up on out of town. He was the only resident to bring up Cody.

The police chief stood by his actions following the raid but has not publicly given a rationale, telling news outlets that when the rest of the story is available to the public, the judicial system that is being questioned will be vindicated.

On Aug. 13, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and over 35 news outlets sent a letter to Cody condemning his actions, stating that the raid might have violated federal law strictly limiting federal, state and local law enforcements ability to conduct newsroom searches.

In addition, the search and seizure of property appeared overbroad and unduly intrusive.

Other press groups echoed those sentiments this week. WGA East and the NewsGuild, two labor unions representing journalists, issued a joint statement calling for the police department to be held accountable.

The officers and officials who seized computers, phones and other data from reporters and the newspapers offices engaged in activities that are an affront to the constitutionally protected rights of journalists and news media workers.

It continued: Press freedom is a cornerstone of our democracy that is enshrined in the First Amendment of our Constitution and our unions will do everything to protect and preserve a free and independent press.
Firefighters are making headway on Oregon wildfires across the state as cloudy skies and cooler weather bring more favorable conditions.

Higher humidity is also helping, fire officials said, but warmer and drier weather is expected later in the week.

The Lookout fire in Lane and Linn counties has burned over 12,000 acres, and fire crews have started making progress on containment, which is at 5% as of Tuesday. Firefighters are preparing pumps and hoses along the McKenzie River to protect homes and other structures.

Investigators determined the fire was sparked by lightning.

The Lookout fire is burning in the same area as 2020s Holiday Farm Fire which scorched over 170,000 acres near the McKenzie River, killing one person and burning hundreds of homes.

Level 3 (go now) evacuation orders are in effect in Lane County for Taylor Road, North Bank Road and all areas north of Oregon 126 between Mill Road and Drury Lane. Mona and Lookout campgrounds are also under evacuation, along with H.J. Andrews Headquarters and the area west of Oregon 126 from Scott Road north into Linn County, officials said.

Level 2 (be set) and Level 1 (be ready) evacuation notices are also in effect in the surrounding areas. Updated evacuation information is available on the countys website. Several popular natural attractions along the McKenzie River Trail are closed as well.

In Linn County, Level 3 (go now) orders are impacting Olallie Campground, Trail Bridge Reservoir and Campground, the trail systems and roadways north of the Linn County line and west of Oregon 126 stretching north to the intersection of National Forest Service Road 730 and Oregon 126.

Other areas near the fire are under Level 2 and Level 1 evacuation notices.

The Bedrock fire burning more than 30,000 acres in the Willamette National Forest 10 miles northeast of Lowell is 35% contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Firefighters have kept a larger portion of the fire under control, but are patrolling to keep the flames at bay, officials said.

All Level 3 evacuations have been lowered. A shelter at Lowell High School is welcoming people and small pets evacuating areas hurt by the Bedrock and Lookout fires. A large animal shelter is set up at the Lane County Fairgrounds in Eugene.

Oregons largest active fire, the Flat Fire near Agness, has burned more than 34,000 acres. Its 58% contained, and fire activity has slowed. Level 1 (be ready) evacuation orders are in effect around the fire.

Officials lifted all evacuation orders around the Juniper Creek Fire, which triggered Level 3 (go now) evacuation orders near the Jefferson County blaze Monday. The fire is now 75% contained and has burned over 100 acres 16 miles northeast of Sisters, officials said.

 WILDFIRE TRACKER

 Your emergency go bag needs to have these essentials in case of wildfires

 The latest news on wildfires and wildfire smoke dangers in Portland and Oregon

 Best-rated air purifiers with HEPA filters to buy online, or pick up locally, to improve indoor air quality in your home

 How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke as hazy skies loom

 Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744

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Paducah, KY (42003)

Today

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Low 38F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Low 38F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
New York, US (PANA) - Recent deadly clashes between two largest armed groups in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, underscore the dire security situation there and are undermining preparations for elections slated for later this year, the top UN envoy for the country said on Tuesday
Photo: (Photo : David McNew / Getty Images)

A parent group challenges the admissions policy over allegations of racial discrimination at Thomas Jefferson High School.

In a development that could reshape educational policy nationwide, a parents' group supported by a conservative legal organization has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to examine an admissions policy at Virginia's renowned Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

This policy, designed to enhance diversity, has come under scrutiny with allegations of racial discrimination. The case's emergence underscores broader questions about racial equity in education and the parameters of admissions policies.

Examining Virginia's Thomas Jefferson High School Admissions Policy

At the heart of the controversy is the admissions policy enacted by the Fairfax County School Board for Thomas Jefferson High School in 2020.

A distinguished institution, it consistently ranks among the finest public high schools in the United States.

The policy aimed to transform the student body composition by eliminating a standardized test from the admissions process, placing enrollment caps on students from district middle schools, and reserving seats for high-performing students from each middle school. As the new policy took effect, the school's demographic landscape shifted noticeably.

The representation of Black and Hispanic students increased, demonstrating initial strides toward greater inclusivity. However, the percentage of Asian American students experienced a significant drop, decreasing from 73% to 54% within the policy's first year. These demographic changes prompted the Coalition for TJ, a parent group representing diverse stakeholders, including Asian American parents, to take legal action.

The Coalition contends that despite its outward appearance of neutrality, the admissions policy was crafted with an implicitly racially discriminatory intent.

This allegation raises concerns about potential violations of the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause in the U.S. Constitution.

The case initially unfolded in U.S. District Court, where Judge Claude Hilton ruled in favor of the parents' group, emphasizing the potential discriminatory implications of the policy.

However, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals subsequently overturned this decision, highlighting the school board's legitimate interest in fostering diverse student backgrounds.

Supreme Court Implications and Societal Repercussions

The case now stands on the precipice of a potential landmark decision, as the Coalition's legal team urges the Supreme Court to review the matter.

Their argument centers on the idea that the recent Supreme Court ruling abolishing affirmative action in college admissions might inadvertently enable discriminatory outcomes through ostensibly race-neutral policies.

This raises a crucial question: Can a policy perpetuate racial discrimination, even unintentionally, without explicit consideration of race?

Should the Supreme Court decide to take up the case, the implications could span beyond Virginia's borders.

The decision could establish a precedent for admissions policies in K-12 educational institutions, shaping the landscape of diversity and equity within student bodies.

The Court's ruling will have substantial influence over ongoing discussions about equal educational opportunities and the role of race in shaping admissions policies.

Read Also: Children's Gun Deaths Reach Disturbing Peak Calling for Urgent Action

Charting the Course Ahead: Potential Scenarios and Ongoing Dialogues

As the legal battle continues, a multitude of stakeholders-including educators, policymakers, and advocates-await the Supreme Court's verdict on whether to hear the case.

The outcome could potentially redefine the boundaries of permissible race-conscious policies within educational institutions and further fuel the discourse on diversity, accessibility, and fairness in admissions procedures.

The Fairfax County School Board's response to the petition remains pending, as they have refrained from commenting on the recent developments.

This case underscores the intricate balance between diversity objectives and potential unintended consequences, catalyzing broader conversations about societal norms, educational benchmarks, and the legal interpretation of equal protection.

Against the backdrop of an increasingly equity-conscious nation, Virginia's Thomas Jefferson High School becomes a symbol of the ongoing endeavor to navigate the intersection of race, education, and policy.

As the legal process unfolds, the Supreme Court's verdict will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the ever-evolving landscape of admissions policies across the United States.

Related Articles: FDA Approves Pfizer's Abrysvo RSV Vaccine To Safeguard Pregnant Mothers, Babies
The curfew tolls the knell of parting day,

The lowing herd wind slowly oer the lea,

The plowman homeward plods his weary way,

And leaves the world to darkness and to me.

Now fades the glimmring landscape on the sight,

And all the air a solemn stillness holds,

Save where the beetle wheels his droning flight,

And drowsy tinklings lull the distant folds;

Save that from yonder ivy-mantled towr

The moping owl does to the moon complain

Of such, as wandring near her secret bowr,

Molest her ancient solitary reign.

Beneath those rugged elms, that yew-trees shade,

Where heaves the turf in many a mouldring heap,

Each in his narrow cell for ever laid,

The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep.

The breezy call of incense-breathing Morn,

The swallow twittring from the straw-built shed,

The cocks shrill clarion, or the echoing horn,

No more shall rouse them from their lowly bed.

For them no more the blazing hearth shall burn,

Or busy housewife ply her evening care:

No children run to lisp their sires return,

Or climb his knees the envied kiss to share.

Oft did the harvest to their sickle yield,

Their furrow oft the stubborn glebe has broke;

How jocund did they drive their team afield!

How bowd the woods beneath their sturdy stroke!

Let not Ambition mock their useful toil,

Their homely joys, and destiny obscure;

Nor Grandeur hear with a disdainful smile

The short and simple annals of the poor.

The boast of heraldry, the pomp of powr,

And all that beauty, all that wealth eer gave,

Awaits alike th inevitable hour.

The paths of glory lead but to the grave.

Nor you, ye proud, impute to these the fault,

If Memry oer their tomb no trophies raise,

Where thro the long-drawn aisle and fretted vault

The pealing anthem swells the note of praise.

Can storied urn or animated bust

Back to its mansion call the fleeting breath?

Can Honours voice provoke the silent dust,

Or Flattry soothe the dull cold ear of Death?

Perhaps in this neglected spot is laid

Some heart once pregnant with celestial fire;

Hands, that the rod of empire might have swayd,

Or wakd to ecstasy the living lyre.

But Knowledge to their eyes her ample page

Rich with the spoils of time did neer unroll;

Chill Penury repressd their noble rage,

And froze the genial current of the soul.

Full many a gem of purest ray serene,

The dark unfathomd caves of ocean bear:

Full many a flowr is born to blush unseen,

And waste its sweetness on the desert air.

Some village-Hampden, that with dauntless breast

The little tyrant of his fields withstood;

Some mute inglorious Milton here may rest,

Some Cromwell guiltless of his countrys blood.

Th applause of listning senates to command,

The threats of pain and ruin to despise,

To scatter plenty oer a smiling land,

And read their histry in a nations eyes,

Their lot forbade: nor circumscribd alone

Their growing virtues, but their crimes confind;

Forbade to wade through slaughter to a throne,

And shut the gates of mercy on mankind,

The struggling pangs of conscious truth to hide,

To quench the blushes of ingenuous shame,

Or heap the shrine of Luxury and Pride

With incense kindled at the Muses flame.

Far from the madding crowds ignoble strife,

Their sober wishes never learnd to stray;

Along the cool sequesterd vale of life

They kept the noiseless tenor of their way.

Yet evn these bones from insult to protect,

Some frail memorial still erected nigh,

With uncouth rhymes and shapeless sculpture deckd,

Implores the passing tribute of a sigh.

Their name, their years, spelt by th unletterd muse,

The place of fame and elegy supply:

And many a holy text around she strews,

That teach the rustic moralist to die.

For who to dumb Forgetfulness a prey,

This pleasing anxious being eer resignd,

Left the warm precincts of the cheerful day,

Nor cast one longing, lingring look behind?

On some fond breast the parting soul relies,

Some pious drops the closing eye requires;

Evn from the tomb the voice of Nature cries,

Evn in our ashes live their wonted fires.

For thee, who mindful of th unhonourd Dead

Dost in these lines their artless tale relate;

If chance, by lonely contemplation led,

Some kindred spirit shall inquire thy fate,

Haply some hoary-headed swain may say,

Oft have we seen him at the peep of dawn

Brushing with hasty steps the dews away

To meet the sun upon the upland lawn.

There at the foot of yonder nodding beech

That wreathes its old fantastic roots so high,

His listless length at noontide would he stretch,

And pore upon the brook that babbles by.

Hard by yon wood, now smiling as in scorn,

Muttring his wayward fancies he would rove,

Now drooping, woeful wan, like one forlorn,

Or crazd with care, or crossd in hopeless love.

One morn I missd him on the customd hill,

Along the heath and near his favrite tree;

Another came; nor yet beside the rill,

Nor up the lawn, nor at the wood was he;

The next with dirges due in sad array

Slow thro the church-way path we saw him borne.

Approach and read (for thou canst read) the lay,

Gravd on the stone beneath yon aged thorn.

THE EPITAPH

Here rests his head upon the lap of Earth

A youth to Fortune and to Fame unknown.

Fair Science frownd not on his humble birth,

And Melancholy markd him for her own.

Large was his bounty, and his soul sincere,

Heavn did a recompense as largely send:

He gave to Misry all he had, a tear,

He gaind from Heavn (twas all he wishd) a friend.

No farther seek his merits to disclose,

Or draw his frailties from their dread abode,

(There they alike in trembling hope repose)

The bosom of his Father and his God.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) its debt to government which has been written off leading to huge losses included all the legacy debts of the Government of Ghana dating back to 1992.



It included the accrued overdraft of 2022, overdraft to Cocobod, the Covid-19 Bond, and even BoG holdings of Telecom Malaysia (Ghana Telecom Bonds) Bonds and Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) bonds issued by Government.



A statement issued by Dr Ernest Addison, Governor of BoG explained that as of 2015, the accumulated claims on Government and Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) were about GHC13 billion.



He emphasized that the debt is not about recent debt alone saying almost all lending from the International monetary Fund (IMF), including the Extended Credit Facility and the Rapid Credit Facility during the COVID-19 pandemic, and all financial sector resolution bonds have all been added as BoG lending to government.



He pointed out that the losses reported were technical losses arising from the haircut and the application of accounting standards in particular, IFRS 9 to estimate expected credit losses over the tenor of government debt held by BoG.



He therefore stated that the loss is not money lost by BoG through its operations in 2022.



Rather, he said it should be looked at as a reflection of the total cost of the economic and social crisis the country faced over the years and an attempt to resolve a major structural problem of the economy.



Dr Addison pointed out that this is not the first time that the Bank has gone into negative equity recalling that during the early years of structural adjustment, very large exchange rate depreciations led to revaluation losses that drove the Bank into negative Equity.



Indeed, anytime the economy faces major challenges, the Bank of Ghana balance sheet suffers, and the equity position moves into negative territories, he said.



The Central Bank Governor stated that in 2017 and 2018, BoG incurred similar negative equity from the impairment of legacy liquidity support loans granted in 2015 and 2016 to insolvent banks, which external auditors impaired due to the doubtful prospects of recovering from those insolvent banks.



However, BoG recovered and generated profits of GH1.6 billion in 2019, GH1.5 billion in 2020 and GH 1.4 billion in 2021.



Dr Addison is optimistic that BoGs current financial condition will not impact negatively on the operations of the Bank.



According to him, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Technical Assistance mission validated this conclusion, before the necessary decisions were taken.



He said the opinion of the IMF team BoG was policy solvent and would remain so, as it had enough income to cover monetary policy operational costs.



The Central bank Governor assured that BoG had sufficient capital amounting to about 15% of its total liabilities.



He announced that the IMF recommendation that the Bank retains all profits and a reassessment should be made in the year 2027.



He promised that the Bank will also manage to reduce its operational costs during this period.



Central Banks can operate effectively even with negative equity, as the central banks of Chile, the Czech Republic, Israel and Mexico have done over several years.



If losses persist, however, problems can emerge, as has been the case in some emerging and developing economies with weak governmental institutions.



In particular, sizable net liabilities denominated in foreign currency can disable a financially weak central bank.



Central bank losses are not an indication of a policy error and need not hamper the effectiveness of monetary and financial policies.



A central banks credibility depends on its ability to achieve its mandates.



Losses do not jeopardise that ability and are sometimes the price to pay for achieving those aims.



Stakeholders and the public should appreciate that central banks policy mandates come before profits.

Source: Peacefmonline









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The African Union (AU) suspended Niger from all its activities following last month's military coup.



The AU Peace and Security Council called on all of its member states and the international community to refrain from any action that could legitimise the junta in Niger.



It reiterated calls for the coup leaders to release the elected President Mohamed Bazoum.



The West African regional grouping Ecowas has already threatened military action to reinstate him.



Nigers junta has said that civilian rule cannot be restored for three years, but Ecowas have dismissed this as unacceptable.









Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has highlighted the success of the 2022 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) as a validation of his government's educational policies.



Speaking at the Queen Girls Senior High School event in the Western North region, the President emphasised that last year's WASSCE outcomes were the most impressive in the past eight years. He reiterated that the results underscore the effectiveness of the Free Senior High School programme and its associated initiatives.



The 2022 WASSCE results are the best out of the last eight years, he asserted, noting: Surely there can no longer be any controversy about the validity of the Free SHS policy and its consequential measures.



President Akufo-Addo proudly announced that 60.39% of students achieved A1-C6 grades in English, a marked improvement from 51.6% in 2016. Similarly, in Integrated Science, the 2022 results showed 62.45% success, up from 48.35% in 2016.



Notably, Mathematics saw 61.39% of students scoring A1-C6 compared to a mere 33.12% in 2016.



Moreover, Social Studies displayed significant progress, with 71.51% of students attaining A1-C6 grades, in contrast to 54.55% in 2016.



President Akufo-Addo celebrated the achievements of the 2021 student cohort, who navigated the double track system's introduction, despite initial criticisms.





Source: class fm









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The traditional ruler of Cape Coast, Oguaaman Traditional Area, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, has cautioned against any form of same-sex activities in Cape Coast during the upcoming 2023 edition of the Oguaa Fetu Afahye.



In a news report by 3news.com, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II highlighted that in the previous year's festival, there were instances of inappropriate behaviour of this nature.



However, he stressed that for this year's festival, security personnel will be prepared to take immediate action by arresting and prosecuting individuals involved in such activities.



The Oguaamanhen gave this warning ahead of the commencement of the festival scheduled to kick start on Friday, August 25, 2023.



Those involved in alleged LGBTQ+ wanted to join the celebration, but we dont encourage that. We shall not accept it here, and the police are on standby to arrest anyone who would indulge in it, the Oguaamanhen said in Twi.



He emphasised that legal measures will be applied to address anyone apprehended in such actions, and he urged people to refrain from engaging in them.



The Paramount Chief also utilised this opportunity to advise the youth partaking in the festival to avoid involvement in violence or behaviours that are detrimental to society.



He recommended that the youth should celebrate responsibly, as any inappropriate conduct could tarnish the festival's reputation.



To the youths, they should celebrate, but it should be in moderation because if those who will come and celebrate with us see these things, they go with bad names. Enjoy, but there should be a limit. We want decent dressing, and the police will be around to arrest those who will do these and other acts that do not auger well for society, he said.



Discussing the tourism potentials of the Oguaa community, Osabarima highlighted the numerous opportunities present in the area.



He stressed the significance of safeguarding these resources and underscored the region's unparalleled tourism.



There are many tourism potentials in Cape Coast, and it is important for the people of Cape Coast.



We are protecting it. Tourism here is unbeatable. The first Methodist Church is here. The first Anglican Church is here. The Cape Coast Castle is all here, and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is with us as well. They have been supporting us in diverse ways, he explained.



The paramount chief stressed that this years festival has been dedicated to education since it must be improved.



The festival's theme, 'Celebrating our educational institutions for advancing education in Oguaa,' aims to spotlight the critical role that schools in Cape Coast play.



Schools in Cape Coast have brought us a good name; our schools are chosen more than any other part of the country. They come through me and others, and these schools are established everywhere, both local and international, so we shall look at the role of schools in the life of Cape Coast, he noted.



He continued to say that We expect the school to parade with usto show the importance of education.

Source: Ghanaweb.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse and President of the Ga Traditional Council, says the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) needs the power to seize unauthorised weapons in communities.



This is my plea. The NACSA should be given the power to bite to be able to enforce and implement its mandate



He said this at his residence when the NACSA paid a courtesy call on him.



The plea followed concerns by the NACSA over the proliferation and use of unauthorised weapons in the country, especially the Greater Accra region.



The Ga Mantse described the situation as worrying and said aside from being given the power to seize weapons, the Commission should also be resourced.



He said that was the only way to avoid violent conflicts in the country.



Professor Paul Frimpong-Manso, Board Chairman, NACSA, noted the vital roles chiefs played in ensuring the security and safety of their communities and asked for their support to rid communities of unauthorised weapons.



He said the recurrent incidents of gun violence in the country, particularly in the capital, called for the need for stakeholders, especially chiefs, to collectively support the Commission to address such challenges.



The Board Chairman said the illicit spread and misuse of small arms had far consequences contributing to protracted and deadly conflicts, crimes, the erosion of peace and security, and threatening existence.



Dr Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme, said her outfit would partner with the Commission to address the challenges associated with the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, to create an environment where development could thrive.



The issue of proliferation of small arms and light weapons is not for Ghana alone so, we have been working with other countries in the region to make sure that they have strategies that cut across borders, and partnerships between agencies and institutions in different countries, she said.





Source: ghanaweb.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharabutu, has called on African leaders to use diplomatic interventions to resolve the political turmoil in Niger.



My appeal to those in charge of the affair is to take every measure to ensure that we resolve the situation without losing a soul so, we can sustain the peace.



African nations must learn to resolve political differences without losing lives as we all have a common source and that is Prophet Adam, he said during a press conference organised by the Muslim leadership in Ghana.



In attendance were Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, Ameer of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission; Sheikh Abubakar Ahmad Kamaludeen, National Imam of Shia Community, and Sheikh Amin Bonsu, Chairman of the Amin Bonsu, National Chairman of the Ghana Muslim Mission.



Also present were Alhaji Abubakar Yakub, a representative of the Imam of Ahlussuna Wal Jama and the National President of the Tijjaniya Muslim Movement, Sheikh Abdul Wadud Haroun Ciessey.



In a speech read by Maulvi Salih, the Muslim leaders said they were worried about the precarious situation in Niger and the decision of ECOWAS to deploy its military force into the country.



He said there could be a humanitarian situation arising and spilling over within the sub region should a civil unrest break out because of the ECOWAS military intervention.



At a time when most countries are undergoing economic crisis, he said, it was crucial for leaders in the subregion to be careful with decisions that could deepen socio economic challenges.



On the principles and application of Justice, we demand that within the Sub-region, whatever we would do in any member country, a similar treat ought to be given to all other members of the sub region.



Just as ECOWAS did not intervene militarily in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso, Justice demands that a military force should not be an option in the case of Niger, he said.



The Muslim leaders also urged the leadership of ECOWAS to be wary of the geopolitics and unhealthy competition of global powers that historically advanced their interests in latent confrontations and proxy wars.



Nevertheless, we wish to strongly condemn the coup in Niger and in any other part of the sub region, he said.





Source: GNA









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Stanbic Bank has donated an amount of Fifteen Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS15,000) in support of the 1999 graduating class of Holy Child High Schools (HOPSA 99) solar legacy project. The group recently launched their upcoming silver jubilee celebrations and speech and prize-giving day with a fundraising event for a solar legacy project.



Presenting the cheque to the HOPSA 99 executives, Head, Brand and Marketing at Stanbic Bank, Mawuko Afadzinu shared that the donation forms part of the Banks commitment towards decarbonisation and energy transition, its focus on responding to the ever-growing need for reliable access to renewable and sustainable energy solutions in the country and its investments in responsible partners that support these ambitions.



Solar is a good pick because it resonates with climate change, which is one of the areas we are interested in. We are happy for this new chapter of progress for the benefit of our youngsters currently studying at Holy Child and future students, the economy and the environment. Harnessing Ghanas abundant sun and wind resources could hold the key to future-proofing this countrys energy sector. We are glad you gave us the opportunity to be part of this legacy project, he said.



The president for HOPSA 99-year group, Sheila Enyonam Akyea received the donation on behalf of the group and thanked Stanbic Bank for taking a special interest in their solar project.



We cannot thank Stanbic enough for the support thus far. We know this is a very tough time for Ghanaian banks, but they still found a way to put us on their discretionary spend list. This gesture will go a long way to help migrate the entire Holy Child School community onto solar power and make the school a net producer of energy for the national grid. HOPSA 99 is extremely grateful to Stanbic Bank. I encourage other corporate organizations to emulate your steps and support this worthy cause, she said



The HOPSA 99 Solar Legacy Project which is to provide a sustainable energy to the school was selected by the year group as a way of giving back to the school 25years after completion, as they take their turn to host the schools upcoming 78th speech and prize giving day come next year March 2024.



The project is to among other things, address the problem of unreliable power supply in the nine houses of the school, to reduce the schools electricity bill by 50percent, to promote clean, reliable and sustainable energy, contribute significantly to the attainment of the UN SDG Goal 7 and enlighten the students, on installation and operation of solar PV systems. Estimated to cost about GH1.3 million (without taxes), the project is intended to provide a total of 63KW of power which is about 70% of the schools total energy needs.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Lawyer Maurice Ampaw has warned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that failure to defend embattled former sanitation minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, will have later consequences.



Speaking on his Mmra Ne Abrabo Mu Nsem Show on Wontumi TV on August 21, 2023, Maurice Ampaw, cited how the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has in recent past supported their embattled members.



He cited the case of Member of Parliament for Assin North Constituency, James Gyakye Quayson, who was expunged from Parliament and currently facing criminal charges at the High Court.



He said, the same way the NDC stood by him to recapture his seat, is the same route that NPP must deal with Ms. Dapaah, who is being investigated for corruption and corruption-related offenses over huge sums of monies in cash were allegedly stolen from her residence.



He maintained that Cecilia Dapaah is not a criminal in the eyes of the law and emphasized that her alleged actions did not amount to a violation of any law.



"The NDC came together to support Gyakye Quayson in court and during his trials, while the NPP is there saying that Cecilia Dapaah should defend her own case because she brought it and the rule of law must work.



"If you don't come and defend the poor woman who is currently being attacked, the consequences will come, and you will live to regret it because Cecilia Dapaah has never broken any laws; in fact, she is not a criminal, a thief, or a criminal in the eyes of any law, he said.



Cecilia Dapaah resigned her ministerial position and has been arrested and released on bail by the Special Prosecutor after a search was conducted at her residence.



The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyabeng, and his team further initiated a corruption and corruption-related investigation against Madam Cecilia Dapaah following the alleged theft case.



Following from that, the OSP has taken steps by freezing certain bank and investment accounts of the former Minister and is seeking a confirmation order from the High Court in Accra, however, lawyers of the embattled minister have told the High Court that monies found in the Abelemkpe residence of their client do not mean, she owned them.













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Association of Electoral Area Coordinators in the Ashanti Region has appeal to the Members of Parliament and Constituency Chairmen of the Ashanti Region to vote for the Vice President, HE Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the upcoming Super Delegates Conference.



According to them; the grassroots have indicated that, once the super delegates vote for Dr. Bawumia, the polling station executives will also return the favour by voting for these MPs and Constituency Chairmen in the next parliamentary primaries and constituency elections.



This is the reason why we are re-echoing their mantra, you do us, and we do you



We work directly and closely with the Polling Station executives and grassroots members of the party and are therefore in the best position to articulate ore concerns and interests.



They iterated that; It is based on this that we make this humble and passionate appeal to the MPs and Constituency Chairmen for us all to throw our weight behind Vice President Bawumia as our Presidential candidate in the 2024 election.



As the mouthpiece of the grassroots and polling station executives in the party, they have tasked us to communicate their wish to the leadership of the party, and they say, it is either Bawumia or nobody else, one of their leader said.



They also averred that when the Vice President visited the region, the MPs and Constituency Chairmen publicly declared their support for him saying and we find it right that they are reminded of their own declarations.



So this statement is effectively a gentle reminder of their own declarations of support for the Vice President, as well as the consistent appeal and call on them by the grassroots to vote for Bawumia. We believe as honourable men, they will honourably keep to their word.



(1) Hon. Obour Sika group PRO 0594597019

(2) Mr.Kofi Essiw Andah 1st vice chairman 0244107581

(3) Mr Emmanuel Asante Amoabeng Secretary 0243786958.











Source: Peacefmonline.com









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An employee of Planet Fitness in Bismarck is accused of putting a hidden camera in a tanning booth and capturing video of at least four women undressing.

Layton Kessler, 45, of Bismarck, was arrested late Tuesday afternoon and faces four misdemeanor charges of surreptitious intrusion. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of about a year in jail and a $3,000 fine. He made his initial court appearance Wednesday afternoon and pleaded not guilty. He appeared via a video link from the Burleigh Morton Detention Center; his Fargo-based attorney, Dierra Diegel, was in the courtroom.

A 21-year-old female gym patron who told police she had received unwanted attention from Kessler in the past found the recording device on Monday while checking the tanning room "because she felt so uncomfortable with Layton's behavior," Police Officer April McCarthy said in an affidavit.

Kessler allegedly had followed the woman on social media, and had given her a birthday gift earlier this month "which included a note filled with what could only be described as a love confession." The note indicated he first noticed the woman in October 2021, according to McCarthy.

Kessler as an employee allegedly would consistently put the woman in a specific tanning booth, and would park his vehicle next to hers and leave the gym at the same time she did, the affidavit said.

On Monday, the woman "noticed that a speaker was in front of the tanning bed and positioned in a manner where it was facing the direction someone undressing to enter the tanning bed would likely be in," McCarthy's affidavit said. "(The woman) could see an object and pulled it out. There was a homemade object made out of popsicle sticks and covered in black tape that was positioned in a way to hold and conceal a video recording device that was made to look like a key fob. There was a SD card located inside this device."

Security Digital cards store information on mobile devices. Police retrieved 26 video files, including five videos in which four women are separately depicted "in states of undress" in the tanning booth, according to the affidavit.

"On several occasions, a man who appears to be Layton is seen on the camera device appearing to position it or turn it on prior to females entering the room," McCarthy stated in the document.

Police know the identity of two of the women, and are working to ID the others, according to police spokesman Lt. Luke Gardiner.

"Bismarck Police Department has kept a log of possible victims that have contacted our department and Central Dakota Communications Center to assist with identification," he said.

Gardiner told the Tribune on Wednesday morning that "more than 20" calls had come in.

South Central District Judge Bobbi Weiler on Wednesday ordered Kessler not to have contact with the two known women. She also set his bond at $3,000 cash and ordered him not to leave the state. Prosecutors had asked for a bond of $5,000, but Weiler lowered it due to Kessler's lack of criminal history. Trial is scheduled for Dec. 20.

It's unclear for how long the alleged videotaping had been going on. Authorities do not think the date-and-time stamps on the videos are accurate.

Police on Tuesday afternoon also conducted a search warrant at Kessler's home.

"Detectives seized more electronics and will forensically examine those in the coming days," Gardiner said.

Kessler allegedly texted his manager after the 21-year-old woman confronted him on Monday and admitted to placing the hidden camera.

An employee who answered the phone at Planet Fitness on Wednesday afternoon said Kessler had been fired Monday. The business's manager didn't immediately respond to a Tribune request for comment.

Burleigh County State's Attorney's Julie Lawyer told the Tribune that under laws passed by the North Dakota Legislature, a felony charge does not apply in the case.

"It is a Class A misdemeanor unless the person has a prior conviction, is required to register as a sexual or child offender, or the victim is a minor," she said.

A search of court documents indicates Kessler does not have any prior convictions in North Dakota.

The misdemeanor surreptitious intrusion charge in state law says it applies to someone who "With intent to intrude upon or interfere with the privacy of the occupant, surreptitiously installs or uses any device for observing, photographing, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds or events from a tanning booth, a sleeping room in a hotel, or other place where a reasonable individual would have an expectation of privacy and has exposed or is likely to expose that individual's intimate parts or has removed the clothing covering the immediate area of the intimate parts."
Mr Evans Nimako, Director of Research and Election of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), says the Partys Special Electoral College scheduled for Saturday 26, 2023, would start from 0900 hours and close at 1300 hours.



He said the Partys regional offices had created voting stations, which would be manned by officials of the Electoral Commission (EC).



Mr Nimako said this when he spoke to the media on the upcoming NPP Super Delegates Conference slated for Saturday.



About 958 delegates are expected to decide the fate of the ten NPP presidential aspirants by selecting five for the Partys presidential primary slated for November 4, 2023.



Mr Nimako said after the close of voting on Saturday, the EC would do the counting and announce the results at all the regional centres and transmit the results to the ECs headquarters in Accra for collation.



He said there would be another voting centre at the NPP headquarters to take care of the Partys Council of Elders, National Executive Committee, the external branches, the party wings (youth, women and Nasara) and Ministers of States, who are not MPs.



He said individuals expected to vote at the regional level include the regional representations to the Council of Elders, Foundation Members, Regional Executive Committee Members, Members of Parliament (MPs) and Regional Ministers.



Mr Nimako said after meeting with the presidential candidate aspirants and their agents, the EC and the Ghana Police Service, it had been agreed that all issues bordering on security be handled by the Police.



He said per the rules of engagement for the conduct of the election, the EC was to give all the aspirants copies of the Partys register and photo album.



He said the aspirants would have two agents each accredited to the polling stations to monitor the process, and that after the collation, each would be given a copy of the results.





Source: GNA









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The Presbyterian Church of Ghana has described as misleading reports that the outgoing Moderator of the Church, Rt Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante has endorsed Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, describing him as a religious unifier.



Unifier



According to reports Rev. Prof. Obiri Yeboah Mante, extolled the Vice President's religious tolerance and described him as a unifying character of Islam and Christianity during the closing session of the 23rd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana at the Ramseyer congregation at Abetifi Kwahu in the Eastern Region.



Rebuttal



However, a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the church, Rev George E. Larbi, and issued in Accra on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, said the attention of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) has been drawn to an article going viral on social media and some news portals.



According to the articles, the Moderator made the said statement during the closing session of the 23rd General Assembly of the church at the Ramseyer Congregation at Abetifi Kwahu in the Eastern Region, the statement said.



The PCG, by this statement, is making it clear that the Moderator did not make such a statement and has not made any statement of that nature anywhere as the article on social media and other newspapers and portals is seeking to portray.



The Moderator, in his five minutes and fifty-eight seconds speech, thanked the Vice-President for his support to the church, and also stated that the government had made pledges to donate buses to some institutions of the church. He, therefore, appealed to the Vice-President to ensure that government redeems those pledges".



Emphasis



Rev. George Larbi speaking in a one-on-one interview on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo', explained the church had to issue a statement because of the attacks against the outgoing Moderator and emphasized that the unifier claims announced by some media are misleading.



Even though the Moderator is not against Vice President Bawumia, on Sunday, he never described him as a religious unifier, he reiterated.





Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Michael Smith already had a domestic violence conviction on his record and wasnt supposed to have a gun when police say he shot his wife dead outside their Franklin County home in March 2021, court documents show.

Smith, 39, was charged with homicide Tuesday in connection to the March 9, 2021, shooting of his wife Rhonda Mae Smith, 48. Pennsylvania State Police said he initially claimed she shot herself.
BOISE, Idaho  In high school, Bryan Kohberger, now suspected of killing four University of Idaho students in Moscow, was kicked out of his law enforcement training program after a complaint was made about him stemming from an incident involving female students, according to a former administrator at the countys technical school.

An ensuing investigation took place into the incident, which Tanya Carmella-Beers labeled pretty serious, but declined to detail in a podcast interview because of federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act protections. That led to Kohbergers removal his sophomore year from the law enforcement focus at Monroe Career & Technical Institute (MCTI) in eastern Pennsylvania. He then switched to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) program for his junior year at the half-day technical school, the Idaho Statesman previously reported.

In February, Carmella-Beers, who oversaw the technical schools student discipline and mental health, declined to talk with the Statesman about her specific interactions with Kohberger, now 28, who is charged with the four students murders last fall. Instead, she spoke at that time about the general circumstances that could lead to students removal against their preference from the technical schools law enforcement program, which had heightened requirements.

Ultimately, what had him removed from the program, when I look back on it now, makes sense, Carmella-Beers told The Idaho Massacre podcast in light of the allegations. Not knowing what I know, then yeah, youd be like, I cant  Im so shocked. And in that respect I am, but then I know another little piece, which is the piece that occurred at the school. And so then, Im like, Oh, but see, that makes sense. "

The four U of I students were stabbed to death at an off-campus home on King Road in Moscow in November. They were seniors Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, each 21; and junior Xana Kernodle and freshman Ethan Chapin, each 20.

Reached by email, Carmella-Beers did not make herself available Tuesday in response to a Statesman interview request.

Defendant Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a motion hearing regarding a gag order in Latah County District Court on June 9, 2023 in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022. (Zach Wilkinson/Pool/Getty Images/TNS)TNS

Kohberger is featured in a photo in Pleasant Valley High Schools yearbook from his sophomore year wearing a police-like uniform and doing a pushup while still enrolled in the law enforcement program. Kohberger aimed to become an Army Ranger, the photos caption read, but his primary interest was law enforcement, his former friend, Thomas Arntz, told the Statesman earlier this year.

After being booted from the law enforcement focus and a year into the HVAC program, Kohberger chose not to attend the technical school for his senior year, Carmella-Beers told the podcast. He instead completed his diploma requirements through Pleasant Valleys online program, telling Arntzs sister, Casey Arntz, in March 2013 that he finished high school early, the Statesman previously reported.

But Carmella-Beers recalled that pursuing law enforcement was Kohbergers dream, she told the podcast.

The reason that I remember his application was because of the way the guidance counselor just really played it up, how it was all he wanted, Camella-Beers said, acknowledging the impact on him of getting kicked out. So my feeling was that he was defeated, you know, because its the only thing he ever wanted in life, and you have it, and now thats falling through.

Donna Yozwiak, Kohbergers guidance counselor for most of high school, confirmed to the Statesman how excited he was for the technical schools law enforcement focus.

He wanted to explore that line of work as a possible career choice, Yozwiak said by email. Many students switch career paths. I was surprised, however, when he left MCTI in his senior year.

School complaint leads to investigation

Warning signs emerged after Kohberger joined the law enforcement program at the countys technical program, Carmella-Beers said in the podcast interview.

Bryan Kohberger, left, who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, looks toward his attorney, public defender Anne Taylor, right, during a hearing in Latah County District Court, Jan. 5, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho.AP File Photo/Ted S. Warren

There were some circumstances that led us to believe that maybe there were going to be some difficulties in Bryans life that werent going to  contribute to him having an easy time of it, she said. Just, it wasnt going to be just ending up in the police academy kind of thing for him. It was going to be a little bit more of a challenge for him to get there.

She described a complaint being made, a teacher bringing it to Carmella-Beers attention, and that leading to an investigation of the incident. Kohberger and other students were interviewed in the process, she said, and a decision was made about his future in the law enforcement program  whether its the decision the student wants or not.

I dont think that maybe he necessarily grasped the depth and breadth of the issue at hand, she told the podcast. So I think there was frustration as to not really understanding  I dont understand what the problem is. This is not a big deal, or, you know, This didnt happen.  It was just like, Seriously? kind of thing.

High school also is when Kohberger began using heroin, the Arntzes and another of his former friends, Jack Baylis, previously told the Statesman in interviews. Addiction issues eventually led Kohberger to drug rehab.

In February 2014, at 19 years old, Kohberger was arrested and charged with misdemeanor theft, ABC News reported in the podcast The King Road Killings. Kohberger had recently returned from rehab and was living back with his family, his father told police, according to court records obtained by ABC, and allegedly stole his older sisters cellphone and sold it at a local mall.

Before ABCs report, Kohberger had no known criminal record leading up to his December arrest in the student homicide investigation. Kohberger served no jail time, ABC reported, and there is no public record of Kohbergers arrest or the result of that case.

In May 2018, Kohberger told Baylis in a Facebook message, first reported by The New York Times and reviewed by the Statesman, that he hadnt used drugs in two years. By that time, Kohberger was attending Northampton Community College in eastern Pennsylvania and graduated that year with a major in psychology. He then transferred to DeSales University, where he earned a bachelors degree in 2020.

From 2016 to 2021, Kohberger also was employed as a weekend security officer at the Pleasant Valley School District, where his parents also worked, the Statesman previously reported. He resigned from the position in June 2021, according to district employment records obtained through a public records request.

Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for his arraignment hearing in Latah County District Court, May 22, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. Prosecutors say they are seeking the death penalty against Kohberger, the man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death in November 2022. Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed the notice of his intent to seek the death penalty in court on Monday, June 26. (Zach Wilkinson/The Moscow-Pullman Daily News via AP, Pool, File)AP

George Curcio, a former New York City officer who was Kohbergers security supervisor, previously told the Statesman he didnt remember ever receiving a complaint about Kohberger during his years working at the district.

Yeah, he seemed a little odd, but nothing I ever picked up on, and didnt seem like a violent person or anything like that, Curcio said by phone in April.

When Kohberger resigned from the school district, Curcio said Kohberger told him he planned to go back to school full time. Kohberger finished a masters at DeSales in June 2022 and eventually left Pennsylvania for a Ph.D. in the criminal justice and criminology department at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, roughly 9 miles away from Moscow.

Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. In an alibi filing earlier this month, Kohbergers public defender said he was out driving his car alone, as he long had a habit of doing, overnight from Nov. 12 to Nov. 13, at the time of the student slayings.

His trial is scheduled to start Oct. 2 in Latah County. Prosecutors announced in June that they intend to seek the death penalty if Kohberger is convicted.

Kevin Fixler of the Idaho Statesman wrote this story

2023 Idaho Statesman. Visit at idahostatesman.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

More:

Judge in Pa. mans Idaho student murder case sets aggressive schedule

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Cumberland County District Attorney Sean McCormack is asking the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to review a 1994 cop-killing case out of New Cumberland to see if present-day rights of crime victims to give testimony in capital case sentencing hearings can be applied to it.

The case at hand is the Aug. 19, 1994 shooting of then-New Cumberland Patrol Officer Willis Cole in the frantic aftermath of a robbery at a coin collector shop in the borough.
Two drivers from South Brunswick who took part in an illegal street race on Route 1 in Edison that ended with a crash that killed a passenger in January 2022 have been sentenced.

Daniel Girgis, 18, of the Dayton section of South Brunswick, has been sentenced to three years in state prison while Tyler Dickerson, 19, of the Monmouth Junction section, will spend 364 days in the Middlesex County jail, the county prosecutors office said Tuesday.

A passenger in Girgis car  Diana Somarriba, 18, of South Brunswick  was killed when Girgis struck a vacant building in the area of Route 1 south and Fox Road during the pre-arranged race in which he was driving more than 100 mph, officials said.

Girgis and another passenger in his vehicle suffered minor injuries in the crash. He pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide in March after the original juvenile charges were waved up to Superior Court.

Dickerson, who pleaded guilty to assault by auto, will also serve four years probation after being released from jail. Dickerson was originally charged with vehicular homicide and aggravated assault.

Somarriba was a senior at South Brunswick High School, officials said following the Jan. 20, 2022, crash. She planned to join the military after graduation, according to district Superintendent Scott Feder.

Diana Somaribbas passing is a huge loss to South Brunswick High School and our community, Feder wrote in an email to NJ Advance Media last year. She was a very charismatic young lady who was very loyal to her friends who were so important to her. Diana was kind, sweet, and likable and always had a smile on her face. Her dream of graduating from high school and joining the military was cut short due to this tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Somaribba family and all of her friends.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.

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A woman was struck and killed Tuesday afternoon while retrieving mail from a mailbox along a Lebanon County road, Pennsylvania State Police said.

Jill M. Staub, 51, of New Oxford, was at a row of mailboxes near the Route 22 and Racehorse Drive intersection in East Hanover Township when she was killed around 3:49 p.m., state police said.

State police said Michael E. Zimmerman, 62, of Harrisburg, hit a concrete barrier while driving west on Route 22 in the left lane. Zimmerman continued west but gradually entered the right lane, then went off the road entirely.

Zimmerman continued driving along the right shoulder of Route 22 until he hit Staub and the row of mailboxes, state police said.

State police said Staub landed on the debris from Zimmermans car and the mailboxes. Zimmermans car continued moving after killing Staub and crashed into a utility pole, state police said, breaking the pole in half.

Staub died at the scene. Zimmerman had minor injuries and was airlifted to Penn State Hershey Medical Center, where his blood was taken, state police said.

State police labeled the crash as DUI on a press release, but no charges have been filed against Zimmerman as of Wednesday morning.

READ MORE: 3 Dauphin County homes damaged in Tuesday night fire

Central Pa. man charged in death of wife he said killed herself in 2021
The iconic Starbucks pumpkin spice latte first appeared at only 100 test stores in two cities in 2003. The next fall it was released nationwide and as they say - the rest is history.

Starbucks will bring back the annual traditional pumpkin spice latte to stores on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023.

On the same day, two new seasonal beverages, Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte will debut along with the new Baked Apple Croissant. Returning favorites will include Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin and Owl Cake Pop.

Starbucks today also shared the story of how the massively popular seasonal PSL came to be.

The brands first seasonal beverage was not the PSL - it was peppermint mocha.

" ... 20 years ago, pumpkin spice and fall hadnt found each other yet, Starbucks said.

Starbucks said Peter Dukes, the leader of the Starbucks beverage development team at the time, remembers brainstorming ideas to create a new fall beverage.

We probably had at least a hundred ideas up on the wall. And once we got those ideas, we started to whittle away at them and came down to a list of about 20 different flavors including chocolate and caramel  the most popular flavors to pair with coffee  and there was orange and cinnamon ... and there was pumpkin there as well.

Potential customers leaned toward chocolate and caramel but pumpkin scored high on uniqueness.

In early spring 2003, Dukes and the team, gathered in the Liquid Lab - they ate pumpkin pie and sipped espresso.

For the next three months, the team refined the recipe, handcrafted with espresso, pumpkin spice sauce, and steamed milk  topped off with whipped cream and a dash of pumpkin pie topping. In a taste test alongside the chocolate and caramel beverages, pumpkin was the clear winner. Next, they just needed a name, Starbucks said.

And, pumpkin spice latte was born - or PSL, using the abbreviation for the drink used by baristas. It was tested in the fall of 2003 in 100 stores in Washington, D.C., and Vancouver, Canada.

Starbucks will bring back the iconic pumpkin spice latte, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. New beverages this year include the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte. (Timeline provided by Starbucks)

Within the first week of the market test, we knew we had a winner, Dukes said. I remember calling store managers on the phone to see how the new beverage was doing, and we could hear the excitement in their voices.

The PSL rolled out in the fall of 2004 but Starbucks was still considering ditching it for something new until Facebook and Twitter arrived in 2006.

With the arrival of social media, it just took off on a whole new level, Dukes said.

Starbucks said the PSL uses real pumpkin puree, made from little kabocha pumpkins.

The handcrafted beverage combines Starbucks Signature Espresso and steamed milk with the celebrated flavor combination of real pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. Topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices, the PSL is available hot, iced or blended.

READ MORE PUMPKIN SPICE NEWS

Starbucks will bring back the iconic pumpkin spice latte, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. New beverages this year include the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (shown). (Photo provided by Starbucks)
The Princeton Review likes to release a list of the countrys purported best colleges each year.

The most recent list that was published  which focuses on colleges for 2024  features no less than 29 schools in Pennsylvania.

The Princeton Review assembles the colleges and universities mentioned based on the ratings of 165,000 students based on various categories from academics to quality of life to the locations social scene. These main categories are also come with their own subdivisions such as schools with the Best Career Services as well as Lots of Beer.

Pennsylvanias higher education representation included schools like Allegheny College  called by the Princeton Review as the nations premier college for students with Unusual Combinations of interests, skills, and talents  and Gettysburg College, a place where learning often means doing.

While many of these schools were obviously held in high esteem for their abilities to aptly shape young minds, there were a few that were ranked based on, shall we say, more frivolous qualities: The Lots of Liquor category had Bucknell, Gettysburg, and Penn State University Park among its ranks, with both Bucknell and Gettysburg also making it onto the Lots of Beer list along with Ursinus.

Who says education has to be a droll experience?

It should also be noted, by the way, that schools marked featured on The Princeton Reviews best-ofs have paid for the designation, although they didnt pay to be included on the list itself.
The National Aviary in Pittsburgh has a new member of its flock.

A female Stellers Sea Eagle arrived there several months ago and now shares a home with a male, Kodiak, and is visible to the public.

The aviary said the bird is not only one of its newest arrivals but also one of its largest.

The Stellers Sea Eagle, the aviary said, is listed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature has spent several months in a behind the scenes habitat gradually getting to know her potential mate Kodiak (also known as Kody), who has resided at the National Aviary for 17 years.

She and Kody are in a public-facing habitat in The Charity Randall Foundation Eagle Hall.

Stellers Sea Eagles are magnificent birds, but their numbers in the wild are declining. AZA collaborative breeding programs ensure the entire Stellers Sea Eagle population remains healthy and genetically diverse for the long-term future, said Kurt Hundgen, senior director of animal care and conservation programs for the National Aviary.

We are seeing positive signs that they are content and comfortable together. We hope this pair will raise chicks to boost the Stellers Sea Eagle population.

Her potential mate, Kody, is kind of well known. The charismatic bird accidentally got out of his habitat in 2021 and escaped. Because the community was so instrumental in helping bring Kody home, that we want the community to be involved with naming his potential new mate.

The National Aviary in Pittsburgh has received a 10-year-old female, endangered Steller's Sea Eagle that will hopefully mate with resident Steller's Sea Eagle, Kodiak, also known as Kody. The public has been invited to help name her by submitting suggestions before 5 p.m. on Sept. 4, 2023. (Photo provided by the National Aviary)

Names for the female can be submitted through 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4. The aviary will choose four finalists. The public can then cast for votes for their choice along with $5 donation. A $5 donation counts as five votes for the selected name. The winning name will be announced at the end of September. The person that suggested the name will be given a chance to win an encounter with an owl or falcon at the National Aviary.

The aviary said female Stellers Sea Eagles can weigh up to 20 pounds and have a wingspan of up to 8 feet.

It is common for female raptors to be about 1/3 larger than males and the Aviarys new female is no different as she is impressively larger than Kody.

The aviary said it renovated its Stellers Sea Eagle habitat in 2022. It features perches, a platform for nesting and a pond for bathing and playing.

Stellers Sea Eagles are found throughout Russia, Korea, Japan, and China, with most breeding in the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia. These large eagles nest on rocky outcroppings or in forested coastal areas. Fewer than 5,000 Stellers Sea Eagles remain in the wild. Habitat loss, overfishing affecting the primary food sources of sea eagles, and pollution are driving dramatic population declines, the aviary said.

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The League of Women Voters of North Dakota has asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit that could curb mail-in voting across the state.

The Campaign Legal Center on behalf of the League has filed a motion to intervene and a motion to dismiss the lawsuit brought by a local election official and a conservative legal organization. The Campaign Legal Center describes itself as a nonpartisan organization that advocates for voter participation.

The League argues that as a voter advocacy organization with multiple members that vote by mail, it should be allowed to intervene in the case. The organization maintains the core of the suits argument -- an alleged conflict between federal and state laws -- is nonexistent.

Burleigh County Auditor Mark Splonskowski and the Public Interest Legal Foundation filed the suit in early July against State Election Director Erika White, arguing that federal and state law are at odds with regard to the acceptance of mail-in ballots after Election Day. The foundation bills itself as a nonprofit dedicated to election integrity.

The lawsuit argues that federal law assigns one day as Election Day, while the state allows for ballots to be counted up to 13 days after Election Day, requiring Splonskowski to decide which law to follow. It argues Splonskowski is faced with an impossibility in his role, and is opened up to criminal penalties as a result.

The suit argues that late mail-in ballots extend an election's voting period.

North Dakota law requires all counted mail-in ballots to be postmarked before Election Day.

The Leagues motion to dismiss argues that the conflict Splonskowski and the foundation describe doesn't exist. The League points to precedents such as a dismissed Illinois suit that was a virtually identical action. The group claims that the legality of mail-in voting in similar cases has been defined extensively in other courts, with other suits failing to find conflicts between federal and state election laws.

The filing comes about two weeks after the state requested Splonskowskis suit be dismissed in a motion that similarly argues there is no conflict between state and federal election laws. A key point in that argument is the citation of a federal opinion in which a judge wrote that voting should not be confused with counting votes.

The state also disputed the likelihood of Splonskowski facing criminal charges, as well as the inclusion of White as the defendant -- which it argued seemed like an afterthought. The state said the plaintiffs "true aim in this lawsuit is not adjudication of a true conflict, but the improper overthrow of North Dakota law."

Plaintiffs have until Sept. 5 to respond to the state's motion to dismiss. The foundation declined to comment on the League of Women Voters motions, and Splonskowski did not immediately respond to Tribune requests for comment.

The Public Interest Legal Foundation has a history of voting-related filings. In the wake of the 2020 election the organization filed multiple suits on similar issues, including in Pennsylvania and Arizona, amid former President Donald Trumps claims of election fraud. Splonskowski has said that his suit has nothing to do with Trump's 2020 loss.

The Associated Press reported that the foundation met with multiple other election officials throughout the state, appearing to shop around for a plaintiff, before Splonskowski signed on. The foundation said the suit is focused on North Dakota when the AP asked about interest in a national injunction. Splonskowski has said the foundation reached out to him with concerns about North Dakota's law, and that he seeks to make future elections secure and bolster public confidence in the election system.

League of Women Voters of North Dakota President Barbara Headrick said voting by mail "is not only convenient but also critical for increased voter access and equity to the ballot.

All North Dakotans deserve equal access to the ballot and confidence that their vote will be counted," she said. "The League of Women Voters will continue to advocate for North Dakota voters to ensure their votes are not compromised by those who seek to dismantle our democracy.
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio  A school bus transporting students on their first day of classes Tuesday in western Ohio was involved in a crash that killed one child and injured 23 others, reports say.

The State Highway Patrol tells WHIO Channel 7 the crash involving a bus with Northwestern Local Schools occurred at about 8:15 a.m. on Ohio 41 in Clark County, which is northeast of Dayton. The bus had 52 elementary school students on board, WCMH Channel 4 reports.

A 2010 Honda Odyssey driving in the opposite direction crossed the center line, causing the bus driver to try to avoid a head-on collision, reports say. The Honda still hit the bus, causing it to go off the road and overturn onto its side, the patrol tells WDTN Channel 2.

A child was thrown from the bus when it overturned and died from injuries in the crash, WCMH reports. Of the 23 students injured, 13 were taken by ambulances to hospitals, while 10 were taken by private vehicles, reports say. One child suffered serious injuries, while the others had non-life-threatening injuries, WDTN reports.

This mornings school bus accident in Clark Co. is truly heartbreaking, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in an online statement. Fran and I offer our sincere condolences to the family of the young child who was killed. Our hearts also go out to those on the bus and their families, peers, and teachers. Our prayers are with you all.

The male driver of the Honda, age 35, and a passenger, 37, both were taken to a hospital. Their injuries are not life-threatening, reports say. The 68-year-old driver of the bus had minor injuries.

The school district has canceled classes for Wednesday. The district said it will have grief counselors available.

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Residents unhappy with the proposed demolition of William Penn High School will get one more chance to alter the plan.

During Tuesdays board meeting at the Lincoln administration building, Dr. Lori Suski, the Harrisburg School Districts receiver, announced that residents will have an opportunity to express their thoughts, make recommendations and ask questions during a committee meeting set for 6 p.m. Sept. 12.

After next months meeting, the districts board members will decide future demolition plans based on those comments. The announcement comes a month and a half after the administration approved a $6.8 million proposal in June to demolish the building located near Italian Lake.
BALTIMORE  A Baltimore judge has ordered the release of most of the redacted names in the attorney generals report on the Archdiocese of Baltimores history of child sexual abuse, according to court records unsealed Tuesday.

The order allows for the release Sept. 26 of 43 of 46 blacked-out names, including those of five high-ranking church officials who contributed to the cover-up, and nine of 10 alleged abusers. The people to be named will have an opportunity to appeal the order before the attorney generals office would publish a version of the report with far fewer redactions than its initial version, which came out in April.

Its not clear if any appeals would take place in open court; the hearings thus far have been behind closed doors. Records of previous hearings and filings in the matter will remain sealed, the judge ruled.

The courts order enables my office to continue to lift the veil of secrecy over decades of horrifying abuse suffered by the survivors, Attorney General Anthony Brown said in a news release.

The Baltimore Sun identified the five officials, who include the bishop of the Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware, W. Francis Malooly, in a May 4 article. When The Sun revealed the names of those clerics, one resigned from a hospital board and the archdiocese canceled the transfer of another, the Rev. J. Bruce Jarboe, to a prominent parish in Towson after backlash from parishioners and families with children at its parochial school. Jarboe and the former University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center board member, Monsignor Richard Rick Woy, remain in active ministry.

In his opinion explaining his decision to release names, Circuit Judge Robert Taylor wrote that the officials argued the report mischaracterized their actions and insinuated sinister motives when they were blameless, or at least justified, in their actions. Taylor wrote that the five officials are free to make those claims in a public manner, but this is an argument for more transparency, not less.

To continue to hide their identities does not advance that interest in public discourse; just the opposite, he wrote. It allows the most negative possible inferences to be drawn, while continuing to shroud this troubling history in secrecy.

The Sun also either originally identified or confirmed the names of the 10 alleged abusers in subsequent articles, including a sitting Episcopal priest, the Rev. Thomas Hudson, and Frank Cimino Jr., the founder and president of the Maryland State Boychoir. Hudson was placed on indefinite leave after The Sun determined his identity and contacted the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. Cimino resigned from the choir shortly after the newspaper named him.

Taylor wrote in his opinion that Cimino, identified in the report as abuser No. 147, told the court the accusations against him were investigated, referred to city prosecutors in 1987 and he was not charged. Cimino denies the allegations as hearsay and says they are defamatory, according to Taylors opinion. Cimino did not return a message Tuesday seeking comment.

Brown said the report is not a criminal indictment and does not constitute a legal finding of guilt for anyone named in it.

Taylor determined that the name of former Rev. Joseph F. OBrien, No. 154 on the reports List of Abusers, would remain redacted for the time being because the attorney generals office was unable to notify him about his inclusion in the report. That meant he was not afforded an opportunity to participate in a July hearing to argue against his name being made public.

The Sun identified OBrien in May and located him in Newport News, Virginia. He told a reporter for the Daily Press, one of the Suns sister papers, that he could not have committed the abuse because the girl who accused him of unwanted kissing and fondling didnt wear dresses and was gay.

The other unredacted names are lesser players in the larger, systemic cover-up of abuse  Taylor described them in his opinion as having played relatively minor roles  and have largely avoided public scrutiny thus far.

The attorney generals 463-page report describes how 156 clergy, teachers and other church staff abused at least 600 children and young adults throughout the 20th century. It also lays bare the lengths the Catholic Church went to hide the abuse. Clerics and church attorneys leaned on judges, prosecutors and police, using their political influence and positions in the community to keep cases out of the courts. Victims were silenced or lied to, and oftentimes an abusive priest was sent to a new parish after an allegation was made.

In some ways, the redactions in the attorney generals report mirrored those cover-up efforts, said abuse survivors Jean Wehner and Teresa Lancaster. They filed a motion to participate in the court process surrounding the reports initial release and pushed for an unredacted version to be made public.

The redactions are just another way of saying, We are hiding this from you, Wehner said Tuesday. I dont even know how they can face themselves in a mirror and say, This makes perfect sense and were just going to black it out and they wont notice.

Echoing Wehner, Lancaster added that she believes the only reason the names are set to become public is because of pressure from survivors.

If you dont make [the church] do something, then they wont do it, Lancaster said.

Both women expressed content with the judges decision, and their attorney, Kurt Wolfgang, said the ruling represents the idea that government is no longer ensnared in the grasp of the Catholic Church.

In a statement, Archdiocese of Baltimore officials asked the public to join them in prayer for all abuse victims and anyone else affected by the scourge of child sexual abuse.

The Archdiocese has not opposed the release of the Attorney Generals report, just as it has continued its long-standing policy of making public credible allegations of child sexual abuse involving its personnel, church spokesman Christian Kendzierski wrote in an email to The Sun. We are committed to continuing all of our efforts to keep safe the children in our care, and we recognize that the Attorney Generals report is a reminder of a sad and deeply painful history tied to the tremendous harm caused to innocent children and young people by some ministers of the Church.

While the archdiocese committed to a public release of the report in November after the attorney generals office finished its four-year investigation, it also paid the legal fees of a group of its employees and clerics that sought to challenge their inclusion in the report on the basis that they didnt commit abuse, so their names should not be public. The members of that group remain anonymous.

The report was based largely on the churchs records, which the attorney generals investigators obtained through a grand jury subpoena. Because grand jury proceedings are secret under Maryland law, attorneys representing the anonymous group sought to have proceedings about the report placed under seal and a judge who initially oversaw the case issued a gag order. The attorneys representing that initial group, William J. Murphy and former Baltimore States Attorney Gregg Bernstein, declined Tuesday to comment.

In his opinion, Taylor avoided prescribing any wrongdoing to the archdiocese itself, writing instead that the litany of abuses and their subsequent cover-up were the actions of individuals, and the church began handling reports of child sexual abuse differently in the 21st century.

These names are being released because the key to understanding the report is understanding that this did not happen because of anything the Archdiocese did or did not do. It happened because of the choices made by specific individuals at specific times, Taylor wrote.

Lee O. Sanderlin of The Baltimore Sun wrote this story.

2023 The Baltimore Sun. Visit at baltimoresun.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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A 50-year-old man briefly escaped from the Dauphin County Prison on Tuesday before being arrested an hour later.

Andre Richardson, who is incarcerated there, was taking trash from the kitchen outside the prison at 6:59 p.m. when he fled the property toward Route 441, according to a press release.

Richardsons supervising correctional officer immediately alerted the prison, which was placed on lockdown while local law enforcement agencies were called in.

At 7:58 p.m., Richardson was arrested and taken back to the prison.

We are grateful to our partners in the local law enforcement community for their swift response and collaboration in this incident, said John Brey, Dauphin County criminal justice director. While there was never any threat to the community, we take these security matters very seriously. We will be conducting a root cause analysis of this incident to determine what happened and identify ways to prevent this from occurring in the future.

Agencies from Swatara Township, Harrisburg City, Pennsylvania Capitol police departments, Pennsylvania State Police, Dauphin County Adult Probation and Dauphin County Criminal Investigation Division helped with the search and arrest.

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PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Philadelphias police commissioner says a police officer who shot and killed a driver who was sitting in his car last week in north Philadelphia is being suspended and will be fired.

Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said Wednesday that Officer Mark Dial will be suspended with intent to dismiss him in 30 days for refusing to cooperate in the investigation of the Aug. 14 shooting death of 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry.

She cited administrative violations of insubordination, refusal to promptly obey proper orders from a superior officer and a conduct unbecoming violation for failure to cooperate in any departmental investigation. Outlaw said the investigation into the shooting itself continues.

Irizarry was shot as he sat in his car by Dial after officers spotted a car being driven erratically shortly before 12:30 p.m. Aug. 14 and followed it for several blocks, then approached as the driver turned the wrong way down a one-way street and stopped, police said. Dial has been on the force for five years.

READ MORE: New video shows Philly police officer fatally shot man within seconds of exiting patrol car

Police said Dial was approaching the passengers side and warned the other officer, who was approaching the drivers side, that the driver had a weapon. As the male turned toward that officer, the officer fired multiple times into the vehicle, police said in a statement the night after the shooting that changed their initial account of events.

Police originally said the officers made a traffic stop and shot a person outside the vehicle after he lunged at police with a knife. Outlaw said a review of the officers body-worn cameras made it very clear that what we initially reported was not actually what happened.

A Philadelphia police crime scene officer takes photos on the scene in Philadelphia, where a 27-year-old man was fatally shot Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. More than 25 shell casings were found at the scene. (Steven M. Falk/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)AP

Police said they are trying to determine the source of the initial erroneous version, which an official earlier said was called into police radio and appeared to have come from an internal source. Outlaw said that probe may result in disciplinary action if warranted.

Police in their revised account said two knives were observed inside the vehicle but declined to say whether the driver was holding a weapon or was ordered to drop one. A detective said one appeared to be a kitchen-style knife and the other a serrated folding knife.

Attorney Fortunato Perri Jr., who represents the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, said Dial has the full support of the Fraternal Order of Police as we continue to review the facts and circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Family attorney Shaka Johnson called the initial narrative an intentional misleading of the public and said he intended to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the officer and the city, the newspaper reported.

Police havent released the body-worn camera footage of the two officers, saying that is up to the district attorney since it is considered evidence in that offices investigation. That probe aims to determine whether officers followed the law while the police departments probe is to determine whether they followed department policies and procedures.

The Philadelphia Citizens Police Oversight Commission on Tuesday night recommended that the officer be terminated, saying the agency was created for moments such as this.

It is our responsibility to hold our police department accountable and also amplify the voices of the community, the commission said in a statement.

Mayor Jim Kenney called the case a tragedy and said his heart breaks for the family and for the loss of Mr. Irizarry, but declined further comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
Armed with scrub brushes, young scuba divers took to the waters of Floridas Alligator Reef in late July to try to help corals struggling to survive 2023s extraordinary marine heat wave. They carefully scraped away harmful algae and predators impinging on staghorn fragments, under the supervision and training of interns from Islamorada Conservation and Restoration Education, or I.CARE.

Normally, I.CAREs volunteer divers would be transplanting corals to waters off the Florida Keys this time of year, as part of a national effort to restore the Florida Reef. But this year, everything is going in reverse.

As water temperatures spiked in the Florida Keys, scientists from universities, coral reef restoration groups and government agencies launched a heroic effort to save the corals. Divers have been in the water every day, collecting thousands of corals from ocean nurseries along the Florida Keys reef tract and moving them to cooler water and into giant tanks on land.

Marine scientist Ken Nedimyer and his team at Reef Renewal USA moved an entire coral tree nursery from shallow waters off Tavernier to an area 60 feet deep and 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 Celsius) cooler. Even there, temperatures were running about 85 to 86 F (30 C).

Their efforts are part of an emergency response on a scale never before seen in Florida.

The Florida Reef  a nearly 350-mile arc along the Florida Keys that is crucial to fish habitat, coastal storm protection and the local economy  began experiencing record-hot ocean temperatures in June 2023, weeks earlier than expected. The continuing heat has triggered widespread coral bleaching off Florida in particular, but also beyond.

By mid-August, coral bleaching had been reported in the Bahamas, Cuba, Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This is particularly devastating because some of the healthiest remaining coral reefs are in the southern Caribbean. Scientists worry they may be seeing the sixth mass bleaching of Caribbean corals since 1995 and the third within the past 12 years, and the heat is likely to continue.

While corals can recover from mass bleaching events, long periods of high heat can leave them weak and vulnerable to disease that can ultimately kill them.

Thats what scientists and volunteers have been scrambling to avoid.

The heartbeat of the reef

The Florida Reef has struggled for years under the pressure of overfishing, disease, storms and global warming that have decimated its live corals.

A massive coral restoration effort  the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Mission: Iconic Reef  has been underway since 2019 to restore the reef with transplanted corals, particularly those most resilient to the rising temperatures. But even the hardiest coral transplants are now at risk.

Reef-building corals are the foundation species of shallow tropical waters due to their unique symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae in their tissues.

During the day, these algae photosynthesize, producing both food and oxygen for the coral animal. At night, coral polyps feed on plankton, providing nutrients for their algae. The result of this symbiotic relationship is the corals ability to build a calcium carbonate skeleton and reefs that support nearly 25% of all marine life.

Unfortunately, corals are very temperature sensitive, and the extreme ocean heat off South Florida, with some reef areas reaching temperatures in the 90s, has put them under extraordinary stress.

Photos by Michael Childress and Kylie Smith

When corals get too hot, they expel their symbiotic algae. The corals appear white  bleached  because their carbonate skeleton shows through their clear tissue that lack any colorful algal cells.

Corals can recover new algal symbionts if water conditions return to normal within a few weeks. However, the increase in global temperatures due to the effects of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities is causing longer and more frequent periods of coral bleaching worldwide, leading to concerns for the future of coral reefs.

A MASH unit for corals

This year, the Florida Keys reached an alert level 2, indicating extreme risk of bleaching, about six weeks earlier than normal.

The early warnings and forecasts from NOAAs Coral Reef Watch Network gave scientists time to begin preparing labs and equipment, track the locations and intensity of the growing marine heat and, importantly, recruit volunteers.

At the Keys Marine Laboratory, scientists and trained volunteers have dropped off thousands of coral fragments collected from heat-threatened offshore nurseries. Director Cindy Lewis described the labs giant tanks as looking like a MASH unit for corals.

Volunteers there and at other labs across Florida will hand-feed the tiny creatures to keep them alive until the Florida waters cool again and they can be returned to the ocean and eventually transplanted onto the reef.

Protecting corals still in the ocean

I.CARE launched another type of emergency response.

I.CARE co-founder Kylie Smith, a coral reef ecologist and a former student of mine in marine sciences, discovered a few years ago that coral transplants with large amounts of fleshy algae around them were more likely to bleach during times of elevated temperature. Removing that algae may give corals a better chance of survival.

Smiths group typically works with local dive operators to train recreational divers to assist in transplanting and maintaining coral fragments in an effort to restore the reefs of Islamorada. In summer 2023, I.CARE has been training volunteers, like the young divers from Diving with a Purpose, to remove algae and coral predators, such as coral-eating snails and fireworms, to help boost the corals chances of survival.

Monitoring for corals at risk

To help spot corals in trouble, volunteer divers are also being trained as reef observers through Mote Marine Labs BleachWatch program.

Scuba divers have long been attracted to the reefs of the Florida Keys for their beauty and accessibility. The lab is training them to recognize bleached, diseased and dead corals of different species and then use an online portal to submit bleach reports across the entire Florida Reef.

The more eyes on the reef, the more accurate the maps showing the areas of greatest bleaching concern.

Rebuilding the reef

While the marine heat wave in the Keys will inevitably kill some corals, many more will survive.

Through careful analysis of the species, genotypes and reef locations experiencing bleaching, scientists and practitioners are learning valuable information as they work to protect and rebuild a more resilient coral reef for the future.

That is what gives hope to Smith, Lewis, Nedimyer and hundreds of others who believe this coral reef is worth saving. Volunteers are crucial to the effort, whether theyre helping with coral reef maintenance, reporting bleaching or raising the awareness of what is at stake if humanity fails to stop warming the planet.

This article was updated Aug. 18, 2023, with bleaching reported in other countries.

Michael Childress, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences & Environmental Conservation, Clemson University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Republican nominee Donald Trump gestures as Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton looks on during the final presidential debate in 2016. Mark Ralston/ AFP via Getty Images

Former President Donald Trumps decision to skip the first Republican presidential debate on Aug. 23, 2023  and likely the others  may be a sign that candidate debates will be the next casualty of the highly polarized political environment in the United States.

The public knows who I am & what a successful Presidency I had , Trump wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform. I WILL THEREFORE NOT BE DOING THE DEBATES!

So, instead of sparring with his GOP rivals in the first of those debates, which will run on Fox News, Trump will release a recorded interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson on an online platform.

For Trump, the leading contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, refusing to participate in a debate is nothing new. In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he skipped a general election debate because it was moved online.

As is common for incumbent presidents, Joe Biden will not participate in Democratic primary debates, even though he is being challenged by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose support polls at 13%, and author Marianne Williamson. Her polling average is at 6%, just above the 5% threshold for participation in the Democratic presidential debates in 2020. The Democratic National Committee is not sponsoring presidential debates this election cycle, and Biden has ignored calls from Kennedy and Williamson to debate.

Trump and Biden arent the only candidates in recent years to nix debate participation. In 2022, fewer U.S. Senate and gubernatorial candidates agreed to debate their opponents than in previous election cycles. In fact, on the statewide level, the number of candidates taking part in debates has been declining since at least 2016.

Based on these trends, its likely that debate participation will decrease again  across the board  during the 2024 election cycle.

As a professor of political science and a professor of communication, we evaluate how presidential candidates communicate their messages to the public during campaigns.

While presidential elections are rarely decided on the debate stage, there is strong evidence that viewers draw on the information they learn in debates to make voting decisions.

Political debates are rooted in history

Presidential debates are a historical linchpin of modern American politics. Debates put the major contenders on the same stage and allow voters the opportunity to see how candidates explain  and defend  their policy positions.

Among the earliest reported examples of candidate debates in the United States were the 1858 U.S. Senate showdowns between Republican Abraham Lincoln and Democrat Stephen Douglas. The candidates held seven, three-hour debates across Illinois, focused on whether new states should be permitted to allow slavery.

In 1956, the first televised presidential debate featured Democrat and former Illinois Gov. Adlai Stevenson facing Senator Estes Kefauver of Tennessee, also a Democrat, and it was a fairly restrained matchup. Each seeking their partys nomination for president, the candidates took similar positions on school integration, atomic energy and foreign policy during the one-hour debate. They differed over whether the U.S. should discontinue hydrogen bomb testing.

After Stevenson won the primary and Democratic nomination, he selected Kefauver as his running mate.

But the initial, and perhaps most famous, general election presidential debate was in 1960. Thats when Republican nominee Richard Nixon sparred with Democratic nominee John Kennedy. This debate, the first in a series of four during that election cycle, was memorable because it highlighted the important role physical appearances play in presidential contests.

Radio listeners thought Nixon  then the sitting Republican vice president  had won. But his five-oclock shadow and pale skin caused television viewers to proclaim Kennedy the clear winner. Decades later, nationally syndicated columnist Bruce DuMont said, After that debate, it was not just what you said in a campaign that was important, but how you looked saying it.

That first Nixon-Kennedy faceoff was also important because of the large television audience  more than 70 million Americans watched  and the small boost it gave Kennedy in a closely contested election. According to Gallup polling, Kennedy went from being down by 1 percentage point before the debate to being up by 3 percentage points after the debate.

But after the Kennedy-Nixon debates, there wasnt another general election presidential debate until 1976 because some candidates refused to participate in the process. In 1964, Democratic President Lyndon Johnson, the overwhelming favorite, refused to debate the Republican nominee, Barry Goldwater. And in 1968, Nixon would not debate Democrat Hubert Humphrey because of his own dismal performance against Kennedy in 1960. Nixon also refused to debate George McGovern, a Democrat, in 1972 because he had a 39-percentage-point lead in the polls in early September.

Debates are central to political campaigns

However, since 1976, debates have been an integral part of modern presidential campaigns. In 1976, Republican incumbent Gerald Ford agreed to debate Democratic challenger Jimmy Carter because Ford was sagging in the polls after pardoning Nixon. There were three debates  the first on domestic policy, the second on international policy and the third on any topic. Carter credited the debates for his win, noting that They established me as competent on foreign and domestic affairs and gave the viewers reason to think that Jimmy Carter had something to offer.

In 1980, Carter skipped the first debate because independent candidate John Anderson was included. So, Carter and challenger Ronald Reagan, a Republican, faced off in just one debate, a week before the election. Polls gave Reagan a slight edge in the debate, in part because he used his famous There you go again line after Carter accused him of opposing Medicare.

The Commission on Presidential Debates was established in 1987 to ensure, for the benefit of the American electorate, that general election debates between or among the leading candidates for the offices of President and Vice President of the United States are a permanent part of the electoral process, and has sponsored all the debates since 1988.

Since the commission took the helm, there have been two or three presidential debates each cycle.

For voters, debates matter

Beyond tradition, there is considerable evidence from scholars in communication and political science that debates play important roles in our political system.

Communication scholar Steven Chaffee has shown that debates can influence an individuals vote choice when one of the candidates is relatively unknown, when many voters are undecided, when the race appears close and when party allegiances are weak.

Communication scholars Mitchell McKinney and Benjamin Warner have empirical findings that show presidential primary debates, where less is known about the candidates, have a much greater influence on vote choice than general election debates. They analyzed surveys of general election and primary debate viewers between 2000 and 2012 and discovered that only 3.5% of general election viewers switched from one candidate to the other, but 35% of primary election viewers changed their candidate preference.

McKinney and Warner also found that debates enhance an individuals level of confidence in their political knowledge and their tendency to vote.

In the same study, the scholars also demonstrate that debates can reduce a citizens political cynicism, measured in part by the levels of trust and confidence they have in politicians.

Given the rich tradition of presidential debates and the strong evidence that they help educate voters, we believe a lack of candidate participation will harm voters.

Academic research demonstrates that if citizens can see Biden and Trump  and their primary rivals  discuss their positions on the debt ceiling and whether they believe the U.S. should continue its support of Ukraine in its war against Russia, candidate answers could inform their electoral decisions, make them more confident that they have the knowledge to vote and decrease their cynicism about politics.

With front-running candidates eschewing debates to pursue friendlier formats, we believe voters  and democracy  will be worse off.

Editors Note: This is an updated version of an article originally published on June 29, 2023.

Gibbs Knotts, Professor of Political Science, College of Charleston and Vince Benigni, Professor of Strategic Communication, College of Charleston

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Chris Christie is gaining ground in New Hampshire as the leading candidates for the Republican presidential nomination prepare to take the stage Wednesday for their first debate.

The former New Jersey governor, with 14% support, has moved into second place in New Hampshire behind Donald Trump, who still leads the pack with 34% of voter support, according to the poll conducted by research firm Echelon Insights in conjunction with the Republican Main Street Partnership.

The survey of 800 likely New Hampshire Republican primary voters showed Christie five points ahead of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who slid to fourth in the rankings behind wealthy entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who garnered 11% of voter support.

Despite Trumps double-digit lead in Republican primary polls nationwide, his path to the nomination is far from guaranteed, Sarah Chamberlain, president and CEO of the Republican Main Street Partnership, said in a statement.

Were seeing growing support for alternative candidates like Chris Christie and Vivek Ramaswamy in these key battleground states, Chamberlain said. If the two-thirds of non-Trump GOP voters in early states can coalesce around one or two candidates, Trump will have a harder time than he anticipates.

This combination of photos shows Republican presidential candidates, top row from left, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Vivek Ramaswamy, bottom row from left, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Perry Johnson. (AP Photo)

New Hampshire will hold the nations first Republican primary after the Iowa caucuses, which are scheduled for January 15. DeSantis is still polling second behind Trump in Iowa, where Christie is in fifth place with 4% support, according to survey data from Echelon Insights.

The new poll comes as the candidates prepare to take the stage Wednesday night in Wisconsin for the first Republican presidential primary debate, which Trump said he would not attend.

By refusing to debate, it looks like Donald Trump is expecting the nomination handed to him instead of earning it, Chamberlain said. Its clear that Republican voters are looking for an alternative candidate, and these findings show that a select few are exceeding expectations.

Those who will debate are Christie, DeSantis, Ramaswamy, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, former Vice President Mike Pence, and South Carolina U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.

Echelon Insights surveyed a sample of 800 likely Republican primary voters in New Hampshire from Aug. 15-17. The poll have a margin of error of plus-or-minus 4 percentage points.

Derek Hall may be reached at dhall@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @dereknhall
Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla, hidden, with a llama during a visit to Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon, Wales, Thursday, July 20, 2023 to meet members of the local community and celebrate the local volunteering and public service sector. (Jacob King/PA via AP)
FORT DODGE, Iowa  A hearing that started Tuesday to determine whether Summit Carbon Solutions should get a permit to build a sprawling carbon dioxide pipeline in Iowa will last about six weeks, according to the companys lead attorney.

That is significantly shorter than what was envisioned by the Iowa Utilities Board staff early this year. In February  while the board was contemplating an October start to Summits evidentiary hearing  a proposed schedule tentatively predicted that the hearing would last more than two months and perhaps end sometime in January 2024.

At the time, board members acknowledged that it could go longer.

The length of the hearing is largely dependent on how long it takes to consider the companys requests for eminent domain, Iowa Capital Dispatch reported.

There are about 950 parcels subject to Summits requests, and company attorney Bret Dublinske sought Tuesday to limit questioning of eminent domain witnesses.

If we go around and around and around, well never conclude, he said.

The IUB has not provided an anticipated timeline of the hearing nor an estimated completion date. Summit has not publicly speculated.

Our project is a major investment in Iowas infrastructure and as a result there are a number of stakeholders who will be involved in the hearing that starts this week, including our 14 ethanol plant partners, landowner supporters and more, said Sabrina Zenor, a spokesperson for the company. We look forward to those partners and others participating in the hearing as it progresses in the weeks and months to come.

But Dublinske, in an automatic email reply on Tuesday, was more specific: I am out of the office in a hearing that is expected to run for six weeks, to roughly the end of September.

Dublinske did not respond to a follow-up question about whether the source of the six-week estimate was the IUB. The board has defended its decision to start the hearing on Tuesday  about two months before it previously indicated the hearing might begin  in part because it will give farmers an opportunity to participate before harvest, which peaks in October.

The company has sought a decision on its permit by the end of the year. It has derided requests to move the evidentiary hearing to next year as merely a stalling tactic meant to kill the project through delays.

But pipeline opponents and a growing group of state lawmakers worry that the permit process has been accelerated at the behest of the company and the detriment of landowners.

One of the board members was publicly skeptical early this year of starting the hearing in October because it seemed too early.

Iowans deserve a thorough and transparent review of this project, with robust analysis from all of the parties and the board, board member Josh Byrnes wrote in opposition to the proposed schedule at the time. I am concerned this proposed schedule does not allow for that.

But Byrnes opinion shifted after Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed a new person to lead the board in April and its former chairperson resigned.

Reynolds has denied that her appointment of new chairperson Erik Helland was part of an effort to speed up Summits permit process.

The hearing begins

Helland banged a gavel at 10 a.m. to start Summits hearing on Tuesday in Fort Dodge.

He gave a general overview of the project and some basic information about how to participate and spectate: Those who are participating in the hearing  known as intervenors  can tilt their name placards on their sides if they want to speak. Also, the bathrooms are in the back.

More than 150 people came to watch, and most wore red  a color that pipeline opponents have used to signify their unified opposition.

It is very much like a trial being held by a judge in district court, although there is no jury, Helland said, describing how the hearing would flow.

The board then ruled on two pending motions that sought to delay the start of the hearing. Both were denied.

One motion by the Sierra Club of Iowa said the hearing should be paused because of a recent decision in North Dakota in which state regulators denied a route permit for Summit.

The company has since modified its proposed route and has asked the North Dakota Public Service Commission to reconsider. That state is the destination of captured carbon dioxide from ethanol plants that would connect to Summits pipeline system.

Helland said North Dakotas process doesnt affect Iowas.

The other request to pause the evidentiary hearing pertained to a pending court challenge by landowner George Cummins, who argues that the IUB doesnt have jurisdiction over Summits project.

Cummins asserts that because the carbon dioxide will be transported in a supercritical fluid state, it is not a liquid is not regulated by Iowas hazardous liquid pipeline permit process.

The IUB rejected the argument, but Cummins appealed to district court, where it is pending.

Helland said that appeal is likely to fail, and the board rejected his motion to stay the proceedings.

He said it is important to hold the hearing early enough to avoid harvest and noted that Summit has already spent several hundred thousand dollars preparing for the hearing.

The first witnesses

The hearing began in earnest with afternoon testimony from three farmers whose land is affected by Summits project, which would span more than 680 miles in Iowa.

Summit wants to use eminent domain to gain land easements for the ten parcels that were considered Tuesday afternoon. There are a total of about 950 parcels that will be considered during the hearing.

Typically, those discussions occur toward the end of the hearing, after a company has made its case for a project. For this hearing, part of the eminent domain requests were moved to the start.

As of Tuesday, there were a total of 44 people who will testify about their land, said Melissa Myers, an IUB spokesperson.

The amount of time each person testifies depends on how many of their parcels are affected, what special considerations their land might have, and on their verbosity.

Jessica Marson, of Floyd County, answered questions about one land parcel, and her testimony went on for about an hour. She attended remotely via an online video conference.

Marcia Langner, of Clay County, had seven parcels. Her in-person testimony took more than 90 minutes.

The last witness, Nelva Huitink of Sioux County, had two parcels that were discussed for about an hour.

They shared concerns about damage to land, damage to their underground drain tiling, and threats to the safety of their livestock and themselves.

Langner, when asked how she would cope with a pipeline leak that killed her cattle, said: I hate to even think about it. It would be devastating.

A pipeline break could produce a dense plume of carbon dioxide gas that, under certain circumstances, can travel long distances and threaten to asphyxiate people and livestock. A request for Summit to reveal its safety models that attempt to predict where those plumes might go is pending with the board.

Theres a lot of risk and a lot of ambiguity, Marson said. We are concerned about our safety. We are concerned about our community.

As planned, the testimony of all three completed Monday, but there was some early disagreement about how much latitude the intervenors have for their questions.

Dublinske sought to limit the so-called friendly cross examination of witnesses and to disallow new follow-up inquiries by intervenors after they have had their time to question a witness.

He had a protracted dispute with Brian Jorde, an Omaha attorney who is representing dozens of landowners, over whether Jorde could ask a follow-up question that didnt fit with standard board protocol.

Jorde noted the lack of precedent for considering eminent domain requests at the start of the hearing and the lack of a schedule for witnesses who must travel long distances to testify, including those who live outside of Iowa: Were way beyond the way it always happens, Jorde said.

The exchange went on for about 10 minutes until Dublinske stopped objecting to the question, and Jordes inquiry was finished shortly thereafter.
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Mathias Duarte Flies the Mystery Bounty Flag For Uruguay Again (192,000)

August 23, 2023 David Salituro Live Reporter

For the second straight year, the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona 10,200 Mystery Bounty trophy is headed across the Atlantic to South America.

Uruguays Francisco Benitez won this title in 2022. One year later, and countryman Mathias Duarte emerged as the last man standing in a star-studded field to earn the 104,500 top prize.

The payout is the largest in Duartes career, which stretches back more than a decade. He made the final table of the 1,150 Mystery Bounty at last years EPT Barcelona before finishing in ninth place. Today he managed to outlast everyone, moving his live career earnings past $500,000. In addition to the first prize, Duarte also pulled one of the 50,000 mystery bounty envelopes and collected nearly 90,000 in bounties, pushing his earnings from the event to 192,000.

Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize Bounties Total Earnings 1 Mathias Duarte Uruguay 104,500 87,500 192,000 2 Conor Beresford United Kingdom 67,500 32,500 100,000 3 Tom Orpaz Israel 48,200 95,000 143,200 4 Patrick Kennedy United Kingdom 37,100 15,000 52,100 5 Quan Zhou China 28,500 0 28,500 6 Erik Seidel United States 22,700 17,500 40,200 7 Ramon Kropmanns Brazil 18,100 72,500 90,600 8 Ouassini Mansouri France 14,500 15,000 29,500

Day 2 action

Day 2 began with 30 players returning out of 56 total entries. With late registration open for the first two levels, the field swelled to 79 by the time the prize pool was confirmed.

From the start, it looked like Tom Orpaz was prepared to take control of the tournament. Orpaz began the day as massive chip leader and continued that momentum early on Day 2, busting Nacho Barbero with a set on one of the first hands, making a full house to beat Tom Vogelsangs straight, then filling up again in a massive pot against Vahe Martirosyan. Orpaz climbed near 2,000,000, more than double his closest challenger at the time.

With only the top 11 players making the money, the likes of Niklas Astedt, Ethan Yau, defending champion Benitez, and Sam Grafton hit the rail short of securing a payday. Tsugunari Toma finished as the unfortunate bubble boy, while Pawel Krol and Keith Lehr followed to the rail shortly after the bubble burst.

By the time the final table of nine was reached, Orpaz had built up a stack of 2,575,000. Only one other player, British online legend Conor Beresford, was even over 1,000,000, while Duarte was in seventh place with 530,000.

Duarte nearly had a short stay at the final table. He had most of his chips in the middle in a pre-flop, all in race against Martin Zamani, but his two eights managed to hold on against Zamanis ace-queen to send Zamani to the rail in ninth place.

Orpaz eliminated Ouassini Mansouri in eighth, turning a straight to beat a pair of nines. Orpaz also busted Ramon Kropmanns in seventh when he called a shove of 490,000 with ace-five and hit top pair to beat king-jack. Kropmanns left with 18,100, but also found the first of two 50,000 top mystery bounty prizes. Orpaz, meanwhile, eclipsed 3,000,000 with that pot as he continued to pull away from the field.

Duarte, though, closed the gap in a massive pot when he shoved the river for 700,000. Duarte continued to take chips from Orpaz until he overtook him on the leaderboard. Duarte led the field at the dinner break, holding nearly three times the chips of Orpaz in second place.

Erik Seidel

Poker Hall of Famer Erik Seidel busted in sixth place when Orpaz turned a flush. Beresford, who had fallen all the way down to 185,000, nearly joined Seidel on the rail but doubled up with two eights against Duarte, then doubled again when Orpaz shoved blind and Beresford called for 460,000 with king-queen, dominating Orpazs king-jack.

Orpaz got those chips back when he turned a straight to bust Quan Zhou in fifth place, retaking the chip lead. Beresford capped off his incredible comeback when he doubled up yet again for 770,000 on the river with two kings as he took his turn at the top of the leaderboard.

Patrick Kennedy, securing his first live cash after a decorated online career, got his last 870,000 in the middle with two jacks but Orpaz once again turned a straight to send him out in fourth place. Play then slowed considerably once the table got three-handed, as Duarte took down a series of small pots to climb back over 3,000,000.

Orpaz, who had controlled the tournament for so long, suddenly found himself all in for 1,805,000 with queen-nine and at risk against Duartes ace-ten. Duarte hit top pair on the flop, and Orpaz was shockingly busted in third place.

Tom Orpaz

Duarte led Beresford 5,500,000 to 2,400,000 at the start of heads-up, and the match wouldnt last much longer. Beresford moved all in for 1,000,000 on the river with a pair of aces and Duarte snap-called, showing he had rivered the nuts with king-ten for a straight. The tournament ended suddenly as the trophy, once again, prepared to head over to Uruguay.

Sharelines Duarte overcame a stacked final table that included the likes of Conor Beresford, Tom Orpaz and Erik Seidel
Lost and Found: Poker Player Tries for 43 Days to Locate Missing Cat - What Happened?

August 22, 2023 Chad Holloway Executive Editor U.S.

Zach Gruneberg, a poker player from Pennsylvania with more than $2.2 million in lifetime tournament earnings, recently lost one of his cats, who escaped from his home while he was out in Las Vegas. What ensured was a frantic search-and-rescue effort that spanned a month and a half.

More specifically, it was a 43-day affair through hell and back according to Gruneberg, a five-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit ring winner, including back-to-back wins in the WSOP PA Online Series at the end of July.

Gruneberg, who is nine years clean and sober, is on Twitter as @HustlerGrune where it states he is both an anime addict and cat dad. One of those cats is a sleek gray feline named Nook.

Nook is the only cat I've had since he was a kitten, Gruneberg told PokerNews. He is a super friendly high energy guy that loves to jump up into high places and play more so than any of my other cats.

So, whats the story behind Nooks disappearance?

PA Best Online Poker Sites: Play Online Poker in Pennsylvania

How It Happened

It all started back on July 1 when Gruneberg was out in Las Vegas for the WSOP Main Event.

Back home my old roommate was moving out and my new one was moving in, Gruneberg explained. I woke up to a text on July 1st saying that when he went to feed the cats  I have three  Nook was nowhere to be found. This launched a city-wide search and a massive campaign to locate him.

Zach Gruneberg in WSOP action.

Gruneberg and his camp enlisted the help of a group called Pet Recovery of Centre County, as well as his family member Joyce, who is an expert animal rescuer.

We had multiple close calls. One time before I got home, my roommates had him underneath a neighbors porch and some random phantom firework went off and made him bolt. We then saw him on our security cameras we set up, basically once every 7-10 days, but he wouldn't go for traps. We also would leave the front door open but he'd magically show up on the days it wasn't.

On July 22, Gruneberg wrote:

I just went and talked to some neighbors down on Honeysuckle drive and another lady swore almost 99% that she's seen Nook down there as recently as a few days ago. It's cat heaven down there and there's many cats so we need to lock down an actual photo of him says the leader of Pet Recovery before we can ramp up trying to secure him. If you know anyone on Honeysuckle please let them know! Thank you. Since writing this another neighbor has come forward and said he's seen a new grey Cat that matches the photo.

The Capture

One night, Gruneberg decided he needed some time out with friends as opposed to staying up until 3 a.m. with his door open hoping Nook would come home.

Nook has returned home!

Cats are basically nocturnal so he would show up super late, he explained. So, I went out on the town. We set the first trap we had on my front porch and I just went out with my friends. About 11:30 p.m. I got a notification on my phone that there was motion on the one Arlo Security Camera. I proceed to go live on the camera and see him sniffing all over the trap for two minutes. I am just sitting there screaming please go in.

Gruneberg continued: He finally goes in but the trap doesn't trigger. He's eating the food somehow over the pedal that triggers the trap. I am just losing it and finally the trap closes and he's secured. Maybe the best feeling I've ever experienced!

Just like that, the 43-day ordeal was over and a poker player was reunited with his cat.

Zach Gruneberg and Nook.

Sharelines This is the story of @HustlerGrune's cat "Nook," who was missing for 43 days! How did it end?
For the second straight year, the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona 10,200 Mystery Bounty trophy is headed across the Atlantic to South America.

Uruguays Francisco Benitez won this title in 2022. One year later and countryman Mathias Duarte emerged as the last man standing in a star-studded field to earn the 104,500 top prize.

The payout is the largest in Duartes career, which stretches back more than a decade. He made the final table of the 1,150 Mystery Bounty at last years EPT Barcelona before finishing in ninth place. Today he managed to outlast everyone, moving his live career earnings past $500,000. In addition to the first prize, Duarte also pulled one of the 50,000 mystery bounty envelopes and collected nearly 90,000 in bounties, pushing his earnings from the event to 192,000.

Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize Bounties Total Earnings 1 Mathias Duarte Uruguay 104,500 87,500 192,000 2 Conor Beresford United Kingdom 67,500 32,500 100,000 3 Tom Orpaz Israel 48,200 95,000 143,200 4 Patrick Kennedy United Kingdom 37,100 15,000 52,100 5 Quan Zhou China 28,500 0 28,500 6 Erik Seidel United States 22,700 17,500 40,200 7 Ramon Kropmanns Brazil 18,100 72,500 90,600 8 Ouassini Mansouri France 14,500 15,000 29,500

Day 2 action

Day 2 began with 30 players returning out of 56 total entries. With late registration open for the first two levels, the field swelled to 79 by the time the prize pool was confirmed.

From the start, it looked like Tom Orpaz was prepared to take control of the tournament. Orpaz began the day as massive chip leader and continued that momentum early on Day 2, busting Nacho Barbero with a set on one of the first hands, making a full house to beat Tom Vogelsangs straight, then filling up again in a massive pot against Vahe Martirosyan. Orpaz climbed near 2,000,000, more than double his closest challenger at the time.

With only the top 11 players making the money, the likes of Niklas Astedt, Ethan Yau, defending champion Benitez, and Sam Grafton hit the rail short of securing a payday. Tsugunari Toma finished as the unfortunate bubble boy, while Pawel Krol and Keith Lehr followed to the rail shortly after the bubble burst.

By the time the final table of nine was reached, Orpaz had built up a stack of 2,575,000. Only one other player, British online legend Conor Beresford, was even over 1,000,000, while Duarte was in seventh place with 530,000.

Duarte nearly had a short stay at the final table. He had most of his chips in the middle in a pre-flop, all in race against Martin Zamani, but his two eights managed to hold on against Zamanis ace-queen to send Zamani to the rail in ninth place.

Orpaz eliminated Ouassini Mansouri in eighth, turning a straight to beat a pair of nines. Orpaz also busted Ramon Kropmanns in seventh when he called a shove of 490,000 with ace-five and hit top pair to beat king-jack. Kropmanns left with 18,100, but also found the first of two 50,000 top mystery bounty prizes. Orpaz, meanwhile, eclipsed 3,000,000 with that pot as he continued to pull away from the field.

Duarte, though, closed the gap in a massive pot when he shoved the river for 700,000. Duarte continued to take chips from Orpaz until he overtook him on the leaderboard. Duarte led the field at the dinner break, holding nearly three times the chips of Orpaz in second place.

Poker Hall of Famer Erik Seidel busted in sixth place when Orpaz turned a flush. Beresford, who had fallen all the way down to 185,000, nearly joined Seidel on the rail but doubled up with two eights against Duarte, then doubled again when Orpaz shoved blind and Beresford called for 460,000 with king-queen, dominating Orpazs king-jack.

Orpaz got those chips back when he turned a straight to bust Quan Zhou in fifth place, retaking the chip lead. Beresford capped off his incredible comeback when he doubled up yet again for 770,000 on the river with two kings as he took his turn at the top of the leaderboard.

Patrick Kennedy, securing his first live cash after a decorated online career, got his last 870,000 in the middle with two jacks but Orpaz once again turned a straight to send him out in fourth place. Play then slowed considerably once the table got three-handed, as Duarte took down a series of small pots to climb back over 3,000,000.

Orpaz, who had controlled the tournament for so long, suddenly found himself all in for 1,805,000 with queen-nine and at risk against Duartes ace-ten. Duarte hit top pair on the flop and Orpaz was shockingly busted in third place.

Tom Orpaz

Duarte led Beresford 5,500,000 to 2,400,000 at the start of heads-up, and the match wouldnt last much longer. Beresford moved all in for 1,000,000 on the river with a pair of aces and Duarte snap-called, showing he had rivered the nuts with king-ten for a straight. The tournament ended suddenly as the trophy, once again, prepared to head over to Uruguay.

That concludes PokerNews coverage of the 10,200 Mystery Bounty. Stay tuned for more coverage of the 2023 EPT Barcelona.
PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona is a paradise for pokers high rollers, with several big buy-in events populating the schedule. The first begins today with 25,000 No-Limit Holdem at 12:30 p.m. local time.

This event last year attracted a select but elite field of 50, with Francisco Benitez defeating Ramiro Petrone heads-up to earn 341,565 and his second win of the festival. Artur Martirosian, Erik Seidel, and Timothy Adams also made runs to the final table.

2022 Final Table results

PLACE PLAYER COUNTRY PRIZE 1 Francisco Benitez Uruguay 341,565* 2 Ramiro Petrone Argentina 306,705* 3 Paul Phua Malaysia 174,070 4 Artur Martirosian Russia 132,060 5 Pedro Garagnani Brazil 102,040 6 Erik Seidel United States 81,030 7 Timothy Adams Canada 63,030

The 2023 version of the tournament is a one-day event, featuring 100,000 starting stacks and 30-minute levels. There is a 15-minute break every four levels and a 75-minute dinner break at the end of Level 14 which should come around 8:15 p.m. Players are allowed unlimited reentries, with late registration remaining open until the end of Level 10 around 6:15 p.m.

This is just the first of seven events on the EPT Barcelona schedule featuring a buy-in of 25,000 or higher. A virtual whos who of the poker world will make their way to Casino Barcelona today, but only one will lift the trophy at the end. Stay tuned as PokerNews provides all the action as the star-studded field plays down to a champion today.
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Trump Employee 4 who is a key witness in the classified documents case recanted his previous false testimony after Trumps effort to destroy video surveillance footage after he dumped a Trump paid for attorney and got a new lawyer.

According to page 4 of the filing:

District Court for District of Columbia (Boasberg, C.J.), who presides over grand jury matters in that district. The Government notified this Court on the same day, by sealed notice, of the filing in the District of Columbia. See ECF Nos. 45, 46. Mr. Woodward raised no objection to proceeding in the District of Columbia regarding Trump Employee 4. In fact, he responded that he welcome[d] the Courts inquiry into [his] representation of Trump Employee 4, Response at 1, In re Grand Jury Subpoena, No. 23-GJ-46 (D.D.C. June 30, 2023), but asserted that he had no information to support the Governments claim that [Trump Employee 4] has provided false testimony to the grand jury, and that even if [Trump Employee 4] did provide conflicting information to the grand jury such that could expose him to criminal charges, he has other recourse besides reaching a plea bargain with the Government. Namely, he can go to trial with the presumption of innocence and fight the charges as against him. Id. at 3. According to Mr. Woodward, if Trump Employee 4 wishes to become a cooperating Government witness, he has already been advised that he may do so at any time. Id.

Chief Judge Boasberg made available independent counsel (the First Assistant in the Federal Public Defenders Office for the District of Columbia) to provide advice to Trump Employee 4 regarding potential conflicts. On July 5, 2023, Trump Employee 4 informed Chief Judge Boasberg that he no longer wished to be represented by Mr. Woodward and that, going forward, he wished to be represented by the First Assistant Federal Defender. Immediately after receiving new counsel, Trump Employee 4 retracted his prior false testimony and provided information that implicated Nauta, De Oliveira, and Trump in efforts to delete security camera footage, as set forth in the superseding indictment.

The Government anticipates calling Trump Employee 4 as a trial witness and expects that he will testify to conduct alleged in the superseding indictment regarding efforts to delete security Case 9:23-cr-80101-AMC Document 129 Entered on FLSD Docket 08/22/2023 footage. Trump Employee 4 will very likely face cross-examination about his prior inconsistent statements in his grand jury testimony, which occurred while Mr. Woodward represented him, and which he disavowed immediately after obtaining new counsel.

Trump doesnt pay for lawyers for his employees and other witnesses that get caught up in his schemes out of the goodness of his heart. He pays for lawyers to control the testimony of witnesses. Anyone who accepts a lawyer from Trump needs to understand that the lawyer is working for Donald Trump.

Employee # 4 is the Cassidy Hutchinson situation all over again. After Hutchinson dumped her Trump lawyer, she had a different story to tell to the 1/6 Committee.

Trump uses lawyers to tamper with witnesses.

The fact that the IT employee changed his testimony when he got a new lawyer implicates Trump in witness tampering and obstruction of justice.
The best content marketers aren't afraid to share. Share content. Share links. Share ideas. Share data.





That said, you're also supposed to give credit where credit is due. Learning how to properly cite sources will avoid any confusion and ensure you (and anyone you do business with) is following generally accepted internet sharing etiquette.



Below is a quick guide to help you navigate citing sources in essays and across the internet.

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Commonly Used Citation Styles

If youre already working within a marketing team or educational institution, its possible they already have designated formats theyd like you to use for citing sources. Otherwise, youll need to choose one and stick with it consistently throughout the materials youre publishing. Below are some of the types of citation styles youll find.

MLA: Created by the Modern Language Association, MLA style is a set of writing standards and guidelines primarily used for citations in the humanities field and academic writing.

APA: This format is based on the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. The style is meant for professionals and academics in behavioral and social sciences.

Chicago Style: Chicago style citations have two methods  One for notes and bibliography, which is often used by those in the humanities. The other for author-date citations which is the preferred method for those in the sciences.

How to Cite Sources in an Essay

When tasked with writing an essay, youll likely be using one of the citation styles above. Lets look at a few examples to show you just how to do it. For simplicity, well stick to formatting for in-text citations.

MLA

For citing sources in-text, MLA style is marked by using parentheses containing either the author of the quote or reference and the page number the reference is pulled from.

This example is pulled from an essay featured on MLA's website.

Image Source

If the author is mentioned in-text, you can omit it in the citation and just use the page number like in this example below.

Image Source

APA

For in-text APA citations, use the authors last name and publish date of the material you are referencing. If pulling a direct quote, include the page number as well.

Image Source

Chicago Style

Since were sticking with in-text citations, well cover the author-date format of chicago style citations. These citations included the author (or authors), publish date, and page number the reference is pulled from. Take this example from Murdoch University:

Image Source

In addition to citing sources in-text, essays also commonly require a separate works cited page with a full list of the sources you used. Its important to note that different types of publications will have different guidelines for each citation style, so check the specifics of each before publishing your essay.

How to Cite Sources in Blog Posts & Long-Form Content Assets

Blogs are hotbeds of source attribution issues, probably just due to the sheer volume of content the format offers. Gated and long-form content assets are prone to the same attribution issues, too, but perhaps to a lesser extent since the volume is typically lower, and turnaround times longer. So let's walk through a couple common scenarios bloggers come across and figure out how to address them  but bear in mind you can apply these attribution methods to your long-form content assets, too.

Citation Scenario #1:

Lets say youre quoting another blogger in your post  hey, sometimes you literally couldn't have said it better yourself. First of all, you have to actually quote them. Don't just take their words and adopt them as your own; they took time to think of that explanation.

But theres still some internet etiquette that goes along with quoting someone other than just throwing some quotation marks around their statement. Heres an internet-friendly way to quote someone in your content (taken from a blog post of ours):

Not only does Natasha Pierre get credit for her quote, but her company is mentioned with hyperlinked text to her website. As an added bonus, you can opt to link to the persons social media handle  by no means necessary, but certainly a nice gesture. Aside from mentioning the persons name, it's also nice to provide them with an inbound link  either to the page from which you drew your quote, or to another meaningful page on their site.

One thing to keep in mind when quoting text from someone else's website is that many companies have content usage guidelines that will let you know how, or if, they want you to use their content. Take a look at HubSpot's content usage guidelinesto get an idea what these might look like,but in a nutshell, theyre the guidelines laid out to try to ensure you use the right stuff in the right way. For example, oneof the notable parts of our content usage guidelines is that you can quote our content on your website, but only up to 75 words; this is to prevent duplicate content issues that would impact both our own organic search rankings, and the other websites. So when quoting content from another source, do a quick check to see whether they have similar guidelines to which you should adhere.

Citation Scenario #2:

Now lets say you have data youd like to cite in a blog post. What do you do? This:

The copy around the statistic not only gives credit to the company that published the data, but Wordstream also receives a link back to their site. That link, however, should not just go to their homepage. Point that link to the actual page on which that data lives. This is for the benefit of the reader, too, so they can dig into the research more if they're so inclined.

Citation Scenario #3:

Theres one final caveat to your blog post/long-form citations that is just a matter of proper internet etiquette. If you found a quote, article, or data point via another website, its nice to indicate that in the copy. For example, if you're newsjacking and you found the story via another website, give them a nod that theyre the ones who broke the story originally. Or, if youre reading a blog post and theres a particularly compelling quote contained therein from an industry influencer, its nice to give credit to the blogger that called that out. You might phrase it like this:

"Today we learned via the <link>New York Times</link> that <link>Twitter</link> is hiring a new type of CTO  their first ever Chief Tweeting Officer."

The NYT link should head to the article they published on the subject, and the Twitter link should head to their blog post or press release announcing the news.

Make sense? Alright, on to social media.

How to Cite Sourcesin Social Media

When youre sharing someone elses content in social media, the approach you take to give proper credit changes depending on the social network. Here's the breakdown:

To Cite Someone's Content on X (Formerly Twitter):

Simply include a via @username somewhere in the post. If youre reposting someones content but you edit their original, be sure to change RT to MT, which stands for modified tweet.

To Cite Someone's Content on Facebook:

Facebook makes it pretty easy to give credit when youre sharing someone elses content right from their own timeline  they have a Share button ready and waiting for you, and they make it easy to see the originating URL, originating sharer, as well as the names of people who shared it.

If youre citing content from elsewhere on the web, but want to give attribution to another person or company, you can find that person/company on Facebook and link to their Facebook Timeline in the status update. Itll look like this (note the WordStream hyperlink in the image below).

If youre sharing content from another source and they dont have a Facebook page, then the link to their piece of content will suffice.

To Cite Sourceson LinkedIn:

Proper source attribution on LinkedIn is simple. Just include the link to the content you're citing in the update, and mention the person or company name.

To Cite SourcesContent on Pinterest:

Pinterest is all about content sharing, so its no wonder proper source attribution is built right into the platform with their "Repin" button. When you go to repin content, however, sometimes the original creator has included a URL, hashtag, or other indicator of authorship. Dont edit that link out  it's poor form.

And marketers, beware. If you include your link in the Description section of your pin, you may get flagged as a spammer.

How to Give Credit to Guest Authorsand Ghost Writers

Maintaining a blog takes help, sometimes from guest authors orghost writers. If youre using a ghost writer, you dont have to give credit to that author. Thats the whole point. Theyre ghosts. You can't see them.

But if youre publishing a post from a guest blogger, you certainly should be giving them credit for their efforts. In a few ways, actually. Heres what you should be doing to give an e-nod to those writers:

Provide space somewhere for the guest blogger to get not just their name mentioned (as a byline, ideally), but also the company they work for.

Give them space to include a short bio that describes what their company does  this usually accompanies their byline or a separate author profile page. Many sites allow guest authors to include an inbound link to their website within that byline, too.

Let them include at least one contextual link within the body of their blog content, too. Some sites allow more than one link within the body of the content, but the minimum should certainly be one.

Some companies also outline very detailed guest blogging policies. If you're concerned about mitigating the differences of opinion on some of these issues, make sure you write out your own detailed guest blogging policies for your website so expectations are set up front.

How to Cite Images and Visual Content



If youre a regular reader of this blog, you know were behind sharing the wealth when it comes to visual content marketing  and we love it even more if you can give credit to the original artist properly. Heres when you need to give credit, when you dont, and how to do it.

To Cite Visualizations, SlideShares, and Infographics:

If youve found an infographic or visualization on another site that youd like to feature on your website, you should treat it similar to how youd treat citing any other content on your website. Simply include a link to the original sources website where that visual lives, and include their name in the text.

You should also try your best to uphold image quality when republishing their visual content  if the website has embed code for that visual, use that code. This is why we try to make a point of creating embed code when we create visuals (and why we love that YouTube and SlideShare make it easy to grab embed code). It makes sharing easier for those that choose to republish the visual, and helps them maintain the quality and resolution in the process. If embed code isn't provided, you can also include instructions like click to enlarge for static images  this helps ensure the visual fits the width of your website, but still provides a good reader experience.

To Cite SourcesWithin a SlideShare, Infographic, or Visualization:

And what happens if you hired a designer to create something for your site  how do you give credit to the designer? Well, it depends on the terms youve worked out together. You could hire a ghost designer (kind of like ghost writers) so that the content looks like it was designed in-house by your company. In that case, you dont have to worry about attributing the design work to anyone. If, however, youve agreed to give credit to a designer, there should be some space in the visual (not a lot, but some) that gives them credit for their work. Heres an example of how we gave credit to the designer in one of our infographics  check out the bottom left:

And what happens if you cite content from other sources in your infographic? Use that bottom section for that, too. Here's an example:

If the list of source URLs is getting too unwieldy, you can also set up a URL to send people to for the sources:

And remember, if youre creating a SlideShare, you have the benefit of being able to make links clickable within the SlideShare. If youd like instructions for doing that, check out this blog post  but this means that you can treat source content in a SlideShare with the same level of respect you treat source content in a blog post or elsewhere on your website.

How to Cite Photographs and Other Images:

Much like your infographics and visualizations, how you cite photos and images featured on your website depends on where you sourced them. When you buy stock imagery, it's license free. You bought it, you own it, and you can do what you want with it.

But many marketers are trying to find images for content such as blog posts, and dont wantto pay for a stock photo every single time. Some people go to Google Images and simply find an image they like ... thing is, all those images have varying levels of permissions. So while it may be okay that some of them are used on your blog or website, thats not universally true of all of them.

Some marketers have started to useCreative Commons to deal with this issue because they have filters that let you select images you can use for commercial purposes and/or modify, adapt, or build upon. Unfortunately, you can't always trust those filters  users have been known to upload photos and images that perhaps they have the license to use, but you do not. So if you want to be totally safe, I recommend purchasing a license to a stock photo site. There are also some free stock photo sources, like HubSpot's free stock photosandDeath to the Stock Photo, that you can check out if you're on a tight budget.

The Caveat (Theres Always a Caveat, Isnt There?)

Of course, some people who have content online, including some marketers, dont want to share content at all and will get very upset if you do so  even if you give them full and generous credit for it, links and all. What happens when you share content from them? Well, its possible theyll contact you to take it down. Or, if they have the resources, theyll send a lawyer to do so. If that happens to you, I recommend respecting the fact that they dont want to share data, quotes, visualization, etc.  it's probably not worth the headache to fight it.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in August 2012and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.
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President Bidens visit to Maui, Hawaii was well-received and appreciated by the folks who actually live there. You might not know that, though, if you listen to wailing conservatives gnashing their teeth in rage against his compassion. Lets take a look at what actually happened first.

The entire country is here for you, President Biden told the group. He reiterated that the government would provide as much as they need for a long as they need, to rebuild, and to rebuild as they want to rebuild, with respect for their land. The government will get it done the way you want it done, Biden said, which drew a loud applause.

Biden shared the agony of awaiting word about the fate of his entire family when he lost his wife and child in a car accident, as he sought to comfort those hundreds who are are still searching for their family members. I got a phone call from my fire department saying I had to come home immediately. There had been an accident. A tractor-trailer had broadsided my wife Christmas shopping with my three children. She was killed. My baby was killed. And my two boys were thought not to make it, initially, the President said. So, I have a little bit of a sense of what its like driving from Washington to Wilmington, 150 miles, wondering what in Gods name is it going to be like when I get to the hospital.

Bidens visit was really well-received, as thoughtful presidential visits tend to be after a disaster or tragedy, when they are centered on what the people need. It wasnt just talk, either, as the disaster request was approved in a mere 63 minutes.

Some headlines:

The Maui News spoke with residents and first responders about the Presidents visit. Im glad he is here to see firsthand what has happened to our town, said Lori Koyama, who lost her Wahikuli house in the fire. It shows he cares.

More: I just told him, thank you very much for the support and presented him with a coin on behalf of the men and women of MPD who have been tirelessly working day in and day out to make sure they are doing right by the community and everything they can, Maui Police Chief John Pelletier said.

Pelletier said he and his wife could not been more kinder and that the president told him that he was with us and that wed get everything we needed.

Maui Fire Chief Brad Ventura, who also met the president, echoed the need for support. Im just grateful that he made the trip and showed immense support for our community and that we are a hurting community right now and are going to need the support from everywhere around the world, so we appreciate all the efforts, Ventura said.

The Mayors praise, which will come up below as Fox News The Five couldnt bear it, Hope. I think thats the main thing. I think thats what the president brings when he comes to any community, Mayor Richard Bissen said, also commending the quickness of the Biden administrations response.

Heres a few video clips from the ground:

This Maui resident gave describes President Bidens visit. Totally not what the skurvy vermin at Fox are peddling. pic.twitter.com/uAOhPWt3pq  The Right is Wrong AF (@therightswrong) August 23, 2023

From @HawaiiNewsNow: By and large they were impressed.@POTUS spoke withabout 200 people altogether. Took his time really spending one-on-one moments connecting with people. the people we spoke with said he was heartfelt. He was sincere. He shared his past tragedies. pic.twitter.com/6TGGIo51E3  Haris Talwar (@HarisTalwar46) August 23, 2023

The dog incident that absolutely sent conservatives over the edge:

 So Republicans lost their  this evening when President Biden took time to pet a search and rescue dog in Maui. I dont know about you, but I like having a president who loves dogs just as much as I do? What say you?  pic.twitter.com/emoFANg1xv  Chris D. Jackson (@ChrisDJackson) August 22, 2023

Heres how theyre taking it at Fox:

Jessica debunks the various lies told about Bidens response to the fires in Maui pic.twitter.com/MlG7v5bgEx  Acyn (@Acyn) August 22, 2023

Conservatives cant stand the fact that Biden is a warm human being who cares about people. It really makes them even more irrational and hyperbolic than usual. During the visit, they were falsely claiming he only cared about almost losing his 67 Corvette after a lightning strike hit an electrical wire to their home, a story he shared to relate about losing a home and possessions that matter to people as well as to praise the work of firefighters.

What he actually said: I was in Washington doing Meet the Press. It was a sunny Sunday, and lightning struck at home on a little lake thats outside of our home  not a lake, a big pond  and hit a wire and came up underneath our home into the heating ducts  the air conditioning ducts.To make a long story short, I almost lost my wife, my 67 Corvette, and my cat. But all kidding aside, I watched the firefighters, the way they responded. You know, theres an old expression  I grew up right across the street from a fire hall in Claymont, Delaware. And the expression is, God made man, and then he made a few firefighters. Youre all crazy, thank God. The only people who run into flames to help other people. And they ran into flames to save my wife and save my family.

There are a lot of right wing articles about the Corvette, it was trending all day during the visit and after. Then they attacked him for caring about a dogs paws getting hot. There was no discussion about the actual help he made happen in a remarkably fast and competent manner. There was no mention of his Comforter-in-Chief role.

It might look like mindless hatred, but what this really is, I suspect, is the knowledge that if Biden is seen for his compassion, there is no Republican candidate who can compete. Just watch the debate stage tonight and ask yourself, which of these people can rival Bidens humanity?

If catastrophe struck, who would you find most comforting?

And of course, its not just Bidens humanity. Many successful politicians have glib charisma that is not backed up with competence. Biden is actually competent and then some. He showed up for these folks with real help, coordinated to the nines and executed with eviscerated red tape (per his demands, it seems, and yes, he is a demanding boss), while managing to also show up and pre-position supplies for other potential disasters. No one is perfect, but on this issue, there is nothing to criticize and a lot to be thankful for with this president.

As of Tuesday, the Biden-Harris administration has deployed more than 1,000 federal personnel on Maui assisting residents, which includes more than 400 search and rescue team members and 40 canines. The FBI is there as well, assisting with forensics. The administration has approved more than $10 million in assistance to over 3,000 households.

Republicans are attacking Biden for his empathy because they cant compete with it on any level. Not only are most of their presidential candidates supporting an attack against the United States itself, but also they support the violent and deadly attempted theft of the majority of Americans votes. These are not warm and fuzzy people.

They are, at best, cold-hearted wannabe authoritarians who might appear aspirational to the gullible. They are robot Governor Ron DeSantis lecturing a young girl about the sugar in her ice cream and Vivek Ramaswamys forced, Elon-style laughter that is more mocking and mean than humor. The warmest person on that stage will be former Governor Chris Christie.

The Republican knee-jerk hatred for their fictional version of President Biden is becoming increasingly hard to ignore. This is a man who has faced tragedy and knows how to show up for people who are suffering. There is absolutely nothing to criticize for rational people in petting a dog and sharing stories trying to connect with people are gutted.

The Maui wildfires were absolutely tragic. In the aftermath, it would have been the perfect time for Republicans to for once stop seething in rage about Biden petting dogs and being kind to people. Where are the calls for bipartisanship now, when the people of Maui need them?
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Team Trump is out wining and dining with reporters, passing out a mocking Ron DeSantis bingo card.

The Trump team is wining and dining a number of top reporters at a steakhouse while passing out debate bingo cards to troll the Florida governor. Squares included: dismisses polls, wipes snot, red ears, Dee-Santis, Duh-Santis, flip flops on Social Security again, woke and pudding mention, according to Politico Playbook.

The Republican Party is nothing if not completely serious about governing.

It seems pretty dirty, eh? Trump is of course refusing to debate, but also demanding all of the oxygen in the room.

Who was there? Dana Bash, Shane Goldmacher, Kristen Welker, Bob Costa, Fin Gomez, Dasha Burns, Rachel Scott, Rick Klein, Josh Dawsey, Rob Crilly, Mario Parker and David Chalian along with Chris LaCivita, Jason Miller and Steven Cheung.

So CNN, Politico, NBC, CBS, ABC, Washington Post, Washington Examiner, and Bloomberg were all there being wined and dined by team Trump.

Kinda reminds one of 2016.

I dont understand this kind of fraternizing with political campaign members for journalists. This isnt appropriate. Perhaps this is yet another gift of a late stage capitalism in which TikTok movie reviews are bought by studios and nothing is what it appears. But more likely, the fault for this is partially on Fox for banning team Trump from the spin room, causing reporters to think they have to hang out to get quotes. Who knows. As usual, Trump is destroying norms and eroding trust in institutions.

Heres an idea: Trump refused to debate, so he doesnt get media quotes tonight. I mean. That might suggest weve learned something since 2016, so I dont want to be pushy about it. Its just our democracy, after all.

Team Trump is being aided in trolling the Florida Governor by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who is generally not known for her good ideas. She is mostly known for her bonkers conspiracy theories and for only backing now Speaker Kevin McCarthy after he caved in to her demands for her vote. Greene now seems to serve as the spirit animal of the House Republican caucus, which doesnt say much for them since she blamed the Internet for her allegedly prior Q-Anon beliefs.

But the Georgia Republican is really good at trolling. You might even say shes an expert troll. She shared the DeSantis bingo card on Twitter/X:

Everyone get your bingo cards ready for tomorrow night! #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/JIMycY4NVQ  Marjorie Taylor Greene  (@mtgreenee) August 23, 2023

Here it is in case you want to use it at home tonight:

The fight between slavery was beneficial Ron DeSantis fans and criminal defendant Donald Trumps fans is heated, so the Republican Representatives bingo card didnt go unaddressed.

The Trump is Too scared to debate bingo card is rather repetitive, but since hes not actually debating (when youre an authoritarian, they let you do it), theres not a lot one could add:

Im getting so drunk tonight. pic.twitter.com/e1PIRqQY44  Prison Mitch (@MidnightMitch) August 23, 2023

Still, its worth noting that Marjorie Taylor Greene might have finally found her lane. Rabid Trump cheerleader is her job in Congress. That is what the people pay her to do, and if that means investigating President Bidens dog for being a communist spy because the Internet told her so, then so be it.

In a healthy democracy with at least two healthy political parties, refusing to debate would be the end of a candidate and the media would ignore the candidate. But we are in post-Trump, 4x-indicted Trump political circus world in which Donald Trumps influence over the still-mesmerized media cannot be overstated.
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Rudy Giuliani attacked Fani Willis, claimed that the FBI stole his iCloud account, and denied false statements about the Georgia 2020 election.

Giuliani said in part:

If they can do this to me, they can do this to you. Remember, three years ago, the FBI raided my apartment. And they investigated me for two and a half years. 20 years of my life they investigated and wrote a letter to the grand jury, they couldnt find a single crime. So that should have pretty much cleared me, dont you think, except for this ridiculous case in which Im being prosecuted for defending an American citizen.

Who I do as a lawyer, and five other lawyers are indicted. That should tell you right away that this is an assault on our constitution. Fani Willis, will go down in American history as having conducted one of the worst attacks on the American constitution ever when this case is dismissed. She has violated peoples first amendment right to advocate the government, to petition the government for grievances like an election they believe was poorly conducted or falsely conducted. People have a right to believe that in America. Biden and the Biden state doesnt have a right to tell you what the truth is.

I will tell you if you need to know what this is all about, the FBI stole my iCloud account, and you know when they went and stole it, the day I began representing Donald Trump four years ago. The day after I represented Mr. Trump.

Video:

Rudy Giulianis statements were insane. Giuliani was essentially claiming that being an attorney gives a person a right to break the law. The former presidents lawyer wants to talk about the First Amendment, but he doesnt want to discuss the illegal conspiracy that he and his co-conspirators engaged in as part of a criminal enterprise to illegally keep Donald Trump in the White House.

It is no coincidence that the FBI got interested in Giuliani once he started representing a person who ended up being charged with 91 felonies in numerous jurisdictions.

Giulianis international business dealings as an unregistered foreign agent were under investigation long before he got involved in Trumps election plot.

Rudy Giuliani is having a meltdown because there is a good chance that he ends up behind bars.
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The only all-male court in the United States has just voted to uphold a 6-week ban on abortion after managing to replace the lone woman judge.

South Carolinas all-male Supreme Court has ruled 4-1 in favor of the states 6-week abortion ban, which rules abortion out before many women even know they are pregnant. Chief Justice Beatty was the dissenting vote.

The continued erosion of legal abortion access across the U.S. South comes after Republican state lawmakers replaced the lone woman on the court, Justice Kaye Hearn, who reached the states mandatory retirement age, the AP pointed out in response to this news. Hearn, of course, wrote the majority opinion in the earlier South Carolina Supreme Courts ruling against the ban, citing the right to privacy.

But now that shes been replaced and the court is all male, Justice John Kittredge admitted that the law infringes on a womans right of privacy and bodily autonomy, but in the end, they determined that the rights of women and girls to live are not as important as the right of a fetus, writing,  the legislature explained the 2023 Act took into consideration the interests of the pregnant woman and balanced them against the legitimate interest of the State to protect the life of the unborn, the latter interest of which the legislature characterized as compelling.'

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) wrote of a different cardiac activity bill in 2017, Whether a fetus is viable is a medical determination and occurs much later in pregnancy. Bills like this increase negative health outcomes and complications, including maternal and infant mortality:  Moreover, complications that threaten the womans health and serious fetal anomalies cannot be detected until later in pregnancy. Decreasing womens access to abortion will likely increase negative health outcomes and complications, including maternal and infant mortality.

This isnt hyperbole.

I wanted to address my senators, Cruz and Cornyn, Texas resident Amanda Zurawski said. I would like for them to know that what happened to me is a direct result of the policies they support. I nearly died on their watch and I may have been robbed of the opportunity to have children in the future.

I wanted to address my senators, Cruz and Cornyn.. I would like for them to know that what happened to me is a direct result of the policies they support. I nearly died on their watch and I may have been robbed of the opportunity to have children in the future pic.twitter.com/rq8Rt0lmSa  Acyn (@Acyn) April 26, 2023

A woman in rural Oklahoma had a molar pregnancy that wasnt viable and became cancerous. She was forced to wait for medical care in the parking lot of the hospital as staff told her, They said, The best we can tell you to do is sit in the parking lot, and if anything else happens, we will be ready to help you. But we cannot touch you unless you are crashing in front of us or your blood pressure goes so high that you are fixing to have a heart attack.'

And these stories are just the women who brave the threats and harassment that come with telling their stories. We know there are so many others suffering needlessly, who are afraid to come forward.

Its become clear that Republicans are not being upfront about the beliefs behind these laws, as they have simultaneously banned a law that would have blocked child marriage in West Virginia while Louisiana Republicans voted down rape and incest exceptions to their abortion laws.

The Louisiana bill was written by Representative Delisha Boyd of New Orleans, who said, If we are really pro-life, we have to be concerned with the children. The children who are conceived in trauma, born into trauma, and then lived in trauma.

In fact, Rape survivors, advocates, and even a doctor who said her 14-year-old pregnant patient had been raped by her uncle, all testified in favor of the bill. But opponents said an abortion after rape adds insult to injury.

That doesnt even make sense. There is no logic to the Republican position because it clearly isnt about life since the life of the woman or girl is being callously disregarded. Its not even about pregnancy as safe pregnancies are not being pushed.

Maternal death from pregnancy is startlingly high in the United States, more than ten times that of other high-income countries, but so is the death from homicide among pregnant women.

Homicide is actually a leading cause of death in pregnant women in the US. Women in the US are more likely to be murdered during pregnancy or soon after childbirth than to die from the three leading obstetric causes of maternal death (high blood pressure disorders, hemorrhage, or sepsis), say experts in The BMJ today.

Whats behind these homicides? A shocking situation linked to a lethal combination of intimate partner violence and firearms, say experts.

So, the very people putting womens lives in jeopardy over claimed concerns about life are actually putting womens lives at risk in more ways than just bad pregnancy outcomes that might result in death or health issues. These same people are pushing for unregulated firearms.

Do we see laws coming from these people protecting women and girls from stalkers and even from their own husbands? No. Do we see laws from them pushing for safe gun legislation? No. In fact, many of them push to let abusers have/keep their guns.

In 2019, Given the choice between preventing women from being murdered by their partners, or fighting for domestic abusers to keep their guns, Republicans overwhelmingly sided with domestic abusers. That was hardly a one-off, as Republicans are continuing that push now.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that abusers have a constitutional right to their guns.

Abusers dont just kill women, either. Very often, children are the target. So youd think people who care this much about a fetus would want to protect born children. But no.

In fact, the Supreme Court is set to hear a case on this very issue this fall. The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a case that could allow people who are found to pose a credible threat of violence against their partner or child to retain the right to own and use guns.

Republicans are (unwittingly? they know by now) incentivizing rapists and abusers by giving them even greater control over women by raping them. Rape is not a sexual act; it is an act of violence and control. Now a rapist can control a womans entire life just by impregnating her. He can even jeopardize her very life if shes in a state where she cant get medical care.

The candidates anti-abortion stance is sure to be a topic in Milwaukee during Wednesdays Republican presidential debate, especially after the conservative-led Supreme Court overturned the federal right to abortion over a year ago. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis already signed a 6-week abortion ban in his state of Florida.

As you watch the Republican presidential debate tonight, this is really all you need to know about any of the candidates on the stage. They, too, would kill women and girls while advancing anti-healthy infant and mom programs and putting women and girls in the line of fire, literally, while parading around as if they hold some kind of moral high ground on the issue of life.
The Aiken County Public School District board voted on Tuesday night to amend the current academic calendar. Read moreSchool board votes on 2024-2025 academic calendar; Schools will continue to have two weeks off for winter, spring and fall break
Aiken Standard reporter

Matthew Christian is a reporter for the Aiken Standard. He covers the Savannah River Site, city of Aiken and politics.

Matthew previously covered government and politics for the Morning News in Florence. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and the University of Charleston in West Virginia.

To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers 
The Berkeley County Coroners Office was contacted at 6:07 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, about a traffic accident involving multiple vehicles on Highway 41 and Charity Church Road in Huger. Read moreCoroner called to fatal collision
Example of the South Carolina State Highway Department providing a pull-off space to enable viewers safer access to reading the marker. (Note: this is the only one remaining in the county.)
Bullshit in the Sustainability and Transitions Literature: a Provocation

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Abstract

Research on sustainability and transitions is burgeoning. Some of this research is helping to solve humankinds most pressing problems. However, as this provocation argues, up to 50% of the articles that are now being published in many interdisciplinary sustainability and transitions journals may be categorized as scholarly bullshit. These are articles that typically engage with the latest sustainability and transitions buzzword (e.g., circular economy), while contributing little to none to the scholarly body of knowledge on the topic. A typology of scholarly bullshit is proposed which includes the following archetypes: boring question scholarship, literature review of literature reviews, recycled research, master thesis madness, and activist rants. Since scholarly bullshit articles engage with the latest academic buzzwords, they also tend to accumulate significant citations and are thus welcomed by many journal editors. Citations matter most in the metric-driven logic of the academic system, and this type of scholarship, sadly, is thus unlikely to decrease in the coming years.

Introduction

Profanity is omnipresent in arts and culture, politics, and business. However, it is not found too frequently in academia (yet). After all, those employing profanity tend to be carried away by frustration and anger  feelings that the textbook scholar does not entertain. Yet, as this provocation argues, profanity can also have a useful function as a wake-up call, which may be needed in academia these days. Accordingly, the profanity the author of this provocation proposes in this work is scholarly bullshit  an essential term that should be considered in future writings in at least the sustainability and transitions literature that the author belongs to and perhaps in other fields as well.

Whereas any term including the word bullshit may seem odd to feature in a peer-reviewed publication, bullshit is an established line of inquiry in the academy, possibly started by Frankfurt [1]. This line of inquiry requires further attention, though. As Frankfurt (2, p. 2) notes: the phenomenon [of bullshit] has not aroused much deliberate concern, or attracted much sustained inquiry. In consequence, we have no clear understanding of what bullshit is [and] why there is so much of it. Accordingly, the first part of this provocation explores the types of scholarly bullshit found in the sustainability and transitions literature; the second part investigates the constraints of the academic system driving this kind of research. The author of this provocation maintains that the scholarly community on sustainability and transitions, ideally attempting to solve humankinds most pressing problems, can benefit much from this.

Throughout this provocation, the term scholarly bullshit (as a sub-category of bullshit) is meant to critique the current contributions of many works published in interdisciplinary sustainability and transitions journals and beyond (the title of this work only uses the word bullshit for reasons of brevity, whereas it refers to, in substance, scholarly bullshit). Up to 50% of peer-reviewed works in the sustainability and transitions literature may be categorized as scholarly bullshit (further explained below). Inspired by Graeber [3], scholarly bullshit is defined as scholarship that is so pointless and unnecessary that even the scholar producing it cannot justify its existence. In essence, it is scholarship that does not contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge on a subject at question. However, because of the current set-up of the academic system, the scholar feels obligated to pretend otherwise and to continue churning out this kind of work.

A Typology of Scholarly Bullshit

This provocation proposes a typology of scholarly bullshit. A reviewer of this work has asked how this typology has been developed. The corresponding author has read hundreds of articles in the sustainability and transitions literature over the years. Based on this reading, it appears to them that there are currently at least five archetypes of scholarly bullshit omnipresent in the literature (Table 1). This provocation illustrates these archetypes with circular economy (CE) scholarship which is the topical focus of this journal. The typology presented does not claim to be ultimate. However, the author has tested this typology with several scholars who usually found it to be exhaustive regarding inferior research currently published in many sustainability and transitions journals. Readers are welcome to further improve this typology.
A fast-food chain known for its chicken sandwiches is looking to improve accessibility to one of its Charleston-area locations.

Chick-fil-A wants to lengthen and widen its multiuse service lane, add a canopy over the delivery area and reconfigure the parking lot in the rear of its restaurant at 653 Long Point Road in Mount Pleasant.

"The proposed multi-lane drive-thru and canopies will assist in opening up the full use of the parking lot by increasing the efficiency of the drive-thru during peak hours," the company wrote in an application to the town for approval.

The expanded parking area also will relieve traffic backups onto Belle Point Drive and allow better entry and exit of vehicles, according to the expansion plan.

Mount Pleasant's Board of Zoning Appeals will consider the variance request to allow a 23-foot encroachment into a 50-foot buffer in front of the restaurant on Aug. 28.

Cleaning up

A new car wash and cafe are being proposed in a growing area of Charleston where a new Chick-fil-A restaurant also is in the works.

T&M Investments of Knoxville, Tenn., plans to build a 4,750-square-foot Time To Shine facility and a 4,800-square-foot restaurant building at 1030 Floyd Drive off Bees Ferry Road near Walmart at West Ashley Circle, according to site plans submitted to the city of Charleston.
Jessica Holdman is a business reporter for The Post & Courier covering Columbia. Prior to moving to South Carolina, she reported on business in North Dakota for The Bismarck Tribune and has previously written for The Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Wash.
The occasion is the eve of the release of her new novel, Absolution, with the author making a stop in town, her first here, for a reading Oct. 30 at The Unitarian Church in Charleston, by way of Buxton Books. Read moreHogan: Time-traveling to 1960s Saigon with a famed author (oh, and Barbie, too)
COLUMBIA  Seven teens in foster care face charges of physically assaulting State Department of Social Services staff members at a DSS building in Columbia.

The Columbia Police Department said in a tweet shortly after 9 p.m. on Aug. 22 that the juveniles  both male and female and aged between 13 and 17  had been arrested earlier that night after officers received a disturbance call to the Richland County DSS building on Two Notch Road.

No injuries were reported from the incident, according to police.

The teens face "various assault charges" and charges of public disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, and remain at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

Officials have not released further details about the disturbance call they received to the DSS building, and said the incident is still under investigation.

"DSS will continue its work with these teens, in collaboration with the Department of Juvenile Justice and other community partners," the statement read. A spokeswoman for the DSS said the Department would not be taking further questions while the incident is under investigation.

This year the DSS saw a shortage of both foster homes and mental health care resources lead to an uptick in kids sleeping on air mattresses in State Department offices. Officials with the department, which has about 2,450 foster homes, said in July that it needs about 2,000 more foster homes to meet demand.
In South Carolina, opioid overdose deaths contributed to nearly 80 percent of all fatal overdoses in 2021. And a recent investigation by The Post and Courier found that reported overdose numbers still don't convey the true toll opioids have had here.

In response to the scaling uptick of overdoses, the state departments of Health and Environmental Control and Education are joining forces to make opioid overdose reversal medication available to schools across the state.

The news comes nearly three months after Gov. Henry McMaster signed into law a bill allowing DHEC, in consultation with the education department, to create and update the list of lifesaving medications school nurses and trained staff are authorized to use in all K-12 schools.

DHEC is authorizing the use of naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray, an opioid overdose reversal drug, for the 2023-24 school year. When administered in time, the drug can reverse the effects of overdose from opioids like fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone and heroin.

Naloxone is the lifesaving medication we hope no school nurse or trained school staff person ever has to administer, but we are in the middle of an opioid epidemic and need to be realistic and prepared, said Victoria Ladd, a state school nurse consultant.

DHEC is also authorizing albuterol inhalers along with epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen). Albuterol is used in patients with various lung diseases like asthma, bronchitis or emphysema. And epinephrine is used to treat severe allergic reactions.

We are dedicated to saving lives in schools by expanding access to these emergency medications, through our partnership with schools and the Department of Education, said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC's public health director.

Each school is allotted four doses of naloxone for this school year. Funding for the naloxone supply is provided through the CDC's cooperative agreement Overdose Data-to-Action. There is no cost to schools.
When Halloween arrives each October, most people are interested in the entertaining aspects of the holiday in addition to the abundance of sweet foods that are there for the taking. Even though fun may be foremost on the brain, it is important for everyone keep safety in mind as well. Read moreHow to keep kids safe on Halloween
I stumbled upon this story a while back that has been retold many times, and as I read it again recently, it caused me to think about Gods love which cannot be measured or fully comprehended, and I wanted to share it with you today. Its listed as an allegorical short story called, To Sacr Read moreThe greatest love ever known
My son insists he wants to be a professional soccer player. Hes good, but hes not even the best player on his team. How can I encourage him to look into other professions without dashing his dreams? Read moreThe long-term benefits of just saying no
GOP Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy was caught telling a lie on CNN today about what he told an Atlantic reporter who quoted him as saying the 9/11 attacks may have been an inside job.

In this CNN interview (posted below), Ramaswamy accused the media of taking his comments out of context and misleading listeners by truncating the recording. But the full recording, posted by The Atlantic, validates that media accounts accurately reflected his conspiracy theory about 9/11.

Here's a transcript of what Ramaswamy said in the interview with The Atlantic:

I think it is legitimate to say how many police, how many federal agents, were on the planes that hit the Twin Towers. Maybe the answer is zero. It probably is zero for all I know, right? I have no reason to think it was anything other than zero. But if we're doing a comprehensive assessment of what happened on 9/11, we have a 9/11 commission, absolutely that should be an answer the public knows the answer to. Well, if we're doing a January 6 commission, absolutely, those should be questions that we should get to the bottom of. Here are the people who were armed. Here are the people who are unarmed. What percentage of the people who were armed were federal law-enforcement officers? I think it was probably high, actually. Right?

Unlike DeSantis, who deals with uncomfortable questions with crotchety hostility, Ramaswamy is a blithe liar who presents his exemplary dental work as a way to disarm his interrogators. As a result, he is beating a number of other sure-loser GOP candidates, and trails frontrunner Trump by a mere 43%.
KINGSTREE  Former Beaufort attorney Cory Fleming pleaded guilty Aug. 23 in state court to helping notorious ex-lawyer Alex Murdaugh steal from people who placed their trust in them. But he will have to wait a few weeks to learn whether more time will be added onto his stretch behind bars.

Fleming, 54, had already begun serving a 46-month federal prison term after U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel imposed a sentence Aug. 15 that the judge said was intended to cover the totality of Flemings crimes at the state and federal level. Gergel expressed concerned that Fleming might otherwise be punished twice for the same crimes.

Fleming entered his guilty plea at a noontime hearing before Circuit Judge Clifton Newman at the Williamsburg County courthouse. Newman deferred sentencing until the week of Sept. 11, giving no indication as to whether he intended to follow Gergel's wishes.

Creighton Waters, the S.C. Attorney Generals lead prosecutor for the Murdaugh case, detailed the charges for Newman, a generous crowd of onlookers and a packed jury box of media in the courtroom.

Waters told the judge that the case was "extremely important" because it represented "the first time that were going to see accountability for abuse of the state court system during the sprawling saga of Murdaugh's alleged schemes.
COLUMBIA  South Carolina's six-week abortion ban took immediate effect with the state Supreme Court's Aug. 23 ruling upholding the so-called "fetal heartbeat" law, sending dozens of women home from canceled appointments and leaving North Carolina as their closest option for ending a first-trimester pregnancy.

A new all-male high court declared the law constitutional just eight months after tossing the last one.

The 4-1 ruling lifted a suspension that had been in place since Gov. Henry McMaster signed the law in May. It means abortion is illegal in South Carolina once an ultrasound detects cardiac activity, which generally starts around the sixth week of pregnancy.

Limited exceptions are allowed to prevent the mother's death or lifelong health problems or when doctors diagnose fatal fetal anomalies.

It also allows victims of rape or incest to get an abortion, though only through 12 weeks and only if they agree to the crime being reported to law enforcement.

The question before the court  again  was whether the law violated the state constitution's guarantee against unreasonable invasions of privacy.

Justice John Kittredge, writing for the majority, stressed the decision hinged on a single word: "unreasonable."

"To be sure, the 2023 act infringes on a woman's right of privacy and bodily autonomy, wrote Kittredge, who is set to become chief justice next year.

But determining what is reasonable or unreasonable is a matter of policy up to the Legislature, not the court, he wrote.

"The Legislature has found that the state has a compelling interest in protecting the lives of unborn children," Kittredge outlined. "That finding is indisputable and one we must respect.

"It would be a rogue imposition of will by the judiciary for us to say that the Legislature's determination is unreasonable as a matter of law," he continued, echoing the opinion he wrote in January when he was on the losing end of a 3-2 split.
More than 150 drug overdoses have been reported in the Holy City so far this year, according to the Charleston Police Department's overdose prevention program coordinator.

Thirty-four people died from the poisonings, but 117 survived, Shelby Joffrion told a group at a North Charleston library on a recent Thursday. More than half of those who survived were given the overdose antidote called naloxone, which is also known by its name brand Narcan.

"It can save a life," said Joffrion, a civilian who is helping the Charleston police respond to the opioid epidemic more compassionately than with handcuffs.

Bystanders administered the emergency nasal spray saving 14 lives this year, she said. Police administered the drug to another 14 people, and 37 others were saved by fire and EMS personnel.

Joffrion is hoping to equip more community members with the life-saving drug that reverses the affects of an overdose brought on by opioids, such as fentanyl.

The powerful synthetic opioid is 50 times stronger than heroin, and is being added to most illicit street drugs to increase the "high." But just trace amounts of the man-made powder can be lethal, leading to an unprecedented surge in deadly overdoses in South Carolina and the nation.

Fentanyl killed nearly 1,500 people statewide in 2021  more than guns or car crashes. The drug accounted for more than two-thirds of all fatal overdoses, according to the latest S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control data. Between 2014 and 2021, deaths from the drug skyrocketed more than 20 times.

A recent investigation by The Post and Courier found that reported overdose numbers still don't convey the true toll opioids have had here in the Palmetto state.
A new, imposing tower looms over the portion of the Septima P. Clark Parkway that spans downtown and eventually turns into the start of Interstate 26.

To many, it is an eyesore that has already evoked comparisons to toilet paper stacks, tampons or cotton swabs.

"I think it looks sort of like a Q-tip," William Cato, a West Side resident, said outside Recovery Room Tavern on King Street. "But, shoot, if it gives us better cell service but why right here?"

Others on social media remarked how ugly the pole was after it seemed to rise out of nowhere recently. The pole juts out at the Crosstown bend where the road climbs from ground level up to the exit for the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge to Mount Pleasant, down to Romney Street on the northern peninsula and on to I-26.

One Facebook commenter said it was "very Charmin."

The pole is a telecommunication transmission tower owned by SBA Communications Corp. Cellphone providers own or lease such towers to provide their services. The new pole replaced a tower that kept its equipment out of sight, said Julia Copeland, city attorney for Charleston. The old pole would overheat; the new design, despite its odd appearance, allows greater airflow and protects the tower's components, she said.

"We need infrastructure, but no one wants to deal with the eyesore," she said.

Officials for SBA did not respond to questions about when the pole was installed, how widely it's used by cellphone providers and the process by which they select the design for such sites.

The city can do little about the pole, said Copeland.

Federal law gives supremacy to telecommunications companies and federal regulators, leaving municipalities with little room to negotiate on the aesthetics and placement of critical infrastructure. The law uses broad language about local ordinances prohibiting or affecting services provided by the pole.
Our society is facing many challenges, but one that seems to lie just beneath the surface is a decline in empathy. We don't understand one another. We just aren't able (as the saying goes) to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. We can't see what motivates others, what makes them tick. As sy Read moreStevens: We need more empathy, and reading more can help
Dorothy Williams still remembers the old days on North Charleston City Council, all the fighting and chaos.

That was back in 1991, when she was just starting a historic career that eventually would make her the longest-serving African American woman in the citys history.

Then, in 1994, Keith Summey was elected mayor. Council started sending everything through committee meetings to hash out differences. By the time the public showed up for council, most everything had been settled, so residents saw a nice, peaceful group plotting a future for North Charleston.

Its been that way for three prosperous decades. But now, as Williams prepares to step down after more than 32 years, she's concerned the state's third-largest city will descend into chaos again very soon.

I am very worried, Williams says. Youre going to have a mess.

As usual, Williams is spot-on.

On Monday, filing closed for North Charlestons mayoral race and all 10 of its City Council seats. There are 10 candidates for mayor, 35 for City Council  an astounding, and ridiculous, number.

And the names that will not appear on the ballot stand out much more than those that will.

Mayor Summey  who led North Charleston through transformational change and built it into an important hub of commerce and industry  is stepping down. That's enough reason to worry, but a full half of City Council will go with him.

North Charleston City Council is losing veteran members Ron Brinson, Sam Hart, Virginia Jamison, Bob King and Williams. Those five, plus Summey, account for 140 years of experience and institutional knowledge walking out the door.

Whats perhaps even more distressing, theres no telling who will be left running the place. Bad ordinances, poor planning and politics brought us to this.

See, no one in any of these races needs a majority of votes to win  only a plurality. Which means some council members and, more importantly, the mayor could win office with the support of barely 15% of voters.
Stratfords boys and girls cross country teams finished second behind Wando in the Region 6-5A championship meet on Thursday, Oct. 26 at Wannamaker Park in North Charleston. Read moreKnights second in Region 6-5A XC meets
TIMMONSVILLE  Honda donated 600 boxes containing interactive lesson plans focusing on different fields of engineering to elementary schools in Florence School District 1.

The boxes, unveiled Aug. 23, include crafts, booklets and digital websites such as QR codes on aerospace, chemical, structural, marine and electric engineering. Curriculum like this is usually seen in middle and high school, Florence 1 School's Director of STEM Education Chris Rogers said.

The boxes were first presented to Brockington Elementary School in Timmonsville, which is just a 10 minute drive from the Honda manufacturing plant, the only one in South Carolina.

I hope that some of the elementary students get hooked into one of these paths, Rogers said. And then they will make that part of their career choice as they move over into our secondary schools and beyond.

Some of the things students can make as a part of the kits are gliders, buildings made of paper, a submarine and a battery-powered car.

The boxes would primarily be used in STEM Labs, classrooms dedicated to STEM education, in elementary schools. The first use in the Brockington STEM lab saw 12 students working together and building gliders out of paper and tape.

The district has seven teachers it hires from STEM U, a company that supports school districts with putting together a STEM-focused curriculum and finding people to teach it. Brockington Elementary has one of those teachers.

STEM U has worked with the school district for five years and also created a mobile unit delivering STEM education in the district. The company started putting teachers in classrooms about three years ago.

Our goal is to really work with students to get them to understand STEM from a hands-on capacity of how to do, how to think through challenging situations, STEM U Director of Partnerships Christopher Williams said.

Rogers said it was important to prepare kids at a younger age for a STEM related field because STEM fields and careers are all over the place.
This sponsored press release is brought to you from our partnership with EZ Newswire.
An American Airlines flight from Miami to New York was diverted to Jacksonville on Sunday after a woman passenger discharged pepper spray in the cabin.

The woman claims that she had mistaken her pepper spray canister for hand sanitizer or lotion. A Reddit user who said he was on the flight reported that passengers began to cough and complain that their vision was impaired.

After an emergency landing in Jacksonville, police escorted the woman, her husband, and her teenaged son from the plane.

Paramedics treated passengers affected by the pepper spray while police gathered eyewitness accounts. The passengers were subject to a nearly four-hour delay. They resumed their journey to New York on a new plane.

Was the discharging an accident, as the woman claims? Maybe not.

From The Messenger:
On Tuesday night, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich told Sean Hannity, Its ironic that Donald Trumps being charged under RICO [Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act] when in fact, Joe Biden has been running an organized crime operation. I think if you watch The Sopranos, take out the murders  youll understand the Bidens.

Of course, any sane person would draw a similar conclusion. But with the arrival of former President Donald Trump on the political scene in 2015, the legacy media abandoned the practice of real journalism and became the communications team for the Democratic Party.

But the revelations of the Justice Departments flagrant abuses of power over the past month may have become too much for even the partys most loyal hacks to defend. In a sign that the Lefts tolerance for the Biden administrations corruption may have reached its high water mark, CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig said hes perplexed by the DOJs actions.

Its really inexplicable to me. First, we had basically five years of behind-the-scenes investigation with no transparency, no action, and some questions being asked, whats taken so long? But in the last couple of months, weve seen a pattern here.  DOJ moves toward a very lenient disposition. Theyre just about to lock in that lenient disposition, and then there arises pressure, either through whistleblower testimony or through public scrutiny and then DOJ backs off and says, Actually, were not going to do that since its been called out. Were gonna try to up it a little bit. Then that happened again. And then, they go all the way to appointing a special counsel, the same guy whos been presiding over the case for five-plus years already. I genuinely am perplexed by what DOJs doing here. I think theyve made a real mess for themselves and now theyre going to have to deal with the consequences of it.

NEW: CNN makes a shocking pivot, says they're 'perplexed' by the corruption coming out of the Department of 'Justice' as they continue to cover up for the Biden Crime Family. That's something I never thought I would hear. CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig blasted the DOJ for pic.twitter.com/BRkk16SKXZ  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 22, 2023

Honigs remarks came on the heels of CNN host Jake Tappers admission that Trump was right and Biden was wrong about Hunter Biden in the October 2020 presidential debate.

Jake Tapper admits Trump was right, Biden was wrong about Hunter Biden in 2020 presidential debate https://t.co/cZgyOaHGv4  Fox News (@FoxNews) August 19, 2023

There are no mavericks in the Democratic Party. From the White House to the federal agencies and the media, all arms of the party move in lockstep. All the time.

At the risk of reading too much into Honigs and Tappers remarks, it seems to me theyve been given the green light by party leadership to turn on Biden.

Is the DNC setting the stage to give Biden the old heave-ho? Its sure starting to look like it.

The House Republicans dogged campaign to expose the Biden familys influence peddling business has clearly borne fruit. New revelations are coming out on a weekly basis. These efforts, combined with the spectacular collapse of Hunter Bidens sweetheart plea deal and his former friend and business partner Devon Archers admission that then-Vice President Joe Biden had appeared both in person and over speakerphone at meetings with his sons foreign business associates, have pushed the situation far beyond the DOJs (or the DNCs) ability to contain it.

Democrats have lost control over the narrative. Although replacing Joe Biden with a new nominee comes with its own set of problems, the partys hand may be forced.

It would be foolish to dismiss Honigs and Tappers remarks as mere coincidences.

As FDR once famously observed: In politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way.
 It was hard to tell whether the supposed coup or insurrection (since that is the preferred term these days) that the mercenary Wagner Group instigated in Russia recently was authentic, or some kind of false-flag operation designed to smoke out disloyal military officers and senior civil servants in Putins government, or as a distraction/cover for rearranging troop and weapons placements or some similar purpose. Among other things, the disposition of Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner Group, following the abortive coup was uncertain. Well, it appears that Prigozhins disposition has been determined: he was disposed of in a plane crash today. How convenient for Putin.

[Idle speculation: I wonder if Prigozhin opened a package Hillary Clinton sent him with a nice note, Press this red reset button when your plane reaches 10,000 feet. . . Or maybe he was on Jeffrey Epsteins client list. . .]

UPDATEYou just knew somebody would do this:

 San Franciscos last halfway sensible mayor, Frank Jordan, has spoken out about the homelessness situation there:

When you look at the homeless issue, we spent $2.8 billion in 7 years, he said to California Insider. We are averaging more than $700 million a year just on homeless. But when break that down, nobody seems to know if its 7,000 homeless or 17,000 homeless. Jordan criticized Mayor Breeds efforts to put the homeless in local hotels for housing. He says 70% of the homeless have mental health, drug, and alcohol problems and need around-the-clock supervision. They start fighting with people in hallways or lighting fires in the room, so we have 30 of those 70 hotels that are now suing the city because of the damage thats been caused in those hotels, he said.

Back in 1995 when Jordan was trying to hold on to his seat from the vigorous (and ultimately successful) challenge from Willie Brown, I told the following story to easterners to illustrate how strange Bay Area politics are: Jordan, trying to curry favor with the all-important gay vote in San Francisco, hit on a gimmick of stripping down naked in the shower with two leading gay rights advocates on a live morning drive-time radio broadcast. And Jordan was the conservative candidate in the race.

Its been all downhill from there, though I think it is true that if Willie Brown, an extremely capable and no-nonsense politician (even for a leftist) was still mayor, things wouldnt be nearly as insane as they are now.

 Yale is upset because their own campus police force told the truth to incoming students. From Inside Higher Ed:

The Yale Police Benevolent Association, a union representing Yale Universitys campus police, handed out pamphlets to freshmen containing disturbing and inflammatory rhetoric about the safety of Yales campus and its home city of New Haven during move-in day, the university said in a statement Monday. A photo of one of the handouts circulated on X (formerly Twitter) Sunday, featuring a Grim Reaperlike illustration, crime statistics for New Haven and a list of tips for surviving in the city. The pamphlet advised students to stay off the streets after 8 p.m. In a press release, the Ivy League institution said the pamphlets contained misleading information and stressed that rates of violent crime and robberies are currently down, both on campus and in New Haven.

In campus-speak, like Orwells Newspeak, misleading means true, but ideologically incorrect.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-23 20:16:36

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GOLETA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Aeluma, Inc. (the "Company") (OTCQB:ALMU),a semiconductor company specializing in scalable, cost-effective sensor technologies for LiDAR (light detection and ranging), communication, and sensing, announced today that its founder and CEO Jonathan Klamkin, Ph.D., will appear today on The Watch List on Schwab Network at 2:20 pm ET.The U.S. Department of Commerce recently celebrated the first anniversary of the historic CHIPS and Science Act, which will enhance the competitiveness of the American semiconductor industry. During today's appearance, Aeluma's CEO may discuss its cutting-edge semiconductor chip technology, its onshore manufacturing capabilities, and what the CHIPS and Science Act means for the future of national, supply chain, and innovation security.Aeluma recently announced it commenced sampling of its large-diameter wafer compatible photodetectors with a delivery to a Tier-1 Automotive Supplier for evaluation and performance validation. Aeluma has established a unique semiconductor manufacturing capability in Santa Barbara, California.With its proprietary technology that combines compound semiconductor nanomaterials with mass market Silicon manufacturing, Aeluma is developing products that could offer high-performance, low-cost solutions for emerging markets such as automotive LiDAR, communication, mobile, AR/VR, quantum computing, AI, and Defense & Aerospace. Key to Aeluma's disruptive technology is the ability to manufacture its semiconductor chips on up to 12-inch Silicon substrates, which can scale and be mass produced, thereby potentially reducing the cost of chips dramatically.About Aeluma, Inc.Aeluma ( www.aeluma.com) develops novel optoelectronic devices for sensing and communications applications. Aeluma has pioneered a technique to manufacture devices using high performance compound semiconductor materials on large-diameter Silicon wafers that are commonly used for mass market microelectronics. The technology has the potential to enhance performance and provide a path to cost-effective, large-scale manufacturing, both of which are critical for future LiDAR and other sensor applications. Aeluma is developing a streamlined business model from its headquarters in Santa Barbara, California that has a state-of-the-art manufacturing cleanroom.Forward-Looking StatementsAll statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements, including, among other things, statements relating to the Company's expectations regarding its market position and market opportunity, expectations and plans as to its product development, manufacturing and sales, and relations with its partners and investors. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on the Company's current expectations, estimates, and projections regarding its business, operations and other similar or related factors. Words such as "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "anticipate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "believe," "estimate," and other similar or related expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult or impossible to predict and, in some cases, beyond the Company's control. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update information in this release to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.Company Contact:Aeluma, Inc.(805) 351-2707info@ aeluma.com Investor Contact:The Del Mar Consulting Group, Inc.Robert Prag, President(858) 794-9500bprag@ delmarconsulting.com SOURCE: Aeluma, Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-23 16:45:12

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Comerica Incorporated ("Comerica " or the "Company") (NYSE:CMA) and certain of its officers.Class Definition:This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Comerica securities between February 9, 2021 and May 29, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: www.bgandg.com/cma Case Details:The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose, among other things, that: (1) Comerica failed to provide meaningful oversight over the vendors to whom it contracted out day-to-day operations of the Direct Express program, a system through which it is contracted to provide federal benefits to millions of Americans without bank accounts; (2) as a result of violations in the day-to-day operations of Direct Express, including handling fraud disputes and allowing sensitive data to be handled out of a vendor's office in Pakistan, Comerica was not in compliance with the Federal Contract, and knew it was not in compliance; (3) Comerica knew and failed to disclose that it was in potential violation of Regulation E due to inadequate fraud prevention in the Direct Express program and responses to instance of fraud; and (4) as a result, Defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.What's Next?A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: www.bgandg.com/cma or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Law Clerk and Client Relations Manager, Yael Nathanson of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 332-239-2660. If you suffered a loss in Comerica you have until October 20, 2023, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.Contact:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Yael Nathanson332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-23 13:00:42

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BRAMPTON, ON / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / DATA Communications Management Corp. (TSX:DCM)(OTCQX:DCMDF) ("DCM" or the "Company"), a leading provider of marking and business communications solutions to companies across North America, today announced that it will be presenting at the Planet MicroCap Showcase: VANCOUVER 2023 on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. (Local Time -PST). Richard Kellam, President & CEO of DCM, will be hosting the presentation and answering questions at the conclusion.To access the live presentation, please use the following information:Planet MicroCap Showcase: VANCOUVER 2023Date: Wednesday, September 6, 2023Time: 8:00pm Eastern Time (5:00pm Pacific Time)Webcast: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2986/48841 If you would like to book 1x1 investor meetings with management of DCM, and to attend the Planet MicroCap Showcase: VANCOUVER 2023, please make sure you are registered here:1x1 meetings will be scheduled and conducted in person at the conference venue: Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver (BC).The Planet MicroCap Showcase: VANCOUVER 2023 website is available here:If you can't make the live presentation, all company presentations "webcasts" will be available directly on the conference event platform on this link under the tab "Agenda":News Compliments of AccesswireABOUT DATA COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT CORP.DCM is a marketing and business communications partner that helps companies simplify the complex ways they communicate and operate, so they can accomplish more with fewer steps and less effort. DCM serves major brands in vertical markets including financial services, retail, healthcare, energy, other regulated industries, and the public sector. We integrate seamlessly into our clients' businesses thanks to our deep understanding of their needs, transformative tech-enabled solutions, and end-to-end service offering. Whether we're running technology platforms, sending marketing messages, or managing print workflows, our goal is to make everything surprisingly simple.Additional information relating to DATA Communications Management Corp. is available on www.datacm.com , and in the disclosure documents filed by DATA Communications Management Corp. on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com About Planet MicroCapPlanet MicroCap is a global multimedia financial news, publishing and events company focused on news dissemination, providing information, data and analytics for the MicroCap investing community. We have cultivated an active and engaged audience of folks that are interested in learning about and to stay ahead of the curve in the MicroCap space.If you would like to attend the Planet MicroCap Showcase, please register here:DCM Contact:Mr. James E. LorimerChief Financial OfficerDATA Communications Management Corp.Phone: (905) 791-3151Email:ir@ datacm.com SOURCE: DATA Communications Management Corp. via Planet MicroCap
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-23 23:00:26

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RADNOR, PA / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP ( www.ktmc.com) is currently investigating potential violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of investors of Discover Financial Services (NYSE:DFS) ("Discover Financial").On July 19, 2023, Discover Financial disclosed in a statement that the company had misclassified some of its credit cards. Specifically, Discover Financial revealed that it misclassified certain credit card accounts into its highest pricing tier, starting in 2007, meaning merchants were charged more than they should have been to accept the cards for payment. Discover Financial indicated the company is discussing the matter with regulators and warned it could face future regulatory actions. Discover Financial also disclosed that it received a proposed consent order from the FDIC for a consumer compliance issue which is different than the misclassification matter. Following this news, the company's stock price declined over 14%, to close at $102.83 on July 20, 2023.Then, on August 14, 2023, Discover Financial disclosed that Roger Hochschild was stepping down as President and CEO as well as giving up his position as a member of the company's board of directors. Following this news, Discover Financial's stock price declined over 9%, to close at $92.96 on August 15, 2023.If you are a Discover Financial investor and would like to learn more about our investigation, please CLICK HERE to fill out our online form or contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP: Jonathan Naji, Esq. (484) 270-1453 or E-mail at info@ ktmc.com . You can also click on the following link or paste it in your browser: https://www.ktmc.com/discover-financial-services-investigation-2023?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=dfs&mktm=r Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country involving securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duties and other violations of state and federal law. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP is a driving force behind corporate governance reform, and has recovered billions of dollars on behalf of institutional and individual investors from the United States and around the world. The firm represents investors, consumers and whistleblowers (private citizens who report fraudulent practices against the government and share in the recovery of government dollars). 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
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WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / During World Water Week 2023, Global Water Challenge (GWC) and Cargill announced the launch of new projects in Brazil in partnership with Brazilian-based non-profit organizations. This initiative supports Cargill's global commitment to addressing local water challenges and specifically improving access to safe drinking water in communities in priority regions.Cargill and GWC launched its Cargill Currents platform in 2021 to address water challenges faced by local communities. The program supports access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and enhanced water security in priority regions by tailoring to the specific needs of the target communities. The global program is expected to benefit more than 150,000 people by the end of 2024. Building on this partnership, Cargill and GWC are expanding their efforts across Brazil by constructing sanitation facilities and water supply systems, which will significantly improve drinking water provision, community health and the overall well-being of Brazilian community members throughout seven projects across five municipalities and watersheds.The new projects in Brazil, managed by GWC through the Cargill Currents platform, are designed to build community resilience, promote economic development and deliver multiple socio-economic and sustainability co-benefits beyond water access alone. These initiatives will prioritize efforts to promote community health and livelihoods by improving access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)."Because of our position as a connector of the food system, Cargill has the unique ability to develop holistic water solutions that drive impact-at-scale. That's why we've set a global ambition to enable a water positive impact across our operations, supply chains and communities by 2030," said Michelle Grogg, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at Cargill. "Partnering with organizations like Global Water Challenge is just one way we are working to strengthen local water systems. Together we will continue to drive sustainable change in communities where it is needed most." Following a Call for Proposals and a rigorous review process, Cargill and GWC have selected and partnered with the following organizations to drive and implement the in-country execution of the project's goals and initiatives:ChildFund is a child-focused international development organization that helps deprived, excluded and vulnerable children to have the capacity to improve their lives and the opportunity to become young adults, parents and leaders who bring lasting and positive change in their communities. In Brazil, ChildFund has been working since 1966 to address challenges impacting Brazilian children living below the international poverty line. These challenges include inadequate education, poor health care and lack of access to safe drinking water. ChildFund works with local partners to provide support, protection and care for children so that they grow up healthy and strong. This work also includes improving water quality and preventing water-borne diseases and infant mortality.Instituto de Projetos e Pesquisas Socioambientais (IPESA) is a Brazilian NGO comprising experts and environmental activists working to build a sustainable society that balances economic growth, preservation of natural resources and social justice. IPESA has worked extensively in Brazil to train on appropriate water management and improving water and sanitation access in rural communities.These two organizations will play an instrumental role in ensuring that project activities are implemented in collaboration with the local communities in the following Brazilian municipalities: Luis Eduardo Magalhaes, Sao Desiderio, Santarem, Sao Felix do Xingu and Rio Verde. Key interventions include community upliftment and improving clean water access through the construction and rehabilitation of water supply and distribution systems, the development of water treatment systems, the promotion of effective water systems management, WASH education and training - particularly to reduce water-borne diseases and the empowerment of communities through training in financial and entrepreneurship skills."This World Water Week, we celebrate the power of collective action and partnerships that galvanize sustainable solutions to address water access challenges," said Monica Ellis, CEO of Global Water Challenge. "Cargill's global commitment to addressing critical needs in priority regions and building community resilience is commendable. As the partnership is at the core of GWC's water stewardship programs, we are excited to be a part of these continued efforts through the expansion of our partnership with Cargill into Brazil. Brazil will form part of a growing list of countries and communities where livelihoods are being positively impacted through our partnership." The Cargill Currents platform is one example of how Cargill is working toward its global ambition to enable water-positive impacts across their operations, supply chains and communities by 2030, in alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6. The Cargill Currents program, in partnership with GWC, started in 2021 and has implemented 13 projects in Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, India and the United States, positively impacting nearly 48,000 people to date. The newly launched projects in Brazil are expected to benefit an estimated 41,000 people with improved water access, sanitation and hygiene. By the end of 2024, Cargill Currents initial investments aim to benefit up to 150,000 people with improved WASH in priority communities and basins around the world. Additional projects are in development for Europe, North America and West Africa.Across the world, Cargill is dedicated to effectively balancing and addressing the shared water challenges of availability, quality and access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, using an approach that is informed by local context. You can learn more about Cargill's commitment to water here.# # #About CargillCargill helps the world's food system work for you. We connect farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and families with everyday essentials - from the food they eat, to the ground they walk on. Our 160,000 team members worldwide innovate purposefully, empowering our partners and communities as we work to nourish the world safely, responsibly, and sustainably raise feed. This includes our 11,000 colleagues in Brazil, where we have worked since 1965 to make our global vision a local reality. The possibilities are limitless, from feeds that reduce methane emissions to renewable fuels based on waste from
Sugarlands Distilling Companythe Gatlinburg, Tennessee-based maker of moonshine, rum, cream liquers, rye whiskey, and vodkarecently launched a new collaboration with the Kellogg Company, and more specifically with their "Eggo" waffle brand. The new beverage is called "Eggo Brunch in a Jar" and the Sugarlands Distillery website describes it as a "creamy partnership between Eggo & Appalachian Sippin' Cream." And according to Food and Wine, it "combines the flavors of buttered and toasted Eggo waffles, savory bacon slices, and a drizzle of maple syrup."

The Sugarlands Distillery website provides a longer description of the project, explaining that the drink was "specially" made for busy and stressed "mom and dads" who need a "moment to kick back and relax":

Mom and dad, this one is made specially for you. Brunch is more than a trending meal  it's a moment to kick back and relax. In fact, 47% of adults say it feels like a treat to go out for brunch. So Eggo, a long-time breakfast favorite brand dedicated to helping parents embrace small wins, enlisted the help of Sugarlands, so parents can L'Eggo and enjoy that "treat yourself" feeling brunch evokes, all year long. "Between the juggle of constantly changing schedules, household errands, family outings or busy workdays, it can often feel impossible for parents to find moments they can savor for themselves," said Joe Beauprez, Senior Director of Marketing for Frozen Foods. "Eggo Brunch in a Jar makes it easy for parents to kick back when they're not caring for their little ones. So, whether parents want to punch up a weekend brunch or savor some of those classic brunch flavors during their downtime, this feel-good Eggo-inspired liqueur is the perfect treat."

I'm not sure how drinking a beverage that sounds overly, sickeningly, sweet constitutes "kicking back and relaxing," but here we are. Food and Wine calls the beverage, "The brunch drink you never knew you needed." Nah, I definitely do not need this drink. I think I'll pass.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-23 14:46:12

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PITTSBURGH, PA / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Gourmet Provisions International Corporation (OTC PINK:GMPR) today announced, Jose Madrid Salsa "The Healthy Fundraiser" (Wholly Owned Subsidiary of GMPR) will be sold in all 32 Florida based Sedano's Supermarkets. The GMPR demo team traveled to the Sedano's Headquarters in Southern Florida where their management group sampled and enjoyed 8 of the most popular Jose Madrid Salsas flavors. Afterwards they decided to carry all eight Gourmet Salsas & custom display cases in all 32 of their current & future locations.Duane L. Audo, head of Business Development for Gourmet Provisions International Corp., stated, "Sedona's Grocery Stores starting carrying Cousin T's Gourmet Pancake Mix back in February and working with their management team has been a pleasure. When we met with Sedona's they were looking to expand their "salsa category" and after sampling our delicious Gourmet salsas it was the perfect fit. We are extremely excited to expand our presence into the Florida retail market and will use this opportunity to call on many other grocery store chains throughout this area." About Jose Madrid SalsaGourmet Provisions International Corporation purchased 100% of Jose Madrid Salsa 8 years ago and it is owned and operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of GMPR.Jose Madrid Salsa "The Healthy Fundraiser" (Wholly Owned Subsidiary of GMPR) has continued to dominate in the fundraising category, expanded its Ohio offices & production facility, recently purchased a custom delivery vehicle, has expanded into 150+ retail outlets throughout the US & Canada and food distributors Gia Russa & McAneny Brothers began carrying and distributing 10 of Jose Madrid Salsas. Gia Russa & McAneny Brothers are full service convenience and grocery store distributors, offering on-line ordering and next day delivery throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia and New York to over 3,200 retail customers. With the launch into Sedona's Jose Madrid Salsa will be carried by their distributor UNFI, opening up an opportunity to sell to 1000's of new customers.In 1976, Mike Zakany and his brother started a restaurant in downtown Zanesville, Ohio. After months of planning and building, Zak's Restaurant was a reality. The contemporary casual restaurant was a welcome addition to the small urban center and was quite successful from the family matriarch, helped her sons integrate more authentic Mexican cuisine into the menu and life of the restaurant.The Zakany family has always had a rich history as entrepreneurs. Mike's paternal grandparents opened a butcher shop and grocery store in Zanesville in 1942. Mike's father, uncle and entire family worked very hard to continue to grow the family business over the years. Zak's Restaurant was a natural extension of the Zakany's involvement and love for the food business. The restaurant quickly developed a strong clientele. Clearly, people liked the "New Mexico" style food, the phenomenal increase in the "to go" food sales and the additional increase in dining room business confirmed their niche in the "New Mexico" style of food on the menu. The demand for salsa was a key part of the complete menu; salsa enhanced the flavors of all the dishes served. It then became time to develop the salsa to meet the demand. Mike started an extensive marketing study that examined all kinds of spices and chili peppers. He read with great interest about the migration patterns of the European Spaniards to Mexico and the influence America's native people had on the newcomer's cuisine.Mike continued to work on the salsa recipes based on his research and experimentation. The restaurant customers were the critics for the salsa formulas born from Mike's hard work in the kitchen. Eventually, the "favorite" blend of spices, chili peppers and herbs were developed. These recipes came from the direct influence of his maternal grandfathers cooking culture. In 1987, Jose Madrid Salsa became a reality, named after the family icon and beloved grandfather from Clovis, New Mexico. Mike Zakany's tribute to his grandfather celebrates his childhood memories of the larger than life man.Gourmet Provisions International Corporation acquired Jose Madrid Salsa in 2016.Jose Madrid Salsa: http://www.JoseMadridSalsa.com Twitter: @MadridSalsaAbout Pizza Fusion & US Military Deal:Pizza Fusion Gourmet Provisions International Corp. acquired the multi award winning Pizza Fusion brand, with existing locations in the US & Saudi Arabia, in March, 2019. In 2006, Pizza Fusion changed the pizza industry with its award winning organic, gluten-free delicious healthy pizzas, with a big emphasis on every product and location keeping to the company's motto Saving the Earth one Pizza at a Time!' and is Now selling its Gourmet Gluten-Free Frozen Pizzas in 200+ grocery stores, in 5 different states, through two food distributors Gia Russa & McAneny Brothers, soon to be UNFI and many more.In March 2022 GMPR was 1 of 22 companies invited to the DeCA Arm Forces Food Service Military Show in Petersburg, VA. The US Military Food Service decision makers attended the show, sampled, loved and approved our Pizza Fusion's Founders Pie for the US troops in Kuwait. In April GMPR was requested to cook samples of our Pizza Fusion Founders Pie at Fort Jackson in South Carolina for the US General in command of the troops in Kuwait and his team. We received an extremely positive approval from the General and his team that day. In June the US Military requested we shrink wrap and overnight the final samples of our Pizza Fusion Founders Pie to a military base in NJ, where our frozen pizzas were loaded onto a US Military ship bound for Kuwait for the final approval from the on-base cooks. We have been told we have been approved to feed 36,000 US Troops based in Kuwait for two lunches and one dinner per week and all events and parties.Here is a full description of our three signature Pizza Fusion Pizzas available at 200+ grocery stores near you:The "Four Cheese" Pizza starts with our custom rich tomato sauce made from premium quality tomatoes & extra virgin olive oil, topped with real Mozzarella, Romano, savory Asiago and our hearty Parmesan cheeses all of this baked on top of OGGI Foods award winning, custom, gluten-free Spinach Crust;The "Founders Pie" Pizza is topped with our custom made pizza sauce, extra virgin olive oil, Oregano, Basil, real Mozzarella, Romano, Asiago & Parmesan cheeses, imported cherry tomatoes from Italy, diced red onions, fresh spinach on top of OGGI Foods custom gluten-free Broccoli Crust;"The Vegan%
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. ( TSX.V:GCX)(OTCQB:GCXXF) ("Granite Creek" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the preliminary results of a metallurgical study designed to increase recovery of copper from oxide material at its Carmacks Copper-Gold-Silver project ("Carmacks Project" or the "Project")Kemetco Research Inc. ("Kemetco") has been contracted to carry out an initial series of scoping tests to evaluate the potential for extraction and recovery of copper from unrecovered copper oxide minerals in Carmacks Project flotation tailings as referenced in the Company's 2023 Preliminary Economic Assessment ("2023 PEA") *. Testing involves the leaching of tailings from previous flotation testing of oxidised copper material to dissolve copper into solution and subsequently precipitate copper in a form that could be added to a concentrate being produced by sulphide flotation. The leaching portion of the test work has now been completed with up to 81% of the copper present in the test samples going into solution. The remaining project task, currently underway at Kemetco, is to complete a series of bench tests to evaluate methods for selective recovery of the leached copper from solution. The planned tests will focus on copper sulphide precipitation to target generation of a high-grade copper sulphide product that could potentially be combined with a copper flotation concentrate in an overall production flowsheet, resulting in significant potential increases to both overall copper recovery and the copper grade of the final concentrate product.The 2023 PEA was based on an average recovery of copper, life of mine ("LOM") of 64%, with up to 93.7% recovery of copper when processing sulfide material but only 39.8% when processing oxide material. The current mine plan as outlined in the 2023 PEA contemplates processing material with a high oxide content of up to 80% oxide ore in the first five years of the mine life during which time over 8.4 million tonnes of oxide material would be processed versus 2.88 million tonnes of sulphide material. Sensitivity analysis completed in the 2023 PEA identified over $180M of Net Present Value ("NPV") to be gained from a combined sulphide-oxide recovery system by increasing the LOM recovery of copper by 20% from the current projected 64% to 77% total copper recovery.The material used for the current test consists of tailings from flotation testing of oxide material, where 39.8% recovery of copper was achieved prior to the current leach testing. With up to 81% of the remaining copper going into solution an additional 48% recovery of copper in oxide is possible (81% of remaining 60.2% copper from original test sample) which would increase the total copper recovery of oxide material to over 80% (original 39.8% plus 48%). This could potentially provide a path to exceed the 20% increase in total LOM copper recovery opportunity, which was referenced in the 2023 PEA. While the current work is being conducted on the most representative material available, it should be noted that this work is preliminary in nature and has not yet been tested on a range of potential feed blends.Tim Johnson, President & CEO stated, "The 2023 PEA, a major milestone for the Company, identified several opportunities for the Project including increased recovery, resource expansion and additional mine and process optimisation. The unlocking of additional value through the improved recovery that this testing represents, especially in the early years of mine life, has the potential to add significantly to the NPV of the project. These results could allow for re-evaluation of resources that didn't make it into the mine plan due to lower grades or assumed recoveries. The process being developed by the company also has the possibility of being used in other parts of the Minto Copper belt where oxidised or partially oxidised (POX) copper ores have not been processed by other operators." Table 1 Summary of flotation testing results and average values used in PEA.1. Sulphide flotation testing completed by SGS prior to PEA Study see news release dated January 10, 2023.2. Oxide flotation testing completed by SGS prior to PEA study see news release dated January 10, 2023.3. Calculated LOM average recovery based on a regression curve dependant on oxide content.4. Projected target based on successful completion of current testing.Table 2 2023 - PEA Copper Recovery Sensitivity TableBCSC continuous disclosure review.Following a recent review of Granite Creek's continuous disclosure by the British Columbia Securities Commission, the Company provides the following corrections:In a news release dated January 19, 2023, announcing the completion of the PEA, the Company stated, "The PEA indicates that the potential economic returns from the Project justify advancing to a feasibility study". This statement could be construed that the Company is treating the PEA as a pre-feasibility level study, which is not the case. While the Company maintains that the PEA was positive, additional work will need to be done before a full feasibility study could be initiated. The Company also wishes to retract to word "robust" when describing the economics of the Project as this may be misleading to some readers. Granite Creek has also added the following cautionary language to materials that are disseminated to the public including the Company's corporate presentation, fact sheet and website. "The Company cautions that the results of the PEA are preliminary in nature and do not include the calculation of mineral reserves as defined by NI 43-101. There is no certainty that the results of the PEA will be realized." The Company encourages the reader to reference the NI 43-101 technical report entitled CARMACKS PROJECT PRELIMINARY ECONOMIC ASSESMENT (PEA) YUKON, CANADA, available on SEDAR and the Company's website for further details on the Project.Qualified PersonsMr. Douglas Warkentin, P.Eng., a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release. Mr. Warkentin is a Senior Metallurgist with Kemetco Research and an advisor to the Company.About Granite Creek CopperGranite Creek Copper, a member of the Metallic Group of Companies, is a Canadian exploration company focused on the exploration and development of critical minerals projects in North America. The Company's projects consist of its flagship 176 square kilometer Carmacks project in the Minto copper district of Canada's Yukon Territory on trend with the high-grade Minto copper-g
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-23 11:31:29

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The global hemming machine market report is a comprehensive report that provides a detailed analysis of the current status and future trends of the hemming machine market worldwide. This report provides valuable information to industry stakeholders by offering an in-depth perspective on market dynamics, competitive landscape, growth opportunities, and key challenges faced by industry participants.From the perspective of market dynamics, this report explores the factors driving the growth of the hemming machine market. This includes the increasing demand for hemming machine products due to changes in consumer preferences, technological advancements, and the demand for more efficient and sustainable solutions. Additionally, government regulations and initiatives to promote the adoption of hemming machine products also contribute to market growth. On the other hand, this report identifies and analyzes factors that may hinder market growth, such as economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and intense competition in the market.Request for Sample Report:The competitive landscape section of the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the leading companies operating in the hemming machine market. It introduces the major companies, their business strategy, product portfolio, recent trends, and financial performance. This analysis provides valuable insights for market stakeholders to understand the intensity of competition in the market and gain an insightful view of the strategies adopted by major market players to maintain their position.Some of the major companies in the Hemming Machine market are as follows: All Pack Eng. Works, Amf Reece CR, Automatex, Clear Trax Circuits, Huayue Machinery and Equipment, KP Tech Machine, Magetron, Peninsula Engineers, Ridong Intelligent Equipment, Rishona Textile Machinery, Samrat Enterprises, Schmaledurate, Surneha ServicesBy segmenting the market, the report provides a detailed understanding of each segment by analyzing market size, growth potential, and key trends within each segment. Through this detailed analysis, industry participants can identify profitable opportunities, develop strategies tailored to specific customer segments, and allocate resources effectively.Market Segmentation:Type: Manual, Fully AutomaticApplication: Table Linen, Terry Fabric, Cleaning Cloths, Curtains, OthersIdentifying growth opportunities is crucial for companies operating in the hemming machine market. This report focuses on highlighting these opportunities by analyzing emerging technologies, market trends, and changing customer needs that have the potential to shape the future of the market. By identifying untapped market segments, geographies with high growth potential, and innovative product development strategies, this report supports stakeholders in harnessing these opportunities and leading business growth.In addition, this report addresses the key challenges faced by industry participants. It provides insightful information on challenges such as intense market competition, price pressure, regulatory compliance, and technological confusion. By understanding these challenges, companies can develop effective mitigation strategies and adapt to a constantly changing market environment. This enables them to ensure sustainable growth.The regional analysis section of the global hemming machine market report thoroughly evaluates the market in various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. This section provides valuable information on market size, growth potential, and key market trends specific to each region.Market by Regions:North AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyU.K.FranceItalySpainRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaIndiaJapanRest of Asia PacificMiddle East & AfricaGCCSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoRest of Latin AmericaThis report provides a comprehensive assessment of the hemming machine market in these specific regions, enabling stakeholders to understand regional differences, market potential, and growth prospects. This provides valuable insights that help make informed decisions related to market entry, expansion strategies, and resource allocation. Additionally, understanding the regulatory landscape and market dynamics in each region is useful for companies to comply with regulatory requirements and adjust their business strategies to fit specific markets.Overall, the global hemming machine market report strives to provide comprehensive and practical information to industry stakeholders. By offering a deep understanding of market trends, competitive dynamics, growth opportunities, and potential risks, this report plays a valuable role as a tool for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and investors. Through this information, they are able to make informed business decisions and execute successful strategies in the dynamic and evolving hemming machine market.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-23 04:55:12

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International Designs Group acquires MARVA and European Granite & Marble and adds an additional 10 locations.ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / August 22, 2023 / International Designs Group (IDG), an affiliate of Mill Point Capital, is excited to announce the acquisition of Trajus Surfaces. This strategic move reflects IDG's commitment to expanding its presence in the eastern United States and reaching a wider customer base. Trajus Surfaces, comprised of two legacy brands, European Granite & Marble, and MARVA Marble, will join IDG's portfolio, which includes United Materials, LLC (UMI), Construction Resources (CR), and Cancos Tile & Stone. This addition will further strengthen IDG's ability to cater to the surfacing, kitchen and bath, and home products industries.MarvaIDG acquires Marva With European Granite & Marble and MARVA Marble on board, IDG will streamline its efforts to bring high-quality products to the market, solidifying its position as a trusted provider for the design and construction industry.Mitch Hires, CEO of International Designs Group, expressed his vision for the company to partner with leading material manufacturers and strategically align their operations to meet the needs of the construction and design community. By optimizing its product offering and operational efficiencies, IDG aims to become the preferred supplier for both existing and new customers in the residential, commercial, and multi-family sectors.Post-acquisition, with the addition of European Granite & Marble and MARVA Marble, International Designs Group will now operate over 50 locations in the eastern United States. This expansion makes IDG the predominant cumulative service provider for the kitchen, bath, and construction industry on the eastern seaboard. With an extensive range of offerings, including tile and slab distribution, custom countertops, glass and mirror solutions, appliances, flooring, garage doors, fireplaces, and lighting fixtures, IDG is poised to be the premier supplier of materials, services, and solutions in the eastern United States.Mario Persico, President of Trajus Surfaces, expressed enthusiasm for joining the IDG family, citing the company's vision and decades of industry experience. Becoming a part of IDG will enable both European Granite & Marble and MARVA Marble to expand their product offering and enter new markets while maintaining the highest level of service for its loyal customers.While the financial details of the transaction remain confidential, Trajus Surfaces' leadership and legacy brands will remain intact as they integrate into IDG's family of companies. This integration will provide additional product lines to support their existing and expanding customer base.About International Designs GroupInternational Designs Group (IDG), a division of Mill Point Capital, is a leading supplier of top-quality slab and tile materials for the kitchen and bath industry. With a focus on new construction and remodeling markets, we are proud to offer exclusive brands like Pompeii Quartz and Forum Quartz, as well as our own tile label, CTC (Cancos). In addition to distribution, we have showrooms in several eastern U.S. states, including Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and New York. These showrooms not only highlight and sell our unique slab and tile products but also provide a range of complementary specialty products for the kitchen and bath. Our goal is to provide an efficient and enjoyable experience for our trade partners and homeowners. With our extensive product range and expert service, we strive for an elevated and seamless customer experience. For more information, please visit www.internationaldesignsgroup.com About Mill Point CapitalMill Point Capital LLC is a private equity firm focused on control investments in middle market companies in North America across the business services, IT services, and industrial sectors. Mill Point's experienced team of investors and Executive Partners seek portfolio company value enhancement through rigorous implementation of transformative strategic initiatives and operational improvements. Mill Point is based in New York, NY. For more information, please visit www.millpoint.com About Trajus SurfacesTrajus Surfaces is a group of esteemed natural stone companies committed to providing the finest products and exceptional customer service. With extensive global supply chain knowledge, strong partnerships with renowned quarries, and a comprehensive, seamless approach to service, these companies bring the highest quality stone to customers along the east coast and beyond. Included within Trajus Surfaces are industry leaders Marva Marble and European Granite & Marble. For more information, please visit www.marvamarble.com or www.egmsurfaces.com For media inquiries, please visit www.internationaldesignsgroup.com or www.marqetgroup.com Contact InformationLorenzo MarquezPresidentlorenzo@ marqetgroup.com Related ImagesMarvaIDG acquires MarvaEuropean Granite & MarbleIDG acquires European Granite & MarbleSOURCE: International Designs Group
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-23 13:01:10

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Mako Mining Corp. (TSX-V:MKO)(OTCQX:MAKOF) ("Mako" or the "Company") is pleased to provide financial results for the three months ended June 30th, 2023 ("Q2 2023"), which is the eighth full quarter of financial results since declaring commercial production on July 1st, 2021 at its San Albino gold mine ("San Albino") in northern Nicaragua. All dollar amounts referred to herein are expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise stated.Q2 2023 HighlightsFinancial$12.9 million in Revenue$4.0 million in Adjusted EBITDA (1)$4.9 million in Mine Operating Cash Flow ("Mine OCF") (1) (3)$2.6 million Net Loss after $3.9 million of depreciation, depletion (4) and amortization and $1.5 million in exploration expenses$995 Cash Costs ($/oz sold) (1) (2)$1,090 Total Cash Costs ($/oz sold) (1) (2)$1,322 All-In Sustaining Costs ("AISC") ($/oz sold) (1) (2)Three monthly repayment installments totaling $1.1million were made on the Sailfish Loan during Q2 2023 and $4 million of the Wexford Loan principal was repaid as a result of the $6 million Silver LoanRefers to a Non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of National Instrument 52-112 - Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure ("NI 52-112"). Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" as well as the reconciliations later in this press release.Refers to a Non-GAAP ratio within the meaning of NI-52-112. Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" later in this press release.Refer to "Chart 1 - Q2 2023 - Mine OCF Calculation and Cash Reconciliation (in $ millions)" for a reconciliation of the beginning and ending cash position of the Company, including OCF.The depletion for the quarter was calculated on the basis of the San Albino mine plan only; going forward, depletion will incorporate Las Conchitas material as well, substantially decreasing this expense.Growth $1.4 million in exploration and evaluation expenses ($0.5 million in areas surrounding San Albino and approx. $1.0 million at Las Conchitas).Permits to begin extracting and processing material from Las Conchitas were received in June, with processing beginning in late July.Subsequent to June 30th, 2023On July 7, 2023, and on August 3, 2023, the Company delivered 17,190 and 16,367 oz of silver to Sailfish in lieu of $0.4 million and $0.4 million cash, respectively.On August 23rd, 2023, the Wexford Loan was expanded by an additional $2 million to ensure the Company has a sufficient amount of working capital during the ramp up of Las Conchitas (see full details below under Loan Agreement)Akiba Leisman, Chief Executive Officer, states that "Q2 2023 was the eighth full quarter of financial results since declaring commercial production at San Albino. Mine Operating Cash Flow and Adjusted EBITDA of $4.9 and $4.0 million, respectively, reflect that the Company was processing approximately 35% run of mine material (with the rest coming from lower grade stockpiles), instead of the normal 50% run of mine material prior to permits being received at Las Conchitas. Permits at Las Conchitas were subsequently received in June, with material from Las Conchitas beginning to be processed at the end of July. In this context, the Company reported Cash Costs of 995 $/Oz sold, Total Cash Costs of 1,090 $/Oz sold, and AISC at 1,322 $/Oz during the quarter. Q2 2023 is the last quarter the Company will be reporting a depletion and depreciation expense ($3.9 million) solely on the basis of the San Albino mine plan. The net book value of our Mineral Property and Plant are now just $3.2 million and $14.1 million respectively, compared to a cost of $14.8 million and $38.7 million as of year-end 2022. The remaining net book value is a tiny fraction of its net realizable value including the Las Conchitas resource, which will lead to materially lower depletion and depreciation expenses going forward. The maiden resource estimate at Las Conchitas will be released shortly." Table 1 - RevenueRealized price before deductions from Sailfish gold streaming agreement.Table 2 - Operating and Financial DataRefers to a Non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of NI 52-112). Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" as well as the reconciliations later in this press release.Refers to a Non-GAAP ratio within the meaning of NI-52-112. Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" later in this press release.Realized price before deductions from Sailfish gold streaming agreement.Table 3 - EBITDA ReconciliationRefers to a Non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of NI 52-112. Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" later in this press release.Chart Q2 2023 - Mine OCF Calculation and Cash Reconciliation (in $ millions)Refers to Non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of NI 52-112. Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" later in this press release.Includes all expenses incurred to sustain operations. Excludes Nicaraguan Taxes and Royalties, changes in Non-cash Working Capital, and Exploration expenses.Loan AgreementThe Company also announces that it has entered into a further amendment to the loan agreement dated February 20, 2020 (as amended, the "Existing Loan Agreement") between the Company, Wexford Capital LP ("Wexford") and the Lenders (as hereinafter defined) pursuant to which, among other things, Wexford Catalyst Trading Limited, Wexford Spectrum Trading Limited and Wexford Focused Trading Limited (together with Debello Trading Limited, collectively, the "Lenders") have agreed to make an additional loan to the Company in the principal amount of US$2,000,000 (the "Incremental Loan") subject to the terms of the Existing Loan Agreement.The Company proposes to use the proceeds from the Incremental Loan for, among other things, its ongoing activities in Nicaragua and for general corporate purposes.Funds managed by Wexford beneficially own an aggregate of 36,462,623 common shares of the Company, representing approximately 55.4% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares. Accordingly, the Incremental Loan constitutes a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101") as a result of the Company entering into the Loan Amending Agreement with the Lenders and Wexford Capital LP, who are related parties of the Company. Pursuant to Section 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(f) of MI 61-101, the Company is exempt from obtaining a formal valuation and minority approval of the Company's shareholders for the Incremental
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-23 22:00:31

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Franchisee gets $10,000 for Referring a New Franchisee to the BrandORLANDO, FL / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / MassageLuXe, a leading name in the wellness and spa industry, is delighted to welcome Laura Lynn as the newest franchisee to join its growing network in the Orlando market. Alongside this exciting addition to the franchise family, MassageLuXe is thrilled to announce an exclusive cash prize handout as part of its highly rewarding franchisee referral program.As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive franchise community, MassageLuXe's referral program offers a unique opportunity for existing franchisees to be rewarded for recommending new individuals to join the franchise network. Through this program, franchisees have the chance to earn an impressive $10,000 cash prize for each successful referral they make."Our franchisee referral program is a testament to the strong sense of community and collaboration within the MassageLuXe network. It's a win-win situation where our existing franchisees benefit from the opportunity to earn a substantial cash prize while we gain talented individuals like Laura Lynn, who bring fresh perspectives and insights to our brand." Says MassageLuXe Chief Growth Officer Kristen PechacekLaura Lynn, an avid customer of MassageLuXe Ocoee, a suburb of Orlando, has been a loyal patron of the brand for nearly a year. As a highly successful sales executive in the technology space, Laura was seeking an entrepreneurial venture that aligned with her passion for wellness and exceptional customer experiences. Her genuine love for the MassageLuXe brand, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, made her a perfect fit for becoming a valued franchise partner.Kristen Pechacek further added, "We are ecstatic to have Laura Lynn join the MassageLuXe family as a new franchisee. Her enthusiasm for our brand, coupled with her exceptional background in sales, makes her a fantastic addition to our team. We look forward to supporting her as she embarks on this exciting new journey." Laura Lynn expressed her excitement about this new chapter in her life, stating, "I am thrilled to become a part of the MassageLuXe franchise family. As a loyal customer, I have experienced firsthand the exceptional level of service and care the brand provides. I am confident that with the support of MassageLuXe, I can make a positive impact in the Orlando market and deliver the same outstanding experiences to our valued customers." With Laura Lynn's addition to the franchise and the attractive incentives offered through the franchisee referral program, MassageLuXe continues to cement its position as a leader in the wellness industry. The brand's dedication to excellence, outstanding customer service, and commitment to its franchise partners remain at the core of its continued success.To learn more about MassageLuXe, visit https://massageluxe.com/ For more information about MassageLuXe franchising, visit https://franchise.massageluxe.com/ About MassageLuXeFounded in 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri, MassageLuXe is a fast-growing franchise-based spa company with a mission to provide an unparalleled experience that supports and encourages health, well-being, and quality of life. MassageLuXe delivers the highest quality massage, facial, and waxing services in a comfortable, relaxing, and luxurious environment.Massage is a service that improves health, promotes relaxation and overall well-being for the consumer, and has been practiced throughout the world for thousands of years. MassageLuXe currently has more than 80 locations and will surpass 100 locations in early 2024.Media Contact:Nancy Bostrom919- 459.8163nbostrom@919 marketing.com SOURCE: MassageLuXe
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-23 16:18:12

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Originally published on TriplePunditNORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / New Zealand's government has an ambitious plan for its agricultural sector to be "the world's most sustainable provider of high-value food and fiber products." The roadmap for the sector includes targets such as adding $44 billion to food and fiber exports by 2030 while slashing sector emissions by 10 percent.Looking for a sustainable red meat? Try New Zealand grass-fed beef or lamb.Raising cattle and other livestock creates greenhouse gas emissions and uses more water than vegetable, grain and legume production. However, cattle and sheep farmers in New Zealand are cutting emissions and growing livestock in areas otherwise unsuitable for vegetable and grain production."The way we farm our beef in New Zealand is different from what a lot of the world does," said Kate Acland, farmer and chair of the farmer-owned industry organization Beef + Lamb New Zealand. "The carbon footprint of New Zealand lamb and beef is among the lowest in the world." Acland farms with her husband and three children on a 10,000-acre plot called Mount Somers Station on New Zealand's southern island. They raise sheep, deer, bees, and both beef and dairy cattle in a temperate climate, between 1,600 and 2,600 feet above sea level."Our beef [cattle] run on hills where we can't grow crops," Acland said. "They are outside all year round and not under irrigation. Our water use is rain." Because New Zealand is an island nation with limited space, farmers are often more focused on creating efficiencies rather than scaling up, and greater farming efficiencies leads to greater sustainability gains."Since 1990, we have reduced our carbon footprint by 30 percent, but we are still producing the same kilograms of product," Acland explained. "We continue to chase and pursue efficiency for the health of our planet and the health of our balance sheet." For example, the number of lambs that each ewe gives birth to has been steadily increasing over the last 10 years. When one ewe can give birth to two or more lambs, the lamb production has a smaller carbon footprint. When farmers can finish their grass-fed livestock to heavier weights in a shorter amount of time, the carbon emissions per product also decreases.Livestock farmers like Acland also leverage practices that help the surrounding ecosystem, such as running animals as a large group in different fields on a rotating basis, known as rotational grazing. More time between grazing allows the grasslands to recover and roots to grow deeper.When it comes to practices that promote biodiversity, "people do it because it's the right thing to do," Acland said. New Zealand's livestock farming sector has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2050, and all major farming sectors in the country have signed an industry-wide pledge to measure, report and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.New Zealand's approach to wineAcland spends most of her time as a sheep and cattle farmer, but her background is in wine grapes, and she maintains a vineyard in addition to Mount Somers Station. She grows her wine grapes using regenerative methods such as intercropping, the practice of growing cover crops between rows of cash crops, and composting, using the spent grape skins from the winery to mulch the vines."We maintain diverse grasses underneath the vineyard, such as rye grass, clover and chicory," Acland said. "We have about 16 different species that are under the vineyards. We let them go to flower. When we mow, we mow with a side throw so it goes underneath the vines and adds to organic matter. Our soil is sandy, and our soil [organic matter] is depleted. We are trying to build it up." Wine grapes are New Zealand's largest horticultural crop by area. And almost all wine in New Zealand comes from farms that participate in Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, an industry-wide certification program that has been in place since 1995, Acland said. The program covers all aspects of sustainability, from climate to chemical use to labor rights for workers."There is a strong consumer demand for sustainably certified wines," said Edwin Massey, general manager sustainability for New Zealand Winegrowers, the national organization for the country's grape and wine sector. "This demand is growing through demographic change: Younger people are drinking less alcohol overall, but when they choose to drink, they are more often choosing premium products that connect with their ethics and values. Having a robust sustainability certification process helps assure these consumers that New Zealand wine is the right choice for them." The New Zealand wine sector has set sustainability goals that are critical to the future success of the industry. New Zealand wine is differentiated by the country's cool climate and water supply, meaning that working to mitigate climate change is in the best interest of vintners and other industry stakeholders. Research is currently underway to identify vines resilient to disease and pest pressure and that are more drought tolerant, Massey said.Meanwhile, consumer demand for New Zealand wine is strong. "Demand for New Zealand wine continues to outstrip supply and is the key reason why New Zealand proudly occupies some of the highest price points in any market we export to," said Charlotte Read, general manager of marketing for New Zealand Winegrowers. "New Zealand wine exports have surged to new record levels with their largest ever one-year growth, lifting 25 percent in value to NZD$2.4 billion [about US$1.5 billion]."Although New Zealand produces less than 2 percent of global supply, the country is now the sixth largest exporter of wine by value, Read said.Kiwifruit is kingWhile wine grapes are New Zealand's biggest horticultural crop by area, kiwifruit are its biggest horticultural crop by economic value. Kiwifruit is a $2.6 billion sector in New Zealand, with most of the farms found in the Bay of Plenty. Zespri is the marketer for the country's kiwifruit industry and handles exportation, marketing, and distribution of New Zealand kiwis to over 50 countries worldwide, including the U.S.New Zealand kiwifruit production increased by close to 70 percent between 2010 and 2019, and at the same time, the industry improved efficiencies on-farm and in packing and shipping that accounted for a 24 percent drop in greenhouse gas emissions."We're starting from a strong base in terms of already treading fairly lightly on the land, but as an industry, we're making steady progress on improving environmental practices bo
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-23 09:00:29

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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Power Nickel Inc. (the "Company" or "Power Nickel") (TSXV:PNPN)(OTCQB:PNPNF)(Frankfurt:IVV) is pleased to report that it has commenced its fall drilling program with the drilling of the deep target hole PN-23-036, identified as #1 in Figure 1.Figure 1: 2023 Fall Drilling Program, Nisk Main Zone Longitudinal Section. Proposed hole number also refers to the anticipated drilling sequence. The hole is testing at depth an area to the east of two of the best holes, PN-22-009 and PN-23-035 as noted in Figures 1 and 2.Figure 2: 2021-2023 Drilling Results, Nisk Main Zone Longitudinal SectionPN-23-036 is approximately 300 metres south and east of holes PN-22-009 and PN-23-035 holes. We would anticipate hitting the massive sulfide body at a vertical depth of 390 metres. This will be the first in a series of deeper holes testing some of the best previous holes where they were open at depth.This drill program will test a series of airborne EM targets hosted by the Ultramafic body (Figure 3). The areas targeted by the currently planned drilling is also further corroborated by the Ambient Noise Tomograpy (ANT) surveys being completed by contractor Fleet Space Technologies. (For a video on this technology https://fleetspace.com/mineral-exploration) . In addition, downhole EM will complement the ANT and the ongoing target generation for massive sulfide zones hosted by the ultramafic body.Figure 3: 2023 Drilling Results & Drill Targets, Nisk Main Zone, Plan MapThe plan is for a second drill to be mobilized in late September to drill several holes to follow up the results from drill hole 23-031A in the Wildcat area (Figure 4), approximately 4 km northeast of the main Nisk Zone. This drill hole intersected 20.76 grams of Platinum, 5.71 grams of Palladium, 1.47% of Cu, and 0.28 grams of gold over 7.75 metres at a downhole depth of 60 metres.Figure 4: 2023 Drilling Results, Wildcat Zone, Plan MapQualified PersonKenneth Williamson, Geo, M.Sc., VP Exploration at Power Nickel, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.About Power Nickel Inc.Power Nickel is a Canadian junior exploration company focusing on developing the High-Grade Nisk project into Canada's first Carbon Neutral Nickel mine.On February 1, 2021, Power Nickel (then called Chilean Metals) completed the acquisition of its option to acquire up to 80% of the Nisk project from Critical Elements Lithium Corp. (CRE: TSXV). Subsequently, Power Nickel has exercised its option to acquire 50% of the Nisk Project and delivered notice to Critical Elements that it intends to exercise its second option to bring its ownership to 80%. The last remaining commitment to activate this exercise of the option is the delivery of a NI-43-101 Technical report which is anticipated to occur at the latest in Q4 2023.The NISK property comprises a significant land position (20 kilometers of strike length) with numerous high-grade intercepts. Power Nickel is focused on expanding the historical high-grade nickel-copper PGE mineralization with a series of drill programs designed to test the initial Nisk discovery zone and to explore the land package for adjacent potential Nickel deposits.In addition to the Nisk project, Power Nickel owns significant land packages in British Colombia and Chile. Power Nickel is expected to reorganize these assets in a related public vehicle through a plan of arrangement.Power Nickel announced on June 8, 2021, that an agreement had been made to complete the 100% acquisition of its Golden Ivan project in the heart of the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle has reported mineral resources (past production and current resources) in 130 million ounces of gold, 800 million ounces of silver, and 40 billion pounds of copper (Resource World). This property hosts two known mineral showings (gold ore and Magee) and a portion of the past-producing Silverado mine, reportedly exploited between 1921 and 1939. These mineral showings are Polymetallic veins containing quantities of silver, lead, zinc, plus/minus gold, and plus/minus copper.Power Nickel is also 100 percent owner of five properties comprising over 50,000 acres strategically located in the prolific iron-oxide-copper-gold belt of northern Chile. It also owns a 3-per-cent NSR royalty interest on any future production from the Copaquire copper-molybdenum deposit sold to a subsidiary of Teck Resources Inc. Under the terms of the sale agreement, Teck has the right to acquire one-third of the 3-per-cent NSR for $3 million at any time. The Copaquire property borders Teck's producing Quebrada Blanca copper mine in Chile's first region.For further information on Power Nickel Inc., please contact:Mr. Terry Lynch, CEO647-448-8044terry@ powernickel.com For further information, readers are encouraged to contact:Power Nickel Inc.The Canadian Venture Building 82 Richmond St East, Suite 202 Toronto, ONNeither the TSX Venture Exchange nor it's Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis message contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" concerning the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "indicates," "opportunity," "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, among others, the timing for the Company to close the private placement or the second Nisk option or risk that such transactions do not close at all; raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward; to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; to explore and develop its projects; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-23 05:58:05

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 22, 2023 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, reminds investors of a class action lawsuit against Verizon Communications Inc. ("Verizon" or "the Company") (NYSE:VZ) for violations of 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.Investors who purchased the Company's securities between February 4, 2020 and July 26, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"), are encouraged to contact the firm before October 2, 2023.If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com , or by email at bschall@ schallfirm.com The class, in this case, has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member.According to the Complaint, the Company made false and misleading statements to the market. Verizon owns cables buried throughout the country wrapped in toxic lead. The Company faces risk of regulation, litigation, and reputational harm based on the toxic tables it owns. The Company was warned about the dangers presented by these cables but did not disclose this to employees or the general public. Based on these facts, the Company's public statements were false and materially misleading throughout the class period. When the market learned the truth about Verizon, investors suffered damages.Join the case to recover your losses.The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.CONTACT:Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.55 Broadway, Suite #427New York, NY 10006jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-23 20:16:47

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp. ( TSX.V:PGE)(OTCQB:PGEZF) (the "Company" or "Stillwater") is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Nora Pincus as an Independent Director.Ms. Pincus is a veteran resource industry professional with over 15 years of global experience, including senior legal, mine financing, and commercial roles. Throughout her career, Ms. Pincus has worked for both junior and major mining companies with projects and operations in North and South America, Africa, Australia and Asia. She has substantial experience in M&A and capital market transactions in the mining and metals sectors, having served as lead counsel on a number of notable global mining transactions. Ms. Pincus is currently Managing Director with Nebari Partners, LLC, a private capital provider focused on the mining sector. Prior to joining Nebari, Ms. Pincus was General Counsel of Boart Longyear, a global drilling services, equipment and mining technology company, and was a partner at several boutique and international law firms. A Montana native, Ms. Pincus received a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver.President & CEO, Michael Rowley commented, "We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Nora Pincus as an Independent Director. In addition to her extensive legal expertise, she brings a background in mine finance and M&A that adds further depth to the existing board in these essential areas. As a Montana native, she is well-connected locally and has a strong understanding of the state's resource industries, including the significant on-going production of a number of commodities at mines and refineries. That local expertise is complemented by extensive international experience which provides her with strong connections in the finance, investment, regulatory and legal sectors." "Our 2023 drill program is underway now at Stillwater West with a focus on expansion of the NI43-101-compliant resource announced earlier this year. This is our first campaign under the direction of Dr. Danie Grobler and the first with Glencore as a strategic investor. We look forward to providing further updates as we advance the asset towards its potential as a primary US-based source of battery and catalytic metals." Upcoming PresentationsOn August 24th at 8:30 am PT (11:30am ET), Stillwater President and CEO, Michael Rowley, will provide an overview and update on the Company, with a focus on the Stillwater West project, live at the Clean Energy Metals Virtual Investor Conference, hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com . Click here to register.Option GrantThe Company further announces it has granted 1.34 million incentive stock options (the "Options") to certain Directors and Officers of the Company, plus additional Options to certain employees and consultants of the Company. The Options are exercisable for up to five years, expiring on August 23, 2028, and each Option will allow the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.17 per share.About Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp.Stillwater Critical Minerals ( TSX.V:PGE | OTCQB:PGEZF) is a mineral exploration company focused on its flagship Stillwater West Ni-PGE-Cu-Co + Au project in the iconic and famously productive Stillwater mining district in Montana, USA. With the addition of two renowned Bushveld and Platreef geologists to the team and a strategic investment by Glencore, the Company is well positioned to advance the next phase of large-scale critical mineral supply from this world-class American district, building on past production of nickel, copper, and chromium, and the on-going production of platinum group and other metals by neighboring Sibanye-Stillwater. An expanded NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate, released January 2023, delineates a compelling suite of critical minerals contained within five Platreef-style nickel and copper sulphide deposits at Stillwater West, which host a total of 1.6 billion pounds of nickel, copper and cobalt, and 3.8 million ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium, and gold, and remains open for expansion along trend and at depth.Stillwater Critical Minerals also holds the high-grade Black Lake-Drayton Gold project adjacent to Treasury Metals' development-stage Goliath Gold Complex in northwest Ontario, currently under an earn-in agreement with Heritage Mining, and the Kluane PGE-Ni-Cu-Co critical minerals project on trend with Nickel Creek Platinums Wellgreen deposit in Canadas Yukon Territory.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:Michael Rowley, President, CEO & Director - Stillwater Critical MineralsEmail: info@ criticalminerals.com Phone: (604) 357 4790Web: http://criticalminerals.com Toll Free: (888) 432 0075Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Stillwater Critical Minerals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment br
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-23 10:59:19

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The global swarm robotics market report is a comprehensive report that provides a detailed analysis of the current status and future trends of the swarm robotics market worldwide. This report provides valuable information to industry stakeholders by offering an in-depth perspective on market dynamics, competitive landscape, growth opportunities, and key challenges faced by industry participants.From the perspective of market dynamics, this report explores the factors driving the growth of the swarm robotics market. This includes the increasing demand for swarm robotics products due to changes in consumer preferences, technological advancements, and the demand for more efficient and sustainable solutions. Additionally, government regulations and initiatives to promote the adoption of swarm robotics products also contribute to market growth. On the other hand, this report identifies and analyzes factors that may hinder market growth, such as economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and intense competition in the market.Request for Sample Report:The competitive landscape section of the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the leading companies operating in the swarm robotics market. It introduces the major companies, their business strategy, product portfolio, recent trends, and financial performance. This analysis provides valuable insights for market stakeholders to understand the intensity of competition in the market and gain an insightful view of the strategies adopted by major market players to maintain their position.Some of the major companies in the Swarm Robotics market are as follows: Boeing, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, DO Bots, EPFL, Exyn Technologies, Hydromea, IRRC, Idaho National Laboratory, Machine Intelligence Lab, Robotics Inventions, Scientific Systems Company, Sentien Robotics, Spaxels, SwarmFarm Robotics, TU DelftBy segmenting the market, the report provides a detailed understanding of each segment by analyzing market size, growth potential, and key trends within each segment. Through this detailed analysis, industry participants can identify profitable opportunities, develop strategies tailored to specific customer segments, and allocate resources effectively.Market Segmentation:Type: Industrial Robots, Mobile Robots, Service Robots, OthersApplication: Distributed Sensing Tasks, Mining or Agricultural Foraging, Post-disaster Relief, Target Searching, Military Applications, OthersIdentifying growth opportunities is crucial for companies operating in the swarm robotics market. This report focuses on highlighting these opportunities by analyzing emerging technologies, market trends, and changing customer needs that have the potential to shape the future of the market. By identifying untapped market segments, geographies with high growth potential, and innovative product development strategies, this report supports stakeholders in harnessing these opportunities and leading business growth.In addition, this report addresses the key challenges faced by industry participants. It provides insightful information on challenges such as intense market competition, price pressure, regulatory compliance, and technological confusion. By understanding these challenges, companies can develop effective mitigation strategies and adapt to a constantly changing market environment. This enables them to ensure sustainable growth.The regional analysis section of the global swarm robotics market report thoroughly evaluates the market in various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. This section provides valuable information on market size, growth potential, and key market trends specific to each region.Market by Regions:North AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyU.K.FranceItalySpainRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaIndiaJapanRest of Asia PacificMiddle East & AfricaGCCSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoRest of Latin AmericaThis report provides a comprehensive assessment of the swarm robotics market in these specific regions, enabling stakeholders to understand regional differences, market potential, and growth prospects. This provides valuable insights that help make informed decisions related to market entry, expansion strategies, and resource allocation. Additionally, understanding the regulatory landscape and market dynamics in each region is useful for companies to comply with regulatory requirements and adjust their business strategies to fit specific markets.Overall, the global swarm robotics market report strives to provide comprehensive and practical information to industry stakeholders. By offering a deep understanding of market trends, competitive dynamics, growth opportunities, and potential risks, this report plays a valuable role as a tool for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and investors. Through this information, they are able to make informed business decisions and execute successful strategies in the dynamic and evolving swarm robotics market.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-23 20:00:38

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Connect with Switchfly at WELCOA Summit 2023 & HR Tech 2023DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Switchfly, a pioneering travel experience platform for making memorable moments, will give HR, business, and health professionals the opportunity to try the Switchfly direct-to-book travel experience at the WELCOA Summit and HR Tech 2023. In the last 18 months, Switchfly has seen exponential growth in the addition of travel rewards to workplace programs for employee recognition and well-being. Switchfly integrates the power of travel benefits for employers with exceptional end-to-end travel experiences for employees, making Switchfly the preferred travel rewards provider for a growing list of global brands."Employees value travel benefits in ways no other rewards offering can match," said Nowell Outlaw, CEO of Switchfly. "As HR professionals seek to increase the value of their programs, they're finding travel benefits deliver exceptional ROI to individual employees and their organizations. We're excited to connect with HR leaders at two of the top HR conferences this fall to share our insights on increasing employee retention and engagement with travel." Switchfly is a Silver Sponsor for both WELCOA Summit and HR Tech 2023:WELCOA Summit, Sep 25-28, 2023 (Wellness Council of America)Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego, CABooth #2500 at HR Tech Conference & Exposition, Oct 10-13, 2023 (Human Resource Executive)Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NVAbout SwitchflyTravel connects the world. A great travel experience unites a customer to a brand, an employee to the workplace, and diverse cultures to each other. Switchfly connects all the disparate partners - from flights and hotels to car rentals, traveler support, and customer loyalty - into one seamless experience. Switchfly's travel loyalty and e-commerce platform enables the world's best airlines, financial services, hotels, and employee rewards and recognition vendors to drive incremental revenues, maximize conversion rates and increase consumer engagement through relevant, personalized experiences for their customers. For more information, please visit www.switchfly.com Contact: James Houchin at media@ switchfly.com SOURCE: Switchfly
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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / AcreCommentary from Acre's Harco Leertouwer for CFO, published on 06/07/23. Orginal Source: De EU Taxonomie: gedrocht of kans op heldenrol' voor de CFO?, Authors: Jaime Donata and Jan Jaap Omvlee. Originally posted in Dutch, this is a translation of the original text.What will the new classification system mean for the CFO and the financial organization? A tour of four experts.The EU Taxonomy came into effect on January 1, 2022; the classification system that indicates whether an activity or investment is sustainable. The aim is to make the economy more sustainable by redirecting cash flows to demonstrably sustainable activities and making it easier for investors to opt for sustainable investments. At the moment, however, the classification is insufficiently clear to provide a proper insight into the sustainability of companies. There is a lot of room for interpretation leading to a variety of outcomes. That doesn't make the job of the CFO any easier. If only because the EU Taxonomy - an independent law - applies to all companies that fall under the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) and soon under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). In addition, it also applies to the financial sector - banks, insurers and asset managers - which must report under the SFDR (Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation).Where is the EU Taxonomy now? And what will the new classification system mean for the CFO and the financial organization? In the latest CFO Magazine, CFOs, experts and an EU politician had their say. This week we publish these three articles about the EU Taxonomy separately on CFO.nl Six objectives, three criteriaEurope will meet the climate targets in 2050; that is the ultimate goal of the European Green Deal, with which Europe wants to contain the increasing warming and disruption of climate and biodiversity. The EU Taxonomy is one of the tools to achieve that goal, through investment decisions by companies and investors. The EU Taxonomy should ensure that investments can be better compared with each other but should also provide companies with a checklist with which they can shape their own sustainability agenda.An additional goal is to prevent 'greenwashing' - misleading green marketing - and to facilitate labelling and raising capital for sustainable activities.The EU Taxonomy assesses the sustainability of companies' economic activities. Larger companies and financial institutions must report on this and make their reports public.There are six environmental objectives against which activities and investments are assessed:climate change mitigation;adaptation to climate change;the sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources;the transition to a circular economy;pollution prevention and control;the protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems.However , business activities are additionally assessed against three criteria: 1) the investment or activity must make a substantial contribution to one of the six objectives; 2) the investment or activity must not cause significant damage to one of the five other objectives (Do no Significant Harm or 'DNSH') 3) the activity must take place in accordance with established (social) minimum guarantees and with due observance of the OECD guidelines and UN Principles on Business and Human Rights.One system, different interpretationsThe EU Taxonomy has the ambition to describe as concretely as possible those parts of the economy where the greatest gains can be made when it comes to reducing (mitigating) climate change and adaptation. The EU Taxonomy forces companies to analyze and report activities in a different way - a task that often ends up on the plate of the CFO. Over the last two years 2021-2022, all listed companies in the EU with more than 500 employees, as part of their so-called non-financial reporting, have had to indicate what part of their turnover and investments fall under activities that have been designated by the EU Taxonomy as 'most relevant to the climate'. For 2022, companies have already indicated which of these activities will actually be carried out 'green'.From 2025, it will also be the turn of the large European private companies. They will soon also have to report on the EU Taxonomy and thus also collect new data.KPMG researchIn 2022, consultancy firm KPMG mapped out how companies will work in 2021 when reporting according to the EU Taxonomy. The consultancy firm analyzed 34 EU Taxonomy reports from Dutch companies for 2021 - and came to the conclusion that reporting activities and revenue streams that fall within the EU Taxonomy domains is still quite complicated for some companies.Gijs de Graaff, Director Sustainability Reporting & EU Taxonomy at KPMG, who led the research notes: "Companies interpret similar types of income in different ways to determine whether their activities are 'substantially contributing' to climate change mitigation or adaptation. In addition, we see companies explaining their own activities and revenue streams that fall within the EU Taxonomy domains in a very different degree of detail. It is therefore difficult to compare reports fairly. We also saw that the link between figures and sustainability strategy is still not explained by many," says De Graaff.Specific challenges per sectorDe Graaff saw - and sees - quite a few companies struggling with the interpretation of the classification: "A number of sectors had specific challenges. For example, for a large part of the activities of the telecom sector - investments in the network infrastructure, cables and transmitters that enable teleworking and thus contribute to the mobility issue in a sustainable way - it was not obvious whether or not they fall within the 'green' objectives of the EU Taxonomy. This was confusing for a number of companies we spoke to." In the EU Taxonomy, 'ICT solutions aimed at collecting, transmitting and storing data, as well as modeling and using it' are labeled 'green' when those activities are mainly aimed at providing data and analysis to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions. to make possible.'The EU Taxonomy is also clear about the type of ICT solutions that qualify: "the use of decentralized technologies, the Internet of Things, 5G and artificial intelligence." De Graaff: "But for the telecom sector it was a long time unclear whether investments in fiber and 5G could also fall within the EU Taxonomy. The European Commission has now made it clear that this is not the case. This may have consequences in the future. For example, there are now telecom providers that
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Tribe CEO, Joseph Nakhla, to present live at 9:00 AM PT on Wednesday, September 6, 2023VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Tribe Property Technologies Inc. (TSXV:TRBE); (OTCQB US:TRPTF) ("Tribe" or the "Company"), a leading provider of technology-enabled property management solutions, is pleased to announce that it will be presenting at the Planet MicroCap Showcase: VANCOUVER 2023 investor conference taking place at the Fairmont Waterfront - Vancouver, BC on September 6 and 7. Tribe CEO, Joseph Nakhla, will be providing a live presentation at 9:00 AM PT (12:00 PM ET) on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, where he will discuss the Company's business strategy and outlook.Planet MicroCap Showcase: VANCOUVER 2023Date: Wednesday, September 6, 2023Time: 9:00 AM Pacific Time (12:00 PM Eastern Time)Webcast: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2986/48801 Tribe will also be conducting in-person 1x1 meetings at the conference venue on Thursday September 7, 2023. To register for 1x1 investor meetings with Tribe management, and for additional information on the Planet MicroCap Showcase: VANCOUVER 2023 conference, please visit: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/ About Tribe Property TechnologiesTribe is a property technology company that is digitizing the traditional property management industry. As a rapidly growing tech-forward property management company, Tribe's integrated service-technology delivery model serves the needs of a much wider variety of stakeholders than traditional service providers. Tribe's three revenue pillars are made up of software and service (recurring licensing and management fees), transactional (rent or condo fees, banking services, lease-ups) and digital services and partnership (smart building products, financial and insurance service) revenue. Tribe seeks to acquire highly accretive targets in the fragmented North American property management industry and transform these businesses through streamlining and digitization of operations. Tribe's platform decreases customer acquisition costs, increases retention, and allows for the addition of value-added products and services through the platform. Visit www.tribetech.com for more information.About Planet MicroCapPlanet MicroCap is a global multimedia financial news, publishing and events company focused on news dissemination, providing information, data and analytics for the MicroCap investing community. We have cultivated an active and engaged audience of folks that are interested in learning about and to stay ahead of the curve in the MicroCap space.Tribe Property Technologies Inc."Joseph Nakhla"Chief Executive OfficerTribe Property Technologies Inc.Joseph NakhlaChief Executive Officer1606-1166 Alberni StreetVancouver, British Columbia V6E 3Z3Phone: (604) 343-2601Email: joseph.nakhla@tribetech.com For more information, please contact:Pardeep SanghaInvestor RelationsEmail: ir@ tribetech.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.News Compliments of AccesswireSOURCE: Tribe Property Technologies Inc. via Planet MicroCap
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BIRMINGHAM, UK / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Muslim Marriage Events by UK Muslim Professionals has introduced a ground-breaking project meant to foster meaningful relationships and long-lasting marriages within the UK's Muslim community to address the changing environment of Muslim Matrimonial Events. The way people discover their life mates is about to change due to this innovative approach to matrimonial gatherings, which promotes a more all-encompassing and compatibility-driven approach.The conventional approaches to choosing a life partner have undergone changes as the dynamics of contemporary relationships continue to change. Muslim Marriage Events by UK Muslim Professionals is aware of this change and is responding with a distinctive strategy that focuses on creating a space where like-minded people may interact meaningfully and form true connections.The fundamental tenet of these historic occasions is the conviction that compatibility, shared values, and mutual understanding are the foundation of happy marriages. These events strive to develop relationships that endure the test of time by eschewing the conventional transactional approach and instead fostering an environment of genuine engagement.The initiative's primary tenet is compatibility.Muslim Marriage Events UK prioritize compatibility over other qualities in their effort, in contrast to traditional marital gatherings that frequently focus on superficial ones. The carefully planned activities aim to unite people with comparable ideals, aspirations, and objectives in life. This compatibility-driven strategy tries to raise the possibility of happy, successful marriages.Structured Dialog for Deeper RelationshipsThe creative gatherings are made to encourage structured yet informal interactions that let participants look past outward characteristics. These gatherings foster deeper ties based on similar ideas by giving people a forum to discuss issues like family values, life goals, and personal growth. Attendees are able to have more meaningful conversations thanks to the change from the usual small-talk ambience of traditional gatherings, which eventually results in deeper connections.Muslim Marriage Events by UK Muslim Professionals is a community-driven effort that strives to create a network of support for people looking for life partners. It is more than just a series of events. Attendees can interact with people who have had similar experiences and adventures while also exploring prospective matches at the events. This community-centred strategy emphasizes the value of emotional health and provides a setting where people can connect and understand one another.The UK's Muslim community prides itself on its variety, which Muslim Marriage Events by UK Muslim Professionals celebrate by accepting people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. The initiative attempts to establish an inclusive environment where participants may form connections that go beyond differences and understands that successful marriages can be built across cultural borders.Muslim Marriage Events by UK Muslim Professionals is dedicated to innovation within this framework, even though the fundamentals of tradition continue to be an important part of these events. The program strives to provide an experience that resonates with today's generation while respecting the principles that support happy Muslim weddings by fusing tradition with modern methods.Muslim Marriage Events by UK Muslim Professionals is prepared to completely alter the Muslim dating scene in the UK with the introduction of these ground-breaking matrimonial events. This program reflects the developing nature of relationships in a fast-paced world by placing emphasis on compatibility, meaningful talks, community support, and inclusivity.It's obvious that the strategy employed by Muslim Marriage Events by UK Muslim Professionals meets a real demand for a more considerate and successful manner to locate life mates as the program develops traction and attracts attention within the community. These occasions are well-positioned to influence the future of Muslim marriages in the UK as people look for partnerships based on shared beliefs and sincere connections.Media ContactOrganization: Muslim Marriage Events by UK Muslim ProfessionalsContact Person: Mo AliWebsite: https://muslimmarriageevents.info/ Email: stareventsteam@ live.co.uk Contact Number: +447738638325Address: Fort Dunlop, Regus Office, 115-119, Fort Pkwy, Birmingham B24 9FE,Country: United KingdomSOURCE: Muslim Marriage Events by UK Muslim Professionals
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-23 17:37:44

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NEW YORK, Aug 23, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - The United Nations (UN) Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Blockchain Assurance & Standardization Dynamic Coalition has distributed a suite of blockchain standards authored by the Government Blockchain Association (GBA) including standards for the use of blockchain technology in elections.The GBA Voting Working Group that developed the election standard is comprised of election officials, election systems vendors, and blockchain experts from around the world. They are driven by a desire to make elections trustworthy and accessible to all voters. According to Utah County Commissioner, Amelia Powers Gardner, "Our county has proven that blockchain technology can secure remote electronic voting, providing access to voters that otherwise could not make it to polls." In addition to local election officials, the group also included blockchain-based election vendors. According to Linda Hutchinson, Director of QA & Compliance at Voatz, "Election officials need to have confidence that the systems they use have been objectively and independently verified as trusted solutions." She goes on to say, "That is why the Voting Working Group is proposing standards for blockchain-based voting systems." The group is seeking comments from experts including local elections officials, election equipment vendors, election administrators, regulators, and observers. Comments are also solicited from policymakers, academics, technologists, and enthusiasts in the fields of blockchain and governance to provide their expertise and insights in an open call for comments on the Blockchain Maturity Model (BMM) Voting Systems Supplement.As technology continues to revolutionize various sectors, the potential of blockchain in transforming the democratic process is undeniable. With its inherent attributes of transparency, immutability, and decentralization, blockchain has the capacity to enhance the integrity and trustworthiness of elections and voting systems worldwide.The UN IGF Blockchain Assurance and Standardization Dynamic Coalition has been diligently working on a comprehensive Blockchain Standard tailored specifically for elections. The standard covers crucial areas including:Identity verification and authentication of votersBallot casting, tracking, and tallying procedures.Ensuring voter privacy and anonymitySecurity measures against cyber threats and attacksTransparency and auditability of the entire processTo download the standards and provide comments please visit the Voting System Supplement Request for Comments page.About the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF)The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a multi-stakeholder platform for discussing public policy issues related to Internet governance. It brings together diverse stakeholders, informs policymakers, shares best practices, and addresses emerging challenges without producing negotiated outcomes. The IGF's mandate includes facilitating discourse between international bodies, advising on Internet accessibility in developing countries, and addressing issues like critical Internet resources and misuse.About the Blockchain Assurance & Standardization Dynamic CoalitionThe Blockchain Assurance & Standardization Coalition is an open, multistakeholder group hosted by the Government Blockchain Association (GBA). It focuses on defining specific areas of blockchain technology, conducting meetings, proposing standardization goals, piloting projects, and publishing results to promote high-quality, interoperable blockchain systems.Contact:Gerard DacheExecutive DirectorGovernment Blockchain AssociationWebsite: https://bit.ly/3qMMoOX
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-23 16:18:00

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PENSACOLA, FL / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Vera Medical Vehicles, in collaboration with Vera Healthcare and its advanced network of clinical providers and healthcare operations facilities, isdeploying a fleet of state-of-the-art healthcare busses to provide dental services and health assessments in Florida. The mobile clinics will make stops in 50 counties across the state to help address healthcare accessibility challenges with collaboration from communities, facilities and organizations in each region."Florida is facing urgent demand for preventive care, and the problem is even more significant for vulnerable aging populations that are often waiting months to schedule appointments through Medicare or Medicaid," said Dharma Nukarapu, founder and CEO of Vera Medical Vehicles. "More than 6.6 million Floridians were living in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) as of September 2020, and by 2035, the population aged 75 and older will increase by 74%. With this initial campaign, we want to demonstrate the untapped potential of mobile clinics to close care gaps and improve access to clinicians." Vera has extensive experience scaling mobile healthcare services. The company rapidly deployed its mobile units in India at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, filling laboratories at rates never seen before and conducting up to 60,000 tests each day."Vera's solutions are uniquely positioned to help bridge healthcare access and affordability gaps, bringing resources and equipment directly to the doorsteps of patients," said Nukarapu. "These services are particularly important in HPSAs where residents such as seniors or mothers with young children at home are otherwise having to travel a substantial distance to receive care." Vera Medical Vehicles is differentiated in its ability to manage both the development and operations of its healthcare busses thanks to the company's collaboration with Vera Healthcare - helping organizations save up to 40% on equipment and procedural expenses. Vera has already completed proof-of-concept demos and gained partnerships for deployment of 51 buses in Florida, which will initially be focused on oral healthcare treatment. Vera is gearing up for larger operations and offering care services at for participating facilities across Florida, with plans to launch similar operations across Missouri, Kansas, North Carolina, Texas and Georgia.To learn more about the Vera Mobile Medical Vehicle campaign, or to sign up your facility for services, please visit www.veramedicalvehicles.com/florida-compaign About Medical VehiclesVera Medical Vehicles has a mission to redefine healthcare access and empower mobility as an instrumental healthcare service platform. Vera is committed to mobilizing any level of healthcare service in providing the same patient outcomes with lower cost. Vera works collaboratively with healthcare providers to ensure they have the best solution to afford and operate services for the long term. To learn more, visit Vera online at www.veramedicalvehicles.com Media Contact:Ryan BogerLargemouth Communications(919) 459-6454ryan@ largemouthpr.com SOURCE: Vera Medical Vehicles
Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) will give leave to firms to list dollar bonds on its trading platform, turning away from a long tradition that only permits the listing of naira corporate notes.

Such bonds will come on board first once the markets watchdog, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), approves the move, while stocks of similar nature will be considered later.

Part of a bigger push to help assuage the pain companies face in sourcing the greenback, which is in short supply in Nigeria, the drive is focusing on firms earning foreign exchange and those based within Nigerias special economic zones.

Our primary objective is to enable these companies to issue bonds denominated in dollars and eventually offer equity in dollars as well, Bloomberg quoted Temi Popoola, the chief executive of NGX, as saying in an interview.

It could potentially address the challenges posed by fluctuations in foreign currency.

Nigeria let the official exchange rate of naira to the US dollar weaken by nearly 40 per cent in June, aiming to close a fast-expanding gulf between it and the black-market rate and achieve a convergence.

The currency reform has bucked expectations, and the spread has since 14 June widened by over 20 per cent, vulnerable to pressures from heaps of unmet dollar demands accumulating for more than three years now.

The outlook is even substantially graver.

Analysts forecast places the short-term official exchange rate anywhere between N1200 and N1500, spooked by a recent estimate by JP Morgan, putting Nigerias net forex reserves at $3.7 billion as of the end of last year, compared to $14 billion a year earlier.

Those two balances contradict the figures previously stated by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which is currently undergoing a forensic audit.

There was no disclosure by the NGX boss of when the policy will kick off, but he intimated that amending the exchanges regulations for that purpose is achievable within a short time.

Allowing some selected companies to pay dividends in dollars is part of the talks with SEC, Mr Popoola added.

According to him, there is a good amount of dollars held by individual and institutional investors, which local capital markets can tap to support more listings.

If the target companies cannot access dollars in our market, many of them may opt to list abroad, he said.

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The federal government, on Wednesday, failed to arraign Godwin Emefiele, the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and his co-defendant, Saadatu Ramallan-Yaro.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, in Abuja, had, last week Tuesday (17 August), rescheduled the arraignment of the defendants for Wednesday. Ms Ramallan-Yaros absence from court was cited for the postponement of the arraignment.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mohammed Abubakar, had informed the trial judge, Hamzat Muazu, that Ms Ramallan-Yaro could not be brought to court due to ill health.

However, on Wednesday, the State Security Service (SSS) failed to bring Mr Emefiele and Ms Ramallan-Yaro to court. Both of the defendants have been in SSS custody.

Neither the prosecution nor the defence teams were in court. Mr Emefieles lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and Ms Ramallan-Yaros counsel, Abdulhakeem Labi-lawal, were absent.

PREMIUM TIMES checks revealed that the case was not listed on Wednesdays cause list, and the DPP, Mr Abubakar was also not in court.

There was no official available to explain what seemed to be an indefinite postponement agreed between the parties to the case and the court.

Background

Mr Emefiele was charged alongside Mrs Ramalan-Yaro, and her company, April 1616 Investment Limited.

Mr Emefiele and Mrs Ramalan-Yaro, a CBN staff member, were accused of conspiracy and procurement fraud involving as much as N6.9 billion.

The charges alleged that Mr Emefiele conferred corrupt advantages on Ms Ramalan-Yaro, using her firm, April 1616 Investment Limited, to execute a series of procurement contracts spanning years.

The government alleged that the defendants committed the offences through the award of contracts to Mrs Ramalan-Yaros company for the supply of cars.

The defendants, allegedly through the corrupt transactions, purchased a fleet of about 100 posh vehicles and armoured buses worth about N6.9 billion.

The alleged corrupt transactions took place between 2018 and 2020, according to the charges.

Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, under which he was charged, provides a five-year jail sentence upon conviction.

Any public officer who uses his office or position to gratify or confer any corrupt or unfair advantage upon himself or any relation or associate of the public officer or any other public officer shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for five years without an option of fine, the law stipulates.

President Bola Tinubu suspended Mr Emefiele as the CBN governor on 9 June. The next day, 10 June, the SSS picked him up in Lagos and flew him to its headquarters in Abuja for interrogation.

Mr Emefiele has since remained in SSS custody. Mrs Ramalan-Yaro, who was arrested alongside her husband, Aminu Yaro, on 12 July, is also still in SSS custody.

This newspaper reported how the FCT High Court ordered the release of the couple on 25 July. But the order was not complied with.

It took an order of the FCT High Court on 13 July, more than a month after the arrest, for the SSS to file the firearms charges against Mr Emefiele.

Subsequently, on 25 July, the SSS arraigned him before the Federal High Court in Lagos on two charges of illegal possession of firearms and live ammunition.

The government subsequently applied to the court to have the firearms possession charges against Mr Emefiele dropped.

PREMIUM TIMES also reported that Mr Emefieles co-defendant in the fresh charges also has a pending money laundering case involving about N140 billion.

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A business mogul and Chair of the BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, has emerged winner of the 2023 Man of the year Leadership Excellence Awards.

In a seven-day Leadership Excellence Awards voting by Nigerians via online platforms, monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Rabiu was voted ahead of three other nominees.

The BUA chairperson polled a total of 568,247 votes to defeat other nominees including Allen Onyema, chair of Air Peace; Auwalu Rano, CEO A.A Rano Nigeria Limited and Aloysius Ikegwuonu, founder, Ebubechukwuzo Foundation; who polled 478,117; 286,374; and 68,352 votes respectively.

The prestigious Leadership Excellence Awards (LEEX Awards), the fifth in a row, is organised annually by IgbereTV that recognises and honours the outstanding impacts of leaders across both the public and private sectors in Nigeria.

LEEX Awards also promotes outstanding leaders and personalities, whose impacts have been felt in Nigerias political, social and economic spheres.

Abdulsamad Rabiu, who was born Aug 4, 1960, in Kano State, is widely known and recognised for his philanthropy across the African continent, through his foundation, the Abdulsamad Rabiu Initiative Africa (ASR Africa).

Mr Rabiu was equally nominated for the Man of the Year award category by Nigerians during the last two editions but lost out to Peter Obi in 2022 and Obi Cubana in 2021.

The BUA founder recently came to the aid of the Nigerian educational system with a 5.5 billion naira grant for infrastructural development to 22 universities and other tertiary institutions. The grant came under the ASR Tertiary Education Grants Scheme.

NAN recalls that the new recipients brought to 30 the number of Nigerian higher institutions that have benefited from the scheme.

Before the new set, eight Universities in Nigeria had benefited from the Scheme, receiving billions of Naira in grants with some of their targeted projects nearing completion.

The LEEX Awards was endorsed in 2020 by the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC), and in 2021 by the African Union Film Institute (AFI).

The award will be presented to Mr Rabiu alongside other winners of the various award categories November 4, 2023 to be held at the Abuja.

(NAN)

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A quarter-century after Netflix transformed the video rental market, its spinoff rental company DVD.com is sending out its final discs to subscribers on September 29. And if you have any DVDs still to be returned, fuck it, says the company, you can just keep them.

"We are not charging for any unreturned discs after 9/29," the company tweeted. "Please enjoy your final shipments for as long as you like!"

According to Vox.com, back in 2011 when Netflix seperated out its DVD rental business, there were 16 million subscribers getting those red envelopes with DVDs inside. Now there's fewer than 1.3 million. "Netflix's streaming service, by comparison, added 5.9 million subscribers last quarter alone, bringing its global total to 238.4 million."

You can still sign up to DVD.com right now and request up to eight discs which you'll get to keep forever,.. or take to the flea market where demand is still surprisingly high.
The Westminster Foundation Democracy (WFD) has called for a review of strategies for achieving womens inclusion following the scandalous reduction in number of women elected during the last general election.

Adebowale Olorunmola, the country director of WFD, stated this on Tuesday during the Political Parties Support dialogue held in Abuja.

The dialogue was on developing modalities for making support to political parties more efficient in the post-2023 elections period.

It was also for development partners to collaborate to improve the performance of political parties and also not duplicate efforts by working in isolation.

Mr Olorunmola said development partners must rethink their strategy in engaging with political parties on womens inclusion in the post-election era.

The outcome of the 2023 elections, and the dismal outcome of having scandalously reduced percentage of women in elective positions, makes it necessary for development partners to rethink the engagement of political parties in the post-election era, he said.

In the 2023 National Assembly elections held on 25 February, 11 women ran for Senate seats while 35 ran for seats in the House of Representatives. At the end of the polls, 14 women were elected into the lower chamber while three others were elected into the upper chamber.

Mr Olorunmola said since 1999, donors and organisations have been giving political parties support but that despite the support the development of political parties has been slow.

Since the return to democratic governance in 1999, stakeholders  civil society groups, implementing partners, and donor agencies  have provided political parties with technical support to improve their operations.

Nonetheless, the development of the political parties has been slow, and has become a source of concern, as citizens dutifully expect better results and democratic dividends, he said.

Speaking on improving political parties, Mr Olorunmola said political parties must shift from tokenism to ideologically driven platforms.

He added that political parties must be opened to attract mass membership and also ensure that they serve the interest of the masses, not the selected few.

Political parties must move from being tokenistic in their commitments towards positive actions to enable internal party democracy, as well as the inclusion of underrepresented groups, specifically women, youths and persons with disabilities.

They must shift from being largely exclusive  and begin to take positive action to become an open platform to attract mass membership, while conducting activities that would ensure that party decisions are taken by members, and in the interest of members, and not a few cliques such that the parties become less personality and money-driven, but driven by what they stand for, he said.

WFD is working with political parties with representation in government, NILDS, and others to improve their inclusive practices, thereby ensuring more effective participation of underprivileged groups in decisions that affect them.

WFD is running the Inclusive and Accountability Programme (IAP) on enlightening political parties in Nigeria.

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Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar on Wednesday visited and commiserated with the families of the deceased crew members of the ill-fated MI-171E Helicopter that crashed in Niger State on 14 August.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Edward Gabkwet, an air commodore, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr Gabkwet said the air chief visited the families in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

While condoling the families over the painful loss, Mr Abubakar said the loss was a major setback for the NAF, which would take the service some time to get over.

He assured the families that the NAF would never abandon them but always stand by them till the end.

He also assured them that the sacrifices of their loved ones would not be in vain, adding that the NAF family, as well as all Nigerians, would forever remember them for giving their lives for the survival of the nation.

The NAF will always stand with you and support you till the end, he said.

In another event, the CAS while interacting with officers and personnel of the NAF unit, appreciated them for their commitment and efforts in the ongoing joint-military operations in the Niger Delta.

He also assured them that the sacrifices of their fallen colleagues would not be in vain, adding that the service would do everything possible to forestall such occurrences in the future.

According to the statement, the NAF MI-171E Helicopter crashed while on a casualty evacuation mission in Niger on 14 August, killing the entire passengers and four NAF crew members on board.

The deceased crew members include Flt.-Lt. Adamu Ibrahim, Flt.-Lt. Anthony Duryumus, Lance Cpl Alaribe Daniel and Lance Cpl Briggs Stephen Peter.

It is important to also mention that two NAF Regiment personnel, Cpl Jauro Amos and Lance Cpl Abdulrahman Abubakar, also lost their lives as part of the Nigerian Army personnel who were recently ambushed and killed by terrorists in Niger State, Mr Gankwet said.

(NAN)

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The police said they have arrested an inspector who was seen in a viral video assaulting an unidentified motorist in Imo State, South-east Nigeria.

The police spokesperson in the state, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

The viral video

In the clip, seen by PREMIUM TIMES, the inspector violently removed the cap of the motorist and hit him with it.

You dont know me? Talk rubbish, and I will beat you up. I will tell my boss they will put you inside the booth. Do you know who you are dealing with? he yelled at the motorist.

How many of your people are inspectors of police? Shut your mouth, he said while slapping the motorist repeatedly.

The motorist did not retaliate.

The incident happened in Owerri, PREMIUM TIMES learnt. But it was not clear when it happened.

Police react

Mr Okoye, an assistant superintendent, said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ahmed Barde, has condemned the inspectors unprofessional conduct.

The police spokesperson said the commissioner also ordered a monitoring team of the police to investigate and identify the inspector for necessary disciplinary action.

He published his telephone number and asked the victim to contact him.

The Nigeria Police Force is a highly disciplined organisation and will never tolerate the misconduct of the officer seen in the video, he said.

In another statement later on Wednesday, Mr Okoye confirmed the arrest of the inspector.

The recalcitrant inspector has been identified; he is currently undergoing an orderly room trial, after which necessary disciplinary action will be taken against him, he stated.

The police spokesperson did not, however, mention the name of the inspector.

Not the first time

The latest incident occurred about four months after the police in Imo State commenced an orderly room trial of six officers who were caught in a video assaulting two people in the state.

The assault on the two unidentified people in the South-eastern state came about two days after the police arraigned an officer who allegedly killed a man in Delta State, South-south Nigeria, over his refusal to give N100 bribe.

The police, in mid-April, also demoted an officer who was filmed slapping a motorist in Rivers State, another state in South-south.

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The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) said it has built about 103 mini-grids nationwide through the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) initiative.

Ahmad Salihijo, the agencys managing director/chief executive officer, disclosed this while speaking during the 10th mini-grid virtual roundtable discussion on Wednesday.

The NEP is a federal government initiative that is private-sector driven and seeks to bridge the energy access deficit by providing electricity to households, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), educational and healthcare facilities in unserved and underserved rural communities through the deployment of mini-grid, Solar Home Systems (SHS), captive power plants and productive use appliances to ensure sustainability of these off-grid solutions.

Speaking during the roundtable discussion, Mr Salihijo said the REA has successfully deployed 103 mini-grids across Nigeria under the Performance Based Grant (PBG) subcomponent of the NEP.

This, he said, signalled a crucial advancement in enhancing electricity access for households, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as public facilities in rural and underserved regions of Nigeria.

The REA was established with the mandate to increase access to electricity by bridging the energy access deficit in Nigeria. Since its inception, we have made significant progress in achieving this goal.

The Agency is implementing various electrification programmes  like the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) targeted at creating lasting impacts by fostering economic growth, improving education, and enhancing the overall quality of life of Nigerians, he said.

He explained that one of the key strategies that the agency is using to achieve this goal is the PBG sub-component.

He said the PBG is a financing mechanism that provides grants to qualified developers to construct and operate mini-grids in rural communities.

So far, Mr Salihijo said the PBG has been very successful in attracting private-sector investments in mini-grids.

Through the NEP, over 80 mini-grids have been completed and commissioned, connecting about 32,000 households, MSMEs, and public facilities and providing clean and reliable electricity.

The Solar Hybrid Mini-grid component has witnessed remarkable success, with a total of 46,661 verified connections made to households, MSMEs, and public facilities, he added.

He said each connection is a step towards bridging the energy gap and fostering economic development.

An additional 281,578 connections are in progress, poised to further expand the projects impact and reach, he noted.

In his remarks, Abba Aliyu, the head of the REA project management unit of the NEP, expressed satisfaction at the accomplishment.

We are thrilled to announce that we have successfully completed and commissioned 103 mini-grids as part of the NEP initiative. This achievement underscores our commitment to providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions to communities that have long been underserved, he said.

Our goal has always been to empower communities with the power of electricity. These 103 mini-grids represent brighter futures, improved livelihoods, and growth opportunities.

According to him, the initiative has already positively impacted over 230,000 people across Nigeria, leading to positive changes in their daily routines, economic activities, and overall quality of life.

The installation of 5.8 MW of photovoltaic (PV) capacity underscores REAs commitment to harnessing renewable energy sources for sustainable power solutions, he added.

He explained that the successful deployment of 103 mini-grids stands as a testament to the projects dedication to creating a brighter and more electrified future for communities throughout Nigeria.

Were not stopping here. Our vision is to keep expanding, keep innovating, and keep bringing light to every corner of this nation, he added.

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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has dismissed allegations that it is owing its security workers over six months salaries.

NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday.

Security workers attached to the commission on Tuesday threatened to carry out a peaceful protest over non-payment of their salaries.

Mr Ughakpoteni said that NDDC was not directly responsible for the payment of salaries to its security workers, who he said are hired by the commissions contractors.

We are aware of the reports in the media claiming that our security workers were threatening to protest non-payment of their monthly salaries.

We wish to state that the commission engages security companies, who in turn employ and pay security guards to work at our various offices to safeguard our facilities.

These service providers are certainly not being owed for six months as alleged in the media reports, he said.

He said the security companies hired by NDDC in Delta and Rivers States had informed the commission in its report that the security personnel had been paid as of 22 August.

There is no basis for the companies to owe their workers arrears of salaries, especially as the contract they signed with NDDC addresses that.

The clause states that the company must have the capacity to pay their staff for at least two months in the event of any delay from the commission.

So, we want to assure the security workers that monies meant for payment of their salaries were not diverted to other businesses as alleged, he added.

Mr Ughakpoteni said the commission has a zero-tolerance policy for corrupt practices and urged members of the public with evidence of such illicit practices to reach out to NDDC for prompt action.

He said the threat by the security officials to protest at the commissions headquarters in Port Harcourt was unacceptable.

According to him, the Samuel Ogbuku-led NDDC has laid the foundation for rapid economic development and sustainable governance structure for effective operations of the commission.

We restated that entrenching the tenets of accountability and transparency in our activities forms part of the thrust of the new NDDC management.

We assure our stakeholders and members of the public that the NDDC management will not be distracted in its resolve to do things differently in developing the Niger Delta, he stated.

(NAN)

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Residents of Jigawa State were not surprised when President Bola Tinubu nominated their immediate past governor, Muhammad Badaru, for ministerial appointment. After all, he was the leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North-western state.

Mr Badaru left office in May at the height of his political power in Jigawa, having virtually handpicked Umar Namadi, a member of the political movement that he founded  the Badaru Disciplines  as his successor.

Unlike in some other states, none of the political elites in Jigawa challenged Mr Namadis nomination. One of the leaders of his group, Zakari Kafin-Hausa, a contractor and politician, was among those who quickly commended the president for the appointment, describing the former governor as a grassroots politician and easygoing person.

However, many eyebrows were raised over his posting to head the defence ministry, given that he was known only as a businessman before he joined politics. Mr Badaru was a dealer in metal scraps before he built his Talamiz Nigeria Limited into a building conglomerate.

He has now joined a long list of Nigerian politicians appointed to head the defence ministry without having a background in the security sector. This has led to concerns in some quarters about his capability to deliver on the job at a time Nigeria is facing diverse security challenges.

Nigerias Northwest geopolitical zone is under the siege of terrorists, locally called bandits. Mass abduction and kidnapping for ransom are rampant in five of the seven states in the region  Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara. The two exceptions have been Mr Badarus Jigawa and its sister state of Kano  the two were a single state until they were split in 1991.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, appointed a retired army general from Zamfara State, Masur Dan-Ali, as defence minister in his first term between 2015 and 2019. Within that period, the ministers home state became the epicentre of banditry, despite the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, also being appointed from the state.

It was thought that the security crisis heightened in Zamfara at the time because Governor Abdulaziz Yari and Mr Dan-Ali were not ready to work together to address the crisis. Mr Yari usually absolved himself of blame by pointing out that he had no control over security personnel despite being the chief security officer of the state, while Mr Dan-Ali alleged a lack of political support for his plans from the state government.

Jigawa also recorded cases of violence by non-state actors between 2015 to 2016 in Gwaram Local Government Area where kidnappers called Yan Leda were active. But between 2017 and early 2018, the criminals faded out. Mr Badaru, at that time, credited his own political will for the development.

Last February, Mr Badaru told the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Councils (PEBEC) Business Made Easy team how his state managed to keep itself relatively safe from banditry in the North-west region.

He said the atrocities were not experienced in Jigawa because his government had addressed the roots of banditry.

He said the administration of Saminu Turaki (1999-2007) allowed the Fulani to use cattle routes and to some extent forest reserves, while disputes between farmers and herders were discussed and resolved amicably.

When Sule Lamido (2007-2015) came, he continued with the initiative, he started providing water in grazing reserves and building schools for nomads. When I came in, I continued with the provision of water and demarcation of cattle routes, Mr Badaru said.

We introduced mobile veterinary services in 30 wards that enable the herders to get veterinary services in their own villages, giving the herders a sense of belonging.

Mr Badaru said the policy averted cattle rustling and killings, adding that it provided the basis for the peace the state was enjoying today.

If suspicious characters come to Jigawa, we get information from resident Fulanis that such people have arrived and we dont trust them, he said.

Mr Badaru said the absence of a similar policy in some states led to banditry that is now rampant in those states.

But this was not handled well in other places and that was why, probably, you see the escalation. And some states got affected by the menace due to their proximity to the banditry-prone states. If they had treated the issue the same way as Jigawa did, that could not have happened, he said.

Truly, in his tenure as governor, Jigawa was one of the relatively peaceful states in the North-west. Should this offer hope that his coming on board as defence minister will positively impact Nigerias security situation, especially in the Northwest?

Promises to review past reports on insecurity

Mr Badaru and his minister of state, Bello Matawalle, on Tuesday, assumed office at the ministrys headquarters in Abuja.

Mr Badaru, in his remarks shortly after officially taking over from Ibrahim Kana, the permanent secretary in the ministry, pledged to review past reports on insecurity in the country.

He said they would not betray the trust of President Tinubu and charged the service chiefs to give him a timeline and requirements to solve Nigerias security challenges.

This timeline and target will be passed on to the president, and trust he will be monitoring us.

The president is ready to give us all the needed support to achieve success because he is an achiever and doesnt have the patience for failure.

For the sake of our country, we know that without security, there will be no investment, and without investment, there will be no economic growth, Mr Badaru said.

The minister assured that his tenure would bring about a remarkable change in the countrys security situation and pledged not to joke with the appointment.

Defence ministry leadership

A mix of security sector professionals and politicians from different backgrounds have run the defence ministry since Nigeria returned to the democratic system of governance in 1999.

The first president, Olusegun Obasanjo, a former army general, appointed another former army general, Yakubu Danjuma, as the defence minister until 2003 when he replaced him with a former governor of Kano, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Yayale Ahmed, who later left the position to become secretary to the government of the federation, succeeded Mr Kwankwaso in 2007 and held the position until 2008. Mustapha Shettima headed the ministry from 2008 to 2009; Godwin Abbe from 2009 to 2010; and Adetokunbo Kayode from 2010 to 2011.

A retired customs officer, Bello Halliru, was the defence minister from 2011 to 2014 and was succeeded by a retired army general, Aliyu Gusau, who headed the ministry until the end of President Goodluck Jonathans administration in 2015.

Mr Dan-Ali, also a retired general from Zamfara, succeeded Mr Gusau while Bashir Magashi from Kano State, also a retired army officer, succeded Mr Dan-Ali

Profile of the new defence minister

Born on 29, September 1962 in Babura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, the new defence minister attended Babura Central Primary School from 1970 and proceeded to the famous Rumfa College, Kano where he completed his secondary education in 1981.

He proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria for his advanced level and later graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accountancy in 1985.

He was employed in the old Kano State civil service as an auditor with the audit department of the Ministry of Finance. He later resigned and established his own business. He incorporated Talamiz Nigeria Limited, which later gave birth to subsidiaries such as Talamiz Motors, Talamiz Consumer Company, Talamiz Transport, Talamiz Commodities, Talamiz Properties, Talamiz Poultry and Farms, and Talamiz Petroleum.

Others in the group include Talamiz Oil Mill Limited, Socar Talamiz Limited, RMR Shipping Bv, AML Bonded Terminal, and ALUAFRIC Cairo. Mr Badaru was also a director of Sahih Nigeria Limited.

He was the President of the Jigawa State Chamber Of Commerce Industries Mines And Agriculture; President of the Nigeria Association Of Chambers Of Commerce, Industries, Mines And Agriculture (NACCIMA); president of Nigeria-Niger Chambers of Commerce; President of the Northern States Chamber of Commerce; Chairman of Board Of Trustees of Northern States Chamber Of Commerce; and Chairman National Association of Road Transport Owners Jigawa State.

Mr Badaru served as a member of the presidential advisory committee on the Industrial Revolution Plan. He was also a board member of the Nigeria/America Chambers Of Commerce and Nigeria Institute Of Industrialist & Corporate Administration. He was also a Board Member of the Nigeria  Belgium Chambers Of Commerce, a member of the National Privatization Council, a member of the National Council on NSME, and a delegate at the National Conference of 2014.

He was a director with the Africa Merchant Bank Limited and Bank of the North Limited, now Unity Bank Plc, and the patron of the Rice Farmers Association, Kano, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Jigawa State.

.

Mr Badaru is a fellow of the Association of National Accountants Of Nigeria, FCNA, and a holder of the title of Member of the Order of the Niger, conferred on him in 2006.

Mr Badaru first ran for governor in 2011, under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) but lost the general election to Governor Sule Lamido of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP. Four years after in 2015 he won the seat under the All Progressive Congress (APC).

He was the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fertiliser and also the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Nonoill Revenue. He chaired the National Election Convention Committee of the APC and was the Chairman Election Committee of the APC.

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Troops of the Nigerian army have killed a suspected member of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and arrested two others who attempted to attack soldiers in Imo State, Nigerias South-east.

The army spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday night, said the incident happened at the armys Forward Operating Base in Ukwuorji along Owerri  Onitsha Expressway in the state.

The irredentist fighters attempted the attack on the troops on 20 August 2023, but met their waterloo, when they came under the superior firepower of the vigilant troops. The troops neutralised one of the fighters, while two others were arrested, as others fled, Mr Nwachukwu, a brigadier-general, said.

One vehicle, a mobile phone, a machete, nine empty cases of expended 7.62 mm special ammunition and one empty case of expended 12.7mm ammunition were recovered from the separatists, according to the army.

Boko Haram insurgents surrender in Borno

Mr Nwachukwu said, in another development, a Boko Haram fighter alongside his wife surrendered to troops of 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison in Gwoza, a local government area in Borno State, North-east Nigeria.

The spokesperson said the terrorists surrendered in response to the troops aggressive combat operations against them in the North-east.

READ ALSO: IPOB accuses Nigerian govt of using Supreme Court to subvert justice for Nnamdi Kanu

One AK-47 rifle and 10 live rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition were among the items recovered from the terrorists, the army said.

Killing of insurgents in Zamfara

Mr Nwachukwu said, in a separate operation on Monday, Nigerian troops ambushed some insurgents who were on a mission to attack Bobo Village in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, north-west Nigeria.

He said troops of One Brigade Garrison operating under Eight Division Area of Responsibility carried out the operation in response to a tip-off.

In a fierce fight with the insurgents, troops eliminated two of the criminals and recovered two AK-47 rifles and four motorcycles, the army spokesperson said.

The army has enjoined Nigerians to support its operations to enhance security across the country, he said.

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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is organising a three-day leadership retreat for governors in Nigeria.

Organisers said the programme, funded by the UNDP, is scheduled for 24-27 August in Kigali, Rwanda.

In an invitation letter to one participant, the UN agency said the retreat is part of its commitment to raising the level of governance in Africa and other parts of the world.

In todays dynamic world, the multiplicity of megatrends  ranging from invisible threats to democratic governance, the impact of an increasingly digital and innovation-driven society, a looming job crisis, a growing youth population with an elusive youth dividend, the rapid pace of urbanisation, a highly globalised world, to rising climate change, pose tremendous challenges for African countries, Lealem Berhand Dinku of UNDP said of the programme. A new leadership approach is required to transform these challenges into opportunities.

The official added, The programme is designed to provide a transformative platform for public officials to collectively reflect, learn and exchange insights on effective leadership and complex challenges. By focusing on experiential learning, exploration and reflection, the distinguished participants will be equipped with the necessary skills and competencies to lead in highly complex and uncertain environments.

Highly-regarded facilitators have been pooled from around the world to facilitate sessions such as Re-imagining and Exploring the Future of Nigeria, Opportunities and Challenges of Contemporary Leadership in a New World, The Future of Development as Influenced by Digital Transformation, Big Data, Disruptive Innovation and Emerging Technologies, Ensuring Socio-economic Transformations: Industrialisation, Agriculture, Climate and Green Transition, Revenue Generation and Resource Mobilisation and Effective Leadership Communication in a Fast-Changing World.

There will also be sessions on The Future of Pan-Africanism and Integration in a Changing World, Managing Diversity and Enhancing Social Cohesion for Socio-economic Transformation, and Personal Mastery: Nurturing Leadership from Within.

Among those lined up to speak at the retreat are Governors Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, and Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Arkebe Oqubay (senior minister and special adviser to the prime minister of Ethiopia), Asishana Okauru, director-general of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Ahunna Eziakonwa, assistant secretary-general and director of UNDPs Regional Bureau for Africa.

The facilitators also include Bosun Tijani, Nigerias minister of communications, innovation and digital economy; Donald Kaberuka, former President of the African Development Bank; Mohammed Yahya, the UNDP resident representative in Nigeria; Olugbenga Adesida, co-founder of the Africa Innovation Summit; William Tsuma, chief innovation officer for UNDP Nigeria; Narue Shiki, a senior adviser for the UNDP in New York; Andrew Mwenda, publisher of The Independent, Uganda; Rachel Nyaradzo Adams, founder and managing director of the Narachi Leadership Centre; Ari Aisen, the resident representative of the International Monetary Fund; Mimi Kalinda, group CEO, Africa Communications Media Group; Tolani Alli, Nigerian documentary photographer; Rubingisa Pudence, mayor of Kigali and Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, mayor of Freetown.

The UNDP says it expects the programme, being organised in partnership with the Nigeria Governors Forum, to equip participating leaders with enhanced leadership skills, knowledge, and the mindset necessary to cultivate the leading of others.

This requires the nurturing of skills to support deep listening and self-awareness. These masteries are key to ensuring that leaders can understand, lead, and make informed decisions for the betterment of their constituents, the UN agency said.

Effective leadership is crucial for navigating the complexities of the emerging world. State governors will have critical roles to play in shaping the future of their states and the country. This proposed programme aims to equip them with the necessary leadership competencies to lead with excellence, foster inclusive governance, drive innovation, build collaborative relationships, and address emerging challenges. By investing in leadership development, we can empower them to lead the transformation of their states and, in turn, Nigeria.

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The Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, says the army would organise more training to rejuvenate the fighting spirit of troops engaged in various operations across the country.

Mr Lagbaja spoke at the opening of a one-day seminar organised by the armys Department of Transformation and Innovation for troops of Nigeria Army 6 Division in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

The seminar had the theme: Intensifying Warrior Ethos, Regimentation in the Nigerian Army, Management of Post Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Drug Substance Abuse.

He said the country was currently faced with a myriad of complex security challenges that put an enormous responsibility on personnel to mitigate the challenges.

To solve this, the army must continue to review its tactics, techniques and procedures, and come up with implementable strategies to defeat the adversaries with both kinetic and non-kinetic means.

Also, worrisome to us is the prevailing incidence of drug and substance abuse as well as PTSD among troops deployed in the theatres of operation across the country.

These concerns necessitated that troops are sensitized to the effect of drug and substance abuse and management of the stress disorder in order to maintain combat effectiveness, he said.

Mr Lagbaja said it was important for army commanders at all levels to redirect their efforts towards restoring the fighting spirit of all troops under their command.

This cannot be achieved without discipline which is the fulcrum on which all aspects of military regimentation rests.

Regimentation helps in creating the bond, cohesion and discipline required for the conduct of military operations.

Hence, this seminar seeks to rekindle the warrior spirit and regimentation in all commanders and their troops through innovative thinking; critical approaches and implementable strategies premised on my command philosophy, he added.

The army chief said the seminar would also be used to rejuvenate the tenets of basic soldering with strict adherence to the traditions, customs, and ethics of the army.

He said the army under his command had taken actionable steps to improve its leadership operational effectiveness and administration  being the focal points of his mission statement.

Lagbaja gave the assurance that the army would continue to remain loyal to the constitutional democratic governance led by President Bola Tinubu in tandem with the interest of well-meaning Nigerians.

(NAN)

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A suspected drug dealer has escaped arrest by knocking down an operative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Femi Babafemi, the agencys spokesperson, in a statement on Wednesday, said the suspect drove his luxury car to crush an officer in his bid to escape arrest when operatives were on a search of his house last weekend.

The operative, whose identity was not revealed, suffered multiple injuries all over his body and compound fracture on his two legs, for which he is currently on hospital admission for treatment.

Subsequently, the agency launched a search party for the suspect.

Interception

NDLEA operatives on Friday, 18 August, stormed the suspects residence located at 2/3 Adetola Ayeni Close, Lekki area of the state, for a search and possible arrest following credible intelligence that he was dealing in illicit drugs.

While the anti-narcotic team was searching his residence, the suspect, oblivious of their presence, drove into his compound.

In a dramatic twist, as soon as he drove into the premises and sighted NDLEA officers, he engaged his car in reverse gear, knocked down one of the officers, pulled down his gate before plunging the vehicle into the fence of the opposite compound, the statement reads.

The force of his cars speed also pulled down the concrete wall of his neighbours compound, and from there, he dived out of the vehicle to escape.

The agency, during the search at his residence, recovered 10.5 kilogrammes of Loud.

Following the unpleasant development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has directed the deployment of appropriate operational assets of the agency to smoke out the wanted suspect from his hiding, Mr Babafemi said.

He also approved adequate medical care for the injured officer so that he can get back on his feet as soon as possible.

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Nigerias ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has appointed Ali Dalori as its deputy national chairman (North) to replace Abubakar Kyari, the minister of Agriculture and Food Security.

Mr Kyari and the National Women Leader, Betta Edu, resigned from the National Working Committee (NWC) on the APC following their appointments as ministers by President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Daloris appointment was announced on Wednesday by the National Secretary of the Party, Ajibola Basiru.

The new deputy chairman served as Borno State APC Chairman.

Also, Mary Idele replaced Mrs Edu, who is now the minister of Humanitarian Affairs. Mrs Idele is from Edo State.

Garba Datti, a former Member of the House of Representatives, has been appointed as the vice chairman (North-west). Mr Datti is replacing Salihu Lukman, who resigned some weeks ago.

Other appointees are the National Legal Adviser, AbdulKarim Kana; National Welfare Secretary, Donatus Nwankpa; Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko and Zonal Organising Secretary (North Central Zone), Ikani Okolo.

Two weeks ago, a former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, assumed office as the APC national chairman. He replaced Abdullahi Adamu, who resigned some weeks earlier.

Also, Mr Basiru replaced Iyiola Omisore who also resigned from office.

Messrs Adamu and Omisore emerged officials of the party as its convention in March 2022.

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Export or perish! Nigeria has mouth-watering basket of goods to export and must seize the opportunity provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. We lost out on the American the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), hence we must not lose out on AfCFTA. The country must also use the digital economy for massive invisible export earnings. To take that leap from consumption into production, it is now or never for Nigeria.

This headline is not meant to frighten the reader. It is a reality check stressing the need to wake up and face a daunting reality with the fierce urgency of now. To paraphrase the opening statement of The Communist Manifesto: a spectre haunts (Nigeria) Taking poetic license on the basis of the current grim reality, a reference needs to be made to our dwindling national revenue, an excruciatingly narrow tax base, and the absurd inability to meet our daily OPEC oil production quota. Nigeria is the only OPEC country that has not benefitted from the distortion brought about by the Russian war on Ukraine. This fact sums up a picture of national underachievement. A currency turmoil, and the continuing erosion of the purchasing power parity, due of the cost-of-living crisis induced by a 42% devaluation of the naira, sums up our season of disequilibrium.

In navigating a way out, we must answer the most essential of questions, which is: What is to be done? Hard-pressed nations boxed into a tight corner have had to answer the same question. While in a similar balance of payments disequilibrium in the 1960s, the Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Pandit Nehru, famously admonished the nation to either export or perish. In like manner, British Prime Minister James Harold Wilson used the same phrase in justifying the unavoidable devaluation of the British currency, the pound sterling, in 1967.

That there is a crisis cannot be denied; the position of the United States bank, JP Morgan, that Nigeria has only N3.4 billion in its foreign exchange reserves contradicts the position of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and it is very important for the CBN to issue a detailed clarification on this.

President Bola Tinubu must now flog the same position, as we try to find a way out of the present crisis. That there is a crisis cannot be denied; the position of the United States bank, JP Morgan, that Nigeria has only N3.4 billion in its foreign exchange reserves contradicts the position of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and it is very important for the CBN to issue a detailed clarification on this. The crisis has come at a time when Nigeria is making a case to join an expanded BRICS, a global economic group consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The current turmoil does not help Nigerias case in this regard.

There is a silver lining on the horizon though. Given his earlier record of sterling achievements, the new Federal Executive will have a very competent economic team coordinated by the highly respected Wale Edun. The team presents an opportunity to make a break from our underachieving past. Any new gain must be institutionalised to make the break irreversible. It should be now or never. The country must go for broke on export. The creation of a Ministry of the Blue Economy is a belated masterstroke. The Ministry must be the engine room, just like a hopefully rejuvenated Ministry of Solid Minerals. Both ministries have the potential to take us on the trajectory towards diversifying and intensifying the depth of our foreign exchange earning base.

Institutions matter. Nigeria needs strong institutions to be competitive. A reformed law enforcement arm and an agile judiciary are crucial to creating a competitive business environment. Seventy two per cent of commercial cases in London have nothing to do with the United Kingdom. In the UK, the judiciary is responsible for 2% of the foreign exchange earning.

It is worth recalling that in the 1960s, the Nigerian Ports Authority contributed a huge chunk of the federal budget. In 1961, the port of Lagos was rated the seventh most efficient port in the world! Today, the demons holding us back must be slayed. Nigeria must have internationally competitive ports to export goods from. If we get it right with a leap and a bound, we are free. Institutions such as Standards Organisation of Nigeria, NAFDAC, etc., must be rebuilt into competitiveness. Institutions matter. Nigeria needs strong institutions to be competitive. A reformed law enforcement arm and an agile judiciary are crucial to creating a competitive business environment. Seventy two per cent of commercial cases in London have nothing to do with the United Kingdom. In the UK, the judiciary is responsible for 2% of the foreign exchange earning. Singapore is another good example of a country where a strong judiciary attracts investments. Qatar, UAE, and others have followed.

Export or perish! Nigeria has mouth-watering basket of goods to export and must seize the opportunity provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. We lost out on the American the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), hence we must not lose out on AfCFTA. The country must also use the digital economy for massive invisible export earnings. To take that leap from consumption into production, it is now or never for Nigeria. It is now or never for our dear country to become highly skilled, competitive and relevant again.

Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, an advocate, strategist and political analyst, is Commissioner for Information in Ondo State. Twitter: @BamideleUpfront; Facebook: facebook.com/Bamidele. BAO

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The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has held a kick-off ceremony marking the commencement of the Cadets Training Programme being organized with Stoilic Shipping Ltd, a renowned maritime training school.

The event was conducted in Apapa, Lagos on 22nd August and was attended by representatives of the NCDMB, Stoilic shipping, and the cadets. The Cadet Sea Time training Programme is offering10 Nigerian cadets real-world experience and hands-on instruction aboard international vessels, giving them the practical skills and information required for a successful career in the maritime sector.

The cadets are expected to receive extensive training in various elements of marine operations, safety protocols, navigation techniques, and industry best practices for 12 months. This hands-on learning will prepare them to effectively acquire their Certificate of Competence (COC) which will prepare them to effectively contribute to the sector and make a positive impact on the nations economy.

The Manager, Human Capacity Development, NCDMB, Mr. Timbiri Augustine, hinted that the training is part of the Boards core mandates, noting that the project started years ago with the training of 20 cadets and over 76 cadets have been trained so far.

He highlighted the sterling role Stoilic Shipping Ltd played in facilitating the training and charged the cadets to be committed to this once in a lifetime opportunity.

The training curriculum was improved by Stoilics experience and competence in maritime solutions and it is expected that the company would provide advanced training modules that would comply with global marine standards, as well as provide training boats, and seasoned and experienced mentors.

The Managing Director of Stoilic Shipping Ltd, Mr. Lotanna Macfoy commended the NCDMB for always seeking to develop the capacity of Nigerians in the maritime sector and other areas of the energy and related industries. He assured that the programme will equip the cadets with skills to become the best version of themselves and urged them to be determined regardless of the challenges they would face in the programme.

The Cadet Sea Time Training Programme is a vital aspect of NCDMBs initiatives to strengthen local content development, increase employment prospects, and increase the participation of Nigerians in the international maritime arena. Equally, the partnership with Stoilic supports the Boards goal of fostering economic development and building sufficient and competent human capacities in all areas of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

The cadets training is part of NCDMBs enduring investments in the Nigerian maritime sector, which is a key component of the oil and gas industry. The training will contribute towards constructing a brighter future for the nations marine landscape by investing in the development of young talents.

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In a deliberate effort to deepen Internet penetration and digital education in the country, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Tuesday commissioned three state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres, with dedicated broadband Internet, in three rural secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State.

The benefiting institutions are Girls High School, Ikot Ibiok, Northern Annang Secondary Commercial School, Utu-Etim-Ekpo, and Government Technical College (GTC), Ikot Uko-Ika. For each of the schools a dedicated block, fully air-conditioned and well-secured with protectors and reinforced metal windows, serves as the ICT Centre.

Each of the centres has 31 units of desktop computers, 31 purpose-built desks and 31 seats, two stools, 25 solar panels (already installed), two 20kVA inverters with 30 pieces of battery, a 20kVAgenerator, a server unit, a printer and a scanner, a router and a dish for Internet services, and a giant smart screen display board with vast teaching and learning potentials.

They represent the latest in the initiatives of the NCDMB in capacity building, with over 15 million training manhours already recorded in diverse skills acquisition and empowerment programmes since the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, came into effect. Many of the 13,000 beneficiaries so far have become successful professionals and entrepreneurs in the industry and related sectors of the economy, including the maritime.

The Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr Simbi Kesiye Wabote, an engineer told Management and staff of Girls High School that the mandate of the Board centres on local capacity development and that it has a deliberate policy to make students familiar with digital tools for learning as a way of enhancing their competitiveness as they progress in education. According to him, the policy is catch them young, which means stimulating their interest in the sciences and engineering at an early age so they could pursue careers in those disciplines as they grow up.

In pursuit of that policy, he explained, the Board is also deliberately promoting science, technology and mathematics (STEM) education in secondary schools across the country to guarantee the development of indigenous manpower to secure the future of the countrys oil and gas country.

The NCDMB boss, who was represented by the Boards General Manager, Corporate Communication and Zonal Coordination, Mrs. Angela Okoro, said the ICT centres would make it possible for the students to have access to the current state of knowledge in all subject areas, as the smart screen and dedicated broadband Internet provide access to the latest publications and research results. The centres also guarantee recognition by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for teaching of ICT-related subjects and the students would be able to prepare and sit for various external exams.

In his own remarks, the NCDMB Zonal Coordinator for Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, Mr. Uduak Obot, said, It is a thing of joy to start a thing and complete it, recounting how work on the ICT centres began few months ago and had thus far been completed. He thanked the principal and staff of the school as well as the contractor of the project for their efforts and quality work.

He told the students that the oil and gas industry is knowledge-based and that they must be ICT-savvy to be sufficiently competitive in that sector. The ICT Centre, he emphasised, elevates the standard of the school, and children of the masses now have access to digital tools that only their counterparts in the expensive private schools have been enjoying over time.

According to him, the dedicated broadband Internet now provided will enable students to read any book anywhere in the world, a fact that makes the facility a library of an advanced nature. Their studies would no longer be hampered by lack of money to buy booksor non-availability of required texts from local bookshops.

His charge to the Management and students of the school as well as the host community: Take full advantage of the facilities; take ownership, adding: NCDMB will be checking on the Centre from time to time. He assured the school that experts would soon be sent by NDCMB, to train all the teachers on how to use the smart screen provided.

The principal, staff and students as well as the Ikot-Ibiok community thanked the NCDMB profusely for establishing such a Centre at their school, assuring the Board that they would ensure the safety of the facilities. A spokesperson for the community, Obonganwan Ekaette Nduese Essien, wife of a former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, said the commissioning was a historic development for the community as it had raised the standard of the school.

The octogenarian recounted how girl-children of the community had been so disadvantaged in the past, without opportunity for secondary school education, until the establishment of the Girls High School. The ICT Centre, she enthused, means young girls would be able now to get the best education without having to travel to distant places.

At Northern Annang Secondary Commercial School and the Government Technical College, NCDMB restated its history and mandate, and explained the importance of the ICT Centres donated to the schools. The Managements of the schools, students and communities were equally appreciative and wished the NCDMB success in all its endeavours. They all promised to protect the facilities.

Other Management staff of the NCDMB at the events included Engr. James Eyefigha (Zonal Coordinator, Edo/Delta), Dr. Emmanuel Ohanyere (Zonal Coordinator, Imo/Abia), Mr. Dala Asangolo (Zonal Coordinator, Rivers/Bayelsa), and Mr. Joseph Adebayo, Project Manager/Zonal Coordinator, Headquarters).

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Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa has written to the states House of Assembly that he will begin a six-day official trip to Rwanda beginning on Wednesday.

The Speaker, Haruna Aliyu, read the governors letter on the floor of the House on Wednesday.

This is to inform the honourable House that I intend to embark on a six-day official trip to Rwanda.

The trip is for a retreat organised by the UNDP and the Nigerian Governors Forum for all governors.

This will be taking place in Kigali from Aug. 23 to Aug. 29, both days inclusive.

This is for the honourable Houses kind information and records, the letter read.

(NAN)

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After three days stranded on a deserted island in the Bahamas, a 64-year-old man was rescued by the US Coast Guard. The man had written SOS in the sand and fired flares into the sky. Apparently his sailboat had become disabled.

The Coast Guard Air Station Miami sent an aircraft to drop food and a radio to the man until a ship could pick him up.

"We're proud to have saved this man's life. This case serves as a perfect example of why you must have the proper safety equipment on your vessel," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Dev Craig, a Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstander. "Without seeing the flare, the case may not have had a successful outcome."

Gilligan could not be reached for comment.

(Local10 via Fark)
SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dia de los Muertos at Hemisfair, also known as Muertos Fest, is excited to announce the production of its 11th annual festival to be held on Saturday, October 28, and Sunday, October 29, 2023. Following the tremendous growth and success of last year's event, which drew an impressive 135,000 attendees, this year's free festival promises to be even more spectacular.

The 80 plus community altars built throughout the festival grounds are the heart of Dia de los Muertos at Hemisfair. Post this 2023 Dia de los Muertos at Hemisfair

Muertos Fest is a beloved cultural event in San Antonio, attracting visitors from all of San Antonio and the United States who come together to honor and celebrate the rich traditions of Day of the Dead. The festival has gained widespread recognition and has been featured on national media, further cementing its status as a must-attend event, and one of the largest Day of the Dead events in the country.

One of the most exciting developments for this year's festival is the expansion into the newly developed Civic Park at Hemisfair, offering even more space for attendees. The festival grounds will come alive with five music stages featuring over 50 live performances by bands, poets and dance performers, a curated art market, a daily procession, children's activities, and the heart of Dia de los Muertos, the 80 plus community altars built throughout the festival grounds. Dia de los Muertos at Hemisfair is a free event, open to the public, attracting visitors from across the country.

"The community altars offer an engaging and memorable experience for everyone attending our celebration," said Jim Mendiola, artistic director for Muertos Fest. "Our event is not a passive viewing experience. Altar builders directly interact with attendees, sharing the stories and meaning of their ofrendas," added Mendiola.

For more information about the 11th Annual Dia de los Muertos at Hemisfair, visit www.muertosfest.com. Follow us on social media @MuertosFest for updates and announcements.

About Dia de los Muertos at Hemisfair (popularly known as Muertos Fest)

Established in 2013, Dia de los Muertos is held annually in downtown San Antonio at Hemisfair was named as one of the 10 Great Day of the Dead Celebrations in the world by USA Today and featured on NPR Morning Edition and TODAY All Day. In its 11th year, the annual festival is recognized as the largest and most well-known Day of the Dead Festival in the U.S. celebrating the traditional Mexican holiday. To learn more, visit MuertosFest.com. Follow Dia de los Muertos on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @MuertosFest.

SOURCE Dia de los Muertos at Hemisfair
Safety, Efficiency, and Environmental Impact Among Top Concerns Going Into 2023-24 School Year

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Zum , the leader in modern student transportation, today released results from its 2023 annual Student Transportation Report Card: A Parental Review that examines parents' views of the school bus system. The vast majority of respondents feel the school bus system in America could improve (91%); the current system is not safe, efficient, and good for the environment (80%); and that teachers and school bus drivers should be better compensated because they are a foundational element of children's daily lives (76%).

Zum, the leader in modern student transportation, today released results from its 2023 annual Student Transportation Report Card: A Parental Review that examines parents views of the school bus system.

"This new survey shows that the vast majority of parents have concerns about their children on the school bus and want solutions," said Ritu Narayan, CEO and founder of Zum. "As a mother, I share these concerns, which is why I founded Zum to deliver safer, more reliable, modern, sustainable, and more equitable student transportation. We are committed to improving the lives of all children, families, drivers, and schools by reimagining this system and are proud to partner with school districts across the U.S."

Other findings from the survey:

Safety concerns predominate  When asked to name their biggest concern about their child while riding the school bus, the majority of parents said safety, which was also the top concern in 2022. 80% of respondents agreed that the current system is not safe, efficient, and good for the environment.





 When asked to name their biggest concern about their child while riding the school bus, the majority of parents said safety, which was also the top concern in 2022. 80% of respondents agreed that the current system is not safe, efficient, and good for the environment. An outdated system in need of reform  Every day more than 27 million children ride to and from school on the largest mass transit system in the U.S., and yet it hasn't changed in the last 80 years. 44% of parents surveyed said their child has been negatively impacted by unnecessarily long bus commutes or failures in the school bus system (i.e. missed after-school activities, arrived at school late, or gotten home from school late in the evening), and more than a third of parents reported that their ability to work or perform well at their job has been impacted by school transportation issues for their children.





 Every day more than 27 million children ride to and from school on the largest mass transit system in the U.S., and yet it hasn't changed in the last 80 years. 44% of parents surveyed said their child has been negatively impacted by unnecessarily long bus commutes or failures in the school bus system (i.e. missed after-school activities, arrived at school late, or gotten home from school late in the evening), and more than a third of parents reported that their ability to work or perform well at their job has been impacted by school transportation issues for their children. Demand for tech-enabled solutions  Parents expressed an overwhelming desire to modernize and streamline student transportation, with 84% of parents surveyed saying they would use a mobile app to know where their child is on their school bus. Additionally, 82% of parents surveyed agreed knowing if and when a child got on or off their school bus should be as easy as knowing when a package was delivered, up from 67% in 2022.





 Parents expressed an overwhelming desire to modernize and streamline student transportation, with 84% of parents surveyed saying they would use a mobile app to know where their child is on their school bus. Additionally, 82% of parents surveyed agreed knowing if and when a child got on or off their school bus should be as easy as knowing when a package was delivered, up from 67% in 2022. Environmental footprint of buses is important  Transportation accounts for the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., with over 90% of the nation's 500,000 school buses running on diesel. 84% of parents surveyed expressed concern about environmental issues that stem from diesel school bus fumes creating harmful air for students and communities, a significant jump from 72% in 2022. 52% said they believe it is important to convert diesel school buses to electric.





 Transportation accounts for the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., with over 90% of the nation's 500,000 school buses running on diesel. 84% of parents surveyed expressed concern about environmental issues that stem from diesel school bus fumes creating harmful air for students and communities, a significant jump from 72% in 2022. 52% said they believe it is important to convert diesel school buses to electric. Better treatment for drivers needed  As a school bus driver shortage persists in school districts across the nation, 76% of parents said they think teachers and school bus drivers should be compensated better because they are a foundational element of children's daily lives.

The full commissioned survey, Zum's 2023's Student Transportation Report Card, is available here .

Methodology

All data found within this report is derived from a survey by Zum conducted online via survey platform Pollfish from Aug. 7-8, 2023. In total, 1,500 adult American parents with school-aged children were surveyed.

About Zum

Zum has reimagined student transportation, the nation's largest mass transit system. Our robust operations and integrated end-to-end cloud-based platform provides a modern student transportation service for school districts purpose-built around the needs of kids and the expectations of their families. Zum provides one seamless, real-time interface for parents, drivers, schools, districts, administrators, and operators to transport children safely and with increased visibility and personalized care. Always investing in the wellbeing of the communities, Zum is also the only carbon neutral student transportation provider in the nation with plans to go Net Zero with EV transition. Zum is available nationwide, serving more than 4,000 schools across the U.S. Learn more at www.ridezum.com.

CONTACT:

[email protected]

SOURCE Zum
NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The affordable luxury market in Europe is poised to grow by USD 3,553.06 million from 2022 to 2027, progressing at a CAGR of 3% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. The report offers an up-to-date analysis and to know the exact growth variance and the Y-O-Y growth rate Request a sample report.

Affordable Luxury Market in Europe 2023-2027: Scope

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Affordable Luxury Market in Europe

Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. Our affordable luxury market in Europe report covers the following areas:

Affordable Luxury Market in Europe 2023-2027: Segmentation

The affordable Luxury Market in Europe is segmented as below:

Type

Clothing



Cosmetics



Accessories



Footwear



Others

Distribution Channel

Offline



Online

The clothing segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. This segment is aimed at consumers who appreciate craftsmanship, elegant design, and quality fabrics but lack in significant budget for branded luxury items. One of the key drivers for the expansion of the affordable luxury market in the region is its ability to offer both exclusivity and accessibility. This segment is gaining popularity with European consumers as brands are emphasizing luxury fabrics such as high-grade cotton, silk, or cashmere, adding a touch of luxury to their collections. Hence, these factors are expected to drive segment growth during the forecast period.

Why Buy?

Add credibility to strategy

Analyzes competitor's offerings

Get a holistic view of the market

Grow your profit margin with Technavio- Buy the Report

Affordable Luxury Market in Europe 2023-2027: Market Dynamics

Key Driver

The rise in disposable income of people in the region is a key factor driving market growth.

Major Trend

The increasing focus on influencer marketing and social media engagement is a major trend in the market. Influencer marketing and social media interactions are changing the relationship between brands and audiences. With the growing popularity of social media, consumers are turning to influencers for inspiration, recommendations, and feedback. As a result, businesses are adopting influencer marketing to effectively reach and engage potential customers. Furthermore, partnering with influencers helps companies reach their established audiences, exposing them to a highly engaged and relevant customer base. Hence, these factors are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.

Significant Challenge

Increasing labor costs and fluctuating raw material prices is a significant challenge restricting market growth.

Drivers, Trends & Challenges have an impact on market dynamics and can impact businesses. Find some insights from a sample report!

Affordable Luxury Market in Europe 2023-2027: Company Analysis

The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. We provide a detailed analysis of around 25 companies operating in the Affordable Luxury Market in Europe, including some of the companies such as BA and SH, Burberry Group Plc, EXQUISITE Luxury, Geox S.p.A, IC Group AS, Industria de Diseno Textil SA, Kering SA, LES BOUTIQUES LONGCHAMP, LOreal SA, Maison Balzac Pty Ltd., MakersValley, Prada S.p.A, Royal RepubliQ, s. Oliver Bernd Freier GmbH and Co. KG, Shandong Ruyi Technology Group Co. Ltd., SISLEY, Stella McCartney Ltd., Tessilform S.p.a, YOOX NET A PORTER GROUP S.p.A., and ZV France SAS. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the Affordable Luxury Market in Europe are designed to provide entry support, customer profile and M&As as well as go-to-market strategy support.

Affordable Luxury Market in Europe 2023-2027: Key Highlights

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2023-2027

Detailed information on factors that will assist the affordable luxury market in Europe growth during the next five years

growth during the next five years Estimation of the affordable luxury market in Europe size and its contribution to the parent market

size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the affordable luxury market in Europe

Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on companies

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of the affordable luxury market in Europe companies

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The luxury handbags market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.68% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 29,125.59 million. This report extensively covers market segmentation by distribution channel (offline and online), type (handbag, backpack, wallet, and others), and geography (Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The high influence of celebrity endorsements is notable in driving the market growth.

The luxury hotel market is estimated to decline at a CAGR of 4.5% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 54.46 billion. This report extensively covers market segmentation by type (upscale, upper-upscale, and luxury), ownership (chain and independent), and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The growing disposable income among the guests is notably driving the market growth.

Affordable Luxury Market In Europe Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 3% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 3,553.06 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 2.55 Competitive landscape Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled BA and SH, Burberry Group Plc, EXQUISITE Luxury, Geox S.p.A, IC Group AS, Industria de Diseno Textil SA, Kering SA, LES BOUTIQUES LONGCHAMP, LOreal SA, Maison Balzac Pty Ltd., MakersValley, Prada S.p.A, Royal RepubliQ, s.Oliver Bernd Freier GmbH and Co. KG, Shandong Ruyi Technology Group Co. Ltd., SISLEY, Stella McCartney Ltd., Tessilform S.p.a, YOOX NET A PORTER GROUP S.p.A., and ZV France SAS Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for the forecast period Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

Table Of Contents

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel

7 Market Segmentation by Type

8 Customer Landscape

9 Geographic Landscape

10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

11 Company Landscape

12 Company Analysis

13 Appendix

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The Brightest Minds in Customer, Partner, and Professional Training to Spotlight How to Adapt, Innovate, and Scale External Learning in 2023 and Beyond.

BOSTON, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Thought Industries, the leading external enterprise learning platform for customer, partner and professional training, today announced its COGNITION 2023 agenda and lineup of speakers. Taking place online October 3-5, 2023, the event features keynote speakers Donald Clark, AI expert, learning tech entrepreneur, CEO, and researcher; Raghu Viswanathan, VP of Education, Academia and Documentation at MongoDB; Daniel Quick, Chief Customer Learning Officer at Scale Agile; and panelists from Dell, Educate 360, Google, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, The Linux Foundation, Mastercard, and many more.

Thought Industries COGNITION 2023

COGNITION has become the industry's top annual event focused solely on External Learning, bringing together experts from customer, partner, and professional training to share how these programs have driven growth and scale in their businesses.

Hosted by Thought Industries President, Robin Wadsworth, COGNITION 2023 attendees will learn from and engage with their industry peers, with Thought Industries customers and global thought leaders in external learning sharing their knowledge in interactive online sessions and virtual presentations. Additional opportunities include workshops to connect with forward-thinking peers and tactical training on the Thought Industries platform.

There are two main tracks catering to external learning thought leaders and decision makers:

The "Practitioner" track, for those looking to build on their existing customer learning program and professional skills, and

The "Leader" track, for those looking for the very latest news and trends in the training industry to elevate their learning offering to the next level.

This year's COGNITION agenda features some of the brightest minds in customer, partner, and professional training, including:

Fiona Leteney, Senior Analyst at The Fosway Group, hosting a panel on the Business Impact of Exceptional Learner Experiences in EMEA.

Julie Cochrane , VP of Global Education Services at Charles River Development, discussing the emerging challenges and opportunities in Education Services.

, VP of Global Education Services at Charles River Development, discussing the emerging challenges and opportunities in Education Services. Industry analyst John Leh , hosting a roundtable that includes Amy Farber , Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer at Educate 360, to discuss the Business of Learning.

, hosting a roundtable that includes , Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer at Educate 360, to discuss the Business of Learning. CE Lab's Dave Derington hosting a roundtable session discussing the best practices of Pricing & Packaging with experts including The Linux Foundation's Marketing Director, Mary Simpkins , and Seismic's VP of Customer Education, Community & Advocacy, Melissa VanPelt .

hosting a roundtable session discussing the best practices of Pricing & Packaging with experts including The Linux Foundation's Marketing Director, , and Seismic's VP of Customer Education, Community & Advocacy, . Learning experts from Dell, Google, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Mastercard coming together for a roundtable discussion on the Technologies and Tools for Global Learning.

Executives from Thought Industries, led by CEO and Cofounder Barry Kelly, sharing their industry vision and latest product innovations:

Announcing exciting new AI capabilities in the Ti platform.



Featuring innovative applications of Thought Industries' headless technology from early customer partners.

"At our fourth annual COGNITION event, we're excited to share the best practices, innovations, and hard-won wisdom from our customers, partners, and peers around the world," said Robin Wadsworth, President at Thought Industries. "Succeeding in this global competitive market requires sharp, differentiated strategy and flawless execution. Whether you're a learning business leader, or you're on the front lines as a daily practitioner, COGNITION 2023 will give you the resources, perspective, and energy to adapt, innovate, and scale and take your learning business to the next level."

On top of access to this year's live virtual conference, registrants will also have access to all past COGNITION on-demand sessions, allowing them to mine the archive of the best in external learning.

Register here for COGNITION 2023, or check out the conference site for more information.

About Thought Industries

Thought Industries powers the business of learning with the industry's leading enterprise learning platform for customer, partner and professional training. The company was founded in 2013 around the core belief that online learning experiences should be modern, intuitive, engaging, and scalable. Today, the Thought Industries growing team builds and maintains the only learning platform with completely native tools and integrations that drive higher customer engagement, learner proficiency, and retention. Headquartered in Boston, Thought Industries has offices across North America and Europe. For more information, visit thoughtindustries. com .

SOURCE Thought Industries
In this video montage, we see the losers of past presidential elections giving their concession speeches. In every instance, save one, the defeated candidate accepts the loss and acknowledges their opponent as the next president.

From the clip:

HILLARY CLINTON: Last night, I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country.

MITT ROMNEY: I have just called President Obama to congratulate him on his victory.

JOHN McCAIN: I had the honor of calling Sen. Barack Obama to congratulate him.

JOHN KERRY: I spoke to President Bush and I offered him and Laura our congratulations on their victory.

AL GORE: Now, the U.S. Supreme Court has spoken. While I strongly disagree with the court's decision, I accept it.

BOB DOLE: The president is my opponent, not my enemy. And I wish him well and I pledge my support.

GEORGE H.W. BUSH: And America must always come first, so we will get behind this new president and wish him well.

MICHAEL DUKAKIS: This nation faces major challenges ahead, and we must work together.

WALTER MONDALE: He has won. We are all Americans. He is our president.

JIMMY CARTER: in bringing about an orderly transition of government in the weeks ahead.

BETTY FORD: I congratulate you on your victory.

GEORGE McGOVERN: Congratulations on your victory.

HUBERT HUMPHREY: We've got a president-elect. He's going to have my help. Cheers.

BARRY GOLDWATER: I have no bitterness. No rancor at all.

RICHARD NIXON: He will have my whole-hearted support.

ADLAI STEVENSON: The people have rendered their verdict, and I gladly accept it.

THOMAS DEWEY: I urge all Americans to unite behind you. And every good American will wholeheartedly accept the will of the people.

WENDELL WILLKIE: I accept the result of the election with complete goodwill.

DONALD TRUMP: This is an embarrassment to our country. We were getting ready to win this election. Frankly, we did win this election. We did win this election.

The clip is from a 2022 PBS Frontline documentary called Lies, Politics, and Democracy.
CAMBRIDGE, ON , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - ATS Corporation (TSX: ATS) (NYSE: ATS) ("ATS" or the "Company") today announced that Andrew Hider, Chief Executive Officer and Ryan McLeod, Chief Financial Officer will participate in the RBC Capital Markets Global Industrials Conference in Las Vegas, NV, on September 12, 2023.

ATS is scheduled to host a break-out session at the event on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 4:10 p.m. PT. Management will also host institutional investor meetings at the Conference, which can be arranged by contacting your RBC representative or [email protected].

About ATS Corporation

ATS Corporation is an industry-leading automation solutions provider to many of the world's most successful companies. ATS uses its extensive knowledge base and global capabilities in custom automation, repeat automation, automation products and value-added services including pre-automation and after-sales services, to address the sophisticated manufacturing automation systems and service needs of multinational customers in markets such as life sciences, food & beverage, transportation, consumer products, and energy. Founded in 1978, ATS employs over 6,500 people at more than 60 manufacturing facilities and over 80 offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. The Company's common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ATS.

SOURCE ATS Corporation
Dallas trial lawyer honored in 'Personal Injury Litigation  Plaintiffs' category

DALLAS, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- We are proud to announce that Ben C. Martin, founder of the prominent Dallas-based personal injury law firm Ben Martin Law Group, has been named to The Best Lawyers in America list for 2024 in the "Personal Injury Litigation  Plaintiffs" category.

Mr. Martin is considered among the national leaders in multidistrict litigation, mass torts and personal injury litigation, serving as plaintiffs' co-lead counsel in multiple national MDLs/consolidated proceedings and plaintiff steering committees. His career includes a long history of significant verdicts across the country in medical device and pharma cases and other single event cases, and he has become nationally recognized for his work representing clients injured by defective products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and other catastrophic injury cases involving everything from vehicular accidents to oil field explosions.

"I'm grateful to the other attorneys in my field for honoring me like this," said Mr. Martin. "We've worked to maintain our place among the best firms when it comes to representing clients through some of the most challenging times of their lives."

Mr. Martin has earned numerous professional awards and accolades in addition to Best Lawyers. He has been selected as a Texas Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly every year since 2005, has been on the National Trial Lawyers list of Top 100 Trial Lawyers since 2011 and has earned an AV Preeminent rating, the highest of its kind, from the prestigious law directory Martindale-Hubbell. He has also earned repeat selections to the D Magazine list of the best lawyers in Dallas in the mass torts category.

Mr. Martin is an active member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, having served as its Dallas chapter president, and is a member of the American Association of Justice, Texas Bar Foundation, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Dallas Bar Association, American Bar Association, Dallas Trial Lawyers Association and Southern Trial Lawyers Association, and he is an honorary lifetime member of the Mississippi Trial Lawyers Association.

In addition to being the oldest peer-review legal guide in the country, The Best Lawyers in America is also among the most respected and highly regarded listings of its kind. Individual attorneys, law firms and other legal professionals are selected through a rigorous, comprehensive process that includes surveys and confidential evaluations from other top lawyers in similar practice areas. Visit https://www.bestlawyers.com for the complete list of attorneys chosen for 2024.

The attorneys of the Ben Martin Law Group have helped thousands of victims of catastrophic vehicular and trucking accidents, oil field explosions, medical and hospital negligence, medical device and pharmaceutical design defects, and personal injuries caused by negligence and gross negligence.

Media Contact:

Jason Cunningham

800-559-4534

[email protected]

SOURCE Ben Martin Law Group
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aurigo Software , the leading provider of capital planning and construction management software for infrastructure and private owners, announced it has entered into a multiyear contract with Erie County, New York to modernize the planning and execution of the agency's Capital Improvement Program. Aurigo's flagship product suite, Masterworks, will help the County prioritize project investments and create long-range capital plans, while providing estimates and forecasts throughout the program's phases. The system will also manage all aspects of project delivery, including construction administration, financial management, and tracking program performance.

Erie County is in the western portion of New York State, bordering on the lake of the same name. A major industrial and commercial center, the County is the most populous in upstate New York, with 954,236 people residing there in 2020. Located within the County are three cities and 25 towns, including the City of Buffalo, the second largest city in the State, which serves as the County seat.

"We are honored Erie County has selected Aurigo Masterworks to manage their end-to-end capital program," said Balaji Sreenivasan, CEO and founder of Aurigo Software. "As our nation continues to invest in infrastructure, public agencies are leveraging technology to help select the right projects for their communities and deliver them efficiently. We are excited to support the County on this transformative journey."

Erie County, whose population grew by 3.8% between 2010 and 2020, plans to spend over $220 million on capital improvements over the next 6 years. The County maintains a surface transportation system boasting 1,176 center lane miles that withstand a full four seasons of weather. Capital projects undertaken by the County include bridge replacements, road surface maintenance, a major stadium renovation, public library upgrades, and infrastructure development of an upcoming agribusiness industrial park.

Masterworks will allow Erie County to collect proposed projects, prioritize them, and estimate their costs. What-if analysis of proposed plans will help identify optimal project combinations based on available funding and strategic priority. Once projects are underway, the system will keep track of project budgets and construction administration tasks such as submittals, daily progress reports, and requests for information. Masterworks will provide real-time performance measurement and help the County report on its commitments to women- and minority-owned businesses. As part of the initiative, Masterworks will integrate funding, purchase order, and payment data with the County's financial system of record, SAP.

The County joins several other local and regional agencies across North America using Aurigo's Masterworks to modernize their capital programs, including the cities of Seattle, Portland, and Las Vegas, and regional agencies in Colorado, Florida, and Ontario, Canada. The company has seen an increase in demand from the public sector as agencies take advantage of funding from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in November 2021.

About Aurigo Software

Aurigo builds software that helps build the world. Aurigo provides modern, cloud-based solutions for capital infrastructure and private owners to help them plan with confidence and build with quality. With more than $300 billion of capital programs under management, Aurigo's solutions are trusted by over 300 customers in transportation, water and utilities, healthcare, higher education, and the government with over 40,000 projects across North America. Aurigo helps capital program executives make better decisions based on proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. Aurigo is a privately held U.S. corporation headquartered in Austin, Texas, with global offices in Canada and India. Learn more at www.aurigo.com .

SOURCE Aurigo Software Technologies
Complia Health Clients to Receive Same Services as Axxess Clients

DALLAS, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Axxess, the leading technology innovator for healthcare at home, is deepening its partnership with nVoq, a leading innovator in speech recognition technology, to transform the documentation process for Complia Health's ContinuLink and Suncoast clients. This is the first step to accelerate outcomes and boost efficiencies for ContinuLink and Suncoast clients since Axxess acquired Complia Health in July 2023.

ContinuLink and Suncoast clients can now access nVoq's leading-edge speech recognition solutions. Clinicians can create accurate and comprehensive patient records using speech recognition. The result will drive efficiency, improve clinician satisfaction and enhance patient care for care at home organizations.

ContinuLink and Suncoast clients can now access nVoq's leading-edge speech recognition solutions. Post this

"Our collaboration with nVoq is a game-changer for our ContinuLink and Suncoast clients," said Rich Berner, CEO of Complia Health. "By harnessing the power of speech recognition technology, we are enabling healthcare professionals to document patient encounters with unparalleled speed and accuracy. The integration of nVoq's solutions into our solutions will improve the way clinicians interact with their documentation, empowering them to deliver better patient outcomes."

nVoq's suite of speech recognition solutions is renowned for its accuracy, speed and versatility. Powered by advanced artificial intelligence and natural language processing capabilities, the technology recognizes and transcribes spoken words into text in real time. The solutions can be easily customized to adapt to various medical specialties and terminology unique to the ContinuLink and Suncoast platforms.

"Axxess and Complia Health have an excellent track record of providing technology solutions that enable post-acute care providers to improve the care delivery experience," said Debbi Gillotti, Chief Operating Officer of nVoq. "We are thrilled they recognize nVoq as the market leader in speech recognition solutions and view our partnership as one that will help home health and hospice organizations optimize their clinical documentation and, in turn, take patient care to the next level."

Axxess and nVoq began their partnership in July 2022 with speech recognition services available to all clients in Axxess' complete suite of solutions for home health, hospice, palliative and home care organizations.

About Axxess

Axxess is the leading technology innovator for healthcare at home, focused on solving the most complex industry challenges. Trusted by more than 9,000 organizations that serve more than 3 million patients worldwide, Axxess offers a complete suite of easy-to-use software solutions that empower home health, home care, hospice, and palliative providers to make healthcare in the home human again. The company's collaborative culture focused on innovation and excellence is recognized nationally as a "Best Place to Work."

About Complia Health

Complia Health is a leading provider of cloud-based technology, solutions, and services through a single platform for home care, home health, private duty, therapy, pediatrics, hospice, and palliative care providers. Providing a single platform across all lines of business, we connect the entire continuum of pre- and post-acute care encompassing clinical, financial, and back-office operations. Our AI-powered technologies and business intelligence tools maximize operational efficiency, improve employee productivity, and ensure elevated front-line care experiences and better patient outcomes. To learn more about how Complia Health is now part of Axxess, please visit our website.

About nVoq

nVoq Incorporated, headquartered in Boulder, CO, provides HIPAA-compliant, SaaS-based speech recognition to the healthcare industry, with a strategic emphasis on the post-acute care segment. nVoq's platform supports both mobile and office-based clinicians in capturing patient narratives at the point of care to expedite high-quality documentation, simplify coding, and streamline reimbursement. For more information, go to www.nVoq.com or call Kristen Ayers, Director of Marketing at 303-304-7021.

Contact: Johnathan Eaves

(903)445-6969

[email protected]

SOURCE Axxess
New York Times bestselling authors Cheryl Strayed, Steven Rowley and Rebecca Yarros among the special guests who will gather to raise support for the Foundation's nationwide literacy work

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy is pleased to announce that it will host its signature biennial event, the National Celebration of Reading, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.

New York Times Best Selling Author, Cheryl Strayed Photo Credit: Holly Andres

The National Celebration of Reading brings together members of the Bush family, bestselling authors and entertainers, and special guests to advance the mission of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. This year's lineup of award-winning authors will include Helena Andrews-Dyer ("The Mamas"), Jeffrey Nussbaum ("Undelivered: The Never-Heard Speeches That Would Have Rewritten History"), Steven Rowley ("The Guncle," "The Celebrants"), Cheryl Strayed ("Wild," "Tiny Beautiful Things") and Rebecca Yarros ("Fourth Wing," "In the Likely Event").

"I'm honored to take part in the National Celebration of Reading because I believe in the power of words and stories to transform our ideas about ourselves, others and the world. Through reading, we're enriched, enlightened, educated and entertained," said New York Times bestselling author Cheryl Strayed. "Literacy is essential not only because it empowers us as individuals by expanding our opportunities, but because it allows us  through reading  to feel connected to others across every divide. It reminds us that the our most deeply felt experiences are universal."

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jonathan Capehart, host of "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart" and "The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart" on MSNBC, will serve as emcee for the event. The evening will also include a musical performance from Franc D'Ambrosio, best known for his long-running portrayal of the lead role in the Tony Award-winning musical, "The Phantom of the Opera."

The Honorable Mike J. Rogers (MI) and Kristi Rogers will serve as chairs for the 2023 event, which aims to increase awareness of our country's adult literacy crisis, raise support for the Foundation's work and celebrate the life-changing power of literacy.

"Children who struggle to read lead to adults who struggle, and it has created a cycle of poverty and crime in the United States that is our silent crisis," said Mike and Kristi Rogers. "This is a crisis we can fix, and we must come together as Americans to correct the intolerable low literacy levels that plague our children, students and fellow Americans. The National Celebration of Reading and the Barbara Bush Foundation provide powerful, proven steps forward. Please join us in supporting and winning this fight."

The event will also provide the opportunity to honor leaders at the both the national and grassroots levels who have made significant contributions toward a more literate America. Recipients of the 2023 Barbara Bush National Literacy Honors Award will be the American Library Association and social media influencer Oliver James. The 2023 Dyer Pearl Literacy Award, which recognizes local organizations, will be presented to Bernie's Book Bank (Chicago, Illinois) and Trident Literacy Association (Charleston, South Carolina).

"From hearing her favorite authors read from their works to meeting learners who have improved their lives through literacy, my mom loved every minute of the Foundation's Celebration of Reading events," said Doro Bush Koch, the Barbara Bush Foundation's honorary chair. "We're so grateful to the authors and special guests who will share their time and talents with us this year, and we're looking forward to an incredible evening."

Sponsorships are available for the National Celebration of Reading, which include exclusive benefits such as a private, intimate luncheon with members of the Bush family and guest authors and preferred seating at the event.

"What Barbara Bush knew more than three decades ago is still true today: literacy changes lives," said Andrew Roberts, interim president and CEO. "The National Celebration of Reading is the perfect opportunity to honor her legacy, celebrate the transformative power of reading and carry on the work that she began to build a stronger, more equitable America through literacy."

For more information on the National Celebration of Reading and sponsorship opportunities, visit https://www.barbarabushevents.org/ncor2023.

About the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy: The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy has been the nation's leading advocate for family literacy for more than three decades. Established by former First Lady Barbara Bush in 1989, the Foundation is a public charity dedicated to creating a stronger, more equitable America in which everyone can read, write and comprehend in order to navigate the world with dignity. To learn more, visit www.BarbaraBush.org.

The National Celebration of Reading is an external rental presented in coordination with the Kennedy Center Campus Rentals Office and is not produced by the Kennedy Center.

SOURCE Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy
Thermal Interface Materials: Technologies, Applications and Global Markets provides in-depth analysis, market trends, and growth projections for the thermal interface materials sector.

BOSTON, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As the world of electronics advances, the importance of efficient heat management becomes paramount. BCC Research proudly announces the release of their latest report, Thermal Interface Materials: Technologies, Applications and Global Markets. Authored by Senior Analyst Researcher Poornima Kadengodlu, this report offers a comprehensive view of the thermal interface material market, covering emerging trends, forecasts, and the evolving landscape of heat dissipation technology.



The report includes:

Comprehensive Market Analysis: This report provides a comprehensive overview of the global thermal interface material market, focusing on market trends. The research projects market data for the years 2023 to 2028. Revenue forecasts are segmented by material type, end-user, and geography, offering invaluable insights for industry stakeholders. Emerging Trends: The report highlights the transition towards higher-performance thermal interface materials, driven by the demands of next-generation electronic devices like 5G and 6G technologies. It also delves into significant shifts in the market, including the rise of phase change materials (PCMs) and graphene-based TIMs, which promise to revolutionize heat management solutions. Surprising Market Dynamics: The analysts discuss the indispensable role of thermal interface materials (TIMs) in miniaturized electronic devices. As electronics become smaller, the need for effective heat dissipation increases, making TIMs crucial for bridging the gap between heat-producing components and heat sinks.

The thermal interface materials market is witnessing rapid technological advancements, says Kadengodlu. The report sheds light on the evolving landscape, including the exciting potential of graphene-based TIMs and phase change materials, enabling businesses to make informed decisions in this dynamic field. With the advent of 5G and the growing trend toward electric vehicles, the demand for efficient thermal management solutions has never been greater.

Thermal Interface Materials: Technologies, Applications and Global Markets equips industry leaders with the insights they need to stay ahead. For further information or to make a purchase, please contact [email protected] .

Download Report Overview

Report Name: Thermal Interface Materials: Technologies, Applications and Global Markets

Report Link: https://www.bccresearch.com/market-research/semiconductor-manufacturing/thermal-interface-materials-technologies-applications-global-markets-report.html

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About BCC Research

BCC Research provides objective, unbiased measurement and assessment of market opportunities with detailed market research reports. Our experienced industry analysts' goal is to help you make informed business decisions, free of noise and hype.

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Data and analysis extracted from this press release must be accompanied by a statement identifying BCC Research LLC as the source and publisher. For media inquiries, email [email protected] or visit www.bccresearch.com/media to request access to our library of market research.

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SOURCE BCC Research LLC
Fern L. Nesson: TILT!

Beacon Gallery, 524B Harrison Ave, Boston MA 02118

September 1st - October 29th, 2023

Opening Reception: September 01, 2023

BOSTON, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Beacon Gallery is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition Fern L. Nesson: TILT!. Featuring the work of Cambridge-based artist Fern L. Nesson, TILT! will be on view at the South End gallery from September 1st through October 29th, 2023.

Tilt! explores how a shift in perspective can open up a new world of infinite possibilities. Through a series of abstract monochromatic photographs, Nesson shows the viewer how familiar places and objects change when seen from a different angle. It is a way to honor multiple perspectives, rather than being stuck looking at the world through our forced gravitational perspective. Nesson takes inspiration from Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) and the Copernican Revolution. By shifting his perspective to imagining he was standing on Mars, he was able to theorize that the Earth (and all planets in our Solar System) revolved around the Sun rather than around Earth. Nesson's photographs of cosmic truths and natural geometry seek to inspire viewers to shift their own viewpoints and see what new truths a novel perspective might deliver.

"We are delighted to be able to feature Fern Nesson's award-winning photography at Beacon Gallery. Her work is smart and thought-provoking, and her ability to create unedited abstractions from the everyday as well as capture architectural elements from unique angles makes her work exceptional," Christine O'Donnell, Founder and Director of Beacon Gallery, says.

Nesson's work will be on view from September 1st through October 29th, with an opening reception on the first of September from 5-8 pm. An online talk with Griffin Museum of Photography Executive Director, Crista Dix, will occur at 7 pm on Tuesday September 12th. A second reception will be hosted on October 6th from 5-8 pm in conjunction with SOWA's First Friday. A final closing reception and exhibition walkthrough with Crista Dix will occur at 2 pm on Saturday October 28th. More information and registration details available on Beacon Gallery's website.

The exhibition is free and open to visitors Thursdays through Saturdays 12-5 pm, Sundays 11-4, and by appointment.

About the Artist

Fern L. Nesson is a fine art photographer, lawyer, and American historian based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She creates spare, abstract photographs. Her images seek to showcase elements of physics, capturing notions of time, space, and how we, as viewers, perceive our surroundings. Nesson received her MFA in Photography from Maine Media College, where she also worked as the school's first post-graduate Fellow. Her work has been exhibited at the MIT Museum Studio, at the Meta-Lab Gallery at Harvard, and the Auburn Art Gallery in Los Angeles, among others. Her photobook, Signet of Eternity, has been featured at the Davis-Orton Gallery as well as the Griffin Museum.

About Beacon Gallery

Beacon Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located in Boston's South End, providing a platform for emerging and established artists to deliver thought-provoking solo and group shows, and community-building events. As a partner to greater Boston's artistic community, Beacon Gallery is committed to producing thoughtfully curated exhibitions that showcase original conceptual art and share compelling messages and unique perspectives. It aims to make art accessible to the general public, as well as collectors and institutions locally, nationally, and globally. For more information go to our website and follow us on Instagram.

Media Contact:

contact@beacongallery.com

SOURCE Beacon Gallery
BEIJING, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

Filip Evenepoel, a Belgian who set up a horticulture company in Kunming, Southwest China's Yunnan province, sees the city as a thriving hub in Asia, thanks to China's favorable business environment.

"We saw that there was an increase in sales in different ways, not only the traditional sales, but also the online sales, even sales channels like TikTok," Filip says.

Given Kunming's proximity to neighboring countries and its ongoing infrastructure development, Filip believes the city offers immense potential. "That's also very important for perishable products and for horticulture, and this is a major advantage," Filip says.

Filip acclaims the government's support as a crucial factor contributing to the success of his business. "We are getting visits from the local government, trying to give us support and advice," he says.

Watch the video to find out more.

SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs - Inaugural "Power of Vision" Event to Offer Funding and Education Opportunities

HOUSTON, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A groundbreaking initiative is set to take place as Black Women Founder, LaToya Hurley, announces the launch the second "Power of Vision" event. This unique event will comprise of educational information aimed at providing funding and support for women entrepreneurs. The event is scheduled to take place on August 26th, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, at the prestigious Brava High Rise, located in downtown Houston at 414 Milam Street, Houston, TX 77002 on the 47th floor.

Black Women Founder, LaToya Hurley launches a Pitch Competition and educational event to provide funding for other Women Founders

In the realm of entrepreneurship, women have shown remarkable resilience and innovation while defying stereotypes. However, women entrepreneurs persistently face disparities, particularly in terms of funding and access to critical information. Despite their potential, women entrepreneurs often find themselves navigating an uneven playing field when it comes to securing financial support for their ventures. This gender-based funding gap can hinder the growth and scalability of women-led businesses, limiting their capacity to reach their full potential. Similarly, the lack of equitable access to essential information, networks, and mentorship opportunities can impede their journey towards success. Addressing these disparities is not just a matter of fairness, but a strategic imperative for fostering economic growth and innovation. Efforts to bridge these gaps through targeted support, inclusive funding models, and comprehensive resources are crucial in empowering women entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute significantly to the broader entrepreneurial landscape.

LaToya Hurley, the visionary behind this event, expresses her commitment to uplifting women entrepreneurs, stating,

"I believe that by offering funding opportunities and educational resources to women founders, we can reveal their incredible potential and drive positive change in our business community. It's about empowering women to embrace their aspirations and turn them into reality."

Details about the Pitch Competition

The event marks a significant occasion as it unveils the upcoming pitch competition, a platform for women founders to present their groundbreaking business concepts before a distinguished panel of judges. In an exciting collaboration, Innovating Marketing Group joins forces with Gala Bethany Studio, Calberts Tax Service & Well-Run Retail to introduce this competition, offering an avenue for Women Founders to showcase their ventures and secure essential funding that has the potential to propel their businesses to remarkable heights. We're pleased to announce that applications for the pitch competition are now open, with the event set to take place on October 28th via www.InnovatingMarketingGroup.com. Beyond celebrating innovation, this event also cultivates it by providing a launchpad for women entrepreneurs, enabling them to turn their aspirations into tangible achievements.

The Disparity in Funding for Women Founders

Supporting women founders is not only a ethical obligation but also an essential step toward fostering economic growth and innovation. As the founder of Innovating Marketing Group, LaToya Hurley truly understands and empathizes with the hurdles that fellow founders encounter on their entrepreneurial journeys. She remarks, "Having faced numerous challenges myself, I understand the unique struggles that women entrepreneurs face in securing resources and recognition." Unfortunately, the statistics highlight this imbalance. In a landscape where female-led startups receive a mere fraction of the funding allocated to their male counterparts, it's imperative that we bridge this gap. According to recent data, women-led startups receive only about 2.3% of the total venture capital funding, signifying a stark disparity that stifles potential innovation and growth. By actively supporting and investing in women founders, we not only rectify this imbalance but also unlock a wealth of untapped potential that can drive forward our economy and society as a whole.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity  register for the event today and be the first to enter the pitch competition by following this link: [Click Here]. To inquire about Zoom/Skype interviews with LaToya Hurley, email [email protected] or contact Innovating Marketing Group at 346-980-9062.

About Innovating Marketing and Management

IMM is a Marketing & PR firm headquartered in Houston, Texas with contacts throughout North America. The firm has a consistent track record of producing sound results based on the client's objectives. With the firms intensive knowledge of the market we are able to formulate a plan relevant to achieving your desired results. Our distinguishing integration of PR, SEO and social media marketing mix helps provide a competitive edge to the client.

Mission Statement  Provide clients with an optimal experience from conception to completion.

Press Contact:

LaToya Hurley

281-660-1813

https://Innovatingmarketing.co

SOURCE LaToya Hurley
Will develop two state-of-the-art distribution buildings in strong western submarket of Indianapolis

BROWNSBURG, Ind., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Brennan Investment Group ("Brennan"), a private real estate investment firm that acquires, develops, and operates industrial facilities throughout the United States, acquired approximately 68 acres at the intersection of Route 136 and Ronald Reagan Parkway in Brownsburg, Indiana. Brennan will develop two state-of-the-art, distribution buildings that include a 580,884 square foot cross-dock distribution building and a 245,803 square foot rear-load distribution building. Both buildings will feature state-of-the-art design and functionality, including ample auto and trailer parking, 40' and 32' clear heights, and above-standard electrical power.

Situated just fifteen miles west of downtown Indianapolis, the property offers excellent connectivity to major interstates and transportation hubs. Notably the property enjoys close proximity to the Indianapolis International Airport, the FedEx Hub, the UPS Ground Sort Center, and the I-465 outer loop. The Indianapolis market boasts a robust logistics infrastructure, with four major highway systems running through the area, making it an ideal location for industrial occupiers.

"The properties will have convenient access to I-74, and additionally, to interstates I-465, I-70, and I-65 providing superior transportation routes for the end user, their customers, and their employees," explained Doug Lance, Senior Vice-President at Brennan Investment Group. The Indianapolis industrial market has seen healthy leasing activity and absorption, with Q2 2023 net absorption exceeding 6.5 million square feet. Indianapolis remains one of the most affordable industrial markets in the country, making it an attractive destination for businesses in both the short and long term."

"This transaction is illustrative of Brennan's preferred method of land acquisition: highly developed logical infrastructure in major markets, whose submarkets have compelling fundamentals," added Scott McKibben, Brennan's Chief Investment Officer. "Brennan's overall development pipeline will exceed $350 million in 2023."

About Brennan Investment Group

Brennan Investment Group, a Chicago-based private real estate investment firm, acquires, develops, and operates industrial properties in select major metropolitan markets throughout the United States. Since 2010, Brennan Investment Group has acquired over $6 billion in industrial real estate. The company's current portfolio spans 27 states and encompasses 52 million square feet.

Brennan Investment Group co-invests with private and institutional capital to achieve outstanding risk-adjusted returns. The firm's management team is among the most accomplished in its industry, having invested in over 5,000 properties covering more than 60 cities throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. For more information on Brennan Investment Group, go to brennanllc.com.

CONTACT: Ursula Walendzewicz, [email protected], 8476308722

SOURCE Brennan Investment Group, LLC
CAHill Tech is getting another $250,000 from the Western New York Impact Investment Fund to help the startup support construction companies and their employees.

The woman-led, Clarence-based company has raised at least $1.25 million in investment over the past year. That includes an initial $250,000 award from the fund last fall and a $750,000 grant from New York State to develop a workforce tech tool.

Through its smartphone app, aQuiRe, the 43North 2022 finalist provides skills and safety training using videos made for construction workers, by construction workers, helping to make trades education more accessible. It helps companies recruit, train and retain new employees.

CAHill is a team of hard-charging innovators who are building a world-class technology company in Western New York, Western New York Impact Investment Fund CEO Tom Quinn said. Their new product will have a deep impact in our hometown by launching people from low-income communities into meaningful careers.

CAHill Tech received the $750,000 grant last year from the states Office of Strategic Workforce Developments Pay for Performance program to develop aQuiRe Academy, in concert with education and workforce development partners, who have expressed a deep need for effective training tools in construction.

43North gets state funding to keep the competition on track The 43North startup competition is going to be around for at least three more years. The state has renewed the funding of 43Norths $5 million annual contest and a chunk of its operational costs.

Statewide, the Office of Strategic Workforce Development awarded a total of $11 million in grants to 17 projects through the third round of the Workforce Development Capital and Pay for Performance programs.

aQuiRe Academy participants learn the ins and outs of working in road construction as well as technology, financial and other soft skills to prepare them for direct hiring. The grant will also cover transportation and child care services for participants, if needed.

Other backers of CAHill Tech include Techstars Iowa and private industry investors. The company recently inked a $50,000 deal with the states Department of Transportations Office of Diversity and Opportunity, which will introduce aQuire to community-based organizations in Central New York.

Earlier this year, CAHill Tech also earned the Higher Education Workforce Innovation Award from the Business Council of New York for their workforce development training and education efforts, as well as their leadership in developing a strong and diverse talent pipeline.

Carley Hill, who founded CAHill Tech in 2019, spent 22 years with Union Concrete and Construction Corp. Hill is building a company around the problems she personally experienced.

The construction industry is undergoing tremendous disruption, with a huge wave of federally funded projects on the way but a vast undersupply of new workers to take the place of retiring Baby Boomers, Hill said. We want to use this moment to create opportunities across the construction spectrum, from underemployed workers to the companies that need them.

CAHill Tech is the third company to receive an investment from the impact fund in 2023, with several more deals expected to close by years end, Quinn said.

The Fund recently raised more than $12.5 million in new funding to continue its work in investing. Since its inception in 2017, the impact fund has invested more than $9 million in 12 regional organizations and raised more than $20 million.

Were seeing many exciting opportunities to support innovative entrepreneurs who are creating mission-oriented companies in Western New York, Quinn said. In the meantime, our existing portfolio is making incredible progress building businesses that make our hometown a better place.
SPX FLOW joins Northwood Office's Ballantyne Campus Bees Initiative.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ever seeking new opportunities to further its "green" agenda, SPX FLOW, Inc. is launching a new beehive pollination project along its corporate headquarters' tree line in Charlotte, North Carolina. By taking measures to enhance the well-being of bees and promote ecological balance, the company is actively contributing to its commitment to greener operations around the world.

Bee hobbyist Scott Ross checks in on hive progress.

"We're a company whose technologies feed the world, so it fits perfectly into our sustainability focus as bees pollinate two-thirds of the world's crops," said Jennifer Honaker, SPX FLOW's Charlotte facilities manager.

How This Will Make an Impact:

In recent years, bee populations have been under threat. According to the United Nations, "nearly 90% of the world's wild flowering plant species depend, entirely, or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with more than 75% of the world's food crops and 35% of global agricultural land."

To-date, Northwood Office has 14 other hives in Brixham Park and Ballantyne's Backyard that house as many as 800,000 bees and have produced more than 800 pounds of honey.

From Those in the Field:

The hives on SPX FLOW's property consist of two hives maintained weekly by Honaker and local bee hobbyist, Scott Ross.

"Bees face mites, climate change and disease as threats to pollination. My goal is to help them develop a strong hive with a healthy queen, and hopefully, the hive will thrive, split off and create new hives that encourage pollination," said Ross. "Ballantyne is ideal because there's water for hydration, trees and plants that all help support a good hive."

When ready for harvest, SPX FLOW plans to sell excess honey in its Marketplace cafeteria on-site and incorporate the honey harvest into cafeteria meals. The project adds to already established initiatives on-site that include a food compost program, LED lighting, as well as Energy Star and LEED building certifications.

To learn more about SPX FLOW's commitment to conservation, visit https://www.spxflow.com/about/earth-day-every-day.

About SPX FLOW, Inc.

Based in Charlotte, N.C., SPX FLOW, Inc. improves the world through innovative and sustainable solutions. The company's product offering is concentrated in process technologies that perform mixing, blending, fluid handling, separation, thermal heat transfer and other activities that are integral to processes performed across a wide variety of nutrition, health, and industrial markets. SPX FLOW has operations in more than 25 countries and sales in more than 140 countries. To learn more about SPX FLOW, please visit www.spxflow.com .

Media Contact:

Melissa Buscher, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer

[email protected]

SOURCE SPX FLOW, Inc.
SHANGHAI, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) ("Cango" or the "Company"), a leading automotive transaction service platform in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter of 2023.

Second Quarter 2023 Financial and Operational Highlights

Total revenues were RMB675.4 million ( US$93.1 million ), a 133.6% increase from RMB289.2 million in the same period of 2022. Car trading transactions revenues were RMB562.8 million ( US$77.6 million ) in the second quarter of 2023, representing 83.3% of total revenues in the same period, a 157.4% increase from RMB218.6 million in the same period of 2022.





( ), a 133.6% increase from in the same period of 2022. Car trading transactions revenues were ( ) in the second quarter of 2023, representing 83.3% of total revenues in the same period, a 157.4% increase from in the same period of 2022. The total outstanding balance of financing transactions the Company facilitated was RMB16,628.1 million ( US$2,293.1 million ) as of June 30, 2023 . M1+ and M3+ overdue ratios for all financing transactions that remained outstanding and were facilitated by the Company were 2.12% and 1.09%, respectively, as of June 30, 2023 , compared with 2.33% and 1.29%, respectively, as of March 31, 2023 .





( ) as of . M1+ and M3+ overdue ratios for all financing transactions that remained outstanding and were facilitated by the Company were 2.12% and 1.09%, respectively, as of , compared with 2.33% and 1.29%, respectively, as of . "Cango Haoche" had engaged 11,066 dealers in China's 31 provinces and 305 cities as of June 30, 2023 . During the second quarter, total sales were 5,893 cars. Since the "Cango Haoche" APP was launched at the end of the second quarter of 2022, it had attracted a total of over one million page views and more than 98,000 unique visitors as of the end of June 2023 .





31 provinces and 305 cities as of . During the second quarter, total sales were 5,893 cars. Since the "Cango Haoche" APP was launched at the end of the second quarter of 2022, it had attracted a total of over one million page views and more than 98,000 unique visitors as of the end of . "Cango U-Car" had engaged 6,900 dealers in China's 30 provinces and 225 cities as of June 30, 2023 . During the second quarter, total sales were 651 cars. As of June 30, 2023 , the "Cango U-Car" APP and mini program had attracted a total of over 611,000 page views and more than 31,000 unique visitors.

Mr. Jiayuan Lin, Chief Executive Officer of Cango, commented, "Despite the release of various consumption stimulus policies targeting the automotive market in the first half of the year, consumer confidence and consumption willingness remained weak. Amid challenging market conditions overall, we leveraged our deep insights into the industry's pain points to continuously refine our product offerings. "

"In the second quarter, we updated functions and products on 'Cango Haoche,' adding the car loan program, cross-regional delivery service, as well as auto insurance and non-auto insurance products. These offerings empowered our dealers with enhanced service capabilities and broadened profit streams, resulting in a year-over-year increase of 34.3% in the total number of dealers engaged on 'Cango Haoche.' Meanwhile, we assembled a dedicated team of professional technicians and broadened service coverage across the used car transaction value chain with our onsite service team of over 100 experts beginning to engage in basic vehicle inspection and other relevant services."

"Digital technology capabilities are key to improving service capabilities across the platform. Beyond revamping our transaction business across the platform, we have also been actively working towards group-wide digital transformation. Our 'Car Dealer Operational Index Query' was launched and listed on the Shanghai Data Exchange in May 2023, which is believed to be the first data index available in the market and could be served as a tool for assessing the financial stability of car dealers in lower-tier markets."

"Moving into the second half of the year, we will prudently manage inventory to address the potential risk of market and vehicle price fluctuation while continuing to invest in transaction infrastructure and enhancing our platforms' overall capabilities," concluded Mr. Lin.

Mr. Yongyi Zhang, Chief Financial Officer of Cango, stated, "Our resilient second quarter results demonstrated the effectiveness of our business model amid a dynamic operating environment. We made encouraging progress with our diversified and enhanced service offerings across our business in the second quarter, propelling our dealers' growth and helping them achieve their goals. We believe that our dedication to technology innovation and operating efficiency has set Cango firmly on a path toward sustainable and healthy growth."

Accounting Policy Changes

The Company has adopted the Financial Instruments  Credit Losses (ASC 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments on January 1, 2023, using the modified retrospective transition method. This standard requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts.

Upon adoption of the standard on January 1, 2023, the Company recorded RMB302.4 million (US$41.7 million) increase in risk assurance liabilities, RMB14.5 million (US$2.0 million) increase in the allowance for finance lease receivables, RMB13.8 million (US$1.9 million) increase in the allowance for financing receivables and RMB3.2 million (US$0.4 million) increase in the allowance of other current and non-current assets. After adjusting for deferred taxes, RMB306.9 million (US$42.3 million) decrease was recorded in beginning retained earnings on January 1, 2023 through a cumulative-effect adjustment.

Second Quarter 2023 Financial Results

REVENUES

Total revenues in the second quarter of 2023 increased by 133.6% to RMB675.4 million (US$93.1 million) from RMB289.2 million in the same period of 2022. Revenues from car trading transactions in the second quarter of 2023 were RMB562.8 million (US$77.6 million), representing 83.3% of total revenues in the second quarter of 2023 and a 157.4% increase from RMB218.6 million in the same period of 2022. The guarantee income, which represented the fee income earned on the non-contingent aspect of a guarantee, was RMB55.9 million (US$7.7 million) in the second quarter of 2023, which was presented separately from the contingent aspect of a guarantee pursuant to the adoption of ASC 326 since January 1, 2023.

OPERATING COST AND EXPENSES

Total operating cost and expenses in the second quarter of 2023 were RMB684.4 million (US$94.4 million) compared with RMB643.3 million in the same period of 2022.

Cost of revenue in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB615.8 million ( US$84.9 million ) compared with RMB272.7 million in the same period of 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, cost of revenue in the second quarter of 2023 was 91.2%, compared with 94.3% in the same period of 2022.





( ) compared with in the same period of 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, cost of revenue in the second quarter of 2023 was 91.2%, compared with 94.3% in the same period of 2022. Sales and marketing expenses in the second quarter of 2023 decreased to RMB12.2 million ( US$1.7 million ) from RMB41.8 million in the same period of 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, sales and marketing expenses in the second quarter of 2023 was 1.8%, compared with 14.5% in the same period of 2022.





( ) from in the same period of 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, sales and marketing expenses in the second quarter of 2023 was 1.8%, compared with 14.5% in the same period of 2022. General and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2023 decreased to RMB36.8 million ( US$5.1 million ) from RMB124.7 million in the same period of 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2023 was 5.5%, compared with 43.1% in the same period of 2022.





( ) from in the same period of 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2023 was 5.5%, compared with 43.1% in the same period of 2022. Research and development expenses in the second quarter of 2023 decreased to RMB7.7 million ( US$1.1 million ) from RMB12.9 million in the same period of 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, research and development expenses in the second quarter of 2023 was 1.1%, compared with 4.4% in the same period of 2022.





( ) from in the same period of 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, research and development expenses in the second quarter of 2023 was 1.1%, compared with 4.4% in the same period of 2022. Net loss on contingent risk assurance liabilities in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB1.6 million ( US$0.2 million ).





( ). Provision for credit losses in the second quarter of 2023 decreased to RMB10.2 million ( US$1.4 million ) from RMB138.2 million in the same period of 2022. Provision for credit losses included the special provisions of RMB57.3 million on the Company's prepayments and other receivables due from two car trading suppliers based on the assessments of their probabilities of delinquency.

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS

Loss from operations in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB8.9 million (US$1.2 million), compared with RMB354.1 million in the same period of 2022.

NET INCOME

Net income in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB36.2 million (US$5.0 million). Non-GAAP adjusted net income in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB48.2 million (US$6.6 million). Non-GAAP adjusted net income excludes the impact of share-based compensation expenses. For further information, see "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measure."

NET INCOME PER ADS

Basic and diluted net income per American Depositary Share (the "ADS") in the second quarter of 2023 were RMB0.27 (US$0.04) and RMB0.26 (US$0.04), respectively. Non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS in the second quarter of 2023 were RMB0.36 (US$0.05) and RMB0.35 (US$0.05), respectively. Each ADS represents two Class A ordinary shares of the Company.

BALANCE SHEET

As of June 30, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of RMB589.4 million (US$81.3 million), compared with RMB696.6 million as of March 31, 2023.

As of June 30, 2023, the Company had short-term investments of RMB2,055.7 million (US$283.5 million), compared with RMB2,017.7 million as of March 31, 2023.

Business Outlook

For the third quarter of 2023, the Company expects total revenues to be between RMB300 million and RMB350 million. This forecast reflects the Company's current and preliminary views on the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change.

Share Repurchase Program

Pursuant to the share repurchase program announced on April 22, 2022 , the Company had repurchased 2,846,285 ADSs with cash in the aggregate amount of approximately US$5.7 million up to April 25, 2023 , the day on which the program expired.





, the Company had repurchased 2,846,285 ADSs with cash in the aggregate amount of approximately up to , the day on which the program expired. Pursuant to the share repurchase program announced on April 21, 2023 (the "New Share Repurchase Program"), the Company had repurchased 24,845,983 ADSs with cash in the aggregate amount of approximately US$32.2 million up to June 30, 2023 . The ADS purchase agreement entered into between an institutional investor and the Company on June 1, 2023 was settled on June 26, 2023 , pursuant to which the Company repurchased an aggregate of 24,300,562 ADSs for an aggregate purchase price of approximately US$31.6 million .

The above share repurchases were conducted pursuant to resolutions of the Company's board of directors, which authorized that the Company's proposed repurchases may be made from time to time on the open market at prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions, in block trades, and/or through other legally permissible means, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. The repurchases will be funded from the Company's existing cash balance.

Conference Call Information

The Company's management will hold a conference call on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at 9:00 P.M. Eastern Time or Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 9:00 A.M. Beijing Time to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers:

International:

United States Toll Free:

Mainland China Toll Free:

Hong Kong, China Toll Free:

Conference ID: +1-412-902-4272

+1-888-346-8982

4001-201-203 800-905-945

Cango Inc.

The replay will be accessible through August 30, 2023 by dialing the following numbers:

International:

United States Toll Free:

Access Code: +1-412-317-0088

+1-877-344-7529

5299487



A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.cangoonline.com/.

About Cango Inc.

Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) is a leading automotive transaction service platform in China, connecting car buyers, dealers, financial institutions, and other industry participants. Founded in 2010 by a group of pioneers in China's automotive finance industry, the Company is headquartered in Shanghai and has a nationwide network. Leveraging its competitive advantages in technological innovation and big data, Cango has established an automotive supply chain ecosystem, and developed a matrix of products centering on customer needs for auto transactions, auto financing and after-market services. By working with platform participants, Cango endeavors to make car purchases simple and enjoyable, and make itself customers' car purchase service platform of choice. For more information, please visit: www.cangoonline.com.

Definition of Overdue Ratios

The Company defines "M1+ overdue ratio" as (i) exposure at risk relating to financing transactions for which any installment payment is 30 to 179 calendar days past due as of a specified date, divided by (ii) exposure at risk relating to all financing transactions which remain outstanding as of such date, excluding amounts of outstanding principal that are 180 calendar days or more past due.

The Company defines "M3+ overdue ratio" as (i) exposure at risk relating to financing transactions for which any installment payment is 90 to 179 calendar days past due as of a specified date, divided by (ii) exposure at risk relating to all financing transactions which remain outstanding as of such date, excluding amounts of outstanding principal that are 180 calendar days or more past due.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measure

In evaluating the business, the Company considers and uses Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss), a Non-GAAP measure, as a supplemental measure to review and assess its operating performance. The presentation of the Non-GAAP financial measure is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company defines Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) as net income (loss) excluding share-based compensation expenses. The Company presents the Non-GAAP financial measure because it is used by the management to evaluate the operating performance and formulate business plans. Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) enables the management to assess the Company's operating results without considering the impact of share-based compensation expenses, which are non-cash charges. The Company also believes that the use of the Non-GAAP measure facilitates investors' assessment of its operating performance.

Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) is not defined under U.S. GAAP and is not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This Non-GAAP financial measure has limitations as analytical tools. One of the key limitations of using Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) is that it does not reflect all items of expense that affect the Company's operations. Share-based compensation expenses have been and may continue to be incurred in the business and are not reflected in the presentation of Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss). Further, the Non-GAAP measure may differ from the Non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited.

The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the Non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating the Company's performance. The Company encourages you to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

Reconciliations of Cango's Non-GAAP financial measure to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure are included at the end of this press release.

Exchange Rate Information

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars ("US$") at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at the rate of RMB7.2513 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on June 30, 2023, in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or US$ amounts referred could be converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the "Business Outlook" section and quotations from management in this announcement, contain forward-looking statements. Cango may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Cango's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Cango's goal and strategies; Cango's expansion plans; Cango's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Cango's expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its solutions and services; Cango's expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with dealers, financial institutions, car buyers and other platform participants; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Cango's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Cango does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact

Yihe Liu

Cango Inc.

Tel: +86 21 3183 5088 ext.5581

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cango_Group

Helen Wu

Piacente Financial Communications

Tel: +86 10 6508 0677

Email: [email protected]

CANGO INC.

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(Amounts in Renminbi ("RMB") and US dollar ("US$"), except for number of shares and per share data







As of December 31, 2022

As of June 30, 2023







RMB

RMB US$















ASSETS:













Current assets:













Cash and cash equivalents





378,917,318

589,447,322 81,288,503 Restricted cash - current





152,688,510

26,675,304 3,678,693 Short-term investments





1,941,432,848

2,055,688,107 283,492,354 Accounts receivable, net





266,836,951

314,776,512 43,409,666 Finance lease receivables - current, net





799,438,656

448,592,918 61,863,792 Financing receivables, net





73,818,025

28,769,129 3,967,444 Short-term contract asset





500,389,654

242,352,163 33,421,892 Prepayments and other current assets





1,356,822,028

707,701,413 97,596,488 Total current assets





5,470,343,990

4,414,002,868 608,718,832















Non-current assets:













Restricted cash - non-current





750,877,306

612,227,612 84,430,049 Goodwill





148,657,971

148,657,971 20,500,872 Property and equipment, net





14,689,988

12,980,199 1,790,051 Intangible assets





48,317,878

48,012,470 6,621,222 Long-term contract asset





173,457,178

67,598,628 9,322,277 Deferred tax assets





62,497,781

137,212,359 18,922,450 Finance lease receivables - non-current, net





260,049,967

110,848,658 15,286,729 Operating lease right-of-use assets





80,726,757

74,203,806 10,233,173 Other non-current assets





6,633,517

6,886,069 949,632 Total non-current assets





1,545,908,343

1,218,627,772 168,056,455 TOTAL ASSETS





7,016,252,333

5,632,630,640 776,775,287















LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY













Current liabilities:













Short-term debts





349,299,134

230,729,960 31,819,117 Long-term debtscurrent





565,143,340

117,346,048 16,182,760 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities





890,836,699

471,055,350 64,961,500 Deferred guarantee income





-

178,334,757 24,593,488 Contingent risk assurance liabilities





-

208,316,116 28,728,106 Risk assurance liabilities





402,303,421

- - Income tax payable





313,406,680

339,584,975 46,830,910 Short-term lease liabilities





9,913,073

10,690,027 1,474,222 Total current liabilities





2,530,902,347

1,556,057,233 214,590,103















Non-current liabilities:













Long-term debts





75,869,353

2,774,809 382,664 Deferred tax liability





10,724,133

10,724,133 1,478,926 Long-term operating lease liabilities





76,533,208

69,622,114 9,601,329 Other non-current liabilities





314,287

278,451 38,400 Total non-current liabilities





163,440,981

83,399,507 11,501,319 Total liabilities





2,694,343,328

1,639,456,740 226,091,422















Shareholders' equity













Ordinary shares





204,260

204,260 28,169 Treasury shares





(559,005,216)

(781,365,647) (107,755,250) Additional paid-in capital





4,805,240,472

4,818,705,269 664,529,846 Accumulated other comprehensive income





66,359,902

138,390,834 19,084,969 Retained earnings





9,109,587

(182,760,816) (25,203,869) Total Cango Inc.'s equity





4,321,909,005

3,993,173,900 550,683,865 Total shareholders' equity





4,321,909,005

3,993,173,900 550,683,865 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY





7,016,252,333

5,632,630,640 776,775,287

















































CANGO INC.

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in Renminbi ("RMB") and US dollar ("US$"), except for number of shares and per share data)







Three months ended June 30

Six months ended June 30







2022

2023

2022

2023







RMB

RMB US$

RMB

RMB US$

























Revenues





289,191,585

675,430,076 93,146,067

1,076,885,456

1,218,043,439 167,975,872 Loan facilitation income and other related income





14,599,571

13,957,481 1,924,825

120,498,214

16,272,881 2,244,133 Guarantee income





-

55,875,460 7,705,578

-

120,004,206 16,549,337 Leasing income





42,718,041

16,645,952 2,295,582

92,840,092

38,859,633 5,358,988 After-market services income





10,544,538

10,529,314 1,452,059

36,323,244

27,248,790 3,757,780 Automobile trading income





218,612,145

562,758,493 77,607,945

817,913,471

992,608,136 136,886,922 Others





2,717,290

15,663,376 2,160,078

9,310,435

23,049,793 3,178,712 Operating cost and expenses:























Cost of revenue





272,661,870

615,829,103 84,926,717

959,643,012

1,096,347,083 151,193,177 Sales and marketing





41,798,207

12,153,129 1,675,993

95,643,408

24,691,691 3,405,140 General and administrative





124,670,110

36,834,735 5,079,742

175,553,986

76,637,265 10,568,762 Research and development





12,857,670

7,748,158 1,068,520

27,343,292

15,850,521 2,185,887 Net loss (gain) on contingent risk assurance liabilities





-

1,556,164 214,605

-

(66,392) (9,156) Net loss on risk assurance liabilities





53,144,802

- -

152,065,685

- - Provision (net recovery on provision) for credit losses





138,198,835

10,238,843 1,412,001

209,854,830

(38,315,257) -5,283,916 Total operation cost and expense





643,331,494

684,360,132 94,377,578

1,620,104,213

1,175,144,911 162,059,894

























(Loss) income from operations





(354,139,909)

(8,930,056) (1,231,511)

(543,218,757)

42,898,528 5,915,978 Interest income, net





7,153,803

20,718,511 2,857,213

12,500,971

39,499,391 5,447,215 Net gain (loss) on equity securities





1,655,350

4,668,993 643,884

(17,589,345)

8,401,348 1,158,599 Interest expense





(4,245,737)

(1,652,610) (227,905)

(8,585,969)

(3,946,695) (544,274) Foreign exchange gain, net





3,641,027

3,820,047 526,809

3,251,940

2,835,740 391,066 Other income





3,047,649

3,138,715 432,849

37,537,026

7,598,612 1,047,897 Other expenses





(691,665)

(96,249) (13,273)

(823,210)

(227,134) (31,323) Net (loss) income before income taxes





(343,579,482)

21,667,351 2,988,066

(516,927,344)

97,059,790 13,385,158 Income tax benefits





57,794,491

14,559,258 2,007,813

94,980,503

17,931,896 2,472,922 Net (loss) income





(285,784,991)

36,226,609 4,995,879

(421,946,841)

114,991,686 15,858,080 Net (loss) income attributable to Cango Inc.'s shareholders





(285,784,991)

36,226,609 4,995,879

(421,946,841)

114,991,686 15,858,080 Earnings (loss) per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders:























Basic





(2.08)

0.27 0.04

(3.05)

0.86 0.12 Diluted





(2.08)

0.26 0.04

(3.05)

0.82 0.11 Weighted average ADS used to compute earnings (loss) per ADS

attributable to ordinary shareholders:























Basic





137,612,565

133,052,781 133,052,781

138,416,992

133,906,218 133,906,218 Diluted





137,612,565

138,366,712 138,366,712

138,416,992

139,610,743 139,610,743

























Other comprehensive income, net of tax























Foreign currency translation adjustment





173,077,605

78,051,511 10,763,796

156,790,750

72,030,932 9,933,520

























Total comprehensive (loss) income





(112,707,386)

114,278,120 15,759,675

(265,156,091)

187,022,618 25,791,600 Total comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Cango Inc.'s

shareholders





(112,707,386)

114,278,120 15,759,675

(265,156,091)

187,022,618 25,791,600















































































CANGO INC.

RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS

(Amounts in Renminbi ("RMB") and US dollar ("US$"), except for number of shares and per share data)



Three months ended June 30

Six months ended June 30



2022

2023

2022

2023



(Unaudited)

(Unaudited) (Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited) (Unaudited)



RMB

RMB US$

RMB

RMB US$





















Net (loss) income

(285,784,991)

36,226,609 4,995,879

(421,946,841)

114,991,686 15,858,080





















Add: Share-based compensation expenses

96,217,718

11,980,577 1,652,197

119,072,008

26,039,675 3,591,035 Cost of revenue

1,104,953

728,462 100,460

2,000,393

1,475,878 203,533 Sales and marketing

2,253,413

2,345,570 323,469

6,773,229

5,138,966 708,696 General and administrative

92,068,794

8,376,396 1,155,158

108,407,806

18,283,664 2,521,433 Research and development

790,558

530,149 73,110

1,890,580

1,141,167 157,373





















Non-GAAP adjusted net (loss) income

(189,567,273)

48,207,186 6,648,076

(302,874,833)

141,031,361 19,449,115 Net (loss) income attributable to Cango Inc.'s shareholders

(189,567,273)

48,207,186 6,648,076

(302,874,833)

141,031,361 19,449,115





















Non-GAAP adjusted net (loss) income per ADS-basic

(1.38)

0.36 0.05

(2.19)

1.05 0.15 Non-GAAP adjusted net (loss) income per ADS-diluted

(1.38)

0.35 0.05

(2.19)

1.01 0.14





















Weighted average ADS outstandingbasic

137,612,565

133,052,781 133,052,781

138,416,992

133,906,218 133,906,218 Weighted average ADS outstandingdiluted

137,612,565

138,366,712 138,366,712

138,416,992

139,610,743 139,610,743























SOURCE Cango Inc.
HOUSTON, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Capstreet, a Houston-based lower middle market private equity firm, today announced the promotion of Chas Richard from Vice President to Principal.

"Since joining Capstreet, Chas has distinguished himself with his investment acumen and transaction expertise, which have been instrumental in supporting our portfolio companies and new investment opportunities," said Neil Kallmeyer, Managing Partner at Capstreet. "His promotion is a testament to both his dedication to our shared goals and the firm's commitment to cultivating talent, and we congratulate Chas on this next step in his journey."

Mr. Richard, who joined Capstreet in 2018, currently serves on the boards of Allredi, The Colt Group, and TradePending. Previously Mr. Richard was an associate at Barclays, where he was responsible for providing strategic advice to clients and executing M&A transactions. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and Entrepreneurial Management from Texas Christian University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.

About Capstreet

Founded in 1990, Capstreet invests in lower middle market software, tech-enabled services, and industrial business services companies. With over 45 platform investments and over 200 add-on acquisitions since inception, Capstreet's investment strategy is focused on utilizing its Capvalue Framework to help accelerate growth and profitability, and help create long term sustainable businesses. The majority of Capstreet's investments have been with founder- or entrepreneur-owned businesses. For more information, visit the Capstreet website, www.capstreet.com.

Contact:

Lambert

Jennifer Hurson, 845-507-0571, [email protected]

Joanne Lessner, 212-222-7436, [email protected]

SOURCE Capstreet
Cribl Stream boosts routing capabilities for security teams using Castra, enables in-depth SIEM implementations, and reduces overhead costs.

DURHAM, N.C., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Castra is proud to announce a new partnership with Cribl, the data company for IT and security. Castra customers can add Cribl Stream to Castra's managed detection and response solution, enhancing data-driven decision-making and reducing data storage costs in complex enterprise environments.

Cribl Stream gives teams additional control over telemetry data and the flexibility to observe, route, enrich, and process data at every stage of the security lifecycle. With Cribl Stream, enterprises can quickly ingest data and seamlessly integrate it at scale, optimizing log volumes, increasing visibility, and improving downstream performance.

"Cribl is quite literally the platform I've wanted for over fifteen years," said Tony Simone, Castra co-founder. "We are all inundated with data going in a hundred different directions. Being able to bring it all together, route the right data to the right places, transform it, and archive it in a cost-effective way makes this system incredibly powerful  and that's just scratching the surface of what it can do."

As a Castra partner, Cribl will help enterprise security teams manage vast volumes of data more efficiently. Cloud-native SIEM solutions offer rapid data ingestion and query performance, but they are not the most cost-effective solution for storing log, trace, and metric data. Cribl Stream lets enterprises keep high volume data in low-cost storage and replay that data on-demand.

The result is a fast, cost-effective system for managing the flow of data throughout the enterprise. Castra and Cribl are actively working together to address the challenges of routing, filtering, and enriching data in transit to improve security outcomes while reducing inefficiencies and overhead costs.

"For most of my career, moving the same data to multiple locations and editing data in flight was the norm," added Grant Leonard, Castra co-founder. "This was largely accomplished with scripting hacks on subpar platforms, which was almost always a temporary solution. Cribl changes everything, giving Castra the ability to collect, transform and route to multiple locations at enterprise volumes. We couldn't be more excited about the potentials we have now."

Castra's dedication to radical transparency and unlimited visibility makes it an ideal partner for Cribl's industry-leading observability platform. With Cribl Stream, enterprise security teams gain the ability to observe and route data more effectively, making it easier to detect and respond to emerging threats quickly while ensuring regulatory compliance at every stage in the process.

"As more enterprises tap managed security services providers to bolster their security operations, MSSPs are faced with the challenge of working with many organizations at once, each with their own unique set of tools," said Zac Kilpatrick, Vice President, Global Channels & Alliances at Cribl. "To be successful, MSSPs like Castra need security solutions that are interoperable, vendor-agnostic, and can work across any environment and every toolset. We're proud to be partnering with Castra to help them increase their reach and value delivery to customers, who will benefit from observability as a service, a supercharged SOC, and reduced overhead."

About Castra:

Founded in 2012 by Tony Simone and Grant Leonard, Castra provides enterprise-level managed detection and response services to more than 2000 organizations globally. The company leverages world-class SIEM and SOAR expertise to help customers meet security needs without compromising transparency. Castra serves large and medium enterprises, providing 24/7 managed security services custom-tailored to meet industry-specific objectives in fintech, manufacturing, municipalities, and educationally oriented clients.

About Cribl:

Cribl makes open observability a reality for today's tech professionals. The Cribl product suite defies data gravity with radical levels of choice and control. Wherever the data comes from, wherever it needs to go, Cribl delivers the freedom and flexibility to make choices, not compromises. With Cribl, companies have the power to control their data, get more out of existing investments, and shape the observability future. Founded in 2018, Cribl is committed to being the data company for IT and Security with a remote-first workforce and an office in San Francisco, CA.

For additional information, please contact Castra Marketing Director, Tabitha Flythe, at [email protected].

SOURCE Castra Managed Services
SHANGHAI, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At SuperZoo 2023 in Las Vegas, CATLINK's booth garnered attention for its innovative Smart Cat Litter Box. The CATLINK team engaged visitors through live demonstrations, highlighting the seamless integration of technology with pet health.

Say goodbye to common pet care woes and say hello to innovation. CATLINK proudly introduces its revolutionary line of smart products designed to cater to every aspect of your cat's well-being.

Introducing CATLINK: Pioneering Smart Pet Care

Founded in 2017, CATLINK is an innovative pet care brand dedicated to creating a seamless Internet of Things ecosystem that connects people, pets, and technology. In October 2020, we received a heartfelt letter from a user in Thailand, expressing gratitude for the life-saving intervention of our smart litter box. This moment propelled our mission: to use technology to enhance pets' health and happiness. Our commitment to "LINK EVERYTHING FOR CAT'S LIFE" drives all our efforts. Guided by cats' genuine needs and their caregivers, CATLINK has achieved remarkable recognition. Notably, CATLINK secured the No. 1 best seller spot on Amazon Prime Day and earned a place on Forbes' esteemed Chinese Emerging Brand List.

Solving Your Pet Care Dilemmas

Are you a cat parent who faces these common challenges?

Feeding Hassles: Juggling busy schedules and meal times for your feline friend?

Travel Woes: Pleading with friends and family to care for your cat while you're away?

Litter Box Fatigue: Tired of daily litter box cleaning?

Space Constraints: Hesitant to invest in a bulky intelligent cat litter box?

Health Concerns: Constantly worried about your cat's potential health issues?

Your struggles are over! CATLINK is thrilled to introduce a game-changing product line that promises to revolutionize the industry.

Innovative Smart Cat Litter Box - CATLINK Lite

Space-Efficient: Designed with small spaces in mind, CATLINK Lite has a compact footprint of 0.3 square meters, making it ideal for small living spaces.

Mobility: Equipped with two wheels, CATLINK Lite is easy to move around, ensuring convenience without compromising floor space.

Optimized Space: Despite its smaller size, CATLINK Lite maintains ample space for your cat's comfort. With a capacity of 65L, it accommodates even larger cats.

Affordable Solution: Priced at $499 , CATLINK Lite offers affordability and accessibility to non-electric litter box users.

, CATLINK Lite offers affordability and accessibility to non-electric litter box users. Safety Assured: CATLINK Lite boasts cutting-edge safety features, including non-cat jamming structure, infrared sensors, and electronic safety guards.

Health Monitoring: Utilizing an industry-exclusive cat health monitoring algorithm, CATLINK Lite's app collects and analyzes crucial health data to ensure your cat's well-being, even when you're away.

Join Our Smart Revolution

Discover more about the CATLINK smart cat litter box and our commitment to elevating pet care on our official website: www.catlinkus.com. Introduce your feline friend to the future of smart pet care, providing them with enhanced comfort and well-being. For additional information or to schedule a meeting, please contact our sales team at [email protected].

Media contact: Minjun Wang, [email protected]

SOURCE CATLINK
Early Childhood Education Franchise Debuts in Tennessee with First Nashville School Slated to Open Spring 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs, debuts in Nashville with a three-unit development agreement, bringing schools to the booming DMA over the next several years. Area demand for quality childhood education continues to rise, and Celebree School looks to fill that void with the first school slated to open in Spring 2025.

Behind the signed agreement are husband-wife franchisees Chris and Jenny Stine. As parents to two young boys, they've seen firsthand the importance of early childhood education and the growing demand for premier providers as more and more young families make Nashville their home. The Stine family moved to Nashville in 2018 and have become heavily involved in the community, volunteering at various organizations including their local church, serving on the PTA of Kenrose Elementary School, and more.

Early Childhood Education Franchise Debuts in Tennessee with First Nashville School Slated to Open Spring 2025 Post this

After working as an operations manager for several years and transitioning to motherhood, Jenny was ready to join the workforce again. Chris saw this as an opportune time to fulfill their entrepreneurial desires, and the duo began seeking out business opportunities that would allow them to give back to the community in a meaningful way. Upon discovery of Celebree School, they knew they found their match. Jenny's deeply rooted passion for early childhood education, paired with Chris' experience as a U.S. Marine and near decade long background in business development, gave them the footing they needed to take the leap and become Celebree School franchisees.

"As parents going through this phase of life with young children, we understand just how important it is to find a trusted provider in early childhood education," said Jenny. "We've found a business opportunity we can be proud of  one that's purpose-driven and will impact the community in a positive way. We're eager to get our first school up and running to help play a critical role in the growth and development of children and families across Nashville."

The Stines signed a three-unit development agreement with Celebree School and are currently in site selection for their first location that will feature the brand's new prototype design. These development efforts contribute to Celebree's aggressive expansion goals, aiming to have 170 schools opened by the end of 2026.

"The increasing demand for quality childhood education in the area aligns perfectly with Celebree School's mission to provide nurturing and enriching experiences," said Richard Huffman, Founder and CEO of Celebree School. "We are thrilled to debut in Nashville, and have found the ideal franchisees to help us do just that. The Stine family boasts not only the passion needed to excel, but the business acumen and community-first mentality that will take them to new heights as business owners."

2023 is proving to be a momentous year for Celebree School, having already welcomed 14 new franchisees comprising of 28 franchise and future development agreements. The franchise brand now boasts 44 schools open, 54 franchisees awarded over 100 sites, a presence across 14 states, and an enrollment of more than 4,570 children who are being protected, educated, and nurtured within the Celebree family.

Celebree School lives by its promise to Grow People Big and Small, and was founded on the belief that success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and a connection that extends beyond the classroom to address the needs of the whole child and the whole family. Each Celebree School is a village made up of parents, children, and educators with a focus on curriculum-based care that prepares your child for kindergarten and beyond.

Programs are available for children six weeks to 12-years-old with unique curriculums designed to develop positive social skills and values while allowing children to learn about their world through age-appropriate play, projects, and activities. Care is available part-time or full-time, and parents are allowed to drop in and visit at any time.

When franchisees invest with Celebree School, they're investing in an award-winning organization with a strong culture, solid systems, and a proven business model backed with 29-plus years of experience in providing exceptional early childhood education. For more information on franchising opportunities, visit https://www.celebree.com/franchising/.

About Celebree School

Founded in 1994, Celebree School is a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs. With a mission to Grow People Big and Small, Celebree School believes success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children and follows applicable state guidelines. In 2019, Celebree School launched its franchise offering. Learn more about how we grow confident children who are prepared for school and life at Celebree.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Celebree School
Illinois & Chicagoland Are Leading Innovation in Quantum

CHICAGO, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chicagoland region stands on the precipice of becoming a global center for quantum technologies, suggests a report released today by World Business Chicago. The transformative impact of quantum technology is expected to outpace current computational capabilities and revolutionize sectors like automotive, finance, life sciences, and beyond.

Read more in World Business Chicago's Chicago Business Bulletin, "Chicagoland's Quantum Ecosystem" published in partnership with the Chicago Quantum Exchange and P33 Chicago .

"The motivation behind this report was understanding that quantum, often likened to science fiction, is very real," expressed Robin Ficke, SVP, Research, World Business Chicago. " Though quantum applications are still nascent, the strides made by local scientists and innovators are turning heads in the investment and corporate sectors. This report illuminates the region's opportunity to lead quantum technology's future.

The Research Center at World Business Chicago delves deeply into the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities of both established and emergent industries. Today's quantum ecosystem report provides an unbiased glimpse into the region's quantum tech landscape and its broader implications in the U.S. and world.

"We join Governor Pritzker and other key stakeholders, in a commitment to see Illinois and the Chicagoland region become a global quantum hub," said Michael Fassnacht, President & CEO, World Business Chicago. "Given our diversified economy, industrial stronghold, top-tier education system, vibrant startup culture, and strong pipeline of leading researchers, scientists and engineers, we're not just embracing the quantum shiftwe are leading it."

"Quantum technologies have the potential to transform everyday life across multiple sectors, and the Midwest region is poised to become the heart of the nation's quantum economy, thanks in large part to the deep cross-sector partnerships we have cultivated here," said David Awschalom, Liew Family Professor of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago and Director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange. "Collaboration among academia, industry, and government labs have attracted substantial investment to the region and contribute to the strong quantum ecosystem reflected in this report."

World Business Chicago's Quantum Ecosystem report highlights increasing investments in the region's quantum ecosystem, why the Chicagoland region is one of the top three best-positioned in the U.S. for supplying the quantum workforce of the future, details of Illinois' status as a frontrunner in active quantum patents, leading all Midwestern states; and other reasons why the region is a magnet for quantum startups, companies, and leaders of industry. Other findings include:

Billions in Quantum's Wake

Quantum startups globally have attracted an impressive $9.8 billion since 2020, a leap from the prior $1.4 billion over 2014-2019. Illinois has captured $33.2 million since 2017, solidifying its lead for quantum ventures, particularly those focused on software. This can be seen not only in the data but in the personal stories of researchers, startup founders and students who have come to the region for the richness of the quantum ecosystem. Six of those stories are detailed today in a report out by the Chicago Quantum Exchange, including those of three startups that have attracted millions of dollars in public and private investment: EeroQ, which moved its headquarters to Chicago in 2022; Super.tech, a University of Chicago spin-out was acquired in 2022 by Infleqtion (formerly ColdQuanta); and Quantopticon, which is in the process of moving its headquarters to Chicago.

Chicagoland: A Quantum Magnet

The region's quantum ecosystem is more than its startups. Over 40 Fortune 500 companies, leading universities, research labs, and incubators also populate the region. This synergy of tech behemoths, academia, research, and innovative startups positions Chicagoland as a dominant quantum hub.

Educational Epicenter

Including nearby quantum centers in Urbana-Champaign and Madison, Wisconsin, the Midwest region is the nation's third-largest quantum education hub. The Chicagoland region is second in spinning out the most quantum-focused doctoral graduates.

Looking Ahead

Illinois, and the Chicagoland region, is on the precipice of becoming a global hub for quantum development. Today scientists are actively experimenting on ways to increase computer speed, improve cryptography, curate new ways to detect diseases, and more.

"Quantum is ours to win. Every dollar invested, every research paper published, and every startup incubated brings us closer to seeing Illinois and the Chicagoland region a global epicenter of quantum technology," said Brad Henderson, CEO, P33 Chicago.

SOURCE World Business Chicago
Halifax Airport is 6th location in Canada to offer travelers the ability to schedule their place in the airport security line for a better travel experience

Travelers can now use the free virtual queuing program at 19 airports across North America and Europe

NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CLEAR (NYSE: YOU), the secure identity company, today announced the launch of its free virtual queuing service, RESERVE powered by CLEAR , at Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), marking the 6th Canadian airport to offer RESERVE. The program at YHZ, called YHZ Express powered by CLEAR, will help passengers traveling from the domestic/international terminal save time at airport security by empowering them to schedule a dedicated time slot in the airport security line for their party. YHZ joins 18 other airport locations across the U.S., Canada, and Europe that offer the appointment-based system.

"This expansion of RESERVE is a reflection of the demand we have seen across Canada for a more predictable and seamless travel experience," said Kasra Moshkani, CLEAR's EVP of Operations. "Now, Halifax travelers can use this free tool to reserve a dedicated spot in the security line to save time waiting in line."

"Summer is one of the busiest times of year for air travel in Canada, including at Halifax Stanfield, and all airport partners are working hard to make the travel journey as smooth as possible," said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority. "We're thrilled to offer this new service for our travellers who want to plan and maximize their time at the airport prior to their flight."

"YHZ Express and the RESERVE program is unique in the sense that it brings real benefits to the airport security experience for everyone," said Kasper Hounsgaard, Co-CEO and founder of Copenhagen Optimization. "It is an innovation that blends technology and operational experience, making it an integrated part of the airport operation."

How it Works

Passengers can book appointments for YHZ Express as early as two days before a flight here . YHZ passengers may begin making reservations today before the YHZ Express lane opens to travelers on Friday, August 25th. For more information about RESERVE, visit clearme.com/reserve .

To make a reservation with YHZ Express, travelers must enter their flight details and the number of people in their traveling party to view available times. Once they arrive at YHZ, travelers should head to the security checkpoint where they will access the designated lane for YHZ Express passengers. After scanning a QR code, travelers can enter the dedicated security lane.

About CLEAR

CLEAR's mission is to create frictionless experiences. With more than 17 million members and a growing network of partners across the world, CLEAR's identity platform is transforming the way people live, work, and travel. Whether you are traveling, at the stadium, or on your phone, CLEAR connects you to the things that make you, you  making everyday experiences easier, more secure, and friction-free. CLEAR is committed to privacy done right. Members are always in control of their own information, and we never sell member data. For more information, visit clearme.com .

SOURCE CLEAR
NEW YORK, Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The commercial wood-fired pizza ovens market size is estimated to increase by USD 12.12 million from 2022 to 2027, with a CAGR of 3.79%, according to a recent market study by Technavio. This report also offers a 5-year historical (2017-2021) data projection of market size, segmentation, and region. Discover some insights on market size before buying the full report -Request a sample report.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Commercial Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens Market 2023-2027

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak. The Bargaining Power of Buyers & Suppliers and the Threat of New Entrants, Rivalry, and Substitutes have also been analyzed and rated between LOW-HIGH to provide a holistic view of market favorability.

Find Technavio's Exclusive Analysis of Price Sensitivity, Adoption Lifecycle, Customer Purchase Basket, Adoption Rates, and Purchase Criteria

One of the core components of the customer landscape is price sensitivity , an analysis of which will help companies refine marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage .

, an analysis of which will help companies refine . Another key aspect is price sensitivity drivers (purchases are undifferentiated, the purchase is a key cost to buyers, and quality is not important) , which range between LOW and HIGH.

, which range between Furthermore, market adoption rates for all regions have been covered.

The Commercial Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens Market report provides information on the criticality of inputs, R&D, CAPEX, technology, and products of 15 companies listed Below -

Beech Ovens, Californo, Chicago Brick Oven, EarthStone Wood Fire Ovens, Fiero, Fontana Forni USA, Forno Bravo, ilFornino, Italoven, KUMA FORNI, Le Panyol, Maine Wood Heat Co. Inc., Marra Forni, Marsal Pizza Ovens, Mediterranean Woodfired Ovens PL, Morello Forni Italia Srl, The Bushman Wood Fired Ovens, Wachtel GmbH, Wildwood Ovens and BBSs, and Wood Stone Corp. Download Sample

Chart & Data Table on 5-Year Historic (2017-2021) Market Size, Comparative Analysis of Segments, and Y-O-Y Growth of Commercial wood-fired pizza ovens market

The market is segmented by distribution channel (Offline and Online), product (Commercial black wood-fired pizza ovens and Commercial white wood-fired pizza ovens), and geography (Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa).

The market share growth by the offline segment will be significant during the forecast period. The offline distribution channel encompasses the sale of products through various brick-and-mortar retail outlets, including specialty stores, department stores, hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and clubhouse stores. Over the years, the offline distribution channel has experienced a gradual decline in sales, primarily due to the shifting consumer preference toward online shopping. In response to this trend, companies are taking measures to rejuvenate sales within the offline channel. Despite the diminishing popularity of the offline channel, the implementation of comprehensive and inventive marketing strategies is poised to sustain sales growth through this avenue. As a result, these initiatives are expected to contribute to the expansion of the global market.

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Market Dynamics

Key Commercial Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens Market Driver

The rising popularity of fast-casual pizza restaurants is notably driving market growth. Fast-casual pizza restaurants are a new, rapidly growing concept, and they are a combination of quick-service restaurants and casual dining restaurants. These eateries offer a fusion of convenience and leisure, serving fresh and health-conscious pizzas that carry a slightly higher price tag compared to those found in traditional fast-food settings. The surge in health awareness among consumers has driven a willingness to invest more in wholesome, freshly prepared, and lower-calorie pizza options available at fast-casual venues. As leading pizzerias continue to expand their reach, an avenue emerges for commercial wood-fired pizza oven manufacturers to capitalize on increased sales opportunities. The escalating popularity of fast-casual pizza restaurants is poised to stoke the demand for commercial wood-fired pizza ovens, subsequently fostering growth within the targeted market segment during the forecast period.

Significant Commercial Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens Market Trend

The growing end-user preference for ovens with multi-cooking functions is an emerging market trend.

Major Commercial Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens Market Challenge

The high initial and maintenance costs are major challenges hindering market growth.

Chart & Data Table on Historical Market Size (2017-2021, Historic Industry Size & Analysis of 15 companies and 7 Countries

The market is segmented by region Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa. An analysis of key leading countries has been included.

Europe is estimated to contribute 31% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. Due to the increasing desire for personalized pizza options and a strong consumer inclination toward gluten-free choices, Europe stands as a prominent market for pizzas. Furthermore, the region's end-users emphasize the utilization of equipment capable of delivering top-tier cooked food items while also minimizing cooking duration. Notably, food processing and baking equipment, including commercial wood-fired pizza ovens, contribute to improved heat distribution, particularly for delicate food items. These ovens allow for precise control of the baking environment. As a result, the demand for such ovens is projected to experience growth during the forecast period.

For Insights on the market dynamics & segmentations VIEW PDF SAMPLE !

What are the key data covered in this Commercial Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens Market report?

CAGR of the market during the forecast period

Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the commercial wood-fired pizza ovens market between 2023 and 2027

Precise estimation of the commercial wood-fired pizza ovens market size and its contribution to the market in focus on the parent market

Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

Growth of the commercial wood-fired pizza ovens market across Europe , North America , APAC, South America , and the Middle East and Africa

, , APAC, , and the and A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about companies

Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of commercial wood-fired pizza ovens market companies

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Related Reports:

The pizza oven market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.18% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 149.61 million. This report extensively covers market segmentation by type (electric pizza oven, wood-fired pizza oven, and gas pizza oven), distribution channel (offline and online), and geography (Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The increasing consumption of pizza in developing countries is one of the major driving factors for the pizza oven market.

The residential toaster ovens market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.96% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 924.07 million. The growth of the market depends on several factors, including technological advances and innovation leading to product premiumization, enhanced product safety features, and increasing disposable income of consumers in developing countries.

Table of contents

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel

7 Market Segmentation by Product

8 Customer Landscape

9 Geographic Landscape

10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

11 Vendor Landscape

12 Vendor Analysis

13 Appendix

About US

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

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Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com

SOURCE Technavio
SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Complete Genomics, Inc., a pioneering genomic sequencing company, today proudly received the honor of the R&D 100 Awards from R&D World Magazine, often referred to as the "Oscars of Innovation".

Widely recognized in industry, government, and academia as a mark of excellence for the most innovative ideas of the year, the R&D 100 Awards are the only industry-wide competition rewarding the practical applications of science ever since its inaugural debut in 1963. With esteemed judging panel, the awards are based on each achievement's technical significance, uniqueness, and usefulness compared to competing projects and technologies. This distinguished accolade stands as a testament to Complete Genomics innovative sequencing technologies and enduring impact on the industry.

The triumph came in the Analytical/Test category and was bestowed in recognition of ultra-high throughput gene sequencer DNBSEQ-T202*("T20"). Aiming at bringing whole genome sequencing into the affordable realm of every lab, Complete Genomics launched T20 in February 2023, which drops whole genome sequencing cost to sub $100 per unit in a historical achievement. With this innovation, Complete Genomics further enhances sequencing capabilities and enables researchers to accelerates scientific breakthroughs by doubling the efficiency of DNA sequencing. This landmark achievement not only catalyzes the expansion of the global genetic industry, but also accelerates progress in understanding the human genome and medical applications, thereby reshaping the industry landscape. With affordable cost of sequencing, many new clinical applications will be open, and the goal of improving human health through genomics research will also being realized. Designed for large population genomics, the T20 enables large national genome sequencing projects, affordable DTC (direct to customer) genomics, or large single-cell and spatial genomic studies.

Founded in 2005 in Silicon Valley, Complete Genomics offers complete end-to-end NGS solutions, including sample extraction, library prep, automation system, sequencing platforms, and bioinformatics. Following its reentrance in the US market in August 2022 after IP wins in US courts, Complete Genomics has generated great interest within the scientific and genomics industry communities.

Dr. Radoje (Rade) Drmanac, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Complete Genomics said: "I feel extremely proud and excited in witnessing Complete Genomics' winning this world-class award recognizing our innovative high-throughput DNA sequencing technology. As the pioneer in dropping the whole genome sequencing cost to sub $100 per unit, T20 is making sequencing available to all through our customers operated large sequencing service labs. Using our unmatched core technologies, we will continue developing even more accessible DNA sequencing in the years to come to enabled broad disease prevention and longer healthy lives."

Complete Genomics will formally accept the award at a gala banquet on Nov. 16, 2023 in San Diego.

About Complete Genomics

Complete Genomics is a pioneering life sciences company that provides novel, end to end DNA sequencing solutions. It has been at the forefront of high throughput sequencing technology development since its inception in 2005. Our products have powered over 6,200 publications across a wide array of applications. To learn more, visit www.completegenomics.com.

* For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

SOURCE Complete Genomics
Buffalo Common Council President Darius G. Pridgen says in court papers that the woman who accused him in a lawsuit of sexually abusing her admitted in a phone call to him that he didnt abuse her and that she had never met him.

Pridgens attorneys are asking for the case against him to be dismissed, calling it a frivolous lawsuit.

Woman who sued Buffalo Common Council President Darius Pridgen now denies he sexually assaulted her The woman whose lawsuit accuses Buffalo Common Council President Darius Pridgen of sexual assaults said Thursday that the incidents never happened, she never filed a lawsuit and she never talked to an attorney about Pridgen. But when told Friday by The News that her client had denied being abused by Pridgen, the woman's attorney said that her client just wants to be left alone by the media.

In his response to the lawsuit, which was filed by his attorneys Tuesday, Pridgen says he did not negligently, intentionally, recklessly, willfully, wantonly, maliciously, fraudulently, oppressively, improperly, evilly, unlawfully, abusively, manipulatively, and/or conducted, abused, contacted, assaulted, committed battery, touched, contacted, and/or penetrated the plaintiff.

The woman accused Pridgen in a lawsuit filed last month of repeatedly sexually assaulting her at True Bethel Baptist Church, where he has served as the longtime pastor.

The lawsuit said she was 45 years old when the abuse began, in or about 2020. The Buffalo News is not naming her because she claimed she is a victim of sexual assault.

Darius Pridgen, Buffalo Common Council president and church pastor, accused of sexual abuse in lawsuit Buffalo Common Council President Darius Pridgen is accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a parishioner at True Bethel Baptist Church, where he has served as the longtime pastor, in a new lawsuit filed under the Adult Survivors Act.

Pridgens church, located on East Ferry Street in Buffalo, also is named as a defendant in the Adult Survivors Act lawsuit filed in State Supreme Court.

The lawsuit, which identified the woman as a True Bethel member and volunteer, said the sexual abuse took place after services on church grounds on at least seven occasions.

At the time, Pridgen called the accusations baseless and unfortunate, and said he did not know the accuser.

Neither the accuser nor her attorney returned calls for comment Wednesday.

After her complaint was filed, the woman told her pastor, Kenny Simmons of Cold Springs Bible Church, that she did not accuse Pridgen of sexual abuse, that someone stole her purse and was making up stories, according to Pridgens response.

Simmons has said the accuser had been a member of his church for the past eight years.

And in a three-way call between Pridgen, Simmons and the accuser, she admitted that she had not made sexual abuse accusations, that she was not the source of sexual abuse accusations and that she was sorry, according to Pridgens court filing. The filing said she also admitted during the call that this never happened, and shes never spoken to a lawyer and that she never even met Pridgen.

His response Tuesday to the lawsuit references an article in The News in which the accuser said she never filed a lawsuit and said she never talked to an attorney about Pridgen.

I dont know nothing about it, she told The News. It didnt happen on my behalf. Honest to God.

I feel bad, she added. Thats crazy to put my name over all that. I dont like that.
CHICAGO, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Future trends in the Customer Experience Management (CXM) market will include hyper-personalization, omnichannel integration, AI-powered interactions, ethical data use, and a concentration on predictive analytics and emotion analysis. Delivering seamless, value-driven experiences will depend on human-AI collaboration, sustainability integration, and agility in adjusting to changing client behaviours.

The global Customer Experience Management Market is estimated to be worth USD 11.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 20.4 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 12.2% during the forecast period, according to MarketsandMarkets.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Customer Experience Management Market"

265 - Tables

49 - Figures

261 - Pages

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Scope of the Report

Report Metrics Details Market size available for years 2017-2028 Base year considered 2022 Forecast period 2023-2028 Forecast units Value (USD) Million/Billion Segments Covered By Offering, touchpoint, Deployment type, Organisation Size, Verticals Region covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America Companies covered Adobe (US), IBM (US), Oracle (US), Avaya (US), Nice (Israel), Nokia (Finland), SAP (Germany), OpenText (Canada), Tech Mahindra (India), Verint Systems (US), Zendesk (US), Teradata (US), Sprinklr (US), Medallia (US), InMoment (US), SAS (US), Clarabridge (US), Sitecore (US), NGDATA (Belgium), Amperity (US), Mixpanel (US), Segment.io (US), Skyvera (US), MindTouch (US), Algonomy (US), and Sogolytics (US)

As businesses recognize the significance of building lasting customer relationships, they invest in strategies and technologies to optimize every customer journey touchpoint. The infusion of advanced technologies like AI, data analytics, and omnichannel platforms empowers companies to not only understand customer preferences but also to anticipate their needs. This evolution reflects a fundamental understanding that superior customer experiences are no longer optional but essential for differentiation, loyalty, and sustained success in today's competitive market landscape.

The services to record a higher growth rate during the forecast period

As businesses increasingly prioritize tailored customer interactions and seamless multichannel engagement, the demand for specialized services is poised to surge. These services encompass diverse offerings, from strategic consulting and implementation to continuous support and training. The services segment becomes an indispensable element of successful customer experience management strategies by aligning solutions with unique business needs and enhancing customer engagement. This heightened emphasis on comprehensive services is poised to significantly bolster the growth trajectory of the Customer Experience Management Market, emphasizing their instrumental role in driving the effective and sustainable implementation of customer-centric approaches.

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Cloud deployment mode is expected to have a higher growth rate during the forecast period

Businesses increasingly recognize the advantages of cloud-based solutions in enabling seamless, scalable, and cost-effective implementation of customer-centric strategies. Cloud deployment allows access to data and tools from anywhere, ensuring real-time insights and personalized engagements. This aligns well with the evolving customer expectations for on-demand interactions across multiple touchpoints. As companies seek to streamline operations, enhance agility, and cater to digital-savvy customers, the cloud deployment mode emerges as a critical driver of growth in the customer experience management landscape.

North America to hold the largest market size during the forecast period

The dominance is attributed to the region's robust technological infrastructure, widespread digital adoption, and heightened customer-centric strategies embraced by businesses. With an emphasis on tailored interactions, data-driven insights, and seamless multichannel experiences, North American enterprises are well-positioned to excel in delivering exceptional customer experiences. The region's mature market, strong economic foundation, and cultural focus on customer satisfaction contribute to its leading position in the customer experience management domain. As companies prioritize customer engagement and loyalty, North America is set to shape the market's trajectory through innovation and fostering long-lasting customer connections.

Top Key Companies in Customer Experience Management Market:

The major players in the Customer Experience Management Market are Adobe (US), IBM (US), Oracle (US), Avaya (US), Nice (Israel), Nokia (Finland), SAP (Germany), OpenText (Canada), Tech Mahindra (India), Verint Systems (US), Zendesk (US), Teradata (US), Sprinklr (US), Medallia (US), InMoment (US), SAS (US), Clarabridge (US), Sitecore (US), NGDATA (Belgium), Amperity (US), Mixpanel (US), Segment.io (US), Skyvera (US), MindTouch (US), Algonomy (US), and Sogolytics (US).

Recent Developments

May 2023 - Oracle announced the rollout of its cloud-based retail solutions at Prada Group. The luxury brand integrates its physical and digital products to better connect with its clients and use data to provide an ever-more-tailored experience.

- Oracle announced the rollout of its cloud-based retail solutions at Prada Group. The luxury brand integrates its physical and digital products to better connect with its clients and use data to provide an ever-more-tailored experience. April 2023 - To help customers accelerate their cloud-centric digital transformation, OpenText unveiled OpenText Cloud Editions (CE) 23.2, which includes around 75,000 advancements from the previous year.

- To help customers accelerate their cloud-centric digital transformation, OpenText unveiled OpenText Cloud Editions (CE) 23.2, which includes around 75,000 advancements from the previous year. May 2022 - At its flagship conference, Zendesk introduced new products intended to make conversations the focal point of CRM. Along with this, the company unveiled a brand-new employee experience solution to assist companies in modernizing internal processes and improving the hybrid work environment.

- At its flagship conference, Zendesk introduced new products intended to make conversations the focal point of CRM. Along with this, the company unveiled a brand-new employee experience solution to assist companies in modernizing internal processes and improving the hybrid work environment. March 2022 - As part of its sales and marketing division's digital transformation, Adobe announced that BMW Group, one of the top worldwide auto and motorcycle manufacturers, has expanded its cooperation with Adobe. BMW Group, which owns the brands BMW, Rolls-Royce, MINI, and BMW Motorrad, is using Adobe Experience Cloud to create personalized digital experiences as it works towards its three-year goal of selling a quarter of all its vehicles online. Using a data-driven, individualized strategy, BMW Group will provide customers with seamless online and offline experiences, including personalized vehicles, doorstep delivery, and unique post-purchase services.

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Customer Experience Management Market Advantages:

Personalised experiences that increase customer happiness are made possible by CXM tactics, which aid organisations in understanding customer wants and preferences.

Delivering consistent, satisfying experiences helps CXM increase client lifetime value by fostering repeat business and improving customer loyalty.

Through fostering meaningful interactions across numerous touchpoints, CXM increases consumer engagement and motivates people to take an active role in the brand.

Positive encounters build a strong brand image, which encourages recommendations, word-of-mouth marketing, and an improvement in public opinion.

Through the use of data analytics, CXM is able to target marketing efforts and make wise decisions by gaining insights into client behaviour and preferences.

Customers may transition between channels without experiencing any interruptions thanks to CXM, which creates a smooth journey.

Based on consumer feedback, CXM promotes innovation, allowing firms to quickly respond to shifting market trends and client expectations.

Better customer service is provided by engaged staff, and CXM strategies frequently entail employee training and participation in customer-centric activities.

Report Objectives

To define, describe, and forecast the Customer Experience Management Market based on segments based on offerings, solutions, services, touchpoints, deployment type, organization size, and vertical with regions covered.

To forecast the size of the market segments with respect to five regions: North America , Europe , Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Latin America .

, , (APAC), and (MEA), and . To provide detailed information on the major factors (drivers, opportunities, threats, and challenges) influencing the growth of the Customer Experience Management Market.

To analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the global Customer Experience Management Market.

To analyze opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying high-growth segments of the global Customer Experience Management Market.

To profile the key market players, such as top and emerging vendors; provide a comparative analysis based on their business overviews, product offerings, and business strategies; and illustrate the market's competitive landscape.

To track and analyze competitive developments in the market, such as new product launches, product enhancements, partnerships, acquisitions, and agreements and collaborations.

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The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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TORONTO, Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Cybeats Technologies Corp. ("Cybeats'' or the "Company")(CSE: CYBT) (OTCQB: CYBCF) is pleased to announce the signing of a pilot evaluation agreement with a global leader in electrical and power systems, for the SBOM Studio platform.1

This new pilot is with a leading manufacturer of utility, electrical solutions and critical infrastructure, and marks Cybeats' first engagement with a client involved in the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure sector, which has been at the forefront of cybersecurity debates over risks of poorly defended charging stationsand the possibility for spillover hacks to wider power grids.2 Cybeats has also demonstrated an impressive 75% conversion rate from pilots to commercial contracts, as previously announced in January 2023.3

"We're thrilled to add a multinational giant in electrical and power systems to the pilot evaluation pipeline. Engaging with a leader in this sector comes with a potential window into EV charging network infrastructure, which is a space keen on innovation and forward-looking cybersecurity solutions like SBOM Studio. This engagement underscores our readiness to expand our reach with SBOM Studio - a proven and endorsed solution by industry leaders across multiple other sectors," said Yoav Raiter, CEO, Cybeats.

Cybersecurity for EV Charging Networks

According to the Wall Street Journal, the accelerated push to EV and their required networks are coinciding with increasing apprehensions over inadequately secured charging infrastructure. There's growing recognition that poorly defended charging stations might present a viable cybersecurity gateway for wider grid compromises. Cybeats' provides SBOM management solutions that play an instrumental role in managing the software supply chain, and potentially mitigating 'catastrophic risks' that EV charging stations pose.4

SBOM management is an imperative for companies to achieve software transparency and comply with various regulatory frameworks like the EU Cybersecurity Act, UK Telecommunications (Security) Act, and NIST guidelines. With the rise of concepts like Open Radio Access Network Infrastructure (O-RAN), SBOMs are becoming increasingly relevant in ensuring compliance, interoperability, and security.

About Cybeats

Cybeats is a cybersecurity company providing SBOM management and software supply chain intelligence technology, helping organizations to manage risk, meet compliance requirements, and secure their software from procurement to development and operation. Our platform gives customers comprehensive visibility and transparency into their software supply chain, enabling them to improve operational efficiency and increase revenue. Cybeats. Software Made Certain. Website: https://cybeats.com

SUBSCRIBE: For more information, or to subscribe to the Company's mail list, visit: https://www.cybeats.com/investors

Forward-looking Information Cautionary Statement

Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the CSE. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the commercialization plans for the products described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Company filings are available at sedar.com.

SOURCE Cybeats Technologies Corp.
JERSEY CITY, N.J., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of the market assessment report on "Global Data Center Liquid Cooling Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By End-User Industry (Financial Services And Insurance (BFSI), Banking, IT And Telecom, Government And Public Sector, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail), Data Center (Hyperscale, Colocation, Enterprise) And Solution (Indirect & Direct Cooling)- Market Outlook And Industry Analysis 2031."

According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the global data center liquid cooling market size is valued at US$ 3.56 Bn in 2022, and it is expected to reach US$ 30.61 Bn in 2031, recording a promising CAGR of 27.22% during the forecast period of 2023-2031.

Request for Sample Pages: https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/1735

Data center operators utilize cooling methods known as data center liquid cooling to keep the temperature in data centers within an acceptable range. Data centers must be able to process massive volumes of data 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Data processing equipment emits heat energy, necessitating cooling to prevent equipment damage from heat. These cutting-edge solutions also directly increase data center energy requirements, which elevates component operating temperatures.

Furthermore, tremendous progress has been made in artificial intelligence, algorithms, 5G networks, and augmented and virtual reality. As a result, the need for cooling solutions in the IT and telecom industries will be substantial during the forecast period, assisting market expansion. The growing use of modern technologies such as cryptocurrency, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) is expected to create profitable prospects for the market, further accelerating the growth rate of the data center liquid cooling market.

Moreover, market participants' increasing number of product releases and other developments provide much growth potential within the industry. In the case of a liquid leak, additional instruments and controls must also be installed. All these factors raise the cost of deploying liquid cooling technology. These high prices are also projected to hamper market growth during the projection period.

Some of the prominent players in the Data Center Liquid Cooling Market are:

ALFA LAVAL

Asetek, Inc

Asperitas

Black Box

Boyd

Chilldyne

COOLIT SYSTEMS

DCX The Liquid Cooling Company

ExaScaler Inc

FUJITSU

Green Revolution Cooling, Inc

Iceotope Technologies Limited

LiquidStack and Allied Control

Motivair Corporation

Nortek Air Solutions, LLC

Rittal GmbH & Co. KG

Schneider Electric

Submer

Wiwynn

ZutaCore

JETCOOL Technologies Inc

CoolestDC

TMGcore, Inc.

FLUIX Inc

Ferveret

Data Center Liquid Cooling Market Report Scope

Report Attribute Specifications Market Size Value In 2022 USD 3.56 Bn Revenue Forecast In 2031 USD 30.61 Bn Growth Rate CAGR CAGR of 27.22 % from 2023 to 2031 Quantitative Units Representation of revenue in US$ Bn and CAGR from 2023 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2031 Report Coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends Segments Covered By End-User Industry, By Data Center and By Solution Regional Scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa Country Scope U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; The UK; France; Italy; Spain; China; Japan; India; South Korea; South East Asia; South Korea; South East Asia Competitive Landscape ALFA LAVAL, Asetek, Inc, Asperitas, Black Box, Boyd, Chilldyne, COOLIT SYSTEMS, DCX The Liquid Cooling Company, ExaScaler Inc, FUJITSU, Green Revolution Cooling, Inc, Iceotope Technologies Limited, LiquidStack and Allied Control, Motivair Corporation, Nortek Air Solutions, LLC, Rittal GmbH & Co. KG, Schneider Electric, Submer, Wiwynn, ZutaCore, JETCOOL Technologies Inc, CoolestDC, TMGcore, Inc., FLUIX Inc, and Ferveret Customization Scope Free customization report with the procurement of the report, Modifications to the regional and segment scope. Particular Geographic competitive landscape. Pricing and Available Payment Methods Explore pricing alternatives that are customized to your particular study requirements.

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Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

Modules of liquid cooling and data centers present an optimal method to operators. Movable data centers are available in various configurations, including enclosure, ISO container, and skid-mounted, and are deployed to meet the needs of businesses. The Data Center Liquid Cooling market is predicted to develop because of the speed of deployment, space requirements, capacity, and versatility. Secondly, the COVID-19 outbreak has raised demands for data centers tremendously. Video calls and VPN use are increasing as more people work from home. Allied health practitioners are increasingly using these applications. Liquid-based cooling is less expensive and more efficient at absorbing heat from the heat sink. As a result, the advantages of liquid-based solutions are likely to provide profitable prospects.

Challenges:

Conventional items are interchangeable and widely used in operating systems. Using hardware products incompatible with clients is a key barrier to the widespread adoption of any computer technology. As a result, the need for standards for liquid cooling systems will represent a significant challenge to the data center liquid cooling market over the projection period. Establishing liquid cooling systems is more expensive than implementing air cooling systems, and the parts and accessories necessary for liquid cooling must be of high quality. All these factors raise the cost of deploying liquid cooling technology. These high prices are also projected to hamper market growth during the projection period.

Regional Trends:

The North American regional market is projected to register a major market share. The region had a massive surge in the penetration of linked devices. Datacenter sponsors are increasingly funding direct-to-chip and liquid immersion cooling technologies. The international development of 5G networks, of which the United States is a pioneer, has increased the importance of edge data centers. Numerous American operators, including Edge Presence, Edge Micro, and American Towers, have begun to invest in these centers. Besides, the Asia Pacific region had a substantial share of the market. Increasing online usage understanding is also likely to stimulate cooling product sales. The Internet generates a lot of data, necessitating big data and liquid cooling solutions. Furthermore, the increased demand for cloud data storage and file cabinets is driving the growth of the data center liquid cooling market. Additionally, big data across industry verticals is a powerful driver for this industry.

Key Developments In The Market:

In August 2023 , Boyd is innovating liquid-cooling technology so artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data centers can be more energy- and resource-efficient. Boyd's liquid technology will cool power-dense AI processors and high-performance data centers. Current extreme air-cooled technologies face challenges when sustainably cooling to AI power requirements.

Boyd is innovating liquid-cooling technology so artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data centers can be more energy- and resource-efficient. Boyd's liquid technology will cool power-dense AI processors and high-performance data centers. Current extreme air-cooled technologies face challenges when sustainably cooling to AI power requirements. In June 2023 , GRC introduced a new offering for blockchain applications  HashRaQ MAX, a next-gen, productivity-driven, immersion cooling solution that tackles the extreme heat loads generated by crypto mining. The precisely engineered system features a high-performance cooling distribution unit (CDU) that supports high-density configuration and ensures maximum mining capability with minimal infrastructure costs, allowing for installation in nearly any location with access to power and water.

GRC introduced a new offering for blockchain applications  HashRaQ MAX, a next-gen, productivity-driven, immersion cooling solution that tackles the extreme heat loads generated by mining. The precisely engineered system features a high-performance cooling distribution unit (CDU) that supports high-density configuration and ensures maximum mining capability with minimal infrastructure costs, allowing for installation in nearly any location with access to power and water. In Feb 2023 , Alfa Laval launched the Cooling Pod as an answer to the demand for more flexible and sustainable cooling solutions for edge-computing data centers. The new solution consists of a 20-foot container with all the components needed to deliver cooling for direct-to-chip and immersion cooling applications.

Alfa Laval launched the Cooling Pod as an answer to the demand for more flexible and sustainable cooling solutions for edge-computing data centers. The new solution consists of a 20-foot container with all the components needed to deliver cooling for direct-to-chip and immersion cooling applications. In Nov 2021 , Schneider Electric signed a partnership to sell Chilldyne's direct-to-chip liquid cooling systems. The power and cooling giant will offer Chilldyne's negative pressure liquid cooling system, offering worldwide sales and support on the patented products. The products will sit alongside Schneider's existing Uniflair cooling and chilling products.

Market Segments

Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on End-use

IT and Telecom

Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI)

Government and Public Sector

Manufacturing

Healthcare

Retail

Others

Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on Data Center

Hyperscale

Colocation

Enterprise

Others

Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on Solution

Indirect Cooling

In-Row Based



In-Rack Based

Direct Cooling

Direct-to-Chip Liquid Cooling System



Immersion Cooling System



Single-Phase Immersion Cooling





Chassis-Based Immersion Cooling







Tub-Based Immersion Cooling





Two-Phase Immersion Cooling

Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on Region

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa

North America Data Center Liquid Cooling Market Revenue (US$ Bn) by Country, 2023 to 2031

U.S.

Canada

Europe Data Center Liquid Cooling Market Revenue (US$ Bn) by Country, 2023 to 2031

Germany

France

Italy

Spain

Russia

The Benelux Union

Turkey

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific Data Center Liquid Cooling Market Revenue (US$ Bn) by Country, 2023 to 2031

India

China

Japan

South Korea

Australia & New Zealand

Latin America Data Center Liquid Cooling Market Revenue (US$ Bn) by Country, 2023 to 2031

Brazil

Mexico

Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa Data Center Liquid Cooling Market Revenue (US$ Bn) by Country, 2023 to 2031

UAE

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

Rest of Middle East & Africa

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To receive a comprehensive analysis of the prospects for the global Data Center Liquid Cooling Market

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Major Investments, Mergers & Acquisitions in the global Data Center Liquid Cooling Market industry

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Amanda K. Antons, partner at Dechert, will be a first class participant in the organization's upcoming event

NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Katherine A. Helm, intellectual property partner in Dechert LLP's New York office, joins women leaders in intellectual property in founding Lead Counsel Summit (LCS), an organization dedicated to increasing the number of women lead counsel in private practice in the area of intellectual property litigation and appeals. LCS is holding its inaugural summit in San Francisco on August 25-27, 2023. Amanda K. Antons, intellectual property partner in the global law firm's Chicago office, will take part in the inaugural summit as a first class participant.

Amanda K. Antons, Ph.D. Katherine A. Helm, Ph.D.

The organization's yearly summits aim to provide training and support to women litigators who are on the cusp of serving as lead counsel, to help them master the courtroom and their clients, and to learn team skills needed to succeed in their roles. The upcoming summit will feature experienced lead counsel, in-house counsel, and members of the federal judiciary who are active in intellectual property sharing insights and guidance on topics ranging from winning the jury to addressing internal and external conflicts that may surface with clients and courts. The first class of participants will have the opportunity to learn skills from experienced and leading professionals on how to own a case and a room, win a jury, and navigate conflicts. Additionally, participants will partake in breakout sessions where they will engage in mock pitches to in-house counsel and give opening statements, followed by feedback sessions and networking opportunities with leading women in intellectual property.

"I am honored to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to empowering women litigators in the intellectual property space. Our first class of amazingly skilled participants will inform a larger initiative that brings together onetime competitors across law firms and companies with the aim to break down barriers across all touchpoints of our legal practice," said Dr. Helm.

Commenting on her participation in the upcoming summit, Dr. Antons said: "I am grateful to be part of the first class of participants at the first LCS summit. I look forward to connecting with and to learning from both the organization's leaders and my fellow participants in a program and environment committed to the advancement of women litigators in intellectual property."

Katherine A. Helm, Ph.D., is a first-chair counsel who represents innovator pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in patent and patent-adjacent litigation matters. She leverages her neuroscience doctorate alongside her legal acumen to develop and execute winning positions for life sciences companies with global IP pharmaceutical assets in all phases of district court litigation, before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, in Federal Circuit and other circuit court appeals, as well as in coordinated global proceedings in the European national courts and in European Patent Office oppositions and appeals.

Amanda K. Antons, Ph.D., focuses her practice on patent litigation, specifically in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, including biologics litigation, Abbreviated New Drug Application litigation, Patent Trial and Appeal Board proceedings, European Patent Office proceedings, other contentious patent office matters including interferences, and related trade secrets litigation. Her doctoral training, including work on T cell/HIV interactions, provides her with significant research experience and knowledge in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

Read more about the Legal Counsel Summit.

About Dechert

Dechert is a global law firm that advises asset managers, financial institutions and corporations on issues critical to managing their business and their capital  from high-stakes litigation to complex transactions and regulatory matters. We answer questions that seem unsolvable, develop deal structures that are new to the market and protect clients' rights in extreme situations. Our 1,000+ lawyers across 21 offices globally focus on the financial services, private equity, private credit, real estate, life sciences and technology sectors. www.dechert.com

SOURCE Dechert LLP
BEIJING, Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from eguizhou.gov.cn:

Southwest China is helping to spearhead technological advance with new computing centers and increased activity.

A view of the data center built by Huawei Cloud in Guian New Area, near Guiyang. CHINA DAILY

Guian New Area, which boasts a giant data center cluster for China's major telecom, internet and power companies, is accelerating the development of the country's digital economy through its strong computing power, officials said.

"In recent years, the area has continuously expanded the Guian data center cluster, accelerated the construction of the upstream and downstream industry chains, and made efforts to promote data storage, operation and utilization, thus providing strong support for the high-quality development of the digital economy," said Wang Ceng, deputy secretary of the Party Working Committee of Gui'an New Area.

Guian, in the southwestern province of Guizhou, is one of 19 national-level new areas. It is playing a crucial role in implementing the country's program to build more data infrastructure across the western regions.

Launched in February last year, the program aims to guide the dense computing demand from China's eastern regions for storage and computing in the western areas. Data centers require massive amounts of land, electricity and water, and although the eastern regions are economically developed, they face great pressure in energy supply for data storage and computing.

However, the western areas have large amounts of land, lower labor costs and sufficient power, thanks to their rich energy-related resources such as coal, wind and sunlight, which makes them ideal locations for data centers. The program will encourage more companies to develop in western cities to boost local economies, experts said.

Guizhou has been named as one of eight national computing power hubs, with the Guian data center cluster becoming one of 10 such national clusters.

Three telecom giants  China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom  and tech giants Apple, Tencent and Huawei, have built data centers in Guian. Meanwhile, China Southern Power Grid and State Power Investment Corp are also constructing their own data centers in the new area.

So far, 21 data centers have been built, are under construction or at the planning stage in Guian, with planned capacity of 450,000 racks and a server scale of 4.29 million units. So far, 645,000 servers have been powered on, data from the local authorities show.

Three reasons for success

Zhang Quan, head of the industry team of the Big Data and Technological Innovation Bureau in Guian New Area, said there are three reasons why the area has attracted so many leading companies.

First, the geological structure is stable. "We haven't seen an earthquake greater than magnitude 3 in many years," he said. "Data centers cannot be moved casually like factories: once they bed down, they are supposed to operate in the same place for a very long time."

The second reason is that the annual average temperature is only 15 C, so it's never too hot in summer or too cold in winter, which will save a lot of money and energy in terms of air conditioners and coolers.

"The air quality is good, so there's no need to purchase dust-removing equipment. The mountainous landscape also offers natural ventilation," Zhang said.

Third, following the construction of the data centers, upstream hardware manufacturers and downstream applications development companies have moved to the area, thus lowering costs for companies to find business partners, he added.

Huawei Cloud has built its biggest data center in Guian New Area, planning to situate 1 million servers there.

Transferring data centers to Guizhou and the Inner Mongolia autonomous region offers a significant advantage, primarily because of the stable and affordable energy supply and unique climatic advantages. For example, Guizhou boasts abundant water resources that drive many hydroelectric power stations and provide ample supplies for cooling servers and generating power while significantly reducing electricity costs, the company said.

Now, the data center provides critical solutions such as large-scale enterprise cloud data migration, big data processing, cloud storage, cloud backup and cloud rendering. It mainly serves customers from high-computing and resource-consuming companies in the film and television production, automotive, home furnishings, biomedical and other industries.

Zhang added that Huawei Cloud has helped about 200 companies in Guizhou with their digital transformations by raising production efficiency, lowering the defect rate and promoting the integrated management of production and sales, thereby preventing overproduction.

Complete industry chain

Based on the data center cluster, Guian has developed an electronic information manufacturing industry as the equipment used in data centers needs to be replaced every five years. In the first half of this year, this above designated size industry  that is, one generating annual revenue of 20 million yuan ($2.7 million) or more  in Guian and Guiyang, the nearby provincial capital, reached total industrial output value of 9.67 billion yuan, year-on-year growth of 17 percent, according to statistics provided by the new area.

It has also developed software and information technology service industries. The revenue of the industries in Guian and Guiyang surpassed 37 billion yuan in the first half of the year, a rise of 16.6 percent year-on-year.

One of the applications is video rendering. The grand scene of astronauts taking the 90,000-kilometer-high elevator to the space station in the blockbuster The Wandering Earth II impressed audiences worldwide. But few people know that the special effects were achieved through the supercomputing power based in Guian New Area.

In the film, there are many scenes of computer-generated space infrastructure and fighter jets that required tremendous computing power to render.

"Each frame takes the Guian New Area Supercomputing Center seven to eight hours to render, and it requires machines to operate 24 hours a day to achieve the effects seen by the audience," said Peng Benqian, director of the technical research and development department at Guian New Area Science and Technology Innovation Industries Development, the company that runs the center.

The process of rendering involves taking raw video footage, audio and effects, then combining them to create a finished video file. It requires powerful computer hardware and software, especially for complex projects or high-resolution videos.

It would take several years for an ordinary computer to renter a 3D animated film, but it only takes three months at the center, Peng said.

The company has participated in rendering about 50 films, TV series and animations, including Three-Body, The Battle at Lake Changjin and Boonie Bears: Guardian Code, contributing to a total box-office figure of 6.38 billion yuan.

More than 600 servers operate 24 hours a day at the center, nicknamed Guizhou's Super Brain. It also cooperates with universities and companies to research astronomy, gene sequencing and calculations that make buildings less vulnerable to earthquake damage.

Wang said the new area will focus on computing power, empowerment and industry, and strive to build three dominant industrial clusters: data centers; intelligent terminals; and data applications.

"We will make every effort to develop the leading industry of 'cloud services' and accelerate the construction of a digital economic development and innovation zone," he said.

The area has invested in improving the network infrastructure to make it faster and more efficient, thus reducing the delay, or latency, in transferring data between different locations.

It has established direct connections with 38 cities including Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen (both in Guangdong province), achieving latency of 3 milliseconds within the province.

The latency to the Chengdu-Chongqing region and surrounding provinces is 6 ms, to Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao area it is 10 ms, to the Yangtze River Delta it is 15 ms, and to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region it is 20 ms, all of which meet the low latency requirements of most businesses, according to local authorities.

SOURCE eguizhou.gov.cn
BOCA RATON, Fla., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion DMS announces integration with Armatus Dealer Uplift which helps dealers increase their annual warranty parts gross profits.

Armatus works with over 6,200 dealers and has helped them achieve 13,400 approved submissions in all 50 states. Armatus is also exclusively endorsed by 20 State Dealer Associations.

"We use Armatus Dealer Uplift to maximize our Retail Warranty Reimbursement submissions which are integrated seamlessly with VUE. This integration allows us to quickly submit our information and get back to servicing our customers." - Russell Street, General Manager, Columbus Hyundai.

A commitment to technological advancement makes Armatus the only turn-key solution in the industry, capable of handling large volumes of work with precision and accuracy. With state-of-the-art proprietary software, Armatus assures dealers get optimal results. The mission of Armatus is to ensure dealerships get paid the highest rate, in the shortest period of time, and with as little disruption as possible.

"The new certified integration between Armatus and Dominion VUE further enhances the services we perform for auto dealerships nationwide. This will provide dealers with the peace of mind that their data is being handled in a secure and efficient manner and further streamlines our retail warranty reimbursement submission process, thereby creating the optimal customer experience for our clients." - Jordan Jankowski, Chief Operating Officer, Armatus Dealer Uplift.

Benefits:

Experience: A staff of 45+ employees  with 835 years of combined dealership experience.

Devoted solely to retail reimbursement.

Turn-Key: Armatus does all the work for you.

Fully Contingent Fee: We do not get paid until you are approved by the manufacturer.

Data Governance: Fully FTC compliant.

"Dealers need to make sure they have the proper tools to do their jobs efficiently and minimize rework. Partnering with companies like Armatus streamlines the process for dealers and allows them to service their customers quickly." - Arlene Clements, VP of Business Development, Dominion DMS.

This announcement is another reason for dealers to reconsider their current DMS relationship and consider what VUE DMS can offer. To learn more about Dominion DMS and its VUE DMS platform, visit DominionDMS.com .

About Dominion DMS:

Dominion DMS partners with franchised automotive dealers to offer modern solutions in an ever-evolving landscape. VUE by Dominion DMS is a cloud-native dealer management system that gives dealers the digital security, flexibility, and efficiency to meet today's rapidly changing market. VUE enables dealers to deliver seamless customer interactions, reduce costs, and protect their business. Through its robust suite of certified SecureVUE APIs, VUE provides technology partners with the access and workflows they need to satisfy our common customers, the dealers. Consider Dominion DMS today. For more information, visit our website, and like us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

About Armatus Dealer Uplift

Armatus Dealer Uplift is the largest provider of Retail Warranty Reimbursement submission services in the country. Armatus works with over 6,200 dealers and has helped them achieve 13,400 approved submissions in all 50 states. Armatus is also exclusively endorsed by 20 State Dealer Associations.

MEDIA RELATIONS:

Scott Smith

Product & Content Marketing Manager

Dominion DMS

[email protected]

SOURCE Dominion DMS
BEIJING, Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Embraer E195-E2 (B3: EMBR3, NYSE: ERJ), the largest member of the E-Jet family, has been granted its Type Certificate by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This follows the certification of the E190-E2 received from CAAC in November last year, during the Zhuhai Air Show.

"We're excited to now have both the E190-E2 and E195-E2 certified by CAAC, paving the way for sales in the Chinese market," said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. "Our team in China is actively working with potential customers and making good progress. There are significant opportunities for the E2 in China, which offers complementary capacity to China's indigenous ARJ21 and C919 aircraft; combined, they provide flexible, efficient, and eco-friendly options for Chinese airlines, meeting the demand of the world's fast-growing air transportation market."

According to Embraer's latest 20-Year Market Outlook published in June, Asia Pacific including China is expected to show a strong growth rate, increasing its RPKs by 4.4% annually over the next 20 years. The need for flexibility, complementing narrow-body aircraft, is driving demand in the up-to-150-seat segment in China.

"It's another milestone for the largest Embraer jet  the E195-E2  to be certified by CAAC," said Guo Qing, Managing Director and VP Commercial Aviation, Embraer China. "China is moving closer to carbon neutrality. The E195-E2 is the most environmentally efficient aircraft in its class. With a maximum of 146 seats, E195-E2 is the right size to profitably complement larger narrowbodies on lower density routes, connecting regional airports and offering travelers living in secondary and tertiary cities with one-stop access to routes worldwide."

"With both the Chinese and Brazilian governments reiterating their support for Embraer's activities in China during Brazilian President Lula's State visit to China, I'm very optimistic about the opportunities in China," Guo added.

Last year in November, Embraer E195-E2 'TechLion' visited China and made its debut at the Zhuhai Airshow, exhibiting its capabilities to China's aerospace leaders, including the outstanding performance, minimal noise and emissions, and low operation costs.

The E195-E2 entered into service in 2019 with Azul. As the largest member of the E-Jet family, E195-E2 accommodates between 120 and 146 passengers. It is the most fuel-efficient single aisle aircraft flying today, delivering 25% better fuel efficiency per seat, compared to previous generation E-Jets.

In June 2022, the E195-E2 was successfully tested on 100% SAF, confirming that the E-Jets E2 family can fly with blends of up to 100% SAF without any compromise to safety or performance. Today, the E2 emits 25% fewer CO2 emissions compared to previous generation aircraft; this reduction can be increased to 85% with SAF.

Notes to editors

Embraer in China

2023 marks Embraer's 23rd year in China. In September 2000, the first Embraer ERJ145 was delivered to Sichuan Airlines, and in May 2008, Embraer delivered its first E-Jet, an E190, to Tianjin Airlines. Today, there are 85 E-Jets flying with Tianjin Airlines, Hebei Airlines, Beibu Gulf Airlines, Colorful Guizhou Airlines in China. The E-Jet fleet played an important role in the Covid-19 period to maintain key routes and help the industry to recover.

Data shows China's civil aviation market continues its recovery, fueled by rising domestic demand. According to CAAC, in the first five-month of 2023, China domestic passenger traffic volume reached 224.8 million, up 135 percent compared with 2022. The domestic market has already exceeded the 2019 level since April 2023 due to pent-up demand following the pandemic.

Last month, Embraer signed a Letter of Agreement at the 54th Paris Airshow with Lanzhou Aviation Industry Development Group for 20 E190F and E195F E-Jets Passenger-to-Freight Conversions (P2F). Embraer and Lanzhou intend to cooperate on establishing of E190F and E195F conversion capability in Lanzhou, which will support and accelerate the introduction of E-Jet first generation freighters to Chinese market.

Embraer has also established a comprehensive after-sales service and support system in China, including authorized maintenance centers, spare parts warehouses, and complete pilot training network. It has laid a solid foundation for the new generation of E2 family to operate in China.

Images: https://embraer.bynder.com/share/03686A20-1AB8-4150-B6C48FA4D473735A/

About Embraer

A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer has businesses in Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense & Security and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures and markets aircraft and systems, providing Services & Support to customers after-sales.

Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year.

Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe.

SOURCE Embraer S.A.
STOCKHOLM, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --

New York -based Gympass allows its base of over two million employee subscribers to access a global network of over 50,000 gyms, studios, classes, personal trainers, and wellness apps although though one employee benefit

-based Gympass allows its base of over two million employee subscribers to access a global network of over 50,000 gyms, studios, classes, personal trainers, and wellness apps although though one employee benefit The USD 85 million investment round will help Gympass accelerate growth across its 11 global markets, as employers prioritize decreasing healthcare costs and improving employee wellbeing

investment round will help Gympass accelerate growth across its 11 global markets, as employers prioritize decreasing healthcare costs and improving employee wellbeing EQT Growth, in partnership with the company's management team and existing investors, will support the company in the next leg of its growth journey, leveraging its in-house digital business development experts to continue to deepen Gympass' network and global leadership

EQT is pleased to announce that the EQT Growth fund ("EQT Growth") has invested in Gympass (or the "Company"), as part of its $85m Series F round. The round also saw participation from Neuberger Berman client funds and existing investors. Carolina Brochado, Deputy Head of the EQT Growth Advisory team, will join the Gympass Board.

Founded in 2012 and based in New York, Gympass is a leading corporate wellness platform, providings access to a network of over 50,000 gyms, studios, classes, personal trainers, and wellness apps through a single employee benefit. With over two million global employee subscribers, Gympass supports companies around the world to retain employees, drive productivity, and reduce healthcare costs.

Gympass has seen 80% year-on-year growth in its customer base over the last year, on the back of strong adoption tailwinds for its platform. For example, four out of five employees globally believe wellbeing is equally important to salary, according to the Gympass Work-Life Wellness Report 2022. As a result of its powerful platform, Gympass has more than doubled the average number of employees engaged with wellness at its corporate customers and has thereby grown the market, all while driving improved employee happiness and health.

EQT Growth will support Gympass in its next phase of growth, drawing on EQT's presence in over 20 countries across the world. It will leverage its in-house digital business development experts, as well as its extensive network of industrial advisors to help Gympass continue to deepen its reach and global leadership. EQT Growth will also support further investment in the Company's product capabilities.

Carolina Brochado, Deputy Head of the EQT Growth Advisory team, said: "For years we have watched the Gympass team exceed expectations again and again. Their powerful recurring model, which now reaches 11 markets globally, sees clear and strong network effects the more it scales. It enables Gympass to deliver a diverse and growing network of partners, thereby reaching employees who might not have previously had access to wellness activities and as a result further expanding the market. We are really excited to be helping this stellar management team continue to build a healthier, happier, and more productive corporate world."

Cesar Carvalho, Co-Founder and CEO of Gympass, said: "We live in a time where companies globally are making investments to drive efficient growth and reduce spending. Organizations are shifting from reactive and traditional healthcare benefits that increase costs, to more holistic and preventative wellness benefits that reduce costs and improve employee wellbeing and productivity. With the support of EQT Growth and our other investors, we look forward to further accelerating our growth and reach so that we can improve the wellbeing of even more employees around the world."

Contact

Finn McLaughlan, [email protected], +44 771 534 1608

EQT Press Office, [email protected], +46 8 506 55 334

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/87/3822299/2245538.pdf PR_EQT Growth leads Gympass Series F_230823 https://news.cision.com/eqt/i/gympass-employee-logo,c3208470 Gympass-Employee-Logo

SOURCE EQT
TAIPEI, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a strategic move to foster diversified growth and seize new business opportunities, PRIME, a subsidiary of FIC Global (3701.TW), has taken a bold step in the Automotive industry. The company recently unveiled a fresh brand image and implemented an independent strategic approach to establish its presence in this sector.

PRIME, a subsidiary of FIC Global, unveiled a fresh brand image and implemented an independent strategic approach to establish its presence in this sector.

With a remarkable track record of 25 years in high-precision electronic design manufacturing, PRIME brings its expertise in AI Computing, Smart City, and Automotive Electronic Design and Satellite Communication Device to the forefront, making them standout indicators within the FICG Group.

As part of the FICG Group, PRIME demonstrates remarkable versatility and unique capabilities in EMS and DMS industries. By working with FIC, an affiliate company of FICG, PRIME is able to vertically integrate various aspects of the business and address the rigorous demands of future markets and high-tech design manufacturing industries with flexibility and agility.

PRIME is known for its expertise in COB semiconductor packaging and high-precision electronic design manufacturing capabilities. Its focus lies in providing forward-looking, technology-driven, and comprehensive automated electronic design manufacturing services, including its own branding business in automotive electronics, specifically AR HUD.

Mr. Leo Chien, Chairman of FICG (3701.TW), expressed his anticipation and excitement for PRIME's new brand image and business transformation. He believes this approach will not only contribute to a better societal environment but also cater to the stringent demands of global customers. Furthermore, the company plans to extend its business into the domain of automotive smart cockpit electronics design manufacturing, investing in an optical engine (PGU) factory in Guangzhou, China, to meet the increasing demand for AR HUD and ADD, the 360-degree in-car panoramic display.

Over the past 25 years, PRIME has actively engaged in high-precision optical transceivers, maritime electronics, industrial electronics, and medical electronics manufacturing. Notably, the company has secured the most rigorous quality certification in the aerospace electronics industry, signifying its expansion into the aerospace technology sector.

To reaffirm its commitment to facing the digital era and meeting the diverse demands of brand merchants, PRIME introduced its new trademark design, "Pixel Puzzle." Symbolizing its role as a missing piece in the puzzle game, PRIME completes the most significant part of the design manufacturing service for global customers' electronic products.

SOURCE FIC Global, Inc.
This prestigious accolade underscores the company's ongoing commitment to workplace excellence.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Books-A-Million, a leading name in the retail book industry, is proud to announce its recent recognition by Forbes as one of Alabama's Best In-State Employers for 2023. Headquartered in Birmingham, the company ranks first in the Retail/Wholesale sector in the state and secured the second position among the 44 companies that made the list in Alabama.

This year's ranking involved extensive surveys conducted across companies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey a total of 70,000 full- or part-time employees. To ensure a comprehensive understanding, only companies boasting a minimum of 500 employees were considered.

Participants in the survey were presented with various parameters to evaluate their employers. Key metrics included working conditions, diversity initiatives, compensation packages, opportunities for professional development, and overall company image.

A pivotal component of the survey also involved gauging whether employees would recommend their employer to others, a testament to Books-A-Million's internal reputation. Employees responded anonymously to the survey, encouraging candor among participants.

This accolade adds to the growing list of achievements for Books-A-Million, and the company is committed to setting even higher standards in the future.

ABOUT BOOKS-A-MILLION

Books-A-Million operates more than 200 stores in 32 states as well as its e-commerce site, Booksamillion.com. A leading retailer of books, toys, games, and collectibles since 1917, the company has grown to be the nation's second-largest bookstore chain.

CONTACT

Olivia Anderson McDaniel

Vice President of Marketing, Omnichannel

205.909.3563

[email protected]

SOURCE Books-A-Million, Inc.
A 45-year-old Buffalo man who admitted attacking two employees at a mental health center and later assaulting Erie County Holding Center deputies was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in prison.

Erie County Judge Susan Eagan also ordered Bilal C. Wright to serve 10 years of post-release supervision, the Erie County District Attorneys Office announced Wednesday.

Wright had pleaded guilty to all four counts in the three indictments against him. They covered assaults reported between March 2022 and January 2023.

Prosecutors say the spree of assaults began on the afternoon of March 8, 2022, at Spectrum Health and Human Services on Main Street in Buffalo.

Wright was accused of throwing a computer monitor at a counselor, punching the counselor in the head and then hitting him with a chair. The victim and another person tried to stop Wright from leaving but he was able to get away, prosecutors said. The counselor suffered bruises to his back, a cut to his hand and pain to his shoulder and left side.

As Wright fled, he ran into a female employee in a stairwell, grabbed her arm, shoved her to the floor and subjected her to sexual contact by forcible compulsion before other Spectrum employees intervened, the DAs Office said previously.

Wright was arrested, arraigned in Buffalo City Court and held without bail.

Then, on April 1, 2022, authorities said Wright punched an Erie County sheriffs jail deputy in the face through the bars of his cell at the Holding Center. When other deputies responded, Wright threw excrement on them and on himself. One deputy was treated for a facial injury.

Finally, on Jan. 27, prosecutors said, Wright punched another jail deputy in the head, knocking him unconscious, after Wright refused orders to let deputies handcuff him and escort him out of his cell during a routine search. The deputy was taken to Erie County Medical Center for a head injury.

In all, Wright pleaded guilty to one charge of sexual assault and three charges of assault in the separate attacks.

Eagan also issued orders of protection for the four victims that remain in effect until 2050.
US consumers can now enjoy delicious boba teas at home no matter where they reside; Portable, compact and shelf-stable, Frazy's new boba teas are cafe-quality drinks sold in six or 12-packs and delivered direct to customers' doors

SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boba lovers can finally enjoy high quality customized boba drinks at home with a simple three step process. Frazy , a cafe-quality custom beverage startup, today announced the launch of of Frazy Boba Tea to their popular Frazy Bottles with six new boba flavors  Peach Black Tea, Mango Black Tea, Brown Sugar Milk Tea, Almond Black Milk Tea, Milk Black Tea and Thai Milk Tea. Frazy Bottles are 2.75 oz. concentrated versions of portable, highly customized specialty boba teas and coffees delivered in compact, shelf-stable bottles straight to consumers' doors. Frazy Boba Bottles start at $5.99, and are sold in six or 12-packs that can be mixed and matched to create an assortment of customized boba drinks. Consumers simply add water to the concentrated Boba Tea in the Frazy Bottle, and enjoy their favorite boba drinks at home, or on the go. View a short video about Frazy Bottles here .

Frazy Boba Teas are compact, portable and shelf-stable so consumers can enjoy delicious boba drinks at home or anytime. Post this Frazy Bottles come in six new Boba Tea flavors  Peach Black Tea, Mango Black Tea, Brown Sugar Milk Tea, Almond Black Milk Tea, Milk Black Tea and Thai Milk Tea. Frazy Bottles are 2.75 oz. concentrated versions of portable, highly customized specialty boba teas and coffees delivered in compact, shelf-stable bottles direct to consumers doors. Consumers warm the boba tapioca pearls for three seconds in a microwave to soften, add hot or cold water and/or ice, and enjoy a delicious 8 oz. boba tea.

Enjoy Boba Tea Anytime and Anywhere with Frazy Bottles.

Frazy's new boba teas are highly customizable, portable teas that come with vacuum-sealed packets of boba tapioca pearls and milk powder (if applicable). Consumers select and order the type of boba tea they want, the caffeine level, the type of milk (whole, oat, soy, non-dairy creamer, non-fat milk, no milk), sweetness level (sugar, low sugar, no sugar, etc.), and anything else that makes it uniquely theirs  including their name to personalize it further. Consumers warm the boba tapioca pearls for three seconds in the microwave to soften, add hot or cold water and/or ice, and enjoy a delicious 8 oz. boba tea drink anywhere.

12 New Coffee Flavors  including Holiday Favorites, Pumpkin Pie Spice Latte and Gingerbread Latte.

Frazy has also introduced 12 new flavors to its extensive selection of coffee drinks, including holiday favorites like Pumpkin Pie Spice Latte and Gingerbread Latte that can now be enjoyed year-round. Other new flavors include, Red Velvet Latte, Red Velvet White Mocha Latte, Tiramisu Latte, Tiramisu Mocha, Rose Latte, Almond White Mocha, Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Latte, Chocolate Chip Latte, Hazelnut Mocha and Peppermint Bark Mocha. The new coffee flavors join best sellers Vanilla Latte, Caramel Macchiato and Vietnamese Coffee, along with Chai Tea Latte, Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte, Lavender Vanilla Latte, White Chocolate Mocha, Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Mocha, Hazelnut Latte, Almond Latte and English Toffee Latte.

Frazy's introduction of boba tea to its beverage line is well timed. According to an April 2023 report by Precedence Research, the bubble tea industry revenue was valued at $3.27 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach $6.14 billion by 2032, with growth driven by the rising popularity and increase in adoption of healthy beverages such as green tea, black tea and others, amongst other reasons.

"Our new boba teas mark the next step in the evolution of Frazy Bottles. I love boba tea and wanted to recreate the taste of the same boba teas I ordered from my favorite boba shops," said CEO and founder Balaji Krishnan, who also founded Displace , the world's first truly wireless TV. "Our wide variety of options enables people to try different customized boba teas they wouldn't have a chance to order otherwise, and also allows consumers who live in markets that don't have boba to enjoy their favorite boba tea at home, work or on the go."

Frazy Bottles now has 31 SKUs in its line of highly customizable specialty drinks, which includes 24 coffee and six boba tea flavors. Order highly-customized portable Frazy Boba Teas today at https://bottles.getfrazy.com/pages/boba .

About Frazy

Frazy produces highly-customized, cafe and bar-quality beverages delivered straight to customers' doors. Frazy Bottles are highly customizable, specialty coffee concentrates available in compact 2.75 oz., shelf-stable bottles delivered as a six or twelve pack straight to your doorstep. Available in several flavors, customers select the coffee they want, the milk type, caffeine level, sweetness level, and anything else that makes it uniquely theirs. Frazy Bottles can either be drunk straight or mixed with a cup of hot or cold water to create a rich, delicious beverage.

Founded in 2022 by six-time serial entrepreneur, Balaji Krishnan, Frazy is a privately-held company based in San Jose, California. Follow Frazy on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn .

SOURCE Frazy
GUIYANG, China, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. ("FTA" or the "Company") (NYSE: YMM), a leading digital freight platform, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023.

Second Quarter 2023 Financial and Operational Highlights

Total net revenues in the second quarter of 2023 were RMB2,062.0 million ( US$284.4 million ), an increase of 23.5% from RMB1,670.1 million in the same period of 2022.





in the second quarter of 2023 were ( ), an increase of 23.5% from in the same period of 2022. Net income in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB609.0 million ( US$84.0 million ), compared with RMB12.7 million in the same period of 2022.





in the second quarter of 2023 was ( ), compared with in the same period of 2022. Non-GAAP adjusted net income [1] in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB722.7 million ( US$99.7 million ), an increase of 170.8% from RMB266.9 million in the same period of 2022.





in the second quarter of 2023 was ( ), an increase of 170.8% from in the same period of 2022. Fulfilled orders [2] in the second quarter of 2023 reached 40.2 million, an increase of 44.5% from 27.8 million in the same period of 2022.





in the second quarter of 2023 reached 40.2 million, an increase of 44.5% from 27.8 million in the same period of 2022. Average shipper MAUs[3] in the second quarter of 2023 reached 2.00 million, an increase of 30.5% from 1.53 million in the same period of 2022.

"Reinforced by our leading market position, our growth was robust in the second quarter of 2023, propelling further gains in market share amid a slow macroeconomic recovery," said Mr. Peter Hui Zhang, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FTA. "Our business continued to scale as we made considerable headway on user acquisition, with average shipper MAUs reaching a new milestone of two million, which demonstrates our visionary strategy and outstanding execution. Our commitment to creating value for shippers and truckers serves as the foundation of our business, positioning us to continue capturing opportunities in the vast digital freight market to deliver sustainable revenue growth."

Mr. Simon Cai, Chief Financial Officer of FTA, commented, "We are pleased with the solid growth momentum we achieved in the second quarter, with strong year-over-year growth of 23.5% and 170.8% for revenue and non-GAAP adjusted net income, respectively, outstripping market expectations again. We expect to reap additional benefits as we accelerate our progress to an optimized revenue structure with increasing contribution from transaction commissions, and continue to improve both monetization and operational efficiencies. Moving forward, we will remain disciplined in our efforts to sustain our growth and enhance our profitability while driving further value for our different stakeholders."

[1] Non-GAAP adjusted net income is defined as net income/(loss) excluding (i) share-based compensation expense; (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions; (iii) compensation cost incurred in relation to continuing service terms in business acquisitions and (iv) tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments. See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" at the end of this press release. [2] Fulfilled orders on our platform in a given period are defined as all shipping orders matched through our platform during such period but exclude (i) shipping orders that are subsequently canceled and (ii) shipping orders for which our users failed to specify any freight prices as there are substantial uncertainties as to whether the shipping orders are fulfilled. [3] Average shipper MAUs in a given period are calculated by dividing (i) the sum of shipper MAUs for each month of a given period by (ii) the number of months in a given period. Shipper MAUs are defined as the number of active shippers on our platform in a given month. Active shippers are defined as the aggregate number of registered shipper accounts that have posted at least one shipping order on our platform during a given period.

Second Quarter 2023 Financial Results

Net Revenues (including value added taxes, or "VAT", of RMB896.6 million and RMB953.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022, and 2023, respectively). Total net revenues in the second quarter of 2023 were RMB2,062.0 million (US$284.4 million), representing an increase of 23.5% from RMB1,670.1 million in the same period of 2022, primarily attributable to an increase in revenues from freight matching services.

Freight matching services. Revenues from freight matching services in the second quarter of 2023 were RMB1,731.2 million (US$238.7 million), representing an increase of 22.8% from RMB1,409.6 million in the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily due to an increase in revenues from freight brokerage service as well as continued growth in transaction commissions.

Freight brokerage service. Revenues from freight brokerage service in the second quarter of 2023 were RMB948.9 million ( US$130.9 million ), an increase of 11.6% from RMB850.2 million in the same period of 2022, primarily attributable to continued growth in transaction volume as a result of expanded user coverage.





Revenues from freight brokerage service in the second quarter of 2023 were ( ), an increase of 11.6% from in the same period of 2022, primarily attributable to continued growth in transaction volume as a result of expanded user coverage. Freight listing service . Revenues from freight listing service in the second quarter of 2023 were RMB227.1 million ( US$31.3 million ), an increase of 7.3% from RMB211.7 million in the same period of 2022, primarily due to an increase in total paying members.





. Revenues from freight listing service in the second quarter of 2023 were ( ), an increase of 7.3% from in the same period of 2022, primarily due to an increase in total paying members. Transaction commission. Revenues from transaction commissions amounted to RMB555.2 million ( US$76.6 million ) in the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 59.6% from RMB347.8 million in the same period of 2022, primarily driven by an increase in order volume as well as an improvement in commission order coverage.

Value-added services. Revenues from value-added services in the second quarter of 2023 were RMB330.8 million (US$45.6 million), an increase of 27.0% from RMB260.4 million in the same period of 2022, mainly attributable to an increase in revenues from credit solutions and other value-added services.

Cost of Revenues (including VAT net of refund of VAT of RMB672.8 million and RMB774.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022, and 2023, respectively). Cost of revenues in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB975.3 million (US$134.5 million), compared with RMB925.9 million in the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily due to an increase in VAT, related tax surcharges and other tax costs, and net of tax refunds from government authorities. These tax-related costs net of refunds totaled RMB879.3 million, representing an increase of 4.0% from RMB845.4 million in the same period of 2022, primarily due to the continued increase in transaction activities involving our freight brokerage service.

Sales and Marketing Expenses. Sales and marketing expenses in the second quarter of 2023 were RMB281.8 million (US$38.9 million), compared with RMB196.2 million in the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily due to an increase in advertising and marketing expenses for user acquisitions.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2023 were RMB201.7 million (US$27.8 million), compared with RMB344.8 million in the same period of 2022. The decrease was primarily due to lower share-based compensation expenses.

Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses in the second quarter of 2023 were RMB223.7 million (US$30.8 million), compared with RMB216.4 million in the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher salary and benefits expenses.

Income/(Loss) from Operations. Income from operations in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB333.8 million (US$46.0 million), compared with a loss of RMB46.4 million in the same period of 2022.

Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income.[4] Non-GAAP adjusted operating income in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB450.7 million (US$62.2 million), an increase of 113.4% from RMB211.3 million in the same period of 2022.

Net Income. Net income in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB609.0 million (US$84.0 million), compared with RMB12.7 million in the same period of 2022.

Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income. Non-GAAP adjusted net income in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB722.7 million (US$99.7 million), an increase of 170.8% from RMB266.9 million in the same period of 2022.

Basic and Diluted Net Income per ADS[5] and Non-GAAP Adjusted Basic and Diluted Net Income per ADS.[6] Basic and diluted net income per ADS were RMB0.57 (US$0.08) in the second quarter of 2023, compared with basic and diluted net income per ADS of RMB0.01 in the same period of 2022. Non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS were RMB0.68 (US$0.09) in the second quarter of 2023, compared with non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS of RMB0.25 in the same period of 2022.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

As of June 30, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments and long-term investments of RMB27.4 billion (US$3.8 billion) in total, compared with RMB26.3 billion as of December 31, 2022.

As of June 30, 2023, the total outstanding balance of the on-balance sheet loans, consisting of the total principal amounts and all accrued and unpaid interests (net of provisions) of the loans funded through our small loan company, was RMB3,141.4 million (US$433.2 million), compared with RMB2,648.4 million as of December 31, 2022. The total non-performing loan ratio[7] for these loans was 1.7% as of June 30, 2023, compared with 2.0% as of December 31, 2022.

In the second quarter of 2023, net cash provided by operating activities was RMB707.7 million (US$97.6 million).

[4] Non-GAAP adjusted operating income is defined as income/(loss) from operations excluding (i) share-based compensation expense; (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions and (iii) compensation cost incurred in relation to continuing service terms in business acquisitions. See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" at the end of this press release. [5] ADS refers to the American depositary shares, each of which represents 20 Class A ordinary shares. [6] Non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS is net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding (i) share-based compensation expense; (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions; (iii) compensation cost incurred in relation to continuing service terms in business acquisitions and (iv) tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments, divided by weighted average number of basic and diluted ADSs, respectively. For more information, refer to "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" at the end of this press release. [7] Non-performing loan ratio is calculated by dividing the outstanding principal and all accrued and unpaid interests of the on-balance sheet loans that were over 90 calendar days past due (excluding loans that are over 180 days past due and are therefore charged off) by the total outstanding principal and all accrued and unpaid interests of the on-balance sheet loans (excluding loans that are over 180 days past due and are therefore charged off) as of a specified date.

Business Outlook

The Company expects its total net revenues to be between RMB2.16 billion and RMB2.20 billion for the third quarter of 2023, representing a year-over-year growth rate of approximately 19.2% to 21.6%. These forecasts reflect the Company's current and preliminary views on the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change and cannot be predicted with reasonable accuracy as of the date hereof.

Share Repurchase Update

On March 3, 2023, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program, under which the Company may repurchase up to US$500 million of the Company's ADSs during a period of up to 12 months starting from March 13, 2023. As of August 22, 2023, the Company had repurchased an aggregate of approximately 19.4 million ADSs for approximately US$124.3 million from the open market under the share repurchase program.

Exchange Rate Information

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars ("US$") at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at a rate of RMB7.2513 to US$1.00, the exchange rate in effect as of June 30, 2023, as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Company makes no representation that any RMB or US$ amounts could have been, or could be, converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate, or at all.

Conference Call

The Company's management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 A.M. U.S. Eastern Time on August 23, 2023, or 8:00 P.M. Beijing Time to discuss its financial results and operating performance for the second quarter of 2023.

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

United States (toll free): +1-888-317-6003 International: +1-412-317-6061 Mainland China (toll free): 400-120-6115 Hong Kong, SAR (toll free): 800-963-976 Hong Kong, SAR: +852-5808-1995 United Kingdom (toll free): 08082389063 Singapore (toll free): 800-120-5863 Access Code: 2653624

The replay will be accessible through August 30, 2023, by dialing the following numbers:

United States: +1-877-344-7529 International: +1-412-317-0088 Replay Access Code: 4560638

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available on the Company's investor relations website at ir.fulltruckalliance.com.

About Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd.

Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. (NYSE: YMM) is a leading digital freight platform connecting shippers with truckers to facilitate shipments across distance ranges, cargo weights and types. The Company provides a range of freight matching services, including freight listing, freight brokerage and online transaction services. The Company also provides a range of value-added services that cater to the various needs of shippers and truckers, such as financial institutions, highway authorities, and gas station operators. With a mission to make logistics smarter, the Company is shaping the future of logistics with technology and aspires to revolutionize logistics, improve efficiency across the value chain and reduce its carbon footprint for our planet. For more information, please visit ir.fulltruckalliance.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company uses non-GAAP adjusted operating income, non-GAAP adjusted net income, non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders, non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per share and non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS, each a non-GAAP financial measure, as supplemental measures to review and assess its operating performance.

The presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company defines non-GAAP adjusted operating income as income/(loss) from operations excluding (i) share-based compensation expense; (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions and (iii) compensation cost incurred in relation to continuing service terms in business acquisitions. The Company defines non-GAAP adjusted net income as net income/(loss) excluding (i) share-based compensation expense; (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions; (iii) compensation cost incurred in relation to continuing service terms in business acquisitions and (iv) tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments. The Company defines non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders as net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding (i) share-based compensation expense; (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions; (iii) compensation cost incurred in relation to continuing service terms in business acquisitions and (iv) tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments. The Company defines non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per share as non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by weighted average number of basic and diluted ordinary shares, respectively. The Company defines non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS as non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of basic and diluted ADSs, respectively.

The non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as an analytical tool. The non-GAAP financial measures do not reflect all items of expense that affect its operations. Share-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, compensation cost incurred in relation to continuing service terms in business acquisitions and tax effects of non-GAAP adjustments have been and may continue to be incurred in its business and are not reflected in the presentation of its non-GAAP financial measures.

The Company reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measures. Non-GAAP adjusted operating income, non-GAAP adjusted net income, non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders and non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per share should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to operating income/(loss), net income/(loss), net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders and basic and diluted net income/(loss) per share or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of its operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review FTA's non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures. FTA's non-GAAP financial measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this release.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements which are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to," and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: FTA's goal and strategies; FTA's expansion plans; FTA's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; expected changes in FTA's revenues, costs or expenses; industry landscape of, and trends in, China's road transportation market; competition in FTA's industry; FTA's expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its services; FTA's expectations regarding its relationships with shippers, truckers and other ecosystem participants; FTA's ability to protect its systems and infrastructures from cyber-attacks; PRC laws, regulations, and policies relating to the road transportation market, as well as general regulatory environment in which FTA operates in China; the results of regulatory review and the duration and impact of any regulatory action taken against FTA; the impact of COVID-19 outbreaks, extreme weather conditions and production constraints brought by electricity rationing measures; general economic and business condition; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd.

Mao Mao

E-mail: [email protected]

Piacente Financial Communications

Hui Fan

Tel: +86-10-6508-0677

E-mail: [email protected]

In the United States:

Piacente Financial Communications

Brandi Piacente

Tel: +1-212-481-2050

E-mail: [email protected]

FULL TRUCK ALLIANCE CO. LTD.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share and per ADS data)





As of



December 31,

June 30,

June 30,



2022

2023

2023



RMB

RMB

US$













ASSETS











Current assets:











Cash and cash equivalents

5,137,312

7,071,047

975,142 Restricted cash  current

83,759

84,327

11,629 Short-term investments

21,087,089

17,859,805

2,462,980 Accounts receivable, net

13,015

17,810

2,456 Loans receivable, net

2,648,449

3,141,406

433,220 Prepayments and other current assets

2,034,427

2,079,179

286,732 Total current assets

31,004,051

30,253,574

4,172,159 Restricted cash  non-current



10,000

1,379 Long-term investments



2,384,485

328,836 Property and equipment, net

108,824

156,628

21,600 Investments in equity investees

1,774,270

1,817,533

250,649 Intangible assets, net

502,421

475,235

65,538 Goodwill

3,124,828

3,124,828

430,933 Deferred tax assets

41,490

42,403

5,848 Operating lease right-of-use assets and land use rights

132,000

112,505

15,515 Other non-current assets

8,427

5,771

796 Total non-current assets

5,692,260

8,129,388

1,121,094 TOTAL ASSETS

36,696,311

38,382,962

5,293,253 LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY









Current liabilities:











Accounts payable

27,953

34,593

4,771 Amount due to related parties

122,152

126,733

17,477 Prepaid for freight listing fees and other service fees

462,080

530,535

73,164 Income tax payable

52,233

74,895

10,328 Other tax payable

721,597

717,823

98,992 Operating lease liabilities  current

44,590

40,865

5,636 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

1,301,160

1,384,926

190,992 Total current liabilities

2,731,765

2,910,370

401,360 Deferred tax liabilities

121,611

115,101

15,873 Operating lease liabilities  non-current

35,931

20,602

2,841 Total non-current liabilities

157,542

135,703

18,714 TOTAL LIABILITIES

2,889,307

3,046,073

420,074 MEZZANINE EQUITY











Redeemable non-controlling interests

149,771

267,923

36,948 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY











Ordinary shares

1,377

1,363

188 Treasury stock



(189,871)

(26,184) Additional paid-in capital

47,758,178

47,502,397

6,550,880 Accumulated other comprehensive income

2,511,170

3,348,109

461,725 Accumulated deficit

(16,613,492)

(15,599,046)

(2,151,207) TOTAL FULL TRUCK ALLIANCE CO. LTD. EQUITY

33,657,233

35,062,952

4,835,402 Non-controlling interests



6,014

829 TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

33,657,233

35,068,966

4,836,231 TOTAL LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND EQUITY

36,696,311

38,382,962

5,293,253

FULL TRUCK ALLIANCE CO. LTD.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) (All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share and per ADS data)





Three months ended

Six months ended



June 30,

March 31,

June 30,

June 30,

June 30,

June 30,

June 30,



2022

2023

2023

2023

2022

2023

2023



RMB

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$ Net Revenues (including value added taxes,



























"VAT", of RMB896.6 million and



























RMB953.0 million for the three months



























ended June 30, 2022 and 2023,



























respectively)

1,670,051

1,702,257

2,062,028

284,367

3,002,611

3,764,285

519,118 Operating expenses:



























Cost of revenues (including VAT net of



























refund of VAT of RMB672.8 million



























and RMB774.9 million for the three



























months ended June 30, 2022 and



























2023, respectively)(1)

(925,937)

(849,373)

(975,269)

(134,496)

(1,609,819)

(1,824,642)

(251,630) Sales and marketing expenses(1)

(196,186)

(245,677)

(281,772)

(38,858)

(388,229)

(527,449)

(72,739) General and administrative expenses(1)

(344,781)

(179,507)

(201,711)

(27,817)

(803,196)

(381,218)

(52,572) Research and development expenses(1)

(216,373)

(229,879)

(223,696)

(30,849)

(437,329)

(453,575)

(62,551) Provision for loans receivable

(40,080)

(52,878)

(51,146)

(7,053)

(90,060)

(104,024)

(14,346) Total operating expenses

(1,723,357)

(1,557,314)

(1,733,594)

(239,073)

(3,328,633)

(3,290,908)

(453,838) Other operating income

6,891

20,821

5,355

738

27,606

26,176

3,610 (Loss) income from operations

(46,415)

165,764

333,789

46,032

(298,416)

499,553

68,890 Other income (expense)



























Interest income

106,834

246,114

285,461

39,367

163,154

531,575

73,308 Interest expenses

(68)







(161)



 Foreign exchange gain (loss)

10,195

(97)

272

38

11,321

175

24 Investment (loss) income

(13,968)

2,713

4,471

617

516

7,184

991 Unrealized (loss) gain from fair value



























changes of trading securities and



























derivative assets

(39,818)

9,961

8,268

1,140

(56,159)

18,229

2,514 Other (expenses) income, net

(799)

6,663

4,259

587

8,083

10,922

1,506 Share of loss in equity method investees

(608)

(310)

(696)

(96)

(821)

(1,006)

(139) Total other income

61,768

265,044

302,035

41,653

125,933

567,079

78,204 Net income (loss) before income tax

15,353

430,808

635,824

87,685

(172,483)

1,066,632

147,094 Income tax expense

(2,613)

(19,380)

(26,832)

(3,700)

(6,785)

(46,212)

(6,373) Net income (loss)

12,740

411,428

608,992

83,985

(179,268)

1,020,420

140,721 Less: net income attributable to



























non-controlling interests

553



14

2

539

14

2 Less: measurement adjustment



























attributable to redeemable non-



























controlling interest

776

2,519

3,441

475

776

5,960

822 Net income (loss) attributable to



























ordinary shareholders

11,411

408,909

605,537

83,508

(180,583)

1,014,446

139,897

FULL TRUCK ALLIANCE CO. LTD.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) (CONTINUED) (All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share and per ADS data)





Three months ended

Six months ended



June 30,

March 31,

June 30,

June 30,

June 30,

June 30,

June 30,



2022

2023

2023

2023

2022

2023

2023



RMB

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$ Net income (loss) per



























ordinary share



























Basic

0.00

0.02

0.03

0.00

(0.01)

0.05

0.01 Diluted

0.00

0.02

0.03

0.00

(0.01)

0.05

0.01 Net income (loss) per



























ADS*



























Basic

0.01

0.38

0.57

0.08

(0.17)

0.96

0.13 Diluted

0.01

0.38

0.57

0.08

(0.17)

0.95

0.13 Weighted average number



























of ordinary shares used



























in computing net



























income (loss) per



























share



























Basic

21,651,628,375

21,293,430,120

21,177,034,098

21,177,034,098

21,802,802,087

21,234,910,577

21,234,910,577 Diluted(2)

21,695,922,654

21,352,354,948

21,218,841,485

21,218,841,485

21,802,802,087

21,285,276,797

21,285,276,797 Weighted average number



























of ADS used in



























computing net income



























(loss) per ADS



























Basic

1,082,581,419

1,064,671,506

1,058,851,705

1,058,851,705

1,090,140,104

1,061,745,529

1,061,745,529 Diluted(2)

1,084,796,133

1,067,617,747

1,060,942,074

1,060,942,074

1,090,140,104

1,064,263,840

1,064,263,840





























* Each ADS represents 20 ordinary shares.

(1) Share-based compensation expense in operating expenses are as follows:

































Three months ended

Six months ended



June 30,

March 31,

June 30,

June 30,

June 30,

June 30,

June 30,



2022

2023

2023

2023

2022

2023

2023



RMB

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$ Cost of revenues

1,487

1,806

1,381

190

2,835

3,187

440 Sales and marketing



























expenses

10,350

11,197

13,075

1,803

19,510

24,272

3,347 General and administrative



























expenses

212,344

58,841

68,124

9,395

550,076

126,965

17,509 Research and development



























expenses

15,086

17,482

17,046

2,351

30,331

34,528

4,762 Total

239,267

89,326

99,626

13,739

602,752

188,952

26,058



























































(2) Weighted average number of ordinary shares/ADS used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share/ADS are adjusted by the potentially dilutive effects of ordinary shares/ADS issuable upon the exercise of outstanding share options.

FULL TRUCK ALLIANCE CO. LTD.

RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share and per ADS data)





Three months ended

Six months ended



June 30,

March 31,

June 30,

June 30,

June 30,

June 30,

June 30,



2022

2023

2023

2023

2022

2023

2023



RMB

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$ (Loss) income from



























operations

(46,415)

165,764

333,789

46,032

(298,416)

499,553

68,890 Add:



























Share-based



























compensation



























expense

239,267

89,326

99,626

13,739

602,752

188,952

26,058 Amortization of



























intangible assets



























resulting from



























business acquisitions

14,121

13,021

13,021

1,796

28,242

26,042

3,591 Compensation cost



























incurred in relation



























to acquisitions

4,281

4,281

4,281

590

11,925

8,562

1,181 Non-GAAP adjusted



























operating income

211,254

272,392

450,717

62,157

344,503

723,109

99,720





























Net income (loss)

12,740

411,428

608,992

83,985

(179,268)

1,020,420

140,721 Add:



























Share-based



























compensation



























expense

239,267

89,326

99,626

13,739

602,752

188,952

26,058 Amortization of



























intangible assets



























resulting from



























business acquisitions

14,121

13,021

13,021

1,796

28,242

26,042

3,591 Compensation cost



























incurred in relation



























to acquisitions

4,281

4,281

4,281

590

11,925

8,562

1,181 Tax effects of



























non-GAAP



























adjustments

(3,530)

(3,255)

(3,255)

(449)

(7,060)

(6,510)

(898) Non-GAAP adjusted net



























income

266,879

514,801

722,665

99,661

456,591

1,237,466

170,653

FULL TRUCK ALLIANCE CO. LTD.

RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (CONTINUED) (All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share and per ADS data)





Three months ended

Six months ended



June 30,

March 31,

June 30,

June 30,

June 30,

June 30,

June 30,



2022

2023

2023

2023

2022

2023

2023



RMB

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$ Net income (loss)



























attributable to



























ordinary shareholders

11,411

408,909

605,537

83,508

(180,583)

1,014,446

139,897 Add:



























Share-based



























compensation



























expense

239,267

89,326

99,626

13,739

602,752

188,952

26,058 Amortization of



























intangible assets



























resulting from



























business acquisitions

14,121

13,021

13,021

1,796

28,242

26,042

3,591 Compensation cost



























incurred in relation



























to acquisitions

4,281

4,281

4,281

590

11,925

8,562

1,181 Tax effects of



























non-GAAP



























adjustments

(3,530)

(3,255)

(3,255)

(449)

(7,060)

(6,510)

(898) Non-GAAP adjusted net



























income attributable to



























ordinary shareholders

265,550

512,282

719,210

99,184

455,276

1,231,492

169,829 Non-GAAP adjusted net



























income per ordinary



























share



























Basic

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.00

0.02

0.06

0.01 Diluted

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.00

0.02

0.06

0.01 Non-GAAP adjusted net



























income per ADS



























Basic

0.25

0.48

0.68

0.09

0.42

1.16

0.16 Diluted

0.25

0.48

0.68

0.09

0.42

1.16

0.16

SOURCE Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd.
By expanding its global delivery footprint, GHX accelerates innovation and keeps customer experience at the core

LOUISVILLE, Colo., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX) today announced the appointment of Swastik Bihani as Managing Director and Country Head of India. In this role, Bihani will lead the expansion of GHX India's Global Capability Center (GCC) in Hyderabad, driving value enablement through continuity and resilience, while keeping customer experience at the core of the operation. Bihani brings a wealth of experience in technology and enterprise cybersecurity across product management, professional services, support and customer success.

GHX office in Hyderabad, India. Swastik Bihani, Managing Director and Country Head of India, GHX.

"The healthcare industry is on a digital transformation journey, making investments in a highly skilled global workforce more important than ever," said CJ Singh, chief technology officer, GHX. "Hyderabad is a thriving technical hub and one of the fastest growing cities in the country, making it a natural choice for GHX's ongoing global expansion. Under Swastik's leadership, GHX India is poised to play a critical role in this journey."

Bihani, an alumnus of UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business, joins GHX India with more than 15 years of experience in leading high-performance teams across engineering, product management and technical marketing spanning multiple geographies (US, UK, Brazil, India) in the cybersecurity industry. As Head of Products & GM, at Paypal, India, he oversaw all aspects of operations. Prior to this, he was the founding VP of Product Management at Simility, which was acquired for $120M. He also previously held marketing leadership positions at Juniper Networks and CipherCloud.

"I'm delighted to join the GHX team and contribute to the organization's mission to simplify the business of healthcare and improve outcomes," said Bihani. "Delivering on this mission requires operational excellence and deep customer focus. I am confident the team we're building will have the skills, experience and diversity of thought required to deliver on it."

GHX aims to triple its workforce in India by 2025, with plans to expand to more than 300 employees. The focus will be on expanding its Engineering and Operations teams, bolstering its existing technological capabilities and accelerating innovation at scale. GHX joins 27% of the Global 2000, including Salesforce and Cisco, that have leveraged India Global Capability Centers (GCCs) to accelerate innovation and support long-term growth objectives.

About GHX

Building on decades of collaboration among providers, manufacturers, distributors and other industry stakeholders, Global Healthcare Exchange, LLC (GHX) is leading the charge in helping organizations run the new business of healthcare. By automating key business processes and translating evidence-based analytics and data into meaningful action, GHX is helping the healthcare ecosystem to move faster, operate more intelligently and achieve greater outcomes. With the support of GHX, healthcare organizations have removed billions of dollars of wasteful healthcare spend. For more information on GHX's suite of cloud-based supply chain solutions, visit www.ghx.com and The Healthcare Hub .

Media contact:

Abi Blanchard

ablanchard@wearetierone.com

SOURCE GHX
DUBLIN, Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Digital Patient Monitoring Devices Industry Forecast, 2023 to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global digital patient monitoring devices market size is anticipated to reach USD 692.34 billion by 2030. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 25.6% from 2023 to 2030.

The growing prevalence of chronic diseases, as well as the rising elderly population, are anticipated to impact the market growth of digital patient monitoring devices. In addition, the market growth is anticipated to be fueled by the increasing adoption of next-generation technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI). The COVID-19 outbreak uncovered the potential value and necessity of digital patient monitoring devices as a means of connecting patients and healthcare providers when in-person consultations were not feasible.



The probability of disease transmission is reduced by using teleconsultations to evaluate suspected COVID-19 cases and to direct the appropriate treatment to the patient In the situation of a public health emergency, telemedicine makes it possible for many key clinical services to continue to run normally without any interruption. Thus, an increase in the demand for home care during the COVID-19 pandemic is anticipated to propel the growth of the market.

Various government initiatives to promote digital health are also expected to drive the demand for digital patient monitoring over the forecast period. For instance, in May 2022, the HHS announced an investment of approximately USD 16.3 million to expand the telehealthcare program in the U.S. Hence, this government funding in digital health is projected to upsurge the growth of the global market.

Digital Patient Monitoring Devices Market Report Highlights

Based on type, the wearable devices segment dominated the market with approximately 30.78% share in 2022, due to various factors such as rising demand for home-based healthcare, growing penetration of IoT-based health equipment, and increasing expenditure on healthcare

Based on product, the diagnostic monitoring devices segment dominated the market with approximately 62.16% share in 2022, owing to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases

North America dominated with a revenue share of more than 41.04% in 2022, owing to the increased adoption of advanced technologies, and the growing geriatric population in the region. Moreover, the rising prevalence of cardiovascular disorders is anticipated to fuel the overall growth of the regional market

Market Dynamics

Drivers Analysis

Rising Demand for Round-the-Clock Monitoring



Increasing Per Capita Income



Advent of Technologically Advanced Products



Growing Awareness of Fitness



Availability of Cost-Efficient Treatment



Growing Geriatric Population

Restraint Analysis

Data Security and Privacy Issues



Product Recall & Safety Concerns

Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 110 Forecast Period 2022-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $107.86 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $692.34 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 25.6 % Regions Covered Global

Key Topics Covered



Chapter 1 Digital Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Research Methodology and Scope

1.1 Market Segmentation and Scope

1.1.1 Segment Definitions

1.1.1.1 Type Segment

1.1.1.2 Product Segment

1.2 Regional Scope

1.3 Estimates and Forecast Timeline

1.4 Objectives

1.5 Research Methodology

1.6 Information Procurement

1.6.1 Purchased Database

1.6.2 The Internal Database

1.6.3 Secondary Sources

1.6.4 Primary Research

1.7 Information or Data Analysis

1.7.1 Data Analysis Models

1.8 Market Formulation & Validation

1.9 Model Details

1.9.1 Commodity Flow Analysis

1.10 List of Secondary Sources

1.11 List of Abbreviations



Chapter 2 Digital Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Executive Summary

2.1 Market Outlook

2.2 Type and Product Snapshot

2.3 Competitive Landscape Snapshot



Chapter 3 Digital Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Market Variables, Trends & Scope

3.1 Market Lineage Outlook

3.1.1 Related/Ancillary Market Outlook

3.2 Market Dynamics

3.2.1 Market Drivers Analysis

3.2.1.1 Rising Demand for Round-The-Clock Monitoring

3.2.1.2 Increasing Per Capita Income

3.2.1.3 Advent of Technologically Advanced Products

3.2.1.4 Growing Awareness of Fitness

3.2.1.5 Availability of Cost-Efficient Treatment

3.2.1.6 Growing Geriatric Population

3.2.2 Market Restraint Analysis

3.2.2.1 Data Security and Privacy Issues

3.2.2.2 Product Recall & Safety Concerns

3.3 Industry Analysis Tools

3.3.1 Porter's Analysis

3.3.2 PESTEL Analysis

Chapter 4 Digital Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Type Business Analysis

4.1 Digital Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Type Movement Analysis

4.2 Wireless Sensor Technology

4.3 mHealth

4.4 Telehealth

4.5 Wearable Devices

4.6 Remote Patient Monitoring

Chapter 5 Digital Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Product Business Analysis

5.1 Digital Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Product Movement Analysis

5.2 Diagnostic Monitoring Devices

5.3 Therapeutic Monitoring Devices

Chapter 6 Digital Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Regional Business Analysis

6.1 Regional Market Snapshot

6.2 North America

6.3 Europe

6.4 Asia Pacific

6.5 Latin America

6.6 MEA

Chapter 7 Digital Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Competitive Landscape

7.1 Company Categorization

7.2 Strategy Mapping

7.3 Company Market Position Analysis, 2022

7.4 Company Profiles

GE Healthcare

AT&T

athenahealth, Inc.

Abbott

Koninklijke Philips N.V.

Hill-Rom Services, Inc.

Omron Healthcare, Inc.

FITBIT, Inc.

Medtronic

Garmin Ltd.

VitalConnect

RESMED

Koninklijke Philips N.V.

Chapter 8 KOL Recommendations/Analyst Perspective

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/tjurpf

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SOURCE Research and Markets
DUBLIN, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Syndromic Multiplex Diagnostic Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023-2028)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global Syndromic Multiplex Diagnostic market is projected to achieve significant growth, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.2% over the forecast period. This growth is fueled by various factors including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the growing disease burden, technological advancements, and increasing demand for accurate and rapid test results.

COVID-19 Pandemic Fuels Research and Development

The initial wave of COVID-19 led to widespread cancellations of medical visits and confinement of populations, driving the need for advanced diagnostic solutions for detecting SARS-CoV-2. As a response, major players in the market focused on innovation and invested in developing diagnostic devices or panels for multiplexed virus detection. For instance, the commercial launch of the RT-Direct multiplex COVID-19 RT-PCR test kit by Cipla in partnership with Genese2Me Pvt Ltd showcased the industry's efforts to combat the pandemic. Additionally, the emergence of mutant strains of the virus has spurred demand for advanced diagnostics, contributing to market growth even in the post-pandemic era.

Disease Burden and Need for Accurate Tests Drive Growth

The increasing burden of diseases has created a surge in demand for accurate and rapid test results. Chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma, have shown high prevalence rates globally. Syndromic multiplex diagnostic solutions have been developed to detect such diseases efficiently. Moreover, the rising cases of diseases like HIV highlight the demand for multiplex syndromic testing to ensure accurate detection and prompt treatment. The market is further propelled by the launch of innovative products, such as Hologic's Novodiag System and Eurofins' multiplex PCR Assay for COVID-19 variant detection.

Gastrointestinal Segment Gains Momentum

The gastrointestinal (GI) segment is expected to witness significant growth due to the advantages of syndromic panels for GI illnesses. These panels offer quick identification of a wide range of GI pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity. Technological advancements, such as Qiagen's expansion of its QIAstat-Dx testing system, further contribute to the growth of this segment.

North America Leads the Way

North America is anticipated to dominate the syndromic multiplex diagnostic market, driven by factors like increased healthcare expenditure, research and development activities, and a growing prevalence of various diseases. The United States, in particular, is a key player in the market, with high demand for syndromic multiplex diagnostic testing due to the prevalence of diseases like HIV. The region's development activities, including product launches and regulatory approvals, are also expected to drive market growth.

Market Dynamics



Market Drivers

Increasing Demand for Accurate and Rapid Results

Quick Access to the Treatment

Market Restraints

Lack of Skilled Professional

Inability in Detecting Asymptomatic Cases

Competitive Portfolio

bioMerieux

Qiagen

DiaSorin S.p.A (Luminex Corporation)

Applied BioCode

Akonni Biosystems

Thermo Fisher Scientific, inc.

Abbott Laboratories

Accelerate Diagnostic

Becton, Dickinson and Company

Hologic, Inc.

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

Abacus Diagnostica Oy

Accelerate Diagnostics, Inc

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/j2y2up

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
BEIJING, Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping kicked off his state visit to South Africa and met with the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit, as China-South Africa relations enter a golden era with cooperation across various fields expected to deepen. The Chinese leader also hailed the China-South Africa friendship which stands at a new historical starting point.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 25 years ago, China and South Africa have achieved leapfrog development, which has gone far beyond the scope of bilateral relations and has more and global significance, some experts said. The two leaders jointly unveiled a blueprint for the future development of China-South Africa relations, embarking on a new journey of building a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future.

During the meeting between Xi and Ramaphosa on Tuesday, Xi said this is his fourth visit to South Africa as Chinese President. "I have warm feeling when I visit the country again after five years. Under the leadership of President Ramaphosa, South Africa enjoys a growing national development and international influence. China is pleased about this and wishes South Africa even greater progress on its development path," Xi said.

The reason why China's relationship with South Africa is so good and the China-South Africa friendship is so deep is crucially because both countries and parties have shared weal and woe on their respective developmental paths, forging a profound friendship like comrades and brothers, Xi said.

Right now, standing at a new historical starting point, inheriting the China-South Africa friendship, deepening cooperation and strengthening collaboration are the mutual wish of both countries and also the significant responsibility of our times, Xi said, noting that he is willing to work alongside President Ramaphosa to push the China-South Africa partnership to new heights.

Xi said on Tuesday that China and South Africa will work to deepen bilateral cooperation in electric power, new energy as well as scientific and technological innovation. He also said that China is ready to import more quality products from South Africa and will continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in South Africa.

On Tuesday morning local time, the Union Buildings in Pretoria displayed the flags of China and South Africa. A considerable crowd of people have gathered, anticipating the arrival of Chinese President Xi. The atmosphere was full of anticipation and excitement.

Following the meeting between Chinese and South African leaders, Xi also received the Order of South Africa from President Ramaphosa on Tuesday. Speaking at the ceremony, Xi said the China-Africa comprehensive strategic partnership has entered a golden age, as political mutual trust between the two sides continues to deepen, and mutually beneficial and practical cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results.

Xi reiterated that no matter how the international situation changes, the two sides will remain committed to deepening bilateral friendly cooperation.

Xi arrived in Johannesburg on Monday evening to attend the 15th BRICS Summit and to pay a state visit to South Africa. South African President Ramaphosa and other South African officials extended a warm greeting to Xi at the airport.

In a written speech, Xi extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of South Africa on behalf of the Chinese people. Noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa, Xi emphasized that the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries has entered a new stage.

During a press briefing held on Tuesday, Wu Peng, Director-General of the Department of African Affairs at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that this visit fully demonstrates China's high regard for the development of relations with both developing countries and South Africa, as well as China-Africa relations. He emphasized that the visit injects new impetus into the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and South Africa.

Wu said that during the signing ceremony, President Xi and President Ramaphosa witnessed the signing of 11 cooperation documents, covering areas such as new energy power, direct investment, economic zones and industrial parks, blue economy, technological innovation, higher education and training, emergency power assistance, and the joint construction of Belt and Road infrastructure.

Wu said that both sides also issued a joint statement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa.

'Comrades plus brothers'

Busi Mabuza, Chairperson of the South Africa Chapter of the BRICS Business Council, told the Global Times in Johannesburg that South Africa and China share a profound friendship. In 2010, China staunchly supported South Africa's inclusion in the BRICS mechanism, providing South Africa with the opportunity to engage in close cooperation across various domains with several of the world's largest and rapidly growing economies, yielding substantial benefits.

She expressed that there is extensive space for cooperation between South Africa and China in economy and trade, noting that she was pleased to witness an increasing number of high-quality South African specialty agricultural products entering the Chinese market.

She also hopes for deeper collaboration between South Africa and China in infrastructure, aiding South Africa to enhance its transportation systems including roads, railways and aviation, to create better conditions for trade connectivity.

Mabuza hailed the China-proposed Global Development Initiative, which she said is in accordance with South Africa's development plan and is conducive to the equitable and sustainable development of the world.

South Africa and China have a thriving economic relationship. China is currently South Africa's largest global trading partner, and South Africa holds the distinction of being China's foremost trading partner in Africa. According to data released by China's Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade between China and South Africa reached $56.74 billion in 2022, marking a 5 percent increase year-on-year and reaching an eight-year high. This growth trend has continued to accelerate in the first half of this year, with a further increase of 11.7 percent.

In Johannesburg, Chinese brands such as Huawei, Gree are ubiquitous. Chinese appliances, smartphones, and automobiles are all favored by the local population, the Global Times learned.

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of a slew of cooperation agreements ranging from industrial cooperation to energy to agriculture on Tuesday, among which energy cooperation is seen as critical for tackling the domestic energy woes in South Africa.

Historical reasons have led to a long-term lack of investment in the power sector in South Africa, coupled with the seriously aging of existing thermal power units, resulting in electricity shortages. To help address this issue, Chinese companies will sign agreements with South Africa during the BRICS Summit to promote energy security and electricity development, the Global Times learned.

"The China-South Africa partnership is like comrades plus brothers, and the state visit paid by our top leader will help elevate bilateral relations to a new high," He Wenping, director of the African Studies Section at the Institute of West Asian and African Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Besides helping South Africa tackle one of its most pressing issues like the shortage of electricity, China will play an important role in the country's industrial development, helping create more jobs and increase people-to-people and cultural exchanges, He Wenping said. "Xi's visit to South Africa will deepen the special 'comrades plus brothers' friendship of the two countries."

The development of China-South Africa relations is a microcosm of the China-Africa friendship, and China-Africa relations can best reflect the imprint of China's major-country diplomacy, some experts said.

Milestone gathering

South Africa is about to enter "BRICS time" soon. The news center for the BRICS Summit is now operational, with nearly 100 journalists working there on Tuesday. The Global Times learned during the pre-registration process that the daily registration count is around 500 participants, encompassing individuals from various industries including media and businesses.

Traces of the BRICS Summit are evident on the streets of Johannesburg. South African authorities have allocated increased police resources to ensure the security of the event. Local media broadcasts are predominantly centered around BRICS-related news.

Leaders from the BRICS nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - are expected to gather on Tuesday with the BRICS expansion, the Ukraine crisis and reducing the dependence on the US dollar topping the agenda, according to media reports.

During the BRICS Summit, Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi "will have chances to have close exchanges," Wu said at the press conference on Tuesday.

Both Chinese and South African experts believe that the BRICS grouping has now become a counterbalancing force against global governance led by developed nations. Representing major developing countries, they hold significant weight in terms of economic strength, voice and the pursuit of fairness and justice. Their voice represents the concerns of developing countries, and this voice can drive changes in global governance, experts said.

The motives for a dozen countries that reportedly want to join BRICS include interest in the organization's economic development potential and their desire to build a more equitable global order, David Monyae, director of the Center for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, told the Global Times in a recent interview.

SOURCE Global Times
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Trading Symbols: TSX: GGD

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491 g/t AgEq over 27.3m including 7.6m of 1,670 g/t AgEq including 0.9m of 8,115 g/t AgEq

HALIFAX, NS, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - GoGold Resources Inc. (TSX: GGD) (OTCQX: GLGDF) ("GoGold", "the Company") is pleased to announce additional drilling results from Los Ricos South, within the Main area, including a high-grade intercept from hole LRGG-23-316. The hole intercepted 27.3m of 491 g/t silver equivalent ("AgEq"), including 7.6m of 1,670 g/t AgEq which also included a very high-grade interval of 8,115 g/t AgEq over 0.9m.

Figure 1: Eagle + Main Area Grade Thickness Longitudinal Section (CNW Group/GoGold Resources Inc.) Figure 2: Los Ricos District Overview (CNW Group/GoGold Resources Inc.)

"We're happy with the results from our additional hundred drill holes in the Main zone at Los Ricos South since our initial July 2020 Mineral Resource Estimate, including todays results. We believe they will prove to be quite impactful on our upcoming updated Resource and Preliminary Economic Assessment," said Brad Langille, President and CEO. "We look forward to the release of our updated resource and PEA for Los Ricos South including the Eagle concession expected to be completed within the next few weeks."

Table 1: Drill Hole Intersections

Hole ID Area / Vein From To Length1 Au Ag AuEq2 AgEq2



(m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) (g/t) (g/t) LRGG-23-316 Main area 249.0 276.3 27.3 1.27 395.6 6.54 490.6

including 255.0 262.7 7.6 4.43 1,337.6 22.26 1,669.5

including 261.0 261.9 0.9 11.80 7,230.0 108.20 8,115.0 LRGG-23-303 Main area 33.3 43.4 10.1 0.53 91.7 1.75 131.3

including 40.5 42.0 1.5 0.99 150.0 2.99 224.3 LRGG-23-304 Main area 53.9 63.8 10.0 1.82 181.2 4.24 318.1

including 59.0 60.5 1.5 4.34 633.0 12.78 958.5 LRGG-23-305 Main area 20.3 33.0 12.7 0.51 111.8 2.00 150.2

including 27.7 28.9 1.2 1.69 487.0 8.18 613.8 LRGG-23-306 Main area 36.1 47.8 11.7 4.99 604.8 13.05 979.0

including 37.7 39.2 1.5 30.50 3,550.0 77.83 5,837.5 LRGG-23-308 Main area 159.7 173.2 13.6 1.36 157.9 3.46 259.6

including 164.0 169.0 5.0 2.78 246.9 6.08 455.8 LRGG-23-309 Main area 115.3 133.9 18.6 1.50 89.4 2.69 201.8

including 122.3 122.9 0.6 12.05 144.0 13.97 1,047.8 LRGG-23-310 Main area 39.8 55.0 15.3 0.50 74.4 1.49 112.0

including 47.0 49.8 2.8 1.53 249.4 4.85 364.0 LRGG-23-311 Main area 137.4 139.1 1.7 0.42 97.6 1.72 129.0 LRGG-23-312 Main area 157.0 158.0 1.0 0.80 204.0 3.52 264.0

and 165.5 166.5 1.0 2.14 158.0 4.25 318.5 LRGG-23-313 Main area 125.4 134.6 9.2 3.23 234.8 6.36 477.2

including 131.4 134.6 3.2 4.64 460.8 10.79 808.9 LRGG-23-314 Main area 123.0 131.2 8.2 0.58 98.9 1.90 142.6

including 130.0 131.2 1.2 0.78 291.0 4.66 349.5 LRGG-23-315 Main area 193.3 206.7 13.4 0.66 56.6 1.42 106.2

including 196.3 197.6 1.3 4.87 172.5 7.18 538.1

1. Not true width 2. AgEq converted using a silver to gold ratio of 75:1 at recoveries of 100%

The Main area drilling campaign's purposes is to better define the very high-grade portions of the current deposit that may be amenable to bulk underground mining. These holes are in addition to those drilled in 2019 and 2020 which formed part of the initial Mineral Resource Estimate ("Resource") upon which the Los Ricos South Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") was based upon when it was released on January 20, 2021. It is expected that these holes will be included in an updated Resource to be released by the end of the summer.

Figure 2, above, provides a summary of the Los Ricos District, including both the Los Ricos North and Los Ricos South projects. The map includes an outline of the concession areas and a summary of the current Mineral Resource Estimates ("MRE") on the projects, as well as stars locating each of the deposits included within the current MREs.

Table 2: Drill Hole Locations

Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Length LRGG-23-303 610444 2327886 1303 50 -45 82 LRGG-23-304 610444 2327885 1303 50 -67 110 LRGG-23-305 610367 2328148 1350 50 -45 59 LRGG-23-306 610350 2328133 1345 50 -45 78 LRGG-23-307 610255 2328050 1306 50 -42 59 LRGG-23-308 610426 2327675 1282 50 -45 216 LRGG-23-309 610437 2327744 1274 50 -47 188 LRGG-23-310 610329 2328131 1339 55 -57 77 LRGG-23-311 610183 2327997 1280 50 -59 179 LRGG-23-312 610183 2327997 1280 50 -74 221 LRGG-23-313 610604 2327564 1259 50 -46 139 LRGG-23-314 610548 2327620 1268 50 -41 169 LRGG-23-315 610324 2327703 1246 45 -47 234 LRGG-23-316 610324 2327703 1246 45 -70 306

VRIFY Slide Deck and 3D Presentation

VRIFY is a platform being used by companies to communicate with investors using 360 virtual tours of remote mining assets, 3D models and interactive presentations. VRIFY can be accessed by website and with the VRIFY iOS and Android apps.

The VRIFY 3D Slide Deck for GoGold can be viewed at: https://vrify.com/companies/gogold-resources-inc and on the Company's website at: www.gogoldresources.com.

Los Ricos District Exploration Projects

The Company's two exploration projects at its Los Ricos Property are in Jalisco state, Mexico. The Los Ricos South Project began in March 2019 and an initial Mineral Resource was announced on July 29, 2020, which disclosed a Measured & Indicated Mineral Resource of 63.7 million ounces AgEq grading 199 g/t AgEq contained in 10.0 million tonnes, and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 19.9 million ounces AgEq grading 190 g/t AgEq contained in 3.3 million tonnes. An initial PEA on the project was announced on January 20, 2021, indicating an NPV 5% of US$295M. The Eagle Concession was acquired in October 2022 and is adjacent to the Main Area which contains the initial Mineral Resource.

The Los Ricos North Project was launched in March 2020 and an initial Mineral Resource was announced on December 7, 2021, which disclosed an Indicated Mineral Resource of 87.8 million ounces AgEq grading 122 g/t AgEq contained in 22.3 million tonnes, and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 73.2 million ounces AgEq grading 111 g/t AgEq contained in 20.5 million tonnes. An initial PEA on the project was announced on May 17, 2023, indicating an NPV 5% of US$413M.

Procedure, Quality Assurance / Quality Control and Data Verification

The diamond drill core (HQ size) is geologically logged, photographed and marked for sampling. When the sample lengths are determined, the full core is sawn with a diamond blade core saw with one half of the core being bagged and tagged for assay. The remaining half portion is returned to the core trays for storage and/or for metallurgical test work.

The sealed and tagged sample bags are transported to the ALS Chemex facility in Guadalajara, Mexico. ALS Chemex crushes the samples and prepares 200-300 gram pulp samples with ninety percent passing Tyler 150 mesh (106m). The pulps are assayed for gold using a 30-gram charge by fire assay (Code AA23) and over limits greater than 10 grams per tonne are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish (Code ME-GRAV21). Silver and multi-element analysis is completed using total digestion (Code ME-ICP61 Total Digestion ICP). Over limits greater than 100 grams per tonne silver are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish (ME-GRA21).

Quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") procedures monitor the chain-of-custody of the samples and includes the systematic insertion and monitoring of appropriate reference materials (certified standards, blanks and duplicates) into the sample strings. The results of the assaying of the QA/QC material included in each batch are tracked to ensure the integrity of the assay data. All results stated in this announcement have passed GoGold's QA/QC protocols.

Mr. David Duncan, P. Geo. is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for the technical information of this release.

About GoGold Resources

GoGold Resources (TSX: GGD) is a Canadian-based silver and gold producer focused on operating, developing, exploring and acquiring high quality projects in Mexico. The Company operates the Parral Tailings mine in the state of Chihuahua and has the Los Ricos South and Los Ricos North exploration projects in the state of Jalisco. Headquartered in Halifax, NS, GoGold is building a portfolio of low cost, high margin projects. For more information visit gogoldresources.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT:

The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy of any of GoGold's securities in the United States.

This news release may contain "forward-looking information" as defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Los Ricos South and North projects, and future plans and objectives of GoGold, including the intention to undertake further exploration at Los Ricos North, and the prospect of further discoveries there, constitute forward looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such information but which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions in connection with the continuance of GoGold and its subsidiaries as a going concern, general economic and market conditions, mineral prices, the accuracy of mineral resource estimates, and the performance of the Parral project. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from GoGold's expectations include exploration and development risks associated with GoGold's projects, the failure to establish estimated mineral resources or mineral reserves, volatility of commodity prices, variations of recovery rates, and global economic conditions. For additional information with respect to risk factors applicable to GoGold, reference should be made to GoGold's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with securities regulators, including, but not limited to, GoGold's Annual Information Form. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date of this release.

SOURCE GoGold Resources Inc.
JERSEY CITY, N.J., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Goya Foods, through its Goya Gives global initiative, is sending food and funds to help cover costs of housing and shelter for families displaced in Maui and food to the people on the West Coast. This is in response to the recent fires in Maui and the tropical storm hitting the West Coast.

Goya Foods, through its Goya Gives global initiative, is sending food and funds to help cover costs of housing and shelter for families displaced in Maui and food to the people on the West Coast. This is in response to the recent fires in Maui and the tropical storm hitting the West Coast.

"The devastation caused by these two disasters is heart-wrenching, affecting both the community and the environment in unimaginable ways. In times like these, it is crucial to provide immediate support and aid to our fellow Americans. Thanks to the incredible work and first response of Global Empowerment Mission, we can help to rebuild, heal, and show the undeniable resilience of these communities," said Bob Unanue, President and CEO of Goya Foods.

Global Empowerment Mission, a humanitarian first-response non-profit organization, will distribute the funds and food directly to families in need in Maui, and on the West Coast.

"We are so grateful for our partnership with Goya, who has been supporting our missions throughout the United States and internationally for over four years. The situations in Maui, California, and Washington require immediate support and proper strategies. Thank you, Goya, for always being there to help," said Michael Capponi, Founder of Global Empowerment Mission.

Through Goya Gives, Goya is always at the forefront of natural disasters and humanitarian relief efforts, donating millions of pounds of food each year in the United States and worldwide. Most recently, Goya donated food to the people of East Palestine, Turkey and Syria.

To learn more about Goya Gives, please visit: www.goya.com

About Goya Foods

Founded in 1936, Goya Foods, Inc. is America's largest Hispanic-owned food company and has established itself as the leader in Latin American food and condiments. Goya manufactures, packages, and distributes over 2,500 high-quality food products from Spain, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central, and South America. Goya products have their roots in the culinary traditions of Hispanic communities worldwide. The combination of authentic ingredients, robust seasonings, and convenient preparation makes Goya products ideal for every taste and table. For more information on Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com.

For more information, contact:

Natalie J. Maniscalco

845.659.6506 / [email protected]

SOURCE Goya Foods, Inc.
When business leaders consider locating in Western New York, they often ask whether there is a clean and plentiful water supply.

Thanks to $20 million in state funding headed this way, its about to be a little easier for local officials to answer that there is.

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday announced that the state will invest that money in planned water infrastructure upgrades at the Erie County Water Authority that, she said, will help relieve some of the financial burden on its 500,000 commercial and residential customers.

The state funding, Hochul said, will allow the water authority to complete a long-awaited $80 million overhaul of the water system that was first announced in 2019.

As I see this water, Im reminded that water really is the essence of life, Hochul said during a news conference, set against the backdrop of the Niagara River at the Van de Water Treatment Plant on River Road in the Town of Tonawanda.

If we dont protect our water systems and the systems that deliver it, were really putting our communities at risk, she said, adding, This generational investment will help alleviate the burden on local taxpayers.

The governor said the state aid will leverage $60 million that the water authority will commit toward proposed improvements. They include plans to upgrade water filters at the Sturgeon Point Water Treatment Plant in Evans that daily treat 60 million gallons of water from Lake Erie and havent seen a substantial upgrade in 70 years.

So were replacing filters that have been servicing this area since the 1950s. Think about that, filters in place now that are from the 1950s. You know how often you replace your filters at home. Thats a long time not to do it, Hochul said.

While there have been some modifications and upgrades to the water authoritys infrastructure over the years, executive engineer for the water authority, Len Kowalski, said that, to his knowledge, the water authority has never before received an investment of the size announced by Hochul from any other outside source.

Erie County Water Authority gives top job to Higgins' chief of staff Charles "Chuck" E. Eaton, the longtime chief of staff to Democratic Congressman Brian Higgins, was unanimously appointed by the ECWA board to head the agency's water quality and engineering operations.

Kowalski said the state grant will help expedite some other projects, including at the Ball pump station that was built in the early 1970s.

Weve had some failures there over the last couple of decades of some of the large diameter transmission mains there. So thats going to be a complete overhaul of that pump station, he said.

Hochul said the state investment will ensure that up to 180,000 Erie County customers served by the Van de Water Treatment Plant will not be affected by prolonged service interruptions, and can respond to increased demands on the system. She said it will also help the water authority extend the life of its infrastructure and continue to provide its customers with a reliable supply of safe and affordable water. As a former Hamburg Town Board member, Hochul said she is aware of the demands that maintaining infrastructure places on local governments.

We obsessed about water and sewer lines all the time, and we were always asking Albany for help because the cost is so prohibitive for local communities to put this on the backs of their taxpayers, said Hochul.

Jerome Schad, chairman of the Erie County Water Authority Board of Commissioners, said the states investment will ensure the uninterrupted delivery of safe, high quality, affordable drinking water by the water authority to its residential and commercial customers.

He said the water authority has implemented significant operational, fiscal and financial policy changes to make it well positioned for the future.

Since 2019, the water authority has made historic levels of investment in infrastructure to upgrade and replace aging infrastructure but, as you mentioned, the infrastructure needs of this community are simply too great for our ratepayers to carry that burden solely on their shoulders, Schad said to Hochul.
JUPITER, Fla., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- HairClub employees, along with Florida Marlins players, took time out of their busy schedules for a very worthy cause. On August 14, 2023, they teamed up at Jupiter Elementary School to donate much-needed supplies to students as the new school year kicks off.

With school already in session in Palm Beach County, the school supplies drive aims to help all students start the year ready to learn with everything they need. Students received supplies like notebooks, pencils, paper, and crayons to help prepare them for the school year.

Thank you to all HairClub volunteers for helping students get set up for a successful school year... Post this

The back-to-school supply drive is the first of eight events that will take place this month throughout Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties. The goal of the events is to distribute supplies to around 10,000 local students.

"Thank you to all the HairClub Cares volunteers for helping these students get set up for a successful school year and creating a brighter future for our community," said Michele Avis, VP of Human Resources.

HairClub Cares, the company's program dedicated to volunteering and charity, aims to ignite hope, uplift others, and create positive change through acts of kindness and compassion in the local communities the company operates in. Throughout the years, employees have donated their time at numerous events including helping out at food banks, collecting back-to-school supplies for students, and providing free haircuts to the homeless community.

To learn more about HairClub's volunteering and charitable contributions, please visit our website at hairclub.com .

About HairClub

Since 1976, HairClub has helped hundreds of thousands of men and women restore their hair and transform their lives. Today, HairClub is North America's leading provider of hair loss treatment solutions. HairClub offers hair loss prevention and regrowth options as well as non-surgical and surgical hair restoration options. HairClub has over 120 locations throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo-based Aderans Co. Ltd., the world's leading provider of total hair loss solutions. For more information, visit hairclub.com .

SOURCE HairClub
NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Technavio has been monitoring the hardwood market and it is estimated to grow by USD 9,554.57 million, accelerating at a CAGR of 4.74% between 2022 to 2027. The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is set to play a prominent role in the hardwood market's growth, contributing 67% of the expected expansion from 2022 to 2027. Despite environmental challenges like deforestation, the region's industries, particularly furniture and construction, are anticipated to rebound from COVID-19 impacts, sustaining the hardwood market's growth. Amidst these challenges, APAC remains pivotal in driving market expansion. Companies also contribute by forging strategic alliances, pursuing mergers, acquisitions, and innovative products to strengthen their presence in this evolving landscape. Technavio's report offers a detailed analysis of the current market scenario, COVID-19 impact, the latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Hardwood Market 2023-2027

The report offers a detailed analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the market in optimistic, probable, and pessimistic forecast scenarios. - Get FREE Sample Report within MINUTES

Hardwood Market: Growing global hardwood trade and market expansion to drive growth

The hardwood market is driven by increasing residential and commercial construction activities, the growing global hardwood trade and market expansion, and the growing demand for aesthetic interiors. As countries engage in increased trade of hardwood products on a global scale, opportunities for market expansion and revenue generation abound. Factors such as rising demand for aesthetic interiors in both residential and commercial spaces, coupled with growing construction activities, further increase the market's growth. This dynamic interplay of factors is set to shape the hardwood market's landscape in the coming years, driving its market and creating opportunities for stakeholders across the value chain.

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As per Technavio, the growing global hardwood trade and market expansion will have a positive impact on the market and contribute to its growth significantly over the forecast period. This research report also analyzes other significant trends and market drivers that will influence market growth over 2022-2027.

Hardwood Market: Emerging Trend Of Remodeling And Renovation

An emerging trend in the hardwood market is the increase in remodeling and renovation activities, notably in regions like North America. This trend is driven by government policies, rising disposable income, and a growing consumer preference for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both living and working spaces.

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Hardwood Market: Segmentation Analysis

This market research report segments the hardwood market by Application (Flooring, Furniture, and Others), Type (Ash, Cherry, Maple, Oak, and Birch), and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America).

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is a major player in the hardwood market, expected to contribute 67% to its growth during 2022-2027. Renowned for abundant forest resources and sustainable practices, countries like Indonesia and Malaysia are prominent hardwood producers and exporters. APAC's hardwood species like teak and merbau enjoy global demand for their durability and aesthetics. Despite COVID-19 setbacks, APAC's rapidly urbanizing population and resilient industries like furniture and construction are set to drive hardwood market growth, making the region a vital force in the industry's expansion.

Know more about the global trends impacting the future of the market, download a free sample: Download Free sample report

Challenges faced by the hardwood market:

Environmental Sustainability: Concerns about deforestation, habitat destruction, and unsustainable logging practices are pressuring the hardwood market to adopt more responsible sourcing and manufacturing methods.

Concerns about deforestation, habitat destruction, and unsustainable logging practices are pressuring the hardwood market to adopt more responsible sourcing and manufacturing methods. Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to stringent environmental regulations and certifications poses challenges, particularly in regions where timber sourcing is complex.

Adhering to stringent environmental regulations and certifications poses challenges, particularly in regions where timber sourcing is complex. Price Volatility : Fluctuations in hardwood prices, influenced by supply chain disruptions and market demand, can impact profitability and market stability.

: Fluctuations in hardwood prices, influenced by supply chain disruptions and market demand, can impact profitability and market stability. Competition from Alternatives : Competition from engineered wood products and other materials leads a threat to traditional hardwood demand.

: Competition from engineered wood products and other materials leads a threat to traditional hardwood demand. Consumer Preferences: Shifting consumer preferences towards sustainable and eco-friendly materials may impact demand for certain hardwood products.

Buy the report now to get an insight into the market and make informed decisions.

The research report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about major companies, including:

Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc.

Armstrong World Industries Inc.

Bauwerk Group Schweiz AG

Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Flooring Innovations

Goodfellow Inc.

Home Legend LLC

Lauzon Collection

Mannington Mills Inc.

Mirage

Mohawk Industries Inc.

Mullican Flooring LP

Provenza Floors Inc.

Q.E.P. Co. Inc.

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Plywood Market: The Global Plywood Market size is estimated to grow by USD 13,585.71 million and the size of the market is forecast to increase at a CAGR of 4.55% between 2022 and 2027. This report extensively covers market segmentation by type (hardwood and softwood), sector (new construction and replacement), and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America).

Reclaimed Lumber Market: The reclaimed lumber market share is expected to increase by USD 12.39 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 4.41%. The report extensively covers market segmentation by end-user (commercial, residential, and industrial) and geography (Europe, North America, APAC, MEA, and South America).

Hardwood Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 4.74% Market growth 2023-2027 USD9,554.57 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023(%) 3.89 Regional analysis APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution APAC at 67% Key countries US, Canada, China, Japan, and South Korea Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc., Armstrong World Industries Inc., Barlinek SA, Bauwerk Group Schweiz AG, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Flooring Innovations, Goodfellow Inc., Home Legend LLC, Lauzon Collection, Mannington Mills Inc., Mirage, Mohawk Industries Inc., Mullican Flooring LP, Provenza Floors Inc., Q.E.P. Co. Inc., Weyerhaeuser Co., and Koch Industries Inc. Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID 19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for forecast period Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
Harvest Group Announces Addition of Digital Media Leadership in Hiring of Sejal Sheth

ROGERS, Ark., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Harvest Group has made significant investments over the last few years in the people and technology needed to continue to lead and grow their clients' ecommerce businesses.

From managing clients' digital accounts across all major retailers to writing best-in-class content for their items to offering effective support for investing in retail media, Harvest Group is focused on providing a connected service offering for their clients across the commerce landscape.

Harvest Group continues retail media focus with hire of VP of Digital Commerce & Media, Sejal Sheth. Post this Sejal Sheth, VP of Digital Commerce & Media, Harvest Group

To continue serving at the forefront of these trends, Harvest Group is making a significant addition to their leadership team with the hiring of Sejal Sheth, VP of Digital Commerce & Media. Sheth will lead Harvest Group clients in their omnichannel business and offer expertise to strengthen the company's connected capabilities across media, marketing, and sales.

"Bringing on Sejal is another step towards ensuring we're serving our clients at the highest level across the commerce landscape" said Harvest Group COO, Ashley Knight. "We couldn't be more excited to welcome Sejal in this role - she has the right industry experience, intuition, and attitude to lead our clients across their digital commerce business in this new era of retail."

Sheth has 19 years of experience in the CPG industry across marketing, sales, category development, and eCommerce. She spent 15 of those years at the J.M. Smucker company and 3 years at GE Lighting, a Savant Company, where she has worked on numerous brands in a wide range of categories, and developed a deep understanding of multiple retailer models, connected retail, and media mix modeling. Many of her roles have been centered around pioneering, developing, and implementing new capabilities.

"I am honored to be part of the Harvest family and truly inspired by the talented and authentic team, who deliver excellence for their clients every day. We are trailblazing a new path in digital commerce and media and look forward to great success along this journey!" - Sejal Sheth, VP of Digital Commerce and Media

Harvest Group is excited for Sejal Sheth to join their leadership team and strengthen their efforts to skillfully navigate the convergence of retail media, brick & mortar, and the digital shelf to create a connected commerce solution for their clients.

Harvest Group

Named one of Entrepreneur Magazine's Top Company Cultures, Forbes Small Giants and Inc.'s Best Workplaces, Harvest Group is the trusted partner for CPG brands looking to grow their business at Walmart, Sam's Club, Kroger, Target, Amazon, and Costco. Our multi-functional team of retail experts leverages first-class systems and technology to fight for clients along every step of the retail journey. Harvest Group offers a connected commerce solution leading their clients with account management, digital content management, retail media management, and replenishment services.

Contact: Harvest Group, Ella Jane Dantzler, [email protected]

SOURCE Harvest Group
LONDON, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the 2023 Business Worldwide Magazine CEO Awards, Marc Dechamps, the CEO of Belgian biotech firm Bioxodes, receives an acknowledgment as he is named 'Biotechnology CEO of the Year - Europe'. Marc Dechamps was the outright winner in his category, for his ground-breaking work in the field of thrombo-inflammation or stroke.

The aim of the awards programme is to identify and honour the most respected C- Level executives from around the globe, across a wide variety of sectors. Unlike other business awards schemes that celebrate the overall successes of a company, here the spotlight is on the individuals who lead them. The intention is to give worthy business leaders the recognition they deserve, while inspiring others to achieve similar successes.

Under Dechamps' leadership, Bioxodes is developing a ground-breaking treatment for haemorrhagic strokes by preventing blood clots and inflammation. This innovative new drug candidate, called Ir- CPI, has been developed as the result of intensive research into the feeding behaviours of ticks.

A career biologist with more than 35 years' experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Marc Dechamps is driving a revolution in this kind of medication.

A major downside of anticoagulant drugs  which prevent clots by thinning the blood  is that they increase the risk of bleeding in patients. Ticks feed on the blood of their prey, which in most other creatures would carry a risk of clotting once inside the body. Bioxodes' analysis of the insects discovered molecules that prevented the formation of clots without increasing the risk of bleeding, whilst also providing an anti-inflammatory effect.

Bioxodes has harnessed this protein to develop this new therapeutic solution, which address both neuroinflammation and blood clot formation in patients with haemorrhagic stroke.

This is a landmark in the field because until now, no specific treatment had been established for patients with haemorrhagic stroke and their management is primarily supportive. Moreover, no anticoagulants can be given during the first hours after onset. By offering a solution to all of these problems, the discovery is set to become a huge asset in treating ICH patients.

Marc Dechamps has worked with some of the world's biggest pharma corporations including GSK and ViiV Healthcare, undertaking market development for novel products aimed at the treatment of infectious diseases, immunological disorders, central nervous system disorders, vaccines and cancer. The eminent entrepreneur is driven by a passion to help patients all over the world enjoy a better quality of life.

To find out more about the science behind and the work of Bioxodes, visit

https://bioxodes.com/

About Business Worldwide Magazine

Business Worldwide Magazine is the leading source of business and dealmaker intelligence throughout the world. Our quarterly magazine and online news portal enables an established audience of corporate dealmakers to track the latest news, stories and developments affecting the international markets, corporate finance, business strategy and changes in legislation. This readership includes of CEO/CFO - Banks, Corporate Lawyers and Venture Capital/Private Equity Companies to name a few.

Contact

David Jones

Awards Department

E: [email protected]

W: www.bwmonline.com

SOURCE Business Worldwide Magazine
America's Leading Family-Owned Spirits Company Teams with Spirits Incubator WES Brands for Upcoming Category Innovation

DALLAS, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WES Brands announces an exciting new partnership with Kentucky-based Heaven Hill Brands in connection with a soon-to-be-announced spirits innovation. As the largest family-owned and led spirits company in America, Heaven Hill takes great pride in its legacy and is a natural choice for this collaboration. WES Brands, quickly becoming known for building and accelerating brands, will lead this partnership and officially release details on the newest addition to their portfolio later this summer.

WES Brands

"We're anticipating strong excitement from the spirits community for this unprecedented release," said Shelly Stein, Chairman of the Advisory Board of WES Brands, and former President of Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits. "We couldn't be prouder to work with Heaven Hill on this, knowing their reputation and history in the Whiskey category."

Heaven Hill Co-President, Kate Latts expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We are excited to partner with WES Brands on their latest project. Knowing of their past wins as a leading spirits incubator, we are more than confident that consumers will share our excitement when this partnership is officially revealed."

The result of this collaboration will be officially unveiled later this summer with a much-anticipated announcement, inviting enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike to taste and enjoy this innovative spirit.

Founded in 2021, WES Brands develops innovative brands in the beverage alcohol category. The entrepreneurial and employee-owned company's portfolio currently includes Flecha Azul Tequila and BSB Flavored Whiskey, with exciting new innovations to come.

Since its founding, Heaven Hill has sought to responsibly enhance the enjoyment of life for its consumers. Heaven Hill's portfolio includes the world's second-largest selling Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon alongside dynamic brands including Elijah Craig, Deep Eddy Vodka, Lunazul Tequila, plus the diverse Samson & Surrey portfolio consisting of Widow Jane Bourbon Whiskey, Tequila Ocho, Mezcal Vago and Bluecoat American Dry Gin.

Visit www.wesbrandsllc.com to stay updated on the new release from WES Brands and Heaven Hill. Follow WES Brands at @wes.brands and Heaven Hill at www.heavenhill.com for more information.

MEDIA CONTACT:

WES Brands: Lauren Ryan-Kiyak [email protected]

LG PR: Lucy Gille, [email protected]

Heaven Hill Brands: Kaitlynn West, [email protected]

ABOUT WES BRANDS

Founded in 2021, WES Brands develops, markets, and sells innovative brands in the beverage alcohol category. The entrepreneurial and employee-owned company pairs high-potential brands in expanding categories with brand partners to drive awareness. The portfolio currently includes Flecha Azul Tequila and BSB Flavored Whiskey, with new innovations to come. Do you think you have what it takes to join the team? Learn more at www.WESBrandsLLC.com .

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS

Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands ( www.heavenhill.com ) is the nation's largest independent, family-owned and led spirits producer and marketer and the world's second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill Brands has grown beyond its traditional roots as a Bourbon distiller to become the country's fifth largest overall distilled spirits producer and marketer with a diversified portfolio of brands that includes Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson's Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur, plus the newly-acquired Samson & Surrey portfolio.

SOURCE WES Brands
In addressing attendees at recent Food Tank summit, Rodriguez discusses her unique role with the company, engaging with consumers and aligning insights with innovation

AUSTIN, Minn., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In her unique role as a cultural anthropologist for Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), Dr. Tanya Rodriguez spends a majority of her professional energy in the field, meeting with consumers in person to learn about their relationships with food and collecting new insights into how food-related decisions are actually made.

Dr. Tanya Rodriguez, cultural anthropologist and senior human research experience manager at Hormel Foods, spoke earlier this month at the Empowering Eaters: Access, Affordability, and Healthy Choices summit in Chicago. Dr. Rodriguez, right, was joined by industry experts as part of a panel discussion at the Chicago summit, where she detailed her unique role as a senior cultural anthropologist for Hormel Foods.

Earlier this month, Rodriguez shared some of her acute observations as part of a distinguished panel of industry experts at the "Empowering Eaters: Access, Affordability and Healthy Choices" summit in Chicago, speaking as part of a distinguished panel of industry experts. The summit, hosted by Food Tank  a nonprofit organization committed to food-system education and food security  welcomed guests from the White House and the United Nations Global Compact for a discussion on ideas and solutions for improving food access, affordability and health for consumers.

"It was a powerful exchange of ideas," said Rodriguez, senior human experience research manager at Hormel Foods. "The problem of food security is complex and requires private and public entities to work with grassroot organizers and entrepreneurs to create healthy, stable, accessible and culturally congruent foods across the nation. This was a wonderful opportunity to share some of the exciting things we're doing at Hormel Foods and also learn about what other organizations are doing to meet people's needs."

It is true, that a large part of Rodriguez's job is to question everything. Rodriguez's job involves an element of spontaneity, with many of her consumer interactions sparked by chance, such as impromptu conversations with random people in grocery-store aisles. She also visits consumers' homes, where she's able to gather even more insight by cooking with them, sharing a meal and noticing their stock items.

She detailed her efforts during the panel discussion, giving those in attendance an inside look into her methods and findings. She specifically referenced a common disparity between what consumers tell her and what she discovers for herself in their homes.

"As an anthropologist, I use cultural intelligence to solve modern human problems; in this case, food," Rodriguez said. "People can tell you anything if they fill out a survey or participate in a focus group, but there is often a big gap between what people say and what people actually do. However, being in a consumer's home is a revelation. You can actually witness what they do and the food products they really buy."

"They'll tell me, we want less salt, we want less sugar," she continued. "And then I go into their house, and guess what they're doing? Putting salt and sugar into stuff. And it's like, why is that? But it really is hard to break that tradition. It's complex."

Rodriguez also spoke about the importance of food companies promoting a healthy internal culture in how they operate. Hormel Foods takes this duty seriously, Rodriguez said, evidenced in particular by the company's desire to provide substantial education resources for its team members, as well as its team members' children. With that in mind, Hormel Foods was one of the first major companies in the United States to offer the opportunity of free college education to the dependent children of its team members by way of its Inspired Pathways program. In addition, it provides free one-on-one college advising, financial-aid support and career-development opportunities.

Rodriguez is a member of the Hormel Foods Brand Fuel center of excellence. Brand Fuel was created to accelerate the time between the inception of an insight and the delivery of a new product on the shelf, and to optimize the company's insights-led innovation processes.

Hormel Foods, a Fortune 500 global branded food company, has long supported hunger and food-security efforts in the communities where its team members live and work, as well as nationally through organizations that support hunger and food-security solutions. Additional information about the company's hunger-relief efforts can be found in the Hormel Foods Global Impact Report.

About Hormel Foods  Inspired People. Inspired Food.

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters, Skippy, SPAM, Hormel Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin's, Wholly, Hormel Black Label, Columbus, Jennie-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named on the "Global 2000 World's Best Employers" list by Forbes magazine for three years, is one of Fortune magazine's most admired companies, has appeared on the "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list by 3BL Media 13 times, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement  Inspired People. Inspired Food.  to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com and csr.hormelfoods.com.

Contact: Media Relations

Hormel Foods

[email protected]

SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation
NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A late June visit by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States to meet with U.S. President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. affirmed the two countries' investment in one another, as bilateral trading partners and two of the world's largest economies with mutual interests in some of the most urgent global issues of today.

The meeting between the two leaders welcomed collaboration in areas that include semiconductor production, securing mineral supply chains, clean energy, pharmaceuticals, defense, space, aviation, digital infrastructure and greater support for small and medium-sized companies.

The full rundown of shared efforts by the two nations is outlined in the Joint Statement from the United States and India, which puts the willingness and commitment of both administrations to work together on full display.

With the two leaders vouching to increase their support for SMEs, trade finance, which many smaller and midsize companies opt for to improve their cash flow, will remain an important factor in smoothing transactions between the two countries. SMEs, which can have less established operating histories and may be turned away from traditional banks on this premise, commonly seek out trade finance offered by non-bank financial corporations; this alternative financing  which comes without the strict regulations that are tied to conventional banking  is known to be more flexible and conducive to SMEs' needs.

The loosening of trade barriers and renewed commitment by Modi and Biden can have great economic benefits for the two countries and the larger global market. Trade finance, the centuries-old financial arrangement that much of global trade still depends on, will be here to help ensure payments, move goods, and provide support for all the many crucial small and medium businesses that make the world turn.

About Tradewind Finance

Founded in 2000, Tradewind Finance maintains a network of offices all over the world, including Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, India, Pakistan, Peru, Turkey, UAE, and the USA as well as the headquarters in Germany. Combining financing, credit protection, and collections into a single suite of trade finance products, Tradewind brings streamlined, flexible, and best-in-class services to the world's exporters and importers.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Tradewind Finance
HOUSTON, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Howard Hughes Holdings Inc.  (NYSE: HHH) announced today that the Company will host its 2023 Investor Day on Wednesday, September 6th at the Seaport in Lower Manhattan, New York City. The event will include presentations led by the HHH executive team starting at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time and will be webcast live.

Please visit the Company's website to listen to the live webcast. An on-demand replay of the webcast and corresponding presentation materials will be available on the Company's website following the conclusion of the event.

About Howard Hughes Holding Inc.

Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. owns, manages, and develops commercial, residential, and mixed-use real estate throughout the U.S. Its award-winning assets include the country's preeminent portfolio of master planned communities, as well as operating properties and development opportunities including: the Seaport in New York City; Downtown Columbia in Maryland; The Woodlands, Bridgeland and The Woodlands Hills in the Greater Houston, Texas area; Summerlin in Las Vegas; Ward Village in Honolulu, Hawaii; and Teravalis in the Greater Phoenix, Arizona area. The Howard Hughes portfolio is strategically positioned to meet and accelerate development based on market demand, resulting in one of the strongest real estate platforms in the country. Dedicated to innovative placemaking, the company is recognized for its ongoing commitment to design excellence and to the cultural life of its communities. Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange as HHH. For additional information visit www.howardhughes.com.

Media Contact

Cristina Carlson, 646-822-6910

SVP, Head of Corporate Communications

[email protected]



Investor Relations Contact

Eric Holcomb, 281-475-2144

SVP, Investor Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE The Howard Hughes Corporation
SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ImmVira announced to appoint Dr. Howard L. Kaufman as Consulting Medical Advisor. Dr. Kaufman's expertise in scientific research and clinical development, especially in the areas of oncolytic virus and immunotherapy, will greatly enhance ImmVira's research and development capabilities.

Howard L. Kaufman, M.D.

Dr. Kaufman is a leading authority on tumor immunotherapy and oncolytic virus. He led the successful Phase III trial of Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC), the first oncolytic virotherapy approved by FDA. He also led the pivotal clinical trial of anti-PD-L1 mAb Avelumab, the first drug approved by FDA for the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma. His industry experience includes roles as President and Chief Executive Officer at Ankyra Therapeutics, Chief Medical Officer at Compass Therapeutics and Replimune, Inc. (U.S. listed oncolytic virus company), and Head of Research and Development at Immuneering Corporation. Prior to joining the industry, Dr. Kaufman had an exemplary academic career as Associate Director of Herbert Irving Cancer Center at Columbia University in New York City, Associate Dean and Cancer Center Director at Rush University in Chicago, and a tenured Professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Dr. Kaufman has maintained a funded laboratory in tumor immunology for over 20 years and has published over 500 peer-reviewed scientific papers, books, review articles and scientific abstracts. He also serves on the editorial board of the Journal for Immunotherapy of Cancer and Journal of Translational Medicine. He maintains an academic appointment at Harvard Medical School and is a Clinical Associate at Massachusetts General Hospital where he continues to see patients with cutaneous malignancies.

"We are honored to have Dr. Kaufman as our Consulting Medical Advisor, to jointly explore clinical mechanisms and translational medicine of oncolytic virus, and provide professional advice for our future clinical development. Dr. Kaufman also expressed great confidence in our current oncolytic virus clinical data." said Dr. Guoying Zhou, Chairman and CEO of ImmVira, "His insights will help us accelerate global clinical progress of oncolytic virus pipelines and meet medical needs of cancer patients as soon as possible."

About ImmVira

ImmVira is a biotechnology company focused on developing and synthesizing biological vector delivery platform. The company has constructed a fully integrated OVPENS (Open Vector+ Potent, Enabling, Novel & Safe) platform with solid science, technology and CMC know-how, and three derivative subplatforms including Oncolytic Virus, Cancer Vaccine and Biosynthetic Exosome, to support ongoing R&D, clinical studies and commercialization of best-in-class mono and combo therapies driven by clinical benefits in oncology and non-oncology fields.

SOURCE ImmVira
PHOENIX, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Koantek: a cutting-edge technology consulting and system integrator specializing in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Engineering, and Modernization of Cloud Infrastructures, is announcing the achievement of the 150-employee growth goal marking a significant milestone to support their continued global expansion.

Since launching in December 2020, Koantek has been exploring partnerships, testing the market and assessing customer needs to create services and offerings that help companies optimize and scale. As such, Koantek has been measured and deliberate with its expansion.

Koantek was honored as Databricks "2023 Velocity Partner of the Year." Post this

Koantek's custom, high touch, and boutique approach to business means they stay on the cutting edge of trends and solutions. In response to the increasing market interest and demand, Koantek is investing in Large Language Models and Generative AI solutions to help customers reinvent the way they do business.

In 2022 Koantek partnered with Databricks, a global data and AI company and Koantek was recognized as the "2022 Rising Star Partner."

As a valued partner, Koantek was invited to participate in the recent Data + AI Summit hosted in San Francisco, CA, June 26  29, 2023, presenting their solutions to a global audience. During this event, Koantek was honored as Databricks "2023 Velocity Partner of the Year."

"We're excited to recognize Koantek for being the 2023 Databricks Velocity Partner of the Year for their expertise in helping commercial customers in their data and AI transformation journey", said Jason McIntyre, Consulting & SI Partner Scale Ecosystem Lead at Databricks. "Their Lakehouse in a Month Brickbuilder Accelerator and Unity Catalog migration solution are helping customers to seamlessly migrate to the Databricks Lakehouse Platform. We want to applaud Koantek for their innovations and look forward to continuing to collaborate."

During the recent Data + AI summit, Koantek had the opportunity to present its Dolly LLaMa Model, highlighting its exceptional performance and cost savings, alongside other esteemed leaders and industry experts in the field of Large Language Models and Generative AI.

Koantek's team of experts deeply understand AI and ML technologies, enabling them to develop customized solutions that drive business growth and optimize operational efficiency. Combining their expertise with state-of-the-art tools and methodologies, Koantek delivers exceptional results, ensuring businesses achieve tangible outcomes from their AI and ML investments.

"We are thrilled to offer our clients unparalleled expertise in AI and ML integration," said Sohini Avirneni, Founder and CEO at Koantek. "Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to empowering organizations with the transformative power of these technologies, enabling them to unlock new opportunities and drive innovation."

Koantek's service offerings span various industries, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, retail, and more. The company's technology solutions, such as: Advisory & Data Strategy, Data Migration, Data & Advanced Analytics, Data Engineering, Cloud Infrastructure & Automation, and Talent As A Service are varied to meet customers where they are on their digital transformation journey. By deploying these technologies strategically, Koantek helps businesses gain actionable insights, automate processes, enhance decision-making, and improve overall performance.

Moreover, Koantek is committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. The company continuously invests in research and development to ensure its clients benefit from the latest breakthroughs in AI and ML.

By collaborating with industry-leading partners and leveraging its extensive network, Koantek remains at the cutting edge of innovation, delivering unparalleled solutions that drive business transformation.

About Koantek:

Koantek is a global provider of technology services and solutions specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Focusing on delivering customized solutions, Koantek empowers businesses to harness the transformative power of data to drive growth. The company's team of experts combines deep knowledge with best-in-class technologies, tools, and methodologies to drive innovation and optimize business outcomes. Koantek serves clients across various industries, from growth and startup to Enterprise, enabling them to unlock new opportunities and gain a competitive edge in the digital era.

www.koantek.com

SOURCE Koantek LLC
Forest Lawn Group has named a former top executive with the health insurance nonprofit HealthNow New York as its new CEO.

The Buffalo City Cemeterys board of trustees has appointed Julie R. Snyder to the post, effective Sept. 11, the cemetery announced Wednesday.

Erie County comptroller calls for state to investigate Forest Lawn "The questions, concerns and issues raised in The Buffalo News' reporting concerning Forest Lawn depict a nonprofit that has serious problems and little to no accountability," Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick said in a letter to state agencies.

Snyder will oversee the 269-acre Forest Lawn, Buffalos pre-eminent cemetery, and its crematory; eight additional cemeteries within the group in Western New York; and the Forest Lawn Heritage Foundation.

Snyder replaces Joseph Dispenza, Forest Lawns longtime president, who resigned Feb. 2, seven months after he was placed on administrative leave over accusations that he bullied cemetery employees, sources previously told The Buffalo News.

We are pleased to have completed our search with a local leader who possesses business and community-relations expertise, board Chair James M. Wadsworth said in a statement. As we approach our 175th anniversary, the Forest Lawn board is ready to begin our institutions next chapter with an ideal leader.

After groundskeepers union was broken, a business owned by family of Forest Lawn insider got the contract Forest Lawn President Joe Dispenza and then-Superintendent of Grounds Craig Wolcott are accused of conspiring to get rid of unionized groundskeepers, members of Teamsters Local 449, through a decertification vote.

Snyder was selected following a four-month process led by an outside consultant and a seven-member search committee. One hundred people applied for the job, a number that was whittled to 15 serious contenders and, eventually, five initial interviewees. Snyder was one of two finalists considered by the board, according to the cemetery group.

I view this role as a vocation, having worked in health care for more than two decades and frequently been close to families at times of great loss, Snyder said in the statement. This role is one of both leader to a dedicated team, but also liaison with the funeral professionals who serve our community, our important regulators in Albany and my fellow Buffalo residents who value, as do I, Forest Lawn as a historic parkland.

Snyder most recently served as vice president of community relations for Highmark, the successor organization to HealthNow. She previously served for 11 years as senior vice president and chief marketing and communications officer at HealthNow, known as BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and BlueShield of Northeastern New York.

Snyder also worked as executive director of Sisters Hospital Foundation and served as a trustee of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy and of Medaille University.

Dispenza served as president of Forest Lawn for 17 years until he was placed on administrative leave in June 2022.

During his tenure, Dispenza helped launch historical tours of the cemetery, oversaw cemetery acquisitions and introduced pet cremation burials.

Forest Lawns board of trustees previously said Dispenza was put on leave pending the results of an independent investigation of internal personnel-related complaints.

Forest Lawn and Terrence Connors, Dispenzas lawyer, announced his departure in February, with both sides describing it as a resignation.

But two sources told The Buffalo News that Dispenza was not going to be allowed to return to work, and the months prior to his departure were spent negotiating a separation agreement and financial package.
ADEL, Iowa, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kuder, Inc. (Kuder) is excited to announce its partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) to support workforce development in the Electrified Processes for Industry without Carbon (EPIXC) institute. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) chose ASU to lead this seventh Clean Energy Manufacturing Innovation Institute.

EPIXC is mobilizing a coalition of private companies including Kuder, National Labs, universities, labor unions, and community partners. EPIXC will advance President Biden's climate goals to build an industrial sector that is more resilient, efficient, and competitive and set the United States on a path to net-zero emissions by 2050.

We're honored to lend our voice and experience to help achieve the nation's climate goals. Erin Milroy, Kuder President Post this

"We're incredibly honored to partner with ASU and join such an esteemed group of industry leaders," said Erin Milroy, Kuder's President. "Lending our voice, experience, and capabilities to this important initiative will help achieve the nation's climate goals through research, development, and deployment of relevant technologies and workforce training."

Kuder is renowned for its years of experience and results within workforce development and career readiness. A focus area for Kuder to support will be EPIXC's goal to provide training for a clean energy workforce that is projected to impact nearly 20,000 jobs, including 40% from underrepresented populations such fence line communities in Port Arthur, TX and Arizona's tribal nations.

"Kuder is well established as a leader in workforce development and career pathway support with their 25 years of expertise and their experience working with diverse communities globally," said Robin Hammond, Chief Education and Workforce Development Officer for EPIXC and member of ASU's management team. "We're excited to partner with them on meeting our vision that electric heating is economical and supports manufacturing decarbonization everywhere for everyone."

Kuder's Chairman and CEO, Phil Harrington, was appointed to the EPIXC Governing Board. The five-year cooperative agreement from the DOE is $70 million and relevant industries are expected to invest in the project to that level, if not more.

About Kuder: Kuder (www.kuder.com) is backed by 85 years of history and research and has over 25 years of experience providing career and workforce development system for all ages for government and educational agencies including the U.S. military, departments of education, colleges, districts, and schools. Millions of people worldwide have relied on Kuder for high quality products backed by an unparalleled level of service.

SOURCE Kuder, Inc.
The second Black Census Project, which will close in October 2023, has already quadrupled in size since 2018

ATLANTA, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Black Futures Lab announced that it has reached a historic milestone in the Black Census Project survey, which will conclude in October 2023. With nearly 130,000 responses from across all 50 states gathered to date, this effort already marks the largest survey of Black people conducted in the United States, four times the size of the 2018 Black Census.

"Going into another presidential campaign season, we know that Black communities are still being undercounted and under-engaged," said Alicia Garza, Founder and Principal of Black Futures Lab, who began designing the Black Census Project after the 2016 election. "It is critical that we engage Black communities early and often. Every day, policy is being made about us, without us. We launched the Black Census to transform thatwe take the data from the Black Census and use it to inform a Black agenda that serves as a roadmap for policymakers and politicians on how to best address the needs of Black communities. The Black Census is historic and importantthere is still time for you to join us and participate so that your voice can be heard."

The Black Census Project, launched in 2018, engages communities that are typically under-represented in traditional surveys and policy making. The Black Census Project is collecting findings of Black attitudes and opinions across demographics and geography, including LGB+ communities, trans communities, incarcerated Black people, Black immigrant communities, and Black people in rural areas.

"Now more than ever, it is essential that Black trans people are seen, heard, and counted," said Aria Sa'id, Founder Emeritus of the Transgender District. "Given all the attacks on trans rights, we know Black trans folks will be the most impacted. While our rights are being taken away and our communities are being targeted, very few people are talking to trans people about what we're experiencing, and what support we need to live dignified lives. The Black Census does this and gets information from us about our needs and experiences, and what we want to see for our futures. The experiences of Black trans people matter, not just for us, but for all Black communities."

Once the Black Census closes in October, Black Futures Lab will use the survey to design and release the Black Agenda 2024 in early 2024. The Black Agenda 2024 is a policy roadmap that will inform legislators nationwide of the key priorities of Black communities across America. It also will be used to activate and engage Black voters in advance of elections, encouraging Black communities to stay engaged and wield political power to inform, influence, and impact all institutions and decision-makers who are or should be engaging Black people.

"With the 2024 presidential elections right around the corner, and the first GOP debate kicking off tonight, we know Black votes matter; Black people do too," said Angela Rye, Principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies. "In order to be powerful in politics, Black people must curate, shape, and push our own political agendaa Black agendaand the Black Census Project equips us to do that. That is why this project is tremendously important."

Over 30,000 Black people from across the country participated in the first Black Census Project in 2018. The Black Futures Lab used the results to identify pressing legislative and policy priorities, turning the survey into a national, state, and municipal policy platform to guide 2020 Presidential candidates as they devised strategies to earn the support of Black voters.

In 2022 and 2023, Black Futures Lab collaborated with more than 50 Black-led grassroots organizations, over a dozen national media partners, and Black influencers to reach more than 129,000 Black people across the country to date. A majority of respondents (64%) are from the South, 14% are from the Midwest, 13% are from the Northeast, and 10% are from the West. Nearly half (40%) of respondents are ages 60+; a quarter are 50-59, 17% are 40-49, 12% are 30-39, 4% are 25-29, and 4% are 18-24. Initial findings show the top three issues for Black people are:

Low wages that are not enough to sustain a family: 39%

Gun violence: 32%

Schools that fail to prepare children adequately: 32%

"This is the largest survey of Black people in American historythere is nothing else that comes close," said Michael Harriot, writer and author of Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America. "This is a way for people to actually know what Black voters want, and what Black voters are concerned about. It also has historical significance and gives us the ability to dispel myths about Black people with real data."

Personally identifiable information will not be collected, and all participants can opt into becoming a part of the Black Futures Lab supporter community. Some participants who complete the survey (at BlackCensus.org ) will be eligible to receive a $20 gift card.

About the Black Futures Lab

Black Futures Lab works with Black people to transform our communities, building Black political power, and changing the way that power operateslocally, statewide, and nationally. We work to understand the dynamics impacting our communities, we build the capacity of our communities to govern, and we engage and include Black people in the decisions that impact our lives. Our mission is to engage Black communities year-round, using our political strength to stop corporate influences from creeping into public policies, and combining technology and traditional organizing methods to reach Black people anywhere and everywhere we are. blackfutureslab.org

SOURCE Black Futures Lab
Judge Kaplan rules that the filing doesn't meet requirements; litigation to resume in talcum-based baby powder lawsuits.

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Legal-Bay, The Pre Settlement Funding Company, announced today that Johnson & Johnson's efforts to put a hold on the numerous lawsuits they are facing by filing bankruptcy have failed. Judge Kaplan ruled that the filing did not meet the requirements to qualify as a "good-faith" bankruptcy attempt, and was merely a way to seek protections against the billions of dollars the pharmaceutical giant will be expected to pay out in damages.

The Johnson & Johnson cases are on track to rank among the largest mass tort settlements in U.S. history. Over 60,000 lawsuits have been brought by plaintiffs who allege that their talc-based baby powder is directly responsible for causing their ovarian cancer and/or mesothelioma, and point out that the company has long been aware of the health risks associated with their product. Several studies dating back to the 1970s concluded that talc particles increase a person's chances of developing serious medical issues, and evidence suggests that J&J has been intentionally concealing the results for decades. However, despite their $8.9 billion settlement offer, J&J continues to stand by the safety of their product.

Chris Janish, CEO of Legal-Bay, commented, "The Judge's ruling in respect to the bankruptcy strategy by J&J seems to be fair for the plaintiffs. However, now the parties need to come back to the drawing board to work on a realistic settlement framework. With the quantity of claims and seriousness of the injuries there is likely to be a large gapwhich will only drag things well into 2024. We are hopeful that at some point, both sides will come to a reasonable resolution so the people suffering can receive some funds in near future."

If you require an immediate cash advance lawsuit loan from your anticipated Johnson & Johnson talc baby powder lawsuit settlement, please visit the company's website HERE or call 877.571.0405

Legal-Bay's sources close to the litigation believe that the parties will try to reach a global agreement by year's end. However, payments could be delayed for another two years due to the sheer number of claims to process. Legal-Bay is one of the few legal funding companies who are providing some financial relief to victims and their families with risk-free, non-recourse cash advance settlement loans.

Legal-Bay is one of the best lawsuit loan companies when it comes to these types of litigations, and is currently the #1 talc funding company in the loan settlement industry. Legal-Bay is a leading lawsuit funding provider and is able to offer lawsuit loan funds for all other types of cases including personal injury, slips and falls, car bus or truck accidents, boating accidents, construction site injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, police brutality, wrongful imprisonment, sexual abuse or assault, discrimination or harassment in the workplace, workers comp, and many more.

Their loan for settlement programs are designed to provide immediate cash in advance of a plaintiff's anticipated monetary award. The non-recourse law suit loanssometimes referred to as loans for lawsuit or loans on settlementare risk-free, as the money doesn't need to be repaid should the recipient lose their case. Therefore, the lawsuit loans aren't really a loan, but rather a cash settlement advance.

To apply for settlement funding, please visit the company's website HERE or call toll-free at: 877.571.0405 where agents are available to answer your questions.

SOURCE Legal-Bay, LLC
Carnz joins NYC-based LIM after serving as Provost for City University of Seattle

NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LIM College, which is exclusively focused on the business of fashion and lifestyle, today announced the appointment of Scott Carnz, Ed.D., as Provost.

Carnz, whose appointment was effective August 21, joins LIM from City University of Seattle where he served as Provost since 2019.

"Scott is a passionate and creative educational leader." Post this Scott Carnz, Ed.D., has been appointed Provost at LIM College.

In his new role, Carnz will serve as the chief academic officer of LIM College and will be responsible for establishing and sustaining the highest standards of academic excellence in all teaching, curricular, and academic co-curricular activities. He will be the chief advisor on academic matters to LIM College President Elizabeth S. Marcuse and will lead development of a vision for LIM's academic future that supports student success, enrollment growth, and student retention.

"Scott is a passionate and creative educational leader with extensive experience in overseeing academic programs ranging from the certificate level to doctoral degrees," said Marcuse. "We are confident that Scott, working collaboratively with leaders throughout LIM, will ensure alignment of curriculum and industry employer needs while also exploring global opportunities for collaborations that will support our students as they pursue their dream careers," she added.

As Provost of City University of Seattle, Carnz oversaw more than 50 certificate- and degree-granting programs. Among his key accomplishments were creating of an Office of Social Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and establishing a Research Institute to support student and faculty scholarship. He also led efforts to establish a data-informed culture to assess learning outcomes and support student achievement.

"I am excited to join LIM College, which is widely respected for driving outstanding student academic and career outcomes through an immersive style of education that focuses on learning by doing, said Carnz. "Throughout its nearly 85-year history, LIM has demonstrated a commitment to maintaining relevant curriculum and deep connections with the fashion and lifestyle industries that provide students with exceptional internships and other career-building opportunities. The faculty is devoted to student success and takes a personalized approach to teaching and mentoring. LIM is aligned with my personal belief that higher education can change people's lives and help create a more just society and equitable world."

Prior to City University of Seattle, Carnz served in a number of academic leadership roles at The Art Institute of Seattle from 1996-2018, ranging from a faculty position to Department Chair, Academic Director, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Interim President, and Dean of Academic Affairs.

Carnz holds a doctorate in Education Leadership from Argosy University in Seattle, a master's degree in Whole Systems Design from Antioch University in Seattle and a bachelor's degree in Visual Communications from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. He currently serves as a member of the nominations committee and a peer site evaluator for the Northwest Commission on College and Universities, and is a frequent speaker on educational topics and the author of multiple articles on higher education.

About LIM College

Founded in 1939 and located in midtown Manhattan, LIM College is a female-led and owned institution focused on the global business of fashion and lifestyle. Offering master's, bachelor's and associate degree programs, LIM prepares students for career success via an immersive approach grounded in real-world experience and learning by doing through required internships. LIM College's commitment to excellence in business education ensures graduates are sought after by a wide range of employers, as evidenced by a Career Outcomes Rate of 96% for the Class of 2022. Alumni excel throughout all areas of fashion and lifestyle and have gone on to work for companies such as Chanel, Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Ross Stores, the Financial Times, Ulta Beauty, Google, Saks Fifth Avenue, Edie Parker, Walmart, and Macy's.

Contact:

Anne Roman

[email protected]

419.708.5171

Meredith Finnin

[email protected]

646.218.2156

SOURCE LIM College
MONTEREY, Calif. , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alcantara, the "Made-in-Italy" lifestyle brand, is an interior feature on a variety of luxury automotive brands at this year's Monterey Car Week.

Alcantara worked with Czinger Vehicles to create an exclusive, custom interior for Czinger's 21C Blackbird Edition which was unveiled at The Quail during Monterey Car Week. The hypercar's interior has perforated black Alcantara with orange metallic backing.

Alcantara Inside: Inside the 21C Blackbird Edition by Czinger Vehicles

Alcantara also was showcased on the Automobili Pininfarina Battista Edizione Nino Farina, which was previously shown at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom. Its driver's seat is finished in black Alcantara along with a contrasting passenger seat finished in beige Alcantara, both featuring exclusive 'Nino Farina' inscriptions.

Other luxury carmakers that partnered with Alcantara to create customized interior treatments included Maserati with its MCXtrema; Rimac with its Nevera Time Attack, and McLaren with its 750S model and its new Solus GT in a limited edition of only 25 units that offer a special version of perforated orange Alcantara.

Alcantara's light-weight, breathable, maximum-grip luxury material enhances a car's overall driving experience. In addition, Alcantara maintains a strong commitment to the environment and was certified "Carbon Neutral" in 2009. Carbon neutrality certification is based on the offset of greenhouse gas emissions through the acquisition of carbon credits from certified and verified offset projects.

For further information:

www.alcantara.com

twitter.com/alcantaraspa

facebook.com/alcantara.company

youtube.com/alcantaracompany

instagram.com/alcantara_company/

SOURCE Alcantara S.p.A.
Multi-Unit Domestic and International Expansion as well as Nontraditional Locations Set to Fuel Future Growth Goals

TOLEDO, Ohio, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Marco's Pizza, one of the nation's fastest-growing pizza brands, reports impressive mid-year growth and strong performance. With more than 50 openings and 50-plus signed franchise agreements year-to-date, Marco's development trajectory soars as it inches closer to its 1200th store milestone.

In the last six years, the fast-growing brand has doubled its store footprint with no intention of slowing down. The company leadership identified 4,200 potential U.S. locations. Key to Marco's ongoing expansion will be a strategic focus on multi-unit growth, capitalizing on the development potential in the nontraditional sector, as well as international expansion.

Marco's development trajectory soars as it inches closer to its 1200th store milestone. Post this

Single and multi-unit growth, with new and existing franchisees, fuels Marco's development strategy as leadership prioritizes franchisee relations and operational support. With nearly half of its current franchise network comprised of multi-unit operators, Marco's budgeted more than $7M to invest in qualified existing franchisees' development to further grow Marco's multi-unit ownership by 10% year-over-year. The brand continues to see interest from existing owners in addition to new franchisees looking to diversify their portfolios. Notably, Marco's earned the No. 10 spot, out of 150, on Entrepreneur's 2023 Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owners Ranking.

Marco's development team is also capitalizing on franchise growth in the nontraditional sector. The brand looks to expand in the sector by meeting consumer demand with a high-quality on-the-go product. Recently, Marco's entered into an agreement for two additional locations with AVI Foodsystems to build out nontraditional units along the Ohio Turnpike, as well as take two existing units under its corporate store portfolio.

"Expanding into nontraditional spaces fits nicely into our future development plans," said Gerardo Flores, Chief Development Officer of Marco's Pizza. "Nontraditional locations allow Marco's to expand its geographic footprint quickly because of the smaller square footage and lower startup costs than a traditional Marco's location. Pair this with a concentrated population and high-volume foot traffic, and we see why franchisees are interested in these opportunities."

International growth is another key area of focus for the brand, with several large master franchise agreements in the works. Near-term opportunities exist most abundantly in the LATAM region with future sights set on Europe and Canada.

"Marco's is currently undergoing some of our greatest expansion to date," said Flores. "We now have more than 200 stores in various stages of development, and hundreds of agreements signed. As we continue to grow our global footprint, we are looking to expand most aggressively in the mid-Atlantic, southeast, and southwest of the United States, in addition to internationally."

Marco's provides a development support system, including technology and tools to help identify the right territories for expansion plus expertise in financing, real estate, construction management, and field operations, to assist franchisees and multi-unit operators.

Alongside impressive expansion, Marco's is prioritizing investments in enhancing the franchise development program, new technology, personnel, strategic vendor partnerships, multi-channel national advertising, and more  all with an eye on maximizing franchisee profits while meeting the needs of today's modern customer.

According to the brand's Franchise Disclosure Document, the Top 50% of Marco's franchised stores generated average net royalty sales of $1,222,684 during the 2022 fiscal year*.

The brand's impressive performance has earned multiple awards and recognition: Ranking in Newsweek's 2023 America's Best Customer Service in the pizza chains category, earning a spot on QSR's Top 50, appearing on Nation's Restaurant News' prestigious Top 500 ranking, and claiming the No. 51 spot on Entrepreneur's 2023 Franchise 500 ranking.

For more information on Marco's Pizza franchise opportunities, visit https://www.marcos.com/franchising/ or call 866-731-8209 to speak with Shannon Iverson, Vice President of Franchise Sales.

ABOUT MARCO'S PIZZA

Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco's Pizza is one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the United States. Marco's was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale ("Pat") Giammarco and thrives to deliver a high-quality pizza experience, known for its dough made from scratch and its three fresh signature cheeses. The company has grown from its roots as a beloved Ohio brand to operate over 1,100 stores in 34 states with locations in Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. Most recently, Marco's Pizza was ranked No. 51 on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2023 "Franchise 500" ranking. Other recent accolades include a high ranking on Newsweek's 2023 "America's Best Customer Service" in pizza chains list, earning a spot on QSR's Top 50, and being featured on Nation's Restaurant News' prestigious "Top 500" ranking.

*Based on the Average Sales Volume of the top 50% of our Franchised Stores for our fiscal year 2022. Based on our fiscal year 2022, 160 of 414 Franchised Stores in the category (or 39%) met or exceeded this average. This information appears in Item 19 of our 2023 FDD  please refer to our FDD for complete information on financial performance. Results may differ. There is no assurance that any franchisee will perform as well.

SOURCE Marco's Pizza
HOUSTON, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas (Logisnext), one of the world's leading manufacturers and providers of material handling, automation and fleet solutions, today celebrated the groundbreaking for its new production facility in Houston, Texas. The state-of-the-art facility will provide increased production capabilities to further support the growing demand for electric lift trucks and warehouse products.

Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Groundbreaking of New Electric Facility at Houston Headquarters Campus

Located on Logisnext's Houston headquarters campus, the new facility will support manufacturing of key electric warehouse products across the Jungheinrich, Cat lift trucks, Mitsubishi forklift trucks and UniCarriers Forklift product lines. The new facility represents a key investment in Logisnext's long-term electric growth strategy to support its customers throughout North America.

With a total floor area of 73,000 square feet, the new facility will expand Logisnext's current electric manufacturing capabilities by serving as a dedicated fabrication space for in-house welding and painting of masts and frames. The facility will also integrate cutting-edge technologies such as Mixed Model Line Design, Industry 4.0 process monitoring and one-piece flow. The expansion of robotic welding, along with the optimization of paint capacity and weld fixtures, will contribute to Logisnext's ongoing focus for improved efficiency.

"Today marks an exciting milestone for Logisnext as we break ground on our newest electric forklift manufacturing facility in Houston," said Jay Gusler, executive vice president of Operations at Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. "The material handling industry is rapidly changing, and we're proud to be on the forefront of this change. We're committed to investing in our manufacturing capabilities and new product development to ensure we continue providing our customers with the most advanced, yet sustainable, electric products and solutions in the future."

On August 23, the company celebrated the start of construction with a groundbreaking ceremony alongside its Houston campus employees. Leading the groundbreaking was Ken Barina, President, Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas and Jay Gusler, Executive Vice President of Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. Construction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2024.

For more information on Logisnext and its complete line of material handling products and solutions, visit www.logisnextamericas.com.

About Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas

Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Inc., and its group companies have helped customers Move The World Forward for more than 100 years. A technology-driven manufacturer, Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas offers scalable solutions from material handling to automation and extensive fleet support. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, its complete portfolio of advanced solutions spans across five leading brands  Mitsubishi forklift trucks, Cat lift trucks, Rocla AGV Solutions, UniCarriers Forklifts and Jungheinrich warehouse and automation products. All products are backed by an extensive dealer network offering industry-leading customer service and product support. Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Logisnext Co. Ltd. For more information, visit www.LogisnextAmericas.com.

SOURCE Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas - Houston
Initiative Designed to Advance Equity throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Southern Maine, and New York's Long Island and Westchester Counties

Nonprofit Collaboratives Encouraged to Apply

BUFFALO, N.Y., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The M&T Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB), today launched the second phase of its Amplify Fund which provides support to nonprofit initiatives in legacy People's United communities that benefit low- and moderate-income communities and underrepresented populations. This new request for proposals (RFP) seeks nonprofit collaboratives focused on advancing equity using a racial equity and social justice lens in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, southern Maine, Long Island, and New York's Westchester County.

Amplify Fund's Phase II grants will provide funding for up to three years to nonprofit collaboratives working together toward a common goal of solving a specific social problem. Eligible initiatives should respond directly to documented needs, challenges, and gaps communities are facing in the following areas:

Family Stability: Affordable housing, food security, and access to quality and affordable childcare.

Affordable housing, food security, and access to quality and affordable childcare. Income & Wealth Equity: Employment, small business development, homeownership, and financial empowerment initiatives.

Employment, small business development, homeownership, and financial empowerment initiatives. Workforce Development: Education and training opportunities focused on upskilling and career pathways in high-growth sectors leading to economic prosperity.

Education and training opportunities focused on upskilling and career pathways in high-growth sectors leading to economic prosperity. Health Equity: Access to quality and affordable healthcare, with a priority on youth mental health and women and infant health.

"The Amplify Fund provides targeted investments that are equitable, accessible, and responsive to local needs," said Dominique Goss, Executive Director of the M&T Charitable Foundation. "It is our hope that these grants will create a sustainable impact in local communities. M&T is proud to support the important work of advancing equity for historically excluded groups, and we encourage all interested nonprofits to apply."

Special consideration will be given to initiatives that provide access and opportunities to enable upward mobility, close the racial wealth gap, and address economic barriers and other opportunity gaps for marginalized and underrepresented populations, including low-to-moderate-income and BIPOC communities. Priority will also be given to applicant organizations that clearly articulate the needs to be addressed, with proven strategies in place to respond to those needs.

All RFPs under Phase II of the Amplify Fund are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2023, and can be submitted via https://mtb.versaic.com with the passcode AF-AEC.

First announced in May 2022, the Amplify Fund is a $25 million philanthropic investment as part of the merger between People's United Bank and M&T Bank. During Phase I of the Amplify Fund, more than $11.8M was awarded to 105 nonprofit organizations across the former People's United footprint, with some payments committed over a two- or three-year period. Funding was focused on equity and environmental initiatives, mission-driven and capacity-building work, community and tenant organizing, and financial empowerment and education for individuals and small businesses.

For more information on the Amplify Fund, please visit the Amplify Fund website.

About the M&T Charitable Foundation

The M&T Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of M&T Bank, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization founded in 1993 and funded by M&T Bank. The M&T Charitable Foundation awards over $40 million in grants per year to thousands of nonprofit organizations focused on improving the quality of life in the areas the bank serves.

About M&T Bank

M&T is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T's principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides banking products and services in 12 states across the eastern U.S. from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Trust-related services are provided in select markets in the U.S. and abroad by M&T's Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank.

Media Contacts:

National Media and New England:

Frank Lentini

(929) 651-0447

[email protected]

New York Metro (NYC, Long Island, and New Jersey):

David Samberg

(201) 368-4515

[email protected]

 2023 M&T Bank. Member FDIC

SOURCE M&T Bank Corporation
LIMERICK, Ireland, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NAC Aviation 29 Designated Activity Company (the "Company") today announced the expiration and final tender results for its previously announced offer to purchase an amount up to the Tender Cap (as defined below) of its 4.75% Senior Secured Notes due June 30, 2026 (the "Notes") at a purchase price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes for cash (the "Notes Offer") as set forth in the Company's Offer to Purchase dated July 25, 2023, as amended by the supplement dated July 28, 2023 (the ''Offer to Purchase''). Concurrently with the Notes Offer, the Company offered to purchase, by way of assignment from lenders (the "TLB Lenders"), loans (the "TLB Loans") under its term loan B credit agreement dated as of June 1, 2022 between, among others, the Company as a borrower, the financial institutions named therein as original lenders and Wilmington Trust (London) Limited as agent for the lenders (as amended from time to time, the "Term Loan B Credit Agreement" and, together with the Notes, the "NAC 29 Debt"), on substantially the same economic terms as the Notes Offer (the "TLB Offer" and, together with the Notes Offer, the "Debt Purchase Transactions"). The accepted bid price range was $875.00 to $905.00 per $1,000.00 principal amount of NAC 29 Debt.

The Notes Offer expired at 5:00 pm New York City time on August 22, 2023 (the ''Expiration Time''). As of the Expiration Time, the Company has been advised by Global Bondholder Services Corporation, as tender agent and information agent for the Notes Offer, that, pursuant to the Notes Offer, $80,599,872 in aggregate principal amount, or approximately 10.08%, of the outstanding Notes were validly tendered and not withdrawn. The Company has accepted for purchase all of the Notes that were validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) prior to the Expiration Time in the aggregate principal amount of $80,599,872.

The clearing price for the Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to 5:00 pm New York City time, on August 10, 2023 (the ''Early Tender Time'') was set at $905 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, which was inclusive of an early tender premium equal to $10.00 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes. The clearing price for the Notes validly tendered after the Early Tender Time but before the Expiration Time was set at $895 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes.

The following table summarizes certain information regarding the Notes Offer:

Notes CUSIP/ISIN Principal Amount

Tendered and

Accepted Principal Amount

Outstanding After the

Notes Offer 4.75% Senior Secured Notes

due June 30, 2026 62877CAA1/

US62877CAA18 $80,599,872.00 $718,882,170.00

The TLB Offer expired at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on August 22, 2023. The Company has also been advised by Wilmington Trust (London) Limited as agent for the TLB Lenders that, as of the expiration of the TLB Offer, no outstanding TLB Loan interests were validly tendered.

The complete terms and conditions of the Notes Offer are described in the Offer to Purchase, a copy of which may be obtained from Global Bondholder Services Corporation, the tender agent and information agent (the "Tender and Information Agent") for the Notes Offer, by telephone at +1 (855) 654-2014 (U.S. toll free) or +1 (212) 430-3774 (collect) or in writing at 65 Broadway  Suite 404, New York, New York 10006, Attention: Corporate Actions.

The complete terms of the TLB Offer are described in the Amended Auction Notice dated July 28, 2023 (the ''TLB Auction Notice''), a copy of which may be obtained from Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. as purchase agent (the "Purchase Agent") for the TLB Offer by telephone at +1 (855) 287-1922 (toll-free) or +1 (212) 250-7527 (collect) or in writing at One Columbus Circle, New York, New York 10019, Attention: Liability Management Group.

The Company has engaged Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. to act as the dealer manager (the "Dealer Manager") in connection with the Notes Offer and as Purchase Agent in connection with the TLB Offer. Questions regarding the terms of the Debt Purchase Transactions may be directed to the Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. by telephone at +1 (855) 287-1922 (toll-free) or +1 (212) 250-7527 (collect).

Cautionary Statement

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to purchase or the solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. The Notes Offer was made solely by means of the Offer to Purchase. The Debt Purchase Transactions were not made to holders of securities in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction.

About Nordic Aviation Capital

NAC is a global leader in regional aircraft leasing and is expanding into larger narrowbody aircraft leveraging its world-class asset management platform. The firm is based in Ireland and currently has offices also in Singapore, Denmark, Toronto and Beijing.

Forward-Looking Information Disclaimer

Some of the statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include statements regarding the Company's intent and belief or current expectations and may be identified by the use of words like "anticipate", "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "will," "should," "seek," the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include, without limitation, the Company's ability to consummate the Debt Purchase Transactions, as well as matters beyond the Company's control. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, results or events.

Contacts:

Nordic Aviation Capital:

Media contact: [email protected]

Global Bondholder Services Corporation:

65 Broadway  Suite 404

New York, NY 10006

United States

Attn: Corporate Actions

Banks and Brokers call: +1 (212) 430-3774

Toll free +1 (855) 654-2014

Email: contact@gbsc-usa.com

SOURCE NAC Aviation 29 Designated Activity Company
Easy Placement Spots, Slice Guides, and Fill Marks for Better Baking Results

VALLEJO, Calif., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- America's iconic cookware brand Farberware expands its assortment of high quality bakeware with new Farberware Easy Solutions Nonstick Bakeware. Uniquely designed to make baking easier and empower anyone to bake with confidence, the new collection is available now at www.FarberwareCookware.com , Walmart.com, Amazon.com, JCPenney.com, and Wayfair.com.

New Farberware Easy Solutions Nonstick 12 Cup Muffin Pan with Fill Lines.

As its name implies, Farberware Easy Solutions Nonstick Bakeware solves a number of common baking challenges, such as portioning out dough and pouring batter in equal measurements for evenly-sized cookies, cakes, and muffins. Each item in this uniquely designed collection is built intentionally to guide the baker in making an array of perfectly baked treats with easy placement spots on the cookie pans, slice guides on loaf and cake pans, and fill marks on muffin pans. In addition, unique markings on cake pan rims provide guidelines for even slicing, meaning no more arguments over who gets the largest piece of cake!

Constructed from heavy-duty steel to resist warping, Farberware Easy Solutions Nonstick Bakeware features a durable two-layer nonstick coating for superior food release, long-lasting use, and easy cleaning. The bakeware's wide pan edges make it easy to carry and remove pans from the oven. Oven safe up to 450 F, Farberware Easy Solutions Nonstick Bakeware is offered in the following items:

9x5 inch Loaf Pan with Slice Guides ($9.99)

9-inch Square Cake Pan with Slice Guides ($9.99)

9 inch Round Cake Pan with Slice Guides ($9.99)

10x15 inch Cookie Pan with Easy Placement Spots ($11.99)

11x17 inch Cookie Pan with Easty Placement Spots ($13.99)

9x13 inch Cake Pan with Slice Guides ($13.99)

12 Cup Muffin Pan with Fill Lines ($16.99)

* All prices are suggested retail (please contact us to verify pricing prior to publishing).

For further information on Farberware Easy Solutions Nonstick Bakeware, consumers are welcomed to visit the company's website, Farberwarecookware.com , Facebook , Instagram , Pinterest , or call its toll-free number, 1-800-809-7166.

Farberwarecookware.com offers an exciting affiliate program for media members and influencers. For more information and to partner, please visit Farberware Cookware Affiliates or email [email protected].

Established over 120 years ago, Farberware is one of the most enduring brands in America with a rich tradition of offering quality cookware that meets the needs and values of each new generation. In 2022, Farberware was voted America's #1 most trusted cookware brand by BrandSpark, which surveyed 14,718 consumers across 126 everyday consumer product categories (story with full results published in Newsweek, May 6, 2022). Widely available at stores nationwide, Farberware cookware and bakeware is offered by California-based Meyer Corporation, one of the largest cookware companies in America. In addition to Farberware, brands sold by Meyer include Anolon, Circulon, KitchenAid, Meyer, Rachael Ray, Ayesha Curry, Hestan, Ruffoni, BonJour, and LocknLock.

SOURCE Meyer Corporation, U.S.
OLAF FUB SEZ: An observation from piano-playing political satirist Mark Russell, born Joseph Marcus Ruslander in Buffalo on this date in 1932: Young people, take heart. The older you get, the fewer commandments you will have the strength to break.

. . .

STAYING SAFE  The Chautauqua County Health Department sponsors a free rabies vaccination clinic from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Town of Ellington Highway Garage, 763 E. Main St., Ellington. No pre-registration needed. Owners should bring vaccination records for each animal. Dogs must be on leash. Cats and ferrets must be in individual carriers.

. . .

MUSICAL SALUTE  Rhythm in Blue, the jazz ensemble from the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band, will perform from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Stations Col. John Moriarty Memorial Air Park. Hosted by the 914th Air Refueling Wing, the concert celebrates 75 years of the Air Force Reserve. Its free, but seating is limited and tickets are required. Visit NiagaraFSS.com.

. . .

LICKIN GOOD  St. Davids Episcopal Church, 3951 Seneca St., West Seneca, hosts a drive-thru BWs ribs barbecue from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday. Dinners $13.

. . .

TURNING POINT  On the 155th anniversary of the day Frederick Law Olmsted agreed to design a park system for Buffalo, architect Clinton Brown will talk about his book, Olmsteds Buffalo: The Rise, Decline and Renewal of Buffalos Parkway Neighborhood, and sign copies from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday in Fitz Books, 433 Ellicott St.

. . .

BIG NIGHT  The Niagara Aerospace Museum celebrates its 25th anniversary with a Hangar Dinner Dance from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday in the museum at Niagara Falls International Airport, 9990 Porter Road. Tickets are $100, $175 a couple, advance only, at niagaraaerospacemuseum.org and include dinner, appetizers, beer, wine and music by the Alex Rene Big Band.

. . .

IN FLIGHT  The Wild Wing Festival from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday offers a chance to see 78 species of birds at the Gooseneck Hill Waterfowl Sanctuary, 5067 Townline Road, Delevan. On hand will be the 10-foot rubber duck, the Rustic Ramblers with Gene Hilts on steel guitar, and Lils Deli with snacks. Visitors can feed the geese and 1,000 koi fish. $10, $5 kids under 12, free under 5. For more info, call 716-942-6835 or visit gooseneckhillwaterfowlfarm.com.

. . .

HAPPY BIRTHDAY  Rocco Lucente, Cathy Ciambella, Anne McCaffrey, Marcia Brogan, Scott Bieler, Leslie Stolzenfels, Mary Ann Andzejewski, Melissa Rathke, Ethan Blair, Pat Manchester, Cher Toepfer, Vinny Raven, Jackie Baldwin, Tony Woyshner and Kerrick Woyshner.

AND THURSDAY  Mike Miranda, Nick Hageman, Fahim Mojawalla, Caitlin Heidinger, Donna Vogt, Corky Forney, Cailynn Jaehn, Carl Paladino, Kevin Kolb, Toni Cudney, Nancy Miranda, Danielle Burruss, Tim Safe, John Flynn, LeVerne Bliek, Nancy Kelly and Mike Przybyl.

To submit birthdays and other items of interest to Reporters Notebook, please email olaffub@buffnews.com or send a letter to Reporters Notebook, Buffalo News, Box 100, Buffalo, NY 14240.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Newport Healthcare, a national network of evidence-based treatment programs for teens and young adults with mental health disorders, was pleased to sponsor and present on multiple topics earlier this month at the American Psychological Association's APA 2023 held in Washington D.C., with over 5,000 mental health practitioners, researchers, educators, and psychologists from around the world in attendance.

Newport Healthcare's Chief Clinical Officer Barbara Nosal, PhD, LMFT, LADC, and National Advisor for Healthy Device Management Don Grant, PhD, MA, MFA, DAC, SUDCC IV, facilitated two sessions for the Convention's Exchange program curriculum focused on their current research topic: how the digital world potentially reinforces insecure attachment in relationships. Dr. Grant also co-presented "Illuminating the Dark Shadows of Cyber-Aggression," in which he explored the dangerous digital phenomenon and offered strategies and skills for how to identify, assess, approach, and reconcile cyber-aggressive events. Additionally, Dr. Grant was a presenter in the Presidents' Summit on the History, Status, and Future of Media Psychology and Technology.

Dr. Grant is a well-respected media psychologist and digital media expert who has appeared across major news outlets discussing trends and behaviors. He was the 2022 President of the APA Division 46, and serves as chair of the APA (D46) Device Management & Intelligence Committee. His cyber-aggression presentation was especially timely as a pair of bills aimed to childproof the internetthe Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) 2.0progress through Congress. The session explored this increasingly deleterious digital threat, offered education, data, illustrations, and examples of events and behaviors surrounding it, then provided skills, strategies, and recommendations for clinical cyber-aggression identification, assessment, evaluation, approach, and reconciliation towards optimal positive outcomes.

Dr. Nosal, the founding clinician of Newport, also participated in the symposium "Strategies for Engaging Parents in Diverse Settings in Child Therapy," chaired by Dr. Guy Diamond. Panel experts represented medical inpatient and outpatient settings, while Dr. Nosal focused on adolescent residential treatment, presenting unique treatment strategies utilized at Newport, including how Attachment-Based Family Therapy informs its clinical approach.

Drs. Nosal and Grant's Exchange presentations were standing-room-only with attendees intensely focused on learning more about digital media's effect on mental health, specifically the potential impact of a caregiver's device use behaviors on attachment bonds. APA Exchange sessions offer a collaborative setting for industry experts and convention attendees to come together to discuss challenges within the profession of psychology.

The American Psychological Association is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with more than 133,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students as its members. Newport Healthcare is a proud corporate sponsor of the APA and partners with mental healthcare organizations and professionals around the country to further the shared mission of supporting young people and families' access to care and sustainable healing.

Visit NewportHealthcare.com for more information about treatment locations, affordability/accessibility, outcomes research, and more.

About Newport Healthcare

Newport Healthcare is the nation's leading provider of evidence-based mental health treatment for youth, young adults, and families. Comprised of Newport Academy, Newport Institute, Center for Families, and PrairieCare, its full continuum of care includes psychiatric inpatient services, residential services, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and virtual programs. Newport's family-centered, integrated approach fosters sustainable healing from a foundation of compassionate care, clinical expertise, and unconditional love. With a commitment to advocacy, Newport is creating a movement to shift our mental health culture from awareness to action, with the primary mission to empower lives and restore families.

CONTACT: 5W Public Relations, [email protected], 212-999-5585

SOURCE Newport Healthcare
DALLAS, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Capital, Inc. (the "Company"), a non-traded publicly registered business development company sponsored and managed by NexPoint Advisors, L.P., today announced that it will commence a voluntary tender offer on or about August 23, 2023 (the "Tender Offer") for up to 2.5% of its outstanding common stock ("Shares").

The purchase price of each Share will be (i) not less than the net asset value ("NAV") per Share of the Company's common stock ("NAV Per Share") (as determined in good faith by the board of directors of the Company or a committee thereof, in its sole discretion) next calculated following the Expiration Date (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) (the date of repurchase) and (ii) not more than 2.5% greater than the NAV Per Share as of such date, plus any unpaid dividends accrued through the expiration date of the Tender Offer.

This announcement is not a recommendation, an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell Shares of the Company. The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a tender offer statement on Schedule TO and related exhibits, including an offer to purchase, a related letter of transmittal, and other related documents (the "Tender Offer Documents"). The Tender Offer Documents will be sent by mail to holders of the Shares. Shareholders of the Company may obtain additional copies of the Tender Offer Documents for the Company, without charge, by contacting the Tender Agent for the Tender Offer, DST Systems, Inc., at 1-844-485-9167. Shareholders can also obtain the Tender Offer Documents free of charge on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Shareholders should read these documents and related exhibits, as the documents contain important information about the Company's Tender Offer.

Tender Offer Questions and Additional Information

Any questions regarding the Tender Offer can be directed to the Company's Tender Agent, DST Systems, Inc., at 1-844-485-9167. The Company's NAV Per Share, $5.30 as of August 18, 2023 (the last Board-approved NAV), as well as other information, including information about management and the healthcare-focused investment strategy, are available at www.nexpoint.com. The information on or accessible through www.nexpoint.com is not incorporated by reference herein.

About NexPoint Capital, Inc.

NexPoint Capital, Inc. is a non-traded, publicly registered business development company sponsored and managed by NexPoint Advisors, L.P.

About NexPoint Advisors, L.P.

NexPoint Advisors, L.P. ("NexPoint Advisors") is an SEC-registered adviser on the NexPoint alternative investment platform ("NexPoint"). NexPoint Advisors serves as the adviser to a suite of funds and investment vehicles, including a closed-end fund, interval fund, business development company ("BDC"), and various real estate vehicles. For more information visit www.nexpoint.com.

Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements. These statements may involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including the performance of financial markets, the investment performance of NexPoint Advisors' sponsored investment products, general economic conditions, future acquisitions, competitive conditions, and government regulations, including changes in tax laws. Readers should carefully consider such factors. Further, such forward-looking statements speak only on the date at which such statements are made. NexPoint Advisors undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statement.

This material has been distributed for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy, or investment product. Neither the Company, nor the Company's Board of Directors, nor NexPoint Advisors makes any recommendation as to whether to tender or not to tender any Shares in the Tender Offer. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission.

Contact Information for Tender Offer:

Financial Advisors: (855) 498-1580

Shareholders: (844) 485-9167

Media Relations: [email protected]

SOURCE NexPoint Capital, Inc.
Both women now work in disaster response  one as the founder of the nonprofit Volunteer Fire Foundation, the other as a clinical psychologist who specializes in trauma

SANTA ROSA, Calif., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Two mothers from fire-ravaged Sonoma County, California have published trauma-informed children's books to help other families cope with the increasingly common disaster.

Jacqui Jorgeson, author of a new picture book called "Little Buck the Fire Truck," is the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Volunteer Fire Foundation and mother to a young son who is all too familiar with wildfire.

Jacqui Jorgeson, survivor of multiple California wildfires and founder of the nonprofit Volunteer Fire Foundation, has written "Little Buck the Fire Truck," a trauma-informed, AR-enabled picture book to help children and families cope with wildfire. The book is based on a 40-year-old engine from Camp Meeker Volunteer Fire Department in Sonoma County that blew its transmission during the 2019 Kincade Fire but has continued to deploy to major fires. Emmy-winning Actor Richard Schiff voices the AR-animated title character of "Little Buck the Fire Truck." The augmented reality component adds an interactive element to the book, as Little Buck invites young readers to dance, make siren sounds, and answer thought-provoking questions by tapping the screen. "My six-year-old doesn't always connect with books, but he was completely captivated," said Sonoma County psychologist Dr. Carrie Lara. "It'll be such a great resource for young children."

"He's four and has already lived through three historic fires," Jorgeson said. "This is a new era. We need tools to help our kids view challenges as opportunities to develop not only resilience but compassion."

Jorgeson launched her organization in early 2020 to support underfunded volunteer firefighters. Eight months later, another megafire sparked. Surprisingly, so did her imagination.

"I was delivering supplies to the crew of a 40-year-old fire engine and I remember thinking, 'This isn't a wildland engine, it's a children's book character.'"

That night, she wrote the first draft of a manuscript about a fire engine that must overcome his limitations when wildfire threatens his town.

DiAngelo Publications will release "Little Buck the Fire Truck" August 22 and Jorgeson said she will donate 50% of her portion of profits to VFF.

Living Popups has animated the book in augmented reality, with Emmy-winning actor Richard Schiff voicing the title character.

To access the animation, readers scan a QR code on the back cover and download an app, which allows Little Buck to leap from book to screen.

"My six-year-old doesn't always connect with books, but he was completely captivated by the augmented reality component of 'Little Buck'," said Sonoma County psychologist Dr. Carrie Lara. "It'll be such a great resource to help young children who have lived through wildfire."

Lara is no stranger to children's books  she's published four of them with the American Psychological Association's Magination Press, including "Out of the Fires: A Journal of Resilience and Recovery After Disaster," released last month.

"Out of the Fire" reads like the journal of a ten-year-old boy, complete with drawings and news clippings that reflect his attempts to make sense of his experience as a wildfire survivor.

Lara has seen disaster trauma play out in her clinical work with children and families and in her own home, which she evacuated during the 2017 and 2019 fires.

"The Kincade fire came as close as two blocks and a chicken farm away," she said.

Lara and her husband grabbed prepared go-bags and fled with their two children, cat, and two dogs. It was the first of three times they would evacuate that same night.

"These fires aren't going away," Lara said. "We need to provide our children with not only comfort but real coping strategies. Books like "Out of the Fires" and "Little Buck the Fire Truck," especially with its AR element, are an accessible, effective way to do that."

Jacqui Jorgeson

720-266-7534

[email protected]

SOURCE Volunteer Fire Foundation
For 12th straight year PatientPoint earns more NHIA honors than any other organization

CINCINNATI, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PatientPoint dominated the 2023 National Health Information Awards (NHIA), bringing home more content awards than any other organization for the 12th consecutive year. PatientPoint's 79 NHIA honors for 2023 (12 Gold, 17 Silver, 26 Bronze and 24 Merit) bring the organization's total content award count to more than 1,100 accolades, reinforcing PatientPoint's status as the most-awarded provider of patient education at the point of care.

2023 NHIA Gold Content PatientPoint dominates 2023 NHIA Awards

The NHIAs are the most comprehensive consumer health publishing competition of their kind and have remained the gold standard in consumer health information for 30 years. As a NHIA honoree, PatientPoint joins nationally ranked hospitals, leading consumer health publishers, esteemed medical societies and trusted patient support and advocacy organizations in being recognized for exemplary health information programs.

PatientPoint health content earning 2023 NHIA awards spans 10 specialties including oncology, dermatology, ophthalmology, cardiology, neurology, urology, rheumatology, primary care, women's health and pediatrics. PatientPoint content earning NHIA Gold includes live-action pieces from PatientPoint Studios documenting real patient stories, educational segments on a host of topics including breast cancer and bipolar disorder and printed educational guides on topics such as lung cancer and type 2 diabetes. PatientPoint also brought home NHIA silver for its entire ophthalmology health education program.

"At PatientPoint, we know that impactful content delivered in the moments that matter along the care journey can create awareness, increase understanding, spark important conversations and improve outcomes," said PatientPoint EVP of Content & Creative Kate Merz. "Our continued, year-over-year recognition from NHIA pushes us to new creative heights and reaffirms the power of our health content to inspire better health."

About PatientPoint

PatientPoint is the patient engagement platform for every point of care. Our innovative, tech-enabled solutions create more effective doctor-patient interactions and deliver high value for patients, providers and healthcare sponsors. Through our nearly 140k unique healthcare provider relationships, PatientPoint's solutions impact roughly 750 million patient visits each year, further advancing our mission of making every doctor-patient engagement better. Learn more at patientpoint.com.

SOURCE PatientPoint
LAS VEGAS, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- We are extremely pleased to share with you that Patriot has successfully completed the sale of its 8 Mobile Home Community Portfolio in the Pittsburgh, PA metro area for $22M, resulting in exceptional returns for investors and 29.77% IRR (investor level) over the lifetime of the investment.

The Patriot Opportunity Fund (Fund I) acquired and operated the assets:

While Commercial Real Estate is getting a lot of bad press - Alternative Commercial Real Estate is doing very well! Post this

8 Mobile Home Communities, located in Pennsylvania .

. 513 Lots sold for $42,885 /Lot

/Lot Closing Date: July 14th, 2023

The sale has generated $2.886M in profits for investors, a 29.77% IRR and a 1.73x Equity Multiple on the 3 Year and 2 months hold period. An additional $4.262M of capital was returned to investors.

Investment Returns

Total Cost Basis: $13,096,173

Total Value Upon Exit (3 years and 2 months): $22,000,000

Project Level Profit: $7,895,283

Investor Capital Returned: $4,262,696

Profit Distributed To Investors: $2,886,864

Investor Equity Multiple (MOIC): 1.73x

Investor Level IRR: 29.77%

The assets were acquired by Fund I in 2020 & 2021 for $13.096M.

Over the 3 years and 2 months of ownership, our operations team drove revenue growth and asset enhancement and executed our original business plan leading to the increase in value.

We believe this is the right time to sell these assets as we have maximized their value via our operational plan and because we received a strong offer to sell all eight assets to the same buyer.

We are extremely pleased with this result, and to date, Fund I has exceeded our initial investor return projections; we reached our 5-year goals for projected asset values in just over 3 years. We anticipate successfully exiting the remaining assets in Fund I by year-end.

Please contact our investor relations team to learn more about our Self-Storage and Mobile Home Communities investments via our Funds.

We have a limited opening in Fund III and Fund IV. Please secure your commitment while the investment is open.

If you would like to discuss these funds in more detail or have any questions, please contact our investor relations team via our website www.patriotholdings.com .

To invest or learn more about our current offerings, visit our Investor Portal here.

SOURCE Patriot Holdings
ALAMEDA, Calif., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Penumbra, Inc. (NYSE: PEN) today announced that its management team is scheduled to present at the following investor conferences on the dates and times listed below:

Event: 2023 Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference Date: Wednesday, September 6, 2023 Time: 8:00am ET/5:00am PT



Event: Baird 2023 Global Healthcare Conference Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 Time: 2:00pm ET/11:00am PT

Webcasts of the presentations will be available by visiting the investors' section of the company's website at www.penumbrainc.com. The webcasts will be available on the company's website for at least two weeks following the event.

About Penumbra

Penumbra, Inc., headquartered in Alameda, California, is a global healthcare company focused on innovative therapies. Penumbra designs, develops, manufactures and markets novel products and has a broad portfolio that addresses challenging medical conditions in markets with significant unmet need. Penumbra supports healthcare providers, hospitals and clinics in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit www.penumbrainc.com and connect on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Investor Relations

Penumbra, Inc.

510-995-2461

[email protected]

SOURCE Penumbra, Inc.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Picogrid has been awarded a $950,000,000 ceiling Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract for the maturation, demonstration and proliferation of capability across platforms and domains, leveraging open systems design, modern software and algorithm development in order to enable Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2). This multiple award contract provides awardees the opportunity to compete for efforts within seven different competitive pools that support the development and operation of systems as a unified force across all domains (air, land, sea, space, cyber, and electromagnetic spectrum) in an open architecture family of systems that enables capabilities via multiple integrated platforms. Future work under this multiple-award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract will be competed via the Fair Opportunity process.

Picogrid built a common command and control platform for fragmented defense systems, backed by a suite of natively integrated hardware. Picogrid Lander, shown here, is a remotely-operated, AI-enabled device, configurable with sensors and equipment modules (e.g., visual/IR cameras, thermal imaging, radar, software-defined radio) to fulfill various mission requirements.

Following the contract award, Tony Lugo, Picogrid's Head of Government Solutions and retired Army Colonel with 28 years of service, shared:

The Pentagon and Congress are focused on the benefits that JADC2 can deliver in the face of the escalating tensions in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Our troops on the ground still use equipment built 15 years ago  systems that cannot communicate with each other. My son, a third-generation Soldier, deployed overseas in June and works with many of the same systems I used years ago.

Service members are ready to harness new tools that provide them with better situational awareness and accelerate decision-making, but the JADC2 advancements are still years away. Our team at Picogrid is working to accelerate the adoption to transition the military to a fully connected ecosystem of capabilities.

At Picogrid, we believe that the current state of our industrial base is critically slowing down the progress of the Pentagon's modernization efforts. Traditionally, defense hardware and software systems are the products of thousands of individual programs and contractors, each operating in their own silo. This fragmented approach results in disconnected systems and a significant amount of data lying unused. Without the ability to autonomously communicate and work together on a single network, we expose our service members to operational risk and fall behind highly-capable, near-peer threats like China.

To deliver on the vision of JADC2, our country and allies must build a more connected, secure, and open defense ecosystem. Picogrid's unique solution provides a common platform for defense systems new and old to work together and is proven and operational in dozens of global locations. Today, our platform integrates the military's cameras and other sensors with artificial intelligence to harden the Department of Defense's (DoD) critical infrastructure across Arizona, Florida, Nebraska, Louisiana, New Mexico, and other locations. Additionally, commercial companies use Picogrid's tech to help combat wildfires in California.

Picogrid systems connect various sensors, physical infrastructure, and military equipment to allow them to function cohesively. Our open-standard solutions are designed to help teams from small to large defense contractors deliver results quickly and securely.

This IDIQ contract is a significant step forward and demonstrates the Pentagon's trust in Picogrid's products, team, and approach to building an open defense ecosystem.

To learn more about the company, visit picogrid.com.

CONTACT: 510-775-0195  [email protected]  picogrid.com

SOURCE Picogrid
European flour exports topped 337 million euros in 2022, spurred by demand for healthier, organic ingredients

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pure Flour from Europe has triggered a surge in Italian wheat flour and semolina exports, setting industry records with a remarkable value of 337 million euros in 2022. Notably, 14.5% of these exports were sourced from organic agriculture, reflecting the growing consumer demand for healthier and sustainable products.

(PRNewsfoto/PURE FLOUR FROM EUROPE)

This success underscores the effectiveness of the Pure Flour from Europe initiative. Sponsored by the Italian Milling Industry Association (ITALMOPA) and co-funded by the European Union, this initiative champions the quality, versatility and uniqueness of European and Italian organic soft wheat, durum wheat flours and semolina flour.

Comparing the 2022 worldwide value of Italian exports of wheat flour and semolina with the pre-campaign year 2021, 2022 saw growth of 92.5 million euros, 11% deriving from exports to the United States and Canada, and 2 million euros from the increased export of organic wheat flour and semolina. Within its first year, the campaign led to an expansion of approximately 150% in organic flour and 60% in semolina exports to Canada and the United States.

Piero Luigi Pianu, director of ITALMOPA, explains, "Our goal is to increase demand among chefs, hospitality professionals and consumers in international markets like the United States and Canada. European flours, especially Italian, are among the world's finest in quality, safety and versatility. The EU's rigorous food safety regulations and dedication to environmental sustainability are crucial in maintaining the vitamins, fibers, minerals and phytochemicals that make our flours more digestible, aromatic and nutritious."

Pure Flour from Europe highlights the growing interest in high-quality organic flour and semolina. Chefs and home cooks are recognizing their superior taste and nutritional benefits. The campaign promotes healthier lifestyles, sustainable choices, and proper storage methods to preserve nutrients and enhance flavors in the flour and semolina while ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals.

Note for Verified Media: Contact Cara Stewart at [email protected] for high-resolution images, media materials and interviews with ITALMOPA.

About ITALMOPA

Founded in 1958, ITALMOPA represents 82 Italian companies milling wheat to produce flour and semolina for pasta, bread, pastries, pizza and more. Learn more at pureflourfromeurope.eu .

SOURCE ITALMOPA--PURE FLOUR FROM EUROPE
SEATTLE, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Qantas Group announced today the carrier has selected the 787 Dreamliner family to modernize its widebody fleet with an order for four 787-9 and eight 787-10 airplanes. With enhanced fuel efficiency and environmental performance, the 787 Dreamliner is pivotal to Qantas' global growth strategy to reduce its carbon emissions over the next decade and beyond.

Boeing and Qantas Airlines announced the carrier has selected Boeings family of fuel-efficient airplanes to expand its future fleet with four 787-9 and eight 787-10 Dreamliner airplanes. (Boeing image)

"This is another multi-billion-dollar investment in the national carrier, and it's great news for our customers and our people," said Alan Joyce, Qantas Group CEO. "The 787 and the GE engines fitted to them, are thoroughly proven and extremely capable."

The 787 enables Qantas to meet its near- and long-term sustainability goals, reducing fuel use and emissions by up to 25% and featuring quieter engines compared to previous generation jets. The airplanes are also capable of flying on a blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), an important pathway to reducing emissions. The new order is part of Qantas' major fleet renewal program that is significantly increasing the carrier's overall fuel efficiency each year.

"With its market-leading environmental performance, the 787 Dreamliner is central to Qantas' unwavering commitment to operate one of the most sustainable and capable fleets in the airline industry," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Both the 787-9 and 787-10 offer enhanced efficiency, flexibility and passenger comfort to connect Australia and destinations around the world."

Capable of flying an expansive international route network, the operating economics of the 787 family enables Qantas to open new routes and add more flights to its existing network. The 787-9 can fly up to 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km) connecting Australia to North America and Europe. The larger 787-10 with a range of 6,330 nautical miles (11,730 km), will enable the airline to serve many popular international and regional routes. Currently, Qantas has a fleet of 14 787-9 jets.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com.

Contact:

Amber Mizerak

International Sales Communications, Boeing Commercial Airplanes

[email protected]

Boeing Media Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE Boeing
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quick Custom Intelligence ("QCI"), a leading software development company specializing in the casino space, is thrilled and humbled to announce that its revolutionary Enterprise Platform has been shortlisted for the prestigious Global Gaming Awards Las Vegas 2023 in the esteemed Land-Based Product of the Year category.

Now in its 10th year, the Global Gaming Awards Las Vegas is renowned as the pinnacle of recognition within the gaming industry, celebrating remarkable achievements in the Americas region. To uphold the highest standards of integrity and impartiality, the winners will be determined by a distinguished panel of over 100 judges, all distinguished C-level executives from the gaming industry. The entire voting process will be independently adjudicated by KPMG, ensuring complete fairness and transparency.

QCI's Enterprise Platform has garnered attention for its cutting-edge technology, innovative features, and exceptional user experience, making it a standout contender among the industry's best products. This recognition by the Global Gaming Awards Las Vegas underscores our commitment to excellence and dedication to delivering unmatched solutions that elevate the casino experience for our clients and their customers.

"We are incredibly honored to be shortlisted for the Land-Based Product of the Year category at the Global Gaming Awards Las Vegas 2023," said Andrew Cardno, CTO of QCI. "This nomination is a testament to the hard work, passion, and ingenuity of our talented team who have worked tirelessly to develop an enterprise platform that sets new standards in the gaming industry."

The winners of the Global Gaming Awards Las Vegas 2023 will be announced at a luncheon ceremony on October 9th as part of the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas.

ABOUT QCI

Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI AGI Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 140 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and The Bahamas. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $24 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI's data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

SOURCE Quick Custom Intelligence
Really want to cut crime in America? Its simple: Deport all of the Americans.

For all of the fear being drummed up after two sex crimes reportedly committed by asylum-seekers bused here from New York City, the xenophobia is not supported by the data.

The most recent overreaction was from SUNY Buffalo State University officials, who terminated a deal with Jericho Road Community Health Center to house 44 undocumented immigrants in campus dorms, reportedly because parents feared for the safety of students.

The universitys statement did not mention the reported attacks, citing only the need to ensure the best possible learning environment for our students and smooth functioning of our university operations.

But lets just say the timing is mighty suspicious.

Asylum-seekers moved out of Buffalo State dorms and into new locations After a last-minute scramble by Jericho Road Community Health Center, 44 asylum-seekers being housed in dorm rooms at SUNY Buffalo State were being moved off campus late Monday afternoon and into two locations elsewhere.

Jericho Road founder and CEO Dr. Myron Glick certainly thinks so. When the deal was struck last spring after Jericho Roads Vive Shelter exceeded its capacity, Glick said the university initially indicated it might eventually need the dorm space. But he said the two sides had agreed on a short-term extension as recently as Aug. 8 and were working on a longer-term deal. Everything changed, he said, after the Aug. 11 arrest in the second reported attack.

That timing is telling.

The fact that the termination came so close to the start of the new school year also indicates that this is not about needing the space for students. Planning for that would have happened well before now.

Still, Glick understands the pressure the university was under, and is more upset by the reaction from the wider community that forced the schools hand.

That community reaction is based on a stereotype about immigrants and crime, a stereotype fanned by politicians willing to prey on Americans fears.

Buffalo State evicts 44 migrants who had been staying in dorm rooms Forty-four migrants who have been staying in dormitory rooms at SUNY Buffalo State will be evicted this weekend after the school abruptly ended an agreement with Jericho Road Community Health Center.

Theres just one problem: The stereotype is belied by the facts.

For instance, a meta analysis  basically a statistical study of prior studies  by researchers at the College of William and Mary and the University of California, Irvine, published in 2018 in the Annual Review of Criminology, found that, for the most part, there is a null or nonsignificant association between immigration and crime.

And in the relatively few cases where there is a relationship, they found after examining 51 studies, it is noteworthy that the majority of the statistically significant results are negative. In other words, the data suggests, greater immigration is associated with lower crime rates. (Emphasis mine.)

A peer-reviewed study published in 2020 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reached similar conclusions. Sociologists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison looked at immigration and crime in Texas, where the Republican governor has turned human beings into political pawns by shipping them to New York. The researchers found that, Relative to undocumented immigrants, U.S.-born citizens are over 2 times more likely to be arrested for violent crimes, 2.5 times more likely to be arrested for drug crimes, and over 4 times more likely to be arrested for property crimes.

And Bloomberg CityLab reported in 2017 on a Partnership for a New American Economy study that, using resettlement data, looked at crime rates over a decade in the 10 cities that took in the largest number of refugees relative to their size. The analysis found that after refugees moved in, crime usually went down. Nine out of ten cities on the list saw their property and violent crime levels declinesome by drastic amounts.

As refugee resettlement surges, local agencies form partnership to serve new arrivals The Refugee Partnership brings together Catholic Charities of Buffalo, International Institute of Buffalo, Jericho Road Community Health Center, Jewish Family Services of WNY and Journeys End Refugee Services.

Explanations for why immigrants have lower crime rates range from the idea that they fear being deported if arrested, to the theory that those who undertake the arduous journey here have high levels of initiative and low propensity to commit crime. Theres also the idea that by helping to revitalize certain neighborhoods  as immigrants have done here  they drive down crime rates.

Whatever the reason, the reality is clear. But with apologies to Tina Turner, whats data got to do with it? Facts  as weve seen in other spheres of American life  are no match for fear and paranoia.

So, the 44 asylum-seekers who have been here since the spring  not to be confused with the more recent arrivals from New York City  have been moved to other locations. Not surprisingly, given the backlash at Buffalo State, Glick would not reveal where.

That community backlash against some of the worlds most vulnerable people is just one more indication that its long past time to retire the citys self-congratulatory nickname. In light of the backlash against asylum-seekers looking to escape persecution and start a better life, calling Buffalo the City of Good Neighbors is either delusional, dishonest or both.
The acquisition expands IVI-RMA's reach as a global leader in reproductive services, research, genetic testing and supplies, with 161 clinics and labs throughout the U.S., Europe and Latin America

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA), one of the nation's leading reproductive service providers, and the U.S. arm of IVI-RMA Global, announced today it has acquired Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado (Conceptions). RMA adds Colorado to its network of 25 fertility centers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, California and Washington.

"Conceptions' patient-centered approach and innovative technologies have served Colorado with the highest level of reproductive care and the best success rates in the state. This aligns perfectly with RMA's comprehensive care model that has produced some of the highest success rates in the country," said Javier Sanchez-Prieto, CEO of IVIRMA Global. "Conceptions is a great addition to our U.S. network of fertility clinics; we warmly welcome their physicians, clinic personnel and the entire Conceptions' team to the RMA family."

Conceptions currently operates four fertility center locations throughout Colorado, combining leading-edge innovation, outstanding medical expertise, and personalized care. Conceptions offers the most advanced, comprehensive assisted reproductive technology (ART) services available. The physician-led fertility practice is recognized nationally for its clinical excellence and has consistently had amongst the highest live birth rates in Colorado for the past decade. Over the last 10 years, Conceptions has seen 25,000 patients and performed 8,600 egg retrievals. Because of their success rate, patients from 44 U.S. states and over a dozen countries have traveled to receive care at Conceptions.

Conceptions will be joining the RMA network of clinics known for their emphasis on pre-implantation genetic testing and single embryo transfer that has resulted in some of the highest live birth rate in the United States, with 83% of RMA patients under 35 bringing home a baby, as compared to the national average of 68.6%, recorded by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies (SART).

"RMA has been a leader in advancing the field of reproductive medicine, providing patients access to the latest technologies and the most highly qualified physicians to produce the best possible outcomes," says Mark R. Bush, MD, FACOG, FACS, current Medical Director at Conceptions. "Our shared philosophy of patient-focused care, combined with clinical and laboratory excellence, makes the union of Conceptions and RMA a natural fit."

Dr. Bush, who has been instrumental in building Conceptions into one of the leading fertility centers in Colorado and across the U.S., will be stepping down as its medical director but will continue to practice at the fertility center. Robert A. Greene, MD, FACOG, who has been a practicing physician at Conceptions for the last eight years, has been named the new Medical Director.

"Our team at Conceptions looks forward to joining the RMA family, a partnership that will strengthen and build on our ability to offer the highest level of reproductive care," says Dr. Greene. "All our providers at Conceptions and RMA share the same focus and passion for doing everything we can to help our patients successfully grow their families."

RMA fertility clinics are full-service centers offering a range of treatments including intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and egg freezing to meet patients at any stage of their fertility journey. RMA brings a comprehensive and personalized approach to fertility assessment and treatment, ensuring that family-building goals can be achieved for all types of families, with resources and options for LGBTQ+ and single individuals looking to grow their families.

"With this acquisition, RMA expands our network of fertility clinics to the Rocky Mountain region and adds to our existing 25 locations nationwide," said Thomas A. Molinaro, M.D., Director of IVI-RMA America. "We are excited to join with Conceptions in serving the patients of Colorado."

About Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA)

Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA) has been helping build families through the most advanced treatment options and patient-centered fertility care for over 20 years. RMA is a leader in IVF research, pioneering the Single Embryo Transfer (SET), increasing safety for mom and baby and pre-Implantation genetic testing (PGT-A), dramatically increasing successful outcomes. With access to practices nationwide, RMA has helped welcome over 50,000 babies into loving families. In 2017, RMA merged with Spain-based IVI to become IVI-RMA Global, the largest assisted reproduction group in the world with 161 clinics and labs throughout the U.S., Europe and Latin America. Learn more at rmanetwork.com and ivirma.com.

About Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado

Established in 1986, Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado has long held the honor of achieving among the highest live birth rates across the country helping hopeful parents to realize their dreams of building a family. As a physician-owned fertility practice, Conceptions has a unique understanding of the needs of their patients and develops personalized and highly tailored treatment plans for each and every one of them. As a respected leader in the field of reproductive medicine, and true embracers of advanced medical technology, Conceptions offers unparalleled infertility and family-building care.

SOURCE Reproductive Medicine Associates
Substantial findings point to tailored innovative technology as transformative for fundraising strategies

DENVER, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cheddar Up , the leading software platform in school payment processing, revealed the results of a nationwide survey focused on the state of school fundraising in the US. Conducted from June 15, 2023 to June 30, 2023, the survey asked parents, teachers and administrators at all grade levels and school types how they fundraise to provide added academic and social-developmental growth opportunities for students.

The findings are dramatic. These include the understanding that schools are heavily dependent on supplemental fundraising for critical components of a child's education. However, there exists a drastic disparity as public schools, most dependent on these funds, raise 75% less than private schools.

Additional findings are also notable. Ninety-six percent of respondents reported their school holds at least one fundraiser per year. Nearly half rely on this support for basic classroom supplies and projects, but proceeds also go to fund staff development, classroom technology and extracurricular programs  programs that are often the first slashed from budgets and overlooked as essential for long-term student success.

"The survey results indicate there is a dire need for enhanced fundraising strategies within our educational system, especially as schools seek effective ways to raise more money with fewer resources," said Nichole Montoya, co-founder and CEO of Cheddar Up. "Despite what may seem a bleak situation, we see there are very clear steps to break through the myriad fundraising challenges. These include reducing third-party fundraising sales, improving transparency and, perhaps most importantly, tapping into innovative technology tailored to the specific needs of schools, PTOs and booster clubs. The future of education is in our hands."

Cheddar Up leads the way in equipping the educational system with the tech tools they need to improve fundraising capabilities, specifically related to robust payment processing. These include:

A quick and easy platform to implement

Collection of payments for school dues, fundraisers, events, afterschool enrichment, spirit wear and more

Gathering of information in combination with payments, such as grade and classroom teacher

Built-in reporting and automation to ease administrative burdens

Can be combined with Bluetooth card readers and mobile apps for integrated online and in-person payments

Seamless year-over-year account hand-offs to make it simple for new volunteers to leverage previous years' online collecting pages

Collection of monthly donations on an automated basis from donors

The survey offers up many more insights, including details around volunteer supply and demand, reported funding gaps, fundraising responsibility breakdowns and preference of fundraising type.

To access the full survey, please visit: https://www.cheddarup.com/school-fundraising-report/

About Cheddar Up:

Cheddar Up helps group organizers collect payments and forms online, for free. Every day groups find and use Cheddar Up in new and creative ways to collect payments and information from their communities. Membership fees, HOA dues, tuition, spirit wear, troop dues, group gifts, after-school programs, events, fundraisers and beyond. Organizers can create a page for anything in minutes. Cheddar Up offers communities seamless online payments they can make from anywhere. No instructions, app or account necessary. Cheddar Up's purpose-built platform has the features group organizers need, including robust tracking and reporting, fundraising and ecommerce add-ons, messaging, forms, waivers, sign ups, point of sale, year-over-year hand off and more.

Media Contact:

Digi Ink Public Relations

Chelsea Kershaw

[email protected]

909-573-7237

SOURCE Cheddar Up
Expanding Sisram's Ecosystem Offerings and Increasing Direct Sales Reach

HONG KONG, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sisram Medical Ltd (the "Company" or "Sisram", 1696.HK; together with its subsidiaries collectively referred to as the "Group"), a global consumer wellness group, featuring a distinguished synergistic ecosystem of business building blocks and consumer-focused branding, including energy-based devices, injectables, aesthetics and digital dentistry, personal care, and more, today announced its unaudited consolidated interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2023 (the "Reporting Period").

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Revenue was US$171.6 million , decreased 1.7%YoY. In addition to the influence of the current macroeconomic environment on the European market, the downtick is attributed to the short period during which resources were reallocated to transition to a direct sales model in strategic markets. Sisram recently made such transitions in China , Dubai , and the United Kingdom .

, decreased 1.7%YoY. In addition to the influence of the current macroeconomic environment on the European market, the downtick is attributed to the short period during which resources were reallocated to transition to a direct sales model in strategic markets. Sisram recently made such transitions in , , and the . The injectable business recorded revenue of US$ 4.9million , increased by 29.6% YoY.

, increased by 29.6% YoY. Gross profit amounted to US$105.3 million , increased by 5.7% YoY; gross profit margin increased by 4.3 p.p. to 61.4% for the Reporting Period. The performance was attributed to higher revenue derived from direct operation offices and a more profitable product mix.

, increased by 5.7% YoY; gross profit margin increased by to 61.4% for the Reporting Period. The performance was attributed to higher revenue derived from direct operation offices and a more profitable product mix. Corresponding to the Company's strategy of expanding global reach via direct offices, revenue from direct sales amounted to 72.1% of total revenue, compared to 64.8% reported for the first half of 2022.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Business development

M&A Achievement: The Group completed the 60% acquisition of PhotonMed, China's leading energy-based device distributor and Alma's strategic partner. After consolidation, revenue from the Chinese energy-based device market is expected to grow significantly in H2 2023.

leading energy-based device distributor and Alma's strategic partner. After consolidation, revenue from the Chinese energy-based device market is expected to grow significantly in H2 2023. Expansion of direct sales layout: Establishment of a direct sales subsidiary in Dubai to develop the Middle East market, and further advancement of the direct sales business in the United Kingdom , consistent with the Group's growing global direct sales strategy.

to develop the market, and further advancement of the direct sales business in the , consistent with the Group's growing global direct sales strategy. Launching of the first Sisram Wellness Center (June). The flagship complex opened in downtown Chicago , enabling the Company to interact daily with professionals and patients, better understanding their challenges, and helping those professionals to integrate quickly and efficiently into the industry.

Research and development

 Launched two products into new territories and brought a third to market introduction readiness:

- Soprano Titanium: Following FDA regulatory clearance, it was introduced in the North American market; Alma Opus debuted in international markets outside the US, marking entry into a new global segment.

- Alma Veil: epitomizing the innovation of vascular laser treatment, will be launched in North America in H2 2023 and become a new revenue contributor for the Company.

- Besides, Alma's BeautiFill system received FDA regulatory clearance for its two complementary accessories, representing major potential gains in consumable sales. The system itself is intended for laser assisted liposuction and skin tightening,

- Soprano Titanium: Following FDA regulatory clearance, it was introduced in the North American market; Alma Opus debuted in international markets outside the US, marking entry into a new global segment. - Alma Veil: epitomizing the innovation of vascular laser treatment, will be launched in in H2 2023 and become a new revenue contributor for the Company. - Besides, Alma's BeautiFill system received FDA regulatory clearance for its two complementary accessories, representing major potential gains in consumable sales. The system itself is intended for laser assisted liposuction and skin tightening, IBSA product completed clinical trial for registration in China ; The drug registration application of Daxxify was accepted by the National Medical Products Administration in April.

; The drug registration application of Daxxify was accepted by the National Medical Products Administration in April. Incubated business:

- The Group continued to expand its technological core competence and invest R&D resources in the incubated personal care brand LMNT.

- Copulla, the innovative platform that provides a one-stop-shop for dentists, successfully completed a commercial pilot with leading KOLs in Israel , establishing solid ground for the transition to commercial phase and scale-up of procedures volume.

Brand awareness

Formulated and commenced collaboration with a new global brand ambassador, showcasing Sisram's brand values and vision to end-consumers.

Alma Academy events were successfully conducted, including Alma Academy Italy and Alma Academy US, which brought together thousands of physicians, global key opinion leaders (KOLs), and business partners worldwide.

INTERIM DIVIDEND

The Board resolved not to declare any interim dividend for the six months ended June 30, 2023 .

STRATEGY & OUTLOOK

Continue to implement the strategy of direct sales and open new direct operations in strategic markets

Throughout 2023, the Group's strategic endeavors focused on cultivating the North American and Chinese markets, while also exploring growth opportunities in Europe and the rest of the Asia Pacific regions. In addition, a primary focus lies in seamlessly integrating and optimizing direct sales channels in China, with a strong emphasis on boosting market penetration. This strategic move aims to enhance Sisram's customer engagement and improve its market position.

Expanding Sisram's offerings, customized to consumers' unique needs

Sisram will continue expanding its offerings through its unique wellness ecosystem, providing partners and consumers with effective and trustworthy solutions for their needs. In addition to traditional sectors, the company is actively establishing a presence in distinct markets and enhancing the product's market impact within specialized niches. On a global scale, China serves as the pioneering market for Sisram Medical within the wellness ecosystem. The company is devoted to ensuring a successful entry into the Chinese market for its injectable products such as Daxxify and IBSA products, while concurrently assembling a professional team to facilitate the commercialization preparations.

Enhance brand presence among end-consumers

Sisram sees elevating brand awareness among end-consumers as a key step in bolstering brand recognition and meeting demand for the Company's solutions. In North America, those efforts extend to empowering a post-sales team to further stimulate sales activities, as well as promoting Sisram's wellness ecosystem. Within the Chinese market, a major priority is heightening brand awareness for the LMNT personal care line and revealing the potential of the wellness ecosystem.

Mr. Liu Yi, Chairman and Executive Director of Sisram, commented: "Following the first half of 2023, we've achieved significant milestones in strategic deployment. We are also acutely aware of the untapped potential within the convergence of health and beauty. In the second half of the year, our dedication remains resolute as we intensify efforts to elevate our brand influence and refine the quality and expansion of our business and services. This strategic focus will be particularly directed towards our key markets, Asia Pacific, and North America. Additionally, our unwavering commitment extends to the Chinese market. As a core market, we're capitalizing on distribution-to-direct sales shift, deepening cultivation, and driving sustainable growth."

Mr. Lior Dayan, CEO of Sisram and Alma, said: "The first half of 2023 was pivotal for Sisram, as we continue our transition from a product-centered approach to a customer-centric approach and present significant achievements in building our unique wellness ecosystem. Our strategic expansion, introduction of cutting-edge products, and investment in brand recognition will pave the way for our continued successful growth as we expand globally and gain market share. By prioritizing the customer journey and delivering exceptional experiences, we are confident that our long-term collaborations with our valuable partners will contribute to the Group's ongoing growth and success in the evolving wellness industry, and we anticipate even greater advances in the near future."

About Sisram Medical Ltd

Sisram Medical Ltd (1696.HK) is a global consumer wellness group, featuring a first-of-its-kind synergistic ecosystem of business building blocks and consumer-focused branding, including energy-based devices, injectables, aesthetics, digital dentistry, personal care, and more. The company is majority-owned by Fosun Pharma, one of China's leading healthcare groups. On September 19, 2017, Sisram Medical went public, becoming the first Israeli company ever to trade on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Exchange.

Sisram Medical  Enhancing Quality of Life

http://www.sisram-medical.com

SOURCE Sisram Medical Ltd
PASAY CITY, Philippines, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For his outstanding leadership and dedication to climate and disaster resilience, Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee, was recently awarded the 'Dangal ng Pilipino Sa Pag-agapay Sa Ligtas na Sambayanan' (Filipino's Honor in Contributing to a Safe Community) by the Office of Civil Defense. He is the first-ever awardee from the private sector.

Hans Sy (middle) receives an award for his outstanding leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. The award was presented by the Office of Civil Defense Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno (left) and Department of National Defense Senior Undersecretary Irineo Espino.

Mr. Sy is also the Co-Chair of the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies or ARISE Philippines and Co-Chair of the National Resilience Council for the Private Sector.

At SM Prime, 10% of the capital expenditure of every project development is allocated for resilient infrastructure. Examples of these are rainwater catchment basins and other infrastructure for flood prevention, fire prevention facilities, and for avoidance of earthquake impacts. SM Baguio recently launched its rainwater filtration system to aid in water security. Mr. Sy established the SM Resilience Center for centralized monitoring and offered the SM Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to Small and Medium Scale enterprise tenants in the malls. The SM BCP provides free remote data storage for essential documents that can help facilitate recovery of operations in the eventuality of a disaster.

Mr. Sy has guided SM Prime towards the support and implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), as aligned with the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement.

Through public-private partnerships, Mr. Sy has championed Disaster Risk Reduction via the Adopt-A-City program of the National Resilience Council. This has resulted in many capacity-building activities for the partner local government units. SM Prime also supports multi-sector partnership projects such as climate and weather data gathering and early warning systems with the Manila Observatory's Automated Weather Stations, 49 of which are installed on top of SM malls.

About SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

SM Prime is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia that offers innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities with the development of malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers. SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people.

For more information, please visit: www.smprime.com

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is a leading Philippine company that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM's retail operations are the country's largest and most diversified with its food, non-food, and specialty retail stores. SM's property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM's interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country's largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest bank by total assets among private banks.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

SOURCE SM Investments Corporation
NEW YORK, Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The spacesuit market is to grow by USD 183.94 million between 2022 and 2027; and register a CAGR of 8.28%, according to Technavio's latest market research report estimates. With a focus on identifying dominant industry influencers, Technavio's reports present a detailed study by the way of synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. This report offers an up-to-date analysis of the current market scenario, the latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. The report is segmented by Product, Type, and Geography. North America is estimated to contribute 54% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. US, Canada, and Mexico are the major contributors to the market in the region. These countries possess advanced infrastructure and engage in various space activities. These advancements will benefit the regional market, attracting significant investment for the creation and purchase of next-generation spacesuits. Hence, these factors are expected to drive market growth in the region during the forecast period. Technavio offers an up-to-date analysis of the current global market scenario and the overall market environment. View Sample Report

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Spacesuit Market 2023-2027

The report also covers the following areas:

Spacesuit Market 2023-2027: Segmentation

Product

Hybrid Suits



Hard-shell Suits



Soft-shell Suits

Type

EVA Suits



IVA Suits

Geography

North America



Europe



APAC



Middle East And Africa



South America

The market share growth by the hybrid suits segment will be significant during the forecast period. The hybrid suits combine hard and soft components to exploit the strengths of both. Current EVA suits often adopt this approach. Additionally, the proposed hybrid technology aims to amplify flexibility, comfort, and natural movement for planetary missions like Mars. To achieve this, full-body soft robotic parts must be integrated into the pressurized spacesuit. Hence, these factors are expected to drive segment growth during the forecast period.

Spacesuit Market 2023-2027: Company Analysis and Scope

The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. To help businesses improve their market position, the spacesuit market provides a detailed analysis of around 15+ companies operating in the market. Some of these companies include Axiom Space Inc., David Clark Co., Global Effects Inc., ILC Dover LP, Oceaneering International Inc., Osterreichisches Weltraum Forum, PACIFIC SPACEFLIGHT, Raytheon Technologies Corp., Rostec, Sure Safety (India) Ltd., and The Boeing Co.

Company Offering

Axiom Space Inc. - The key offerings of the company include exploration extravehicular activity service spacesuits.

- The key offerings of the company include exploration extravehicular activity service spacesuits. David Clark Co. - The company offers pressure suits, helmets, and ancillary equipment for the aerospace program.

The company offers pressure suits, helmets, and ancillary equipment for the aerospace program. ILC Dover LP - The company offers planetary extravehicular space suit which is designed for aerospace projects.

Why Buy?

Add credibility to strategy

Analyzes competitor's offerings

Get a holistic view of the market

Grow your profit margin with Technavio- Buy the Report

Spacesuit Market 2023-2027: Market Dynamics

Key Drivers

The priority for establishing enhanced connectivity systems is a key factor driving market growth.

Major Trends

Investments in the development of wearable tech glasses are major trends in the market. The aerospace and defense sectors are increasingly adopting smart technologies and augmented reality solutions. For example, NASA has partnered with Osterhout Design Corporation to create smart glasses for astronauts, for both ground and space missions. In addition, these HUDs provide access to flight data and personalized information, thereby improving efficiency in their respective areas. Hence, the increasing investment in development is expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.

Significant Challenges

The limited number of consumers is a significant challenge restricting market growth.

Drivers, Trends & Challenges have an impact on market dynamics and can impact businesses. Find some insights from a sample report!

Spacesuit Market 2023-2027: Key Highlights

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2023-2027

Detailed information on factors that will assist spacesuit market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the spacesuit market size and its contribution to the parent market

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the spacesuit market

Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on companies

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of spacesuit market companies

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The military camouflage uniform market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.64% between 2022 and 2027 and the size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 274.38 million. This report extensively covers market segmentation by type (combat and operational), application (army, air force, and navy), and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America). One of the key factors driving global military camouflage uniform market growth is the increasing focus on weather and topography-specific uniforms.

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Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Historic Market Size

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation by Product

Market Segmentation by Type

Market Segmentation by Geography

Customer Landscape

Geographic Landscape

Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

Vendor Landscape

Vendor Analysis

Appendix

About US

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

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VICTORIA, BC, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Unifor Local 114 members at the Victoria-Seattle ferry service have voted 100% in favour of taking legal strike action on Sunday, September 3 if a fair contract cannot be reached before then.

"Unless the employer shows up to the bargaining table with a fair offer, the Victoria Clipper will be anchored on one of the busiest tourism weekends of the year," said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. "Ferry workers deserve a fair contract and will take job action if negotiations continue to stall."

Unifor has begun outreach to local businesses and festivals on both sides of the border who rely on international tourism. Customers who do not want to risk being stranded can cancel reservations by email [email protected] or call 800-888-2535. Standard fares are fully refundable for cancellations received two or more days prior to travel.

Clipper workers are seeking to negotiate fair wage increases, adjustments to the scheduling system, and better job security. Local 114 applied for the assistance of a conciliator to help close the gap between the parties, but during the entire 60-day conciliation period, the company only agreed to meet for three days.

"Good jobs and fair wages are pivotal to building a thriving tourism industry," said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. "The Victoria Clipper is no exception. The company must negotiate a fair contract or risk total service disruption."

Contract disputes and service disruptions would be new to the Clipper service. The German company who purchased the service in 2016 has been more difficult to work with, says Unifor.

Unifor Local 114 represents 25 workers at the Victoria side of the Clipper's workforce in customer service, ticketing, baggage handling and docking.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor
CLEVELAND, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Susan G. Komen, the world's leading breast cancer organization, is hosting the 2023 Northeast Ohio MORE THAN PINK Walk on Saturday, September 30 at JOANN Headquarters in Hudson. The Walk is Susan G. Komen's annual fundraising event where family and friends celebrate breast cancer survivors and honor those who have passed away from the disease.

"We look forward to providing a space for the breast cancer community to gather as we continue the fight to end this disease," said Sean Shacklett, Executive Director of Ohio & Michigan at Susan G. Komen. "Funds raised from this year's Northeast Ohio MORE THAN PINK Walk will allow us to meet the needs of breast cancer patients and support Komen's Patient Care Center Breast Care Helpline, Financial Assistance and Patient Navigation programs, and improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable members of our community."

Breast cancer survivors and those living with metastatic disease can enjoy a light breakfast and visit other survivors in Hope Village. The Walk site and activities open at 7:00 AM. The Opening Ceremony starts at 9:00 AM with the Parade of Hope taking place shortly after. Sponsors for the event include Bank of America, Walgreens, JOANN, Swagelok, Giant Eagle, and GPD Group. Walk participants will include breast cancer survivors, metastatic breast cancer thrivers, co-survivors and supporters of Susan G. Komen.

What: Susan G. Komen Northeast Ohio MORE THAN PINK Walk When: Saturday, September 30, 2023, Grounds Open 7:00 AM, Opening Ceremony 9:00 AM Where: 5555 Darrow Rd, Hudson, OH 44236 Details: Register at: www.komen.org/northeastohiowalk

Please contact Cristobal Martinez at [email protected] for more information on the event. Interviews with event attendees, Komen staff, and honorees can be granted upon request.

About Susan G. Komen

Susan G. Komen is the world's leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy's life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow's cures. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.

CONTACT: Cristobal Martinez

Susan G. Komen

[email protected]

SOURCE Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Fast-growing generative AI company appoints accomplished executives as the biopharma industry adopts the rapidly developing technology

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Synthetica Bio, a privately held healthcare technology company developing an enterprise-grade, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) platform for biopharma, today announced the appointment of five highly accomplished healthcare tech executives to its leadership team: John Crupi as Chief Technology Officer; Tyrone Richardson as Chief Commercial Officer; Alexi Polenur as Vice President of Engineering; Brian Dranka, Ph.D., as Vice President of Product and Marketing; and Kirby Bloom as Vice President of Data and AI Engineering.

Synthetica Bio's expanded executive team will advance the development of the company's GenAI platform to provide actionable knowledge to biopharma companies to drive drug development, clinical trials and commercial activity in a secure and efficient manner.

"Our company's leadership team is proud to welcome five talented individuals with diverse expertise in engineering, business development, commercialization and beyond," said Simon Arkell, Chief Executive Officer of Synthetica Bio. "These experts will be instrumental in driving our innovations forward. With their valuable contributions and collective demonstrated experience, we know we are well-positioned to build truly compelling solutions for the biopharma industry and stand out from the flurry of startups we have recently seen launch. Synthetica Bio is poised to shape the future of GenAI's contributions to pharma in meaningful and impactful ways, delivering solutions that resonate with our customers and the industry."

About John Crupi

Prior to co-founding Synthetica Bio, John Crupi was CTO at Predixion and JackBe. Mr. Crupi brings three decades of experience building enterprise scale applications for real-time systems. He has been awarded as a Sun Microsystems Distinguished Engineer and is a three-time Washingtonian Tech Titan. Mr. Crupi has a M.S. in Engineering Administration with a sub-focus in AI from the George Washington University and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering for the University of Maryland.

About Tyrone Richardson

Formerly Vice President of Sales at Deep Lens, Tyrone Richardson, brings his expertise in business development in sales of research services to Synthetica Bio. Mr. Richardson held numerous sales leadership positions at Caris Life Sciences, Inform Diagnostics, and other companies. He has invaluable career experience in AI/ML, data integration, diagnostics, genomics and clinical trials. Mr. Richardson received his M.B.A. in Health Care Management from Marylhurst University and his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Oregon.

About Alexi Polenur

An accomplished engineering executive with more than 20 years' experience in enterprise software development, business intelligence, AI real-time data processing, big data and cloud technologies, Alexi Polenur was most recently the Vice President of Engineering and AI at Graphene Edge (formerly Gravetti). Previously, he led architecture and engineering as Director IoT Edge AI and Analytics at Greenwave Systems Inc.; Director, IoT Engineering at Predixion Software, among other companies. Mr. Polenur holds an M.S. in Computer Science and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, both from the National Technical University of Ukraine.

About Brian Dranka, Ph.D.

Brian Dranka, Ph.D. brings over a decade of experience leading teams to build category-defining research products, data, and software for life science and health tech companies. Brian was VP of Marketing at Paradigm prior to joining Synthetica Bio and has held several roles in Growth, Product, and Marketing at companies working to unlock insights from biomedical data. He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Pathology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

About Kirby Bloom

Kirby Bloom has over twenty years of experience architecting large-scale data analytic platforms across the healthcare and life sciences industry. His most recent role was CTO at LunaDNA, an interactive platform enabling research for disease registries. Prior to that, he was Head of Software for Applied Genomics at Illumina, building solutions serving custom sequencing, research-use-only and consumer markets. Kirby holds an M.S. in Data Science from the University of California, Berkeley.

About Synthetica Bio

Synthetica Bio is a privately held healthcare technology company based in Laguna Beach, California that is developing the next generation of safe and secure generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) solutions for the biopharma industry. The Synthetica Bio platform leverages and optimizes multiple large language models (LLMs) and vector databases to ingest real-time data streams and make actionable knowledge directly available to biopharma discovery, clinical, and commercial teams. The platform enables healthcare professionals to rapidly leverage the power of GenAI within compliance of data security standards required by the industry.

For more information, please visit the company's website at https://www.syntheticabio.ai/ . Follow the company on LinkedIn .

Media Contact:

Liz Phillips or Harrison Seidner, Ph.D.

Russo Partners

+1 (817) 371-0654

+1 (646) 942-5599

[email protected]

[email protected]

SOURCE Synthetica Bio, Inc.
NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The tarot cards market is set to grow by USD 214.34 million from 2021 to 2026, progressing at a CAGR of 3.11% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. The report offers an up-to-date analysis and to know the exact growth variance and the Y-O-Y growth rate Request a sample report.

Tarot Cards Market 2022-2026: Scope

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Tarot Cards Market

Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. Our tarot cards market report covers the following areas:

Tarot Cards Market 2022-2026: Segmentation

Tarot Cards Market is segmented as below:

Type

French Suited Tarot Decks



German Suited Tarot Decks



Italo Portuguese Suited Tarot Decks



Non Occult Italian Suited Tarot Decks

Geography

North America



APAC



Europe



South America



Middle East And Africa

The tarot cards market share growth in the French-suited tarot decks segment will be significant during the forecast period. This segment will witness significant growth in market share compared to other segments. The growing global popularity of tarot readings among psychics is fueling this trend. In addition, the importance of French cards is due to the geopolitical, commercial, and cultural impact of France. Hence, such factors are expected to drive segment growth during the forecast period.

APAC is estimated to contribute 52% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. China is a key market for the tarot cards market in the region. Market growth in this region will be faster than market growth in other regions. The main driver for the growth of the tarot market in the region is the increase in consumer disposable income. Hence, such factors are expected to drive market growth in the region during the forecast period.

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Analyzes competitor's offerings

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Tarot Cards Market 2022-2026: Market Dynamics

Key Drivers

The growing disposable income of consumers is a key factor driving market growth. The psychic sector in developed countries such as Canada, Mexico, and the US is on the rise, playing an important role in driving their economies. In addition, factors such as a growing middle class and rising consumer disposable income have led to increased spending on hobbies, such as tarot reading. As the millennial populations of these countries grow, so does their curiosity about their future, which fuels the growth of the industry. Hence, these factors are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.

Major Trends -The growing online availability of tarot cards is a key factor driving market growth.

Significant Challenge -Disapproval of tarot reading activities by people who do not believe in such activities is a significant challenge restricting market growth. Drivers, Trends & Challenges have an impact on market dynamics and can impact businesses. Find some insights from a sample report!

Tarot Cards Market 2022-2026: Company Analysis

The market is concentrated, and the degree of concentration will accelerate during the forecast period. We provide a detailed analysis of around 25 companies operating in the Tarot Cards Market, including some of the companies such as TAbusua Pa, Aeclectic Tarot, Art of Play, AzureGreen, Hello Merch, Liminal 11 Ltd, Lisa Sterle, Sage Centauress, TarotArts, Tarotopia, The Tarot Shop UK, and U.S. Games Systems Inc. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the Tarot Cards Market are designed to provide entry support, customer profile, and M&As as well as go-to-market strategy support.

Tarot Cards Market 2022-2026: Key Highlights

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2022-2026

Detailed information on factors that will assist tarot cards market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the tarot cards market size and its contribution to the parent market

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the tarot cards market

Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on companies

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of the tarot cards market companies

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The stand-up paddleboard market size is set to grow USD 184.63 million, at a CAGR of 8.53%, between 2022 and 2027. The market is segmented by distribution channel (sports goods retailers, department stores, and online retailers), product (inflatables and hardboards), and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The growing adoption of surfing in adventure tourism is a major factor notably driving the market growth.

The canoeing and kayaking equipment market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 2.51% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 173.35 million. This canoeing and kayaking equipment market report extensively covers market segmentation by distribution channel (sports goods retailers, department stores/hypermarkets and supermarkets, online retail, and others), product (canoes, kayaks, and accessories), and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa). One of the key factors driving the canoeing and kayaking equipment market growth is the growing preference for recreational kayaking.

Table Of Contents

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation by Application

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About US

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

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Technavio Research

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Website: www.technavio.com

SOURCE Technavio
As the New York State director for Animal Wellness Action, I recently celebrated the monumental win that allows all states to freely grant farmed animals room to move and turn around, instead of living in extreme confinement.

I am talking about the Supreme Court ruling in NPPC v. Ross that pitted industrial-scale pork producers against the voters in California, who in 2018 won a citizen-led Proposition 12 to ban the sale of pork and eggs from breeding sows and laying hens that are not afforded enough space to stand up, lie down, turn around and freely extend their limbs. Not a single Supreme Court justice among the six conservatives and three liberals on the bench voted to allow the pork industry to override the will of the voters.

Facing defeat, industrial-scale pork producers are now demanding that U.S. House and Senate Agriculture committees jam the EATS Act H.R. 4417 and S. 2019 into a massive farm bill that would unwind state elections, including Californias Proposition 12. Not only would the EATS Act shift power to the federal government and away from states and local communities, but it would be a gift to foreign corporations at the expense of family farmers.

Its a shameful power play by lawmakers bowing to the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and its partners, including Smithfield Foods, a multibillion-dollar business owned by the Shuanghui Group of China. As many small, family farmers and consumers can attest, we are a nation of animal lovers and we do have standards for how animals should be treated. We should be able to vote our preferences into policy without the interference of foreign interests and multinational corporations.

At least 60 major food companies including McDonalds, Costco and Kroger have policies opposing gestation-crate confinement. Thousands of pig farmers are seeing the change for humane standards as a positive market opportunity.

With Prop 12, Big Pork couldnt convince voters and consumers that it was acceptable to keep animals trapped in a metal box month after month without any relief or opportunity for movement.

And here we are today with their last-ditch effort.

New York members of Congress should oppose the EATS Act as its bad for animals, small farmers and state and local government.
One City. One Sound. New Weekend. Experience the Ultimate Celebration in Miami!

MIAMI, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Prepare to experience the ultimate Labor Day Weekend celebration at the 15th Annual Miami Takeover 2023. This year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever before, and it's all happening from September 1st to 4th at the stunning Marseilles Hotel South Beach, a beautiful property that boasts top-notch amenities and an unbeatable beach front location.

With the theme of "One City. One Sound. New Weekend.", the Miami Takeover weekend brings like-minded urban professionals together from across the country to Miami Beach year after year making this an annual save the date on your social calendar. Guests will be treated to several social and community service activities, highlighted by the Art of Go-Go Culture Festival, which will be curated by acclaimed visual artist Demont "Peekaso" Pinder and is a celebration of the Art, Culture & Music of the DC creative scene. Featured performers include DMV artists Janae Music, New Impressionz and the event headliner, Go-Go icons Backyard Band.

At the core of this weekend lies a wonderful community service endeavor, wherein volunteers unite to participate in the "Sweep The Beach" project. This exceptional initiative, in collaboration with the esteemed partner, Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC), aims to beautify the coastline by collecting trash and litter from the sandy shores.

The Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority (MBVCA) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Miami Beach. Their website, www.miamibeachvca.com , is an excellent resource for visitors looking to explore all that Miami Beach has to offer, from world-class dining and shopping to beautiful beaches and cultural attractions. The Miami Takeover Weekend is administered with the support of the Miami Beach Visitors & Convention Authority.

For more information about the Miami Takeover 2023 and to book your travel packages, please visit the website at www.themiamitakeover.com . Don't miss out on this ultimate Labor Day Weekend celebration in Miami Beach!

For More Information:

Micheline Bowman

Bowman Media Group, LLC

[email protected]

301-792-0972

SOURCE The Miami Takeover LLC
Degree program presents an innovative cybersecurity offering by the Haslam College of Business, addressing one of today's crucial business needs

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. and NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has launched its Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity (MSBC) online degree program, which is currently accepting applications for a spring 2024 start. The program was established in partnership with Noodle, higher education's leading strategy, services, and technology partner.

Employing both synchronous and asynchronous instruction, the online MSBC program trains students in essential cybersecurity tenets. Inspired by industry trends and academic research, the curriculum teaches business leaders to protect their companies' critical assets and, by extension, the economy, through proactive business strategies that address cybersecurity opportunities and challenges.

The Haslam College of Business is expanding its online degrees to include the field of business cybersecurity to anticipate and serve 21st century workforce needs. The program recognizes the massive impact of cybersecurity on business, which is estimated to cost the global economy more than $10 trillion annually by 2025 .

As more companies recognize the impact of cybersecurity resilience on business stability, the need for qualified professionals to direct those conversations and decisions rises. Based on current employment numbers, the world economy is unprepared to manage a cyber crisis of significant magnitude. A recent study discovered that the international cybersecurity workforce needs to grow by 65 percent to meet the current demand for these professionals.

The MSBC program was designed for committed individuals pursuing an advanced understanding of cybersecurity and business with the goal of becoming leaders in their field. The degree program intentionally seeks applicants with unconventional backgrounds by removing barriers to entry such as standardized testing. The school is committed to enabling access to the program through scholarships and financial aid.

Amy Cathey, Haslam's associate dean for Graduate and Executive Education, said the college is proud to partner with Noodle on its third online graduate program. "The Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity will provide graduates with a broad understanding of this growing field and the fluency to comprehend, conceptualize and communicate business strategies that mitigate risk and protect organizational data," Cathey said. "The program is designed to help fill the urgent need for more than 3 million professionals working at the intersection of business and cybersecurity."

Stephen Green, Noodle chief partnership officer, stated: "Noodle is proud to expand our partnership with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Haslam College of Business on such an important degree program, training leaders in business cybersecurity." He added, "There is a tremendous need for these educated professionals with strong technical knowledge and business skills to navigate the rapidly changing business cyber landscape."

The MSBC Online expands UT's existing portfolio of six degree programs launched in collaboration with Noodle, including the Online Master of Business Administration , the Executive MBA for Global Supply Chain Online , the Master of Science in Supply Chain Management Online , the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Programs Online , the Master of Public Health Online , and the Master of Science in Computer Science Online .

About The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been advancing knowledge and enriching lives since its founding in 1794. Tennessee's flagship public research university, UT is a diverse community whose shared commitment to discovery, creativity, and education combines with a tradition of service and engagement to carry the Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. UT's campushome to around 31,000 students and 9,000 faculty and staff membersis part of the vibrant city of Knoxville, located on the Tennessee River with the Great Smoky Mountains nearby.

About the UT Haslam College of Business

The Haslam College of Business , founded in 1914, sets the standard in developing future business leaders. More than 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students are taught by 130 faculty with 125 staff members facilitating their needs. The programs consist of seven departments and 11 undergraduate majors. Its eight centers, institutes and forums, and myriad graduate and executive education programs reach across the for profit, not-for-profit and governmental sectors of business, with a heavy emphasis on practical research.

About Noodle

Noodle is higher education's leading strategy, services, and technology partner. Founded in 2013, Noodle has developed infrastructure and online enrollment growth for some of the best academic institutions in the United States. Our vision is "to empower universities to change the world." We achieve this vision by offering our partners various products and services that help them become more resilient, responsive, efficient, and interconnected. Noodle is a Certified B corporation. Follow Noodle on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

Media Contact:

Noodle

W. Allen Shapard

[email protected]

216-225-1222

Haslam College of Business

Tanya G. Brown

Executive Director of Marketing & Public Relations

[email protected]

865-974-3955

SOURCE Noodle
The next-generation intake forms also feature real-time data enrichment, adaptive user guidance, and a drag-and-drop interface for building and modifying experiences

PALO ALTO, Calif., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tonkean , the first-of-its-kind process experience platform, today announced the launch of a new AI-enhanced intake experience for legal teams. Tonkean's updated formswhich are part of Tonkean's LegalWorks solutionmake the experience of initiating and following legal processes more efficient and enjoyable for requesters, thanks to real-time data enrichment from a wide range of plug-and-play integrations and adaptive user-guidance. (Tonkean forms intelligently auto-fill using plain text submitted through the Tonkean AI Front Door .) Tonkean forms also come equipped with a no-code WYSIWYG interface, putting the ability to customize and iterate upon intake experiences directly into the hands of legal operations professionals.

"Forms have been in need of innovation. Tonkean's updated forms represent a big leap"  Sagi Eliyahu, Tonkean CEO Post this Tonkean AI-enhanced forms for legal intake

Forms are a crucial component of legal intake; they're instrumental for matter creation, document generation, contract reviews, and other legal processes. But going back to when employees filled out forms with pen and paper, they haven't changed much. Employees fill out clunky, static fields. They manually find and input endless amounts of data. They spend hours, in some cases, retrieving information that is often immaterial to their request. They submit, and they wait, with zero visibility into the status of their request.

Such traditional form experienceswhich still dominate most legacy legal technology offeringsdon't only slow intake down. They damage the experience of interacting with legal processes. This dissuades employees from engaging with legal processes at allwhich has massive downstream effects on operational efficiency, and greatly hinders compliance.

"We've understood that forms have been in need of innovation for a long time. In fact, next-gen forms have been our most commonly requested feature," says Sagi Eliyahu , Tonkean's co-founder and CEO. "Forms are the most common way of collecting information. Their quality can have a huge influence on process adoption. Compliance, efficiency, cost saving and creating business value all depend on high process adoption. But high process adoption hinges on great experience. Traditional forms pay no mind to the needs or context of the stakeholders requesting help. Tonkean forms change that, and represent a big leap for how departments work with each other."

Tonkean's AI-enhanced forms enable legal teams in a variety of impactful ways.

Intelligent, adaptive form experiences. In stark contrast with traditional workflow automation toolswhich provide only rigid workflows that intimidate and perplex requestersTonkean forms leverage Tonkean's AI-powered process automation technology to provide employees with personalized form experiences that adapt to their needs and context in real time.

In stark contrast with traditional workflow automation toolswhich provide only rigid workflows that intimidate and perplex requestersTonkean forms leverage Tonkean's AI-powered process automation technology to provide employees with personalized form experiences that adapt to their needs and context in real time. Faster time-to-resolution. Tonkean forms are context-aware, taking cues from connected data sources to reduce the number of fields and steps employees are asked to fill out and to resolve requests proactively.

Tonkean forms are context-aware, taking cues from connected data sources to reduce the number of fields and steps employees are asked to fill out and to resolve requests proactively. End-to-end visibility. Once employees complete forms inside Tonkean, they can track the status of their request using a real-time tracker that provides end-to-end visibility and complete transparency.

Once employees complete forms inside Tonkean, they can track the status of their request using a real-time tracker that provides end-to-end visibility and complete transparency. Increased process adoption. Ultimately, Tonkean forms serve to streamline intake, better ensure all information needed to resolve or triage the matter is captured, and increase adoption of legal processes.

Ultimately, Tonkean forms serve to streamline intake, better ensure all information needed to resolve or triage the matter is captured, and increase adoption of legal processes. Cross-team collaboration . With Tonkean's forms, legal teams can design and deploy forms that facilitate smoother handoffs between legal and other departments, all while ensuring data consistency.

. With Tonkean's forms, legal teams can design and deploy forms that facilitate smoother handoffs between legal and other departments, all while ensuring data consistency. Easy, no-code customization. Unlike traditional intake platforms that require technical expertise to customize and manage, Tonkean's form Builder offers a WYSIWYG interface that anyone can use, and plug-and-play integrations with all the most relevant applications. Now, legal teams can easily adapt their intake processes swiftly, without the typical hassle or delays.

Enterprise legal teams are already using Tonkean forms to replace outdated and overly restrictive legacy form experiences.

"We've been in the legal space for a long time," says Eliyahu. "We've seen our enterprise customers struggle with traditional forms. They lack context, they're isolated and generic. They're optimized for data schemes and not for the people who are supposed to use them. That's exactly where Tonkean excels."

Earlier this year , Tonkean launched LegalWorks , a matter lifecycle management solution that enables legal teams to harness the potential of AI-powered process automation technology safely . Tonkean forms fit seamlessly into that ecosystem, and can be incorporated into any organization's intake processes right away, potentially to much benefit. Efforts to lower risk, better ensure compliance, and improve legal performance all stem necessarily from efforts to increase process adoption. That begins with improving process experiencewhich, in many cases, starts with forms.

Click here to learn more about how you can leverage Tonkean forms inside your organization. And to stay up to date on what Tonkean puts out next, follow Tonkean on LinkedIn and Twitter .

About Tonkean

Tonkean's Process Experience Platform seamlessly wraps around existing policies and systems, allowing internal service teams to do more with what they already have. Build process experiences that are personalized for each requester, and use AI to automate the intake, triage, and resolution of every request. Maximize adoption, compliance, and efficiency with no change management and no code. Founded in 2015, Tonkean is headquartered in Palo Alto with R&D in Tel Aviv.

SOURCE Tonkean
Swapna Mony joins with decades of expertise in quality control, new product innovation, CRM, and sales distribution

HAYDEN, Idaho, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tractor Beverage Company , one of North America's fastest-growing beverage brands and the first and only Certified Organic, Non-GMO beverage company dedicated to food service, is pleased to announce the hiring of Swapna Mony as Vice President of Innovation and Quality. Mony joins a company on the rise, with Tractor having been named to the Inc. 5000 fastest growing private companies in the nation for the second consecutive year.

Swapna Mony

In this capacity, Mony will be responsible for developing and guiding critical strategies to grow Tractor's business, facilitating key partnerships, and building out the innovation pipeline. Mony will leverage her vast experience in beverage formulation and launching new products, working with emerging technologies, and driving scale and strategic growth in the food and beverage industry.

"Swapna already fits seamlessly with our team and truly understands how to connect business needs with strategy and delivery," said Kevin Sherman, Tractor Beverage CEO. "Her deep expertise in innovation and sales paired with her passion for the beverage industry is an ideal match as we grow in this space, and we are thrilled to have her on board."



A talented innovation leader, Mony most recently served as Sr. Market Manager of Distribution at Cargill, recently awarded one of Fast Company's 2023 Best Workplaces for Innovators. With the addition of Mony, Tractor will be well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory in a tough competitive environment.

"I am thrilled to be working with a company that is bringing choice to a traditionally static corner of the food service industry," said Mony. "This is a talented, collaborative team, and I'm excited to bring my experience to Tractor as we continue to dominate the organic beverage space in food service."

About Tractor Beverage Company

Tractor Beverage Company is revolutionizing the beverage station as the first and only USDA Organic Certified, Non-GMO full-line beverage solution for food service. Farmer-founded and employee-owned, the team is on a mission to create a cleaner, healthier planet, one drink at a time. 136 million+ Tractor drinks are served annually in more than 6,000 locations across 50 states, with a portfolio of 25 uniquely flavored Certified Organic and Non-GMO craft refreshers, lemonades, and premium craft sodas as well as organic frozen and organic mixology. Tractor's thoughtfully crafted drinks feature clean ingredients that deliver on taste, functionality, and experience, without any of the bad stuff. Tractor is the first beverage brand to track and disclose impact data about its ingredients through the Organic Impact Tracker , quantifying the benefit of sourcing organic versus conventional ingredients. The company was included on the 2023 and 2022 Inc. 5000 lists of America's fastest-growing private companies, and on Fast Company's 2021 list of the world's Most Innovative Companies. For more information, visit drinktractor.com or follow along on Instagram at @drinktractor.

Media Relations:

Jennifer Rumble

Cercone Brown for Tractor

704-923-6378

[email protected]

SOURCE Tractor Beverage Co.
Venicio Cardoso has three decades of experience working with corporate clients

NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A travel industry professional with more than 30 years of experience working with major business clients has been appointed to serve as a regional sales manager in Latin America for Travel Leaders' international network of independent travel agencies.

Venicio Tratada

Venicio Cardoso, who is based in Brazil, will market the international network's extensive range of travel management services to corporate clients in the region. These business travel solutions include travel planning and fulfillment, meetings management and travel data analytics. Cardoso will report to Carina Fernandez Grenno, Vice President Latin America Region & Canada, Partner Management & Sales for Travel Leaders, part of Internova Travel Group, one of the world's largest travel services companies.

"Travel Leaders has much to offer corporate clients when it comes to planning and managing their travel needs, and I'm excited to help build the company's brand in Latin America," said Cardoso.

Cardoso has worked as a sales manager and corporate services manager with several leading companies in the travel and tourism industry. He has a proven track record in seeking out and winning new clients and helping them successfully manage their business travel using the latest tools in travel management technology. His areas of expertise include account management, information technology, payment methods and planning sales strategies. Over his lengthy career, he has worked with many Fortune 500 companies including Pfizer, Toyota, FedEx, Siemens and Nike.

Most recently, he spent eight years as a sales manager with BCD Travel where he was responsible for implementing sales strategies, attracted major corporations as clients and routinely exceeded financial goals.

Cardoso has also worked for Web Travel Solutions, a Brazilian company that develops front-office solutions for travel agencies, tour operators, air consolidators and TMCs, as well as for Sabre Travel Network and American Express. As country sales manager at Sabre, he led a team of four people that was responsible for increasing sales in Brazil by 28 percent. At American Express, Cardoso, who was a corporate services account manager, worked with major corporations, attracting new business and helping to strengthen relationships with longstanding clients.

"Venicio is a terrific addition to our team," said Fernandez Grenno. "He is a solid professional with a proven ability as a communicator, motivator, negotiator, manager and strategist. With his skills, connections, and in-depth knowledge of corporate travel in the region, he will be instrumental in helping us attract new clients throughout Latin America for our suite of business travel solutions."

About Travel Leaders International

Travel Leaders International is a distinguished network of premier travel management companies operating in over 80 countries across the globe. Our partners are dedicated to offering culturally-sensitive services in each destination while harnessing cutting-edge technology and innovative concepts to integrate service delivery on a global scale. Unlike traditional fixed office setups, our dynamic and adaptable network allows us to tailor solutions for specific business travel needs in travel fulfillment, travel consulting and meetings management worldwide. Travel Leaders International is part of the corporate travel division of Internova Travel Group.

CONTACT:

Elizabeth Gaerlan

[email protected]

+1 212 944 1125

SOURCE Travel Leaders International
CHICAGO, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Two of Illinois's leading vape brands, Mr Fog Vape and Posh Vape, have unveiled a new partnership with the popular online retailer generalvape.com. This collaboration aims to provide customers with an authentic and satisfying vaping experience, showcasing both brands' commitment to quality and innovation.

Mr Fog, known for its wide range of flavors and ergonomic designs, has been a prominent name in the vaping industry, impressing users with its high-quality products and innovative technologies. Since its inception, the company has consistently prioritized customer satisfaction, offering unique, refreshing, and enjoyable vaping solutions.

Get exclusive prices and authentic products online on Mr Fog Vapes and Posh Vapes only from Generalvape.com Post this

Mr Fog Vape Products:

Mr Fog Switch - 5500 puffs

Mr Fog Max Air - 3000 puffs

Mr Fog Max Pro - 2000 puffs

Posh Vape, on the other hand, has been celebrated for its sleek and portable devices, designed with the modern consumer in mind. Its commitment to excellence and constant pursuit of perfection have made Posh Vape a go-to brand for both beginners and experienced vapers. The combination of stylish designs and rich flavors has contributed to Posh Vape's success and growing fan base.

Posh Vape Products:

Posh Pro - 5500 puffs

Posh Max - 5200 puffs

Posh XL - 1500 puffs

Through this new partnership with generalvape.com, both Mr Fog and Posh Vape will now be available at a click of a button. Generalvape.com has earned its reputation as a trusted online retailer, providing authentic and original vape products to a growing market. Customers seeking genuine Mr Fog and Posh Vape products can now enjoy the convenience of purchasing directly from generalvape.com.

Generalvape.com's commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with the values held by both Mr Fog and Posh Vape. By only offering authentic products, they provide an additional layer of trust and quality assurance to their customers.

"We are thrilled to welcome Mr Fog and Posh Vape into our online platform," says John Doe, CEO of generalvape.com. "Our mission has always been to connect consumers with the best vaping products available, and this collaboration does just that. We are proud to offer these two leading Illinois-based brands to our customers, further enhancing our wide selection of quality vaping products."

This collaboration reinforces the continued growth and influence of both Mr Fog and Posh Vape within the vaping industry. Through innovative products, a focus on customer needs, and now a robust online presence through generalvape.com, these brands continue to set the standard for excellence.

For more information or to purchase Mr Fog and Posh Vape products, please visit www.generalvape.com .

About Mr Fog:

Founded in Illinois, Mr Fog is a leader in the vaping industry, offering an extensive range of products known for quality and innovation.

About Posh Vape:

Posh Vape, also headquartered in Illinois, specializes in sleek and stylish vaping devices designed to suit modern lifestyle needs.

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE General Vape
LONDON, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Amagi, the global leader in cloud-based SaaS technology for broadcast and connected TV, in collaboration with 24i, the video streaming user experience expert, today announced that UK telecoms, media, and internet company, Virgin Media, has used its integrated solution to launch and monetize a new line-up of themed Free Ad-supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels on Virgin TV.

An initial selection of 14 channels have been rolled-out to Virgin Media's V6, TV 360, and Stream set-top boxes (STBs), allowing customers to instantly access an extended range of attractive content monetized through advertising.

Harnessing the Appstage application framework within the 24i Mod Studio streaming platform  which is pre-integrated with Amagi's playout solutions  the project introduced the FAST channels into Virgin Media's Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) without making any changes to existing STB configurations.

Through a collaborative effort with Amagi's technology partner, 24i, the app was configured to perfectly align with Virgin Media's UX, facilitating a seamless integration of channels into Virgin Media's EPG, providing an enhanced user experience for their customers on V6, TV 360, and Stream STBs running the RDK and Opera operating systems.

Srinivasan KA, Co-Founder and CRO at Amagi said, "Our collaboration with Virgin Media has been an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our technical prowess. Our achievement in integrating multiple FAST channels into Virgin Media's STB environment through a unified gateway has significantly enriched user choice and paved the way for incremental revenues."

Donald McGarva, CEO of 24i and its parent company Aferian plc said, "This has been a real team effort to give Virgin Media's customers access to a range of exciting new streamed content with a great user experience. The successful and seamless roll-out to a variety of device models already in the field is a testament to the powerful and flexible combination of 24i's Appstage Big Screen client, cloud-based Backstage content management system, and Amagi's unrivaled FAST solutions."

Amagi provides a complete suite of solutions for channel creation, distribution, and monetization. Amagi's clients include ABS-CBN, A+E Networks UK, beIN Sports, Curiosity Stream, Cinedigm, Warner Bros. Discovery, Fox Networks, Fremantle, Gannett, Gusto TV, NBCUniversal, Tastemade, and Tegna, among others.

For more information about Amagi and its streaming TV solutions, visit www.amagi.com.

About 24i

24i creates irresistible video experiences that simply wow viewers to keep our customers ahead of the streaming curve. Our modular software solutions maximize flexibility and time to marketfrom a fully cloud-based platform for VOD, FAST, and live TV, to a complete TV-as-a-Service solution.

An Aferian plc (AIM: AFRN) Group company, we help OTT services, broadcasters and pay TV operators launch differentiated video streaming services, operate efficiently and grow their brands and revenue. Our customers include telecoms companies like KPN, Telenor Sweden, Vodafone Iceland and Entel, broadcasters such as UK TV, KAN, and NPO; and OTT service providers including BroadwayHD, Pure Flix, and MGM+. For more, visit www.24i.com.

About Virgin Media O2

Virgin Media O2 launched on 1 June 2021, combining the UK's largest and most reliable mobile network with a fully gigabit broadband network where customers benefit from average speeds 5x faster than the national average.

The company has 47.7 million UK connections across its award-winning broadband, mobile, TV and home phone services. Its fixed network covers more than half of the country (16.3m homes serviceable) alongside a mobile network that covers 99% of the nation's population, with 5G services live in more than 2,100 towns and cities. The company is on track to reach 50% population 5G coverage in 2023.

Virgin Media O2 is upgrading its fixed network to full fibre to the premises with completion in 2028. Its shareholders and investment firm InfraVia Capital Partners are investing approximately 4.5bn to build fibre to 5 million homes and businesses not currently served by Virgin Media O2's network by 2026, with the opportunity to expand to an additional 2 million homes. As an anchor tenant of this network, Virgin Media O2's total footprint will reach around 80% of the UK once build is completed.

Through Virgin Media O2 Business, it plays a leading role supporting entrepreneurs, businesses, enterprises and the public sector with their digital transformation through a range of connectivity, security, cloud and and tailor-made services. It is also the network of choice for mobile virtual network operators giffgaff, Sky Mobile and Lycamobile, as well as managing a 50:50 joint venture with Tesco for Tesco Mobile.

The company is committed to using the power of connectivity to make it better for people and the planet, taking action to close the digital divide and building an inclusive, resilient, and low carbon economy. The business has set an ambitious commitment to achieve net zero carbon across its operations, products and supply chain by the end of 2040.

Virgin Media O2 is a 50:50 joint venture between Liberty Global and Telefonica SA, and one of the UK's largest businesses. Virgin Media O2 is registered in England and Wales. Registration number: 12580944. Griffin House, 161 Hammersmith Road, London, United Kingdom, W6 8BS.

About Amagi

Amagi is a next-generation media technology company that provides cloud broadcast and targeted advertising solutions to broadcast TV and streaming TV platforms. Amagi enables content owners to launch, distribute and monetize live linear channels on Free Ad-supported Streaming TV and video services platforms. Amagi also offers 24x7 cloud-managed services bringing simplicity, advanced automation, and transparency to the entire broadcast operations. Overall, Amagi supports 700+ content brands, 800+ playout chains, and over 2,100 channel deliveries on its platform in over 40 countries. Amagi has a presence in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, London, Paris, Melbourne, Seoul, Singapore, and broadcast operations in New Delhi, and an innovation center in Bangalore.

Agency Contact:

Joseph Lesieutre

Wall Street Communications

Email: [email protected]

Amagi Contact:

Sanjay Kirimanjeshwar

Vice President - Corporate Marketing

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Amagi Media Labs Pvt. Ltd.
BEIJING, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Zhihu Inc. ("Zhihu" or the "Company") (NYSE: ZH; HKEX: 2390), a leading online content community in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.

Second Quarter 2023 Highlights

Total revenues were RMB1,044.2 million ( US$144.0 million ) in the second quarter of 2023, representing a 24.9% increase from the same period of 2022.

were ( ) in the second quarter of 2023, representing a 24.9% increase from the same period of 2022. Net loss was RMB279.1 million ( US$38.5 million ) in the second quarter of 2023, narrowed by 42.7% from the same period of 2022.

was ( ) in the second quarter of 2023, narrowed by 42.7% from the same period of 2022. Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) [1] was RMB222.3 million ( US$30.7 million ) in the second quarter of 2023, narrowed by 49.9% from the same period of 2022.

was ( ) in the second quarter of 2023, narrowed by 49.9% from the same period of 2022. Average monthly active users (MAUs) [2] reached 109.4 million in the second quarter of 2023, up from 105.9 million in the same period of 2022.

reached 109.4 million in the second quarter of 2023, up from 105.9 million in the same period of 2022. Average monthly subscribing members[3] reached 14.0 million in the second quarter of 2023, representing a 65.3% increase from the same period of 2022.

"In the second quarter of 2023, we continued to achieve high-quality growth and optimize our operating efficiency," said Mr. Yuan Zhou, chairman and chief executive officer of Zhihu. "Meanwhile, our dedication to content enrichment encouraged deeper user engagement and inspired our content creators. Bolstered by Zhihu's prominent brand name and comprehensive product offerings, our paid membership and vocational training businesses continued to grow rapidly. We also remained committed to investing in cutting-edge technology to improve content consumption efficiency and develop new user experiences."

Mr. Henry Sha, chief financial officer of Zhihu, added, "Our multi-engine business model delivered solid results this quarter with sustainable growth momentum. Our total revenue increased by 24.9% year over year, benefiting from our robust and growing paid membership and vocational training businesses. Our gross margin also expanded further during the quarter, by 6 percentage points year over year to 53.8%, boosted by our effective and ongoing cost control measures. In comparison with the same period last year, our adjusted net loss narrowed by 49.9%. Going forward, we will continue to concentrate on our loss reduction strategy and working to achieve healthy growth."

Second Quarter 2023 Financial Results

Total revenues were RMB1,044.2 million (US$144.0 million) in the second quarter of 2023, representing a 24.9% increase from RMB836.0 million in the same period of 2022.

Marketing services revenue[4] was RMB412.7 million (US$56.9 million), compared with RMB478.1 million in the same period of 2022. The decrease was primarily due to ongoing refinement of service offerings to strategically focus on margin improvement.

Paid membership revenue was RMB449.1 million (US$61.9 million), representing a 65.6% increase from RMB271.2 million in the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to the continued growth of our subscribing members, driven by our content enhancements and improved user experience.

Vocational training revenue was RMB144.5 million (US$19.9 million), representing a 213.3% increase from RMB46.1 million in the same period of 2022. The significant increase was primarily attributable to our further enriched online course offerings and the revenue contributions from our recently acquired businesses in the period.

Other revenues were RMB37.9 million (US$5.2 million), compared with RMB40.7 million in the same period of 2022.

Cost of revenues increased by 10.5% to RMB482.1 million (US$66.5 million) from RMB436.4 million in the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily due to the growth of content and operating costs as we continued to enhance our content attractiveness, as well as an increase in payment processing costs driven by our revenue growth, and was partially offset by the decrease in cloud services and bandwidth costs.

Gross profit increased by 40.7% to RMB562.1 million (US$77.5 million) from RMB399.6 million in the same period of 2022. Gross margin expanded to 53.8% from 47.8% in the same period of 2022, primarily attributable to our enhanced monetization efforts and the improvement of cloud services and bandwidth utilization efficiency.

Total operating expenses were RMB889.3 million (US$122.6 million), compared with RMB860.3 million in the same period of 2022.

Selling and marketing expenses increased to RMB540.6 million (US$74.6 million) from RMB532.4 million in the same period of 2022. The slight increase reflects our continued efforts in promoting our product and service offerings.

Research and development expenses increased to RMB236.2 million (US$32.6 million) from RMB223.6 million in the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to our increased spending in technology innovation.

General and administrative expenses increased to RMB112.5 million (US$15.5 million) from RMB104.3 million in the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily due to increased share-based compensation expenses.

Loss from operations narrowed by 29.0% to RMB327.2 million (US$45.1 million) from RMB460.7 million in the same period of 2022.

Adjusted loss from operations (non-GAAP)[1] narrowed by 35.4% to RMB269.4 million (US$37.2 million) from RMB416.8 million in the same period of 2022.

Net loss narrowed by 42.7% to RMB279.1 million (US$38.5 million) from RMB487.0 million in the same period of 2022.

Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP)[1] narrowed by 49.9% to RMB222.3 million (US$30.7 million) from RMB443.8 million in the same period of 2022.

Diluted net loss per American Depositary Share ("ADS") was RMB0.46 (US$0.06), compared with RMB0.79 in the same period of 2022.

Cash and cash equivalents, term deposits and short-term investments

As of June 30, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, term deposits and short-term investments of RMB6,158.6 million (US$849.3 million), compared with RMB6,261.5 million as of December 31, 2022.

Share Repurchase Program

As was previously announced, the Company established a share repurchase program in May 2022, which was extended in May 2023, under which the Company may repurchase up to US$100 million of Class A ordinary shares or ADSs until June 10, 2024 (the "Repurchase Program"). The repurchases made under the Repurchase Program were covered by the general unconditional mandate to purchase the Company's own shares approved by shareholders at the Company's annual general meetings held on June 10, 2022 and June 30, 2023, respectively. As of June 30, 2023, approximately 13.0 million Class A ordinary shares (including Class A ordinary shares underlying the ADSs) had been repurchased on both the New York Stock Exchange and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the Repurchase Program for a total price of US$30.8 million.

[1] Adjusted loss from operations and adjusted net loss are non-GAAP financial measures. For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures, please see the section of "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and the table captioned "Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release. [2] MAUs refers to the sum of the number of mobile devices that launch our mobile apps at least once in a given month, or mobile MAUs, and the number of logged-in users who visit our PC or mobile website at least once in a given month, after eliminating duplicates. [3] Monthly subscribing members refers to the number of our Yan Selection members in a specified month. Average monthly subscribing members for a period is calculated by dividing the sum of monthly subscribing members for each month during the specified period by the number of months in such period. [4] Starting with the first quarter of 2023, we report revenues generated from advertising and content-commerce solutions collectively as "marketing services revenue" to better present our business and results of operation in line with our overall strategies. Revenues for the applicable comparison periods of 2022 have been retrospectively re-classified.

Conference Call

The Company's management will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on August 23, 2023 (8:00 p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong time on August 23, 2023).

All participants wishing to join the conference call must pre-register online using the link provided below. Once the pre-registration has been completed, each participant will receive a set of dial-in numbers, a passcode, and a unique registrant ID which can be used to join the conference call. Participants may pre-register at any time, including up to and after the call start time.

Participant Online Registration: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10181708/fa277db324

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.zhihu.com.

A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately one hour after the conclusion of the live call, until August 30, 2023, by dialing the following telephone numbers:

United States (toll free): +1-877-344-7529 International: +1-412-317-0088 Replay Access Code: 6924451

About Zhihu Inc.

Zhihu Inc. (NYSE: ZH; HKEX: 2390), a leading online content community in China where people come to find solutions, make decisions, seek inspiration, and have fun. Since the initial launch in 2010, we have grown from a Q&A community into one of the top comprehensive online content communities and the largest Q&A-inspired online content community in China. For more information, please visit https://ir.zhihu.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measure

In evaluating the business, the Company considers and uses non-GAAP financial measures, such as adjusted loss from operations and adjusted net loss, to supplement the review and assessment of its operating performance. The Company defines non-GAAP financial measures by excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions and the tax effects of the non-GAAP adjustments, which are non-cash expenses. The Company believes that the non-GAAP measures facilitate comparisons of operating performance from period to period and company to company by adjusting for potential impacts of items, which the Company's management considers to be indicative of its operating performance. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating the Company's consolidated results of operations in the same manner as it helps the Company's management.

The non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. The use of the non-GAAP measures has limitations as an analytical tool, and investors should not consider it in isolation from, or as a substitute for analysis of, our results of operations or financial condition as reported under U.S. GAAP. For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures, please see the tables captioned "Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release.

Exchange Rate Information

This announcement contains translations of certain Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollars at a specified rate solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars were made at a rate of RMB7.2513 to US$1.00, the exchange rate in effect as of June 30, 2023 as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to," or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Zhihu Inc.

Email: [email protected]

Piacente Financial Communications

Helen Wu

Tel: +86-10-6508-0677

Email: [email protected]

In the United States:

Piacente Financial Communications

Brandi Piacente

Phone: +1-212-481-2050

Email: [email protected]

ZHIHU INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share data and per ADS data)



For the Three Months Ended

For the Six Months Ended

June 30, 2022

March 31, 2023

June 30, 2023

June 30, 2022

June 30, 2023

RMB

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$ Revenues:

























Marketing services 478,051

392,137

412,740

56,919

922,155

804,877

110,998 Paid membership 271,168

454,769

449,098

61,933

492,838

903,867

124,649 Vocational training 46,127

106,998

144,520

19,930

85,671

251,518

34,686 Others 40,670

40,316

37,851

5,220

78,579

78,167

10,780 Total revenues 836,016

994,220

1,044,209

144,002

1,579,243

2,038,429

281,113 Cost of revenues (436,414)

(482,001)

(482,131)

(66,489)

(844,098)

(964,132)

(132,960) Gross profit 399,602

512,219

562,078

77,513

735,145

1,074,297

148,153



























Selling and marketing expenses (532,375)

(445,565)

(540,593)

(74,551)

(1,038,960)

(986,158)

(135,997) Research and development

expenses (223,589)

(182,960)

(236,245)

(32,580)

(390,107)

(419,205)

(57,811) General and administrative

expenses (104,290)

(100,438)

(112,460)

(15,509)

(414,922)

(212,898)

(29,360) Total operating expenses (860,254)

(728,963)

(889,298)

(122,640)

(1,843,989)

(1,618,261)

(223,168)



























Loss from operations (460,652)

(216,744)

(327,220)

(45,127)

(1,108,844)

(543,964)

(75,015)



























Other income/(expenses):

























Investment income 20,596

6,006

11,793

1,626

41,320

17,799

2,455 Interest income 10,480

39,493

39,987

5,514

19,835

79,480

10,961 Fair value change of financial

instruments (101,197)

(3,582)

(9,016)

(1,243)

(92,744)

(12,598)

(1,737) Exchange gains/(losses) 49,126

(5,649)

7,076

976

44,971

1,427

197 Others, net 1,001

6,333

644

89

2,931

6,977

962



























Loss before income tax (480,646)

(174,143)

(276,736)

(38,165)

(1,092,531)

(450,879)

(62,177) Income tax expense (6,375)

(4,829)

(2,330)

(321)

(8,773)

(7,159)

(987) Net loss (487,021)

(178,972)

(279,066)

(38,486)

(1,101,304)

(458,038)

(63,164) Net income attributable to

noncontrolling interests -

(2,383)

(775)

(107)

-

(3,158)

(436) Net loss attributable to Zhihu

Inc.'s shareholders (487,021)

(181,355)

(279,841)

(38,593)

(1,101,304)

(461,196)

(63,600)



























Net loss per share

























Basic (1.59)

(0.59)

(0.92)

(0.13)

(3.62)

(1.52)

(0.21) Diluted (1.59)

(0.59)

(0.92)

(0.13)

(3.62)

(1.52)

(0.21)



























Net loss per ADS (Two ADSs

represent one Class A

ordinary share)

























Basic (0.79)

(0.30)

(0.46)

(0.06)

(1.81)

(0.76)

(0.10) Diluted (0.79)

(0.30)

(0.46)

(0.06)

(1.81)

(0.76)

(0.10)



























Weighted average number of

ordinary shares outstanding

























Basic 307,101,052

305,245,036

304,068,362

304,068,362

303,843,801

304,052,681

304,052,681 Diluted 307,101,052

305,245,036

304,068,362

304,068,362

303,843,801

304,052,681

304,052,681

ZHIHU INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED) (All amounts in thousands, except share, ADS, per share data and per ADS data)



For the Three Months Ended

For the Six Months Ended

June 30, 2022

March 31, 2023

June 30, 2023

June 30, 2022

June 30, 2023

RMB

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$ Share-based compensation

expenses included in:

























Cost of revenues 3,839

4,400

2,146

296

8,609

6,546

903 Selling and marketing

expenses 6,196

8,758

6,384

881

12,668

15,142

2,088 Research and development

expenses 14,294

21,205

14,941

2,060

30,064

36,146

4,985 General and administrative

expenses 17,108

21,555

28,976

3,996

235,163

50,531

6,968

ZHIHU INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (All amounts in thousands)



As of December 31, 2022

As of June 30, 2023

RMB

RMB

US$ ASSETS









Current assets:









Cash and cash equivalents 4,525,852

4,033,624

556,262 Term deposits 948,390

1,068,551

147,360 Short-term investments 787,259

1,056,376

145,681 Trade receivables 834,251

751,276

103,606 Amounts due from related parties 24,798

9,833

1,356 Prepayments and other current assets 199,249

239,671

33,052 Total current assets 7,319,799

7,159,331

987,317 Non-current assets:









Property and equipment, net 7,290

9,410

1,298 Intangible assets, net 80,237

131,688

18,161 Goodwill 126,344

191,077

26,351 Long-term investments -

30,000

4,137 Right-of-use assets 100,119

82,138

11,327 Other non-current assets 22,450

29,946

4,130 Total non-current assets 336,440

474,259

65,404 Total assets 7,656,239

7,633,590

1,052,721 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY









Current liabilities









Accounts payables and accrued liabilities 916,112

1,136,723

156,761 Salary and welfare payables 283,546

239,535

33,033 Taxes payables 25,975

29,028

4,003 Contract liabilities 355,626

378,279

52,167 Amounts due to related parties 24,861

16,580

2,286 Short term lease liabilities 53,190

61,024

8,416 Other current liabilities 165,531

229,399

31,636 Total current liabilities 1,824,841

2,090,568

288,302 Non-current liabilities









Long term lease liabilities 43,367

19,759

2,725 Deferred tax liabilities 11,630

24,711

3,408 Other non-current liabilities 82,133

153,084

21,111 Total non-current liabilities 137,130

197,554

27,244 Total liabilities 1,961,971

2,288,122

315,546











Total Zhihu Inc.'s shareholders' equity 5,653,696

5,271,380

726,958 Noncontrolling interests 40,572

74,088

10,217 Total shareholders' equity 5,694,268

5,345,468

737,175











Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 7,656,239

7,633,590

1,052,721

ZHIHU INC. UNAUDITED RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (All amounts in thousands)



For the Three Months Ended

For the Six Months Ended

June 30, 2022

March 31, 2023

June 30, 2023

June 30, 2022

June 30, 2023

RMB

RMB

RMB

US$

RMB

RMB

US$ Loss from operations (460,652)

(216,744)

(327,220)

(45,127)

(1,108,844)

(543,964)

(75,015) Add:

























Share-based compensation

expenses 41,437

55,918

52,447

7,233

286,504

108,365

14,944 Amortization of intangible assets

resulting from business

acquisition 2,400

3,490

5,365

740

4,800

8,855

1,221 Adjusted loss from operations (416,815)

(157,336)

(269,408)

(37,154)

(817,540)

(426,744)

(58,850)























































Net loss (487,021)

(178,972)

(279,066)

(38,486)

(1,101,304)

(458,038)

(63,164) Add:

























Share-based compensation

expenses 41,437

55,918

52,447

7,233

286,504

108,365

14,944 Amortization of intangible

assets resulting from

business acquisition 2,400

3,490

5,365

740

4,800

8,855

1,221 Tax effects on non-GAAP

adjustments (600)

(600)

(1,069)

(147)

(1,200)

(1,669)

(230) Adjusted net loss (443,784)

(120,164)

(222,323)

(30,660)

(811,200)

(342,487)

(47,229)





























SOURCE Zhihu Inc.
The number of Were Hiring signs outside of local establishments should act as a catalyst for allowing swift work permits for tens of thousands of migrants in New York City and the roughly 530 asylum-seekers now being housed in Cheektowaga hotels.

State Attorney General Letitia James has made a request to the federal government, which should be expedited and approved.

There is absolutely no reason to deny the request, other than adherence to burdensome bureaucratic regulations. Cut through the red tape and allow people who struggled under severe duress to escape to America the opportunity to contribute.

It just so happens that because of the severe overflow of at least 90,000 migrants in New York City since spring of 2022, Mayor Eric Adams decided to send them outside the boroughs. Some landed in Western New York.

Despite the naysayers who do not want migrants in their backyard  an unconscionable criticism from those whose own ancestors traveled to this nation for a better life for themselves and their families  the migrants are here. And they should be allowed to contribute, sooner than later.

James sent a letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas last week requesting as much. She joined other state politicians who want the Department of Homeland Security to grant work authorization permits to migrants able to work.

Newly arrived migrants who are in the immigration process are allowed to work but they must wait until receiving a work permit, which can take as long as 10 months. Businesses  retail, transportation and health care  that might train and employ migrants do not have nearly a year. The Help Wanted signs and QR codes asking people to scan and fill out an application scream urgency. These are immediate openings that need filling by hardworking and eager applicants. Low unemployment creating a tight labor market throughout the region produces a scarcity of candidates.

Migrants with nothing to occupy themselves might jump at the chance to be productive.

James is not alone. Rep. Brian Higgins, D-Buffalo, and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz have made the case that by allowing migrants to work legally, they will be able to support themselves  and need less help from the government.

The statement from the AGs Office summed it best in explaining that expediting work permits for these migrants will help meet demand and reduce the likelihood that workers will be subject to depressed wages, poor working conditions, or other violations of their rights.

Giving these migrants the chance to work and contribute to the economy, as opposed to waiting for bureaucratic red tape to unfurl, just makes common sense.

Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing.
File this under Life isnt fair. Forty-four asylum-seekers, including 12 children, were evicted Monday from their temporary homes in dormitories at SUNY Buffalo State, the apparent victims of the bad actions of others and public fear. Even with no obvious evil intent by parents or the university, these tormented souls are paying the price.

Fortunately, all have been relocated to other housing, but the original hope was that these people, mostly from African countries, could stay in the under-used dorms until February. Any prospect of that came to a screeching halt after two people in a different group of migrants  housed in Cheektowaga  were accused of violent sexual assaults.

Those alleged crimes have created repeated aftershocks, allowing critics to apply a broad brush to all the migrants as well as political opponents. They caused parents of students at Buffalo State to worry about the safety of their children, even though the migrants have been living in those dorms without incident. Its not an unnatural concern, even if mistaken in this case, and although interim university President Bonita R. Durand didnt say so, it appears to be the factor that prompted her to withdraw her permission for the migrants to remain. Even in a country of immigrants, fear of the other is a powerful force. She said the university was supporting the work of finding new housing for those who were evicted.

Its a shame, but now they have been moved. Most of them are families, including 12 children, and will stay at an undisclosed hotel, though not the same ones as the Cheektowaga asylum-seekers. In addition, eight single men were moved to a church rectory. Because they have already been here for several months, many should soon be eligible to work.

Its not the first time in American history that immigrants have been treated shabbily, and it wont be the last. Tribalism is alive and well, here and around the world. It would be better if everyone could honor the humanity and remarkable bravery of these people but, sadly, thats not where we are.

Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing.
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
Syrian refugees are seen near the east of Jordan border. Image Source: IANS News

Amman, Aug 23 : Jordan has stressed the need for the international community to take practical and immediate steps to create necessary circumstances for the voluntary return of Syrian refugees.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi made the remarks at a meeting with UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi in Amman, where he called on relevant UN agencies to take such steps, the Jordanian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday in a statement.

The future of Syrian refugees is in their own country, not in Jordan, said Safadi, adding that offering decent living conditions for them is indispensable, Xinhua news agency reported.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the outcomes of the recent talks held by the kingdom and UNHCR with the Syrian government on offering required guarantees and establishing essential infrastructure for the refugees' return.

Safadi and Grandi also talked about the "dangerous repercussions" of the decline in international support for the Syrian refugees and their host countries to continue to provide living, medical and educational services to the refugees.

Safadi said that Jordan has exceeded its ability to host Syrian refugees, and would not be able to maintain the level of services without international support.

Grandi praised Jordan's significant humanitarian role in hosting refugees and providing them with a decent living.

They also discussed the preparation for the 2023 Global Refugee Forum which will be hosted by Switzerland and UNHCR in Geneva in December.

On Tuesday, King Abdullah II of Jordan met with Grandi in Amman to discuss the need for the international community to shoulder its responsibilities toward host countries of refugees, said a royal court statement.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested one Nitin Bhatnagar said to be one of the key accused in connection with the Agusta Westland VVIP Chopper scam, an official said.

Bhatnagar is reportedly a private banker and founder of Ellington Properties. He has been accused of doing hawala transactions for the co-accused.

Though the ED didn't comment on the matter but the sources said that he was trying to flee abroad when they arrested him from the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The ED has got his 10-day custodial remand and now he will be confronted with the records, evidences etc.

Bhatnagar is said to be having connection with Ratul Puri and Rajiv Saxena.

On Tuesday, ED produced him before a special PMLA court. During the course of arguments, it was argued by the ED that his custodial interrogation is required for the purpose of proper investigation of the case.

The ED said that the accused had to be confronted with bulky documents and records.

Counsel appearing for the accused opposed the ED, saying that nothing was required to be inquired from his client as his client was already examined in detail by the the ED on a number of occasions.

"In the narration of the application in hand, it appears that in 2012, a bank account in the name of Pristine River Investments Ltd., was opened with Bank of Singapore and the Nitin Bhatnagar facilitated the same being the Relationship Manager. The said company was owned by the Savannah Trust of which Ratul Puri (one of the co-accused) was the settler while John Docherty and Milan Morjaria were the protectors. Therein were received from M/s UHY Saxena, M/s Mercon Como & M/s Midas Metals which were managed and controlled by Rajiv Saxena (one of the co-accused)," said the order copy accessed by IANS.

It further read that those amounts have been told to be alleged proceeds of crime in the hands of co-accused Rajiv Saxena.

It is further revealed by way of the application in hand that the bank account in the name of Pristine River Investments Ltd., has been used for the layering of proceeds of crime and this Bhatnagar knowingly assisted in doing so for the main accused Ratul Puri.

"The application further deciphers certain transactions in US Dollars etc effected during the year 2014 onwards which are allegedly the sham transactions reflected in the bank account of the aforesaid company. The averments are also there to the effect that Bhatnagar has also been instrumental in doing certain other acts which do have a bearing in connection with the present case," read the order.

ED was then granted ten days custody of Bhatnagar by the special PMLA court.

The ED will now confront him with the digital devices, documents and other records connected to the case.

(Atul Krishan can be contacted at atul.k@ians.in)
I believe that the majority of Americans are compassionate and generous people. One can tell by the huge turnouts at numerous fundraising events and the vast number of donations for many GoFundMe pages. We care about accident victims, people who have lost everything in fires, police and firefighters who have been killed in the line of duty, cancer patients, school children, people with various diseases, stray and abused animals and the list goes on and on. However, I feel the migrant situation is totally out of control. Why are migrants placed in communities where people are already paying high taxes? Wasn't the City of Buffalo considered one of the poorest cities in the country?

Most of our ancestors waited to come here, had jobs lined up, stayed with relatives not in "all-inclusive" hotel situations. We have many people in this country who are citizens, have paid their taxes and get nothing. Case in point, Maui, the poor people who have lost everything got a measly $700 per family from the Biden administration. That is a slap in the face.

Homeless people are sleeping on the streets in major cities across this country. Veterans aren't being taken care of the way they should be, senior citizens live month to month. This migrant situation must be dealt with at the border, not when they get here and put a huge strain on our communities. That only makes sense.

Karen Gall

Cheektowaga
New York, Aug 23 : An Indian-American curator, who worked with the Worcester Art Museum, is suing the establishment for 'mocking' her brown skin tone and subjecting her to 'hostile' work environment.

Rachel Parikh filed a 64-page lawsuit in Worcester County Superior Court last month, alleging she was "mocked and ridiculed because she is a brown-skinned South Asian" Indian woman and "subjected to a hostile and offensive work environment".

Parikh resigned from her job as associate curator of the arts of Asia and the Islamic World with the Museum last fall, radio service WBUR reported.

In the civil lawsuit, Parikh detailed a slew of allegations against Director Matthias Waschek, as well as Parikh's supervisor, Claire Whitner.

The complaint said Parikh endured "racism and unwelcome and offensive behaviour" on multiple occasions, including while she worked inside the museum and attended social gatherings at Waschek's invitation, and as she sought to report the alleged incidents.

The complaint further said that Whitner, at Waschek's request, allegedly also told Parikh about a year after she was hired to "look the part" of a curator, suggesting she "zhush up" her look and "wear makeup, perhaps little earrings, a necklace, a ruffled blouse" to work.

"WAM's (Worcester Art Museum) employee handbook does not require curators to do any of the things that Ms Whitner stated she and Mr Waschek felt Dr Parikh must do," the complaint read.

Parikh said comments were also made over brunch with Waschek and his husband in November 2021 and at a dinner at the pair's home in March of 2022.

She said both men asked intrusive questions about her cultural heritage, referencing a '90s British television show that featured an Indian family.

More than once, Parikh alleges, the two white men imitated an Indian accent while discussing the show, WBUR reported.

A public relations firm shared a statement from Waschek in which he called the accounts of his and his husband's actions in the complaint "patently false" and "staggering".

An outside consultancy firm hired to probe Parikh's claims of harassment and retaliation said in its final report in July 2022 that it could not substantiate Parikh's claims with other colleagues, but found her statements "credible".

"I believe the museum did its due diligence in investigating Dr Parikh's claims. She did not bring any of these allegations to me until the day she resigned," WBUR quoted Whitner as saying.

She called her work experiences mentally exhausting and said the stress took a physical toll.

"I buried myself in my work, because I really enjoy being a curator... But the day-to-day was incredibly difficult, because I was constantly on edge.

I was just waiting for a comment to be made or something to happen," Parikh said.

Parikh quit shortly after the investigation, saying in her notice that the museum failed to uphold its own policies, according to the complaint.

"It took me back to a place where I was, you know, a kid and being bullied for being brown, basically," she told WBUR.

The complaint describes Parikh as "an expert in South Asian and Islamic art with a focus on works on paper as well as arms and armor". Her parents emigrated to the US from India in 1979, and she was born and raised in Chicago.
Mexioco City, Aug 23 : At least 16 people were killed and 36 others injured when a bus collided with a truck in Mexico's Pubela city, local media reported.

Oaxaca Attorney General's Office (FGEO) in a statement said the deceased included eight men, seven women and a girl, Mexico news daily reported.

The incident occurred early Tuesday when the bus collided head on with a truck.

The injured were rushed to the Tehuacan General Hospital and other medical centres.

The Interior Department of Puebla posted on social media that it "remains in constant communication with the Federal Roads and Bridges, as well as ministerial and state authorities in order to support the victims of this regrettable event.
Bhopal, Aug 23 : The Madhya Pradesh cabinet has approved the Maoist Surrender, Rehabilitation-cum-Relief Policy 2023 in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

According to the policy, provisions have been made to include the Maoists who voluntarily surrendered into the mainstream of society and help the families of the affected victims of the red terror.

With an objective of providing gainful employment and entrepreneurship opportunities to the surrendered Maoists, the Madhya Pradesh Naxalite Surrender, Rehabilitation-cum-Relief Policy 2023 has been approved by the state's Council of Ministers.

The policy, which received the cabinet nod on Tuesday, has been prepared keeping in view the present security situation arising in the state.

The main objective of this policy is to include those persons who voluntarily surrendered by renouncing the path of violence.

According to this policy, a compensation of Rs 1,50,000 has been reserved for the construction of a house for the rehabilitation of the surrendered Maoists, an ex-gratia of Rs 10,000 to Rs 4,50,000 for surrendering arms, Rs 50,000 for the incentive for marriage, for meeting the immediate need Rs five lakh compensation for the purchase of the immovable property or declared prize money, whichever is higher, as well as Rs 20 lakh for the purchase of immovable property.

A compensation of Rs 1,50,000 will be given for vocational training. Along with this, the benefits of Ayushman Bharat Yojana and Food Assistance Scheme will also be provided to the affected families of the Maoists who surrendered before the government.

Provisions have been made to help those affected by the Maoist violence, according to which Rs 15 lakh will be given to the victim's family in case of death of a citizen affected by violence, Rs 20 lakh to the family of the deceased security personnel and Rs four lakh in case of physical disability. In case of death of a citizen in Maoist violence, the kin of the deceased will be given a class III or IV job.

According to this policy, Rs 1,50,000 will be given in case of complete damage to immovable property in Maoist violence and a maximum of Rs 50,000 in case of partial damage.

Approval has been given by the Council of Ministers to increase the allowances given to the officers and employees of the Police department. The Cabinet has given approval to increase the rate of dearness relief payable to state government pensioners and family pensioners from July 1, 2023, (payment month is August 2023).

According to the decision, the rate of dearness relief has been made 42 per cent under the seventh pay commission and 221 per cent under the sixth pay commission. With this decision, an estimated additional expenditure of Rs 410 crore is likely to be incurred on the state government.
Kolkata, Aug 23 : Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday morning conducted raids at the residence of a Kolkata based businessman in Alipore- Belvedere road in south Kolkata.

The businessman has been identified as Gyanesh Chowdhury.

Sources said that raids were conducted related to a money laundering and fund defalcation case, involving crores of rupees.

The raids at the businessman's residence started at around 7.15 in morning and all entrances and exits of his residences have also been sealed. The raids were going-on when this report was being filed.

ED has been conducting raids at places having links with a prime accused in the cash for school job case. The raids have also been conducted at the residences of Bhadra and his son-on-law and at premises of two offices having links with Bhadra.

On Tuesday, the ED sleuths came under a scathing attack from the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the renewed activities of the agency since the beginning of the week. "They are even forcing the attendants out of the premises. Can anyone guarantee that they will not plant anything within the premises?" the Chief Minister questioned.
Gurugram, Aug 23 : Nuh administration has denied permission to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad's (VHP) Brij Mandal Jal Abhishek Yatra which was to be held on August 28.

Nuh Deputy Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata confirmed the development and told IANS that, "On Tuesday evening that the permission for VHP's Yatra was cancelled."

The administration official said that the decision to deny the permission was also based on intelligence inputs and the local peace committees, who said the situation is still tense in the district.

Hindu groups under the banner of the Sarva Hindu Samaj held a mahapanchayat at Pondri village in Palwal district on August 13 where they announced that they would resume the Braj Mandal Yatra on August 28 after it was stopped due to communal violence on July 31.

The Yatra was supposed to start from Nuh's Nalhar Mahadev Mandir, go to Ferozepur Jhirka, and later Singar in Punhana. However, still 3 km away from the Nalhar temple as riots erupted in the area.

"We know that the administration has rejected the permission but members of the organisation have said that they will go ahead with the Yatra," said a VHP leader.

Six people, including two home guards and a cleric died in the clashes that erupted in Nuh following the VHP procession.

Sources said that keeping G20 in mind, the permission was denied. The upcoming G20 meeting is to be held in Tauru from September 3.
Moscow, Aug 23 : A drone hit an under-construction building in the Moscow City financial district, Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said in the wee hours on Wednesday.

No one was hurt in the incident, the Mayor was quoted as saying by BBC.

Russian Defence Ministry in a statement said, "Three Ukrainian UAVs were on a mission to conduct a terrorist attack on Moscow. Two drones were destroyed mid-air in Moscow's Mozhaisk and Khimki districts, while the third one crashed into a building in the city's business district."

The damage to the building was minor, TASS news agency quoted emergency services as saying.

Flights were temporarily stopped to and from Moscow's airports, the ministry said.

Ukraine has not commented on the drone strike.
Canberra, Aug 23 : More than 1.7 million Australians were sexually harassed in 2021-22, a national survey has found.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Wednesday published the results of the 2021-22 Personal Safety Survey, revealing an estimated 1.7 million people -- 8.7 per cent of the population -- experienced sexual harassment in the survey period from March 2021 to May 2022.

Of those victims, 1.3 million were women and 426,800 men, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the ABS data, men were responsible for 97 per cent of all sexual harassment incidents against women, with inappropriate comments about a person's body or sex life as the most common form of harassment.

The PSS survey, the first conducted by the ABS since 2016, found 7 million Australians - more than one-third of the adult population - have experienced physical violence since turning 15.

Men were more likely to experience physical violence but only 42 per cent knew the perpetrator, compared to 87 per cent of women.

"We found that an estimated 4 million men and 3 million women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15," Will Milne, Head of Crime and Justice statistics at the ABS, said in a media release.

Both men and women were three times more likely to experience physical violence by a male perpetrator than by a female perpetrator, it said.

"In the 12 months after the assault, nearly two-thirds of women and just over a quarter of men experienced anxiety or fear for their personal safety."

The survey found that an estimated 2.2 million Australian women have experienced sexual violence -- defined as any incident involving the occurrence, attempt, or threat of sexual assault -- since the age of 15.

Women were three times more likely to experience sexual violence by a man they knew than a stranger.
London, Aug 23 : A study in more than 15,000 people has found that physical fitness is linked with a lower likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation and stroke.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting more than 40 million people worldwide. Patients with the condition have a five-fold higher risk of stroke than their peers.

"This was a large study with an objective measurement of fitness and more than 11 years of follow up. The findings indicate that keeping fit may help prevent atrial fibrillation and stroke," said study author Dr Shih-Hsien Sung of the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.

The new study, presented at ESC Congress 2023, examined whether fitness was related to the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation.

The study included 15,450 individuals without atrial fibrillation who were referred for a treadmill test between 2003 and 2012.

The average age was 55 years and 59 per cent were men.

Fitness was calculated according to the rate of energy expenditure the participants achieved, which was expressed in metabolic equivalents (METs).

The researchers analysed the associations between fitness and atrial fibrillation, stroke and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Participants were followed for new-onset atrial fibrillation, stroke, myocardial infarction and death.

During a median of 137 months, 515 participants (3.3 per cent) developed atrial fibrillation. Each one MET increase on the treadmill test was associated with an 8 per cent lower risk of atrial fibrillation, 12 per cent lower risk of stroke and 14 per cent lower risk of MACE, the findings showed.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : Filmmaker Zack Snyder has been keeping relatively secretive about the developments regarding his work on his sci-fi film 'Rebel Moon'. With a trailer of the movie released, it tells the story in two parts: the first titled 'A Child of Fire', which showcases the vastness of space using 'Blade Runner'-esque dystopia, intense action and dramatic sequences.

The movie is a passion project of the former DCEU director and looks like he is tonally shifting gears, going all out with his older 'Zack Snyder's Justice League' style for this film, except with a slightly brighter colour palette.

The trailer is layered with the visuals of a dystopian, dark futuristic nightmare as it mixes 'Star Wars' with 'Blade Runner'. A space opera of epic proportions, we have it all here, a prophesied one to end a cataclysmic war, spaceships raining lasers down on a hapless village with a bloody carnage, talking robots, a spider creature, an awesome fighter wielding glowing red laser swords, a flying pegasus-like animal and lots of slow-motion.

The official synopsis of the movie states: "When a peaceful colony on the edge of a galaxy finds itself threatened by the armies of a tyrannical ruling force, Kora (Boutella), a mysterious stranger living among the villagers, becomes their best hope for survival."

"Tasked with finding trained fighters who will unite with her in making an impossible stand against the Mother World, Kora assembles a small band of warriors  outsiders, insurgents, peasants and orphans of war from different worlds who share a common need for redemption and revenge. As the shadow of an entire Realm bears down on the unlikeliest of moons, a battle over the fate of a galaxy is waged, and in the process, a new army of heroes is formed."

'Rebel Moon' looks like the perfect treat for Zack Snyder and sci-fi fans as it has elements of everything, 'Star Wars', 'Star Trek', 'Blade Runner', a bit of DC thrown in with the elements of a graphic novel.

The cast for the film includes Sofia Boutella, Fra Ree, Charlie Hunnam, Djimon Hounsou, Ray Fisher, Anthony Hopkins, Ed Skrein, Michiel Huisman, Doona Bae, Jena Malone, Staz Nair, E. Duffy, Charlotte Maggi, Cleopatra Coleman, Cary Elwes, Corey Stoll, Sky Yang and more.

'Rebel Moon: Part 1- A Child of Fire' will release on December 22, 2023 and 'Rebel Moon Part 2: The Scargiver' will be released April 19, 2024.
SC to hear Azam Khans plea against direction to give voice sample in hate speech case. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Aug 23 : In an interim direction, the Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed operation of a direction passed by MP/MLA court in Rampur requiring senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Mohd Azam Khan to give his voice sample for determination of a 2007 hate speech case.

A bench of Justices A.S. Bopanna and Prashant Kumar Mishra issued notice on the special leave petition filed by Khan and ordered "an interim

stay on the directions issued by the trial court", which were earlier upheld by the Allahabad High Court.

On Tuesday, the Apex Court agreed to urgently list the plea after it was apprised by senior advocate Kapil Sibal that the trial judge deniedadjournment of the collection of voice sample due on August 23, despite being informed that a special leave petition is pending consideration before the

apex court.

In his petition, Khan has challenged the order passed by the Allahabad High Court which had refused to interfere with the decision of the lower court

requiring the SP leader to give his voice sample to establish if the voice recorded in the audio cassette containing hate speech belonged to him or

not.

Earlier, the trial court had also rejected his prayer for recall of the above order passed by it.

An FIR was lodged against the former legislator in 2007 at Tanda police station in Rampur for allegedly making derogatory and offensive speech

against a particular community, at the instance of an informant named Dheeraj Kumar Sheel.

Later, the MP/MLA court took cognizance upon the charge sheet submitted by the investigation agency in 2009 and simultaneously summoned Khan.

Recently, Khan was sentenced to a two-year jail term for his remarks made against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Khan was convicted in another case of hate speech in 2019 and sentenced to three years in jail by an MP-MLA magistrate court on October 17, 2022, which led to his disqualification from the Uttar Pradesh Assembly two days later.

In May this year, he was acquitted in another 2019 hate speech case for which he was convicted in October.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

THE People's Patriotic Party (PPP) has declared that it is rallying behind Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa's bid to be Zimbabwe's next president.In a statement yesterday, the party's president Zvaringeni Samuel Chasi pledged to support Chamisa in tomorrow's elections to choose the country's next president, legislators and councillors.Chamisa is facing President Emmerson Mnangagwa and eight other candidates in the presidential race."In terms of Articles 2,18 (1), 24, 27 and 42 of the PPP constitution and standing orders, we officially make a special endorsement to Chamisa of the CCC as presidential candidate for August 23 Harmonised Elections in Zimbabwe," Chasi said.The endorsement and solidarity support for the CCC is in accordance with the party's ideology and its right to exercise its free will given to every Zimbabwean citizen to initiate a revolutionary process which cannot be altered or postponed, he said."As an organisation with radical policies and approach, we sustain our counterparts, the CCC, as a fraternal liberation movement as in the preamble with Zanla and Zipra whose objective as guerrillas was to defeat the oppressive system (sic)."We have unanimously undertaken to render maximum support to the CCC from our membership drawn from our structures, wings and affiliates which include bona fide veterans of the struggle, without any form of coalition or alliance at this crucial time as opposition must stand as one voice not battle fellow opposition, but recognise that the enemy is Zanu-PF."Every vote in the ballot by the citizens counts and is their secret not to disclose such under intimidation from any militia with the intention of future threats  it's  a clarion call for each of us to play our role and consecrate (sic) our skills to this crucial struggle," he added.
ED conducting searches in premises of people linked to Senthil Balaji in Karur. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Aug 23 : Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted raids at multiple locations associated with Rohit Oraon, the son of Jharkhand Finance Minister Rameshwar Oroan, in connection with a Prevention of Money Laundering case related to an alleged liquor scam.

Oraon, a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 1972 batch, won the Lohardaga (ST) assembly seat on Congress ticket. He is heading finance, planning, and commercial tax in the Hemant Sorenas government.

The raids were currently underway, at more than 34 locations across Ranchi, Dumka, Deoghar, and Godda districts, when this report was being filed.

Oraon was also a cabinet minister in the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government.

ED has not made any official statement in this connection as of now.
Do not sleep next to your iPhones while charging, warns Apple. Image Source: IANS News

San Francisco, Aug 23 : Apple has issued a warning for people who charge their iPhones while sleeping, advising them not to sleep next to their devices while it is charging.

According to the tech giant, this habit could cause discomfort and injury.

The company also asked customers to "use common sense" to avoid situations where their skin is in direct contact with the device or a charger.

"Don't sleep on a device, power adapter, or wireless charger, or place them under a blanket, pillow, or your body, when itas connected to a power source. Keep your iPhone, the power adapter, and any wireless charger in a well-ventilated area when in use or charging," the advisory reads.

The advisory also asked users to take special care if they have a physical condition that affects their ability to detect heat against the body.

Moreover, the company asked its users to avoid using third-party chargers that may not provide the right amount of voltage safely to charge the iPhones. It also advised them to avoid using damaged cables that could be dangerous to use for charging.

In addition, Apple told users not to use the power adapter in wet locations, such as near a sink, bathtub, or shower stall, and donat connect or disconnect the power adapter with wet hands.

Meanwhile, Apple has introduced subscription analytics, more Delegated Delivery partners and Linkfire for the audio streaming service and media player application 'Apple Podcasts'.

"With subscription analytics in Apple Podcasts Connect, creators can see how listeners engage with their premium subscriptions on Apple Podcasts," the tech giant said in a blogpost.

Once a subscription is selected from the updated Analytics tab, creators can use the Overview tab to see how many listeners started a free trial, the number of paid subscriptions, the percentage of listeners who convert from a free trial to a paid subscription, and the estimated proceeds generated from their subscriptions.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : Indian-American entrepreneur M. R. Rangaswami on Wednesday said it is a proud moment for both India and its diaspora as Chandrayaan-3 mission's lander module attempts to land on the moon's surface today.

Rangaswami is the founder Indiaspora, a leading US-based non-profit, which is hosting 200 diaspora leaders from 25 countries for a G20 Forum in New Delhi from August 22 to 24.

"Today is a proud moment for India and the diaspora. I think it is 5.25 pm... we are going to switch on the live streaming of Chandrayaan-3," Rangaswami said in a video message as he kicked off a discussion on 'The Road to India@100'.

The event, which is bringing influential voices from around the world to deliberate on the diaspora's role in India's march towards 2047, is taking place in the run-up to the 18th summit of the G20 nations.

The live telecast of the much-anticipated Chandrayaan-3 event will be available on the ISRO website, its YouTube channel, Facebook, and public broadcaster DD National TV from 5:27 p.m.

People from across the country have been offering special prayers for the success of the mission, which was launched on July 14 from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

The Vikram lander will begin its descent towards the moon surface from an altitude of 25 km at a velocity of 1.68 km per second, which is nearly 6048 km per hour -- almost ten times the velocity of an airplane.

The success of the moon mission is of prime importance to India, which will become the fourth country to master the soft-landing technology on the lunar surface after the US, China and the erstwhile Soviet Union.

In addition, it will also become the first country to reach the unexplored larger south pole of the moon.

Via this mission, India will understand the lunar surface better but also its potential for human habitation in the future.
Bengaluru, Aug 23 : Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road in Bengaluru has performed a complex hand replantation surgery on 28-year-old young woman whose arm got severed while working at an ayurvedic powder manufacturing facility in Bengaluru.

Dr. Sathya Vamsi Krishna, Consultant - Hand, Upper-limb and Microvascular Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road performed the replantation surgery where bones, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and tendons were accurately identified and sutured using microsurgical techniques.

Timely presentation at the hospital and medical expertise ensured that the replantation was successful after six hour complex surgery.

The patient was amputated near the elbow, following which she was immediately rushed to Fortis Hospital. The doctors had to first fuse the bone and shorten the limb, followed by delicate reconnection of critical arteries, veins and nerves using tiny stitches.

The higher the cut on the limb, the greater the risk due to the presence of red muscles that require a continuous supply of oxygen to function properly hence the blood flow had to be restored immediately, which took two hours. The hand was then positioned correctly and stabilised with plates.

After the surgery the patient was kept under observation in the ICU for a day. The patient was discharged in a stable condition a week later. However, it might take about six more months for her to fully regain hand function with extensive physical rehabilitation.

Dr. Vamsi advising on preserving the amputated body parts said, "When a body part is severed, it is important to keep it clean, cool, and moist to prevent further damage and preserve its viability. Ideally, the severed part should be wrapped in a sterile, damp cloth or gauze, placed in a plastic bag, and kept on ice until it can be transported to a medical facility.

It is important to not directly immerse the severed part in water or ice, as this can damage the tissues and reduce the chances of successful reattachment. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible is critical in cases of accidental amputation, as time is of the essence in preserving the viability of the severed part."
Los Angeles, Aug 23 : Actress Jennifer Aniston after being caught in the whole controversy regarding Jamie Foxx's allegedly anti-Semitic social media post has now come out to call out cancel culture as an obnoxious trend, wondering if there is any end to it all.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 54-year old actress said: "I'm so over cancel culture. I probably just got canceled by saying that. I just don't understand what it means  Is there no redemption? I don't know. I don't put everybody in the Harvey Weinstein basket."

"He's not a guy, you're like, 'God, I can't wait to hang out with Harvey,'" she said. "Never. You were actually like, 'Oh, God, OK, suck it up.' I remember actually, he came to visit me on a movie to pitch me a movie. And I do remember consciously having a person stay in my trailer."

For the unversed, Harvey Weinstein is a Hollywood producer who has produced several films such as 'Malena', 'Shakespeare in Love', 'Gangs of New York' and executive producer in films such as 'Pulp Fiction' and 'The Lord Of The Rings' films. However, he is also a registered sex offender, with charges of molesting and even raping somewhere over 90 women and has been sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Cancel culture is the practice or tendency of engaging in mass canceling as a way of expressing disapproval and exerting social pressure. The trend has become very big and has been frequently criticised by many celebrities ranging from Chris Rock, Lizzo, Cate Blanchette, Elon Musk and more.

Aniston is gearing up to star in Season 3 of Apple's 'The Morning Show', which tracks the fallout of a broadcast morning news program after a male co-anchor is kicked off the show following allegations of sexual misconduct. The series explores various perspectives of the #MeToo movement that rocked Hollywood and took down Weinstein.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : Brightcom Group shares hit the lower circuit of 5 per cent after SEBI barred the company's CMD and CFO from holding directorial positions.

Brightcom Group shares are down 4.96 per cent at Rs 22.98 on BSE.

In a stock exchange filing, Brightcom Group said, aWe are writing to update you regarding the Interim Order we received from SEBI on August 22, 2023. We fully understand that news of such nature may raise concerns among our valued shareholders, and we wish to reassure the right course of action will be taken."

aUpon receipt of the order, we immediately set up a dedicated internal team to thoroughly review the details and implications. The company is evaluating potential action courses to address this situation effectively. We are in consultation with legal experts to ensure that all our responses are in the company's and its shareholders' best interest," the company said.

Brightcom Group, M. Suresh Kumar Reddy (BGLas promoter-cum CMD), Narayan Raju (CFO), were involved in round-tripping of BGLas own funds in a circular fashion to falsely portray receipt of consideration from allottees of preferential allotments and siphoning off of proceeds of preferential allotments, SEBI has said in an order.

In an order, SEBI Wholetime Member Ashwani Bhatia said Brightcomas CMD and CFO shall cease to hold the position of a director or a Key Managerial Personnel in any listed company or its subsidiaries until further orders.

BGL, shall place this order before its board of directors, within seven days from the date of receipt of the order.

M. Suresh Kumar Reddy, is hereby restrained from buying, selling or dealing in securities, either directly or indirectly, in any manner whatsoever until further orders, the SEBI order said.
Dehradun : , Aug 23 (IANS/ 101Reporters) The journey to Paonta Sahib, about 20 km from Dehradun, has turned into a distressing ordeal for commuters due to the overpowering stench emanating near Sheeshambada. For over four years, residents of Sheeshambada and its surrounding villages have endured this misery.

After the inception of Uttarakhand in 2000, Dehradun was made the temporary capital, leading to a rapid rise in population and subsequently, garbage in the city. Sixteen years later in 2016, the construction of a Rs 23.50 crore waste disposal plant near Sheeshambada village and on the banks of the Asan river was initiated to get rid of this problem. Yet, the facility near Sheeshambada emerged with a foul odour, leading to public outcry.

In 2018, under the Municipal Corporation's Solid Waste Management Scheme, the Sheeshambada Compost Plant and the Sanitary Landfill Site was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat.

The contract of the Sheeshambada Solid Waste Management Plant was given to Ramky Private Limited and a few months after its commencement, people living in its vicinity started facing the problem of foul odour. Despite repeated complaints, no solution was found. Eventually, Rajendra Gangsari, secretary, Pachhwa Doon Sangharsh Samiti, who was agitating against the plant, filed a petition in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to shift the plant.

Taking cognisance, the NGT formed a high-level committee to look into the functioning of the plant. The committee found multiple flaws in the functioning of the plant and in November 2022, the contract was handed over to the National Federation of Farmers on Procurement Processing and Retailing Cooperative India Limited (NACOF) from the current operator, Ramky Group. The Tribunal even instructed the Uttarakhand government to find a solution to waste management in the city.

The battle, however, continues as Sheeshambada grapples with pollution, proximity concerns, and operational hurdles.

Residents at the receiving end

On one side of the plant is Himgiri Ji University. According to the university, the stench is so strong that even if the doors of the classrooms are closed, it is difficult to sit comfortably.

Kushum Bhatt, a resident of Baya Khala, said, "Our house is about half a km away from this plant. We face the issue of this foul smell throughout the day. Our children complain of headaches and we are hesitant to invite anyone to our home because of the stench."

Bhatt rued that eagles and crows kept hovering over the garbage in the plant and would pick some of it along with dirt and pollute the nearby areas, including the homes in the vicinity.

Jitendra Kumar Gupta, another resident, said in April 2022, a massive fire broke out in the plant. The blaze couldn't be controlled for days and resulted in air pollution, thus leaving many people gasping for breath. Information sought by the RTI from the Selakui Fire Officer shows that from January 1, 2017, to April 18, 2023, no fire extinguishers were installed at the garbage disposal centre.

Waste plant ops challenges

Reportedly, the Sheeshambada plant can dispose of 300 tonnes of waste per day. According to the 2020-21 annual report of the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board, the plant receives garbage from the Dehradun Municipal Corporation as well as three additional urban local bodies - Mussoorie (18 tonnes), Vikas Nagar (10 tonnes) and Harbatpur (three tonnes) - daily. The inquiry committee report, however, revealed that about 450 tonnes of solid waste was received from various bodies every day.

According to the report of an inspection carried out from January 2018 to September 30, 2022, a total of 5.81 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of urban solid waste has been brought for processing, of which 2.88 LMT is stored in the sanitary landfill and has not been segregated.

Wet and dry waste is brought to the plant without separating it, resulting in it not being completely segregated.

According to the Solid Waste Rules-2016, it is the responsibility of the waste generator to separate the biodegradable and inorganic waste generated at the plant and give it to the collector. Due to the improper disposal of the effluents coming out of the garbage dump, it was found seeping from the wall of the plant. This increases the possibility of water pollution in the Asan river due to its close proximity to the plant.

Dr Avinash Khanna, Chief Municipal Health Officer at Municipal Corporation Dehradun, tells 101Reporters that Ramky's main focus was on waste to energy, due to which the pile of Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) in the plant was continuously increasing. But the new company NACOF has installed a new machine which can dispose of RDF every day. The work of the new company is much better, but because most of the garbage in Dehradun is mixed, there is a lot of problem in the disposal of garbage in the plant. So we are trying to separate the dry and wet garbage directly at the homes.

Dr Khanna further says that work is happening in parallel to move the garbage disposal plant from Shishambada. "We have identified a piece of land belonging to the forest department and further work is being done for the same. Along with this, our talks with IIT Roorkee have been concluded to get rid of the pile of garbage in the Sheeshambada plant and soon the DPR will be ready and further action will also be taken soon."

Inappropriate location

In December 2012, in the meeting of the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) regarding the construction of the Shishambada Garbage Disposal Centre, it was proposed that the plant is quite close to the Asan river, so another place should be found for it. However, on April 6, 2013, the project proponent said the plant was 400 m away from the river, so it does not fall in a floodplain. The project proponent also placed this point before the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee (SCMC). To this, the SCMC said the geographical location of Dehradun was such that all places were the catchment areas of one or the other water source and it was difficult to find alternative areas.

But once again the committee of the EAC's Regional Office, Lucknow, investigated and found that the project is surrounded by a university, officers' colony, residential areas and a river, and the project proponent cited the SCMC order.

In September 2014, the ECA granted permission to the project with certain conditions and recommendations, including fulfilment of the environmental impact assessment conditions.

Talking to 101Reporters, Pachhwa Doon Sangharsh Samiti secretary Gangsari said the Shishambada Waste Disposal Centre was not built on the river banks, but on the riverbed itself. "We have been opposing the plant ever since its construction started in 2016. The area residents protested and also laid siege to the plant," he said, adding that in April 2022, when this plant caught fire and there was a demonstration, following which Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered the District Magistrate to find new land for the plant.

Need to opt for compact plants

Bijay Bhatt of Doon Science Forum said Dehradun was such a city that it was not possible to accurately measure the amount of garbage generated daily because a large quantity also depends on tourists. "One can't tell when the number will increase. So, instead of disposing of the garbage generated in Dehradun city in only one place, small garbage disposal centres should be made in each ward. This will be helpful as even if the garbage increases, the burden on all centres will rise only marginally," Bhatt said, adding that they were also facing the problem of garbage segregation in Dehradun.

Notably, a study conducted by activists Anita Joshi and Neeraj Joshi on Nathuvawala Sanitation Park, established by the Municipal Corporation and the Feedback Foundation, in Ward No. 100 of Dehradun found that carrying out waste segregation at small levels was effective. The study revealed that around 2 to 2.5 tonnes of garbage is daily generated in this part of the ward, having a population of about 20,000. This waste is being disposed of in a scientific manner as per the Solid Waste Rules-2016.

However, the Nathuwala Swachhata Park in Dehradun presents a contrasting picture. The distinction arises from a prior waste separation system that has been successfully implemented. Thanks to the efforts of the Feedback Foundation, residents have been sensitised to their role in managing household waste effectively, encouraging the separate disposal of wet and dry waste. This concerted endeavour has not only simplified the tasks of park personnel but has also resulted in an entirely hassle-free park environment. Notably, the absence of waste accumulation speaks volumes about the effectiveness of this initiative.

(Satyam Kumar is a Uttarakhand-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters)
Chandrayaan-3 getting closer to moon for landing, ISRO gears up for Sun. Image Source: IANS News

Chennai, Aug 23 : Seeking Moon God's blessings for safe soft landing of India's moon lander on his planet, a special puja was conducted at the Chandranaar Temple, in Thingalur near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, said a devotee.

Confident of safe landing of the moon lander, a special puja has been organised for Thursday at the temple as thanks giving, he added.

"Praying for the successful moon landing of India's moon lander on Wednesday evening, a special puja was held in the morning. About 50 devotees were present," said D.Govindharaju, Deputy General Secretary, Desia Thirukovilgal Koottamaippu (National Temples Federation), told IANS.

The Chandranaar Temple is one of the Navagraha temples, all located near Kumbakonam, and devotees pray at these temples to get rid of negative planetary influence on them.

"A thanks giving puja will be held tomorrow morning for the Moon God for the mission's success. We will also distribute sweets to the people," Easanasivam, Thanjavur District Organiser, Hindu Munnani told IANS.

The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft was put into orbit on July 14 in a copybook style by India's heavy lift rocket LVM3.

The primary purpose of this mission is to soft land the lander on the moon and the rover to do some experiments on the moon soil.

The Wednesday puja was the fourth one organised for the success of Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) moon mission.

A special puja was also organised for the success of Chandrayaan-1 before the rocket lifted off in 2008, V. Kannan, Retired Manager at the Sri Kailasanathar Temple or Chandranaar Temple had told IANS.

Interestingly, prior to the second moon mission  Chandrayaan-2- special prayers were not arranged. The launch originally slated for July 15, 2019 got postponed due to technical glitch.

According to Kannan, the glitch it was thought may be due to the non-offering of the prayers to the Moon God. Hence, prior to the Chandrayaan-2 launch on July 22, special prayers, 'Abhishekam' and 'Annadhanam' were conducted.

Kannan said the special prayers were their contribution for India going forward in its scientific programme.

Around 500 devotees come to the Chandranaar Temple daily and on Mondays the number goes up to 5,000, he added.

The nine Navagraha temples are: Suryanaar (Sun), Chandranaar (Moon), Angaragan (Mars), Budhan (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Sukran (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu and Ketu.

(Venkatachari Jagannathan can be reached at v.jagannathan@ians.in)
Bhopal, Aug 23 : An on-duty policeman was injured after a group of people assaulted him with sticks in this capital city of Madhya Pradesh, sources said here on Wednesday.

A video of the incident, which took place late on Tuesday evening, has gone viral on social media.

The sources said that a police team (100 Dial) received a complaint regarding a ruckus in the Ayodhya Nagar area of the city. Upon receiving information, a police team rushed to the spot and found a wine shop opened at midnight.

On enquiring, they learnt that the policeman, identified as SI Kalyan Singh, had asked the wine shop staff to down the shutter. However, a group of people standing got agitated at this and thrashed up the cop.

In the viral video, the cop is seen trying to protect himself from the attack.

Later, SI Kalyan Singh lodged a complaint regarding the matter and a search operation was launched to nab the accused persons involved in the matter.
Patna, Aug 23 : After battling for 22 days for his life at AIIMS Delhi, Nilesh Mukhiya who was shot-at near Patna Kurji More succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.

Nilesh Yadav alias Nilesh Mukhia (40) is husband of BJP councilor Suchita Singh, who is a ward councilor from ward number 22 in Kurji locality. He had received murder threat in the past and applied for the arms license.

Nilesh Mukhiya was on way to his office in a car when he was shot at by four bike-borne assailants at gate number 66 of Kurji Mor on July 31. He was immediately rushed to Kurji Holy Family Hospital and after the preliminary treatment he was shifted to a private hospital in Patliputra Colony.

Nilesh Mukhiya had sustained seven gunshot injuries including five in neck, one on jaw and another on his leg. Patna Police, following the broad daylight attack, had faced huge criticism for failing to intact the law and order situation of the city.

The doctors of Patliputra Colonyas hospital had removed seven bullets from his body. As his health was not improving, his family members decided to take him to AIIMS Delhi for better treatment.

He was airlifted on August 7.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

VETERANS of Zimbabwe's war of liberation should not be used by political parties to engage in violence during this year's electoral season, the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (Zipra) has said.Zipra was the military wing of the Zimbabwe African People's Union (Zapu) during Zimbabwe's 1970s war for independence.In an interview, the Zipra Veterans Association secretary-general, Petros Sibanda, reminded all war veterans of their duty to ensure peace during the election period."Liberation struggle forces should never be owned or even get arm-twisted or taken advantage of by any political party or formation," said Sibanda. "Veterans of the struggle should be consultants as the foundations of a true people's State for all."All war veterans must stand firm against State impunity, they must say no to political and structural violence."The war veterans also appealed to all former freedom fighters to uphold the principles and founding values of the liberation struggle as enshrined in the preamble of the Constitution."War veterans, freedom fighters, Zipra and Zanla (Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army), are defenders of the liberation legacy. Veterans of the liberation struggle let us unite and protect the people's revolutionary gains and founding values," Sibanda added.Zipra spokesperson Buster Magwizi also warned war veterans against being used by political parties to perpetrate violence."This is a warning to the war veterans themselves. The wayward war veterans who are being abused by politicians who are corrupt and want to amass wealth must desist from harming communities, the world is watching," he said.Pointing out that no one must be coerced into voting for a party that they do not like and also encouraging citizens to vote for the right people, Magwizi said: "Those who have blood on their hands, those who have killed, those who have maimed, should not be voted into power. We don't want to be ruled, we want to be led."
New Delhi, Aug 23 : Low-cost airline SpiceJet and its Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Ajay Singh before the Delhi High Court have challenged a single-judge order upholding, in favour of Sun Group Chairman Kalanithi Maran and Kal Airways, an arbitral award passed by the tribunal comprising three retired Supreme Court judges.

The matter was listed before a division bench of Justices Yashwant Varma and Dharmesh Sharma on Monday but has been deferred to September 15.

On July 31, Justice Chandra Dhari Singh had pronounced the verdict in a section 34 petition filed by the parties in connection with the above-mentioned arbitral award dated July 20, 2018, wherein the decree holders -- Kal Airways and Kalanithi Maran -- were awarded a refund of Rs 308 crore towards the warrants, as well as a refund of Rs 270 crore towards Cumulative Redeemable Preference Shares (CRPS).

Additionally, they were also awarded an interest of 12 per cent towards pendente lite and an interest of 18 per cent from the last due date, in case the payments directed to be made by SpiceJet and its Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Ajay Singh are not completed within two months from the date of the award.

SpiceJet Singh had challenged the arbitral award by filing a Section 34 petition, seeking to set aside the refund of Rs 270 crore granted to Kal Airways and Maran.

Furthermore, they requested the waiver of 12 per cent interest towards warrants and the setting aside of the 18 per cent interest granted under the award for both warrants and CRPS.

On the other hand, Kal Airways and Maran also filed a Section 34 petition, seeking the setting aside of the award to the extent no interest was granted in the amount of Rs 270 crore. They also claimed damages for non-issuance of warrants and CRPS.

The high court had dismissed the Section 34 petitions filed by the parties. After careful consideration and hearing all arguments, the judge found no valid reason to interfere with the arbitral award.

On July 24, the high court issued notice to SpiceJet Ltd and Singh in Kal Airways and Maranas application seeking an urgent hearing of its enforcement petition in a case where the former is to pay approximately Rs 390 crore to it towards its interest liability under the arbitral award.

Allowing the application, a bench of Justice Yogesh Khanna had directed SpiceJet and its CMD to file an affidavit disclosing all their assets before the next date of hearing, September 5, and also mandated the physical presence of Singh before it.

The Supreme Court had, on February 13, directed SpiceJet to pay Rs 75 crore to decree holder (Kal Airways and Maran) within a period of three months towards its interest liability under the arbitral award, and had also clarified that in the event of failure to pay, the entire award would become executable in entirety in favour of decree holder.

On the applications seeking further time extension that were moved by SpiceJet for two more months as the three months time period had expired on May 13, and it failed in honouring the top courtas order, senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the decree holder, informed the court that the apex court order of February 13 has been now reaffirmed by another order dated July 7, whereby the time applications of SpiceJet are also dismissed.

The apex court, while dismissing the same, observed that SpiceJet's application is nothing but a delay tactic to not pay money even when there are court orders directing the same.

Singh told the high court that SpiceJet is not honouring the orders passed by any of the courts, and has earlier too failed to comply with the order passed by this court dated November 4, 2020, directing the airlines to file its affidavit of disclosure of its assets. It was also reaffirmed by an order dated May 29 by this court and the same is not filed to date, he apprised the court.

He submitted before Justice Khannaas bench that Order XXI Rule 41 (iii) of the Code of Civil Procedure clearly provides that the court may, for a period not exceeding three months, pass an order of arrest of the Judgement Debtor for not complying with the order to file an affidavit of assets.

Following the top courtas order dated February 13, the high court had on May 29, directed SpiceJet and Ajay Singh to pay the entire executable amount under the award to the decree holder.

--IANS

spr/dan
Johannesburg : PM Modi and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa during a meeting. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Aug 23 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held bilateral discussions with South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, where they discussed matters related to trade, defence and investment.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.

"Had an excellent meeting with President @CyrilRamaphosa. We discussed a wide range of issues aimed at deepening India-South Africa relations," Modi posted on X , formerly called Twitter, after meeting Ramaphosa.

"Trade, defence and investment linkages featured prominently in our discussions. We will keep working together to strengthen the voice of the

Global South as well," he said further.

The prime minister is in South Africa to participate in the BRICS summit, which commenced today.
Guwahati, Aug 23 : The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) will open an off-campus facility in Guwahati.

The Ministry of Home Affairs published a notice of this in the Gazette of India.

On platform 'X' (formerly known as Twitter), Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the same.

Taking to Twitter, Sarma wrote: "Deeply thankful to Prime Minister and Home Minister for officially giving a National Forensic Sciences University campus in Guwahati. A significant step towards modernising criminal investigation in our region."

Earlier this year, the Assam government gave the go-ahead for the establishment of the National Forensic Sciences University in Guwahati.

According to state minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, the university will initially be based on the campus of the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
New Delhi, Aug 23 : The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) on Wednesday dismissed the appeal by Cloudtail India Pvt Ltd against an order passed by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA).

CCPA had passed an order against Cloudtail for selling domestic pressure cookers to consumers in violation of mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms.

Directions had been passed by CCPA to recall and reimburse the prices of 1,033 such pressure cookers sold to consumers and submit a compliance report in 45 days

Cloudtail was also directed to pay penalty of Rs 1,00,000 for sale of pressure cookers in violation of Quality Control Order (QCO) and violating

the rights of consumers.

Cloudtail India Pvt. Ltd. is the seller of pressure cooker namely "Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Outer Lid Pressure Cooker, 4 L (does not give

pressure alert by whistle)".

The pressure cooker was being offered for sale to consumers on Amazon e-commerce platform, official sources said.

As per the QCO, which came into force on February 1, 2021, domestic pressure cookers are mandated to conform to Indian Standard (IS) 2347: 2017 and bear the standard mark under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as per Scheme-I of Schedule II of Bureau of Indian Standard (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

Pertinently, domestic pressure cookers are among the most commonly used everyday items in households, and are present in the immediate vicinity of family members.

Therefore, a domestic pressure cooker, which violates the mandatory requirements of the QCO can prove to be extremely fatal and dangerous for

the life and safety of consumers and public at large.

In the present case, Cloudtail was observed to be selling domestic pressure cookers to consumers without conforming to the prescribed mandatory

standards and without the standard (ISI) mark under the license from the BIS.

The non-certified pressure cooker was being sold by Cloudtail to consumers in India even after the QCO came into force, sources informed.

Cloudtail had submitted in its reply to CCPA that after the QCO came into force, it had suspended the import of the pressure cookers.

It was observed by CCPA that though import was suspended, the company had not stopped the sale of such pressure cookers to consumers.

In fact, this submission evidently indicated that despite being aware of the QCO, the company was still selling such pressure cookers to consumers

at large, they said.

The order passed by CCPA was challenged by Cloudtail in its appeal before the NCDRC.

The appeal was dismissed by the NCDRC on Wednesday.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : Intensive preparations are underway for the G20 summit slated to take place in Delhi on September 9-10 with Delhi Traffic Police holding a mock rehearsal on Wednesday.

The trial encompassed areas surrounding key hotels expected to house summit delegates, extending from Pragati Maidan.

The team from the Delhi Traffic Police meticulously assessed security protocols and vehicular flow along the Pragati Maidan route.

"Due to carcade rehearsal and special traffic arrangements, some congestion is expected on Salimgarh Bypass, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Bhairon Marg, Mathura Road, C-Hexagon, Sardar Patel Marg and Gurgaon RoadCommuters are advised to plan their journey accordingly," Delhi Traffic Police wrote on X.

A senior official said that since many delegates are staying in nearby hotels like The Taj Palace, Ashoka Hotel, The Leela Palace, ITC Maurya, Hotel Shangri-La, Hotel Lalit, Hotel Meridian, and Imperial Hotel, there's extra attention on the areas around these hotels.

"We have formulated a comprehensive plan, and the detailed traffic arrangements will be shared shortly. Essential services including railways and airport operations will remain unaffected. Bus services along the ring road will remain operational, while railway services will continue on September 10, with a possible temporary halt.

"TSR (auto-rickshaw) and taxi regulations will be in place in the New Delhi district. Dedicated corridors will be established for ambulances, with 20 junctions identified as high-traffic ambulance zones. Special motorcycles will be deployed to facilitate ambulance passage," said Surendra Singh Yadav, the Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic).
New Delhi, Aug 23 : During hearing on pleas pertaining to Article 370, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Wednesday submitted before the Constitution Bench that the Union government has absolutely no intention to interfere with the special provisions of the Constitution applicable to north-east states or any other part of the country.

"We must understand the difference between temporary provision, which is Article 370, and special provisions with regards to other states, including the north-east. The Central government has no intention to touch any part (of the Constitution) which gives special provisions to the North East and other regions," he said, in response to an intervention application filed in pleas challenging the stripping down of the special status granted to Jammu & Kashmir.

Advocate Manish Tewari, appearing for an intervenor- a former minister from Arunachal Pradesh, argued that interpretation which will be given by the Constitution Bench on Article 370 would have impact on other special provisions like Article 371, the six sub-parts which apply to North East under Part XXI of the Constitution and the VI schedule which applies to Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram.

"The underlying principle of autonomy under Article 370 and Article 371 is more or less the same. So therefore, what your lordships will hold in this matter, either way, will have implications on Article 371," he contended.

He added: "Even a slight apprehension in the periphery of India can have serious implications. Your lordships are currently dealing with one such situation in Manipur."

SG Tushar Mehta interjected and said that the Union government has no intention to take away any part which gives special provisions to North East and other regions. He said that "there is no need to create apprehension. I'm putting that apprehension at rest on behalf of the Centre."

At this, CJI DY Chandrachud also said: "Why should we deal with anything in anticipation or apprehension? We are dealing with a specific provision, namely, Art 370." He also said that SG has made a statement to the court that the government has no such intention to take away other special provisions of the Constitution.

Advocate Tewari defended his submission and stated that he "was not referring to the current central government" but "was referring to the principle (of federalism), at state."

"I'm not trying to equate temporary, which has been argued as permanent (in reference to Article 370) with special provisions but the underlying principle of autonomy, which runs through 370 and 371 is the same," Tewari said.

The Constitution Bench said that it will not not focus on North East like this and told the intervenor that its apprehensions are allayed by the statements made on behalf of the Central government. "You have nothing to say on Article 370. So why should we hear? We will close your IA by taking the submission of Solicitor General on the record," it told the intervenors.

The Supreme Court disposed of the Intervention Application in view of the stand taken by the Centre saying that there is no commonality of interest in the IA (Intervention Application) and the reference being heard by the Constitution Bench.

Manish Tewari, who is a practising advocate of the Supreme Court, is also a Congress MP from Punjab and a former Union Minister.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed grief on the under-construction railway bridge collapse in Mizoram, which claimed 17 lives on Wednesday.

"Deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Mizoram, where an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in Sairang. My heart goes out

to the families affected by the tragedy; I pray for them. Let's stand united in these difficult times," Kejriwal posted on X.

The incident occurred in Sairang area of the Aizawl district in Mizoram. Rescue efforts are currently underway to save potential survivors who might be trapped beneath the debris.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : A Delhi court on Wednesday extended judicial custody of suspended Delhi government official Premoday Khakha, who is accused of allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl multiple times, and his wife, who reportedly gave her medicine to terminate her pregnancy, by 14 days.

On expiry of their one-day judicial custody, the accused were produced before Additional Sessions Judge (POCSO) Richa Parihar of Tis Hazari Courts.

Both Khakha and his wife Seema Rani were produced separately before Duty Metropolitan Magistrate Katyayini Sharma Kandwal, who sent them to one-day juducial custody on Tuesday.

On Monday, the Delhi Police had arrested 51-year-old Khakha, who has been suspended as deputy director in the Women and Child Development department of Delhi government, and his wife after questioning them for several hours at their residence. The move came after the victim recorded her statement before a magistrate at a city hospital.

The couple is a resident of Shakti Enclave in the Burari area. The accused allegedly raped the victim repeatedly between 2020 and 2021. A police source said the accused kept on raping the minor daughter of his friend for months, during which his wife also allegedly assisted him.

"As his wife also aided him in the act and did not report the matter to the police, we have added Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) in the FIR against his wife," said the police source.

"The most shocking part is that when the victim got pregnant, she was threatened with dire consequences by the accused. When the accused narrated the matter to his wife, instead of helping the victim, the woman sent her son to buy abortion pills, which she gave to the victim," the source said.

A case has been registered under the relevant sections of the POCSO Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against the accused, the police said.

The victim, who is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital, had met the accused at a church. Later, after befriending the girl, the accused took her to his house on the pretext of helping her. In 2020, the father of the victim passed away, after which she went into depression.
New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah at the launch of the transfer of funds to the genuine depositors. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Aug 23 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday mourned loss of lives in Mizoram's under-construction railway bridge collapse.

"Anguished by the tragic accident in Mizoram. I have spoken to the Governor and CM Mizoram and assured all possible assistance. The NDRF and local administration are on-site, conducting rescue operations. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured," Amit Shah posted on his X handle.

Earlier, even Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs 50,000 would be given to the injured.

An under-construction railway bridge collapsed in Mizoram killing at least 17 people and injuring several

others.
Bengaluru, Aug 23 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K Shivakumar on Wednesday said that the Karnataka state is facing a 40 per cent distress situation in the current year and urged the opposition parties to sideline politics to protect the interests of the state.

Speaking at the all-party meeting to discuss the issues of Cauvery, Mahadayi and Mekedatu projects, Shivakumar reiterated that when it comes to irrigation, politics should not be carried out.

"There is no compromise on protecting the interests of the state. The government will continue legal battle and all leaders should cooperate and come together to safeguard the interests of the state unitedly," he said.

Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty explained that due to the failure of South West Monsoon in the Cauvery basin of Karnataka and Kerala, the 2023-24 has turned out to be a year of crisis.

He said that the Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee has noted the shortage of rainfall till June. On August 10, it directed the release of 15,000 cusecs of water from the Cauvery River. After the state registered its protest the quantity of water has been reduced to 10,000 cusecs.

He said that the Tamil Nadu is not happy with the development and has appealed Supreme Court for the release of water. The matter is coming before the bench headed by three judges.

The statement from the office of Shivakumar maintained that former chief ministers B.S. Yediyurappa, D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Veerappa Moily, MP's Sumalatha Ambareesh, Jaggesh, Hanumantaiah, Muniswamy, G.M. Siddeshwara and MLA Darshan Puttanaiah and others who spoke on the matter extended their support for the legal battle over Cauvery issue.

Former Chief Ministers Basavaraj Bommai, H.D. Kumaraswamy, Jagadish Shettar, and D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Minister for Law H.K. Patil, Minister for Agriculture N. Cheluvarayaswamy, Minister for Home G. Parameshwara, Minister for Energy K.J. George, and Minister for Revenue Krishna Bhyregowda, MLAs and MPs from all parties, Chief Secretary Vandita Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary for the Chief Minister Rajanesh Goyel, Additional Chief Secretary for Water Resources Department Rakesh Singh, senior advocate Mohan Kataraki, legal experts and senior officers were also present at the meeting.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

DETHRONED Ntabazinduna traditional leader Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni has challenged voters, particularly those who support opposition parties, to vote, guard and protect their votes at polling stations until results are announced to prevent rigging.Ndiweni, who was removed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government in 2019 before he went into self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom, believes the ruling Zanu-PF party rigged the 2018 elections to defeat then MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa.Chamisa lost to Mnangagwa in the disputed 2018 polls whose outcome had to be decided by the Constitutional Court.Ndiweni is a staunch government critic and continues to accuse it of mis-governance and massive human rights violations.In a video seen by Southern Eye, Ndiweni said time had come for Zimbabweans to decide the country's future."This year's elections are more important than all the other elections we have held. I know that most of you are tired and have lost hope in the elections, but the advice from me is go out and vote in your numbers," said Ndiweni in the video."Even after voting do not leave, stay around the polling stations to protect your vote, if you leave it alone it will disappear. Do not leave until the votes are counted and it's revealed who won at that polling station."This is the mother and the father of all elections in Zimbabwe. If you are looking for a better future, vote; if you want jobs, vote; if you are looking for a better future, vote; if you want your healthcare (system) to work, vote; but not only that, protect that vote after voting," he said.In May this year, Ndiweni predicted an exodus of Zimbabweans if Zanu-PF steals tomorrow's ballot."If the Zanu-PF government once again steals these elections, we will see about two million Zimbabweans packing their bags and going to South Africa, experts say, the biggest movement of people we have seen in the Southern African Development Community in our age. This movement will occur legally and illegally," Ndiweni said back in May.Through his pressure group, MyRight2Vote, Ndiweni has been calling for the diaspora vote to no avail.The ruling Zanu-PF through its secretary for finance Patrick Chinamasa recently said it would consider diaspora votes if targeted sanctions on Zimbabwe were removed.Ndiweni has, instead, been calling for diasporas to be allowed to unconditionally vote because citizens based outside Zimbabwe are the ones keeping the country running through remittances amounting to over US$1 billion annually.He has since submitted a petition to the United Kingdom government to escalate his concerns over the Zimbabwean government's violation of people's rights.Ndiweni said the opposition would undoubtedly win the elections this year and the Zanu-PF government would seek to retain power through the gun."I am 100% certain that the opposition will win the election this year. I am also 100% certain that the ruling Zanu-PF will try to retain power through the use of arms. These two things will happen without a shadow of doubt," he said.
Hyderabad, Aug 23 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K. Kavitha on Wednesday alleged that both BJP and Congress have no intention to pass women's reservation Bill in Parliament.

She said only legislation can increase women's representation in Parliament and state Assemblies.

Kavitha was reacting to criticism of BRS by BJP and Congress over giving tickets to only six women for the coming Telangana Assembly elections.

The BRS legislator told a news conference that both the parties were trying to draw political mileage instead of showing their sincerity to pass the

Bill in Parliament to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in the Parliament and Assemblies.

After BRS announced candidates for 115 Assembly seats, BJP and Congress slammed the party saying Kavitha had staged dharna at Jantar Mantar to demand 33 per cent reservation but her party gave tickets to only six women.

"I am happy that the parties which did not respond to dharna then are now responding. But it is unfortunate that instead of addressing the real

issue, they are trying to play a political game," she said.

She wondered why the parties were attacking her instead of asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi why he had not passed the Bill despite two full

terms.

Kavitha wanted to know what Congress has done since 2010 to pass the Bill.

She asked why Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka never spoke on the issue. Kavitha announced that she will stage a protest again at Jantar Mantar

during the winter session of Parliament in December to demand passage of the women's reservation Bill.

"I will invite Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Smriti Irani and D K Aruna to join the protest. Let us see who is sincere and who is not," she said.

Stating that only a legislation can enhance women's representation in the legislative bodies, she pointed out that 44 lakh women came into the local

bodies only after a legislation was made. She said that except BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, all states are giving 33 per cent reservation to women in

local bodies.

Kavitha, daughter of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, asked if women should confine themselves to being sarpanches and ZPTCs.

She also alleged that BJP-ruled Haryana recently passed a new law which will stop women's entry into local bodies.

She said it was unfortunate that women leaders are not coming forward on the issue and women were being used against women by all the parties to sideline the issue.

Kavitha said there was one woman minister in the Nehru cabinet and now after 70 years, there are ministers in the Modi cabinet. The women's

representation was 4.5 per cent in the first Parliament and after 70 years there was only 8 per cent increase.
Chennai, Aug 23 : They are the Indian Men in Chandrayaan--3 or the country's Moon Mission-3. They are confident of soft landing the country's moon lander on the lunar soil, a Mission Possible after the failure of Chandrayaan-2.

Incidentally, unlike the Chandrayaan-2 mission where a couple of women were in a lead role -- with Project Director M. Vanitha and Mission Director Ritu Karidhal Srivastava -- this time around it was an all male club.

In Chandrayaan-3, the Mission Director is Mohan Kumar and the Vehicle/Rocket Director is Biju C. Thomas.

"There are about 54 female engineers/scientists who worked directly in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. They are associate and deputy project directors and project managers of various systems working at different centres," a senior official of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had told IANS preferring anonymity.

Well, the Men in Chandrayaan-3 are as follows:

Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman, ISRO

Most of the Hindu names signify a God. In the case of S. Somanath, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the name means Master of the Moon.

Incidentally, it is his responsibility to see Indiaas moon lander soft lands successfully on Wednesday evening.

As a young engineer, Somanath dared to set right an anomaly along with two of his seniors in a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) that was ready for a takeoff.

Normally in such a situation, the rocket launch would have been postponed, draining the fuel and other laborious processes. The other option was trying to set the problem right, when the rocket is fueled up-a risky proposition.

However, the three brave officials including the young Somanath set right the problem. The rocket lifted off safely and made the mission a success.

Nearly two decades later, as the head of ISRO, Somanath seems to have set right the issues that resulted in the crash landing of Indiaas first moon lander called Vikram.

Son of a Hindi teacher, Somanath was interested in science. Later he pursued B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering but had an active interest in rocketry.

Like a dream come true, in 1985 Somanath got a job with ISRO and joined the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, which was responsible for rockets.

Somanath took his B. Tech in Mechanical Engineering from TKM College of Engineering, Kollam and Masters in Aerospace Engineering from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore with specialisation in Structures, Dynamics and Control.

Rising up the ranks, he joined GSLV MkIII Project during 2003 and was the Deputy Project Director responsible for overall design and integration of Indiaas heaviest and most powerful rocket. He was the Project Director of GSLV Mk-III (now LVM-3) from June 2010 to 2014.

Somanath also led the team of LPSC (ISROas Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre) to complete the development and qualification of CE20 cryogenic engine and the C25 stage, which was successfully flown in GSLV MkIII-D1 flight.

Prior to becoming ISRO Chairman, Somanath headed VSSC as its Director.

Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre

He is a Distinguished Scientist heading the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) - Indiaas rocket centre - as well as a Malayalam short story writer.

Dr. S. Unnikrishnan, is a BTech in Mechanical Engineering from Kerala University, ME in Aerospace engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru and a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology-Madras.

That apart, he also holds an MA in Telecommunications and Space Law from NALSAR, Hyderabad.

Unnikrishan began his career in VSSC in 1985 and was involved in the development of various aerospace systems and mechanisms for Indian rockets - PSLV, GSLV and LVM3.

He played a key role in the maiden orbital re-entry experiment, Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE), right from the study phase onwards to its mission accomplishment in 2007.

He was associated with Human Spaceflight Programme from its study phase since 2004 and was the Project director for Pre-project technology development activities.

Unnikrishnan led the project team for defining the Vehicle configuration, Systems engineering and in identifying various critical technology development areas to initiate the pre-project activities.

As founding Director of the youngest Centre in ISRO, the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) Unnikrishnan has led the team for Gaganyaan Project and established the Astronaut Training Centre at Bangalore in HSFC at Bangalore.

Dr. P. Veeramuthuvel, Project Director, Chandrayaan-3

Son of a railway employee, Dr. P. Veeramuthuvel always aimed for the skies. Hailing from Tamil Naduas Villupuram district, Veeramuthuvel completed his Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and went on to get a Degree in Engineering. Later he did his PhD at IIT-Madras. He joined ISRO in 2014.

M. Shankaran, Director, U R Rao Satellite Centre

A Distinguished Scientist M. Shankaran took over as Director of U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), the lead Centre in the country for design, development and realisation of all satellites of ISRO, on June 1, 2021.

He is currently leading satellite fraternity to realise various types of satellites to meet the national requirements in the areas like communication, navigation, remote sensing, meteorology and inter-planetary exploration.

During his 35 years of experience in URSC/ISRO, he has contributed primarily in the areas of Solar arrays, Power systems, Satellite Positioning System and RF communication systems for Low Earth Orbit(LEO) Satellites, Geostationary Satellites, Navigation Satellites and Outer Space Missions like Chandrayaan, Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) and others.

He is now leading the efforts to the miniaturisation of avionics systems, indigenisation of electronics & power system components, micro/mini satellite bus development and others. He is also spearheading the avionics system design, realisation and qualification for the Gaganyaan Programme.

He joined the ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), currently known as URSC after obtaining his Master's degree in Physics from Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli in 1986.

Dr. V. Narayanan, Director, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre

He is the man providing the propulsion power to Indian rockets. Dr V.Narayanan, an Alumni of Indian Institute of Technology- Kharagpur and has taken his M.Tech with First Rank in Cryogenic Engineering in 1989 and Ph.D in Aerospace Engineering in 2001.

A rocket propulsion expert Narayanan joined ISRO in 1984 and functioned in various capacities before becoming Director of the Centre. As Project Director for C25 Cryogenic Project, he led the team and successfully developed C25 Cryogenic Stage.

When India was denied the complex Cryogenic Propulsion Technology for GSLV Mk-II vehicle, Narayanan played a crucial role in the successful development of Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) and contributed in making it operational for the GSLV Mk II vehicle.

He has guided the team and designed a 200-tonne thrust Lox-Kerosene Semi Cryogenic Rocket Engine.

During the initial period from 1984 to 1988 in ISRO, he also contributed to the Solid Propulsion System realisation for launch vehicles. As Associate Director of LPSC, he was guiding the liquid propulsion activities of ISRO and was instrumental in finalising the Liquid Propulsion Roadmap of ISRO for the next 20 years.

A. Rajarajan, Director, Satish Dhawan Space Centre

He first joined the Indiaas rocket centre a" Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and over the years risen through the ranks and is now heading the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) that provides the solid fuel for the rocket and also the countryas rocket port in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

A Mechanical Engineer, Rajarajan joined VSSCas Fiber Reinforced Plastics Division and over the years grew within the organisation and assumed additional challenges.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : In 2022, G20 members spent $1.4 trillion to support fossil fuels and they could raise an additional $1 trillion per year by establishing a carbon tax floor of $25-50/tCO2e.

These funds could help solve some of the most pressing global issues, according to a new report released on Wednesday.

G20 members provided a record $1.4 trillion in public money to support fossil fuels in 2022, according to the study "Fanning the Flames: G20 Provides Record Financial Support for Fossil Fuels" by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and partners.

That amount, which includes fossil fuel subsidies ($1 trillion), investments by state-owned enterprises ($322 billion), and lending from public financial institutions ($50 billion), is more than double the pre-COVID-19 and pre-energy crisis levels of 2019.

"These figures are a stark reminder of the massive amounts of public money G20 governments continue to pour into fossil fuels despite the increasingly devastating impacts of climate change," said Tara Laan, Senior Associate at IISD and the lead author of the study.

"The G20 has the power and the responsibility to transform our fossil-based energy systems. It is crucial for the bloc to put fossil fuel subsidies on the Delhi Leaders' Summit agenda and take meaningful actions to eliminate all public financial flows for coal, oil, and gas," Laan said.

The researchers found that G20 members could raise an additional $1 trillion every year by setting minimum carbon taxation levels of $2575/tCO2e, depending on country income. tCO2e stands for tonnes (t) of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent (e).

They warn that taxes on fossil fuels in G20 member countries currently do not reflect their costs to society, averaging just $3.2/tCO2e across the G20, with many members failing to impose windfall taxes on record profits that fossil fuel companies gained last year at the peak of the energy crisis.

Artificially lowering the price of fossil fuels is problematic because it increases the burning of fossil fuels, intensifying human-induced climate change and making extreme weather events like heat waves, wildfires, torrential rains, and hailstones more frequent and intense.

The authors recommend that G20 members set a clear deadline to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies, 2025 for developed countries and 2030 at the very latest for emerging economies, to deliver on their 2009 commitment to reform subsidies.

In addition, they should drop the qualifier "inefficient" from subsidies. Instead, they should name exceptional cases when subsidies could be considered justifiable, for e.g., if essential for energy access and improve the targeting of these subsidies to only include people who really need them.

IISD experts highlight that there are much better ways to support people during a crisis and that fuel subsidies are, in fact, a notoriously inefficient way to help the poor.

Governments should instead provide social welfare through other mechanisms, like targeted welfare payments.

The report highlights the notable progress of some G20 members in this area. As the current G20 president, India can confidently demonstrate global leadership in this area, having reduced its fossil fuel subsidies by 76 per cent from 2014 to 2022 while significantly increasing support for clean energy.

Experts note that shifting less than a quarter of the $2.4 trillion generated from subsidy reform and carbon taxation could help close the wind and solar energy investment gap, $450 billion per year until 2030, to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, with public support leveraging additional funds from private investors.

It could also be used to help end world hunger ($33 billion/year), provide universal access to electricity and clean cooking globally, in ways aligned with net-zero emissions ($36 billion/year), and close the climate finance gap that developed countries committed to mobilize for developing nations ($17 billion/year).

Removing subsidies could also save thousands of lives by reducing fossil fuel-related air pollution, which is responsible for over five million deaths per year in G20 members and one in five deaths globally.

The study emphasises the active role that needs to be played by state-owned enterprises, which dominate the energy landscape in many G20 member countries, and public financial institutions, which engage in considerable lending to fossil energy projects.

Governments should, in particular, set a deadline for these state-owned institutions to create ambitious net-zero roadmaps that will allow them to diversify their businesses and lending portfolios and avoid the risks inherent in continued investments in fossil fuels, such as stranded assets.

"With fossil fuel companies gaining record profits amid the energy crisis last year, there is little incentive for them to change their business models in line with what's needed to limit global warming. But governments have the power to push them in the right direction," Laan added.
Kolkata, Aug 23 : West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Wednesday took a subtle jibe at state Education Minister Bratya Basu for holding him responsible for the recent fiasco at Jadavpur University (JU) over the ragging death of a fresher on August 10.

"I am very glad that someone acknowledges that I am a responsible Governor. Thank you," Bose said on Wednesday to media queries on his reaction to Basu's statement blaming the Governor for the JU fiasco.

"The Governor removed the earlier Vice Chancellor of JU. Now, the Governor has appointed a new VC, whose report on the unfortunate incident has not satisfied the University Grants Commission (UGC). I am in favour of free thinking. But there is a difference between free thinking and arbitrariness," Basu had said on the floor of the Assembly on Tuesday.

Already a case is going on in the Supreme Court over the Governor's decision to appoint JU faculty member Buddhadeb Sau as the interim VC amid the ragging death fiasco.

The state government has moved the apex court challenging the appointment. The apex court has not stayed the appointment. but said that the hearing in the matter will continue.

A PIL in this matter has also been filed at the Calcutta High Court. However, the high court's Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam has observed that he will hear the PIL only after the Supreme Court makes a decision.
Panaji, Aug 23 : While citing former South Africa President Nelson Mandela's quote that 'Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again', President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday advised youths that 'No matter what the circumstances be, one should never give up'.

Murmu was speaking during the 34th convocation of Goa University at Raj Bhavan. She is on a three-day visit to Goa, which began on Tuesday.

"The degrees and gold medals you have earned today will help you to get a job or start a business. But one quality that can take you far ahead is the 'courage' to never give up in life. No matter what the circumstances be, one should never give up," she said, quoting Nelson Mandela.

"I am happy that 55 per cent degree holders and 60 percent gold medalist are girls," she said, hailing the success of girl students.

"Technology and innovation play a major role in today's world. I am told that Goa University is promoting innovation and running a program 'Digital Integrated System for Holistic Teaching and Virtual Orientations," she said.

President Murmu emphasised that developing world-class competence in areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Science in our higher educational institutions is essential.

"I am happy to note that the Goa University has adopted five villages under the 'Unnat Bharat Abhiyan' where mussels and mushrooms are being cultivated by adopting the sustainability model," she further said.

"Education is a lifelong process. A continuous learner will be able to seize opportunities as well as meet challenges in life. Today's youth will build a developed India in the 'Sankalp Kaal'. I am confident that you will fulfill the dream of taking India towards greater prosperity," she said.
Guwahati, Aug 23 : Assam educational institutes including school and colleges will remain open till 6 p.m. on Wednesday for live streaming the soft landing of Chandrayaan -3 spacecraft, officials said.

An officer of the state education department told IANS: "An order related to this was issued to the school and college authorities in the state. They have been asked to keep the institutes open till the evening and arrange live streaming of the landing of India's lunar spacecraft."

The official order mentioned, "This to inform that India's pursuit of space exploration which reaches a remarkable milestone with the impending Chandrayaan-3 Mission, which is poised to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface. This eagerly anticipated event will be broadcasted live on August 23, 2023 starting from 5.20 pm. The live coverage will be available via multiple platforms, including the ISRO website, ISRO's YouTube Channel and DD National TV Channel."

"All schools and educational institutions across the state are requested to open the school until 6 p.m. and organise the live streaming of the Chandrayaan-3 soft landing within the premises," the order added.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : Board examinations will be conducted twice a year with students having the option to retain the best score, and Class 11 and 12 students will need to study two languages, of which one must be Indian, Ministry of Education said on Wednesday.

As per new curriculum framework announced by the Ministry of Education, choice of subjects in Class 11 and 12 will not be restricted to streams and students will get flexibility to choose.

Under the guidance of the Kasturirangan Committee, a steering committee has prepared a report on the curriculum framework under the New National Education Policy and submitted it to the government.

Confirming this, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the Ministry of Education has handed it over to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for further action.

NCERT has established two committees -- the National Oversight Committee and the National Syllabus and Textbook Committee -- for the curriculum.

Pradhan said, "We expect both these committees to prepare a syllabus according to the requirements of the 21st century and based on original Indian thinking"

The Education Minister said, "we want them to prepare futuristic teaching and learning material for class 3 to 12. The first orientation meeting took place today.

"We are confident that new textbooks will fulfil all the requirements, especially when the world is expecting a lot from India, when the PM has shown the dream of Amrit Kaal to the nation."
Chennai, Aug 23 : The Tamil Nadu BJP is buoyed up by the huge public participation in the first phase of the padayatra undertaken by its state unit chief K. Annamalai.

The first phase of the yatra named 'En Mann, Enn Makkal' (My land, My people), which was flagged off by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Rameswaram on June 28, concluded on Tuesday at Tirunelveli after traversing through Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, Kanniyakumari and Tirunelveli districts, passing through 41 Assembly constituencies in 22 days.

The second phase of the yatra will commence from Alangulam in Tenkasi district on September 3.

Amar Prasad Reddy, BJP leader and joint coordinator of the yatra, said that the second phase will pass through Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, The Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts.

He said the yatra will conclude at Singanallur constituency in Coimbatore district on September 27.

R. Ponnusamy, a retired professor of political science and Director at the Institute of Social Studies, Kanniyakumari, told IANS, "The padayatra undertaken by Annamalai has been a rousing success in the districts through which it traversed.

"The BJP will now have to take off from this point and have a proper electoral understanding with the AIADMK in order to upset the DMK in the 2024 general elections."

He also said that Annamalai with his hard-hitting speeches and anti-corruption position has endeared himself to the masses and is emerging as a big leader in Tamil Nadu.

State BJP Vice President Narayanan Thirupathy told IANS that Annamalai is being loved by the people of the state and he has proved through his actions that he can bring about the necessary change that the people want.

He also said that Annamalai is emerging as the hope for Tamil Nadu and the impact of the yatra would reverberate in the 2024 general elections in the state.

With the second phase of the yatra commencing on September 3, it remains to be seen how the BJP pitches itself in certain districts where the party does not have much support base.

C. Rajeev, Director at the Centre for Policy and Development Studies, told IANS, "The BJP President's yatra has given a fresh impetus to the party in Tamil Nadu and if proper ground work is done, it can create upsets in several Lok Sabha seats."
Johannesburg : PM Modi and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa during a meeting. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Aug 23 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS summit.

Both leaders reviewed the progress made in bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved in various fields including defence, agriculture, trade and investment, health, conservation and people to people ties, official sources said.

They also exchanged views on continued coordination in multilateral bodies and regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

President Ramaphosa expressed full support for Indiaas G20 presidency and appreciated Indiaas initiative for giving the African Union full membership of G20.

He conveyed that he looked forward to visiting New Delhi for the G20 Summit.

Modi congratulated Ramaphosa on the successful hosting of the BRICS summit.

He also accepted the South African President's invitation to pay a state visit to South Africa at a mutually convenient date.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, while arriving on the dais prior to the commencement of the BRICS plenary session in Johannesburg, avoided stepping on the national flag as flags of the BRICS nations were kept on the floor of the dais, to denote standing positions of all leaders for a photo opportunity prior to the commencement of the plenary session.

However, PM Modi avoided stepping on the national flag and picked it up and kept it in his pocket. Seeing him do so, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, who was accompanying him to the dias, picked up the South African flag and gave it to an aide.

When the aide asked PM Modi to hand over the flag, the Prime Minister chose to keep it in his pocket.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has been accused of not posting the voters roll outside polling stations in Binga South constituency in terms of the law.Binga South independent candidate, Themba Mukombwe has since lodged a complaint with Zec over the matter.According to the Electoral Act, the voters roll must be displayed outside polling stations 72 hours before polling day."I have been going around the constituency to assess the situation. It is sad that Zec has not yet pasted the voters roll on the polling station walls," Mukombwe said."They should have posted the voters roll by Monday so that the voters are able to check their names, especially where there are two polling stations in one place."Mukombwe said he tried to contact the district elections officer to no avail due to poor communication network."I am yet to know if it is an issue of logistics or they are manipulating the voters roll. I now have to travel to Lusulu Command Centre to find out what is happening," he said.Zec chief elections officer, Utloile Silaigwana, demanded questions in writing when contacted for comment.Mukombwe is contesting against Zanu-PF's Challenge Phiri, Fanuel Cumanzala (Citizens Coalition for Change), John Sianaga (Independent) and Anesu Gava of Zimbabwe Development Party.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : Buoyed by the response from across the country, Samsung on Wednesday said it received 1.5 lakh pre-orders for its newly-launched, 'make in India' fifth generation of foldable devices in the three-week period (July 27-August 17) which is 1.5 times more than last year.

Aditya Babbar, Senior Director, Mobile Business, Samsung India, told IANS that not just urban centres but the response for Galaxy Fold5 and Flip5 from tier 2, 3 and even tier 4 cities has been overwhelming this year, signalling that the Galaxy premium devices are becoming mainstream in the country.

"Numbers speak the truth. The response from 'Bharat' for our ultra-premium devices, thanks to the 24-month EMI scheme, has been amazing. We are growing faster pan-India in the premium and ultra-premium segment than ever before," Babbar emphasised.

Faster availability in tier 2, 3 and even 4 cities, the unique 24-month EMI scheme and a growing set of aspirational Indian user base have helped Samsung further cement its position in the ultra-premium segment in the country.

With the new foldables, Samsung aims to reach over 50 per cent market share in India in the super-premium ($1,000 and above) segment.

"The interesting trend we see this year is a rush of new, first-time buyers for flagship foldables. For Fold5, they generally belong to the 25-44 age group, mostly male consumers and tech enthusiasts. On the other hand, Flip5 is attracting users in the less than 35 age group, and the demand for Flip is equal from both the genders," Babbar told IANS.

"We are determined to further grow our market share in the upcoming festive season, and consolidate our leadership riding on the Galaxy flagship devices," Babbar added.

To make foldables mainstream, Samsung increased its distribution footprint, ensuring Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 are available across 10,000 stores in India, up from 6,000 stores through which the previous generation of foldables were sold.

"We are excited to see the overwhelming response for our fifth generation foldable smartphones in India. We are confident that the robust demand for Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Fold5 among India's tech-savvy consumers will help us consolidate our leadership in the country," said Raju Pullan, Senior Vice President, Mobile Business, Samsung India.

Customers can buy Galaxy Z Flip5 (256 GB) for a net effective price of Rs 85,999, while Galaxy Z Fold5 (256 GB) is available at Rs 138,999 for a limited period in the country.
Mumbai, Aug 23 : India is literally 'moonstruck' as the much-monitored Chandrayaan-3 prepares to touch the Moon's surface on Wednesday evening, with millions of eyes peered at the Earth's sole satellite.

The expectations have been building up for the past few weeks as the Chandrayaan-3 first took off and is now finally hovering at the threshold of its first historic 'step' onto the Moon's dusty-grey 'Earth', at around 6.04 p.m.

Besides the scientific and academic fraternity, the thrill has permeated down to the students, commoners and lovers of science.

"There will be many mass-viewings of the moon-landing today. The hopes among the people are very high. We fervently hope and pray that everything goes well," said Prof. Prasanna Deshmukh, an astronomer with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIAp), Bengaluru.

Prof. Bharat Adur, Director, Akash Ganga Centre for Astronomy here said that the scientific spectacle on Wednesday can be viewed even with a small telescope from the Earth.

"When the lander lands, some dust will rise up. It will create a local disturbance on the Moon that will be visible from a small telescope on Earth, given other conditions are favourable," Adur said.

The experts said that the Chandrayaan-3 has an in-built AI module, so the spacecraft may not bounce due to the impact of the landing.

India's maiden Moon mission, Chandrayaan-1 had gone in October 2008, followed by Chandrayan-2 in July 2019, and now Chandrayaan-3 in August 2023.

Top scientific institutions, space observatories and planetariums in the country like Mumbai's Nehru Planetarium, ISRO, IIST, IIAp, IUCAA, IISc, all IITs, several schools and colleges have organised special viewing sessions.

The Nehru Science Centre has organised a series of interactive events including a workshop for students to craft paper models of Chandrayaan-3, with 50 pupils joining in, and topped off by the landing viewing.

Former TIFR scientist Prof. Mayank N. Vahia addressed a lecture giving profound insights into the Chandrayaan-3 mission, and over 400 students will be witnessing the moon-lander in action on Wednesday evening, said an official.

Now, the next big target of attraction be the upcoming Aditya-L1 Solar Mission likely to be launched in September 2023 followed by the Gaganyaan Missions next year, said Prof. Adur.

"The Aditya-L1 spacecraft shall be placed at a point called Lagrange Point 1, around 1.50 million (15 lakhs) km from the Earth, to get an undisturbed 24x7 view of the Sun, and carry out scientific studies of our star," said Adur.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : Amazon India on Wednesday introduced a shelf monitoring solution -- a Machine Learning (ML) powered farm-to-fridge quality assurance system for fresh produce.

With this launch, the tech giant aims to enable its sellers to meet the consumer demands for high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables while shopping on Amazon Fresh.

"The shelf monitoring solution will bolster the capabilities of Amazon Fresh sellers to fulfil the commitment of delivering the finest grocery services in India. With seamless automation, the solutions ensure top-notch quality of fresh produce, enhancing customer satisfaction," Rajeev Rastogi, Vice President, Machine Learning, Amazon, said in a statement.

Store shelf monitoring solution is powered by state of art computer vision models and Wi-Fi-enabled IoT cameras to detect pre-determined defects in fruits and vegetables using the image of the crate, as an input.

The solution detects the count of visible items of produce and identifies specific visual defects such as cuts, cracks, and pressure damage among others, the company said.

Amazon has developed two types of models -- one for detecting each item in the crate and counting the total number of items, and a second to identify the defect classes present in each item.

Both these models are trained using annotated defects in millions of produced images. "Our focus has always been customer backwards and we are providing our Amazon Fresh customers consistent and superior quality of fresh produce across India," said Harsh Goyal, Director and Head of Everyday Essentials, Amazon India.

Moreover, the tech giant said that the shelf monitoring solution currently supports manual monitoring through a mobile app and automated monitoring using cameras installed on top of produce shelves.

In manual monitoring, operators use the Johari app to submit a produce crate image taken freely from their smartphone. The shelf monitoring solution assesses the image for quality and if acceptable analyses the image to detect defects and uses grading logic to highlight the items that don't meet the quality criteria and need to be culled.
Bengaluru, Aug 23 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Wednesday that he is considering taking an all-party delegation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Cauvery, Mahadayi river water utilisation dispute and the row over the commencement of the Mekedatu project.

Addressing an all-party meeting called to deliberate on the water dispute at Vidhana Soudha, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after listening to the opinion of opposition leaders and MPs said that there will be no compromise on the issue of safeguarding the interest of the land, water, language and culture of the state.

"The responsibility to protect the interests of the state is on all of us. Let all parties strive together and I am seeking your (opposition) cooperation to take a delegation to PM Modi," Siddaramaiah asserted.

He also said that the farmers of the Cauvery catchment area in the state are protected completely and necessary action has been taken for the protection of crops.

He assured that the suggestions given by leaders of opposition parties would be considered seriously.

The Cauvery River Authority has conducted 22 meetings and the regulatory committee has held 84 meetings. The team of advocates and officers representing the state have presented the arguments successfully before the monitoring agencies over the existing situation efficiently. They have brought the matter of shortage of rainfall this year to their notice, he said.

Siddaramaiah further said: "To date 24 tmc of water has been released from Cauvery river. This is lower than the fixed proportion. As we argued successfully, the order was given to release a lesser amount of water than was demanded by Tamil Nadu...There is no politics or compromise with regard to safeguarding the interests of farmers. All support is extended to the legal team. The team has efficiently presented their arguments on sharing of water under the distress formula."

"When Karnataka argued that it is impossible to release 15,000 cusecs of water, the Tamil Nadu representatives walked out of the meeting. Later, the release of 10,000 cusecs was ordered. Now, the arguments will be placed on even the release of 10,000 cusecs of water is not possible," he added.

"There are no signs of rainfall and water sharing must be done under the distress formula. If the Mekedatu project is done, the drinking water crisis could be ended," Siddaramaiah said.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : The Border Security Force (BSF) said on Wednesday that it has foiled a jewellery smuggling bid at the India-Bangladesh international border and seized 23.130 kg of silver jewellery.

"The estimated value of the seized silver is Rs 1,147,132. The smugglers were attempting to take the silver jewellery from India to Bangladesh," said a BSF official.

The official said that during a border patrol at 11:30 a.m., the soldiers at the Vijaypur border post in West Bengalas Nadia district saw a man standing on the zero line.

The BSF patrol team approached the man and instructed him to surrender.

"However, instead of stopping, the man dropped some items and fled. Subsequently, the soldiers conducted a search of the area and found three large bags. Upon opening the bags, they recovered 23.130 kg silver jewellery," said the official.

The BSF said that the seized silver jewellery has been handed over to the Customs department in Bongaon for further legal action.

A.K. Arya, DIG of BSF South Bengal Frontier, said that the BSF is actively working to prevent crimes like smuggling on the India-Bangladesh border.

He also emphasised that anyone with malicious intentions on the border will not be spared, adding that the BSF's intelligence team will soon apprehend the smuggler.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : As scientists look at the emergence of BA.2.86 Covid variant as a reminiscence of Omicron virus, they are in a huddle to find out if the new highly-mutated coronavirus variant will be a global concern or not.

The new variant has been linked to six cases in four countries -- Israel, Denmark, the UK and the US, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated BA.2.86 as a variant under monitoring.

The lineage seems to be descended from an Omicron sub-variant called BA.2, which caused large case spikes in early 2022.

In India, amid the detection of certain new variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus, senior officials of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) earlier this week held a review meeting to take stock of the situation.

According to a Nature report, although the lineage seems to be exceedingly rare, "it is very different from other circulating variants and carries numerous changes to its spike protein, a key focus of the body's immune attack on the SARS-CoV-2 virus".

"Almost certainly there are going to be other cases that will start popping up," said Adam Lauring, a virologist and infectious-disease physician at the University of Michigan in the US, whose lab identified one person infected with BA.2.86.

"There's good reason to think it won't be like the Omicron wave, but it's early days," Lauring added.

Large numbers of spike mutations have been observed in people with long-term SARS-CoV-2 infections, and it is likely that BA.2.86 also emerged from one such chronic infection, according to Jesse Bloom, a viral evolutionary biologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, Washington.

Many of BA.2.86's changes are in regions of the spike protein targeted by the body's potent infection-blocking, or neutralising antibodies.

"For this reason, there is a good chance that the variant will be able to escape some of the neutralising antibodies triggered by previous infections and vaccine boosters," the Nature report noted.

Another feature of BA.2.86 is its geographical distribution. None of the cases seem to be linked, which suggests that variant may already be fairly widespread.

After Omicron appeared, SARS-CoV-2 evolution began to follow a somewhat predictable course: successful new variants emerged from circulating lineages after gaining a few key mutations that enabled their spread.

BA.2.86, by contrast, is drastically different from other widespread coronavirus variants, reminiscent of Omicron and early pandemic variants including Alpha and Delta.

"Just like Omicron was a little out of left field, this BA.2.86 is little out of left field," said Ashish Jha, a public-health researcher at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.

"There is enough here to get us all to start paying attention," said Jha, also the former White House Covid-19 Response Coordinator.

The WHO has designated Covid-19 variant BA.2.86 as a 'variant under monitoring' due to the large number of mutations it carries, adding that "the number of mutations warrants attention".
Mumbai, Aug 23 : Actor Shresth Kumar will be joining the cast of the television show 'Agnisakshi...Ek Samjhauta', where he will be seen adding a dollop of twist in the romantic serial.

Talking about his entry in the show, Shresth said: "In Agnisakshi Ek Samjhauta viewers will see me in a positive role as the eldest son in the Bhosle family, who was loved and respected by all. Playing the role of a person who has been held captive for many years and lost his memory has its challenges."

He added: "That's what makes this role interesting for me and I hope to be embraced by the viewers who have loved the show. I look forward to working with its talented and seasoned actors."

The show tells the story of Satvik Bhosle and Jeevika Rane, played by Aashay Mishra and Shivika Pathak respectively. After divorcing each other Satvik and Jeevika fall in love and get married again. This popular love story is all set to introduce a big twist with the entry of Shresth as Utkarsh, the eldest son in the Bhosle family and Rajnandini's husband. After being missing for the past seven years, he emerges from oblivion to everyone's surprise.

In the upcoming track, Jeevika discovers an unidentified man in a shattered state at the Bhosle farmhouse. The said man meets with an accident caused by Jeevika's car and she takes him to the hospital, not knowing that he is Utkarsh.

'AgnisakshiEk Samjhauta' airs on Colors.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas LSP-7 successfully test-fired the ASTRA indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile on Wednesday.

The test was carried out at the coast of Goa.

According to the Defence Ministry, the missile release was successfully carried out from the aircraft at an altitude of about 20,000 ft. All the objectives of the test were met and it was a perfect text book launch.

The aircraft was also monitored by a Chase Tejas twin seater aircraft.

ASTRA, a state-of-the-art BVR air-to-air missile to engage and destroy highly maneuvering supersonic aerial targets, is designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and other laboratories of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The Astra BVR firing from home grown Tejas fighter is a major step towards 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', Defence Ministry officials said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), DRDO, Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DG-AQA) and the industry for the successful firing of the missile from Tejas-LCA.

He said the launch would significantly enhance the combat prowess of Tejas and reduce the dependency on imported weapons.

Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman DRDO has also congratulated the teams involved in the successful launch.

The test launch was monitored by the Test Director and scientists of ADA, DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) along with officials from CEMILAC and DG-AQA.
Tokyo, Aug 23 : The average retail gasoline price in Japan climbed to a new high in 15 years by rising for the 14th consecutive week, industry ministry data showed Wednesday.

The national average price for regular gasoline as of Monday rose 1.8 yen from a week earlier to 183.70 yen per liter as of Monday, hitting its highest level since August 2008, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Xinhua news agency reported.

The hike came amid a weaker yen and the Japanese government's gradual downsizing of its subsidies to push down gasoline prices from June.

Prices are expected to further increase and affect households if the government halts the subsidy program, designed to curb the impact of a surge in gasoline and other fuel prices, at the end of September as planned.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's policy chief Koichi Hagiuda on Tuesday, urging more measures to alleviate the impact of high fuel costs.

The industry ministry, meanwhile, forecasts the price of regular gasoline to set a new record high next Monday, even while subsidies remain in place. (One U.S. dollar equals 145.79 Japanese yen)
New Delhi: A view of the Supreme Court in New Delhi on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. (Photo: Wasim Sarvar/IANS). Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Aug 23 : The Supreme Court has decided to hear on August 25 the plea filed by Tamil Nadu demanding the release of the water of Cauvery river from the Karnataka dams.

A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai, PS Narasimha and Prashant Kumar Mishra will take up the matter for hearing on Friday.

Earlier on Monday, CJI DY Chandrachud had agreed to constitute a bench after senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for Tamil Nadu, sought urgent listing of the application seeking release of water for the month of August in accordance with the directions passed by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).

The Tamil Nadu government had staged protests against Karnataka with CWMA for not releasing sufficient water to the state.

In its application, Tamil Nadu has sought direction from the top court to Karnataka to ensure the stipulated releases for the month of August and September as per the award of the Cauvery Tribunal award as modified by the Supreme Court in 2018.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

Zanu-PF on Tuesday held a campaign meeting at Gungauta village in Muusha area in Chimanimani West in defiance of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) s directive that all campaigning activities should not extend beyond Monday midnight.In a recent statement, ZEC said, "the last day of campaigns is the 21st of August 2023 at 11.59 pm".On Tuesday morning, the ruling party convened a meeting at Gungauta village in ward 16 which was addressed by the party's youth chairperson Tinashe Nyabanga.During the meeting, Nyabanga ordered all opposition supporters in the area to fake blindness on voting day so they would be "assisted" to cast their votes."Zanu-PF this morning held a meeting at Gungauta ward and identified 10 villagers including teachers whom he said should be assisted to vote because they are suspected to be CCC members."Nyabanga said those who defy the order will be excluded from the list of beneficiaries of government food and agricultural inputs schemes," said a villager who attended the meeting.The villager who refused to be named for fear of victimization said Nyabanga also threatened to assault the "suspects" if Zanu-PF loses in the ward."Nyabanga has been terrorizing us for the past three months. He openly boasts that he is above the law and no one can do anything to him," added another villager.When reached for comment Nyabanga confirmed the meeting and threats but said he had been sent by his superiors."It is true the meeting in question happened but I was sent by the chairman," he said.
Bharuch : , Aug 23 (IANS) A hazardous incident unfolded in Gujarat's Bharuch district as a toxic gas leak occurred within a factory premises on Wednesday, resulting in the hospitalisation of at least 18 workers.

The incident raised concerns about industrial safety and the well-being of labourers.

Quick action and evacuation procedures were able to ensure the safety on-site during the incident.

According to police, the factory was bustling with approximately 2,000 workers when the gas leak incident transpired. The leak, which emanated from a tank within a chemical factory situated at Vedach village, exposed the workers to harmful bromine gas.

The leak led to health issues among those in proximity to the tank.

Sub-Inspector Vaishali Ahir of Vedach police station said: "As many as 18 workers were hospitalised after inhaling bromine gas that leaked from a tank of a chemical factory located at Vedach village."

Prompt evacuation procedures were put into action immediately upon discovering the gas leak. All 2,000 workers present within the factory premises were swiftly evacuated to safety.

"The workers who were near the tank complained of health problems and were rushed to the hospital. The leakage has been controlled," Ahir added.

The matter is still under investigation.
Lucknow, Aug 23 : Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) President Mayawati on Wednesday again reiterated that she would go alone in Lok Sabha polls to be held in 2024.

On Wednesday, Mayawati chaired a meeting in Lucknow in view of the Lok Sabha elections. Her nephew Akash Anand was also present in the meeting.

"The party has suffered losses instead of gains while being a part of any alliance. That's why the party will fight the elections alone," she asserted.

Mayawati said, "In earlier elections, the party suffered losses instead of gains while being in alliance with any party, because the vote of BSP got transferred to the other alliance partner. But other parties neither have the right intention nor have the capacity to transfer their votes to BSP. Due to this, the morale of the party workers and leaders get affected. Because of this, our party maintains equal distance from both ruling and opposition alliances."

She also condemned BJP's casteist and communal politics. "BJP is not only losing its influence but also its mass base. This process is going to continue further. Due to which, the Lok Sabha elections instead of being one-sided, will prove to be very interesting and will give a new twist to the politics of the country."

She said there is a huge difference between the words and actions of the BJP, like the Congress. "Under its rule, the income of the people has decreased while the cost of living has increased. Because of this, people are finding it difficult to raise the family. Its effect will be seen in the coming Lok Sabha elections," she added.

Mayawati has asked the workers to hold village-to-village meetings to increase the base of the BSP.

After a thorough review of the instructions given in the previous meetings, she directed to remove the deficiencies found. She said that all the workers should get involved in the Lok Sabha elections with full mind, body and money.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : A woman was allegedly sexually assaulted by a Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus conductor, who also reportedly took photos and videos of the woman, the police said on Wednesday, adding that the accused has been arrested.

According to the police, a complaint was received at Timarpur police station in which the complainant said that she lives in the same locality for the last two years and had met the accused, a DTC bus conductor, there.

The woman, who also worked with the DTC, told police that after she left her job in 2017 after giving birth to a child.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), Sagar Singh Kalsi, said that on the day of the incident, the accused went to the woman's house with 'prasad' and told her that he could secure a job for her in the DTC.

"After the woman consumed the cold drink and 'prasad' offered by the accused, she became unconscious," the DCP said.

The accused then engaged in a non-consensual physical encounter with her, capturing explicit photographs and videos in the process. Using these materials, he coerced her into complying with further demands, the DCP said.

When she told one of the accused's friends about the incident and sought his help in deleting the compromising content, he also exploited her under the pretence of erasing the content.

Similar events transpired when she approached another friend of the alleged perpetrator, said Kalsi.

The police have apprehended the primary suspect.

Initial probe points at the involvement of four to five individuals. A hunt is on to nab the remaining suspects, the DCP said.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday said he had a fruitful meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his country enjoys a strong people-to-people link with India.

"Had a very fruitful meeting with His Excellency Prime Minister @NarendraModi. South Africa and India enjoy 30 years of bilateral relations characterised by strong people-to-people and trade links. We discussed co-operation in science and technology," the South African President tweeted after his bilateral discussions with PM Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.

"We also congratulated India on historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon. We wished India well as host for the upcoming #G20 Summit and we look forward to our participation later this year," Ramaphosa further said.
Mumbai, Aug 23 : The Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed the Mumbai Police to file its affidavit within two weeks on preserving the CCTV footage clips of the Malvani Police Station during the Ram Navami violence that rocked the area in March this year.

A division bench comprising Justice A.S. Gadkari and Justice Sharmila Deshmukh gave the directions in a writ petition filed by a social worker Jameel Merchant seeking that the Malvani Police share the CCTV footage of the police station.

The judges have asked the Deputy Commissioner of Police Ajay Bansal to file his affidavit within a fortnight on saving the CCTV footage of the incidents.

The petitioner's lawyer Burhan Bukhari argued that the police had conspired to frame his client (Merchant) in the incident by including his name in the FIR. Merchant had filed complaints against the Guardian Minister of Mumbai Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Joint Police Commissioner S.N. Choudhary, Additional Commissioner of Police (North Region), the DCP and the Malvani Police with the Lokayukta and the State Human Rights Commission.

Bukhari told the court on Wednesday that on August 9, a division bench of Justice Revati Mohite-Dere and Justice Gauri Godse had ordered the Mumbai Police to retrieve the CCTV camera recordings of the incidents that happened inside the Malvani Police Station on March 30, 10.30 p.m. to March 31, 10 a.m., within 24 hours or by August 10.

It may be recalled that on the evening of March 30, violence erupted between two communities when a Ram Navami procession was passing through the Malvani Sector 5.

The Malvani Police had rushed to the spot and detained around 400 people and 25 were arrested, including the petitioner Merchant.

Merchant has contended that he was falsely implicated in the case when he was cooperating and actually helping the police control the violent mobs on rampage there that evening.

He further claimed that the Malvani Police are suppressing the CCTV footage of that night because it would exonerate him from the case, as some political leaders were present there and pressuring the police to include his name.

However, the Special Public Prosecutor Kaushik Mhatre and Assistant Public Prosecutor (Miss) P.P. Shinde had vehemently refuted Merchant's allegations.
Los Angeles, Aug 23 : Actor Matthew McConaughey's wife, Camila Alves has opened up on the difficulties of the relationship she had with her mother-in-law, Mary Kathlene 'Kay' McCabe, when they first met.

The Brazilian model, (41), detailed her rocky beginnings with Kay, who the family have nicknamed 'Ma Mac', on a new episode of Southern Living's Biscuits & Jam podcast.

Recalling the beginning of their meeting, Alves said: "She did all these things when I first came into the picture, right? She was really testing me. I mean, really testing me."

"She would call me by all of Matthew's ex-girlfriends' names, she would start speaking Spanish with me in a very broken way, kind of putting (me) down a bit. I mean, all kinds of stuff."

It took Camila standing up for herself during a work trip for Kay to finally accept the model as part of the family.

Recalling her early meeting with the 'Interstellar' actor, Alves said: "A lotta people have this, well, I don't think people actually had this image of Matthew anymore because, just the kind of work and things he's been doing, but when we first start dating, it was this image of Matthew of getting high, laid back, no shirt, whatever."

To her surprise, things were bizzarely against her expectations "Watching him, I was like, 'The guy doesn't even smoke. What is this vision coming from?'

"He's actually the opposite, and he's like his mom," she explained. "She's very organized, very minimalistic, very on time, very prepared, and he gets a lot of those traits from her."

According to The Mirror, after booking a modelling job in Istanbul, Camila took her mother-in-law with her using the extra first-class ticket and a free hotel stay she received.

It was a difficult plane ride, with Camila explaining: "The whole way there, the whole plane ride to Istanbul, she was telling me all these stories and putting all these things in my head."

"When we landed, I was like, 'Okay, all right. Let me buckle up. Let me get ready for this situation'," she continued. "About day three, I was taking her to her room, and she got into this whole other thing that it's not my place to share, and she starts crying, and I'm like, 'Oh my gosh!' You know, 'Ma Mac!' and feeling so sorry. And as I put her to bed, I look at her and I'm like, 'Oh my gosh. She's full of s**t'."
New Delhi, Aug 23 : The Congress on Wednesday hailed successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon, saying that it is a matter of great pride for all of Indians as the entire world is looking up to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The remarks came after India's moon lander successfully set its four legs softly and safely on the lunar soil on Wednesday evening as planned, and became the fourth nation in the world to achieve the feat.

In a video statement, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, "ISRO's achievement today reflects a saga of continuity and is truly fantastic. In February 1962, the farsightedness of Homi Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai created INCOSPAR (Indian National Committee for Space Research). Incidentally one of the first recruits to INCOSPAR was Dr APJ Abdul Kalam."

Ramesh, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP, said, "In August 1969, the development-oriented Vikram Sarabhai established ISRO and between 1972 and 1984 Satish Dhawan provided extraordinary technological managerial leadership to decisively shape the ISRO we know today. Along with him, we remember Brham Prakash, the great metallurgist, who made fundamental contributions both to our nuclear as well as our space programme Perhaps only scientist to have done so."

"After Dhawan came a series of chairmans starting with great UR Rao, who made their own distinctive contributions to our space programme. ISRO's accomplishments have always anchored in self reliance. They reflect phenomenal teamwork, partnerships, and enterprise," the Congress leader said.

"The entire world is looking up to ISRO today, acknowledging its achievements, and for us Indians, it is a matter of special pride," Ramesh added.

The lander landed near the South Pole of the moon after travelling about 3.84 lakh km for over 40 days.

With the landing, a major portion of the Rs 600 crore Chandrayaan-3 mission has been realised.The remaining portion is the moon rover rolling down from the lander, moving around and doing the programmed experiments.
Mumbai, Aug 23 : Actor Vivek Oberoi has talked about his struggles, his values and his views on what it means to succeed and fail in Bollywood.

Vivek, who made his debut in 2002 with Ram Gopal Varma's 'Company', became an instant hit with his powerful performances in films such as 'Saathiya', 'Yuva', 'Shootout at Lokhandwala', 'Omkara' and 'Rakht Charitra' among many others.

However, he tasted failure with duds such as 'Prince', 'Dum', 'Kyun! Hogaya Na', 'Naksha' and 'Home Delivery: Aapko... Ghar Tak' among many others.

Recently, in an interview with Dubai-based podcast AB Talks, Vivek revealed that he had never really taken money from his father and actor Suresh Oberoi, and for his 'launch' into the industry he was determined to make his own way in. A snippet of the interview has been shared on Instagram.

"He had fixed up a producer and there was a script waiting and everything. And I said no, I just want your prayer and your blessings. You made it on your own talent without borrowing anything, and if I have it in me, I'd like to make my own way in," the 46-year-old actor said.

He went on to speak about success and failure in a cut throat industry like Bollywood.

Vivek said: "When it comes to Bollywood, and not just Bollywood because I think you can apply it to anything. I have seen great heights of success and failures, and something my father told me was, your acting never fails, the attempt does not succeed."

"It does not succeed, then move on. The day you really fail as an actor is the day you stop moving on. You can't live so much on your own success because it will make you complacent," added the actor.

Speaking about being brought up by his actor-father Suresh Oberoi, who is also a recipient of the 1987 National Film Award, Vivek said that his parents raised him with the values of "never really getting out of line".

"As such we were very shielded from the glitz and glamour of Bollywood and lived a normal grounded life," said the actor.

He added: "You know, you start getting out of line and that feeling of entitlement starts creeping up, my mother who was kind of short so we jokingly called her Hitler, she would whack us and never allow us to get out of line and treat people badly."

Right before starting the interview, Vivek performed a prayer.

On asking about the same, the actor replied: "In India there is this beautiful goddess Saraswati, who is the embodiment of everything related to art, culture, creativity, knowledge. She is the one who blesses us, you'll even find her on the Indonesian currencies.

"You will find her in all the universities of Indonesia and it is a Muslim country, so it is a concept that goes beyond religion."

"So whenever I am doing anything, whether I am acting, or doing an interview, or a podcast like yours, or even a photoshoot, it is just a habit. Even when I go on a stage for an award show or a function, I will touch the stage out of respect and put it to my forehead. So similar thing with the camera, you know 'I am here because of you'."
Chandigarh, Aug 23 : Former MP and senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Prem Singh Chandumajra on Wednesday condemned the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab for committing "atrocities" against farmers and devotees at the historic Amb Sahib gurdwara in Mohali, stating the move was reminiscent of the atrocities committed by the Congress.

The SAD leader told the media that "it is shameful that the AAP government has turned gurdwaras into cantonments and even ousted devotees from its premises on the assumption that they had come there to support farmer organisations that had planned a protest in Chandigarh to demand fair compensation for flood ravaged farmers".

Terming the act as a direct interference in the religious affairs of the Sikh community, Chandumajra said "the disrespect shown to the Sikh community has reminded the community about the 'raj' of Beant Singh. I request Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann not to tread the same path as its repercussions would not be in the interest of the state of its people".

He also asked the Chief Minister to issue orders to the police not to come in the way of devotees visiting gurdwaras to pay their obeisance.

"I have also requested the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President to take up the issue and register a strong protest against the mistreatment of devotees who were forcefully taken out of the gurdwara premises," he said.

"Such incidents hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community. The AAP government should ensure communal peace is not destroyed in the state under its watch," he said.

Answering a question, Chandumajra said the state government could not impose prohibitory orders in gurdwaras. He said the force used on farmers to stop them from entering Chandigarh was also illegal and against democratic principles.

"The Chandigarh administration had given farmers permission to hold a protest in the UT. The Punjab government is not within its rights to stop them from entering the UT," he added.

He expressed solidarity with the cause of the farmer organisations and said SAD supported their fight to secure justice for farmers. He said the party had also started a party programme to force the AAP government to pay fair compensation to farmers and said this would be expanded across the state.

"Even though the government has released Rs 186 crore yesterday after the 'dharna', this is too less. We demand the government release Rs 50,000 per acre as compensation for farmers whose paddy crop was destroyed and Rs 2 lakh to all those whose houses were damaged."

He said farm labourers should also be compensated appropriately.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : Delhi Education Minister Atishi on Wednesday witnessed the Chandrayaan-3 successfully soft landing on the moon along with the students at the Government Sarvodaya Vidyalaya (Kautilya in Chirag Enclave. On this occasion, Atishi spoke with the students on India's remarkable strides made in the field of space exploration.

"This day signifies an extraordinary milestone for India. Chandrayaan-3's successful moon landing underscores our scientists' unwavering commitment to pushing scientific boundaries. This exceptional accomplishment will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for generations to come, igniting a passion for innovation and exploration within our youth."

She added that India's journey, spanning from the first satellite Aryabhata to Chandrayaan-3, signifies a remarkable accomplishment.

"The significance of today's achievement will serve as a wellspring of inspiration for the youth and the generations to come. It will kindle a deep-seated passion for science within them and evoke a sense of fascination," she said.

During the live broadcast, the students were filled with joy and excitement as the lander touched the moon's surface. Their exuberant cheers resonated through the school premises, encapsulating the collective pride of the nation.

Atishi also emphasised the importance of this accomplishment and its profound influence on India's scientific domain, saying: "Today our students have witnessed the history being made. This achievement will ignite in them the aspiration to envision grand and inventive prospects for India's future. This particular event shows that investment in education and research always takes the country on the path of progress."
News / Local

by Staff reporter

POLITICAL parties yesterday pleaded with their supporters and other citizens to shun violence as the country votes today.Zanu-PF youth leader Tinoda Machakaire called on the police to ensure all perpetrators of violence are brought to book."No one, even any Zanu-PF member should be spared for engaging in acts of violence. We all want a peaceful election. All those that engage in such acts of violence will have themselves to blame as the party won't tolerate renegades," Machakaire saidDemocratic Opposition Party presidential candidate, Harry Wilson, urged citizens to be responsible."My fellow Zimbabweans, as we stand on the threshold of these crucial elections, I want to convey a message of hope, unity, and responsibility," Wilson said."I am fully aware that some forces may seek to diminish your enthusiasm, but I implore you to rise above these challenges."CCC deputy spokesperson, Gift Siziba, said peace must be given a chance."We have continued to call on Zimbabweans to be peaceful. That is why we remain peaceful in the face of provocation. We urge Zimbabweans to be peaceful and responsible so that we have a peaceful election and a peaceful transfer of power," Siziba said.Zapu spokesperson, Sibangilizwe Nkomo, urged citizens to respect the outcome of elections."We have always solved issues in a non-violent manner," Nkomo said."We want people to maintain peace and be politically tolerant. We must put aside our differences and be united so that the country moves forward."Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said law enforcement agents were ready to put down any acts of political violence."Unruly elements bent on causing chaos, alarm and despondency in the country are accordingly warned," Nyathi said in a statement."In this regard, any gatherings at polling stations, collation, constituency, provincial and national command centres are unlawful."
After Moon, it is Mission to Sun and Venus for ISRO. Image Source: IANS News

Chennai, Aug 23 : The successful moon shot on Wednesday has come like a booster shot for the officials of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which is now gearing up for a mission to the Sun. India on Wednesday evening successfully landed its moon lander near the South Pole of the moon.

The Aditya-L1 spacecraft -- the first space-based Indian observatory to study the Sun -- is at Indiaas rocket port in Sriharikota and is getting ready for the launch.

ISRO will be sending up its Aditya-L1, a coronagraphy satellite, on a PSLV rocket to study the solar atmosphere towards the end of August or early September.

According to the ISRO, the spacecraft will be placed into a halo orbit around the first Lagrange point, L1, of the Sun-Earth system.

The satellite around the L1 point has the major advantage of continuously viewing the Sun without occultation/eclipses.

The Aditya-L1 satellite -- named after the Sun God -- will be carried by Indian rocket Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

ISRO has also slated a flight to Venus -- Venus Mission -- in 2024. Whether it is going to be a 'Night Flight to Venus' will be known later.
New Delhi: A view of the Supreme Court in New Delhi on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. (Photo: Wasim Sarvar/IANS). Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Aug 23 : Advocate Warisha Farasat on Wednesday contended before the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court that political leaders, including three former Chief Ministers, who represented the will of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, were put under detention between August 5 and 6 in 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated by the Centre.

"... three former Chief Ministers were in detention and these are all facts. Three former CMs and most of the (members of) legislative assembly - the will of the people - was in some form of detention, either under the Public Safety Act or under 107 or 151 (of the criminal procedure). It is laughable," she said while arguing before the Constitution Bench hearing pleas challenging the abrogation of Article 370.

Farasat argued that the entire polity and all of the politicians, who extended support against the abrogation, were also put under detention.

She said that the Centre's move to nullify Article 370 is hit by malice in law.

Farasat said that India is a "holding together" type of federalism, however, J&K represented a "coming together" federation as previously sovereign polities pooled their sovereignties to come together, while referring to the Tenth Amendment to the US Constitution which defines their federalism.

She emphasized that under the Indian Constitution, various forms of federalism units exist like Union Territory, Union Territory with legislative powers like Delhi and a state like Jammu & Kashmir with its own Constitution. "It is unique, but a normal part of federalism," she added.

She said that framers of the Constitution were aware of the fact that the "constituent assembly" of J&K would finish its functions and may be no longer, adding that to apply changes procedure was contained under clause (1) of the Article 370.

Farasat argued that the state legislature's concurrence was needed for application of the Indian Constitution saying that the process represented the will of the people of J&K. "But for abrogation, they left it only to the constituent assembly (of the state) and there is no other way to reconcile it," she contended.

Farasat said that Article 370 needs strict interpretation as one authority was substituted with another, referring to substitution of 'constituent assembly' with 'legislative assembly'.

Earlier in the day, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted before the bench that the Union government has absolutely no intention to interfere with the special provisions of the Constitution applicable to north-east states or any other part of the country.

On Thursday, arguments will be advanced on behalf of the Centre by Attorney General R. Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought the response of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on an interim bail application moved by Prof Shoma K. Sen - an accused in the Bhima Koregaon case.

A bench comprising of Justices Aniruddha Bose and S.V.N. Bhatti issued notices to NIA and others on the application filed by Sen, through her advocate Nupur Kumar, seeking interim release for medical reasons. aLeave granted. Let notice be issued on the application for interim bail," the bench ordered, while adjourning the matter to October 4.

In March this year, Sen had approached the Supreme Court against the order of the Bombay High Court where her plea was disposed of and she was asked to apply afresh for bail before the Special NIA court after the anti-terror agency had filed chargesheet against her, and others.

Earlier in December 2021, the High Court had granted default bail to lawyer-activist Sudha Bharadwaj. However, the division bench of Justices S.S. Shinde and N.J. Jamadar had declined the applications of eight other co-accused in the same case including Sen.

On July 28, the top court had granted bail to two other accused, namely Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira, who were in jail since August 2018.

The case pertains to inciting people and giving provocative speeches during the Elgar Parishad organised by the activists of Kabir Kala Manch at Shaniwarwada in Maharashtra's Pune on December 31, 2017, which promoted enmity between various caste groups and led to violence resulting in loss of life and property and state-wide agitation in Maharashtra.

--IANS

pds/sha
Hyderabad, Aug 23 : Sleuths of Telangana State Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TSNAB) have nabbed three ganja peddlers including two women and seized 23.4 kg of cannabis (ganja). The police also seized one car, sale proceeds and other assets valued at Rs 4 crore.

In an operation conducted with Golconda Police, TSNAB apprehended Kalapathi Gowtham Singh, K. Nithubai and Madhu Bai who were in possession of narcotic drugs.

A 16-year-old boy and six others are absconding.

A police officer said they seized 22 kg ganja, 281 ganja sachets (each containing 5 grams), one Mahindra Scorpio car, two bikes, six cell phones, sale proceeds of Rs 40.3 lakh, and frozen 16 bank accounts with cash deposits of Rs 1.53 crore.

They also identified immovable properties worth Rs 2 crore which were procured through the sale proceedings of ganja.

The three arrested accused are relatives, and are residents of Lodha Basthi in Nanakramguda of Rangareddy district.

Previously, Gowtham, 21, was involved in one case while 45-year-old Nithu Bai was involved in six cases booked under NDPS Act.

According to the police, the accused are into peddling ganja business for several years in the limits of Hyderabad and Cyberabad.

They used to purchase ganja in bulk for Rs 8,000 per kg from their known sources of Dhoolpet and after making the sachets of 5 grams each they are selling for Rs 250 per sachet.

Approximately, they were earning Rs 50,000 by selling one kg ganja.

In 2021, Nithu Bai was detained, and she was released from jail in October 2022. However, she again started selling ganja. For the past few years the accused persons along with their family members were selling ganja to the needy customers and earning money illegally.

According to police, the accused and their family members were enjoying their lavish life and purchased luxurious houses in different areas, purchased bikes and other movable and immovable properties with the money earned by them through sale of ganja.

On Tuesday, when Gowtham Singh along with a boy was proceeding in a car, the sleuths of TSNAB along with Golconda Police apprehended the accused and on further continuation apprehended Nithu Bai and Madhu Bai.

The police have so far identified immovable properties of accused Nithu Bai which includes G+2 house at Gandhi Nagar, Langer House and other G+2 house at Rajeev Nagar, Gachibowli which were acquired by her through sale proceedings of ganja.

The houses are worth about Rs 2 crore.
Washington, Aug 23 : The European Space Agency (ESA) on Wednesday congratulated India on the spectacular feat of landing Chandrayaan-3 on the South Pole of the moon, often called the 'dark side', as the event garnered global coverage by every news network in the world.

The world hailed India as it became only the fourth country to land a spacecraft on moon after the US, Russia and China, and the first to land on South Pole.

The ESA wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Congratulations ISRO & team", an hour after confirming the soft landing on the moon and the pictures relayed by Chandrayan-3 from approach to descent.

X was filled with comments from joyous Indians and private scientific institutions associated with the space industry in the US. Four million Indians in the US woke up to the joyous news and feat achieved by only three mighty nations of the world before it.

USA Today, which claims to be number one in circulation in the US, reported the event thus: "Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed on the moon Wednesday, etching India into history as the fourth country to land a spacecraft on the lunar surface."

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched Chandrayaan-3 over a month ago with the goal of landing near the lunar South Pole, where it made a soft landing on Wednesday.

The mission marks the first landing of any country near the South Pole and the first lunar landing for India.

A British news agency hailed the event saying: "The Chandrayaan-3 is aimed at the lunar South Pole, a region with water ice, or frozen water that could be a source of oxygen, fuel and water for future moon missions or a more permanent moon colony."

The Chandrayaan-3 is expected to remain functional for two weeks, running a series of experiments including a spectrometer analysis of the mineral composition of the lunar surface.

The Chandrayaan-3 lander stands about 2 metres tall and has a mass of just over 1,700 kg, roughly on par with an SUV. It is designed to deploy a smaller, 26-kg lunar rover.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that the US space agency was "looking forward" to what would be learnt from the Indian mission.

The BBC, national broadcaster of the UK, hailed the event with the headline "India creates history by landing Chandrayaan 3 near the South Pole".

The moon's south pole, according to NASA, is full of "mystery, science and intrigue". There are deep craters which have been shielded from sunlight for billions of years, where temperatures can plummet to astonishing lows of -248C (-414F).

Water is one key reason why scientists want to explore the area around the lunar south pole. Scientists believe frozen water might have accumulated in cold polar regions over millions of years and could provide a unique sample for scientists to analyse and understand the history of water in our solar system.

An American news agency hailed the event with the caption: "India lands a spacecraft near the moon's South Pole, a first for the world as it joins the elite club."

The agency went on to say: "India on Wednesday made history as it became the first country in the world to land its spacecraft near the moon's South Pole, an uncharted territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water, and the fourth country to achieve a moon landing."

US' leading news network Cable News Network (CNN) hailed the Indian moon landing saying: "See striking moon photos captured by India's lunar lander during its approach."

Verge, a noted space website, praised India saying: "India makes space travel history by landing Chandrayaan 3 on the south pole of the moon. The lunar mission of India has made space travel history today by successfully achieving a soft landing near the South Pole of Earth's moon, just days after Russia's Luna 25 spacecraft crashed while trying to land in the same region. India is now the fourth nation to achieve a soft moon landing and the first to have successfully touched down on the lunar South Pole -- a little-explored area of the moon that's believed to contain water ice."

It said Indians lunar craft Vikram landed near the same spot where Russias Luna 25 crash landed.

Another prominent news network in the Middle East, Al Jazeera, also hailed the event saying: "Chandrayaan-3 makes space history. India successfully lands spacecraft near the moon's South Pole, making it the first country to do so. Indian PM (Narendra) Modi says mission's success 'belongs to all of humanity'."
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 23 : Dispelling speculations that Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan -- who has been targetting Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter Veena -- does not have the support of the party's leadership, was dismissed by Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president K. Sudhakaran.

The BJP recently came down heavily on the Congress top brass over its silence on the matter, accusing it of entering a secret pact with Vijayan and hence, choosing to remain silent.

Speaking to the media at Kottayam on Wednesday, Sudhakaran said "the entire party is behind Kuzhalnadan in his ongoing efforts to bring out the wrong doings of the company Vijayan's daughter".

"Kuzhalnaden is the pride of the Congress party and he has the full backing of the party. We are looking into the events unfolding and at the appropriate time, we will take it up politically and legally," said Sudhakaran.

Congress legislator Kuzhalnaden has been going hammer and tongs against Veena Vijayan over tax-related matters of her company, and also challenged the CPI-M to make the statements of her firm public.

Trouble started for Veena after a media report mentioned that CMRL (based in Kochi) had paid her and Exalogic (a firm owned by Veena) a sum of Rs 1.72 crore during 2017-2020 for IT-based services rendered to the Kochi firm.

The report claimed that the Income Tax Appellate Board, while examining the tax returns of CMRL, stumbled upon payments made to Veena and her IT firm, but there was no IT services that was rendered.

Following the media report, Kuzhalnadan, a lawyer by profession, has been criticising Vijayan and his daughter, and coming out with fresh revelations.
Kochi, Aug 23 : Kerala Inspector General of Police G. Lakshman, who was arrested by the Crime Branch on Wednesday, was later released on bail as per the directions of the Kerala High Court.

The 1997 batch IPS officer hailing from Telangana was suspended in 2021 for his alleged close links with fake antique dealer Monson Mavunkal, who is presently under judicial custody.

Lekshman was all set to be promoted to the rank of Additional Director General of Police in January 2022, but after his suspension the move was kept on hold.

Ever since 54-year-old Mavunkal was arrested by the Crime Branch from his home-cum-museum at Kochi in September 2021 after victims approached Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan with complaints that they were duped of Rs 10 crore by this "master fraud", the name of Lakshman and his alleged close links with Mavunkal has been in the news.

Since the Crime Branch then did not name Lakshman as an accused, he was reinstated in service in February this year. But things went for a toss after the probe team named state Congress President and Lok Sabha member K. Sudhakaran as an accused .

Sudhakaran after appearing before the police on June 23 was arrested and released on bail soon after, as he had secured anticipatory bail from the high court.

Soon after that the probe team named Lakshman an accused, but he secured anticipatory bail from the high court.

He appeared before the probe team for questioning on Wednesday and after a few hours, his arrest was recorded before he was released on bail.

Mavunkal took all his high-profile guests into his fold by showcasing antiques in his collection which he claimed included the "staff of Moses" and "two of the 30 silver coins that were taken by Judas to cheat Jesus Christ".

The police said that he also displayed a throne said to be used by Tipu Sultan, as well as a huge collection of old Qurans, Bibles (Old Testament and New Testament), and old handwritten copies of Bhagavad Gita.

Mavunkal used to invite several VIPs to his palatial residence, a part of which was converted into a museum to house his 'precious' antiques.
Bengaluru : A graphic representation of the Chandrayaan-3 before its soft landing. Image Source: IANS News

Hyderabad, Aug 23 : Telugu states joined the nation in celebrating the success of Moon Mission while greetings pouring in for the scientists of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

School students and people from various walks of life erupted in celebrations when the Chandrayaan-3 made a soft landing on the moon.

Government and private schools in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh had made special arrangements to enable students to watch the historic moment live.

The school timings were extended by 1-2 hours so that students can together watch the history in making.

There were loud cheers by the students and teachers as it was announced that Chandrayaan-3 had safely landed on the surface of the moon.

There was a festive atmosphere at schools much before the live telecast started.

Students prayed for the success of the mission. In some schools, the students organised beautiful formations by sitting on the ground to make words like ISRO and Chandrayaan-3.

Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan watched the event live at B.M. Birla Planetarium in Hyderabad.

When ISRO announced the successful landing of Chandrayan-3, the Governor stood up from her chair to hail the historic achievement of India's space scientists.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy called Chandrayan-3's successful soft landing on the moon an incredible achievement.

"I along with every citizen of India, is filled with pride. My wishes and congratulations to everyone at ISRO," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

"That this incredible feat was achieved from Sriharikota in our very own Andhra Pradesh, makes it that much more special," said the chief minister.

Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer hailed the success of Chandrayaan-3 mission and the prestigious event of soft landing of Vikram lander along with Pragyan rover on the lunar surface.

Former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu congratulated the ISRO on the successful landing of Chandrayaan on the moon's south pole and becoming the only space organization to achieve this feat.

"I salute their indomitable spirit and determination to take India's space exploration program to the moon and beyond. India is at the beginning of an era of infinity. We're unstoppable," he wrote.

AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi congratulated ISRO.

"It is a proud moment for us as Indians. Another great addition to India's long legacy of scientific achievements," he wrote on X.
Ahmedabad, Aug 23 : Ahmedabad City's Crime Branch has arrested five individuals wanted in connection with two cases of extortion reported at Gaikwad Haveli police station.

The suspects, including Jamila Haroon Manpurwala and others, are accused of demanding extortion money from small builders and traders in the Jamalpur area.

The cases, considered grave offenses, prompted the Additional Commissioner of Police of Ahmedabad City Crime Branch to issue orders for the immediate apprehension of the suspects. In response, a team led by Inspector M.S. Trivedi from the Crime Branch was deployed to pursue the wanted individuals.

The accused have been identified asJamila w/o Haroonarshid Mohmandbhai Manpurwala (Age: 59),Haroonarshid Mohmandbhai Manpurwala (Age: 65),Wasim Haroonarsheed Manpurwala (Age: 32),Sohail alias Popat Haroonarshid Manpurwala (Age: 30), andMisbah Ayubbhai Mohmandbhai Manpurwala (Age: 25)

The accused, reportedly residing at Maharaj's Delu Kharawala's house, were found in possession of five barrels seized from Bharuch and Jamalpur. Legal proceedings are underway against them.

It is alleged that Jamila Manpurwala and her accomplices targeted small builders and traders in the Jamalpur region. They reportedly filed RTI applications concerning these individuals' businesses, threatened to cause financial losses, disrupt their operations, and demanded extortion payments from over 20 traders each month.

A specific case pertains to the accused demanding a ransom of Rs 1,00,000 from complainant Masumkhan Pathan and forcibly taking Rs 18,000 in increments. An FIR under Sections 384, 452, 294(b), 506(2), 114 of EPCO was registered based on this complaint.

In another instance, the accused, allegedly led by Jamila and other accomplices, arrived at the old house of Mahmudbhai Makrani at Kharawala Dela. They reportedly initiated renovation work, insisting that the complainant pay an extortion fee. The complainant was allegedly coerced into handing over Rs 1,38,000 in this incident.
New Delhi, Aug 23 : The Delhi High Court has said that a wife's persistent insistence to live separately from her in-laws, without a valid reason, constitutes an act of cruelty towards the husband.

In a divorce case, a bench of Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Neena Bansal Krishna observed that unlike Western countries, it is not customary in India for a son to get separated from his family upon marriage; instead, his wife becomes an integral part of the family.

The court noted that unless there is a strong and valid reason, a wife should not insist on her husband leaving his family to live separately.

In the case at hand, the husband sought divorce based on various grounds, including the wife's disruptive behaviour and insistence on separate living arrangements.

The court said that a husband generally would not want to be separated from his parents and family, and a wife's persistent efforts to enforce such separation can be considered an act of cruelty towards the husband.

The wife's lack of justifiable reason for her demand to live separately, coupled with her whimsical insistence, led the court to conclude that her actions constituted an act of cruelty.

The court cited a Supreme Court decision that highlighted the cultural norm in India, where it's expected for the wife to become a part of the husband's family after marriage, rather than encouraging the separation of the son from his parents.

Given the acrimonious atmosphere and the wife's elusive conduct over an extended period, the court said that the circumstances were a source of mental cruelty.

With no matrimonial relationship since 2007 and the wife's expressed intention not to rejoin the husband, the court granted the divorce decree.
FIPCA, Ibero Americas huge producers federation, is looking to power up the regions knowledge economy and co-production as two longterm answers to huge volatility in its member states film-TV sectors.

That drive cuts several ways, FIPCA president Ignacio Rey told Variety in the run-up to Sanfic Industria, one of South Americas biggest industry events.

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High-end Netflix, Amazon and other streamer originals, imply new ways of producing: Were lacking sufficient labor force capacity for a certain scale of productions, Rey argued.

Challenges abound. In 2022, only movies from Spain, Dominican Republic and Argentina punched home theatrical market shares of over 5%, running up 22.4%, 14.0% and 8.1% shares respectively, according to the Cannes Marche du Films Focus 2023 report.

Platform hits is another matter. Over July 2022-June 2023, five of Prime Videos Top 10 most seen non-English language films or series hailed from Spain or Latin America, led by Spains My Fault and Chiles Sayen.

That said, We need to train audiences, the public at large, A whole universe is losing the habit of seeing films in in its own language or that of its neighbors, Rey noted.

To improve communication, FIPCA is just about to launch a WhatsApp group of 700 producers among its member associations. Its also created other social media. Before, we didnt have any direct access to our members, Rey commented.

From mid-September, FIPCA will launch a series of online panels, FIPCA Dialogues. Its one way to debate different postures, to listen to one another and for FIPCA to gain a bigger weight, said Rey.

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Issues debated in different panels include best case productions; film heritage; and progress, or not, on gender equality, said Fernando Madedo, FIPCA executive director, brought into the Federation because of his specialist knowledge of cultural industry management.

What weve shot to date is rich in observance of the vision which producers have in, say, Peru, compared to Mexico, Colombia or Uruguay, he added.

Another panel turns on co-production. It ended with two panelists exchanging contacts in order to work together, noted FIPCA VP Diego F. Ramirez.

One tried and tested industry growth strategy is the creation of new talent or project development hubs, such as Spains Madrid Film School ECAM Incubator and San Sebastians Ikusmira Berriak.

The same could be said of Chiles Sanfic and Sanfic Industria, its multi-faceted industry division. Weve received a huge number of applications, projects in different states, both film and audiovisual, from emerging and established producers, observed Gabriela Sandoval, director of Sanfic Industria and FIPCA board member as president of Chiles Association of Film-TV Producers (APCT). Sanfic and other festivals in the region are platforms to launch new producers from Ibero-America and also position established producers, she added.

Alongside new talent hub initiatives, few strategies have yielded better fruits in the last decade than international co-production.

As overseas theatrical markets contract in general, almost any art or crossover film of any artistic ambition draws down equity tapped by multiple production partners, channelling state backing in different countries.

As Sanfic Industria lifts off, much of its early news has turned on co-production, such as Alfredo Castros casting on The Courts Three Dark Nights, set up at Spains El Viaje Films and Chiles Quijote Films, Mexicos El Relicario boarding Ximena Valdivias 4Eber, lead-produced by Perus Montana Rosa Films, and a three-way co-pro on A Thousand Pieces, from La Jaurias Sergio Castro San Martin.

Rebuilding its film-TV support systems, the Brazilian government is looking to double its co-production partner countries around the world, Adam Jayme Muniz, head of the Division for Actions Promoting Brazilian Culture at the Guimaraes Rosa Institute/Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Variety at Cannes.

Currently, Brazil holds down 12 bilateral agreements, and a multilateral pact with 10 countries in Latin America. It reopened its bilateral co-production fund with Portugal on Aug. 17.

Embraced by its film sector, Latin American co-productions could also flower in its TV drama series sector, Rey observed.

Already, Argentina had confirmed the Argentine nationality  so potential access to national public-sector backing  of TV drama series co-productions with Colombia and Brazil.

Yet, as it hones a roadmap for the future, FIPCA must face hugely different challenges to the U.S. and Europe.

In the U.S., WGA writers and SAG-AFTRA actors have gone on strike over residuals from streaming services. In Europe, producers are awaiting a possible new pan-European E.U. definition of independent production, prepared by Thierry Breton, the powerful European Commissioner for Internal Market.

Europe has one cinema and economic reality, Latin Americas realities are very different and highly diverse, Rey noted.

In Colombia, one large producers concern, as in Europe, is IP ownership of titles produced for streaming services, Ramirez noted.

Latin America is different, however. Platforms are not producing originals in many of FIPCAs member states.

Latin America subsidy systems have been modelled on Europe. Their fragility is not. Over 2018-22, extreme right Jair Bolsonaros government in Brazil slowed government subsidies to a glacial pace.

Argentine producers were debating IP ownership. Suddenly, they now have a bigger concern, Rey observed. If he gets into power, radical libertarian Javier Milei, who won Argentinas presidential primary on Aug. 14, promises to abolish Argentinas INCAA film institute. Even Argentinas murderous military junta didnt try that.

Equally, a new panorama may be opening up in Chile, but for the better.

In Chile, Carolina Arrendondo was sworn in on Aug. 16 as Chiles new minister of culture, after global streamers have pared down original production orders in Chile, due to its lack of tax incentives for production.

Carolina Arredondo Marzans appointment is creating large expectation and enthusiasm in the sector, said Sandoval. As producers, were confident that with her we will be able to advance on Chiles having tax incentives that allow us to compete with our neighbor countries and to go on producing at a mid and large scale, and not just depend on Ministry subsidies, but have larger tools to make big productions in Chile, which would really reactivate the sector.

Arredondos speech at Sanfics opening ceremony on Sunday was received with robust applause.

We hope that finally with her appointment, the government can realize its commitment to raise culture funding to 1% of its budget, from its current 0.3% level, Sandoval added.

Every country has different problems and we have to determine how we can support producers in their discussions in each and every country, said Rey.

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Aizawl, Aug 23 : At least 26 workers were killed and two others injured after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed near the mountainous Sairang area of Mizoram on Wednesday, officials of Mizoram Relief and Disaster Management Department said.

Police officials, however, said that 23 workers were killed and 18 bodies recovered till 5 p.m. late Wednesday afternoon.

Rescue operations involving National and State Disaster Response Force and Young Mizo Association volunteers, were unfderway to recover the bodies from under the collapsed steel structure that had toppled off towering columns into the forested valley below.

A Mizoram government statement said that the Quick Response Team (QRT) along with National Disaster Response Force have rescued one injured worker from the top of one of the bridge pillars.

Two QRT personnel -- Lalhriatzuala and Lalfakzuala -- brought down the injured worker rappelling down over the 100 metre high pillar.

Post mortem is being conducted by a team from the Zoram Medical College and Civil Hospital in Aizawl.

The bodies would be embalmed and would be handed over to the Railway Department for transportation to respective native villages, the statement said.

The Railway engineers said that the accident was due to the collapse of a gantry, which was being placed over the 104-metre piers of the under-construction bridge.

Officials said that most of the victims are believed to be from West Bengal's Malda district.

A high-level committee has been constituted by the Railway Ministry to probe the incident, railway officials said.

The railway bridge was under construction over the Kurung river connecting Bairabi (near southern Assam) to Sairang, 10 km away from the Mizoram capital Aizawl.

The accident site is about 21 km from Aizawl.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), which is implementing the 51.38-km railway project, has sent several medical and engineering teams to provide medical assistance as well as the recovery process.

NFR General Manager (Construction) Sunil Kumar Jha, along with senior officials, have also rushed to Mizoram from the NFR headquarters in Maligaon (Guwahati).

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, several Chief Ministers of the northeastern states and top leaders have expressed their deep anguish over the mishap.

The Prime Minister, who is now in Johannesburg for the BRICS Summit, announced an ex-gratia of Rs two lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.

The Union Railway Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased, Rs two lakh towards grievous and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga was also deeply saddened over the mishap.

"Under-construction railway overbridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; at least 17 workers died: Rescue under progress. Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations," he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Sairang railway station is set to be the last railhead before reaching Mizoram's capital Aizawl.

Scheduled to be completed by December this year, the project would connect mountainous Aizawl with the national railway network.

There are 32 tunnels (12.67 km total length), 16 cut and cover tunnels (2.58 km total length) along the 51.38-km-long Bairabi to Sairang stretch of the broad gauge railway line, which traverses through Thingdawl and Tlangnuam areas under Kolasib and Aizawl districts respectively.

There are 55 major bridges, of which six are tall bridges having a height of more than 70 metre (the tallest being 104 metre), 87 minor bridges, five road overbridges and eight road underbridges.
Moscow, Aug 23 : Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who attempted an unsuccessful coup against Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been reportedly killed in a plane crash in Russia's Tver region.

Besides him, nine other people on board were also dead in the crash. Prigozhin was on the passenger list but it remains unclear if he was on board.

According to Russia's Emergencies Ministry, all 10 people -- three crew members and seven passengers -- on board the private Embraer Legacy jet were killed in the crash.

Russia's state aviation agency Rosaviatsia said that an individual with Prigozhin's name was one of the people on board.

Tver region Governor Igor Rudenya has taken "personal control" over the response to the plane crash, his press service told state media, adding that the plane was a civil aircraft, The Moscow Times reported.
'Haryana will surpass other states in development by 2047': CM Khattar. Image Source: IANS News

Chandigarh, Aug 23 : Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday congratulated the scientists of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon.

"Today's achievement would remain memorable in the history of India and for every Indian as the country has taken another giant leap in space exploration," he said in a statement.

Khattar expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for consistently encouraging and inspiring the ISRO scientists.

"It is due to the hard work of our scientists that we have achieved this feat today. This is a moment of pride for every Indian as Chandrayaan-3 has touched down on the lunar surface, fulfilling the anticipation of the entire nation."
Agartala, Aug 23 : In a setback for the opposition Congress in Tripura, its working president and former minister Billal Mia resigned from the party on Wednesday.

Mia, a leading Muslim leader of the party in Tripura, said in a letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge that he wants to quit from all posts and the primary membership of the party, which was his home for more than 40 years .

Though the 63-years-old leader did not cite any reason for his resignation, Mia recently came into close contact with the leaders of the ruling BJP.

He was annoyed, according to the local media, for not being nominated by the Congress in the February 16 Assembly polls and in the September 5 by-election to the Boxanagar Assembly constituency, a Muslim dominated seat.

On the other hand, Tripura Pradesh Congress President Asish Kumar Saha expelled Mia from the party for six years for 'anti-party' activities.
Jaipur, Aug 24 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot witnessed the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the surface of moon on Wednesday along with students at the CM's residence.

Gehlot said he was quite excited as a student when the first man (Neil Armstrong) landed on the moon in July 1969.

"Today, with the hard work of our scientists, and hope and faith of our countrymen, ISRO has created history by landing Chandrayaan-3 on the South Pole of the moon," Gehlot said, as he congratulated the scientists of ISRO for the unique feat.

The Chief Minister said that India's first mission to the moon was launched on October 22, 2008 as Chandrayaan-1, which ended as a successful mission in 2009.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : The Delhi Police's Special Cell has arrested a 26-year-old man for extending threats to four jewellers in the national capital with the aim to extort money from them, an official said.

The official added on Wednesday that the accused identified as Abid, a resident of Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, was inspired by the activities of gangsters and he intimidated the targeted jewellers to earn quick money.

The Special Commissioner of Police (Special Cell), HGS Dhaliwal, said that the police teams are continuously working on the wanted criminals and gang members of the criminal syndicates to curb crime in Delhi/NCR.

"Due to the recent surge in extortion cases, the Special Cell investigators shifted their focus towards this issue to suppress this problem. They worked diligently to swiftly capture these criminals. After a case was reported at the Netaji Subhash Place police station, the team took immediate action. They recognised a suspect named Abid through technical surveillance and field operations. It was discovered that Abid had a previous arrest in a case involving ATM theft," Dhaliwal added.

Once the suspect was identified, the police team began a series of raids at potential hiding places in Delhi/NCR.

"Despite several close calls, Abid managed to evade capture multiple times. He had vacated his rented accommodation in Shakurpur, Delhi, making it challenging to track him down. However, the team persevered in tracking his movements through various means," said the Special CP.

On August 23 around 5:00 a.m., he was apprehended in the Dayalpur police station area of Delhi.

"His mobile phone, which he had used to issue threats to jewellers, was confiscated. He was arrested, and the concerned police station was informed to proceed with legal action," said the official.

During questioning, Abid confessed that he had observed fellow inmates in jail extorting money from businessmen.

"Impelled by this, he stole a mobile phone and used it to threaten four jewellers, one of whom he had even purchased jewellery from during his own marriage in March 2023. He demanded Rs five lakh from each jeweller," said the official.

In one instance on August 17 at around 11:38 a.m, Ravinder Gupta, residing in Budh Vihar, Delhi, and owner of Neha Jewellers in Shakurpur, received a call from a person identifying as Bittu Pandey.

"The caller demanded Rs five lakh under threat from Gupta's family. Similar calls were received by Radhika Jewellers, Verma Ji Jewellers, and Dimple Jewellers, all demanding Rs five lakh from each targeted individual," the official added.
Bengaluru, Aug 24 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that he would take an all-party delegation from the state to meet the Prime Minister, seeking his intervention to resolve issues related to Mekedatu, Cauvery, Mahadayi, and Krishna. He sought cooperation from all parties in this regard.

He made the remarks during an all-party meeting called at Vidhana Soudha on Wednesday to discuss water sharing disputes. "We are always committed to protect the interest of the state. Due to the lack of rain every five to six years, we face difficulty in releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. A distress formula has not been arrived in this regard," he asserted.

The Chief Minister is confident that the team of lawyers, representing the state, would put up a competent argument in the Supreme Court in this regard.

"A decision on the distress formula has to be taken by the Cauvery Water Management Authority. The construction of the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir with a storage capacity of 67 TMC water will help to release water to them during a crisis," Siddaramaiah told leaders attending the meeting.

He said that Tamil Nadu is opposing Mekedatu project for "no reason".

The Cauvery dispute is a legacy dispute. The Cauvery Water Management Authority has held 22 meetings while the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee has held 84 meetings, he said, adding that the state has been facing difficult days since these panels were formed.

"So far 86.38 TMC of water has to be released but till the August 20, only 24 TMC water has been released. This shows that we have opposed and made a sincere effort to disclose the facts before the authorities," Siddaramaiah said while appreciating the efforts of officials representing Karnataka at the Cauvery Water Management Authority and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee.

"It was because of the stateas argument that water to be released was reduced from 15,000 to 10,000 cusecs water. We have also placed a request to re-examine this too. The Tamil Nadu officials walked out of the meeting with the Cauvery Water Management Authority, where our officials were presenting their argument about the difficulty in releasing 15,000 cusecs of water. Later they filed an appeal in the Supreme Court. This case will be heard on the August 25 and the out lawyers will put a competent argument," he said.

"From the beginning, all the political parties have spoken in one voice on Karnataka's land, water, borders and languages. No one has tried to politicise these issues, nor should they. We all have to protect the welfare of seven crore people of the state. It is the responsibility of everybody to protect the welfare of the state, whether we belong to the ruling party or not," the Chief Minister added.

Earlier, speaking at the beginning of the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that there will be no compromise in protecting the interest of the state in the matter of irrigation.

Former Chief Ministers B.S. Yeddyurappa, D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Veerappa Moily, Jagadish Shettar, H.D. Kumaraswamy, Basavaraja Bommai, MP Sumalatha, Jaggesh, Hanumantaiah, Muniswamy, G.M. Siddeshwar, and G.C. Chandrasekhar, among others extended support to the government in its legal battle to "protect the interests of farmers in the state".
New Delhi, Aug 24 : The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has said that they have arrested a Kenyan woman passenger at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport for allegedly smuggling coacine worth Rs 16.98 crore.

A senior DRI officer said that the accused arrived at IGI from Nairobi on August 22.

"She was detained based on profiling. Initially, she denied carrying any contraband. However, examination of her luggage resulted into recovery of nearly 1,698 gram of cocaine, with estimated value of around Rs 17 crore in the international market. She was found in possession of an air ticket for a flight to Mumbai that was to depart a few hours later, indicating that the delivery of contraband was to be done in Mumbai," the DRI added.

The DRI also said that they laid a trap in Mumbai and were able to nab the recipient, another female Kenyan national from Vasai area of Mumbai.

"Both the carrier and the recipient have been placed under arrest in accordance with the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act," said the official.

Further investigation into the matter is ongoing.

During January-July 2023, DRI has made 42 seizures of cocaine and heroin across the country. More than 31 kg of cocaine and 96 kg of heroin have been seized by the DRI officers during January-July 2023.
Patna, Aug 24 : Amid an ongoing confrontation between Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar and the state Education Department over the issue of appointment of Vice Chancellors (VCs) in state universities, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday met the Governor.

The exact details of the meeting were not revealed in public but sources have said that Nitish Kumar went there to cool off the clash between the Raj Bhawan and the Education Department.

Nitish Kumar stayed there for half an hour and then returned to his residence.

The conflict was triggered after the Education Department has issued advertisement for recruitment of five VCs. The Raj Bhawan took it as a violation of the Governor's right as he is also holding the post of Chancellor of all universities in the state and has the right to appoint a VC in the university.

The five universities where the appointments are to be made includes KDS Sanskrit University Darbhanga, Bhim Rao Ambedkar Bihar University (BRABU) Muzaffarpur, Lalit Narayan Mithila University Darbhanga, Patna University Patna and Jay Prakash University Chapra.

Earlier, the Education Department has stopped payment to BRABU Muzaffarpur and also put on hold the salaries of VC and Pro VC, asking the Governor to define "how universities of Bihar are independent institutions if the state government is providing funds to a tune of Rs 4000 crore every year and the money belongs to taxpayers".
At least one item that was stolen from the British Museum, worth up to $63,800 (50,000) was offered on sale on the e-commerce platform eBay for as little as $51 (40), according to the Telegraph.

The museums announcement on August 16 said the majority of the missing, stolen, and damaged items were small pieces of gold jewelry and gems of semi-precious stones and glass dating from the 15th century BC to the 19th century that were kept primarily for academic and research purposes. None of them had been recently on display.

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However, some of the missing items had been appearing in listings on eBay since at least 2016, with the Telegraph reporting that an antiquities expert told the British Museum three years ago that they suspected a member of staff was stealing pieces from its collection that were in storage.

In 2016, a piece of Roman jewelry made from the semi-precious stone onyx was listed for sale on eBay with a minimum price of 40. The listing attracted no bids. One dealer told the Telegraph its true value was between $31,890 and $63,780 (25,000 and 50,000).

As a result of the discovery of the stolen, missing, and damaged items, the museum has launched an independent review into its security protocols. It also announced that it would take legal action against a fired staff member and that an investigation by the Metropolitan Polices Economic Crime Command was underway.

Shortly after the museum announced the firing, the Times of London and the Daily Telegraph both identified Greek antiquities curator Peter Higgs as the unnamed person.

Prior to his dismissal from the museum earlier this year, Higgs had worked at the institution for more than 30 years, organizing major exhibitions and writing books. His family told the Telegraph he was innocent and that he was devastated at the loss of his high-profile position.

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Ironically, in 2013, Higgs served as an expert on a trafficked artifact after U.K. customs officials asked the British Museum for assistance in helping identify a statue that had been seized at Heathrow Airport. Higgs told the Guardian he knew right away it was a 2,000-year-old marble statue of a Greek goddess. The rare funerary statue was repatriated to Libya in 2021.

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Donniel Hartman, a modern orthodox rabbi, is in a hot spot. He leads an Israel-based think-tank, the Shalom Hartman Institute, that promotes liberal values and pluralism in a nation riven with internal divisions from the ultra-orthodox to secular. Yet, it's the right place, in his view, to address an urgent issue: Jews in Israel and beyond, with all their complex personal, political, and social identities, must find a unifying story or face the "pitfalls of particularism." Or worse. They could see Judaism losing sway as a meaningful choice for future generations, leaving the their Jewish identity in a drawer like a hand-me-down, rarely worn t-shirt.

PW talked with Hartman, an author (Putting God Second: How to Save Religion from Itself) and host of a podcast for North American Jews, For Heavens Sake, about the concerns and criticisms he raises in his forthcoming book, Who Are the Jewsand Who Can We Become? (Jewish Publication Society, Nov.). It begins with words from the late civil rights and anti-Vietnam war activist William Sloane Coffin: "...Good patriots carry on a lover's quarrel with their country."

Much of this book is a tough-love message for all Jews but ultra-Orthodox Jews, who have significant sway in Israeli life, will never read it. Even so, you're optimistic. How so?

The people who read my books are principally liberal Jews. The ultra-Orthodox won't read it but they won't even read Maimonides (a widely studied 12th Century Jewish philosopher). I don't write for people who are frightened by ideas. And I am not a sociologist who counts the dying Jewish people. Prophets of doom don't change history. I am by definition a teacher and a teacher is, by definition, an optimist. My reader is someone who wants to go on a journey about who are, who we can be, who we ought to be. That's 80% of the Jewish world.

The book describes Judaism as essentially a collective, noting, "The Jewish story has no place for select individuals to climb the mountain and commune with God in private spiritual ecstasy, while the rest of the people wander and stray." Is this why you decry particularism?

I want no part of people who stand for "my-way-or-the-highway" judgmental Judaism or a Zionism that is ultra-nationalist colonial ideology immune from moral responsibility. I want to inform them, inspire them, and challenge them instead. I want to say, 'I love you but...' Most people are interested in having a moral conversation about being a moral people, an exemplary people.

Your book reminds readers of the covenant God made in Genesis that the descendants of Abraham are God's people and the one God made in Exodus where Jews received God's commandments to become a holy people. What makes these so significant?

In Genesis, you are a Jew by inheritance. It's who you are, a statement of being, but not a statement of doing. With the Exodus covenant, you have to choose to act, to claim that inheritance and connect yourself to 3,000 years of Jewish life.

You write, "The continuity of the Jewish story really depends on its ability to compete and prevail in the open marketplace of ideas and identities." What would that look like?

I am not looking for kumbaya, for all of us to be one and the same. I am looking for us to recognize a core identity, a story within Jewishness and Zionism that reaffirms people and respects diversity and takes on a heightened responsibility toward our fellow humans. All Jews are Jews the minute they choose to be in that story.
Donald Trump isnt the only former president facing serious legal trouble.

Jair Bolsonaro, the ex-leader of Brazil, is also the target of several criminal investigations in his home country. And one of those, The New York Times reports, is related to a Rolex that one of his aides sold at a Philadelphia-area shopping mall.

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Brazilian federal police are looking into whether Bolsonaro and some of his allies have tried to embezzle gifts he received from foreign governments while in office. The investigation into the former presidents handling of foreign gifts stems from an incident in 2021 when a Brazilian official was caught carrying $3 million worth of undeclared jewels in their backpack following a state trip to Saudi Arabia. The official said the jewels were gifts to the then-president and his wife, Michelle, from the Saudi Arabian government, and Bolsonaro tried to recover them on multiple occasions. Federal police claim that their investigation has uncovered evidence of embezzlement and money laundering.

Former presidents Jair Bolsonaro and Donald Trump in 2019

In one incident cited by the Times, Bolsonaros personal aide, Lt. Col. Mauro Cid, allegedly made an attempt to sell an 18-karat gold jewelry set from Chopard valued at $140,000. In another, Cid purportedly sold a diamond-set Rolex watch (another gift from Saudi Arabia) and a Patek Philippe timepiece from the government of Bahrain to Precision Watches & Jewelry, a dealer in the Willow Grove Park mall just north of Philadelphia, following Bolsonaros trip to the Summit of the Americas last year. The former president allegedly received $68,000 in cash from the sale.

Bolsonaro and his lawyers claim that the gifts are his to do with as he pleases, but not everyone agrees. Brazilian law allows ex-presidents to keep some personal gifts, but not items of high value, such as jewelry. A government-appointed panel declared that most of the items that Bolsonaros aides have tried to sell are personal property, but the judge overseeing the case says there is evidence the panel was pressured to do so. Regardless, even if the jewelry belonged to Bolsonaro, he would have been required to get permission to sell the items, which he did not.

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Bolsonaro isnt alone in facing scrutiny for his handling of foreign gifts. Trump has been accused of failing to document more than a hundred foreign gifts valued at over $250,000. Of course, both men have bigger legal worries. The former U.S. president has been indicted four times since the start of the year, most recently for attempting to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia. His Brazilian counterpart, meanwhile, was barred from running for office until at least 2030 after spreading false claims about the countrys voting system after his reelection bid failed last year. Bolsonaro is also facing trial in several other cases.

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Since 2021, PEN America has documented the rise of state laws that have sought to directly censor books and curricula in schools and libraries under the guise of parental rights. But a new report released this week documents the rise of a new wave of state legislation designed to force librarians and educators to self-censor.

The report, Educational Intimidation: How Parental Rights Legislation Undermines the Freedom to Learn, tracks the introduction of nearly 400 bills across the nation that target the work of professional teachers, librarians, and school administrators. But unlike the more direct educational gag orders that PEN America has previously tracked (bills and policies that directly ban what can be taught in schools and libraries), these "educational intimidation" bills, a number of which have passed and become law, lead to censorship in schools through more indirect mechanisms, such as requiring opt outs for certain lessons or creating new standards to evaluate and challenge books.

Fear is the new watchword in public education, the report bluntly states. While transparency for public institutions and the promotion of parental involvement in schools are common sense propositions, these bills have an ulterior motive driving them: to empower a vocal and censorship-minded minority with greater opportunity to scrutinize public education and intimidate educators with threats of punishment.

The report looks at the history and organizations behind this new wave of bills, and offers a comprehensive taxonomy" of recent efforts, including an Index of Educational Intimidation Bills that shows the variety of laws being employed. These include burdensome inspection provisions for classrooms, teachers, and libraries; opt outs that essentially create an "a la carte" curriculum; "harmful to minors" laws that expand what is considered "obscene," often with provisions that criminalize librarians and educators who violate these vague new definitions; and a host of anti-DEI and anti-LGBTQ+ measures and "parental rights enforcement mechanisms," like tip lines.

 These bills have an ulterior motive driving them: to empower a vocal and censorship-minded minority. 

As an example, the report tells of an art teacher in Tennessee who no longer teaches Frida Kahlo or Keith Haring because the states recently passed HB 529 requires teachers to alert parents to any LGBTQ+ content so they can withdraw their children from the lesson. The report also notes recently enacted laws in nine states that require educators to notify parents of any changes to their childs gender expression or sexual orientation.

The report points to three principal dangers from the rise of these "educational intimidation" laws: They spur self-censorship by making instruction more burdensome, costly, or risky; they make schools a less welcoming place for students to freely express themselves, especially for LGBTQ+ students, who are often targeted by such laws; and, such laws empower a handful of parents (and in some cases one parent) to make decisions about what can be taught or read, at a school or in a library, thus disempowering" the majority of parents in favor of a vocal minority.

These bills are not what they seem, Jonathan Friedman, director of free expression and education programs at PEN America, warned in a release. They are the next phase in a years-long campaign to incite panic and impose ideological strictures on schools. Education in a democracy must be characterized by openness and curiosity, by the freedom to read, learn, and think. These bills strike at that foundation, in novel, sometimes subtle, yet potentially irrevocable ways. Their spread should not be taken lightly.

Among the report's key findings:

The report identifies 392 such educational intimidation bills introduced in state legislatures between January 2021 and June 2023. Of these, 38 have passed into law in 19 states. An additional nine policies have been adopted via executive order or enacted as part of state regulatory policy.

Of these, 38 have passed into law in 19 states. An additional nine policies have been adopted via executive order or enacted as part of state regulatory policy. Missouri (30) has introduced the most educational intimidation bills in the nation , followed by Texas (21), Oklahoma (20), South Carolina (18), Indiana (17) and Mississippi (16).

, followed by Texas (21), Oklahoma (20), South Carolina (18), Indiana (17) and Mississippi (16). Of the intimidation bills introduced in 2023, 45% include anti-LGBTQ+ provisions , including 80 bills that would force teachers to forcibly out students to their parents across a number of states

, including 80 bills that would force teachers to forcibly out students to their parents across a number of states The bills overwhelmingly emanate from conservative legislators. Of the 392 bills tracked, 377 have been introduced by Republicans.

The report also finds that most of these state legislative measures are being incubated by a small group of conservative think tanks" and activist groups, with such bills "overwhelmingly" being introduced by the political right. Most educational intimidation bills are based on model legislation prepared by a small collection of conservative think tanks and activist groups, including the Manhattan Institute, the Goldwater Institute, and No Left Turn in Education, the report finds, noting that the "volume and pace of these proposals represents a startling uptick in this ideological attack on public education."

For educators and librarians, the result is "more combative and stressful places to work, and harassment that is driving many to leave their professions, the report notes. But ultimately, it is the students who end up paying the price.

Without the ability to engage with multiple points of view or to learn how to critically analyze information, the educational experience of all students will suffer, the report concludes. We should recognize these bills for what they are: a censorious power grab by an extreme and unrepresentative minority that undermines parents, children, teachers, and the democratic foundation of the American system of public education as a whole.

The full report is accessible here.
Each year, the Center for Career Opportunities (CCO) surveys professional and bachelors degree recipients to learn about their employment status six months after graduation. In 2022, more than 97% of recent grads who responded to the survey had secured professional opportunities (e.g., employment or graduate school), and those who were employed increased their average salary by more than 9.5% from 2021.

The Next Step Survey

The CCOs Next Step Survey is a long-running tradition that helps the university understand the market value of a Purdue education.

Its the university showing its work, shares Stephen Roach, the CCOs director for operations, strategic initiatives, and data analytics and the chief administrator of the Next Step Survey.  Students come to Purdue with talent, and they leave with the knowledge, skills and persistence they need to be successful. Thats what the data shows us.

The survey data also provides current students with valuable insights into their future careers. On the data dashboard, students can explore what industries are hiring for their major and what the salary ranges are year to year, college by college, major by major, and even by geographical location, says Roach. When negotiating with future employers, students can share this data and really shift the conversation in their favor.

Academic units across campus also benefit from knowledge of recent grads success as they assess their programs ability to foster career readiness and provide graduates a leg-up on the competition.

Knowledge is power, Roach says. We can all make better decisions when we have the type of data this survey provides.

The 2022 Data

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 91% of college graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate programs in 2022. In contrast, out of the more than 6,400 Purdue graduates who responded to the Next Step Survey, 97% had secured a job, were pursuing further education or had another professional opportunity lined up.

These recent alumni not only surpassed the national average in professional and continuing education placements, but they also out-earned their peers with a 9.5% year-over-year increase in salary across all majors.

Were enjoying a strong job market, shares Roach, but were also producing stronger graduates. Thats the Purdue advantage.

The Purdue Advantage

In the classroom, on campus and beyond, Purdue is building a better world by offering an affordable and accessible education that transforms students and addresses todays toughest challenges. And as one of the top ten public universities in the country, its no surprise that Boilermakers enter the job market on the leading edge.

The Next Step Survey is an exemplar of Purdues commitment to evidence-informed decision-making, acknowledges Heather Servaty-Seib, associate vice provost for Teaching and Learning. The high response rate and ongoing nature of this study place powerful information in the hands of staff, faculty, students, alumni and future employers."

For more information about the Next Step Survey, please visit www.cco.purdue.edu/data.
If the current growth rate continues, P.E.I. could reach the 200,000 population mark by late 2026 or early 2027, according to a Statistics Canada analyst. (Steve Bruce/CBC - image credit)

P.E.I.'s population has crossed the 180,000 mark, according to projections in Statistics Canada's real-time calculator.

The calculator doesn't show the official population numbers, which are released on a quarterly basis. But it estimates the Island crossed the record milestone overnight.

The update comes as the province continues to experience rapid growth seen since the start of 2022.

Last year, P.E.I.'s population increased by a record 4.3 per cent, or 7,000 people. On Jan. 1, 2023, the population sat at 173,954.

Within seven months, the province saw a net increase of more than 6,000 people.

P.E.I. predicted in May the population would reach 200,000 by 2030, four years earlier than what it had forecast in 2022.

But if the current growth rate continues, the 200,000 mark could potentially be crossed by late 2026 or early 2027, according to Sebastien Lavoie, an analyst with Statistics Canada's Centre for Demography.

"It's fair to expect some changes when we kind of update our model, but it should still be in the vicinity of 180,000 or above," Lavoie said.

UPEI's administration says a consultant's report looking at air quality and ventilation issues should be ready by mid-November.

Younger migrants could be helping balance out the loss of a younger population, Statistics Canada says. (Laura Meader/CBC)

Lavoie said P.E.I. and Atlantic Canada have seen significant change since about 2016 when it comes to population growth.

He said generally, there's a lot more people moving from Ontario to the Atlantic region, rather than other way around.

The live calculator is updated as the official population numbers arrive.

Young families

In June, P.E.I. said it was putting "final touches" on a new population strategy to address rapidly increasing numbers. At the time, the Opposition urged the province to take a more aggressive approach.

Over the last three to four years, Summerside has seen an annual population increase rate that's greater than its cumulative increase in the 20 years prior, Mayor Dan Kutcher said.

Story continues

In terms of exact numbers, Kutcher said that growth has translated to an annual increase of about 350 to 375 people in the city in the last 3-4 years.

Dan Kutcher, Mayor of Summerside, PEI.

Dan Kutcher, mayor of Summerside, says the majority of international immigrants who move to his city are young, working families. (Laura Meader/CBC)

Kutcher said those new residents are mainly coming from other provinces and countries. Many of the international immigrants arriving in Summerside are young, working families, he said.

The mayor said that's great news overall because Summerside has an aging population like other Atlantic Canadian cities, and many Baby Boomers are retiring from the workforce.

Whether they're nurses of physicians, we need those jobs.  Dan Kutcher

"Particularly the jobs that our seniors are going to need, whether they're personal care workers or grocery clerks, our construction folks, whether they're nurses of physicians, we need those jobs," he said.

Of all the international immigrants arriving in the city, Kutcher said about nine out of 10 are under the age of 44. A third are under 14.

Lavoie said it's normal for international immigrants to be in younger age ranges, but even interprovincial migrants to P.E.I. seem to be in their 20s.

At least part of that can be attributed to students, he said.

"I wouldn't go as far as to say a full reversal of the trend, but certainly a contributing factor to the faster aging of population was the loss of that younger population," Lavoie said. "Now, this kind of comes in and balances out these trends."

More deaths than births

Kutcher said Summerside still has a negative population growth overall, as there are more people dying than being born in the city.

The 2021 census counted the city's population at about 16,001. Kutcher estimates by now, it's only increased to about 16,500.

The mayor said while there are many benefits of a growing population, there are also challenges. There's added pressure on infrastructure and public resources, he said, from roads to hospitals to water treatment plants.

"When new people come, there's obviously more pressure on that and we don't always get the immediate tax base return on year 1 or year 2," Kutcher said.

The mayor said the city must invest in housing and transit to retain young people in the area.

"We need to grow, but we need to grow smartly," he said.

"We had some really successful projects come out with the rapid housing initiative supporting vulnerable women and children. We just made an application under the Housing Accelerator Fund. So we're doing everything we can."

Steve Ogden

Steve Ogden, mayor of Stratford, says it's been a challenge to keep up with the infrastructure needs of a growing population. (Jessica Doria-Brown/CBC)

Stratford has led the Island's population growth in two of the last three censuses. Mayor Steve Ogden said the town has created a high demand not only for housing, but also recreational facilities, places of worship and basic infrastructure.

"We've had a lot of new people come to our community and we've been playing catchup with regard to all the services and programs that they need for quite a period of time," he said.

"If they don't have the programs, services and infrastructure, they'll move on."
The deployment sees an initial selection of 14 channels rolled-out to V irgin TV through Virgin Medias V6, TV 360 and stream set-top boxes (STBs), allowing customers to instantly access an extended range of content monetised through advertising.Harnessing the Appstage application framework within the 24i Mod Studio streaming platform pre-integrated with Amagis playout solutions  the project introduced the FAST channels into Virgin Medias Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) without making any changes to existing STB configurations.Collaborative work by 24i and Amagi the app was configured to perfectly align with Virgin Media's UX, facilitating integration of channels into Virgin Media's EPG, providing an enhanced user experience for their customers on V6, TV 360 and Stream STBs running the RDK and Opera operating systems.Our collaboration with Virgin Media has been an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our technical prowess, remarked Amagi co-founder and CRO Srinivasan KA. Our achievement in integrating multiple FAST channels into Virgin Media's STB environment through a unified gateway has significantly enriched user choice and paved the way for incremental revenues.This has been a real team effort to give Virgin Medias customers access to a range of exciting new streamed content with a great user experience, added 24i CEO Donald McGarva. The successful and seamless roll-out to a variety of device models already in the field is a testament to the powerful and flexible combination of 24is Appstage Big Screen client, cloud-based Backstage content management system, and Amagis unrivaled FAST solutions.
Established in 2000, the main channel of the bTV Media Group , bTV, was the first Bulgarian private national television service. bTV Media Groups thematic channels, bTV Action, bTV Cinema, bTV Comedy, bTV Lady and RING, are broadcast in HD format and distributed via cable, satellite and IPTV.The facility at the Plana Teleport located 60 km from the networks Sofia headquarters will safeguard bTVs broadcast channels against any discontinuity in the main transmission feeds.PlayBox Neo was a logical partner for this project as its ProductionAirBox Neo-20 playout servers operate very effectively in our news, studio productions and outside broadcast operations, explained Peter Dimitrov, technical director of bTV Media Group. We were keen to provide full 1:1 protection for our main channel which carries a polythematic mix of programs plus a hot spare playout feed for our other five channels: bTV Action, bTV Cinema, bTV Comedy, bTV Lady and RING. All are produced and transmitted in HD. The new installation integrated easily with our existing traffic management software.The PlayBox Neo team recommended a solution comprising four HD dual channel Channel-in-a Box playout servers with SDI and streaming inputs and outputs, added bTV Broadcast IT Manager Ivailo Pashov. Integrated into the system is TitleBox Neo-20 graphics preparation software which allows efficient management of fixed and rolling text as well as static or animated channel branding images. We also have SafeBox Neo to manage content and playlists moving between our central storage at the DR center and the playout servers. Our headquarters are connected to the DR site by a dedicated fiber link. PlayBox Neo Channel-in-a-Box is a turnkey playout server solution for broadcasting a single or multi TV channel both available in HD or UHD. It provides a workflow to keep a channel on-air by combining scheduling, ingest, playout, CG and interactive graphics within one box and remote tools to enhance QC checks, preparation and monitoring.SafeBox Neo is designed to replicate remote content to local playout server folders for safe playback. New content arriving in any of the remote watch-folders is automatically copied or moved to the local playout storage. New daily schedules are transferred along with their associated content. File paths in the playlists are automatically updated according to the new local storage. Expired daily schedule content is automatically deleted or moved to a pre-defined folder for manual deletion or archiving. Deletion can be performed automatically or with user approval of deletion lists.Off-site DR centres are a very good safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as regional power failure or flooding at a broadcast networks primary playout facility, commented PlayBox Neo CEO Pavlin Rahnev. Well designed systems such as the one being used at bTV provide a high level of security including automatic alerts to relevant supervisors. They very quickly cover their investment cost in terms of business continuity and as part of a fully professional workflow.
At her first appearance in the criminal case against Donald Trump for his alleged attempt to overturn the 2020 election, U.S. District Court Judge Tanya S. Chutkan repeatedly warned the former presidents lawyers that politics would not be tolerated in her courtroom.

The fact that [Trump is] running a political campaign has to yield to the orderly administration of justice, Chutkan said during the August 11 hearing. If that means he cant say exactly what he wants to say about witnesses in this case, thats how it has to be.

Rep. Matt Gaetz: The Florida Republican wants to censure Judge Chutkan, top left, for her "open bias." But even as she warns Trump about his inflammatory language, Chutkan has routinely issued politically charged rulings and made incendiary statements of her own while presiding over some 30 cases involving Trump supporters charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, melee at the U.S. Capitol.

A review of thousands of pages of hearing transcripts reveal that Chutkan has repeatedly expressed strong and settled opinions about the issues at the heart of United States v. Donald Trump  the criminal case she is now presiding over.

These include her public assertions that the 2020 election was beyond reproach, that the Jan. 6 protests were orchestrated by Trump, and that the former president is guilty of crimes. She has described Jan. 6 as a mob attack on the very foundation of our democracy and branded the issue at the heart of the case she is hearing  Trumps claim that the 2020 election was stolen  a conspiracy theory.

Although judges often make comments from the bench, Chutkans strident language raises questions about her impartiality in handling the case against the presumptive GOP nominee for president in 2024.

The U.S. code that addresses grounds for recusal states, Any justice, judge, or magistrate judge of the United States shall disqualify himself in any proceeding in which his impartiality might reasonably be questioned. One reason to recuse is if the judge has demonstrated a personal bias or prejudice concerning a party.

GOP Rep. Matthew Gaetz of Florida recently filed a resolution to condemn and censure Chutkan for exhibiting open bias and partisanship in the conduct of her official duties as a judge.

But if the aim among Trump loyalists is to get a new judge assigned to the case, its a steep legal hurdle. Stephen Gillers, a professor of law at New York University, said that typically a judge can be recused for bias or the appearance of bias only when the purported bias comes from a source outside the judge's work as a judge. He continued, Almost never will a judge be recused for opinions she forms as a judge  in hearing cases and motions. Judges are expected to form opinions based on these 'intrajudicial' sources. It's what judges do.

A Trump representative declined to comment about Judge Chutkans potential bias. The chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and the American Bar Association did not respond to requests for comment. Nor did Chutkan.

Christine Priola: At the Ohioan's sentencing, Judge Chutkan appeared to lament the fact that Trump was not yet in prison.

Appointed by Barack Obama to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in 2013, Chutkan has been one of the toughest judges on Jan. 6 defendants. In several cases, she has given defendants longer prison terms than recommended by prosecutors. In at least two cases she sentenced defendants to jail time when prosecutors only sought probation. Chutkan herself admitted during a July 2022 court hearing that she is one of the few judges that's given a lot of terms of incarceration in Jan 6. cases. On at least one occasion, Chutkan suggested in open court that Trump should have been charged for his alleged role in what she routinely describes as an attempt to overthrow the government on Jan. 6. Before sentencing Christine Priola, a Trump supporter from Ohio who pleaded guilty to obstruction of an official proceeding, to 15 months in jail, Chutkan appeared to lament the fact Trump was not yet in prison. [The] people who mobbed that Capitol were there in fealty, in loyalty, to one man  not to the Constitution, of which most of the people who come before me seem woefully ignorant, not to the ideals of this country, and not to the principles of democracy, Chutkan said on Oct. 28, 2022. It's a blind loyalty to one person who, by the way, remains free to this day." (Emphasis added.) Chutkan accused Matthew Mazzocco, another Jan. 6 defendant, of choosing Trump over the country. In rejecting Mazzoccos argument that he traveled from Texas to Washington to engage in a legal political demonstration, Chutkan declared at his October 2021 sentencing hearing: He went there to support one man who he viewed had the election taken from him. In total disregard of a lawfully conducted election, he went to the Capitol in support of one man, not in support of our country or in support of democracy.

Although Mazzocco only spent 12 minutes inside the Capitol and committed no violence, Chutkun rejected the governments recommendation of three months home confinement for pleading guilty to parading in the Capitol, a Class B misdemeanor, and instead sentenced Mazzocco to 45 days in jail.

Robert Palmer, above, pleaded with Judge Chutkan for mercy, to no avail. Despite President Trumps explicit request that his supporters march peacefully and patriotically to the Capitol, Chutkan blamed Trump for the Jan. 6 violence while sentencing Robert Palmer, who pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of assaulting police officers with a dangerous weapon (a fire extinguisher). In that case, Palmers lawyer sought a reduced prison sentence by echoing the judges view of Trump.

Robert Palmer of Florida on Jan. 6: He told the judge that "Trump supporters were lied to." She was unimpressed. Mr. Palmer went to the Capitol at the behest of the former president, attorney Bjorn E. Brunvand wrote in a December 2021 sentencing memo to Chutkan. Like many others who participated in the Capitol riot, Mr. Palmer blindly followed the many figures who falsely but persistently claimed that the election had been stolen from the president.

Palmer himself told Chutkan that Trumps claims about a stolen 2020 election prompted him to travel from his Tampa home to the nations capital to participate in the Capitol protest. In a handwritten note dated November 2021, Palmer told Chutkan that he realized Trump supporters were lied to by those that at the time had great power meaning the then sitting president, as well as those acting in his behalf.

Palmer apologized to Chutkan for his conduct and begged for mercy.

His plea fell on deaf ears. Although Chutkan expressed no sympathy for Palmer, whom she sent to prison for more than five years, she amplified Palmers assertions that Trump bore some responsibility:

And it is true, Mr. Palmer you have made a very good point, one that has been made before  that the people who exhorted you and encouraged you and rallied you to go and take action and to fight have not been charged. That is not this court's position. I don't charge anybody. I don't negotiate plea offers. I don't make charging decisions. I sentence people who have pleaded guilty or have been convicted. The issue of who has or has not been charged is not before me. I don't have any influence on that. I have my opinions, but they are not relevant. And you're correct in that no one who was encouraging everybody to take the Capitol has been charged as of yet, but I don't think that fact means that you should get a lower sentence.

Chutkans references to the former president arent the only area of concern for Trump. Her comments from the bench also suggest that she shares the same view of Jan. 6 as the man prosecuting Trump in her courtroom, Special Counsel Jack Smith.

Jack Smith, special counsel: Judge Chutkan's comments from the bench suggest that she shares the same view of Jan. 6 as the man prosecuting Trump in her courtroom. Tasked by Attorney General Merrick Garland with investigating whether any person or entity unlawfully interfered with the transfer of power following the 2020 presidential election or the certification of the Electoral College vote held on or about January 6, 2021, Smith indicted Trump in the District of Columbia on three conspiracy counts and one obstruction count last month.

Throughout the 45-page indictment, Smith repeatedly accused Trump of knowingly promoting falsehoods about the 2020 presidential election. [For] more than two months following election day on November 3, 2020, the Defendant spread lies that there had been outcome-determinative fraud in the election and that he had actually won. These claims were false, and the Defendant knew that they were false. But the Defendant repeated and widely disseminated them anyway  to make his knowingly false claims appear legitimate, create an intense national atmosphere of mistrust and anger, and erode public faith in the administration of the election.

Chutkan clearly shares that view. On numerous occasions, the judge has insisted the 2020 election was legitimate and fully vetted by the court system  a claim disputed by Trump that lies at the heart of the case she is now hearing.

He went to the Capitol because, despite election results which were clear-cut, despite the fact that multiple court challenges all over the country had rejected every single one of the challenges to the election, Mr. Palmer didn't like the result. He didn't like the result, and he didn't want the transition of power to take place because his guy lost, Chutkan also said during Palmers sentencing. (When not cryptically referring to Trump, Chutkan often describes the former president as guy.)

She has accused individuals who believe the 2020 election was stolen as promoting conspiracy theories. In the case of Donna Bissel, who pleaded guilty to the nonviolent petty offense of parading in the Capitol, Chutkan cited Bissels personal beliefs as reason to sentence her to 14 days in jail rather than impose the three-year probation sentence recommended by prosecutors.

As noted in the government's sentencing memo, the defendant appears to be susceptible to believing outlandish and absurd conspiracy theories, Chutkan said during Bissels October 2021 sentencing. To protect the public, it's important to make sure that she does not fall victim to another lie or conspiracy and act out in a way that again jeopardizes public safety. It's one thing to believe in conspiracy theories in your basement, and it's another thing to act out on them and, for instance, to travel from Indiana to D.C. to storm the Capitol to overturn an election.

Court records show that Chutkan has repeatedly scolded defendants who question the integrity of the 2020 election  skepticism shared by 39% of Americans, according to a recent CNN poll. Here are a few examples of Chutkans comments on Jan. 6: USA v. Scott Ponder: When you say you got caught up, Mr. Ponder, there's a lot of rage and a lot of emotion and a lot of tension as you describe, and people felt very strongly, right or wrongly, that an election had been stolen. I think the evidence is quite clear that it had not, but that's neither here nor there. (July 26, 2022)

Larocca: Got an earful from Chutkan. USA v. Benjamin Larocca: Everyone standing around with their cameras on that  in front of those doors, every single one of those people contributed to the mob that tried to intimidate those police officers; that tried to gain entry into that building; that were trying to stop the transfer of power and nullify a lawfully conducted election. This was a lawfully conducted election. (August 10, 2022)

USA v. Christian Cortez: [He] was motivated to come because his candidate didn't win and he somehow believed this election was stolen and he wanted to get it back. As I said, this wasn't just a protest. He wanted to  that mob wanted to overthrow the government. They wanted to undo the results of what they considered a stolen election; their guy didn't win. (August 31, 2022)

Little Nuance: Chutkans View of Jan. 6

For Chutkan, the events of Jan. 6 provoke strong emotions, which she freely volunteers from the bench. [Every] single time I watch the videos and look at the photographs of what was going on that day, I am struck anew by how horrible this was, by how violent and terrifying, and how the outnumbered and vastly unequipped law enforcement officers were feeling that day as they were basically struggling for their lives and wondering if they were going to make it home to their kids, Chutkan told defendant Matthew Caspel in December 2022. I don't know if we'll ever recover from that.

A former public defender in Washington, D.C.  one of the countrys most perennially violent cities, and one generally lenient toward criminals  Chutkan argues that Jan. 6 is among the worst crime scenes shes ever witnessed.

I watch these videotapes in almost every case, and every single time I am struck anew at how horrifying the events of that day were, she volunteered to Benjamin Larocca, who pleaded guilty to a disorderly conduct misdemeanor and received 60 days in jail. And I'm struck as someone who is watching  has seen this kind of footage multiple times and was looking at footage on the day  and as somebody, frankly, who has seen a lot of crime scene footage. I was a criminal defense lawyer, I was a public defender for many years. I'm not easily shocked, but it's shocking.
ABC/Craig Sjodin

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 08/22/2023



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

and The Golden Bachelor's official fall premiere dates have been announced by ABC.The Bachelor host Jesse Palmer announced during The Bachelorette's live Season 20 finale on Monday night that Season 9 of and the franchise's new spinoff, The Golden Bachelor, will both be premiering on Thursday, September 28 on ABC."Tune in Thursday, September 28 for the premiere of . And also premiering September 28, The Golden Bachelor!" Jesse announced."That's right! Bachelor Nation is literally taking over Thursday night."The Golden Bachelor is set to premiere at 8PM ET/PT on Thursday, September 28, immediately followed by a two-hour debut episode of 's new season from 9-11PM ET/PT.ABC initially planned to air its two The Bachelor spinoffs on Monday and Tuesday nights this fall, but due to Hollywood's ongoing strikes, the reality dating series have been pushed to Thursday night.In May, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike against Hollywood's production studios, resulting in an immediate stop to the production of most American scripted television shows.Two months later in July, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the union which covers American film and television actors, also went on strike -- further impeding the production of any scripted programming.Similar to what occurred when the last Writers Guild of America strike occurred during the 2007-2008 television season, American TV networks and streaming services quickly began eyeing additional unscripted shows to help fill their television lineups while their scripted television shows remain idled.The last writers strike began in November 2007 and ended more than three months later in February 2008. Television networks attempted to fill their schedules with numerous replacements that included everything from imports of non-American scripted TV dramas to a variety of additional unscripted programming like the first-ever winter season of Big Brother.Back in May, ABC had announced would be airing on Monday and Tuesday nights from 8-10PM ET/PT this fall.The Golden Bachelor had originally been scheduled to air on Monday night at 10PM ET/PT after each new episode of .And at the time, the network had intended on airing three scripted shows -- Station 19, Grey's Anatomy, and Alaska -- on Thursday night beginning at 8PM ET/PT each week.ABC has yet to announce what will air on Monday and Tuesday nights this fall now that and The Golden Bachelor have moved to other nights.ABC aired preview clips of both and The Golden Bachelor during the finale of Charity Lawson 's The Bachelorette season on August 21.In the sneak peek of 9, Jesse says in a voiceover, "Get ready for a wild time on the beach -- sexy dates and four former Bachelorettes crashing the party. Plus, someone has a serious medical emergency."Jesse adds, "Who will find their soul mate? Who will leave in tears? And who will decide to get MARRIED in Paradise?!"The promo featured Charity's ex-suitors Aaron Bryant and Brayden Bowers as well as Kat Izzo Eliza Isichei and many more memorable The Bachelorette and The Bachelor alums.Last month, spoilers surfaced revealing some of what happened and which couples left together when 's ninth season was filmed in Mexico in June.And during The Golden Bachelor preview, the show's 71-year-old star, Gerry Turner, is shown sitting down with his two daughters and two granddaughters."What I hope is that I can look at one of those women and know that I've found the right person," Gerry shares.Gerry then asks the girls for tips on "modern dating," and they advise him to upgrade his texting game."I'm thinking, 'What are the characteristics I'm looking for?' [Maybe] how do you spend your spare time? Do you like adventure? Do you like to cook? We have such a good time in the kitchen. It's a mess and it's chaos -- and I always seem to get the clean-up duty, but [it's fun]," Gerry says."I want to find the person who is the right one. I know you guys always wanted me to be happy, and there's one person out there who will do that."After both and The Golden Bachelor wrap later this year, the new season of The Bachelor starring Joey Graziadei is expected to return in January 2024.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
Paramount+ announced Wednesday that the documentary Superpower will premiere Sept. 18 on the streaming service. Sean Penn and Aaron Kaufman made the documentary about Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.

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Penn and Kaufman filmed the documentary in 2021-22 while Ukraine fought off Russian forces. Penn began filming Zelensky to learn more about the former actor and comedian turned presidential candidate.

After Zelsnky's election, the film captured Putin' first rocket attack and and aftermath as Zelensky led Ukraine's resistance. Penn spent the night of the first attack in Zelensky's bunker.

"We set out to tell a lighthearted tale of this comedic actor who had been elected President of Ukraine and instead became witness to a historic leader and his country's war for freedom," Penn said in a statement.

"When you step into a country of such incredible unity, you realize what we (in the United States) have all been missing," Penn continued.

Superpower previewed as a work in progress at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Penn also interviews veterans of the 2014 invasion and visits the front lines of the current war, and the citizens affected in their homes. In the trailer, Penn offers to help survivors sort through wreckage in their home.

Penn also co-founded the disaster relief charity CORE and personally assisted survivors and relief workers after the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS!

Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source!

Fifth Season and Vice News financed Superpower. Vice Studios and Projected Picture Works produced.

Penn produced with Billy Smith, Sergei Bespalov, Danny Gabai and Lauren Terp, with Executive Producers Kate Ward, Katie Peck, Andrew Freston, Bruce Dixon, Hozefa Lokhandwala, Subrata De, Susan Zirinsky, Terence Wrong, Anthony Gudas, Chad A. Verdi and Sasha Cherniavsky.

Fifth Season will distribute internationally.
Harley's Hardrock Saloon, the most northerly strip club in Canada, remains open as the owner helps essential workers on the ground. Kelly McCarty, left, and Lynn Brady are running the operation. (Submitted by Harley's Hardrock Saloon - image credit)

What might be Canada's northern-most strip club is among a handful of Yellowknife businesses still serving those left in the city.

Multiple wildfires threatening the city led to a full evacuation last week; officials say 19,000 people are gone. Firefighters, military personnel, and other essential workers and contractors are among the approximate 1,600 remaining residents, who are in need of goods and services.

Scott Yuill, the owner of Harley's Hardrock Saloon, said he has been on the front lines, driving trucks with water and supplies and helping out "wherever they need" him. He said since he was still in town, his wife suggested they keep the bar operating for all those working on the front lines.

"It's good for their mental health and a place to unwind especially how hard everyone's working right here in the North," he said.

Yuill said his wife has been bartending alongside one other employee who is also a dancer, and the bar is open for restricted hours to make sure "people have adequate sleep and rest to continue working."

Its hours are 1 p.m. until midnight, with last call at 11 p.m. and he's offering a shuttle service, since there are no taxis in the city.

Yuill said around 30 people a night stop by.

'So nice to help': Weaver and Devore owner

Another Yellowknife business that remains open is Weaver and Devore, a general store that's been operating in Old Town since the 1930s.

Ken Weaver, a co-owner, has been running the store full-time alongside his two brothers, with some assistance from a third brother who is also keeping the local grocery store stocked.

"We feel committed to the community of Yellowknife in general, of course to the essential workers, if we're able to help them with PPE," he said.

"It's just so nice to help with anything."

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Essential workers have been buying coveralls, boots and bear spray, the store remains open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday.

Weaver and Devore, a general store that's been operating out of the N.W.T. since the 1930's is among the businesses still serving remaining customers in Yellowknife during the evacuation. (CBC)

"We have a lot of different products that might come in handy," he said.

"All of sudden the guys are on the line fighting and they blow a pair of boots, it's a chance to help that person get a pair of boots."

Weaver said there were also some bears spotted by the line and firefighters bought some bear deterrents.

Among other open establishments there is Sutherland's Pharmacy and the Yellowknife Co-Op grocery store and gas station, as well as a handful of restaurants including Fishy People and The Woodyard.
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Slaters Steakhouse and Nighthawks Lounge hosted a Smash Burger Popup fundraiser to benefit Pastures of Rose Creek in Athens, Georgia on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023. The beef for the Smash Burgers was from the Pasture of Rose Creek and made by the owner of Slaters Steakhouse, Jerry Slater. The beloved farm owner, Will Breedlove tragically passed away on August 2, 2023. The event sold about 80 burgers by 6 p.m. and all of the proceeds go toward the farm.

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Consensus remained elusive on a common BRICS currency as business leaders from the five-bloc nations debated the pivotal issue at a business forum on the periphery of a summit of the five-member bloc being hosted here by South Africa.

Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters

In their two addresses at the Summit so far, the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa have made no or scant references to the issue either.

The BRICS Business Forum discussed the international payments system in detail.

"Participants also debated the question of whether a BRICS currency is possible or desirable, with strong views expressed both for and against and little consensus reached, Sim Tshabalala, chief executive of Standard Bank Group, told several hundred captains of industry from the partner countries and over 40 other nations across the globe at the Summit.

He was delivering the report from the BRICS Business Council Forum on Tuesday evening.

From an African point of view, a highlight of this conversation was the discussion of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, which has immense potential to stimulate trade and growth by increasing the speed and certainty and reducing the costs of cross-border payments in Africa.

Seen from a banker's perspective, the debate would probably progress more fruitfully if the discourse maintained a sharper conceptual distinction between international payments systems, on the one hand, and reserve currencies on the other, Tshabalala said.

He said that as an example, under certain circumstances, it may be possible to simplify international trade and the attendant payments using a collection of domestic currencies without reference to any international reserve currency.

It's also important to be realistic about the necessary characteristics of an international reserve currency.

"These include being a currency issued by a central bank with very high credibility in the implementation of monetary policy; being the currency of a state or supranational entity with an equally strong track record on fiscal policy and meeting its debts; being freely available in large quantities in many jurisdictions; and full convertibility at all times, the banker said.

It would take years to establish this, he noted.

Tshabalala said South Africa's freely floating currency, open capital account, extremely skilful and credible central bank, and deep and liquid capital markets guarantee that returns on investment are - and will remain - quickly accessible in the currency of the investors' choice.

The Forum report said it is likely that sub-Saharan Africa will be the fastest-growing region of the world by 2030.

Standard Bank's analysts foresee that intra-African trade could double under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and that there would be a $3.4 trillion investment opportunity in African infrastructure emerging from this rapid growth, Tshabalala said.

"Given that the BRICS nations are agricultural powerhouses, agricultural production and trade were discussed in detail, with a view that given the investments and the right policy environment, Africa can become the breadbasket of the world during this century, he said.
Barely days after imposing a 40 per cent export tax on onions to cool down soaring prices, which, in turn, triggered widespread protests across the main growing belts, the Centre on Tuesday sought to mitigate both political and economic tensions gripping parts of Maharashtra.

Photograph: Ajay Verma/Reuters

It decided to procure an additional 200,000 tonnes of onions at Rs 2,410 per quintal for its buffer stock from farmers, a rate that is strikingly close to the price at which they were being exported before the 40 per cent duty was levied on August 19.

The export price before the imposition of the duty stood at around $320 per tonne free on board (approximately Rs 2,650 per quintal).

Several political opponents are trying to paint a wrong picture (of export restrictions).

"I urge all farmers in onion-producing states not to worry or resort to any panic selling.

"The National Cooperative Consumers Federation (NCCF) of India and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (Nafed) of India have been instructed to procure onions from farmers, Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal told reporters.

The decision to purchase the extra onions was made amid protests from farmers in the main growing areas of Maharashtra, who feared a sharp decline in realisations due to the hefty duty.

The Centre maintains a buffer stock of 300,000 tonnes of onions, a quantity that will now be expanded to 500,000 tonnes.

On Monday, traders indefinitely suspended onion auctions in all agricultural produce market committees (APMCs) in Nashik, including Lasalgaon, the largest wholesale onion market in India.

Raju Shetty, head of Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathan, a prominent farmers group in Maharashtra, said the agitation would continue till the time the duty was withdrawn.

The government was not buying onions at the rate of Rs 24 when farmers needed it the most, in the month of June, when almost 40 per cent of the crop was damaged due to rains.

"Now when onions were getting some (good) price due to a rise in exports, the government has imposed a hefty export tax.

"This shows that it does not have a policy, Shetty told Business Standard.

He said if the government actually wanted to help consumers, it could have bought onions from the open market and sold them at a subsidised rate.

On the political front, sources said senior central ministers contacted key functionaries of the Maharashtra government, including Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, in an effort to quell the tensions.

Calls were even placed to Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, who is on an official trip to Japan.

Fadnavis later posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating that he had discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal regarding the onion issue, and that the Union government would procure 200,000 tonnes of onions at a rate of Rs 2,410 per quintal.

Special procurement centres will be established in Nashik and Ahmednagar districts for this purpose, offering some relief to the states onion growers, added Fadnavis.

A delegation of senior leaders from Maharashtra, led by state Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde, also met with top ministers of the central government on Tuesday to highlight the issue.

In Mumbai, Shinde stated that cold storage could provide a lasting solution to the challenges faced by onion farmers, and he has instructed officials to address this matter.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Deputy CM Pawar, he also revealed that the government was exploring the concept of an onion bank, with a panel headed by senior scientist and former Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar established for this purpose.

The coordinated efforts of the Centre from Delhi to Mumbai were aimed at preventing any escalation of the crisis in Maharashtra.

The newly allied Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) faction wields significant influence over most of the APMCs and has been embroiled in a heated conflict with the rival faction led by Sharad Pawar.

Apart from Nashik and Ahmednagar, Nafed and NCCF have opened procurement centres in Lasalgaon, Pipalgaon, Umrane, and Manmad. In Madhya Pradesh, similar centres have been set up in Narsinghpur and Shajapur, among other locations, to benefit farmers.

Meanwhile, in Delhi, Goyal asserted that the decision to impose a 40 per cent export duty on onions was taken to safeguard consumer interests.

Simultaneously, the Centre has also committed to purchasing an additional 200,000 tonnes of onions from farmers to avert any panic selling.

He also announced that the government would expand the size of the buffer stock and procure more from farmers if necessary.

We value both consumers and farmers.

"The government has been making decisions in the best interests of both farmers and consumers, he affirmed.

Regarding export shipments currently stranded at ports, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade will make decisions concerning shipments for which bills were generated before the imposition of the export duty.

Goyal also stated that the sowing of kharif onions is in progress, and if the total coverage remains consistent with the previous years levels, production is anticipated to improve.

Over the past two years, onion production stood at around 31.7 and 31.8 million tonnes.

"With higher acreage in kharif, we are optimistic about robust production this year, Goyal commented.

Munde, also present at the media briefing, assured, Despite the export duty, farmers will not be affected.

"They will obtain better prices for their produce, while consumers will still have access to reasonably priced onions.

Between April 1 and August 4 of this financial year (2023-24), the country has exported 975,000 tonnes of onions.

In terms of value, the top three importing countries are Bangladesh, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Govt policy benefits neither farmers nor consumers

The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), or Shiv Sena (UBT), criticised the Centre on Tuesday for its decision to impose a 40 per cent export duty on onions, asserting that the governments policy benefits neither farmers nor consumers.

An editorial in the Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana further claimed that while the Narendra Modi government pledges to double farmer income, its actions result in them falling short of the projected income.
'The future of BRICS is under stress as Chinese attempts to expand the platform are being resisted by India and Brazil.'

'Beijing is focused on a quick expansion with the aim of giving the platform a distinctly anti-Western orientation, which New Delhi and Brasilia seem to have no interest in,' notes Harsh V Pant.

IMAGE: L-70 air defence guns deployed along the Line of Actual Control in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. Photograph: ANI Photo

Since the Galwan clashes of 2020, India's bilateral relationship with China has entered one of its worst phases.

While acknowledging that China is an important neighbouring country, Indian policymakers have been underscoring the importance of mutual respect and adherence to agreements to maintain a positive and constructive relationship.

New Delhi has been categorical in emphasising that the present downturn in bilateral relations was created by China and not by India, placing the responsibility of bringing the ties back on track squarely on Beijing.

While India continues to underline the importance of peace on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as a prerequisite for normalcy in the broader relationship, pressing China to take forward disengagement in remaining friction areas, China continues to go back to the old rule book, suggesting that 'specific issues' shouldn't 'define the overall relationship'.

For Beijing, it is important that India and China continue to work together on global and bilateral economic concerns, even as the border issue is dealt with by officials on both sides.

This old paradigm has been the guiding principle in shaping the trajectory of Sino-Indian relationship over the past few decades.

However, today there are few takers for this in India as New Delhi sharpens its policy response vis-a-vis China.

In the past, there was a sense that India and China, despite serious bilateral divergences, had significant convergences at the global level that could be explored to build a partnership benefiting the two nations.

However, today, the divergences between India and China on global platforms are becoming equally evident.

Recently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for External Affairs that China is the only country among five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council that is opposing India's entry into the powerful body.

It was always clear that China won't allow India into the Security Council, but for India to articulate it openly makes it evident that New Delhi has no faith in the Security Council reforming anytime soon.

As a result, India is signalling that it will work with other platforms to pursue its global interests and contribute to the global order.

The Sino-Indian contestation is also intensifying across various platforms.

At last month's virtual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) that India hosted, Prime Minister Narendra D Modi not only took on Pakistan directly but also the duplicitous attitude of nations like China, when he remarked, 'Some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of their policies and provide shelter to terrorists. The SCO should not hesitate to criticise such nations. There should be no place for double standards on such serious matters.'

With his comments, Mr Modi was making it clear that sanctimonious statements from the SCO on terrorism have no meaning if Pakistan is not made to feel the heat of regional states.

He was underlining New Delhi's concerns about the effectiveness of the SCO on a matter as important as this.

Mr Modi also addressed issues related to territorial sovereignty and connectivity, underlining that strong and better connectivity 'not only enhances mutual trade but also fosters mutual trust'.

He, however, cautioned that 'in these efforts, it is essential to uphold the basic principles of the SCO charter, particularly respecting the sovereignty and regional integrity of the member States'.

In line with its longstanding and consistent approach on China's Belt and Road Initiative, India refused to sign the paragraph supporting BRI in the New Delhi declaration and stayed out of a joint statement on SCO Economic Development Strategy 2030.

The future of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) is also under stress as Chinese attempts to expand the platform are being resisted by India and Brazil.

Beijing is focused on a quick expansion with the aim of giving the platform a distinctly anti-Western orientation, which New Delhi and Brasilia seem to have no interest in.

While the five members expressed an interest in the expansion of the grouping last year, India is keen that the principles defining the process of expansion are articulated clearly.

As the platform works through consensus, it will be difficult for China to push its agenda unilaterally.

India's presidency of the G20 has allowed New Delhi to set the agenda of the grouping and it has rightfully focused on the concerns of the Global South.

But the China-Russia combine on the one hand and the West on the other are likely to be the most important fault-lines in defining the legacy of this G20.

Beijing has no real interest in ensuring a successful G20 in India.

From the SCO and BRICS to the United Nations and the Indo-Pacific, the Sino-Indian contestation is moving from the bilateral to the global arena.

As a consequence, New Delhi will have to work more closely with like-minded nations in creating and sustaining new institutional frameworks that not only respond to today's geostrategic realities but also serve Indian interests that are increasingly becoming more global.

Harsh V Pant is vice-president for studies and foreign policy at the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
August 15, 2023 became for me, an extraordinary Independence Day.

I will remember it as the day the country's largest political party -- one that struts around like a colossus and tutors us in apt behaviour -- suddenly looked bankrupt in terms of ideas and had to take out a personal guarantee from the prime minister to underscore its capacity to deliver our future, observes Shyam G Menon.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi addresses the nation from the Red Fort, August 15, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Seventy-six years after Independence, India's promise stands pegged to the guarantee of a single man.

That's what I felt on August 15, 2023 as media coverage of the prime minister's speech from Red Fort highlighted 'Modi ki guarantee'.

Without him, it appeared, we won't be among the world's biggest economies.

Two things felt awfully strange. First -- that a country of 1.4 billion people should seem so incapable of self-governance and achievement that its collective fate hinges on one man's ability to deliver.

Is the world's biggest population an overwhelmingly barren landscape as regards competence?

Second -- that such a surrendered destiny smacking of the concentrated political power found in royalty, should be the outcome of 76 years of freedom and self-rule in the world's largest democracy.

Forget, the rest of us in this country who may be the epitome of mediocrity. But what about the Bharatiya Janata Party and the pantheon of forces signifying the political Right-Wing?

Surely, they can't be so bereft of talent in their regiments of nation-builders that at the end of the day, it should all be about one person's guarantee?

The thing is, all in the hands of one saviour of a leader doesn't gel with democracy even if it makes for great narrative in the pages of history to be.

After all, when we stepped into the uncertainty of a free existence on that Independence Day in 1947, none of our leaders got reported as guaranteeing our future growth beyond securing ownership of the country and its governance, for the collective represented by us.

We were embarking on a journey together. Had our then leaders done otherwise, we may probably have faced serious problems because a guarantee for all linked to one individual's vision replaces the promise of electorate and inclusive democracy with questionable intent.

Did we fight the British to land in the hegemonic arms of someone else or did we fight to land in our own capacity to save ourselves, make India a modern, progressive, inclusive economy?

I acknowledge the compulsion for personal guarantee when one's next term of five years in government looks a bit fragile with instances of inefficiency exposed, a round of state election due in early 2024 and general elections expected less than a year away.

Under such circumstances, making an impression, counts. But still, something bothered in that simplistic reduction of economic growth to 'Modi ki guarantee.'

It seemed to forget elected representatives and the electorate. Thanks to that remark, August 15, 2023 became for me, an extraordinary Independence Day.

I will remember it as the day the country's largest political party -- one that struts around like a colossus and tutors us in apt behaviour -- suddenly looked bankrupt in terms of ideas and had to take out a personal guarantee from the prime minister to underscore its capacity to deliver our future.

IMAGE: Modi addresses the nation from the Red Fort, August 15, 2023. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo

It made one think -- is there a BJP or is it all Modi and Modi cult?

And if that's the case, what's the point in faulting other parties for their excessive dependence on politically influential families?

How many first days at companies have begun with the credo: 'We are a family.'

It just goes to show that in our modern world, family is a sense of loyalty (sometimes dangerous, opaque, unreasonable loyalty) that operates in more ways than just blood relation.

How is a personality cult different from a family?

It takes a brave soul to decline oneself the advantages family and cult offer. And the BJP clearly, isn't bold enough.

The current ruling dispensation at the Centre is a tripod of sorts.

There is the BJP, there is the pantheon of Hindutva forces (including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh [RSS]) and there is the personality cult around the prime minister.

At one point, there were even those who suggested that Modi had been installed in the office of prime minister by divine intervention.

Moments of being spoken to so by diehard Modi fans, stunned as window to Indian imagination. Viewed this way, the genesis and tenor of prime minister Narendra Modi's 90-minute-long speech of August 15, 2023 replete with personal guarantee, wasn't unpredictable.

Days earlier, the Opposition's no confidence motion in Parliament, had been an exercise in script foretold.

Right down to the 130 minute-reply for a no confidence motion valued more for its attempt to present what's going on, as close as possible to the nation's conscience, than any confidence in the motion's own passage.

I listened occasionally to what the political Opposition's members of Parliament said in the days leading up to the grand finale -- the prime minister's reply.

IMAGE: Modi addresses the Lok Sabha at the end of the debate during the no-confidence vote, August 10, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

I opted to read about the prime minister's speech in the media instead of listening to it because his is the kind of public speaking that is best reviewed after the dust has settled.

Usually, such speeches impress more for the rhetoric and blasting of others than anything truly interesting.

And yet, to mistake such speeches for innocence or casualness would be a terrible mistake because the one thing that is utterly clear about the Right-Wing is that its agenda is the proverbial juggernaut.

Mostly unstoppable, when halted in its tracks and maybe denied political office, it will return to restart from where it left off.

This is why one of the less publicised news items of August 10, 2023 (the day of the 130 minute-speech), matters. According to the Web site Live Law, the central government has moved a bill to prescribe the manner in which the chief election commissioner and other election commissioners may be selected.

As per the bill, the appointment will be done by the president on the basis of recommendations by a committee composed of the prime minister, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and a union cabinet minister nominated by the prime minister.

This is at variance with the ruling of a Constitution bench of the Supreme Court in March 2023, which said the committee should be composed of the prime minister, the leader of the Opposition and the Chief Justice of India.

As anyone would note, a Cabinet minister nominated by the prime minister (any prime minister) will most likely support the latter. This makes the prime minister the dominant figure in the committee.

That is not a healthy arrangement to decide the referees of our elections.

Not to mention -- it disregards in part, the Supreme Court ruling of March by replacing the chief justice of India with a cabinet minister nominated by the prime minister.

For BJP supporters, this may seem to underscore the significance of elected representatives and the electorate, in a democracy.

They overlook how the BJP's majoritarian politics has also served to highlight the dangers it poses in committees of this sort, unless checked by agencies like the judiciary.

The bill in its current form indicates how an increasingly visible pattern of using the people's power to fence them in a compromised democracy, is sought to be furthered.

It also speaks about those at the helm of government and what the real consequences of the mandate we awarded the BJP in two successive general elections, may be. Among the strongest supporters of the BJP have been India's corporates.

The funny thing is, many of the top companies that warmed up to the BJP and have been partly responsible for sustaining a GDP-promoting, superpower-worshipping government to the expense of all its shortcomings, have protocols to minimiSe risk that won't allow putting all their investments in one basket.

Imagined similarly, what does it mean for India to have everything dovetailing (or sought to dovetail) into BJP and Prime Minister Modi along with a regimen that presents them and them alone, as our saviour, our face to the world?

It is childish.

IMAGE: Modi addresses the Lok Sabha at the end of the debate during the no-confidence vote, August 10, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

It brings us to the most damaging aspect of the BJP's decade-old rule.

Like spinning projects by and for the taxpayer into success stories belonging to a political party and its leaders, they have made Indian politics a brazen race to usurp the power in our collective existence and recast it in the name of (and to the advantage of) whoever wins.

It gets no more brazen than how the government has structured the committee deciding referees for our elections despite the Supreme Court providing a template.

We are expected to believe that if the majority verdict in polls is permitted play without check and allowed graduation to autocracy, then the concept of electorate and democracy stands undisturbed, perhaps even vindicated.

No wonder the no confidence motion received the treatment it did with that 130 minute-speech celebrated as coup de grace.

No wonder, five days later, a personal guarantee was offered to back up our journey to being the world's third biggest economy.

Sad -- what else can one say?

Shyam G Menon is a freelance journalist based in Mumbai.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
Travel + Leisure named its winners for Americas Best Small Towns of 2023 on Tuesday, crowning seven hidden getaways across the U.S.

If youre looking for an under-the-radar travel destination for your next vacation, these seven small towns were just recognized for being among the best of the best.

On Tuesday, Travel + Leisure announced its 2023 list of Americas Best Small Towns. Looking at categories like geography, wellness, food and wine, the publication examined towns with populations of less than 25,000 residents to determine what small locales are worth a detour.

Of the seven categories, four of Travel + Leisures small towns were chosen based on the destinations natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. The publication named winners in the category for best beach, lake, desert and mountain town for adventurers who are fans of any climate.

Best Small Beach Town - Boca Grande, Florida

Gasparilla Islands main town of Boca Grande in Florida took the crown for T+Ls best beach town. The island situated in the Gulf of Mexico has no stoplights or major franchises, instead opting for a more laid back life. Boca Grande has been named the Tarpon Capital of the World for the droves of the game fish that appear from April to October

Getty Gasparilla Island's main town of Boca Grande from an aerial view.

Related: All About the Jersey Shore Location Where Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley Got Married

Best Small Desert Town - Kanab, Utah

For a more arid experience, T+L recommends Kanab, Utah, as Americas best small desert town. The town that sits on the border of Arizona is centrally located to some of the southwests most sought after destinations. The Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks are each only a short one to two hour drive from the desert town. Visitors hoping to see the geological site known as The Wave will pass through the small outpost on the way to the trails to the popular red rock formation.

Getty The Red Wave outside of Kanab, UT.

Best Small Mountain Town - Highlands, North Carolina

T+L awarded Highlands, North Carolina with the honor of being the countrys best mountain town. A summer escape from the humid marshlands of North Carolina, this town rests at the highest crest of the Western North Carolina plateau. The town is within driving distance of major cities like Nashville, Charleston and Charlotte for those in need of a day trip.

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Getty Dry Creek Falls, just outside of Highlands, North Carolina.

Best Small Lake Town - Grand Marais, Minnesota

The last winner of T+Ls geography-based towns comes from Minnesota. Grand Marais, just two hours north of Duluth, is home to the best lake town in the U.S. The artsy town that borders Lake Superior is home to food trucks and art installations, rather than stoplights.

Getty Grand Marais, Minnesota

Related: Portugal Named the Best European Country to Retire, New Study Finds

The travel magazine also selected some of its winners based on opportunities to experience the towns food, beverage or wellness culture.

Best Small Food and Culture Town - Los Olivos, California

For the best small food and culture town, T+L elected Los Olivos in California as the best. This town in the Santa Ynez Valley has 27 wineries located in the 2.5 square-mile boundaries of the community. New restaurants in the town use up the produce from the surrounding Central Valley to pair with the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes that grow in the California community.

Getty The small town of Los Olivos, California is located in Santa Barbara County.

Best Small Wine, Beer and Spirits Town - Dahlonega, Georgia

For people who want a broader spectrum of beverages, T+L recognizes Dahlonega, Georgia, as the best small town for wine, beer and spirits. The Appalachian town houses several wineries and tasting rooms as well as a new crop of breweries and distilleries to wet just about anybodys whistle.

Getty Trees line a downtown street in Dahlonega, Georgia.

Best Small Spa and Wellness Town - Aurora, New York

In choosing its final small-town destination, Travel + Leisure focused on the wellness space. For a relaxing spa vacation, the publication found that Aurora, New York, is Americas best small spa and wellness destination. The Inns of Aurora Resort + Spa features six lodgings and one large hilltop retreat for an all-inclusive getaway by New Yorks Finger Lakes.

Getty The Cayuga Lake shoreline in Aurora, New York.

Related: Popular Iowa Theme Park Announces Rare Indoor Wooden Roller Coaster Will Reopen in 2024

In addition to recognizing these seven towns, Travel + Leisure found a runner-up for each category to spread the love across the U.S.

In July, the publication announced its winner for the best city in the United States.

Praised by readers who love its blend of Southern charm and urban flair, Charleston, South Carolina, took the top spot on the outlet's list of best domestic destinations for the eleventh year in a row, as voted by readers.

This place is a destination to behold, one wrote in Travel + Leisure Readers 15 Favorite Cities in the United States of 2023. Others complimented the welcoming locals, historic attractions, and the shopping and dining along King Street.

So many incredible restaurants have made Charleston a hotspot destination for food, and "the mix of hotels makes the city a perfect fit for any type of traveler," T+L shared.

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'Even if they try to silence us, even if they kill so many of us, we won't give up.'

'We won't give up doing the good work we are doing for society.'

'Because we love this country.'

IMAGE: 'When the prime minister showed an interest to meet our religious leaders, why should we not meet him?'

Prime Minister Narendra D Modi lights a candle on Easter at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic Church in New Delhi, April 9, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

"Do they think through a hate campaign, they can belittle the good deeds we do and silence us?", Father Jacob G Palackappilly, deputy secretary general, Kerala Catholic Bishops Council, tells Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier.

When the prime minister came to Kerala, several church leaders met him. It is said he was trying to win over the Christian community with the 2024 elections in mind.

He is the prime minister of India, and anybody can see him when he visits Kerala.

Even religious leaders also have the right to meet the prime minister of the country. It is not necessary to give any political colour to it.

From the church's side, there was no politics in the meeting. Church leaders have been meeting leaders from all political parties.

When Rahul Gandhi came, I was also invited to meet him, and I met him.

Similarly, when the prime minister showed an interest to meet our religious leaders, why should we not meet him? He is the prime minister of India, after all.

You mean, it should not be seen as vote bank politics?

No, you should not look at it from a political angle.

We, the Christian religious leaders do not have any affinity or enmity to any political party. We try to keep equal distance from every political party.

We meet political leaders because our contribution to nation-building is immense, whether it is in healthcare or education or geriatric care.

With this work comes many challenges and we can only discuss these challenges with the responsible leaders.

People of Kerala are enlightened, and they will not see any political colour when church leaders meet political leaders.

A Christian religious leader from Kerala compared what was happening against the minority Christian community in Manipur to the genocide against Muslims in Gujarat in 2002...

The prime minister says India is the mother of all democracies. But what exactly is happening here? Is it democracy, autocracy or fascism? We are worried about India moving towards fascism.

India is India because of its pluralism, and anything that destroys the pluralistic nature of the country should be questioned.

It is the duty of the media to do so, but the Indian media also has become subservient to these forces.

What is happening all over the country is a hate campaign.

It happened in Gujarat. It happened in Kandhamal in Odisha.

He (the Christian religious leader from Kerala) must not have mentioned Kandhamal in the statement, but remember the entire village was burnt down and people from the village had to take shelter in the forest. A young nun was raped in public and she was paraded naked.

What happened in Kandhamal was a hate campaign. What happened in Gujarat was a hate campaign. What is happening in Manipur is a hate campaign.

What is happening in Karnataka also is a hate campaign. In Delhi also, churches were attacked.

We are asking only one thing. In this huge country, the Christian community is a minority among the minorities. At just 2.3%, our presence is very small.

Because we love our country, we work hard to build educational institutions, primary healthcare centres and homes for the most marginalised in society.

IMAGE: Father Jacob G Palackappilly IMAGE: Father Jacob G Palackappilly

Are we not taking care of the abandoned old people, orphaned children, physically and mentally challenged and terminally ill? We are not taking any money from anyone to take care of them.

Our contribution has been immense to make this country a welfare State. How can you forget what we do for nation building?

Are they angry with us because we try to bring up the lives of the downtrodden in society like the Adivasis, the lowest in the caste hierarchy and the marginalised? Do they hate us because we try to bring them to the mainstream?

Do they want the hierarchical caste system to continue so that the marginalised would always live like slaves and remain marginalised?

Those who are involved in the hate campaign against us are those who want the chaturvarna caste system to continue in India.

Why is it that Dalit Christians are not included in the scheduled list? Are they afraid that all Dalits would then embrace Christianity?

Do they think through a hate campaign, they can belittle the good deeds we do and silence us?

Let me say, even if they continue with the hate campaign, even if they try to silence us, even if they kill so many of us, we won't give up.

We won't give up doing the good work we are doing for society. Because we love this country, we will be the voice of the voiceless by working for them tirelessly and with lots of love....

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday said it has made a fresh arrest in an alleged Rs 354 crore bank fraud linked money laundering case involving Ratul Puri, the businessman nephew of senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, and others.

IMAGE: MP ex-Chief Minister Kamal Nath. Photograph: ANI Photo

Nitin Bhatnagar, a Maltese citizen and a former relationship manager of the Bank of Singapore, was taken into custody under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act on Tuesday.

He was produced before a local court by the agency (on Tuesday) that sent him to ED custody till August 31.

It is almost about four years that fresh action took place in this case as the ED filed a charge sheet against Puri in October, 2019.

The money laundering case stems from an August 2019 FIR of the Central Bureau of Investigation where it was alleged that Moser Baer India Ltd and its promoters allegedly cheated and defrauded the loan taken from the Central Bank of India to the tune of Rs 354.51 crore.

The case was registered after the bank sent a complaint to the CBI.

Both the CBI and the ED had booked Ratul Puri, his father Deepak Puri, mother Nita (Kamal Nath's sister) and some others.

Ratul Puri was arrested by the ED in this case in 2019 and he is now out on bail.

The Puri family, other individuals like Sanjay Jain and Vineet Sharma were booked by the CBI and the ED for alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery and corruption. Ratul Puri was booked in this case in his capacity as the then executive director of MBIL, a firm promoted by his father Deepak Puri.

The company was involved in the manufacture of optical storage media like compact discs, DVDs, and solid state storage devices.

Ratul Puri had resigned from the post of executive director in 2012, while his parents continue to be on the board, the bank had said in a statement and complaint to the CBI.

The company (Moser Baer) was taking loans from various banks since 2009 and went for debt restructuring a number of times, the bank has alleged in the complaint.

When it was unable to pay the debt, a forensic audit was done and the account was declared as "fraud" by the Central Bank of India on April 20, 2019, the CBI alleged.

Bhatnagar, the ED told the court, "facilitated" opening of a bank account for a company called Pristine River Investments Ltd (a Dubai-based investment holding company) in the Bank of Singapore, as he was its relationship manager.

This bank account was opened in April, 2011 "on the direction of Ratul Puri", it claimed.

The company was owned by Savannah Trust of which Ratul Puri was the "settler", the ED said.

It alleged that the company (Pristine River) was used for layering "proceeds of crime" and Bhatnagar "knowingly assisted in doing so for the main accused Ratul Puri".

The company (Pristine River) "received the proceeds of crime amounting to $14.18 million from companies like UHY Saxena, Mercon Commodities and Midas Metals International, that were managed and controlled by Rajiv Saxena," the ED said in a statement.

Saxena, also an alleged middleman in the VVIP choppers deal corruption case, was based in Dubai and was deported by India from the UAE on January 31, 2019 and later arrested by both the ED and the CBI.

The ED termed Saxena as "a hawala operator and an accommodation entry provider who runs an accommodation entry business in Dubai, who has laundered proceeds of crime for MBIL".

"He has created structures for laundering the proceeds of crime generated by Ratul Puri and his family members," it alleged.

The ED claimed before the court that Bhatnagar was "instrumental" in doing certain other acts which do have a bearing in connection with the present case.

Ratul Puri is facing investigation by three main central agencies, ED, CBI and the income tax department.

Nath has denied any wrongdoing in these cases.
The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday conducted searches at the premises of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's political advisor Vinod Verma and two officers on special duty in Raipur and Durg districts, sources said.

IMAGE: Enforcement Directorate conducts searches at the premises of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's political advisor Vinod Verma in Raipur, August 23, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

The searches were also held at the premises of a businessman in Durg district, they said.

The exact case in connection with which the searches were being conducted was not yet known.

Reacting to the ED's action, CM Baghel, who turned 62 on Wednesday, in a sarcastic post on X said, "Respected Prime Minister and Mr. Amit Shah! Thank you very much for the priceless gift you have given me on my birthday by sending ED to my political advisor, OSD and close aides."

Some paramilitary personnel were seen at the residence of the CM's political advisor Vinod Verma in the Officers Colony at Devendra Nagar in state capital Raipur and the houses of OSDs Ashish Verma and Manish Banchhor in old Bhilai area of Durg.

Security personnel were also seen outside the house of businessman Vijay Bhatia in Nehrunagar area of Bhilai in Durg.

Supporters of Ashish Verma and Banchhor gathered outside their residences and shouted slogans against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre, accusing it of misusing central agencies against political opponents.

Banchhor, who is an employee of the SAIL's Bhilai Steel Plant, is posted as the CM's OSD on deputation.

The ED has been investigating different cases in Chhattisgarh pertaining to an alleged coal scam, liquor scam, irregularities in the District Mineral Foundation fund and an online betting application.

In the last two days, the ED conducted searches at several locations in Raipur and Durg, apparently in connection with online betting activities, according to sources.

In December last year, the ED arrested Saumya Chaurasia, a state cadre officer who was posted as deputy secretary in Chief Minister's Office, in connection with its investigation into the alleged coal scam in which, as per the agency, an "illegal levy of Rs 25 was being extorted for every tonne of coal transported in Chhattisgarh by a cartel involving senior bureaucrats, businessmen, politicians and middlemen."

Two IAS officers Sameer Vishnoi and Ranu Sahu are among others arrested in the coal levy case.
It is not only Tamil Nadu's sons of the soil -- former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Chandrayaan-2 Mission Director Mayilsamy Annadurai, and Chandrayaan-3 Project Director Veeramuthuvel P -- who have contributed to ISRO missions, but literally the state's soil itself.

IMAGE: A picture of the Moon captured by Chandrayaan-3. Photograph: ISRO

Since 2012, Namakkal, which is about 400 km from state capital Chennai, has supplied soil to ISRO for testing for the Chandrayaan Mission capability, as the earth in that district is similar to that of the lunar surface.

This has enabled ISRO to test and refine the ability of the lander module to soft land on the surface of the Moon, given that the properties of the Namakkal soil are similar.

So, if Chandrayaan-3's lander module achieves its objective of successfully soft landing on the Moon, it would give Tamil Nadu an extra reason to cheer.

This is the third time that Tamil Nadu has supplied the necessary soil to the Bengaluru headquartered space agency for performing the tests for its ambitious Moon missions.

According to the Director of Geology Department of Periyar University, Professor S Anbazhagan, the soil was available in abundance in the Namakkal area, enabling them to rise to the occasion when the need arose for ISRO.

"We have been engaged in conducting research in geology. Tamil Nadu has the kind of soil that is present on the lunar surface, particularly that which is very similar to the soil present at the southern pole (of the Moon). The lunar surface has 'Anorthosite' (a type of intrusive igneous rock) type of soil," he said.

"We have been sending the soil to ISRO soon after it announced the Moon exploration programme, he told PTI in a brief interaction.

The Chandrayaan-3 Mission aims at soft-landing of the spacecraft on the unexplored southern pole of the Moon. It would make India the fourth country to achieve this remarkable feat after the United States, erstwhile Soviet Union and China.

Elaborating on how it all began, Anbazhagan said that following the success of the Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008, scientists were gearing up to perform the Chandrayaan-2 mission, which aimed at demonstrating the capability to soft land on the surface of the Moon. In comparison, Chandrayaan-1's mission was to orbit the Moon and not land on its surface.

In Chandrayaan-2 mission, it was planned that a rover would come out of the lander module and crawl on the surface of the Moon, undertaking tests in the process, he said.

"About 50 tonnes of soil were sent to ISRO, which was similar to the kind of soil present on the lunar surface," Anbazhagan, who specialises in remote sensing and groundwater exploration at the university in Salem, said.

After undertaking various tests, scientists at ISRO confirmed that the soil available in the Namakkal area matched with that of the lunar surface, he added.

To a query, Anbhazhagan said the soil was available in abundance in places like Sithampoondi and Kunnamalai villages surrounding Namakkal, and also in some areas in Andhra Pradesh and northern parts of the country.

"We have been sending the soil to ISRO as per their requirement. They (ISRO scientists) have been performing tests on the soil supplied by us, he said, adding, Even if a Chandrayaan-4 mission comes up, we are geared to supply the soil for it.
An entire nation held its collective breath as Chandrayaan-3 inched closer to the lunar surface, finally erupting with joy as India scripted history by becoming the fourth country to successfully touch down on the Moon.

IMAGE: People celebrate after soft-landing of the Chandrayaan-3 lander Vikram on the Moon's South Pole during Chandrayaan-3 Mission, in Bhubaneswar, August 23, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

People gathered in educational institutions, offices, city squares and religious places to watch the Indian Space Research Organisation's live telecast of Chandrayaan-3's final descent to the uncharted surface of the lunar south pole.

Comprising the lander (Vikram) and the rover (Pragyan), India's Moon mission Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the lunar south pole at 6.04 pm on Wednesday, propelling the country to an exclusive club of four and making it the first country to land on the uncharted surface.

Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 and its objectives are to demonstrate safe and soft-landing on the lunar surface, roving on the Moon, and to conduct in-situ scientific experiments.

Addressing ISRO scientists virtually from Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India made a resolve "on the Earth and fulfilled it on the Moon".

"This is a moment to cherish forever," Modi said, noting that India has reached the south pole of the Moon, where no country had ventured so far.

"India is now on the moon and now is the time to walk on the 'Chandra Path'," the prime minister said.

In Delhi, celebrations erupted in education centres, including schools, and residential localities as the landing module touched down on the Moon.

Earlier in the day, Delhi government school children joined the nation in praying for the successful landing with special posters.

Nearly 150 girl students of the Al Jamiatul Islamia Islahul Banat madrassa in Mandoli took part in a special prayer before the scheduled landing.

The coverage of the soft-landing was available on multiple platforms, including the Indian Space Research Organisation's website, YouTube channel and Facebook page, and DD National TV channel.

Students across the country were glued to screens and large television sets set up at their schools and college campuses watching the Chandrayaan-3 live-streaming.

The space agency had urged all schools and educational institutions to actively publicise the event among their students and faculty, and organise its live streaming.

The Union education ministry too asked universities and higher education institutions, including IITs and IIMs, to organise live-telecast of the mission.

In Jammu, students of Lawrence Public School witnessed the historic soft landing.

"We are very excited to see the Chandrayan-3 landing on the Moon. It is history for India," Class 9 student Sunita told PTI.



Similar programmes were held in Jodhamal School, Raina School and Army Public Schools in Jammu.

In Odisha, a group of priests at the famed Jagannath temple assembled in front of the 12th century shrine's Lion's Gate and lit 'diyas' seeking divine blessings for the success of the mission.

Bhaskar Mishra, a researcher, said that "as Lord Jagannath is worshipped as the master of the universe, His blessings are most essential for India's lunar mission".

Puri Shankaracharaya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, an expert in Vedic mathematics, said many 'puranas' have mentioned about the chanda (Moon)'.

"Our ancient saints were familiar with the 'Chandra'. Therefore, space scientists should also take reference from the puranas while going for lunar mission," he said and wished all success for the mission.

While priests performed havans in temples across the country, clerics at several dargahs, including in Mumbai and Bhubaneswar, took chadar as offerings for the mission's success.

In localities and residential colonies in several cities, projectors were also put up to live-stream the nerve-racking final descent.

ISRO chief S Somanath said the success of Chandrayaan-3 gives Indian space scientists the confidence to undertake more challenging future missions.

"We have achieved soft landing on Moon. India is on the Moon," he said minutes after the landing.

The Rs 600-crore Chandrayaan-3 mission was launched on July 14 on board Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM-3) rocket, embarking on a complicated 41-day voyage.

The lander and the six-wheeled rover (with total mass of 1,752 kg) are designed to operate for one lunar daylight period (about 14 Earth days).
Sri Lanka is currently processing a request by China to allow a research ship to dock in the country, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday, a year after a visit by a Chinese spy vessel to the Island nation raised security concerns in India.

IMAGE: A general view of the main port in Colombo, Sri Lanka on June 29, 2023. Photograph: Dinuka Liyanawatte/Reuters

"The Chinese embassy in Colombo has made an application and the ministry is currently looking at it," Priyanga Wickramasingha, the foreign ministry spokesperson, told PTI.

No dates have been fixed yet for the visit, she said.

The Chinese research vessel 'SHI YAN 6' is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka for marine research activities in October.

Described as a Research/Survey Vessel with a carrying capacity of 1115 DWT, the current draught is reported to be 5.3 metres in length overall 90.6 metres and width 17 metres.

The Sri Lankan media is abuzz that the foreign office in Colombo is in an awkward position about the request due to possible concerns being raised by India.

The vessel is expected to undertake research jointly with the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA).

The Chinese dispatch their vessels to Sri Lanka on a regular basis. Two weeks ago, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy warship HAI YANG 24 HAO arrived in the country on a two-day visit.

It was reported that the arrival of the 129-metre-long ship was delayed due to concerns raised by India.

In August last year, a similar visit by the Chinese ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship, 'Yuan Wang 5', which arrived in the southern Sri Lankan port of Hambantota elicited strong reactions from India.

There were apprehensions in New Delhi about the possibility of the vessel's tracking systems attempting to snoop on Indian defence installations while being on its way to the Sri Lankan port.

However, after a considerable delay, Sri Lanka allowed the ship to dock at the strategic southern port of Hambantota, being built by a Chinese company.

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka considers both India and China equally important partners in its task to restructure its external debt. China is one of the top lenders to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka owes $7.1 billion to bilateral creditors, including $3 billion to China.

The negotiations for Sri Lanka's external and domestic debt restructuring must be concluded by September, the time for the International Monetary Fund's review of its $2.9 billion bailout extended in March this year.

The island nation was hit by an unprecedented financial crisis in 2022, the worst since its independence from Britain in 1948, due to a severe paucity of foreign exchange reserves.
Showing respect to the Indian flag, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday immediately picked up the tricolour placed on stage at a BRICS meeting here to mark the standing place of every leader so as not to step on it.

A video of the meeting showed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledging the prime minister's gesture and picking up his country's flag after stepping on it.

While Ramaphosa handed over his flag to an official, Modi kept the tricolour with him.

Earlier, Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Ramaphosa during which they reviewed the progress made in bilateral ties, exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues and also on ways to work jointly to strengthen the voice of the Global South.

Modi said India fully supports the expansion of the BRICS and welcomes moving forward on it with consensus, even as he presented five suggestions to further broaden cooperation among the members of the grouping in a range of areas, including space exploration.

In his various interventions at the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) summit, Modi urged the grouping to send a global message of unity and not polarisation, and called for setting defined timelines for reform of the UN Security Council, according to officials.

The prime minister also pitched for reform of various multilateral financial institutions, the World Trade Organisation and proposed creation of a BRICS space exploration consortium.

In his televised address at a plenary session of the summit, Modi said the technology will play an important role in making the grouping a 'future-ready' organisation, and offered India's readiness to share expertise in the digital domain.

The prime minister also floated a new definition of BRICS -- Breaking barriers, Revitalising economies, Inspiring Innovation, Creating opportunities, and Shaping the future.

"India fully supports the expansion of the BRICS membership. And welcomes moving forward with consensus in this," Modi said.

The expansion of BRICS is a major focus area at the annual summit of the grouping as around 23 countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Argentina have applied for the membership.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who spoke after Modi at the plenary, called for speedy expansion of BRICS to make global governance more equitable.

"We need to...accelerate the BRICS expansion process to bring more countries into the BRICS family to pool our strengths (and) our wisdom to make global governance more just and equitable," Xi said.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the BRICS members are deliberating on the expansion.

"Hopefully, we will find a clear solution to this matter as we discuss it amongst ourselves," he said.

Separately, sources in India said the country has taken the lead in forging consensus to select new members in the grouping and there was significant development towards the proposed expansion.

The issue of the expansion of the BRICS was discussed at length at the Leaders' Retreat on Tuesday evening.

"Our efforts were guided by our objective to incorporate our strategic partners as new members," said a source.

In his address, Modi offered Indian digital public infrastructure -- the Indian stack to BRICS partners and proposed undertaking skill mapping, skilling and promoting mobility among the member countries.

He also proposed joint efforts of BRICS countries for the protection of big cats under the International Big Cat Alliance and pitched for establishing a repository of traditional medicines among the member countries.

The Prime Minister also hoped that India's proposal to accord permanent membership of the G20 to the African Union would be supported by all the BRICS nations.

Recalling that India's presidency of the BRICS in 2016, defined the grouping as 'Building Responsive, Inclusive, and Collective Solutions'.

"After seven years, we can say that BRICS will be Breaking barriers, Revitalising economies, Inspiring Innovation, Creating opportunities, and Shaping the future," he said.

"Together with all the BRICS partners, we will continue to contribute actively in making this new definition meaningful," he said.

Citing examples of India's success in the digital domain such as the Covid-19 vaccination platform CoWIN, Modi said diversity is a great strength of the country and that the solution to any problem in India comes out of the test of this diversity.

"That's why these solutions can be easily implemented in any corner of the world," he said.

The Prime Minister said the BRICS has come a long way and made an illustrious journey in the last nearly two decades.

"We have made many achievements in this journey. Our New Development Bank is playing an important role in the development of the countries of the Global South," he said.

The prime minister made five specific suggestions for bolstering cooperation in several areas including space research, education, skill development, technology, digital public infrastructure and traditional medicine.

"To make BRICS a future-ready organization, we have to make our societies future-ready. Technology will play an important role in this," he said.

The prime minister talked about India's AI-based language platform Bhashini, the DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) platform to provide education to children in remote areas and CoWIN.

Modi said India is ready to share these platforms with the BRICS nations.

He also complimented South Africa for giving special importance to countries of the Global South under its presidency of BRICS.

"The countries of the Global South under the chairmanship of South Africa have been given special importance in BRICS. We heartily welcome it," Modi said.

"This is not only the expectation of the present time, but also the need. India has given top priority to this subject in its G20 chairmanship. We are trying to move forward together with all the countries on the motto of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'," he said.

Modi also referred to India's hosting of the Voice of Global South summit in January and its proposal to make the African Union a permanent member of the G20.

"We have also proposed to give permanent membership of G20 to the African Union. I am sure all the BRICS partners are also together in the G20. And all will support our proposal," Modi said.

The African Union (AU) is an influential organisation consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African continent.

Modi arrived in Johannesburg on Tuesday on a three-day visit primarily to attend the BRICS summit.

The BRICS brings together five of the largest developing countries of the world, representing 41 per cent of the global population, 24 per cent of the global GDP and 16 per cent of the global trade.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath on Wednesday toasted the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, crediting it to the 'pain and agony' of all the scientists who persevered on it, and expressed confidence that the space agency would similarly land a spacecraft on Mars in the coming years.

IMAGE: ISRO chairman S Somanath shows victory sign after the successful soft-landing Chandrayaan-3 Lander Vikram on the surface of Moon during Chandrayaan-3 Mission, at ISRO in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Acknowledging the contribution of a generation of leadership by the scientists of the country's space agency for the Chandrayaan-3 mission's success, he said this is an 'incremental progress' and 'definitely a huge one'.

The journey to the Moon is tough and soft-landing is difficult for any nation to achieve today even with the advancement of technology, he said, pointing out that India achieved it in just two missions.

Chandrayaan-2, the first mission with the objective of soft landing on the Moon had a narrow miss, while the Chandrayaan-3 mission was perfectly executed.

Chandrayaan-1's objective was only to place an an unmanned spacecraft in an orbit around the Moon.

"It (success of Chandrayaan-3 mission) gives confidence to configure missions to not only go to the Moon, but also to go to Mars, sometimes (perhaps) land on Mars, may be in future go to Venus and other planets...," he said.

Undertaking the Chandrayaan-3 mission was difficult, he said. "We went through a lot of pain and agony".

Key scientists behind Chandrayaan-2 were also part of the Chandrayaan-3 team, he said.

"Most of the people who were with Chandrayaan-2 are with us helping us to do Chandrayaan-3.They are a part of this, they have gone through such an agony..."

"...the technology that we have in Chandrayaan-3 is no less complex or inferior to any other technology that goes to the Moon. So, we have the best of the sensors of the world, best in class (equipment) in Chandrayaan-3," he said, explaining that it was a completely 'Made-in-India' mission using world-class components.

Conveying the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the ISRO team, he said, "The Honourable PM called me and conveyed his greetings to each one of you and your family for the wonderful work you did in ISRO."

Speaking about the support from the government to pursue further space missions, both scientific as well as commercial, he said, "Thanks to him (PM) for the support he is giving to us for missions like Chandrayaan-3 and missions that are in the offing. That's the great word of comfort that we are receiving for pursuing the inspirational work that we are doing for the nation."

The ISRO chief said the prime minister is 'very, very clear about the long-term vision, and wants to make sure that we remain very, very dominant in the area of space exploration and science'.

Addressing the ISRO team at the Mission Operations Complex, he thanked all those who prayed for the mission's success, and in particular named ISRO veterans like A S Kiran Kumar (former ISRO chief).

"They have been helping so much, they were part of the team to help them (team) to get the confidence and get the reviews done, and to ensure that nothing goes with any mistakes," he said.

India on Wednesday scripted history as ISRO's ambitious third Moon mission Chandrayaan-3's Lander Module (LM) touched down on the lunar surface, making it only the fourth country to accomplish the feat, and the first to reach the uncharted south pole of Earth's only natural satellite.

The LM comprising the lander (Vikram) and the 26 kg rover (Pragyan) made the soft landing near the south polar region of the Moon this evening.

Noting that this is the work of a generation of ISRO's leadership and scientists, Somanath said, "This is the journey we started with Chandrayaan-1, continued in Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-2 craft is still working and doing a lot of communication work with us. All the team that contributed to building Chandrayaan-1 and 2 should be remembered and thanked, while we celebrate (the success of) Chandrayaan-3."

"This is an incremental progress and definitely a huge one," he added.
Prayers are resonating around the globe, as people of various religious affiliations unite for the successful landing of India's Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's South Pole.

Regardless of religious boundaries, individuals are coming together to lend their support to the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

From the Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh to United States, special rituals, prayers, and ceremonies are being conducted to invoke blessings for Chandrayaan-3's success.

People perform havan and offer prayers for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon, in Bhubaneswar. Photograph: ANI Photo

People offer namaz at the Islamic Center of India in Lucknow. Photograph: ANI Photo

WATCH: Sadhus perform havan for Chandrayaan-3's success

Acharya Vipin Joshi performs special ritual prayers at Vaishno Devi Cave temple Tapkeshwar Temple, in Dehradun. Photograph: ANI Photo
The successful soft landing of India's ambitious Chandrayaan-3 mission on the Moon's enigmatic south pole has captured the attention and admiration of the scientific community.

IMAGE: ISRO chief S Somanath (fifth from left) and scientists watch the live telecast of the Chandrayaan-3 lander Vikram's soft-landing on the Moon's South Pole during Chandrayaan-3 Mission, at Mission Control Complex in Bengaluru, August 23, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Leading scientists and experts said this monumental accomplishment not only marks India's indelible imprint on lunar exploration but also demonstrates the prowess of human collaboration, determination, and cutting-edge technology.

Dr Chrisphin Karthick, a scientist at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru, expressed his elation.

"The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 is a testament to our collective progress towards space travel. It showcases the beauty of unity in diversity as we sail the cosmic seas together," he told PTI.

"Slow and steady -- reaching the goal is better than saying we won the race. I emphasise this since many are comparing it with our friendly nation programmes. It's good to say we earthlings won the race in sailing the universe in many ways," Karthick added.

The Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 and its objectives are to demonstrate safe and soft-landing on the lunar surface, roving on the Moon, and to conduct in-situ scientific experiments.

Chandrayaan-2 had failed in its lunar phase when its lander 'Vikram' crashed into the surface of the Moon following anomalies in the braking system in the lander while attempting a touch down on September 7, 2019.

The Chandrayaan programme's maiden mission was in 2008.

Aakash Sinha, professor of practice at the Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Delhi-NCR, and CEO of Omnipresent Robot Tech, hailed Indian Space Research Organisation's feat as a "monumental achievement" that will inspire a new generation of aspiring scientists and explorers.

"With this unparalleled accomplishment, India has etched its name in history by becoming the first country to land in this lunar region," Sinha, who was involved in developing the software for the Pragyan rover of Chandrayaan-3, told PTI.

The lander module comprising the lander (Vikram) and the 26-kg rover (Pragyan) made the soft landing near the south polar region of the Moon at 6.04 pm, less than a week after a similar Russian lander crashed.

"ISRO's Chandrayaan mission, which was the pioneer in discovering water on the moon, continues to break barriers and set new standards. Beyond its immediate scientific impact, this mission holds the promise of inspiring a new generation of young minds to join the realms of space exploration and science," he added.

Sinha highlighted that the mission's accomplishments will "break barriers and set new standards," positioning India as a frontrunner in lunar research.

"Our team worked relentlessly with ISRO to develop the software for the navigation of the Pragyan rover. We are delighted to see our work and research reach the Moon," he added.

Astrophysicist Sandip Chakraborty noted that the significance of Chandrayaan-3's soft landing cannot be overstated.

"Soft landing is a start for future activities, such as science of the Moon and from the Moon. It is a gateway to the outer world," the director of the Indian Centre for Space Physics, Kolkata, told PTI.

He emphasised that this achievement propels India into an elite group of spacefaring nations, where it can stake its claim to the Moon's scientific and exploratory potential.

India became the fourth country in the world to perform a soft landing on the Moon. Only three countries namely Russia, the US, and China have achieved this remarkable feat.

"The successful landing imbibes the confidence in every citizen. Students ambition increases. No future regulation on the Moon can be made without the concurrence of India. So, it would be a paradigm shift event in the Indian context," Chakraborty added.

Underpinning this success to the remarkable contribution of artificial intelligence-powered systems developed by ISRO and the Indian academia, scientists believe these systems enabled the craft to navigate the lunar surface with precision, detect hazards, and ultimately achieve a safe landing.

Dr TV Venkateswaran, a scientist at Vigyaan Prasar, an autonomous organisation under the department of science and technology, and member of the public outreach committee of the Astronomical Society of India, lauded this integration of technology, saying that it will inspire young minds and bolster scientific curiosity.

"The safe and soft landing shows that the AI-powered algorithms have worked well. The same algorithms can be tweaked and used to control other autonomous vehicles," Venkateswaran told PTI.

"The success will give a boost to the morale of ISRO and also scientists across the country. Further, it will pave the way for the consistent study of the Moon and the international community. The same technology will also help ISRO land on Mars in a future mission," he added.

The experts also concur that this success is not an endpoint but a stepping stone toward further exploration.

"No future regulation on the Moon can be made without the concurrence of India," Chakraborty emphasised, hinting at the country's newfound influence in shaping lunar exploration policies.

He said the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 resonates as a clarion call for aspiring scientists, space enthusiasts, and the global community at large.

Venkateswaran said the common public may enjoy the fruits of science and technology or have a modicum of exposure to the school's general science curriculum. However, they hardly get an opportunity to experience science in its making.

"The massive coverage and enthusiasm generated by the media outreach allow the common public to share science in the making. The incredible excitement naturally attracts the young towards science and technology, he added.
And it may just be their most casual coordinating moment, ever.

While we're all very accustomed to seeing Kate Middleton with her perfect princess blowout and her beautiful tea-length dresses, she and her husband, Prince William, traded in their usually not-so-casual wear for something decidedly rugged for their latest magazine cover, which is leaps and bounds away from the gloss, pomp, and circumstance that royal fans are used to seeing.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are featured on the summer issue of Mountain Rescue magazine, which People describes as "the only official magazine for mountain rescue in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland." The photo from the cover comes from the duo's visit with the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team back in April. The team was celebrating its 60th anniversary, which made for the perfect moment for Kate and William to check out what the organization does for its community in Wales.

"Having a Royal Patron is a huge honour and MR volunteers appreciate the support of @KensingtonRoyal HRH The Prince of Wales," the organization shared on Twitter. The post also served as the official unveiling of the magazine cover. "@CBMRTCentral Beacons recently hosted a VIP visit  you might recognise a couple of the people on the latest MR Magazine cover."

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Related: Kate Middleton's Newest Title Has a Special Meaning to Her Family

The team was informed that "the visit is to be as informal as possible, with lots of activity and fun," Huw Jones, the team leader, told the magazine. He added that they were "sworn to secrecy" ahead of the visit.



Technical rescue lead Pete Spearing added, "When introduced, I kept to good British tradition and mentioned the weather, which had turned wet after weeks of dry. I asked them not to slip, and the Prince laughingly confirmed that he wouldn't hold us responsible!"



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Read the original article on InStyle.
The ongoing tussle between the Nitish Kumar government and the Raj Bhavan further escalated with the Bihar education department inviting applications for the post of vice-chancellors (VC) in different universities days after Governor (Chancellor) Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar's secretariat issued a similar advertisement.

IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Photograph: PTI Photo

The chancellor's secretariat earlier invited applications for the post of VCs in Patna University, Lalit Narayan Mithila University (Darbhanga), Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University (Muzaffarpur), Jai Prakash University (Chapra), B N Mandal University (Madhepura) and Aryabhatta Knowledge University (Patna), while the education department on Tuesday invited applications for only five, leaving the last two.

The terms and conditions for the posts are almost the same in both advertisements, except the last date for submission of applications.

According to a circular by the chancellor's secretariat, the date for submission of applications for the post in seven universities is between August 24 and 27 while the last date in the education department's advertisement is September 13.

It may be recalled that the Nitish Kumar government and the Raj Bhavan have already locked horns over the freezing of bank accounts of the VC and pro-VC of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur.

The education department refused to withdraw its earlier order on freezing the bank accounts of the top officials of the university as directed by the Raj Bhavan.

The state education department on August 17 stopped the salaries of the vice-chancellor and pro-VC for their alleged failure in inspecting the educational institutions under their jurisdiction and also for not attending a review meeting convened by the department.

A day later, Robert L Chongthu, principal secretary to the governor, sent a letter to the bank concerned, directing it to defreeze the accounts of the two officials and the university with immediate effect.

These developments have triggered a political slugfest between the ruling alliance partners of Mahagathbandhan government and the opposition BJP.

Coming in support of the governor, Bihar Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Nikhil Anand told PTI, "The governor's office has invited applications for the appointment of VCs and when the due date was about to get over, the state education department has notified appointment of same VCs from its own end."

He added, "It is quite obvious that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar deliberately wants to create a scene of showdown with the governor-cum-chancellor of universities in the state. Basically, Nitishji wants universities and colleges in Bihar to be run like already defunct government schools and their teachers treated like the secretariat staff.

"The Bihar government has already failed to implement the new education policy forcing students of Bihar to take admission in universities in other states. The tragedy is that from 1990 to 2005, it was Lalu Prasad and now from 2005 to till date, it is Nitish Kumar who is solely responsible for the collapse of higher education in Bihar."

Commenting on the governor's move, Rashtriya Janata Dal spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwary told PTI, "Steps taken by the state education department for the appointment of VCs are as per the law. BJP should not politicise the matter of appointment of VCs, they (BJP leaders) should not give it a political colour."
India created history on Wednesday when the lander module of Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the lunar south pole, propelling the country to an exclusive club of four and making it the first country to land on the uncharted surface.

Here are glimpses of the moment when it happened.

India's third lunar mission -- Chandrayaan-3 -- landed near the south pole of the Moon, a place where no spacecraft has travelled so far, at 6.04 pm on Wednesday.

The erstwhile Soviet Union, the United States and China have successfully carried out soft landings on the Moon and even getting back to Earth samples of soil and rocks from the lunar surface.

Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 and its objectives are to demonstrate safe and soft-landing on the lunar surface, roving on the Moon, and to conduct in-situ scientific experiments.

Chandrayaan-2 had failed in its lunar phase when its lander 'Vikram' crashed into the surface of the Moon minutes before the touch down following anomalies in the braking system in the lander while attempting a landing on September 7, 2019. Chandrayaan's maiden mission was in 2008.

The soft-landing took place days after Russia's Luna-25 spacecraft crashed into the Moon after spinning out of control.
The Centre has no intention to touch any special provisions of the Constitution related to the North East or any other region, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court on Wednesday, and deprecated any attempt to "create such apprehensions".

IMAGE: The Supreme Court of India. Photograph: ANI Photo

He made the submission before a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, when advocate Manish Tewari said there are apprehensions that special provisions related to the North Eastern states may also be done away with in the manner in which Article 370 was abrogated.

Tewari, a Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP, was appearing for former Arunachal Pradesh MLA Padi Richo, who has filed an intervention application in a batch of petitions challenging abrogation of Article 370.

Interrupting Tewari, Mehta, appearing for the Centre said, "I have instructions to say this. This may be some kind of potential mischief. There is no apprehension and there is no need to create apprehensions.

"We must understand the difference between temporary and permanent provisions. The central government has no intention to touch any special provisions of the Constitution related to North Eastern and other regions."

Tewari said like Article 370 for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, the sixth schedule of the Constitution envisages special provisions for North Eastern states.

"Even a slight apprehension in the periphery of India can have serious implications. This court is dealing with one such situation in Manipur," he added.

Tewari said he was not referring to the action of the current central government but was addressing the larger aspect at stake.

The bench, also comprising Justices Surya Kant, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai and Surya Kant told Tewari why should the court deal with a petition which refers to apprehensions and anticipations.

"This is a constitution bench and we are dealing with a specific provision of Article 370. We should not expand the ambit of the question before the court based on anticipation and apprehensions," the bench said.

"When, as a constitutional principle, the solicitor general has informed us that the government has no such intention, why should we apprehend something at all? We should not enter this territory at all. Let's not focus on North East like this. The apprehensions have been allayed by the statement of the central government," CJI Chandrachud said.

The bench then immediately disposed of the intervention application after passing an order in which it recorded Mehta's submissions.

In its order, the bench said the intervention application has urged that apart from the provisions contained in Part XXI of the Constitution pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir, there are special provisions governing the North Eastern regions.

"Hence it is submitted that the interpretation by the court in Article 370 would impact other provisions. Solicitor General has submitted on specific instructions that the Union Government has no intention to affect or touch any of the special provisions applicable to North East regions or any other part of India," the bench said in its order.

It said the matter before it is confined to Article 370 and there is no commonality of interest in the intervention application and the case being heard.

"In any event, the solicitor general's statement on behalf of the Union of India, allays any apprehensions in this regard. The IA stands disposed of," the bench said.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 42F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 42F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
The lifelong equestrian poses among  and on top of  French ponies for the luxury brand's Winter 2023 campaign

Kendall Jenner is in horse girl heaven.

The 27-year-old model and lifelong equestrian merged her career and love of horses for Stella McCartneys Winter 2023 campaign  her first-ever collaboration with the brand.

The stunning campaign was lensed by London-born photographer Harley Weir in Camargue Salt Flats, a region in Southern France known for its white horses.

Jenner channeled her inner horse girl for the shoot, posing among  and on top of  the famed Camargue ponies.

Related: Kendall Jenner Nearly Bares It All in Stylish Sheer Dress at 818 Tequila Event  See the Look!

Harley Weir

A horse rears beside the model in one photo as she does an elegant backbend wearing two pieces from the campaign  the Braided Rope Cut-Out V-Neck Bodysuit and Pleated Wide Leg Trousers, both in black.

In another, the 818 Tequila founder stands out in an entirely red ensemble, wearing the brands Moulded Waist Double-Breasted Blazer and Split Front A-Line Skirt as several of the stark-white steeds gallop in circles around her.

In a PEOPLE-exclusive campaign image, Jenner smiles in an all-denim look  the Twill Panelled Denim Jacket and Denim Maxi Skirt  as one of the Camargue ponies attempts to lick her black purse.

Related: Kendall Jenner Models the Sequin Miu Miu Underwear That Emma Corrin First Wore on the Runway

Harley Weir

First presented during Paris Fashion Week at historic riding school Manege de lEcole Militaire, the Horse Power-themed collection tells a story of the transformational connections between humans and horses, per a release from the luxury brand.

Founder and designer Stella McCartney said that she selected Jenner for the campaign because she knew this seasons Stella girl had to love horses as much as I do, per the release.

Kendall has been riding since she was a kid, just like me, and has her own ranch, she continued. You can see how at ease she is around these sensitive creatures, and them with her.

Story continues

Related: Kendall Jenner Says Her No Shirt Look in Calvin Kleins New Ad Embodies Her Own Style (Exclusive)

McCartney added that this connection between Jenner and the four-legged stars of the campaign are what brings it to life, both through the fashion and the vision.

The French steeds were provided by Jean-Francois Pignon, who not only rescued but also raised and trained them to follow directions without any physical contact.

Harley Weir

From rein-esque rope details to horse-blanket-inspired quilting, the ready-to-wear collection incorporated several elements that act as a subtle nod to the collections equestrian essence.

Related: Kendall Jenner, BTS' Jungkook and More of Hollywood's Hottest Stars Front Calvin Klein's New Campaign

Horse Power is also the luxury brands most environmentally conscious winter collection to date.

It is crafted from 92% conscious materials and while it boasts lots of animal-print pieces, it does not feature any animal leather, feathers or fur  like every collection from the brand since its 2001 launch.

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.

Fans of horse-girl fashion, rejoice! Ready-to-wear pieces from the Winter 2023 collection are available to purchase in stores and online now.

And, according to the brand, it will continue to explore healing bonds between humans and horses in the second phase of the collection this fall.



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Read the original article on People.
Kimberly Coates was arrested after allegedly being drunk in her third grade classroom (City of Perkins / Facebook)

A third grade teacher in Oklahoma was arrested for allegedly being under the influence on the first day of school.

On 17 August, Perkins-Tryon School officials reported to the school resource officer that they thought that Kimberly Coates, 53, was possibly intoxicated at the Intermediate School toward the end of the school day, around 3.20pm, according to a statement by the City of Perkins.

I noticed Kimberly had red, watery eyes and a thick, slurred speech. Kimberly had a hard time completing sentences, the school resource officer wrote in the police report, obtained by Stillwater News Press.

Police said they confirmed that Ms Coates was indeed under the influence of alcohol, the statement continued.

The third-grade teacher, seemingly holding back tears, admitted to police that she drank a lot last night, estimating she consumed half a box of wine the night before and stopped drinking around 3am, according to bodycam footage. According to the schools website, the school day begins at 8.25am.

I asked Kimberly again how much she had to drink. Kimberly stated she drank some wine on her way to work this morning. Kimberly denied drinking any this afternoon, the school resource officer wrote, according to the outlet.

Ms Coates took a breath test, which marked her blood alcohol concentration at 0.24  which is three times the legal limit, the statement said.

The superintendent then went to Ms Coates classroom to get her bag, which held a blue cup that had red liquid with an alcoholic odour in it, the News Press reported, adding that the school resource officer concluded that the liquid was wine.

Kimberly stated she drank out of that cup yesterday and not today, the school resource officer reportedly wrote.

Ms Coates could be heard saying in bodycam footage: I know Ive been having a hard time  am I going to get fired? The superintendent then plainly replied, Honestly, yes  or you can resign. Youre under the influence at school with kids.

The teacher was then arrested and transported to the Payne County Jail on the anticipated District Court charge of Public Intoxication, according to the statement.

The Independent has reached out to Perkins Police Department and Perkins-Tryon School for comment.
Oklahoma officials who dug up serial killer Dennis Raders former property in Park City, Kansas, found items of interest but are not saying what specifically.

Rader is a prime suspect in the cold case disappearance of a 16-year-old girl from Pawhuska, Oklahoma, the Osage County Sheriffs Office said in a news release Wednesday. While investigating that case, the sheriffs office said it also pegged Rader as a prime suspect in other unsolved murders, including a one in Missouri and at least one in Kansas.

Binding type items found at BTK site; officials call Rader prime suspect in killings

Osage County Undersheriff Gary Upton said Wednesday morning they found something worthy of disclosure when they dug at the Park City site on Tuesday. He said he would need to speak with the sheriff before releasing more details.

Sheriff Eddie Virden did not immediately return a call from The Eagle. However, Virden did speak with Fox News Digital.

The short version is, through the investigation, we developed information of some possible trophies of Dennis Raders, and we followed up on those leads and worked with Park City, Virden told Fox News Digital. Did a dig in the area. And we did recover some items of interest.

He added: We cant release what they are.

I dont know yet if theyre related to new crimes, Virden told the media outlet. With the information we developed where these items were, items that were never located, I absolutely believe theyre related to Dennis crimes.

The sheriffs office said in a news release that the items of interest will undergo thorough examination to determine their potential relevance to the ongoing investigations. At this stage, Dennis Rader is considered a prime suspect in these unsolved cases, including the Cynthia Dawn Kinney case from Pawhuska.

Cynthia Cyndi Dawn Kinney went missing in 1976 after leaving an Osage County laundromat and getting into a 1965 faded beige Plymouth with two women, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

Story continues

She was 16 at the time. The area she went missing from is about a two-hour drive from Park City.

Kerri Rawson, Raders daughter, previously told Fox that the theory is he could have placed evidence of cases under stone pavers under the metal shed he built early to mid 90s. Like drivers licenses in jars.

Asked if that was what they were looking for in the yard, Upton said: Shes not too far off.

A picture from the sheriffs office shows officers digging and using a metal detector to go through an area where it looks like a sidewalk was ripped up.

Rader, who gave himself the nickname BTK (bind, torture and kill), was a husband, father, church leader and a Boy Scout volunteer. He also worked as a Park City code compliance officer.

The search connected to Rader originally sought to see if he had been involved in the disappearance of Kinney. However, the Osage County Sheriffs Office investigation has also linked Rader to other cases, Upton said, including Shawna Beth Garber.

Garber, 22, had been raped and tied up for two months before she was found in December 1990, according to KSNT. Garbers case is out of McDonald County in Missouri, which is about a four-hour drive from Park City.

Upton would not say how many total missing persons or murders the investigation has involved with Rader as the suspect, but said it was more than the two.

This ongoing investigation has uncovered potential connections to other missing persons cases and unsolved murders in the Kansas and Missouri areas, which are possibly linked to Dennis Rader, the news release says.

Upton said Rader has admitted to the 10 killings he is in prison for, but has not confessed in any other cases.

TMZ reported earlier this year that Rader categorically denied any involvement in the Kinney case.

Upton said: Well, I wouldnt believe a serial killer.

A book written by Kerri Rawson, daughter of BTK serial killer Dennis Rader, will be released on Tuesday.

Rawson, in a phone interview Wednesday, said she started working with the Osage County Sheriffs Office this summer to help them with the investigation. Her help included breaking her several-years silence with her father and seeing him in person.

She said he denied his involvement in the killings, but also changed his alibis in the cases multiple times. Though, she said, that could be just because of his memory. He is 78.

Im still not 100% sure my dad did commit any more at this point, she said, adding: If my dad has harmed somebody else, we need answers.

She said, if it is true, it also opens up the door for other cold cases to be reopened since BTK had claimed other murders.

In addition to looking under where the shed was, Rawson said she also told officers to look where Rader had buried the family dog. Rawson said she wasnt told they would be digging Tuesday, but found out about it from the news.

The home and shed have been leveled, she said, and the city now owns the property.
Following Chinese military exercises around Taiwan on Aug. 19, several Chinese media outlets broadcast real time footage of the drills from various locations around Taiwan.

However, AFCL found that some videos were irrelevant to the drills and were in fact taken from Taiwanese public livestreams without permission.

The Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) of China conducted military exercises around Taiwan on Aug. 19 in a protest against Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-tes recent layover in the United States during a state visit to Paraguay.

A number of Chinese news outlets broadcast live coverage of the drills across popular Chinese video sharing sites such as Douyin.

One such livestream released by the online news site Jimu News  an affiliate of the Beijing-backed Hubei Daily  shows a total of three clips of locations around Taiwan including Taipei, Wanlitong Beach and Taitung.

Wanlitong is located on the west side of Hengchun, a small village in Taiwanss Pingtung County, while Taitung is a city on the southeast coast of the country.

The videos were also used by Chinese official media Jiupai News as well as programs under Tencents video streaming services Huya Live such as Daxiang News and Shijian Zhibo.

However, AFCL found the videos are irrelevant to the drills, and they were in fact taken from Taiwanese public livestreams designed to show famous spots across the country.

Footage of Tapei

A keyword search found the corresponding video published here on a YouTube channel managed by Taipeis Department of Information and Tourism.

Taipei 4k Live CamOverlooking Taipei at the top of Xiangshan | Taipei 101 | Taiwan | Taipei Webcam, the title of the video reads.

The angle, distance and content of the two livestreams are identical, with only the timestamp in the upper-left corner cropped out in the Jimu News video.

Below is a screenshot comparison between the video published by Jimu News (left) and the original video published by Taipeis Department of Information and Tourism (right).

A representative of Taipeis tourism department told AFCL that it has not authorized Chinese media outlets to use its video content.

Jimu News footage of Taipei (left) compared to a local livestream from atop nearby Elephant Mountain, locally known as Xiangshan (right).

Clip of Wanlitong Beach

AFCL found the corresponding video published here on a YouTube channel managed by a local organization I Love Kenting Tourism Ticket Center.

Through a closer look at the footage AFCL discovered Jimu News once again cut out the timestamp and the logo from the original video.

Below is a screenshot comparison between the video published by Jimu News (left) and the original footage published by I Love Kenting Tourism Ticket Center (right).

Jimu News footage of Wanlitong beach in Kenting, Taiwan (left) compared to a local livestream footage (right).





AFCL has not heard back from the center as of this writing.

Video of Taitung

AFCL also found the matching video published here on a YouTube channel managed by Taitungs Transportation and Tourism Development Department.

Below is a screenshot comparison between the video published by Jimu News (left) and the original livestream broadcast by Taitungs tourism department.

Jimu News footage of the Jinlun Bridge in Taitung, Taiwan (left) compared to a local livestream (right).

An official at the department told AFCL although Taiwanese media outlets are free to reuse livestream footage without making a formal request, the city has never authorized Chinese media outlets to use its clip.

A Taiwanese digital media expert said Jimu News could have used a YouTube decoder with software that simultaneously rebroadcasts the footage or an all-in-one software such as OBS Studio that allows the user to record, edit and rebroadcast footage from their desktop.

Translated by Shen Ke. Edited by Taejun Kang and Malcolm Foster.

Asia Fact Check Lab (AFCL) is a new branch of RFA established to counter disinformation in todays complex media environment. Our journalists publish both daily and special reports that aim to sharpen and deepen our readers understanding of public issues.
Bulk of suspects have yet to be charged after nearly a week in jail.

Police in Cambodia hold a press conference with some of the suspects arrested in connection with the escape of a Taiwanese drug lord from custody last week while he was at a Siem Reap dental clinic, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

A Taiwanese drug lord serving a 52-year-prison sentence who was freed in a brazen raid last week was rearrested on Tuesday, according to Cambodian authorities.

Lt. Gen. Mak Chito, deputy national police commissioner in charge of drug crimes, told RFA that Chen Hsin Han was arrested in a Phnom Penh housing complex following tips from witnesses and suspects.

"We have prepared additional plans. We haven't concluded the operation yet, he said. We have learned of new suspects and we are investigating them. We will continue to arrest more suspects.

Chen, in prison since 2009 on drug trafficking charges, escaped on the morning of Aug. 17 after five armed assailants burst into a Siem Reap dental clinic, handcuffing the prison guards who had brought him there for treatment.

The following day six Cambodian American men and one Chinese American woman were arrested in two locations in Phnom Penh on suspicion of helping Chen escape.

In a press conference Tuesday, police said a total of 11 people were arrested including a Saudi national who allegedly had passed along information that helped in the raid and a Chinese national believed to have provided funds for food and accommodation .

"They organized as a group including those who prepared weapons for them. We know where they bought the weapon from," said Mak Chito. He said that six more Turkish suspects are on the run.

Though none of the group have yet been charged, police widely circulated a handout naming the seven who were arrested last week as Chloe Yinrong, Phev Praseth Seth, In Channty, Savy Savuth, Som David, Rem Sophal and Frost Sarath Sean.

Chen Hsin Han, who was in prison for drug trafficking in Cambodia, is seen in custody in this undated photo. Credit: Fresh News

Seeking defense lawyers

Mak Chito said the U.S. Embassy had visited the suspects. He admitted eight of the 11 suspects have been detained without charge beyond the 48-hour limit, saying it was due to their lack of defense lawyers.

Sophea Sean, sister of Frost Sarath Sean, told RFA that her family  all of whom live in the United States  had been struggling to obtain a lawyer remotely with little knowledge of Cambodia.

He is a loving brother, son and friend. Everyone who knows him knows he doesnt get in trouble with the law. He doesnt have a criminal background, she wrote in a text message.

Sophea Sean said she and her family believe her brother was rounded up with the others possibly because he was staying in the same hotel when the police came. She noted that her brother, who works as a casual longshoreman in San Pedro, is pretty well off financially so that wouldnt be a motivation for him.

Me, my family and friends are 100% sure that he is innocent. He was not involved in that crime. I hope that Cambodian officials only convict people on factual evidence.

At Tuesdays press conference, nine of the suspects were lined up for photos, during which time Chloe Yinrong shouted that the arrests were a scam.

Its not true! she exclaimed, CamboJA reported, citing a live broadcast of the conference posted by state-run Bayon TV that has since been removed.

Its a scam, she shouted. Do you really believe they hired all these people to rescue someone?

Taiwanese court documents uncovered by RFA Investigative revealed that as recently as 2020 Chen was conducting drug smuggling operations from prison through outside associates. Fellow inmates interviewed by CamboJA spoke of immense bribery that allowed Chen numerous perks and wide scale influence behind bars.

Am Sam Ath, deputy director of rights group Licadho, told RFA there were many suspicious elements to the case and urged authorities to conduct a transparent investigation to find those who were behind Chen's escape.

He pointed out that while political prisoners are rarely granted outside medical care despite suffering serious conditions, those with the means to pay for it suffer no such restrictions.

"This is a lesson for authorities, especially for the prison department to organize forces for criminals during medical treatment," he said.

Translated by Yun Samean. Additional reporting by Abby Seiff. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Two South Korean Coast Guard personnel check a jet ski in Incheon after the Coast Guard confirmed it had detained a Chinese man who had tried to reach the port city of Incheon last week on the jet ski from China's Shandon. Blurring in the photo is from the source.

A dissident who served jail time for wearing T-shirts likening Chinese leader Xi Jinping to Hitler has fled to South Korea in a daring escape over the sea by jet ski.

Kwon Pyong, a 35-year-old ethnic Korean activist from the northeastern Chinese province of Jilin whose name in Mandarin is Quan Ping, was jailed for "incitement to subvert state power" in 2017 after he wore a T-shirt emblazoned with satirical nicknames for President Xi Jinping, including "Xitler."

He recently turned up in the South Korean port of Incheon after riding a jet ski some 300 kilometers (185 miles) across the sea from the eastern Chinese province of Shandong, turning himself in to the South Korea Coastguard on arrival, rights activists told Radio Free Asia.

The arrival of an unnamed Chinese dissident by jet ski was reported by Yonhap news agency and other local media. Kwon's U.S.-based friend Sulaiman Gu, who is currently studying at the University of Georgia, also confirmed Kwon's identity in an interview with RFA's Cantonese Service.

"The Incheon Coast Guard announced on [Aug. 20] that it had arrested a man with Chinese nationality in his 30s on charges of violating the Immigration Control Act," the agency reported.

The man is accused of "trying to smuggle into Incheon offshore on a jet ski" on the afternoon of Aug. 16.

The man had ridden a 1,800cc jet ski with a fuel tank capacity of 70 liters, carrying a further five 25-liter cans of fuel tied to the craft, and refueling along the way without assistance, the report said.

Claims political persecution

He was also carrying a life jacket, telescope, compass and a helmet, it said. The "undocumented migrant" was tracked as an "unidentified craft" and then found after running aground on tidal flats near the Incheon cruise terminal in Songdo at around 9.23 p.m. on Aug. 16, it said.

Li Daxuan, a rights activist with the South Korean branch of the U.S.-based rights group Dialogue China, said via Facebook on Tuesday that the man was Kwon, and that he will be supporting him through the police investigation and asylum application process.

He said he had entered South Korea illegally due to political persecution and surveillance by the Chinese authorities.

"I heard that Kwon Pyong is still in the custody of the South Korean police," Kwon's friend Gu told Radio Free Asia. "I hope they can complete their investigations as soon as possible."

Kwon Pyong, a 35-year-old ethnic Korean activist from China, was jailed for "incitement to subvert state power" in 2017 after he wore a T-shirt emblazoned with satirical nicknames for President Xi Jinping, including "Xitler." Credit: Kwon Pyong Twitter





"Kwon Pyong isn't a regular illegal migrant but a persecuted and influential dissident who has made media headlines," he said, calling on the South Korean authorities to release him as soon as possible and grant him political asylum.

"Kwon Pyong is a friend of mine who bravely stood up in opposition to Xi Jinping a few years ago, for which he served a year-and-a-half in prison," Gu said, adding that the authorities had continued to restrict Kwon's freedoms even after his release from prison.

Bigger prison

Kwon had tried to leave China in 2019, but was banned from leaving the country.

"He was released from a smaller prison into a bigger prison," Gu said.

He said Xi is steering China "down the road to fascism," and advised people in China to "find their own way of getting to the free world."

A vociferous rights activist and graduate of Iowa State University, Kwon traveled to take part in the 2014 Occupy Central movement for fully democratic elections in Hong Kong.

He was also active on X  formerly Twitter  which is blocked in China, and used social media to publicly criticize the "tyranny" of the Communist Party and express solidarity with causes like Free Tibet and the commemoration of those who died in the crackdown on the 1989 democracy movement on Tiananmen Square.

Political satirist @GFWFrog said Kwon was jailed after taking selfies outside local government offices wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the slogans referring to Xi as "Xitler."

Sources at the time said the indictment against Kwon was largely based on some 80 posts he made to Facebook and Twitter between 2014 and 2016.

These posts "used words, images and video to insult and slander this country's government and the socialist system," the indictment said.

"Seven years ago, Kwon Pyong went alone to the gates of the local government buildings to take selfies alone wearing a "Xitler" T-shirt," @GFWFrog said. "Seven years later, he was alone again, riding a jet ski and hurtling hundreds of kilometers to South Korea to seek political asylum."

"Kwon Pyong's actions are an inspiration to rebels left behind the Great Firewall  there are more ways to 'run' than obstacles," he said in a reference to the mass "run" movement of people leaving China in recent months following the lifting of COVID-19 travel curbs.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
In this screenshot from a video posted Aug. 17, 2023, villagers in Laos Luang Prabang province are seen locked in a 16-square-meter (26-square-foot) room after a Chinese mining company detained them for illegally digging for gold on the companys concession.

UPDATED at 9:55 am EDT 8/24/23

A Chinese mining company in northern Laos Luang Prabang province has detained as many as 50 villagers for illegally digging gold on their concession and is demanding a ransom for their release, sparking an outcry on social media, according to residents of the area.

Employees of Tianjin Huakan Mining Investment, which operates in Pak Ou district, allegedly beat some of the detainees who were unable to pay the 10-15 million kip (US$520-775) for their freedom  an exorbitant amount for any worker in impoverished Laos, where the average annual income is around US$2,200.

[The Chinese operators] detained 40-50 people and demanded that they pay 10 million kip, said a resident of Pak Ou with connections to the mining sector who, like others interviewed for this report, spoke to RFA Lao on condition of anonymity citing security concerns.

Some were unable to pay it and after a few days the owners changed it to 15 million kip, he said. There are a few local villagers among those detained.

China is Laos top foreign investor, with a total investment of US$16.4 billion across 933 projects, according to a Ministry of Planning and Investment report from last year, and many Laotians say they are wary of the outsized influence Beijing has on their country.

Chinese investment mega projects include several hydropower dams, rare-earth mining explorations and the Laos-China high speed railway, which opened in December.

A source who works at the mine confirmed to RFA that he has seen Chinese employees detain Laotians discovered to be digging for gold at the site.

The numbers are different every day  some days there are as many as 40-50 people in detention at a time, he said. They have to pay money to [the Chinese] before they can be released.

The source said he had seen people released after their families paid a ransom, including several last week.

The situation prompted an outcry online after a villager posted a message about the detentions and beatings on social media last week that included images of a 16-square-meter (26-square-foot) room where people were being held.

A person who lives close to the mine told RFA that the post made her feel pity for the villagers and said she wants the government to protect villagers from harassment and detention by Chinese employees.

I live far from there, but felt horrible about what happened to them, she said.

Another villager from Pak Ou said that most of the detainees are from other parts of Laos and traveled to the area to dig gold to support their families. He said not many residents of the district take part in the digging because local authorities have warned people not to go to the site.

Authorities investigating reports

A Luang Prabang official responsible for mining in the province said that authorities are looking into the situation at the concession.

Were still investigating the issue along with officials from other sectors, he said. Were concerned about people making problems for the community.

Tianjin Huakan Mining Investment began excavating gold in Pak Ou in 2015 on a 13-year concession site of 600 hectares (1,480 acres). In 2021, the company mined 90,000 tons of rock containing gold, but little of the wealth it generated has benefited the local community, residents said.

Villagers told RFA that this isnt the first time employees of Tianjin Huakan have detained people for digging on company land.

In May 2020, Chinese employees detained three ethnic Hmong villagers and released them eight days later after their families paid ransoms of 5 million kip (US$260) each, they said.

Speaking to RFA, a Lao social commentator said that foreign investors have no right to detain villagers, regardless of what they are accused of.

If villagers violate concession rights, they should answer to Lao authorities, not the investors, he said. This country has laws to protect Lao people.

Translated by Sidney Khotpanya. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.

Updates to correct that company mined 90,000 tons of rock containing gold, not gold itself.
The sanctions are in response to the military regimes violent airstrikes against civilians.

Myanmar military jets take part in an independence day celebration in Naypyidaw in 2015. Myanmars junta has increasingly relied on violent airstrikes against civilians to hold onto power, the U.S. Treasury Dept. says.

The U.S. Treasury Department has expanded sanctions aimed at Myanmars military junta so that any foreign individual or entity linked to procuring jet fuel for the military government can be targeted.

More than 3,900 civilians have been killed by the regime since it seized power in February 2021, the Treasury Department said, with the junta increasingly reliant on violent airstrikes against civilians, including women and schoolchildren, to maintain its hold on power.

A press release from the Treasury Department singled out two recent air strikes on civilians in the Sagaing region  one in April and one in June  as the impetus for the expansion of the sanctions.

The announcement Wednesday was accompanied by the designation of two Burmese individuals  Khin Phyu Win and Zaw Min Tun  and a company  Shoon Energy Pte. Ltd  that the Treasury Department said were involved in procuring jet fuel for use by Myanmars military.

The sanctions mean that American citizens and firms, including banks, cannot have any business relationship with those sanctioned.

By expanding the use of our sanctions authority to target an additional sector critical to the military regime, we are able to further deprive the regime of the resources that enable it to oppress its citizens, Brian Nelson, under secretary of the Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence, was quoted as saying in Wednesdays statement.

U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement that the sanctions were intended to put pressure on the junta.

"The United States will continue to seek to deprive the military regime of the resources that enable its oppression of the people of Burma," he said.

Sagaing has been a hotbed of clashes between the military junta and the Peoples Defense Forces since the February 2021 coup. Almost 800,000 residents of the region have been forced to flee due to the conflict since the junta seized power, the United Nations says.
The military has stepped up patrols in Mindat.

An army truck attacked by the Chin Defense Force in Mindat town, Chin state On July 30, 2023.

Myanmars junta has shut down public buildings in Chin states Mindat town for the past three days, residents told RFA Wednesday.

Some 90% of government offices had already been closed in the town due to fighting since the military seized power in a February 2021 coup but the junta has kept the rest running, along with three schools and a hospital.

On Monday they were all shuttered.

One Mindat resident, who didnt want to be named for safety reasons, said the junta gave no reason for the closures but troops stepped up patrols across the town.

I am not sure why they were ordered to close, they said.

I dont think it was because of the fighting [although] there are frequent ambushes in the city.

On Jul. 30, local anti-government militia the Chin Defense Forces attacked an army truck near the forestry office in Mindat town, killing seven soldiers, the group said in a statement.

Yaw Man, the spokesperson of the Mindat Township Administration, said there has been no fighting since then. However, he said it was possible that the junta decided to close all public buildings after youths from the Chin Defense Force stole a health department vehicle.

The junta was not satisfied and lost dignity when the vehicle was taken, he said. So schools and hospitals were closed because they could no longer provide security.

RFA called the junta spokesperson for Chin state, Kyaw Soe Win, but he didnt answer.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.
The order follows the arrest of two doctors who joined the anti-junta Civil Disobedience Movement.

Medical workers are seen at Mingalar Private Hospital in Mandalay, Myanmar, June 6, 2023. The juntas Ministry of Health has ordered the hospital closed for three months starting Aug. 25.

Military officials have ordered a 500-bed hospital in Mandalay region to shut down for three months after it allowed two physicians who joined the anti-junta Civil Disobedience Movement to work there, according to sources close to the hospitals.

Patients at the hospital, which has more than 700 employees, are being prepared to transfer to other private hospitals ahead of the Friday closure, a resident close to the hospital told Radio Free Asia.

The Central Committee on Private Healthcare Services under the juntas Ministry of Health issued the order on Aug. 18, a hospital official told RFA.

No details have been released by the junta about why Mingalar Private Hospital in Maha Aung Myay township in Mandalay city was forced to close, or exactly how the patients currently being treated at the hospital should be managed.

When I asked the people who were admitted to the hospital, they said that all of them must be discharged by the 25th, the resident said. Its going to be closed starting on Aug. 25, according to the juntas order, and some important patients are being sent to other available hospitals.

But a doctor in Mandalay who is knowledgeable about the situation said the order was based on the arrest of the two doctors.

The doctors  an oncologist and a pediatric specialist  were arrested last year, and it was unclear why the junta was taking action now against one of the biggest private hospitals in Mandalay, he said.

Medical workers and staff are seen at Mingalar Private Hospital in Mandalay, Myanmar, June 6, 2023. Credit: Mingalar Private Hospital





Private clinics also targeted

The Civil Disobedience Movement has seen tens of thousands of Myanmars government employees leave their jobs in protest of the militarys February 2021 coup detat.

According to the CDM Medical Network, more than 45,000 health workers and medical doctors are still participating in the movement. The network said that 853 doctors and health workers have been arrested for opposing the junta since the coup.

The status of the two arrested doctors from Mingalar Private Hospital was unknown this week.

RFA was unable to reach Dr. Than Naing Soe, spokesman for the juntas Ministry of Health, by phone to ask about the closure.

There are more than 30 private hospitals in Mandalay. Five were shut down by the junta in 2022, according to locals.

Private clinics have also been targeted, according to a CDM doctor in Mandalay who refused to be named for security reasons.

Not just private hospitals, but some of my friends own clinics were forced to shut down by the junta for reasons like they didnt have practicing licenses or their licenses were not renewed, he said. I myself am anxiously watching when my turn will come.

Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster.
Back in 1916, Thomas Clark Atkeson wrote, Much has been written about the Patrons of Husbandry, the Grange, and the Granger Movement, (and) many of these writers seemed to have reached the conclusion that the Patrons of Husbandry disappeared about 1880. Atkeson, a journalist, farmer, and Grange supporter in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, came to the opposite conclusion, however, and he remains correct even today.

The Cheshire Grange (No. 23, established in 1885), for one, maintains a active presence in the community. Those wishing to verify the fact in person can attend the 138th Grange Fair, to be held Aug. 26 and 27 at the Grange Hall, 44 Wallingford Rd. Admission is free.

The Fairs centerpiece are competitions that encourage learning traditional farm skills. Participants will exhibit works in categories ranging from needlework and sewing, to baking and canning, to arts and crafts, flowers, and fruits. Fees are 25 cents for youth exhibitors and $1 for adults, with no limits as to how many categories one wishes to enter. These are judged according to a series of standards, though all youth participants will receive ribbons.

Items will be put up for an auction, which takes place Sunday evening.

A Grannies Attic bargains sale will go on all weekend featuring books and other donated goods. More active events will include tossing water balloons, a hands-free pie-eating contest, and rolling pin and rubber mallet throwing.

Grange President Ruel Miller says the event has scaled down from the Periclean time for fairs when admission charges entailed the hard work of erecting a fence around the Grange Hall. Agricultural contests involving throwing cow pies and featuring poultry, goats and other livestock met with disapproval from state health officials.

Food might be the main reason to attend the fair because, as Jane Miller puts it, If you love to eat, better thank a farmer. Offerings will range from baked goods to hot dogs and hamburgers, to Sundays roast beef dinner, bargain priced at $18 for adults and $8 for children. It is served family-style with sides that include a traditional cole slaw whose secret recipe has been passed along in the Grange for 75 years.

For fear of our lives we have failed to give it up, joked Ruel Miller.

The Grange began as a secret society, using codes and membership rites to prevent railroad agents from spying. In the years since, it has become more open, though mindful of that past.

Secrecy still exists as a remnant, but the secret work is still taught in case we ever want to go back to it, quipped Dr. Charles Dimmick, the Granges Chaplain, who also serves in that capacity at the state level.

Ruel Miller, who is on the Connecticut Granges Executive Committee, hands out business cards with an explanatory text on the back for those who might wonder, What Is The Grange?

The Grange, also known as the Patrons of Husbandry, is a unique, non-denominational, bi-partisan, educational, family-oriented and fun-loving yet hard-working group, which is dedicated to service projects, legislative advancements, agricultural initiatives, and personal development, the card reads.

One of those unique features, according to Jane Miller, is that the Grange included women in its membership from the very beginning. And women still play an important part in the Grange. The Millers themselves met at a Grange Fair, with a long-lasting marriage to show for it.

The Grange movement started in the bleak years following the Civil War. Four officials from the United States Department of Agriculture recognized that farm infrastructure was threatened, and farmers demoralized and often under-educated, a situation that put the country in danger. Using ceremonies adopted from Freemasonry, the Grange evolved from its first chapter opening in Fredonia, New York, in 1867, into a legislative force strengthening agricultural communities throughout the United States.

The USDA realized that what farmers needed was a self-help organization, said Dimmick. For him, character-building organizations such as the Grange still serve a purpose in a society in which neighborly engagement seems to be dwindling. That includes a patriotic bent and a spiritual focus.

The original founders happened to be protestants, Dimmick explained, noting that although the Bible has a role in meetings, we dont make any distinction when it comes to religion. Weve had Jewish, Catholic, and Muslim members.

There are many benefits of membership, Dimmick insisted. Fellowship is important and mutual assistance is important. And certainly Grange members are quick to provide mutual assistance to members in need.

There are opportunities for community service, as Cheshire moves away from being a collection of family farms, to a more suburban community, he continued.

In the 1940s, the Cheshire Grange was the largest civic organization in town, with nearly 450 active members, according to Dimmick. Though the membership has fallen as Cheshire has grown, Dimmick believes theres still hope, as he points to other Granges around Connecticut as success stories.

Wallingford, Dimmick explained, had at one point handed in their charter but has since come back to become very, very active. He also cites Redding and Granby as others who defeated the trend of dwindling membership.

Today, there are 32 state Grange organizations, with local Granges present in four other states, as well as Washington, D.C. In Connecticut, 35 communities have a local Grange hall. Nationwide membership is estimated at 100,000 with an active grassroots that still lobbies for agricultural causes, including environmental protections.

Dimmick and the Millers wonder if the youth will find renewed interest in civic organizations in an age of so many distractions. They point to the many benefits young people can get from Grange membership, including leadership, public speaking, and other practical skills, along with contacts with others in the community.

This orientation toward community is reflected in the Grange motto, In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas (In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity).

Were always trying to find a niche to work for the good of the town, said Jane Miller.
China Coast Guard ships surround a Philippine civilian boat delivering supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre near the Ayungin Shoal in the South China Sea, Aug. 22, 2023.

UPDATED AT 11:54 pm ET on 2023-08-23

A senator called Wednesday for an inquiry into how the Philippines could strengthen control in the South China Sea, as the coast guard released footage from a standoff between Filipino and Chinese ships in disputed waters a day earlier.

The videos showed a convoy of Philippine boats and ships as they maneuvered past the China Coast Guard while sailing on a resupply mission to a remote military outpost in Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) in the Spratly Islands.

Two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships, the BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan, escorted the convoy. They had arranged a rendezvous with civilian boats contracted by the military on Monday before setting off for Ayungin Shoal the following day, Commander Jay Tarriela said.

The PCG spokesman challenged Chinese claims that its ships allowed the supply mission to proceed peacefully, and said that when the Philippine ships were within 2.5 nautical miles of reaching the shoal we experienced dangerous maneuvers by four China Coast Guard vessels backed by four Chinese maritime militia.

They executed different ways for the Philippine Coast Guard to be separated from the supply boats so that they would be able to prevent (them) from entering the shoal, Tarriela told reporters.

Also on Wednesday, Sen. Risa Hontiveros alleged that the Peoples Republic of China had continued to militarize portions of the West Philippine Sea, despite international condemnation. The West Philippine Sea is the name that Filipinos use for waters claimed by Manila in the South China Sea.

During a speech in the Senate, Hontiveros called for an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into further capacitating and empowering the Philippine Coast Guard to enable it to carry out its primary mission of enforcing Philippine law and upholding national sovereignty within the countrys maritime zones, particularly the West Philippine Sea.

Chinas actions, she said, had led to an unprecedented challenge to the Philippine Coast Guards primary mission of enforcing Philippine law, maintaining the countrys sovereignty and upholding vital national interests.

In Beijing on Wednesday, Chinas foreign ministry called on the Philippines to immediately stop any actions that may complicate the situation on the ground.

Let me stress that in response to what the Philippines did, China Coast Guard took necessary law enforcement action in accordance with the law, ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

Tuesdays incident followed one about two weeks ago where the China Coast Guard fired water cannons at the BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era ship deliberately run aground by the Philippines to serve as its military outpost in Ayungin Shoal.

The shoal is about 200 km (124 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan, and more than 1,000 km (621 miles) from Chinas nearest major landmass, Hainan island.

Now, it has become clear that China has her eye on Ayungin Shoal. The water cannons, the military laser, the removal of a naval gun cover  all these severe provocations were against Philippine vessels making their way to Ayungin, Hontiveros told the Senate on Wednesday.

China is actively blocking these missions because she does not want any further reinforcement to our most defiant sovereign marker in the West Philippine Sea, the BRP Sierra Madre.

Videos

On Wednesday, Tarriela presented a video that showed a China Coast Guard ship blocking a Philippine Coast Guard ship from entering the shoal.

A second Chinese ship was positioned to intercept the Filipinos in case they got through the first cordon, the video showed.

There are also other videos that we have showing that our supply boats were being blocked by China Coast Guard vessels and the four Chinese maritime militia, he said.

Well, this time our game plan really was to outmaneuver the China Coast Guard vessels  and make sure that the supply boats would be successful in entering the shoal, Tarriela said.

A U.S. Navy plane flies over the Ayungin Shoal during a Philippine resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, Aug. 22, 2023. Credit: Aaron Favila/AP

The Chinese ships issued radio challenges and warnings that said Beijing had indisputable sovereignty over the sea region, according to officials. The Chinese ships said they were allowing the Philippine Coast Guard and the supply boats to pass through in the spirit of humanism.

[W]e dont need permission from the Peoples Republic of China and Ayungin Shoal is within our exclusive economic zone. We have the sovereign right over these waters, Tarriela said. Secondly, it is not true that they are humane or extended humanitarian assistance.

Journalists who traveled with the Philippine Coast Guard on Tuesday posted photos of a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon patrol and reconnaissance plane flying overhead during the resupply mission.

In Washington on Wednesday, officials at the Pentagon did not immediately respond to a BenarNews request for comment about the flight. On Monday, U.S., Australian and Philippine troops held an air assault drill in Rizal town, in the western island province of Palawan, about 108 nautical miles from Ayungin Shoal.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization.

This story has been updated to remove references to Philippines 'territory' in the South China Sea.
At least one person was killed and 152 were injured by a fresh 6.3-magnitude earthquake in western Afghanistan on early October 11, days after a series of quakes at the weekend that reportedly killed at least 2,000 people.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the latest magnitude 6.3-earthquake occurred some 28 kilometers outside Herat, the capital of the province by the same name.

Nisar Ahmad, spokesman for the governor of the province, said a number of villages had been destroyed and there was an unspecified number of injured people. He did not say anything about the number of deaths, but the Taliban-controlled Bakhtar news agency reported that one person died and 152 others were injured, citing local health officials.



Ahmadullah Muttaqi, director of information and culture for the Taliban-led government for Herat Province and the head of the earthquake relief commission, confirmed in an interview with RFE/RL's Radio Azadi that 120 people has been injured, but said this was a preliminary figure.



Muttaqi also said that the number of victims in the latest earthquake was low because many people have not returned to their homes since the previous earthquake.

The aid group Doctors Without Borders said the Herat regional hospital received nearly 120 injured from the latest temblor. The group, also known by its French acronym MSF, said it sent additional medical supplies to the hospital and was setting up four more medical tents at the facility.

Our teams are assisting in triaging emergency cases and managing stabilized patients admitted in the medical tents, MSF said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The AFP news agency reported that patients were being treated in an outdoor courtyard at Herat Regional Hospital.

WATCH: Another strong earthquake shook western Afghanistan on October 11, just four days after a major temblor that claimed nearly 3,000 lives, according to Taliban officials.

Ambulances were being sent to Herat's Rabat Sangi district, which reportedly bore the brunt of the latest earthquake.

According to the AP news agency, the new quake destroyed some 700 homes in Chahak village, which had not been affected by the tremors of previous days.

No deaths have been reported so far in Chahak as people have taken shelter in tents this week, fearing for their lives as tremors continue to rock Herat, the AP also reported.

No further details were immediately available.

The epicenter of the first earthquake on October 7 was some 40 kilometers northwest of Herat, which has 700,000 people in the city and the surrounding area. It was followed by at least three major aftershocks.

The USGS recorded the largest of the temblors at a magnitude of 6.3, with the latest aftershock coming about 30 kilometers northeast of the city of Zindah Jan, which has a population of about 70,000 people.

Taliban officials said at least 2,000 people were killed in the weekend earthquakes, but did not come up with a final official figure.

On October 11, the Taliban Public Health Minister Qalandar Ebad lowered the toll to around 1,000.

"We have over 1,000 people martyred from the first incident," Ebad told reporters in Kabul.

The World Health Organization has put the total number of people affected at more than 11,000.

Earthquakes are common in Afghanistan, where there are a number of fault lines and frequent movement among three nearby tectonic plates.

Afghans are still reeling from recent quakes, including the magnitude 6.5-earthquake in March that struck much of western Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan, and an earthquake that hit eastern Afghanistan in June 2022, flattening stone and mud-brick homes and killing at least 1,000 people.

Afghanistan is already suffering a dire humanitarian crisis, with the widespread withdrawal of foreign aid following the Talibans ousting the Western-backed Afghan government and taking over the country in August 2021.

Herat Province, on the border with Iran, is home to around 1.9 million people, and its rural communities have been suffering from a yearslong drought.

With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters
Welcome back to the China In Eurasia briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter tracking China's resurgent influence from Eastern Europe to Central Asia.

I'm RFE/RL correspondent Reid Standish and here's what I'm following right now.

Why Georgia Is On China's Mind

Georgia -- the small country of nearly 4 million located in the Caucasus -- is having a geopolitical moment amid global fallout from the war in Ukraine.

On a recent reporting trip to the country, my colleague Tamuna Chkareuli and I investigated a project to build a deep-sea port that could place Georgia at the epicenter of a global competition for trade routes and infrastructure between China, Russia, and the West.

Finding Perspective: The project in question is a proposed deep-sea port in the small town of Anaklia on Georgia's western Black Sea coast, and it has become the site of unlikely geopolitical intrigue that could have far-ranging repercussions for Tbilisi.

The Georgian government has revived the plans after canceling them in 2020. Since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine there has been amplified interest from China and Europe in building up trade routes that bypass Russia, which was the main route for overland trade between Europe and Asia.

The leading alternative is through the so-called Middle Corridor, which connects China and the countries of Central Asia to Europe through Georgia and Azerbaijan. But this route currently faces major trade bottlenecks due to lacking or poor-quality infrastructure, with Georgia being one of the largest weak spots.

This is where Anaklia comes in. Georgia currently lacks a deep-sea port, and its current ports face capacity limits amid a surge in trade along the Middle Corridor. The added capacity would allow for far greater volumes of goods to be transported across the Black Sea.

But the Anaklia project is currently caught up in political infighting and geopolitical jostling over who will build it, with competing bids from a collection of European and Chinese companies rumored to be the top contenders.

Why It Matters: Both China and the European Union see the port project as strategic and want their companies to secure the bid.

Analysts and EU officials told me that the companies selected would be a bellwether for Tbilisi's desire for more Western integration or if it decides to pivot closer toward Russia and China.

The ruling Georgian Dream party has been warming up to Moscow and especially leaning toward Beijing of late. In late July, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili inked a strategic partnership agreement with China and gave a glowing interview on CGTN where he praised Chinese leader Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party.

Choosing a Chinese company or Chinese-led consortium for Anaklia could have fallout for Tbilisi's relations with Brussels. Chasing EU and NATO membership is written into Georgia's constitution, and the EU is supposed to announce its decision on whether to grant the country membership-candidate status in December.

Georgia's Economy and Sustainable Development Ministry told me that the deadline for bids has passed and it is currently reviewing several of them. A public announcement for the winner is expected in October.

Read the full story here.

Expert Corner: A Familiar Face In Kyrgyzstan's Energy Sector

Readers asked: "We are seeing more and more deals involving Chinese companies investing in power plants in Kyrgyzstan as the country faces an energy crisis. Will these companies be able to deliver?"

To find out more, I asked Chris Rickleton, RFE/RL's Central Asian correspondent:

"China is indeed looking to be very active in Kyrgyzstan's energy sector these days, at least on paper. Chinese companies are involved in agreements to construct a series of hydroelectric power facilities in the provinces of Issyk Kul and Jalalabad -- which are still very much at the pre-planning stages -- as well as a solar farm in Issyk Kul. The quoted capacities for these projects are massive, as are cost estimates, where available.

"Let's ignore for the moment projects like the Kazarman hydropower plant (HPP) in Jalalabad, which is a seven-year, multibillion-dollar project at minimum, and instead look at the solar farm, which is more realistic in terms of completion (projected for 2025) during President Sadyr Japarov's current presidential term. The suggested capacity of the project is 1,000 megawatts (1 gigawatt). That is enough to power over half a million Kyrgyz homes and would be sensational for a country with zero major solar projects to date.

"For perspective, the U.A.E company Masdar is looking into building a 200 MW solar farm somewhere in Kyrgyzstan, while a Russian company is building another with 300 MW of capacity. These plans are more in line with the scale of individual solar farms being built in neighboring Uzbekistan, which is also energy-desperate and pursuing solar in a big way.

"The biggest concern for all these projects is corruption and debt accrual. The Japarov government is more dynamic and ambitious than its immediate predecessors, and it has already shown it's prepared to raise electricity tariffs, which, at some stage, might stimulate investment into the troubled power sector. But it is also authoritarian and light on transparency.

"Chinese companies have in the past been part of the plotline in major Kyrgyz graft cases, and one of those companies, TBEA, is in line to build the Sary-Jaz HPP in Issyk Kul. The fear is that all of these projects have high misuse and scandal potential if they move forward. And don't be surprised if you hear about giant crypto mining operations springing up nearby."

Do you have a question about China's growing footprint in Eurasia? Send it to me at StandishR@rferl.org or reply directly to this e-mail and I'll get it answered by leading experts and policymakers.

Three More Stories From Eurasia

1. China's Hydropower Surge In Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov traveled to China on August 16 and signed a new deal during the trip to Xinjiang with the Chinese company Tebian Electric Apparatus (TBEA) to build a cascade of new hydropower plants (HPPs) along the Sary-Jaz River, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

The Details: It's interesting to see the contract going to TBEA to build the Sary-Jaz River HPPs given that the last big contract they had in Kyrgyzstan is widely considered to have been a fiasco.

In 2013, the company won the contract to modernize an aging power plant in Bishkek that provided nearly all the heat and electricity for the country's capital. The modernization, however, failed spectacularly. By 2018, soon after the overhaul was completed, the plant broke down and much of Bishkek was left without heat or electricity in the middle of winter.

The public outcry led to arrests and a trial, which exposed curious Chinese business practices and prolific local corruption behind the failure.

According to court documents and testimony, the Chinese Embassy in Bishkek lobbied hard for TBEA and China's Export-Import Bank tied their loan for the modernization to the company despite another contractor offering a more competitive bid.

2. Beijing's Global Security Initiative In Russia And Belarus

Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu recently wrapped up a symbolic trip to Russia and Belarus by bolstering military ties with both countries.

But as I reported here, a central focus of the trip was pushing China's new Global Security Initiative (GSI), Beijing's sweeping blueprint aimed at presenting foreign-policy alternatives to those offered by the West.

What You Need To Know: The GSI was fully unveiled in February and has since become a central piece of China's architecture to rival the U.S.-led world order.

A key part of the GSI calls on countries to contribute to global stability and resolve their disputes through dialogue, not force. It also pushes for greater coordination on issues ranging from counterterrorism to increased military exercises and more comprehensive intelligence sharing.

But behind the rosy rhetoric, critics warn that many of the practices advocated through the GSI are designed to create a global system that is friendlier to autocratic regimes and that can erode the current Western-led process.

While in Moscow, Li spoke at the Moscow Conference on International Security that featured a collection of non-Western officials where he took not-so-veiled shots at the United States and called for greater cooperation with China and the People's Liberation Army.

"The whole point of GSI is trying to put a positive spin on China's security approach," Raffaello Pantucci, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, told me. "The Chinese like to have these big, central ideas to organize their views of the world that they can then pitch and sell to other countries."

3. Chinese Engineers Under Attack

Unidentified militants attacked a convoy of Chinese engineers in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan Province, RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal reported.

What It Means: No Chinese nationals were killed in the August 13 attack, but three security officers were injured in an exchange of gunshots that also killed two militants and injured three others.

The Chinese engineers were working on a project near Gwadar, the site of a strategic port investment by China.

Balochistan is home to a large chunk of the investment within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the nearly $60 billion flagship project within Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative.

The attack was later claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist militant organization that has targeted Chinese nationals several times and warned Beijing not to conclude development deals in Balochistan with the Pakistan government.

Across The Supercontinent

Another BRICS In The Wall: The group of nations known as BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa -- kicked off their annual summit on August 22.

Among a full agenda, one of the largest topics up for debate is whether to expand the bloc. Some contenders include Iran, Belarus, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Kazakhstan, but all could bring their own complications if selected.

Dollar vs. Yuan: The BRICS summit is also focusing on encouraging the use of alternatives to the U.S. dollar in trade and financial transactions.

The leading alternative has been China's yuan, although the currency is facing difficulties due to China's slowing economy -- a development that could hamper dedollarization efforts.

Climate Crunch: A water crisis is currently hitting Central Asia and western China, showing increasingly worrying effects for the future.

In the latest development, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports that Kazakhstan's southern Zhambyl region has declared an emergency due to extreme heat and a lack of water.

Deals, Deals, Deals: In addition to the hydropower deal detailed above, Kyrgyz officials inked 29 agreements totaling $1 billion in value with Chinese companies at a recent business expo in Xinjiang, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

One Thing To Watch

Axios' Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian recently reported from Tanzania about the Chinese Communist Party's first first overseas training school -- strong evidence that Beijing is exporting its political model.

The move is a clear departure from China's other attempts to peddle influence, which tend to be more subtle. It also could be the beginning of a larger trend. Like Eurasia, Africa has been a testing ground for Chinese policies, and there are plenty of spots stretching from Eastern Europe to Central Asia that could be fertile soil for a similar venture.

That's all from me for now. Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you might have.

Until next time,

Reid Standish

If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your inbox every other Wednesday.
ASTANA -- Imprisoned Kazakh tycoon Qairat Boranbaev, whose daughter is a widow of a grandson of former President Nursultan Nazarbaev, may be released from a detention center after agreeing to cooperate with investigators and cover the financial damage caused by his criminal activities.

Boranbaev and his two co-defendants, businessmen Roman Nakhanov and Taiyr Zhanuzaq, were sentenced to eight years in prison each on embezzlement charges in late March. The trio had pleaded not guilty at the time.

In June, a court in Astana canceled the sentences, citing the absence of key documents the charges against the three men were based on.

On August 22, Boranbaev's lawyer, Daniyar Qanafin, stated at a new hearing of the case in Astana that his client had changed his plea and accepted that he embezzled 14.6 billion tenges (more than $32 million), which he had returned to the State Treasury.

Qanafin also announced that his client is ready to make a deal with investigators and prosecutors.

Judge Aisulu Slambekova and Prosecutor Olzhas Khairullin accepted the motion, which means that Boranbaev may be released soon.

Boranbaev's daughter, Alima Boranbaeva, and Nazarbaev's grandson, Aisultan Nazarbaev, married in 2013. In September 2020, Aisultan Nazarbaev, who reportedly suffered from drug addiction and had run-ins with the law in the United Kingdom, died in London at the age of 29.

Boranbaev, 56, was arrested after unprecedented antigovernment protests in early January last year after which the Kazakh regime began to quietly target Nazarbaev, his family, and other allies -- many of whom held powerful or influential posts in government, security agencies, and profitable energy companies.

In September 2022, another court in Astana sentenced Nazarbaev's nephew Qairat Satybaldy to six years in prison on corruption charges.

President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev has taken a series of moves since the unrest to push Nazarbaev, who ruled the tightly controlled former Soviet republic with an iron fist for almost three decades, further into the background following his resignation in 2019.

Though he officially stepped down as president, Nazarbaev retained sweeping powers as the head of the country's powerful Security Council. He also enjoyed substantial powers by holding the title of elbasy -- the leader of the nation.

Even after Nazarbaev's resignation, many Kazakhs remained bitter over the oppression of his reign.

Those feelings came to a head in January last year when unprecedented antigovernment nationwide protests were sparked by a fuel price hike.

The demonstrations unexpectedly exploded into deadly countrywide unrest over perceived corruption under the Nazarbaev regime and the cronyism that allowed his family and close friends to enrich themselves while ordinary citizens failed to share in the oil-rich nation's wealth.

Toqaev subsequently stripped Nazarbaev of his Security Council role, taking it over himself. Since then, several of Nazarbaevs relatives and allies have been pushed out of their positions or resigned.

Kazakh critics say Toqaev's initiatives were cosmetic and did not change the nature of the autocratic system in a country that has been plagued for years by rampant corruption and nepotism.
Armita Garavand, the 17-year-old girl fatally injured in an alleged confrontation with Iran's morality police over a head-scarf violation, was buried amid tight security in Tehran on October 29.

Unconfirmed reports say several people, including two of Garavands relatives, were arrested during the ceremony at the Behesht-e Zahra cemetery in southern Tehran.

Civil rights activist Reza Khandan told RFE/RLs Radio Farda that his wife, prominent human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, was beaten and detained at the funeral.

"A number of participants were arrested and beaten up. Nasrin was among them," Khandan said by phone from Tehran.

WATCH: Scores of mourners attended the burial of Iranian teenager Armita Garavand on October 29 in Tehran. Amateur video obtained by RFE/RL shows raw emotions on display at the Behesht-e Zahra cemetery and at a separate funeral ceremony in the Jaberi mosque. A heavy police presence was observed at both places.

He added that a number of those detained had been released, although others, including Sotoudeh, remained in detention. He said he hasn't been able to contact her.

Irans semiofficial Fars news agency later confirmed that Sotoudeh had been detained, charged with violating the conservative Islamic nation's head-scarf law.

Sotoudeh has previously been arrested and jailed after representing opposition activists, including women prosecuted for removing their mandatory headscarves.

Video clips published on social media showed a large crowds of people -- both men and women -- attending the burial ceremony.



Irans state media had reported Garavands death on October 28, nearly a month after she fell and went into a coma in the Tehran subway.

Garavand was reportedly confronted by the morality police in the subway at the start of October for failing to wear a hijab.



The news of Garavand's death came just over a year after the death of Mahsa Amini following her arrest by Irans morality police for an alleged head-scarf violation sparked nationwide protests and international condemnation.



A relative told Radio Farda that security agents had told the family they would be given Garavand's body under the condition that the burial be held in Tehran and not in their native village in the western province of Kermanshah.



"We live in Tehran, but we don't bury our dead [here]. We hope to receive Armita's body, the family member had said.



Shortly after the subway incident, authorities isolated Garavand family members and attempted to prevent journalists from reaching them. Security measures were still being enforced as of October 28, fueling speculation that authorities were worried about renewed protests in the country.



Rights groups and journalists say Garavand and two of her friends were confronted on October 1 by police officers for not wearing the mandatory hijab as they tried to enter a Tehran subway station.



One of the friends has said the officers physically assaulted Garavand, who later fell unconscious after entering a subway carriage. Officials have said Garavand suffered a sudden drop in blood pressure, fainted, and fell to the floor, hitting her head.



A source at Fajr Hospital, who spoke to Radio Farda on condition of anonymity due to security reasons, said shortly after the incident that Garavand suffered internal bleeding in the brain.



"Unfortunately, she went into a coma for some time after suffering from brain damage. She died a few minutes ago," the official government news agency IRNA said on October 28.

Garavand's condition triggered concerns in the West and among international rights groups after a purported video of the incident circulated on social media. The video shows Garavand entering the subway car, but it does not show what exactly transpired in the seconds before her body is shown being carried back out of it.



Amnesty International has issued a statement saying authorities should allow an independent international delegation, including UN experts, to investigate the circumstances leading up to Garavand's hospitalization. Tehran has left the request unanswered.

The United States on October 29 said it was deeply saddened by the death of Garavand after she was beaten by Iran's morality police for not wearing a hijab in public."

Iran's state-sponsored violence against its own people is appalling and underscores the fragility of the regime, White House national-security adviser Jake Sullivan wrote on social media.

Garavands case, and suggestions of a cover-up by the authorities, has drawn parallels with the events leading up to the death of 22-year-old Amini last year.

Aminis death soon after she was arrested for allegedly violating Irans hijab law triggered the greatest threat to the Islamic republic's leadership since the 1979 revolution.



State media has shown Garavand's parents speaking of various potential causes for their daughter's fall and injury.



It is not clear if the statements were made under duress, but the Hengaw human rights group, which first reported the incident, said on October 5 that Garavand's mother, Shahin Ahmadi, had been detained temporarily by Iranian government security forces.



Earlier this month, Amini and the Women, Life, Freedom movement in Iran that was triggered by her death were awarded this year's Sakharov Prize, the European Parliaments top rights award, the second honor bestowed upon Iranian women this month for their sometimes deadly struggle for human rights after activist Narges Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize.

With reporting by dpa
A mob of hundreds of people shouting anti-Jewish epithets stormed and shut down the airport in the Russian city of Makhachkala in the predominantly Muslim region of Daghestan after a flight arrived from Israel on October 29.

Riot police arrived at the airport after the disturbances, while the Interior Ministry office in Makhachkala said reinforcements, including National Guard units, were being sent to ensure the safety of arriving passengers, according to the Baza Telegram channel.

Without being specific, Daghestani officials later said that "several people" had been injured in the incident and were being treated.

Russia's aviation authority later said the airport would remain closed until November 6.

Anti-Jewish protests have broken out in several cities in the region in the face of Israels war with Hamas, rulers of the Palestinian-controlled Gaza Strip.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry on October 29 demanded that Russia protect Israelis and Jews and that anyone threatening them be apprehended.

"Israel expects the Russian authorities to protect all Israeli citizens and all Jews, and to act decisively against the rioters and against incitement to violence against Jews and Israelis," a statement said.

Late on October 29, videos and photos from the scene published by RFE/RL's Caucaus.Realities indicated that protesters had stormed onto the Makhachkala runway and attempted to gain entry to the incoming plane.

Authorities said the airport was immediately closed for incoming and outgoing flights, while police reportedly began jamming communications in the airport area to prevent the crowd from coordinating further actions.

A local news Telegram channel reported that protesters were trying to check the identities of arriving passengers, attempting to prevent Jews from leaving the airport, including searching police vehicles.

A protester was seen in one unconfirmed video carrying a sign saying, "Child killers have no place in Daghestan."

Daghestani officials accused "enemies of Russia" of instigating the anti-Semitic sentiments after the Coordination Center of Muslims of the North Caucasus called on authorities to prevent refugees from Israel from entering the republic, according to the Caucasian Knot publication.

The Internal Affairs Ministry said that "against the background of the situation in Makhachkala, the identities of all those who take part in the riots will be established, since video surveillance works at the airport."

"We recommend that all persons who have violated the operating procedures of the [airport] to cease the illegal actions and to not interfere with the work of airport employees," a Telegram statement said.



"It is not easy for each of us to stand and watch the inhumane massacre of a civilian population -- the Palestinian people, the government statement said. "Still, we urge residents of the republic not to succumb to provocations of destructive groups and not to create panic in society."

Anti-Semitic rallies took place over the weekend in other cities of the North Caucasus protesting against Israels military campaign.

The Middle East conflict broke out after Hamas militants stormed Israel on October 7, killing hundreds of people and taking more than 200 hostage. Israel retaliated with a military campaign against Gaza that is believed to have killed some 8,000 people and destroyed much of Gaza City.

On October 28, a rally was held in Cherkessk, the capital of the Karachayevo-Cherkessia Republic, demanding that residents of Israel not be allowed into the republic.

On the night of October 29, residents of Derbent in Daghestan protested after false reports of the settling of refugees from Israel in local hotels.

With reporting by AFP
Christ is risen! Russian Orthodox priest Father Antony intoned as he scattered holy water over the base of a new monument to Soviet dictator Josef Stalin and the crowd of dozens gathered for the event.

Risen, indeed, the onlookers responded, in accordance with Orthodox tradition.



But for 56-year-old Andrei Ivanov, whose family was among the millions of Soviet citizens murdered or persecuted under Stalin, the blessing of the 8-meter-tall monument to Stalin in the Pskov region town of Velikiye Luki represented the resurrection of something far more sinister.



I know this topic -- not from reading some populist articles by [nationalist former Culture Minister Vladimir] Medinsky and not just from secondhand accounts, he told RFE/RLs North.Realities. For me, this subject is close to my heart. I have an extremely negative view of that person.



The massive bronze monument to Stalin was ceremoniously unveiled in the Pskov region town of Velikiye Luki on August 15. It stands on private property in front of the main gate of the Mikron factory, which produces shelving systems for retailers and warehouses.

The work of sculptor Mikhail Krasilnikov, the statue was originally intended for the southern city of Volgograd, which was previously called Stalingrad and was the scene of the most momentous battle on the Eastern Front in World War II. Officials there, however, declined to accept the controversial monument, and for four years Krasilnikov offered it to almost every region of Russia without success.



Until Velikiye Luki.

The town is sometimes called the little Stalingrad of the north because German forces there surrendered to the Red Army on January 16, 1943, after being encircled and besieged for nearly two months.

Under Russian President Vladimir Putin, Stalins image has been rehabilitated, with state media and officials like Medinsky touting the dictators supposed management skills and his leadership during the fight against Nazi Germany.



In just 20 or 30 years, we accomplished what the civilized West couldnt do in more than a century, actor Yury Nazarov said at the Velikiye Luki unveiling, according to a report in the tabloid Moskovsky Komsomolets. The ceremony was co-hosted by actress Maria Shukshina, whose grandfather was executed under Stalin.



'A Large Number Of New Martyrs'

With devotees of Stalin ignoring the millions of Soviet citizens who were murdered, imprisoned, deported, exiled, and otherwise persecuted under his rule -- as well as the feelings of their living descendants, including Ivanov -- more than 100 monuments and busts of him have been erected, most of them in the years since 2005. A 2021 Levada Center poll found that 39 percent of Russians consider Stalin the most outstanding personality in Russian history, while 48 percent support putting up monuments to him.



According to Mikron factory Deputy Director Vladimir Parshikov, People every day, arriving at work, expressed a desire to see a monument to Josef Stalin.



At the ceremony, Father Antony acknowledged that the Russian Orthodox Church suffered enormously under Stalin, with thousands of churches destroyed and thousands of priests executed.

But thanks to this, we have a large number of new martyrs to whom we now pray and who now help us in our lives, he said.

Regional church authorities quickly issued a statement saying that Father Antonys participation in the event was without permission and that an internal investigation into his remarks had been launched.



Their actions and statements do not reflect the positions of the holy Russian Orthodox Church and are their personal views and convictions, the churchs statement said.



'I Had To Do Something'



A resident of the nearby town of Novosokolniki, Ivanov made the trip to Velikiye Luki to register his protest against the glorification of the dictator. He stood in a central town square alone, holding an anti-Stalinist sign bearing lyrics by Soviet bard and dissident poet Aleksandr Galich.



When I read the announcement of the unveiling on social media, I immediately decided that I had to do something, Ivanov said.



Wishing to avoid confrontation with the Stalinists at the event or provocations by the authorities, Ivanov held his one-man picket on a central square named for Marshal Konstantin Rokossovsky, who was arrested and tortured under Stalin in the 1930s but, after his release, commanded Soviet forces during the Battle of Velikiye Luki.

It was not Ivanovs first act of dissent under Putin. After serving in the police for more than 20 years, Ivanov retired in 2015. Later, he became a regional lawmaker from the Yabloko party. In recent years, he has worked as a legal consultant to the OVD-Info project, which monitors police activity and repression in Russia. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ivanov has attended several anti-war protests.



He said he considers his August 15 protest not only an act of protest against the monument, but also against the war.



Ivanov said he believes the statue was erected primarily because of the factorys work on military orders to support the war.



It is also a demonstration of reverence for the authorities, he added, a sort of guarantee of the prosperity of the enterprise and the receipt of more state orders, including defense contracts.



Ivanov recalled going to school in the 1970s and hearing very little about Stalin from his teachers and his parents.



I only learned the story of my own relatives who were repressed much later, he added, saying he now sees Stalin as a tyrant, a murderer, an authoritarian.

Written by RFE/RLs Robert Coalson based on reporting by RFE/RLs North.Realities. Current Time contributed to this report.
At least four people were killed in a fresh wave of Russian attacks on northeastern and southern Ukrainian regions on August 23 that also damaged grain export facilities, Ukrainian authorities said, as a Russian regional governor accused Kyiv of launching an attack that killed three people shortly after Moscow was reportedly targeted again by drones.

In Romny, a town in the northeastern Sumy region bordering Russia, the number of victims of a Russian missile attack doubled after the bodies of two more teachers were dug out from under the rubble of a school destroyed by the blast.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the school was completely destroyed and at least two more people were still under the rubble.

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.

In southern Ukraine, a three-hour Russian drone attack on the Odesa region damaged installations and caused fires at grain silos, military and regional officials said on August 23.

"Air defense destroyed nine Iranian-made drones. Unfortunately, production and shipment complexes were damaged and a fire broke out on an area of 700 square meters. As of 6 in the morning, the fire was contained. Grain storage facilities are among the damaged objectives," regional Governor Oleh Kiper said on Telegram on August 23, adding that there were no casualties.



Monitoring channels and local officials also reported explosions in Izmayil, one of two Ukrainian ports on the Danube that have been used by Kyiv to export grain after a UN-sponsored deal collapsed last month following Russia's refusal to renew its participation in the agreement.

Romanian media reported that the explosions could be heard in Tulcea, a Romanian port on the Danube just 15 kilometers from Izmayil.

Ukraine's Air Force command said the Ukrainian military shot down 11 out of 20 drones launched by Russia overnight. Nine were destroyed in the Odesa region, and two in the Zaporizhzhya region, the command said.

In Kherson, one person was killed and five were wounded by Russian shelling over the past 24 hours, the head of the regional military administration, Oleksandr Prokudin, said on Telegram, adding that early on August 23, six people were wounded in an air strike on civilian facilities, including a kindergarten.

"Around 4 in the morning, the Russian military dropped two guided aerial bombs on a kindergarten and residential buildings. As a result of the shelling, a fire broke out, which was promptly extinguished by firefighters," Prokudin wrote. A 22-year-old man was taken to a hospital, he said.

In Russia, the governor of the Belgorod region that borders Ukraine said a drone attack on a sanatorium in the village of Lavy killed three civilians.

"The Armed Forces of Ukraine dropped an explosive device from a drone when people were on the street," Vyacheslav Gladkov wrote on Telegram. He said two men were killed on the spot while a third died later in a hospital.

Hours earlier, Russia's Defense Ministry said Moscow had been attacked by three drones overnight, two of which were shot down while a third one was "suppressed" by electronic means but hit a building under construction in the capital's Moscow City business complex after losing control.

There were no casualties, the ministry said.

Three Moscow airports -- Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo -- temporarily suspended flights.

The ministry blamed the attack on Ukraine. Kyiv did not comment on the incident.

On the battlefield, Kyiv's military said Ukrainian forces have raised the national flag on the roof of a badly damaged school in the settlement of Robotyne in the southern Zaporizhzhya region.

"A historic day! Soldiers of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade set up the flag of Ukraine in the village of Robotyne, in one of the hottest destinations -- Melitopol," the 47th Brigade said on Telegram.

"A blue and yellow flag signed by the commander in chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was raised on the school destroyed by the Russian invaders on the National Flag Day!" the brigade said.

There's been no independent confirmation. It is not clear whether the entire community has been liberated.

Ukrainian forces continued to advance toward Melitopol, the General Staff reported on August 23, adding that Ukrainian defenders repelled Russian attacks in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Kharkiv.

Melitopol, known as the "gateway to Crimea," was captured by Russian troops in March last year after several days of heavy fighting.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on August 23 responded to suggestions that the Ukrainian counteroffensive was moving too slowly by saying that dense mining is complicating operations, though Ukrainian troops continue to advance.



"The military reports to me that we are constantly moving forward. Yes, little by little, but the direction is correct," Zelenskiy said during a briefing in Kyiv with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.



Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, defended Russia's aggression in an address via video link to a BRICS summit in South Africa on August 31.



Putin reiterated the Kremlin's false narrative that Moscow's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine was a response to alleged aggression by Kyiv and the West against Moscow's proxies in eastern Ukraine.



"Our actions in Ukraine are dictated by only one thing -- to end the war that was unleashed by the West and its satellites against the people who live in the Donbas," Putin said.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and digi24.ro
The streets of Khorugh were half-empty and businesses were forced to close during Tajik President Emomali Rahmons recent trip to the remote city, the capital of the restive Gorno-Badakhshan region.



Rahmons unannounced visit from August 15-18 marked his first to the region since at least 34 people were killed in Dushanbes brutal crackdown on anti-government protests in Khorugh and the nearby Rushon district in May 2022, with several activists also being arrested and sentenced to long prison terms.



The trip took place amid very tight security measures, with all businesses, shops, and bazaars ordered to close a day before the president arrived, residents told RFE/RL on August 21.

During the presidents previous visits, the public reaction was usually mixed and perhaps only a few people were unhappy with those trips, with many locals welcoming him. But this time it seemed that people in Khorugh and the districts of Rushon and Roshtqala were equally [displeased with the visit], said a local journalist.



The reasons behind it are the bloody events last year and the governments takeover of some of Agha Khan [Development] Networks properties, the journalist said on condition of anonymity.

The reporter was referring to Tajikistans recent takeover of several major properties linked to the Aga Khan network in Gorno-Badakhshan.



The Aga Khan is the imam of the Ismaili Shi'ite community, and an overwhelming majority of Gorno-Badakhshans citizens identify as Ismailis. The appropriation of the properties -- including a hotel, a city park, and private school -- began shortly after the May 2022 protests and continues.



The government has also intensified the persecution of prominent figures from the region, arresting several journalists and community leaders in the past year.



The remote region in eastern Tajikistan has been the scene of several deadly protests and clashes between the security forces and local armed groups over the past three decades.



Last-Minute Cancellation



Several planned meetings and events were scrapped from Rahmons agenda at the last minute, according to RFE/RL sources.



Rahmon was expected to visit Rushon, one of the epicenters of last years violence. But the trip didnt take place. At least 114 Rushon residents were arrested during what the government called an anti-terrorist operation during the violence. It said weapons were seized during the raids.

Authorities accused some local groups of attacking government officials and blocking a major highway. Residents, however, said security forces opened fire on unarmed people, while also arresting and extrajudicially killing several men in the district.



Ahead of the presidents trip there were rumors that women in Rushon were planning to wear black clothes to greet Rahmon and express their discontent, the journalist in Khorugh said. I dont know if the rumors were true, but Rahmons trip to Rushon was canceled.



A source in the regional government told RFE/RL that the speculation about possible protests by women were baseless, and that Rahmon was unable to take part in some planned events due to his health issues. No further details were given.



The president was to attend opening ceremonies in nine locations, but he was only able to visit four of them. The rest were opened by the other dignitaries visiting from Dushanbe with the president, the source said.



The trip to the region went without any security incidents, the source said on August 21.

There were risks of some unforeseen incidents happening during meetings with activists in Roshtqala or Khorugh in regard to last years events, but no such incidents took place and everything was under control, the source added.

Concerned Over Security



Tajik authorities made no comment about the changes to Rahmons itinerary. The local government reported on several new entities being officially launched during the presidents visit, though he was notably absent from some of them.



In contrast, Rahmons trip to the Vanj and Darvoz districts went quite well, according to RFE/RL sources. Vanj and Darvoz were unaffected by the violence last year.



The tight security measures showed that authorities were concerned about the presidents safety during the trip, the sources added.



Rahmon did officially open a new school, a residential building, and two factories. He also addressed a gathering in Khorugh with government officials and what the presidents website called activists in Gorno-Badakhshan.



Rahmon praised development and investments in the area and claimed his government is committed to improving peoples lives in Gorno-Badakhshan.



But he made no mention of the violence last year or the arrests, killings, and persecution that followed the protests.
Foxconns Gou: Taiwan Businesses Want Peace With Beijing Published: 23 August 2023 by Tyler Hanes by Tyler Hanes

TAIPEI  Foxconn founder Terry Gou said Taiwan's businesses are hoping for continued peace between the US and China amid increased tensions between the two nations.

In an interview with Bloomberg while visiting Kinmen Island to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the second Taiwan Strait crisis, the Taiwanese business figure warned of the potential impacts a war could have on the world's ecomomy.

"From a business point of view, we want peace and then we can close on business and technologies," he said. "If you get a war, worldwide, economically, is huge damage."
The soldiers of Ukraine's 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade pushed into Robotyne, driving U.S-supplied Bradley armored vehicles, and got a rapturous greeting from exhausted, sweaty, and thirsty residents waiting to be evacuated away from the front.

"Our soldiers are in the village of Robotyne," General Oleksandr Tarnavskiy, commander of Ukrainian southern command, wrote on Telegram on August 22.

Located on the T0408 highway south of the town of Orikhiv in Ukraine's southern Zaporizhzhya region, Robotyne is a tiny hamlet with just a few hundred residents even before Russia's February 2022 invasion. Its significance lies in the fact that it's on the way to the larger city of Tokmak -- and some 60 kilometers further down the road, the city of Melitopol.

First, though, the Ukrainians have to contend with holdout Russian forces in Robotyne.

"Roughly speaking, it's still divided into several zones -- some are controlled by our guys, there's a gray zone, and there are still a number of positions where the Russian occupiers are holding out," Kostyantyn Denysov, a soldier serving in a paramilitary unit called the Free Russia Legion, told Current Time by video message.

The recapture of Robotyne, partially corroborated by Russian military bloggers, is a small bright spot in Ukraine's 10-week-old effort to rewrite the narrative of the war.

In this section of the three-pronged axis of advance by Ukrainian troops, the goal is a march to the Sea of Azov, to cut the land route that Russian forces use to fortify the occupied Crimean Peninsula.

But despite the creation of nine newly constituted, Western-trained brigades, armed with Western-supplied weaponry, Kyiv's already slow summer counteroffensive has turned into a slog, bearing only faint resemblance to the surprise successes that its forces pulled off last year in the Kharkiv region in the northeast and the Kherson region in the south.

About 100 kilometers to the northeast of Robotyne, Ukrainian marine infantrymen moved into Urozhayne about a week ago. It took about nearly three weeks, however, for Ukrainian troops to recapture the village after inching toward it from the neighboring settlement of Staromayorske across the Mokri Yaly River to the west. Before that, it took Ukrainian troops several weeks to push Russian troops out of Staromayorske.

"What is new is the disappointing results of the Ukrainian counteroffensive so far," Mark Cancian, a former U.S. Marine colonel and now senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, wrote in an online analysis.

"Although the counteroffensive began two months ago, Ukrainian forces are still chewing their way through the Russian defensive lines," he said. "Frustration is building."

"It is fair that a lot of folks and analysts looking at the current situation with the offensive have probably become fairly pessimistic about how it's gone, and its prospects for attaining the sort of strategic gains, of either getting to the coast of the Sea of Azov or cities like Melitopol or Berdyansk," Michael Kofman, a veteran military expert and senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said in a podcast broadcast August 22.

"That doesn't mean that this offensive can't still make significant progress overall, or along some of the axis; a lot can change in the span of just a few weeks," he said. "But, you know, I think it's clear, based on what's been happening over the past several months, that folks are getting more pessimistic."

Know Thyself, Know Thy Enemy

After a winter of regrouping and resupplying -- and fending off a failed offensive by Russian forces -- Ukraine began mounting a concentrated counteroffensive at the beginning of June in three locations along the 1,200-kilometer frontline.

The effort was buoyed by hopes that legions of Western-supplied vehicles and weaponry -- U.S-supplied Bradleys; Leopard tanks, and Marder infantry vehicles from Germany; truck-mounted Caesar howitzers from France -- would help Ukrainian troops punch through Russian defenses and take back substantial territory.

In the days after the campaign got under way, however, Ukrainian units encountered the formidable defense that Russia had spent months building: anti-tank trenches, minefields, dragon-teeth obstacles.

For example, around June 8, near the village of Mala Tokmachka, about 10 kilometers north of Robotyne, Ukrainian forces, including the 47th Brigade, lost three Leopard tanks and as many as a dozen Bradley vehicles after being caught in a minefield and pounded by artillery and missiles fired from helicopter gunships.

Since then, the tempo of progress has decreased substantially, with Ukrainian troops making slow, painstaking advances, village by village, particularly in the Zaporizhzhya region.

Military experts also point out that Ukrainian forces do not appear to have breached the main lines of Russian defenses, still several kilometers further south in Zaporizhzhya.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy himself acknowledged the sluggish pace of advances in June, while also defending it.

"Some people believe this is a Hollywood movie and expect results now. It's not," he said in an interview with the BBC.

"Whatever some might want, including attempts to pressure us, with all due respect, we will advance on the battlefield the way we deem best," he said.

"We don't know if the Ukrainians have much left to exploit tactical success. It is claimed that they still have uncommitted brigades. Probably true. But I think they have already committed their most heavily armed brigades, and those were shot up by the Russians," said Barry Posen, an international professor of political science at the Security Studies Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

"We also don't knowwhether the Russians have significant uncommitted reserves in Ukraine now. I think they may," Posen said in an e-mail.

Russia Strikes Back

In addition to getting Western weaponry, Ukrainian troops got a crash course in NATO-style tactics and battlefield doctrine over a few months, including the concept of combined arms maneuver. Western militaries, by contrast, train for years to master combined maneuvers and coordination across different units: infantry, armored, engineering, artillery, and signals, for example.

Since the early setbacks, reports suggest Ukraine has retooled its approach, in some cases using older, Soviet-style strategies where artillery units pound a specific Russian position and then infantry units follow the attack.

They've also continued to concentrate forces -- including some of the Ukrainian military's best-trained units -- in an effort to recapture the Donetsk region city of Bakhmut, which was obliterated in a nearly 10-month campaign by Russian troops.

That's frustrated some Western officials, whose misgivings have shown up in leaks to U.S. media. The Washington Post reported that U.S. intelligence predicts Ukraine will fail to break through Russian lines and reach the city of Melitopol. And unnamed U.S. officials criticized Ukraine outright for spreading its forces too thinly and too widely across the front line in their estimation, according to The Financial Times and The New York Times.

Russian commanders, meanwhile, appear to have learned from some of the operational failures that plagued the early weeks of the invasion, experts said. And they've improved electronic warfare tactics, which has thwarted Ukrainian drone usage and reportedly interfered with GPS-guided missiles or rockets.

Impatience, if not outright opposition, is growing in the U.S. Congress, ahead of next year's elections. Earlier this month, the head of the U.S. Congressional Ukraine Caucus was publicly critical of the Ukrainian campaign.

"Is this more a stalemate? Should we be realistic about it? I think we probably should," Republican Representative Andy Harris said during a town hall meeting on August 15.

"I'm not sure it's winnable anymore," he said.

At the White House, meanwhile, officials have publicly maintained unquestioning support for Kyiv. President Joe Biden recently asked Congress for another $21 billion in weaponry and humanitarian aid for Ukraine.

WATCH: Speaking to RFE/RL's Maryan Kushnir, Ukrainian troops in the Zaporizhzhya region said their counteroffensive operations have been slowed by mines laid by Russian soldiers, enemy rocket attacks, and cluster munitions.

"Over the course of the past two years, there have been a lot of analyses of how this war would unfold coming from a lot of quarters," national-security adviser Jake Sullivan said on August 18. "And we've seen numerous changes in those analyses over time asbattlefield conditions change."

"We're doing everything we can to support Ukraine in its counteroffensive," Sullivan said. "We're not going to handicap the outcome. We're not going to predict what's going to happen because this war has been inherently unpredictable."

Military observers also note that Russian forces, rather than merely waiting behind defensive lines for Ukraine to approach, have moved to attack forward of lines in several locations.

"The Russian military has been defending forward," Kofman said. "They built a defense in depth, but interestingly, they choose not to choose not to employ it. They chose to deploy forward and to conduct an act of defense and to counterattack the Ukrainian military when they took positions."

Near the towns of Kupyansk, Svatove, and Kreminna, north of Bakhmut, Russian troops have made several advances, putting Ukrainian forces on the back foot -- an indication that Russian forces may not be as depleted as some experts thought.

"If they are strong enough to mount offensives in other parts of the front, then they are still pretty strong, and that does not bode well for the Ukrainians," Posen said. "I am not betting those offensives will succeed. Just observing that the fact that they happen at all means the Russians are simply not that weak."

Ukraine's major deficit is that its population a fraction of Russia's, said Kevin Ryan, a retired U.S. Army brigadier general.

"That's why Ukraine rightly chose to change the speed and tactics of its counteroffensive to make it safer for troops," Ryan said. "In a war, there are times when the fight is slower and dirtier. At those times you just lower your head and plow on. Something will change."

Wariness about Ukraine's battlefield prospects is growing in European capitals as well.

"You cannot sustainably change the overall military situation in Ukraine. This is the fundamental, predominant error of thought," said Erich Vad, a retired German Army brigadier general and former military adviser to Chancellor Angela Merkel.

"We are facing a stalemate situation along a 1,200-kilometer-long front line with only a few, regional limited counterattacks of the Ukrainians," he said. "The ongoing 'counteroffensive' of the Ukrainian Army, which has been running for 2  months, does not change the overall military situation as long as NATO does not become a war party and play out its full potential, which nobody in NATO wants."
In recent years, Schuyler has become a hotbed for businesses and residences alike, trying to find their way into Nebraska. Due to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of many people in the city, it has been able to accommodate many. For that, the city was recently given an important certification.

"We were evaluated on several different points and program standards related to elements like preparedness, are we prepared for when companies come into Schuyler, to help them secure a lot, a home location?" Carol Ringenberg, Schuyler Community Development coordinator said.

At a July 18 Schuyler City Council meeting, the city was given the certificate by Nebraska Department of Economic Development Business Development Consultant Deb Poehling. Poehling said the certification shows a lot of dedication and hard work on the part of people across the community.

"The certified community has shown that they have done a lot of homework. They have met as community leaders and are all working toward the same goals," Poehling said. "They're a positive community for growth. They've got a good web design that is conducive to letting people know they're there to do business."

Ringenberg said she gives the credit to her predecessor in the position, Cheryl Brandenburgh, who applied for the title quite a while ago. The certification lasts for five years and will count a lot toward grant applications, Ringenberg said.

"It's big because when we apply for grants, they have a scoresheet. Being certified, we get five automatic points. If we have a future focus, that's three. It required insight to make us a stronger candidate and given her (Brandenburgh's) background, that's why she knew what needed to be written," Ringenberg said.

Schuyler was also commended for being a forward-moving community, or a community that is constantly pushing toward the future instead of staying where it is, Ringenberg said. The future, she said, lies with youth, and given the results of the recent Department of Economic Development youth survey, she wants to start getting their opinions sooner rather than later.

"We are going to start a group called Future Focus and it'll fall under me at Schuyler Community Development and I am going to have youth nominated to sit on this Future Focus," Ringenberg said. "What we'll be looking at is why they love Schuyler. I find it interesting how many have come back to live here because of schools, community job opportunities, location."

The survey revealed that a majority of young people want to come back to their home communities once they get through college or job training and that they value good schools, safety and small communities, with many preferring places like their hometown.

The top notch building, Ringenberg said, is another thing she'd like local voices to help out with. Solutions, she said, are not as simple as "tear it down and start over."

"The third Leadership Schuyler class is in January and I'm going to make that this group's project. We're finding out as far as demolishing it, three other structures are dependent on it. It's not as easy as finding a company and tearing it down," Ringenberg said.

Poehling commended such partnerships between programs, departments, offices and even the schools. Particularly, she wanted to point out Schuyler's having a coordinator of housing within Schuyler Community Development which has allowed the community to expand in a way that encourages and accommodates growth.

"That has reaped them great rewards. They've been able to access every funding mechanism, done a great job in that respect. I also want to commend Schuyler for being diverse and grasping that diversity, being inclusive on boards and leadership," Poehling said.

Poehling went on to say the community's general connectedness and cooperative spirit will take it far as it plans ahead, especially for the next five years it has the certification.

"It defines them as a community that is welcome to business recruitments, kind of making a map for the future," Poehling said.
ROTHERHAM Hospital has slashed ambulance handover delay times by nearly two-thirds in a month, a report reveals  although the figure remains the equivalent of more than one a day.

The number of ambulance crews waiting more than an hour to handover patients, also known as black breaches, stood at 37 in May compared with 99 in April  while the figure for the same month the previous year was six times higher at 226.

A steep drop was also noted in March with 95 breaches, down from February's 202.

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As previously reported in the Advertiser, the record-breaking figure of black breaches to date was logged in November 2022 with 358 instances.

The NHS Operations Pressure Escalation Levels system uses rankings one to four, with OPEL 4  sometimes referred to as a black alert  the most severe.

Ambulance handover delays for September last year also topped 300 instances and saw the hospital operating on OPEL level 4 for a prolonged period.

Speaking at the time, the hospital pointed to the impact of winter respiratory illnesses, Strep A and Covid and said ambulance handovers reflected the national picture.

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But in his latest chief executives report, Dr Richard Jenkins noted that throughout April and May 2023, urgent and emergency care had operated at OPEL level 1 or 2.

At a previous board of directors' meeting in March this year deputy chief executive Michael Wright also said the emergency department was in a far better place, with some green shoots coming through.

The number of ambulance handovers taking between 30 minutes and an hour also dropped from 162 in April to 108 in May.

The figure for the same month the previous year was 267.

The trusts integrated performance report noted the number of 12-hour trolley waits has remained at zero throughout the year to date.

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It was also the first report to record the hospital's return to the four-hour A&E waiting time target.

In May 2019, the trust was selected by the government as one of 14 sites to pilot new emergency care standards, which introduced a new way of working including avoiding admission of patients by providing treatment within the emergency department.

The trust returned to the four-hour standard  and its 2022-23 target of 45 per cent  in March this year with a figure of 51 per cent.

In April it recorded 54.7 per cent and May was nearly 60 per cent.

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Dr Jenkins said in his CEO report: "Nationally, a target has been set to achieve 76 per cent of all patients being seen, treated, admitted or discharged from the emergency department within four hours by March 2024, although the trust plans to achieve this by the end of October 2023."

Chief operating officer Sally Kilgariff said: The trust is in the process of transitioning back to the four-hour standard for emergency care.
THE council leader has welcomed the news that Rotherham has been rated the second safest area to live in the country by a new report  but acknowledged there were still plenty of challenges that needed to be tackled.

Rotherham was beaten to the top spot only by York in the 'UK Family Happiness Report  the Best English Towns and Cities for Family Life' report by retailer Outdoor Toys.

Researchers analysed data from Numbeo, a quality of life metrics specialist, including perceived crime rates to judge each areas safety index score.

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York was awarded the top spot in the study with a score of 73.09 out of ten, with Rotherham just behind on 72.9.

The Cheshire town of Warrington was ranked third, with a safety index score of 68.33.

Sheffield was the only other South Yorkshire neighbour to be rated  the citys score of 57.38 saw it take the final spot in the top ten.

At the other end of the scale, Rochdale, Coventry and Salford were deemed the un-safest cities to live.

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A spokesperson for Outdoor Toys said: Due to low levels of crime, homeowners in Rotherham are not worried about being mugged, attacked, or targeted by a hate crime.

Paired with low average house prices of 163,500, and monthly childcare costs (700) Rotherham is an appealing city for family life.

Council leader Cllr Chris Read said: Making every neighbourhood welcoming, keeping residents safe and making Rotherham a great place to live, work and raise a family are key priorities for us, so of course it is nice to hear when were seen to be doing better than some other places.

We work together with our partners like the police, health, and fire services as well as voluntary groups to prevent crime and to make our neighbourhoods appealing for communities to want to live here.

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That being said, we know there are still plenty of challenges and too many residents still live with anti-social behaviour, noise nuisance and crime that lowers their standard of living.
Chandrayaan-3

The mission is progressing as per schedule: ISRO

BENGALURU: In a Monumental stride towards space exploration, India's Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is on the brink of achieving an unparalleled feat as it is all set to land the Chandrayaan-3 lander module on the lunar surface as part of its third lunar mission. With this remarkable endeavor, India is poised to etch its name in the annals of history, becoming the world's first nation to reach the uncharted South Pole of Earth's celestial companion, the Moon.

Scheduled for Wednesday evening, the daring landing is spearheaded by the 'Vikram' lander, carrying the aspirations of a nation and the legacy of ISRO's previous endeavors. ISRO, ahead of the imminent landing, confirmed that the Chandrayaan-3 mission is proceeding according to plan. The atmosphere at the 'Mission Operation Complex' situated at the 'ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network' is palpably charged with enthusiasm as experts and engineers fine-tune every aspect of this pivotal operation.

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A Recent update from ISRO stated, "The mission is progressing as per schedule. Systems are being continuously tested. Uninterrupted operation continues. The excitement has reached heights as the live broadcast of Chandrayaan-3's momentous landing will commence at 5:20 pm today. The lander module, home to both the lander 'Vikram' and the rover 'Pragyan', is anticipated to delicately touch down near the Moon's south polar region at precisely 6:04 pm today.

Universities and colleges across the nation have received a call to action from the University Grants Commission, urging them to inspire students and educators alike to witness this historic event. The landing holds immense significance, as it represents India's persistent pursuit of scientific excellence and space exploration.

On Tuesday, ISRO also unveiled images of the lunar surface captured by the Chandrayaan-3 mission's 'Lander Position Detection Camera' (NPDC) on August 19. These images play a pivotal role in guiding the landing module's trajectory and ensuring its safe descent.

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After Successfully landing the robotic lunar rover, India will secure a spot as the fourth nation in history to softly touch down on the Moon's surface. While the United States, the former Soviet Union, and China have all achieved 'soft landings,' India's endeavor stands out for its focus on the Moon's enigmatic south polar region.

Embarking on its 41-day journey, the Chandrayaan-3 mission was launched on July 14 at a cost of Rs 600 crores via the 'Launch Vehicle Mark-3' (LVM) rocket. The primary goal is a 'soft landing' on the Moon's south polar region, an endeavor never before achieved by any nation.




Farmers' Protests

Asia's largest onion market, Lasalgaon remained shuttered for the past two days

CHANDIGARH: Widespread farmer protests have erupted in Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, as agricultural workers unite to voice their grievances against a backdrop of pressing concerns. The demonstrations, which have led to significant disruptions, shed light on issues ranging from flood compensation to the tax hike on onions and the payment of overdue sugarcane dues.

Tragedy marred the protests in Sangrur, Punjab, as a farmer lost his life when struck by a tractor during a sit-in on Monday, igniting a wave of unrest. The incident underscored the urgency of the farmers' demands and, in some instances, escalated peaceful protests into violence.

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In the heart of Maharashtra, the bustling Lasalgaon onion market, touted as Asia's largest, has remained shuttered for the past two days. The protest stems from the recent imposition of a 40% export duty on onions by the central government, valid until December 31, 2023. This move has sparked widespread concern among farmers who fear that heightened export duties could result in reduced exports, subsequently leading to a drop in domestic onion prices, adversely impacting their livelihoods.

Similarly, in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam, farmers' organizations have taken a stand against the escalating taxes on onions, causing auctions in local markets to grind to a halt. The ripple effects of these protests have reverberated across Maharashtra's Nashik, Ahmednagar, and Mumbai, with farmers expressing their distress over the potential repercussions of increased export duties.

Union Consumer Affairs Minister, Piyush Goyal, has sought to address the concerns by clarifying the government's stance on the onion export duty. On August 19, the government implemented the 40% export duty with the intent to curb potential price surges. The Minister asserted that misinformation has clouded the issue and underscored the government's efforts to stabilize onion prices.

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To counter the mounting unrest, the central government has taken steps to mitigate the impact on farmers. Initiatives include the resumption of onion purchases for buffer stock at a rate of Rs 2,410 per quintal. Additionally, a decision has been made to procure an extra two lakh tonnes of onions from farmers.

Meanwhile, in Punjab, the state has become a focal point for agrarian agitation. Sixteen farmers' organizations, including the Kisan-Mazoor Sangharsh Committee, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Azad), and Haryana Bharatiya Kisan Union (Shaheed Bhagat Singh), have united under a banner of demands. Their objectives encompass flood compensation, embankment reinforcement for rivers such as Ghaggar, and substantial compensation for lost livestock and homes. The farmers also seek to alleviate the burdens of flood-affected citizens through a government aid package of 50 thousand crore rupees and financial assistance from the state.
Joe Biden

President Biden's visit to India will encompass Multifaceted Discussions

WASHINGTON: The Anticipation builds as the White House announces that President Joe Biden is scheduled to embark on a visit to India from September 7 to 10. The purpose of his visit is to participate in the G-20 summit, an event that will convene world leaders to deliberate on pressing global matters, including the ongoing Ukraine conflict. During his stay, President Biden is expected to engage with his counterparts in discussing a range of critical issues.

In a statement issued by the White House, it was revealed that President Biden's visit to India will encompass multifaceted discussions centered around global affairs and collaborative efforts. Notably, he will extend his appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in steering the G-20 agenda. The visit holds particular significance as the G-20 World Leaders Summit is slated to unfold in New Delhi from September 9 to 10. This summit is poised to become the largest congregation of world leaders on Indian soil, underscoring India's prominent role on the global stage.

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The forthcoming visit is laden with diplomatic importance, as President Biden and his G-20 counterparts are poised to address multifaceted challenges. The ongoing Ukraine conflict holds prominence on the agenda, with discussions aimed at devising strategies to mitigate its far-reaching economic and social ramifications. Climate change and clean energy, critical issues of our time, are also slated for deliberation, reflecting the shared global commitment to combating environmental challenges.

White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, affirmed, "President Biden and the G-20 allies will engage in dialogues to collectively address the far-reaching implications of the Ukraine conflict, alongside a comprehensive discourse on pressing global issues, including climate change and clean energy."

Notably, Beyond the summit, President Biden is set to engage in bilateral discussions with various leaders on a gamut of matters, including the evolving landscape of climate change, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and a host of other global challenges.

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Transport provider Tracsis plc (TRCS.L), in its trading update on Wednesday, said that fiscal 2023 trading is in line with the company's expectations.

For the year, adjusted EBITDA is expected to be around 16 million pounds. It was 14.2 million pounds for the same period last year.

Group revenue is expected to have increased by around 19 percent to more than 81.5 million pounds from 68.7 million pounds last year.

The company recorded strong growth in both divisions of Rail Technology and Services as well as data, analytics, consultancy and events.

Looking ahead, Tracsis said, "As a Group we expect the weighting of growth to be in the second half of the next financial year as we continue to grow our pipeline and deliver a large orderbook of work."

The company is scheduled to release its full-year results on November 15.

Currently, shares of Tracsis are trading at 818.00 pence on the London Stock Exchange, up 3.5 percent.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
European stocks traded higher for a third consecutive session on Wednesday in a build-up in expectations over Nvidia's earnings release later in the day.

The world's most valuable chipmaker will report its second-quarter earnings after the closing bell on Wall Street.

Meanwhile, investors shrugged off weak regional activity data and looked ahead to the Fed's Jackson Hole symposium at the end of the week for directional cues.

Eurozone activity contracted further in August as the region's downturn spread further from manufacturing to services, according to PMI survey data published earlier today.

The S&P Global composite index flash reading fell to 47.0 from 48.6 in July, hitting its lowest since November 2020.

The pan European STOXX 600 was up 0.6 percent at 454.17 after rising 0.7 percent on Tuesday.

The German DAX and France's CAC 40 both rose about 0.4 percent while the U.K.'s FTSE 100 climbed 0.8 percent.

Swiss drug maker Roche jumped 4.4 percent after an announcement that it had inadvertently published positive lung cancer drug trial data from an interim analysis.

GSK rose about 1 percent in London after reporting significant positive findings from its first efficacy trial of the 'Shingrix' shingles vaccine in China.

Cohort's, an aerospace defense company, jumped over 4 percent after its unit Systems Engineering & Assessment secured a contract worth 17.5 million pounds from a U.K. customer.

Oil & gas company Ithaca Energy fell nearly 2 percent after posting a drop in first-half attributable profit and revenue.

German wind turbine manufacturer Nordex jumped 2.1 percent after securing three contracts from Heitkamp Industrial Solutions GmbH, a German subsidiary of contracting company Ronesans Holding.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
The Switzerland stock market ended on a bright note on Wednesday thanks to sustained buying at several counters amid optimism about results updates from U.S. majors.

Investors also looked ahead to the upcoming Jackson Hole Symposium in Wyoming, where global central bankers are scheduled to speak.

The benchmark SMI ended with a gain of 97.96 points or 0.9% at 10,973.64. The index scaled a low of 10,925.13 and a high of 11,021.56.

Roche Holding climbed 3.75%. Lonza Group and Givaudan gained 2.32% and 2.15%, respectively. UBS Group advanced 1.33% and Swiss Re gained 1.23%.

Logitech gained nearly 1%. Swisscom, Nestle, ABB, Sika and Geberit also closed higher.

Holcim ended 1.53% down. Kuehne & Nagel declined nearly 1%. Partners Group and Novartis posted modest losses.

In the Mid Price Index, Meyer Burger Tech and Bachem Holding gained 2% and 1.75%, respectively. PSP Swiss Property, Swatch Group, SIG Combibloc, Tecan Group, Swiss Prime Site and SGS gained 0.9 to 1.4%.

Dufry ended lower by 1.04%. Adecco, Helvetia, Lindt & Spruengli and Galenica Sante also closed weak.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
Attendees gather to hear about the connection between masculinities and violence [PIC: Ephreeda Banda]

By Esethu Seholoba

The African Masculinity Symposium, co-hosted by the Critical Studies in Sexualities and Reproduction (CSSR) and the School of Journalism and Media Studies, occurred earlier this month at Eden Grove Blue. The event aimed to tackle the topic of Challenging Patriarchal Norms for a Safer and More Equitable Society. The objective was to address pressing matters such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and its connection to violent masculinities; and how it has provoked social media movements and prompted national debates calling on the need for change.

The event brought together speakers who are experts in their respective fields, offering unique insights and perspectives on the relationship between gender dynamics and violence. The speakers addressed the impact of patriarchal norms on men, women (cis- and transgender), and gender-queer or gender-diverse people, highlighting the urgency to find collective solutions to address violent patriarchy and its devastating consequences on society.

Dr Lesley Ann Foster, a prominent figure in advancing gender equality and women's rights across African societies and globally, was the first person to speak. She has played a significant role in addressing gender-based violence and has been actively involved in developing policies to combat GBV. Dr Foster notably stated that having partaken in the two national summits on GBV, which aimed to cultivate new ways to address this pressing matter, it is evident that our country is not yet at a point where it can tackle the unhealthy masculinities which are the root of GBV.

She believes that the best technique to resolve this problem is to look back in history to understand the origin of these unhealthy masculinities. She explained that reflections on our history offer us essential insights into our current forms of masculinities, and how this history contributes to violence in general. Dr Foster then noted that there seems to be a misconception about GBV and its nature, recognising women solely as victims and men as perpetrators. She highlighted that "gender-based violence" or "violence against women" focuses on the gender imbalance and acts of individual men, forgetting the role that social processes and institutions have played in promoting and sustaining systemic violence. Furthermore, she highlighted that GBV was previously defined according to the patriarchal nature of men. However, this view has changed, shifting focus to the impact of race, gender, and sexuality on GBV. Dr Foster cautioned that more attention must be paid to the influence that socioeconomic factors such as unemployment and poverty have on this pressing matter. She warned policymakers not to use a narrow approach to GBV policies.

The second speaker, Mr Hosia Malekane, the Co-Founder and Executive Chairperson of Dijal Property Group, is a devoted gender and sexual orientation activist. Malekane highlighted the tragic deaths of women at the hands of their male partners and companions over the past five years. He explained that his books have contributed to resolving this problem, particularly the most recent one, "The Imperatives of Revoking Our Silence".

Malekane implored men to speak up against these tragic events caused by other men. He noted that his research has discovered young men are both victims and perpetrators of GBV. Malekane cautioned that fathers and older men are responsible for teaching young men the importance of respecting and protecting their female counterparts. He discouraged the continued promotion of violence in young males as "showmanship of their masculinity", which has led to toxic masculinity. Malekane is positive that gender equality is possible but advised that this success is only possible as a collective effort.

The third first speaker was Dr Nyx McLean, a transdisciplinary researcher specialising in LGBTIAQ+ identities, the internet, and digital communities. Their recent work on "The Left Out Project" focused on challenging and reconceptualising current framings of online gender-based violence (OGBV) to include transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals. They highlighted statistics that indicate that gender-based violence has gone on to affect sexual identities other than female-identifying people. Dr McLean stressed that Transgender females have faced more violence than any other identifying group. They explained that online GBV had exposed gender-queer and non-conforming people to condemnation of their gender identity. GBV then takes the form of hate speech and hurtful comments, and people are victimised for expressing their sexuality. GBV has also been perpetrated through threats of violence and death. Dr McLean noted that in some instances, online GBV has translated into offline (physical) GBV for some victims. She cautions that there is a need for an inclusive reframing of GBV policies to accommodate various sexualities and recognise different forms of gender-based violence.

Finally, Professor Malose Langa, who is a Senior Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation and a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Witwatersrand, spoke extensively about the importance of humanising Black boys and men to prevent unhealthy masculinity, which leads to GBV. He cautioned that in resolving GBV, one should not try to tackle violence and crime caused by men. He suggested that a more suitable approach is to investigate the psychological space of these perpetrators and the impact of their backgrounds, cultures, and doctrines on their actions. He warned that the current approach, rather than combating the problem, works to confirm the existing stereotypes, which does not seem to bring any solutions.

Through collaborative efforts, the symposium aims to contribute to the ongoing discussions on fostering a society free from violence and harmful gender norms.
As Nebraska's unemployment rate hovers around 2%, Gov. Jim Pillen announced Monday that he will chair a working group dedicated to examining "workforce issues" in the state.

In Nebraska, we are facing a workforce shortage," Pillen said in a news release Monday. "Our unemployment rate remains among the lowest in the nation, creating a unique challenge for attracting great people to our state.

No industry is exempt from current shortages. We need to solve this problem if we are to continue growing Nebraska.

The state's unemployment rate climbed to 2% in July after spending two months at 1.9% in May and June, according to the state's Department of Labor. Nebraska's unemployment rate was 2.6% in January  the highest it's been this year.

Pillen will be joined on the group by three state senators, the Department of Economic Development director and representatives from state employers, business groups and universities, including the University of Nebraska, according to the news release.

The state's labor department is not among agencies represented on the board.

Ted Carter, the University of Nebraska president who will serve as a representative on the working group, said in the news release that he's looking forward to finding "creative solutions to fix our growing workforce shortage in Nebraska."

"It will take all partners involved to come up with innovative ideas to grow our states workforce," Carter said in the news release. "The University of Nebraska and all of higher education will be key players in this effort.

Representatives from Concordia University, Metropolitan Community College, the Nebraska State College System and the Nebraska Community College Association will also participate in the working group.

The Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce  along with the chambers from both Lincoln and Omaha will also send delegates to the group.

The state's labor shortage has emerged as a key issue for the business groups, who hosted the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce's Federal Legislative Summit earlier this month in Ashland, where a U.S. Chamber of Commerce executive lobbied Nebraska's congressional delegation to implement incremental immigration reform as a means for addressing workforce issues.

"The worker crisis is the border crisis," the executive, Christine Scullion, said at the Aug. 8 summit. "They're one in the same, in a lot of ways. And there are ways to fix the border and there are things that we should do, but we also need to be addressing the fact that there need to be workers here."

Nebraska's congressional delegates in attendance  including Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts and Reps. Mike Flood and Adrian Smith  seemed largely unmoved by Scullion's keynote speech, insisting that securing the border would have to come first.

"We better know who is coming across this border and what they're carrying," Fischer said at the summit. "Until we do that, it's going to be very, very difficult to bring sides together in the United States Senate in order to work on legal issues, to work on legal immigration issues, to be able to meet workforce needs.

"As we stand now, no, I don't see that happening."

Photos: UNL awards 588 degrees at summer commencement ceremony
Registrars gather at the clocktower during the annual Registrars' Imbizo [PIC: Vusumzi Tshekama]

The Registrars Imbizo is an annual event bringing together Registrars across South African universities to engage on various issues impacting the higher education sector. During 21-22 August 2023, Rhodes University welcomed the Imbizo to its campus for the first time, with Registrar Professor Adele Moodly as the host.

Registrars across South Africas universities engaged extensively on pertinent issues ranging from the impact of NSFAS decisions and challenges on the university sector to panel discussions on higher education governance, current trends within the academic project, and the implications for academic administration and processes.

Mr Neil Kramm, Professor Maggie Blackie and Dr Nicola Pallitt from Rhodes Universitys Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching & Learning, presented the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on teaching, learning and assessments, stating that the university sector needed to navigate AI and the possibilities and opportunities that it presented.

Extensive deliberation occurred around matters pertaining to visa challenges (fielded by Department of Home Affairs representative, Mr Phindiwe Mbhele) and examination bodies, as illustrated by the CEO of South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), Mr Keith Maseko, the CEO of the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), Ms Confidence Dikgole and Mr Hilton Visagie of the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

Robust discussions were held on National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination results release dates and the impact on the education sector. The Imbizo was not only an opportunity to share knowledge and invite expertise on various matters but also a platform for networking, collaboration and self-development.

In her welcoming remarks, Rhodes Universitys Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs, Professor Mabokang Monnapula-Mapesela stated that the Imbizo was more than just a gathering; it also served as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and shared insights. She challenged Registrars to use their transformative power to work with stakeholders and ensure that our institutions better support students experience of higher education.

In his message from Universities South Africa (USAf), Director: Operations and Sector, Mr Chief Mabizela, stated that he had come to appreciate that complexity is a standard for the offices of Registrars. In this regard, the office of the Registrar requires re-definition and re-design in the legislation, which must also translate to institutional statutes.

Besides the annual Imbizo, there is also a Registrars Forum, of which Professor Moodly is an executive member. At this Forum, collegiality within the university sector is also strengthened. Sectoral matters of priority, as identified at the Imbizo, will be further discussed via this body and USAf.
India Launches Bharat NCAP: A Milestone in Vehicle Safety Standards

Indias automobile market has evolved, shifting from being solely cost-driven to becoming quality-centric. Today, consumers are more discerning, considering factors such as design, technology, and, crucially, safety. This shift has prompted car manufacturers to improve their offerings, which will ultimately lead to a safer and more competitive market.

Star Ratings for Informed Choices

In a landmark move toward enhancing road safety and vehicle quality, India has launched its own car crash testing program, Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP). Launched by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, this initiative aims to bolster the safety standards of motor vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes. Bharat NCAP is a significant step toward ensuring that Indian roads become safer for all, and it comes with several benefits for both consumers and the automobile industry.

Under Bharat NCAP, car manufacturers can voluntarily submit their vehicles for testing according to the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197. These vehicles will then be evaluated based on their performance in crash tests and awarded star ratings on a scale of 0 to 5, for both adult occupants (AOP) and child occupants (COP). These star ratings will empower consumers with valuable information to make informed decisions about the safety of the vehicles they intend to purchase.

Affordable Crash Safety Testing

One of the standout features of Bharat NCAP is its cost-effectiveness. Minister Gadkari highlighted that testing vehicles abroad can cost up to Rs 2.5 crore, while under Bharat NCAP, the cost is reduced significantly to just Rs 60 lakh. This affordability factor is a game-changer, allowing more car manufacturers to participate in safety testing. As a result, this program has the potential to revolutionize the Indian automobile industry by putting safety at the forefront of car production.

Driving Towards Safety: BHARAT NCAP Revolutionizes Vehicle Standards in India.#BharatNCAP pic.twitter.com/Y2zA9E3Hni  Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) August 22, 2023

Minister Gadkari emphasized the governments goal to grow the Indian automobile industry from its current size of Rs 12.50 lakh crore to Rs 15 lakh crore. India has already made substantial strides in the global automotive landscape, surpassing Japan to become the worlds third-largest automobile market, trailing only China and the United States. The automobile industry is also a significant contributor to employment and government revenue, employing over 4 crore people and contributing 6.5 percent to the countrys GDP.

Saving Lives and Reducing Losses

One of the primary motivations behind Bharat NCAP is the dire need to reduce road accidents and fatalities in India. The statistics are staggering  the country witnesses 5 lakh accidents and 1.5 lakh deaths every year. On a daily basis, this translates to 1,100 accidents and 400 deaths, with a significant proportion occurring among individuals aged 18 to 34 years. The economic impact of this loss of life is profound, with a 3.14 percent hit to GDP. Bharat NCAP, by setting higher safety standards, has the potential to mitigate this crisis significantly.

Industry Applause and Support

The Indian automobile industry has welcomed Bharat NCAP with open arms. Leaders like Maruti Suzuki India, Hyundai Motor India, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Renault have pledged their support to this program. They view it as a positive step toward enhancing vehicle safety standards and providing consumers with an authentic and objective rating system that guides their purchase decisions.

Mr. Myung-Sik Sohn, Chief Sales and Business Officer, Kia India, said BNCAP is an enhanced road safety movement that extends much beyond just safety ratings for cars. We wholeheartedly commend and will comply with the Government of India for its visionary approach to safety, encompassing both active and passive safety components. Aligned with the Atmanirbhar Vision of the Government of India, this move eliminates the need and associated costs of testing vehicles outside. It will also elevate the global reputation of products from India to the world with good ratings in a big way.

Mr. Unsoo Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said We welcome the BNCAP safety initiative by Govt. of India and believe this effort will raise safety standards, empower consumers with vital information, and make Indian roads safer for all. At Hyundai Motor India, we remain committed to delivering the highest safety standards across our entire product range.
Global NCAP has about 10 Indian cars with them for crash test  After that, they will not test Indian cars

With the launch of Bharat NCAP, Global NCAP has decided to conclude its Safer Cars for India campaign by December 2023. The move comes as Global NCAP aligns its efforts with the newly launched Bharat NCAP, marking the 10th NCAP program globally. This strategic decision is aimed at eliminating any potential confusion among consumers and promoting a unified approach towards vehicle safety in India.

A Decade of Safer Cars for India

Global NCAPs Safer Cars for India campaign, launched in 2013, has been pivotal in raising awareness and advocating for safer vehicles on Indian roads. Over the past decade, the campaign has subjected more than 50 models to rigorous crash tests, with 62 tests conducted in total. The focus has always been on evaluating the build quality and safety features of India-made passenger vehicles.

However, as the Bharat NCAP gains momentum and prepares for its official launch in October, Global NCAP has made the strategic decision to conclude its Safer Cars for India campaign by the end of this year. This decision reflects Global NCAPs commitment to supporting and collaborating with the newly established Bharat NCAP, rather than competing with it. David Ward from Global NCAP said, We absolutely dont want to be seen as a rival programme to Bharat NCAP.

A Collaborative Approach for Bharat NCAP

To facilitate this transition, Global NCAP has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Institute for Road Transport (CIRT), which serves as the technical secretariat to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). This MoU establishes a framework of cooperation similar to the relationships Global NCAP maintains with other NCAP programs worldwide.

Under this MoU, Global NCAP will offer technical support based on its extensive experience gained over the past decade of vehicle testing. This support includes sharing Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs), best practices, and technical insights. It also covers guidance on the selection of vehicles for testing, inspection of tests, and communication strategies for sharing test results. Additionally, the MoU addresses the critical issue of the responsible use of test results by vehicle manufacturers in their advertisements, aiming to prevent any potential misuse of safety ratings.

Indias NCAP Journey

David Ward, Executive President of Global NCAP, commends Indias remarkable progress in the field of NCAP testing. He notes that the Indian process has been relatively swift and effective compared to the European counterpart. This speaks to the commitment and cooperation demonstrated by the Indian automotive industry and regulatory authorities.

While discussions surrounding regulations and their impact on affordability have persisted, the launch of Bharat NCAP is seen as a significant step forward in enhancing vehicle safety standards in India. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized the importance of both cost and quality, highlighting that consumers are increasingly concerned about vehicle safety.

Car makers in India have embraced the Bharat NCAP initiative, with over 30 models from various manufacturers lined up for testing. The development of Bharat NCAP began in 2011, and it has taken over a decade to come to fruition. With the support of Global NCAP and its wealth of experience, India-made vehicles are expected to achieve higher safety standards and greater acceptance in global markets.

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While Baleno and Grand Vitara have not undergone any 3rd party crash tests, Maruti Brezza tested in 2018 by GNCAP had got 4-star rating

With Bharat NCAP launched in India, car users will now be able to make more informed choices. Crash tests under Bharat NCAP will commence from October 01, 2023. It will cover vehicles that weigh less than or equal to 3,500 kg.

Bharat NCAP will be a voluntary exercise, where OEMs can provide their cars for crash tests. Already, more than 30 cars have been listed for testing. Indias largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki will be providing Brezza, Baleno and Grand Vitara for Bharat NCAP crash tests. More Maruti cars will be covered at a later date.

Brezza, Baleno, Grand Vitara at Bharat NCAP  what to expect?

Maruti entry-level cars like S-Presso, Swift, WagonR and Ignis have received 1-star rating in Global NCAP crash tests. Alto K10 has 2-star rating. Maruti Ertiga scored 3 stars, whereas Brezza has 4-star rating. It is apparent that Marutis entry-level cars havent been doing well in the crash tests. It remains to be seen how they will perform in Bharat NCAP crash tests.

Talking about Brezza, Baleno and Grand Vitara, these are among bestsellers in their respective segments. Quite a huge number of users will be interested in knowing the crash test safety ratings of these cars. Brezza tested in 2018 had scored 4-star in Adult safety and 2-star in Child safety.

As Maruti has upgraded safety features across its portfolio, it is possible that Brezza can get higher ratings in Bharat NCAP crash tests. Same could be true for Baleno and Grand Vitara, which are part of the first lot Maruti has signed up for Bharat NCAP crash tests.

Maruti Brezza, Baleno, Grand Vitara safety features

Brezza top-spec variants have safety features such as 360 view camera, head up display, electronic stability program, hill hold assist, rear view camera, reverse parking sensor with infographic display, and anti-theft security system. Baleno has largely the same set of safety features. Grand Vitara has some additional equipment such as tyre pressure monitoring system, hill descent control and acoustic vehicle alert system.

In Bharat NCAP, cars will be tested for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), Child Occupant Protection (COP) and Safety Assist Technologies (SAT). Maruti Brezza, Baleno and Grand Vitara utilize Suzukis TECT platform. This has a significant percentage of high tensile steel. It is designed for optimal dispersion and absorption of crash energy. The TECT platform can help Maruti cars score high rankings in Bharat NCAP.

Apart from Brezza, Baleno and Grand Vitara, there are various other Maruti cars that could undergo Bharat NCAP crash tests in future. For example, Jimny and Fronx have registered strong sales. Other bestsellers include Eeco, Ertiga and XL6. Then theres the recently launched flagship, Invicto. Hundreds of thousands of users and prospective buyers will surely want to know the safety ratings of these cars.
As opposed to current model, Tata Nexon facelift will see a bump in performance with respect to its 1.2L turbo petrol engine

Tata Motors is getting ready to launch the new Nexon facelift. Earlier this week, the front of the new Nexon was leaked. And now, its rear has leaked. TVC shoot of the new Nexon is currently being shot. It is from there that the first undisguised photo of the Nexon SUVs rear has been leaked.

Tata Nexon Facelift Rear Spied

Seen in a new colour option, the rear of the Nexon facelift gets significant redesigning. The C-shaped protrusions, similar to those seen at the front, house the reflectors and are pushed towards the edges, giving the impression of a wider SUV. The rear design is notably flatter than the cascading design of the previous model.

Keeping in line with modern design trends, the tail-lamp cluster has been transformed into a full-width LED light bar that splits towards the edges. A redesigned roof-mounted spoiler imparts a subtle wraparound effect, enhancing the SUVs overall aesthetics. The rear wiper is now neatly tucked away under the spoiler, providing a cleaner and more streamlined appearance, reminiscent of the Hyundai Tucson.

Front design of new Nexon

In the front, the bonnet and front fender have been completely redesigned to accommodate the new split headlamp setup. The bonnet now exhibits a higher profile with prominent contours along the edges, enhancing its muscular appearance. One of the standout features of the updated Nexon is its new LED Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) signature. This slim LED band is positioned high on the front face, featuring stacked elements at the trailing edge. The DRLs will also offer sequential lighting, blending seamlessly with the slimmer grille.

The front bumper has undergone substantial modifications as well. It appears wider and taller, with prominent C-shaped protrusions that house the main headlamp cluster and fog lamps. This design element adds depth and visual mass to the SUVs front face, while trapezoid-like housings provide a striking contrast with their blacked-out finish. Interestingly, the Y-shaped design motifs that were a signature of the Nexons front end have been entirely omitted, giving the SUV a fresh, distinctive look.

Redefining premiumness and interior quality

Nexon will get leatherette cladding on the lower dashboard. Steering wheel is a 2-spoke unit with an illuminated logo in the center. Audio and cruise control switches are touch and toggle type, matching its new climate control panel. Purple upholstery looks unique and the updated center console features a new gear selector lever for its DCT unit. Tata might offer the same 10 touchscreen infotainment unit as seen with Nexon EV Max. Spy shots show a new single-piece fully digital instrument cluster too.

Engine and gearbox

The 1.5L diesel engine will carry similar performance figures and gearbox options as the current Nexon. The 1.2L petrol engine will offer up to 4 gearbox options. Currently, Tata is bundling a 6-speed AMT and MT with this engine, but we will have two more options. These are a 5-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission). Tata will offer 5-speed MT with base, 6MT or 6AMT with mid-level and 7DCT or 6MT with top-spec petrol variants. The turbo petrol engine with Nexon facelift gets a higher state of tune with 125 PS of power and 225 Nm of torque.
Maruti Suzuki not only commands the passenger vehicle segment in domestic markets but also ruled in terms of exports with 8 of its models in the top 20 list

The car export scenario for July 2023 showed off promising growth. Total exports grew by 10.55 percent YoY to 59,594 units in the past month, up from 53,908 units shipped in July 2022. This related to a volume growth of 5,686 units. It was also a MoM growth from 57,618 units shipped in June 2023. The segment continues to face challenges in terms of disturbances in the supply chain while the forecast for months ahead looks optimistic with increased demand for electric vehicles coming from export markets.

Top 20 Car Exports July 2023

Even as rising demand for compact SUVs poses a threat to sedans, it was the Hyundai Verna mid-size sedan that was the most exported passenger vehicle in July 2023. Total exports stood at 5,108 units in the past month, up 27.76 percent from 3,998 units sold in July 2022. The Verna currently commands an 8.57 percent market share.

Kia Sonet was at No. 2 with exports of 4,510 units in July 2023, up 54.03 percent from 2,928 units shipped in July 2022. YoY growth in exports by 35.73 percent was also reported for the Hyundai Grand i10. Exports which had stood at 3,277 units in July 2022 improved to 4,448 units in July 2023. Maruti Suzuki SPresso was up next with 4,179 units exported last month. This was a growth of 13.71 percent over 3,675 units sold in July 2022.

Maruti also had the Baleno at No.6 with 3,348 units exported last month relating to a 56.16 percent YoY growth while there was the Swift (2,939 units), DZire (2,630 units), Celer4io (2,595 units), Ertiga (1,574 units), Grand Vitara (1,548 units) and Maruti Ciaz at No. 19 with 1,011 units shipped in July 2023. This saw Maruti Suzuki with 8 of its models in the top 20 list of exports in July 2023.

Nissan saw exports of the Sunny 5 seater sedan dip by 6.98 percent YoY to 3,613 units last month. There had been 3,884 units shipped in July 2023. Hyundai Aura exports improved by 25.82 percent YoY to 2,963 units in July 2023, up from 2,355 units sold in July 2022. There was also the VW Virtus at No. 9 with a 169.70 percent YoY growth in exports to 2,902 units, up from 1,076 units sold in July 2022. VW Taigun exports surged by 6687.10 percent YoY to 2,104 units, up from just 31 units sold in July 2022.

The top 20 list also included the Hyundai Venue (1,176 units), Renault Kiger (1,171 units), Toyota Hyryder (1,152 units) and Kia Seltos (1,088 units). There was also the Honda City of which 941 units were shipped last month with a 55.19 percent YoY de-growth over 2,100 units exported in July 2022. There was also the relatively new Maruti Fronx on this list with 922 units shipped in July 202. The export list of July 2023 also included the Hyundai i20 (856 units), Alcazar (833 units), Kia Carens (821 units), Maruti Eeco van (699 units), Hyundai Creta (616 units) and XUV700 (527 units). Of these, the Eeco van exports improved significantly from 452 units shipped in June 2023.

Car Exports July 2023  Sub 500 units

Lower down the list with exports in the sub-500 unit segment was the Renault Kwid with 445 units shipped in July 2023, down 69.65 percent from 1,466 units shipped in July 2022. There was also the Mahindra XUV300 (436 units), Ignis (434 units), Magnite (392 units), Scorpio (305 units) and Meridian (277 units). Among these, it was the Scorpio that saw the highest YoY growth of 276.54 percent from just 81 units shipped in July 2022. Honda Amaze exports also surged from just 1 unit shipped in July 2022 to 171 units in the past month.

July 2023 Car export list also included the Triber (168 units), Kushaq (145 units), Compass (111 units) and Citroen C3 (105 units), while in the sub-100 unit segment was the Jimny (78 units) and XL6 (72 units). There were also eC3 (44 units), WagonR (36 units), KUV100 (34 units), Maxximo (34 units), Alto (17 units) and Bolero (12 units). Of the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, of which the company had exported 2,196 units in July 2022, exports dipped 99.82 percent to just 4 units shipped in the past month.
FBI Warning: North Korean Hacker Groups Lazarus and APT38 May Cash Out Stolen BTC Worth $40 Million

Source: FBI

The US Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) alerted crypto firms on Tuesday, that North Korean hackers may soon attempt to cash out stolen Bitcoin worth over $40 million.

The infamous hacker groups from the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK)  Lazarus and APT38  have moved close to 1,580 Bitcoin (BTC) from several cryptocurrency heists over the past 24 hours and held in six different wallet addresses, FBI tracks.

Private sector entities should examine the blockchain data associated with these addresses and be vigilant in guarding against transactions directly with, or derived from, the addresses.

The Lazarus Group is a North Korean threat actor with ties to several high-profile crypto hacks including the $37 million theft of virtual currency from CoinsPaid, $100 million theft from Atomic Wallet, and the $60 million worth of crypto heist from Alphapo, all of which occurred in June this year.

Per the alert published, the TraderTraitor hacking groups have been found responsible for a series of big crypto-related heists with the goal of generating illicit revenue for the sanction-hit nation. TraderTraitor apparently entices recipients to download malware-laced cryptocurrency applications.

The FBI will continue to expose and combat the DPRKs use of illicit activities  including cybercrime and virtual currency theft  to generate revenue for the regime.

A recent report by the blockchain analytics firm TRM Labs revealed that North Korean hackers are estimated to have stolen over $2 billion in cryptocurrencies in the last 5 years, with $200 million stolen in 2023 alone.

In April, the US Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned several addresses linked to North Korea, with crypto exchange Binance helping the department seize $4.4 million.

Erin Plante, vice president of investigations at Chainalysis and a cyber financial crime expert, said in a latest interview that North Korea-linked actors stole an estimated $1.7 billion worth of cryptocurrency across several hacks.

Most experts agree the North Korean government is using these stolen assets to fund its nuclear weapons program.
OMAHA, Neb.  Hours before a Norfolk Southern train derailed in Ohio and erupted in fire in February, a judge ruled a former railroad employee could proceed with a lawsuit claiming he was harassed for years by managers who said he reported too many flaws in rail cars he inspected and had his job changed after reporting an injury.

Richard Singleton's case against Norfolk Southern was settled for an undisclosed amount after the judge said he had enough evidence to go to trial over whether he was disciplined for reporting safety violations that slowed trains passing through a Macon, Georgia, railyard.

The settlement provided relief for Singleton, but does little for residents near East Palestine, Ohio, who worry about possible health effects from the accident's toxic blaze. That derailment and others since inspired nationwide fears about railroad safety.

Lawyers and unions representing rail workers say there is an industrywide pattern of retaliation against workers like Singleton who report safety violations or injuries. They contend workers often run afoul of managers who don't want to jeopardize their bonuses, and retaliation discourages other workers from speaking up.

Rail safety has been in the spotlight since the Feb. 3 Ohio derailment, with Congress and regulators proposing reforms. Still, little changed apart from railroads promising to install 1,000 more trackside detectors to spot mechanical problems and reevaluate their responses to alerts from those devices.

"Since Wall Street took them over, railroads have put productivity ahead of safety," lawyer Nick Thompson argued earlier this year on behalf of a fired engineer. He pointed to recent derailments in Ohio and Raymond, Minnesota. "People are being killed, towns are being evacuated, rivers are being poisoned, all in the name of profit."

The railroads say they are working to eliminate such practices with policies prohibiting retaliation and myriad ways for workers fearful of retribution to report safety concerns, either directly to a manager or anonymously through an internal hotline.

Statistics from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration show the number of single-year whistleblower complaints filed against big railroads declined from the 218 reported in 2018 to 96 last year.

"I have zero tolerance for retaliation. And I've made that very clear. And in fact, the culture that we're creating at Norfolk Southern is one of transparency and one in which people are encouraged to raise their hand and say they've got an issue," CEO Alan Shaw said.

Other major railroads, including BNSF, Union Pacific, CPKC, Canadian National and CSX, echoed that sentiment in statements and said they encourage employees to report safety concerns.

Whistleblower cases represent a small fraction of the workforce numbering more than 100,000 nationwide, but even a handful of cases can instill fear among employees and have a chilling effect on safety reporting.

Long before Mike Ratigan was fired from CSX in New York last year after refusing to help circumvent federal safety standards or ignore railcar flaws, he said he saw other workers sanctioned. "It says, if we can do it to him, we can do it to you," Ratigan said.

OSHA says 793 whistleblower complaints were filed between 2018 and the end of July, with Norfolk Southern leading all railroads with 257. Union Pacific and CSX weren't far behind with nearly 200 complaints apiece, while another 113 were reported at BNSF. The numbers are much smaller at the Canadian railroads partly because much of their operations are north of the border.

More than half of the complaints were dismissed after OSHA reviews. However, that doesn't tell the full story because some dismissed cases become federal lawsuits that can lead to multimillion-dollar judgments against railroads. OSHA's decisions also can be appealed, with 87 cases settled before OSHA decided if they had merit.

The Associated Press reviewed dozens of whistleblower cases and found a similar pattern. When they weren't bound by confidential settlement agreements, former railroad workers discussed how managers didn't want them to report too many safety violations because they would slow trains. Some ex-employees prevailed in court, but they all faced tough battles against companies with billions of dollars in annual profits and armies of lawyers.

Mike Elliott was fired in 2011 after he went to the Federal Railroad Administration with safety concerns other workers reported to him in his capacity as Washington state's top safety official with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union. The FRA responded with a special inspection that found 357 defects, angering his BNSF bosses.

One of his managers confronted Elliott in the parking lot and jumped on the hood of his car, claiming Elliott punched him and tried to run him down. Elliott said he was acquitted of those allegations in a criminal case but ultimately was fired.

That started a yearslong court fight that included countless motions and a six-day trial before a jury awarded him $1.25 million and approved $500,000 in legal fees. After an appeal to the 9th Circuit, the railroad finally paid him in 2018.

"It's a never-ending battle," Elliott said. "They have the best lawyers. They have the best lobbyists and they have a lot of lobbyists. They have a lot of money, and you're up against it."

For rail car inspector John Fulk, the situation got so bad that in 2011 he shot himself in the head in the parking lot of his workplace at a North Carolina Norfolk Southern railyard. His widow successfully argued in court that after being berated by managers for flagging too many cars for repairs, Fulk killed himself rather than face a disciplinary hearing and possible firing. Norfolk Southern settled in 2015.
Milk bank Technician NICU milk Human Breastfeeding Study UCSD

A few years ago, when my firstborn was seven months old, I developed an incredibly itchy rash on the back of my legs. Soon, red blisters extended over the back side of my body, covering me neck-to-toe.It wasnt easy to get my condition diagnosed. In fact, I still dont know for sure what ails me. Physicians and dermatologists I consulted all shrugged with a look of pity in their eyes, offering a shot of corticosteroids with some antihistamines.Until I told them I was breastfeeding.Then they walked back their recommendations, changed medications, and advised me to take lower doses. With just a topical steroid and an over-the-counter dose of Benadryl, my rash took months to clear.I wasnt alone in this confusing medical purgatory. According to a 2017 study, more than 70 percent of women who breastfeed or pump their milk take some form of medication during lactation. Yet, a lack of research on the effects, dosing, and safety of medications remains a real issue for those who breastfeedand for their babies.The majority of [medications] are not tested in the maternal-infant space, says Lars Bode, director of the Human Milk Institute (HMI), a UC San Diegobased institution recently created to fill that gap. That puts us in this dilemma. We have hardly any information about many [medications] out there that we know moms take.

Human Milk Institute technician Photo Credit: Maria Jose Duran

As a tandem-breastfeeding mother of two, both under four years old, I wanted to find out why its so hard to identify what medication is okay to use while lactating.Studies have proven that breastfeeding is good for babies and good for moms (although not the only option to raise a healthy baby). But so far, the biological composition of breast milk and its extensive benefits have been widely understudied.HMI gathers a wide array of pre-existing institutions within the UC San Diego campus to combine their individual efforts to expand our understanding of human milk. One of them, Mommys Milk Human Milk Research Biorepository, is the first-ever research database of human breast milk. Another, the Center for Community Health, seeks to improve lactation accommodation and equity. The University of California Health Milk Bank is one of only 31 nonprofit milk banks in North America, and the Larsson-Rosenquist Foundation Mother-Milk-Infant Center of Researcher Excellence focuses on better understanding the components of human milk. The Lactation and Perinatal Education Program at UC San Diego Extended Studies offers clinical lactation education to professionals.This is something we need to tackle from all kinds of different angles and disciplines, Bode adds.He believes that San Diego is setting a global example in the field of breastfeeding. We have a community thats very passionate [about lactation research] and the clinicians, researchers, and educators that, for years, have done this [work] in their own way, he says.

UC Health Milk Bank Human Breastfeeding Study UCSD Photo Credit: Maria Jose Duran

Milk and Medicine

In 2018, the Federal Task Force on Research Specific to Pregnant Women and Lactating Women recommended the then-secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services identify and address these gaps in knowledge.To date, exclusion [of pregnant and breastfeeding people from research] may be motivated by concern about the possible harms of medication use during pregnancy or lactation, reads the task forces report. Their last meeting was in 2020. After this effort died down, a bill was introduced to Congress in 2022 to try to revitalize it, but its had little success so far.Thats where Mommys Milk Human Milk Research Biorepositorypart of HMIs research arm comes in. This lab collects milk samples from lactating people who are already taking medication in hopes they will amass enough samples to be able to produce a study.We were established 10 years ago with the idea that we needed [more research on the effects of medicine on pregnant and lactating people], and its not that difficult to get it, Mommys Milk director Christina Chambers says. Its just [about having] the will and the resources to do it.

Donating Toward the Cause

In an effort to understand this issue and help be a part of its solution, I decided to donate my own breast milk. In May of this year, I arrived at the Mommys Milk offices in San Diegos Birdland neighborhood next to Mary Birch Hospital (where my first daughter was born).Kerri Bertrand, the research manager at the UCSD Department of Pediatrics, showed me around their space. Construction was underway in their lab at the time, and their temporary equipment consisted of two huge floor-to-ceiling freezers, a small fridge to keep samples cold, and a makeshift station where a lab technician transferred breast milk to pipettes.After the tour, Bertrand took me to a small room to pump my own milk. You are agreeing to participate in a breast milk biorepository. Were going to request a breastmilk sample to be stored for research purposes, Bertrand told me as she handed me a hospital-grade milk pump. She asked me questions about my pregnancies, lactation, drug use, exposures, and my children.While the breast pump gently tugged on my nipples, extracting the milk, I took notes and considered how I might help thousands of people with this simple, everyday act.Just like me, more than 3,000 people have already signed up to participate in this effort. The interest in doing this is overwhelming, Chambers says. Its just incredible.

What We Know Now

Although there have been few large research studies on this subject, San Diegobased, international boardcertified lactation consultant Rachelle Markham explains that there exists some information to help parents make informed decisions about breastfeeding and medication.In fact, in 2013, a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics declared that most psychotropic therapies, narcotics, immunizations, drugs to treat substance abuse, and foods to boost breast milk production are safe to take or consume while breastfeeding. Many mothers are inappropriately advised to discontinue breastfeeding or avoid taking essential medications, the study reads.HMI also contributes to spreading the available information through LactMed, a free online database. LactMed [is] a trusted resource about medications and breastfeeding, and its widely used, Chambers explainsbut not all parents, or even all doctors, know about it.The little bit of data that we have, clinicians often dont know it exists, Bode adds.

Human Breastfeeding Study UCSD High Protein Milk NICU babies

While researching this story, I looked up the safety of corticosteroids and antihistamines, the medications that should have been prescribed to me for my hives. I was dumbfounded when I read that, according to the HMIs LactMed database, they are both safe.Prednisone, a commonly used corticosteroid, appears in low amounts in breast milk. Similarly, all antihistamines are considered safe to use during breastfeeding, as minimal amounts are excreted in human milk.The amount of itching and pain that I could have avoided had my doctors been more informed about what medications are safe while breastfeeding is something that keeps me up at night.Other parents have faced similar situations. Yesterday I fielded four calls from people who were told that they had to stop breastfeeding or pump-and-dump over medications that were completely safe, Markham says. But thats what their doctors had told them.Theres still a lot left to learn.Chambers says that, even today, its rare for the FDA to require that pharmaceutical companies conduct lactation-related studies before a new drug hits the market. In fact, 90 percent of clinically approved medications do not have appropriate drug labeling information for those who are pregnant and lactating.

Over my three-and-a-half years of breastfeeding, Ive examined many a pill label, wondering at the meds safety. Recently, a quick search in my medicine cabinet revealed a generic bottle of ibuprofen with a warning on it: If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use. According to the HMIs LactMed database , however, the medication is a preferred choice as an analgesic or anti-inflammatory agent in nursing mothers.Confusion about what pill to take is not the only consequence of the lack of research and information about taking medication while lactating.Research has shown that people with highest rates of postpartum depression are those who wanted to breastfeed but were unsuccessful , Markham says, explaining that many feel sad or disappointed that their plans were derailed for reasons out of their control. [Breastfeeding] is a big relationship to have to change for medication.Mommys Milk repository also receives milk samples to conduct this vital research from the UC Health Milk Bank , the clinical arm of HMI. Director Lisa Stellwagen explains that sometimes their donor milk cannot be used to feed babies, and then the milk is transferred to the research biorepository.People want their milk to go to good use, so we can learn more about human milk, Stellwagen said as we toured the state-of-the-art facilities located inside the San Diego Blood Bank facilities on Gateway Center Ave.UC Health Milk Bank collects donor samples and distributes them to NICUs, a life-saving measure to premature, low-birth-weight babies who could develop sepsis . Theres more than 600 elements in human milk, theres so much more to know, and we have to work together to find out, Stellwagen said.Why hasnt there been an effort to understand human milk beyond nutrition and maternal health? Bode continues. Its still mind-boggling.His own research dives into oligosaccharides found almost exclusively in human breast milk. We found that some of these sugars reduce inflammation in a way that could be therapeutic for people with arthritis or who have had a heart attack.For Bode, human milk has been underestimated. Weve been told that formula is just as good, the perfect alternative [that] has been pushed for the last few decades, and theres a lot more marketing force and financial resources to push the alternative.The HMI is currently looking for community partners and sponsors. We want to make sure that the work we do here is not only grounded in the community, but also that we work with the community and solve problems together, first here in San Diego but really globally.
The team behind Carlsbads popular restaurant Campfire has announced plans to open an 80-seat French bistro just down the street this fall.

Jeune et Jolie will open sometime around October at 2659 State St. in Carlsbad Village. It will be the second project conceived by Campfires owner John Resnick and executive chef Andrew Bachelier.

Jeune et Jolie  which translates from French as young and beautiful  is named after the longtime friends young daughters, Elsie June Resnick and Margot Jolie Bachelier.

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Were a couple of guys who live in Southern California opening a French restaurant, Resnick said. We wanted it to feel inspired by French restaurants but also draw a lens to who we really are.

Resnick said diners can expect the new location to have the same inspired design ethos and hyper-focus on culinary technique as Campfire, which has become one of the countys most successful new restaurants since it opened in late 2016.

Its been incredible, Resnick said of Campfires success. I think I had very high hopes for the restaurant and how the community would respond and those hopes were far surpassed.

Campfire celebrates the communal aspects of camping and campfires. Virtually everything on the menu is prepared over an open flame or in a wood-fired oven and the restaurants whimsical interior and its teepee-dominated patio resemble a 1950s-era campground.

Like Campfire, Jeune et Jolie will be designed by L.A.s Bells & Whistles interior design firm. Resnick said the petite, white-walled restaurant will have the casual elegance of a classic Parisian bistro.

Jeune et Jolie is being built inside a revamped 2,000-square-foot commercial building just a one-minute walk north of Campfire on the same street. Because of their proximity, Resnick said creating a unique niche for the new restaurant is important.

A six-year resident of Leucadia, Resnick said his restaurant research process involves constantly being on the lookout for concepts that are new to North County.

With Campfire we were trying to make a restaurant with really good food, cocktails and hospitality in an engaging environment and vibe. For Jeune, we are trying to create a French restaurant that would be dynamic and new but still authentic and true to who we are and the location.

For Jeune, Resnick and Bachelier have been inspired by the many trips they have taken, separately, to France, and Bachelier is eager to dust off his culinary skills in classic French technique.

Carlsbad Village already has an upscale French restaurant, Paon, which is a favorite of Resnick and his wife. To distinguish itself, Jeune will have a menu inspired by the cuisine of France as well as its former colonies in the Caribbean, Vietnam and Africa.

In keeping with Southern California tastes, Bacheliers dishes at Jeune will be lighter in style with more vegetable and seafood-driven entrees. The restaurant will also have a raw bar.

Campfires bar manager Leigh Lacap is overseeing Jeunes wine and cocktail program. The restaurant will serve only natural wines, which are organically farmed and unfiltered. Cocktails will feature French spirits like Cognac and Armangnac and absinthe drinks will be served from a 1920s-style tower fountain.

Rather than the toddler-friendly Campfire, Jeune will be more for grown-up get-togethers, date nights and celebrations. It will be open for dinner and brunch only.

This will still have that incredible energy and vibrancy of Campfire, but it will be a bit more geared to the big nights of your life, Resnick said.

pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a 1,000-square-mile wilderness that straddles three counties and is a popular destination for wildflower enthusiasts, hikers and campers.

Its also severly unstaffed.

Last year, there were eight to 10 rangers on staff, plus two supervising rangers and a superintendent.

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Today, there are no supervising rangers. The superintendent position has been eliminated. And there are only four rangers patrolling the largest park in California.

The lack of coverage for the 600,000-acre desert, coupled with the exodus of a number of rangers after the suicide of a beloved ranger, has led former park employees to sound the alarm.

They say their warnings are not being taken seriously enough in Sacramento. State park officials said there are staffing shortages at all the parks, not just Anza-Borrego, and they are trying to fill the vacancies.

The retired park workers fear those hiring efforts may come too late.

People will die, said Mark Jorgensen, a Borrego Springs resident who was the superintendent of the park for many years before retiring in 2009.

There is no doubt in my mind that people will get themselves in trouble out there in the desert this summer, he said. Under a full staff, you would have people patrolling the entire park by vehicle and aircraft. They are the ones that discover people in trouble.

Not long ago, rangers would be assigned specific 80,000-acre parts of the park to patrol. But with only four rangers now working (one of them is a pilot), Jorgensen and others say huge swaths of Anza-Borrego are being ignored.

If you wait until some loved one at home says, my son was due home yesterday, and its 118 degrees out there, your son probably died yesterday or last night, Jorgensen said. If you wait for dispatch in Perris, Calif. to call down here and say we got a cell phone call from a person stuck out in the desert, then youre just reacting and your not going to come in contact with those people in trouble on a timely basis.

Mike Wells, a former Colorado District District Superintendent who oversaw operations at Anza-Borrego and the other parks in the district including Palomar and Cuyamaca Rancho before his retirement eight years ago, was a young ranger in Anza-Borrego for four years in the late 70s and early 80s.

During that time,we had nine patrol rangers and two seasonal rangers assigned to patrol (specific districts) in the park, Wells said. There were two supervising rangers, a chief ranger and an area manager. They were all peace officers. There were 14 badged employees there. And Im guessing that the visitation was well less than half of what were getting now.

Wells said he fears there are parts of the park that dont get regularly patrolled.

Rangers now go to where the visitation is heaviest, he said. But there are people in other parts of the park and those areas are not being as well covered.

A spokeswoman for the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Gloria Sandoval, did not dispute the current staffing levels at Anza-Borrego in written responses to questions.

Hiring diverse, qualified and talented people to help us serve our visitors and take care of the nations largest state park system has been a challenge, Sandoval said. All 280 park units have staffing shortages.

She said Sacramento has made arrangements for four new officers who graduated from the departments training academy this past week to join the Anza-Borrego staff in the fall.

Recently, the department launched a new recruitment effort called Live the Parks Life designed to reach potential candidates who are reflective of Californias diverse population. Because of attrition rates and a desire to attract more diversity to the professional classifications, Sandoval said, initial efforts are focused on the recruitment of lifeguards and rangers.

She also said Gov. Jerry Browns proposed budget includes funding for fixing state parks.

The 2018-19 budget allocates $1.5 billion to the park system, up from $846 million last year, and creates 54 new peace officer positions statewide.

Kathy Dice, who retired last year from her Anza-Borrego superintendent position, said public safety concerns are real, but for me its about damage to the resources.

The park is losing some of its pristine qualities because of the lack of presence out there in terms of staffing, she said.

Anza-Borrego features more than 500 miles of dirt road, 125 miles of paved roads, and it has always been a battle for the rangers to keep visitors in line. Dice said people will create new roads or hiking trails which, if left untreated, will become established areas where people will drive and hike through sensitive areas.

She said things such as ground fires and fireworks violations are not being addressed simply because there arent enough rangers to monitor the activity. Signs are going unrepaired, she said.

I know the existing staff is very dedicated and working really hard, she said. But government is very slow to overcome its shortcomings.Our hiring practices are archaic and very slow, she said.

Dice said the departments leadership seems to be lacking. Its like they are frozen in place in terms of what they want state parks to look like, she said.

The departure last year of a number of rangers was preceded by the death of Ranger Steve Bier, a highly respected and well-liked employee. It is not known why Bier killed himself in March 2017. Many of the rangers who left or transferred out were involved in the search and discovery of his body and Jorgensen said it had a major impact on the morale of the staff.

These people travel around on patrol with the thought of him every day, Jorgensen said. You cant go anywhere without thinking of him. When he died last year, it was a tremendous shock. He was an icon of the staff.

Living in the desert can be tough and the isolation, combined with the sometimes grim work that must be done, takes its toll.

Four rangers, two married couples that had recently purchased homes in Borrego Springs, decided to leave Anza-Borrego in the months after the suicide.

His widow, also a ranger, turned in her badge and gun to take an administrative position. Others retired. None of those position have been filled.

Jorgensen, Dice, Wells and others all wrote letters to Sacramento last fall detailing their concerns about what was happening.

The remaining rangers and maintenance folks have shown amazing resolve to do the very best they can under the circumstances, but the current situation has reached the level of being unbelievable and ridiculous, Jorgensen wrote.

Sacramento never replied.

Not one of us got a single word, Jorgensen said. Whats the message in that? Nobody cares. Our park system is going to hell in a hand basket. I really believe that.what Ive seen is a total loss of passion and love for the park system.

Im disappointed that the current generation of park staff and park leadership is not interested in our experience and our knowledge and our history, added Dice.

Sandoval on Friday said she could not verify the letters were sent to the directors office.

jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones
The New York Times Editorial Page Editor said a large number of readers complained about this cartoon.

The New York Times apologized for an editorial cartoon in its international edition that critics said mocked Indias Mars Mission by showing a man in a traditional dhoti and turban, leading a cow on a leash and knocking on the door of the Elite Space Club while inside two bespectacled men in bow ties look perplexed by the sound.

The cartoon was published online Sept. 28 after Indias Mangalyaan probe began orbiting Mars at a cost of $74 million (4.5 billion rupees) which BBC News reported was one of the cheapest interplanetary space missions ever.

The space craft was launched on Nov. 5 by the Indian Space Research Organisation, and began orbiting the red planet on Sept. 24, joining four other U.S. and European missions circling Mars and giving India a success in its first-ever Mars mission, something that the U.S. and Russia could not accomplish.

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Critics quickly complained The New York Times cartoon was racist and went too far.

Similar complaints followed several days later when the Boston Herald published a cartoon showing a White House intruder in President Barack Obamas bathtub asking him if hed tried watermelon flavored toothpaste.

The Herald and its editorial cartoonist apologized within hours in that situation. The Times apology comes about a week after the first complaints on social media and a debate about who was being ridiculed in the space-mission cartoon. Was it the people of India? Or was it the fat cats who make up the elite space club?

Late Sunday, Andrew Rosenthal, editorial page editor for The New York Times, apologized via Facebook.

A large number of readers have complained about a recent editorial cartoon in The International New York Times, about Indias foray into space exploration. The intent of the cartoonist, Heng Kim Song, was to highlight how space exploration is no longer the exclusive domain of rich, Western countries. Mr. Heng, who is based in Singapore, uses images and text - often in a provocative way - to make observations about international affairs. We apologize to readers who were offended by the choice of images in this cartoon. Mr. Heng was in no way trying to impugn India, its government or its citizens. We appreciate that readers have shared their feedback, which we welcome.

Reaction on the page was mixed.

Craig Tonks Stop apologizing to all the sensitive souls who might be offended about something, pump up people!

Anne BK Taking the high road, chapeau Mr. Rosenthal!

Meanwhile, an interesting debate about the cartoon and cartooning itself unfolded on this Reddit page about India:

MungerilalBihar: This feels like they are making fun of elitism.

popfreq: They might be. But what is bad for is that they are doing it by perpetuating a negative stereotype of us. That stereotype hurts us in various interactions with others in the long run. That is why it is distasteful. NYT does not pull this nonsense with other ethnic groups.

UncleSneakyFingers: You may view this as perpetuating a negative stereotype of Indians, and thats fair. Different people can look at the same image and see different things. In my American opinion/view of this comic, I see the opposite of what you see. I see Western elitists blinded by stereotypes incapable of seeing India in any way but in a backwards way. Clearly India is a rising star, yet Westerners still view India the same way they have for centuries: A bunch of poor cow worshippers. Obviously they are so much more than that, but elitist attitude prevent Westerners from seeing that.

RuffTuff: I for one, take this cartoon to be very flattering. The big fat gentlemen in the club have formed an elite, invitation only club but this average guy comes knocking at that door. He is way poorer than them and achieved something with his meager resources. Exposes the hypocrites, and the myth of the elite club doesnt it?

hsaliak: Agreed, the news paper the fatso is reading has it as front page news. This shows they are not taking shots.

What do you think should be off-limits to editorial cartoonists? Weigh in below.
HARRISBURG  Pennsylvania's Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the state police can't hide from the public its policy on how it monitors social media.

Advocates for civil liberties cheered the decision. The law enforcement agency had argued that fully disclosing its policy for using software to monitor online postings may compromise public safety.

All four Democratic justices supported the majority decision, which said the lower Commonwealth Court went beyond its authority in trying to give the state police another attempt to justify keeping details of the policy a secret. Tuesday's order appears to end a six-year legal battle.

A state police spokesperson said the agency is reviewing the court decision.

Andrew Christy, a lawyer with the ACLU of Pennsylvania, said the ruling sort of puts law enforcement on the same playing field as all government agencies. If they have a legal justification to keep something secret, then they have to put forth sufficient evidence to justify that.

People need to know what police are doing in order to decide if it's appropriate, he said.

Ultimately that relies on the voters understanding what law enforcement is doing so that then, through their elected representatives, they can rein them in when they're acting in a way that doesn't comport with what the public wants, Christy said.

Justifying what the majority opinion described as heavy or complete redactions on every page of the nine-page regulation, the head of the state police's bureau of criminal investigations argued that greater transparency about the policy would make its investigations less effective.

The state Office of Open Records held a private review of the blacked out material and and ruled that making the policy public would not be likely to harm investigations, calling the social media policy processes strictly internal and administrative in nature.

Redacted sections addressed the use of open sources, what approval is required, when to go undercover and use an online alias and how to verify information. State police also blacked out the entire section on using social media for employment background investigations.

A panel of three Republican Commonwealth Court judges reversed the Office of Open Records' ruling that the policy should be disclosed without redactions, saying in May 2018 that the state police investigations chief based his analysis about the risk of exposure on his own extensive experience.

The majority decision issued Tuesday said Commonwealth Court should not have given the state police a new opportunity to lay out the supposed public safety risks. The majority ruled that Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law does not permit Commonwealth Court to order additional fact-finding not sought by state police.

If PSP had requested the opportunity for additional fact-finding, our disposition today may have been different, Justice David Wecht wrote for the majority.

The open records law has a timely and efficient process that should be followed, he wrote, noting that six years already have passed.

If and when appellate review is allowed to serve as a reset button based upon a court's ill-defined policy concerns, there is no limiting principle, and the judiciary's claims to neutrality and ordered decision-making vanish, Wecht wrote.

In a dissent, Justice Sallie Mundy said the lower court identified a question of fact that was unresolved: whether there was a connection between the text of the document and risks articulated in the agency's affidavit about public safety. She and Justice Kevin Brobson, who joined her dissent, are the high court's two Republicans.
Climbing high into the trees and flooding the ground below, myriad invasive plant species had created what looked like an impenetrable green wall at Charlottesvilles Washington Park. But after just one week on the job, a small army of goats was able to clear the thick foliage.

The landscape is completely changed.

A small crowd gathered on July 31 to witness their arrival: the Running of the Goats.

Forty of the living lawn mowers ran from a trailer through a narrow fenced channel to the woods adjacent to Washington Parks swimming pool, where they set about their work.

Within moments of their release they were already chowing down on tree of heaven, mimosa, chinaberry, kudzu, autumn olive and honeysuckle, just to name a few.

Contained within an electric fence surrounding the area of interest, the goats stayed till Aug. 7 before they were then loaded back into a trailer and returned home.

Jace Goodling, owner of the goats and the aptly named Goat Busters goat-managing company, said he was satisfied with the job.

Everything from the soil to roughly 6 feet above the ground is completely cleared by the goats. The leftovers are cleared by manual labor, either Goodling or the Parks and Recreation Department.

I thought it was a great success from my perspective. I mean there was nothing green or soft left between ground level and about six feet. I thought it was amazing the amount of space that it opened up, Goodling told The Daily Progress.

And he said he thinks the Washington Park job could be the start of future business between his goats and the city.

I think it probably opened the parks departments eyes as to what the goats are going to be capable of, Goodling said.

Already Goodling said he is in talks with the city about clearing land by Frys Spring Beach Club. There is an acre and a half adjacent to the club there that is infested with kudzu, Goodling said, similar to how Washington Park once was.

I am hopeful that Goat Busters will continue to be a part of the program with the city here, Goodling said. I think its probably the most economical and effective way to get a start on a totally overgrown piece of land.
But our body can eventually replenish them back on Earth with the help of bone marrow fat, according to new research.

We found that astronauts had significantly less fat in their bone marrow about a month after returning to Earth, said Professor Guy Trudel, a researcher at the Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa.

We think the body is using this fat to help replace red blood cells and rebuild bone that has been lost during space travel.

This study builds on the teams previous research which showed that during space travel, astronauts bodies destroyed 54% more red blood cells than they normally would on Earth, resulting in what is known as space anemia.

Thankfully, anemia isnt a problem in space when your body is weightless, but when landing on Earth and potentially on other planets or moons with gravity, anemia would affect energy, endurance, and strength and could threaten mission objectives, Professor Trudel said.

If we can find out exactly whats controlling this anemia, we might be able to improve prevention and treatment.

In the new research, Professor Trudel and colleagues analyzed MRI scans of the bone marrow of 14 astronauts at multiple time points before and after a six-month mission at the International Space Station.

They found a 4.2% decrease in bone marrow fat about a month after returning to Earth.

This gradually returned to normal levels and was closely associated with increased production of red blood cells and restoration of bone.

Since red blood cells are made in the bone marrow and bone cells surround the bone marrow, it makes sense that the body would use up the local bone marrow fat as a source of energy to fuel red blood cell and bone production, Professor Trudel said.

We look forward to investigating this further in various clinical conditions on Earth.

The authors also suggest that younger astronauts may have an increased ability to harness the energy from bone marrow fat, and that female astronauts bone marrow fat increased more than expected after a year.

Our research could also shed light on diseases such as osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome, aging and cancer, which are associated with increases in bone marrow fat, Professor Trudel said.

The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications.

_____

T. Liu et al. 2023. Bone marrow adiposity modulation after long duration spaceflight in astronauts. Nat Commun 14, 4799; doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-40572-8
BINAY MOURNS PASSING OF MIGRANT WORKERS CHIEF OPLE

Senator Nancy Binay mourned the passing on Tuesday of Susan "Toots" Ople, the secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers.

"Sec. Toots was a great woman who wasn't afraid to show her humanity in her efforts to serve our people. Isa siyang dakilang Pilipino at lingkod-bayan, at marami kaming nagluluksa sa kaniyang pagkawala," Binay said.

The DMW had confirmed that Ople died at around 1 p.m. on August 22 "surrounded by her family and loved ones." The agency added that they would release more details soon.

Binay hailed the migrant workers chief's "lifelong service to uphold the welfare of overseas Filipino workers."

"I am honored to have witnessed firsthand her dedication, sincerity, and compassion for migrant workers when we worked together during my father's stint as head of the Presidential Task Force Against Illegal Recruitment and chairman emeritus of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) ," the lawmaker said.

"Sec. Toots' name was synonymous to care and action. Kapag narinig mong involved si Sec. Toots, makakaasa ka na uusad ang mga bagay dahil walang pagod niyang pagtutuunan ng pansin ang isyu," Binay added.

Ople was appointed in 2022 to lead the newly-created DMW, which carries the mandate of seven merged agencies that cater to overseas Filipino workers.

She also founded and led the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute (Ople Center), a non-profit organization that caters to labor and migration concerns.
General Assembly budget leaders were poised on Tuesday to end a six-month political stalemate and agree on revisions to the $165 billion two-year budget the legislature adopted 14 months ago.

The tentative deal would rely on one-time taxpayer rebates instead of the package of permanent income tax cuts for corporations and individuals that Gov. Glenn Youngkin has advocated, but the total reduction in state revenues would approach $1 billion. The centerpiece of the deal is one-time payments of $200 for individual taxpayers and $400 for couples that the Senate pushed as an alternative to the proposed cuts in the corporate and top individual tax rates that Youngkin first pitched in December.

Budget leaders were hopeful of reaching an agreement on Tuesday night, with the governor preparing to address the assembly money committees on Wednesday about varying estimates of state revenues available to pay for spending in the revised budget and the economic forecast for the next two-year spending plan that he will introduce in just four months.

Im very optimistic  I think were very close to a deal, Senate Finance Co-Chair Janet Howell, D-Fairfax, said on Tuesday afternoon.

House Appropriations Chairman Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach, also was optimistic on Tuesday, a day after face-to-face budget negotiations reconvened for the first time in more than six weeks. Talks broke down in late June, leaving Virginia without a revised spending plan for the second time in 50 years. Previously, talks had collapsed on Feb. 24, the day before the assembly adjourned with only a skinny budget allocating about $1 billion in essential spending for schools, financial reserves, capital projects and pension liabilities.

Everything has been very amicable, very positive, he said on Tuesday morning. Were trying to work through it. We all want a deal and were all working towards that goal.

Despite the progress, Howell and Knight didnt expect to reach agreement on Tuesday night as negotiators worked through funding proposals for K-12 public education and other issues.

Senate hopes to re-engage after the Governors presentation tomorrow, Howell said in a text.

2% raise for teachers, state employees on table

Knight met on Monday afternoon with Howell and Senate Finance Co-Chair George Barker, D-Fairfax, to address their differences on tax policies to determine how much revenue would be available for spending priorities, including an additional 2% raise for teachers and state employees that both sides have supported.

Weve got a framework of tax policy kind of settled, he said.

The budget leaders would not provide details until the conference committee  nine senators and six delegates  complete their work on a final agreement. However, Howell said the framework is along the lines of the latest proposal that the Senate made on Aug. 10. The Senate proposed then to devote almost $907 million in one-time revenues to rebates for taxpayers this fall, similar to one-time payments made a year ago as part of a $4 billion tax cuts package that the assembly approved and Youngkin signed.

The tentative framework also included an increase in the standard deduction of at least $500 for individuals and $1,000 for couples, although the House wants to double that amount for taxpayers who dont itemize deductions on their returns. It includes in an increase in the deduction for business interest expense, but the Senate balked at a House proposal to remove the age limit for an exemption of military retirement income, which was part of the last years budget agreement.

The House retreated from Youngkins proposals to reduce the corporate income tax rate by 1 percentage point and the top individual tax rate by a quarter-percentage point. The governors proposed package would have reduced state revenues by more than $1 billion over two years and cost more than $1.4 billion annually in future fiscal years, but the Senate insisted on limiting permanent cuts to protect future revenues in an uncertain economy. Howell and Barker said the Senates proposed package would add just $180 million in ongoing tax cuts in addition to $1.2 billion adopted last year.

Next step: Special session of General Assembly

If budget negotiators reach an agreement, the governor would call a special session of the General Assembly so the House of Delegates and Senate can vote on it. Youngkin would have an opportunity to propose amendments that the legislature would consider in another session or he could sign whatever they adopt to finally conclude the budget drama just before he introduces a new two-year spending plan. The budget that Youngkin presents in December will be the only one he controls from introduction to adoption because of Virginias unique system of limiting a governor to a single term.

The House Appropriations and Finance committees, and the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee were to meet with Youngkin on Wednesday morning to get a clearer idea of revenues that Virginia collected in the last fiscal year and look ahead to a new revenue forecast to support the next two-year budget.

Details of fiscal year results have been scant, but Youngkin reported last month that the state collected $3 billion in excess revenues in the last fiscal year. He contends that, plus the $1.9 billion surplus collected a year ago and unspent appropriations, will give the state a total of $5.1 billion to spend on tax relief and shared priorities. That represents about $1.5 billion more than the $3.6 billion he estimated to pay for the budget changes proposed in December.

However, the Senate estimates that the state starts with this years surplus and almost $850 million that the assembly didnt spend in the skinny budget it adopted in late February. It also subtracts at least $1 billion that the state expects to owe taxpayers who took advantage of a new pass through entity tax that the assembly adopted last year to avoid a federal cap on state and local tax deductions. The new tax increased revenues in the fiscal year that just ended, but the state will have to pay it back as individual refunds in the current fiscal year. Youngkin did not include the expected refund in his year-end estimate.

Earlier this month, Youngkin told the Governors Advisory Council on Revenue Estimates that he expects a soft landing for the states economy instead of the mild recession that he had predicted in the last fiscal year. A soft landing would allow the economy to slow and inflated prices to fall without causing the major job losses and big drop in economic activity that come with a recession.
A Salem woman was arrested after threatening to bring a bomb to the Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital.

Lebanon police officers were called to the hospital for a reported bomb threat around 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, according to a news release from the Lebanon Police Department.

Police say 49-year-old Anna Leigh Karren called the Linn County Sheriffs Office dispatch and the hospital, saying she was close to the North Santiam Highway location and was bringing a bomb to it, the release states.

Authorities worked with hospital emergency staff, setting up a perimeter and gathering information at the secured scene, according to the release.

Officers learned Karren was likely south of Lebanon. Detectives made contact with her, and she allegedly admitted to making statements about using a bomb, the release states, but no bomb-making materials or other weapons were found.

Stay up to date on mid-Willamette Valley news, wherever you go Easily access the latest Albany and Linn County news in an app that lets you select the topics that matter most to you.

Karren was arrested on two counts of first-degree disorderly conduct and a count of harassment and taken to the Linn County Jail.

The Lebanon Police Department reported it had no in-house history with Karren. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Officer Zachary McKinney at 541-258-4331.
Fire officials say the Lookout Fire has burned more than 13,200 acres since it was sparked by lightning Aug. 5.

Pushing north and northeast, the blaze was 6% contained as of the most recent report from the Oregon State Fire Marshal.

The Fire Marshals website shows more than 1,200 personnel are assigned to the conflagration that started around 3 miles north of McKenzie Bridge, a small Lane County community on Highway 126 around 50 miles east of Eugene.

Were having a lot of success on the fire, said Randy Pyle, U.S. Forest Service spokesperson with Northwest Team 6.

While the Lookout Fire is primarily in Lane County, it also threatens a bordering portion of Linn County. There have been no reports of damaged structures or lost lives at this time. But warmer weather starting Wednesday and returning to the 90s could hamper progress.

When we choose to up our containment, were putting our stamp on it to ensure that fire is definitely not going to jump that line. So, its just kind of a slow process, but we are making headway.

Pyle said a containment line is almost tied in all the way around the fire, but crews have backed away in some areas to battle the blaze on more advantageous ground. In the meantime, theyve been improving roads and using heavy equipment to remove trees and dig lines in strategic locations.

Its really hard to go up and fight fire mid-slope when you have the opportunity for rolling material to come down and start fire below you, Pyle said. Thats why we havent upped our containment  the fire hasnt actually made it to our containment lines yet.

Most of the spread is occurring on the eastern flank, according to a website run by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group which reports firefighters and fallers are clearing vegetation to impede the fires progress toward Highway 126

The east side of the fire is backing downslope toward Deer Creek Road, where crews are preparing the road to be used as a control line and installing pumps and hoses along the McKenzie River to check the fires spread, protecting homes and utility infrastructure, the Oregon State Fire Marshal reported.

Cooler temperatures and higher humidity played in firefighters favor early in the week, according to the state fire marshal, but dense smoke hanging over the area affected helicopter operations. Cooler weather also limited the effectiveness of backburning planned on the western side of the fire.

Firefighters mopped up ash pits and hot spots along Forest Service Road 700 on the fires southwest flank and containment is reportedly expected to increase in that area in the coming days. North of Road 700, bulldozer lines are in place.

Motorists are advised to use caution with increased fire apparatus traffic in the Camp Creek Road area and throughout the Highway 126 corridor.

An evacuation center is moving to Westridge Middle School for evacuees and small pets from the Bedrock and Lookout fires. A large animal shelter is set up at the Lane County Fairgrounds in Eugene.

Several areas in Lane County are at different stages of evacuation because of the fire threat.

In Linn County as of Wednesday, Aug. 23, there was a Level 3 (Go Now) for Olallie Campground, Trail Bridge Reservoir & Campground, and the trail systems and roadways north of the Linn County borderline, and west of Highway 126, extending north to the intersection of National Forest Service Road 730 and Highway 126.

There was also a Level 2 (Be Ready) for the area from east of Olallie Campground to the Willamette National Forest boundary, north to Ice Cap Campground and Trailhead, then west to encompass Lakes End Campground and trail system, and south in line with the intersection of National Forest Service Road 730 and Highway 126 at the entrance of the Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Powerhouse.

Tamolitch Falls/Blue Pool and Smith Reservoir are within this zone.

And a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation zone stood for areas north of Ice Cap Campground, extending east to the Willamette National Forest boundary, and north in line with Highway 20. This includes all areas around Clear Lake and Clear Lake Campground.

Whats on the map right now are areas where theres no cellphone coverage, so it would be hard to reach people if things were to pick up in intensity, Pyle said. Areas that are trails, waterfalls  Blue Pool for example, that would be a really long hike out.

To relieve congestion at the command post at the McKenzie River airstrip, an additional incident base of operations is now in place in Walterville. Structure crews continue to complete tactical patrols around the clock, with two task forces assigned to day shift and three at night.

A drone system is providing an eye in the sky for firefighters, using infrared imaging and scouting for spot fires. The drones are also an asset for burning operations, capable of dropping incendiary spheres from above and limiting risks of helicopter-dependent firing operations, according to the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

Were trying to bring the fire down to our control lines in a slow, controlled manner, Pyle said.

That progress was slowed Monday, Pyle said, when Tropical Storm Hilary influenced local humidity, slowing otherwise successful ignition operations.

Stay up to date on mid-Willamette Valley news, wherever you go Easily access the latest Albany and Linn County news in an app that lets you select the topics that matter most to you.

Oregon State Fire Marshal resources were demobilizing Wednesday and returning to their home agencies. Structural task forces from Clatsop, Tillamook, Lane, Clackamas, Deschutes, Yamhill, and Marion counties, as well as from California Office of Emergency Services, responded to the blaze.

Weve been telling folks that is a big sign of success," Pyle said.

The task forces reportedly assessed 1,023 structures and prepped 560 more for protection while assigned to the Lookout Fire. The Fire Marshal credited local resources, community support and hardworking partners for the rapid management of the wildfire.

Lookout Fire Quick Facts Size: 13,207 acres Start Date: Aug. 5 Cause: Lightning Containment: 6% Point of origin: 3 miles North of McKenzie Bridge, OR Total personnel: 1,213 Resources: 72 engines l 23 crews l 14 bulldozers l 31 water tenders l 11 masticators l 6 helicopters OSFM Resources: 5 task forces assigned to structure protection divisions

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AAoM has built a world-class team of experienced advocates and professionals to support people on the autism spectrum and identify pathways and bring light to the challenges they face.

AAoM held a back-to-school event at Corner Health in Ypsilanti on Aug. 16.

Tisa Johnson-Hooper, M.D.

Kids must be up to date on pediatric appointments, developmental screenings, and routine vaccinations.

AAoM has built a world-class team of experienced advocates and professionals to support people on the autism spectrum.

Any Michigander in the autism community who needs help accessing information and resources can count on the Autism Alliance of Michigan for help.
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Cruise's Outside Lands glitches may have 'serious implications' in SF

Craig Lee/The Examiner {p dir=ltr}{span}Cruise said it has redundancies set up in its system where, if one of the three cell carriers fails or is at capacity, they can still access the network using one of the other two. {/span}{/p}

Outside Lands once again brought chaos to the normally tranquil streets of the Sunset, with scores of people clogging its roads and sidewalks trying to get home after the festival.

But this year, a new hurdle was added to the mayhem: robotaxis.

On the festivals opening night, a Cruise car stalled in the middle of 34th Avenue and Judah Street, video footage showed. It appeared to block traffic on the busy thoroughfare for at least 45 minutes, forcing dozens of cars  including a rival Waymo vehicle  to maneuver around it.

The car was one of several robotaxis Cruise was forced to take out of service that night. But the incident raised a new question about the highly scrutinized arrival of autonomous vehicles across San Franciscos streets: Can The Citys wireless infrastructure accommodate them?

Cruise and autonomous-vehicle advocates blamed the stalled car on jammed cell networks. Cell companies claimed they bolstered their services in anticipation of the festival crowds.

Either way, the incident surfaced concerns about the large events  and potential emergencies  to come.

These problems could have serious implications, said Steven Shladover, a research engineer at the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Berkeley. In an emergency, What happens when everybody will be trying to call their family members, colleagues or friends to find out whats going on?

In a time when people really need to be able to get somewhere, we might have a further impediment to peoples ability to move around, he said.

Safety concerns prompted the California Department of Motor Vehicles to order Cruise last Friday to cut its robotaxi fleet in half while the agency investigates the concerning string of incidents. It came a day after a robotaxi collided with a fire truck near City Hall.

The tens of thousands of festivalgoers at Golden Gate Park created two linked disruptions which led to Cruises stopped cars.

First, the sheer number of people at the concert forced Cruise workers to remotely operate some of their autonomous vehicles at the park to help them navigate through the crowds and other obstacles.

But the high volume of people on their phones, using the same cell network, slowed down Cruises ability to remotely access its cars, rendering some of them stuck in the middle of roads.

According to Cruise, the companys vehicles are programmed to pull over to the side of the road, even without being commanded to, when there are cellular connection issues. But at Outside Lands, Cruise workers had to manually assist its cars and shut them down.

This has personal safety implications, Shladover said. If Cruise cant access their vehicles remotely while theyre in operation, then people could get hurt. If theyre going to have to stop the vehicles on the roads that have evacuation routes for people who are trying to get away from a dangerous situation, thats now impairing the safety of everybody else.

Billy Riggs, director of the University of San Franciscos Autonomous Vehicles and the City Initiative, agreed that these issues could have frightening consequences.

This is absolutely something we need to think about, he said. This is precisely what we saw happen during 9/11. New York had such a fragile cell network that it couldnt handle all the outages, as well as the stress on the network, and it collapsed. Whether or not the automated vehicles put that much additional stress on the network, Im not sure.

But Riggs put the blame squarely on The Citys cell providers  primarily Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile  for not being able to accommodate the self-driving cars at Outside Lands.

I think the bigger issue is, in many of our high-tech cities, we have poor cellular service, said Riggs, who supported the CPUCs decision to let Cruise and Waymo expand limit-free in The City. The problem here is we are continuing to restrict our ability to move to a mobile society. But were still operating on infrastructure that may not support that.

He said the public has the right to ask questions about Cruises responsibility, but centering the discussion around the robotaxi company is a distraction from the real issue of whether or not San Franciscos infrastructure is durable enough for peak events.

In a statement to The Examiner, Cruise said it made significant changes to address this issue and operated without a hitch for the remaining two days of the concert. The company said it is continuing to make additional modifications to improve its cars abilities to operate under different cell network conditions.

Cruise needs to recognize when they have some sort of huge concentration of activity, they better limit how many vehicles they send into that area, Shladover said. So they may just need to say, Sorry, we cant serve that particular function because theres not going to be adequate cell coverage. They need to ask the cell carriers, What are you doing to ensure theres going to be good cell service, when that mega-event occurs? And are we going to be able to depend on your cellular network for that?

A T-Mobile spokesperson told The Examiner that Cruise never approached them before or during the event about leveraging their network to support their vehicles.

A Verizon spokesperson said their network in San Francisco is designed to manage bigger events like Outside Lands and that the company is continuing to work with Cruise to encourage their developers to create technology compatible with their networks.

Cruise said it has redundancies set up in its system  if one of the three cell carriers fails or is at capacity, vehicles can still access the network using one of the other two. But Shladover said if all three networks were saturated during Outside Lands, it raises a lot of questions about the capacity of the cellular network.

Right now, its just a few hundred vehicles between the two companies, he said. What happens when there are thousands of vehicles from those companies on the road?
Cancer treatment developer BiVictriX Therapeutics has secured a significant patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), it announced on Wednesday, for its flagship therapeutic asset, BVX001.

The AIM-traded company said the patent was part of the broader Therapy patent family, which was currently undergoing review in eight different global territories.

It said the issued patent in the US granted comprehensive protection at the antigen level for BVX001.

In technical terms, the US-awarded patent encompassed broad rights for an antibody-based treatment combined with a cytotoxic, or cell-killing, component.

That, the board said, could be an alternative antibody drug conjugate (ADC) therapy or any related therapeutic method.

It said the key feature of the therapy was its ability to target BiVicitriXs unique Bi-Cygni twin antigen fingerprint, labelled CD7 x CD33.

That targeted approach was said to be particularly useful in the treatment of blood cancers that display both CD7 and CD33 markers, such as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

It added that the patent safeguards the company's rights across any haematological cancer type that tests positive for those markers, offering an extensive protective umbrella for BiVictriX.

That protection would persist even if alternative therapeutic methods or components were employed - a tactic often used by competitors to design rival treatments.

On the heels of the US patent's approval, which was anticipated following a notice of allowance in July, BiVictriX said it had received an additional notice of allowance from the Japanese Patent Office concerning a related patent.

That patent was expected to be greenlit in Japan in the coming weeks.

BiVictriX disclosed that it was in the process of seeking approval for the patent family in six other global jurisdictions, adding that it anticipated more patent approvals in the coming months.

I am excited to announce that our first patent has been granted in the United States, said chief executive officer Tiffany Thorn.

This patent relates to our broadest patent family, providing robust protection for BVX001 at the antigen level, across multiple cancer types, and acts as a key milestone for the company demonstrating the breadth of patent protection we can achieve with the Bi-Cygni approach.

This patent grant is expected to be the first of many as we continue to prosecute the wider patent family in seven further jurisdictions worldwide, creating a robust patent protected portfolio.

At 0958 BST, shares in BiVictriX Therapeutics were up 10.15% at 14.32p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
London stocks were set to rise at the open on Wednesday following a positive Asian session, as investors eyed a slew of PMIs.

The FTSE 100 was called to open 10 points higher at 7,280.

CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson said: "Despite the weaker finish for US markets, the resilience in Asia markets looks set to see European markets open slightly higher later this morning."

PMI readings for the eurozone, the UK and the US are due later in the day.

Hewson noted that the last set of flash PMIs saw German manufacturing slide to its lowest levels since the Covid lockdowns at 38.8, "in further signs that the engine of the German economy continues to stutter".

"Weak demand in its key export markets as well as domestically, along with higher energy prices weighing on economic activity," he said.

"The only bright spot was services which came in at 52.3, but even here economic activity was slower, and both sectors are expected to weaken further in August further complication the task of the ECB which is expected to signal a pause in its rate hiking cycle next month. Manufacturing activity is expected to soften further to 38.6, while services is expected to slip to 51.5.

"Economic activity in France was also disappointing in July, although the underperformance was more evenly distributed with both manufacturing and services both in contraction heading into Q3. Manufacturing slipped to 45.1 in July and services dropped to 47.1. With energy prices rising sharply over the last few weeks, its hard to imagine a scenario that will see a significant improvement given the weakness seen in China and other overseas markets. Manufacturing is forecast to come in at 45, and services at 47.5.

"While economic activity has been slowing in Europe, the UK has also seen similar slowdowns in both manufacturing and services, although the composite PMI is just about hanging on in expansion territory, unlike its peers across the Channel."

In corporate news, Reckitt Benckiser announced the departure of chief financial officer and executive director Jeff Carr, who plans to retire at the end of March next year.

Nikes Shannon Eisenhardt will join the consumer goods group on 17 October as CFO designate to succeed Carr.

Eisenhardt currently serves as CFO of consumer, brand and marketplace at Nike.

Elsewhere, Ithaca Energy reported a strong rise in first-half profits as higher production and falling costs offset lower oil and gas prices.

Adjusted core earnings rose 8% to $979.7m. The company said its annual operating cost guidance had narrowed to to $560-$610m from $560-$630m supported by stringent focus on ongoing cost control.

AIM-listed tech group Cohort announced a contract win for a major defence programme worth 17.5m.

The company said its Systems Engineering & Assessment division would be providing an external communications system over a period of 32 months to an unnamed UK customer.

"This contract is another significant win for SEA and will deliver essential communications capability to our customer's programme," said chief executive Andy Thomis.
The DATA NEXT is set to take place on 24th August at the Trident Hotel, Chennai. The theme for this year's event is Integration to Impact and it will bring together a community of data leaders it will address how data leaders can harness the power of data-driven transformation for better business outcomes. This event will bring together 150+ Chief Information Officers, Chief Data Officers, Chief Information Security Officers, Heads of Data, Vice president Analytics, AI, Machine learning and Heads of Customer Analytics from across industries in the region.

The Data Next Conference will provide a platform for industry leaders to discuss the transformation of data for better business outcomes. The conference will be led by industry leaders like- Srinivas Rao Kollipara, SVP & CIDO - Brakes India, Ravi Kiran Avvaru, Chief Digital and Data Officer - Sundaram Clayton Limited, Ravi Peddhibhotla, CDO - TVS Electronics, Suresh Kumar Palanivel, Head of GMO MI and Data AnalyticsBarclays, Vani Gopalan- Director and India Delivery Head- Global Business Solutions Technology- Flowserve.

One of the key topics that will be discussed at the conference is Unlocking the Future with Data. This session will focus on data centric leadership to enhance the business value agenda taking about the critical role of data-centric leadership in driving business success, unlocking the potential of tech and data to align them with strategic goals.

Some of the other key topics that will be covered at the conference include Cloud to Maximize Data Efficiency. This panel will cover ground on the increased use of cloud and hybrid cloud services is one of the top data trends and how hybrid cloud strikes a balance between public and private clouds, providing enhanced agility by leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies.

Analytics and BI for Valuable Insights is another key topic that will be discussed at the conference. This session will explore the impact on how the growth of business intelligence has been recognized as a game-changer for firms in today's data-driven world. By harnessing the power of data and analytics, business intelligence empowers companies with valuable insights that drive informed decision-making and strategic planning. Organizations may uncover hidden patterns, trends, and correlations in their data using advanced data collecting, analysis, and visualization tools, giving them a thorough picture of their operations, clients, and markets.

The DATA NEXT is supported by Denodo as a Gold Partner. International Business Magazine, World Business Outlook, The Global Hues, Block Tides, Coinvoice, Asia Token Fund, Silicon India, News Startup and CEO Insights as Media Partners. This conference is an opportunity for CDOs, CIOs, CISOs, CTO and heads of data and analytics and customer experience to gain a better understanding on ethical data governance, data democratisation and cloud computation for enhanced business outcomes.

For more information on the DATA NEXT conference, please visit the official webiste [https://nextechsummit.com/datanext/chennai/]. Register today to enquire to secure your spot at this exciting and informative event
Wells Fargo Home Lending has announced that it will offer $10,000 Homebuyer Access grants to eligible homebuyers who currently live in or are purchasing homes in certain underserved communities in eight different metropolitan areas throughout the country  and sections of NYC and New Jersey are included in the programs boundaries.

Homeownership is central to building wealth but has been out of reach for many minority families as a result of systemic inequalities in housing and finance, said Kevin Reen, head of Wells Fargo Home Lending. One of the biggest barriers to achieving homeownership is coming up with the down payment. Were proud to make this dream a reality for families through our new $10,000 Homebuyer Access grant.

Wells Fargo says no repayment is required for the grants.

The offering falls under the companys Special Purpose Credit Program (SPCP) and will be available to homebuyers who earn a combined 120% or less of the area median income in the county where the subject property is located. According to the Wells Fargo website, families in Richmond county need to earn less than $118,000 combined income to qualify.

The grant funds can only be used toward the down payment on a Wells Fargo fixed-rate conventional loan secured by a property that will be the purchasers primary residence, the lender notes in a press release. Homebuyers who are eligible for the Homebuyer Access grant can combine the grant with many other programs for which they may qualify.

The Homebuyer Access grants are available initially to homebuyers who are purchasing homes in or who currently live in select areas in the following metropolitan areas:

MinneapolisSt. PaulBloomington, MN-WI

PhiladelphiaCamdenWilmington, PA-NJ-MD-DE

DallasFt. WorthArlington, TX

WashingtonArlingtonAlexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

BaltimoreColumbiaTowson, MD

AtlantaSandy SpringsAlpharetta, GA

CharlotteConcordGastonia, NC-SC

New YorkNewarkJersey City, NY-NJ-PA

Wells Fargo does not specify on its website what specific communities in the designated metro areas are included in the program.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The NYPD is asking the publics assistance in locating an individual sought for questioning in connection with a grand larceny in Tottenville.

The incident occurred on Monday, July 31, at around 6:24 p.m., according to police.

An unknown individual removed a 26-year-old female victims credit cards, without permission, inside of 7001 Amboy Rd. The individual fled southbound on Amboy Road. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.

The location is listed as a Walgreens store.

Police did not provide a description of the suspect, but did release surveillance photos of the woman sought for questioning.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, on Twitter @NYPDTips.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers to immediately stop using two brands of popular eye drops because of bacterial and fungal contamination.

Dr. Bernes MSM Drops 5% Solution and LightEyez MSM Eye Drops  Eye Repair are to be immediately discarded, the FDA announced on Tuesday, Aug. 22.

Using contaminated eye drops could result in minor to serious vision-threatening infection, which could possibly progress to a life-threatening infection, according to the FDA.

Dr. Bernes products are distributed by Dr. Bernes Whole Health Products; LightEyez products are distributed by LightEyez Limited.

The FDA recommends consumers properly discard these products as FDA describes.

The FDA announcement said no adverse events have been reported to be associated with use of either products at this time.

Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection should talk to their health care professional or otherwise seek medical care immediately.

The Dr. Bernes and LightEyez eye drop products also contain methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) as an active ingredient, the FDA said.

These products are unapproved drugs and illegally marketed in the U.S. There are no legally marketed ophthalmic drugs that contain MSM as an active ingredient, according to the FDA.

The FDAs testing showed the products were contaminated with microbes and were not sterile. Under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, eye drops must be sterile to be safe for use.

Dr. Berne verbally agreed on Aug. 21, 2023, to voluntary recall the Dr. Bernes MSM Drops 5% Solution.

FDA emailed LightEyez Limited on August 21, 2023 seeking to discuss FDAs concerns with LightEyez products distributed in the U.S. and further steps to protect consumers from using the contaminated eye drops. To date, LightEyez has not responded to FDA.

FDA encourages health care professionals and consumers to report adverse events or quality problems with any medicine to FDAs MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Suspects in a stolen car crashed into multiple vehicles while they were eluding police on the Staten Island Expressway, a law-enforcement source told the Staten Island Advance/silive.com.

This underscores a recent trend of underage drivers in stolen vehicles being taken into custody on Staten Island.

In a continuation of a disturbing trend, this incident marks the fourth time in two weeks that teens in stolen cars prompted police activity within the borough.

According to the law-enforcement source, at around 8:05 a.m., a 2022 black Mercedes Benz was stolen from the Todt Hill Road area before fleeing into New Jersey.

At approximately 11 a.m. the same stolen luxury vehicle came back onto Staten Island over the Bayonne Bridge, causing police to pursue it down the length of the Staten Island Expressway toward the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, before coming to a stop near the Fingerboard Road exit.

Five unidentified teenagers were take into police custody, the law enforcement source said.

A 15-year-old, three 17-year-olds, and an 18-year-old individual have pending charges in relation to the pursuit, according to the source.

An eyewitness to the scene on the Staten Island Expressway, motorist Anthony Soscia told the Staten Island Advance/silive.com that he observed approximately 10 police officers approach the stolen Mercedes Benz with their service weapons drawn.

The people inside the vehicle would not open the door,' Soscia said. The lead officers then broke the glass both on the drivers and passenger side. The passengers were cuffed and taken away.

A DISTURBING TREND

Four car thefts on Staten Island in two weeks triggered police responses, multiple crashes and the arrests of at least nine teens.

The first incident, on Aug. 14, a police chase involving two juvenile suspects, took out a Concord-based firefighter monument honoring those whove died in the line of duty.

Two 16-year-old males were arrested at the scene after a brief pursuit, a police spokesperson said at the time.

On the same day, a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy driving a stolen vehicle attempted to flee police in Castleton Corners, but instead crashed the car and were arrested with a loaded firearm, police allege.

The teenagers in that case now face charges of grand larceny auto, criminal possession of a loaded firearm, reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, fleeing an officer in a vehicle and disorderly conduct, according to a written statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

The third incident, also on Aug. 14, resulted in a large NYPD search for individuals in connection to a car stolen in New Jersey. The search temporarily blocked the Grasmere stretch of Hylan Boulevard. Several individuals were taken into custody in connection to the stolen vehicle.

As a result of the aforementioned incidents, Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon issued a call for legislative changes to the states Raise the Age law.

Raise the Age was intended to provide young offenders with a less-punitive environment in family court while also attempting to deter recidivism and encourage connection to support services.

These laws also undo the tremendous work of our partners in the NYPD, and fail our children by excusing them of any responsibility or accountability for their criminal actions, said McMahon. Things must change, and my office will continue our aggressive advocacy to Governor Hochul and our state legislative leaders to fix this disastrous so-called reform before more Staten Islanders are hurt.



RELATED COVERAGE: Recent Staten Island news

>> Home buyers can get $10K grant toward downpayment if purchasing in parts of NYC and N.J.

>> Staten Island man, 19, charged in New Brighton shooting that left 1 injured

>> NFL players home explodes, killing his father : reports

>> Yankees drop outfielder, place another on IL to make space for prospects

>> Target debuts new service: Starbucks delivery to your car
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine booster is about to become available in the U.S.  just as new variants are picking up speed and most Americans start spending more time indoors.

But who, exactly, should head to the pharmacy for the shot, and will it be effective against the newest variants?

Many may think the new bivalent booster, expected to become available in September, is just for those who are most vulnerable to the virus. But, in fact, the booster is being pitched as a new annual vaccination for all age groups, like the flu vaccine, encouraged to all.

Everyone  even those who have not previously been vaccinated against COVID-19  should roll up their sleeves for the new booster, according to the CDC and New York City medical experts.

If someone has not taken even a single dose, the CDC is saying just take the bivalent and youre good,' said Dr. Jessie Saverimuttu, an infectious disease specialist and physician chairwoman for the Infection Control Committee at Richmond University Medical Center. The CDC believes they will get adequate protection.

While the new COVID subvariant EG.5 continues to be a dominant strain in the United States, another variant  FL.1.5.1  is causing particular concern in the Northeast, and those who are vulnerable should wear a mask and be cautious, Saverimutto told SILive.com.

In fact, FL.1.5.1 is leading the way on Staten Island, according to Saverimuttu, but the anticipated COVID booster shot can handle it, doctors say.

It covers even the newer variant, Saverimutto explained. Thats what theyre encouraging everyone to take it.

As we head indoors in colder weather, doctors are advising people to test for COVID frequently and mask up if they suspect they might have it  to avoid spreading the virus.

Symptoms for the newest variants remain largely the same as for previous variants, the CDC says. Cold and flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches, cough, headache and fatigue are most often reported.

Those who are immunocompromised should wear a mask for their own protection, Saverimutto said.

The at-home COVID tests currently on the market will detect the new variants, she said, and those testing positive should not venture into public spaces, even if symptoms are mild.

If you have any conditions that are making you vulnerable, avoid crowds, wash your hands, wear the mask, she said. If you are feeling sick yourself, be sure not to expose other people.

But dont panic, Saverimuttu stressed.

The two variants are very similar, separated by merely one variation in the spike protein, and are considered variants of interest by the World Health Organization, due to their steady growth and transmissibility. Both variants are descendants of the omicron variant.

The variants are still evolving, Saverimuttu said, and though they are causing a rise in hospitalizations, so far, the symptoms are most often not leading to respiratory failure, she said.

Medical experts said EG.5 has been reported in more than 50 countries. And though its most prevalent in China, the United States follows closely behind, as does South Korea, Japan and Canada, according to WHO.

Currently, EG.5 is causing more than 20% of new COVID-19 cases in the country, as of Aug. 18, according to the CDCs latest estimates. FL.1.5.1 makes up 13.3% of U.S. infections, the CDC reports.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is constantly changing and accumulating mutations in its genetic code over time, the CDC said, and new variants are expected to continue to emerge, with some disappearing while others spread and replace previous variants.
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The price rises and delivery charges Dominos put through last year to offset rising ingredient and fuel costs have hurt its pizza sales, prompting the company to make 200 staff redundant globally as part of a cost-cutting program.

Dominos Pizza boss Don Meij declined to say how many jobs would be lost in Australia. But he vowed that customers wont pay more for their pizza in coming months after earnings fell 23.3 per cent to $201.7 million in the year ended June, and net profit slumped 74.4 per cent to $40.6 million.

I want to be clear to our customers facing cost of living pressures, we do not expect to pass on pricing increases this year, he said. Soft commodities, food ingredients, are coming down in price.

Dominos chief executive Don Meij has promised no more price increases.

The pizza company introduced, then retracted, a 6 per cent delivery service fee last year after the extra charge resulted in people buying fewer pizzas.
Qantas boss Alan Joyce has been summoned to a parliamentary inquiry for the first time in nine years, where hell be subject to questions about the groups role in affecting cost of living pressures.

Joyce will appear before the Senate select committee on the cost of living on Monday, days after revealing whats expected to be a record profit for his final year at the helm of Australias biggest airline.

Qantas boss Alan Joyce will appear before the Senate committee into the cost of living on Monday. Credit: Louie Douvis

Although it is customary for chief executives of ASX-listed companies to regularly appear before the Senate, none have appeared at this inquiry. A formal summons issued for a chief executive is unusual given they are not a public officeholder.

Qantas rival airline Virgin Australia was represented at this inquiry by its head of corporate affairs, Christian Bennett, and head of government relations, Todd Reynolds. Companies including Coles and Woolworths have also sent executives in similar positions.
In his valedictory speech to parliament in 2019, Christopher Pyne remarked that he didnt have a rags-to-riches story like many of his fellow MPs. Although I once did have to get my own lemon for a gin and tonic, he added to howls of laughter.

Christopher Pyne wanted to prove his working-class credentials with a shoey. Credit: John Shakespeare

Now reborn as a lobbyist making a motza in the lucrative defence sector, the former defence minister vowed to go one better on Tuesday night at Toppi Bar and Restaurant in Martin Place.

Standing atop a plastic milk crate  I need some elevation! he exclaimed in that unmistakable South Australian squawk  Pyne vowed: To prove my working-class credentials I think Ill do a shoey later on!

The fixer, as he dubbed himself, may be a tribal Liberal, but he was wining and dining denizens of the NSW Labor Party in a bid to beef up his lobbying shop Pyne and Partners centre-left bona fides.
Literary agent Jane Novak was sitting with a friend at Sydney Writers Festival waiting for Richard Flanagans closing address. But what was really occupying the two women was not the imminent talk, but the lack of involvement of Australias literary community in the campaign for an Indigenous Voice to parliament.

They had seen various sporting codes come out in support, but were surprised writers had not made a similar commitment to back the Yes vote in the upcoming referendum.

Anita Heiss says if the referendum does not pass it would be a monumental seback. Credit: Janie Barrett

Late last week, the Writers for the Voice website went live and already about 400 writers have added their names to it. I got about 200 emails over the weekend, Novak said. Among the signatories are Helen Garner, Anna Funder, Stan Grant, Shankari Chandran, Peter Doherty, Richard Flanagan, Tom Keneally, and many other writers.

Novak says her friend told her, if you do something, Ill help you, and thats how it started. They spent a lot of time talking about what they could do and how, and paid for the development of the website, which includes background information explaining the long lead-up to the referendum, the proposed changes to the constitution, and information about how the Voice will operate. The material had been approved by constitutional lawyer Professor Megan Davis, who sat on the prime ministers Referendum Council, she added.
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 I dont look quite as good in Dior as Meghan Markle but somehow we have more people listening, says Chris Black, who co-hosts the popular How Long Gone podcast with Jason Stewart (its the one all your cool friends subscribe to, according to Vulture). When youre on a platform where being young and attractive is so important  podcasting is the antithesis to that  and celebrity podcasts continue to fail, Stewart says. People just want to hear if youre good at talking. Our chat over Zoom  with Black, 40, in his New York apartment and Stewart, 42, in his Los Angeles home  occurs less than a week after Spotify cut ties with Markle, whose Archetypes podcast topped the charts before dropping out of the top 20 within two months. [Archetypes wasnt renewed] because theyre boring, Black says of Markle and her husband, Prince Harry. Theyre not real people, they cant behave in any relatable way  and how could they? Especially him; this motherf----r literally could have been king. Thats a completely unrelatable premise. Weve both been sober and weve both been on drugs and we can talk about it in an honest way that doesnt hurt each others feelings. Jason Stewart, How Long Gone co-host Youre not going to hear a critical word coming out of their mouths; everything is amazing and awesome, Stewart adds. A lesson Ive learned from being a DJ for so long is that podcasting is a career path. Much like DJ-ing, every single person says, I can do that and make a lot of money! Then two months in theyre like, Were awful at podcasting, the ratings are bad and were losing sponsors  but I dont care because [Im already a rich celebrity].

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Had Markle been bold enough to divulge titbits such as, We stayed at Oprahs house and I gotta be honest, it aint all that, Black believes Archetypes would still be going strong. Just be your rich, authentic self! Stewart says. If Prince Harry was talking about real rich motherf----r royalty shit, people would love it! In October, Stewart and Black will visit Australia to perform a live show at Melbournes Thornbury Theatre. If you walk up and talk to someone, whether its friendly or not, their guard is already up, says Black (left). Credit: James W Mataitis Bailey Why Melbourne? I inquire, anticipating a volley of flattering cliches about coffee, laneways and galleries. Because thats what was offered to us by the promoter, Black deadpans. I had my heart set on the Gold Coast but it didnt work out. He says the show will probably include a guest or two and will challenge Australians peculiar pride in trendy cafe breakfasts (Its just eggs, avocado and bread!) but will otherwise be loosely sketched with plenty of free-flowing banter. As were talking, Stewart begins nibbling a cannabis-infused gummy while the now-sober Black, who spent years battling an opioid addiction, watches on. This might seem insensitive to some but in many ways, it illustrates the widespread appeal of How Long Gone, which counts Australia among its top five countries by listenership. (All up, the duo have recorded 530 episodes, attracting more than 900,000 monthly listeners.)

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Weve both been sober and weve both been on drugs and we can talk about it in an honest way that doesnt hurt each others feelings, Stewart says. Were not brushing it under the rug and letting it fester into something unhealthy. Sobriety is more talked about now than ever, Black observes. Its almost as much of a trend as it was for us to do coke in our 20s. I cant do it any more because I took it too far but it would be weird not to talk about it because its something people are encountering more in their own lives. Having become friends 15 years ago after crossing paths in the music industry, they started How Long Gone as an experiment in 2020, shortly after the pandemic took hold. As one critic described it, they built the podcast into something compelling and unique  a comedy show, in-depth interview and niche scene report rolled into one. Loading Guests span the media, fashion, literature, music and business industries; the only requirement, Stewart says, is that theyre down to clown  to hit the ball back to us, have a fun conversation and entertain people. Politics comes up only occasionally, work is never discussed and trivial arguments get a good airing. It allows people to turn off their smart, professional brain for one hour, Stewart says. Its a calm, soothing release where people can speak freely and theres no need to get too crazy or mentally challenging.

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Data provided to him and Black by Spotify show that for every 100 listeners, almost 60 are men, nearly 40 are women and two are non-binary. While the streaming giant doesnt document sexual orientation, Black and Stewart estimate a roughly even split between straight and gay fans, despite being dubbed a bro-cast because they are heterosexual men. Gay people are usually more funny, women are usually more smart so why not try to be more like them? Stewart says. I dont blame people for stereotyping us into that category but it just gives us a fun hole to climb out of. Loading Taking offence to a remark or argument, both insist, should signal the start of a conversation, not the end. When Chris disagrees with something I believe in strongly, Im instantly excited, Stewart says. We can engage in a fun, playful discourse versus, You just said something that makes me want to dox your family and kill your pets. Starting the podcast as adults, they believe, has been crucial to its success. When youre younger, everything is life or death, Black says. Growing the show the way we have is about the wisdom of age, the wisdom of having careers, living life, failing and succeeding.

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Tim Ballard has had it with being linked to QAnon conspiracies.

The former US Department of Homeland Security agent, who estimates he has gone on several dozen missions to rescue sex-trafficked children since founding Operation Underground Railroad a decade ago, has become the public face of the surprise American box office hit Sound of Freedom.

Ballard is played by Jim Caviezel from The Passion of the Christ in a dark low-budget thriller that has taken a stunning $US178 million  more than the latest Indiana Jones and Mission: Impossible movies  since faith-based distributor Angel Studios released it on Independence Day.

Jim Caviezel plays former US government agent Tim Ballard in Sound of Freedom. Credit: Angel Studios

While it dramatises a mission to rescue sex-trafficked children in Colombia without taking sides politically, the movie has been championed by the far right in Americas fractious culture wars.
In NSW, the states opposition has launched an extraordinary attack on the anti-corruption watchdog, warning the integrity agency may have broken the law in its reckless power grab to obtain new powers to access potentially illegally recorded conversations.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption has sought special powers to access recorded private conversations in its investigation into claims senior Liberals were involved in branch stacking to help fugitive Jean Nassif secure development applications.

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has taken an extraordinary swipe at the ICAC. Credit: James Brickwood

The chief commissioner of the ICAC, John Hatzistergos, wrote to the state government earlier this month requesting the additional powers after the watchdog obtained certain evidence which appears to be records of private conversations made by a third party.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman slammed the Labor governments decision to grant the watchdog its request for the powers, describing it as a massive power grab by and on behalf of ICAC.

Speakman said the opposition would support a disallowance motion in the upper house, moved by Liberal Democrat MP John Ruddick, to block the regulation to grant ICAC the extra powers.

You have an ICAC and a government that have made this reckless and outrageous and outlandish and over-the-top power grab, Speakman said. I regret to say that theres a real question whether we have an integrity agency that has broken the law.

However, Speakman acknowledged that he has no information about whether the ICAC had listened to and communicated the contents of the recording before seeking the new powers.

The ICAC said in a statement that a closer review of the records would be required to establish whether there have been contraventions of the Surveillance Devices Act and it had not undertaken such a review at this time.

Read the full story.
In many parts of modern-day Sydney, churches are an anachronism  the sandstone relic on the hill. As Australians flee faith, some, such as Holy Trinity, on the northern beaches, have lost so many parishioners that they have been closed or even demolished.

But at Oran Park, a new suburb on the citys fringe, Sydneys Anglicans were undeterred by emptying pews. When the area was still paddocks, they secured land to build a church, school and aged care home. They were there before most government services.

Pastor Stuart Starr outside the New Life Anglican Church in Oran Park. Credit: Nick Moir

This approach is central to Anglicans plans to future-proof their religion in an increasingly secular city. They plan not only to preach to Sydneys new suburbs, but to weave faith into their fabric. The idea isnt really to come on and impose a church on people, but be part of the community, Minister Stuart Starr says.

Churches in the English-speaking world are at a crossroads. Religious affiliation is plummeting, leaving many houses of worship empty and unviable. The Church of Scotland is grappling with its vacant kirks. In the United States, thousands have shut.
Every day at St Raphaels Catholic Primary School in South Hurstville, a teacher sets a countdown timer at the front of the room and students get to work on a mathematics quiz.

Children in each year are tested on concepts learnt throughout the year and have just five minutes to finish it.

Teachers Lisa De Freitas and Karen Woods with year 3 students from St Raphaels Catholic Primary School in South Hurstville. Credit: Nick Moir

It is not to add any pressure, it is about students taking responsibility for their own learning, says Karen Woods, who co-ordinates the schools gifted and talented program.

Across NSW, just 20 per cent of year 3 students scored in the exceeding band in NAPLAN reading, while only 15 per cent of students made the top grade in maths.
Following President Joe Biden's decision last month to keep Space Command in Colorado Springs, a powerful Alabama lawmaker is calling for a hearing on Space Command that would feature high-level military leaders.

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., is calling on Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, U.S. Space Command leader Gen. James Dickinson and Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman to testify in front of the House Armed Services Committee on the decision to leave Space Command in Colorado Springs rather than move it to Huntsville. Rogers chairs the committee.

Colorado leaders bask in Space Command victory after facing uneven odds on congressional committees

It's unclear when a Space Command hearing might happen. Congress is in recess for the month of August. Space Command could reach full operational capacity by the end of the month.

Biden picked Colorado Springs as the permanent home for Space Command after dueling arguments from Dickinson and Kendall were presented to him. Dickinson wanted to see it stay in place to reach full operational capacity sooner and Kendall argued the command should move to Huntsville, several national outlets including The Associated Press reported.

Rogers said in a news release Tuesday he wanted Kendall, Dickinson and Saltzman to testify on Biden's decision because it usurped Kendall's selection.

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"We will get answers on President Bidens political manipulation of the selection process, he said in the news release.

President Donald Trump previously selected Huntsville in 2021 as the home of Space Command headquarters, which deters aggression in space and would make the call to defend it if necessary. The command is separate from Space Force, the youngest military branch.

Space Command decision: Alabama lawmaker threatens to subpoena military officials

Rogers' announcement follows an article published by AL.com, the state's largest news site, that pointed out Dickinson's ties to Colorado. The story cited Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, who released public documents to the press showing that Dickinson bought a ranch in Colorado earlier this year before the decision on Space Command.

The story did not point out that Dickinson is soon slated to leave his post as the head of Space Command. His replacement, Space Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting, has already had his nomination hearing in the Senate and he is awaiting confirmation. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala, is holding up that confirmation as part of his effort to block all Senate confirmations over the Department of Defense's abortion policies.

At the same time, space is heating up with China planning to launch thousands of new satellites and the war in Ukraine and Russia demonstrating how critical satellites are in communication.
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 disappointing results reported in NAPLAN are not surprising, nor unexpected (Nearly third battle to reach proficiency in new NAPLAN, August 23). The most disadvantaged students in NSW attend the most neglected and under-resourced schools where a significant proportion of the student cohort would be considered hard-to-teach and/or high needs. We are also told that one in five students has a learning disability. So long as disadvantaged and/or learning disabled students cannot get the support they need in schools and classrooms that are properly resourced to meet those needs no improvement can be foreseen. Of course, we have known this for years and yet when the truth is told, as in this years NAPLAN, we are supposed to be surprised and hopefully do better next year. Words and opinions are cheap, action that will actually make a difference is eye-wateringly expensive, so we can look forward to the same or worse next year. Irene Buckler, Glenwood Illustration: John Shakespeare Credit: Gosh! Shock! Horror! The Gonski report from years ago told us that harder to educate children are in underfunded schools and now we have another report saying the same thing. Private schools are still overfunded and public schools are still underfunded. Was it Albert Einstein who said the definition of madness is doing the same thing and expecting a different result? Carol Witt, Boronia Park Its no wonder that nearly a third battle to reach proficiency in NAPLAN when underlying factors are revealed. Twenty-five per cent of students have either a disability or a learning difficulty, of which two-thirds attend public schools which are underfunded and understaffed. Over 50 per cent of Australian students come from backgrounds other than English, but funding cuts to the number of EALD support teachers, as well as increased placement of these students in mainstream classes has limited the support they require. No wonder Australian classrooms are more disruptive, when private schools are overfunded and public schools have to battle for the educational needs of all students to be met. Vanessa Tennent, Oatley Controversial as it might seem, public schools, even if adequately staffed and adequately resourced, cannot bridge the worsening gaps on their own; their teachers need the support of the parents and the communities from which their students come (Letters, August 23). Students need to have a role-model, be motivated and supported in the home and the community to improve. It is ironic that we are discussing increasing gaps between divergent groups of pupils at the same time as it was reported that a teacher was required (after the parent complained) to apologise to a student for setting improvement tasks, and causing him or her unnecessary stress. Having spent 40 years as a teacher I cannot understand why any sane person would consider a career in education these days. Teachers seem to be overburdened, under-resourced, no longer highly regarded and under siege, yet are still expected to perform miracles. Arthur Cooper, Alstonville Productive classroom behaviour depends on mutual respect between teachers and students. Students and parents take their cues from society. The state government demonstrates its respect by funding only 90 per cent of the resource allocation for public education, by housing students in demountable classrooms and by paying teacher salaries so low that teachers qualify for affordable housing. Jo Mansergh, Mount Kuring-Gai

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Lobbyists still have too much influence in politics The possibility that Eraring power station closure may be delayed with other doubtful environment decisions makes me wonder who is advising the government (Closing Eraring exposes NSW to energy shortfalls, August 23). The argument that it would be a stop gap measure till enough renewables come on stream may be true, but these arguments seem similar those the fossil fuel lobby has used to feather their nest before. NSW and federal governments have improved transparency of political donations, but political parties still depend on donations and donations buy influence. With the Northern Hemisphere on fire and time running out to defeat climate change I dont feel confident that the fossil fuel lobby doesnt still have too much influence. Maybe getting money right out of politics by funding parties from the public purse would be money well spent. Gary Barnes, Mosman As much as I hate polluting coal-fired power stations we dropped the ball over the past 30 years by privatising too many state electricity assets and then having no plan to replace them in time. Readers upset by the proposed extension of Eraring beyond 2025 would be the first to complain during the inevitable blackouts that are coming if we close coal stations faster that we replace the capacity with gas or preferably with renewables.

Its a bit like going on a long car journey and putting in less petrol at each fuel stop than the car is consuming, which means at some point you will run out. Peter Kamenyitzky, Castle Hill Illustration: Wilcox Credit: Taxpayer meddling to keep coal power stations open beyond what the climate science deems necessary to safeguard our planet shows an utter failure of the climate wars and a decade of coalition energy policy failure (Green groups lose faith over coal, August 23). If we had kept a price on carbon, we would have had a far cheaper market-based mechanism to get industry and polluters to act, and would have been far further down the path of transitioning to becoming a green energy superpower. The carbon tax should have been as uncontroversial as the GST but were still picking up the pieces of this confected culture war. Shame. Jasper Lee, Ashfield I keep coming to the same economic conclusion when I think about climate change and the cost of power. When all is said and done, the price of the wind, the sun and the water is free. Once infrastructure is built there are no input costs. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, require extraction, transport and refinement. These all cost money, prices fluctuate according to self-serving markets. While I know there are transitional issues we would be economically mad not to go to renewables as soon as possible. John Rome, Mt Lawley (WA)

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Changes to housing rules part of the solution for koalas Its really not hard. Koalas dont have the luxury of living just anywhere (73,000 houses on hold as minister prioritises koala habitat, August 23). Quarantine areas where koalas live from development and logging. Once koalas are extinct, thats it. We dont get a second chance with them, or all the other species we are madly making become extinct. There are other options to increase housing that are more immediate than building new houses and infrastructure. For example, limit the number of investment properties on which people can claim negative gearing and the capital gains 50 per cent rule. This will start to return housing from an investment strategy to a human right. Someone has to be bold. I thought the Labor state and federal governments might be. Now I am just disappointed as they step away from their environmental and the other commitments they made during their election campaigns. Laura Beaupeurt, Callala Bay That we fail to be inspired by the greatest developer on the planet, nature, is the crux as to why we are becoming undone. The development of a natural system has its foundations reinforced through resilience, sustainability, flexibility and conditions-based evolution. In juxtaposition, anthropogenic development follows the tenant of expand rapidly, irrespective of the defining limitations and constraints the landscape sets out in our path of reckless growth. Steve Dillon, Thirroul Confident PM Its good to see Anthony Albanese sticking to his guns in his support for the Yes campaign (Countdown as PM spruiks Yes vote, August 28). Naysayers seem to believe that because of negative polling we should all give up any ideas about First Nations people getting a Voice to parliament, neatly forgetting the old but always accurate political truth  the only poll that counts will be the one on referendum day. Nick Franklin, Katoomba Reform ideas There are two reforms Jim Chalmers should consider: first, to change the objective from maximising profits for shareholders, to ensuring that all stakeholders in the company receive a fair and reasonable return (Chalmers to get tough on monopolies, August 23). The second is to recognise that the company controlling the group is the responsible legal entity, and it must produce annually group accounts, and that any company in the group going into liquidation, cannot be liquidated through insufficiency of funds if there are funds within the group available for payment of creditors. John Ryan, Thirroul

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Closed Nation Lets see, first there were the disaffected departures of David Ettridge and David Oldfield, then we had Rod Culleton, Fraser Anning, and Brian Burston; and now its Mark Latham and Rod Roberts (One Nation in turmoil, August 23). I wonder what, or who, the common denominator is. Looks like theres not much oneness about that nation. Adrian Connelly, Springwood If you had searched for One Nation in a thesaurus at any time since it began, its synonyms would have been chaos, turmoil, bedlam, disorder, pandemonium. The latest eruption is just a reminder, not an unexpected event. Lyn Savage, Coogee One Nation becoming an indeterminate number of nations arguing over ethics is amusing theatre. Tony Doyle, Fairy Meadow Reality check Coles CEO implies that retail crime  shoplifting  is driven by the rising cost of living (Coles hit by wave of shoplifters as cost-of-living pressure bites, August 23). It wouldnt have anything to do with channelling shoppers through self-service check-outs would it? She then bemoans that eating out, takeaway meals and coffees are increasingly seen as treats. Arent they? I wonder whether this is a case of different intergenerational expectations or need for a reality check. Judith Campbell, Drummoyne Back in the bad old days, Coles and Woolies management wouldnt have been able to blame naughty customers for stealing. They used to employ people called cashiers to make sure they got every cent they were entitled to for their products. No wonder all these management types and their boards get paid so much money. Working out the answer to a tough problem like theft when theres no real check on customers paying for their goods must seem to be almost impossible to solve. But wait  with AI and modern facial recognition technology, what about strapping mandatory hi-tech body cam monitors on everyone during their individual shopping experiences! Could that work? Peter Bower, Naremburn

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Lagging libraries Another Book Week again sees my social media feed awash with dress-ups and I lament the lost opportunities that children have missed in truly experiencing the real Book Week (An Elsa outfit for Book Week? Its time to let it go, August 23). Is there a correlation between this reliance on the dress-up as the main celebration of Book Week in schools and the decreasing numbers of professional teacher librarians and resourcing of school libraries? In the past, Ill bet your kids could tell you the titles of many of the books shortlisted for a Book Week award. How familiar are they with this years list? Cherie Gilmour states we should be encouraging kids to engage with quality childrens literature but that main point of contact, the teacher/librarian, is often missing in their lives. No weekly visits to the school library where the resources have been selected especially for them, no engaging library-focused activities. The need to maintain this profession in all schools is paramount to introduce, engage and foster lifelong reading. Book Week can provide kids with rich experiences of engaging with the best of Australian childrens writing and illustrating. It should be jam-packed with author and illustrator visits and fun, engaging, stimulating activities. Sadly, the annual dress-up parade reflects none of that. Sharon McGuinness, Thirroul A dead great hammerhead shark found caught in a net near a beach on the Gold Coast. Credit: Sea Shepherd Humans the priority in the food chain The annual loss of some marine life is a small price to pay for bathers peace of mind, even if theirs is somewhat a false sense of security (Shark nets will catch plenty of marine animals, not just sharks, August 23). In decision-making, we humans have to have priority. Ross Drynan, Lindfield Shark nets do not prevent shark attacks but do lead to the senseless slaughter of many marine animals. It is poor policy and weak leadership by NSW Labor to reintroduce nets. Claiming this is because alternative technology is not ready is false: smart drum lines, drones and listening stations are already in place. Ruth Roxburgh, Deakin (ACT) Aye, and theres the rub, Graeme Stewart (Letters, August 23). We land-based primates should not be prioritising our recreational oceanic activities over the lives of marine animals.

Peter Butler, Wyongah

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Parents, do not be alarmed by these latest NAPLAN results. What do they show? About one in 10 Australian students are identified as needing additional support while two-thirds of the 1.3 million students who participated in NAPLAN this year achieved the strong or exceeding proficiency bands.

But the troubling facts remain: those who arent meeting expectations are predominantly from low socio-economic backgrounds, attend schools in rural and remote parts of the country, and are Indigenous.

The same cohorts of students identified by years of NAPLAN and other testing regimes are falling behind. None of these results are new or surprising.

The same disparities exist. But educators and policymakers get a fresh start this year  not only a new NAPLAN testing regime, but also new governments. This is a chance to lay the policy groundwork to improve the system and finally generate robust data on what works to improve student achievement.
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

Violent footage of a school attack in Melbournes west shows a group of people in hoodies kicking and stomping on someone on the ground while teachers at Tarneit Senior College try to stop the wild brawl.

The video shows the group kicking, pushing and throwing punches, with one punch thrown in the direction of a staff members head and another staff member falling to the ground.

Police confirmed four teachers were allegedly assaulted while protecting a student at the Leakes Road school at about 3.50pm on Tuesday.
After a six-week trial, a jury in April found Leifer guilty of assaulting and raping Sapper and Erlich between 2004 and 2007, when the pair were pupils at Adass Israel School in Elsternwick, part of a small enclave of ultra-conservative Jewish families in Melbournes inner south-east. Loading The jury found Leifer guilty of 18 rape and sexual assault charges and not guilty of nine. During the trial, she was acquitted of two other charges. Leifer was cleared of all charges relating third sister, Meyer. Leifers years-long subversion and manipulation of Israels justice system to avoid extradition left the sisters, and advocates, with the fear that today would never come. It also jeopardised the relationship between Australia and traditional ally Israel, who repeatedly clashed over failed attempts to extradite Leifer, leaving Australian politicians and the sisters frustrated.

Gamble addressed Erlich and Sapper, who in their evidence explained their own guilt at not stopping the abuse, saying: They were completely innocent victims of the predatory behaviour of Mrs Leifer, and it is she and she alone who should feel guilty. This case is striking for just how vulnerable these victims were, and for the calculating way in which the offender, Mrs Leifer, took callous advantage of those vulnerabilities in order to sexually abuse them for her own sexual gratification. Malka Leifer (right) appears in a court in Israel in 2018. Credit: AP After Leifer was sentenced and Gamble left the courtroom, the sisters could be seen smiling and speaking to family and supporters. Leifer quickly walked out of the prison cameras view. The sentence draws to a close a scandal that has seen the sisters transform from disempowered victims who knew little of the world outside their strict religious enclave, and who were preyed upon by Leifer, to survivor-advocates who now encourage others to report allegations of abuse, sometimes in defiance of their conservative upbringing.

County Court judge Mark Gamble. Their unyielding pursuit of justice stretched over two decades and across several continents, taking the sisters into the halls of power as they pressed their case to former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, Israels then-justice minister Ayelet Shaked, and other leaders. It took upwards of 70 hearings to break through the inertia of Israeli authorities and finally have Leifer sent back to Australia. About 20 years have passed since the sisters abuse inside Adass Israel School and this moment, with Leifer sitting in prison, a single tear rolling down her face as she shifted back and forth during the sentencing. But outside the County Court, the youngest sister, Sapper, spoke of healing.

I think the more time and distance we create we move further away from this trauma, the more ability we have to start healing, she said. For me, healing looks like continuing to add to my family and starting to let go of all this. In his sentencing remarks, Gamble found that Leifer was unlikely to reoffend. The publicity of the case, he reasoned, meant it would be highly unlikely for her to gain access to children in a similar setting ever again  a finding the sisters rejected. When the sisters were asked if they thought Leifer still posed a threat to young girls, Sapper responded, We absolutely do. Meyer added: That statement actually scared us because she has shown no remorse the entire process. I have looked at her so many times on the screen trying to read her, there is no remorse, so I do not believe for a minute that she would not re-offend if she has the opportunity.

Gamble said Leifer abused the sisters at a time when they did not understand the sexual nature of the offending due to their ultra-Orthodox upbringing. He said the victims remained ignorant in sexual matters until marriage. In effect, each of them had no understanding of the sexual nature of the acts Mrs Leifer was engaging in, Gamble said. Gamble said the sisters had suffered at the hands of their mother before Leifer abused them. They were locked in a dark cupboard for lengthy periods, told they were no longer part of the family and dumped at a park. Food was often withheld. It was a miserable home life for the complainants who were starved of love and affection and left in a perpetual state of fear and confusion, he said. The control their mother held over them was relinquished when the Leifer intervened to request their attendance at school, school outings or at her own home. This was because of the reverence that she [the mother] held Mrs Leifer in, Gamble said.

Gamble said the victims gave evidence that the school was a safe haven until the sexual abuse began. Leifer has been in custody since January 2021 when she returned to Australia, and was transported to court each day in a prison van away from public view. During the trial, she focused closely on her barrister Ian Hill, KC, and rarely looked at the jury. Former Victorian premier Ted Baillieu and Caulfield MP David Southwick sat among the sisters supporters. Southwick, who supported the sisters, said the sentence marks the end of a painful and traumatic saga for them and serves as a reminder of the work required to keep children safe. We must acknowledge a difficult truth: the school system utterly failed these women, who were innocent, vulnerable children when these horrendous crimes were committed against them. In the years since, they have waited and fought for justice to be served, despite years of heart-wrenching setbacks and uncertainty.

Leifers charging and prosecution became an international scandal after she successfully fought attempts over several years to bring her to Australia to face the allegations by claiming she was incapable of travel due to a medical condition. Gamble said Leifers lawyers in Israel successfully submitted she was unfit to stand trial, and the case was vacated, but after a police investigation of Leifers condition exposed allegations she was malingering, the extradition process resumed. It is ... clear from the available evidence that Mrs Leifer exaggerated or intensified her mental health problems so as to delay and even frustrate the extradition proceedings, Gamble said. In June, Chief Commissioner Shane Patton confirmed that board members from Adass Israel School who allegedly helped Leifer flee to Israel were again under investigation.

A civil case brought against the school in 2015 revealed that several board members allegedly helped Leifer flee on a 1.20am flight to Israel after a meeting to discuss abuse allegations in March 2008. Its amazing to think back to 2008 when the allegations first surfaced, said Manny Waks, a childhood sexual abuse advocate who is himself a victim. Had those allegations been dealt with appropriately by Adass, by its leadership, then we wouldnt be where we are today because this matter probably would have been resolved years ago. Justice Jack Rush found the circumstances of Leifers departure from Australia extraordinary.

Loading The conduct demonstrates a disdain for due process of criminal investigation in this state, he said. Patton said police suspended their school board investigation while separate criminal proceedings against Leifer were progressing, but reopened the probe after the verdict. The police investigation was first discontinued in 2018 because there was insufficient evidence to proceed with any charges at this time. Police declined to comment on the investigation, but confirmed it was still under way. The Age is not suggesting the board members are likely to be charged. If you need support, call the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Teachers and staff at one of the countrys richest universities will strike for up to a week as industrial negotiations between the institution and the union hit a stalemate.

All National Tertiary Education Union members at the University of Melbourne will stop work from midday on Monday.

Staff at the University of Melbourne will take strike action next week. Credit: Simon Schluter

Union members who work in the Faculty of Arts, Melbourne Law School, the Victorian College of the Arts School of Art, student services, stagecraft and the library will start five to seven day action the same day.

The unions Victorian division secretary Sarah Roberts said thousands of students could be affected.
Billionaire media mogul Kerry Stokes looks set to become the first person to buy a public laneway from the City of Perth in a $675,000 deal that has drawn the ire of residents.

And while the city has attempted to allay concerns about public access by bankrolling a $65,000 study expected to determine whether that access is necessary, its having a harder time quelling criticism over a lack of transparency.

The laneway sale came after an unsolicited bid from a subsidiary of Kerry Stokes Australian Capital Equity.

The council is expected to approve the sale of West Perths Altona laneway when it meets on Tuesday, eight weeks after mulling an unsolicited bid from Comserv, a wholly owned subsidiary of Stokes private investment firm Australian Capital Equity.

City officers have recommended the sale of 177 square metres of laneway bisecting three buildings owned and occupied by Stokes companies, including ACE and his salt and potash exploration vehicle BCI Minerals.
The scruffy, entertaining and mildly eccentric Perth bar boss Dimitri Rtshiladze is the son of a Russian-Georgian emigree family which escaped communisms lethal grasp twice.

Rtshiladzes grandfather fled Georgia to avoid the deathly excesses of the Bolsheviks purges, ending up in Harbin, where he joined the massive Ukrainian, Polish and Georgian diaspora in Chinas coldest capital. Russian is still widely spoken in Harbin. His father was born in Harbin.

Dimitri Rtshiladze (second from left) with his team at Edward and Idas in Northbridge. Credit: Rob Broadfield

When Maos Cultural Revolution saw intellectuals and the middle classes killed in their millions, with a further 20-55 million people dying in the Great Chinese Famine of 1958-1961, Rtshiladzes father fled again, this time to Australia.

Rtshiladze was born in Subiaco and schooled in Churchlands before odd-jobbing around the pub sector, first, at 17 years old as a glassy at the Queens Hotel, followed by the Paddo in Mount Hawthorn and the Claremont Hotel.
The state government has implored Western Australias construction industry to take on the 400 employees left jobless after the forced collapse of a major traffic contractor.

David Hodgson and Andrew Hewitt of Grant Thornton were appointed liquidators for Advanced Traffic Management (WA) on Tuesday after the Federal Court ordered the company be wound up, with hundreds of staff finding out via text on Wednesday.

Advanced Traffic Management entered liquidation on Tuesday. Credit: Advanced Traffic Management.

The ruling ended a four-month pursuit at the hands of those organising the affairs of the collapsed Labour 623 408 855 Pty Ltd, an affiliated labour hire company within the Bellevue-based ATM group.

In July, the Deputy Tax Commissioner joined the lawsuit as a supporting creditor.
Is it possible to be supremely ambitious while having limited ambitions? Anthony Albanese believes it is.

He is in the business of reversing the polarities of Australian politics. If things go the way he wants, the Labor Party will become a conservative force, with a key part of its mission being to keep the seemingly more radical Liberal and National parties out of office while rolling out, slowly, its own moderate set of policies.

Anthony Albanese at the ALP Conference. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Nothing too audacious in the style of Labor governments of days gone by, mostly adjustments to the existing policy frameworks aimed at improving fairness.

In Albaneses model, outlined at Labors national conference a few days ago, politics comes before policy.
The Ecuadorian government announced it will extend America Movils current service contract, enabling the operator to continue operations in the country until a new permanent deal is hammered out.

Reuters reported, the Mexico-headquartered telecommunications giants Ecuadorian subsidiary Conecel, which trades as Claro, will pay US$3.3 million per month under the extension.

The current deal between the two was signed in 2008 and is scheduled to expire in three days (August 26), the extension will be in effect on August 27.

Minister of Telecommunications Vianna Maino said: "The extension will be valid until the newly renegotiated contract is signed, which is estimated to take approximately six months."

The minister added the new contract will be valid for 15 years and parties are adding final value and new conditions.

Claro Ecuador has 9.2 million subscribers taking 52% of market share in the country. America Movil had previously pledged to invest half a billion dollars into Ecuador to develop services.
Nurses, paramedics, pharmacists and physiotherapists will push for greater powers to prescribe medicines or treat patients, as a review of health professionals roles examines how to boost capacity in Australias strained primary-care system.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has commissioned Professor Mark Cormack, the former chief executive of Health Workforce Australia and ACT Health, to lead the review, which was recommended by the governments strengthening Medicare taskforce earlier this year.

Nurses, paramedics, pharmacists and physiotherapists will push for greater powers to prescribe medicines or treat patients, to free up GP time in a strained health system. Credit: Jessica Shapiro

But the process threatens to fuel tensions among health practitioners, with the Australian Medical Association already warning against giving various professions more independent roles in the workforce.

Cormacks review, titled Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce, will consult states, territories and health professions, and report back to the government in the second half of next year.
The NSW government will embark on a once-in-a-generation overhaul of the states health network, with Health Minister Ryan Park vowing to crack down on wasteful spending in the $33 billion system while also flagging changes to spending on locum doctors and hospital emergency departments.

Park will on Thursday announce the terms of reference for a special commission of inquiry into health spending in NSW. The inquiry, to be headed by senior counsel Richard Beasley and operate with royal commission-style powers, will conduct a root-and-branch review of the hospital system including the Local Health District structure.

Ryan Park will announce a special commission of inquiry into health spending in NSW. Credit: Wolter Peeters

Terms of reference reveal the commission will be tasked with reviewing the entire structure of the health system, including the creeping over-reliance on emergency care in hospitals and whether current funding supports or obstructs access to community health providers such as general practitioners.

If were able to divert people away from emergency departments for instance, through better use of community-based care, thats a good thing, Park said. When I was a kid, you would have to be missing two arms and two legs before my parents would take me [to an emergency department].
Until now, Pauline Hansons One Nations success has been when the partys name was prefixed by its founders but Lathams resignation has probably killed off the partys future in NSW.

Attention seeker Latham has followed a line of One Nation predecessors and resigned, ignoring the reality that Pauline Hansons One Nation is a political party where personality trumps policy and brand identification rules.

Pauline Hanson and Mark Latham have a shared certainty that their party is nothing without them. Their fallout was perhaps inevitable.

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Selected by the Liberals to contest a Queensland seat in the 1996 election, Hanson was dumped due to comments about First Australians but won the seat as an independent and established her party the following year. She failed to be re-elected in 1998 and spent the better part of two decades unsuccessfully standing in federal and state elections, collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars from taxpayers for polling more than 4 per cent of the vote.

She and her fellow party founder, David Ettridge, were jailed in 2003 after being convicted of electoral fraud but were acquitted on appeal and freed later the same year. In the years she was gone, One Nation became just another name in a crowded field of micro-parties. One Nations re-emergence as a political force was entirely due to her re-joining and putting her name up in lights again. She won a Senate seat in 2016.

Since 1998, 36 men and women have been elected to state and federal parliaments under her banner. Five have been disqualified, 19 resigned and either joined other parties or had short careers as independents. Without Hansons patronage, few managed re-election.

However, Latham, her stellar recruit, did get re-elected. The one-time federal Labor leader had been languishing in anonymity after being sacked by Sky News in 2017 for indulging in untoward attacks on women when he lit on Hanson and she welcomed him with open arms. He won a NSW upper house seat in 2019. But his convoluted plan to increase the One Nation vote in this years state election blew up in his face and, instead, fortuitously extended his upper house term. Hanson was not amused.
Victorian farmers will miss out on hundreds of millions of dollars worth of water-saving infrastructure projects unless the Andrews and Albanese governments sort out their impasse over the revived Murray-Darling Basin plan.

The state could also be cut out of the administration of any future community compensation deals, unlike NSW, unless it softens its long-term opposition to voluntary water buybacks.

Premier Daniel Andrews, left, and federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek are in a stand-off over the revived Murray-Darling Basin plan. Credit: The Age

A federal government source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly, confirmed Victoria would have received nine figures worth of federal infrastructure funding had it signed up to the revamped water recovery plan.

The source added that communities in northern, central and western Victoria would still receive compensation for any future water buybacks. However, because it has not signed up to the current plan, the Andrews government would not have control over those projects.
This year, the rise of systems like ChatGPT have rekindled warnings that artificial intelligence should be treated with the same seriousness as nuclear weapons and climate change. Its makers have been summoned to Downing Street and the White House and threatened with new regulations. The strikes that have ground Hollywood to a halt, for example, are driven partly because actors and writers fear being replaced by AI replicas that do not demand wages. How the chip works Type a query into ChatGPT and it will confidently spit out an erudite answer in a split second. The heavy lifting, though, is being done by thousands of Nvidia chips in an enormous humming server farm hundreds of miles away.

The AI boom has catapulted the Californian company into one of an elite group of businesses worth more than one trillion dollars and made its founder, Jensen Huang, the worlds 32nd-richest person  with a $US39 billion fortune. The H100s position as the key to the AI boom is really a happy accident. For most of its 30 years, Nvidia has produced chips, known as GPUs, used to power 3D graphics in video games. Nvidia founder Jensen Huang has made the company the worlds most important designer of artificial intelligence chips. Credit: AP Traditional computer processors, known as CPUs, can perform complicated calculations, but generally only one at a time. In contrast GPUs can carry out hundreds of simple calculations at once. That made them adept at tasks like modifying colourful pixels in a video game. What the company did not count on was that its chips would also be perfect for the rapid data processing required for artificial intelligence.

In 2012, Google researchers used 16,000 CPUs to train rudimentary AI software that could recognise pictures of cats. A year later, researchers achieved the same results with four GPUs. Its partially incredible foresight, and partially just blind luck, says Jay Goldberg, a Silicon Valley chip industry expert. Loading The way that AI works is its the same maths equation, just done over and over and over again in vast quantities. And GPUs are really good at that. Luck notwithstanding, people are now buying the chips as fast as Nvidia can make them. GPUs at this point are considerably harder to get than drugs, Elon Musk told a conference in May.

While rival companies make GPUs, one technology investor describes Nvidia as the only game in town. And for those that want the best, only the H100 will do. The state of the art model that powers ChatGPT, for example, was developed using an estimated 25,000 A100s, the chips predecessor. The new version is an order of magnitude more powerful: accomplishing in 20 hours what would take the A100 a week. For all their ascribed intelligence, the best AI systems are really a product of the best training, and that is really a matter of having the best computer.

The first version of the model behind ChatGPT had around 100 million variables known as parameters; the latest is believed to have trillions. No surprise, then, that tracking down the best chips has become an act of desperation. Theres one thing that can provide competition to H100 GPUs: Taylor Swift concert tickets, Aravind Srinivas, an AI entrepreneur, tweeted. One online commentator refers to it as the Opec of GPUs. Silicon Valley bosses trade stories of their efforts to obtain the fabled chips: some tap up their well connected venture capital investors for contacts, others beg friends at universities for a chance to plug in to their research labs. There is only one guaranteed way to obtain a steady supply, however: hundreds of millions of dollars. That means there are now broadly two camps of customers that can buy chips in the quantities that matter: tech giants, and nation states.

The global race for AI supremacy Within a few years, AI has moved from a promising technology to a critical national priority. In 2017, China outlined a new generation AI plan vowing to make the country the primary centre for innovation by 2030. According to the US-based Center for Security and Emerging Technology, Beijing is seeking to push towards artificial general intelligence, a system capable of matching human intelligence. Nvidia may be an American company, but its highest-powered chips are exclusively made in Taiwan, making the entire AI industry dangerously exposed to the threat of Chinese invasion. Credit: Bloomberg The plan has been met with a volley of US sanctions designed to cripple Chinese efforts in AI.

Last year the White House barred Nvidia from selling its H100 and A100 chips to China without a licence. The company has rushed out new versions of the chips to evade the controls, and the Biden administration is now expected to respond with a new set of rules. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are both investing heavily in chips, developing their own large language models similar to ChatGPT. This year, the rise of systems like ChatGPT have rekindled warnings that artificial intelligence should be treated with the same seriousness as nuclear weapons and climate change. According to the Financial Times, the Saudi software, being developed at the oil-rich states Kaust research institution, is largely being created by Chinese researchers whose education bars them from working in America. In the US, the Biden administration is spending tens of billions to encourage microchip companies to set up factories in America, a plan that has been described as one of the biggest government interventions since the Second World War.

Nvidia may be an American company, but its highest-powered chips are exclusively made in Taiwan, making the entire AI industry dangerously exposed to the threat of Chinese invasion. Loading AI weapons are an obvious example of just how important the new tech is. Autonomous drones that can see the world around them and respond accordingly have already changed the battlefield in Ukraine, and AI has successfully flown F-16 fighter jets. But the risks are wider: generative AI programmes similar to ChatGPT threaten mass-scale cyber attacks and the industrialisation of fake images. Mike Wooldridge, of the Alan Turing Institute, says widespread disinformation is the greatest immediate risk from AI.

In 2016, Russia was accused of meddling in Donald Trumps election using armies of internet trolls in Moscow offices. By next years election, AI is likely to be capable of spinning up infinite numbers of divisive online comments and hoax pictures that are indistinguishable from the real thing. Old fashioned economic conflict is also a concern, however. Sam Altman, the chief executive of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has predicted that once AI software gets to a level of sophistication where it can improve itself, it will kick off a recursive loop of innovation that will see it create phenomenal wealth, not to mention instant scientific breakthroughs. Not everyone is as optimistic, but if even the less radical predictions about how AI will change economies come true, countries will not want to be left behind.

The new superpowers This all may be a sideshow, however. For unlike nuclear weapons, it is not nation states at the forefront of AI development, but a handful of giant technology companies. This year, Google will spend $US33 billion on buildings and equipment, with spending on infrastructure such as Nvidia chips rising by around a third. Netflix  satirised in an episode of Black Mirror that imagined a future where actors were replaced by AI holograms  is advertising machine learning jobs that pay up to $US900,000, more than four times the prime ministers salary. If AI power is a product of the computing strength behind it, national governments pale compared to the resources available to private enterprises.

Inflection AI, a start-up run by DeepMinds co-founder Mustafa Suleyman and funded by Microsoft, is building an AI supercomputer with 22,000 H100 chips. Amazon, Microsoft and Google, the so-called hyperscalers that run the data centres an increasing proportion of the worlds IT runs on, are lining up orders for tens of thousands each. The worlds tech giants are driving demand for the elusive chips. Credit: Bloomberg Meta may require 100,000, according to one analysis. Goldberg says that the super seven giant IT companies  adding in the three Chinese companies of Baidu, Alibaba and Tencent  are responsible for approaching 100 per cent of demand for Nvidias top chips.

Altman, perhaps the most prominent figure in AI today, talks about OpenAI in the same language one would typically reserve for nation states. He says that in future its leader could be democratically elected. For now, though they are answerable to shareholders and employees, which has led to questions about whose side these companies are really on. In 2019, employees at Microsoft opposed the companys work with the US military, writing that we did not sign up to develop weapons. The prior year, protests at Google forced the company to halt work on a drone contract for the Pentagon. Alex Karp, the chief executive of Palantir, an AI company used by the CIA to help track down Osama bin Laden, recently warned that such indecision would be comparable to Robert Oppenheimer refusing to build the atomic bomb, and that no such quandary exists in China.

Loading Our hesitation, perceived or otherwise, to move forward with military applications of artificial intelligence will be punished, he said. Time may be running out for this to be decided. Demis Hassabis, the founder of DeepMind and Britains most prominent AI figurehead, says artificial general intelligence, the point at which AI development reaches a potentially unstoppable velocity, could happen within a decade. As for the company powering this revolution, this month Nvidia unveiled a yet more powerful version GH200. The world is scrambling for the superchip at the heart of the AI race, but it may soon be yesterdays news.
September 2022 Prigozhin publicly acknowledged for the first time that he was the founder of the Wagner mercenary organisation, whose fighters were deployed alongside Russian troops in Ukraine. Previously, Wagner fighters had operated in support of the Kremlins military campaigns in Africa and the Middle East, occasionally battling against US forces. Wagner group mercenaries have engaged in military operations across Africa in recent years. Credit: AP October 2022 Prigozhin was one of two powerful supporters of Putin to publicly turn on Russias military leadership after it ordered a retreat from Lyman, a city in eastern Ukraine, emphasising that pulling back was a major embarrassment for the Kremlin.

November 2022 Just a day before the US midterms, Prigozhin sardonically boasted that Russia was interfering in the election. Loading Gentlemen, we have interfered, we do interfere and we will interfere, Prigozhin said in a statement posted by his catering company. We will do it carefully, precisely, surgically as we are capable of doing it. During our targeted operations, we will remove both kidneys and liver at once. At the time, Wagner troops were advancing on the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, which had been under Russian attack for months.

February 2023 Prigozhin accused two Russian military leaders of treason in a series of hostile audio messages. Loading He claimed that the Russian defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, and its most senior general, Valery Gerasimov, were withholding ammunition and supplies from his fighters to try to destroy Wagner. Earlier in the month, Prigozhin had said that Wagner would no longer recruit fighters from Russian prisons, a practice that had raised criticism from human rights groups but helped fuel Moscows advances in eastern Ukraine.

May 2023 Prigozhin issued a series of inflammatory statements. He once again accused Russias military bureaucracy of starving Wagner forces of necessary ammunition and threatened to withdraw them from Bakhmut. Days later, he appeared to backtrack on that threat after saying he had been promised more arms. A mural in Serbia reads: Wagner Group, Russian knights. Credit: Getty In late May, Wagner forces said they had captured Bakhmut, a claim it had made previously as well. Ukrainian officials quickly denied the claim, but days later acknowledged the loss of the city. Russian state media kept Prigozhins name out of its coverage of those events. Earlier in the month, Prigozhin dismissed a report from The Washington Post saying that leaked intelligence showed he had offered to share Russian army positions with Ukraine.

June 2023 Tensions between Prigozhin and Russias military rose higher in early June. Prigozhin said Wagner would not comply with an order that would require it to sign a formal contract with Russias defence ministry by July. The feud rapidly escalated later that month, when Prigozhin released a 30-minute video in which he described his countrys invasion of Ukraine as a racket perpetrated by a corrupt elite chasing money and glory without concern for Russian lives. He also challenged the Kremlins claim that Ukraine had been on the verge of attacking Russian-backed separatist territory in Ukraines east when Russia invaded. The war wasnt needed to return Russian citizens to our bosom, nor to demilitarise or denazify Ukraine, Prigozhin said, referring to Putins initial justifications for the war. The war was needed so that a bunch of animals could simply exult in glory.

Prigozhin also accused Shoigu, the Russian minister of defence, of orchestrating a deadly attack with missiles and helicopters on camps to the rear of the Russian lines in Ukraine, where his soldiers were encamped. The Russian defence ministry denied the allegations, saying in a statement that the messages Prigozhin had posted about supposed strikes on Wagner camps do not correspond to reality. His account of the attacks remains unconfirmed. A Wagner Group tank prepares to leave the southern city of Rostov. Credit: AP On June 23, Putin mobilised Russian troops to defend Moscow from what he called an armed rebellion by Prigozhin, whose forces had claimed control of Rostov-on-Don and were seen moving north along a highway toward the Russian capital. Then, in a surprise turn of events, the Belarusian president, Alexander Lukashenko, said he had secured Prigozhins agreement to halt his forces advance.

Prigozhin confirmed that he was turning his forces around. Loading The Kremlins spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, said that Prigozhin would flee to Belarus, and that Russias military operations in Ukraine would continue unchanged. July 2023 Amid swirling questions over Prigozhins whereabouts, unverified photographs circulated on social media suggesting that the Wagner chief was meeting with African officials in St Petersburg, where some of the continents top leaders had converged for a summit with Putin.

A few days later, a recording circulated with a voice that appeared to be his saying that Wagner had paused recruiting while figuring out its next tasks. August 2023 Prigozhin was seen in an unverified video message posted on Monday evening on Telegram channels affiliated with his Wagner forces, appearing to recruit for the groups operations in Africa. On Wednesday, the Russian aviation authorities said that he was listed as a passenger on a plane that crashed and killed all 10 people aboard.
WILLEMSTAD:--- The Dutch navy ship Zr.Ms. Groningen, sailing for the Caribbean Coast Guard area, intercepted two drug shipments nearby on August 20 and August 22 in Curacao.

Zr.Ms. Groningen was during its patrols by the Caribbean Coast Guard informed about the go-fasts and received assistance from the Dash-8 aircraft in both cases of the Coast Guard. With the fast interceptor boats, the FRISCs, with on board a combined team from the ship's crew and Fleet Marine Squadron board of Zr.Ms. Groningen has been embargoed, the go-fasts were chased. Since the first go-fast didn't want to, even after warnings and warning shots stop, the go-fast with aimed fire on the outboard motors is to stop force. The second go-fast stopped after firing warning shots.

In total, Groningen intercepted more than 2,500 kilograms of drugs, of which 550 kilograms were cocaine and over 2,000 kilos of marijuana in the second case. Both cases are good cooperation with the Caribbean Coast Guard and the Curacao Police Force. All drugs have since been destroyed.

Zr.Ms. Groningen will be active in the region as a Caribbean station ship from May 2023 and alternates counter-drug operations with supporting the Caribbean Coast Guard Area.
Collective Metals Commences Phase Two Exploration Program for its Princeton Copper Project

COLLECTIVE METALS INC. (CSE: COMT | OTC: CLLMF | FSE: TO1) (the aCompanya or aCollectivea)  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/collective-metals-inc/  is pleased to announce commencement of their Phase Two Exploration Program (the aPrograma) on its Princeton Copper Project (the aProjecta). This Program is a regional reconnaissance soil program designed to evaluate 11 previously untested priority target areas across the Project.

The smaller soil grids are intended as initial reconnaissance surveys, characterized by relatively widely spaced lines and a 75 m station interval. Anomalous results will be followed up with infill lines as required. Geochemical results from the soil grids are intended to further evaluate previously identified anomalies and complement existing data available for the Property, including surface geochemistry (i.e., silts, soils and/or rocks), radiolithic, magnetic and/or 3D Induced Polarization surveys (see News Release dated August 10, 2023). The Companya?s objective for these broad regional survey grids is to identify additional copper porphyry targets for further exploration and delineation in the coming months.

The Program will consist of approximately 900 Ah or B horizon soil samples collected across eleven target areas identified as high priority areas. Anomalous results returned from the Phase I soil survey in the Trojan a Condor Corridor will be further developed through addition of infill lines (to reduce line spacing) and extending previous soil lines northeast in the Condor area and farther southwest from the Trojan area. Other comparatively smaller soil grids will cover:

areas of anomalous alteration identified at surface (i.e., Fourteen Mile Creek),

Triassic age intrusions exposed at surface (i.e., Mount Pike Suite, Lamont Ridge, Goat and Findlay showings),

Anomalous soils previously collected (i.e., Fifteen Mile Creek), and

intrusions with spatially associated strong magnetic signatures.

The exploration target for the Project are multiple interpreted Alkalic Cu-Au porphyry occurrences associated with Triassic age diorite intrusions similar to that currently being mined at Copper Mountain, located approximately 10 km east, which represents the deposit model for the Project.

Our exploration model is similar to the model used at Kodiak Coppera?s MPD property, located approximately 30 km to the north-northeast. Documented mineralized occurrences within, and adjacent to, the Property, together with a wealth of information acquired by previous operators, the BC Geological Survey Branch and Geoscience BC (see News Release dated July 5, 2023) document interpreted porphyry-style alteration and/or mineralization.

The Project is easily accessible by road and is located immediately west of Highway 3 south of Princeton, BC, in a well-established mining district with excellent infrastructure, a local workforce and support services. The Project hosts potential for identification of one (or more) copper gold alkalic porphyry occurrences similar in age and deposit type to the Copper Mountain Mine. The Project is also approximately 10 km west of Hudbay Minerals Inca?s currently producing Copper Mountain Mine, which hosts a Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve of 702 Mt of 0.24% Copper1.

Qualified Person

This news release has been reviewed and approved by Rick Walker, P. Geo., who is acting as the Companya?s Qualified Person for the Project, in accordance with regulations under NI 43-101.

The information disclosed is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Project.

References

1 a Copper Mountain Mine Life of Mine Plan and 65Kt/D Expansion Study Update NI 43-101 Report, Richard Klue, VP Technical Services, CMMC; Patrick Redmond, VP Exploration and Geoscience, CMMC; Luis Alberto Chang, VP Mining, CMMC; Berge Simonian, Director of Metallurgy, CMMC; Amaru Humala, Director of Mechanical Engineering, CMMC Scott Weston, VP Business Development and Strategy, Ausenco; August 1, 2022

About Collective Metals:

Collective Metals Inc. (CSE: COMT | OTC: CLLMF | FSE: TO1) is a resource exploration company specializing in precious metals exploration in North America. The Companya?s flagship property is the Princeton Project, located in south-central British Columbia, Canada, approximately 10 km west of the currently producing Copper Mountain Mine. The Princeton Project consists of 29 mineral tenures totaling approximately 28,560 ha (70,570 acres) in a well-documented and prolific copper-gold porphyry belt and is easily accessible by road, located immediately west of Highway 3.A

The Companya?s Landings Lake Lithium Project is located in northwestern Ontario where numerous lithium deposits have been delineated to host significant reserves of Li2O. The Landings Lake Lithium Project is located 53 km east of Ear Falls, Ontario and covers 3,146 hectares. The Whitemud Project, with several identified pegmatite outcrops, neighbours the Landings Lake Project and consists of 381 single cell mining claims totaling 7,775 hectares.

Social Media

@COMT_metals

Collective Metals Inc

Collective Metals Inc

ON BEHALF OF COLLECTIVE METALS INC.

Christopher HugginsChief Executive Officer

T: 604-968-4844

E: chris@collectivemetalsinc.com

In Europe:

Swiss Resource Capital AG

Jochen Staiger & Marc Ollinger

info@resource-capital.ch

www.resource-capital.chwww.resource-capital.ch

Forward Looking Information

Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as \may\, \expect\, \estimate\, \anticipate\, \intend\, \believe\ and \continue\ or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, and dependence on key personnel. Forward looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements respecting: completion of the Program. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Omani data centre provider Datamount announced plans to launch a data centre in the Muscat Governorate.

The Oman Daily Observer reported, that it will be called the Al Bandar Centre and will be Datamounts third facility after its centres in Muscar and mountain range Al Jabal al Akhdhar.

The Albandar Centre will be completed in three phases and will house 700 racks designed according to the specifications and standards required to meet the requirements of the level (Uptime Tier III) and (TIA 942 Rated 3).

Cooling solutions provider Tabreed Oman will connect the centre with electricity and chilled water lines.

Datamount CEO Abdulmonem al Futaisi said: Datamount has well-trained human and scientific expertise to manage this project at the highest professional level, enabling our customers to achieve integration in digital solutions, simplify their business operations, and protect them at competitive prices from any potential dangers that may arise from cyber threats.
Monday, February 25, 2019: The wispy, spiral galaxy NGC 6902 glows faintly in deep space in this "first-light" image from the European Southern Observatory's new SPECULOOS Southern Observatory, an array of four telescopes in Chiles Atacama desert. Although SPECULOOS was built to search for exoplanets around dim stars in our galactic neighborhood, one of its telescopes honed in on this spiral galaxy for its first observation. NGC 6902 is located about 120 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Sagittarius. "If this is what Ganymede can produce as its first observation of something it wasnt even designed to image, we have a lot to look forward to," ESO officials said in a statement.  Hanneke Weitering
Turkcell Group, owner of the leading mobile operator in Turkey, has announced plans to invest around US$240 million in green energy projects.

Part of the programme is the installation of new solar power plants with a total capacity of 300 megawatts over the next three years  but the company is looking a lot further ahead than 2025.

As it explains: We aim to provide 100% of our energy consumption from renewable energy sources by the year 2030. It cites the recent implementation of pioneering solutions, including solar energy developed for its data centres and offices, the acquisition in 2021 of the Karadag Wind Power Plant (with 18 MW installed capacity), and the integration of solar panels into, so far, around 735 base stations.

This activity will contribute to around 65% of the companys power consumption coming from renewable energy sources by 2026.

Boosting these efforts is the state-owned Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation, which, along with regional electricity distributors, has allocated Turkcell a capacity permit for 213 megawatts. The efforts for new capacity permits are ongoing as well, says the company.

According to Statista, as of the second quarter of 2022, Turkcells mobile business had a market share of 41.3%, ahead of Vodafone at 30.4 %, and TT Mobil at 28.3%. According to the companys own figures, it had 42 million subscribers across fixed and mobile in Q2 2023; the mobile subscriber base reached 37.6 million in the same quarter.
Press Release

August 23, 2023 'Sec. Toots a genuine, kind soul, with the welfare of the OFWs in her heart and mind'

Co-sponsorship speech on the resolution expressing the Senate's condolences on the passing of Secretary Susan 'Toots' Ople By Senator Pia S. Cayetano Mr. President, I've known Sec. Toots for over a decade, probably closer to two. In my early days in the Senate, she would send me messages, position papers, would attend hearings, anything that had to do with OFWs, she was always present to share her views, and many times, even initiate the discussions because it was not being taken up either in Congress or in the public eye. So always, our topic was OFWs, beyond a few pleasantries, kung kumustahan sa pamilya, talagang OFWs po ang pinag-uusapan namin. Words cannot express the loss that Sec. Ople is to the Filipino people. Truly, a genuine, kind soul, with the welfare of the OFWs in her heart and mind. She will be missed not just for her dedication to the OFWs, but the different auras that she presented to the public of what a public official can be. Mahal ka namin, Toots. We will miss you and we thank that you have done a lot of work for the Filipinos. Kulang pa man, wala naman po kaming choice kung hindi ipaubaya ka na sa Diyos. We love you, Toots.
Administrators from PricewaterhouseCoopers said: Since our appointment as administrators of wilko we have held extensive discussions with parties who expressed an interest in buying all or part of the business. While discussions continue with those interested in buying parts of the business, its clear that the nature of this interest is not focused on the whole group. Sadly, it is therefore likely that there will be redundancies and store closures in the future and it has today been necessary to update employee representatives.
Whether complacency or cover-up, the point is if the museum has no ultimate catalogue, then there is no way of knowing what has gone missing. These archaic processes have come back to haunt it. The museum is the ultimate custodian of worldly treasures. With that comes outsized responsibility to protect them. The fear now must be what next will be found upon further excavation.
In an interview in the Atlantic this week, Ramaswamy hinted that the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021 was an inside job by armed FBI agents. We can handle the truth about what really happened on January 6, he suggested. How many government agents were in the field? Right? He then claimed the 9/11 attacks in 2001 were shrouded in mystery. I think it is legitimate to say how many police, how many federal agents, were on the planes that hit the twin towersMaybe the answer is zero. It probably is zero, he mused. He has vowed to disband the FBI and fire over half its staff. On CNN, Ramaswamy said he was misquoted on 9/11 until the Atlantic author produced a recording. He regularly attacks isms such as climatism and covidism, enabling him to curry favour with climate change deniers and anti-vaxxers (his family is vaccinated).
Hugh Grant strolls amiably through Portobello Road Market in the 1999 romcom Notting Hill, taking in the W10 setting in all its splendour. Punters can visit the market throughout the week from 9am, although the main market shuts on Sundays. Meanwhile, the location used for Grant's characters house with the famous blue door is just around the corner at 280 Westbourne Park Road. Owners of the house painted the doors black for years in a bid to stop tourists posing for photos. They did however repaint the doors blue in 2013 and fans of the film still flock to take selfies today. Grant was, of course, in Paddington 2 - and fans of the bear from Peru should also swing by to nod to the location of Mr Grubers shop.
In the motion, lawyers for Baldwin said the crew members did not suffer physical harm in the incident and claims of emotional distress failed to plead facts to establish extreme and outrageous conduct, or intent.
Ms Lombardini said: Our priority is to end the strike so that valued members of the creative community can return to what they do best and to end the hardships that so many people and businesses that service the industry are experiencing.
I learned that there are communities of people that were making a living being working actors, I learned I didnt have to want to be famous, I could just pursue a career doing what I loved to do and I could raise a family and live a life doing that, being paid a fair wage, she said.
To put it bluntly: we cant wait to see more, and it seems that Snyder sceptics agree. Not a Snyder fan in the slightest, so it genuinely is insane Im not only interested but downright excited for this! His love of Seven Samurai, Star Wars, and sci-fi fantasy comics coming together for something this passionate, strange, and creative! Im pumped! one wrote on YouTube. You finally found a way to get me, Zack. Heck yeah!
It is, on the whole though, extremely relaxing, slightly soperific, and part of an increasingly popular treatment for stress in the capital. As a city we certainly need any help we can get. According to the London Mayors office 914,300 people of working age feel the effects of anxiety and depression every day. It is a state familiar to anyone who takes the Central line at rush hour or who maps out their days by the endless round of deadening meetings that come, free of charge, with our overbearing bosses.
At this time, the babys death is being treated as unexplained and a post-mortem examination will take place at the earliest opportunity to help us determine what may have happened and to confirm how long the babys body had been there.
She posted: Very concerned to learn of a stabbing on the Croxted Road Estate. My thoughts are with the victim and Ive been in close contact with police this morning.
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Former Met superintendent Nusrit Mehtab said she feared the Met was continuing to fail to protect women in its ranks, despite Sir Mark making the right noises on cleaning up its culture. The Met has failed to get rid of monsters and rapists, she told Sky News. The Met should have got rid of Provan many years ago  in fact he shouldnt have been allowed to come in. I get angry because you are not listening to women so its not surprising but infuriating how we are letting our victims down.
We will believe you, listen and support you throughout every step of the investigation and do everything we can to bring the offender to justice.
It was revealed last week that Sara was known to the familys local council, with Surrey County Council saying they were "working tirelessly with our safeguarding partners to gain a full understanding of the situation as quickly as possible".
Hillier, who told the court he was concerned in the production and distribution of a large-scale cannabis operation, said they had both planned the attack on Mr Smith after Fulstow disclosed she had been graphically raped by him.
We are conducting a thorough investigation, but we are also asking for the publics help. We know there were people in the park at the time of the assault, but even if you did not witness the incident, you could still have vital information.
Forecasters said that while many people across the country could see rain at some point over the bank holiday - the last before Christmas - there should be plenty of dry and bright weather to enjoy.
Beyond funding the release of beavers and grazing animals, the money will also go towards regenerating marine ecosystems off the Welsh coast, a nature recovery corridor along the length of Hadrians Wall and improving chalk streams, peatland and grasslands across the country.
ENTERPRISE-A Geneva man was pronounced dead at the scene of a single-vehicle accident Tuesday morning in Enterprise.

Paul Gregory Creech, 56, of Geneva, was killed in the single-vehicle accident that occurred just after 7 a.m. in the 2500 block of Shellfield Road, Coffee County Coroner Arnold Woodham said Tuesday evening.

Enterprise Police Department Public Information Officer Capt. Billy Haglund said earlier Tuesday that a loaded cement truck, traveling on Shellfield Road, ran off the roadway and rolled over into a culvert.

This traffic accident is under investigation.
We totally thought it was a panic attack and not at any point did I think her life was in danger. I will always be thankful that she was at home with me when she died but the experience of witnessing it will stay with me forever.
Kensington and Chelsea council approved plans for the festive fair in Perks Field despite security concerns raised by the Ambassador of Finland, whose official residence is next to the site. The Russian ambassador also lives next door.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: It is for the Mayor to justify the ULEZ expansion, and at a time when the Government is doing everything it can to support people with the cost of living, the Mayor is responsible for explaining whether it is fair to charge those with non-compliant vehicles 12.50 every time they drive in London.
After that point, the Government only provides lunches to children from households receiving certain benefits. For households on universal credit, they must earn less than 7,400 a year - after tax and not including benefits, and regardless of the number of children in the family - in order for their children to be eligible for the meals.
Mr Khan said: Its not right that public sector workers in London, who provide an invaluable service to us all, are faced with stagnant wages and are having to spend even more of their hard-earned money on housing.
In a social media post last year, she added: There is always violence and [police] put themselves in danger at every Notting Hill Carnival. The cost of Policing it is eye watering. How long will it be allowed to continue in this way?
Any witnesses or anyone with any information about the man in the image is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD3968/14AUG. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
On his visit to Ukraine, Mr Shapps also visited a childrens nursery attended by Nikita, the young son of the family he took in under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Former home secretary Jack Straw said on Wednesday that some witnesses wont be bothered about being shamed for not attending unless the probe is put on a statutory footing. He told BBC Radio 4: There may be witnesses in the Letby case who ... wont be bothered about being shamed  they would rather be shamed for their absence than actually appear on the stand.
Settled status would also usually apply to those who have started living in the UK by December 31, 2020. Those who are granted settled status will only need to apply to the scheme once and will be granted settled status assuming they have no criminal convictions or there is no security reason why they cant stay in the UK.
A Dothan man will spend the next two decades behind bars after pleading guilty for a shooting four years ago that left a man and an unborn child dead.

Willie Blackmon, 22, of Dothan, was charged with multiple counts of capital murder. However, he pleaded guilty to felony murder and was sentenced to 22 years in prison by Houston County Circuit Judge R. Todd Derrick on Tuesday.

In May 2019, Blackmon was arrested for a shooting that killed Shaun Bernard Callins, 35, of Dothan, and wounded Kenisha Lashea Lee, who was six months pregnant.

According to Dothan Police, Blackmon, along with three other suspects, forced their way into a residence in the 400 block of Florida Avenue in an attempt to commit a robbery. Once inside, they began shooting at the victims, identified as Callins and Lee, striking them numerous times.

Callins was pronounced dead at Southeast Health, while Lee was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Florida in critical condition. While at the hospital, the baby was delivered in an emergency C-section and placed on life support before passing away.

Court records show Kaleb Tubbs, of Dothan, was dropped from the case in 2021, and Carlos Lindsey, of Opp, pleaded guilty. The last suspect, David Key, of Abbeville, is expected to go on trial later this year.
We should be grateful for the Home Offices view as to whether it would be prepared to grant a group authority licence to the relevant testing providers, for example The Loop, which would as we understand it allow people to supply and possess drugs in accordance with the group authority that does not require a permanent structure.
According to the charity, beagles are often chosen for animal testing due to their docile natures and that they are born and held in research facilities where they never see daylight, including in the UK.
No protective order can protect him against that. It just cant happen, Mr Schwartz said. So whats going to happen is Mr Baldwin is going to assert his 5th Amendment rights and the plaintiffs are not going to get any discovery in the meantime.
Mark Meadows, Trumps former chief of staff, sought last week to move the case to federal court and dismiss it on the grounds he is immune from prosecution for actions he took as a federal official.
Strong winds had fanned the flames and increased the intensity of the wildfire, which crews said became more intense throughout the night. However, a cold front then swept through the area and contributed to an air mass instability. This led to the creation of the fire tornado, a phenomenon that is a rarity in BC wildfires.
Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said on Telegram: The school building was destroyed, and this is just before the school year, which unfortunately will never start for some.
The G20 was set up in 1999 as a way for global financial representatives to discuss economic and financial issues. The summits, which take place at least once a year, began in 2008 when invitations were extended to heads of state and government, At that time the financial crisis was the main topic. Since then, discussion topics have expanded to cover a wealth of pressing issues that affect the planet.
India unexpectedly got into a race with Russia, which had planned to land its Luna-25 spacecraft in the same lunar region on Monday. But Luna-25 crashed into the moon after it spun into an uncontrolled orbit. It would have been the first successful Russian lunar landing after a gap of 47 years.
However, the spokesperson added that it was up to Ukraine to decide how it chooses to defend itself from the Russian invasion, and that Russia could end the war any time by withdrawing from Ukraine.
Seven passengers and three crew were on board the private Embraer aircraft, which was en route from Moscow to St Petersburg when it came down, officials at Rosaviatsia said.
SAMSON  A Samson man was arrested by U.S. Marshals Wednesday after he kidnapped and beat a Florida woman, according to police.

Myniko Harrison, of Samson, is charged with battery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, depriving someone of making contact with law enforcement, and kidnapping with the intent to inflict bodily harm or terrorize the victim.

According to a release from the Holmes County Sheriffs Office, on Saturday, Aug. 19, the victim told authorities that the suspect, later identified as Harrison, arrived at her Bonifay home and hit her repeatedly before dragging her outside by her hair.

Once outside, the victim attempted to call 911, but Harrison took her phone and put her in the backseat before he began driving north on Highway 79.

Officials said when Harrison reached the intersection of Highway 79 and 160, the victim jumped from the vehicle and tried to flee. However, Harrison caught her and threatened to kill her if she ran or screamed again. Harrison then drove to his home in Samson, where he let the victim go.

After she reported the incident to the Holmes County Sheriffs Office, Harrison was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Task Force. Additional charges are expected from the Bonifay Police Department and the Samson Police Department.
At the time, the true extent of the violence and its racial motivations were not fully exposed. Senior Metropolitan police officers attempted to dismiss the violence as the work of ruffians, both coloured and white hellbent on hooliganism. But confidential police files released in 2002 confirm what many in the black community already knew to be true: that the unrest was overwhelmingly instigated by 300-to 400-strong Keep Britain White mobs, many of them Teddy Boys armed with iron bars, butchers knives and weighted leather belts, who went on a rampage among the West Indian residents of Notting Hill. The files, which were closed under the 75-year rule but were released early, show that senior officers tried to convince the then home secretary, Rab Butler, that there had been no real racial element to the rioting.
Characters of every description perch snugly at the bar, and in the cavernous dining room there are cauldrons of fondue and fine schnitzels. At the centre of that room is a wooden hut, within which diners will find Friedmann, 85, dressed in lederhosen and a feathered hat, singing at the piano or playing his clarinet, before his standout show, a table of perfectly pitched cowbells. A madcap Sound of Music is very much the vibe: oompah, waitresses in Austrian dress, strudel pouring out of the kitchen.
When what could be Londons finest lobster arrived, swimming through a sauce Americaine, there were soon considerations of selling the flat and moving into the wardrobe with the waiters. In an otherwise unblemished meal, and despite its accompanying, triumphant Lyonnaise sausage, only squab pigeon coated in a bloody, bitingly salty sauce and made too sticky with a suspected fig gave us a moment of pause. That is, until we considered the presumed rent on the armoire. This is not a cheap place. Even without a full bottle or coffees, and just a single scoop of ice cream for pudding, the bill smartly skipped past the 200 mark. So I found my dream, I just cant afford it. You cant have it all. Mais bien sur.
Started by his father Albert and uncle Michel in 1967, Roux has run the restaurant since 1991  his family sold it to him  though he has been in the kitchens since childhood. He puts his closing of the site down to the desire to improve his work-life balance and, at 63, he is older than his father and uncle were when they moved on. Ive been at the helm far longer than my father, Roux reflects. And just saying that makes me think, jeez, Im getting old. He chuckles.
Theres no two ways about it though, pink hair is an edgy style. So if youre going to do it, do it right. Alex Brownsell, co-founder and creative director at Bleach London explains, Pink is one of the easiest colours to use as it fades out to a pretty pastel and then back to your original blonde without staining or damaging your hair.
Sometimes a sandwich just isnt enough to power you through the day. Hungry diners can give themselves even more options thanks to this lunchbox, which features a divider tray in the lid to keep fruit and salad from meddling with your homemade sandwich in the more spacious section below. The clip-lock lid will give you peace of mind that your meal is safe and sound until youre ready to devour it.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one penned: I was the ultimate Sex And The City fan. Have seen every episode 10x. Loved the first movie. Ever since, the show doesnt know how to just end gracefully. It gets worse by the episode and I cant believe the storylines are still getting drawn out.
I am clear that at every step my priority has been the care of the incredible British Museum collection, and that continues today  with our commitment to learning lessons from the independent review, our determination to help the police with their criminal investigation, and our focus on the recovery programme.
While noting it was the longest time shes ever spent apart from her little ones, the presenter also admitted that she didnt announce that Swash and the kids were away because she felt vulnerable being home alone with baby Belle.
These offences included six counts of carrying out an unauthorised act to impair the operation of a computer, three counts of blackmail, two fraud offences, and of failing to comply with a section 49 notice to disclose a key when he did not give up the password to his mobile phone when asked to by police.
The Wiregrass Museum of Art is continuing its partnership with Dothan City Schools for the 2023-24 school year, and has aligned its arts learning resources to address identified learning needs for crucial educational benchmarks at the first, fourth and sixth grade levels.

Specifically, WMA is helping to address key areas of learning at these grade levels through its in-gallery tours and hands-on learning in the studio. On the tour of WMAs galleries, students will be led by museum educators and trained tour guides as they learn about select pieces on display, are encouraged to ask questions, and share their thoughts in a fun small group setting. This method of content framing questioning boosts literacy, comprehension, and observational skills, which amplify students academic understanding and interpersonal abilities.

First graders will visit WMA in the 2023 spring semester for literacy focused tours, which place special emphasis on language arts and literacy in response to the Alabama Literacy Act. Students will create a work of art inspired by work on display and engage in a literacy activity, such as crafting an artist statement about their work, completing a sequencing worksheet, or writing a short story about the piece they created. WMA will also incorporate other strategies during the lesson, like word bubbles, retelling directions, and emphasizing good conversational skills, which are also aligned with the Alabama State Standards for Art and Language Arts. Previous projects include paper story quilts and visual storytelling drawings inspired by the work of Kathryn Tucker Windham.

Tours for 4th graders will elevate STEAMscience, technology, engineering, art, and mathlearning strategies, where art and science collide for an arts integration tour. After students tour the galleries, they will create a STEAM based art project, like DIY kaleidoscopes or line plot cityscapes.

Sixth grade students will take tours all about visual art, to encourage their inner creativity and build on their visual arts lexicon and historical understanding. Students will tour the galleries and then create a work of art inspired by an artist or specific work they encountered on tour. Previous projects include monoprint landscapes and origami/watercolor mixed media pieces. Easy, yet engaging projects have been designed to instill confidence in artistic skills and inspire students to enroll in the advanced art classes at Dothan Preparatory Academy.

WMAs student tours are an amazing option for a local field trip! The tours provide an engaging art experience for students of all academic levels. The tour guides maintain students attention and their hands-on lessons make everyone feel like an artist, said Crystal Forehand, visual arts teacher at Kelly Springs Elementary School.

Participation in these tours also benefits DCS educators during their time in WMAs galleries and studio, too. Teachers observe WMA art educators leading an art lesson with their students, learning each activitys challenges for the classroom and time management, in order to model the activity for their students back in the classroom. Teachers also receive lesson plans with relevant Alabama State Standards, to reiterate and expand on ideas learned at the museum.

We believe that art has the power to inspire, educate, and transform young minds. The Wiregrass Museum of Art is thrilled to partner with Dothan City Schools again this year and to continue to provide students with access to unique art experiences. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to fostering creativity and enriching the lives of the next generation. said Dana-Marie Lemmer, WMAs executive director.

The museums Bus on Us program, a field trip transportation reimbursement program, is also being utilized to remove barriers to participation. Bus on Us launched at WMA in 2017 and serves all Dothan City Schools and Houston County Schools, providing up to 8 reimbursed buses for field trips to each school in the two systems. Tours with DCS are funded by Dothan City Schools and Bus on Us is generously supported by Mike Schmitz, MidSouth Bank, and SmartBank.

Field trips and tours at WMA are available for public, private, and homeschool groups throughout the year, and museum staff, docents, and volunteers welcome students of all learning levels and abilities. To schedule a tour, and for more details, visit WMAs website at www.wiregrassmuseum.org

WMA also provides free, Alabama State Standards-aligned lesson plans on its website at https://www.wiregrassmuseum.org/lesson-plans/. For more information about WMAs annual arts programming and education initiatives, call 334-794-3871 or visit wiregrassmuseum.org.

Wiregrass Museum of Art inspires a lifelong appreciation for the visual arts by providing innovative educational programs that engage diverse audiences through the collection and exhibition of quality works. Since its inception in 1987, WMA has offered educational programs, nationally-acclaimed art exhibitions and community events throughout the year. Its Board of Trustees guides the long-term vision and strategic goals, while its membership, City and County support, and grant funding provide the resources needed to fulfill its mission.

WMAs galleries are open to the public every Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. General admission is always free.
Players can venture to Kitakami by purchasing The Teal Mask on September 13, the first of two Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLCs known collectively as The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. The second expansion, The Indigo Disk, will follow this winter.
Im just really happy that weve got a donor who is completely back to normal after her big op and the recipient is, after her big op, doing really well on her immunosuppressive therapy and looking forward to hopefully having a baby.
Austrian IntMin Karner: Cooperation model agreed with Romania to fight migrant smuggling to also be promoted in EU

Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said on Wednesday that the cooperation model agreed with Romania in the fight against cross-border crime related to migrant smuggling is also to be promoted at European level, told Agerpres.

Karner held talks with Romanian Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu in Vienna on Wednesday.

"This discussion today is a logical consequence of the meetings so far. I was in Bucharest in June where I discussed with the Minister's predecessor, Mr Lucian Bode, police cooperation in this area. In April I signed with Minister Bode an action plan in the area of crime related to migrant smugglers. It was a decisive moment and the beginning of cooperation, a very important moment that we have discussed today. In April, it was also agreed that in the triangle of Hungary, Romania and Serbia, joint patrols would be deployed. And with this pact, it is possible that those who exit through Hungary and end up in Romania can be followed further into Romania. This is also the basis from which we started today's discussions," Karner said, according to the official translation, in a joint press conference with Predoiu.

The Austrian Interior Minister also mentioned other measures agreed to combat cross-border crime.

"Measures have been established to combat cross-border crime, including sending a Romanian officer to the Police Cooperation Centre in Vienna. An Austrian officer will also be sent to the Police Cooperation Centre in Oradea. It is particularly important to take these measures in the fight against cross-border crime related to migrant smuggling," Gerhard Karner pointed out.

According to him, cross-border cooperation is showing "great results" in an action carried out by Romanian, Hungarian and Austrian authorities.

"Thirty-six searches were carried out in Romania, Hungary and Austria. Six people were arrested, one person in Romania and one person in Austria, which shows that the pact between us is working," Karner said.

The Austrian minister added that this model of cooperation is also to be promoted at European level.

"We want to promote this cooperation also at European level, because these are issues of particular importance, cooperation in securing the external borders of the Union, cooperation in the area of asylum procedures and police measures and I would like to thank the Romanian Minister of the Interior for all the efforts made by the Romanian authorities," Gerhard Karner said, according to the official translation.
Austria's Karner: The Schengen system, as a whole, is not working

The Schengen system, as a whole, "isn't working," Austrian Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner said on Wednesday, adding that he does not consider that an extension is currently "opportune."

At a joint news conference in Vienna with his Romanian counterpart Catalian Predou, he was asked about Austria's stance on the enlargement of the border-free Schengen area, told Agerpres.

Predoiu visited the Austrian capital on Wednesday for talks with Karner.

"I said it very clearly ten days ago, when I also held a press conference here. Our position is that the Schengen system, as a whole, is not working, therefore we are not open to its enlargement. You can also see that there are border checks between Germany and Austria, between Austria and Hungary, between Austria and Slovenia. In Germany, there was a discussion about border checks with Poland. It is a clear signal that the system as a whole is not working and therefore I do not consider enlargement to be timely at this time," Karner said, according to the official translation.

According to him, "as far as returns are concerned, the Dublin system has its deficits." "We want to approach these aspects from a European perspective," said Karner.
Border police officers from the western Cenad Border Crossing Point found two citizens from Bangladesh and two from Nepal, hiding in a van, who tried to illegally cross the border into Hungary.

The driver, a Romanian citizen, is being investigated for the crime of migrant trafficking, according to a press release from the Timisoara Border Police, delivered on Wednesday, AGERPRES.

At the Cenad Border Crossing Point, a 28-year-old Romanian citizen who was driving a van registered in Romania and was transporting, according to the documents, rolls of paper, presented himself for border formalities on his way out of the country. During the detailed control of the means of transport, the border police discovered four foreign citizens in the cargo compartment, who were taken to the hearings. During the checks, it was established that the persons are two citizens from Bangladesh and two from Nepal, aged between 24 and 49, who entered Romania legally and who declared that they intended to arrive illegally in a western state Europe, agerpres reports.

Considering the aspects found, the border police have started investigations for the attempted fraudulent crossing of the state border for foreign citizens, and the driver is being investigated for migrant trafficking, and upon completion, the necessary legal measures will be taken.
Thailand's KBank in talks to buy Vietnam lender in up to $1B deal

The headquarters of Kasikorn Bank are pictured in Bangkok, Thailand, January 5, 2016. Photo by Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha

Thailand's second-biggest lender Kasikornbank is in talks to buy consumer finance provider Home Credit Vietnam in a deal of up to $1 billion that would further its push to expand in Vietnam, two sources said.

The Bangkok-based lender, also called KBank, hopes to become one of Vietnam's top 20 banks in terms of assets by 2027. It has total assets worth $119.7 billion, second only to Bangkok Bank in Thailand, Refinitiv data showed.

The news comes at a time when Vietnamese banks are under pressure as a slowing economy and protracted turmoil in the real estate sector have stoked an uptick in bad loans and triggered broad rate cuts.

A potential deal would underscore a trend of consolidations in Asia's finance sector and make KBank's the second-largest M&A transaction in Vietnam's financial industry this year after the sale of a $1.5 billion stake in Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank to Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui in March, according to Refinitiv data.

KBank has talked to financial advisors to explore the potential acquisition, according to the two sources, although deliberations are still ongoing and no final decision has been made.

"KBank is currently operating KBank Biz Loan solution, a credit service for small-scale retail stores. The potential deal with Home Credit will enable the bank to promote access to financial services for small business clients," said one of the sources familiar with the matter.

The sources declined to be named as the matter is private.

KBank and Home Credit Group did not respond to Reuters's requests for comments.

Vietnam, home to more than 100 million people, possesses a fast-growing working-age population where KBank estimated that over 69% of the population has no bank account, the highest in Asia.

In June, the Thai lender obtained the Vietnamese central bank's approval to raise its core capital for its business in the country to $285 million from $80 million, to become its second-biggest foreign bank.

It had set a target of $400 million in net income, with outstanding loans of 180 billion baht ($5.13 billion) and customer base of 8.4 million in the country within 2027.

Home Credit Vietnam, part of Netherlands-headquartered non-bank financial institution Home Credit Group, started operations in the Southeast Asian country in 2008 and has grown to now employ 6,000 staff serving 12 million customers, according to its website.

Besides cash loans, the company offers installment loans to buy motorbikes and consumer durables. It has 9,000 outlets in Vietnam, its website shows.

Home Credit Group is controlled by the Czech Republic's biggest investment group, PPF, which was founded by late billionaire Petr Kellner. It reported a wider loss in the first half of 2022, mainly due to the impact from the sale of Russian operations.
ForMin Odobescu: Russian troops intentionally harming Ukrainian civilians, targeting critical grain export infrastructure

Russian troops are intentionally harming Ukrainian civilians and targeting critical grain export infrastructure, Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu tweeted on Wednesday, told Agerpres.

She described the actions as war crimes.

The message was sent in the context of the latest attacks on the Ukrainian port of Ismail, which is an essential point in the transport of grain.

"I am appalled by Russia's continued attacks on the port of Ismail. Constantly, Russian troops intentionally harm Ukrainian civilians and target critical grain export infrastructure. These are war crimes. Romania and the international community will bring to justice all those responsible," the Romanian diplomat said on social media.

Repeated Russian shelling of Ukrainian sea and river ports destroyed 270,000 tonnes of grain in a month, Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said Wednesday, according to AFP.

These large-scale Russian bombings - eight in number, according to the minister - began after Russia withdrew in July from an agreement allowing Ukraine to export its agricultural output, essential for global food security.

During the night, the Russian army carried out a new bombardment of the Danube port of Ismail. "13,000 tonnes of grain were destroyed" in this new attack, Kubrakov lamented.

"Several grain terminals and private warehouses were destroyed, as well as cargo transport infrastructure," the minister detailed.

On Tuesday, Russia claimed to have "destroyed" two Ukrainian naval vessels in the Black Sea in the latest maritime clashes since Moscow withdrew in mid-July from the agreement on Ukrainian grain exports.
ForMin Odobescu: We'll continue to support Ukraine in its courageous struggle to fully recover territorial integrity

Romania will continue to support Ukraine "in its courageous struggle to fully recover its territorial integrity," Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu said on Wednesday, told Agerpres.

The head of Romanian diplomacy had an online intervention at the third summit of the International Crimea Platform.

She pointed out that 18 months have passed since the beginning of the Russian invasion, but "Russia's aggression did not begin with the war that started on 24 February 2022, but with the illegal annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014."

"Romania will continue to support Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders," Luminita Odobescu said, stressing that Romania has been by the side of its neighbouring country since the first day of the war and will continue to be by its side until "final victory."

The Romanian official also spoke about cases of human rights violations in Ukrainian territories occupied by Russian forces. "These actions are war crimes," the minister said.

Odobescu also mentioned "the recent unprovoked attacks on Ukrainian ports on the Danube, very close to the Romanian border" which "once again show Russia's desire to escalate this conflict."

"We will stand with Ukraine in its courageous struggle to fully recover its internationally recognised territorial integrity. We will stand by the Ukrainian people and their sovereign right to freely decide their future without outside interference," she added.

"Donetsk is Ukraine, Herson is Ukraine, Lugansk is Ukraine, Zaporozhye is Ukraine, Crimea is Ukraine," Odobescu stressed.
Health minister "affected" by fatal case of pregnant mother of three left unattended for hours in hospital

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Health Minister Alexandru Rafila said that he was "very seriously affected" by the fatal medical neglect case that sent ripples of outrage through Romanian society, of a 26-year-old pregnant mother of three who died at the Maternity Hospital in Botosani after being left unattended over night for seven hours. Rafila said that more work should be done to improve the doctor-patient relationship, told Agerpres.

He mentioned that the Romanian College of Physicians, the Botosani College of Physicians and the Police were notified.

"The Health Ministry has a specialized structure - the State Sanitary Inspectorate that can control sanitary conditions, and which reported on the lack of action of the medical staff for seven hours in a patient with a stalled pregnancy. We also notified the other institutions that each have a share of responsibility, namely the Romanian College of Physicians - since we are discussing medical practice, and the right to free practice is granted exclusively by the said professional body, we also notified the Botosani College of Physicians - as there is a county jurisdiction, and the National Authority for Health Quality Management. This incident that terribly upset and affected us also led to the decision to notify the Botosani County Police, because I don't think this has so much to do with a medical error but rather with lack of interest and empathy. (...) It is clear that the lack of action seriously endangered the safety of this young woman whose death also left three children without a mother," Rafila explained.

26-year old Alexandra Ivanov, who was three months pregnant, died on Friday morning, almost nine hours after being admitted to the Botosani Maternity Hospital on Thursday evening, around 11:30 p.m., with abdominal pain and hemorrhage.

After running a set of tests and putting her on an IV, the medical staff ignored her all night. On Friday morning the patient's condition took a sharp turn for the worse and she died in the intensive care unit.

A preliminary report by the Botosani Public Health Directorate notes that the woman did not receive any medical care for almost seven hours. The diagnosis set upon Alexandra Ivanov's admission to hospital was "stalled pregnancy, minor metrorrhagia, secondary anemia".

The health inspectors determined that "from 00:45, when she was administered physiological serum and a medicine, until 07:35 a.m. the young patient received no more medical attention.

Iasi-based Prof. Dr. Mircea Onofriescu, OB/GYN primary physician, suggested that the woman may have suffered a pulmonary embolism, and condemns the lack of communication during the night with the medical staff. "It's most likely that a pulmonary embolism occurred. This is a major emergency that requires intensive care treatment by a multidisciplinary team: cardiologist, intensive care specialist, obstetrician, internist and so on. The forensic pathology result will show the cause of this unfortunate fatal case," said Prof. Dr. Mircea Onofrescu.
IntMin Predoiu, in Vienna: Interior Ministry's ambition, to make Romania border protection standard

Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu said in Vienna on Wednesday, at the end of a meeting with his Austrian counterpart Gerhard Karner, that the ambition of the ministry he heads is to make Romania "a border protection standard."

"We will raise the border protection measures and continue the performance also on the action plan with Austria and on the pilot programme with Serbia, Hungary, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and the joint working plan with Bulgaria. I told the minister that we will make progress in these measures and I did not hide the fact that our ambition as a ministry is to make Romania a model, a standard of border protection," Predoiu told a press conference with the Austrian minister in Vienna, told Agerpres.

The Romanian official announced the signing, together with his Austrian counterpart Gerhard Karner, of a Dublin administrative agreement simplifying asylum procedures.

"I thank the minister for the joint signing of a Dublin administrative agreement that simplifies asylum procedures, which is in the interest of Romania, Austria and European border security. I believe that today we have laid a first stone in the foundation of a solid partnership that will lead us both, as quickly as possible, to the achievement of common interests and common objectives of each country. Together we have done a good job today and I am ready to further continue our work," said Catalin Predoiu.

Predoiu underlined that the discussions are a very good start for "a road of construction" on all the issues of interest.

"This is a very good start for both of us and for our ministries, we have taken this road with determination. (...) I am very happy to have had a good discussion with my counterpart, Mr Karner. I was honoured to lead these discussions, together with the Romanian Interior Ministry delegation and our ambassador in Vienna, discussions between two parties representing two friendly countries, partners, who share the same European values and ideals, who have a lot of economic interests, common objectives and a lot to build, together, further. This was also one of my objectives in this meeting, to turn a new page and to start building on all the issues of interest," Predoiu said.

He added that during the meeting he presented all the progress made by Romania, by the Interior Ministry structures, in the last period, in terms of border security.

"This progress exists in terms of the results of the border police, migration figures, but also, and very importantly, of the Romanian police on police cooperation with Austria in combating all forms of cross-border crime," said Catalin Predoiu.

He pointed out that migration is a serious issue and treated as such in Romania.

"Migration is a serious subject, we take it very seriously in Romania. We are convinced that other European countries take it seriously. We are ready to cooperate with the European Commission, with the member states and to have good results, as we have in joint programmes with Austria. Illegal migration and cross-border crime affect our citizens. We are aware of this and we will continue to take action, both on the ground and in terms of optimising the European Union's legislative framework on asylum and migration management and asylum procedures, optimising the Dublin framework. And we have established these things together," said Catalin Predoiu.
IntMinPredoiu:The purpose of talks with the Austrian counterpart was building trust towards shared goals

Romania's Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu on Wednesday said that the objective of his visit the same day to Vienna, where he held talks with his Austrian counterpart Gerhard Karner, was to build "that trust that will take us on the shortest way to the shared goals of Austria and Romania, including Schengen."

Predoiu made the statement at a joint press conference in Vienna with Karner.

"Our talks were friendly, but very serious. My objective - and along the way I saw that it was the minister's as well - was to build the start of a collaboration, to turn the page on the subject of Schengen, to build that trust that take us on the shortest way to common objectives, of Austria and Romania, including Schengen. I did not come here and I did not initiate discussions in the paradigm of the minister who comes and asks, and another who refuses. This is not my way of thinking and this is not the correct way of working, the proof is the result of December 2022. The correct way of working, I think, is to identify the problems of each party in order to be able to build solutions," said Predoiu, told Agerpres.

He added that he wanted to see first of all whether there are any complaints or any weaknesses in the way Romania protects its borders.

"And I was very happy to notice that Austria also sees these advances and that Romania, under all the programmes it has, is well performing. We have done our homework and will continue to do it on border protection and bilateral co-operation. I want to thank the minister for the frankness with which he discussed. Austria does not have a problem with Romania; the Romanian police are doing their job, both at the border and in police co-operation. We are ready to continue this work together," said Predoiu.

He added that, at the same time, Romania "will also support Austria and the European Commission and the member countries in reforming the European migration and asylum system and the legislative framework on border protection."

"This was a first meeting. You can rest assured that there will be others, a work that we are starting and I am convinced that we will continue until we reach a result within a reasonable timeframe," said Predoiu.

He was asked if he thinks that Austria will change its position on the enlargement of the Schengen Area before its next year's general election.

"You asked me about the upcoming election in Austria. It is not my role as the Romanian interior minister to comment on what is going to happen or not in the upcoming elections in Austria. My role is to make sure that the Interior Ministry perform well in the protection of migration and police co-operation. As I said, and it was discussed internally, and it was recognised by the Austrian side, there is progress with all the projects we have, the group of actions with Austria," said Predoiu.

He added that the application of the Schengen Agreement is a European treaty problem.

"Therefore, the European Commission, the European Parliament, also have their role to play here. We are aware of that. (...) Romania conducts its diplomatic actions multilaterally starting from these premises. We are also aware that the rule of law must be applied in all areas. Romania will never give up this position, but at the same time, I think that we need to bring into play more openness in understanding each other's problems and trying to solve them together both bilaterally and inside a European framework. Otherwise, we will remain prisoners of a dialogue of the deaf. I am neither deaf nor blind, and I am also very eager to work. We will work together for that, but it does not mean that Romania gives up its interests , not for a moment. (...) What is important is that, immediately after we leave here, we continue our work and, one day, we will also reach the results," said Predoiu.
JusMin: Over 6,000 cases on drug trafficking initiated this year

Justice Minister Alina Gorghiu said on Wednesday that this year alone more than 6,000 criminal cases involving drug trafficking have been initiated, told Agerpres.

"These days we are facing in Romania an extremely sensitive issue: drug use and trafficking. Unfortunately, in recent times, the drug phenomenon has increased its global nature, and combating it requires the cooperation of all states. This is why Romania's National Drug Strategy for the period 2022 - 2026 states that it is necessary to interconnect the internal and external dimensions of Romania's drug policy. For us, it is an important challenge to combat drug trafficking and consumption and, first of all, to dismantle the organised crime networks operating in this area," said Gorghiu, in a press conference held at the end of her meeting in Chisinau with her Moldovan counterpart Veronica Mihailov-Moraru.

She said that the justice system was "fully determined" to act "with zero tolerance" against drug trafficking. "This year alone, investigations have started in over 6,000 cases involving drug trafficking. And we will continue to do so," the Minister of Justice said.
JusMinGorghiu: Democracy and the rule of law in Moldova, under attack by Russia's hybrid war actions

Romania's Justice Minister Alina Gorghiu said on Wednesday that democracy and the rule of law in Moldova are constantly under attack by Russia's hybrid war actions, and disinformation is the first weapon that they use to destabilise, told Agerpres.

On Wednesday, Gorghiu met her Moldovan counterpart Veronica Mihailov-Moraru.

"I am glad that my first official visit as justice minister is to the Republic of Moldova. It is a strong message of confirmation of the support that Romania gives to the Republic of Moldova in any area. I assured the minister that we will continue the supported efforts in the relationship with EU institutions and member states in support of the Republic of Moldova, on all levels related to European integration," Gorghiu is quoted as saying in a press statement.

She added that Romania provides support for a positive decision by the end of 2023 regarding the opening of accession negotiations by Moldova.

"Congratulations on the progress made with the implementation of the nine recommendations of the European Commission in June 2022, including in justice. We are ready to continue to provide technical assistance to Moldova in the process of justice reform and strengthening the rule of law, sharing Romania's experience, especially from the pre-accession period. We will also continue to help with the transfer of expertise, the transposition of the acquis and the professional training of experts from the central administration involved in the European integration process."

Gorghiu added that disinformation is Russia's weapon of choice when it comes to desabilising.

"Let's not forget: democracy and the rule of law in the Republic of Moldova are constantly under attack by Russia's hybrid war actions. The common strategic stake is to counter such actions. The region cannot afford the destabilisation of the Republic of Moldova. Disinformation is the weapon of choice used by Russia to destabilise not only the Republic of Moldova, but all the states in the region. Useful and strategic actors that advance Russia's interests also exist in Romania. We must tell as clearly as possible the public what the Romania-Republic of Moldova partnership means and what its indisputable advantages are."
OFFICE SPACE: Coming soon(ish) to a congressional district near you ...

U.S. Rep. Cori Bush is opening a new main congressional office in downtown St. Louis  in the Louderman Building at 1100 Locust Street, at its intersection with 11th street.

Bush's new digs still are being renovated to accommodate the offices and a congressional spokesperson said Bush hopes to have the office open to constituents by Oct. 1.

At this time, the space already has been partitioned off into work spaces and meeting rooms, and a substantial number of computers and office equipment already are on the scene. "We're still working on it," said

Marina Chafa, Bush's congressional spokesperson, when asked about an opening date. "But we'd like to have it open by the end of next month."

After joining Congress in 2021, Bush operated out of an office at 6724 Page Avenue. That office now is closed and the new Locust Street office is operating on a limited basis.

The telephone number for the office is 314-955-9980.

The second-term Democratic legislator represents Missouri's 1st Congressional District, which covers all of St. Louis city and parts of north and northwest St. Louis County.

The space most recently had been home to Rooster's, a restaurant that has since moved two blocks north to Washington Avenue.

Bush's office will be on the street level of the 12-floor art-deco structure, which was built in 1925.

The driving force behind the building was William Louderman, a brick merchant and investor who was president in 1911-12 of the St. Louis Stock Exchange. A hall at Washington University is named in his honor.

The building was designed by the architectural firm of La Beaume & Klein, which also designed the downtown YMCA and Kiel Auditorium, according to the Landmarks Association of St. Louis.

City property records indicate the building is owned by Biota Properties LLC. Other floors of the building contain condominiums marketed as the Louderman Lofts.

Bush also has neighborhood service centers at four libraries in her district which are open on specific weekdays.

Two of the centers are in St. Louis and are open on Mondays and Wednesdays: the Carpenter branch at 3309 South Grand Boulevard, and the Walnut Park branch at West Florissant Avenue.

And two centers are in St. Louis County and operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays: the Lewis and Clark branch at 9909 Lewis and Clark Boulevard, and the Rock Road Branch at 10267 St Charles Rock Road.

GAME PLAN: What could possibly go better with modern politics than alcohol and arcade games?

The correct answer might very well be "you."

The first Republican presidential debate  which will not be blessed/ burdened with the presence of former President Donald Trump  will be the focus of a watch party Wednesday at Dave & Buster's in Maryland Heights.

The soiree is sponsored by conservative talk radio station KFTK (97.1 FM) and will pop its first top at 7 p.m. at the party spot at 13857 Riverport Drive.

The debate will begin at 7 p.m. and is slated to air live on the Fox News Channel. The event is free to attend, but space is limited. Station honchos ask that interested parties please reserve spots at audacy.com/971talk.

Aside from Trump, the other main contenders are set to appear. Those who have been confirmed as attending are: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis; U.S. Sen. Tim Scott; former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley; former Vice President Mike Pence; North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum; former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie; and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

ARMED AND GENEROUS: Military spouses are in line for a helping hand from legislation co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale.

The bill's main sponsor was a Democrat, U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia.

The Military Spouse Career Support Act of 2023 would help reimburse military families for business expenses when moving between active and reserve assignments. Currently, such reimbursements are available only to military families transferring between active-duty assignments

"The United States government has an obligation to keep the best interests of our servicemen and servicewomen top of mind  and that includes military spouses," said Schmitt, Missouri's junior senator.

Joe Holleman  314-340-8254 jholleman@post-dispatch.com
The Department of Cultural Heritage has requested the Denver Art Museum in the U.S. to return several Vietnamese artifacts that were stolen in the past.

10 artifacts that the FBI returned to Vietnam in 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh

The governments of Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia wrote to the museum in May and June asking about eight artifacts it held without proper export permits, ARTnews magazine reported.

The museum has a collection of over 200 antiquities from various Southeast Asian countries.

The Department of Cultural Heritage has confirmed that it wrote to the museum seeking the repatriation of the Vietnamese artifacts but said it has not received a response.

"The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said they are completing the necessary procedures, but did not provide a specific timeline for the return [of the artifacts]," an official from the Vietnamese department said.

The museum had said in March that it was working with the U.S. government to ensure the proper repatriation of the artifacts to their countries of origin.

Part of this process involves careful research to validate the authenticity and origin of each item, it added.

Of the eight artifacts, six were donated by Emma C. Bunker, a former research consultant of the museum.

One of them is a 19th-century gilded bronze Buddha statue acquired by Bunker from a man named Jonathan Tucker in 2012.

According to the Denver Post, both had dealings with Douglas Latchford, an antique trader known for smuggling Cambodian antiquities for decades.

Bunker and Latchford often forged signatures to create counterfeit histories for contraband artifacts.

Latchford utilized the Denver Art Museum to legitimize items of questionable origin.

The museum removed Bunker's name from its display board in March and returned the US$185,000 donation she and her family had made.

It also discontinued the Asian art fund established in memory of Bunker after her death in 2021.

In November last year, the National Museum of History in Vietnam received 10 artifacts repatriated from the U.S., including an antique stone axe and four Dong Son culture (1000 BCE to first century CE) relics.

The U.S. Department of Justice has facilitated the return of numerous antiquities in recent years.

The Khmer Times reported that Cambodia received five stone and bronze artifacts from Latchford in 2021. Last year the U.S. returned 30 others to Cambodia.

Denver Art Museum, established in 1893, stands as one of the world's largest museums. Its collection features over 70,000 pieces encompassing art and antiquities, including more than 6,000 artifacts showing the evolution of Asia and America. The museum has garnered recognition not only for preserving historical artifacts but also as a prominent tourist destination in the U.S.
CALIFORNIA

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif.  Crews in mountain and desert towns worked to clear away mud and debris Tuesday in the aftermath of the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years.

The system dissipated as it moved over the Rocky Mountains.

Hilary dumped record rainfall over California's deserts, including in the stark Death Valley that experienced its single-rainiest day on record on Sunday.

As Hilary moved northeast into the neighboring state of Nevada, flooding was reported, power was out and a boil-water order was issued for about 400 households in the Mount Charleston area, about 40 miles west of Las Vegas.

Hilary first slammed into Mexico's arid Baja California Peninsula as a hurricane, causing one death and widespread flooding before becoming a tropical storm. So far, no deaths, serious injuries or extreme damages have been reported in California, though officials warned that risks remain, especially in the mountainous regions where the wet hillsides could unleash mudslides.

Flooding and mudslides were reported across Southern California's inland desert and mountain areas. In the San Bernardino Mountains, crews worked to clear mud that blocked the homes of about 800 residents, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Alison Hesterly said.

Hilary shattered daily rain records in San Diego and dumped the equivalent of a full year's worth on Death Valley National Park, forcing the park to be closed indefinitely, park officials said.

Meanwhile, a succession of power outages at a Los Angeles hospital prompted the evacuation of 28 patients in critical condition to other hospitals early Tuesday, while 213 other patients were moved to another building in the medical center, authorities said.

The power failure blacked out Adventist Health White Memorial's main six-story building, disabling elevators, fire Chief Kristin M. Crowley said.

The hospital originally lost power at 3 a.m. Monday after Tropical Storm Hilary dumped record rainfall on the city, and backup generators kicked in, the hospital president said. That power source was later either cut off or failed and another blackout was reported at 11:45 p.m. Monday, authorities said. Power was restored shortly before 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Editor's note: This is the second column in a series about the criminal justice system in Warren County. Read the previous column on stltoday.com.

WARRENTON  For nearly five years, Pearl Goldizen has walked under a cloud.

In October 2018, she was a passenger in a car that was pulled over for expired tags. There was marijuana in the trunk.

Goldizen, a single mom of five children, was living in St. Joseph at the time. In March 2019, she was charged with the Class C felony of "delivery of a controlled substance." It was the first time she had been arrested, the first time she was charged with a crime.

It came at a precarious time for Missouri courts. About a year after Goldizen was charged, as the case was still making its way through the Warren County system, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down most Missouri courthouses and significantly slowed the progress of cases.

Most jurisdictions have since found ways to get caught up, or at least to reduce the number of backed-up cases.

But not Warren County. There, cases that are five years old or longer are still lingering, with people like Goldizen struggling to get their days in court. According to Missouri court records, there were more than 2,800 pending cases in Warren County as of April, a per-capita rate three times higher than neighboring St. Charles County.

For a person with an unresolved felony charge on their record, the delays have serious consequences.

"For the last four and a half years now, I've been just sitting on my hands. I can't get a job because of the criminal charge on my background check," Goldizen says.

She lives in the Kansas City area now, and every few months, she has to drive nearly three hours to Warren County for a court date.

"I can't support my family," she says. "I thought this was going to be done and over with by now."

Her attorney, Chris Lozano of Chesterfield, says while all courts deal with COVID delays, "this is the only county that has this kind of backlog."

The public defender's office hires private attorneys like Lozano to take cases when there is a conflict of interest  such as multiple defendants in a case  or when the office has its own backup.

"She can't get a job," Lozano says of Goldizen. "She can't get a house. She has found herself completely marginalized because this charge hangs over her head."

The delays have put the constitutional right to a speedy trial in question for many Warren County defendants, while simultaneously creating a public safety problem when people facing violent charges aren't held accountable for years.

Everybody in the Warren County court system, from Circuit Court Judge Jason Lamb to Prosecuting Attorney Kelly King to defense attorneys, acknowledges the serious delays in this rural county northwest of St. Louis that is becoming more exurban. According to the most recent U.S. Census numbers, Warren County is the second-fastest growing county in the St. Louis metropolitan statistical area, going from about 35,000 people in 2020 to more than 37,000 last year.

Lamb says the problems in Warren County  including a glut of criminal cases that involve drug addiction or mental health problems  are similar to challenges faced in courts across the country. Lamb's courtroom is often packed with cases like this  possession of meth or opioids, or driving while intoxicated, for instance. Defendants come up one by one and often have their cases delayed for weeks, for one reason or another.

"I don't think this is unique to us," Lamb says.

He sits on a statewide criminal justice panel that is examining strategies to unclog court dockets. A major part of the discussion, he says, is focusing on people in jail who might better be served with treatment.

"Studies have absolutely shown the success of treatment courts and the promise of programs that identify substance abuse and co-occurring mental health issues at an early stage," Lamb says.

His committee is investigating the "intercept model," in which police, social workers, attorneys and judges intervene in drug and mental health cases earlier to divert people to treatment before their cases linger. He hopes some of the strategies can be applied in Warren County to reduce the clogged court docket.

But in the meantime, there are dozens of folks awaiting a trial with no clear dates for their days in court.

'There may be a system problem'

Motions for a speedy trial are an important protection for defendants. They are often filed by defense lawyers when charges linger, and prosecutors have a difficult time proving a case and are unwilling to reduce or drop charges. A failure to meet the speedy trial request can lead a judge or appeals court to dismiss a case because the defendant's constitutional rights have been denied.

Since 2020, there have been more than 170 motions for speedy trial filed in Warren County. As of April, nearly 30% of those cases were still pending. That's three times the percentage of outstanding speedy trial cases than the other two counties in the 12th Judicial Circuit, Montgomery and Audrain. It's also twice as high as other county courts in the region, including Franklin, St. Charles, Lincoln, Pike and Gasconade.

"If there are a large number of cases that are not being tried after speedy trial requests, there may be a system problem," says former Missouri Supreme Court Judge Michael Wolff, the dean emeritus at St. Louis University Law School. "These congestion delays could be the result of an excess of crimes in the county, or the result of the prosecutor bringing an excessive number of cases of dubious merits."

Defense lawyers argue that the prosecutor, King, is indeed part of the problem.

Lozano believes that King's unwillingness to offer reasonable plea bargains is one key issue. It's not the first time he's criticized the Warren County prosecutor. Lozano is a retired lieutenant colonel in the Marines who spent time as a prosecutor in the military's Judge Advocate General's office. I first met him in 2019, when he told me about a Warren County client who spent nearly a year in prison on a probation violation because King charged him with a drug crime on bad evidence.

King dropped the charges on the eve of trial  video evidence cleared the defendant. But by then, he was already back in prison on a probation violation, simply for being charged with a crime. Lozano believes many clients need help for their addictions and criminalizing that addiction doesn't help the person or the justice system.

In that case, Lozano accused King of prosecutorial misconduct for delaying discovery, something the Missouri Supreme Court had chided her for previously. She defended her actions. She does, now, also, as the court system struggles with a glut of cases.

"While I do agree that the court is backed up, I have no control over the trial dockets," King emailed in a response to written questions.

The person who does control that docket is Lamb, the judge. He says he takes the request for a speedy trial seriously.

"If any defendant asks for a speedy trial, the court will do everything in its power to honor that," Lamb says.

But the judge's definition of speedy trial, and that of defense attorneys, is increasingly in conflict.

Over the past few months, Lozano and another contracted public defender  Matthew Mueller  have raised the issue of delays in court documents. In a couple of his cases, Mueller has asked the Missouri Court of Appeals to force Lamb to set a trial date. In one, after the Missouri Supreme Court asked Lamb to respond, he indeed set a court date. That trial took place last week. The jury found Mueller's client, Joseph Cisneros, not guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Lozano has taken a different tact. In the cases where Lozano has filed for a speedy trial  but no trial date has been set  he's filed a separate motion asking for a new judge.

"There are presently hundreds of cases that have been announced ready for trial but have no assigned trial dates in the Circuit Court of Warren County," Lozano wrote in a court document in April. "The failure of the presiding judge to properly administer the trial calendar has created an unsolvable problem for which a change of judge and change of venue for cause is required."

In June, Lamb granted Lozano's requests for a new judge in 17 different cases. A retired judge from St. Charles County, Richard Zerr, has been appointed to handle the cases. Many of those cases are now moving through the system.

Zerr has pressured King's office to improve its plea bargain offers in some cases. In others, Lozano has entered an "open plea" on behalf of his clients, leaving their punishment up to Zerr. Some are headed to trial.

But not Goldizen. In mid-July, her legal nightmare finally ended.

Not long after the case was switched from Lamb to Zerr, King dropped the charges entirely. The switch in judges made a difference, Lozano believes. Like most prosecutors in Missouri, King is dropping some old marijuana cases after voters legalized purchase of the substance in November. It makes little sense to keep prosecuting cases involving pot and no other crimes. So why did it take so long?

In Warren County, the wheels of justice turn slowly.

Coming next: A University City woman has tried to get her day in court for five years. She's still waiting.

Tony Messenger 314-340-8518

@tonymess on Twitter tmessenger@post-dispatch.com
JAKARTA, Indonesia  Indonesias defense ministry and Boeing have signed an agreement on the sale of 24 F-15EX fighter jets to help modernize the Southeast Asian countrys aging fleet, the ministry and the company said.

Officials from the ministry and a Boeing executive signed the memorandum of understanding at Boeings north St. Louis County facility on Monday, Boeing said, though it underscored that the transaction was subject to U.S. government approval.

This state-of-the-art fighter will protect and secure our nation with its advanced capabilities, Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto said, according to Boeings statement.

Boeing and the defense ministry did not provide details on the deals value.

The F-15EX is the most advanced version of the F-15, with digital fly-by-wire flight controls, a new electronic warfare system, a digital cockpit, and the latest mission systems and software capabilities, Boeing said.

Prabowo and his U.S. counterpart, Lloyd Austin, discussed the planned procurement during Austins visit to Jakarta last year.

Indonesia has increased its defense spending in recent years to overhaul its fleet, which includes U.S-made F-16 and Russian Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-30 jets.

Last year, Jakarta bought 42 Dassault Rafale fighter jets for $8.1 billion.

It has also purchased 12 used Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets in an $800 million deal that drew criticism as the aircraft were considered too old.

Last year, the U.S. has also approved the potential sale of F-15ID aircraft and related equipment to Indonesia in a deal valued at up to $13.9 billion.

After Rafale, the F-15 will make Indonesia a strong nation as we keep building a mature defense diplomacy, the defense ministry spokesperson said.
Drugmaker Mallinckrodt said on Wednesday it expects to file for a second bankruptcy in the coming days, after reaching a debt reduction deal that would cut $1 billion from the amount it owes to victims of the opioid crisis.

The agreement announced Wednesday would reduce Mallinckrodts debt by about $1.9 billion and cancel existing equity shares. Mallinckrodts creditors would end up owning the company, which previously filed for bankruptcy in 2020.

The drugmakers shares, which have already lost about 92% of their value this year, fell 19% to close at 47 cents.

The company will make a one-time and final payment of $250 million to the trust in addition to $450 million it has paid. The new deal would leave opioid creditors with $1 billion less than the $1.7 billion settlement that Mallinckrodt agreed to pay as part of its 2022 exit from the companys earlier bankruptcy.

Mallinckrodt failed to make a $200 million payment to the opioid trust due in June, prompting the company to launch a negotiation with its stakeholders.

The agreement and bankruptcy will enable Mallinckrodt to better align our balance sheet with our current business plan, said Siggi Olafsson, the companys president and chief executive officer.

Mallinckrodt said that its current level of creditor support should allow the company to complete its second bankruptcy by the end of 2023.

The company, one of the largest manufacturers of opioids, also makes generic and branded drugs such as Acthar Gel, which is used to treat multiple sclerosis and infantile spasms.

Before its 2020 bankruptcy filing, Mallinckrodt was a defendant in more than 3,000 lawsuits alleging that it used deceptive and misleading marketing tactics to boost its sales of highly addictive opioid drugs.

Drug manufacturers, drug distributors and pharmacy chains have agreed to pay more than $50 billion in settlements to resolve lawsuits related to the U.S. opioid crisis.

Mallinckrodt, registered in Ireland as a public limited company, has U.S. offices in Missouri and New Jersey. Mallinckrodts U.S. subsidiary, Webster Groves-based SpecGx, and another generic drugmaker, Actavis Pharma, produced the vast amount of prescription opioids distributed throughout the country.

Mallinckrodt traces its start to 1867 when three Mallinckrodt brothers founded a chemical concern in St. Louis that later became a major supplier of pharmaceuticals.

Beginning in the 1940s, the Mallinckrodt Chemical Works in downtown St. Louis processed uranium ore for the development of the first atomic bomb.

The Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.

Updated at 4:15 p.m.
GRANITE CITY  As U.S. Steel fields offers from potential buyers, the bidding process has raised questions about how much influence the steelworkers union may have over a sale.

The United Steelworkers union, which represents more than 11,000 of the companys employees nationwide  including 1,250 in Granite City  has backed an offer from the Cleveland, Ohio-based steelmaker Cleveland-Cliffs. U.S. Steel rejected the offer, but the union has argued that under its labor agreement it has certain powers to oppose bids by other buyers.

The company sent out a letter to employees Tuesday offering assurances that any buyer will have to honor its existing labor agreement, according to a copy filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. But the company also reiterated its stance that, under the terms of the contract, the union cannot prevent a transaction that is in U.S. Steels best interest.

Cleveland-Cliffs presented an offer to U.S. Steels board on July 28. U.S. Steel rejected the proposal on Aug. 13, saying Cleveland-Cliffs was pushing to reach a deal without allowing enough due diligence.

Esmark, a privately held, Pittsburgh-based company, has also made an offer, and on Aug. 16 Reuters reported that Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal SA was considering making an offer, citing people familiar with the matter.

Also on Tuesday, Cleveland-Cliffs sent U.S. Steel a letter arguing that, under its labor contract, U.S. Steel is obligated to share information about any other bids with Cleveland-Cliffs and the steelworkers union.

A sale of U.S. Steel introduces new uncertainties for U.S. Steels local plant in Granite City.

The company said last year that it planned to sell a portion of the facility to Chicago-based SunCoke Energy in a deal that would eliminate nearly 1,000 jobs at the plant, which employs about 1,500.

Last month, an executive said during a call with analysts that U.S. Steel is still in conversations with SunCoke about the Granite City plant, and hopes to reach an agreement.

A U.S. Steel spokesperson confirmed Tuesday that a deal hasnt been finalized.

Dan Simmons, president of United Steelworkers Local 1899, said U.S. Steels plans for the facility are clear.

So for Granite City workers, he said, the possibility of a fresh set of eyes on the plants operations is welcome.

Mayor Michael Parkinson said a sale to Cleveland-Cliffs could be a positive for Granite City  if the company intends to keep the blast furnaces running. Its a good steel company, he said, and has good relationships with its employees.

With any buyer, he added, the city will want to get in touch, and ensure the new companys plans for the plant are different from those of U.S. Steel.
ST. LOUIS  A man in custody died on Sunday at the downtown jail, according to police and an attorney representing his family.

Carlton Bernard, 32, died shortly after being put in an ambulance en route to the hospital, attorney Mark Pedroli said police told the family.

Bernards mother, Shantae Winston, said the family was seeking information about how Bernard died.

Bernard was a young man, she said. No mother should have to endure the loss of their child in government custody. No one has provided any explanation which makes this all the more painful.

Police confirmed the death, and said they were investigating, as was the medical examiners office.

A spokesperson for the Department of Public Safety, which the police department falls under, said Bernard was transferred to the hospital for a medical emergency on Sunday, and was pronounced deceased at a hospital.

Authorities did not release more information about Bernards death.

Court records show Bernard was jailed at the City Justice Center for a third-degree assault in March. Hes accused of snatching a womans AirPod out of her ear and swinging his forearm into the victims face court records show. Hed been jailed since June.

No other criminal charges were listed for him in Missouri court filings.

The chairman of the citys new Detention Facilities Oversight Board, civil rights activist Rev. Darryl Gray, called Bernards death another example of the citys lack of transparency, and blasted the city for failing to work with  or even inform  the oversight board.

The information is not flowing both ways, Gray said. It doesnt seem like the collaboration works, especially when its information we should receive, especially as it relates to the death of the detainee.

The death came about two days before five inmates took a 70-year-old guard hostage for more than two hours.

A SWAT team removed the male guard who was seen outside the building on a stretcher just after 8 a.m. City officials later said he and two inmates suffered minor injuries.

Gray said the oversight board plans to meet on Monday to discuss both incidents.
JEFFERSON CITY  Republican Gov. Mike Parson opposes a plan by St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones to ban military-grade weapons on city streets, including the prominent AR-15 and AK-47 model rifles.

Echoing his hand-picked attorney generals position, Parson questioned the constitutionality of the mayors plan as well as whether a prohibition on high-powered weapons would have any effect on crime.

Governor Parson is a strong and proud supporter of the Second Amendment and does not support any measure that he views weakens Missourians right to bear arms, spokesman Johnathan Shiflett said Wednesday.

His comments came a day after Jones said a measure will be introduced at the Board of Aldermen in the coming days. The board could begin considering the measure at its next meeting, on Sept. 15.

Along with the ban on certain weapons, the proposal also aims to stop minors from getting guns, crack down on the proliferation of gun-making kits used to skirt federal possession bans, and rein in random gunfire on New Years Day and the Fourth of July, she said.

In making the announcement, Jones acknowledged the bill could prompt blowback from Republicans in state government, who she criticized for dismantling gun regulations and blocking the city from enacting its own.

But, it comes as the death toll from gun violence continues to hamper economic development in the nations 21st largest metropolitan area.

Shiflett said he is not aware of any discussions of the proposal between the mayor and the governor.

With Republicans in power in state government, Missouris gun laws have become looser. Attempts to impose more restrictions on firearms to address violence are typically dead on arrival in the Capitol.

In 2021, state lawmakers approved a law prohibiting local police from enforcing federal gun laws. The so-called Second Amendment Preservation Act has been ruled unconstitutional, but it is being appealed.

Lawmakers earlier this year sent Parson a version of Blairs Law, which is designed to stop the practice of people shooting bullets into the air, including on New Years Day, July Fourth and after other events.

It is named after Blair Shanahan, who was killed by a stray bullet during a 2011 backyard barbecue in Kansas City.

Parson said he favors Blairs Law, but vetoed the overall bill because of an unrelated provision. It could be reintroduced next year.

On the mayors proposal, Parson said he doesnt believe it will have a positive effect on crime.

Cities with the strictest gun laws still have some of the highest rates of gun violence because, simply, criminals are not deterred by restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens, Shiflett said.

Parsons opposition mirrors that of Attorney General Andrew Bailey, whom the governor appointed to the post in January.

Bailey, who is running for a full, four-year term in 2024, quickly threatened a lawsuit against the city if the anti-crime package is adopted.

Your proposed measure would violate the constitutional right of Missourians to keep and bear arms, Bailey said in a letter to the mayor. It is my hope that you will reverse course and use existing law to combat the crime plaguing your city, rather than choosing to target the rights of law-abiding Missourians. In other words, I encourage you to go after criminals, not guns.
ST. LOUIS  Missouri state lawmakers have proposed the most educational intimidation bills in the country aimed at censoring certain books and topics in schools, says a new report from an advocacy group for free expression.

The bills mainly involve topics of race and gender, creating a chilling effect that creates the conditions for censorship indirectly, threatening the freedoms to teach and learn by pressuring teachers and librarians to be more restrictive, according to Educational Intimidation: How Parental Rights Legislation Undermines the Freedom to Learn released Wednesday by New York nonprofit PEN America.

The 31 such bills introduced in the Missouri Legislature since January 2021 outpace Texas (21), Oklahoma (20), South Carolina (18), Indiana (17) and Mississippi (16). All but one of the bills in Missouri were sponsored by Republicans, and several were labeled as some version of a Parents Bill of Rights.

Many of these bills enable one parent to make decisions about what can be taught or read not just for their own child but for all children in a school or district, reads the report. As such, despite the common usage of parents rights rhetoric, these bills actually disempower the majority of parents and empower an activist minority to make curricular decisions for all students in a school or district.

The report points to Missouri Senate Bill 4 as an example of educational intimidation through curriculum inspection. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Koenig, R-Manchester, passed the Senate in the spring but did not make it through the House.

Under the bill, schools would have been required to post all curriculum, textbooks, sourcebooks and other classroom materials in full text on their websites.

Only one of the Missouri bills in the report has been signed into law by Gov. Mike Parson. The 2022 law bans visual depictions of explicit sexual material in public and private schools, leading to the removal of at least 97 books in school districts across the St. Louis region. The list of banned books includes comic book versions of The Handmaids Tale, 1984 and Maus, a Holocaust memoir that depicts Nazis as cartoon cats and Jews as mice.

St. Louis Public Schools did not ban any books in response to the law, but Maus was removed as an option from the high school English curriculum this fall.
CHESTERFIELD  City leaders here said Tuesday they plan to advance a proposal to replace the Chesterfield Mall with apartments, commercial and public space, but the developer would not say if the company was still considering pulling the plug on the project.

The uncertainty followed a Monday night meeting where the attorney for the developer, The Staenberg Group, told the council the company was reconsidering the project because of a proposed restriction on how much ground floor space the developer can use to build apartments.

The surprise restriction, recommended earlier this month by the Chesterfield City Councils planning committee, was voted down on Monday night by the entire City Council. But Michael Doster, an attorney for TSG, said at Mondays meeting that the proposed restriction has prompted the company to consider what this whole process to this point forecasts for what well be facing in the future.

We will be coming back for many approvals, Doster said. Do we really want to go through the same process over and over again?

Developers in recent months had already agreed to 15 other changes that were negotiated with residents who were concerned the project included too much housing. By Tuesday afternoon, city officials said the company had not said if it will continue with the project after the City Council rejected the latest restriction. Doster, TSG and another attorney for the firm did not return a request for comment.

Ahead of Mondays meeting, the development group sent a letter asking the city to pause plans indefinitely while the group reevaluates the project.

The fallout from Mondays meeting was the latest tension in the long-discussed project, first introduced in 2020, to demolish the mall and replace it with a downtown concept. Developers plan to build more than 2,500 housing units and install thousands of square feet of commercial space, pedestrian walkways, a park and other amenities.

The council voted 5-4 to reject the latest restriction, and it voted 7-1 to give first-round approval to rezoning the area from strictly commercial to commercial and residential, along with the other negotiated changes.

Mayor Bob Nation, who cast the tie-breaking vote against the latest restriction, and council chair Merrell Hansen said they still plan to ask the council to hold a final vote on rezoning on Sept. 5.

Nation said Tuesday it was understandable that TSG may still have concerns after the split vote.

I can understand how theyre not feeling extraordinarily confident at this point, he said. Its just mind-boggling to me why some council members feel like they have to have the nth degree of control over the project.

The project, along with a separate, neighboring housing and retail development called Wildhorse Village, represents more than $2 billion of new development that stands to remake some of the few remaining parcels of developable land in the city. After weeks of discussion, the City Council in December approved $353 million in controversial tax increment financing for the redevelopments.

The hit delays earlier this summer, too, when residents raised concerns about the number of housing units. TSG and the citizen group, Preserve Chesterfield, came to an agreement to drop the number of planned apartments from 2,880 to 2,538, along with other negotiated changes such as limiting building height to no more than 200 feet and requiring first-floor space that faces the park and main streets be used for commercial development, not residential.

But earlier this month, the councils four-person planning committee voted 3-1 to recommend the additional restriction that would cap the amount of ground floor space apartments could take up at 1.35 million square feet  about 60% of the 55 buildable acres on the 96-acre site.

Three residents criticized the restriction during public comment at Mondays meeting, arguing it threatened the long-sought goal to replace the defunct mall and build a downtown concept envisioned by city planners as early as 2018.

This project is the future of our city, said Rob Rodermund, who served on a city commission that approved tax increment financing for the developments.

Councilmembers Dan Hurt, Mary Monachella, Mary Ann Mastorakos and Barbara McGuinness voted to keep the proposed restriction, arguing TSG had failed to prove how it would ensure a mixed-use development with office, retail and commercial space making up the majority of the ground floor.

The problem were facing is that were at the very end, ready to sign on this zoning, and they will not commit to giving us even one building that is not residential, Monachella said. Its not that we want to control this whole darn thing, but we want to make sure its the mixed-use that we sold our constituents on.

Nation, Hansen and councilmen Aaron Wahl, Gary Budoor and Michael Moore voted to nix the restriction, arguing it was too prohibitive and posed a significant burden to the project. The planned zoning law already requires mixed-use, they said, and the city would have more opportunities to vet the development when it approves more detailed site plans.

Wahl said Tuesday that the meeting one day earlier was the first time hed heard TSG say publicly that they could consider pulling the project.

What is in ordinance now is essentially what weve discussed since 2020, he said. If they really cant accomplish that vision in the end, then its probably better to find that out now before they break ground.

I think it would be a shame and a disservice to our city and county if they choose to go elsewhere, but it would also be a disservice if they commit to something they cant really get done in the right way.

McGuinness, the lone no vote for advancing the rezoning plan, said Tuesday she wanted more guarantees in writing that the project would remain mixed-use.

It looks to me like its going to be majority multifamily housing, and I dont think thats what the residents of Chesterfield want, she said. This is a huge deal for the city of Chesterfield. I think we need to be very, very careful.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  Last week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker used his amendatory veto powers to strike language from an omnibus energy bill giving utilities Ameren and MidAmerican Energy first dibs on building out new electrical transmission lines in their coverage areas.

A week before that, the governor issued a total veto of a bill that would have lifted the states 35-year-old moratorium on the construction of new nuclear power plants.

The former was expected. Pritzker telegraphed for months that he would not sign the legislation as-is, and argued in his veto message that it would eliminate competition and raise costs for ratepayers.

The latter came as more of a surprise, as the legislation passed with bipartisan supermajorities. Additionally, nuclear power is generally viewed as a crucial source of carbon-free energy needed for the state to meet its clean energy goals.

Whether he tipped his hand or kept it close to the vest, each action by Pritzker makes sense when taking the long view of his record.

In his four-plus years in office, Pritzker has generally cast his lot with environmentalists in situations where sides needed to be taken  even if that meant he was on the opposite end of key allies in organized labor.

In the summer of 2021, for instance, negotiations on what eventually became the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) dragged out as a coalition of environmental groups battled it out against the unions over the timeline for decarbonization.

Pritzker served as a backstop for the environmental groups, threatening to veto any legislation that would have fundamentally altered the nature of the legislation from the landmark climate bill it was intended to be.

Eventually, agreement was reached with the major stakeholders and Pritzker signed the law, which aims to move Illinois to 100% renewable energy by 2050. All privately owned coal-fired plants will need to come offline by 2030, with natural gas plants following in 2045. Publicly owned coal plants, like the Prairie State Energy Campus southeast of St. Louis, will need to close by 2045 if they cannot achieve 100% carbon emissions reductions.

CEJA, one of Pritzker's signature legislative achievements, is probably the most high-profile example of this in action. But if you want to gauge where the governor is on energy legislation, a good rule-of-thumb is to check and see where the greens are.

In the case of House Bill 3445, which gives Ameren and MidAmerica the right of first refusal to build new electrical transmission lines and forgo competitive bidding on projects, as well as Senate Bill 76, the lifting of the nuclear moratorium, the Illinois Environmental Council and the Sierra Club were both opposed.

With the transmission lines legislation, the groups charged that the measure essentially gives the utility companies a monopoly that will drive up construction costs and, ultimately, rates for consumers.

Pritzker echoed the sentiment in his veto message.

"Without competition, Ameren ratepayers in downstate Illinois will see higher electricity bills to pay for the higher cost of these transmission projects," Pritzker said. "Competitively bidding transmission construction, instead of giving the utility a monopoly, has been proven to lower project costs significantly."

And though nuclear energy is a significant source of carbon-free baseload power, environmental groups have long cultivated an uneasy relationship with the technology, citing safety concerns and the lack of a permanent storage solution for resulting hazardous waste.

In his veto message and subsequent comments to reporters, the governor said he does not oppose allowing construction of small modular reactors, also called SMRs. Advocates say the technology, viewed as potentially game-changing, could provide cheap, safe carbon-neutral energy on a small scale.

"I believe strongly that we should bring small modular reactors to Illinois," Pritzker said, adding that "they do seem to work very well and they do seem to be safe, but they're going to be several years of testing yet ahead."

But Pritzker said the legislation did not provide enough regulatory protections and that the its language was amended to allow the building of any "advanced nuclear reactor," which he said could open the door to larger-scale developments.

There is a through-line here when it comes to consumer protection, especially on safety and cost. And taking the side of environmentalists  especially when utility companies are on the other side of the issue  is just good politics with Democratic base voters.

Even though he has endorsed President Joe Biden's reelection, Pritzker has remained in the conversation as a possible candidate for national office in the future.

State Rep. Larry Walsh, D-Elwood, the sponsor of HB 3445, and state Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, the sponsor of SB 76, have both vowed to seek overrides of Pritzker's vetoes.

At first blush, the transmission lines legislation appears to be heavier lift. It passed the Illinois House with 63 votes, mostly from Republicans  just short of the 71 needed for an override. The measure would then need 36 votes in the Illinois Senate.

However, the bill is heavily backed by organized labor, which could exert its significant collective clout in the Capitol to twist enough arms to secure an override.

The nuclear bill passed with supermajorities, but could also face roadblocks. In his veto message, Pritzker said he rejected it in part at the insistence of House Speaker Chris Welch's leadership team.

However, the Hillside Democrat himself has not chimed in on a possible override attempt.

One possible resolution: Lawmakers could approve a new measure with the bill's original language, which limited the moratorium's lifting to SMRs.

With his party controlling supermajorities in the legislature, Pritzker's vetoes are few and far between. But when he does exercise the power, he appears to be following a pattern, at least on energy legislation.

Illinois will need to build out significant new amounts of transmission lines to meet its clean energy goals. It would be outright impossible to meet them without the states existing nuclear fleet. And SMRs are viewed as potentially a huge boon for both clean energy goals and creating jobs.

But as the governor showed with the stroke of his pen, the "how" is not always as straightforward as the "what" or "why."

Lawmakers return to the Capitol in October.

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The Ministry of Science and Technology has issued International Standardization Organization (ISO) standards regarding climate change adaption as a practical action to realize Vietnam's net zero commitments.

The standards named TCVN ISO 14090:2020, issued by the ministry's Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality, contain principles, requirements and guidelines to instruct organizations and sectors to adapt to climate change. They can be applied to every organization of all sizes, local, regional, international, and at all types of business, corporation, sector, and natural resource manager.

The standards can assist in the development of climate change adaptation standards for specific sectors or factors.

The standards were issued after Vietnam made a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. The introduction of the standards on climate change adaptation is considered one of the practical actions to achieve the commitment.

At the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27), held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Nov. 11, 2022, the International Organization for Standardization announced a new global guide that includes guiding principles for achieving net-zero.

Under the guidelines, reducing emissions at the source is believed to be the most effective way to achieve net-zero.

To do that, countries are advised to improve energy efficiency, switch to renewable energy sources and innovate processes to reduce waste.

For emissions that cannot be eliminated, carbon offsetting is a possible solution. They involve investing in projects that remove or reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

The guidelines say that the involvement of stakeholders - employees, customers, investors and the community is key to the successful implementation of a net-zero strategy.

Right after the guide was issued, the directorate disseminated it to organizations and businesses to help them identify and manage risks, as well as seize all opportunities that climate change can bring.

According to a United Nations report, Vietnam ranks 6th among the countries suffering the most from extreme weather. Over the past 20 years, Vietnam has suffered hundreds of natural disasters causing loss of human life and materials.

Vietnam's proactive commitment of net zero to the world not only helps reduce the risk of catastrophic climate change, extreme weather phenomena, and sea level rise, loss of biodiversity; disruption of food and water supplies, but also protects human health, promotes innovation and economic growth; enhances energy security; and conserves ecosystems and biodiversity.
ST. CHARLES COUNTY  The top county election official here has been under fire for months, accused by residents  and a county councilman  of interfering in the 2020 election and causing former President Donald Trump and other Republicans to win the county by less than they should have.

Now the states top election official, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, is saying the accusations have no merit.

In a letter obtained by the Post-Dispatch, Ashcroft last month cleared St. Charles County Election Authority Kurt Bahr of any wrongdoing, saying there was no violation of Missouri law and that Bahrs actions were, as Bahr claimed, inconsequential to the outcome of the election.

We expected this outcome, Bahr said in a recent interview. The whole problem was a misunderstanding of language.

Across the country, residents and elected officials in counties like St. Charles still claim the 2020 election was rigged, causing Trumps loss to President Joe Biden. Legal challenges to the election have been deemed unfounded, but the insistence largely continues.

In St. Charles County, criticism of Bahr reached a fever pitch in recent months after a video showed Bahr and a deputy election clerk suggesting during a meeting with residents that they had cut wires on ballot tabulation machines in 2020 when they disabled the machines ethernet port. Bahr later said that he used a poor choice of words, and Ashcrofts office confirmed no wires had been cut.

Bahr said disabling the ports was intended to give the machines additional security, and it did not impair the machines ability to count ballots. But for residents who question the integrity of elections in St. Charles County  largely Republicans, like Bahr  the video was a smoking gun.

Residents argued for months at County Council meetings that Bahr had tampered with the election and jeopardized the outcome of county, state and federal elections. County Councilman Joe Brazil, of Defiance, filed an official complaint in May with Ashcroft.

In St. Charles County, Trump beat Biden by 17 percentage points in 2020. Similarly, Gov. Mike Parson carried the county by 18 points. In total, Republicans won every election, including by large margins in elections for state senate, state representative and circuit judge.

But for residents like Brazil, those margins were far too small.

Im not a crazy guy. I am just smarter than most other people in county government because they are not paying attention to what is going on, said Brazil, who attended a convention in Springfield last week hosted by Mike Lindell, the founder of My Pillow and a Trump supporter who has been a leading figure of unfounded 2020 election fraud claims.

Brazil said he has also contacted the Missouri Attorney Generals Office requesting an investigation of Bahr, but he has not heard back.

Bahr said the video that started the firestorm came from a meeting with residents who were concerned about election integrity. He said he thought the meeting was aimed at discussing real election issues but instead, the attendees and organizers were only interested in gotcha moments.

St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann said he agrees with Ashcroft that there has been no evidence of a problem in St. Charles County regarding elections.

Ive heard lots of theories as to how there could be a problem, but I have not heard any factual, physical evidence that there is a problem, Ehlmann said.

Brazil insisted that Ashcrofts letter made the states top election official look like a complete idiot and Ashcroft didnt have the courage to really look into whats going on.

Brazil said he hopes to make St. Charles County one of the first in the region to discontinue the use of electronic ballot tabulators in favor of hand-counting ballots in the countys 107 polling places and 287,000 registered voters.

(Ashcrofts) letter has not pacified them, and they will continue to come up with new questions and new theories until we give into their demands for hand-counting ballots, Bahr said. Nothing else will satisfy them.

Bahr said hand-counting ballots in next Novembers general presidential election would take up to two weeks to complete and is more likely to introduce significant errors than using an electronic tabulator to count the paper ballots used by voters.

Bahr, who ran unopposed in his 2022 reelection bid, previously served multiple terms in the Missouri House of Representatives.

He said he was unsurprised that Brazil was the one who filed the complaint against him.

I have never publicly stated that the 2020 election was stolen, and I do not support hand-counting ballots, Bahr said in May. I think a combination of those factors has put a target on my back.
Why is Congress and the Missouri statehouse considering legislation that would accentuate Missouris problems with prescription drugs and opioids?

The legislation in question, called the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act in its federal form, will cede more power to the same wealthy, monopolistic drug companies that appear intent on raising drug prices and taking Missouris opioid crisis to new heights. It will do so by regulating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)  the negotiating agents that governments, insurance companies, unions, and other health plan sponsors hire to negotiate the price of drugs downward.

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, PBMs pro-consumer negotiations with Big Pharma add nearly $200 billion to society annually, while Citizens Against Government Waste estimates that they will save nearly $20 billion in healthcare costs in Missouri over the next 10 years. So, its no wonder that the drug companies dont like them. These bad actors are spending significant sums to have lawmakers pass bills and eventually regulate PBMs out of the economy, which will allow the pharmaceutical industry to increase drug prices even further.

Missouris healthcare system is already in disarray; it doesnt need any more setbacks.

According to the Commonwealth Fund, a private U.S. foundation with the mission of promoting a high-performing health care system for societys most vulnerable, Missouris health care system is already the eighth worst in the nation. The Missouri Foundation for Health has also found that more than four-in-five state residents worry about their ability to afford health care in the future. With drug companies raising prices significantly in 2023, their concerns and struggles are only poised to worsen. Congress and the statehouse regulating PBMs will just compound this already-significant problem.

Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley understands that the drug companies are the ones inflating this states prescription drug prices. Thats why he introduced the Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act, which will impose significant, stiff civil monetary fines on any big pharmaceutical companies that sell a drug at a higher list price in the United States than the average price of the drug sold in Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, and the United Kingdom. He recognizes that Americans pay two to six times more than the rest of the world for brand-name drugs and seeks to solve the problem for his constituents with this prescient bill. Its a shame that some of his colleagues have other plans.

The sad truth in Washington is that the legislative branch and the nations so-called healthcare advocates have a rather cozy relationship with the major drug companies. Multiple PBS investigations have found that drug companies have provided over $100 million in annual donations to patient advocacy groups, while members of Congress  who publicly scold Big Pharma  also willingly accept their campaign donations. The existence of counterproductive bills like the PBM Transparency Act is just a consequence of our broken political system, where the interests of lobbyists often appear to come above our own.

Nevertheless, we cant afford to have this kind oif special-interest legislation passed. Not only would it cost Missouri residents considerable sums of money and healthcare access, but it may also cost them some of their friends, sons, daughters, and neighbors.

The same companies that bills like the PBM Transparency Act and similar state-level efforts would benefit (such as Cardinal Health, Amerisource Bergen, and McKesson) are the ones that Missouris Attorney General Office secured millions worth of settlement money from to settle accusations that they fueled the opioid crisis.

According to the Attorney Generals office, with this settlement, the Missouri Attorney Generals Office is working to fight addiction and save lives. However, if Congress and the statehouse move PBM regulations forward, penalizing the healthcare agents who control these same companies pricing, it will shuffle that settlement money right back into those companies coffers. The only lesson the pharmaceutical industry will have learned is that playing politics has its perks.

Nearly all of the nations attorneys general are already investigating these three drug wholesalers for price-fixing, too, which former Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price said is seen by state officials as the largest price-fixing cartel in the history of the United States because it involves more than 300 drugs sold by nearly all the nations generic drug manufacturers. Why would Missouris elected officials ever take their advice on drug pricing?

Sen. Hawley already knows that Big Pharma represents bad news. Hopefully, Sen. Eric Schmitt and the Missouri statehouse does as well. The fate of this states healthcare access and affordability depends on it.

Ed Martin is an attorney, president of the Phyllis Schlafly Eagles and a former chairman of the Missouri Republican Party.
As most jurisdictions in America are fundamentally rethinking the nations long, troubling history of over-incarceration, leave it to Missouri to go in exactly the wrong direction.

The state Supreme Court last week upheld a state law that allows for the jailing  yes, jailing  of parents for their childrens unexcused absences from public schools.

Whats next, the revival of debtors prisons?

The case stemmed from the convictions of two single mothers over two childrens unexcused absences, for a total of 13 and 16 days, from the Lebanon R-III School District in central Missouri.

Both mothers were convicted under a state law that mandates children attend school on a regular basis. One woman was sentenced to two years probation; the other served a week in jail.

The women argued the state law is unconstitutionally vague and inconsistently applied. The vagueness is apparent, effectively leaving it to the school districts to decide what regular attendance means.

The Lebanon districts policy is that anything under a 90% attendance rate fails to meet the regular attendance bar vaguely set by the law. Even within that arbitrary standard, there was debate about what constitutes an unexcused absence.

As for inconsistent application, that, too, is clearly true on its face, given that the convictions of the two women (both in the same small school district) were so rare that they made national news. Are we to believe their kids are the only two children in Missouri to have failed to attend school on a regular basis?

The high court nonetheless upheld the convictions 6-0 (with one justice not participating), ruling that no Missouri parent would conclude attendance on a regular basis means anything less than having their child go to school on those days the school is in session.

Whether these two convictions adhered to the letter of state law is one question. The bigger one should be, why would any law allow incarceration of people based on a violation that is not only utterly non-violent, but likely to involve socio-economic factors?

A 2018 study by The Economic Policy Institute found that children from lower-income homes were significantly more likely to miss school days. Its a finding confirmed by common sense, given the myriad special challenges poor families face in raising kids.

Its perhaps no coincidence that both the defendants are single mothers of young children, itself a challenging situation. At least one of the disputed absences was entered in the court record as Mom had car troubles.

Its worth noting here that the U.S. Supreme Court in 1983 ruled that jailing debtors for their poverty is an unconstitutional violation of the 14th Amendments equal-protection clause.

If the Missouri courts ruling has an upside, its that it has drawn attention to a previously little-discussed state law that shouldnt be on the books. The Legislature can and should remedy that as soon as possible.

Were realistic about the prospects of that. This is the same Legislature, after all, that last year endorsed the legality of corporal punishment in Missouri schools. Needlessly punitive approaches to education are apparently still in vogue here.

Lawmakers who see the problems with that should nonetheless make the effort to update this law to prohibit enforcing it with incarceration. Child attendance in school is important, but its difficult to imagine how a kid who clearly faces disadvantages in life already will be helped by having to visit mom in jail.
More than a year ago, the Post-Dispatch reported: Nurses group sues to stop Homer G. Phillips from being used on St. Louis hospital (July 15, 2022). Last month, the paper reported: Nurses still fighting use of Homer G. Phillips name for new hospital in north St. Louis (July 18).

Phillips was a Black attorney and civil rights pioneer in the early 20th century. As last years article put it, the nurses group accuses developer Paul McKees new facility of unfairly profiting off a name that once adorned a five-story, 600-bed marvel of Black St. Louis during segregation. The use of the name, the suit says, also violates the groups trademark for Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni, Inc.

Although the lawsuit is important in terms of the historical record and social justice, its news coverage disappointingly is so infrequent that many are either not aware of it or believe it has been settled. However, according to Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni, Inc., the case is still very much alive.

The nurses are not asking for an end of the new facility, only to end of the use of the name, Homer G. Phillips, which belongs to the building, its history, and the community in The Ville where it is located. There are better choices for the name.

We strongly support the Nurses Alumni Associations effort to end the use of the venerable name of Homer G. Phillips on the new facility.

Madeline Franklin  Executive Director STL Village
OMAHA, Neb.  Hours before a Norfolk Southern train derailed in Ohio and erupted in fire in February, a judge ruled a former railroad employee could proceed with a lawsuit claiming he was harassed for years by managers who said he reported too many flaws in rail cars he inspected and had his job changed after reporting an injury.

Richard Singleton's case against Norfolk Southern was settled for an undisclosed amount after the judge said he had enough evidence to go to trial over whether he was disciplined for reporting safety violations that slowed trains passing through a Macon, Georgia, railyard.

The settlement provided relief for Singleton, but does little for residents near East Palestine, Ohio, who worry about possible health effects from the accident's toxic blaze. That derailment and others since inspired nationwide fears about railroad safety.

Lawyers and unions representing rail workers say there is an industrywide pattern of retaliation against workers like Singleton who report safety violations or injuries. They contend workers often run afoul of managers who don't want to jeopardize their bonuses, and retaliation discourages other workers from speaking up.

Rail safety has been in the spotlight since the Feb. 3 Ohio derailment, with Congress and regulators proposing reforms. Still, little changed apart from railroads promising to install 1,000 more trackside detectors to spot mechanical problems and reevaluate their responses to alerts from those devices.

"Since Wall Street took them over, railroads have put productivity ahead of safety," lawyer Nick Thompson argued earlier this year on behalf of a fired engineer. He pointed to recent derailments in Ohio and Raymond, Minnesota. "People are being killed, towns are being evacuated, rivers are being poisoned, all in the name of profit."

The railroads are working to eliminate such practices with policies prohibiting retaliation and myriad ways for workers fearful of retribution to report safety concerns, either directly to a manager or anonymously through an internal hotline.

Statistics from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration show the number of single-year whistleblower complaints filed against big railroads declined from the 218 reported in 2018 to 96 last year.

"I have zero tolerance for retaliation. And I've made that very clear. And in fact, the culture that we're creating at Norfolk Southern is one of transparency and one in which people are encouraged to raise their hand and say they've got an issue," CEO Alan Shaw said.

Other major railroads, including BNSF, Union Pacific, CPKC, Canadian National and CSX, echoed that sentiment in statements and said they encourage employees to report safety concerns.

Whistleblower cases represent a small fraction of the workforce numbering more than 100,000 nationwide, but even a handful of cases can instill fear among employees and have a chilling effect on safety reporting.

Long before Mike Ratigan was fired from CSX in New York last year after refusing to help circumvent federal safety standards or ignore railcar flaws, he said he saw other workers sanctioned. "It says, if we can do it to him, we can do it to you," Ratigan said.

OSHA says 793 whistleblower complaints were filed between 2018 and the end of July, with Norfolk Southern leading all railroads with 257. Union Pacific and CSX weren't far behind with nearly 200 complaints apiece, while another 113 were reported at BNSF. The numbers are much smaller at the Canadian railroads partly because much of their operations are north of the border.

More than half of the complaints were dismissed after OSHA reviews. However, that doesn't tell the full story because some dis -missed cases become federal lawsuits that can lead to multimillion-dollar judgments against railroads. OSHA's decisions also can be appealed, with 87 cases settled before OSHA decided if they had merit.

The Associated Press reviewed dozens of whistleblower cases and found a similar pattern. When they weren't bound by confidential settlement agreements, former railroad workers discussed how managers didn't want them to report too many safety violations because they would slow trains. Some ex-employees prevailed in court, but they all faced tough battles against massive companies with billions of dollars in annual profits and armies of lawyers.

Mike Elliott was fired in 2011 after he went to the Federal Railroad Administration with safety concerns other workers reported to him in his capacity as Washington state's top safety official with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union. The FRA responded with a special inspection that found 357 defects, angering his BNSF bosses. One of his managers confronted Elliott in the parking lot and jumped on the hood of his car, claiming Elliott punched him and tried to run him down. Elliott said he was acquitted of those allegations in a criminal case but ultimately was fired.

That started a yearslong court fight that included countless motions and a six-day trial before a jury awarded him $1.25 million and approved $500,000 in legal fees. After an appeal to the 9th Circuit, the railroad finally paid him in 2018.

"It's a never-ending battle" Elliott said. "They have the best lawyers. They have the best lobbyists and they have a lot of lobbyists. They have a lot of money, and you're up against it."
For a long time, the major Russian naval base in the Black Sea was Sevastopol, in the Crimean Peninsula. When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, Crimea became part of the new nation of Ukraine. Rather than lose Sevastopol, Russia arranged to lease Sevastopol from Ukraine. That lasted until 2014, when Russia took Sevastopol and Crimea from Ukraine.

In 2014 Russia initially claimed they had nothing to do with the Ukrainian loss of Sevastopol. Some of the uniformed men who took control of Crimea in 2014 were apparently locals, but the core of this local militia were men with obvious military training and who have been using those skills recently. Some were believed to be civilian contractors but most of them were Russian special operations troops. Russia also got former Ukrainian president Yanukovych to write a letter requesting Russian military assistance in Crimea. Yanukovych insisted he was still president of Ukraine and the Russians agreed with this as well as providing Yanukovych with sanctuary and protection from prosecution for crimes he was accused of in Ukraine. Yanukovych was the Russian Plan A, what went on in 2014 Crimea was Plan B. The 11,000 Russian troops stationed in Crimea were mostly support personnel for the naval base. The exception was 2,000 marines. A week after the Russian 2014 takeover another 7,000 troops, mostly infantry and special operations forces were flown in or arrived by ship.

All this is right out of the old Soviet playbook, where the communists rarely took direct control of a newly conquered territory but got locals to be figureheads who answered to Russia. That all fell apart between 1989, when the East European nations Russia took control of after World War II broke away, and 1991 when the Soviet Union itself fell apart and most of the unhappy non-Russians forced to be part of the empire got their freedom. Russia is trying to use the old techniques to get their empire back. Thats not working out so well, although there have been some minor successes.

For example, Russia has long claimed ownership of the port of Sevastopol and the surrounding Crimean Peninsula, even though Crimea and Sevastopol were part of the newly independent, since 1991, Ukraine. Many Russians believed that Crimea was different and actually belonged to Russia even though after 1991 there was no longer any physical connection between Crimea and Russia. The newly independent Ukraine was willing to negotiate a lease for Sevastopol and other parts of Crimea so that Russia could keep their Black Sea Fleet there. This arrangement was fine with Ukraine, which needed the money, but unsatisfactory to many Russians who still insisted that Crimea belonged to Russia and if Ukraine would not recognize that, then Russia should just seize it.

The Russians leased Crimea and the port of Sevastopol and provided jobs for some 20,000 Ukrainians. After 1991 Russia considered the base sovereign Russian territory similar to a foreign embassy. Prominent Russians frequently and publicly demanded that Sevastopol become a part of Russia. The Ukrainians refused to even discuss this option. Many Russians, especially president Vladimir Putin, openly claimed that much of Ukraine was actually Russian territory. This included Crimea and much of eastern Ukraine, where most of the industry and Russian speaking population in Ukraine was. The Russians make the case that these areas were colonized by Russians after Russia took control of Ukraine and were only incorporated into Ukraine during the Soviet period for convenience, not to recognize what territory an independent Ukraine might one day own. Despite this, after 1991 most of the Russian speaking Ukrainians wanted to remain in Ukraine and under Ukrainian rule. Initially, when the leasing agreements were negotiated in the 1990s, Russia suspected that the Ukrainians would not always be so cooperative. Because of those fears, in 2003 construction began at Novorossiysk, in Russian territory on the east coast of the Black Sea, to build an alternative to the old Soviet base of Sevastopol that was leased from Ukraine, which might not renew the lease someday.

In 2014, when Russia decided to seize Crimea, Russian troops in Crimea sought to coerce or persuade Ukrainian military commanders and government officials in Crimea to defect to the newly declared independent Crimea. This is all right out of the old Soviet playbook and Russia would get away with it, believing that Western economic sanctions were unlikely because Western Europe obtained a quarter of their natural gas from Russia, via Ukraine. Alternatives to this natural gas were expensive. Meanwhile, the Russian aggression persuaded the West to bail out Ukraine economically. In the 1990s Western nations had persuaded Ukraine to agree to leasing Crimea to Russia with the implicit guarantee that the West would back Ukraine if the Russians violated the terms of the lease, and expressly guaranteed Ukrainian independence if Ukraine gave up its Soviet-era nuclear weapons. Ukraine did so only to discover that the Western nations, including the U.S., had lied about those guarantees when the Russians invaded Ukraine in 2014 to seize Crimea and the eastern Ukraines Donbas area.

Western nations supported Ukrainian efforts to rebuild their armed forces after 2014 in case Russia invaded again. Russia turned out to be more ambitious with its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Russia wanted to eventually absorb Ukraine back into Russia but the Russian invasion ran into a very determined Ukrainian resistance by Ukrainians who had become more nationalistic because of all the Russian pressure plus their usual war crimes against Ukrainian forces keeping the Russians from advancing further in the Donbas. Ukrainians were more determined to hang on to Ukrainian territory than the Russians were to seize it.

The current war in Ukraine has limited the usefulness of Sevastopol and the rest of Crimea for Russia. Crimean military bases and ports are constantly under attack by Ukrainian missiles and unmanned aerial and sea-going attack vehicles. The Russian population of Crimea is trying to get with the cost of maintaining control of Crimea rising to the point where it is no longer worthwhile for Russia.

All this is great for the port/naval base of Novorossiysk, which is an export outlet for over fifteen percent of Russian oil exports as well as grain and other food items. Neither Russia or Ukraine control the Black Sea but both are able to block their opponents export efforts. This is more the case for Russia and less so for Ukraine. Odessa, the primary Ukrainian export port is west of Crimea while Novorossiysk is east of Crimea and both ports are under attack. Despite the larger Russian resources and ability to bring in additional warships from the Northern and Baltic fleets, maintaining control of the Black Sea is something that Russia has lost.

Russia continues to keep most of its remaining Black Sea fleet in the port of Novorossiysk. The naval base facilities were completed in 2012. Two years later Russia seized the Crimean Peninsula and the naval port of Sevastopol from Ukraine. After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the Ukrainians began launching numerous attacks on Russian warships using USVs (Unmanned Surface Vehicles) and UAVs as well as anti-ship missiles. This forced Russia to use Novorossiysk as their main naval base for the Black Sea Fleet. From this port small Russian warships carry out patrols near Crimea but rarely further west

Upgrading and reinforcing the Black Sea fleet is not an option as long as Russian ground forces are losing their battle against the Ukrainian counter offensive. This situation does little for the reputation of the other Russian Baltic Sea, Northern and Pacific fleets. These fleets are still dangerous but unless they are somehow a lot more efficient than the Black Sea fleet, not as capable as they were once believed to be.
Formation of a national government continues to be blocked by the refusal of Russia and Turkey to withdraw their troops until they receive guarantees that their interests in Libya are respected. The UN and NATO oppose that because the Turkey-backed Tripoli faction wants to legitimize an illegal treaty signed by them in 2019 granting Turkey some of Greeces offshore oil and natural gas rights in an area between Libya and Turkey. This treaty ignored existing, and internationally recognized, Greek claims on that area. Turkey and Greece are both NATO members and NATO backs Greece in this matter. Turkey wont withdraw its forces from Libya until a new national Libyan government assures the Turks that the illegal agreement is confirmed by a national Libyan government. Many people in both factions do not want to be stuck with a treaty that the UN and NATO consider illegal. Russia is no friend of NATO and is currently at war with NATO-backed forces in Ukraine. Turkey is a NATO member but, while most other NATO members would like to expel the Turks from NATO, there is no legal mechanism for that. Turks and Russians are troublemakers in Europe and Libya is a North African example of that mischief.

As international disputes go, Libya is a rather small affair. There is not much in Libya. The population is six or seven million and the major economic asset is oil. The Libyan National Oil Corporation has restored normal oil production levels of 1.2 million BPD (barrels per day) and seeks to increase it to two million BPD by 2027. The main obstacles to this are the various tribal leaders who demand cash in return for not disrupting production. Officially the tribes are providing oil field guards'', but the main threat is the tribal militias. Nationalism in Libya is not as powerful as loyalty to a tribe or urban militia. Before oil was discovered Libya was a place where there wasn't much there there. There is some Arab support, mainly because of historical dislike of Turkey. The Arab world condemns the current Turkish actions in Libya because it is a reminder of centuries of Turkish rule over Arabs. Turkey may have underestimated Arab hostility towards this new presence in Libya. This revives Arab memories of past Turkish treatment of Libya. The Turks first showed up there in the 1550s as the Ottoman Empire conquered the coastal towns and cities of what is now Libya. Eventually the Turks advanced inland but there was no real incentive to because south of the coast it was mainly desert and, before oil was discovered and developed in the 1960s, there was little of economic value down there. Empires have bills to pay and tend to keep their soldiers where the money is. Arabs believe the Turks are back for more plunder. From the 1550s to 1910 Libya was technically a province of the Ottoman Empire. In reality Libya was mainly run by local strongmen who were often Turks gone native. In 1911 Italy took advantage of the Turks weak control and invaded. By 1912 Italy controlled what is now Libya. The Italians sent in colonists and brought the industrial revolution to Libya. Italian rule ended in 1943 when Italy, an ally of Germany during World War II (1939-45), surrendered to the allies.

Occupied by allied troops, Libya was given independence in 1951 as a constitutional monarchy. The royal family was led by a prominent local religious leader who became king. Its parliament demonstrated the political divides between eastern and western coastal Libya and the less populous tribal interior. The discovery and development of oil fields down south in the 1960s brought unprecedented wealth and prosperity to Libya. It also brought a military takeover in 1969. This coup was led by Captain Kaddafi, an ambitious communications officer who organized other like-minded young officers into a movement that deposed the king and proceeded to misrule Libya until 2011 when Kaddafi was overthrown and killed. After a decade of squabbling and feuding there was an agreement to hold national elections at the end of 2021. That deadline came and went because the feuds between local factions as well as the presence of Turkish and Russian forces blocked formation of a national government.

The Turks had good relations with the Libyan monarchy but initially less stable and cordial relations with Kaddafi. It took nearly a decade of effort for the Turks to gain the support of Kaddafi. The Turks were a member of NATO and many NATO nations lost billions of dollars in assets when Kaddafi seized foreign assets to support his revolutionary ideas, which included a merger with Egypt. This was rejected by Egypt and throughout the 1970s Egypt sought an opportunity to invade and annex Libya. The Turks were useful in helping convince the Egyptians to back off. Even more convincing was the Egyptian defeat in the 1973 war with Israel which eventually led to peace with Israel and military aid from the United States to guarantee that Libya would never be a threat. Arabs dont like or trust Turkey and the Turks dont care. Thats what scares the Libyans. The local oil production is not sufficient to attract attention from major NATO nations. The Russian influence in Libya has diminished since Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, failed to achieve a quick victory and is now stuck in a morass of its own making. The Ukrainians received major support from NATO nations that enabled Ukrainian forces to go on the offensive in mid-2023. The Russians are losing ground and the situation in Ukraine takes priority over what Russia had going on in Libya. There are still enough Russian troops in Libya to prevent Turkey from taking control of whatever they want. In this case the Russians have a lot of local support. Libyans see the Russians as a foreign occupier that doesnt want to be there while the Turks have ambitious plans for a continued presence in Libya.

August 20, 2023: The Central Bank of Libya has reunited, after being divided into two semi-autonomous branches. One of these represented the government in Tripoli and the other the eastern government in Benghazi. Libya hired Deloitte, a major Western financial services firm, to assist with the reunification.

August 17, 2023: Medical teams from Spain and Egypt arrived in Tripoli to treat the wounded from recent militia fighting.

August 14, 2023: In Tripoli, there was a battle involving two government (GNU)-backed militias. One of these militias was the 444th Brigade which is affiliated with the Defense Ministry and is considered disciplined and reliable. Another militia, the SDF (Special Deterrence Force) began as and remains an Islamic militia that served as a police force in Tripoli and the airport outside Tripoli. The 444th and SDF have clashed several times since 2017, usually over who controls what. The 444th is dominant in Tripoli while the SDF controls access to the airport. The current clash between the 444th and the SDF lasted two days and left 55 dead and 146 wounded. Violence like this has been rare in and around Tripoli since 2019 and is a reminder that there is still potential for a lot more violence as long as there are numerous armed factions and no national government. Because there is still no national government to exercise control over militias, especially those in Tripoli, rival militias often confront, and sometimes fight each other as peaceful solutions to disputes cannot be agreed on. Most other major cities in Libya have one faction or another in control of the city. Tripoli has not achieved that degree of unity yet.

August 10, 2023: In the south, on the Chad border, there was another battle in Chad between Chad troops and rebels based in Libya. This one if several border areas with similar violence. Libyas neighbors want to see a unified Libyan government able to help in eliminating this border violence.
Registration for Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis is now open, offering attendees numerous networking opportunities at the most comprehensive manufacturing event in the Midwest.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Registration is now open for Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis , the Midwest's only annual end-to-end design and manufacturing event featuring five co-located shows under one roof.

The 2023 event takes place Oct. 10-11 at the Minneapolis Convention Center and brings together like-minded professionals from all verticals of manufacturing to network and discover the newest ideas in the industry. The five-in-one expo features exhibitors and presenters under Medical Design & Manufacturing Minneapolis (MD&M), Design and Manufacturing Minneapolis (D&M), ATX Minneapolis, MinnPack and Plastec Minneapolis.

Manufacturing is the third-largest industry employer in Minnesota , accounting for 11% of all jobs and 13.6% of total output in the state. In 2021, manufacturing was responsible for $53.13 billion in goods and services produced in Minnesota, making the industry the largest contributor to the state's GDP . Minneapolis is home to more than 8,300 manufacturers across a range of categories, with computer and electronic products, food and beverage, machinery, medtech, aerospace, and plastics and rubber products ranking in the top 10 sectors.

"Minnesota continues to be a major hub of manufacturing technology, especially with many top manufacturing brands headquartered in the state," says Suzanne Deffree, Group Event Director, Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis. "To keep up with these trends, skilled workers, thinkers and industry leaders meet at Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis to collaborate and educate themselves through in-person meetings, numerous informative sessions and specialized presentations geared toward propelling innovative manufacturing ideas into tangible products."

To continue with manufacturing growth in the region, Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis is introducing Tomorrow's Leaders, a new initiative aimed to guide students and professionals trying to build careers in the manufacturing industry. Tomorrow's Leaders strives to help recent college graduates, high school students and newcomers in the industry, by providing networking and educational opportunities to prepare for a career in manufacturing.

Top brands that will be speaking and/or exhibiting at this year's expo include Accumold, General Mills, Labcorp, Life Science Outsourcing, Nikon Metrology Inc., Pioneer Plastics, Protolabs, Peak Technologies, and Zeus Industrial Products, Inc.

In addition to bringing together MD&M, ATX, Design & Manufacturing, MinnPack, and Plastec under one roof, Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis is partnering with multiple local and global engineering and manufacturing organizations to ensure a comprehensive view of product lifestyles -from prototype to production. Partnerships include SMTA International and Minnesota ASQ, both co-locating their conferences and expo floors at the October event.

To secure a free expo pass and meet with the top manufacturing brands in the Midwest, visit www.advancedmanufacturingminneapolis.com .

About Informa Markets - Engineering:

Informa Markets Engineering portfolio, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), is the leading B2B event producer, publisher, and digital media business for the world's $3-trillion advanced, technology-based manufacturing industry. Our print and electronic products deliver trusted information to the engineering market and leverage our proprietary 1.3-million-name database to connect suppliers with buyers and purchase influencers. We produce more than 50 events and conferences in a dozen countries, connecting manufacturing professionals from around the globe. The Engineering portfolio is organized by Informa, the world's leading exhibitions organizer that brings a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com .

Media Contact:

Jordan Douglas

Informa Markets Engineering

[email protected]

SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS - ENGINEERING

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Join Investor Livestream with CEO Today at 12pm ET

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / ARway.ai ("ARway" or the "Company") (CSE:ARWY), (OTCQB: ARWYF) (FSE:E65) is an AI powered Augmented Reality Experience platform with a disruptive no-code, no beacon spatial computing solution enabled by visual marker tracking with centimeter precision announces a signed contract with the largest car rental network in South America, Localiza Rent a Car S.A. (LZRFY), with 540 locations in 9 countries. This project is a key component of Localiza's efforts to deliver a differentiated customer experience through newly established rental hubs at all major airports in Latin America. The AR navigation will be for travellers renting cars in branches located in airports and off-airport locations.

Originally announced in February 2023 , this pilot Initially launched ARway's navigation technology at a single international airport in Sao Paulo, Brazil, allowing travellers to easily find their way around the airport, saving them time and effort as they navigate to the rental car branch. This program includes AR navigation from baggage pickup to the transport depot, which includes car rentals, bus stops, Uber, etc.

Watch a video showcasing this technology - click here

The ARway platform uses spatial computing to create a 3D map of the airport, which can be used by passengers to quickly and easily find the right terminal, gate, and other points of interest on their way to their car rental. The system also has voice commands and other features, making it even easier to use and more convenient than traditional navigation methods.

ARway.ai's CEO Evan Gappelberg commented, "We are thrilled to see ARway signing significant high profile deals with major brands and enterprise customers like Localiza. This rollout has the potential to touch millions of travellers throughout South America and improve their travel experience as they navigate for the first time from the airport to a Localiza transit hub." He continues "We expect to see more major rollouts in the coming weeks and months, with the goal of covering the globe in ARway's easy to use indoor AR navigation- just like GPS works for outside navigation. The applications are endless& airports, shopping malls, museums, college campuses, hotel resorts and more- stay tuned!"

Investor Livestream Details

Join CEO Evan Gappelberg and Chief Product Officer Shadnam Khan LIVE as they discuss deals & the importance of SaaS + CPO will demo ARway's new SDK capabilities.

Time: 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time / 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Date: TODAY, August 23, 2023

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3MvbEgoZJc

About Localiza

They are a specialized company in car rentals in Brazil and Latin America. It is the largest car rental network in South America in number of branches; its integrated platform comprises Car and Fleet Rental Divisions and an efficiency area responsible for selling used cars. They are present in 540 locations in the main cities and airports in Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay, with 118,086 cars available in their fleet.

Recent News

To learn more about ARway, please follow on Social Media: Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, and visit our website: www.arway.ai

About ARway.ai

ARway.ai (CSE:ARWY) (OTCQB: ARWYF) (FSE:E65) is a spatial computing platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI) providing an array of augmented reality (AR) experiences for indoor spaces. ARway's breakthrough no-code no-beacon IPNN allows for the easy creation of navigation, tours, information sharing, notifications, advertising and gamification. ARway works seamlessly as a cross platform solution on iOS/ Android. ARway's technology is optimized for both mobile devices and AR glasses: Apple's Vision Pro, Magic Leap and Microsoft's HoloLens. ARway has unlimited use cases for augmenting physical spaces, making it a valuable tool for creators, brands and companies in various industries. The complete ARway platform includes: the Web Creator Studio, the ARwayKit Software Development Kit (SDK) and a mobile app for iOs and Android.

Nextech 3D.ai

On October 26, 2022, ARway.ai. was spun-out from its parent Company, Nextech3D.ai (OTCQX: NEXCF) (CSE: NTAR) (FSE: EP2). Nextech retained a control ownership in ARway.ai. with 13 million shares, or a 50% stake. Nextech3D.ai is a Metaverse Company and leading provider of augmented reality ("AR") experience technologies and 3D model services. Nextech's AI-powered 3D modeling platform, "ARitize3D" has contracts with; AMZN, KSS, CB2, Genuine Parts & many others. To learn more about Nextech3D.ai, visit www.nextechar.com

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations Contact

Julia Viola

[email protected]

ARway.ai

Evan Gappelberg

CEO and Director

866-ARITIZE (274-8493)

Forward-looking Statements

The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, "will be" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements regarding the completion of the transaction are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. ARway.ai will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: ARway Corporation

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Xi calls on China, S. Africa to strengthen four partnerships in golden era

Xinhua) 08:04, August 23, 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hold talks in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

PRETORIA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called on China and South Africa to strengthen their partnerships in four dimensions during his state visit to the African nation.

Xi made the remarks during his meeting with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, here in the country's administrative capital.

Ahead of his arrival, Xi said in his signed article published in South African media that the blossoming China-South Africa relationship "has entered a 'golden era,' enjoying broad prospects and a promising future."

While meeting with Ramaphosa, the Chinese leader called on both sides to be strategic partners of high-level mutual trust, adding that "camaraderie and brotherhood" are the true quality of bilateral ties.

The two sides should strengthen exchanges and cooperation between their legislatures, political parties, militaries and localities, and continue to support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, said Xi.

The Chinese side is willing to strengthen inter-party exchanges and training cooperation with South Africa, and help the African National Congress (ANC) with building the African Leadership Institute, he added.

China and South Africa, said Xi, should be development partners for common progress.

He described mutual benefit and win-win results as the hallmark of China-South Africa cooperation, saying that the two sides should focus on advancing the Belt and Road Initiative, implementing the nine programs on China-Africa cooperation, as well as the 10-Year Strategic Programme on Cooperation between the two countries, consolidating cooperation in areas of strength and fostering new growth points for cooperation.

Over the years, bilateral ties have experienced what Xi described as "leapfrog development," from a partnership to a strategic partnership, and then to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Official statistics showed that bilateral trade in 2022 reached 56.74 billion U.S. dollars, accounting for 20.1 percent of China-Africa trade. And in the first half of the year, bilateral trade topped 28.25 billion dollars, up 11.7 percent year-on-year.

China has remained South Africa's largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years, while South Africa has been China's biggest trading partner in Africa for 13 years in a row.

Meanwhile, South Africa has been one of the African countries with the largest stock of Chinese investment, which has risen to 10 billion dollars. More than 200 Chinese companies in South Africa have created over 400,000 local jobs and South African companies are also racing to invest in the Chinese market to seize its abundant business opportunities.

Notably, South Africa was the first African country to join the Belt and Road cooperation. The pie of bilateral cooperation is getting bigger as South Africa's wines, rooibos tea, and aloe vera gels are trending in the Chinese market while automobiles and home appliances with Chinese brands gain increasing popularity among South African households.

And in a joint statement between the two countries issued on Tuesday after the meeting of the two presidents, both sides will consider working towards bilateral cooperation and synergy within the Belt and Road Initiative and the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan frameworks.

Both sides also pledged to continue to seek the strengthening of cooperation in key areas such as infrastructure and logistics, trade and investment, manufacturing, agro-processing, energy and resources, the financial sector, the digital economy, science and technology, and green development, according to the statement.

During the talks, Xi said China will expand imports of South African products and encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in South Africa.

Noting that poverty reduction, agricultural development programs and rural revitalization are important components of Chinese modernization, he said Beijing is willing to strengthen experience exchange with South Africa and help the country carry out the poverty reduction demonstration village project.

Xi also elaborated on the necessity for the two countries to be friendly partners of deep mutual understanding and goodwill, saying that closer people-to-people bonds can best testify to the friendship between the two countries.

China is ready to make good use of such mechanisms as the China-South Africa vocational education alliance to strengthen vocational education of the two countries, promote exchanges and cooperation in youth employment, and help South Africa train more talents urgently needed for economic and social development, he said.

The two sides should strengthen tourism cooperation, and support scientific research institutions and enterprises to step up technological cooperation and joint research, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples, Xi added.

South Africa in the joint statement further welcomed the identification of South Africa amongst the top 20 countries for group tourism promotion by Chinese tourists. The African country supports the increase in the frequency of direct flights between South Africa and China.

The fourth partnership the Chinese leader called on the two sides to enhance concerns global peace and stability.

This year's BRICS summit comes at a time when the world is facing rising uncertainties and accelerating changes unseen in a century.

Xi urged China and South Africa to be global partners that uphold justice, saying that independence is a principle both sides adhere to.

The Chinese side, Xi said, supports South Africa in playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs, and stands ready to work with South Africa and other developing countries to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative.

He also said that Beijing is also ready to join the developing world in practicing true multilateralism, increasing the representation and voice of the Global South countries in global governance, and strengthening collaboration on issues such as climate change, food security and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, so as to safeguard the common interests and development space of developing countries, Xi added.

China and Africa, in the eyes of Xi, have always belonged to a community with a shared future. He told Ramaphosa that in a world which is undergoing transformation and turbulence, both sides need more than ever stronger solidarity and cooperation.

And in their joint statement, the two sides reiterated their resolve to further strengthen cooperation in terms of African affairs and to support the African Union in resolving African conflicts peacefully.

China expressed in the document its support for the efforts of African countries and regional organizations under the auspices of the African Union (AU) to provide African solutions to African problems, including to support the AU's early accession to membership of the Group of 20.

Ramaphosa described China as a sincere brother, friend and partner of his country, saying that China has provided valuable support to South Africa in its struggle for national independence and liberation as well as its national development. He also mentioned China's timely support for his country during the COVID pandemic.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 25 years ago, South Africa has firmly adhered to the one-China principle, he said, adding that both nations share the same or similar positions on many major international affairs.

Ramaphosa also said that in today's world that is facing multiple severe and complex challenges, South Africa and other Global South countries hope to strengthen unity and cooperation with China, so as to better meet challenges together, and push for a more equal, just and rational international order.

In South Africa, Xi will also attend the BRICS summit scheduled from Tuesday to Thursday, and co-chair with Ramaphosa the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue on the sidelines of the summit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hold talks in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hold talks in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is paying a state visit to South Africa, holds talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is paying a state visit to South Africa, holds talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is paying a state visit to South Africa, shakes hands with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of a welcoming banquet in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2023. Xi held talks with Ramaphosa on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Press Release

August 23, 2023 Pia: we must continue educating mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding their children

Privilege speech on August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month By Senator Pia S. Cayetano I rise on a matter of personal and collective privilege. Every month of August, I deliver a similar speech on the occasion of National Breastfeeding Month. The right to good nutrition is included in the Convention on the Rights of a Child. And Mr President, good nutrition begins with the act of breastfeeding. And of course, for a mother to breastfeed her child, she must also be fed well. Mr President, I stand not just as a legislator, but also as a mother who has breastfed her children. This is a policy issue that I've been advocating for almost 20 years. The World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) recommend that children initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for 6 months. Let me just share, colleagues, when I became a Senator, it was still very common for hospitals to immediately offer either canned milk or water. And even water has been deemed... well water is water, but definitely secondary to breast milk. So all of these practices, we tried to address. And as I deliver this speech, my staff is also checking on the compliance with our existing laws in all the health centers and hospitals across the country. Because when a baby is not initially exclusively breastfed, all the positive effects of breastfeeding are somehow diminished. Of course, there are still positive effects, but they are somehow diminished. And the success of a mother in breastfeeding is also affected if early on, she is introduced to feeding her baby canned milk. It's said again and again, but it's worth repeating. Breast milk provides a baby not just immunity, but also addresses malnutrition. It is a baby's first kind of natural immunization. Many mothers, including myself, will attest to the fact that our breastfed babies had well baby visits to the doctors, which means nagbibisita ang anak namin sa ospital, hindi dahil sa may sakit sila, pero para sa kanilang routine checkup and immunization. They have immunity na panlaban nila sa sakit. And that is something that we always want mothers to understand. Kasi libre siyang panlaban sa sakit. Breast milk actually provides optimum nutrition, boosting the infant's immune system and brain development, as well as protecting them against disease and death, either during infancy or childhood. And what I'd also like to share is during the EDCOM II meeting last week, it was our quarterly meeting, in the presentation made by the group I belong to, it is the group in charge of early education and basic education, it was very interesting what was highlighted, one of the factors that really affects the ability of a child to cope with the school work and perform well... the records have shown that our children are low performing in school. And one of the reasons attributed to it is their nutrition. And this goes back to the time they were in their mother's womb and in the 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12 months to 4 years, and so on. So, we can directly relate the nutritional defects that an infant would have later on in their poor performance in school. And that is why I take time to explain the importance of breastfeeding because it is also directly contributory to the performance we see in our children's school work. Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival, as breast milk contains antibodies that prevent several prevalent pediatric ailments. And it is secure and hygienic. So when we speak of hygienic, the illustration I will give is when we have areas that have to deal with calamities such as typhoons and even volcanic eruptions, and when a mother and child are displaced and they have to resort to feeding other than breast milk, incidents of infant illness and even mortality go up because the introduction of bottle feeding when the water is not clean then becomes a source of infection. And it has been directly known to be attributable to the death of infants. In fact, studies now show that there is a positive connection between breastfeeding and climate change. It is more sustainable as it helps reduce greenhouse gasses and lessens the environmental impact of food alternatives. So sa madaling salita, yung breast milk ay eco-friendly. When a baby is given alternatives like formula, that goes through the process of manufacturing, which contributes to greenhouse gasses. Breastfeeding uses fewer resources and produces minimal or zero waste. A recent study suggests that a micronutrient, a sugar molecule called myo-inositol, found in breast milk provides a significant benefit to the developing brains of newborns. The scientists at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University found that it increased both the size and number of synaptic connections between neurons in the developing brain of the child. So what is the Philippines' situation? Well, based on the data of the National Nutrition Council, the exclusive breastfeeding rate is 34% and the early initiation of breastfeeding is only 57%, contrary to the recommended levels. The target set by the Global Breastfeeding Collective (GBC) is for 70% of infants in each country to be nourished through breastfeeding by the year 2030. Based on the 2017 Philippines National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), the percentage of newborn infants receiving a prelacteal feed increases with increasing household wealth. Please note that the reason this is just 2017 is because this study is only made every 4 years, so we do hope that there will be available data very soon. Please note also that prelacteal feeding is the "administration of any substances other than breast milk to newborn babies during the first 3?days after birth. Despite its negative health outcomes, it is commonly practiced in developing countries." It is a barrier for implementation of optimal breastfeeding practices. Dito po sa Philippines, ang kadalasan is tinatawag na 'am,' ito yung tubig sa bigas and then hinahaluan nila ng asukal. Why would they do that? I would suppose it is because of the misinformation that the mother's milk is not enough. And kung meron mang lumabas na gatas, ito ho ay kulay dilaw at kokonti. And this is called colostrum. So kung hindi alam ito ng nanay at hindi sapat ang information niya, kakabahan siguro siya at iisiping kailangan niya magbigay ng ibang klaseng pagkain. Kung wala naman siyang pera, ang ibibigay niya is tubig nga na may asukal. Palibhasa ito yung tubig na galing sa bigas, akala nila may nutrition yun. This is not correct. And then para naman sa may kaya, at bibili ng formula, hindi naman ito kapareho ng breast milk na di hamak na mas masustansya. So either way, I feel like marami tayong opportunity to improve with information sa mga nanay. I just want to tie it in also to our SDGs. Breast milk is shown to affect several of the SDGs: SDG 2: Zero Hunger

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 5: Gender Equality

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

SDG 13: Climate Action

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals Just very briefly, hindi ko na iisa-isahin yun... On gender equality, precisely the reason why Sen. Risa [Hontiveros], the Deputy Minority Leader and I, fought for the 105-Day Maternity Leave, supported of course by our Minority Floor Leader who's a very supportive father of a breastfed child. We fought for this because we need to give mothers time to breastfeed. Kung hindi natin sila susuportahan by giving working mothers more maternity leave, the studies show that napapaiksi ang time na nagbe-breastfeed sila. SDG 12 happens to be my favorite, so I'll say something about it. Responsible consumption and production. So kung bibili pa ng gatas, meron pang de lata, meron pang mga bote and karamihan ng bote, plastic, hindi rin ho ganun kadaling mag-recycle nun. Unlike breastfeeding, like I said, it's very eco-friendly. So to recap, ang legislation natin in the Philippines on breastfeeding, it started with EO 51, which is actually passed way back in 1986 way before I became a senator. EO 51 is the National Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, Breastmilk Supplements, and Other Related Products. And it regulates the marketing of infant milk formula. Ito yung kadalasan na naa-abuse kasi well-meaning people na gusto mag-donate during calamities think na nakakatulong sila by donating milk formula, when in fact, it becomes a deterrent for mothers to continue breastfeeding kapag nag-umpisa sila ng formula milk. In 1992, still way before we became a senator, RA 760 or the Rooming In and Breastfeeding Act, was authored by the late Sen. Ed Angara, the father of our colleague, Sen. Sonny Angara. This law adopts the rooming-in of infants with their mothers immediately after birth. This is such an important measure because this is the law that mandated that even if you are in a private hospital, kailangan kadikit mo kaagad ang baby mo. Hindi yung nasa nursery ang baby tapos ikaw nasa room o nasa ward, hiwalay kayo. So this really was a game changer. And then, in the 14th Congress of which I was already a member, I worked with the late Sen. Angara to sponsor RA 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009. This is the law that established lactation stations in all health and non-health facilities, including public & private offices, schools, PUV terminals, shopping malls, etc. I am always delighted when I see lactation stations or breastfeeding rooms all over the country. Nakakita na ako nyan sa station ng mga RORO, kahit sa mga maliliit na malls, yung mga sikat na mall nauna na sila, pero yung mga smaller malls meron. Yung mga airport natin, finally, meron. I know of horror stories and I have experienced it na kakatukin ka ng kung sinumang tao na gusto gumamit ng CR mo pero ikaw as a breastfeeding mom, nagpa-pump ka doon. And you are so stressed out because may ibang gustong gumamit ng CR pero wala ka naman ibang lugar kung saan pwedeng mag-express ng milk. And this is precisely why we passed this law. The law also grants nursing employees paid lactation periods of 40 minutes for every 8 hours of work. Actually, kaunti yung 40 minutes. Hindi mo rin malulubos ang pag-express ng milk mo within 40 minutes, but this was a compromise that we know that we have to make sometimes. At least naumpisahan. So this is in addition to the meal breaks of employees. Other laws I mentioned of course is the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law, RA 11210, and then there's also RA 11148, the First 1,000 Days Act, and then there's also RA 10821, or the Children's Emergency Relief and Protection Act, which sets a standard for the protection of children, including breastfeeding moms, especially before, during, and after a disaster. So for the information of all, our guests and our future resource persons, we have our own lactation station in the Senate. We used to have, and I will check if we still have the signages on the ground floor, such that when we have resource persons, they know that if they attend our hearings and they are nursing moms, they can use these rooms kasi they are open to all our guests. And then just to complete it, because this is required by our law, when I was a member of the House, we also were part of a team that moved for the creation of lactation rooms in the House of Representatives and this was continued by our now colleague, my brother Alan [Cayetano] when he was Speaker of the House, along with his wife, also then Congresswoman, now Mayor Lani Cayetano. So as I said, it's very important that we continue to educate people, so throughout the year, not just during breastfeeding month, my team, Pinay In Action, conducts seminars on women's health, and breastfeeding promotion. These are normally done with barangay health workers because they are our frontliners. And I'd like to take the opportunity to thank our barangay health workers, the nutrition scholars, all over the country, including of course the health officers of the municipalities and cities. Because it is in your hands na natututo ang mga nanay mag-breastfeed at alagaan ang baby nila. Also important is the human milk bank. I think this was about a year or so ago [referring to a photo flashed on the screen] that we inaugurated the new and improved human milk bank in the Dr. Fabella Memorial Hospital. The Dr. Fabella Hospital is a pioneer in the national breastfeeding program, and so it was very timely na in-upgrade nila ang kanilang milk bank. We also have this in Taguig City, there is also in Makati City, and a few others. And to conclude, your honors, as we celebrate breastfeeding month, I would like to thank many of our colleagues who are supportive breastfeeding fathers, and may your tribe continue. The Majority Floor Leader is raising his hand in victory. And we are grateful because it is very important that women, mothers, get the support they need. In the last collage of photos, you will see photos of the head of my legislative team, si Atty Abbi [Miranda], naka-highlight diyan, expressing while working. That is our goal. To normalize breastfeeding. So thank you again, dear colleagues.
The State Department has sanctioned 100 Nicaraguan officials for their relentless attacks on civil liberties under the regime of President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo. The sanctions include a ban on travel to the United States.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused these officials of participating in attempts to repress civil society organizations, close civic spaces ... and unjustly detain courageous individuals who support a free civil society, including Bishop Rolando Alvarez.

Alvarez was among multiple priests arrested last year after he spoke out against the Nicaraguan governments closure of several Catholic radio stations and criticized the governments human rights record. In February, Alvarez, who refused to be exiled to the U.S., was sentenced to 26 years in prison for undermining the government, spreading false information, and obstruction of functions and disobedience, according to the Associated Press reported. He was also stripped of his Nicaraguan citizenship.

Secretary Blinken called on the regime to unconditionally and immediately release Bishop Alvarez and all those unjustly detained, in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The additional sanctions come days after the Ortega government seized Central American University, a Jesuit-run school founded in 1960, claiming it was a center of terrorism. Since then, the university has been de-funded, and its main leaders have been barred from re-entering the country when they have left on travel.

With this confiscation, the Ortega government has buried the freedom of thought in Nicaragua, said Maria Asuncion Moreno, who was a professor at the university until she was forced into exile in 2021.

In February, the government of Nicaragua stripped 94 of its citizens of their nationality and revoked the citizenship of 222 political prisoners who were released from custody. And in June, the Ortega regime confiscated properties belonging to those 222 opposition figures.

Thousands have fled into exile since Nicaraguan security forces violently put down massive street demonstrations that broke out in Nicaragua in 2018 protesting the repressive rule of the Ortega regime.

We will continue to work with the international community to promote accountability for those who threaten democracy in Nicaragua, declared Secretary Blinken. And we remain committed to promoting the fundamental freedoms of the Nicaraguan people and respect for their human rights.
PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / In an electrifying display of skill, passion, and camaraderie, the global skateboarding community united under the banner of Colossal's Tony Hawk's Skatepark Hero. This extraordinary online competition wasn't merely a showcase of tricks, but a celebration of creativity, purpose, and philanthropy.





Michael Manion Wins Tony Hawk's Skatepark Hero

Colossal Raises Over $768K Benefiting The Skatepark Project



Grand Prize Winner

The "People's Choice" winner, selected by public voting, was Michael Manion, a lifelong skateboarder who discovered a passion for helping open skateparks within his local community in Southern Georgia. Manion looks up to Hawk as someone who paved the way for him to do what he loves. Just like Hawk, who blazed a trail for skateboarders worldwide, Manion's dedication to taking the title exemplifies the profound impact skateboarding can have on individuals and communities.

Also Pretty Awesome

Robert Zamora secured the coveted "Tony's Pick" title. Hawk himself plucked Zamora from the ranks of contenders, captivated not only by the technical finesse of his boardslide trick but also by the artful synchronization of his moves to a perfectly curated musical backdrop. Zamora's attention to detail and artistic flair captured the essence of the competition's spirit, highlighting how skateboarding transcends the physical and becomes an art form that resonates deeply.

The Donation

Skatepark Hero was a fundraiser powered by Colossal, a global leader in modern giving. The competition raised a staggering $768,498.50, ultimately being granted to support The Skatepark Project, a nonprofit near and dear to Tony Hawk's heart since 2002. The organization's mission is to help underserved communities create safe and inclusive public skateparks for youth.

The competition served as a fundraising campaign for DTCare, a United States 501(c)(3) public charity organization, which granted donations to The Skatepark Project.

About Colossal

Colossal is the global leader in online competitions and one of the most effective fundraising platforms available for charities that lack the bandwidth to operate large-scale campaigns. While offering extraordinary opportunities to men and women worldwide, each online fundraising competition operated by Colossal has become a successful method of fundraising for nonprofits. Visit colossal.org.

About The Skatepark Project

Founded by Tony Hawk, The Skatepark Project (TSP) is a nonprofit organization working to increase access to outdoor recreation and free play through the creation of safe and inclusive community skateparks. TSP provides the resources, advocacy skills, grants and fellowship programs that guide skaters in creating their own community skateparks, from conception through construction. This is a collaborative process between skaters and city authorities to invest in capital improvements that will enrich a community for decades. The Skatepark Project's grant programs have awarded over $11 million to help fund nearly 700 public skateparks in all 50 states, enjoyed by an estimated eight million people annually. The organization's International Program has provided technical and financial support to assist youth through the Skateistan educational programs in Afghanistan, Cambodia, and South Africa. To get involved, visit skatepark.org.

Contact Information

Anne-Marie Pritchett

COLOSSAL

[email protected]

Related Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FGRWgQjD5s

SOURCE: Colossal

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Upgraded module redefines change management to empower effortless transitions

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / StarTex Software's EHS Insight, a premier provider of cloud software solutions for environmental, health and safety (EHS) management, today announced the updated release of its Management of Change (MOC) module.

EHS Insight

The latest developments are a testament to EHS Insight's commitment to continually innovate and provide solutions that address the evolving needs of workplace safety teams. By enabling seamless collaboration, transparent documentation, and efficient task management, the MOC module equips organizations with the tools they need to manage the change lifecycle confidently and effectively.

"Managing change is a key component of risk management and should be supported by software, not constrained by it," said Gary McDonald, President and CEO of StarTex Software. "These enhancements to our MOC module are going to make it even easier for our customers to keep reliable records of the process while enabling them to maintain momentum. As always, EHS Insight delivers a solution with a great user experience while providing important safeguards."

The MOC module updates include:

Enhanced Involvement : Users designated as Involved Parties can now conveniently access the MOC form and record their responses during the Involved Parties Approval workflow step. This facilitates real-time collaboration and ensures that all stakeholders' perspectives are incorporated into the change management process.

: Users designated as Involved Parties can now conveniently access the MOC form and record their responses during the Involved Parties Approval workflow step. This facilitates real-time collaboration and ensures that all stakeholders' perspectives are incorporated into the change management process. Streamlined Action Management : Change Owners now have the capability to assign distinct actions, separate from corrective and preventive actions. The addition of new tasks and notifications allows teams to efficiently track and manage tasks to completion, promoting accountability and efficient resolution of action items.

: Change Owners now have the capability to assign distinct actions, separate from corrective and preventive actions. The addition of new tasks and notifications allows teams to efficiently track and manage tasks to completion, promoting accountability and efficient resolution of action items. Comprehensive Workflow : MOCs can now progress through the Review and Follow-Up workflow steps, creating a structured approach to change management. This ensures that changes are rigorously assessed, validated, and followed up on, minimizing disruptions and fostering operational and safety resilience.

: MOCs can now progress through the Review and Follow-Up workflow steps, creating a structured approach to change management. This ensures that changes are rigorously assessed, validated, and followed up on, minimizing disruptions and fostering operational and safety resilience. Traceable Documentation: MOC forms can now be electronically preserved, allowing for easy tracking of any modifications made to the form throughout the MOC process. This audit trail feature improves transparency, accountability, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

For organizations seeking to optimize their change management processes, please contact EHS Insight at +1 (877) 571-7475 or request a live demo at https://www.ehsinsight.com/moc.

About StarTex Software and EHS Insight

EHS Insight, a StarTex Software brand, is the world's most flexible, powerful, easy-to-use environmental, health and safety software. Since 2009, the team at EHS Insight has been on a mission to make the world a better place. Today, hundreds of thousands of employees in over 120 countries use EHS Insight EHS software, services and support to transform the way they work and to lower the environmental impact of their operations. For more information, visit www.ehsinsight.com.

Contact Information

Mohamad Bozo

Marketing, StarTex Software

[email protected]

(713) 866-6597

SOURCE: EHS Insight

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PITTSBURGH, PA / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Fred Rogers Productions has been awarded a PNC Foundation grant to support Alma's Way, its newest PBS KIDS series, through PNC Grow Up Great, the multi-year, bilingual early childhood education initiative that helps children from birth through age 5 develop a passion for learning that lasts a lifetime. The $1.3 million grant from PNC Foundation to Fred Rogers Productions supports the development of Alma's Way engagement activities as well as ongoing support for "Be My Neighbor Days," the signature community outreach initiative for Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood.

Season 2 of Alma's Way, created by actor and writer Sonia Manzano, premieres September 18 on PBS KIDS.

"PNC Foundation is a valued supporter of educational programs for young children, and this grant for Alma's Way will enable us to continue to fulfill our goal to provide enriching content and experiences for children and their families," said Paul Siefken, president and CEO, Fred Rogers Productions. "We and PNC Foundation share a common goal of meeting the needs of kids where they are, and we look forward to continuing to serve our communities together."

"When Fred Rogers Productions shared the Alma's Way concept with us, we knew we wanted to play a role in bringing this important learning opportunity to young children," said Sally McCrady, chair and president of PNC Foundation. "Investing in early education is a powerful way to create a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. That's the driving force behind PNC Grow Up Great, which has been making an impact across our footprint for nearly 20 years."

Alma's Way focuses on critical thinking, responsible decision making, and self-awareness and features Alma and her friends navigating life's adventures in the Bronx. Since the series' premiere in 2021, it has been developed into successful educational digital games, launched a publishing program with Scholastic, and has been nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Preschool Animated Series, among other notable and prestigious honors.

The PNC Foundation grant supports a range of Fred Rogers Productions programming and campaigns, including events that take the series' educational and pro-social themes directly into local communities across PNC's footprint for hands-on activities and fun for young children and their families. The grant also affords a variety of educational awareness efforts, such as custom-branded video content that will be aired on linear TV; pre-roll-on PBS KIDS streaming platforms, including the pbskids.org video player and the free PBS KIDS Video app; and recognition on the PBS KIDS YouTube channel.

Alma's Way follows 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl who lives in the Bronx with her family among a diverse group of close-knit friends and community members. In every episode, Alma models life lessons while encouraging kids to develop critical thinking skills and value their own ideas and questions. The series is created by Sonia Manzano ("Maria" on Sesame Street) and produced by Fred Rogers Productions in association with Pipeline Studios (Elinor Wonders Why). Ellen Doherty and Manzano are executive producers. Jorge Aguirre (Goldie & Bear) is head writer and co-executive producer. Additional co-executive producers are Luis Lopez and Juan Lopez. Supervising Producer for Fred Rogers Productions is Olubunmi Mia Olufemi.

About PNC Foundation

The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group (www.pnc.com), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through PNC Grow Up Great, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life.

For more information, visit http://www.pncgrowupgreat.com.

About Fred Rogers Productions

Fred Rogers Productions was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood for PBS. In the years that followed, it created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program and extended Fred's values and approach to other efforts in promoting children's social, emotional, and behavioral health while supporting parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals in their work with children. Fred Rogers Productions continues to build on Fred's legacy in innovative ways through a wide variety of media and engages new generations of children and families with his timeless wisdom. The company's highly rated children's series, including Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, and Through the Woods, have earned 30 Emmy Awards among other important honors. The company's latest series are Donkey Hodie, the innovative puppet series inspired by characters from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, and Alma's Way, an animated series created by Sonia Manzano. Fred Rogers Productions strives to inspire a lifelong enthusiasm for learning through its series as well efforts beyond broadcast including games and digital offerings, community engagement activities, and much more. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

# # #

Press contacts:

Grand Communications (for Fred Rogers Productions)

Alison Grand

212-584-1133; [email protected]

Laura Liebeck

845-440-7974; [email protected]

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from The PNC Financial Services Group on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: The PNC Financial Services Group

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/pnc-financial-services-group

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: The PNC Financial Services Group

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSX.V:GCX)(OTCQB: GCXXF) ("Granite Creek" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the preliminary results of a metallurgical study designed to increase recovery of copper from oxide material at its Carmacks Copper-Gold-Silver project ("Carmacks Project" or the "Project")

Kemetco Research Inc. ("Kemetco") has been contracted to carry out an initial series of scoping tests to evaluate the potential for extraction and recovery of copper from unrecovered copper oxide minerals in Carmacks Project flotation tailings as referenced in the Company's 2023 Preliminary Economic Assessment ("2023 PEA") *. Testing involves the leaching of tailings from previous flotation testing of oxidised copper material to dissolve copper into solution and subsequently precipitate copper in a form that could be added to a concentrate being produced by sulphide flotation. The leaching portion of the test work has now been completed with up to 81% of the copper present in the test samples going into solution. The remaining project task, currently underway at Kemetco, is to complete a series of bench tests to evaluate methods for selective recovery of the leached copper from solution. The planned tests will focus on copper sulphide precipitation to target generation of a high-grade copper sulphide product that could potentially be combined with a copper flotation concentrate in an overall production flowsheet, resulting in significant potential increases to both overall copper recovery and the copper grade of the final concentrate product.

The 2023 PEA was based on an average recovery of copper, life of mine ("LOM") of 64%, with up to 93.7% recovery of copper when processing sulfide material but only 39.8% when processing oxide material. The current mine plan as outlined in the 2023 PEA contemplates processing material with a high oxide content of up to 80% oxide ore in the first five years of the mine life during which time over 8.4 million tonnes of oxide material would be processed versus 2.88 million tonnes of sulphide material. Sensitivity analysis completed in the 2023 PEA identified over $180M of Net Present Value ("NPV") to be gained from a combined sulphide-oxide recovery system by increasing the LOM recovery of copper by 20% from the current projected 64% to 77% total copper recovery.

The material used for the current test consists of tailings from flotation testing of oxide material, where 39.8% recovery of copper was achieved prior to the current leach testing. With up to 81% of the remaining copper going into solution an additional 48% recovery of copper in oxide is possible (81% of remaining 60.2% copper from original test sample) which would increase the total copper recovery of oxide material to over 80% (original 39.8% plus 48%). This could potentially provide a path to exceed the 20% increase in total LOM copper recovery opportunity, which was referenced in the 2023 PEA. While the current work is being conducted on the most representative material available, it should be noted that this work is preliminary in nature and has not yet been tested on a range of potential feed blends.

Tim Johnson, President & CEO stated, "The 2023 PEA, a major milestone for the Company, identified several opportunities for the Project including increased recovery, resource expansion and additional mine and process optimisation. The unlocking of additional value through the improved recovery that this testing represents, especially in the early years of mine life, has the potential to add significantly to the NPV of the project. These results could allow for re-evaluation of resources that didn't make it into the mine plan due to lower grades or assumed recoveries. The process being developed by the company also has the possibility of being used in other parts of the Minto Copper belt where oxidised or partially oxidised (POX) copper ores have not been processed by other operators."

Table 1 Summary of flotation testing results and average values used in PEA.

1. Sulphide flotation testing completed by SGS prior to PEA Study see news release dated January 10, 2023.

2. Oxide flotation testing completed by SGS prior to PEA study see news release dated January 10, 2023.

3. Calculated LOM average recovery based on a regression curve dependant on oxide content.

4. Projected target based on successful completion of current testing.

Table 2 2023 - PEA Copper Recovery Sensitivity Table

BCSC continuous disclosure review.

Following a recent review of Granite Creek's continuous disclosure by the British Columbia Securities Commission, the Company provides the following corrections:

In a news release dated January 19, 2023, announcing the completion of the PEA, the Company stated, "The PEA indicates that the potential economic returns from the Project justify advancing to a feasibility study". This statement could be construed that the Company is treating the PEA as a pre-feasibility level study, which is not the case. While the Company maintains that the PEA was positive, additional work will need to be done before a full feasibility study could be initiated. The Company also wishes to retract to word "robust" when describing the economics of the Project as this may be misleading to some readers. Granite Creek has also added the following cautionary language to materials that are disseminated to the public including the Company's corporate presentation, fact sheet and website. "The Company cautions that the results of the PEA are preliminary in nature and do not include the calculation of mineral reserves as defined by NI 43-101. There is no certainty that the results of the PEA will be realized." The Company encourages the reader to reference the NI 43-101 technical report entitled CARMACKS PROJECT PRELIMINARY ECONOMIC ASSESMENT (PEA) YUKON, CANADA, available on SEDAR and the Company's website for further details on the Project.

Qualified Persons

Mr. Douglas Warkentin, P.Eng., a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release. Mr. Warkentin is a Senior Metallurgist with Kemetco Research and an advisor to the Company.

About Granite Creek Copper

Granite Creek Copper, a member of the Metallic Group of Companies, is a Canadian exploration company focused on the exploration and development of critical minerals projects in North America. The Company's projects consist of its flagship 176 square kilometer Carmacks project in the Minto copper district of Canada's Yukon Territory on trend with the high-grade Minto copper-gold mine and the advanced stage LS Molybdenum project and the Star copper-nickel-PGM project, both located in central British Columbia. More information about Granite Creek Copper can be viewed on the Company's website at www.gcxcopper.com.

* 2023 PEA: The Company cautions that the results of the PEA are preliminary in nature and do not include the calculation of mineral reserves as defined by NI 43-101. There is no certainty that the results of the PEA will be realized.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Timothy Johnson, President & CEO

Telephone: 1 (604) 235-1982

Toll Free: 1 (888) 361-3494

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.gcxcopper.com

Metallic Group: www.metallicgroup.ca

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward Looking Statements: This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Granite Creek Copper believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Granite Creek Copper and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Granite Creek Copper Ltd.

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / International Paper Company

Click here to watch our Water is Wonderful curriculum in action

Water is essential. Two-thirds of our planet is covered with water, yet only a small percentage is usable, so we must act to protect this valuable resource. At International Paper, water is a critical part of our manufacturing process, and so we have an opportunity to play a key role in conserving and protecting our local water resources.

Did you know 88% of water used in our mill manufacturing process in 2022 was treated and returned to the environment? We've made great strides in water conservation, but we still have work to do in order to meet our Vision 2030 goal to reduce water usage by 25% across our mill system.

We must pass this care of water on to the next generation. IP is partnering with local schools and other organizations in our communities to educate elementary school students on what it means to be a good steward of the water we have through IP's Water is Wonderful curriculum. From the scarcity of clean, fresh water, to how IP uses water in our paper making process, students will learn about the role we all play in water stewardship.

By taking actionable steps, we are confident that we can achieve our water stewardship goals and contribute to a more sustainable future. Click here to access International Paper's 2022 Sustainability Report and learn more about the company's water target and initiatives.

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of planet-friendly packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of North America's largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what's next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2022 were $21.2 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting InternationalPaper.com.

About International Paper - EMEA

In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of fiber-based packaging and pulp, employing approximately 4,200 people. As a leading supplier of high-quality corrugated containers for a multitude of applications, we serve customers throughout the region from our network of two recycled containerboard mills and 23 box plants in France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Pulp production is centered in Gdansk, Poland. Other products available from International Paper in the region include Kraft linerboard and recycled containerboard, as well as pulp.





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from International Paper Company on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: International Paper Company

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/international-paper-company

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: International Paper Company

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Mako Mining Corp. (TSX-V:MKO)(OTCQX:MAKOF) ("Mako" or the "Company") is pleased to provide financial results for the three months ended June 30th, 2023 ("Q2 2023"), which is the eighth full quarter of financial results since declaring commercial production on July 1st, 2021 at its San Albino gold mine ("San Albino") in northern Nicaragua. All dollar amounts referred to herein are expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise stated.

Q2 2023 Highlights

Financial

$12.9 million in Revenue

$4.0 million in Adjusted EBITDA (1)

$4.9 million in Mine Operating Cash Flow ( "Mine OCF ") (1) (3)

") $2.6 million Net Loss after $3.9 million of depreciation, depletion (4) and amortization and $1.5 million in exploration expenses

and amortization and $1.5 million in exploration expenses $995 Cash Costs ($/oz sold) (1) (2)

$1,090 Total Cash Costs ($/oz sold) (1) (2)

$1,322 All-In Sustaining Costs (" AISC ") ($/oz sold) (1) (2)

") ($/oz sold) Three monthly repayment installments totaling $1.1million were made on the Sailfish Loan during Q2 2023 and $4 million of the Wexford Loan principal was repaid as a result of the $6 million Silver Loan

Refers to a Non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of National Instrument 52-112 - Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure ("NI 52-112"). Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" as well as the reconciliations later in this press release. Refers to a Non-GAAP ratio within the meaning of NI-52-112. Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" later in this press release. Refer to "Chart 1 - Q2 2023 - Mine OCF Calculation and Cash Reconciliation (in $ millions)" for a reconciliation of the beginning and ending cash position of the Company, including OCF. The depletion for the quarter was calculated on the basis of the San Albino mine plan only; going forward, depletion will incorporate Las Conchitas material as well, substantially decreasing this expense.

Growth

$1.4 million in exploration and evaluation expenses ($0.5 million in areas surrounding San Albino and approx. $1.0 million at Las Conchitas).

Permits to begin extracting and processing material from Las Conchitas were received in June, with processing beginning in late July.

Subsequent to June 30th, 2023

On July 7, 2023, and on August 3, 2023, the Company delivered 17,190 and 16,367 oz of silver to Sailfish in lieu of $0.4 million and $0.4 million cash, respectively.

On August 23rd, 2023, the Wexford Loan was expanded by an additional $2 million to ensure the Company has a sufficient amount of working capital during the ramp up of Las Conchitas (see full details below under Loan Agreement)

Akiba Leisman, Chief Executive Officer, states that "Q2 2023 was the eighth full quarter of financial results since declaring commercial production at San Albino. Mine Operating Cash Flow and Adjusted EBITDA of $4.9 and $4.0 million, respectively, reflect that the Company was processing approximately 35% run of mine material (with the rest coming from lower grade stockpiles), instead of the normal 50% run of mine material prior to permits being received at Las Conchitas. Permits at Las Conchitas were subsequently received in June, with material from Las Conchitas beginning to be processed at the end of July. In this context, the Company reported Cash Costs of 995 $/Oz sold, Total Cash Costs of 1,090 $/Oz sold, and AISC at 1,322 $/Oz during the quarter. Q2 2023 is the last quarter the Company will be reporting a depletion and depreciation expense ($3.9 million) solely on the basis of the San Albino mine plan. The net book value of our Mineral Property and Plant are now just $3.2 million and $14.1 million respectively, compared to a cost of $14.8 million and $38.7 million as of year-end 2022. The remaining net book value is a tiny fraction of its net realizable value including the Las Conchitas resource, which will lead to materially lower depletion and depreciation expenses going forward. The maiden resource estimate at Las Conchitas will be released shortly."

Table 1 - Revenue

Realized price before deductions from Sailfish gold streaming agreement.

Table 2 - Operating and Financial Data

Refers to a Non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of NI 52-112). Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" as well as the reconciliations later in this press release. Refers to a Non-GAAP ratio within the meaning of NI-52-112. Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" later in this press release. Realized price before deductions from Sailfish gold streaming agreement.

Table 3 - EBITDA Reconciliation

Refers to a Non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of NI 52-112. Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" later in this press release.

Chart 1

Q2 2023 - Mine OCF Calculation and Cash Reconciliation (in $ millions)

Refers to Non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of NI 52-112. Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" later in this press release. Includes all expenses incurred to sustain operations. Excludes Nicaraguan Taxes and Royalties, changes in Non-cash Working Capital, and Exploration expenses.

Loan Agreement

The Company also announces that it has entered into a further amendment to the loan agreement dated February 20, 2020 (as amended, the "Existing Loan Agreement") between the Company, Wexford Capital LP ("Wexford") and the Lenders (as hereinafter defined) pursuant to which, among other things, Wexford Catalyst Trading Limited, Wexford Spectrum Trading Limited and Wexford Focused Trading Limited (together with Debello Trading Limited, collectively, the "Lenders") have agreed to make an additional loan to the Company in the principal amount of US$2,000,000 (the "Incremental Loan") subject to the terms of the Existing Loan Agreement.

The Company proposes to use the proceeds from the Incremental Loan for, among other things, its ongoing activities in Nicaragua and for general corporate purposes.

Funds managed by Wexford beneficially own an aggregate of 36,462,623 common shares of the Company, representing approximately 55.4% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares. Accordingly, the Incremental Loan constitutes a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101") as a result of the Company entering into the Loan Amending Agreement with the Lenders and Wexford Capital LP, who are related parties of the Company. Pursuant to Section 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(f) of MI 61-101, the Company is exempt from obtaining a formal valuation and minority approval of the Company's shareholders for the Incremental Loan on the basis that the Company's common shares trade on the TSXV and the Incremental Loan is a loan transaction with a related party that meets the criteria as set out in MI 61-101.

For complete details, please refer to the financial statements and the associated management discussion and analysis for the twelve months ended June 30th, 2023, available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or on the Company's website (www.makominingcorp.com).

Non-GAAP Measures

The Company has included certain non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios in this press release such as EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Mine Operating Cash Flow cash cost per ounce sold, total cash cost per ounce sold, AISC per ounce sold. These non-GAAP measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. In the gold mining industry, these are commonly used performance measures and ratios, but do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to other issuers. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's underlying performance of its core operations and its ability to generate cash flow.

"EBITDA" represents earnings before interest (including non-cash accretion of financial obligation and lease obligations), income taxes and depreciation, depletion and amortization.

"Adjusted EBITDA" represents EBITDA, adjusted to exclude exploration activities, share-based compensation and change in provision for reclamation and rehabilitation.

"Cash costs per ounce sold" is calculated by deducting revenues from silver sales and dividing the sum of mining, milling and mine site administration cost.

"Total cash costs per ounce sold" is calculated by deducting revenues from silver sales from production cash costs and production taxes and royalties and dividing the sum by the number of gold ounces sold. Production cash costs include mining, milling, mine site security and mine site administration costs.

"AISC per ounce sold" includes total cash costs (as defined above) and adds the sum of G&A, sustaining capital and certain exploration and evaluation ("E&E") costs, sustaining lease payments, provision for environmental fees, if applicable, and rehabilitation costs paid, all divided by the number of ounces sold. As this measure seeks to reflect the full cost of gold production from current operations, capital and E&E costs related to expansion or growth projects are not included in the calculation of AISC per ounce. Additionally, certain other cash expenditures, including income and other tax payments, financing costs and debt repayments, are not included in AISC per ounce.

"Mine OCF" represents operating cash flow, excluding Nicaraguan taxes and royalties, changes in non-cash working capital and exploration expenses.

On behalf of the Board,

Akiba Leisman

Chief Executive Officer

About Mako

Mako Mining Corp. is a publicly listed gold mining, development and exploration company. The Company operates the high-grade San Albino gold mine in Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua, which ranks as one of the highest-grade open pit gold mines globally. Mako's primary objective is to operate San Albino profitably and fund exploration of prospective targets on its district-scale land package.

For further information: Mako Mining Corp., Akiba Leisman, Chief Executive Officer, Telephone: 203-862-7059, E-mail: [email protected] or visit our website at www.makominingcorp.com and SEDAR www.sedar.com.

Forward-Looking Information: Some of the statements contained herein may be considered "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information can be identified by words such as, without limitation, "estimate", "project", "believe", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" or variations thereon or comparable terminology. The forward-looking information contained herein reflects the Company's current beliefs and expectations, based on management's reasonable assumptions, and includes, without limitation, that mining of high-grade material from the Phase 3 West Pit, and permits to begin mining Las Conchitas are expected later this month, at which point the Company expects that new record production numbers should be achieved; and Mako's primary objective to operate San Albino profitably and fund exploration of prospective targets on its district-scale land package. Such forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, changes in the Company's exploration and development plans and growth parameters and its ability to fund its growth to reach its expected new record production numbers; unanticipated costs; the October 24 measures having impacts on business operations not current expected, or new sanctions being imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department or other government entity in Nicaragua in the future; and other risks and uncertainties as disclosed in the Company's public disclosure filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Such information contained herein represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof, based on information currently available and is included for the purposes of providing investors with information regarding the Company's Q2 2023 financial results and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Mako does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Mako Mining Corp.

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DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / MDM Permian, Inc. (OTC PINK:MDMP) is proud to unveil the latest developments that underline its commitment to growth and excellence. Under the leadership of its new management, the company has successfully secured significant working interests in prime assets, reinforcing its foothold in the energy market.

"The recent acquisitions of over 4,300 acres in multiple productive formations showcase MDM's continuing commitment to acquire assets with potential to generate significant revenue for the company," said Mark T. Warner, President and CEO at MDM Permian, Inc. "It furthers our goal to drive value for our stockholders and stakeholders."

Expansion into East Texas Basin

MDM Permian Inc has acquired a 55% working interest in a substantial 3700-acre oil and gas lease located in the East Texas basin. This strategic move demonstrates the company's determination to explore and exploit promising opportunities within the energy sector. The lease boasts a network of 14 wells that will be subject to comprehensive reworking across multiple pay zones.

Paluxy Formation Gas Lease Acquisition

MDM Permian Inc has also successfully secured a 28.125% working interest and net revenue interest in a 685.46-acre gas lease situated in the Paluxy formation within the East Texas basin. The Paluxy formation is renowned for its gas-rich resources, and MDM is poised to harness this potential for long-term growth.

About MDM Permian Inc

MDM Permian, Inc. is an emerging oil and gas exploration and production company committed to delivering sustainable energy solutions. With a focus on responsible resource extraction, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship, MDM Permian, Inc. aims to meet the growing energy demands while minimizing its ecological footprint. The company's diverse portfolio spans across multiple regions, driving economic growth and creating value for its stockholders and stakeholders.

For media inquiries, contact:

Rachel D. Green

V.P. Investor Relations

469-252-3603

[email protected]



Safe Harbor Act: This release includes forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involves risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products, the ability to meet customer demand, the ability to manage growth, acquisitions of technology, equipment, or human resources, the effect of economic business conditions and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel. The Company is not obligated to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.

SOURCE: MDM Permian, Inc.

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FRISCO, TX / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions, a nationwide auto dealership brokerage firm, completes another successful deal with Sutherlin Automotive. Pinnacle continues to represent luxury, premium, and family-owned dealerships with the same dedication and integrity that has made them stand out in the industry for three decades. The Pinnacle team combines decades of experience with the successful closing of over 750 deals.









Pinnacle represented Sutherlin Automotive in selling Sutherlin Cherokee County Nissan in Holly Springs, Georgia, to the Perrin family.

"The Perrins were a breath of fresh air to deal with. They are great dealers with a rich history in Georgia. They will do very well with Nissan and represent the brand well," said Brett Sutherlin. "Having been contacted by most brokers in the business and having done deals with many, Pinnacle is the best I have dealt with. Mike Sims has become a friend in the process. I call him for his perspective on business in general. If we ever need help selling or buying dealerships, I will call Mike. I have not worked with another broker that streamlined the entire process and made the closing this seamless."

The sale was strategic for Sutherlin as it continued diversifying its brand mix and geography, recently closing on the Reinhardt Toyota and Lexus franchises in Montgomery, Alabama.

"Perrin Automotive Group is very excited to continue our growth in the Atlanta metro area by adding Cherokee County Nissan. We appreciated working with both Sutherlin and Pinnacle throughout this process. The Sutherlin family has an extensive reputation for automotive excellence throughout the Southeast region, and we look forward to continuing their tradition of great customer service. We appreciated Pinnacle's professionalism and expertise throughout the process and closing. Mike Sims and Wes Hamilton knew of our interest in growing our operations in the area, bringing us a compelling opportunity," said Chuck Perrin, CEO of Perrin Automotive Group.

With more than 60 years of combined experience on both the buy-side and sell-side of transactions, Pinnacle conducts business with the same commitment to integrity and customer success that has guided the company for the last three decades. Continuing to utilize its unparalleled industry knowledge to serve as intermediaries for its clients, Pinnacle is always looking forward to aiding its clients to achieve their goals as buyers or sellers.

To learn more about the services offered by Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions or to receive a confidential consultation, visit www.pinnaclemergers.com.

Contact Information

Anne Kimmey

[email protected]

817-793-7704

SOURCE: Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp. (TSX.V:PGE)(OTCQB: PGEZF) (the "Company" or "Stillwater") is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Nora Pincus as an Independent Director.

Ms. Pincus is a veteran resource industry professional with over 15 years of global experience, including senior legal, mine financing, and commercial roles. Throughout her career, Ms. Pincus has worked for both junior and major mining companies with projects and operations in North and South America, Africa, Australia and Asia. She has substantial experience in M&A and capital market transactions in the mining and metals sectors, having served as lead counsel on a number of notable global mining transactions. Ms. Pincus is currently Managing Director with Nebari Partners, LLC, a private capital provider focused on the mining sector. Prior to joining Nebari, Ms. Pincus was General Counsel of Boart Longyear, a global drilling services, equipment and mining technology company, and was a partner at several boutique and international law firms. A Montana native, Ms. Pincus received a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver.

President & CEO, Michael Rowley commented, "We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Nora Pincus as an Independent Director. In addition to her extensive legal expertise, she brings a background in mine finance and M&A that adds further depth to the existing board in these essential areas. As a Montana native, she is well-connected locally and has a strong understanding of the state's resource industries, including the significant on-going production of a number of commodities at mines and refineries. That local expertise is complemented by extensive international experience which provides her with strong connections in the finance, investment, regulatory and legal sectors."

"Our 2023 drill program is underway now at Stillwater West with a focus on expansion of the NI43-101-compliant resource announced earlier this year. This is our first campaign under the direction of Dr. Danie Grobler and the first with Glencore as a strategic investor. We look forward to providing further updates as we advance the asset towards its potential as a primary US-based source of battery and catalytic metals."

Upcoming Presentations

On August 24th at 8:30 am PT (11:30am ET), Stillwater President and CEO, Michael Rowley, will provide an overview and update on the Company, with a focus on the Stillwater West project, live at the Clean Energy Metals Virtual Investor Conference, hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com. Click here to register.

Option Grant

The Company further announces it has granted 1.34 million incentive stock options (the "Options") to certain Directors and Officers of the Company, plus additional Options to certain employees and consultants of the Company. The Options are exercisable for up to five years, expiring on August 23, 2028, and each Option will allow the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.17 per share.

About Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp.

Stillwater Critical Minerals (TSX.V:PGE | OTCQB: PGEZF) is a mineral exploration company focused on its flagship Stillwater West Ni-PGE-Cu-Co + Au project in the iconic and famously productive Stillwater mining district in Montana, USA. With the addition of two renowned Bushveld and Platreef geologists to the team and a strategic investment by Glencore, the Company is well positioned to advance the next phase of large-scale critical mineral supply from this world-class American district, building on past production of nickel, copper, and chromium, and the on-going production of platinum group and other metals by neighboring Sibanye-Stillwater. An expanded NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate, released January 2023, delineates a compelling suite of critical minerals contained within five Platreef-style nickel and copper sulphide deposits at Stillwater West, which host a total of 1.6 billion pounds of nickel, copper and cobalt, and 3.8 million ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium, and gold, and remains open for expansion along trend and at depth.

Stillwater Critical Minerals also holds the high-grade Black Lake-Drayton Gold project adjacent to Treasury Metals' development-stage Goliath Gold Complex in northwest Ontario, currently under an earn-in agreement with Heritage Mining, and the Kluane PGE-Ni-Cu-Co critical minerals project on trend with Nickel Creek Platinums Wellgreen deposit in Canadas Yukon Territory.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Michael Rowley, President, CEO & Director - Stillwater Critical Minerals

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (604) 357 4790

Web: http://criticalminerals.com

Toll Free: (888) 432 0075

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Stillwater Critical Minerals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Stillwater Critical Minerals and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Stillwater Critical Minerals

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The Li values of a group of samples on Victory's Stingray Lac Block property are higher than those in the main western Li anomaly shown on the Kaanaayaa Property from Azimut's 23 January 2023 release. 1 (Figure 1)

Azimut's Kaanaayaa and Corvet properties border Victory's Lac Block and Riviere Block directly to the east and south respectively (Figure 2)

Rio Tinto Exploration Canada signed "two (2) Option to Joint Venture Agreements" with Azimut Exploration Inc. for up to C$115.7 Million for its Kaanaayaa and Corvet properties2

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Victory Battery Metals Corp. (CSE:VR)(FWB:VR61)(OTC PINK:VRCFF) ("Victory" or the "Company") is excited to share advancements on its Stingray properties in the James Bay Lithium District next to Patriot Battery Metals (TSXV: PMET) Corvette property, bordering Azimut Exploration's (TSX.V: AZM)(OTCQX: AZMTF) Kaanaayaa and Corvet properties.

"In preparation toward our work program, Victory's Geology team have identified significant lake sediment data on our property that show higher lithium values than those in the main western lithium anomaly shown on the Kaanaayaa Property from Azimut's 23 January 2023 press release,1" said Mr. Mark Ireton, Victory CEO and Director.

Stingray Lac Block Specific Findings (See Figure 1):

The 10 July 2023 Azimut press release announcing the acquisition of the Kaanaayaa and Corvet Properties specifically notes that "Several coincidental Li-Cs-Rb-Ga anomalies have been identified from detailed multi-element lake sediment geochemistry" on the Kaanaayaa Property 3

Comparable Li-Cs-Rb-Ga anomalies in lake sediment samples are found on Victory's adjacent Lac Block

The Li values of a group of samples on Victory's ground are higher than those in the main western Li anomaly shown on the Kaanaayaa Property from Azimut's 23 January 2023 release.1 As illustrated Victory's samples of 13.1, 11.9 and 9.8 are higher than Azimut's highest sample at 9.4

Mr. Mark Ireton added, "The numbered sample sites in Figure 1 represent Li values that are over the 99th percentile. Samples in the 99th percentile, such as ours, have higher Li values than 99 out of 100 samples collected regionally, making them strongly anomalous for lithium relative to other samples in the area. This information is crucial to guiding the focus of effort on the ground with our upcoming work program. It is also of value in light of the Rio Tinto - Azimut option to joint venture agreement as an indicator of the relevant location of our holdings in this prime area." See Figure 2.

About Victory's Stingray Property Array

Victory's Stingray array of properties includes 347 claims, totalling 17,792 hectares on ground adjacent to Patriot Battery Metals, (TSXV: PMET), Corvette Property - Declared "The Largest Lithium Pegmatite Resource in the Americas on 30 July 2023.4

About the James Bay Lithium District

The James Bay Region of Quebec is composed of the Superior Province. This Archean craton has been deformed by various orogens over time and contains gold, lithium, copper, zinc, and silver mineralization.

CV5, Corvette Property, James Bay, Quebec, Spodumene Pegmatite is firmly established as the largest lithium pegmatite mineral resource in the Americas and the 8th largest globally. 109.2 Mt at 1.42% Li2O and 160 ppm Ta2O5 inferred, (0.40% Li2O cut-off grade). Based on 163 core holes totalling 56,385 m.4

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Helgi Sigurgeirson, Victory Geologist, who is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101.

1 https://azimut-exploration.com/news/

2 https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/1471-tsx-venture/azm/144587-azimut-and-rio-tinto-sign-agreements-for-the-corvet-and-kaanaayaa-lithium-properties-james-bay-region-quebec.html

3 https://azimut-exploration.com/news/

4 https://patriotbatterymetals.com/patriot-announces-the-largest-lithium-pegmatite-resource-in-the-americas-at-cv5-corvette-property-quebec-canada/

For further information, please contact:

Mark Ireton, President

Telephone: +1 (236) 317 2822 or TOLL FREE 1 (855) 665-GOLD (4653)

E-mail: [email protected]

About Victory Battery Metals Corp.

VICTORY BATTERY METALS CORP. (CSE: VR) is a publicly traded diversified investment corporation with mineral interests in North America. The company is also actively seeking other exploration opportunities.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint-ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws.

SOURCE: Victory Battery Metals Corp.

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In early 2020, the government of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, or DPRK, locked down the countrys borders to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. That lock-down continues today. Indeed, rarely has the DPRK been more painfully closed to the outside world than it is today, said Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Increasing repression of the rights to freedoms of expression, privacy and movement; the persistence of widespread forced labor practices; and a worsening situation for economic and social rights, due to the closure of markets and other forms of income generation, has caused human suffering of [enormous] scale and magnitude.

Nearly a decade ago, a United Nations Commission of Inquiry issued a landmark report which found the DPRK government had committed: systematic, widespread, and gross human rights violations, and that in many instances, the violations entailed crimes against humanity, said United States Representative to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield. The situation has not improved since then, she said:

Reports indicate the DPRK continues to hold more than 80,000 individuals in political prison camps  where, according to reports, they are widely subjected to arbitrary or summary executions, torture, starvation, gender-based violence, forced abortions, and forced labor.

Furthermore, The DPRK government has also engaged in acts of transnational repression against its own citizens and foreign nationals, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield:

The DPRKs activities abroad have included assassination, surveillance, intimidation, abduction, and forced repatriation. Sometimes with the assistance of other governments. And sometimes without the consent of other governments, which shows the DPRKs lack of respect for state sovereignty.

Kim Jong Uns repressive, totalitarian control of society  and the systemic, widespread denial of human rights and fundamental freedoms  ensures the regime can expend inordinate public resources developing its unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs, without public objection, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. This war machine  is powered by repression and cruelty.

Make no mistake: the regime neglects the well-being of people in the DPRK. Its food distribution policies favor the military, and lead to chronic malnourishment among its citizens, she said.

The modern world has no place for the DPRK governments brutality, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. The international community  must continue to speak out against this injustice and its destabilizing impact on regional and international peace and security.

The United States  will continue to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms at home and around the world.
BIRMINGHAM, UK / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Muslim Marriage Events by UK Muslim Professionals has introduced a ground-breaking project meant to foster meaningful relationships and long-lasting marriages within the UK's Muslim community to address the changing environment of Muslim Matrimonial Events. The way people discover their life mates is about to change due to this innovative approach to matrimonial gatherings, which promotes a more all-encompassing and compatibility-driven approach.

The conventional approaches to choosing a life partner have undergone changes as the dynamics of contemporary relationships continue to change. Muslim Marriage Events by UK Muslim Professionals is aware of this change and is responding with a distinctive strategy that focuses on creating a space where like-minded people may interact meaningfully and form true connections.

The fundamental tenet of these historic occasions is the conviction that compatibility, shared values, and mutual understanding are the foundation of happy marriages. These events strive to develop relationships that endure the test of time by eschewing the conventional transactional approach and instead fostering an environment of genuine engagement.

The initiative's primary tenet is compatibility.

Muslim Marriage Events UK prioritize compatibility over other qualities in their effort, in contrast to traditional marital gatherings that frequently focus on superficial ones. The carefully planned activities aim to unite people with comparable ideals, aspirations, and objectives in life. This compatibility-driven strategy tries to raise the possibility of happy, successful marriages.

Structured Dialog for Deeper Relationships

The creative gatherings are made to encourage structured yet informal interactions that let participants look past outward characteristics. These gatherings foster deeper ties based on similar ideas by giving people a forum to discuss issues like family values, life goals, and personal growth. Attendees are able to have more meaningful conversations thanks to the change from the usual small-talk ambience of traditional gatherings, which eventually results in deeper connections.

Muslim Marriage Events by UK Muslim Professionals is a community-driven effort that strives to create a network of support for people looking for life partners. It is more than just a series of events. Attendees can interact with people who have had similar experiences and adventures while also exploring prospective matches at the events. This community-centred strategy emphasizes the value of emotional health and provides a setting where people can connect and understand one another.

The UK's Muslim community prides itself on its variety, which Muslim Marriage Events by UK Muslim Professionals celebrate by accepting people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. The initiative attempts to establish an inclusive environment where participants may form connections that go beyond differences and understands that successful marriages can be built across cultural borders.

Muslim Marriage Events by UK Muslim Professionals is dedicated to innovation within this framework, even though the fundamentals of tradition continue to be an important part of these events. The program strives to provide an experience that resonates with today's generation while respecting the principles that support happy Muslim weddings by fusing tradition with modern methods.

Muslim Marriage Events by UK Muslim Professionals is prepared to completely alter the Muslim dating scene in the UK with the introduction of these ground-breaking matrimonial events. This program reflects the developing nature of relationships in a fast-paced world by placing emphasis on compatibility, meaningful talks, community support, and inclusivity.

It's obvious that the strategy employed by Muslim Marriage Events by UK Muslim Professionals meets a real demand for a more considerate and successful manner to locate life mates as the program develops traction and attracts attention within the community. These occasions are well-positioned to influence the future of Muslim marriages in the UK as people look for partnerships based on shared beliefs and sincere connections.

Media Contact

Organization: Muslim Marriage Events by UK Muslim Professionals

Contact Person: Mo Ali

Website: https://muslimmarriageevents.info/

Email: [email protected]

Contact Number: +447738638325

Address: Fort Dunlop, Regus Office, 115-119, Fort Pkwy, Birmingham B24 9FE,

Country: United Kingdom

SOURCE: Muslim Marriage Events by UK Muslim Professionals

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Group Seeking to Take Control of 75% of AIM Board Failed to Properly Disclose Myriad Interconnections, Understandings and Arrangements Among Its Members  Violating the Companys Bylaws and Preventing Shareholders from Being Able to Make Fully Informed Decisions

Groups Members Include the Same Troubling Individuals Who Unsuccessfully Attempted to Take Over the AIM Board in 2022

Campaign Appears Partially Designed to Force AIM Shareholders to Foot the Bill for Activist Groups Millions of Dollars of Unpaid Expenses from Unsuccessful 2022 Campaign

Activist Group Not Entitled to Nominate Board Candidates for AIMs 2023 Annual Meeting

OCALA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AIM ImmunoTech Inc. (NYSE American: AIM) (AIM or the Company) today announced that, after careful deliberation, its Board of Directors (the Board) unanimously concluded that the notice (the Notice) submitted by Ted D. Kellner purporting to nominate himself, Robert L. Chioini and Todd Deutsch for election to the Companys Board at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the 2023 Annual Meeting) fails to comply with the Companys Bylaws (the Bylaws) and is invalid.

In light of this conclusion, and given AIMs nomination deadline has passed, Kellner may not nominate any candidates for election to the Board at the 2023 Annual Meeting. Accordingly, the Company will not recognize the nominations of Chioini, Deutsch and Kellner, and any proxies submitted or votes cast for the election of these individuals will be disregarded.

A copy of AIMs letter to Kellner detailing the deficiencies in the Notice (the Deficiency Letter) will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form 8-K today.

The 2022 Activism Group Campaign

Several individuals referenced in Kellners Notice  including Jonathan T. Jorgl, Walter I. Lautz, Michael Rice, Franz N. Tudor and Michael J. Xirinachs  together with Chioini, Deutsch and Kellner (collectively, the Activist Group or the Group), have been engaged in a multi-year effort to disrupt AIMs business and take over the Board. As a reminder, last year, the Group  with Jorgl as the face of the effort  made a failed attempt to nominate a control slate of director candidates at the Companys 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the 2022 Annual Meeting). As was confirmed in litigation last year, Tudor (and possibly other members of the Activist Group) even used burner accounts with fake names on retail stock message boards to disparage the Company  apparently, in AIMs view, to drive down its stock price  while members of the Group were trading AIM stock. The Group also attempted to conceal Tudors and Xirinachs significant roles in orchestrating the effort to gain control of AIMs Board. Tudor has been convicted of insider trading and Xirinachs has recently pled guilty to wire fraud.

Ahead of the 2022 Annual Meeting, the Board unanimously determined that the Groups director nominations did not comply with AIMs Bylaws and were invalid. After Jorgl, funded by Chioini and Xirinachs, initiated litigation contesting the Boards determination, the Delaware Court of Chancery found in the Companys favor, denying Jorgls motion to require the Board to accept his director nominations. In its ruling, the Court noted that Jorgl failed to disclose arrangements and understandings among the web of individuals behind the Groups efforts and stated that the evidence indicated that Jorgls nomination notice was  at best  misleading.

The 2023 Activist Group Campaign

The Bylaws exist for the protection of all shareholders. They require disclosures about nominating shareholders, director candidates and related parties and arrangements so the Board can assess nominations and make voting recommendations based on complete, truthful information  allowing shareholders to make well-informed choices about which nominees to support.

The Notice fails to satisfy many of these requirements. As outlined in detail in the Deficiency Letter, among other items, the Notice omits and misrepresents critical information about a range of interconnections between, and agreements, arrangements and understandings among, members of the Activist Group. In addition, the Notice includes materially false information regarding the nominees qualifications and experience, and fails to provide material information including with respect to related parties, ownership information, and other items required under the federal proxy rules.

The Notices failures appear, in the Boards view, designed to mislead AIMs shareholders and deprive them of information needed to make fully informed decisions. In addition, the Notice reveals that the Activist Group may have ulterior motives in their nominations this year: Chioini and Xirinachs are jointly responsible for litigation costs stemming from their attempted proxy contest at the 2022 Annual Meeting and Jorgls unsuccessful litigation and still owe the Groups law firm (in addition to certain other advisors) a net amount of $1.3 million out of their $2 million bill, even as litigation expenses continue to accrue. The Notice acknowledges that, if elected, Chioini will continue to seek reimbursement of his and Xirinachs expenses from 2022  likely over $2 million  with AIM shareholders footing the bill. The Notice also states that the Group would seek reimbursement for its proxy fight efforts this time around as well.

Thomas K. Equels, M.S., J.D., Executive Vice Chairman of the Board, CEO & President, issued the following statement:

It is deeply troubling that this Activist Group is again seeking to benefit itself at the expense of other shareholders. This years Group is the same cast of characters who tried and failed to seize control of the Board at the 2022 Annual Meeting. Given the litany of disturbing facts that came to light last year about its members, the Activist Groups attempt at a round two is utterly perplexing. The Groups launching of another costly and distracting proxy contest demonstrates that they do not care about the best interests of all shareholders.

Based on the facts we have seen, we believe that the Activist Group is motivated by its desire to force the Company to reimburse its members for expenses. Put another way, the Group is seemingly trying to gain control of the Board so it can force AIM shareholders to pick up the entire multi-million-dollar tab for its unsuccessful 2022 proxy contest and litigation, as well as its 2023 campaign.

AIM remains dedicated to delivering value for shareholders and to serving the patients for whom the Company is working to bring new therapies to market to address a range of life-threatening cancers and debilitating immune disorders and viral conditions (including Long COVID)  most notably by repurposing its lead drug, Ampligen. The Company is building on substantial momentum in recent years, as well as its ability to accomplish the future clinical milestones it expects to achieve during the remainder of 2023.

To that end, AIM has a focused Board whose members possess the right mix of experience and expertise to effectively oversee the Company and its strategy. In March 2023, the Company added Nancy Bryan as an additional independent director. Ms. Bryan is a pharmaceutical industry veteran who brings deep commercial, marketing, business development and corporate finance expertise. She complements the strong and relevant pharmaceutical, financial and legal experience of AIMs other directors. The Company continues to seek an additional independent director who would add diverse and independent perspectives to the Board.

AIM remains open to engaging constructively with all shareholders and values their input. The Companys recommended slate of nominees for election to the Board at the Annual Meeting will be included in proxy materials to be filed with the SEC. Shareholders do not need to take any action at this time.

About AIM ImmunoTech Inc.

AIM ImmunoTech Inc. is an immuno-pharma company focused on the research and development of therapeutics to treat multiple types of cancers, immune disorders and viral diseases, including COVID-19. The Companys lead product is a first-in-class investigational drug called Ampligen (rintatolimod), a dsRNA and highly selective TLR3 agonist immuno-modulator with broad spectrum activity in clinical trials for globally important cancers, viral diseases and disorders of the immune system.

For more information, please visit aimimmuno.com and connect with the Company on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Cautionary Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the PSLRA). Words such as may, will, expect, plan, anticipate and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Many of these forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The Company urges investors to consider specifically the various risk factors identified in its most recent Form 10-K, and any risk factors or cautionary statements included in any subsequent Form 10-Q or Form 8-K, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Among other things, for those statements, the Company claims the protection of safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the PSLRA. The Company does not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof.

Important Information

The Company intends to file with the SEC a proxy statement and associated WHITE proxy card in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Companys 2023 Annual Meeting. Details concerning the nominees of the Companys Board for election at the 2023 Annual Meeting will be included in the Companys proxy statement. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE URGED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH OR FURNISHED TO THE SEC, INCLUDING THE COMPANYS PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

Investors and stockholders will be able to obtain a copy of the Companys proxy statement, any amendments or supplements thereto and other documents filed by the Company free of charge from the SECs website, www.sec.gov. Copies of these materials will also be available free of charge on AIMs Investor Relations website at https://aimimmuno.com/sec-filings/.

Participants in the Solicitation

The Company, its directors and certain of its executive officers will be participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders in respect of the 2023 Annual Meeting. Information regarding the names of the Companys directors and executive officers and their respective interests in the Company by security holdings or otherwise is set forth in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023. To the extent holdings of such participants in the Companys securities have changed since the amounts described in Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, such changes have been reflected on Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership on Form 3 or Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above. Additional information regarding the identity of these participants in any proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will also be included in any proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC by the Company, if and when they become available.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823213954/en/

JTC Team, LLC

Jenene Thomas

833-475-8247

[email protected]

OR

Longacre Square Partners

Joe Germani / Dan Zacchei

[email protected]

Source: AIM ImmunoTech Inc.
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of a- (Excellent) of Emirates Insurance Company P.J.S.C. (EIC) (United Arab Emirates). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect EICs balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

EICs balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). AM Best expects prospective risk-adjusted capitalisation to remain at the strongest level, supported by internal capital generation. The companys balance sheet strength assessment also benefits from its strong liquidity position and prudent reserving practices. Offsetting factors in the balance sheet strength assessment include EICs investment concentration toward domestic equities, although the company has started to reduce its holding of some equities with proceeds reinvested in fixed income securities. In addition, AM Best views the company to have a moderately high reliance on reinsurance; however, the associated credit risk is mitigated partially by the use of a diversified reinsurance panel of sound financial strength.

EIC has a track record of strong operating performance, illustrated by a weighted average return-on-equity ratio of 8.6% over the past five years (2018-2022). The companys earnings have been supported over time by robust underwriting performance, as evidenced by a five-year weighted average combined ratio of 89.7% (2018-2022). Despite heightened competition in recent years in the UAE insurance market, specifically in motor and medical lines, EIC has been able to maintain solid underwriting returns. In 2022, the company reported a combined ratio of 85.3% (2021: 96.3%).

EIC maintains a well-established brand and position in the UAE insurance market. In 2022, the company generated gross written premium (GWP) of AED 1.1 billion (USD 309 million), ranking it as the fifth-largest listed insurer in the UAE. EIC writes a diversified portfolio of non-life insurance and reinsurance business, although there is a weighting toward domestic motor and medical business on a net premium basis. EICs business profile is enhanced by geographic diversification from its specialist international reinsurance arm, which contributed approximately 13% of total GWP in 2022.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823842788/en/

Mehdi Mouhssine

Financial Analyst

+44 20 7397 0285

[email protected]

Christopher Sharkey

Associate Director, Public Relations

+1 908 882 2310

[email protected]

Jessica Botelho-Young, CA

Associate Director, Analytics

+44 20 7397 0310

[email protected]

Al Slavin

Senior Public Relations Specialist

+1 908 882 2318

[email protected]

Source: AM Best
CASA GRANDE, Ariz. & TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. (TSX:ASCU | OTCQX: ASCUF) (ASCU or the Company) is pleased to announce that it will host a live VID Town Hall Forum on Wednesday September 6 at 11:00 am EDT (8:00 am PDT). To join, please register using the link provided here, or listed below.

Join ASCU President and CEO, George Ogilvie and CFO and VP Finance, Nick Nikolakakis begin the fall financial session with a corporate update describing key completed initiatives and near-term catalysts, including the step up PFS in Q1 2024.

Management will be available for a Q&A session following the Town Hall Forum.

Links from the Press Release

Registration: https://www.bigmarker.com/vid-conferences/ASCU-SEPT2023-TownHall

Neither the TSX nor the regulating authority has approved or disproved the information contained in this press release.

About Arizona Sonoran Copper Company (www.arizonasonoran.com | www.cactusmine.com)

ASCUs objective is to become a mid-tier copper producer with low operating costs and to develop the Cactus and Parks/Salyer Projects that could generate robust returns for investors and provide a long term sustainable and responsible operation for the community and all stakeholders. The Company's principal asset is a 100% interest in the Cactus Project (former ASARCO, Sacaton mine) which is situated on private land in an infrastructure-rich area of Arizona. Contiguous to the Cactus Project is the Companys 100%-owned Parks/Salyer deposit that could allow for a phased expansion of the Cactus Mine once it becomes a producing asset. The Company is led by an executive management team and Board which have a long-standing track record of successful project delivery in North America complemented by global capital markets expertise.

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of ASCU to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: future prices and the supply of metals; the results of drilling; inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the properties; environmental liabilities (known and unknown); general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; results of exploration programs; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; political instability, terrorism, insurrection or war; or delays in obtaining governmental approvals, projected cash operating costs, failure to obtain regulatory or shareholder approvals.

Although ASCU has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and ASCU disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823268812/en/

Alison Dwoskin, Director, Investor Relations

647-233-4348

[email protected]



George Ogilvie, President, CEO and Director

416-723-0458

[email protected]

Source: Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc.
Global Software Development Company Receives International Business Award for the Fourth Consecutive Year

SUNRISE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Chetu, a leading developer of world-class custom software solutions, today announced it has received a Silver Stevie Award for Company of the Year in the Computer Software Category from the 20th annual International Business Awards.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823387557/en/

2023 Silver IBA Stevie Award Presented to Chetu (Graphic: Business Wire)

This is the fourth consecutive year Chetu has received a Stevie from the IBA, the world's premier business awards program, and the second Stevie in 2023. Earlier this year, Chetu received a Bronze award in the same category but from the American Business Awards.

"Being recognized by the Stevie Awards is a great honor for Chetu and its team members," said Atal Bansal, founder and CEO of Chetu. The Stevie Awards validate our global company culture and growth, as well as the world-class work done by our dedicated team members.

"We are proud of our contributions to the software industry, our communities, and the more than 7,000 companies we have helped around the word," Bansal added.

"Nominations to the IBAs get better every year, and this year's class of Stevie winners is the most impressive yet," said Stevie Awards President Maggie Miller. "The winners have demonstrated that their organizations have set and achieved lofty goals. We congratulate them on their recognized achievements."

More than 230 executives worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year's Stevie Award winners.

This latest recognition marks Chetu's 8th Stevie Award since 2020 from the American and International Business Awards. Last year, Chetu received two Bronze medals in the Large Computer Software Company of the Year categories.

For more information on Chetu or to request a consultation, please visit www.chetu.com.

About Chetu

Founded in 2000, Chetu is a global software development solutions and support services provider. Chetu's specialized technology and industry experts serve startups, SMBs, and Fortune 5000 companies with an unparalleled software delivery model suited to the needs of the clients. Chetu's one-stop-shop model spans the entire software technology spectrum. Headquartered in Sunrise, Florida, Chetu has 14 locations throughout the U.S. and abroad. For more information, visit www.chetu.com.

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Media Contact

[email protected]

954-342-5676

Source: Chetu
TAIPEI, Taiwan--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW), a pioneer in AI and facial recognition technologies, today announced the latest release of FaceMe Platform. An on-premise and server based facial recognition API system, supporting various operating systems (Windows, Red Hat, CentOS) and accessible through any web browser, FaceMe Platform 5.4 further improves the process for developers to add facial recognition to applications for ID verification, such as secure system login, and access control.

Built for Developers

The FaceMe Platforms extensive facial recognition API set  including face template extraction, 1:1 face match (comparison), 1:N face search, video analytics, image quality check, and anti-spoofing  addresses the facial recognition needs of any use case. FaceMe Platforms accuracy is top ranked in both NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) FRVT 1:1 and 1:N, providing up to 99.83% TAR (true acceptance rate) at 1E-6 FMR(false match rate). It is also iBeta Level 2 Compliant, ensuring liveness detection anti-spoofing functionality when used with phone and tablet cameras.

Already developer-friendly, with tools to quickly test or benchmark the installed APIs, all with little coding needed, FaceMe Platform 5.4 now offers even more support with a new Developer Resources page. Easily accessible from the management console, all developer needs are now available in a well-organized layout including a Demo System, Test Tool, Documents, Sample Code, and more.

For convenience during setup of new Workstations, FaceMe Platform 5.4 now includes auto-detection of other Central servers in the same LAN. Users can simply select from a list of Central servers connected to the same LAN without typing in their IP address, saving time, and reducing the potential for error.

Scalable Architecture

FaceMe Platforms architecture is fully scalable. As businesses grow and add workstations, the system automatically detects the new units computing power and re-balances workloads to maintain optimal performance. Deploying or replacing workstations in existing systems becomes a quick and painless process - and even more so now for developers using Red Hat Linux. FaceMe Platform 5.4 supports Docker, enhancing the process for quicker and easier installation, accelerating deployment when expanding systems.

Applications for FaceMe Platform

FaceMe Platform can be applied to many applications, especially in banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) industries. FaceMe Platform enables BFSI customers with precise biometric identity verification for customer log in or account creation for secure transactions and protection against fraud. Banks and insurance companies can apply 1:1 biometric verification to ensure their client matches their ID card. Specific to Taiwan, a new eKYC feature has been added in Version 5.4 that now supports Taiwan ID documents OCR and ID document anti-spoofing via FAuth Web SDK and HTTP API.

Enterprises can also utilize FaceMe Platform for employee identity verification. Because it is server based, FaceMe Platform can enable facial recognition from any company laptop, tablet, or smartphone camera, without the need to install software on individual devices. This provides for a simple and secure facial verification ID process for employee login.

We understand that each customer's needs are unique. By enhancing the capabilities of the FaceMe Platform, we're giving our customers greater flexibility to create their own personalized facial recognition solutions, said Dr. Jau Huang, CEO of CyberLink. With the addition of the Developer Resource page, developers now have an easier path to design, test, and implement facial recognition solutions that perfectly match their organization's requirements.

To learn more about FaceMe Platform, please visit the FaceMe Platform website.

About CyberLink

Founded in 1996, CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW) is the world leader in multimedia software and AI facial recognition technology. CyberLink addresses the demands of consumer, commercial and education markets through a wide range of solutions, covering digital content creation, multimedia playback, video conferencing, live casting, mobile applications and AI facial recognition. CyberLink has shipped several hundred million copies of its multimedia software and apps, including the award-winning PowerDirector, PhotoDirector, and PowerDVD. With years of research in the fields of artificial intelligence and facial recognition, CyberLink has developed the FaceMe Facial Recognition Engine. Powered by deep learning algorithms, FaceMe delivers the reliable, high-precision, and real-time facial recognition that is critical to AIoT applications such as smart retail, smart security, and surveillance, smart city and smart home. For more information about CyberLink, please visit the official website at www.cyberlink.com.

All companies and product names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and are the sole property of their respective owners. Copyright  2023 CyberLink Corp. All rights reserved.

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[email protected]

Source: CyberLink Corp.
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- PanAgora Asset Management ("PanAgora" or the "Firm"), one of the world's leading systematic quantitative investment firms, today announced that Frances DAlessio and William Yeskel have joined the Firm.

Ms. DAlessio joined as Senior Strategic Relationship Manager and will focus on Consultant Relations and relationship management for Outsourced Chief Investment Officer firms. She will be based in Boston. Ms. DAlessio brings deep knowledge of clients and consultants in the institutional asset management business to PanAgora. Before joining the firm, Ms. DAlessio served as Managing Director at Thornburg Investment Management. Prior to that, Ms. DAlessio was Institutional Client Portfolio Manager at Lord Abbett Investment Management.

Mr. Yeskel joins as Senior Manager, Product Communications and Management and will be working with the Distribution and Investment teams on content to bring PanAgora investment products, solutions, and insights to market. He will be relocating from Tokyo to Boston. Mr. Yeskel is well versed in systematic investment analysis and communications. Before joining PanAgora, Mr. Yeskel was the Chief Operating Officer of Zentific Investment Management, an alternative investments firm focused on Asia Emerging Markets. Prior to Zentific, Mr. Yeskel was in the Scientific Active Equity Team at BlackRock.

"We are delighted to welcome Frances and Bill to PanAgora. They are seasoned professionals with diverse backgrounds and distinguished careers. They are valuable additions to PanAgoras efforts to bring innovative quantitative solutions to clients in the investment community," said Jesse Huang, CFA, Head of Global Distribution at PanAgora.

Ms. DAlessio holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from William Paterson University, a Master of Art in International Affairs from Drew University and a Master of Business Administration from Thunderbird School of Global Management. Mr. Yeskel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bard College and a Master of Theological Studies degree from Harvard University.

About PanAgora Asset Management:

Founded in 1989, PanAgora Asset Management is a leading global investment firm which utilizes sophisticated quantitative techniques that incorporate fundamental insights and vast amounts of market information spanning absolute and relative return strategies within alternative, risk premia and active equity disciplines. PanAgora had approximately $33 billion of client assets under management, as of June 30, 2023. More information can be found by visiting www.panagora.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823279263/en/

[email protected]

Source: PanAgora Asset Management
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Greenland Resources Inc. (NEO: MOLY | FSE: M0LY) (Greenland Resources or the Company) is pleased to announce the Companys ongoing 2023 summer progress on its Malmbjerg Molybdenum Project (the Project).

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823862063/en/

Highlights:

The Company continues to be very active with the process for debt and equity on capex financing with the banks that provided letters of intent as previously announced.

Molybdenum remains one of the best performing metals this year where molybdenum prices quoted by the London Metal Exchange closed yesterday at US$24.97/lb Mo, nearly 40% higher than the base case price used in the Companys NI 43-101 Feasibility Study.

The Company scheduled five trips to Greenland this summer. The first trip in July included a visit to the Project site from a global integrated mining company. WSP Denmark also joined the trip and conducted field work as part of comments received by the Environmental Agency for Mineral Resource Activities (EAMRA).

During the second trip in August, a mini bulk sample of 200 kg was taken from historic core storage in Kangerlussuaq for further metallurgical testing in a saline process water environment. The third trip this week consists of the Companys financial advisors and their team visiting the Project site as part of the work required by the banks that have expressed written interest in financing the project capex. Draft reports for the banks are expected to be ready during the month of September.

The fourth trip next week will include a visit to the Minister of Mineral Resources and meetings with EAMRA in Nuuk, to provide an update on the project permitting process. The fifth trip in early September is expected to include collecting additional saline and fresh water samples from the planned Noret tailings management facility in the Project area as part of the environmental studies.

On July 12, 2023 the Company closed a financing with one of Denmarks leading asset management and private equity companies. Also on June 28, the Company, beyond legal obligations, expanded the scope of the financial sponsorship agreement to support the local community of Ittoqqortoormiit, the only nearby settlement.

The Greenland government has invited the Company to present the Project in relation to the upcoming EU-Greenland strategic partnership on raw material value chains in an event to be held in October with the participation of the Greenland government and the European Commission.

During the summer, the Company engaged the Danish international engineering and environmental consulting group COWI A/S on wind and solar energy alternatives. The study looks promising and could also help Ittoqqortoormiit. Currently, the Project is expected to require zero energy in nearly 45% of its operation due to the transport of the ore using gravity with an aerial rope conveyor, and the Company is committed to decarbonize at the same pace as end users.

The Company is scheduled to attend the 35th International Molybdenum (IMOA) Annual General meeting September 3-8 in Santiago Chile and is expected to meet, among others, the metallurgical steel and chemical companies that have signed with the Company documentation related to offtakes.

About Greenland Resources Inc.

Greenland Resources is a Canadian public company with the Ontario Securities Commission as its principal regulator and is focused on the development of its 100% owned world-class Climax type pure molybdenum deposit located in central east Greenland. The Malmbjerg molybdenum project is an open pit operation with an environmentally friendly mine design focused on reduced water usage, low aquatic disturbance and low footprint due to modularized infrastructure. The Malmbjerg project benefits from a NI 43-101 Definitive Feasibility Study completed by Tetra Tech in 2022, with Proven and Probable Reserves of 245 million tonnes at 0.176% MoS2, for 571 million pounds of contained molybdenum metal. As the high-grade molybdenum is mined for the first half of the mine life, the average annual production for years one to ten is 32.8 million pounds per year of contained molybdenum metal at an average grade of 0.23% MoS2, approximately 25% of EU total yearly consumption. The project had a previous exploitation license granted in 2009. With offices in Toronto, the Company is led by a management team with an extensive track record in the mining industry and capital markets. For further details, please refer to our web site (www.greenlandresources.ca) and our Canadian regulatory filings on Greenland Resources profile at www.sedar.com.

The Project is supported by the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) as stated in their press release EIT/ERMA_June 13, 2022 Press Release, a Knowledge and Innovation Community of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.

About Molybdenum and the European Union

Molybdenum is a critical metal used mainly in steel and chemicals that is needed in all technologies in the upcoming green energy transition (World Bank, 2020; IEA, 2021). When added to steel and cast iron, it enhances strength, hardenability, weldability, toughness, temperature strength, and corrosion resistance. Based on data from the International Molybdenum Association and the European Commission Steel Report, the world produced around 576 million pounds of molybdenum in 2021 where the European Union (EU) as the second largest steel producer in the world used approximately 24% of global molybdenum supply and has no domestic molybdenum production. To a greater degree, the EU steel dependent industries like the automotive, construction, and engineering, represent around 18% of the EUs  US$16 trillion GDP. Greenland Resources strategically located Malmbjerg molybdenum project has the potential to supply in and for the EU approximately 25% of the EU consumption, of environmentally friendly high quality molybdenum from a responsible EU Associate country, for decades to come. The high quality of the Malmbjerg ore, having low impurity content in phosphorus, tin, antimony, and arsenic, makes it an ideal source of molybdenum for the high-performance steel industry lead worldwide by Europe, specifically the Scandinavian countries and Germany.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" (also referred to as "forward looking statements"), which relate to future events or future performance and reflect managements current expectations and assumptions. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "hopes", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: the Companys objectives, goals or future plans; construction and engineering initiatives for the Malmbjerg molybdenum project; statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, and their valuation, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions.

These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Companys current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include: future planned exploration and other activities on the Project; planned energy requirements of the Project; obtaining the permitting on the Project in a timely manner; no adverse changes to the planned operations of the Project; continued favourable relationships with local communities; current EU and other initiatives remaining in place into the future; expected demand for molybdenum in the EU and abroad; our mineral reserve estimates and the assumptions upon which they are based, including geotechnical and metallurgical characteristics of rock confirming to sampled results and metallurgical performance; tonnage of ore to be mined and processed; ore grades and recoveries; assumptions and discount rates being appropriately applied to the technical studies; estimated valuation and probability of success of the Companys projects, including the Malmbjerg molybdenum project; prices for molybdenum remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; availability of funds for the Companys projects; capital decommissioning and reclamation estimates; mineral reserve and resource estimates and the assumptions upon which they are based; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); no labour-related disruptions; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner or at all; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information include known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the favourable results of the SIA and EIA; favourable local community support for the Projects development; the projected demand for molybdenum both in the EU and elsewhere; the current initiatives and programs for resource development in the EU and abroad; the projected and actual effects of the COVID-19 coronavirus on the factors relevant to the business of the Corporation, including the effect on supply chains, labour market, currency and commodity prices and global and Canadian capital markets, fluctuations in molybdenum and commodity prices; fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar versus the Euro); operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mining (including environmental accidents and hazards, industrial accidents, equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or structure formations, cave-ins, flooding and severe weather); inadequate insurance, or the inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards; our ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner; changes in laws, regulations and government practices in Greenland, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations; legal restrictions relating to mining; risks relating to expropriation; increased competition in the mining industry for equipment and qualified personnel; the availability of additional capital; title matters and the additional risks identified in our filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com). Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable securities regulations, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update the forward-looking information. Neither the NEO Exchange Inc. nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823862063/en/

Ruben Shiffman, PhD, Chairman, President

Keith Minty, P.Eng, MBA, Engineering and Project Management

Jim Steel, P.Geo, MBA, Exploration and Mining Geology

Nauja Bianco, M.Pol.Sci., Public and Community Relations

Gary Anstey, Investor Relations

Eric Grossman, CPA, CGA, Chief Financial Officer

Telephone: +1 647 273 9913

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.greenlandresources.ca

Source: Greenland Resources Inc.
EHR will connect Bon Secours Health System for improved care, safety, and efficiency

CANTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bon Secours Health System, one of the largest providers of private healthcare in Ireland, will implement MEDITECH Expanse as the foundation of its clinical transformation project. The Electronic Health Record (EHR) will replace its current combination of multiple platforms and paper documentation to establish one integrated healthcare record.

The Expanse platform is a key component of Bon Secours Health Systems 2025 Strategic Plan which includes leveraging state-of-the-art equipment and technology for enhanced clinical care, patient safety, efficiencies, and patient experience. The organisation named the EHR project BonsConnect.

Bon Secours Health System continues to be unrivalled in the quality of our service, combining the latest medical technologies and approaches with compassionate and personalised medical care, said Bon Secours Health System Group Chief Executive Bill Maher. BonsConnect is the next step in our digital journey and will change how care is delivered at our five hospitals, including our new hospital in Limerick, due to open in 2025. This will lead to improved clinical decision-making, more efficient and accurate clinical documentation, and an increased level of access to the right information by the right person at the right time.

Expanse will provide seamless integration between clinicians, specialties, and the systems five hospitals, benefiting the 300,000 patients Bon Secours Health Systems cares for annually. As part of the EHR plan, Bon Secours Health System will implement Expanse Oncology, an outpatient solution that provides specialty-specific workflows, decision support, and mobile access to patient data.

We are excited that Bon Secours Health System has selected MEDITECH Expanse as the EHR to lead its digital transformation journey, and we look forward to supporting them in their mission to improve the health and well-being of their communities, said MEDITECH Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Helen Waters. Our new partnership provides an extraordinary opportunity to work together and use the latest technology to drive patient-centred care, improve patient access, and enhance the clinician experience while ensuring equitable access to quality care across the communities they serve.

To help support this digital transformation, the health system announced 30 new jobs with a further 30 positions to be created in September.

Find out more about MEDITECHs global impact and how its customers are leveraging Expanse to transform care.

About MEDITECH

MEDITECH systems have been deployed in some of Irelands most prestigious private hospitals for over two decades. Expanse, the worlds most intuitive and interoperable EHR, positions organisations for the next digital era, enabling care across settings, designing cloud-based systems to drive better outcomes, and providing mobile, personalised solutions to improve efficiency for an overburdened workforce. See why organisations in 27 countries and territories choose Expanse to meet the challenges of a new era in healthcare, boosting the productivity and satisfaction of their physicians, nurses, and staff. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn and visit: ehr.meditech.com/global/meditech-uk-ireland.

About Bon Secours Health System

As Irelands largest independent hospital group, Bon Secours Health System is renowned for the quality of its service provision coupled with a rich tradition in healthcare. Bon Secours Health System CLG is a not-for-profit organisation with its mission centred on providing compassionate, world-class medical treatment to all those it serves. With more than 4,000 staff and 500 leading consultants, Bon Secours treats more than 300,000 patients annually in its five modern acute hospitals in Cork, Galway, Limerick, Tralee, and Dublin, as well as a Care Village in Cork. For more information, visit bonsecours.ie.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823753783/en/

Robin Montville, [email protected]

Source: MEDITECH
EHR will connect Bon Secours Health System for improved care, safety, and efficiency

CANTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bon Secours Health System, one of the largest providers of private healthcare in Ireland, will implement MEDITECH Expanse as the foundation of its clinical transformation project. The Electronic Health Record (EHR) will replace its current combination of multiple platforms and paper documentation to establish one integrated healthcare record.

The Expanse platform is a key component of Bon Secours Health Systems 2025 Strategic Plan which includes leveraging state-of-the-art equipment and technology for enhanced clinical care, patient safety, efficiencies, and patient experience. The organization named the EHR project BonsConnect.

Bon Secours Health System continues to be unrivaled in the quality of our service, combining the latest medical technologies and approaches with compassionate and personalized medical care, said Bon Secours Health System Group Chief Executive Bill Maher. BonsConnect is the next step in our digital journey and will change how care is delivered at our five hospitals, including our new hospital in Limerick, due to open in 2025. This will lead to improved clinical decision-making, more efficient and accurate clinical documentation, and an increased level of access to the right information by the right person at the right time.

Expanse will provide seamless integration between clinicians, specialties, and the systems five hospitals, benefiting the 300,000 patients Bon Secours Health Systems cares for annually. As part of the EHR plan, Bon Secours Health System will implement Expanse Oncology, an outpatient solution that provides specialty-specific workflows, decision support, and mobile access to patient data.

We are excited that Bon Secours Health System has selected MEDITECH Expanse as the EHR to lead its digital transformation journey, and we look forward to supporting them in their mission to improve the health and well-being of their communities, said MEDITECH Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Helen Waters. Our new partnership provides an extraordinary opportunity to work together and use the latest technology to drive patient-centered care, improve patient access, and enhance the clinician experience while ensuring equitable access to quality care across the communities they serve.

To help support this digital transformation, the health system announced 30 new jobs with a further 30 positions to be created in September.

Find out more about MEDITECHs global impact and how its customers are leveraging Expanse to transform care.

About MEDITECH

MEDITECH empowers healthcare organizations everywhere to expand their vision of whats possible with Expanse, the worlds most intuitive and interoperable EHR. Expanse lays the foundation for the next digital era, enabling care across delivery settings with cloud-based systems that drive better outcomes and provide mobile, personalized solutions to improve efficiency for an overburdened workforce. See why thousands of healthcare organizations in 27 countries and territories choose Expanse to meet the challenges of a new era in healthcare, boosting the productivity and satisfaction of their physicians, nurses, and staff. Expand your possibilities. Visit ehr.meditech.com, find MEDITECH Podcasts on your favorite platform, videos on our YouTube channel, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About Bon Secours Health System

As Irelands largest independent hospital group, Bon Secours Health System is renowned for the quality of its service provision coupled with a rich tradition in healthcare. Bon Secours Health System CLG is a not-for-profit organisation with its mission centred on providing compassionate, world-class medical treatment to all those it serves. With more than 4,000 staff and 500 leading consultants, Bon Secours treats more than 300,000 patients annually in its five modern acute hospitals in Cork, Galway, Limerick, Tralee, and Dublin, as well as a Care Village in Cork. For more information, visit bonsecours.ie.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823916630/en/

MEDITECH Media Contact

Robin Montville, [email protected]

Source: MEDITECH
Hello Kids mission is to bring accessible early childhood education to the most rural & remote areas of India

protocols, programs to develop the childs social skills, and a developed infrastructure. The institution takes a systematic approach to academics, curricula, training, and administration, and believes that its channel partners, the instructors, and the caretakers, must receive regular, intensive training to ensure that the philosophy, SOPs, and standardization of Hello Kids are communicated to all centers, owners,and channel stakeholders.In addition, as an integral element of the vast networks preparations, Hello Kids practices an age-appropriate, developmentally appropriate, and research-based curriculum for each student. The organization guarantees the continuity of the education systems alignment of curriculum, training, and assessment. Hello Kids is proud to be the first royalty-free preschool model in India, the availability of the companys founder, and other channel partners is always around the clock. Consistent training is essential for development so that teaching standards are not compromised.Hello Kids curriculum is well researched, age-appropriate, and aligned with NCERT, CBSE, ICSE, Cambridge, IB, or any state education boards. Experiential Learning, Life Skills, Theory of Multiple Intelligence, and Montessori are well integrated into Hello Kids Day to day curriculum. The school is incorporating the new education policy 2020 into its curriculum to plan out the childrens overall development. For toddlers mental and physical development, Hello Kids provides regular activities like yoga, fitness, art, and music, the school conducts live sessions with top coaches and instructors. Teachers are extensively trained to prepare them for happy learning in schools, with sessions like literacy, numeracy, rhymes, stories, behavior, phonics, blocks, and more. Online training helps them to reach all teachers across the nation on a regular basis.Quality early childhood education for kids, the best training for teachers, and continuous support to partners are the key to Hello Kids growth. At last, Hello Kids is collaborating with the best child development centers and research globally to bring the best practices to the country. We believe we are well-versed in the most cutting edge research and practices and have incorporated them into our classrooms, academics, and training programs, shares Sunita.
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- KBRA affirms Seaspan Corporations (Seaspan, or the Company) BB+ issuer rating and the BB+ rating on Seaspans $750 million senior unsecured notes due August 2029 (the unsecured Notes). KBRA also affirms the BBB ratings of Seaspans $250 million Term Loan due October 2026, $1.1 billion Term Loan due May 2026, $410 million Term Loan due May 2027, and $400 million Revolving Credit Facility due May 2026 comprising the secured Vessel Portfolio Financing Program (together, the Facilities). The ratings Outlook is Stable.

The ratings reflect Seaspans leading market position in the global containership leasing industry, with its fully delivered fleet representing approximately 13% of the fully delivered leased global fleet by TEU count, stable cash flows generated through long-term charters, solid liquidity profile and diverse funding sources. As of December 31, 2022 (FYE2022), Seaspan had 189 vessels in its fleet, including 58 newbuilds with full funding commitments delivering through December 2024. Seaspans customer base is diversified across the largest container liners, albeit with some customer concentration inherent in the consolidated liner industry. As of FYE2022, Seaspan has $18 billion of gross contracted cash flows on its charters with an average remaining length of 7.7 years on a TEU-weighted basis. KBRA views the solid contracted revenue base favorably as it provides revenue stability which helps to mitigate the historical cyclicality of the shipping industry.

The ratings are also supported by Seaspans consistent operating performance and solid financial metrics through various market cycles and disruptions. The Company has maintained stability in its operations with a strong average vessel utilization of 99% since 2005, and a utilization of 98% during the Covid-19 pandemic. Seaspan has adequate liquidity supported by its strong operating cash flow generation, available credit lines and solid access to the capital markets. As of FYE2022, Seaspan had 38 unencumbered vessels with an NBV of $1.85 billion. Seaspans leverage has been stable at approximately 1.5x debt-to-equity over the past few years, which is consistent with the Companys target level of 50-60% debt-to-tangible-assets. The ratings are constrained by the inherent high customer concentration in leading liner companies, the growing global fleet orderbook that poses future recharter risk, as well as the cyclical nature of the shipping industry.

The ratings of the Facilities are two notches above Seaspans issuer rating, reflecting strong collateral security with a diversified and in-demand 48-vessel portfolio that is considered strategically important to Seaspans operations. The collateral appraised value was $3.8 billion as of March 2023, which exceeds the Facilities outstanding amount of $2.5 billion with an LTV of 66%. The senior unsecured Notes rating is the same as the issuer rating reflecting Seaspans significant amount of unencumbered assets of $1.8 billion on a net book value basis as of FYE2022, which provides adequate coverage over its unsecured debt obligations and supports potential recovery in case of stress.

Rating Sensitivities

The rating Outlook is Stable, therefore, a rating upgrade in the near future is not expected. However, demonstrated stability of earnings metrics over time, maintenance of lower leverage levels, further diversification of funding, significant increase in unencumbered assets and improved customer diversification could lead to an upgrade. A sustained downturn in global trade which leads to financial stress of a significant customer, decline in utilization rate or charter rates, such that earnings or leverage metrics materially deteriorate, could lead to a downgrade. Credit deterioration at the Atlas holding company level such that Seaspans capital or liquidity position could be impacted, could also lead to negative rating pressure. The senior secured ratings are dependent on the issuer rating as well as the market value of the secured collateral and could be downgraded if the Facilities LTV increases significantly, reflected through fewer upward notches from the issuer rating. The senior unsecured rating could be downgraded if the value of unencumbered assets materially declines and does not cover outstanding unsecured debt.

To access ratings and relevant documents, click here.

Disclosures

A description of all substantially material sources that were used to prepare the credit rating and information on the methodology(ies) (inclusive of any material models and sensitivity analyses of the relevant key rating assumptions, as applicable) used in determining the credit rating is available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) located here.

Information on the meaning of each rating category can be located here.

Further disclosures relating to this rating action are available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) referenced above. Additional information regarding KBRA policies, methodologies, rating scales and disclosures are available at www.kbra.com.

About KBRA

Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA) is a full-service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. In addition, KBRA is designated as a designated rating organization by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider.

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Analytical Contacts

Jiaoren Wang, Associate Director (Lead Analyst)

+1 646-731-1297

[email protected]

Michael Dodge, Senior Director

+353 1 588 1190

[email protected]

Danise Chui, Managing Director (Rating Committee Chair)

+1 646-731-2406

[email protected]

Business Development Contact

Arielle Smelkinson, Senior Director

+1 646-731-2369

[email protected]

Source: Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- KBRA assigns ratings to seven classes of notes issued by LAD Auto Receivables Trust 2023-3 (LADAR 2023-3), an auto loan ABS transaction.

LADAR 2023-3 represents the fifth overall ABS securitization for Driveway Finance Corporation (DFC or the Company), and third of 2023. LADAR 2023-3 issued seven classes of notes totaling $415.36 million. Credit enhancement on the notes is comprised of overcollateralization (OC), yield supplement overcollateralization (YSOC), subordination of junior note classes, a cash reserve account, and excess spread.

DFC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lithia Financial Corporation, itself a wholly owned subsidiary of Lithia Motors, Inc. (Lithia). DFC has been originating and servicing loans in the automobile finance business since September 2012, initially targeting a subprime borrower base. Since May 2020, the Company has been a full credit spectrum lender, financing vehicles exclusively to Lithia customers through Lithias dealership network and e-commerce business channels. Lithia was founded as a single automotive dealership in 1946 in Ashland Oregon, was incorporated in 1968, and completed an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in 1996, trading under the ticker LAD. Today, Lithia is a Fortune 500 company operating 345 dealership locations representing 46 brands in the United States, Canadian provinces, and the United Kingdom. Lithia offers an array of products and services including new and used vehicles, insurance, automotive repair and maintenance, and automobile financing through its DFC subsidiary.

KBRA applied its Auto Loan ABS Global Rating Methodology, as well as its Global Structured Finance Counterparty Methodology and ESG Global Rating Methodology as part of its analysis of the static pool data and the underlying Collateral pool and stressed the capital structure based upon its stress case cash flow assumptions. KBRA considered its onsite operational review of Lithia and DFC at its Tigard, OR location, as well as periodic due diligence updates with Lithia and DFC. Operative agreements and legal opinions were reviewed prior to closing.

To access ratings and relevant documents, click here.

Click here to view the report.

Related Publications

Disclosures

Further information on key credit considerations, sensitivity analyses that consider what factors can affect these credit ratings and how they could lead to an upgrade or a downgrade, and ESG factors (where they are a key driver behind the change to the credit rating or rating outlook) can be found in the full rating report referenced above.

A description of all substantially material sources that were used to prepare the credit rating and information on the methodology(ies) (inclusive of any material models and sensitivity analyses of the relevant key rating assumptions, as applicable) used in determining the credit rating is available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) located here.

Information on the meaning of each rating category can be located here.

Further disclosures relating to this rating action are available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) referenced above. Additional information regarding KBRA policies, methodologies, rating scales and disclosures are available at www.kbra.com.

About KBRA

Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA) is a full-service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. In addition, KBRA is designated as a designated rating organization by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider.

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Analytical



Brockton Bowers, Senior Analyst (Lead Analyst)

+1 646-731-2418

[email protected]



Jacob Paulose, Associate Director

+1 646-731-1269

[email protected]



Melvin Zhou, Managing Director (Rating Committee Chair)

+1 646-731-2412

[email protected]



Business Development



Arielle Smelkinson, Senior Director

+1 (646) 731-2369

[email protected]

Source: KBRA
Alliance CU will not only offer MOCAs Family Card and PATRIOT Card to its members, but will also act as a BIN Principal Sponsor for other credit unions offering MOCA solutions

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MOCA, a provider of advanced digital accounts with self-issued virtual cards and payment processing in one turnkey platform is pleased to announce that $550M Alliance Credit Union (Alliance CU), headquartered in Lubbock, Texas, will offer MOCAs Family Card and PATRIOT Card and become a Visa BIN Principal.

Alliance CU is a $550M credit union serving West Texas. Its field of membership recently grew from 9 to 32 counties with further expansion planned. As a progressive credit union, Alliance CU is always looking for new and innovative products to help its members navigate their financial journey, and MOCAs Family Card and PATRIOT Card were a perfect fit. Not stopping there, Alliance CU also took the forward-thinking step of becoming a Visa BIN Principal so it can sponsor other credit unions that want to offer MOCAs innovative products.

At ALLIANCE we have a members first philosophy that guides every decision we make. So, our members have come to expect us to provide products that help make their lives easier. MOCAs Family Card allows parents to give their child a debit card and retain control over when, where, and how the card is used, said Matt Grannan, CEO of Alliance CU. We are also proud to offer the PATRIOT Card, for active-duty military, veterans, and those who support them. Knowing that a portion of every purchase goes to support organizations helping veterans means we are staying on mission to elevate our community and those who protect it. Becoming a Visa BIN Principal so we can sponsor other credit unions that want to offer MOCAs innovative solutions was just icing on the cake.

MOCAs Family Cards keep parents in control with an extensive set of card controls. Real-time alerts along with the ability to instantly block the childs card allow constant oversight. Parents can also add and recall money from the childs card quickly and easily.

MOCAs PATRIOT Card is designed to meet the unique challenges active-duty military and veterans face with a portion of every purchase going to support veterans. Its great for people who serve, have served, and those who support them.

Part of our mission is to make state-of-the-art financial products available for community credit unions, said Shawn Sinner, President of MOCA. Our Family Card and PATRIOT Card are two of those products, and we are happy to partner with Alliance CU to make them available to its members. We are also pleased to add Alliance CU as a BIN Principal so other credit unions that want to offer our products can now do so under the sponsorship of Alliance CU.

About MOCA

MOCA Financial, headquartered in Bastrop, Texas is a highly advanced digital account and payment processing platform in one. Founded and managed by financial institutions and payment industry veterans with well over 150 years of industry experience, MOCAs principals have been developing cutting edge financial products for decades. Our Mission is simple: To provide the best one-source solution for financial institutions, government entities, not-for-profit organizations, and businesses, so that they may offer consumers simple digital access to manage their money and to provide the self-issuance of virtual cards to fit their everyday active use of a payment instrument. For more information, please visit mocapay.com.

About Alliance CU

ALLIANCE Credit Union, has served West Texas communities for 83 years with the best available financial services in the most efficient, convenient and friendliest manner possible. With just over 45,000 members and 8 full-service branches, ALLIANCE is the largest credit union on the South Plains. The ALLIANCE mission is to make a difference in the lives of our members, our vision is to be the best financial solution available. ALLIANCE Credit Union is For People, Not Profit. Learn more about ACU at alliancecutx.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823369947/en/

MOCA Contact:

Kelly Payne

Chief Marketing Officer

[email protected]

512-632-7354

Alliance Media Contact:

Malee Brown

VP Marketing

[email protected]

806-798-5554

Source: MOCA Financial
ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nations Lending, a leading full-service national mortgage lender, is pleased to announce the opening of its newest branch in Orlando, Florida. The company has hired Jennifer Smith as the Branch Manager, who will be servicing the Orlando area as well as the broader Florida region.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823567913/en/

Jennifer Smith (Graphic: Business Wire)

With a diverse background in real estate and mortgage, Smith has gained in-depth knowledge of the customer buying experience from beginning to end. Throughout her 14-year career, she has consistently performed at the highest level, receiving Top Performers status and now is expanding Nations Lendings footprint in the Florida area.

"I am looking forward to growing my business with Nations Lending and leveraging their resources and platform," says Jennifer. "My goal is to become a leading provider in my industry, and with the support of Nations, I am confident I can achieve that level of success."

"Jennifer and her team are a great cultural fit and we are excited to have her as we continue to focus on building in the southeast," says EVP of National Production Corey Caster.

Established in 2003, Nations Lending has emerged as one of the fastest-growing national mortgage lenders, serving borrowers with a wide range of comprehensive services. With a commitment to excellence and personalized solutions, Nations Lending continues to expand its presence across the country.

For more information, please visit www.nationslending.com.

About Nations Lending

Nations Lending Corporation is one of the fastest-growing mortgage lenders in the U.S. Headquartered in the Cleveland, Ohio area, it is licensed to lend in all 50 states and employs 1,000+ at its corporate headquarters and throughout 120+ branches across the U.S. The company makes its mission of "home loans. made human." an integral part of its mortgage experience, offering tailored customer service and a variety of programs to suit any home buyer's needs: FHA, VA, Conventional, Jumbo, USDA, and more. Nations is an agency-direct lender with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae and retains mortgage servicing rights on 96 percent of the loans it originates. The company is a two-time Inc. 5000 winner, which lists the fastest-growing privately held companies in the country. Nations was named a top-100 lender by National Mortgage Professional Magazine; a six-time winner of Scotsman Guide's Top Mortgage Lenders; and a Top Workplaces for Millennials winner by Fortune Magazine. Nations consistently ranks as a top IMB at National Mortgage Professional and Mortgage Executive Magazine. For more information, visit www.NationsLending.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823567913/en/

https://nationslending.com/

[email protected]

877-816-1220

Source: Nations Lending Corporation
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ORIX Corporation USA (ORIX USA) today announced the appointment of Benjamin (Ben) Wu as Managing Director and Head of East Coast for its Growth Capital business. Mr. Wu is based in New York and will report to Jeff Bede, Head of Growth Capital. ORIX USAs Growth Capital business provides customized and flexible debt and equity solutions for leading growth-stage companies with a current focus on the software (SaaS) and healthcare sectors.

Mr. Wu has over 20 years of experience investing across private credit, growth equity, and venture capital. In this new role, he will work closely with Bill Bishop, Managing Director, Growth Capital, and Mr. Bede to drive investments and the strategic development of ORIX USAs Growth Capital business on the East Coast. Mr. Wu also brings proven fundraising experience and relationships to augment Growth Capitals asset management strategy.

There is increasing demand for growth capital from institutional investors and expanding our East Coast presence is a key growth initiative for us. Bens many years of investment experience in venture and growth debt and growth equity, as well as his partnership approach and deep sponsor relationships, are a great fit for our team, said Mr. Bede. We continue to focus on third party asset management to complement our proprietary balance sheet capital, and adding Ben is further validation of our platform as well as the expansion of our market presence and investor relationships.

Mr. Wu joins ORIX USAs Growth Capital team from Brex Asset Management (BAM), where he served as Chief Executive Officer, providing venture debt and growth equity options to customers for the firms capital arm. While at BAM, he launched and managed its Technology Opportunities Fund I, led investor fundraising, and spearheaded the investment team across origination, underwriting, and portfolio management. Prior to that role, he held positions including Managing Director and Business Services sector head for TPG Sixth Street Partners, Senior Managing Director at Macquarie Principal Finance, and Principal at General Catalysts Growth Equity group. Mr. Wu earned a JD from Harvard Law School, an MBA from The Wharton School, as well as an MSE in Engineering and dual Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Finance degrees summa cum laude from the Management & Technology Program at the University of Pennsylvania.

I am very pleased to be joining Jeff and Growth Capital colleagues to expand our team and investment strategy in New York and throughout the East Coast, added Mr. Wu. I was impressed by not only their longevity in the growth capital space, but also their proven platform. There is a strong opportunity set in this market for the structured equity and debt financing the team provides, and I am looking forward to helping further grow the business through balance sheet investments and by raising third party capital.

ORIX USAs Growth Capital team has a long-proven track record in the growth lending and venture debt ecosystems. Since 2001, it has funded approximately $2.9 billion to 198 companies. Backed by both third-party assets and the stable and global sponsorship of ORIX Corporations balance sheet, the Growth Capital business is an enterprise value focused lender with scaled investments from $5 million to $100 million and specialties ranging from senior secured to junior lien to equity.

About ORIX Corporation USA (ORIX USA)

Established in the U.S. in 1981, ORIX USA has grown organically and through acquisition into the investment and asset management firm we are today. With a specialization in private credit, real estate, and private equity solutions for middle-market focused borrowers and investors, we combine our robust balance sheet with funds from third-party investors, providing a strong alignment of interest. ORIX USA and its subsidiaries  ORIX Advisers, ORIX Capital Partners, Signal Peak Capital Management, Boston Financial, Lument, Real Estate Capital and NXT Capital have approximately 1300 employees across the U.S. and have $85.3 billion in assets, which include $27.1 billion of assets under management, $47.8 billion in servicing and administration assets, and approximately $10.4 billion in proprietary assets, as of June 2023. Our parent company, ORIX Corporation, is a publicly owned international financial services company with operations in 28 countries and regions worldwide. ORIX Corporation is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (8591) and New York Stock Exchange (IX). For more information, visit orix.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823274417/en/

Media

ORIX Corporation USA

Leah Gerber

[email protected]

Source: ORIX Corporation USA
OSHKOSH, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), a leading innovator of purpose-built vehicles and equipment, will participate in a fireside chat at the Jefferies 2023 Industrials Conference.

The event is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m. EDT on September 6, 2023, and will be webcast. To access the webcast, please visit www.oshkoshcorp.com prior to the start of the event.

About Oshkosh Corporation

At Oshkosh (NYSE: OSK), we make innovative, mission-critical equipment to help everyday heroes advance communities around the world. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Corporation employs approximately 17,000 team members worldwide, all united behind a common purpose: to make a difference in peoples lives. Oshkosh products can be found in more than 150 countries under the brands of JLG, Hinowa, Power Towers, Pierce, MAXIMETAL, Oshkosh Defense, McNeilus, IMT, Jerr-Dan, Frontline Communications, Oshkosh Airport Products, Oshkosh AeroTech and Pratt Miller. For more information, visit www.oshkoshcorp.com.

________

,  All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.

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Financial:

Patrick Davidson

Senior Vice President, Investor Relations

920.502.3266

Media:

Tim Gilman

Senior Manager, Public Relations and Branding

920.509.0617

Source: Oshkosh Corporation
The allocation procedures outlined in court filings in support of the $13.6 billion settlements with 3M and DuPont entities now have an accompanying estimated allocation range table for each settling defendant.

CHARLESTON, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Attorneys representing hundreds of public water systems in litigation against PFAS manufacturers 3M and DuPont released tables with the estimated range of financial recovery public water systems might expect as part of the proposed $13.6 billion settlements.

Available at www.PFASWaterProviderSettlement.com, the tables detail the formula to determine how much of the settlement each public water system could receive, defined by the number of impacted water sources the system has, each sources flow rate and PFAS contamination level. These factors are the drivers of remediation cost calculation.

Scott Summy, a shareholder at the law firm Baron & Budd and member of the Plaintiffs Executive Committee leading the litigation and settlement negotiations, said that while precise allocation figures are not yet available, the tables will nonetheless give public water systems a much clearer picture of available funding as the districts begin to address PFAS contamination to meet new federal standards.

Summy added that precise allocation figures will be available only after data from participating members of the settlement class is received and processed.

Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the nations first drinking water standards governing acceptable PFAS levels, among other dangerous contaminants, and mandated necessary regulations including filtering and testing.

The combined settlements with 3M and DuPont represent the largest settlement of its type in history, but we know this is just a part of the larger solution, said Gary Douglas, a founding partner of the law firm Douglas & London and a fellow member of the Executive Committee who was designated lead trial counsel for the first public water provider case in the country. This record-setting settlement is just one of several funding sources for U.S. public water systems to deal with PFAS contamination, including federal government funding.

Any public water system that serves more than 25 people and has detected PFAS in any of its water sources, as well as systems that have not yet detected PFAS but must test for contamination, are included in the proposed settlement class. The agreement with 3M is pending approval by the governing federal court, while the agreement with DuPont was provisionally approved on August 22, 2023. The settlement funds would be used for testing, decontamination and the construction of filtration systems.

These settlements serve as a source of supplementary funding for public water systems, aiding them in the important task of purifying their drinking water sources from PFAS contamination, said Matt Holmes, CEO of the National Rural Water Association. These allocation estimates act as a valuable resource for public water providers, offering them an approximation of the financial support they can anticipate from these settlements.

The settlement includes contributions from PFAS manufacturers 3M and Dupont. DuPont is contributing $1.185 billion, while 3M is adding up to $12.5 billion, or approximately 22 percent of the companys total market capitalization.

The settlement was reached after a pitched five-year legal battle that involved 7.4 million pages of discovery documents and more than 160 depositions. The agreement was reached just prior to trial.

This landmark settlement is a victory for Americans who strive to protect our water supply and ensure their families can rest at night knowing their water is being safeguarded, said Michael London, founding partner of Douglas & London and fellow co-lead counsel who was Court-appointed to help lead settlement negotiations with the defendants. With the release of these tables, the plaintiffs and public water systems across the United States can understand what the monetary aid they receive might look like and can plan accordingly.

The EPA considers two of the most studied PFASnamely, PFOA and PFOScarcinogens for which there is no safe level of exposure. Drinking water is one of the primary routes through which humans are exposed to, and potentially suffer harm from, the chemicals.

The settlement is part of the multi-district litigation overseen by the Honorable Richard Gergel in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823712305/en/

[email protected]

Source: PFAS settlement steering committee
New Technology Proven to Treat Forever Chemicals in the Environment

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- REGENESIS, the recognized leader in soil and groundwater remediation solutions and vapor intrusion mitigation technologies, today announced its PlumeStop groundwater remediation technology was named a finalist in Fast Companys Innovation by Design Awards for 2023. With proven efficacy in treating groundwater contaminants including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chlorinated solvents, and a host of other hard-to-treat contaminants, this patented solution eliminates the risk of forever chemicals and tackles the urgent need to resolve groundwater contamination for communities impacted globally. PFAS has been identified in the drinking water of over 200 million Americans and is a serious health concern globally.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823692926/en/

PlumeStop groundwater remediation technology was named a finalist in Fast Companys Innovation by Design Awards for 2023. (Photo: Business Wire)

"We're truly honored to stand out as a finalist in the esteemed Fast Company Innovation by Design awards," remarked Scott Wilson, CEO and president of REGENESIS. "PlumeStop was conceived as a revolutionary environmental solution aimed at mitigating threats posed by groundwater contaminants on a global scale. Over time, it has gained widespread adoption for its exceptional ability to mitigate PFAS risk, all while maintaining lifecycle costs at a mere fraction of alternative treatment technologies currently available. This remarkable accomplishment stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication to the environment."

PlumeStop PFAS treatment transforms underlying geology into a purifying filter and prevents PFAS from migrating further. Applications of this innovative technology have reduced and maintained regulatory clean-up levels across industrial manufacturing facilities, Department of Defense sites and U.S. EPA Superfund sites. Unlike other PFAS containment technologies, PlumeStop generates no waste streams, nor does it transfer liability to landfills and incineration facilities. PlumeStop requires little infrastructure, avoiding the excessive installation and operation and maintenance costs often seen with pump-and-treat systems. Sites globally have achieved rapid and effective groundwater treatment with proven, long-term efficacy, at a fraction of the cost compared to other PFAS treatment approaches. Often these in situ PFAS treatments offer a permanent solution to remove the exposure risk with a single application.

The Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards honor businesses solving the most crucial environmental and societal problems of today and anticipating the urgent issues of tomorrow; and is one of the most sought-after design awards in the industry. Now in its twelfth year, the awards recognize blue-chip companies, emerging startups and blossoming standout talent. Judges include renowned designers, business leaders and Fast Companys writers and editors. Entries are judged on key aspects of innovation, including: functionality, originality, beauty, sustainability, user insight, cultural and business impact. 2023 honorees include nearly 500 projects, products and services from leading companies including Adobe, PepsiCo, Canva and others.

So much innovation news these days is focused on AI, said Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. This years Innovation by Design honorees are a reminder that its human ingenuity that drives invention. Winners and finalists are featured in the latest issue of Fast Company magazine, available on newsstands starting August 29, 2023.

ABOUT FAST COMPANY: Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with its sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.

ABOUT REGENESIS: Founded in 1994, REGENESIS empowers remediation experts with a comprehensive suite of cutting-edge solutions and innovative technologies and services. As the recognized leader in soil and groundwater remediation solutions and vapor intrusion mitigation technologies, REGENESIS effectively addresses diverse contaminants such as PFAS, petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, and metals. Through advanced bioremediation, bioaugmentation, in situ chemical oxidation, reduction (ZVI), sorption, desorption, immobilization and vapor intrusion mitigation, REGENESIS paves the way for environmental transformation. REGENESIS; PlumeStop, the only patented colloidal activated carbon technology is revolutionizing PFAS treatment and eliminating liability and risk for sites affected by PFAS through a sustainable, easy-to-apply and cost-effective approach. To learn more about REGENESIS treatment categories and full suite of product, visit: https://regenesis.com/en/. You can also learn more about PlumeStop PFAS treatment by visiting: https://regenesis.com/en/pfas-treatment-solutions/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823692926/en/

Leslie Licano, Beyond Fifteen Communications, Inc.

[email protected]; 949.733.8679

Source: REGENESIS
The Company will participate in the MagQuest program to pioneer breakthroughs in measurement of Earth's magnetic field with satellite technology

VIENNA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Spire Global, Inc. (NYSE: SPIR) (Spire or the Company), a global provider of space-based data, analytics and space services, was invited by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and has agreed to participate in Phase 4 of MagQuest, a prize challenge to advance how Earths magnetic field is measured, with multi-million-dollar prize awards.

MagQuest is a multiphase open innovation challenge designed to accelerate new ideas to increase the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of geomagnetic data. During this phase of the challenge, Spire will design, develop and launch a satellite that will provide a novel approach to geomagnetic data collection for the World Magnetic Model (WMM). The satellite will carry a first-of-its-kind diamond quantum magnetometer system developed by SBQuantum. Spire will demonstrate operations of the satellite system and provide data to NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center for assessment.

The WMM is used every day around the world and is embedded in thousands of systems. More than a billion smartphone users depend on the WMM for mobile navigation apps, and drivers rely on it to align the compasses in their cars.

The importance of the World Magnetic Model cannot be overstated: It is critical to keeping everyday navigational systems running, said NGA Senior GEOINT Authority J.N. Markiel, Ph.D. in an NGA press release. MagQuest has advanced scientific and technical innovations that could be key to the future of geomagnetic data collection, specifically approaches that are both sustainable and scalable.

The MagQuest challenge is a prime example of how satellite technology plays a crucial role in powering technology and systems that each and every one of us use on a near-daily basis, said Chuck Cash, vice president of federal sales at Spire. Were proud to leverage Spires expertise in satellite technology and existing infrastructure for manufacturing, ground stations, and data processing with SBQuantums magnetometer technology to provide a novel and more accurate solution to collect geomagnetic data.

Phase 4 of the challenge is set to conclude in September 2026. There may be an opportunity for additional funding at the end of the challenge to sustain operations and data provisions beyond the three-year period. The results of MagQuest will inform NGAs acquisition strategy for a WMM global magnetic field data collection capability, with an expected data procurement that can provide operational capacity by 2027.

About Spire Global, Inc.

Spire (NYSE: SPIR) is a global provider of space-based data, analytics and space services, offering unique datasets and powerful insights about Earth so that organizations can make decisions with confidence in a rapidly changing world. Spire builds, owns, and operates a fully deployed satellite constellation that observes the Earth in real time using radio frequency technology. The data acquired by Spires satellites provides global weather intelligence, ship and plane movements, and spoofing and jamming detection to better predict how their patterns impact economies, global security, business operations, and the environment. Spire also offers Space as a Service solutions that empower customers to leverage its established infrastructure to put their business in space. Spire has eight offices across the U.S., Canada, UK, Luxembourg and Singapore. To learn more, visit spire.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823074752/en/

For Media:

Sarah Freeman

Communications Manager

[email protected]

For Investors:

Benjamin Hackman

Head of Investor Relations

[email protected]

Source: Spire Global, Inc.
ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The LGL Group, Inc. (NYSE American: LGL) (the Company or LGL) announced its financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.

Revenue of $403,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to $370,000 for the comparable prior year period and revenue of $844,000 versus $787,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Operating loss of $438,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to $480,000 loss reported in the prior year period and operating loss of $747,000 and $1,327,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Balance sheet cash and marketable securities of $40.3 million at June 30, 2023, compared to $38.1 million as of December 31, 2022.

Investment income of $43,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2023, compared to a loss of $2,373,000 for the prior year quarter. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, investment income was $388,000 compared to a loss of $2,328,000 in the prior year comparable period.

Other income of $263,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to $10,000 in the previous year. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, other income was $449,000 compared to $7,000 for the comparable prior year period. Other income includes interest income from our investments.

Net loss was $130,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to $1,798,000 for the prior year quarter. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, net income was $27,000 compared to a loss of $1,629,000 for the comparable prior year period.

EPS of $0.01 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2023 versus a net loss of $0.31 per share for the comparable period in 2022.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, our electronic instrument segment contributed $22,000 and $94,000, respectively, to our income from operations. Our merchant investment segment, for the second quarter of 2023, contributed $167,000 to our income from operations. Our holding company segment reported interest and investment income of $63,000 and $606,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively, and unallocated corporate costs of $384,000 and $777,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. On a net basis, our holding company segment produced a loss from operations of $321,000 and $171,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. Our consolidated income from operations before income taxes were a loss of $132,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and income of $90,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2023.

As of June 30, 2023, LGL had investments (classified within Cash and cash equivalents and Marketable securities) with a fair value of approximately $40.1 million, of which $22.9 million was held directly by Lynch Capital for the investment business.

In the second quarter, LGL Group transferred approximately $21.0 million of cash and cash equivalents to its wholly owned subsidiary, Lynch Capital International, LLC ("Lynch Capital"), as further development of the merchant investment segment. Marc Gabelli, Chairman and Co-CEO stated, We have put in place the framework for LGL's continued growth in the merchant investment segment of our business.

The Company management transition culminated as Michael Ferrantino resigned his executive position following the satisfactory conclusion of the second quarter, while remaining on the LGL Board of Directors. As part of this transition, LGL expanded its Board of Directors with two new independent Board members having prior corporate transactional experience who will also serve to expand the diversity of the Board of Directors.

Tim Foufas, a long-time LGL Board member, joins as Co-CEO along with Marc Gabelli, assuming the role vacated by Michael Ferrantino. Marc Gabelli, LGL Chairman stated, We are delighted that both Ms. DeRemer and Mr. Francois have joined our board, and that Tim Foufas has moved into management. Darlene brings 35 years of experience in asset management and investment banking. Herve offers 20 plus years experience in technology investing as well as broad financial analysis acumen. The development of LGL opportunities for shareholder value creation has begun, said Tim Foufas.

ABOUT THE LGL GROUP, INC.

The LGL Group, Inc. (the "Company" or "LGL") is a holding company engaged in services, merchant investment and manufacturing business activities. Precise Time and Frequency, LLC ("PTF") is a globally positioned producer of industrial Electronic Instruments and commercial products and services. Founded in 2002, PTF operates from our design and manufacturing facility in Wakefield, Massachusetts. Lynch Capital International LLC is focused on the development of value through investments.

LGLs business strategy is primarily focused on growth through expanding new and existing operations across diversified industries. The LGL Group Inc.'s engineering and design origins date back to the early part of the last century. In 1917, Lynch Glass Machinery Company, the predecessor of LGL, was formed, and emerged in the late twenties as a successful manufacturer of glass-forming machinery. The company was then renamed Lynch Corporation and was incorporated in 1928 under the laws of the State of Indiana. In 1946, Lynch was listed on the New York Curb Exchange, the predecessor to the NYSE American. The company has had a long history of owning and operating various businesses in the precision engineering, manufacturing and services sectors.

LGL was incorporated in 1928 under the laws of the State of Indiana, and in 2007, the Company was reincorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware as The LGL Group, Inc. We maintain our executive offices at 2525 Shader Road, Orlando, Florida 32804. Our telephone number is (407) 298-2000. Our Internet address is www.lglgroup.com. LGL common stock and warrants are traded on the NYSE American (NYSE) under the symbols "LGL" and LGL WS, respectively.

Caution Concerning Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, and can be identified by the use of words such as may, will, expect, project, estimate, anticipate, plan, believe, potential, should, continue or the negative versions of those words or other comparable words. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future actions or performance. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and our current plans or expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect current plans, anticipated actions and our future financial condition and results. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are described in greater detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We are under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

THE LGL GROUP, INC. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Amounts) For the Three Months Ended June

30, 2023 2022 REVENUES $ 403 $ 370 Costs and expenses: Manufacturing cost of sales 208 227 Engineering, selling and administrative 633 623 OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) (438 ) (480 ) Investment income (loss) 43 (2,373 ) Other income (expense), net 263 10 LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES (132 ) (2,843 ) Income tax benefit (2 ) (588 ) NET LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS (130 ) (2,255 ) Income From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax  457 NET LOSS $ (130 ) $ (1,798 ) Weighted average number of shares used in basic EPS calculation 5,352,937 5,334,187 Loss per share - Continuing Operations (0.02 ) (0.42 ) Earnings per share - Discontinued Operations  0.09 BASIC NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE $ (0.02 ) $ (0.34 ) Weighted average number of shares used in diluted EPS calculation 5,352,937 5,334,187 Loss per share - Continuing Operations (0.02 ) (0.42 ) Earnings per share - Discontinued Operations  0.09 DILUTED NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE $ (0.02 ) $ (0.34 )

For the Six Months Ended June

30, 2023 2022 REVENUES $ 844 $ 787 Costs and expenses: Manufacturing cost of sales 400 469 Engineering, selling and administrative 1,191 1,645 OPERATING LOSS (747 ) (1,327 ) Investment income (loss) 388 (2,328 ) Other income, net 449 7 INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES 90 (3,648 ) Income tax expense (benefit) 63 (754 ) NET INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 27 (2,894 ) Income From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax  1,265 NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 27 $ (1,629 ) Weighted average number of shares used in basic EPS calculation 5,352,937 5,329,080 Earnings (loss) per share - Continuing Operations 0.01 (0.54 ) Earnings per share - Discontinued Operations  0.24 BASIC NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.01 $ (0.31 ) Weighted average number of shares used in diluted EPS calculation 5,352,937 5,329,080 Earnings (loss) per share - Continuing Operations 0.01 (0.54 ) Earnings per share - Discontinued Operations  0.24 DILUTED NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.01 $ (0.31 )

THE LGL GROUP, INC. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Dollars in Thousands) June 30, 2023 December 31,

2022 ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 40,314 $ 21,507 Marketable securities 25 16,585 Accounts receivable, net 373 543 Inventories, net 226 265 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 266 440 Total Current Assets 41,204 39,340 Property, plant and equipment, net - 1 Right-of-use lease assets 87 132 Intangible assets, net 72 78 Deferred income tax assets 216 234 Total Assets $ 41,579 $ 39,785 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Total Current Liabilities $ 503 $ 587 Other Liabilities 687 708 Total Liabilities 1,190 1,295 Total Stockholders' Equity 38,517 38,490 Non-controlling interests 1,872 - Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 41,579 $ 39,785

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The LGL Group, Inc.

James Tivy

(407) 298-2000

Source: The LGL Group, Inc.
AB "Ignitis grupe" (hereinafter - the Group) publishes its first six months 2023 interim report, which is attached to this notice, and announces that the Group's YoY Adjusted EBITDA increased by 22.8% and amounted to EUR 253.5 million. Growth was driven by better results of Customers & Solutions and Reserve Capacities. Customers & Solutions segment result turned positive due to better B2B natural gas activities performance. However, electricity B2C activities continued to be loss-making (EUR -17.5 million). In the Reserve Capacities segment, the Group utilised an option to earn additional return in the market on top of the regulated return by fixing positive forward clean spark spread. Green Generation segment remained the largest contributor to Adjusted EBITDA (43.0% of the Group's Adjusted EBITDA) despite YoY decrease, driven by lower power prices.

The Group's YoY Investments more than doubled and reached EUR 402.6 million, out of which 71.0% were directed to Lithuania. Overall growth was driven by Investments in new Green Generation segment's projects, mainly onshore wind farms, and higher Investments in the Networks segment.

Compared to the end of 2022, the Group's leverage metrics remained strong. Net Debt decreased by 2.0% (from EUR 986.9 million to EUR 966.7 million), mainly due to positive FCF, which was influenced by higher EBITDA and a decrease in NWC (from EUR 443.3 million to EUR 191.0 million). The Group's FFO/Net Debt ratio remained at a solid level of 48.0% (compared to 49.1% as of 31 December 2022).

Business development

Since the beginning of 2023, our Green Generation Portfolio increased to 6.3 GW (from 5.1 GW), Secured Capacity to 2.5 GW (from 1.6 GW), and Installed Capacity to 1.3 GW (from 1.2 GW).

A number of significant milestones achieved in Green Generation expansion and development, including:

- the Group together with partners Ocean Winds are foreseen as the provisional winners of the 700 MW Lithuanian offshore wind tender;

- the Group and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners entered a partnership to participate in the upcoming Estonian and Latvian offshore wind tenders;

- Mazeikiai WF (63 MW) has reached COD, after the legal liability transfer of wind turbines from the supplier (Nordex)1 in August 2023;

- Kruonis PSHP expansion project (110 MW) reached the construction phase;

- Kelme WF I & II onshore WF projects (<300 MW) in Lithuania have been acquired;

- Jonava solar project (252 MW) and Eurakras hybrid project (37.5 MW) in Lithuania as well as Tume solar project (<300 MW) in Latvia secured grid connection and reached the advanced development stage;

- Vilnius CHP biomass unit (73 MWe, 169 MWth) supplied the first heat to the grid;

- Moray West offshore wind project (882 MW) has reached the financial close.

1 For one of the fourteen wind turbines, a legal liability is expected to be taken over in September 2023, due to additional work required. All wind turbines are generating electricity.

The implementation of other Portfolio projects is progressing as planned with no significant changes since Q1 2023.

On the Networks front, we successfully continued network maintenance and expansion works, including the smart meter roll-out. In 6M 2023, the total number of installed smart meters reached around 482 thousand (out of 1.1-1.2 million smart meters to be installed) and exceeded 500 thousand in July 2023. Our target of finalizing the mass roll-out process by the end of 2025 remains unchanged. In addition, WACC methodology was updated in July 2023, and will enter into force from 2024. For 2024, this update has resulted in electricity WACC increase to 5.09% (from 4.17% in 2023) and natural gas WACC increase to 5.03% (from 3.99% in 2023).

In Customers & Solutions, we approved a plan to invest up to EUR 115 million in the development of EV charging network in the Baltics.

Sustainability

Since the beginning of 2023, we have continued our decarbonisation initiatives to minimise our environmental impact. The Group's GHG emissions decreased in all scopes over 6M 2023 and was 2.61 m t CO2-eq in total (6.4% lower compared to the same period in 2022). Also, we are progressing well with occupational health and safety initiative "Is it safe?", which is one of the key priorities this year, focusing on strengthening the safety culture, expanding employee and contractor awareness, and deploying measures for warning about possible threats.

In addition, in April 2023, Sustainalytics improved the Group's ESG Risk Rating to low' from medium' ESG risk level (the score improved from 20.4 to 19.9). It places the Group in the top 13% rank among utility peers globally.
SHANGHAI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The LYCRA Company, a global leader in developing innovative and sustainable fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries, announced an intellectual property enforcement initiative in support of LYCRA FitSense technology.

LYCRA FitSense Technology is an aqueous dispersion of the LYCRA brand polymer which can be printed onto fabrics and garments to give a localized power boost, resulting in shaping and compression benefits. It has been successfully adopted by both local China and leading international brands and retailers.

This printable form of LYCRA brand technology is supported by a global patent portfolio related to print technologies that modify garments for shaping purposes through altering stress-strain properties of fabrics. LYCRA FitSense technology also benefits from trademark protection.

The technology is used primarily in garments such as shapewear, activewear, swimwear, intimate apparel, and leggings, where lightweight single-layer printed fabrics can give the benefits normally associated with double layer or heavy fabrics, resulting in fewer materials being used. This breakthrough technology enables better garment construction, redefining garments for todays consumers with lightweight, targeted support.

As the benefits of LYCRA FitSense technology are significant, we are beginning to see products that are attempting to replicate our offering, said Vincent Hu, vice president of Asia, apparel, and president of the APAC region. Given our ownership of the intellectual property for this unique technology, it is appropriate that we exercise our rights to take the necessary legal action to deal with infringers.

The LYCRA Company owns numerous patents and patent applications related to the use of aqueous polyurethane dispersions and such patents cover the composition of matter, production method, application, and benefits of this technology. This means that producing in, or shipping and/or selling any fabric or garments into China, the U.S.A., or other countries where The LYCRA Company holds patents over these technologies, is restricted to The LYCRA Company and its customers or other legitimate users of its technology, said Catherine Spicer, chief legal officer of The LYCRA Company. We have recently engaged expert legal counsel based in Shanghai to identify infringers of LYCRA FitSense technology. We intend to use all available means to deal with those who infringe upon our patents and intellectual property.

This new intellectual property enforcement initiative for LYCRA FitSense technology builds off previous successful enforcements by The LYCRA Company, most recently in the denim industry in China linked to LYCRA dualFX technology. The LYCRA Company holds in excess of 950 patents with almost 80 granted or filed in 2022 and treats intellectual property development as a core tenet of its long-term business strategy.

The LYCRA Company encourages any customers who have questions about LYCRA FitSense technology or related patents to contact their local company representative or email at [email protected].

About The LYCRA Company

The LYCRA Company innovates and produces fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries and owns leading consumer and trade brands: LYCRA, LYCRA HyFit, LYCRA T400, COOLMAX, THERMOLITE, ELASPAN, SUPPLEX, and TACTEL. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, The LYCRA Company is recognized worldwide for its innovative products, technical expertise, sustainable solutions, marketing support, and LYCRA ONE marketplace. The LYCRA Company focuses on adding value to its customers products by developing unique innovations designed to meet the consumers need for comfort and lasting performance. For more information, visit lycra.com.

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Keyra Chen

[email protected]

Source: The LYCRA Company
BENTONVILLE, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) announced today that company leadership will participate in upcoming investor events, with several including live webcasts on Walmarts investor relations website at stock.walmart.com.

September 6: Global Staples Conference  hosted by Barclays. Walmart Investor Relations will participate in meetings.

Global Staples Conference  hosted by Barclays. Walmart Investor Relations will participate in meetings. September 11 : Growth Frontiers Conference  hosted by Piper Sandler. Walmart Investor Relations and Jennifer Acerra, vice president, U.S. Customer Insights, will participate in meetings.

: Growth Frontiers Conference  hosted by Piper Sandler. Walmart Investor Relations and Jennifer Acerra, vice president, U.S. Customer Insights, will participate in meetings. September 12: Global Retailing Conference  hosted by Goldman Sachs. Doug McMillon, president and chief executive officer, will participate in a fireside chat at 11:30am CDT. This session will be webcast live through the Events link at stock.walmart.com. A transcript of the session will be available after the event and will be archived on the companys website.

Global Retailing Conference  hosted by Goldman Sachs. Doug McMillon, president and chief executive officer, will participate in a fireside chat at 11:30am CDT. This session will be webcast live through the Events link at stock.walmart.com. A transcript of the session will be available after the event and will be archived on the companys website. September 19, 21: GroceryShop - Walmart Investor Relations will host onsite meetings with members of the investment community.

GroceryShop - Walmart Investor Relations will host onsite meetings with members of the investment community. September 20: Consumer Conference  hosted by Wells Fargo. Walmart Investor Relations will participate in meetings.

Consumer Conference  hosted by Wells Fargo. Walmart Investor Relations will participate in meetings. September 27: Global Sustainability Forum  hosted by Goldman Sachs. Kathleen McLaughlin, executive vice president, chief sustainability officer, will participate in a fireside chat at 12:00pm CDT. This session will be webcast live through the Events link at stock.walmart.com. A transcript of the session will be available after the event and will be archived on the companys website.

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 240 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2023 revenue of $611 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting https://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at https://facebook.com/walmart, on X (formally known as Twitter) at https://twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/walmart/.

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Investor Relations Contacts

Steph Wissink

Senior Vice President, Investor Relations

[email protected]

Kary Brunner

Sr. Director II, Investor Relations



Media Relations Contact

Kasey Anderson

Director, Global Communications

800-331-0085

Source: Walmart Inc.
Embraer E195-E2 (NYSE: ERJ), the largest member of the E-Jet family, has been granted its Type Certificate by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This follows the certification of the E190-E2 received from CAAC in November last year, during the Zhuhai Air Show.

"We're excited to now have both the E190-E2 and E195-E2 certified by CAAC, paving the way for sales in the Chinese market," said Arjan Meijer , President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. "Our team in China is actively working with potential customers and making good progress. There are significant opportunities for the E2 in China , which offers complementary capacity to China's indigenous ARJ21 and C919 aircraft; combined, they provide flexible, efficient, and eco-friendly options for Chinese airlines, meeting the demand of the world's fast-growing air transportation market."

According to Embraer's latest 20-Year Market Outlook published in June, Asia Pacific including China is expected to show a strong growth rate, increasing its RPKs by 4.4% annually over the next 20 years. The need for flexibility, complementing narrow-body aircraft, is driving demand in the up-to-150-seat segment in China.

"It's another milestone for the largest Embraer jet  the E195-E2  to be certified by CAAC," said Guo Qing , Managing Director and VP Commercial Aviation, Embraer China. " China is moving closer to carbon neutrality. The E195-E2 is the most environmentally efficient aircraft in its class. With a maximum of 146 seats, E195-E2 is the right size to profitably complement larger narrowbodies on lower density routes, connecting regional airports and offering travelers living in secondary and tertiary cities with one-stop access to routes worldwide."

"With both the Chinese and Brazilian governments reiterating their support for Embraer's activities in China during Brazilian President Lula's State visit to China , I'm very optimistic about the opportunities in China ," Guo added.

Last year in November, Embraer E195-E2 'TechLion' visited China and made its debut at the Zhuhai Airshow, exhibiting its capabilities to China's aerospace leaders, including the outstanding performance, minimal noise and emissions, and low operation costs.

The E195-E2 entered into service in 2019 with Azul. As the largest member of the E-Jet family, E195-E2 accommodates between 120 and 146 passengers. It is the most fuel-efficient single aisle aircraft flying today, delivering 25% better fuel efficiency per seat, compared to previous generation E-Jets.
IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Francisco Partners, a leading global investment firm that specializes in partnering with technology businesses, today announced that the two companies have signed a definitive agreement under which Francisco Partners will acquire The Weather Company assets from IBM. Specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The assets being acquired by Francisco Partners include The Weather Company's digital consumer-facing offerings, The Weather Channel mobile and cloud-based digital properties including Weather.com, Weather Underground and Storm Radar, as well as its enterprise offerings for broadcast, media, aviation, advertising technology and data solutions for other emerging industries. The Weather Company will also bring its forecasting science and technology platform to Francisco Partners.

The Weather Company provides highly accurate weather data to consumers and businesses and is among the top 10 most trusted brands in America1. The Weather Company serves an average of more than 415 million people each month through its consumer-facing digital properties, including The Weather Channel mobile app and website, Weather Underground and Storm Radar, and more than 2,000 businesses across a variety of industries through its enterprise offerings.

IBM will retain its sustainability software business, including its Environmental Intelligence Suite (EIS) to help clients curate, measure, report and operationalize ESG data to inform decision making, improve performance and meet regulatory requirements. IBM intends to continue leveraging The Weather Company's weather data for EIS, which spans various climate related use cases. EIS also uses a geospatial foundational AI model powered by NASA's satellite dataset and offered as part of watsonx, IBM's AI and data platform. This model has a wide range of applications, including tracking changes in land use, monitoring natural disasters, and predicting crop yields.

Through increased investment and resources from Francisco Partners, The Weather Company will look to move beyond forecasting alone and bring new tools and experiences to users to help them understand how weather impacts all aspects of their lives, starting with health and well-being. For businesses, The Weather Company plans to offer more actionable insights so organizations can provide greater value to their customers. With its advertising platform, The Weather Company will continue to provide quality real-time experiences for the ad and subscription media industry, while complying with all consumer privacy laws and regulations.

"We're proud of what The Weather Company team has accomplished with IBM, and we are confident that the best path forward is as a standalone company benefiting from Francisco Partners' expanded investment, dedication and expertise. We're excited to see the next phase of The Weather Company's journey," said Rob Thomas , Senior Vice President, Software and Chief Commercial Officer, IBM. "Over the last few years, we've evolved IBM to be a hybrid cloud and AI company. We regularly review our portfolio to make sure our business areas are core to that strategy, and today's news reflects our continued focus on these two transformational technologies."

Since its launch over 20 years ago, Francisco Partners has invested in over 400 technology companies, making it one of the most active and long-standing investors in the technology industry. Francisco Partners' investments have focused on companies that provide the best possible products and service for its customers and partners. Francisco Partners also has extensive experience partnering with corporations to execute divisional carve-outs with transactions such as Dell Inc.'s Dell Software business and Discovery Inc.'s Discovery Education business.

Alan Ni , Partner at Francisco Partners said "Amid the growing volatility of weather, The Weather Company's unique set of consumer, media, and industry-specific products provide mission critical, data-driven weather insights to individuals and businesses around the world. We are excited to partner with the management team to grow The Weather Company's robust portfolio of technology offerings and deliver a great product experience for its customers."

Mei Shi , Principal at Francisco Partners, added "We have a long and successful track record of executing divisional carve-out transactions and look forward to helping The Weather Company drive crucial focus in executing on organic and inorganic growth strategies."

The transaction is expected to close by the end of Q1 2024 and is subject to regulatory approvals, completion of local labor processes and other customary closing conditions.
Waverley Capital Acquisition Corp. 1 (NYSE. WAVC) (the Company), a publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company, today announced that it will redeem all of its outstanding Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 (the public shares), effective as of September 8, 2023, because the Company will not consummate an initial business combination within the time period required by its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association).

As stated in the Companys registration statement on Form S-1, effective as of July 30, 2021, and in the Companys Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, if the Company is unable to complete an initial business combination within 24 months of the closing of the Companys initial public offering, the Company will: (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up; (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten (10) business days thereafter (and subject to lawfully available funds therefor), redeem the public shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the trust fund, including interest earned on the trust fund and not previously released to the Company to fund regulatory withdrawals and/or to pay income taxes, if any (less up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of public shares then in issue, which redemption will completely extinguish public members rights as members (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any) subject to applicable law; and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of the Companys remaining members and the directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in the case of sub-articles (ii) and (iii), to its obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors and in all cases subject to the other requirements of applicable law.

The per-share redemption price for the public shares will be approximately $10.37 (the Redemption Amount). The balance of the trust account as of June 30, 2023 was approximately $222,914,663, which includes approximately $2,628,870 in interest income (excess of cash over $220,285,793, the funds deposited into the trust account). In accordance with the terms of the related trust agreement, the Company expects to retain up to $100,000 of the interest and dividend income from the trust account to pay dissolution expenses. Accordingly, there is expected to be a total of $222,814,663 available for redemption of the 21,487,039 public shares outstanding, which results in a redemption price of approximately $10.37 per share.

The last day that the Companys securities will trade on the NYSE will be August 24, 2023. As of September 8, 2023, the public shares will be deemed cancelled and will represent only the right to receive the Redemption Amount.

The Redemption Amount will be payable to the holders of the public shares upon presentation of their respective stock or unit certificates or other delivery of their shares or units to the Companys transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. Beneficial owners of public shares held in street name, however, will not need to take any action in order to receive the Redemption Amount.

There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions with respect to the Companys warrants, which will expire worthless.

The Companys sponsor has waived its redemption rights with respect to the outstanding founder shares and the shares underlying the private placement warrants. After September 8, 2023, the Company shall cease all operations except for those required to wind up the Companys business.

The Company expects that NYSE will file a Form 25 with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) to delist its securities. The Company thereafter expects to file a Form 15 with the Commission to terminate the registration of its securities under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include, and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of Waverley Capital Acquisition Corp. 1 may include, forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements regarding possible business combinations and the financing thereof, and related matters, as well as all other statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as anticipate, believe, continue, could, estimate, expect, intend, may, might, plan, possible, potential, predict, project, should, would and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Companys management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Companys annual form on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2023. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

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Waverley Capital Acquisition Corp. 1



Alan Henricks, CFO



[email protected]



www.waverleycorp1.com/investor-relations

Source: Waverley Capital Acquisition Corp. 1
According to a Reuters report Wednesday, Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) has enlisted Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE: TMO) as their second contract manufacturer for their highly sought-after weight-loss medication, Wegovy.

Sources told the publication that Thermo is responsible for filling the Wegovy injection pens at their factory located in Greenville, North Carolina.

The news has seen Thermo shares jump, hitting a high of $547.50 per share. The stock is currently trading at $542.20, up more than 2.8% in the session.

In May, Novo Chief Financial Officer Karsten Munk Knudsen revealed to Reuters that the company had signed up a second contract manufacturer in the US but did not disclose the identity of the company.

Novo is said to be rushing to increase the output of the drug to meet soaring demand in the US following production problems at a factory in Brussels, Belgium, operated by its first contract manufacturer, Catalent.

By Sam Boughedda
FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION, Ontario, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wataynikaneyap Power is pleased to announce the energization of Bearskin Lake First Nation. The northern Ontario community was connected to the provincial power grid on July 7, 2023. Upon grid connection, the community turned off the diesel generators which had previously provided them primary power.

The Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system connects the Bearskin Lake community distribution system to the Ontario grid through a total of 739 km of line and six substations, originating from its Dinorwic Substation. Bearskin Lake will continue to be served by Hydro One Remotes Communities Inc. (HORCI) for the local distribution of electricity. Bearskin Lake First Nation is located over 600 km north of Thunder Bay, Ontario and is accessible by ice roads in the winter season and plane year-round.

Bearskin Lake Chief Lefty Kamenawatamin states, Grid connection is necessary to power the future needs of the community, including our future water and wastewater community upgrades. Reliable power enables us to grow. We have multiple houses and buildings ready for connection, as we no longer have to worry about being at max capacity for power.

Bearskin Lake became the fourth First Nation energized by the provincial power grid through the Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system. Five more First Nations are planned to be energized in 2023, with the remaining seven to be connected in 2024.1

We are here to celebrate the energization of Bearskin Lake First Nation, remarks Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power. The capacity of diesel generators limited our Peoples ability to grow. I want to acknowledge the work that Bearskin Lake leadership has already undertaken to take full advantage of the opportunities reliable power brings  for instance, to improve their housing situation. Now that we have a power transmission line, owned by the First Nations, we can all focus on looking to future opportunities, instead of band-aid solutions.

Eliezar Mckay, First Nation LP Board Chair, states, This vision has been almost 20 years in the making  to bring reliable power to our communities with infrastructure owned by the First Nations. We are now seeing the results of the First Nations resilience to keep this Project moving ahead.

Wataynikaneyap Power is majority-owned by an equal partnership of 24 First Nations, in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors, to build and operate the line that brings light, a $1.9 billion dollar infrastructure project, a reality for remote, northern Ontario First Nations. The 1,800 km Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Line will ultimately connect 17 remote First Nations to the Ontario power grid, removing their reliance on diesel-generated electricity.

It is great to celebrate the continued progress of this unprecedented project, remarks Frank Mckay, Board Chair for the Wataynikaneyap Power General Partnership (WPGP). The people told us to do it, we listened and we did it with their full support and consent. Congratulations Bearskin Lake First Nation!

We are proud to stand alongside Bearskin Lake First Nation in commemorating their integration with the Ontario electrical grid, said David Hutchens, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fortis Inc. This connection to cleaner, more reliable power will pave the way for new opportunities within the community. With more than 94% of the Wataynikaneyap Project now complete, we look forward to the successful connection of all 17 First Nations to the grid.

On August 23, Bearskin Lake invited Wataynikaneyap Power, Opiikapawiin Services, government, and other stakeholders to celebrate this momentous occasion in the community.

The Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project is the largest grid connection project in Canada. Todays announcement will ensure Bearskin Lake First Nation can transition away from diesel power and access clean, reliable electricity. By connecting First Nations to Ontarios provincial power grid, this Indigenous-led project will bring reliable electricity to community members, while fighting climate change and creating jobs. Thanks to Indigenous leaders, work continues and we wont stop until every First Nations community is connected to the grid," states the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor).

The Honourable Todd Smith, Minister of Energy, remarks, I congratulate Wataynikaneyap Power on this incredible achievement in bringing clean, reliable and affordable electricity to Bearskin Lake First Nation. Our government is proud to support this first-nation led project which is enabling community development opportunities in Bearskin Lake First Nation, such as water treatment, new housing and economic development.

About Wataynikaneyap PowerWataynikaneyap Power is a licensed transmission company majority-owned by a partnership of 24 First Nations in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors, regulated by the Ontario Energy Board. FortisOntario Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc., acts as the project manager through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wataynikaneyap Power PM Inc. The 24 First Nations also established Opiikapawiin Services to lead the community engagement and participation for Wataynikaneyap Power LP. To connect remote communities to the electrical grid, Wataynikaneyap Power will develop, manage construction, and operate approximately 1,800 kilometres of transmission lines in northwestern Ontario. For further information, please visit: www.wataypower.ca.

About First Nation Limited PartnershipFirst Nation Limited Partnership (FNLP) is a partnership of 24 First Nations in Northwestern Ontario working together to connect 17 remote communities currently powered by diesel generation stations. FNLP was established in 2015 to be the ownership and control of the participating First Nations interest in Wataynikaneyap Power LP. The 51% interest in Wataynikaneyap Power LP is equally owned by each of the 24 First Nation communities and FNLP will maintain their ability to increase their ownership to 100% over time.

About FortisFortis is a well-diversified leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry with 2022 revenue of $11 billion and total assets of $64 billion as of June 30, 2023. The Corporation's 9,200 employees serve utility customers in five Canadian provinces, ten U.S. states and three Caribbean countries. Fortis shares are listed on the TSX and NYSE and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com, www.sedar.com, or www.sec.gov.

About Opiikapawiin ServicesOpiikapawiin Services LP (OSLP) was established by a partnership of 24 First Nations in Northwestern Ontario. OSLP is primarily responsible for administering projects and programs for Wataynikaneyap Power PM through a service agreement, relating to community engagement, community readiness, education & training, business readiness, stakeholder engagement, communications, and capacity building. OSLP also supports the First Nation Partnership in the management of its investment in Wataynikaneyap Power. For additional information, please visit: www.oslp.ca

Media Contacts

Kristine Carmichael, Director of Corporate and Customer ServicesFortisOntario Inc.(905) 994-3637 [email protected] Mary Kita, Manager, CommunicationsWataynikaneyap Power(807) 631-7503 [email protected]

1 Wataynikaneyap will continue to work with McDowell Lake First Nation, the 17th community, with the goal of becoming grid connected in the future.

Source: Wataynikaneyap Power
HOUSTON, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via IBN -- BlockQuarry Corp. (OTC: BLQC) (BlockQuarry or the Company), a Texas-based company with commercial-stage operations in the energy and infrastructure industry, is pleased to announce completion of the 2022 annual audit and submission of its application to the OTCQB with the OTC Markets.

The Companys third-party auditing firm has completed its 2022 annual audit and will be posted shortly to OTC Markets. The audit confirms that 2022 was the best year for the Company in terms of revenue with an increase of over 500% in annual revenues compared to 2021 with revenues just shy of $6 million.

Additionally, the company has submitted its application with the OTC Markets to be listed on the OTCQB tier. The application has been paid for and was received by OTC Markets and acknowledged; the final step was the completion of the audit before approval. The Company is expecting the tier upgrade in the coming weeks and will keep shareholders informed as more information progresses.

Alonzo Pierce, president and chair of BlockQuarry, stated: Focusing on growing our Company has been the priority for us here over the last few years. Increasing revenue, decreasing liabilities and improving overall shareholder equity is the main focus. There has definitely been some turbulence the last few months, but we feel we are at the point of turning the ship around for good. I am extremely grateful for the shareholders and investors for their patience in this process as we look at a new chapter for BlockQuarry.

Pierce continued, We look forward to being an essential service provider and opening up a new stream of revenue to be announced shortly. Our goal is to expand our partnerships and provide as much value as we possibly can in the energy and infrastructure space for HPC (high-powered computing) and digital mining services.

The Company is confident that with the completion of its 2022 annual audit, BlockQuarry will be approved and listed on the higher tier in the coming weeks.

All Company updates, material and nonmaterial, will only be made public via press releases, Twitter and/or via the Companys website: www.BlockQuarry.io.

About BlockQuarry Corp. BlockQuarry Corp. (BLQC) is a trusted American energy and infrastructure partner, dedicated to fostering carbon-negative industrial energy and facilitating its establishment on land. We offer sustainable, renewable, and cost-effective energy solutions for businesses that have a need for high-volume power, such as data warehousing, manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), and cryptocurrency mining.

Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements relate to future events or the Companys future financial performance. In some cases, forward-looking statements may be identified by terminology including "could," "may," "will," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" and the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. While these forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect the Companys current judgment regarding the direction of its business, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions or other future performance suggested in this report. Except as required by applicable law, the Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results. Investors should refer to the risks disclosed in the Company's reports filed from time to time with OTC Markets (www.otcmarkets.com).

Company Contact: [email protected]

Corporate Communications: InvestorBrandNetwork (IBN) Los Angeles, California www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com 310.299.1717 Office [email protected]

Source: BlockQuarry Corp.
HIGHLIGHTS

MATURING PROJECTS UNDER DEVELOPMENT

Completion of geophysical and environmental campaigns and first year of bird and mammal surveys on Buchan Offshore Wind project

Start of prefabricated floater steel blocks assembly of EolMed floaters in Port-la-Nouvelle

EXPANDING THE SUBSTANTIATED PIPELINE IN STRATEGIC MARKETS

Signed HoT with Elawan to co-develop projects in Spain and Portugal

Signed a new partnership in South Korea for co-development and co-EPCI of a GW scale floating wind project

SECURING ADDITIONAL FUNDING

Signed agreement for a EUR 40 million funding by ADEME Investissement of BW Ideol's project development activities (July)

Signed EUR 12 million shareholder loan with BW Offshore and Noria

ACCELERATING PREPARATION FOR EPCI ACTIVITIES

Progressing on feasibility studies for standardised production line delivering ~1 GW of floaters per year

Port of Ardersier hub consolidated by GBP 300 million investment from Quantum Energy Partners

ISO 14001 environmental management certification

MAINTAINED FOCUS ON CASH DISCIPLINE

First half 2023 engineering revenue of EUR 2 million

Cash position of EUR 5.9 million at end of June 2023

First half operating cash-burn of EUR 3.5 million

BW Ideol continues to make good progress in executing its dual-leg strategy as co-developer of floating wind projects and as EPCI contractor of floating wind technology by maturing ongoing projects and adding new opportunities to the project pipeline.

At the end of June 2023, BW Ideol had 1 GW of projects under development and approximately 4.4 GW of substantiated pipeline. Business development activity is high as nations and corporations seek ways to decarbonise various industry value chains. This is reflected in four feasibility studies for oil and gas companies for creating a framework for power-to-platform projects in cooperation with BW Offshore. The agreement for a EUR 40 million funding by ADEME Investissement of BW Ideol's project development activities agreement combined with the EUR 12 million shareholder loan with BW Offshore and Noria are expected to finance BW Ideol's business plan for the next 12 months.

"We continue to expand our pipeline of floating offshore wind projects as a technology and EPCI provider and as a co-developer of renewable power generation. The creation of a joint project company and funding agreement with ADEME Investissement confirm the significant value of our project portfolio and provide capital to realise the potential for long-term value creation through our leading floating wind execution platform," said Paul de la Gueriviere, the CEO of BW Ideol.

Revenue for the first half of 2023 was EUR 2 million, mainly related to design and engineering activities in France, Norway, UK, Japan, the US and Canada. This compares with EUR 2.7 million for the same period of 2022. Operating loss before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the period was EUR 3.5 million compared to EUR 2.1 million in the same period of 2022. The year-over-year change reflects the decrease in revenue from customers and in the amount of French R&D tax credit received.

At 30 June 2023, total equity was EUR 87.8 million and the equity ratio was 72%. Total cash was EUR 5.9 million, compared to EUR 9.1 million at 31 December 2022. Interest-bearing debt was EUR 9.9 million.

Please see the attached half-year report and presentation for more information.

WEBCAST

The Company will hold a webcast call followed by a live Q&A tomorrow, 24 August at 09:00 CEST. The webcast will be held in English by CEO Paul de la Gueriviere and CFO Nicolas de Kerangal.

The webcast will be available by following this link: https://app.webinar.net/QBaeP3YLrR2

The web page works best in an updated browser - Chrome is recommended.

For further information, please contact:

Nicolas de Kerangal, Chief Financial & Partnerships Officer at BW Ideol, +33 (0) 7 76 87 70 08, [email protected]

About BW Ideol:

BW Ideol is a leading fully integrated platform in floating offshore wind with more than 12 years of experience from design, execution and development of floating wind projects based on our patented floating offshore wind technology and engineering capabilities. The company has a dual-leg growth strategy as a floater EPCI and maintenance services provider and as a wind-farm project developer and co-owner. BW Ideol has two full-scale offshore floating wind turbines in operation in France and Japan, a significant project pipeline, and is supported by BW Offshore's extensive experience from developing and operating offshore energy production systems.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

Attachments
London, United Kingdom, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ChamberofCommerce.com, a leading online platform dedicated to promoting small businesses, has announced the launch of its brand-new UK-focused business directory. This innovative platform is set to empower small businesses across the United Kingdom by offering them a unique space to promote their services and reach millions of potential customers nationwide.

Web directories, often perceived as a predecessor to modern search engines, have a long-standing presence in the digital world. These directories categorically list websites, usually based on niches or industries, and have evolved over time.

Understanding the challenges faced by small businesses, especially in todays digital age, ChamberofCommerce.coms new directory is designed to be user-friendly and impactful. Business owners can effortlessly claim their listings, ensuring accurate business details and showcasing what sets them apart in their industry.

Weve recognized the immense talent and potential of small businesses in the UK, and we believe they deserve a platform that champions them. With our new UK-focused business directory, were offering a space where business owners can not only list but also amplify their brands voice to a vast audience, said a spokesman at ChamberofCommerce.com.

Key Features of the UK-focused Business Directory:

User-Friendly Interface: Business owners can easily navigate the platform, claim their listings, and update their business details.Enhanced Visibility: The directory will leverage ChamberofCommerce.coms vast network, ensuring businesses receive maximum exposure.Customizable Listings: Businesses can personalize their listings with images, testimonials, and special offers to stand out from the competition.Geo-Targeted Search: Potential customers can find businesses in their locality, boosting local commerce and community support.

The new business directory is more than just a listing platform; its a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit of the UK. ChamberofCommerce.com invites all UK-based small businesses to join, collaborate, and grow together in this newly launched space.For further information or to list your business, visit

https://uk.chamberofcommerce.com/ or contact ChamberofCommerce.coms dedicated customer service team.

About ChamberofCommerce.com ChamberofCommerce.com is a trusted online platform dedicated to promoting and supporting small businesses around the globe. With its commitment to entrepreneurial growth, the platform offers tools, resources, and innovative solutions to help businesses thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace.

Source: https://thenewsfront.com/chamber-of-commerce-launches-new-directory-for-uk-businesses/

Source: ChamberofCommerce.com
Highlights

Heliox expands Siemens eMobility's offering for the growing eBus and eTruck charging market, and for depot and fleet solutions

Accelerates value creation in Siemens' fast-growing eMobility business

Adds attractive digitalization and software potential

Siemens AG has signed an agreement to acquire Heliox, a Netherlands-based technology leader in fast charging solutions, serving e-Bus and e-Truck fleets and passenger vehicles. The acquisition will complement Siemens' existing eMobility charging portfolio, adding products and solutions for DC fast charging focused on eBus and eTruck fleets. Heliox's portfolio will also extend Siemens' market reach, primarily in Europe and North America, while improving capabilities in power electronics. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approval.



"This is an important milestone that adds value to our fast-growing eMobility charging business. In addition to expanding our offering, we see digitalization and software potential with regard to energy and depot management and services," said Matthias Rebellius, member of the managing board of Siemens AG and CEO of Smart Infrastructure.



Siemens eMobility is part of Siemens Smart Infrastructure. It offers IoT-enabled hardware, software and services for AC and DC charging from 11 to 300 kW for a broad range of applications. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Heliox employs around 330 people. Siemens acquires the company from private equity firm Waterland and an entity owned by a group of employees and individual shareholders.

This press release is available at www.siemens.com/6718EN

PDF HQCOPR202306056718EN

Contact for journalists

Siemens Smart Infrastructure

Tamara Hamdan

Phone: +41 7939 53208

E-mail: tamara.hamdan@siemens.com

Heliox:

Marc Fernandez

Phone: +31 088 5016 300

E-mail: Press@heliox-energy.com

Follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/siemens_press

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation as well as advanced healthcare, the company creates technology with purpose adding real value for customers. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers its customers to transform their industries and markets, helping them to transform the everyday for billions of people. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a globally leading medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare. In addition, Siemens holds a minority stake in Siemens Energy, a global leader in the transmission and generation of electrical power.

In fiscal 2022, which ended on September 30, 2022, the Siemens Group generated revenue of 72.0 billion and net income of 4.4 billion. As of September 30, 2022, the company had around 311,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.



Siemens Smart Infrastructure (SI) is shaping the market for intelligent, adaptive infrastructure for today and the future. It addresses the pressing challenges of urbanization and climate change by connecting energy systems, buildings and industries. SI provides customers with a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio from a single source - with products, systems, solutions and services from the point of power generation all the way to consumption. With an increasingly digitalized ecosystem, it helps customers thrive and communities progress while contributing toward protecting the planet. Siemens Smart Infrastructure has its global headquarters in Zug, Switzerland. As of September 30, 2022, the business had around 72,700 employees worldwide.



Heliox provides world class smart energy management solutions that are tailored and scalable within a fast changing e-mobility landscape. We are working towards a sustainable world where a seamless charging experience is the standard for every electric vehicle, and this transforms the way we power our everyday. Further information is available on the Internet at www.heliox-energy.com



Forward looking statement

This document contains statements related to our future business and financial performance and future events or developments involving Siemens that may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by words such as "expect," "look forward to," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "estimate," "will," "project" or words of similar meaning. We may also make forward-looking statements in other reports, in prospectuses, in presentations, in material delivered to shareholders and in press releases. In addition, our representatives may from time to time make oral forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of Siemens' management, of which many are beyond Siemens' control. These are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and factors, including, but not limited to those described in disclosures, in particular in the chapter Report on expected developments and associated material opportunities and risks in the Combined Management Report of the Siemens Report (siemens.com/siemensreport), and in the Interim Group Management Report of the Half-year Financial Report (provided that it is already available for the current reporting year), which should be read in conjunction with the Combined Management Report. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, should decisions, assessments or requirements of regulatory authorities deviate from our expectations, should events of force majeure, such as pandemics, unrest or acts of war, occur or should underlying expectations including future events occur at a later date or not at all or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements of Siemens may (negatively or positively) vary materially from those described explicitly or implicitly in the relevant forward-looking statement. Siemens neither intends, nor assumes any obligation, to update or revise these forward-looking statements in light of developments which differ from those anticipated.

This document includes - in the applicable financial reporting framework not clearly defined - supplemental financial measures that are or may be alternative performance measures (non-GAAP-measures). These supplemental financial measures should not be viewed in isolation or as alternatives to measures of Siemens' net assets and financial positions or results of operations as presented in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework in its Consolidated Financial Statements. Other companies that report or describe similarly titled alternative performance measures may calculate them differently.

Due to rounding, numbers presented throughout this and other documents may not add up precisely to the totals provided and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures.

Siemens AG

Communications

Head: Lynette Jackson

Werner-von-Siemens-Strae 1

80333 Munich

Germany



Reference number: HQCOPR202306056718EN
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- COLLECTIVE METALS INC. (CSE: COMT | OTC: CLLMF | FSE: TO1) (the Company or Collective) is pleased to announce commencement of their Phase Two Exploration Program (the Program) on its Princeton Copper Project (the Project). This Program is a regional reconnaissance soil program designed to evaluate 11 previously untested priority target areas across the Project.

The smaller soil grids are intended as initial reconnaissance surveys, characterized by relatively widely spaced lines and a 75 m station interval. Anomalous results will be followed up with infill lines as required. Geochemical results from the soil grids are intended to further evaluate previously identified anomalies and complement existing data available for the Property, including surface geochemistry (i.e., silts, soils and/or rocks), radiolithic, magnetic and/or 3D Induced Polarization surveys (see News Release dated August 10, 2023). The Companys objective for these broad regional survey grids is to identify additional copper porphyry targets for further exploration and delineation in the coming months.

The Program will consist of approximately 900 Ah or B horizon soil samples collected across eleven target areas identified as high priority areas. Anomalous results returned from the Phase I soil survey in the Trojan  Condor Corridor will be further developed through addition of infill lines (to reduce line spacing) and extending previous soil lines northeast in the Condor area and farther southwest from the Trojan area. Other comparatively smaller soil grids will cover:

areas of anomalous alteration identified at surface (i.e., Fourteen Mile Creek),

Triassic age intrusions exposed at surface (i.e., Mount Pike Suite, Lamont Ridge, Goat and Findlay showings),

Anomalous soils previously collected (i.e., Fifteen Mile Creek), and

intrusions with spatially associated strong magnetic signatures.

The exploration target for the Project are multiple interpreted Alkalic Cu-Au porphyry occurrences associated with Triassic age diorite intrusions similar to that currently being mined at Copper Mountain, located approximately 10 km east, which represents the deposit model for the Project.

Figure 1  Locations of additional soil survey grids in the Project area. Triassic diorite intrusions are indicated in pink, together with mineral occurrences based on the MINFILE database. The Copper Mountain Intrusive Complex, which hosts the Copper Mountain Mine, is evident at lower right. Project boundary indicated by solid red line.

Our exploration model is similar to the model used at Kodiak Coppers MPD property, located approximately 30 km to the north-northeast. Documented mineralized occurrences within, and adjacent to, the Property, together with a wealth of information acquired by previous operators, the BC Geological Survey Branch and Geoscience BC (see News Release dated July 5, 2023) document interpreted porphyry-style alteration and/or mineralization.

The Project is easily accessible by road and is located immediately west of Highway 3 south of Princeton, BC, in a well-established mining district with excellent infrastructure, a local workforce and support services. The Project hosts potential for identification of one (or more) copper gold alkalic porphyry occurrences similar in age and deposit type to the Copper Mountain Mine. The Project is also approximately 10 km west of Hudbay Minerals Incs currently producing Copper Mountain Mine, which hosts a Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve of 702 Mt of 0.24% Copper1.

Qualified Person

This news release has been reviewed and approved by Rick Walker, P. Geo., who is acting as the Companys Qualified Person for the Project, in accordance with regulations under NI 43-101.

The information disclosed is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Project.

References1  Copper Mountain Mine Life of Mine Plan and 65Kt/D Expansion Study Update NI 43-101 Report, Richard Klue, VP Technical Services, CMMC; Patrick Redmond, VP Exploration and Geoscience, CMMC; Luis Alberto Chang, VP Mining, CMMC; Berge Simonian, Director of Metallurgy, CMMC; Amaru Humala, Director of Mechanical Engineering, CMMC Scott Weston, VP Business Development and Strategy, Ausenco; August 1, 2022

About Collective Metals:

Collective Metals Inc. (CSE: COMT | OTC: CLLMF | FSE: TO1) is a resource exploration company specializing in precious metals exploration in North America. The Companys flagship property is the Princeton Project, located in south-central British Columbia, Canada, approximately 10 km west of the currently producing Copper Mountain Mine. The Princeton Project consists of 29 mineral tenures totaling approximately 28,560 ha (70,570 acres) in a well-documented and prolific copper-gold porphyry belt and is easily accessible by road, located immediately west of Highway 3.

The Companys Landings Lake Lithium Project is located in northwestern Ontario where numerous lithium deposits have been delineated to host significant reserves of Li2O. The Landings Lake Lithium Project is located 53 km east of Ear Falls, Ontario and covers 3,146 hectares. The Whitemud Project, with several identified pegmatite outcrops, neighbours the Landings Lake Project and consists of 381 single cell mining claims totaling 7,775 hectares.

Social Media

Twitter @COMT_metals Instagram Collective Metals Inc Facebook Collective Metals Inc

ON BEHALF OF COLLECTIVE METALS INC.

Christopher HugginsChief Executive OfficerT: 604-968-4844E: [email protected]

Forward Looking Information

Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, and dependence on key personnel. Forward looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements respecting: completion of the Program. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9a3733ad-827d-45b6-b7d3-d6e02768784b

Figure 1 Figure 1

Source: Collective Metals Inc
CHICAGO, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dresner Partners, an award-winning, FINRA-registered, middle-market investment bank and Mergers Alliance member firm, is pleased to announce that it advised Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado (Conceptions), on its partnership with IVIRMA Global. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1986, Conceptions operates a fertility center with four office locations throughout Colorado, combining cutting-edge innovation, outstanding medical expertise, and individualized care. The Company offers the most advanced, comprehensive assisted reproductive techniques (ART) services available. Conceptions is recognized nationally for its clinical excellence and world-class patient care.

IVI was founded in 1990 by Professors Jose Remohi and Antonio Pellicer, becoming a leader in fertility treatment worldwide. In 2017, IVI merged with RMA of New Jersey, creating IVIRMA Global, a premier global fertility group with locations in Europe, the United States and Latin America. In 2023, IVIRMA Global partnered with leading investment company, KKR, to continue its expansion as the global fertility leader in research, outcomes, and patient care.

We would like to thank the Dresner team for their support and expertise to help us secure a great result. We are excited to join forces with IVIRMA Global to continue to grow Conceptions. This partnership will strengthen our ability to enhance the patient experience, which has always been our core mission, said Dr. Mark Bush, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., F.A.C.S., CEO of Conceptions.

Mitchell Stern, Managing Director and Head of the Healthcare Group at Dresner Partners said, We truly enjoyed working with the team at Conceptions during the transaction process. Conceptions has a leading reputation for clinical excellence and will be a great addition to IVIRMA Global. Patients will benefit from the broader services and solutions that this collaboration will provide.

Conceptions patient-centered approach and innovative technologies that have served Colorado with outstanding reproductive care and the best success rates in the state, aligns perfectly with IVIRMAs comprehensive and research-driven care model that has provided the highest level of reproductive medicine to patients worldwide, said Javier Sanchez-Prieto, CEO of IVIRMA Global.

Steven M. Dresner, President of Dresner Partners added, Conceptions benefits from an excellent partner to support its next phase of development. Dresners expertise in the fertility space has enabled us to provide the best possible strategic advice. I want to commend Mitchell Stern, Brian Schofield, and James Jin from the Dresner team for their hard work and success on this transaction.

More information on Conceptions can be found at www.conceptionsrepro.com. More information on IVIRMA Global can be found at www.ivirma.com.

Dresner Partners is the leading provider of investment banking services to the fertility (IVF) sector, having closed numerous transactions including the sale of IGENOMIX, the merger of RMANJ and IVI of Spain, the sale of Advanced Fertility of Chicago to Prelude Fertility, the sale of Santa Monica Fertility to Webster Equity Partners, the sale of In Via Fertility to InVitro Sciences (now First Fertility), the sale of Institute for Human Reproduction to Pinnacle Fertility, the sale of Dominion Fertility to Pinnacle Fertility, the sale of Center of Reproductive Medicine to US Fertility, the sale of IVF1 to Pinnacle Fertility, the sale of Fertility Institute of New Jersey & New York to Axia Womens Health, and the sale of RADfertility to CCRM Fertility.

About Dresner Partners Dresner is an award-winning, FINRA-registered middle-market investment bank headquartered in Chicago, with professionals located in New York, Cleveland, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, and Palo Alto. For more than 30 years, Dresner Partners has provided financial advisory services to middle-market companies throughout the world including merger and acquisitions advisory, institutional private placements of debt and equity, financial restructuring, valuations, and strategic consulting services. Dresner Partners has extensive international and cross-border transaction experience and is a member of Mergers Alliance, one of the worlds leading global mergers and acquisitions partnerships focused on the middle market. An affiliated company, Dresner Corporate Services, is a strategic communications firm specializing in public relations, investor relations and corporate development. More information is available at www.dresnerpartners.com. You can also follow Dresner Partners on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DresnerPartners.

For Media Inquiries David Gutierrez, Head of PR, IR and Corporate Development, (312) 780-7204, [email protected]

For Transaction Related Inquiries Mitchell Stern, Managing Director and Head of Healthcare, (917) 370-0891, [email protected]Steven M. Dresner, President, (312) 780-7206, [email protected]Brian Schofield, Senior Vice President, (312) 780-7227, [email protected]

Source: Dresner Partners
AUSTIN, TX, Aug. 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a world where esports and blockchain often remain parallel universes, Dubbz stands out as the bridge. As a pioneering SaaS and esports platform, Dubbz merges the thrills of esports with the transformative capabilities of blockchain, offering a fresh approach to game monetization and effortless onboarding into the web3 space.

In the sprawling landscape of over 3 billion global gamers, monetization remains a persistent challenge for developers. Conventional methods, from intrusive ads that tarnish gameplay to gimmicky in-app purchases compromising competitive fairness, are increasingly losing their appeal. While web3 offers promising new avenues for monetization in gaming, its current implementations fall short. Tokenized economies in web3 games often lean on fragile models, relying on an unending influx of players and ascending token prices. Additionally, the technical barriers, such as the necessity for specialized web3 wallets and game-specific tokens, turn away traditional gamers unfamiliar with these intricacies.

Recognizing these pitfalls, Dubbz adopts a refreshing focus on wagering and competitive play as the core of its monetization strategy. By sidestepping conventional methods, Dubbz allows developers to capitalize on the genuine competitive spirit of their players. This authentic engagement not only ensures a richer gaming experience but also leads to much greater revenue potential. Amplifying these benefits, Dubbz harnesses the power of blockchain technology. Beyond just transparent, secure transactions, operating on the blockchain unlocks a realm of opportunities for gaming: real ownership of in-game assets, interoperable assets transferable across different games, and innovative mechanisms to deepen player engagement. It's a game-changer, offering both developers and gamers a platform where competition, trust, and innovation intersect.

Building on their vision, Dubbz has already gained considerable momentum. They are working on onboarding dozens of ambitious game developers and are actively working on integrations with leading gaming infrastructure providers, such as NFT marketplaces, interoperable asset platforms, and game launchpads.

Why Dubbz Stands Apart

Seamless Web3 Onboarding. Dubbz addresses one of web3's most intricate challenges  onboarding users. By providing a streamlined, familiar user experience, Dubbz acts as a gateway, ushering traditional gamers into the expansive world of blockchain without any of the barriers, such as complex wallet setups and token purchases.

Web3-as-a-Service. Dubbz empowers game developers to tap into web3's potential without any prior knowledge of blockchain. With a simplified integration process, developers can focus on creating engaging gameplay and enhance their games with intuitive blockchain experiences, seamlessly creating value for both creators and gamers.

A Stable Ecosystem. By grounding its entire ecosystem in USDC, the esteemed stablecoin by Circle, Dubbz offers users the familiarity, trust, and stability of a recognized economic unit. This stability means players can utilize conventional fiat payment providers such as PayPal to indulge in web3 games, effectively bridging traditional and blockchain gaming.

Beyond Intrusive Ads & Gimmicks. Dubbz eradicates the need for disruptive ads and unfair in-app purchases, focusing instead on monetizing reliably through genuine competitive play.

Kyle McConnell, CEO and co-founder, shared, "Dubbz is not just about redefining monetization; it's about widening the gates to the web3 universe. We're simplifying blockchain, making it accessible and enjoyable for every gamer out there."

Dubbz beckons all to envision a future where esports and web3 unite, underpinned by an unparalleled user experience, ensuring sustainable revenue opportunities for game developers and pure, unadulterated gaming joy for players.

Kevin Webster, CTO and co-founder, stated, "With Dubbz, we're bridging the excitement of competitive gaming with the vast capabilities of web3, always keeping the user experience as our top priority.

Dubbzs current achievements in bridging esports with web3 are just the starting point. The evolving web3 landscape is set to unlock even more monetization opportunities for game developers, and Dubbz intends to remain at the forefront. As the technology continues to advance, Dubbz is focused on pioneering solutions that prioritize both developers and gamers, ensuring everyone benefits from the new possibilities.

Website: https://dubbz.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/playdubbz?s=20

Contact:

Kyle McConnell

[email protected]

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this release is not investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is recommended that you practice due diligence (including consultation with a professional financial advisor) before investing or trading securities and cryptocurrency.

Kyle McConnell Dubbz kyle at dubbz.com

Source: Dubbz
It Takes Less Than a Day for Attackers to Reach Active DirectoryCompanies' Most Critical Asset

The Vast Majority of Ransomware Attacks Occur Outside of Business Hours

OXFORD, United Kingdom, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sophos, a global leader in innovating and delivering cybersecurity as a service, today released its Active Adversary Report for Tech Leaders 2023, an in-depth look at attacker behaviors and tools during the first half of 2023. After analyzing Sophos Incident Response (IR) cases from January to July 2023, Sophos X-Ops found that median attacker dwell timethe time from when an attack starts to when its detectedshrunk from 10 to eight days for all attacks, and to five days for ransomware attacks. In 2022, the median dwell time decreased from 15 to 10 days.

In addition, Sophos X-Ops found that it took on average less than a dayapproximately 16 hoursfor attackers to reach Active Directory (AD), one of the most critical assets for a company. AD typically manages identity and access to resources across an organization, meaning attackers can use AD to easily escalate their privileges on a system to simply log in and carry out a wide range of malicious activity.

"Attacking an organization's Active Directory infrastructure makes sense from an offensive view. AD is usually the most powerful and privileged system in the network, providing broad access to the systems, applications, resources and data that attackers can exploit in their attacks. When an attacker controls AD, they can control the organization. The impact, escalation, and recovery overhead of an Active Directory attack is why its targeted, said John Shier, field CTO, Sophos.

Getting to and gaining control of the Active Directory server in the attack chain provides adversaries several advantages. They can linger undetected to determine their next move, and, once theyre ready to go, they can blast through a victim's network unimpeded.

Full recovery from a domain compromise can be a lengthy and arduous effort. Such an attack damages the foundation of security upon which an organizations infrastructure relies. Very often, a successful AD attack means a security team has to start from scratch."

The dwell time for ransomware attacks also declined. They were the most prevalent type of attack in the IR cases analyzed, accounting for 69% of investigated cases, and the median dwell time for these attacks was just five days. In 81% of ransomware attacks, the final payload was launched outside of traditional working hours, and for those that were deployed during business hours, only five happened on a weekday.

The number of attacks detected increased as the week progressed, most notably when examining ransomware attacks. Nearly half (43%) of ransomware attacks were detected on either Friday or Saturday.

"In some ways we've been victims of our own success. As adoption of technologies like XDR and services such as MDR grows, so does our ability to detect attacks sooner. Lowering detection times leads to a faster response, which translates to a shorter operating window for attackers. At the same time, criminals have been honing their playbooks, especially the experienced and well-resourced ransomware affiliates, who continue to speed up their noisy attacks in the face of improved defenses.

But, it doesn't mean we're collectively more secure. This is evidenced by the levelling off of non-ransomware dwell times. Attackers are still getting into our networks, and when time isn't pressing, they tend to linger. But all the tools in the world won't save you if you're not watching. It takes both the right tools and continuous, proactive monitoring to ensure that criminals have a worse day than you do. This is where MDR can really close the gap between attackers and defenders, because even when you're not watching, we are, said Shier.

The Sophos Active Adversary Report for Business Leaders is based on Sophos Incident response (IR) investigations spanning the globe across 25 sectors from January to July 2023. Targeted organizations were located in 33 different countries across six continents. Eighty-eight percent of cases came from organizations with fewer than 1,000 employees.

The Sophos Active Adversary Report for Tech Leaders provides security professionals with actionable threat intelligence and insights to better operationalize their security strategy.

To learn more about attacker behaviors, tools and techniques, read Time Keeps on Slippin Slippin Slippin: The 2023 Active Adversary Report for Tech Leaders on Sophos.com.

Learn More About

About Sophos Sophos is a worldwide leader and innovator of advanced cybersecurity solutions, including Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and incident response services and a broad portfolio of endpoint, network, email, and cloud security technologies that help organizations defeat cyberattacks. As one of the largest pure-play cybersecurity providers, Sophos defends more than 500,000 organizations and more than 100 million users globally from active adversaries, ransomware, phishing, malware, and more. Sophos services and products connect through its cloud-based Sophos Central management console and are powered by Sophos X-Ops, the companys cross-domain threat intelligence unit. Sophos X-Ops intelligence optimizes the entire Sophos Adaptive Cybersecurity Ecosystem, which includes a centralized data lake that leverages a rich set of open APIs available to customers, partners, developers, and other cybersecurity and information technology vendors. Sophos provides cybersecurity-as-a-service to organizations needing fully-managed, turnkey security solutions. Customers can also manage their cybersecurity directly with Sophos security operations platform or use a hybrid approach by supplementing their in-house teams with Sophos services, including threat hunting and remediation. Sophos sells through reseller partners and managed service providers (MSPs) worldwide. Sophos is headquartered in Oxford, U.K. More information is available at www.sophos.com.

Source: Sophos Inc.
CHICAGO, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Federal Life Group, Inc. and its affiliates (Federal Life), a leading provider of insurance and retirement solutions founded in 1899, announced that John Horbal joined the company as chief financial officer and Matt Trosper has joined as senior vice president of corporate development and strategy. Both bring years of industry experience in corporate strategy and management.

Adding John Horbal and Matt Trosper to our newly re-formed executive team is a vital step in our strategy to grow Federal Life and expand the successful accident and health insurance franchise while building a premier global retirement solutions provider for individuals and institutions, said Federal Life CEO Knut Olson. Ive had the pleasure of working with John in multiple prior positions, and I look forward to collaborating with Matt in his new role as he works to grow our overall insurance platform. Olson began his tenure as CEO on August 1.

Horbal comes to Federal Life with more than 20 years of extensive financial strategy and management experience, most of it in the insurance industry. He most recently served as senior vice president and chief financial officer for National Guardian Life Insurance. Horbal is recognized throughout the industry for consistently meeting corporate objectives and delivering on financial targets.

Its my great pleasure to be part of the Federal Life team and to join forces with Knut Olson once again, said Horbal. This is an exciting stage in the company's life cycle, and its an honor to be one of the guiding financial voices to ensuring long term value creation and the achievement of strategic objectives.

Trosper is the former vice president of new and institutional markets for F&G Annuities & Life, where he oversaw capital market transactions, mergers and acquisition activity, and new business line diversification. Throughout his two decade-tenure in the insurance industry, Trosper directed various strategic initiatives, developing expertise and insight that will serve him well in his new role focusing on corporate development and strategy for Federal Life.

I am thrilled to be part of the new leadership structure at Federal Life, said Trosper. Joining this impressive team of industry leaders at a point when there are so many new opportunities for the insurance sector is both a pleasure and a privilege.

Associated with these additions to its executive team, Federal Life recently expanded its board of directors to include three new independent directors. These changes are all part of Federal Lifes commitment to strategic growth and industry-leading corporate governance, said Olson.

About Federal LifeFederal Life is a leading insurance business that has been protecting individuals and families with valuable products for over 100 years. Incorporated in 1899 and headquartered in the Chicago metropolitan area, Federal Life is proud of its longstanding tradition of financial strength, stability, and as an innovator in the industry. Federal Life is excited to deliver the next generation of accident & health, life, and annuity products through innovative product design and risk management solutions for insurance and reinsurance clients.

Media Contact: Name: Jacqueline LiraPhone: 904-599-8880Email: [email protected]

Source: Federal Life Group, Inc.
TORONTO, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UFCW Canada, the countrys leading advocate for agricultural workers, is demanding the Ford government take action in response to an Ontario farm owner retaliating against migrant workers who were speaking out about unacceptable housing conditions.

The union calls upon the Ford government to include all agricultural workers, both local and migrants, in the Ontario Labour Relations act, protecting their right to freedom of association.

Five Jamaican migrant workers were recently repatriated due to speaking up about unacceptable housing conditions. These workers held a one-day strike to protest the poor housing conditions provided by the employer, where sewage was spilling over into their living quarters.

Ontarians are shocked by the videos obtained by CTV News Toronto showing rows of toilets flooded to the brim, overflowing into the rest of the bunkhouse. In another video, the farm owner verbally threatened and abused the group of migrant agricultural workers.

You guys can clean the goddamn thing out," the man yells while standing in the middle of a bunkhouse of workers.

The man can be heard telling the migrant workers that they cannot stop working in protest of the sewage spilling into their living quarters.

If you choose not to work today, that will be a problem, he says. You don't pick and choose the day you want to work.

In response to the one-day strike, the farm owner repatriated the workers to Jamaica, where the Jamaican government is now investigating the incident.

They were standing up for us, a Jamaican worker still on the farm told CTV News Toronto.

Under current Ontario legislation, the workers are lacking in mechanism to protect their rights. If these workers were unionized, they would have been able to exercise their right to strike, says Santiago Escobar, National Representative at UFCW Canada. The current legislation, the Agricultural Employees Protection Act, bans local and migrant agricultural workers from being able to access the same fundamental labour rights as everyone else  despite being one of the most vulnerable worker populations in the country.

In 2010, the UNs International Labour Organization (ILO) ruled that Canada and Ontario, through Ontarios ban on farm unions, violated the human rights of the more than 100,000 migrant and domestic agriculture workers in the province. In 2017, the Government of Canada finally ratified core ILO convention 98 on the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, which has been on the books as a core convention since 1949. Despite this, the federal government has done nothing to call out Ontarios continued denial of fundamental labour rights to agricultural workers.

Workers are left without a mechanism to protect themselves against the intolerable power imbalance in the heart of Canadas food production system, says Escobar. If the Ford government were serious about tackling the shameful treatment of migrant workers in Ontario, it would immediately provide agricultural workers equal access to the Ontario Labour Relations Act.

In addition, UFCW Canada calls on the Federal Government to establish a federal tribunal to allow for the review and appeal of repatriation decisions in advance of temporary foreign workers being sent home by employers and make unionization mandatory to protect the well-being of migrant workers.

About

UFCW Canada (the United Food and Commercial Workers Union) represents more than 250,000 members across Canada working in every sector of the food industry from field to table. For 30 years, UFCW Canada has been the leading voice and advocate for domestic and migrant agricultural workers.

CONTACT:

Santiago Escobar, National RepresentativeUFCW Canada[email protected](905) 351-4082www.ufcw.ca/awa

Source: UFCW Canada
TORONTO, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Golconda Gold Ltd. (Golconda Gold or the Company) (TSX-V: GG; OTCQB: GGGOF) is pleased to announce the release of its financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.

A copy of the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and the corresponding managements discussion and analysis (the MD&A), are available under the Companys profile on www.sedarplus.ca. All references to $ in this press release refer to United States dollars.

Second Quarter 2023 Highlights (Q2 2023):

mined 19,171 tonnes of ore from its Galaxy and Princeton ore bodies, with an average grade of 3.11 grammes per tonne (g/t) an increase of 14% compared to 16,754 tonnes at 3.30 g/t in the three months ended March 31, 2023 ( Q1 2023 );

); produced 1,422 tonnes of concentrate at an average grade of 37.0 g/t containing 1,689 ounces of gold compared to 1,449 tonnes at 34.0 g/t containing 1,584 ounces of gold in Q1 2023, an increase of 7% in gold production quarter on quarter; and

generated revenue of US$2.5 million from the sale of 1,639 contained ounces (1,308 payable ounces) of gold at an operating cash cost of US$1,571 per payable ounce compared to US$2.0 million revenue in Q1 2023 from the sale of 1,434 contained ounces (1,114 payable ounces) of gold at an operating cash cost of US$1,790 per payable ounce, representing a 25% increase in revenue and 12% reduction in operating cash cost quarter on quarter.(1)

Golconda Gold CEO, Nick Brodie commented: The second quarter of 2023 saw improvements in material mined and gold produced, despite a difficult operating environment while the team worked through the challenges presented in the first quarter of 2023. Equipment availabilities continue to increase, and we are confident that production will continue to ramp up as we further develop the Galaxy and Princeton ore bodies. Discussions are ongoing regarding securing further financial capacity at Galaxy which is expected to enable a dedicated development crew allowing the existing crew and fleet to focus purely on stoping, and to also fund development to a second level at the Galaxy ore body. (2)

At Summit, a full engineering survey of the in-situ mining equipment was conducted in April 2023 which has identified approximately US$1 million of expected savings on the capital re-start cost of the project as a result of the good condition of the majority of the equipment. The Company continues to work with financing providers and off-take partners to put in place a non-dilutive financing package to facilitate the re-start of operations at the Summit Property as soon as possible.(2)

About Golconda Gold

Golconda Gold is an un-hedged gold producer and explorer with mining operations and exploration tenements in South Africa and New Mexico. Golconda Gold is a public company and its shares are quoted on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol GG and the OTCQB under the symbol GGGOF. Golconda Golds management team is comprised of senior mining professionals with extensive experience in managing mining and processing operations and large-scale exploration programmes. Golconda Gold is committed to operating at world-class standards and is focused on the safety of its employees, respecting the environment, and contributing to the communities in which it operates.

Notes:

(1) Cash cost is a non-GAAP measure. Refer to below and to Supplemental Information to Managements Discussion and Analysis in the MD&A, for reconciliation to measures reported in the Companys financial statements.

Q2 2023 Q1 2023 YTD 2023 Operating costs 2,327,861 2,459,339 4,787,200 Adjust for: Impairment, depreciation and amortization (182,188 ) (189,106 ) (371,294 ) Inventory movement (21,566 ) (57,287 ) (78,853 ) Total operating cash cost 2,124,107 2,212,946 4,337,053 Royalties (11,898 ) (8,663 ) (20,561 ) Total operating cash cost excluding royalties 2,112,209 2,204,283 4,316,493 Gold production (ounces) 1,689 1,584 3,273 Gold production (ounces payable) 1,344 1,231 2,575 Total operating cash cost excluding royalties per payable oz. 1,571 1,790 1,676

(2) This is forward-looking information and is based on a number of assumptions. See Cautionary Notes.

Cautionary Notes

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including, without limitation, the Companys projection that equipment availability and mining volumes will continue to improve, the Companys ability to secure additional financing, and the impact of any additional financing on operations at Galaxy and Summit, the Companys future financial position and results of operations, strategy, proposed acquisitions, plans, objectives, goals and targets, and any statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words believe, expect, aim, intend, plan, continue, will, may, would, anticipate, estimate, forecast, predict, project, seek, should or similar expressions or the negative thereof, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only the Companys expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking statements.

Additional factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially include, but are not limited to: the Companys dependence on two mineral projects; gold price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Companys mining activities in South Africa and New Mexico; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to the Companys exploration, development and mining activities being situated in South Africa and New Mexico; risks relating to reliance on the Companys management team and outside contractors; risks regarding mineral resources and reserves; the Companys inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks arising from the Companys fair value estimates with respect to the carrying amount of mineral interests; mining tax regimes; risks arising from holding derivative instruments; the Companys need to replace reserves depleted by production; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of COVID-19; the economic and financial implications of COVID-19 to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; lack of infrastructure; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; health risks in Africa; the Companys interactions with surrounding communities and artisanal miners; the Companys ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; risks related to restarting production; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; development of the Companys exploration properties into commercially viable mines; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; risks related to the market perception of junior gold companies; and litigation risk. Management provides forward-looking statements because it believes they provide useful information to investors when considering their investment objectives and cautions investors not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information please contact:Nick BrodieCEO, Golconda Gold Ltd.+ 44 7905 089878[email protected]www.golcondagold.com

Source: Golconda Gold Ltd
LONDON, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Follow Up mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) has issued a report concluding that Spain has failed to implement the Committee's decision in the case of Garzon v. Spain. The report, which was sent to Helen Duffy of Human Rights in Practice as international legal representative of Baltasar Garzon on 15 August, concerns the implementation of the ground breaking decision of 25 August 2021.

In that August 2021 decision, the UNHRC found multiple violations of the Baltasar Garzon's human rights as a result of his arbitrary dismissal and criminal prosecution based on his judicial interpretations in the Franquismo and Gurtel cases (related to the investigation of crimes against humanity and high-level corruption). The Committee established that the criminal processes were arbitrary, that his conviction for investigating the Gurtel case was based on a process that was an unforeseeable application of criminal law, lacked basic safeguards of impartiality and fair trial and denied him the right of appeal. More information in English on the background and that decision are here.

On that occasion, the UN body clearly and forcefully determined that Spain should make full reparation (reparacion integral) to the former judge of the Audiencia Nacional and asked the Spanish government to report on the measures taken in this regard within 180 days.

Two years on, Spain has shown blatant disregard for the authority of the UN Human Rights Committee and its binding international obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. In its belated responses to the UNHRC it has failed to indicate any meaningful steps towards provide the required "integral reparation."

Under international law, in the face of violations, states are obliged to provide reparation that includes restitution, compensation and "guarantees of non-repetition" to ensure that such cases cannot arise in the future. In a case such as this, this includes payment of damages, the "expungement" of unjustified criminal records and undertaking the legal and judicial reform which is necessary to safeguard judicial independence. As some UNHRC members pointed out in the 2021 decision, reparation also implicitly implies restitution in the form of reinstatement of the victim to their former judicial role.

Spains failure to take any of the necessary measures to this end has led to a new condemnatory resolution by the Committee's monitoring mechanism which finds as follows:

On compensation and expungement of criminal records, the Spanish government's response is considered "unsatisfactory", because "it is not relevant or does not implement the recommendation."

In terms of the broader measures needed to ensure non-repetition, the findings are clearer as the state's response "goes against or rejects the UN body's recommendation.

Baltasar Garzon has repeatedly requested sought to engage the Government to secure compliance with the decision, directly and through the UNHRC monitoring mechanism. The recent findings again vindicate his claims in respect of Spain's failure to meet its international obligations in his case and its disregard for the authority of the UN body.

This resolution of the UN Rapporteur on Follow-up, which also denounces non-compliance by other countries such as Angola, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Ukraine, states that it will continue to seek to engage with the Spanish government to ensure full implementation. It is essential that the government responds promptly and effectively to demonstrate that it takes its international obligations and the UNHRC process seriously.

Meanwhile, Baltasar Garzon will continue to demand that the Spanish government comply with the Committee's ruling and respond to the arbitrary termination of his career as a judge and the striking attack on judicial independence that his case represents.

A PDF accompanying this announcement is available at http://ml-eu.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/d5f03d10-1cbd-4f22-ac60-311a79126b64

Source: Human Rights in Practice
Aventura, Florida, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioPower Operations Corporation (OTC Pink: BOPO) d/b/a as HyFi Corp., today announced that as of August 5th, 2023 HyFi and its sister company WPP Energy, have executed a tri party Memorandum of Understanding with Vietnam stated owned entity Dong Do JSC. The MOU is titled Comprehensive Cooperation of Investment and Development Strategy in Vietnam. HyFi and WPP have been invited to create and arrange important outcomes in the developing nation of Vietnam. As such HyFi and WPP have been provided with an exclusive initial priority project list to develop renewable energy, infrastructure and other important projects consistent with the UNs 17 SDGs in the following provinces:



Ha Noi, 2. Ninh Thuan, 3. a Nang, 4. Khanh Hoa, 5. ong Nai, 6. Ho Chi Minh, 7. Ba Ria - Vung Tau, 8. Can Tho, 9. Ca Mau



The value of the initial project list is estimated to be approximately $33B USD.

HyFi, and its sister company WPP, are pleased to express its strong support for the nation of Vietnam in developing its renewable energy and resource management infrastructure to meet the countries economic development goals and climate change undertakings.

HyFi and WPP will mobilize the necessary technology, arrange for the provision and financing of equipment and services. We will work closely with Dong Do JSC, a state-owned enterprise with construction capacity and project management expertise, expertise in process, permitting and regulatory approvals to develop highly reliable cost-effective solutions.

Vietnam announced at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) a target of net zero carbon emissions (GHG) by 2050. To align with this target, Vietnam is reviewing its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), a climate action plan to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts and set out in Decree 06.

The Vietnam government has set a target to reduce at least 564 million tons of CO2 during the first phase of Decree 06, requiring key sectors and industries that discharge CO2 to reduce emissions. Decree 06 also requires manufacturers and companies operating in various sectors to apply measures to capture and to reduce C02, and/or to pay for C02 that exceeds the permitted quota.

The Vietnam government recognizes the potential for a green industrial revolution to boost domestic economic growth, employment and the peoples standard of living. Much of the equipment required for these projects will, in due course, be built in Vietnam, making the country an Asian powerhouse for renewable technology.

Speaking for Dong Do JSC, Chairman Phan Dinh Phuc commented as follows DD JSC is committed to making every effort to contribute to the sustainable conservation of the global environment. With permission on behalf of the Government of Vietnam, Dong Do JSC will invite WPP Energy & HyFi Corp to Vietnam as soon as possible (tentative for mid-September 2023) for the common prosperity of the World.

Senior Advisor Mai Xuan Cua added We will complete the legal procedures in the most reliable way to ensure our cooperative role in Vietnam, and we all here looking forward to meet and work together with you, together to realize all our projects, I believe that the solidarity of all of us will protect the earth forever clean and green."

Speaking for HyFi & WPP, Troy MacDonald, commented as follows: We have been building a relationship with the nation of Vietnam for about 5 years now through our local authorized representatives Travavina. We have come to appreciate that Vietnam is a nation with tremendous potential, poised for a breakout in 2024 and beyond. It is our great honor at HyFi and WPP Energy to do our part and play a role in this breakout as it unfolds. We will work closely with the Dong Do JSC, various Vietnam governments, OEMs, EPCs, partner investment banks and infrastructure funds to address the deliverables required for each project on the initial project list. We are very enthusiastic as we prepare to make the transition into the deliverables stage, and we expect to have a greatly expanded on-the-ground presence in Vietnam by year end 2023. We intend to bring significant manufacturing and new jobs to Vietnam to support the equipment deliverables related to the project list.

About BioPower Operations Corporation/ HyFi Corp.

BioPower Operations Corporation (OTC Pink: BOPO) is focused on the implementation of sustainable projects and other projects consistent with the UNs 17 SDGs. HyFis core competency is project funding solutions, project technology deliverables and creating OEM, EPC and O&M relationships. HyFi also offers other consultancy services in the green energy, environmental and infrastructure market.

HyFi has rapidly evolved into a company with a strong focus on sovereign level engagements, particularly to take a leading role in assisting developing nations to reach their goals by providing both turnkey financial solutions through partner financial institution syndication and by also building consortiums of OEMs and EPCs to satisfy project deliverables for initiatives of national importance.

For more information see www.HyFi-corp.com

About WPP Energy GmbH

Headquartered in Geneva Switzerland, WPP Energy GmbH are leaders in renewable energy innovation since 2009.

WPP is a repository for disruptive green energy and environmental technologies which we build or intend to build, own, operate and maintain. WPP also licenses technology and enters strategic joint venture partnerships for the purpose of accelerating the deployment of important environmentally friendly technologies for the benefit of the entire world.

For more information see https://wppenergy.com/

About Dong Do JSC

Dong Do JSC is a Vietnam Government State owned group of companies, with construction capacity level 1 and experience in project management consultancy and expertise in project procedures, and the required permits and approvals needed from various state agencies.

Dong Do JSCs formation has been approved by the Federal Government and the executed MOUs of Comprehensive Cooperation for Investment and Development in Vietnam of DD JSC and WPP Energy & HyFi & Travavina.

Approving agencies include:

- Vietnamese Government

- Ministry of Defense

- The Ministry of Public Security

- Ministry of Foreign Affairs

- The State bank of Vietnam.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to many risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts and constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. The words will, contemplate, believe, expect, intend, may, can, could, project and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of the future as there are a number of meaningful factors that could cause the Companys actual results to vary materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions made based on experience, expected future developments and other factors the Company believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Factors which could cause actual results to differ from expectations, many of which are beyond the Companys control are discussed in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) including those identified under the section captioned Risk Factors in the Companys Registration Statement on Form 10-K, filed with the Commission on June 16,2023, and as updated in subsequent filings with the Commission. The Company disclaims any obligation to update the information contained in these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media Contact

Troy MacDonald, CEO

+1-786-923-0272

Web: hyfi-corp.com
Regulated Information - Denominator

Atlas Special Opportunities, LLC has converted 8 convertible bonds in Oxurion resulting in a EUR 200,000 capital increase. This is part of Atlas Special Opportunities, LLCs EUR 20 million Capital Commitment1 that will allow Oxurion to focus on progressing its novel and differentiated back of the eye drug candidate targeting potential market opportunities of over USD 5 billion.

Leuven, BELGIUM, Boston, MA, US  August 23, 2023  08.00 PM CET  In accordance with article 15 of the Belgian Act of May 2, 2007 on the disclosure of major participations in issuers of which shares are admitted to trading on a regulated market and regarding miscellaneous provisions, Oxurion NV (Euronext Brussels: OXUR) (the Company or Oxurion), announces the below information, following the issuance of 123,051,681 new ordinary shares on August 22, 2023, for a total amount of EUR 200,000, as the result of the conversion of 8 convertible bonds, pursuant to the Capital Commitment entered into with Atlas Special Opportunities, LLC.

Following completion of the capital increase through the conversion of the convertible bonds, the total number of shares issued by Oxurion amounts to 2,153,190,318 outstanding ordinary shares carrying voting rights (compared to 2,030,138,637 outstanding ordinary shares previously). This number will be used as the denominator for the calculation of the percentages of shareholdings.

Therefore, Oxurion publishes the following updated information:

Share capital (EUR) 82,006,161.32



Total number of securities with voting rights (all ordinary shares) 2,153,190,318 Total number of ordinary shares (= denominator) 2,153,190,318 Number of outstanding, granted rights to subscribe to securities carrying voting rights not yet issued: 590,500 subscription rights (SRs) issued on November 20, 2017, entitling their holders to subscribe to a total number of 590,500 securities carrying voting rights (all ordinary shares);

60,000 SRs issued on December 23, 2020, entitling their holders to subscribe to a total number of 60,000 securities carrying voting rights (all ordinary shares);

972,250 SRs issued on April 14, 2021, entitling their holders to subscribe to a total number of 972,250 securities carrying voting rights (all ordinary shares);

532,500 SRs issued on September 22, 2021, entitling their holders to subscribe to a total number of 532,500 securities carrying voting rights (all ordinary shares);

604,405 SRs issued on December 30, 2021, entitling their holders to subscribe to a total number of 604,405 securities carrying voting rights (all ordinary shares);

180 convertible bonds issued on March 14, 2023, April 20, 2023, May 22, 2023, June 15, 2023, and August 10, 2023, entitling its holder, Atlas Special Opportunities, LLC, to subscribe to a total number of securities carrying voting rights (all ordinary shares) in accordance with the terms and conditions of these convertible bonds pursuant to the Subscription Agreement entered into between the Company and Atlas Special Opportunities, LLC on March 1, 2023; and

100 convertible bonds issued on December 20, 2021, entitling their holders (Kreos Capital VI (UK) Limited, Pontifax Medison Finance (Israel) L.P. and Pontifax Medison Finance (Cayman) L.P.) to subscribe to a total number of securities carrying voting rights (all ordinary shares) in accordance with the terms and conditions of these convertible bonds as attached to the Agreement for the provision of a Loan Facility entered into between the Company, Kreos Capital VI (UK) Limited, Pontifax Medison Finance (Israel) L.P. and Pontifax Medison Finance (Cayman) L.P., on November 21, 2021 (as amended from time to time).

END

About Oxurion

Oxurion (Euronext Brussels: OXUR) is a biopharmaceutical company developing next generation standard of care ophthalmic therapies, which are designed to improve and better preserve vision in patients with retinal disorders including diabetic macular edema (DME), the leading cause of vision loss in working-age people, as well as other conditions. Oxurion intends to play an important role in the treatment of retinal disorders, including the successful development of THR-149, its novel therapeutic for the treatment of DME. THR-149 is a potent plasma kallikrein inhibitor being developed as a potential new standard of care for the up to 50% of DME patients showing suboptimal response to anti-VEGF therapy. Oxurion is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, with corporate operations in Boston, MA. More information is available at www.oxurion.com.



Important information about forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and, accordingly, entail and are influenced by various risks and uncertainties. The Company therefore cannot provide any assurance that such forward-looking statements will materialize and does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or any other reason. Additional information concerning risks and uncertainties affecting the business and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement is contained in the Companys Annual Report. This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation for the sale or purchase of securities or assets of Oxurion in any jurisdiction. No securities of Oxurion may be offered or sold within the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or in compliance with an exemption therefrom, and in accordance with any applicable U.S. state securities laws.

For further information please contact:

Oxurion NV

Tom Graney

Chief Executive Officer

Tel: +32 16 75 13 10

[email protected]







Michael Dillen

Chief Business Officer

Tel: +32 16 75 13 10

[email protected] US

Conway Communications

Mary T. Conway

[email protected]













1 Press release Oxurion, 02/03/2023

Attachments
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Winston-Salem, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inmar Intelligence, the leading provider of data-driven healthcare technology solutions, has been awarded a multi-year contract for Rx Reverse Distribution and MEDidentify Returns Management with MMCAP Infuse. The agreement will provide access to the contract at pre-negotiated pricing and terms to elevate efficiency, safety and cost savings for MMCAP Infuse members.

With a focus on accuracy, holistic policy management, and streamlined processes, Inmar Intelligences Rx Reverse Distribution fosters optimal trading partner relations, providing seamless reconciliation, documentation, and benchmarking. MEDidentify, a continuously updated cloud-based software program, empowers pharmacies with the maximization of pharmaceutical return credits, the minimization of pharmaceutical waste transfer and helps enable compliance with federal and state-specific waste characterization regulations.

This new contract supplements Inmar Intelligence's existing services for DSCSA and USP , offering MMCAP Infuse members a comprehensive suite of solutions that enhance safety and compliance for pharmacy operations.

Inmar Intelligence is committed to providing industry-leading technology solutions to MMCAP Infuse members and all its Rx Returns and MEDidentify customers, said David Schweihs, SVP, Healthcare Solutions at Inmar Intelligence. "We are grateful to MMCAP Infuse for the longstanding relationship between our companies and look forward to continuing to serve their members in the future.

For more than 25 years, Inmar has been helping pharmacies, health systems and pharmaceutical manufacturers overcome their biggest challenges to create efficiencies, grow revenue, drive profitable growth and achieve regulatory compliance.

About Inmar IntelligenceThrough curiosity and the intelligent use of data and technology, we make businesses smarter to improve consumers lives. As a partner to healthcare organizations for over 40 years, we design, build and operate reliable, dynamic solutions to create greater efficiencies and enable connections that unlock the potential of sophisticated marketplaces and ensure safety along the drug supply chain for healthcare employees and patients.

For more information about Inmars Healthcare solutions go to inmar.com, please follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook, or call (866) 440-6917.

About MMCAP InfuseMission and VisionMMCAP Infuse is a national cooperative group purchasing organization (GPO) servinggovernment facilities across the nation that provide healthcare services. Membership is free andopen to states and their agencies, as well as counties, cities, school districts, universities, andothers. MMCAP Infuse members receive access to a full range of pharmaceuticals and otherhealthcare products and services, such as medical supplies, influenza and routine vaccines,dental supplies, drug testing, nutritionals, and much more. Established in 1985 and operated bythe State of Minnesotas Office of State Procurement, MMCAP Infuse now has more than13,000 active purchasing members across all 50 states.

Holly Pavlika Inmar Intelligence (336) 770-3596 [email protected]

Source: Inmar Intelligence
The news release should be read in conjunction with Lavras Golds audited consolidated financial statements and managements discussion and analysis for the six months ended June 30, 2023. Both are available under the Companys profile at www.sedar.com.

All monetary amounts are in Canadian dollars unless stated otherwise.

TORONTO, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lavras Gold Corp. (TSXV: LGC, OTCQB: LGCFF) highlighted two new gold discoveries, as well as the expansion of Zeca Souza, as it reported on its second quarter today.

"We followed the Matilde Extension gold discovery in Q1 with two more new gold discoveries, Vila Marieta and Galvao, in Q2, said Michael Durose, Lavras Golds President and Chief Executive Officer. Then after quarter end, we announced seven new holes from Zeca Souza, which expanded the mineralized footprint of that target by more than 50%. We are very excited by this continued exploration success as we pursue a drill program aimed at expanding existing known mineralization and making new discoveries.

Two rigs have completed 14,070 metres of a 16,000-metre drill program at the Companys LDS Project in southern Brazil. Our average drilling, assay, and related costs per metre Is approximately C$247. Results are consistently demonstrating that LDS is a unique, large, and complex mineral system. Returned assays are a mix of bulk tonnage and high grade, a combination that yields scale and economics in producing assets. The new gold discoveries in 2022 were at the Matilde and Zeca Souza targets, and historical results from another target, Caneleira, were also reinterpreted.

During the first quarter, the Company built on this wealth of discoveries with yet another one, the Matilde Extension gold discovery. Then in the second quarter, Lavras Gold added to its wealth of discoveries, announcing results from the Vila Marieta and Galvao targets.

The Vila Marieta gold discovery, believed to be the southwest surface extension of the Cerrito Gold Deposit, is noteworthy for two reasons: significant surface mineralization and long intervals.

Hole 22VM001 returned 28.00 metres at 1.30 g/t gold from surface including 4.00 metres at 2.42 g/t gold from 7.00 metres and 5.00 metres 2.49 g/t gold from 16.00 metres. It also returned a long interval of 53.00 metres at 0.68 g/t gold from 139.00 metres including 7.72 metres grading 1.04 g/t gold from 148.00 metres.

These results are consistent with what is being seen elsewhere on the property: lower grade halos of mineralization of 0.6 or 0.7 g/t gold with higher grade intervals in between. At 1.30 g/t gold, the average gold grade from this surface mineralization is 85% higher than the average grade of Cerrito.

This has important positive implications for optimizing future potential open pit mining scenarios since higher-grade surface mineralized material would ideally be mined first.

The Galvao gold discovery is important because it shows how deep the gold system at Lavras could go. A 10-metre-long interval of 4.63 g/t gold was hit starting at 532 metres down the drill core (which is 461 metres vertical depth) that included a 3-metre subinterval grading 11.70 g/t gold.

Gold mineralization at Galvao was traced intermittently over 450 metres in strike length over a north-south direction and remains open to expansion. Very nice zones of mineralized material are being found on the west side of the intrusive complex. This area includes Butia, with its 500,000 ounces of gold, and Zeca Souza, located immediately north of Galvao. The hypothesis is that Galvao may be the southern extension of Zeca Souza.

After quarter end, assay results were announced from seven new holes at Zeca Souza, where the area of known gold mineralization has been successfully expanded by over 50%.

Visible gold is developing as a key feature of Zeca Souza and has been encountered in five of the 21 holes drilled. Some key takeaways include:

Visible gold near surface in hole 23BT004, which returned 4 metres at 43.59 g/t gold from 31 metres. It is quite remarkable to find this grade of visible gold at such shallow depths and is a testament to the kind of exploration potential that exists. Zeca Souza has never been drilled prior to this drilling program.

Visible gold at depth in hole 23ZS018. This drillhole returned a mineralized interval of 5 metres at 2.62 g/t gold from 264 metres, and included a 1 metre interval of visible gold grading 9.07 g/t gold from 267 metres.

A long intercept of 32 metres grading 1.92 g/t gold from 126 metres in drillhole BT003. A zone of visible gold was observed in a 1.24 metre intercept grading 43.20 g/t gold, at an estimated vertical depth of 124.7 metres.

The discovery of a higher grade, potentially lower tonnage zone of mineralization at Zeca Souza could potentially significantly enhance the overall future economics of the project. The objective will be to test for the continuity of these visible gold areas and possibly develop a high-grade "sweet spot" for the project.

Seven advanced mineral deposits/exploration discoveries have now been identified at LDS: Butia, Caneleira, Cerrito/Vila Marieta, Galvao, Matilde, Matilde Extension, and Zeca Souza. All of these remain open at depth and along strike. Some, like Cerrito/Vila Marieta may be connected.

At the corporate level, Lavras Golds annual and special meeting of shareholders was held after quarter end in July. The appointment of Davidson & Company LLP as auditor of Lavras Gold and an omnibus long-term incentive plan were both approved at the meeting. Seven directors were elected: David Birkett, Michael Durose, Jonathan Hill, Lawrence Lepard, Michael Mutchler, Rostislav Raykov, and Rowland Uloth.

Mr. Hill, new to the board this year, is an economic geologist with over 35 years of experience in exploration, project development, and mining operations around the world. He has been directly involved in the discovery of several world-class projects in both greenfield and brownfield arenas. As Principal Advisor at Exploration Outcomes Ltda based in Brazil, he provides specialist support to several companies including Jaguar Mining Inc. and Sanatana Resources. Mr. Hill is a non-executive director and Chairman of Royal Road Minerals and a non-executive director of Avanti Gold Corp and Stratabound Minerals.

The Company also continued to raise our profile in the investment community. It participated in three investor conferences, continued to meet with existing shareholders, and targeted potential new shareholders.

Lavras Gold launches new website

The Company has launched a new investor-focused website at www.lavrasgold.com. Some of the features include an overview of our LDS Project, a detailed history of work in the LDS Project dating to the 1700s, and a description of each stop on our gold trail.

Qualified person

Michael Durose, Lavras Golds President and CEO, is a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101. He has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this release.

About Lavras Gold

Lavras Gold (TSXV: LGC, OTCQB: LGCFF) is a Canadian exploration company focused on realizing the potential of a multi-million-ounce gold district in southern Brazil. Its Lavras do Sul Project is located in Rio Grande do Sul State, and is primarily an intrusive hosted gold system of possible alkaline affinity. More than 23 gold prospects centred on historic gold workings have been identified on the property, which spans more than 22,000 hectares.

Follow Lavras Gold on www.lavrasgold.com, as well as on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

Contact information

Michael Durose, President & CEO, or Annemarie Brissenden, Investor Relations+1-416-844-6284 | [email protected]www.lavrasgold.com

DISCLAIMER AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.

This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as plan, expect, project, intend, believe, anticipate, estimate, may, will, would, potential, proposed and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions may or will occur. These statements, including those on planned exploration activities and goals, are only objectives and predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information, including the risks and factors that generally affect exploration and the uncertainty of exploration results. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business, refer to the Companys Managements Discussion and Analysis recently filed under the Companys profile on www.sedar.com. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or managements estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Source: Lavras Gold Corp
New York, NY, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On July 29th, the upscale haircare brand, KONO, announced its pivotal collaboration with the globally-acclaimed stylist, Mark Hampton, welcoming him aboard as KONO's "Global Fashion Stylist.. Upholding its philosophy of "luxurious haircare, enriches lifestyle," KONO consistently adheres to stringent salon-quality standards in product development, striving to offer consumers a lavish haircare experience. With the enlistment of Mark Hampton, a leading figure in the fashion and styling world, KONO not only strengthens its brand identity but further fuses fashion-forward aesthetics into its offerings.

Over the years, Hampton's artistry has graced the pinnacles of the fashion world, sculpting iconic looks for an array of celebrities. His impeccable taste, trend-spotting prowess, and masterful styling have made him a household name. Given the harmony between Hampton's celebrated stature and KONO's luxurious ethos, this partnership was more than just strategicit felt right.

Established in 2018, KONO made a dramatic entry into the haircare market with an impressive product portfolio. Within a mere year of its inaugural product launch, the brand achieved stellar success, rapidly emerging as a dark horse in the competitive salon-quality haircare landscape. From its inception, KONO positioned itself as a premium salon-grade haircare brand, championing the mission to "provide everyone with an authentic salon-quality haircare experience." In the face of fierce market competition, while product excellence remains paramount, brand strategy and partnerships, such as the recent alignment with Mark Hampton, are integral to the brand's overarching vision.

It's well understood that behind a stellar product lies not only the application of cutting-edge technology but also the embodiment of a brand's lifestyle philosophy. With rising living standards, haircare and hair quality have become crucial components of urban women's aesthetic aspirations. Consumers increasingly crave high-end salon experiences and brands that resonate with contemporary style.

A luminary in salon styling, Mark Hampton has always maintained a profound engagement with salon-quality haircare products. His discerning judgment extends beyond assessing model's makeup; he constantly evaluates and appraises top-tier products in the haircare realm. Given the alignment between KONO's commitment to luxury haircare and Mark's aesthetic preferences, there's a mutual understanding of the essential role hair quality and style play in salon artistry. This mutual recognition underpins the importance of in-depth collaboration to achieve aesthetic advancements in salon haircare.

Thus, the alliance between KONO and Mark Hampton seems serendipitous yet inevitable. It's the duo's shared passion and vision for salon aesthetics and artistic styling that catalyzed this commendable partnership.

Historically, salon styling has predominantly remained within the exclusive realm of celebrities and models, with the interpretation of haircare aesthetics primarily in the hands of professional stylists. KONO, championing luxury haircare, seeks to democratize this exclusive salon-quality experience, aiming to "elevate experiences while making products accessible," allowing a broader audience to indulge in their personal salon moments.

KONO's monumental market success is a testament to its diligent efforts and innovation. From its inception, the brand has been dedicated to developing effective haircare products, harnessing global resources and advanced technologies, establishing efficient supply chains, and consistently launching distinguished products that cater to core user needs. This unwavering dedication has solidified KONO's foothold amidst a sea of formidable competitors.

From an operational perspective, KONO's partnership with world-renowned stylist Mark Hampton is not just a spotlight magnet but a valuable intangible asset for the brand. Following its rapid growth, KONO seeks to emphasize brand-building, elevating its brand image and pooling celebrity and influencer resources, facilitating brand recognition and continual expansion into upscale markets.

This collaboration between KONO and Mark is a testament to KONO's dedication to crafting luxurious haircare products. An endorsement from a top-tier stylist like Mark instills in consumers a perception of KONO as professional, trendy, and premium. It paves the way for KONO's ongoing commitment to the luxury salon-grade haircare sector, promising to deliver unparalleled salon experiences for a wider consumer base in the future.



KONO Official store (konosalon.com)


VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MAX Power Mining Corp. (CSE: MAXX; OTC: MAXXF; FRANKFURT: 89N) (MAX Power or the Company) announces that Prospectair Geosurveys of Gatineau, Quebec, has resumed a high resolution heliborne radiometric and magnetic survey covering the Companys Corvette Lake North and Corvette Lake South properties in James Bay, in close proximity to Patriot Battery Metals Corvette deposit and covering a total area of approximately 100 sq. km (see Figure 1, Location Map).

MAX Power initially commenced the airborne survey in late June (refer to June 21, 2023 news release) and work was paused shortly thereafter, due to forest fire restrictions in the region. On June 26, the company announced that it had outlined multiple radiometric anomalies at and around the newly-identified Shoreline Zone from preliminary airborne survey data covering approximately two-thirds of Corvette Lake North. MAX Power eagerly awaits a detailed analysis of the Corvette Lake North Survey upon its final completion in the coming days, ahead of ground operations.

Figure 1 - Location Map

Mr. Rav Mlait, MAX Power CEO, commented: Corvette Lake North and Corvette Lake South have become increasingly interesting to our geological team in recent months based on further reviews of historical information and preliminary interpretations from the early part of the airborne survey before it was interrupted by the forest fire threat. This summer, we have seen significant corporate activities in this area including the entrance of Rio Tinto, next to MAX Power (1), and investment by Albemarle into Patriot Battery Metals (2). Were excited to resume this work at our Corvette Lake properties in advance of field operations.

Mr. Mlait added, The recent news that Ford and SK, a Korean battery manufacturer, are planning to build a new $1.2 billion battery cathode factory in Becancour, Quebec (3) is another reason our Canadian lithium division is focused exclusively on this province with our strategic position in the James Bay Lithium Camp and ownership of one of the largest land positions focused on lithium in Nunavik, covering the top third of Quebec, where an exploration program is ongoing.

Management cautions that mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of the presence of similar mineralization or geology on the Company's properties.

Prospectair Geosurveys is acquiring detailed information on Corvette Lake North and Corvette Lake South using 50-metre line spacing. The tight line spacing is an important factor in interpreting structures and rock formations, especially where rocks are not outcropping.

References:

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Peter Lauder, P.Geo., Member of the Order of Geologists of Quebec and Senior Geologist and Exploration Manager for MAX Power Mining Corp. Mr. Lauder is the Qualified Person responsible for the scientific and technical information contained herein under National Instrument 43-101 standards.

About MAX Power

MAX Power is a dynamic exploration stage resource company targeting domestic lithium resources to advance North Americas renewable energy prospects. MAX has also entered into a cooperative research and development agreement with the University of California Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to develop state-of-the-art direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies for brine resources.

Contact: [email protected]

MarketSmart Communications at 877-261-4466.

Forward-Looking Statement Cautions

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, relating to exploration, drilling, mineralization and historical results on the Properties; the interpretation of drilling and assay results, the initiation of and the results thereby of any future drilling program, mineralization and the discovery mineralization (if any); plans for future exploration and drilling and the timing of same; the merits of the Properties and the James Bay region, generally; the potential for lithium within the Properties; commentary as it related to the opportune timing to explore lithium exploration and any anticipated increasing demand for lithium; future press releases by the Company; funding of any future drilling program; regulatory approval, including but not limited to the CSE. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," interpreted, "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," suggests, often, target, future, likely, pending, "potential," "goal," "objective," "prospective," possibly, preliminary, and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made, and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the CSE, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, risks associated with the interpretation of assay results and the drilling program, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's Managements Discussion and Analysis, 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.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/19df0609-ca2d-418c-bb6d-926ff029c647

Location Map MAX Power Mining Claims in James Bay Lithium Camp, Quebec, Canada

Source: Max Power Mining Corp
WEST ST. PAUL, Manitoba, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The families of innocent victims killed in impaired driving crashes will come together on Saturday for a special Ceremony of Remembrance at MADD Canadas Manitoba Memorial Monument.

The beautiful Monument, located at Glen Eden Funeral Home, is etched with the names of 84 people who died as a result of someones choice to drive impaired, including three new names added in the past year.

Media are invited to attend the Manitoba Memorial Monument Ceremony: Date: Saturday, August 26, 2023 Time: 11 a.m. Location: Glen Eden Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4477 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba Speakers: West St. Paul Deputy Mayor Mike Pagtakhan Sgt. Cathy Farrell, Winnipeg Police Service Tanya Hansen Pratt, Incoming National President of MADD Canada Trevor Ens, MADD Winnipeg Chapter President

Our Manitoba Memorial Monument honours innocent victims who lost their lives because someone else chose to drive impaired, said MADD Canada Western Region Victim Services Manager Gillian Phillips. Here, we acknowledge their loss and the grief faced by their loved ones. Here, we also show the public how impaired driving so often results in tragic, irreversible consequences, and hope to motivate everyone to make the commitment to never drive under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or other drugs.

MADD Canada has provincial Memorial Monuments in Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Quebec and is unveiling a new monument in Ontario in September. We are working towards establishing similar monuments in British Columbia and Prince Edward Island.

For more information: Gillian Phillips, MADD Canada Victim Services Manager, at 1-866-461-4077 or [email protected]

Source: MADD Canada
Safe Housing Grants Protect Domestic Violence Survivors Pets

Sacramento, California, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RedRover has awarded $254,643 in Safe Housing grants in this funding round, thanks in part to Purina and PetSmart Charities. Safe Housing grants of up to $60,000 are available, and can be used to build or renovate spaces dedicated to housing survivors pets, to create a foster program, to pay for temporary boarding, or for a combination of services. Funds may also go toward routine veterinary care, emergency veterinary care, and pet deposits.

RedRover Director of Outreach and Collaboration, Katie Campbell, said, Pets are family. All too often survivors will not leave an abuser if they cant take their pet, for fear of what may happen. With each grant awarded we are creating a pathway to help more domestic violence survivors and their beloved pets escape abuse and start a new life free from harm.

This cycle, five domestic violence shelters and two animal shelters were awarded Safe Housing grants (*including two new pet-friendly shelters).

RedRover + Purina Purple Leash Project DV Shelter Grantees:

*Peace at Home Family Shelter, Washington County, Arkansas - $60,000

Verde Valley Sanctuary, Yavapai County, Arizona - $60,000

180 Turning Lives Around, Monmouth County, New Jersey - $6,000

DV Shelter Grantees:

*YWCA Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma - $60,000 (funded by PetSmart Charities)

Womens Center Harbor House, Marquette County, Michigan - $7,289

Animal Shelter Grantee:

Humane Society Ohio Valley, Washington County, Ohio - $9,169

SPCA Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio - $52,195

Peace at Home Family Shelter CEO Teresa Mills said, Thanks in part to RedRover and Purinas Purple Leash Project grant, Peace at Home Family Shelter will be able to build the Candy Clark Pet Sanctuary. This sanctuary will provide a safe place for survivors of domestic violence to flee abusive homes with their beloved pets. Animals are not safe in homes with domestic violence and families fleeing abuse are often afraid to leave their pets behind in dangerous homes. This grant will keep families with their pets, prevent animal abuse, and save lives.

Earlier this month RedRover launched the 25 by 2025 campaign with Greater Good Charities and Purina, powered by the generosity of PetSmart Charities. This national initiative aims to help 25% of domestic violence shelters to become pet friendly by 2025.To learn how to join the movement, visit 25by2025.org.

Sara McKenzie, engagement specialist for YWCA Oklahoma City said, YWCA Oklahoma City is proud and excited to welcome pets into our emergency shelter for the first time! Pets are commonly used in abusive tactics against victims of domestic violence. By providing safety to not only the individual, but their pet(s) as well, we are saving the lives of so many!

Safe Housing grant application deadlines are March 1, June 1, and September 1. To learn more, visit: RedRover.org/SafeHousing.

Pets and Domestic Violence:

As many as 71% of pet-owning women entering DV shelters reported their abuser injured, killed, or threatened family pets (F.R. Ascione)

Up to 48% of DV victims reported delaying leaving an abuser for fear of what would happen if they left their pets behind (F.R. Ascione)

91% of survivors indicated their pets emotional support and physical protection are significant in their ability to survive and heal

Currently, only 17% of DV shelters nationwide are pet friendly (pet friendly means shelters can accept companion animals/pets, in addition to service and emotional support animals)

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About RedRover

Founded in 1987, RedRover focuses on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the human-animal bond through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance, and education. Since 2012, RedRover has awarded 204 grants to shelters in 46 states, totaling more than $3.8 million. Additionally, Safe Housing grants have created the first pet-friendly domestic violence shelter in 10 states! RedRover has earned a coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, Americas largest independent charity evaluator. To learn how RedRover is creating a more compassionate world, visit RedRover.org.

Attachments
Chicago, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NCSBN recognized its dedicated and exceptional membership and guests at its annual awards ceremony during the NCSBN Annual Meeting and Delegate Assembly, held in Chicago, Aug. 16-18, 2023.

Specific award recipients include:

David Benton, RGN, PhD, FRCN, FAAN, CEO, NCSBN, was awarded the prestigious Founders Award that is given only upon occasion that an individual with ethics, integrity and sincerity has demonstrated the highest regard for the ideals and beliefs upon which NCSBN was founded.

Paula R. Meyer, MSN, RN, FRE, retired executive director, Washington State Board of Nursing, received the Meritorious Service Award, which is granted to a member for significant contributions to the mission and vision of NCSBN.

Suzanne Hunt, board staff, Tennessee Board of Nursing, received the Exceptional Contribution Award, which is given for significant contribution by a member who is not a president or executive officer and has demonstrated support of NCSBNs mission.

The Kansas State Board of Nursing was awarded the Regulatory Achievement Award that recognizes the member board or associate member that has made an identifiable, significant contribution to the mission and vision of NCSBN in promoting public policy related to the safe and effective practice of nursing in the interest of public welfare.

In addition, service awards were given to the following executive officers of nursing regulatory bodies (NRBs):

Five Years

Beverly Balaski, MN, RN, executive director, Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan

Dana Dalton, MSN, RN, CMBI, supervising nurse consultant, Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing

Missy Poortenga, MHA, RN, executive director, Montana Board of Nursing

Elaine Yamaguchi, executive officer, California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians

Pamela C. Zickafoose, EdD, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CNE, FRE, executive director, Delaware Board of Nursing

10 Years

Jennifer Brenton, RN, LPN, executive director, College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba

Karen C. Lyon, PhD, RN, ACNS, NEA, executive director, Louisiana State Board of Nursing

Lynsay Rae Nair, LPN, executive director, Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses

Lynn Power, MN, RN, executive director, College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador

Kathleen Weinberg, MSN, RN, executive director, Iowa Board of Nursing

25 Years

Paula R. Meyer, MSN, RN, FRE, retired executive director, Washington State Board of Nursing

2023 Centennial AwardNevada State Board of NursingNew Mexico Board of NursingAbout NCSBNEmpowering and supporting nursing regulators across the world in their mandate to protect the public, NCSBN is an independent, not-for-profit organization. As a global leader in regulatory excellence, NCSBN champions regulatory solutions to borderless health care delivery, agile regulatory systems and nurses practicing to the full scope of their education, experience and expertise. A world leader in test development and administration, NCSBNs NCLEX Exams are internationally recognized as the preeminent nursing examinations.

NCSBNs membership is comprised of the nursing regulatory bodies (NRBs) in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories. There are seven exam user members and 23 associate members that are either NRBs or empowered regulatory authorities from other countries or territories.

The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not individual members.

Dawn M. Kappel NCSBN 3125253667 [email protected]

Source: NCSBN
Reno, Nevada, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nevada Canyon Gold Corp. (OTC Markets: NGLD) (The Company or Nevada Canyon) is pleased to announce that planning is complete on the Companys Phase I exploration program on the Belshazzar Property, located within the Quartzburg mining district, in Boise County, Idaho, approx. 25 miles north-northeast of Boise ID.

Phase I of the Belshazzar Property exploration program will consist of reconnaissance prospecting, geological mapping, surface trenching, sampling of old workings, mine dumps and the mapping relocation of historical workings on the property. This initial Phase I exploration program is expected to begin this fall (2023) and will provide accurate modern data to assist in the planning of the Phase II exploration program.

The Belshazzar Property consists of 10 unpatented mineral claims and 7 placer mineral claims in a combined area of approx. 200 acres. situated along the upper reaches of Fall Creek within the Quartzburg mining district The Property is accessed via 16 miles of mostly gravel road from Idaho City, with year-round access. The Quartzburg district is in the western part of a larger mining region known as the Boise Basin, which produced over 2.8 million troy ounces of gold from placer and lode mines (Anderson, 1947).

The Belshazzar Property hosts the past producing Belshazzar mine. Approximately 3000 feet of underground workings consisting of several adits at different levels, sub-levels with connecting vertical shafts and milling facilities. By 1914, the Belshazzar mine had its own boarding house, bunk house, barn, assay office, blacksmith shops, sawmill and IO-stamp mill. Construction of a new mill was completed in 1924. A 1,700-foot-long aerial tramway connected ore bins at the No. 2 portal with the mill on Fall Creek (Quinn, 1914) remains of a tram terminal can still be seen at the No. 2 portal and at the site of the original mill (Dan Turmes, Idaho Dept. of Environmental Quality, 2008) The last known production from the Belshazzar mine was reported in 1941 (Mitchell, 2008). Exact production figures for the mine are not available.

As early as 1914, "high grade specimen rock" was reported from the Belshazzar mine (Quinn 1914), this material was found in the drift on the No. 3 level. A reported (Campbell,1927) "nugget" which yielded $245 in gold, equivalent at the time to almost 12 ounces. During 1928, it was noted that "some remarkably rich segregations of native gold" had been found in a section of the vein between the 401 and No. 3 levels. Several hand-sorted lots of this material contained between 48 and 435 ounces of gold, and one single specimen of pure metal reportedly weighed 105 ounces (Mitchell, 2008). Some of the ore was so rich that it was shipped directly to the assay office in Boise without treatment. Most of the specimen gold found at the Belshazzar was probably melted down, as few specimens are known to have survived from the active mining period ending in 1931.

In recent years, a " waste" rock dump located near the portal of the mine's 401-foot level has, with the aid of modern metal detectors, produced hundreds of wire gold specimens, ranging from microscopic in size to over 20 troy ounces. Total recent gold specimen production to-date is unknown but is probably well in excess of 800 ounces of gold

Held by private interests for most of its history, the Belshazzar Project remains very underexplored with virtually no modern-day exploration programs. The Project has exceptional potential for new discoveries on several exploration targets with multiple zones.

Market Awareness Program

Pursuant to Nevada Canyons ongoing strategy of raising its profile in the United States (U.S.) and to generate a greater following among U.S. media, retail and institutional investors, the Company entered into an agreement (the Agreement) with i2i Marketing Group, LLC., (i2i) of Odessa, Florida. Wherein i2i can provide marketing services including content creation, media distribution and market awareness campaigns.

The Agreement contemplates a three-month timeframe, with i2i providing services through November 15, 2023, with a total budget of US$300,000. Prior to the commencement of services, (i2i) will receive a creation budget of US$25,000 (paid) used to develop materials for the campaign. with the balance of US$275,000 directed towards the digital media and investor awareness campaign budgets. The Company will pay i2i an initial media deposit of US$150,000 (paid), with the residual budget being paid in subsequent monthly installments. Thereafter the initial three-month timeframe, the agreement may continue on a month-to-month basis, as agreed to by the parties. The agreement can be terminated by either party, by serving appropriate notice.

i2i has advised that it does not have any equity interest in the securities of the Company, or any right to acquire such an interest. i2i is at arms length to the Company. i2i will provide the Company with an opportunity to review all content describing the Company generated on behalf of i2i prior to its publication and i2i will not publish or distribute any content without the prior approval of the Company.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Alan Day

Alan Day

President & Director

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Nevada Canyon Gold Corp.

(TEL)- (888) 909-5548, (FAX)-(888) 909-1033

Email: [email protected]

Website: www. nevadacanyongold.com

Forward-Looking Statements

The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of exploration, delays in completing various engineering and exploration programs, and any potential results from such programs. Specifically, forward-looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to the potential mineralization and geological merits of the Company properties and various other factors beyond the Nevada Canyon Gold Corp.'s control. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this press release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events except as required by applicable securities legislation. Nevada Canyon Gold Corp. is neither an underwriter as the term is defined in Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act of 1933, nor an investment company pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940. Nevada Canyon Gold Corp. is not an investment adviser pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Nevada Canyon Gold Corp. is not registered with FINRA or SIPC. Investors are advised to carefully review the reports and documents that Nevada Canyon Gold Corp. files from time to time with the SEC, including its Annual Form 10K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, Quarterly and Current Reports.
TORONTO, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nevada Zinc Corporation (Nevada Zinc" or the "Company") (TSXV: NZN) is pleased to announce that it plans to raise up to $500,000 in a non-brokered private placement financing.

The financing will consist of an issue of up to 12,500,000 units ("Units") priced at $0.04 per Unit. Each Unit will consist of one (1) common share (Common Share) and one (1) common share purchase warrant (Warrant), with each Warrant exercisable for a common share at $0.10 for a period of eighteen (18) months from the date of issuance.

The net proceeds from the Financing are expected to be used to fund the Company's Lone Mountain Zinc project and for general corporate and working capital purposes.

All common shares issued in connection with the financing will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance. The Company may pay a finder's fee to eligible finders. The Offering is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and is anticipated to close in September 2023.

About Nevada Zinc

Nevada Zinc is a development stage company focused on the production of zinc-based products including zinc oxide and zinc based micro nutrient fertilizers from its Lone Mountain zinc deposit in Nevada. The Company will be focused on completing project studies for the remainder of 2023 and 2024 in addition to concurrently beginning the permitting process for a zinc oxide production plant adjacent to the Lone Mountain deposit.

For further information please contact:

Mike Wilson, President & CEO T: (416) 574-9075Email: [email protected]

Don Christie, CFOT: (416) 409-8441Email: [email protected]

Cautionary Statement

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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and terms of financings, timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, obligations under existing and future agreements, expected share issuances and ownership positions, expected returns and profits from application of unproven chemical processes to the Companys mineral projects, partnerships and joint ventures, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results relating to, among other things, regulatory approvals, proceeds from financings, results of exploration, project development, reclamation and capital costs of the Company's mineral properties, and the Company's financial condition and prospects, could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company will be required to complete a PEA and pre-feasibility study to confirm the projects zinc oxide production flowsheet and project economics. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Source: Nevada Zinc Corporation
SEATTLE, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oscilla Power was honored as a Finalist in Fast Companys Innovation by Design Awards for 2023 in the Sustainability category for its Triton wave energy converter (WEC).

Oscilla Powers Triton wave energy converter (WEC) will make ocean wave energy a viable resource that can complement solar and wind in many locations worldwide including the US West Coast. The innovative design of the Triton overcomes the main limitations that have prevented ocean wave energy from being adopted previously by offering increased levels of energy capture, conversion efficiency, and survivability in the harsh ocean environment.

The secret to our ability to produce clean energy consistently, economically, and sustainably from waves is the unique system architecture of the Triton, said Balky Nair, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of Oscilla Power. It is an honor to be recognized by the judges and editors at Fast Company for such a fundamental aspect of our business. I would like to thank our investors and funding agencies, especially the US Department of Energy, Water Power Technologies Office, for their faith in us. This is also a significant recognition of their vision.

The Triton design is a result of many years of sustained effort and innovation by our technical team. Fast Companys recognition is greatly received and provides important motivation for us to push the Triton system towards commercial-scale deployments, said Tim Mundon, Chief Technology Officer of Oscilla Power.

The Innovation by Design Awards, which can be found in the September 2023 issue of Fast Company, honor the designers and businesses solving the most crucial problems of today and anticipating the pressing issues of tomorrow. The competition, now in its 12th year, features a range of blue-chip companies, emerging startups, and hungry young talents. It is one of the most sought-after design awards in the industry.

So much innovation news these days is focused on AI, said Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. This years Innovation by Design honorees are a reminder that its human ingenuity that drives invention.

The Fast Company recognition comes on the heels of the Triton System being named one of TIMEs top 200 inventions for 2022. In addition, Oscilla just recently completed a successful preliminary ocean test of the smaller 100kW Triton-C system in Hawaii.

The judges include renowned designers from a variety of disciplines, business leaders from some of the most innovative companies in the world, and Fast Companys own writers and editors. Entries are judged on the key ingredients of innovation: functionality, originality, beauty, sustainability, user insight, cultural impact, and business impact.

About Fast CompanyFast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.

About Oscilla PowerFounded in 2009 in Seattle, Oscilla Power develops novel wave energy systems that produce power at a lower levelized cost than traditional wave energy systems which are cost-competitive with incumbent systems. Its core Triton wave energy platform is engineered to produce renewable power at a levelized cost that is competitive with current clean energy costs. Oscilla Power is producing two wave energy systems with this multi-mode architecture: the Triton and the Triton-C. The Triton is a 1 MW rated power system that is designed to be installed in large arrays to provide utility-scale power while the Triton-C is a 100 kW system designed for isolated power-at-sea applications or remote communities. More information can be found at www.oscillapower.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3bb11562-0b84-4769-a107-978e139b2f13

Media Contact John Williams, Scoville PR for Oscilla 206-660-5503, [email protected]

Oscilla Power's Wave Energy Converter Oscilla Power was honored as a Finalist in Fast Companys Innovation by Design Awards for 2023 in the Sustainability category for its Triton wave energy converter (WEC).

Source: Oscilla Power
VANCOUVER  Orla Mining Ltd., which is developing the South Railroad Project in Nevada, operates the Camino Rojo Mine in Mexico and has a project in Panama, has released its inaugural sustainability report highlighting its environmental, social and governance initiatives.

I am very excited to launch our inaugural sustainability report, an important milestone for Orla, said Jason Simpson, Orla president and chief executive officer. This report outlines our impact beyond financial performance and integrates our responses on the material ESG challenges across our business. As an emerging gold producer with a focus on responsible mining, it is a natural time to amplify our communication and commitment.

The 2022 Sustainability Report enhances Orlas ESG disclosure and introduces a long-term roadmap through the companys Towards 2030 Sustainability Strategy, Orla said in an Aug. 21 announcement. The company said this strategy is grounded in Orlas objective of transforming mineral resources into a net-positive benefit for its stakeholders.

The stakeholders include employees, shareholders, suppliers, nations, and communities where Orla operates, Orla said.

The company stated that the strategy sets clear priorities, key performance indicators, action plans and timelines to drive progress in areas such as health and safety, climate change mitigation, water stewardship, biodiversity, community impact management, workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Transparent reporting on our performance is a core company tenet and underpins our Towards 2030 Sustainability Strategy, stated Chafika Eddine, Orlas chief sustainability officer. Through our sustainability report and other disclosures, we will keep stakeholders informed of our progress, hold ourselves accountable against our stated commitments, and gain insights on how to sharpen our future efforts.

The company reported highlights of the report include: 25% of Orlas corporate goals were ESG-linked, all of which were achieved; 100% of Orla executives and managers were evaluated against ESG performance; the safety record was a lost-time injury rate of 1.49 across the sites; and the company generated $5.8 million in community economic contributions at Camino Rojo, including salaries, local procurement, land leases, and investments in local infrastructure.

Orla stated it also achieved zero water discharge at Camino Rojo, with 100% of water reused and recycled, developed its Towards 2030 Sustainability Strategy, and established ESG targets to build a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive business around the goal of accelerating value creation and net-positive benefits for stakeholders.

Orla is in the process of preparing for the U.S. Bureau of Land Managements environmental impact statement on South Railroad, which is in Elko County on the Carlin Trend south of Interstate 80. Simpson said in the second-quarter earnings report Orla expects the BLM to issue a notice of intent to start the draft EIS later this year or early next year.

Orla Mining acquired the South Railroad Project when it acquired Gold Standard Ventures roughly a year ago in a plan of arrangement that also gives the company the Lewis exploration land package on the Battle Mountain Trend.
CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Parex Resources Inc. (Parex or the Company) (TSX: PXT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sanjay Bishnoi to Chief Financial Officer, effective October 2, 2023.

We are excited to welcome Sanjay to the Parex team, said Imad Mohsen, President & Chief Executive Officer. Bringing an extensive international background in strategy, corporate finance and executive leadership, he has demonstrated a track record of enhancing shareholder value through an entrepreneurial and commercial mindset.

Mr. Bishnoi is a proven Chief Financial Officer with over 25 years of financial and leadership experience, primarily in the energy sector. Most recently, he held the position of Chief Financial Officer at TotalEnergies EP Canada. Prior to that role, he served as the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Enerflex from 2019 to 2023, where he led all financial and reporting aspects of the global natural gas infrastructure company. From 2015 to 2019, he was a co-founder and served as the Chief Financial Officer of Caprock Midstream, a privately held midstream operator in the Delaware basin. His career has also encompassed financial and operational roles with organizations such as GE, The Dow Chemical Company, El Paso Global LNG, The Boston Consulting Group, and Imperial Oil.

Mr. Bishnoi holds an MBA from the University of Chicago, a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, and a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Calgary.

"I am very enthusiastic about becoming a member of the Parex team," said Sanjay Bishnoi. "The world-class portfolio of assets, combined with the promising opportunity set in Colombia, has positioned the Company to continue delivering significant shareholder value in the years to come.

Mr. Bishnoi will succeed Ken Pinsky, who, as previously announced, is electing to retire. Mr. Pinsky joined Petro Andina, Parexs predecessor, in 2008 as Vice President, Finance, and Chief Financial Officer, and has been the Chief Financial Officer of Parex since its inception. Following Mr. Bishnois appointment, Mr. Pinsky will remain with the Company until November 30, 2023, to ensure a smooth transition.

About Parex Resources Inc.

Parex is the largest independent oil and gas company in Colombia, focusing on sustainable, conventional production. The Companys corporate headquarters are in Calgary, Canada, with an operating office in Bogota, Colombia. Parex is a member of the S&P/TSX Composite ESG Index and its shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PXT.

For more information, please contact:

Mike KruchtenSenior Vice President, Capital Markets & Corporate Planning403-517-1733[email protected]

Steven EirichInvestor Relations & Communications Advisor587-293-3286[email protected]

PDF Available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/a9e5c85e-d24f-4db7-8a57-488d2178da95

Source: Parex Resources Inc.
Polar King executive vice president Christian Aitken will attend the show to meet with industry leaders

Fort Wayne, IN, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Polar King Mobile (PKM) executive vice president Christian Aitken announces PKM will exhibit at this months North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) Trailer Show. The show runs Aug. 30-31 at the Music City Center in Nashville.

Company executives, including Aitken and Polar King International vice president Barry Tippmann, will be located at Booth No. 1542, where they hope to foster relationships with fellow NATDA members and recruit new dealers.

The NATDA Trailer Show is North America's premier platform for trailer industry innovation," Aitken says. This event presents an incredible opportunity for Polar King Mobile to showcase our pioneering line of small, affordable refrigerated trailer solutions, and were excited to share our products and forge meaningful relationships within the industry. Our trailers are still in their infancy, and we hope we can continue growing our nationwide network at the best trailer dealer event in the country.

Dealer executives and media personnel are invited to stop by the Polar King Mobile booth, where the company will exhibit a 6 x 12 refrigerated trailer.

In addition to Aitken and Tippmann, three other Polar King Mobile representatives will be on-hand at NATDA 2023, including Gary Cooper (service manager), Christina York (dealer coordinator) and Rob Henry (director of marketing).

Polar King Mobile refrigerated trailers are designed and engineered specifically for outdoor and over-the-road use. PKMs 100% seamless fiberglass design provides a continuous surface with rounded insulated corners to promote a sanitary environment.

To learn more about the NATDA Trailer Show, visit www.natda.org/trailer-show.

To learn more about Polar King Mobile, visit www.polarkingmobile.com or call 866-586-2051. Potential dealers should email Christian Aitken at [email protected].

About Polar King Mobile

Polar King Mobile was founded in 2020 to provide North America with the first affordable, small, refrigerated trailer solution. The companys refrigerated and freezer trailers, engineered specifically for outdoor and over-the-road use, feature a 100% seamless fiberglass design with a continuous surface. Polar King Mobile trailers are used by single-unit operators, chain restaurants, schools, health care facilities, government agencies and many others requiring dependable outdoor refrigeration. For more information, visit polarkingmobile.com or call (866) 260-4686. Polar King Mobile is located at 4410 New Haven Ave Suite A, Fort Wayne, IN 46803 USA.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. (CSE: RFLX), (OTCQB: RFLXF), (FSE: HF2) (Reflex or the Company), is pleased to announce that six members of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) have conducted a site visit in August 2023 to verify historical data related to the Ruby Graphite project (the, Project). The focus of the site visit was the past producing mine within the Companys Ruby Graphite Project, which was operated by the Crystal Graphite Company in the 1940s.

The Ruby Graphite project, located near Dillon, Montana, has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its potential as a valuable source of high-purity graphite within the continental United States. Given the historical significance and the potential economic impact of the project, the USGS has taken an active interest in conducting a comprehensive verification of the historical data.

During the site visit, the USGS team assessed and evaluated information related to the past producing mine, which involved reviewing existing records, examining physical infrastructure, and conducting geological assessments. The team analyzed available data to compare it to the historical records to ensure accuracy and reliability.

"We were thrilled to welcome the USGS team to our Ruby Graphite project," said Paul Gorman, CEO of Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. "Their legitimacy, expertise and thorough evaluation will help validate the historical data and provide further confidence in the project's potential. This site visit represents a significant milestone for us and underscores our commitment to transparency and scientific rigor."

The verification process conducted by the USGS is expected to offer valuable insights into the historical operations of the Crystal Graphite Company and shed light on the geologic characteristics and potential of the Ruby Graphite project. The findings from the site visit will aid Reflex Advanced Materials Corp in refining its exploration and development strategies moving forward.

For more information on Reflex Advanced Materials Corp and its mineral projects, please visit the Companys website at www.reflexmaterials.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Paul Gorman CEO & Director

Reflex Advanced Materials Corp[email protected]Tel. (778-837-7191)Suite 915-700 West Pender StreetVancouver, BC V6C 1G8Canada

About Reflex Advanced Materials

Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. is a mineral exploration company based in British Columbia. Its objective is to locate and, if warranted, develop economic mineral properties in the strategic metals and advanced materials space. It is focused on improving domestic specialty mineral infrastructure efficiencies to meet surging national demand by North American manufacturers. The Company is working to advance its Ruby Graphite Project, located in Beaverhead County, Montana, and ZigZag Lake Lithium Property, located in Thunder Bay Mining Division, Crescent Lake Area, Ontario.

For more information, please review the Companys filings available at www.sedar.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company, including (without limitation) expectations and assumptions concerning the business plan of the Company, exploration and development of the Companys assets, the application of regulatory and licensing requirements, and the availability of capital, labour and services. By their nature, such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause the actual results and expectations to differ materially from the anticipated results and expectations expressed. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in commodity prices, changes in industry regulations and political landscape in Canada and the United States, stock market volatility, and those risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Source: Reflex Advanced Materials Corp.
STMicroelectronics Publishes its IFRS 2023 Semi Annual Accounts

Geneva, August 23, 2023  STMicroelectronics NV (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, published today its IFRS 2023 Semi Annual Accounts for the six-month period ended July 1, 2023, on its website and filed them with the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM).

The Companys Semi Annual Accounts, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS-EU) are posted on the Companys website (www.st.com) and the AFMs website (www.afm.nl).

About STMicroelectronics

At ST, we are over 50,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An integrated device manufacturer, we work with more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of the Internet of Things and connectivity. We are committed to achieving our goal to become carbon neutral on scope 1 and 2 and partially scope 3 by 2027. Further information can be found at www.st.com .

For further information, please contact:

INVESTOR RELATIONS:

Celine Berthier

Group VP, Investor Relations

Tel: +41 22 929 58 12

[email protected]

MEDIA RELATIONS:

Alexis Breton

Corporate External Communications

Tel: +33 6 59 16 79 08

[email protected]

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SANTA BARBARA, CA, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- World Insurance Associates, LLC (World) announced today that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Tomorrows Financial Services, Inc. (TFS Wealth Management/TFS), based in Lincroft, New Jersey, adding to the World financial services division led by Troy Hammond, CEO of Pensionmark, a World company (Pensionmark).

Founded in 1968, TFS offers a comprehensive platform for financial planners and wealth management advisors with industry-leading technology and a suite of advisor services with proprietary integrations designed for advisor-client collaboration. This acquisition brings an additional $5.5 billion of wealth assets under management to Worlds financial services division and increases the number of financial advisors in the network to 307.

Included in the acquisition are TFS Securities, Inc., TFS Insurance Agency, Inc. and TFS Mortgage Corporation, Inc. TFS Securities, Inc. offers a full range of securities products, investment advisory services, managed accounts and financial planning services. TFS Insurance Agency, Inc. offers a wide array of life, disability and long-term care insurance, in addition to annuities and hybrid insurance solutions. TFS Mortgage Corporation, Inc.s licensed mortgage originators assist clients with residential and commercial purchase and refinance mortgage loans. Thomas P. Hyland, Sr., will continue in his leadership role as the President of TFS, and the TFS management and staff team will remain in place.

TFS is centered on the belief that the interests of the client must always come first, said Thomas Hyland, President of TFS. Our goal is to provide our clients with comprehensive education and the guidance necessary to help them make sound financial decisions. Our partnership with World will expand our capabilities and solidify our future for many years to come while providing us significant resources and access to more clients that we can serve.

The acquisition of TFS underscores the commitment we have made to delivering best-in-class wealth solutions to the financial advisors we serve, said Troy Hammond, CEO of Pensionmark. TFS has a great culture, cutting-edge technology, great support staff and a high-touch approach, which aligns with our philosophies on how we serve our advisors and their clients. I am thrilled to have Thomas Hyland and his amazing team as part of the Pensionmark/World family.

The acquisition is subject to applicable regulatory approval and is expected to close in Q4 2023.

About Pensionmark, A World Company

The Pensionmark network represents hundreds of advisors and staff across the U.S. with thousands of retirement plan and wealth management clients. The Pensionmark network of retirement specialists includes defined contribution, defined benefit, terminal funding, not-for-profit, wealth management, and executive/deferred compensation specialists. For more information, please visit www.pensionmark.com.

Pensionmark Financial Group, LLC (Pensionmark) is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Pensionmark is affiliated through common ownership with Pensionmark Securities, LLC (member SIPC).

About World Insurance Associates LLC

World Insurance Associates LLC (World) is headquartered in Iselin, N.J., and is a nationally ranked, full-service insurance organization providing individuals and businesses with top products and services across personal and commercial insurance, employee and executive benefits, retirement planning and financial planning services and human capital management solutions. To date, World has completed more than 195 acquisitions and serves its clients from more than 260 offices across the United States. World is ranked #28 on the 100 Largest Brokers of U.S. Business list by Business Insurance, ranked #3 on the Fastest Growing Brokers list by Business Insurance, ranked #3 on the Fastest Growing Benefits Brokers list by Business Insurance, ranked #24 on the Top 100 P&C Agencies by Insurance Journal and ranked #20 on the Top 50 Personal Lines Agencies by Insurance Journal. For more information, please visit www.worldinsurance.com.

Media Contact:Jean Wiskowski, Chief Marketing OfficerWorld Insurance Associates LLC732-380-0900 Ext. 736[email protected]

Mergers & Acquisitions Contact:Neel Ray, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Financial Services Pensionmark/World Insurance Associates LLC917-414-2928[email protected]

Source: Pensionmark A World Company
Mushrooms Inc. (OTC: MSRM) today announced its newly formed business development team, strategically assembled to harness the momentum generated by the companys new technology and Innovation lab development. The team is comprised of accomplished professionals with diverse backgrounds and poised to drive Mushrooms Inc. into a new era of innovation and growth. This enhanced business development team represents a pivotal milestone for Mushrooms Inc., said Donald Steinberg, board director of Mushrooms Inc. As we make strides in the mushroom sector, our teams collective experience and expertise provide a robust foundation for innovation and growth.

To view the full press release, visit https://ibn.fm/FatXj

About Mushrooms Inc.

Mushrooms is a publicly traded company on the OTC Markets with the stock symbol MSRM. The vision for the company is to support the growth of the mushroom industry through collaboration, innovation and development. Creating and supporting environmentally beneficial product innovation is at the heart of Mushrooms. Its current focus is on the industrial application of mycelium for the creation of carbon-neutral products for the building and health care industries as well as creating supplements based on the proven health benefits of mushrooms. Research and development is the path to achieving great innovation, and the pioneers are the ones the company looks to for fortitude and enduring dedication to the world of mycology. The working relationships it fosters will result in scientifically proven products that advance the health of body, mind and environment. For more information about the company, visit www.MushroomsInc.com.

About PsychedelicNewsWire

PsychedelicNewsWire (PNW) is a specialized content distribution company that (1) aggregates and distributes news and information on the latest developments in all aspects and advances of psychedelics and their use, (2) creates PsychedelicNewsBreaks designed to quickly update investors on important industry news, (3) leverages a team of expert editors to enhance press releases for maximum impact, (4) assists companies with the management and optimization of social media across a range of platforms, and (5) delivers unparalleled corporate communication solutions. PNW stays abreast of the latest information and has established a reputation as the go to source for coverage of psychedelics, therapeutics and emerging market opportunities. Our team of seasoned journalists has a proven track record of helping both public and private companies gain traction with a wide audience of investors, consumers, media outlets and the general public by leveraging our expansive dissemination network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets. PNW is committed to delivering improved visibility and brand recognition to companies operating in the emerging markets of psychedelics.

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Saskatoon, Saskatchewan--(Newsfile Corp. - August 22, 2023) - 1844 RESOURCES Inc. (TSXV: EFF) (the "Company" or "1844") further to the Company's news release dated June 9 and July 20, 2023, 1844 announces a 30 day extension of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") to finalize remaining subscriptions and coordinate an orderly closing. The Company is keeping the same terms as previously announced and will raise up to 57,142,858 Units at $0.035 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $2,000,000.

The Units will consist of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). The Warrants are exercisable for a period of 36 months from closing and the exercise price is $0.055 per Warrant.

In connection with the Offering, the Company will pay 8% cash finders fee and 8% non-transferable share purchase warrants, each warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.05 per share for a period of 12 months from closing.

1844 will use the net proceeds from the Offering in connection with its option to acquire the Hawk Ridge Project, for exploration on the Hawk Ridge Project and for general corporate purposes. Mr. Sylvain Laberge, President and CEO of the Company, commented: "The option to acquire a 100% interest in the Hawk Ridge Project is transformational for 1844. Hawk Ridge is expected to become one of the flagship properties of the Company and is expected to add to our existing portfolio of copper and other critical mineral projects in coastal Quebec."

For more details on the Company's option to acquire the Hawk Ridge Project, see the Company's news releases dated March 6 and 7, 2023. The Company originally announced the Offering on April 12, 2023. Copies of the Company's news releases are available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company's option to acquire the Hawk Ridge Project remains subject to Exchange approval.

About 1844 Resources Inc.: 1844 is an exploration company with a focus in strategic and energetic metals and underexplored regions "Gasp, Nunavik Quebec". With a dedicated management team, the Company's goal is to create shareholder value through the discovery of new deposits.

1844 RESOURCES INC.

(signed) "Sylvain Laberge"

Sylvain Laberge

President and CEO

514.702.9841

Slaberge@1844 resources.com

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company's option on the Hawk Ridge Project and the Offering. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which the Company operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. These include assumptions regarding, among other things: general business and economic conditions; the availability of additional exploration and mineral project financing; and Exchange approval.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include exploration or other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, including those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178205
Amsterdam, Netherlands--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - ClickDealer is pleased to announce that Digital Media Solutions acquired the assets of ClickDealer in early March. This acquisition materialized despite the precarious state of ClickDealer's Ukrainian assets and the termination of its operations in Russia. ClickDealer navigated away from significant losses that jeopardized its existence and emerged in an acquisition within a year's time. The development of ClickDealer and its strategic prowess in confronting adversity was covered in arecent article.

ClickDealer was established in 2012 as a modest affiliate network, primarily focusing on the dating vertical, with its operations centered in a single office in Ukraine. This marked the first of several challenges that the company encountered.

ClickDealer swiftly diversified to counteract the industry's turbulence that could have threatened its survival. By hiring professionals with connections and expertise in markets like the US, APAC, LATAM, and Europe, ClickDealer's strategy proved successful. The company not only expanded its verticals, but also established offices in key international locations.

In 2018, ClickDealer reached a crossroads: rely on third-party software or develop its platform. Opting for the latter, with an in-house team, they solved server problems, introduced innovation, and spurred growth. The new platform's speed and autonomy set ClickDealer apart, showcasing both growth and tech prowess. The dedicated team continued crafting tools enhancing services.

The global ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic affected every sector, including affiliate marketing. For ClickDealer, this meant the loss of the travel vertical but a surge in e-commerce. Moreover, the pandemic brought along the common challenges of remote work, restricted travel, and health concerns. However, the most significant blow to ClickDealer's operations was the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While ClickDealer operated on a global scale, its origins in Ukraine meant that its offices, including key executives, were operating in a war zone.

Of particular consequence was ClickDealer's strategic push into the Russian market over several years, marked by industry sponsorships, partnerships, and campaigns.Recent military mobilization had, however, influenced the companys terminating its operations in Russia. In response, the company established an office in Warsaw to accommodate employees who left Ukraine, while most of the Ukrainian team chose to work remotely from their home country.

As it had done before, ClickDealer adapted to the dire circumstances. Leveraging its diverse assets accumulated over a decade, the company shifted focus to the US and European markets. Investments in e-commerce, smartlink technology, pay-per-call, iGaming, and lead generation verticals proved fruitful, leading to Digital Media Solutions' acquisition of ClickDealer's assets for a substantial $40 million.

Reflecting on ClickDealer's 11-year journey and recent acquisition, their ability to excel under pressure is attributed to diversification, adaptability, and exceptional teams. ClickDealer thrived by identifying trends, amassing resources, and executing strategies effectively. Central to their success were teams that forged partnerships, drove platform evolution, and triumphed during conflicts. Investing in people stood out as the key lesson. A united, capable team ensures with resilience. ClickDealer's path highlights persistence, strategic acumen, and team commitment as drivers of success, emphasizing that challenges can fuel growth with the right approach.



Contacts

ClickDealer

[email protected]

Bloemgracht 17 H, 1016KB

Amsterdam, Netherlands

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178228
Dieppe, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - Colibri Resource Corporation (TSXV: CBI) ("Colibri" or the "Company") is pleased to report that its option partner Tocvan Ventures (CSE: TOC) has released results from the leaching process of its bulk sample of material at the Pilar Gold and Silver Project at the Pilar Project in Sonora, Mexico.

Tocvan is in year 4 of a 5-year agreement to earn an initial 51% of Colibri's Pilar Gold & Silver Project. For full details of Colibri's agreement with Tocvan please see the Company's news release dated September 24th, 2019.

Tocvan News Release: (August 22, 2023) - Brodie A. Sutherland, P.Geo. reports:

Highlights

Recovery Results for Heap Leaching Match Regional Operating Mines; Head Grade Exceeds Expectations 62% Recovery of Gold Achieved Over 46-day Leaching Period Report Confirms with Increase in Irrigation Flowrate, Higher Recovery Can Be Achieved Head Grade Calculated at 1.9 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag; Extracted Grade Calculated at 1.2 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag Bulk Sample Only Included Coarse Fraction of Material (+3/4" to +1/8") Fine Fraction (-1/8") Indicates Rapid Recovery with Agitated Leach



Recap of Fine Fraction and Gravity Recovery Results Agitated Bottle Roll Test Returned Rapid and High Recovery Results: 80% Recovery of Gold and 94% Recovery of Silver after Rapid 24-hour Retention Time Gravity Recovery with Agitated Leach Results of Five Composite Samples Returned 95 to 99% Recovery of Gold 73 to 97% Recovery of Silver Includes the Recovery of 99% Au and 73% Ag from Drill Core Composite at 120-meter Depth



Tocvan Ventures Corp. (the "Company") is pleased to provide results from a Bulk Sample completed at its Pilar gold-silver project Sonora, Mexico. Independent Qualified Professionals at LTM of Hermosillo have provided a final report after the completion of final analytical results. The report findings include a base of 62% recovery of gold and 47% recovery of silver. Head grade results were calculated by LTM as 1.9 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag, with calculated recoverable metal extracted at 1.2 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag. Importantly the report notes that the first 30 days of leaching was restricted by an erratic and low flowrate of cyanide leaching solution. This was corrected once identified through the installation of updated irrigation systems and began instantly improving irrigation flowrate and metal recovery. LTM notes that increased gold and silver recovery is likely with a more consistent flowrate. LTM has recommended a duplicate column leach study of available bulk sample composite material to verify the ultimate gold and silver extractions under heap leach. It is also important to note the low cyanide (NaCN) consumption recorded (0.19 kg/t), indicating low cost of operation. In addition to the heap leach study, an agitated bottle roll test was completed by LTM on a bulk sample composite for comparison of the two methods. Rapid gold and silver recovery was recorded from minus 20 Mesh material returning 80% recovery of gold and 94% recovery of silver after just 24-hours of retention time. Follow-on agitated leach and gravity tests are recommended to further evaluate the ability to utilize rapid recovery methods in lieu of the slower heap leach method. The Company is extremely pleased with the analytical results and insights gained through the bulk sample process which will guide future development and provide added confidence in the optimal extraction method.

"The Bulk Sample process has been extremely important to the understanding of the surface expression of mineralization at Pilar along with defining a path towards optimal gold and silver recovery." Stated Brodie Sutherland, CEO. "We are encouraged by the strong heap leach results for gold where the data suggests recovery can be improved through increased leaching solution flowrate over a consistent and longer leaching period. Perhaps the most encouraging development from the study is the characterization of exposed gold and silver amenable to rapid gravity and agitated leach recovery. A quicker turnaround for metal extraction at very high recovery rates adds a new positive factor to the development path of the relatively high-grade nature of Pilar. Having optionality to explore both methods as viable extraction techniques makes Pilar a unique and standout deposit for the region and with the potential now to explore an even greater area around to add to the potential resource size makes us even more excited for the future of the project."





Figure 1.Heap Leach Bulk Composite Sample. Flowrate versus time and Cumulative Gold and Silver Extraction versus time. Irrigation flowrate was improved after day 30 of the test having a positive impact on metal recovery.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4269/178234_949ba4d344b9d88c_001full.jpg

LTM Conclusions and Recommendations

A cyanide agitated bottle roll test conducted on the Bulk Composite Sample at a grind size of 100% minus 20 Mesh (850 microns) showed high gold and silver extractions of approximately 81% and 99% respectively after a retention time of 72 hours. It is important to point out that fast gold and silver dissolution kinetics were obtained and gold and silver extractions of 80% and 94% respectively were achieved after 24 hours of retention time. It is recommended to conduct a cyanide agitated bottle roll study on the Bulk Composite Sample at three grind sizes of P80 of 100 Mesh (150 m), 140 Mesh (106 m) and 200 Mesh (75 m) to evaluate the impact of grind size upon gold and silver extraction. The cyanide pilot heap test conducted on the Bulk Composite Sample at a crush sizes of +3/4"+1/8" showed gold and silver extractions of 61.84% and 47.27% respectively after a leach cycle of 46 days. Problems in the solution pumping system during the first 30 days of leach cycle affected the gold and silver extractions during the first 30 days of leach cycle. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct a duplicate column tests on the Bulk Composite Sample at a crush sizes of +3/4"+1/8" for determining the ultimate gold and silver extractions under heap leach type of leaching regime. It is recommended to conduct additional metallurgical test work on the Bulk Composite Sample at a crush size of 100% -1/8" which will provide additional information on the overall gold and silver recoveries and potential process options for processing the mineral resources from the El Pilar Gold Project. The following paragraphs summarize the recommended testwork and the objectives:

A)Two cyanide locked cycle column tests (1 Test with Agglomeration with Portland Cement 1 Test Without Agglomeration) to evaluate if it is feasible to leach the fine fraction (100% -1/8") of the Bulk Composite Sample without presenting percolation problems. B)Gravity Concentration at a grind of 80% minus 150 m using a Knelson Laboratory Concentrator. The objective of the test will be to evaluate the amenability of recovery the free gold contained in the fine fraction of the Bulk Composite Sample. C)Gravity Concentration at a grind of 80% minus 150 m using a Wilfley Concentrator Table. The objective will be to evaluate the amenability of recovery potential free gold contained in the fine fraction of the Bulk Composite Sample using the Wilfley Concentrator Table.





Figure 2.Cyanide Agitated Bottle Roll Test from Bulk Composite Sample. Rapid recovery of gold (80%) and silver (94%) achieved after 24-hours of retention time.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4269/178234_949ba4d344b9d88c_002full.jpg

Diagnostic Leach Study Summary

Full results from the Diagnostic Leach Study are available on the Company's website and in the March 29th news release. A summary is provided below to further demonstrate the potential to utilize rapid recovery methods.

Table 1. Summary of Results from the Precious Metals Diagnostic Leach Study completed by LTM.

Sample

ID Location Head Screen

Assay Gravity Concentrate

Assay Total Recoverable by Gravity and Agitated Cyanide Leach Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Au (%) Ag (%) 494741 Main Zone (Surface) 6.2 23 76.2 237 95 78 494743 Main Zone (Surface) 8.2 68 117.0 1152 98 97 494745 Main Zone (Surface) 2.7 9 35.6 82 97 90 494747 4-T (Surface) 20.4 74 290.3 568 98 85 494749 Main Zone (Drill Core) 24.9 9 231.1 53 99 73





About the Pilar Property

The Pilar Gold-Silver property has recently returned some of the regions best drill results. Coupled with encouraging gold and silver recovery results from metallurgical test work, Pilar is primed to be a potential near-term producer. Pilar is interpreted as a structurally controlled low-sulphidation epithermal system hosted in andesite rocks. Three primary zones of mineralization have been identified in the north-west part of the property from historic surface work and drilling and are referred to as the Main Zone, North Hill and 4-T. The Main Zone and 4-T trends are open to the southeast and new parallel zones have been recently discovered. Structural features and zones of mineralization within the structures follow an overall NW-SE trend of mineralization. Mineralization extends along a 1.2-km trend, only half of that trend has been drill tested so far. To date, over 23,000 m of drilling has been completed.

2022 Phase III Diamond Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 116.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2m @ 12 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag 108.9m @ 0.8 g/t Au, including 9.4m @ 7.6 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag 63.4m @ 0.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag, including 29.9m @ 0.9 g/t Au and 18 g/t Ag

2021 Phase II RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 39.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 1.5m @ 14.6 g/t Au 47.7m @ 0.7 g/t Au including 3m @ 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag 29m @ 0.7 g/t Au 35.1m @ 0.7 g/t Au

2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses 94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag; 41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag ; 24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag

15,000m of Historic Core RC drilling. Highlights include: 61.0m @ 0.8 g/t Au 16.5m @ 53.5 g/t Au and 53 g/t Ag 13.0m @ 9.6 g/t Au 9.0m @ 10.2 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag



Brodie A. Sutherland, P.Geo., CEO for Tocvan Ventures Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Oversight and management of the Bulk Sample was completed by an independent group of qualified professionals at LTM (Laboratorio Tecnologico de Metalurgia) of Hermosillo. As part of the Company's robust QA/QC procedures, duplicate samples of cyanide solutions are submitted to LTM in Hermosillo, Sonora. LTM facilities are an ISO 17025 and ISO 9001:2015 certified lab. A second duplicate of cyanide solutions are submitted to SGS in Durango. Gold and silver are analyzed using 30g nominal weight fire assay with AA finish for Au and gravimetric determination for Ag. Other elements are analyzed using aqua regia digestion with an ICP finish.

ABOUT COLIBRI RESOURCE CORPORATION:

Colibri is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V (CBI) and is focused on acquiring and exploring prospective gold & silver properties in Mexico. The Company holds six highly prospective precious metal properties, all of which have planned exploration programs for calendar 2023.

For more information about all Company projects please visit: www.colibriresource.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains "forward-looking statements." Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate.

For information contact: Ronald J. Goguen, President, Chairperson and Director, Tel: (506) 383-4274, [email protected].

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178234
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - Denarius Metals Corp. (TSXV: DSLV) (OTCQX: DNRSF) ("Denarius Metals" or "the Company") announced today that it has filed its unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying management's discussion and analysis (MD&A) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. These documents can be found on its website at www.denariusmetals.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. All financial figures contained herein are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.

Denarius Metals' 100%-owned Zancudo Project in Colombia is shaping up to be the Company's first mine going into operation. The Company expects to start up a 500 tonnes per day ("tpd") mining operation next year with a local contract miner initially targeting the existing mine workings and veins of the historic producing Independencia Mine. The Company recently announced it is proceeding with a proposed non-brokered financing (the "Offering") of up to CA$20 million in common shares with the principal use of funds focused on completing payments related to the Phase 1 construction activities at the Zancudo Project that are nearing completion in the third quarter of 2023, to fund the Phase 2 construction at Zancudo including the installation of a processing plant and tailings storage facility in 2024, and for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Company expects to close the Offering in September 2023.

In March 2023, the Company released a maiden Inferred Mineral Resource estimate ("MRE") for its Zancudo Project of 2.8 million tonnes grading 6.5 g/t gold and 112 g/t silver totaling 0.6 million ounces of gold and 10.0 million ounces of silver. This initial MRE confirms the historically significant high gold-silver grade potential of this project as it remains open for further expansion in all directions. The Company is currently working with SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc. ("SRK") on the preparation of a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") for the Zancudo Project that is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2023.

Earlier this year, the Company completed a Rights Offering and a Private Placement, raising total gross proceeds of CA$15.7 million (equivalent to approximately $11.6 million) that is being used to continue its exploration drilling campaigns, metallurgical testing and other technical work at its flagship Lomero Project in the Iberian Pyrite Belt in Southern Spain, to meet its obligations under the Toral Definitive Agreement related to the Toral Project in Northern Spain and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

As at June 30, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $5.3 million and no debt. The Company incurred total exploration and capital expenditures of approximately $4.3 million in the second quarter of 2023, up from $2.5 million in the second quarter last year primarily as a result of its Phase 1 construction activities at the Zancudo Project. This brings the total exploration and capital expenditures for the first half of 2023 to $7.8 million compared with $4.7 million in the first half last year. Total exploration and capital expenditures at the Zancudo Project in the first half of 2023 amounted to approximately $2.5 million, funded primarily by the $2.2 million received in cash from Aris Mining Corporation earlier this year on the termination of the Guia Antigua Project license.

At the Lomero Project, the Company carried out its Phase 3 surface validation drilling program from April through July 2023 comprising a total of 4,760 meters in 20 drill holes. The Phase 3 drill assays were successful in confirming high grades in the underground drill holes drilled in the 1980s by Indumetal/Billiton from the polymetallic mineralization hosted in the eastern part of the historical mine. To date, the Company has completed a total of approximately 47,200 meters of drilling in 149 drill holes at the Lomero Project, including twinning of historical drill holes. The Company is currently incorporating the Phase 2 and Phase 3 drilling results into the geological model for the Lomero-Poyatos deposit. This will facilitate the preparation of an updated MRE as the Company commences work on a PEA for the Lomero Project in the second half of 2023.

In April 2023, the Company announced it was successful in its work over the last year to receive approval from the Mining Department in Huelva for a three-year extension of the Rubia Permit at its Lomero Project and the granting of an initial three-year permit for the neighboring Palomarejo exploration area, which is on trend and has a similar geological setting as the Company's Lomero-Poyatos deposit.

At the Toral Project, drilling commenced in March as part of the 2023 work program agreed to with Europa Metals Ltd. ("Europa") pursuant to the Company's arrangement to acquire an initial 51% ownership interest in the project. The planned 2023 drilling program is nearing completion with assay results pending for one recently completed drillhole. All seven holes completed to date for which assays have been received have been successful in intersecting mineralization adjacent to selected, previously reported high grade intersections within the Toral Project's Indicated Resource block. The results from the 2023 drilling program will be incorporated into the existing database to prepare an updated MRE later in the year. In addition, the mining license application for the Toral Project has progressed well with one remaining requisite environmental report due to be submitted in early September to complete the process.

The Company reported a net loss for the second quarter of 2023 of $0.9 million ($0.02 per share) compared with $0.8 million ($0.04 per share) in the second quarter last year. This brings the net loss for the first half of 2023 to $4.1 million ($0.09 per share), including a $1.9 million non-cash loss related to the Company's termination of the Guia Antigua Project license in early 2023, compared with a net loss for the first half of 2022 of $1.6 million ($0.08 per share).

About Denarius Metals

Denarius Metals is a Canadian junior company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and eventual operation of polymetallic mining projects in high-grade districts, with its principal focus on the Lomero Project in Spain. The Company signed a definitive option agreement with Europa Metals Ltd. in November 2022 pursuant to which Europa has granted Denarius Metals two options to acquire up to an 80% ownership interest in the Toral Zn-Pb-Ag Project, Leon Province, Northern Spain. The Company's 100%-owned Zancudo Project in Colombia provides an opportunity to develop near-term production and cash flow through local contract miners and long-term growth through exploration.

Additional information on Denarius Metals can be found on its website at www.denariusmetals.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains "forward-looking information", which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to anticipated business plans or strategies, including exploration programs, expected exploration results, Mineral Resource estimates, preliminary economic assessments and future mining operations. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Denarius Metals to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated April 21, 2023 which is available for view on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and Denarius Metals disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. 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, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

For Further Information, Contact:

Michael Davies

Chief Financial Officer

(416) 360-4653

[email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178276
ELKO  The Nevada Highway Patrol is requesting the publics assistance as they investigate an injury crash that occurred Aug. 10 at the intersection of Lamoille and Jiggs highways.

The crash occurred around 6:25 p.m. at the traffic signal in Spring Creek. Preliminary investigation revealed that a Kia sport utility vehicle was traveling south on State Route 227 and was slowing for the traffic signal when a Harley Davidson motorcycle that was also traveling south behind the Kia struck the right rear of the SUV.

We are seeking any dashcam footage or other video footage of this crash, stated Lt. Matt McLaughlin.

Anyone with pertinent information or video footage is asked to contact the patrols Elko office at 775-753-1111 or e-mail ncemirt@dps.state.nv.us.

The crash is being investigated by the Nevada Highway Patrol Northern Command East Multi-Disciplinary Investigation and Reconstruction Team.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. (TSXV: ELE) (OTCQX: ELEMF) ("Elemental Altus" or "the Company") announces that it has entered into a binding agreement (the "Agreement") to acquire two existing royalties (the "Royalties") from RCF Opportunities Fund L.P. ("RCF") for consideration of US$10,000,000 payable in common shares of Elemental Altus (the "Acquisition"). The Royalties include an aggregate 0.68% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty on the Cactus Project in Arizona ("Cactus Project"), which is 100% owned by Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. ("Arizona Sonoran" or "ASCU"), and a 0.5% gross revenue royalty ("GRR") on the Nyanga Project in Gabon ("Nyanga Project"), which is 100% owned by Armada Metals Limited (ASX:AMM) ("Armada").

Acquisition Highlights

0.68% NSR 1 on the advanced development stage Cactus Project Cactus is a brownfields porphyry copper project in Arizona which produced 200,000 short tons of copper between 1974 and 1984 Project is located on private land, has major development permits in place and is 100% owned by ASCU Timely acquisition as a heap leach preliminary feasibility study (" PFS ") is underway and is expected to substantially rescale the project with the addition of the adjacent Parks / Salyer deposit, targeting 45-50,000 short tons of annual copper production over an approximately 30 year life of mine

on the advanced development stage Cactus Project 0.5% GRR on the exploration stage Nyanga Project, a highly-prospective magmatic nickel-copper sulphide project in Gabon with royalty coverage of 2,725km 2

Adds RCF as a new shareholder to Elemental Altus' high quality and institution-focused share register

Frederick Bell, CEO of Elemental Altus, commented:

"We are pleased to continue to enhance our portfolio through the additions of the Cactus and Nyanga royalties and also welcome RCF, a highly recognised and credible mining investor, to our share register. The Cactus royalty substantially bolsters our advanced development pipeline with a uniquely de-risked copper asset in a premier jurisdiction. Operator Arizona Sonoran has demonstrated an outstanding rate of progress since acquiring the mine, and we eagerly anticipate the upcoming PFS expected to showcase the potential scale of the operation. In addition, the Nyanga royalty offers exposure to district scale discovery opportunities led by a highly-experienced exploration team."

Terms of the Acquisition

Elemental Altus has agreed to pay consideration of US$10,000,000 for the Royalties through the issuance of 11,111,111 Elemental Altus common shares at a price of C$1.20 per share. The shares issued to RCF will represent approximately 5.7% of the Company's enlarged share capital.

Closing is expected to occur on or before October 31, 2023, and is subject to certain conditions including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V").

Cactus Project Overview

The Cactus Project, formerly named Sacaton, is 100% owned by Arizona Sonoran. The project is situated on private land in Pinal County, Arizona, the US's leading copper producing state and 7th ranked mining jurisdiction globally, per the Fraser Institute's 2022 Investment Attractiveness Index.

The Cactus Project has an Indicated Resource of 151.8 million short tons @ 0.531% total copper ('CuT') for 806,000 short tons of contained copper, and an Inferred Resource of 449.9 million short tons @ 0.544% CuT for 2.45Mt of contained copper. Of the Inferred Resource, 143.6 million tons @ 1.015% CuT for 1.46Mt of contained copper is from the Parks/Salyer deposit2.

A PFS is targeted for release by operator ASCU by the end of Q1 2024, incorporating the Parks/Salyer deposit and the resumption of open pit mining at Cactus.

The Cactus Project previously produced from the Sacaton open pit, which extends to a depth of 317m and produced 38.1 million short tons of ore, recovering 200,000 short tons of copper, 27,455 ounces of gold and 759,000 ounces of silver.

Elemental Altus' royalty covers the majority of the combined Cactus project area and Resource, excluding the 0.64km2 Bronco Creek tenement estimated to cover approximately 25% of the Parks/Salyer Resource and 10-15% of the total Resource.

For more information on the Cactus Project, please visit https://arizonasonoran.com/.

Nyanga Project Overview

The Nyanga Project is 100% owned by Armada. The project is located in the Nyanga Province of southern Gabon. The project, consisting of two expansive tenements, extends for more than 75km of strike length and covers a land package of 2,725km2.

The project hosts multiple mafic-ultramafic intrusions which can host large scale nickel-copper sulphide deposits, principally along two significant trends, the Libonga-Matchiti Trend (LMT) and the Ngongo-Yoyo Trend (NYT). Armada Metals have commenced geophysical testing of the licence areas to generate targets across the whole belt following a successful Stage 1 diamond drilling program during 2022.

Armada boasts a management team and board with a strong track record of success exploring in Africa. Key members of the exploration staff were part of the Ivanhoe Mines exploration team awarded the 2015 PDAC Thayer Lindsley Award for an International Mineral Discovery at Kamoa, which has a current pre-development Indicated Resource of 38Mt Cu at 2.74% Cu3.

For more information on the Nyanga Project, please visit https://armadametals.com.au/.

On behalf of Elemental Altus Royalties Corp.

Frederick Bell

CEO and Director

Corporate & Media Inquiries:

Jacy Zerb, VP Investor Relations

Direct: +1 604-243-6511 ext. 2700

[email protected]

Elemental Altus is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: www.discoverygroup.ca or contact 604-653-9464.

TSXV: ELE | OTCQX: ELEMF | ISIN: CA28619K1093 | CUSIP: 28619K109

About Elemental Altus Royalties Corp.

Elemental Altus is an income generating precious metals royalty company with 10 producing royalties and a diversified portfolio of pre-production and discovery stage assets. The Company is focused on acquiring uncapped royalties and streams over producing, or near-producing, mines operated by established counterparties, as well as generating royalties on new discoveries.

Notes

1 0.68% NSR royalty on the Cactus Project has an associated buydown right, allowing the operator the option to repurchase 0.14% for consideration of US$1,913,333. The buydown right may be exercised at any time prior to July 10, 2025, after which the right will expire.

2 Technical Report titled "NI 43-101-Compliant Mineral Resource Estimate and Technical Report, Parks/Salyer" effective September 26, 2022 and dated November 10, 2022, prepared by Stantec Consulting Services and posted under Arizona Sonoran Copper Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

3 Please refer to Ivanhoe Mines website for more detail. https://ivanhoemines.com/projects/kamoa-kakula-project/.

Qualified Person

Richard Evans, FAusIMM, is Senior Vice President Technical for Elemental Altus, and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this press release.

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

This news release contains certain "forward looking statements" and certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology.

Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, the ability to complete the Acquisition and the timing thereof, resource estimates at the Cactus Project and the timing for the PFS, the prospectivity of the Nyanga Project, the future growth, development and focus of the Company, and the acquisition of new royalties and streams. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies.

Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of Elemental Altus to control or predict, that may cause Elemental Altus' actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: the impact of general business and economic conditions, the absence of control over the mining operations from which Elemental Altus will receive royalties, risks related to international operations, government relations and environmental regulation, the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties; the uncertainties involved in interpreting exploration data; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with Elemental Altus' expectations; accidents, equipment breakdowns, title matters, labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions in operations; fluctuating metal prices; unanticipated costs and expenses; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, commodity price fluctuations; currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions; liability, competition, loss of key employees and other related risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of important factors which could cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements, refer to the annual information form of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2022. Elemental Altus undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements and information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking statements and information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement or information can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178221
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - Eureka Lithium Corp. (CSE: ERKA) (OTC Pink: SCMCF) (FSE: S580) ("Eureka Lithium" or "Eureka" or the "Company"), owner of the largest lithium-focused land package (1,408 sq. km) in the top third of Quebec known as Nunavik, has commenced exploration at its 229 sq. km Raglan South Project which features a 20-km-long, 15-km-wide intense lithium geochemical anomaly.

Eureka's 15-person field crew, headed up by GroundTruth Exploration, will perform grid-style prospecting and surface mapping across the entire land package at Raglan South sampling the historic pegmatite showings as well as any additional pegmatites found during the prospecting and mapping program. Samples collected during this program will be scanned and sorted in the field by using a handheld SciAps LIBS analyzer, with selected samples sent to the laboratory for analysis as a tool for identifying prospective zones and future drill target delineation.

A major tectonic boundary separates Raglan South, prospective for lithium-bearing pegmatites, from the Raglan Nickel Belt which hosts the world class Raglan mine approximately 80 km northeast of Eureka's property. Privately-owned KoBold Metals, funded in part by Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson, recently completed a $195 million (U.S.) financing and is drilling for battery metals on its 929 sq. km land package that begins approximately 15 km north of Eureka's Raglan South (see Figure 1).

Raglan South Highlights:

Raglan South is part of the Superior Craton which hosts the majority of known lithium deposits in Canada including those in James Bay and Northwest Ontario. Raglan South is age dated at 2273 Ma, placing it in the U.S. Geological Survey's "sweet spot" for lithium deposits;

Raglan South has never been systematically explored for lithium until now, but includes an unusually strong lithium-cesium-rubidium anomaly in lake sediments based on 20 widely-spaced historical samples included in the Quebec government database;

Raglan South contains 12.3% of the 99.96 percentile lithium samples (60 ppm and as high as 79.5 ppm lithium. Fourteen of the 20 Raglan South samples returned >37.3 ppm cesium (as high as 79 ppm cesium) while a 167 ppm rubidium sample is one of the top three rubidium lake sediment values in the government database;

Raglan South is flanked by a Bouger gravity low, indicative of an intrusive system at depth;

Very little geological mapping has been carried out at Raglan South but three units have been noted: 1) The Nantais Complex comprising several volcanic packages (metamorphosed mafic to amphibolite); The Lesdiguieres Suite (hornblende-biotite-tonalite with a magmatic, foliated or gneissic texture); La Chevrotiere Suite (porphyritic quartz monzonite granite);

Multiple pegmatites have been noted at Raglan South.

Jeffrey Wilson, Eureka President and CEO, commented: "Raglan South is a very compelling target and for the first time this under-explored area will be investigated specificially for lithium-bearing pegmatites."

Wilson added, "Eureka has the largest lithium-focused land package in the top third of Quebec, a province that has fully embraced the push for new hard rock lithium deposits and associated infrastructure given the recent announcement that Ford and SK, a Korean battery manufacturer, are planning to build a new $1.2 billion battery cathode factory in Becancour, Quebec."





Figure 1: Raglan South Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9639/178192_c334750da442282f_002full.jpg

Corporate Video

To view a new Eureka Lithium corporate video, "Leading the Charge", visit www.EurekaLithiumCorp.com (https://eurekalithiumcorp.com) or the following URL:





Cannot view this video? Visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqlKmaFSQQU

Cautionary Statement: Investors are cautioned that the lake bottom sediments information is taken from the publicly available sources in the Quebec government database. The Company has not been able to independently verify the information contained. The information is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the Property, which is the subject of this news release. There is no guarantee that significant discovery will be made as a result of its current exploration efforts.

Corporate Presentation

Visit the Eureka Lithium homepage or click on the following URL to view the Company's Corporate Presentation:

https://eurekalithiumcorp.com/EurekaLithium_June16_2023.pdf

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Afzaal Pirzada, P. Geo., who is a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Eureka Lithium Corp.

Eureka Lithium 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:

For more information please contact:

Jeffrey Wilson

Chief Executive Officer

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @EurekaLithium

Meta: www.facebook.com/EurekaLithium

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eurekalithium/

YouTube: @EurekaLithiumCorp

Cautionary Statement

Certain statements contained in this news release, including statements which may contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions, and statements related to matters which are not historical facts, such as statements regarding the contemplated completion of the Acquisition and the Concurrent Financing, are forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's expectations and are based on certain factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct, nor that the Acquisition will be completed as contemplated, or at all, or that the Concurrent Financing will be completed as contemplated, or at all. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any future revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as expressly required by law.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178192
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - Exploits Discovery Corp. (CSE: NFLD) (OTCQX: NFLDF) (FSE: 634) ("Exploits" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the assay results from the final hole completed during Phase-1 exploration drilling on its 100%-owned Bullseye property located along the Appleton Fault Zone ("AFZ") in central Newfoundland.

Highlights Include:

BE-23-030 encountered several concentrations of quartz veining over its 502 metre length, generating a 46.12 g/t Au assay value from a 0.40 metre core sample.

Several fine grains of Visible Gold were noted within the local veining that contributed to the 46.12 g/t Au screen-metallic assay. This new mineralization was intersected at a vertical depth of approximately 190 metres below surface and remains open in all directions.

Assay results from all 30 drill holes completed during the 11,292 metre Phase-1 drilling campaign have been received and publicly reported.

The design of Phase 2 drilling program has commenced at Bullseye focusing on: Expansion of the "Horseshoe" gold zone discovery (announced on June 13, 2023). Possible extension of New Found Gold Corp.'s ("NFG") Everest gold discovery onto Bullseye South. Extension of NFG's Jackpot gold discovery on Bullseye South. Information obtained through the upcoming results of NFG's regional seismic survey shall be incorporated into Exploits' interpretation. Assess west side of the Appleton Fault (similar to Keats West) as well as further east of Bullseye.



Jeff Swinoga, President and CEO, commented, "We are very pleased that our initial drilling campaign at Bullseye resulted in our first high-grade discovery called the Horseshoe gold zone. We have also been successful in identifying at least two new high-grade areas of gold mineralization beyond Horseshoe. These two new areas generated double digit gold assays in hole 28 and 30. We believe there is definitely more gold at Bullseye to discover. Our all-local and talented team, based in Gander NL, is excited by the numerous opportunities identified by our first successful drilling program at Bullseye. Equally, we are looking forward to identifying new gold targets with the data accumulated this summer on our large Gazeebow South, with over 7.4 kms along the Appleton Fault."

Figure 1: Overview map displays Exploits' Bullseye property with locations of the Phase-1 drill holes including BE-23-030 highlighted within dashed yellow box.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6393/178179_bb762790a4d818ba_002full.jpg

Figure 2: Detailed plan map showing Exploits' assay results from the 2023 diamond drilling program at Bullseye. Blue dashed circles indicate two new high-grade areas of gold mineralization beyond Horseshoe.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6393/178179_bb762790a4d818ba_003full.jpg

Figure 3: Photograph of NQ core from drill hole BE-23-030 showing the sample interval between 297.85 - 298.25 m depth where sawn core generated the 46.12 g/t gold assay.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6393/178179_bb762790a4d818ba_004full.jpg

Figure 4: Detailed close-up photograph of NQ core from drill hole BE-23-030 showing two locations of VG (green-circled gold grains) hosted within quartz veining that was cored at approximately 190 m depth.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6393/178179_bb762790a4d818ba_005full.jpg

Bullseye (Horseshoe) Interpretation

Mineralization at the Bullseye property is hosted within a fold-thrust sequence of northeast-striking, steeply dipping, turbidite sequence. These rocks were deposited and deformed during the closure of the Iapetus Ocean and subsequent continent-continent collision. The Appleton Fault Zone is a regional scale deformation zone that developed during this period. The AFZ likely serves as a primary conduit for gold-bearing fluids. Brittle faults within the envelope surrounding the AFZ form a vast network of gold rich quartz veins.

Visible gold has been noted within 8 drill holes contributing to the locally high-grade intercepts. Several wide intervals of gold mineralization, in the 1.00 - 3.00 g/t range, are linked to quartz veining with elevated sulphide content. Notable sulphide minerals, such as pyrite, arsenopyrite, and boulangerite have been observed within the veins and in the surrounding host rocks. Within the Horseshoe zone, visible gold is found in brecciated and locally annealed vuggy quartz veins, features characteristic of epizonal gold deposits.

Corporate Update

The Company also announces that effective August 21, 2023, Mr. Chris Huggins has resigned as director. The Company wishes to thank Mr. Huggins for his contributions to the Company and wishes him success on his new endeavour. Jeff Swinoga commented, "I personally, and on behalf of our Board, want to thank Chris Huggins for his significant contributions to Exploits and congratulate him on his new CEO position at a company also exploring in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Update on Claim Grievances and Appeal

In a staking rush on October 20, 2020, the Company staked three mineral licenses (31452M, 31453M and 31454M) in Central Newfoundland. The Newfoundland and Labrador Mineral Claims Recorder rejected these license applications. The Company has grieved the Mineral Claims Recorder's rejection of these license applications under the Mineral Act. The hearing was held in June 2023 before the Mineral Rights Adjudication Board (the "Adjudication Board"), and the Adjudication Board ruled against the Company. The Company plans to appeal to the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. Jeff Swinoga commented, "While we respect the Adjudication Board's decision, it is important to note as we prepare our appeal that the Adjudication Board and the Company are agreed that the Company complied in all respects with the Mineral Regulations and the Mineral Act in the staking of these licenses."

Bullseye Drilling - Tables of Selected Assays

Table 1: Selected drill assays.

Bullseye Drilling 2023 - Selected Assays (Exceeding 1.00 g/t Au Value) from Sawn NQ Drill Core Hole ID From (m) To (m) Sample Length (m) Vertical Depth (m) Below Surface Analysis Method Au Assay (ppb)* Au Assay (g/t) Comments Au - Weighted Average Grade (g/t )** BE-23-030 297.85 298.25 0.40 ~190 Screen-Met 46,116.47 46.12 VG Noted 46.12 g/t Au over 0.40m AND 448.05 448.50 0.45 ~280 Screen-Met 1,452.20 1.45 1.45 g/t Au over 0.45m *Assays reported direct from lab certificate. Screen-Met samples are 'Weighted Averaged ppb' as calculated from lab **All intersections are core intervals and do not represent true thickness

Table 2: Drill collar data.

Bullseye - Collar Information for Reported Drill Holes Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation (m) Azimuth Dip Length (m) BE-23-030 660025 5430774 60 300 -45 502 Coordinates Reported in NAD-83

Bullseye Gold Property

The Bullseye claims were staked by Exploits in September 2022, and are contiguous to the very active targets currently being drilled by both New Found Gold and Labrador Gold. The claims are considered by the Company's geologists to be highly prospective because they directly overlay a 1,200 by 400 metre segment of the Appleton Fault and its related splay structures. Over a dozen exploration drill rigs have been employed by the three companies operating within this structural-stratigraphic setting over the past two years.

Quality Assurance - Quality Control ("QA/QC")

All prospective NQ core is logged and delineated for sampling by an Exploits' professional geologist. The core is subsequently halved by a diamond-bladed core saw by the Company's technicians with one half being placed in a bag with a unique sample identification. The remaining half core is retained within the Company's secure storage facility in Gander, NL. Sample bags are sealed and then shipped directly to Eastern Analytical Ltd. Certified standards and blanks are inserted at defined intervals following the Company's QA/QC documented procedures, representing approximately 5% of all samples sent for assaying. All core samples are currently analyzed at Eastern Analytical Ltd. of 403 Little Bay Road, Springdale, NL, a commercial laboratory that is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited and completely independent of Exploits. Samples are analyzed using fire assay (30g) with AA finish (Au-FAA 30 ppb process) and/or a four-acid digestion followed by multi-element ICP-OES analysis. All samples with visible gold or assaying above 10.0 g/t Au are further assayed using metallic screen to mitigate the presence of the nugget effect of coarse gold. Metallic screen assays are reported as 'Weighted Averaged ppb' directly calculated from the lab.

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

Ken Tylee, P.Geo., VP of Exploration with Exploits, is a qualified person within the Provinces of Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Tylee has reviewed and approved the technical information presented herein.

About Exploits Discovery Corp.

Exploits is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of mineral projects in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The Company is focused on discovering high-grade structurally hosted epizonal gold similar to New Found Gold's success along the Appleton Fault zone and parallel structures within the Exploits Subzone.

Exploits is utilizing its experienced, talented local team and geologic understanding with the vision to become one of the most successful explorers in Canada.

On Behalf of the Board

/s/ "Jeff Swinoga"

President and CEO

For more information, please contact:

Shanda Kilborn

VP, Investor Relations

+1 (778) 819-2708

[email protected]

https://exploitsdiscovery.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, market conditions, availability of financing, actual results of the Company's exploration and other activities, environmental risks, future metal prices, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required by applicable law.

Acknowledgments

Exploits Discovery would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program from the Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178179
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - The innovative NY-based iPark, led by CEO Billy Lerner has announced the company's latest parking venture at Tudor City, located in the heart of Manhattan. This new development aims to provide local residents and visitors alike with an efficient and enhanced parking experience.





Billy Lerner, CEO of iPark.

With more than 100 locations spread out across New York city, this is the latest in a string of new developments for iPark as they strive to streamline the parking experience for their customers.

Bordering both Turtle Bay and Murray Hill, Tudor City is a historic New York neighborhood. Constructed in the 1920s, Tudor city is a largely residential area but provides easy access to iconic locations such as Grand Central Station, the UN Headquarters, and the Chrysler Building. With this in mind, iPark's new facility will serve both the local community and those who are visiting. Residents can relax with the knowledge they no longer need to struggle to find parking near their homes, and tourists will be encouraged to see what the area has to offer.





Tudor City Greens are a popular destination for anyone visiting the area.

Billy Lerner understands the unique needs of those looking for safe and reliable parking in a modern city like New York, this is reflected in the way iPark operates. The company allows its customers to book their spaces in advance, offers monthly parking plans, and electric car charging points are available at many of their locations.

iPark continues to be at the forefront of developments in the world of parking facilities. The introduction of the new location at Tudor City is just the latest milestone in iPark's journey towards transforming the parking landscape and improving the lives of those who rely on convenient and reliable parking options.

Further information about iPark can be found via their website https://ipark.com/ or via their app iPark - NYC Parking.

Email: [email protected] - 855-472-7569

SOURCES

https://skyscraper.org/programs/tudor-city-manhattans-historic-residential-enclave/#:~:text=French%20from%201925%20to%201929,decades%20to%20the%20present%20day.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178261
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - Moneta Gold Inc. (TSX: ME) (OTCQX: MEAUF) (FSE: MOPA) ("Moneta" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has completed 2 separate transactions and acquired 2 land packages adjacent to its wholly owned Loveland Nickel property (the "Property"), approximately 45 kilometres ("km") northwest of Timmins, Ontario. One of the land packages includes the Cominco zone, which has historical drilling, is open along strike and at depth, and together with the Hollinger zone, located within the original Loveland Nickel property, forms a 10 km prospective exploration corridor within the consolidated property.

Highlights:

Acquisition of 187 single-cell mining claims and 1 multi-cell mining claim for a total of 3,920 hectares, bringing the consolidated Loveland Nickel property land package to 6,244 hectares.

Significant historical intercepts at the Cominco zone include: AMDG07-3 intersected 45.0 metres ("m") of 0.70% Ni and 0.75% Cu LL08-05 intersected 22.80 m of 0.53% Ni and 0.88% Cu, including 11.20 m of 0.65% Ni and 1.0% Cu, and 2.70 m of 1.0% Ni and 1.92% Cu LL08-11 intersected 37.60 m of 0.33% Ni and 0.38% Cu, including 8.50 m of 0.59% Ni and 0.73% Cu, and 6.00 m of 0.85% Ni and 0.78% Cu.

The Cominco zone is situated 2 km from, and on-trend, the Hollinger zone, which is located within the original Moneta owned Loveland Nickel property. The Hollinger zone contains a historical resource estimate from 1974 of 401,000 tonnes grading 0.71% Ni and 0.42% Cu. Note that this estimate was developed prior to the introduction of National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), has not been independently verified by a qualified person and investors are cautioned not to treat this estimate as reliable or current. The Company is not treating the historical estimate as current. 1

The Cominco and Hollinger zones are both open along strike and at depth and align to form an exploration corridor with a 10 km strike length, located within the Loveland Nickel property.

Historical work within the newly acquired land package includes various geophysical surveys which delineated several geophysical targets, many of which remain to be drill tested.

Josef Vejvoda, Moneta's Chairman and interim President & Chief Executive Officer commented, "We are very excited to announce this strategic land consolidation around our highly prospective Loveland Nickel property, which now hosts the Cominco and Hollinger zones and together highlight a 10 km exploration corridor within the consolidated property. Additionally, these properties have provided the Company with a significant contiguous land package, where numerous identified geophysical anomalies remain untested. In the coming months, the Company will consolidate its understanding of this land package, with the goal of producing an initial NI 43-101 compliant technical report. This will allow Moneta to assess the potential value of the land package and decide on next steps to increase returns for our shareholders. Moneta's primary focus will remain advancing the Tower Gold project."

In the first purchase agreement, a 100% ownership was acquired for 186 single-cell mining claims for consideration consisting of a cash payment of $100,000, 456,213 common shares of the Company, and incurring total exploration expenditures of $0.5 million over a four-year period. The vendor will retain a 2.0% Net Smelter Royalty ("NSR"), with a 1.00% buy-back for $1 million. In the second purchase agreement, a 100% ownership was acquired for 1 multi-cell claim and 1 single-cell mining claim for consideration consisting of 54,746 common shares of the Company. The vendor will retain a 1.0% NSR, with a 1.00% buy-back for $1.5 million.





Figure 1: Loveland Nickel Property - General Location Map

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Loveland Nickel Property

The Loveland Nickel property is located in the Byers, Loveland, Thorburn, and Moberly townships, in the Porcupine Mining Division. The Property lies within the Superior Province of Archean basement rocks, in the Eastern Canadian Shield. It is situated in the northwest region of the Abitibi Greenstone belt. The local geology consists of Intercalated mafic to intermediate volcanic flows. These flows are locally intruded by feldspar porphyries and gabbro. The gabbroic rocks have similarities to the Kamiskotia gabbroic complex.

Mineralization consists of chalcopyrite, pentlandite, and pyrrhotite. Sulphides occur as inter-granular mineralization within a gabbro, transitioning to fracture-controlled and semi-massive lenses along the contact between the gabbro and mafic to intermediate volcanic flows. The mineral concentration occurs as trace to semi-massive (up to 75%) pyrrhotite, with minor pyrite and local concentrations of 6% to 8% chalcopyrite and pentlandite.





Figure 2: Loveland Nickel Property - Regional Geology



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Cominco Zone

The Cominco zone was discovered by Cominco in 1972. The zone was drill tested to a depth of approximately 120 m. Four drill campaigns completed by Amador Gold between 2007 and 2010, were designed to test for possible depth and strike extensions of the Cominco zone. The first three drill campaigns intersected the mineralized gabbro on 50 m centres both down dip and along strike to define the mineralized horizon. The fourth campaign was designed to infill specific areas of the Cominco zone on 25 m spacing to define the geometry of mineralization, which is steeply dipping to the WSW. The drilling extended both the dip and strike lengths of the earlier defined mineralization and it remains open in both directions as well as down dip.

Significant historical intercepts from 2007 to 2010 include 45.0 m of 0.70% Ni and 0.75% Cu in drill hole AMDG07-3. Drill hole LL08-05 intersected 0.53% Ni and 0.88% Cu over 22.80 m, including 0.65% Ni and 1.0% Cu over 11.20 m, and 1.0% Ni and 1.92% Cu over 2.70 m. This drill hole was collared 50 m northeast, on strike, of drill hole AMDG07-1, which intersected 0.41% Ni and 0.61% Cu over 25.80 m. A broad mineralized zone was intersected in drill hole LL08-11 grading 0.33% Ni and 0.38% Cu over 37.60 m, including 0.59% Ni and 0.73% Cu over 8.50 m, and 0.85% Ni and 0.78% Cu over 6.00 m. A list of all significant historical intercepts from the Amador Gold drill campaign are shown in Table 1.

A deeper mineralized zone from 488.0 m to 492.0 m, was intersected in drill hole LL08-22, with a grade of 0.98% Ni and 1.41% Cu. This gabbroic style mineralization indicates the potential for a continued mineralized system to depth. Additionally, drill hole LL09-07 intersected 7.30 m of 0.44% Ni and 0.43% Cu within mineralized gabbro. This zone is associated with a weak to moderate induced polarization ("IP") and Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic ("VTEM") anomaly about 400 m northwest of the Cominco zone and may represent a new zone of the intrusive gabbro style of mineralization.

Table 1: Cominco Zone Significant Historical Drill Intercepts from 2007 - 2010 Amador Gold Drill Campaign

Hole From To Length Ni Cu (#) (m) (m) (m) (%) (%) AMDG07-1 113.00 119.50 6.50 0.43 0.53 AMDG07-1 122.70 148.50 25.80 0.41 0.61 AMDG07-3 120.60 165.60 45.00 0.70 0.75 LL08-01 67.90 74.20 6.30 0.26 0.24 LL08-05 160.30 183.10 22.80 0.53 0.88 Includes 160.30 171.50 11.20 0.65 1.00 and 180.40 183.10 2.70 1.00 1.92 LL08-11 135.90 173.50 37.60 0.33 0.38 Includes 137.00 145.50 8.50 0.59 0.73 and 148.80 154.50 5.70 0.25 0.46 and 166.00 172.00 6.00 0.85 0.78 LL08-18 66.80 73.80 7.00 0.8 0.39 LL08-22 488.00 492.00 4.00 0.98 1.41 Includes 488.00 491.00 3.00 1.15 1.70 LL09-07 35.00 42.30 7.30 0.44 0.43 LL10-15 108.60 130.00 21.40 0.32 0.53 LL10-18 112.50 129.70 17.20 0.54 0.79 LL10-19 162.80 183.10 20.30 0.27 0.50

Note: All intercepts are calculated using a 0.25% Ni cut-off, and a maximum of 3.5m internal dilution. Drill intercepts are not true widths, are reported as drill widths. Only intercepts with a minimum of 1.0m drill width are listed.

Exploration Potential

Earlier work to the southeast of the Cominco zone, within the original Moneta Loveland land package by Hollinger Mines lead to the discovery of the Hollinger zone, which contains a historical resource estimate from 1974 of 401,000 tonnes grading 0.71% Ni and 0.42% Cu2. Note that this estimate was developed prior to the introduction of NI 43-101 has not been independently verified and investors are cautioned not to treat this estimate as reliable or current. This zone is open at depth and it has only been drilled to 120 m. The trend extrapolated from the Hollinger and Cominco zones highlights a potential exploration corridor of approximately 10 km strike length.

On the newly acquired land package, airborne magnetic and electromagnetic surveys were completed in 2008 by the Discovery Abitibi Project. Extensive airborne surveys were completed over many areas of the Abitibi Greenstone Belt including Byers and Loveland townships. A series of ground geophysical surveys were also completed on portions of the property. The geophysical surveys have highlighted several favourable exploration targets that have yet to be drill tested.





Figure 3: Loveland Nickel Property - V-TEM Survey



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Statement Regarding Historical Resource Estimates

The Hollinger zone historical resource estimate is unclassified and does not comply with CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves as required by NI 43-101. The Hollinger zone historical resource estimate was taken from a report titled "Geological Report, Rousseau Loveland Property, Loveland Township" authored by W. C. Kerr and dated February 1992, citing data provided by Hollinger Mines Limited from 1974. Given the age of the information and the lack of underlying data, investors are cautioned not to treat the estimate as current or rely on the estimate in making an investment decision. The historical estimate is being included herein to provide shareholders with background on the rationale for acquiring the asset. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify this historical resource estimate as current mineral resources and the Company is not treating these historical resource estimate as a current resource. It is uncertain whether following evaluation and/or further exploration, the resource will ever be able to be reported in accordance with NI 43-101 and at present. The Company has no current plans to undertake the work to bring any or all of the historical resource estimates up to the CIM reporting standards.

Qualified Person

Jason Dankowski (APEGM #35155), Vice President Technical Services & Geology for Moneta, who is a QP as defined by NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this press release.

About Moneta Gold

Moneta is a Canadian-based gold exploration company whose primary focus is on advancing its 100% wholly owned Tower Gold project, located in the Timmins region of Northeastern Ontario, Canada's most prolific gold producing camp. The September 2022, PEA study outlined a combined open pit and underground mining and a 7.0 million tonne per annum conventional leach operation over a 24-year mine life, with 4.6 Moz of recovered gold, generating an after-tax NPV5% of $1,066M, IRR of 31.7%, and a 2.6-year payback at a gold price US$1,600/oz. Tower Gold hosts an estimated gold mineral resource of 4.5 Moz indicated and 8.3 Moz inferred. Moneta is committed to creating shareholder value through the strategic allocation of capital and a focus on the current resource upgrade drilling program, while conducting all business activities in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Ardem Keshishian, VP Corporate Development

416-471-5463

[email protected]

The Company's public documents may be accessed at www.sedarplus.com. For further information on the Company, please visit our website at www.monetagold.com or email us at [email protected].

Certain statements in this press release including certain information about Moneta's business outlook, objectives, strategies, plans, strategic priorities and results of operations, as well as other statements which are not current statements or historical facts, constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (without limitation, statements regarding exploration programs, potential mineralization, future plans and objectives of the Company, updated to the mineral resources, and the timing and results thereof) are forward looking statements. Sentences and phrases containing words such as "believe", "estimate", "anticipate", "plan", "will", "intend", "predict", "outlook", "goal", "target", "forecast", "project", "scheduled", "proposed", "expect", "potential", "strategy", and the negative of any of these words, or variations of them, or comparable terminology that does not relate strictly to current or historical facts, are all indicative of forwardlooking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company.

Forwardlooking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, and are based on several assumptions, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from Moneta's expectations expressed in or implied by such forwardlooking statements and that Moneta's business outlook, objectives, plans and strategic priorities may not be achieved. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or events, and Moneta cautions you against relying on any of these forwardlooking statements. Forwardlooking statements are provided in this press release for the purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding Moneta's objectives, strategic priorities and business outlook, and in obtaining a better understanding of Moneta's anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Examples of forwardlooking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to: information with respect to the Company's planned exploration work, statements with respect to the expected benefits resulting from the acquisition of the Property and statements with respect to the Company's plans with respect to the historical resource estimates.

Forward looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Important risk factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forwardlooking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to: uncertainties inherent in the business of mineral exploration and extraction; uncertainty with respect to the Company's liquidity and ability to secure additional financing; uncertainty of mineral resources; security threats to the Company's information technology systems; the current global financial condition; the market price of securities and substantial volatility in the market price of commodities; fluctuations of commodity prices; the Company's history of net losses; possible loss of interests in mineral properties; title risks; uncertainty relating to surface rights; environmental risks; risks associated with joint venture agreements; risks relating to statutory and regulatory requirements; uncertainty relating to the Company's competition with other gold exploration and development companies for materials and supplies; the Company's dependence on key management and employees; uncertainty arising from international conflict and other geopolitical tensions and events, including but to limited to Russia's invasion of Ukraine; uncertainty in respect of COVID19 and any resurgence of same; uncertainty in respect of procuring licenses and permits from various governmental authorities; the term and extension of concession contracts; uninsurable risks; obligations under option and joint venture agreements; uncertainty as to whether mergers and amalgamations will be completed successfully; the Company's relationships with the communities in which it operates; internal conflicts of interest; infrastructure risks; the Company's lack of a dividend policy; and the fact that the outstanding common shares of the Company could be subject to dilution. Readers are cautioned that the risks referred to above are not the only ones that could affect Moneta. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to Moneta or that Moneta currently deems to be immaterial may also have a material adverse effect on Moneta's financial position, financial performance, cash flows, business, or reputation.

Forwardlooking statements made in this press release are based on a number of assumptions that Moneta believed were reasonable at the time it made each forwardlooking statement. The assumptions, although considered reasonable by Moneta on the day it made the forwardlooking statements, may prove to be inaccurate. Accordingly, our actual results could differ materially from our expectations. There can be no assurance that forwardlooking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

1Source: Geological Report, Rousseau Loveland Property, Loveland Township, authored by W. C. Kerr dated February 1992, citing data provided by Hollinger Mines Limited from 1974. See Statement Regarding Historical Resource Estimates on page 6 of this press release for further details.

2See Statement Regarding Historical Resource Estimates on page 6 of this press release.

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Shareholders Approve Hummingbird Resources plc as a Control Person in Connection with Pasofino Gold Exercising its Option to Consolidate Ownership of the Dugbe Gold Project

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - Pasofino Gold Limited (TSXV: VEIN) (OTCQB: EFRGF) (FSE: N07A) ("Pasofino" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that shareholders have approved all matters to be voted on at the annual general and special meeting held today.

At the meeting the shareholders overwhelmingly approved Hummingbird Resources plc ("HB PLC") becoming a "control person" of Pasofino in connection with Pasofino's exercise of its right (see the November 1, 2022 press release of Pasofino) under the option agreement ("Option Agreement") to cause HB PLC to sell to Pasofino, HB PLC's 51% interest in the issued and outstanding shares of Hummingbird Resources (Liberia) Inc. ("HBL") and all shareholder loans made by HB PLC to HBL (the "Dugbe Interest") to Pasofino in order for Pasofino to become owner of 100% of the Dugbe Gold Project (prior to giving effect to the 10% carried interest of the Government of Liberia) (the "Project Consolidation"). In consideration for the Project Consolidation, HB PLC will receive a 51% shareholding interest in Pasofino, as such interest is calculated and determined in accordance with the Option Agreement.

In addition to the above approval, the shareholders also approved the election of Sava_ Sahin, Robert Metcalfe, Darryl Levitt, Krisztian Toth, Neil Herbert and Daniel Limpitlaw as directors of the Company, the appointment of McGovern Hurley LLP, as auditors of the Company and the long-term incentive plan of Pasofino.

As noted in the November 1, 2022 press releases of HB PLC and Pasofino, the Project Consolidation simplifies the ownership structure of the Dugbe Gold Project and ensures that what is one of the largest gold projects in West Africa has clear visibility of its own.

The completion of the Project Consolidation is subject to the receipt of all required government and TSX Venture Exchange approvals.

ABOUT THE DUGBE GOLD PROJECT

The 2,559 km2 Dugbe Gold Project is in southern Liberia and situated within the southwestern corner of the Birimian Supergroup which is host to most West African gold deposits. To date, two deposits have been identified on the Project; Dugbe F and Tuzon discovered by Hummingbird in 2009 and 2011 respectively. The deposits are located within 4 km of the Dugbe Shear Zone which is thought to have played a role in large scale gold mineralization in the area.

A significant amount of exploration in the area was conducted by Hummingbird up until 2012 including 74,497 m of diamond coring. Pasofino drilled an additional 14,584 metres at Tuzon and Dugbe during 2021. The two deposits have a combined Mineral Resource Estimate of 3.3 Moz with an average grade of 1.37 g/t Au in the Measured and Indicated categories, and 0.6 Moz in Inferred. The estimates are dated 17 November 2021. Following the completion of the Feasibility Study in June 2022 a Mineral Reserve Estimate was declared, based on the open-pit mining of both deposits over a 14-year Life of Mine. A technical report for the Dugbe Gold Project was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 and filed on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website.

Highlights of the Feasibility Study include:

Strong financial metrics:

Pre-tax NPV5% of USD690M (USD530M post-tax), 26.35% IRR (23.6% post-tax) at a base gold price of USD1,700/oz.

Fast capital payback of approximately 3.5 years from start of production:

Life of mine (LOM) All In Sustaining Cost (AISC) of USD1,005oz and USD29/t cash cost1.

Pre-production capital requirement of USD397M excluding owners' costs for a 5Mtpa processing plant.

Large Mineral Reserve with potential for expansion:

2.27Moz gold produced over a 14-year LOM.

Average annual production of 200,000oz for the first 5 years.

2.76Moz of Mineral Reserves.

Additional 67koz of Inferred Mineral Resources within the FS pit and immediate sidewalls which have not been included in the Mineral Reserves.

Simple project with economies of scale:

LOM strip ratio of 4.21:1 highlighted by a low 3.56:1 ratio in the first five years.

Simple (Gravity-CIL) process flow sheet which enhances project economics.

Low power costs of USD0.175/kWh, with opportunities for long-term savings with alternative renewable energy sources.

In addition to the existing deposits there are many gold prospects within the Project including the Bukon Jedeh area and the DSZ target on the Tuzon-Sackor trend where Pasofino has discovered a broad zone of surface gold mineralisation in trench and outcrop along strike from Tuzon. At this and several of the other prospects no drilling has been carried out to date.

In 2019, Hummingbird signed a 25-year Mineral Development Agreement ("MDA") with the Government of Liberia providing the necessary long-term framework and stabilization of taxes and duties. Under the terms of the MDA, the royalty rate on gold production is 3%, the income tax rate payable is 25% (with credit given for historic exploration expenditures), the fuel duty is reduced by 50%, and the Government of Liberia is granted a free carried interest of 10% in the Project.

QUALIFIED PERSONS STATEMENT

Scientific or technical information in this disclosure that relates to exploration results was prepared and approved by Mr. Andrew Pedley. Mr. Pedley is a consultant of Pasofino Gold Ltd.'s wholly-owned subsidiary ARX Resources Limited. He is a member in good standing with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and is as a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.

About Pasofino Gold Ltd.

Pasofino Gold Ltd. is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V (VEIN).

Pasofino, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, is in the process of consolidating its interest in the Dugbe Gold Project so that Pasofino owns 100% of the Dugbe Gold Project (prior to the issuance of the Government of Liberia's 10% carried interest)

For further information, please visit www.pasofinogold.com or contact:

Lincoln Greenidge, CFO

T: 416 451 0049

E: [email protected]

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" that are based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterised by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "seek", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and include, without limitation, statements regarding the ability to raise the funds to finance its ongoing business activities including the acquisition of mineral projects and the exploration and development of its projects. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to, the ability to successfully complete acquisition of the balance of the Dugbe Gold Project from HB PLC, the ability to obtain all requisite government and regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the ability to fund operations, the results of business operation, the results of exploration activities; the results of the strategic review process, the ability of the Company to complete further exploration activities; timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms and those risk factors outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis as filed on SEDAR. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

NON-IFRS MEASURES

This news release includes certain terms or performance measures commonly used in the mining industry that are not defined under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), including cash costs and AISC per payable ounce of gold sold. Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardised meaning prescribed under IFRS and, therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. We believe that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate our performance. The data presented is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.

________________________

1 Cash costs per payable ounce and AISC per payable ounce are non-IFRS financial measures. Please see "Cautionary Note Regarding Non-IFRS Measures". AISC per payable ounce includes all mining costs, processing costs, mine level G&A, royalties, sustaining capital and closure costs. Cash costs per payable ounce includes all mining costs, processing costs, mine level G&A and royalties.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178321
Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - The Securities and Exchange Commission today adopted rule amendments that narrow the exemption from Section 15(b)(8) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which requires any broker or dealer registered with the Commission to become a member of a national securities association unless the broker or dealer effects transactions in securities solely on an exchange of which it is a member. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. (FINRA) currently is the only registered national securities association.

"Some of todays broker-dealers continue to rely on an exemption from national securities association registration thats older than the cell phone era," said SEC Chair Gary Gensler. "This has led to a regulatory gap whereby a number of firms that have cross-market, monthly trading volume valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars are exempt from national securities association oversight. These amendments update and narrow the circumstances in which broker-dealers do not need to register with a national securities association. National securities association membership will help enhance robust and consistent oversight, particularly with regard to cross-market and off-exchange oversight."

Exchange Act Rule 15b9-1 provides an exemption from Section 15(b)(8) under which certain Commission-registered dealers may engage in unlimited proprietary trading of securities on any national securities exchange of which they are not a member or in off-exchange market without triggering Section 15(b)(8)s national securities association membership requirement.

The rule amendments set forth narrower exemptions from Section 15(b)(8)s national securities association membership requirement. The narrower exemptions apply when a broker or dealer that does not carry customer accounts and is a member of at least one exchange effects off-member-exchange securities transactions that: (1) result solely from orders that are routed by a national securities exchange of which it is a member to comply with order protection regulatory requirements, or (2) are solely for the purpose of executing the stock leg of a stock-option order.

The final rule will become effective 60 days after the date of publication of the adopting release in the Federal Register. The compliance date will be 365 days from the date of publication of the adopting release in the Federal Register.
Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced insider trading charges against Romero Cabral da Costa Neto for trading based on material, nonpublic information concerning a client of the global law firm where he worked as a visiting attorney from Brazil.

According to the SECs complaint, in 2023, during Costas one-year term of employment as a visiting attorney at the law firm, he accessed confidential information about the law firms work on the biopharmaceutical company Swedish Orphan Biovitrum ABs acquisition of CTI BioPharma Corp. (CTIC). The complaint alleges that, on May 9, 2023, the day before the deal was publicly announced, Costa purchased more than 10,000 shares of CTIC. He then allegedly sold those shares in violation of securities laws and the firms policies, including its policy against insider trading, on the day of the announcement, realizing a profit of more than $42,000. In addition to CTIC, Costa traded in the securities of several other issuers represented by the law firm, close in time to material announcements by those companies.

As alleged in our complaint, Costa violated his duties to the law firm and its clients when he abused his position to enrich himself, said Nicholas P. Grippo, Regional Director of the Philadelphia Regional Office. Lawyers often have access to sensitive and confidential information about their law firms public company clients. When lawyers abuse that access, as Costa allegedly did here, we will promptly take action to hold them accountable. In this case, thanks to the quick work of the SECs staff, we were able to act within months of Costas alleged insider trading to ensure that he will be held accountable.

This case originated from the SECs Market Abuse Units Analysis and Detection Center, which uses data analysis tools to detect suspicious trading patterns. The SEC referred the matter to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, which today announced parallel criminal charges against Costa.

The SECs complaint, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, charges Costa with violating the antifraud provisions of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder and seeks injunctive relief, disgorgement with prejudgment interest, and civil penalties.

The SECs ongoing investigation is being conducted by Scott A. Thompson and Mr. Grippo of the Philadelphia Regional Office, with the assistance of John Rymas of the Market Abuse Units Analysis and Detection Center. The SEC's litigation will be conducted by Kara Sweet and Gregory R. Bockin. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia and the FBI. The law firm is cooperating with the SECs investigation.
Toronto, Ontario and New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - Sekur Private Data Ltd. (CSE: SKUR) (OTCQB: SWISF) (FSE: GDT0) ("Sekur" or the "Company"), a leading Swiss hosted secure and private communications platform, is pleased announce that it has launched an updated version of its Sekur.com website with new "Products" pages for each of the three solutions: SekurMail, SekurVPN and SekurMessenger.

The new website includes a full mini site for each privacy and security communications with a more detailed explanation of each solution. This has resulted in increased traffic to the website and increased conversion as well. The Company is continuing to improve its website as it plans to add new videos describing each solution.

Alain Ghiai, CEO of Sekur Private Data, said: "We are excited to release a new version of our site Sekur website with an expanded explanation for each solution, which increases time spent on the site and conversion as well. This is part of the strategy and roadmap we have set out for 2023, which is to stick to our budget for 2023, maximize our cash, increase sales based on SEO and digital media marketing, improve content, increase site visits and conversion rate. We are now seeing the beginnings of the strategy bearing fruit and are very encouraged to stick to our strategy. Our site visits are increasing, and our conversion rate is increasing as well. This is also combined with the per user purchase of multiple solutions, where we are getting a higher average revenue per user. We are looking forward to continuing to improve our website, and increase traffic on it, which results in higher conversions. Our prime directive is to provide private and secure communications for everyone, and, as we are not connected to any Big Tech cloud platform, we offer a truly independent, private and secure means of communications without any data mining, through our proprietary technology and our secure servers based in Switzerland. We look forward to continuing offering true data privacy to all businesses and government organizations, and protect their intellectual property, and their privacy, from data miners, malicious hackers and rogue agents of foreign powers."

On April 7th 2023, the Company launched its privacy VPN solution called SekurVPN available through https://www.sekur.com . The Company has seen great success for SekurVPN for consumers, and plans to market to the SMB and enterprise in Q4, targeting the 30 million SMBs in the USA, through several digital and email marketing campaigns.

SekurVPN is meant for privacy enthousiasts and users wanting to mask their IP address and protect their Internet activities from hackers, rogue agents and industrial spies. An example would be users going to their e-banking or shopping online, using their emails, using messaging applications and wanting to have full privacy and protection from hackers hijacking their location and signal. The service guarantees that it does not use Big Tech or Hyperscalers for its functioning or hosting, it guarantees that there are no third party bundles sold with it, so no data is leaked or sold to third parties, it guarantees no traffic pulling or monitoring, and no phone number required to register to the service. Using a private VPN such as SekurVPN can reduce greatly the risk of BEC attacks for C-Level enterprise employees.

According to a study and publication on forbes.com, 66% use a VPN to help protect personal data, 80% use a VPN for increased security and 33% use a VPN to mask their internet activity. More statistics can be found on this VPN Statistics And Trends In 2023 article.

Private:

SekurVPN uses its own proprietary infrastructure and does not use any Hyperscaler or Big Tech hosting providers, unlike most other VPNs. It offers Swiss IPs only, and this guarantees that it is using only SekurVPN's own servers and routing. Other VPNs offer 100s of locations and are using Big Tech providers, compromising users' privacy. SekurVPN never monitors users' activity and never shares any data with third party service providers. By being a pure VPN, without bundled outside services, such as anti-virus, and ad-blockers, SekurVPN keeps users' information private without sharing their data with third party service providers. With SekurVPN, users do not register their phone number on the App or the web, rendering users invisible from hackers or snoopers. No phone number to register, anonymous Swiss IPs only, no data mining or traffic sharing with anyone.

Secure:

SekurVPN's secure VPN routes all your Internet traffic through SekurVPN's privately owned servers, in multiple locations in Switzerland only, and using the highest encryption industry standards, combined with its proprietary HeliX technology for added security. Encryption keys are not stored on devices and are unique at every connection. Users' passwords, confidential data and Internet surfing stay encrypted even over public untrusted internet connections.

Easy to use:

SekurVPN is extremely easy to setup and deploy. There is no country list and our interface is simplified, just tap or click the connection button. SekurVPN's no-frills but highly secure and private service gives users peace of mind without thinking about geo-locations.

In addition to SekurVPN, the company offers a bundled Sekur plan, which includes SekurMessenger and SekurMail, as a bundle of email, messaging and file transfer into one application, and includes the Company's latest SekurMail technology, which includes proprietary anti-phishing and privacy feature called SekurSend. SekurSend lets a user send an email to any other recipient, whether they have Sekur or not, in full privacy and security as the email never leaves Sekur's encrypted email servers based in Switzerland. The recipient can then click on the notification and reply in the same manner using SekurReply, without the recipient having to register for a Sekur account. The sender can also decide to protect any email sent by adding a password to open it, a read-limit and a self-destruct timer as well. Sending an email with the SekurSend feature allows the senders and recipients to add limitless size attachments to the emails without crowding the recipients' email box. This also eliminates BEC attacks for businesses and email phishing attacks. Additionally, SekurMail includes full control of email delivery, automatic data export for large Enterprises and an automatic Data Loss Prevention technology ("DLP") with real time continuous archiving.

Recent data breaches in messaging applications have created a certain urgency for businesses and data privacy advocates to protect their communications from cyber-attacks and identity theft via mobile and desktop devices.

SekurMessenger comes with a proprietary feature and technology called "Chat-By-Invite". This feature allows a SekurMessenger user ("SM user") invite via email or SMS, a non-SM user, or a group of non-SM users, to chat in a fully private and secure way, without the recipient ever having to register to SekurMessenger or download the app. At the end of the chat, the initiator of the conversation can remotely terminate the conversation and all traces of the conversation are deleted from all users, including the recipient. This unique feature is now fully deployed and functional on all iOS and Android devices and web platforms. The target sectors are numerous, including but not limited to real estate, legal, finance, insurance, medical, government, energy, manufacturing, trade and pharmaceutical sectors.

SekurMessenger also eliminates many of the privacy and security risks by not only not requiring a phone number, which would divulge a user's phone device ID, but also by not social engineering a user's phone or computer contact list and infecting the contacts by default as well, eliminating a huge loophole in security and privacy. SekurMessenger issues each user a username and a Sekur number. The Sekur number is the contact ID a user would disclose in order for other Sekur users to be added. The service comes with a self-destruct timer and other features as well, including Sekur's proprietary VirtualVaults and HeliX technologies with all data stored in Swiss hosted encrypted servers.

Sekur's Data privacy solutions are all hosted in Switzerland, protecting users' data from any outside data intrusion requests. In Switzerland, the right to privacy is guaranteed in article 13 of the Swiss Federal Constitution. The Federal Act on Data Protection ("FADP") of 19 June 1992 (in force since 1993) has set up a strict protection of privacy by prohibiting virtually any processing of personal data which is not expressly authorized by the data subjects. The protection is subject to the authority of the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner.

Under Swiss federal law, it is a crime to publish information based on leaked "secret official discussions." In 2010 the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland found that IP addresses are personal information and that under Swiss privacy laws they may not be used to track Internet usage without the knowledge of the individuals involved.

About Sekur Private Data Ltd.

Sekur Private Data Ltd. is a Cybersecurity and Internet privacy provider of Swiss hosted solutions for secure and private communications. The Company distributes a suite of encrypted e-mails, secure messengers, and secure communication tools. Sekur Private Data Ltd. sells its products through its own website at https://www.sekur.com, and approved distributors, and telecommunications companies worldwide. Sekur Private Data Ltd. serves consumers, businesses and governments worldwide.





On behalf of Management

SEKUR PRIVATE DATA LTD.

Alain Ghiai

President and Chief Executive Officer

+1.416.644.8690

[email protected]

For more information, please contact Sekur Private Data at [email protected] or visit us at https://www.sekurprivatedata.com.



For more information on Sekur visit us at: https://www.sekur.com or https://www.sekurvpn.com.



Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "achieve", "could", "believe", "plan", "intend", "objective", "continuous", "ongoing", "estimate", "outlook", "expect", "project" and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guaranteeing future performance. Sekur cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Sekur's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the future of the Company's business; the success of marketing and sales efforts of the Company; the projections prepared in house and projections delivered by channel partners; the Company's ability to complete the necessary software updates; increases in sales as a result of investments software development technology; consumer interest in the Products; future sales plans and strategies; reliance on large channel partners and expectations of renewals to ongoing agreements with these partners; anticipated events and trends; the economy and other future conditions; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in Sekur's prospectus dated May 8, 2019 filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available on www.sedar.com. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Sekur undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178198
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - Sixty North Gold Mining Ltd. (CSE: SXTY) (FSE: 2F40) (OTC Pink: SXNTF) (the "Company" or "Sixty North Gold") provides notice of changes to its Board of Directors.

Sixty North announces the appointment of Mr. William van Breugel, resident of Saskatchewan, Canada, as a director of the Company, effective August 22, 2023. Mr. van Breugel is a mining engineer with over 40 years of experience in the mining industry. He previously held the positions as: Senior Mine Engineer for Cameco's Cigar Lake project and Kinross Gold's Hoyle Pond project; Technical Services Manager at Barrick Lumwana; and Project Manager for Goldcorp and Star Diamond Corporation.

Dr. Dave Webb, Director, President & CEO of the Company, reports, "We are excited for the mining operations and project development experience Bill brings to the company. His background will be very useful for all stages of our aggressive plan to restart, then expand, the high-grade Mon gold mine on the Yellowknife Gold Belt."

Mr. Grant Block, a director of Sixty North Gold Mining Ltd. since 2017, before it went public in 2018, has stepped down as Director of the Company. Dr. Webb states, "We are grateful to Grant for his guidance as head of the Audit Committee, and for his governance skills that were necessary for a formative public company. The Company wishes him well in his other activities."

About the Company

The Company is developing mining operations for gold on the Mon Gold Property, 40 km north of Yellowknife, NWT. Past production extracted 15,000 tonnes of ore to depths of only 15 m below surface, recovering an estimated 15,000 ounces of gold. The North Ramp has been reopened and has been extended to within 60 m of the target portion of the vein. The Company plans to extend the ramp to where some high-grade historic holes intersected the vein beneath the previously mined stopes. The plan is to install cross-cuts and raises within the vein to extract and stockpile the vein material on surface. Upon confirmation of the grade and tonnage, a permitted mill will be brought in to process this and ongoing mined material.

The property also hosts an outcropping precious-metals rich VMS showing and has four modeled geophysical targets along strike within felsic tuffs, lithic and lapilli tuffs. These are currently being assessed for drilling.

The Mon Gold Property mining leases and mineral claims are located 45 km north of the City of Yellowknife, NWT.

For more information, please refer to the Company's Prospectus dated January 19, 2018 available on SEDAR ( www.sedar.com ), under the Company's profile.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Dave Webb"

Dave Webb, President & CEO

For further information, please contact:

Dave Webb

Tel.: 604 818-1400

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.sixtynorthgold.com

Statements about the Company's future expectations and all other statements in this press release other than historical facts are "forward looking statements". Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including risks inherent in mineral exploration and development, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any projected future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Further details about the risks applicable to the Company are contained in the Company's Prospectus dated January 19, 2018 available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com), under the Company's profile.

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENT OF THIS PRESS RELEASE.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178194
ELKO  Elko County Commissioners say in a letter to Nevadas congressional delegation and to the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners that they cant support Winecup Gamble Ranchs proposal for a land exchange with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management until several concerns are addressed.

Because of the potential for impacts to public access, hunting access, and to wildlife, Elko County is demanding a spot at the negotiating table as this proposal is further developed. Unless these concerns are addressed to protect the interests of the county and the public at large, Elko County urges its congressional delegation to oppose any legislation that may be brought forward to effect this land swap, the letter states.

Winecup Gamble Ranchs plan is to pursue the land exchange through congressional action rather than go through the BLM process, and the county writes that the effort to avoid this process and analysis by going straight to Congress raises concerns that have not been addressed.

The analysis process refers to the National Environmental Protection Act process that the BLM would normally follow in a proposed land exchange.

Andy Wiessner of the Western Land Group hired by the Winecup Gamble Ranch told state wildlife commissioners, however, that this would be the largest land exchange the BLM has ever done. Its too big to happen administratively. An EIS (environmental impact statement) would run thousands of pages.

Assemblyman Bert Gurr, R-Elko, spoke to the Elko County Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife on Aug. 21, saying he opposes the land exchange and its imperative that Nevadas congressional delegation hears loud and clear about county concerns.

Hunting and recreation are an essential part of Elko County, Gurr said.

The county letter also says that the first public input on the exchange was before the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners, and the ranch has not done any stakeholder outreach to groups who would be most affected by these limits to access.

The ranch plans to consult with the public after it develops a final proposal, presenters told the state wildlife commissioners.

Elko County Commissioners talked on Aug. 16 about the proposed land swap before voting to send the letter.

Commissioner Delmo Andreozzi said he would like to see the county demand were part of any discussions or decisions going forward, because the ranch is a huge part of Elko County and just because of the huge scale and magnitude of this.

Rumored estimates of the land exchange are 85,000 acres of private land for 235,000 acres of public land, but Melissa Sherburne of consultants Western Land Group said in an Aug. 14 text that there is no proposed acreage because the proposal is still in the conceptual stages.

Chairman Rex Steninger said he thought it was the commissioners duty to seek county involvement in the process, and Commissioner Travis Gerber said that we should definitely have input and a seat at the table.

The vote to send the letter passed with one commissioner in opposition. Wilde Brough said he didnt want the word demand in the letter because the Constitution gives us the opportunity to have private property and do with that private property what we see most fit. I think demand is a strong word.

He said he understood that public property is part of the ranch, and he understands the hunters issues, but the ranch has a responsibility to do what is best for the ranch.

Caleb McAdoo with the Nevada Department of Wildlife told commissioners on Aug. 16 that NDOW has been approached by Kroenke Ranches through the consultants and has echoed a lot of the same sentiments echoed at the county meeting.

He said NDOW is concerned about recreation and hunting access as well as wildlife.

McAdoo, now deputy director of operations for NDOW, also said it looks like the wildlife board may act in September.

The wildlife commissioners plan a meeting on Sept. 22-23 in Las Vegas, according to the NDOW website.

The boards Aug. 11 meeting was informational only regarding the land swap, which Winecup Gamble and Kroenke Ranches representative Wyatt Anthony said is proposed to improve the efficiency of ranch operations by consolidating pieces of land and at the same time creating conservation easements.

The ranch in turn would provide private land to the public that includes wetlands and areas that include sage grouse leks and habitat, according to the Winecup Gamble presentation before the wildlife commissioners.

Anthony said the ranch wanted to present its final proposal to Nevadas congressional delegation in 2024.

The letter Elko County Resource Manager Curtis Moore drafted at the county commissioners direction states that hunting has a major impact on Elko County, contributing roughly $9.3 million per year to the economy but the current land exchange proposal would alter both the access and available habitat currently open to hunters in the area.

The most concerning omission from the proposal is any plan for maintaining public access. There are millions of acres of public lands located outside the boundaries of the proposed swap, with no mention of preserving access to them should a swap be granted, the letter also states.

According to the letter, Winecup Gamble Ranch and owner Kroenke Ranches suggested in the presentation to the Nevada Wildlife Commission that access would be controlled by the ranch, with non-motorized access offered in the Loomis Creek area and permit-based public access on private lands in cooperation with NDOW.

The countys letter additionally says that the state, county and land managing agencies have worked hard to implement plans to avoid a listing of the Greater Sage Grouse, and the plans in effect all require careful management of sage grouse habitat to have a change of working. A wholesale transfer of land by Congress would bypass the processes in place that these stakeholders have worked to implement.

The letter also states that the area of the proposed land exchange is in the middle of one of the major mule deer migration corridors.

Along with comments against the proposed land swap made before county commissioners and the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners, the Elko County Advisory Board of Manage Wildlife heard from at least a dozen people against the swap in the special Aug. 21 meeting, in addition to Gurr.

The advisory board voted to send a letter to the Nevada congressional delegation, state representatives and senators, Gov. Joe Lombardo, the state Board of Wildlife Commissioners and to the Elko and state BLM offices expressing their opposition to the proposed land exchange.

The wildlife advisory letter signed by Chairman Jim Cooney states that the board is very concerned about the lack of information available to the public and the fast track they seem to be pursuing, and cites concerns about economic impacts if hunting is cut back, about public access and who would be responsible for wildlife guzzlers.

The letter also states that NDOW issued 1,900 mule deer tags, 278 antelope tag and 762 elk tag in the proposed land exchange area and questions whether the ranch would create a massive private hunting reserve.

The 1.2-million-acre Winecup Gamble Ranch that includes the Independence Valley Ranch is in eastern Elko County and owned by Kroenke Ranches headed by Stanley Kroenke. The acreage includes grazing allotments from the BLM.

The ranch dates to the 1860s, with different owners and different acreage at varying times. The late actor Jimmy Stewart was an owner at one point in the 1950s.
Changchun, China--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - The 14th China-Northeast Asia Expo was held from August 23rd to 27th in Changchun, China. This year's Northeast Asia Expo is aimed at creating a new highland for opening up and cooperation in Northeast Asia, injecting new momentum into the "Belt and Road" initiative and the revitalization of Northeast China.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8247/178232_c0142fba449c78dd_001full.jpg

The Northeast Asia Expo is an international comprehensive expo approved by the State Council of China, co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and the Jilin Provincial Government. The six countries of Northeast Asia jointly participate in and carry out economic and trade cooperation, high-level dialogue, and cultural exchanges globally. It has played an important role in promoting trade and economic cooperation in Northeast Asia and promoting regional economic development.

Lv Haiqiang, Deputy Director of the Executive Committee of the Northeast Asia Expo, and Deputy Secretary General of the Jilin Provincial Government, indicated that this Northeast Asia Expo has 8 exhibition halls, including the Northeast Asia Commodity Hall and the International Commodity Hall. It is the first time to set up a modern equipment and new energy cooperation, digital economy, modern service industry, and modern agriculture halls. There are 3427 international standard booths, covering an exhibition area of about 70000 square meters, with 1006 exhibitors from home and abroad, including 201 exhibitors from 42 countries and regions including Northeast Asia, Europe, and the United States, countries along the "the Belt and Road," Chinese Hong Kong, Chinese Macao, and Chinese Taiwan.

During the expo, four thematic conferences are being held. Among them, the 5th Northeast Asia Industrial Park Dialogue is a multilateral conference, focusing on topics such as Northeast Asia industrial chain supply chain cooperation, building an open industrial park new economy, and creating new momentum for regional cooperation in Northeast Asia. About 100 government and enterprise representatives from China, Russia, Mongolia, and South Korea were invited to participate. The scale of the 2023 (Jilin) China Japan Economic Cooperation Conference is approximately 330 people, with 138 participants from 62 Japanese enterprises and institutions. There are 29 vice presidents and above from Fortune Global 500 and well-known multinational corporations in China, all of which have reached a record high in scale. During the Russian Business Day event, China and Russia conducted promotional and docking activities in fields such as agriculture and forestry, automobiles and parts, logistics, and finance. The theme of the South Korean Business Day event is "New Era, New Cooperation, and New Development". At the same time, the China South Korea Northeast Asia Health Forum was held, with delegations led by the Korean Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, the South Korean Trade Association, and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & FoodTrade Corp. participating.

Lv Haiqiang stated, "This year's Northeast Asia Expo is paying more attention to expanding the scale of the Northeast Asian market and expanding domestic and international circle of friends. On the basis of focusing on inviting political leaders, envoys to China, international organizations, and institutional representatives from the five countries in Northeast Asia, we invite envoys from other countries in Northeast Asia to China and friendly cities to participate. We also invite influential representatives of domestic and foreign enterprises, business associations, and financial investment institutions to attend the meeting, focusing on expanding the circle of friends in Northeast Asia and boosting the development of Northeast Asia."

China-Northeast Asia Expo

Zou ZhiWei

[email protected]

http://www.cneaexpo.org/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178232
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - The House of Suntory, the Founding House of Japanese Whisky, celebrates its 100th anniversary of whisky innovation: a major milestone not only for Suntory's history but for Japanese spirits culture. In honour of this centennial, The House releases a Suntory Anniversary Tribute short as imagined by Academy Award-winning Director Sofia Coppola and starring Actor Keanu Reeves, as well as an exclusive 100th-anniversary edition of its world-renowned whiskies.

To view the full announcement, including downloadable images, bios, and more, click here.

Key Takeaways:

The House of Suntory, the Founding House of Japanese Whisky, celebrates its 100th anniversary of whisky innovation: a major milestone not only for Suntory's history but for Japanese spirits culture. The House of Suntory is releasing several limited-edition whiskies that highlight the unique Japanese craftsmanship at Suntory's whisky distilleries and its meticulous art of blending including Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara, which will be available in Canada, and Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt whiskies. Limited 100th anniversary labels of the flagship Yamazaki 12 Year Old and Hakushu 12 Year Old will also be released for the centennial.

In honour of this centennial, The House releases a Suntory Anniversary Tribute short as imagined by Academy Award-winning Director Sofia Coppola and starring Actor Keanu Reeves, as well as an exclusive 100th-anniversary edition of its world-renowned whiskies.

The Suntory Anniversary Tribute tells the remarkable story of the brand's heritage and whisky-making legacy over the last 100 years, depicting the meaning of "Suntory Time" through the eyes of its creator. The Suntory Anniversary Tribute, which features actor Keanu Reeves, a lover of Suntory Whisky and who previously appeared in a Suntory Reserve ad campaign in 1992, debuted earlier this summer during the Suntory Time 100th Anniversary Global Premiere event in New York City.

Click image above to view full announcement.

About The House of Suntory

Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as a pioneer of Japanese Whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan's first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii's son and Suntory's second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu Distillery. As the generations of Suntory's master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014). Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin, Hibiki, Suntory Whisky Toki and Ao. The House of Suntory portfolio also offers Roku Japanese Gin and Haku Japanese Vodka. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at The House of Suntory, Roku Gin and Haku Vodka represent the nature and spirit of Japan. This year, Suntory Whisky celebrates one hundred years of whisky innovationa major milestone not only for the brand's history, but for Japanese spirits culture as a whole. To mark this anniversary, The House of Suntory will be rolling out its centennial campaign throughout 2023.

About Beam Suntory

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Basil Haydenand Knob Creekbourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibikiand Toki; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher's, Laphroaigand Bowmore, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisiercognac, Tres Generaciones, El Tesoroand Hornitostequila, Roku and Sipsmithgin, Canadian Clubwhisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks" Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory's core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to inform consumers as they make choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

For further information, please contact PRAXIS: Meredith Nebel, Account Director [email protected]; Lindsay Craven, Account Manager [email protected].# # #

Enjoy Responsibly.

Suntory Whisky Single Malt & Blended Japanese Whisky, 43-48% Alc./Vol.

2023 Beam Suntory Import Co., Chicago, IL

Contacts:

Meredith Nebel

[email protected]

Lindsay Craven

[email protected]

Source: House of Suntory

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178105
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - Thesis Gold Inc. (TSXV: TAU) (formerly Benchmark Metals Inc., the "Company") and Thesis Gold (Holdings) Inc. ( "Thesis Holdings") are pleased to announce that the Company has completed its business combination with Thesis Holdings pursuant to a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "Transaction").

Ewan Webster, President & CEO, commented "This merger has given rise to an expansive district-scale development and exploration endeavors, characterized by remarkable potential for growth. The next 12-15 months will be transformative with a planned 50,000 meters of drilling already underway between both projects, focusing on resource growth, exploration, and discovery; and the culmination of this work will deliver an updated resource estimate for both projects, including high-grade near surface material at the Ranch Project; and an updated PEA will add high-grade underground material from Lawyers in addition to any resource from Ranch. These milestones and timelines have been developed to unlock substantial value and solidify the potential of the deposits within these two projects at a world-class project level."

John Williamson, Chair, commented, "Thesis Gold will demonstrate a world-class asset in a top tier jurisdiction. The combined company has near-term plans with significant value added milestones that includes a new global mineral resource estimate and a updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). The merger will generate a larger Resource and stronger economics in the next engineering study."

Under the terms of the Transaction, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Thesis Holdings (the "Thesis Shares"). Thesis Holdings shareholders received 2.5584 of a common share of the Company (each whole share, a "Company Share") for each Thesis Share held (the "Exchange Ratio"). The Company also consolidated (the "Share Consolidation") all of its issued Company Shares on a 2.6:1 share basis (the "Consolidation Ratio"), and changed its name to "Thesis Gold Inc.". Existing shareholders of the Company and former shareholders of Thesis Holdings own approximately 60% and 40%, respectively, of the outstanding consolidated shares of the resulting combined company (the "Combined Company"). All outstanding stock options issued by Thesis Holdings were also replaced by equivalent stock options issued by the Combined Company, and all share purchase warrants of Thesis Holdings are automatically adjusted to be equivalent share purchase warrants to acquire common shares of the Combined Company, adjusted in accordance with the Exchange Ratio and the Consolidation Ratio.

Upon surrender to Odyssey Trust Company (the "Depositary") of certificates representing Thesis Shares that were outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Arrangement, together with a duly completed and executed Letter of Transmittal, registered holders of such Thesis Shares are entitled to receive the Company Shares pursuant to, and subject to the terms and conditions of, the Plan of Arrangement, as consolidated by the Company. Each registered shareholder (other than CDS and DTC) will receive a Direct Registration Advice ("DRS Advice"), evidencing the consolidated Company Shares held by such Thesis Holdings shareholder. A Thesis Holdings shareholder can request to receive a physical share certificate representing the consolidated Benchmark Shares by completing the information accompanying the DRS Advice. Any questions regarding payment of the Transaction, including any requests for an additional copy of the Letter of Transmittal, should be directed to the Depositary via telephone at (587) 885-0960 or via email at [email protected] .

Non-registered holders of Thesis Shares that were outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Arrangement should contact their nominee (i.e., broker, trust company, bank or other registered holder) which holds the certificates representing such securities, on their behalf to arrange for surrender and exchange pursuant to the Arrangement and Share Consolidation.

The consolidated common shares of the Combined Company continue to be listed and posted for trading on the TSXV under the trading symbol "TAU" (and continue to be listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and quoted on the OTCQX), and the Thesis Shares will be de-listed from the TSXV effective August 24, 2023, and the Company will apply to have Thesis Holdings cease to be a reporting issuer in every province of Canada in which it is a reporting issuer.

As a result of the Transaction, there are 162,966,011 common shares of the Combined Company issued and outstanding on a non-diluted and consolidated basis.

New Management Team and Board of Directors

The Combined Company's board of directors (the "Combined Company Board") now consists of seven (7) directors, four (4) of whom were nominated by Benchmark, consisting of John Williamson (who was appointed Chair), Keith Peck, Peter Gundy and Jody Shimkus, and three (3) of whom were nominated by Thesis, consisting of Ewan Webster, Nicholas Stajduhar and Thomas Mumford.

Reporting to the Combined Company Board, the Combined Company will be managed by Ewan Webster, as Chief Executive Officer and President; Sean Mager, as Chief Financial Officer; and Ian Harris, as Chief Operating Officer.

Advisors

Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP is acting as legal advisor to the Company's Special Committee and Harper Grey LLP is acting as legal advisor to the Company. Raymond James Ltd. is acting as financial advisor to the Company's Special Committee.

Boughton Law Corporation and Aird & Berlis LLP are acting as Canadian legal advisors to Thesis Holdings. Clarus Securities Inc. is acting as financial advisor to Thesis Holdings. Canaccord Genuity Corp. provided the fairness opinion to the Thesis Holdings Special Committee.

Michael Dufresne, M.Sc, P.Geol., P.Geo., President of Apex Geoscience Ltd. is a qualified person and independent from the Company and its mineral properties under National Instrument 43-101-Standards for Disclosure of Mineral Projects, and has approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release.

About the Company

Thesis Gold Inc. (formerly "Benchmark Metals Inc.") combined with Thesis Gold (Holdings) Inc. pursuant to a Plan of Arrangement and is a Vancouver-based gold and silver company advancing its 100% owned Lawyer's Gold-Silver Project located in the prolific Golden Horseshoe of northern British Columbia, Canada and focused on proving and developing the resource potential of the 180km2 Ranch Gold Project located in the prolific Toodoggone Mining Camp of northern British Columbia, approximately 300 km north of Smithers, British Columbia.. The Lawyers Project consists of three mineralized deposits that remain open for expansion, in addition to +20 new target areas along the 20-kilometer trend. The Company trades on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada, the OTCQX Best Market in the United States, and the Tradegate Exchange in Europe. The Company is managed by proven resource sector professionals, who have a track record of advancing exploration projects from grassroots scenarios through to production.

Further details are available on Thesis' website at: https://www.thesisgold.com/ .

For further information or investor relations inquiries, please contact:

Dave Burwell

Vice President Corporate Development

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 403-410-7907

Toll Free: 1-888-221-0915

Nick Stajduhar

Director

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 780-701-3216

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release.

None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Arrangement have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and any securities issuable in the Arrangement are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration requirements pursuant to Section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable exemptions under state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". These forward-looking statements or information may relate to the Arrangement, including statements with respect to the expected benefits of the Arrangement to the Company, the Thesis Securityholders and Company shareholders, the successful integration of Thesis Holdings into the business of the Company, the prospects of the Lawyers Gold-Silver Project and Ranch Gold Project, including mineral resources estimates and mineralization of each project, and any expectations with respect to defining mineral resources or mineral reserves on any of the Company's projects, the timing of, and successful completion, of the items set out under the heading "Growth and Catalysts", all statements relating to anticipated benefits to be contained in the Company's preliminary economic assessment in respect of the Lawyers Gold-Silver Project (the "PEA"), the makeup of the Company Board and management, and any expectation with respect to any permitting, development or other work that may be required to bring any of the projects into development or production.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at the time, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such assumptions include, but are not limited to, assumptions regarding the Company following completion of the Arrangement, that the anticipated benefits of the Arrangement will be realized, other expectations and assumptions concerning the Arrangement, and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in each of the Company's and Thesis Holdings' most recent annual management's discussion and analyses which have been filed with the Canadian securities regulators and are available, respectively, on each Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company and Thesis Holdings do not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Such statements represent the current views of the Company and Thesis Holdings with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company and Thesis Holdings, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following: the inability of the consolidated entity to realize the benefits anticipated from the Arrangement and the timing to realize such benefits, including the exploration and drilling targets described herein and the completion of a resource estimate and updated PEA; the PEA referred to herein not having the anticipated positive results; unanticipated changes in market price for the shares of the Company; changes to current and future business plans and the strategic alternatives available thereto; growth prospects and outlook of the Company's business, including commencing commercial production at the Lawyer's Project; treatment of the Arrangement under applicable competition laws and the Investment Canada Act; regulatory determinations and delays; any impacts of COVID-19 on the business of the consolidated entity and the ability to advance the Company projects; stock market conditions generally; demand, supply and pricing for gold and silver; and general economic and political conditions in Canada and other jurisdictions where the applicable party conducts business.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178218
Hong Kong, China--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - Token RXT through its company in Hong Kong made a new breakthrough, registering its token Rimaunangis ($RXT) as a means of payment through Coinpayments.net.





Figure 1

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9711/178226_5d2b35c534768a3e_001full.jpg





Figure 2

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9711/178226_5d2b35c534768a3e_002full.jpg

In collaboration with this Canadian company, RXT is one of the few world tokens that can be used in payment transactions in the real world. Currently, all RXT World Ecosystem Activities have begun to be able to use the RXT token as a Crypto-based payment tool.

With this collaboration, RXT World has gone one step further in implementing Full Blockchain technology in its entire Ecosystem. Starting from Movies, Proof of Ownership, Digital Contracts, Gaming, Daily Needs, and others.





Figure 3

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9711/178226_5d2b35c534768a3e_003full.jpg

Dato Abdul Haadi Azhar, in his press release said, this is "Full Complete Ecosystems trial before we Ground Breaking the Full Concept Of Bitcoin Land In Malaysia. Big City and Resort under all Blockchain Technology. The first in The World in Malaysia, from Malaysia to the World."

Of course this will make it easier for Farming Via NFT Application Users (https://farmingViaNFT.io) to make payments using the RXT Token. Together with Abdul Haji Nayan and Syahril Abdul Azis, this collaboration was announced at the Rimaunangis SDN BHD office which is a Partner of RXT Capital LTD Hong Kong.

RXT Capital LTD

Hong Kong

John Henderson

Admin@rxt. world

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178226
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - Wedgemount Resources Corp. (CSE: WDGY) (OTCQB: WDGRF) ("Wedgemount" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement ("PSA") for the acquisition of additional oil and gas assets (the "Assets") located in the Permian Basin of west central Texas. The PSA is with an arm's length private company (the "Seller") located in Texas, USA.

Highlights:

1200 acres including 9 oil and gas leases adjacent to Wedgemount's core area

8 producing and one injector well currently producing 27 barrels of oil per day

Total consideration of US$650,000 comprised of US$50,000 cash and a US$600,000 vendor take back loan ("VTB")

Non-dilutive to WDGY shareholders as purchase will be financed with cash on hand and VTB loan

Minimal capital required to significantly increase current production

Multiple up-hole shallow targets on acreage for potential future growth

Opportunity to add additional assets in immediate area

Wedgemount will acquire a 100% working interest in 1200 acres including nine oil and gas leases, eight producing and one injector well and all surface facilities. Current production from the eight wells is approximately 27 barrels of oil per day of high quality, low-decline operated production. The area's geology consists of numerous hydrocarbon producing formations which will be targeted by the Company.

"We're excited to announce Wedgemount's third Permian Basin light oil acquisition in our new core area in central Texas," stated Mark Vanry, CEO of Wedgemount. "We believe the new assets offer the same low-cost production upside exhibited by our existing assets. Further, the deal demonstrates the Company's ability to source and execute on low-cost conventional oil acquisitions in central Texas. Field work including chemical treatments and well-workovers are expected to commence immediately upon closing. Additional upside potential includes new zone perfs, and additional wells targeting undeveloped zones."

Terms of the Purchase

In consideration for the purchase of the Assets, Wedgemount will pay the Seller US$50,000 in cash from the balance sheet and a 10%, 24-month take back loan of US$600,000. Wedgemount expects to close the proposed transaction as outlined in the PSA on or before October 31, 2023.

About Wedgemount Resources Corp.

Wedgemount Resources is a junior oil & gas company focused on maximizing shareholder value through the acquisition, development and exploitation of natural resource projects in the southern US.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

WEDGEMOUNT RESOURCES CORP.

Mark Vanry, President and CEO

For more information, please contact the Company at:

Telephone: (604) 343-4743

[email protected]

www.wedgemountresources.com

Reader Advisory

This news release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information," including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements made in this news release include the anticipated completion of the acquisition and the proposed timing thereof, the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, the potential for gas production and production from additional zones on the Assets, and potential additional acquisition opportunities in the area of the Assets. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, availability of funds, personnel and other resources necessary to conduct exploration or development programs, successes of the Company's exploration efforts, availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178236
Paid press release content from Send2Press. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation.

NEW YORK, N.Y., Aug. 23, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) Tonight, the heart of New York City will resonate with a poignant tribute as its iconic buildings don a solemn hue in honor of the International Day of Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. This visual gesture carries a profound significance, paying homage to both an exceptional individual and an often-forgotten chapter of history, Mocha Media announces today.

The chosen illuminating color, yellow, serves as a tribute to Ms. Viola Ford Fletcher, the worlds oldest living author and the venerable survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Yellow holds a special place in Ms. Fletchers heart as her favorite color, symbolizing optimism, resilience, and hope. At 109 years old, Ms. Fletcher embodies these very qualities, and her powerful best-selling memoir, Dont Let Them Bury My Story, has touched hearts worldwide. Her remarkable journey through one of historys darkest episodes stands as a testament to human strength and perseverance.

Tonights luminous display resonates with the spirit of Ms. Fletchers message one that emphasizes the vitality of remembering the past to forge a better future. In her book, she voices the importance of preserving these narratives as they serve to illuminate the path toward justice and equity. Her narrative of survival and determination continues to inspire dialogue on racial justice and historical acknowledgment.

As part of her commemoration of this significant day, Ms. Fletchers itinerary in New York City holds poignant engagements. At 11 a.m., she will visit the African Burial Ground, paying her respects to those who endured the horrors of slavery. A moment of silence at 11:11 will stand as a collective acknowledgment of their struggles and the importance of their remembrance. Subsequently, at noon, Ms. Fletcher will be hosted by the United Nations, where observance will take place at the Ark Monument. Here, she will pour libations and offer prayers, invoking blessings in honor of the countless forgotten stories that history failed to tell.

Through the collective brilliance of these illuminated landmarks, especially in her favorite color, yellow, we unite in acknowledging Ms. Fletchers legacy and her pivotal role in shaping our understanding of history. New York Citys skyline transforms into a canvas of remembrance, standing as a testament to Ms. Fletchers status as the worlds oldest author and her profound impact on our shared narrative.

As night falls, the illuminated buildings not only pay homage to history but also stand as a beacon of hope for the future. This tribute echoes the sentiment that stories, like those of Ms. Fletcher, should never be consigned to oblivion but should instead serve as beacons of light, guiding our steps toward a more enlightened tomorrow.

For more information, please contact:

[email protected]

202-210-0925

LISTING OF APPEARANCES:

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 23, 2023

11 a.m. The African Burial Grounds, Wall Street

Honoring The Buried Stories. A short reading followed by a moment of silence at 11:11

12 p.m. The Ark of Remembrance, United Nations

Official Observance of the International Day of Remembrance of the Slave. Libations and blessings will be offered to commemorate the day.

THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2023

6:30 p.m. Book Launch: Dont Let Them Bury My Story.

Book Talk with Viola Ford Fletcher and Grandson/Co-Author, Ike Howard, Hannah Nikole Jones and Mocha Ochoa.

NEWS SOURCE: Mocha Media Inc



This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Mocha Media Inc), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/black-wall-street-survivor-viola-ford-fletcher-tribute-nyc-buildings-illuminate-in-remembrance-of-international-day-of-the-slave-and-buried-stories/

Copr.  2023 Send2Press Newswire, a service of NEOTROPE, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: 92849SI.04
Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation.

Global Spirits USA, a leading spirits company, proudly highlights its continued growth during these times and expresses gratitude for the support of the American people. The company appreciates its relationship with retail stores across the nation and has created an exclusive GlobalSpirits.store online promotion.



Global Spirits USA, a prominent name in the spirits industry, is delighted to announce its sustained growth and expansion during a period of unprecedented challenges. The company is grateful for the unwavering support of the American people, which has been instrumental in its success. To commemorate this achievement and show its appreciation, Global Spirits USA is excited to unveil a series of initiatives, starting with an exclusive online promotion in honor of Ukrainian Independence Day.



The past year and a half has posed numerous challenges for businesses across the globe, but Global Spirits USA has not only weathered the storm but thrived. Through innovation, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, the company has continued to offer high-quality spirits that have captured the hearts and palates of consumers nationwide.



Global Spirits USA is thrilled to maintain strong relationships with retailers such as Total Wine and More, BevMo, Binny's Beverage Market, BevMax, Mega Discount, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Woodman's Food Market, Wegman's, Spec's Wine & Spirits, Goody Goody Liquor, Festival Foods, and many other stores across the nation to showcase the company's diverse range of products.



Furthermore, Global Spirits USA is proud to extend an invitation to its customers to partake in an exclusive Ukrainian Independence Day online promotion. To mark this special occasion, the company has unveiled an enticing offer on its website. This limited-time deal can be accessed at globalspirits.store/products/hot-deals. The promotion not only allows customers to enjoy their favorite spirits at exceptional prices but also exemplifies Global Spirits USA's commitment to celebrating the spirit of independence and unity.





"Our growth during these challenging times is a testament to our team's resilience and the unwavering loyalty of our customers. We are excited to celebrate this milestone and show our appreciation through our exclusive Independence Day online promotion." - Alina Rabchanka, CEO of Global Spirits USA



Global Spirits USA remains committed to offering exceptional products, fostering innovation, and embracing its defining values. The company's growth story and relationship with nationwide retail stores stand as a symbol of gratitude and a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and progress that characterizes Global Spirits USA.



About Us: Global Spirits USA is a leading spirits company that prides itself on offering a diverse portfolio of high-quality products. With a commitment to innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction, the company has experienced remarkable growth even in challenging times. Global Spirits USA is dedicated to celebrating the spirit of independence and unity, which are at the core of its values. To learn more, visit globalspirits.store.

Contact Info:

Name: Alina Rabchanka

Email: Send Email

Organization: Global Spirits USA

Address: 100 Church street, ste 823, New York, NY 10007

Phone: (332) 207-2239

Website: http://www.GlobalSpirits.store



Release ID: 89105263

In the event of encountering any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies within the content shared in this press release, we kindly request that you immediately contact us at [email protected]. Our dedicated team will be readily accessible to address your feedback within 8 hours and take appropriate measures to rectify any identified issues or facilitate press release takedowns. Ensuring accuracy and reliability are central to our commitment.
Earnings Call Scheduled for 8:00 a.m. EST on August 25, 2023

SINGAPORE , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 51Talk Online Education Group ("51Talk", or the "Company") (NYSEAMERICAN: COE), a global online education platform with core expertise in English education, today announced that it will report its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023 on Friday, August 25, 2023, before the open of U.S. markets.

The Company's management will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 a.m. U. S. Eastern Time on August 25, 2023 (8:00p.m. Singapore/ Beijing /Hong Kong time on August 25, 2023).

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

United States Toll: 1-888-346-8982 International: 1-412-902-4272 Singapore (toll free): 800-120-6157 Mainland China Toll : 4001-201203 Hong Kong Toll: 800-905945 Hong Kong-Local Toll: 852-301-84992

Participants should dial-in at least 5 minutes before the scheduled start time and ask to be connected to the call for "51Talk Online Education Group".

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.51talk.com.

A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately one hour after the conclusion of the live call until August 31, 2023 , by dialing the following telephone numbers:

United States Toll: 1-877-344-7529 International Toll: 1-412-317-0088 Canada Toll: 855-669-9658 Replay Access Code: 8879362

About 51Talk Online Education Group

51Talk Online Education Group (NYSEAMERICAN: COE) is a global online education platform with core expertise in English education. The Company's mission is to make quality education accessible and affordable. The Company's online and mobile education platforms enable students to take live interactive English lessons on demand. The Company connects its students with a large pool of highly qualified teachers that it assembled using a shared economy approach, and employs student and teacher feedback and data analytics to deliver a personalized learning experience to its students

For more information, please visit http://ir.51talk.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/51talk-online-education-group-to-report-second-quarter-2023-financial-results-on-friday-august-25-2023-301907911.html

SOURCE 51Talk Online Education Group
Dallas trial lawyer honored in 'Personal Injury Litigation  Plaintiffs' category

DALLAS , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- We are proud to announce that Ben C. Martin , founder of the prominent Dallas -based personal injury law firm Ben Martin Law Group, has been named to The Best Lawyers in America list for 2024 in the "Personal Injury Litigation  Plaintiffs" category.

Mr. Martin is considered among the national leaders in multidistrict litigation, mass torts and personal injury litigation, serving as plaintiffs' co-lead counsel in multiple national MDLs/consolidated proceedings and plaintiff steering committees. His career includes a long history of significant verdicts across the country in medical device and pharma cases and other single event cases, and he has become nationally recognized for his work representing clients injured by defective products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and other catastrophic injury cases involving everything from vehicular accidents to oil field explosions.

"I'm grateful to the other attorneys in my field for honoring me like this," said Mr. Martin . "We've worked to maintain our place among the best firms when it comes to representing clients through some of the most challenging times of their lives."

Mr. Martin has earned numerous professional awards and accolades in addition to Best Lawyers. He has been selected as a Texas Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly every year since 2005, has been on the National Trial Lawyers list of Top 100 Trial Lawyers since 2011 and has earned an AV Preeminent rating, the highest of its kind, from the prestigious law directory Martindale -Hubbell. He has also earned repeat selections to the D Magazine list of the best lawyers in Dallas in the mass torts category.

Mr. Martin is an active member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, having served as its Dallas chapter president, and is a member of the American Association of Justice, Texas Bar Foundation, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Dallas Bar Association, American Bar Association, Dallas Trial Lawyers Association and Southern Trial Lawyers Association, and he is an honorary lifetime member of the Mississippi Trial Lawyers Association.

In addition to being the oldest peer-review legal guide in the country, The Best Lawyers in America is also among the most respected and highly regarded listings of its kind. Individual attorneys, law firms and other legal professionals are selected through a rigorous, comprehensive process that includes surveys and confidential evaluations from other top lawyers in similar practice areas. Visit https://www.bestlawyers.com for the complete list of attorneys chosen for 2024.

The attorneys of the Ben Martin Law Group have helped thousands of victims of catastrophic vehicular and trucking accidents, oil field explosions, medical and hospital negligence, medical device and pharmaceutical design defects, and personal injuries caused by negligence and gross negligence.

Media Contact:

Jason Cunningham

800-559-4534

[email protected]

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/attorney-ben-martin-earns-best-lawyers-in-america-recognition-301908566.html

SOURCE Ben Martin Law Group
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs - Inaugural "Power of Vision" Event to Offer Funding and Education Opportunities

HOUSTON , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A groundbreaking initiative is set to take place as Black Women Founder, LaToya Hurley, announces the launch the second "Power of Vision" event. This unique event will comprise of educational information aimed at providing funding and support for women entrepreneurs. The event is scheduled to take place on August 26th , from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm , at the prestigious Brava High Rise , located in downtown Houston at 414 Milam Street , Houston, TX 77002 on the 47th floor.

In the realm of entrepreneurship, women have shown remarkable resilience and innovation while defying stereotypes. However, women entrepreneurs persistently face disparities, particularly in terms of funding and access to critical information. Despite their potential, women entrepreneurs often find themselves navigating an uneven playing field when it comes to securing financial support for their ventures. This gender-based funding gap can hinder the growth and scalability of women-led businesses, limiting their capacity to reach their full potential. Similarly, the lack of equitable access to essential information, networks, and mentorship opportunities can impede their journey towards success. Addressing these disparities is not just a matter of fairness, but a strategic imperative for fostering economic growth and innovation. Efforts to bridge these gaps through targeted support, inclusive funding models, and comprehensive resources are crucial in empowering women entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute significantly to the broader entrepreneurial landscape.

LaToya Hurley , the visionary behind this event, expresses her commitment to uplifting women entrepreneurs, stating,

"I believe that by offering funding opportunities and educational resources to women founders, we can reveal their incredible potential and drive positive change in our business community. It's about empowering women to embrace their aspirations and turn them into reality."

Details about the Pitch Competition

The event marks a significant occasion as it unveils the upcoming pitch competition, a platform for women founders to present their groundbreaking business concepts before a distinguished panel of judges. In an exciting collaboration, Innovating Marketing Group joins forces with Gala Bethany Studio , Calberts Tax Service & Well-Run Retail to introduce this competition, offering an avenue for Women Founders to showcase their ventures and secure essential funding that has the potential to propel their businesses to remarkable heights. We're pleased to announce that applications for the pitch competition are now open, with the event set to take place on October 28th via www.InnovatingMarketingGroup.com. Beyond celebrating innovation, this event also cultivates it by providing a launchpad for women entrepreneurs, enabling them to turn their aspirations into tangible achievements.

The Disparity in Funding for Women Founders

Supporting women founders is not only a ethical obligation but also an essential step toward fostering economic growth and innovation. As the founder of Innovating Marketing Group, LaToya Hurley truly understands and empathizes with the hurdles that fellow founders encounter on their entrepreneurial journeys. She remarks, "Having faced numerous challenges myself, I understand the unique struggles that women entrepreneurs face in securing resources and recognition." Unfortunately, the statistics highlight this imbalance. In a landscape where female-led startups receive a mere fraction of the funding allocated to their male counterparts, it's imperative that we bridge this gap. According to recent data, women-led startups receive only about 2.3% of the total venture capital funding, signifying a stark disparity that stifles potential innovation and growth. By actively supporting and investing in women founders, we not only rectify this imbalance but also unlock a wealth of untapped potential that can drive forward our economy and society as a whole.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity  register for the event today and be the first to enter the pitch competition by following this link: [Click Here]. To inquire about Zoom/Skype interviews with LaToya Hurley , email [email protected] or contact Innovating Marketing Group at 346-980-9062.

About Innovating Marketing and Management

IMM is a Marketing & PR firm headquartered in Houston, Texas with contacts throughout North America . The firm has a consistent track record of producing sound results based on the client's objectives. With the firms intensive knowledge of the market we are able to formulate a plan relevant to achieving your desired results. Our distinguishing integration of PR, SEO and social media marketing mix helps provide a competitive edge to the client.

Mission Statement  Provide clients with an optimal experience from conception to completion.

Press Contact:

LaToya Hurley

281-660-1813

https://Innovatingmarketing.co

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/black-women-founder-latoya-hurley-launches-a-pitch-competition-and-educational-event-to-provide-funding-for-other-women-founders-301908218.html
Expert: Cooperation holds promise of rejuvenating economic activities

Enhanced cooperation and better coordination among BRICS countries  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  will bolster their economic growth and fortify the multilateral trading system, said market watchers and business leaders.

By leveraging their collective strengths, these influential emerging economies can shape a more robust global economic resurgence, they said. Through increased trade, investment and technological innovation, BRICS countries can catalyze growth not only within their respective borders but on a global scale.

China's foreign trade with other BRICS economies amounted to 3.69 trillion yuan ($506.76 billion) in 2022, up 17 percent year-on-year, according to data released on Monday by China's General Administration of Customs.

China had consistently maintained its position as the largest trading partner of Russia, Brazil and South Africa, thereby giving them further development impetus.

Their foreign trade ties maintained notable growth momentum in the first seven months of this year, while China saw the value of its trade with other BRICS countries soar 19.1 percent year-on-year to 2.38 trillion yuan.

Consensus has been reached during the recent 13th BRICS trade ministers' meeting and the seventh BRICS industry ministers' meeting on issues such as cooperation frameworks for promoting the upgrading of the manufacturing sector and establishing sustainable industrial and supply chains.

These cooperative endeavors hold the promise of rejuvenating economic activities, said Ren Lin, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' National Institute of Global Strategy in Beijing.

Fostering collaboration

Such meetings have shown that BRICS countries pay more attention to the imperative of digital transformation, fostering collaboration among small and medium-sized enterprises, and reinforcing the resilience of industrial and supply chains, according to information released earlier this month by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Atul Dalakoti, executive director of the New Delhi-based Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said the importance of trade and investment among BRICS countries, along with their collaborative efforts in technological innovation, industrial transformation and the new digital economy, has been well established, providing impetus for growth in the BRICS countries.

"China has a well-developed, enviable infrastructure. All the BRICS countries can work together in areas such as artificial intelligence, big data, 5G and high-speed trains, and create physical connectivity among themselves," Dalakoti said.

Chen Wenling, chief economist at the Beijing-based China Center for International Economic Exchanges, said that by collectively harnessing the power of the digital era, the five countries can effectively navigate the complexities of the transformation of modern manufacturing.

These efforts will boost BRICS countries' foreign trade volume not only among themselves but also with other parts of the world, said Lin Meng, director of the Modern Supply Chain Research Institute at the Beijing-based Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.

The five countries should work together to build an open, inclusive, fair, just and nondiscriminatory environment for foreign trade, the digital economy and the green economy, she said.

Expanded trade

Besides traditional Chinese exports to other BRICS markets such as construction machinery, railway trains, manufacturing equipment, electronics, textiles and household appliances, Chinese-made passenger vehicles and solar cells have also become popular in these countries in recent years, according to Customs data.

In addition to metals, crude oil, natural gas and grains, shipments to China from Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa include passenger aircraft, timber, meat, steel, cotton, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.

Lyu Jun, board chairman of COFCO Group, China's largest food trader in terms of sales revenue, said the company will continue to import agricultural products from other BRICS countries in the coming years, since agriculture is one of the key areas of cooperation between China and these four trading partners.

After receiving 53,000 metric tons of South African feed corn for the first time in China at a port in Dongguan, Guangdong province, in early May, COFCO Group announced that it had procured 158,000 tons of corn from South Africa in the first half of this year.

In terms of intensifying its investment and trade cooperation in other BRICS economies, the company has been bolstering the construction of soybean crushing plants, refining facilities, sugar mills, ports and silos, as part of its processing and logistics infrastructure development in these four countries, Lyu said.

"COFCO Group has also fostered a strong partnership with local farms and agricultural households, forming a mutually beneficial community that contributes to local economic growth," he said.
SHANGHAI , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) ("Cango" or the "Company"), a leading automotive transaction service platform in China , today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter of 2023.

Second Quarter 2023 Financial and Operational Highlights

Total revenues were RMB675.4 million ( US$93.1 million ), a 133.6% increase from RMB289.2 million in the same period of 2022. Car trading transactions revenues were RMB562.8 million ( US$77.6 million ) in the second quarter of 2023, representing 83.3% of total revenues in the same period, a 157.4% increase from RMB218.6 million in the same period of 2022.





( ), a 133.6% increase from in the same period of 2022. Car trading transactions revenues were ( ) in the second quarter of 2023, representing 83.3% of total revenues in the same period, a 157.4% increase from in the same period of 2022. The total outstanding balance of financing transactions the Company facilitated was RMB16,628.1 million ( US$2,293.1 million ) as of June 30, 2023 . M1+ and M3+ overdue ratios for all financing transactions that remained outstanding and were facilitated by the Company were 2.12% and 1.09%, respectively, as of June 30, 2023 , compared with 2.33% and 1.29%, respectively, as of March 31, 2023 .





( ) as of . M1+ and M3+ overdue ratios for all financing transactions that remained outstanding and were facilitated by the Company were 2.12% and 1.09%, respectively, as of , compared with 2.33% and 1.29%, respectively, as of . "Cango Haoche" had engaged 11,066 dealers in China's 31 provinces and 305 cities as of June 30, 2023 . During the second quarter, total sales were 5,893 cars. Since the "Cango Haoche" APP was launched at the end of the second quarter of 2022, it had attracted a total of over one million page views and more than 98,000 unique visitors as of the end of June 2023 .





31 provinces and 305 cities as of . During the second quarter, total sales were 5,893 cars. Since the "Cango Haoche" APP was launched at the end of the second quarter of 2022, it had attracted a total of over one million page views and more than 98,000 unique visitors as of the end of . "Cango U-Car" had engaged 6,900 dealers in China's 30 provinces and 225 cities as of June 30, 2023 . During the second quarter, total sales were 651 cars. As of June 30, 2023 , the "Cango U-Car" APP and mini program had attracted a total of over 611,000 page views and more than 31,000 unique visitors.

Mr. Jiayuan Lin , Chief Executive Officer of Cango, commented, "Despite the release of various consumption stimulus policies targeting the automotive market in the first half of the year, consumer confidence and consumption willingness remained weak. Amid challenging market conditions overall, we leveraged our deep insights into the industry's pain points to continuously refine our product offerings. "

"In the second quarter, we updated functions and products on 'Cango Haoche,' adding the car loan program, cross-regional delivery service, as well as auto insurance and non-auto insurance products. These offerings empowered our dealers with enhanced service capabilities and broadened profit streams, resulting in a year-over-year increase of 34.3% in the total number of dealers engaged on 'Cango Haoche.' Meanwhile, we assembled a dedicated team of professional technicians and broadened service coverage across the used car transaction value chain with our onsite service team of over 100 experts beginning to engage in basic vehicle inspection and other relevant services."

"Digital technology capabilities are key to improving service capabilities across the platform. Beyond revamping our transaction business across the platform, we have also been actively working towards group-wide digital transformation. Our 'Car Dealer Operational Index Query' was launched and listed on the Shanghai Data Exchange in May 2023 , which is believed to be the first data index available in the market and could be served as a tool for assessing the financial stability of car dealers in lower-tier markets."

"Moving into the second half of the year, we will prudently manage inventory to address the potential risk of market and vehicle price fluctuation while continuing to invest in transaction infrastructure and enhancing our platforms' overall capabilities," concluded Mr. Lin .

Mr. Yongyi Zhang , Chief Financial Officer of Cango, stated, "Our resilient second quarter results demonstrated the effectiveness of our business model amid a dynamic operating environment. We made encouraging progress with our diversified and enhanced service offerings across our business in the second quarter, propelling our dealers' growth and helping them achieve their goals. We believe that our dedication to technology innovation and operating efficiency has set Cango firmly on a path toward sustainable and healthy growth."

Accounting Policy Changes

The Company has adopted the Financial Instruments  Credit Losses (ASC 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments on January 1, 2023 , using the modified retrospective transition method. This standard requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts.

Upon adoption of the standard on January 1, 2023 , the Company recorded RMB302.4 million ( US$41.7 million ) increase in risk assurance liabilities, RMB14.5 million ( US$2.0 million ) increase in the allowance for finance lease receivables, RMB13.8 million ( US$1.9 million ) increase in the allowance for financing receivables and RMB3.2 million ( US$0.4 million ) increase in the allowance of other current and non-current assets. After adjusting for deferred taxes, RMB306.9 million ( US$42.3 million ) decrease was recorded in beginning retained earnings on January 1, 2023 through a cumulative-effect adjustment.

Second Quarter 2023 Financial Results

REVENUES

Total revenues in the second quarter of 2023 increased by 133.6% to RMB675 .4 million ( US$93 .1 million) from RMB289.2 million in the same period of 2022. Revenues from car trading transactions in the second quarter of 2023 were RMB562.8 million ( US$77.6 million ), representing 83.3% of total revenues in the second quarter of 2023 and a 157.4% increase from RMB218.6 million in the same period of 2022. The guarantee income, which represented the fee income earned on the non-contingent aspect of a guarantee, was RMB55.9 million ( US$7.7 million ) in the second quarter of 2023, which was presented separately from the contingent aspect of a guarantee pursuant to the adoption of ASC 326 since January 1, 2023 .

OPERATING COST AND EXPENSES

Total operating cost and expenses in the second quarter of 2023 were RMB684.4 million ( US$94.4 million ) compared with RMB643.3 million in the same period of 2022.

Cost of revenue in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB615.8 million ( US$84.9 million ) compared with RMB272.7 million in the same period of 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, cost of revenue in the second quarter of 2023 was 91.2%, compared with 94.3% in the same period of 2022.





( ) compared with in the same period of 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, cost of revenue in the second quarter of 2023 was 91.2%, compared with 94.3% in the same period of 2022. Sales and marketing expenses in the second quarter of 2023 decreased to RMB12.2 million ( US$1.7 million ) from RMB41.8 million in the same period of 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, sales and marketing expenses in the second quarter of 2023 was 1.8%, compared with 14.5% in the same period of 2022.





( ) from in the same period of 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, sales and marketing expenses in the second quarter of 2023 was 1.8%, compared with 14.5% in the same period of 2022. General and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2023 decreased to RMB36.8 million ( US$5.1 million ) from RMB124.7 million in the same period of 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2023 was 5.5%, compared with 43.1% in the same period of 2022.





( ) from in the same period of 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2023 was 5.5%, compared with 43.1% in the same period of 2022. Research and development expenses in the second quarter of 2023 decreased to RMB7.7 million ( US$1.1 million ) from RMB12.9 million in the same period of 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, research and development expenses in the second quarter of 2023 was 1.1%, compared with 4.4% in the same period of 2022.





( ) from in the same period of 2022. As a percentage of total revenues, research and development expenses in the second quarter of 2023 was 1.1%, compared with 4.4% in the same period of 2022. Net loss on contingent risk assurance liabilities in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB1.6 million ( US$0.2 million ).





( ). Provision for credit losses in the second quarter of 2023 decreased to RMB10.2 million ( US$1.4 million ) from RMB138.2 million in the same period of 2022. Provision for credit losses included the special provisions of RMB57.3 million on the Company's prepayments and other receivables due from two car trading suppliers based on the assessments of their probabilities of delinquency.

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS

Loss from operations in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB8.9 million ( US$1.2 million ), compared with RMB354.1 million in the same period of 2022.

NET INCOME

Net income in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB36.2 million ( US$5.0 million ). Non-GAAP adjusted net income in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB48.2 million ( US$6.6 million ). Non-GAAP adjusted net income excludes the impact of share-based compensation expenses. For further information, see "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measure."

NET INCOME PER ADS

Basic and diluted net income per American Depositary Share (the "ADS") in the second quarter of 2023 were RMB0.27 ( US$0.04 ) and RMB0.26 ( US$0.04 ), respectively. Non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS in the second quarter of 2023 were RMB0.36 ( US$0.05 ) and RMB0.35 ( US$0.05 ), respectively. Each ADS represents two Class A ordinary shares of the Company.

BALANCE SHEET

As of June 30, 2023 , the Company had cash and cash equivalents of RMB589.4 million ( US$81.3 million ), compared with RMB696.6 million as of March 31, 2023 .

As of June 30, 2023 , the Company had short-term investments of RMB2,055.7 million ( US$283.5 million ), compared with RMB2,017.7 million as of March 31, 2023 .

Business Outlook

For the third quarter of 2023, the Company expects total revenues to be between RMB300 million and RMB350 million . This forecast reflects the Company's current and preliminary views on the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change.

Share Repurchase Program

Pursuant to the share repurchase program announced on April 22, 2022 , the Company had repurchased 2,846,285 ADSs with cash in the aggregate amount of approximately US$5.7 million up to April 25, 2023 , the day on which the program expired.





, the Company had repurchased 2,846,285 ADSs with cash in the aggregate amount of approximately up to , the day on which the program expired. Pursuant to the share repurchase program announced on April 21, 2023 (the "New Share Repurchase Program"), the Company had repurchased 24,845,983 ADSs with cash in the aggregate amount of approximately US$32.2 million up to June 30, 2023 . The ADS purchase agreement entered into between an institutional investor and the Company on June 1, 2023 was settled on June 26, 2023 , pursuant to which the Company repurchased an aggregate of 24,300,562 ADSs for an aggregate purchase price of approximately US$31.6 million .

The above share repurchases were conducted pursuant to resolutions of the Company's board of directors, which authorized that the Company's proposed repurchases may be made from time to time on the open market at prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions, in block trades, and/or through other legally permissible means, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. The repurchases will be funded from the Company's existing cash balance.

Conference Call Information

The Company's management will hold a conference call on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 , at 9:00 P.M. Eastern Time or Thursday, August 24, 2023 , at 9:00 A.M. Beijing Time to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers:

International:

United States Toll Free:

Mainland China Toll Free:

Hong Kong, China Toll Free:

Conference ID: +1-412-902-4272

+1-888-346-8982

4001-201-203 800-905-945

Cango Inc.

The replay will be accessible through August 30, 2023 by dialing the following numbers:

International:

United States Toll Free:

Access Code: +1-412-317-0088

+1-877-344-7529

5299487



A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.cangoonline.com/.

About Cango Inc.

Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) is a leading automotive transaction service platform in China , connecting car buyers, dealers, financial institutions, and other industry participants. Founded in 2010 by a group of pioneers in China's automotive finance industry, the Company is headquartered in Shanghai and has a nationwide network. Leveraging its competitive advantages in technological innovation and big data, Cango has established an automotive supply chain ecosystem, and developed a matrix of products centering on customer needs for auto transactions, auto financing and after-market services. By working with platform participants, Cango endeavors to make car purchases simple and enjoyable, and make itself customers' car purchase service platform of choice. For more information, please visit: www.cangoonline.com.

Definition of Overdue Ratios

The Company defines "M1+ overdue ratio" as (i) exposure at risk relating to financing transactions for which any installment payment is 30 to 179 calendar days past due as of a specified date, divided by (ii) exposure at risk relating to all financing transactions which remain outstanding as of such date, excluding amounts of outstanding principal that are 180 calendar days or more past due.

The Company defines "M3+ overdue ratio" as (i) exposure at risk relating to financing transactions for which any installment payment is 90 to 179 calendar days past due as of a specified date, divided by (ii) exposure at risk relating to all financing transactions which remain outstanding as of such date, excluding amounts of outstanding principal that are 180 calendar days or more past due.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measure

In evaluating the business, the Company considers and uses Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss), a Non-GAAP measure, as a supplemental measure to review and assess its operating performance. The presentation of the Non-GAAP financial measure is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company defines Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) as net income (loss) excluding share-based compensation expenses. The Company presents the Non-GAAP financial measure because it is used by the management to evaluate the operating performance and formulate business plans. Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) enables the management to assess the Company's operating results without considering the impact of share-based compensation expenses, which are non-cash charges. The Company also believes that the use of the Non-GAAP measure facilitates investors' assessment of its operating performance.

Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) is not defined under U.S. GAAP and is not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This Non-GAAP financial measure has limitations as analytical tools. One of the key limitations of using Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss) is that it does not reflect all items of expense that affect the Company's operations. Share-based compensation expenses have been and may continue to be incurred in the business and are not reflected in the presentation of Non-GAAP adjusted net income (loss). Further, the Non-GAAP measure may differ from the Non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited.

The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the Non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating the Company's performance. The Company encourages you to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

Reconciliations of Cango's Non-GAAP financial measure to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure are included at the end of this press release.

Exchange Rate Information

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars ("US$") at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at the rate of RMB7.2513 to US$1.00 , the noon buying rate in effect on June 30, 2023 , in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or US$ amounts referred could be converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the "Business Outlook" section and quotations from management in this announcement, contain forward-looking statements. Cango may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Cango's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Cango's goal and strategies; Cango's expansion plans; Cango's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Cango's expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its solutions and services; Cango's expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with dealers, financial institutions, car buyers and other platform participants; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Cango's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Cango does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact

Yihe Liu

Cango Inc.

Tel: +86 21 3183 5088 ext.5581

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cango_Group

Helen Wu

Piacente Financial Communications

Tel: +86 10 6508 0677

Email: [email protected]

CANGO INC.

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(Amounts in Renminbi ("RMB") and US dollar ("US$"), except for number of shares and per share data







As of December 31, 2022

As of June 30, 2023







RMB

RMB US$















ASSETS:













Current assets:













Cash and cash equivalents





378,917,318

589,447,322 81,288,503 Restricted cash - current





152,688,510

26,675,304 3,678,693 Short-term investments





1,941,432,848

2,055,688,107 283,492,354 Accounts receivable, net





266,836,951

314,776,512 43,409,666 Finance lease receivables - current, net





799,438,656

448,592,918 61,863,792 Financing receivables, net





73,818,025

28,769,129 3,967,444 Short-term contract asset





500,389,654

242,352,163 33,421,892 Prepayments and other current assets





1,356,822,028

707,701,413 97,596,488 Total current assets





5,470,343,990

4,414,002,868 608,718,832















Non-current assets:













Restricted cash - non-current





750,877,306

612,227,612 84,430,049 Goodwill





148,657,971

148,657,971 20,500,872 Property and equipment, net





14,689,988

12,980,199 1,790,051 Intangible assets





48,317,878

48,012,470 6,621,222 Long-term contract asset





173,457,178

67,598,628 9,322,277 Deferred tax assets





62,497,781

137,212,359 18,922,450 Finance lease receivables - non-current, net





260,049,967

110,848,658 15,286,729 Operating lease right-of-use assets





80,726,757

74,203,806 10,233,173 Other non-current assets





6,633,517

6,886,069 949,632 Total non-current assets





1,545,908,343

1,218,627,772 168,056,455 TOTAL ASSETS





7,016,252,333

5,632,630,640 776,775,287















LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY













Current liabilities:













Short-term debts





349,299,134

230,729,960 31,819,117 Long-term debtscurrent





565,143,340

117,346,048 16,182,760 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities





890,836,699

471,055,350 64,961,500 Deferred guarantee income





-

178,334,757 24,593,488 Contingent risk assurance liabilities





-

208,316,116 28,728,106 Risk assurance liabilities





402,303,421

- - Income tax payable





313,406,680

339,584,975 46,830,910 Short-term lease liabilities





9,913,073

10,690,027 1,474,222 Total current liabilities





2,530,902,347

1,556,057,233 214,590,103















Non-current liabilities:













Long-term debts





75,869,353

2,774,809 382,664 Deferred tax liability





10,724,133

10,724,133 1,478,926 Long-term operating lease liabilities





76,533,208

69,622,114 9,601,329 Other non-current liabilities





314,287

278,451 38,400 Total non-current liabilities





163,440,981

83,399,507 11,501,319 Total liabilities





2,694,343,328

1,639,456,740 226,091,422















Shareholders' equity













Ordinary shares





204,260

204,260 28,169 Treasury shares





(559,005,216)

(781,365,647) (107,755,250) Additional paid-in capital





4,805,240,472

4,818,705,269 664,529,846 Accumulated other comprehensive income





66,359,902

138,390,834 19,084,969 Retained earnings





9,109,587

(182,760,816) (25,203,869) Total Cango Inc.'s equity





4,321,909,005

3,993,173,900 550,683,865 Total shareholders' equity





4,321,909,005

3,993,173,900 550,683,865 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY





7,016,252,333

5,632,630,640 776,775,287

















































CANGO INC.

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in Renminbi ("RMB") and US dollar ("US$"), except for number of shares and per share data)







Three months ended June 30

Six months ended June 30







2022

2023

2022

2023







RMB

RMB US$

RMB

RMB US$

























Revenues





289,191,585

675,430,076 93,146,067

1,076,885,456

1,218,043,439 167,975,872 Loan facilitation income and other related income





14,599,571

13,957,481 1,924,825

120,498,214

16,272,881 2,244,133 Guarantee income





-

55,875,460 7,705,578

-

120,004,206 16,549,337 Leasing income





42,718,041

16,645,952 2,295,582

92,840,092

38,859,633 5,358,988 After-market services income





10,544,538

10,529,314 1,452,059

36,323,244

27,248,790 3,757,780 Automobile trading income





218,612,145

562,758,493 77,607,945

817,913,471

992,608,136 136,886,922 Others





2,717,290

15,663,376 2,160,078

9,310,435

23,049,793 3,178,712 Operating cost and expenses:























Cost of revenue





272,661,870

615,829,103 84,926,717

959,643,012

1,096,347,083 151,193,177 Sales and marketing





41,798,207

12,153,129 1,675,993

95,643,408

24,691,691 3,405,140 General and administrative





124,670,110

36,834,735 5,079,742

175,553,986

76,637,265 10,568,762 Research and development





12,857,670

7,748,158 1,068,520

27,343,292

15,850,521 2,185,887 Net loss (gain) on contingent risk assurance liabilities





-

1,556,164 214,605

-

(66,392) (9,156) Net loss on risk assurance liabilities





53,144,802

- -

152,065,685

- - Provision (net recovery on provision) for credit losses





138,198,835

10,238,843 1,412,001

209,854,830

(38,315,257) -5,283,916 Total operation cost and expense





643,331,494

684,360,132 94,377,578

1,620,104,213

1,175,144,911 162,059,894

























(Loss) income from operations





(354,139,909)

(8,930,056) (1,231,511)

(543,218,757)

42,898,528 5,915,978 Interest income, net





7,153,803

20,718,511 2,857,213

12,500,971

39,499,391 5,447,215 Net gain (loss) on equity securities





1,655,350

4,668,993 643,884

(17,589,345)

8,401,348 1,158,599 Interest expense





(4,245,737)

(1,652,610) (227,905)

(8,585,969)

(3,946,695) (544,274) Foreign exchange gain, net





3,641,027

3,820,047 526,809

3,251,940

2,835,740 391,066 Other income





3,047,649

3,138,715 432,849

37,537,026

7,598,612 1,047,897 Other expenses





(691,665)

(96,249) (13,273)

(823,210)

(227,134) (31,323) Net (loss) income before income taxes





(343,579,482)

21,667,351 2,988,066

(516,927,344)

97,059,790 13,385,158 Income tax benefits





57,794,491

14,559,258 2,007,813

94,980,503

17,931,896 2,472,922 Net (loss) income





(285,784,991)

36,226,609 4,995,879

(421,946,841)

114,991,686 15,858,080 Net (loss) income attributable to Cango Inc.'s shareholders





(285,784,991)

36,226,609 4,995,879

(421,946,841)

114,991,686 15,858,080 Earnings (loss) per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders:























Basic





(2.08)

0.27 0.04

(3.05)

0.86 0.12 Diluted





(2.08)

0.26 0.04

(3.05)

0.82 0.11 Weighted average ADS used to compute earnings (loss) per ADS

attributable to ordinary shareholders:























Basic





137,612,565

133,052,781 133,052,781

138,416,992

133,906,218 133,906,218 Diluted





137,612,565

138,366,712 138,366,712

138,416,992

139,610,743 139,610,743

























Other comprehensive income, net of tax























Foreign currency translation adjustment





173,077,605

78,051,511 10,763,796

156,790,750

72,030,932 9,933,520

























Total comprehensive (loss) income





(112,707,386)

114,278,120 15,759,675

(265,156,091)

187,022,618 25,791,600 Total comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Cango Inc.'s

shareholders





(112,707,386)

114,278,120 15,759,675

(265,156,091)

187,022,618 25,791,600















































































CANGO INC.

RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS

(Amounts in Renminbi ("RMB") and US dollar ("US$"), except for number of shares and per share data)



Three months ended June 30

Six months ended June 30



2022

2023

2022

2023



(Unaudited)

(Unaudited) (Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited) (Unaudited)



RMB

RMB US$

RMB

RMB US$





















Net (loss) income

(285,784,991)

36,226,609 4,995,879

(421,946,841)

114,991,686 15,858,080





















Add: Share-based compensation expenses

96,217,718

11,980,577 1,652,197

119,072,008

26,039,675 3,591,035 Cost of revenue

1,104,953

728,462 100,460

2,000,393

1,475,878 203,533 Sales and marketing

2,253,413

2,345,570 323,469

6,773,229

5,138,966 708,696 General and administrative

92,068,794

8,376,396 1,155,158

108,407,806

18,283,664 2,521,433 Research and development

790,558

530,149 73,110

1,890,580

1,141,167 157,373





















Non-GAAP adjusted net (loss) income

(189,567,273)

48,207,186 6,648,076

(302,874,833)

141,031,361 19,449,115 Net (loss) income attributable to Cango Inc.'s shareholders

(189,567,273)

48,207,186 6,648,076

(302,874,833)

141,031,361 19,449,115





















Non-GAAP adjusted net (loss) income per ADS-basic

(1.38)

0.36 0.05

(2.19)

1.05 0.15 Non-GAAP adjusted net (loss) income per ADS-diluted

(1.38)

0.35 0.05

(2.19)

1.01 0.14





















Weighted average ADS outstandingbasic

137,612,565

133,052,781 133,052,781

138,416,992

133,906,218 133,906,218 Weighted average ADS outstandingdiluted

137,612,565

138,366,712 138,366,712

138,416,992

139,610,743 139,610,743























View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cango-inc-reports-second-quarter-2023-unaudited-financial-results-301908082.html

SOURCE Cango Inc.
Early Childhood Education Franchise Debuts in Tennessee with First Nashville School Slated to Open Spring 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs, debuts in Nashville with a three-unit development agreement, bringing schools to the booming DMA over the next several years. Area demand for quality childhood education continues to rise, and Celebree School looks to fill that void with the first school slated to open in Spring 2025.

Early Childhood Education Franchise Debuts in Tennessee with First Nashville School Slated to Open Spring 2025

Behind the signed agreement are husband-wife franchisees Chris and Jenny Stine . As parents to two young boys, they've seen firsthand the importance of early childhood education and the growing demand for premier providers as more and more young families make Nashville their home. The Stine family moved to Nashville in 2018 and have become heavily involved in the community, volunteering at various organizations including their local church, serving on the PTA of Kenrose Elementary School, and more.

After working as an operations manager for several years and transitioning to motherhood, Jenny was ready to join the workforce again. Chris saw this as an opportune time to fulfill their entrepreneurial desires, and the duo began seeking out business opportunities that would allow them to give back to the community in a meaningful way. Upon discovery of Celebree School, they knew they found their match. Jenny's deeply rooted passion for early childhood education, paired with Chris' experience as a U.S. Marine and near decade long background in business development, gave them the footing they needed to take the leap and become Celebree School franchisees.

"As parents going through this phase of life with young children, we understand just how important it is to find a trusted provider in early childhood education," said Jenny. "We've found a business opportunity we can be proud of  one that's purpose-driven and will impact the community in a positive way. We're eager to get our first school up and running to help play a critical role in the growth and development of children and families across Nashville ."

The Stines signed a three-unit development agreement with Celebree School and are currently in site selection for their first location that will feature the brand's new prototype design. These development efforts contribute to Celebree's aggressive expansion goals, aiming to have 170 schools opened by the end of 2026.

"The increasing demand for quality childhood education in the area aligns perfectly with Celebree School's mission to provide nurturing and enriching experiences," said Richard Huffman , Founder and CEO of Celebree School. "We are thrilled to debut in Nashville , and have found the ideal franchisees to help us do just that. The Stine family boasts not only the passion needed to excel, but the business acumen and community-first mentality that will take them to new heights as business owners."

2023 is proving to be a momentous year for Celebree School, having already welcomed 14 new franchisees comprising of 28 franchise and future development agreements. The franchise brand now boasts 44 schools open, 54 franchisees awarded over 100 sites, a presence across 14 states, and an enrollment of more than 4,570 children who are being protected, educated, and nurtured within the Celebree family.

Celebree School lives by its promise to Grow People Big and Small, and was founded on the belief that success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and a connection that extends beyond the classroom to address the needs of the whole child and the whole family. Each Celebree School is a village made up of parents, children, and educators with a focus on curriculum-based care that prepares your child for kindergarten and beyond.

Programs are available for children six weeks to 12-years-old with unique curriculums designed to develop positive social skills and values while allowing children to learn about their world through age-appropriate play, projects, and activities. Care is available part-time or full-time, and parents are allowed to drop in and visit at any time.

When franchisees invest with Celebree School, they're investing in an award-winning organization with a strong culture, solid systems, and a proven business model backed with 29-plus years of experience in providing exceptional early childhood education. For more information on franchising opportunities, visit https://www.celebree.com/franchising/.

About Celebree School

Founded in 1994, Celebree School is a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs. With a mission to Grow People Big and Small, Celebree School believes success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children and follows applicable state guidelines. In 2019, Celebree School launched its franchise offering. Learn more about how we grow confident children who are prepared for school and life at Celebree.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Celebree School
Series C is led by Koch Disruptive Technologies and includes Bristol Myers Squibb , DFJ Growth, Willett Advisors and existing investors Eclipse, Decheng Capital , and 8VC

Cellares' commercial-scale IDMO Smart Factory in Bridgewater, NJ is a 118,000 sq ft facility with capacity for 40,000 cell therapy batches per year demonstrating a 10x increase in productivity compared with conventional CDMO facilities

Cellares' TAP program allows participating partners to automate and tech-transfer manual processes onto the Cell Shuttle manufacturing platform in only six months

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cellares , the first Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) dedicated to clinical and industrial-scale cell therapy manufacturing, has secured $255 million in Series C funding led by new investor Koch Disruptive Technologies. In connection with the financing, David Mauney , Managing Director at Koch Disruptive Technologies, will join the company's board of directors. Global biopharmaceutical company and cell therapy leader Bristol Myers Squibb also participated in the round, alongside DFJ Growth, Willett Advisors and existing investors Eclipse, Decheng Capital, and 8VC.

"Cell therapies have tremendous curative potential across a wide range of diseases. But right now, manufacturing by conventional CDMOs is expensive, failure-prone, and impossible to scale," said David Mauney , managing director of Koch Disruptive Technologies. "Cellares is driving transformation in the marketplace by combining an Industry 4.0 approach with full vertical integration. As the first IDMO, Cellares is empowering cell therapy companies to build viable businesses, remain competitive, and meet the needs of fast-growing patient populations."

Cellares will use the new funding to launch the world's first commercial-scale IDMO Smart Factory, which seamlessly integrates advanced robotics, purpose-built technology, and interconnected software. The 118,000 sq. ft. IDMO Smart Factory, located in Bridgewater, New Jersey , will be capable of producing 40,000 cell therapy batches per year[1]. By leveraging integrated technologies, IDMO Smart Factories can produce 10 times more cell therapy batches per year than traditional CDMO facilities, even with the same footprint and the same workforce. Cellares' Smart Factories will be deployed around the world to enable the cell therapy industry to meet global patient demand.

"The creation of the first IDMO marks the beginning of a new era, in which cell therapies will finally be able to reach patients in need," said Cellares CEO Fabian Gerlinghaus . "We've developed integrated technologies for the entire drug development and manufacturing life cycle. Now we're leveraging these technologies to offer global manufacturing services for the living drugs of the 21st century. Our partners are some of the best academics, biotechs, and large pharma companies in the world. We're enabling them to meet total patient demand, improve consistency and quality, lower manufacturing costs, and accelerate expansion to new markets."

The company's flexible manufacturing technology supports both autologous and allogeneic cell therapy processes and about 90% of cell therapy modalities. The Cell Shuttle platform integrates all the technologies required for all unit operations and is successfully running CAR-T cell therapy processes with true walk-away, end-to-end automation. Compact automation leads to a 90% reduction in labor and facility size to produce the same number of batches, thus enabling the 10x increase in productivity of Cellares' IDMO Smart Factories.

Cellares currently operates two Smart Factories in the US and is planning a third. Cellares' first Smart Factory, located in South San Francisco , is currently being used for preclinical process development and tech transfer of manual processes onto the Cell Shuttle for existing partners. The South San Francisco Smart Factory will be cGMP-ready in the first half of 2024.

The new Smart Factory in Bridgewater, New Jersey is dedicated to commercial-scale manufacturing. With 118,000 sq. ft. of space, the site has capacity for 50 Cell Shuttles and will be able to produce 40,000 batches per year. The New Jersey site will be cGMP-ready in the second half of 2024. While the company can support clinical trials in Europe out of its US Smart Factories, it will also break ground on the first IDMO Smart Factory in Europe in 2024.

Manual processes can be automated and tech transferred onto Cellares' automated Cell Shuttle platform in only six months via the company's Technology Adoption Partnership (TAP) program. Under the TAP program, participating cell therapy developers can tech-transfer their cell therapy processes onto a Cell Shuttle at any stage  during pre-clinical development, in the clinic, or after regulatory approval. Thanks to automation, standardization, and software-defined manufacturing (SDM), every tech transfer thereafter is instantaneous, to any other Cell Shuttle in any other Smart Factory anywhere in the world.

Please visit cellares.com/partnering/ to learn more about the TAP program and request a meeting with a business development representative.

About Cellares

Cellares is the first Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) and takes an Industry 4.0 approach to mass manufacturing the living drugs of the 21st century. The company is both developing and operating integrated technologies for cell therapy manufacturing to accelerate access to life-saving cell therapies. The company's Cell Shuttle integrates all the technologies required for the entire manufacturing process in a flexible and high-throughput platform that delivers true walk-away, end-to-end automation. Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares' Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and pharma companies to accelerate drug development and scale out manufacturing, lower process failure rates, lower manufacturing costs, and meet global patient demand.

The company is headquartered in South San Francisco, California with its commercial-scale IDMO Smart Factory in Bridgewater, New Jersey . The company is backed by world-class investors and has raised over $355 million in financing.

For more information about Cellares, please visit cellares.com .

Media Contact

[email protected]

[1] Based on a 7-day autologous process. With shorter processes or allogeneic approaches, the IDMO Smart Factory in Bridgewater, NJ can produce even more doses per year.

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SOURCE Cellares
DALLAS , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cloud 10 Studios, a trailblazing creative group, seeks to empower diverse entrepreneurship in the film and animation industry. Tracey Dispensa, the studio's visionary, is an accomplished veteran with extensive production leadership experience in feature films, television, immersive experiences, and live events. Honing her skills with esteemed companies such as DreamWorks Animation, Industrial Light and Magic, Intel, Gartner, and Reel FX Creative Studios, Dispensa's work includes iconic franchises like Shrek, Madagascar , How to Train Your Dragon, and Warner Brothers' SCOOB!. Now, as an active Producers Guild of America and WIA (Women In Animation) member, Dispensa remains committed to championing diversity and empowering women within the industry.

Cloud 10 Studios sets an example for the animation industry by breaking barriers and championing inclusivity.

With a pioneering spirit, Cloud 10 Studios sets an example for the animation industry by breaking barriers and championing inclusivity. "In an industry with few women-led studios, I'm honored to be an advocate for both our industry and the rising women leaders within it," says Dispensa. "Like so many others, I used to dream about opening my own studio, and I hope I can inspire others to follow their dreams too." She goes on to say, "Our industry remains difficult for woman entrepreneurs, where even the process of being certified as a woman-owned business can be overwhelming. My goal is to encourage and empower others to have the resilience to break through."

To plant seeds for the future, Dispensa interacts with local schools, inspiring young talent to pursue their dreams. "Many don't see the film industry as a tangible dream, especially kids from underprivileged communities and backgrounds. So, I have a personal mission to let them know I am here to help if this is a dream they want to follow."

Founded in 2018 with hubs in Dallas and Las Vegas , Cloud 10 Studios harnesses Dispensa's wealth of feature film experience and valuable industry contacts. Operating from the heart of North Texas , Dispensa serves as the hands-on Managing Director and often takes on the role of Executive Producer for prestigious clients, including Warner Brothers, ICON Technology, Salesforce, and Baylor Scott & White Health.

About Cloud 10 Studios:

Cloud 10 Studios is a visionary woman-owned and operated creative studio merging disruptive innovation with extensive feature film experience. With top-tier talent linked globally and armed with cutting-edge technology, Cloud 10 delivers elevated creative solutions from its Dallas, Texas , and Las Vegas, Nevada hubs. They are known for forging new paths as a visualization studio with experience in VR, AR, XR, and metaverses using real time technologies.

For Details, Contact: David Bates  David L. Bates Creative 214-803-4524

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SOURCE Cloud 10 Studios
BEIJING , Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from eguizhou.gov.cn:

Southwest China is helping to spearhead technological advance with new computing centers and increased activity.

Guian New Area , which boasts a giant data center cluster for China's major telecom, internet and power companies, is accelerating the development of the country's digital economy through its strong computing power, officials said.

"In recent years, the area has continuously expanded the Guian data center cluster, accelerated the construction of the upstream and downstream industry chains, and made efforts to promote data storage, operation and utilization, thus providing strong support for the high-quality development of the digital economy," said Wang Ceng , deputy secretary of the Party Working Committee of Gui'an New Area.

Guian, in the southwestern province of Guizhou , is one of 19 national-level new areas. It is playing a crucial role in implementing the country's program to build more data infrastructure across the western regions.

Launched in February last year, the program aims to guide the dense computing demand from China's eastern regions for storage and computing in the western areas. Data centers require massive amounts of land, electricity and water, and although the eastern regions are economically developed, they face great pressure in energy supply for data storage and computing.

However, the western areas have large amounts of land, lower labor costs and sufficient power, thanks to their rich energy-related resources such as coal, wind and sunlight, which makes them ideal locations for data centers. The program will encourage more companies to develop in western cities to boost local economies, experts said.

Guizhou has been named as one of eight national computing power hubs, with the Guian data center cluster becoming one of 10 such national clusters.

Three telecom giants  China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom  and tech giants Apple, Tencent and Huawei, have built data centers in Guian. Meanwhile, China Southern Power Grid and State Power Investment Corp are also constructing their own data centers in the new area.

So far, 21 data centers have been built, are under construction or at the planning stage in Guian, with planned capacity of 450,000 racks and a server scale of 4.29 million units. So far, 645,000 servers have been powered on, data from the local authorities show.

Three reasons for success

Zhang Quan , head of the industry team of the Big Data and Technological Innovation Bureau in Guian New Area , said there are three reasons why the area has attracted so many leading companies.

First, the geological structure is stable. "We haven't seen an earthquake greater than magnitude 3 in many years," he said. "Data centers cannot be moved casually like factories: once they bed down, they are supposed to operate in the same place for a very long time."

The second reason is that the annual average temperature is only 15 C, so it's never too hot in summer or too cold in winter, which will save a lot of money and energy in terms of air conditioners and coolers.

"The air quality is good, so there's no need to purchase dust-removing equipment. The mountainous landscape also offers natural ventilation," Zhang said.

Third, following the construction of the data centers, upstream hardware manufacturers and downstream applications development companies have moved to the area, thus lowering costs for companies to find business partners, he added.

Huawei Cloud has built its biggest data center in Guian New Area , planning to situate 1 million servers there.

Transferring data centers to Guizhou and the Inner Mongolia autonomous region offers a significant advantage, primarily because of the stable and affordable energy supply and unique climatic advantages. For example, Guizhou boasts abundant water resources that drive many hydroelectric power stations and provide ample supplies for cooling servers and generating power while significantly reducing electricity costs, the company said.

Now, the data center provides critical solutions such as large-scale enterprise cloud data migration, big data processing, cloud storage, cloud backup and cloud rendering. It mainly serves customers from high-computing and resource-consuming companies in the film and television production, automotive, home furnishings, biomedical and other industries.

Zhang added that Huawei Cloud has helped about 200 companies in Guizhou with their digital transformations by raising production efficiency, lowering the defect rate and promoting the integrated management of production and sales, thereby preventing overproduction.

Complete industry chain

Based on the data center cluster, Guian has developed an electronic information manufacturing industry as the equipment used in data centers needs to be replaced every five years. In the first half of this year, this above designated size industry  that is, one generating annual revenue of 20 million yuan ( $2.7 million ) or more  in Guian and Guiyang , the nearby provincial capital, reached total industrial output value of 9.67 billion yuan , year-on-year growth of 17 percent, according to statistics provided by the new area.

It has also developed software and information technology service industries. The revenue of the industries in Guian and Guiyang surpassed 37 billion yuan in the first half of the year, a rise of 16.6 percent year-on-year.

One of the applications is video rendering. The grand scene of astronauts taking the 90,000-kilometer-high elevator to the space station in the blockbuster The Wandering Earth II impressed audiences worldwide. But few people know that the special effects were achieved through the supercomputing power based in Guian New Area .

In the film, there are many scenes of computer-generated space infrastructure and fighter jets that required tremendous computing power to render.

"Each frame takes the Guian New Area Supercomputing Center seven to eight hours to render, and it requires machines to operate 24 hours a day to achieve the effects seen by the audience," said Peng Benqian, director of the technical research and development department at Guian New Area Science and Technology Innovation Industries Development, the company that runs the center.

The process of rendering involves taking raw video footage, audio and effects, then combining them to create a finished video file. It requires powerful computer hardware and software, especially for complex projects or high-resolution videos.

It would take several years for an ordinary computer to renter a 3D animated film, but it only takes three months at the center, Peng said.

The company has participated in rendering about 50 films, TV series and animations, including Three-Body, The Battle at Lake Changjin and Boonie Bears : Guardian Code, contributing to a total box-office figure of 6.38 billion yuan .

More than 600 servers operate 24 hours a day at the center, nicknamed Guizhou's Super Brain. It also cooperates with universities and companies to research astronomy, gene sequencing and calculations that make buildings less vulnerable to earthquake damage.

Wang said the new area will focus on computing power, empowerment and industry, and strive to build three dominant industrial clusters: data centers; intelligent terminals; and data applications.

"We will make every effort to develop the leading industry of 'cloud services' and accelerate the construction of a digital economic development and innovation zone," he said.

The area has invested in improving the network infrastructure to make it faster and more efficient, thus reducing the delay, or latency, in transferring data between different locations.

It has established direct connections with 38 cities including Shanghai , Guangzhou and Shenzhen (both in Guangdong province), achieving latency of 3 milliseconds within the province.

The latency to the Chengdu - Chongqing region and surrounding provinces is 6 ms, to Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macao area it is 10 ms, to the Yangtze River Delta it is 15 ms, and to the Beijing - Tianjin - Hebei region it is 20 ms, all of which meet the low latency requirements of most businesses, according to local authorities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/development-of-digital-economy-accelerating-as-data-cluster-grows-301907757.html

SOURCE eguizhou.gov.cn
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --

Customized, limited-edition, serialized after-sales items available for 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 owners after taking delivery of the ultimate Dodge "Last Call" special-edition vehicle

Exclusive after-sales products include Demon 170 decanter set, custom instrument panel badge, Goodwool car shell, Direct Connection carbon-fiber parts and much more

Ordering for Challenger SRT Demon 170 after-sales products is open from September 6, 2023 , through September 6, 2024

, through Challenger SRT Demon 170 owners must call Dodge//SRT concierge team at 800-998-1110 to verify vehicle ownership and place orders for after-sales products.

Full information on 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 after-sales products available at Dodgegarage.com/demon-170-owner-info

Dodge isn't satisfied with building the world's quickest 0-60 production car, the 1,025-horsepower 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170. The brand is enhancing the ownership experience for Brotherhood of Muscle members who bring home the fastest, quickest, most powerful factory muscle car in the world with a lineup of customized, limited-edition, serialized items that will be available for Challenger SRT Demon 170 owners after taking delivery of the ultimate Dodge "Last Call" special-edition vehicle.

The after-sales lineup will feature commemorative products included in the purchase of the Challenger SRT Demon 170, such as the Demon 170 decanter set and a custom instrument panel badge, as well as products that can purchased to personalize the Demon 170 experience, such as a breathable Goodwool car shell, Direct Connection carbon-fiber parts and much more.

Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 owners must call the Dodge//SRT concierge team at 800-998-1110 to verify vehicle ownership and place orders for after-sales products. Ordering for Challenger SRT Demon 170 products is open from September 6, 2023 , through September 6, 2024 .

2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 After-sales Products

Custom SRT Demon 170 decanter set (included with vehicle purchase): One-of-a-kind, commemorative decanter set is crafted with precision to reflect the bold, aggressive design of the SRT Demon 170

(included with vehicle purchase): One-of-a-kind, commemorative decanter set is crafted with precision to reflect the bold, aggressive design of the SRT Demon 170 Custom SRT Demon 170 IP badge (included with vehicle purchase): Engraved with the last four digits of the VIN, owners can choose up to 16 characters with spaces to customize the badge

(included with vehicle purchase): Engraved with the last four digits of the VIN, owners can choose up to 16 characters with spaces to customize the badge Jay Leno's Garage SRT Demon 170 car detail kit (included with vehicle purchase): Recently announced as offering co-branded car care products with Direct Connection, the Dodge brand's performance products line, Jay Lenos's Garage, features custom-formulated products

(included with vehicle purchase): Recently announced as offering co-branded car care products with Direct Connection, the Dodge brand's performance products line, Jay Lenos's Garage, features custom-formulated products Custom Goodwool car shell, $2,640: The Goodwool car shell is perfectly fitted to the Challenger SRT Demon 170

The Goodwool car shell is perfectly fitted to the Challenger SRT Demon 170 Custom satin-stretch indoor car cover, $695: The cover stretches in all directions and molds to the contours of the Challenger SRT Demon 170, with large SRT Demon 170 logos prominent on the sides and "170" displayed on the front and rear fascia areas

The cover stretches in all directions and molds to the contours of the Challenger SRT Demon 170, with large SRT Demon 170 logos prominent on the sides and "170" displayed on the front and rear fascia areas Direct Connection harness bar, $1,389: Made from 4130 chromoly steel, the harness bar attaches to factory mounting locations, requiring no cutting or alterations to the vehicle

Made from 4130 chromoly steel, the harness bar attaches to factory mounting locations, requiring no cutting or alterations to the vehicle Direct Connection seat harness mounting kit, $179.99: Includes quick disconnect and seat support bracket with a powder coat finish

Includes quick disconnect and seat support bracket with a powder coat finish Direct Connection rear seat delete carbon-fiber closeout panels, $3,999: Rear seat delete specially designed trim panels, including floor and back panels, made from pre-preg carbon fiber

Rear seat delete specially designed trim panels, including floor and back panels, made from pre-preg carbon fiber Direct Connection parachute mounting kit, $1,329: Includes rear bumper support, parachute pack mount, powder-coated pack mount, powder-coated support bar and more (parachute not included)

Includes rear bumper support, parachute pack mount, powder-coated pack mount, powder-coated support bar and more (parachute not included) Direct Connection parachute release, $899: Includes leather-wrapped handle, floor mount/bracket, cable, actuator and hardware

Includes leather-wrapped handle, floor mount/bracket, cable, actuator and hardware Direct Connection trunk organizer, $899: Carbon-fiber trunk organizer is custom fit and sized to hold special-edition Jay Leno's Garage detailing products for the Challenger SRT Demon 170

For full information on 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 after-sales products, visit www.dodgegarage.com/demon-170-owner-info.

Dodge//SRT

For more than 100 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge . Their influence continues today as Dodge shifts into high gear with a lineup that delivers unrivaled performance in each of the segments where they compete.

Dodge drives forward as a pure performance brand, offering SRT Hellcat versions of the Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger and Dodge Durango, as well as an R/T performance hybrid version of the all-new Dodge Hornet , representing the brand's first-ever electrified performance vehicle. Dodge delivers the drag-strip dominating 807-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock; the 797-horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Redeye, the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world; and the 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, the most powerful SUV ever; and best-in-class standard performance in the compact utility vehicle segment with the Dodge Hornet. Combined, these four muscle vehicles make Dodge the industry's most powerful brand, offering more horsepower than any other American brand across its entire lineup.

In 2022, the Dodge brand ranked No. 1 in the J.D. Power APEAL Study (mass market), making it the only domestic brand ever to do so three years in a row. In 2020, Dodge was named the "#1 Brand in Initial Quality," making it the first domestic brand ever to rank No. 1 in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS).

Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

Follow Dodge and company news and video on:

Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Dodge brand: www.dodge.com

Direct Connection: www.DCPerformance.com

DodgeGarage: www.dodgegarage.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dodge

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dodgeofficial

Twitter: www.twitter.com/dodge and @StellantisNA

YouTube: www.youtube.com/dodge, https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

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SOURCE Stellantis
BEIJING , Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Embraer E195-E2 (B3: EMBR3, NYSE: ERJ), the largest member of the E-Jet family, has been granted its Type Certificate by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This follows the certification of the E190-E2 received from CAAC in November last year, during the Zhuhai Air Show.

"We're excited to now have both the E190-E2 and E195-E2 certified by CAAC, paving the way for sales in the Chinese market," said Arjan Meijer , President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. "Our team in China is actively working with potential customers and making good progress. There are significant opportunities for the E2 in China , which offers complementary capacity to China's indigenous ARJ21 and C919 aircraft; combined, they provide flexible, efficient, and eco-friendly options for Chinese airlines, meeting the demand of the world's fast-growing air transportation market."

According to Embraer's latest 20-Year Market Outlook published in June, Asia Pacific including China is expected to show a strong growth rate, increasing its RPKs by 4.4% annually over the next 20 years. The need for flexibility, complementing narrow-body aircraft, is driving demand in the up-to-150-seat segment in China.

"It's another milestone for the largest Embraer jet  the E195-E2  to be certified by CAAC," said Guo Qing , Managing Director and VP Commercial Aviation, Embraer China. " China is moving closer to carbon neutrality. The E195-E2 is the most environmentally efficient aircraft in its class. With a maximum of 146 seats, E195-E2 is the right size to profitably complement larger narrowbodies on lower density routes, connecting regional airports and offering travelers living in secondary and tertiary cities with one-stop access to routes worldwide."

"With both the Chinese and Brazilian governments reiterating their support for Embraer's activities in China during Brazilian President Lula's State visit to China , I'm very optimistic about the opportunities in China ," Guo added.

Last year in November, Embraer E195-E2 'TechLion' visited China and made its debut at the Zhuhai Airshow, exhibiting its capabilities to China's aerospace leaders, including the outstanding performance, minimal noise and emissions, and low operation costs.

The E195-E2 entered into service in 2019 with Azul. As the largest member of the E-Jet family, E195-E2 accommodates between 120 and 146 passengers. It is the most fuel-efficient single aisle aircraft flying today, delivering 25% better fuel efficiency per seat, compared to previous generation E-Jets.

In June 2022 , the E195-E2 was successfully tested on 100% SAF, confirming that the E-Jets E2 family can fly with blends of up to 100% SAF without any compromise to safety or performance. Today, the E2 emits 25% fewer CO2 emissions compared to previous generation aircraft; this reduction can be increased to 85% with SAF.

Notes to editors

Embraer in China

2023 marks Embraer's 23rd year in China . In September 2000 , the first Embraer ERJ145 was delivered to Sichuan Airlines, and in May 2008 , Embraer delivered its first E-Jet, an E190, to Tianjin Airlines. Today, there are 85 E-Jets flying with Tianjin Airlines, Hebei Airlines, Beibu Gulf Airlines, Colorful Guizhou Airlines in China . The E-Jet fleet played an important role in the Covid-19 period to maintain key routes and help the industry to recover.

Data shows China's civil aviation market continues its recovery, fueled by rising domestic demand. According to CAAC, in the first five-month of 2023, China domestic passenger traffic volume reached 224.8 million, up 135 percent compared with 2022. The domestic market has already exceeded the 2019 level since April 2023 due to pent-up demand following the pandemic.

Last month, Embraer signed a Letter of Agreement at the 54th Paris Airshow with Lanzhou Aviation Industry Development Group for 20 E190F and E195F E-Jets Passenger-to-Freight Conversions (P2F). Embraer and Lanzhou intend to cooperate on establishing of E190F and E195F conversion capability in Lanzhou , which will support and accelerate the introduction of E-Jet first generation freighters to Chinese market.

Embraer has also established a comprehensive after-sales service and support system in China , including authorized maintenance centers, spare parts warehouses, and complete pilot training network. It has laid a solid foundation for the new generation of E2 family to operate in China .

Images: https://embraer.bynder.com/share/03686A20-1AB8-4150-B6C48FA4D473735A/

About Embraer

A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil , Embraer has businesses in Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense & Security and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures and markets aircraft and systems, providing Services & Support to customers after-sales.

Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year.

Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil . The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas , Africa , Asia and Europe .

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/embraer-e195-e2-granted-type-certification-in-china-301907478.html

SOURCE Embraer S.A.
Scenarios present production shut-ins, loss of assets and oil-price upside

CALGARY, AB , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As Tropical Storm Hilary downgrades from a hurricane but continues to flood parts of Mexico , California and the Southwest U.S. , Enverus Intelligence Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS platform, has released a report assessing the impact of Atlantic hurricanes on the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and its oil and gas production.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has increased its prediction for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season from a near-normal level to an above-normal level of activity, partially due to record high sea surface temperatures. EIR's report analyzes the potential for production shut-ins, loss of assets and oil-price upside under potential storm strength scenarios.

"Should a hurricane disrupt oil and gas production in the GOM, EIR's mid-impact case estimates 40% of total GOM production would be shut in and take seven days to recover; and a high-impact case estimates 90% shut-in and 16 days to recover," said Marvin Ma , report author and vice president at EIR.

Absent a direct hit on energy infrastructure, EIR points out that hurricane-related shut-ins historically have not led to material and durable changes to oil prices. In the past, the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SRP) has responded to the GOM shut-ins with releases to offset supply losses. But depressed SPR stocks could weaken its ability to respond to any supply disruptions this season.

Key takeaways from the report:

EIR estimates an average hurricane season impacts GOM production by 3% during the third quarter.

In the past, the U.S. SPR has responded to GOM shut-ins with releases to offset supply losses. But recent draws from the SPR limits the ability for a similar response if it was needed this season.

SPR has responded to GOM shut-ins with releases to offset supply losses. But recent draws from the SPR limits the ability for a similar response if it was needed this season. EIR expect U.S. natural gas prices to continue to be more sensitive to hurricanes given the 15 Bcf/d of growth in Gulf Coast export capacity we expect by the end of the decade.

About Enverus

Enverus is the most trusted, energy-dedicated SaaS platform, offering real-time access to analytics, insights and benchmark cost and revenue data sourced from our partnerships to 98% of U.S. energy producers, and more than 35,000 suppliers. Our platform, with intelligent connections, drives more efficient production and distribution, capital allocation, renewable energy development, investment and sourcing; and our experienced industry experts support our customers through thought leadership, consulting and technology innovations. We provide intelligence across the energy ecosystem: renewables, oil and gas, financial institutions, and power and utilities, with more than 6,000 customers in 50 countries. Learn more at Enverus.com.

About Enverus Intelligence Research

Enverus Intelligence  | Research, Inc. (EIR) is a subsidiary of Enverus that publishes energy-sector research focused on the oil, natural gas, power and renewable industries. EIR publishes reports including asset and company valuations, resource assessments, technical evaluations and macro-economic forecasts; and helps make intelligent connections for energy industry participants, service companies and capital providers worldwide. EIR is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a foreign investment adviser.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/energy-impacts-of-gulf-of-mexico-hurricanes-quantified-301908122.html

SOURCE Enverus
TAMPA, Fla. , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fay Servicing, a full-service mortgage company servicing loans for more than 150,000 U.S. homeowners, recently donated more than 1,300 backpacks loaded with school supplies to Operation Homefront, which will distribute the backpacks to military families across the country who are preparing to send their kids back to school this fall.

Fay Servicing recently donated more than 1,300 backpacks loaded with school supplies to Operation Homefront .

Through a collaboration with the company's non-profit, the Fay-Constructive Foundation, Fay Servicing employees generously donated new backpacks while the foundation purchased the school supplies. Over the summer, Fay Servicing employees convened in Tampa , Chicago , and Dallas to help fill the backpacks so that the children of military servicemembers can start the school year successfully.

Operation Homefront's mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive in the communities they work so hard to protect. The charity's goal is to be the provider of choice for short-term financial relief and recurring family support programs to ensure the long-term empowerment, self-sufficiency, and resiliency of military families.

"Filling the backpacks is a wonderful team event supported by employees in every one of our offices," said Cortney Warren , Executive Vice President at Fay Servicing. "Our staff especially loves writing inspirational notes to the kids to make sure everyone who receives a backpack is able to start the school year feeling good about their educational journey. It's one of our favorite charities to support."

"We are proud to partner with Operation Homefront, as military families make incredible sacrifices to protect our communities," said Fay's Chief People Officer Helen Wilson . "Supporting military families and their children as they prepare to return to school is a great way for our employees to show their appreciation."

For more information on Operation Homefront, please visit www.operationhomefront.org.

About Fay Servicing

Fay Servicing is a nationwide, diversified mortgage servicer that provides a full spectrum of services, including loan underwriting, managing payments, and providing loss mitigation services for loans in default. The company employs more than 550 individuals nationwide and is known for its talented staff and uncommonly strong relationships with its 150,000 residential and commercial customers. Fay Servicing is based in Tampa, Florida and has offices in Chicago, IL ; Charlotte, NC ; and Farmers Branch, TX. For more information, visit www.fayservicing.com.

About The Fay-Constructive Foundation

The Fay-Constructive Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves as a vehicle for Fay Servicing employees to give back to the communities they call home. Causes supported by the Foundation include expanding access to school supplies, supporting veterans and first responders, and eradicating hunger. The Foundation ensures 100% of contributions goes directly toward charities with zero administrative costs. Over the years, the Fay-Constructive Foundation has supported Wounded Warrior Project, Guitars Over Guns, Meals on Wheels, and My Block, My Hood, My City and many other charities, creating ripples of positive change that reflect the values and community spirit of Fay Servicing employees. For more information, visit www.fayconstructive.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fay-servicing-donates-backpacks-to-children-of-military-families-through-operation-homefront-301908219.html

SOURCE Fay Servicing, LLC
TAIPEI , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a strategic move to foster diversified growth and seize new business opportunities, PRIME, a subsidiary of FIC Global (3701.TW), has taken a bold step in the Automotive industry. The company recently unveiled a fresh brand image and implemented an independent strategic approach to establish its presence in this sector.

With a remarkable track record of 25 years in high-precision electronic design manufacturing, PRIME brings its expertise in AI Computing, Smart City, and Automotive Electronic Design and Satellite Communication Device to the forefront, making them standout indicators within the FICG Group.

As part of the FICG Group, PRIME demonstrates remarkable versatility and unique capabilities in EMS and DMS industries. By working with FIC, an affiliate company of FICG, PRIME is able to vertically integrate various aspects of the business and address the rigorous demands of future markets and high-tech design manufacturing industries with flexibility and agility.

PRIME is known for its expertise in COB semiconductor packaging and high-precision electronic design manufacturing capabilities. Its focus lies in providing forward-looking, technology-driven, and comprehensive automated electronic design manufacturing services, including its own branding business in automotive electronics, specifically AR HUD.

Mr. Leo Chien , Chairman of FICG (3701.TW), expressed his anticipation and excitement for PRIME's new brand image and business transformation. He believes this approach will not only contribute to a better societal environment but also cater to the stringent demands of global customers. Furthermore, the company plans to extend its business into the domain of automotive smart cockpit electronics design manufacturing, investing in an optical engine (PGU) factory in Guangzhou, China , to meet the increasing demand for AR HUD and ADD, the 360-degree in-car panoramic display.

Over the past 25 years, PRIME has actively engaged in high-precision optical transceivers, maritime electronics, industrial electronics, and medical electronics manufacturing. Notably, the company has secured the most rigorous quality certification in the aerospace electronics industry, signifying its expansion into the aerospace technology sector.

To reaffirm its commitment to facing the digital era and meeting the diverse demands of brand merchants, PRIME introduced its new trademark design, "Pixel Puzzle." Symbolizing its role as a missing piece in the puzzle game, PRIME completes the most significant part of the design manufacturing service for global customers' electronic products.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ficg-prime-plants-deep-in-automotive-business-301907466.html

SOURCE FIC Global, Inc.
Press Release

August 23, 2023 Cayetano honors Secretary Ople for life-long public service, championing OFW welfare Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday expressed "profound sorrow" on the demise of Migrant Workers Secretary Maria Susana "Toots" Vasquez Ople, honoring his close friend as a life-long champion of the rights of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). In a Facebook post, Cayetano's office said Ople's life was "dedicated to improving the welfare and protecting the rights of our OFWs, and her passing is a great loss to our nation." "As partners in the fight for OFW rights -- long before she even joined government -- she fearlessly fought against labor exploitation and human trafficking. Her work transcended borders and made a profound impact on the lives of countless OFWs and their families," the post added. Cayetano also relayed his condolences through Senate Resolution No. 755 which he filed on August 23, 2023, a day after Ople passed away at the age of 61. "Despite suffering from an illness, she [Ople] did not hesitate to heed the call of public service, putting fellow Filipinos before herself - the true embodiment of kapwa bago sarili," he said. He also shared Ople's roles in various official capacities for more than 16 years. "Secretary Ople served the Filipino people as Undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment, Head of Presidential Speechwriting Group at the Office of the President, and Chief of Staff to then-Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary and Senator Blas F. Ople," he said. "Reflecting her passion and commitment to the cause of OFWs, she founded and served as President of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, a non-profit organization advocating for migrant workers' rights and welfare, for 18 years," he added. Cayetano likewise recounted the many hats Ople wore as a media practitioner, columnist to media entities, and as an anti-human trafficking advocate. "She [Ople] was the first Filipino to have been appointed to the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund to Assist Victims of Human Trafficking's Board of Trustees," he said. Cayetano said because of her work ethic and compassion, Ople was conferred by the United States government with the "Global Trafficking in Persons Hero Award for 2013" for her persistent and unyielding effort to curb human trafficking. A Senate Resolution also recognized her efforts against human trafficking. In Ople's crucial role as the first-ever Migrant Workers Department Secretary, Cayetano said she was credited for rekindling the friendship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) when the Philippines then banned the deployment of Filipino workers there. "Secretary Ople was a dedicated public servant who tirelessly championed for the welfare of laborers, made a career in protecting and promoting the rights of OFWs, and fearlessly fought against human trafficking," he said. Mourning her demise, Cayetano said Ople's unwavering dedication and commitment won the trust and love of fellow public servants, countless laborers, and multitudes of OFWs and their families. "As we bid farewell, we honor Secretary Ople's unwavering dedication and commitment to our modern-day heroes. Her legacy will inspire generations to come, reminding us of the importance of justice, compassion, and relentless service to our migrant workers," the Facebook post said. "Rest in peace, Secretary Toots, knowing that your work lives on in the hearts and actions of those you inspired," it added. Cayetano, pinapurihan si Secretary Ople sa habangbuhay na public service Nagpahayag ng matinding kalungkutan si Senador Alan Peter Cayetano nitong Miyerkules sa pagpanaw ng malapit niyang kaibigang si Migrant Workers Secretary Maria Susana "Toots" Vasquez Ople, na kinilala niya bilang isang "life-long champion" ng mga karapatan ng mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Sa isang Facebook post, sinabi ng opisina ni Cayetano na inilaan ni Ople ang kanyang buhay sa pagpapaganda ng katayuan at pangangalaga ng mga karapatan ng mga OFW. "Her passing is a great loss to our nation...As partners in the fight for OFW rights -- long before she even joined government -- she fearlessly fought against labor exploitation and human trafficking. Her work transcended borders and made a profound impact on the lives of countless OFWs and their families," wika ng post. Ipinahayag din ni Cayetano ang kanyang pakikiramay sa pamamagitan ng Senate Resolution No. 755 na inihain niya nitong August 23, 2023, isang araw pagkatapos ang pagpanaw ni Ople sa edad na 61. "Despite suffering from an illness, she [Ople] did not hesitate to heed the call of public service, putting fellow Filipinos before herself - the true embodiment of kapwa bago sarili," sulat ni Cayetano sa resolusyon. Ibinahagi din niya ang mga naging tungkulin ni Ople sa iba't ibang opisyal na kapasidad sa loob ng higit sa 16 na taon. "Secretary Ople served the Filipino people as Undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment, Head of Presidential Speechwriting Group at the Office of the President, and Chief of Staff to then-Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary and Senator Blas F. Ople," wika niya. "Reflecting her passion and commitment to the cause of OFWs, she founded and served as President of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, a non-profit organization advocating for migrant workers' rights and welfare, for 18 years," dagdag niya. Ikinuwento rin ni Cayetano ang iba't ibang trabaho ni Ople bilang isang media practitioner, kolumnista, at isang anti-human trafficking advocate. "She [Ople] was the first Filipino to have been appointed to the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund to Assist Victims ofHuman Trafficking's Board of Trustees," aniya. Sinabi ni Cayetano na ginawaran ng US government si Ople ng "Global Trafficking in Persons Hero Award 2013" para sa kanyang patuloy at walang humpay na pagsisikap na pigilan ang human trafficking. Kinilala rin sa isang resolusyon ng Senado ang kanyang mga pagsisikap laban sa human trafficking. Sa napakahalagang tungkulin ni Ople bilang kauna-unahang Migrant Workers Department Secretary, sinabi ni Cayetano na siya ay pinarangalan sa muling pagpapasigla ng pagkakaibigan sa pagitan ng Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) noong ipinagbawal ng Pilipinas ang pag-deploy ng mga manggagawang Pilipino doon. "Secretary Ople was a dedicated public servant who tirelessly championed for the welfare of laborers, made a career in protecting and promoting the rights of OFWs, and fearlessly fought against human trafficking," sabi niya. Sinabi ni Cayetano na dahil sa kanyang dedikasyon, nakuha ni Ople ang tiwala at pagmamahal ng mga kapwa lingkod-bayan, mga manggagawa, at mga OFW at kanilang mga pamilya. "As we bid farewell, we honor Secretary Ople's unwavering dedication and commitment to our modern-day heroes. Her legacy will inspire generations to come, reminding us of the importance of justice, compassion, and relentless service to our migrant workers," wika ng Facebook post ng opisina ni Cayetano. "Rest in peace, Secretary Toots, knowing that your work lives on in the hearts and actions of those you inspired," dagdag nito.
Amidst Western media's distorted reports accusing China of "colonizing" African nations, including South Africa, it is notable that South Africans describe their relationship with China as one of "comradeship" and "brotherly friendship."

Meanwhile, in face of numerous uncertainties and accelerating changes unseen in a century, as natural members of the Global South, China and South Africa's relationship holds significant global sway due to their shared commitment to advancing the voices and interests of developing nations.




BEIJING , Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping kicked off his state visit to South Africa and met with the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit, as China - South Africa relations enter a golden era with cooperation across various fields expected to deepen. The Chinese leader also hailed the China - South Africa friendship which stands at a new historical starting point.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 25 years ago, China and South Africa have achieved leapfrog development, which has gone far beyond the scope of bilateral relations and has more and global significance, some experts said. The two leaders jointly unveiled a blueprint for the future development of China - South Africa relations, embarking on a new journey of building a high-level China - South Africa community with a shared future.

During the meeting between Xi and Ramaphosa on Tuesday, Xi said this is his fourth visit to South Africa as Chinese President. "I have warm feeling when I visit the country again after five years. Under the leadership of President Ramaphosa , South Africa enjoys a growing national development and international influence. China is pleased about this and wishes South Africa even greater progress on its development path," Xi said.

The reason why China's relationship with South Africa is so good and the China - South Africa friendship is so deep is crucially because both countries and parties have shared weal and woe on their respective developmental paths, forging a profound friendship like comrades and brothers, Xi said.

Right now, standing at a new historical starting point, inheriting the China - South Africa friendship, deepening cooperation and strengthening collaboration are the mutual wish of both countries and also the significant responsibility of our times, Xi said, noting that he is willing to work alongside President Ramaphosa to push the China - South Africa partnership to new heights.

Xi said on Tuesday that China and South Africa will work to deepen bilateral cooperation in electric power, new energy as well as scientific and technological innovation. He also said that China is ready to import more quality products from South Africa and will continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in South Africa .

On Tuesday morning local time, the Union Buildings in Pretoria displayed the flags of China and South Africa . A considerable crowd of people have gathered, anticipating the arrival of Chinese President Xi . The atmosphere was full of anticipation and excitement.

Following the meeting between Chinese and South African leaders, Xi also received the Order of South Africa from President Ramaphosa on Tuesday. Speaking at the ceremony, Xi said the China - Africa comprehensive strategic partnership has entered a golden age, as political mutual trust between the two sides continues to deepen, and mutually beneficial and practical cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results.

Xi reiterated that no matter how the international situation changes, the two sides will remain committed to deepening bilateral friendly cooperation.

Xi arrived in Johannesburg on Monday evening to attend the 15th BRICS Summit and to pay a state visit to South Africa . South African President Ramaphosa and other South African officials extended a warm greeting to Xi at the airport.

In a written speech, Xi extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of South Africa on behalf of the Chinese people. Noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa , Xi emphasized that the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries has entered a new stage.

During a press briefing held on Tuesday, Wu Peng , Director-General of the Department of African Affairs at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that this visit fully demonstrates China's high regard for the development of relations with both developing countries and South Africa , as well as China - Africa relations. He emphasized that the visit injects new impetus into the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and South Africa .

Wu said that during the signing ceremony, President Xi and President Ramaphosa witnessed the signing of 11 cooperation documents, covering areas such as new energy power, direct investment, economic zones and industrial parks, blue economy, technological innovation, higher education and training, emergency power assistance, and the joint construction of Belt and Road infrastructure.

Wu said that both sides also issued a joint statement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa .

'Comrades plus brothers'

Busi Mabuza , Chairperson of the South Africa Chapter of the BRICS Business Council, told the Global Times in Johannesburg that South Africa and China share a profound friendship. In 2010, China staunchly supported South Africa's inclusion in the BRICS mechanism, providing South Africa with the opportunity to engage in close cooperation across various domains with several of the world's largest and rapidly growing economies, yielding substantial benefits.

She expressed that there is extensive space for cooperation between South Africa and China in economy and trade, noting that she was pleased to witness an increasing number of high-quality South African specialty agricultural products entering the Chinese market.

She also hopes for deeper collaboration between South Africa and China in infrastructure, aiding South Africa to enhance its transportation systems including roads, railways and aviation, to create better conditions for trade connectivity.

Mabuza hailed the China -proposed Global Development Initiative, which she said is in accordance with South Africa's development plan and is conducive to the equitable and sustainable development of the world.

South Africa and China have a thriving economic relationship. China is currently South Africa's largest global trading partner, and South Africa holds the distinction of being China's foremost trading partner in Africa . According to data released by China's Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade between China and South Africa reached $56.74 billion in 2022, marking a 5 percent increase year-on-year and reaching an eight-year high. This growth trend has continued to accelerate in the first half of this year, with a further increase of 11.7 percent.

In Johannesburg , Chinese brands such as Huawei, Gree are ubiquitous. Chinese appliances, smartphones, and automobiles are all favored by the local population, the Global Times learned.

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of a slew of cooperation agreements ranging from industrial cooperation to energy to agriculture on Tuesday, among which energy cooperation is seen as critical for tackling the domestic energy woes in South Africa .

Historical reasons have led to a long-term lack of investment in the power sector in South Africa , coupled with the seriously aging of existing thermal power units, resulting in electricity shortages. To help address this issue, Chinese companies will sign agreements with South Africa during the BRICS Summit to promote energy security and electricity development, the Global Times learned.

"The China - South Africa partnership is like comrades plus brothers, and the state visit paid by our top leader will help elevate bilateral relations to a new high," He Wenping, director of the African Studies Section at the Institute of West Asian and African Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Besides helping South Africa tackle one of its most pressing issues like the shortage of electricity, China will play an important role in the country's industrial development, helping create more jobs and increase people-to-people and cultural exchanges, He Wenping said. "Xi's visit to South Africa will deepen the special 'comrades plus brothers' friendship of the two countries."

The development of China - South Africa relations is a microcosm of the China - Africa friendship, and China - Africa relations can best reflect the imprint of China's major-country diplomacy, some experts said.

Milestone gathering

South Africa is about to enter "BRICS time" soon. The news center for the BRICS Summit is now operational, with nearly 100 journalists working there on Tuesday. The Global Times learned during the pre-registration process that the daily registration count is around 500 participants, encompassing individuals from various industries including media and businesses.

Traces of the BRICS Summit are evident on the streets of Johannesburg . South African authorities have allocated increased police resources to ensure the security of the event. Local media broadcasts are predominantly centered around BRICS-related news.

Leaders from the BRICS nations - Brazil , Russia , India , China and South Africa - are expected to gather on Tuesday with the BRICS expansion, the Ukraine crisis and reducing the dependence on the US dollar topping the agenda, according to media reports.

During the BRICS Summit, Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi "will have chances to have close exchanges," Wu said at the press conference on Tuesday.

Both Chinese and South African experts believe that the BRICS grouping has now become a counterbalancing force against global governance led by developed nations. Representing major developing countries, they hold significant weight in terms of economic strength, voice and the pursuit of fairness and justice. Their voice represents the concerns of developing countries, and this voice can drive changes in global governance, experts said.

The motives for a dozen countries that reportedly want to join BRICS include interest in the organization's economic development potential and their desire to build a more equitable global order, David Monyae, director of the Center for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, told the Global Times in a recent interview.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-china-south-africa-friendship-at-new-historical-starting-point-xi-301907472.html

SOURCE Global Times
JERSEY CITY, N.J. , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Goya Foods, through its Goya Gives global initiative, is sending food and funds to help cover costs of housing and shelter for families displaced in Maui and food to the people on the West Coast . This is in response to the recent fires in Maui and the tropical storm hitting the West Coast .

"The devastation caused by these two disasters is heart-wrenching, affecting both the community and the environment in unimaginable ways. In times like these, it is crucial to provide immediate support and aid to our fellow Americans. Thanks to the incredible work and first response of Global Empowerment Mission, we can help to rebuild, heal, and show the undeniable resilience of these communities," said Bob Unanue , President and CEO of Goya Foods.

Global Empowerment Mission, a humanitarian first-response non-profit organization, will distribute the funds and food directly to families in need in Maui , and on the West Coast .

"We are so grateful for our partnership with Goya, who has been supporting our missions throughout the United States and internationally for over four years. The situations in Maui , California , and Washington require immediate support and proper strategies. Thank you, Goya, for always being there to help," said Michael Capponi , Founder of Global Empowerment Mission.

Through Goya Gives, Goya is always at the forefront of natural disasters and humanitarian relief efforts, donating millions of pounds of food each year in the United States and worldwide. Most recently, Goya donated food to the people of East Palestine, Turkey and Syria.

To learn more about Goya Gives, please visit: www.goya.com

About Goya Foods

Founded in 1936, Goya Foods, Inc. is America's largest Hispanic-owned food company and has established itself as the leader in Latin American food and condiments. Goya manufactures, packages, and distributes over 2,500 high-quality food products from Spain , the Caribbean , Mexico , Central, and South America . Goya products have their roots in the culinary traditions of Hispanic communities worldwide. The combination of authentic ingredients, robust seasonings, and convenient preparation makes Goya products ideal for every taste and table. For more information on Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com.

For more information, contact:

Natalie J. Maniscalco

845.659.6506 / [email protected]

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SOURCE Goya Foods, Inc.
TUBINGEN, Germany , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Acousia Therapeutics GmbH to share key learnings and data from its lead candidate development programs  clinical stage ACOU085 and late preclinical stage ACOU082  during four presentations at industry and research meetings from August 29 to September 5 .

From August 2931, Acousia Therapeutics has been invited to contribute two presentations at the 3rd Annual Inner Ear Disorders Therapeutics Summit in Boston (MA). "Key Factors in Preclinical Study Design for Enhancing Probability of Translational Success" and "Emerging Trends in Drug Development for Age-Related Hearing Loss" will both include learnings from the company's outer hair cell targeting Kv7.4 activator development programs, which are in the clinical (ACOU085) and late preclinical stages (ACOU082). Dr. Jonas Dyhrfjeld-Johnsen, Chief Development Officer of Acousia Therapeutics, will also participate in the panel discussion "Understanding how the Differences in Chosen Animal Model and Human Hearing Development Impacts Preclinical Efficacy and Translational Success".

On September 2 , the company has been invited to present the talk "ACOU085  Lessons Learned from Developing a Locally Administered Otoprotectant" at the 2023 Hearing Therapeutics Summit organized by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), University College London Ear Institute, and National Institute for Health and Care Research in London.

Acousia Therapeutics, along with its partners from the Translational Hearing Research Group at the Tubingen Hearing Research Center (Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tubingen), will then attend The 58th Inner Ear Biology Workshop & Symposium (IEB 2023) in London from September 35, where they will present data from the ACOU082 development program in the "ACOU082: A Systemically Administered Kv7.4 Activator Drug Candidate Uniquely Suited for the Treatment and Prevention of Age-Related Hearing Loss" presentation.

ACOU085 is a proprietary, small-molecule, etiology-agnostic otoprotective drug candidate. It recently completed a successful first-in-man clinical Phase 1b study using the standard transtympanic administration of a slow-release gel formulation. ACOU085 is expected to enter Phase 2a clinical testing for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced hearing loss and outer hair cell apoptosis in cancer patients by Q4 2023.

ACOU082 is a proprietary, small-molecule Kv7.4 developed for oral administration. It has the potential to both acutely enhance natural hearing and preserve hearing capacity for people with chronic, progressive disorders like e.g. age-related hearing loss.

Kv7.4 channels are strongly expressed in the sensory, outer hair cells of the cochlea, where they not only influence outer hair cell amplification and frequency discrimination to maintain hearing function, but also provide homeostatic resistance to deleterious insults, including e.g. drug-induced ototoxicity, noise exposure, and aging.

About Acousia Therapeutics GmbH

Acousia Therapeutics GmbH is a privately-held, clinical stage biotech company in Tubingen, Germany dedicated to the identification and development of small molecules for the effective prevention and treatment of different etiologies of hearing loss. Acousia Therapeutics develops drugs for local and systemic administration.

Contact

Tim Boelke , M.D.

[email protected]

www.acousia.com

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SOURCE Acousia Therapeutics GmbH
Growing Institutional Investor Interest Validates Attractiveness and Liquidity of Emerging Casualty ILS Asset Class

NEW YORK , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ledger Investing is pleased to announce the successful syndication of a secondary transaction to three institutional investors. The transaction of nearly $250 million in premium represents a diversified portfolio across four lines of business including Workers' Compensation (WC), General Liability (GL), Private Passenger Auto (PPA), and Commercial Automobile (CA) and 25 individual programs.

"Many said that it isn't possible to securitize casualty risk, and yet we have securitized over $1 billion of premium."

There was considerable interest from investors with approximately $80 million of capital invested. Notably, this securitization is fully collateralized to reinsurance limits, providing insurers with better security than traditional reinsurance while still being targeted to meet the double digit return thresholds of investors. The transaction reflects Ledger Investing's commitment to delivering innovative financial solutions that create value and generate liquidity in the casualty insurance-linked securities (ILS) market.

"Many said that it isn't possible to securitize casualty risk, and yet we have securitized over $1 billion of premium since our first transaction in 2019." said Samir Shah , Ledger Investing CEO. "They said it was not possible to create liquidity in casualty risk, and now we have shown that indeed it is possible to create a secondary market. We look forward to unlocking the full potential of casualty ILS as we redefine the future of capital management for insurers and investment strategies for asset allocators."

One key highlight of this transaction is robust demand from institutional investors for securitized casualty risk. In particular, demand from private credit and special situations funds has been strong. The interest for this risk is driven by its similar target returns and weighted average life (WAL) while offering a return stream uncorrelated to the rest of their portfolios.

Ledger Investing's ability to structure diversified portfolios with an attractive risk reward reinforces its position as a market innovator in casualty securitization.

"The increasing demand from sophisticated financial institutions for casualty ILS affirms its multi-pronged value proposition within private credit, absolute return, and other areas of client portfolios. We recognize the immense potential casualty ILS holds in providing both stability and diversification to our investors' holdings. We're excited to be at the forefront of this emerging and highly attractive asset class." said Alex Freiberg , CEO, Ledger Capital Markets, LLC.

About Ledger Investing

Ledger Investing, Inc. is a tech-enabled financial services company that has led the development of casualty insurance-linked securities (ILS) since its inception in 2016. Recently named to CB Insights Insurtech 50 (2023), the company has raised more than $90M from leading VCs and strategic insurance industry investors. Ledger's $75M Series B funding round was completed in June 2022 and was led by WestCap with participation from Teachers' Venture Growth, Intact Ventures and previous investors, SignalFire, MassMutual Ventures, Allegis Capital and Accel. In 2021, Ledger created the first dedicated casualty ILS fund. To date, $1B gross premium has been securitized through primary and secondary transactions for General Liability, Workers' Compensation, Commercial Auto and Private Passenger Auto through Ledger Marketplace . Experience the future of capital management for insurers and investment opportunities through Ledger Marketplace at www.ledgerinvesting.com.

Ledger Investing, Inc. wholly owns Ledger ILS Managers, LLC, a registered investment adviser with the SEC and Ledger Capital Markets, LLC, a securities broker/dealer registered with the SEC and a member of FINRA and SIPC. Ledger ILS Managers' registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill training.

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SOURCE Ledger Investing
Carnz joins NYC-based LIM after serving as Provost for City University of Seattle

NEW YORK , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LIM College, which is exclusively focused on the business of fashion and lifestyle, today announced the appointment of Scott Carnz, Ed.D., as Provost.

"Scott is a passionate and creative educational leader."

Carnz, whose appointment was effective August 21 , joins LIM from City University of Seattle where he served as Provost since 2019.

In his new role, Carnz will serve as the chief academic officer of LIM College and will be responsible for establishing and sustaining the highest standards of academic excellence in all teaching, curricular, and academic co-curricular activities. He will be the chief advisor on academic matters to LIM College President Elizabeth S. Marcuse and will lead development of a vision for LIM's academic future that supports student success, enrollment growth, and student retention.

"Scott is a passionate and creative educational leader with extensive experience in overseeing academic programs ranging from the certificate level to doctoral degrees," said Marcuse. "We are confident that Scott, working collaboratively with leaders throughout LIM, will ensure alignment of curriculum and industry employer needs while also exploring global opportunities for collaborations that will support our students as they pursue their dream careers," she added.

As Provost of City University of Seattle, Carnz oversaw more than 50 certificate- and degree-granting programs. Among his key accomplishments were creating of an Office of Social Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and establishing a Research Institute to support student and faculty scholarship. He also led efforts to establish a data-informed culture to assess learning outcomes and support student achievement.

"I am excited to join LIM College, which is widely respected for driving outstanding student academic and career outcomes through an immersive style of education that focuses on learning by doing, said Carnz. "Throughout its nearly 85-year history, LIM has demonstrated a commitment to maintaining relevant curriculum and deep connections with the fashion and lifestyle industries that provide students with exceptional internships and other career-building opportunities. The faculty is devoted to student success and takes a personalized approach to teaching and mentoring. LIM is aligned with my personal belief that higher education can change people's lives and help create a more just society and equitable world."

Prior to City University of Seattle, Carnz served in a number of academic leadership roles at The Art Institute of Seattle from 1996-2018, ranging from a faculty position to Department Chair, Academic Director, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Interim President, and Dean of Academic Affairs.

Carnz holds a doctorate in Education Leadership from Argosy University in Seattle , a master's degree in Whole Systems Design from Antioch University in Seattle and a bachelor's degree in Visual Communications from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington . He currently serves as a member of the nominations committee and a peer site evaluator for the Northwest Commission on College and Universities, and is a frequent speaker on educational topics and the author of multiple articles on higher education.

About LIM College

Founded in 1939 and located in midtown Manhattan , LIM College is a female-led and owned institution focused on the global business of fashion and lifestyle. Offering master's, bachelor's and associate degree programs, LIM prepares students for career success via an immersive approach grounded in real-world experience and learning by doing through required internships. LIM College's commitment to excellence in business education ensures graduates are sought after by a wide range of employers, as evidenced by a Career Outcomes Rate of 96% for the Class of 2022. Alumni excel throughout all areas of fashion and lifestyle and have gone on to work for companies such as Chanel, Gucci, Alexander McQueen , Ross Stores, the Financial Times, Ulta Beauty, Google, Saks Fifth Avenue, Edie Parker , Walmart, and Macy's.

Contact:

Anne Roman

[email protected]

419.708.5171

Meredith Finnin

[email protected]

646.218.2156

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SOURCE LIM College
VANCOUVER, BC , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Luminex Resources Corp. (TSXV: LR) (OTCQX: LUMIF) (the "Company" or "Luminex") announces that on August 22, 2023 , the relevant subsidiary of Anglo American plc ("Anglo American") submitted a withdrawal notice with respect to its option to increase its ownership in the Pegasus project in Ecuador from 25% to 51%. Anglo American has drilled approximately 1,800 metres at the Medusa North target at Pegasus A and had planned to continue drilling at Medusa South. Anglo American encountered delays in receiving surface access to drill its preferred target.

Luminex and Anglo American may engage in discussion to realign the earn-in agreement terms given Anglo American's spend to date, 25% ownership in Pegasus and in-country team. The next concession payments for Pegasus are due in March 2024 .

Marhsall Koval , CEO and Director commented: "Although it is disappointing to see continued drilling delays at Pegasus, the Company still believes this area offers numerous attractive copper porphyry targets. Anglo American has spent approximately US$26 million as of June 30, 2023 , which can pave the way for either Luminex or a new partner to carry on the high-quality work that has been completed so far."

About Luminex Resources

Luminex Resources Corp. (TSXV:LR, OTCQX: LUMIF) is a Vancouver, Canada based precious and base metals exploration and development company focused on gold and copper projects in Ecuador . Luminex's inferred and indicated mineral resources are located at the Condor Gold-Copper project in Zamora-Chinchipe Province , southeast Ecuador . Luminex also holds a large and highly prospective land package in Ecuador .

Further details are available on the Company's website at https://luminexresources.com/.

To receive news releases please sign up at https://www.luminexresources.com/contact/contact-us/.

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LUMINEX RESOURCES CORP.

Signed: "Marshall Koval"

Marshall Koval , CEO and Director

Luminex is solely and entirely responsible for the contents hereof. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) nor any other person, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future earn-in agreements at Pegasus or work programs at Pegasus. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur or be achieved.

With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, the Company has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about general business and economic conditions, the prices of gold and copper, and anticipated costs and expenditures. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

Although management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions (including with respect to the tonnage, grade and recoverability of reserves and resources); risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks relating to adverse weather conditions; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting mining concessions); and other risk factors as detailed from time to time in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed with Canadian securities administrators. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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SOURCE Luminex Resources Corp.
Multi-Unit Domestic and International Expansion as well as Nontraditional Locations Set to Fuel Future Growth Goals

TOLEDO, Ohio , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Marco's Pizza, one of the nation's fastest-growing pizza brands, reports impressive mid-year growth and strong performance. With more than 50 openings and 50-plus signed franchise agreements year-to-date, Marco's development trajectory soars as it inches closer to its 1200th store milestone.

Marco's development trajectory soars as it inches closer to its 1200th store milestone.

In the last six years, the fast-growing brand has doubled its store footprint with no intention of slowing down. The company leadership identified 4,200 potential U.S. locations. Key to Marco's ongoing expansion will be a strategic focus on multi-unit growth, capitalizing on the development potential in the nontraditional sector, as well as international expansion.

Single and multi-unit growth, with new and existing franchisees, fuels Marco's development strategy as leadership prioritizes franchisee relations and operational support. With nearly half of its current franchise network comprised of multi-unit operators, Marco's budgeted more than $7M to invest in qualified existing franchisees' development to further grow Marco's multi-unit ownership by 10% year-over-year. The brand continues to see interest from existing owners in addition to new franchisees looking to diversify their portfolios. Notably, Marco's earned the No. 10 spot, out of 150, on Entrepreneur's 2023 Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owners Ranking.

Marco's development team is also capitalizing on franchise growth in the nontraditional sector. The brand looks to expand in the sector by meeting consumer demand with a high-quality on-the-go product. Recently, Marco's entered into an agreement for two additional locations with AVI Foodsystems to build out nontraditional units along the Ohio Turnpike , as well as take two existing units under its corporate store portfolio.

"Expanding into nontraditional spaces fits nicely into our future development plans," said Gerardo Flores , Chief Development Officer of Marco's Pizza. "Nontraditional locations allow Marco's to expand its geographic footprint quickly because of the smaller square footage and lower startup costs than a traditional Marco's location. Pair this with a concentrated population and high-volume foot traffic, and we see why franchisees are interested in these opportunities."

International growth is another key area of focus for the brand, with several large master franchise agreements in the works. Near-term opportunities exist most abundantly in the LATAM region with future sights set on Europe and Canada .

"Marco's is currently undergoing some of our greatest expansion to date," said Flores. "We now have more than 200 stores in various stages of development, and hundreds of agreements signed. As we continue to grow our global footprint, we are looking to expand most aggressively in the mid-Atlantic, southeast, and southwest of the United States , in addition to internationally."

Marco's provides a development support system, including technology and tools to help identify the right territories for expansion plus expertise in financing, real estate, construction management, and field operations, to assist franchisees and multi-unit operators.

Alongside impressive expansion, Marco's is prioritizing investments in enhancing the franchise development program, new technology, personnel, strategic vendor partnerships, multi-channel national advertising, and more  all with an eye on maximizing franchisee profits while meeting the needs of today's modern customer.

According to the brand's Franchise Disclosure Document, the Top 50% of Marco's franchised stores generated average net royalty sales of $1,222,684 during the 2022 fiscal year*.

The brand's impressive performance has earned multiple awards and recognition: Ranking in Newsweek's 2023 America's Best Customer Service in the pizza chains category, earning a spot on QSR's Top 50, appearing on Nation's Restaurant News' prestigious Top 500 ranking, and claiming the No. 51 spot on Entrepreneur's 2023 Franchise 500 ranking.

For more information on Marco's Pizza franchise opportunities, visit https://www.marcos.com/franchising/ or call 866-731-8209 to speak with Shannon Iverson , Vice President of Franchise Sales.

ABOUT MARCO'S PIZZA

Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio , Marco's Pizza is one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the United States . Marco's was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale ("Pat") Giammarco and thrives to deliver a high-quality pizza experience, known for its dough made from scratch and its three fresh signature cheeses. The company has grown from its roots as a beloved Ohio brand to operate over 1,100 stores in 34 states with locations in Puerto Rico and the Bahamas . Most recently, Marco's Pizza was ranked No. 51 on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2023 "Franchise 500" ranking. Other recent accolades include a high ranking on Newsweek's 2023 "America's Best Customer Service" in pizza chains list, earning a spot on QSR's Top 50, and being featured on Nation's Restaurant News' prestigious "Top 500" ranking.

*Based on the Average Sales Volume of the top 50% of our Franchised Stores for our fiscal year 2022. Based on our fiscal year 2022, 160 of 414 Franchised Stores in the category (or 39%) met or exceeded this average. This information appears in Item 19 of our 2023 FDD  please refer to our FDD for complete information on financial performance. Results may differ. There is no assurance that any franchisee will perform as well.

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SOURCE Marco's Pizza
New distribution partnership expected to help mitigate industry-wide issues with ventilator availability

NORTHFIELD, Ill. , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Medline, the largest privately-held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies and devices in the U.S. , is pleased to announce a new partnership with Israeli-based respiratory device manufacturer Flight Medical, making its Flight 60 transportable ventilator exclusively available through Medline.

Flight 60 is a turbine-driven ventilator that can meet the needs of any patient, while offering the tools needed for caregivers to provide optimal ventilation. The device delivers ventilation modes necessary to support high acuity patients while easily transitioning to/from non-invasive ventilation. Along with portability, this durable ventilator can provide ventilation for pediatric through adult patients.

Flight 60 is a lightweight, compact solution for a broad range of clinical environments. Advanced ventilation modes, precise control mechanisms, and a user-friendly interface ensure optimal performance and ease of use in healthcare, transport and home settings.

Concerns of availability and access to quality ventilators have been elevated in national and international dialogue in recent years as a result of the pandemic and subsequent issues around ventilator product safety.

"This collaboration will make an impact in addressing ventilator availability in the industry and, most importantly, help our providers improve patient care," said Brian Groskopf , senior director of product management at Medline, "By joining forces with Flight Medical, we strengthen our respiratory portfolio to meet the needs of customers across the continuum of care."

"Our vision is to avail every patient with a reliable, easy to use and functionality-rich ventilator," said Amir Kleinstern, CEO of Flight Medical.

"This exciting partnership with Medline enhances our ability to help save lives and improve patient outcomes around the world," added Shauna Winston , the Americas director of sales at Flight Medical.

For more information about Flight 60 and how Medline is elevating respiratory care, visit www.medline.com

About Flight Medical

Established in 1996, Israeli-headquartered Flight Medical is a leading global medical device manufacturer dedicated to developing innovative respiratory care solutions. With a strong commitment to patient safety and cutting-edge technology, Flight Medical aims to revolutionize the healthcare industry through its advanced ventilators and respiratory products

About Medline

Medline is a healthcare company  a medical supply manufacturer, distributor, and solutions provider focused on improving the overall operating performance of healthcare. Partnering across the continuum of care, Medline helps providers to activate the clinical and supply chain resources needed to deliver their best care. With the agility to solve problems quickly and the scale to partner with providers for their sustained success, Medline is able to invest in its customers for the future and rapidly respond to a dynamically changing market with customized solutions.

Medline was most recently named to the Forbes America's Best Large Employers and America's Best Employers for Women lists, and was recognized for the 12th year by Chicago Tribune as a Top Workplace . Headquartered in Northfield, Ill. , Medline has 35,000+ employees worldwide and operates in over 125 countries and territories. Learn more at http://www.medline.com/ .

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SOURCE Medline
SUNRISE, Fla. , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MedPro International, the industry leader in the international recruitment, training, and staffing of foreign-educated healthcare professionals, recently held "Brigada Eskwela 2023," a school giveback event in Las Pinas City, Philippines . MedPro International visited Pulanlupa and Vergonville elementary schools, donating supplies for students and helping clean classrooms and repaint walls and furniture.

"MedPro International is proud to be part of this effort and give back to these communities," said MedPro International Executive Vice President Patty Jeffrey . "Education is the foundation for success, and we are committed to being supportive partners and allies as students strive to achieve their dreams."

The event was in conjunction with the Philippines Department of Education's "Schools Maintenance Week," the country's volunteer initiative to prepare schools for opening day. This year's theme, "Bayanihan Para sa Matatag na Paaralan," or "Unity for Strong Schools," focused on the need to ensure clean, safe, inclusive, and child-friendly learning environments for students and teaching and non-teaching personnel and to strengthen the resiliency of schools and basic education. MedPro International's team was joined by members of Perpetual Help Placement.

MedPro International provided each school with the following:

46 packs of writing notebooks

47 packs of composition notebooks

16 packs of pad paper for grades 1  4

32 packs of pad paper grade 5  6

5 reams of long bond paper

5 reams of short paper

20 packs of Kilometrico pens

22 boxes of Mongol pencils

90 boxes of crayons

MedPro International works closely with the Republic of the Philippines Department of Migrant Workers to protect the rights and ensure the welfare of Filipino healthcare workers and their families in the U.S. The Philippines has been a highly valued partner in providing quality healthcare staffing to facilities across the U.S. , allowing Filipinos to achieve their professional goals while making valuable contributions to their families back home. The United States and the Philippines share a long alliance and mutual dedication to improving both countries' healthcare systems. Since 1960, over 150,000 Filipino nurses have immigrated to the U.S. , and Filipino nurses currently make up approximately 4 to 6 percent of the U.S. nursing workforce.

About MedPro International

Since 2006, MedPro International has been preparing and deploying more foreign-educated healthcare professionals in the United States than any other staffing company in the U.S. MedPro International handles all costs and aspects of immigration, licensing, credentialing, testing, clinical and U.S. assimilation training, and education to ensure healthcare workers a successful transition into the U.S. healthcare system.

As a member of the American Association of International Healthcare Recruitment (AAIHR), MedPro International subscribes to the AAIHR code of ethics, which ensures the ethical treatment of foreign-educated healthcare professionals through full support sponsorship. MedPro assists healthcare professionals at each step, assessing their capabilities and personal preferences to secure a fitting assignment at one of our client sites. To find out more, go to https://www.medprointernational.com/apply/ to complete a brief application, and a Recruiter will contact you right away! Or you can call us at 954.739.4247.

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SOURCE MedPro International
17-page response fails to address or adequately respond to any of the concerns cited By DPH based on testimony provided by residents, public officials, nurses, physicians and advocates at public hearing on August 9 regarding how UMass can ensure access to care, provide health care equity for the most vulnerable residents impacted, as well as for the corporation to provide valid evidence to justify what the community contends are false claims UMass made to justify the closing

UMass's plan for vulnerable mothers, including those who are poor and of color and most at risk, is to force them to take nonexistent public transportation, call 911 for an ambulance and if there are negative impacts for these residents, the hospital "will identify possible disproportionate effects of the closure of the services on marginalized communities" AFTER THE CLOSURE.



In light of UMass Memorial's plan, community advocates and area legislators will now look to the Healey administration to do whatever is necessary to maintain this vital service to protect North County residents

LEOMINSTER, Mass. , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Disingenuous, callous and preposterous are some of the words being voiced by community advocates, impacted residents, policy makers and members of the Massachusetts Nurses Association in reaction to the long-awaited response from UMass Memorial Health to the Department of Public Health's finding that the Birthing Center at Leominster Hospital is an essential service "necessary for preserving access and health status within the hospital's service area."

"We are shocked at the arrogance and disdain for our community, particularly the most vulnerable in our community displayed by UMass Memorial in this response to DPH," said Eladia Romero , a board member with the Spanish American Center, who serves as a co-chair of Community United to Save OUR Birthing Center, a coalition of residents, local officials, caregivers and advocates from throughout Worcester County. "Their so called "plan" is no plan! In fact, their only plan is force mothers, particularly poor and those of color who are placed most at risk by this closure to rely on nonexistent public transportation or to call 911 for an ambulance so that they can deliver enroute on the side of the road, or in an overcrowded hospital emergency room -- or to die trying. It is heartless and it is absurd."

Romero points to the lack of detail and truthfulness about access to transportation as a major flaw in UMass's thinking. "They actually state that travel during peak and non-peak hours to UMass Memorial in Worcester and Henry Heywood Hospital in Gardner are the same as they are from Leominster and Fitchburg. We know that's not true and if they are willing to lie to DPH and the community about it then they know it's a major issue that will impact our community members."

Since the closing was announced, nurses working in the unit have reported numerous instances where expectant mothers presented to the hospital just minutes from delivery and had the nurses and staff at the Center not been there, and those patients were forced into an ambulance, there is no way they could have made it to an alternative location. In fact, local news reported on a case where a mother had her uterus rupture while at the hospital and were it not for the expert care provided by the Birthing Center staff, she and her baby might have died.

The issue of health equity and access to care for poor and BIPOC residents, who are placed most at risk by the closure, was a major focus of the public hearing and DPH's findings, where they asked the hospital to detail how the system would protect these residents. UMass's response? To hire a firm to look into the issue, and after the closure, "to identify disproportionate effects of the closure of the services on marginalized communities."

"So instead of keeping this service to protect these mothers from harm, they are claiming they will take a look after the fact to see all the harm and suffering they caused by closing it. It's disgusting," Romero added.

Another bone of contention for those opposing the closing is the claim that these mothers can easily gain access to care at other hospitals in the region, particularly UMass Memorial in Worcester. But nurses who work at UMass Memorial in Worcester decry that claim.

"There is no way we can take care of the patients from Leominster and Fitchburg ," said Barbara Labuff, RN , a maternity nurse at UMass Memorial in response to the UMass plan. "We don't have the infrastructure, resources and staff to handle those patients as we are struggling to provide adequate care to those patients we have now. Closing this service will not only harm the patients of North County, but it will degrade our ability to care for patients here in Worcester . This is a bad and dangerous decision."

Romero and other advocates also take issue with UMass Memorial Health's failure to provide any plan to handle emergencies that present to the hospital.

The nurses at Leominster Hospital are also very concerned about what will happen to laboring patients who will continue to present to the hospital's busy emergency room. The nurses are even more concerned after meeting with hospital management on Tuesday to discuss those concerns. Management informed the nurses that there will be no obstetrician on staff at the hospital following closure or maternity trained staff available on site and no plan to handle emergency cesarean sections, that are often required now. Emergency department staff are not trained to provide that level of care and there is not an adequate plan or realistic ability for them to do so.

The hospital's offer for pre and postnatal care is entirely based on the current offerings in town with no such care provided at the hospital. After a similar closing at Morton Hospital in Taunton that community saw obstetrical practices go from four to one in the year following the closure and appointments for women in that community are nearly impossible to get. The hospital informed the nurses that they also plan to end any gynecological services, otherwise known as healthcare for women, as they will have no gynecological medical staff and any emergency procedures done for the patients will have them recover on a medical surgical floor, while the hospital's plan is to transport them to another facility as soon as they are stable.

Advocates for the Birthing Center have made a strong case that the Birthing Center must be maintained, including labor, delivery, postpartum and nursery care for families living in communities of Northern Worcester County . The UMass response failed to truthfully address any of the evidence provided by advocates that countered blatant misinformation provided by UMass to justify the closing, including:

Shortage of staff to operate the facility  testimony was provided showing that nurses have documentation of dozens of qualified nurses who sought positions on the unit who were turned away without being interviewed or hired. Current nurses on staff, through their union, also offered numerous strategies for the cross training of staff to cover holes in the schedule, strategies that the Health Alliance administrators refused to pursue. And finally, as soon as the closure was announced, UMass found the resources to hire 12 temporary staff to operate the unit through the closing. In their response letter, UMass patently lied to DPH claiming that they in fact took many of these very steps, when they did not do so.





testimony was provided showing that nurses have documentation of dozens of qualified nurses who sought positions on the unit who were turned away without being interviewed or hired. Current nurses on staff, through their union, also offered numerous strategies for the cross training of staff to cover holes in the schedule, strategies that the administrators refused to pursue. And finally, as soon as the closure was announced, UMass found the resources to hire 12 temporary staff to operate the unit through the closing. In their response letter, UMass patently lied to DPH claiming that they in fact took many of these very steps, when they did not do so. Lack of Obstetrical Coverage  the legislative delegation and the nurses on the unit offered testimony regarding information from local providers who have been willing and continue to offer a plan to provide obstetrical coverage to maintain the unit. Again, the hospital has refused those overtures and instead seeks to shutter the service. Once again, UMass's response to DPH failed to report this information, continuing their false narrative.





the legislative delegation and the nurses on the unit offered testimony regarding information from local providers who have been willing and continue to offer a plan to provide obstetrical coverage to maintain the unit. Again, the hospital has refused those overtures and instead seeks to shutter the service. Once again, UMass's response to DPH failed to report this information, continuing their false narrative. Declining Birth Rates  The Hospital has also pivoted to declining birth rates as a rationale but the data the legislative delegation has provided confirmed the region's population is growing and young families are growing. Our birth rate competes and exceeds the state's birth rate. Beyond that, challenging the notion that the "market has spoken" and has chosen other hospitals, is disproven by UMass Health Alliance's own data. Leominster Hospital , until this year when the Hospital Administration began implementing the closure, was the largest provider of birthing services for North Central Mass families. And we would argue, any plan that would place 500  700 women a year in such peril is on its face, immoral and in direct violation of our oath to do no harm. And Romero points out that the statistics provided by the hospital show births at the hospital to date are ahead of what they were the previous year.

DPH Report on Increase in Maternal Morbidity Underscores Need for Administration to Save Service

The Coalition's position on the closing was further buoyed by the release last week of an alarming report by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health showing a dramatic increase in the rate of serious complications and maternal child deaths from labor and delivery in our state over the last 10 years. DPH researchers found that rates of severe maternal morbidity climbed from 52.3 per 10,000 deliveries in 2011 to 100.4 per 10,000 deliveries in 2020, an average increase of 8.9 percent each year. It also found that women of color continue to face higher rates of complications, with black women consistently experiencing the highest rates. Compared to white non-Hispanic women, black non-Hispanic women experienced 2.3 times higher rates of complications on average during the study period, and Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander women experienced rates 1.2 times higher. This is the very population placed most at risk by the proposed closure of the Birthing Center at Leominster Hospital, the only facility serving the two Gateway Cities of Leominster and Fitchburg .

A quote by Governor Maura Healey in the press release about the DPH report clearly articulates the same concerns about the need for access to services like the Birthing Center that will be made at the hearing on Monday, when she stated, "This report shows that there is much more work that we need to do to address racial and gender inequities in health care. It is essential that everyone has access to comprehensive, high-quality and inclusive maternal health care. We can and must do better for mothers, for kids and for families  and our administration is committed to doing just that."

With the DPH findings in hand and in light the hospital's plan, the Community United to Save Our Birthing Center Coalition and others who oppose the closing will be looking to the Healey administration to honor that commitment by providing whatever support is needed to preserve the Birthing Center to ensure continued access to safe maternity care in Northern Worcester County.

In fact, on the day the UMass Memorial plan was released, the coalition's call for Governor Healey's intervention was joined by the Worcester NAACP, with sent a letter to Governor Healey and UMass Memorial Health CEO Eric Dickson calling for the service to be maintained to protect the communities of color served by the Center. The NAACP letter can be found here.

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SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association
Students sing the national anthems of Vietnam and Canada at the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. (Photo: SGGP)

On August 21, the Consulate General of Canada in Ho Chi Minh City held a ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Canada.

According to Mr. Behzad Babakhani, Canada's exports to Vietnam increased by nearly 40% in 2022 alone. An estimated 10,000 Canadian citizens live in Vietnam. In Canada, there are about 300,000 Vietnamese Canadians who are contributing greatly to Canada's success in all fields, including entrepreneurs, politicians, scientists and some talented rappers.

Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Vo Van Hoan, on behalf of Ho Chi Minh City leaders, expressed his thanks to generations of Canadian leaders, business community members and individuals for their efforts to create the foundation and the future of Vietnam - Canada relations.

In terms of politics-diplomacy, along with increasing exchange of high-level delegations, the two countries have maintained regular contact on the sidelines of high-level conferences, international and regional multilateral forums. These exchanges and cooperation were further enhanced when in 2017, on the occasion of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit to Vietnam, the two countries officially upgraded their relations to a Comprehensive Partnership, a significant milestone for bilateral relations.

According to Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Vo Van Hoan, in that common picture, it can be said that the trade-investment relationship and development cooperation is the most prominent highlight in the relationship between the two countries.

Since 2015, Vietnam has risen to become Canada's largest trading partner in ASEAN. Since 2012, bilateral trade turnover has increased 4 times, from nearly USD2 billion to more than USD7 billion in 2022, equivalent to an increase in two-way trade turnover from 20 to 25% each year.

By the end of 2022, Canada ranked 14th out of 130 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with a total registered capital of USD4.82 billion. Canada is also an attractive destination for Vietnamese investors.

From a local perspective, by the end of 2022, Canada was the 22nd largest investor out of 117 countries and territories investing in Ho Chi Minh City, with an investment of nearly USD130 million. In 2022, two-way trade between Ho Chi Minh City and Canada reached approximately USD633 million.

Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Vo Van Hoan expressed his confidence that the above figures will increase further in the coming time, especially when the two countries effectively exploit the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and related agreements.

In addition, according to Mr. Vo Van Hoan, Canada can provide advanced technology, expertise and products to support the development of Ho Chi Minh City in various areas, especially in terms of infrastructure development, green economy and clean energy. Businesses in Ho Chi Minh City can explore investment opportunities in Canada's technology, natural resources, and tourism./.
Newfront Navigator is a secure hub helping HR leaders streamline compliance, keep track of plan data, and research employee benefits point-solutions

SAN FRANCISCO , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Newfront , the tech-driven insurance brokerage firm based in San Francisco , has introduced a powerful Total Rewards dashboard. Newfront Navigator is designed to streamline workflows, saving time and resources as people teams securely manage complex employee benefit programs.

"Having all of my insurance coverage information in one place is incredibly convenient and time-saving."

"We know that human resources teams are overwhelmed by the sheer number of systems they have to engage with and the amount of vendors available," said Darren Brown , President of Total Rewards at Newfront. "Newfront Navigator addresses these concerns, the most pressing pain points in benefits management."

The dashboard offers a centralized hub for all plan documents, compliance news, and point-solution vendor informationall in a safe and secure environment. Human resources leaders can quickly access their company's Total Rewards program information, easily navigate to the latest updates on employee benefits compliance, find recommended partners for point-solutions, and communicate with their brokers.

"The Newfront Navigator platform has improved my insurance management experience," said Courtney Paulsen , HR Director at ALCAL. "Having all of my insurance coverage information in one place is incredibly convenient and time-saving; everything is accessible in a single dashboard, so now I don't have to remember where to look for various information because it's all in one place."

Payal Agrawal , Senior Product Manager at Newfront who led the product launch, said the tool will help both clients and insurance professionals. "For clients, Newfront Navigator will help improve their efficiency," she said. "People teams will have the important data at their fingertips without having to search for it in several different systems or send encrypted emails to multiple people to get answers."

Newfront's SOC 2, Type 2 certification provides a continuously-monitored, secure experience, allowing clients to share and store documents with confidence.

To discover more about Newfront Navigator and to get in touch with Newfront, click here .

About Newfront

Newfront is a modern brokerage transforming the risk management, business insurance, total rewards, and retirement services space through the combination of elite expertise and cutting-edge technology. Specializing in more than 20 industries and headquartered in San Francisco , Newfront has offices nationwide and is home to more than 800 employees serving organizations across the United State and globally. For more information, visit newfront.com and follow us on LinkedIn .

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Traci Johnson

Newfront

[email protected]

Natasha Koleas

PAN Communications

949-397-7582

[email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/newfront-introduces-centralized-platform-for-total-rewards-clients-301907596.html

SOURCE Newfront
TSXV: PGZ | OTCQX: PGZFF

La Romana drilling confirms continuity of the higher-grade tin mineralization in the west and adds high grade copper in the northeast

Romana West drilling intersects additional near-surface copper mineralization with assay results pending for eight drill holes

drilling intersects additional near-surface copper mineralization with assay results pending for eight drill holes Elevated tin results continue to contribute to the mineralization profile at increased levels as drilling progresses in the west of La Romana

VANCOUVER, BC , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Pan Global Resources Inc. ("Pan Global" or the "Company") (TSXV: PGZ) (OTCQX: PGZFF) is pleased to report assay results for 15 drill holes at the La Romana discovery at the Company`s 100% owned Escacena Project in the Iberian Pyrite Belt in southern Spain . La Romana represents a coherent zone of moderately northward-dipping copper-tin-silver mineralization, currently delineated over approximately 1.2 kilometers along strike and from surface to 400m down-dip. A planned 25-hole drill program is ongoing to expand and test the western extensions to the near-surface mineralization at the Romana West target.

Highlights

LRD158  5.6m at 1.2% Cu, 3.3g/t Ag from 195.4m, and

 5.6m at 1.2% Cu, 3.3g/t Ag from 195.4m, and 1m at 3.6% Cu and 19.4g/t Ag from 109m

LRD154  23m at 0.4% Cu, 0.12% Sn, 2g/t Ag from 33m, including

 23m at 0.4% Cu, 0.12% Sn, 2g/t Ag from 33m, including 7m at 0.5% Cu, 0.23% Sn and 2.8g/t Ag

LRD147  32.25m at 0.4% Cu, 0.05% Sn and 1.3g/t Ag from 114m, including

 32.25m at 0.4% Cu, 0.05% Sn and 1.3g/t Ag from 114m, including 3.25m at 1.9% Cu, 0.36% Sn and 7.6g/t Ag

LRD146  30m at 0.3% Cu, 0.05% Sn and 1.8g/t Ag from 151m, including

 30m at 0.3% Cu, 0.05% Sn and 1.8g/t Ag from 151m, including 8m at 0.6% Cu, 0.11% Sn and 3.4g/t Ag

LRD150  10m at 0.6% Cu, 2.1g/t Ag from 83m, including

 10m at 0.6% Cu, 2.1g/t Ag from 83m, including 4m at 1.2% Cu, 4g/t Ag

LRD157  0.5m at 5.1% Cu, 24.5g/t Ag from 110m, and 3m at 1.5% Cu, 3.6g/t Ag from 195m

"We are very pleased with these results, which successfully expand the copper and copper-tin-silver mineralization at La Romana and further demonstrates the favourable continuity of the mineralization," said Tim Moody , Pan Global's President & CEO.

"The new step-out drill holes show the mineralization continues to remain open down-dip along the northern extent of the drilling. Infill drill holes in the northeast confirms continuity of high-grade mineralization intersected in previous drilling. Three infill holes, drilled for the ongoing tin metallurgy test program, confirm continuity of the tin mineralization in the west."

"At Romana West , we continue to be encouraged by the visible copper and tin mineralization observed in drill core from initial drill holes at this high-priority target that represents the potential western extension to the La Romana copper-tin-silver mineralization."

"Results are also pending from the recently completed follow-up drill program at the Canada Honda copper-gold target less than 4km to the north of La Romana."

Drill results are summarized in Table 1 and drill hole collar details are presented in Table 2 below. Drill hole locations are shown in Figure 1.

Step-out drill holes

The step-out drill holes have expanded the northern limits of the La Romana copper and copper-tin-silver mineralization a further 50m to 70m down-dip on several sections, and shows the mineralization remains open at depth. Results include broad zones of copper mineralization and/or bands of high-grade copper mineralization with associated strong chlorite alteration, indicating potential for mineralization to continue at depth. The mineralization also remains open along-strike. Selected highlights include:

LRD146: 30m at 0.3% Cu, 0.05% Sn and 1.8g/t Ag from 151m, including 8m at 0.6% Cu, 0.11% Sn and 3.4g/t Ag





LRD147: 32.25m @ 0.4% Cu, 0.05% Sn and 1.3g/t Ag from 112m, including 3.25m at 1.9% Cu, 0.36% Sn and 7.6 g/t Ag





LRD149: 0.5m at 4.6% Cu and 10.3g/t Ag from 290.8m and 0.5m at 3.1% Cu, 9.7g/t Ag from 341.9m





LRD150: 4m at 1.2% Cu and 4.0 g/t Ag from 83m, stratigraphically above the main La Romana mineralization





from 83m, stratigraphically above the main La Romana mineralization LRD153: 36.5m at 0.3% Cu and 1.7g/t Ag from 288m

Infill drill holes

The infill drilling included testing an area previously inaccessible due to farm infrastructure and confirmed additional high-grade copper mineralization within a continuous zone extending from near surface to approximately 450m down-dip (see Figure 2 below). Three additional infill drill holes ( LRD152 , LRD154 and LRD159 ) complement a tin metallurgical test program and confirmed continuity of the high-grade tin mineralization in the west. Selected highlights include:

LRD156: 1m at 1.5% Cu and 7.5g/t Ag from 171m; 25m at 0.3% Cu and 1.2g/t Ag from 203m, including 1.6m at 1.9% Cu and 7.4g/t Ag; and 0.5m at 2.0% Cu and 8.4g/t Ag from 262.7m





LRD157: 0.5m at 5.1% Cu, 24.5g/t Ag and 0.12g/t Au; 3m at 1.5% Cu and 3.6g/t Ag from 195m; and 0.65m at 1.8% Cu and 13.6g/t Ag from 228.35m





from 195m; and 0.65m at 1.8% Cu and 13.6g/t Ag from 228.35m LRD158: 0.5m at 3.0% Pb, 4.0% Zn, 0.2% Cu and 22.9g/t Ag from 62.5m; 1m at 3.6% Cu and 19.4g/t Ag from 109m; 5.6m at 1.2% Cu and 3.3g/t Ag from 195.4m, including 0.35m at 10.5% Cu, 26.1g/t Ag, 0.14g/t Au and 0.08% Co from 196.3m





from 195.4m, including from 196.3m LRD154: 23m at 0.4% Cu, 0.12% Sn and 2.0g/t Ag from 33m, including 7m at 0.5% Cu, 0.23% Sn and 2.8g/t Ag (highest tin intersections on this section)





from 33m, including LRD159: 1m at 0.5% Cu, 0.68% Sn and 2.5g/t Ag from 24m; and 19m at 0.4% Cu, 0.05% Sn and 1.3g/t Ag from 37m

Table 1  Escacena Project, drill results summary (all intersections are >90% to approximately 100% of true thickness)

Hole From To Interval Cu Sn Ag Co Au

Pb Zn

m m m % % g/t ppm g/t

ppm ppm LRD146 151.00 181.00 30.00 0.3 0.05 1.8 59 0.00

228 581 inc. 159.00 181.00 22.00 0.3 0.07 1.9 61 0.01

205 567 inc. 173.00 181.00 8.00 0.6 0.11 3.4 72 0.01

282 687























LRD147 114.00 146.25 32.25 0.4 0.05 1.3 70 0.01

4 75 inc. 129.00 146.25 17.25 0.5 0.08 2.0 84 0.01

16 98 inc. 143.00 146.25 3.25 1.9 0.36 7.6 185 0.03

29 166























LRD148 100.00 124.00 24.00 0.24 0.01 1.0 59 0.01

14 107 inc. 116.00 124.00 8.00 0.4 0.02 1.7 80 0.01

9 89

152.00 160.00 8.00 0.2 0.03 0.8 57 0.01

10 58























LRD149 227.45 228.00 0.55 0.4 15.2 289 0.26

3410 6010

256.80 258.00 1.20 0.1 12.7 37 0.04

17800 4940

290.00 291.30 1.30 1.9 4.4 359 0.10

20 242 inc. 290.80 291.30 0.50 4.6 0.01 10.3 886 0.25

37 486

341.90 342.40 0.50 3.1 0.01 9.7 369 0.13

268 459























LRD150 22.00 22.50 0.50 1.1 1.9 7 0.01

22 90

83.00 93.00 10.00 0.6 2.1 46 0.01

19 227 inc. 83.00 87.00 4.00 1.2 3.9 65 0.02

20 316 inc. 84.00 85.00 1.00 3.8 0.01 10.8 123 0.03

37 639























LRD151 257.00 258.00 1.00 0.01 1.4 21 0.01

1205 11950

391.00 392.00 1.00 1.1 0.01 2.3 76 0.02

27 231























LRD152 1 60.00 82.00 22.00 0.3 0.06 1.6 70 0.01

45 140

60.00 75.00 15.00 0.4 0.06 2.0 73 0.01

52 155























LRD153 251.00 254.00 3.00 0.5 2.3 108 0.01

32 96

271.00 272.00 1.00 0.8 5.1 92 0.01

261 969

288.00 324.50 36.50 0.3 0.01 1.7 51 0.01

177 445 inc. 300.00 324.50 24.50 0.3 0.01 2.0 55 0.01

188 503 inc. 313.00 314.00 1.00 1.2 0.02 4.5 70 0.01

89 355 inc. 317.00 317.50 0.50 3.0 0.03 14.3 140 0.07

2300 5730























LRD154 1 33.00 56.00 23.00 0.4 0.12 2.0 94 0.01

51 131 inc. 33.00 46.00 13.00 0.5 0.14 2.9 104 0.01

78 155 inc. 36.00 43.00 7.00 0.5 0.23 2.8 122 0.01

47 155























LRD155 36.50 39.00 2.50 0.5 3.8 27 0.01

842 309

41.00 42.00 1.00 0.5 3.2 15 0.01

544 387























LRD156 171.00 172.00 1.00 1.5 0.01 7.5 94 0.03

144 151

203.00 228.00 25.00 0.3 1.2 74 0.02

54 160 Inc. 203.00 204.60 1.60 1.9 0.01 7.4 449 0.08

306 218

262.70 263.20 0.50 2.0 0.01 8.4 315 0.16

100 390























LRD157 110.00 110.50 0.50 5.1 0.01 24.5 409 0.12

140 481

161.00 162.00 1.00 0.9 5.9 86 0.03

142 407

195.00 198.00 3.00 1.5 3.6 201 0.03

15 104 inc. 196.00 197.00 1.00 3.6 0.01 8.8 422 0.08

27 137

228.35 229.00 0.65 1.8 0.01 13.6 248 0.10

3360 7150

255.00 256.00 1.00 0.7 0.02 7.3 158 0.06

2570 2180























LRD158 62.50 63.00 0.50 0.2 22.9 21 0.09

30400 39500

109.00 110.00 1.00 3.6 0.01 19.4 279 0.04

96 405

185.00 186.00 1.00 1.0 6.6 130 0.02

12 149

195.40 201.00 5.60 1.2 3.3 152 0.02

42 120 inc. 195.40 197.50 2.10 2.7 0.01 7.3 290 0.05

61 146 inc. 196.30 196.65 0.35 10.5 0.01 26.1 811 0.14

138 298























LRD159 1 24.00 25.00 1.00 0.5 0.68 2.5 70 0.04

75 95

37.00 56.00 19.00 0.4 0.05 1.3 73 0.01

32 107 inc. 48.00 56.00 8.00 0.4 0.08 1.3 80 0.01

30 141 inc. 50.00 51.00 1.00 1.3 0.02 1.2 74 0.01

8 255 inc. 52.00 55.00 3.00 0.3 0.13 1.5 87 0.02

20 108























LRD160 236.00 273.00 37.00 0.25 1.0 64 0.01

123 27 inc. 239.00 242.00 3.00 1.1 2.6 180 0.02

95 40 inc. 239.90 240.40 0.50 5.3 0.01 12.3 635 0.08

215 216 inc. 300.20 300.70 0.50 1.0 0.01 4.0 416 0.16

123 131

1 Tin metallurgy drill hole

Table 2  Escacena Project, drill hole collar information (Total 3745.5m)

Hole ID Easting 2 Northing 2 Azimuth (o) Dip(o) Depth (m) LRD146 736281 4152845 180 -60 248.10 LRD147 736136 4152802 180 -60 209.30 LRD148 736085 4152796 180 -55 220.50 LRD149 736956 4152942 180 -60 424.35 LRD150 736539 4152884 180 -62 398.40 LRD151 737003 4152998 180 -60 442.85 LRD152 1 736187 4152712 180 -55 86.20 LRD153 736734 4152936 180 -65 367.70 LRD154 1 736233 4152669 180 -55 73.30 LRD155 736980 4152570 180 -55 89.40 LRD156 736905 4152811 180 -65 272.35 LRD157 736905 4152811 180 -55 272.50 LRD158 736903 4152812 192 -55 257.50 LRD159 1 736138 4152687 180 -55 65.55 LRD160 736898 4152874 180 -60 317.50

1 Tin metallurgy drill hole

2 Coordinates are in ERTS89 datum UTM29N

About the Escacena Project

The Escacena Project comprises a large, contiguous, 5,760-hectare land package controlled 100% by Pan Global in the east of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Escacena is located near operating mines at Las Cruces and Riotinto and is immediately adjacent to the former Aznalcollar and Los Frailes mines where Minera Los Frailes/Grupo Mexico is in the final permitting stage with construction anticipated to start in 2023. The Escacena Project hosts the La Romana copper-tin-silver discovery and a number of other prospective targets, including Romana West , Canada Honda, Zarcita, Hornitos, La Jarosa, Romana Deep , Romana North , Bravo, Barbacena, El Pozo , and San Pablo.

About Pan Global Resources

Pan Global Resources Inc. is actively targeting copper-rich mineral deposits, given copper's compelling supply-demand fundamentals and outlook for strong long-term prices as a critical metal for global electrification and energy transition. The Company's flagship Escacena Project is located in the prolific Iberian Pyrite Belt in southern Spain , where infrastructure, mining and professional expertise, and support for copper as a Strategic Raw Material by the European Commission collectively define a tier-one jurisdiction for mining investment. The Pan Global team comprises proven talent in exploration, development, and mine operations - all of which are committed to operating safely and with utmost respect for the environment and our partnered communities.

QA/QC Procedures

Core size was HQ (63mm) and all samples were  core. Nominal sample size was 1m core length and ranged from 0.5 to 2m. Sample intervals were defined using geological contacts with the start and end of each sample physically marked on the core. Diamond blade core cutting and sampling was supervised at all times by Company staff. Duplicate samples of  core were taken approximately every 30 samples and Certified Reference materials inserted every 25 samples in each batch.

Samples were delivered to ALS laboratory in Seville, Spain and assayed at the ALS laboratory in Ireland . All samples were crushed and split (method CRU-31, SPL22Y), and pulverized using (method PUL-31). Gold analysis was by 50gm Fire assay with ICP finish (method Au-ICP22) and multi element analysis was undertaken using a 4-acid digest with ICP AES finish (method ME-ICP61). Over grade base metal results were assayed using a 4-acid digest ICP AES (method OG-62). Over grade tin was determined using peroxide fusion with ICP finish (method Sn-ICP81x).

Qualified Persons

James Royall , Vice President Exploration for Pan Global Resources and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed the scientific and technical information for this news release. Mr. Royall is not independent of the Company.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Forward-looking statements

Statements which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. It is important to note that actual outcomes and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information included in this news release are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental, environmental and technological factors that may affect the Company's operations, markets, products and prices. Readers should refer to the risk disclosures outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis of its audited financial statements filed with the British Columbia Securities Commission.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on information available to the Company as of the date of this news release. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information.

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.

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SOURCE Pan Global Resources Inc.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Picogrid has been awarded a $950,000,000 ceiling Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract for the maturation, demonstration and proliferation of capability across platforms and domains, leveraging open systems design, modern software and algorithm development in order to enable Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2). This multiple award contract provides awardees the opportunity to compete for efforts within seven different competitive pools that support the development and operation of systems as a unified force across all domains (air, land, sea, space, cyber, and electromagnetic spectrum) in an open architecture family of systems that enables capabilities via multiple integrated platforms. Future work under this multiple-award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract will be competed via the Fair Opportunity process.

Following the contract award, Tony Lugo , Picogrid's Head of Government Solutions and retired Army Colonel with 28 years of service, shared:

The Pentagon and Congress are focused on the benefits that JADC2 can deliver in the face of the escalating tensions in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Our troops on the ground still use equipment built 15 years ago  systems that cannot communicate with each other. My son, a third-generation Soldier, deployed overseas in June and works with many of the same systems I used years ago.

Service members are ready to harness new tools that provide them with better situational awareness and accelerate decision-making, but the JADC2 advancements are still years away. Our team at Picogrid is working to accelerate the adoption to transition the military to a fully connected ecosystem of capabilities.

At Picogrid, we believe that the current state of our industrial base is critically slowing down the progress of the Pentagon's modernization efforts. Traditionally, defense hardware and software systems are the products of thousands of individual programs and contractors, each operating in their own silo. This fragmented approach results in disconnected systems and a significant amount of data lying unused. Without the ability to autonomously communicate and work together on a single network, we expose our service members to operational risk and fall behind highly-capable, near-peer threats like China .

To deliver on the vision of JADC2, our country and allies must build a more connected, secure, and open defense ecosystem. Picogrid's unique solution provides a common platform for defense systems new and old to work together and is proven and operational in dozens of global locations. Today, our platform integrates the military's cameras and other sensors with artificial intelligence to harden the Department of Defense's (DoD) critical infrastructure across Arizona , Florida , Nebraska , Louisiana , New Mexico , and other locations. Additionally, commercial companies use Picogrid's tech to help combat wildfires in California .

Picogrid systems connect various sensors, physical infrastructure, and military equipment to allow them to function cohesively. Our open-standard solutions are designed to help teams from small to large defense contractors deliver results quickly and securely.

This IDIQ contract is a significant step forward and demonstrates the Pentagon's trust in Picogrid's products, team, and approach to building an open defense ecosystem.

To learn more about the company, visit picogrid.com.

CONTACT: 510-775-0195  [email protected]  picogrid.com

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SOURCE Picogrid
With decades of collective experience, Greg Ceccarelli and Robert Petrocelli will focus on driving innovation and customer value in an advanced technology market, driven by developments in AI

SILICON SLOPES, Utah , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pluralsight , the technology workforce development company, today announced the appointment of Greg Ceccarelli to Chief Product Officer (CPO) and Robert Petrocelli to Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Ceccarelli and Petrocelli will work in parallel to advance innovation and integration within the Pluralsight Skills platform, better enabling individuals and businesses to transform with technology skills.

"Today's technologists must be equipped with the right tools to adapt and modernize--and a large part of that toolset is knowing how to leverage and work alongside AI," said Aaron Skonnard , CEO and co-founder at Pluralsight. "Appointing Greg and Robert reflects our commitment to continuous innovation in our technology skills development offerings so that our customers can achieve their technology aspirations. I am confident that Greg and Robert's combined expertise will drive critical advancements in our offerings, empowering us to deliver an AI-focused technology learning platform that evolves alongside the market and puts customer needs at the forefront."

Ceccarelli's appointment to CPO comes after serving two years as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Pluralsight Flow, Pluralsight's software delivery intelligence tool that enables software teams to get unmatched visibility into workflows in order to accelerate product development. He brings more than a decade of technology, strategic and operational leadership expertise to Pluralsight from leading Silicon Valley technology companies such as Google, Dropbox and GitHub. Widely known as an analytical and results-driven leader passionate about improving the developer experience, Ceccarelli is uniquely positioned to drive Pluralsight's product innovation and deliver increased value to the company's customers.

Petrocelli's more than 30 years of experience is deeply rooted in technology innovation and leadership. He most recently served as CTO of Intelerad, where he advanced the company's software capabilities, driving stronger alignment between client needs and company offerings, and supported the expansion of the company's product lines. Prior to Intelerad, Petrocelli served as CTO of Datto, a leading global provider of cloud-based software and security solutions, where he led a 750 person R&D team focused on developing and operating a 1.5 EB hybrid cloud. Petrocelli's experience also extends to founding both cardiac PACS pioneer Heartlab, which he successfully ran for over 10 years, and GreenBytes, a storage optimization company focused on hyper efficient data reduction using novel data deduplication technology.

For more information on Pluralsight's industry-leading workforce development offerings, visit pluralsight.com .

Media Contact

Ryan Sins, Senior Communications Manager at Pluralsight

[email protected]

About Pluralsight

Pluralsight is the leading technology workforce development company that helps companies and teams build better products by developing critical skills, improving processes and gaining insights through data, and providing strategic skills consulting. Trusted by forward-thinking companies of every size in every industry, Pluralsight helps individuals and businesses transform with technology. Pluralsight Skills helps enterprises build technology skills at scale with expert-authored courses on today's most important technologies, including cloud, artificial intelligence and machine learning, data science, and security, among others. Skills also includes tools to align skill development with business objectives, virtual instructor-led training, hands-on labs, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics. Flow complements Skills by providing engineering teams with actionable data and visibility into workflow patterns to accelerate the delivery of products and services. For more information about Pluralsight, visit pluralsight.com .

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SOURCE Pluralsight
Pontera welcomes independent financial services firm Summit Financial to its partner networkproviding a secure platform for advisors to comprehensively and transparently manage 401(k), 403(b) and other retirement accounts

NEW YORK and PARSIPPANY, N.J. , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pontera , the fintech platform that enables retirement savers to get help managing their 401(k)s from their trusted financial advisor, and Summit Financial ("Summit"), a top firm for values-driven independent and breakaway advisors, today announced a strategic partnership. With this collaboration, Summit advisors gain access to a secure platform to seamlessly manage 401(k) and 403(b) accounts as part of a holistic approach to growing clients' wealth.

With this collaboration, Summit advisors gain access to a secure platform to seamlessly manage 401(k) & 403(b) accounts.

"At our core, Summit is hyper-focused on empowering growth for our advisors and their clients. The addition of Pontera to our comprehensive suite of digital tools will enrich both client experiences and outcomes with extensive held-away account management," said Stan Gregor , CEO of Summit Financial Holdings. "We remain committed to arming our advisors with top-tier modern tools that not only foster business expansion and deepen client relationships, but also unlock growth potential."

Pontera's platform will enable Summit advisors to offer clients a holistic view of their portfolio, strengthening transparency and trust. Using Pontera, Summit advisors can help grow clients' wealth by analyzing, rebalancing, and monitoring held-away accounts as part of their investment strategies. The platform integrates with Addepar to facilitate all-encompassing performance reporting and billing, providing clients with increased clarity into their finances. With SOC 2 Type II compliance and ISO-27001 certification, Pontera also has features that help streamline compliance processes such as automatic supervision logging.

"We look forward to working closely with the Summit advisor community," said David Goldman , Chief Business Officer at Pontera. "Summit is known for sustaining generations-long client relationships through incredible service. In over a decade assisting Americans to understand and optimize their retirement plan accounts, we've seen overwhelming demand for help from personal advisors to incorporate these assets in a comprehensive strategy. We are pleased to support even more advisors in delivering this guidance."

With a four-decade legacy, Summit advisors oversee approximately $9 billion in assets. Summit is built by advisors, for advisors, with a client-first mindset and a unique partnership model that allows for greater opportunity and ownership. To learn more, visit https://summitfinancial.com .

To learn more about how clients benefit from Pontera, visit pontera.com/retire-better .

About Pontera

Pontera is a fintech company on a mission to help millions of Americans retire better by enabling financial advisors to manage, balance, and report on assets in held-away accounts, including 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and more. The platform is designed to work across many account types and seamlessly integrate with existing portfolio management tools to help advisors improve their clients' financial outcomes. Founded in 2012, Pontera is headquartered in New York City . Learn more at pontera.com.

About Summit Financial

As an independent financial services firm with legacy business from its predecessor, Summit Financial Resources, Inc., and Summit Equities, Inc., going back over 40 years, Summit and its affiliates are proud to continue their vision of guiding clients toward financial success by aligning extensive experience with a forward-thinking philosophy, adapting to industry changes for the sake of best serving our clients now and well into the future. With customized, holistic, and hands-on advice, we help turn life's aspirations into success stories. Our financial advice focuses on individual needs and values, not industry norms.

Summit Financial Holdings, LLC's affiliated firms include, but are not limited to, Summit Financial, LLC a SEC-registered investment advisor, Summit Risk Management, LLC, Summit Advisory Services, LLC, Summit Services IT, LLC, and Summit Growth Partners, LLC.

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SOURCE Pontera
Industry leader further deepens Prelude's bench of experienced investors focused on finding solutions for tackling climate crisis

SAN FRANCISCO , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Prelude Ventures, a venture capital firm which invests in and supports early-stage startups with the greatest potential to mitigate climate change, today announced that Matt Eggers has joined the firm as a Managing Director. With extensive experience working with early-stage companies, Eggers will focus on growing the firm's investment portfolio and building companies that will mitigate climate impact.

"Investing in climatetech startups isn't just about 'disrupting' the world but improving it for generations to come."

Eggers brings more than 25 years of experience from leadership roles in climatetech and biotech. Prior to joining Prelude Ventures, Mr. Eggers was a Partner at Breakthrough Energy Ventures where he led investments in early stage climatetech companies. Additionally, he has held key operating roles at Tesla, Sunrun, Bloom Energy, Yardi Systems, and Genentech across functions including sales, marketing, product, finance, and operations. Notably, he was part of the executive leadership team at Sunrun, growing the company's assets from $200M to $2B , while raising $300M in equity capital.

"Investing in climatetech startups isn't just about 'disrupting' the world but improving it for generations to come. I believe, like my colleagues at Prelude Ventures, that climate change is the greatest challenge human civilization has faced, and that the transition to a low-carbon economy is the greatest investment opportunity of this century. I am excited to join Prelude, with its decades-long history of building amazing climatetech companies and its dynamic and strong team," said Mr. Eggers .

"We are thrilled to welcome Matt to Prelude," said Gabriel Kra , co-founder and managing director at Prelude Ventures. "Matt's extensive experience and track record will enhance our team. As a proven partner to founders, working closely to build enduring, iconic, and profitable companies, coupled with shared values and deep passion which align perfectly with Prelude's, our collective efforts will propel us all towards finding meaningful solutions to combat and ultimately solve the climate crisis."

"I dedicated my career to climatetech almost 20 years ago and I'm excited to continue my work with passionate founders who are applying bold technology and business model innovation to rapidly eliminating GHG emissions," added Eggers. "Technology got us into this problem and we at Prelude believe we are in the midst of a wave of technology innovation that can get us out while creating a vibrant, sustainable, and prosperous world for all life on earth."

Mr. Eggers has a B.S. from Duke University in molecular biology, and an MBA from Stanford University. He sits on the board of the Duke University Center for Energy, Development and the Global Environment and has been an active angel investor in tech, biotech and climatetech companies.

About Prelude Ventures

Prelude Ventures is a climate-focused venture capital firm that invests in and supports early-stage startups with the greatest potential to mitigate climate change. For over a decade, Prelude has sought out purpose-driven founders and provided the capital and expertise needed to build the next generation of category-defining businesses that will reshape our global economy for the greater good of people and planet. Located in San Francisco , Prelude has approximately $2 billion under management.

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SOURCE Prelude Ventures
Psilera wins the HealthTech category of the Tampa Bay Inno Awards hosted by the Tampa Bay Business Journal along with recognition as a finalist for Company to Watch by GrowFL

TAMPA, Fla. , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Psilera , a biopharmaceutical company delivering next-generation mental health treatments at home, is thrilled to announce they have been recognized by both the Tampa Bay Business Journal (TBBJ) and the GrowFL group for their commitment to innovative research and their ability to stand out in a competitive market.

Psilera has established itself as a key player in the biopharmaceutical industry.

The TBBJ has recognized Psilera as the Tampa Bay Inno Awards honoree of the year in the HealthTech category. The Tampa Bay Inno Awards showcase the startups and entrepreneurs elevating the Tampa Bay Area as a new leading hub of innovation. Psilera's selection as the HealthTech standout is a testament to the company's focus on designing novel neurological drugs leveraging its AI/machine learning-assisted platform, Psilera Third Eye.

GrowFL's 13th Annual Florida Companies to Watch Awards are a prestigious recognition program celebrating high-performing second-stage companies that demonstrate innovative business strategies and excellent potential for future growth. Psilera has established itself as a key player in the biopharmaceutical industry through their ability to adapt to changing market dynamics, distinguishing themselves from the competition.

"We are honored to be recognized with these prestigious awards among a growing cohort of startups in Florida ," said Dr. Chris Witowski , Co-Founder and CEO of Psilera. "This achievement is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our talented team. We are proud of what we have accomplished so far and excited about the future opportunities that lie ahead."

About Psilera :

Psilera is a biopharmaceutical company revolutionizing the development of novel serotonergic drugs which provide rapid therapeutic benefit and fewer side effects than conventional treatments. Their world-class scientific and executive team reimagine psychoactive natural products into effective and insurance-backed take-home therapies for anxiety, addiction, and neurodegenerative disorders. Their proprietary drug discovery engine, Psilera Third Eye, combines novel syntheses of new compounds with an AI-enabled screening platform to marry cutting-edge technology with human compassion.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Katie DeMarsh

Operations Manager

Email: [email protected]

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SOURCE Psilera
SAN DIEGO , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quick Custom Intelligence ("QCI"), a leading software development company specializing in the casino space, is thrilled and humbled to announce that its revolutionary Enterprise Platform has been shortlisted for the prestigious Global Gaming Awards Las Vegas 2023 in the esteemed Land-Based Product of the Year category.

Now in its 10th year, the Global Gaming Awards Las Vegas is renowned as the pinnacle of recognition within the gaming industry, celebrating remarkable achievements in the Americas region. To uphold the highest standards of integrity and impartiality, the winners will be determined by a distinguished panel of over 100 judges, all distinguished C-level executives from the gaming industry. The entire voting process will be independently adjudicated by KPMG, ensuring complete fairness and transparency.

QCI's Enterprise Platform has garnered attention for its cutting-edge technology, innovative features, and exceptional user experience, making it a standout contender among the industry's best products. This recognition by the Global Gaming Awards Las Vegas underscores our commitment to excellence and dedication to delivering unmatched solutions that elevate the casino experience for our clients and their customers.

"We are incredibly honored to be shortlisted for the Land-Based Product of the Year category at the Global Gaming Awards Las Vegas 2023," said Andrew Cardno , CTO of QCI. "This nomination is a testament to the hard work, passion, and ingenuity of our talented team who have worked tirelessly to develop an enterprise platform that sets new standards in the gaming industry."

The winners of the Global Gaming Awards Las Vegas 2023 will be announced at a luncheon ceremony on October 9th as part of the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas .

ABOUT QCI

Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI AGI Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 140 casino resorts across North America , Australia , New Zealand , Canada , Latin America , and The Bahamas . The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $24 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI's data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego , with additional offices in Las Vegas , St. Louis , Dallas , and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

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SOURCE Quick Custom Intelligence
Senior executive brings 25 years of experience leading client success functions of high-growth software companies and consulting firms

TEMECULA, Calif. , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Raintree Systems, a leading provider of software solutions for the therapy and rehab industry, announced today that Megan MacLean , a seasoned executive with deep experience in every aspect of sales, service, and customer success, has been appointed Chief Customer Officer.

In her new role, MacLean will oversee Raintree's client success management, professional services, customer support, and learning and development teams.

Over the past 25 years, MacLean has had a distinguished career leading the client success functions of highly successful software companies and consulting firms. In her most recent role as Chief Customer Officer at Vendavo, MacLean was instrumental in driving rapid growth and achieving remarkable client outcomes. MacLean has earned a reputation in the technology industry for leading exceptional teams, instituting meticulous, customer-centric processes, and building deep, enduring client relationships.

"We are delighted to welcome Megan MacLean to the Raintree team as our new Chief Customer Officer," said Nick Hedges , CEO, Raintree. "Hiring an executive of Megan's caliber represents our commitment to rapidly becoming a world-class software company while retaining and building upon our relentless focus on customers."

"Raintree has built its identity on helping therapy professionals to give better care and achieve superior outcomes for everyone," said MacLean. "I'm excited to join the Raintree team to contribute my experience setting strategy, developing teams, and directing all facets of service delivery and customer success."

Prior to Vendavo, MacLean held leadership roles with Arthur Andersen Business Consulting and Exemplary Software. She holds an advanced degree in computer science from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa .

About Raintree Systems

Raintree is the preeminent platform for enterprise and mid-sized therapy provider organizations. They have a proven track record of success and client satisfaction providing solutions in patient engagement and communications, clinical documentation, revenue cycle management (RCM), and business intelligence/analytics for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, audiology, and ABA across all treatment settings. From pediatrics to geriatrics, Raintree has more than 2,500 implementations and more than 25,000 users daily. Its commitment to "Software-as-a-Relationship" uniquely distinguishes it from other providers in the market. To learn more about Raintree, visit https://www.raintreeinc.com/.

Media contact: Marcia Rhodes , [email protected]

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SOURCE Raintree
CHICAGO , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a groundbreaking collaboration, ForwardX Robotics, a global leader in vision-based Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) technology, has joined forces with POLA ORBIS, a prestigious Japanese beauty and cosmetics company. Responding to the intricate demands of its bustling warehouse, POLA ORBIS sought a dynamic solution to streamline their operational complexities. With over 100 cosmetics stores to replenish and an inventory of 500+ SKUs to manage, the company turned to ForwardX Robotics for an innovative answer. ForwardX delivered with customized Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) equipped with built-in weighing scales to cater to the warehouse's specific operational requirements.

The successful deployment of ForwardX's solution has yielded immediate and significant results. POLA ORBIS has achieved a remarkable 30% reduction in worker travel distance, 25% reduction in labor costs, along with a substantial 10% decrease in logistics costs. The transformation not only addressed POLA ORBIS's immediate operational challenges but also drove tangible and sustainable results, enhancing order fulfillment precision, minimizing transportation downtime, and boosting overall productivity in their warehouse operations.

POLA ORBIS faced a pressing challenge in their traditional picking process. In response, ForwardX Robotics tailored a cutting-edge solution to cater to POLA ORBIS's unique needs. The heart of the innovation: custom AMRs embedded with precision weighing scales. These weighing scales are powered by the AMRs themselves, eliminating the need for manual recharging; the weight of the goods are also seamlessly verified during the picking process, ensuring picking accuracy of 99.99% with over 99.9% uptime, thus achieving a pick-to-go solution.

This dynamic partnership highlights the power of deploying AMRs and tailored solutions to tackle distinct organizational demands. It is a testament to the effectiveness of harnessing cutting-edge technology to transform complex operations and achieve unparalleled results.

As one of the top three global assisted picking solutions providers, along with Locus Robotics and 6 River Systems, ForwardX stands out with its strong presence in retail warehousing. Using picking AMRs that boast heavy payload capacities of 661 to 1,336 lbs, ForwardX has the unique ability to combine each and case picking in one warehouse. Additionally, ForwardX provides tailored retail solutions, combining RFID scanners, onboard weighing scales, and other accessories to meet a variety of unique business demands.

About POLA ORBIS HOLDING INC.:

Established in 1929, POLA ORBIS is one of the leading Japanese cosmetics companies that develops and manufactures cosmetics products. The POLA ORBIS Group is committed to creating everlasting happiness among people and communities wishing for beauty and health and specializes in skincare. Under its multi-brand strategy, the POLA ORBIS Group holds multiple cosmetics brands including POLA, ORBIS, THREE, and Jurlique, in addition to POLA CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, the R&D company for the Group.

About ForwardX Robotics:

ForwardX Robotics is a global leader in vision-based AMR technology, delivering innovative end-to-end material handling solutions for warehousing and manufacturing facilities. With its advanced fleet management software and the widest range of vision-first Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), ForwardX Robotics helps businesses achieve higher performance and value within their supply chain operations. The company is comprised of over 250 members hailing from top universities and leading enterprises around the world. As shown by the 350+ patents and its award-winning research work, such as Frost & Sullivan's Best Practices Award and Robotics Business Review's RBR50 Innovations Award, ForwardX Robotics continues to push the boundaries of innovation.

ForwardX has deployed over 3,000 AMRs in over 150 facilities across 4 continents. With offices in the US, Japan , Korea , and China , along with partnerships around the globe, ForwardX is expanding and applying its proven solutions to empower the workforce of tomorrow.

For more information, visit: https://www.forwardx.com/

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SOURCE ForwardX Robotics
President Vo Van Thuong (R) and Chief Justice of the Supreme Peoples Court of Laos Viengthong Siphandon at the meeting in Hanoi on August 22 (Photo: VNA)

Siphandon highlighted the close cooperation between the supreme courts of Laos and Vietnam and informed her host about the outcomes of her talks with Chief Justice of the Supreme Peoples Court of Vietnam Nguyen Hoa Binh earlier the same day.

The two sides discussed cooperation orientations and agreed to uphold the fine traditions of their countries special relationship, which has been nurtured by generations of leaders, she went on.

She stressed that the assistance and coordination from the supreme court of Vietnam form an important source of support for the Lao side to fulfil its duties.

Highly valuing the talks outcomes, President Thuong said the Vietnam - Laos special relationship is a priceless common asset both countries need to maintain and promote. Therefore, it is necessary to keep frequent mutual visits and experience sharing between their agencies and localities so as to help each party better perform its tasks and contribute more to bilateral ties.

He applauded the cooperation results of the countries court sectors, affirming that Vietnam is delighted at the Lao peoples achievements in economic development, defence and security, and also sympathises with the difficulties they are facing.

The host called on both sides to stay united to surmount difficulties and fulfil their duties. He attributed the attainments of the Vietnam - Laos great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation partly to the substantial contributions by the two court sectors cooperation.

Thuong welcomed the two court sectors enhancement of ties in multiple aspects, especially the signing of cooperation deals among five peoples courts of the countries non-border localities, which he said will strongly and effectively foster their partnerships in the time to come./.
The HyperEdge data center SMEXTP01 will have a critical capacity of 7.9MW, with 5MW becoming available in Phase 1, reinforcing the company's strategy to enable new markets in Latin America for Hyperscale providers.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Scala Data Centers, the leading Latin American platform of sustainable data centers in the Hyperscale market, is building its first data center in Mexico , SMEXTP01, with an initial investment of approximately US$ 80 million . The venture, located in the municipality of Tepotzotlan, about 25 miles from the country's capital in Mexico City (CDMX), will have an initial critical capacity of 5MW reinforcing Scala's strategy of enabling new markets in Latin America to meet the massive demands being made by large cloud and content providers, known as Hyperscale.

Scala's new site is projected to begin operations in Q4 2023 and is already anchored by a large Hyperscale client. With 142,133 sqft (about 13.2 thousand square meters) of built area, SMEXTP01 HyperEdge data center will offer maximum customization and modularity and will be supplied with 100% renewable and certified energy, in line with the company's portfolio.

"This new project underscores our commitment to enabling new markets in Latin America , either in unexplored locations or in regions with data center presence, but still lacking a dedicated approach to large IT capacities that truly serve the Hyperscale segment," explains Marcos Peigo, CEO and Co-Founder at Scala. "We are proud to spearhead this expansion and create unique conditions for massive colocation clients in the region through innovation, energy efficiency, and sustainable technology," he adds.

Geographically, Mexico has a relevant and strategic position in the IT infrastructure segment. As the second largest data center and cloud market in Latin America , the country has robust growth rates of around 22% and 25% per year, respectively, and excellent connectivity infrastructure. Currently, there are 11 submarine cables connecting Mexico to the United States and the rest of the Americas . Alongside Chile , where Scala also operates and invests, Mexico is one of the only countries in the region that will have a direct connection via submarine cable to the Asian market. Scala's SMEXTP01 in Tepotzotlan city will uniquely bring together an ideal scenario for the hyperscale market - energy availability, connectivity, and proximity to a large consumer market for critical IT infrastructure.

In addition to the investment in SMEXTP01, Scala continues its accelerated expansion plan, with the construction of new sites at Tambore Campus ( Sao Paulo, Brazil ), Porto Alegre city (Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil ), Lampa ( Chile ), as well as advanced projects to implement other data centers in Fortaleza city ( Ceara state, Brazil ), Mexico and Colombia . Since the company's inception in 2020, Scala has invested more than R$ 8 billion ( US$ 1,6 billion ) in its projects in Latin America and expects to reach 500MW of distributed capacity over the next five years, in four countries in which it operates. In 2023, the company started operating three state-of-the-art data centers in Latin America , located in Rio de Janeiro ( Brazil ), (13.2 MW of IT), Tambore ( Brazil ) with 6MW of IT and Curauma ( Chile ) offering 5MW of IT.

About Scala Data Centers

Scala Data Centers is the leading Latin American platform of sustainable data centers in the Hyperscale market. Headquartered in Brazil and founded by DigitalBridge, it was developed to meet and exceed the growing demand for digital access in Latin America . Scala has a highly qualified team of over 800 professionals and applies a flexible and innovative approach to providing exceptional quality colocation services to hyperscale clients, cloud-based software and service providers, and large enterprises. We customize state-of-the-art solutions for each client in the construction of the latest generation data centers, with high availability, the best energy efficiency rates, and superior density. All this allied to the best sustainability practices guided by our ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) program. For more information, visit www.scaladatacenters.com.

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SOURCE Scala Data Centers
Could potentially improve success rate of cancer drug development

KANSAS CITY, Mo. , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With around 90% of drugs failing to make it to market, the potential for improving efficiency within the drug development industry is clear. Drugs designed to combat cancers suffer similar rates of failure for many reasons. Now, researchers have revealed one reason why certain anti-cancer compounds can cause unexpected side effects. This research could help guide an understanding of why some drugs show more promise than others, providing a new tool that can be used to identify those drugs and drug candidates.

One of the most essential and energy-consuming cellular processes is ribosome biogenesis, the formation of the cellular machines that manufacture all proteins. For cancer cells, this process is paramount. A recent study published online in eLife on July 13, 2023 , from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research screened over 1,000 existing anti-cancer drugs to assess how they impact the structure and function of the nucleolus, the ubiquitous cellular organelle where ribosomes are made.

"All cells must make proteins to function, so they have to make ribosomes, which are also protein complexes themselves," said lead author Tamara Potapova , Ph.D., a research specialist in the lab of Investigator Jennifer Gerton , Ph.D. "In cancer cells, ribosome production must be in overdrive to compensate for high proliferation rates requiring even more proteins."

The nucleolus is a special part of the cell nucleus that houses ribosomal DNA, and where ribosomal RNA production and ribosome assembly largely takes place. Nucleoli can vary greatly in appearance, serving as visual indicators of the overall health of this process. Thus, the team found a way to capitalize on this variation and asked how chemotherapy drugs impact the nucleolus, causing nucleolar stress.

"In this study, we not only evaluated how anti-cancer drugs alter the appearance of nucleoli, but also identified categories of drugs that cause distinct nucleolar shapes," said Gerton. "This enabled us to create a classification system for nucleoli based on their appearance that is a resource other researchers can use."

Because cancer's hallmark is unchecked proliferation, most existing chemotherapeutic agents are designed to slow this down. "The logic was to see whether these drugs, intentionally or unintentionally, are affecting ribosome biogenesis and to what degree," said Potapova. "Hitting ribosome biogenesis could be a double-edged swordit would impair the viability of cancer cells while simultaneously altering protein production in normal cells."

Different drugs impact different pathways involved in cancer growth. Those that influence ribosome production can induce distinct states of nucleolar stress that manifest in easily seen morphological changes. However, nucleolar stress can be difficult to measure.

"This was one of the issues that impeded this field," said Potapova. "Cells can have different numbers of nucleoli with different sizes and shapes, and it has been challenging to find a single parameter that can fully describe a "normal" nucleolus. Developing this tool, that we termed "nucleolar normality score," allowed us to measure nucleolar stress precisely, and it can be used by other labs to measure nucleolar stress in their experimental models."

Through the comprehensive screening of anti-cancer compounds on nucleolar stress, the team identified one class of enzymes in particular, cyclin-dependent kinases, whose inhibition destroys the nucleolus almost completely. Many of these inhibitors failed in clinical trials, and their detrimental impact on the nucleolus was not fully appreciated previously.

Drugs often fail in clinical trials due to excessive and unintended toxicity that can be caused by their off-target effects. This means that a molecule designed to target one pathway may also be impacting a different pathway or inhibiting an enzyme required for cellular function. In this study, the team found an effect on an entire organelle.

"I hope at a minimum this study increases awareness that some anti-cancer drugs can cause unintended disruption of the nucleolus, which can be very prominent," said Potapova. "This possibility should be considered during new drug development."

Additional authors include Jay Unruh , Ph.D., Juliana Conkright-Fincham , Ph.D., Charles A. S. Banks , Ph.D., Laurence Florens , Ph.D., and David Schneider , Ph.D.

This work was funded by institutional support from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research.

About the Stowers Institute for Medical Research

Founded in 1994 through the generosity of Jim Stowers , founder of American Century Investments, and his wife, Virginia, the Stowers Institute for Medical Research is a non-profit, biomedical research organization with a focus on foundational research. Its mission is to expand our understanding of the secrets of life and improve life's quality through innovative approaches to the causes, treatment, and prevention of diseases.

The Institute consists of 20 independent research programs. Of the approximately 500 members, over 370 are scientific staff that include principal investigators, technology center directors, postdoctoral scientists, graduate students, and technical support staff. Learn more about the Institute at www.stowers.org and about its graduate program at www.stowers.org/gradschool.

Media Contact:

Joe Chiodo , Head of Media Relations

742.462.8529

[email protected]

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SOURCE Stowers Institute for Medical Research
Forbes' America's Best-in-State Employers ranks the academic health system as one of the top 25 workplaces in the state and in the top five in its category.

TAMPA, Fla. , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has again been named one of Florida's leading workplaces in Forbes' America's Best-in-State Employers rankings for 2023 making its third successive appearance among the top 25 companies in Florida on the list. The academic health system ranked in the top five companies in the health care and social industry sector and placed 24th overall.

"As the region's leading academic health system, we focus on our team members and their well-being first and foremost," said John Couris , president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital. "We foster a culture that sees every team member for who they are, understands what they bring to the table  be it their unique perspectives, lived experiences or individual needs  and prioritize connecting them with the support, resources and opportunities that will help them achieve their full potential."

Forbes Magazine once again partnered with Statista, a leading research and statistics company, to identify America's Best-in-State Employers from an independent survey of employees working for companies with more than 500 employees in the U.S. The evaluation was made on a state-by-state basis and survey respondents were asked to provide recommendations in three distinct criteria  in-state indirect, national in-industry indirect and direct recommendations. Direct recommendations are from Tampa General team members and indirect recommendations are from non-Tampa General employees both in Florida and within the health care sector nationally.

On a state-by-state basis, survey respondents were asked several questions about work-related topics regarding their current employers, such as working conditions, diversity, salary, potential for development and company image.

"Our team understands that a strong culture of belonging rooted in kindness, authenticity, transparency and vulnerability, and supported by investments in our team members' growth and development, creates a collaborative team who provides world-class care to Tampa Bay residents and beyond," said Qualenta Kivett, executive vice president and chief people and talent officer at Tampa General Hospital. "Tampa General's inclusion on this list is a testament to the significant progress we've made in creating an environment we are not just proud to work in, but proud to recommend to others within our state and more broadly across our industry and country."

Tampa General continues to innovate and invest in new programs that support team members' personal and professional development, ensuring they have the resources they need to excel at work and in their personal lives. These programs and initiatives include but are not limited to:

Flexibility: Tampa General offers a competitive time-off policy as well as remote working options and flexibility for part-time positions and seasonal contract options to support all types of employment needs for its team members. Over the past two years, the academic health system's team members have increasingly expressed a desire for flexible schedule options and self-scheduling opportunities. Support for these options has been provided through Tampa General's investment in its internal staffing company which is focused on providing team members with the ability to complete short-term assignments or provide flexible work arrangements, and advanced scheduling options for team members to provide more flexibility in picking up and maintaining assignments.

Tampa General offers a competitive time-off policy as well as remote working options and flexibility for part-time positions and seasonal contract options to support all types of employment needs for its team members. Over the past two years, the academic health system's team members have increasingly expressed a desire for flexible schedule options and self-scheduling opportunities. Support for these options has been provided through Tampa General's investment in its internal staffing company which is focused on providing team members with the ability to complete short-term assignments or provide flexible work arrangements, and advanced scheduling options for team members to provide more flexibility in picking up and maintaining assignments. Growth and Development : In addition to competitive tuition reimbursement, skills reimbursement and scholarships, Tampa General also offers free access to career, leadership and personal development through courses in Organizational Development, such as Crucial Conversations. Through clinical and non-clinical ladders, the academic health system also offers structured systems to advance career development while the team member remains in a current position.

: In addition to competitive tuition reimbursement, skills reimbursement and scholarships, Tampa General also offers free access to career, leadership and personal development through courses in Organizational Development, such as Crucial Conversations. Through clinical and non-clinical ladders, the academic health system also offers structured systems to advance career development while the team member remains in a current position. Health, Wellness and Benefits: Along with competitive medical benefits, team members receive access to wellness activities and fitness tracking through a free app, an on-site gym and online classes through the TGH Fitness Center to focus on overall well-being as well as resiliency. The academic health system also provides free access to virtual behavioral health support that provides access to a trained mental health counselor within 72 hours. It is also available to dependents with TGH insurance. Additionally, there is a team member lounge in the hospital that includes massage chairs to allow team members to decompress.

Along with competitive medical benefits, team members receive access to wellness activities and fitness tracking through a free app, an on-site gym and online classes through the to focus on overall well-being as well as resiliency. The academic health system also provides free access to virtual behavioral health support that provides access to a trained mental health counselor within 72 hours. It is also available to dependents with TGH insurance. Additionally, there is a team member lounge in the hospital that includes massage chairs to allow team members to decompress. Family Support: An on-site daycare center provides families with an education and development curriculum for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Understanding that family support looks different for every team member, through the TGH Foundation , the academic health system offers an annual school supply giveaway, which includes computers and an emergency fund to support team members in crisis. Other support includes gas cards for team members when gas prices skyrocketed, as well as grants to help team members rebuild their homes after sustaining hurricane damage. Tampa General offers a generous maternity leave package. All team members who give birth are guaranteed 12 weeks of job-protected leave post-delivery, regardless of whether they qualify for Family Medical Leave (FMLA) or have exhausted their FMLA entitlement for the year. In addition, Tampa General provides several options to team members needing financial assistance, including ATO leave sharing and short-term disability. TGH also provides a supportive environment to enable breastfeeding team members to express milk during work hours. Private lactation rooms or designated nursing space is available throughout the hospital and every TGH location.

An on-site daycare center provides families with an education and development curriculum for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Understanding that family support looks different for every team member, through the , the academic health system offers an annual school supply giveaway, which includes computers and an emergency fund to support team members in crisis. Other support includes gas cards for team members when gas prices skyrocketed, as well as grants to help team members rebuild their homes after sustaining hurricane damage. Tampa General offers a generous maternity leave package. All team members who give birth are guaranteed 12 weeks of job-protected leave post-delivery, regardless of whether they qualify for Family Medical Leave (FMLA) or have exhausted their FMLA entitlement for the year. In addition, Tampa General provides several options to team members needing financial assistance, including ATO leave sharing and short-term disability. TGH also provides a supportive environment to enable breastfeeding team members to express milk during work hours. Private lactation rooms or designated nursing space is available throughout the hospital and every TGH location. People Development Institute : Tampa General has invested heavily in the continued education and professional development of all team members with programs such as its People Development Institute (PDI), which offers classes through a partnership with the University of South Florida (USF) Muma College of Business at no charge. Courses are created for team members across all areas to engage in areas that align with their development goals and PDI is supported through academic research to provide continuous learning pathways for all levels of team members.

Tampa General has invested heavily in the continued education and professional development of all team members with programs such as its (PDI), which offers classes through a partnership with the at no charge. Courses are created for team members across all areas to engage in areas that align with their development goals and PDI is supported through academic research to provide continuous learning pathways for all levels of team members. AKTiVe Leadership Initiative: Through the PDI program, the AKTiVe Leadership Initiative involves all TGH leaders in their leadership development. The AKTiVe Leadership Model embodies four qualities of leaders: Authenticity, Kindness, Transparency and Vulnerability. When enacted through the behaviors of leaders, these qualities create a positive environment for leaders, team members and patients.

Through the PDI program, the AKTiVe Leadership Initiative involves all TGH leaders in their leadership development. The AKTiVe Leadership Model embodies four qualities of leaders: Authenticity, Kindness, Transparency and Vulnerability. When enacted through the behaviors of leaders, these qualities create a positive environment for leaders, team members and patients. LEAD TGH: LEAD (Leadership, Enrichment and Development) TGH provides a platform for emerging leaders to share ideas, overcome challenges and foster personal and professional development. The free program spans 12 months and creates career pathways while identifying future leaders.

LEAD (Leadership, Enrichment and Development) TGH provides a platform for emerging leaders to share ideas, overcome challenges and foster personal and professional development. The free program spans 12 months and creates career pathways while identifying future leaders. Modern Advances in Leadership: Facilitated through the University of Tampa's Sykes College of Business , the series provides transformative and interactive learning experiences to advance the skills of current and future leaders.

Tampa General's inclusion on the Forbes America's Best-in-State Employers list follows several recent national recognitions highlighting the academic health system's commitment to fostering a supportive, compassionate and inclusive working environment, including:

This year's Forbes America's Best-in-State Employers list can be viewed here.

ABOUT FORBES

Forbes champions success by celebrating those who have made it, and those who aspire to make it. Forbes convenes and curates the most influential leaders and entrepreneurs who are driving change, transforming business and making a significant impact on the world. The Forbes brand today reaches more than 140 million people worldwide through its trusted journalism, signature LIVE and Forbes Virtual events, custom marketing programs and 32 licensed local editions in 71 countries. Forbes Media's brand extensions include real estate, education and financial services license agreements. For more information, visit the Forbes News Hub or Forbes Connect.

ABOUT TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL

Tampa General Hospital, a 1,040-bed, not-for-profit, academic health system, is one of the largest hospitals in America and delivers world-class care as the region's only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News and World Report's 2023-24 Best Hospitals, with six specialties ranking among the top 50 best hospital programs in the United States . Tampa General Hospital has been designated as a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. The academic health system's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by two prestigious Forbes magazine rankings  in the top 100 nationally in the 2023 America's Best Employers for Women and top 25 in Florida in the 2023 America's Best Employers by State. Tampa General is the safety net hospital for the region, caring for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, and in fiscal year 2021, provided a net community benefit worth more than $224.5 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education, and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay . It is one of the nation's busiest adult solid organ transplant centers and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With six medical helicopters, Tampa General Hospital transports critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. Tampa General houses a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center, and its 32-bed Neuroscience, Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida . It also is home to the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed neonatal intensive care unit, and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General Hospital's footprint includes 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices, TGH Family Care Center Kennedy, TGH Outpatient Center, TGH Virtual Health, and 21 TGH Imaging outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough , Pasco , Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents also receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track network of clinics. To see a medical care professional live anytime, anywhere on a smartphone, tablet or computer, visit Virtual Health | Tampa General Hospital (tgh.org). As one of the largest hospitals in the country, Tampa General Hospital is the first in Florida to partner with GE Healthcare and open a clinical command center that provides real-time situational awareness to improve and better coordinate patient care at a lower cost. For more information, go to www.tgh.org.

Media Contact: Beth Hardy , APR

Senior Communications Specialist

(727) 510-6363 (cell)

[email protected]

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SOURCE Tampa General Hospital
ROSEVILLE, Minn. , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tareen Dermatology, a leading dermatology practice with 6 locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin , is proud to announce the successful completion of its 2nd annual Careers in Medicine event, specifically designed to inspire and empower young girls to pursue careers in the medical field. The event is focused on organizations that support young minorities and women of color, such as Project Diva, Rawdatul Muhibbeen, Big Brother, Big Sister, Girls in Action, and more. These events have provided invaluable opportunities for young aspiring female doctors and healthcare professionals to gain insights, mentorship, and guidance from accomplished women in medicine.

Recognizing the importance of diversity and gender equality in the medical profession.

Recognizing the importance of diversity and gender equality in the medical profession, Tareen Dermatology has been committed to fostering the next generation of female healthcare leaders. The Careers in Medicine events were created to address women's underrepresentation in medicine and encourage young girls to explore the vast opportunities available to them in the healthcare industry.

At the most recent event in July of this year, attendees were offered a close look at possible career opportunities within Tareen Dermatology's medical practice, including becoming a doctor or physician assistant, medical assistant, registered nurse, histologist, phlebotomist, pathologist, radiation therapist, medical aesthetician, medical marketer, business/admin staff and more. In addition, Tareen Dermatology offered any attending individuals to apply for $1,000 in scholarships for two high school juniors or seniors passionate about a future career working in healthcare! Our women in the leadership panel selected two individuals for this application cycle and will be awarded their scholarship money in the next couple of weeks. Tareen Dermatology plans to offer this scholarship to future attendees at each event moving forward.

Dr. Mohiba Tareen , the founder of Tareen Dermatology , expressed her enthusiasm for the success of the Careers in Medicine events, stating, "We are thrilled to have provided a platform for young minority women and girls to explore their passion for medicine and to connect with inspiring women who have paved the way in this field. We aim to empower and support these future healthcare leaders and are proud to have played a role in their journey."

The practice plans to expand the Careers in Medicine events, reaching out to more schools and communities and providing even more opportunities for young girls to explore their passion for medicine and receive mentorship from accomplished women in healthcare.

For more information about Tareen Dermatology and its Careers in Medicine events, please visit www.tareendermatology.com or contact Natalie Borer at [email protected] or 612.559.4791.

About Tareen Dermatology :

Tareen Dermatology is a leading dermatology private practice in Roseville , Maplewood , Faribault , Monticello , Eagan, MN , and Hudson, WI. The practice provides exceptional skincare services to patients. Led by ten board-certified doctors and 10 PAs, the course offers a comprehensive range of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology treatments. With a patient-centered approach and a commitment to excellence, Tareen Dermatology strives to deliver the highest quality care to its patients.

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LOS ANGELES , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dominguez Firm, a nationally recognized personal injury law firm, is thrilled to announce the winners of its Collegiate and Legal Scholarships for the Fall of 2023. This semester's exceptional individuals are Camerina Aguilar and Sarah Longalong , respectively. They embody the firm's commitment to justice, community empowerment, and positive change.

This fall's Legal Scholar, Sarah Longalong , is a standout student at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles . "With the incredible help of this scholarship, I can step towards a career centered in holistic advocacy for my community. As I near the end of my law school journey, this scholarship not only reduces my financial burden, but allows me to focus on my education and prepare for the bar," she stated. Sarah's work is a testament to her unwavering commitment to justice. Coming from a first-generation Filipino-American background, she showcases a deep understanding of cultural barriers and a strong belief in the power of community support.

Sarah's involvement with the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office and her contributions to several mentorship programs at Southwestern demonstrate her proactive approach to addressing social issues. Through mentorship and leadership roles, she fosters inclusivity within her law school community, creating a nurturing environment for aspiring legal professionals of all backgrounds. Sarah's activism promoting equitable representation and access to law exemplifies The Dominguez Firm's values. The firm is excited to recognize Sarah's accomplishments and potential to create positive change within the legal sector and society overall.

Camerina-Elena Aguilar is The Dominguez Firm's Collegiate Scholarship recipient. Camerina's inspiring life story from personal struggles to becoming a resilient advocate for mental health and well-being aligns with the firm's mission to support exceptional students striving to improve communities. Camerina's advocacy for mental health awareness and recovery is admirable. In addition, her involvement with the Children's Hunger Fund reflects her commitment to addressing food insecurity within underserved communities.

As she embarks on her academic journey majoring in psychology at California State University Long Beach, The Dominguez Firm is excited to assist her in her vision. "This scholarship will help me achieve my future educational and life goals in which I can empower others through a career in mental health. I am very grateful for this opportunity provided by The Dominguez Firm, thank you!" We applaud Camerina's incredible work towards making a meaningful impact.

Attorney J.J. Dominguez , the Founder and CEO of The Dominguez Firm, is committed to providing quality legal representation for all members of the community and advocating for justice. The Collegiate and Legal Scholarships continue the firm's long-standing tradition of empowering promising students dedicated to helping others.

The Dominguez Firm is a powerhouse personal injury law firm that has been helping clients for over 30 years. For a free consultation, call 800-818-1818. Available 24/7.

Media contact:

Rosalia Tredwell

[email protected]

213-388-7788

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SOURCE The Dominguez Firm, LLP
Venicio Cardoso has three decades of experience working with corporate clients

NEW YORK , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A travel industry professional with more than 30 years of experience working with major business clients has been appointed to serve as a regional sales manager in Latin America for Travel Leaders' international network of independent travel agencies.

Venicio Cardoso , who is based in Brazil , will market the international network's extensive range of travel management services to corporate clients in the region. These business travel solutions include travel planning and fulfillment, meetings management and travel data analytics. Cardoso will report to Carina Fernandez Grenno , Vice President Latin America Region & Canada , Partner Management & Sales for Travel Leaders, part of Internova Travel Group, one of the world's largest travel services companies.

"Travel Leaders has much to offer corporate clients when it comes to planning and managing their travel needs, and I'm excited to help build the company's brand in Latin America ," said Cardoso.

Cardoso has worked as a sales manager and corporate services manager with several leading companies in the travel and tourism industry. He has a proven track record in seeking out and winning new clients and helping them successfully manage their business travel using the latest tools in travel management technology. His areas of expertise include account management, information technology, payment methods and planning sales strategies. Over his lengthy career, he has worked with many Fortune 500 companies including Pfizer, Toyota, FedEx, Siemens and Nike.

Most recently, he spent eight years as a sales manager with BCD Travel where he was responsible for implementing sales strategies, attracted major corporations as clients and routinely exceeded financial goals.

Cardoso has also worked for Web Travel Solutions, a Brazilian company that develops front-office solutions for travel agencies, tour operators, air consolidators and TMCs, as well as for Sabre Travel Network and American Express. As country sales manager at Sabre, he led a team of four people that was responsible for increasing sales in Brazil by 28 percent. At American Express, Cardoso, who was a corporate services account manager, worked with major corporations, attracting new business and helping to strengthen relationships with longstanding clients.

"Venicio is a terrific addition to our team," said Fernandez Grenno . "He is a solid professional with a proven ability as a communicator, motivator, negotiator, manager and strategist. With his skills, connections, and in-depth knowledge of corporate travel in the region, he will be instrumental in helping us attract new clients throughout Latin America for our suite of business travel solutions."

About Travel Leaders International

Travel Leaders International is a distinguished network of premier travel management companies operating in over 80 countries across the globe. Our partners are dedicated to offering culturally-sensitive services in each destination while harnessing cutting-edge technology and innovative concepts to integrate service delivery on a global scale. Unlike traditional fixed office setups, our dynamic and adaptable network allows us to tailor solutions for specific business travel needs in travel fulfillment, travel consulting and meetings management worldwide. Travel Leaders International is part of the corporate travel division of Internova Travel Group.

CONTACT:

Elizabeth Gaerlan

[email protected]

+1 212 944 1125

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SOURCE Travel Leaders International
TULSA, Okla. , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Tulsa announced the formation of the new Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute to undertake groundbreaking cyber research and identify, test and commercially deploy new cyber solutions. The institute builds on the university's educational foundation in cybersecurity to address cyber workforce development issues.

UTulsa's Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute advances state's future as cyber research, development and educational hub

"The global cost of cybercrime is set to grow from $3 trillion in 2015 to $10.5 trillion by 2025. Last year, more than 700,000 jobs in this field went unfilled," said TU Vice President for Research and Economic Development Rose Gamble. "The Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute will capitalize on decades of academic excellence at TU and expand research opportunities to include the expertise needed to put the findings into market."

The growing significance of cybercrime and the deficit of cybersecurity workforce fuel the launch of the Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute. According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, 33% of home computers are infected with malicious software, 47% of American adults have had their personal information exposed by cyber criminals and 44% of millennials fall victim to cybercrime. Cybersecurity Ventures reported growth in cybersecurity job vacancies from 1 million openings in 2013 to 3.5 million in 2023.

TU establishes the Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute with an initial $24 million investment to attract top-notch cyber talent; implement workforce development pipelines involving constituencies from across the state; construct and/or renovate key facilities; launch innovative research and commercialization programs; and scale up the necessary intellectual property development, tech transfer and commercialization infrastructure in Oklahoma . Seed funding includes $12 million from the American Rescue Plan Act with matching funds from the George Kaiser Family Foundation.

OCII anticipates more than $50 million in additional funding over five years from public and private sources to support the critical challenges addressed through their faculty, staff and student researchers solving real-world issues.

"We are looking for corporate and public sector partners who want access to the best minds in the business," said TU President Brad R. Carson . "Opportunities for sponsored cyber research, talent pipeline partnerships, facility development and/or entrepreneurial ecosystem support are all crucial."

TU was recently ranked in the top 25 schools for cybersecurity by U.S. News and World report, tied with institutions like Harvard University. The institute will attract world-class scientists and engineers to work alongside TU's renowned cyber faculty in the areas of digital transformation, critical infrastructure protection, autonomous systems and organizational security.

Full release at https://utulsa.edu/tu-launches-cyber-research-commercialization-institute/

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SOURCE The University of Tulsa
Former Livongo and Humana senior executive brings deep expertise in growing digital health startups to investment platform

MENLO Park, Calif. , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vive Collective, a new investment platform to build, fund, and scale the next generation digital health and healthtech companies, has added Mark J. Tapping , a digital health leader with deep payer expertise, to its advisory board.

To download a high-res photo of Mark Tapping , click here .

Tapping is a leader in the health benefits and digital health space, with more than 15 years of experience in commercial leadership, strategy, corporate planning, and operations roles. Tapping's experience at some of the leading digital health firms of the last decade, such as Omada Health, Livongo (acquired by Teladoc), and Maven Clinic, provides him with a valuable perspective on real-world growth and product strategies to help healthcare organizations efficiently and effectively establish and grow new products and partnerships.

Prior to working as a digital health solution provider, Tapping held several roles at health plans for 10 years, including Health Care Service Corporation (BCBS of Illinois , Texas , New Mexico , Oklahoma and Montana ), the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, and Humana.

"From the moment I met Cheryl Cheng and Hillary Frank , I knew it was a fit," said Tapping. "In my 15-year career in healthcare innovation, I've partnered and worked for many leading digital health firms -- from the most industry-forward commercial teams to the most innovative product-led organizations in Silicon Valley -- and everything in between. Vive Collective is a platform that combines product and commercial expertise alongside capital to create resources for the next generation of healthtech firms. I am excited to be part of a team that is building the future of healthcare innovation."

Tapping's diverse experience implementing partnerships as both a buyer and a solution vendor enables him to provide objective, actionable advisory services to help digital health companies and health plans accelerate their growth strategies. Currently, Tapping serves as president of A&M Strategy and Consulting in Chicago , where he advises early and mid-stage growth companies on commercial growth strategies.

"Vive Collective is more than capital. Our Collective includes an advisory board of seasoned healthcare executives who provide their expertise to support founders and startups through all stages of the company lifecycle, from strategy, recruiting, scaling, through exit," said Cheryl Cheng , founder and CEO, Vive Collective. "We are proud to welcome an executive with such broad expertise, judgment, and perspective on digital health as Mark to Vive Collective's advisory board."

Tapping joins Ritesh Patel , senior partner, Global Digital Health, FINN Partners on Vive Collective's advisory board.

Vive Collective is an investment platform focused exclusively on digital health and health tech opportunities. Vive Collective works closely with founders to lead their funding rounds and help build out technical, customer, marketing, and operations teams and resources. In partnership with Clearlake Capital, Vive Collective provides flexible and continuous funding for high-growth startups that are innovating across the healthcare industry.

Vive Collective is actively expanding its advisory board. Send an email to [email protected] if you are interested.

About Vive Collective

Vive Collective is a new investment platform to build, fund and scale the next generation digital health and healthtech companies. Vive provides a flexible partnership approach to back high-growth, disruptive digital health companies with a network of healthcare and technology experts and partners. More information is available at www.vivecollective.com and on Twitter @vivecollective.

Media contact: Marcia Rhodes , [email protected]

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SOURCE Vive Collective
BEIJING , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Waterdrop Inc. (NYSE: WDH) ("Waterdrop" or the "Company"), a leading technology platform dedicated to insurance and healthcare service with a positive social impact, today announced that it will report its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023, before U.S. markets open on Thursday, September 7, 2023.

Waterdrop's management team will hold a conference call on September 7, 2023 at 8:00 AM U. S. Eastern Time (8:00 PM Beijing/Hong Kong Time on the same day) to discuss the financial results. Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

International: 1-412-317-6061 United States Toll Free: 1-888-317-6003 Hong Kong Toll Free: 800-963976 Hong Kong : 852-58081995 Mainland China : 4001-206115 Chinese Line (Mandarin) Entry Number: 6407234 English Interpretation Line (Listen-only Mode) Entry Number: 6030724

Participants can choose between the Chinese and the English interpretation lines. Please note that the English interpretation option will be in listen-only mode. Please dial in 15 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the Elite Entry Number to join the call.

Telephone replays will be accessible two hours after the conclusion of the conference call through September 14, 2023 by dialing the following numbers:

United States Toll Free: 1-877-344-7529 International: 1-412-317-0088 Chinese Line Access Code: 4181965 English Interpretation Line Access Code: 3440853

Additionally, live and archived webcasts of the conference call will be available at the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.waterdrop-inc.com/.

About Waterdrop Inc.

Waterdrop Inc. (NYSE: WDH) is a leading technology platform dedicated to insurance and healthcare service with a positive social impact. Founded in 2016, with the comprehensive coverage of Waterdrop Insurance Marketplace and Waterdrop Medical Crowdfunding, Waterdrop aims to bring insurance and healthcare service to billions through technology. For more information, please visit www.waterdrop-inc.com.

For investor inquiries, please contact

Waterdrop Inc.

[email protected]

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SOURCE Waterdrop Inc.
SHENZHEN, China , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- X Financial (NYSE: XYF) (the "Company"), a leading online personal finance company in China , today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023 , before the open of U.S. markets on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 .

X Financial's management team will host an earnings conference call at 7:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 ( 7:00 PM Beijing / Hong Kong Time on the same day).

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

United States : 1-888-346-8982 Hong Kong : 852-301-84992 Mainland China : 4001-201203 International: 1-412-902-4272 Passcode: X Financial

Please dial in ten minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the passcode to join the call.

A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following numbers until September 5, 2023 :

United States : 1-877-344-7529 International: 1-412-317-0088 Passcode: 5551060

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available at https://ir.xiaoyinggroup.com.

About X Financial

X Financial is a leading online personal finance company in China . The Company is committed to connecting borrowers on its platform with its institutional funding partners. With its proprietary big data-driven technology, the Company has established strategic partnerships with financial institutions across multiple areas of its business operations, enabling it to facilitate loans to prime borrowers under a robust risk assessment and control system.

For more information, please visit: https://ir.xiaoyinggroup.com.

For more information, please contact:

X Financial

Mr. Frank Fuya Zheng

E-mail: ir@xiaoying.com

Christensen

In China

Mr. Eric Yuan

Phone: +86-10-5900-1548

E-mail: eric.yuan@christensencomms.com

In US

Ms. Linda Bergkamp

Phone: +1-480-614-3004

Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com

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SOURCE X Financial
Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong (R) receives President of the Belgian Senate Stephanie D'Hose in Hanoi on August 22. (Photo: VNA)

Highlighting the significance of the Vietnam visit by Belgian Senate President, President Vo Van Thuong said he believes the trip will open up a new chapter in cooperation between the parliaments of Vietnam and Belgium, and help further promote the growth of relations between the two countries in the time to come.

Vietnam is grateful for the support that Belgium has provided during the countrys past struggle for independence and present national construction and development, he said.

For her part, the Belgian Senate President briefed her host on the fruitful talks and meetings with Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other leaders of Vietnam, and showed her impression on the nation and people of Vietnam.

Vietnamese people are among most hospitable and friendly people in the world, she said.

DHose said that following her visit, many Belgian delegations will visit Vietnam to promote investment partnership with the Southeast Asian nation.

She revealed that a resolution on support to Agent Orange/Dioxin (AO) victims in Vietnam is expected to be adopted by the Chamber of Representatives of Belgium. It calls on the Belgian Government to increase efforts to provide more aid to the victims and assist the Vietnamese Government in caring for them, she said.

The Belgian Senate President said she hopes the two sides will create favourable conditions for people of Vietnam and Belgium to travel between the two countries to promote people-to-people exchange and cooperation in economy and trade, and especially tourism.

Speaking highly of the outcomes of the Belgian Senate leaders talks and meetings with Vietnamese leaders, with agenda focusing on specific cooperation areas, President Thuong said the results will help open a new chapter in partnership between the two parliaments and peoples.

Expressing his delight at the draft resolution on support to AO victims in Vietnam to be adopted by the Chamber of Representatives of Belgium, Thuong underlined that this is a good news of great humanitarian significance, and proposed that parties involved work with Vietnam to overcome AO/Dioxin consequences in the country.

In order to further foster the bilateral ties, President Vo Van Thuong suggested that the two sides increase the exchange of high-level delegations, affirming that Vietnam is eager to receive Belgian delegations.

He said that the two sides should strengthen cooperation programmes and projects in the fields of education, investment, trade, climate change, digital transformation and green economy.

The two countries should also increase people-to-people exchange as well as collaboration in culture, thus strengthening mutual understanding and friendship, he said.

The State President affirmed that Vietnam has supported and will continue to create favourable conditions for citizens of the two sides in travelling to each others country.

He expressed his hope that the two sides will work more closely together in international issues, and asked for Belgiums support to the stance of ASEAN and Vietnam regarding the East Sea issue, including guaranteering the safety and freedom of navigation and overflight as well as peacefully settling disputes in line with international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)./.
KARPACZ, Poland , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Economic Forum in Karpacz is the largest economic and political conference in Central and Eastern Europe , a place where influential figures in Poland , Europe , and the world have been meeting for over 30 years. Forum guests include representatives from over 60 countries with diverse interests, histories, and aspirations.

In this year's XXXII edition, themed "New Values of the Old Continent  Europe on the Threshold of Change," over 5,000 participants from Europe , the USA , Asia , and Africa will take part. Among the invited guests are presidents, prime ministers, political decision-makers, city leaders, CEOs of state-owned and global companies, private entrepreneurs, representatives of non-governmental organizations, experts, and artists. This year, the Forum will host key figures from politics, economics, and social affairs. Confirmed participants include:

President of the Portuguese Space Agency - Ricardo Conde . Author and executor of Portugal's vision for space expansion;

EU Special Representative in the Sahel region - Emanuela Claudia Del Re . Involved in shaping European immigration policy. Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Advocate for increased contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria;

American bestselling author, expert in US- China relations, General Robert Spalding , holding high positions in the US Department of Defense and State, as well as in the National Security Council as Senior Director for Strategic Planning;

Writer, speaker, inspiring presenter, journalist from major US television stations - Liz Plank ;

The first African American woman leading the largest US charitable organization, United Way Worldwide - Angela Williams , listed in The NonProfit Times' "Power and Influence Top 50" in 2022, and in Forbes' "Woman Over 50 Creating Social Change at Scale" in 2021;

Great-grandson of Nelson Mandela , independent human rights consultant - Siyabulela Mandela (Peace and Human Rights Activist, Republic of South Africa );

The XXXII Economic Forum will feature numerous discussions within approximately 470 substantive events, covering topics such as security, energy, and international politics. The Forum's program will also include discussions in the Health Protection Forum, Regional Forum, Business and Management Forum, and Sustainable Development Forum, following the pattern of previous years.

An integral part of the annual editions of the Economic Forum is the awards ceremony honoring outstanding figures in Europe . The Program Council will present awards in three categories: Person of the Year, Company of the Year, and Non-Governmental Organization of Central and Eastern Europe .

An important element of the Economic Forum is the annual presentation of the report by the Warsaw School of Economics. This year, the VI edition of the report will present scientific research on the state of the Polish economy and the economies of Central and Eastern European countries in 2023. The report discusses key problems and challenges facing the economies of these countries, including Poland .

The three-day event in Karpacz will also include a rich cultural and recreational program, held each day after the conference, featuring concerts, film screenings, author meetings, and presentations of the region's tourist attractions.

The series of author meetings and expert discussions also promises to be exceptionally interesting, with participation from Prof. Jan Kreft ("Missionaries' Power. The Rise and Fall of Secular Religion in Silicon Valley "), Prof. Grzegorz Koodko ("War and Peace"), Prof. Micha Lubina ("Bear in the Dragon's Embrace. How Russia Became China's Younger Brother"), Prof. Marcin Solarz ("Geopolitical Atlas of Poland "), Dr. Bartomiej Radziejewski (" Poland between Greatness and Decline"), and Marek Budzisz (" Poland's Strategic Solitude").

The organizer of the Economic Forum is the Foundation of East European Studies: https://www.forum-ekonomiczne.pl/

CONTACT: Oleg Khvatov [email protected] +48 532 693 178

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2191594/32nd_Economic_Forum.jpg

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SOURCE Foundation Institute for Eastern Studies
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (not pictured) during the trilateral summit at Camp David near Thurmont, Maryland, U.S., August

By Steve Holland and Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden will host Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves next Tuesday, the White House said on Wednesday, with two Biden administration officials adding that topics in the meeting will include immigration and China.

Last year, Costa Rica said it would work with Washington on strengthening immigration and border policing in the Central American country.

Biden took office in 2021 pledging to reverse many of the hardline policies of former President Donald Trump, a Republican, but has adopted some Trump-like border measures as his administration has faced record migrant crossings.

"The two leaders will discuss how our two countries can build out inclusive and sustainable economies, including through the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity, advance democratic values in the region, promote safe and orderly migration in line with the principles of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, and address regional security challenges," the White House said in a statement.

As Biden gears up to seek re-election in 2024 in a possible rematch against Trump, immigration remains a political flashpoint.

Biden's new asylum regulation presumes that most migrants are ineligible for asylum if they passed through other nations without seeking protection elsewhere first, or if they failed to use legal pathways for U.S. entry. The measure took effect on May 11.

Advocates and some Democrats have criticized Biden for not going far enough to reverse hardline Trump policies and adopting some restrictive measures. At the same time, Republicans have lambasted Biden as being too lenient.

Biden and Chavez will also discuss what the U.S. considers to be China's expanding influence in the region, Biden administration officials said.

U.S.-China relations have been tense for years over a range of issues like security, trade tariffs, Taiwan, the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, technology, human rights, and espionage.

(Reporting by Steve Holland and Kanishka Singh in Washington)
BRASILIA (Reuters) - The Brazilian Senate's Agriculture Committee on Wednesday voted 13-3 to approve legislation that would rule out recognition of Indigenous lands if they were not lived on by 1988, a bill that is backed by Brazil's powerful farm lobby.

The proposal advances to the Constitution and Justice Committee and could be put to a vote in the plenary as soon as next week.

The Minister of Indigenous Peoples, Sonia Guajajara, said rural interests in Congress were rushing the bill through before the country's Supreme Court can rule whether the 1988 cut-off date violates a constitutional guarantee of Indigenous rights to their ancestral lands.

"We are trying to widen the debate and urge the Senate to also discuss the bill in the human rights and the environment committees," Guajajara told Reuters.

Senators from farm states said the legislation was needed to end land conflicts with Indigenous communities and establish legal security to settlers.

Senator Soraya Thornicke, from Mato Grosso do Sul state,

said Brazil's 1.6 million Indigenous people have 13% of the country's territory protected as reservation lands.

"With so much land, why are they so poor?" she said in committee, backing a bill that will for the first time allow commercial agriculture in Indigenous territories, including with the use of genetically modified crops banned there at present.

The bill approved by the Agriculture Committee would stop the recognition of new reservations on lands claimed by Indigenous people who were not living on the land at the time Brazil's constitution was enacted in 1988.

But it will also allow the expropriation of protected land if an Indigenous community lost its cultural traits, said Guajajara.

More serious, she said, was that the bill would permit easier access to territories where isolated or recently contacted tribes are known to live in the Amazon.

Guajajara hopes leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who created the ministry of Indigenous peoples when he took office in January, will veto the bill if it passes Congress.

But she is not certain he would be willing to antagonize the farm and agribusiness sectors, whose food exports are the driving force of Brazil's economy.

"I don't know, really," she said.

(Reporting by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
NICOSIA (Reuters) - Police in Cyprus on Wednesday arrested five Syrian nationals suspected of being part of a crime gang involved in human trafficking, the government said.

The island, at the crossroads of three continents, has been struggling with a surge in irregular migration in recent years and arrivals by sea have risen in the past several days.

An early morning police raid in the southern district of Limassol found five Syrians and more arrests were expected, Cyprus's Presidency said in a statement. Authorities had been collecting intelligence on the suspects over several months.

"In attempting to effectively deal with the migration issue it is essential to confront trafficking rings which endanger the lives of irregular migrants attempting to enter the country," it said.

According to the U.N refugee agency UNHCR, Cyprus received 5,563 new asylum applications until the end of June 2023, compared to 21,565 for the whole of 2022.

(Reporting by Michele Kambas, Editing by Angus MacSwan)
PRAGUE (Reuters) - The Czech government will scale back a planned loan from the European Union's post-COVID recovery fund to 19.4 billion crowns (805.75 million euros), from the initially planned 137 billion crowns, Industry Minister Jozef Sikela said on Wednesday.

The reductions were made after consultations with the European Commission, which concluded some of the funding Czechia needs could come from other channels, Sikela said.

The earlier plan to take a larger loan was criticised by some non-government economists as it would raise debt and deficits over the next several years just as the government proposes tax hikes and spending cuts to narrow the budget gap.

The loan will come from the EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) on top of grants already provided. Alongside the loan, the country will aim to get another 33.4 billion crowns in grants, the government has said.

"The lowering follows consultations with the European Commission which clearly showed that some type of projects will better be financed from the state budget or, such as in transportation projects, through loans from the European Investment Bank," Sikela told reporters.

The loan will be used to fund projects in digitalisation, development of computer chips and affordable housing, he said.

(1 euro = 24.0769 Czech crowns)

(Reporting by Jan Lopatka; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
FILE PHOTO: Hisham Kassem, a former newspaper publisher and political activist, speaks during an interview with Reuters TV at his family's cemetery, which is planned to be demolished, across The City of the Dead, where a new construction project is underw

CAIRO (Reuters) -Egyptian authorities transferred prominent publisher and political activist Hisham Kassem to a prison on Wednesday awaiting trial on slander and verbal assault charges, his lawyer told Reuters.

Kassem is a leader of al-Tayar al-Hurr, or Free Current, a liberal group formed in June in opposition to the government of President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, who is expected to run for a third term by early 2024.

Fellow al-Tayar al-Hurr organiser Gameela Ismail said the coalition intends to offer or support a candidate for the election, and that the government had been pressuring members since its formation.

Rights groups estimate tens of thousands of people have been jailed for political dissent under Sisi, who took power after leading the 2013 ouster of the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohammed Mursi.

Kassem was detained soon after the release of several high profile activists, including Ahmed Douma, who had been in prison 10 years, last week and researcher Patrick Zaki and rights lawyer Mohamed El-Baqer in July.

The U.S. State Department welcomed the releases, but urged Egypt to release "all unjustly detained political prisoners".

There was no immediate comment from the public prosecutor.

Lawyer Nasser Amin told Reuters the case's quick referral to trial before a ruling on a request for bail was unusually harsh for the crime. His trial is set for Sept. 2.

Ismail told Reuters that Kassem had been moved to the 10th of Ramadan prison.

"Hisham Kassem committed the crimes of insult, slander, and [verbal] assault," said a security source at the ministry of interior.

"Legal measures were taken against him, like in any case, and he was presented to the relevant prosecution for investigation in the presence of his lawyer."

Kassem in recent months has been especially critical of Sisi, an ex-general, and his government, which over the last year and a half has been mired in an economic crisis.

"The change that needs to happen is not just about Sisi no longer being in power, but a restructuring of the Egyptian economy that cannot happen with the military in power," he said in a BBC interview in July.

The government has sought to address freedom and human rights issues in recent years, including opening a national dialogue with civil society leaders and granting amnesty for some prominent prisoners.

Critics have dismissed the measures as cosmetic and say arrests have continued.

The initial slander case against Kassem was brought on Sunday by Kamal Abu Eita, a former government minister and member of a committee tasked with recommending pardons.

Kassem initially refused cash bail, indicating in Twitter and Facebook posts on Sunday he felt the case was political.

"I am more honourable than Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and all his men and his regime," he said.

Amin said Kassem's lawyers had submitted a request for bail in a different form, but were surprised by a second case lodged against him alleging verbal assault of public employees while detained, which he described as fabricated, and the referral of both cases to trial.

(Reporting by Cairo bureauEditing by Josie Kao)
FILE PHOTO: An Embraer logo is pictured during the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland, May 23, 2022. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo

By Carolina Pulice and Gabriel Araujo

(Reuters) -The Embraer executive jet model that crashed in Russia, apparently with Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin on board, has only recorded one accident in more than 20 years of service, and that was not related to mechanical failure.

Russian authorities said Prigozhin was listed as a passenger on a private jet that crashed on Wednesday evening, killing all those on board. Russia's TASS news agency said the plane was a Brazilian Embraer jet.

Embraer said it was aware of a plane crash in Russia involving a Legacy 600 aircraft, but it did not have further information about the case and had not been providing support services for the jet since 2019.

"Embraer has complied with international sanctions imposed on Russia," the planemaker said. Sanctions block Western planemakers from providing parts or support for planes operated in Russia.

Flightradar24 online tracker showed that the Embraer Legacy 600 (plane number RA-02795) said to be carrying Prigozhin had dropped off the radar at 6:11 p.m. local time (1511 GMT). An unverified video on social media showed a plane resembling a private jet falling out of the sky toward the earth.

The aircraft, manufactured in 2007, fell under U.S. Treasury sanctions in 2019 when it was listed under a prior registration, M-SAAN, according to a U.S. government press release.

It said that by October 2018, Prigozhins employees had arranged for the purchase of the private jet M-SAAN, which was registered under the owner Autolex Transport, a company cited in the release for materially assisting Prigozhin.

The U.S. Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action against Prigozhin for attempting to influence the U.S. 2018 elections, the Sept. 30, 2019 release said.

The idenfication codes of the aircraft, mentioned in OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals And Blocked Persons List (SDN List) match those of the crashed plane with the tail number RA-02795 as listed in the Russian Aircraft Registry.

The same plane was spotted flying to Belarus from Russia after the failed mutiny in late June, presumably carrying Prigozhin to Minsk.

The owner of the crashed jet, according to the Federal Agency for Air Transport (Rosaviatsiya), was a Russian firm MNT-Aero which was added to the SDN list under its old name Alkon in April 2021 due to links to Prigozhin.

It changed the name to MNT Aero five days after sanctions were imposed, and its co-owners Kirill Shcherbakov and Artem Stepanov, also both on the SDN list, sold the firm to Olga Gubareva in September 2022.

Gubareva, Shcherbakov and Stepanov did not respond to Reuters' questions.

The Legacy 600 entered service in 2002, according to International Aviation HQ, with almost 300 produced until production ceased in 2020.

There is only one recorded accident involving a Legacy 600, according to International Aviation HQ, which occurred in 2006 when one crashed mid-air into a Gol Boeing 737-800 on its way from the Embraer factory in Brazil to the United States.

The Boeing commercial airliner was downed and all 154 passengers killed. The pilot of the Embraer plane landed it without any deaths or injuries aboard that aircraft.

Two years later, a Brazilian air force report blamed two U.S. pilots, traffic controllers and faulty communications for the mid-air collision.

At the time, a lawyer for the pilots said individual air traffic controllers and flaws in Brazil's air traffic control system caused the accident.

(Additional reporting by Allison Lampert and Gleb Stolyarov; Editing by Gabriel Stargardter, Stephen Coates and Andrew Heavens)
FILE PHOTO: The flags of Germany and China are seen ahead of a meeting between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Berlin, Germany, June 19, 2023. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo

By Andreas Rinke

BERLIN (Reuters) -The volume of investment guarantees provided by the German government to companies investing in China has collapsed this year, a government document showed, highlighting the impact of Berlin's efforts to end over-reliance on the country.

Only 51.9 million euros ($56.26 million) in guarantees have been issued so far this year, according to the document seen by Reuters, less than a tenth of the 745.9 million euros in guarantees issued over the whole of last year.

China became Germany's biggest trading partner in 2016 and both countries prospered from Germany selling the precision machinery that let China become the main supplier of manufacturing goods to a globalised world.

Slowing growth, however, has concentrated minds in Berlin, where officials fret that ever-more-advanced Chinese manufacturing poses a threat to Germany's economic model. Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which disrupted energy supplies, further highlighted the dangers of reliance on a single partner.

Germany's new China strategy, introduced in July, warned that investments in plants in China could lead to sensitive technologies being given away, and promised new measures to deal with that security risk after trade between the countries hit a record $320 billion in 2022.

"China has changed, and that's why our policy towards China also needs to change," Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Tuesday.

Last November, Berlin introduced caps on the size of guarantees, offered by the government to protect investors from political risks such as expropriation, that could be given to investors in a single country.

The measure was designed to diversify the portfolio of risks carried by the government and encourage companies to invest in a broader range of countries.

Companies can invest without government guarantees, meaning real changes in levels of German FDI in China may have fallen by less. But export volumes are suggestive: Germany sold 6.2% less by value to China in July compared with last year, at a time when sales to the U.S. jumped 10.4%.

($1 = 0.9225 euros)

(Reporting by Andreas Rinke, writing by Thomas Escritt, editing by Rachel Armstrong, Kirsti Knolle and Marguerita Choy)
German Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth Lisa Paus and German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann give a press statement on the government's draft law on self-determination in relation to gender registration in Berlin, Germany Aug

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany is to cut the red tape involved in changing gender after the cabinet on Wednesday approved draft legislation to reform the rules, in a move welcomed by LGBT rights campaigners but criticised by the conservative opposition.

Germany's centre-left coalition plans to reform the current system, which is based on the 1980 Transexual Law that requires people to undergo a medical examination as well as a costly and often lengthy court process in order to change gender.

Under the reform, which will be put to parliament, transgender, intersex and non-binary individuals would be able to change their details in future simply with a visit to the local civil registry office.

There is no general age restriction under the new legislation, although children aged below 14 will have to have a parent or guardian lodge the application for them.

"Those affected were discriminated against for over 40 years by the Transexual Law. We are finally putting a stop to this," said family minister Lisa Paus.

Justice minister Marco Buschmann expressed his confidence that parliament would pass the reform.

He said the legislation did not affect house rules at businesses, addressing concerns from critics that the reformed rules could make it easier for men to access female-only spaces.

The reform also seeks to prevent several changes in a person's gender by banning any further changes within a year of the first one.

"On the one hand, transgender people have of course earned respect ... but on the other hand they must afford this to others, for example if women in the ladies' changing rooms don't feel comfortable if a biological man enters," said Guenter Krings, a member of the conservative CDU who speaks for the party on justice policy.

Krings also criticised the reform for not requiring children to undergo consultation before changing their name and gender.

Medical procedures for sex changes are not covered by the legislation and will be regulated under current medical standards.

(Reporting by Rachel More, Editing by Friederike Heine, William Maclean)
FILE PHOTO: Migrants queue on a street to enter the compound outside the Berlin Office of Health and Social Affairs (LAGESO) for their registration process in Berlin, Germany, December 9, 2015. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo

By Riham Alkousaa

BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany's cabinet on Wednesday passed a draft bill to ease the citizenship law, hoping a faster track to German nationality will attract skilled migrants to plug chronic labour shortages holding back Europe's biggest economy.

Some experts caution that progress may be slow, noting parts of Germany's administrative machinery are already creaking under a big backlog of existing citizenship applications.

The draft, first presented in May, shortens the required residency time for migrants to five years from eight years and to three if migrants make so-called special integration efforts, such as speaking German very well or doing voluntary work.

The new law also allows dual citizenship, and grants automatic naturalisation to children born in Germany to a parent who has lived in the country for more than five years.

Germany, like industrialised countries around the world, is facing deep labour shortages, particularly in skilled high-growth sectors, which are taking their toll on an economy that could yet face a recession this year.

Official estimates suggest Germany's ageing society will be short seven million skilled workers by 2035.

German citizenship is not a condition of employment for migrants, but Germany wants to establish itself as a migration destination for foreign talent, like the U.S. and Canada, and Berlin hopes the prospect of a smoother, quicker path to German nationality will attract skilled migrants.

The draft bill will also simplify the path to a German passport for thousands of foreign "guest workers" brought in decades ago from Turkey and southern Europe to rebuild Germany's post-war economy. It will do this by lowering German language requirements and by withdrawing a naturalisation test.

But with German authorities already overwhelmed by thousands of backlogged naturalisation applications, some experts doubt the reforms can quickly achieve their main goal of luring global talent to fill hundreds of thousands of vacancies.

"We see very clearly that the law actually will offer relatively liberal regulations, but that these regulations will only exist on paper," Holger Kolb, a researcher at The Expert Council on Integration and Migration, told Reuters.

Kolb said similar problems with long waiting times for appointments were also hindering Germany's parallel reforms in related areas such as visas for skilled workers from abroad.

LONG WAITING TIMES

Staff shortages in the public sector, whose jobs are mostly not as competitive as other sectors, a lack of digitisation and the impact of several related migration reforms that were passed this year were overwhelming immigration authorities, Kolb added.

"You can change a law relatively quickly, but upgrading, digitising and reorganizing an administration, that will be difficult," he said.

Germany's naturalization rate of 1.1% is well below the European Union's average of 2%, according to the interior ministry, which says this reflects the reluctance of foreigners to give up their old citizenship for German nationality - a predicament the new bill addresses.

Migrants complain of long waits even for a first citizenship consultation appointment. But not everyone is deterred.

Hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees who arrived in Germany in 2015/2016 are now eligible for the red passport, largely contributing to a rise in naturalisation applications, a study by Mediendienst Intergation, an online portal that collects data on immigration and asylum, showed in March.

The number of applications has been growing faster than the number of naturalizations processed by authorities and has doubled within a year in the cities of Cologne and Dresden and even tripled in Bielefeld, the study showed.

Waiting times for applications vary between one year in cities like Hamburg and Munich to up to 36 months in Chemnitz, the study, which surveyed migration authorities in 23 of the most populous cities in Germany, found.

Asked about the long waiting times, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said handling applications and other administrative work by migration authorities was an issue regulated by federal states, adding that waiting times varied between regions.

Tariq Tabbara, a citizenship law professor at Berlin University of Economics and Law, said the new law contained new regulations that would probably make the process even more complicated, such as stricter conditions for ensuring the person can independently support themselves financially, a requirement that is already subject to lengthy scrutiny by officials.

"Even with this reform in Germany, access to citizenship is still much easier in traditional immigration countries like Canada. In the end it may be even more difficult," Tabbara told Reuters.

(Reporting by Riham Alkousaa, Editing by William Maclean)
The delegation at the K9 Relic Site (Photo: bqllang.gov.vn)

The delegation was led by Major General, Dr. Nguyen Hoang Nhien, Director of the Institute of Military History, Head of the Steering Committee of the training course.

The training course organized aims to realize the cooperation plan between the two Ministries of National Defense of the two countries.

On behalf of the delegation, Lieutenant Colonel Mixay Sulinkhamsy, emphasized that previously, the members of the delegation knew about the life and revolutionary career of President Ho Chi Minh mainly through books, mass media and research materials about him. Therefore, this training trip to Vietnam is an opportunity for the delegation to understand more about the biography, life and great revolutionary career of President Ho Chi Minh. Each member is extremely eager, looking forward to going to the places where he used to set foot, seeing with their own eyes his memorabilia to show gratitude and remember his great contributions in building the special relationship between Laos and Vietnam".

After offering incense to President Ho Chi Minh, the delegation visited and heard about the K9 Relic Site./.
ATHENS (Reuters) - Greek police said they had detained a man who held migrants in a trailer and called on citizens to "go out and round up" migrants he accuses of setting wildfires in Greece.

The man was detained after a video posted on social media showed a jeep pulling a trailer along a dirt road in northern Greece, and he can be heard asking another person to open its doors. Two migrant men can be seen crammed inside the trailer.

"Get organised, let's all go out and round them up. They will burn us...," the man, who police said is a foreign national, can be heard saying in Greek in the video.

In a statement late on Tuesday, police said the man, who owns the vehicle, had illegally detained 13 Syrian and Pakistani migrants. Two Greek nationals who allegedly helped him were also arrested.

The three were expected to appear before a prosecutor on Wednesday, after which it will be decided if they are formally arrested and charged.

A police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the 13 migrants had also been detained for entering the country illegally.

The semi-official state news agency ANA said a Supreme Court prosecutor has ordered an investigation into the video. In a document published by ANA, the prosecutor is quoted as saying: "Phenomena of racist violence against immigrants are worrying."

She described the video as "a racist delirium of violence, accusing immigrants of 'burning us' and inciting others to racist pogroms, calling on them to organise and imitate him".

Major wildfires have broken out in Greece in recent days, with the biggest front in the northern region of Evros bordering Turkey, from where migrants typically cross into Greece via the river separating the two countries.

The burned bodies of 18 people, believed to be migrants, were found in a rural area in the region on Tuesday.

(Reporting by Karolina Tagaris and Lefteris Papadimas, editing by Mark Heinrich)
FILE PHOTO: Visitors walk past the Huawei logo at the World Artificial Intelligence Cannes Festival (WAICF) in Cannes, France, February 10, 2023. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard/File Photo

(Reuters) - Huawei Technologies Co is building a collection of secret semiconductor-fabrication facilities across China to let the company skirt U.S. sanctions, a Washington-based semiconductor association has warned, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday.

The Chinese tech giant moved into chip production last year and is receiving an estimated $30 billion in state funding from the government, the Semiconductor Industry Association said, adding that Huawei has acquired at least two existing plants and is building three others.

The U.S. Commerce Department had added Huawei to its export control list in 2019 over security concerns. The company denies being a security risk.

If Huawei is constructing facilities under names of other companies as Semiconductor Industry Association says, then it might be able to circumvent U.S. government restrictions to indirectly purchase American chip-making equipment, according to the Bloomberg report.

Huawei and the Semiconductor Industry Association did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

Huawei has been placed on a trade blacklist in the United States, restricting most suppliers from shipping goods and technology to the company unless they were granted licenses. Officials have continued to tighten the controls to cut off the company's ability to buy or design the semiconductor chips that power most of its products.

(Reporting by Akanksha Khushi in Bengaluru; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)
(Reuters) - J.P.Morgan said on Wednesday it now expects the European Central Bank to pause its tightening cycle in September as euro zone business activity contracted much more than expected, pointing to deepening pain for the bloc's stumbling economy.

The Wall Street bank expects a final 25 basis point hike to now come in October, instead of September, as it predicted earlier.

Traders now price in a roughly 40% chance of a 25 bps move in September, down from a more than 50% chance they saw only on Tuesday.

They also scaled back bets on further hikes for the rest of the year but still see a just-under-60% chance of a 25 bps hike by December, which will put the ECB's deposit rate at 4%.

(Reporting by Susan Mathew in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza)
(Reuters) - Nicaragua's government canceled the legal status of the Jesuit religious community, a prominent Catholic congregation, and ordered all of its assets confiscated, the country's interior ministry announced on Wednesday.

The move marks the latest action taken by the government of President Daniel Ortega in an extended crackdown on Nicaragua's Catholic church.

The religious group failed to present required financial statements over the last three years and had not updated its board of directors in violation of transparency laws, according to the ministry's announcement in the government's official gazette.

It was not immediately clear what assets would be seized or if individual Jesuits might be expelled from the country as a result of the legal cancellation.

Neither the government nor a spokesman for the religious order immediately responded to a request for comment.

The legal cancellation comes after the government earlier this month confiscated a prestigious Jesuit-run university in the Central American country, ordering the seizure of its assets and prompting it to suspend classes.

(Reporting by Ismael Lopez; Writing by Isabel Woodford; Editing by David Alire Garcia and Mark Porter)
FILE PHOTO: Nigeria's Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele briefs the media during the MPC meeting in Abuja, Nigeria January 24, 2020. REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde/File Photo

ABUJA (Reuters) - A case of procurement fraud against Nigeria's suspended and detained central bank governor Godwin Emefiele stalled on Wednesday and no new date was fixed for the hearing.

Emefiele was meant to enter a plea on Wednesday. But he did not appear in court and his case was not listed on the court's cause-list.

The suspended central bank governor faces a 20-count charge of unlawful procurement and conferring unlawful advantage to a central bank employee.

Several local papers on Wednesday reported that Emefiele was exploring a plea bargain to settle the matter out of court.

Emefiele was suspended by President Bola Tinubu in June and later detained by state police.

Tinubu, who is embarking on the boldest reforms in Nigeria in more than a decade, has launched a probe of the central bank under Emefiele after criticising its policies at his inauguration in May, especially moves to prop up the naira currency.

(Reporting by Camillus Eboh; Writing by Chijioke Ohuocha, Editing by William Maclean)
FILE PHOTO: The Federal Reserve Bank of New York building is seen in the Manhattan borough of New York, U.S., December 16, 2017. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo

By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve Bank of New York on Wednesday defended its plan to cut off a Puerto Rican lender's access to the U.S. central banking system following a federal crackdown on banks with links to Venezuela.

In July, Banco San Juan Internacional (BSJI) sued the New York Fed to halt the looming termination of its "master account," which lets banks access the Fed's electronic payment system, because of concerns about its compliance with U.S. sanctions and anti-money laundering rules.

BSJI said it had improved compliance during a previous 22-month suspension of its master account between 2019 and 2020. That followed a federal probe into credit agreements it had with state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela, which is subject to U.S. sanctions.

The bank said the suspension "decimated" its customer relationships.

In court papers on Wednesday, the New York Fed said BSJI processed transactions that had "multiple red flags for money laundering or other illicit activity."

It said that as of June, BSJI served only 13 customers, most based in Curacao and including close family members of the bank's owner Marcelino Bellosta.

The New York Fed also said BSJI could still seek to access the U.S. financial system through a third-party correspondent bank.

A lawyer for BSJI declined to comment.

BSJI has said Bellosta, a Venezuelan national, has lived in the United States and Europe for much of the last 25 years.

The bank in 2020 paid $1 million to resolve the PDVSA probe, while maintaining that the credit agreements were lawful, and federal authorities returned $53 million in seized funds.

Puerto Rico's banking industry has historically had close ties to Venezuela, an OPEC member.

In 2019, the New York Fed said it would stop approving master accounts for some Puerto Rican banks because of U.S. sanctions aimed at ousting Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro, Reuters reported at the time.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
FILE PHOTO: International Monetary Fund logo is seen inside the headquarters at the end of the IMF/World Bank annual meetings in Washington, U.S., October 9, 2016. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas/File Photo

By Ariba Shahid

KARACHI (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund's (IMF) representative in Pakistan on Wednesday said that the reform process to which the government had agreed required the country to keep all state-owned enterprises (SOEs) under finance ministry oversight.

"Following through on the previously agreed 2021 triage reform process, and other governance and private sector reforms, is important to durably attract foreign investment," the IMF's Esther Perez Ruiz said in a statement to Reuters.

Pakistan has been discussing outsourcing operations of several of its state owned assets to outside companies. In March, it kicked off outsourcing of operations and land assets at three major airports to be run under a public private partnership, a move to generate foreign exchange reserves for its ailing economy.

The IMF reached a staff-level pact with Pakistan in June on a $3 billion stand-by arrangement (SBA), a decision long awaited by the South Asian nation which had been teetering on the brink of default.

Perez Ruiz said in the statement that it was "premature to consider what will follow the current SBA, which runs through early 2024."

(Reporting by Ariba Shahid in Karachi; Writing by Charlotte Greenfield; Editing by David Goodman and Alistair Bell)
Children receive first aid after they were rescued from the stranded chairlift, in Battagram, Pakistan August 22, 2023. Rescue 1122/Handout via REUTERS

By Mushtaq Ali and Asif Shahzad

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (Reuters) -When Pakistani villager Gul Faraz rang his family to raise the alarm that a cable had snapped and he and seven schoolchildren were trapped in a cable car swaying in the wind high above a rocky ravine, he doubted he would ever see home again.

"It is an unforgettable day," Faraz said on Wednesday, a day after army commandos performed a miraculous rescue, winching two to safety with a helicopter, and bringing the rest down on a zip line when it became too dark to fly safely in the gusting winds.

"I can't tell you what we experienced yesterday when one cable of the cable car suddenly snapped and we were stranded in the air," said Faraz, who at 20 years old was the only adult aboard, and the only person with a mobile phone.

He called his family first, and then television channel Geo News, whose coverage quickly drew the attention of the world's media to the drama unfolding in the remote mountains of northwestern Pakistan.

It is a part of the world where cable cars and rickety rope bridges are the fastest way to move from a village on one hillside to its nearest neighbour across ravines and valleys.

The owner and the operator of the cable car have since been arrested, police said on Wednesday, though the allegations against them were not clear.

The schoolchildren, aged between 10 and 16, had been coming down from their homes in Jhangri to a school in Battangi, comprising two villages in the Allai valley, when the calamity struck at around 7 a.m. local time.

The journey by cable car usually takes just a matter of minutes, whereas travelling along the rough mountain roads and tracks takes hours.

It would be 16 hours before the high-risk rescue operation brought everyone safely off the flimsy car as it dangled 183 metres (600 feet) above the ground, the military said, lowering the height estimated by officials earlier but making it no less deadly.

There were fears the remaining cable could give way any time, and cries of "God is Great" arose from people gathered around to see the children brought down on harnesses by soldiers on a zip line.

"At some point, I had lost hope that we would safely return home," Faraz told Reuters by telephone from his home, where his family was receiving visitors from villages across the region, all offering thanks for their survival.

Having dreaded the worst, Pakistan exulted with relief and pride over the daring rescue.

"Our first priority was to secure the children," caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar said, describing the feat as "near impossible".

"It was heartening to see the whole nation praying and standing united ... in the hour of need," Kakar told a news conference in the southern city of Karachi.

Those prayers were answered for Faraz and the children.

"We got a second life," he said.

(Reporting by Mushtaq Ali in Peshawar; writing and reporting by Asif Shahzad in Islamabad; editing by Simon Cameron-Moore, Andrew Heavens and Mark Heinrich)
Members of the Polish military forces ride Leopard 2PL during the military parade on Armed Forces Day, celebrated annually on August 15 to commemorate Poland's victory over the Soviet Union's Red Army in 1920, in Warsaw, Poland, August 15, 2023. REUTERS/K

WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland's plans to revamp its military command structure should help the NATO member handle the alliance's new regional defence plans and a host of hybrid threats including those from neighbouring Belarus, a senior official has said.

President Andrzej Duda announced plans to create a Joint Armed Forces Command on Aug. 14, the day before Poland displayed its growing military might with a huge parade to mark Armed Forces day.

Bringing the leadership of the various branches of the armed forces together would make it easier to coordinate with other NATO troops on the alliance's eastern border, the head of Poland's national bureau of security told Reuters.

"As the host of the eastern flank we will be able to incorporate (NATO) troops, give them support, with an appropriately organised command structure," Jacek Siewiera said in an interview.

Siewiera also said the new structure would help the nation effectively use massive equipment purchases the Law and Justice (PiS) government has implemented in response to Russia's war in Ukraine.

In recent weeks, Poland has announced plans to move thousands of troops to its border with Belarus amid concern over the arrival there of hundreds of battle-hardened Wagner mercenaries at the invitation of President Alexander Lukashenko.

"Adapting to the threats and risks we are facing from the territory of Belarus is important," he said.

Siewiera said one concern would be an increase in illegal attempts to cross the border by migrants. In 2021, Poland faced a massive wave of irregular migration from the east which it blamed on Minsk, saying Lukashenko was bringing people from the Middle East and Africa to pressure the European Union.

Siewiera said there had been some increase in attempts to cross the border in recent weeks.

"We are aware that this migration wave, artificially promoted by Belarus, could be intentionally fanned," he said.

Poland has faced criticism from human rights groups over its treatment of migrants at the border, particularly its policy of pushing people back to Belarus, which denies Western allegations it is "weaponising" migration.

(Reporting by Justyna Pawlak, additional reporting by Alan Charlish; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses participants of the international military-technical forum Army-2023 via a video link in Moscow, Russia, in this picture released August 14, 2023. Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via REUTERS/File P

(Reuters) - Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was believed dead after a private jet on which he was listed as a passenger crashed north of Moscow with no survivors.

Prigozhin, 62, spearheaded a mutiny against Russia's top army brass on June 23-24, which President Vladimir Putin said could have tipped Russia into civil war.

Others who have opposed Putin or his interests have also died under unclear circumstances or come close to death.

Here are some details about these mysterious incidents:

ALEXEI NAVALNY

Russia's most prominent opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, was flown to Germany in August 2020 for medical treatment after being poisoned in Siberia with what Western experts concluded was the military nerve agent Novichok. Russia has denied any involvement.

Navalny earned admiration around the world for voluntarily returning to Russia in 2021. He was immediately arrested on arrival. He is now serving sentences totalling 11-1/2 years on fraud and other charges that he says are bogus. His political movement has been outlawed and declared "extremist". Navalny had an extra 19 years in a maximum security penal colony added to his jail term recently.

SERGEI SKRIPAL

A former Russian double agent who passed secrets to British intelligence, Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found unconscious on a bench outside a shopping centre in the English cathedral city of Salisbury in March 2018.

They were taken to hospital in critical condition, and British officials said they had been poisoned with Novichok, a group of nerve agents developed by the Soviet military in the 1970s and 1980s. Both survived.

Russia has denied any role in the poisoning and said Britain was whipping up anti-Russian hysteria.

VLADIMIR KARA-MURZA

A Russian opposition activist, Vladimir Kara-Murza said he believes attempts were made to poison him in 2015 and 2017. A German laboratory later found elevated levels of mercury, copper, manganese and zinc in him, according to medical reports seen by Reuters. Moscow denied involvement.

ALEXANDER LITVINENKO

Alexander Litvinenko, an ex-KGB agent and outspoken critic of Putin, died in 2006 aged 43 after drinking green tea laced with polonium-210, a rare and potent radioactive isotope, at London's Millennium Hotel, British officials have said.

Putin probably approved the killing, a British inquiry concluded in 2016. The Kremlin has denied involvement.

An inquiry led by a senior British judge found that former KGB bodyguard Andrei Lugovoy and another Russian, Dmitry Kovtun, carried out the killing as part of an operation that he said was probably directed by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), the main heir to the Soviet-era KGB.

Litvinenko fled Russia for Britain six years to the day before he was poisoned.

ALEXANDER PEREPILICHNY

The 44-year-old Russian was found dead near his luxury home on an exclusive gated estate outside London after he had been out jogging in November 2012.

Alexander Perepilichny sought refuge in Britain in 2009 after helping a Swiss investigation into a Russian money-laundering scheme. His sudden death raised suggestions he might have been murdered.

British police ruled out foul play despite suspicions he might have been murdered with a rare poison. A pre-inquest hearing heard that traces of a rare and deadly poison from the gelsemium plant was found in his stomach.

Perepilichny had enjoyed a large bowl of soup containing sorrel, a popular Russian dish. Russia denied involvement.

VIKTOR YUSHCHENKO

Viktor Yushchenko, then a Ukrainian opposition leader, was poisoned during the campaign for the 2004 presidential election in which he ran on a pro-Western ticket against the pro-Moscow Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich.

He said he was poisoned while having dinner outside Kyiv with officials from the Ukrainian security services. Russia denied any involvement.

His body was found to contain 1,000 times more dioxin than is normally present. His face and body were disfigured by the poisoning, and he had dozens of operations in the aftermath.

He won the presidency in a re-run poll after Ukraine's Supreme Court struck down results declaring Yanukovich the winner amid street protests dubbed the "Orange Revolution".

ANNA POLITKOVSKAYA

Anna Politkovskaya, a journalist who reported on human rights abuses, was shot dead outside her flat in Moscow on Oct. 7, 2006, after returning home from the supermarket. The murder of Politkovskaya, a 48-year-old mother of two, provoked an outcry in the West and underlined concerns about the dangers to reporters working in Russia.

(Compiled by Lisa Shumaker; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa jointly meet the press after their talks in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

PRETORIA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that China-South Africa ties have gone beyond the bilateral scope and carried global sway.

Xi made the remarks when jointly meeting the press on Tuesday noon with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, after their talks.

Xi said he was delighted to accept the invitation of President Ramaphosa to pay a state visit again to South Africa, the beautiful "rainbow nation," adding that this is his fourth state visit to South Africa as the Chinese president.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of China-South Africa diplomatic ties, Xi said, noting that during the past 25 years, China-South Africa ties have achieved leapfrog development, with strategic mutual trust reaching a new height, cooperation in various fields moving forward in a comprehensive manner, and multilateral coordination becoming even closer.

Currently, the Communist Party of China is uniting and leading the Chinese people to push forward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts with Chinese modernization, and South Africa is actively and independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions as well, Xi said, adding China-South Africa relationship faces new development opportunities.

Recalling the fruitful meeting he just held with Ramaphosa, Xi said they exchanged views on the development of bilateral ties in the new era as well as the international and regional issues of common concern, reaching important consensus.

They also witnessed the signing of a series of important bilateral cooperation documents, he said, expressing full confidence on the future prospects of friendly cooperative relations between the two countries.

Xi said he and Ramaphosa agreed that China and South Africa should be strategic partners with high mutual trust, urging the two sides to keep the good momentum of high-level exchanges, strengthen communication and cooperation in various fields, continue to deepen political mutual trust, enhance communication in the experience of state governance, and continue to support each other on issues of core interests and major concern.

They agreed that the mutually beneficial and pragmatic cooperation between China and South Africa has achieved fruitful results, and both sides should be development partners for common progress, he noted.

Xi said the two sides need to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, implement the nine programs put forward at the China-Africa Cooperation Forum and the 10 Years Strategic Programme on Cooperation between China and South Africa (2020-2029), solidify the cooperation in areas of strength, and foster new growth points for cooperation.

China is ready to import more quality products from South Africa and will continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in South Africa, he noted, adding that the two sides will deepen bilateral cooperation in such areas as electric power, new energy as well as scientific and technological innovation.

Both sides highly value the empathy between the two peoples, and pledge to be friendly partners with mutual understanding and affection, Xi said, adding that the two countries must insist on putting people at the center of their cooperation, and let the cooperative results better benefit their people.

The Chinese side supports the South African government's efforts in strengthening vocational education and promoting youth employment, Xi noted, adding that both sides agreed to enhance exchanges and cooperation in areas such as education, science and technology, culture and tourism.

Xi said the two leaders agreed that as major developing countries and emerging economies with important influence, China and South Africa need to be global partners in safeguarding justice.

He urged the two sides to strengthen strategic coordination, practice true multilateralism and work to increase the representation and voice of the Global South countries in global governance.

China firmly supports African integration, backs the African Union to make substantial progress this year in joining the Group of 20, and encourages South Africa to play a bigger role in international and regional affairs.

Noting that the BRICS summit is about to open, Xi pointed out that under the current circumstance, this summit bears great significance for BRICS countries to solidify unity and cooperation, and promote the BRICS cooperative mechanism to develop and grow further.

As the rotating chair of BRICS, South Africa has made great preparation for the summit, which is highly appreciated by the Chinese side, Xi said, stressing that with the joint efforts of relevant parties, this year's BRICS summit is bound to be successful.

Xi said that he will co-chair with Ramaphosa the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue on Thursday, which is the first face-to-face group meeting between Chinese and African leaders since the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing his expectation to draw a new blueprint for China-Africa unity and cooperation with other African leaders, and inject fresh and strong vitality into the development of the China-Africa comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

For his part, Ramaphosa said he is delighted to receive Xi to pay his fourth state visit to South Africa at the time of the 25th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

The South African people are sincerely grateful to the Chinese government and the people for their valuable support to South Africa's anti-apartheid movement and national development, as well as the large amount of medical supplies assistance to South Africa in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, he added.

Ramaphosa said he reiterated with Xi that the two countries will continue to firmly support each other on issues of core interests and major concern.

The two leaders agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, further expand the mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as infrastructure, tourism, education and digital economy, and enhance international coordination on major international and regional affairs.

Ramaphosa thanked the Chinese side for its committed support to South Africa in successfully holding the 15th BRICS Summit, saying that he looks forward to working with Xi and other BRICS leaders to increase the voice of BRICS and the Global South countries in global governance, and promote the construction of a more just and rational international order.

He also expressed his expectation to co-chair the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue with Xi, and to discuss the deepening of Africa-China cooperation, which, the South African president believes, will definitely boost Africa's industrialization and integration processes, and help the Global South countries to achieve common development and prosperity.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa jointly meet the press after their talks in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Editor: WXL
FILE PHOTO: Shopping trolleys are seen parked outside a Reliance supermarket in Mumbai, India, March 16, 2021. REUTERS/Niharika Kulkarni/File Photo

BENGALURU (Reuters) -Qatar Investment Authority will invest $1 billion for a 1% stake in India's Reliance Retail Ventures, the retail arm of billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries, nearly doubling its valuation to $100 billion from its last funding round in 2020.

Reliance Retail, India's largest retailer, has been partnering with a slew of global brands like Burberry, Pret A Manger and Tiffany to launch and expand their presence in India.

It last raised about 472.65 billion rupees ($5.72 billion)from more than half a dozen investors, including KKR and General Atlantic, the Saudi Public Investment Fund and the UAE's Mubadala in 2020.

Led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani's daughter Isha Ambani, Reliance Retail Ventures houses retail operations, including international partnerships and consumer goods business.

Its core retail businesses include e-commerce operations and hundreds of outlets that retail electronics, clothing and food products.

Reliance Retail was recently valued at $92 billion to $96 billion by two global consultants, a move seen as signalling an eventual initial public offering of the company.

Ambani has said he plans to list his retail operations at some point, but has so far not given a timeline or details of his plans.

The investment is also part of a broader shift in QIA's investment strategy, which is moving towards sectors like technology, healthcare and public and private markets from holding trophy assets such as the Shard skyscraper and the Harrods department store in London.

"We are looking forward to Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, with its strong vision and impressive growth trajectory, joining our growing and diverse portfolio of investments in India," said QIA CEO Mansoor Ebrahim Al-Mahmoud.

To date, the $445 billion sovereign wealth fund's direct investments in India have largely focused on venture capital, particularly in online retail, including food delivery startups Swiggy and Rebel Foods as well as e-commerce platform Flipkart, according to Sovereign wealth fund tracker Global SWF.

Morgan Stanley acted as financial adviser to Reliance Retail Ventures, while Goldman Sachs advised Reliance Industries on the process and transaction structuring.

($1 = 82.7305 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Sethuraman NR in Bengaluru and Andrew Mills in Dubai; Editing by Savio D'Souza and David Evans)
(Reuters) - Property and casualty insurer RLI Corp said on Wednesday it expects to record pretax net catastrophe losses of between $65 million and $75 million from Hawaiian wildfires in the third quarter of 2023.

Wildfires earlier this month on Hawaii's Maui, killed hundreds of people, forced tens of thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate the island and devastated the historic resort city of Lahaina.

The fires became the deadliest natural disaster in the state's history, surpassing that of a tsunami that killed 61 people on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1960, a year after Hawaii joined the United States.

The catastrophe risk modeling business of Moody's on Tuesday said that it estimates the economic loss from the Hawaiian wildfires to be in the range of $4 billion to $6 billion.

The range, which is net of reinsurance recoverables and includes reinstatement premiums, is based on the impact to about 200 structures where RLI provided primarily homeowners insurance, the company said in a statement.

(Reporting by Jaiveer Singh Shekhawat in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)
By Karolina Tagaris and Mehmet Emin Caliskan

ATHENS/ASAGIOKCULAR (Reuters) -Searing temperatures fuelled wildfires and prompted health warnings across Europe on Wednesday, as a blaze in Turkey forced the closure of the Dardanelles shipping lane and winds fanned the flames in Greece where 20 people have already been killed.

France, which widened its heatwave red alert in the south of the country, said it would scale back production at a nuclear power plant as high temperatures curbed cooling water supply.

In Greece, firefighters battled a blaze for a second day close to Athens, and authorities warned that heat and winds risked stoking more wildfires a day after 18 bodies, probably migrants, were found in a charred northern forest.

A wildfire north of Athens that erupted on Tuesday has smothered the capital in smoke and ash, spreading to the town of Menidi, where about 150 people were evacuated from three nursing homes. Police ordered others to leave as a helicopter clattered overhead to drop water onto the conflagration.

"The fire went out for half an hour.... but with these very strong winds, it's been alternately starting and then stopping again," 60-year-old resident Dimitris Armenis told Reuters.

A volunteer carried an icon of the Virgin Mary out of a burning monastery, while police raced to remove large gas canisters from the ash-covered premises.

Another 700 people were moved from a migrant camp in the Amygdaleza region, about 25 km (16 miles) north of Athens, a Migration Ministry official said.

Greek Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias said 355 wildfires had broken out since Friday, with 209 new blazes in the last 48 hours alone.

Near the northeastern Greek port city of Alexandroupolis, dozens of hospital patients, some on stretchers, others attached to IV drips, were evacuated onto a ferry as a fire in the area blazed for a fifth day.

Authorities were trying to identify the 18 bodies discovered on Tuesday in Dadia forest in the Evros region on Turkey's border, on a common route for migrants from the Middle East and Asia trying to cross into the European Union.

SHIPPING DISRUPTED

On the Turkish side, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday crews had stopped the Canakkale fire's spread and it would be under control shortly. He said more than 150 ships were halted on the Dardanelles Strait to allow helicopters and planes to scoop up water to contain a forest fire in the area that was raging for a second day.

The strait, linking the Aegean Sea and the Black Sea, is a major shipping route for commodities such as oil and grains.

The French national weather service, Meteo-France, reported the country's highest average temperature for the late summer period after Aug. 15 since records began in 1947. It said some areas of southern France would experience temperatures of 42 degree Celsius (108 degrees Fahrenheit).

French power producer EDF issued a production warning for the Saint Alban nuclear power plant on the Rhone river because of a shortage of cooling water. Similar warnings have been issued this summer for other plants.

The heatwave has even reached the region's highest peak, Mont Blanc with authorities urging climbers to delay their ascent because of an increased risk of rock falls and new crevices on glaciers from melting snow.

"It has definitely changed in that time and routes are changing ... you can almost see it, just melting away very slowly," said Australian alpinist Daniel Trevena, who has been coming to the region for 10 years.

In Spain, which is enduring its fourth heatwave of the summer, people who normally receive food and other necessities from the non-governmental organisation Fundacion Madrina were also handed fans on Wednesday to cope with high temperatures.

In Madrid's El Rastrillo square, fashion worker Daniela said she was struggling to keep cool: "Im really hoping it is over, this is the last heatwave."

Firefighters on the Spanish island of Tenerife brought under control a blaze that devastated forests, allowing about 8,000 evacuees to return.

But local farmers protested about the use of scarce water resources to fight the blaze and police said they had arrested an 80-year-old man for throwing stones at a firefighting helicopter, forcing it to make an emergency landing.

Italy issued heatwave red alerts about "emergency conditions" that the health ministry says could endanger the healthy, as well as those who are frail, in 17 of its 27 main cities for Wednesday and Thursday, including Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice. The number was set to rise to 19 on Friday.

(Reporting by Karolina Tagaris, Alexandros Avramidis, Alexandros Avramidis, Ezgi Erkoyun, Zhifan Liu, Forrest Crellin, Nacho Doce, Violeta Santos Moura and Crispian Balmer; Writing by Charlie Devereux; Editing by Edmund Blair and Bernadette Baum)
BELGRADE (Reuters) - Serbia on Wednesday joined a Ukraine-led platform on the reintegration of Crimea, signalling a swing away from Russia, a historical ally and its sole supplier of natural gas.

The move comes a day after a meeting of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic in Athens, described by both leaders as good and open.

In an online address to the forum, Serbia's Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said Serbia "sincerely regrets the suffering of Ukraine and Ukrainian people."

She emphasized "our commitment to upholding the principles of international law, territorial integrity and political independence of states," adding, "We genuinely empathise with ... the Ukrainian people and Ukraine who have a true friend in Serbia."

The Crimea Platform was launched by Zelenskiy in 2021 with the aim of reintegrating the Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014.

A total of 67 countries and organisations, including the United States, Great Britain, NATO and the European Union have joined the platform since.

Serbia has repeatedly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine at the United Nations and other international forums, but has so far refused to impose sanctions on Moscow.

Ukraine does not recognise Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Belgrade, in turn, does not recognise Russia's annexation of Crimea and parts of Ukraine which it occupies.

Serbia remains entirely dependant on natural gas supplies from Russia and maintains trade and military ties with Moscow. But Belgrade is also seeking to join the European Union and diversify its energy supplies.

In April, leaked Pentagon documents showed Serbia had agreed to supply arms and ammunition to Kyiv, or sent them to Ukraine.

Vucic said Serbia had never sold weapons or ammunition to Ukraine or Russia although Serbian arms might have reached the battlefield via third countries.

(Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
FILE PHOTO: South Carolina Republican state senator Katrina Frye Shealy debates a six-week abortion ban at the state legislature in Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. May 23, 2023. REUTERS/Sam Wolfe/File Photo

By Brendan Pierson

(Reuters) - South Carolina's highest court on Wednesday upheld a new state law banning abortion after fetal heart activity is detected, usually around six weeks of pregnancy, months after it blocked a similar ban.

In a 4-1 ruling, the South Carolina Supreme Court found that the state constitution's protection against "unreasonable invasions of privacy" did not include a right to abortion, and that the state law was "within the zone of reasonable policy decisions rationally related to the State's interest in protecting the unborn."

"With this victory, we protect the lives of countless unborn children and reaffirm South Carolina's place as one of the most pro-life states in America," South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, a Republican, said in a statement.

The state legislature passed the hotly contested bill in May, mostly along party lines, with the notable exception of the state Senate's five women members - three Republicans, a Democrat and an independent - who all opposed it.

"Today's state Supreme Court decision will have profound impacts on basic healthcare in South Carolina and across the region, where access for so many has already been cut off," Planned Parenthood President Alexis McGill Johnson said in a statement.

The heartbeat, or six-week, cutoff comes before many women even realize they are pregnant.

The new law came after the state Supreme Court in January struck down a previous abortion law, by a 3-2 vote.

The author of that ruling, Justice Kaye Hearn, has since retired. South Carolina's Republican legislature in February replaced Hearn, who was the sole woman on the five-member court, with Justice Garrison Hill, who voted to uphold the new law on Wednesday.

Justice John Few also switched his vote, finding that the new law addressed gaps in the old one by explaining the legislature's rationale more fully and by requiring health insurance plans to cover contraception.

Chief Justice Donald Beatty dissented, saying the new law was essentially the same as the previous one that the court had struck down and that the court should have followed its earlier finding.

"Today's result will surely weigh heavily upon the public and our state's medical professionals, in light of the threat of criminal penalties placed upon practitioners and the serious harm that could occur to women who could be denied reproductive healthcare during this uncertainty," he wrote

The U.S. Supreme Court last year overturned its landmark Roe v. Wade ruling that had legalized abortion nationwide.

Since then, at least 15 of the 50 states have banned abortion outright while others, including South Carolina, prohibit it after a certain length of pregnancy, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights.

(Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York; editing by Jonathan Oatis, Alexia Garamfalvi and Bill Berkrot)
FILE PHOTO: Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin leaves the headquarters of the Southern Military District amid the group's pullout from the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, June 24, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko/File Photo

By Andrew Osborn and Maxim Rodionov

MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia's most powerful mercenary Yevgeny Prigozhin was on board a plane which crashed on Wednesday evening north of Moscow with no survivors, the Russian authorities said, two months to the day after he led an abortive mutiny against the army top brass.

There was no official comment from the Kremlin or the Defence Ministry on the fate of Prigozhin, head of the Wagner mercenary group and a self-declared enemy of the army's leadership over what he argued was its incompetent prosecution of Russia's war in Ukraine.

A Telegram channel linked to Wagner, Grey Zone, pronounced him dead, however, and hailed him as a hero and a patriot who it said had died at the hands of unidentified people it called "traitors to Russia."

A Reuters reporter at the crash site at first light on Thursday morning saw men stretchering black body bags. Part of the plane's tail and other fragments lay on the ground near a wooded area where forensic investigators had erected a tent. Mourners left flowers and lit candles near Wagner's offices in St Petersburg early on Thursday.

Amid fevered speculation and an absence of verifiable facts, some of his supporters have pointed the finger of blame at the Russian state, others at Ukraine which was due to mark its Independence Day on Thursday.

Whoever or whatever was behind the crash, his death would rid Putin of someone who had mounted the most serious challenge to the Russian leader's authority since he came to power in 1999.

Others who have opposed President Vladimir Putin or his interests have also died under unclear circumstances or come close to death, including outspoken political leaders and journalists. The Kremlin has always denied any state involvement in such incidents.

Prigozhin's death would also leave the Wagner Group, which incurred Putin's wrath in June by staging an abortive armed mutiny against the army's top brass, leaderless and raise questions about its future operations in Africa and elsewhere.

The Brazilian Embraer Legacy 600 model of executive jet that crashed has only recorded one accident in over 20 years of service, according to website International Aviation HQ, and it was not due to mechanical failure.

Embraer said it has complied with international sanctions imposed on Russia and had not provided maintenance for the aircraft since 2019.

The plane showed no sign of a problem until a precipitous drop in its final 30 seconds, according to flight-tracking data.

WAGNER CO-FOUNDER ALSO ON PLANE

Rosaviatsia, Russia's aviation agency, published the names of all 10 people on board the downed plane, including Prigozhin and that of Dmitry Utkin, his right-hand man who helped found the mercenary group and bore the call sign "Wagner".

Russian investigators said they had opened a criminal investigation. Some unnamed sources told Russian media they believed the plane had been shot down by one or more surface-to-air missiles. Reuters could not confirm that.

The aircraft, which had been travelling from Moscow to St. Petersburg, crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino in the Tver Region, Russia's emergency situations ministry said.

Abbas Gallyamov, a former Putin speech writer turned critic whom the Russian authorities have branded a "foreign agent", suggested, without evidence, that the Russian leader, who is expected to run for another term in office next year, was behind the crash and had strengthened his authority in the process.

"The establishment is now convinced that it will not be possible to oppose Putin," Gallyamov wrote on Telegram. "Putin is strong enough and capable of revenge."

Bill Browder, a businessman with years of experience in Russia and another Kremlin critic, agreed.

"Putin never forgives and never forgets. He looked like a humiliated weakling with Prigozhin running around without a care in the world (after the mutiny). This will cement his authority," Browder wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

On a visit to California, U.S. President Joe Biden told reporters he did not know what had happened.

"But Im not surprised," Biden said. "There is not much that happens in Russia that Putin is not behind."

SECOND PLANE LINKED TO PRIGOZHIN

Flightradar24 online tracker showed that the Embraer plane (registration number RA-02795) carrying Prigozhin had dropped off the radar at 6:11 p.m. (1511 GMT). An unverified video clip posted to social media showed a plane resembling a private jet falling out of the sky.

Another unverified clip showed the burning wreckage of the plane on the ground. Rescuers had recovered all 10 bodies or what was left of them from the scene, Russian news agencies reported.

Soon after the plane crashed, a second private jet thought linked to Prigozhin which also appeared to be heading to St. Petersburg, Prigozhin's home base, turned back to Moscow, flight tracking data showed, and later landed.

Prigozhin, 62, spearheaded the mutiny against Russia's top army brass on June 23-24 which Putin said could have tipped Russia into civil war. Wagner fighters shot down Russian attack helicopters during the revolt, killing an unconfirmed number of pilots, infuriating the military.

He had also spent months criticising Russia's war in Ukraine, something Moscow calls a "special military operation", and had tried to topple Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the General Staff.

Many Russians had wondered how he was able to get away with such brazen criticism without consequence.

The mutiny was ended by an apparent Kremlin deal which saw Prigozhin agree to relocate to neighbouring Belarus. But in practice he had appeared to move freely inside Russia after the agreement which had reportedly guaranteed his personal safety.

Prigozhin posted a video address on Monday which he suggested was made in Africa. He turned up at a Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg in July.

Unconfirmed Russian media reports said that Prigozhin and his associates had attended a meeting on Wednesday with officials from the Russian Defence Ministry. Reuters could not confirm that.

(Reporting by Andrew Osborn, Max Rodionov, Mark Trevelyan; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Grant McCool and Stephen Coates)
FILE PHOTO: Attorney Sidney Powell speaks at a press conference on election results in Alpharetta, Georgia, U.S., December 2, 2020. REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage/File Photo

(Reuters) - Attorney Sidney Powell, one of former U.S. President Donald Trump's 18 co-defendants in the Georgia 2020 election subversion case, surrendered to Fulton County authorities on Wednesday, according to records posted on county sheriff's website.

(Reporting by Ismail Shakil; writing by Susan Heavey)
KYIV (Reuters) -Four educational workers were killed and four other people were hurt in a Russian attack on a school in the city of Romny in northeastern Ukraine on Wednesday, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said.

Klymenko said the bodies of the school director, deputy director, secretary and a librarian had been pulled from the rubble by rescue workers.

He said four local residents were injured as they had been passing the school in Romny, which is part of the Sumy region.

Photos shared by Klymenko on the Telegram messaging app showed emergency workers carrying away a body on a stretcher. A photo released by police showed rescue workers standing in front of a devastated building and rubble.

The regional military administration said a drone fired by Russia had hit the school at 10:05 a.m. (0705 GMT).

"The school building was destroyed, and this is just before the school year, which unfortunately will never start for some," Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said on Telegram.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Russia denies deliberately targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

(Reporting by Anna Pruchnicka and Kyiv newsroom, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
A view of the BW Lesmes tanker at Freeport, Texas, U.S., August 3, 2023, in this picture obtained by Reuters. Glenn Travis/via REUTERS

CAIRO (Reuters) -Traffic through the Suez Canal has resumed normally, the canal authority said on Wednesday, hours after a collision of two vessels temporarily caused delays.

"Slight contact" was made after liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier BW Lesmes made a sudden stop due to a technical failure that coincided with a strong current that drove oil tanker Burri towards it, authority chairman Osama Rabie said in an earlier statement on Wednesday.

The canal authority responded by sending tugboats to move both ships, he said.

Singapore-flagged BW Lesmes was successfully towed outside of the waterway, Rabie said, while Cayman Islands-flagged Burri was at the Suez anchorage, according to ship tracker MarineTraffic.

BW LNG AS, operators of BW Lesmes, reported the vessel ran aground transiting southbound through the Suez Canal at approximately 21:35 (1835 GMT) on Tuesday, BW Group said in a statement.

The low speed collision did not affect the vessel's operational capabilities and the vessel "remains structurally sound," it added.

BW Lesmes was successfully re-floated at 03:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday and would undergo further inspections at Suez anchorage.

The Suez Canal chairman said there did not appear to be any significant damage or pollution but that Burri had a steering failure that would require repair.

TMS Tankers, which manages Burri, did not respond to requests for comment.

The Suez Canal is one of the world's busiest waterways and the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia.

About 12% of the world's trade moves through the canal. During strong winds in 2021, a huge container ship, the Ever Given, became jammed across it, halting traffic in both directions for six days and disrupting global trade.

(Reporting by Yusri Mohamed, Muhammad Al Gebaly, Nafisa Eltahir, Enas Alashray, Florence Tan and Muyu Xu; writing by Nafisa Eltahir; Editing by Christian Schmollinger, Michael Perry and Christina Fincher)
FILE PHOTO: Flags of China and U.S. are displayed on a printed circuit board with semiconductor chips, in this illustration picture taken February 17, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration/File Photo

By Michael Martina

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States is seeking a six-month extension to a decades-old science and technology agreement with China so that it can undergo negotiations with Beijing to "strengthen" the pact, the State Department said on Wednesday.

The landmark deal, signed when Beijing and Washington established diplomatic ties in 1979 and renewed about every five years since, has shown that the geopolitical rivals could cooperate across a range of scientific and technical fields.

But concerns about China's growing military prowess and theft of U.S. scientific and commercial achievements have prompted questions about whether the Science and Technology Agreement (STA), set to expire on Aug. 27, should continue.

"This short-term six-month extension will keep the agreement in force while we seek authority to undertake negotiations to amend and strengthen the terms of the STA. It does not commit the United States to a longer-term extension," a State Department spokesperson told Reuters.

The department said the deal provides consistent standards for government scientific cooperation, and if it lapsed each agency would have to negotiate individual arrangements with Beijing.

"We are clear-eyed to the challenges posed by (China's) national strategies on science and technology, Beijing's actions in this space, and the threat they pose to U.S. national security and intellectual property, and are dedicated to protecting the interests of the American people," the spokesperson said.

China's embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but Chinese officials have expressed a desire to extend the deal.

Republicans have said the deal should be scrapped, citing concerns about industrial espionage, forced technology transfers and other tactics that could fuel China's military modernization.

Republican U.S. representatives Andy Barr, Neal Dunn and Rob Wittman  all members of the U.S. House of Representatives' select committee on China  this week proposed a bill that would require congressional notification for any such deal with China.

Should it become law, the State Department would need to provide Congress with assessments of security risks, technology transfers and the U.S. ability to monitor China's commitments within a set number of days or any agreement would be revoked.

Barr told Reuters he was disappointed that the Biden administration was looking to re-enter the agreement despite the "grave concerns" raised by the committee.

"I look forward to advancing my legislation before the six-month extension period requested by the State Department expires to ensure Congress has vigorous oversight of any ongoing or future science and technology agreements between the U.S. and the CCP (Chinese Communist Party)," Barr said.

Proponents of renewing the deal argue that without it, the U.S. would lose valuable insight into China's technical advances. Nonetheless, many analysts say the agreement must be reworked to safeguard U.S. innovation in a time of heightened strategic competition with China.

(Reporting by Michael Martina in WashingtonEditing by Matthew Lewis)
Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hold talks in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

PRETORIA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called on China and South Africa to strengthen their partnerships in four dimensions during his state visit to the African nation.

Xi made the remarks during his meeting with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, here in the country's administrative capital.

Ahead of his arrival, Xi said in his signed article published in South African media that the blossoming China-South Africa relationship "has entered a 'golden era,' enjoying broad prospects and a promising future."

While meeting with Ramaphosa, the Chinese leader called on both sides to be strategic partners of high-level mutual trust, adding that "camaraderie and brotherhood" are the true quality of bilateral ties.

The two sides should strengthen exchanges and cooperation between their legislatures, political parties, militaries and localities, and continue to support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, said Xi.

The Chinese side is willing to strengthen inter-party exchanges and training cooperation with South Africa, and help the African National Congress (ANC) with building the African Leadership Institute, he added.

China and South Africa, said Xi, should be development partners for common progress.

He described mutual benefit and win-win results as the hallmark of China-South Africa cooperation, saying that the two sides should focus on advancing the Belt and Road Initiative, implementing the nine programs on China-Africa cooperation, as well as the 10-Year Strategic Programme on Cooperation between the two countries, consolidating cooperation in areas of strength and fostering new growth points for cooperation.

Over the years, bilateral ties have experienced what Xi described as "leapfrog development," from a partnership to a strategic partnership, and then to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Official statistics showed that bilateral trade in 2022 reached 56.74 billion U.S. dollars, accounting for 20.1 percent of China-Africa trade. And in the first half of the year, bilateral trade topped 28.25 billion dollars, up 11.7 percent year-on-year.

China has remained South Africa's largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years, while South Africa has been China's biggest trading partner in Africa for 13 years in a row.

Meanwhile, South Africa has been one of the African countries with the largest stock of Chinese investment, which has risen to 10 billion dollars. More than 200 Chinese companies in South Africa have created over 400,000 local jobs and South African companies are also racing to invest in the Chinese market to seize its abundant business opportunities.

Notably, South Africa was the first African country to join the Belt and Road cooperation. The pie of bilateral cooperation is getting bigger as South Africa's wines, rooibos tea, and aloe vera gels are trending in the Chinese market while automobiles and home appliances with Chinese brands gain increasing popularity among South African households.

And in a joint statement between the two countries issued on Tuesday after the meeting of the two presidents, both sides will consider working towards bilateral cooperation and synergy within the Belt and Road Initiative and the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan frameworks.

Both sides also pledged to continue to seek the strengthening of cooperation in key areas such as infrastructure and logistics, trade and investment, manufacturing, agro-processing, energy and resources, the financial sector, the digital economy, science and technology, and green development, according to the statement.

During the talks, Xi said China will expand imports of South African products and encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in South Africa.

Noting that poverty reduction, agricultural development programs and rural revitalization are important components of Chinese modernization, he said Beijing is willing to strengthen experience exchange with South Africa and help the country carry out the poverty reduction demonstration village project.

Xi also elaborated on the necessity for the two countries to be friendly partners of deep mutual understanding and goodwill, saying that closer people-to-people bonds can best testify to the friendship between the two countries.

China is ready to make good use of such mechanisms as the China-South Africa vocational education alliance to strengthen vocational education of the two countries, promote exchanges and cooperation in youth employment, and help South Africa train more talents urgently needed for economic and social development, he said.

The two sides should strengthen tourism cooperation, and support scientific research institutions and enterprises to step up technological cooperation and joint research, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples, Xi added.

South Africa in the joint statement further welcomed the identification of South Africa amongst the top 20 countries for group tourism promotion by Chinese tourists. The African country supports the increase in the frequency of direct flights between South Africa and China.

The fourth partnership the Chinese leader called on the two sides to enhance concerns global peace and stability.

This year's BRICS summit comes at a time when the world is facing rising uncertainties and accelerating changes unseen in a century.

Xi urged China and South Africa to be global partners that uphold justice, saying that independence is a principle both sides adhere to.

The Chinese side, Xi said, supports South Africa in playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs, and stands ready to work with South Africa and other developing countries to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative.

He also said that Beijing is also ready to join the developing world in practicing true multilateralism, increasing the representation and voice of the Global South countries in global governance, and strengthening collaboration on issues such as climate change, food security and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, so as to safeguard the common interests and development space of developing countries, Xi added.

China and Africa, in the eyes of Xi, have always belonged to a community with a shared future. He told Ramaphosa that in a world which is undergoing transformation and turbulence, both sides need more than ever stronger solidarity and cooperation.

And in their joint statement, the two sides reiterated their resolve to further strengthen cooperation in terms of African affairs and to support the African Union in resolving African conflicts peacefully.

China expressed in the document its support for the efforts of African countries and regional organizations under the auspices of the African Union (AU) to provide African solutions to African problems, including to support the AU's early accession to membership of the Group of 20.

Ramaphosa described China as a sincere brother, friend and partner of his country, saying that China has provided valuable support to South Africa in its struggle for national independence and liberation as well as its national development. He also mentioned China's timely support for his country during the COVID pandemic.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 25 years ago, South Africa has firmly adhered to the one-China principle, he said, adding that both nations share the same or similar positions on many major international affairs.

Ramaphosa also said that in today's world that is facing multiple severe and complex challenges, South Africa and other Global South countries hope to strengthen unity and cooperation with China, so as to better meet challenges together, and push for a more equal, just and rational international order.

In South Africa, Xi will also attend the BRICS summit scheduled from Tuesday to Thursday, and co-chair with Ramaphosa the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue on the sidelines of the summit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hold talks in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hold talks in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is paying a state visit to South Africa, holds talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is paying a state visit to South Africa, holds talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is paying a state visit to South Africa, shakes hands with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of a welcoming banquet in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2023. Xi held talks with Ramaphosa on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Editor: WXL
A bronze seal for the Department of the Treasury is shown at the U.S. Treasury building in Washington, U.S., January 20, 2023. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo

By Simon Lewis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Wednesday expanded its sanctions against Myanmar to include foreign companies or individuals helping the countrys military junta to procure jet fuel that it uses to launch airstrikes on its own people, the U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement.

The Treasury was also adding to its sanctions list two individuals, Khin Phyu Win and Zaw Min Tun, as well as three companies linked to them, who are involved in procurement and distribution of jet fuel for the military, which seized power in a February 2021 coup, it said.

The Treasury said it was issuing a determination that identifies the jet fuel sector in Myanmar as covered by an executive order signed by President Joe Biden blocking companies outside of Myanmar from dealing with the countrys defense sector.

By expanding the use of our sanctions authority to target an additional sector critical to the military regime, we are able to further deprive the regime of the resources that enable it to oppress its citizens, Brian Nelson, under secretary of the treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in the statement.

Myanmars junta has increasingly relied on violent airstrikes to repress the people of Burma, Treasury said, using the countrys former name, citing recent strikes that killed civilians and estimating that the military junta has killed more than 3,900 civilians since the coup

Myanmar military officials, who have played down the impact of sanctions, say they are targeting insurgents.

The United States and other Western nations have imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Myanmar's military leaders since the coup in which they overthrew the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, killed thousands of opponents in a crackdown, and sparked a bitter insurgency.

Washington in June targeted two state-owned banks used by revenue-generating state-owned enterprises, including the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise, to conduct currency exchange, in a move activists hoped would cut off the juntas access to foreign currency.

(Reporting by Simon Lewis; Editing by David Gregorio)
Ukrainian forces raise the national flag in the settlement of Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, in this screen grab taken from a social media video released August 23, 2023. Telegram Valerii Zaluzhnyi/via REUTERS

(Reuters) -Ukrainian forces have raised the national flag in the settlement of Robotyne in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, Kyiv's military said on Wednesday, though it was not clear whether the entire community had been liberated from Russian forces.

"A historic day! Soldiers of the 47th Separate Mechanised Brigade set up the flag of Ukraine in the village of Robotyne, in one of the hottest destinations  Melitopol," the brigade said in a post on its Telegram channel.

In a video published by General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, the Ukrainian flag is seen on a roof of a badly damaged building surrounded by burnt trees.

"A blue and yellow flag signed by the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was raised on the school destroyed by the Russian invaders on the National Flag Day!" the 47th Brigade said.

Reuters was able to confirm the location from the roads layout and buildings' structure seen in the video which matched satellite and file imagery of the area. Reuters was not able to separately verify the date when the video was filmed.

Kyiv seeks to recapture the strategic southern city of Melitopol as part of its counter-offensive against Russia's full-scale 2022 invasion.

(Reporting by Reuters; editing by Mark Heinrich, David Evans and Jonathan Oatis)
By Catarina Demony

LISBON (Reuters) - Dismayed at what they see as government7 inaction over climate change, especially after deadly wildfires hit their country in 2017, six young people from Portugal are taking 32 European countries to court.

A month away from being heard by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), they hope their legal battle will inspire others to demand environmental justice worldwide.

The case - filed in September 2020 against the 27 EU member states as well Britain, Switzerland, Norway, Russia and Turkey - seeks a legally binding decision that would force the governments to act against climate change.

It is one of the first such cases to be heard before the court, where citizens say inaction has violated their human rights. It could result in orders for governments to cut carbon dioxide emissions faster than currently planned.

The hearing is scheduled for Sept. 27.

"We just want them (governments) to stick to the treaties and do what they promised they would do," said 15-year-old Andre Oliveira, one of the six applicants, pointing to the 2015 Paris Agreement on cutting emissions to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius and aim for 1.5C.

Current policies would fail to meet either goal.

Extreme weather has caused havoc in many countries around the world over the past several months, with record temperatures sparking wildfires, water shortages and a rise in heat-related hospital admissions.

With the support of the UK-based Global Legal Action Network (GLAN), the Portuguese applicants argue climate change threatens their rights to life, privacy, mental health and other matters.

Oliveira, who will soon start high school and loves the outdoors, said many in his generation do not know if they want to have children because of climate change, and that he often cannot play outside due to sweltering heat.

His sister, 18-year-old Sofia, said she has suffered from a condition known as eco-anxiety: "When I found out what was happening... and seeing it was starting to get worse, it really upset me."

'EYE-OPENER'

Clinical psychologist Elizabeth Marks, a specialist on climate distress, said a global survey found that over half of young people feel "sad, afraid, angry, powerless, helpless and guilty" due to climate change and a lack of action to tackle it.

"They feel like they are being let down - repeatedly - by the people that should be helping them and protecting them," Marks said.

Case applicant Claudia Duarte, 24, from Portugal's Leiria region where two wildfires killed over 100 people in 2017, said they were an "eye-opener" on the consequences of climate change.

Her 11-year-old sister had suffered from anxiety after the fires. "It's hard to see children suffering with anxiety for something that they have no control over," said Duarte, who is a nurse.

One of the applicants' lawyers, Gerry Liston from GLAN, believes their chances of success are high as "all the signals so far from the court have been extremely positive", including its fast-tracking of the case as an urgent and important matter.

He acknowledged that "taking on the legal teams of over 30 very well-resourced countries" would not be easy, but said an "explosion of climate cases" occurring in Europe and beyond should eventually force governments to act.

Asked if the ECHR would be able to ensure all countries complied with its decision in case the applicants won their case, Liston said the verdict the legal team was hoping for would be enforced at national levels.

"The judgment we seek would give national courts a roadmap for compelling governments in Europe to act in this way."

Catarina Mota, 22 and also from Leiria, hopes the case will inspire others: "It's not just a case for the six of us...If we can impact and inspire people, we are already doing something for a better world."

(Reporting by Catarina Demony and Miguel Pereira; editing by Andrei Khalip and Mark Heinrich)
A U.S. Air Force F-16 jet fighter lands at an airbase during CRUZEX, a multinational air exercise hosted by the Brazilian Air Force, in Natal, Brazil November 20, 2018. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker

(Reuters) -The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $500 million sale to Taiwan of infrared search and track systems for F-16 fighter jets, as well as other equipment, the Pentagon said on Wednesday.

"The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region," it said in a statement. Beijing has repeatedly demanded the United States - Taiwan's most important arms supplier - halt the sale of weapons to the island.

The Pentagon said the principal contractor would be Lockheed Martin Corp, which makes the F-16.

Taiwan's defense ministry said the new equipment would be used for its latest F-16V aircraft, improving their ability to detect and track long-range targets and "greatly improve the effectiveness of air operations".

China's repeatedly sending military aircraft and drones into air space near Taiwan represents a serious threat to the island, and the ministry expresses its gratitude to the United States for the sale, it added in a statement.

Taiwan's military spending will rise by 3.5% year-on-year hand hit a record high in 2024, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Monday, pledging to improve defenses amid a growing threat from China, which views Taiwan as its own territory.

The $500 million is the maximum potential value of the contract and the actual dollar value will be lower, the Pentagon said. The United States unveiled a Taiwan weapons aid package worth up to $345 million late last month.

Despite approval by the State Department, the notification does not indicate that a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded.

However, Taiwan's defense ministry said it expected the sale to "take effect within a month".

Taiwan has been converting 141 F-16A/B jets into the F-16V type and has ordered 66 new F-16Vs, which have advanced avionics, weapons and radar systems to better face down the Chinese air force, including its J-20 stealth fighters.

(Reporting by Katharine Jackson; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Writing by David Ljunggren; Editing by Caitlin Webber and Gerry Doyle)
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States on Tuesday called on the Central African Republic to announce a date for local elections and added that Washington held "deep reservations" about a July 30 constitutional referendum in the country.

"The United States notes with deep reservations reports of low voter participation and concerns over secrecy of the ballot," the U.S. State Department said in a statement. "We call on the CAR government to announce a date for local elections in which all Central Africans can express their views at the ballot box."

Provisional results for the referendum showed more than 95% of voters backed a new constitution that could allow President Faustin-Archange Touadera to run for a third term in 2025.

The country's constitutional court on Monday validated the results of the July 30 referendum, which the State Department says "undercuts the country's democratic governance".

Touadera was first elected in 2016 to a five-year term and won reelection in 2020 for what was supposed to be his final term in office.

The proposed new constitution would abolish the two-term limit and extend the presidential mandate from five to seven years.

Opposition parties and some civil society groups called for a boycott of the referendum, saying it was designed to keep Touadera in power for life.

The land-locked country, roughly the size of France and with a population of around 5.5 million, is rich in minerals including gold, diamond, and timber. It has witnessed waves instability, including coups and rebellions, since independence from France in 1960.

Touadera, 66, has struggled to quell rebel groups that have controlled pockets of the country. He turned to Russia for help in tackling the rebels in 2018.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Gerry Doyle)
By Christopher Bing and Zeba Siddiqui

(Reuters) -The United States on Wednesday indicted Roman Semenov and Roman Storm, two co-founders of the virtual currency mixer Tornado Cash, for their involvement with the banned outfit and related laundering of up to $1 billion in criminal proceeds.

Storm, a naturalized U.S. citizen who lives in Washington state, was arrested on Wednesday, while Semenov - a Russian national - is yet to be taken into custody, the U.S. Attorney's Office in New York said in a statement.

The criminal charges against both men, which include conspiracy to commit money laundering and sanctions violations, come one year after the U.S. Treasury banned Tornado Cash on allegations that it supports North Korea.

The outfit facilitated more than $1 billion in money laundering transactions and laundered "hundreds of millions of dollars" for North Korean government-linked cybercrime group Lazarus, U.S. officials said.

So-called virtual currency "mixers" take the cryptocurrencies of many users and mash them together to help hide the source and owners of the funds. They have become the "go-to method for criminals to conceal their ill-gotten gains," Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri said in a statement.

"The defendants operated Tornado Cash as a safe haven for criminal actors to obfuscate the trail of funds tied to their criminal activities, such as computer hacking and wire fraud," she added.

Storm's lawyer Brian Klein said his client "disputes" having engaged in any criminal conduct and had been cooperating with prosecutors' investigation over the past year.

"We are incredibly disappointed that the prosecutors chose to charge Mr. Storm because he helped develop software, and they did so based on a novel legal theory with dangerous implications for all software developers," Klein said.

Waymaker Law, the firm representing Storm, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Neither did the FBI.

A third co-founder of Tornado Cash, named Alexey Pertsev, had been detained by Dutch law enforcement officials on money laundering charges in Aug. 2022.

The Lazarus Group, which was banned by the United States in 2019, was using Tornado Cash to launder funds it obtained from several major cybercrimes, and Storm and Semenov "did not take meaningful steps to reduce its use for illicit purposes," the Treasury statement said.

The sanctions mean the property and interests in property of both founders that are in the United States or in control of U.S. persons will be blocked, it added.

(Reporting by Christopher Bing and Zeba Siddiqui; Editing by David Gregorio, Jonathan Oatis and Diane Craft)
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo testifies during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing titled "A Review of the Presidents Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Request: Investing in U.S. Security and Competitiveness, and the Path Ahead for the

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo met Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng on Tuesday and had a "productive discussion" ahead of her trip to China, the U.S. Commerce Department said in a statement.

Raimondo is due to visit China next week for talks with government officials and U.S. business leaders on the latest visit by a U.S. official seeking to halt a slide in relations between the world's two biggest economies.

"Secretary Raimondo raised issues of importance to the United States and American businesses and workers and discussed issues relating to the U.S.-China commercial relationship, challenges faced by U.S. businesses, and areas for potential cooperation," the U.S. Commerce Department said.

Xie said that China's policy towards the U.S. had maintained continuity, and fundamentally follows the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, according to a statement released by the Chinese embassy.

"Today's world is chaotic and intertwined, the global economic recovery is weak, and multiple crises are emerging one after another," Xie was quoted as saying, adding that "working together is the right way".

During the meeting, Xie stated his position on economic and trade issues of concern to China and asked the U.S. to attach great importance to them and take action to resolve them.

Xie said he hoped the U.S. and China would meet each other halfway, increase cooperation and jointly make efforts to stabilize relations.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Eric Beech in Washington, additional reporting by Bernard Orr in Beijing; editing by Jonathan Oatis, Robert Birsel)
Ricardo Triana, director of the Council of American Businesses (CEA), poses for a photo in Bogota, Colombia August 23, 2023. REUTERS/Nelson Bocanegra

BOGOTA (Reuters) - U.S companies operating in Colombia are not looking to pull out of the South American country, but comments and plans put forward by the government could see them postpone investment decisions, a business association said on Wednesday.

Last week President Gustavo Petro, Colombia's first leftist leader, said he would renegotiate Colombia's free trade agreement with the United States, though two of his ministers later made comments suggesting a softer stance.

The situation is being watched closely by U.S companies, said Lorena Guarnizo, head of corporate matters for the industry group the Council of American Companies.

That kind of comment "quickly results in a postponement to an investment decision or it can slow down that type of thing a bit," she said.

Foreign direct investment in Colombia hit $8.53 billion between January and July, up 22.6% versus the year-earlier period, according to preliminary figures from Colombia's central bank.

"The message from the companies is that they're still in the country, they're still committed to Colombia, no one is saying they want to leave," said Ricardo Triana, director of the CEA.

But companies are trying to establish lines of communication with the Petro administration to work out where they can keep growing and investing, Triana added.

Petro's government is pushing controversial health and pension reforms in Congress and looking to resubmit a labor reform that was rejected during the previous legislative session.

The potential health reform, which seeks to expand access and raise healthcare worker salaries, is especially relevant to some 25 U.S. healthcare companies which belong to CEA, Triana said.

"There's obviously uncertainty regarding this health reform, how it will turn out, what will be approved," he said, adding that a lack of regulatory leadership was also cause for concern.

Colombia's INVIMA food and drugs regulator has not had a director for more than a year, Triana said.

"They are topics that definitely worry the sector," he added.

(Reporting by Nelson Bocanegra; Writing by Oliver Griffin; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States does not encourage or enable attacks inside Russia, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said after Russian authorities said they downed drones that tried to attack Moscow early on Wednesday.

It is up to Ukraine to decide how it chooses to defend itself from the Russian invasion that began in February last year, the State Department spokesperson said, adding Russia could end the war any time by withdrawing from Ukraine.

Drone strikes deep inside Russia have increased since two unmanned aircraft were destroyed over the Kremlin in early May. Drone strikes on the Russian capital have become increasingly common in recent months.

The United States, which has supplied Ukraine with massive assistance in the form of weapons and other military equipment to combat the Russian invasion, has consistently said it does not support attacks inside Russia.

The Russian defence ministry said early on Wednesday that air defence systems downed three drones that tried to attack Moscow.

One drone hit a building under construction in central Moscow early on Wednesday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on his channel on Telegram, a messaging app.

Moscow airports suspended flights early on Wednesday, Russia's TASS news agency reported. Major airports around the Russian capital have repeatedly closed for departing and arriving flights in recent days due to Ukrainian drone activity.

Russia also shot down two Ukrainian drones over the Moscow region with no casualties and brought down a further two drones over the Bryansk region that borders Ukraine, the Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.

Ukraine typically does not comment on who is behind attacks on Russian territory but it appears to have stepped up such raids since two drones were destroyed over the Kremlin in early May.

Such attacks have briefly disrupted flights and caused mostly minor damage to buildings.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Tom Hogue and Stephen Coates)
A Combined Joint Task Force 50 (CJTF-50) search, rescue and recovery member conducts search operations of areas damaged by Maui wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii, U.S. August 15, 2023. U.S. Army National Guard/Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Foster/Handout via REUT

By David Morgan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. federal wildland firefighters are facing a huge potential pay cut this autumn that lawmakers in Washington warn could cause thousands to walk off the job, due to a feud among Republicans in Congress over federal spending.

That could mean dire consequences for 16 U.S. states, mostly in the West and Southwest, where about 16,600 firefighters were battling more than 90 large fires across nearly 630,000 acres as of Tuesday, National Interagency Fire Center data show.

The standoff between lawmakers continues as the Hawaiian island of Maui struggles to recover from a massive blaze that killed at least 115 people and Canada's British Columbia province is also being ravaged by fire.

"We're going to have these people out fighting wildfires for us in this country. And their pay could be cut by 50%," said Representative Mike Simpson, an Idaho Republican who chairs the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies.

"You're going to have ... wildfire fighters out here that - hell, I don't know - they might walk off the job with somebody who's going to cut their pay 50%," he told Reuters.

The federal government employs an estimated 18,700 wildland firefighters. Republicans and Democrats in Congress agree that failure to protect their pay could lead to a mass exodus at a time when climate change is fueling more severe wildfires over longer seasons.

At issue is a $60 million supplemental funding request from Democratic President Joe Biden, which would protect federal wildland firefighter pay through December, if Congress can avoid a government shutdown when current funding expires on Sept 30.

'HOSTAGE TO CONGRESSIONAL INFIGHTING'

Biden raised wildland firefighter pay to a minimum of $15 per hour in 2021 and later signed into law a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, which provided annual pay raises of $20,000 or 50% of a firefighter's base pay, whichever was smaller.

The pay hikes from the infrastructure bill are expected to run out around Sept. 30, according to the White House.

"Firefighters cannot be held hostage to congressional infighting," said Lucas Mayfield, president of the advocacy group Grassroots Wildland Firefighters. He warned that a pay cut could not only lead firefighters to walk off the job this year but make an already challenging recruitment environment more difficult in 2024.

"People are going to be looking for outside opportunities to have a livable and plannable income," Mayfield said.

The Democratic-led Senate appears poised to begin moving forward on bipartisan funding.

But it is unclear whether the Republican-controlled House of Representatives can overcome infighting between hardline and centrist Republicans to enact spending legislation on time.

Wildfires have burned just under 1.8 million acres in the United States this year, according to data from the National Interagency Fire Center. The cost and danger of U.S. wildfires has been growing in recent decades.

More than 10 million acres were affected in 2015 and 2017. Last year, the cost of suppressing wildfires across 7.6 million acres surpassed $3.5 billion, according to the center.

"Failure isn't an option," said Representative Joe Neguse, a Colorado Democrat who is working to address the pay gap with a bipartisan coalition of House and Senate lawmakers.

"Now is not the time ... to be engaging in this kind of the political gamesmanship around something as important as the livelihood of our wildland firefighters," he told Reuters.

Neguse and Senator Kyrsten Sinema, an independent from Arizona, have introduced legislation in their respective chambers that would avoid the pay cliff and authorize future pay increases for wildland firefighters.

Salary authorization would need to be included along with funding for firefighter pay in a short-term stopgap measure, special supplemental legislation or annual appropriations, depending on what Congress can pass by Sept 30.

(Reporting by David Morgan; Editing by Scott Malone and Alistair Bell)
Guests visit a cultural relic hospital for Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, southwest China, Aug. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

CHONGQING, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Over 100 cultural heritage conservation experts and scholars from home and abroad recently gathered in southwest China's Chongqing for a forum which focused on cave temple conservation.

The first International Forum on Cave Temple Conservation was held from Aug. 19 to 21 in Chongqing's Dazu District, home to the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site Dazu Rock Carvings.

The Dazu Declaration on Cave Temple Conservation in the Context of Climate Change was issued on Monday.

Cave temple cultural relics consist of a variety of types, such as cave architecture, cliffside sculptures, niches and murals. In China, the Mogao Grottoes, Dazu Rock Carvings, Yungang Grottoes and Longmen Grottoes, all of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, are examples of cave temple complexes.

However, increases in extreme weather events and unpredictable climatic conditions, the result of climate change, are challenging efforts to preserve cave temples globally. Therefore, experts in this field believe that international cooperation and exchanges are particularly necessary for the conservation of cave temples, which involves a comprehensive endeavor that spans multiple disciplines of research and technology.

This is the first conference focusing on connections between climate and grotto conservation. Cultural heritage experts provided valuable insights, and exchanged ideas and practical examples, as well as worked together to promote cave preservation, said Mario Santana Quintero, secretary general of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

Cecilie Christensen, founder of World Heritage Catalysis and a member of ICOMOS, said that excessive tourism, which also contributes to the rise in carbon emissions disrupting ecological balance and contributing to climate change, has become a factor leading to the deterioration of cultural heritage sites.

Christensen called for experts and scholars to continue sharing practical experience, pooling collective wisdom, and collaboratively addressing the challenges faced by global cultural heritage conservation, to finally realize the sustainable development of world heritage.

Li Qun, head of China's National Cultural Heritage Administration, said that cave temple preservation has long been a significant subject in the field of international cultural heritage protection. Over the years, professional institutions from China, Japan, the United States, Britain, Australia, and Italy have established cooperation in this field.

Statistics showed that there are 2,155 cave temples and 3,831 cliffside sculptures scattered across China.

Regarding China's conservation efforts, foreign experts have given positive feedback.

Abdul Samad, director of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan, said he was impressed by China's cultural heritage conservation efforts, which are highly meticulous and professional, particularly in areas such as digital documentation and the restoration of cultural relics.

After visiting the Dazu Rock Carvings along with other forum attendees, Samad said it was quite inspiring, and he expected to enhance cooperation with China in cultural relics' conservation in the future.

Guests visit a scenic spot of Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, southwest China, Aug. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Guests visit a scenic spot of Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, southwest China, Aug. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Visitors are seen at a scenic spot of Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, southwest China, Aug. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Staff members deal with harm to rock carvings at a protection site of Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, southwest China, Aug. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Guests watch a 8K fulldome digital movie at Chongqing's Dazu District, southwest China, Aug. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

This photo taken on Aug. 19, 2023 shows the first International Forum on Cave Temple Conservation held in Chongqing, southwest China. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Staff members deal with harm to rock carvings at a scenic spot of Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, southwest China, Aug. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Guests visit a cultural relic hospital for Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, southwest China, Aug. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Guests visit a scenic spot of Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, southwest China, Aug. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Editor: 
By Marianna Parraga, Vivian Sequera and Timothy Gardner

CARACAS/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. officials are drafting a proposal that would ease sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector, allowing more companies and countries to import its crude oil, if the South American nation moves toward a free and fair presidential election, according to five people with knowledge of the plans.

Washington has been trying to encourage negotiations between President Nicolas Maduro and the political opposition over elections in Venezuela and other demands. Sanctions were imposed following Maduro's 2018 reelection, which many Western nations considered a sham.

Easing sanctions has been a carrot held out in the past by the U.S., but which so far has resulted in very few authorizations, including one to Chevron Corp that has allowed the firm to expand operations in Venezuela and export its oil to the United States since November.

Washington continues to insist that further easing will depend on progress toward elections. U.S. President Joe Biden's government is prepared to provide Venezuela sanctions relief if the country moves to restore democracy, the White House said on Wednesday.

"Should Venezuela take concrete actions toward restoring democracy, leading to free and fair elections, we are prepared to provide corresponding sanctions relief," a spokesperson for the White House's National Security Council said.

A new round of talks began last November in Mexico including Maduro's representatives, the opposition and U.S. officials, but have shown little progress. A White House spokesperson said Venezuela has not yet taken the necessary steps to restore democracy.

The White House declined to comment on the oil sanctions reframing proposal. Venezuela's negotiation leader, Jorge Rodriguez, and the U.S. State Department did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

MORE OIL FOR MORE PEOPLE

The U.S. is this time considering a specific offer to reframe oil sanctions on the country so crude buyers in Europe and other regions also can resume imports of Venezuelan oil in a structured, organized way, the people said.

The proposal could require Biden to amend U.S. executive orders on Venezuela issued by his predecessor Donald Trump in 2019, or issue new ones.

If parties agree to it and to a series of political demands including the presidential election, the new sanction framework would only maintain restrictions to trade Venezuelan oil with countries including China, Iran and Russia, which are under separate U.S. sanctions, they added.

An early version of the proposal was rejected in July by Dinorah Figuera, head of Venezuela's opposition-led National Assembly which controls the country's foreign assets, after discussions with Venezuela's main opposition parties, two of the people said.

The reason for rejecting the draft proposal, which could become one of the powerful U.S. negotiation tools in future meetings with Maduro's envoys, was the lack of concrete steps by Maduro so far toward fair elections in the country, two of the people said.

Figuera's office did not reply to a request for comment.

Rodriguez said in July that Venezuela would not accept international observation for any elections. The government has also banned prominent politicians from participating in an eventual election as opposition candidates.

(Reporting by Marianna Parraga in Houston, Vivian Sequera and Mayela Armas in Caracas. Additional reporting by Timothy Gardner in Washington; editing by Diane Craft and Bill Berkrot)
UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16

under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of August 2023

Commission File Number 001-35751

STRATASYS LTD.

(Translation of registrants name into English)

c/o Stratasys, Inc.

7665 Commerce Way

Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344 1 Holtzman Street, Science Park

P.O. Box 2496

Rehovot, Israel 76124 (Addresses of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

Form 20-F  Form 40-F 

CONTENTS

Notice of Extraordinary Shareholder Meeting

On August 23, 2023, Stratasys Ltd. (Stratasys or the Company) published notice of an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders (the Meeting), which is scheduled to take place at 3:00 p.m. (Israel time)/ 8:00 a.m. (Eastern time) on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Meitar Law Offices, 16 Abba Hillel Road, 10th floor, Ramat Gan 5250608, Israel.

Shareholders of record at the close of business on Thursday, August 24, 2023 are entitled to vote at the Meeting.

Attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K (this Form 6-K) is a press release that serves as the notice of the Meeting, and which contains information concerning the agenda for the Meeting, the required majority for approval of the proposals at the Meeting, the voting procedure and additional general matters related to the Meeting.

The contents of Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 6-K are hereby incorporated by reference into the Companys Registration Statements on Form F-4 (File No. 333-272759), Form F-3 (File Nos. 333-251938 and 333-253780) and Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-190963, 333-236880, 333-253694, 333-262951, 333-262952 and 333-270249).

Exhibit Index

1

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

STRATASYS LTD. Dated: August 23, 2023 By: /s/ Eitan Zamir Name: Eitan Zamir Title: Chief Financial Officer

2

ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY STRATASYS ON AUGUST 23, 2023, SERVING AS NOTICE OF STRATASYS' EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 28, 2023
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Carmel, Indiana 46032

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(Registrants telephone number, including area code)

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Item 8.01 Other Events.





On August 21, 2023, hhgregg, Inc. (the "Company") filed the Monthly Operating Reports for the period from July 1, 2023 to July 31, 2023 with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana (the Bankruptcy Court). A copy of the Monthly Operating Reports are attached as Exhibit 99.1, Exhibit 99.2 and Exhibit 99.3 to this report and are incorporated by reference into this item 8.01.





The Company cautions investors and potential investors not to place undue reliance upon the information contained in the Monthly Operating Report, which was not prepared for the purpose of providing the basis for an investment decision relating to any of the Companys securities. The Monthly Operating Report is limited in scope, covers a limited time period, and has been prepared solely for the purpose of complying with the monthly reporting requirements of the Office of the United States Trustee. The Monthly Operating Report was not audited or reviewed by independent accountants, is in a format prescribed by applicable requirements of the Office of the United States Trustee and is subject to future adjustment and reconciliation. There can be no assurance that, from the perspective of an investor or potential investor in the Companys securities, the Monthly Operating Report contains any information beyond that required by the Office of the United States Trustee. The Monthly Operating Report also contains information for periods that are shorter or otherwise different from those required in the Companys reports pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and such information might not be indicative of the Companys financial condition or operating results for the period that would be reflected in the Companys financial statements or in its reports pursuant to the Exchange Act. Results set forth in the Monthly Operating Report should not be viewed as indicative of future results.





This report and Exhibit 99.1, Exhibit 99.2 and Exhibit 99.3 to this report may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the Companys financial condition, results of operations, and business that is not historical information. As a general matter, forward-looking statements are those focused upon future or anticipated events or trends and expectations and beliefs relating to matters that are not historical in nature. The words believe, expect, plan, intend, estimate, or anticipate and similar expressions, as well as future or conditional verbs such as will, should, would, and could, often identify forward-looking statements. The Company believes that there is a reasonable basis for its expectations and beliefs, but they are inherently uncertain, and the Company may not realize its expectations and its beliefs may not prove correct. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. The Companys actual results and future financial condition may differ materially from those described or implied by any such forward-looking statements as a result of many factors that may be outside the Companys control. Such factors include, without limitation, developments in the bankruptcy

proceedings, the results of liquidation sales and other matters.





Item 9.01




A Chinese coast guard vessels steams near the BRP Sierra Madre, a former U.S. Navy vessel grounded at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, March 21, 2023. (Philippine coast guard)

The Philippines has resupplied its troops on a grounded warship in disputed South China Sea waters despite an attempted Chinese blockade, the Philippine government announced this week.

Supply boats reached the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded navy ship that serves as an outpost at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, on Tuesday, the Philippines National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said in a statement that day.

The mission was successful despite efforts by the China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels to block, harass, and interfere, the statement said.

The Philippine coast guard invited a small group of journalists, including two from The Associated Press, to join its ships that secured the supply boats as part of a new strategy aimed at exposing Chinas increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety.

As a U.S. Navy plane circled overhead, one Chinese coast guard ship came as close as 50 yards as it crossed the bow of Cabra to block the Philippine coast guard ship, which maneuvered fast to avoid a collision, said a coast guard officer onboard the Cabra who could not be named because of official policy.

The Cabra and the Sindangan were surrounded by four Chinese coast guard ships and four suspected militia vessels and forced to stop as the other two Philippine boats delivered supplies to the Filipino forces at Second Thomas Shoal, more than 4 miles away.

All the Philippine vessels sailed away without further incident after the supplies and a fresh crew of Filipino sailors were delivered to the military outpost on a long-marooned Philippine navy ship at the shoal.

It was not immediately clear why the U.S. Navy deployed the surveillance plane that flew for more than three hours overhead as the Chinese ships blocked and shadowed the Philippine vessels off Second Thomas Shoal. When asked about the deployment of the Navy plane, U.S. Embassy spokesperson Kanishka Gangopadhyay in Manila said he could not provide specifics. "What I can say is that all of our military activities in the Philippines are conducted in full coordination with our Philippine allies," he said.

Filipino security officials have said they've received intelligence information and surveillance images taken in the disputed waters from their American and other foreign counterparts in the past as part of security cooperation.

The United States lays no claim to the South China Sea but has declared that freedom of navigation and flight, as well as peacefully resolving disputes, are in its national interest.

Two supply boats were supported by the Philippine coast guards BRP Sindangan and BRP Cabra during the mission. Philippine navy warships were on standby, the statement said.

The dispute over the shoal has reached a tipping point, according to Krista Wiegand, a professor of national security at the University of Tennessee who spoke Tuesday at an online forum organized by Pacific Forum, a think tank in Hawaii.

Chinas military is being aggressive, she said of its actions around the shoal, which included firing a water cannon on Aug. 5 to block a boat attempting to deliver supplies to the Sierra Madre. Im not sure what more they could do except live fire.

The Philippines grand strategy involves challenging China, according to Renato Cruz De Castro, an international studies professor at De La Salle University, Manila, who also spoke during the forum.

A great power is basically undermining our border, he said.

China has occupied disputed features in the South China Sea and built military facilities on some of them in the past decade. It appears to be building an airstrip in the Paracel Islands in the sea, territory also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam, according to The Associated Press on Friday.

The Philippines is pouring money into defense modernization and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has repeatedly told troops to turn their attention to external threats, De Castro said.

Expansion of a base-sharing agreement with the U.S. is part of the effort, he said, noting that three shared bases in northern Luzon arent designed to support humanitarian assistance.

They are only a couple of hundred miles from Taiwan  basically pointing towards Taiwan, he said.

The Philippines is planning for asymmetric warfare, not just in a South China Sea conflict but in case war breaks out over Taiwan, De Castro said.

Theres no way we could engage China head on, he said.

China unfairly paints the Philippines actions as being coordinated by the U.S., De Castro said.

We have to impress on the Chinese and the Filipino people that we are doing it for our national interest, he said. Its a matter of self-respect.

The U.S. government has become much clearer in indicating its willingness to abide by the terms of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which encompasses Philippine vessels and outposts in the South China sea, said Raymond Powell, project lead at the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation in Stanford, Calif.

Thats why China is not directly engaging at the Sierra Madre, which is still considered to be an active-duty naval vessel, he said during the online forum.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Winter, an 11-year-old Old English bulldog, died of heatstroke on a Patriot Express flight between Misawa Air Base, Japan, and Seattle. (Anne Surette)

TOKYO  A Defense Intelligence Agency contractor and his wife lost their two dogs to heatstroke on a government-chartered flight recently, despite changes last year to ensure pets survived those journeys.

When Tim and Anne Surette arrived in Seattle on Aug. 17 after a long flight from Japan on the Patriot Express, they learned that Winter, their 11-year-old Old English bulldog, and Soju, a 5-year-old French bulldog, had died en route, Tim Surette told Stars and Stripes by phone Monday.

The Patriot Express is a government-chartered air service that moves service members, civilian employees and their families between overseas bases and the United States. Its overseen by Air Mobility Command, headquartered at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

The couple was moving from Yongsan Garrison in South Korea to Reston, Va., Surette said.

They last saw their dogs alive during a three-hour layover at Misawa Air Base, Japan, where they left the plane, walked the dogs and refilled their water bottles, he said.

When the couple returned to their seats, they noticed the air inside was incredibly hot. I would say it was between 75 and 80 degrees the entire way, Surette said.

The flight attendants announced that as soon as we lifted off the temperature would drop, but it never did or it didnt significantly, he said. Flight attendants passed water around three separate times to us while we were flying, but I did sweat the entire way. Because the cabin was not cool, I can't imagine that the cargo compartment was any cooler.

Soju, a 5-year-old French bulldog, died of heatstroke on a Patriot Express flight between Misawa Air Base, Japan, and Seattle. (Anne Surette) Soju, left, and Winter died of heatstroke on a Patriot Express flight between Misawa Air Base, Japan, and Seattle. (Anne Surette)

The Surettes story went viral on social media shared by military communities accustomed to stories of pets succumbing to summer heat on flights between duty stations. Air Mobility Command in 2022 imposed a series of changes after four pets died of heat exposure on flights originating in Asia.

The July 1, 2022, death of Kolbie, a 10-year-old Pomeranian mix, on a Patriot Express flight to Okinawa sparked an online campaign by military pet owners for change.

Air Mobility Command responded by allowing traveling pets into climate-controlled terminals when outside temperatures reach 85 degrees F.

The command also cautioned owners of short-nosed dogs like bulldogs that their pets are at higher risk of heatstroke. Their facial structure is less effective at cooling them down through panting, according to PetEducate.com.

Air Mobility Command has not responded to questions sent via email Monday. Command spokesman Lt. James Stewart said Tuesday by email that authorities at Joint Base Pearl-Harbor Hickam in Hawaii and at Misawa Air Base were collecting information and planned to respond Wednesday.

A spokeswoman, Jessica Brown, said Wednesday by email the command may respond by Thursday.

Winter and Soju were part of the Surettes family since they were puppies, Anne Surette said. Winter was the queen of the house and Soju was the baby.

When Tim came and told me that they passed, I didn't want to believe him, she said. When I went to go see them, they looked like they were sleeping. I laid with them, just hoping they would wake up.
Samantha Dizon lost everything in the West Maui fires of 2018. Five years later, her community faced the deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century, leaving Dizon and others in the Lahaina area to question why more changes were not made to emergency response efforts in the meantime. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

KAUA'ULA VALLEY, Hawaii  Burning homes have a specific kind of plastic smell, one Samantha and David Dizon know too well. So when it wafted through their windows on Aug. 8, they froze. Running outside, they saw the plumes of smoke coming from Lahaina and heard propane tanks exploding in the distance. They knew what was unfolding, because nearly five years ago, the same thing had happened to them.

Around 11 p.m. on Aug. 24, 2018, something ignited in the dry, grassy hills behind their home in the Kaua'ula Valley, a West Maui community uphill from Lahaina. Howling winds from a passing hurricane helped feed that spark, sending what the Dizons called a "wall of fire" toward their unincorporated village, where about 50 Native Hawaiian people live on ancestral (known as Kuleana) land that has been in their families for centuries.

They barely got out. In the chaos, David's mother, Yolanda Dizon, fell, and flames licked her arms and legs. Trying to help his grandmother, David's teenage son also sustained third-degree burns. Yolanda's puppy got left in a car, and David heard her yelping as she burned to death. Firefighters showed up but couldn't handle the terrain. Over the next 24 hours, crews would battle three blazes at the same time.

No one died, but if the winds had been stronger that day, officials said, the ultimate toll could have been far worse. Even so, the West Maui fires of 2018 torched 21 houses, 27 cars and more than 2,100 acres, causing $4.3 million in damage and displacing a few dozen people, including the Dizons, who lived in a shelter for a year and a half while they rebuilt. In terms of homes lost, it was the most destructive wildfire in state history  until now.

Five years apart, the two disasters eerily parallel one other. Both times, in August, hurricane-fueled winds pounded West Maui. Both times, they helped to ignite what would become multiple fires in overgrown, drought-stricken hills. The first time, the lack of warnings and chaotic evacuations spurred residents to question their leaders' response, preparation and transparency. The second time, some of the same problems repeated themselves.

A heated town hall on Aug. 29, 2018  recorded on Facebook  captures the raw emotions five years ago. For three hours, angry and emotional residents peppered Mayor Alan Arakawa and other state and county officials with questions: Why didn't Maui Electric shut off the power given the high winds and their equipment having caused other fires? Why didn't emergency staff sound their all-hazard sirens? Why did firefighters lose water? Why was there not an evacuation plan? Why did their cellphones not get alerts? Why, after the fire, did the county not quickly provide the displaced with assistance, instead forcing their community to fill the gap?

Now, in the aftermath of the deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century, people in the Lahaina area are again asking the same questions, further challenging recent statements made by county and state officials that "nobody saw this coming," that "this has never happened before."

"We were begging to be taken seriously, but our voices weren't being heard," Samantha Dizon said. "2018 should have been a wake-up call. But nothing was done here."

Despite promising they would take action, Maui County leaders did not make wildfires a priority after 2018, a Washington Post investigation has found, even though their hazard plan stated that "West Maui has experienced more wildfires than any other community planning area over the last 20 years."

Vehicles from the 2018 fires sit on Samantha Dizons property in Lahaina this month. The 2018 fires were driven by high winds, similar to this months fire. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

The Post investigation  a review of hundreds of pages of county documents and interviews with more than a dozen people, including current and former county and state employees  found that Maui Emergency Management Agency officials regularly warned county leaders that their staffing and evacuation infrastructure was inadequate to respond to a major disaster. However, even with a budget boost, the county only increased agency staffing from seven to nine employees between fiscal years 2020 and 2021.

The agency's administrator, Herman Andaya, also did not act on recommendations by residents and others that the county broaden its outdoor warning sirens to include wildfires. At county meetings, he called the system a "last resort." Emergency officials again did not activate those sirens on Aug. 8 to alert Lahaina residents of the approaching fire, a decision Andaya repeatedly defended before he resigned last week.

The agency also never published its internal after-action report on the 2018 fires, which should have included findings on what went wrong and recommendations for improvements, according to a former county official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about the matter.

In addition, the county did not broadly or swiftly act on calls by residents, as well as reports commissioned by the community, to improve fire safety. At least two called for homeowners and private landowners to remove dangerous vegetation on their properties and create defensible spaces and fire breaks.

West Maui groups and activists had been "begging and begging and begging" for disaster planning, including more emergency management funds and more fire stations, said Joseph Pluta, the head of the West Maui Taxpayers Association. In September 2018, the nonprofit created a draft plan to better prepare the area for disasters, using a state-provided template for residents. Pluta said the county declined to participate, so the plan never went anywhere.

Back then, he said, he complained to the mayor and emergency management agency that they were minimizing the potential threats. In his view, there has been little political will to prioritize emergency planning.

The hazard plan was still sitting untouched, in draft form, on Aug. 8, when Pluta awoke choking on thick, black smoke. He survived by only a minute or two, he believes, by jumping out his window. When he looked up from the ground, he saw his Lahaina home and his neighbors' on fire.

"Everything that we told them was true," he said. "They didn't pay attention to our warnings. They didn't do what we asked them to do and minimized it, and now people are dead because of it."

Asked about the concerns of Pluta, the Dizons and other residents, Maui county officials did not respond to telephone messages or emails. Former mayor Arakawa also could not be reached. In previous statements, Maui officials have said their priorities now are helping fire victims recover, assisting in the search for missing loved ones and restoring services, such as drinking water.

Samantha Dizons home. She says that after the 2018 fire, she felt county officials were sweeping it under the rug. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Little focus on fire threats

During fiscal 2023, Maui County designated $1.1 million for emergency management  nearly 85% of which came from grants  out of a general fund budget of $1.07 billion.

While some Maui residents have criticized the county for not investing more in emergency management, it is well-known that such planning departments are underfunded nationwide. Many have just one employee. Local governments have also long struggled to fund and launch large-scale infrastructure projects and update building codes to keep people safe, the former county official said.

The county's small emergency response agency had issues beyond obtaining requested funding. The coronavirus pandemic forced the agency to redirect time and already stretched resources into the public health response.

As for the broken and empty fire hydrants that hampered the firefighting response in 2018 and 2023, a spokesperson for the Maui Fire Department said the county water districts are responsible for making sure water flows to those hydrants and the equipment is functioning. Maui's water is a complicated, hot-button issue, and crews are just the "the end users" of it, the spokesperson said. Water district officials could not immediately be reached.

Hawaiian counties such as Maui take their leads from the state and depend on it for funding and direction, according to the former county official and a former state emergency official, who also requested anonymity to speak freely.

Shingles are missing from a roof in Lahaina after the wildfires that started Aug. 8. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

While Hawaii is highly concerned about climate change, it largely focuses on sea level rise, flooding and hurricanes. Its five-year strategic plan, updated in 2022, only mentions "wildfire" twice, compared with 13 references to "hurricane." And though Maui has a thorough wildfire section in its 2020 hazard mitigation plan, which stated that the entire county was "at risk" because of climate change, it didn't prompt robust preventive work.

The Dizons, meanwhile, never achieved closure over the fire that almost killed them.

Yolanda Dizon, who was hospitalized for burns on her legs, arms and back, pushed for a probe of how the blazes started. In December 2019, the Maui Fire Department reported the findings as "inconclusive." While there were power and high-voltage energy lines in the vicinity of where two different blazes started, the chief investigator said: "At this time, I am unable to rule out the power lines as a possible ignition source." He was also "unable to rule out that this fire was intentionally set."

It felt like they were "sweeping it under the rug," Samantha Dizon said, so Yolanda kept showing up and speaking about the fire at county meetings until she died this past May.

"She knew something terrible was going to happen," Samantha said of her late mother-in-law. "And that we were not ready for it."

'You abandoned us'

Five days after the Kaua'ula Valley fire, Arakawa stood in the Lahaina High School cafeteria  flanked by officials from the county, state, electrical company and police and fire departments  and addressed the packed room. The previous week, he said, had been one of the most traumatic ones he'd ever experienced.

Listening now to what he said then is chilling, Samantha Dizon said.

"We had three fires while watching for a hurricane. We could have had a lot of deaths," Arakawa told survivors, including the Dizons. "We could have lost a lot of Lahaina and our tourist area, but instead, we didn't."

The meeting quickly turned tense. For three hours, residents, including David Dizon, took the microphone and shared their grief and anger over a lack of warning, communication and post-disaster response: "You abandoned us." "Where were you?"

"You failed us," Dizon told officials, and it wasn't the first time, he noted. The community had faced close calls with fires in 2007 and 2012, and this time, his neighbors, the Palakikos, also endured a harrowing experience.

That night, Daniel Kuulei Palakiko and his wife, Jaime, sprinted to wake up 30 members of their family as large embers landed in the coconut trees around their five homes. They quickly began to battle the fire on their own, cutting fire breaks and soaking the wooden structures. Fire crews could not make it to them, and hydrants ran of water. The last of their five homes went up in flames around 5 a.m.

Daniel Kuulei Palakiko, Jaime Palakiko and their daughter Hiialo Palakiko walk through their familys property. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Commending them for their hard work, the fire chief confirmed that there had been a "break" with the hydrant. "I can't tell you exactly why. We will follow up and see from our side and make sure we will have fire protections in place."

Next: Why didn't officials blare their sirens?

Andaya, the head of the agency, sat silently, so another emergency staffer took the mic: "Currently we don't have a protocol for sounding sirens for fires, but it doesn't mean it isn't something we can look at."

Residents grew angry. "Just do it," they yelled.

And even back then, people had questions for and concerns about Maui Electric, which is part of Hawaiian Electric  whose equipment is strongly suspected of causing the most recent Lahaina fire. According to residents in the 2018 meeting, the company was responsible for other blazes as well.

"If the winds exceed a certain amount, is Maui Electric required to shut down?" one person asked. "Those wires were whipping up there. And that was the cause of the fire."

"That was not a conversation that was had," an emergency response official replied, asking the utility's director of government and community relations to weigh in. At the time, that person was Mahina Martin, who is now the chief of communications and public affairs for Maui County and has been helping lead the response to the 2023 fires.

Martin confirmed that the utility did not have a protocol to shut down power ahead of high winds. They still do not, as The Post first reported.

There was, according to one resident, an electrical incident before the 2018 fire started. He then pressed the utility and fire chief for statistics about how many fires were the result of problems with power lines or distribution transformers. The chief replied that he did not have that information, but told him to submit the question in writing.

The 2018 fire galvanized Lahaina and Kaua'ula Valley residents to take action themselves. The Palakikos said they spent hundreds of dollars on water tanks and hoses, and got trained on how to use them.

Others showed up at meeting after county meeting, year after year, asking for better radios, evacuation plans and more emergency management staff:

 "We all know West Maui is natural, is one natural disaster away from being isolated. 30,000 people with no access to critical care, sufficient supplies.  But, as most things, once the natural disaster has passed, the urgency goes away and we move on to other things " a resident told a committee in September 2018.

 " there was not a lot of communications inside the town itself because all the cellphone towers were out. They didn't put the emergency sirens on. There were a lot of things. A lot of people didn't know what was going on. So it would be very helpful if there was a lot of planning " another resident told commissioners in April 2019.

 "What did you do right? What did you do wrong? What you going to do different next time so we don't have to have all these terrible things that happen?" Pluta told the Maui Emergency Management Agency in April 2019.

Struggling to 'move on'

After Samantha Dizon lost everything in 2018, she said it felt like the county wanted her and her community to move on, and she did, in some ways.

Now every day is like deja vu, but worse. Most of the historic town that helped her family rebuild is gone, including the homeless resource center where they lived for so long. Many of the people who fed and clothed her have now lost their homes, and she's the one organizing supplies for them. That's especially hard, because she knows what they are in for, what the trauma can do.

And then there are the dozens and dozens of burials still to come. Just recently, the Palakikos said they learned an older cousin, Jerry Junior Nuesca, died alone in his Lahaina home. They're still waiting to find out whether he burned or choked to death.

"You don't move on," from something like this, Samantha Dizon said. Because when you witness and escape a fire like she did, every whiff of smoke brings you right back to that smothering, burning air, to the panic and the chilling thoughts that you won't ever get out of it, to the sounds you wish you'd never heard.

Sacks reported from Lahaina, Hawaii, and McDaniel reported from Washington. Elahe Izadi in Washington contributed to this report.
The southernmost of the Russia-controlled Kuril Islands is seen in the distance from the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido, Japan. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes)

TOKYO  Six warships from the U.S., Japanese and Canadian navies kicked off a weeklong exercise Monday in the northwestern Pacific, from the Russia-controlled Kuril Islands to waters off Tokyo.

Noble Chinook, part of a larger exercise, is scheduled to conclude Tuesday and includes surface action group training, maneuvering and navigation practice, among other scenarios, according to U.S. 7th Fleet spokesman Lt. Luka Bakic.

Our nations share a commitment and a vested interest in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, and the series of events included in Large-Scale Global Exercise 23 show that we can work together seamlessly throughout the region, he said in an email Wednesday.

Its also the first time Japans navy has trained near the Kuril Islands, a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force spokesman told Stars and Stripes by phone Wednesday. Its customary in Japan for some government officials to speak to the media on condition of anonymity.

Taking part in Noble Chinook are the guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold, the Coast Guard cutter Kimbal, the Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter carrier JS Hyuga, the Canadian guided-missile frigates HMCS Vancouver and HMCS Ottawa and the Canadian supply ship MV Asterix.

The exercise was previously scheduled and not a response to any event, according to Bakic and the Self-Defense Force spokesman.

Training is taking place in waters stretching from the greater Tokyo metropolitan area to the Kurils, a Russian-controlled archipelago strung between the Kamchatka Peninsula and Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japans four main islands, according to a Tuesday news release by the Self-Defense Force.

The four southernmost islands in the Kuril archipelago have changed hands several times over the past two centuries but have been under Russian administration since the Soviet Union occupied them in 1945.

Japan considers the four islands its Northern Territories, and the dispute remains one of the primary reasons Russia and Japan have never signed a formal peace treaty.

In September 2022, a flotilla of Chinese and Russian ships held live-fire drills near the islands, prompting Tokyo to call on Moscow to refrain from training near the disputed territory.

Another Chinese-Russian flotilla was spotted Aug. 16 near the Miyako Strait, which separates the islands of Okinawa and Miyako in southwestern Japan. Tokyo viewed the transit as a provocation despite the warships remaining in international waters, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported Aug. 18.
SEOUL  A Chinese man who washed up on South Korea's west coast last week after crossing the Yellow Sea on a water scooter, is thought to be a political dissident who was once imprisoned in China, a South Korean human rights activist said Wednesday.

Kwon Pyong, a 35-year-old ethnic Korean whose name in Mandarin is Quan Ping, arrived in the port city of Incheon last week, Lee Daeseon, a Korea-based human rights activist, said in a telephone interview. Incheon, an hour's drive west of the capital Seoul, is the home of the country's main airport.

Lee said Kwon had traveled more than 300 kilometers, or about 200 miles, on the personal watercraft from China's Shandong province to reach South Korea, where some of his relatives live. Lee, who has known Kwon since 2019, said he confirmed the man's identity after being allowed a visit Tuesday to a coast guard facility where Kwon was being held. A close relative in South Korea also confirmed that the individual is Kwon, according to Lee, who said he had spoken to that relative.

Kwon is seeking political asylum outside China, preferably in the United States, Britain or Canada, Lee said. "Kwon is in good health and good spirits," he said. Kwon previously studied as a college student in Iowa, Lee said.

The Korean coast guard said in a news release Sunday that an individual on a 1,800-cc red water scooter  carrying more than 200 liters, or more than 50 gallons, of fuel  had beached on Incheon's wetlands and was detained for crossing the border illegally. It said the person had visited Korea previously but did not disclose the individual's name and refused to comment further, citing privacy concerns.

The coast guard's details of how the man was found suggested he had prepared for the trip thoroughly: He was wearing a life jacket and a helmet and carrying binoculars and a compass. He had dumped empty fuel canisters into the sea after refueling along the way.

In 2017, Kwon was jailed for 18 months in China for "inciting subversion of state power" after he posted speeches, images and videos on social media critical of the Chinese government. In one photo, Kwon wore a white T-shirt that likened China's top leader, Xi Jinping, to Hitler. A Chinese court said Kwon had insulted the "state authority and the socialist system," according to Front Line Defenders, an advocacy group that has followed his case.

Since being released from prison, Kwon has been subject to an exit ban stopping him from departing China legally, Lee said. He tried to leave China and enter Korea by filing a political asylum application in 2019, but the process was eventually canceled because of the travel ban. Under Xi, China is increasingly using exit bans to keep critics of the regime  citizens and foreigners alike  in the country, where they can be more easily surveilled and silenced.

The Chinese Embassy in Seoul refused to comment, saying it has no relevant information about the case.

After returning from Iowa, Kwon worked for a family business in his hometown of Yanbian, a trade hub on the China-North Korea border. On social media platforms that are now banned in China, he posted criticism of the government's censorship and political controls and support for dissidents and protests, his former attorneys said online and to the media in 2019. All of his Facebook and Twitter posts have since been deleted.
Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson provided food and water to a group of Filipino fishermen in the South China Sea, Aug. 14, 2023. (Jamaal Lidell/U.S. Navy)

The U.S. Navy provided food and fuel to mariners in distress on the high seas this month in separate incidents on two seas, according to the service.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson on Aug. 14 fed a group of Philippine fishermen in the South China Sea who needed food and water as they made their way home.

The Ralph Johnson spotted fishermen aboard a small vessel signaling for help, according to a Monday press release from Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron 15.

The fishermen were waving their arms back and forth, 7th Fleet spokesman Lt. Luka Bakic told Stars and Stripes by email Wednesday.

Petty Officer 1st Class Aileen Adriano, of Ilocos Norte, Philippines, translated for her shipmates and the fishermen in Tagalog and English.

Ive been in the Navy for 9 years, and this is the first time Ive been able to use my language to help out, Adriano said in the release. It felt really good to be a part of this.

A fast rescue boat from the USNS Millinocket heads out to assist sailors in distress near Darwin, Australia, Aug. 8, 2023. (U.S. Navy) A fast rescue boat from the USNS Millinocket lends a hand to sailors in distress near Darwin, Australia, Aug. 8, 2023. (U.S. Navy)

The group was on its way home to the Philippines but didnt have enough food or water to make the journey safely, Bakic said. The ship provided a loaf of bread, several gallons of water and four hot plates  fully prepared meals with meatloaf, vegetables and rice.

In an unrelated incident Aug. 8, the USNS Millinocket, an expeditionary fast-transport vessel, provided fuel to a leisure craft stranded on the Timor Sea off northern Australia, according to Indo-Pacific Command.

The Millinocket, underway in support of the Talisman Sabre exercise, detoured to a distress signal coming from a boat 35 miles northeast of Darwin, said the Millinockets master, civilian mariner Capt. Erwin Lao, in an Aug. 21 news release.

The Australian Harbor Patrol picked up the distress call but the Millinocket, just four miles from the stranded boat, responded, according to the release. Three civilian mariners in a fast rescue boat from the Millinocket delivered fuel and the transport stood by until Australian authorities arrived.

The five people aboard the distressed vessel were stranded for only a few hours, the release said.

INDOPACOM did not respond Wednesday to an email from Stars and Stripes seeking further information.
The Ministry of Energy of Ukraine and an affiliate of the British non-governmental organization The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) have agreed to cooperate in the demining of energy facilities and adjacent territories.

According to the message of the Ministry of Energy on the Telegram channel on Tuesday, the corresponding memorandum in the presence of Minister of Energy of Ukraine Herman Haluschenko and the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero of Great Britain Grant Shapps was signed by Deputy Minister of Energy Yaroslav Demchenkov and director of the MAG branch Jon Cunliffe.

It is noted that the memorandum provides for cooperation to create conditions for the safe restoration of the Ukrainian critical energy infrastructure by cleaning the facilities, their sites, and adjacent territories from explosive objects.

Also, MAG will, in particular, provide technical assistance and advisory support in conducting mine awareness activities.

"Unfortunately, the resumption of power supply is hampered by total mines, especially in the de-occupied territories. Many Ukrainian energy companies are ready to train their specialists themselves, purchase equipment to speed up mine clearance. And we thank MAG for its readiness to provide such assistance," Haluschenko said.
Col. John Avera of the Georgia Army National Guard salutes during the opening ceremony of exercise Agile Spirit at Krtsanisi Training Area, Georgia, on Aug. 21, 2023. (Chasity Williams/Army)

A NATO military exercise underway in the Caucasus nation of Georgia should help dispel worries that the country is becoming pro-Russian, even as it attempts to build a more pragmatic relationship with Moscow, analysts say.

Georgias government has come under fire in recent months for not sanctioning Russia after the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine and for refusing to supply weapons to Kyiv. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has also described NATO expansion as a main cause of the war.

But in welcoming troops Monday from nearly two dozen NATO and partner countries for two weeks of war games, Tbilisi has shown that it remains keen to cooperate with the Western alliance.

Army Pfc. Oluf Christensen gathers his parachute at Vaziani Training Area, Georgia, on Aug. 23, 2023, during Exercise Agile Spirit. (Allison Gilstrap/Army)

Georgia is still an important partner, particularly due to the geopolitical changes and risks, said Andras Racz, a senior fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations. This transformation of the geopolitical environment, I think, should override occasional fallbacks in bilateral NATO-Georgia relations.

The Agile Spirit exercise  which has brought together some 3,500 troops, including about 1,200 Americans  has been held regularly in Georgia since 2011, three years after the Five Day War, which saw Russian forces storm the small country to prop up two separatist regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Russian forces remain in those regions, and many Georgians fear that whatever the outcome in Ukraine, the Kremlin might be inclined to try to occupy more Georgian territory. These concerns must be considered when analyzing Tbilisis actions, experts say.

Service members from all participating allied and partner nations, including U.S. soldiers and Marines, stand in formation at the opening ceremony of Exercise Agile Spirit near Tbilisi, Georgia, on Aug. 21, 2023. (Markus Rauchenberger/Army)

Georgia is clearly looking to find a balanced approach by pursuing a better relationship with Russia but at the same time maintaining a partnership with NATO, said Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the New York-based Council on Foreign Relations.

That approach does not entail a decision to avoid exercises with NATO, as this particular exercise is making clear, Kupchan added.

The U.S. Army and Georgian Defense Forces are leading Agile Spirit, which has seen the number of participating countries jump threefold since the inaugural exercise over a decade ago. Among this years attendees are 10 countries that were once part of the Eastern bloc.

The brigade-level exercise is spread across several sites in Georgia and an air base in neighboring Turkey. It features field training, live-fire demonstrations and various response scenarios to simulate a realistic combat environment, the Army said in a statement Tuesday.

A joint forcible entry into Turkey, a maneuver to seize and hold territory thats considered one of the most challenging and complex missions assigned to the Army, is also scheduled, according to the statement.

We want these simulations to be as real as they possibly can be, said Col. John Avera, commander of the 122nd Tactical Support Detachment, 78th Troop Command, Georgia Army National Guard, who helped direct the exercise.

Lt. Col. Geoffrey Miller of the Georgia National Guard salutes during the opening ceremony of Exercise Agile Spirit near Tbilisi, Georgia, on Aug. 21, 2023. (Markus Rauchenberger/Army)

In addition to the Georgia Army National Guard, the U.S. contingent includes U.S. Army Europe and Africa, U.S Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Special Forces Command Europe.

Avera described how the U.S. will benefit from the exercise, saying we must operate in the field because when you fight, thats where you end up.

While Agile Spirit could add to regional tensions, its imperative that the drills proceed, according to Kupchan.

They are seen from Moscow as more provocative, but they become all the more important because they strengthen deterrence of Russia and Russian adventurism, Kupchan said.

Georgia is not a NATO member, but alliance Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg recently described it as one of NATOs closest partners. In 2008, Georgia was told it would eventually be brought into the trans-Atlantic fold.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, right, meets with the prime minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, at NATO headquarters in Brussels, on April 24, 2023. Stoltenberg recently described Georgia as one of NATOs closest partners. (NATO)

The Georgia Army National Guard and the country of Georgia have been partners under the DODs State Partnership Program since the 1990s, and that has helped put the county on a path to NATO acceptance.

Georgian soldiers also fought side by side with U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies whose son trained Georgian troops in their home country while serving as a Marine, said this years Agile Spirit exercise is a symbol of the continued cooperation between Georgia and the West.

We have this long-standing military relationship, and it would be a major signal to Russia if we walk away from it, Cancian said.
Various cryptocurrencies. Two men, one of them a Russian citizen, are accused of running a money laundering scheme that moved more than $1 billion, including for North Korean hackers. (Pexels)

Federal authorities charged two men Wednesday with running a massive money laundering scheme that allegedly handled more than $1 billion in illegal transactions, including moving hundreds of millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency for North Korean hackers linked to that country's government.

The charges filed in Manhattan federal court accuse Roman Storm, 34, of Washington state and his business partner Roman Semenov, 35, a Russian citizen, of laundering money and violating sanctions through their business Tornado Cash, a cryptocurrency "mixer" that allegedly moved money for the Lazarus Group, a sanctioned North Korean cybercrime organization.

Authorities say the two men publicized their business as a privacy-focused financial service, when in fact they were knowingly scheming to help criminals hide their money.

Federal investigators say such "mixing" services are increasingly popular among all manner of cybercriminals as a means of hiding and moving illegal profits. But FBI Director Christopher A. Wray said in a written statement that such criminals "are neither untraceable nor anonymous. You can't hide from us behind a keyboard  whether you're a hacker or a facilitator."

In recent years, the Justice Department has put more resources and effort into pursuing criminals who use cryptocurrency as a means of hiding assets and evading law enforcement  a global cat-and-mouse game that can involve vast sums of money.

Storm and Semenov and a third, unidentified founder started Tornado Cash with a $900,000 investment from a California-based venture capital fund, according to the indictment. At one point, when the founders suggested they create a version of the service that would adhere to federal anti-money laundering and know-your-customer rules, the investors at the venture capital fund dismissed the idea, the indictment says. One of them allegedly wrote: it would be unlikely that as a fund wed use a compliant mixer. 

Authorities allege that Storm and Semenov knowingly allowed the Lazarus Group to launder money on behalf of the North Korean government in the spring of 2022. Storm has been arrested; Semenov remains at large, officials said.

The pair were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. If convicted on the most serious charge, they face up to 20 years in prison.
Tracy McKeown (33) was in dire financial circumstances after becoming guardian to her late sisters four children

A mother-of-three caught with cannabis worth more than 3,000 has been told by a judge to stay out of trouble to avoid jail.

Tracy McKeown (33) was in dire financial circumstances after becoming guardian to her late sisters four children at the time of the offence, a court heard.

Judge Gerard Jones put the case back for a year, saying he would strike it out, leaving her without a conviction if she committed no further offences.

However, he warned that if she did reoffend, she would be jailed for three months.

McKeown, of Castlegrange Square, Clondalkin, Dublin, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to sell or supply.

Blanchardstown District Court heard gardai carried out a search of her home under warrant on March 14, 2020.

McKeown was present when gardai found 3,228 worth of cannabis along with bagging material and weighing scales. There was also a small amount of cocaine, worth 20.

Her only previous convictions were for motoring offences; none were for drugs. She was co-operative with the gardai and the DPP consented to the case being dealt with in the district court.

McKeown had seven children in her care and was responsible for debts when she got involved to supply a small circle of friends, the court heard.

One of her sisters was murdered years ago and the other died recently, leaving her children in McKeowns care.

A probation report ordered by the court set out these circumstances, her solicitor said.

Judge Jones adjourned the case to July next year and said he would strike out the case if McKeown did not come to garda attention.

She is getting off very lightly. If she comes in again therell be no second chances, he said.
Previous courts heard claims that Giles fired more than 500 ball bearings at his neighbours with a catapult

An ex-Special Forces soldier who allegedly bombarded his neighbours with metal ball bearings has been ordered to stand trial.

Ivan Jason Giles is accused of intimidation and repeatedly damaging property in a suburb of Bangor. He is also accused of assaulting police officers.

At Newtownards Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 48-year-old Giles confirmed he was aware of the 29 charges against him and did not object to a preliminary enquiry.

Formerly of Ashbury Road but now with an address at Rathgael Road in Bangor, Giles is alleged to have terrorised neighbours between October 2021 and August last year.

While none of the alleged facts were opened, previous courts heard claims that Giles fired more than 500 ball bearings at his neighbours with a catapult.

It was also claimed that Giles took matters into his own hands because his neighbours Nissan 200SX and Honda S2000 cars were backfiring and exacerbated his PTSD.

However, instead of talking to his neighbours, the former British Army corporal allegedly launched in excess of 500 ball bearings during a 10-month intimidation campaign.

They supposedly struck the cars, two men, three houses and a number of other vehicles, as well as a camera police had set up.

At one stage, officers who were speaking to the alleged victims had to take cover when ball bearings started to rain down, striking a CCTV camera with such force that it was left shaking.

Police believe upwards of 20,000 of damage was caused in the 10 months. The court also heard that one neighbour has left her home and is refusing to return.

In an incident at the end of July, Giles was allegedly captured on camera holding a catapult with a ball bearing and just launching it, while searches at his home uncovered a large sack of ball bearings and other catapults.

Arrested and interviewed, Giles, who spent more than 20 years in the Army where he served with distinction in multiple war zones, refused to answer questions, even when CCTV footage was presented.

On Tuesday, he also declined to exercise his right to comment on the charges or to call any evidence on his own behalf, although his solicitor, John Keown, conceded that he had a case to answer.

Giles faces 15 charges of criminal damage, two of attempted criminal damage, two of harassment, two of assaulting police officers and three common assaults.

He is also accused of three counts of possessing firearms without a certificate and single offences of possessing a gun under suspicious circumstances and intimidation.

Another charge alleges that between October 28, 2021 and August 3, 2022, he attempted 82 times to damage or destroy a property belonging to a couple on Ashbury Road.

Freeing Giles on continuing bail, District Judge Mark Hamill returned the case to Downpatrick Crown Court for trial, but did not set a date for the defendant to be arraigned.
Adjourning the case, Judge Treasa Kelly told him to pay 2,700 for the damage and further compensation to the driver

A father-of-two pulled his partner from a taxi outside a Dublin hotel then attacked the driver when he intervened, repeatedly punching him in the face.

Gerard McCaffrey (36) drove off in his own car after assaulting the taxi driver, smashing through the hotels closed gate.

Adjourning the case, Judge Treasa Kelly told him to pay 2,700 for the damage and further compensation to the driver.

McCaffrey, a stay-at-home dad from Annesley Court, Newcastle, Co Down, pleaded guilty to assaulting the taxi driver and criminal damage. His partner did not make a complaint.

Garda Sergeant Deirdre McInerney told Dublin District Court the incident happened at the Skylon Hotel in Drumcondra on February 27, 2020.

The accused and his partner had been out in Dublin that night and became separated.

McCaffrey was using the hotel phone in reception to call her at 11.50am when he started repeatedly smashing the handset, causing 100 worth of damage.

Fifteen minutes later, he was waiting in the hotel car park when his partner arrived back in a taxi.

When it stopped, McCaffrey pulled her from the cab and pushed her to the ground, the sergeant said.

The driver got out to try to calm the situation down and McCaffrey punched him several times to the head with a closed fist.

The taxi driver did not fight back and remained defensive.

He suffered from dizziness and headaches after the attack.

McCaffrey then left in his own BMW, breaking a flower pot worth 100 as he left and deliberately driving through a closed gate, causing 2,500 worth of damage.

The couple had a dispute on the night, they were still together and due to be married this year, defence barrister Kevin McCrave said.

McCaffrey had had some difficulties with alcohol but had stopped drinking since the incident.

The DPP consented to the case being heard in the district court.

Judge Kelly accepted jurisdiction.

The judge adjourned the case to January to give the accused time to pay compensation before mitigation and finalisation.
At about 04.00, Russian occupiers dropped two guided bombs on a kindergarten and residential buildings in Kherson, wounding six people, Head of the regional military administration Oleksandr Prokudin said on Telegram on Wednesday morning.

As Prokudin noted, the injured 22-year-old man was taken to a health facility, the rest of the doctors provided assistance on the spot.

According to him, a fire broke out at the site of the shelling.

Head of Kherson City Military Administration Roman Mrochko said as a result of an airstrike, a preschool education institution in Korabelny district of Kherson caught fire.

"Three units of specialized equipment and 14 employees of the State Emergency Service personnel were promptly involved in extinguishing," he said.

According to Mrochko, over the past 24 hours, the enemy shelled Kherson city territorial community 13 times, using 78 shells. It is indicated that there are defeats in Kherson, Sadove and Komyshany.

In general, according to Prokudin, the invaders shelled the Kherson region 72 times, firing 364 shells from mortars, artillery, tanks, Grad and UAVs over it over the past day. The city of Kherson had 27 shells.

"The Russian military got into residential areas of the region's settlements; the territory of a plant, factory, enterprise; critical infrastructure facilities and hospitals in Kherson; a store building and a critical infrastructure facility in Beryslavsky district," he said.

According to him, as a result of the Russian attack, one person was killed and five were injured.
Gardai are hopeful of catching the gang who were disguised as workmen after their getaway car failed to start and was abandoned at the scene

A young boy was one of four people held against their will in a violent home invasion during which his grandfather was beaten with an iron bar.

Gardai are hopeful of catching the gang who were disguised as workmen after their getaway car failed to start and was abandoned at the scene.

The terrifying aggravated burglary happened in the Carrickbrennan Lawn area of Monkstown, Dublin, at around 8.15am on Monday.

A number of men dressed as workers knocked on the door before forcing their way into the house.

The four occupants, including a couple in their 70s, their daughter and their grandchild  who is aged under 10  were then held against their will.

The grandfather was beaten with an iron bar as the raiders searched the house for valuables. It is understood that a number of items were taken during the burglary, including cash.

The raiders then tried to flee the scene in a BMW Estate, but the vehicle failed to start. The gang abandoned the car and fled on foot in the direction of Monkstown Village.

Emergency services were alerted and the injured pensioner was transferred to St Vincents University Hospital in south Dublin, where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

A source said: This was clearly a well-planned burglary given that the men involved disguised themselves as workmen in an effort to get the occupants to open the door to the property.

The car that they used to arrive at the scene has been seized for technical examination.

Gardai are confident that evidence can be gleaned from this car which will help in identifying the gang involved.

Detectives were last night continuing to hunt the suspects and no arrests have been made.

It is understood that the child was visiting the property with his mother at the time of the assault.

A garda spokesperson said: Gardai in Dun Laoghaire are appealing to any person who may have witnessed this incident to contact them.

Any persons or road users who were in or around Carrickbrennan Lawn and Monkstown village this morning, Monday, August 21, between 7.30am and 9.00am and who may have video/dash cam footage is asked to contact investigating gardai.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dun Laoghaire garda station at 01 666 5000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
Thomas Hogg was given a suspended sentence after being found guilty of attempting to incite a boy in sexual activity

A former DUP mayor has been stripped of his MBE after a conviction for a sex offence.

Thomas Hogg, who resigned from the party in 2019, was mayor of Newtownabbey in 2014/15.

He also resigned from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

He was made an MBE in the 2016 Queens Birthday Honours List.

Thomas Hogg

Britains Cabinet Office listed Hogg among the people who had forfeited honours on Tuesday.

He was sentenced in 2021 for an offence against a teenage boy in 2019.

He was given a suspended sentence after being found guilty of attempting to incite a boy in sexual activity.
"At approximately 12:30am, a car failed to stop when directed to do so by gardai in the Lucan area.

General view of a Police Stinger Spike Strip deployed on a road next to some double yellow lines

Three teenagers were arrested by gardai early Wednesday morning in Dublin after a dramatic car chase and deployment of a stinger device.

Gardai revealed the incident took place in West Dublin in the early hours of this morning, August 23.

A garda spokesperson said: "At approximately 12:30am, a car failed to stop when directed to do so by gardai in the Lucan area. The car left the scene at speed and a managed containment operation ensued.

"A stinger device was successfully deployed on the N2 at Charleston Place in Finglas and the vehicle was brought to a halt. It was subsequently discovered that the vehicle had been subject to an unauthorised taking.

"One male aged in his late teens and two male juvenile teens were arrested and taken to Garda Stations in the North of Dublin.

"The male (late teens) has been charged and is scheduled to appear before the courts at a later date.

"The two male juvenile teens have been released pending referral to the Youth Diversion Programme. Investigations are ongoing.
The monolithic slab was about 12-15 inches off the ground...Im coming forward to educate the public.

An American army veteran has described in detail coming across a hovering monolithic slab in an underground facility at an army base, the discovery of which allegedly led to an assassination attempt and terrifying reprisals against his family.

DC Long (43), a combat veteran, who was in the US Army from 97-2013, gave his testimony at the Disclosure press conference, organized by Dr Steven Greer, over the summer and again on the Shawn Ryan Show.

It is understood Mr Longs testimony has been brought to the attention of US Congress, as they further investigate UAP and secret access programmes within the military-industrial complex.

Hovering slab (artist image from Studio Drift art show in NYC)

It happened in early 2011 / end of 2010, Mr Long said.

My father was a Government contractor. Construction. We were selected to do a job at the base. We were escorted from JFK Warfare to a place called Range 19 in Fort Bragg.

They pick us up in a van, and brought us in the direction of the live fire range. As soon as the door opened it looked like a dump, an actual dump, trash everywhere.

There was a door at 45 degree sitting out of the hill. We go inside and meet an escort. Takes us to a freight elevator. One of the guys looks at my dad and says keep your head down and I eyes in front of you or you will be shot, Mr Long stated.

The pair were then reportedly brought to an underground hanger where DC claims he saw something incredible.

"When the doors of the elevator opened and I looked down I could see it. I didnt realize the shitstorm I just stepped into. I could see this giant monolithic slab. Closer I got I could feel this intense vibration, but it was silent. It felt like being at a concert with base permeating through your body.

Road leading to the former Fort Bragg

I go on one knee to tie my boots, there was nothing underneath this damn thing. Nothing underneath to hold it up. It was a granite slab, polished smooth surface. It was about 20 foot long x 7 foot tall slab to pick up something like that would need at least three or four cranes.

Im on my knee and behind it I can see feet, two people standing behind it. There was a boulder on the ground directly behind it and over my shoulder, another boulder. One guy is pushing it with one hand and its just freely spinning. No wobble, like it was attached at the top and the bottom. As if it was made of paper-mache, thats how easy this guy was spinning it around.

I was just too curious, I had to figure out what it was, I really shouldnt have. On the top of it there was a black box, looked like a tool box. Two leads that came out of it.

The other boulder had the same thing on top. The monolithic slab was about 12-15 inches off the ground. So one boulder levitating, one slab levitating and one boulder on the ground. The escort kicks me and says lets go, DC said.

The father and son then apparently went further through the facility to take measurements for the fit out of a shooting range.

We go back upstairs and everything is empty when we get to the hanger again, the monolithic slab, the two boulders in the back is absolutely gone. We would have heard it being moved, but it was dead silent. It was absolutely gone, everything in there vacated, in less than 30 minutes.

The pair were allegedly then brought to an office to sign NDAs, or non-disclosure agreements, about what they had seen. They refused and this led to the destruction of Mr Longs fathers business as well as an alleged assassination attempt, the veteran claims.

I get up there (to the family business) and the door is kicked in. Everything is torn out and gone. I was like whats going on?

My dad said its all gone. I said is it to do with range 19? He said dont ever mention that again. Thats was the last time I spent any time face to face with my dad. It wasnt until 2021 that I got to see him again.

"He would refuse to see me. It made me wonder what could someone threaten you with to make you turn your back on your child?

Shortly after the incident, in early 2012, Mr Long was doing a combat parachute jump. He describes being on the plane and what happened next.

Were hooked up ready to go, jumpmaster getting ready to hit me. A guy from the back shuffles his way to the front. And its one of the escorts (from the range). He is unmistakeable. He just winked at me.

Someone slapped me on the side of the face- a static line. That man took off and snapped my neck, pulled me out upside down- complete oscillation.

Woke up a month later, career over. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, it was assassination attempt. A week after my dad died I was at my new house by the beach, nobody knew I was there. There was a knock on the door, it was that same guy. He gave me a note saying thinking of you.

To me it was like someone looking you dead in the eye and going I can touch you whenever I want.

"Im coming forward to educate the public because I am tired of doing nothing. The world could be so much easier if they just let it out  (the technology).

But somebody wants to make money off of it, Mr Long concluded.

The army veterans testimony comes after US Senator, Marco Rubio, said UAP special access programme whistleblowers were coming forward to Congress and frankly, a lot of them are fearful of harm coming to them.

You can watch DC Longs full interview here.
We can think of no greater outcome than protecting citizens and witnesses of crimes from violent criminals such as Johnny Dolph.

The leader of the Irish Mob copped a lengthy prison sentence Stateside last Thursday after being busted with illegal weapons and trying to attack witnesses in a dramatic court case.

Johnny Dolph (50) originally of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a leader of the Irish Mob Gang, which originated in the Oklahoma prison system, according to the Attorneys Office of Nebraska.

Todays sentencing of John Dolph is a message to criminals who think threatening a witness and destroying evidence will keep them out of prison. The FBI will find you, intimidation and threats of violence will never be tolerated, said FBI Agent, Eugene Kowel.

Irish Mob tattoo

During the course of a traffic stop last September, one of the Irish Mobs gang members was caught was in possession of counterfeit currency, forged cheques, and other items used for forging documents, with much of the evidence incriminating Dolph.

Shortly after this individuals arrest, Dolph and a co-defendant began threatening their fellow gangsters wife in order for her to keep quiet.

Following that, Dolphs pal purchased him a 9mm gun, known as a straw purchase, where one person buys a weapon illegally for another.

The Mob boss wasnt allowed to have a gun because of his 11 convictions  including two domestic violence incidents  in Oklahoma and Kansas.

In October 2021, federal authorities executed a search warrant at Dolphs Omaha apartment. Following that search, Dolph tracked down the address of a federal agent and took a video while driving by the agents home.

He then distributed that video to others, stating that he needed a throw-away gun.

A month later, Dolph had two women from Kansas, Kate Ruth and Juanita Gibson, travel to Omaha to green light a threat against their own gang members wife.

He would later tell cops that he meant that threat to be an assault and not an order to kill the woman. On July 18, Gibson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assault a witness and attempted assault of a witness.

Authorities attempted to arrest Dolph on March 1, 2022, after law enforcement determined that a Hi-Point C9 9mm gun found in his possession had been obtained via the so-called, straw purchase.

In recorded calls, Dolph gave specific instructions to another gangster about how to find an item hidden in an air compressor inside a trailer kept in a storage unit in Omaha.

Fighting Irish prison tatoo

He told the man to destroy the evidence in the case by dousing it in gasoline and igniting it with a blow torch  and to send him a photo of it burning to prove hed actually done it.

The FBI detectives in charge described their relief and tireless efforts that were were instrumental in seeing justice served in this case, said Kansas City Field Office Special Agent in Charge Brandon Bridgeforth.

We can think of no greater outcome than protecting citizens and witnesses of crimes from violent criminals such as Johnny Dolph.

"Our office has the power and authority to prosecute all offenses against the United States. Any attempts to subvert this pursuit of justice through illicit means will be met with aggressive prosecution," said Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr.

"Today's sentencing is an example of this commitment and should serve as a warning to those who are contemplating unlawful attempts to undermine the criminal justice process, the Attorney said.
He still hasnt been released as they said he's a threat to the public for the charge against him

The wife of a teenage dad who has been arrested for attempted murder in Canada has claimed he is being mistreated because he is an Irish Traveller.

The spouse of Thomas Nolan (19) says he is the victim of mistaken identity after a lookalike ran down a man with his truck in a fit of rage.

Toronto police have since charged Nolan over the alleged car-ramming attack in June even though it was five weeks before his wife Eileen Delaney says they arrived in the country.

And although he has been granted bail, he remains behind bars while his distraught wife appealed for help.

Eileen posted on Facebook: "We came on holiday on August 1, 2023. Three days later Thomas Nolan gets beaten and arrested in Canada and accused for attempted murder.

"He's being accused of something that happened on June 27. Thomas was not in Canada on these dates."

Thomas with his baby

Adding that this is a case of mistaken identity for someone else, Eileen said Thomas was: 19 years old with a wife and a 1 year old Baby that has no family in Canada and has been put into prison.

He was the granted bail for a substantial amount of money and several different bail conditions which he was willing to follow on the 9th of augustand he still hasnt been released as they said he's a threat to the public for the charge against him.

He's Being mistreated by the Canadians, she added. Thomas Nolan is an innocent man. We believe that he's being mist treated as We're from the Irish traveling community.

Police have released a photo of the suspect they believe was behind the car-ramming attack which followed an alleged row near the Scotiabank Arena in the city.

Investigators say they were called for a "fail-to-remain personal injury collision" following a physical altercation at 11.30pm on June 27.

The suspect got into a black older model pickup truck and drove on the sidewalk, police said in a statement released at the time.

The suspect, while driving on the sidewalk, struck the victim from behind.

The suspect is then believed to have turned the truck round and driven along the sidewalk at speed before fleeing the scene.

The victim was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries while police released a description of the suspect as 5'8" with short curly hair.

He had been driving a black 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac an Ontario plate.

Thomas Nolan

A Toronto Police Service spokeswoman told The Sun that the suspect was arrested on August 3, 2023.

I cannot go into detail of the investigation as it is before the courts, the spokesperson added. Youll have to contact the courts to get any information regarding court information."

Nolan has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, and dangerous operation of a conveyance causing bodily harm.

A UK Foreign Office spokesperson told the UK Sun: We are supporting a British man who was detained in Toronto and are in contact with the local authorities.
The Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat crew were requested to launch after crew from the French yacht requested assistance

The RNLI lifeboat crew from Ballycotton, Co Cork rescued a yacht with five people on board on Tuesday.

A 44ft vessel was making its way from the Scilly Isles in the southwest of England to Dungarvan, Co Waterford when it lost its rudders and was left powerless 10 miles south of Mine Head.

The Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat crew were requested to launch by the Valentia Coast Guard at 7.45am after crew from the French yacht requested assistance.

They made contact with the yacht and arrived to the scene at 9.15am, where all five crew members were wearing flotation devices and were unharmed.

Towing the vessel was made more difficult by force four gales and a moderate swell. The yacht arrived in Ballycotton at 1.15pm on Tuesday afternoon where it will remain until damage is assessed and repairs are carried out.

Ballycotton Deputy Coxwain Barry McDonald praised the crew for responding to a particularly difficuly callout.

I would especially like to thank all the crew who responded to the pager as handling a rudderless yacht is challenging and also to the ground crew who assisted when we arrived back in the harbour, he said.

We would also like to congratulate David Casey on his first call out as newly qualified navigator.

The volunteer lifeboat crew who rescued the yacht comprised of deputy coxwain Barry McDonald, mechanic Adam Hussey, navigator David Casey and volunteers Eolan Breathnach, Ciaran Walsh, Kate Flemming and Stephen Sloane.
Peggy will be sincerely missed and fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews, relatives, wonderful neighbours and friends

Numerous tributes have been paid to tragic Co Mayo mother-of-five Margaret Conway, who was killed in two-car crash, ahead of her funeral on Friday.

Margaret (78), of Drimcoggy, Srah, Tourmakeady, was fatally injured in the incident at Culmore, at the Charlestown side of Swinford on Monday, at approximately 4.30pm.

Her husband Padraig, who was driving the car Margaret was travelling in, was taken to Mayo University Hospital where he was treated for serious injuries.

The male driver of the second vehicle was also seriously injured during the collision and taken to University Hospital Galway.

Margarets family expressed their gratitude for all the help and support they have received at this difficult time.

On her death notice on RIP.ie, it states that Margaret (Peggy) Conway (nee) Keane, died tragically on August 21.

Predeceased by her parents Mary and Michael, sisters Nancy, Bridie, Kathleen, Sr Agatha (Mary) and brother Paddy, the notice adds. Beloved wife of Padraig Conway and loving mother of Maureen, Michael, Barbara, Pat and Caroline.

It adds that she will be deeply missed by her daughters-in-law Lorraine and Louise, sons-in-law Damien and Mark, partner Aiden and adored by her many grandchildren.

Peggy will be sincerely missed and fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews, relatives, wonderful neighbours and friends, the notice adds.

Margaret will be reposing at Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh, on Thursday evening at 5.30pm, with removal to her home at 7.30pm.

Funeral Mass on Friday at 12 noon in St Marys Church, Tourmakeady will be followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining Tourmakeady Graveyard.

Numerous messages of condolence have been left for Margaret with one reading: It is with greatest sorrow to learn about the passing of Peggy. We had spoken just last week about our visiting next month.

In less than a week, she had gone. Our sincere condolences to her husband, family, children and grandchildren.

Peggy was an brilliant kind lady, another one reads. She will be very much missed. Let her gentle soul rest in peace.

We are saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Peggy, another person has added. Our heartfelt condolences to Michael and all the Conway family at this difficult time.

There are no words to describe how sorry I am for your loss. Rest in peace Peggy, one person said.

We have only lovely memories of Peggy, when we visited in 1976, 2009 and 2022. Peggy and Padraig were always so welcoming and even in Australia we feel the loss, one person recalled.

County councillor Michael Burke, who is based in Ballinrobe, is a relative of Margaret's through marriage.

He described her as a great family woman who had reared a mighty family.

She was a hard worker, he added. Thats what youd definitely call her, a really hard worker," Cllr Burke told The Mayo News.

"She was a great woman and a great neighbour and a great friend. Thats what she was. Its so tragic what happened to her at the end, just when she was starting to enjoy a bit of life."

In a previous appeal, gardai urged any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N5 between Swinford and Charlestown this afternoon between 4pm and 4.45pm to make it available to gardai.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Swinford Garda Station on 094 925 2990, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
There were calls for Aisling to take the crown as she expressed her vulnerability and openness about grief

This is the moment Clare Rose Aisling OConnors account of the loss of both her parents moved Rose of Tralee Festival host Kathryn Thomas to tears.

There were calls for Aisling to take the crown as she expressed her vulnerability and openness about grief following the deaths of her parents Pat and Denise just five and two years ago, respectively.

And while it was New York Rose Roisin Wiley who was crowned the 2023 International Rose of Tralee on the final night of the festival last night, it was 25-year-old Aisling who had the audience in tears.

As she expressed gratitude to her local community of Feakle, Aisling, the eldest of six children, provided one of the most emotional interviews on stage.

Aisling who is the eldest sibling to brothers Patrick, Eoin, Liam, Ronan and Oisin told how locals rallied around the family after her parents passed away.

In 2018, their father passed away in what Aisling described as a "tragic, tragic" accident. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in their childhood, before receiving a second diagnosis of Metastatic breast cancer in 2020. She passed away after a tough fight in 2021.

Clare Rose Aisling OConnor

Speaking on the aftermath of their loss, Kathryn was moved to tears, telling Aisling that she was astounded by her bravery.

"I feel really lucky in a way, we have never been alone."

"There have been vouchers left, bags of shopping, electricity bills paid, and always somebody at the end of the phone," she said.

"We are very much supported, we are never alone."

Kathryn replied that when you think of Irish communities, and you think of the word 'community,' you told me there was even a fridge strapped to a gate post at the end of your lane because they wanted to give you space while making sure they looked after you.

Aisling responded to say that it was out of pure goodness and a want to help, as there was no seeking of thanks from anyone who helped them.

"For them, it was about supporting us, Aisling stated. They never wanted thanks, there was never a name at the end of a card or anything like that, things were just left. They did it for us, to support us.

I think that is what being Irish is, there is no man left behind, that's the community spirit. Its truly remarkable and incredible. Myself and my five brothers, this experience has given us the opportunity to thank them so deeply. Everybody, thank you."

Kathryn asked her how she found the strength to get up each day and keep going after such a painful experience.

Aisling replied: "Those days happen. When you are going through profound grief like that, it can be hard to look ahead to next year or next month or next week, or even tomorrow. But with my brothers surrounding me, my parish surrounding me, my community surrounding me, they make it easier. Day by day, minute by minute we're getting there."

Despite her heart breaking story, Aisling manged a bittersweet story that raised a laugh when she that as a result, her brothers are great at housekeeping and cooking, and that some of them are single and ready to mingle.

The Clare Rose has worked as a primary school teacher in Crumlin, Co. Dublin for the past three years had previously said that being the eldest of six children, and the only girl, my role as a sister has always been important to me.

Growing up surrounded by my brothers has taught me resilience, kindness and a whole lot of patience!

Rose of Tralee fans have been flocking to Twitter to shower Aisling with praise for her inspiring bravery.

One Twitter user penned: What an amazing family. Her parents would be so proud. So emotional, while a second wrote: What a Remarkable young lady, Best Wishes for tonight and especially heading into the future. A truly inspiring lady.
Press Release

August 23, 2023 CO-SPONSORSHIP SPEECH

Profound Sympathy: Death of Former DMW Secretary

Maria Susan "Toots" Ople

August 23, 2023 Mr. President, today the entire Philippines suffers a great loss. Before anything else, allow me to express my condolences to the bereaved family, loved ones, and colleagues of the Department of Migrant Worker (DMW) Secretary Maria Susan "Toots" Ople. I humbly stand, then, to co-sponsor Senate Resolution No. 747, expressing the profound sympathy and sincere condolences of the Senate on the death of Maria Susan "Toots" Ople. The good Secretary passed away yesterday, August 22, 2023. Throughout all the manifestations, we will hear so many great and noble things about her. We will hear of how Secretary Toots was a champion of Filipino migrant workers who answered the call of service even when she was battling with cancer. Secretary Toots was a woman in a category of her own, standing not only for the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) but also for their family at home. Allow me, however, Mr. President, to remember her in a way that is different, but also the same. When I was still Chief of the Philippine National Police, Secretary Toots wrote me an open letter, which was published in one of our national newspapers on January 22, 2017. In that letter, she wrote, and I quote: "Amidst the rivalry between good and evil within the Philippine National Police, I implore you to keep us safe, and for justice and human rights to be the bedrocks of our society." To me, that was the kind of person that Secretary Toots was and never failed to be. She was one who reminded me, reminded all of us, of what our positions mean and what they demand of us. Fearless in the face of authority, if it meant reminding those in authority that whatever power they possess is only on account of the people who trust them, the people whose rights they are called upon to uphold. Secretary Toots was a force to be reckoned with, and I cannot even bear to keep talking about her in the past tense. Mr. President, she still is a force to be reckoned with. Mr. President, we may have lost her physically but her exemplary contribution to our country will remain a legacy. It is this legacy that will persist, despite the physical loss that we now feel. Ang integridad ng kanyang pamumuno at pamamahala ay magpapatuloy hangga't may mga taong [pipiliing] hindi makalimot. Kabilang ako sa mga taong iyon, Ginoong Pangulo. As I stand before this august body, I make it my commitment to continue to uphold the good governance that Secretary Toots exemplified. I will not fail you, Secretary Toots. More importantly, I will not fail the country. Your reminders reverberate in my ears even now when I am no longer Chief PNP. I will always stand for justice. To the family and loved ones of Secretary Susan "Toots" Ople, please accept our deepest sympathies. Your loss is our loss, and we share in your grief. We are grateful for her remarkable contributions to our nation and we stand united in carrying forward the torch of her advocacy. May Secretary Ople rest in peace, knowing that her legacy lives on, in the lives she touched and the hearts she inspired. Let us remember her with gratitude and continue to strive for a nation that honors the dignity and sacrifices of our modern-day heroes - our overseas Filipino workers. Maraming salamat, Mr. President.
President of the Republic of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa arrived on Wednesday, August 23, in the morning in Ukraine for a two-day visit, Portuguese media said.

According to Lusa agency, the Head of the Portuguese State arrived in Kyiv at 07:30 at Kyiv-Passenger railway station, accompanied by Foreign Minister Joao Gomes Cravinho.

The President of Portugal said he was in Kyiv to express solidarity with Ukraine, as well as to take part in the celebration of Independence Day on Thursday.

"The Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Assembly of the Republic, the Minister of Foreign Affairs have been here several times, now the President of the Republic has arrived. Portugal demonstrates its solidarity in all areas," de Souza said shortly after disembarking at Kyiv-Passenger railway station.

The president also said he would meet on Thursday with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, as well as attend a summit on Crimea.

In addition, he is scheduled to "visit an institution dedicated to the very serious problem of Ukrainian children" separated from their families by the war or orphans.

A visit of the president to Bucha, Kyiv region, is also scheduled.
Its no secret Tauranga has an infrastructure problem  but how is it going to be fixed?

Speaking to SunLive, outgoing Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller says China, who finances infrastructure projects around the world, should remain an option when resolving the transport issue.

We take assistance from China by the fact they buy what we produce. We take assistance from them when they send their students here to help fill our universities.

They have significant investment and of capital they want to invest around the world and we should be open to that, but we should be eyes wide open as we are with other countries and other individuals that seek to invest.

I think our future is to be open to the world as it changes, not trying to be a small little defensive country at the bottom of the world  because weve got no hope in that context.

Muller says New Zealand also seems to have lost the ability as a country to build quickly and efficiently, which is going to take more than a couple of years of good governing to turn around.

Thats the outgoing Bay of Plenty MPs perspective  but what about the fresh candidates?

Labour Party Bay of Plenty candidate Pare Taikato says Labour has a long established procurement policy" when it comes to foreign investment.

Labour Party Bay of Plenty candidate Pare Taikato. Photo: Taylor Rice/SunLive.

That includes a national interest test and as the Prime Minister has said, Labour is committed to ensuring our public assets, like roads, remain publicly owned, says Taikato.

ACT Bay of Plenty candidate Cameron Luxton says although Kiwis deserve functioning roads and infrastructure to give New Zealand a world class standard of living, the country should be careful about who they are dealing with.

New Zealand has a relatively small population and a limited capital base. Meaning that we need more workers and capital."

Bay of Plenty ACT Party candidate Cameron Luxton. Photo: File/SunLive.

This does not mean we should be naive about who we are dealing with. We're happy to trade with China, but when it comes to the possibility of major strategic infrastructure being owned by people who are under the thumb of a regime that we disagree with on many issues, that's probably a little too risky.

ACT welcomes investment from fellow democratic OECD countries, indeed countries such as Australia and Ireland have thrived by being more open to this type of foreign investment.

Encouraging this investment means, that rather than the waiting generations for infrastructure, New Zealand can be open for investment from large capital markets overseas to help deliver important projects.

The fruits of this approach mean that parents can get home to their families without spending their lives in traffic on our highways and in our city, and through well-functioning ports and roads Kiwi businesses can easily supply markets with their goods.

Leighton Baker Party candidate for Bay of Plenty Wendy Gillespie says New Zealand should not sign any international investment agreements with any country, "especially China".

Bay of Plenty Leigton Baker Party candidate Wendy Gillespie. Photo: Supplied.

"You don't know about the fish hooks that come [with an investment agreement]. In the Pacfic region, there a huge amount of countries in debt to China because of their infrastructure projects.

"We believe we can afford all of our infrastructure projects, whether its roading, hospitals or schools, if this Government stops wasting money on its over-bloated bureaucracy.

"The issue with having Chinese partners comes with New Zealand giving away a lot of its assets and self-sustainability. You'll see that around the dairy industry, a lot of Chinese owned companies now own a lot of that sector, as well as a lot of large farms."

Meanwhile, National Bay of Plenty candidate Tom Rutherford, Muller's replacement, says National is proposing several "innovative financing tools" to "get infrastructure built" in the country.

National Party Bay of Plenty candidate Tom Rutherford. Photo: Taylor Rice/SunLive.

This, according to Rutherford, includes "encouraging investment" that will "speed up the delivery" of the infrastructure "we desperately need", like State Highway 29 and Stage Two of the Takitimu North Link here in the Bay of Plenty.

"For the most part, this will be from investors like international pension funds in Canada and Australia and ACC and the NZ Super Fund here at home. Other international investors might also be interested but they would need to go through the strict Overseas Investment Office process as usual to ensure it's in the national interest.

"Our economy relies on strong infrastructure that gets people and goods where they need to be safely and efficiently. National will build the infrastructure the Bay of Plenty needs for the future."

SunLive has approached both New Zealand First Bay of Plenty candidate Kirsten Murfitt and Green Party Bay of Plenty candidate Matthew Macmillan for comment.
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Spain's Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (Mitma) has finalised the 1.8-million-euro works contract for the repair of 12 pedestrian bridges over the A-7 motorway in Estepona, Marbella and Mijas.

In a statement the Ministry said the work will be financed by the European Next Generation funds, within the framework of the Recovery Plan.

The pedestrian bridges over the A-7 that are due to be repaired. SUR

The bridges are located between kilometres 158.92 and 197.65 of the A-7 motorway at the following points (PP.KK.), according to the Mitma Bridge Management System: 158+920; 163+130; 163+700; 165+100; 183+850; 184+320; 189+070; 191+000; 192+920; 195+300; 197+100 and 197+650. The kilometre points mentioned correspond to the old kilometre markers of the A-7, since this motorway is currently being re-numbered in the provinces of Almeria, Granada, Malaga and Cadiz.

The work is aimed at repairing the deteriorated walkways and bridges which are subject to damage from the sea air. The project includes repairs to handrails, ranging from replacement in the most serious cases to sanding and painting in milder cases. There will also be work to improve the durability of the concrete faces with the application of corrosion inhibitors, waterproof coatings or anti-carbonation paints.

The works are included in the Recovery Plan envisages investing up to 357 million euros of EU funds to modernise more than 80 tunnels and enhance the protection of wildlife and vulnerable users on the state road network.
Occupiers continue to employ pontoons at Chonhar, Henichesk, allow part of the traffic flow via Armiansk  British intelligence

Russian occupation forces continued to employ pontoon bridges at Chonhar and near the town of Henichesk, Kherson region, on the administrative border between Kherson region and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea in southern Ukraine, as of the middle of August.

"Both permanent bridges sustained damage from Ukrainian precision strikes in early August 2023. The pontoon bridges are unlikely to be able to fully sustain the flow of heavy vehicles carrying ammunition and weaponry to the front," the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland said on Twitter on Wednesday.

British intelligence said the resulting bottlenecks mean Russian forces are partially reliant on a long diversion via Armiansk, northern Crimea. This is adding further friction to Russias logistics network in the south.
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Syracuse, N.Y.  A Bronx man was sentenced Tuesday for trying to bribe a Syracuse VA Medical Center official to get a contract for N95 masks during the covid pandemic.

Muhammad Z. Aabdin, was sentenced in Syracuse federal court to three years probation, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of New york, said in a news release. He previously pleaded guilty to offering a bribe to a public official.

Aabdin, 33, offered $8,333 to the official in September 2020, prosecutors said. He said hed share the profits if the VA gave him a contract to provide 4,000 N95 masks, according to his criminal complaint.

The contract was worth $25,000, prosecutors said.

Aabdin made the offer first by email and again through text messages and a phone call with an undercover agent posing as a contracting officer, prosecutors said.

Everyone has to eat at the end of the day, Aabdin wrote in one email, according to the complaint. Help me out. We both will make money. Believe me.

Staff writer Fernando Alba covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, question or comment? Reach him: Email | Twitter or at 315-690-6950.
A Lewis County man live streamed child porn for money for nearly a year, federal prosecutors said Tuesday.

Two children under the age of five were shown in the live streams, federal prosecutors from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of New York said in a news release.

Nathan Hotchkiss, 35, has pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, prosecutors said.

The agreement between Hotchkiss and prosecutors is for a 30-year prison sentence. A judge will have to sign off on the agreement at sentencing.

In his guilty plea, Hotchkiss admitted to putting on the live streams from at least October 2021 through August 2022, prosecutors said.

Investigators found a collection of child porn on Hotchkiss when he was arrested last year, prosecutors said.

Hotchkiss is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 17.

Staff writer Fernando Alba covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, question or comment? Reach him: Email | Twitter or at 315-690-6950.
Join NY Cannabis Insider for our next full-day conference on Sept. 21 at the Pearl Street Grill & Brewery in Buffalo. Tickets will sell out.

A court order last week to indefinitely pause New Yorks Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary program sent shockwaves through the states legal cannabis industry and not for the first time.

The latest injunction comes on the heels of another that led to a months-long slow-down of parts of the CAURD program, which occurred amid a crisis for cultivators who collectively spent millions to plant and harvest a marijuana crop last year, only to realize that there were few retail stores where they could sell their products.

And now, some CAURD licensees are wondering if theyll be able to open at all.



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Earlier this month, prior to Judge Kevin Bryants injunction halting the CAURD program, NY Cannabis Insider conducted an informal mental health survey for people engaged in the states cannabis industry. The results  from nearly 70 respondents  show a notable decline in mental health, with these professionals saying their stress has increased tremendously as their business outlook looks increasingly dire.

My stress and anxiety levels have skyrocketed in relation to having to restructure how weve entered the market and how were proceeding moving forward, one respondent, a cannabis cultivator, said.

Launching a legal cannabis company is a risky affair at best, but licensed New York cannabis business owners and workers have spent more than a year adjusting to new regulations, out-of-the-blue announcements and predictable lawsuits that have periodically shut down large parts of the industry.

As a result, mental health around the Empire States legal weed sector appears to be deteriorating.

Sometimes people do not talk about that part of their industry: of being overwhelmed, said Sarita Ford, a social worker and therapist in Baltimore, who specializes in work-related mental health issues. It definitely can affect business owners  long term and short term  if youre stressed and youre under a lot of pressure.

A graph based on NY Cannabis Insider's survey (n=69) of people involved in the state's cannabis industry. Images created using ChatGPT Code Interpreter.

A stressful environment

The Office of Cannabis Management and Cannabis Control Board started issuing conditional cultivation and processing licenses in the middle of last year, under the premise that plenty of dispensaries would be ready to open by the time these companies harvested their crops or stood up a processing operation.

The early 2022 legislation that created the Adult-Use Conditional Cultivation and Adult-Use Conditional Processing licenses was driven by the need to speed up the establishment of the adult-use cannabis market. Advocates for provisional licensing also said at the time that it was necessary to ensure dispensaries would have products to sell.

Around the time the CCB began licensing CAURD businesses later that year, Gov. Kathy Hochul pledged that at least 20 retailers would open by the end of 2022, with about 20 per month opening after that.

But nearly a year later, only 17 brick-and-mortar dispensaries are open state-wide.

As the CCB began issuing CAURD licenses, Variscite NY One, Inc., a Michigan-based plaintiff, sued the state over its alleged violation of the U.S. Dormant Commerce Clause. The judge in that case placed an injunction preventing regulators from granting CAURD licenses in five regions  but later narrowed the injunction to only apply to the Finger Lakes region. The state settled that case in late May.

Several plaintiffs have filed suit since then, including the recent case brought by four service-disabled veterans and, later, joined by a coalition that includes many of New Yorks medical cannabis Registered Organizations.

If the situation looked bleak before the most recent lawsuit, it only looks more dismal today, according to the survey.

A graph based on NY Cannabis Insider's survey (n=69) of people involved in the state's cannabis industry. Images created using ChatGPT Code Interpreter.

Survey results

When asked to rate their mental health on a scale from 1 to 10 (1 being poor, 10 being excellent), about 43% of 69 respondents to the survey ranked their mental health in 2022 between 1 and 5.

When the same respondents were asked to rank their mental health in 2023 on a scale of 1 to 10, that percentage grew to 61%.

The survey respondents included cannabis stakeholders ranging from conditional licensees to ancillary service providers to cannabis advocates. Many of them also commented anonymously about how their mental health has shifted amid New Yorks legal weed rollout.

Some respondents cited specific actions state regulators have taken as having a negative impact on their mental health.

The main cause for my deterioration in mental state is due to the accelerated acceptance of ROs into the market coupled with continual lawsuits that plague and slow down the opening of the market for small business owners, said a respondent who referred to himself as a service provider.

Others said they invested time and resources into an industry they were told would be up and running by now, and feel duped.

I feel like I was misled and have been seriously financially affected, said a respondent who described himself as a CAURD applicant.

Those who initially scored above a 5 in 2022 showed the biggest decline in mental health year-over-year, with the average scores reported by this group in 2023 dropping by around 23%.

A minority of respondents said changes in the industry from last year to this year improved their mental health, citing events that have improved their business prospects.

With the Variscite NY One, Inc. lawsuit injunction lifted and licensing for the Brooklyn region commenced my mental health and attitude changed dramatically dire to being extremely positive, a CAURD licensee respondent said.

However, as previously said, the survey concluded before the most recent injunction.

Mental health effects

Work-related stress can lead to a host of physical and mental issues, said Ford, the Baltimore therapist and social worker. In the short-term, consistent stress can cause headaches, loss of sleep, stomach problems, and anxiety. In the long-term, work-related stress can manifest physically as back pain, muscle issues, and clinical depression.

These problems can become more acute if left untreated, and thats doubly true for small business and startup owners, since many glorify a hustle culture which calls for complete commitment to work, said Ford.

I definitely think hustle culture plays a part  in feeling like you have to have it together, you have to be perfect, Ford said. Sometimes anxiety can look like perfection.

Ford said the pressure entrepreneurs feel is often compounded when they have employees whose livelihoods depend on the company succeeding. This can become a barrier for entrepreneurs to seek mental health care, since they ignore mental health concerns as they internally catastrophize the idea of failure, Ford said.

Its important for family, friends, and colleagues of small business owners and employees to recognize signs of serious mental breakdown, such as drastic changes to their mood and/or appearance, giving away many of their personal items and talking about wanting to join friends and relatives whove died, Ford said. But well before these flashing warning signs, its key for these people to prioritize their mental health.

Ford, whose clients include small business and startup owners, said therapeutic options exist even for people with busy, unpredictable schedules. For example, she often sees clients remotely via Psychology Todays telehealth platform. There are also smartphone apps like Calm, in addition to resources listed by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Small Business Administration.

A key piece of advice Ford has for New York cannabis business owners, employees and stakeholders is to not ignore work-related stress, or discount the negative effects it can have on all aspects of life.

The effects of it can be huge: personally, professionally, and for relationships, Ford said. It affects your productivity, how many hours of sleep you may get, all those different things.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- The mans arm was wrapped in a homemade bandage that went from his wrist to his elbow.

He knew it wasnt good. He was trying to numb the pain with heroin, but even that wasnt helping much.

Let them look at your arm, his friend urged.

It was July 11. The two were standing near their tents in a hidden homeless camp when advocates from In My Fathers Kitchen came by on their weekly rounds with the medical team from Housecalls for the Homeless.

They took the man, 44-year-old Yves Trotman, back to their new van equipped with an exam table, light and medical supplies  dignity on wheels. They unwrapped his right arm.

It was worse than anyone imagined.

An infection had eaten away the flesh on most of his forearm. Some of the skin was black because it had died. It is called necrotizing fasciitis. It was so intense that the van filled with the odor of infection and decaying skin.

John Tumino, the founder of In My Fathers Kitchen who has been ministering to people living in tents and under bridges for more than a decade, had never seen anything so bad.

What happened next was a battle against time, addiction and mental illness to save Trotmans arm and his life. There were quiet heroes at every turn: The doctor who was texted the photo of Trotmans wound and the question: can you help? Trotmans homeless friend who stepped in and prevented him from killing himself. The program administrator who greased the wheels of medical bureaucracy.

More than a dozen everyday people pulled together to accomplish an outsized task: They had to get a slow and frustrating medical system to help a homeless man on the edge of death. And they had to convince Trotman that he was worth helping.

Come back tomorrow

The Housecalls medical staff leveled with Trotman: It was really bad. He needed help they could not give him in the van. He needed to come with them to Upstates ER, and even then, he might lose his arm. It looked like the infection might have made it to the bone.

They pleaded. Tumino prayed. Trotmans friend begged.

Trotman was unmoved.

Come back tomorrow, Trotman said he told them. I promise Ill go with you if Im here.

Tumino and his team had no choice but to leave him there where the infection would continue its march. Tumino, a restauranteur who left the business and formed In My Fathers Kitchen to minister to the homeless, lives this gamble daily. Part of dignity is empowering people to make their own decisions.

But every minute was less chance that they could save his arm, less chance that he would survive the infection that had likely spread to his entire body.

Trotman and the team both began to plan.

When the medical team told Trotman how bad it was, he cried. He told Tumino he was ashamed. He had caused this, he said. His life was already a mess. He had just gotten out of prison a few weeks earlier. He started injecting molly, a street drug, the same day. The IV drug use is what caused the infection.

Trotman imagined adding one-armed to that pile of problems.

I will lose my arm, still be homeless still doing (drugs). (What) is the point? he says. I was going to kill myself.

Working against the clock

After the van left, Trotman went back to his tent. He laid out four bags of heroin, the needle and the tools to cook it into liquid so he could inject it. It would be more than enough to kill him. Then he put his head down for a final nap. He would end it all when he woke up.

But his friend  Trotman calls him his street brother -- guessed what he was planning

When Trotman awoke, the heroin was gone. In its place was a note: Nice try dickhead. Ill see you later.

Trotman ripped up the note and threw it in the water.

At the same time, Tumino and Mia Ruiz-Salvador, the program administrator for Housecalls for the Homeless, were racing the clock. Housecalls is run by Dr. David Lehmann through a partnership with Upstate. He and a team of other providers and students have been going out to the streets with Tumino to provide medical care to the homeless since 2018.

Tumino and Ruiz-Salvador both worked the phones to get Trotmans case on the radar of people who could smooth the way for him if they got him to the ER.

Tumino sent the photo of Trotmans arm to Dr. Stephen Lucas with a plea: Can you help?

Lucas often went out with Housecalls for the Homeless when he was a medical student. Now he is a resident in the Emergency Department at Upstate. He was out of town, but he sent the photo to Dr. Joseph Heath, who was working in the Emergency Department on July 12.

Taking a housed, sober person to the ER is a daunting task these days because of the wait. For most of the people Tumino works with, the wait is often too much when piled on top of the noise and withdrawal from opiates. They often leave before being treated, Ruiz-Salvador said.

While Tumino was coordinating Trotmans transport from the camp to the ER July 12, Ruiz-Salvador was making sure the emergency department was onboard to help keep him there.

Trotman would clearly be homeless. He would be facing withdrawal along with the pain. And he was suffering from a grotesque, life-threatening infection.

So could they be prepared to manage his wait, his pain, his withdrawal and his infection with dignity?

Yes. Heath was onboard. The emergency department was ready.

Trotman was ready when the van came. His friend made sure of it.

Ruiz-Salvador followed up again with the emergency department again.

They would manage Trotmans withdrawal. They would not leave him waiting in a hard plastic chair for hours.

As they waited with Trotman in the ER that day, Ruiz-Salvador was in her office, invisibly steering his case. She was talking to Tuminos team on her cell phone: What does he need? How can I help.

Then, she was messaging doctors and nurses through Upstates system.

The clock on Trotmans life continued to tick.

Trotman has lived on both sides of fortune, mostly in Syracuse.

His father died when he was 10 and he struggled, he said.

Trotman found a crew that felt like family to run with. They provided protection, but also used him to deal drugs and hold their guns when he was 13, he said. Since then, he has been in and out of prison on drug and burglary charges.

But hes also had good times: He held a solid job in the restaurant business for more than a decade, traveling the country to help with chain restaurant openings, he said. He used his vacation time to see his children.

Mental illness and opiate addiction eroded that stability in recent years. He became a man who sees his troubles more than his potential.

But a day after he wanted to give up on himself, Trotman had won another chance. By dinnertime July 12, he had gone from waiting in the ER to a room on floor 6K of Upstate.

The infection was so bad that doctors put a in pic line so the antibiotics would go directly to his heart and then throughout his circulatory system.

He also was given suboxone to manage his withdrawal.

There was good news: the infection had not made it to the bone and was responding to antibiotics. His arm could be saved.

I just felt like life was worthless

A few days later, Trotman sits in his hospital bed while a nurse unwraps his arm. The skin had bleeds, a good sign. But the gauze sticks to it. He winces every time she gently pulls off a bit of the bandage.

Does this hurt? Do you want me to stop, she asks.

Im okay. Keep going, he says.

Trotman bites his lip but he does not cry.

He can take this pain, he says.

His arm is rewrapped. He takes a breath.

People look at us like were scum, were shit, he says. Hed been seeing himself through their eyes. For a long, long time, I just felt like life was worthless.

But this army of regular people stepped forward. They convinced Trotman to come to the hospital. They smoothed the bumpy road to get him there. They visit him while hes there. They help him find a better home to go to after his surgery.

They fought against time. Without them, Trotman knows he would not be here.

Id be dead, he says.

Now he is crying.

Marnie Eisenstadt writes about people and public affairs in Central New York. Contact her anytime email | Twitter| Facebook | 315-470-2246.
Geddes, N.Y.  As Gov. Kathy Hochul approached the Basilios stand at the New York State fair to continue the gubernatorial sausage-eating tradition, she asked the staff to gather together at the counter.

By this time next year, she told them, the Basilio team will be operating out of a newly built structure, replacing the aging and cramped space where theyve been serving fairgoers for nearly seven decades. A roar of applause followed and then the governor got her Italian sausage sandwich.

Wednesdays twist on the yearly ritual of governors eating sausage was delightful news to Gary, Larry and Jeff DiGeorge, the three brothers who now own the sausage stand business. The DiGeorge family has a long history at working at the fair with longtime owner Paul Basilio, who opened the fair stand 67 years ago. Paul passed away in 2020.

Were happy, Gary DiGeorge said. Its a dream.

DiGeorge said the stands small size requires the family to rent an adjacent tent thats needed as supply storage space during the fairs run. Workers continually have to shuffle back and forth between the two areas. Theres a lot of work we have to do in this space, he said.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, during her visit Wednesday to the New York State Fair, tells the owners and staff at the Basilio sausage stand that the state plans to contruct a new building for them by the 2024 fair.

Hochul said she expects the new building will be in the same spot, near the western end of the fairgrounds a short walk from the Expo Center. A teardown of the existing stand would start after this years fair ends. She did not disclose an estimated cost for the project.

DiGeorge said the announcement was a surprise, and hes eager to learn more details.

The project would be in keeping with the states capital improvement strategy at the fairgrounds in recent years, which includes building more permanent structures for bigger food vendors.

The state recently built a $1.4 million facility for Tullys, replacing what had been a large tent with a plywood base that Tullys had to install themselves for many years. For Tullys, the new space did mean higher rent, but the owners said it was an investment worth making.

55 1 / 55 New York State Fair Opening Day 2023

City reporter Jeremy Boyer can be reached at jboyer@syracuse.com, (315) 657-5673, Twitter or Facebook
In Romny, two teachers killed as result of drone attack, two more may be under rubble  Emergency Service

In Romny, Sumy region, two people were killed and three were injured as a result of a morning drone attack on an educational institution, the State Emergency Service said.

"In Romny, Sumy region, the Russians destroyed a school and killed at least two teachers. Their bodies were unblocked by rescuers of the State Emergency Service. Three more people were injured," the State Emergency Service said on its Telegram channel on Wednesday.

"There is information that two more employees of the institution are under the rubble," the State Emergency Service said.

Earlier it was reported that as a result of an attack by drones at 10.05, the building of an educational institution in Romny was completely destroyed.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said today in a visit to Syracuse that Congress should investigate the slow federal response to the Maui wildfires that killed more than 100 people.

Im very concerned about the response, said McCarthy at JMA Wireless, a manufacturer of 5G technology he had just toured. How could you lose that many Americans in todays age? Im going to be working with committees to investigate what went on so this never happens again.

Fast-moving wildfires earlier this month destroyed Lahaina, a town of about 13,000 people. More than 100 deaths have been confirmed, and authorities fear more bodies will be found as they search through the debris.

McCarthy, R-California, came to Central New York today to attend a fundraiser in Skaneateles for U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams, the incumbent Republican in his first term. Tickets for the event with McCarthy range from $1,000 to $6,600 per person, according to an invitation obtained by syracuse.com | The Post-Standard.

This morning, McCarthy toured the JMA site on Clinton Street. JMA opened the new headquarters and 5G equipment factory in the summer of 2022. McCarthy touted the plant as a sign of American innovation and a growing bulwark for American-made technology that will make the country less dependent on China.

Weve watched the competition around the world, especially with China, stealing our technology, he said. The investment here in JMA is critical.
Syracuse University students can now borrow free laptops overnight from university libraries for up to 14 days per month, according to a university news release.

The long-term borrowing service is also offered for SUNY ESF students. All borrowing students must have a Syracuse or ESF identification card.

The Dell and MacBook Pro laptops can be borrowed for 14 days in a row or non sequentially, as long as it does not exceed the maximum per month.

Students will also receive a laptop bag and charger when they borrow a laptop overnight.

Reservations can be made online or in person at a campus library. The laptops must be picked up from Bird Library by noon on the day the reservation begins.

Laptops must be returned to Bird Library at least 15 minutes before the checkout desk closes on the end date of the reservation

Watchdog/Public Affairs reporter Melissa Newcomb covers education, including Syracuse University and the city schools. For tips, contact her anytime at mnewcomb@syracuse.com, 315-679-1068, or @melissarnewcomb on Twitter.
Around three oclock in the morning on Monday, a 36-year-old man from Connecticut injured his ankle on Mount Tremper, in the Catskills town of Shandaken.

Over the phone, the injured hiker told a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forest ranger that he believed he was being hunted like in Predator, a 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger about an extraterrestrial who hunts humans for sport.

The hiker said he twisted his ankle while trying to escape.

Three rangers on a six-wheeler found the hiker in the early morning hours asleep off the trail. Shortly after that, they found his companion, a 31-year-old from Beacon, sheltering in the Mount Tremper lean-to.

Rangers interviewed both hikers and determined that the one who called them had likely injured his ankle in an altercation with his companion. Both hikers exhibited signs of significant drug and alcohol impairment and were evaluated by Shandaken EMS.

The following reports are excerpted from DEC:

Rangers ripped out 18 illegal marijuana plants from three different plots in Crab Hollow State Forest and destroyed them. Although marijuana laws have changed in New York, it is still illegal to grow on State land.

On August 11, DEC Wildlife staff discovered 18 illegal marijuana plants during a field study in Crab Hollow State Forest, in the town of New Hudson. Rangers ripped out the plants from three different plots and destroyed them off site. Although marijuana laws have changed in New York, it is still illegal to grow on State land.

A 14-year-old from Fairport fell while coming down Algonquin Peak on the afternoon of August 18. Two rangers reached the teenager, wrapped his leg, and helped him and his mother down the trail. They reached their vehicle at 8:02 p.m. and decided to seek further medical attention on their own.

Three Upstate teenagers went missing on the night of August 15 in the Dix Range. Rangers found them the next morning in a dense swamp and helped them back to the trailhead where they were met by their parents.

Three Upstate teenagers went missing on the night of August 15 in the Dix Range after they failed to meet the rest of their hiking party at the Slide Brook lean-to. The teens were well-trained hikers equipped with headlamps, food, water, a map, and a compass. Nine rangers began searching for them the next morning, finding an entry in a the log book at the Lillian Brook lean-to indicating that the missing hikers had spent the night there. Theyd left a note saying they were unsure of which way to go on the trail and would attempt to bushwhack towards the water. Later that afternoon, a ranger located the trio in dense swamp and helped them back to the trailhead where they were met by their parents.

A 74-year-old hiker from Rome injured their leg on August 17 while climbing Bald Mountain. Rangers provided first aid and carried the hiker off the mountain to an ambulance using a wheeled litter.

On August 14, an 11-year old camper from Brooklyn fell ten feet off a rock face at the Frost Valley YMCA camp in the town of Lexington, hurting her back.

On the morning of August 14, an 11-year old camper from Brooklyn fell ten feet off a rock face at the Frost Valley YMCA camp in the town of Lexington, hurting her back. Rangers stabilized the camper in a vacuum mattress and litter, carried her out to their vehicle, and drove her to the trailhead where she was taken by ambulance to the hospital.

A 31-year old from Buffalo injured her ankle Monday morning on the trail between Bald Peak and Rocky Peak Ridge. A ranger reached her hours later, wrapped her ankle, and provided nourishment before helping her back to the trailhead.

Two campers, ages 18 and 23, who got lost on August 17 in Minnewaska State Park were rescued the next day after spending a cold, rainy night in the woods without any supplies.

Two campers, ages 18 and 23, got lost on August 17 in Minnewaska State Park while hiking with a group. The campers became separated from the group on the Ice Caves Trail as fog and thunderstorms rolled in, hampering search efforts. Rangers led a multi-agency search operation, and by 11 a.m. the next day rescuers located the lost campers in thick vegetation. They were cold, wet, and dehydrated from spending the night in the woods. Rescuers gave the pair food and water, helped them through heavy brush, and turned them over to EMS for transport to the hospital.

Later on the night of August 18, two 19-year-old campers got lost near Nine Corner Lake in the town of Caroga. After speaking to one of the teens father at the trailhead, a ranger learned that the teens had forgotten a piece of gear and had attempted to walk to the trailhead from their campsite. But it was dark and raining, and they didnt have proper footwear; one of them was barefoot. The ranger hiked up the trail, found the teens, and helped carry their gear to the trailhead.

Last Saturday a 26-year-old woman from Bayside, Queens, got stuck in a watery crevasse at Moores Bridge Falls.

Last Saturday afternoon, a 26-year-old woman from Bayside, Queens, got stuck in a watery crevasse at Moores Bridge Falls. Two rangers, accompanied by Twin Cloves Technical Rescue Team, freed her from the crevasse and rigged her to a high-angle rope system to help her walk upstream. Hunter Ambulance transported her to the hospital.

On the morning of August 21, a 57-year-old from Pennsylvania fell at Potash Mountain. Three rangers carried the injured hiker out and delivered them to an awaiting ambulance.



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Rangers find Upstate NY man with medical condition who went missing for five days - newyorkupstate.com

Rangers rescue eight hikers stranded by flash flood in Catskills - newyorkupstate.com

Rescuers search overnight, find elderly woman who wandered away from Upstate New York home - newyorkupstate.com

New Jersey hikers hauled chairs up Catskills highest peak, ticketed for leaving them - newyorkupstate.com

Rangers find lost kid in ADKs, break up fight at Hamilton County campground - newyorkupstate.com

Steve Featherstone covers the outdoors for The Post-Standard, syracuse.com and NYUP.com. Contact him at sfeatherstone@syracuse.com or on Twitter @featheroutdoors. You can also follow along with all of our outdoors content at newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/ or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/upstatenyoutdoo
Syracuse, N.Y. -- U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy today toured and touted a Syracuse factory that will benefit from federal legislation he voted against.

McCarthy, in town for a political fundraiser, stopped first at JMA Wirelesss new 5G equipment factory on Syracuses South Side. McCarthy said JMA is an example of American companies building critical technology in the U.S. McCarthy last year voted no on the federal infrastructure bill that contained a buy American provision that JMA said will boost its business.

McCarthy also opposed the CHIPS and Science Act, which Micron Technology said is essential to its plan to invest up to $100 billion in a semiconductor plant in the town of Clay.

Standing before a window overlooking JMAs factory floor, McCarthy said today he voted against the bills because private industry, not the government, should be deciding what to invest in.

I dont want government controlling and picking the winners and losers, McCarthy said. I actually like the private sector, exactly what JMA is doing. Its their investment of $50 million that created something, and now government can be a partner.

JMA, founded by CEO John Mezzalingua in 2012, says the factory is the only U.S.-owned 5G manufacturing campus in the country. The company is planning an expansion of the factory on Clinton Street, on Syracuses South Side. The company sought $1.8 million in tax breaks.

McCarthy opposed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which contained $65 billion in federal funding to expand high-speed internet service. The funding came with a buy America requirement that equipment bought with the federal grants be manufactured in the U.S. The provision is expected to benefit sales of JMAs Syracuse-made 5G components.

JMA, which last year acquired the naming rights to Syracuse Universitys domed stadium formerly known as the Carrier Dome, makes equipment for providers of 5G mobile networks. The company built its new headquarters and manufacturing facility at the former site of Coyne Textile, a family-owned industrial laundry that went bankrupt in 2015.

Micron recently applied for federal money from the CHIPS Act to build semiconductor fabrication plants, or fabs, in Clay and at the companys headquarters in Boise, Idaho. The applications were revealed in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Micron did not say how much it is seeking in federal funds, but has said that the project in Clay cant happen without a substantial investment from the federal government.

McCarthy also put in a plug for Williams, who stood next to the speaker at a news conference. McCarthy said House Republicans turn to Williams, a freshman congressman and former officer on a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine, for advice on technical matters.

You want a member that understands technology, McCarthy said. Look at what he was doing in technology and his business before he became a member of Congress. He knows whats happening.

McCarthy was scheduled to attend a fundraiser for Williams in Skaneateles at 2 p.m. today. Tickets for the event range from $1,000 to $6,600 per person, according to an invitation obtained by syracuse.com | The Post-Standard.
The first two calves born at the 2023 NYS Fair have arrived.

Stephen, a Jersey bull calf weighing 77 pounds, was born before the gates opened at 4:19 a.m.

Kelley, a Holstein/Angus cross, came into the world weighing 61 pounds at 2:20 p.m.

Both calves are resting peacefully in a pile of fresh hay at the Birthing Center, located in the big white tent behind the Expo Center, next to the beef cattle barn. Look for the big inflatable cow out front.

The calves will join the 8,000 head (cows and heifers) at Bruce Gibsons Locust Hill Dairy farm, which has three locations in Jefferson and Oswego counties.

But for the time being, Stephen and Kelley will be hanging out in all their exhausted cuteness in the Birthing Center, so go check them out. Maybe youll get lucky to be there when another calf is born.

See all our NYS Fair coverage here.

Steve Featherstone covers the outdoors for The Post-Standard, syracuse.com and NYUP.com. Contact him at sfeatherstone@syracuse.com or on Twitter @featheroutdoors. You can also follow along with all of our outdoors content at newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/ or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/upstatenyoutdoors.
The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) takes part in the Territory of Health project in Volyn, organized by the Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health.

"At different locations of a small mobile tent city, those who wish can receive free medical services, get vaccinated and listen to information about disease prevention and health protection," the URCS said on Facebook on Wednesday.

Vaccination in accordance with the national vaccination calendar is carried out free of charge. Here you can also get free medical consultations, undergo express testing for blood sugar, COVID-19, hepatitis B, C and measure blood pressure.

Volunteers of the Volyn Regional Organization of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society join the project and conduct first aid classes and psychosocial support activities for children at locations.

  
Finland will provide Ukraine with another 18th defense aid package by the end of the week, it will include heavy weapons and ammunition, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has said.

"Finland has already provided assistance to Ukraine in the amount of EUR 1.7 billion... We are now preparing the next 18th aid package. It will include heavy weapons, ammunition... We must deliver it finally at the end of this week. This is a very good package. It contains very necessary materials ", Orpo said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kiev.

Asked by journalists whether Finnish high technology would be available to Ukraine and whether there was anything concrete that Finland could offer, the prime minister said he had discussed the issue with Zelenskyy and called it a "good idea."

"We discussed this issue with the president. Last week we saw that a Swedish company signed a cooperation agreement with Ukraine. We discussed that there are high-tech companies in Finland, that they can deal with cooperation issues in order to manufacture something together. I think that we have something to do. We have experience. Therefore, this is a good idea," he said.

In turn, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is extremely interested in Finnish armored personnel carriers.

"We would like to manufacture them together  in Ukraine. We discussed this with the prime minister. He very correctly said that we had concluded a memorandum on the production of CV-90. But we need more. Both during the war and after, Ukraine will need to remain strong in order to not give Russia any opportunity to think about a second wave of aggression against us. Therefore, we need to produce more. That is why we wanted and want to organize this Defense Industries Forum," the President of Ukraine said.
Senna4Ever BHPian



Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Gothenburg Posts: 395 Thanked: 1,647 Times

Explained: How to read the number-plates of Defence vehicles



For the bigger picture on registration of vehicles of Indian Armed Forces, headover to wikipedia



Here is an attempt to summarise what I learnt as this would be interesting for fellow BHPians and more importantly, to get inputs from more knowelegable members.



Some of this information is readily available on internet and I had already known:

e.g. A - Two-wheel Vehicle (e.g. motorcycles)



B  Light Motor Vehicle (e.g. passenger cars like beloved Safari Storme and Gypsy)



C  Truck (< 3 tonnes) (e.g. Tata LPTA 713)



D  Truck (3 - 5 tonnes) (e.g. Ashok leyland Stallion)



K  Ambulance (irrespective of size)





Now, as I looked/searched a bit more, I cam across more photos and classes (i.e. alphabets) which led me to following conclusions:

E - Multi-Axle 6x6 or 8x8 vehicles e.g. BEML Tatra trucks or Ashok Leyland FAT 6x6



F  Specialist Light Vehicle? I have only seen one instance on internet and it was of a Force Motor's Light Strike Vehicle (LSV)







H - High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) with material handling capability?

I stumbled upn this recently and only found one particular model that carried this classification, TATA LPTA 2038 6x6 which has material handling capability (i.e. attached crane to load/unload goods). So, it's hard to generalise the whole 'H' class.

Here is a bad snapshot from a video.







P  Bus, Fire Truck, Tanker, Recovery Vehicle etc.

Found different kinds of vehicles which carry the 'P' classification, seems to be a broad category, e.g.

Bus





Tanker





Fire Truck





Recovery Vehicle







R  Missile launchers, mine-protected vehicles and radar vehicles?

This is where it gets bit vague and it seems that vehicle class 'R' is more based on vehicle usage rather than actual kind of vehicle e.g. Missile launchers, Mine-protected vehicle (e.g.

OBV MPV (mine-proof vehicle)





Missile Launcher





Vehicles with Radar systems



X  Armoured or Combat Vehicle Vehicles which are meant for active usage in combat field. Obvious examples: tanks and armoured personnel carrier

VRDE armoured personnel carrier





Tank







Hope it was as interesting to you as it was for me! Cheers! My niche interest in exploring our defense vehicle registration system was recently re-kindled. Specifically, I took a closer look at the vehicle classification system that our defense vehicles follow and it's represented by a single alphabet in the registration (i.e. the third character after broad arrow).For the bigger picture on registration of vehicles of Indian Armed Forces, headover to wikipedia link where I have contributed more.Here is an attempt to summarise what I learnt as this would be interesting for fellow BHPians and more importantly, to get inputs from more knowelegable members.Some of this information is readily available on internet and I had already known:e.g.I have only seen one instance on internet and it was of aI stumbled upn this recently and only found one particular model that carried this classification,which has material handling capability (i.e. attached crane to load/unload goods). So, it's hard to generalise the whole 'H' class.Here is a bad snapshot from a video.Found different kinds of vehicles which carry the 'P' classification, seems to be a broad category, e.g.This is where it gets bit vague and it seems that vehicle class 'R' is more based on vehicle usage rather than actual kind of vehicle e.g. Missile launchers, Mine-protected vehicle (e.g. OBV MPV ) and more. Official classification must be more technical.Vehicles which are meant for active usage in combat field. Obvious examples: tanks and armoured personnel carrierHope it was as interesting to you as it was for me! Cheers!
Turbanator Team-BHP Support



Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 6,446 Thanked: 26,932 Times

Re: Rumour: Porsche looking to assemble the Cayenne in India Quote: vishal9999 Originally Posted by Porsche should strongly contemplate incorporating 3-liter engines into the Cayenne and Macan models



Porsche had manufacturing units only in Germany until 2017, when they moved Cayenne production to Slovakia and now some assembly to Malaysia for Right-hand markets last Year.



https://www.porsche.com/stories/inno...sche-cars-made



I see that Porsche is trying to maximise the use of their Malaysia plant and use VW/ Audi facilities in India to assemble such kits. Or it's also possible that such kits can come directly from Europe or elsewhere to India.



Most of the premium brands in such CKD operations do very little if we talk about local content. Still, as we have seen on certain models and variants, manufacturers can source more locally based on the success, like engines on BMW & Mercedes.



What I will be most interested in is that we may see some fixed optional packs from Porsche as against A la carte, which comes at super expensive prices. Porsche has no 4-cylinder models for the Cayenne yetPorsche had manufacturing units only in Germany until 2017, when they moved Cayenne production to Slovakia and now some assembly to Malaysia for Right-hand markets last Year.I see that Porsche is trying to maximise the use of their Malaysia plant and use VW/ Audi facilities in India to assemble such kits. Or it's also possible that such kits can come directly from Europe or elsewhere to India.Most of the premium brands in such CKD operations do very little if we talk about local content. Still, as we have seen on certain models and variants, manufacturers can source more locally based on the success, like engines on BMW & Mercedes.What I will be most interested in is that we may see some fixed optional packs from Porsche as against A la carte, which comes at super expensive prices. Last edited by Turbanator : 23rd August 2023 at 02:02 . Reason: Minor change
Hawk BHPian

Join Date: May 2022 Location: Noida Posts: 58 Thanked: 334 Times

1+ year with our Mahindra XUV700 AX7L Petrol AT XUV 700 AX7L P AT for a delightful 14 months, I am thrilled to share my comprehensive review, reflecting upon 12,000 unforgettable clicks on the odometer. We purchased this car for about 24.XX L On-Road and it is currently selling for around 28.XX L On-Road. I believe that this car is a better investment than the stocks I invested in . Before this we had a Suzuki SX4 for 10+ years so keep that as a benchmark.



If you want to read about the SX4 -

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/long-...ml#post5504421 ('Sexy 4' | 2009 Maruti SX4 ZXi Review)



P.S - This review has more words than pictures.



BOOKING AND MAHINDRA SERVICE EXPERIENCE



We consider ourselves lucky as we managed to secure our booking in the very first slot. We also had price protection, the anticipation during the 8-month wait for the car was worth it to say the least.



For our routine servicing of car , the car was picked up and dropped on time. The routine service experience was also good and it was included in the free service so we didn't pay a cent for it. On the second time service we had to pay the pick and drop cost only.



Well Mahindra service has improved a lot and had a really good experience with there RSA service.



link if you want to read my experience with the Mahindra RSA -



FIT AND FINISH



The fit and finish of the car is a mixed bag. Some places are really good while others are an eyesore. For example, the sunroof closing button has poor fit and finish. However, the stitching on the dashboard and seats have really great fit and finish with no visible gaps in the plastics in the interior. Overall, I would give it an 8/10 rating for fit and finish.



The fit and finish depends from car to car , mine was manufactured in February/March of 2022 , so thankfully till then most of the faults were ironed out.



PERFORMANCE



THE GOOD

Echoing the sentiments of the esteemed Team BHP community, the XUV 700 truly embodies the essence of a powerful beast on wheels. With a mere press of the accelerator, it effortlessly gallops forward like a spirited horse, making the exhilarating sensation of crossing 80 KM/H seem effortless and almost surreal. Despite its substantial weight of approximately 2 tons, the car's performance remains nothing short of phenomenal, while still managing to offer an acceptable mileage. It's a harmonious blend of raw power and practicality to say the least.





SEE YOU IN THE SIDEMIRROR

THE BAD

Occasionally, when I hit the accelerator, the engine takes a moment to respond to my foot's command, which can feel a bit disconnected from the car, if you know what I mean? It's not a major issue, just something that bothers me sometimes. Nevertheless, this minor hiccup doesn't overshadow the fact that it's still an absolute beast on the streets! You just get used to it after a while.



NVH LEVELS



The petrol engine of this car has really good NVH levels. When you start the car and the engine is cold, you hear a sweet rumble which is quite pleasant (Personal Opinion). As the engine heats up, it becomes quieter and you wont even realize that the car is running. The engine only makes noise only when youre flooring the car and even then its the sweet sound of its turbo. This all happens when the windows are open and you want some fresh air/some turbo noises.



When the windows are closed, you cant hear the engine at all and it suppresses the outside noise very well. Just play music and it will even suppress the noises when you are stuck in a bad traffic jam.



Overall, I would rate the NVH levels of this car as 9/10 considering the price segment.



PRACTICALITY



THE GOOD

The XUV 700 is a storage champ, no doubt about it! You'll be pleasantly surprised by the abundance of storage spaces, perfect for stashing water bottles and receipts conveniently. Oh, and here's a nifty touch  the front passenger seat's sun visor flaunts a vanity mirror with a built-in light, quite use full for people in the family who do their makeup on the go to any event.



When it comes to carrying our belongings, The huge boot space is a true blessing, It easily accommodates the travel essentials of four people, alongside a medium-sized furry friend, making long trips a breeze.



HE LOVES TO SIT ON THE BAGS



The wireless charger works like a charm. Plus, you'll find a fast-charging Type-C port in the second row.



The place to keep your phone , above the wireless charger is something I personally find the best.



The memory seat function is one of the best features for a family with multiple drivers. It makes life much easier when you have to share the car with others. Trust me, you will appreciate this feature every time you switch drivers.



THE BAD

Okay, listen, I have to be real here  the one thing that's been bugging everyone, and I mean everyone, is the lack of a boot light. I mean, come on, we're talking about a car that costs around 25 lakhs, and there's no boot light? It's genuinely puzzling, Mahindra! Especially during those late-night trips when you need to grab something from the boot, and you end up having one person trying to shine a flashlight while the other person fumbles through the bags. Ugh, talk about a real hassle! Trust me, it's one of those things that can really get on your nerves. Hopefully, they'll fix this issue in future because it's honestly super irritating.



The placement of the 12V socket is a bit inconvenient, to be honest. There's no 12V socket in the front, just one in the back. So, whenever I need to use a tire inflator, I have to go through this whole process of folding down all the seats just to connect the inflator to the socket in the back. It can be really frustrating and time-consuming. I mean, imagine how much easier it would be if they just provided one 12V socket in the front! It would make using the tire inflator a breeze and save us all from this annoying ordeal.



The AX7 and upper variants have a major issue with the airbags being located in the seats, because of which you cannot put seat covers on them. Additionally, Mahindra chose to give us an ivory coloured interior which can get soiled easily. This is one of the most impractical things Mahindra has done because this car is meant to be taken in mud and other places where it can get dirty and stained. It would have been great if Mahindra had given us a black/red interior like the Tata Safari dark/red edition.



Rest I haven't noticed any other major problem with its practicality.



COMFORT



THE GOOD

Seats are really comfortable both for the passenger and driver. I am 5.9 Ft and I find the seats really comfortable. The AC is really good on full blast. The panoramic roof enhances the experience more in the hills and in rainy days.



The 3rd row is also quite spacious, I have sat in it and I don't feel that its too claustrophobic. I would though recommend only people with height less than 5.5 Ft sit in it for long distances. Surprisingly the 3rd row AC is far superior than the 2nd row AC.



There is really less body roll ( XUV 500 was a rollercoaster ) . Even when taking sharp turns the body roll is minimal. The comfort on bad roads is also good , you can't feel anything. Getting in and out is a breeze.



THE BAD

The middle row AC is "BAD" , until you are using it at full blast , it wont cool the people sitting in the middle seat on a hot sunny day.



The recline on the middle row seats is okay , some more recline wouldn't have hurt.



The welcome seat feature is more of a inconvenience sometimes (Personally) , It takes its sweet time in adjusting back and forth and I have personally disabled it. If you are a healthy individual this feature is really practical for you.



The middle row seating arrangement features a Type C fast charging port, although it has a minor drawback. The area beneath the charging port seems somewhat impractical for keeping your phone while charging, as it tends to slip and get in the way of your knees. Given the modern trend of larger smartphones (Which I personally hate), a slightly deeper pocket would have been a thoughtful addition to provide a more secure and comfortable storage solution during charging your smartphone.





The worst place to keep your phone

I've been quite "meticulous" in my evaluation, and while the middle row AC presents a genuine concern for the people living in hot climates, it's essential to recognize the XUV 700's other comfort features. When compared to its competitors like the Tata Safari or the MG Hector, the XUV 700 is my preferred choice in comfort.



P.S - When I took a test drive of the Safari , I was in the back seat and swinging here and there when the sales person was driving. If the XUV 700 is a 10/10 in ride comfort , I would give the Safari a 6-7/10.



ADAS



When this car made its debut, the marketing team touted the revolutionary ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) as a significant selling point. Over time, I've had a mixed experience with it, opting to keep it mostly in warning mode. I must admit that the warning system has proven to be highly effective, alerting me on numerous occasions and even potentially saving me from some situations. While there have been a few instances of seemingly unnecessary warnings, overall, I find this feature genuinely helpful.



Many times I have noticed when you are parking the car in reverse and get too close to the wall , the wipers start moving to alert you. That is a really neat feature to protect your car from bumping into the wall when reverse parking.



As for utilizing the car's autonomous ADAS capabilities on our current roads, I still exercise caution and haven't completely entrusted it for full control. Nevertheless, the fact that the warning system has proven its worth makes me optimistic about the continuous improvement and future potential of this ADAS technology.



INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM



THE GOOD



The XUV 700 has a huge infotainment system and it runs really smooth. Sure , it doesn't work like a 144Hz amoled screen but it does its job.



In one word, the infotainment system is nothing short of "EXCELLENT." The design strikes the perfect balance, avoiding the extremes of being too large like the Hector's or too small like the 2022 Safari's. Its speedy boot-up process and a myriad of features contribute to a seamless user experience.



One practical highlight is the auto-dimming feature that engages when headlights are switched on. This ensures a comfortable driving experience in dark tunnels or during night journeys, preventing any blinding glare.



The abundance of information available on the system is truly impressive, including a performance page that even shows G-force readings. This quirky addition caters to the enthusiasm of tech-savvy individuals and car nerds alike (I am one of them).



THE BAD



It has only one major issue , black screens. The screen goes black and nothing works . You need to switch off the car and wait for a while and then start it again so that it starts working again.



The last black screen I got was in the first 6 months. I haven't gotten it since then so maybe Mahindra listens to us and resolves our issues.



So , thumbs up for that.



I think Mahindra should have chosen a different provider for the E-Sim, because VI has poor network coverage in many areas. This affects the functionality of the car, such as playing music. Another issue is that the music player does not let me select a specific streaming service, but picks one randomly (e.g., Hungama Music or Amazon Music). I usually rely on Android Auto, so this is not a big problem for me, but I hope Mahindra can fix this soon.





THIS IS A VIBE AT NIGHT



INSTRUMENT CLUSTER



The instrument cluster looks like something out of a Mercedes , the whole cockpit does for the matter of fact. The instrument cluster is crisp and offers all the details needed.



It even has turn by turn navigation on it which is a nice touch. You can open maps in the instrument cluster and you can also have different speedometer styles on it. I think the only downside is that you cannot use google maps on the instrument cluster screen. Rest I would say the instrument cluster is a10/10 in this segment.



PS - I don't keep the FE screen open on it as it sometimes makes me cry , this is recommended to all enthusiastic drivers.



ANDROID AUTO IN XUV 700



Android auto is something you will be using a lot and in this car the integration of Android auto is really good. It connects easily to your smartphone and everything works flawlessly. I don't think so there are any connection issues as such but sometimes it does not connect that easily some times when you connect your phone after a long time to it. Rest nothing major.



Also , only one downside that pressing the voice button on steering wheel will activate Alexa and not google. Mahindra or Google needs to look into this as sometimes this is irritating.



Making calls is also really easy using android auto and the microphone in the cabin are really good and the person on the other side of the phone wont even realize you are using the microphone of a car to take the call.



The google assistant takes voice command correct 9/10 times so that's a really good thing and wont be irritating for you. Just keep in mind google sometimes misinterprets names of Hindi/Punjabi songs.



SONY 12 SPEAKER MUSIC SYSTEM , OVERHYPED?





The XUV 700 boasts a remarkable 12-speaker Sony surround sound system, creating an immersive auditory experience. Upon closer observation, this system truly shines with English and Punjabi songs, thanks to its rich bass output. The speakers prove to be a sonic treasure, particularly when indulging in bass-heavy tracks. However, when it comes to Hindi songs, there might be moments where the system seems to lack the desired depth.



As a devoted audiophile with a collection including the Sony XM 5, renowned as one of the finest headphones available, paired with Spotify Premium for optimal audio enjoyment, I possess a discerning ear for audio devices. Grading the XUV's speakers, I'd confidently assign them a solid 9 out of 10. My driving soundtrack primarily consists of bass-infused tunes, aligning seamlessly with the speakers' strengths.



Given the diverse nature of individual preferences, reviews about the system could certainly vary. One notable challenge is the occasional audio distortion and intrusive white noise that occurs during the car's start-up. An effective workaround involves completely powering down the vehicle, waiting momentarily, and restarting to alleviate the issue. This presents a noteworthy area for Mahindra to address promptly.



A positive aspect emerges with the system's ongoing improvement through software updates, rendering the speakers even more impressive over time. Furthermore, I'd recommend exploring the Equalizer settings to discover a personalized audio equilibrium. The choice between connecting your phone via Android Auto or Bluetooth directly yields discernible differences in audio quality. In some instances, a direct Bluetooth connection appears to offer superior music playback.





HEADLIGHTS



Just one word "EXCELLENT". If you drive your car mostly in night or highways. Get this car no questions asked. No car in this segment has better or crisper light throw than the XUV has. I can go whole day about how good the headlights are and when you cross 80Km/h the booster lights are turned on which are so helpful when driving on highways. The headlights are just "EXCELLENT".



You can even switch off the DRL from the Infotainment screen if you want to.



KITNA PEETI HAI ?



Well a 2 Liter petrol engine , automatic transmission , 200 BHP and a young enthusiastic driver don't go hand in hand. If you drive it hard , it wont disappoint you but the fuel efficiency will.



If you drive enthusiastically, like seriously enthusiastically it will give you a FE of 5Km/L+



If you are a normal driver than you can easily get 8Km/L+ in city.



Highways you can easily get 10 Km/L+ , the best I have gotten on highways is 14 Km/L.



2 out of 3 times we fill it up with XP 95. We need to top up our tank on an average of every 10 days.



We opted for the petrol variant, considering our 10,000 km/year running and the 15-year rule in NCR. Despite lower FE figures, it made sense for us, offering a smooth and pleasant/enthusiastic driving experience with ease of maintenance. We're overall happy with our choice!



THE DOOR HANDLES



XUV 700 is first in the segment to offer flush door handles and personally I think they are quite sturdy and well made. They are also a really fancy thing to show to non car nerds , they all are amazed by it. We have the AX7L so the handles automatically close and open when the doors are locked and unlocked.



The only bad thing is that when you need to open the car manually by a key , it is quite a tedious process. Which I think will rarely happen , so if you think the flush door handles are not sturdy you're really wrong.



FANCY ?



360 CAMERA



The 360 camera is a really useful feature in big SUVs. It makes driving in tight spaces much easier. The XUV 700 has a good 360 camera system that works well and is not just a gimmick.



The backup camera and the front camera have real-time assistive gridlines that help you park and maneuver the car. The cameras have also improved over time with updates from Mahindra. They have better low-light performance and less lag than before.



However, the blind spot monitoring system is a joke. You can hardly see the picture clearly because it is displayed in the instrument cluster between the speedometer dials. The Hyundai Alcazar has a much better blind spot monitoring system. I think Mahindra should have done a better job with this feature.



Another drawback is the lack of front parking sensors in a car that costs 25 lakhs. This is a basic feature that should have been included.



Apart from these issues, I dont have any major complaints about the 360 camera system.



FINAL THOUGHTS



Let me tell you once more finally , this car is a true masterpiece - a flawless combination of style and substance that gives us unbeatable bang for the buck. Sure, it might have a couple of minor imperfections, but honestly, they are mere blips on the radar compared to the sheer awesomeness and sophistication this car brings to the table.



I can't stress enough how impressed we are with this ride. It's like the automotive gods heard our wishes and granted them all in one sleek and sophisticated package. Picture this: top-notch performance that sends shivers down your spine, comfort that makes you feel like you're floating on clouds, and practicality that makes every journey a breeze But sometimes you do wonder what was Mahindra thinking having only a single 12 V socket or no boot light



In short, this car can be called one word "PERFECT FOR THE PRICE". Without a doubt, this was the best decision we ever made, and we're embracing every moment of our thrilling adventures with this absolute gem of a car. Life just got a whole lot better and way more " EXHILLIRATING".



On a trip to Uttarakhand



"I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUERIES ABOUT THE XUV 700"[/center] After proudly owning and driving our remarkablefor a delightful 14 months, I am thrilled to share my comprehensive review, reflecting upon 12,000 unforgettable clicks on the odometer. We purchased this car for about 24.XX L On-Road and it is currently selling for around 28.XX L On-Road. I believe that this car is a better investment than the stocks I invested in. Before this we had a Suzuki SX4 for 10+ years so keep that as a benchmark.If you want to read about the SX4 -P.S - This review has more words than pictures.We consider ourselves lucky as we managed to secure our booking in the very first slot. We also had price protection, the anticipation during the 8-month wait for the car was worth it to say the least.For our routine servicing of car , the car was picked up and dropped on time. The routine service experience was also good and it was included in the free service so we didn't pay a cent for it. On the second time service we had to pay the pick and drop cost only.Well Mahindra service has improved a lot and had a really good experience with there RSA service.link if you want to read my experience with the Mahindra RSA - https://www.team-bhp.com/news/mahind...middle-nowhere The fit and finish of the car is a mixed bag. Some places are really good while others are an eyesore. For example, the sunroof closing button has poor fit and finish. However, the stitching on the dashboard and seats have really great fit and finish with no visible gaps in the plastics in the interior. Overall, I would give it an 8/10 rating for fit and finish.The fit and finish depends from car to car , mine was manufactured in February/March of 2022 , so thankfully till then most of the faults were ironed out.Echoing the sentiments of the esteemed Team BHP community, the XUV 700 truly embodies the essence of a powerful beast on wheels. With a mere press of the accelerator, it effortlessly gallops forward like a spirited horse, making the exhilarating sensation of crossing 80 KM/H seem effortless and almost surreal. Despite its substantial weight of approximately 2 tons, the car's performance remains nothing short of phenomenal, while still managing to offer an acceptable mileage. It's a harmonious blend of raw power and practicality to say the least.Occasionally, when I hit the accelerator, the engine takes a moment to respond to my foot's command, which can feel a bit disconnected from the car, if you know what I mean? It's not a major issue, just something that bothers me sometimes. Nevertheless, this minor hiccup doesn't overshadow the fact that it's still an absolute beast on the streets! You just get used to it after a while.The petrol engine of this car has really good NVH levels. When you start the car and the engine is cold, you hear a sweet rumble which is quite pleasant (Personal Opinion). As the engine heats up, it becomes quieter and you wont even realize that the car is running. The engine only makes noise only when youre flooring the car and even then its the sweet sound of its turbo. This all happens when the windows are open and you want some fresh air/some turbo noises.When the windows are closed, you cant hear the engine at all and it suppresses the outside noise very well. Just play music and it will even suppress the noises when you are stuck in a bad traffic jam.Overall, I would rate the NVH levels of this car as 9/10 considering the price segment.The XUV 700 is a storage champ, no doubt about it! You'll be pleasantly surprised by the abundance of storage spaces, perfect for stashing water bottles and receipts conveniently. Oh, and here's a nifty touch  the front passenger seat's sun visor flaunts a vanity mirror with a built-in light, quite use full for people in the family who do their makeup on the go to any event.When it comes to carrying our belongings, The huge boot space is a true blessing, It easily accommodates the travel essentials of four people, alongside a medium-sized furry friend, making long trips a breeze.The wireless charger works like a charm. Plus, you'll find a fast-charging Type-C port in the second row.The place to keep your phone , above the wireless charger is something I personally find the best.The memory seat function is one of the best features for a family with multiple drivers. It makes life much easier when you have to share the car with others. Trust me, you will appreciate this feature every time you switch drivers.Okay, listen, I have to be real here  the one thing that's been bugging everyone, and I mean everyone, is the lack of a boot light. I mean, come on, we're talking about a car that costs around 25 lakhs, and there's no boot light? It's genuinely puzzling, Mahindra! Especially during those late-night trips when you need to grab something from the boot, and you end up having one person trying to shine a flashlight while the other person fumbles through the bags. Ugh, talk about a real hassle! Trust me, it's one of those things that can really get on your nerves. Hopefully, they'll fix this issue in future because it's honestly super irritating.The placement of the 12V socket is a bit inconvenient, to be honest. There's no 12V socket in the front, just one in the back. So, whenever I need to use a tire inflator, I have to go through this whole process of folding down all the seats just to connect the inflator to the socket in the back. It can be really frustrating and time-consuming. I mean, imagine how much easier it would be if they just provided one 12V socket in the front! It would make using the tire inflator a breeze and save us all from this annoying ordeal.The AX7 and upper variants have a major issue with the airbags being located in the seats, because of which you cannot put seat covers on them. Additionally, Mahindra chose to give us an ivory coloured interior which can get soiled easily. This is one of the most impractical things Mahindra has done because this car is meant to be taken in mud and other places where it can get dirty and stained. It would have been great if Mahindra had given us a black/red interior like the Tata Safari dark/red edition.Rest I haven't noticed any other major problem with its practicality.Seats are really comfortable both for the passenger and driver. I am 5.9 Ft and I find the seats really comfortable. The AC is really good on full blast. The panoramic roof enhances the experience more in the hills and in rainy days.The 3rd row is also quite spacious, I have sat in it and I don't feel that its too claustrophobic. I would though recommend only people with height less than 5.5 Ft sit in it for long distances. Surprisingly the 3rd row AC is far superior than the 2nd row AC.There is really less body roll ( XUV 500 was a rollercoaster ) . Even when taking sharp turns the body roll is minimal. The comfort on bad roads is also good , you can't feel anything. Getting in and out is a breeze.The middle row AC is, until you are using it at full blast , it wont cool the people sitting in the middle seat on a hot sunny day.The recline on the middle row seats is okay , some more recline wouldn't have hurt.The welcome seat feature is more of a inconvenience sometimes (Personally) , It takes its sweet time in adjusting back and forth and I have personally disabled it. If you are a healthy individual this feature is really practical for you.The middle row seating arrangement features a Type C fast charging port, although it has a minor drawback. The area beneath the charging port seems somewhat impractical for keeping your phone while charging, as it tends to slip and get in the way of your knees. Given the modern trend of larger smartphones (Which I personally hate), a slightly deeper pocket would have been a thoughtful addition to provide a more secure and comfortable storage solution during charging your smartphone.I've been quitein my evaluation, and while the middle row AC presents a genuine concern for the people living in hot climates, it's essential to recognize the XUV 700's other comfort features. When compared to its competitors like the Tata Safari or the MG Hector, the XUV 700 is my preferred choice in comfort.P.S - When I took a test drive of the Safari , I was in the back seat and swinging here and there when the sales person was driving. If the XUV 700 is a 10/10 in ride comfort , I would give the Safari a 6-7/10.When this car made its debut, the marketing team touted the revolutionary ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) as a significant selling point. Over time, I've had a mixed experience with it, opting to keep it mostly in warning mode. I must admit that the warning system has proven to be highly effective, alerting me on numerous occasions and even potentially saving me from some situations. While there have been a few instances of seemingly unnecessary warnings, overall, I find this feature genuinely helpful.Many times I have noticed when you are parking the car in reverse and get too close to the wall , the wipers start moving to alert you. That is a really neat feature to protect your car from bumping into the wall when reverse parking.As for utilizing the car's autonomous ADAS capabilities on our current roads, I still exercise caution and haven't completely entrusted it for full control. Nevertheless, the fact that the warning system has proven its worth makes me optimistic about the continuous improvement and future potential of this ADAS technology.The XUV 700 has a huge infotainment system and it runs really smooth. Sure , it doesn't work like a 144Hz amoled screen but it does its job.In one word, the infotainment system is nothing short ofThe design strikes the perfect balance, avoiding the extremes of being too large like the Hector's or too small like the 2022 Safari's. Its speedy boot-up process and a myriad of features contribute to a seamless user experience.One practical highlight is the auto-dimming feature that engages when headlights are switched on. This ensures a comfortable driving experience in dark tunnels or during night journeys, preventing any blinding glare.The abundance of information available on the system is truly impressive, including a performance page that even shows G-force readings. This quirky addition caters to the enthusiasm of tech-savvy individuals and car nerds alike (I am one of them).It has only one major issue , black screens. The screen goes black and nothing works . You need to switch off the car and wait for a while and then start it again so that it starts working again.The last black screen I got was in the first 6 months. I haven't gotten it since then so maybe Mahindra listens to us and resolves our issues.So , thumbs up for that.I think Mahindra should have chosen a different provider for the E-Sim, because VI has poor network coverage in many areas. This affects the functionality of the car, such as playing music. Another issue is that the music player does not let me select a specific streaming service, but picks one randomly (e.g., Hungama Music or Amazon Music). I usually rely on Android Auto, so this is not a big problem for me, but I hope Mahindra can fix this soon.The instrument cluster looks like something out of a Mercedes , the whole cockpit does for the matter of fact. The instrument cluster is crisp and offers all the details needed.It even has turn by turn navigation on it which is a nice touch. You can open maps in the instrument cluster and you can also have different speedometer styles on it. I think the only downside is that you cannot use google maps on the instrument cluster screen. Rest I would say the instrument cluster is a10/10 in this segment.PS - I don't keep the FE screen open on it as it sometimes makes me cry , this is recommended to all enthusiastic drivers.Android auto is something you will be using a lot and in this car the integration of Android auto is really good. It connects easily to your smartphone and everything works flawlessly. I don't think so there are any connection issues as such but sometimes it does not connect that easily some times when you connect your phone after a long time to it. Rest nothing major.Also , only one downside that pressing the voice button on steering wheel will activate Alexa and not google. Mahindra or Google needs to look into this as sometimes this is irritating.Making calls is also really easy using android auto and the microphone in the cabin are really good and the person on the other side of the phone wont even realize you are using the microphone of a car to take the call.The google assistant takes voice command correct 9/10 times so that's a really good thing and wont be irritating for you. Just keep in mind google sometimes misinterprets names of Hindi/Punjabi songs.The XUV 700 boasts a remarkable 12-speaker Sony surround sound system, creating an immersive auditory experience. Upon closer observation, this system truly shines with English and Punjabi songs, thanks to its rich bass output. The speakers prove to be a sonic treasure, particularly when indulging in bass-heavy tracks. However, when it comes to Hindi songs, there might be moments where the system seems to lack the desired depth.As a devoted audiophile with a collection including the Sony XM 5, renowned as one of the finest headphones available, paired with Spotify Premium for optimal audio enjoyment, I possess a discerning ear for audio devices. Grading the XUV's speakers, I'd confidently assign them a solid 9 out of 10. My driving soundtrack primarily consists of bass-infused tunes, aligning seamlessly with the speakers' strengths.Given the diverse nature of individual preferences, reviews about the system could certainly vary. One notable challenge is the occasional audio distortion and intrusive white noise that occurs during the car's start-up. An effective workaround involves completely powering down the vehicle, waiting momentarily, and restarting to alleviate the issue. This presents a noteworthy area for Mahindra to address promptly.A positive aspect emerges with the system's ongoing improvement through software updates, rendering the speakers even more impressive over time. Furthermore, I'd recommend exploring the Equalizer settings to discover a personalized audio equilibrium. The choice between connecting your phone via Android Auto or Bluetooth directly yields discernible differences in audio quality. In some instances, a direct Bluetooth connection appears to offer superior music playback.Just one word. If you drive your car mostly in night or highways. Get this car no questions asked. No car in this segment has better or crisper light throw than the XUV has. I can go whole day about how good the headlights are and when you cross 80Km/h the booster lights are turned on which are so helpful when driving on highways. The headlights are justYou can even switch off the DRL from the Infotainment screen if you want to.Well a 2 Liter petrol engine , automatic transmission , 200 BHP and a young enthusiastic driver don't go hand in hand. If you drive it hard , it wont disappoint you but the fuel efficiency will.If you drive enthusiastically, like seriouslyit will give you a FE of 5Km/L+If you are a normal driver than you can easily get 8Km/L+ in city.Highways you can easily get 10 Km/L+ , the best I have gotten on highways is 14 Km/L.2 out of 3 times we fill it up with XP 95. We need to top up our tank on an average of every 10 days.We opted for the petrol variant, considering our 10,000 km/year running and the 15-year rule in NCR. Despite lower FE figures, it made sense for us, offering a smooth and pleasant/enthusiastic driving experience with ease of maintenance. We're overall happy with our choice!XUV 700 is first in the segment to offer flush door handles and personally I think they are quite sturdy and well made. They are also a really fancy thing to show to non car nerds , they all are amazed by it. We have the AX7L so the handles automatically close and open when the doors are locked and unlocked.The only bad thing is that when you need to open the car manually by a key , it is quite a tedious process. Which I think will rarely happen , so if you think the flush door handles are not sturdy you're really wrong.The 360 camera is a really useful feature in big SUVs. It makes driving in tight spaces much easier. The XUV 700 has a good 360 camera system that works well and is not just a gimmick.The backup camera and the front camera have real-time assistive gridlines that help you park and maneuver the car. The cameras have also improved over time with updates from Mahindra. They have better low-light performance and less lag than before.However, the blind spot monitoring system is a joke. You can hardly see the picture clearly because it is displayed in the instrument cluster between the speedometer dials. The Hyundai Alcazar has a much better blind spot monitoring system. I think Mahindra should have done a better job with this feature.Another drawback is the lack of front parking sensors in a car that costs 25 lakhs. This is a basic feature that should have been included.Apart from these issues, I dont have any major complaints about the 360 camera system.Let me tell you once more finally , this car is a true masterpiece - a flawless combination of style and substance that gives us unbeatable bang for the buck. Sure, it might have a couple of minor imperfections, but honestly, they are mere blips on the radar compared to the sheer awesomeness and sophistication this car brings to the table.I can't stress enough how impressed we are with this ride. It's like the automotive gods heard our wishes and granted them all in one sleek and sophisticated package. Picture this: top-notch performance that sends shivers down your spine, comfort that makes you feel like you're floating on clouds, and practicality that makes every journey a breeze But sometimes you do wonder what was Mahindra thinking having only a single 12 V socket or no boot lightIn short, this car can be called one word. Without a doubt, this was the best decision we ever made, and we're embracing every moment of our thrilling adventures with this absolute gem of a car. Life just got a whole lot better and way more[/center] Attached Thumbnails



Last edited by graaja : 23rd August 2023 at 09:21 . Reason: Minor typo
Biopharmaceutical companies are looking for go-to-market approaches that go beyond customer expectations. Starting with a revolutionized technology platform allows these organizations to create value beyond a prescription and basic instructions.

For example, in the case of diabetes, the data and digital platform would be able to share information that would benefit the patient, such as if they ate at a different time or slept more. These suggestions through commercial models are possible for chronic and complex conditions like multiple myeloma.

Biopharma companies are radically rethinking their commercial operating models to gain stronger business foundations. These new approaches, in turn, will help them to serve patients better and withstand competition.

Although some companies in this science field were dabbling in this remodeling structure before the pandemic, the Covid crisis intensified trends calling for more rapid and fundamental marketing transformations.

One central element in this need for pharma firms to transform is creating digital solutions that empower patients, enable clinicians, and integrate with a distributed care environment, according to Brian Williams, managing principal for software development firm Life Sciences Business Consulting at EPAM Systems.

The life sciences industry includes biopharmaceutical manufacturers and producers of medical devices such as imaging, in vitro diagnostics (IVD), implants, and orthopedics. The field also includes other entities involved in researching and manufacturing drugs and devices used in human and animal health.

Both government and commercial payers are migrating from traditional fee-for-service reimbursement to value-based models, Williams told TechNewsWorld.

Medicare Pushing Toward New Models

The Covid-19 pandemic slowed this migration, Williams continued. But the intent to move toward value-based models is demonstrated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) plan to transition all covered persons to an accountable care relationship by 2030.

For life sciences companies, value-based reimbursement models will require demonstrable proof that their interventions delivered a beneficial health outcome, he explained.

These outcomes could range from an improvement in mobility, a base biometric data point such as a lower A1C level for a diabetic patient, or in some instances, a cure.

Additionally, Williams observed that the pandemic allowed consumers to become more confident and comfortable engaging in health care services outside traditional clinical settings, such as in their neighborhood retail clinic or virtually at home.

This shift in care access points now requires biopharmaceutical companies to adopt more consumer-facing, digital-first solutions that facilitate patient engagement, compliance, and adherence, he said.

New Marketing Trends for Pharmacology Firms

Covid-19 forced pharmacology experts to broaden their marketing activities. The aftermath of the pandemic continues to see an expanded marketing toolbox for health drug and medical device makers. Post-Covid research is just one trend putting go-to-market activities on the front burner of laboratories.

For instance, mRNA-based Covid-19 treatments earned billions of dollars for their developers during Q1-Q3 2021. Those developments continue as drug makers find new outlets for more modern-day medical discoveries. Artificial intelligence is attracting collaboration funding for discoveries found more quickly than previously possible for human-only experimenters.

Add to this money source for enhanced research the windfalls involved in cell and gene therapies. Reports show developers raked in $6.4 billion for 376 gene therapy trials in the first half of 2021 alone. Investors poured $24 billion in venture capital funding for biotechnology companies, up more than 20% from previous years.

Biotech companies planning to go public with healthy share prices tapped into money streams detoured from more traditional IPO opportunities. Synthetic biology research also is an attractive target in venture funding.

Synthetic biology is becoming a booming industry to potentially supply the world with diverse applications such as essential medicines, green chemicals, and foods like dairy and meat.

Developing New Models With Tech

Revolutionized technology platforms enable science organizations to extend their impact beyond simply prescribing medications and providing rudimentary guidance. Williams noted that consumer technology platforms, such as iOS and Android, and the application ecosystems they support have set new standards for functionality and user experience.

The shift in care access points from physical offices to virtual settings, which accelerated during the pandemic, also created a convenience expectation for health care that previously did not exist, he continued. So, biopharmaceutical companies now need to design, deploy, and maintain digital solutions that are intuitive, interoperable, integrated, and intelligent to meet clinical and financial metrics tied with outcomes-based reimbursement models.

In addition, biopharmaceutical manufacturers must operate efficiently within different consumer technology platforms, clinical solutions, and retail environments. This multi-faceted and dynamic physical and digital environment creates new pressures and challenges for biopharmaceutical manufacturers to create and capture value, he said.

Responding to New Needs

Many firms within the biopharma manufacturing industry are creating digital solutions that empower patients, enable clinicians, and integrate with a distributed care environment. Biopharma manufacturers are developing digital solutions to deliver patients more efficacious and personalized therapies.

At the same time, they are also creating new insights for clinicians, such as patient longitudinal data or cohort data, and facilitating care delivery across multiple access points. According to Williams, integrating digital solutions within these environments is crucial for documenting patient health outcomes.

This focus on digital tools does not mean biopharma manufacturers are venturing into self-marketing and direct-to-consumer strategies. Instead, it means that biopharma needs to shift its perspective on patients.

Patients should no longer be seen as mere participants within a clinical setting, solely guided by clinicians. Rather, biopharma should recognize patients as individual actors with their own technology preferences and an ability to be active participants in the design and delivery of their care, said Williams.

He insists this paradigm shift is necessary to better understand and meet modern health care consumers needs.

Challenges Achieving Manufacturing Lifecycle Visibility

According to Williams, an essential aspect of the sought-after remodeling of pharmaceutical technology is more visibility into the industrys manufacturing lifecycle. While this is widely desired, it is rarely obtained.

Biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes need to align more closely with demand, especially considering the stability requirements of most therapies, he contended.

However, traditional methods for obtaining clear demand signals have proven insufficient due to issues with data timeliness, completeness, and accuracy. As biopharma moves toward more personalized therapies, the need for visibility into the manufacturing lifecycle and effective integration of manufacturing and supply chain operations is paramount, urged Williams.

He offered that the gap between the need for data visibility and information disparity, which is often related to the separation between biopharma manufacturers and end consumers, definitely contributes to the scarcity and need for data visibility.

In addition, regulatory and privacy requirements further constrain what data biopharma can access and how data can be used, he said.

Getting Value From Data Visibility

Williams is sure that biopharma manufacturing can experience accelerated time-to-target identification and commercialization by enabling data visibility in multiple dimensions. This increased visibility, in turn, can lead to faster and more efficient drug development processes.

It also can result in improved patient compliance and adherence to medications, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes, he added.

Common challenges to these goals include timeliness, completeness, and data accuracy. The sheer volume, variety, and variability of data types often complicate these.

Addressing these complexities requires robust data management strategies and advanced technologies to ensure that critical insights can be derived from the data effectively and efficiently, said Williams.

Enhancing Patient Care With Data Visibility

Successfully overcoming barriers, biopharma manufacturers can accelerate new drug discovery and develop more personalized therapies that deliver clear health benefits to patients, noted Williams. Such progress will result in improved treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Improved data visibility can play a pivotal role in enhancing patient compliance and adherence to prescribed treatments and ensuring that therapies are optimally effective and contribute to better overall patient care.

Embracing data visibility can ultimately elevate the capabilities of life sciences manufacturers, fostering breakthroughs in research and delivering substantial value to both the industry and the patients it serves, Williams concluded.
Forward-looking: Is there anything companies won't shoehorn AI into? According to a new report, the venerable Paint is one of several Windows 11 apps that will receive artificial intelligence upgrades, introducing a Bing-style generative image creation feature.

Windows Central's sources say that Microsoft is continuing to push more AI features into Windows 11. There's already the AI-based personal assistant, Copilot, that's expected to arrive this fall, and it appears several built-in apps are getting AI upgrades, including Photos, the Snipping Tool, and Paint.

In the case of Paint, the addition of generative AI tech will allow users to ask the program to create an image based on their description. The feature will be based on the same technology behind Bing's Image Creator, which does the same thing.

The Snipping Tool's new AI smarts will reportedly be the addition of optical character recognition (OCR) technology. This will allow it to identify text in screenshots, making it easier to copy and paste text. OCR is also coming to the camera app so the same feature will work on photos.

The Photos app is said to be receiving an upgrade that will be familiar to mobile users. Its AI integration will allow the app to identify people or objects in photos and let users cut and paste them into other areas.

There was an outcry in 2017 following news that Microsoft planned to remove Paint from Windows and make it standalone app in the Microsoft Store, hoping that Paint 3D would take its place. The company went back on its decision: Paint got its first big overhaul in a decade in June, while Paint 3D was deprecated.

Microsoft is going all-in on artificial intelligence right now, which isn't really a surprise given the billions of dollars it has invested in ChatGPT maker OpenAI. Copilot is expected to be a headline AI feature. The Edge and Bing Chat-powered assistant can be launched directly from the Taskbar and appears as a sidebar that can be quickly accessed when you need help. It's available to try now for those in the Windows Insider Dev channel.
What just happened? Samsung has unveiled details of two more massive monitors that will soon join its lineup of large displays, including what the company says is the world's first dual UHD (DUHD) gaming monitor: the 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 and the 55-inch Odyssey ARK.

The new 57-inch Odyssey, which has the model number G95NC, boasts a massive 7,680 x 2,160 resolution, comparable to having two 32-inch 4K displays side by side.

The monitor comes with a 1,000R curve on its matte display and a blistering 240Hz refresh rate, the same specs as the 49-inch version. It uses Samsung's Quantum Matrix technology that powers the Mini LED lighting, offering smaller, more discreet dimming zones. Samsung says the result is sharp contrast and less blooming.

Elsewhere, the Neo G9 57-inch is Vesa DisplayHDR 1000 certified with 1,000-nits peak brightness, has a 1ms GtG response time, and comes with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. It also has features such as Core Lighting+ and CoreSync, as well as Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes.

Port-wise, the monitor boasts DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI 2.1, and a USB hub. Not surprisingly, the new Odyssey Neo G9 carries a hefty price tag: $2,499.99. It will be available for pre-order beginning at Gamescom 2023 and launches in the US this October.

Samsung first revealed the monitor at AMD's RDNA 3-reveal livestream last year. Scott Herkelman, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Graphics Business Unit at AMD, said, "By bringing DisplayPort 2.1 connectivity to their premium gaming monitor, Samsung is opening new doors for gamers. More bandwidth, higher speeds and faster refresh rates provide new levels of performance and visual fidelity in games, and together the new Samsung displays and Radeon RX 7000 Series graphics cards will deliver the most vivid and immersive gaming experiences yet."

The second monitor Samsung announced is the upgraded 55-inch Odyssey Ark. It doesn't appear as if much has changed here; the 165Hz refresh rate, 1,000R curve, and 3,840 x 2,160 resolution all remain, as does the ability to spin the screen into portrait mode, of course.

Samsung says one of the added features in the new model is Samsung Multi View, which lets users see 4 inputs on screen at once. It also significantly enhances split-screen capabilities, apparently. The new Ark model also gets a KVM switch, which is always a useful feature in a monitor. No price has been announced, but the original Ark arrived with a frightening $3,500 MSRP.

The 2023 Odyssey Ark will be available for pre-order in September. It will be available in the US this October.

Another large monitor unveiled at Gamescom came from Philips. It showed off the 49M2C8900, a 48.9-inch Double-QHD (5,210 x 1,440) display with a 240Hz refresh rate. The display features a 10-bit QD-OLED panel with DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification (450 nits peak brightness).
Something to look forward to: Earlier this year, Sony teased us with an upcoming portable streaming device codenamed "Project Q." Rather than having on-board processing, the device streams content from your PlayStation 5 over WiFi. Today, it revealed an official name, price, additional details, and a release window.

We first saw Project Q  Sony's apparent Switch killer  in May. The handheld gaming machine is now officially called the PlayStation Portal. Sony promises the device will provide a "PS5 experience" in a portable package. It features an 8-inch LCD, capable of displaying games in 1080p at 60FPS. Its controllers are the same size and shape as the PS5's DualSense but cut in half and attached to the sides of the screen. However, Sony didn't mention if the controls were detachable like the Switch's Joy-Cons.

The most significant difference between the PS Portal and other handheld gaming machines is that it is strictly streaming. It does not need the most potent portable processors because the hosted PS5 handles everything. So internally, it should be very light, mainly requiring WiFi hardware and the PlayStation Link, which we will touch on in a moment. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Since it is essentially just a screen and controller components, the PlayStation Portal will only cost $200 when it launches later this year. That's $100 less than the Nintendo Switch and more than $200 less than an entry-level Steam Deck. The main limitation is that it cannot play PS VR2 games or PS+ Premium games that stream from the cloud, which makes sense. Otherwise, any installed game on your PS5 should be compatible.

How well the PS Portal will handle streaming content from the PS5 remains to be seen. The current state of the PlayStation Remote Play app is much less than perfect. Using Remote Play, even with high-end hardware like a gaming PC, is still prone to occasional to frequent stuttering. Much of this depends on your wireless connection and whether you are playing over your LAN or the internet. Sony says the PS Portal requires at least a 5Mbps WiFi connection but recommends 15Mbps. We've tested Remote Play over much faster connections and still experienced stutter.

However, comparing the Portal to Remote Play might be unfairly premature. Hopefully, Sony employs an optimized solution that provides smoother gameplay than the app, and perhaps it will. In June, Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida said the company was ready to face the "high technical difficulties" the cloud presents. While he was more directly addressing cloud gaming, local streaming faces similar technical challenges.

Sony also updated us on its latest audio technology  the Pulse Elite wireless headset and the Pulse Explore wireless earbuds. The Pulse Elite headphones are just like Sony's current Pulse cans, except for a few new features. Pulse Elite adds a retractible boom mic, AI-driven noise cancelation, and a charging hanger, all welcome upgrades to its current model. The Pulse Explore is a brand-new product, ideal for those who prefer lightweight earbuds. They feature dual microphones, lossless audio, AI noise filtering, and a charging case.

Both options utilize a new connectivity technology Sony calls "PlayStation Link." This wireless system provides lossless audio between the PS Portal and the earphones and buds. It can also seamlessly switch between the PS Portal and the PS5. Unfortunately, the PS5 still requires a Bluetooth dongle to send and receive signals from either listening option.

Sony set an MSRP of $150 for the Pulse Elite headset and $200 for the Pulse Explore earbuds. However, a release window is still pending.
It's no surprise that data science as a career is experiencing a stellar rise. As organizations large and small realize the competitive advantages that can be gained from data analysis, opportunities for experienced professionals are only growing.

Case in point, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics has said that the employment rate for data scientists looks set to grow by 36% up to 2031. The demand for data science job opportunities in the U.S. has grown dramatically, and thanks to that demand and the technical skill set required, those looking for new opportunities tend to find that jobs in data science offer great pay and benefits.

Looking for a new data science job now? The TechSpot Job Board is the perfect place to start your search. It features thousands of jobs, like the four positions below.

Data Science Manager, Intel, Phoenix

Intel is seeking a Data Science (DS) Manager to build and lead a team, and work with other leaders to support yield ramp-up and process optimization in the early production stage, supporting internal and external customers. You'll identify valuable data sources and set automated data collection processes to build and manage the dataset used for yield analysis, process structured and unstructured data, and build predictive models and machine learning algorithms.

Problem-solving and project/program management experience with strong self-initiative and self-learning capabilities is required, as well as demonstrated interpersonal skills, including influencing, engaging, and motivating. You'll also need a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a science or engineering area, plus five years' of experience in advanced node semiconductor industry in yield analysis and data science. Get all the requirements here.

Lead, Data Science, The AES Corporation, Indianapolis

AES US Utilities & Conventional Generation is looking for a Lead Data Scientist to join its growing team of data wranglers, where you'll help to uncover insights and drive key business decisions by using data analytics and artificial intelligence. You will guide the Data Science Team to use data to find patterns, build algorithms, and generally help AES' business leaders make more inquisitive decisions to deliver better products and solutions. These analytics will also serve as the foundation for machine learning use cases across several business applications.

To be considered, you'll need a Bachelor's in engineering, mathematics, physics applicable real-world experience in similar positions required, with a Master's or PhD preferred. Additionally, 10 or more years' experience in data analytics or data science or applicable research is needed, as is an excellent understanding of machine learning techniques and algorithms, such as k-NN, Naive Bayes, SVM, Decision Forests, etc. You'll also need deep experience in Python or R. Interested? Find out more here.

Data Science Architect, SAIC, Chantilly

SAIC is seeking a Data Science Architect to provide Systems Engineer Technical Advisor (SETA) services for a critical position on SAIC's Prime Program, Landmark AOS in Chantilly, VA. You will advise government leadership and provide technical review and assessment of concepts, systems, technologies, designs, architectures, interfaces, and operation of space and ground systems.

You'll also provide technical and programmatic support through the entire project life cycle including concept development, system definition, acquisition planning, source selection, system design, development, integration and test, system delivery, and mission operations. A Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 14 years' of relevant work experience, as well as Active Top Secret/SCI with polygraph, are required. Apply for this role now.

Data Science Consultant, Deloitte, Rosslyn

The Data Scientist will join a team responsible for developing advanced analytics products; applying machine learning, artificial intelligence and statistical programming tools to enterprise data to advance and enable key mission outcomes. You will support all phases of analytic work product development, from the identification of key business questions to ETL, from performing analyses to delivery of insights to decision-makers, with particular attention to the interplay between data and the business processes that produce and consume it.

A Bachelor's degree and Active Top Secret clearance or above are both required and you will also need three or more years experience with programming languages such as SQL, R, Python, as well as two years' of experience with ML and/or AI modeling, as well as three years' with data visualization tools, such as Tableau, Qlik, PowerBI, d3.js, or equivalent. Find all the relevant information here.
(Photo : Krongkaew / Getty Images)

Construction firms may jeopardize their financial results if they underestimate the costs of the projects they undertake. The possibility for error may arise from human fallibility or an absence of access to real-time data. It is imperative that these firms pursue opportunities such as employing construction accounting software to facilitate the delivery of precise and efficient accounting practices.

What are the benefits of using construction accounting software?

The practice of construction accounting pertains to the financial management of construction firms. Considering that the work is frequently project-based and extends over a long duration, it becomes challenging to monitor all costs associated with equipment, labor, mobilization, and even production availability throughout the course of the project. By employing construction accounting software, construction firms may avail themselves of the subsequent benefits:

Centralize information for optimal financial management

Acquire insight into the financial well-being of each project

Simplify reporting and tracking capabilities to detect and rectify irregularities

Ensure fluid and uninterrupted operation as the budget is appropriately distributed

Fortify client relationships through transparent project management

Outlined below are the top 5 best construction accounting software of 2023:

1 Trimble Construction One

Overview

Trimble Construction One, a construction accounting software provider that has led the software industry for over four decades. It has received many honors, including being named a winner by The Construction Computing Awards, Constructech 50, and Software Advice.

Trimble Viewpoint combines important business tasks such as construction accounting and project management with the work being done in the field.

By offering highly cooperative, simple to use, and cloud-based tools, construction companies can use Trimble Construction One to make their work more responsible, efficient, and profitable.

Trimble Construction One helps construction companies and contractors improve their business. It assists in cutting down mistakes and expensive extra work, which helps in making work go faster and making sure projects are finished. Workers in the office and in the field can access the same accurate data from anywhere, at any time, giving real-time visibility to all project stakeholders.

From making bills to giving a broad look at income and how well the business is doing, companies can make their construction accounting work smoother by using Trimble Construction One. It brings together all the costs of a job into one place for a clear view of how money is being managed. With a secure system to check who is allowed in, all information is kept safe from anyone who shouldn't see it.

Features

Automatic Invoicing

Trimble Construction One is driven by AI and machine learning and includes features like automatic invoices to make the billing process better. Workers can quickly put invoices into the system, and then project managers can make changes and give approval. Once approved, a request for payment can be sent to the person who handles the money for the construction work.

This construction accounting software also gives quick access to important information about the cost of a job as it is happening, to make sure that billing is correct. It can show how many hours were worked, how much equipment was used, what was made, when it was handed in, and who approved it, so that everyone can see clearly what has been done.

Trimble Construction One also lets people change the invoices to fit what the customer needs for different kinds of job billing. It can handle many kinds of invoices and can change PDF invoices into entries in the system with little need for typing them in by hand. This can make things more accurate and prevent mistakes.

Change Order Tracking

Changes in the plan often lead to disagreements between owners and the main builders. It can be confusing to know whether a change is part of the original plan or something extra, especially if the person in charge of the project hasn't formally agreed to it.

With the ability to track changes, it's easy for everyone to see what changes were made, why they were made, and who said they were okay. The construction accounting software can show a complete record of the change and how the subcontractor did the job, all in one place where everyone can see it.

Trimble Construction One makes the difficult process of handling changes simpler by providing a way to keep track of them. By keeping an eye on who approves changes, the people who handle the money and the project managers can watch how the project is going and see important information to make sure it still makes money.

Automated Workflows

Trimble Construction One has automatic ways to make buying things faster by making the process of reviewing and agreeing to purchases more straightforward. This helps when the person in charge of the work site needs to order many different things at once.

Managers can easily make a list of what's needed and send it for approval, where others can check and put all the requests into one order. When the things are received, the order is sent to the work site boss for payment. By using the construction accounting software, everyone can see what's happening with the order and payment.

Mobile Time Entry

Managing the time workers spend on a job can be done better, as doing it by hand slows things down. Using information about pay, it's easier to see if the project is making or losing money compared to the original estimate, which helps in making more profit. But with a way for anyone to easily clock in using a mobile device, paying workers becomes a smooth process.

Trimble Construction One can take the time information entered by workers on the job site and use it with the office's pay and employee systems. This saves time and stops mistakes from happening when managing pay. Workers and bosses can clock in for the day or the week using the mobile app that comes with the construction accounting software.

Viewpoint Analytics

Trimble Construction One includes a feature for looking at real-time numbers, pictures, and summaries. It's valuable for companies to have access to correct reports to check on the health of a project. This part of the software helps lower mistakes in figuring out costs, letting companies make smarter offers and choices. This can lead to projects that make more money.

With tools for figuring out job costs, making invoices, sending bills, tracking changes, buying, and handling pay for construction work, companies can use Trimble Construction One for its up-to-the-minute information, ability to be used on mobile devices, and automatic features. Companies can all work from the same information and make sure everyone is working together well. If someone wants to see what it can do, Trimble Viewpoint can show a sample of how its construction accounting software works.

2 CMiC Financials

Overview

CMiC Financials is designed for construction accounting management. It offers real-time data visibility for projects to have a single version of truth regardless of shifting cost structures. It also facilitates the seamless flow of financial data into the General Ledger and job costing.

Construction firms can choose among three flexible deployment options: on-premise, Platform-as-a-Service, or a multi-tenant cloud environment. The construction management software also includes a full suite of mobile apps to extend functionality and ease of use to smartphones and tablets for remote access.

Features

CMiC Financials features construction accounting solutions. It contains accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, and consolidated general ledger applications to serve general contractors and specialty contractors. It can optimize financial management practices and provide robust financial reporting for advanced analytics.

Construction firms can maintain the accuracy and integrity of financial transaction data with the construction accounting software's general ledger. This feature ensures compliance with auditing and regulatory requirements. Firms can also set and track credit limits to ensure no one goes over budget, especially during change orders.

CMiC Financials also features automation of customer invoicing and payment collection for faster transactions. It can also display historical information allowing firms to track invoices and generate an accounts payable report based on the data.

Firms can also ensure field and accounting teams are working from the same set of financial data with its real-time data visibility. This allows them to maintain all cash assets efficiently and easily receive automatic transaction updates. CMiC Financials is a complete and unified construction accounting solution for firms to manage all financials, projects, resources, and content assets in one platform.

3 Acumatica

Overview

Acumatica is a cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that offers construction accounting solutions through its financial management product. It is easy to use and customizable to fit the needs of construction firms to improve their profitability, productivity, management, and more.

The cloud ERP software is trusted by over 10 thousand businesses worldwide, including multinational brands like KFC, Mitsubishi Electric, Abbott, General Motors, and Traveldoo. It is scalable to fit the size of any business and it also offers rapid integrations.

Acumatica is also award-winning, both as a platform and as a company. With a high customer relationship rating, it's one of the best platforms to use for modern construction accounting practices.

Features

The financial management software of Acumatica simplifies the management of assets, income, and expenses. It has configurable processes, mobile access, and advanced applications to streamline construction accounting operations. It is also powered by AI and machine learning, which firms can leverage for analysis, financial, and compliance reporting.

With real-time visibility, firms can get a complete picture of their financials and business performance on any device with role-based dashboards. Field and accounting teams can easily collaborate with real-time and centralized data. Firms can also add unlimited users at no additional cost to maximize scalability.

The financial management software can also automate reporting, consolidation, payments, and cash management for ease of transaction. It also has a tax management solution for tax configuration and reports. Moreover, with its native Analytical Report Manager, anyone can easily modify hundreds of reports.

Firms can leverage the straightforward functionality and automation features of Acumatica to improve field and construction accounting operations. Cloud ERP software can help them operate efficiently and easily grow their business.

4 Foundation Software

Overview

Foundation Software is purpose-built for the construction industry. It contains all the back-office tools contractors need to run business operations. The company has over 35 years of industry experience, making them experts in the field. With an in-house support team and an assigned trainer, Foundation Software ensures clients get what they need.

Foundation Software is also an award-winning company recognized by Capterra, SoftwareAdvice, GetApp, North Coast 99, and more. It is trusted by over 25000 construction professionals nationwide, proving its credibility and qualifications as one of the best construction accounting software in the industry.

Features

Foundation Software contains modules, which are essential features for construction accounting operations. Equipped with a job costing module, it can track the costs and progress of job activities against estimates and past performance, allowing firms to zero in on profit margins. It also sends out automated alerts to avoid cost or labor overruns.

This construction accounting software can also reduce manual data entry and time spent on routine processes like scheduling recurring journal entries or reconciling bank accounts with its general ledger module. It can run standard and comparative trial balances and set account budgets for any duration, making it easier to track the health of the construction project.

Foundation Software also contains a payroll module with automated timecard entry, processing, and calculations. It can also house all information related to purchasing and subcontractor records to keep everything organized and accessible.

Moreover, it also has modules to streamline accounts payable and accounts receivable. With its automatic error-checking, Foundation Software can help prevent imbalances and other mistakes for accurate invoicing. It also features a module for CPA audit and review, which can assist in examining financial accounts and statements.

Foundation Software also offers additional construction modules for construction management like inventory, scheduling, and service dispatch, which are essential for field operations. With mobile access, specialized training, and accessible support, firms can leverage the construction accounting software for its core functions tailored made for the construction industry.

5 QuickBooks

Overview

QuickBooks is a cloud accounting software designed for small businesses. It centralizes all accounting operations and allows synchronization with banks and other existing apps to ensure accuracy in financial accounts and statements.

Since everything is stored in the cloud, anyone can access information anytime from any device. Equipped with bank-level security, QuickBooks ensures the stored data is safe and accessible only to the individual user or to a select number of people with authorized access, making it a suitable option for small-scale firms.

Features

QuickBooks enables the creation of customized invoices. Users can easily turn estimates into invoices in one click. Moreover, they can also personalize their invoices with the logo and colors of their company to make them look more professional.

The cloud-based software automates the invoicing process so users can save time and ensure invoice accuracy. It can send automatic reminders on overdue or scheduled invoices for retainers or recurring clients. It also offers fast payment matching to keep everything updated in real-time.

QuickBooks can integrate with bank accounts, credit cards, PayPal, and other payment systems to comprehensively view expenses. With its mobile app, anyone can easily attach their receipts and keep them organized in one place. It also features financial reporting, allowing firms to gain smart insights and view their business performance in just one click.

Having access to relevant metrics allows them to make informed decisions so they can align their spending within the project's budget. QuickBooks can also help forecast cash flow by displaying the profit and loss statement. Overall, it's an optimal, easy-to-use construction accounting software for small businesses.

Conclusion

Construction companies, builders, and even accountants can use the top 5 best construction accounting software for what they can do, how easy they are to use, and how they can be reached. These tools can make business and money matters, as well as talking to everyone working on the project, more straightforward. This helps everyone work together well and makes finishing the project successful.

While some of these computer programs are better than others, they all promise to make handling the money for projects better, to make work go faster and earn more money. With automatic features and the ability to see things as they happen, anyone can make their way of handling money for construction better by using the best construction software in 2023.

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
In Romny, Sumy region, as a result of a morning attack by drones on an educational institution, four people were killed, the operation to remove the rubble has been completed, Interior Minister of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko has said.

"The number of victims of the Russian attack on the school in Romny has increased to four people. The rescuers of the State Emergency Service unblocked the bodies of the school director, deputy director, secretary and librarian," the minister said in Telegram on Wednesday.

He said the operation to remove the rubble at the strike site was completed.

According to the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, four local residents were also injured, who, at the time of arrival, were passing by the educational institution.
Japan is set to initiate the release of cooling water from the Fukushima power plant on Thursday, marking a significant step in the aftermath of one of the world's worst nuclear disasters that occurred 12 years ago, according to a report by AFP.

China Protests the Decision

The decision to proceed with the release has not been without controversy, as opposition from local fishermen and protests from China have added to the complexity of the situation.



China, in particular, has taken a strong stance by already banning food shipments from various Japanese prefectures in response to the impending release.



Japanese authorities, however, maintain that the gradual release of the accumulated water into the sea is safe. This assertion is supported by the United Nations atomic agency, adding an international dimension to the discussion.



Prime Minister Fumio Kishida revealed the start date for the release after consultations with representatives from the fishing industry, who hold concerns about the environmental impact and potential disruption to their livelihoods.



The Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear plant was severely damaged in 2011 by a massive earthquake and tsunami that resulted in the loss of around 18,000 lives. Three of the plant's reactors experienced meltdowns, leading to a protracted effort to mitigate the consequences.



Over the years, operator TEPCO has been working to manage the aftermath by collecting and treating the accumulated water used to cool the remaining radioactive reactors. The water is a mixture of groundwater, rainwater, and cooling water, amounting to over 1.34 million tons.



TEPCO emphasizes that the treated water has been carefully diluted and filtered to eliminate all radioactive elements, except for tritium. This radioactive isotope is present at levels considered to be well below hazardous thresholds, according to experts.

Read Also: Japan's New Bomb Shelter Bill On Its Way to Becoming Law Due to Lack of Underground Shelters

Concerns About the Release

However, concerns have arisen about the presence of tritium and the potential long-term effects of low-dose exposure to such radionuclides. Some critics and scientists call for more transparency in the sampling and monitoring processes to ensure the safety of the release.



The controversy surrounding the plan extends beyond Japan's borders, as China, South Korea, and Pacific nations express opposition. The Pacific islands, already grappling with the legacy of nuclear testing, fear further contamination in their region.

Japanese fishing communities, which have made significant efforts to restore their means of living following the 2011 catastrophe, express concerns regarding the possible consequences on their industry and the subsequent effects on their local communities.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has conducted an extensive safety review and deemed Japan's plan consistent with its safety standards. Despite this, the release remains contentious, with the IAEA's interim evaluations indicating minimal radiological impact on both humans and the environment.

Related Article: Japan's Military of Defense Considers New US-Style Research Body to Support Civilian Technology with Military Applications

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has upheld its decision to block the controversial $68.7 billion Microsoft-Activision merger, citing concerns about potential monopolistic control of the cloud gaming market.

Despite the setback, PCMag reports that Microsoft has unveiled a restructured proposal aimed at addressing the regulatory body's reservations.

This revised deal hinges on a strategic partnership with game publisher Ubisoft, allowing the tech giant to sidestep the CMA's objections.

Microsoft's New Collaboration with Ubisoft

TechCrunch tells us in a report that under the newly structured agreement, Ubisoft is set to obtain cloud streaming rights to all of Activision Blizzard's current and upcoming PC and console games for the next 15 years

Significantly, this includes non-exclusive rights to stream within the European Economic Area (EEA) in perpetuity. This maneuver strategically circumvents the CMA's apprehensions about Microsoft's potential market dominance.

Brad Smith, Microsoft's President, explained the company's position, stating, "As a result of the agreement with Ubisoft, Microsoft believes its proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard presents a substantially different transaction under UK law than the transaction Microsoft submitted for the CMA's consideration in 2022."

CMA Starts New Investigation

The CMA, while acknowledging the restructured deal as "substantially different," has not given it a green light.

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, affirmed, "This is not a green light. We will carefully and objectively assess the details of the restructured deal and its impact on competition, including in light of third-party comments."

"Our goal has not changed - any future decision on this new deal will ensure that the growing cloud gaming market continues to benefit from open and effective competition driving innovation and choice," Cardell emphasized.

The regulator's new Phase 1 investigation is aimed at evaluating the intricacies of the restructured agreement, scrutinizing its potential implications for the competitive landscape of cloud gaming.

The CMA intends to engage third-party perspectives in its assessment before reaching a final decision.

Read Also: Xbox: Eight Strikes and You're Out of Multiplayer and Social Privileges-New Policy

A Closer Look: Ubisoft's Involvement, Different Stances

Ubisoft's involvement in this new deal signifies a collaborative effort to maintain a balanced market and ensure that Microsoft does not wield disproportionate control over cloud gaming.

This strategic maneuver demonstrates an innovative solution to regulatory challenges, fostering healthy competition while allowing gamers diverse ways to access their favorite titles.

Microsoft's ambition to complete the acquisition of Activision Blizzard by October 18 remains intact, aligned with the CMA's review timeline.

The regulator's decision stands in stark contrast to that of the European Union, which gave the mega-merger its approval. Likewise, US courts prevented the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) from impeding the deal. These divergent regulatory stances further complicate an already intricate landscape.

The outcome of the restructured proposal and the subsequent CMA review will significantly impact the trajectory of the gaming industry. The proposal's unique structure aims to ensure open competition and prevent undue market control.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Microsoft Is Shutting Down Xbox 360 Online Store in 2024, But Here's Why You Shouldn't Panic

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Cleveland Clinic was looking for stroke survivors who would be willing to participate in an experimental technique called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) to regain upper body mobility. A tiny cable is inserted into the cerebellum during the surgery to electrically activate the neurons.

Initially afraid, Nicholas, who had a stroke in 2018, opted to have the treatment done provided he could use his left arm and hand once again. The procedure seeks to improve upper body mobility.

(Photo: SERGEI GAPON/AFP via Getty Images)

An employee works at the laboratory of the Bispebjerg Hospital in Copenhagen on February 3, 2023.

Deep Brain Stimulation

Twelve stroke patients who underwent deep brain stimulation (DBS) were included in a Nature Medicine research. At first, each person's upper torso lacked strength on one side, making daily activities challenging.

Following therapy, they had a noticeable improvement in hand and arm movement, including the return of their culinary skills. One of the patients, Nicholas, attributes his sense of freedom to DBS.

The Cleveland Clinic's research team is looking at how Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) could speed up stroke recovery.

The effectiveness of DBS, a method used to lessen Parkinson's tremors, in treating severe depression and other mental conditions is now being investigated. DBS entails implanting electrodes that produce gentle electrical pulses, much like a cardiac pacemaker.

Read Also: Smartphone App Helps Researchers to Detect Early Signs of Stroke

What a Stroke Does

Each year, about 15 million people have a stroke that results in damaged neurons close to the stroke site due to rapid bleeding or brain blockage.

Their rehabilitation often reaches a plateau approximately a year after the stroke, having an impact on their everyday life, and nearly half of the survivors have a chronic or permanent disability.

Because of its capacity to recover from trauma, the brain may replace damaged areas with healthy ones. Neuroscientist Kenneth Baker, who is a co-author of the article, claims that the goal of the research is to encourage functional rearrangement in the remaining parts of the cortex.

Stroke lowers neuron excitability, which affects how signals are sent and how the body is connected. Neuronal excitability returns after spontaneous stroke recovery. Baker's team used stimulation to boost the development of new connections and raise neuron excitability close to damaged regions.

Operations on the Brain

Researchers installed a chest gadget producing electrical impulses and implanted electrodes in the patient's brains. Patients had physical therapy after two months after healing. Then, as they maintained their physical treatment, electrical stimulation was put on for four to eight months.

Health Improvements

According to research, people with spinal cord injuries are more adept at doing commonplace actions like using a comb, picking up a cup, and turning on a light. The impairments were worse for the people who didn't experience substantial gains.

After receiving stimulation for a few months, Nicholas, one of the patients, saw a change, being able to shut his left hand and lift his left arm above his head, something he had previously been unable to accomplish.

Nicholas is pleased that it has helped him and that it has made yard maintenance and housework simpler.

This shows that there may be more time than previously believed to assist these people in regaining function. The most seriously handicapped individuals, however, did not benefit, indicating that there could be a cap on how much stimulation is beneficial.

Although the results are promising, additional research is required to identify the patients who would be suitable DBS candidates. A bigger randomized experiment is being planned by the researchers to more accurately assess its efficacy.

Related Article: Scientists Develop a Touchpad Device that Can Help Stroke Survivors Regain Their Senses

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Iran's Defense Ministry recently unveiled the "Mohajer-10," a new drone that remarkably resembles the US MQ-9 Reaper drone, often connected to armed capabilities.

The country's new military drone, shown on Tuesday at a conference honoring Defense Industry Day, is said to have the remarkable capacity to stay in the air for up to 24 hours and a range that can reach Iran's regional adversary, Israel.

Iran Flexing Its Military Tech

The official state-run IRNA news agency documented the ceremony via a picture of the Mohajer-10 on exhibit at the conference location, surrounded by a mist of smoke-machine fog, creating a sense of mystery about the new drone's capabilities.

"Mohajer" means "immigrant" in Farsi and has stood for an Islamic Republic drone line since 1985. Iran's drone technology has advanced significantly with the introduction of the Mohajer-10. According to IRNA, the Mohajer-10 is capable of reaching 24,000 feet at 210 kph. It can carry 300 kilograms (660 pounds) of payload, including a camera and electronic surveillance equipment.

Iran presented a new Mohajer-10 drone with a payload of up to 300 kg, a flight altitude of 7 km and a flight time of up to 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/ZSkVtAY8vh  War Monitor (@WarMonitors) August 22, 2023

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi attended the Defense Industry Day ceremonies. The Iranian leader remarked in his speech: "Today, we can firmly introduce Iran as an advanced and technological nation to the world," per AP News. Raisi also underlined Iran's cordial relations with foreign countries and its military's readiness to protect its sovereignty.

Read Also: New Twitch Feature Empowers Streamers to Block Viewers: Here's How It Works

According to a report from WION, the Mohajer-10 is an upgraded version of the "Mohajer-6," a drone the US has accused Iran of providing to Russia during its war against Ukraine, which Tehran has vigorously refuted. Though Iran's military accomplishments are praised within its boundaries, opinions outside remain divided.

The Mohajer-10 was shown among other military hardware in a video that was unveiled simultaneously with the Iranian drone. Reuters reported that the video also included the Persian and Hebrew phrase "prepare your shelters." The video's broadcast on Iran's military industry day highlights Iran-Israel tensions escalated by recent fatal assaults on Israelis.

Israel, a country with a fleet of long-range drones, has yet to comment on Iran's launching of the Mohajer-10 drone.

Is Iran Ripping Off US Drone Technology?

Iran has already shown that it is capable of capturing and disassembling drones. An RQ-170 Sentinel drone controlled by the CIA was famously captured by Iran in 2011 after it entered Iranian airspace from Afghanistan. This tragedy prompted Iran to create its own drone subtypes. After the nuclear agreement collapsed, Iran destroyed a US Navy RQ-4A Global Hawk drone in the Strait of Hormuz in 2019.

The MQ-9 Reaper has significance for Iran since it is thought to have been involved in the Baghdad attack in 2020 that killed famous Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani.

Iran also revealed supplying its army and Revolutionary Guard with two ballistic missile types, including one named after Qassem Soleimani.

Related Article: Somalia to Block TikTok, Telegram Access Due to Offensive Content

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
After receiving complaints from the Auschwitz Museum, Twitter's X, now known as Twitter, came under fire for deleting a message that denied the Holocaust, raising concerns about the difficulties encountered by internet platforms in monitoring hate speech and misinformation.

(Photo: ALAIN JOCARD/AFP via Getty Images)

SpaceX, Twitter, and electric car maker Tesla CEO Elon Musk looks on as he speaks during his visit at the Vivatech technology startups and innovation fair at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, on June 16, 2023.

The Twitter Incident

The validity of the Holocaust and the usage of anti-Semitic stereotypes were attacked in a post by a user on the social networking site X that claimed to not violate its rules.

The message was attacked for its content even though it seemed to be in reaction to a tweet from the Auschwitz Museum. The user later explained, however, that Holocaust denial is expressly forbidden by X's content regulations, and the platform has reiterated this.

The damage caused by the post's content escalated further.

Read Also: Facebook Bans Holocaust Denial to Further Campaign Against Hate Speech - But Why Only Now?

History's Darker Times

Over 1.1 million Jews were brutally murdered at the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, which serves as a symbol of the Holocaust. Over 200,000 of the victims were children and teenagers.

X was first criticized for not taking prompt action to remove the inflammatory message, but after pressure from the Auschwitz Museum, it changed its position. Holocaust denial is expressly forbidden under the platform's content regulations, which have been reiterated in light of the atrocities of the Holocaust.

Raising Concern

An offensive answer from X was reported to the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau, which was at first mistakenly attributed to the review procedure.

The website changed its position, raised the problem, and deleted the offensive material. The denial of horrific historical events, such as the Holocaust, terrorism, school shootings, and natural catastrophes, is prohibited under X's policies.

Elon's Lackluster Policies

X's content moderation efforts have come under fire for not making enough progress despite having a zero-tolerance policy for unlawful content and removing advertisements from objectionable material.

Anti-Semitic posts have increased, according to research by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, while the Centre for Countering Digital Hate discovered that the majority of such remarks go unanswered. Elon Musk's takeover of the company has sparked controversy since he asserts that hate speech has dropped.

However, the BBC Monitoring team's investigation revealed that several restored identities-including the account of the creator of a neo-Nazi website-promoted hatred and violence, casting doubt on the platform's decision-making procedure for enabling the reinstatement of banned accounts.

The platform's attorney criticized the study as unfounded, but the public debate surrounding online hate speech remains a significant worry. X Corp is suing CCDH for its critical research results, which it claims are "inflammatory, misleading, and unsupported claims."

According to X, it's critical to strike a balance between user safety from hazardous information and an open and welcoming place for dialogue.

Related Article: Model Elizabeth Pipko Enters the World of Tech with New Global Holocaust Remembrance Project Utilizing Decentralized Technology

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A top Thai Cabinet official threatens to take severe measures against Facebook, one of the world's most extensive social media networks, for poor ad filtering that exposes users to pricey frauds.



Thailand's Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, said on Monday that he is willing to bring the case before a criminal court by the end of the month and is calling for the closure of Facebook in the nation, according to AP News.

Facebook Fails to Stop Scams on Its Platform

Minister Thanakamanusorn said that Facebook's ad screening methods fail to stop bogus ads. Despite requests for Facebook's parent company, Meta, to remove fake advertising, the problem still exists even though more than 5,000 have been removed.

The minister said that false adverts and bogus profiles frequently seem like respectable financial and investment experts promising large rewards, Cointelegraph reported. These advertisements trick naive people into falling for frauds that cost them a lot of money.



More than 200,000 people in Thailand have reportedly been victims of online scams. Meta has not replied to the minister's charges.



The immediacy of the issue raises considerations regarding judicial involvement if legal action is taken. The Thai government is presently collecting proof to back up its allegations of dishonest advertising tactics. Ministry spokesperson Wetang Phuangsup said the court may take down particular sites, accounts, or the whole Facebook platform if widespread misbehavior is proven.



"If there is a lot of wrongdoing, the court could close down pages and accounts. Or the court could close the entire platform," the Thailand government official said, as quoted by Reuters.

Read Also: Tesla Under Legal Scrutiny: Lawsuit Arises Following Tragic Model 3 Crash

The ministry advised customers to avoid high-return investments and pressure to invest rapidly. Facebook advertisements with pictures of famous people and those for companies with no verified information were also identified as possible red flags.

The Severity of Thailand's Online Scam Woes

With more than 50 million user accounts in a nation with 71 million population, Facebook's popularity in Thailand cannot be overstated. Despite having a large user base, the social media platform's susceptibility to online fraud is raising worries, especially because recent reports claim that Thai victims of internet scams have lost more than 10 billion baht ($285 million) annually.



The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society's Deputy Permanent Secretary, Wetang Phuangsup, provided startling figures on the severity of the issue, as per Thai PBS World. A total of 296,063 instances of internet fraud were recorded between March 1 and July 15, 2023, resulting in a theft of 39.1 billion baht ($1.1 billion). Additionally, within the same time frame, criminal gangs operating fraudulent investment schemes succeeded in duping 20,667 people, causing losses of 20.7 billion baht ($590 million).



Stock Exchange of Thailand President Pakorn Peetathawatchai said that investment frauds are widespread, with scammers exploiting impersonation to defraud naive victims.

Thailand's Cyber Crime Investigation Division reported that online scammers had caused 11.5 billion baht ($328 million) in financial damage over the past 14 months by luring job seekers to transfer money, lending, investing, and making phone threats.

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ElevenLabs has established its name in the industry as one of the best companies when it comes to AI-powered voice generation. Its technology has been used in audiobook storytelling and other activities, yet it's always the subject of controversy.

With its AI voice generator, you can now speak in 30 languages while preserving your natural voice.

ElevenLabs AI Voice Generator Goes Out Of Beta

With almost every headline in the news linked to AI, it's about time to embrace its capability. However, no matter how advanced it may sound, other people just abuse it to gain the upper hand.

ElevenLabs is an example of a company with great projects but often placed in a bad light due to AI misuse.

As part of its expansion to 30 languages, ElevenLabs will be removing the beta version of its AI voice technology, per ZDNet. The beta which first started earlier this year, will be coming out as Eleven Multilingual v2, a new multilingual deep-learning model.

It's fascinating to know that ElevenLabs admits that this model can produce "emotionally" rich audio from a wide selection of available languages.

With this tool, users can utilize text-to-speech software and the VoiceLab. The second one is capable of cloning a person's voice by simply inputting a part of the recording into the platform.

According to ElevenLabs, the service kicked off on Tuesday, Aug. 22. To translate the voice into a different language such as Italian, Japanese, Chinese, or Dutch, the user should type the text first written in the original language.

When you test this out, you will hear the accented voice of the people living in a particular country. You can also learn how to properly produce tones in your speech. This is important if you are learning a language focused on tones such as Mandarin Chinese and Thai.

Related Article: Increasing Number of Deepfake Voice Misuse Cases Attributed to ElevenLabs AI Beta Platform

Deepfake Impersonators Are Ruining AI Voice Generators

ElevenLabs is subject to scrutiny when authorities learn that its AI voice generators are being abused by users who impersonate artists and other celebrities.

According to Gizmodo, this is concerning since these users from 4Chan have taken advantage of the beta platform and fooled others by throwing racial slurs, insults, misogynistic remarks, and other words which promote hate speech and violence.

With the widespread use of AI voice cloning technology, ElevenLabs needs to control its measures to avoid this kind of problem in the future. The company guarantees that each user can only clone their original voice.

To further secure the platform, a speech verification process will be asked of the users. This will be the key to identifying if the voice originally came from the person who wants to clone audio.

Even if it's already out of beta, ElevenLabs want to help narrators in their struggle with voice acting. It's efficient and a money-saver for companies who want to release more audiobooks in the future.

Read Also: 'Skyrim' AI Voice Mod Adds Dialogue to Dragonborn: A More Talkative Protagonist

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Health experts have called for more mosquito monitoring after another US resident was diagnosed with malaria.

Active mosquito monitoring and risk-reduction are suggested by American Mosquito Control Association technical advisor Dan Markowski. "Instead of waiting until we find a sick person, we need to think about the next mosquito-borne disease now," he told NBC News.

Though malaria cases remain to be rare in the US, some health professionals encourage monitoring of the Anopheles mosquito, which spreads it. The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute's Dr. Photini Sinnis, a specialist there, emphasized the need to modify the methods used to monitor mosquitoes since authorities "have not been tracking" them.

Changing Situation

Nine US cases of malaria were reported this year. These occurrences occurred in Texas, Florida, and Maryland. These occurrences are unrelated and no fatalities were reported.

Dr. Sinnis noted that while there are few of these instances since the chance of transmission is so low, the rising frequency raises questions about shifting dynamics. "But when they start happening more frequently, you say, 'Maybe things are changing.'" she explained, emphasizing the shifting situation.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently cautioned the public about rising locally acquired malaria, which is not a communicable disease. According to The Hill, Malaria is considered a "medical emergency" that may be fatal for children under five years of age and pregnant women, according to the WHO. Moderate to life-threatening symptoms include an enlarged spleen, liver, or moderate jaundice.

No Need to Panic

Despite the rising cases, health officials avoid overreacting. According to Florida International University Epidemiology Department head Dr. Mary Jo Trepka, most people living in the United States have a minimal malaria risk.

"You're talking about a handful of cases in communities where there are millions and millions of people, right? So your average person is not at an elevated risk," she said, as quoted by ABC News.

Malaria is spread by mosquitoes. Flu-like symptoms like fever, chills, and body pains characterize the disease. Yearly, there are 2,000 malaria cases recorded in the US. The majority of the number comes from tourists or immigrants from malaria-endemic regions.

The disease's endemic status ended through the efforts of The National Malaria Eradication Program in the 1940s and 1950s.

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For many years, the world has been significantly concerned about the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant's operations, and now, Japan has announced that it is planning to release its treated waste into its oceans. While the wastewater is already treated, it was revealed to still contain tritium, a known radioactive substance that can cause cancer if consumed in great quantities.

The decision for this is set for the Land of the Rising Sun, despite the massive concerns and opposition of global entities that reviewed and studied the Japanese nuclear power plant.

Fukushima Daiichi to Release its Radioactive Waste

(Photo : Kimimasa Mayama-Pool/Getty Images)

As part of Japan's decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi plant to close it off completely and turn away from the disaster more than a decade ago, the country has announced its decision to dump its waste in the ocean. Japan claims that the waste is already treated, but it is still radioactive, containing the weak source of beta radiation, tritium.

The East Asian country is set to release the radioactive waste into the ocean by August 24, despite the massive opposition from global entities to its decision. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that it will begin this Thursday should weather conditions be permissible.

Not only are the international groups concerned in this matter, but also locals, particularly the fishing groups which believe that it would destroy the ecosystem.

Japan will discharge as much as 7,800 cubic meters of waste for the first batch, and it would take as much as 17 days to do so on the first dump says the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO).

Read Also: Robot Sent To Clean Fukushima Nuclear Reactor Dies Because Of Excessive Radiation

Japan is Set to Continue, World Opposes It

Despite the massive concerns of the world and regulatory bodies, Japan is still set to proceed with its decision as it is an essential part of its decommissioning.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released its study of Japan's implementation, and it has found that this future undertaking is "negligible" for its people and the environment.

The Fukushima Daiichi Plant

The infamous Fukushima disaster is known as one of the most recent nuclear meltdowns in the world, and took place north of Japan's capital city, Tokyo, back in March 2011. Back then, there was a ban on resuming operations in different nuclear power plants in the country, and back in 2015, the first company to restart its nuclear reactor was Kyushu Electric Power Co., a controversial event for the country.

It is known that getting exposed to nuclear radiation can bring adverse effects to humans, with different manifestations in various exposure levels and situations. However, a previous study in 2015 linked thyroid cancer in children to the March 2011 accident in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, with as many as 137 young Japanese citizens found o have developed it.

The tsunami incident and Fukushima accident were one of the most horrific events in human history that have ties to nuclear power plants, and while this was caused by a natural disaster, there are still responsible people for its operations afterward. Now, Japan is decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi plant, and alongside this is its decision to dump its radioactive waste into the ocean, feared by the world.

Related Article: Japan Will Release Fukushima Cooling Water This Thursday, China Complaining

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The promised AI model from Meta is finally here, and it is called the Seamless M4T, a multilingual artificial intelligence translator that can carry out different inputs from speech and text content. One of the most iconic things here is Meta's development of the AI tool that can bring translations to as many as 100 languages worldwide, featuring a multimodal AI translation and transcription model.

Despite Meta not bringing the likes of ChatGPT for the world like OpenAI, it is still massive in its AI developments which promise massive features to assist users with different needs.

Meta's Seamless M4T Revealed: Multimodal AI Translator

(Photo : LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP via Getty Images)

Meta unveiled their new artificial intelligence tool to the world via its latest press release, calling it the Seamless M4T, a multimodal AI model that centers on interconnectedness and gives people more content to understand. Meta centers on expanding more on the communication experience among different parts of the world, leveraging as many as 100 languages to help translate.

This release from Meta will feature a public release of the Seamless M4T, allowing people to access and build on it via the research license that permits developers to work more on delivering other experiences.

According to Meta, "We're also releasing the metadata of SeamlessAlign, the biggest open multimodal translation dataset to date, totaling 270,000 hours of mined speech and text alignments."

Read Also: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg Reveals Plans to Incorporate Generative AI into Every Product

Translate 100 Languages from Speech or Text

The Seamless M4T features different kinds of language translations that do not center on text alone.

It will feature speech-to-text (100 input and output languages), speech-to-speech (100 input and 36 output languages), text-to-text (100 languages), and text-to-speech (100 input and 35 output languages) translation for users to take advantage of from the AI tool.

This comes alongside Meta's release last year called the No Language Left Behind (NLLB) text-to-text machine translation model.

Meta's Artificial Intelligence Developments

One of the most significant companies behind AI developments in the world is Meta, lining itself with the likes of Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and more. For many years, there are massive AI developments from Meta, with the initial ones centering on providing assistance and tech to its social media platforms, available on the likes of Facebook and Instagram to fight fake news.

Last year, Meta also announced the arrival of its large-language model (LLM) that has open access available for the public to use, one that allows them to build programs or experiences using the AI.

Communication was also a key part of Meta's AI focus, centering on the AI-powered translator that is capable to give translations for unwritten languages.

The massive focus of Meta on artificial intelligence is unraveling with its many current releases and recent ones which give the company better footing in its quest to enter the AI world. With the Seamless M4T, Meta answers the world with the technology that is capable of connecting different nations or regions, with the multimodal AI tool helping speech and text transformation into what they understand.

Related Article: Meta's Voicebox AI Mimics Voices of People, Versatile Speech Generator for Audio Editing

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As a result of the night attack on the ports of the Danube, 13,000 tonnes of grain were destroyed, said Oleksandr Kubrakov, Minister of Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure.

"Some 13,000 tonnes of grain were destroyed by Russia as a result of the Shahed attack on the port of Izmail. Several private grain terminals and warehouses, cargo infrastructure were damaged at once. Agricultural products were intended for Egypt and Romania," he wrote on Telegram.

The minister added that Russia systematically hits grain containers and warehouses in order to stop agricultural exports.

"Only this night the export capacity of the port of Izmail was reduced by 15%, before that there was the port of Reni and 35,000 tonnes of grain destroyed there. Today is the eighth attack on the port infrastructure after Russia's withdrawal from the Grain Initiative," Kubrakov said.

According to him, in general, 270,000 tonnes of grain were destroyed during the month of attacks on ports.
Italian Parmigiano cheese producers are now countering counterfeit products with an unconventional solution: microchips. These tiny technological additions, more commonly associated with electronics, have found an unlikely home in cheese wheels.

(Photo : MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

Parmigiano Reggiano Parmesan cheese is pictured on October 18, 2019 in a cheese shop in Saluzzo, near Turin.

Solution for Fake Cheese

For over a century, the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium (PRC), a governing body in Italy responsible for verifying cheese authenticity, has been dedicated to confronting the challenge posed by imitation cheeses that fall short of the stringent requirements for genuine production.

Having secured the esteemed Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status from the European Union back in 1996, Interesting Engineering reported that the renowned cheese known as Parmigiano reggiano (the sole variety legally permitted to bear the name "parmesan" within the region) must adhere to precise regulations.

This dictates that it can only be crafted within a specific northern Italian territory, encompassing the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia. Immersed in a mountainous climate, the cheese wheels embark on a journey of maturation lasting no less than a year, followed by meticulous assessment by connoisseurs two years after their creation, all in the pursuit of impeccable quality.

The prestigious PDO classification bestows upon food items the privilege of originating from a specific geographical domain and being produced using venerable expertise. This exclusive group encompasses renowned delicacies such as French champagne, Portuguese port, and Greek kalamata olive oil.

With certification standards set remarkably high, these exceptional products command premium prices. This allure prompts counterfeiters to gravitate toward them, envisioning swift gains while capitalizing on the esteemed reputation of these safeguarded titles.

Notably, the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium (PRC) approximates that annual global proceeds from counterfeit cheese sales hover around the $2 billion mark-a value not distant from the legitimate product's remarkable sales of $3.1 billion recorded just last year.

Also Read: This Microchip Can Analyze Your Stress Hormone Levels Through a Drop of Blood Within Minutes

The introduction of these innovative microchips marks the latest chapter in the cheese's storied evolution, a journey spanning over a millennium, tracing back to its inception by Benedictine and Cistercian monks who sought a durable food source.

With parmesan exports to global markets steadily rising and nearly half of last year's production crossing Italy's borders, The Guardian reported that producers are recognizing the imperative for technological advancement. As the cheese's international presence grows, the demand for enhanced methods becomes increasingly pronounced.

Engineered to underscore the global significance of our product and differentiate it from akin items lacking adherence to our meticulous production prerequisites and geographical lineage, PRC President Nicola Bertinelli previously emphasized. The digitization of the tracking process serves this very purpose.

Researchers' Determination

Alberto Pecorari's determination shone through as he emphasized an unyielding commitment to innovation. In discussions with the Wall Street Journal, he asserted that continuous innovation is their drive and will keep fighting with new methods.

This fresh approach to tracking genuine cheese wheels was the result of a collaborative effort that brought together the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium (PRC), microchip manufacturer p-Chip Corporation, and the collective expertise of Dutch/French cheesemark producers, Kaasmerk Matec.

The partnership illuminated the industry's unwavering dedication to finding effective solutions. The PRC's focus on upholding cheese authenticity combined seamlessly with p-Chip Corporation's technological capabilities, complemented by insights from experienced cheesemark producers at Kaasmerk Matec.

This joint endeavor, characterized by shared goals and diverse proficiencies, underscores the resolute commitment to combatting counterfeit practices and ensuring the enduring legacy of Italian Parmigiano cheese-an aspiration that reverberates through Pecorari's resounding statement.

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Gautam Madaan's extraordinary ascent to becoming a trailblazer in the realm of software engineering is a testament to his unwavering passion and unparalleled dedication. From an early age, Gautam's fascination with computers and insatiable curiosity for computer programming set him on a transformative path of innovation and discovery that continues to shape the world of technology today.

An eye-catching UAV

Over the years, Gautam spent his free time experimenting with nearly every form of technology: robotics, wireless electricity, operating systems, and more. While studying at Delhi University, he built remote control cars for university competitions. Thanks to his technical acumen and curiosity, he had the opportunity to join a small team of motivated individuals working on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) - a project that had only been attempted once before by students of the university.

Gautam was brought on as an engineer for the software and autopilot team, and also led the web development unit thanks to his knowledge and technical experience. In 2009, the group had the opportunity to travel to the Naval Air Station in Maryland, US, with their design to compete in an international UAV competition. It was during this competition that they captured the attention of one of the biggest American defense contractors - Lockheed Martin.

The company sponsored and challenged the team to construct a next generation urban UAV, according to their requested specifications. Over the next year and a half, Gautam spearheaded the software team, accumulating valuable experience in startup culture, and working on investments that necessitated meeting predetermined milestones. Mentorship, and guidance from John J. Sheehan, who advocated the philosophy of 'Fail Early, Fail Cheaply', shaped Gautam's view on building technology within a budget and schedule. He explains that during this project, "I learned what it meant to be a leader in a software team, how to design systems to achieve a goal, and how to create fault tolerant systems. These principles continue to define me today."

Novel solutions at PayPal

Following his graduation, Gautam dedicated the next few years working on full stack web applications at SAP Labs India, and delving into various aspects of software engineering. During this time he also bootstrapped his first company, delved into gamification and product development, and ultimately arrived at the decision to pursue his M.S. in Software Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.

Like many others, pursuing higher education in the US opened doors for Gautam that were invaluable. In the summer of 2015, he secured an internship at PayPal and subsequently became a software engineer there in 2016. He was later promoted to the position of senior software engineer.

At PayPal, Gautam played a pivotal role in ground-breaking projects. His team achieved a significant milestone by transitioning the entire application stack to a streamlined global onboarding application, utilizing React and Node.js for a cohesive single-page experience. Within a span of under two years, they successfully expanded their reach to over 200 countries, catering to numerous languages, and conducted thorough A/B testing. Concurrently, he undertook the responsibility of team expansion, proactively initiating an open developers communication channel. This channel aimed to reduce last-minute technical changes, boost productivity, and enhance development velocity.

Gautam places immense importance on fostering a robust sense of community and motivation within his teams. As a testament to this ethos, he pioneered PayPal's revolutionary employee recognition application, developed on Blockchain technology. He elaborates "Employees can earn points for different activities like winning a hackathon, volunteering, filing a patent, helping a new member onboard, and more. The initiative garnered resounding success within the company, leading to the exchange and redemption of thousands of points by employees."

During his tenure of nearly four years at PayPal, Gautam made significant contributions, notably securing two patents as the sole inventor for the company. The first patent pertained to a near-field communication (NFC) chip activation tool, impacting device battery performance, and payment convenience on a considerable scale. The second facilitated short range communications, enabling specific device identification within multi-device proximity. This innovation holds promise for transportation companies, by automating ride connections and disconnections, thereby mitigating costs related to risks like incorrect passengers, billing discrepancies, inaccurate mileage reporting, and more. In addition to these achievements, Gautam was actively involved in the development of eight other patents before concluding his tenure at PayPal by the close of 2019.

Moving into management at Twilio

Twilio is a customer engagement platform that helps to coordinate a variety of channels (voice, text, chat, video, email, etc) through APIs, making it easy for businesses to develop meaningful relationships with their customers through their preferred means. Today, the platform is used by hundreds of thousands of companies - such as Lyft, the American Red Cross, Dell, Airbnb - as well as millions of developers worldwide.

Gautam joined Twilio as a senior software engineer in 2019, rapidly ascending to a management role in 2022. Throughout his tenure, he spearheaded the design and development of Twilio's post sales web applications. Demonstrating his leadership, Gautam helped establish an innovative engineering team that created the foundation of machine learning(ML) infrastructure within the services organization at Twilio. This ML technology serves as the backbone for diverse data processes and analytics, offering solutions such as issue classification, language inferences, and intelligent self-improving searches. Gautam's instrumental contributions in crafting these adept customer-centric and self-serve solutions culminated in substantial annual savings of over $1.5M for Twilio. He is also credited with modernizing the Twilio, and Twilio branded support applications.

For this trailblazer, there is no end in sight. He continues to explore new technology, and is excited to now be in a position to invest in projects from other up-and-coming entrepreneurs. In conclusion he shares, "I invest [in] and advise start-ups during my free time. Sparrowcharts.com is one such start-up [that] I volunteered to bootstrap and currently advise. I have invested in [more than] 10 start-ups over the course of 3 years, focused on using technology in different industries like journalism, fintech, robotics, music, movies and more."

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NASA has embarked on exploring the possibility of a Mach 4 passenger jet, sparking the potential for drastically faster air travel than what is currently available.

Recent endeavors by NASA have delved into the viability of supersonic passenger air travel using aircraft capable of attaining speeds ranging between Mach 2 and Mach 4, equivalent to 1,535-3,045 mph at sea level.

As a point of comparison, contemporary larger airliners cruise at approximately 600 mph, about 80% of the speed of sound.

NASA Identifies 50 Routes For Mach 4 Passenger Jet

The research conducted by NASA has identified approximately 50 established routes connecting cities that could support passenger markets for such high-speed travel.

Notably, due to regulations prohibiting supersonic flight over land in the US and other nations, the studies primarily focused on transoceanic travel, particularly on prominent North and Pacific routes.

In the pursuit of evolving supersonic flight regulations, NASA's Quesst mission employs the X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft to gather data that could influence changes to existing overland supersonic flight rules.

Lori Ozoroski, the project manager for NASA's Commercial Supersonic Technology Project, highlighted the significance of the current investigations.

She noted that similar studies were conducted over a decade ago at Mach 1.6-1.8 speeds, which subsequently played a role in shaping NASA's research efforts and developments in supersonic technology, including the creation of the X-59.

The new studies aim to refresh these technology roadmaps and pinpoint additional research requirements for a broader spectrum of high-speed capabilities.

The ongoing exploration into high-speed air travel research is now advancing within NASA's Advanced Air Vehicles Program (AAVP). The research's next phase includes issuing two 12-month contracts to companies to develop concept designs and technology roadmaps.

The roadmaps will thoroughly assess potential air travel possibilities, confront challenges and risks, and pinpoint essential technologies required to translate the concept of Mach 2-plus travel into a feasible actuality.

Read Also: NASA Has Been Making Loud Jet Engines Silent for Years: Here's Everything You Need to Know

NASA's Industry Partners

Two prominent teams are leading this initiative. Boeing leads the first and collaborates with partners Exosonic, GE Aerospace, Georgia Tech Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, and others.

The second team is spearheaded by Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, with partners like Blue Ridge Research and Consulting, Boom Supersonic, and Rolls-Royce North American Technologies.

The two teams are poised to create roadmap components encompassing airframe, power, propulsion, thermal management, and robust composite materials suitable for high-supersonic velocities. Moreover, they will craft non-proprietary designs for concept vehicles.

The trajectory of these efforts has been set by the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate and the AAVP, with the strategic input of figures like Mary Jo Long-Davis, the manager of NASA's Hypersonic Technology Project, and Lori Ozoroski.

Upon the conclusion of the industry engagement phase, NASA, in collaboration with its industry and academic partners, will make informed decisions regarding the continuation of research and potential investments to shape the future of high-speed air travel.

Related Article: NASA Teams Up With Boeing: MD-90 Aircraft Transported to Palmdale for Conversion Into New X-Plane

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Microsoft and Epic have expanded their collaboration, focusing on integrating generative AI tools within the healthcare domain. The initiative seeks to address pressing challenges, ranging from workforce burnout to staffing shortages, by harnessing the potential of AI technologies.

Eric Boyd, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft's AI platform, highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to address pressing challenges in the healthcare sector.

Microsoft and Epic Collaborate For Generative AI in Healthcare

The collaboration aspires to revolutionize the healthcare landscape by combining Microsoft's substantial cloud and AI capabilities with Epic's expertise in healthcare operations.

The initiative's scope involves the integration of conversational, ambient, and generative AI technologies across Epic's electronic health record (EHR) ecosystem.

This expansion aims to expedite the development of solutions catering to crucial healthcare needs, fostering improved patient care, operational efficiency, healthcare experiences, and financial robustness for health systems worldwide.

The partnership's immediate focus includes the deployment of several copilot solutions designed to leverage Microsoft's Cloud and AI technologies to mitigate the challenges faced by health systems.

Epic has showcased an array of new capabilities, such as note summarization for enhanced clinician productivity. By suggesting text and providing in-context summaries, the solutions aim to streamline clinical workflows, making documentation faster and more efficient for physicians and nurses.

Furthermore, integrating Nuance's Dragon Ambient eXperience (DAX) technology into Epic's Hyperdrive platform and Haiku mobile application promises embedded ambient clinical documentation.

This technology, already in use by numerous Epic customers, augments the workflow experience for users, underscoring the commitment to bolstering clinical efficiency.

Read Also: Microsoft Expands Windows 11 Hardware Compatibility to Include Newer CPUs From Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm

AI-Powered Solution for Medical Coding

Addressing administrative complexities, the collaboration presents an AI-powered solution for medical coding staff. By offering suggestions based on clinical documentation within the EHR, the solution aims to improve accuracy and streamline coding and billing processes, thus contributing to revenue cycle management optimization.

The collaboration also highlights the pursuit of medical advancements through the utilization of Azure OpenAI Service. Epic is venturing into generative AI exploration, employing real-world data to bridge gaps in clinical evidence and further study rare diseases.

Ultimately, this collaboration envisions a future where technology-driven solutions play a pivotal role in enhancing patient care, reducing burnout, and streamlining operations.

This expansion promises to reshape the healthcare landscape by integrating conversational, ambient, and generative AI technologies. By combining these cutting-edge technologies, Epic's electronic health record (EHR) ecosystem is expected to witness significant enhancements.

"Epic's approach to leveraging Microsoft's technology and infrastructure is unprecedented in time and scope. Together, we are bringing generative AI to healthcare at scale as quickly as possible, responsibly and in partnership with providers, in order to address the ongoing issues affecting healthcare," Boyd said in a statement.

Related Article: Microsoft Store to Bring AI Tab Featuring All Apps with It, AI-Generated Reviews to Summarize Insights

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The rapid advancement of generative AI tools has led to their widespread use in various sectors, including healthcare. However, in a move aimed at ensuring the safety and integrity of medical services, Beijing is planning to restrict the utilization of AI-generated medical prescriptions, as outlined in a draft rule on internet-based medical services released by the city's health authorities.

According to China Daily, the Beijing Health Commission has articulated the purpose of this draft as the regulation of medicine management within online medical services.

Beijing Is Banning AI-Generated Online Medical Prescriptions

Among the provisions outlined in the draft, one key aspect involves the prohibition of providing medicine before the generation of a prescription through AI.

Additionally, the draft rule emphasizes the importance of upholding the medical profession's ethical standards by banning the compilation of prescription inventory for commercial purposes.

Comprising 41 articles, the draft rule lays out a comprehensive framework governing various stakeholders participating in internet-based medical services, including hospitals, medical practitioners, patients, and supervisory entities.

As an illustration of its stringent approach, the draft rule mandates that doctors offering online medical diagnoses must possess at least three years of clinical medical practice experience.

To prevent impersonation and ensure accountability, doctors are required to undergo a registration process using their real identities before commencing online patient consultations.

Furthermore, doctors are expected to inform patients about the necessity of providing accurate identification details and refrain from assuming the identity of others for medical assistance.

In instances wherein doctors deem patients unfit for continued online diagnosis, they are mandated to cease internet services promptly and guide patients toward seeking care at physical healthcare facilities.

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Medical Records Online

The draft rule also highlights the significance of maintaining comprehensive medical records generated through online services. According to the proposed regulations, these records should be retained for a minimum of 15 years.

Additionally, the diagnosis process, encompassing conversations, audio, and video records, must be preserved for at least three years. The rule states that the entire information chain about prescriptions, pharmacy order fulfillment, and delivery must be traceable to ensure transparency and accountability.

The commission also mandates internet medical facilities to disclose their fee structures for public reference. Furthermore, existing restrictions applicable to practitioners' fees, such as the prohibition of profit-based patient referrals and requirements for patients to purchase medical supplies from designated locations, extend to internet-based medical services.

The draft rule is open for public feedback until September 16, allowing stakeholders and the public to contribute their insights and perspectives to the regulatory framework shaping the future of online medical services in Beijing.

Related Article: [VIRAL] Chinese Live Streamer Challenge Gone Wrong: Alcohol Poisoning Claims Second Online Creator

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Global efforts to combat climate change have prompted governments to adopt various strategies, including the electrification of public transportation systems, with electric buses gaining traction as a key solution.



The Concordia researchers' methodology involved evaluating the implications of transitioning municipal bus fleets to electric vehicles, encompassing factors like infrastructure costs, operational expenses, maintenance outlays, carbon pricing, and societal costs tied to air pollution in several Canadian cities.

Transitioning to Electric Bus Fleets

Their findings underscore that transitioning to electric bus fleets can yield significant emissions reductions and cost savings in maintenance and healthcare expenses linked to air quality.

Transportation contributes approximately 22 percent of Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions, prompting the need for innovative solutions to achieve carbon reduction objectives outlined in international agreements like the Paris Climate Accords.

"When combined with other efforts to decarbonize energy systems, our research shows that from 2019 to 2030, cumulative GHG emissions of bus fleets in Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton and Halifax were reduced by 18.7 percent, 30.1 percent, 21.3 percent and 34.6 percent respectively," said Xuelin Tian, lead author of the study and a PhD student in the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science at Concordia University.

The researchers gathered an extensive dataset covering a spectrum of variables to construct their analytical framework. They examined bus fleet attributes, encompassing age, fuel efficiency, propulsion systems, and operational parameters.

The researchers utilized the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning system (LEAP) model and conducted a comprehensive cost-benefit assessment.

It included variables like electricity generation costs, vehicle expenditures, carbon pricing, operational and maintenance expenses, and economic costs tied to air pollution and infrastructure.

The transition from conventional diesel-powered buses to electric vehicles involves substantial costs for transit agencies. The researchers suggest a gradual approach that includes the temporary integration of hybrid buses, mirroring successful models implemented in Toronto and Montreal.

According to the researchers, this measured strategy can deliver cost savings in the short term while advancing emissions reduction objectives.

Read Also: NIO Suggests Unique Approach to Replace EV Batteries, Swapping Depleted Batteries for New Ones

Reevaluation Transportation Operation Parameters

Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of reevaluating transportation operation parameters, like daily mileage and post-transition, which can aid in cost reduction.

The focus on Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, and Halifax stems from their robust public transit transition plans. However, the researchers note that achieving a fully electric fleet will extend beyond a decade, requiring a significant investment.

Tian highlights the financial and infrastructural challenges involved in adopting electric bus fleets, calling for collaboration among transit agencies, bus manufacturers, and power companies. The success of these efforts will depend on the shift toward renewable energy sources in power generation.

Tian and her team suggest that the framework they've developed can be applied to other cities with electrification plans, enabling them to conduct similar cost-benefit analyses tailored to their individual circumstances.

The team's findings were published in the journal Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment. Apart from the Concordia PhD students, Owen Waygood from Montreal's Ecole Polytechnique also contributed to this paper.

Related Article: US Approves California's Mandate Requiring Half of Heavy Trucks be Electric by 2035

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Using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and ESA's XMM-Newton, astronomers have conducted an in-depth analysis of a star that was torn apart due to its proximity to a massive black hole, resulting in its inner components being expelled into space.

NASA: Black Hole Disintegrates a Star

Researchers focused on studying the levels of nitrogen and carbon near a black hole known to have disintegrated a star. These elements are believed to have formed within the star prior to its fragmentation as it approached the black hole.

Jon Miller of the University of Michigan, who led the study, described the remnants as "the guts of what used to be a star," emphasizing that the preserved elements offer valuable clues to decipher the star's characteristics before its destruction.

In recent years, astronomers have identified numerous instances of "tidal disruption events," in which the gravitational forces exerted by a massive black hole obliterate a star, leading to luminous flares in optical and ultraviolet light as well as X-rays as the debris heats up.

Discovered in November 2014, ASASSN-14li was the nearest tidal disruption event to Earth at the time, located approximately 290 million light-years away. This proximity has enabled researchers to gain unprecedented insights into the characteristics of the destroyed star.

The study's authors applied novel theoretical models to enhance their estimations of the nitrogen and carbon quantities around the black hole. The research demonstrates how X-ray telescopes can function as investigative tools in space.

Brenna Mockler of Carnegie Observatories and the University of California, Los Angeles, noted that the relative proportion of nitrogen to carbon points to material originating from the interior of a star that weighed about three times the mass of the sun.

The ASASSN-14li star is, therefore, one of the most massive to have been torn apart by a black hole, offering valuable information for astronomers' understanding of such events.

Read Also: NASA Telescopes Unveil Striking Eagle Nebula Brimming with X-ray Hot Stars

'Scary Barbie'

While previous reports had mentioned the "Scary Barbie" event, suggesting a star with around 14 times the mass of the sun had been destroyed by a black hole, ASASSN-14li's extensive analysis distinguishes it.

Unlike the "Scary Barbie" case, ASASSN-14li's data is based on a comprehensive study of material around the black hole, enhancing the reliability of its conclusions. Additionally, according to NASA, the conclusions drawn from ASASSN-14li's findings hold significance for forthcoming studies.

Given the observation of moderately massive stars akin to ASASSN-14li within the star cluster encompassing the supermassive black hole situated at the core of our galaxy, the capacity to gauge the mass of stars disrupted by tidal forces could potentially aid in detecting the existence of star clusters encircling supermassive black holes in galaxies situated at greater distances.

This study also addresses prior concerns that X-ray-observed elements could have stemmed from gas emissions during previous eruptions from the supermassive black hole. However, the element pattern examined in this study appears to originate from a singular star, providing a more definitive insight.

Related Article: NASA's Chandra, Webb Create Cosmic Magic With New Stunning Images

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In a much-anticipated political spectacle, the first Republican primary debate leading up to the 2024 presidential election is set to take center stage tonight in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

This event promises to be an interesting clash of ideas as the GOP's top hopefuls vie for prominence in an attempt to outshine the towering shadow of former President Donald Trump.

Despite Trump's absence, the evening promises to be packed with tech policy debates, fierce rivalries, and a stage for the contenders to lay out their visions for the future.

Candidates Prepare to Shine

A lineup of heavyweight Republican candidates is poised to take the stage, seeking to seize the mantle of party leadership.

Prominent figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will be vying for the spotlight.

Also in contention are former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Though Trump will be absent, this ensemble promises a heated exchange of views and policies.

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Tech Takes Center Stage

Beyond the political rhetoric, this debate offers a unique focus on major tech issues that are increasingly central to our lives.

As The Verge reports, the candidates' positions on matters such as the potential ban of TikTok, data privacy regulations, and the contentious debate over breaking up Big Tech will be scrutinized.

With the tech landscape evolving rapidly, this platform provides an opportunity for the contenders to distinguish themselves through their stances on these pivotal concerns.

Where to Watch

The exclusive broadcasting rights for the debate lie with Fox News, which will air the event on Fox News, Fox Business Network, the network's official website, and the streaming service Fox Nation.

This decision marks a departure from the norm, as previous debates have been simulcast across various networks and cable channels.

Notably, the debate will not be available on YouTube. Instead, the conservative-friendly video site Rumble will serve as the official platform for livestreaming the event, a move announced by Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel.

The Moderator Duo

The debate's proceedings will be guided by Fox News hosts Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, who are set to moderate the discussions.

Their skilled stewardship is expected to navigate the various topics and ensure a substantive exchange of ideas among the candidates.

Trump's Absence and Alternative Plans

Former President Trump's decision not to participate has created significant buzz. Citing his strong lead in the GOP polls, Trump confirmed his absence and expressed a disinterest in future debates.

In lieu of this event, he is scheduled to engage in an online interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

The interview, hosted on Elon Musk's X platform (formerly Twitter), is poised to provide an alternative avenue for Trump's voice to be heard.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Hollywood Studios Offer Highest Wage Increase and AI Protections for Striking Writers

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The Mi-8 helicopter of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation was captured by the Ukrainian special services as a result of a special operation of the Main Intelligence Agency (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Ukrayinska Pravda said on Wednesday, citing its own high-ranking sources in the special services.

According to the publication, the special operation of the GUR lasted more than six months. Ukrainian intelligence lured a pilot of a Mi-8 AMTSh to Ukraine. The helicopter crew made a flight between two air bases and transported parts for Su-27 and Su-30 fighter jets. Along with the pilot on board were two crew members who did not know where the helicopter was actually flying. The M-8 landed in Kharkiv region, the ezine says.

As a result of the special operation, two crew members were eliminated. The pilot remained in Ukraine, and his family was taken there in advance. Now, the pilot and his family are in Ukraine.

Thus, Ukraine received not only a helicopter that has already been transported to Kyiv, but also parts for the fighters that it transported.

Representative of the GUR Andriy Yusov confirmed the information about the hijacking of the helicopter, but did not specify details, saying that all relevant information will be made public later.

"Yes, there is such information. We need to wait a little. Work is underway with the crew, including. Everything is fine, well keep you updated," Yusov said on the air of the national telethon on Wednesday.
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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called "preparation of deoccupation" as the main task of the Crimea Platform.

"We understand how we will return to Crimea. We understand how many steps we need to take. We understand how difficult it is. This is an important task, but we see this way," he said, speaking at the opening of the Third summit of the Crimea Platform in Kyiv on Wednesday.

"A year after the previous meeting on our Crimea Platform, Ukrainian soldiers have done extraordinary things. Ukraine has shown that the liberation of our land during military operations is not accidental. Everything is deserved by the heroism of our people and the defense support from our partners. I thank all the partners," he said.

According to him, "the Ukrainian forces are moving forward. And this is the most important thing. We are moving, and when Russia retreats from the occupied territories, it simply turns a blind eye to it. Russian society can also turn a blind eye to the withdrawal of the occupiers from Crimea."

"A year later, we proved that global stability is possible only with the participation of Ukraine, only when Russian aggressive intentions lose. When we managed to clear part of the Black Sea from Russian invaders and launch our grain exports by sea, food prices on the world market decreased again," the President said.

"The Black Sea is the key to global food and social stability. Crimea is the key to security in the Black Sea. One can't leave the keys in the hands of terrorists. And we will not leave," he said.
We must do all we can to ensure that Crimea becomes part of Ukraine again  Duda

President of Poland Andrzej Duda has said it is necessary to "do all we can to ensure that Crimea becomes a part of Ukraine again."

"There can be no concessions to Russia in this regard whatsoever," he said in a video address to the Third Summit of the Crimea Platform on Wednesday.

"Moscow has to return all the seized territories and face the consequences of its actions. Let us not forget that what is really at stake in this war is keeping the world order based on respect for international law, territorial integrity as well as the freedom and the right of nations to choose their own future," the Polish president said.

He also said that the summit is a proof that "the international community has understood the significance of the illegal occupation of Crimea."

"The developments of March and April 2014 were a signal for us about Russia's real intentions concerning Ukraine. The annexation of its territory annihilation of the statehood and destruction of Ukrainian culture and language. Hence, we made an appeal for international solidarity with Ukraine already then," Duda said.

"Together we will de facto begin to agree on a new international security architecture and a new global order Therefore, the de-occupation of Crimea and restoration of Ukraine's full territorial integrity are necessary preconditions not just for the security of the Azov, Blatic Sea region but also for the stability of the global security architecture," the Polish president said.
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As President Joe Biden likes to remind anyone wholl listen, This is not your grandfathers Republican Party.

One of the issues where thats becoming more evident by the day is Ukraine.

John McCain, the late Arizona Senator and 2008 GOP presidential candidate, sounded the alarm about Russia for years, making him one of President Vladimir Putins greatest antagonists, the Arizona Republic noted in February 2022, days after the Russian invasion began.

During the last year of his presidency in 2008, George W Bush said he strongly supported eventual Nato membership for Ukraine and Georgia. Last year, in a viral gaffe, he mistakenly said Iraq when he meant to call the war in Ukraine unjustified and brutal.

His younger brother, Jeb Bush, a former Florida Governor, went to Europe in 2015 shortly before announcing his presidential campaign.

In a speech in Berlin about a year after Russias annexation of Crimea and support of separatists in eastern Ukraine, he said: Russia must respect the sovereignty of all of its neighbours. And who can doubt that Russia will do what it pleases if aggression goes unanswered?

Mr Bush was quickly bullied out of the 2016 primary by the man who would come to embody the modern Republican Party  reality TV star and real estate mogul Donald Trump.

Support for Ukraine is dividing the GOP field, with several saying the US should continue to support the war effort, while a number of others are following Mr Trumps lead towards isolationism.

The leading candidates are all against further intervention, while those adhering to more traditional Republican foreign policy remain in the lower half of the pack.

The New York Times revealed on Friday that Mr Trump is planning on sitting down for an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson instead of taking part in the debate in Milwaukee on 23 August.

This is a rundown of what the GOP presidential candidates have said about Ukraine:

Donald Trump

While president, Donald Trump tried to pressure Volodymyr Zelensky into announcing an investigation into the Biden family (AFP via Getty Images)

While president, Mr Trump attempted to withhold military assistance to Ukraine to get then-rookie president  now wartime leader  Volodymyr Zelensky to open an investigation into Hunter and Joe Biden, who Mr Trump saw as his main rival in 2020.

During an infamous press conference in Helsinki, Finland, Mr Trump sided with Mr Putin when asked if he believed Russia had interfered in the 2016 US election, as outlined by the US intelligence community.

More recently, Mr Trump has argued that all aid to Ukraine should be put on pause until federal agencies provide evidence regarding what he claimed were corrupt business dealings by Mr Biden and his son.

During a July rally in Pennsylvania, Mr Trump argued that Mr Biden was dragging the US into the war.

Related video: Trump says Ukraine invasion could lead to WWIII

The US Congress should refuse to authorize a single additional payment of our depleted stockpiles  until the FBI, [Department of Justice] and [Internal Revenue Service] hand over every scrap of evidence they have on the Biden crime familys corrupt business dealings, Mr Trump said in reference to what Republicans have claimed are allegations of bribery against Mr Biden.

The GOP has been unable to provide any evidence of the supposed scheme.

Mr Trump appeared on Fox News in March, saying that he would end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours with Zelensky and with Putin.

And theres a very easy negotiation to take place. But I dont want to tell you what it is because then I cant use that negotiation  itll never work. But its a very easy negotiation to take place. I will have it solved within one day, a peace between them. Now thats a year and a half. Thats a long time. I cant imagine something not happening, he added. The key is the war has to stop now because Ukraine is being obliterated.

Mr Trump has also been ambivalent about his support for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato). While president he equivocated over whether he would back Article V, which states that an attack on any one of the defence pacts 31 members constituted an attack on all of them. The article has only been invoked once, by the US following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

He is also reported to have wanted to pull the US out of Nato.

Ron DeSantis

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was forced to walk back his initial dismissive comments about the conflict (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

In March, Mr DeSantis was forced to walk back his comments calling the war a territorial dispute.

Mr DeSantis made the remark in writing to then-Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

While the US has many vital national interests  securing our borders, addressing the crisis of readiness within our military, achieving energy security and independence, and checking the economic, cultural, and military power of the Chinese Communist Party  becoming further entangled in a territorial dispute between Ukraine and Russia is not one of them, he wrote at the time.

In an appearance on the streaming service Fox Nation, he backtracked.

What Im referring to is where the fighting is going on now, which is that eastern border region Donbas, and then Crimea, and you have a situation where Russia has had that. I dont think legitimately, but they had, he said. Theres a lot of ethnic Russians there. So, thats some difficult fighting, and thats what I was referring to, and so it wasnt that I thought Russia had a right to that, and so if I should have made that more clear, I could have done it.

In April, he said he supported a ceasefire, saying its in everybodys interest.

He told the Japanese English-language weekly Nikkei Asia that You dont want to end up in like a [Battle of] Verdun situation, where you just have mass casualties, mass expense and end up with a stalemate.

Vivek Ramaswamy

Vivek Ramaswamy has sought to link the war to the presidents son (Getty Images)

On 5 August, the tech entrepreneur suggested that the US is aiding Ukraine because of Hunter Biden.

The purpose of the US military [is] to advance American interests, to protect the homeland. Not to aimlessly fight some random war thats arguably a repayment for a private bribe that a family member of the United States received, $5m from Burisma, Mr Ramaswamy told a small crowd at a Council Bluffs, Iowa campaign event, according to NBC News.

Was the payment to Hunter Biden corrupt? Absolutely it was. Do I think that it has some relationship towards our posture toward Ukraine? I think its likely that it does, he added, seemingly in reference to unsubstantiated allegations made by congressional Republicans.

House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer has claimed that a whistleblower told him about a tip about a $5m payment to Mr Biden and a family member during his time as vice president, relating to the exchange of money for policy decisions.

Mr Ramaswamy has said that he would work to get an agreement that would offer major concessions to Mr Putin, which would mean handing over most of the eastern Donbas regions of Ukraine to Russia, removing sanctions, shutting down all US bases in Eastern Europe, and blocking Ukraine from entering Nato, according to The New York Times.

He would then require Russia to end its military alliance with China and once again join the START nuclear treaty.

I dont think it is preferable for Russia to be able to invade a sovereign country that is its neighbour, but I think the job of the US president is to look after American interests, and what I think the number one threat to the US military is right now, our top military threat, is the Sino-Russian alliance, he told ABC News. I think that by fighting further in Russia, by further arming Ukraine, we are driving Russia into Chinas hands.

During an appearance on MSNBC this week, Mr Ramaswamy said: Ukraine is like a client state of the United States right now. We are literally paying their government employees, the people who work in the bureaucracy of Ukraines government are paid by US taxpayer dollars today. And so I do think the US is in a position to determine how this war comes to an end.

Heres how I would do it, their deal with Putin is this: We freeze the current lines of control, the same way the Korean War ended. Its a Korean War-style armistice, a further commitment that NATO will not admit Ukraine to NATO. But in return, Ukraine does come out with its sovereignty intact, not without parts of the Donbas region, but the rest of Ukraine comes out with its sovereignty intact, he added. But most importantly, I will require Vladimir Putin to exit his military partnership with China. The China-Russia military partnership, that alliance, is the single greatest military threat that the United States faces today.

Mike Pence

In contrast to many of his GOP rivals, Mike Pence has trumpeted the United States role as leader of the free world (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The former vice president made a surprise visit to Ukraine in June to meet with Mr Zelensky, becoming the first GOP presidential candidate to do so.

I believe Americas the leader of the free world, Mr Pence told NBC News at the time. But coming here just as a private citizen  being able to really see firsthand the heroism of the Ukrainian soldiers holding the line in those woods, see the heroism of the people here in Irpin that held back the Russian army, to see families whose homes were literally shelled in the midst of an unconscionable and unprovoked Russian invasion  just steels my resolve to do my part, to continue to call for strong American support for our Ukrainian friends and allies.

He added that the visit steeled my resolve, and its made me better equipped to be able to go home as I speak to the American people about the vital importance of American support to repel Russian aggression.

He also criticised the Biden administration for being slow in sending aid to Ukraine.

We should never send American troops into Ukraine, and we dont need to, he said.

There are too many voices in our party that are sounding the retreat, that are willing to let Putin keep the land grab that hes made in Eastern Ukraine, willing to make promises. I heard my former running mate announced over the weekend that hes willing to promise that Ukraine will never be in Nato, Mr Pence told radio host Hugh Hewitt last month. In my opinion, the only thing Putin will understand is strength, and providing those courageous fighters in Ukraine what they need to repel the Russian invasion is the fastest way to security and preventing, preventing the day that American forces are actually required to go into battle in Europe again.

Tim Scott

Tim Scott supports continued US aid to Ukraine but said Joe Biden had failed to make the case to the American people (REUTERS)

The South Carolina Senator supports sending military aid to Ukraine but dodged questions on if it was right for the Biden administration to send cluster munitions.

Like Mr Pence, Mr Scott told NBC News that Mr Biden has done a terrible job explaining and articulating to the American people what the US interests are in Ukraine.

First, it prevents or reduces attacks on the homeland, Mr Scott said in May, according to the Greenville Post and Courier. Second, as part of Nato and land being contiguous to Ukraine, it will reduce the likelihood that Russia will have the weaponry or the will to attack on Nato territory, which would get us involved.

Just a month after the invasion, in March 2022, Mr Scott wrote that the war was for the principles that America has always championed.

In May last year, he voted for funding Ukraine beyond what Mr Biden had suggested.

While Mr Scott argued that Mr Biden had been waiting too long to provide too little support, the president backed the increase in funding.

Nikki Haley

Nikki Haley says supporting Ukraines defence of its homeland also sends a start message to China over its threats to Taiwan (Getty Images)

The former UN ambassador has argued that its in the best interest of the US to support Ukraine.

A win for Ukraine is a win for all of us because tyrants tell us exactly what theyre going to do, she said on CNN.

China says Taiwans next, wed better believe them. Russia said Poland and the Baltics are next, if that happens, were looking at a world war. This is about preventing war, the ex-South Carolina governor added.

She argued that a Ukrainian victory would send a broader message to warn China about attacking Taiwan, that it would push Iran to not build nuclear weapons, and urge North Korea to move away from ballistic missile testing.

She added that it would tell Russia that its over.

Mr Biden has been far too slow and weak in helping Ukraine, she said in a speech at the American Enterprise Institute.

Chris Christie

Chris Christie meeting Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv (via REUTERS)

Like Mr Pence, Chris Christie also ventured through the old iron curtain to visit Ukraine and signal bipartisan support even as the top candidates in the field are arguing for US withdrawal.

The former New Jersey governor has argued that the US should back Ukraine until the war is resolved.

None of us like the idea that theres a war going on and that were supporting it, but the alternative is for the Chinese to take over, the Russians, the Iranians and the North Koreans, he said on CNN.

He referred to the conflict as a proxy war with China.

He noted that some kind of compromise with Russia may be required at some point and that the US should be part of the negotiations at a time when Ukraine can protect the land thats been taken by Russia in this latest incursion.

He argued that Mr Trump set the groundwork for the invasion and echoed 2016 comments by former Secretary of State and then-Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, calling him Putins puppet.

He compared Mr DeSantis to British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, who unsuccessfully attempted to appease Adolf Hitler ahead of the Second World War.

Doug Burgum

Doug Burgum has stressed the importance of accountability on every dollar the US sends (AP)

The North Dakota Governor has suggested that he supports backing Ukraine but that he wants accountability on every dollar.

Russia cannot have a win coming out of this, because if its a win for them, its a win for China, he told told North Dakota TV station KFYR.

But he also said he wanted Europe to take on a bigger role financially in supporting Ukraine.

In June, during an appearance on CNN, he said that problems within Russia could be exploited by the US and Nato.

Lets give them the support they need, he said in reference to Ukraine. Lets get this war over now instead of having it be protracted.

On the day the invasion began, 24 February 2022, Mr Burgum issued a statement.

We support and pray for the Ukrainian people as they defend themselves against these brazen acts of aggression by Russia and President Putin, which we condemn in the strongest terms possible, he said. The United States and its allies must stand together in support of Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its unprovoked attacks.

This international crisis underscores the importance of U.S. energy security and increasing American production so we can sell energy to our friends and allies versus buying it from our enemies.

Our thoughts also are with those of Ukrainian heritage here in North Dakota who are concerned for the safety of their relatives as their homeland is under siege, as well as those North Dakota farmers and businesses with interests in Ukraine.

Asa Hutchinson

Asa Hutchinson has said that Ukraine is fighting a battle that helps reflect a free Europe, (AFP via Getty Images)

The former Arkansas governor said on CNN last year that it would be a mistake to withdraw funding for Ukraine in this extraordinary fight against Russia and Russias aggression against the sovereign territory of Ukraine.

Im very much supportive of Ukraine. I believe theyre fighting a battle that helps reflect a free Europe, he added.

He has also said that the US should help Ukraine win quickly, according to Politico.

He called Mr DeSantis naive for suggesting the US doesnt have a vital interest in the conflict.

The GOP needs to have leaders who understand the importance of the strength of America and our utilization of that strength in the cause of freedom, he said.

To dismiss this as something unimportant to the security of the United States is naive and not in our historic traditions, he told McClatchy.

Will Hurd

Will Hurd has said Vladimir Putin capitulated in the face of an attempted coup (REUTERS)

The former Texas congressman and CIA undercover agent has slammed Mr Trumps and Mr DeSantiss isolationist policies.

Weve seen over the last couple of days that we need people that have a real experience when it comes to national security, he said on ABCs This Week in June. And look, Donald Trump has some good ideas, but he ... lacked an ability to leverage the government in order to execute on those things. People like Ron DeSantis dont have that experience when it comes to foreign policy.

Its unfortunate the two leading Republican nominees for president, Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis, [their] policy on Ukraine is wrong, he added. I wish they would stop fighting with American companies like Disney and be more interested in supporting our allies against attacks against democracy.

The thing that I get frustrated [with is] this old fashion concept of escalation, he said.

What did Vladimir Putin do when he had somebody barreling down the highway to come to Moscow? He didnt escalate ... He capitulated, he added in reference to the botched coup by the Wagner group.

Perry Johnson

Businessman Perry Johnson has argued that the US should cease funding the war effort (Getty Images)

The businessman and self-funding candidate tweeted in April that he strongly disagrees with Mr Pence.

I think its ridiculous to send $100 billion to Ukraine while were going broke right here in America. @JoeBidens policies are wreaking havoc on our federal budget and the wallets of hard-working American families, he added.

Hes also said that he doesnt trust Mr Putin.

Francis Suarez

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has written that it doesnt take a Harvard lawyer to see that the war in Ukraine is not a territorial dispute (AP)

In a piece for the National Review, the Miami mayor write that it doesnt take a Harvard lawyer to see that the war in Ukraine is not a territorial dispute. It is a moral and geopolitical struggle between two visions of the world.

Both are competing for our future. We see it play out now between NATO and Russia in Ukraine, and between the United States and China in the Pacific region. The first vision respects human rights and democracy; the second rejects it, he added.

Mr Suarez went on to note that this war is about more than just Ukraine. It is a war that is now local and global, hot and cold. Its a war about the type of future we want for our children and ourselves.

Standing up for freedom and democracy means more than just spending, sanctions, and spin. It takes courage and clarity. It means confronting those who have been waging a war against America and her allies for years. When confronting a regime of lies and violence, we arm ourselves with truth and courage. We must show, not just preach, the courage to be free, he wrote.
Press Release

August 23, 2023 CHIZ: LET IT, FINTECH GROW WITH LESS GOV'T INTERVENTION Sen. Chiz Escudero on Wednesday (Aug. 23) exhorted the youth to maximize the power of modern technology to improve the Philippines' competitiveness in the global arena and make the country a better place for all Filipinos. Speaking at Ignite: GCash Innovation Summit 2023, the veteran legislator said the young Filipinos have all the data or information they need in just a click of a keyboard in the internet era. "Instantly, when you use the internet, you acquire so much knowledge that we have never experienced during our time," said Escudero during the event at the Globe Tower in Taguig City that was attended mostly by Globe and GCash employees and business partners. "What am I trying to say is that your generation has absolutely no excuse not to do better than we did. Your generation has absolutely no reason not to excel in what you are doing compared to how we were before. Kung ano man 'yung narating namin noon, wala kayong karapatang hindi mapantayan man lang o malampasan iyon," he added. The senator shared with the attendees how connectivity and communication were a struggle back in his younger days until the passage of Republic Act 7925 or the "Public Telecommunications Policy Act of the Philippines" in March 1995 that deregulated the telecommunications industry. "Mapantayan man lang ang nagawa ng aming generasyon dahil lahat ng inpormasyon na gusto ninyong malaman at makita, pwede nyo na malaman at makita agad-agad. Noon, kung hindi namin mabasa sa encyclopedia, hindi mo makita sa telebisyon, hindi na namin makikita na may Niagara Falls pala. Now you can also live vicariously through someone else using social media, and learn," Escudero said. "Changes are happening overnight. Changes are happening fast paced and we have to keep abreast. With modern technology kaya ninyong makipagsabayan kahit kanino," he pointed out. During the Open Forum, the senator was asked by an employee what the government can do to further move forward the digitalization services for Filipinos, to which he replied: "The government must simply let the private sector be. Let the painters paint, let the innovators innovate and let the inventors invent." The government, Escudero admitted, is "very slow when it comes to regulating new technology." Hence, the Fintech companies such as GCash must be given the space to innovate, with lesser or no government intervention at all. "The more government opens up and allows the private sector to do certain things that they want to do and at an affordable cost, then the government should allow the private sector to precisely do that. The best thing we can do for IT, for innovation and modern technology would be to let it be and not try to interfere," he said.
The European Union is preparing a multi-year plan of support for Ukraine worth over EUR 50 billion, President of the European Council Charles Michel has said in a video address to the Third Summit of the Crimea Platform on Wednesday.

Russia's cruel tactic of attacks on Ukrainian ports is aimed at spreading hunger in the world, he said, adding that the EU welcomes Ukraine's efforts aimed at finding new grain export routes, in particular, with the participation of Turkey. Michel also said the EU supports Ukraine's efforts to enter new markets and understands that this is the fight for the future of Ukraine.

The president of the European Council recalled that last year Ukraine received perspectives of its European future and noted that now it is not a question whether Ukraine would become an EU member but it is more a question of when this will happen. He also said that the EU is preparing for accession talks.

Michel praised the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar leadership for continuing to fight for peace despite every hardship.

He also said that the EU supports Ukraine through the sanctions regime against Russia and noted that this support will be getting even stronger.
American Airlines Flight 4216, Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport 's first-ever nonstop flight from Baton Rouge to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C., heads down the runway to take off just before sunrise on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The number of passengers who have flown through Baton Rouge Metro during the first six months of 2023 is up 16.5% over the first half of 2022.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking about the future of the Crimean Tatar people, said that these are Ukrainian citizens, and now the main thing is to return Crimea to Ukraine in fact.

"The future of the Crimean Tatar people is in Ukraine, they are our citizens. They are the indigenous people of Ukraine. The relevant law has been adopted. The main thing is the return of Crimea home, to Ukraine, and then everything else," he said at a press conference following the Third Summit of the Crimea Platform.

As Zelenskyy noted, "the integration of the peninsula, the society of the peninsula into Ukraine is very important for us."

"They have been living for 9.5 years without Ukraine on the territory of the peninsula. This is a difficult task. But the economy will come to Ukraine. Crimea will be part of Ukraine. It is its part actually, but it will be in fact," the president said.

The Head of State also said that "Crimea in the European Union as part of Ukraine is a completely different story."

"I am sure that you and I know that we are approaching membership in the European Union. Crimea in the EU as part of Ukraine is a completely different story. It is very important for us to integrate Crimea as much as possible with workplaces, without any safe future threats, so that Crimea works daily, and not only during the hot tourist season. Therefore, there are such plans. The relevant companies are modern - we are also talking to them, there will be the opening of an appropriate number of jobs," he said.

"Today we will sign a memorandum with a dozen, maybe even more serious leading companies that want to come immediately after de-occupation. And to develop Crimea economically," he concluded.
Faimon Roberts III covers rural communities in Louisiana. His work is supported by a reporting grant from the Microsoft Journalism Initiative and is administered by the Greater New Orleans Foundation.

He can be reached at froberts@theadvocate.com.
If you ever wondered what the hottest temperatures ever feel like, this week may unfortunately be your chance to find out.
The intertwined otherworldly relationship between humans and the world of bees and honey.

Across Africa, beliefs and superstitions intertwine with the natural world, including the enchanting realm of honey, bees, and beehives. These traditions reflect the deep reverence and mystical allure surrounding these buzzing creatures and their golden elixir.

In many African cultures, such as the San tribe in Southern Africa, honey is regarded as a sacred gift bestowed upon humankind, carrying both sweetness and a touch of divine essence. Bees, seen as messengers between the earthly and spiritual realms, are revered for their industrious nature and collective wisdom. Meanwhile, beehives are miniature kingdoms enchanting in their complexity and unity.

One prevalent belief in Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic is that bees embody ancestral spirits. Their gentle buzzing and delicate dance through the air is seen as messages from departed loved ones, bringing guidance, protection, and blessings to those who encounter them. It is believed that disturbing or harming a beehive can incur the wrath of these ancestral spirits, bringing misfortune and discord upon the offender.

Another superstition in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana warns against disrespecting or trivializing bees. It is believed that speaking ill of bees, mocking them, or harboring ill intentions towards their hives can provoke their ire. Such actions may result in stinging repercussions, including illness, financial hardship, or other forms of misfortune. As a result, communities foster a sense of respect and caution when encountering bees and their habitats.

According to a unique tradition in Kenya, the owner of a beehive must patiently await a sign before resuming intimate relations with his wife. It is believed that when a swarm of bees takes residence in the hive and begins constructing their home, it is an auspicious indication. Only after two nights have passed, confirming the presence of these industrious insects, can the owner reestablish the bonds of marriage.

If the hive is already occupied during the first inspection visit, a special ritual ensues. The owner prepares a batch of traditional beer brewed with care and reverence. Pouring a portion of this sacred liquid onto the ground is a libation, an offering to the ancestral spirits. This ritual act is performed to honor the presence of these ethereal beings, seeking their blessings and protection for the prosperous coexistence between humans and bees.

In African tribes in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia, beehives are considered sacred dwellings, housing bees and ancestral spirits. Locating a beehive in a particular area is often considered an auspicious sign, indicating the presence of divine blessings and protection. In such instances, communities treat the beehive with reverence, ensuring its preservation and refraining from disturbing the inhabitants within.

Furthermore, honey itself holds a special place in African folklore and medicinal practices in Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Mali. It is often attributed to healing properties and is believed to possess the ability to ward off evil spirits or negative energy. Consuming honey is seen as a source of vitality, longevity, and good fortune. Additionally, honey is frequently used in rituals, ceremonies, and offerings to appease deities, ancestors, and nature spirits.
The former chairman of the corporate watchdog said he wanted to end his life after being the subject of a highly defamatory advertising campaign by billionaire parliamentary hopeful Clive Palmer.

James Shipton, the former head of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, told a Senate inquiry on Wednesday he broke down at a news-stand when confronted with yet another ad in a major newspaper placed by Palmer decrying Shiptons performance, feeling bullied by the businessman.

Former ASIC chairman James Shipton during his time as the head of the regulator. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

One Sunday morning after months of relentless advertising, I broke down in front of a newspaper stand as my own face and fanciful words about me stared back from a yellow newspaper page, Shipton recalled. That was when the advertisement finally became too much. That was when I wanted to end my life.

Shipton also told the inquiry he was the subject of inappropriate conduct by a senior staffer at the corporate regulator over an issue separate to the Palmer ad campaign. He was disappointed about the lack of support he received from ASICs acting chairman Karen Chester and Treasury during the Palmer campaign, highlighting the tension in ASICs top ranks over the past two years.
Qantas will embark on renewing its ageing fleet and will return another $500 million to shareholders through its third buyback, the airline revealed as it delivered a record $2.5 billion profit.

In chief executive Alan Joyces final result at the helm of the nations biggest airline, Qantas announced on Thursday it raked in $2.47 billion in underlying profit for the year to June 30, following a torrid three years marred by the COVID-19 pandemic which caused its net debt to surpass $7 billion.

Its statutory profit for the full year was $1.74 billion, compared to an $860 million loss in the previous year.

Revenue more than doubled to $19.8 billion, up from $9.1 billion. The airline announced a $500 million shareholder buyback to take place in September and $500 in flight credits for its employees, as well as frequent flyer points and status credits for the groups loyalty customers.
The Australian government has decided to drop its case against US actor Amber Heard over allegations she had lied about the illegal importation of her two Yorkshire terriers in 2015.

The Rum Diary star was charged after bringing her dogs, Pistol and Boo, into the country without declaring them, thereby breaking Australias strict quarantine restrictions.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard at Southport Magistrates Court, Gold Coast, in 2016 over a charge of falsifying an immigration document. Credit: Robert Shakespeare

It quickly became one of the most high-profile and meme-able quarantine cases in history, as the agriculture minister at the time, Barnaby Joyce, threatened to have the dogs put down unless Heard and her then-partner, actor Johnny Depp, returned them to California.

Its time that Pistol and Boo buggered off back to the United States, Joyce said at the time.
Here we go again. The usual suspects have been rounded up, the speculation about who is in and out of favour has begun, and the guessing game is under way. Now that Ita Buttrose has announced she is finishing up as ABC chair, who will the Albanese government choose to replace her?

Or to put it another way: how will the politics play out? Because it is unthinkable, based on history, that any government would pass up the chance to influence the supposedly independent and apolitical public broadcaster.

Ita Buttrose, the outgoing ABC chair who was a captains pick but who proved to be shrewd, capable and a fierce defender of ABC independence. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

For Gough Whitlam it was Richard Downing. For Malcolm Fraser, Dame Leonie Kramer. Bob Hawke appointed David Hill, John Howard chose Donald McDonald, and so on. No government would ever admit that it selects ABC chairs with a view to bending the independent public broadcaster to its will, but the evidence suggests otherwise.

After all, the independent, merit-based panel introduced a decade ago to ensure ABC board members are chosen on merit can be (and has been) easily ignored. Thats not to say that those chosen in the past against the panels advice  the captains picks  have been uniformly terrible. Ita Buttrose is a good example. Despite the inauspicious start of being a Scott Morrison captains pick, she has been shrewd, capable and a fierce defender of ABC independence.
They have a multiple warning policy, which is wild. If someone at a forum got up and started hurling racist abuse at me, theyd be shown the door. But on Facebook, they can just spew horrific racism at us all day, every day, Berg said. Meta has known the referendum [on the Voice to parliament] is coming since the federal election last May. Its not good enough that they continue to allow racism and hatred to fester. A Meta spokesperson said the company was mindful of the impact of the Voice debate on Indigenous communities and pointed to support measures the company had rolled out, including a mental health campaign in partnership with e-mental health support service ReachOut that focused on the social and emotional wellbeing of young and First Nations people. The spokesperson said additional support measures would be made available to users before, during and after the Voice referendum.

Nyunggai Warren Mundines social media post. Despite the complaints from the assembly and other Indigenous leaders, the spokesperson said Meta had worked with First Nations organisations and other partners to remove racist and abusive content. No one should have to experience racist abuse anywhere, they said. The concerns about Facebook come as the No campaign has been criticised over public commentary from some of its leading figures and supporters. Last week, No campaign leader Nyunggai Warren Mundine approvingly shared an image on professional networking site, LinkedIn, showing a gun pointed at a persons head and the words, VOTE YES OR ELSE!! in a speech bubble. The sleeve of the holder of the gun was adorned with a Soviet red and yellow hammer and sickle beside an Aboriginal flag.

Mundine shared the image with an accompanying comment saying: 100% right. Mundine did not respond to questions about the post. Loading A LinkedIn spokesperson did not answer questions about the post, but said the company removed any content that violated their policies. Our policies outline that any false or misleading content is not allowed on LinkedIn, and we use technology, teams of reviewers and third-party fact-checkers to ensure content is in line with these policies, they said in a statement. Also, hate speech does not belong on LinkedIn. Were committed to setting a high standard for respectful conversations on our platform.

Voice co-architect Marcia Langton accused the No camp of supercharging racism. Weve seen this in calls for genocide now being made by the ugly, bottom-of-the-swamp racists flooding cyberspace with their crazy theories about the white race being under threat, she said. Meanwhile, Aboriginal people in remote areas face an existential threat - more death, more misery, more poverty and more exclusion - because governments will not listen to Aboriginal people. No one is giving thought to the much worse situation we as Indigenous people will face if the No case wins. On Wednesday, Indigenous journalist Stan Grant told ABC radio that social media had poisoned public discourse and urged journalists to seek out expert opinion on issues.

It should not be foregrounded in what we do, it has been an awful, awful cancer in so many ways on our relations to one another, he said. Loading The Uluru Dialogue on Monday released a statement condemning misinformation and racist jokes from the No campaign. The group is the collective of architects and authors of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, co-chaired by Voice co-designers Pat Anderson and Megan Davis. Responding to speeches and remarks made during the Warren Mundine-chaired Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Sydney over the weekend, the dialogue group condemned a performance by comedian Rodney Marks that, it said, portrayed Indigenous Australians as rent-seekers, violent and women bashers. The fact that leaders of the No campaign and the keynote speakers at the CPAC conference, including Mundine, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Tony Abbott, turn a blind eye to it, is tragic, particularly for our young people.

Mundine did not respond to questions about the performance, or a speech made afterwards by Gary Johns, president of the No campaign group Recognise a Better Way. In his speech Johns claimed to quote David Price, the non-indigenous father of the shadow spokesperson for Indigenous Australians, Senator Price, saying: If you want a voice, learn English. Thats your voice. Nationals Party leader David Littleproud on Tuesday rebuked the views expressed in Johns CPAC speech, saying they would not be welcome in the National Party. Liberals for Yes group commended Littleprouds statement and said he was one hundred percent correct. Gary Johns deeply disturbing views have no place in any major political organisation, and that includes the official No campaign in this important referendum. If the views expressed are not good enough for the National Party, then they are not good enough for the No campaign either, the organisation said in a written statement. Mundine dismissed two potential volunteers from the Fair Australia campaign earlier this month after he said they had expressed racist remarks.

Mundine has also separately rebuked Advance advisory board member David Adler for his comments suggesting Grant artificially darkened his skin and questioning Victorian senator Lidia Thorpes Aboriginal heritage. Advance is the No vote group that financially backs Fair Australia. Loading Last week, in an interview with this masthead, the Central Land Councils general manager of professional services, Josie Douglas, called attention to the cloud of misinformation that she said was being created by the No campaign to mischievously sow confusion ahead of the referendum date. Douglas comments were echoed by Megan Davis on ABC radio on Friday, when the Voice co-designer was asked to address a letter distributed by Fair Australia to its supporters, which asserted there was more to the Uluru Statement from the Heart. The letter, authored in Nampijinpa Prices name, said a secret government document revealed covert plans behind the May 2017 statement. These plans, it said, included changing the national flag and reparation payments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Principals will be given the power to extend the length of suspensions and send students home for persistent bad behaviour under a planned overhaul to the NSW public school discipline policy.

The changes come as a third of teachers say chaotic classrooms are causing them to lose crucial instruction time, while a federal Senate inquiry is examining worsening student behaviour across school sectors.

Increasing instances of bullying and intimidation in schools has coincided with falling teacher confidence in managing poor behaviours. Credit: Janie Barrett

An updated NSW public school behaviour policy will replace a controversial strategy introduced under the former Coalition government that capped the length and number of suspensions schools could issue, as well as the grounds for which a student could be sent home.

NSW Education Minister Prue Car said a review of the former policy, which was rolled out in term 4 last year, found it undermined teachers ability to protect the safety of staff and students.
Japan will provide Ukraine with assistance worth $7.6 billion, Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida has said in a video address to the Third Summit of the Crimea Platform on Wednesday.

"Japan will steadily implement its various assistance amounting to $7.6 billion based on the needs on the ground in Ukraine," he said.

In addition, Japan will make use of its experience and knowledge, accumulated in the fields of postwar reconstruction and disaster recovery, the prime minister said.

Kishida reiterated that Japan has consistently supported Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, including Crimea.

"Japan will continue to work closely with the international community, including the G7, and impose strict sanctions against Russia while providing robust support for Ukraine," he said.

"I visited Kyiv and Bucha in March of this year and witnessed first hand the tragedy on the ground. It reinforced my conviction that Russia's aggression against Ukraine is an outrageous act that undermines the foundations of the international order," Kishida said.

He also emphasized that "Japan will stand with the people of Ukraine to restore peace on the beautiful land of Ukraine."
The revelation that venerable institution the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre discovered an experiment in a study by former top researcher Mark Smyth was probably never performed set plenty of tongues wagging across the research sector.

This was particularly so after it turned out Smyth had already been investigated and cleared over earlier research misconduct allegations.

The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Credit: Justin McManus

That got a lot of people talking today. [It was] news to us, a senior Peter Mac source, not authorised to speak publicly, told CBD.

Smyth authored or co-authored more than 150 papers while working at Peter Mac  leaving plenty of other science heavyweights sweating.
London: Ted Hui is one of South Australias newest lawyers. He may also be one of Australias most-convicted legal practitioners.

The Hongkonger fled to Australia via London in 2021, on the run from Beijings oppressive crackdown on dissent in the former British territory.

China imposed a draconian national security law on the city in June 2020 amid widespread anti-government protests. Among its targets were journalists, lawyers, democracy activists and members of Hong Kongs Legislative Council.

Former Hong Kong legislator Ted Hui was admitted as a barrister and solicitor at South Australias Supreme Court. Credit: Ted Hui Chi Fung/Facebook

Sentenced in exile for contempt of court and misconduct, Hui, a former legislator, would be thrown in jail should he return home while Beijing rules. Hong Kong police have set bounties for information leading to his arrest, as well for the arrest of his fellow democracy campaigners  including Nathan Law, who sought political asylum in the UK.
I know they will try to say things about you, but Ill stick up ... for your name too. Gangell also told the Supreme Court she had been in frequent contact with Gray, 60, while he was friends with her daughter, but maintained that stopped after a court hearing in May 2021. Tracey Gangell outside court on Wednesday. Credit: Eddie Jim She said Price and Gray were close friends for many years until, on the eve of him applying for council licences to open the Daily Planet and Harem brothels in Melbourne, Price blackmailed him, telling him she wanted $100,000 or shed report that hed raped her. She was found dead in her apartment on May 4, 2020, a week after police believe she was killed during the early hours of April 29.

Her then boyfriend, Ricardo Barbaro, was later arrested and charged with her murder. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently on trial. Loading Text messages aired in court for the first time on Wednesday revealed Gray wrote to Danielle Price on June 15, 2020, saying it was not possible to love someone more than I love Ellie. Also I keep forgetting to explain something which might seem odd, I have not sent tributes or death notices for a reason. I just dont want anyone to connect my surname with my occupation and then presume that Ellie knew me because she worked for me, a message from Grays phone read. I just wanted to protect her.

The following month, he sent a message to the slain womans sister about how, after his father died, he began buying run-down brothels as a distraction and that hed taken on the Melbourne project  in South Melbourne  for the 26-year-old. Gray said he had borrowed $1 million to fund the project, and would take Price there at least twice a week to see the construction. He had also been providing her with a regular allowance, the court heard. It needed Mark and Ellie to bring it back to life, he wrote. When you and mum come down to court or holidays we can visit xx. I wanted to transform it into something as beautiful as Ellie. Gangell maintained she was unaware that Gray ran brothels until after her daughter died, and didnt know about the messages he was sending Danielle.

Other messages and emails defence barrister Rishi Nathwani aired in court indicated both the Price sisters and Gangell had been added as contacts for Grays brothels before Prices death. Accused killer Ricardo Barbaro arrives at court this week Credit: AAP Those venues, the court heard, included Liaisons, Stiletto and Touch of Class in NSW, and Harem in Melbourne. The two sisters, Ellie and Danielle, can be contact names for the two biggest brothels in Sydney, and Ill make Tracey the contact name for Harem palace in Melbourne to keep it in the family, a message from Grays phone to Danielle Price read. It can be our secret lol.

When I finish the Daily Planet, well need to use the kids names. Lucky you have a few names to use. Gangell denied being aware of this or suggestions Nathwani made that Gray had known violent thugs and some of the meanest people in Melbourne, some of whom included security guards also used by bikies. The mother also denied there had been a plan for her, her daughter and Gray to avoid giving truthful evidence at an earlier court hearing. This, Nathwani indicated, may have included instructions from Gray to withhold information about his connection with brothels, giving money to Price and anything about her job. Nathwani also asked if Gangell was aware that Gray had paid not only for Prices $100,000 Mercedes-Benz and rent, but also a breast augmentation, nose reconstruction and porcelain teeth veneers during their friendship. I wouldnt know, Gangell replied. A horse riding accident in March 2021, Gangell said, had affected her memory.

She said Gray did later ask not to be contacted by the family after they returned to Tasmania, where they live and where Price is buried. He had also failed to help pay for her headstone after earlier offering to do so, she said. Police allege Barbaro killed Price, 26, inside her Park Street apartment before leaving the scene in her Mercedes-Benz in the early hours of April 29, 2020. When she was reported missing days later, police found her body on the floor of her bedroom with six stab wounds including a large cut to her neck. Barbaro was arrested in NSW on May 13, 2020, after hiring a van and driving interstate. The court earlier heard there had been instances of violence between the two in the lead-up to Prices death amid an on-again off-again relationship marked with jealousy.
Under its watch, Integrity Care SA had a 70-year-old woman with a shoulder injury  among other physical limitations  caring for a 54-year-old woman in declining health, who required a high level of care and who couldnt walk. Unable to lift her to bath her or put her to bed, Maione chose simply to leave her in a chair. Its a system that is leaving the way open for people with disabilities to receive substandard care, at inflated cost and creates an environment where the untrained and incompetent can establish themselves with a vulnerable client Why didnt anyone at Integrity Care SA recognise that client-carer match was not going to provide Smith with an acceptable level of care? Where were Integrity Care SA and the NDIS checks? Where were the regulators? Support workers are employed largely in one of three ways; through a company that is a full-service provider, through an employment platform like Mable, or through other avenues like Facebook pages set up for people with disabilities to find supports.

Shockingly, disability support work is largely unregulated. Anyone can be a support worker  they dont need qualifications, they dont have to be registered with an authority and the only mandatory check is a NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissions worker screening for those people working for NDIS-registered providers in special roles referred to as risk assessed. Self-employed workers are expected to self-assess if they need the check. It is entirely possible, and in fact increasingly common under the existing system, that no one at the agency employing the support worker or the employment platform finding them work, has ever actually met the support worker or the client. Its a system that is leaving the way open for people with disabilities to receive substandard care, at inflated cost and creates an environment where the untrained and incompetent can establish themselves with a vulnerable client, resulting in the type of neglect suffered by Smith rotting in her cane chair. Its exacerbated by the fact that disability support workers need no qualifications. Becoming a disability support worker can be as easy as simply signing up on a providers online platform, of which there are many. Platforms like Mable provide support worker insurance, invoice clients for their shifts and perform reference checks, however, a spokeswoman clarified that it was not an employer of support workers, as its extensive advertising may imply.

We do not provide support services. Mable is an online platform available on the web or via an app where two parties  a client and support worker  find each other, she said. Loading They connect because the support worker is willing, able, qualified or certified to provide the services the client is looking for. Our stringent onboarding process means that support workers are appropriately vetted to perform the services they say they can. The ultimate responsibility for how, when, where and what services were carried out was between the carer and client.

The NDIS Commission says platform providers like Mable represent a significant and growing proportion of the NDIS market, and it is currently investigating how they operate within it. It said a recent survey, which is part of the inquiry, highlights uncertainly about who is responsible for ensuring services are delivered safely and are of high quality. Not all providers are required to be registered, however all providers and workers are required to comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct and are subject to regulation by the NDIS Commission, a commission spokeswoman said. The spokeswoman confirmed there were no checks that support workers are adhering to the code and pointed to its optional training and induction modules as proof of further regulation. The commission has broad powers to act against any provider or worker that does not fulfil its obligations under the code of conduct. This includes issuing compliance notices, penalties, court-based actions and banning people from operating in the NDIS.

According to the commissions register of individuals and companies it has taken action against, there have been no suspension or compliance orders issued in WA in 2023. Two banning orders have been issued to individuals in the same timeframe. The unqualified support worker charging $73 per hour Its not just the platform business model of recruiting unqualified, inexperienced support workers thats concerning. About two years ago, one provider, a full service provider which directly employs support workers, sent me a young woman who was a bit amazed she didnt even have to sit an interview to get the job. Shed never met anyone from the company employing her, let alone been interviewed by someone in that company who might judge her ability to support my daughter. Shed provided the basic checks  produce proof of ID, police clearance, working with children check  and she got the job. And there she was on our doorstep presenting herself as a support worker for my then 19-year-old prone to significant behavioural problems that included violent meltdowns and worrying compulsive behaviours.

Shed never seen my childs safety plan or her NDIS plan goals with their overarching aims of building independence through cooking, shopping and a myriad of other life skill activities. She spent the entire three-hour shift colouring-in with my daughter. Ive heard of similar instances; like the support worker at the pool with their client sitting on the sidelines on their phone for an hour, while the client is in the water alone. Scenarios like this, of disinterested, inexperienced, unqualified people seeking jobs as support workers, are becoming more common because disability support worker pay rates, using NDIS benchmarks, are very high compared to other casual types of work and there is a worker shortage. The system is supposed to protect our communitys most vulnerable people. Credit: AAP The 2021 Care Workforce Labour Market Study forecast a support worker shortage of 200,000 by 2050. The 2022 NDIS State of the Disability Sector showed 83 per cent of service providers reported

problems recruiting disability support workers.

One is quoted in the report as a saying: We are no longer in the midst of a skills shortage. Its now a labour shortage. In my university days, I worked in hospitality for minimum wage which, if it were 2023 would be about $27.27 for a casual aged 21 and over. For someone under 18 it would be $16.36 casual rate. One candidate we interviewed recently as a new support worker was a nursing student about 18 years old, who had some first aid certificates, a police clearance but no formal qualifications as a support worker and very limited experience. She was asking $73 per hour in addition to a per-kilometre charge of 90 cents. Thats an exorbitant rate for her skills and experience, but she had arrived at the figure using the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2023-2024 which came into effect on July 1, 2023. She had come to us through Mable which readily admits most of its independent support providers are not registered with the NDIS.

Mable says it does not set pay rates aside from a minimal fee of $36 per hour, however, concedes that there is general concern that NDIS price limits have become price anchors. It says 85 per cent of its support workers charge below NDIS rates. The most common formal qualification for a disability support worker is the nationally accredited Certificate III in Individual Support, which can take between six and 12 months to complete and includes 140 hours of work placement learning. Its described as a holistic crash-course providing the practical skills to be a support worker and an understanding of the workers legal and ethical obligations under NDIS. The cries from frustrated parents and primary carer givers are getting louder. Action needs to be taken over a desperate lack of regulation in the support worker industry. If not, inexperienced, unqualified workers, bolstered by the carrot of high official NDIS pay rates will continue to

drive up the cost of supports, while driving down the quality of care. Ironically, this is happening at the same time the NDIS continues to slash the amount of money people with disabilities are receiving in their plans. There are many support workers, many unqualified and unregistered, doing an excellent job and earning every cent they ask for.
The Voice campaign must use practical language to pitch to mainstream voters in the suburbs, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas says, as his home state shapes up as a crucial jurisdiction in the referendum.

Malinauskas revealed he had spoken to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about holding next Wednesdays referendum date reveal event in Adelaides suburbs, where he said disengaged voters were yet to make a decision.

Weve got to talk about it in a practical way people can relate to.

Peter Malinauskas with Anthony Albanese at the Labor conference last week. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Im all in, he said in an interview, emphasising the need to speak about the Voices impact on bread and butter issues such as health and education.
Sweltering temperatures fanned by global warming will cost the economy up to $423 billion over the next four decades, reduce the nations production of wheat, and leave taxpayers footing the bill for more expensive natural disasters.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers will use the sixth intergenerational report, to be released on Thursday, to show the full impact of climate change on the economy. This includes the tourism sector, with fewer visitors likely to come to Australia as attractions such as the nations beaches disappear.

Heatwaves, floods and natural disasters will deliver a $423 billion hit to the economy by 2063, according to the intergenerational report. Credit: Louie Douvis

The report, which forecasts how the economy, population and workforce are expected to develop over the next 40 years, will detail the major economic and fiscal threats posed by higher temperatures.

Chalmers will reveal that climate change will reduce labour productivity so much that it will cut the nations economic output over the next 40 years by between $135 billion and $423 billion in todays dollars.
Were always trying to book at least four months in advance, six months, maybe even seven months at best, said Ryan Villa, owner and operations manager at All Travel Guru, an agency that specialises in European travel. Typically, any clients that come to us within 30 days, we advise them that there could be some issues [securing tickets]. Book your ticket for the Vatican as far in advance as possible. Credit: iStock Especially for high-profile attractions, like the Louvre in Paris or the Vatican Museums, experts recommend booking as far in advance as possible. Often, that means researching ahead of time when tickets for each attraction go on sale. Colosseum tickets on the official site, for example, go on sale 30 days in advance. That means travellers who want to go visit without paying extra for a third-party tour or price-gauged ticket should schedule an alarm for exactly one month before their desired visit date and time.

How to spot an unauthorised third-party vendor Even if tickets for a given attraction arent sold out, unauthorised third-party vendors will use official-looking websites to sell upcharged tickets to travellers. When making reservations, travellers should pay close attention to where theyre buying their tickets from, according to Andrea Giordani, a representative at Florences tourism promotion office. Often, third-party websites will use misleading language in an effort to appear more official than they are, meaning that travellers should be extra careful when determining whether a website is the correct one. Checking website details like the top-level domain name (.com versus .fr in France, or .it in Italy) can be a good way to weed out impostors, though not a perfect science. As can checking the citys official government or tourism board website, as they often offer direct links to popular attractions. The same goes when buying city passes or city cards, which promise travellers the citys best offerings for a bulk price. While many big cities have their own official passes for travellers to buy  which can be a convenient way to bundle costs for transit, museums and other attractions  those run by third-party companies can be more expensive than just buying tickets to individual attractions.

There are plenty of unofficial passes floating around. A quick Google search for Barcelona Pass, for example, brings up dozens of options. Only one, Barcelona Card, is official. The result is travellers buying passes from unauthorised retailers that are too expensive and rely on potentially predatory practices. Instead, travellers should use official city tourism websites as a resource. While buying from a third-party vendor wont necessarily be an inherently negative experience, its important to know the difference between the real deal and an independent company. How to find a good third-party vendor Even if you try to book your high-priority attractions as soon as possible, theres still a possibility that tickets will be sold out. This is especially true for trips planned on tighter timelines. In these cases, Villa recommends seeking out a reputable tour company, as even the most reputable providers will buy out blocks of tickets to service their tours. Youre gonna have to spend a little bit more for the guide, but youre getting the guide and entry, Villa said. The deal can be worth it if its an attraction you really wanna see.

When it comes to scams, theyre getting trickier and trickier, Villa said. That means that when finding a reputable tour provider, research is key. In these cases, TripAdvisor posts, Trustpilot scores and Google reviews can all be invaluable sources of information. If they dont have any sort of review trail or anything written about them, I would advise against using a particular guide, Villa said. While websites like Viator or GetYourGuide provide aggregated search results (they are not tour operators), which can be hit or miss, Villa recommended Context Travel, Project Expedition or Tours by Locals as more reliable sources of information: These sites vet all of their guides and everything, so you can be pretty trustworthy with them. How to approach timed tickets A majority of uber-popular attractions have shifted to only selling timed tickets that require travellers to plan out each day of their holiday long before they touch down. At the Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona, for example, the most basic tickets (which go for 26 euros, $A44) are available at 15-minute intervals from 9am to 6.15pm on most days. Tickets for Barcelonas Sagrada Familia are issued at 15-minute intervals. Credit: iStock

When purchasing these tickets, it can help to think realistically about whats possible in a given trip itinerary. Dont be overambitious, Villa recommended. When it comes to time slots, understand youll be competing with traffic to get there. Villa advises his clients to know the attraction that they want to visit. This means knowing where its located relative to where youll be coming from, whether that be the hotel or another location. It also means researching the attraction in advance: Look up in advance where the meeting points are or the entry points so youre prepared for your time slot. In a pinch, going to the wrong entrance of a museum or historical site could be the difference between being on right on time or late. The actual time the tickets are for can also make a difference. Early morning or afternoon tickets each have their perks, but it depends on the traveller. If theyre an early riser, Id say do the morning, because itll be less crowded, Villa said. A morning slot also gives less of a chance for time delays from earlier parts of day to build up. Head to the Colosseum early in the morning. Credit: iStock Still, Villa recommended travellers be honest with themselves about how they want to go about the trip. If you want a slower start to your day, an afternoon ticket might be the best shot. With all the travel to Europe, its not even like there is a slow period anymore.

Consider overly crowded days and other rules Make sure to research free or reduced-price days at high-priority attractions. Most museums, historical sites and other attractions will offer ticket discounts or even free tickets for certain populations, like students or people over a certain age. But this also means the site could be even busier that day. There are also more specific rules in certain attractions that can be helpful to keep in mind. Some Spanish attractions, like the Royal Palace or the San Lorenzo Monastery in El Escorial, for example, will offer free tickets for citizens from Latin American countries during certain days and times. Churches or other religious sites will also offer alternative entrances to people going to worship rather than as tourists. Theres also always the option of second cities  like Lyon or Marseille in France, Glasgow in Scotland or Porto in Portugal  which can provide a travel experience that is as great or even better than their more-famous counterparts. And, if you have the flexibility, travelling during off-season months like March or November can help lessen some of the reservation and crowd hassles. Making a conscious decision to take the roads less travelled once there can make the experience even more rewarding. Sometimes people dont look for alternative paths, said Marta Moretti, a representative for the Azienda Veneziana della Mobilita, which manages Venices public transit. In doing so, she said, they lose the fantastic views and the more quiet areas that can be discovered.
London: Senior executives at the British Museum dismissed warnings of thefts from its collection as wholly unfounded when a whistleblower tipped them off two years ago, emails seen by the London Telegraph show.

Hartwig Fischer, the museums director, said there was no evidence to substantiate the allegations that stolen objects were being sold on eBay. His deputy Jonathan Williams said a thorough investigation had found no suggestion of any wrongdoing and confidently stated that the collection is protected.

Ittai Gradel, the Danish art dealer who raised the alarm, said Williams had basically told me to get lost.

The British Museum in London has approximately 80,000 items on exhibition and millions in storage.

The disclosure will heap further pressure on Williams, seen as a contender to take over the top job from Fischer when he steps down from his post next year. It is also likely to intensify calls for Fischer to go immediately.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has strongly condemned Russia's drone attack on the port of Izmail in Ukraine and stressed that Russia will be held accountable for its war crimes.

"Russia is intentionally and systemically targeting civilian infrastructure and destroying tons of grain meant to feed the world. These and other attacks against civilians are war crimes Russia will be held accountable for," she said on Twitter on Wednesday.

As reported, last night, Russian occupation forces attacked Odesa region using Shahed-136/131 drones, nine of which were downed by the Ukrainian air defense. Some 13,000 tonnes of grain were destroyed as a result of the attack on the ports of the Danube.
The search and rescue operations have been completed at the scene of a Russian drone attack on Romny, Sumy region, as a result of which a local school was completely destroyed, four people were killed and four people were injured, Sumy Regional Military Administration has said.

"Today, the terrorist state committed another terrible crime in Sumy region. A school in Romny was the target of an enemy Shahed. Civilians were killed. The teachers who were preparing for a new academic year: the school headmaster, her deputy, the secretary and the librarian. Also, four people, who were in the neighborhood at the moment of the attack, were injured," it said on the Telegram channel on Wednesday.

Those injured are receiving all necessary assistance. Psychologists are working with the families of the victims.

"The educational facility was completely destroyed. The search and rescue operations are over. The work to clean up the aftermath of the enemy attack are underway," Head of Sumy Regional Military Administration Volodymyr Artiukh said.
The issue of the liberation of Crimea is a matter of the life of the Crimean Tatar people, said MP Mustafa Dzhemilev (European Solidarity faction).

"There are prospects in the near future to liberate all our occupied territories, including Crimea. The fastest possible release is especially important for the indigenous people of Crimea  the Crimean Tatars, because for them it is a matter of either further development or complete disappearance as an indigenous nation," Dzhemilev said at the Third Summit of the Crimea Platform in Kyiv on Wednesday.

Dzhemilev also noted that Ukrainian society will never accept offers to sacrifice its territories, including Crimea, to end the war with Russia.

We consider it a big mistake to think that it is possible to prevent the expansion of the military conflict and ensure long-term peace by meeting the illegal demands of the aggressor and terrorist, Jemilev said.

He recalled that according to various estimates, after the occupation of Crimea by Russia, about one million citizens of the Russian Federation "came to the peninsula, and "10% of Crimean Tatars and tens of thousands of ethnic Ukrainians were forced to leave Crimea under pressure from the Russian occupiers."

Dzhemilev also considers it a mistake that after the return of the Crimean Tatars to the peninsula [the beginning of the 90s of the twentieth century], national-territorial autonomy was not restored in Crimea. At the same time, he noted that international documents and laws adopted by the Verkhovna Rada make it possible to correct this mistake.
Ukraine not alone in its struggle for justice - President of Latvia

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics urged to remain united in support of Ukraine and called for ensuring the responsibility of the Russian Federation for aggression.

"By participating in this summit of the Crimea Platform, we confirm that Ukraine is not alone in its struggle for justice. Dear colleagues, the pain and devastation caused by Russian aggression is felt not only here, but also in the Global South. We must definitely remain united in support of Ukraine, we must fight the negative consequences of the Russian war, we must hold representatives of the Russian Federation accountable. We must strongly advocate for the protection of people's rights," he said during a video message at the Third Summit of the Crimea Platform, which is being held in Kyiv.

The President also expressed concern over crimes of the Russian Federation based on gender-based violence, noting that Latvia helped open a support center for victims of sexual violence in Ivano-Frankivsk.

Rinkevics stressed the importance of assistance in the export of food from Ukraine.

"We want Ukraine to be strong, independent, for this we need to provide a safe corridor by the Black Sea," he said.

As Rinkevics noted, Latvia supports Ukraine's peace initiatives, the Crimea Platform summit.

"We must ensure the responsibility of the Russian Federation and its representatives for the crimes committed. We cannot allow them to disregard international law," the president said.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Russia violated human rights in Crimea.

"In Crimea, the occupation authorities have banned the Ukrainian language in schools. And children are forced to sing Russian hymns. And they are taught that Ukraine is their enemy. They are being forced to take part in war games," she said, speaking via video link at the Third Summit of the Crimea Platform.

And these actions, Baerbock said, are aimed specifically at the Crimean Tatars. "Over the past year, the occupation authorities have arrested leaders of the Tatar community. And they forcibly take Crimean Tatars into the army. This is forced mobilization, which is going on simultaneously with the creation of a bridgehead in Crimea."

"Russian missiles are being launched from Crimea in the direction of churches, houses and civilian objects. The main supply of the Russian army goes through Crimea. Since the release of the grain agreement, Russia has been using its ships to export Ukrainian grain. That's what we have to say loudly - that the illegal annexation continues, that this is a direct encroachment on the UN Charter," the minister said.

"Zaporizhia, Donetsk is Ukraine. Kherson is Ukraine. And Crimea is Ukraine," she stressed.

According to her, "from the moment when Russia launched its ruthless war, Germany stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and fights aggression, an attack on territorial integrity. More than EUR 22 billion of support, generators, air defense systems that can protect the skies of Ukraine. And Germany, as long as necessary, will continue this support."
Commentary

By Susan Martinuk

Last month, the Winnipeg Free Press ran a particularly sharp critique of Manitobas healthcare system, decrying provincial healthcare budgeting as parsimony and stating that monetary decisions made by the government since 2015 have created a healthcare crisis in Manitoba. It strongly implied that the solution is  more money.

If only it were that simple. And if only the healthcare crisis was limited to Manitoba.

Unfortunately, universal healthcare woes, from extended waiting periods to doctor shortages, are no strangers to Canadians. Recent data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) underscores According to the report:

about 12 percent of Canadians are without a family doctor

waitlists for medical procedures have soared from a median of 19.4 weeks in 2015 to a staggering 31.5 weeks in 2021

743,000 fewer surgeries were performed during the first 2.5 years of Covid.

The report also documented 18 million overtime hours in public hospitals between 2020 and 2021  the equivalent of 9,000 full-time jobs, so, of course, healthcare workers are burning out.

Healthcare chaos, in other words, is not a problem in any one province  its a Canadian problem.

And, as Canadians have observed over and over again, pouring more money into a broken system is not a solution. Canada already has the second most expensive healthcare system in the world. Healthcare will cost the average family (of two parents and one child) about $17,000 in 2023. Its difficult to imagine how much more of a tax burden Canadian families are willing to endure.

So, what are some systemic solutions that could improve Canadian healthcare?

One idea that seems to be gaining traction is changing hospital funding from huge, black-box global budgets to activity-based funding.

Hospitals represent the largest healthcare expenditure in Canada. With global budgets, each patient represents an expense and encourages hospitals to do what they can to reduce access and expenditures. They are also notoriously inefficient in containing costs. By contrast, under activity-based funding, each patient represents a source of income and adds to the hospitals financial resources. Hospitals are paid based on the number of people treated and procedures performed; this has been shown to increase access to, and cost efficiency of, healthcare.

Activity-based funding is already in place in some hospitals in Canada  but the vast majority still fall under global budgets. This is just one of many reforms suggested by a task force of emergency department physicians in Canada. Their report has been two years in the making, and the draft report is available online.

It will be a significant contribution to the conversation about healthcare because Canadas Emergency Departments serve as the nadir for the constellation of crises that now constitute the Canadian healthcare system.

Emergency Departments are the first place patients go when they cant access a family doctor. They are where hallway medicine begins as a shortage of hospital beds puts patients who need to be admitted on stretchers in busy hallways. They are where geriatric patients find themselves when they have chronic conditions and need the kind of care that should be provided in a long-term care situation or by a family doctor. No wonder the Emergency Department report says, For us to survive, our entire ecosystem must change.

Another systemic reform that has proven successful in other countries is the purchaser-provider split. As the name suggests, this is a model of healthcare delivery in which the payer for the service is separated from the service providers. That doesnt happen in Canada  under our public healthcare system, the government both pays for and provides the service. One can easily see how inefficient this can be.

Healthcare reform is desperately needed, but our federal and provincial governments are out of money. Change can only come through innovation.

Susan Martinuk is a Senior Fellow at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.
By Deanna Cheng

New Canadian Media

For Harmony House residents like Ada Cheng, the purchase of the assisted care facility means the 92-year-old can live out the rest of her days without worrying about being compelled to move from her home in the heart of Vancouvers historic Chinatown.

The B.C. government has helped the nonprofit S.U.C.C.E.S.S. to buy Harmony House, an assisted living residency for seniors. The social service agency will continue managing the 33 strata rental units at 588 Shanghai Alley and preserving it as affordable rental housing.

This news comes about a month after the City of Vancouver approved a controversial condo development at 105 Keefer St., which is about two blocks away from Harmony House. Local community groups and Chinatown residents rallied and protested the Keefer block, demanding instead for low-income social housing.

Harwinder Sandhu, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors Services and Long-Term Care, said in a news release, The purchase of the Harmony House in Vancouver Chinatown demonstrates our governments understanding that seniors want to live in their desired community that serves their specific cultural and linguistic needs, which are so important to their happiness and well-being.

Ownership of the assisted living housing means the organization can now do long-term modifications such as installing specific equipment or lifts in the units, said S.U.C.C.E.S.S. executive director of health services Sinder Kaur.

Previously, the organization had to get strata approval for any changes.

Kaur, who has worked for S.U.C.C.E.S.S. for 22 years, was always mindful of the lease renewal, which was every three to four years. Any plans were often short-term.

The goal is for seniors to age in place with as much independence as possible, Kaur said.

As she walked through the halls, residents greeted Kaur warmly by her Chinese name. Born in India, Kaur speaks fluent Cantonese because she grew up in Hong Kong and studied there before coming to Canada in 1995.

Cheng, the 92-year-old resident, is happy and grateful about the news because it means she can remain in her home comfortably, taking afternoon naps and reading the Bible.

With Kaurs translation, Cheng said, The staff treats us all as equals.

There is no hierarchy and everyone is friendly, she said.

Kaur said the main feeling they want each person to have is that its their own home with privacy and respect.

Cheng loves the location because its near the T&T Supermarket and local stores. The route to shopping has benches and raised planters as resting spots along the way.

Every Sunday, a handy art picks her up and takes her to her church near Renfrew and E. 1st Ave. She sings in choir and then her daughter drives her back home.

Cheng moved in 13 years ago after being on a waitlist for a couple of years. She discovered Harmony House when she visited a friend who lived there.

The friend has since died.

People have lived and died here, said Kaur.

Seniors dont need to go to extended long-term care places such as hospitals or nursing homes, she said.

Part of aging in place sometimes means dying in your own bed at home.

Cheng previously lived with her daughter but it had difficulties because there were a lot of stairs.

Kaur, a former nurse, said stairs can impede mobility. Seniors will often be stuck at home and lack socializing and community. Their mental health will start to deteriorate.

When Cheng first moved into the strata, she said her daughter was initially resistant because her daughter was worried about being blamed for abandoning her.

But Cheng said she insisted she wanted to live at Harmony House.

She explained it was hard for her daughter because she cares for both children and elders.

Cheng said her daughter accepted the decision after visiting and getting to know the staff.

Kaur explained that Chengs daughter also works for Vancouver Coastal Health, which funds Harmony Houses health services and provides a case manager for each person.

Chengs daughter trusted the place more after some research, Kaur said.

Kaur said Harmony House supports caregivers by relieving stress and concerns about whether their relatives will be safe, healthy and happy.

Harmony House provides two meals and two snacks each day, however preparing breakfast is up to each resident, Kaur said. Cheng usually makes coffee and toast in the morning.

She loves soups and used to make them all the time but Cheng cannot stand for long periods anymore.

Instead, her daughter brings her herbal medicinal soups and Harmony House provides nutritional Chinese soups that simmer for more than two hours.

At 92, Cheng has limited mobility and uses a walker with a built-in seat. The only step in the whole place is in her bathroom when she has to step into her shower and the one step is taxing enough.

Harmony House has 24-hour emergency aid. However, the only requirement Harmony House has for its residents is to be able to move from their place to the front door.

In case of an emergency, they just have to make it to the elevator and staff will help them, said Kaur.

Cheng came to Canada from Hong Kong in 1989 after her daughter sponsored her. She helped her daughter with childcare. Today, Cheng has five children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

When asked about future concerns, Cheng laughed and said she is pretty happy and satisfied. Im 92 years old. Im here [with a home at Harmony House]. What more do I need?
Anurag Thakur visits rain-affected villages in Himachal Pradesh





HAMIRPUR,

UNION Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur on Tuesday visited rain-affected villages in this district of Himachal Pradesh and took stock of the situation. He enquired about the loss caused to houses, roads and fields amid heavy rains and assured the affected people of adequate relief. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was closely monitoring the situation. The Information and Broadcasting minister later left for Dehra sub division of Kangra district to monitor the flood situation there.

Normal life has taken a hit following heavy rains in the district since Monday night, with the water level in the river Beas and its tributaries rising.Officials said attendance in schools at most places was thin as parents preferred not to send their wards to schools due to the bad weather. Reports also said that road traffic has come to a grinding halt at many places and people are forced to move from one place to another barefoot.

So far, Hamirpur district has suffered a loss of Rs 419 crore during the current monsoon season (since June 24) and 16 people have died, Deputy Commissioner, Hamirpur, Hemraj Bairwa said. A spokesperson of the district administration appealed to the people not to venture out during the rains and refrain from going towards the River Beas.
DRI seizes 3.07 kg of Amphetamine type substance worth Rs 24 crore at airport





Business Bureau

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Nagpur, on Sunday seized 3.07 kg of Amphetamine type substance, valued at more than Rs 24 crore, from a passenger at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur. The passenger, an Indian national, had arrived here from Nairobi, Kenya through Sharjah, UAE. As the investigation is going on, authorities did not disclose the name of the passenger. It is a first case of authorities seizing Amphetamine type substance from a passenger arriving at the Nagpur airport. The passenger arrived at the airport in Air Arabia Flight No G9-415 from Sharjah. He had ingeniously concealed the contraband in a hollow metal roller packed in a rectangular carton box kept in his personal baggage. The authorities seized the contraband based on specific intelligence. Soon after the passenger was caught, the authorities tested the seized substances and found that it was Amphetamine type substance, a narcotic drug.

Amphetamine is a psychotropic substance covered under Schedule I of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Act, 1985, trade of which is prohibited. The passenger was arrested and remanded to DRI custody by the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Nagpur. In a swift follow up, the officers also arrested a Nigerian national, the intended recipient of the contraband, from Subhash Nagar area of West Delhi on Monday. Seizure of such a significant quantity of Amphetamine type substance, a highly addictive stimulant drug, from small airports like Nagpur indicates that newer places and methods are being adopted by syndicates involved in this illegal activity. Recently the DRI Nagpur had also arrested one person in connection with smuggling gold weighing 743.56 gram worth approximately Rs 44 lakh at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport.

The drug haul has upped the ante of various agencies in the city as it indicates new approach on part of smugglers tapping into Tier-II cities to push the contraband. Amphetamine is well-known drug used in big metros, and hence its seizure at Sonegaon airport has alarmed the police agencies. They are trying to figure out the reason. So far, the city police had been successfully seizing MD (mephedrone) and ganja and very small quantity of heroin, which too quite rarely. Therefore, reports of attempts to push in Amphetamine indicates that small cities are being tapped by international drug cartels as the vigil at airports in metro cities has increased off late.
Big international companies are ready to enter Crimea as soon as it is de-occupied, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said while opening the Third Summit of the Crimea Platform in Kyiv on Wednesday.

"We have already got support from businesses of the international, national as well as local Ukrainian level that are ready to enter Crimea and start to work there as soon as it is de-occupied. These are powerful brands of international hotel chains, airlines, banking businesses, technology and telecommunication companies, industrial companies," he said.

"Crimea will become a part of the global economy. And today we are taking the first such economic step. We are signing a document with the companies that are ready to enter Ukrainian Crimea. This is an open document. It is open for any other private businesses," the president said.

According to the head of state, SkyUp, JoinUp, Vodafone, Luxoft, SoftServe, Genesys, Sigma Software, Edem, Okk, Lifesell, Nokia, Hayat Ukraine, EPAM, Fozzy and other companies have expressed their readiness to invest in Crimea.

These companies, together with other businesses, will build a real, normal, modern and free economic life in Crimea, Zelenskyy said.
Gadkari launches Indias first crash testing programme Bharat NCAP





Delhi Bureau & Agencies

NEW DELHI,

UNION Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday launched the countrys first crash testing programme Bharat NCAP, which is aimed at improving road safety standards of motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. This is an important day for automobile industry and the society as it will improve the safety features of vehicles, the Minister for Road, Transport and Highways said in his address. The Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) mechanism has been prepared in a systematic way keeping all stakeholders view into account, he said.

The country is facing two challenges, namely road accident and air pollution. Every year around 5 lakh accidents take place in India and 1.5 lakh deaths due to these accidents, Gadkari said, adding Bharat NCAP is Indias own crash testing programme which aims to improve safety features in the vehicles. Bharat NCAP will be implemented from October 1, 2023. Under the programme, car manufacturers can voluntarily offer their vehicles tested as per the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197. Based on the performance of the car in the tests, the vehicle will be awarded star ratings on a scale of 0-5, for adult occupants (AOP) and child occupants (COP).

Potential car customers can refer to these star ratings to compare the safety standards of different vehicles and accordingly make their purchase decision. It is expected that the demand for safer cars will increase, encouraging the car manufacturers to comply with customer needs, an official statement said. With high safety standards, Indian cars will be able to compete better in the global market, increasing the export potential of the car manufacturers in India. The programme is expected to develop a safety sensitive car market in India, the Ministry for Road, Transport and Highways said.
LAND ACQUISITION IS POSING PROBLEM FOR INDIAS INFRASTRUCTURE GROWTH



NANTOO BANERJEE The sight of slums, or jhuggis, along railway tracks is common in the country. The Surat- Udhana to Jalgaon railway line project in Gujarat has remained incomplete due to unauthorised structures on railway property for at least 2.65 km, said the Supreme Court in December 2021.

LAST weeks Supreme Court order to temporarily stay the demolition drive of the Railways to clear encroachment near Krishna Janmasthan in Mathura could be a matter of concern for both the railways and 135-family dwellings on the Government land. Neither the Railways nor the dwellers on the original Railway land are sure about the final direction of the Supreme Court order. Not long ago, the Delhi High Court directed the North Delhi Municipal Corporation and Archaeological Survey of India to ensure that no further illegal construction takes place around Jama Masjid and the Walled City area of Old Delhi in response to a petition filed by Civilian Welfare Charitable Trust before the court. The trust alleged rampant illegal constructions and encroachments around Jama Masjid, Turkman Gate, Kashmere Gate and Ajmeri Gate but authorities failed to act against the violations. The ASI in abdication of its statutory functions to protect and maintain the monuments and heritage properties under the Ancient Monuments and Preservation Act is maintaining astoic silence over continued illegal construction that is taking place in and around the city, read the petition.

The case surrounding the alleged encroachment of the railway land in Mathura may have attracted a national public audience as the dwellers belonged to a religious community. The railways, defence, highway authorities and the State And Central Governments are constantly fighting to reclaim their land holdings from illegal encroachers to expand development works. Several popular railway stations, their approach roads, highways in city intersections, and major religious institutions are substantially encroached upon by illegal settlers using them as business avenues and dwellings. Such illegally occupied areas, running into lakhs of acres of land, are stalling the expansion and development activities by various State agencies across the country. The encroachers are normally backed by political parties, religious institutions and their agents and even private protection forces with deep connection with the police and administration. The matter is serious as hundreds of such cases of illegal occupation, constructions and settlements in government as well as private lands are pending before the courts of law for years stalling the development projects in the country while fresh land acquisition by the Government is becoming increasingly difficult and time consuming. In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw lately stated that of the upto 4.86 lakh hectares of land that the Railways owns, 782 hectares are encroached upon and that in 202223 only around 6.84 hectares of land could be retrieved. Earlier, the Ministry of Defence had received reports from the departments land management agencies that approximately 10,126 acres of defence land are under encroachment. From the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project to Keralas SilverLine rail corridor, encroachment has become a multi-pronged issue in India where illegal structures have cropped up alongside railway tracks in most cities and towns. The railway authorities claim to have 29 acres of land under encroachment in Uttarakhands Haldwani, where close to 50,000 people were directed to be removed by the high court. The eviction order, stayed by the Supreme Court, gave relief to over 4,000 families, a majority of them Muslims, that reside on disputed land. The families, however, assert that they are the rightful owners of the land as they have been residing on it for over 50 years.

The question is: what were the Indian Railways doing when the land was first grabbed by the encroachers and in the subsequent years. The sight of slums, or jhuggis, along railway tracks is common in the country. The Surat- Udhana to Jalgaon railway line project in Gujarat has remained incomplete due to unauthorised structures on railway property for at least 2.65 km, said the Supreme Court in December 2021, while hearing pleas raised against issues related to removal of encroachment from railway land in Gujarat and Haryana. The top court was also hearing a plea related to demolition of jhuggis on railway tracks in Faridabad. In the Gujarat matter, 5,000 jhuggis have to be demolished in order for the railway line project to come up. For the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, the Gujarat Government and the railway authorities had first attempted to evict the residents of the slum dwellings at the Sabarmati area in 2018. The residents have claimed that they have been living in the area since 1991 with migrants from different districts coming in, and that the population had grown at some 70 slum dwellings over the years.

Among several large infrastructure projects facing uphill tasks to complete in the face of illegal land occupation by people under strong political and religious patronage is the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, a special railway project covering over 1,483 km from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust to Dadri in Haryana. Several railway expansion and reconstruction projects in the Maharashtra region are hit by unauthorised structures built on the railway land. In the Mumbai division alone, 24,500 unauthorised structures, occupying 57 hectares of land, exist on the Central Railways Kurla, Mankhurd, Trombay lines and the Bandra-Khar belt. In 2020, the Bombay High Court said the railways cannot acquire land without arranging for compensation and rehabilitation. Dealing with land acquisition  from legal or illegal occupiers  is posing as the single biggest hindrance to Indias attempt to speedy implementation of infrastructure projects to ensure higher economic growth and human development. Land acquisition cases are taking too long for judicial resolutions. Court judgements on such cases are often contradictory and evictions become increasingly difficult to conduct.
Nagpur police send notice to Congress MLA from MP





Staff Reporter

Nagpur police have sent a notice to a Congress MLA from Madhya Pradesh for recording his statement in connection with the murder case of Sana Khan alias Heena Khan, a 34-year-old functionary of the Bharatiya Janata Partys Minority Cell from Awasthi Nagar. The police are likely to question the MLA about his role in providing shelter to the accused persons involved in the murder case. DCP Zone II Rahul Madne said that the notice was part of regular investigation in the murder case. The Congress MLA is likely to appear before the police to record his statement this week. Another police official said that Rabbu alias Ravishankar Yadav and Kamlesh Patel, both residents of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the murder case.

Sana went missing on August 2 after a confrontation with her partner-turned-foe, Pappu. The relationship between the two had reportedly soured, with Pappu suspecting Sanas fidelity. The situation escalated on August 1 during a video call between Sana and Amit. Following the altercation, Sana traveled to Jabalpur on August 2 and entered Pappus residence, where a violent confrontation ensued, resulting in her murder. After arresting Pappu and his close aide Ramesh Singh, the Nagpur police apprehended Dharmendra Yadav for disposing off Sanas body. Kamlesh Patel was charged for disposing off the mobile phones while Rabbus exact role in the murder case has not ascertained so far. He is the right hand of the political leader and known as sand-mafia in Jabalpur district, the official claimed.

Investigation revealed that Pappu Sahu was using Sana Khan for honey trapping his targets. The sextortion racket was operating for the past three years and the gang amassed huge wealth through the racket. Investigation revealed that the gang had reportedly extorted Rs 10 lakh from a professor of a law college in Seoni. Similarly, a person from Varanasi was also a victim of the gang. While over four dozen persons from Nagpur were targeted by the gang and they had to shell out lakhs of rupees to the gang members.
NHM outsourced employees trying to tie Rakhi to CM blocked by police





Staff Reporter

Women employees staged a sit-in in front of Ravindra Bhavan in Bhopal over the support staff of NHM being outsourced on Tuesday. They said that all of us are standing with moist eyes carrying rakhi for the CM. We will not go without tying Rakhi. We leave our children and come to Bhopal every week. But, we are not being heard. Every time the State Government forwards the police force. Support staff employees are demanding that they should be given contractual appointment like before. Data entry operators and support staff recruited through outsource in the Health Department should be taken in NHM. By removing the support staff employees from NHM, the support staff done in the outsourced agency should be regularised on vacant posts in the department etc. Prostesters could not meet CM Shivraj. While going to CM House, police blocked their way. Congress MLA Kunal Chowdhary reached the spot. He tied Rakhi on his hand.

At the same time he besieging the State Government, he said that this Government, the Chief Minister and the BJP only talk about dear sisters. These sisters have come to tie Rakhi to the Chief Minister. When she came forward for her demands, the administration is sending the police forward, how to torture her with sticks, how to stop her. Assuring the contract employees, Kunal Chowdhary said that on behalf of the Congress party, I assure that the day the Congress Government will be formed. These will be kept somewhere under the facility. Will be done to regularise them. These sisters will be brought to justice. We will take strong action against the atrocities that this Government is doing on these sisters.
PM Modi in South Africa to attend 15th BRICS summit





Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed on his arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa on Tuesday. (ANI)

JOHANNESBURG :

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed upon his arrival in South Africa on Tuesday on a three-day official visit during which he will attend the 15th BRICS summit and hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders. Modi was welcomed by South Africas Deputy President Paul Mashatile at Waterkloof Air Force Base where he received a ceremonial guard of honour. PM @narendramodi touches down at the Waterkloof Air Force Base, South Africa. Warmly received by Deputy President @PMashatile of South Africa. Accorded a ceremonial welcome upon arrival, Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Arindam Bagchi said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Prime Minister Modis three-day visit to South Africa entails participation in the 15th BRICS Summit and engagements with leaders of BRICS and invited countries in plurilateral and bilateral settings, he added. A large number of Indian community members, including activists of the Pretoria Hindu Seva Samaj and the local chapter of the BAPS Swaminarayan organisation, greeted him.

Modi then left for Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg, the venue of the BRICS Summit. At the hotel, he met with local and expatriate Indian community members ahead of the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue. The Indian community members carrying musical instruments welcomed Prime Minister upon his arrival at the hotel. At the community meeting, Modi is expected to view a model of the huge Swaminarayan Mandir which has been under construction since 2017 and is expected to be completed next year. The new temple at North Riding, North of Johannesburg, will be similar to one in Nairobi in Kenya, which is built entirely of stone. It will also include classrooms and a clinic. Modi is visiting the African country from August 22 to 24 at the invitation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. South Africa is hosting the first in-person summit of BRICS comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, since 2019. Earlier in his departure statement in New Delhi, Modi said BRICS has been pursuing a strong cooperation agenda across various sectors.

We value that BRICS has become a platform for discussing and deliberating on issues of concern for the entire Global South, including development imperatives and reform of the multilateral system, he said. PM Modi views model of Swaminarayan Temple in South Africa: PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday viewed a model of the under-construction Swaminarayan Temple here on Tuesday before taking part in the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue. The temple at North Riding, north of Johannesburg has been under construction since 2017 and is expected to be completed next year. Modi viewed the model of the temple while participating in a community event ahead of the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue, the first official event of the 3-day summit. It will be similar to one in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, which is built entirely of stone and will also include classrooms and a clinic. Built on 14.5 acres, the Swaminarayan Temple houses a 34,000 square metre cultural centre, a 3,000 seater auditorium, a 2,000 seater banqueting hall, a research institute, classrooms, exhibition and recreational centres.
Police summon Cong MLA from MP who helped murder accused





Staff Reporter

Nagpur police has sent a notice to a Congress MLA from Madhya Pradesh for recording his statement in connection with the murder case of Sana Khan alias Heena Khan, a 34-year-old functionary of the Bharatiya Janata Partys Minority Cell from Awasthi Nagar. The police are likely to question the MLA about his role in providing shelter to the accused persons involved in the murder case. DCP Zone II Rahul Madne said that the notice was part of regular investigation in the murder case. The Congress MLA is likely to appear before the police to record his statement this week.

Another police official said that Rabbu alias Ravishankar Yadav and Kamlesh Patel, both residents of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the murder case. Sana went missing on August 2 after a confrontation with her partner-turned-foe, Pappu. The relationship between the two had reportedly soured after Pappu started suspecting Sanas fidelity. The situation escalated on August 1 during a video call between Sana and Amit. Following the altercation, Sana travelled to Jabalpur on August 2 and visited Pappus residence, where a violent confrontation ensued, resulting into her murder.

After arresting Pappu Shahu and his close aide Ramesh Singh, the Nagpur police apprehended Dharmendra Yadav for
UP Govt moves HC against acquittal of 40 accused in Maliana massacre case





MEERUT,

THE Uttar Pradesh Government has challenged the order of a court here that acquitted all 40 people accused in a case related to the 1987 Maliana massacre, in which 63 people died. According to additional district Government counsel Sachin Mohan, the Government moved the Allahabad High Court against the order of the court of Additional District Judge Lakhwinder Singh Sood. The next hearing of the case will be in October, he told PTI on Tuesday. The Government and we were not satisfied with the decision of the additional district judge, Mohan said, adding this is a statutory process of the Government.

Every judgment is reviewed and it is seen whether there is a ground to appeal in it or not. The grounds for appeal in this case were found to be sufficient, he said. Earlier this year, the court of the additional district judge acquitted all the 40 people accused in the Maliana massacre case due to lack of evidence. In 1987, 63 members of the Muslim community were killed and their houses burnt down in Maliana village of Meerut. The courts order acquitting the accused came after nearly 900 hearings over a span of 36 years.

The case was lodged based on a complaint filed by one Mohammad Yakub in connection with the massacre who named 94 people. Of the 94, many have either died or are untraceable. The trial was held against 40 accused. Meanwhile, a criminal appeal under section 372 of the CrPC against the March 31 trial court verdict was also filed by three victims of the massacre, Mohd Yakub, Wakil Ahmed and Ismail Khan, in the High Court on June 27. It was heard on July 11. The bench of Justice Surya Prakash Kesarwani and Justice Nand Prabha Shukla of the High Court passed an order.
Wage revision: LIC staff wants speedy action





Business Bureau

Since the wage revision of LIC employees is due from August 2022, General Secretary of All India National Life Insurance Employees Federation Rajesh Nimbalkar has urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to initiate speedy action on wage revision of LIC employees. Nimbalkar has said that LIC PF India stands today as a paragon of trust, progress and driving force behind the nations development, ably guided by visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The watershed moment of initial public offer (IPO) has extended the reach of LIC, inviting marginalised investors and LIC employees to participate as a shareholders. The central Government resolute action towards fortifying the economy, cementing trust of 29 crores policy holder, nurturing dedication of 13 lakh LIC agents and sustaining indefatigable efforts of more than one lakh employees has unequivocally positioned LIC of India as an indomitable pillar of national economy. The month of August 2022 marked the due for wage revision and in adherence with the timeline all unions including All India National Life Insurance Employees Federation of LIC of India duly submitted their comprehensive charter of demands, he said. However, to our consternation, there has been no overture from management this far, signalling a willingness to engage in discussions regarding the imperative matter of wage revision.

Moreover, the IPO value of LIC has experienced a decline, and the new organisational structure of LIC has yet to in-still a sense of assured confidence among the employees, he added. In a parallel development, the Government has issued directives to the Indian Banks Association to initiate dialogue regarding wage revision with unions in the banking sector. The remarkable surge in first-year premiums, the surge in policy numbers, and the overall business growth stand as a testament to the relentless dedication exhibited by the employees of LIC. We are confident that Central Government recognise and appreciate this unwavering commitment to excellence. With an ardent plea for decisive intervention of Ministry of Finance we remain confident that the ministry will alleviate the prevailing concerns and uncertainties among LIC employees, he said further requesting swift action and expeditious progress in the wage revision negotiations at LIC of India.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 23. The information disseminated by the Armenian side that from 01:05 (GMT+4) to 02:00 (GMT+4) on August 23, units of the Azerbaijani army allegedly shelled the positions of the Armenian Armed Forces located in the direction of the settlement of Yukhari Shorzha is false, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan said, Trend reports.

"We strongly refute this information disseminated by the Ministry of Defense of Armenia," said the ministry.
Press Release

August 23, 2023 Senate mourns passing of Sec. Toots Ople The Senate has adopted a resolution expressing profound sympathy and condolences on the passing of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susana "Toots" Ople, a champion of the rights of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Senators unanimously adopted Senate Resolution No. 747 (Adopted Resolution No. 83), introduced by Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri, taking into consideration SRNs 748, 749, 751, 752, 753, 754, and 755 on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. "Sec. Toots Ople's life was a testament to the enduring legacy of championing, being a person for others and becoming a pillar to whom generations of OFW families may rely on for light and support," the resolution stated. Ople, who passed away on August 22, 2023, at the age of 61, was the first Secretary of the newly-established DMW tasked to ensure the protection of OFWs, promotion of their interests, the timely and effective resolution of their problems and concerns, and their effective reintegration into Philippine society. Zubiri described the late DMW secretary as a remarkable public servant who showed that true leadership is not about power and authority but kindness and compassion. "She is a fierce protector and safe harbor to our fellow Filipinos who are toiling lonesome in different lands. It is a great loss to the department under her care for only a short time. But even in this short time she left an indelible mark and her legacy will continue to shape the DMW (Department of Migrant Workers) in the years to come," Zubiri said. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said he was saddened by the passing of Ople who left not only her biological family but millions of OFWs who she nurtured until her last breath. "Sec. Toots, you are the true champion of our OFWs. Thank you for your love for the OFWs, thank you for your kindness, thank you for being a good friend," he said. For her unparalleled zeal in advocating for the protection of the rights of migrant workers, Ople became the first Filipino to be a part of the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking. She was also conferred the Global Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Hero Award for 2013 by the United States Government. "It is only fitting that as the nation mourns the passing of Sec. Toots Ople, we also honor the life of service she lived which has touched, changed, and inspired the lives of Filipinos around the world," the resolution added. Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito, Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko' Pimentel III, Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros and Senators Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Pia Cayetano, Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, Win Gatchalian, Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, Mark Villar, Raffy Tulfo, and Robin Padilla also delivered their co-sponsorship speeches honoring the late DMW secretary. All members of the Senate were made co-authors of the resolution.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 23. Following the second Karabakh war, Azerbaijan has established all the necessary conditions for the transportation of goods along the Lachin-Khankendi road for the residents of Armenian origin in the Karabakh region. Contrary to the provisions of the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020, Armenia and the illegal Armenian armed formations have utilized this road for military purposes, including the transport of mines, which posed serious threats to stability and security in the region. As a subsequent step, Azerbaijan has created the Lachin border checkpoint, which to this day ensures safe and regular passage for the residents of Khankendi.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan proposed the use of the Agdam-Khankendi road for cargo transportation. Immediately after the war in 2020, Azerbaijan offered its logistical capabilities and infrastructure to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for delivering goods to the Karabakh region. However, the Armenian side personally declined shipments via routes through Azerbaijan.

Nonetheless, the Armenian side continues to advance its false claims of a so-called "blockade" imposed by Azerbaijan on the residents of Khankendi, urging the global community to take action. Nevertheless, Armenian propaganda is becoming less effective in yielding desired outcomes. Several European media outlets, having conducted their own investigations, have analyzed, whether these statements are true.

For instance, the Romanian office of the American weekly magazine, Newsweek Romania, asserts in its article that "in the state of famine, it is inconceivable for 'victims' to reject food and halt supplies simply because they are delivered along a route they dislike".

The largest Polish newspaper, Dorzeczy, with an audience of 10.6 million people per month, also agrees that if claims of a "blockade" and "humanitarian catastrophe" were true, the path through Aghdam would have long been unblocked.

Many European media sources lean towards the idea that this refusal is a protest by separatists in Khankendi who find the route unfavorable for their military personnel and equipment transfer.

The Albanian periodical Balkanweb contends that "for the leadership of separatists in Khankendi, it is crucial to use the Lachin-Khankendi road. This road is used for personnel rotation, weapon and ammunition transfers, as well as terrorist infiltration".

An article published by the official partner of CNN International Commercial in the Czech Republic also asserts that separatists are obstructing an EU-supported alternative route for delivering humanitarian aid, which passes through Agdam in Karabakh, as it would disrupt the delivery of illicit cargo.

One of Lithuania's most popular publications, Delfi, with a monthly audience of 33 million people, also supports the notion that separatists in Khankendi are refusing to use the route through Aghdam precisely because it would cut off access to Armenian weaponry and illegal armed formations.

All of this demonstrates that Armenia is once again facing defeat on the global information front. The number of supporters willing to believe absurd accusations against Azerbaijan is dwindling.

In contrast, Azerbaijan continues to exert efforts to normalize the situation in the region, despite constant provocations from the Armenian side, and aims to integrate the residents of the Karabakh region into Azerbaijani society.
First Trust Senior Floating Rate Income Fund II (NYSE:FCT  Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Monday, August 21st, Wall Street Journal reports. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 5th will be paid a dividend of 0.097 per share by the investment management company on Friday, September 15th. This represents a $1.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 11.62%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 1st.

First Trust Senior Floating Rate Income Fund II has increased its dividend by an average of 0.0% annually over the last three years and has increased its dividend every year for the last 1 years.

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First Trust Senior Floating Rate Income Fund II Stock Performance

Shares of FCT stock remained flat at $10.02 on Tuesday. 24,846 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 89,181. The firms 50 day moving average is $9.89 and its two-hundred day moving average is $9.79. First Trust Senior Floating Rate Income Fund II has a 52 week low of $9.32 and a 52 week high of $10.67.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

First Trust Senior Floating Rate Income Fund II Company Profile

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. HRT Financial LP bought a new stake in First Trust Senior Floating Rate Income Fund II in the first quarter valued at approximately $108,000. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. bought a new stake in First Trust Senior Floating Rate Income Fund II during the 1st quarter valued at $140,000. SFI Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in First Trust Senior Floating Rate Income Fund II during the 1st quarter valued at $115,000. Cetera Investment Advisers bought a new stake in First Trust Senior Floating Rate Income Fund II in the 4th quarter worth $110,000. Finally, Jaffetilchin Investment Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of First Trust Senior Floating Rate Income Fund II in the first quarter valued at about $142,000.

(Get Free Report)

First Trust Senior Floating Rate Income Fund II is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by First Trust Advisors L.P. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. It seeks to invest in a portfolio of senior secured floating rate corporate loans. The fund benchmarks the performance of its portfolio against the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index.

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X Square Capital LLC decreased its position in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 12.7% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 43,271 shares of the companys stock after selling 6,282 shares during the quarter. Altria Group comprises approximately 1.1% of X Square Capital LLCs holdings, making the stock its 26th largest position. X Square Capital LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $1,931,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in Altria Group by 4.6% in 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 in the last quarter. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of Altria Group by 9.9% in the 1st quarter. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC now owns 21,535 shares of the companys stock valued at $961,000 after acquiring an additional 1,941 shares in the last quarter. MV Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in Altria Group by 440.5% in the 1st quarter. MV Capital Management Inc. now owns 4,789 shares of the companys stock worth $214,000 after purchasing an additional 3,903 shares during the period. Cascade Investment Group Inc. acquired a new stake in Altria Group during the 4th quarter valued at $1,156,000. Finally, Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. boosted its position in shares of Altria Group by 7.0% in the first quarter. Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. now owns 9,136 shares of the companys stock worth $408,000 after buying an additional 601 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 58.38% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages recently issued reports on MO. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price objective on Altria Group from $56.00 to $55.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Altria Group in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. They set a buy rating on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Altria Group presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $47.50.

Altria Group Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE MO traded up $0.19 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $42.96. The stock had a trading volume of 2,977,041 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,678,619. The firms 50-day moving average price is $44.61 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $45.43. Altria Group, Inc. has a 52 week low of $40.35 and a 52 week high of $51.57. The company has a market capitalization of $76.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.23, a P/E/G ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.59.

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, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.31. The company had revenue of $5.44 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.43 billion. Altria Group had a net margin of 27.40% and a negative return on equity of 225.61%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.26 earnings per share. As a group, analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.99 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About Altria Group

(Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report).

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Bausch Health Companies Inc. (TSE:BHC  Free Report)  Stock analysts at Zacks Research reduced their Q3 2023 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of Bausch Health Companies in a research report issued on Thursday, August 17th. Zacks Research analyst E. Bagri now expects that the company will earn $1.24 per share for the quarter, down from their prior forecast of $1.26. The consensus estimate for Bausch Health Companies current full-year earnings is $4.56 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Bausch Health Companies Q1 2024 earnings at $1.01 EPS, Q2 2024 earnings at $1.12 EPS, Q4 2024 earnings at $1.28 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $5.48 EPS.

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Separately, Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price objective on shares of Bausch Health Companies from C$9.00 to C$8.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, May 5th.

Bausch Health Companies Stock Down 2.4 %

Shares of Bausch Health Companies stock opened at C$11.18 on Monday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of C$11.24 and a 200 day moving average price of C$10.75. The company has a current ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 7,583.76. Bausch Health Companies has a twelve month low of C$6.52 and a twelve month high of C$13.81. The stock has a market cap of C$4.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -8.67, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.21 and a beta of 0.97.

Bausch Health Companies Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Bausch Health Companies Inc operates as a diversified pharmaceutical company. It develops, manufactures, and markets a range of products primarily in gastroenterology, hepatology, neurology, dermatology, international pharmaceuticals, and eye health. The company operates through five segments: Salix, International, Solta Medical, Diversified, and Bausch + Lomb.

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BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BJ  Get Free Report) has received a consensus recommendation of Hold from the ten brokerages that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, six have assigned a hold recommendation and three have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year target price among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $73.43.

BJ has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their price objective on shares of BJs Wholesale Club from $89.00 to $77.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 24th. Credit Suisse Group lowered their target price on shares of BJs Wholesale Club from $80.00 to $73.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, August 17th. Bank of America lowered their target price on shares of BJs Wholesale Club from $87.00 to $85.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 23rd. Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on shares of BJs Wholesale Club from $77.00 to $72.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 24th. Finally, Citigroup lowered their target price on shares of BJs Wholesale Club from $83.00 to $74.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 24th.

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Insider Activity at BJs Wholesale Club

Institutional Investors Weigh In On BJs Wholesale Club

In related news, SVP Joseph Mcgrail sold 800 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, August 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.00, for a total value of $56,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 13,374 shares in the company, valued at approximately $936,180. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website . In related news, SVP Joseph Mcgrail sold 800 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, August 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.00, for a total value of $56,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 13,374 shares in the company, valued at approximately $936,180. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website . Also, EVP Monica Schwartz sold 15,168 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.85, for a total transaction of $938,140.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 25,962 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,605,749.70. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 16,368 shares of company stock worth $1,022,148 in the last three months. Company insiders own 2.20% of the companys stock.

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky increased its holdings in BJs Wholesale Club by 41.4% in the 2nd quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 72,916 shares of the companys stock worth $4,594,000 after acquiring an additional 21,346 shares in the last quarter. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC grew its holdings in shares of BJs Wholesale Club by 2.7% during the second quarter. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC now owns 53,225 shares of the companys stock worth $3,354,000 after buying an additional 1,399 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of BJs Wholesale Club by 38.2% during the second quarter. Nuveen Asset Management LLC now owns 1,274,210 shares of the companys stock worth $80,288,000 after buying an additional 352,359 shares in the last quarter. GTS Securities LLC purchased a new stake in shares of BJs Wholesale Club during the second quarter worth $347,000. Finally, Alliancebernstein L.P. grew its holdings in shares of BJs Wholesale Club by 91.0% during the second quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 811,126 shares of the companys stock worth $51,109,000 after buying an additional 386,438 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.02% of the companys stock.

BJs Wholesale Club Trading Down 5.2 %

NYSE BJ opened at $66.12 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40, a quick ratio of 0.12 and a current ratio of 0.70. The company has a market capitalization of $8.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.77 and a beta of 0.47. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $65.08 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $69.82. BJs Wholesale Club has a one year low of $60.33 and a one year high of $80.41.

BJs Wholesale Club (NYSE:BJ  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 22nd. The company reported $0.97 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.90 by $0.07. BJs Wholesale Club had a net margin of 2.64% and a return on equity of 53.66%. The firm had revenue of $4.96 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.18 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.06 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down 2.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that BJs Wholesale Club will post 3.89 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About BJs Wholesale Club

(Get Free Report

BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates warehouse clubs on the eastern half of the United States. It provides perishable, general merchandise, gasoline, coupon books, promotions, and other ancillary services. The company sells its products through the websites BJs.com, BerkleyJensen.com, and Wellsleyfarms.com, as well as the mobile app.

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Callon Petroleum (NYSE:CPE  Free Report)  Zacks Research upped their FY2023 EPS estimates for Callon Petroleum in a research report issued on Wednesday, August 16th. Zacks Research analyst N. Banerjee now anticipates that the oil and natural gas company will post earnings of $6.92 per share for the year, up from their prior estimate of $6.75. The consensus estimate for Callon Petroleums current full-year earnings is $7.36 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Callon Petroleums Q4 2023 earnings at $1.54 EPS, Q1 2024 earnings at $1.87 EPS, Q2 2024 earnings at $1.74 EPS, Q3 2024 earnings at $1.82 EPS, Q4 2024 earnings at $2.11 EPS, FY2024 earnings at $7.54 EPS and Q2 2025 earnings at $1.39 EPS.

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Callon Petroleum (NYSE:CPE  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The oil and natural gas company reported $1.99 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.78 by $0.21. Callon Petroleum had a net margin of 35.11% and a return on equity of 21.41%. The company had revenue of $562.30 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $561.08 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $3.68 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 38.5% compared to the same quarter last year.

CPE has been the topic of several other reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Callon Petroleum in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $50.00 price objective on shares of Callon Petroleum in a research note on Wednesday, August 9th. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on shares of Callon Petroleum from $51.00 to $48.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, August 7th. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price target on shares of Callon Petroleum from $58.00 to $53.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 23rd. Finally, Citigroup upgraded shares of Callon Petroleum from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price target for the company from $40.00 to $45.00 in a research note on Wednesday, August 16th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $50.43.

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Callon Petroleum Stock Performance

Shares of CPE opened at $36.55 on Monday. Callon Petroleum has a 12 month low of $28.91 and a 12 month high of $50.19. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $35.13 and a 200 day simple moving average of $34.85. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2.42 and a beta of 2.75. The company has a current ratio of 1.22, a quick ratio of 1.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Steven A. Webster purchased 7,384 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 31st. The stock was purchased at an average price of $30.50 per share, for a total transaction of $225,212.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 610,208 shares in the company, valued at $18,611,344. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Company insiders own 1.80% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Callon Petroleum

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC grew its position in Callon Petroleum by 3.0% in the 2nd quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 9,446 shares of the oil and natural gas companys stock valued at $331,000 after purchasing an additional 278 shares during the period. Sigma Planning Corp grew its position in Callon Petroleum by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. Sigma Planning Corp now owns 12,156 shares of the oil and natural gas companys stock valued at $426,000 after purchasing an additional 280 shares during the period. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd grew its position in Callon Petroleum by 14.5% in the 1st quarter. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd now owns 2,299 shares of the oil and natural gas companys stock valued at $136,000 after purchasing an additional 291 shares during the period. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company grew its position in Callon Petroleum by 1.5% in the 4th quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 20,011 shares of the oil and natural gas companys stock valued at $742,000 after purchasing an additional 297 shares during the period. Finally, Arizona State Retirement System grew its position in Callon Petroleum by 2.5% in the 1st quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 14,281 shares of the oil and natural gas companys stock valued at $478,000 after purchasing an additional 351 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 92.46% of the companys stock.

About Callon Petroleum

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Callon Petroleum Company, an independent oil and natural gas company, focuses on the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and natural gas properties in West Texas. The company was founded in 1950 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

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Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. (NYSE:CPAC  Get Free Report)s share price passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $5.29 and traded as high as $5.37. Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. shares last traded at $5.27, with a volume of 7,582 shares traded.

Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. Stock Down 1.2 %

The company has a market capitalization of $448.43 million, a PE ratio of 10.17 and a beta of 0.52. The company has a quick ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 1.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $5.28 and a two-hundred day moving average of $5.29.

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Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. (NYSE:CPAC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 20th. The construction company reported $0.14 earnings per share for the quarter. Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. had a return on equity of 13.59% and a net margin of 8.48%. The company had revenue of $119.56 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $135.57 million.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

About Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A.

A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. stock. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its position in shares of Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. ( NYSE:CPAC Free Report ) by 6.4% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 98,674 shares of the construction companys stock after buying an additional 5,935 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LPs holdings in Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. were worth $670,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 0.37% of the companys stock.

(Get Free Report)

Cementos Pacasmayo SAA., a cement company, produces, distributes, and sells cement and cement-related materials in Peru. It operates through three segments: Cement, Concrete, Mortar, and Precast; Quicklime; and Sales of Construction Supplies. The company's cement and concrete products are used in residential and commercial construction, and civil engineering; ready-mix concrete used in construction sites; concrete precast, such as paving units or paver stones for pedestrian walkways, as well as other bricks for partition walls and concrete precast for structural and non-structural uses; and cement-based products.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 23. The Western Azerbaijan Community strongly condemns the statement of Luxembourg Foreign Affairs Minister of August 23, 2023, directed against Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

Such statements by the Foreign Minister of Luxembourg, who has long demonstrated a tough anti-Azerbaijani position, cause laughter. The Azerbaijani public remembers the unfair and hostile position of Luxembourg since the Patriotic War.

"This country demonstrates a clear disrespect for human values and international law. Luxembourg, which for 30 years has never called on Armenia to end the occupation of Azerbaijani territories and turned a blind eye to the expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis from their ancestral lands, including us, Western Azerbaijanis, has no moral right to make any appeals against Azerbaijan.

The Western Azerbaijan Community calls on Luxembourg to stop gross interference in the internal affairs of Azerbaijan," the community said.
AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE:AU  Get Free Report) and Taseko Mines (NYSE:TGB  Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, risk, dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation and analyst recommendations.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares AngloGold Ashanti and Taseko Mines revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio AngloGold Ashanti $4.50 billion 1.51 $297.00 million N/A N/A Taseko Mines $301.22 million 1.30 -$19.98 million ($0.04) -34.00

AngloGold Ashanti has higher revenue and earnings than Taseko Mines.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

Analyst Ratings

24.2% of AngloGold Ashanti shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 16.6% of Taseko Mines shares are held by institutional investors. 2.3% of Taseko Mines shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

This is a breakdown of current ratings for AngloGold Ashanti and Taseko Mines, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score AngloGold Ashanti 2 0 1 0 1.67 Taseko Mines 0 0 1 0 3.00

AngloGold Ashanti currently has a consensus target price of $27.00, indicating a potential upside of 65.75%. Taseko Mines has a consensus target price of $2.77, indicating a potential upside of 103.68%. Given Taseko Mines stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Taseko Mines is more favorable than AngloGold Ashanti.

Risk and Volatility

AngloGold Ashanti has a beta of 0.63, indicating that its share price is 37% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Taseko Mines has a beta of 2.01, indicating that its share price is 101% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Profitability

This table compares AngloGold Ashanti and Taseko Mines net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets AngloGold Ashanti N/A N/A N/A Taseko Mines -2.88% 3.40% 0.92%

Summary

Taseko Mines beats AngloGold Ashanti on 6 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.

About AngloGold Ashanti

(Get Free Report)

AngloGold Ashanti Limited operates as a gold mining company in Africa, the Americas, and Australia. The company explores for gold. Its flagship property is a 100% owned Geita project located in the Lake Victoria goldfields of the Mwanza region in north-western Tanzania. The company also owns 100% interest in the Iduapriem mine which covers 137 square kilometers located in the western region of Ghana; Obuasi project located in Ghana; AGA Mineracao in Brazil; Serra Grande located in central Brazil in the state of Goias; Greenfield Projects in the Beatty district in Nevada; and Sunrise Dam in Australia. It also holds 92.5% interest in the Cerro Vanguardia project situated in Argentina; 70% interest in the Tropicana property in Australia; and 85% interest in the Siguiri project in Guinea. The company also explores for silver and sulphuric acid. AngloGold Ashanti Limited was incorporated in 1944 and is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa.

About Taseko Mines

(Get Free Report)

Taseko Mines Limited, a mining company, acquires, develops, and operates mineral properties. It explores for copper, molybdenum, gold, niobium, and silver deposits. The company holds 75% interest in the Gibraltar mine located in British Columbia. It also holds 100% interest in Yellowhead copper project, the Aley niobium project, and the New Prosperity gold and copper project located in British Columbia; and the Florence copper project located in Arizona. Taseko Mines Limited was incorporated in 1966 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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Cool (NYSE:CLCO  Get Free Report) and Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE:BIP  Get Free Report) are both transportation companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, valuation, risk and dividends.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Cool and Brookfield Infrastructure Partners gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Cool $190.69 million 2.91 $85.74 million N/A N/A Brookfield Infrastructure Partners $14.43 billion 1.01 $341.00 million $0.33 95.82

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners has higher revenue and earnings than Cool.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Cool N/A N/A N/A Brookfield Infrastructure Partners 2.34% 1.42% 0.48%

Analyst Recommendations

This table compares Cool and Brookfield Infrastructure Partners net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for Cool and Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Cool 0 0 1 0 3.00 Brookfield Infrastructure Partners 0 1 5 0 2.83

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners has a consensus price target of $42.83, suggesting a potential upside of 35.59%. Given Brookfield Infrastructure Partners higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Brookfield Infrastructure Partners is more favorable than Cool.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

16.9% of Cool shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 47.4% of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Dividends

Cool pays an annual dividend of $1.64 per share and has a dividend yield of 11.8%. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners pays an annual dividend of $1.53 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.8%. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners pays out 463.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners has increased its dividend for 1 consecutive years.

Summary

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners beats Cool on 9 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Cool

(Get Free Report)

Cool Company Ltd. engages in the ownership, operation, and management of liquefied natural gas carriers (LNGCs) that provides supply chain support solutions for energy industry. The company owns and operates a fleet of LNGCs, including tri-fuel diesel electric vessels; and floating storage and regasification units for third parties. Cool Company Ltd. was incorporated in 2018 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

About Brookfield Infrastructure Partners

(Get Free Report)

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. owns and operates utilities, transport, midstream, and data businesses in North and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company's Utilities segment operates approximately 60,000 kilometers (km) of operational electricity transmission and distribution lines; 2,900 km of electricity transmission lines; 4,200 km of natural gas pipelines; 7.8 million electricity and natural gas connections; and 540,000 long-term contracted sub-metering services. This segment also offers heating, cooling, and energy solutions; gas distribution; water heaters; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioner rental, as well as other home services. Its Transport segment offers transportation, storage, and handling services for merchandise goods, commodities, and passengers through a network of approximately 22,000 km of track; 5,500 km of track network; 4,800 km of rail; 3,800 km of motorways; and 11 port terminals. The company's Midstream segment offers natural gas transmission, gathering and processing, and storage services through approximately 15,000 km of natural gas transmission pipelines; 600 billion cubic feet of natural gas storage; 17 natural gas processing plants; and 10,600 km of gas gathering pipelines, as well as 525,000 tonnes polypropylene production capacity. Its Data segment operates approximately 207,000 operational telecom towers; approximately 46,600 km of fiber optic cables; approximately 881,000 fiber-to-the-premise connections; two semiconductor manufacturing facilities; and 70 distributed antenna systems, as well as 50 data centers and 230 megawatts of critical load capacity. The company was incorporated in 2007 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda.

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Essex Property Trust (NYSE:ESS  Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by Citigroup from $250.00 to $280.00 in a report issued on Tuesday morning, Benzinga reports. Citigroup currently has a buy rating on the real estate investment trusts stock.

Several other brokerages have also commented on ESS. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on shares of Essex Property Trust from $249.00 to $255.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, July 31st. Barclays decreased their price objective on shares of Essex Property Trust from $226.00 to $224.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Essex Property Trust from $252.00 to $268.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Essex Property Trust in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, 51job reissued a maintains rating on shares of Essex Property Trust in a research report on Friday, May 19th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have given a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $243.90.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Essex Property Trust

Essex Property Trust Stock Up 0.4 %

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Essex Property Trust

NYSE:ESS opened at $234.05 on Tuesday. Essex Property Trust has a fifty-two week low of $195.03 and a fifty-two week high of $284.20. The stock has a market capitalization of $15.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.47, a P/E/G ratio of 2.43 and a beta of 0.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 1.27 and a current ratio of 1.27. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $237.84 and its 200-day simple moving average is $225.11.

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of Essex Property Trust by 24.8% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 2,261 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $781,000 after acquiring an additional 450 shares during the last quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH raised its stake in Essex Property Trust by 1.2% during the first quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 88,915 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $30,718,000 after purchasing an additional 1,050 shares during the period. Prudential PLC acquired a new position in Essex Property Trust in the 1st quarter valued at about $475,000. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Essex Property Trust by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 10,614,782 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,667,195,000 after buying an additional 184,047 shares during the period. Finally, Baird Financial Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Essex Property Trust by 3.6% during the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 53,635 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $18,530,000 after buying an additional 1,847 shares during the period. 92.78% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Essex Property Trust Company Profile

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Essex Property Trust, Inc, an S&P 500 company, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) that acquires, develops, redevelops, and manages multifamily residential properties in selected West Coast markets. Essex currently has ownership interests in 252 apartment communities comprising approximately 62,000 apartment homes with an additional property in active development.

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Meitav Investment House Ltd. reduced its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW  Free Report) by 10.9% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 30,232 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 3,700 shares during the quarter. Meitav Investment House Ltd.s holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $7,253,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Aspire Private Capital LLC bought a new position in Illinois Tool Works during the 1st quarter worth $16,798,050,000. Creative Capital Management Investments LLC boosted its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 145.2% in the 1st quarter. Creative Capital Management Investments LLC now owns 103 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. Sturgeon Ventures LLP acquired a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works during the first quarter worth $26,000. WealthPLAN Partners LLC bought a new stake in Illinois Tool Works during the first quarter valued at $43,000. Finally, AXS Investments LLC acquired a new stake in Illinois Tool Works during the 4th quarter worth about $40,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.37% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $256.00 to $258.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. 3M reiterated a maintains rating on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Credit Suisse Group upped their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $281.00 to $292.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $236.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $235.00 to $240.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy 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 $236.75.

Illinois Tool Works Stock Performance

ITW traded up $3.24 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $239.23. The stock had a trading volume of 160,932 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,083,781. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 1 year low of $180.27 and a 1 year high of $264.19. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $247.67 and its 200 day simple moving average is $238.14. The stock has a market cap of $72.34 billion, a PE ratio of 23.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.20 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.25.

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 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.39 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $4.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.14 billion. Illinois Tool Works had a net margin of 19.30% and a return on equity of 94.14%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 1.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.37 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 9.74 earnings per share for the current year.

Illinois Tool Works Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 12th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 29th will be issued a $1.40 dividend. This is a positive change from Illinois Tool Workss previous quarterly dividend of $1.31. This represents a $5.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.34%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 28th. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 51.83%.

Insider Activity

In other news, CAO Randall J. Scheuneman sold 5,425 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred 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 directly owns 8,870 shares in the company, valued at $2,121,970.10. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.78% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

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.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ITW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW  Free Report).

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Nevsun Resources (NYSEAMERICAN:NSU  Get Free Report) dropped 0.2% during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $4.44 and last traded at $4.44. Approximately 25,500 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 71% from the average daily volume of 87,058 shares. The stock had previously closed at $4.45.

Nevsun Resources Price Performance

Nevsun Resources Company Profile

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Nevsun Resources Ltd. engages in the mining and development of mineral properties in Europe, Africa, and North America. It explores for gold, copper, zinc, and silver deposits. The company's principal assets include Timok project, a copper-gold development project in Serbia; and Bisha copper- zinc mine in Eritrea.

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Paul Mueller (OTCMKTS:MUEL  Get Free Report) and NuScale Power (NYSE:SMR  Get Free Report) are both small-cap industrial products companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, risk, earnings, dividends, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and profitability.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Paul Mueller and NuScale Powers gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Paul Mueller $191.52 million 0.28 $3.61 million $12.30 4.07 NuScale Power $11.80 million 121.20 -$57.07 million ($0.66) -9.45

Paul Mueller has higher revenue and earnings than NuScale Power. NuScale Power is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Paul Mueller, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Ratings

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Paul Mueller 0 0 0 0 N/A NuScale Power 0 2 1 0 2.33

This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Paul Mueller and NuScale Power, as reported by MarketBeat.

NuScale Power has a consensus price target of $12.17, suggesting a potential upside of 94.98%. Given NuScale Powers higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe NuScale Power is more favorable than Paul Mueller.

Profitability

This table compares Paul Mueller and NuScale Powers net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Paul Mueller 6.04% 32.27% 9.59% NuScale Power -654.97% -43.96% -33.64%

Risk & Volatility

Paul Mueller has a beta of 0.58, meaning that its share price is 42% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, NuScale Power has a beta of 0.81, meaning that its share price is 19% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

9.8% of NuScale Power shares are held by institutional investors. 4.0% of Paul Mueller shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 3.1% of NuScale Power shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

Paul Mueller beats NuScale Power on 7 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Paul Mueller

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Paul Mueller Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides manufactured equipment and components in North America, Asia, the Far East, the Netherlands, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Dairy Farm Equipment, Industrial Equipment, and Transportation segments. The Dairy Farm Equipment segment offers milk cooling and storage equipment and accessories, refrigeration units, and heat recovery equipment for use on dairy farms to independent dealers for resale, and directly to farmers; and services for farmers, as well as milk coolers for rent to farmers. The Industrial Equipment segment provides biopharmaceutical and pure water equipment; heat transfer products; and stainless steel, alloy processing, and storage tanks, as well as food, beverage, chemical, and industrial processing equipment. The Transportation segment transports products to customers and field fabrication sites; backhauls materials; and provides contract carriage services for third parties. It serves its products in various industries, including animal health, beverage, brewing, chemical, dairy farm, dairy processing, food, heat transfer, HVAC, industrial construction, oil and gas, personal care, pharmaceutical, pure water, tank fabrication, and wine. The company was founded in 1940 and is headquartered in Springfield, Missouri.

About NuScale Power

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NuScale Power Corporation engages in the development and sale of modular light water reactor nuclear power plants to supply energy for electrical generation, district heating, desalination, hydrogen production, and other process heat applications. It offers NuScale Power Module (NPM), a water reactor that can generate 77 megawatts of electricity (MWe); and VOYGR power plant designs for three facility sizes that are capable of housing from one to four and six or twelve NPMs. NuScale Power Corporation was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. NuScale Power Corporation operates as a subsidiary of Fluor Enterprises, Inc.

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Paycom Software, Inc. (NYSE:PAYC  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Monday, July 31st, RTT News reports. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 28th will be given a dividend of 0.375 per share by the software maker on Monday, September 11th. This represents a $1.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.52%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 25th.

Paycom Software has a payout ratio of 16.2% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Analysts expect Paycom Software to earn $7.44 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.50 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 20.2%.

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Paycom Software Price Performance

PAYC opened at $286.86 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a current ratio of 1.24. Paycom Software has a 1-year low of $262.11 and a 1-year high of $378.70. The company has a 50-day moving average of $322.15 and a 200-day moving average of $302.37. The company has a market capitalization of $17.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 52.63, a PEG ratio of 1.96 and a beta of 1.44.

Insider Transactions at Paycom Software

Paycom Software ( NYSE:PAYC Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 1st. The software maker reported $1.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.23 by ($0.22). The firm had revenue of $401.14 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $398.20 million. Paycom Software had a net margin of 20.28% and a return on equity of 24.93%. Equities analysts expect that Paycom Software will post 6.1 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In related news, EVP Christopher Gene Thomas sold 320 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $290.05, for a total transaction of $92,816.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 26,154 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,585,967.70. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other Paycom Software news, Director Jason D. Clark sold 430 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $278.99, for a total value of $119,965.70. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 5,100 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,422,849. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Christopher Gene Thomas sold 320 shares of Paycom Software stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $290.05, for a total transaction of $92,816.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 26,154 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,585,967.70. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 14.50% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Paycom Software

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Colony Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Paycom Software by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Colony Group LLC now owns 7,323 shares of the software makers stock valued at $2,352,000 after acquiring an additional 35 shares during the last quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Paycom Software by 37.8% during the second quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 153 shares of the software makers stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 42 shares during the last quarter. CreativeOne Wealth LLC boosted its position in shares of Paycom Software by 4.6% in the 4th quarter. CreativeOne Wealth LLC now owns 1,030 shares of the software makers stock valued at $320,000 after purchasing an additional 45 shares during the period. State of Wyoming increased its stake in Paycom Software by 10.6% in the 4th quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 491 shares of the software makers stock worth $152,000 after purchasing an additional 47 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Clear Street Markets LLC raised its holdings in Paycom Software by 98.0% during the 1st quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 97 shares of the software makers stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 48 shares during the period. 74.73% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have commented on PAYC. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Paycom Software from $361.00 to $428.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 21st. Credit Suisse Group lifted their target price on Paycom Software from $375.00 to $395.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. StockNews.com began coverage on Paycom Software in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price objective on Paycom Software from $400.00 to $370.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Finally, Mizuho dropped their target price on Paycom Software from $350.00 to $325.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $384.53.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on PAYC

About Paycom Software

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Paycom Software, Inc provides cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solution delivered as software-as-a-service for small to mid-sized companies in the United States. It offers functionality and data analytics that businesses need to manage the employment life cycle from recruitment to retirement.

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Robert Half Inc. (NYSE:RHI  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Monday, July 31st, RTT News reports. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 25th will be given a dividend of 0.48 per share by the business services provider on Friday, September 15th. This represents a $1.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.55%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 24th.

Robert Half has increased its dividend payment by an average of 11.5% per year over the last three years and has increased its dividend every year for the last 18 years. Robert Half has a payout ratio of 46.2% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect Robert Half to earn $4.03 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.92 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 47.6%.

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Robert Half Stock Performance

Robert Half stock opened at $75.22 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $8.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.92 and a beta of 1.32. Robert Half has a fifty-two week low of $64.65 and a fifty-two week high of $89.78. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $76.07 and a two-hundred day moving average of $75.25.

Insiders Place Their Bets

Robert Half ( NYSE:RHI Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 25th. The business services provider reported $1.00 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.13 by ($0.13). The business had revenue of $1.64 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.69 billion. Robert Half had a net margin of 7.84% and a return on equity of 34.51%. Robert Halfs revenue for the quarter was down 12.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.60 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Robert Half will post 3.72 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other Robert Half news, Director Dirk A. Kempthorne sold 2,050 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.15, for a total transaction of $152,007.50. Following the transaction, the director now owns 12,934 shares in the company, valued at $959,056.10. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 2.80% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Osaic Holdings Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Robert Half by 21.3% in the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 56,855 shares of the business services providers stock worth $4,279,000 after acquiring an additional 9,976 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Robert Half by 6.4% in the second quarter. Nuveen Asset Management LLC now owns 535,884 shares of the business services providers stock worth $40,309,000 after acquiring an additional 32,163 shares in the last quarter. GTS Securities LLC acquired a new position in shares of Robert Half in the second quarter worth about $233,000. Formidable Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Robert Half by 15.6% in the second quarter. Formidable Asset Management LLC now owns 10,602 shares of the business services providers stock worth $797,000 after acquiring an additional 1,434 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Robert Half by 25.6% in the second quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 491,037 shares of the business services providers stock worth $36,936,000 after acquiring an additional 100,092 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.34% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages have recently commented on RHI. UBS Group began coverage on Robert Half in a research report on Wednesday, May 31st. They issued a buy rating and a $82.00 price objective for the company. Bank of America lowered their price objective on Robert Half from $63.00 to $53.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Credit Suisse Group lowered their price target on Robert Half from $63.00 to $57.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 26th. Redburn Partners initiated coverage on Robert Half in a research report on Tuesday, June 20th. They set a neutral rating and a $76.00 price target for the company. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Robert Half in a research report on Wednesday. They set a hold rating for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $71.22.

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About Robert Half

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Robert Half Inc provides talent solutions and business consulting services in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company operates through three segments: Contract Talent Solutions, Permanent Placement Talent Solutions, and Protiviti. The Contract Talent Solutions segment provides contract engagement professionals in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal and administrative, and customer support.

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Rogers Communications Inc. (TSE:RCI.B  Get Free Report) (NYSE:RCI)s share price passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$61.88 and traded as low as C$53.23. Rogers Communications shares last traded at C$53.43, with a volume of 1,731,818 shares.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms have issued reports on RCI.B. CIBC raised their price target on shares of Rogers Communications from C$75.00 to C$76.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 27th. BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on shares of Rogers Communications from C$70.00 to C$72.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. National Bankshares raised their target price on shares of Rogers Communications from C$79.00 to C$80.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on shares of Rogers Communications from C$71.00 to C$72.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Finally, Scotiabank decreased their target price on shares of Rogers Communications from C$75.75 to C$72.75 in a research report on Wednesday, May 31st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Rogers Communications presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of C$75.80.

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Rogers Communications Trading Up 0.3 %

About Rogers Communications

The stock has a market capitalization of C$22.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.16, a PEG ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 0.42. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is C$57.98 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$61.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 399.46, a current ratio of 0.65 and a quick ratio of 0.58.

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Rogers Communications Inc operates as a communications and media company in Canada. It operates through three segments: Wireless, Cable, and Media. The Wireless segment offers wireless voice and data communication services to individual consumers, businesses, governments, and other telecommunications service providers; postpaid and prepaid wireless services under the Rogers, Fido, and chatr brands; and wireless devices, services, and applications to consumers and businesses.

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Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. (NYSE:TPH  Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the six analysts that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $33.00.

A number of research firms recently weighed in on TPH. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on shares of Tri Pointe Homes from $29.00 to $32.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, July 28th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on shares of Tri Pointe Homes in a research note on Wednesday, May 31st. They set a buy rating and a $42.00 price objective for the company. Wolfe Research raised shares of Tri Pointe Homes from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $38.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Monday, August 7th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Tri Pointe Homes in a research note on Thursday, August 17th. They set a hold rating for the company. Finally, Wedbush lifted their price objective on shares of Tri Pointe Homes from $30.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 1st.

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Tri Pointe Homes Trading Up 0.5 %

TPH stock opened at $29.60 on Wednesday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $31.94 and a 200 day moving average price of $28.35. Tri Pointe Homes has a fifty-two week low of $14.59 and a fifty-two week high of $34.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a quick ratio of 2.18 and a current ratio of 2.18. The firm has a market cap of $2.93 billion, a PE ratio of 6.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.73 and a beta of 1.48.

Tri Pointe Homes (NYSE:TPH  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The construction company reported $0.60 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.55 by $0.05. Tri Pointe Homes had a net margin of 11.71% and a return on equity of 17.37%. The firm had revenue of $819.08 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $703.67 million. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Tri Pointe Homes will post 3.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at Tri Pointe Homes

In other news, Director Lawrence B. Burrows sold 7,677 shares of Tri Pointe Homes stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $31.48, for a total transaction of $241,671.96. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 86,891 shares in the company, valued at $2,735,328.68. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, CFO Glenn J. Keeler sold 21,413 shares of Tri Pointe Homes stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $33.01, for a total value of $706,843.13. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 102,194 shares in the company, valued at $3,373,423.94. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Lawrence B. Burrows sold 7,677 shares of Tri Pointe Homes stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $31.48, for a total value of $241,671.96. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 86,891 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,735,328.68. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 2.00% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Tri Pointe Homes

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in TPH. Raymond James & Associates raised its holdings in shares of Tri Pointe Homes by 2.1% in the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 176,362 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $3,541,000 after acquiring an additional 3,591 shares in the last quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. raised its holdings in shares of Tri Pointe Homes by 53.8% in the first quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 25,492 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $512,000 after acquiring an additional 8,922 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can raised its holdings in shares of Tri Pointe Homes by 25.8% in the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 10,793 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $224,000 after acquiring an additional 2,213 shares in the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Tri Pointe Homes by 39.4% in the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 128,677 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $2,584,000 after acquiring an additional 36,396 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS raised its holdings in shares of Tri Pointe Homes by 10.5% in the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 40,731 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $818,000 after acquiring an additional 3,884 shares in the last quarter. 98.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Tri Pointe Homes Company Profile

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Tri Pointe Homes, Inc engages in the design, construction, and sale of single-family attached and detached homes in the United States. The company operates through a portfolio of six regional home building brands comprising Maracay in Arizona; Pardee Homes in California and Nevada; Quadrant Homes in Washington; Trendmaker Homes in Texas; TRI Pointe Homes in California, Colorado, and the Carolinas; and Winchester Homes in Maryland and Northern Virginia.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 23. Armenia, contrary to all international norms, recently announced the opening of an airport in Gafan on the border with Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

This is a provocation by Yerevan, which intends to prevent any peace initiatives in the region, in particular the demarcation and delimitation of borders. Armenia does not consider the consequences and threats to civil aviation. The Pashinyan government does not take into account who can use this airport.

In addition, Gafan district occupies an important place in Azerbaijan's Zangezur. It is located between Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan and Karabakh, in an area surrounded by the Bargushad, Zangezur, and Mehri mountain ranges, in the Gigi and Okhchu gorges.

Moreover, it was a province of the Zangezur district of the Ganja province until 1920. As a result of political games in 19171920, like other districts of Zangezur, Gafan became an administrative district of the Armenian SSR, and from September 9, 1930, it functioned as an independent district.

The Armenian side uses the city to slow down the process of delineating the conditional border. Gafan Airport is located just a few meters from the conditional border between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The process of delimitation of the state border between the two countries through the relevant commissions is currently at an initial stage.

In the absence of progress and without defining the basis for the delimitation of the border, the use of an airport in the immediate vicinity of the conditional border line determines the result of the delimitation process. During the process of establishing state borders, it is important that the parties refrain from unilateral steps that may interfere with the correct distribution.

In addition, because the airport and its runway are located in close proximity to the conditional border of the two countries, between which there is a tense military situation, the implementation of civilian flights to the airport in the border zone is at high risk because there are military facilities and troops here.

The opening of the Gafan airport without the consent of Baku may lead to tension between the parties and the emergence of unforeseen risks for civil aviation. However, the Pashinyan government does not seem to care much about this. Armenia hopes that some incident will happen so that there will be an opportunity to raise this issue in the international arena against our country.

Moreover, Armenia will try to use this airport for military purposes, as it did with the Khojaly airport. Armenians have repeatedly tried to declare the airport in Khojaly international, but in fact it served as a landing site for Armenian helicopters transferring Armenian military and weapons to the territory of Azerbaijan.

If Yerevan transports military cargo through this airport and there is a threat to our country, then this threat will be neutralized. Azerbaijan has all the possibilities for this.

In addition, to implement such cross-border projects, Armenia must sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan, then delimit and demarcate the border, and at the next stage, hold mutual consultations in order to reach agreements on cross-border projects.

Armenia's disregard of international law and the rules of civil aviation makes the construction of an airport a few dozen meters from the border of another state unacceptable.
XPS Pensions Group plc (LON:XPS  Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Thursday, June 22nd, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 24th will be given a dividend of GBX 5.70 ($0.07) per share on Thursday, September 21st. This represents a dividend yield of 3.34%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 24th. This is a boost from XPS Pensions Groups previous dividend of $2.70. The official announcement can be seen at this link.

XPS Pensions Group Stock Performance

XPS Pensions Group stock opened at GBX 191 ($2.44) on Wednesday. The firms fifty day moving average price is GBX 184.21 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 169.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 51.74, a quick ratio of 1.51 and a current ratio of 1.47. The stock has a market cap of 396.21 million, a P/E ratio of 2,692.86 and a beta of 0.46. XPS Pensions Group has a fifty-two week low of GBX 114.50 ($1.46) and a fifty-two week high of GBX 196.93 ($2.51).

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts recently commented on XPS shares. Canaccord Genuity Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a GBX 216 ($2.76) target price on shares of XPS Pensions Group in a report on Thursday, May 25th. Shore Capital reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of XPS Pensions Group in a report on Monday, July 3rd. Finally, Numis Securities increased their target price on shares of XPS Pensions Group from GBX 205 ($2.62) to GBX 210 ($2.68) and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, May 25th.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other XPS Pensions Group news, insider Ben Bramhall sold 1,000,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, July 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 186 ($2.37), for a total value of 1,860,000 ($2,373,054.35). Insiders own 14.55% of the companys stock.

XPS Pensions Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

XPS Pensions Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides employee benefit consultancy and related business services in the United Kingdom. The company offers advisory services to pension schemes and corporate sponsors; independent investment advisory services; DB and DC master trust schemes; and self-invested personal pension (SIPP) and SSAS pension services.

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The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Duport Midstream Company Limited, Dr Akintoye Akindele, has opened up on a business dispute he has with the family of the late MKO Abiola.

In a short video he released on Tuesday, the businessman said his business rivals are trying to weave unfound fraud allegations around him through cronies, describing all fraud allegations against him as untrue.

He said, Its about a business dispute with my former partners and a notable family in Nigeria, the Abiola family, which the police are already investigating and they will get to the bottom of it eventually.

I believe in the rule of law and that is why I have not said anything on the matter. People that are discerning, when they hear fake news, they will know it.

Meanwhile, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama has granted N500m bail to Akindele, whom his detractors falsely accused of offering a N50m bribe to men of the Nigeria Police Force.

The businessman was immediately released after he met his bail conditions.

One of Akindeles legal team, Pelumi Olajengbesi, of Law Corridor, in a statement, also gave an insight into the matter. He said, For us the matter is essentially a civil dispute but in Nigeria some influential people prefer to criminalize civil matters believing that they can use the instrumentality of the Nigeria Police to achieve their motives speedily. Of course the Police will do their job but the law will run it course.

This matter is just about a Claim for Shortfall in Supply of Condensate issued on the 3rd September 2021 by Duport Midstream Company Limited, Dr. Akindele Akintoye's Company for the sum of $9,806,309.77 (Nine Million, Eight Hundred and Six Thousand, Three Hundred and Nine Dollars, Seventy-Seven Cents) against the Abiola's family for failure in supply of crude to the company.

Further to the above, the parties met severally and reconciled the outstanding amounts owed by both sides with the Abiola family owing Duport Midstream Company Limited, Our Client, the sum of $9,806,309.77 (Nine Million, Eight Hundred and Six Thousand, Three Hundred and Nine Dollars, Seventy-Seven Cents) as at August 2021.

While the Abiola family is also making claims and refused to continue supply of crude, Akindele's refinery sought alternative crude supply to enable the company to carry out its mandate.

Dissatisfied with the action, the Abiolas by a letter dated 2nd June 2023 claimed that Duport Midstream Company Limited is indebted to their company in the sum of $5,732,407.14 (Five Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty Two Thousand, Four Hundred and Seven Dollars, Fourteen Cents ).

After the demand letter, they sort the intervention of the Police and this necessitated their petition to the Nigeria Police despite being aware a Suit No. FHC/L/CS/729/2023 on the subject matter in court and having instituted another suit also on the matter.

This is simple commercial dispute within the oil and gas industry and parties are bound to respect the decency of business engagement. All other stories are pettiness which we will engage with full measure of law, says Olajengbesi.
Google has disclosed its plans to help startups in Nigeria and other parts of Africa to use technology to solve local challenges.

Through its Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First, it stressed that the development aimed at supporting African startups looking to use artificial intelligence (AI) to solve challenges, especially around them.

The American firm disclosed that participants will benefit from access to Googles AI expertise, and technical resources including up to $350k Google Cloud Credits, mentorship from seasoned AI professionals and invaluable networking opportunities.

Google further noted that the programme recognises the transformative role that AI is playing across the world, innovating industries and reimagining the realms of possibilities.

The firm explained the AI First programme is aimed at supporting startups keen on delving into AIs possibilities.

While speaking about the initiative, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa, Folarin Aiyegbusi, said that, Africas tech landscape is vibrant and ever-evolving. Its inspiring to see African startups not only harnessing AI to address our unique challenges but also setting benchmarks for the world. AI First is more than a program; its a testament to our belief in the vision of these startups, ensuring they have the support and guidance they need to realize their full potential.

Aiyegbusi noted that applications for the 10-week equity-free accelerator are now open and Google is inviting startups up to series A stage based in Africa or building Africa-centric solutions with AI and machine learning.

Startups are expected to apply on the Google Accelerator website between now and September 6, he explained.

Since its inception in 2018, the firm stated the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa program has supported 106 startups from 17 African countries.

Overall, these startups have raised over $263 million in funding and created over 2,800 direct job opportunities in the region.
President Bola Tinubu is very passionate about empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for the development of the nations economy, says Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima.

According to the Vice President, It is a known fact that the empowerment of the MSMEs is key to empowering our youth and women towards contributing to the nations economic development.

The Vice President stated this today when he spoke with journalists during his tour of exhibition stands at the BRICS Trade Fair.

Speaking further about the commitment of President Tinubu towards empowering the MSMEs, he said  the President is a very compassionate leader and in the coming months, there will be changes in the fortunes of Nigeria.

Explaining the economic impact of the growth of MSMEs on the economy, VP Shettima said this will have positive impacts which will enable them to support their families and add value to the nation.

The Vice President commended the organizers of the trade fair which had about 180 exhibitors from various sectors of the economy. He stressed that the exhibitions will in the long run serve the purpose of galvanising investment and trade in the continent.

Vice President Shettima who took time to inspect Nigerias exhibitions lauded the investments of Nigerians in South Africa.

He said I am quite impressed by the investment Nigerians are making in South Africa. This is the harbinger of greater things to come. I can say that Nigerians are active in digital economy, they are active in fashion, they are equally active in mining,

I am quite glad that quite a number of our country men are doing well and are willing to partner with the home nation for the greater glory of the African continent.

While praising Rose Bank, a Nigerian investment outfit in South Africa for the funding of a cassava project worth 40 billion Naira, the Vice President affirmed that it is game a changer with the cassava value chain with its huge economic benefits. We hope that it will be reflected in other parts of the country.

The Trade Fair is being organised by the BRIC South Africa & The SA BRICS Business Council (SABBC) in collaboration with the Department of Trade Industry and Competition, on the sidelines of the on-going 15th BRICS Summit.

The exhibition is expected to serves as a platform for showcasing products and services from the BRICS countries as well as business-to-business interaction aimed at increasing intra-BRICS trade and investments.

The Vice President was accompanied to the Trade Fair by Nigerias High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb. Muhammad Haruna Manta, the Consul-General, Amb. Andrew Idi and other senior government officials.

Olusola Abiola

Director Information

Office of the Vice President

22nd August, 2023


If there is any area in the field of journalism where not a few people daily bring their ignorance to bear, it is unarguably that of political journalism. The reason for the pervasive ignorance cannot be farfetched as in this part of the world, any journalist that writes or reports on a trending political issue or about a politician is automatically perceived to be partisan even as some see him to be either associated with the political party he writes about oraverse to the party he writes against without realizing that a Journalist is by virtue of his profession apolitical, and that he is usually inspired to write out of patriotic zeal, and by extension writing or reporting for the betterment of the country. In a similar vein, he is erroneously seen to be in partisan relationship with any politician or leader he chooses to promote ahead of any given election.

Given the foregoing, it is germane to opine that there is a common misconception or factoid that has been often accepted as true but which is actually false as writing or reporting about a political issue or a politician is far from making a Journalist an affiliate of the party he writes for orenemy of the party he writes against. Also, writing about a political personality does not make a Journalist an acolyteor an enemy of such politician. Aptly put, political reporting or writing is about the betterment of the country.

For the sake of clarity, it is expedient to say that politics is a fascinating topic that impacts everyone around the world, and given its enthrallment, it has become critical for Journalists to report or write on politics in order to inform the public about what is happening in the political realm. However, in reporting or writing about politics, journalistic integrity is vital in the course of providing citizens with accurate information. After all, it was Helen Thomas that quotably said, We don't go into journalism to be popular. It is our job to seek the truth and put constant pressure on our leaders until we get answers.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it goes without saying that Politics is a constantly-evolving field, and the role of journalism in politics is constantly changing along with it, and that political journalism is the practice of gathering, assessing, and disseminating information about current events in politics. It is the act of collecting and producing news about politics which often focuses on political figures, parties, elections, and policies.

Not only that, political journalism is a field of journalism that covers political decisions, campaigns, and news. It also involves gathering information about candidates and reporting on what they have done. This is a type of journalism that focuses on politics. Its also called political reporting.

At this juncture, it is not out of place for anyone to ask this writer why he is making the foregoing clarifications, and why is it compelling, and he will say that some curious readers and seeming followers of his have been inundating him with questions about his knack for writing favorably about Barrister Dele Igbinedion; a legal practitioner, an activist and a gubernatorial aspirant in Edo State that aspires to fly the Labour Party (LP) flag, come 2024. Not only that, some of them want him to tell them about the aspirants past achievements in politics and by extension, his contribution to the society.

Given the foregoing, it is expedient not to bore anyone with too much words in this context. Rather, it is germane to say that as a professional that has practiced law in the UK where he served as a Solicitor in a City law firm, and as a lawyer in Nigeria where he is presently running athriving law practice in Benin City in Edo State, that he has been making enormous contributions to the society. Notably as a politician and a former member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under whose platform General Olusegun Obasanjo was elected Nigeria president, he was in 2000, appointed by the then State Governor, Mr. Lucky Igbinedion, as chairman of the Board of Directors of the State Government owned Radio and Television Company called the Edo Broadcasting Service(EBS) in Benin City. At this juncture, it is expedient to clarify that they are not in any way related as some readers may erroneously think by virtue of bearing the same surname.

At the time been made reference to, Igbinedion also doubled as the legal adviser and consultant of the Edo State House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Law Review Committee and solicitor to many other organizations. As a hobby, he also hosted two weekly television programmes on the Independent Television Channel (ITV), and in a similar vein, the then State owned Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS).

As an activist, he has played notable roles in landmark cases, and particularly of note in this context is that of Presco and a village of peasant farmers called the Obagie-Nokenkporo Community where he held brief for the community as the company fenced-off a land in the community covering about 15,000 hectares. Igbinedion was touched by the collective plight of the people in the community when he realized the oppression and injustice being meted to them as their homes, and land, ancestral land were lost to the company, particularly as he was made to understand that no compensation was paid tothem and upon being challenged the company claimed that the government had given it a right of occupancy over the entire land.

Again, there are some people that demanded to know projects he has tangibly executed. In response to the foregoing, it is expedient to recall that as a lawmaker that he extended his philanthropic hands to those in need of scholarships, those in need of employments among other area of needs. As for physical projects or infrastructures, he tried his best given the fact that when he was a lawmaker, constituency projects fund has not being institutionalized as obtains in recent political dispensations.

To buttress the fact that constituency project was not in existence in the days when he was a lawmaker, it is expedient to make reference to an interview which former Deputy Senate President, Hon. Ike Ekweremadu granted Premium Times, and published online on February 8, 2019 with the title, How constituency projects became institutionalized in Nigeria and how I utilize mine  Ekweremadu.

According to Ekweremadu, It actually started with President Olusegun Obasanjo when our colleagues came in in 1999. They came up with this idea that there is a need for them to be able to put maybe boreholes and a few things that can touch the lives of their people. So when in 2007, I came into the leadership of the National Assembly when David Mark was the Senate President, we now felt it was necessary to have a conversation with the executive to institutionalize the issue of constituency projects. After a lengthy conversation with the then president, late President YarAdua, he yielded a N100 billion being put to the National Assembly, which has continued.

With the N100 billion, we now decided on equality, that each geopolitical zones would get N10 billion. This N10 billion would now be shared among the states in each geopolitical zone. The remaining N40 billion would be shared between the Senate and the House. With this, the Senate and the House leadership would try to input into the budget on critical areas like roads and electricity. That means the National Assembly would have a N100 billion input into the budget of any particular year.

Having thrown light into political journalism, and having peeped into Barrister Dele Igbinedions contributions to the society, permit me to exercise the role bestowed on me by virtue of my profession to tell Edolites that giving him the gubernatorial ticket and voting for him at the gubernatorial polls is as good as voting for a better Edo State.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 23. Great Britain does not intend to submit a resolution or statement to the UN Security Council regarding the "humanitarian situation in Karabakh", the country's embassy in Yerevan told Armenian reporters, Trend reports.

"Great Britain calls for respecting the decision of the International Court of Justice as of February 2023," the statement reads.

Thus, Armenia with its unfounded claims against Azerbaijan has once again been put on the spot. The irrefutable evidence that the residents of Armenian origin in Khankendi are not in the so-called "blockade", the traffic through the Lachin road is free, as well as numerous images published on social networks by the people living in the town themselves, speak for themselves. Armenia, trying to mislead the international community, is once again defeated on the information field.
DSI investigate B225mn land grab in Sirinath National Park

PHUKET: Pol Capt Piya Raksakul, Deputy Director General of the Department of Special Investigation, arrived in Phuket yesterday (Aug 22) to inspect a parcel of land valued at B225 million that is under investigation for encroaching on Sirinath National Park.

landnatural-resourcesenvironmentcrime

By The Phuket News

Wednesday 23 August 2023 10:27 AM

Joining Capt Piya yesterday was Police Lieutenant Colonel Amorn Hongsritong, Director of the DSIs Bureau of Natural Resources and Environment Crime, and fellow DSI Special Case Investigators.

The officers used a drone to take aerial images of the parcel of land, and gathered other evidence and questioned officials in the area.

The land covers about 15-3-71 rai. With the land estimated to be valued at about B15 million per rai, the entire plot is estimated to be worth more than B225mn, Capt Piya said.

The Department of Special Investigation has focused on the protection and preservation of natural resources, especially in the national forest reserves, national parks and public land shared by the people, in order to create stability and sustainability in nature economy and tourism, Capt Piya said.

The appraisal of the said plot of land at approximately B15 million per rai; the initial total value should be around B225 million, which represents a loss of the countrys economic security, he said.

The encroachment was first reported by officers from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) after park staff noticed the plot had been cleared and appeared to be within the national parks boundaries in Moo 1, Sakhu.

The DSI reviewed the complaint and accepted it as a Special Case on Feb 15, the DSI noted in its report of the inspection yesterday.

The team of officials has examined and found that the land where the incident occurred overlaps with the area of Sirinath National Park and is located in the area of public land, the DSI said in its report.

The person claiming to own the land had presented SorKor 1 (No. 283) as evidence of rights to ownership.

It is believed that the land ownership notification form (SorKor 1) referred to does not match the location of the plot of land at the scene, the DSI said plainly in its report.

The use of a SorKor 1 land document issued for one parcel of land in order to claim land elsewhere has become renowned in Phuket as a Flying SorKor.

The incident area is in the national park area. and public interest It is a valuable resource area of the land. It is also close to Phuket International Airport, which is an important area with high land value and is a source for the countrys economy. the DSI noted.

It is therefore a matter that has a serious impact on public order and good morals of the people that impacts on the economy, the agency added.

The Department of Special Investigation has assigned the Natural Resources and Environment Litigation Division to be the owner of the case, the DSI noted.

If there is any progress in the investigation, the Department of Special Investigation will report to you in the future, the agency assured.
Impact study due for Andaman road

BANGKOK: An impact study will be carried out on a proposed Andaman coastal road project linking Ranong and Satun provinces, according to the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP).

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By Bangkok Post

Wednesday 23 August 2023 01:13 PM

Tourists take photos at the Samed Nang Chee viewpoint in Phang Nga. Photo: Sarot Meksophawannakul / Bangkok Post

The two-lane road covering 600 kilometres is expected to improve tourists access to attractions in six provinces  Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun, said OTP director Punya Chupanit, reports the Bangkok Post.

Recreation areas, parking, viewpoint stops and possibly a bicycle lane will be included in the project. The office is now looking for a consultant to conduct the study, he said.

The Ranong-Satun road was approved by the cabinet in October 2021 and the Transport Ministry assigned the OTP to carry out a feasibility study, including project planning and the environmental impact assessment (EIA) study.

A budget of B80.75 million was set aside for the feasibility study, which will take 18 months, Mr Punya said.

If the contract can be signed this month, the feasibility study can get under way next month and be completed by March 2025.

He said the OTP will hold three public hearings to which citizens, local administrators and provincial chambers of commerce are expected to be invited.

The office will submit the study results to the Transport Ministry for Cabinet approval.

The Department of Highways and the Department of Rural Roads are the main agencies expected to manage the project.

The Department of Rural Roads has experience with the Transport Ministrys Thailand Riviera project, proposed in 2022 to boost tourism in the Andaman region, Mr Punya said.
Japan to release water from stricken Fukushima nuclear plant

TOKYO: Japan will release water from the stricken Fukushima power plant into the Pacific Ocean from tomorrow (Aug 24), 12 years after one of the worlds worst nuclear disasters.

healthSafetyChinesemarinepollution

By AFP

Wednesday 23 August 2023 09:08 AM

An aerial photo shows storage tanks used for storing treated water at TEPCOs crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant at Okuma, Fukushima prefecture. Photo: AFP

China, which has already partially halted Japanese food shipments, sharply criticised the announcement, while Hong Kong and Macau said they would ban the import of aquatic products from 10 Japanese regions, with the latter also banning vegetable and dairy imports.

Japan insists that the gradual discharge of the more than 500 Olympic swimming pools worth of water from the site in northeast Japan, announced by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida yesterday, is safe.

The Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power station was knocked out by a massive earthquake and tsunami that killed around 18,000 people in March 2011, sending three of its reactors into meltdown.

Operator TEPCO has since collected 1.34 million tonnes of water used to cool what remains of the still highly radioactive reactors, mixed with groundwater and rain that has seeped in.

TEPCO says the water will be diluted and filtered before release to remove all radioactive substances except tritium, levels of which are far below dangerous levels.

It has failed to reassure China, which said it would take necessary measures to safeguard the marine environment, food safety and public health.

Its foreign ministry said yesterday that it had summoned Japans ambassador to lodge solemn representations against the release.

The ocean is the common property of all humankind, not a place for Japan to arbitrarily dump nuclear-contaminated water, spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at an earlier press conference.

A nuclear expert, however, said the level of tritium was well below World Health Organization drinking water limits.

Tritium has been released (by nuclear power plants) for decades with no evidential detrimental environmental or health effects, Tony Hooker, a nuclear expert from the University of Adelaide, told AFP.

Immense

This water will be released, if weather conditions allow, into the ocean off Japans northeast coast at a maximum rate of 500,000 litres (132,000 US gallons) per day.

The UN atomic watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said in July the release would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment.

Yesterday, the IAEA said its staff would be on site for the start of the discharge and beyond and would publish real-time and near real-time monitoring data.

Japans fisheries agency will take samples of bottom-dwelling flatfish at two designated sampling spots near the outlet of the water pipe.

But environmental pressure group Greenpeace has said the filtration process is flawed.

Japan has opted for a false solution - decades of deliberate radioactive pollution of the marine environment - during a time when the worlds oceans are already facing immense stress and pressures, Greenpeace said yesterday.

Salt panic

Many South Koreans are alarmed at the prospect of the release, staging demonstrations and even stocking up on sea salt because of fears of contamination.

Dozens of protesters gathered in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul yesterday, with more rallies planned.

One protester held up a sign reading: We denounce the Japanese government for killing the ocean!

But President Yoon Suk Yeols government, taking political risks at home, has sought to improve long-frosty relations with Japan and has not objected to the plan.

Meanwhile, China had already accused Japan of treating the ocean like a sewer, banning imports of food from 10 Japanese prefectures even before the release and imposing strict radiation checks.

James Brady from the Teneo risk consultancy said that, while Chinas safety concerns may be sincere, there was a distinct whiff of geopolitics and economic rivalry in its harsh reaction.

The multifaceted nature of the Fukushima wastewater release issue makes it quite a useful one for Beijing to potentially exploit, Brady told AFP.

The threat of restrictions has worried people in Japans fishing industry, just as business was beginning to recover.

Nothing about the water release is beneficial to us, third-generation fisherman Haruo Ono, 71, whose brother was killed in 2011, told AFP in Shinchimachi, 60 kilometres (40 miles) north of the nuclear plant.
Road safety campaign inches forward

PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM-Phuket) is to create a map to be handed out to tourists highlighting the main roads across the island and the locations of the high risk points. The map is to be featured in three languages, the Phuket Road Safety Committee has announced.

transporttourismSafety

By The Phuket News

Wednesday 23 August 2023 05:57 PM

The news came at the fifth meeting of the Phuket Road Safety Committee to be held this year, this time held yesterday (Aug 22) at the offices of Patong Municipality.

Phuket Vice Governor Anupap Rodkwan Yodrambam chaired the meeting, which was attended by DDPM-Phuket Chief Udomporn Kan, police and representatives from a host of government agencies on the island, including the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO).

The committee agreed to move ahead with its plan to create a standard rental contract for car and motorbike rental operators to use when renting vehicles out to tourists.

The PLTO is to work in consultation with the Phuket Public Prosecutors Office to draft the standard contract, which is also to be made available in three languages, said an official report of the meeting.

The committee affirmed its guidelines for car and motorbike rental operators to comply with, as follows:

The person renting the vehicle must have a valid, appropriate drivers licence

People who rent motorbikes must wear a helmet at all times when riding the motorbike

Car and motorbike rental operators must not hold tourists passports as a requirement of renting out the vehicle

Car and motorbike rental operators must check the readiness of the renters physical condition before renting the vehicle to them

The vehicle being rented out must be fully registered with its road tax up to date, and must be covered under the Road Accident Victims Protection. Act, B.E. 2535

Car and motorbike rental operators must ensure the vehicle and all accessories are correct

Following the accident on June 19 which saw two men in a pickup killed by a runaway six-wheeled truck descending Patong Hill, the committee resolved to have signs posted in Thai and English warning motorists "Use low gear intermittently" or "Use low gear only".

Also, a sign clearly marking the times large vehicles may be driven over Patong Hill is to be installed in front of Wat Patong.

Following an accident on Aug 11 in front of the Hua Saphan Market on Sri Suthat Rd (westbound) in Ratsada, officials on the committee agreed to have the following action taken: 1) Have the road surface repaired where there are holes in the road; 2) Mark traffic lines to be clearly visible; and 3) have three speed bumps installed, marked by poles with yellow flashing warning lamps.

Two rumble strips are also to be installed on the bridge to Koh Siray, one in the middle of the bridge, the other at the far end of the bridge.

Vice Governor Anupap said the measures were aimed at increasing the effectiveness of road accident prevention.

All sectors must work together to prevent accidents in Phuket, and to produce tangible results, he said.

Officials are to implement the road safety plan set out in July, with special focus on preventing more tourist deaths on Phukets roads, and ensuring that people on motorbikes wear helmets 100%, he said.

Doing so would help to result in a reduction of overall losses at the national level, he said.

When launching the road-safety campaign in July, Phuket officials recognised that on average 135 people a year, an average of 11 people a month, are killed in road accidents in Phuket.

But the situation is becoming increasingly worse, officials admitted.

From January through April this year, 64 people died in road accidents in Phuket, compared with 41 deaths during the same period last year.

On average 16 people were killed each month over the first four months of this year, with most of those killed on motorbikes. Of the total number of people killed, 93% were people riding motorcycles, while motorbike riders accounted for 89% of the people injured in road accidents.

At the current rate, Phuket was likely to see more than 200 people die on the islands roads within the coming year, officials at the campaign launch, including Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew, were told.

According to national road safety agency ThaiRSC, as of today (Aug 23) 97 people have been killed and 13,897 people have been hospitalised for injuries sustained in road accidents in Phuket so far this year.

Three people have died on Phukets roads since Wednesday last week.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 23. "We resolutely condemn Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly's voicing of allegations in reference to the Karabakh region targeting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan at the event of the Armenian community a commentary by Aykhan Hajizada, MFA Spokesperson, on allegations made by Melanie Joly, Foreign Minister of Canada, during her speech at the event of the Armenian community, Trend reports.

The Canadian Foreign Minister has a history of making similar biased statements in favor of Armenian nationalism and separatist and revanchist forces in the region.

The Canadian Foreign Minister's baseless accusations against Azerbaijan and his refusal to condemn the oppression of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis or the nearly three decades-long occupation of its territory, to support the peace talks, or to call for the implementation of pertinent UN Security Council resolutions are both eloquent examples of Canada's partial stance.

Such declarations by Canada are intolerable and do nothing to promote regional peace and stability.

We once more demand that Canada desist from taking such provocative actions and respect Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 23. Specially trained dogs are also used in the clearance of territories, the instructor of the cynologist group, Ensign Megsed Mammadov said, Trend reports.

According to him, an area of 8001200 sq. m. is cleared of mines in a day with the participation of two specially trained dogs.

"Sometimes this indicator changes depending on weather conditions. Specially trained dogs play an important role in the clearance of occupied territories. Despite the hot weather, the instructors continue to work with the help of dogs," Mammadov said.

In accordance with the memorandum of understanding signed between the Marshall Legacy Institute (USA) and Azerbaijan's Mine Action Agency, six more specially trained dogs of the Malinois breed were brought to the agency on August 17.
A chronological report on Manipur violence 2023 from May 3

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Takhellambam Geetchandra Meitei

On the 3rd May 2023 a Peace Solidarity Rally was organised by All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) at the hill districts of Churachandpur, Tamenglong, Tengnoupal, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Chandel, Ukhrul of Manipur against the High Court directives to the State Government to send recommendation for listing of Meitei Community in Scheduled Tribe List under the Constitution of India. Large number of people joined the rally at Churachandpur District after some protestors burnt Forest Beat Office, Bungmual in Singhat Constituency. The scene turned more ugly after the protestors started burning and destroying Meitei houses and properties at Torbung area, lying between Churachandpur and Bishnupur District. Police failed to control the mob. Later, the State Home Department suspended Mobile Data Internet Service for 5 days to control the situation. The district administrations imposed total public curfew under sub-section 2 of 144 CrPC 1973.

4th May 2023 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Manipur Chief Minister and took stock of situation. 5 Companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) and 15 other general duty companies were airlifted to Imphal. About 15 Companies of the CRPF are already available in Manipur. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge blames BJP Government for violence in Manipur. The State Chief Minister N. Biren Singh chaired a meeting with Ministers and MLAs at CM Secretariat Imphal and reviewed the law on order situation in the state. Mary Kom, the Olympic medal winning boxer and Rajya Sabha MP asks Prime Minister Modi My state is burning, kindly help. Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga speaks to Manipur CM N. Biren for restoration of peace in Manipur and to extend highest cooperation from Mizoram. While several houses, shops, vehicles were burnt in both Meitei & Kuki Communities. Thousands are fleeing to take refuge in Relief Camps. Thanlon AC MLA Vungzagin Valte suffered injuries in mob at Imphal. 12 death bodies lain at RIMS mortuary. The Government of India invoke Article 355 (Duty of the Union to protect States against external aggression and internal disturbance) of the Constitution of India and took over entire security related matters from state government with immediate effect. Kuldiep Singh a retired IPS Officer was appointed as Security Advisor of the state and under him ADGP (Intelligence) Ashutosh Sinha will work as overall operational commander.

5th May 2023 : The number of dead bodies deposited at RIMS, JNIMS and Churachandpur District Hospital reached 54, and number of injured persons undergoing treatment reached 109 at RIMS and JNIMS. Mizoram CM Zoramthanga said the steps to evacuate stranded Mizoram residents are taken, also open helpline. Northern Frontier Railway (NFR) has cancelled Trains to Manipur.

6th May 2023 : CM N Biren chaired an all political parties meeting at his Secretariat. Decisions were taken to appeal for peace, formation of peace committee by MLAs in their respective Constituencies and Government to extend all possible help to those affected. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Army helicopters have been pressed into services for aerial surveillance in ethnic violence of Manipur. 13000 people were rescued and shifted to safe shelter by Indian Army. An elderly man taking shelter in Churachandpur Relief Camp died, suspected to be heart attack. Unknown persons torched heavy machineries and robbed several items from a camp of GPT Infra Projects Limited at Khwanging Village, Churachandpur. Gunfight between State forces and unknown armed groups at Dolaithabi Area, while residents of Ikou, Dolaithabi, Leitanpokpi, Pukhao Villages fled to take refuge in different relief camps.

7th May 2023 : Vinnet Joshi a 1992 Manipur cadre IAS Officer has been appointed as the New Chief Secretary, replacing Dr Rajesh Kumar. The Chairman of Hill Area Committee (HAC) of Manipur Legislative Assembly Dinganglung Gangmei moved the Supreme Court challenging the Manipur High Court order on March 27 which asked the State Government to submit recommendation to give Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to Meetei/Meitei community. Two individuals of Khumbong, Imphal West have been reported missing at Patsoi Police Station.

8th May 2023 : Chief Minister N. Biren held (first Press briefing ever since May 3) at his Secretariat said 20,000 out of 35655 stranded people have been evacuated from violence hit places of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Moreh, IE, IW, Thoubal. He announced Rs 5 lakh each to next to kin of the dead, Rs 2 lakh to the grievously injured and Rs 25,000 for non-grievous injuries. (To be contd)


Differences sorted out

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IMPHAL, Aug 23 : Naga CSOs and the Naga MLAs Forum have come to an understanding regarding submission of a controversial representation to the Prime Minister of India on August 9, 2023 in which eight Naga MLAs had appended their signatures along with other MLAs of the State.

A joint meeting of the Naga CSOs and the Naga MLAs Forum was held on August 19 on the above matter and detailed explanations were given by the members of the forum on the circumstances under which the representation was submitted to the Prime Ministers Office.

After a threadbare discussion, all the lapses and differences in the matter were sorted out objectively in the greater interest, according to a press release issued by the UNC.

Having realized the vital need to move forward in cohesion amidst these uncertainties surrounding the Naga people, the meeting also reaffirmed to uphold the commitment to pursue for the final settlement of Indo-Naga political issue based on the basis and the true spirit of the Framework Agreement signed on 3rd August 2015, it added.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated an anti-ragging helpline number for all educational institutions in the state. The toll free number is 1800 345 5678. Meanwhile, state education minister Bratya Basu held Governor CV Ananda Bose responsible for ragging and subsequent death of the student in Jadavpur University.

He was addressing the Assembly this morning. Mr Basu said no one knows why the Governor had appointed the vice-chancellor of Jadavpur University and subsequently removed him. The Governor does not believe in dialogue, he believes only in monologue, he maintained, adding,

The Governor should be held responsible for the death of the student. Mr Basu said a medical student was killed following ragging in Himachal Pradesh in 2003 and subsequently the Raghavan Committee had given recommendations which included installation of CCTVs and police pickets in the universities. The students of JU did not allow the authorities to install CCTVs. Mr Basu alleged that the BJP is trying to gain political mileage by using the situation in Jadavpur University.

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Refuting the allegations made by Suvendu Adhikari, leader of Opposition, he said, Like JNU, BJP is going for saffronisation of universities. If drugs are being pushed to the students, it is the responsibility of the Narcotic Control Bureau to look into the matter, he said. He said the state government had sent names of the VCs and other senior teachers and deans and the Governor is sitting on the files.

He said the state government will follow the guideline of the Supreme Court to bring down ragging. There are allegations of ragging against the premier organizations like IIT Kharagpur. We are against ragging and I assure the House that stringent action will be taken against those involved in the death of the student in JU, he remarked.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 23. The 80th birth anniversary of Azerbaijan's national artist, film actor, and film director, Shakhmar Alekperov, was celebrated on August 23, 2023, Trend reports.

National artist of Azerbaijan, film actor, and film director Shahmar Alekperov (19431992) said: "In our profession, in addition to talent, simple human qualities are also important, such as nobility, virtue, upbringing, culture, and responsiveness." According to friends, colleagues, and relatives of Shakhmar Alekperov, he possessed all these qualities.

At his 80th birth anniversary, prominent representatives of culture, art, and relatives and friends of Shakhmar Alekperov visited the second alley of the honorable burial and paid tribute to the memory of Azerbaijan's national artist.

Those present at the event warmly recalled the creative activity of Shakhmar Alekperov in conversations, undoubtedly mentioning his high human qualities. They emphasized that Shakhmar Alekperov was an amazing person, a master of high class who embodied stunning images in many films and inscribed his name in the history of national cinema.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Murad Huseynov noted that Shahmar Alekperov was a wonderful actor and director who left behind a great creative legacy.

"Today, his relatives, friends, and colleagues came to honor the memory of Shakhmar Alekperov. Everyone remembers him warmly; they talk about him as a high professional in his field, a person who possessed high human qualities. Shakhmar Alekperov left behind a great creative legacy, which is an example for many, including actors and directors of the younger generation," Murad Huseynov said.

Director of the State Film Fund and honored artist of Azerbaijan, film director Jamil Guliyev stressed that Shahmar Alekperov was a bright man, and today his family, colleagues, and friends gathered together.

"We all cherish the memory of Shakhmar Alekperov in our hearts. Shakhmar Alekperov was an artist who contributed to the history of Azerbaijani cinema and its development. Despite the fact that he passed away quite early, he left behind a great creative legacy. The images he created in cinema and theater, the films he shot as a director, the work of a dubbing actorall these are the pearls of our national art," Jamil Guliyev added.

Despite the fact that many years have passed since the death of Shakhmar Alekperov, his memory is alive, says the famous film director and Azerbaijan's national artist, Oktay Mirqasimov.

"Shakhmar Alekperov was a great professional; he showed himself as an extra-class actor, and his directorial works were also very successful. In addition, I want to note his human qualities. There is no person on earth who could say something negative about Shakhmar Alekperov. He has always been an example for us, a person whose advice has always been listened to and respected. Shakhmar Alekperov was a man with a pure heart," Oktay Mirqasimov said.

Theater and cinema actor and chief director of the Shushensk State Musical Drama Theater, Azerbaijan's honored artist Logman Kerimov, said that remembering Shakhmar Alekperov makes his heart heavy.

"He passed away early. He was only 48 years old. I met him before working on the film "Gazelkhan". Shakhmar Alekperov is a great actor, director, and man with a capital letter. He was a very strong-willed man. I remember the last days of his life.

Today, he would have turned 80 years old. It's a pity that he left so early. Today, our art needs Shakhmar Alekperov as an authority and a man of his word. Shakhmar Alekperov knew what he was doing, both in life and in art," Logman Kerimov stressed.

Famous film director, Azerbaijan's national artist Vagif Mustafayev, famous actor Rafig Azimov, Azerbaijan's national artist, actor and director Abdulahad Mahmudov (Sheykh Abdul), Azerbaijan's national artist, actresses Hamida Omarova and Khalida Guliyeva, famous cinematographer, and Azerbaijan's honored artist Kanan Mammadov also shared their memories of Shakhmar Alekperov.

Shakhmar Alekperov was born on August 23, 1943, in the city of Kirovabad (now Ganja). When Shahmar was nine years old, the family moved to Baku. He studied at the acting faculty of the Theater Institute (now the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts). From the third year on, he played on the stage of the Azerbaijan State Drama Theater (now the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theater). Soon he received an invitation from director Adil Iskenderov to the studio Kinoakterstvo," created by him at the "Azerbaijanfilm" studio named after Jafar Jabbarli.

At the "Azerbaijanfilm" studio, Shahmar Alekperov proved himself as a talented actor and director and also dubbed films. Among the famous roles are Gazanfar ("My Seven Sons"), Iman ("The Last Pass"), Arif ("Life is testing us"), Azad ("The winds are blowing in Baku"), Gatir Mamed ("The Avenger from Ganjabasar"), Javidan ("Babek"), Ibrahim ("It's time to saddle horses), and others.

In 1987, Shahmar Alekperov (together with Gulbeniz Azimzade) made his first film "Exam". He also directed such films as "Gazelkhan" and "Night without Edge".

The actor died on August 12, 1992, after a long illness, at the age of 49.
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday suspended the three-year jail term of former public servant K C Samria, who challenged his conviction and sentence by trial court for his involvement in a case related to irregularities in coal block allocation in Chhattisgarh.

Issuing notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Justice Tushar Rao Gedela also sought its response on Samrias appeal.

The judge admitted the appeal and listed it for hearing next along with similar appeals of other convicts in the case.

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Keeping in view that the appellant was never arrested during the trial and keeping in mind that the co-accused public servants have already been granted bail by a co-ordinate bench of this court, I am of the opinion that the sentencing order of the trial court qua the appellant shall remain suspended till the pendency of the appeal, the court said.

On August 16, the high court had sought the response of the probe agency on the appeals by former coal secretary H.C. Gupta and former IAS officer K S Kropha, who have also challenged their conviction and jail terms in the case.

Admitting their appeals, a bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma had issued notice and had said that both the appellants will remain out on bail till the matter stands disposed of.

The judge had said that the appeals will be listed in due course along with the appeals moved by the other convicts  former Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Darda, his son Devender Darda and JLD Yavatmal Energy Pvt Ltds Director Manoj Kumar Jayaswal.

Issue notice. The counsel for CBI accepts notice. The appeals are admitted and will come for hearing in due course, the court had said.

When Gupta and Kropha were granted bail by the special judge, they were allowed to challenge their conviction before the high court.

On July 28, the high court granted interim bail to the Dardas and Jayaswal, who were handed four-year jail terms. The court enabled them to challenge their conviction before the high court.

Judge Sharma had issued notice on the pleas moved by the Dardas and Jayaswal against the trial court order convicting and sentencing them in the case.

The court had sought the CBIs response and had directed to file it within eight weeks.

The Delhi court had awarded four-year jail terms to them while Gupta, Kropha and K.C. Samaria were handed a three-year jail sentence. The court had also imposed a fine of Rs 50 lakh on M/s JLD Yavatmal.

A fine of Rs 15 lakhs each was also imposed by the special judge on the Dardas and Jayaswal. The other three convicts were directed to pay a fine of Rs 20,000 each.

On July 13, Special Judge Sanjay Bansal delivered the verdict convicting them.

The accused have been held guilty under Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code, and sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The court had earlier acknowledged the arguments presented by senior public prosecutor A.P. Singh, stating that the CBI has successfully proven its case beyond any reasonable doubt.

During the hearing on the quantum of punishment, the probe agency had sought the maximum punishment, claiming that Darda and his son had met then CBI Director Ranjit Sinha at his residence to scuttle the investigation. It was further claimed that a witness in the case stated that he was threatened by Jayaswal, who tried to influence him not to depose against him.

On November 20, 2014, the court had rejected the closure report submitted by the CBI in this case. The court had directed the probe agency to initiate a fresh investigation, citing that the former MP Darda had misrepresented facts in letters addressed to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who also held the Coal portfolio.

According to the court, Vijay Darda, who is the Chairperson of the Lokmat Group, resorted to such misrepresentations in order to obtain the Fatehpur (East) coal block in Chhattisgarh for JLD Yavatmal Energy.

The court had ruled that the act of cheating was carried out by private entities as part of a conspiracy involving both private parties and public servants.

JLD Yavatmal Energy was granted the Fatehpur (East) coal block by the 35th Screening Committee. Initially, the CBI alleged in its FIR that JLD Yavatmal had unlawfully concealed the previous allocation of four coal blocks to its group companies between 1999 and 2005. However, the agency later filed a closure report, stating that no undue benefit had been granted to JLD Yavatmal by the Coal Ministry during the coal block allocation.
During a press conference held at The Taj Palace in New Delhi on August 23, preceding the Bengal Global Business Summit, Dr. Amit Mitra, Principal Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister of the Government of Bengal, shed light on the successful investments being made in the state of West Bengal.

A delicate equilibrium has been achieved between capital expenditure, the development of physical infrastructure, and the expansion of various sectors, all with the primary goal of creating livelihoods and jobs for the people of Bengal. Mitra emphasized, An investment of Rs 1 Crore generates 37 jobs, and Bengals banks have invested Rs. 1.28 Lakh Crore, envisioning the substantial employment opportunities generated.

Entrepreneurs from seven companies, both based in and outside Bengal but with investment surge in the state, were in attendance, sharing their success stories.

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Wow Momo, a startup originating from Bengal, now boasts a chain of 650 restaurants across India. The founder, Sagar Dariyani, expressed his gratitude towards the Bengal government and the favorable business environment in the state. Wow Momo, headquartered in Bengal, currently stands as Indias largest homegrown quick-service restaurant chain.

Bengals healthcare sector is also on the rise. Rupak Barua, CEO of AMRI hospitals, noted that Bengal is emerging as a medical tourism hub due to the affordability of healthcare services.

Mitra emphasized that investments in Bengal are on the upswing and will continue to rise, with new sectors emerging.

TATA Steel has made significant investment surge in Bengal. Given Bengals abundance of 295 rivers, TATA has ventured into ports, shipping, marine agencies, and highways to support their multi-modal logistics operations.

West Bengal has achieved the top ranking among states in controlling the debt-to-GDP ratio, according to the NIPFPs database.

Its worth noting that the Bengal government has made substantial investments in the social services sector. Projected investments are set to reach Rs. 82,180 Crore in 2023-24, compared to Rs. 6,846 in 2010-11. Additionally, the exports of gold, shrimp, human hair, and steel from Bengal have all experienced significant growth.
At the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noticed a mini national flag kept on the ground to denote standing position during a group photo of the BRICS leaders but made sure not to step on it as a mark of reverence towards the tricolour.

As he picked up the flag and put it in his pocket, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa followed suit by picking up his national flag which was also placed on the ground.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Chinese President Xi Jinping were also a part of the group photo.

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Meanwhile, PM Modi had a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

Had an excellent meeting with President @CyrilRamaphosa. We discussed a wide range of issues aimed at deepening India-South Africa relations. Trade, defence and investment linkages featured prominently in our discussions. We will keep working together to strengthen the voice of the Global South as well, Modi said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
India took the lead in forging consensus on membership criteria and in the selection of new members for the BRICS grouping during the Leaders Retreat, sources said.

A significant development took place in BRICS expansion during the Leaders Retreat on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday attended the BRICS Leaders Retreat, where the leaders of the grouping deliberated on global developments and explored how to utilize the BRICS platform effectively to address and resolve global challenges.

PM Modi arrived in South Africa on Tuesday. Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora who chanted Vande Mataram slogans. The members of the Indian community welcomed him with dhols outside the Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg.

This is PM Modis third visit to South Africa and the trip marks the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between India and South Africa.

The opening day of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg was witness to the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue.

In his address at the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue, PM Modi said India will soon be a 5 trillion dollar economy and in the coming years will be the growth engine of the world.

PM Modis special message to the dialogue was that mutual trust and transparency can help create a big impact, especially in the Global South.

Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said as Africa has an urbanised population, it can provide a stable workforce in future, and BRICS countries have an opportunity to contribute to and participate in Africas growth story.

Africa has a young digitally connecting and urbanizing population. A population that provides a stable workforce for companies in future. The investment in skills continues to grow, President Ramaphosa said.

Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attended the event.

Initially formed as BRIC, a visionary concept coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim ONeil in 2001, BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, and China  a collective representation of burgeoning emerging markets brimming with current and future economic prowess. In a momentous development in 2010, South Africa joined the bloc, prompting a change in the acronym BRICS.

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Nationalist Congress Party leader Supriya Sule on Tuesday accused the BJP-led Central government of being anti-farmer and said that the farmers are suffering due to the increased input costs.

She criticised the central governments decision to impose 40 per cent duty on onion export.

This government (BJP-led central govt) is against the farmersThe farmers are suffering due to the increased price of fuel and fertilizers. When they dont get MSP(Minimum Support Price) for every crop, what they will do?.. As I said this government( Central government) is anti-farmer, Supriya Sule said while talking to reporters.

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She said that the central government was constantly coming up with anti-farmer policies. If farmers fail to get enough returns for their produce, they will have to stop farming as it will not be an affordable occupation for them anymore, Sule said.

The NCP leader said that while onions were in surplus in India, the export of the crop is not allowed by the Central government depriving the prospect of farmers getting high prices.

I tweeted four months ago addressing Piyush Goyal that onion is in high demand in the global market and it is in surplus in India. But the central government not allowed onions to be exported. it was a completely flawed policy for the farmers, Supriya Sule said.

Several opposition leaders have criticised the Centres decision, saying that farmers would not be able to earn enough if they have to pay such a high duty.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed Indias landing on the Moon as announcing the birth of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), which has overcome seas of difficulties, given proof of the capacity of its 140 crore people, and is conveying a signal of its emerging destiny.

This nectar-shower of success has taken place in the first dawn of Indias Amrit Kaal, the prime minister said in a message from South Africa where he is attending the BRICS Summit.

These moments announce Indias new energy, new confidence and a new consciousness, he added.

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Overwhelmed by the success of Indias scientists, the prime minister said When we see such history being made in front of our eyes, our life becomes a blessed one. Such historic events become part of the eternal consciousness of national life. Such moments are unforgettable. These moments are unprecedented.

We made a resolve on earth, and realised it on the Moon, Mr Modi said, addressing countrymen as members of his family. Our scientists have also said India is now on the Moon. Today, we have witnessed New Indias new flight into Space, he said.

Immediately after the Moon landing, Modi congratulated the ISRO team and tweeted Historic day for Indias space sector. Congratulations to @isro for the remarkable success of Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission.

He said after the Moon Mission, India would extend its exploration into Space. Soon ISRO will launch Aditya L-1 Mission for an extensive study of the Sun, to be followed by a Mission to Venus. India is preparing for its first human Space flight through Gaganyaan. Sky is not the limit, India is proving repeatedly, he said.

The prime minister said he was in South Africa for the BRICS but like all other Indians, his thoughts too were fixed on the Chandrayaan Mission. The whole country turned into festive mood just as the success was achieved, and he too was close to them in this celebration.

I congratulate Team Chandrayaan, ISRO and all scientists who had worked hard for years for this moment, he said. In this extraordinary moment of enthusiasm, joy and emotion, I congratulate the 140 crore citizens of the country, he said.

Modi said it was the talent and hard work of its scientists that India had landed on the South Pole of the Moon, where no other country had done so far. Todays event will change all mythology and stories about the Moon. The new generation will have new proverbs, he said.

In India, the earth is called Mother and the Moon, maternal uncle, he said. Moon was called distant, but now a day will come soon when children will call going to the Moon just another travel tour, he said.

The prime minister shared Indias success with people of the world and said that Indias moon mission was not Indias alone. This is a year in which the world is witnessing Indias G-20 presidency. Our approach of One Earth, One Family, One Future is resonating across the globe. This human-centric approach that we represent has been welcomed universally, he said.

Our moon mission is also based on the same human-centric approach. Therefore, this success belongs to all of humanity. And it will help moon missions by other countries in the future. I am confident that all countries in the world, including those from the Global South, are capable of achieving such feats. We can all aspire for the moon and beyond, he said.

The prime minister said India will never forget this day, which showed success can be achieved by taking lessons from failures. Science and technology will be the foundation of the nations progress. Todays achievement will inspire countrymen to work for Indias bright future, he said.
A railway bridge under construction in Mizoram, Indias northeastern state, collapsed, resulting in a tragic incident. Officials have confirmed the loss of at least 17 laborers who were engaged in the construction project. In addition, there are concerns about the fate of several others who are currently unaccounted for.

The unfortunate incident occurred near the Sairang area of Mizoram, situated approximately 21 kilometers from the state capital, Aizawl. This disaster unfolded around 11 am on Wednesday, and it transpired during the progress of the Bhairbi-Sairang New Line Mizoram Railway Project, according to the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).

Sairang is a town located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) away from Aizawl, which serves as Mizorams capital and is positioned in the far eastern region of India, near the Myanmar border.

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Currently, the Sairang branch of the Young Mizo Association is actively involved in rescue efforts. It has been reported that there were 40 construction workers present on the bridge at the time of the collapse.

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced financial assistance in response to this tragic event. He declared 10 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and 2 lakh for individuals who sustained critical injuries.

The ill-fated bridge was in the process of being constructed over the Kurung River. It is positioned between the Bairabi and Sairang railway stations. The bridges pier stands at an impressive height of 104 meters. Once completed, the bridge would connect Sairang railway station, the last railhead before reaching Mizorams capital, Aizawl, to the national railway network.

Condolences pour in:

Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the  PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 23, 2023

Expressing concern over the incident, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) conveyed its condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wished for a swift recovery for the injured. They also assured that rescue operations are in progress and that all possible support is being provided to those affected.

Mizorams Chief Minister, Zoramthanga, also shared his grief on social media, describing the collapse as deeply saddening. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and offered well-wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured. He also expressed gratitude to the individuals who came forward in large numbers to assist with the ongoing rescue operations.
A day after the raid at the residence of senior CPI-M leader and former state local self-government minister AC Moideen at Wadakkancheerry in Thrissur in connection with a money laundering, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has frozen the former ministers two bank accounts.

The money laundering case against Moideen is related to Karuvannur co-operative bank fraud.

According to reports, these bank accounts have deposits worth Rs 31 lakh. Apart from Moideens bank account, the Central agency has given directions to freeze the bank accounts of Maharashtra native Anil Kumar and Kannur native Satheesan.

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While Anil Kumar has been engaged in selling gold pledged in banks, Satheesan is in money lending business.

Sources said the ED will serve notice to Moideen asking him to appear for an interrogation shortly . Moideen has denied any misconduct over the financial affairs of the scam-hit Karuvannur Cooperative Bank.

Terming the EDs raid carried out at his residence as pre-planned, Moideen said he would co-operate with any investigation.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted a raid at the residence of senior CPI- M leader and former local self-government minister AC Moideen at Wadakkancheerry in Thrissur as part of an investigation into alleged money laundering related to the Karuvannur Cooperative bank loan scam. The raid, which began at 7 am on Tuesday morning, continued till 5 am on Wednesday.

EDs preliminary probe found that many benami loans were disbursed allegedly on the instructions of CPI-M district level leaders and committee members who governed the bank
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday expressed his delight and exultation at the historic moment of Chandrayaan-3s landing on the moon.

In a social media post, CM Vijayan said, Every Indian stands with pride as our nation becomes the fourth to successfully land on the Moon.

Pinarayi Vijayan also lauded all Malayalis behind the mission, including Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath.

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Stating that the success of the mission highlighted the importance of scientific temper, Vijayan said it is inevitable for the holistic progress of a society.

Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev shared his happiness over the successful completion of soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon.

In a Facebook post, Rajeev explained that six public sector companies and 20 private companies from Kerala are participating in Chandrayaan 3 mission which has successfully landed on the moon.

As India stands proudly in front of the world, Kerala can also be proud to be a part of this mission. Kudos to all the scientists and other personnel who made the successful landing possible, Rajeev said in the post.
A female teacher died while two others were injured after the roof of a government school collapsed in Baddowal on Ferozepur road in Ludhiana on Wednesday.

The police said the incident took place when three teachers were sitting in the staff room of the Government Senior Secondary School Baddowal.

They were rushed to a private hospital where teacher Ravinder Kaur was declared brought dead, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Deepkaran Singh Toor. The condition of two others was stated to be out of danger. It was not immediately clear what caused the roof collapse.

Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains expressed grief over the death of Kaur. In his condolence message, the minister said with the death of Ravinder Kaur, her family has suffered irreparable loss, as well as the education department has also suffered the loss of her services regarding brightening the future of the children.

Commenting on the incident, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governments crude attempt to repackage a government school into a School of Eminence turned into a disaster.

Advertisement I pray for the safety of two teachers trapped below the collapsed roof of the school staff room and appeal to the AAP Punjab government not to put our teachers and students in danger to score political brownie points, said on his X account.

Meanwhile, due to heavy rains and floods in the state, Punjab on Wednesday closed all its schools till Saturday. Making this announcement, education minister Bains said keeping in mind the floods caused by heavy rains in various districts of Punjab including Himachal Pradesh, the Punjab government has ordered with immediate effect in all government, aided, recognised and private schools of the state for safety reasons.

Holidays are observed with immediate effect today (23 August 2023) till 26 August 2023 (Saturday), he said.

Many areas in the state are in the grip of floods following the recent floods and the current heavy rain. Punjab has been put on high alert as inflow into the Bhakra and Pong dams increased on Wednesday. As the water level in both the Sutlej and Beas rivers continues to be high, the inflow into the Bhakra is 1.28 lakh cusecs and into the Pong dam is 1.58 lakh cusecs.
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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called the success of Chandrayaan-3 the beginning of the golden age of Indian space science.

In his message after the success of the mission on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said that the ISRO team is heartily congratulated for this achievement achieved with the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Chief Minister Yogi also witnessed the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface. The CM watched the live telecast of this historic achievement of India at his residence.

He congratulated everyone after the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 and termed the achievement as a strong demonstration of the potential and power of New India.

He said that we are proud of the golden success of Chandrayaan-3, the new flight of courage and strength of new self-reliant India, which is moving towards becoming a superpower in space research.

Underlining the importance of the success of Chandrayaan-3, the Chief Minister said that this mission would greatly help scientists in research and would prove to be extremely helpful in solving the mysteries of the universe. This is a reflection of the immense potential of the New Self-reliant India.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati in her message said: Hearty congratulations to the scientists of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for making India proud by successfully landing Chandrayaan-3 on the moon. It is very important that the progress of science should be for the welfare of mankind. I sincerely hope that this campaign will be successful in its humanitarian objective.

UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya in his statement said: Feeling immense pride and excitement after watching the live telecast of Chandrayaan-3s landing. Today all the countrymen celebrated the soft landing of Chandrayaan 3 with pride and enthusiasm like a national festival.

Darul Uloom Farangi Mahal Eidgah Lucknow celebrated the occasion by holding a live telecast of the event in presence of women and children. Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahal on the occasion congratulated all the people and said that it is a matter of pride for all and the people of Lucknow are celebrating even more because its Mission Director is from Lucknow. This is the reason why the name of Lucknow will also be associated with the work, he said. Sweets were also distributed among the students of Madrasa and Shaheen Academy to celebrate the occasion.
Is the basis of intensifying global rivalries primarily geopolitical or ideological? The question is necessary to attempt an answer to because it will inform the approach towards establishing the rules of international governance which are clearly crumbling. The trajectory of big power competition, confrontation, and/or conflict will have a profound impact across domains and geographies. While a lot of time and effort by experts around the world has gone into producing high-quality research on the Sino-US strategic competition in recent years, the West in particular has tended to look at the post-Soviet Russian state as a diminished power which is not particularly ideologically committed.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has sparked security concerns across Europe and for its transatlantic ally but neither Brussels nor Washington seems to be any closer to figuring out how to deal with Russia. A recently published monograph by leading analyst Constanze Stelzenmuller brings out this dilemma for the West in sharp relief when she asserts that free democracies must understand they are now facing state rivals who see them as ideological enemies. While it is intuitive for Western establishments to classify the Chinese Communist Party as both an ideological foe and a geopolitical competitor, Russias war in Ukraine has resulted in what she terms a cognitive blockage in Western security policy. The realist camp among policymakers has been arguing for a while that a compromise must be reached with Moscow as Western governments are struggling with numerous other disruptive challenges, as well as the prospect of a string of elections in the West ~ from Poland in October 2023 to the United States of America in November 2024 ~ all of which appear to be empowering right-of-centre nationalists. So, the argument goes, in this context it would be the responsible approach to push for a negotiated peace deal even if it means Kiev losing significant territory already under Russian occupation.

Yet the calls for negotiation elide a central question: What if President Vladimir Putin and the extant political system in Russia is practically unwilling and ideologically unable to reach such a compromise? A European historian has characterised Russia as being rooted in a SovietStalinist DNA. If that is the ideological underpinning of a nationalist Russia, Mr Putin will not back off. Those who support negotiations and look at the West-Russia face off as one brought about by the decline of Russia and its strategic weight alone perhaps misjudge what a German commentator has termed the categorical nature of this (Russias) hostility.

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This approach, he adds, has deep roots in the Soviet Union and has been demonstrated time and again by the Kremlin. That would imply the West is confronting a different challenge, one that requires putting Moscow back in the enemy category in terms of security policy
Acharya Dhirendra Shastri, also known as Baba Bageshwar, the founder of Bageshwar Dham, recently drew attention in Nepal during his visit. He was invited by Nepals wealthiest family, the Chaudhary group.

Many people in Nepal were upset when he claimed that Nepal had always been an integral part of India.

The controversy and criticism that started on social media with the news of Shastris visit to Nepal continued to simmer.

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Upon the invitation of Barun Chaudhary, Managing Director of Chowdhury Group and CG Corp Global, Bageshwar Baba traveled to Nepal to narrate the Hanumant Katha at Shashwat Dham in Nawalparasi. Devotees warmly welcomed Baba upon his arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport from Delhi.

Initially, he had plans to meet Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, along with other political and public figures. However, due to backlash, Prachanda did not attend his event.

Nonetheless, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha visited the guru, recommended by Swami Anand Arun, who operates the Osho Tapoban on the outskirts of Kathmandu.

A large number of devotees gathered at Bageshwar Dham Sarkar to listen to his discourse. Under the pandal, people stood attentively, engrossed in his storytelling.

Baba Bageshwars schedule included a visit to Pashupatinath at 4 pm and meetings with religious organizations in Kathmandu. Afterward, he was set to travel to Shashwat Dham Nawalpur for a three-day discourse.

About the backlash:

Before the religious gurus arrival, several Nepali media outlets had published articles about his views on women and marginalized groups. This sparked significant backlash from civil society regarding his visit.

One Member of Parliament came to hear the story with a basket of fruits, which he offered to Bageshwar Baba. Dhirendra Shastri welcomed the Nepalese parliamentarian and expressed his desire to see Nepal as a Hindu nation.

During his visit, Bageshwar Dham Sarkar mentioned, I inquired whether Hindi is spoken in Nepal or not. If people speak it, then I will definitely visit. Going to Nepal is no different from going to the British after Lord Balajis command.

Earlier, he made a public appeal to all Sanatani to unite and stand up for the defense of the religion. Additionally, he suggested using bulldozers against stone pelters during the Ram Navami yatra.
Russian president Vladimir Putin will no longer attend a meeting in South Africa in August, according to President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa.

The arrest of the Russian president is required by an order from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In order to attend a conference of the BRICS countriesBrazil, Russia, India, China, and South AfricaPresident Putin was scheduled to visit the nation in August.

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Should he show up, the Democratic Alliance, the largest opposition party in South Africa, petitioned the courts to order his arrest.

However, in court-received documents, this cant happen, declared President Ramaphosa, because Russia has made clear that arresting its sitting president would be a declaration of war.

Later on, he said that he and President Putin had mutually decided that he should not attend. Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister of Russia, will be present instead.

South Africa should imprison suspects on its soil as a signatory to the court, but President Ramaphosa cautioned that Russia might see this as an act of war.

The Geneva Conventions and other international treaties and legislation specify the rules of war.

Ukraine has accused Russian forces of committing more than 400 war crimes in the Kherson region between March and November 2022. In addition, the UN says Russia could be responsible for crimes against humanity by attacking civilian infrastructure such as power stations and dams. Russia has denied all allegations of war crimes or targeting civilians.

Rules of war crime:

Crimes against humanity or, in some cases, genocide are serious crimes including murder, rape, or the mass persecution of a people.

Military forces are not allowed to purposefully target civilians or the infrastructure on which they rely, such as power plants.

Some weapons, including chemical and biological weapons as well as anti-personnel landmines, are prohibited.

Care must be given to the sick and injured, especially wounded troops who have rights as prisoners of war.

The Hague-based ICC was established to look into war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a social media post, claimed that he was never made aware of Hamas' war intentions by any of the country's intelligence agencies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday night on the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and the two leaders agreed on the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region and facilitating humanitarian assistance.
Johannesburg, South Africa  Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the BRICS Summit. This marks the second day of his visit to the African nation.

On this eventful day, Prime Minister Modi engaged in a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as part of the 15th BRICS Summit.

The BRICS Summit brings together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. They will convene over three days in Johannesburgs financial district of Sandton. The presence of Chinese Premier Xi Jinping underscores the strategic importance China places on the BRICS alliance, a commitment that has developed over the past decade.

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Its worth noting that during Xi Jinpings visit to India, he and PM Modi discussed similar matters in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. India has played a leading role in building consensus on membership criteria and the selection of new BRICS members.

PM Modi addressed the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue. He expressed Indias ambition to become a 5 trillion dollar economy in the near future. This positioning aims to establish the country as a global growth engine.

Prime Minister Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian community upon his arrival in Johannesburg. And, the Prime Ministers Office shared some glimpses of this on Twitter.

BRICS Plenary session highlights:

During this plenary session, Russia and China aim to strengthen their political and economic influence in the developing world. This summit also provides a platform for voices critical of western influence.

The plenary sessions will be followed by a cultural performance and a banquet dinner hosted by President Ramaphosa.

BRICS, initially coined by Goldman Sachs to highlight the fastest-growing economies has evolved into a significant geo-economic grouping. The group comprises Brazil, Russia, India, and China. It held its first summit in 2009. South Africa joined the group in the following year as Africas representative.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a mercenary group in Russia, lost his life in a plane crash along with nine others. Prigozhin had recently attempted a short-lived rebellion against President Vladimir Putin.

Yevgeny Prigozhin threatened to march on Moscow in order to remove Russias defence minister, an action that infuriated President Vladimir Putin, who vowed to punish those who betrayed Russia. But after just 36 hours of this conflict, Prigozhin consented to a deal that would see him move to Belarus.

The Kremlin said, he would not be prosecuted as a result, and neither would his loyal troops. Those who wished to could sign contracts to join the regular Russian armed forces.

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Today

Cloudy this evening with periods of light rain and snow after midnight. Low 34F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 100%. Snow accumulations less than one inch..

Tonight

Cloudy this evening with periods of light rain and snow after midnight. Low 34F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 100%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.
Press Release

August 23, 2023 Senate congratulates PMCC 4th Watch on its Golden Anniversary The Senate adopted a resolution Wednesday, August 23, 2023, congratulating members of the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch), Inc. (PMCC 4th Watch) on the church's golden anniversary to be celebrated on August 27th. Senate Resolution No. 84 was introduced by Senators Cynthia Villar, Christopher Lawrence Go, Imee Marcos and Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay. The resolution lauded the PMCC 4th Watch for engaging in social work activities such as medical assistance, disaster rescue and educational outreach program. According to the resolution, the church which established a national network of schools dedicated to quality Christian education and in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross last month, conducted a nationwide bloodletting campaign across 30 locations in the country, successfully collecting a total of 4023 bags of blood. The PMCC 4th Watch has launched national and global evangelistic efforts, establishing churches in different parts of the country and world, marking its presence in almost every major city and province in the Philippines and in more than 70 countries in various continents of the world. The resolution also noted the church's role during the pandemic as it reached out over eight million people across the globe through the broadcast of the Word of God via uplifting radio and television programs as well as through intercessory prayers and humanitarian aid. "The church's commitment to evangelism, which is a defining aspect of its identity, extends beyond spiritual guidance. Members share their faith through door-to-door missionary work, public outreach, and broadcast initiatives like Oras ng Katotohanan and Surer Word. These efforts connect hearts and minds worldwide, embodying universal principles of love and compassion, and biblical teachings," Villar said. "As we celebrate PMCC 4th Watch's 50th anniversary, we recognize their profound spiritual and social impact. Congratulations, PMCC 4th Watch, on a journey filled with faith, love, and dedication. May your future continue to enrich lives. Let's honor this momentous milestone and be inspired to strive for a world filled with understanding, compassion, and unity," Villar said.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, August 23. Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zhanybek Kulubaev, and Germany's Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, Annalena Baerbock, will discuss ways to enhance bilateral economic collaboration, Trend reports.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, these discussions will occur during Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Minister's visit to Germany on August 24-25.

The visit's purpose is to discuss the expansion of Kyrgyz-German political, economic, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation.

Minister Kulubaev will also hold bilateral meetings with authorities from Germany's Federal President's and Chancellor's Offices, a Bundestag member, and other officials.

Additionally, he will meet with the leadership of the German Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations to discuss intensifying Kyrgyz-German cooperation.

Previously, the Embassy of Germany in Bishkek told Trend that there is significant potential for further developing bilateral economic relations between Germany and Kyrgyzstan.

The Embassy highlighted that German companies possess considerable expertise in renewable energy fields, such as solar and hydropower. As a result, successful joint projects are possible in the future.
As the Indian Space Research Organisations (ISRO) Moon mission Chandrayaan-3 made a soft landing on the lunar surface, the aerospace and defense companies are in the limelight.

Companies in the aerospace and defense sector, Larsen & Toubro, Mishra Dhatu Nigam, Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Forge, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), Linde India, Centum Electronics, Avantel, MTAR Technologies and Paras Defence and Space Technologies saw buying interest on Wednesday, even as Chandrayaan-3 was getting ready to touch down on the Moon.

Centum Electronics, which delivered more than 200 critical modules to the Chandrayaan-3 mission, zoomed 14.91 per cent. Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd jumped 5.47 per cent, MTAR Technologies rallied 4.84 per cent, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd climbed 3.57 per cent, and Mishra Dhatu Nigam jumped 3.10 per cent.

Shares of Bharat Forge climbed 2.82 per cent, Astra Microwave Products gained 1.72 per cent, Larsen & Toubro 1.42 per cent, and Walchandnagar Industries Ltd 1.34 per cent.

A successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 is likely to generate positive sentiment for these companies, potentially boosting their stock prices, Economic Times quoted Santosh Meena, Head of Research, Swastika Investmart as saying.

The successful landing is also expected to attract more investment in the country's space-tech sector. Here is a look at some of the companies that are in focus and the role they played in Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Larsen & Toubro

Larsen & Toubro had stated that the critical booster segments of the mission, namely head end segment, middle segment and nozzle bucket flange, with a diameter of 3.2 meter, were manufactured and proof pressure tested at L&Ts Facility in Powai. We are privileged to partner with ISRO in nationally important space programmes for which L&T has contributed its remarkable engineering prowess, manufacturing expertise and skilled workforce. The space sector is opening up for the Indian Industry and we will leverage this long association with ISRO to play a bigger role in space programmes of the future, the company had said in July.

Mishra Dhatu Nigam

The company said it "developed and supplied various critical and strategic materials for LVM3 M4, a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle, for the launch of the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission."

Hindustan Aeronautics

The public sector aerospace and defense company is understood to have provided key support to the mission. The company, being a leading player in the aerospace industry, is likely to have offered expertise, technology, and components necessary for the mission.

Centum Electronics

The company, which saw heavy buying interest on Wednesday, delivered more than 200 mission-critical modules to the Chandrayaan-3. Centum Electronics provides flexible manufacturing solutions for high technology and high complexity applications.

Paras Defence and Space Technologies

The company provided navigation system for the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft.

MTAR Technologies

The company has been associated with ISRO for over three decades and has been supplying "a wide variety of mission critical assemblies" for its missions. MTAR Technologies manufactures liquid propulsion engines, cryogenic engines (turbo pumps, booster pumps, gas generators and injector heads for such engines) and electro-pneumatic modules to serve space launch vehicles.

Walchandnagar Industries Ltd

The Pune-based company, which has been cooperating with ISRO from 1973, has actively participated in the manufacture of booster motor casings and nozzles for the ISRO space programmes, from SLV-3, ASLV to PSLV & GSLV Mk II and Mk I.
In the last few years, several Taiwanese companies have set up shop in India and many more are interested in investing in the country, Estela Chen, director at Bureau of Foreign Trade, Taiwan, said on Wednesday.

"There are almost 250 Taiwanese companies here in India with an accumulated investment of around USD 4 billion," she said.

Among the most notable Taiwanese companies, Foxconn assembles Apple Iphones at a factory in Tamil Nadu and earlier this month announced plans to invest $600 million in two projects in Karnataka.

The company is also looking to set up semiconductor manufacturing unit in India, it was reported earlier, after it had exited from the semi conductor joint venture with Vedanta.

There are other Taiwanese companies expanding into India, too. For instance, in April 2023, a subsidiary of Taiwanese footwear maker Pou Chen signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Tamil Nadu government to set up a non-leather footwear manufacturing plant in the state.

Such deals will lead to other suppliers coming here, too.

Once you make the footwear, you need a lot of components to come with you. That means, the supply chain, upstream, downstream, middle-stream, they will come here together as a group, said Chen.

Battery swapping firm Gogoro recently signed an agreement with Maharashtra for smart battery packs and battery swap stations. The proposed ultra mega project deal would exceed USD 1.5 billion, the company had said.

India is expected to be among the fastest growing major economies this year, at a time developed countries like the US are staring at a possible recession.

"More and more Taiwanese companies, even delegations and associations are paying attention to India," said Chen.

She noted that Taiwanese companies are strong in areas like ICT (Information and Communications Technology), machinery and automation solutions and are areas of interest.

Bilateral trade between India and Taiwan has grown nearly six-fold from USD 1.19 billion in 2001 to almost USD 7.7 billion in 2021, according to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in India.
High drama unfolded at a local hospital in Lucknow where mayor Sushma Kharakwal made a visit on Monday. Kharakwal had a heated argument with the hospital administration after she was asked to remove her shoes before entering the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

As the altercation escalated, reports said, posters were put up outside the hospital premises and even a bulldozer was brought to the place. However, the matter was resolved after police reached the spot.

According to hospital administration, the mayor and her supporters tried to enter the ICU without following the hygiene protocol. Hospital director Mudrika Singh, however, later denied reports of an altercation between the staff and the mayor.

Kharakwal reportedly visited the hospital to meet Suren Kumar, a retired soldier from the Army brigade of the municipal corporation, who was being there.
Expressing the Karnataka government's commitment to protect the state and its farmers' interest with regards to the dispute over releasing Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday stressed on evolving a distress formula for water sharing and implementation of Mekedatu project that would mitigate such issues during rainfall deficit years.

Maintaining that despite scarcity owing to shortfall in southwest monsoon rains, Karnataka has released Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu to an extent possible considering its own requirements for drinking water and standing crops, he accused the neighbouring state of opposing the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project without any grounds or reason.

The Chief Minister today had convened an all-party meeting to discuss the inter-state river disputes like Cauvery and Mahadayi among others.

At the meeting, it was decided to effectively fight a legal battle in the Supreme Court regarding the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, and cooperation was sought from opposition parties about taking an all-party delegation to the Centre, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at resolving inter-state water issues and pending projects.

Earlier this week, Tamil Nadu had approached the apex court with a plea to direct Karnataka to release 24,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily for standing crops.

Karnataka has been maintaining that it will be able to release water to Tamil Nadu taking into account its needs like drinking water and standing crops in the Cauvery basin areas citing scarcity due to deficit monsoon rains.

"It is the unanimous view of all parties that whether it is on the issue of the state's water, language or border -- while taking a stand there is no politics. They have expressed their support to any decision or stand taken by the government in the interest of the state," Siddaramaiah said.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said till August end, Karnataka had to release 86.38 tmc of water, but due to deficient monsoon rainfall in the catchment areas of the Cauvery basin resulting in lower inflow, Karnataka is unable to release the desired amount of water.

"Keeping in mind the interest of our farmers and their crops, and our drinking water requirements, the state has released water as far as possible, but the distress formula is still not ready till today, neither in the tribunal nor in the Supreme Court," he added.

Stating that the state's legal team has been directed to make an effective argument on behalf of the state before the Supreme Court, the Chief Minister said, when Tamil Nadu's petition came up for hearing in the apex court, the state government advocates have argued that it is not maintainable.

The matter is once again coming up before the SC on August 25, he said, adding the "state's legal team has been asked to ensure that their (TN) petition is rejected and all that is possible should be done to protect the interest of the state."

In the meeting, Siddaramaiah said it was also discussed to take an all-party delegation to Delhi to meet the Prime Minister and Union Jal Shakti Minister aimed at resolving the Mekedatu, Mahadayi issues, and the Upper Krishna project for which a gazette notification is yet to be published.

"I have sought cooperation of opposition parties in making the Centre understand the ground realities about the inter-state water issues and projects pending with the Centre for clearances," he added.

Stressing on the need for evolving a distress formula, the Chief Minister said Karnataka should be allowed to go ahead with the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project.

"With the Mekedatu project whose capacity will be 67 tmc, during such distress situations, we can release water to Tamil Nadu. Without any reason or ground, they (TN) are opposing. We have already prepared a DPR for the project as sought by Central Water Commission, they have asked Cauvery (Water Management) Authority's opinion, which is yet to meet on the issue," he said.

Former chief ministers B S Yediyurappa, M Verappa Moily, D V Sadananda Gowda, Jagadish Shettar, H D Kumaraswamy and Basavaraj Bommai were present at the meeting, along with some Members of Parliament and leaders from various parties.

Various Ministers of the state government, including Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who is also in-charge of Water Resources department, and Karnataka's legal team, including Advocate General and lawyers, representing in the Supreme Court were present in the meeting.

Noting that the Supreme Court in February 2018 had given a final order on sharing the Cauvery river water and have determined the quantum of water to be released to Tamil Nadu every month, Siddaramaiah said Karnataka has released 26.07 tmc against 86.38 tmc till August end due to deficit rainfall.

"We have released 2.8 tmc against 9.19 tmc in June, 8.74 tmc against 31.24 tmc in July, and 26 tmc till August 22 against 45.95 tmc," he said.

There is Cauvery Water Management Authority and Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee, consisting of representatives from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and the Centre by the Supreme Court to implement its orders in 2018, the Chief Minister said. According to the order, Tamil Nadu should get 177.25 tmc water at Biligundlu in normal years.

"But such distress situation comes in Karnataka once in every five to six years like cycle, so we have been saying before the Authority and the Committee that we will not be able to release water to Tamil Nadu as there is no water," he said.

"We have to protect the crops grown by farmers, and also have the responsibility of providing drinking water to the people. Keeping both these in mind, we have placed our argument before the Cauvery Water Management Authority," he added.

The Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee on August 10 decided that 15,000 cusecs per day would be released by Karnataka to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, and following the state's objection, the CWMA asked the state to release 10,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu on a daily basis for the next 15 days. Subsequent to these developments, the state government has filed an appeal for reconsideration, the Chief Minister pointed out.

In the meanwhile, Tamil Nadu went to the Supreme Court with a petition that Karnataka has not released water, Siddaramaiah said, noting that at Mettur dam in the neighbouring state, there was 63 tmc water.

"For kuruvai (short duration) crop, what TN need is 32 tmc of water, but what they have utilised is more than 60 tmc water, that means they have increased acreage under kuruvai crop more than 1.85 lakh acre. Despite that, there is water in Mettur dam, but still they are complaining about not releasing water," the Chief Minister explained.
A last minute move to assuage upset senior leaders, their groups of influence and balancing of caste equations is likely in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh with indications of a cabinet expansion of the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government getting clearer.

According to party sources, there are 90 per cent chances of a cabinet expansion within a day or two. There are currently four vacant berths in the Chouhan cabinet that can have maximum 35 members including the chief minister.

The new ministers, if inducted, are likely to get just about one-and-a-half months to work as polls are likely in the state in November this year.

Chouhan met Governor Mangubhai Patel late on Tuesday evening, stirring the speculations of an imminent cabinet expansion, though the official line was that it was a courtesy meeting.

On Wednesday, BJP state chief V.D. Sharma said that cabinet expansion was a discretion of the chief minister and if it is done, it will come to fore.

Names of ex-minister Rajendra Shukla, a Brahmin leader of influence from Rewa seat in the crucial Vindhya region, and Gaurishankar Bisen, an OBC leader from tribal-dominated Balaghat in Mahakoshal region, are among the most possible names to be included in the cabinet, sources said.

Other names that are making the rounds include Pritam Lodhi, a relative of former Chief Minister Uma Bharti from Shivpuri district. However, Lodhi is not an MLA but wields considerable support among the OBC voters. He has a sweet-sour relation with the party and has been recently reinducted after a suspension last year.

Ex-minister Ajay Vishnoi from Jabalpur, who has off and on shown his anger at being left out of cabinet openly, might also make a cut.

Other OBC leaders Rahul Lodhi, a nephew of Uma Bharti and first-time MLA from Khargapur in the important Bundelkhand region, and Jalam Singh Patel, ex-minister and brother of union minister Prahlad Singh Patel from Narsinghpur in the Mahakoshal region, are also under consideration for cabinet berths, sources said.

The name of Sulochana Rawat, a tribal BJP MLA from Jobat in Alirajpur district and a former Congress minister, is also in circulation among the possible faces. Rawat had snatched the Jobat seat from Congress in November 2021 by-polls after joining the BJP just ahead of the elections.

Sources said the decision to expand the cabinet was taken after a feedback by the state poll in-charge Bhupender Yadav during recent visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah that several senior leaders and their supporters were upset over not being included in the cabinet.

There has been no expansion of the Shivraj Singh Chouhan cabinet in Madhya Pradesh after the induction of 28 ministers in July 2020. The previous expansion came more than three months after a BJP government was formed following a rebellion of about two dozen Congress MLAs led by Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Five ministers had been inducted initially and the cabinet size had gone up to 34 including the chief minister, with just one slot remaining vacant.

During the November 2020 bypolls, three of the ministers from the Scindia camp had lost and these berths had fallen vacant but there was no cabinet expansion for the past three years. Since the Congress rebels had to be adjusted in the cabinet, many senior leaders were left out.

CM Chouhan has been known to make a final cabinet reshuffle a few months short of assembly polls during the past three times. Therefore there was expectation among the senior left-out leaders that they might get a berth during the last phase of governments tenure. As the election dates drew closer and no indications of expansion came, the restlessness of the leaders had been growing.
Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar will address his third rally in Kolhapur, the bastion of rebel NCP minister Hasan Mushriff, on August 25.

Kolhapur and Pawar have always had special relationship. Pawar always got huge support in Kolhapur city and district. However the fact remains that Kolhapur also saw close lieutenants of Pawar raising banners of revolt for various reasons.

Mushriffs mentor and late MP Sadashiv Mandlik used to be a top lieutenant of Pawar in the beginning years of the NCP. However Mandlik later had a falling out with Pawar and contested 2004 Lok Sabha elections as an independent and won it, too. He defeated Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje from Kolhapur royal house who contested on NCP ticket. Mushriff, too, now has gone Mandlik way and joined Ajit Pawars group of rebels. And that is why Pawar senior is traveling to Kolhapur.

Pawars supporters from Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara districts are expected to attend the rally in large numbers. It will also be a show of strength for the Maha Vikas Aghadi as the Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) cadres, too, will be present in large numbers.

Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the head of Kolhapur royal family, will preside over Pawars rally event on August 25. This is a clear indication that the king of Kolhapur who has a sizeable following in the city and the district is leaning towards the MVA.

There is also a strong speculation that MVA candidate from Kolhapur in the upcoming LS election could be from the royal family. Shahu Maharaj is not in the mood to contest an election. However, his younger son Maloji Raje is looking to revive his political career. Maloji Raje has served one term as a Congress legislator in Maharashtra. So it would not be a surprise if his name emerges as front runner as the MVA candidate.

Also, since all three parties of the MVACongress, NCP and Shiv Senahave staked claim on Kolhapur Lok Sabha seat, a member of the royal family could emerge as a consensus candidate.

Kolhapur rally will be Pawars third in the bastions of rebels. He addressed the first rally at Yeola in Nashik district, the constituency of Chhagan Bhujbal. The second rally was held on August 17 at Beed, the home turf of rebel NCP minister Dhananjay Munde.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi may or may not meet President Xi Jinping, but China has been on his mind as he attends the BRICS summit in Johannesburg. There is no official confirmation about a meeting between the two leaders, but with news reports post the 19th Line of Actual Control (LAC) commanders just a day before Independence Day suggesting that there may be some progress on disengagement, there are indications that the stage is being set for a meeting.



Whether the meeting happens in Johannesburg or in Delhi, when Xi travels for the G20 meeting in early September, remains to be seen. But a meeting between the leaders is imminent. At the BRICS Business Forum leaders dialogue on Tuesday, Modi even as he pitched for investment in India, raised the importance of resilient and inclusive supply chainsa comment that is clearly aimed at China.



Covid-19 pandemic has taught us the importance of resilient and inclusive supply chains. Mutual trust and transparency are very important to achieve this, said Modi. We can collectively work towards the welfare of the Global South and make a significant contribution to it.



Any meeting between the two leaders will be viewed through the prism of their respective domestic audiences. Facing an election next year, and with the opposition raising questions on China and the land lost, PM Modi is under pressure to deliver a win.



While the two leaders have not had a conversation after the Galwan clash in 2020, in Bali the two leaders did reach a consensus on the boundary, according to a read-out China sent out after a meeting between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval with his counterpart Wang Yi, Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China, in July. The ministry of external affairs, then, confirmed that the two leaders spoke.



A report in The Indian Express, on Wednesday quoted an official source stating that the commanders on the ground were discussing possible modalities for limited disengagement at certain mutually-accepted points along the boundary. If this move could possibly be a step towards creating the right climate for the leaders to meet remains to be seen. India has made it clear, on several occasions that the relationship between the two countries is far from normal. India-China relations are not normal and cannot be normal if peace and tranquility in border areas are disturbed, said S. Jaishankar after a meeting of foreign ministers of the member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Goa.
Chandrayaan-3, the lunar mission of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) touched down on the south pole of the Moon on Wednesday, in what has been hailed as a giant leap for India. The landing marks India's emergence as a space superpower along with three other nationsthe United States, China, and Russia.

What makes this mission special is that ISRO managed to land Chandrayaan-3 on the south pole which is the southernmost point on the Moon.

The south pole is considered to be a compelling region for future scientific explorations and missions owing to the presence of water ice in the area. The region, which is permanently shadowed, features the largest crater on the Moon. Craters contain fossil record of hydrogen, water ice which is very important to future explorations, and other volatileschemical elements or compounds in a solid state that melt or vaporise at moderately warm temperaturesdating from the early solar system.

Water ice can be used to sustain human presence on the Moon, providing drinking water, oxygen, and fuel for rockets. It can also be split into hydrogen and oxygen, which can be used as rocket propellant.

Spanning a significant area of the lunar surface, the region experiences extreme temperatures. In permanently shadowed areas, the temperatures can drop to as low as -203C. Some of the permanently shadowed regions havent seen sunlight in billions of years.

The regions unique characteristics hold promise for unprecedented deep space scientific discoveries that could help us learn about our place in the universe and venture farther into the solar system, states NASA.

Lunar volatiles are likely trapped in permanently shadowed regions of the Moon, and those volatiles have a story to tell us about the history of the solar system, NASAs Chief Exploration Scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington Jake Bleacher has been quoted as saying.
A business jet crashed north of Moscow on Wednesday night, killing all the 10 people on board, the TASS news agency reported.

According to Russian emergency officials, Mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the passenger list, but it wasn't immediately clear if he was on board.

Some reports even suggested that the Embraer Legacy aircraft belonged to Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner private military company. Prigozhin had led a failed mutiny against the Russian military in June. The mutiny was ended by negotiations and an apparent Kremlin deal which saw Prigozhin agree to relocate to neighbouring Belarus.

An investigation has been launched into the Embraer plane crash that occurred tonight in the Tver region. According to the passenger list, among them is the name and surname of Yevgeny Prigozhin," Russia's aviation authority Rosaviatsia said in a statement.

According to TASS report, the jet, en route from Moscow to St Petersburg, was carrying seven passengers and three crew.

The authorities said they were investigating the crash, which occurred in the Tver region more than 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of Moscow.
US President Joe Biden will be in India on September 7 and 10 to attend the G-20 Leaders' Summit, the the White House announced on Tuesday.

Besides commending on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership of the G20, the President will also discuss with other leaders a range of global issues, including the Ukraine conflict, the statement added.



The G20 world leaders' summit will be held in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1, 2022, from Indonesia.



"President Biden and G20 partners will discuss a range of joint efforts to tackle global issues, including on the clean energy transition and combatting climate change, mitigating the economic and social impacts of Putin's war in Ukraine," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.



"Increasing the capacity of multilateral development banks, including the World Bank, to better fight poverty, including by addressing global challenges, she said in a statement.



Biden will also reaffirm the US commitment to the G20 as the premier forum of economic cooperation, including by hosting it in 2026, Jean-Pierre added.



White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that Biden's talks with leaders on the sidelines of the summit will focus on climate change, Russia's war in Ukraine and other global challenges.



Meanwhile, the Delhi government on Tuesday approved a proposal to declare holiday in the national capital on September 8-10 in view of the G-20 summit. All schools, government and private offices and commercial establishments will remain closed for three days.



Delhi Police Special Commissioner Madhup Tiwari had earlier wrote a letter to the chief secretary, recommending the declaration of holiday in the state during the high-profile summit which will be held at the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam convention centre in Pragati Maidan.



"Since, most of the arrivals will take place September 8 and delegates will depart to their respective countries on September 10-11, there will be a massive movement of traffic which needs to be curtailed to ensure safe passage for the delegates from airport to hotels and to the other venues during the summit," the letter read.



Several heads of states and diplomats including US President Joe Biden, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron, will attend the event.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said he had an excellent meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and discussed a range of issues aimed at deepening the bilateral ties and also working jointly to strengthen the voice of the Global South.



Prime Minister Modi, who is on a three-day visit to South Africa and Greece, reached here on Tuesday at the invitation of President Ramaphosa to attend the 15th BRICS Summit being held under the South African Chairmanship from August 22-24.

"Had an excellent meeting with President @CyrilRamaphosa," Modi tweeted after the meeting held ahead of the BRICS Summit.

"We discussed a wide range of issues aimed at deepening India-South Africa relations. Trade, defence and investment linkages featured prominently in our discussions. We will keep working together to strengthen the voice of the Global South as well," he said, sharing some photographs of the meeting.

The Global South is generally seen as home to Brazil, India, Indonesia and China, which, along with Nigeria and Mexico, are the largest Southern states in terms of land area and population.

"BRICS has been pursuing a strong cooperation agenda across various sectors. We value that BRICS has become a platform for discussing and deliberating on issues of concern for the entire Global South, including development imperatives and reform of the multilateral system," Modi said in New Delhi before his departure for Johannesburg.

The Summit, he said, will provide a useful opportunity for BRICS to identify future areas of cooperation and review institutional development.

This is the first in-person BRICS Summit after three consecutive years of virtual meetings because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday, Modi attended the Leaders' Retreat along with his counterparts from China, South Africa and Brazil.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has not travelled to Johannesburg for the annual summit of the BRICS nations comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

"The Retreat which took place in closed format, was an opportunity for the leaders to discuss global developments and ways for leveraging the BRICS platform to find solutions to global challenges," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release.

The prime minister also participated in the BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue on Tuesday, the MEA said in another press release.

During the meeting, Modi highlighted the various reforms being undertaken by India to improve the ease of doing business, including technology-based solutions to address the social and economic challenges, it said.

He also invited BRICS business leaders to participate in India's developmental journey.

The prime minister noted that Covid had highlighted the importance of resilient and inclusive supply chains, and emphasised the importance of mutual trust and transparency for this.

He also stressed that together BRICS can contribute significantly to global welfare, particularly of the Global South, the press release said.

During his stay in Johannesburg, Modi will also participate in BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue events that will be held as part of the BRICS Summit activities.
Kremlin has dismissed the former leader of Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine. Gen. Sergey Surovikin was dismissed from his post as the head of Russia's aerospace forces. As per a CNN report, Surovikin was among at least 30 other senior Russian military and intelligence officials who were secret VIP members of Wagner.



Surovikin, reportedly, has not been seen in public since the short-lived mutiny led by Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in June. Gen. Viktor Afzalov, Chief of the General Staff of the Aerospace Forces has replaced Surovikin.

Surovikin is a veteran, who was also part of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. According to a post on Telegram by a prominent Russian journalist Alexey Venediktov, Surovikin had been relieved of his post but would continue serving the Ministry of Defense in another capacity.

According to sources, his dismissal is due to him being transferred to a different role. In June, Prigozhin called for the toppling of Russia's military command. In less than 24 hours after that, Prigozhin made a deal with Kremlin and was exiled to Belarus. Surovikin hasn't made any public appearances after this.

Prigozhin, however, on Tuesday, released a video indicating that he might be in Africa. In the video, Prigozhin said the group is making Africa 'more free'. Putin initially branded Prigozhin a traitor, but the criminal case against the mercenary chief was later dropped.
Kolkata, Aug 23 (PTI) HDFC Bank Director Keki Mistry on Wednesday asserted that the demand for housing will continue in India and it has the power to unlock the potential of the economy.

Speaking at the foundation day celebration of Bandhan Bank, Mistry said the housing sector also generates huge employment and has a better credit risk profile than other segments.

"Housing holds the key to unlock the potential of the economy. I am optimistic about the demand for housing in India. It also generates huge employment," Mistry, vice-chairman and CEO of erstwhile HDFC said.

Mortgage lender HDFC has now been merged with HDFC Bank.

Mistry said the penetration level of mortgage lending is very low in the country as compared to the US or China.

"Mortgage to GDP ratio is very low in India," he said.

"The structural demand for housing in the country will always be strong," Mistry said, adding that "housing loans are safe and have better credit risk profile".

Regarding corporate governance (CG), Mistry said the role of independent directors needs to be strengthened.

"CG is the measure of how companies are run. Sound CG principles are necessary for long-term sustenance. This is why the role of independent directors needs to be strengthened," he said.

"Good CG has a distinct advantage as investors are ready to pay a premium. More importantly, the role of independent directors is crucial as the business environment has become far more complex," Mistry said.

The independent directors serve as a conduit between various stakeholders and the management, he said.

Besides CG, environment, social and governance (ESG) is also becoming important and boards of companies have recognised this.

Talking about the economy, he said India has now been in the spotlight as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

"In recent years, India's growth surpassed expectations. Foreign investors are now acknowledging the country's growth prospects. It is poised to become the third largest consumer market in the world after the US and China," he added.

The Indian banking sector has become more resilient with lower NPA levels, he said.

However, the economy is very much dependent on oil prices as India imports 85 per cent of its requirements, Mistry added.
New Delhi, Aug 23 (PTI) The West Bengal government will announce a host of policy decisions to facilitate and attract more investment during the upcoming Bengal Global Business Summit, 2023, Amit Mitra, Principal Chief Advisor to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, said on Wednesday.

The government is facilitating entrepreneurs through policies, Mitra said, adding that the state has a stable government, which works with the industry, and many new sectors will come and invest in the state.

"Several policies are in the process, which you will hear about in Bengal Global Business Summit. Besides, there are several interesting policies that the government is working on," Mitra told reporters on the sidelines of Confederation of Industry (CII) investor roadshows here.

"The Cabinet has passed some of them and... in the Bengal investment summit there will be a burst of policy areas, all of which promote greater investment," he said.

A total of 40 countries have participated in the roadshows this year, he said.

"I think there is a feeling in the air among people abroad, as well as entrepreneurs at home, that Bengal is the place to go," Mitra said.

"We expect even greater investment offers in the upcoming Bengal Global Investment Summit to be held on November 21-22. We expect more sectors to emerge and also expect that international participation with technology-focussed entities will be a new development," Mitra added.

He said Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employs 55,000 people in West Bengal and will add another 15,000 in the new campus. "If we have 65,000 people in TCS, it will be larger than Bengaluru," Mitra said, adding that Jio is setting up a data centre, while Cognizant is employing 22,000 people, and Wipro 12,000 people in the state.

He said West Bengal is the fourth largest state in India with the state GDP in the current fiscal projected to be Rs 17 lakh crore, up from Rs 4.5 lakh crore in 2010-11.

Mitra said the government has focussed on macro management, fiscal and revenue deficit management, stimulation of the economy by capital expenditure, investment in agri and allied industries and infrastructure.
Jaipur, Aug 23 (PTI) A day ahead of the beginning of G20 trade ministers meeting here, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday expressed hope to build a consensus on Jaipur call for action to promote investments and global trade.

However, he said that the members are trying to build a consensus keeping in mind the reality of differences among the G20 members on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

When asked whether disagreement among G20 member countries over the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a concern, Goyal said members are trying to build a consensus on as many issues as possible keeping in mind this reality.

"There is a good understanding between the member countries.but there are some realities on which there is no possibility of a consensus agreeing on that is naturally not a possibility because it is a real situationBarring this, we are trying to build a consensus on all the remaining priorities, he added.

These remarks assume significance as White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a statement on August 22 said that President Biden and G20 partners will discuss a range of joint efforts to tackle global issues, including the clean energy transition and combating climate change, mitigating the economic and social impacts of the Ukraine conflict.

Representatives of the G20 countries are gathering here for the trade and investment ministerial meeting, scheduled on August 24-25. They would be deliberating on five priority areas - trade for growth and prosperity, trade and resilient global value chain, integrating MSMEs in global trade, logistics for trade and World Trade Organisation (WTO) reform.

The minister said that the member countries have held meetings during the last one year of India's G20 presidency on different issues and have converged their views of those subjects and because of that a good outcome document is expected to be released after the trade ministers meeting tomorrow.

Before the ministers meet, officials of G20 have done the groundwork on the final document or communique that will be issued at the end of the ministerial meeting.

If there is no consensus on the communique, India being the host nation may have to issue a G20 Chair's summary and an outcome document. This has been the pattern in other G20 meetings.

In February, the meeting of finance leaders of the world's 20 biggest economies, referred to as the group of 20 or G20, in Bengaluru ended without a joint communique after Russia and China opposed any reference to the war in Ukraine. Also, no communique was issued after the third G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting at Gandhinagar in July.

Further, Goyal said that the officials of the countries have been burning the midnight oil to forge consensus and build a document on the priority areas.

Trade for growth and prosperity arm of the discussions would include more transparency on non-tariff barriers and recognising the importance of aid for trade initiative to enable global south to effectively participate in internal trade.

On global value chain, the agreement could centre on developing a mapping framework that can help members identify opportunities for improving efficiency and building resilience within these chains.

Logistics for trade include reliability of international trade and cargo operations, developing logistics infrastructure and promoting international paperless transactions that would reduce transaction costs.

"We have been able to come up with significant consensus amongst the member countries invoking a Jaipur call for action. The Jaipur call for action will help promote industry, MSME sector, upgrade the global trade help desk, and bridge information gaps for MSMEs to help them expand their business and trade, Goyal told reporters here.

He said that the members have deliberated on formulating high-level principles for digitalisation of trade and trade facilitation.

"We are confident that tomorrow and day after ministerial meetings will come up with a concrete actionable outcome agenda which will help the world withstand any future shocks, he said.

They have also emphasised on the rules-based, open inclusive multilateral trading system, he said adding India has increasingly become the voice of the global south.

On WTO reforms, he said that India wants the dispute settlement mechanism of the Geneva-based organisation to work smoothly.

Goyal has held a bilateral meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is here for the meeting.

He added that though there is a need to modernise the WTO, it should take into account the level of development in developing as well as least developed countries.

"Common but differentiated responsibility (CBDR) should be there...and consensus-based decision-making of the WTO should continue, he said.

The commerce minister also had bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the US, Switzerland, France, the UAE, Brazil and Bangladesh.

"Issues related to the free trade agreement with the EU were discussed with France, said an official.

The G20 members include Canada, France, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UK, the USA and the EU. Representatives from six invitee countries -- Bangladesh, Egypt, Netherlands, Oman, Singapore and UAE -- will also participate.



G20 accounts for 85 per cent of global GDP, 78 per cent of global trade, and almost two-thirds of the world's population. India is holding the presidency for this year.
Jaipur, Aug 23 (PTI) A day ahead of the G20 trade ministers meeting here, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said the member countries are looking at reaching a consensus on a "Jaipur call for action" to help promote industry, MSMEs, and global trade.

Representatives of the G20 countries are gathering here for the trade and investment ministerial meeting, scheduled on August 24-25.

Briefing the media about the meeting, Goyal said that the officials of the countries have been burning the midnight oil to forge consensus and build a document on the priority areas.

When asked whether disagreement among G20 member countries over the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a concern, Goyal said members are trying to build a consensus on as many issues as possible keeping in mind this reality.

".there are some realities on which there is no possibility of a consensus ... barring this we are trying to build a consensus on all the remaining priorities, he added.

In February, the meeting of finance leaders of the world's 20 biggest economies, referred to as the group of 20 or G20, in Bengaluru had ended without a joint communique after Russia and China opposed any reference to the war in Ukraine. Also, no communique was issued after the third G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting at Gandhinagar in July.

The five priority areas that are being discussed are trade for growth and prosperity; trade and resilient global supply chain; integrating MSMEs in global trade; logistics for trade; and WTO reforms.

Strengthening mutual cooperation in the G20 to increase transparency in the use of non-tariff measures would be discussed in the meeting.

The G20 members include Canada, France, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UK, the US and the EU. Representatives from six invitee countries -- Bangladesh, Egypt, the Netherlands, Oman, Singapore and the UAE -- will also participate.

G20 accounts for 85 per cent of global GDP, 78 per cent of global trade, and almost two-thirds of the world's population. India is holding the presidency for this year.

"We have been able to come up with significant consensus amongst the member countries invoking a Jaipur call for action. The Jaipur call for action will help promote industry, MSME sector, upgrade the global trade help desk, and bridge information gaps for MSMEs to help them expand their business and trade," Goyal told reporters here.

He said that the members have deliberated on formulating high-level principles for digitalisation of trade and trade facilitation.

"We are confident that tomorrow and day after ministerial meetings will come up with a concrete actionable outcome agenda which will help the world withstand any future shocks," he said.

They have also emphasised on the rules-based, open inclusive multilateral trading system, he said adding India has increasingly become the voice of the global south.

On WTO reforms, he said that India wants the dispute settlement mechanism of the Geneva-based organisation to work smoothly.

Goyal has held a bilateral meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is here for the meeting.

He added that though there is a need to modernise the WTO, it should take into account the level of development in developing as well as least developed countries.

"Common but differentiated responsibility (CBDR) should be there...and consensus based decision making of the WTO should continue," he said.
Singapore, Aug 23 (PTI) Singapore-headquartered BOC Aviation Limited and India's largest airline IndiGo have entered into a finance lease transaction involving 10 Airbus A320NEO aircraft to further expand its fleet, officials said on Wednesday.

All 10 aircraft powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines are scheduled for delivery in 2023, said BOC Aviation.

We are delighted to be embarking on another transaction with our long-time customer IndiGo, to enable the airline to expand its fleet with the latest technology aircraft, said Steven Townend, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, BOC Aviation.

This showcases our ability to deploy alternative financing structures, to continue our long-term sustainable growth, he said.

We are pleased to enhance our partnership with BOC Aviation with the lease agreement for these 10 aircraft, said Riyaz Peer Mohamed, Chief Aircraft Acquisition and Financing Officer, IndiGo.

This extended collaboration with BOC Aviation is part of IndiGo's expansion strategy across domestic and international markets.

India is currently among the fastest-growing civil aviation markets in the world and these aircraft will help IndiGo consolidate its position in the region, he said.

BOC Aviation is a leading global aircraft operating leasing company with a fleet of 652 aircraft owned, managed and on order.

Its owned and managed fleet was leased to 91 airlines in 42 countries and regions worldwide as of June 30, 2023.

Meanwhile, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd (IndiGo) is amongst the fastest-growing low-cost carriers in the world.

With its fleet of over 300 aircraft, the airline is operating about 1,900 daily flights and connecting 79 domestic destinations and will soon further grow its footprint to 32 international destinations.
Johannesburg, Aug 23 (PTI) Consensus remained elusive on a common BRICS currency as business leaders from the five-bloc nations debated the pivotal issue at a business forum on the periphery of a summit of the five-member bloc being hosted here by South Africa.

In their two addresses at the Summit so far, the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa have made no or scant references to the issue either.

The BRICS Business Forum discussed the international payments system in detail. Participants also debated the question of whether a BRICS currency is possible or desirable, with strong views expressed both for and against and little consensus reached, Sim Tshabalala, Chief Executive of Standard Bank Group, told several hundred captains of industry from the partner countries and over 40 other nations across the globe at the Summit.

He was delivering the report from the BRICS Business Council Forum on Tuesday evening.

From an African point of view, a highlight of this conversation was the discussion of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, which has immense potential to stimulate trade and growth by increasing the speed and certainty and reducing the costs of cross-border payments in Africa.

Seen from a bankers perspective, the debate would probably progress more fruitfully if the discourse maintained a sharper conceptual distinction between international payments systems, on the one hand, and reserve currencies on the other, Tshabalala said.

He said that as an example, under certain circumstances, it may be possible to simplify international trade and the attendant payments using a collection of domestic currencies without reference to any international reserve currency.

It's also important to be realistic about the necessary characteristics of an international reserve currency. These include being a currency issued by a central bank with very high credibility in the implementation of monetary policy; being the currency of a state or supranational entity with an equally strong track record on fiscal policy and meeting its debts; being freely available in large quantities in many jurisdictions; and full convertibility at all times, the banker said.

It would take years to establish this, he noted.

Tshabalala said South Africas freely floating currency, open capital account, extremely skilful and credible central bank, and deep and liquid capital markets guarantee that returns on investment are - and will remain - quickly accessible in the currency of the investors choice.

The Forum report said it is likely that sub-Saharan Africa will be the fastest-growing region of the world by 2030.

Standard Banks analysts foresee that intra-African trade could double under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and that there would be a USD 3.4 trillion investment opportunity in African infrastructure emerging from this rapid growth, Tshabalala said.

"Given that the BRICS nations are agricultural powerhouses, agricultural production and trade were discussed in detail, with a view that given the investments and the right policy environment, Africa can become the breadbasket of the world during this century, he said.
Chandigarh, Aug 23 (PTI) Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij on Wednesday said the Airports Authority of India will set up a civil enclave in Ambala for operations of flights under the Regional Connectivity Scheme.

The Haryana aviation department will transfer more than Rs 133 crore to the Ministry of Defence for the purpose, to which the state government has given its approval, Vij said, according to an official statement.

Vij said the Civil Enclave will be established on about 20 acres, alongside the Air Force station of Ambala, and work on it will start soon.

He said a Rs 16-crore tender has been floated for the operation of the civil enclave.

A civil enclave is an area of military airbase allotted for civil aviation use.

Vij said that the civil enclave was sanctioned under the UDAN scheme.

According to the statement, Vij made tireless efforts to set up the enclave and it has now been approved and flight operations will also start soon.

Vij said the airplanes will be parked in the enclave while the airstrip will be used for the flight take off and landing, the approval of which has already been given by the Air Force.
Mumbai, Aug 23 (PTI) Rapper Badshah on Wednesday visited a cancer centre here and performed some of his popular songs for the patients.

The musical artist took the stage at the Tata Memorial Hospital to sing tracks such as "Kar Gayi Chull", "Jugnu", "Bachpan Ka Pyaar" and "Genda Phool" in front of the audience comprising over 300 cancer patients and survivors, a press release stated.

Badshah, whose real name is Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, also interacted with around 50 patients of the pediatric ward at the centre.

The 37-year-old said he salutes the courage and strength of "these young warriors".

"Kudos to ImPaCCT Foundation and Tata Memorial Hospital for the exemplary work they are doing towards the enrichment of the lives of these young warriors. Their commitment to the community is not only inspiring, but it shows how much the human tribe can accomplish when working in unison.

"Life is beautiful, if only we know how to live it even in the darkest of circumstances and these children are testimony to this fact! It was inspiring to see their resilient spirit and radiant enthusiasm and I am grateful for moments like these," Badshah said in a statement.

The children also showcased a special act on the recording artist's songs such as "Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai" and "DJ Waley Babu".

Dr. C.S. Pramesh, Director, Tata Memorial Hospital expressed gratitude towards Badshah for spending time with his young fans.

"Badshah is very popular amongst all of our patients, particularly children! The journey of cancer is not easy for the children and music helps them to forget their aches and pains and makes them happy and energetic!" the director said.

"Badshah's visit to the Tata Memorial Hospital will inspire many more in the music industry to follow suit. His efforts not only touched the lives of our young cancer warriors but also served as a reminder to all that a single act of kindness and positivity can have an immense impact on those in need..." added ImPaCCT Foundation, Tata Memorial Hospital's Officer-in-Charge, Shalini Jatia.
Singapore, Aug 23 (PTI) The prestigious National University of Singapore on Wednesday appointed UK-based Indian-origin academician Jasjit Singh as a visiting faculty to conduct lectures on Sikh beliefs and raise appreciation of the Sikh way of life internationally.

Singh, 51, is currently associated as an associate professor at the UK's University of Leeds and is considered to be a leading authority in the field of Sikh studies.

With his expertise on British Sikhism, Associate Prof Singh will sharpen our scholarly lens on Sikh beliefs and practices, and deepen our students knowledge and appreciation of the Sikh way of life not only in Singapore but internationally, Professor Lionel Wee, Dean at National University of Singapore's (NUS)Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), said.

He announced Singhs appointment as the inaugural Central Sikh Gurdwara Board (CSGB) Visiting Professor (Chair) in Sikh Studies on Wednesday.

Singh is a leading authority in the field of Sikh studies, he is also well-regarded as an innovator in his impact-related work as demonstrated by his meaningful engagements with minority ethnic communities and organisations in the UK, Wee said.

CSGB led the Sikh community here in raising the 1.06 million Singaporean dollars endowment fund, with the Singapore Government matching dollar-for-dollar, for setting up with NUS FASS the first visiting professorship (Chair) in Asia, outside the Indian subcontinent.

Singh began his one semester at FASS on August 7, 2023, in the new academic year 2023-2024.

Singh is currently teaching an undergraduate course titled Introduction to Sikhism where students will be introduced to the foundational tenets of Sikhism and its historical development in pre-colonial and colonial India.

He will also deliver guest lectures on the Sikhs for undergraduate courses, South Asia in Singapore and World Religions.

At the NUS FASS South Asian Studies Programme, he will also lead research on digital Sikhism  the study of the impact of the digital online environment on the religious lives of Sikhs and specifically how Sikhs in Singapore engage online.

Additionally, Singh will deliver a series of workshops to the Sikh community and a public lecture open to all organised by the CSGB and NUS which are scheduled to take place in November 2023.

Commenting on his appointment, Singh said, This position provides me with the opportunity to teach students from a different social and cultural context to my own and to learn about how they perceive Sikhs and how these perceptions have been developed. It allows me to research a relatively underexamined but very significant part of the Sikh diaspora.

With moves in academia to diversify and decolonise, it is becoming more and more important to bring in underexamined perspectives and to ensure that research on the Sikh diaspora is not solely based on the Western experience, he said.

The Chair is also an excellent example of university-community engagement which has been at the core of my academic career to date and highlights how the NUS and CSGB are committed to racial and religious harmony through the exchange of ideas and perspectives, helping to foster cross-cultural understanding, he elaborated.

CSGB President Dilbagh Singh said Despite our small numbers, the 12,500 Sikh community has emphasised the importance of inter-faith harmony for maintaining Singapore's social fabric, as well as its economic prosperity and international standing.

With this visiting professorship, we hope to promote Sikh cultural heritage and foster a deeper understanding of Sikhism and the Sikh way of life.
Johannesburg, Aug 23 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday attended the BRICS Leaders Retreat and deliberated on global developments with other leaders of the five-member bloc.

Modi arrived here on Tuesday on a four-day visit to South Africa and Greece. In South Africa, he will attend the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg from August 22-24 at the invitation of the country's President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa.

This is the first in-person BRICS Summit after three consecutive years of virtual meetings because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Reinforcing the intra-BRICS bonds! PM @narendramodi arrives at the Summer Place to participate in the BRICS Leaders Retreat. Warmly greeted by the host, President @CyrilRamaphosa of South Africa," Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Arindam Bagchi said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

"PM, along with other BRICS leaders will deliberate on global developments and leveraging the BRICS platform to find solutions to global challenges," he said.

Earlier, the prime minister spoke at the BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue.

He viewed a model of the under-construction Swaminarayan Temple here before taking part in the BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue.

"BRICS Business Forum gave me an opportunity to highlight India's growth trajectory and the steps taken to boost 'Ease of Doing Business' and public service delivery. Also emphasised on India's strides in digital payments, infrastructure creation, the world of StartUps and more.

"India believes in Make in India, Make for the World. Over the last few years we have made immense strides in IT, semiconductors and other such futuristic sectors. Our economic vision also places immense importance on empowerment of women," Modi posted on X.

BRICS grouping comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Meanwhile, media reports from Johannesburg said Chinese President Xi Jinping failed to show up at the BRICS Business Forum on Tuesday in South Africa, where he was expected to deliver a speech alongside his counterparts.

In his place, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao read the speech that criticised the US over its tendency toward hegemony.

Xi, in the speech read by Wang at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, said the US tended to fight countries that threaten its dominance in global affairs and financial markets.

The speech said that every country has a right to development and that people should have the freedom to pursue a happy life.

But one country is obsessed with maintaining hegemony, has gone out of its way to cripple the emerging markets and developing countries, he said in a veiled swipe at the US.

Whoever develops first becomes their target of containment. Whoever is catching up becomes its target of obstruction, Xi added.

Although he had arrived in South Africa on Monday evening, Xi skipped the business forum and no explanation was given, the report said. PTI MRJ KJV AKJ MRJ

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Karachi, Aug 23 (PTI) Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Wednesday said the war on terror will continue and it will not surrender to radicalism, extremism and intolerance, a day after outlawed TTP militants killed six soldiers.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, he said, Those who have misconceptions that such attacks will tire us should know that we will never forget our martyrs or their sacrifices and wont refrain from such sacrifices in future," the Dawn newspaper quoted him as saying.

Kakar's statement comes a day after six Pakistani soldiers were killed during an attack by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists on a convoy of security forces in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The attacks on security forces have seen a rise in the country after the truce between the Pakistan government and TTP ended in November last year.

Pakistan will not surrender in front of radicalism, extremism and intolerance  this is our home and we will run the country on our terms, Kakar stressed.

The first-time Senator from Balochistan province pointed out that Pakistan was spending its own money, collected through taxes on the countrys law enforcement agencies.

We are not fighting on donations, the premier said.

Referring to the suicide bombers as "the dogs of hell", Kakar said, "Do they think that my soldiers sitting in Waziristan, Balochistan or any other corner of the country dont know what God has in store for them."

He said that all the law enforcement personnel, whether they were combatting external aggression or were playing their role for internal security, were honoured and respected by the entire nation.

Kakar said that the government will relentlessly pursue the terrorists and they will be taken to task as per the law.

He went on to assert that Pakistan had a clear message for those who are spreading violence: We will keep fighting against the misguided.

Pakistan's National Assembly was dissolved on August 9, ending the tenure of the government led by Shehbaz Sharif and paving the way for installing a caretaker setup. The general elections in Pakistan are expected to be held within 90 days of the dissolution provided the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) completes fresh delimitation of the constituencies.
Johannesburg, Aug 23 (PTI) Showing respect to the Indian flag, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday immediately picked up the tricolour placed on stage at a BRICS meeting here to mark the standing place of every leader so as not to step on it.

A video of the meeting showed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledging the prime minister's gesture and picking up his country's flag after stepping on it.

While Ramaphosa handed over his flag to an official, Modi kept the tricolour with him.

Earlier, Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Ramaphosa during which they reviewed the progress made in bilateral ties, exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues and also on ways to work jointly to strengthen the voice of the Global South.
Islamabad, Aug 23 (PTI) Pakistan President Arif Alvi on Wednesday invited the top election official of the country for a meeting to set a date for the upcoming general elections.

Alvi wrote a letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, citing the constitutional requirement for the president to decide a date for general elections within 90 days of the dissolution of the National Assembly (NA).

The National Assembly was dissolved on August 9 which makes it mandatory for the Election Commission of Pakistan to hold polls within 90 days after the dissolution. However, the ECP is set to delay the election in order to carry out delimitation in the light of the new census, which is also a constitutional requirement.

The president wrote a letter to CEC for a meeting to be held "today or tomorrow to fix an appropriate date for general elections, according to the letter posted on platform X through the Presidents account.

Alvi wrote that "by virtue of Article 48(5) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the president is obliged to appoint a date not later than 90 days from the date of dissolution for the holding of general elections of [the] assembly.

The invitation for the meeting comes in the wake of the ECP announcing a new delimitation process which would be completed by December 14 and after that the election schedule would be announced.

The ECP is in fix as it cannot fulfill the two obligations of holding elections within 90 days and also determine new electoral districts.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 23. The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf held discussions with Malaysia's Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir in Tehran, Trend reports.

According to the report, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf emphasized the need for Iran and Malaysia to enhance their economic and banking connections while circumventing the usage of US dollars due to US sanctions.

Taking into account the recent parliamentary elections in Malaysia, Ghalibaf expressed optimism that the new Malaysian parliament would contribute to further strengthening parliamentary relations with Iran.

He highlighted Iran's continuous interest in fostering effective communication with ASEAN countries and expressed the hope that deeper ties with Malaysia could serve to advance these connections.

Ghalibaf stressed the significance of enhancing transportation links between Iran and Malaysia, particularly the initiation of direct flights between the two nations. He emphasized the urgency of addressing existing issues in air transportation to facilitate smoother commercial and tourism movement, given the geographical distance.

Zambry Abdul Kadir, in response, emphasized the importance of collaborative initiatives between the Malaysian and Iranian parliaments to facilitate relations on a governmental level. He expressed his hope that parliamentary cooperation between the two nations would pave the way for broader relationship development across various sectors.
Niamey, Aug 23 (AP) After three months of crossing the desert and then watching other migrants die at sea in his failed attempt to reach Europe, Sahr John Yambasu gave up on getting across the Mediterranean and decided to go back home.

The 29-year-old from Sierra Leone reached Niger in June on his return journey, but United Nations officials said he had to wait for packed migrant centers to empty before he could be repatriated.

Then mutinous soldiers toppled Niger's president a few weeks later, bringing regional tensions and the shuttering of the borders. Yambasu was trapped.

He is one of nearly 7,000 discouraged migrants trying to get home elsewhere in Africa that the UN estimates have been stranded in Niger since late July when members of the presidential guard overthrew the country's democratically elected president, Mohamad Bazoum.

Niger's junta closed its airspace and regional countries closed border crossings as part of economic and travel sanctions, making it hard for people to leave.

Niger is an important route both for Africans trying to reach Libya as a jumping off spot to cross the Mediterranean to Europe and those who are returning to their homes with help from the United Nations.

Yambasu and others like him are unsure when they will be able to leave.

I feel sad because it's a country that I don't belong to. It's not easy, Yambasu said.

Recounting his story, he said he left Sierra Leone in June because of political unrest and was hoping to reach Germany. He got rides across the region until arriving in Libya, where he boarded a boat with some 200 other migrants. The boat spent days at sea, with some people dying onboard before it was intercepted by Libya's coast guard and taken back to Libya.

That was enough for him and he headed for home. Helped by aid groups, he made it as far as Niger but has been unable to go farther.

UN officials estimate about 1,800 in Yambasu's predicament are living on Niger's streets because centers run by the International Organisation for Migration are too crowded to take in more. The centers hold about 5,000 people trying to get home.

The UN agency had been assisting approximately 1,250 people a month return to their countries this year. But the closure of borders and airspace has forced it to temporarily suspend returns and its centers are now jammed at 14 per cent over capacity, said Paola Pace, acting interim chief of mission for the agency in Niger.

This situation poses challenges for migrants as migrants staying in these centers may experience heightened stress and uncertainty with limited prospects for voluntary return and already crowded facilities, she said.

Pace worries the stall in the transiting of Africans seeking to get home could increase exploitation of vulnerable people by traffickers and smugglers who normally focus on individuals trying to migrate to Europe.

The shelters are helping people who are making their way home, rather than would-be migrants heading to Europe  a northern flow that has seen more than 100,000 cross the central Mediterranean to Italy so far this year, according to Italy's interior ministry.

COOPI, an Italian aid group that provides shelter for migrants in Niger's northern town of Assamakka near the border with Algeria, said that since the coup an additional 1,300 people have entered its center trying to return home.

COOPI assists the UN in hosting people, but has warned that it will run out of food and water if the borders don't open soon.

Not only are migrants unable to leave but aid groups are unable to bring in food and medical supplies.

Morena Zucchelli, head of mission for COOPI in Niger, said it has only enough food stocks to last until the end of August and its funding will run out at the end of September.

If the situation doesn't change ... we can't guarantee things will continue running, she said.

Before the coup, Niger worked with the European Union in trying to slow the flow of migrants north to Libya and Algeria. The EU had been scheduled to provide more than USD 200 million to Niger to help it address security, socio-economic and migration challenges.

It's unclear how cooperative the new military leaders will be with the EU, which has now frozen assistance to Niger. Anitta Hipper, a spokeswoman for the European Commission, could not say Tuesday whether cooperation on migration had been suspended, saying only that the EU would continue to monitor and evaluate the situation.

Momo Kmulbah is another of those trying to get back home, for him in Liberia. He says many of them have nowhere to turn for help.

He says UN officials have told him to be patient.

The 36-year-old has been sleeping on the pavement in Niger's capital, Niamey, with his two daughters and wife since June and they beg for food.

Our children don't have food to eat. I feel confused when I wake up in the morning, Kmulbah said. (AP) RUP

RUP
Colombo, Aug 23 (PTI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday pledged continued development assistance in every possible area to Sri Lanka amid its ongoing economic crisis.

Jaishankar addressed the parliamentarians who are part of the Sri Lanka-India Parliamentary Friendship Association through a video link and emphasised that India was in every aspect working towards strengthening the Indi-Sri Lanka ties.

"India will continue to provide developmental assistance to Sri Lanka in every possible area," Jaishankar said during his address.

Indian High Commissioner in Colombo Gopal Baglay was also present in Parliament and said that the bilateral relationship is further expected to be enhanced through four main areas: food security, energy security, currency support and long-term investment.

On the occasion, Sri Lankan parliamentary Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that relations could be further enhanced through exchange programmes that could be implemented by using the parliamentary friendship association.

Parliamentarians noted with gratitude Indias economic assistance to Sri Lanka when the island was plunged into its worst economic crisis last year.

India offered Sri Lanka more than USD 4 billion worth of assistance which in the main funded the imports of essentials and fuel.

The economic crisis triggered by forex shortages forced the public into the streets which forced the ouster of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)
Johannesburg, Aug 23 (PTI) Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for accelerating the expansion of the BRICS grouping besides efforts to jointly fend off risks by increasing the political and security cooperation among the countries of the five-nation bloc.

Xi, who skipped his attendance at the BRICS Business Forum on Tuesday sparking speculation about his absence, attended the Summit here on Wednesday where he pitched for more political and security cooperation among the member countries.

He was the only leader absent from the BRICS Business Forum on Tuesday, with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reading a speech in his place that had a hardline message apparently aimed at the US.

Asked why Xi had not attended the forum, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin sidestepped the question, telling reporters in Beijing on Wednesday that Xis speech had been delivered.

While his speech at the Business Forum hit out at the US saying that some country, obsessed with maintaining its hegemony, has gone out of its way to cripple the emerging and developing countries, he said in his speech at the summit that "the Cold War mentality is still haunting our world, and the geopolitical situation is getting tense."

He said development should not be a privilege reserved for a few but a right for all countries, and he supported the inclusion of more nations in BRICS.

"I am glad to see the growing enthusiasm of developing countries about participating in BRICS cooperation. And quite a number of them have applied to join  we need to accelerate the BRICS expansion process to bring more countries into the BRICS family, Xi said, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

The BRICS countries should keep to the direction of peaceful development, and consolidate the BRICS strategic partnership, Xi said, adding that members should make good use of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the Meeting of High Representatives on National Security and other mechanisms, support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, and enhance coordination on major international and regional issues.

"We need to tender good offices on hotspot issues, pushing for political settlement and lowering the temperature," he was quoted as saying by the state-run Xinhua news agency.

Noting that artificial intelligence (AI) is a new area of development, which not only can bring huge development dividends but also contains risks and challenges, Xi said the BRICS countries have agreed to launch the AI Study Group at an early date.

"We need to enable the study group to play its full role, further expand cooperation on AI, and step up information exchanges and technological cooperation," he said.

The BRICS members should also jointly fend off risks, promote the establishment of an international mechanism for universal participation, and develop AI governance frameworks and standards with broad-based consensus, so as to continuously make AI technologies more secure, reliable, controllable and equitable, he added.

He also called for efforts to deepen business and financial cooperation among BRICS countries to boost economic growth.

Xi said the world economic recovery remains shaky, and challenges for developing countries are even more formidable, hampering their efforts to realize the Sustainable Development Goals.

"Development is an inalienable right of all countries, not a privilege reserved for a few," Xi said.

He called on BRICS countries to be fellow companions on the journey of development and revitalisation and oppose decoupling and supply chain disruption as well as economic coercion.

BRICS countries should focus on practical cooperation, particularly in such fields as digital economy, green development, and supply chain, and bolster economic, trade and financial exchanges, Xi said.

He added that China will set up a China-BRICS Science and Innovation Incubation Park for the New Era to support the deployment of innovation results.

The BRICS bloc - comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - brings together five of the largest developing countries of the world, representing 41 per cent of the global population, 24 per cent of the global GDP and 16 per cent of the global trade.

Over 20 heads of state from Africa and the Middle East have also been invited to attend the summit. A number of them have applied to become members of BRICS, which is one of the matters on the agenda for the Summit.
Islamabad, Aug 23 (PTI) Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday accused Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial of trying to save Imran Khan after he picked holes in the conviction of the ex-premier in the Toshakhana corruption case verdict.

Chief Justice Bandial on Wednesday said there were "shortcomings" in the trial court's Toshakhana case judgment against the 70-year-old Khan.

"The chief justice is well aware that this person [Imran Khan] has wreaked havoc on Pakistan's economy, ethics, and culture. He has propagated violence and repeatedly violated the Constitution," Sharif told reporters outside his Avenfield residence in London, where he has been living since 2019.

The supreme leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) said that the chief justice was putting his own future at stake by safeguarding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief, the Express Tribune newspaper reported.

It pains me to witness that, despite knowing everything, he (CJP) is supporting him (Imran), he said.

Sharif said that former chief justice Saqib Nisar had previously claimed that his aim was to disqualify him and throw him behind bars.

"It is on record that Saqib Nisar had also said in the past that we must imprison Maryam Nawaz and me and bring Imran Khan into power," he said.

Recalling past statements from Khan, Sharif said that when the PTI chief became prime minister he had said during a visit to the US that he would remove the ceiling fan from Sharif's prison cell.

The PML-N leader said when Khan was in opposition he had said he would tie a rope around Sharif's neck and throw him out of the Prime Minister's House.

Separately, Sharifs daughter and PML-N Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz said Bandial had already given a verdict.

"When chief justice sahib has already made the verdict, what is the point of waiting for the high court's decision?" she posted on X.

Sharif and his daughter spoke hours after a three-member Supreme Court bench, while hearing Khans petitions regarding the Toshakhana case, made it clear that the verdict was given in haste and the accused was denied the right of defence.

The bench also announced that it will conduct a hearing on Thursday after the Islamabad High Court hearing. The remarks given by the judges during the hearing left an impression that Khan would get relief from the apex court.

The case was launched last year in October on the complaint of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) which had earlier disqualified Khan in the same case.

The case alleges that Khan had deliberately concealed details of the gifts he retained from the Toshaskhana - a repository where presents handed to government officials from foreign officials are kept - during his time as the prime minister from 2018 to 2022 and proceeds from their reported sales.

According to Toshakhana rules, gifts/presents and other such materials received by persons to whom these rules apply shall be reported to the Cabinet Division.

Khan reportedly received 58 gifts worth more than Rs 140 million from world leaders during his three-and-a-half-year stint and retained all of them either by paying a negligible amount or even without any payment.
Colombo, Aug 23 (PTI) Sri Lanka is currently processing a request by China to allow a research ship to dock in the country, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday, a year after a visit by a Chinese spy vessel to the Island nation raised security concerns in India.

The Chinese embassy here has made an application and the ministry is currently looking at it," Priyanga Wickramasingha, the foreign ministry spokesperson, told PTI. No dates have been fixed yet for the visit, she said.

The Chinese research vessel 'SHI YAN 6' is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka for marine research activities in October.

Described as a Research/Survey Vessel with a carrying capacity of 1115 DWT, the current draught is reported to be 5.3 metres in length overall 90.6 metres and width 17 metres,

The media here is abuzz that the foreign office here is in an awkward position about the request due to possible concerns being raised by India.

The vessel is expected to undertake research jointly with the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA).

The Chinese despatch their vessels to Sri Lanka on a regular basis. Two weeks ago, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy warship HAI YANG 24 HAO arrived in the country on a two-day visit.

It was reported that the arrival of the 129-metre-long ship was delayed due to concerns raised by India.

In August last year, a similar visit by the Chinese ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship, Yuan Wang 5, which arrived in the southern Sri Lankan port of Hambantota elicited strong reactions from India.

There were apprehensions in New Delhi about the possibility of the vessels tracking systems attempting to snoop on Indian defence installations while being on its way to the Sri Lankan port.

However, after a considerable delay, Sri Lanka allowed the ship to dock at the strategic southern port of Hambantota, being built by a Chinese company.

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka considers both India and China equally important partners in its task to restructure its external debt. China is one of the top lenders to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka owes USD 7.1 billion to bilateral creditors, including USD 3 billion to China.

The negotiations for Sri Lanka's external and domestic debt restructuring must be concluded by September, the time for the International Monetary Funds review of its USD 2.9 billion bailout extended in March this year.

The island nation was hit by an unprecedented financial crisis in 2022, the worst since its independence from Britain in 1948, due to a severe paucity of foreign exchange reserves.
Raipur, Aug 23 (PTI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday hailed the scientists of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and country's people for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon.

Our scientists have created history by making this difficult mission successful, he said in a statement.

India has become the first country in the world to land a spacecraft near the south pole of the moon and the fourth country to reach the moon, Baghel noted.

The countrymen are proud of this achievement, he added.
Mumbai, Aug 23 (PTI) Health services, including treatment, in all government hospitals in Maharashtra falling under the public health department's jurisdiction have been made available free of cost for patients, the state government said on Wednesday.

Medical tests, treatment and all other services provided on public-private partnership, excluding blood supply, are available free of cost to patients from August 15, said a government resolution (GR).

The decision to provide free treatment and other health services at all government hospitals in Maharashtra was taken by the state cabinet in its meeting on August 3.
New Delhi, Aug 23 (PTI) Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud on Wednesday hailed as a "historic achievement" the landing of Chandrayaan-3 on Moon's south pole and congratulated team ISRO on the feat.

The CJI told PTI that the success of the lunar mission places India in a select group of nations that have successfully achieved soft landing on the lunar surface.

"It is with immense pride as a citizen of our great nation that I witnessed the remarkable landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon today," he said.

"It is all the more significant because India is the only nation to have achieved the lunar landing on the south pole of the Moon.

This will help new avenues and scientific research and discovery. Truely, this lunar landing represents a milestone in the onward march of our nation," he said.

He congratulated the team ISRO and the entire scientific community on this "historic achievement".

"They have truly made the nation proud of their work," the Chandrachud said.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also congratulated the scientists involved in the project. He said the entire nation is feeling proud of the achievement.

"India has already started its journey of being number one in everything under the vibrant leadership of our Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi. This is one more achievement for this great country," he said.

"A big congratulations to our scientists most of whom represent the female power of the nation. The entire nation is feeling proud. Proud to be an Indian," Mehta said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 23. The death toll from the devastating landslide near the Shovi resort in Georgia has risen to 29 people, Trend reports.

The Emergency Management Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia confirmed this information. The search for four missing individuals is still ongoing.

The landslide struck the Shovi resort in western Georgia on August 3, causing immense devastation and loss of lives throughout the day. The authorities and rescue teams continue their relentless efforts to find those still unaccounted for and address the aftermath of this natural disaster.
Bengaluru, Aug 21 (PTI) ISRO's ambitious Chandrayaan-3 mission has been on a journey to the Moon since its launch on July 14.





According to the space agency, Chandrayaan 3's lander, with a rover accommodated inside it, is expected to touch down on the surface of the Moon around 6.04 pm on August 23.





Here is a glimpse of the journey of Indias third lunar exploration venture has taken so far:







July 14: LVM3 M4 vehicle successfully launches Chandrayaan-3 into orbit from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. Chandrayaan-3 starts its journey into precise orbit. July 15: First orbit-raising manoeuvre (Earthbound firing-1) successfully performed from ISTRAC/ISRO, Bengaluru. The spacecraft is in 41762 km x 173 km orbit.July 17: Second orbit-raising manoeuvre performed. Spacecraft is in 41603 km x 226 km orbit.July 22: Another orbit-raising manoeuvre completed using earth-bound perigee firing. July 25: ISRO performs one more orbit-raising manoeuvre. Spacecraft is in 71351 km x 233 km orbit.August 1: ISRO performs Translunar Injection successfully and inserts the spacecraft into translunar orbit. Orbit achieved is 288 km x 369328 km.August 5: Lunar-Orbit Insertion of Chandrayaan-3 performed successfully. Orbit achieved is 164 km x 18074 km, as intended.August 6: ISRO performs second Lunar Bound Phase (LBN). With this, the spacecraft is in a 170 km x 4313 km orbit around the Moon. The space agency releases video of the Moon as viewed by Chandrayaan-3 during lunar orbit insertion.August 9: Chandrayaan-3's orbit is reduced to 174 km x 1437 km after a manoeuvre is performed. August 14: Mission is in orbit circularisation phase after another manoeuvre. The spacecraft is in 151 km x 179 km orbit.August 16: Spacecraft brought down to an orbit of 153 km x 163 km after firing is completed.August 17: Lander module is successfully separated from the propulsion module. August 19: ISRO performs de-boosting of the lander module to reduce its orbit. The lander module is in 113 km x 157 km orbit around the Moon. August 20: One more de-boosting or orbit reduction manoeuvre on the lander module is performed. The lander module is in 25 km x 134 km orbit.August 21: Chandrayaan-2 orbiter formally welcomes Chandrayaan-3 lander module saying Welcome, buddy!. Two-way communication between the two is established. Mission Operations Complex (MOX) now has more ways to communicate with the lander module.

August 22: ISRO releases images of the Moon captured by the Lander Position Detection Camera (LPDC) of the Chandrayaan-3 mission from an altitude of about 70 km. Systems are undergoing regular checks. Smooth sailing is continuing.August 23: Safe and soft landing of Chandrayaan-3's lander module on the southern pole of lunar surface expected at 6.04 pm.




A federal judge on Tuesday will consider whether Texas can keep a floating barrier on the U.S.-Mexico border as both the Biden administration and Mexico push to remove Republican Gov. Greg Abbotts latest hardline measure to deter migrants from crossing.

The scheduled hearing in Austin comes days after Texas, which installed the water barrier on the Rio Grande in July near the border city of Eagle Pass, repositioned the wrecking ball-sized buoys closer to U.S. soil. Texas is being sued by the Justice Department, which argues the barrier could impact relations with Mexico and pose humanitarian and environmental risks.

During a trip Monday to Eagle Pass, Abbott said the barrier was moved out of an abundance of caution following what he described as allegations that they had drifted to Mexicos side of the river.

I dont know whether they were true or not, Abbott said.

It is not clear when U.S. District Judge David Ezra might rule on the barrier.

In the meantime, Abbotts sprawling border mission known as Operation Lone Star continues to face numerous legal challenges, including a new one filed Monday by four migrant men arrested by Texas troopers after crossing the border.

The men include a father and son and are among thousands of migrants who since 2021 have been arrested on trespassing charges in the state. Most have either had their cases dismissed or entered guilty pleas in exchange for time served. But the plaintiffs remained in a Texas jail for two to six weeks after they should have been released, according to the lawsuit filed by the Texas ACLU and the Texas Fair Defense Project.

Instead of a sheriffs office allowing the jails to release the men, the lawsuit alleges, they were transported to federal immigration facilities and then sent to Mexico.

I think a key point of all that, which is hard to grasp, is also that because theyre building the system as they go, the problems flare up in different ways, said David Donatti, an attorney for the Texas ACLU.

Officials in both Kinney and Val Verde counties, which have partnered with Abbotts operation, are named in the lawsuit. A representative for Kinney County said Monday he did not believe anyone had yet reviewed the complaint. A representative for Kinney County did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

The lawsuit also alleges that there were at least 80 others who were detained longer than allowed under state law from late September 2021 to January 2022.

Abbott was joined at the border Monday by the Republican governors of Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma and South Dakota, all of whom have sent their own armed law enforcement and National Guard members to the border.

(AP)




Ukrainian saboteurs coordinated by Kyivs military intelligence services carried out a pair of recent drone attacks that hit parked bomber aircraft at air bases deep inside Russia, Ukraine media claimed Tuesday.

The attacks on Russian airfields on Saturday and Monday destroyed two Russian bombers and damaged two other aircraft, according to Ukrainska Pravda, as the war approaches its 18-month milestone.

That newspaper and Ukraines NV news outlet said groups of saboteurs were behind the audacious strikes, which suggest that Ukraines scope of action is broadening. It was not possible to verify the claims on the ground.

Ukrainian media attributed two attacks to the saboteurs: a strike Saturday on the Soltsy air base in the Novgorod region in northwestern Russia, about 700 kilometers (360 miles) north of the Ukrainian border, and Mondays strike against the Shaikovka air base in the southwestern Kaluga region that is about 300 kilometers (180 miles) northeast of the Ukrainian border.

The Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged that the attack on Soltsy damaged one aircraft. It didnt comment on the reported attack on Shaikovka, but Russian media did.

Ukraine has since early this year sought to take the war into the heart of Russia. It has increasingly targeted Moscows military assets behind the front lines in eastern and southern Ukraine and at the same time has launched drones against Moscow, most recently early Tuesday.

Kyiv is also trying to keep up the pressure on the Kremlin along multiple fronts, pursuing a counteroffensive at various points along the 1,500-kilometer (900-mile) front line, as well as diplomatically by obtaining pledges of more weaponry from its Western allies, including F-16 warplanes.

Ukraines Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar said in a statement Tuesday that the Ukrainian military have entered the south-eastern village of Robotyne in the frontline Zaporizhzhia region and were coming under continuous shelling by Russian forces.

Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman Andriy Yusov told the Ukrainian LIGA.net news outlet Monday that at least one Russian warplane was damaged in the attack on Shaikovka. He said it was carried out by people who worked in close coordination with Ukrainian military intelligence but gave no further details.

Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC analyzed by The Associated Press showed what appeared to be 10 Tupolev Tu-22M long-range bombers parked on the apron of the Soltsy air base on Aug. 16. By Monday, two days after the attack, all those bombers had left the air base. A large black spot was visible on one of the aprons where one of the Tupolevs had been parked.

Photos purporting to be from the Soltsy air base and published by Russian and Ukrainian media showed a Russian Tu-22M bomber ablaze there after the attack.

Some previous Ukrainian attacks on Russian air bases involved Soviet-designed drones powered by turbojet engines. They have a range of up to 1,000 kilometers (600 miles). But the strikes in recent days apparently used primitive small drones, which would corroborate the possibility that they were launched by saboteurs.

Also, a Russian pensioner walking in a forest about 600km (370 miles) north of the Ukrainian border on Monday came across the remains of a drone painted in the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag.

Pictures shared on Russian social media channels show that the drone had glory to Ukraine inscribed on a broken wing and glory to the heroes written on the other wing, the Russian telegram channel Baza said Tuesday.

A Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group also tried to break through the border in Russias western Bryansk region bordering Ukraine on Tuesday, according to the local governor.

Their attempt was repelled by Russian border guard units and the National Guard, Gov. Alexander Bogomaz said. His claim could not be independently verified.

After Russia accused Ukrainian saboteurs of crossing into that area of western Russia and firing on villagers last March, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the Federal Security Service to tighten border controls.

Meanwhile, a recent spate of drone attacks apparently targeting Moscow continued early Tuesday but were thwarted by Russian air defense systems, Russias Ministry of Defense said.

However, falling wreckage of one drone shattered an apartment buildings windows and damaged vehicles in Moscows western suburbs.

There were no reports of injuries in the latest drone attacks that Russia blamed on Kyiv,

Though the drone attacks on Russian soil have occurred almost daily in recent weeks, they have caused little damage and no victims.

Flights at several Moscow airports were temporarily suspended Tuesday as a security precaution amid the attacks, authorities said.

Two other drones were jammed and crashed in the Bryansk region, the defense ministry said.

Ukraine hasnt acknowledged responsibility for the attempted drone strikes, nor have senior Russian leaders made any comment about the development.

(AP)




Former attorney for Donald Trump, John Eastman, reiterated his stance on the contested 2020 presidential election shortly after surrendering himself for arrest at a detention facility in the Atlanta area.

MSNBC reporter Ali Vitali engaged Eastman in a brief exchange moments after he faced charges for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia, along with Donald Trump and other associates.

Do you still think the election was stolen? Vitali inquired.

Absolutely, Eastman promptly responded, firm in his belief. No question, no question at all.

Despite this assertion, Eastman refrained from commenting on other specifics pertaining to his legal situation. Notably, he neither confirmed nor denied potential immunity from prosecution nor divulged whether he underwent the customary procedure of a mugshot during his arrest.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




After bond was set for him at $200,000 in his Georgia election case, former President Donald Trump made light of his legal situation, joking about the possibility of seeking refuge in Russia.

In a Truth Social post, Trump directed his attention to Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis, who is leading the proceedings. He humorously alluded that the decision to set a bond signaled concerns about his potential to flee the jurisdiction.

Trump quipped, I assume, therefore, that she thought I was a flight risk  Id fly far away, maybe to Russia, Russia, Russia, share a gold domed suite with Vladimir, never to be seen or heard from again, referencing Russian President Vladimir Putin in a tongue-in-cheek manner. He went on to contemplate the logistics of his departure, pondering whether he could bring along his conspicuously branded airplane or might be better off opting for commercial travel to maintain anonymity.

President Trump is slated to surrender himself to authorities on Thursday in Fulton County, facing a total of 13 charges including racketeering, conspiracy to commit forgery, and solicitation of a public officer to violate their oath. Trump maintains his innocence, dismissing all charges as politically motivated.

Trumps online remarks emerged subsequent to a court order that prohibits him from intimidating any of his 18 co-defendants or witnesses, including through social media postings. The order also restricts him from direct contact with co-defendants or witnesses, stipulating that such communications must be channeled through their respective attorneys.

The order applied to Trump differs in its level of detail from those issued to the other defendants in the case, encompassing even indirect threats of any nature. The entire group of 19 defendants, including Trump, have been directed to turn themselves in by noon on Friday as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




The Sullivan County Sheriffs Department on Tuesday night issued a blistering rebuttal to news reports that Jews had been targeted in a shooting attack in Monticello earlier in the day.

In a statement, the Sheriffs office gunned down the fallacious story, condemning those involved in its dissemination for unnecessarily and wrongfully instilling fear in countless individuals.

The statement reads:

On Tuesday, August 22, 2023, media outlet VIN News published a story about a shooting in Monticello. In the article, VIN News cites Duvi Honig of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce as a source of information regarding the incident.

Based on Mr. Honigs information, the news article contends that Jews and their vehicles were being targeted by gunmen on State Route 42. This information was never verified by VIN news prior to publication and its reckless dissemination to the public caused unnecessary fear and panic in the community.

Contrary to what the VIN News article says, the Sheriffs Office is not proactively joining forces with the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce. In fact, the Sheriffs Office is unfamiliar with that organization and its purported president Duvi Honig.

We have contacted our credentialed community liaisons and they could not even guess why Mr. Honig would make such a claim, said Undersheriff Eric Chaboty, who noted that the incident wasnt even a Sheriffs Office case.

We want the Jewish Community to know that we remain vigilant in regards to all threats and potential hate crimes, but this incident was not one of them, said the Undersheriff. We have reached out to VIN News and advised them of the erroneous information.

Earlier on Tuesday night, YWN published a press release from the Monticello Police Department which also confirmed that there were no shots fired at Jews.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A famous Ukrainian blogger, who has more than 1.6 million followers on Instagram, Tania Parfileva became a mom for the first time. The influencer showed a photo of her son and husband from the maternity hospital.

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The star gave birth in the Leleka medical center in Kyiv the day before on August 22. The photo of the newborn was liked by more than 150 thousand people in a few hours (to see the photo, scroll to the end of the page).

The boy was named Oleksandr. He was born with a weight of 4690 g and a height of 59 cm. The blogger published a photo with the baby in her arms, hiding his face. Her husband blogger Ivan Kryshtal is right behind her.

The star revealed that her contractions started at night. The couple arrived at the maternity hospital at 5 a.m., where they began preparing for the birth of their son.

She said she tried to think positively while the father-to-be was worried. The celebrity felt bad in the delivery room, where she asked for anesthesia.

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"Life got better 15 minutes later," the young mother summarized, showing herself immediately after childbirth.

Earlier OBOZREVATEL wrote that 32-year-old MP Yelyzaveta Yasko struck the news by becoming a mom for the first time. The father of her child is the former President of Georgia Mikhail Saakashvili, who is now in prison.

Only verified information from us on Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!




Gen. Sergei Surovikin, a former commander of Russias forces in Ukraine who was linked to the leader of a brief armed rebellion, has been dismissed as chief of the air force, Russian state media reported Wednesday after weeks of uncertainty about his fate.

Surovikin has not been seen in public since June 23-24, when Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner mercenary group, sent his men to march toward Moscow. In a video released during the uprising, Surovikin  who was believed to have close ties to Prigozhin  had urged him to pull the mercenaries back.

The Wagner uprising posed the most serious challenge to President Vladimir Putins 23-year rule and reports circulated that Surovikin had known about it in advance. Prigozhin called off the rebellion short of reaching Moscow after he said he wanted to avoid bloodshed.

Surovikins absence has been one of several enduring mysteries surrounding the rebellion. During his absence, Russian media have speculated about Surovikins whereabouts, with some claiming he had been detained, but his daughter told the Russian social media channel Baza in late June that her father had not been arrested.

Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, citing an anonymous source, reported that Surovikin has been replaced as commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces by Col. Gen. Viktor Afzalov, who heads the main staff of the air force.

The agency frequently represents the official position of the Kremlin through reports citing anonymous officials in Russias defense and security establishment.

The Russian government has not commented on the report, and The Associated Press was not able to confirm it independently.

The Russian daily newspaper RBC reported that Surovikin is being transferred to a new job and is now on vacation.

Alexei Venediktov, the former head of the closed radio station Ekho Moskvy, and Ksenia Sobchak, the daughter of a Putin-linked politician, both wrote on social media Tuesday that Surovikin had been dismissed.

Sobchak said Surovikin was removed from his post Aug. 18, by a closed decree. The family still has no contact with him.

Surovikin was dubbed General Armageddon for his brutal military campaign in Syria and led Russias operations in Ukraine between October 2022 and January 2023. Under his command, Russian forces unleashed regular missile barrages on Ukrainian cities, significantly damaging civilian infrastructure and disrupting heating, electricity and water supplies.

Both Surovikin and Prigozhin were both active in Syria, where Russian forces have fought to shore up President Bashar Assads government since 2015.

Surovikin was replaced as commander in Ukraine by Chief of General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov following Russias withdrawal from the southern city of Kherson amid a swift counteroffensive by Kyivs troops, but the air force general continued to serve under Gerasimov as a deputy commander.

Prigozhin had spoken positively of Surovikin while criticizing Russias military brass, and suggested he should be appointed General Staff chief to replace Gerasimov.

While the reports circulated about actions against Surovikin, Prigozhin, appears to be still in charge of the mercenary group, which won a key battle to capture the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut earlier this year. Prigozhin said he launched the rebellion to oust Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and other military leaders who he accused of mismanaging the war in Ukraine.

Shortly after the rebellion, the Kremlin confirmed Putin had a three-hour meeting with Prigozhin and Wagner commanders shortly before they apparently agreed to depart for exile in Belarus. In July, Prigozhin was seen on the sidelines of a Russia-Africa summit in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, and this week he posted his first video address since the mutiny, saying he was seeking bogatyrs  courageous and strong men  to work for Wagner in Africa.

(AP)




An Israeli passing by the village of Al-Funduq on Tuesday afternoon came under attack by a group of Arabs and was lightly injured from rocks that were hurled at him.

MDA paramedics evacuated the victim, 51, to Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah.

On Sunday evening, an Israeli man who accidentally entered the village of Turmus Ayya near Ramallah was attacked by an Arab mob, and his car was torched.

The video below shows the scene of the attack in Al-Funduq:

In October 2022, Shalom Sofer, Hyd, entered a store in Al-Funduq and was stabbed by a terrorist. He died of his wounds two weeks later.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




IDF forces overnight Tuesday raided the homes of the terrorists who murdered Batsheva Nigri, Hyd, and mapped them in preparation for their expected demolition.

In the course of the operation, which took place in Chevron, terrorists threw stones, shot fireworks and threw Molotov cocktails at the IDF forces. BChasdei Hashem, there were no injuries among Israeli forces.

The terrorists were arrested overnight Monday and transferred to the Shin Bet for further investigation. According to reports, their father was also arrested.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




Israels Border Police on Tuesday evening released footage of Yamam counterterrorism officers arresting the Chevron terrorists who murdered Batsheva Nigri, Hyd.

The terrorists, relatives who lived in Chevron, were arrested in an operation overnight Monday, less than 24 hours after the attack.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said following their arrest: The terrorists who brutally murdered Batsheva Nigri, zl, will rot in prison for the rest of their lives. We will take all measures to strengthen security. Well pursue and capture our enemies.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




Prime Minister Binyanim Netanyahu held a warm meeting with New York City Mayor Eric Adams in Jerusalem on Tuesday.

Youre a great friend of Israel, Netanyahu said. You live in a city that is the intellectual, cultural, and financial hub of the world and were sort of another hub. If we combine the hubs together, well do better for everyone.

After holding a working meeting, Netanyahu and Adams, who is a vegan, viewed a food and innovation FoodTech exhibition from Aleph Farms, devoted to alternative proteins such as lab-grown meat and other alternative proteins.

The Prime Ministers Office wrote: Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mayor Adams were presented with innovative food technologies by Israeli start-ups in order to promote productive bilateral cooperation in the field. The two tried various food products including cultured steak, cultured honey and vegetarian kebabs and hamburgers. Israel is among the leading countries in alternative proteins and second, only to the US, in private investment in this field.

Adams also visited Yad Vashem during his trip, as seen in the video below, and held meetings with Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion and Israels Foreign Minister Eli Cohen.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Britain's energy regulator has fined US banking giant Morgan Stanley over 5.4million after its energy traders communicated via private WhatsApp discussions.

The regulator said the group had failed to take 'reasonable steps' to ensure its staff did not use ways of communicating that it could not hand over to investigators should they ask for the information.

Traders who were buying and selling energy used their private WhatsApp accounts to discuss transactions between January 2018 and March 2020, Ofgem said.

Fined: Ofgem has fined US banking giant Morgan Stanley over 5.4m

It meant that Morgan Stanley was unable to supply these conversations to the regulator when asked to do so.

It is the first fine handed out in the UK under the regulation on wholesale energy market integrity and transparency (Remit) rules, Ofgem said. This was an EU regulation which was transferred to UK law after Brexit.

Ofgem found that, while Morgan Stanley had policies in place which banned traders from using WhatsApp, it 'did not take sufficient reasonable steps to ensure compliance with its own policies and the requirements of the regulations'.

The watchdog said it would have fined the company 7.7million, but it discounted the figure by 30 per cent after Morgan Stanley chose to co-operate and settle the matter.

According to Ofgem, Morgan Stanley admitted the breaches between January 2018 and March 2020, and has taken steps to ensure the breaches do not happen again, including enhanced staff training and the strengthening of its internal systems and controls.

Ofgem has been investigating Morgan Stanleys compliance with the rules since 2021, it added.

Cathryn Scott, regulatory director of enforcement and emerging issues, said: 'This fine sends a strong message to market participants that they must comply with all Remit rules or face enforcement action.

'It is unacceptable that MSIP failed to prevent electronic communications which could not be recorded or retained. It risks a significant compromise of the integrity and transparency of wholesale energy markets.

'We welcome the steps MSIP has taken to ensure the breaches do not happen again.'
Anglers continue to flock to the lakes, rivers and coastlines of Britain as they shrug off pressure on family finances.

In an update to the stock market, fishing tackle and equipment seller Angling Direct said sales in the UK hit 40.9m in the six months to the end of July.

Angling Direct said sales in the UK hit 40.9m in the six months to the end of July

That was more than 10pc higher than the same period a year earlier as anglers splashed out. Online sales rose 8.3pc to 16.5m while revenues at its 47 stores, including recently opened sites in Cardiff and Goole, rose 11.3pc to 24.4m.

The Norwich company, which is listed on AIM with a value of around 30m, has also been expanding in Europe where online sales rose nearly 40pc to 2.4m.

Angling Direct said it is on course to make revenues of 83m for the full year and profits of 2.7m  in line with City expectations. Shares fell 1.3pc, or 0.5p, to 38p.
S&P 500 4,117.37

DOW 32,417.59

QQQ 345.31

G-7 nations back strong supply chains for energy and food despite global tensions

King Charles III seeks to look ahead in a visit to Kenya. But he'll have history to contend with

Trade tops the agenda as Germany's Scholz meets Nigerian leader on West Africa trip

Hurricane Otis death toll rises to 48, missing now number 36 as search and recovery work continues

Agreement reached to end strike that shut down a vital Great Lakes shipping artery for a week

Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization
When preparing for a trip and looking at beautiful pictures, tourists often imagine one thing, but when they arrive in the country, they see quite another. In reality, large queues and crowds of tourists cause a lot of inconvenience.

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In addition, famous buildings are often under restoration. OBOZREVATEL compared photos of tourist places in reality and in the network.

Parthenon in Athens, Greece

Before traveling to the Parthenon in Greece, you should wear comfortable shoes and a hat, as you will have to walk uphill for a long time on slippery stones or slabs under the scorching sun. It is forbidden to pick up stones and don't even try to break off anything from the temple itself. There is a heavy fine for destroying the landmark.

Ganges River, India

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Before traveling to the Ganges River in India, you should not wait for an opportunity to take romantic photos without crowds of tourists. This natural attraction is always visited by millions of people as there are many sacred temples located on the banks.

Great Wall of China

The longest structure in the world is the Great Wall of China, which is visited by 40 million tourists every year. Badaling is the most visited section by tourists, located 75 kilometers from Beijing. Getting to it on your own is not difficult. It can be done by express buses, cabs or trains.

Charles Bridge

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The capital of the Czech Republic is rich in outstanding architectural and cultural sights. The most famous is the Charles Bridge, in any season it is crowded with tourists.

Times Square in New York, USA

The most famous square in New York, USA in life is not as colorful as on the photo. In fact, Times Square is very noisy and it is hard to stay there for a long time because of the crowd of people.

Niagara Falls, Canada

The best bird's eye view of Niagara Falls, however, this luxury is not available to everyone. Lookouts are usually covered by a column of spray from the sheer volume of water.

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Park Guell, Spain

Park Guell in Spain is very popular, it is added to the travel plan by all tourists. It is one of the symbolic places of Barcelona, and everyone who has visited the city has a picture from there.

Machu Picchu, Peru

To get to Machu Picchu without crowds of tourists, you should not go up there early, as all visitors plan to see the monument at sunrise. There is no need to go to Machu Picchu on Sunday, as locals have free admission on that day.

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Yellowstone Park

The geysers in Yellowstone Park in the United States look different every day. Few people get to see the multicolored lakes, but eruptions occur every hour and a half.

Venice, Italy

The most popular times for gondola rides in Venice in Italy are midday and evening. Therefore, if you do not want to sail "in the crowd", choose morning or afternoon.

Earlier OBOZREVATEL wrote about seven places to visit in Istanbul. In these little-known places there are no crowds of tourists.

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Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
EOG Resources, Inc. is a leading independent exploration and production company focusing on the oil and gas industry. Based in Houston, Texas, EOG's mission is to provide energy solutions that power the world while adhering to the highest environmental and safety standards. With its robust portfolio of assets, talented management team, and commitment to technological advancements, EOG Resources has emerged as a key player in the energy sector.

EOG Resources operates in multiple locations across the globe, primarily focusing on North America, including the United States, Canada, and Trinidad. The company's primary products and services revolve around the exploration, development, production, and marketing of crude oil and natural gas. EOG Resources serves a diverse range of customers, including industrial, residential, and commercial sectors, as well as other energy companies.

EOG Resources is committed to minimizing its environmental impact. The company employs advanced drilling techniques and utilizes cutting-edge technologies to maximize production efficiency while reducing emissions and water usage. EOG's sustainability efforts align with its mission to provide reliable energy solutions for a sustainable future.

EOG Resources boasts a highly experienced and accomplished management team led by key executives with industry knowledge and expertise. Ezra Y. Yacob, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, has driven the company's strategic growth initiatives. With a strong background in geoscience and leadership roles, Mr. Yacob has been with EOG Resources since 2005. He has served in various key positions, including President and Executive Vice President of Exploration and Production.

Lloyd W. "Billy" Helms, Jr., President and Chief Operating Officer, joined EOG Resources in 1995 and has held several significant leadership positions within the company. Mr. Helms has been pivotal in overseeing the company's operations, exploration activities, and production strategies.

Timothy K. Driggers, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has been integral to EOG Resources since 1995. Mr. Driggers' financial acumen and expertise have contributed to the company's financial stability and growth.

EOG Resources has consistently demonstrated strong financial performance, with steady revenue growth and healthy profit margins. EOG Resources has successfully navigated market fluctuations and achieved long-term financial stability.

When considering the company's valuation metrics, EOG Resources has been favorably positioned compared to its industry peers. The company's valuation metrics, such as price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, have reflected investor confidence in the company's future prospects and financial strength.

With significant price movements and trading volume, EOG Resources' stock performance has been notable. The company's stock has demonstrated resilience, responding to market conditions and reflecting investor sentiment. Recent news and events, including industry trends, regulatory changes, and geopolitical factors, have influenced EOG's share price.

EOG Resources operates in a dynamic and competitive industry highly influenced by global market conditions, regulatory policies, and technological advancements. The company competes with international and domestic players and strives to maintain a competitive edge through its operational excellence, technological innovation, and strong asset portfolio.

EOG Resources is well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities in the energy sector. The company continues to explore and develop new reserves, expand its operations and optimize production techniques. EOG's focus on technological advancements, such as utilizing data analytics and artificial intelligence, enhances its capabilities in identifying and extracting hydrocarbon resources efficiently.

Like any company operating in the energy sector, EOG Resources faces various risks and challenges that can impact its operations and financial performance. Investors and stakeholders must be aware of these factors when evaluating the company's prospects.

EOG Resources' revenue and profitability are closely tied to crude oil and natural gas prices. Fluctuations in commodity prices can significantly impact the company's financial results. Factors such as global supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and economic conditions can lead to price volatility, posing a risk to EOG's revenue and profitability.

The energy industry is subject to extensive regulations related to drilling, production, emissions, and environmental impact. Regulation changes, especially those aimed at reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources, can require significant investments and impact the company's operational costs. Non-compliance with regulations could result in penalties and reputational damage.

EOG Resources relies on advanced technologies and innovations to efficiently explore and produce hydrocarbon reserves. However, technological advancements also bring inherent risks, such as data security threats and potential operational disruptions. Additionally, adopting new technologies may require substantial investments and successful implementation to yield desired results.

The energy sector is highly competitive, with numerous players vying for market share. EOG Resources competes with both established energy companies and emerging players. Intense competition can lead to pricing pressures and reduced margins. Moreover, market conditions, such as supply and demand imbalances, can impact the company's ability to sell its products at favorable prices.

EOG Resources operates in a global industry influenced by geopolitical tensions, trade policies, and macroeconomic conditions. Political instability, conflicts, and economic downturns in key markets can disrupt operations, impact demand for energy products and create uncertainty in the business environment.

EOG Resources has implemented various risk management strategies to mitigate the potential impacts of these risks and challenges:

EOG maintains a diverse portfolio of assets across multiple regions, allowing it to mitigate risks associated with specific geographic areas or regulatory environments. This diversification strategy helps spread risk and minimize the impact of localized disruptions.

The company emphasizes operational efficiency, cost discipline, and continuous improvement. By optimizing its operations, EOG aims to enhance productivity, reduce costs and mitigate the effects of commodity price fluctuations.

EOG Resources is committed to responsible environmental practices and sustainability. By proactively managing ecological risks and adopting environmentally friendly technologies, the company aims to mitigate regulatory and reputational risks.

EOG maintains a solid financial position, enabling it to weather market volatility and fund strategic initiatives. The company's prudent financial management and capital allocation strategies provide a cushion against potential economic downturns and industry challenges.
General Motors Company, a multinational corporation, has been a leading player in the global automotive industry for over a century. Founded in 1908 by William C. Durant, GM has become one of the world's largest automakers, with a worldwide presence across North America, South America and international markets.

General Motors is the largest automaker in the United States, with a market share of around 17%. It produces a range of vehicles, including cars, trucks and SUVs, under various brands, such as Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC.

One of GM's key growth areas is its electric vehicle (EV) business, which is gaining momentum worldwide. The company has plans to launch 30 new electric models globally by 2025 and has committed to investing $35 billion in EV and autonomous vehicle technology over the next five years. With a growing focus on sustainability, the company has set ambitious goals to become carbon neutral by 2040 and to achieve 100% renewable energy usage in its U.S. operations by 2030.

General Motors has also recently improved its environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. In addition to its commitments to sustainability, the company has also committed to investing in diverse suppliers and increasing the diversity of its workforce. In 2021, the company was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) North America for the third consecutive year, reflecting its strong ESG performance.

Despite its strong market position and ESG performance, General Motors faces risks associated with the cyclical nature of the automotive industry. The industry is subject to fluctuating economic demand, such as in the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The company also faces ongoing legal challenges related to multiple recalls revolving around several vehicle platforms.

GM has demonstrated resilience and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions. During the pandemic, GM ramped production of its popular trucks and SUVs, which helped drive strong financial results for the third quarter of 2022. After the pandemic, the company reported record sales growth due in part to increased demand for its vehicles and a rebound in production and sales.

Overall, General Motors is a well-established player in the global automotive industry with a strong market position in North America and a growing electric vehicle business. The company's commitment to improving its ESG performance and sustainability practices is notable and reflects its focus on long-term growth and responsible business practices. While investors should be aware of the risks associated with the industry's cyclical nature, General Motors' track record of innovation and resilience makes it a key player to watch in the years ahead.
Another exhibition has opened in Kyiv on Khreshchatyk Street. Among the exhibits presented, in particular, there are fragments of downed Shahed kamikaze drones and missiles with which the terrorist country of Russia shelled the territory of Ukraine.

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This was reported by a correspondent of OBOZREVATEL. To see the Russian junk will be possible for two days.

So, in the morning of Wednesday, August 23, on the street Khreshchatyk started another exhibition. Among the exhibits that can be seen by residents and guests of Kiev are the wreckage and electronics from missiles Kh-101, Kh-55, Kh-555, strike UAV Shahed and reconnaissance drones.

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There are also grenade launchers, personal weapons of the Russian occupants and their military uniforms. It will be possible to see the exhibition, which is located on the pedestrian part of the road at the intersection of the capital's central street and Prorezna Street, for two days.

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It should be added that also on this location you can see the destroyed equipment of the Russian occupants. The exhibition of enemy scrap metal was set up for Independence Day.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, Kiev is not planning to hold mass events for Ukraine's Independence Day. The corresponding decision was made for security reasons, and the deputy mayor of the capital Vitaliy Klitschko and the chairmen of the Regional State Authorities were issued a separate instruction on this issue.

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Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda arrived in Kyiv on the Day of the State Flag of Ukraine, 23 August, with an official visit. He noted that Ukraine's victory in the war with Russia is close and assured that Lithuania's support would remain unchanged.

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In addition, President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa arrived in Ukraine for the first time. Both leaders met at the Central Railway Station in Kyiv.

"Returned to Kyiv to celebrate the Independence Day of Ukraine together with the brotherly Ukrainian people. Ukraine's victory is close! Lithuania will continue to support Ukraine as long as needed," Nauseda wrote on his Twitter page.

The Lithuanian president also posted a photo taken at a train station in the Ukrainian capital.

The Portuguese president was also welcomed in the capital. Like his Lithuanian counterpart, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa arrived in the Ukrainian capital by train.

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Ukraine celebrates the Day of the state flag on August 23. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the blue-yellow flag "an amulet" and noted the feat of Ukrainian soldiers in his congratulatory message.

The head of state took part in a solemn ceremony of raising the blue-yellow flag in Kyiv. Warriors from different parts of Ukraine left their signatures on it.
Russian occupation troops attacked the city of Kherson with guided aerial bombs early this morning. Civilian infrastructure was damaged and six people were injured.

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This was reported by the head of the Kherson regional military administration Oleksandr Prokudin on Telegram. He stated that the occupants used two bombs.

The attack took place at around 4:00 on Wednesday."The Russian military dropped two guided aerial bombs on the kindergarten and residential buildings," Prokudin wrote.

The shelling resulted in a fire, which was quickly extinguished.

One of the six injured (a 22-year-old man) was hospitalized. The rest were treated by doctors on the spot.

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The Office of the Prosecutor General specified that the Russian Armed Forces hit the building of a kindergarten with a guided aerial bomb. The blast wave hit apartment buildings located nearby.

The enemy also attacked the city center with artillery. Houses, stores, power lines and a gas pipeline were damaged.

As OBOZREVATEL wrote:

- The occupiers hit Kamyshany in the Kherson region, killing a 71-year-old woman on the afternoon of August 22.

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- The Russian army shelled the villages near Lyman in Donetsk region on the evening of August 22. They killed three people and wounded two. One of the victims was hospitalized in serious condition.

Only verified information from us on Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
August 23, 2023





When you travel to Australia, there are many things you need to consider. You'll need to know the time zone, the Dialing code, and how to pay for your phone service. Before you leave, you should also have some extra money in your bank account to make sure you can get through to the people you're calling.







Time zone

When calling Australia from New York City, you need to know what time zone you are in. It is because some parts of Australia are on daylight time while others are on standard time. Depending on where you live, the difference in time could be as slight as a few minutes.

Australia has three primary time zones: Australian Central Time, Australian Eastern Time, and Australian Western Time. The states that use Daylight Saving Time include Victoria and South Australia. However, the rest of the country uses the standard time.

Some other locations use an alternative time zone to match their local conditions. For instance, Lord Howe Island (part of New South Wales) and Norfolk Island have their time zones.

Dialing code

If you want to call Australia, there are some specific codes you need to know. These include the country code, the exit code, and the area code.

The country code for Australia is 61. You must enter this code before your local phone number calls Australia. The correct country code is essential to ensure your call gets routed to the correct country.

Several major telephone companies offer prepaid and postpaid services. Using a calling card is an excellent way to discover this code. It can be a very affordable and convenient option.

The area code is a three-digit code that indicates the geographical region of the phone number. Australia's most common area codes are 0-03 and 0-02. In some parts of New South Wales, the 08 area code is used.

Cell phone plans

For first-time callers to Australia, there are some essential things to remember. These may help you make a successful and memorable call.

Before dialing, you should know the differences between the US and Australia. The US is on daylight time, while most parts of Australia are on standard time. Depending on where you live, there can be as many as 14 hours between the two countries. You should always check local time to avoid waking your antipodean friends.

Several apps can help you make calls for free. Another option is a VoIP plan. It is cheaper than traditional phone services. Some providers offer programs that spread the costs over a longer time.

Credit cards

In a recent tally, the Reserve Bank of Australia reported a 10 percent decrease in the number of credit cards issued to Australians over the past few months. While that may be a good thing in the grand scheme, the 5.3 million canceled cards represent a major bummer for the nation's financial services sector. With an estimated 1.3 million credit cards languishing in banks and credit unions nationwide, the credit card industry may be in for a rude awakening. The best way to mitigate this is to become familiar with the plethora of options available to consumers and businesses.

Traveller's cheques

Australian travelers' cheques are valid for Australian residents traveling abroad. They allow you to use the local currency without carrying a wallet. However, you should know that they are only accepted in some countries. It is essential to check with your bank before you buy any traveler's cheques.

It would be best if you also kept in mind that the exchange rate may differ from country to country. It will affect the value of your traveler's cheque. Also, be sure to take note of the serial number. The number can be used to get a replacement if your cheque is lost.

It is best to take a few cheques in small denominations. It will ensure that you are always caught up in money.
August 23, 2023





We all use email to send and receive messages. While many still view it as simply a means to connect with friends and colleagues or receive promotional offers, they miss out on the other benefits it offers  benefits that include organization and innovative business solutions. In this article, we'll explore how to make your life easier through email tools that cater to both personal and business needs, and how it has transformed into an indispensable productivity tool for many entrepreneurs.







Organization and Scheduling

Email serves as a powerful organizational tool that helps streamline your day-to-day tasks. By creating folders and labels, you can categorize and prioritize emails for easy access. Beyond this, many email platforms offer integrated calendar features, allowing you to schedule appointments, set reminders, and sync events seamlessly. This is particularly useful for individuals needing to manage their time effectively and stay on top of commitments.

Professional and Legal Communication

Email has rapidly evolved into a preferred platform for professional and legal correspondence. It provides a paper trail of communication that can be crucial in business negotiations and legal matters, specifically because the IP address of the sender can easily be tracked each time an email is sent. Everything is timestamped and admissible in court. Additionally, email encryption and security features ensure that sensitive information remains confidential, making it a preferred method for exchanging contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.

Innovative Business Solutions

For businesses seeking innovative solutions, email has emerged as a versatile tool. One such innovation is online faxing, often referred to as faxing by email. This digitization of faxing has revolutionized communication by seamlessly integrating traditional faxing into the digital landscape. With secure cloud faxing, businesses can easily send and receive faxes directly from their email accounts, eliminating the need for bulky fax machines and paper. Best of all  online faxing enhances business productivity while reducing costs and environmental impact.

Large File Sharing

Email also addresses the challenge of sharing large files. Traditional email services often impose file size limits, hindering the exchange of large documents or multimedia files. However, various email platforms now provide solutions for sending large files by creating links to cloud storage or using file-sharing services. This feature caters to businesses collaborating on multimedia projects or sharing comprehensive reports and presentations.

Personal and Business Integration

Whether for personal or business use, email's multifaceted capabilities are easily underrated. For example, many professionals don't know how they can seamlessly integrate secure cloud faxing into existing workflows, streamlining operations and enhancing document management. The convenience of scheduling, organization, and legal correspondence within the same platform further boosts productivity. For personal details, email can help individuals manage their daily lives, appointments, and important documents more efficiently.

Email has evolved far beyond its initial role as a simple communication tool. The power of email lies in its adaptability, making it an invaluable asset for many. From organizing schedules to facilitating legal communication, and from innovative business solutions like online faxing to efficient large file sharing, email has truly transformed the way we interact with information. As we continue to embrace the digital age, harnessing the full potential of email allows us to navigate our fast-paced lives. So, the next time you log into your email account, remember that it's not just about sending and receiving messagesit's about unlocking a world of possibilities.
[August 23, 2023] From Startup to Outdoor Industry Disruptor: Hipcamp Marks 10 Years and 10 Million Nights Outside Tweet

In the summer of 2013, Hipcamp Founder and CEO Alyssa Ravasio learned how to code so that she could build the first version of Hipcamp after a frustrating experience trying to find and book a campsite. Now, 10 years later, Hipcamp has reached a major milestone: the platform has officially helped campers spend 10 million nights under the stars. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823417274/en/ During the past decade, Hipcamp has transformed the international camping landscape by opening more than 5 million acres of the world's most beautiful private land to create new places for people to camp, while also making public lands more accessible by bringing together campsite information across state and national parks, national forests, BLM, county parks, and more. (Graphic: Business Wire) During the past decade, Hipcamp has transformed the international camping landscape by opening more than 5 million acres of the world's most beautiful private land to create new plaes for people to camp, while also making public lands more accessible by bringing together campsite information across state and national parks, national forests, BLM, county parks, and more.



Hipcamp Founder and CEO Alyssa Ravasio said: "It's been 10 years since we embarked on our mission to get more people to get outside. Today, we've not only helped millions of people experience the health and happiness that comes from spending time camping under the stars, but we've also scaled responsible recreation globally, and in the process created new income streams for rural landowners to help protect and restore the land and its precious biodiversity."

Hipcamp's apps and website also make it simple to find and book campsites, RV sites, cabins, treehouses, glamping stays across North America, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Hipcamp's focus on innovation in the outdoor technology industry has led to a number of key product, program and partnership milestones, including: Opening 5 million acres of private land to create new places for people to camp.

Partnering with industry leaders like REI, Mountain Hardwear, Eddie Bauer, The North Face, Coleman, AllTrails, and RVShare to increase access to the outdoors.

The launch of Project Monarch, a North American initiative to help save migrating monarch butterflies.

The acquisition of Australian campsite booking platform YouCamp in 2020.

A Canadian launch in partnership with Pitched in 2021.

Being named FastCompany's most innovative travel company of 2021.

The acquisition of British campsite booking platform CoolCamping in 2022.

The launch of ResNexus and Newbook software integrations for commercial campgrounds in 2023.

Continued enhancement and new feature development for Android and iOS, including iPad and iPhone optimizations.

Being named Apple's App of the Day in 2019.

Raising nearly $100 million in venture capital. "As we look forward to the next decade, we are excited to get more people outside while supporting sustainable stewardship through outdoor recreation," Ravasio said. Social @hipcamp About Hipcamp Founded in 2013, Hipcamp opens access to some of the world's most beautiful private land to create new places for people to camp. By connecting people with the land and each other, Hipcamp helps protect habitat and the biodiversity it supports. The fully remote company operates in Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, and to date has helped people spend more than 10 million nights under the stars. When listing on Hipcamp, farmers, ranchers, vintners, and other landowners generate new revenue streams to conserve their land and keep it wild. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823417274/en/

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[August 23, 2023] AI Expert Donald Clark to Keynote Thought Industries COGNITION '23 Conference Tweet

The Brightest Minds in Customer, Partner, and Professional Training to Spotlight How to Adapt, Innovate, and Scale External Learning in 2023 and Beyond. BOSTON, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Thought Industries, the leading external enterprise learning platform for customer, partner and professional training, today announced its COGNITION 2023 agenda and lineup of speakers. Taking place online October 3-5, 2023, the event features keynote speakers Donald Clark, AI expert, learning tech entrepreneur, CEO, and researcher; Raghu Viswanathan, VP of Education, Academia and Documentation at MongoDB; Daniel Quick, Chief Customer Learning Officer at Scale Agile; and panelists from Dell, Educate 360, Google, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, The Linux Foundation, Mastercard, and many more. COGNITION has become the industry's top annual event focused solely on External Learning, bringing together experts from customer, partner, and professional training to share how these programs have driven growth and scale in their businesses. Hosted by Thought Industries President, Robin Wadsworth, COGNITION 2023 attendees will learn from and engage with their industry peers, with Thought Industries customers and global thought leaders in external learning sharing their knowledge in interactive online sessions and virtual presentations. Additional opportunities include workshops to connect with forward-thinking peers and tactical training on the Thought Industries platform. There are two main tracks catering to external learning thought leaders and decision makers: The "Practitioner" track, for those looking to build on their existing customer learning program and professional skills, and

The "Leader" track, for those looking for the very latest news and trends n the training industry to elevate their learning offering to the next level.



Fiona Leteney, Senior Analyst at The Fosway Group, hosting a panel on the Business Impact of Exceptional Learner Experiences in EMEA.

Julie Cochrane , VP of Global Education Services at Charles River Development, discussing the emerging challenges and opportunities in Education Services.

, VP of Global Education Services at Charles River Development, discussing the emerging challenges and opportunities in Education Services. Industry analyst John Leh , hosting a roundtable that includes Amy Farber , Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer at Educate 360, to discuss the Business of Learning.

, hosting a roundtable that includes , Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer at Educate 360, to discuss the Business of Learning. CE Lab's Dave Derington hosting a roundtable session discussing the best practices of Pricing & Packaging with experts including The Linux Foundation's Marketing Director, Mary Simpkins , and Seismic's VP of Customer Education, Community & Advocacy, Melissa VanPelt .

hosting a roundtable session discussing the best practices of Pricing & Packaging with experts including The Linux Foundation's Marketing Director, , and Seismic's VP of Customer Education, Community & Advocacy, . Learning experts from Dell, Google, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Mastercard coming together for a roundtable discussion on the Technologies and Tools for Global Learning.

Executives from Thought Industries, led by CEO and Cofounder Barry Kelly, sharing their industry vision and latest product innovations:

Announcing exciting new AI capabilities in the Ti platform.



Featuring innovative applications of Thought Industries' headless technology from early customer partners. "At our fourth annual COGNITION event, we're excited to share the best practices, innovations, and hard-won wisdom from our customers, partners, and peers around the world," said Robin Wadsworth, President at Thought Industries. "Succeeding in this global competitive market requires sharp, differentiated strategy and flawless execution. Whether you're a learning business leader, or you're on the front lines as a daily practitioner, COGNITION 2023 will give you the resources, perspective, and energy to adapt, innovate, and scale and take your learning business to the next level."

On top of access to this year's live virtual conference, registrants will also have access to all past COGNITION on-demand sessions, allowing them to mine the archive of the best in external learning. Register here for COGNITION 2023, or check out the conference site for more information. About Thought Industries

Thought Industries powers the business of learning with the industry's leading enterprise learning platform for customer, partner and professional training. The company was founded in 2013 around the core belief that online learning experiences should be modern, intuitive, engaging, and scalable. Today, the Thought Industries growing team builds and maintains the only learning platform with completely native tools and integrations that drive higher customer engagement, learner proficiency, and retention. Headquartered in Boston, Thought Industries has offices across North America and Europe. For more information, visit thoughtindustries. com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ai-expert-donald-clark-to-keynote-thought-industries-cognition-23-conference-301907319.html SOURCE Thought Industries

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[August 23, 2023] OpenWallet Foundation Announces Google as a Premier Member, New Code Contributions from MOSIP Tweet

Growth of membership and contributions are another step towards driving digital wallet interoperability and innovation BRUSSELS, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The OpenWallet Foundation (OWF), an open source project advancing digital identity, access and payments by fostering collaboration across industries, is thrilled to welcome Google as a premier member. Google's membership reinforces the OWF's mission to drive open source interoperability and innovation in the realm of digital wallets and payments. Growth of membership and contributions are another step towards driving digital wallet interoperability and innovation Additionally, OWF also welcomes its first contribution of code from the Modular Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP). Already a member of OWF, MOSIP is an open source platform to implement digital identity systems at a national scale. This contribution kickstarts the development of critical components of an open source software engine for portable and secure digital wallets. Hosted by Linux Foundation Europe , the OWF provides safe harbor for companies, non profits, and the public sector to create open source software for interoperable digital wallets together. "Six months after our launch we are delighted to welcome Google Wallet as a member of the OpenWallet Foundation," said Daniel Goldscheider, Founder and Execuive Director of the OpenWallet Foundation. "They are a global leader in the wallet space and their expertise will be invaluable to furthering our shared goal of working together to create a healthy wallet ecosystem. Google Wallet's participation underscores the growing recognition of the importance of open source software for wallets. At the heart of OpenWallet are developers and their projects and we are proud to announce that MOSIP is contributing two projects."



"Google has a long-standing commitment to building open, interoperable solutions and we've applied that ethos to Google Wallet," said Jenny Cheng, VP and GM of Google Wallet. "We look forward to working closely with other OWF members to advocate for solutions that ensure we're building a privacy-forward wallet for everyone, everywhere." MOSIP, a member since the OWF first launched, will contribute code components for the issuance of verifiable credentials and for BLE-based credential sharing, based on OpenID specification. These components have been developed as part of MOSIP's mobile wallet suite Inji.

"MOSIP shares with OWF the goals of creating open, secure, and interoperable systems for trusted transactions," said Sanjay Jain, chairperson, MOSIP Technology Committee. "We believe wallets are the future of how people will use their digital IDs. We are glad to collaborate with the OWF community to build the necessary components for a privacy-preserving, secure wallet engine in the open source." "I'm beyond thrilled to see OWF, the first project hosted under the auspices of Linux Foundation Europe , achieve these two strategic milestones," said Gabriele Columbro, General Manager of Linux Foundation Europe. "Google joining OWF is a huge validation of our vision to bring together global industry and technology players to collaborate on critical open source projects highly aligned with European priorities, and the MOSIP upcoming contribution shows once again the unique power open source has to build on each others achievements, inevitably accelerating the project's progress towards delivering concrete code-first solutions against those priorities." As the latest member of the OWF, Google joins a diverse group of member and supporting organizations working together to drive interoperability and innovation in digital wallets and payments. For more information about the OWF and how to get involved, please visit openwallet.foundation . About OpenWallet Foundation

The OpenWallet Foundation (OWF) brings developers together to collaborate on standards-based OSS components that issuers, wallet providers and relying parties can use to bootstrap implementations that preserve user choice, security and privacy. With their Government Advisory Council OWF brings the public and private sector together to work towards open, secure and interoperable digital wallets. OWF is an open initiative under the umbrella of the Linux Foundation and headquartered in Europe. For more information, please visit openwallet.foundation . Media Contact

Noah Lehman

The Linux Foundation

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/openwallet-foundation-announces-google-as-a-premier-member-new-code-contributions-from-mosip-301907454.html SOURCE Linux Foundation Europe

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[August 23, 2023] Hungri Games completed seed investment round with a valuation of 23 million USD Tweet

ISTANBUL, TURKEY, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The funding round was spearheaded by Bogazici Ventures as well as the participation from notable investors such as The Sandboxs COO & Co-Founder Sebastien Borget, Roko Finance, Preston Labs, Triple Dragon, Erol Ozmandiraci, Oyunfor and Caglan Tanriverdi who had previously worked on various projects with Hungri Games. Hungri Games was founded by former Garena, Bigpointand Yoozoo Games operation leaders in 2019 along with offices located in Istanbul and Belfast. They have been developing and publishing mid-core mobile games on a regular basis by pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the ecosystem. It is evident that the seed round investment will accelerate Hungri Games' growth by enabling the studio to expand its portfolio and development on multiple titles, including the highly anticipated Racing RPG, Metahorse Unity . Metahorse Unity represents a new frontier in both mobile gaming industry and web3, combining thrilling horse racing with deep RPG elements and introducing a genuine free to play business model as monetisation tool. Players will be able to train, breed, and race horses in a rich virtual world, engaging in strategic gameplay that promises to redefine the genre. Secondary market creation will be one of the fundamental ecosystems for the retention and monetisation of Metahorse Unity where multiple features will support this creator and trader-based Horse Racing ecosystem. As it is remembered that Hungri Games has reently announced a collaboration with Polygon in order to create a unique, more immersive, and more affordable gaming experience for Metahorse Unity players worldwide. Metahorse Unity will mark a meaningful step forward in blockchain gaming by bringing the best of decentralised technology to mainstream mobile and web gaming players.



Kagan Berk Kocak, Founder of Hungri Games, said, "We're incredibly grateful for the confidence our investors have shown in our vision and our team. This funding will empower us to take our games to new heights and reach even more players around the world." Sebastien Borget, COO & Co-Founder of The Sandbox, also added, "Im pleased to support the Hungri Games experienced team on their journey of creating high-quality engaging mobile games that uses blockchain technology.

The investment also includes participation from individuals who had previously worked on various projects with HungriGames, reinforcing the strong relationships and trust the studio has built within the industry. For more information about Hungri Games and their upcoming projects, please visit www.hungrigames.com

About Hungri Games: Hungri Games is a game studio located in Istanbul and the UK, consisting of over 30 team members, specialising in Web3 gaming. Hungri Games, which was founded in 2019 with a team formed by mobile gaming industry experts. It brings together experienced professionals in the mobile game industry and has a portfolio of developing and publishing innovative mid-core and core games in the industry. HungriGames targets to create fun and unique games to diversify and enrich global gaming audiences and make a continuous contribution to the mobile gaming industry. Hungri Games lately focuses on RPG and SLG genres and aims to define the playbook of mid-core / core development of games as well as setting a publishing benchmark for the next generation. Twitter: twitter.com/metahorseunity

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/metahorseunity

Telegram: https://t.me/MetahorseUnityNFT

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MetahorseUnity





Arslan Kieran info at hungrigames.com

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Press Release

August 23, 2023 TRANSCRIPT OF INTERVIEW OF SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR DURING THE KAPIHAN SA MANILA HOTEL

WITH F/SENATOR ATTY. JOEY LINA AND F/SECRETARY SONNY COLOMA

AUGUST 22,2023 Good morning everyone good morning we're very happy to have Senator Cynthia Villar as our Maiden guest of honor in the resumption of the copy handsome Manila Hotel it is indeed an honor and a pleasure to have the senator Cynthia Villar to discuss with us a very important issues of the day we may even digress from the topic that we have assigned for today's happy hand but before I go any further let me introduce my co-host in today's Manila Hotel the publisher of the Manila Bulletin the former press Secretary Sonny Coloma . So today's topic is the Manila Bay reclamation, where is it going and while we were seated, Senator Cynthia there also discussed with Sonny and I the issues confronting the agricultural sector maybe later after discussing this issue about Manila Bay we can also hear from her thoughts about this issue about is there a shortage of rice in the Philippines or there is none because harvest is about to be to begin so that's another issue that we can probably discuss so Senator Cynthia your chairman of the committee on agriculture and environment and natural resources, what is the status right now just to begin this discussion what is the status of the Reclamation projects at the Manila Bay SCAV: I guess everybody knows that it was suspended by the president and it is subject to review by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources told me that it will take about four months to complete the study so we have to wait because I don't think they will decide before the completion of the study they have to complete the study before they decide what will happen to the ECCs issued to the proponent of the Reclamation in Manila Bay Atty LiNA: Four months that's quite a long period of time in the meantime is the good Senator already studying possibility of amending the law with regards to be the creation of the Philippine Reclamation Authority? Is there something that needs to be amended or changed with regard to this law or any rules and regulations that have to be revised in order that this spectacle of so many reclamation projects sprouting not only here in Manila by the way but all over the Philippines, can you address that issue Senator? SCAV: Senator Risa Hontiveros filed a bill to review the Reclamation in Manila Bay and it was filed a long time ago, but it was referred to the committee of JV Ejercito, he talked to me and said that it should not be in his committee and they will transfer it to my committee so I think a few weeks ago, it was transferred to my committee so I have to hear , I have to hold a meeting discussing the resolution so, since uh we will be ending our session by the end of September and I have two important bills to defend before the end of session. Yung anti-agricultural smuggling and cartel law, the creation of a special court for anti-agricultural smuggling and cartel, and at the same time the redevelopment of the salt industry caused by that law which provided for ionization of salt and that is under what you call a important legislation that we have to pass so the Senators decided that I have to defend that before the end of session so I scheduled the hearing on the last day of session in September for this resolution and then I'll continue the hearing during the break because we will have a break in the Senate from the end of September to early November so, I will do the hearing during the break. Sec COLOMA: Perhaps Senator Cynthia we could request you to back track of it and share with us what made you oppose Reclamation in your own area even before this concern about Manila Bay came up I think you have as chairperson of the Senate Committee on the Environment we have very important concerns regarding the impact of reclamation on the environment. SCAV: You know in Las Pinas we have four rivers going out of Manila Bay beside our legislative protected area there are uh the rivers are going out there and you know uh this rivers of ours, the Paranaque river, the Las Pinas River, the Zapote river, the Molino River, I have worked to clean those Rivers except yung Paranaque. The Las Pinas the Zapote and the Molino river which I share with Bacoor, I have been cleaning that for the last 12 years I built a 40 kilometer river drive that in that area and so people can see na the River before we cannot clean the river because we cannot see the river, but now we can see the river already because I built a road along the river. I relocated all the ISF living in the easement of the river to Naic Cavite and then I built a road and now we are cleaning the river and we did that for 12 years because it's very expensive, a one kilometer of River Drive is 100 million so young 40 kilometers is 40 billion and as a senator I cannot just allocate that big an amount in one year so I did that for 12 years two years Senator Manny Villar when he was Senator in 10 years under my watch as a senator from 2013 to 2023. Kaya ng malaman ko na irereclaim yung dadaanan ng rivers naming towards Manila Bay, I was shock because all my effort will be in vain. Kaya and then I have legislated our Las Pinas paranaque Wetland Park into a legislative protected area and it's even in the RAMSAR list as one of the most important wetlands in the world and if I allow that reclamation also the mangrove forests in our Las Pinas Paranaque Wetland Park will be destroyed, and it's the biggest spawning ground of fishes for Manila Bay which is giving livelihood to 300, 000 Fisher folks in Manila Bay so by that I cannot really agree to a Reclamation of Manila Bay especially in our area in Las Pinas,Paranaque and Bacoor because that will destroy everything that we have worked for for the last 12 years. Kaya ako ang naunang umayaw, and then later on because of what happened to Bulacan then they saw that it's really difficult this reclamation. So many people now are saying that they are supporting now the move to stop the reclamation in Manila Bay. Atty LINA: How many Reclamation projects were there fronting Paranaque and Las Pinas SCAV: Dalawa sa Paranaque, isa sa Las Pinas, dalawang magkapatong sa Bacoor. So lima. Hindi naman completely magkapatong but in a certain area its overlapping. Di ba natanggal yung head ng PRA because they issue a permit to do a Reclamation that's overlapping so they were removed they were suspended for one year. Atty LINA: Gaano kalayo igtong limang Reclamation projects from the coastline SCAV: Magkakatabi Atty LINA: Magkakatabi. Is the report correct that there are 22 reclamation projects? SCAV : 15 in Metro Manila and seven Cavite. Atty LINA: fifteen plus seven SCAV : Seven in region 4A they qualify this as region 4A, 15 in Metro Manilaand seven in region 4. Sec COLOMA: Yung 15 po kasama na yung sa Las Pinas? SCAV: Yes. Atty LINA: Yung nag approved nitong 22, approved lahat ng eto yung 22? SCAV: I think sa department of environment and natural resources during the time of Secretary CIMATU and EMB director Canado they were the ones it was not a Secretary Loyzaga, when she was appointed as DENR secretary nandun na yung 22 ECC. Atty LINA: and It's all PRA approved? SCAV : I don't think so but in our area, yung magkapatong doon sila naquestion.I don't know what they have approved but yung sa amin na dalawa, that's why they were removed from office because they approved overlapping reclamation. Atty LINA: But it is under the law, it's the PRA that regulates reclamation. SCAV: No, both of them, without the ECC the PRA cannot proceed . It's the ECC first from the Department of environment and natural resources then the PRA. Atty LINA: Yes and the PRA is under the office of the president . The president does not sign it's really the PRA yes that signs SCAV: Yes,Yes Atty LINA: The PRA approves issues the permit you think, well you have not conducted the hearing yet, but based on your preliminary study, would it be better to return PRA or the granting of permit to a bigger body like the National Economic Development Authority which was the agency before that I understand that gives the permit and NEDA is a bigger body it's practically the entire cabinet. SCAV: You know before in the 1990s PRA is PEA public Estates Authority they renamed it Philippine Reclamation Authority so I thought that public estate Authority is better, because you are developing public estate but you are not necessarily reclaiming. Kasi pag sinabi mong Philippine Reclamation Authority parang binibigyan mo sila ng power to reclaim. Kasi you created an agency that's only doing reclamation and I don't believe in that that's why we we have to review. Kaya lang in in our government pag mag-aabolish ka ng mga ganyang agency mahirap like for example during the discussion of the Rice Tariffication law, the Executive Department was asking me to remove NFA. Kasi kaya nagmahal ang bigas noong panahon na yun, there was collusion between NFA and the importers and tumaas ang price ng bigas from 30 32 to 14 naging 48 to 60 pesos in 2018. So, the executive department panic I agreed with them to enforce the Rice Tariffication law because we promised the World Trade Organization in 1995 that we will liiberalize the importation of rice but we were given time to make a rice farmer competitive before we liberalize, but after that's 1995 by 2018 nothing is happening with regards to the competitiveness of our Farmers. So we decided to liberalize the importation of rice but all the proceeds of the Tariff will go back to the small farmers and we created the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund and the financial assistance to Rice Farmers owning two hectares and below from the proceeds of the Tariff on imported rice but I did not agree that we will remove NFA because there are 4 000 employees and that's bad for me they will just be online every day rebuking me so I said that you better remove it yourself not me and so what they did is after the passage of the Rice Tariffication law,they offered an early retirement package and they said 50 percent of the employees retired so that's a better way so that's the history. Atty LINA: You mentioned about PRA, is it just the name or the very concept ? SCAV: I think that is the concept, it's a concept Philippine Reclamation Authority the it's all reclamation. Atty LINA : So you're inclined to return to the concept of a public estate Authority and is it going to be directly under the Office of the President because reclamation will still be part of the function? SCAV: Yeah, it's not the sole function Atty LINA: Yes,but will you rather have this authority whether Reclamation or public estate to be under a big a bigger body so that there will be a multi-disciplinary approach to the issue of public estate development which includes reclamation? SCAV: Like today, it's multi-agency also because the department of environment the natural resources will issue an ECC but unfortunately those ECCs was issued without consultation that's the problem. Maybe puwede ding include not only the department of environment and natural resources but also NEDA, or the Department of Finance, kasi yung mga PPP the also pass NEDa, para its harder, kasi ito parang isa lang, EMB director nag issue ng nag issue na wala ng kinunsulta 'maybe we can make it harder for them to issue that ECC. It should pass it should have the approval of Neda that can be done. Sec COLOMA: That was the old setup Senator during the Aquino Administration, 2013 it was under the NEDA board and it includes the executive, the chairman of the NEDA board is the president the co-chair is the economic planning secretary and the members are the executive secretary Department of Finance environment local government and all other even budget and management is included. SCAV: Yeah so I think they should make it harder kasi yung EMB director nagdecide and nag issue indiscriminately. Atty LINA: Will you consider public bidding also before a project is awarded? SCAV : What they do now now it's not really public bidding you have a proponent and then you will make the study and will offer but people can make offers also, but meron yung tinatawag nilang first proponent status, na pag yung first proponent kung mababa ang succeeding proponent, kung maequal niya siya pa din ang mananalo. I think that's better because the first proponent will make the study unfair after making a study for a long time kung pareho klang din naman ang offer dapat ibigay sa kanya kasi he originally made the study that's what you call by your first proponent status. Unless, mas maganda offer ng iba at di niya maequal, then that's the time you give it to another bidder. Sec COLOMA: I think they call that the Swiss challenge, unsolicited proposals. The proponent has first rights, priority rights and could match the offer of the of other people. Atty LINA: Well you're hearing by end of September, will cover now the entire country not just the Manila Bay Reclamation? SCAV: we can do that, we are not prevented from doing that besides, I have told the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to prepare also their reports, and we will study also. Dalawa kaming mag-istudy. para we will ask the right questions and they will give us the right answers. Atty LINA: So flooding is one of the worst consequences of reclamation. Aside from this, are there other dire consequences resulting from reclamation. SCAV: Because if there is flooding then yung mga value ng mga bahay ng ating mga kababayan dun sa aming town, like for example in the 1970s our residents they are not from Las Pinas they come from the provinces but they work in Metro Manila that's why they have to buy a house nearby and it cost them something like 50,000 pesos a house during the 1970s and they paid thaton installment usually financed by a bank or by the GSIS or by the SSS but they took them 20 years to pay for the amortization and now if you go back to Las Pinas a house will cost something no house will cost less than 5 million pesos so, from 50,000 to 5 million I think that's their biggest assets so far, the biggest investment and they work hard for that investment and if they are flooded, the market value will go down and even result in nobody who wants to buy from a flooded area, kaya nakakaawa din sila. that's why, sabi ko, we have to look at the welfare also of the people affected by flooding. It's not only the flooding but the deterioration of prices of their asset, of their homes in places where there is flooding another consideration yun and would you like to live in a place na it's always flooding I mean even the investors will not come and it's complete deterioration of the place. So it's the welfare of the residents of the affected cities that will be that will be the biggest effect of reclamation so far, and of course there is really a study that Metro Manila will have a problem sinking, kasi because of climate change. The places where there is snow, the snow will be converted to water and there is a rising sea level and then we are predicting that to happen in Manila Bay. Of course the land in Metro Manila is going down because we're getting water out and so it's the land going down the ocean going up and so there is really a problem in the future of massive flooding and even Jakarta they're transferring the capital of Indonesia to another place because Jakarta is sinking and I remember I went there to observe coconut and cacao industry in an island where there is even an airport I flew from Jakarta that island and that Island sank, it's not anymore there so yung sinasabing sinking it's a reality because of climate change. So we must be very careful with what we're doing because we might hasten the sinking of Metro Manila so we have to be careful and we have to make allowances for those findings, that it will not happen to us it's happening in Jakarta it can happen to us. Sec COLOMA: And I think DENR is also conducting a geospatial mapping where they can track that's exactly what senator was saying where a certain place is sinking or because there is mapping so they will not just be guessing about this it will be scientifically established. Atty LINA: how about the livelihood of the fishermen Senator and the famousManila Bay Sunset anong mangyayari dito? SCAV: Yung livelihood there are 300 000 fishermen in Manila Bay so like for example Las Pinas is a fishermen's port and Paranaque has and Bacoor has and I'm sure every town in Cavite has ports. A fishermen port, diyan bumibili ng mga isda ang mga tao, mawawala yan. I don't know how they would do that an isosoften nila ang plow of fishing both for the livelihood of fishermen and and of course the the supply of food in Metro Manila malaki din yun, so mahirap din yun kasi we are always concerned about food security. I will ask everybody I think we can live with our old clothes, with our old houses but we cannot live without food that's the most important thing in our lives we cannot survive without food so we should take care of our food source especially our fishermen and our farmers because they provide us food and we cannot live without food. Atty LINA : Are you ready to lead a movement Senator Cynthia in addition to your being a legislator to rally the people against unjustified reclamation? SCAV: I think I cannot do it alone. I've been doing that and it's very hard and I think it's the joint effort of all people that can do that. In fact I'm asking my constituent if ayaw pigilin magrarally tayo, sasama ba kayo? Kasi, you know you cannot do it alone. Sec.COLOMA : Can you address an appeal now yeah you're infront of several television stations here, appeal to the citizens to help you in opposing reclamation projects that are not justified SCAV: it's always what I say you know but I cannot do it alone so I'm appealing to the people that if you support this course maybe you should be heard so that our people from government will realize that this is a very popular course that we should preserve our environment for the future generation of Filipinos. It's not only for us I mean it might not happen during our time but in the future the disaster will happen so if we want to protect our children and the future generation of Filipinos we should work together because no person can do this alone we have to be together in this okay, thank you. Sec.COLOMA: I think it's very well said Senator, that the welfare of the people must be considered because this is a multi-stakeholder issue, it cannot just be a business or commerce and industry, ., but the overall welfare of our people. Perhaps we could also take this opportunity to request you to answer questions from the members of the media. Media: Mam nito pongng nakakaraang araw,malaking balita na naman itong malaking pagtaas ng presyo ng bigas natin. Nabanggit po ninyo kanina about the rice tariffication law. Alam po naming na kung hindi ako nagkakamali ay anim na taon ay dapat magkaroon tayo ng review sa atin pong rice tariffication law. SCAV: It's up to four. It was passed in 2019 it will last for five years so it will uh we have to pass a law to extend it in when before the 2025 deadline so before I leave Congress next year I have to refile, if I'm going to extend it and so we will review the performance of the rice tariffication law in terms of the rice competitiveness enhancement fund kasi the proceeds from rice tariffication was 10 billion was given to the rice competitiveness enhancement fund to PHILMECH for mechanization 5 billion a year; to PHILRICE for inbred seed production three billion a year; for Land bank and DBP for loans to Farmers 1 billion a year ; and for ATI and TESDA for training 1 billion a year . So we have to review that what happened initially ang findings, PHILRICE because they have been very dedicated to the enforcement of the what you call implementation of the rice tariffication law. They said that from 3.7 metric tons per hectare in during first year they have improved this year to 4.7 metric tons per hectare, ang harvest per hectare, because of the inbred seed and they said that they can erase it to five metric tons per hectare next year, and they can do it provided they're given more time to six metric tons per hectare. That means yung ating production of rice will rise by 62 percent if we will reach the six metric tons per hectare and our shortage is 15%, so if we reach the six metric tons per hectare, we're self-sufficient in rice in the Philippines and we can export, kasi 15% lang ang shortage 62 percent ang increase. So, we're looking at that and of course we have to report on that when we renew the rice tarrification law if every Congress will approve. but the most important thing in the rice tariffication law is the importation of rice by NFA was removed, the right of NFA or the power of NFA to import rice was removed. They can only buy from the local, para to help our small farmers and they have to establish a buffer's stocking of rice and they have a budget of 9 billion a year to buy rice from the farmers and do a buffer stocking to prevent rice shortage or as a source of rice during calamities and disaster, but unfortunately, parang wala sila ngayong supply of rice that's why they are being questioned, and to make it worst they're going to India to import they're not allowed to import only the Bureau of Plant and Industry can issue a phyto sanitary permit and the private sector have to import so I don't know what they're going to do to allow the government to import. Media: Mam itong pong mga nakaraang buwan, ang isa po sa sinasabi po nila na naging problkema, hindi na po nagbenta ng bigas ang India pati ang Vietnam SCAV: Hindi naman tayo nabili sa India, we are buying from Vietnam and Thailand. If you look at the record we never bought from India Media: Pero po mam ang Vietnam nagkaroon din po sila ng limit sa pagbebenta. Ito po bang rice tariffication law, talaga po bang naging kapaki-pakinabang para sa taong bayan. SCAV: Yeah, because during that time when we passed the rice tariffication law, the price of rice is from 48 pesos to 60 pesos that's why the executive department requested us to pass the law and I agreed to pass the law because all the tariffs from Rice will go to the farmers to make them competitive because they are not competitive. Vietnam can produce rice at six pesos per kilo we produce rice at 12.50 and when we start I asked the PIDS to study why it is like that? They said that our labor cost is higher by 3.50 per kilo because we are not mechanized and then are the productivity of our seeds is very low because our quality of seed is low. So, when I wrote the law I I allocated 5 billion to mechanization 3 billion to inbred seed production because inbred seed is produced in the Philippines, unlike the hybrid seedlings that they are providing farmers it's imported. Why will we import if we can produce good rice seeds in the Philippines, and you know the one supplying the farmers in three billion inbred seedlings e coop of of local farmers. They produce the seeds and they give it to PHILRICE, and they supply it to the small farmers, so why will you import when you can produce something in the Philippines you will help the farmers and they are more productive. So that was the idea of the rice competitiveness enhancement fund. Media; Kailan po ninyong planong simulan po ang pagpapatawag, para po sa pareview po nitong rice tariffication law?' SCAV: We have to start, it's just that I was telling attorney Lina that I have to defend two important bills this September, yung anti-agricultural smuggling and cartel law and then I have to defend the amendment to the Salt Iodization Law to redevelop our salt industry because before that law 93 of our salt comes from the Philippines 7 percentimported ngayon baliktad na, seven percent coming from the Philippines 93 percent are important so we have to review that law because actually you don't need iodization for other purposes like salt is a fertilizer to the coconut industry, hindi naman kailangang i-iodized kung fertilizer, yung kailangan lang i-iodized ay yunt human consumption and that is 25% of the demand, of 75% you don't need iodization. Media: Senator Villar mam, doon po sa amin sa Plaridel Bulacan, as a farmer also ay kapansin pansin ngayon ang patuloy na conversion ng ating mga lupa, turning into residential or industrial sites, ang tinatanong ng ating mga farmers ngayon, mukhang nasira na yung ating irrigation planning at the same time wala ng tinatabuhan ang ating mga tubig, ano po ba ang aksyon ninyo as a chairperson ng committee on agriculture, SCAV: Alam niyo nung idistribute sa famers yung mga land, they call it collective CLOA and CLOA, it's not a TCT or a title to the land so they cannot sell them, yung nacoconvert A and D yun, because when you get a permit you cannot you cannot, let's say if you're a developer and you're you have no title you cannot apply for a permit to development yung nacocovert may titulo yun, may may-ari and in the Philippines we honor the private ownership. If they want to sell it they can sell it, but yung mga Land Reform beneficiary yung mga farmer natin that got their land from the agrarian land reform they have no title yet, kaya nga pinasa naming yung condonation of their loan, the agrarian reform debt, kasi nga hindi sila makabayad dun sa debt nila mighjt as well condone it, so we condoned 1.2 million hectares benefiting 620 000 farmers owning usually two hectares and below and that amounted to 57 billion pesos, pinasa namion yun recently and then there is a split program ngayon na finance by World bank na they will hasten yung pagpapatitle nang Land Reform beneficiaries from collective cloa and cloa to a title so they can use it if they want to borrow money to finance their project they can use it a means of borrowing from banks or as a collateral. Bat yung mga nagpapagawa ng project out of land, you cannot do that from the farmers land kung wala naming titulo, ngayon kung may titulo ka naman you can sell it because we honor the ownership of private property in the Philippines and they go through the process of getting permit, you don't do that na out of nowhere it's a very lengthy process. Media: sa issue naman po ng West Philippine sea, si Senator JV kasama ko sa program, napansin din daw po niya na palapit yung mga barko ng China sa atin, meron po ba tayong particular na appeal, in particular diplomatic appeal sa China? SCAV: DI ba nasa United nations infact, nanalo na tayo dun but you know it's different when you win and different if you can enforce. Alam niyo naman pag nag-enforce, physical yun we don't want to go to war with anybody if we can you do it in a more diplomatic way we'll do it but siguro last resort young force and we know naman that we are not that strong in force. That's why we are asking the help of our allies to pressure China not to get our land in the West Philippines seas. Media: Since na tackle po natin yung climate change at yung possibility ng paglubog ng Metr Manila may sinasabi po ang DOST na kailangan na ng migration ng mga bridges,airports and even the settlements na malapit dun sa dalampasigan, ano po yung thoughts niyo dito. Madali po ba itong magawa ng government anticipating the climate change. SCAV: I don't think so, I think they should work with the DPWH because you know airports are very expensive and we are not really that rich country I think we should protect them but we should do it in a way that we can afford. Kasi mabigat, ang dami nating airports sa mga coastal areas kasi yun ang available land. You know naman even airports we have problems in getting lands for the airport, infact why some airports ay mas maikli, that cannot accommodate larger airplanes, because they have difficulty in getting lands for the airport so I think they should study it because I don't think we can afford that yeah foreign it. Media: Yun pong mga nakatira malapit sa dalampasigan mahihirapan po ang gibyerno natin na ilipat po sila. SCAV: Alam mo ang isang murang way of protecting them in the coastal areas, I remember during the Yolanda, all the towns in Leyte and Samar who have mangrove forests in the coastal area were spared and those without mangrove forests in the coastal area were the ones totally damaged by Yolanda, mural ang naman magtanim ng mangrooves so we should encourage the towns to plant mangrove on their coastal area. In fact in Las Pinas we have 35 hectares of mangroves along our coast, ang maganda sa mangroves it's the spawning ground of fishes, dun nabubuhay din ang mga fin gerlings na pumupunta sa ocean na nagbibigay ng livelihood sa mga farmers so it's a very good model you know planting of Mangrove along the coast at mura pa in fact mas mura ang mangroves keysa maggawa ka ng slope protection, so if we cannot afford slope protection we and in fact ang slope protection nasisisra but ang mangroves mas matibay. Media: The banner story of Manila Bulletin today implies that according to Senator Enrile it implies that President BBM is hell-bent on stopping reclamation. The words of Senator and Enrile says yung mga naumpisahan hanggang dun lang, yung iba wala na. Its like saying its foregone, parang ang conclusions wala ng reclamation, but in the same way the story implies that pressure is still being exerted on the president, so one of the ways to strengthen the position the president if ever is held bent on stopping the reclamation would be a resolution from the Senate, do you think or are you hopeful because recent news reports implies that the senators are divided in the issue are you hopeful that a majority of senators ultimately support your position on stopping reclamation of Manila Bay SCAV: Atleast they authorized me to do a hearing. So,they have asked me to do a hearing on reclamation of Manila Bay and we're preparing for it and the DENR is preparing for it also and of course we will ask the PRA to give their side but at least we're now open to hearing about the Reclamation before there was no move on the part of the senator it's an improvement and we will try to do the best we can so we can inform the public of what's real the real score on reclamation Media: My question is about the reclamation being done by the group of Ramong Ang in Bulacan, it is also a Reclamation project will it affect the coastal areas, especially now that Ubando,Malabon,Navotas are already in water even in very short periods of rain and how will it affect the airport situation in the country is it going to really be appropriate for the Manila people to go to Bulacan to have their flights international and local when we have already the airport in Manila in Pasay SCAV: No ,I don't think the Manila International Airport in the South will be removed, it's an alternative airport in other countries they have many airports so that's an and we have another airport in Clark so, talagang it will be a free enterprise they have to work hard to get their customers, but I don't think that the people from the South will allow the Manila International Airport in Paranaque/Pasay to be removed. Media: But what about the flooding situation in that area SCAV: They are flooding we're not yet flooding that's why we're preventing the flooding but I think uh I think that airport in Bulacan they have to raise the level otherwise there will be flooding. Merdia : No no no what I mean, because I come from Bulacan I come from Ubando so my family always suffers from flood. SCAV: You are referring to Bulacan, well you better ask your Senators,congressmen and governors they agreed to that. Atty Lina : Maybe we can ask Senator Villar to do his parting words SCAV: I'm very happy to be here to be with you today I know I cannot answer all your concerns because I too is kind of confused with what's happening you know but uh we will try to do our best In fairness to all the people that we will make sure that we will not be affected by this Reclamation, we will not allow to be affected by this Reclamation projects if we have to move together to stop if we are going to be affected then we'll do that we'll try our best to protect the people from the harm from Reclamation..Thank you very much
The terrorist state of Russia launched a Shahed-136 kamikaze drone on an educational institution in the town of Romny in the Sumy region at 10:05 a.m. on August 23. The building was destroyed, two teachers were killed and three more were injured.

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Sumy RMA reported on the war crime on Telegram. Now all services are working at the site. The headquarters of liquidation of consequences will be deployed.

The Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko said that two employees of the institution may be under the rubble. The search and rescue operation continues.

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Russian terrorists also attacked the south of the Odesa region with attack drones at night. Air defense forces managed to destroy 9 targets, but there was also a strike on the production and transshipment complexes. A fire broke out at the site of the strike, covering an area of 700 m2. Grain storage facilities were also damaged.

The Russians launched up to 20 attack drones at night, of which 11 were destroyed by the forces and means of the Air Force in cooperation with other components of the Ukrainian defense forces: 9 over the territory of the Odesa region and 2 more in Zaporizhzhia.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, Russian terrorists attacked the city of Kherson with guided aerial bombs early in the morning of August 23. Civilian infrastructure was damaged, six people were injured. "The Russian military dropped two guided aerial bombs on a kindergarten and residential buildings," the RMA reported.

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Only verified information on Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
[August 23, 2023] AlphaSense Continues Global Expansion in Asia Pacific with New Regional Hub in Singapore Tweet

Fueled by strong growth in customer demand in the Asia-Pacific region, AlphaSense opens a new office in Singapore to build up its local customer support NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AlphaSense, the leading market intelligence and search platform, today announced its continued expansion in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region with a new regional hub in Singapore. The expansion, in response to strong customer demand in the region, will support AlphaSense's growing global footprint, enabling the company to better serve its existing APAC client base while bolstering its capacity to scale customer growth. The announcement of AlphaSense's regional hub closely follows several significant company milestones in 2023, including the launch of its generative AI capabilities, Smart Summaries, as well as a $100 million addition to its $225 million Series D financing round in April led by CapitalG, Alphabet's independent growth fund, valuing the company at $1.8 billion. AlphaSense's customer base now includes more than 4,000 enterprise customers and represents the region's most influential sectors, including 7 of the top 10 asset management firms in APAC and leading companies in wide-ranging industries such as life sciences, energy, industrials, consumer goods, and technologymany wit existing users in APAC today. Customers in the region include Chugai Pharmaceutical, Samsung, Petronas, HSBC, Hong Kong's Sylebra Capital, Singapore's YH2 Capital Management, and many more. The new officeand AlphaSense's investment in growing its presence in the regionwill help provide existing and new customers in Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, and the entire APAC region with greater levels of support.



"We are delighted to establish our new office in Singapore, especially as we continue to see growing demand for enterprise market intelligence solutions across the Asia-Pacific region," said Daniel Sanchez-Grant, SVP of International Corporate Sales. "Singapore's thriving market and impressive talent pool makes it a critical economic hub for AlphaSense to establish roots and build a best-in-class sales and support team dedicated to serving the region." AlphaSense has also expanded coverage within Wall Street Insights (WSI), its exclusive aftermarket research product, to expertise from APAC's top analyst teams, including Macquarie, HSBC, and Mordor Intelligence. Currently, users can search in the AlphaSense platform across non-English content in eight different languages, including Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.

"The Asia-Pacific region is one of the most dynamic and fast-growing economies in the world," said Kiva Kolstein, President and Chief Revenue Officer of AlphaSense. "This expansion not only strengthens our global presence but also promises significant opportunities for accelerated company growth, furthering our mission to enable more professionals across every industry to make better decisions with confidence and speed." AlphaSense plans to employ more than 30 people in Singapore by 2024, in roles spanning sales, content, marketing, and customer support, including a Country Manager to lead the office. The expansion into APAC is the most recent example of AlphaSense's expanding global footprintin September 2022, AlphaSense opened an office in Germany, adding to its existing footprint in the U.S., U.K., Finland, and India. About AlphaSense

AlphaSense is a market intelligence and search platform used by the world's leading companies and financial institutions. Since 2011, our AI-based technology has helped professionals make smarter business decisions by delivering insights from an extensive universe of public and private contentincluding equity research, company filings, event transcripts, expert calls, news, trade journals, and clients' own research content. Headquartered in New York City, AlphaSense employs over 1,000 people across offices in the U.S., U.K., Finland, Germany, India, and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.alpha-sense.com . Media Contact:

Remi Duhe

Email: [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/alphasense-continues-global-expansion-in-asia-pacific-with-new-regional-hub-in-singapore-301907692.html SOURCE AlphaSense

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[August 23, 2023] FDA Clears PixCell Medical's HemoScreen Point of Care CBC for Direct Capillary Sampling Significantly Enhancing Ease-of-Use & Testing Throughput Tweet

YOKNEAM ILLIT, Israel, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PixCell Medical, an innovator of rapid hematology testing solutions at the point of care (POC), is pleased to announce that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted 510(k) clearance for direct capillary sampling with the HemoScreen 5-part differential CBC analyzer, substantially simplifying blood sampling and minimizing the pre-analytical process. HemoScreen has been FDA-cleared for point-of-care use with venous and capillary blood since 2018, and to date has been the only 5-part differential CBC analyzer cleared for POC use. The recent clearance enables collection of a sample directly from the finger without an intermediate tube. Direct sampling is a significant advantage over other blood count devices, as it enables unparalleled ease of capillary blood collection that does not require a phlebotomist or physician, requires much less expertise, is quicker, painless, and is much less prone to pre-analytical errors. This recent FDA clearance has finally brought HemoScreen to its full potential as a true POC hematology analyzer with its proprietar single-use reagent cartridge, automatic sample preparation, and exceptionally simple blood collection procedure.



"This latest clearance is a major milestone and a profound vote of confidence, allowing HemoScreen users to utilize an exceptionally simple sampling procedure" states Dr. Avishay Bransky, PixCell Medical co-founder and CEO. "With the clearance to use direct capillary sampling, HemoScreen has become a true game changer in POC hematology, making it even easier to operate, negating pre-analytical challenges common with other CBC analyzers in the market, and increasing diagnostic throughput." About PixCell Medical

PixCell Medical, an innovator of rapid hematology testing solutions at the point-of-care, has developed the only 5-part differential Complete Blood Count (CBC) analyzer that is FDA-cleared, CE-marked, and TGA-approved for point-of-care use the HemoScreen. The portable, easy-to-use platform offers clinically proven lab-accurate readings of 20 standard blood count parameters within five minutes, with just one finger-prick of blood. This facilitates fast diagnostic results and data-driven disease management decisions. Leveraging a patented, disposable cartridge preloaded with all necessary reagents, the company's unique Viscoelastic Focusing technology, and AI-powered machine vision, PixCell enables improved medical outcomes and patient quality of life and reduces costs for healthcare providers. For more information: www.pixcell-medical.com

Follow PixCell Medical on LinkedIn and Twitter. Media Contact:

PixCell Medical

Jake Jones

[email protected]

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1501459/PixCell_Medical_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fda-clears-pixcell-medicals-hemoscreen-point-of-care-cbc-for-direct-capillary-sampling-significantly-enhancing-ease-of-use--testing-throughput-301907820.html SOURCE PixCell Medical

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[August 23, 2023] Stethophone Receives Full Approval for Use by Patients and Their Families in Ukraine Tweet

Sparrow BioAcoustics today announced it has received clearance from the State Service of Ukraine for Medicines and Drugs Control for its Stethophone app to be used by patients and their families, as well as by medical professionals. "Sparrow BioAcoustics is proud to receive its first full approval for patients to use Stethophone in Ukraine," said Mark Opauszky, CEO of Sparrow. "Like many people, members of our team are close to Ukraine and neighboring countries in Eastern Europe. We wanted to be able to help patients in this nation. Like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Ukrainian health authority is known for its high standards and strong focus on public safety." Earlier this year, the FDA granted clearance for Stethophone to be used by medical professionals and emergency medical technicians to monitor, record and share the sounds of the heart and lungs. In Sparrow's clinical tests, Stethophone outperforms the class-leading traditional stethoscopes in cardiac and pulmonary auscultation. Stethophone is a breakthrough Software as a Medical Device (SaaMD) app that enables smartphones to capture, isolate and evaluate the sounds of the heart and lungs simply by placing the microphone of a smartphone against a patient's chest. The information is processed for both visual and auditory evaluation, and can be securely shared with other members of the care team. This makes Stethophone the clinical-grade stethoscope that is always with you, and can capture the sounds of symptoms whenever and wherever they occur. The downloadable Stethophone appliction uses advanced acoustic processing to provide smartphones with highly sensitive cardiac and pulmonary listening capability. Stethophone is unique in that there is nothing new to plug in, charge, or connect. Heart and lung sounds are captured by simply holding a smartphone to a patient's chest.



"There is a world of diagnostic information contained in chest sounds, and the healthcare system needs a practical way to capture this data and put it to work for the benefit of patients," said Opauszky. "Stethophone is the tool to do this." In trials conducted at Eastern Health Medical Centre, Newfoundland, Canada, 70 percent of medical professionals rated Stethophone superior in diagnostic sound performance over other leading devices. Stethophone also performed significantly higher in overall correct heart pathology diagnosis and correct normal heart diagnosis.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, representing 32 percent of all global deaths. The number of people at risk of CVD is on the rise. The American heart association reports that nearly half of all U.S. adults have some type of cardiovascular disease. About Sparrow BioAcoustics Sparrow BioAcoustics, with offices in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Toronto, Canada, is leading the Software as a Medical Device industry in new directions for cardiac and pulmonary detection and monitoring. Our team of physicians, engineers and data scientists are working to unlock the richest source of diagnostic information about cardiac and pulmonary conditions. Our mission is to help the millions of people at-risk and suffering from cardiac and respiratory disease to live longer, healthier lives enabled by earlier detection and quicker treatment. Learn more at sparrowbioacoustics.com. About the Stethophone Sparrow's Stethophone employs advanced acoustic processing and proprietary algorithms to make smartphones function as a class-leading stethoscope and a FDA-cleared Class II medical devices. Only Stethophone is able to distill accurate heart and lungs sounds using a smartphone's internal microphone. Stethophone captures and helps analyze this diagnostically-rich data and makes it securely shareable with other members of the care team. Stethophone makes it possible to gain insight into the structural condition of the heart and lungs, wherever and whenever a patient experiences symptoms. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823707815/en/

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[August 23, 2023] Oklahoma's New Broadband Map Will Help Guide High-Speed Internet Expansion Across the State Tweet

The Oklahoma Broadband Office, led by Executive Director Mike Sanders, has launched an interactive online map that details the availability of internet service across the state. The AppGeo Division of The Sanborn Map Company (Sanborn) worked closely with the Broadband Office to realize their vision for the application. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823652912/en/ Broadband Map, Oklahoma Broadband Office. (Graphic: Business Wire) "The Oklahoma-specific map will serve as a guide to the success of our mission to ensure high-speed internet service is available to everyone - including the nearly 750,000 Oklahomans who lack such service today," Sanders said. "We are proud to support the Oklahoma Broadband Office at this critical moment," said Brian Coolidge, Sanborn Senior Project Manager. "In coming months, all states are required to submit plans for using FCC's Broadband Equity Access and Distribution (BEAD) program funds to close the digitaldivide. The new online Oklahoma map will help the Oklahoma Broadband Office to share critical information with the public, internet service providers, and other stakeholders."



The current version of the application (https://map.broadband.ok.gov/) brings together more Oklahoma broadband information than can be found anywhere else. It empowers users to explore a wealth of detail about broadband speeds, technology, and coverage across the state: Search addresses

View unserved/underserved/served locations

Distinguish between different broadband technologies in use

See reported internet speeds by location

View areas receiving upgrades through federal grant funds For first time users, a brief tutorial video is available on the Oklahoma Map web page.

Sanborn's support for data strategy for the Oklahoma Broadband Office is ongoing. In coming months, Sanborn will add features to the Map so that the Office can streamline broadband infrastructure grant program enrollment and enable Oklahomans to track progress over time. About The Sanborn Map Company, Inc. The Sanborn Map Company (Sanborn), founded in 1866, is a leading geospatial company at the forefront of spatial data collection and technology innovation. One of the largest providers of end-to-end GIS products and services in the US, Sanborn capabilities include oblique, ortho, lidar, sonar, and hyperspectral data and mapping, secure data storage and streaming services, spatial analytics, custom application development, strategic planning, technical consulting, commercial data and cloud platforms, subscription geospatial solutions, staff augmentation, and GIS program managed services. Sanborn helps customers identify the right data and tech to create solutions that match their needs and situation. ISO 9001:2015 certified. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823652912/en/

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[August 23, 2023] Data Science Salon Presents Miami Machine Learning Week: Spotlight on Applying Generative AI & Machine Learning in the Enterprise Tweet

MIAMI, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Data Science Salon , the most diverse data science and machine learning community in the US, is excited to host Miami Machine Learning Week from September 18-22. The highlight of the week is sixth annual Data Science Salon Miami on September 19, a one-day conference dedicated to exploring the applications of generative AI and machine learning in the enterprise. The event will be held at Superblue Miami in the vibrant Miami Arts District right next to Rubell Museum. With a curated selection of techican sessions, industry leaders and specialists will gather to educate each other on innovative solutions in generative AI, machine learning, predictive analytics, and best practices. Executives, senior data science practitioners, managers, analysts, and engineering professionals are among the attendees. The conference format includes talks, panels, an expo, and ample networking opportunities in a casual and entertaining environment.

Data Science Salon MIA aims to explore and discuss the sophisticated data science approaches used in enterprise settings. This conference series is designed to be both informative and engaging. "It's wonderful to have an event where everyone can learn from each other in a relaxed environment," said Matthew Denesuk, SVP, Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence at Royal Caribbean Group. No matter your level of expertise, whether you're a seasoned senior leader or an advanced practitioner, these events guarantee valuable insights and information tailored o your needs. Past attendees have praised the curated content and the ease of networking in such an intimate setting. "Our reputation lies in curating and fostering sophisticated conversations at the forefront of data science, machine learning, and AI," said Anna Anisin, Founder of the Data Science Salon Series.



The event will feature 30 speakers, including data leaders from Visa, Citi, Royal Caribbean Group, Amex, EY, Brex, AT&T, JPMorgan Chase & Co, Meta, TelevisaUnivision, PagerDuty,, and many more. Some of the topics covered at Data Science Salon Miami include: - Usage of generative AI in monetization

- ChatGPT and generative AI models

- The use of Generative AI in personal finance management applications

- Data Visualization in the Age of AI

- Leveraging Large Language Models for Customer Service

- Customizing GPT Models for Domain-Specific NLP Tasks

- and much more!

Attendees will gain actionable insights from experts at the forefront of enterprise machine learning. The conference will cover every major application of generative AI machine learning in the enterprise, with over 350 attendees and cutting-edge research. For this year's Data Science Salon MIA, we're thrilled to partner with CyVent, recognized for their trailblazing security services that harness automation for client empowerment. Every DSS MIA participant will instantly gain access to the "DSS & CyVent: Cyber Security in the Age of Gen AI" mini-summit on September 20th. Additionally, join us for the exclusive DSS Elevate brunch on September 21st at 4Geeks Academy, celebrating the prowess of women in data and tech. The festivities commence with a free community Meetup at Brainstation, where the spotlight will be on a fireside chat exploring Generative AI's role in the enterprise. As the home market for the female-owned Data Science Salon, Miami holds special significance. DSS was launched six years ago and is headquartered in the heart of Miami, near the Design District. For more information on Data Science Salon Miami, visit https://datascience.salon/miami/ . Data Science Salon is not just a conference; it is a unique community that brings together senior data science practitioners, machine learning experts, and other subject matter experts. In addition to face-to-face gatherings, the community offers webinars, podcasts, trainings, and a vast library of curated content to foster knowledge sharing, best practices, and innovative solutions. Discover more about Data Science Salon at https://datascience.salon/ . Contacts: For Media and Sponsorship Inquiries:

Anna Anisin

+1 305-215-4527

[email protected]



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[August 23, 2023] STACK Infrastructure's Heroes of the Sea Charitable Fundraiser Exceeds $1.3 Million in Program Lifetime Giving Tweet

DENVER, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- STACK Infrastructure (STACK), the digital infrastructure partner to the worlds most innovative companies and a leading global developer and operator of data centers, today announced it raised $645,000 at its annual Heroes of the Sea Charitable Fundraiser and Salmon Fishing Derby, surpassing $1.3 million in program lifetime contributions. Held in Astoria, Oregon, the event benefits the Pacific Northwest Chief Warrant Officers Association (CWOA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit, community-based organization that represents active duty, reservist, and retired Chief Warrant Officers of the U.S. Coast Guard. The CWOA has established a Heroes of the Sea Foundation Endowment Fund and contributed an initial $600,000 to fund charitable distributions on a permanent basis into the future.

This milestone highlights the influence our digital infrastructure industry can have on local communities, said Ty Miller, Chief Commercial Officer of STACK Americas. We applaud the generosity of our clients and partners whose donations actively support service members, their families, and their communities across the United States. With veterans comprising more than half of our Critical Operations team, STACK considers it an honor to aid service members and launch an endowment fund that will ensure they are supported for years to come. The U.S. Coast Guard, the true heroes of the sea, serves many functions beyond search and rescue. The maritime branch assists with port security, hazard spills, navigation, and ecosystem conservation, and also protects coastlines including vital subsea communication cables that people depend on every da. U.S. Coast Guard members do essential work in seaside communities, but with limited resources, making unexpected life events fiscally challenging. Utilizing the funds raised through Heroes of the Sea and the newly established endowment fund, the CWOA is able to offer emergency support, service member advocacy, educational aid, and legal assistance to community members in need in perpetuity.



The generosity we witnessed during this years Heroes of the Sea is unlike anything weve ever seen, said Dean Johnston, president of the Pacific Northwest CWOA. The increasing amount of aid we are able to offer for the community is truly remarkable, and we are privileged to be able to provide such meaningful support. STACK is committed to supporting the people and communities across its data center markets. In addition to the annual Heroes of the Sea fundraiser, STACK fosters the next generation of data center talent via its Women in Data Centers apprenticeship program and contributions to the Northern Virginia Community College Student Success Fund. STACK deeply values the health of its communities and continues to expand its human impact programs.

ABOUT STACK INFRASTRUCTURE

STACK provides digital infrastructure to scale the worlds most innovative companies. With a client-first approach, STACK delivers a comprehensive suite of campus, build-to-suit, colocation, and powered shell solutions in the Americas, EMEA and APAC regions. With robust existing and flexible expansion capacity in the leading availability zones, STACK offers the scale and geographic reach that rapidly growing hyperscale and enterprise companies need. The world runs on data. And data runs on STACK. For more information about STACK, please visit: www.stackinfra.com . Media Contacts

Sammer Khalaf

[email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/526c3a5e-efc1-42ff-a851-7f325f15ff54.



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[August 23, 2023] Premier Optical Network Integration Provider, LightRiver, Launches netFLEX as a Service Tweet

CONCORD, Calif., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LightRiver , the premier optical network integration solution provider for next generation, multi-vendor, Factory Built Networks and netFLEX Transport Domain Orchestration and Control Software solutions, announces the release of netFLEX as a service (nFaaS). netFLEX , the only platform that enables uniform management of transport networks for cost avoidance, operational scale and new revenue enablement is now available as a SaaS Private Cloud Hosted model in North America and Europe. Ideal for enterprise and data center customers with small to medium networks, the nFaaS model presents a cost-effective solution for organizations seeking a unified view of their transport networks within a secure and scalable environment. With nFaaS, customers can accelerate Mean Tie to Repair (MTTR) and drive automation, all while enjoying the benefits of an intuitive and centralized platform.



"The launch of nFaaS is a testament to LightRiver's commitment to pioneering solutions that redefine the way networks are managed," said Matt Briley, Senior Vice President, Global Sales at LightRiver. "With nFaaS, we continue to lead the way in delivering cutting-edge technologies that enable our customers to navigate the complexities of modern network integration with confidence." Full featured netFLEX is available in the Discover, Analyze, & Assure (DAA) or Optical Domain Control (ODC) packages. LightRiver's SD-Waves, which allows anywhere any device visibility statistics for your traffic, is also available with an initial feature set focused on inventory & maintenance, ensuring a proactive approach to network management. Lastly, nFaaS is enabled via SD-Wan technology, utilizing an encrypted tunnel for communications to network elements within the customer network, keeping the customers' data secure.

For more information, visit netflex.LightRiver.com . About LightRiver LightRiver is the premier provider of next generation, multi-vendor, Factory Built Networks and netFLEX vendor neutral, Optical Domain Orchestration and Control Software solutions. LightRiver is an expert in Packet Optical, DWDM/ROADM, MPLS and Carrier Ethernet systems and designs, engineers, commissions, automates and supports next generation, software controlled, transport networks for mission-critical clients that require the highest capacity, reliability, resiliency and manageability that today's optical communications technology can deliver. LightRiver is a portfolio company of Grain Management, LLC, a leading Washington, D.C.-based investment firm, focused on the global communications sector. LightRiver delivers unique value with turnkey hardware and software solutions, carrier-grade quality and unparalleled customer care in multi-technology networking. For additional information about LightRiver, please visit https://lightriver.com . About Grain Management Grain Management, LLC is a leading global investment firm that focuses on broadband infrastructure and technology companies that connect the world to the information economy. Founded in 2007, Grain invests exclusively in the global telecommunications sector, employing a rigorous, data-based process buoyed by deep industry expertise to identify investment opportunities in key areas of telecommunications infrastructure, including fiber networks, wireless spectrum and cell towers. For more information visit www.graingp.com . Media Contact

Jaymie Scotto & Associates (JSA)

+1 888.695.3620 ext. 6

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/premier-optical-network-integration-provider-lightriver-launches-netflex-as-a-service-301907415.html SOURCE LightRiver

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[August 23, 2023] Research highlights the growing need for digital fluency and AI skills at school Tweet

LONDON, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Independent research published by leading international schools provider Nord Anglia Education today shows that one in two young people (1825 year olds) think their education helped them become digitally fluent and confident at using new technologies. Conducted by Kantar for Nord Anglia Education, the global research looked into the life skills young people worldwide see as important. On average, only around half of the global Gen Z'ers (54%) agreed with the statement "their education helped them to become digitally fluent and comfortable using new technologies." In India, 69% of the Gen Z'ers felt their education helped them become confident with new technologies, compared to their Gen Z peers in the USA and the UK, where only 51% and 42%, respectively, agreed with the statement. Given the wave of new artificial intelligence and artificial generative intelligence tools, the research findings underline the importance of preparing students for the future, according to Nord Anglia. In its recent article on AI in Education, Nord Anglia explains how 'Artificial Intelligence and human intelligence are powerfully complementary', and how this underpins its approach to helping students learn how  and when  to use the tool.



Dr Elise Ecoff, Chief Education Officer at Nord Anglia Education, said, "We're helping our students carefully understand how to use developments in AI to benefit their learning and working lives. While students need to know how to use new technologies, it's as important for them to develop 'durable human skills' that an algorithm can't replicate. It's why our approach to education very deliberately nurtures skills and mindsets like teamwork, resilience, creativity, critical thinking, as well as emotional intelligence. Students are learning not only how to master AI but also understand its opportunities as well as limitations." Nord Anglia is also working with world leading authorities on AI in education, so students can better understand themselves as learners.

Rose Luckin, Professor of Learner Centred Design, UCL Knowledge Lab and advisor on Nord Anglia's digitalisation strategy, said, "There's no question in my mind that to flourish in our AI-rich world, students need to learn mastery of their own thinking processes as well as a level of mastery of new technologies. This means they need to develop advanced thinking skills such as metacognition. This will not only ensure that they are excellent at learning whatever they need and be able to apply that learning whenever they need it but also that they can differentiate themselves from AI technologies whose metacognitive abilities are yet to get off the starting blocks." For enquiries: Jeb Moore

Communications Assistant

jeb.moore@nordanglia.com

+44 7452 815850 About Nord Anglia Education As the world's leading premium international schools organisation, we're shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life. Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.



No two children learn the same way, which is why our schools around the world personalise learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world's top universities. To learn more or apply for a place for your child, go to nordangliaeducation.com. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1503193/Nord_Anglia_Education_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/research-highlights-the-growing-need-for-digital-fluency-and-ai-skills-at-school-301908017.html SOURCE Nord Anglia Education

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[August 23, 2023] Threat Actors Get Creative with Building Block Style Attacks, Finds HP Tweet

PALO ALTO, Calif., Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) today issued its quarterly HP Wolf Security Threat Insights Report, showing how threat actors are chaining different combinations of attacks together like toy bricks to sneak past detection tools. By isolating threats that have evaded detection tools on PCs, HP Wolf Security has specific1 insight into the latest techniques used by cybercriminals in the fast-changing cybercrime landscape. To date, HP Wolf Security customers have clicked on over 30 billion email attachments, web pages, and downloaded files with no reported breaches. Based on data from millions of endpoints running HP Wolf Security2, the researchers found: Its playtime for cybercriminals using building block style attacks: Attack chains are often formulaic, with well-trodden paths to the payload. Yet creative QakBot campaigns saw threat actors connecting different blocks together to create unique infection chains. By switching up different file types and techniques, they were able to bypass detection tools and security policies. 32% of the QakBot infection chains analyzed by HP in Q2 were unique.

Attack chains are often formulaic, with well-trodden paths to the payload. Yet creative QakBot campaigns saw threat actors connecting different blocks together to create unique infection chains. By switching up different file types and techniques, they were able to bypass detection tools and security policies. 32% of the QakBot infection chains analyzed by HP in Q2 were unique. Spot the difference  blogger or keylogger: Attackers behind recent Aggah campaigns hosted malicious code within popular blogging platform, Blogspot. By hiding the code in a legitimate source, it makes it harder for defenders to tell if a user is reading a blog or launching an attack. Threat actors then use their knowledge of Windows systems to disable some anti-malware capabilities on the users machine, execute XWorm or the AgentTesla Remote Access Trojan (RAT), and steal sensitive information.

Attackers behind recent Aggah campaigns hosted malicious code within popular blogging platform, Blogspot. By hiding the code in a legitimate source, it makes it harder for defenders to tell if a user is reading a blog or launching an attack. Threat actors then use their knowledge of Windows systems to disable some anti-malware capabilities on the users machine, execute XWorm or the AgentTesla Remote Access Trojan (RAT), and steal sensitive information. Going against protocol: HP also identified other Aggah attacks using a DNS TXT record query  typically used to access simple information on domain names  to deliver the AgentTesla RAT. Threat actors know the DNS protocol is not often monitored or protected by security teams, making this attack extremely hard to detect.

HP also identified other Aggah attacks using a DNS TXT record query  typically used to access simple information on domain names  to deliver the AgentTesla RAT. Threat actors know the DNS protocol is not often monitored or protected by security teams, making this attack extremely hard to detect. Multi-lingual malware: A recent campaign uses multiple programming language to avoid detection. Firstly, it encrypts its payload usng a crypter written in Go, disabling the anti-malware scanning features that would usually detect it. The attack then switches language to C++ to interact with the victims operating system and run the .NET malware in memory  leaving minimal traces on the PC.



Todays attackers are becoming better organized and more knowledgeable. They research and analyze operating system internals, making it much easier for them to exploit the gaps. By knowing which doors to push, they can navigate internal systems with ease, using relatively simple techniques in very effective ways  without sounding the alarm.

The report details how cybercriminal groups are diversifying attack methods to bypass security policies and detection tools. Key findings include: Archives were the most popular malware delivery type for the fifth quarter running, used in 44% of cases analyzed by HP.

Q2 saw a 23% rise in HTML threats stopped by HP Wolf Security compared to Q1.

There was a 4%-point increase in executables from 14% to 18% from Q1 to Q2, mainly caused by usage of the PDFpower.exe file, which bundled software with a browser hijacking malware.

HP noted a 6%-point drop in spreadsheet malware (19% to 13%) in Q1 compared to Q4, as attackers move away from Office formats that are more difficult to run macros in.

At least 12% of email threats identified by HP Sure Click bypassed one or more email gateway scanner in Q2.

The top threat vectors in Q2 were email (79%) and browser downloads (12%). Dr. Ian Pratt, Global Head of Security for Personal Systems, HP Inc., comments: While infection chains may vary, the methods of initiation remain the same  it inevitably comes down to the user clicking on something. Instead of trying to second guess the infection chain, organizations should isolate and contain risky activities such as opening email attachments, clicking on links, and browser downloads. HP Wolf Security runs risky tasks in isolated, hardware-enforced virtual machines running on the endpoint to protect users, without impacting their productivity. It also captures detailed traces of attempted infections. HPs application isolation technology mitigates threats that slip past other security tools and provides unique insights into novel intrusion techniques and threat actor behavior. About the data This data was anonymously gathered within HP Wolf Security customer virtual machines from April-June 2023. About HP HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit: http://www.hp.com. About HP Wolf Security HP Wolf Security is a new breed of endpoint security. HPs portfolio of hardware-enforced security and endpoint-focused security services are designed to help organizations safeguard PCs, printers, and people from circling cyber predators. HP Wolf Security provides comprehensive endpoint protection and resiliency that starts at the hardware level and extends across software and services. Visit https://www.hp.com/uk-en/security/endpoint-security-solutions.html. _________________ 1 HP has specific insight into the latest cybercriminal techniques because it analyzes real world malware samples in micro-virtual machines (micro-VMs), capturing detailed traces of attempted infections.

2 HP Security is now HP Wolf Security. Security features vary by platform, please see product data sheet for details. Media Contact

Vanessa Godsal, HP Media Relations

[email protected]



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[August 23, 2023] Telit Cinterion and Nestle Brazil Partner on Private 5G for Industry 4.0 Factory Automation Tweet

Proof-of-concept (PoC) trial by Nestle Brazil showcases 5G's ability to support demanding, mission-critical applications such as industrial robotics

showcases 5G's ability to support demanding, mission-critical applications such as industrial robotics Telit Cinterion's 5G evaluation kit helps manufacturers and systems integrators identify where and how to leverage 5G for factory automation IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Telit Cinterion, a global enabler of the intelligent edge, today announced completion of a successful proof-of-concept trial of private 5G for factory automation. Conducted in partnership with Nestle Brazil, the trial showcases why and how manufacturers are increasingly making 5G a foundational component of their Industry 4.0 transformation strategies. Many manufacturers are considering or already implementing 5G, including private 5G networks, a global trend that will be worth $109 billion by 2030. Nestle conducted the trial at Parque Tecnologico Sao Jose dos Campos, a government-sponsored research park where it is one of the resident companies exploring next-generation technologies and business processes. The trial focused on how Nestle could use 5G to connect autonomous manufacturing robots and automated guided vehicles at their plants like the one in Cacapava, Brazil. The trial used the Telit Cinterion 5G FT980-WW evaluation kit, which features the FN980 module. Based on the 3GPP Rel. 15 standard, the FN980m supports all major 5G frequency bands, giving private networks maximum deployment flexibility. The Nestle trial focused on the use of sub-6 GHz spectrum.



"Telit Cinterion has been a partner of Nestle since we began conducting the first tests using 5G technology at Nestle's Innovation and Technology Center (CIT) at the Sao Jose dos Campos Technology Park. We are very pleased with this unprecedented joint work, which is so important for the national industry," explained Gustavo Moura, Digital Transformation Program Manager for Operations at Nestle Brazil. "Nestle Brazil is one of several recent Latin America 5G factory automation trials that Telit Cinterion has been part of, which shows that manufacturers across the region see 5G as key for ensuring the success of their Industry 4.0 migration," said Neset Yalcinkaya, SVP Sales Americas at Telit Cinterion. "This successful trial also is the latest example of how manufacturers, systems integrators, and others turn to Telit Cinterion for private 5G factory automation and PoC trials."

For more information on 5G, visit https://www.telit.com/modules-overview/cellular-5g/. About Telit Cinterion

Telit Cinterion is a global enabler of the intelligent edge providing complete solutions that reduce time to market and costs, delivering custom designed, ready for market connected devices in addition to maintaining the industry's broadest portfolio of enterprise-grade wireless communication and positioning modules, cellular MVNO connectivity plans and management services, edge-cloud software and data orchestration, and IoT and Industrial IoT platforms. As the largest western provider pioneering IoT innovation, Telit Cinterion delivers award-winning and highly secure IoT solutions, modules and services for the industry's top brands. For more information, follow us on YouTube, Twitter (X), LinkedIn and Facebook or visit Telit.com. Copyright  2023 Telit IoT Solutions Holding Ltd. and/or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. Telit Cinterion, Telit, OneEdge, Cinterion, and all associated logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Telit Communications S.p.A, Telit Communications LTD, Telit IoT Solutions Holding Ltd. and/or their affiliated companies in the United States and/or other countries. Other names used herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. Media Contacts Leslie Hart

Telit Cinterion

+1 919-415-1510

[email protected] Lora Wilson

Valerie Christopherson

GRC for Telit Cinterion

+1 949-608-0276

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/telit-cinterion-and-nestle-brazil-partner-on-private-5g-for-industry-4-0-factory-automation-301907264.html SOURCE Telit Cinterion

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The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry has confirmed the landing of a Russian Mi-8 at a Ukrainian air base. Ukrainian intelligence lured the pilot of the AMTSh Mi-8 to Ukraine, he landed in Kharkiv Region, the other two crew members were unaware of what was happening.

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This was the result of an operation that had been underway for six months. This was reported by a Ukrainian media outlet citing its own intelligence sources.

"It was a special operation of the Main Directorate of Intelligence, which lasted more than 6 months. Ukrainian intelligence lured the pilot of the Mi-8 AMTSh to Ukraine. The aircraft was on a flight between two airbases and was carrying parts for Su-27, Su-30 SM fighters. Along with the pilot, there were two crew members on board who did not know where the helicopter was actually flying to. Mi-8 landed in Kharkiv region", - stated in the message.

As a result of the special operation, two crew members were eliminated. And the pilot and his family are in Ukraine, the family of the Russian pilot was taken out of the Russian Federation in advance.

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"Mi-8 remained in Ukraine together with parts for fighter planes, which were to be delivered to the Russians", - adds the edition.

Officially in the Main Directorate of Intelligence information about the flight of the Russian Mi-8 to the controlled territory of Ukraine confirmed, the details promised to report later.

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"Official information will be. Preliminary: yes, there is such information. We need to wait a little bit. Work is underway, and with the crew, in particular. All is well, the news will be", - laconically commented on the situation the representative of the Main Directorate of Intelligence Andriy Yusov on the air of the telethon.

We will remind, earlier it was reported that the Russian helicopter Mi-8 lured to the Ukrainian airfield. Therefore, the occupants became hysterical. They began to talk about the crew's "loss of orientation" and that the helicopter allegedly landed by mistake at the airfield in Poltava. Two crew members were allegedly killed there, and the commander was captured.

Propagandists assure that this is the only true version of what happened. And they have even started to raise funds for the "rescue" of the captured Russian.

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[August 23, 2023] DHL Supply Chain and Girl Scouts of the USA Partner to Create New Logistics Patch & Curriculum Aimed at Inspiring Female Supply Chain Leaders of Tomorrow Tweet

DHL Supply Chain, the Americas leader in contract logistics and part of DHL Group, announced a partnership with Girl Scouts of the USA that will establish a program and branded patch to empower Girl Scouts to learn about the importance of the supply chain industry and discover a myriad of exciting careers in the field. DHL Supply Chain has been a longstanding supporter of Girl Scout councils throughout the U.S, including providing local mentorship opportunities in several cities including Columbus, Ohio, and Detroit, Michigan. As the company looks to expand its support of the organization, it has committed $1 million. "We are proud to expand our relationship with Girl Scouts of the USA. Entrepreneurship is a pillar of the Girl Scout experience and we're excited to show Girl Scouts the ins and outs of supply chain and logistics, while exposing them to career paths in the industry," said Scott Sureddin, CEO, DHL Supply Chain, North America. "We want to build on their aptitude for logistics and, through mentorship, show them real examples of women and men who have built successful careers in the field." "We continue to look for innovative ways to engage our employees in supporting the company's diversity equity inclusion and belonging efforts. Our robust Women in Supply Chain (WISC) Employee Resource Group will play an integral role in executing the volunteer program and partnership with local Girl Scout troops," he added. DHL Supply Chain and Girl Scouts of the USA will collaborate on developing and piloting the skills training program with at least 10 councils from 2023 to 2024. The patch program will become available to Girl Scout troops across the United States in 2025 and 2026. "We greatly appreciate DHL's commitment to Girl Scouts and are thrilled to be working with them to prepare girls to lead in this important field," said Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. "Girl Scouts offers girls opportunities to explore subject areas they might not be encouraged to in school and learning all about career pathways in supply chain and logistics enables them to see the possibilities that are out there to become leaders in a field they may have never imagined." "Programs like the DHL skills logistics and supply chain pilot will help us to invest in the future of girls who want to become tomorrow's leaders in these in-dmand, STEM careers," said Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland CEO Tammy Wharton. "We are grateful for DHL's support and proud to launch this program here so girls from across Central Ohio, and soon the rest of the US, can embrace new opportunities and lay the foundation for a better economic future."



Actively investing in future supply chain leaders The partnership with Girl Scouts of the USA joins a long list of efforts DHL Supply Chain has undertaken to identify and foster the next generation of supply chain professionals. In 2022 the company announced its DHL Supply Chain Future Leaders Scholarship which provides scholarships, each year, to students across 11 universities studying supply chain management, IT, packaging or finance programs. The company also makes annual corporate donations to support four U.S. University Supply Chain Centers of Excellence which bolster student programming and support faculty research in supply chain.

Additionally, DHL Supply Chain has hosted an internship program for over a decade. In 2022 alone, DHL Supply Chain's world-class program provided 237students with a 10-12-week intensive experience, including professional development, a collaborative capstone project, and networking. The capstone project gave the interns an opportunity to work together to solve current business issues and present their findings to business leaders at DHL Supply Chain's North America corporate headquarters. At the end of the program in 2022 more than half of students accepted full-time positions with the company post-graduation. - End - DHL - Excellence. Simply delivered. DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 395,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as "The logistics company for the world". DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 94 billion euros in 2022. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050. We Are Girl Scouts of the USA Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges-whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org. *The Women in Supply Chain Survey 2021 by Gartner View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823647701/en/

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[August 23, 2023] Colorado Tuition-Free Virtual Public Schools Welcome Students Back to School Tweet

As summer break draws to a close for Colorado students, many households are considering alternative options that are tailored to meet the unique needs of their students by exploring the benefits offered by online tuition-free public schools like Destinations Career Academy of Colorado (CODCA), Colorado Preparatory Academy (CPA), and Pikes Peak Online School (PPOS). While the choice for online learning is a personal one, common decision factors reported were parents' interest in safety, schedule flexibility, and individualized growth opportunities that are available for their kids through online learning. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823913641/en/ Colorado's K12-powered online schools are overseen by local school districts to meet state standards and draw on decades of experience in virtual learning to offer students a more personalized education using a quality interactive curriculum that is accessible from the comfort of home. Enrollment for the three virtual public schools, led by licensed Colorado teachers, is still open for students located anywhere in the state of Colorado to apply. CODCA , an online program of the Julesburg School District, is the state's first full-time, online career technical education program approved by the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE) and offers pathways and career-focused electives to help students grades 4-12 get a jump-start on their college and career dreams. CODCA also includes the opportunity to earn college credits in high school, online, and tuition-free and offers all eligible students access to a Free and Reduced Lunch Program, ensuring nutritious meals are available to them even while learning from home.





, an online program of the Julesburg School District, is the state's first full-time, online career technical education program approved by the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE) and offers pathways and career-focused electives to help students grades 4-12 get a jump-start on their college and career dreams. CODCA also includes the opportunity to earn college credits in high school, online, and tuition-free and offers all eligible students access to a Free and Reduced Lunch Program, ensuring nutritious meals are available to them even while learning from home. CPA is a multi-district online school serving students across the state grades K-12 with a rigorous curriculum offering Honors, AP, and a partnership with Education reEnvisioned BOCES. Using assessment data, CPA teachers help guide students in course selection and instructional interventions to meet each student's academic strengths and weaknesses. CPA also includes the opportunity to earn college credits in high school, online, and tuition-free.









is a multi-district online school serving students across the state grades K-12 with a rigorous curriculum offering Honors, AP, and a partnership with Education reEnvisioned BOCES. Using assessment data, CPA teachers help guide students in course selection and instructional interventions to meet each student's academic strengths and weaknesses. CPA also includes the opportunity to earn college credits in high school, online, and tuition-free. PPOS is a full-time online public school offering equal access to education for students grades 9-12. PPOS is dedicated to inspiring and empowering students by removing barriers for non-traditional students. The school offers credit recovery support as well as career readiness options for students interested in exploring high-demand career fields after graduation. PPOS also includes the opportunity to earn college credits in high school, online, and tuition-free. Enrollment is open for families throughout Colorado looking for alternative learning environments for their students. To learn more, visit https://www.k12.com/colorado-online-schools/. About Destinations Career Academy of Colorado

Destinations Career Academy of Colorado (CODCA) is an accredited, full-time public-school program of the Julesburg School District that serves Colorado students in grades 4-12. As part of the Colorado public school system, CODCA is tuition-free, and gives parents and families the choice to access the curriculum provided by Stride K12. The nation's leading provider of online and blended education programs, Stride (NYSE: LRN) offers learners of all ages a more effective way to learn and build their skills for the future. For more information about CODCA, visit codca.k12.com. About Colorado Preparatory Academy Colorado Preparatory Academy (CPA) is an accredited, full-time online public-school program of the Colorado Digital Board of Cooperative Education Services that serves Colorado students statewide in kindergarten through 12th grade. As part of the Colorado public school system, CPA is tuition-free, giving parents and families the choice to access the curriculum provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's leading provider of K-12 proprietary curriculum and online education programs. For more information about CPA, visit cpa.k12.com. About Pikes Peak Online School Pikes Peak Online School (PPOS) is an accredited, full-time online public-school program of the Colorado Digital Board of Cooperative Education Services that serves Colorado students in grades 9-12. As part of the Colorado public school system, PPOS is tuition-free, giving parents and families the choice to access the curriculum provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's leading provider of K-12 proprietary curriculum and online education programs. For more information about PPOS, visit ppos.k12.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823913641/en/

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[August 23, 2023] Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Business, and Government Leaders Commemorate Commerce Crossroads Groundbreaking and RailSync Grand Opening in Cedar City, Utah Tweet

BZI (www.bzi.com) and affiliate companies hosted a groundbreaking of the 820-acre sustainable industrial park, Commerce Crossroads (www.commercecrossroads.com), and the grand opening of its first tenant, RailSync (www.railsync.io) on August 22, 2023, in Cedar City, Utah. The event featured Utah Governor Spencer Cox, the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) (inlandportauthority.utah.gov), and numerous government and business leaders from around the Southern Utah region. The group celebrated the positive impact these new developments and companies will have on the area's economic progress, regional businesses, and surrounding communities. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823409407/en/ BZI (www.bzi.com) and its affiliate companies celebrated a groundbreaking o the 820-acre sustainable industrial park, Commerce Crossroads (www.commercecrossroads.com), and the grand opening of its first tenant, RailSync (www.railsync.io) on August 22, 2023, in Cedar City, Utah. Utah Governor Spencer Cox, the Utah Inland Port Authority (inlandportauthority.utah.gov), and numerous government and business leaders from around the Southern Utah region attended the event and highlighted the positive impact these new developments and companies will have on the area's economic progress, regional businesses, and OneUtah. (Photo: Dallas Smith)



Governor Spencer Cox stressed that the August 22 event marks a significant milestone for the state, and illustrates progress toward efforts to support a cohesive OneUtah and the economic health of rural communities. "Utah businesses and communities bring differentiated contributions to the rest of our country and world. Commerce Crossroads, and its collaborative partnerships with our state's business, economic, and governmental leaders, will help raise global awareness about the premier offerings of Utah and attract new economic opportunities to our state and citizens," said Gov. Cox.

Commerce Crossroads and UIPA have partnered to establish the first rural inland port in the state of Utah. This hub will serve as an important component of the Iron Springs Project Area and will be the site of the new BZI headquarters, scheduled to break ground in 2024. Commerce Crossroads is one of BZI's affiliated companies, bringing high-value integrated offerings to U.S. and global customers. The UIPA echoed the governor's comments and underscored that the groundbreaking of the industrial park is further evidence that the UIPA's vision for its Iron Springs Project Area is coming to fruition. "Our partnership with Commerce Crossroads ensures that the vision of our Iron Springs Project Area is coming to life quickly," said Ben Hart, Executive Director of the Utah Inland Port Authority. "We are committed to facilitating a positive generational economic impact in Southern Utah. Today's groundbreaking signifies that many great opportunities and growth will be created for our state and region." Hart added, "We are excited to see RailSync begin a logistics paradigm shift in Southwestern Utah, and we look forward to continuing our efforts with Commerce Crossroads, as they play a key role in the development of this facility and associated businesses." The Commerce Crossroads industrial park will initially include office buildings, on-site products, and services to construct tailored processing facilities for customers. The company anticipates technology, construction material manufacturing, data centers, e-commerce, and distribution, as well as office space and residential housing, to also be integrated. "It is extremely rewarding to collaborate with fellow business leaders and organizations who are contributing to the future of vibrant and sustainable growth in the Southern Utah region," said Ryan Obray, COO of Commerce Crossroads. According to the company, the exclusive and sustainable offerings available at Commerce Crossroads will improve the transportation of raw materials and allow for more effective and efficient processing of goods and products for global companies. "Additionally, companies in the region will now experience improved access to a worldwide shipping network. We anticipate additional jobs and new dynamic commerce opportunities will also be generated in the area," said Obray. The first tenant of Commerce Crossroads, a new transloading service, RailSync, will provide integrated short-line rail service to individual businesses and eventually to future Commerce Crossroads tenant facilities. "We are excited to highlight that RailSync is operating and open for business," said Guy Nielsen, COO of RailSync. "We began delivering product on July 5th and are already hearing from customers that they are thrilled to have a more accessible, sustainable, and streamlined delivery option for raw materials." Commerce Crossroads will be the developer of the park. VISCO (www.buildvisco.com), an affiliated general contractor, will be available for build-to-suit contracting services, among others. Commerce Crossroads is located in the Northwest corner of Iron County. This area is often referred to as "The Crossroads of the West," due to its central location, which is only a day's drive from population centers like LA, Denver, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City, allowing access to a potential market of 48+ million people. For more information, visit BZI (bzi.com), RailSync (railsync.io), and Commerce Crossroads (www.commercecrossroads.com). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823409407/en/

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[August 23, 2023] AI Writing Tool Lex Raises $2.75 Million Seed Round Led by True Ventures Tweet

Founder Nathan Baschez leverages product development and media background LOS ANGELES, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lex announced today its $2.75 million seed round, led by early stage venture capital firm True Ventures. Lex is building an AI-powered word processor that gives writers instant access to copy editing, writing advice, brainstorming, and more. Lex spun out of founding CEO Nathan Baschez's previous company, Every Media, a newsletter publisher focused on technology, AI, and productivity. Lex is an AI-powered word processor that gives writers access to copy editing, writing advce, brainstorming, and more.



"Today, when most people think of AI writing tools, they think of mediocre content generated en masse," said Baschez, "But AI doesn't just have to be about decreasing the cost of writing. More importantly, it can help increase the quality. We're building AI to help people think more deeply, communicate more effectively, and achieve their best work." "We believe in the potential of AI to enhance the creative process and put the power of deep editing prowess in the hands of many rather than the few," said Natasha Sharma of True Ventures. "Nathan and Lex are not just enhancing writing workflows but also changing how we think about the act of writing  what was once a solitary task can now be uniquely expansive."

"The goal is to create the best place to writewhich is partially about AI, but it's also about nailing the basics," said Baschez. Lex is designed to be easy and fast enough to use for daily notes, but powerful enough for even the most demanding types of document collaboration. To read about the story and motivation behind Lex from the founder's perspective, click here. To try Lex today and unlock your best writing, click here. About Lex Lex is an AI-powered writing platform that helps people unlock their best writing. Founded in 2023 by Nathan Baschez, Lex is a California-based technology company. About Nathan Nathan Baschez is a writer, programmer, and designer based in Los Angeles, CA. He created Lex over nights and weekends in the fall of 2022 as an incubation project within Every, his previous company. Prior, he was the first employee at Substack, and co-created Product Hunt. He was also head of product at Gimlet Media, a podcasting network acquired by Spotify in 2019. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ai-writing-tool-lex-raises-2-75-million-seed-round-led-by-true-ventures-301908223.html SOURCE Lex AI, Inc

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[August 23, 2023] 40% Decrease in Shoplifting from ACCESS Taskforce-Collaboration with Local Law Enforcement, Government Officials, and Retailers Tweet

AMERICAN FORK, Utah, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LiveView Technologies (LVT), a leader in intelligent safety and security ecosystems, today announced the results of a 1-year initiative with the police departments, municipalities, and retailers in Opelika, AL and Paducah, KY. Named the Alliance of Companies and Communities to Enhance Safety and Security (ACCESS) Taskforce, the initiative saw a substantial decrease in shoplifting, weapons violations, property crime, and trespassing.

When we look at the success of our units, were really hoping to deter crime before it even happens, said Matt Kelley, Head of Retail Go to Market at LVT. We assist the police daily in the apprehension and prosecution of criminals, but we want to truly stop the crime from happening. An LVT Unit can be the difference in getting people home safely. Thats true success. Overview and analysis of the study was performed by an independent organization, the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC). In total, 49 LVT Units were deployed across the two cities, 32 in Paducah and 17 in Opelika. In collaboration with the local police departments and major retail companies, units were placed in major shopping centers and higher crime locations. A list of retail partners can be found at LVT.com/access. The results are as follows: Results from Opelika, Alabama: LVT contributed to a: 40% decrease in shoplifting The previous year saw a 20% increase in shoplifting 31% decrease in disorderly conduct 20% decrease in property crime 10% reduction in overall crime in the city





LVT contributed to a: 73% reduction in weapons violations 54% decrease in burglary/breaking and entering 45% decrease in trespassing 21% decrease in property crime 13% reduction in overall crime in the city

We needed a security system which could be deployed quickly, and placed in exact locations without the concern of power or internet, said Corey Lowe, Research Scientist at the LPRC. The LVT Units fulfilled this need.

For more information on how LVT quickly and easily secures any physical environment using intelligent automation and actionable insights for industries like retail, transportation, critical infrastructure, emergency services and morevisit www.LVT.com. Methodology

Police departments provided more than a year's worth of service call data to support researchers in analyzing shifts in criminal incidents pre- and post-placement of LVT Units near stores. These changes were further investigated by tallying incident numbers within uniform grid cells established for both cities. Through general linear regression models, statistically significant differences for specific types of incidents were revealed between locations with and without LVT Units. To explore changes in incident distribution across the cities over time, the Getis-Ord Gi* and Morans I spatial statistical tests were employed. About LVT

LiveView Technologies (LVT) is an enterprise SaaS and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solution for remote live video, safety surveillance, IoT, and analytics gathering, processing, and delivery. LVT is trusted by some of the largest and most well-known organizations in the world, including companies in retail, emergency services, critical infrastructure, and more to keep their properties safe. For more information, visit www.LVT.com. For a full copy of the study, visit LVT.com/ACCESS

Contact: Matthew Deighton Sr. Communications Manager LiveView Technologies [email protected]

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[August 23, 2023] FlashIntel Secures $10M in Seed and Angel Funding from Leading Investors,Empowers APAC Companies with Enhanced GTM Capabilities for Global Expansion Tweet

SINGAPORE, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FlashIntel , a pioneering Go-to-Market intelligence firm, is thrilled to announce a successful $10 million seed and angel investment round, backed by prominent investors including Celtic House Venture Partners, Uphonest Capital, and Hat-Trick Capital. With its vast sales intelligence database, FlashIntel is uniquely positioned to assist APAC companies in optimizing their global Go-to-Market (GTM) strategies, particularly in the US, Europe, and Japan. The platform offers comprehensive data on companies and potential prospects, coupled with advanced sales automation tools such as sequencing , parallel dialing and cadence. A standout feature is its integration with large language models, ensuring businesses receive the most accurate and actionable insights.



Yi Shi, the founder of FlashIntel, commented on the occasion, "Our vision is to revolutionize the way businesses approach GTM strategies. With FlashIntel, companies can access a wealth of data and tools, all designed to streamline and enhance their sales and marketing efforts. Our platform, FlashInfo, is a testament to our commitment to excellence, as reflected in the numerous success stories shared by our clients." This new funding will enable FlashIntel to further enhance its platform, ensuring businesses have the resources they need to expand and succeed in the global market. As the demand for effective GTM solutions grows, FlashIntel is poised to lead the way, offering unparalleled support to businesses aiming for international success.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/flashintel-secures-10m-in-seed-and-angel-funding-from-leading-investorsempowers-apac-companies-with-enhanced-gtm-capabilities-for-global-expansion-301908375.html SOURCE FlashIntel

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[August 23, 2023] Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Breaks Ground on New Electric Facility to Meet Growing Demand in Electric Products Tweet

HOUSTON, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas (Logisnext), one of the world's leading manufacturers and providers of material handling, automation and fleet solutions, today celebrated the groundbreaking for its new production facility in Houston, Texas. The state-of-the-art facility will provide increased production capabilities to further support the growing demand for electric lift trucks and warehouse products. Located on Logisnext's Houston headquarters campus, the new facility will support manufacturing of key electric warehouse products across the Jungheinrich, Cat lift trucks, Mitsubishi forklift trucks and UniCarriers Forklift product lines. The new facility represents a key investment in Logisnext's long-term electric growth strategy to support its customers throughout North America. With a total floor area of 73,000 square feet, the new facility will expand Logisnext's current electric manufacturing capabilities by serving as a dedicated fabrication space for in-house welding and painting of masts and frames. The facility will also integrate cutting-edge technologies such as Mixe Model Line Design, Industry 4.0 process monitoring and one-piece flow. The expansion of robotic welding, along with the optimization of paint capacity and weld fixtures, will contribute to Logisnext's ongoing focus for improved efficiency.



"Today marks an exciting milestone for Logisnext as we break ground on our newest electric forklift manufacturing facility in Houston," said Jay Gusler, executive vice president of Operations at Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. "The material handling industry is rapidly changing, and we're proud to be on the forefront of this change. We're committed to investing in our manufacturing capabilities and new product development to ensure we continue providing our customers with the most advanced, yet sustainable, electric products and solutions in the future." On August 23, the company celebrated the start of construction with a groundbreaking ceremony alongside its Houston campus employees. Leading the groundbreaking was Ken Barina, President, Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas and Jay Gusler, Executive Vice President of Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. Construction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2024.

For more information on Logisnext and its complete line of material handling products and solutions, visit www.logisnextamericas.com. About Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Inc., and its group companies have helped customers Move The World Forward for more than 100 years. A technology-driven manufacturer, Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas offers scalable solutions from material handling to automation and extensive fleet support. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, its complete portfolio of advanced solutions spans across five leading brands  Mitsubishi forklift trucks, Cat lift trucks, Rocla AGV Solutions, UniCarriers Forklifts and Jungheinrich warehouse and automation products. All products are backed by an extensive dealer network offering industry-leading customer service and product support. Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Logisnext Co. Ltd. For more information, visit www.LogisnextAmericas.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mitsubishi-logisnext-americas-breaks-ground-on-new-electric-facility-to-meet-growing-demand-in-electric-products-301908458.html SOURCE Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas - Houston

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[August 23, 2023]

Achieving Cost Efficiency through Cloud Migration Solutions: A Quantzig Case Study

NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantzig, a global data analytics and strategic consulting firm, is proud to announce its successful collaboration with a leading player in the IT industry located in the UK. By leveraging cutting-edge Cloud Migration Solutions, we assisted them in achieving unprecedented cost efficiency and optimizing their data management processes.

The client faced substantial challenges in their data management processes, resulting in high resourcing costs. The lack of a unified data ecosystem hindered efficient data transfer and integration, leading to manual efforts and delays. Fragmented data silos impeded access to real-time insights, hampering decision-making. The client recognized the urgent need for a transformative solution to strealine data processes, reduce resourcing costs, and stay competitive in the market.







Quantzig's expert team crafted a comprehensive cloud Migration Solution tailored to their specific requirements. Our cutting-edge solutions, including self-serve analytics, data governance, and data quality tools, sparked a transformation for our client. While Data governance solutions ensured reliability, compliance, and trust, data quality tools eliminated inaccuracies, and delivered streamlined operations.

The above initiatives resulted in:

70% reduction in monthly maintenance costs

Freed up the bandwidth of 20 data engineering resources through automated governance

Reduced solution development time by 50%

To read the full resource: click here!

About Quantzig:?

Quantzig is a global analytics and business intelligence solution provider. It turns clients' complex, unstructured data into intelligent, actionable insights that enable them to solve complex business problems and inspire innovation, change, and growth.?

Over the past 17 years, our insights have helped over 120 clients, including 55 Fortune 500 companies, spanning industries and sectors like Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, Retail and CPG, Food and Beverage, and more. We have successfully delivered 1500 in-depth solutions in areas like Supply Chain Analytics, Marketing Analytics, Customer Analytics, and more.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/achieving-cost-efficiency-through-cloud-migration-solutions-a-quantzig-case-study-301905385.html

SOURCE Quantzig
[August 23, 2023] Country Roads RV Center to Attend the Progressive NCRVDA Show in Raleigh, North Carolina Tweet

The Show Will Take Place from Thursday, August 24 to Sunday, August 27 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The founders of Country Roads RV Center are pleased to announce that they will attend the Progressive NCRVDA Show in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Show, which will take place from Thursday, August 24 to Sunday, August 27, will be held at the State Fairgrounds at 4285 Trinity Road in Raleigh. To learn more about the Show, please visit https://www.crrvc.com/embark-on-an-adventure-with-country-roads-rv-center-at-the-unmissable-ncrvda-raleigh-rv-show-sale/ . As a company spokesperson noted, Country Roads RV Center has been a proud and active member of the North Carolina RV Dealers' Association for some time. "We're no just members; we're a family of adventurers, ready to make new connections and reignite our bond with our valued customers," the spokesperson noted, adding that the exhibit will feature everything from classic travel trailers to dynamic sport utility RVs and more.



"Our seasoned crew will be your guide, answering questions on technical specs, financing paths, and exclusive incentives that redefine the RV journey." The Show will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Daily ticket prices are $9 for adults 13+ if purchased online, or $10 at the door; $8 for senior citizens 60+ and active and retired military and first responder personnel with ID; and kids 12 and under get in free.

People who are unable to attend the show in Raleigh can mark their calendars for Country Roads RV Center's upcoming shows, including the CLT Fall Show (September 14th-17th, 2023), Greensboro (January 4th-7th, 2024), Charlotte (January 26th-29th, 2024) and Raleigh (February 16th-19th, 2024). About Country Roads RV Center: As one of the largest dealers in the state, Country Roads RV Center carries many different lines of 5th Wheels, Travel-Trailers and Toy Haulers, as well as a full service and parts department. Family owned and operated, they strive to give their customers the most enjoyable experience possible. For more information, please visit https://www.crrvc.com . View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/country-roads-rv-center-to-attend-the-progressive-ncrvda-show-in-raleigh-north-carolina-301908526.html SOURCE Country Roads RV Center, Inc

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[August 23, 2023] Kirby McInerney LLP Reminds Investors That a Class Action Lawsuit Has Been Filed on Behalf of RTX Corporation (RTX) Investors and Encourages Investors to Contact the Firm Before October 2, 2023 Tweet

The law firm of Kirby McInerney LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut on behalf of those who acquired RTX Corporation ("RTX" or the "Company") (NYSE: RTX) securities during the period from February 8, 2021 through July 25, 2023 (the "Class Period"). Investors have until October 2, 2023 to apply to the Court to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit. RTX Corporation operates as an aircraft manufacturing company. On July 25, 2023, the Company reported its Q2 2023 earnings which disclosed a "condition" in its Pratt & Whitney jet engine unit. The company stated, "Pratt & Whitney has determined that a rare condition in powdered metal used to manufacture certain engine parts will require accelerated fleet inspection." The Company expects a sizable portion of the PW1100G-JM engine fleet will require accelerated removals and inspection within the next nine to twelve months. On this news, the price of RTX shares declined by $9.91 per share, or approximately 10.22%, from $7.01 per share to close at $87.10 on July 25, 2023.



The lawsuit alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose that: (i) the GTF engines had been affected from at least 2015-2020 by a quality control issue; and (ii) this quality control issue would require RTX to recall and reinspect many of its GTF airplanes, affecting customers and harming its business. If you purchased or otherwise acquired RTX securities, have information, or would like to learn more about this lawsuit and how it might affect your rights, please contact Thomas W. Elrod of Kirby McInerney LLP by email at [email protected], or by filling out this contact form, to discuss your rights or interests with respect to these matters without any cost to you.

Kirby McInerney LLP is a New York-based plaintiffs' law firm concentrating in securities, antitrust, whistleblower, and consumer litigation. The firm's efforts on behalf of shareholders in securities litigation have resulted in recoveries totaling billions of dollars. Additional information about the firm can be found at Kirby McInerney LLP's website: https://www.kmllp.com. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823846832/en/

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Check this quick TKC roundup of local violence and hot-ass news offering even more human misery at the end of Summer . . .



Shooting wounds two men Tuesday afternoon in KCMO Gunfire wounded two men, one of them critically, Tuesday afternoon in an east Kansas City, Missouri, neighborhood.

Possible 'drifter' in Kansas City homicide allegedly stabbed man, hid in Northland yard He appeared to have a freshly shaved head and was "covered in blood" when police officers found him early Friday morning.

Kansas City's 911 system getting a $1.5M upgrade, but issues aren't solved Kansas City will spend $1.5 million to replace its 911 computer system, but other issues remain.

7 hospitalized, 110 others evacuated from Kansas City nursing home due to HVAC system failure Over 100 Kansas Citians were evacuated from the Parkview Healthcare nursing home after an HVAC system failure Tuesday.

KCPS superintendent outlines decision to release students early for entire first week of class Dr. Jennifer Collier said many of KCPS' secondary buildings do not have central air conditioning.

Excessive heat means an early start for trash and recycling pickup in Kansas City, Kansas Waste management will start collecting at 5 a.m. through the remainder of the week

Bar-K dog park alters hours as hot weather continues in Kansas City Bar-K has taken additional measures to help dogs and their owners beat the heat.

Why the heat index won't be as great tomorrow despite there being higher temperatures KCTV5 meteorologist Greg Bennett explains the details behind the humidity we will experience in our area.

Developing . . .


Surprised that more local news outlet haven't picked up this story . . .

Sure, it's unpleasant, creepy and sad . . . But so are endless tax subsidies for billionaires.



Accordingly, there's no denying the American public's macabre fascination with with serial killers even medial debt is FAR MORE likely to kill you and everyone you love . . . Check-it . . .



"Our investigation has led to additional unsolved murders and missing persons that are possibly connected to BTK," Osage County Undersheriff Gary Upston told NBC News Wednesday.



He said the search was in a possible connection to the disappearance of Cynthia Kinney, who was reported missing from Oklahoma in 1976.



Rader had lived in Park City for years, and two of the murders he admitted to committing were in the area.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Cops recover 'items of interest' in new search of serial killer BTK's former Kansas property, sheriff says Deputies uncovered "items of interest" in a new search conducted over the past two days at the former Park City, Kansas home of Dennis Rader, the BTK serial killer.

Investigators search former property of BTK Killer in Kansas for connections to unsolved cases Investigators have searched the former property of "BTK killer" Dennis Rader, the murderer who was convicted of killing 10 people in Kansas in a bloody spree from the 1970s to 90s, as the search for connections to unsolved cases continues.

Kansas authorities searching former property of BTK serial killer Dennis Rader as they look for connections to unsolved cases | CNN Investigators say they are searching the former Park City, Kansas, property of Dennis Rader, the self-proclaimed "BTK Killer" who pleaded guilty to murdering 10 people between the 1970s and 1990s.

Developing . . .
The only problem . . .

In a metro area with other options, the power move would likely kill any hopes of turning the loop into a tourist destination.



Here's a peek at number crunching . . .



"The data comes from the Parking Reform Network, an organization that works to inform people about the impact of parking on climate change, housing, traffic and more. The group has published 86 maps of cities across the United States, highlighting the space dedicated to parking lots in city centers.



"On average, in U.S. cities with over 1 million people, 22% of land in the city center is used for parking.



"Take a look at Kansas City, for example. About 29% of downtown is highlighted red, which represents an area that is a designated parking lot. The city even has a few parking structures that span entire blocks."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the resumption of talks between representatives of both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Jeddah, according to a Saudi statement.
Two more universities, West Virginia University (WVU) and Georgia Institute of Technology, have been funded by the National Science Foundation and are set to join the Industry-University Cooperative Research Center for Building Reliable Advances and Innovations in Neurotechnology (IUCRC BRAIN), housed at the University of Houston. It is home base for scientists developing and testing the efficacy, safety and long-term reliability of patient-centered neurotechnology.

The UH Brain Center, supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, allows research that would not be possible within the traditional silos of academic, industry, regulatory and clinical communities. At right, center director Jose Luis Contreras-Vidal prepares to map brain activity during a creative task.

Having WVU and Georgia Tech in BRAIN is a major milestone as they are top universities in the biomedical field. GT is No. 1 according to U.S. News & World Report. WVU is doing human subjects testing of implanted electrode arrays for brain-computer interfaces, said Jose Luis Contreras-Vidal, the center director and Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished Professor of electrical and computer engineering.

Millions of adults live with neurological disorders, brain injury, mental illness, limb loss or paralysis, informing the dire need for accessible technologies that can more effectively address the care and rehabilitation needs of patients.

Enter the BRAIN Center, a collaboration between the University of Houston and Arizona State University, supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation. The center allows research that would not be possible within the traditional silos of academic, industry, regulatory and clinical communities.

And, sometimes, in the most creative way.

When you enter the center, you may see dancers or artists busy with pirouettes or paintbrushes while wearing brain caps to measure their neural activity.

The NSF IUCRC BRAIN program is a terrific deal for young startup companies who wish to do proof-of-concept studies with an outstanding team of neural engineers and clinicians, said Peter Konrad, MD, West Virginia University. You cant beat the cost of entry into an academic partnership with leading institutions in this space. There is a commitment to providing high value and significant reduction in overhead expenses.

Since Phase 1 was initially funded by the NSF in 2017, international partners have joined as has the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the center has emerged as an international hub for developing neurotechnologies. The buzz continues to draw new members.

Georgia Tech is very excited to join the BRAIN IUCRC with other leading neuroengineering institutions, all passionate about bringing faculty and students together with industry to collaborate on cutting-edge neurotechnology development, said Michelle C. LaPlaca, Georgia Institute of Technology. The Center partnerships are an excellent opportunity for small and large companies to invest in pre-translational research that both meets industry needs and harnesses academic expertise in order to ultimately improve patients lives.

The multi-site IUCRC BRAIN Phase 2 is funded by a $1.8 million award from the National Science Foundation through Summer 2027 and an estimated $800,000 to $1 million per year in industry funds (not counting in-kind support) for the center.

Discoveries at the BRAIN Center include:

Revolutionizing the way scientists and engineers approach the design of complex human-machine systems using data.

Interpreting brain function from the molecular to the network levels.

Harnessing neuroplasticity and emergent properties at multiple time scales to enhance the engagement and efficacy of human-machine interfaces.

Enabling innovative devices that support accessible health care and empower individuals to control their own health, wellness, and fitness.

Redefining the human-technology frontier.

The BRAIN Center is a shining example of the NSF IUCRC program. Industry innovators, academic researchers and government agencies are collaborating to address challenging problems in neurotechnology. The BRAIN Center will be a source of transformative research work that has the potential to impact people with physical and neurological impairments, said program director Mohan Kumar, National Science Foundation.

According to the World Health Organization, every year around the world, between 250,000 and 500,000 people suffer a spinal cord injury and 15 million people suffer a stroke. Of these, 5 million die and another 5 million are left permanently disabled, placing a burden on family and community.
On the night of August 21-22, Russia attacked the building of the Semenivka town council in Chernihiv region with Shahed drone.

"At night, the enemy hit the town council building in Semenivka. Fire. Destruction. Houses nearby damaged," Head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration Vyacheslav Chaus posted on Telegram.

As reported, on July 20, the Russian army attacked Semenivka, Chernihiv region, with Shahed kamikaze drones, hitting residential buildings.

Photos: Operational Command "North"
Ukrainian soldiers are entrenching themselves on the recently gained positions amid their advance toward Novodanylivka and Novoprokopivka.

This was announced by the spokesman for the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Andriy Kovaliov, who spoke on the air of the national telethon, Ukrinform reports.

"Ukraines Defense Forces pursue their offensive operation in the Bakhmut and Melitopol directions. They were successful toward Novodanylivka and Novoprokopivka. They are getting entrenched along the gained lines, inflicting artillery fire damage on the designated enemy targets. They are also engaged in counter-battery fire," he said.

Kovaliov added that in the direction of Bakhmut, Ukraines Armed Forces continue to conduct offensive operations south of the town. At the same time, according to the spokesman, the enemy undertook assault efforts in the Klishchiivka, Avdiivka, and Marinka areas, Donetsk region, seeing no success.

As Ukrinform reported, over the past 24 hours, the enemy has launched four missile attacks and 58 air strikes, also firing 60 rocket salvos at the positions of the Ukrainian troops and populated areas. As a result of Russian terrorist attacks, civilian casualties were reported.

Photo: General Staff
Finland will approve the 18th defense assistance package for Ukraine in the coming days.

This was announced by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky at a joint briefing with Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

During the meeting, the Head of State informed the Prime Minister of Finland on the situation on the battlefield. The parties discussed defense and security cooperation. Zelensky thanked Finland for the 17 defense assistance packages already provided. At the same time, the President of Ukraine said: "Today (August 23 - ed.), the Prime Minister informed me that a new 18th defense support package will be approved in the coming days."

Zelensky also added that the meeting discussed Ukraine's priority positions, which will be reflected in the next aid packages. Zelensky expressed confidence that Ukraine and Finland would be able to do "very useful things in the defense industry."

In this context, Zelensky recalled that Ukraine is preparing the first defense industry forum in the fall. "It will be held in our country. For our partners to see the capabilities of our state. For our society to see our capacities, how we are developing them, and so that we can attract additional potential from our partners. Together we will do much more for the security of the world," the Head of State added.

He emphasized that Ukraine is interested in establishing direct cooperation between domestic and Finnish specialized enterprises.

As reported, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo is on a visit to Ukraine.
Ukraine's security and defense forces have struck an enemy aircraft in the Black Sea.

The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported this on Telegram, according to Ukrinform.

In the territorial waters of Ukraine near Zmiinyi Island, in the area of the so-called 'Boyko towers', a collision between a Russian military aircraft and Ukrainian combat boats occurred.

An enemy aircraft attempted to attack Ukrainian military vessels, but was met with a response.

Read also: Third Summit of International Crimea Platform opens in Kyiv

The enemy propaganda spread a fake about the alleged defeat and sinking of a Ukrainian boat.

"In fact, the Russian missile fell into the water and continued to move towards the 'Moskva' cruiser - no damage was done to the Ukrainian military," the DIU emphasized.

In response to the attempted attack, Ukrainian servicemen struck the Russian plane. A missile fired from a Ukrainian combat boat damaged the Russian plane, which was forced to immediately leave the scene and fly toward the nearest airfield, the intelligence service noted.\

As reported, according to the DIU, an explosion occurred in the temporarily occupied Crimea on August 23 near the village of Olenivka on Cape Tarkhankut, destroying a Russian long- and medium-range S-400 'Triumph' air defense missile system.
There is information that a Russian Mi-8 combat helicopter has landed in Ukraine, and work with the crew is underway.

Andriy Yusov, a representative of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, said this on the air of the 'United News' telethon, answering the question about the landing of a Russian MI-8 helicopter with a crew at the Poltava airfield, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

"There will be official information on this. Preliminary - yes, there is such information. We are working with the crew as well. Everything is fine, we just need to wait a little bit. There will be news," he said.

Earlier on Facebook, journalist Yuriy Butusov informed that a Russian Mi-8 combat helicopter with the entire crew flew to Ukraine and surrendered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Sixteen combat engagements have taken place between the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Russian troops in the past 24 hours. The AFU continue offensive operations in the Melitopol direction - they are getting entrenched within the regained boundaries.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said this in its evening update on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

According to the General Staff, in the past 24 hours, the enemy launched 9 missile attacks and more than 49 airstrikes, carried out 40 MLRS attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas.

Also, today, the Russian forces carried out another attack on the territory of Ukraine using the Shahed-136/131 UAV. "Our air defenses destroyed 12 enemy attack drones. Unfortunately, as a result of the Russian terrorist attacks, there are dead and wounded among the civilian population. Residential buildings, port infrastructure, schools and other civil infrastructure were damaged, the report says.

The threat of the enemy launching further missile attacks and airstrikes on Ukraine remains high.

16 combat clashes occurred in the past 24 hours, the General Staff said.

In the Volyn and Polissia directions, the operational situation has not changed significantly.

In the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna directions, the enemy launched airstrikes on the areas of Romny, Kostiantynivka of Sumy Region, and Dovzhyk, Chuhunivka of Kharkiv region. The Russian forces used mortars and artillery to shell more than 15 settlements, including Bleshnia of Chernihiv region; Iskryskivshchyna, Pokrovka, Riasne of Sumy region and Ohirtseve, Hatyshche, Krasnyi Yar of Kharkiv region.

In the Kupiansk direction, the aggressor attempted to conducted offensive actions in the area of Novoyehorivka of Luhansk region, but had no success. Airstrikes were launched on the area of Shyikivka of Kharkiv region and Tverdokhlibovka in Luhansk region. The settlements of Hrianykivka, Masiutivka, Synkivka, Kupiansk, Pershotravneve, Orlianske of Kharkiv region came under artillery and mortar attacks.

In the Lyman direction, more than 30 settlements came under enemy artillery fire, including Nevske, Bilohorivka of Luhansk region and Yampil, Zakitne, Verkhniokamianske, Ivano-Daryivka, Spirne of Donetsk region.

In the Bakhmut direction, the invaders carried out unsuccessful offensive actions in the area of Vesele of Donetsk region. Airstrikes were launched on the areas of Spirne, Klishchiivka, Andriivka, and Bila Hora of Donetsk region. More than 25 settlements came under enemy artillery shelling.

In the Avdiivka direction, the settlements of Avdiivka, Tonenke, Sieverne, Vodiane, Pervomaiske, Nevelske of Donetsk region came under enemy artillery fire.

In the Maryinka direction, the Defense Forces continue to hold back Russian troops in the area Maryinka, Donetsk region. The settlements of Krasnohorivka, Maryinka, Pobieda, Novomykhailivka, Kostyantynivka, Katerynivka of Donetsk region came under enemy artillery fire.

In the Shakhtarske direction, more than 10 settlements were subjected to enemy artillery shelling, including Novoukrainka, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva, Shakhtarske, Blahodatne, and Urozhaine of Donetsk region.

In the Zaporizhzhia direction, the aggressor attempted to conduct offensive actions in the area of Mala Tokmakchka, Zaporizhzhia region, but had no success. Airstrikes were launched on the areas of Orikhiv and Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia region. More than 20 settlements came under enemy artillery shelling, including Mahdalynivka, Lukianivske, Pavlivka, Piatykhatky, and Plavni of Zaporizhzhia region.

In the Kherson direction, Russian troops launched airstrikes on the areas of Beryslav, Odradokamianka, Lvove, Kherson of Kherson region and Izmail of Odesa region. Kherson, Yantarne, Veletenske, Kizomys, Sofiyivka, Shyroka Balka of Kherson region came under enemy artillery fire.

At the same time, the Defense Forces of Ukraine continue offensive operations in the Melitopol and Berdiansk directions, getting entrenched in the regained positions and carrying out counter-battery measures.

The Air Force of Ukraine launched an strike on one enemy command post, ten strikes on manpower clusters and one strike on the enemy's anti-aircraft missile system. For their part, missile and artillery forces struck two Russian command posts, one manpower, weapons, and equipment cluster, and two artillery units in firing positions.

As reported by Ukrinform, the Defense Forces of Ukraine from February 24, 2022 to August 23, 2023 eliminated about 258, 820 Russian invaders, including 480 occupiers in the past day alone.

Photo: General Staff
Ukraine is making progress on the battlefield, beating back Russias invasion and liberating its own territories from Russian occupation, albeit slowly, but surely, and it is even more important that its allies in the Alliance continue providing military support.

NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana stated this in his online address at the third International Summit of the Crimea Platform, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

We do not see any signs from President Putin that Russia is preparing for peace. Russian missiles continue to strike targets in Ukraine daily. But what we see is that Ukraine is making progress, beating back Russias invasion and liberating more territory. Slowly, but surely. So it is even more important that we continue providing military support to Ukraine. Because making you stronger on the battlefield is the best way to make you stronger at the negotiating table to achieve a just and lasting peace, he said.

At the same time, the NATO Deputy Secretary General noted that it is for Ukraine to decide the terms of peace, and only Ukraine can decide when the prerequisites for peace negotiations are present. And NATOs task, and the task of all the friends of Ukraine, is to continue to support Ukraine, Geoana said and reminded that Ukraine can count on NATOs and Allies support for as long as it takes.

In Vilnius, we also held the inaugural meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council. It was an honour to have President Zelensky join us for the occasion. Ukraine and NATO Allies are now meeting as equals, to hold crisis consultations, and jointly take decisions. NATO Allies also continue to make major new announcements of military support. The supply of F-16 fighter jets by the Netherlands and Denmark is the latest example, and a very significant one, he said.

Geoana also thanked all the people of Ukraine for their bravery, resilience and determination, stressing that NATOs support to Ukraine remains unwavering.

As reported, the third International Summit of the Crimea Platform is taking place in Kyiv today, August 23. It is dedicated to Ukraine's vision for the future of temporarily occupied Crimea and security issues in the Black Sea region.

Photo: NATO
The Office of the Ukrainian President denied the reports circulated by a number of media outlets that Ukraine had allegedly agreed to a hybrid tribunal to hold Russian authorities accountable for the crime of aggression.

Thats according to the Deputy Head of the Office, Andriy Smirnov, who addressed the issue via Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

According to the senior official, yesterday, out of the blue, the news emerged claiming that the Ukrainian authorities admitted they would not be able to secure support for the format of the tribunal they had proposed on the resolution of the UN General Assembly, instead agreeing to a slightly modified format of the so-called hybrid tribunal.

On Monday, Smirnov recalled, a large international conference was held on the issue of creating a special international tribunal to prosecute the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

As the deputy head of the Presidential Office recalled, one of the key theses voiced at the conference was: the main, most legitimate, and truly authoritative model for Ukraine remains an international tribunal based on the adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution and an agreement between Ukraine and the UN.

"Ukraine promotes this version and will continue to promote it within the framework of the Coordination Group  a coalition of countries that discuss various legal issues, in particular regarding the model of the tribunal's work. Despite the skeptical attitudes of other countries, we believe that this scenario is the swiftest and definitely the most effective tool for enforcing international law," Smirnov emphasized.

Also, he said, Ukraine will not agree to any hybrid format of the tribunal, where its creation is seen as part of the Ukrainian judicial system.

"There are more than enough reasons: in addition to the need to amend the Constitution of Ukraine, which is impossible during martial law, the risk of narrowing the legal assessment of the crime of aggression to the level of an armed conflict between two countries is obvious. The crime of aggression committed by the Russian top political and military leadership against Ukraine is a crime against the entire civilized world. We don't need the tribunal's verdict in the name of Ukraine  we need it in the name of the civilized world," Smirnov stressed.

According to the official, "it is natural that various options and variants arise during the discussions. One of them is the option of an internationalized tribunal that is created in another country with a trustworthy legal system, with a subsequent vote in the UN General Assembly in support of the established internationalized tribunal."

The next meetings of the Core Group are scheduled for September as discussions are ongoing, noted the deputy head of the Office.

"We really want the international tribunal to launch its work and become operational as early as possible for its decisions to lift the long-weary doctrine of international law from its knees. We want accountability for the crime of aggression," Smirnov emphasized.

Instead, "as a thank you for objectively informing the public about the successes and difficulties in this process, we receive headlines from mass media: 'The government has admitted that it will not be able to... according to the journalists version, and that an internationalized tribunal will be created in The Hague..." Smirnov noted.

He also quoted Winston Churchill: "It is better to be making the news than taking it.

As reported, the coalition (Core Group) for the creation of the Special Tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine includes representatives of 38 states and several representatives of international organizations, which have already held a number of working meetings.

Ukraine, together with its partners, is promoting the creation of a Special Tribunal to prosecute the Russian leadership.

The creation of the tribunal was supported by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and individual states.

On August 21, at the international conference Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. Justice must be served, held in Kyiv, the Deputy Head of the Presidents Office, Andriy Smirnov, stated that Ukraine and its partners continue to discuss three possible models of creating a tribunal, but opposes the hybrid one, which proposes to introduce this mechanism into the Ukrainian judicial system.
French business is interested in the development of nuclear capacities in Ukraine, the development of lithium deposits, participation in construction and transport projects, and humanitarian demining.

"The French side is interested in the development of nuclear capacities (new opportunities for cooperation in this area are opening up), in the development of lithium deposits. Only two countries in Europe have large lithium deposits: Portugal and Ukraine. There are four fields in our country, two of which are located in the zone where military operations are going on," Ambassador of Ukraine to France Vadym Omelchenko told Lb.ua in an interview.

According to him, the French side's participation in humanitarian demining also has good prospects. "French companies addressed the embassy, and we gave the Government proposals for assistance in this important area. Moreover, the French are ready to get to work right now," the Ambassador of Ukraine emphasized.

He noted that French companies were also interested in construction and infrastructure restoration. In this context, the Ambassador gave as an example the work of the Neo-Eco company which has unique technologies that help restore destroyed houses from scratch. It has already restored 25 houses in Hostomel, the diplomat said.

In addition, the French are currently also interested in the transport sector.

"Just recently, the implementation of the project to purchase 19,000 tonnes of rails for Ukrzaliznytsia began. We expect the start of negotiations with the Alstom company which is also ready to compete in the restoration market," Omelchenko said.

As reported, France will allocate an additional 40 million euros in financial aid to Ukraine for 2023.
At a meeting in Kyiv, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo discussed the situation in the energy sector.

The head of the Ukrainian government said this in a post on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

"We discussed the situation in the Ukrainian energy industry that suffered due to Russian missile and drone strikes. These acts of terror require a strong response from the world. We must strengthen sanctions against the aggressor, especially in the nuclear sector. I am grateful to the Finnish side for understanding the situation," Shmyhal noted.

According to him, Finland's refusal to cooperate with the aggressor in nuclear energy should become an example for other countries.

The parties also discussed the development of logistics, the confiscation of Russian assets, European integration and the restoration of Ukraine.

"I was glad to hear that Finland, together with the private sector, is developing a national plan to help Ukraine in reconstruction. Thank you for your unwavering support," added Shmyhal.

As reported by Ukrinform, on August 23, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and Prime Minister of Moldova Dorin Recean agreed that the two countries will develop joint control at the state border.
As a result of the eighth Russian attack on port infrastructure with kamikaze drones, 13,000 tonnes of grain were destroyed in the port of Izmail.

Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration - Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine reported this, Ukrinform saw.

According to him, several private grain terminals and warehouses, whose cargo was intended for Egypt and Romania, were damaged.

"Russia is systematically hitting grain tanks and warehouses to stop agricultural exports," Kubrakov said.

In his words, overnight alone, the export capacity of the port of Izmail was reduced by 15%. "Before that, there was the port of Reni and 35,000 tonnes of grain destroyed there."

This is the eighth attack on port infrastructure since Russia withdrew from the grain initiative, the deputy prime minister said. In total, 270,000 tonnes of grain have been destroyed in a month of attacks on ports.

"The world needs to understand that attacks on grain infrastructure are attacks on countries in Africa and Asia that are already running out of food," Kubrakov reminded.

In his opinion, preventing even greater destruction is a task not only for Ukraine but also for the world. Powerful defense systems for Ukrainian ports can disrupt Russia's plans.

As reported, as a result of an attack by enemy drones on the night of August 23, production and transshipment complexes were hit and grain storage facilities were damaged in Odesa region.
Canada has imposed additional sanctions against individuals and companies responsible for war of aggression against Ukraine.

According to Ukrinform, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced this during a speech at the third International Summit of the Crimean Platform.

Today, Canada is announcing additional sanctions against four individuals and 29 entities from Russia's military, industrial, financial, and nuclear sectors, Trudeau said.

He emphasized that the purpose of these sanctions is to force Russia to leave the whole of Ukraine, including Crimea. Canada will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes, the Prime Minister said.

Read also: Switzerland imposes new sanctions against Russia

As reported, the third International Summit of the Crimean Platform is taking place in Kyiv. It is dedicated to Ukraine's vision of the future of the temporarily occupied Crimea and security issues in the Black Sea region.
Ukraine and Moldova will develop joint control at the state border.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said in a post on Telegram that the relevant agreement was reached at a meeting with Prime Minister Dorin Recean in Kyiv, Ukrinform reports.

"We noted our progress in the development of logistics in the conditions of Russia blocking the grain corridor in the Black Sea. A quick decision regarding the construction of a bridge across the Dniester, the development of checkpoints, railway connections  all this is very important and decisive for us," Shmyhal noted.

According to him, the parties also discussed cooperation on further European integration of the two countries.

"We are grateful for the support from the first days of the full-scale war. I hope today's visit of the Moldovan delegation will contribute to the further development of our bilateral contacts and productive dialogue," Shmyhal added.

As reported by Ukrinform, Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Dorin Recean is on a working visit in Kyiv on August 22-24. He is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry of Moldova Vladimir Bolea, as well as Minister of Energy Viktor Victor Parlicov, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Andrei Spinu.

Photo: Cabinet of Ministers
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has invited the Republic of Finland to start negotiations on a bilateral document on security guarantees for Ukraine.

The head of the Ukrainian state announced this at a joint briefing with Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Zelensky noted that the Republic of Finland substantially supports global efforts regarding the Ukrainian Peace Formula. He emphasized that at today's meeting he received assurances from Orpo regarding Finland's readiness to join the implementation of the Peace Formula points.

Read also: Zelensky announces 18th defense aid package from Finland

The President of Ukraine said: "I invited Finland to start negotiations on a bilateral document on security guarantees for Ukraine. Finland has already joined the corresponding declaration. Now is the time for a bilateral agreement."

In addition, according to him, during the meeting, the strengthening of common unity in Europe and the Euro-Atlantic space was discussed. Zelensky stressed that Finland supports Ukraine on its path to the European Union and NATO. In this context, he emphasized that Ukraine plans to start negotiations on EU membership this year. "Ukraine will be ready for this," added the head of the Ukrainian state.

As reported, Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo is visiting Ukraine today, August 23.

The NATO summit was held in Vilnius on July 11-12. The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries approved the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine. More than 20 countries have already joined the declaration, and the list continues to grow.
The French delegation, headed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Ukraine Gael Veyssiere, has paid a visit to the Chernihiv region.

The relevant statement was made by Chernihiv Regional Military Administration Head Viacheslav Chaus on Telegram, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The guests have examined the consequences of [Russias  Ed.] terrorist attack on the city of Chernihiv, which took place on August 19, and other damage caused to the regional center by the enemy during hostilities last year. Mr. Gael Veyssiere also checked progress in the restoration of the damaged objects. Among the locations, there were temporary bridges, whose structures had been provided by French partners, Chaus wrote.

A reminder that Chernihiv Regional Military Administration Head Viacheslav Chaus stated earlier that the Government of France had expressed willingness to assist the Chernihiv region with demining efforts, involving French experts and equipment.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda have met in Kyiv and discussed the current situation on the battlefield and the needs of Ukrainian warriors.

The relevant statement was made by the Office of the President of Ukraine, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Nauseda arrived in Kyiv to participate in the Third Summit of the International Crimea Platform.

The President of Ukraine thanked his Lithuanian counterpart for active participation in the implementation of the goals of the International Crimea Platform, as well as his personal contribution to the comprehensive assistance to Ukraine from Lithuania in countering Russias full-scale aggression.

The parties noted the primary importance of military and technical assistance, including training and rehabilitation of Ukrainian defenders.

In this regard, Zelensky briefed Nauseda on the current situation on the battlefield and the urgent needs of Ukrainian warriors, and thanked the Lithuanian side for their recent decision on the long-term support of Ukraine.

President Zelensky noted the high level of organization and holding of the NATO Summit in Vilnius in July and thanked Gitanas Nauseda for supporting Ukraine in the framework of that important event. The Head of State expressed gratitude for Lithuanias accession to the G7 Joint Declaration of support for Ukraine.

The two leaders reaffirmed their readiness for fruitful cooperation on the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and the holding of the Global Peace Summit.

Zelensky and Nauseda discussed cooperation on food security, focusing on the development of alternative routes for the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

President Zelensky highly appreciated the projects implemented by Lithuania to rebuild Ukraine and expressed hope for the expansion of this practice.

A reminder that, on August 23, 2023, the Third Summit of the International Crimea Platform is taking place in Kyiv.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
Crimea is the key to food and global social stability, as Ukraines largest grain export volumes go through the Black Sea.

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the opening ceremony of the Third Summit of the International Crimea Platform, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Over the past year since our last Crimea Platform, we have proven that global stability is possible only with Ukraines participation and only when Russias aggressive intentions fail, Zelensky said.

In his words, the evidence is the dinner tables of all families across the globe.

As soon as we managed to clear part of the Black Sea from Russian invaders and launch our grain exports by sea, food prices in the global market dropped again. The Black Sea is the key to food and, therefore, global social stability, the Head of State stressed.

According to Zelensky, Crimea is the key to security in the Black Sea, and in no case should the keys be left in the hands of terrorists.

And we will not leave them. Ukraine has a clear vision of how a normal, peaceful and just democratic life will be restored in Crimea after we dismantle Russian aggression, Russian tyranny on our Ukrainian peninsula, the President of Ukraine noted.

A reminder that, on July 17, 2023, Russia announced its withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was signed by the United Nations, Turkiye and Ukraine in July 2022.

On August 23, 2023, the Third Summit of the International Crimea Platform, dedicated to Ukraines vision of the future of the temporarily occupied Crimea and the matters of security in the Black Sea region, is taking place in Kyiv.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine believes that the presidential election year in the United States will have an impact on the pace of financial assistance to Ukraine, but the Ukrainian authorities will do everything possible to ensure that this support does not decrease.

The president spoke at a briefing within the framework of the third Summit of the Crimea Platform, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"A difficult year is indeed expected in America, related to the electoral contest. This will certainly have an impact on support for Ukraine. It can affect it both positively and negatively. We, for our part, will do everything possible to ensure that the support from the United States does not decrease, said Zelensky.

He noted that among some members of the Republican Party there are indeed proposals to introduce legislative amendments and deprive Ukraine of financial aid, but in general, despite these calls, Ukraine enjoys bipartisan support in this regard.

"We devote a lot of time to negotiations with the United States. I myself will communicate with U.S. President Joe Biden, national security advisor to the President of the United States, Jake Sullivan, and representatives of U.S. Congress," Zelensky said.

The head of state added that the chief of the President's Office is already negotiating with Sullivan today.

"I count on the fact that the United States will remain partners and friends of Ukraine. We are in constant contact with our partners, including the United States. We constantly raise the issue of the Peace Formula, weapons supply, and the strengthening of our air defenses," the president noted.

Commenting on the ongoing counteroffensive, Zelensky said that "we will see the result", since he himself definitely believes in the Ukrainian people and the Armed Forces.

"Undoubtedly, the world wants a swifter counteroffensive. We will try to de-occupy as many villages and towns as possible. But this is a difficult task. We are working on it," the president said.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, last month several members of the Republican Party filed a legislative amendment with the House of Representatives, which proposes to deprive Ukraine of all financial aid.

However, the White House is convinced that Congress will approve the allocation of additional funds necessary for continued support for Ukraine.

President Zelensky, speaking about the counteroffensive, has repeatedly stated that Ukrainian forces are moving forward in spite of all challenges.
The President of Hungary, Katalin Novak, said that Budapest is committed to the principles of ensuring peace, and pledged continued humanitarian and educational aid to Ukraine.

Novak said this during a speech at the third International Summit of the Crimea Platform, Ukrinform reports.

The president of Hungary noted that as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, she understands what Ukraine is going through now, and stated that the war started in Crimea and should end with the return of Crimea.

"Mr. President, there is nothing more that I wish for than the ending of the bloodshed and the fight so that peace is re-achieved in our neighborhood. Regardless how long it takes to return to peace, Hungary remains to offer humanitarian and educational support, as well as training facilities to Ukraine, and to continue to comply with all international obligations. Budapest commits to support all initiatives aiming at winning the peace," Novak said.

She added that as part of her mission, after Kyiv, she will visit Rome and the Vatican where she will deliver these messages to Pope Francis.

Therefore, the presidents said she expects that a just and long-lasting peace will be achieved.

As reported, the third International Summit of the Crimean Platform is being held in Kyiv, dedicated to Ukraine's vision regarding the future of temporarily occupied Crimea and security issues in the Black Sea region.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his support for Ukraine and condemned the illegal occupation of Crimea by Russia.

The leader stated this during his speech at the third summit of the Crimea Platform, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Portugal does not recognize the illegal occupation of Crimea, the Portuguese president said, adding it was later used to attack Ukraine.

We urge Russia to immediately withdraw all its military forces from the territory of Ukraine, he stressed.

Read also: President of Portugal arrives in Kyiv in first

In addition, the Portuguese president stated that it is impossible to separate the issue of the occupation of Crimea from a large-scale invasion, and any attempt to do so is a manifestation of non-support for Ukraine.

He also added that Portugal remains committed to Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders.

The president reiterated Portugals solidarity with Ukraine, which is fighting against Russia's illegal actions, because this is a violation of international law.

As reported by Ukrinform, on August 23, the third International Summit of the Crimea Platform is being held in Kyiv, dedicated to Ukraine's vision for the future of temporarily occupied Crimea.

Photo: rr.sapo.pt
| By Emily Chappell and Mary Therese Phelan

Today, clinical practice guidelines are mostly developed by clinicians taking data and coming up with high-level population course guidelines.

Staff members of Mary Washington Healthcare pose with Moxi, a robotic hospital assistant. Photo courtesy of Mary Washington Healthcare.

But Suchi Saria, PhD, MSc, says this method isnt especially effective in a real-time setting because it doesnt account for any level of nuance or exceptions. And often patients are that exception.



What you really need for these kinds of real-time guidelines to be effective is to take these course guidelines and make it refined to the lens of a single patient  and that's why AI [artificial intelligence] and machine learning [ML] are really good, said Saria, director of the Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare Lab at Johns Hopkins University.

So, I see the future as a combination of using AI and ML to improve and individualize practice guidelines.

Health care professionals like Saria, a machine learning expert and health AI pioneer who founded Bayesian Health, a company thats spent over a decade researching, building, and validating a state-of-the art AI/ML platform that helps physicians make the best care decisions, are looking to see just where that technology fits into their day-to-day work.



Saria was one of more than 40 speakers sharing their insights at the 32nd Summer Institute in Nursing Informatics (SINI): Capturing the Value of Informatics Across the Health Care Continuum on July 20-21 at the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON), an event that focused on how this technology is being incorporated. Sessions included everything from telehealth to robots in nursing to AI in the health care field to virtual reality in pain management, and more.



SINI, first introduced in 1990 at UMSON after the implementation of the nations first masters program in nursing informatics, is a nonprofit international event that provides an opportunity to deliver multiple-level learning experiences to meet the needs of nurse and health care informaticians across the spectrum of practice.



We celebrate this role and reputation as the place to come to expand one's knowledge of informatics and to learn about the latest developments in the field, Yolanda Ogbolu, PhD 11, MS 03, BSN 04, NNP, FNAP, FAAN, the Bill and Joanne Conway Dean of the University of Maryland School of Nursing, said in her welcoming remarks kicking off the conference July 20. It is a place to explore emerging challenges and to network with colleagues.

Its critically important to see informatics as a tool, said Neri M. Cohen, MD, PhD, who works in clinical informatics at Bayesian Health and spoke about the topic with Saria.

Its impossible to unwind decades, if not centuries, of work from clinicians acumen to how they take care of patients. The idea is to build technical tools that leverage the clinical experience in a way that marries the tech and the clinical acumen, he said.

The work Saria and Cohen are doing is an attempt to change care from reactive to a more proactive approach.

We think of the AI that were building as serving as a clinical consultant to the clinicians, synthesizing the data and making sense of it [by] stitching together longitudinal data, assessing whether this patient is deviating from  whats expected, and learning those markers that indicate patients are at risk for declining trajectory, Saria said.

Robotics in health care is one way of seeing the field of informatics in action, according to Gregg Springan, MSN, RN, head of clinical informatics, nurse executive, Diligent Robots, who led the session The Value of a Robot  What Can a Robot Do for Nursing.

Where we are at in health care, I think, is really a unique opportunity, Springan said Hospitals are seeing unprecedented workforce challenges. I dont need to elaborate on this to anybody. Finding nurses, patient care techs, pharmacists, pharmacy techs, physical therapists, all of these clinical roles are roles that they are having a hard time filling. So, when we think about where robotics are in health care, automating routine tasks for people who are working in health care is no longer a nice to have. Its really becoming a necessity.

Springan referenced a recent McKinsey & Company survey of nurses leaving the profession showing the top three things impacting their decisions centered on lack of work-life balance, not feeling valued by the organization, and an unmanageable workload.

Robotics offers a really unique opportunity to target this kind of category around unmanageable workload, he said. When we think of caregiver well-being  and simply giving nurses time back in their day, giving clinical team members time back in their day to have a lunch break, to use the restroom, or to spend more time at the patient's bedside  literature suggests that patients do better when nurses are at the bedside.

Thats the reason officials at Mary Washington Healthcare in Fredericksburg, Va., decided to bring on board Moxi, described as a robotic hospital assistant.

Shes going to be rolling through the halls, said Eileen Dohmann, MBA, BSN, RN, senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Mary Washington Healthcare, describing Moxi in a video presentation during SINI. Units are going to be able to put in a request that essentially says, Im the nurse up on Five West; I need to get medications for a patient in 5074. And I need them from pharmacy.

Moxi will get that message and will go to the pharmacy. Shell tell the pharmacy, Im here to pick up, and the pharmacy will be able to give her the medications that need to be delivered. And then Moxi will take those medications back up to the nurse who made the request.

One area of dissatisfaction in the survey Springan mentioned was the amount of time nurses spend fetching things from other areas of the hospital.

Often what happens is nurses have to leave the unit to go pick something up, and what does that mean? Dohmann asked. The nurse has to leave their patient. But not anymore. Not with Moxi. She gives our nurses more time with patients and allows our nurses to really practice at the top of their license.

For more than three decades, UMSON informatics faculty, along with an expert planning committee consisting of national and international leaders in the field, have assessed the learning needs of the nursing/health care informatics community, reviewed technology and informatics trends, and made recommendations to determine the overall theme, goals, and objectives for each SINI event, held annually in July.

What makes this gathering so special  its not just its compounding legacy, but its the breadth of the issues that are discussed at the conference and the ideas that are shared among colleagues about how informatics can continue to make a difference, Ogbolu said. Ive often heard the concerns of families on the front line regarding the requirements of the electronic health record and the constant focus of how providers are collecting information. A challenge that is facing the field of informatics is to be able to draw the connection for others between why that data is so carefully collected and how it can be used to benefit and improve patient care.
08/23/2023

By Irma Silva

The Kennedy College of Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, invites to you attend a Ph.D. Proposal Defense in Applied Biology by Sean Driscoll entitled "Alternative splicing as a mechanism of gene dosage mediation in limb development and disease."



Candidate: Sean Driscoll

Degree: Doctoral

Date: Tuesday, August 29

Time: 3:30  5:30 p.m.

Location: Ball Hall, Room 302



Committee Members:

Frederic Chain, Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts

Teresa Lee, Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts

Axel Newton, Biosciences, University of Melbourne



Brief Abstract:

Limb malformations during development are often caused by mutations affecting expression levels of key regulatory genes. Similar phenotypes are also seen in vertebrate limb evolution. The proposed research will investigate a post-transcriptional mechanism, alternative splicing, in mediating gene dosage levels during limb development, and the resulting effect on morphological variation in both disease and evolutionary contexts.
DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 23rd Aug, 2023) Dubai Customs has launched "Cooling Hearts" initiative, which involves providing cold water, juices, and fruits to the labour workforce in Dubai, in collaboration with the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs (PCLA) in Dubai and the "Taqdeer Award".

Over the course of three months, the campaign aims to distribute a total of 10,000 packages.

Volunteers from Dubai Customs distribute cold drinking water, juices, and fruits to labourers, including those in the construction industry and other sectors. The intention is to help them cope with the summer heat. The campaign will commence on Meydan Street in Nadd Al Shiba.

Extensive planning and coordination were undertaken beforehand by the Ghayath Volunteer Team and the Corporate Social Responsibility Section.

Rashid Al Sharid, Executive Director of Administration and Finance Division at Dubai Customs, affirmed their commitment to collaborating with external partners to implement top-tier practices in community work, especially concerning the labour force. Multiple initiatives will be executed, accompanied by additional incentives tailored for this group.

Abdulla Lashkari Mohammad, Secretary-General of the PCLA, underlined that initiatives like "Cooling Hearts" establish communication channels with labourers, recognising their integral role within society.
ABOARD THE BRP CABRA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Aug, 2023 ) :As a US military surveillance plane circled overhead, eight Chinese ships chased and briefly blocked four Philippine boats on a resupply mission to a tiny garrison in the hotly contested South China Sea.

The high seas cat-and-mouse game on Tuesday followed assurances from Chinese coast guard vessels patrolling the waters that Philippine boats would be allowed to deliver provisions to the remote outpost on Second Thomas Shoal "in the spirit of humanism".

But, the Chinese radio operator warned, the two Philippine coast guard vessels escorting the two boats carrying supplies for Filipino marines stationed on a crumbling navy ship grounded atop the reef should leave or "bear full responsibility for all the consequences".

A team of AFP journalists on board the BRP Cabra, one of the two Philippine Coast Guard vessels, watched as the Chinese vessels chased, blocked and corralled the four Philippine vessels.

One of the Chinese coast guard ships came within several metres of the Cabra.

Eventually, both supply boats reached the marooned BRP Sierra Madre and unloaded their cargo.

AFP was one of three media outlets given the rare opportunity to join the Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal, less than three weeks after Chinese coast guard ships used water cannon against a similar resupply operation.

That incident, on August 5, prevented one of the Philippine resupply boats from unloading and sparked a diplomatic spat between Manila and Beijing.

There was widespread international criticism of the Chinese actions but Beijing defended its behaviour as "professional", and accused Manila of "illegal delivery of construction materials" to the grounded ship.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, through which trillions of Dollars in trade passes annually, and has ignored an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei have overlapping claims to parts of the sea.

China deploys hundreds of vessels to patrol the South China Sea and its reefs and Manila says China's coast guard and navy ships routinely block or shadow Philippine boats there.

Second Thomas Shoal is about 200 kilometres (124 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan, and more than 1,000 kilometres from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan island.

The Philippine Navy deliberately grounded the World War II-era BRP Sierra Madre on the reef in 1999 to check China's advance in the waters.

- 'We don't need permission - As this week's resupply mission got underway on Monday, Chinese vessels patrolling the South China Sea appeared to be manoeuvring into position soon after the boats left Palawan.

The Philippine coast guard vessels joined up with the two resupply boats at Sabina Shoal, claimed by Manila, on Monday evening, as more than a dozen Chinese boats, including a coast guard ship, floated nearby.

The lone Chinese coast guard vessel trailed the Philippine vessels as the resupply mission sailed through the night for the final 60-kilometre leg of their journey to Second Thomas Shoal.

It was joined by another three Chinese coast guard ships soon after daybreak on Tuesday, sailing alongside the resupply mission.

The voice of a radio operator on board one of the Chinese coast guard ships crackled over the airwaves a short time later, declaring China's "indisputable authority" over the Spratly Islands.

"In the spirit of humanism, we only permit your ship carrying food and other necessary living materials and the rotating personnel without construction materials to the illegally grounded vessel," the voice said.

Filipino troops stationed on the rusting Hulk depend upon the supplies for survival.

While the latest resupply mission was successful, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela told reporters Wednesday that the Chinese ships, including "maritime militia", had used "a lot of dangerous manoeuvres" to harass the Philippine vessels.

He dismissed the Chinese coast guard's claims of "humanitarian consideration" in allowing the delivery of supplies.

"We don't need permission from anybody," he said.
West Kelowna, Canada, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Aug, 2023 ) :Cooler weather brought relief Tuesday in the gruelling fight against wildfires in western Canada, allowing some evacuees to return home, even as blazes still spread elsewhere in the nation.

Across the country, more than 15 million hectares (37 million acres) have burned this season -- an area larger than Greece and more than twice the size of the last record of 7.3 million hectares.

In the west, inhabitants of the lakeside cities of Kelowna and West Kelowna in British Columbia were finally breathing a little easier.

Temperatures in the major wine-producing region fell on Monday, followed by a light rain Tuesday morning, helping firefighters slow the advance of fires, which number in the hundreds in the province.

Several evacuation orders around the scenic Okanagan Valley were lifted earlier in the week, bringing the number of displaced residents down to 27,000.

Fire officials on Tuesday said that some 200 homes had been destroyed or damaged but no deaths had been reported.

West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund told public broadcaster CBC that the situation was "a step in the right direction" and provided a "glimmer of hope.

" But he warned the number of destroyed buildings would rise as crews assessing damage pushed deeper "into areas where the fires burned hottest." "In some areas, the destruction is total. There is nothing left," he said. "That will be very difficult for people to see when they return." It is still too early to begin allowing evacuees back in the Northwest Territories capital of Yellowknife, threated by separate fires in the far north, but Mayor Rebecca Alty said she was hoping for "favorable weather conditions" to allow firefighters to make "direct attacks on the fire." The near-Arctic region has received some rain in recent days, and more precipitation was expected on Tuesday.

"I know it's really difficult and the uncertainty is hard," Alty said. But the fire continues to be a threat.

Minister of Northern Affairs Dan Vandal told reporters: "We are in discussions with the territories, with the provinces, on how we're going to bring the evacuees back, certainly to the Northwest Territories."Canada has faced a record-breaking wildfire season this year. More than a thousand fires are still burning across the country, including 650 out of control.
(@FahadShabbir)

UNITED NATIONS, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Aug, 2023 ) :In a joint communication just made public, UN human rights experts and defenders have expressed serious concerns on the application of counter-terrorism laws in Indian Occupied Kashmir, saying they would lead to more human rights abuses in the disputed territory.

The communication of 8 August 2023, was signed by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; the Special Rapporteurs on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; on the situation of human rights defenders, on freedom of religion or belief and on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.

Diplomats here also expressed concern that the measures, imposed after the Indian Parliament revoked the Constitutionally-mandated status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, would exacerbate tensions in the region.

They noted that India never responded to the several joint communications sent by the UN human rights experts over the last four years, nor has taken any action to reverse its illegal measures and halt human rights violations.

In their communication, the human rights experts also said that the tough measures already in force were "ripe for human rights abuse in potential violation of the Indian Government's obligations under international human rights law, particularly the obligation to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights to equality and non-discrimination, the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of association, and the right of liberty and security of person." The overlapping measures include relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, Public Safety Act (PSA), National Security Act, Code of Criminal Procedure, Penal Code, and Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.

"The undue harms that could arise from the concurrent and/or consecutive application of these laws and regulations against the same individual, group, or entity, thus compounding the potential human rights consequences on them, as well as their families and communities," the experts added.

While recalling various previous communications issued to the Indian Government, on this subject, the new joint communication underlines various violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).

The Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) is against human rights defenders and civil society members, including those that report on alleged human rights violations in the region or express opinions criticizing the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's autonomous status or other political decisions, it was pointed out.

The provision for preventive detention without charge or trial under Public Safety Act of 1978 expanding the government standard pretrial detention of 60-90 days to 180 days, poses particular challenges to the right to liberty and security, as well as fundamental due process and fair trial rights under international human rights law, such as these right to presumption of innocence.

The joint communication expressed concern that Section 10 of the PSA allows for the transfer of detainees to different jails and centers outside of the Jammu and Kashmir region, "We underscore the importance of guaranteeing access to counsel and communication to family members of detainee whereabouts in line with article 14 of the ICCPR." The National Security Act (NSA), which allows for preventive detention for up to 12 months, "can be invoked by law enforcement officials in cases of alleged religious conversion, cow slaughter, among other religious acts, and may therefore be particularly vulnerable to disproportionate enforcement against Muslim and other minorities," it said.

The Penal Code may be used to suppress voices of legitimate dissent including by human rights defenders, journalists, political dissidents, and minorities, according to the communication.

The experts have stressed that labeling such lawful dissent as acts of terrorism, sedition, or other criminal offenses would per se violate the fundamental right to freedom of opinion and expression and would also pose significant risks of violating the rights to freedom of religion or belief and association, among fundamental rights and freedoms.

In addition, they said, the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act 2010 (FCRA) may be abused to abridge the rights of human rights defenders and civil society actors to access foreign funding as protected by the right to freedom of association.

The joint communication strongly recommended that the Indian Government independently assesses the counterterrorism and broader national security framework applicable in Jammu and Kashmir and across jurisdictions in order to ensure consistency with international human rights law norms and standards.

They reiterated that the Indian Government appoint an independent expert or body to review the application and operation of the applicable counter-terrorism law, as recommended by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.

The human rights experts have offered to the Indian Government they remain available to provide "technical assistance to your government in order to support full compliance of your counterterrorism and broader national security architecture with your obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and international refugee law." Thousands of civilians, hundreds of political leaders, human rights defenders, and journalists have been arbitrarily detained, subjected to torture and have been silenced under these counter-terrorism laws after revocation of Article 370 that ended the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

The human rights experts have pointed to the increase of anti-Muslim campaigns, which have stoked a wave of Islamophobic sentiment across the country and exacerbated violence and discrimination against Muslim individuals and communities belonging to ethnic and religious minorities.
Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi on Wednesday said the date for the upcoming general election would be announced by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which was constitutionally responsible to conduct the polls in the country

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Aug, 2023 ) :Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi on Wednesday said the date for the upcoming general election would be announced by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which was constitutionally responsible to conduct the polls in the country.

The minister, in an interview with the CNN, clarified that the Caretaker government had no role in fixing the election date, as it was solely within the purview of the ECP.

Solangi said there might be a "slight delay" in the elections as the new census had been notified. "Once the census is notified, the Election Commission of Pakistana constitutional body responsible for conducting electionsneeds four months to complete the delimitation exercise." Subsequently, a constitutionally mandated 54-day period was allocated for political parties to conduct election campaigns, he added.

As regard the Tuesday's chairlift incident, the Information Minister commended the joint effort of the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force for successfully rescuing all individuals who were stranded on the chairlift in the remote and rugged valley of Hindkush and Korakram mountain ranges in Battagram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The operation was carried out with meticulous coordination, ensuring the safety of the trapped passengers, he said while sharing insights on the rescue operation.

Highlighting the challenges in dissemination of information due to the remote nature of the area, he said the district administration, on receiving the news, approached the provincial and regional administrations that subsequently alerted the Federal authorities.

Solangi detailed the comprehensive rescue mission, which involved deploying helicopters from the Pakistan Army and Air Force, along with a Commanding Officer from the SSG and his troops who led the efforts on the ground.

He said an extensive inspection of all chairlifts and cable cars in the region had already been initiated by the provincial authorities. The Hazara region had 70 cable cars, including 11 in the specific region where the incident took place.

The minister said the remote area, affected by both climate change and seismic activity, had witnessed natural disasters, including a significant earthquake in 2005 and severe flooding in 2010 that destroyed infrastructure of the area.
(@FahadShabbir)

First Lady Begum Samina Alvi here on Wednesday pointed out key measures to promote women entrepreneurship and their participation in the country's development process

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Aug, 2023 ) :First Lady Begum Samina Alvi here on Wednesday pointed out key measures to promote women entrepreneurship and their participation in the country's development process.

Speaking at an international conference on "Globalizing Women Entrepreneurship (GWE) 2023" organized by President Faisalabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FWCCI), she said, the government institutions must work to create an environment that is conducive to women economic participation. The First Lady said that offering financial incentives, promoting gender-sensitive policies, creating a women-friendly and harassment-free work environment, and establishing mechanisms for easy access to loans specifically tailored for women entrepreneurs were few of the measures, the government institutions should take.

She said banks could play a pivotal role by providing financial backing and advisory services to women entrepreneurs.

"Chambers of commerce and industry also hold a special responsibility of guiding and mentoring women entrepreneurs", she said adding that they should take a proactive role in educating women about running and establishing businesses.

Organizing workshops, training programs and networking opportunities can go a long way in equipping women with the necessary skills and knowledge, Begum Samina Alvi said. She said empowering women economically doesn't just benefit them individually; it has also a positive impact on communities and economies.

"Entrepreneurship stands as a powerful avenue through which we can channel women's potential and transform it into financial empowerment. By providing women with the tools, resources, and support needed to start and run their businesses, we enable them to not only contribute to their own financial well-being but also to the growth of economic development," she added.

She also appreciated the efforts made bythe FWCCI in promoting women's entrepreneurship in Pakistan saying that other chambers should also follow suit.

She maintained that educated women were more likely to become successful entrepreneurs, contributing to both their individual growth and societal progress.

Speaking about the importance of health and education in women's life, the First Lady said providing women with access to quality education and skill-building opportunities is of paramount importance. She also highlighted some common health issues among women including breast cancer and mental stress.

"Breast cancer is a silent threat that affects countless women. In Pakistan alone, almost 40,000 women die every year due to breast cancer. The majority of these deaths could be avoided through the detection of breast cancer at an early stage," she added.

She said by dedicating just 5 minutes each month to self-examination, women and girls can take control of their health and potentially detect issues early, ensuring timely medical intervention.

With regard the the mental health, she said the women, especially working women, have to particularly face stress as they have to maintain a balance between their home and work responsibilities.

Women should work but should also not neglect their families as a peaceful family life isn't merely a luxury, but an essential foundation of mental health and well-being, she added.

 She also urged the society at large to take special care of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and give them their rights. Empowering PWDs, ensuring their financial independence, improving their access to opportunities and facilities, and including them in mainstream socio-economic activities are essential for creating an equitable, just and inclusive society, she added. Special Assistant to Caretaker Prime Minister on Women Empowerment and Human Right Mishaal Malik said she as a woman, had played a leading role in the struggle for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.She stressed the women to play active role in financial activities to ensure socio-economic development of the country. She said according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Pakistan's GDP could rise by 30 percent if the women participation is ensured in different sectors.

President FWCCO Rubina Amjad urged the government to provide equal opportunities to women diaspora to fully participate in business activities.
President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday stressed upon the business and industrialist communities to explore new avenues in the global market by introducing innovative value addition goods to supplement the country's exports, besides enhancing their outreach in the world

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Aug, 2023 ) :President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday stressed upon the business and industrialist communities to explore new avenues in the global market by introducing innovative value addition goods to supplement the country's exports, besides enhancing their outreach in the world.

The president was addressing the 2nd Achievement Recognition Ceremony of Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) which was arranged at the Aiwan e Sadr to award the best performing businessmen and women.

The president opined that there was no doubt that the government was facilitating the businessmen and traders, but it was the prime onus on traders that they should navigate through all hurdles and carve a path for the growth of their export business.

He said that due to environmental changes, the world was looking for organic foods and in this arena, the country's exporters could find advantageous leeway, besides, the designers' jewellery was another category in which the women could showcase their goods to the world.

The president while appreciating the inclusion of women in the industry and business sectors, underlined the need for encouraging and supporting the females to join these sectors by creating a conducive environment.

The president further maintained that different countries of the world made progress on the basis of intellectual development, adding an economy could prosper if the system survived the fast-paced global changes.

He said from history it was evident that traders always carved their path with innovative ideas.

Pakistani IT freelancers were among the top global ranking due to their dependence on their abilities, he said, adding that exporters and traders should take a leaf out of their book to boost their business.

Citing the Netherlands, the president said that it had become the world's second-largest food exporter. "The world is ready to purchase and the need is to invest in these areas," he added.

The president also stressed upon the industrialists to employ disabled persons under the 4 percent allocated quota, so that they could become self-dependence and contribute as useful members of society.

Under Islamic teachings, the well-to-do business people should provide job opportunities to the destitute and deprived segments of society as such noble deeds could become a source for the flourishing of their businesses, he observed.

The president said that banks had also provided loans facilities to women entrepreneurs on a very affordable rates, but regretted that such a facility was not fully availed.

Speaking on the occasion, President SCCI Sajid Hussain Tarrar said that businessmen and industrialists were not only contributing towards the country's economy with exports but also providing jobs to manpower.

He said with worth $230 million exports annually, the SCCI was a glaring example of one of the major contributors to the country's economy.

SCCI office bearers, Chaudhry Aamir Atta Bajwa and Mian Tariq Yaqoob, in their remarks, stressed upon continuation of economic policies with better decisions.

Earlier, the president gave away awards among the top industrialists, traders and exporters.
By: Cassidy Delamarter, University Communications and Marketing

A University of South Florida geoscientist created a new method that can reconstruct the drift path and origin of debris from Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which went missing over the Indian Ocean with 239 passengers onboard.

Gregory Herbert, an associate professor in the School of Geosciences, was inspired the moment he saw photographs of the plane debris that washed ashore on Reunion Island off the coast of Africa a year after the 2014 crash.

The debris was covered in barnacles, and as soon as I saw that, I immediately began sending emails to the search investigators because I knew the geochemistry of their shells could provide clues to the crash location, Herbert said.

As an evolutionary and conservation biologist, Herbert studies marine systems with a particular focus on shelled marine invertebrates, such as oysters, conchs and barnacles, tiny crustaceans known to stick to many types of surfaces. Over the last two decades, Herbert created and refined a method to extract ocean temperatures stored in their chemistry. Hes utilized this method to determine the ages and extinction risk of the giant horse conchs and investigate the environmental circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the Jamestown colony.

Barnacle growth experiment | Photo by: Anne Marie Power

Barnacles and other shelled marine invertebrates grow their shells daily, producing internal layers similar to tree rings. The chemistry of each layer is determined by the temperature of the surrounding water at the time that the layer was formed. In this study, published in AGU Advances, Herbert led an international research team to conduct a growth experiment with live barnacles to read their chemistry and for the first time, unlocked temperature records from the shells of barnacles.

After the experiment, they applied the successful method to small barnacles from MH370. With help from barnacle experts and oceanographers at the University of Galway, they combined the barnacles water temperature records with oceanographic modeling and successfully generated a partial drift reconstruction.

French scientist Joseph Poupin, who was one of the first biologists to examine the debris, concluded that the largest barnacles attached were possibly old enough to have colonized on the wreckage very shortly after the crash and very close to the actual crash location where the plane is now, Herbert said. Sadly, they have not yet been made available for research, but with this study, weve proven this method can be applied to a barnacle that colonized on the debris shortly after the crash to reconstruct a complete drift path back to the crash origin.

Al-Qattan monitoring instruments during analyses | Photo by: Gregory Herbert

Up to this point, the search for MH370 has spanned several thousands of miles along a north-south corridor deemed The Seventh Arc, where investigators believe the plane could have glided after running out of fuel. Because ocean temperatures can change rapidly along the arc, Herbert says this method could reveal precisely where the plane is located.

Even if the plane is not on the arc, Herbert said studying the oldest and largest barnacles can still narrow down the areas to search in the Indian Ocean.

Knowing the tragic story behind the mystery motivated everyone involved in this project to get the data and have this work published, said Nasser Al-Qattan, a recent USF geochemistry doctoral graduate who helped analyze the barnacles. The plane disappeared more than nine years ago, and we all worked aiming to introduce a new approach to help resume the search, suspended in January 2017, which might help bring some closure to the tens of families of those on the missing plane.

This research was done in collaboration with Ran Tao, USF spatial geoscientist; Howard Spero, professor emeritus from University of California, Davis; and barnacle experts and oceanographers Sean McCarthy, Ryan McGeady and Anne Marie Power at the University of Galway.
Tom C. Clark High School graduate Jonah Espinoza visited several schools before selecting UTSA, but what stood out to him was the dinner he attended during the Top Scholar selection process. University President Taylor Eighmy walked up to Espinoza at dinner and started talking to him about his accomplishments.

There's nowhere else that I visited that the president of the university already knew my name without me introducing myself and asked me about the things that I had done, and that really assured me that here at UTSA I'm going to be valued and really have access to all the resources I want in order to really execute the visions that I have in my mind, Espinoza said.

Those visions include a dual degree in politics & law and in finance before going to law school. At Clark High in San Antonio, Espinoza created a legal awareness initiative to educate students on their legal rights and responsibilities as part of his independent study mentorship. As part of that mentorship, Espinoza interned with an attorney who specializes in criminal and civil law, but he wants to focus on addressing inequities in educational policy, likely in a government role.

Plano East Senior High School graduate Megan Ho knew UTSA was the right choice for her as soon as she visited the campus. The North Texas resident felt right at home visiting Guadalupe Hall, the home of the Honors Residential College where Top Scholars live, and meeting other students.

I took a step back, and I really saw that its like a big family, Ho said. And I didnt really see that anywhere else.

As a bonus, Hos older sister is also a Top Scholar and a senior at UTSA, so they will get to spend at least one year together on campus.

Ho plans to major in medical humanities and become a dentist. She said most aspiring dentists major in biology, but she chose medical humanities because she believes its important to understand both the medical side of the field and the cultural side so she can better interact with patients.

Another thing that stood out to me is that UTSA is one of the few schools that even has medical humanities as a major, she said. It involves both the sciences and the humanities aspect, which is very important in dentistry because you not only have to be a good dentist, but you have to have those interpersonal skills.

At Plano East, Ho founded a chapter of Operation Smile, a nonprofit organization that provides cleft lip and cleft palate surgery. She heard about the organization from her dentist, who travels to other countries to perform surgeries and cleanings  something Ho aspires to do one day. In two years, she helped raise more than $1,500 for Operation Smile.

The UTSA Child and Adolescent Policy Research Institute drew Klein Cain High School graduate Ricky Pagnozzi II to the university. The Houston-area native has always enjoyed working with children and plans to major in psychology so he can help children who have endured trauma.

But he also chose UTSA because he felt like the university would value him as a person.

I feel like at other schools I would just be a number, but not at UTSA, he said. I really get the feeling that Im not going to be just a number, but Im going to be valued as a student.

Pagnozzi said he will probably always remember the moment he found out he had been selected as a Top Scholar. He ranked No. 11 out of 971 students in his senior class, so he got to invite friends, family and mentors to the schools ceremony for the top 10% of the class. As he sat in the ceremony, he received an email notification on his phone that said, Congratulations, Top Scholar! Pagnozzi jumped out of his seat and ran to tell his family, friends and some former teachers who influenced him.

It was just a really, really nice, surreal moment, and I really liked that I was able to have that moment with a bunch of people who had a tremendous impact on my life, he said.

Young Womens Leadership Academy graduate Zeina Hijazi didnt know UTSA was the school for her until she set foot on campus. All throughout her high school career, she heard that she would know which college was the right fit for her, but she felt like she could go to school anywhere.

It wasnt until she met with students and professors at UTSA and experienced the energy of the campus that she knew.

One of my favorite memories from this year is walking onto the UTSA campus during my interview for the Top Scholar program and immediately knowing, kind of instinctively understanding, what it meant to be a good fit at a college, she said. I feel like UTSA is a place where I see growth. I see a chance to be a part of a lot of momentum that's happening, where people will look back and be like, Wow, that was really a wonderful time to be at that school.

While the Jordan native wants to major in biomedical engineering, she appreciates the value of the arts and humanities. In high school, she served as class president but also became heavily involved in the schools Young Poets Society. The poets would meet every two weeks after school and write, share poems and discover poets that moved them. Hijazi particularly enjoyed the groups Anti-Valentines Day party where they focused on self-love.

Its something that I would love to continue because it was a spontaneous space, she said. Its really more about than just the craft of it. Its about drawing people together.
Harold Hamm

The University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources (SER), in partnership with the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and the College of Business, will host a fireside chat and book signing event with Oklahoma oilman Harold Hamm Thursday, Sept. 14, beginning at 2:45 p.m. in the Engineering Education and Research Building atrium.

Hamm will be joined onstage for a conversation facilitated by SER Executive Director Holly Krutka. Hamm founded Continental Resources in 1967 and currently serves as executive chairman.

It is an honor to host Mr. Hamm, a legend in the energy sector whose dedication, resolve and ingenuity changed the trajectory of American energy security, Krutka says. I welcome members of the UW community to join us to hear from this titan of industry and thank Mr. Hamm for joining us in Laramie.

Hamms recently published book, Game Changer: Our 50-Year Mission to Secure Americas Energy Independence, is an autobiographical account of Hamms experiences battling conventional wisdom and, in the process, helping to restore America as an energy superpower. In it, he also tells a compelling story of just how vital the role of reliable, abundant and affordable energy is to our nations prosperity and security.

The first 50 guests to arrive to the event will receive a free copy of the book, with additional copies available for purchase from the University Store, which will have representatives on-site for the event.

Growing up in rural Oklahoma, Hamm went to work in the oil fields as a teenager and established Continental Resources at the age of 21. He built a grassroots startup company into a top-10 oil producer and the largest privately held oil company in the United States.

With his relentless work ethic, business acumen and desire to position the country as energy independent, Hamm revolutionized the oil and gas industry through his pioneering deployment of horizontal drilling technology -- unlocking the vast oil resources and wealth of the country.

He has been an advocate and prominent voice for the energy industry, and his leadership has been surpassed only by his philanthropic endeavors to help promote health, education and a vibrant energy economy. He has donated millions in support of diabetes research and funded numerous education initiatives across the nation, including college scholarships, classroom technology and school capital campaigns.

He also has been recognized as one of TIME magazines 100 Most Influential People in the World for his creation of thousands of jobs in the oil industry and continuous support of education and diabetes research.

For more information about the event, email Christine Reed, SER director of outreach, at christine.reed@uwyo.edu.

About Continental Resources

Continental Resources is a top-10 independent oil producer in the U.S. and a leader in Americas energy renaissance. Based in Oklahoma City, Okla., Continental Resources is the largest leaseholder and the largest producer in the nations premier oil field, the Bakken play of North Dakota and Montana. The company also has significant positions in the South Central Oklahoma Oil Province and Sooner Trend Anadarko Canadian Kingfisher plays of the Anadarko Basin of Oklahoma and newly acquired positions in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming and Permian Basin of Texas.

With a focus on the exploration and production of oil, Continental Resources has unlocked the technology and resources vital to American energy independence and our nations leadership in the new world oil market. This year, the company will celebrate 56 years of operations. For more information, visit www.CLR.com.
A Guide to Understanding HR Trends in Vietnam

By Edward Barbour-Lacey and Hoang Thu Huyen

HCMC  Once a company has gone through all the legal procedures required for the establishment of their business in Vietnam, the next big hurdle is the process of actually hiring the staff that will be needed, and dealing with the associated payroll obligations. Hiring, and the associated legal obligations that go along with it, can be a confusing process. It is therefore strongly recommended that businesses take a careful look at all relevant regulation and engage a professional where appropriate to ensure proper compliance with all laws.

In recent years, Vietnam has become an increasingly attractive place for businesses of all types. The country has a fast growing consumer class and a young and dynamic workforce that is continuing to build its skills set. In fact, Vietnams labor force is growing by more than one million people per year. Currently, the hottest hiring areas are sales, IT & software, and marketing.

There are a number of important HR trends occurring in Vietnam. While labor costs are still low (50 percent that of China and 40 percent of those reported in Thailand and the Philippines), wages are steadily increasing. Over the past five years, this increase in salaries has come without a corresponding increase in productivity. Compounding the costs of employing staff in Vietnam are the countrys comparatively high social contribution and income tax rates.

Due to the developing nature of the workforce in Vietnam, it is natural that there exists some difficulty in finding highly skilled employees. Skills and talent shortages are particularly acute in industries such as technology and banking. However, many international companies, in partnership with the Vietnamese government, are sponsoring training programs to ensure that there are a growing number of highly skilled employees to choose from. Additionally, some companies, such as ANZ, are looking to attract Vietnamese expatriates back to the country since they tend to have a higher skills set.

The countrys young and growing workforce has new demands and high expectations for their futures. Vietnam is just now coming into the full benefits of its demographic dividend  where the country will see a massive influx of young people into the workforce over the next few years. To understand what the next few years will bring to Vietnam, it is instructive to look at China, which previously went through its own demographic dividend and saw explosive economic growth.

As the countrys workforce has continued to grow there has been a resulting rise in competition within the job market. This has increased the rates of turnover at many companies as employees are often shopping their skills around to other potential employers. It is not unusual to see applicants who have worked at a multitude of companies over a short span of time.

While businesses in Vietnam have come to accept high turnover as a cost of doing business in the country, there is still a strong push to find ways to increase the amount of time that an employee is willing to spend at a company. Providing higher salaries is certainly an attraction, but money may not be the only factor making Vietnamese employees stay longer at a company. Businesses that find ways to build employee loyalty will therefore be particularly successful.

Commonly encountered problems when hiring Vietnamese employees include a lack of English and technical skills. Many Vietnamese possess basic English proficiency but do not have the fluency required to conduct business in the language. While the government is pushing English education throughout the school system, the full effect of this will not be felt for some time. One strategy for foreign businesses is to provide English lessons for their employees as part of a wider skills training program. Additionally, the government, often in conjunction with foreign tech companies as mentioned earlier, is seeking to boost the technical skills of the countrys workforce. These programs are already starting to bear fruit as can be seen from the sizable investments that companies, such as Samsung and Intel, have made into Vietnam.

Additionally, companies may find it difficult to transfer employees (especially women) to different cities or areas because of their strong local connections. This has the potential to put a drag on a companys expansion plans as it may struggle to relocate experienced employees. Thus, finding the right partner to aid in the recruitment process is crucial.

Due to the complexities of the labor market, many companies in Vietnam rely primarily on outsourced providers when it comes to HR, particularly for advice related to recruitment, training and payroll. In fact, many multinationals report that they would like to outsource more of their operational HR practices to a regional shared services function.

For more information on wages and employment in Vietnam, please email vietnam@dezshira.com

The information contained in this article is excerpted from the September 2014 edition of Vietnam Briefing Magazine, titled Vietnam: A Guide to HR in Asias Next Growth Market. In this new issue of Vietnam Briefing, we attempt to clarify human resources (HR) and payroll processes in Vietnam. We first take you through the current trends affecting the HR landscape and then we delve into the process of hiring and paying your employees. We next look at what specific obligations an employer has to their employees. Additionally, we guide you through the often complex system of visas, work permits, and temporary residence cards. Finally, we highlight the benefits of outsourcing your payroll to a pan-Asia vendor.

Asia Briefing Ltd. is a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. Dezan Shira is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in China, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Singapore and the rest of ASEAN. For further information, please email vietnam@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com.

Stay up to date with the latest business and investment trends in Asia by subscribing to our complimentary update service featuring news, commentary and regulatory insight.
Cambodias parliament has overwhelmingly elected Hun Manet to succeed his father, longtime autocratic ruler Hun Sen, as the countrys prime minister.

The selection of the 45-year-old Hun Manet as Cambodias new leader comes just weeks after his father announced he would be stepping aside after nearly four decades in power, prompted by the landslide victory of his ruling Cambodian Peoples Party in parliamentary elections.

The election was denounced by Western governments and human rights groups as a sham because the main opposition party was banned from taking part. Hun Manet won a parliamentary seat as a member of the CPP.

A graduate of the U.S.-based West Point Military Academy, Hun Manet has served for years in Cambodias military, holding various posts, such as head of counterterrorism, deputy military commander and army chief. He also holds a masters degree from New York University and a doctorate from Bristol University in Britain, all in economics.
The Russian occupation forces have unlawfully detained two Georgian citizens near the Akhalubani village in the Gori municipality. This information has been disseminated by the State Security Service.Upon receiving information about the incident, the State Security Service activated the 'hotline' operated by the EU Monitoring Mission.The international partners and co-chairs of the international discussions in Geneva have been informed about this unlawful action.At this stage, all available mechanisms have been activated to secure the prompt release of the unlawfully detained individuals."The responsibility for all destructive actions committed in the occupied territories of Georgia, as well as along the occupation line, rests with the occupying power of Russia," the agency stated.Following Sopo Japaridze's announcement of the launch of an election campaign on behalf of Mikheil Saakashvili on August 21, the former president of Georgia, asserted his readiness to listen to people's concerns and share their ideas and plans in a post on social media.In his statement, Saakashvili mentioned that facing challenging times ahead makes it crucial for everyone to unite more than ever. He acknowledged that the country is dealing with significant obstacles and emphasized that achieving progress and modernizing Georgia would be impossible without the active participation of the Georgian people."Together, with the involvement of everyone, we must build a prosperous Georgia - a nation from which our people won't seek emigration but, conversely, where our compatriots will return to their homeland for a brighter future.Many talented and accomplished citizens remain silent today. I wish to directly address you: every opinion matters. Share your thoughts with me on how Georgia should develop as a nation. While I find myself in Putin's captivity today, my objective remains unaltered. My primary duty is to serve you faithfully - for you and with you! Nothing is impossible for us. Our finest days lie ahead. Victory is within reach!" Mikheil Saakashvili wrote.
The Malawi government says it will forcibly open 125 containers confiscated from refugees and asylum-seekers living outside a refugee camp. Police say the containers were confiscated on suspicion they contain, among other things, firearms and counterfeiting machines.

Malawi police said in a statement that the exercise, expected to start on Aug. 28, is in line with a court order on appropriate procedures to open the confiscated containers.

"Basically the court ordered that during the date of opening, all the bonafide owners of the containers should be present," Malawi Police Service spokesman Peter Kalaya said. "Again, the whole process should be supervised by the court itself, so there will be a judge or magistrate in charge. Again, the court identified a number of stakeholders to be present as witnesses.

Kalaya said the witnesses would include officials from the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, the National Intelligence Service, the Ministry of Homeland Security and the Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Security.

Police in Malawi confiscated the containers during an exercise to forcibly relocate refugees staying outside the countrys Dzaleka refugee camp.

The Malawi government said the forcible relocation, which started in May, was in line with its encampment policy, which prohibits refugees from staying outside the refugee camp.

The government also said by staying outside a designated camp, the refugees were posing a threat to national security.

However, local and international rights campaigners have long been asking the government to stop the relocation exercise, saying it was being carried out in a dehumanizing manner.

Human Rights Watch said in a statement in June that forcible relocation violates international conventions for refugees, which Malawi ratified.

The rights organization also said it had learned that some refugees were allegedly assaulted during raids and that their money was taken.

However, Kalaya said police confiscated the containers for safekeeping.

When we started our operation, most of the containers were abandoned by the owners. But looking at the situation, the way it was, we just added padlocks to the containers and moved them to police national headquarters for safety. While others that were too heavy to be moved were left at the scene, we left our officers to guard them, he said.

Kalaya also said the containers were confiscated on suspicion that they contained instruments for committing various crimes, including firearms and machines for making fake currencies and minerals.

In a statement, the police asked owners of the confiscated containers to bring relevant identification, which include refugee identity cards, permits to own firearms, permits to keep foreign currency, and business registration permits.

The statement also said those who fail to attend the exercise or bring the required documents will have their property disposed of in line with Malawi legislation.

Burundian refugee Ngendakumana Zakayo, the community leader at the Dzaleka refugee camp, told VOA there is a likelihood that some of the confiscated containers have already been tampered with and then locked by police themselves.

He says they have information that some of the containers suspected of containing a lot of money were opened, and all the money that was there was taken, and new locks were fitted.

"We also fear that those who were doing this would also have a chance to put some things inside the containers to tarnish the image of the owners," he said.

Charles Kajoloweka represents 12 civil society organizations that last week wrote the Malawi police to stop the forcible relocation of refugees.

He told VOA it would be difficult to believe that the forcible opening of containers confiscated from refugees will be done in good faith.

"Basically what we are seeing is that there is a potential bias to portray asylum-seekers and refugees as a threat to national security and economy," he said. "Just from that perspective already, you can see that this exercise to open the containers is aimed at justifying the narrative the government has been parading so far."

Police spokesperson Kalaya dismisses those speculations, saying the exercise to forcibly open the confiscated containers was sanctioned by the court and not the police.

Police said the aim is to show transparency and accountability on how the relocation exercise is being conducted.
Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen said Wednesday that the government's position on "maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is very firm," as the island marked the 65th anniversary of the start of the second Taiwan Strait crisis.

The crisis marked the last time that Taiwanese and Chinese forces engaged in direct large-scale combat.

"We must thus continue to implement national defense reforms, promote defense self-sufficiency, and continuously improve the combat power and resilience of national defense," President Tsai added.

China drills

Chinese fighter jets and warships once again encircled Taiwan on Saturday, as Beijing launched its latest military drills around the contested island. The state-run Xinhua news agency said the exercises were carried out to test the Chinese military's ability "to seize control of air and sea spaces" and fight "in real combat conditions." The exercises were seen as a response to stopovers Taiwan Vice President William Lai made in the United States this month.

Over the past year, China has dramatically increased military activity around Taiwan, which Beijing sees as part of its territory, prompting the United States and its allies to strengthen their military partnerships in the region.

The U.S., Japan and South Korea agreed to deepen military cooperation and condemned China's "dangerous and aggressive behavior" following a trilateral summit August 18 at the U.S. presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland.

Beijing readiness

Just how ready is Beijing to go to war?

"China is serious about taking Taiwan," said Grant Newsham, a retired U.S. Marine colonel and former Japan-based diplomat who is now with the Center for Security Studies at Georgetown University.

"They have put the pieces in place. We've seen them testing that over the last year and a half or so. They've gotten the missiles, the cyber, the electronic. They've got their ships and aircraft out and about, and the last piece that I think we're going to see this fall is the rehearsal for a landing exercise," he told VOA.

Risks

Beijing recognizes the risks involved in any military operation, argues Christopher Johnstone of the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

"An amphibious operation across 100 miles of ocean against an island that is pretty well fortified and has pretty inhospitable terrain  that remains a high-risk endeavor. And so I think the leadership in Beijing is very aware of it. I do think that they are focused on other tools of coercion, other forms of military pressure, disinformation, efforts to influence the politics on Taiwan," Johnstone told VOA.

"Make no mistake, the Chinese will use force if they feel they must. I do believe that it remains an unlikely scenario, at least for now," he added.

Strategic ambiguity

Washington has a long-held policy of "strategic ambiguity" on whether it would intervene militarily over Taiwan. However, the U.S. and its regional allies are enhancing military cooperation in response to China's actions around Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

Japan is central to the United States' defense posture in the Indo-Pacific, says analyst Johnstone.

"From a military perspective, it starts with the fact that Japan is host to 50,000 American troops. Some of the most important capabilities the United States has forward deployed in the region are based in Japan. Japan is where the United States projects power from in the Indo Pacific."

Alliance coordination

However, the alliance needs better coordination, argues Newsham, who served as the first U.S. Marine liaison officer to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. "There is no joint headquarters between the Americans and the Japanese, and that's after 60-plus years of a defense alliance. So that is baffling. It needs to be addressed quickly," Newsham said.

The U.S. Congress is currently debating reform of the military command structure in Japan to facilitate better coordination with Japanese forces as part of the 2024 U.S. National Defense Authorization Act.

Japan defense spending

Meanwhile, Japan last year announced a near-doubling of its defense spending by 2027.

"Japan is building up its capabilities, but it hasn't gone about it in really a very systematic, well thought out way," Newsham added. "But once they get that right, then it will be a formidable force. It does depend on a very close operational relationship with the Americans. When you combine the Americans and the Japanese, that is a huge problem from China's perspective."

The alliance is changing as Japan builds up its military capabilities, says analyst Johnstone.

"Increasingly, Japan is an important military power on its own accord, both in the kinds of capabilities that it has  it has F-35 fighters, for example, an exceptionally modern and capable navy, strong missile defense capabilities. And now as they embark on a new national defense strategy, investing in capabilities like long-range strike missiles," he said.

Public support

Polls show growing public support for increased defense spending in Japan since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

"I think it was the war in Ukraine that really drove home for the Japanese public that major war remains possible in the 21st century, as shocking as that is. And that Japan needs to be prepared to do more to protect itself," Johnstone said.

Tokyo residents who spoke to VOA supported the increase in defense spending.

"Ours is an island nation. We need missiles and fighter jets. We need to put more effort into this," said office worker Ryuichi Kuriagawa.

Tokyo resident Shizuka Nishizawa said Japan needs to invest in defense in an uncertain world.

"Although Japan has its own self-defense forces, it cannot protect its own country from an attack from the outside. Who knows what might happen? There is the issue of the war in Ukraine, so no one can predict how it will turn out or how the world will change," she told VOA.
Aviation experts are meeting in Kenya this week to examine methods to improve security and safety for Africa's airlines and airports.

Beyond those topics, the eighth meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will also involve discussions on air transport facilitation and sustainability in Africa.

The principal secretary for Kenyas department of transport, Mohamed Daghar, told the conference that Kenyan airports now have technology for security measures that make travel for passengers both safe and smooth.

We now have in place the prerequisite infrastructure and capabilities to fully participate in ICAO's public key directory, the advanced passenger information and the passenger name record, Daghar said. This will see Kenya join the global community in making the passenger journey seamless.

ICAO President Salvatore Sciacchitano said Africa must prepare for increased air traffic in the coming months, hence the need to improve the safety of airports and passengers.

"Its important to acknowledge that states are more prosperous when they are better connected and that nothing can connect Africa as efficiently and as reliably as air transport, Sciacchitano said.

He added that the industry is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic but that global traffic is expected to reach 2019 levels by the end of the year.

The prospect for Africa in this respect is remarkable, Sciacchitano said.

Africa's air transport sector was hit hard by the global pandemic, which led to lockdowns and countries issuing strict health measures to combat the infection. Aviation experts say the measures taken to subdue COVID-19 have made it difficult for the airlines and people to move freely, leading to a loss of income.

Even as air traffic picks up, experts say security risks have evolved, and now airlines face threats from insiders, terrorism, human trafficking, inadequately documented passengers and contraband smuggling.

The Transportation Security Administration, a U.S. government agency, invested in Kenya's international airport to improve security and train staff, increasing the effectiveness of passenger screenings.

The agency's administrator, David Pekoske, told the aviation conference to work together to deal with security threats.

"Over the next few days, I encourage all of us to not only listen to the best practices and effectiveness that can be sustained but ultimately to collaborate on enhancing the effectiveness of the global civil aviation system, Pekoske said. Success's mission is directly dependent on the cooperation between a myriad of partners. I believe it's people, partnership and technology that make a difference."

More than 300 delegates from international and African civil aviation agencies are attending the conference in Nairobi, which ends Friday.
President Joe Biden will attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi, India, but is skipping the U.S.-ASEAN and East Asia Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, sending Vice President Kamala Harris instead, the White House announced Tuesday.

In a testament to the importance Biden places on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, Biden will be in India September 7-10, arriving two days ahead of the annual gathering of the leaders of the world's 20 largest economies. The heads of state and governments are set to begin their meetings on September 9 and 10. They are to discuss global issues including clean energy transition, mitigating the economic and social impacts of the war in Ukraine, and increasing the capacity of multilateral development banks.

While in New Delhi, Biden will reaffirm the U.S. commitment to the G20 as the premier forum for economic cooperation, including by hosting it in 2026, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters during a briefing Tuesday.

The U.S.-ASEAN Summit caps high-level official meetings between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken participated in last month. The East Asia Summit is a regional forum held annually by ASEAN. Its partners include the U.S., China and Russia.

China's influence

Sullivan pushed back against criticism that by not attending the meetings in person, Biden plays into the perception that the U.S. is ceding influence in the region to China. That is the same criticism aimed at the president in May when domestic negotiations on the debt ceiling forced him to cancel what would have been the first visit by an American president to Papua New Guinea.

"I would put our record of achievement and engagement in the Indo Pacific up against any American president (and) any other country in the world," Sullivan said to VOA during Tuesday's briefing.

He outlined Biden's engagements with regional leaders, including hosting a trilateral summit with South Korea and Japan last week, attending the G7 and the Quad Leaders' Summit in Hiroshima in May, and hosting the March AUKUS summit with leaders of Australia and the United Kingdom.

"He attended both the first East Asia Summit virtually and the East Asia Summit last year in person," Sullivan said. "He has sent his vice president to Southeast Asia twice, and this will be her third trip there making a substantial investment in ASEAN as an institution and in ASEAN centrality," he added, referring to the group's desire to be the main platform for the region's engagement with external powers.

The administration has indeed bolstered ties with key players in the Indo-Pacific, including Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, and India. All of them have been rewarded with face-to-face diplomacy with Biden  Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Indian Prime Minister Modi have all been on White House visits earlier this year. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is scheduled for a state visit in October.

"These countries all have one thing in common: They are balancing more openly against China," said Zack Cooper, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

Biden skipping the East Asia and ASEAN summits suggests to the region that Washington is treating countries as falling into two tiers: those working with the U.S. to push back against China and those that prefer more autonomy, Cooper told VOA.

"The latter group will see this diplomatic move as suggesting that they are second-tier players from an American perspective," he said. "Putting Indonesia in that situation is a particularly strange decision, given that it is such a large and pivotal regional player."

Biden may be aiming to add another country into the first tier  Vietnam. He is reportedly working on a deal to elevate the country with a strategic partnership that could mean increased military cooperation and U.S. weapons supplies.

The White House has not announced a Hanoi stop, but earlier this month, Biden said he will be visiting Vietnam shortly. Diplomatic sources who asked to remain anonymous because the visit has not been officially announced yet told VOA it is likely to happen on the heels of Biden's trip to New Delhi on September 10.

'Not a great look'

Skipping summits with Southeast Asian leaders is "not a great look," said Gregory Polling, director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

"But I think people can overstate the damage here," Polling told VOA. "I also don't think that Vice President Harris' attendance is a snub any more than the fact that [President] Xi Jinping won't be there is a snub."

Beijing usually sends its premier in place of Xi Jinping to the China-ASEAN and East Asia Summits.

Biden attended the U.S.-ASEAN and East Asia Summits in Phnom Penh last November before attending the G-20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia. From Bali, he flew home for a family wedding instead of attending the 2022 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) meeting in Bangkok, sending Harris in his place.

Harris visited Singapore and Vietnam in 2021. On the heels of her 2022 Bangkok trip, she made an unprecedented stop at Palawan Island in the Philippines that was seen as a rebuke to China. The tiny fishing community borders the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, the center of a protracted dispute between China and nearby countries including the Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Sullivan did not respond to questions about whether Harris is set to make a similar gesture during her visit to the region next week.

Thuc Pham in VOA's Vietnamese Service contributed to this report.
Encroaching waters from the Atlantic Ocean have destroyed several hundred homes and buildings along parts of Cameroon's 400-kilometer coast on the Atlantic Ocean. Officials in the central African state have temporarily suspended fishing and tourism in the coastal town of Kribi because of the damage. Affected civilians are begging for help from the government.

Waves pound crumbling walls, seaside shops and abandoned fishing boats in Kribi, a tourist and commercial city along Cameroon's Atlantic coast.



Remnants of buildings, especially fishermen's homes, are still very visible, though civilians say some buildings were completely swept away by waves this week.



Tina Richard, a 70-year old tourist guide, says he lost his property because of the encroaching water.

He says he was helpless on Tuesday when high waves swept through and destroyed coastal villages, plantations, hotels and residential areas including parts of his house.

This is not the first time ocean waters have swept across Kribi. But Tina said the current destruction is more devastating than the floods in 1977, 2003 and 2013.

Nouhou Bello, the highest Cameroon government official in Kribi district, says the government is trying to limit the destruction and the danger to town residents.

Nouhou says he has prohibited the construction of buildings within 200 meters from the ocean and ordered the police to stop tourists and their host community members from swimming in the Atlantic ocean until further notice. He says there is a high risk of civilians drowning in ocean waves which are increasing in volume, power and speed and threatening to destroy more houses, villages, plantations and fishing communities.



Kribi is home to 70,000 civilians and is one of the most popular seaside resorts in central Africa. About 60,000 tourists, a majority of them Europeans, Americans and Asians, visit Kribi each year, according to the government of the central African state.



Nouhou said economic activity has nosedived because of the encroaching ocean waters that also killed goats and devastated poultry farms.

Several hundred fish sellers from Cameroon's economic hub Douala and the capital Yaounde who visit Kribi every day say they have not been able to get enough supplies since high waves chased fishing boats from the ocean this week.



Cameroon government officials say scores of scared tourists fled from Kribi and dozens who were expected this week are scared to visit the seaside resort.

The fishers and farmers who constitute a majority of the Kribis population say they are poor and hungry and expect immediate government support.

Nouhou did not say if the government is planning to give assistance to civilians affected by the ocean waters.



Cameron's environment ministry blames global warming and rising sea levels for the encroaching of ocean water into its coastal lands.

The Central African Economic and Monetary Community, CEMAC, reports that the ongoing rise in sea levels is potentially catastrophic for an economic bloc whose 30 percent of civilians live along the coastline.

CEMAC is a six member state economic bloc that groups Cameroon, Chad, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo.

Cameroon's ministry of the economy says it is looking for funds to construct a 100-kilometer long coastal dike to stop erosion and reduce floods. The government has neither disclosed how much it needs nor when the construction is expected to begin.
About 500 children have died from hunger in Sudan  including two dozen babies in a government-run orphanage in the capital of Khartoum  since fighting erupted in the East African country in April, a leading aid group said Tuesday.

Save the Children also said that at least 31,000 children lack access to treatment for malnutrition and related illnesses since the charity was forced to close 57 of its nutrition centers in Sudan.

Sudan was plunged into chaos after monthslong tensions between the military and a rival paramilitary force exploded into open fighting on April 15. The conflict has turned Khartoum and other urban areas into battlefields. Many residents live without water and electricity, and the country's health care system has nearly collapsed.

"Never did we think we would see children dying from hunger in such numbers, but this is now the reality in Sudan," said Arif Noor, Save the Children's director for Sudan. "We are seeing children dying from entirely preventable hunger."

The violence in Sudan is estimated to have killed at least 4,000 people, according to Liz Throssell, a spokesperson for the U.N. human rights office. Activists and doctors on the ground, however, say the death toll is likely far higher.

Mamadou Dian Balde, the U.N. East Africa regional refugee chief and coordinator for Sudan, told a U.N. press conference that 947,000 people have fled Sudan including South Sudanese, Ethiopian and Eritrean refugees who had sought shelter there  and 3.6 million Sudanese are displaced within the country.

Speaking from Sudan's White Nile state, Balde praised neighboring Chad, Egypt, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Central African Republic for opening their borders to those fleeing the fighting. But he expressed concern that recently "we started seeing and witnessing bureaucratic barriers as well as challenges into admission."

Balde urged all countries to keep their doors open. He also urged donors to give generously to the $566 million appeal for Sudanese refugees, which is only 35% funded.

Save the Children said that between May and July, at least 316 children, mostly younger than 5 years of age, died of malnutrition or associated illnesses in the southern While Nile province. More than 2,400 children have been admitted to hospitals in the past eight months with severe acute malnutrition  the deadliest form of malnutrition, it added.

In the eastern Qadarif province, at least 132 children died from malnutrition in the government-run Children's Hospital between April and July.

And at least 50 children, including two dozen babies, died of starvation or related illnesses in an orphanage in Khartoum in the first six weeks of the conflict as the fighting prevented Save the Children staff from accessing the building to care for them, the charity said.

Save the Children also warned that special food supplies for treating malnutrition were running critically low at 108 facilities it still operates across Sudan.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, the U.N.-led agency responsible for famine classifications, said Sudan's conflict and economic decline have driven about 20.3 million people  or more than 42% of the country's population of more than 46 million people  into high levels of acute food insecurity. Of them, about 6.3 million people live in areas that are a step away from an official famine classification, according to the agency.

Meanwhile, clashes have raged this week around a military camp south of Khartoum as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have attempted to seize the crucial facility, the warring sides reported.

Fierce battles were reported last week in Nyala, the provincial capital of South Darfur. The sprawling Darfur region saw some of the worst bouts of violence in the conflict with the fighting turning into ethnic clashes
China on Tuesday threw its weight behind plans to expand the loosely defined BRICS club of large emerging economies, which is seeking to assert its political and economic clout on the global stage.

The BRICS nations of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, which represent a quarter of the global economy, are meeting for three days, and interest in joining the group has surged.

In a speech read on his behalf by his Commerce Minister Wang Wentao at the start the BRICS summit in South Africa, President Xi Jinping said "hegemonism is not in China's DNA."

He said the talks taking place in Johannesburg were not aimed at "asking countries to take sides, or creating bloc confrontation, rather to expand the architect of peace and development."

"Whatever resistance there may be, BRICS, a positive and stable force for good will continue to grow," he said. "We will forge a stronger BRICS strategic partnership,  actively advance membership expansion," and "help make the international order more just and equitable."

China is the BRICS most powerful economy, and Xi's state visit to South Africa, just his second international trip this year, comes as Beijing pushes to rapidly expand the group's membership.

Divisions over Ukraine war

But the U.S. does not see BRICS "as evolving into some kind of geopolitical rival to the United States," said Jake Sullivan, White House national security adviser.

Washington will forge ahead with "strong positive relationships we have with Brazil, India and South Africa," he said adding "we will continue to manage our relationship with China, and we will continue to push back on Russia's aggression."

The summit in Johannesburg has underscored divisions with the West over the war in Ukraine and the support Russia enjoys from its other BRICS partners at a time of global isolation.

South Africa, China and India have not condemned Russia's invasion, and Brazil has refused to join Western nations in sending arms to Ukraine or imposing sanctions on Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is the target of an international arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, did not attend in person and addressed the summit via pre-recorded video.

He blamed sanctions for seriously affecting the global economic situation through the "violation of all the basic norms and rules of free trade and economic life."

'Equal footing'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are also at the talks where some 50 other leaders have been invited.

Representing 40 percent of the world's population, and democratic and authoritarian states at varying levels of economic growth, the BRICS nations share a common desire for a global order they see as better reflecting their interests and rising clout.

BRICS is also championing its own development bank as an alternative to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, and proposals to reduce the use of the U.S. dollar in global trade.

"We want to sit at the negotiating table on an equal footing with the European Union, the United States or any other country," Lula said in a social media post on Tuesday.

The theme of its 15th summit is "BRICS and Africa" and comes as the continent emerges as a renewed diplomatic battleground with the United States, Russia and China jostling for influence.

The bloc began as four nations in 2009 but expanded the following year with the addition of South Africa.

Officials say more than 40 countries have shown interest in joining from across the Global South, a broad term referring to nations outside the West.

Like the BRICS themselves, these countries run the gamut and include traditionally non-aligned nations like Indonesia and others that are openly hostile to the United States and its allies, like Iran.
The daughter of a German citizen of Iranian descent who was sentenced to death by Tehran pleaded Tuesday for the United States and Germany to act urgently to save him.

The daughter of Jamshid Sharmahd was making her case in Washington, including holding a sit-in outside the State Department, on the heels of a deal by President Joe Biden's administration to free five U.S. citizens who were imprisoned in Iran.

According to his family, Sharmahd, a software developer who had been living in California, was kidnapped in 2020 on a visit to the United Arab Emirates and taken to Iran.

He was sentenced to death over a deadly blast at a mosque in 2008 in the southern city of Shiraz, charges the family describes as ridiculous. Iran's Supreme Court confirmed the death penalty in April.

"What I'm asking the U.S. and Germany is to free my father, to bring my father back, to save (his) life," said his daughter Gazelle Sharmahd, who lives in California.

"This is a life-and-death situation," she told a roundtable.

She voiced frustration that Germany and the United States are playing "some form of responsibility ping-pong."

"It goes back and forth. Not my citizen. He doesn't live here. Not my problem, not my problem. And we're not getting through to them," she said.

Germany has said it is engaging at the highest levels and through all channels on the case, with a foreign ministry spokesman acknowledging that the family is "going through something unimaginable and unbearable."

But Gazelle Sharmahd insisted that German efforts were focused only on improving his conditions in prison.

"What, does he need better toothpaste before they murder him right now?" she said.

The U.S. State Department has called Iran's treatment of Sharmahd reprehensible but said it was for Germany to discuss the case of its own citizen.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that all U.S. citizens have been released from prison under the deal, which drew fire from the Republican Party.
A human rights group says the Democratic Republic of Congo's government is blocking opposition parties from campaigning ahead of December elections and trying to intimidate the party leaders. Human Rights Watch says it has documented a surge in political violence as well as growing incidents of arbitrary arrests, abductions and threats against political rivals.

The group says authorities in the DRC are targeting opposition leaders and groups, curtailing their freedom, and arresting officials ahead of the December general election.



HRW's DRC senior researcher, Thomas Fessy, said opposition parties find it difficult to even hold a rally.



"Opposition leaders and their supporters have seen their rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and movement severely restricted with demonstrations either violently broken up by the security forces, banned or prevented from taking place, and some political party officials of the opposition have been arrested and detained sometimes by the intelligence services and their rights to due process not respected," said Fessy.



Moise Katumbi, a presidential contender, was barred in May from visiting Kongo-central province, where he had planned political meetings and rallies to publicize his party and candidacy. Authorities cited "security reasons" for disallowing the trip.



Days later, police blocked four opposition candidates and their supporters from gathering at the electoral commission offices in Kinshasa to protest what they termed a chaotic electoral process.



Last month, Cherubin Okende, a member of parliament and spokesman for Katumbi's political party, died of gunshot wounds in the capital. Okende had joined Tshisekedi's main challenger, Katumbi, late last year. Opposition parties suffer

Assani Kizunguruka is a member of the former ruling party, the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy. He told VOA that opposition parties in the country are suffering.



"As of now, the political environment is not as we were expecting," he said. "Everyone was hoping for strengthening democracy and freedom of expression and all that. But what we have seen at this time, we have seen the declining of the political environment, whereby the opposition didn't have its space as well as the freedom of press. We have a lot of journalists now who are in prison. We have a lot of opposition leaders who are now living abroad." The incumbent, Felix Tshisekedi, is seeking a second five-year term. He was declared the winner of the 2018 presidential vote with 38 percent of the vote, though many, including his opponents, disputed his win.

Election not 'inclusive,' 'transparent'

The United Nations said the narrowing of the civic space, the arbitrary arrests, and detentions risk damaging the credibility of the electoral process and political violence.



Kizunguruka said the existing political climate does not promote free, fair and credible elections.



"It's not very helpful," he said. "And we're not really seeing an election that will be inclusive. We are not seeing an election that will be transparent. We're not seeing an election that will really fulfill all the requirements for a democratic election. So we are really very doubtful of the outcome of this election as the opposition party."
As Moscow and Odesa both targeted by drones we examine their impact and effectiveness. The man referred to as General Armageddon has lost his job, and we get an update from Kyiv, where theyre preparing to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day.
Greeces Supreme Court has ordered an urgent investigation into racist attacks that followed the outbreak of ferocious wildfires in the countrys northeast.

The court order came after search teams found the bodies of 18 migrants who had been burned beyond recognition in a wooded area that had gone up in flames in Alexandroupolis, bordering Turkey.

In a separate case, a man was arrested late Tuesday after posting a social media video showing him pulling a trailer along a dirt road, then asking another person to swing open the rear door, revealing 13 Syrian and Pakistani migrants, all handcuffed and visibly frightened.

In the video, the man is heard shouting in Greek, Lets get organized. He calls for others to go out and round them up, saying, They will burn us.



Vigilantes are ubiquitous in Greeces rugged northeastern border areas, which are key crossing points for thousands of asylum-seekers sneaking into the country from neighboring Turkey. The high court ordered a crackdown on the vigilantes, who have accused migrants of setting the fires and have incited other locals to go after them.

Minister of Migration Dimitris Keridis quickly spoke in support of the courts action against hate crimes.

In Greece, he said, The law of the land prevails, not those who choose to take it into their own hands.

Such behavior will be crushed, he said.



More than 350 wildfires have broken out across the country in the past week, with the worst raging out of control in Alexandroupolis and on the outskirts of Athens, near a national preserve.



Schools, hospitals, homes for the elderly and a monastery housing nuns have been evacuated. A migrant camp with 800 asylum-seekers in Athens was also cleared out on Wednesday, and migrants moved to another housing facility about 50 kilometers south of the Greek capital, Athens.

Firefighters across Greece say they fear the worst is yet to come. Searing temperatures and gale-force winds were forecast for several days before rainfall was expected to bring some relief.
Schoolchildren who were rescued from a broken cable car dangling high above a valley in Pakistan said Wednesday that they repeatedly feared death was imminent during the 16-hour ordeal even as their parents tried to console them over the phone.

Six children and two adults were pulled from the cable car in a daring rescue Tuesday. One of the youngest was grabbed by a commando attached to a helicopter by rope, while others were lowered to the ground in a makeshift chairlift constructed from a wooden bed frame and ropes.

I had heard stories about miracles, but I saw a miraculous rescue happening with my own eyes, said 15-year-old Osama Sharif, one of those rescued.

Osama was headed to school on Tuesday to receive the results of his final exam, when the cable snapped.

We suddenly felt a jolt, and it all happened so suddenly that we thought all of us are going to die, he said in a telephone interview.

Some of those aboard had cellphones and started making calls. Worried parents tried to reassure the children.

They were telling us dont worry, help is coming, he said. After several hours, the passengers saw helicopters flying in the air.

Locally made cable cars are a widely used form of transportation in the mountainous Battagram district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Gliding across steep valleys, they cut down travel time to schools, workplaces and businesses. But they often are poorly maintained and every year, people die or are injured while using them.

On Wednesday, police arrested Gul Zarin, the owner of the cable car, on charges of ignoring safety measures. Local authorities in the northwestern mountainous regions also said the would close all cable cars believed to be unsafe.

Thousands of people turned out to watch the risky operation on Tuesday. At one stage, a video shows a rope lowered from a helicopter swaying wildly as a child, secured by a harness, is pulled up.

In fact, the choppers added an element of danger. The air currents churned up by the whirling blades risked weakening the only cable preventing the cable car from crashing to the bottom of the river canyon.

We cried, and tears were in our eyes, as we feared the cable car will go down, Osama said.

After sunset, with the helicopters no longer able to fly, rescuers shifted tactics. They used a makeshift chairlift to approach the cable car using the one cable that was still intact, local police chief Nazir Ahmed said.

Shouts of God is great erupted as the chairlift was lowered to the ground in the final stage of the operation just before midnight.

Ahmed said the children received oxygen as a precaution before being handed over to their parents, many of whom burst into tears of joy.

Two other children who survived, Rizwan Ullah and Gul Faraz, told Pakistani Geo TV that they had come so close to death that they would not be able to forget the ordeal for years.

Authorities are preparing to repair the broken cable car, but Gul urged the government to build new roads to link their village with other areas so that they do not need to use the dangerous mode of transportation.

Ata Ullah, another rescued student, said he would steel himself for the next time he has to board one.

I feel fear in my mind about using the cable car, but I have no other option. I will go to my school again when the cable car is repaired, he said.
A Hong Kong court granted the government permission on Wednesday to lodge another attempt to ban an anthem that emerged from 2019 pro-democracy protests, after rejecting the bid last month.

Officials in June requested an injunction to ban the song "Glory to Hong Kong," penned anonymously at the height of the protests, to stop it from being performed or disseminated with criminal intent.

But in a surprise ruling in late July, the High Court refused the application, saying that an injunction would not be useful and would cause "chilling effects" on free expression.

The government appealed the decision, and on Wednesday judge Anthony Chan  who had presided over the denial last month  gave it the green light to be heard.

"Due to the importance of national security, the law on which is of course a new frontier, I am inclined to grant leave" to appeal the decision, wrote Chan.

Chan had previously said in his denial that the acts the government was trying to stop were already covered by existing laws  including a national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020 in the protests' aftermath  and that an injunction had "no real utility."

Over the past year, Hong Kong's government has reacted angrily to the song being played in error as the city's anthem at several international sporting events.

Hong Kong does not have its own official anthem and uses China's "March of the Volunteers."

Hong Kong's technology minister previously said the injunction was partly meant to convince tech giant Google to delist "Glory to Hong Kong" from internet search results.

Observers have questioned whether the ban, if granted, could affect the operation of major online content platforms such as Google, Spotify and YouTube in Hong Kong.

Last month, the American Chamber of Commerce welcomed the court's decision and said it showed "judicial independence in place to underpin the global competitiveness of Hong Kong."
India successfully placed a lander in the moons southern polar region Wednesday evening, making history as it became the first country to touch down on an uncharted part of the lunar surface.

Although the United States, Russia and China have landed around the moons equator, no country has so far made a soft landing on the more challenging rough terrain of the south pole.

Scientists clapped, cheered and waved in the mission command center of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) after the unmanned lander called Vikram made its final descent. It was a huge moment for Indias space agency, whose mission to reach the south pole four years ago had ended in disappointment when the lander crashed.

India reported success of its Chandrayaan-3 mission after Russias Luna-25, that was also headed to the south pole, crashed on Saturday.

"This is the dawn of a new India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said after watching the landing from South Africa, where he is attending the BRICS summit. Waving the Indian flag on a live broadcast, he said This is a moment to cherish forever.

India is on the moon, ISROs chairman, S. Somanath said.

By placing the lander on the moon, India achieved one of the missions major objectives -- demonstrating the capability of making a controlled and safe landing on the lunar surface, which only three countries have done so far.

Its other goals will be tested over the next two weeks when a six-wheeled, 26-kilogram robotic rover called Pragyan or wisdom, that the lander carried, is expected to map the lunar surface. ISRO scientists said it will be rolled out in the next few hours or on Thursday.

If all goes according to plans, a range of instruments on the rover will probe the rocks and craters on the moon for the presence of water, minerals and study the topography of the south pole, which scientists say has a different geology from the equatorial regions of the lunar surface.

The successful landing gives us a lot of confidence that we will be able to carry out the experiments over the next two weeks, Somanath told reporters.

Chandrayaan-3, which means moon vehicle in Sanskrit and Hindi, is Indias third mission to the moon. The first one in 2008 helped confirm evidence of water, the second in 2019 failed in making a landing, but placed an orbiter around the moon that continues to send data back to earth.

Experts say the Chandrayaan-3 mission marks a milestone in the countrys efforts to emerge on the frontlines of space exploration. In 2014, it became the first Asian nation to put a satellite into orbit around Mars.

India started its journey in planetary exploration about two decades ago. Now to have a lander, rover and orbiter on the moon and on Mars is an enormous achievement for the country, said Amitabha Ghosh, a space scientist and a former member of the NASA mars missions.

Interest in exploring the moon has gained new momentum in recent years as scientists seek to determine whether it will be possible to mine earths nearest neighbor for minerals and other resources that are shrinking on earth.

An important focus of the Chandrayaan-3 mission will be to find evidence of deposits of water ice. There are higher chances that water molecules could be found on the south pole, which is frigid. It could be hidden in craters, in dark zones which ensures a high repository of water ice, according to Chaitanya Giri, Associate Professor, Environmental Sciences at Flame University in Pune. These could supply fuel, oxygen and drinking water for future missions or potential human settlements. 

The landing date was chosen to coordinate with sunrise at the landing site. The data and images will be transmitted to the lander and then onto earth.

Scientists say transmitting back signals from the rover to ensure high-quality, scientific results before its solar-powered batteries get discharged would be crucial in conducting investigations from the moons surface.

The landers touchdown on Wednesday evoked nationalistic fervor  millions, including schoolchildren tuned in to watch the livestreaming of the landing. India Conquers the Moon, Chandrayaan-3 scripts history flashed headlines on television channels after the landing.

Ahead of the mission, many had offered prayers for its success, others took part in religious rituals to invoke blessings for the mission.

Indias space endeavors are a source of national pride and seen as part of its ambitions to be counted among a select group of space faring countries.

The program has come a long way since 1963, when the first rocket it launched was transported by a bullock cart to the launch site. The ISRO is now developing a spacecraft to take astronauts into orbit, probably in 2025  it is part of the countrys efforts to showcase its technological advancement as it seeks to raise its global profile.

The country, which runs its space program on a relatively modest budget, also prides itself on conducting space exploration at a modest cost -- the price tag of Indias current mission is about $75 million.
Latest Developments:

Australia is sending $74 million in new military assistance to Ukraine. The package includes armored vehicles, special operations vehicles and trucks.

Britains defense ministry says allies have trained more than 17,000 Ukrainian troops, and that the number could reach 30,000 by 2024.

Ukraines military said Monday its forces downed two of three cruise missiles that Russia fired from the Black Sea as well as seven of eight Iranian-made Shahed drones launched by Russia.

Such aerial attacks have been a common part of Russias invasion of Ukraine, with Ukrainian officials hailing the work of air defenses in countering the assaults.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Sunday after a phone call with U.S. President Joe Biden that he was especially grateful to the United States for the reliability of Patriot air defense batteries.

Biden reaffirmed unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine, including through continued security, economic and humanitarian aid, according to a White House statement.

Zelenskyy said he also discussed the fighting on the front lines and strengthening Ukraines troops in his call with Biden and similar conversations Sunday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Polish President Andrzej Duda.

Ukraine Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said Monday that Ukrainian forces had made some gains in the eastern part of the country during the past week, and that there was heavy fighting ongoing in the Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Maryinka areas.

Maliar also said that while the situation in the south has not undergone significant changes over the past week, overall Ukrainian forces had freed 130 square kilometers since launching a counteroffensive earlier this month.

US, Ukrainian reaction

The unprecedented challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin by fighters from the Wagner paramilitary forces has exposed fresh "cracks" in the strength of Putins leadership that may take weeks or months to play out, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday in a TV interview on the NBC program Meet the Press.

Blinken characterized Wagner Groups mutiny and its subsequent crisis as a Russian internal matter.

He added, This is a challenge coming from within to Putin, and thats where his focus has been. Our focus is resolutely and relentlessly on Ukraine making sure that it has what it needs to defend itself and to take back territory that Russia has seized.

Blinken said that although it is too soon to tell what Russias internal turmoil meant, Putins distraction is to the advantage of Ukraine. He also said that at the end of the day, the reason Ukraine will prevail is that this is about their land, this is about their future, this is about their freedom, not Russias.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said he discussed the turmoil in Russia in a phone call with his U.S. counterpart Sunday, describing the Russian authorities as "weak" and saying things were "moving in the right direction."

In a brief readout of the call with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Reznikov said they also discussed Ukraines counteroffensive and steps to strengthen Ukraines armed forces.

"We agree that the Russian authorities are weak and that withdrawing Russian troops from Ukraine is the best choice for the Kremlin," Reznikov wrote on Twitter.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Myanmar's detained pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyis younger son, Kim Aris, has called for international unity against the actions of the Myanmar junta in an interview with VOA from his home in England.

In the interview via Zoom, Aris says, the scale of juntas crime against humanity is horrifying. He also called for the release of his mother, as well as all political prisoners who have been arbitrarily detained.

He describes how his mother, while working to bring democracy to her home country from England, was supported by his father, Michael Aris, who would later die of cancer. Suu Kyi went back to Myanmar to nurse her dying mother in 1988, during the people's uprising against Ne Wins socialist authoritarian government.

Suu Kyi would go on to lead the democracy movement in Myanmar and be put under house arrest for more than two decades by the military junta. The junta stripped Aris and his older brother, Alexander Aris, of their Myanmar citizenships in 1989, when their mother first was placed under house arrest.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

VOA: You have frequently been interviewed by different media outlets regarding the current situation in Myanmar where your mother, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been sentenced to nearly 30 years imprisonment by the junta. Why are you now willingly and actively engaging with the media and the public in a way that you haven't before?

Kim Aris: Since the beginning of the coup, I have had no contact with my mother. The military regime has not answered any of my queries as to her whereabouts or told me that I can have any contact with her in any way, shape or form. So, I have no other way of trying to reach her. I tried to do what I can. And I don't believe that anyone seeing the horrific images and sheer scale of the crimes against humanity being perpetrated by the military, against the Burmese people could turn a blind eye.  I cannot stand by and simply hope others will do what is needed to free my mother and support the people in desperate need of humanitarian aid if I do not do something myself.

The recent news that my mother had been transferred into house arrest is, as far as I'm aware, not true. As far as I know, she's still in prison in Napyidaw somewhere. And the military have used these tactics of false propaganda many times before. And I think this is just what's happening again, now that they're saying to be moved back to house arrest, whereas in fact, she's still in prison.

VOA: Your mother has said that she didn't want her kids to be involved in politics. Do you know what her reasons were?

Aris: Well, I'm sure every mother's natural instinct is to protect her children. From the personal risks involved due to the brutality of the military. Obviously, paramount in her mind that she herself has faced assassination attempts, and how her father was assassinated as well. These things come with risks.

VOA: Many of our viewers know that you don't like to talk about your personal life much, but can you share a little about your experience, especially for our younger audience, on how you overcame the difficult situation of being alone while your mother was back in Myanmar working to lead her country?

Aris: It has always saddened and angered me that my mother has sometimes been portrayed as cold-hearted because she was unable to be by my father's side during his final days. I was nursing him at that time and can say that he did not want my mother to return to England. After all the sacrifices she had already made. His wish was to join her in Burma (now Myanmar) and be with her under house arrest. Unfortunately, the military could not find this in their hearts to grant his dying wish. I believe it was a unity between my parents and this gave them the strength to oppose the injustice with which they were faced. Furthermore, I never felt that it was actually hard for me to be without my mother compared to what the Burmese people are going through. Their sacrifices have been far greater than anything that I've had to endure.

VOA: Can you give us an update on your campaign to bring attention to your mothers imprisonment? What is the main aim of the campaign? What do you see as the biggest challenges going forward?

Aris: My main aim is to call on the international community to stand in solidarity, take meaningful action to achieve the release of my mother and all political prisoners and hold to account the military leaders responsible for violating the rule of law and numerous rights of the Burmese people.

Also, I'm trying to support humanitarian aid fundraising events taking place around the world, and to generate more global awareness of the crisis in Burma and the crimes against humanity being committed by the military every day. Some of the biggest challenges that I'm going to be facing are that some governments and institutions are willing to facilitate the military in their increasingly brazen crimes against humanity, the ability of the United Nations and wider international community to effectively impose more targeted sanctions on individuals, companies and institutions that facilitate the flow of revenue and aid to the juntas military capabilities.

VOA: In my interview with Myanmar activists from the U.K., they said that they felt encouragement when you, as the son of Aung San Suu Kyi, showed your support for them. Do you have any plan to work with any of Myanmar organizations, such as the National Unity government, which led among opponents to the junta?

Aris: No, I have no plans on working with any of them. I have no wish to be a politician in any way. But I will be standing in solidarity with all of these organizations. I believe that they will win this war, especially through collaboration and new unity amongst all the different groups in their common fight against this military regime. My belief is that Burma will reemerge as a democratic country with greater inclusivity and acceptance.
Ebrahim Golestan, a renowned Iranian writer and filmmaker, has died at his home in Britain at the age of 101.

His daughter Lili, the director of Tehrans Golestan Gallery, confirmed news of his death this week. On Instagram, she wrote "Father, you have left us. Farewell."

Golestan was born in Shiraz and left Iran before the 1979 Revolution.

His notable films include "The Hills of Marlik," "Brick and Mirror," "The Secrets Treasure of Jin Valley," "Waves, Coral and Rock," and "From One Drop to the Sea.

Ebrahim Golestan also produced "The House is Black," directed by Forough Farrokhzad.

The Iranian Directors Guild described him as an intellectual who "infused a renewed vitality into Iranian cinema before the new wave."

The statement characterizes Golestan as a literary luminary and storyteller with a uniquely captivating manner of expression.
Ukrainian officials said Wednesday that Russia carried out an overnight aerial attack that damaged infrastructure and destroyed thousands of tons of grain at the port of Ismail in the Odesa region.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said on social media the grain was intended for Egypt and Romania.

Kubrakov said the attack damaged several grain terminals and warehouses, and that it reduced the ports export capacity by 15%.

He said the world needs to understand that Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports amount to attacks against African and Asian countries that are in need of food. Kubrakov said not allowing further destruction to ports is a task for the world.

Ukraines military said Russia launched 20 drones at Ukraine overnight, and that Ukrainian air defenses were able to down nine of the drones over Odesa and two others in the Zaporizhzhia area.

Russian authorities said Wednesday a Ukrainian drone strike killed three people in the Belgorod region, located along the border between the two countries.

Russia also said a Ukrainian drone hit a building in central Moscow after being downed by Russian air defenses.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said the building was under construction and that there were no reported casualties.

Russia's defense ministry said it brought down the drone with electronic jamming, and that air defenses also shot down two other drones in the Mozhaisk and Khimki parts of the Moscow region.

Moscow airports saw their operations briefly disrupted due to the Ukrainian attack, the latest in a string of drone assaults targeting the Russian capital.

Ukrainian authorities said late Tuesday that Russian artillery killed three people near the city of Lyman in eastern Ukraine.

Two villages near Lyman were hit, leaving two women and a man, ages 63 to 88, dead. The three were sitting together on a bench when the shelling hit.

Separately four people were injured in an attack using two explosive drones in a village in northeastern Ukraine near the Russian border, military officials said.

Two Ukrainian news outlets reported Tuesday that Ukrainian saboteurs were responsible for attacks on Saturday and Monday that destroyed two Russian bombers and damaged two other aircraft at two airbases deep inside Russia.

The attacks took place on Saturday at the Soltsy air base in northwestern Russia, 700 kilometers north of the Ukrainian border, and on Monday at the Shaikovka air base about 300 kilometers northeast of the Ukrainian border. The Associated Press could not independently verify the claims on the ground.

However, the Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged that the attack on Soltsy damaged one aircraft, the AP reported. It didn't comment on the reported attack on Shaikovka, but Russian media did.

Satellite images from Planet Labs analyzed by the AP showed what appeared to be 10 Tupolev Tu-22M long-range bombers parked at the Soltsy air base on August 16. By Monday, two days after the attack, all of the bombers had left the air base. A large black spot was visible where one of the Tupolevs had been parked.

Photos purporting to be from the Soltsy air base and published by Russian and Ukrainian media showed a Russian Tu-22M bomber ablaze there after the attack.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Many Hongkongers who moved to the U.K. after China cracked down on their home city are concerned about their safety while protesting Beijing's policies or visiting Chinese diplomatic offices to extend travel documents, according to a recent survey.

Initiative SAFE, a research project founded by the group Hongkongers in Britain, conducted an online survey between April 22 and May 7, and released the results on Aug. 17.

Of 458 people who responded, more than 40% had children, and over 50% of all respondents planned to travel to Hong Kong within the next two years. This may require them to obtain travel documents from Chinese diplomatic offices.

The survey found that more than 80% of the respondents had participated in events organized by Hongkonger groups in the U.K. Of this cohort, nearly 90% said that they would check the background of the organizers before participating in any event.

However, only about 40% of the immigrants from Hong Kong in the U.K. said they had participated in rallies or protests related to Hong Kong. Of all the respondents, 37% considered such activities "quite unsafe" or "very unsafe." A fifth of the 458 survey participants cited concerns about their safety upon returning to Hong Kong as a reason for not participating in Hong Kong-related activities in the U.K.

Among those who had participated in such events, 34% mentioned being photographed by strangers, 8% reported experiencing verbal violence, and 7% felt they were being followed.

VOA Cantonese contacted the Chinese Embassy in London for comment but received no response.

Almost 80% of the respondents expressed a lack of confidence in the U.K. government's ability to effectively respond if a foreign government threatened the safety of Hongkongers in the U.K. More than 70% of the respondents believed that the U.K. government had not taken sufficient measures to protect the civic participation and freedom of expression of Hongkongers in the U.K.

"Attempts by foreign governments to coerce, intimidate, harass or harm their critics overseas, undermining democracy and the rule of law, are unacceptable," said a spokesperson for the U.K. Home Office. "The Defending Democracy Taskforce is reviewing our approach to transnational repression to help tackle these challenges wherever they originate."

The Home Office describes itself as "the lead U.K. government department for immigration and passports, drugs policy, crime, fire, counterterrorism and police."

The survey indicated that a vast majority of respondents were aware of an incident last October when diplomats at the Chinese Consulate-General in Manchester assaulted a Hong Kong protester outside the consulate. Six Chinese consular officials allegedly involved left the U.K. voluntarily.

About 90% of respondents said they found it unsafe to apply for documents at Chinese diplomatic facilities. They were concerned about the risks of personal data leakage, application hindrances and potential harm to personal safety.

"A large proportion of respondents in our survey were concerned about data leaks as they would have to provide their addresses in the U.K. when extending their passports," said Jason Chao, a director of Hongkongers in Britain, the organization behind the survey.

"Of course, the data may not be leaked elsewhere, but what would the Hong Kong and Chinese governments do after they collected the addresses? Would there be surveillance? It would be an act of state and you would not know."

More than 80% of the survey respondents indicated that they felt safe in their residential communities, and that the crime situation was not severe. However, a fifth of the respondents mentioned experiencing verbal harassment on the streets; one tenth reported instances of a stranger insulting or shouting at them in public; and one tenth mentioned feeling physically threatened by a stranger in a public space.

Around 70% of the respondents indicated that anti-burglary measures in their neighborhoods made them feel secure, and more than half believed that their relationships with friends, colleagues and affinity groups were helpful. Two-thirds of the respondents expressed interest in participating in engagement activities organized by the local police, but 7% of respondents expressed a lack of trust in the police.

Chao, a 36-year-old activist who arrived in the U.K. in 2017 for graduate school, suggested that authorities should actively monitor suspicious behavior, such as taking photos of Hong Kong protesters during demonstrations in the U.K.

"There are two elements that are important to us under the U.K.'s new National Security Act. First, it is a criminal offense if someone assists a foreign intelligence service," he told VOA Cantonese in an Aug. 18 telephone interview.

"Secondly, even if someone is not assisting a foreign intelligence service, if there is evidence showing that a crime, for example a hate-related assault, was instigated by a foreign country, it would be a factor for handing a heavier punishment," he said.

The new law came into force on July 11. "Russia remains the most acute threat to the UK's security, though we have seen interference from China including to communities here in the UK, and Iran has made concerted efforts to kill or kidnap British or UK-based individuals," according to a government release.

Hongkongers living in the U.K. are often unaware of the new law or that the U.K. has a legal weapon to deter the Chinese, Chao said. He would like the U.K. government to promote awareness of the law.

During job searches in the U.K., potential employers may ask Hongkongers to provide a Certificate of No Criminal Conviction. There are safety concerns as they must apply for this document through the Hong Kong Police Force.

The U.K. government should consider measures to reduce the need for Hong Kong residents to rely on Chinese or Hong Kong government services, such as providing a letter for job seekers to address relevant issues with potential employers, said Chao.

The U.K. has issued more than 166,000 visas on the British National (Overseas) visa route to Hongkongers "who are making significant contributions to our economy and local communities," said the Home Office spokesperson.

This type of British travel document was created in 1987 as a result of the Hong Kong Act of 1985, which made provisions for handing over Hong Kong to China as negotiated in 1984.

Before Hong Kong's handover to China in July 1997, Hongkongers could apply for a BN(O) passport, which did not grant U.K. citizenship. China stopped recognizing the BN(O) passport as a valid travel document or proof of identity as of January 31, 2021.

After the enactment of the National Security Law in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020, Britain provided a "pathway to citizenship" via the BN(O) visa beginning January 31, 2021. This allows Hongkongers to live in the U.K. for up to five years before applying for permanent residency. They can apply for citizenship a year after gaining permanent residency.
The Taliban have allegedly barred a group of young girls from leaving Afghanistan for the United Arab Emirates, where they were expected to complete university studies.

Khalaf Al Habtoor, a prominent Emirati businessman, said in a video message on X, formerly Twitter, that he had sponsored about 100 Afghan female students to enable them to pursue their education in collaboration with the University of Dubai.

But he said that his office received "the uncomfortable news" Wednesday morning that Taliban authorities prevented the girls from boarding a plane waiting for them at Kabul airport.

"This has left me lost for words to describe the disappointment I currently feel," said Al Habtoor, the founder and chairman of Al Habtoor Group, described as one the UAE's most respected and successful businesses.

He said that he was "sad today" because the students could not reach Dubai, where his organization had already arranged university admissions, accommodation, transport, and security for the group after months of efforts.

"The authorities in Afghanistan, without justification, prevented their departure, unjustly curtailing their freedom. This stands as a profound tragedy, a blow against the principles of humanity, education, equality, and justice," Al Habtoor added.



"I request all involved parties to quickly step in and help rescue and assist these struggling students," the Emirati businessman said.

Taliban authorities did not immediately comment on the allegations.

The fundamentalist Taliban have banned girls from attending schools beyond the sixth grade since reclaiming control of Afghanistan in August 2021.

Late last year, the hardline de facto authorities stopped female students from attending university classes nationwide.

The move prompted Al Habtoor in December to offer scholarships to 100 female Afghan university students to help them continue their education in Dubai.

He also posted a voice message from a student who was prohibited from traveling to Dubai but did not disclose her identity.

"We are right now in the airport, but unfortunately, the government [wont] allow us to fly to Dubai. Even they don't allow those traveling with a mahram [male guardian]," the student said.

"They don't allow us when they see the student visa and ticket. I don't know what to do. Please help us. We are so concerned about this matter," the student added.

The Taliban have banned Afghan women from undertaking foreign travel unless accompanied by a male family member. They have also barred many women, including female Afghan staff of international aid groups, from workplaces.

The United Nations has criticized the restrictions on women and repeatedly urged the de facto authorities to reverse the policies and address other Afghan human rights concerns.

No foreign country has formally recognized the Taliban government. The U.N. has ruled out international recognition for the de facto rulers in Kabul unless curbs on Afghan women are reversed.
After three months of crossing the desert and then watching other migrants die at sea in his failed attempt to reach Europe, Sahr John Yambasu gave up on getting across the Mediterranean and decided to go back home.

The 29-year-old from Sierra Leone reached Niger in June on his return journey, but United Nations officials said he had to wait for packed migrant centers to empty before he could be repatriated.

Then mutinous soldiers toppled Niger's president a few weeks later, bringing regional tensions and the shuttering of the borders. Yambasu was trapped.

He is one of nearly 7,000 migrants trying to get home elsewhere in Africa that the U.N. estimates have been stranded in Niger since late July when members of the presidential guard overthrew the country's democratically elected president, Mohamad Bazoum. Niger's junta closed its airspace and regional countries closed border crossings as part of economic and travel sanctions, making it hard for people to leave.

Niger is an important route both for Africans trying to reach Libya as a jumping off spot to cross the Mediterranean to Europe and those who are returning to their homes with help from the United Nations.

Yambasu and others like him are unsure when they will be able to leave.

"I feel sad because it's a country that I don't belong to. It's not easy," Yambasu said.

Recounting his story, he said he left Sierra Leone in June because of political unrest and was hoping to reach Germany. He got rides across the region until arriving in Libya, where he boarded a boat with some 200 other migrants. The boat spent days at sea, with some people dying onboard before it was intercepted by Libya's coast guard and taken back to Libya.

That was enough for him and he headed for home. Helped by aid groups, he made it as far as Niger but has been unable to go farther.

U.N. officials estimate about 1,800 in Yambasu's predicament are living on Niger's streets because centers run by the International Organization for Migration are too crowded to take in more. The centers hold about 5,000 people trying to get home.

The U.N. agency had been assisting approximately 1,250 people a month return to their countries this year. But the closure of borders and airspace has forced it to temporarily suspend returns and its centers are now jammed at 14% over capacity, said Paola Pace, acting interim chief of mission for the agency in Niger.

"This situation poses challenges for migrants as migrants staying in these centers may experience heightened stress and uncertainty with limited prospects for voluntary return and already crowded facilities," she said.

Pace worries the stall in the transiting of Africans seeking to get home could increase exploitation of vulnerable people by traffickers and smugglers who normally focus on individuals trying to migrate to Europe.

The shelters are helping people who are making their way home, rather than would-be migrants heading to Europe  a northern flow that has seen more than 100,000 cross the central Mediterranean to Italy so far this year, according to Italy's interior ministry.

COOPI, an Italian aid group that provides shelter for migrants in Niger's northern town of Assamakka near the border with Algeria, said that since the coup an additional 1,300 people have entered its center trying to return home.

COOPI assists the U.N. in hosting people but has warned that it will run out of food and water if the borders don't open soon.

Not only are migrants unable to leave but aid groups are unable to bring in food and medical supplies.

Morena Zucchelli, head of mission for COOPI in Niger, said it has only enough food stocks to last until the end of August and its funding will run out at the end of September.

"If the situation doesn't change ... we can't guarantee things will continue running," she said.

Before the coup, Niger worked with the European Union in trying to slow the flow of migrants north to Libya and Algeria. The EU had been scheduled to provide more than $200 million to Niger to help it address security, socio-economic and migration challenges.

It's unclear how cooperative the new military leaders will be with the EU, which has now frozen assistance to Niger.

Anitta Hipper, a spokeswoman for the European Commission, could not say Tuesday whether cooperation on migration had been suspended, saying only that the EU would continue to "monitor and evaluate the situation."

Momo Kmulbah, from Liberia, is another of those trying to get back home. He says many of refugees have nowhere to turn for help. He says U.N. officials have told him to be patient.

The 36-year-old has been sleeping on the pavement in Niger's capital, Niamey, with his two daughters and wife since June and they beg for food.

"Our children don't have food to eat. I feel confused when I wake up in the morning," Kmulbah said.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has returned to emphasizing the importance of food production with a new government policy that offers subsidized land reclaimed from manufacturing sites to farmers, many of whom have migrated to large cities to improve their prospects.

Increasing China-U.S. tensions and the global supply chain snarls of the pandemic prompted Beijing to realize its dependence on U.S. soy and corn. The possibility of global food shortages after the Russian invasion of Ukraine further aggravated Chinas concern, and by February, the 2023 Central Government No. 1 Document was promoting food security.

At the second meeting of the Central Finance and Economics Committee, on July 20, Xi said, "Food security is the most important thing in a country," calling for effectively strengthening the protection of agricultural land and making every effort to improve the quality of agricultural land, steadily expand agricultural production space and increase agricultural production capacity.

He also said that more farmland will mean more grain production and less reliance on imported grain, echoing remarks from December 2013, when he told the Central Rural Work Conference, The rice bowls of the Chinese people must be firmly in our own hands. Our rice bowls should be filled mainly by Chinese crops.

The snag in the new policy appears to be the reluctance of people to embrace farming.

Yang Caili, who lived in a farming area until he moved to Guang'an, Sichuan, where he works as a driver, said he has no intention of leasing newly available land from the government, even with the subsidies. As a farmer, he said, it is not easy to make money. We would only make a few thousand yuan a month at most. So, all people who can [farm] migrated elsewhere for work, so that they could double their income."

China has been a net importer of agricultural products since 2004. Between 2000 and 2020, the countrys food self-sufficiency ratio decreased from 93.6% to 65.8%, according to a report released in January by the Council on Foreign Relations.

One commodity  soybeans  illustrates Chinas problem: According to data released by China Customs in July, China imported 12.02 million tons of soybeans in May, an increase of 24.3% compared with the same period last year, setting a new record for monthly imports. An article in the Chinese state media Xinhua said, Improving soybean production capacity and self-sufficiency rate is a major strategic measure for China to ensure national food security. 

China remains the goliath of global soybean demand, according to the American Soybean Association. Over 60% of soybean trade around the world is destined for the country.

Chinas domestically produced soybeans account for less than 20% of its annual consumption, according to the association.

Since 2021, Chinese authorities have reclaimed more than 170,000 hectares (420,000 acres) of farmland in an effort to reduce the country's reliance on imported food.

In April, the Chinese government began issuing one-time financial subsidies to farmers from a set-aside of 10 billion yuan, or roughly $1.38 billion.

Lai Rongwei, assistant professor of the General Education Center at Lunghwa University of Science and Technology in Taiwan, specializes in the economics and politics of modern China. He said he has low expectations for Beijings policy reversal  having previously applied agricultural land to other uses only to turn it back into agricultural land in the present.

"The value of the agricultural land has been almost destroyed after being used for real estate and factories, he told VOA Mandarin by phone. Now it is used to grow crops again. Will it work? The land has become unsuitable for agriculture."

Lai added that it will be difficult for the government to persuade young people from rural areas who have migrated to cities to return to the countryside to farm as young people are not as easily swayed by government slogans and policies as those from the 1950s and 1960s were.

Cai Shenkun, an independent analyst in the United States, was on the research team at the NBD Think Tank before he left China. A specialist on China's financial issues, he believes that even if China increases the amount of available farmland, it will not be able to increase food production significantly.

"China's agriculture has always operated on a small family workshop model and hasn't developed a model that can manage large-scale farmland on a large scale, Cai said. Therefore, China's agricultural output has not increased significantly.

A 2023 report by the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Science counters Cai, saying that Chinese agricultural productivity has increased at a phenomenal pace since 1978, when Beijing embarked on major economic reforms.

But, the Virginia Tech report says, maintaining or increasing that productivity growth will be difficult.

Cai said that the Chinese government decision to increase agricultural production with inefficient policies such as increasing farmland shows that they have no other way to reduce their dependence on imports.

Moreover, he said, China's agricultural operational costs are higher than those of foreign countries, and the prices of foreign agricultural products are relatively stable. Chinese farmers do not make much money, and they are even prone to losing money, which makes them even less willing to invest in improving the agricultural production environment. Naturally, it is impossible to increase production significantly."

Lai also believes that substantially increasing agricultural land through administrative means will not improve China's food supply, but that it will allow people to see that Xi Jinping is following Mao Zedong's model.

In the Mao era, he said, the large-scale steelmaking movement used a lot of farmland that should have been used for farming and created a lot of scrap iron.  Now Xi Jinping wants to ensure food security [by] forcibly [converting] nonagricultural land with no agricultural value into agricultural land."
The police in the Pacific nation of Papua New Guinea have been authorized to use lethal force in response to tribal violence that has killed dozens of people in recent weeks.

Fighting between tribes in Papua New Guinea's northern Enga Province has left up to 70 people dead in the past month, according to police.

A special police unit has been mobilized in response. It has been given the authority to shoot-to-kill if confronted by armed gangs, although rights groups are worried these powers might be too broad and affect farmers, for example, who have a legitimate reason for carrying firearms.

Prime Minister James Marape has described the unrest as domestic terrorism. He told reporters Tuesday that when parliament next convenes in October, he would seek to amend the Tribal Fight Act to impose life prison sentences on people convicted of starting tribal violence.

Acting Superintendent George Kakas, the Enga provincial police commander, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Pacific Beat program that mercenaries are increasingly being paid to fight in local disputes.

"The tribal fights have changed," Kakas said. "We have had tribes that are hiring gunmen and mercenaries to come and do their bidding for them, do their fights for them. A lot of people have been killed. We lost actual count. Some could have been killed in the bush and, you know, buried in the areas in the villages."

Charities say fights are a traditional way to settle disagreements over land and politics in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea but warn they have become more unpredictable and violent.

The International Committee of the Red Cross also said the unrest was caused by "the breaking down of traditional hierarchies and rules, the loss of some traditional values such as respect for women and children, and an influx of modern weapons."

Papua New Guinea is Australias nearest neighbor. It covers the eastern half of the island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean, and lies to the east of Indonesia.

The country has a population of about 10 million people. It is a rugged land rich in natural resources, but many of its people live in poverty.

It is one of the worlds most linguistically diverse countries. More than 830 indigenous languages are spoken, although many have fewer than 1,000 speakers, according to the CIAs World Factbook.
While the Islamic State terror group continues to lose influence in Iraq, U.S. Major General Matthew W. McFarlane recently warned that IS remnants still pose a threat to areas not under the protection of the U.S.-led coalition, including parts of Syria. Analysts see Islamic State expanding into Africa and Asia.

McFarlane commands the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve based in Iraq, working to defeat Islamic State militants and prevent their resurgence.

In an online briefing to journalists this month, McFarlane, calling the group ISIS as well as the Arab acronym Daesh, said Islamic State no longer controls any territory, has lost leaders and fighters, and carries out fewer attacks than in the past.

He said there was a 65% reduction in Islamic State activity this year compared to last year.



They continue to degrade. Having said that, there are still radical fighters out there that aspire to re-emerge or rebuild the caliphate, McFarlane said. We work very closely with our Iraqi counterparts.

McFarlane said the U.S. and Iraq share intelligence to ensure they can address any possible re-emergence or possible threats that emerge from ISIS fighters that are still at large. He also said they work to address the long-term efforts like repatriation of internally displaced people and Daesh detainees that are in Syrian detention facilities.

Steven Heydemann, a nonresident senior fellow at Washingtons Brookings Institution, told VOA that McFarlane gave a fairly balanced assessment of Islamic State at this time.

However, Heydemann points to a recent United Nations report that says the Islamic State group still commands between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.

"Theres certainly no sense in which we can declare mission accomplished in terms of Operation Inherent Resolve, Heydemann said. It continues to play an important role in degrading ISIS. And yet ISIS retains the ability to sustain pretty high levels of insecurity in eastern Syria and northwestern Iraq.

Heydemann added that the U.S. and others cant underestimate the extent to which local groups that publicly affiliate with ISIS have in some ways overtaken the core group as a source of threat.

Africa is clearly one arena in which were seeing that happen, he said.

South Africa-based analyst Martin Ewi has also warned of the growing threat in Africa, where Islamic State is active in more than 20 countries already. He cautioned that the continent may represent the future of the caliphate.

Analyst Nicolas Heras at Washingtons New Lines Institute told VOA that Islamic State is like a perennial dormant in the Middle East heartland but regenerating and springing to life in central Asia and Africa.

ISIS has numerous cells in Syria and has also established, in that sort of western badlands of Iraq, a support network, Heras said. ISIS has tried to manage the reality that it is an organization looking for this opportunity to spring back. The ISIS brand globally has found opportunity to grow in central Asia, particularly Afghanistan but also, its looking to spread into Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and is looking to take advantage of rising communal religious tensions in India.

Heras said that in Africa, Islamic State is trying to take advantage of the war in Sudan and the destabilization of Ethiopia.
Ukraine's GUR military intelligence agency deliberately lured a Russian military pilot to land his Mi-8 helicopter at a Ukrainian airfield, spokesperson Andriy Yusov said on Wednesday, amid differing media reports of what happened.

"This was a GUR operation. The aircraft moved according to the plan," Yusov told Reuters. A coup for Ukraine

A successful operation to capture a working Russian helicopter and its pilot would represent an audacious coup for Ukraine, allowing it to simultaneously replenish its limited aviation stocks while also potentially getting valuable intelligence on the Russian air force.

Ukrainian media outlet Ukrainska Pravda cited unnamed intelligence sources as saying the agency worked for more than six months to convince the pilot to cooperate and fly the aircraft to Ukraine.

The report said the helicopter landed in eastern Ukraine with the pilot. Two other crew members who were unaware of the plan were subsequently "liquidated."

Ukrainian military journalist Yuriy Butusov reported that the Mi-8 helicopter had landed at a Ukrainian air base "some time ago," citing unnamed sources in the Ukrainian military command. Ukrainian military will use helicopter

Butusov said the helicopter was fully operational and would serve in the Ukrainian armed forces after being examined.

Asked about reports of the incident on national television, GUR spokesperson Yusov said that his organization was working with the helicopter crew and that official information would be given soon.

"You will need to wait a bit, work is being conducted, including with the crew. Everything is fine, there will be news," he said.

Russia's defense ministry did not immediately reply to a Reuters request for comment.

Earlier on Wednesday, Fighterbomber, a popular Russian pro-war Telegram channel focused on aviation, said it had information that the helicopter had become lost and accidentally landed in Ukraine "a couple of weeks ago."
The United States, Japan and South Korea agreed to deepen military cooperation and condemned Chinas dangerous and aggressive behavior in the South China Sea following a trilateral summit last week. China has dramatically increased military activity around Taiwan, which Beijing sees as part of its territory, prompting fears that it could launch an invasion. As Henry Ridgwell reports from Tokyo, Japan and the United States are boosting military coordination and capabilities as tensions rise in the region.
Satellite images of Triton Island reveal a new structure that experts believe is a part of China's military expansion meant to support its maritime claims in the South China Sea. The images have sparked protests from the U.S., Vietnam and Taiwan.

Triton Island, part of the Paracel Islands group, has become the latest flashpoint in the disputed region.

China claims the Paracels and the nearby Spratly Islands as its own maritime territories and has been expanding its military installations on the island chains.

Vietnam and Taiwan also claim the Paracels and Spratlys as their island groups. The two countries, with the U.S., are pushing back against Beijing's maritime expansion in the region now seen by rapid construction of a new structure on Triton.

Satellite photos taken of Triton in August by Planet Labs PBC imaging service that VOA's Korean Service obtained last week show what appears to be a long runway jutting out toward the east. The structure is not visible in photos taken in March.

The structure was reported as an airstrip by the AP last week upon its analysis of satellite photos it obtained from Planet Labs PBC, which showed the Chinese red flag.

The island is approximately 4,000 feet long by 2,000 feet wide, and until recently was completely uninhabited.

According to Bill Conroy, senior maritime solutions specialist at URSA Space, which provides intelligence analysis, the structure is probably a levee as tidal waves on the island could reach as high as four feet, according to his analysis.

"That long thing that people thought was a runway is there to keep the areas dry, protected from the seawater," said Conroy in a telephone interview. "We're estimating that there's about 70,000 square meters of land that would be reclaimed from the sea" by the levee.

He added there seems to be more construction underway south of what he believes is a levee.

Another analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies also says the structure could be either a levee or raised roadway.

Levee, roadway or runway?

Ray Powell, director of SeaLight, a program that analyzes China's maritime gray zone tactics at Stanford University's Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, said the new structure on Triton Island could be used as both a levee and roadway once completed.

Powell said via email, the structure could "make China's small military outpost there more sustainable over the long term."

Hoang Viet, an expert on South China Sea disputes at the National University of Ho Chi Minh City, said that if it is an airstrip, China could use the island as a refueling station for its aircraft during South China Sea missions "especially for long flights from Hainan to Spratly Islands."

Triton sits an equal distance between Vietnam and the Chinese island province of Hainan. It is the latest of China's permanent island remodeling projects in the South China Sea, a push that began in 2013, according to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

The construction now includes a scattering of permanent features like seawalls, airfields and buildings across numerous islands. Although China originally claimed the island construction projects were for scientific research, satellite imagery has revealed military infrastructure.

Whether China is building an airstrip, levee or road, experts agree that the structure on Triton would be an expansion of China's military buildup in the Paracel and Spratly island chains.

Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow at the Wilson Center and founder of the weekly ASEAN Wonk newsletter, told VOA via email on Monday that "Individual features including [on] Triton Island will see their roles change with their capabilities."

"But the bigger picture is that these features collectively allow China to expand its presence and capabilities in the South China Sea through various ways including administration, presence, surveillance and outright coercion  with basic helipads and harbors out to large airstrips to land bombers and aircraft."

A State Department spokesperson told VOA's Korean Service on Monday that it opposes China's claims in the South China Sea and has called on Beijing to conform to international law. Due to the sensitivity of the subject, the spokesperson asked to remain anonymous.

"The United States unequivocally rejects the PRC's unlawful maritime claims and any such interference," said the spokesperson, using China's official name, the People's Republic of China.

"The PRC's reclamation and militarization of disputed outposts in the South China Sea, its willingness to use coercion and intimidation, along with other provocative actions undertaken to enforce its expansive and unlawful South China Sea maritime claims, undermine the peace and security of the region," the spokesperson said.

Relations with neighbors

The U.S. has been exercising freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea against increasingly aggressive moves by China. The operations by U.S. naval ships and aircraft are designed to maintain peace and security in the region against what the Pentagon describes as "excessive maritime claims" by countries around the world.

The new addition on Triton Island "will likely antagonize Vietnam," according to Powell. Triton is closer to Vietnam than other Southeast Asian countries.

China has claimed 90% of the South China Sea, one of the most trafficked waters in the world, with one-third of global shipping sailing across the waters. Islets, shoals and atolls in the sea are claimed by nearly all neighboring states, including China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Vietnam.

"Vietnam, being about 250 kilometers away, is the main target," said Juo-yu Lin, associate professor at the Department of Diplomacy and International Relations at Tamkang University in Taiwan.

"The Chinese People's Liberation Army can monitor Vietnam's military activities on a regular basis," Lin said via email to VOA,

At a press briefing on Thursday, Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said, "All activities in the Paracel Islands conducted without Vietnamese permission are violations of Vietnam's sovereignty."

"Such activities would serve to further complicate the situation and prove to be detrimental to peace, stability and security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight" in the region, she said.

China has fighter jets, cruise missiles, and a radar system on Woody Island, its main base in the Paracels, and a helipad on five outpost islands including Triton, Money and Pattle with Duncan Island serving as a helicopter base.

China has finished building military installations on three islands in the Spratly group to reinforce its territorial claims in the sea as well as to support its ambition to achieve a "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan, a self-governing island it considers its own.

An unnamed Taiwanese Foreign Ministry spokesperson told Taiwan News on Monday that Taipei's "rights over land and related waters in the area cannot be questioned."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a news briefing on Monday that "China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nanhai Zhudao" and "the adjacent waters."

The Nahhai Zhudao refers to island groups in the South China Sea including the Pratas, Paracel and Spratly islands.

"China's construction on its own territory and China Coast Guard's action to protect China's rights and enforce the laws in waters under China's jurisdiction are legitimate, lawful and beyond reproach," Wang said.

Le Nguyen contributed to this report from Washington, and Kelly Tang contributed from Taipei.
Public opinion polling by the Pew Research Center says nearly two-thirds of Americans expect gun violence to increase over the next five years. The politics of enacting more restrictive gun laws has long divided most Republicans and Democrats, and now the issue appears to be creating a divide between generations of Republicans as well.

Several polls released this year show young Republicans are likelier to support more restrictive gun laws than older voters in their party.

"Older Republicans didn't grow up in a mental health crisis like we have," said Nicholas Stilianessis, a 14-year-old from Passaic County, New Jersey, and a member of the High School Republican National Federation.

"Suicides and suicide attempts are higher for us than any generation before, and, of course, so are school shootings," he told VOA. "I'm sad for the loss of life, but I'm also angry because politicians in both parties aren't doing anything about it except using it as a tool to campaign."

A YouGov survey in February 2023 reported that 47% of young Republicans support more restrictive gun laws, compared with just 23% of older Republicans. And the figure for young Republicans is growing, up from 41% in August 2022.

"It makes sense," said Ryan Barto, communications manager with March For Our Lives, a student-led organization that demonstrates in support of gun control legislation. "Young people bear the brunt of the gun violence epidemic. We've lived with active shooter drills, constant news coverage of mass shootings, and have lost friends to firearms. There isn't room for partisan politics when lives are on the line."

Measured restrictions

Stilianessis was quick to point out, however, that he doesn't support all  or even most  gun control measures.

"Gun control is broad," he said, maintaining that people should be able to own guns for self-protection. "For me, I'm in favor of stronger background checks, I don't think anyone should have automatic weapons, and because mental illness is such a big part of these shootings, I think we need to screen better for mental health before we give someone a gun."

Eugene Johnson is a professor at Dillard University in New Orleans. He says younger Republicans tend to support laws restricting gun ownership based on a gun-seeker's age, mental health and history of violence.

"I think Republicans, and possibly most Americans, will want to arm themselves because they care about safety and it's easier to arm themselves than it is to pass public policy," Johnson told VOA.

The Gallup polling organization reported in 2020 that 32% of U.S. adults say they personally own a gun, while 44% reported living in a gun household.

"Young Republicans seem in agreement that the problem isn't guns, but that the wrong people have access to them," Johnson said. "The kinds of laws they're supporting are popular because they don't fully remove guns. They look at limiting who should have them."

But for some older Republicans, even that is too restrictive. Alberto Perez, a 44-year-old development officer from Blairsville, Georgia, believes the younger members of his party will change their minds as they get older and take on more responsibility.

"They don't bear the weight of raising a family and having to keep them safe," Perez told VOA. "I may agree in theory with some sensible gun laws that make it more difficult to purchase and keep a gun, but the reality is that criminals and psychopaths will find a way around it and that puts the rest of us in danger."

Varied viewpoints

Willow Hannington, 20, said she is open to increased regulations.

"I'm willing to consider things like universal background checks and mental health evaluations," she told VOA. "I think implementing mandatory gun safety courses is a good idea, as is hosting community events to destigmatize gun use and promote safe handling and procedures.

"Mostly, though," she added, "I want to see legislators address gun violence through mental health reform. That's where the crisis is."

While support for gun control among young Republicans is growing, a majority of young party members still oppose restrictions.

"Not only do we not believe there should be any further gun restrictions put in place," said Mark Basta, 19-year-old vice chairman of the California College Republicans, "but we believe all current restrictions should be repealed because they are unconstitutional, and they punish law-abiding citizens rather than actually affect criminals."

"Any young Republicans who support gun control," he continued, "are most likely doing so because of a lack of knowledge and brainwashing by their schools and peers."

Hannington said opinions like Basta's make her feel stuck.

"I think many of us in Gen-Z are passionate about improving our society and open to compromise in areas like gun control," she explained. "But Democrats take advantage of our compassion  and Republicans tell us we don't have the knowledge or maturity to understand the issues."

"Honestly, I'd like to see more people from my generation run for office," she added. "I think we're wiser than most people think, and we'd be able to diminish the political divide we're seeing today."

"One big question is whether support for gun restrictions among younger-generation Republicans is due only to the effects of mass shootings, or if their opinion is stable and will continue into the future," said James Garand, a professor of political science at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

"I don't think it will impact this election, but if it persists, and they make up a higher share of the Republican coalition, I think it could affect some low-intensity gun restrictions in the future."

If he were old enough to vote in 2024, Stilianessis said, he would "absolutely support" a Republican who considers some gun control measures.

"Current legislators don't focus on what the youth need and want," he said. "They're not listening to us. But we're the future of the Republican Party, and one day they'll have to pay attention to what we say. Because this is an issue that concerns us, and when they're long gone, we'll still be here dealing with it."
More than 6.6 million Zimbabweans are expected to vote in council, parliamentary and presidential elections tomorrow, featuring 11 presidential hopefuls, including incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Some Zimbabweans living in the diaspora are skeptical about the outcome of the polls.

Nhlanhla Moses Ncube, a Zimbabwean working at a private school in Johannesburg, is among thousands of people who won't vote this year. Ncube, secretary general of a political outfit, Freedom Alliance, envies those who will vote. But he is skeptical about the outcome of the crucial elections. Ncube has an unpalatable election outcome prediction for the opposition.

"I foresee a situation where by the status quo remains especially in the sense of parliamentary elections where ZANU is posed to take the rural vote as always, a combination of factors coming in. The fact that they have a structure, the fact that they have resources, and even candidates, the fact that their candidates can be voted for. For example, Mthuli Ncube, a big guy in Cowdray Park, and that can give ZANU PF an advantage.

But he is quick to warn ZANU PF about its presidential candidate, Emmerson Mnangagwa, who toppled the late former President Robert Mugabe in a defacto military coup, and was declared by the Electoral Court as winner of the disputed 2018 presidential poll.

Mnangagwa is not generally a popular person that people can vote for. That can be an advantage but the narrow margin can lead to some kind of rigging, because the margin can be very, very narrow."

Professor Ricky Mukonza, a Zimbabwean a lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology, says ZANU PF and the Citizens Coalition for Change are front runners in the 2023 general elections

These two parties have been attracting supporters and, you know, potential voters to come and attend their rallies in big numbers. ZEC which is the organization that runs the elections in Zimbabwe is accused of many, you know, irregularities including not providing the voters roll in the form that opposition political want it. So, there are complaints about ZEC and that has a bearing on the credibility of the elections.

Victress Mathuthu of Zim Imbokodo, a womens empowerment group, is another Zimbabwean based in South Africa. She says Zimbabweans should go out and vote in large numbers.

Vote in peace, vote wisely and vote for a person of your choice. Choose your own councilor, your own parliamentarian and your own president.

In Zimbabwe, indications are that the electoral body is in the process of finalizing the setting up of 12,370 polling stations in anticipation of over 6.6 million voters.

Kudakwashe Munsaka is a member of the dreaded Forever Associates Zimbabwe political outfit, which supports Zanu PF. Munsaka, who is also a Zanu PF activist, says Mnangagwa is the peoples favorite.

I can tell you that our president Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has been in all provinces addressing huge gatherings where people are coming willingly, peacefully. So, this has been exciting.

Opposition Citizens Coalition for Changes Matabeleland South regional youth leader, Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa, says victory is certain for Chamisa.

People are hopeful, people are optimistic, the mood is electrifying even if here and there Zanu PF has been trying to disturb our movements, has been trying to put a lot of fear in most of our citizens.

Elisabeth Valerio of the United Zimbabwe Alliance is a courageous woman, taking head-on 10 men in the presidential poll.

Im the only presidential candidate who fully understands the needs of the people because Im a woman, l'm a mother.

State security agents have already voted in camps and barracks where they were allegedly forced to vote for the ruling party. ZEC said they conducted the process in accordance with the law. ZANU PF has distanced itself from the early voting process.
Photo: Rep. Matt Dean (R-Dellwood), center, received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR). At left is MOHR Board Member John Wayne Barker, left, and lobbyist Kevin Goodno, right, honored Rep. Dean at the MOHR Legislative Conference held in late August in Alexandria, Minn.
Lauryn Hill onstage in 1999. Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

Ready or not, here comes Ms. Lauryn Hill. The Grammy-winning hip-hop artist announced The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour on August 22, a 17-date showcase that will hit arenas around the world. Hill will perform tracks from the 1998 album, a reliable entry on various best albums of all time lists, and reunite with the Fugees to co-headline North American dates for the groups first tour in years. The latest Fugees show went down at Junes Roots Picnic, where the group treated fans to a handful of songs during Hills headlining set at the festival, playing renditions of their hits Killing Me Softly With His Song, Ready or Not, How Many Mics, and a set-closing Fu-Gee-La. Its unclear if Fugees rapper Pras Michel will be present for the upcoming outings, given his conviction in a global foreign influence case. Koffee will join Hill for the Australian leg of the tour. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is and was a love song to my parents, my family, my people, my musical and cultural forebears, my teachers, my loves, my Creator, Hill said in a statement. I wrote love songs and protest songs  (still love songs) about the subjects and interests that inspired and moved me. I was confident that what inspired me would resonate with an audience that had been led to believe that songs of that kind could only live in the past. Presale tickets are available for Citi cardholders now, with the public onsale beginning August 25 at 10 a.m. local time. Below, a full list of the tour dates. Dont be late.

9/8 - Minneapolis, MN @ Mystic Lake

9/23 - New York, NY @ Global Citizen Festival

10/1 - Gold Coast, AUS @ Promiseland Festival

10/3 - Melbourne, AUS @ Rod Laver Arena (with Koffee)

10/5 - Sydney, AUS @ Kudos Banks Arena (with Koffee)

10/7 - Auckland, NZ @ Eden Festival

10/17 - Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center (with Fugees)

10/19 - Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays (with Fugees)

10/21 - Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena (with Fugees)

10/23 - Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Arena (with Fugees)

10/26 - Toronto, ON - Scotia (with Fugees)

10/28 - Chicago, IL @ United Center (with Fugees)

10/30 - Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena (with Fugees)

11/2 - Denver, CO - Ball Arena (with Fugees)

11/5 - Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum (with Fugees)

11/7 Oakland, CA @ Oakland Arena (with Fugees)

11/9 - Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena (with Fugees)
Aw, Raylan. This man cannot catch a break! Maureen, the person he trusted most in the Detroit Police Department and the one who welcomed Raylan and Willa into her home, betrays him. (I knew it!) Carolyn, the lover hes gotten rapidly close to, sets him up to be involved in a situation that goes against his moral code. Clement is still a hair-triggered asshole and his body count is getting higher, and now the weapon Raylan knows Clement used for a bunch of murders has been thrown over a bridge. Raylan has a couple allies left  Bryl, unexpectedly; Sandy, begrudgingly  but The Smoking Gun effectively did what penultimate episodes should do, which is create a series of seemingly impossible obstacles for our protagonist to work through. Hows Raylan going to get out of this one? Im actually curious to find out!

There are still many logic gaps in The Smoking Gun, as in preceding episode Adios, and overall, Justified: City Primeval has been really inconsistent in terms of what its characters prioritize, what theyre trying to protect, and what they want to achieve. Ill elaborate on this in a later bullet point, but Im thinking about the judges book and how important it was in earlier episodes compared to how incurious people seem to be about it now. Clement kills Sweety and holds onto it, but did he have other plans on who to blackmail from it? We dont find out because Sandy takes it with her and eventually gives it to Raylan, but I guess Sandy never looked through it, because she doesnt tell Raylan about any other names in it. Maureen plans on sending an innocent guy to jail with Clements gun, but shouldnt she want to find the book, and therefore shouldnt she want to find Clement? Last week, I wondered if the Detroit Police Department are purposely bad at their jobs, and now Im wondering if Clement, Sandy, and even Sweety, to a certain extent, were bad criminals, too. Theyre just not very good at this, and I feel as befuddled as Raylan in that DPD hallway when he realized Maureen double-crossed him. Raylan, if you brought me a bouquet of flowers, I would accept them! Two-tone cabbage roses are very nice, if you are considering your options!

Still, The Smoking Gun is a better episode than Adios. Its a more tightly paced and comprehensively plotted installment that brings the Albanians back into the mix and faces Raylan and Clement off against each other in what is surely a dress rehearsal for a bigger showdown to come in next weeks finale. Before this episodes third-act meeting at the Radissons surprisingly nice hotel bar, Raylan and Clement each spend most of The Smoking Gun dealing with the fallout of Clement murdering Sweety and torching his place. Lets start with Raylan, who meets up with the devastated Carolyn and then visits Trennell, who hands over Clements gun  yes, he had moved it from behind the jukebox at Carolyns request, and yes, he still has it. Raylan, sure that he can use the gun to nail Clement, takes it to Maureen, who is still in charge of the investigation into Judge Guy and Roses murders (although Bryl is back, initially mean-mugging Raylan from his desk near Maureens). Maureen asks for a day to run the gun through ballistics, which gives Raylan time to visit Sandy and tell her about both Skenders ruined leg and his possession of Clements gun (the one she was supposed to have gotten rid of). I feel like Im in big trouble  yes, Sandy, that is correct.

Meanwhile, Clement is pissed about Sandy selling his painting and about her suggestion that they leave Detroit. But he evades Raylan, who is coming to visit Sandy at Dels apartment, because for some reason this building still is not being surveilled, although its pretty damn clear who burned down Sweetys place and who that man is dating and where they are living! I can understand that Maureen is dirty, but I dont understand why Raylan couldnt throw some of his U.S. marshal weight around to get some squad cars assigned to obvious places where Clement would go  like Carolyns house, which Raylan had been protecting, but now no one is because this show loves to make me irritated. Clement eats Carolyns food, threatens her, and chokes her after she tries to quit as his lawyer, and his composed I can come back anytime I want is a legitimately horrifying line read from Boyd Holbrook. Later, Clements childish glee when Sandy says she wants to hear him sing is a solid tonal swing; City Primeval never really builds Clements obsession with Jack White into more than a joke, but some of the characters most revealing moments have been when the show indulges his music-related narcissism.

Clement appears to get the upper hand when Maureen throws Raylan under the bus, arresting Afghan vet Darryl Woods for Judge Guy and Roses murders and claiming that the murder weapon (which we know to be Clements gun) was found in Darryls things. I wonder if the show will do something else with Maureen recurrently letting Clement slide (remember that she let him walk after the failed sting in the park with the prosecutor Diane). Could they actually be in cahoots? But aside from Maureen, who Raylan intuits must be in Judge Guys book, the entire DPD doesnt seem corrupt. Kudos to Wendell, for looking a little shocked at Maureens antics in the interrogation room with Darryl, and Bryl, who we know can be morally shaky but who draws the line at sending an entirely innocent person to prison. I never sent some poor devil up the river I know didnt do it just to get a win, Bryl says as he goes against Maureen to return Clements gun to Raylan, and I wont take back every critical thing I said about this character, but this was a good moment.

In our final minutes, Raylan and Clements story lines converge. Del comes home, Clement calls Sandy and says hes going to torture Del, Sandy gets scared and calls Raylan. Raylan gets Sandy to set up a meeting with Clement, who then kills Del; Raylan tells Carolyn about the meeting, but he doesnt know that shes turned to Albanian gangster Toma, Skenders relative, for help. (Im assuming Carolyns Okay to Toma after she got off the phone with Raylan was not under duress.) At the Radisson, Raylan tries to trick Clement into putting his fingerprints on his gun, Clement denies the murders and avoids taking Raylan up on his offer of a vintage Justified shoot-out, and Toma interrupts them both and forcibly takes them on a ride. When Toma says, Sometimes the old ways are the only ways, thats some vigilante shit; when he drops Clements gun into the water, thats the possibility of prosecuting Clement within the rules of law and order getting buried in sand and silt. Raylan looks weird in the backseat of a car, doesnt he? I sure hope Carolyn knows what shes doing!

Cat Videos, Mostly

 Original Justified cast-member cameo count: Let me just share how Im feeling. 

 Im assuming the flashback scene to the origins of Sweetys bar in 1988 was our last moment with Vondie Curtis-Hall, and it was good. We see that this man was actually once a talented musician, unlike Clement; we see that he actually cared for another person in young Carolyn, unlike Clement. Justified loves a principled criminal, and I do think Sweety was one  at least before he got caught up with the Oklahoma Wildmans specific brand of roughneck shit.

 Any guy that works a straight job is a chump is basically a description of Elmore Leonards whole deal, so thank you to Sweetys random musician friend for that succinctness. Although: Was Sweety a chump, as Carolyn says? I dont think so, at least not for owning his own bar. He should have taken that deal to snitch on Clement, though, and I think that misstep is whats making Carolyn so regretful.

 Do I feel a little good about guessing that Maureen was a villain? Yeah! But I dont exactly track why she didnt just use Clements gun to, you know, actually arrest Clement, instead of framing Darryl, who found Roses body in the park. I guess it was easier to round up Darryl than to track down Clement, but doesnt Clement being out there with the judges little book serve as a threat to Maureen that she would want to eliminate? Theres something about her scheming here that I didnt entirely grasp.

 Speaking of Woods  did we all know that actor was Corey Hendrix, who also plays Gary on The Bear? I did not realize until this episode, and I wish he had more to do! (On both this show and The Bear, actually.)

 Can I at least delete some pictures first? Why didnt Sandy run off with her new cash as soon as she sold that painting instead of coming back home to Clement?! Another I dont get it development for me, but I finally realized that this character, in her most beleaguered, men suck but they run the world moments, reminds me of Justifieds Ellen May. Ellen May also drove me up a wall with her decision-making but really burrowed her way into my heart by the end, and while Im not fully there with Sandy, this episode made me understand her the most.

 Skender playing along with Sandys flirting and her attempt to use him as an exit strategy from Clement and Raylan, before dead-ass telling her that shes a dead woman, was great self-care. Good for him.

 Can you explain what Twitter is? What a nightmarish question. Rest in peace, Del, your kimono was nice.

 This thing where Clement keeps bringing up different stories about his mother and how she may or may not have died in a tornado or at his hand is clearly meant to be like Heath Ledgers Joker talking about his scars in The Dark Knight and Anton Chigurh offering his victims a coin toss in No Country for Old Men. However, I might have found Clements shifty storytelling a more effective glimpse into his self-mythologizing if we had seen him do it more often. The only other time I can think of was in Backstabbers, when Clement spun that tale of being Sandys older brother to Skender and the black-and-white flashback felt like something out of Fargo. Same vibe this time around, and Im not sure we really need a backstory of that kind for the Oklahoma Wildman. If hes supposed to be this irrepressible force of malevolent id, letting him feel like an orphan of the universe would have been fine.
Tourist denies throwing her phone at air hostess.

A plane bound for Rome turned back just 20 minutes after taking off from Olbia in Sardinia following an argument with a South American passenger over her rowdy children.

The incident took place on Monday evening after flight staff asked the tourist to tell her kids, aged two and four, to sit down and wear their seat belts, reports La Nuova Sardegna.

The Volotea flight had been scheduled to depart at around 17.00 but was delayed by two hours and the children already showed "signs of being agitated" during take-off, according to Italian media reports.

After staff appealed to the woman to comply with safety regulations, the passenger launched into a heated argument and allegedly threw her cell phone at a flight attendant.

The pilot was promptly notified of the incident and decided to turn around and fly back to Sardinia where border police were waiting for the woman.

The tourist, who had been travelling to Rome Fiumicino after a family holiday in Gallura, denies all charges and claims the phone slipped out of her hand.

An investigation into the incident is underway.
How to find nearest nasone fountain in Rome.

Rome's iconic nasoni fountains have been providing free fresh drinking water to residents and visitors to the Eternal City since they were first introduced in 1874.

The fountains, which run day and night, offer respite all year round and are a particular life-saver during the hot summer months.

There are an estimated 2,500 of the characteristic fountains whose nasone name comes from its curved "big nose" metal spout.

Found in streets and neighbourhoods across Rome, the fountains can be located thanks to several online apps.

Waidy, developed in 2019 by Rome water supplier ACEA, offers a comprehensive listing of the fountains' locations around the capital on its digital map.

Google Maps lists more than 120 nasoni in central Rome and there is also a map to help you find drinking fountains in the city centre.

Nasoni offer tourists a free and environmentally-friendly alternative to buying over-priced plastic bottles of water from mobile snack bars and illegal street vendors in the city centre.
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Billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra and his family have dominated Thai elections for much of the past two decades. A royalist establishment long saw the clan as a threat to its political power, and Shinawatras were ejected from office twice in military coups. In August, however, the bitter rivals buried their differences, Thaksin returned from self-imposed exile and the Pheu Thai party he backs joined with pro-military groups in a new coalition government. The about-turn was a response to the growing clout of a younger pro-democracy party, Move Forward, which campaigned harder than Pheu Thai against military rule and advocated changes to a law forbidding criticism of the monarchy. The deal ended a political vacuum thats been destabilizing Thailands economy. But many Thais were left wondering what the Shinawatras now stand for.

1. Who are the Shinawatras?

Descendants of a Chinese immigrant who married a Thai woman in the late 19th century, the Shinawatras are Thailands most prominent political dynasty, with two of its members occupying the countrys top political office at different times in the last 22 years. The 74-year-old Thaksin has been a polarizing but enduring figure in the nations politics since he first became prime minister in 2001. A landslide victory for his Thai Rak Thai Party in 2005 won him a second term in office, which ended abruptly a year later in a military coup. Thaksin left Thailand in 2008 to avoid corruption charges he said were politically motivated. His sister Yingluck faced a similar fate after her Pheu Thai Party won an election in 2011 and made her Thailands first female prime minister. She was ousted by judicial order in 2014 and weeks later her government was toppled in yet another coup. In May this year, after almost nine years of military-backed rule, Thaksins youngest daughter, 37-year-old Paetongtarn, ran for prime minister. Pheu Thai came second in the election, behind the progressive Move Forward Party thats popular among young and urban voters.

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2. How did the Shinawatras make their fortune?

Thaksin has portrayed himself as a self-made man from rural origins, but the family was already relatively wealthy when he was growing up. The origin of their fortune was a silk business his ancestors established in the north of the country in the early 20th century. During a 14-year career in the police force, Thaksin started dabbling in silk retail, cinemas, real estate and computer leasing  with little success  before striking it rich in the technology boom of the 1980s and 1990s. His head start in the computer business and his political connections allowed him to snap up government concessions to operate paging and mobile phone services, cable TV subscriptions, data networks and satellites. At the height of his success, his Shin Corporation, now called Intouch Holdings, owned Thai mobile operator Advanced Info Service and satellite firm Shin Satellite (now Thaicom). Shin Corp was sold to Singapore state investment firm Temasek Holdings Pte in 2006. Today, Shinawatra family members including Thaksins ex-wife and three children  Panthongtae, Pintongta, and Paetongtarn  hold majority or controlling interests in companies spanning real estate to healthcare and hospitality. Some of those firms are listed on the Thai stock exchange, including property developer SC Asset, run by Thaksins son-in-law Nuttaphong Kunakornwong.

3. Why did the Thai establishment resent the Shinawatras?

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The Shinawatras electoral and financial clout made them a formidable rival to the traditional elite made up of army generals, judges and senior civil servants thats dominated Thailands powerful state institutions since the era of absolute monarchy ended in 1932. Thaksins entrepreneurial success and his credo of personal ambition and dignity echoed the American Dream and resonated with many ordinary Thais who had grown discontented with the paternalistic style of previous political leaders. While many wealthier, well-educated and city-dwelling Thais accused Thaksin of cronyism, reckless populism and corruption, he enjoyed wide support among poorer and working-class voters in the countrys north and northeast who made up the majority of the Thai electorate and benefited from his big-ticket economic programs that came to be known as Thaksinomics. The groundswell of support for Thaksin was seen by the establishment as a threat to the countrys social hierarchy, in which the monarchy is perceived to sit at the top.

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4. Why are the Shinawatras still popular?

In the wake of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, Thaksin spent heavily on grassroots measures designed to stimulate domestic demand such as debt moratorium plans for farmers, low-cost housing projects and loans for small and medium-sized enterprises. His flagship universal healthcare initiative of 2002 revolutionized access for poor people to medical care and has benefited millions of Thais two decades later. Its gold card is held by 47 million Thais, or 70% of the population. The loyalty this inspired among less affluent voters helped political parties linked to Thaksin to win the most parliamentary seats in four successive elections between 2001 and 2019, only for them to be dissolved by the constitutional court or removed from power by force. Thaksins supporters formed the pro-democracy Red Shirt movement in 2007 to protest against his removal, and often clashed with the rival royalist Yellow Shirt group that sought to eradicate the Shinawatras from Thai politics.

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5. Why did Thaksin and Yingluck go into exile?

Opponents accused Thaksin of abusing his power to promote his familys business interests. The sales of the Shinawatras majority stakes in Shin Corp to a foreign company were seen as the final straw, and mass protests by the Yellow Shirts eventually led to his downfall. Thaksin claimed assassination attempts were made against him before and after the 2006 coup, making him fear for his safety if he remained in Thailand. His then-wife Pojamarn Damapong was sentenced to jail for tax evasion linked to a transfer of Shin Corp shares, and Thaksin decided to flee in 2008 to avoid corruption charges. Hes spent the intervening years shuttling between Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and London, and been found guilty in absentia in four graft cases. The offenses included illegally concealing shares in Shin Corp and conflicts of interest over a state bank loan to Myanmar that benefited Shin Satellite. Thaksin was ordered to serve eight years in prison after he returned to Thailand, and was expected to petition for a royal pardon. Yingluck fled in 2017 and a court later sentenced her to five years in prison for criminal negligence in a rice subsidy program that cost the state billions of dollars.

6. Why did the Shinawatras make peace with the conservative elite?

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Thaksin had tried to return to Thailand several times over the years, but his plans never came through or went awry. In 2013, Yinglucks government introduced an amnesty bill that would have paved the way for him to come home and avoid jail, but it sparked mass protests that eventually led to the 2014 coup that toppled her government. What eventually sealed his return was the rise of the upstart political movement Move Forward and its resounding win in the May election. The party pushed for changes to the law that restricts what can be said about the nations powerful monarchy and won support from many younger Thais disillusioned with the status quo. Pro-establishment parties were handed a decisive defeat and the conservative elite needed an ally to block Move Forward from taking power. The Shinawatras also had an interest in thwarting Move Forward, whose pledge to improve living standards with large-scale social welfare programs challenged Pheu Thais status as the party of the working class. So the long-time rivals forged a deal that would let Thaksin come home and allow the conservatives to be in a new Pheu Thai-led government. The truce may mark an end to the cycle of coups and deadly street protests that have eroded the nations competitiveness as a Southeast Asian manufacturing destination since the turn of the century.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

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Jamal Davis wanted to do something when he learned in May that Experience Corps, a tutoring program that links students in Baltimore City schools with adults 50 and older, might have to close its doors due to insufficient funding. Fast, informative and written just for locals. Get The 7 DMV newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. ArrowRight Experience Corps is run by the D.C.-based AARP Foundation, which advocates for adults 50 and older. After AARP announced that it could no longer fund the tutoring program, a group of Baltimore-area tutors launched a campaign to keep it going.

When I heard about it, I reached out to [the tutors], and asked if we could meet and just shared something with them, said Davis, who joined Experience Corps in 2014 and has served as a tutor and a site coordinator. He was previously paid $400 per month. I knew about the program and funding sources, and some people out there that might lend an ear to what we were trying to do.

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Elected leaders, including Bill Ferguson (D), president of Marylands State Senate, and Baltimore City Council member Zeke Cohen (District 1), later intervened, according to Davis. Cohen said he contacted AARP officials on behalf of the tutors and warned them that this kind of disinvestment would harm some of the citys most vulnerable neighborhoods. Cohen said that some of the areas he represents would have been affected, though he is unsure which ones.

For me, the decision to leave and evacuate Baltimore was unacceptable, and we asked that AARP consider some different form of investment, he said.

David Schuhlein, a spokesperson for Ferguson, wrote in an email that among Fergusons efforts to keep the program, he advocated to the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership that they fund an Elev8 proposal for a $38,000 grant to provide stipends to Experience Corps [tutors].

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In an email sent to Cohen on Dec. 20, Mioshi Moses, vice president of AARP Foundation Experience Corps, wrote that the foundation will relaunch the program and it will partner with the YMCA in Central Maryland and Elev8 Baltimore, a student-focused charity. Alexandria Warrick Adams, executive director of Elev8, said her office will coordinate the tutoring.

AARP Foundation has invested $300,000 for each [Elev8 and the YMCA] program over the course of three years, Moses wrote.

Moses was unavailable for comment. Its not clear how tutors will be compensated when the program relaunches or how AARP will distribute the additional funds.

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The goal of Experience Corps is to help students read at their respective grade level by third grade, according to the foundation. The program, which began in Baltimore 12 years ago, at its pre-coronavirus height worked with 233 classrooms in 31 schools and after-school facilities, according to the foundations most recent data.

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Tierra Thompson said two of her children participated in the program while attending the Johnston Square Elementary School. She said the program helped them get better grades in math. As a single mother at the time, Thompson, of East Baltimore, said having access to a program like this demonstrates to her that the teachers care about her children because they identify areas in need of development.

Davis, 61, is from Brooklyn, and lives in Govans in North Baltimore.

He learned about Experience Corps after undergoing hip replacement surgery in 2014 and was looking for ways to get back into the workforce. Hes disabled and is no longer able to run or engage in other physical activity.

Experience Corps gave me an opportunity to see that my life wasnt over just because of this hip being replaced, Davis said. Its been a wonderful experience going into the schools.

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Davis tutors at several schools, including Barclay Elementary/Middle School and Garrett Heights Elementary/Middle School.

He said he loves every aspect of being a tutor. For instance, he recalled the time he was able to comfort an Experience Corps crying third grader seven years ago after someone called her stupid.

Experience Corps organized a celebration at the Weinberg YMCA in Waverlyto honor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. about four years after the incident. The student was one of the speakers tasked to recite Kings I Have a Dream speech.

He said he cried when he saw her.

That to me told me I was doing something right. To remember her in that hallway and four years later she was in a position to be a speaker at a public [space], thats the power of Experience Corps.

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Julia Flynn Siler is the author of Lost Kingdom: Hawaiis Last Queen, the Sugar Kings, and Americas First Imperial Adventure. 'Paradise of the Pacific" is a title meant to convey a bitter irony, for Hawaii was never a paradise for most Hawaiians. The phrase was originally the name of a tourism-promotion magazine founded in Honolulu in 1888 during the reign of King Kalakaua. Yet, as we learn from Susanna Moores new book, the destruction of ancient Hawaii began long before tourists overran it and even before the first Christian missionaries unpacked their Bibles.

Moore, who was born in Pennsylvania, grew up in Hawaii and attended Punahou, the elite school founded in 1841 by missionaries to educate their children. She is best known for her novels and memoirs. By deftly weaving together the diary entries, letters and reports of white visitors as well as the work of Native Hawaiian historians for her new book, Moore creates a vivid and disturbing portrait of Hawaii when the alii, or chiefs, ruled the islands.

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Her most compelling character is Kaahumanu, King Kamehamehas favorite of his 22 wives. Born around 1768, a decade before Capt. James Cook and his men first arrived in the Hawaiian Islands, this magnificent female chief, who stood six feet tall, played a crucial role in the overthrow of the old ways. After Kamehamehas death, she lifted the kapu, or taboo, against men and women eating food from the same bowl, along with other rules enforced by fear of death.

Creating for herself a new position of regent to 21-year-old Liholiho, who became King Kamehameha II, Kaahumanu also oversaw the destruction of the temples where human sacrifices had long been performed. As Kamehameha II drunkenly caroused his way across the island chain that his father had bloodily unified, Kaahumanu consolidated her own power.

Congregationalist missionaries left Boston for Hawaii just five months after Kamehameha Is death in 1819 and one month before the abolition of kapu. Without their gods, the Hawaiians were suddenly alone, with neither the old nor the new, Moore writes, lost in a profound uncertainty that left them particularly vulnerable to the god Jehovah, who was bearing down on them. It is Kaahumanus profound change, which began even before the missionaries arrived and resulted in her conversion to Christianity, that drives Moores story forward.

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Born in a cave on Maui, she was a remarkable beauty who was said to have an amorous nature. Her jealous husband, Kamehameha, ordered his bodyguards to watch her constantly, lest she stray. (Hed already murdered her young lover.) When he left her after 13 years to live with another wife, she was said to have plunged into the sea and swum six miles in the dark through shark-infested waters in an attempt to end her life. After her fathers death, she slept with his bones next to her to keep his life force near.

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When missionaries first saw Ka'ahumanu, she was lying on a large mat, wearing "a band of yellow feathers low on her forehead. Her attendants fanned her and scratched her back, while the chiefs waited in line to greet her. It was the first time that the missionaries saw the hula  hundreds of dancing men and women, shouting and clapping, the men wearing thick anklets of rattling dogs' teeth. . . . She was aloof and grand, as was her way, allowing them only to touch her little finger when they attempted to take her hands in greeting." But in one of her first formal meetings with Hiram Bingham, a missionary leader, she asked him to pray for Liholiho, who was frequently drunk.

It is to Moores credit that she draws such a vibrant portrait of this female chief, considering that Kaahumanu did not learn to write until a few years before her death in 1832 and left virtually no record of her life in the form of journals or diaries. Travelers and missionaries wrote descriptions of her, as did Native Hawaiian historians, but Moore concedes that these are unreliable. (At least five different dates are given for her birth, for instance.)

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Moores decision to include long excerpts from the journals of voyagers and missionaries at times makes for dense and challenging reading. She seems to have succumbed to research-rapture as she combed through these long-ago accounts. But by bringing together her research in a collage of impressions, she creates a deeper whole. I found myself seduced by these early witnesses to Hawaiian culture.

Paradise of the Pacific is not a comprehensive history of the islands; its focus is on Kaahumanus life span. In a few paragraphs, Moore skims through the period starting with the ascension of King Kalakaua, in 1874, through the overthrow of his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani, in 1893. She ignores the mass protest rallies and the tens of thousands of Native Hawaiians who signed an anti-annexation petition filed in Congress and instead describes annexation as taking place in 1898 with little resistance from the Hawaiians.

In the final and arguably the best section of the book, Moore argues that it is too easy to fault foreigners for the dissolution and eventual collapse of the Hawaiian monarchy, too simplistic to decry the acquisitive traders and shopkeepers who followed the ships, or the native chiefs who lost their kingdom through negligence and misrule. The gods did not die; slowly they withdrew from the people, who no longer honored them. 

In lyrical language, Moore tells us this heart-wrenching tale of beauty, terror and loss.

Paradise of the Pacific

Approaching Hawaii

By Susanna Moore

Farrar Straus Giroux. 303 pp. $26
No one knows me better than my Spotify algorithm, so when the good people at the streaming platform suggested I listen to Rich Men North of Richmond by little-known country artist Oliver Anthony Music, I happily obliged. About two minutes into the song, I was hooked.

Here was Oliver Anthony, a bearded North Carolina factory worker, singing innocently about the plight of the working class. Midway through the track, I did a quick Google to learn more, and thats when I kind of wish I hadnt.

The song has clocked up more than 30 million views and is number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US, while also climbing to number 30 on the Australian Spotify charts. But it turns out much of that popularity stems from high-profile support from conservative politicians and commentators who see the song as the latest weapon in the culture wars.

So, is Oliver Anthony Musics track a conservative catchcry or just a simple country ditty that we should all just try and enjoy? Lets unpack.
Crowd-pulling artists Gordi, Mama Kin and Fred Leone will lead a new body charged by the Albanese government with making Australia the commercial hit-making music capital of the world.

One of Australias most experienced music promoters, Michael Chugg, has also been given a seat at the table of the newly created board of Music Australia, which the music industry hopes will pave the way for a new era of homegrown music chart domination.

The composition of the new federal government agency heralds a shift in focus from more experimental and classical forms of music expression to mainstream, commercial contemporary music content while building connections between creators and audiences, here and overseas.

Gordi has appointed to the board of Music Australia.

Music Australias activities will have $70 million in funds over four years, as part of the $283 million for the countrys arts and cultural sector outlined in Revive, Labors arts policy blueprint launched in Melbourne in January.
Unfortunately, it sounds like your colleague is happy to throw you under the bus to get ahead. Toxic colleagues are really difficult to work with. I suggest  when you have direct evidence they have said something about a mistake you have allegedly made  you ask for a meeting to talk about it with them. Many toxic colleagues rely on expecting you will never challenge them, so letting them know you are aware of what they are up to could help.

Im a freelancer and have worked for one company for a few years now. Ive recently found out a colleague  who works at the company on a permanent basis  is blaming me for their many errors. I know I make mistakes (Im only human, after all) but Im honest and inform my team if something is genuinely my fault. What should I do?

I would start by asking your colleague, why? Ask why they feel the need to tell people you are responsible for mistakes when you are not. Ask why, if they did feel you have made a mistake, they didnt ask you about it directly. Go into the conversation with curiosity and let them know you want to make sure this doesnt happen again. If they dont meet with you or hear your perspective, I think you need to talk to your boss and ask for their advice on how to handle this tricky situation.

Ive been in a role for three months and my manager and other staff are worried about me leaving. They all say Im excelling in the role, but Im young and find the company boring. Do I stay or go?

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All of us have jobs which, at times, we can find painfully boring, so my advice is to stay where you are. If it is making you sad, you should definitely have a chat with your boss and, rather than tell them youre bored, focus on new responsibilities or areas for development. Leaving a job after three months will not look good on your CV and may make it hard for you to get another job. The bottom line is, if youre bored in this role, you may find the next position just as boring.

It sounds like you are doing well, so hang in there for a year or two, learn all you can and take advantage of any learning opportunities you are offered. Look for ways you can stretch in your existing abilities  a challenge sounds like just what you need.
You can get a bowl of udon noodles just about anywhere in Japan but this bowl of noodles here in front of me, this bowl can only be enjoyed right here in the Goto Islands. To my inexpert eye these fresh Goto udon noodles, sitting in a bowl ready to be cooked, dont look all that different to other udon noodles  but I know that they are.

Fragrant jigoku-daki noodles: the islands are the only place you can enjoy fresh Goto udon noodles.

That is because I have just toured the Nakamoto Seimen factory and Ive watched the master noodle makers at work, twisting the ever-lengthening ropes of noodle to break down the gluten. Ive seen these noodles hanging off their drying racks, stretched to an incredible 1.75 metres. So I know  this bowl of noodles is something special. And its not the only thing on Fukue Island that is.

Fukue Island is the largest of the Goto Islands, an archipelago sitting around 100 kilometres off the coast of Kyushu near Nagasaki. The islands are home to one of Japans UNESCO World Heritage sites, a collection of churches erected by the kakure kirishitan, the secret Christians who fled here after the shogun outlawed Christianity in 1614. Spend a couple of days on Fukue, however, and you soon discover there is much more to discover.
While we waited in the long queue at the car hire desk at Florence airport, my wife begged me to swap to a normal vehicle. But this only made me more determined. You cant start a running joke on a group holiday and then back out. I was intent on being the man in the Bateman cartoon who rented an electric vehicle in Italy. I would relish their faces when I pulled up at the villa in my torque-y, rangy beauty and  my final flourish  plugged it in to the villas own power supply to charge for free. But to be clear, my wife was saying to the Hertz lady, we can charge this car from a domestic socket at home. If there were no charging stations, somehow? Certainly. Certainly? Certo. The sleek and sexy Polestar 2. Credit: Alamy Sadly the full triumph of my arrival at the house in a car with 330 km still on the clock, which had glided up the mountainous drive, and conveyed us in swift, silent, air-conditioned bliss was totally eclipsed by the news that the Browns Jeep  of which the wife, a car reviewer, had been quite proud  was currently stuck up another stone track 110 km away with two punctures. They had followed Google Maps up, as it turned out, a footpath. In the kerfuffle about finding a cab to drive them on to our villa (180, $A305), they had brought the Jeeps key with them, instead of leaving it for the rescue man. Someone would have to drive it back the next day. Obviously, having the superior car, I volunteered. That trip ate up 235 km of my range. It involved diversions, including down a footpath. All right, the footpath, although I wasnt dumb enough to get two punctures. On my return at dusk, I was anxious enough about my range to scout the charging station in the village, but couldnt pinpoint it in the dark. In the light of day, this turned out to be because the car park in which it would be situated hadnt yet been built.

My car then announced that the other local station, a Tesla Supercharger, was unsuitable for my car, knocking out another 40 per cent of all Italian EV stations. Back at the villa, my idea of a running joke had become 12 people on their phones, all shouting out EV locations and advice, right down to 11-year-olds. I decided it was time the domestic charger came out, but I couldnt find it in the car. Because it wasnt in the car. Loading The whole party of 14 in four cars then decided to come and watch my progress at a charging station in Radda, 20 km away. Tourists: gormless idiots. But this car park had been built, the charging station stood there and plugging-in was childs play, literally, followed by applause, pictures and lunch. When we returned, the car wasnt charged. Insufficient power in the charging station. Some local farmer air-conditioning his chickens, I imagine. Eighty-ish km left. Not even enough to drive the car back to Florence airport and apologise for accidentally filling it with petrol. (Oh, the back seat mainly. ) Until now I really hadnt understood range-anxiety, which is the tension built up about spending the night in your car in a local dogging spot. I had one shot left: home (20 km), then in the morning drive to Siena (60 km), where it was alleged the car hire company had a charging station and office. Siena, home of the Palio, the violent urban horse race where jockeys whip and punch each other for supremacy, just like London rush-hour.

Palio in Siena: As bad as rush hour in London. Credit: iStock Three cars set out this time and I calculated that, just to fill up my car with juice, we would have driven 60 km (120 km round trip), plus Radda, and all my back-up cars, possibly to fail. When I would walk the rest of the way to the Hertz office and go full gammon, demanding a new car. With 2 km to go, I had 2 km range left, but luckily the Hertz office was in a suburban wasteland, not the city centre. I finally plugged the Polestar into a working charging station and felt ecstatic release. Only an hour to wait in 40 degree sunshine and Id be good to go. So I popped into the office to ask the whereabouts of my domestic charger. It was under the bonnet, they pointed out. Ah! I said. You see, the main charger was in the boot, and I thought the bonnet contained not the engine, obviously EVs dont have engines. That would be dumb, obviously, not checking the bonnet, because you thought it housed the engine. The domestic charger was under the bonnet. But it didnt work at our villa anyway because it required an adapter. When I finally dropped the car off at Florence airport, I complimented the Hertz man on the car (let nobody say gammons never say nice things), and he responded: Yes, a beautiful car. But no charging stations. Only one in Florence, one in Siena. Next year, I may rely on horsepower and perhaps enter the Palio.
Tokyo: Japan said on Tuesday it will start releasing into the sea more than 1 million metric tons of treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant on August 24, proceeding with a plan heavily criticised by China.

The plan, approved two years ago by the Japanese government as crucial to decommissioning the plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco), has also faced criticism from local fishing groups fearing it could tarnish their reputation.

An aerial view shows the storage tanks for treated water at the tsunami-crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Okuma town, Fukushima prefecture, Japan. Credit: Reuters

I expect the water release to start on August 24, weather conditions permitting, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said.

The announcement comes a day after the government said it had won a degree of understanding from the fishing industry over the release of the water into the Pacific Ocean, even as fishing groups said they still feared the reputational damage would ruin their livelihood.
Wildcards now available on mobile for Weber State community

August 23, 2023

OGDEN, Utah  Weber State University students, faculty and staff can now add their Wildcard to Apple Wallet or Google Pay and use their mobile devices to access campus buildings, purchase meals and more.

With mobile IDs, students can complete any action that previously required a physical card  both on and off campus  with just their iPhone, Apple Watch or Android phone. Students can place their device near a reader to enter the Wildcat Center and residence halls, make purchases at the Wildcat Store, buy lunch and more.

The move from physical cards to a contactless Wildcard allows for transactions that are safe, convenient and highly secure, and helps students avoid touching readers or handing their cards to someone else. Weber State can also issue school IDs remotely or print and mail physical cards.

The ability to add the Wildcard to a students phone marks a landmark moment for Weber State University, said Chip Coleman, WSU systems architect. Its not just about making the Wildcard easily accessible and always in your pocket, its a commitment to enhancing WSU student experiences and elevating community security.

Wildcard is also protected by two-factor authentication to ensure only the student can access their own account, even if someone else knows their password.

To set up, students must download the eAccounts app, authenticate with their university credentials and then add their Wildcard to Apple Wallet or Google Pay. Further instructions are available on the Wildcard website.

For help setting up mobile Wildcard, please visit Wildcard Services & Information Desk in Shepherd Union or the Davis Student Services in D2 on WSU Davis.

Code Purple safety app also available on mobile

Weber State students, faculty and staff can also download the Code Purple app to their mobile devices to stay up to date during emergencies.

Code Purple also offers features to keep users safe, including texting with a dispatcher, reporting tips straight to campus police and campus emergency plans.

Users will still receive Code Purple text messages, phone calls and email alerts without the app, but using the app unlocks helpful safety features, such as Friend Walk, which allows a trusted friend to track a users walk home.

Sign up for safety alerts and download the app on the Code Purple website.
CCTV: President Xi Jinping held talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday during his state visit to South Africa. Can you give us more details?

Wang Wenbin: It was President Xi Jinpings fourth state visit to South Africa. On yesterday morning local time, President Xi held fruitful talks with President Ramaphosa in Pretoria, and the two presidents jointly met the press. The two heads of state had an in-depth exchange of views on the development of China-South Africa relations in the new era and international and regional issues of mutual interest, and they reached important common understandings. They agreed to work together to take the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership to a new height and build a high-quality China-South Africa community with a shared future.



President Xi Jinping made a four-point proposal on elevating China-South Africa relations and building a high-quality China-South Africa community with a shared future. First, China and South Africa should be strategic partners with a high degree of mutual trust. Comradeship and brotherhood are inherent to the bilateral relationship. The two sides need to step up exchange and cooperation between legislatures, political parties, the military and subnational governments, and continue to support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and key concerns. Second, China and South Africa should be development partners making progress together. Mutual benefits and win-win are defining features of our cooperation. With a focus on Belt and Road cooperation, implementation of the nine programs of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation as well as the 10-Year Strategic Program of Cooperation, the two sides need to consolidate cooperation in areas of strength and foster new growth points for cooperation. Third, China and South Africa should be friendly partners enjoying mutual understanding. Close ties between the two peoples are a vivid example of amity between the two countries. China is ready to strengthen exchange and cooperation with South Africa on vocational education, culture and tourism, support closer technological cooperation and joint research by scientific research institutions and businesses, and deliver more benefits of cooperation to the two peoples. Fourth, China and South Africa should be global partners with a commitment to justice. Independence is a principle upheld by both countries. China is ready to work with South Africa and other developing countries to jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, practice true multilateralism, increase the representation and voice of the Global South in global governance, and safeguard the shared interests and development space of developing countries.



President Xi Jinping pointed out that, in recent years, BRICS countries have acted on the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, and have written a splendid chapter of countries with different systems and cultures and in different regions joining hands for development, which has become a signature of South-South cooperation. The President said that he looks forward to working with BRICS leaders to explore ways for the unity and development of BRICS countries in the new era, push for more fruitful outcomes of the Summit and facilitate the building of a more just and equitable global governance.



President Xi Jinping emphasized that China and Africa have always been a community with a shared future. China firmly supports African countries in seeking strength through unity, firmly supports the African Union to achieve substantive progress this year in joining the G20, and firmly supports Africa in promoting its industrialization and agricultural modernization. He looks forward to co-hosting the China-Africa Leaders Dialogue with President Ramaphosa to draw up a new blueprint together with other participating African leaders for China-Africa unity and cooperation and to take the China-South Africa community with a shared future to a higher level.



President Ramaphosa noted that China lent precious support to South Africa during its struggles for national independence and liberation and in its pursuit of national development. China gave South Africa much-needed support in difficult times such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. China is a true friend, brother, and partner of South Africa. Over the past 25 years after the establishment of the diplomatic relations, South Africa has been committed to the one-China principle. The two countries have enjoyed vibrant relations, close interactions at various levels and fruitful cooperation in many fields. South Africa commends the huge development feats achieved by the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. It is ready to develop closer exchanges between political parties, deepen experience sharing on the governance of political parties and countries, carry out pilot programs for poverty reduction with Chinese features, and expand cooperation on trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and science and technology. He welcomes more Chinese businesses to invest and do business in South Africa. He fully agrees with President Xi Jinpings proposal for win-win cooperation. South Africa and other countries in the Global South all hope to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China to better meet challenges together, and promote an international order that is more egalitarian, just and equitable. South Africa is ready to work with other BRICS countries to resolutely uphold multilateralism, advance reform of the global governance system, and safeguard the common interests of the developing countries. He looks forward to co-hosting the China-Africa Leaders Dialogue with President Xi Jinping to take Africa-China relations to new heights.



The two presidents agreed to further advance the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era, increase the representation and say of the Global South in global governance, and lend fresh impetus to the endeavor to deepen solidarity and cooperation of BRICS countries and bring China-Africa comprehensive strategic partnership to new levels.



Following their talks, President Ramaphosa bestowed to President Xi Jinping the Order of South Africa. The two presidents witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents on Belt and Road cooperation, new energy, agricultural product, special economic zone, industrial park, blue economy, technological innovation and higher education. The two sides issued a Joint Statement Between the Peoples Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa.



This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and South Africa. Over the past 25 years, our relationship has achieved leapfrog development--from a partnership to a strategic partnership, and then to a comprehensive strategic partnership. It is one of the most vibrant bilateral relations in the developing world and is taking on greater global influence. President Xis successful state visit has opened up a new chapter in the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership and will guide bilateral exchange and cooperation across the board to new heights, achieve new results and inject strong impetus into building a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future. Our relationship has entered a golden era, enjoying broad prospects and a promising future.



AFP: AFP reporters onboard the Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Cabra witnessed eight Chinese ships chasing and blocking Philippine boats during a mission to resupply the Sierra Madre in the South China Sea. One of the Chinese ships came within several meters of the vessel that AFP journalists were on. Can you explain the actions of the Chinese ships?



Wang Wenbin: The spokesperson of China Coast Guard (CCG) has issued a statement regarding the Philippines illegal trespassing into waters near Chinas Renai Jiao, and you may refer to that. Let me stress that in response to what the Philippines did, China Coast Guard took necessary law enforcement action in accordance with the law. We also demand that the Philippines immediately stop any action that may complicate the situation on the ground.



Dragon TV: Srettha Thavisin, a key member of Thailands Pheu Thai party, was elected the countrys 30th prime minister on August 22. Whats your comment on this and whats your expectation for China-Thailand relations?



Wang Wenbin: As Thailands friendly neighbor and being part of a community with a shared future with Thailand, China is glad that Thailand is advancing its major political agenda, including the election for the prime minister, with good progress. We congratulate Mr. Srettha Thavisin on his election as the new Prime Minister. We believe the Thai people will achieve even greater success on its national development path that suits their countrys realities.



China and Thailand are as close as one family. Over the past half a century and more since the establishment of diplomatic ties, our two countries have always stood together and pursued shared development no matter how the international landscape evolves. We are ready to work together with Thailand to focus on building a community with a shared future and pass on our close bond as good neighbors, friends, relatives and partners from generation to generation.



CCTV: According to foreign media reports, the EU submitted a working document to the UN Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours earlier this week, announcing that all EU members have committed to a US proposal not to conduct tests of destructive, direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) missiles. According to the document, the EU considers such commitment as an urgent measure aimed at preventing damage to the outer space environment, while also contributing to the prevention of an arms race in outer space. What is your comment?



Wang Wenbin: China noted relevant reports.



The US commitment is limited to tests of destructive, direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) missiles and does not mention the research and development, production, deployment and use of such weapons, or any other activity that threatens or disrupts the normal operation of satellites. In fact, Since the US first tested DA-ASAT missiles in 2008, it has repeatedly carried out anti-missile tests of anti-satellite nature, developed directed energy weapons, and deployed offensive weapons such as the Counter Communications System (CCS). All these show that that kind of commitment does not actually limit its space military strength. This is not about arms control, but about arms expansionkeeping the US the No.1 militarily in the world and expanding that lead through multilateral commitments.



The current grave security situation and heightening arms race in the outer space is not caused by tests of a particular kind of anti-satellite weapon per se, but by the US quest for space dominance, its characterization of space as a battlefield, and all the steps it has taken to pour resources into space military capabilities, build space military alliances and stoke major-country rivalry. The US commitment does not address the real threat to outer space security. It solves neither the symptoms nor root causes.



The fundamental solution to the issue of outer space security is to reach a legal instrument on outer space arms control through negotiations, which could prohibit the deployment of weapons and the use or threat of use of force against objects in the outer space in a legally-binding way. We hope relevant countries will listen carefully to the call from the international community for peace in the outer space, abandon the Cold-War mentality, end offensive outer space military policies, return to the right track of negotiations on an outer space arms control legal instrument, and make concrete efforts to safeguard peace and stability in the outer space.



Kyodo News: According to Japanese media reports, the Japanese government plans to start discharging the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water from 1 p.m. local time on August 24. Whats your comment on this?



Wang Wenbin: I shared with you yesterday Chinas position on the Japanese governments decision to start releasing the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean from August 24.



Yesterday Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoned Japans Ambassador to China Hideo Tarumi to make serious demarches to the Japanese side on this. He noted that in disregard of the strong criticism and opposition from the international community, the Japanese government announced the decision to start releasing the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean soon. This is extremely selfish and irresponsible, as the discharge will spread the risks of nuclear contamination to its neighbouring countries, including China, and the rest of the world, and by doing so, Japan is putting its selfish interests above the long-term wellbeing of people in the region and beyond. China is gravely concerned and strongly opposed to this.



The ocean sustains humanity. It is not a sewer for Japans nuclear-contaminated water. Japans pushing for the ocean discharge plan is no doubt a huge gamble that ventures the global marine environment and peoples health. If Japan sincerely wants to address the concerns of neighboring countries, it should stop insisting on dumping nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean, communicate with other parties without taking the decision in advance and fully discuss all potential options for disposing of the water safely.



China strongly urges Japan to cancel its wrong decision, stop pushing for the ocean discharge plan, carry out communication with neighboring countries with sincerity and good will, dispose of the water in a responsible manner, and avoid creating unpredictable damage and harm to the global marine environment. If Japan is bent on proceeding with its discharge plan, the Chinese government will take necessary measures to firmly protect the marine environment, food safety and peoples health.



The negative impact of the ocean discharge cannot be undone. We dont want August 24, 2023 to be a disaster day for marine environment. If Japan does not change course, it must bear the historic responsibility for this decision.



AFP: Independent nuclear experts have told AFP that the levels of tritium expected to be released by Japan are well below the WHO drinking water standards. And Japanese media have also reported that levels of tritium recorded in wastewater from Chinese nuclear plants in 2021 exceeded the maximum levels for the treated water that will be released by Japan. So in this case, can you tell us whats the scientific basis for Chinas opposition to Japans plan?



Wang Wenbin: Like we have said many times, there is a fundamental difference between the nuclear-contaminated water that came into direct contact with the melted reactor cores in the Fukushima nuclear disaster and the water released by nuclear power plants in normal operation. They are different in nature, come from different sources and require different levels of sophistication to handle. Japan deliberately compares the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water with water released by nuclear power plants in normal operation, which only proves that Japan is not handling the issue scientifically and is deliberately misleading the international community.



I need to stress that for the past two years and more, the legitimacy, legality and safety of Japans ocean discharge plan has been questioned over and over again by the international community. Japan has yet to address major international concerns such as the long-term reliability of the purification facility, the authenticity and accuracy of the nuclear-contaminated water data, and the effectiveness of the monitoring arrangement. China and other stakeholders have pointed out on multiple occasions that if the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water is truly safe, Japan wouldnt have to dump it into the seaand certainly shouldnt if its not. It is unjustified, unreasonable and unnecessary for Japan to push through the ocean discharge plan. We urge Japan not to shift the risk of nuclear pollution onto the rest of humanity in pursuit of its selfish interests.



Ukrainian News Agency: The spokesman of the UN Secretary General told reporters yesterday that the UN along with its partners launched a fundraiser to support Ukraine. It is planned to raise about USD 270 million to support more than one million people in Ukraine with specific assistance in the cold winter months. Whats Chinas comment? Can China join this humanitarian initiative?



Wang Wenbin: China has played a constructive role in our own way to help ease the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. We put forward Chinas proposals including a six-point initiative on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and sent multiple batches of humanitarian supplies to the country. We are ready to continue making our efforts in this regard.



Bloomberg: The US said on Tuesday that it will impose visa limits on some officials in China for their part in allegedly forcing Tibetan children to assimilate into mainstream Chinese society. What is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs response?



Wang Wenbin: The US imposed those illegal sanctions on Chinese officials under the pretext of Tibet-related issues and in disregard of the facts. This move gravely interferes in Chinas internal affairs, harms Chinas interests, and violates basic norms governing international relations. We firmly oppose and strongly condemn it.



The human rights conditions in Tibet are at their historical best, as witnessed by the international community. The region has long enjoyed a booming economy, harmonious and stable society, and effective protection and promotion of cultural heritage. The rights and freedoms of all ethnic groups, including the freedom of religious belief and the freedom to use and develop their ethnic groups spoken and written languages, are fully protected. As is commonly seen around the world, there are boarding schools across Chinese provinces and regions to meet the need of the local students. In the case of Chinas Tibet, this is a region of high altitude and highly scattered population in many areas. For children from herding families in particular, they have to travel long distances to get to school. If schools were to be built in every place the students live, it would be very difficult to ensure adequate teachers and quality of teaching in each school. That is why boarding schools have been set up as a practical way to ensure all childrens equal right to education. It is entirely up to the students and their parents whether to go to boarding schools or not. Students can choose to go home on every weekend, holiday and festival (including traditional Tibetan festivals such as the Tibetan New Year and the Shoton Festival), as well as during the winter and summer breaks. Parents can visit their children at school any time and take their children home whenever needed. Courses of traditional culture, such as Tibetan language and literature and folk dance, are widely available, traditional food unique to the Tibet Plateau is provided, and students are allowed to wear traditional dresses at these schools. The boarding schools in Tibet are examples of human rights and cultural heritage protection. The so-called forced assimilation is pure fabrication.



In contrast, throughout the US history, more than 4.7 million Native Americans were slaughtered, and people of Asian and African descent and other ethnic communities suffer daily from the scourge of racial discrimination. In recent years, the USs armed invasion has led to millions of casualties in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria. The US needs to reflect on itself, instead of styling itself as a judge and wantonly meddling in other countries internal affairs by wielding the big stick of human rights.



I need to stress that Tibet-related affairs are purely Chinas internal affairs that brook no foreign interference. The US needs to respect facts, fulfill its commitment on Tibet, stop using Tibet-related issues to meddle in Chinas internal affairs and undermine Chinas interests, and immediately withdraw its wrong decision. Otherwise, there will be a resolute response from China.



AP: The Philippine government issued a statement saying that the Chinese Coast Guard has repeatedly attempted to block Filipino supply missions in the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The Philippine Coast Guard has also said two supply boats have maneuvered past the Chinese Coast Guard blockade, as earlier mentioned in an earlier question. We would like to ask if you have any comments related to the incident and the Philippine government statement?



Wang Wenbin: I made clear Chinas position just now. We ask the Philippines to immediately stop any actions that may complicate the situation on the ground.
BERN TWP., Pa. - A hospital with a long history of health care in the community.

"The care and the quality of this hospital is beyond reproach, said State Rep Barry Jozwiak.

Hospital leaders, local and state reps, as well as Penn State University's President gathered Tuesday with the staff at Penn State Health St. Joseph in Bern Township for food, fellowship, music and a dunk tank to celebrate 150 years of serving the people of Berks County and beyond.

"I am here to say thank you. It's overwhelming to be here with you. We are so grateful the very first hospital in the Penn State system, said Neeli Bendapudi, President of Penn State University.

It's a health care system that's seen a lot of growth and change over the years. It started in the city of Reading before expanding to the current location in Bern Township.

One woman who's worked and seen her way through 60 years of it is Cathy Thomas of Fleetwood.

I started out as an emergency room nurse and then I went on to critical care, said Thomas.

She can still vividly recall that very first shift in the E-R back in '63.

"I think that night we saw something like 45 patients, which was a lot in 1963, said Thomas.

It's a day of celebration but also a day for reflection for those in the Penn State Health St. Joseph's community, looking back on how much health care has changed.

Technology. I mean technology has caused so much change in health and also that we can do much more, Thomas said.

She says despite all the changes it's still about the people showing compassion to those in need.

Our nurses are still great caregivers and are very instrumental in being personable to our patients, said Thomas.
BERN TWP., Pa.  Donations are coming in on a GoFundMe page arranged to help with funeral expenses for 12-year-old Shaakir Kisubi.

Officials said the young boy died after going under the water at Blue Marsh Lake on Saturday. The Bern Township Police identified him.

His father, Hakim Kisubi, said the boy came to the U.S. in May of 2022 from Uganda.

"He joined me here," Hakim Kisubi said. "We started living together, so we have been so close."

The father said his son was one of his best friends.

"We do shopping together, we do laundry together," Hakim Kisubi said. "We go out when we have to."

First responders were called to the lake around 2 p.m. An official said the boy was with family.

"The individual was not wearing a life jacket, and was also swimming outside of the designated swim area," said Blue Marsh Lake Ranger Kirsten Bell.

Bell said she is recommending everyone wear life jackets and make sure loved ones wear them.

"That's regardless of whether you're swimming or boating, and for that life jacket to function correctly, it must be the right size for the individual wearing it, and it has to be fastened for it to do its job," said Bell.
READING, Pa. - Reading Hospital and several local medical groups are participating in a big back to school "Stuff the Bus" event that helps kids start the year on the right foot.

Organizers send emails to local principals to ask what the teachers would like donated.

"So, we get wish lists from them and we have people register for classrooms and nurses and then they are responsible for getting all that stuff on the wish list," said organizer Ashley Brumbach. "Each of the teachers for each of the schools will send us their wish list. It's usually like 30-40 kids per classroom."

Three trucks containing the school supplies that various departments of Reading Hospital purchased for the three schools and Reading School District nurses were filled up Tuesday waiting to be delivered.

"Those three schools are Millmont, Glenside and Tyson Schoener," said Brumbach.

Organizers say they are grateful for all of the support and donations they receive to help these children get stocked for school.

"It's absolutely amazing that we are able to help with this and to provide this stuff for the teachers, [students] and the nurses that need it," Brumbach said.

The first day of school for the Reading School District is Monday.
SHILLINGTON, Pa. - For the first time since 2006, Pennsylvania's Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is being updated.

"This is a historical moment; this is important for all of us to celebrate," said Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich.

State officials discussed it at Berks Encore in Shillington Wednesday. They said the expansion means nearly 175,000 additional Pennsylvanians will be eligible for a rebate, including 5,700 in Berks County.

"With the changes that were made as part of the budget this year, the maximum rebate that's provided from this program will go up from $650 to $1,000," said Department of Revenue Secretary Pat Browne.

According to the state, people in Berks already receiving a rebate through the program, will see an increase next year. The income cap for both renters and homeowners will be equal and increase to $45,000. Income caps will be tied to the cost of living moving forward.

Berks County resident Bob Coleman said he is one of the additional people eligible.

"For me, that $250 might pay for several weeks of groceries or a utility bill or allowing to purchase something extra," said Coleman.

The program is for Pennsylvanians 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, as well as people with disabilities who are 18 and older. It is supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery.

Director of the Berks County Area Agency on Aging, Jessica Jones, said there is an online application. She said anyone with questions can contact the agency.

"I think this is just going to be the beginning for more expansion programs to assist seniors in Berks County and across the Commonwealth," said Jones.
HANOVER TWP., Pa.  At its monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, the Hanover Township Board of Supervisors in Northampton County unanimously approved a bid for the construction of pickleball courts at the Hanover Township Community Center.

According to township manager John Finnigan, the $211,000 bid will be awarded to LB Construction Enterprises Inc. LB's bid was chosen out of six total bids, five of which were "complete" bids that included all the township's desired features.

Finnigan noted that the bid's cost was well below the $400,000 that the township had budgeted to construct pickleball courts.

Finnigan and township engineer Brien Kocher said the construction on the pickleball courts could be completed this fall, but might have to be delayed until next spring if a sudden cold snap prevents workers from painting the courts.

In other news, the board provided a update on the installation of sidewalks at the Hanover Township Community Center pool.

According to Finnigan, the installation of sidewalks has been briefly postponed because excess dirt must be removed from the site. The excess dirt is enough to fill 100 truck loads but will be removed at no cost to the township, Finnigan said.

Lastly, board chairman John Diacogiannis announced the township's upcoming Patriot Day memorial event.

The event will be held outside the township's community center on Monday, Sept. 11, at 5:30 p.m. Diacogiannis said it will feature a "flag retirement" ceremony conducted by Boy Scouts to honor the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Tiffany Wright is setting up her classroom for the first time.

Wright and her husband Alvin are busy hanging up addition and subtraction tables for her first through third grade special education students at Mosser Elementary school.

"I am so proud to be here," said Wright.

Wright is one of 40 teachers and substitutes who got a special emergency permit to teach in the Allentown School District because of a nationwide teaching shortage.

"It is a tremendous help, because not all of our positions we have fully qualified applicants," said William Seng, Executive Director of Human Resources for the Allentown School District, "but we have motivated individuals who are looking to get into education."

So what's behind the nationwide shortage?

The National Education Association says it's a couple of things, including burnout from the pandemic, concerns about safety, and compensation.

How does Pennsylvania stack up when it comes to compensation? The NEA ranks the Keystone State at number 11 for how it pays its teachers, with an annual starting salary of around $47,000 a year.

A study by the website Scholaroo ranks Pennsylvania 22nd in terms of the national teacher shortage, estimating that for every 1000 students there are 71 teachers.

Many states are utilizing emergency permits to address the shortage and bolster that ratio.

ASD officials say in order to get a permit, you must have a bachelor's degree and enroll in a teaching certification program. Wright is part of an accelerated teaching program at Lehigh University. ASD says in some cases, tuition reimbursement is available.

For the 2021-2022 school year, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued 22,827 emergency permits. Allentown received 212 of those permits, Bethlehem had 16, and Easton finished out the year with 82. Data for the 2022-2023 is not available.

But Easton and Bethlehem say they both have four teachers with permits joining their staff this semester.

Earlier this month, the Allentown School District welcomed 125 new teachers, but it still has roughly 90 positions open or in the process of being filled.

Wright says she is looking forward to the first day of school.

"I'd like to think I am making a difference," said Wright. "I don't know how grandiose it is, but I think one child at a time if I could make a difference in one child's life, I have done something."

If you're interested in applying for a permit and becoming a teacher in Allentown, email humanresources@allentownsd.org.
FLEMINGTON, N.J. - A man has learned his fate for stabbing and killing a woman in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, more than two years ago.

Brandon Petersen, 33, was sentenced Tuesday to 60 years in state prison, according to the county prosecutor's office. He will have to serve 85% of his sentence, or 51 years, before he can be eligible for parole.

The Sussex County man was convicted in May of first-degree murder and other charges in the Dec. 6, 2020 stabbing in Delaware Township.

A jury found him guilty after a three-week trial.

A witness had told police that she, 38-year-old Michelle Carkhuff and Petersen were hanging out at her apartment on the Kingwood Stockton Road property and that they had done drugs. The witness said Carkhuff and Petersen were in the kitchen cooking when Petersen took a large knife and stabbed Carkhuff in the neck.

Petersen fled, and Carkhuff was taken by a friend to the hospital where she died. Petersen was arrested the next morning in Upper Black Eddy, Bucks County, Pa.

Petersen previously spent 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to stabbing his neighbor when he was 15.
WHITE TWP., N.J. - More than a month after flooding made a mess in Warren County, New Jersey, help has arrived from Washington, D.C.

The Small Business Administration has set up shop just outside Belvidere and is offering low-interest loans to home and business owners, non-profits, and even renters who took a hit.

For Scott Ayers the first hit he remembers, is 1967, when a massive mudslide moved into his family's Warren County auto body shop.

It's happened three times since 2000. The most recent was during the mid-July flooding.

"Ever thought of moving the shop?" I asked.

"Heck no, born and raised here," he said of his Route 46 location between the massive hill prone to eroding and Delaware River prone to flooding.

With this latest disaster a month past, insurance help hasn't arrived.

"You call it a mudslide, they will call it an earth movement, if you say it's flood, they will say it's surface water. They seemed to have turned their back on everybody in Warren County," he said.

But the federal government isn't.

Armed with disaster documentation, Ayers met with the U.S Small Business Administration. They've set up shop inside the Warren County Library off Route 519 in White Township.

"My only hope thus far was my eligibility is for these low-interest loans to pay the debt that I incurred during this time," Ayers said.

Ayers is one of at least 500 people who've contacted New Jersey's Office of Emergency Management to report flood damage.

The SBA is offering disaster assistance loans of up to $2 million, with interest as low as 2.3% for 30 years. Homeowners, businesses, non-profits, and even renters are eligible.

SBA Public Affairs Specialist Delvonnie Burgess encourages anyone who suffered damage to check them out.

"It's very beneficial. I don't want people to think that if they don't want a loan, not to come in and get the assistance that they need, that the federal government can offer them," she said.

As for Ayers, he's surprised to be the sole inquirer during his two hours with the SBA.

"You have to dig yourself out, you can't wait for help," he said.

The SBA will be at the library until Sept. 6.
KYIV, Ukraine  Russia and Ukraine traded drone attacks early Wednesday, officials said, with Kyiv apparently targeting Moscow again and the Kremlin's forces launching another bombardment of Ukrainian grain storage depots in what have recently become signature tactics in the almost 18-month war.

A three-hour nighttime Russian drone attack in Ukraine's southern Odesa region overnight Tuesday caused a blaze at grain facilities, Odesa Regional Military Administration Head Oleh Kiper wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

Ukrainian air defense systems downed nine Shahed drones, Kiper said.

"Unfortunately, there are hits on production and transshipment complexes," he said, adding that no casualties had been reported.

Russia zeroed in on Odesa last month, crippling significant parts of the port city's grain facilities, days after President Vladimir Putin broke off Russia's participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative. That wartime deal enabled Ukraine's exports to reach many countries facing the threat of hunger.

Russian officials, meanwhile, claimed to have downed Ukrainian drones in Moscow and the surrounding region early Wednesday, the defense ministry and the mayor said. No casualties were reported in the drone attack, which has become almost a daily occurrence in the Russian capital.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said one drone smashed into a building under construction in Moscow City, a prestigious business complex hit by drones twice before. Several windows were broken in two buildings nearby and emergency services responded to the scene.

Russia's Ministry of Defense said the drone had been electronically jammed.

It blamed the attack on Ukraine and said two other drones were shot down by air defense systems in the Mozhaisk and Khimki areas of the Moscow region. Kyiv officials, as usual, neither confirmed nor denied Ukraine was behind the drone attacks.

Moscow airports briefly closed but have now reopened, according to Russian state media.

Neither side's claims could be independently verified.

Ukraine has since early this year sought to take the war into the heart of Russia. It has increasingly targeted Moscow's military assets behind the front lines in eastern and southern Ukraine and at the same time has launched drones against Moscow.

Kyiv is also trying to keep up the pressure on the Kremlin along multiple fronts, pursuing a counteroffensive at various points along the 1,500-kilometer (900-mile) front line, as well as diplomatically by obtaining pledges of more weaponry from its Western allies, including F-16 warplanes.

Meanwhile, three people were killed in the Belgorod region of Russia on the Ukrainian border after repeated shelling of a sanatorium, according to Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov.

Gladkov said the sanatorium in the village of Lavy, about 40km (25 miles) from the border, was shelled and that "the enemy dropped two grenades from a drone while people were on the street."

The Belgorod region has witnessed sporadic fighting and shelling during the war, including a border incursion last May that prompted the Kremlin to introduce tighter security.

A handful of foreign dignitaries, including the presidents of Portugal, Finland and Lithuania, visited Ukraine on Wednesday.

Their presence coincided with the Day of the National Flag of Ukraine, which precedes Ukrainian Independence Day on Thursday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, along with Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander in Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi and other top officials, attended the unfurling in Kyiv of a giant Ukrainian flag with numerous signatures of soldiers, volunteers, doctors and rescuers.
According to Statistics Korea on Tuesday, Ulleung boasted an employment rate of 85 percent in the first half of this year.

Rugged Ulleung Island with its 9,000 souls far off in the East Sea has Korea's highest employment rate.

Previously the distinction was held by another rural community, Jangsu in North Jeolla Province, but in 2014 Ulleung took over. The island's employment rate has never fallen below 80 percent except in 2016 since the main source of gainful employment -- squid fishing -- can be done all year round.

"This factor also holds true for other islands that have similar proportions of farming and fishing jobs," said a Statistics Korea official. Seogwipo city on Jeju Island ranked first in terms of employment rate among cities, while Ongjin in the port city of Incheon came first among provincial towns.
The operators of Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant will begin releasing thousands of liters of treated radioactive wastewater from the wrecked facility into the sea on Thursday.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced Tuesday that he gave Tokyo Electric Power Company permission to begin the process, depending on weather conditions.

The plant has been inoperable since March 11, 2011, when a 9.0-magnitude earthquake triggered a tsunami that swept across northeastern Japan before reaching Fukushima prefecture.

The high waves knocked out the plant's power supply and cooling systems and led to a meltdown of three reactors, sending massive amounts of radiation into the air and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents, making it the world's worst nuclear disaster since the 1986 Chernobyl accident.
He noted that China is South Africa's biggest global trade partner, with some $32 billion in bilateral trade last year, but stressed a trade imbalance in China's favor needs addressing. "As South Africa, we would like to see the significant trade deficit narrowed and this visit is an opportunity for us to look at ways to do so," Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa welcomed Xi warmly, recalling how Beijing supported South Africa's struggle against apartheid and calling the relationship between the two a "very special" one.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for an official state visit, full of pomp and ceremony, on the side of the BRICS summit on Tuesday. Xi was greeted in Pretoria with a 21-gun salute as the two countries marked 25 years of diplomatic relations.

South Africa is currently in the throes of a major energy crisis, with its economy being hit hard by almost-daily blackouts. Ramaphosa thanked China for donating emergency power equipment and for a grant of approximately $26 million as development assistance.

"Energy cooperation with China is a recent development that we look to deepen, particularly in line with our respective commitments to low-carbon, climate resilient development," he said.

Ramaphosa confirmed South Africa's commitment to the One-China policy, and noted that Pretoria and Beijing shared a similar position in supporting the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. For his part, Xi noted the two nations share a strong bond, "as comrades and brothers."

Paul Nantulya, a China expert at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, said while China is the world's second largest economy, it has always projected itself as a fellow developing country.

"It would like Global South countries to see it as a developing country and that becomes particularly important in terms of providing a counter-weight to what it sees as a western and a U.S. dominated international order and international system," Nantulya said.

Several memorandums of understanding were signed during the state visit, including agreements on direct investment, the digital economy, the export of avocados, and the development of industrial parks and special economic zones. The two nations also agreed to step up cooperation on tourism and education.

Later Tuesday, the BRICS Summit of emerging economies -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- gets into full swing. All the BRICS country leaders are in attendance save for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who will be taking part remotely. Expansion of the bloc is expected to dominate the agenda of the summit, which ends on Thursday.
Medtronic PLC is a world-leading medical technology company that develops and manufactures device-based medical therapies to improve patient outcomes. Founded in 1949 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Medtronic has grown to become one of the largest medical device companies in the world. The company's operational and executive headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland, with over 90,000 employees in more than 150 countries.



Medtronic's portfolio of medical technologies includes products for diagnosing, treating and managing cardiac rhythm disorders and cardiovascular disease, spinal and biologics, diabetes management and neuromodulation. The company's cardiac and vascular group is the oldest and largest business unit, which develops pacemakers, defibrillators and heart valves. Medtronic's spinal and biologics business is the second-largest business unit and produces a range of implants, instruments and services to treat spinal disorders. The diabetes group develops insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring systems and consumables. At the same time, the neuromodulation business focuses on therapies to treat chronic pain, movement disorders and other neurological conditions.



In 2015, Medtronic acquired Covidien PLC, an Irish-based medical technology company, and moved its legal headquarters to Ireland. This transaction was the most significant U.S. corporate tax inversion in history and allowed the company to take advantage of lower corporate taxes in Ireland. The company also achieved a 100% gender and ethnically diverse pay equity in the U.S. and 99% gender pay equity globally, as reported in its Global Inclusion, Diversity and Equity 2022 annual report. Medtronic joined the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI) in 2023, becoming one of the 483 companies listed in the index.



Medtronic's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol MDT and is a member of the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). The company has had several recent recalls, including the HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device in February 2021 and the controller ports in June 2021.



Medtronic has continued to focus on developing its medical technology portfolio and announced several acquisitions and partnerships in 2021. In January, the company announced its intention to acquire Affera, Inc., Stimgenics LLC and Medicrea. In May, Medtronic announced a strategic partnership with CathWorks, and in March 2022, a contract with Vizient. The company is also working with GE Healthcare to support the needs and care demands at Ambulatory Surgery Centers in April 2022. In October 2022, Medtronic announced its intention to pursue a separation of the company's combined patient monitoring and respiratory interventions businesses.



Medtronic PLC is a world-leading medical technology company that has grown to become one of the largest medical device companies in the world. With its portfolio of medical technologies and recent acquisitions and partnerships, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growth of the medical device industry. The company's commitment to gender and ethnic pay equity and inclusion and its strategic partnerships and acquisitions make Medtronic PLC an attractive option for investors looking for a long-term growth opportunity.
Lithium Americas Corp. is a Canadian mining company focused on producing lithium, a key component in rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. The company's primary asset is the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium project in the Jujuy province of Argentina. Lithium Americas also owns a 49% interest in the Thacker Pass lithium project in Nevada, USA. The company was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The management team at Lithium Americas is led by Chief Executive Officer and Director Jon Evans, who has been with the company since 2015. Evans has extensive experience in the mining industry, having previously served as the CEO of Arizona Mining and as a senior executive at various mining companies. Other key management team members include Chief Operating Officer John Kanellitsas and Chief Finacial Officer Eduard Epshtein. In 2021, the company announced the appointment of Eduardo Machuca as the new Chief Financial Officer, further strengthening the company's commitment to financial responsibility and sustainability.

Lithium Americas has seen strong revenue growth, increasing total revenue over the past several years. However, the company has yet to achieve profitability, reporting a yearly net loss since its inception. Lithium Americas has a strong balance sheet, with assets overpowering liabilities sufficiently. Lithium Americas is valued at a price-to-book ratio slightly below the industry average. However, the company's price-to-earnings ratio is currently negative due to the lack of profitability, making it difficult to compare to industry peers. Lithium Americas' stock has seen significant volatility in recent years, with share prices ranging from a low of $2.05 in March 2020 to a high of $38.94 in January 2021. The company has a market capitalization of approximately $3.5 billion.

The lithium mining industry has grown significantly in recent years due to the increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. However, the industry is also facing challenges related to regulatory and political issues, particularly in countries with significant lithium reserves. The industry is highly competitive, with several large mining companies dominating the market, including Albemarle, SQM, and Ganfeng Lithium.

Lithium Americas has several potential growth opportunities, including developing its Cauchari-Olaroz and Thacker Pass lithium projects. The company is also exploring new partnerships and collaborations to expand its reach in the lithium mining industry. In addition, Lithium Americas is focused on sustainable mining practices and has invested in technology and innovation to minimize its environmental impact.

Lithium Americas faces several potential risks and challenges, including fluctuations in commodity prices, regulatory and political uncertainty, and competition from other mining companies. The company also faces risks related to environmental and social impact, particularly in the areas where its mining projects are located. However, Lithium Americas has firmly committed to sustainable mining practices and has implemented several initiatives to mitigate these risks.
American Express Company is a multinational financial services company based in New York City. The company provides credit cards, charge cards, traveler's cheques and other financial services to individuals and businesses worldwide.



Founded in 1850, American Express has been a pioneer in the credit card industry and has developed a reputation for offering premium products and services that cater to high-income consumers. The company operates in over 130 countries and employs over 75,000 people globally.

Stephen J. Squeri has served as American Express Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 2018, succeeding Kenneth I. Chenault. Squeri joined the company in 1985 and has held various leadership positions.



He is credited with leading the company's digital transformation and developing new partnerships with technology companies such as Apple, Google and Amazon. Other key management team members include Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey C. Campbell and Vice Chairman Douglas E. Buckminster.

American Express has consistently generated strong financial results, with revenue increasing consistently over the past few years. The company's net income has also grown during this same time frame. The company's profit margin has remained relatively stable at around 14%.



American Express has maintained a strong balance sheet, with a debt-to-equity ratio and a price-to-book ratio consistent with industry averages. Over the past couple of years, American Express' stock has performed well, leading its industry peers.

The credit card industry is highly competitive, with a few prominent players dominating the market. American Express competes with other major credit card companies, such as Visa and Mastercard and banks that issue private-label credit cards.



The industry has been growing steadily, with global credit card transactions expected to reach $8.8 trillion by 2025. However, the industry faces several challenges, including increasing regulatory scrutiny and the threat of disruption from fintech startups.

American Express has several growth opportunities, including expanding its presence in international markets and developing new partnerships with technology companies. The company has made significant progress in these areas, with global revenue growth from 2016 to 2022.



American Express has also partnered with companies such as Uber, Marriott and Delta Airlines to offer unique benefits to its cardholders. Additionally, the company has been investing in its digital capabilities by launching its digital wallet and mobile app.

Despite its stable financial performance and growth opportunities, American Express faces several risks and challenges. The company's high-end products and services may be vulnerable to changes in consumer preferences, and the company may need help to appeal to younger generations who prefer debit cards and mobile payments.



Additionally, American Express is subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny, with regulators monitoring the company's anti-money laundering practices and compliance with consumer protection laws. The company's debt levels and dependence on the global economy also pose risks, as a recession or economic downturn could impact its profitability.

Another major challenge for American Express is the increasing competition from fintech startups, disrupting the traditional credit card industry by offering innovative products and services. These startups are often more agile and adaptable than established companies like American Express and may be able to offer more attractive rewards and lower fees to customers.



To stay competitive, American Express must continue to innovate and develop new products and services that cater to changing customer preferences.
It is India's second attempt to reach the south pole -- four years ago, India's lander crashed during its final approach.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) expressed optimism about its moon mission on Tuesday. "The mission is on schedule. Systems are undergoing regular checks. Smooth sailing is continuing. The Mission Operations Complex (MOX) is buzzed with energy & excitement!," it said on X.

India's attempt will be made days after Russia's Luna-25 lander, also headed for the unexplored south pole, crashed into the moon.

Indian scientists are aiming to put a lander on the moon Wednesday, hoping that the country will become the first to touch down on the lunar surface's south pole.

If the mission is successful, India would become the fourth country to achieve what is called a "soft-landing" on the moon -- a feat accomplished by the U.S., China and the former Soviet Union.

However, none of those lunar missions landed at the south pole. "If you look at the spacecrafts that went to the moon in the 1960s and 1970s, they all landed in latitudes somewhere around the equator or the center of the moon as we view it from the earth, because those are relatively easy to access," explained Chaitanya Giri, Associate Professor, Environmental Sciences at Flame University, Pune.

The south side, where the terrain is rough and rugged, has never been explored.

The current mission, called Chandrayaan-3, that blasted into space on July 14 follows the earlier one that could not put a lander on the moon. Chandrayaan means moon vehicle in Sanskrit and Hindi. Space experts say scientists have taken into account the factors that led to the failed landing in 2019.

"It's a complex maneuver. As far as possible ISRO has made changes and taken care to ensure that the descent to the moon's surface happens safely and in an expected manner," said Giri. "The rest, of course, depends on any technical glitch that may arise."

The space agency has released Images of the far side of the moon -- it said it has been mapping the area to locate what it called "a safe landing area -- without boulders or deep trenches." "All systems are working perfectly and no contingencies are anticipated," ISRO Chairman S. Somnath said on Monday, according to a government statement.

If the mission goes according to plan, a rover being carried by the lander will stay on the moon for two weeks examining the lunar surface for the presence of water, minerals and studying its topography. Scientists believe the polar craters may contain water which would be critical to support human settlements on the moon that may be planned in the future.

This is India's third mission to the moon and is part of its ambitions to be counted among a major space faring nation. The first one in 2008 that involved orbiting the moon helped confirm evidence of water on the lunar body.

Anticipation is growing about the mission in the country, especially after Russia's mission failed after encountering problems as it moved into its pre-landing orbit.

Jitendra Singh, science and technology minister, expressed hope that "it will script a new history of planetary exploration." The landing is scheduled for 6:04 p.m. Indian time on Wednesday and will be livestreamed on ISRO's website, its YouTube channel and by India's public broadcaster.
The Japanese government has agreed to let Korean experts regularly monitor the release of wastewater from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant, which begins Thursday.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida authorized the discharge in a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

"The Japanese government agreed to provide Korea with real-time data on the discharged water and halt it if any problems are found in the treated wastewater and inform us," a government spokesman here told reporters on Tuesday.

The spokesman said Korean experts will make regular visits to the International Atomic Energy Agency field office in Fukushima to monitor the discharge.

"We confirmed with the Japanese side that the treated wastewater will be released according to the original plans and that there are no scientific or technical problems with the discharge plan," he said.

Korea will immediately ask Japan to halt the discharge if the process deviates from the original plan.
Weather Alert

...FREEZE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Temperatures dropping into the mid to upper 20s. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From Monday evening through Tuesday morning. * IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above- ground pipes to protect them from freezing. &&
North Korea has resumed fights to Beijing after both countries lifted their draconian lockdowns. Air Koryo flight JS151 landed at Beijing Capital International Airport on Tuesday for the first time in three years and seven months.

Flights between North Korea and China "have resumed earlier than expected," an Air Koryo staffer at Beijing airport said. "Flights will be running between Pyongyang and Beijing every day except Wednesdays and Sundays and could increase later."

North Korea and China are pulling closer together as the North reopens its borders amid strengthened ties between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan.

The plane from Pyongyang Sunan airport arrived at Beijing around 9:17 a.m., but who the passengers were is not known. The same plane returned to Pyongyang in the afternoon carrying North Korean diplomats and other passengers.

North Korean diplomats, hard-currency earners and students who were returning to Pyongyang lined up at e-check-in counters in the departure area of the airport's Terminal 2 since 8 a.m. to embark on their first visit home since 2020. Wearing lapel pins with the image North Korean flag, they pushed trolleys laden with luggage.
In a display of undisguised contempt towards the millions who have lost loved ones or suffered serious and ongoing illness from COVID-19, the first public event held by the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry late July, gave a two-day platform for the views of herd immunity advocate and vaccine sceptic Dr. Ashley Croft.

Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry [Photo: screenshot: covid19inquiry.scot]

Croft was chosen to deliver a scene setting presentation to begin an inquiry that didnt even offer an official apology or expression of sympathy to the bereaved.

He made clear that in the face of the worst public health disaster for decades he considers most mitigation measures that were in place as pointless.

Croft suggested that the global mass vaccination programme may not have saved any lives at all, insisting in a prepared report that it remains unclear if COVID vaccinations resulted in fewer deaths. He also asserts that all lockdown, track and trace and mask mandates measures were coercive and/or intrusive and that children and young people were not ever at risk of severe disease.

His report, and two days of evidence given to the inquiry, angered members of the Scottish COVID Bereaved group. Margaret Waterton told the BBC, What we're being expected to believe is that that is the best that Scotland has to offer from its scientific community, public health community from its epidemiological community, and that I believe is far from the truth.

The Herald newspaper ran an exclusive exposing Croft as publishing Rubella Virus Infection, the Congenital Rubella Syndrome and the Link to Autism on a supposed link between the MMR vaccine and autism, as late as 2019, claiming that routine childhood vaccinations could be contributing to increasing rates of autism. This was five years after the British anti-vaccine activist, former physician, and discredited academic Andrew Wakefield was struck off the medical register for his involvement in a fraudulent 1998 study published in The Lancet asserting this connection.

The inquiry was instigated December 2021 by then Scottish Deputy First Minister John Swinney and tasked with investigating key aspects of the official response to the pandemic between January 2020 and December 2022. In total, as of this month, some 17,679 people have died with COVID-19 on their death certificates since the onset of the pandemic in Scotland. Nearly a quarter of the total of death since 2020, 3,317, occurred in care homes for the elderly following the unsafe release of untested patients from hospitals into care homes.

This year alone, with all mitigations lifted and in the midst of continual assertions that the danger is passed, some 1,209 people have died. Across the UK, in total, 229,055 deaths occurred, of which 12,040 are this year. Worldwide, the World Health Organisation reports 6,955,141 deaths.

Swinney, then deputy leader of the Scottish National Party, appointed a judge, Lady Anna Poole, to chair the inquiry. Poole resigned in October 2022 following conflicts with bereaved relatives. She was replaced by Lord Neil Brailsford at the head of a team comprised of a CEO, directors of policy and operations and at least seven lawyers.

Croft was supposed to provide a factual narrative including the evolving state of scientific knowledge, between 2019 and 2022, on the coronavirus and COVID-19, the ability of various forms of PPE or other measures to prevent transmission and the utility of other measures such as social distancing, social isolation, treatments and vaccines.

What he delivered was an assault on the partial, conflicting, and now mostly dismantled measures that were taken. This dovetails precisely with the ruling class's commitment to ensuring that never again does a health crisis, primarily affecting the working class, threaten to cause even a temporary disruption to the expansion of capital.

Dr. Ashley Croft giving his presentation at the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry [Photo: screenshot of video: Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry website]

Croft presented a 70-page, four-part report. Part One does not mention COVID-19 or SARS-COV-2 at all. Instead, Croft offers an overview of evidence based medicine. He warns, Contrary to popular belief, not all scientific evidence is of equal merit. Many scientific studies are prone to bias (e.g., commercial bias, in the case of industry-sponsored research). He then refers to three systematic, or Cochrane, reviews to which he returns repeatedly Jefferson 2011, Grana 2022 and Jefferson 2023.

The author of two of these, Dr. Tom Jefferson, is a leading light in the Centre for Evidence Based Medicine at Oxford University. Jefferson along with his collaborator, Dr. Carl Heneghan, from the early days of the SARS-COV-2 pandemic opposed many of the measures introduced to mitigate the spread of the virus. In a recent article in the right-wing Spiked magazine, July 19, The Junk Science behind face masks, the pair criticised the Scottish Healthcare Workers Coalition lobby group for opposing government decisions to remove face mask guidance in health care settings on the basis that there is very little evidence that masks work.

They wrote As it stands, there is simply no evidence-based case for face masks. It is possible masks may work in certain situations. But there is absolutely no certainty they work in all situations... Mask mandates, no matter how localised, arent harmless measures. They affect social behaviour and help to reinforce a climate of fear.

They celebrated low mask use in the face of rising case numbers: Thankfully, it seems unlikely the public will be following Scottish healthcare workers and calling for the return of mask wearing. Although respiratory illnesses like Covid are always spreading, most people have decided against masking up again.

Writing in the Express, Heneghan and Jefferson hailed the Swedish model of government where, they claim, A light-touch COVID response was all that was needed to steer us through the pandemic. Sweden was a pioneer of a policy of herd immunity.

Part Two of Croft's report deals with the development of the COVID-19 pandemic. After presenting an explanation of coronaviruses, he explores the distinction between droplets which fall to earth quickly and are unlikely to travel more than 1 metre and smaller aerosols. He asserts, despite noting high levels of infection in enclosed spaces, that aerosol transmission primarily takes place only in hospitals and dental surgeries and that most transmission is by droplets.

In reality, by early 2021 it was broadly understood by scientists that infection was taking place according to patterns consistent with aerosols breathed out by infected people, not via droplets. See, for example this video from the Global Workers Inquest. The WHO accepted aerosols as crucial to transmission by April 2021.

Asking who is at low risk for severe Covid-19 infection, Croft declares, In general, COVID-19 has a milder disease course in children and young adults than it does in older adults. The majority of children recover completely after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and any persistent symptoms will improve with time. The case fatality rate for those under 18 is, Croft went on, effectively zero, in respect of otherwise healthy children.

To date, worldwide, UNICEF reports at least 17,400 young people under the age of 20 died from COVID-19. The Scottish government's own death certificate and probable or suspected cause dataset notes 186 deaths of children under one year, 72 of children aged between one and 14. Croft did not touch on the impact on millions of children of the sudden untimely deaths of parents and grandparents to the coronavirus or raise the fact that the infection of children at school was one of the main driving forces of the spread of the virus.

On the likely future course of COVID-19, Croft opines that SARS-COV-2 is now becoming endemic (i.e. the virus is circulating at about the same incidence over a long period of time); endemicity is a feature of the four coronaviruses that have been known for many years to cause mild to moderate respiratory tract illness, including the common cold.

Comparing COVID-19, whose evolutionary trajectory is still unknown and which throws up variants with unprecedented rapidity, to diseases which have been around for many years, Croft is lining up with signatories to the Great Barrington Declaration. The 2020 statement viewed herd immunity as an inevitable end point, which should be reached as soon as possible.

Croft devotes Part Three to a timeline and assessment of physical measures against COVID-19. Croft again relies heavily on Jefferson's 2011 review. He asserts, During March to July 2020 there was limited scientific evidence and in some cases no scientific evidence (e.g. as regards lockdowns) to support the physical measures that were mandated in Scotland against COVID-19.

He proceeds from this baseless claim to acknowledge that In the summer of 2020 the number of new COVID-19 cases across the UK declined. This was attributed, in part, to the effectiveness of the physical measures that had been mandated earlier that year.

Part Four is devoted to some of the vaccines used in the mass inoculation campaign, a major public health initiative, carried out by vast numbers of dedicated health workers and volunteers. Croft accepts, Most vaccines reduce, or probably reduce, the number of people who got Covid-19 disease and severe Covid-19 disease, before baldly asserting that [t]here is insufficient evidence to determine whether there was a difference between the vaccine and placebo in terms of death because the numbers of deaths were low in the trials.

Worldwide, Imperial College London's MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis reported September 2022 that vaccination campaigns saved between 14.4 million and 19.8 million lives in the year to December 2021 alone, and will have saved millions more since then.

On adverse reaction reports, Croft states that a huge number, 246,866, of Yellow Card reports were made to the UK government's Medicines and Health products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), regarding the Astra Zeneca vaccine, along with 177,925 for the BioNtech/Pfizer product and 47,045 for Moderna. Of these, to December 2022, 2,362 record a fatal outcome.

These figures must be set against around 40 million people in the UK having received three vaccinations over the last two years. Croft also concedes that serious adverse events (e.g., cardiac and neurological events, and sudden death) appear to be few.

In line with an inquiry intended to be a whitewash, core participants were denied the opportunity to immediately quiz Croft, who presented his report and gave evidence under the most gentle questioning from the inquiry teams KC, Stuart Gale.

Human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar wrote to Lord Brailsford to express grave concerns over Dr. Crofts bona-fides. He noted for example that Croft was heavily criticised by a High Court judge in a 2020 case centred on delays by Ministry of Defence doctors in diagnosing a soldier, Darrell Stewart Jones, with HIV for offering testimony that was flawed and unreliable and demonstrated a lack of familiarity with the subject matter.

Anwar wrote that A simple Google of this witness brings up on the first page the High Court judgment, and that this should cause alarm for anyone carrying out due diligence in selection of an expert.

Confirming that Crofts anti-mitigation views are being embraced, a spokesperson for the Scottish COVID Inquiry defended his appointment as someone with knowledge of the context of the virus in the UK, according to the BBC. He was also chosen because he has undertaken and published extensive research on a wide range of public health issues including issues relating to Covid-19.
Last weekend, the first European deliveries of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine were announced. According to reports, the Netherlands will provide 42 and Denmark will send 19 F-16 fighter jets. Further pledges from other NATO members are to follow. The so-called fighter jet coalition, which was formed in May, officially also includes Belgium and Britain.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, second right, and Dutch caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte, center, look at F-16 fighter jets in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Sunday, August 20, 2023. On Friday, the Netherlands and Denmark said that the United States had given its approval for the countries to deliver F-16s to Ukraine. [AP Photo/Peter Dejong]

The deliveries are a concerted action by the leading imperialist powersfirst and foremost the USwhich are further escalating the confrontation with the nuclear power Russia. The Danish-Dutch push to deliver nuclear-capable fighter jets to Kiev was long prepared behind the scenes and closely coordinated with the Biden administration in Washington.

The president has given a green light, and 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, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on CNNs State of the Union program on Sunday.

Since then, there has been one announcement after another. On Monday, Greece offered to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets. During his visit to Athens, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Greece for the offer, which he gladly accepted. We need Greeces support in preparing our pilots to fly F-16s, he said after a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Zelensky described the F-16 commitments as historic. The jets would bring fresh confidence and motivation to the fighters and ordinary citizens, he wrote on Twitter on Monday. He had already thanked Denmark for its F-16 pledges on Sunday in the course of a visit to that country. I thank you, Denmark, for helping Ukraine to become invincible, he said in a speech to the Danish parliament. Today we are confident that Russia will lose this war.

In fact, the current Ukrainian counter-offensive is a military debacle. Tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have reportedly lost their lives in the last three months alone, and there have been no significant territorial gains. In the face of these setbacks, the leading NATO powers are once again massively expanding their direct involvement in the war, risking the danger of nuclear war.

The fact that Denmark has now decided to donate 19 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine leads to an escalation of the conflict, Russian Ambassador Vladimir Barbin said in a statement. By hiding behind a premise that Ukraine itself must determine the conditions for peace, Denmark seeks with its actions and words to leave Ukraine with no other choice but to continue the military confrontation with Russia.

In mid-July, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that the delivery of F-16 fighter jets would be seen as a nuclear threat. The Russian Foreign Ministry quoted him as saying, Russia cannot ignore the ability of these aircraft to carry nuclear weapons. No amount of assurances will help here.

Lavrov continued: In the course of combat operations, our servicemen are not going to sort out whether each particular aircraft of this type is equipped to deliver nuclear weapons or not. Russia would regard the very fact that the Ukrainian armed forces have such systems as a threat from the West in the nuclear sphere.

The assurances of Ukraine and its supporters that F-16 fighter jets and other Western weapons systems will not be used directly on Russian territory are mendacious and provocative in every respect.

For one thing, the representatives of the imperialist powers are already cheering Kievs constant attacks on Russia. On Tuesday, Germanys Green Party Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described Ukrainian drone attacks on the Russian capital Moscow as legitimate. Ukraine is defending itself within the framework of international law, Baerbock claimed at a press conference in Berlin with her Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna.

Secondly, the use of F-16 fighter jets against the territories occupied and annexed by Russia in eastern Ukraine would be no less incendiary. From the Russian leaderships point of view, this is Russian territory. Above all, the Kremlin considers a full-scale attack on Crimea to be a red line.

In an interview in early February, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned that an attempt by Ukraine to retake the peninsula would have devastating consequences. In this case, there will be no negotiations, only retaliatory strikes, Medvedev said. The Russian leadership was ready to use all types of weapons, he continued, adding, In accordance with our doctrinal documents, including the Fundamentals of Nuclear Deterrence, the answer would be quick, tough and convincing.

Despite these threats, the escalation of Western arms deliveries is aimed precisely at thatthe reconquest of Crimea. The most important goal of the Ukrainian summer offensive is to cut off the land bridge connecting Russia with the occupied Crimean Peninsula and thus cut off the supply routes and the deployment area of Russian troops in the south, said a commentary in the Suddeutsche Zeitung.

To achieve this, Britain and France have already delivered cruise missiles that reach far into Crimea. The newspaper continued: Germany should follow suit as soon as possible; the F-16s would also be valuable here, as well as for airspace defence. Only through the interaction of long-range weapons against logistics and troops at the front could Ukraine succeed without sacrificing tens of thousands of its soldiers.

A commentary in Die Zeit under the title No peace without Crimea is even more explicit. The strategy of the Ukrainian military could be to turn the peninsula into a kind of island for Russia by attacking its infrastructure, the newspaper wrote.

Should Ukraine advance to the administrative border with Crimea in the course of the current counter-offensive in the south and finally destroy the bridge over the Kerch Strait, which has already been successfully attacked twice, it continued, the entire territory of Crimea ... would be within reach of those weapons systems that Ukraine is already using.

The article quoted Ukrainian military officials openly advocating an area bombardment of Crimea, including to break opposition from the local, majority Russian-speaking population.

It cited Oleksij Melnyk, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Ukrainian army who works in the field of international security for the Kiev think tank Zentr Razumkova, as saying, Rationally speaking, fighting directly in Crimea must be avoided. It would be very bloody, especially in mountainous areas in the south of the peninsulaand realistically one would also have to reckon with some resistance from the local population.

It is clear that the announcement of the F-16 fighter jets will be followed by the delivery of medium-range missiles with an even longer range. Military experts are largely in agreement, writes Der Spiegel. The F-16 would give the Ukrainians advantages in air combat. However, it depends on the armament that comes with it. Berlin is now in demand.

It goes on to say that Germany does not have F-16s, but it could supply missiles. A sensible contribution would be to equip the Dutch and Danish F-16s for Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles.

With leading politicians and the media beating the drum for weeks for Taurus deliveries, an official announcement is seen as only a matter of time. Asked on Tuesday whether she would now push for a quick decision on such a delivery, Baerbock declared: That every day counts, I believe we have had to experience in the last year-and-a-half not only impressively, but in a brutal way.

While the ruling class in Germany, which already waged two murderous wars against Russia in the 20th century, is spearheading the war offensive, resistance is growing among the population. According to a recent survey by broadcaster ARD, 52 percent of eligible voters in Germany are against the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, and only 36 percent are in favour. The delivery of German fighter jets is opposed by 64 percent.
Bernardo Arevalo, a candidate promoted by the pseudo-left and US imperialism alike, won the presidential runoff elections in Guatemala on Sunday with 58 percent of the vote against Sandra Torres, a former first lady who was backed by most of the Guatemalan political establishment.

A figure largely unknown to the general population, the former diplomat and legislator Arevalo was seen as a default option to express popular anger against the traditional political forces that have ruled since the end of the civil war and supposed transition to democracy in 1996.

Arevalos votes came predominantly from the urban middle class and sections of the working class, including 75 percent of votes in the capital Guatemala City.

The election was marked by an open attempt by sections of the state and fascist groups backed by the incumbent Alejandro Giammattei administration to disqualify Arevalos Semilla party and overturn the elections, among other irregularities.

Three top candidates had been disqualified on spurious grounds, and the first round witnessed numerous reports of vote buying, the burning of ballots, police repression and violence against electoral officials. Subsequently, the courts allowed prosecutors and the police to pursue an unconstitutional criminal investigation against Semilla over signatures and financing, leading to several raids against the electoral court and the partys offices.

Torres, who has refused to acknowledge her defeat, resorted to deranged anti-communist and bigoted propaganda previously employed by the far-right against her own two previous presidential campaigns. Her statements included calling Semilla members Communists who are all effeminate and a bunch of sons of b******.

Despite the fascistic threats, Arevalo rallied only limited active support and responded by making assurances that his administration would not impinge on the interests of the business elites and by decrying gay marriage and abortion.

Protests against the coup threats were scattered and small. Moreover, 55 percent of the eligible voters abstained in the second round, similar to the percentage that abstained or cast blank and null ballots during the first round.

Whatever popular illusions exist in Arevalo among young workers and professionals, they are the product of the efforts by the pseudo-left, the international corporate media and the US State Department to promote Semilla as progressive.

Several corporate outlets like the Washington Post and El Pais wrote that his election would bring about a new democratic spring, evoking the mass popular upsurge in 1944 that led to the first popularly elected president in the country, headed by Arevalos father Juan Jose.

There is absolutely no basis for describing Arevalo and Semilla as a left, democratic or progressive alternative to the clientelism of Guatemalas ruling elite, whose subordination to foreign capital and US imperialism is the main cause of the rampant poverty, inequality, authoritarianism and corruption that characterize Guatemalan social life.

Even the so-called democratic spring under J.J. Arevalo and his successor Jacobo Arbenz, who unlike Bernardo came to power based upon a program of democratic, agrarian and social reforms, proved most fundamentally that there is no peaceful or reformist road for the masses in Guatemala and other semi-colonial countries to secure their democratic and social rights.

The CIA, which today backs Semilla, orchestrated the overthrow of Arbenz in 1954, which led to three decades of military dictatorships.

At the time, the main role in disarming the Guatemalan working class against US imperialism and the comprador bourgeoisie was played by the Stalinist Guatemalan Workers Party (PGT), which had been founded in 1944 according to the Moscow bureaucracys popular front politics, orienting openly to an alliance of the working class, the peasants, the patriotic sector of the national bourgeoisie and the petty bourgeoisie.

The PGT joined the Arbenz regime and advocated solely for capitalist reforms, rejecting any struggle for workers power and socialism. Arbenz then refused to arm the workers to resist the coup.

By 1958, the PGT was backing the military regime on the basis of a national conciliation where Guatemalans from the right and the left, conservative or Communist can live together. Following the 1959 Cuban Revolution and the ruthless repression against left-wing workers, peasants and intellectuals in Guatemala, the PGT dissolved itself into suicidal guerrilla bands, which were swiftly crushed by the US-trained military and police death squads. The repression involved a genocidal campaign against Mayan Indians.

The remnants of the Stalinist and Maoist guerrillas and indigenous nationalist groups then transformed themselves into bourgeois parties and joined the state bureaucracy after the 1996 peace accords, which assured impunity for the militarys war criminals and left untouched the power of the traditional land-owning, banking and commercial oligarchy backed by imperialism.

The coalition of the ex-guerrilla URNG-Maiz and the indigenous nationalist Winaq party endorsed Arevalo, along with the Central American Socialist Party (PSOCA) and other pseudo-left organizations. The Morenoite International Workers League (LIT) and La Izquierda Diario stopped short of openly endorsing Semilla, but falsely presented the party as center-left and reformist and concealed the pro-imperialist record of Arevalo and his party.

In backing Arevalo, the pseudo-left organizations of the middle class are repeating the role played by the PGT of politically disarming the working class, even as the Guatemalan ruling class and US imperialism resort increasingly to the armed forces and dictatorial forms of rule to suppress the class struggle and intensify capitalist exploitation.

The main reason behind the opposition of sections of the ruling elite to Arevalo is the association of his party to the International Commission against Impunity (CICIG), a US-financed and UN-backed agency that pursued select corruption cases to whip the ruling elite into line behind Washingtons political diktats.

Despite the successful drive by the oligarchy to get rid of the CICIG in 2019, the Giammattei administration continued to follow US demands subserviently, including military deployments to attack migrants, the opening of a pilot office in Guatemala where migrants will be compelled to request asylum to the US, maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and maintaining its embassy in Jerusalem.

But nothing short of political pawns is enough for US imperialism in an international context of economic instability, the US-NATO war against Russia and war preparations against China. And Arevalo has given every indication that he plans to double down on enforcing US diktats. Semilla itself was founded only after consultations with Democrat and Republican officials, on the basis of supporting the CICIG. Moreover, Giammattei has opposed ending relations with Taiwan and has demanded sanctions against the Russian government and firms.

Even an interviewer of France24 acknowledged that Arevalo has been described as the most progressive candidate while Sandra Torres has dubbed herself a Liberal, but in practice both candidates are conservatives. She then asked Eduardo Nunez Vargas, the Central American chief of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) Was Arevalos victory really a punishment for the Guatemalan political establishment?

After praising Arevalos anti-corruption rhetoric, Nunez Vargas insisted that what matters was that Arevalo channeled anti-establishment sentiments with success and, it could be added, with the complicit aid of the pseudo-left.

From what we saw from his campaign, Arevalo is disposed to have a greater proximity to Washington, he concluded. The NDI is part of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), which was created to carry out overtly the political operations that the CIA previously directed covertly, including training and bankrolling US puppets across Latin America.

For his part, Stephen McFarland, US ambassador to Guatemala under Obama, openly backed Arevalo on social media and, in an interview with Prensa Comunitaria, said that he enjoys broad bipartisan support in the US Congress. This means that the argument that Arevalo is supposedly a dangerous leftist has gained no traction or echoed among more-or-less conservative circles in Washington, he explained.

The United States has been less successful in using its influence or making its influence have an impact in the Central American countries, including Guatemala, in recent years, he added, pointing to hopes that Arevalo will facilitate a change in favor of US imperialism.

Then, McFarland made clear that the US government strong-armed the Guatemalan ruling elite to allow for the election of Semilla warning that, if a judicial coup does take place against the runoff candidates, I expect some sort of sanctions.
The 30-year-old assailant in the recent rape and murder of a woman on a hiking trail in Sillim-dong, Seoul turns out to have been a reclusive loner or hikikomori as they are known in Japan. Although he lived with his parents, the perpetrator had no job and spent more than six hours a day playing video games in internet cafes near his home. He apparently played more than 570 hours of video games at one internet cafe over the last two years, but nobody remembers him talking to anyone, and most of his telephone calls were made to order food.

Jung Yoo-jung, the 23-year-old woman who killed and dismembered another woman she met online in May "out of curiosity," was also a recluse. Raised by her grandfather, Jung was jobless for five years after graduating from high school, and her mobile phone log contained not a single number of a friend or record of calls. Instead, Jung become morbidly fascinated by crime movies. "Out of blue I developed the urge to see what it feels like to kill someone," she confessed to police.

The Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs estimates that there were around 538,000 recluses in Korea in 2021, a rapid rise from 334,000 in 2019. Recluses often hide from society out of shame when they fail to find jobs or drop out of school for various reasons. They should not be categorized as potential criminals, but the longer they are isolated from society, the higher the chances of psychological deterioration, sometimes resulting in violent outbursts.
Europes Fortress Europe policy led to the horrific deaths of at least 18 migrants in Greece Tuesday.

The migrants were burnt to death as wildfires continued to rip through Greece, with their charred bodies found by the fire service in the Dadia Forest near a shack outside the village of Avantas, north of Alexandroupolis. Among the dead were 16 adult males and two children. Pavlos Pavlidis, the coroner for Alexandroupolis said, They were all found in groups of two or three at a distance of five hundred metres, apparently while trying to escape, and some of them had been burned in a shed [where livestock are usually kept].

A forest on fire in the village of Dikela, near Alexandroupolis town, in the northeastern Evros region, Greece, August 22, 2023. [AP Photo/Achilleas Chiras]

The authorities had no reports that any locals were missing in the area and thousands of people had evacuated the area, with a 112 emergency message sent to their mobile phones.

The terrible plight facing asylum seekers is evidenced in this tragedy. Those who perished had made the perilous crossing in the Evros region near the border with Turkey and had been hiding in forests north of the port city Alexandroupolis. In the hours leading up to their deaths, surrounded by encroaching fires and breathing in air filled with toxic smoke, they had not alerted the authorities of their presence out of fear of the consequences.

The BBC reported Wednesday that a Syrian man has told the BBC he fears his 27-year-old cousin died in the blaze as he has been unable to reach him for four days. The cousin was among a group of Syrians, Afghans and Iraqis hoping to follow a well-worn path through the forest.

The Syrian said they would not have called Greek authorities for help, despite the evacuation order, for fear of being sent back across the border to Turkey.

Many more migrants could be dead due to the fires and the brutal anti-immigration regime they face in Greece. Alarm Phone, a volunteer organisation which asylum seekers can call when in danger posted a tweet Tuesday afternoon: We are in contact with 2 groups of ~250 people in total, who are stranded on different islets of the #Evros river! One group shared a video of the fires raging nearby. They say The fires are getting very close to us now. We need help as soon as possible!

Around an hour later they posted another message:

We received a new alert for a group of ~9 people near #Soufli in the #Evros area! They tell us one person struggles to breathe. They unable to move due to the nearby fires and worry they will die. They need urgent help. @hellenicpolice : evacuate them now!

Greeces right-wing New Democracy government responded with a statement, abdicating all responsibility for the deaths and using them to whip up further anti-immigration sentiment. Shedding crocodile tears, Migration and Asylum Minister Dimitris Keridis declared the governments great sadness at the loss of life, and despite the continuous and persistent efforts of the Greek authorities to protect the borders and human life, this tragedy confirms, once again, the dangers of illegal immigration.

The situation in Greece has worsened drastically since the initial outbreak of wildfires last month. In the area where the bodies were found wildfires had been raging for a fourth day and continue to burn. Evacuation orders were issued for villages in Greeces northern regions of Alexandroupolis, Komotini, Kavala and Orestiada, the central region of Viotia and the island of Evia.

On Monday, an elderly shepherd died trying to save his flock near the village of Prodormos, in the prefecture of Viotia.

In Alexandroupolis, more than 13,000 people were evacuated Monday and Tuesday, of a population of around 72,000. A major hospital in the city was evacuated late Monday, with 160 patients transferred, including 65 on a ferry, to other health centres in northern Greece. The Financial Times reported, A woman had to give birth in an ambulance on Monday night as she was being escorted from the hospital.

Greece is no longer able to even adequately safeguard some of its key NATO infrastructure, vital in the military blocs war against Russia in Ukraine. The port of Alexandroupolis on the Aegean Sea provides crucial road and rail links north through the alliances eastern flank, and access to Ukraine via Bulgaria and Romania. In July, fires set ablaze a military warehouse just miles from the major military air base in Nea Anchialos, central Greece. The fires ignited ammunition setting off huge explosions, with bombs and ammunition for Greek F-16 fighter jets stored at the site.

The capital Athens, already threatened by the July wildfires, was again endangered when a fire broke out on foothills close to Mount Parnitha. The fire required the evacuation of a monastery and the closure of a section of Athens suburban road network. On the outskirts of the city of over 3.5 million people, a fire reached the industrial town of Aspropyrgos where four factories and five warehouse were set alight. According to state broadcaster ERT, explosions were heard. The authorities ordered the evacuation of several nearby villages.

On Monday, a new fire broke out in the central region of Boeotia, about 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of Athens, which saw the historic 10th-century monastery of Hosios Loukas burnt down.

Fires are raging on Greeces Evia and Kynthos islands. A second fire broke out Monday on Evia burning forest and farmland near the town of Psachna.

Greeces fire service has been overwhelmed by fires spreading due to prolonged record high temperatures and gale force winds. A spokeswoman told AFP, There are nine active fronts its a similar situation to July.

The Financial Times reported, Copernicus, the EUs weather monitoring service, said that by July 22, more than 182,568 hectaresan area almost six times the size of Maltahad been reduced to ashes by wildfires. That figure was more than 40 per cent above the year-to-date average between 2003 and 2022, it said, with fires continuing to rage across the bloc.

The catastophe worsens, as reported by the Press Project, More than 400,000 hectares have been burnt by the fires in the Greek territory in the last three days, according to the preliminary analysis of satellite data conducted by the Meteo unit of the National Observatory of Athens (NAA). This included, Approximately 380,000 acres in Evros; about 30,000 acres in Rodopi; 380,000 acres in Boeotia; almost 8,000 acres have been burnt in Kythnos; about 5 000 hectares have been burnt in Psacha.

The fires and destruction is being replicated across Europes southern states.

In Spain, a wildfire has burnt for a week on the popular tourist destination island, Tenerife. This forced the evacuation of 12,000 people as 15,000 hectares of land was burntfully 7 percent of the Canary islands entire surface area.

A wildfire which started late Monday on the Italian island of Elba required the evacuation of 700 people from homes and a campsite.

There has been no co-ordinated response by the European Union. In response to the latest fires Greeces fire service said that among six countriesCyprus, Romania, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Germany and Serbiajust 120 firefighters had been sent via the EUs civil protection mechanism to help fight fires.

Europes capitalist states are lavishing tens of billions of euros funding their war machines and the conflict in Ukraine, meaning that vital public services such as firefighting are being decimated. Greeces cumulative budget cuts to the Fire Service exceeded 1 billion between 2010 and 2019 in austerity measures imposed by successive governments, including the pseudo-left SYRIZA from 2015.

Last week, the Euronews site reported, In 2022, there were almost 360,000 professional firefighters2,800 fewer than there were in 2021, according to the EUs statistical office Eurostat. France slashed its firefighting force by 5,446 workers between 2021 and 2022, the most of any EU country. Romania cuts its force by 4,250, and Portugal by 2,907. Devastating cuts have been imposed by eastern European states, with Slovakia cutting firefighter numbers by 30 percent, and Bulgaria (22 percent). Portugal cut numbers by 21 percent and Belgium 19 percent. The report noted Latvia, Sweden, Hungary and Germany also saw cuts.
The following is the speech by Ulas Atesci to An Island at the Center of World History: Trotsky on Prinkipo on Sunday, August 20. The event was held on Prinkipo, an island in the Sea of Marmara off the coast of Istanbul, Turkey. It honored Trotskys four-year exile on the island, from 1929 to 1933.

Atesci is an editor of Mehring Yaynclk and a leading member of the Sosyalist Esitlik Grubu [Socialist Equality Group] in Turkey. The WSWS has previously published the speeches of WSWS International Editorial Board Chairman David North and WSWS Editorial Board member Eric London. The full recording can be accessed at Trotsky.com.

Ulas Atesci's remarks to "An Island at the Center of World History: Leon Trotsky on Prinkipo"

It is a great honor to speak today at the commemoration of the fateful years that the great revolutionary Leon Trotsky spent here between 1929 and 1933, on the 83rd anniversary of his assassination by a Stalinist agent.

Leon Trotskys exile from the Soviet Union to Turkey in 1929 involved much more than the personal fate of a major political figure. Trotsky, alongside Vladimir Lenin, was the principal leader of the October Revolution of 1917. Along with Lenin, his name was synonymous with the revolution, both in the Soviet Republics and around the world.

It was Trotsky who founded and led the Red Army, which defended the Soviet Republic against the White forces and all-out intervention of the imperialist powers which aimed to destroy the young workers state.

In the years leading up to 1917, it was Trotsky who, with his theory of Permanent Revolution, clearly foresaw the objective development of the Russian Revolution and developed a coherent international socialist strategy.

He played an irreplaceable role in ensuring the continuity of the Marxist movement to this day by succeeding in 1938 in the struggle to found the Fourth International, which he first called for from Prinkipo on July 15, 1933.

It was no accident that in 1923 Trotsky led the Left Opposition, which included many prominent Bolshevik leaders. The Left Opposition continued the struggle against bureaucratic corruption that Lenin himself had initiated before his death, for which he sought Trotskys support.

The Left Opposition was the defender of the political principles of the October Revolution of 1917 and the strategy of world socialist revolution. It represented the historic interests of the Soviet and international working class.

The economic and social devastation caused by the Civil War that followed the revolution and the temporary defeat of revolutions across Europe created conditions that allowed the growing consolidation of the bureaucracy within the party and state apparatus.

The nationalist social interests of the bureaucratic caste of which Stalin, the general secretary of the Party, was the main representative, found expression in the so-called theory of socialism in one country, proclaimed in 1924.

David North has described the conditions Trotsky faced in the Soviet Union before 1929. Trotskys exile to Turkey was carried out in complete secrecy by Stalin and the secret police, the GPU. The Stalinist bureaucracy feared the reaction of the Soviet working class to this onslaught on the October Revolution and its co-leader.

Trotsky, his wife Natalia and his son Lev Sedov arrived in Istanbul on February 12 on the ship Ilyich. He spent most of the next four-and-a-half years in Prinkipo, until he left for France on July 17, 1933. His presence and tireless work made this an island at the center of world history.

While the official leadership of the international Marxist movement was based in Moscow, its real political center was Prinkipo. Visitors came here from all over the world, including the United States, Germany, France and China. And letters came from everywhere. According to one account, there were Trotskyist groups in around 30 countries in that period, which made Trotsky very busy answering their letters.[ 1 ]

When Trotsky arrived in Istanbul, he first stayed at the Soviet Consulate for a while. Soon he moved to the Tokatlyan Hotel in Beyoglu, and then to a house in Bomonti, Sisli. Then the Trotsky family moved to Prinkipo, where they would spend most of their years in Turkey.

Their first address was the Izzet Pasha mansion. After a fire broke out there, they briefly stayed at the Savoy Hotel on the island. In the period between late March 1931 and January 1932, they moved to Moda, Kadkoy. Then they moved to the Yanaros mansion in Prinkipo, which became their last address until they left the country in July 1933.

Trotsky spent these critical years working intensively in Prinkipo, writing masterpieces and organizing the Left Opposition in the Communist International all over the world. From here he organized the publication of the Bulletin of the Opposition in the Soviet Union.

However, according to the records, we know that he had the opportunity to visit different places in Istanbul, including the Beyoglu, Sultanahmet, Cagaloglu, Eminonu, Beyazt and Arnavutkoy districts.

In Prinkipo, he became very intimate with the sea of Marmara. For some rest, he went fishing with his invaluable tutor, named Charolambos, whose father and grandfather and great grandfather, and the grandfather of his great-grandfather, were fishermen.[ 2 ]

Trotsky and this young Greek fisherman spoke a new language, a combination of Turkish, Greek, Russian and French words. Trotsky noted that he called out in Turkish the names of the more common operations, and that Chance observers have concluded from this that I command the Turkish language freely.[ 3 ]

As David North mentioned, Trotsky sent a letter to Turkish President Mustafa Kemal (Ataturk) before he set foot in Istanbul. He soon received a reply signed by the Governor of Istanbul, Muhittin Bey, informing him that he was free to leave the country, that he could change his residence and that measures were being taken to ensure his safety. Trotsky was under threat not only from the Stalinist GPU, but also from the White Russian emigres his Red Army had defeated in the Civil War.

Seeing that the official promises made to him were kept, Trotsky was to express his satisfaction with the hospitality he received in Turkey. In an interview here, according to Ahmet Sukru Esmer, editor-in-chief of the daily Milliyet, Trotsky expressed his interest in Turkish politics and showed his writings on Turkey dating back to the 1908 revolution.[ 4 ]

In an article in 1909 dealing with the developments in Turkey and the Balkans together, Trotsky wrote that victory for the revolution will mean the victory of democracy in Turkey, democratic Turkey would be the foundation of a Balkan federation[ 5 ]

In 1910, he explained that the only progressive way to achieve the unity of the Balkan Peninsula was from below, through the peoples themselves coming togetherthis is the road of revolution, the road that means overthrowing the Balkan dynasties and unfurling the banner of a Balkan federal republic.[ 6 ] And this road could only be realized through the united revolutionary struggles of the working class, not by the Balkan bourgeoisie.

As a correspondent in the region during the Balkan Wars exposing war crimes, Trotsky warned that these wars could only be a prelude to a devastating Europe-wide war. The accuracy of this warning was proven by the outbreak of World War I in 1914.

In the same interview with the daily Milliyet, Trotsky reminded the interviewer of his support for the Turkish national independence war, when he sent General Frunze to Ankara as a representative of the Red Army. He said he followed Turkeys struggle for independence with great interest and was very pleased with this happy outcome.[ 7 ]

After arriving in Istanbul, Trotsky applied for visas to many European countries, including Germany, France and Britain, but was denied. The reason why the European powers did not accept Trotsky was that they saw in him the embodiment of the specter of revolution.

This fear, which Hitler would also express in 1939, was not without reason. Trotsky was the principal strategist of the world socialist revolution. And that strategy was based on his theory of Permanent Revolution. Trotsky wrote the Introduction to the First (Russian) Edition of his The Permanent Revolution in Prinkipo. In the chapter entitled What is the Permanent Revolution? he summarizes the basic theses of this theory, which guided the October Revolution of 1917 and must still guide the program of the world socialist revolution.

In his first thesis, he advances an argument that is still valid today:

The theory of the permanent revolution now demands the greatest attention from every Marxist, for the course of the class and ideological struggle has fully and finally raised this question from the realm of reminiscences over old differences of opinion among Russian Marxists, and converted it into a question of the character, the inner connexions and methods of the international revolution in general.[ 8 ]

He elaborated a global theory of the epoch in which we still live, the epoch of imperialist war and socialist revolution. According to Trotsky:

With regard to countries with a belated bourgeois development, especially the colonial and semi-colonial countries, the theory of the permanent revolution signifies that the complete and genuine solution of their tasks of achieving democracy and national emancipation is conceivable only through the dictatorship of the proletariat as the leader of the subjugated nation, above all of its peasant masses.[ 9 ]

Today, if one looks at the situation in countries with a belated capitalist development, from the Middle East to Asia, from Africa to Latin America, one sees that these tasks still await their complete and genuine solution.

One of the foundations of the theory of Permanent Revolution was the international character of the socialist revolution. Trotsky emphasized that Internationalism is no abstract principle but a theoretical and political reflection of the character of world economy, of the world development of productive forces and the world scale of the class struggle.[ 10 ]

The revolution in the East or in countries with a belated capitalist development and the revolution in the West were inseparable parts of the world revolution. The Soviet Union was no exception. As Trotsky wrote:

The socialist revolution begins on national foundationsbut it cannot be completed within these foundations. The maintenance of the proletarian revolution within a national framework can only be a provisional state of affairs, even though, as the experience of the Soviet Union shows, one of long duration. In an isolated proletarian dictatorship, the internal and external contradictions grow inevitably along with the successes achieved. If it remains isolated, the proletarian state must finally fall victim to these contradictions. The way out for it lies only in the victory of the proletariat of the advanced countries.[ 11 ]

These prophetic words were confirmed when the Stalinist bureaucracy dissolved the Soviet Union in 1991. But this final betrayal of the October Revolution by Stalinism has neither disproved Marxism nor changed the character of the epoch. The falsity of the claims of an era of peace, democracy and prosperity that accompanied capitalist triumphalism was rapidly exposed. We are still living in the same era of war and revolution.

Without a proletarian revolution, a new world war is inevitable,[ 12 ] Trotsky wrote in 1934, five years before the Second World War. In 2014, the Fourth International, which was founded by Trotsky in 1938 and led by the International Committee since 1953, declared: Another imperialist bloodbath is not only possible; it is inevitable unless the international working class intervenes on the basis of a revolutionary Marxist program.[ 13 ]

The war in Ukraine raging just north of the Black Sea, a few hundred kilometers from here, is a concrete and alarming example of the accuracy of Trotskys analysis of our epoch. Born out of the same global contradictions of capitalism and one of the devastating consequences of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, NATOs war against Russia has already caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and massive destruction. Moreover, it threatens the entire human civilization with the catastrophe of a global conflict.

There is only one way out of this dangerous maelstrom: The unification of workers all over the world on the basis of an international socialist program against war and the imperialist-capitalist system that produces it. The decisive role of this struggle over the fate of humanity makes Leon Trotsky, who dedicated his life to solving this fundamental question, a living political figure of our time.
South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol, left, and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, right, listen as President Joe Biden speaks during a joint news conference on Friday, August 18, 2023, at Camp David, the presidential retreat, near Thurmont, Maryland. [AP Photo/Andrew Harnik]

Last Fridays Camp David summit held between US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea marked an ominous milestone in the accelerating US drive to war with China.

Under the guise of maintaining peace and stability in Asia and deterring China, US imperialism and its two main military allies in North East Asia agreed to military and economic collaboration whose only meaning is the preparation for war. These include annual joint war games, expanded military intelligence sharing, the consolidation of supply chains and a three-way leaders hotline to respond to crises.

The military cooperation of Japan and South Korea, both of which host major American bases and tens of thousands of military personnel, is essential to US plans for war with its nuclear-armed rival. Communications and intelligence-sharing are vital in any modern conflict. But it is particularly important for the coordination of sophisticated anti-ballistic missile systems in Japan and South Korea that are crucial to the Pentagons strategy for nuclear war with China.

That Biden has been able to overcome the longstanding hostility engendered by Japans brutal colonization of Korea has been applauded in American ruling circles. An opinion piece in the Washington Post hailed it as a major Biden achievement, which represented a major step towards a new trilateral alliance to counter growing threats from North Korea and China.

The Wall Street Journal devoted an editorial to Bidens success in North Asia, declaring the summit to be a diplomatic success in symbolism and substance. It dismissed criticism that the meeting had failed to establish a NATO-like pact committing the three powers to military action, stating: The U.S. has forward-deployed forces in Japan and South Korea, and no one thinks those troops will sit in their barracks if one country is attacked.

At the same time, the editorial declared that Biden had to do far more to boost the US military and engage Japan and South Korea to sideline China economically. In a region where China is seeking military and economic dominance, there is no substitute for the influence that comes with hard U.S. military power and free trade, it wrote.

While North Korea is mentioned as a threat, no one has any doubt that China is the main target of the US-led trilateral military alliance. Even as it recklessly engages in an escalating war against Russia in Ukraine, US imperialism regards China as the chief threat to American post-World War II global hegemony.

A Der Spiegel interview this month with Elbridge Colby, a national security adviser in the Trump administration, is headlined US Strategy in the Conflict of the Great Powers: Xi is much more dangerous than Putin. Colby, whose grandfather headed the CIA under President Nixon, demands that the Europeans alone carry the burden of the war in Ukraine. The US needs all of its resources to prepare itself for a war with China, the German magazine explained.

Like the Ukraine war, which is the product of NATOs encroachment on Russian borders in the wake of the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the 2014 US-backed extreme-right coup in Kiev, the mounting US confrontation with China has deep historic roots.

Following the Nixon-Mao rapprochement meeting in 1972, US imperialism exploited China as a battering ram against the USSR. Then, as the Chinese Communist Party embraced capitalist restoration, China was used an immense source of cheap labour. However, the very growth of the Chinese economy to become the worlds second largest has begun to undermine Washingtons global position.

US preparations for war against China began with the Obama administrations Pivot to Asiaan all-embracing diplomatic, economic and military strategy aimed at undermining Chinese influence in Asia, forging an economic block excluding Beijing, and boosting US military forces and alliances throughout the region. The military rebalance, allocating 60 percent of the Pentagons air and naval resources to the Indo-Pacific, was completed in 2020, and the military build-up continues apace.

The Trump administration continued the confrontation, imposing punitive trade tariffs and economic sanctions on China that have been maintained and greatly expanded under the Biden administration. In the name of national security, Biden, who served as vice-president under Obama, has imposed export bans aimed at crippling Chinese hi-tech industries and ensuring American technological dominance both in the economic and military spheres.

Bidens forging of a trilateral alliance with Japan and South Korea follows his elevation of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quada quasi-military grouping with India, Japan and Australia. In addition, last year he formalised the AUKUS pact with Britain and Australia that will provide Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines and greatly expanded missile capability, while transforming it into the southern anchor for a war with China by further opening its bases to US forces.

The US strategy in Asia has another parallel with the Ukraine war. Just as it goaded Moscow into invading Ukraine, so the US is deliberately undermining the entire basis for its diplomatic relations with Chinathe status of Taiwan. Washington has all but torn up the One China policy, under which it recognised Beijing as the de facto legitimate government of all China, including Taiwan. By boosting economic and military arrangements with Taiwan, Washington is taunting Beijing into invading the island and providing the pretext for war.

The world is increasingly resembling the madhouse that preceded World War II, with the formation of economic blocs and military pacts that culminated in a disastrous global conflict that cost the lives of tens of millions. In response to the aggressive strategy of US imperialism and its allies, China and Russia are being driven together. At the current BRICS summit, involving the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, Chinese President Xi Jinping is calling for BRICS expansion and transformation into a grouping to counter US-led economic aggression.

Underpinning the accelerating plunge towards world war is the deepening crisis of global capitalism centred on American imperialism, which will stop at nothing to maintain its world dominance. In his introduction to the 2023 International Summer School of the Socialist Equality Party (US), David North, chairman of the World Socialist Web Site, explained:

The understanding of the fundamentally existential character of the crisis requires the recognition that the deliberate provocation of this war and the reckless determination to escalate the confrontation with both Russia and Chinatwo nuclear-armed powersis not the product merely of irrational aggression. As in the 1930s, the ruling classes see no way out of their crisis except through war. In 1938, Trotsky wrote in the opening of the Transitional Program that the imperialist powers were even less capable of averting World War II than they had been on the eve of World War I. It can now be said, with no less urgency, that the capitalist elites of North America and Europe are less capable of preventing World War III than they were in stopping the outbreak of World War II. One must assume that the Biden administration is not entirely unaware of the high probability that a nuclear war would result in the deaths of tens of millions of people and the destruction of the United Stateswe should say hundreds of millions of people in the United States alone. But this can only mean that nuclear war is viewed by the ruling elites as a risk that must be taken to achieve objectives even more critical for the survival of American capitalism. Moreover, from the standpoint of the ruling class, an America without capitalism is a country not worth saving.

A world engulfed in a nuclear holocaust is not inevitable, however. The same contradictions of capitalism that are driving toward nuclear conflict are fueling the growth in the struggles of the international working class, which is being forced to bear ever greater economic burdens.

To halt such a catastrophe, workers must understand that the source of war and the class war being waged against their living conditions is one and the samethe profit system and its bankrupt division of the global economy into rival nation states. Nothing less than an international anti-war movement of the working class to overthrow capitalism and institute socialism is required to prevent war. That is the revolutionary perspective for which the International Committee of the Fourth International, the world Trotskyist movement, fights.
Last Wednesday, the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that access to the abortion pill, mifepristone, should be further restricted. This most recent attack on the right to abortion is targeted at the most popular method for ending a pregnancy in the United States.

Boxes of the drug mifepristone line a shelf at the West Alabama Women's Center in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on March 16, 2022. [AP Photo/Allen G. Breed, File]

Although the courts ruling has no immediate effect, as there will be no change in how mifepristone is currently distributed, the issue is in line for the conservative-dominated US Supreme Court to revisit in its 2024 or 2025 session. The court overturned the constitutional right to abortion last year in its Dobbs decision, opening up a wave of state level bans and lawsuits. The mifepristone case could be taken up by the court just months before the next Presidential election, meaning both capitalist parties will utilize the case as a component of their platforms as they jockey for votes.

If the Supreme Court allows the lower courts decision to take effect, rules allowing online ordering, mail delivery, and pharmacy dispensing of the abortion pill would be drastically curtailed. Additionally, legal access to the pill would be cut down to seven weeks of pregnancy from the current ten weeks and an old requirement that only physicians can prescribe it, ending easier over the counter access, would be revived.

Together with misoprostol, mifepristone is FDA approved through ten weeks of pregnancy and is used in more than half of abortions nationwide.

The Alliance for Hippocratic Medicinea coalition of anti-abortion medical groups that formed in Texas last yearchallenged both the FDAs original 2000 approval of mifepristone, arguing the agency did not adequately consider the drugs safety risks, as well as later agency actions that loosened restrictions on the pills. Absurdly, the groups claim their physician members are harmed by the pills availability because of the possibility they would need to provide follow-up care for a patient of theirs that had a complication.

Judge James Ho, a Trump appointee on the three-judge panel, sought approval for the virtual elimination of access to mifepristone. He agreed with the most extreme position of the anti-abortion groups that the FDAs original approval of the drug should be altogether reversed, taking the pill completely off the market. However, Ho was overruled by his two fellow judges who argued it was too late to challenge the agencys initial approval over two decades ago. Nevertheless, all three Republican judges agreed to send the case to the Supreme Court.

Erin Hawley, the lead attorney on the case for the challengers, said she was very pleased that the court rightly required the FDA to do its job and to restore crucial safeguards for women and girls. Hawley added that she hopes the decision discourages use of the pills even while it remains on hold, saying, it gives women a reason to think twice about taking mifepristone unsupervised.

Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod, appointed by George W. Bush, wrote that it is a concrete injury when [physicians] are forced to divert time and resources away from their regular patients and when they are forced to choose between following their conscience and providing care to a woman who has had an abortion.

Elrod, joined by Trump appointee Cory Wilson, rejected the anti-abortion groups challenge to the original 2000 FDA approval of mifepristone, on the grounds that they had missed the window to sue the agency. However, the judges did agree with the challenge to the FDAs actions in 2016, 2019 and 2021 to lift restrictions on who could obtain the pills and how, calling them arbitrary and capricious.

In loosening mifepristones safety restrictions, FDA failed to address several important concerns about whether the drug would be safe for the women who use it, the opinion said.

In his concurrent opinion, Ho claimed that doctors would also suffer an aesthetic injury if the pills remain available.

Unborn babies are a source of profound joy for those who view them, he wrote. Expectant parents eagerly share ultrasound photos with loved ones. Friends and family cheer at the sight of an unborn child. Doctors delight in working with their unborn patientsand experience an aesthetic injury when they are aborted.

The Biden administration and Danco, the pharmaceutical company which manufactures mifepristone, are defending the current federal regulation of the pill. Both have warned that a success on part of the challengers could inspire copycat lawsuits targeting other contraceptive drugs. Furthermore, they argue that treating rare complications is within the parameters of a doctors job, not an infringement on personal or religious rights.

The Department of Justice issued a statement saying it remains committed to protecting access to reproductive care and defending the FDAs scientific judgment.

The Department strongly disagrees with the Fifth Circuits decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA and will be seeking Supreme Court review of that decision, a spokesperson for the department said.

Danco suggested it will also appeal the decision. In its rush to reach a particular outcome on the merits, the panel disregarded the actual factual record before the court and second-guessed FDA at every turnneither of which is consistent with the rule of law in challenges to agency action, the company said in a statement.

The 5th Circuits ruling is the latest chapter in a long fight over access to reproductive care, which demonstrates the impossibility to secure and protect fundamental democratic rights for the working class under bourgeois democracy.

The most recent poll from Pew Research Center indicates 61 percent of Americans believe abortion should be legal. Despite the popular support, the Democrats have proven themselves wholly incapable of defending it, refusing to codifying the right to abortion when they have had control of Congress and the White House.

Leon Trotsky explained in The Revolution Betrayed that the right to abortion is one of a womans most important civil, political and cultural rights. That this fundamental democratic right is under growing assault is indicative of the advanced rot of the capitalist system.
Less than two weeks after the Maui wildfire swept through the town of Lahaina and destroyed everything in its path, numerous reports have emerged that predatory real estate speculators are preying on those who lost everything in the disaster.

A person pushes a cart along the Honoapi'ilani Highway past homes consumed by a recent wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii, Monday, August 21, 2023. [AP Photo/Jae C. Hong]

Posts on social media by Lahaina residents beginning on August 13 warned that real estate investors were contacting homeowners and asking them to sell their property. As in previous natural disasters, capitalist vultures are descending on Maui to exploit the devastation and attempting to purchase property cheaply with the intention of flipping or developing it for significant profit in the future.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that Hawaiis Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs had warned homeowners to be wary of unsolicited offers to buy their properties, especially from people who may be trying to buy it below market value. The department also asked those being contacted with offers to report them to the government agency.

Significantly, residents have made no reports to the agency due to a high degree of distrust in the government by working class families on the island.

A report by Reuters on Tuesday said the news agency had seen two email messages sent by The E Mortgage in Oklahoma City, one linking to a site called Cash Offer USA. The emails claimed to represent local buyers seeking sellers, offering all-cash deals and no closing costs for homes as-isno need to make any repairs. Reuters said an attempt to contact The E Mortgage via email went unanswered.

The revelations about predatory realtors on the devastated Hawaiian island are taking place as Maui County officials report that 115 deaths have been confirmed so far from the wildfire. The county released the names of 13 identified victims, while another 22 names will be released once families have been notified.

The ages of the identified deceased Lahaina residents range from 45 to 90 years old. Some officials say another 500 to 1,000 people remain missing with a significant number of these expected to be children, according to people close to the search and recovery effort. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said on Instagram that the number of missing is 850.

On Monday, county officials reported that all single story, residential properties had been searched and teams were now moving to multi-story residential and commercial buildings. Meanwhile, fire experts are saying that confirming whether those who are unaccounted for are deceased can be very difficult in a blaze like the one that engulfed Lahaina.

The Associated Press interviewed Vyto Babrauskas, president of fire safety research consulting firm Fire Science and Technology Inc., who said that the fire may have left no human remains to identify through DNA tests.

Those are easy when destruction is modest, Babrauskas said. If you go to the extreme of thingsif turned to ashyoure not going to be able to identify anything.

While the corporate media and the government have adopted a critical attitude to the presence of real estate vultures in Maui, none of them have gone out of their way to investigate and identify the individuals and companiesthe Reuters report above notwithstandingwho are engaging in this big business equivalent of looting a disaster area.

Nor will any of these supposed critics of the real estate predators point to the fact that the lack of response by the government to the disaster has created a desperate situation for residents who have lost everything and are in need of money to put their lives back together.

Within this context, it should be mentioned that the Biden administration has offered a measly and insulting $700 per household destroyed by the wildfire and the President told residentsmany of whom are without internet accessduring his visit to the island on Monday to go online to a FEMA website, If you need help.

At the same time, the capitalist press and politicians are well aware of the fact that the same type of speculation has been used by billionaire investors across the US in cities and towns that have been devastated by natural disasters, deindustrialization, budget cuts and government policies that have destroyed entire communities.

The Wall Street Journal, for example, enthusiastically reported the statements of Hawaii Governor Josh Green who said of the speculators, We are not going to allow people to take advantage. Dont make the mistake of testing us on this.

Meanwhile, Governor Green devoted a good portion of his remarks during President Bidens trip to Maui on Monday extolling the importance of people returning to Hawaii for vacations and comparing it to forcing people back to work during the pandemic.

Green said, Like we saw in the pandemic, decisions we made can affect everyone across the islands. So, what were saying now is travel should not be to West Maui. But the other parts of Maui are safe and the rest of the state, of course, is also safe.

The Maui wildfire has accelerated processes within capitalist society that have been underway for decades. Hawaii has the highest cost of living of any state in the US. According to government data, Hawaii has a cost of living index of 184, which is 15 percent higher than Massachusetts and 37 percent higher than California, the two next most expensive states to live in.

A major factor in Hawaiis high cost of living is the cost of housing. Maui, like other parts of Hawaii, had a shortage of affordable housing and a growing homelessness crisis before the fire. The median home sale price in Lahaina was $990,000 in June, according to real-estate website Redfin. This is $300,000 more than the median home price for the state, per Redfin.

Inventory for single-family home sales on the island was down nearly 40 percent in July compared to the same period in 2019, according to the Realtors Association of Maui. The median price for a single family home in Lahaina was $1.3 million before the wildfires.

During his semi-coherent speech before the media in Lahaina on Monday, President Biden said very little about what his administration was doing to address the crisis facing those who are now homeless and in need of essential goods and services. However, he referenced the rebuilding of the island with a nod to the investors, claiming, You know, we will be respectful of these sacred grounds and the traditions that rebuild the way the people of Maui want to build, not the way others want to build.
Between Two Worlds is a film directed and co-written by French author Emmanuel Carrere. It is loosely based on an autobiographical work by Belgian-born journalist Florence Aubenas, who spent months working undercover as a cleaner to investigate the conditions facing lower-paid workers.

Her 2010 books French title, Le Quai de Ouistreham (Ouistreham pier or dock), refers to the ferry service between the northwestern French port of Ouistreham and Englands Portsmouth for which she worked as part of her research. But Aubenas also clearly meant the title to bring to mind British writer George Orwells famed 1937 work, The Road to Wigan Pier (in French, Le Quai de Wigan), which recounts his experiences among workers in the West Midlands devastated by the Depression.

Juliette Binoche in Between Two Worlds

In the fictionalized film adaptation of Aubenass book (which won various prizes), well-known author Marianne Winckler (Juliette Binoche) gives up her life and connections in Paris to work as a cleaning woman (the English title of Aubenas work is The Night Cleaner) in Caen in northern France. In actual fact, the first character we see, marching with determination through the industrial landscape, is Christele (Helene Lambert). When she arrives at the government unemployment office, she angrily berates an official for the bureaucratic red tape that may result in her losing benefits. She has three children to feed and no money coming in.

Marianne, after first learning the humiliating demands of the job interview process (Im energetic, a team-spirited person, etc.), finds employment with a cleaning firm. She undergoes another humiliation, a course on cleaning with a trainer. Christele shows up here, as does Marilou (Lea Carne), the two women to whom Marianne will ultimately grow especially close.

Fired for talking back to a bullying boss, Marianne returns to the unemployment office, where she is recognized for who and what she is by her counselor, who promises to keep the secret. Meanwhile, Marianne confides in Marilou that she never realized before that there are no real jobs left, none, that is, with decent hours, benefits and possibilities for advancement.

Eventually, the investigative reporter-writer finds work on the ferry, cleaning rooms, while it is docked in Ouistreham. The woman who hires her, a fellow worker, tells her the job is sheer hell, a commando operation, and all for the minimum wage. The cleaning crew has 320 rooms to clean on the ferry, only four minutes to each room. Marianne finds herself paralyzed with exhaustion after the first nights work.

She begins to develop a friendship with the tough, thick-skinned Christele, offering the other woman, who has no car, a ride to work each morning. In one touching sequence, Marianne spots Christele going through her bag and wallet. But nothing is missing. On the appropriate day, Christele and her three adorable young sons celebrate Mariannes birthday. Christele had been looking at her identity card for her date of birth! The young boys present Marianne with a necklace, which she pledges to wear the rest of her life.

Marianne also meets, or is met by, Cedric (Didier Pupin), also unemployed, and something of a ladies man. At one point, he fixes a flat tire for her. They spend a little time together, but nothing serious.

Things unravelreader beware!when Marilou leaves her coat behind in a cabin and the trio hurry back to retrieve it, only to have the ferry leave for England with them aboard. They hide out in a first-class room and sip champagne. But an old friend recognizes Marianne  and her secret emerges.

Between Two Worlds has a certain authenticity, as far as it goes. Binoche is fine, and the other actors take their working class characters seriously.

The existence of precarious employment, insecure, poorly paid, easily eliminated, is a global phenomenon, seriously aggravated by the pandemic. France has one of the highest percentages of precarious workers in Europe, with millions falling into that category.

The bleak outlook for Christele, Marilou, Cedric and the others is a part of contemporary social reality, as is the complete abandonment of these workers by the so-called labor movement, the trade unions, and the official left parties.

Between Two Worlds also takes time to consider briefly the situation of those even worse off, undocumented immigrants from Sudan, for example, harassed by the police at 5:00 a.m., who take away their blankets in freezing weather.

The films ending presents problems. Again, reader beware. Once Mariannes imposture emerges, Christele and, to a certain extent, Marilou, find it unforgivable. Christele calls Marianne a fake person, less than me. Marianne has humiliated everyone, pretending to be what you werent  Get lost. After the book-expose comes out, Christele summons Marianne one final time to the docks and challenges her to clean rooms for just an hour and a half, after which she will be returned to her friends. Marianne finds that pointless. So, Christele says, Everyone in their place, and leaves without another word.

Theres something misplaced or false here. Its understandable that a friend would initially be irritated by the deception, but isnt the exposure of the social conditions the central issue? With whatever limitations, and from whatever imperfect combination of motives, Marianne has brought to light the harsh exploitation and brutal life situations of these workers. This sort of moralizing would prevent artists, intellectuals generally from ever discussing or publicizing the circumstances of the working class. Carreres film spends its final energies on a secondary or tertiary issue. What about the facts of modern life?

Between Two Worlds

Overall, although Between Two Worlds is sincere enough, it has a rather tepid, unadventurous character. The subject matter is worthwhile, but the film is hardly ground-breaking. (Its most moving moment is the impromptu, surprise birthday party.) Least of all does Carrere entertain the possibility that these workers might revolt against their conditions, although French workers are almost continuously demonstrating their intense combativity.

Carrere is celebrated in some quarters as a major French writer. This reviewer cannot render a judgment, but it is not encouragingto say the least!to come across Carreres journalistic tribute, which appeared in The Guardian in 2017, to Frances new president at the time, Emmanuel Macron, now best known (and widely hated) as the president of the rich.

This is the sort of passage Carrere wasted his time on in that article: Every interaction with Macron follows the same protocol. He turns his penetrating blue eyes on you and doesnt look away. As for your hand, he shakes it in two stages: first a normal grip, and then, as if to show that this was no ordinary, routine handshake, he increases the pressure while at the same time intensifying his gaze.

And, The professional commentators who started to drop him after just a few months of his presidency can keep calling him a powdered marquis, a megalomaniac with royal pretensions, a rich mans president or a communicator without a cause, but he [Macron] couldnt care less. The people, by contrast, with whom he is directly, physically in contact, are his bread and butter. Anyone whos had their hand shaken by Macron is lost to the opposition: theyre destined to vote Macron and to convert to Macronism.

More: This is a guy who only runs for a single office in his entire life, that of president of the republic, and wins. A guy who understands that the parties that have structured French public life since the end of the second world war are clinically dead, and that it is time to offer the French something new. Even this admission doesnt improve matters: At the same time, I knew that my vote was a class vote: it was normal for privileged people to vote for Macron.

Enough, this is pathetic and shallow, journalistic impressionism and wishful thinking. Someone who thinks and says such things will never penetrate to the most critical, burning issues of our day, in art or politics.
Hundreds of students walked out of classes at West Virginia University (WVU) Morgantown campus on Monday, protesting the universitys proposal to eliminate 169 full-time faculty positions (7 percent of the entire faculty) and 9 percent of academic majors. Among those programs in jeopardy, along with their respective instructors, are the Department of World Languages, Literature, and Linguistics, which will be eliminated in its entirety if the proposal is implemented.

West Virginia University students lead a protest against cuts to programs in world languages, creative writing and more amid a $45 million budget deficit outside Stewart Hall in Morgantown, West Virginia on Monday, August 21, 2023. [AP Photo/Leah Willingham]

The elimination of the department would mark the end of instruction in Russian, French, Spanish, Chinese and German, as well as a masters program in linguistics and teaching English to non-native speakers. To add insult to injury, for WVU students who still desire language instruction, the university is toying with the idea of shunting those students to outdated online platforms and a privately-owned language app.

Among the other proposed cuts at WVU are: creative writing, doctor of music arts in composition, master of music in composition, masters in jazz pedagogy, and bachelors in environmental and community planning.

In all, 32 of 338 total academic majors offered at WVU have been recommended for elimination. Of those 32, 12 are undergraduate programs and 20 are graduate programs.

WVU is the most important research university in the state, which is located in Appalachia, a region plagued by high levels of poverty in the former coal mining center.

The proposed cuts, which the university administration sought to justify by pointing to a $45 million budget deficit, have sent shock waves not only through the student body and workers at WVU but throughout the country. The cuts are widely understood as a frontal assault on the social and cultural rights of workers and youth more broadly. Significantly, the protesting students on Monday wore red T-shirts and bandanas, as did West Virginia coal miners during the 1921 Battle of Blair Mountain.

Explaining the situation that youth are confronting in West Virginia, one protesting student told the Associated Press, Kids are stuck in these rural communities as it is and a lot of us are looking at either the military or college to get us out of here and let us learn something new. Another student stressed that public education in the state was already hard to access. She added, For me, its really that this is going to happen on the national level, and were just the frontline of it.

A former graduate of the university told the AP, I think theres a rising tide of anti-intellectualism in this country, and its really hard to see because theres nothing wrong with being educated and learning things. Its going to make people more isolated and live poorer lives and I think the cruelty is some of the point here.

A petition protesting the elimination of the Department of World Languages, Literature, and Linguistics under the title Preserve Students Rights to Study World Languages at WVU, has garnered almost 22,000 signatures within just 10 days. It states:

This decision threatens not only the economic opportunities that come with language proficiency, particularly for students in economically depressed areas like Appalachia, but also our cultural diversity.  [L]earning world languages has proven benefits beyond language proficiency. It enhances cognitive abilities, promotes cultural understanding, improves communication skills in the first language, and fosters empathy towards diverse communities.  Access to quality education, including world languages, is crucial for breaking the cycle of poverty and providing a brighter future for West Virginia. By eliminating world language, cultures, and linguistics courses at WVU, the university administration is limiting WVU students potential for success both locally and globally.

The administration of WVU has responded with barely disguised contempt to the outpouring of protest. WVU Dean of Students Dr. Corey Farris ludicrously stated that there have been minimal concerns from students as the academic transformation continues, claiming that only a handful of students [will be] impacted by the elimination of academic programs.

This round of cuts, moreover, is only the beginning. Deficits are projected to swell to an annual $75 million, and the WVU administration will likely target additional programs as well as other features of campus life, like more than 400 student organizations, for future cuts.

WVU, according to Farris, will be using an external group whos also going to come in and help us look and do some benchmarking for us. It will be a number of eyes, internal and external, as we review student life.

The claim that the cuts are necessary because there is no money for education and culture is a lie.

West Virginia University, like all institutions of higher education, is marked by extreme levels of social inequality. It is run by its board of trustees like an institution not to serve the social and educational needs and rights of the working class, but as a business entity. Its President E. Gordon Gee, who previously headed universities like Brown, Vanderbilt and Ohio State University, is a multi-millionaire and boasts a salary that falls within the income bracket of the average CEO: $800,000.

Meanwhile, WVU Board of Governors have regularly approved tuition increases. The most recent, a 2.62 percent increase and a 2.88 percent increase, for resident- and non-resident students, respectively, was approved for the 2023 budget. An in-state student living on the Morgantown campus will spend an estimated $22,668 annually according to the WVU website. For an out-of-state student, the annual price tag swells to approximately $40,380.

Already, West Virginia federal student loan borrowers accrue an average debt of $31,121.28, while the annual average salary of a West Virginian with a bachelors degree sits at $49,170.43, according to Forbes. If one considers cost-of-living increases that come on top of an already burdened monthly budget, it is clear that borrowers might take decades to pay off their loan. Nationwide, according to the Congressional Budget Office, student loan debt increased from $187 billion to $1.4 trillion between 1995 and 2017. In that same time span, US military spending has more than doubled, from $321.6 billion in 1995, to $646.75 billion in 2017. Currently, the figure is closer to a trillion dollars a year.

The planned cuts at WVU are rightly seen as a fundamental assault on the right of the working class to culture and education, and the beginning of a far broader assault on public education. Already, institutions including Amherst College, Duquesne University and Johns Hopkins University have eliminated or are in the process of completely eliminating the language component of secondary education.

The claim that there is no money for culture and education must be rejected.

Since February 2022 alone, the US Congress has sent $113 billion in aid to Ukraine to fund and escalate a war that was deliberately provoked by US imperialism. The high-precision ammunition and cluster bombs and many other means of human destruction, are used to further the killing of Ukrainian and Russian soldiers, with the estimated death toll among Ukrainian soldiers alone already above 300,000. Preparing for a new imperialist world war, the Biden administration requested a record $1 trillion war budget for 2024.

There is an intrinsic connection between the drive of US imperialism toward a new world war and the attempt by the ruling class to make workers pay for this war, and destroy whatever social and cultural rights the working class has won in previous struggles. Imperialism, as the Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin concluded, means reaction all down the line. Workers and youth must combine their fight against the attacks on their social and cultural rights with a fight against imperialist war. The immense resources spent by the ruling class on war must go to fund free education and access to culture for all.

In 2018, wildcat strikes by West Virginia educators led to the largest strike wave of teachers across the United States in decades. The past year has seen a growing movement by educators and academic workers, autoworkers, nurses and other sections of the working class who are determined to fight for their interests.

These are the principal allies of students and workers at WVU. We urge students and faculty at the university to contact the WSWS and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) to discuss the next steps in their fight against the cuts at WVU.
We dont really look at them, but they are there. Without context, the sentence could refer to any everyday item. Although when he says it, the researcher Josemi Lorenzo is referring to the amount of writings, symbols, and signs that have accumulated on the walls of dozens of Romanesque churches that he has analyzed  most of them located in rural Castilla y Leon (Spain)  and that usually go unnoticed. What is the meaning of the crosses, stars with different numbers of points, or filigrees such as the interlacings that have been preserved on the walls for centuries? It is known that they were made by people of all social classes and levels of knowledge, and that they appeared spontaneously, without any prior planning. With regard to their meaning, the author of the study points, mainly, to the ancestral will of humans to ward off evil. They may also be interpreted as an ex-voto, that is, in gratitude to the divinity for favors received.

But beyond the generalities, the details of this intriguing custom are even more fascinating today than the various  although hackneyed and recurring  interpretations of the iconography present on Romanesque portals, capitals, and tympanums. My personal experience is that if you talk to people about psychostasis (the weighing of souls), you start to see them yawning. On the other hand, when you show them graffiti on a church wall, their interest skyrockets, the historian Josemi Lorenzo reveals. Perhaps it was this same appeal that led him to study, analyze, and define what he himself calls scrawls: graffiti on the walls of churches that continue to battle for survival, and that represent a true library for historians to extract data on the people of the past.

Crosses on the chancel walls at the Santa Maria de Quintanilla de las Vinas hermitage, in Burgos, Spain. J. L.

That is, they are a kind of language  or means of expression  of the everyday folk. This is the key to research, and its value lies specifically in them. The buildings raised by the master builders of the Middle Ages are well understood. We appreciate the work of the sculptors who carved the stone, and the painters who decorated the walls. However, what do we know about the humble, illiterate people? If the graffiti is textual, its authors belong to a very specific segment of society, the cult. A cross made up of two lines, on the other hand, can be made by anyone, Lorenzo writes in Magico y sobrenatural. Creencias y supersticiones en la epoca del romanico [Magical and supernatural. Beliefs and superstitions in the Romanesque period]. And they were also community testimonies. You can place a fig on a child (an amulet to rid children of the evil eye), a coral, or a cross, but a building belongs to the people, and it is the people who protect it and make it their own through this type of devotion, the author adds. In doing so, he is referring to a whole range of drawings recorded on walls, door jambs, and lintels: from crosses and stars to intertwining knots, mazes, and alquerque (the board game) designs that imitate the popular tic-tac-toe board.

They grow and multiply

In view of the impressive north wall of the hermitage of San Miguel, in the town of Gormaz, in Spain, it is worth adding one more characteristic to this enigmatic language: the rayajos [scrawls] seem to grow and multiply, crowding the entire wall. In any case, the symbols are far from the definition of a palimpsest  a text written on top of a previous inscription  since its lines never overlap or disturb each other. There is a kind of code, some respect each other, as in contemporary graffiti, explains Lorenzo Arribas. Why are there so many? This is easier to understand. If a simple cross serves to ward off evils such as epidemics, poor harvests, or collective misfortunes, the more they appear juxtaposed together, the greater their protection against evil; their power intensifies.

Hence, our ancestors placed this type of symbol on thresholds and windows, that is, in all those cracks that the devil could slip through. In Western culture, evil enters through the openings or through the roof, which is why we can also find marks on the tiles. For the Maghrebi Muslim culture, on the other hand, evil gains access through food, which is why there are a multitude of plates and bowls marked with the protective symbol of the hand of Fatima, Josemi Lorenzo specifies.

Eight-pointed stars ion one of the walls of the former choir in the church of Santiago de Penalba (Penalba de Santiago, Leon, Spain). J. L.

Together with the interesting hermitage, Lorenzos research returns again and again to the enigmatic 10th-century church of Santiago de Penalba (Penalba de Santiago, Leon). Although its mass historical graffiti was not written by contemporary members of the general public  many of them are learned inscriptions made by monks  the religious building contains very rare examples. One such example is the old stone reused as a lintel on the south wall, which contains signs that predate the buildings construction, as well as a couple of later crosses. The Mozarabic building exemplifies, like no other, the inability of modern society to decipher these symbols. Experts point out that religious iconography was sometimes difficult for ordinary people to interpret. It was much easier to understand the meaning of the crosses or the five, six, and eight pointed stars, like the ones that the church preserves on one of the walls of the old choir. Its today that we dont understand them, Lorenzo points out. In fact, this practice has been extinct for centuries.

A crusade against destruction

The case of the church at Bierzo also serves to speak of the never-ending horses work undertaken by historians and architects who are concerned about the conservation of these vestiges: preventing restoration processes from obliterating the inscriptions. Not always successfully. Horses work because it was the drawing of such an animal on one of the walls of Santiago de Penalba  which Josemi Lorenzo was proud to show and explain to visitors  that was one of the most recent carvings to disappear due to terrible neglect. In the late summer 2019, how terrified the little horse must have seen, how the pickaxe shattered this secular art, with scant regard for the legislation for the protection of cultural heritage, nor the defensive plastering, nor its own integrity, the historian wrote then, not without sadness and indignation.

Interlaced pattern in the church fabric at de Santiago de Penalba (Penalba de Santiago, Leon, Spain). J. L.

Here is the ultimate paradox of the innocent graffiti. Even if it is only from a human point of view, of beliefs, it is still perverse that in order to protect a building, the restorations of our time take away the plaster on the walls where the people of the past drew crosses and stars, specifically to safeguard it from evil. The most serious thing is that it is no longer just a question of spontaneous interventions  such as the botched, amateur restoration of the Ecce Homo painting at Borja (Aragon, Spain)  but also of professional restorations. In this case, one of the possible causes of the error is the lack of supervision from the optional management of the work, argues Josemi Lorenzo.

What seems even more sinister, though, is confusing centuries-old graffiti with the despicable acts of vandalism of our days. They tend to be destroyed, when I think they are very important, because it is the people who have made them: they are historical testimonies of social layers that we do not usually have the opportunity to record, he argues. The guardians of this type of relic are not many, but historians like Lorenzo tell people the story behind them  as in the fateful case of the little horse at Penalba  to make them visible and avoid them being condemned to destruction.

Jose Maria Sadia is a journalist specializing in Spanish cultural heritage. His latest book, published in 2022, is El autoexpolio del patrimonio espanol is available (in Spanish) from Editorial Almuzara.

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Pianist, composer, author, conductor, creator of the West Side Story melodies... Leonard Bernstein was all of that and much more. Such was his talent and the size of his body of work that now, almost 25 years after his death, Bradley Cooper has decided to bring his life to the screen. He has produced, directed, written and starred in a biopic, Maestro, which will premiere at various film festivals in September of this year. It will hit movie theaters in November and, by December, it will be available on Netflix.

Just a few days ago  after months of expectation  the first trailer for the film was released. Its duration of just over a minute has caused a flurry of criticism. This is because beyond Leonard Bernstein, played by Bradley Cooper, and his wife, Felicia Montealegre, played by Carey Mulligan, the protagonist of the footage has a surprising guest: Bernsteins nose.

Born in Massachusetts to Ukrainian immigrants, Leonard Bernstein was Jewish. And, in the trailer for Maestro, his heritage is made clear via his features. As the creator of the film, Cooper  a gentile of Irish and Italian descent  has decided to give his character the composers characteristic nose. Its slightly wider and larger than his own, made possible with a prosthesis. This has unleashed discomfort and criticism in some sectors.

For example, Daniel Fienberg  one of the film critics for The Hollywood Reporter  has described the prosthesis as problematic on Twitter. The debate over a nose has filled newspaper pages and hours of television debate on American talk shows. As a result of this outcry, several major Jewish organizations have come to Coopers defense.

Before these groups made statements, Bernsteins relatives spoke up  they also supported Coopers creative decision: It breaks our hearts to see how [Bradley Coopers] efforts are misrepresented. It happens to be true that Leonard Bernstein had a nice, big nose. Bradley chose to use makeup to amplify his resemblance, and were perfectly fine with that. Were also certain that our dad would have been fine with it as well, affirmed Jamie, Alexander and Nina Bernstein, who have explained that the actor and director included them in all steps of the creation of the film. Strident complaints about this issue strike us, above all, as disingenuous attempts to bring a successful person down a notch  a practice we observed perpetrated all too often on our father.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL)  a powerful American Jewish association, active for more than a century  released a brief statement to Variety regarding the issue: Throughout history, Jews have often been portrayed in antisemitic films and in propaganda with large, hooked noses. This film  which is a portrait of legendary director Leonard Bernstein  does none of that. In other words, the ADL supports the characterization of Bernstein in this way.

The nose, of course, goes beyond the nose itself. Its about the representation of Jewish culture on the one hand, but also about actors and actresses who take on roles that dont match their identities. British actress and activist Tracy-Ann Obermann  a Jewish woman  criticized Cooper on her social media (she has since deleted the post), writing that the fact that the actor put on a prosthetic nose was equivalent to [someone] painting their face Black or yellow, referring to practices that were carried out for decades to portray characters of African or Asian descent. If Bradley Cooper cant [do the role] with his acting alone, then dont cast him  get a Jewish actor, she said.

Obermann perhaps didnt take into account that Cooper  as the writer, producer and director of Maestro  casted himself. However, she did refer to the fact that, a decade ago, when Cooper acted in The Elephant Man on Broadway, he didnt wear a prosthesis.

Leonard Bernstein making musical notations sitting at the piano in his New York home in 1955. PhotoQuest (Getty Images)

This line of criticism has been directed at other actors in recent months. Cillian Murphy  Irish and Catholic  has been criticized for getting into the skin of nuclear physicist Robert Oppenheimer, a Jew, in the film of the same name. A commentator from The Jewish Chronicle wrote: This may be because there is, from some of our storytellers presently, a fatigue, I think, a boredom, with Jews, and the strange incessant way that Western history has, often to their misfortune, placed them at the center of itself. This boredom is what leads to Jewish erasure, and that erasure is doubled down upon by the complacent casting of non-Jews as these great and complex Jewish figures of history. Criticism has also intensified because the former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir has been played by the non-Jewish British actress Helen Mirren in the recent biopic Golda.

The issue of who gets to play what role is a long-standing one. Back in 2015, there were dissenting voices because Eddie Redmayne played the role of the transsexual Lili Elbe in The Danish Girl. In 2016, Scarlett Johansson was heavily-criticized for portraying a Japanese character in the adaptation of The Ghost in the Shell manga. In 2018, when she was signed to play a trans character in the film Rub & Tug, the outrage was so strong that she ended up rejecting the role. Two years later, Halle Berry also decided to say no to another film, in which she would have played a trans: I understand that I shouldnt have considered that character and that the transgender community should undeniably have the opportunity to tell their own stories, she stated.

Last year, in an interview with The New York Times, Tom Hanks said that, today, he wouldnt play the role of the homosexual AIDS patient Andrew Beckett, whom he portrayed in the 1993 film Philadelphia  a performance that won him his first Oscar.

Questions of race, gender and even nationality have long been on the table in the world of film. However, the question of religion was not. Until now. A nose has appeared on the scene to change the conversation.

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The second season of The White Lotus (2022) had almost as many viral moments as characters. But the single line These gays, theyre trying to murder me delivered by (spoiler alert) Jennifer Coolidge has undoubtedly become the most memorable. In a video interview, the actress told Variety that Mike White, writer and creator of the series, was always sure of the power of the sentence that came to destroy the friendly image that her characters group of handsome friends conveyed throughout the plot. Until then, they werent portrayed as malevolent, Coolidge confesses.

Although the history of film and television is full of LGBTQI+ villains, the difference in this case is that Mike White himself belongs to the community, so as journalist Mike Harris says, if youre gay, its likely that you understood that you were on safe ground, and it was not a homophobic comment, but rather a joyous recovery of the idea of the gay monstrosity by the homophobes who guarded it for decades. That is to say: it is no longer a question of simply putting up with the joke, but of creating one of your own and telling it.

I think the key is in the ironic tone and the sense of humor that predominates in the series. It is not at all moralistic, nor does it present idealized characters that put good people above bad people, but instead inquires into the complexity of each and portrays their chiaroscuro. And, indeed, that affinity with the LGBTQI+ universe that can be seen in this point of view is also important. The public can understand the fact that gay murderers also end up being murdered as a game or a twist, explains Francina Ribes Pericas, author of Absence and excess: Lesbians and bisexuals in Hollywood cinema, a book in which she reflects on the archetype of the murderous lesbian or bisexual.

In the same way that the second season of The White Lotus laughs at homophobic stereotypes, it also plays with another misogynistic cliche: the fag hag (a woman who associates mostly or exclusively with gay and bisexual men) and who becomes a central character in the HBO series. The maximum representation of equality in film and television began to arrive when the people in the community stopped being drawn by the pattern of cliches perpetuated for decades by Hollywood. Masterfully, and despite the fact that Coolidges character (Tanya) does not belong to the community, The White Lotus has turned Tanya into a gay icon. Perhaps to verbalize the boredom we feel that is nonsencically termed gay fatigue, says Javier Parra, author of Scream Queer: LGBTQI+ representation in the horror films.

Still from 'Dressed to Kill' (1980): the identity of the murderer behind will surprise you. getty

Ribes Pericas says: What I find most fascinating about this second season is how the fact of surrounding Tanya with gay men seems to take her to another dimension. Throughout the series, her character seems almost like a parody. She is a misunderstood misfit, but in this season for a moment she seems to find her place, surrounded by people who understand and appreciate her style, and her sensitivity, and let her shine.

Bad and very proud

Throughout the history of cinema, queer people have on many occasions embodied an unspoken evil. The trans murderer played by Michael Caine in Brian de Palmas Dressed to Kill (1980) was a particularly notorious case due to the discomfort it generated within the community  as well as among various feminist organizations due to its portrayal of violence against women. However, we are currently witnessing a boom in LGBTQI+ characters who go over to the dark side without wanting to be viewed in any other way or to hide their badness. Just as it is increasingly common to see women who love to be hated, the malevolent characters in the queer community now flaunt their evil openly. A lot of the time, evil implies action and a certain subversive power that is given by the ability to rebel against an oppressive context, says Francina Ribes Pericas. It may be important that film and television fiction offers alternative characters through whom traditionally oppressed groups, such as women or the LGBTQI+ community, can rebel and be represented as active, strong characters capable of getting away with all kinds of misdeeds.

In the new season of the television anthology Feud (still pending release), Ryan Murphy will adapt the controversial 2021 book Capotes Women, which describes the relationship between the writer Truman Capote (who was gay) and the women he referred to as his swans, as well as his betrayals of which they were victims. Tom Hollander, the well-mannered villain in the second season of The White Lotus, will also play the author of In Cold Blood (1965). Before that, we can enjoy the miniseries Fellow Travelers, in which the main character, played by Matt Bomer, is an opportunistic and ruthless man who does not hesitate to manipulate one of his lovers. No more Mr. Nice Gay, who dominated screen fiction starting with Will & Grace in 1998: now the villain enjoys being bad and doesnt care that people despise him.

Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey, in the upcoming series 'Fellow Travellers.' Showtime

In the early 1990s, associating queer characters with evil, like Sharon Stones in Basic Instinct (1992), or bloodsuckers like those from Interview with the Vampire (1994), might seem rather naive. Nowadays, associating evil with sexual orientation is a discourse that comes from only two paths: being a fascist or being unintelligent. And sometimes the two end up converging. I think that we are still in a transition process in which we have experienced how characters from the community were portrayed negatively, in tune with the tradition that anything that was not the heterosexual norm was bad, says Parra. As recent evil LGBTQI+ characters, I can think of some that have come from indie cinema, like the main character in Bliss (2019), but perhaps the strangest, sometimes even the most worrying thing, has to do with the explosion of the true crime genre, through which we have seen the conversion of serial killers into pop icons or rock stars. People like Jeffrey Dahmer, John Wayne Gacy, and Dennis Nielsen, homosexuals and serial killers, are the ultimate example of evil that transcends any orientation.

Evil as the way in

There are those who believe that the bad guys are always the most interesting characters in history. Were they, perhaps, a way for the community to infiltrate the popular imagination and narratives where they were so often denied a space? We have managed to infiltrate thanks to the reappropriation of negative cliches and gestures that are directly associated with being queer. Ask anyone in the community who saw The Little Mermaid [1989] or Sleeping Beauty [1959] as a child, and they will tell you that they loved Ursula [the marine villain inspired by Devine, John Waters muse, by the way] and Maleficent [a sorceress with the body of a Mugler model]. Villains have always been much more interesting than heroes. And now that the world is able to think about them with all the possible layers of irony and social criticism with which they have been built, their association with what is queer is more present than ever. Because the revolution will either be queer or there wont be one, says the author of Scream Queer.

Ursula, the villain from Disney's 'The Little Mermaid,' who stole Ariel's voice ... and gave it to the queer community? Disney

In the introduction to the book The Celluloid Closet (1981), the historian Vito Russo said that the big lie about gay men and women is that they dont exist. Whats more, the good thing about fiction that now includes villains who are happy and proud to be bad is that it reveals another big lie: the idea that LGBTQI+ people must always be good. In the end, these gays may try to kill you, but theyre not going to try to hide it anymore.

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The Cuban sandwich at Cypress Table was a revelation: smoked pork and Serrano ham, with Swiss cheese served in a pressed, actual-Cuban roll and spread with a touch of stone-ground mustard.

I usually end this missive with a list of food holidays, but this week, I decided to pull it up to the top.

Why? Because National Cuban Sandwich Day is Aug. 23, and my colleagues in the USA Today Florida Network are super excited about it. We put together this story spotlighting some of the best Cuban Sandwiches in Florida.

We've got a couple of local places represented in the list, and in case you missed it, Lyn Dowling also has a story about our 10 favorite Cuban Sandwiches on the Space Coast last week.

There's plenty of great food to celebrate this week in addition to Cuban sandwiches. Here's what's on the calendar, according to nationaltoday.com:

National Sponge Cake Day, Aug. 23

National Coconut Week, Aug. 23

National Burger Day, Aug. 24

National Peach Pie Day, Aug. 24

National Waffle Day, Aug. 24

National Whiskey Sour Day, Aug. 25

National Cherry Popsicle Day, Aug. 26

National Pots De Creme Day, Aug. 27

National Cherry Turnover Day, Aug. 28

More Herbs, Less Salt Day, Aug. 29

National Chop Suey Day, Aug. 29

Hola, Checkers

Checkers and Rally Drive-In restaurants across the country have partnered with Hi Auto to offer AI drive-thru ordering technology in 350 locations.

The bilingual feature lets drive-thru restaurants take spoken orders for Spanish-speaking customers in real time, according to a press release from the company.

At Checkers & Rallys, we understand the importance of creating an inclusive environment and meeting our customers where they are, said Minh Le, Chief Information Officer at Checkers & Rallys. With the addition of Hi Autos Spanish translation capabilities to our AI voice ordering technology at the drive-thru, were further enhancing guest interactions, increasing order efficiency and embracing our welcoming culture.

Rally's and Checkers have more than 800 restaurants across the country, so we don't know when the Spanish AI ordering will be available at Brevard's two locations at 2505 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne; and 520 N. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island.

Move over, pumpkin spice

First Watch's fall menu includes Million Dollar Harvest Hash: seasoned potatoes with Million Dollar Bacon, house-roasted sweet potatoes and Crimini mushrooms, kale and Monterey Jack topped with two eggs, herbed goat cheese, lemon-dressed arugula and drizzled with Mike's Hot Honey.

It's way too early to start talking about pumpkin spice, right?

Well, First Watch is mentioning it, but only to say they're not serving it. At least not now. Instead, the breakfast, brunch and lunch chain is launching a fall menu that features lots of sweet heat in the form of Mike's Hot Honey, according to a press release.

The menu, which will be available through Oct. 29, includes:

Million Dollar Harvest Hash . Seasoned potatoes with Million Dollar Bacon, house-roasted sweet potatoes and Crimini mushrooms, kale and Monterey Jack topped with two eggs, herbed goat cheese, lemon-dressed arugula and drizzled with Mike's Hot Honey.

Barbacoa Quesadilla Benedict . Two barbacoa quesadillas prepared quesabirria-style, topped with poached eggs and covered with Vera Cruz hollandaise, ranchero sauce and scallions.

Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast . Two eggs plus pumpkin pancakes and a savory chicken sausage patty.

Cinnamon Spice Churros. Cinnamon sugar-dusted churros served with sea salt caramel toffee and Mexican mocha dipping sauces.

Pomegranate Pear Punch. Pomegranate, pear, cane sugar and lime.

First Watch is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. for pickup, delivery and dine-in service. For more information about First Watch, its seasonal menu offerings or to find the nearest location, visit firstwatch.com.

Brevard's First Watch restaurants are at 2328 Citadel Way Suite 104, Viera; and 1900 W. New Haven Ave., Melbourne.

Heat and honey at Chick-fil-A

The new Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich will be available at Chick-fil-A restaurants nationally on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.

Another national chain debuting a fall menu with heat and honey is Chick-fil-A.

Chick-fil-A is rolling out two new seasonal menu items, including the chain's first-ever twist on its original chicken sandwich and a new milkshake to help customers celebrate the arrival of autumn.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 28, the Georgia-based fast-food restaurant with multiple locations in Brevard, will offer a Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich and the Caramel Crumble Milkshake. Both items will only be available for a limited time, while supplies last.

The Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich features an original Chick-fil-A filet topped with creamy pimento cheese, mild pickled jalapenos and served on a bun drizzled with sweet honey, according to the product description.

Read more about it in this story from Gabe Hauari at USA Today.

Nothing Bundt Oreos

Nothing Bundt Cakes will offer its Oreo Cookie Bundtlet for a few weeks, Aug. 28 through Sept. 10

Nothing Bundt Cakes is another national food purveyor that's taking a hard stance against pumpkin spice, at least until it cools off a bit.

Aug. 28 through Sept. 10, the bakery with 515 locations nationwide will feature Oreo Cookies and Cream Bundtlet cakes. The classic white cakes are baked with Oreo cookie pieces and topped with Nothing Bundt Cakes' signature cream cheese frosting.

Nothing Bundt Cakes is at 2261 Town Center Ave., Suite 117, the Avenue Viera.

Until next time, happy eating y'all.

If you have questions about any of our food content, feel free to reach out anytime via email at sleonard@floridatoday.com. Or connect with me on Facebook: @SuzyFlemingLeonard or on Instagram: @SuzyLeonard

Suzy Fleming Leonard

FLORIDA TODAY food editor

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Cuban sandwiches across Florida, Brevard; pumpkin spice alternatives
If you are wondering what to do on your next family vacation, camping in Florida is the answer. Now the mention of Florida might bring a lot of talk about reptiles or mosquitoes filled places, which may be true but not entirely. If you have decided to go for a camping trip in Florida, then make sure you also choose the perfect season to visit. Camping in this city from October to March is ideal to avoid excess heat, rain, or even bugs. This whole process of deciding on the perfect camping place may seem like a daunting task. But fret not! Weve compiled a list of the best 6 camping places in Florida for some fun, exciting, and smooth adventure.

1. Ocala National Forest

Natural clear fresh water oasis at Juniper springs with wooden bridge at Ocala national forest in central Florida, north of Orlando.

Ocala National Forest is a beautiful and vast forest located in central Florida. Families can experience Floridas natural beauty through various recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The forest is home to over 600 natural springs and many miles of trails, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its an excellent place to explore and enjoy the wilderness, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

2. Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park during sunset

Another beautiful place for camping in Florida is the popular Biscayne National Park. It is a unique and beautiful national park located in South Florida. It is known for its incredible underwater world, including coral reefs, shipwrecks, and marine life. Visitors can explore the parks waters by snorkeling, scuba diving, or boat tours. Additionally, the parks islands offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Biscayne National Park is a must-see destination for those who love water activities and natural wonders.

3. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo is a unique and exciting destination located in Central Florida. Its a perfect place for those who want to experience the Wild West and cowboy lifestyle. The resort offers various activities such as horseback riding, cattle drives, archery, and airboat rides. Additionally, the resort hosts a weekly rodeo show that attracts visitors from all over the country. Its an excellent place to learn about the cowboy culture and have a fun family vacation.

4. Myakka River State Park

Bird watching boardwalk in the marsh of Myakka State Park in Sarasota, Florida via Getty Images

Myakka River State Park is a beautiful and diverse park located in Southwest Florida. The park is known for its vast prairies, wetlands, and forests, which are home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can explore the parks trails by hiking, biking, or taking a guided tour. Additionally, the park offers opportunities for camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Its an excellent place to experience Floridas natural beauty and wildlife up close.

5. Bahia Honda State Park

Camping at Bahia Honda State Park in Florida via Getty Images

Looking to go camping in Florida with your family to enjoy the peace and beauty of the tropics? Well, the Bahia Honda State Park is your best bet. It is a stunning and popular state park located in the Florida Keys. Its known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or kayak in the parks waters or relax on the beach. Additionally, the park offers camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Bahia Honda State Park is a must-visit destination for those who love beach activities and tropical scenery.

6. Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Jonathan Dickinson State Park is in Martin County in Florida via Getty Images

Located in Southeast Florida, another great camping spot is the stunning and diverse Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Its known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and historic sites. You can explore the parks trails by hiking, biking, or taking a guided tour. Additionally, the park offers opportunities for camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Its an excellent place to experience Floridas natural beauty and learn about its history. So, consider this as an option for your next family camping in Florida.

In conclusion, Florida is home to many beautiful and diverse natural destinations that offer families the opportunity to experience the states unique beauty and wildlife. From the vast and stunning Ocala National Forest to the underwater wonders of Biscayne National Park and the cowboy culture of Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether youre a local or a tourist, these destinations are a must-visit to experience the perfect camping in Florida.

Check out The Best Tents For Camping, to make sure your camping experience is comfortable.

The post 6 Best Camping Places in Florida for Your Next Family Adventure appeared first on Momtastic.
Polish President Andrzej Duda speaks at the military parade during the Polish Armed Forces Day in Warsaw, Poland, on August 15, 2023.

Polands President Andrzej Duda confirmed Tuesday that Russia has begun shifting some short-range nuclear weapons to neighboring Belarus, a move that he said will change the security architecture of the region and the entire NATO military alliance.

Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko said last month that Moscow had already shipped some of its tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, after announcing the plan in March. The U.S. and NATO havent confirmed the move.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg denounced Moscows rhetoric as dangerous and reckless, but said in July that the alliance hadnt seen any change in Russias nuclear posture.

Tactical nuclear weapons are intended for use on the battlefield and have a short range and a low yield compared with much more powerful nuclear warheads fitted to long-range missiles. Russia said it would maintain control over those it sends to Belarus.

Officials in Moscow and Minsk have said that the warheads could be carried by Belarusian Su-25 ground attack jets or fitted to short-range Iskander missiles.

Duda made his comments at a joint news conference with visiting Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

I was telling President (de Sousa) about the implementation of the declarations by Vladimir Putin that Russias tactical nuclear weapons will be moved to the territory of Belarus, Duda said. Indeed, this process is taking place, we are seeing that.

Duda gave no details, but said that in an obvious way it is changing the architecture of security in our part of Europe.

It is changing the architecture of security in our immediate neighborhood, but also of the eastern flank of NATO, at the same time. So in fact it is changing the situation for all of the alliance, he said.

Lukashenko said that hosting Russian nuclear weapons in his country is meant to deter aggression by NATO member Poland, even though Warsaw has made no such threats. Poland is offering neighbor Ukraine military, humanitarian and political backing in its struggle against Russias invasion and is taking part in international sanctions on Russia and Belarus.

Duda also hailed the recent approval by the U.S. State Department of the potential sale of 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopters to Poland that would lead to a huge boost in Polands and NATOs defense potential and was a sign of special relations between Washington and Warsaw.

De Sousa pledged continuing support for Ukraines struggle and for other countries in the region, saying the situation on Europes eastern borders is as important to Portugal as that in its own neighborhood.

We are united, we stand in solidarity, without any hesitations and I have duly taken note of the Polish concerns over what may be understood as the need to be closely watching any moves that may question the eastern borders of the European Union or of NATO, de Sousa said.

We are vigilant, we stand in solidarity, and we are operational, de Sousa said.

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Are you looking for an adventure that your whole family can enjoy? Well, you can consider exploring some amazing hiking trails in Michigan, that as some of the most breathtaking hiking trails. These trails cater to all experience levels and offer stunning views of natures beauty. From beginner-friendly trails to challenging routes, there is something for everyone. In this article, well discuss the 7 best hiking trails in Michigan that are perfect for families.

1. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes formed by glacial moraines, Michigan

If you are looking for a hiking trail that has an easy to moderate difficulty level, then Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must-visit. Perfect for families, one of the most popular trails is the Sleeping Bear Point Trail. It is approximately a 2 miles hike to and fro, taking you to the top of a sand dune overlooking the gorgeous Lake Michigan. This trail is perfect for a family adventure.

2. Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Tahquamenon Falls is surrounded by fall foliage in Tahquamenon Falls State Park via Getty Images

Another popular hiking trail in Michigan is the Tahquamenon Falls State Park which boasts several hiking trails leading to the Upper and Lower Falls. If you hike along the trail leading to the Upper Falls, it will take you around 1 hour and 20 mins round-trip. If you want to opt for the easier option, you can walk along the Lower Falls trails for approximately 30 minutes. The trail is breathtaking, with stunning landscapes. In addition, the park also offers picnic areas and camping sites for visitors who want to extend their stay. Dont forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning views of the falls and surrounding foliage.

3. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Looking for a remarkable outdoor adventure? Look no further than Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore! This magnificent destination boasts awe-inspiring hiking trails that offer sweeping vistas of Lake Superior. One such trail thats a must-see is the Chapel Trail, a 3.8-mile round-trip hike that leads to the stunning Chapel Falls and Chapel Rock. As you go along the trail, youll be treated to a colorful display of sandstone cliffs, beaches, and cascading waterfalls. For more intrepid explorers, the park also offers boat tours and backcountry camping options to help you immerse yourself in the areas natural beauty.

4. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Lake of the Clouds, Porcupine Mountains in Fall Color via Getty Images

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a great destination for families who love hiking. The park offers a range of trails, from easy to difficult, with stunning views of Lake Superior. The most popular trail is the Summit Peak Trail, a 2-mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of Summit Peak, offering views of Lake of the Clouds.

5. Ludington State Park

Ludington State Park Michigan via Getty Images

Nestled in the heart of natures beauty lies Ludington State Park, an idyllic haven that boasts breathtaking hiking trails that showcase the stunning vistas of Lake Michigan. The most sought-after trail is the Lighthouse Trail, a 3.5-mile round-trip hike that leads you to the majestic Big Sable Point Lighthouse. This trek is a true delight for nature lovers as it offers a glimpse of the parks diverse flora and fauna  from sand dunes to wetlands and forests. For those who want to extend their stay, the park also offers access to pristine beaches and cozy camping sites.

6. Isle Royale National Park

Rock Harbor at Isle Royale, Michigan via Getty Images

Another mesmerizing hiking trail in Michigan is the Isle Royale National Park. These hiking trails offer stunning views of Lake Superior. The most popular trail is the Greenstone Ridge Trail, which takes you to the highest point on the island. Along the way, youll encounter diverse plants and wildlife, including moose and wolves. The park also offers boat tours and backcountry camping for visitors who want to explore more of the island. Sounds exciting, right?!

7. Warren Dunes State Park

Warren Dunes State Park via Getty Images

For some fun and excitement, explore the Warren Dunes State Park, which is a beautiful destination with hiking trails that offer stunning views of Lake Michigan. The most popular trail is the Dune Ridge Trail, an approximately 45 mins round trip hike that takes you to the top of a sand dune overlooking Lake Michigan. This is a pretty easy-to-do hike and suitable for everyone in the family.

To wrap things up, Michigan boasts an array of hiking trails that are stunning to explore with your loved ones. Regardless of your skill level, youre sure to find a trail thats perfect for you, with views that will take your breath away. So, get your gear ready, slip on those hiking boots, and get ready to embark on a journey to discover the many beautiful hiking trails in Michigan.

Read to know the 7 Essential Tips for a Memorable Hiking with Kids

The post 7 Stunning Hiking Trails in Michigan Perfect for Families appeared first on Momtastic.
Facing a potential refiling of criminal charges in the fatal 2021 shooting of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins , Alec Baldwin on Wednesday failed in an attempt to have a civil case over the tragedy dismissed.

In a technically challenged virtual hearing this morning before New Mexicos First Judicial District Court judge Bryan Biedscheid, Baldwin and co-defendants El Dorado Pictures and Rust Movie Productions motion to dismiss was denied. The judge also denied an additional motion to stay the matter until the criminal trial is over.

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Earlier this year, Rust crew members Ross Addiego, Doran Curtin and Reese Price took Baldwin and the production companies to court for negligent and reckless conduct. Facing a plethora of cases arising out of the shooting on the indie Western, the defendants had a back-up plan to have the Addiego, Curtin and Price case stayed until the Rust criminal trial is over.

Proclaiming that he doesnt know the state of criminal prosecution with Mr. Baldwin at present, Biedscheid said today it was surprisingly common that a defendant straddled both a criminal and civil case. Seemingly leaning towards not pausing this matter, the judge did open the door to defendants being able to assert their constitutional rights as they see fit going forward as he denied the stay.

This is the second significant courtroom shift in the Rust matter this week.

On Monday, the criminal trial of armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed over Hutchins death was pushed to February 21, 2024.

Although no official word was given for the latest delay in the much-delayed criminal trial, scheduling issues around witnesses seems to be at the core of the move. The trial is expected to last about two weeks  though that could change if Baldwin is back in the case.

Gutierrez-Reed and Rust producer-star Baldwin  who was pointing a Colt .45 gun when it discharged, killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza  were orignally charged in late January with two counts of second-degree involuntary manslaughter.

Up against a wall of constitutional criticism and more, the charges against Baldwin were dropped in April, but recently appointed special prosecutors noted at the time that the charges could be refiled at a later date if evidence emerged. Additionally, prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis added an evidence-tampering charge against Gutierrez-Reed two months later, saying the armorer did transfer narcotics to another person with the intent to prevent the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of herself.

At present, Gutierrez-Reed is at a maximum of 18 months behind bars and about $5,000 in fines if found guilty.

Amidst all that, a recently released forensics report on the controversial firearm itself commissioned by Morrissey and Lewis rejected Baldwins long insistence that he never pulled the trigger on the gun.

Although Alec Baldwin repeatedly denies pulling the trigger, given the tests, findings and observations reported here, the trigger had to be pulled or depressed sufficiently to release the fully cocked or retracted hammer of the evidence revolver, the August 2 report from weapons examiners Lucien Haag and Michael Haag.

Despite damage the gun endured in previous examinations, the Haags findings replicate the conclusions of the FBI from later last year.

Charges against Mr. Baldwin are being considered but a final decision has not yet been made, said Morrissey last week. No timeline on said final decision has been unveiled, but it is expected in the next month at most.

In todays hearing, plaintiffs attorney Alex Cervantes noted there are a lot of moving parts in the case. She also exclaimed that Rust decided to hire inexperienced contractors like armorer Gutierrez-Reed to cut costs  assertions that have come up over and over in the various cases involving Rust.

Arguing the negligence claims, Cervantes noted the multiple crew members who resigned the day of the October 21, 2021 shooting, citing safety concerns  as has been mentioned in a number of cases around Rust. Its all there, this is a robust complaint, added Cervantes, asking Biedscheid to reject the dismissal motion.

Defendant attorney Robert Schwartz argued that Baldwin simply had a producing agreement that gives him virtually no power on Rust. The notion flies in the face of Baldwins previously stated status on the film, which he conceived with director Joel Souza. The very contract that theyre asserting created this relationship did not create this relationship.

Schwartz unsuccessfully advised the court today that the stay on the civil matter and any discovery be put in place for a couple of weeks until it is decided if Baldwin will be pulled back into the criminal prosecution. After the judges rulings, Schwartz called the matter a real injustice as Baldwin is on the verge of being charged criminally.

Whether or not Baldwin does return to the criminal case, Rust the movie wrapped its resurrected production this spring after filming in Montana. Which means that the movie could be released as the various civil trials continue through the courts in California and New Mexico.

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A group of scientists are waiting with bated breath for aliens to "phone home" any day now in response to a message they sent into space 40 years ago.

Using a powerful Stanford University telescope on Aug. 15, 1983, Japanese astronomers Hisashi Hirabayashi and Masaki Morimoto transmitted a message in the form of 13 drawings illustrating Earth's history, encoded into radio waves, with the aim of establishing contact with possible alien civilizations.

This week researchers in Japan, led by Shinya Narusawa from the University of Hyogo, will start using antennae from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to scan the skies for any signs of a response, as noted by the New York Post.

"A large number of exoplanets have been detected since the 1990s," Narusawa told Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun, as he explained intelligent life should be able to exist elsewhere in the universe.

Their search is focused on Altair, a star located a whopping 16.7 light-years away, with the possibility of a planet in its system supporting life. The messageknown as "Hello, Is Anybody There?"also includes information about our solar system and DNA.

But even without a response, researchers don't think you should assume the aliens left us on read. Failure to find a reply immediately is not being treated as a mission failure because it might take additional time for a response to reach us.
Ben McKenzie can recall the exact moment that Econ first blew his mind. As a freshman at the University of Virginia, he was sitting in his Econ 101 class when his professor informed him that money... isn't real. We made it up. "I'm sitting in class thinking, why had I never thought about this before?!" McKenzie recalls with a laugh.

That realization kicked off McKenzie's love of the subject matter, which eventually led to him graduating with a degree in Foreign Affairs and Economics. It's a degree that, up until recently, the actor hadn't put to much use over the years, considering he made his way to Hollywood after college and wound up launching his acting career as Ryan Atwood, the brooding bad boy with a heart of gold, on Fox's The O.C. The beloved teen drama ran for four seasons before wrapping in 2007, after which McKenzie moved on to star on Southland, Gotham, and a number of other projects.

But when COVID struck in 2020, McKenzie, like the rest of the world, found himself looking for a way to pass the time. About a year into the pandemic, McKenzie honed in on crypto currency. "I started kind of paying attention to the markets in 2021. It was COVID, our business wasn't really back up and running yet, and I have this degree in Econ and I just couldn't make sense of what was going on."

Ben McKenzie attends the PBS 2023 TCA Winter Press Tour at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena on January 17, 2023 in Pasadena, California.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Ben McKenzie

So, he reached out to journalist Jacob Silverman to see if he'd be willing to write what, to McKenzie's knowledge, is the first major takedown of crypto. But the actor knew it wouldn't be as simple as explaining crypto to people, because frankly, who'd want to read that? Instead, the book, which was released on July 18, tells the story of McKenzie's experience with crypto, from how he learned about it to what it was like to report on it (and just generally, why he believes it's a terrible idea).

"If you don't tell it [from my perspective] then it's just like every other snooty economics book, very condescending, overly technical, all the things that quite frankly I always hated about economics," McKenzie says. "This seemed like our best chance at breaking through. At a minimum, we would get some O.C. fans to read the book, and it would give us our best shot at cutting through what is otherwise either totally skewed reporting on crypto or, almost even worse, a general apathy toward the whole thing."

It might sound odd, Ryan Atwood taking on crypto currency  then again, he never did like rich kids  and McKenzie gets it. Even he wasn't sure about his new role as reporter/author at first. "I had to summon the courage to reach out to Jacob, and I kept caveating all of my fairly serious research into the industry," he says. But Silverman helped him realize that his acting career was actually going to work to their advantage throughout the reporting process. "We were going to get into rooms that we probably had no business getting into, perhaps just because I come from TV," McKenzie says. "And sure enough, we did."

Ben McKenzie, Easy Money, Book cover

'Easy Money'

That access, combined with people underestimating McKenzie's knowledge of the subject  plus a little, you know, acting  helped him complete the reporting process and write Easy Money, which is already a New York Times bestseller. "At the end of the day I'm very proud of the book and I think it will hold up," he says. "I believe, broadly speaking, it will be proven right by history."

Now able to reflect on the experience  even as he's actively working on a documentary about the subject  McKenzie never anticipated the impact writing the book would have on him personally. "I was not appreciative of how much it would change my view of the world and open it up in a way that I hope gives me more of an appreciation for what I have," he says. "I'm thinking about going to El Salvador and seeing firsthand what they're going through, some of which has to do with crypto and a lot of which doesn't. It sounds cliche but the people I've met along the way really have changed me, I hope, and also helped put my regular career in perspective."

But don't worry, McKenzie isn't done with his regular career. "Nothing has given me a deeper appreciate for acting on television than having to write a book for two years," he says with a laugh.

As far as he's concerned, he's a storyteller, no matter which form the story takes.

Related content:
A mountain guide discovered the unidentified body on the Schlatenkees glacier in eastern Tyrol

The remains of a man who died in 2001 have been revealed by a melting glacier.

A mountain guide discovered the body on the Schlatenkees glacier in the eastern Tyrol province of Austria on Friday at an altitude of about 9,500 feet, police said according to multiple outlets including the Associated Press and The Guardian.

The guide then alerted authorities who retrieved the remains with the assistance of a helicopter.

Sky News reported that a backpack, a bank card and a drivers license were also found near the remains.

Authorities believe the body is that of a 37-year-old Austrian male who died in 2001 while traveling with ski touring equipment, per CNN.

DNA results are expected to be ready within weeks, police added.

Related: Melting Glacier Reveals Remains of German Hiker Who Went Missing 37 Years Ago

Sean Gallup/Getty The Gorner clacier near Zermatt, Switzerland

Related: Hikers Who Found Julian Sands' Remains Describe the Moment of Discovery as 'Surreal'

This latest development comes following the recent discovery of the remains of a German mountain climber who went missing in 1986 during a hike on a glacier near Switzerlands Matterhorn Mountain. Those remains were found last month by hikers who were climbing along the Theodul Glacier in Zermatt, Switzerland.

"In September 1986, a then 38-year-old German alpinist was reported missing after he had not returned from a mountain tour. The search at that time was unsuccessful, Police in the Valais canton of Switzerland said in a statement.

The human remains were taken to the forensic medicine of the Valais Hospital (ZIS) for examination according to Sions. By means of a direct DNA comparison, it could be proven that these are the bones of the alpinist, who has been missing since September 1986.



Bodies that were once thought to be lost are being found as glaciers melt as a result of climate change, Lindsey Nicholson, a glaciologist at the University of Innsbruck, recently told CNN.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

In an unconnected event last month, three bodies were discovered at a remote Colorado campsite in "fairly mummified" condition. They were identified as Christine Vance, 41, Rebecca Vance, 42, and Rebeccas 14-year-old son by the Gunnison County Coroner's Office.

Gunnison County Coroner Michael Barnes told the Colorado Sun that malnutrition and exposure to the elements may have resulted in their deaths, although the exact cause was being investigated at the time.

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"Our concern was [the bear] did not retreat," North Castle Police Department Chief Peter Simonsen said

A 7-year-old boy is recovering from a bear attack in his backyard.

The child was playing outside his home in North Castle, New York State when the attack happened at around 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, according to a release from North Castle Police Department.



Authorities told WABC that the boy had been playing in the rear yard of his home with his sibling when the attack happened and that both of the boys parents were home at the time to assist him.

North Castle Police Officers, Banksville Fire Department, Animal Control and other services were dispatched on Hickory Kingdom Road, which is located in Westchester County, about 40 miles north of Manhattan.

Related: Man Survives Bear Attack  the Second in a Colorado Town in Less Than 2 Months

The child was treated by EMS at the scene and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Officials said in the release that after the boy was transported to safety, the bear still remained in the yard where the attack happened and continued to present a danger to first responders and area residents.

"Our concern was he did not retreat so at one point he did advance and when you have that many human beings, I would think that an animal of that kind would normally retreat and it did not," said North Castle Police Department Chief Peter Simonsen, per WABC.

Related: Sheep Herder 'Severely Injured' After Being Attacked by Black Bear in Colorado

He added, The normal reaction of bears is to run away, especially with heightened activity and noise, they usually retreat.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was notified before officers euthanized the bear on the scene, police said in the release. The DEC then took possession of the bear and transported the animal to the Westchester County Department of Health for testing for rabies, a spokesperson for the health department told CNN.

Residents living in the area told WABC that people were aware of plenty of bears roaming around the area, but had not previously heard of anyone getting attacked.

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The animal was described as a male black bear that was not yet an adult, but larger than a cub, the outlet reported.

According to the US Forest Service, black bears usually retreat before people are aware of them and attacks are rare.

The organization recommends that if people spot a black bear, they remain calm and start backing away slowly while facing the animal. It said making a lot of noise like yelling or whistling may also help scare the bear away.



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Cruces Creatives, a nonprofit organization that offers the community a makerspace and support in creative efforts, has commissioned a mural for the side of its building, and is asking the community for the project planned for this fall.

Christina Ballew, NMCOs founder and chief creative officer, created two designs for the mural, featuring the Organ Mountains, lizards, yucca plants and the purple hues associated with a southern New Mexico sunset.

Cruces Creatives asks members of the public to vote on their favorite design for a new community mural planned for fall 2023.

Cruces Creatives is asking the community to vote on their favorite design, Enchanted or Lady of Las Cruces, to decide which will be painted in October on the nonprofits west wall.

People can vote for the design online at www.tinyurl.com/cc205mural until Aug. 31.

The designs use a paint-by-numbers style, according to a news release from Cruces Creatives, which will allow any interested members of the public to help paint the mural. People of all artistic abilities are welcome to join.

The goals of the project are to help Las Cruces beautify and revitalize downtown, while also using the community mural painting to connect participants with the extensive range of meaningful volunteering options available at the mural site, the news release reads.

The mural is being funded by the Devasthali Family Foundation Fund at the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico and an AARP Community Challenge Grant.

Painting events will be held on Oct. 20 through Oct. 22. People may register to participate online after voting for a design.

Cruces Creatives is located at 205 E. Lohman Ave. More information about the nonprofit and its efforts can be found online at crucescreatives.org.

Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, LRomero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Cruces Creatives asking for public's input on new community mural
As a wealthy dentist convicted of killing his wife at the end of an African safari listened in court, her brother vowed on Monday to move her remains to a place that Larry Rudolph would never discover.

Shortly before a judge sentenced Rudolph to life in prison in the 2016 death of Bianca Rudolph, Vincent Finizio also predicted Larry Rudolph would die alone and unmourned and that his future grandchildren will never know he existed.

Even Judas would be afraid to be in your company, Finizio said, referencing the home of Jesus traitor  the worst circle of hell imagined by Dante.

RELATED: Girlfriend of Wealthy Dentist Who Killed His Wife on a Safari Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison

U.S. District Judge William Martinez also imposed over an estimated $15 million in financial penalties against Rudolph, who was also convicted of mail fraud for cashing in nearly $5 million in insurance policies for his wife as he began a new life with his longtime girlfriend.

Rudolph has claimed throughout the case that his wifes death in the southern African nation of Zambia was an accident. His lawyer, David Oscar Markus, said he and fellow defense lawyer, Margot Moss, were hopeful they would win an appeal.

And well be back to get a fair trial and then Larry can walk out of here a free man, Markus said.

U.S. Attorney for Colorado, Cole Finegan, front, speaks as Mark Michalek, special agent in charge of the FBI bureau in Denver, back, looks on.

U.S. Attorney for Colorado, Cole Finegan, front, speaks as Mark Michalek, special agent in charge of the FBI bureau in Denver, back, looks on after a judge handed down a sentence of life in prison and more than $15 million in penalties to Larry Rudolph, the wealthy owner of a Pittsburgh-area dental franchise, for killing his wife at the end of an African safari in Zambia. Photo: AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Prosecutors say Rudolph, who owned a Pittsburgh-area dental franchise, shot his wife of 34 years in the heart with a shotgun on her last morning in Zambia, and then put the gun in its soft case to make it look like she had accidentally shot herself while packing. The couple had been hunting game during their trip.

They also claim the setting, about 80 miles (129 kilometers) from the nearest police station, was the perfect place to try to get away with the crime, where they say he rushed to have his wife cremated and intimidated officials investigating her death.

They allege the goal was to live a lavish retirement with his longtime girlfriend, Lori Milliron, with the help of the insurance money. Milliron was sentenced to 17 years in prison in June after being convicted of being an accessory. She has filed an appeal.

RELATED: Pennsylvania Dentist Takes The Stand To Deny Killing Wife During African Safari

The penalties for Rudolph include a combination of restitution, fines and property forfeiture. Rudolph also got a 20-year prison term to be served at the same time as his life sentence for his mail fraud conviction. Martinez ordered Rudolph serve his sentence at a prison with health care facilities because of his unspecified heart problems.

With a life sentence required under federal sentencing rules, Mondays hearing focused mostly on the the financial penalties facing Rudolph, with pages after pages of financial charts tracking the movement of the insurance payouts discussed. Some was used to build two homes, one in Arizona and another in Pennsylvania, as well as for two luxury cars, an Aston Martin DB-11 and a Bentley Bentayga.

Martinez ordered Rudolph pay $4.9 million in restitution to the insurance companies and a $2 million fine. He also approved the forfeiture of the homes and cars as well other assets linked to the insurance proceeds, which the defense says totaled over $9 million. The government did not provide an estimate of their worth.

In a case where prosecutors argued that Bianca Rudolphs murder was a culmination of a lifetime spent seeking domination and control over others through wealth and power, prosecutors had urged Martinez to impose a $10 million fine against Rudolph.

RELATED: Jury Selection Begins For Dentist Accused Of Killing His Wife On African Safari To Cash In On Life Insurance

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Fields argued the steep penalty was necessary to ensure he does not have the ability to seek revenge  whether through frivolous lawsuits or hiring hit men  from behind bars.

But Rudolphs lawyers argued a fine that high would deny Rudolphs two adult children, Julian and AnaBianca Rudolph, money they would inherit from their late mothers estate. They also said Larry Rudolph, who estimated he was worth $27 million when he was arrested in 2021, was now only worth about $3 million. They said he did not have enough money to also pay a fine on top of the resititution to the insurance companies.

Martinez said he was persuaded by a letter from Julian Rudolph that a $10 million fine would further punish him and his sister.

The children have so far opted not to speak much publicly about the death, although AnaBianca Rudolph testified against Milliron, her fathers longtime girlfriend, at her sentencing. They did not appear at their fathers sentencing hearing.

Investigators in Zambia and for the insurers concluded Bianca Rudolphs death was an accident. The insurance companies, some based in Colorado, then paid out the life insurance, according to the defense in court documents.

RELATED: Dentist Charged With Killing Wife On Safari To Be With Mistress, Collect Life Insurance

Larry Rudolph was arrested nearly five years after her death following an FBI investigation that sent agents traveling around the world to collect evidence and interview witnesses.

Prosecutors allege Rudolph built his wealth on fraud. In a document laying out the facts of the case, which is disputed by the defense, they say he shot off his thumb during a previous visit to Zambia to collect millions in disability insurance money; they also allege he cheated his dental patients, creating the need for root canals by not doing fillings or drilling holes in their teeth while they were asleep.

Today points out that no matter how wealthy you are, no matter how prestigious you are, no matter how well connected you are, the long arm of the law will find you and justice will arrive for you, Cole Finegan, the U.S. Attorney for Colorado, said after the sentencing.
EastEnders icon Michelle Collins has opened up about a possible return for her on-screen daughter Cindy Williams Jr (Mimi Keene) as she makes an explosive comeback to the soap after 25 years.

Michelle Collins is reprising her iconic role as Cindy Beale and is set to make her permanent return to the Square on Monday, August 28 after coming back from the dead in a soap history-making twist.

Cindy was killed off 25 years ago after supposedly dying from complications while giving birth to her fourth child Cindy Jr in prison.

However, it was revealed that Cindy did not die in childbirth and had instead been in witness protection and living under the name Rose Knight.

Cindy Jr grew up believing that her mum had passed away in prison and was brought up by her grandmother Bev and aunt Gina in Devon. The teen left Devon in 2013 and arrived in Walford where she lived with her half-siblings Lucy and Peter and Cindy's first husband Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt).

Cindy Beale returns to Albert Square

Cindy Jr's time on the Square was nothing short of dramatic, with her having to come to terms with the murder of sister Lucy and struggling as a teen mother after giving birth to daughter Beth.

Beth later went to live with her father, TJ Spraggan, and Cindy Jr left Walford in 2015 to live with her boyfriend Liam Butcher (James Forde) in Berlin, Germany where she has remained ever since.

But could the bombshell discovery that her mum is still alive pave the way for Cindy Jr to return to the Square and meet her estranged mother?

Talking to What To Watch and other press, Michelle spoke about the possibility of Cindy reuniting with her daughter Cindy Jr.

She said: I dont know. I cant really tell you too much about her but I know she is alive. Thats about all I know. But possibly, who knows!

Cindy Jr talking to Liam Butcher.

On top of the revelation that Cindy was still alive, she had also reunited with her ex-husband Ian and were secretly living together in France along with their son Peter Beale (Thomas Law).

Not only that, Cindy was revealed to be Rose Knight, the mysterious ex-wife of Queen Vic landlord George Knight (Colin Salmon) and mum to his daughters, Gina (Francesca Henry) and Anna (Molly Rainford), who vanished nine years ago.

EastEnders airs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm on BBC One  see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on episodes on BBC iPlayer now.
Denzel Washington's former spy Robert McCall battled Russian gangsters in 2014's The Equalizer, defeated CIA agents-gone-bad in 2018's The Equalizer 2, and will take on the Italian Mafia in the franchise's upcoming installment, The Equalizer 3. But Equalizer director Antoine Fuqua has now revealed that he might use special AI technology so that the vigilante can conquer the greatest villain of all: time.

Fuqua explained that he has considered digitally de-aging Washington for an Equalizer origin story, similar to the way Harrison Ford was made to look younger in the opening of this year's Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

"Especially now with the new technology and the AI and all of that kind of stuff Is there a story to be told about how [McCall] became this person  the younger version?" the filmmaker pondered in a new interview with NME. "I've had that conversation with Richard Wenk [Equalizer series screenwriter] quite a bit."

THE EQUALIZER 3

Stefano Montesi/Sony Denzel Washington in 'The Equalizer 3'

He admits that he hasn't talked to Denzel about it, though. "It's all so fresh and new," Fuqua said. "I'm still watching [the technology]. I've watched Harrison Ford's film and I know there's other movies coming out... And I'm hearing the technology is getting better and better and better. So I'm kind of watching it to see where it goes."

One of his actors who wouldn't require de-aging? Dakota Fanning. The Equalizer 3 reunites Washington with the actress who, as a child, appeared alongside the Flight star in 2004's Tony Scottdirected kidnap thriller, Man on Fire. In Fuqua's new threequel, Fanning portrays a CIA analyst named Emma.

"When I got the call from Todd Black, the producer, that Dakota was interested, I said, 'I need to meet her right now, today, this afternoon, because I love Dakota," Fuqua tells EW. "After I'd met with her, I loved her more. She's such a pro." The director waited until after he'd spoken with the actress to tell Washington that he was thinking of casting her in the film. "I called Denzel and I said, 'Dakota's interested,'" says Fuqua. "He goes, 'Grab her!' Because he has such love for her."

The Equalizer 3 hits theaters Sept. 1.

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Citizens with Russian and Niger flags show their support for the military junta and their rejection of Ecowas sanctions, August 20, in Niamey. ISSIFOU DJIBO (EFE)

Armed terrorist groups operating in Niger have intensified their attacks since the July 26 coup detat, causing over 100 deaths, including those of around 30 military personnel, in just three weeks. One of the arguments put forward by the coup leaders for their seizure of power was the failure of the government to combat jihadist terrorism and the need for a different approach, but the policies of dialogue, community negotiation and reinsertion implemented by ousted President Mohamed Bazoum were beginning to yield results with a decrease in attacks registered in 2022 and 2023. In the three weeks following the military uprising, that dynamic appears to have been broken.

Attacks have been carried out by the two arms of Al-Qaeda and Islamic State operating in Nigerias Tillaberi region  the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (JNIM) and the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), respectively. The deadliest took place on August 15 near Ayorou, when ISSP attacked three villages, killing at least 50 civilians. On the same day, JNIM ambushed a military convoy near Kotougou, killing 17 soldiers and stealing military equipment.

It is clear that there has been an intensification of jihadist violence since the coup, says Bakary Sambe, director of the Timbuktu Institute, a research center specializing in terrorism in the Sahel. There have been more deaths in three weeks than since Bazoum came to power in 2021. Terrorist groups are taking advantage of the instability and the vacuum created by the military takeover. Those in charge of security are now sitting on the seat of power in Niamey and this is being exploited by armed groups.

After steady increases since 2018, deaths attributed to jihadist violence in Niger had dropped in 2022 and 2023, the non-governmental organization Acled stated in a report published on August 3, with a particularly notable downturn this year. In the first months of 2023, political violence decreased by 39% compared to the previous six-month period, from July to December 2022. Attacks against civilians were down 49% and resulting deaths fell by 16%. However, operations by the Nigerian security forces increased by 32%, as part of an ongoing effort to counter insecurity, noted the report.

To combat jihadist violence, Bazoum had launched a battery of initiatives that included the promotion of local peace agreements between communities, development projects for the areas most affected by violence, negotiation with Katiba Macina leaders of Nigerien nationality, reintegration programs for terrorists and the so-called peace caravans to convince communities to cooperate with the authorities and turn their backs on armed groups. This strategy had been criticized inside Niger, particularly among the defense and security forces, but earned praise from both Niameys international partners and local communities.

Ecowas rejection

The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has expressed its rejection of the three-year transition proposal announced last Saturday by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of Nigers military junta. The regional body considers the militarys proposals unacceptable and a smokescreen. Ecowas Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, urged the military junta to release Bazoum without preconditions and restore constitutional order without further delay, as reported by Reuters.

Likewise, after a week of intense debate, the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council has made public its position on Niger, limiting itself to taking note of the Ecowas decision on the deployment of a military force, without expressing explicit support for such a measure. However, it has expressed its solidarity with Ecowas diplomatic efforts and its strong support for the peaceful restoration of constitutional order. The AU has suspended Niger and firmly rejects the coup detat, while also urging any non-African country or force to refrain from intervening in the crisis.

On Monday, the government of Algeria, which shares a 950-kilometer (590-mile) border with Niger, rejected a request by the French government to use its airspace in the framework of a possible military intervention in Niger. According to Radio Algeria, Algiers response to Frances request was firm and unequivocal.

Moreover, Turkey has joined the list of countries that have expressed their rejection of a possible military intervention. On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the media: I do not share the decision of Ecowas to intervene militarily in Niger. Following this decision, Mali and Burkina Faso have warned that such an intervention would push them into war. A military intervention in Niger would spread instability to many African countries.

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The 2023 writers strike has focused attention on recent developments like artificial intelligence and the transition to streaming.

But for film writers, the key issue in the strike has been a constant battle for more than a generation: How do you get paid for a script once its finished?

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Screenwriters have long been asked to do free revisions before turning in a first draft to the studio, which triggers payment. Typically they agree, even though the Writers Guild of America contract sets out minimum rates for revisions and polishes.

I have boxes of scripts in my garage that are just draft after draft after draft, said Emily Fox, a WGA strike captain who was walking the picket lines last week. And it was all first draft. But it was like First Draft A, First Draft B. But if theyre like, Youre not ready to hand it in, then you dont hand it in.

The challenge of doing multiple drafts in order to get paid for a first draft has bedeviled newbie writers and screenwriting legends alike, including such icons as Robert Towne, William Goldman, John Gregory Dunne and Joan Didion.

There can be no doubt that free rewrites have gone on in Hollywood for a long time, perhaps forever, the WGA wrote during an arbitration case about the issue.

The WGA has been trying to combat free work in screenwriting since at least the early 1990s. But the a simple solution has been evasive.

The studios have argued that writers are free to submit their first draft at any time and collect their payment. But writers fear that if they refuse to make free revisions based on producers feedback, they could be branded difficult to work with, or get thrown off the project.

You usually have to do at least 20 producer drafts in order to get paid, said Mark Cullen, a veteran screenwriter and showrunner. And if you do want it to turn into the first draft, youre almost looked at as a pariah.

If anything, guild leaders say, the problem has only gotten worse as producers have moved away from multi-step deals. Traditional screenplay contracts included a first draft and one or two more steps  a rewrite and/or a polish.

But in the late 1990s, the WGA noted the rise of one-step deals, where writers were hired to do only a first draft. Big-budget projects might go through several writers before getting a greenlight from a studio, and one-step deals gave producers the flexibility to change horses if it was clear that a writer wasnt working out.

On the other hand, writers felt much greater pressure to nail the job on the first draft, so they would do revision after revision for free to stay on the project, writers say.

Now with these one-step deals, free rewrites are the only way the writer can remain connected to their own screenplay, said Daniel Petrie Jr., a screenwriter who was president of WGA West at the time. Its an outrageous abuse.

Howard Rodman, who wrote Joe Goulds Secret and is also a past WGA West president, called one-step deals a snare and a delusion.

You do fully as much work for a one-step deal as for a two-step deal, he said. You just get paid a lot less. And as Karl Marx said, Regardless fluctuations in the price of beef, the sacrifice remains constant for the ox.'

Michele Mulroney, vice president of WGA West, called the one-step deal a seismic event that disrupted the traditional back-and-forth of the screenwriting process.

Its a way to save money, and its the most pernicious thing thats happened, she said. The one-step deal kicked the door wide open to rampant free-work abuse.

Now, just under half of screenplay deals have only one guaranteed step, according to the guild.

This shift is exacerbating the income divide between top-tier players and everyone else, writers say.

If youre coming in to be a screenwriter now, its a very, very difficult way to make a living, Cullen says. Youll have a handful of [screenwriters] who will be on the studio list and theyll get all the jobs. You wont get to be a middle-class writer anymore. They wont take a shot at them. Theyre either gonna pay a writer lot of money, or theyre gonna pay them nothing.

Film writers are a minority within the WGA, which is mostly made up of TV writers. Only about 2,000 people earn money from writing for film in a given year and of those, roughly 600 of whom make a decent living at it, Mulroney said.

The median one-step deal pays $250,000, according to WGA data. But for newer writers, the median fee for one draft is $100,000, just above guild minimum. Half the fee is typically paid up front, and the other half on completion. Delaying acceptance of the first draft means writers go longer without getting paid.

You simply cant live on that payment when its being stretched out, Mulroney said.

Petrie, whose credits include Beverly Hills Cop and Turner & Hooch, said that when he started in the 1980s he would do a quick potchke draft for the producers  from the Yiddish term for fuss  before the script was submitted to the studio. But over time, he said, it became expected that every writer would do that for free.

No favor goes unpunished, he said.

The guild also had trouble fighting the practice because screenwriters have different habits and it was hard to form a consensus, he said.

Some very prominent writers would say, Oh Ill do as many rewrites as they want if I like the notes. Ill keep working. Ill pass things back and forth,' Petrie said. Other writers would say, Dont put any restrictions that would allow a potchke. I dont do potchkes. They get one draft. Thats it.'

The WGA filed its arbitration case in 1999, arguing that free work violated the terms of the minimum basic agreement. But the studios pushed back and won, with the arbitrator ruling that it is standard industry practice to do multiple drafts before official submission.

The evidence shows a clear, longstanding and well-known practice of collaboration in which writers give literary material to producers and make revisions based on the producers notes without exposing the studio to liability, the arbitrator wrote.

Petrie said the ruling was extremely unfortunate, and I think tremendously unfair.

In recent rounds of negotiations, the WGA has been looking to fight back against one-step deals. The WGA wants a guaranteed second step for those making less than 250% of guild minimum, which would cover newer writers but not veterans.

The WGA also wants weekly pay for film writers. In that scenario, the writer would still receive 50% of their fee up front. But instead of getting the balance on completion, they would be paid in weekly installments over the next 10 or 12 weeks.

Mulroney argued that if studios have paid out the fee on a weekly basis, producers will have less leverage to demand free revisions. Still, she acknowledged, Theres no silver bullet that eliminates free work.

Studios do not give up leverage easily, however. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which bargains on their behalf, has rejected the demand for weekly pay.

But the most recent AMPTP offer does include a guaranteed second step, though only on original screenplays, and not for projects that are based on pre-existing IP.

A second step would mean more money for newer writers, but also more freedom to take creative risks, writers say.

This is how the system used to run, said Tyler Ruggeri, a WGA strike captain. There was a development process where not only were writers being compensated, but there was a better product. The studios were our partners, and we were able to get things to the point where you could greenlight a movie based on on several drafts of development.

Cynthia Littleton contributed to this story.

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With the questionable revelation of plans to hold Fyre Festival 2, it appears that convicted fraudster Billy McFarland is re-assembling his original team.

Andy King, an event producer whose quotes about oral sex in a Netflix documentary on the doomed and fraudulent festival became a meme and made him famous, confirmed that he has returned to work with McFarland.

"I look forward to working with Billy and our partners to share Fyre with the world," King told The Times in a text message Tuesday. "I'm so grateful to have support to help us execute the ultimate redemption."

Without disclosing the details of his working relationship with festival co-founder McFarland, King said: "More to come soon!"

Read more: Andy King went viral thanks to Netflixs Fyre Festival doc. Now hes getting back to his day job

One hundred pre-sale tickets for Fyre Festival 2 went on sale Monday, and despite not yet having a lineup, had sold out within a day. The revived festival's website lists tickets "coming soon" for roughly 700 additional guests, with price tiers ranging from $799 to $7,999.

It has been the absolute wildest journey to get here, and it really all started during the seven-month stint in solitary confinement," McFarland said in a TikTok video. He was sentenced in 2018 to six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of wire fraud for his part in defrauding investors of nearly $30 million for Fyre Festival and other events. He was released last September after serving four years, some of it under house arrest.

King, a respected New York-based event planner, collaborated with McFarland and rapper Ja Rule, who were the founders of the fraudulent 2017 luxury music festival on a private island in Exuma, the Bahamas. The fest infamously became a viral sensation after it launched with a glamorous promotional video that featured models Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski frolicking on the clear blue shores of a remote private island once owned by Pablo Escobar. Blink-182, Pusha T and Major Lazer were among the many high-profile artists slated to appear.

Read more: Commentary: What the Fyre Fest debacle says about the state of the modern music festival

Its viral status took a different form once festival-goers, some of whom paid more than $10,000, arrived to the island to find unfinished infrastructure, canceled talent, tents that struggled to withstand a storm and a menu that appeared to include cold cheese sandwiches served in polystyrene foam containers.

McFarland immediately drew attention for the failed festival and subsequently faced prosecution and a slew of civil lawsuits.

King, however, didn't become a household name until the following year, when Netflix released "Fyre," a documentary about the failed festival. During the film, King appears as an earnest confidant to McFarland and defender of the event, even as it crumbled.

The moment that made King famous was an anecdote about his role in securing drinking water for the festival. Four 18-wheeler trucks of Evian water had gotten stuck in Bahamian customs. Rather than pay $175,000 to free up the cargo, McFarland had apparently asked King  our wonderful gay leader  to take one big thing for the team and offer the customs official oral sex to "save the festival."

Read more: Review: Netflix's Fyre takes an intimate look at everything that went wrong with the Fyre Festival

King said in the documentary that he accepted the task, went home, washed his mouth with mouthwash and drove over to the official, and offered the sexual favor. The official declined the advance and allowed the water bottles to go through by extending the payment period.

The shocking moment generated various memes about "taking one for the team." It also prompted backlash from critics who called the incident an instance of workplace sexual harassment.

As the wave of memes trended, Kind said he appreciated them and was thrilled about the moment of fame.

During a 2019 interview, King told The Times that he did not condone the actions, but he also didn't regret them, commenting: At the end of the day, I demonstrated something which was: You know what? Sometimes youve gotta do whatever youve gotta do to get the job done.

Did I actually end up doing it? No. Would I have done it? Maybe," he continued. "And in todays culture, its hard to find people that are gonna go that extra mile to get something done properly. I think that really resonated with so many people. Like, Oh, my gosh, you need someone like Andy King on your team, because hes gonna do whatever it takes to make your event successful.

Times staff writers Amy Kauffman and Carlos De Loera contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
De Laurentiis and the TV producer have been dating for over seven years

Happy birthday, Giada!

Giada De Laurentiis received a sweet shout-out from her longtime boyfriend, TV producer Shane Farley, on Tuesday as she turned 53. Farley posted a photo of De Laurentiis sporting a pair of aviator-style shades as she sipped on a cocktail.

The lyrics to "Happy birthday" appeared over the photo.

Shane Farley/Instagram Giada De Laurentiss' boyfriend Shane Farley shares a photo of the celebrity chef in honor of her 53rd birthday.

Farley, 51, and De Laurentiis have been dating for more than seven years. Earlier this month, they enjoyed a fun date night at one of Taylor Swift's six sold-out Eras Tour shows at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The Giadzy founder shared videos on her Instagram Story showing her and Farley having a blast as they danced to the music together.

De Laurentiis has had quite a busy summer. In addition to enjoying a few fun getaways  including a white water rafting trip in Sun Valley, Idaho  she launched a private-label pasta line, Giadzy Pasta, in July. The line, which is being sold exclusively on her lifestyle website Giadzy, marks a full-circle moment for the star, as her great-grandparents owned a pasta factory outside of Naples, Italy.

"It's super exciting to finally have it out in the world," she told PEOPLE in July.

"From all my years cooking it and working with different brands, I realized that there are certain things that I'm looking for in a pasta that I still haven't quite found all in one package," she added.

Related: Giada De Laurentiis Shares a 'Day In My Life' Including a Las Vegas Trip and Movie Night with Her Boyfriend

She also spoke to PEOPLE about the major career move she made earlier this year. After 21 years as a host and chef personality at the Food Network, she left to partner with Amazon Studios under a multiyear production deal for unscripted shows which she'll both star in and executive produce.

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De Laurentiis has been throwing her energy into growing Giadzy, her lifestyle e-commerce platform that sells an assortment of Italian products she personally curates.

"I've had a rebirth in my career and in what I really want to do," she said of this new chapter, noting she's enjoying being able to call all the shots.

Related: Giada De Laurentiis Hopes She 'Won't Ever Regret' Not Having More Kids

"Partnerships have been amazing over the years and I've been super lucky, but I haven't been able to really tell the full story," she said. "At the heart of it, I'm a teacher and a storyteller, and when you're in a partnership with somebody else, you have to make compromises in that storytelling."

"I feel like I'm learning so much in a world that I didn't really know much about in the past and owning it as we go through it," she added of running her own business. "The mistakes are mine and the wins are mine."

De Laurentiis' family life is also keeping her on her toes. She told PEOPLE her daughter Jade, 15  whom she shares with ex Todd Thompson  is learning how to drive.

For the Emmy winner, it's been a bittersweet milestone. It's so emotional to watch your child grow up like this, and I feel like driving is such a big step," she said.

De Laurentiis can't help but think of the not-so-distant future when Jade, who is her only child, will head off to college, leaving her an empty-nester.

"It's been an emotional rollercoaster, she said. "It's also really fun to see her excitement. She is so excited to be independent."

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The gunman who allegedly shot and killed a beloved California store owner over a dispute involving a rainbow Pride flag reportedly posted homophobic rants online before the deadly shooting.

Travis Ikeguchi, 27, was identified as the suspect in Friday's fatal shooting of Lauri Ann Carleton, the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department announced Monday.

Twin Peaks Sheriffs deputies found Carleton suffering from a single gunshot wound at her clothing store, Mag.Pi, on Hook Creek Road in Cedar Glen at around 5 p.m. on Aug. 18. The 66-year-old shop owner was pronounced dead at the scene.

RELATED: California Shop Owner Shot Dead by Man Who Made "Disparaging Remarks" About Her Pride Flag

According to law enforcement, the shooting unfolded after Ikeguchi tore down a rainbow Pride flag hanging outside Carletons business.

Detectives learned the suspect made several disparaging remarks about a rainbow flag that stood outside the store before shooting Carleton, the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Office said.

When Carleton confronted Ikeguchi, the irate man uttered a series of homophobic slurs before opening fire, officials with the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Office said at a news briefing on Monday.

A photo of Travis Ikeguchi

Travis Ikeguchi Photo: @TravisIkeguchi/Twitter

Ikeguchi, who fled on foot from the scene on Friday, was later fatally shot nearby, east of Highway 173, after he exchanged gunfire with deputies. The Cedar Glen man was pronounced dead at the scene. Ikeguchi had been reported missing a day earlier by his family, according to the New York Post.

When deputies attempted to contact the suspect, a lethal force encounter occurred and the suspect was pronounced deceased, the San Bernardino Sheriffs Department stated. No deputies were injured during the incident.

Police said Ikeguchi, who wasnt previously known to law enforcement, used a 9-millimeter, semi-automatic pistol in Carletons suspected murder. Officials said they believe the firearm, which was seized by officers, is unregistered.

Prior to the shooting, a social media account in Ikeguchis name had espoused extremist Christian and homophobic beliefs in the weeks leading up to the senseless incident, officials said.

RELATED: Teen Charged in Stabbing Murder of OShae Sibley Allegedly Used Homophobic Language Prior to Attack

Abortion and same-sex marriage are both immoral and are design to destroy humanity one by one, Ikeguchi wrote on X, which was formerly Twitter, on June 28. So if someone is pro-abortion and pro-LGBTQP, they are at war against the foundation of family values.

A pinned post at the top of Ikeguchis X profile showed a rainbow Pride flag engulfed in flames with the caption, What to do with the LGBTQP flag?

Ikeguchi also frequently posted inflammatory rants on the far-right platform Gab, according to reports.

We need to STOP COMPROMISING on this LGBT dictatorshipTrue followers of Christ SHOULD NOT and NEVER TOLERATE this stupid indoctrination of LGBT agenda in marriage or in our own businesses, Ikeguchi allegedly wrote on Gab in another post with an image depicting a burning Pride flag. Who has the courage to post this and feel no shame of it!?

San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus confirmed the posts were authentic and that the accounts in question belonged to Ikeguchi, KABC-TV reported.

RELATED: "They Murdered Him Because He's Gay": Man's Gas Station Stabbing Death Being Investigated as Hate Crime

Carleton, a mother of nine children who was married for 28 years, didnt personally identify as a member of the LGBTQ community. Her companys online biography described her large family as blended. Carleton was, however, a staunch gay rights advocate, according to local organization Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ.

Today was a very sad day for Lake Arrowhead and for the LGBTQ community, the organization posted on Facebook Saturday. Our friend and supporter Lauri Carleton was murdered defending her lgbtq+ Pride flags in front of her store in Cedar Glen California[She] spent her time helping & advocating for everyone in the community. She will be truly missed.

The organization said it is planning to hold a vigil for Carleton in the coming days.

The Carleton family wishes to thank everyone for showing so much love, Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ wrote on Sunday. They would love to attend a vigil but are not ready at this time.

Anyone with additional information pertaining to the case is urged to contact San Bernardino County homicide detectives at 909-890-4904. Anonymous tips can be made at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or by visiting www.wetip.com.
An attorney representing disgraced lawyer John Eastman claimed that his client will never become a government witness in Georgias expansive RICO indictment of Donald Trump and more than a dozen others. The reason: Eastman is very religious.

Appearing on CNNs Erin Burnett OutFront , Harvey Silverglate said he expects prosecutors to approach Eastman, who earlier in the day turned himself in and paid a $100,000 bond at the Fulton County Jail, about testifying for the government. Calling himself a cynic regarding such a move, Silverglate complained that its viewed as commonplace.

If you or I engaged in this conduct, it would be a crime. Its called extortion. When prosecutors do it, its par for the course, he told anchor Brianna Keilar. Silverglate then claimed that plea bargaining, too, would result in non-lawyers being indicted for extortion.

Keilar asked Silverglate how Eastmanwho was mum when asked outside the jail about any possible immunity deals he has or has not madewould respond in such a circumstance.

What would he do? Well, Ill tell you one thing about John Eastman: Hes a very religious man. He will not testify falsely. He will not take an oath to his God and to his government to testify truthfully and then testify falsely, Silverglate said. He is not going to be a government witness.

Eastman, who allegedly urged then-Vice President Mike Pence in early January 2021 to delay or reject the counting of electoral votes for Joe Biden, faces nine counts in the indictment, including racketeering, conspiracy to commit forgery, and filing false documents. A guilty verdict for the racketeering charge alone could result in a five-year minimum prison sentence.

Eastmans surrender Tuesday comes as he faces disbarment proceedings in Californiahearings which were put on hold to accommodate his other legal troubles on the East Coast.

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Meta is considerably expanding Messenger's encryption feature, rolling it out to "millions more people's chats" starting today, the company announced. The end-to-end encryption (E2EE) standard, which first arrived a year ago, will be available as standard to all users by the end of 2023. Meta also described how it made the transition, calling it "an incredibly complex and challenging engineering puzzle."

The system keeps conversations safe from eavesdropping and interception using public key cryptography  meaning no one, even law enforcement, can access conversations. At the same time, your message history will also be encrypted. Meta first focused on WhatsApp, which now offers full E2EE, but Messenger will have the same level of protection by year's end.

Getting there wasn't easy though, apparently. "It quickly became apparent that transitioning our services to E2EE would be an incredibly complex and challenging engineering puzzle," the company wrote. "We not only needed to transition to a new server architecture but to rewrite our code base to work on multiple different devices, rather than just the server."

Citing an example of a rich preview from YouTube, Meta said its servers currently pull the URL data and then show the video preview in a Messenger chat. With E2EE, though, the app itself visits the shared URL, pulls the relevant image and text information, then sends it. That slows the process down a touch, but it means users still get a full feature set but with the privacy of encryption.

Meta said it's also testing on-device recovery for encrypted chats, requiring users to set up a PIN or generate a code. It's also trialing an option to save chats on cloud storage services like iCloud. Meanwhile, Meta will complete its E2EE trifecta by also enabling it for Instagram DMs by the end of 2023.

That will effectively catch the company up to services like Signal, bringing end-to-end encryption fully into the mainstream. It might also draw the ire of nations like Spain, which has advocated banning encryption within the European Union, ostensibly as a way to stop the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and other criminal activities.
Applauding the farmers is a good thing. Farm Fresh Rhode Island did just that last week at its annual Local Food Fest at Castle Hill Inn in Newport.

It's a good reminder to appreciate not just those who work the land but also this organization that has done so much in less than 20 years.

Farm Fresh connects farmers with chefs and home cooks alike. You'd be hard-pressed to find another organization in New England that does all they do. They promote local food with the people who love it.

Farm Fresh had a grassroots start in 2004 when Brown University graduate student Louella Hill was working on a thesis project. It turned into Farm Fresh. A year later, she was joined by fellow Brown student Noah Fulmer. They began by creating an online database of local farms, restaurants, grocers and other businesses sourcing and serving locally grown foods.

Gnarly Vine's Farm's Ester Bishop, shown here, and Joe Bishop are among Farm Fresh R.I.'s farmers of fauna, pasture-raising animals on 16 acres of coastal land in Tiverton

They organized farmers markets to bring local food to the people. In 2007, Farm Fresh launched the Wintertime Farmers Market in Pawtucket. It was the first weekly winter market in southern New England.

Its groundbreaking food-distribution program Market Mobile began in 2009, offering a new way for chefs and farmers to interact and facilitate the delivery of fresh goods. I remember an early conversation with Louella, who is now a cheesemaker in Virginia. She talked about teaching farmers to use computers to list what they had to sell. Imagine?

Each week, the farmers went online to post their harvest, and the restaurant chefs signed up to get what they wanted. Farm Fresh delivered the local food. With the pandemic, they made a pivot to home delivery in 2020. Now they do both. With 269 partners, they've sold more than $30 million worth of local food.

Steere Orchards, an apple grower, is among Farm Fresh R.I.'s contributors.

In 2020 they build a new home. The Farm Fresh Food Hub is a purpose-designed 60,000-square-foot building at Sims and Kinsley avenues in the Valley neighborhood. They host their farmers' market there and have full-time tenants who include Wright's Creamery ice cream, Tallulah's Taqueria, New Harvest Coffee & Spirits, Providence Brewing Co., Anchor Toffee, Rhed's Hot Sauce, Red Tomato and Robin Hollow Flowers.

Farm Fresh's Local Food Fest is their big annual fundraiser. It reveals the breadth of their reach.

They featured farms that grow apples (Steere Orchards), harvest sea salt (Newport Sea Salt), make cheese (Narragansett Creamery), cultivate mushrooms (R.I. Mushroom Company), harvest oysters (Ocean State Shellfish Cooperative) and grow grapes to make wine (Greenvale Vineyards and Newport Vineyards).

Narragansett Creamery introduced a new French butter that was used by Easy Entertaining to make Petite Butter Cakes to serve at Farm Fresh R.I.'s Local Food Fest.

There were the farms that raise animals. Blackbird Farm's Ann Marie Bouthillette raises Black Angus cows and Berkshire Pigs in Smithfield. Baffoni's Poultry Farm raises chickens and supplies many restaurants with meat and eggs. Gnarly Vine's Farm's Ester and Joe Bishop pasture-raise animals on 16 acres of coastal land in Tiverton. In Exeter, Ben Coerper and Rachael Slattery raise their animals on Wild Harmony Farm and sell grass-fed beef, organic pork and pastured poultry. North Scituate is where Donald and Debra Hopkins have a flock of hormone-free purebred sheep on their 100-year-old farm.

Blackbird Farm, Ann Marie Bouthillette's Smithfield farm, provided the beef from her Black Angus cows for Castle Hill chef Andy Taur's grilled brisket at Farm Fresh's Local Food Fest.

Wright's Dairy Farm in North Smithfield bottles their milk on the farm and also uses it for cow-to-cone Wright's Creamery ice cream. Meatworks in Westport, Massachusetts, is a processing meat facility and has a retail store.

Farm Fresh also featured those who grow a variety of produce including Wishing Stone Farm in Little Compton, Moonrose Farm in Rehoboth, Schartner Farms in Exeter, Long Lane Farm in Warren, Four Town Farm in Seekonk and Ward's Berry Farm in Sharon, Massachusetts.

The Food Fest offers a chance to talk to farmers, artisans, chefs and business owners and learn a thing or two.

Looking for a tasty food tip?: Talking to strangers can pay off, even if they're picky.

Narragansett Creamery owners Mark and Pattie Federico never miss a chance to share their wonderful award-winning cheeses and yogurts. They were excited to pair with Easy Entertaining, who used their newly imported French butter to make Petite Butter Cakes. That butter will soon be in markets.

Ellie's owner Ellen Slattery was on hand to share the news that the Providence bakery and cafe has resumed hosting intimate cooking classes.

Castle Hill Inn chef Andy Taur served Blackbird Farm beef for his Kalbi-Style Marinated & Grilled Brisket.

New Rivers' owner/chef Beau Vestal was happy to showcase the fresh oysters from Ocean State Shellfish Co-Op, which consists of six different oyster farms. They cover about 50 acres, and the co-op acts as a "microbrewery" for oysters.

It all reveals a vibrant local food community that keeps thriving and growing, in the most unique of ways.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Farm Fresh RI celebrates farmers at Local Food Fest in Newport
Nick Cave and Warren Ellis have announced a new live album titled Australian Carnage  Live At The Sydney Opera House. The album was recorded across their three shows at the venue in December last year, the end of the duos lengthy tour around the country in support of their album Carnage.

The full 18-track album will be released digitally this Friday, 25th August, with a vinyl release coming on Friday, 1st December. Cave and Ellis have also dropped a cut from the live record, Balcony Man, which you can listen to below.

Nick Cave & Warren Ellis: Balcony Man (Live at the Sydney Opera House)

Touring Australia with Warren after so much time away was one of the highlights of recent years, Cave wrote in a statement. Every show was moving and unforgettable, from the intimacy of playing in theatres and arts centres, to the vast and uplifting nights at Hanging Rock, through to our final three nights at the inimitable Sydney Opera House.

We are excited to share these recordings, made at the Sydney Opera House, and hope they capture even a tenth of the collective elation we felt at those shows. Well never forget them.

The live band included Radioheads Colin Greenwood and Bad Seeds member Larry Mullins, along with backing vocalists Wendi Rose, Janet Ramus and T Jae Cole.

Cave and Ellis are longtime friends and collaborators, having worked together on numerous TV and film scores and in bands such as Grinderman and The Bad Seeds. Their 2022 tour marked the first time they had ever hit the road together as a duo.

Australian Carnage  Live at the Sydney Opera House

Digital Album

Spinning Song Bright Horses Night Raid Carnage White Elephant Ghosteen Lavender Fields Waiting For You I Need You Cosmic Dancer Breathless Hand Of God Shattered Ground Galleon Ship Leviathan Balcony Man Hollywood Ghosteen Speaks

Vinyl Album

Side 1:



Bright Horses Carnage White Elephant Leviathan

Side 2:

Ghosteen Waiting For You Breathless Balcony Man

Further Reading

Nick Cave Labels AI-Generated Songs A Grotesque Mockery Of What It Is To Be Human

Nick Cave Reveals Plans To Make A New Bad Seeds Album In 2023

Nick Cave And Thastrom To Serve As Focus Of New Animated Series

The post Nick Cave and Warren Ellis Announce Australian Carnage Live Album appeared first on Music Feeds.
In Retribution, which could be the title of almost any Liam Neeson film of the past 15 years, the 71-year-old star is still a lean, looming oak tree of a man, but for maybe the first time hes up against a force that outpowers his sullen machismo. Its called trying to be a daddy in the 21st century.

Neesons Matt Turner is a high-powered banker/financier who lives with his wife and two kids in a palatial modernist glass house in Berlin. Neeson has often played devoted fathers  that was the whole premise of Taken, which kicked off the Neeson-as-seething-roughneck-of-vengeance genre back in 2008. (Death Wish, the 1974 Charles Bronson thriller thats one of the stone tablets of the genre, was all about angry payback rooted in the reverence for family. How Republican!)

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But in Retribution, Matt gets no respect from his tween daughter, Emily (Lilly Aspell), or his arrogant teenage son, Zach (Jack Champion). The reason, as the movie presents it, is that the culture around him has leeched his authority away. He cant lay down the law the way that dads used to; the more he tries, the more ineffectual he becomes. Hes the master of the universe as overly full of himself but verging-on-irrelevant patriarch.

On this particular morning, hes taking his kids to school and has so little power over them that he has to force the lone wolf Zach to get into the car. Its a Mercedes SUV (it cost 100,000 Euro, which Matt the high roller can easily afford). The car, like the house, is a protective fortress. Not today, though. As soon as he starts driving, Matt hears a cell phone, caught under the seat somewhere, with a ring tone of Row Row Row Your Boat. He answers the phone, and on the other end is one of those electronically altered low-register creep voices that makes the speaker sound like a hidden witness on Americas Most Wanted crossed with a serial killer.

The voice has grim news for Matt. Theres a bomb in the car, planted right under the drivers seat. If Matt gets out, the car will explode. If his children get out, or if he does anything other than what the voice orders him to do, the car will explode. (The bomber has a detonator and can apparently see everything Matt is doing and track where the car is going.)

What does the bomber want? He sounds more than a bit like Jigsaw, the guilt-tripping psycho contraption virtuoso of the Saw films; hes out to make Matt pay for his sins. We see an investment player just like Matt get blown up in his car (its on the TV news), so we know that the bomber is serious. And as he orders Matt to keep driving, and it becomes clear that the entire film is going to take place in that car, you may feel a twinge of nostalgia crossed with end-of-the-summer B-movie hope. Is Retribution going to be Speed in a Mercedes family SUV?

Speed, of course, was the Citizen Kane of stuck-on-a-vehicle action movies, a bus ride from hell that turned blockbuster blatancy into a jittery poem of force. But theres a whole genre of movies, inspired by Speed (or that are close enough cousins to it), where under-the-gun heroes play out action scenarios in trapped settings: a car, a phone booth, a coffin. Speed made you believe every moment in it was really happening (that was its genius), but the sub-Speed genre is one where you think, Okay, I didnt quite buy that, but Ill roll with it.

Retribution, a remake of the 2015 Spanish action thriller El Desconocido, is like that. It hooks you with the finesse of its set-up, propelling the action with its underlying questions: What does the bomber want? What did Matt do to deserve this? And how will he get out of it? The films 90 minutes whiz by. When we learn, a short while in, that Matt is being set up  the killing of that other executive is being pinned in him  it ups the stakes, though maybe Retribution didnt need that. I would have been happy to see the entire movie be Matt caught in a logistical duel of wits with the bomber, like a cross between Speed and the Tom Hardy movie Locke, which this one occasionally resembles.

Neesons calling card, at least in recent years, has been his sinewy, terse, I-will-kill-you toughness, but in Retribution hes forced to be vulnerable. When the bomber orders Matt to call his wife, Heather (Embeth Davidtz), so that she can go to a bank and open his secret safety-deposit box, he learns that at that moment shes visiting a divorce lawyer. Talk about a bad day! Neeson, unlike almost any other action star, is a fulsome enough actor to show you Matts desperation, the way that this is all weighing on him. Hes not trying to fight the bomber  hes trying to play ball. Hes on the phone with Heather, his colleagues, and a Europol agent. But when hes brought face to face with his friend and financial partner Anders, played with layered gnarliness by Matthew Modine, and is forced to try and kill him, something in Matt snaps. Weve been watching Liam Neeson the civilized protector; now the uncivilized Neeson comes out. He is, of course, the one weve paid to see.

The film takes a crucial turn when Matt is trapped by a massive police blockade. From that point on, it becomes a routinely overwrought and implausible-but-who-cares Neeson action movie. The memory of Speed dissipates. To say that Neeson faces down his enemies is no spoiler, but his real triumph is winning back his strength in the eyes of his family. The movie says what these movies have been saying forever: that contemporary domestic life scarcely has room anymore for the men who will protect us  but that just when weve written them off, we need them the most. Thats why Liam Neeson will be back to fight another day.

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The former New York City mayor is expected to get his mug shot taken during the booking process. His bond was set at $150,000 on Wednesday

Rudy Giuliani surrendered to authorities on Wednesday afternoon, answering to more than a dozen felony charges brought against him by a Georgia grand jury in relation to interference in the 2020 presidential election.

Giuliani, 79, was among 18 allies of former president Donald Trump that were indicted by a grand jury in Fulton County on Aug. 14. The former New York City mayor's bond was set at $150,000.

The case, brought forth by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis , alleges that Trump, 77, and his co-defendants committed over a dozen felonies  including violating the Georgia RICO Act  in an attempt to overturn the state's November 2020 election results.

Related: Donald Trump Indicted for Attempting to Overturn 2020 Election Results in Georgia

Brian Blanco/Getty Images

Giulani was charged with 13 counts, including racketeering and false statements and writings. As one of Trumps most visible lawyers, he spent months hosting press conferences and appearing on television and in courtrooms to contest the results of the election.

Related: Trump's Georgia Case Assigned to GOP-Appointed Judge Up for Election in 2024: What to Know About Scott McAfee

A subpoena issued to Giuliani earlier in the investigation noted that he appeared before the Georgia state Senate in December 2020 and made "statements, both to the public and in subsequent legislative hearings, claiming widespread voter fraud in Georgia ... using the now-debunked State Farm Video in support of those statements."

The video in question, publicized by Giuliani, falsely purports to show local election workers bringing suitcases full of fake ballots for Biden into the State Farm Arena, then running them through the machines multiple times.

Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty

Two election workers thrown into the middle of the conspiracy  Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss  testified before a House committee in 2022 to detail the threats they received in light of the video, including threats wishing death upon them.

In July, Giuliani admitted that he had made false and defamatory statements about Freeman and Moss, and said he no longer contests the accusations.

He is currently defending himself against disbarment proceedings in Washington, D.C. and New York, both in direct responses to his false election claims.

Related: Rudy Giuliani, One of Trump's Jan. 6 'Co-Conspirators,' Points the Finger as DOJ Mulls Additional Charges

DON EMMERT/AFP via Getty Images

The focus of the two grand juries convened in the Fulton County case was whether Trump or his allies engaged in possible crimes related to their efforts to reverse his 2020 election loss in Georgia, a historically red state where he lost the popular vote to Democrat Joe Biden.

The former president pinned his Georgia loss on fraud almost immediately after the election, all while pressuring officials in the state to find votes in his favor.

A Jan. 2, 2021, phone call between Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger  during which the former president told Raffensperger to find 11,780 votes for him  was leaked to the Washington Post and then made public, and helped spark the various investigations into Trumps efforts to overturn the election.

Related: Donald Trump Wanted to Write a Speech Declaring Voter Fraud Days Before 2020 Election: Georgia Indictment



Pool / Pool/Getty Images Then-President Donald Trump sits at his desk in the Oval Office on May 1, 2020

Among the several other allies charged in the case are Trump attorneys Sidney Powell, John Eastman, Jenna Ellis, Bob Cheeley, Ray Smith III and Kenneth Chesebro; as well as former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows; former assistant U.S. attorney general Jeffrey Clark; former Georgia Republican Party Chairman David Shafer; and current Georgia state Sen. Shawn Still.

Additional defendants include a GOP strategist, local elections officials, an Atlanta bail bondsman, a publicist, an Illinois pastor and a onetime congressional candidate.

Related: Why Kanye Wests Ex-Publicist Is Facing Felony Charges in Georgia's Election Interference Case Against Trump

After the indictment was processed on Aug. 14, Willis said that she would request a trial date within six months with the goal of trying all 19 defendants together.

Trump now faces a total of 91 criminal counts that hes been indicted on this year between four ongoing investigations, several of which come with recommended prison time. If convicted of violating the Georgia RICO Act  classified a step above felony, as a serious felony  Trump would face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years.

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There are drone attacks against facilities on Russian soil virtually every week, from Moscows financial district to military airfields or train stations. Until now, Kyiv has never taken responsibility for these sabotage operations. But something is changing in the country that has been battling an invasion by Vladimir Putins troops, whose aim is to erase the Ukrainian state.

The authorities in Ukraine have admitted to being behind the sabotage against the Kerch Bridge. In a show of unprecedented candor, Vasil Maliuk, head of the Security Services of Ukraine (SSU) detailed last week how they partially destroyed the only road connecting Russia with the illegally annexed Crimea peninsula in October 2022 and July 2023. Maliuks testimony is exceptional because it means that, for the first time, the Ukrainian military forces are admitting they are behind the attacks against Russian infrastructure, which until recently was a red line for their international allies. The latter have reiterated that they do not look favorably on Ukrainian military action either on Russian soil or in Crimea, which is a territory that, despite the illegal annexation by armed troops in 2014, Moscow consider an inalienable part of the country.

Maliuks remarks would appear to confirm that the United States and Kyivs European allies are becoming more flexible with their limits. Further proof of this is the go-ahead from Washington for the delivery of its F-16 fighter aircraft to Ukraine. The Netherlands and Denmark announced an agreement last Sunday to donate more than 60 of these US-produced fighter jets to the Ukrainian Air Force. Only six months earlier, the Biden Administration refused to give any authorization for the shipment of these planes for fear that it would lead to an escalation of tensions with Moscow.

Maliuk first spoke about the operations against the Kerch Bridge on August 15 on CNN. The head of the Ukrainian intelligence services confirmed that a newly minted nautical drone  according to his version, produced entirely by Ukrainian military engineers  hit one of the concrete pillars of the bridge last July, partially destroying the 19-kilometre (12-mile) highway built in 2018 across the Kerch Strait. The marine drone, dubbed the Sea Baby, was carrying 850 kilograms (1,873 pounds) of explosives.

Despite its innocent name, the Sea Baby has proven to be one of the most effective marine weapons of the war: also this summer, according to the SSU, the amphibious assault ship Olengorskii Gorniak and an oil tanker with fuel for the Russian army were attacked using these drones. What makes the attack on the Olengorskii Gorniak on August 4 more of a coup is that it took place beyond the Crimean Peninsula, in the military port of Novorossiysk on the coast of Russias Krasnodar province. The unmanned vessel sailed no less than 422 miles (about 680 kilometers) without being detected by the Russian fleet that has effectively closed the Black Sea.

Ukrainian "Sea Baby" nautical drones in production. Servicios de Seguridad de Ucrania

In the video of the marine assault on the Kerch Bridge provided by the SSU to CNN, there is a detail that indicates a high level of Ukrainian infiltration in the Russian-occupied peninsula: in addition to the camera on the bomb boat, the video includes images of a camera installed on the bridge. In a subsequent interview with the Ukrainian outlet NV, Maliuk confirmed that they have access to cameras located on the infrastructure. The head of the security services did not specify more, but affirmed that they were able to follow the route of the truck bomb with these cameras. The explosion seriously damaged the bridge in October 2022, forcing months of delays in the supply of equipment for Russian troops on the front lines.

Maliuks account of the preparations for the sabotage using the truck could be the script for a movie: Ukrainian secret service agents hired a group of Russian smugglers to transport what were ostensibly 21 coils of polyethylene plastic into Crimea. What the carriers did not know is that a ton of hexane, an explosive hydrocarbon, was hidden inside each coil.

The Russian Security Services (FSB) reported at the time that the cargo that had initially left the Ukrainian city of Odesa, in August 2022, was transferred to Bulgaria, from where it continued to Armenia, then Georgia, before finally entering Russia. Twenty-two people have been detained in Russia, accused of complicity in the attack. Maliuk, however, claims they knew nothing about the operation.

The SSU hid the 21 tons of hexane inside the metal cylinders of the coils and chose the exact thickness of polyethylene that allowed the explosives to be concealed from the X-ray scanners that monitor vehicles as they begin to cross the bridge. Maliuk also revealed to NV that the truck had an embedded electronic system that maintained the GPS connection with the detonator for the explosives, despite the fact that satellite signal jammers are installed at the approaches to the Kerch Bridge.

The truck was detonated at 5.40 a.m. on October 8, coinciding with the passage of a train, causing the destruction of one direction of the highway and a segment of the railway line. The Russian authorities reported the death of five people, including the driver of the truck.

Two days later, on October 10, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a three-month bombing campaign against the Ukrainian energy grid. What the Kremlin announced as retaliation for the sabotage of the Kerch Bridge was actually a plan prepared months in advance, according to experts consulted by EL PAIS, to leave Ukraine in the dark and without heating during the winter.

Summit to recover Crimea

The revelations about the attacks against the Kerch Bridge coincide with the third summit of the Crimean Platform this Wednesday. The working group was created in 2021 by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, to gather international support to press for Russia to vacate the peninsula. At the 2022 event, the Crimea Platform featured a videoconference with the main European leaders and Secretary of State Antony Blinken representing the United States.

The third summit will be marked by mounting pressure on Kyiv to accept that one option to end the full-scale war is to cede part of the occupied territories to Russia. At the 2022 summit, the French President, Emmanuel Macron, the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez participated to underline that the EU remains firm in demanding that Putin return Crimea to Ukraine.

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Sean Penns Superpower, the actors upcoming documentary about Ukraines fight to maintain its freedom from Russia, is set to premiere on September 18. The film will be available to watch exclusively on Paramount+.

Co-directed by Penn and Aaron Kaufman, the documentary features several interviews between Penn and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the productions seven trips to the country over the past two years. The film chronicles the months before Russias invasion of Ukraine, the hours leading up to Russian President Vladimir Putins decision to launch rockets into Kyiv and the devastating aftermath.

Superpower has followed an unconventional road. Filming started in 2021, and at the time, the documentary was intended to be a deep dive into Zelensky, an actor and comedian who played a president on TV before becoming Ukraines actual president. But while Penn was filming in Kyiv, Russias army attacked the capital, forever changing history.

We set out to tell a lighthearted tale of this comedic actor who had been elected President of Ukraine and instead became witness to a historic leader and his countrys war for freedom, said Penn. When you step into a country of such incredible unity, you realize what we (in the United States) have all been missing.

What makes this film extraordinary is the immersive nature of Penns journey, which is a hallmark of our studio, said Susan Zirinsky, president of See It Now Studios. Being in the presidents bunker the night of the invasion to speak firsthand with Zelensky whose country has been facing down the bloodiest invasion in Europe since World War II, Penn appreciated the extraordinarily historic weight of this moment and understood, from that moment on, the world had changed.

Superpower was first previewed during the Berlin International Film Festival while it was still in production.

The film was financed by Fifth Season and Vice News. Vice Studios and Projected Picture Works produced it alongside Penn, Billy Smith, Sergei Bespalov, Danny Gabai and Lauren Terp. Kate Ward, Katie Peck, Andrew Freston, Bruce Dixon, Hozefa Lokhandwala, Subrata De, Susan Zirinsky, Terence Wrong, Anthony Gudas, Chad A. Verdi and Sasha Cherniavsky serve as its executive producers. Fifth Season will handle global distribution of the film.

The post Sean Penns Ukraine War Documentary Superpower Sets September Premiere (Video) appeared first on TheWrap.
High energy prices are leading to a solar boom across the world, but in Singapore, many home owners are still hesitant to install solar panels because of the high cost, says Bolong Chew, the founder of Solar AI Technologies. The startup wants to make solar energy more accessible in Southeast Asia with a rent-to-own model that helps customers start saving on their energy bills from the start. It recently raised $1.5 million in seed funding, led by Earth Venture Capital with participation from Undivided Ventures, Investible and climate-tech angel investor David Pardo.

Solar AI was launched three years ago and incubated through Engie Factory, the venture arm of French utility company Engie Group. Chew, who founded the company along with Gerald Chablowski and Luke Ong, said the team realized that one of the barriers to rooftop solar adoption in Southeast Asia is lack of trust and awareness, since significant upfront costs have led to low adoption. As a result, most people dont know anyone who has already installed a solar system, despite the rising cost of electricity, and the penetration rate of solar systems is still less than 1%.

The traditional pitch for a rooftop solar system is that you pay $15,000 to $20,000 upfront for it, break even after about seven to eight years and get free electricity for another 20 years, said Chew. But when most people dont know someone whos already had a solar system for two or three years already, its very difficult for customers to take that leap of faith and move ahead. Ultimately, the rental model is a way for us to de-risk solar ownership for these customers.

Solar AI offers three plans, including a five-year plan with 50% down payments, a 10-year plan with zero upfront costs, and a traditional upfront purchase. Monthly fees for the rent-to-own plans are about $200 a month, compared to average electricity bills of $250 a month. Chew says this means customers can start saving $50 a month on their energy costs as soon as they get a solar system installed. Excess solar energy generated is exported to the grid and users get paid for it by the grid operator. In Singapore, that is SP Group, which pays customers directly for excess energy regardless of what electricity retailer they use. Solar AI also covers maintenance and warranty costs during the contract period.

Solar AI is currently serving more than 100 customers and says it has surpassed $3 million SGD on signed rooftop solar contracts.

The rent-to-own model is already prevalent in the United States and Europe, but Solar AI is the first company to offer it in Singapore. When launching the business model, Chew says the team asked ourselves, are we really ahead of our time or just stupid? They spoke with traditional industry players who advised the team against rent-to-own from a unit economics perspective. While large-scale rooftop systems are funded through property agreements, unit costs are much higher for smaller scale projects because of the expense of customer acquisition. Chew said one of the advantage that Solar AI has is that a lot of their sales are done through digital channels, which helps drive unit costs down.

Before launching its rent-to-own business, Solar AI had already begun building an audience through educational content on its website. Chew said it is now top ranked in terms of most solar search keywords in Southeast Asia. In Singapore, its web traffic is three times higher than the two other largest solar companies combined. In the Philippines, where it is planning to expand within the next 12 months, its web traffic is five times more than the largest solar company. This helps keep its customer acquisition costs down.

Chew says that over the past one and half years, Solar AI has spent very little on paid marketing, with about 80% of customer segments coming from organic search, including written content on Solar AIs website and online tools like its instant solar assessment. Potential customers then go into Solar AIs sales pipeline, where its salespeople have tools to give them a digital picture of the process and send them a proposal. This means the physical part of installing a solar system only comes once a customer has decided they are comfortable proceeding with either a five-year or 10-year plan. At that point, Solar AI goes to their property and does a site survey. The other 20% of customer segments comes through referrals.

Other markets Solar AI plans to expand to include Malaysia and the Philippines, where it has already begun working with local partners.

Ultimately, the reason we built the company is to really try and hyper-scale rooftop solar, because we all believe that its one of the best climate solutions out there to decarbonize our environment, Chew said.

In a statement, Investible investment manager Ben Lindsay said, There is a huge amount of untapped potential for both residential and commercial solar-as-a-service throughout Southeast Asia. The traction and robust pipeline Solar AI team have achieved to date is a strong indicator for their ability to be a leader throughout the region as its development continues to accelerate.
Donald Trump prompted food connoisseurs to think about a specific German delicacy after he misspelled a word in a now-deleted tweet.

On 20 August, the president of Lynchburg, Virginias Liberty University and son of the well-known Southern Baptist Pastor, Jerry Falwell Jr, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to defend Trump against Robert S Mueller IIIs two-year investigation. Trump should have two years added to his first term as payback for time stolen by this corrupt failed coup, he wrote.

The former President of the United States responded with a message that didnt exactly elicit the response he was hoping for due to a not-so-subtle typo. Trump wrote: Despite the tremendous success that I have had as President, including perhaps the greatest ECONOMY and most successful first two years of any President in history, they have stollen two years of my (our) Presidency (Collusion Delusion) that we will never be able to get back

The original tweet was soon removed from the platform following multiple comments from other users about how they assumed he was talking about stollen, a special bread enjoyed by many during Christmas in Germany.

One user posted a picture of the holiday treat with the caption: At first, I thought you were talking about stollen, the delicious German bread we eat at Christmas. Then I remembered that youre an uneducated potato that cant spell. My bad.

According to the Dresdner Stollen, the origin of the baked good can be traced back to a bill at a Christian hospital called St Bartholomews in 1474. Here, it was referred to as a cake for the fasting period, consisting of only flour, oats and water as required by Church dogma, per a report on the Kitchen Project.

Stollen typically consists of candied fruit, currants, orange, and lemon zest, spice, and cardamom spices for flavouring. Some Dresdeners claim the first-ever stollen was made in 1329 when the Bishop of Nauruburg proposed a contest during Christmas time, in which bakers presented him with bread that had desirable ingredients. The bishop reportedly chose stollen as his winner, prompting him to buy grain meant to be used only for the pastry.

After the best week ever for @realDonaldTrump - no obstruction, no collusion, NYT admits @BarackObama did spy on his campaign, & the economy is soaring. I now support reparations-Trump should have 2 yrs added to his 1st term as pay back for time stolen by this corrupt failed coup  Jerry Falwell (@JerryFalwellJr) May 5, 2019

Kitchen Project explained the word means a post or boundary stone for a city.

It also could be the entrance to a mine shaft. Some historians believe that the shape of this bread reminded the locals of the entrance to a mine tunnel reflecting the silver and tin mining in the area of Dresden, the German cooking blog states.

The city in Germany supposedly loved the baked goods so much they set aside particular utensils to only be used when eating stollen. It was also tradition that the first piece of stollen was set aside and kept to ensure the family would be able to afford a stollen the following year and the last piece saved to ensure the family had enough food for the year, according to the Kitchen Project.

At first, I thought you were talking about Stollen, the delicious German bread we eat at Christmas. Then I remembered that you're an uneducated potato who can't spell. My mistake. pic.twitter.com/hBW6n5CghM  Luna_Grimm2359  (@Luna_Grimm2359) May 6, 2019

Stollen is also referred to as Christollen because modern recipes for the pastry call for a light coating of powdered sugar like the Christ Child wrapping in the blanket, per The Washington Post. However, when stollen was first introduced in the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church didnt allow bakers to use luxury ingredients like butter throughout Lent and Advent.

Pope Innocent VIII eventually dissolved the ban partly in Dresden, but with a stipulation that every baker would have to pay a tax for their use of the ingredients during the times they were previously not allowed. The Washington Post concluded that the official lift of the ban came when the state, Saxony, became Protestant.

Trump subsequently republished his message on X but ensured stolen was spelled correctly.
Before Disney took over Lucasfilm, Marvel, and what feels like fandom at large, a story was just a story. Someone who had never heard of Indiana Jones could watch Last Crusade and get the gist. Nowadays, we have homework. Sure, Star Wars has always built on its previous filmsbut watching A New Hope before you see Empire Strikes Back is a little more normal than what's going on in the franchise right now.

The latest Star Wars series, Ahsokawhich debuted its first two episodes Tuesday nightwon't hold your hand. It doesn't even bother to help answer questions like, Who is Ahsoka? If you slept through the time The Book of Boba Fett morphed into The Mandalorian Season 2.5? Well, good luck understanding Ahsoka.

Catching up on Disney+'s Star Wars offerings isn't even enough to place yourself in Ahsoka's world, either. Ahsoka Tano was created long before Disney's Lucasfilm acquisition. Ahsoka first appeared in 2008's animated The Clone Wars series. She then appeared in four seasons of Star Wars Rebels , before making her live-action debut in The Mandalorian's second season. Other characters from Rebelssuch as General Syndulla, Ezra Bridger, Sabine Wren, and Grand Admiral Thrawnalso play key roles in Ahsoka. Oof. One (or all) of those names sound unfamiliar to you? Have fun at Wookiepedia.

Lucasfilm Ltd.

The opening crawl, meant to be an exposition dump for casuals, does nothing to help. Much like The Mandalorian, we're in the dead space between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens. "A plot is underway to find the lost Imperial Grand Admiral Thrawn," the text reads, about the blue alien whose return could potentially start another war. We're also on the hunt for one of Thrawn's alliesa prisoner named Morgan, who is immediately captured by a mysterious red-lightsaber-wielding third party. If that's not enough, we also need a "secret map which is vital to the enemy's plan." Got all that? Because that's just the text you read before Ahsoka even begins.

So, after killing some robots to obtain the secret map, Ahsoka reveals that the map needs a special key to unlock its data. It feels like I'm playing a video gameand not a very well-designed one. Every little accomplishment is instantly hit with a roadblock that would make the player groan. How did it come to this? Star Wars was once about a struggle between a father and his sonand a galaxy full of the franchise's signature simplicity, charm, and heart. In today's Star Wars tales, Macguffins reign supreme. But this convoluted "wayfinding," as The Rise of Skywalker once called it, isn't the actors' fault. Rosario Dawson's Ahsoka was one of the first modern Disney roles to be cast solely on fan service alone, and it was the right choice. Dawson is charming, poised, and truly treats the character with respect.

In the end, Star Wars isto put it simplycool. As a viewer, you're imagining yourself flying around space, playing with futuristic weapons, and maybe even donning some weird tentacles on your head. At the very least, a Star Wars series should feel as fun as it looks. But when you develop a whole series solely for fans to see animated characters walk around in live action, that's where we run into some issues.

Most stories aren't meant to last forever. It's often best to reach for stories at the outer rims of the galaxy than to painstakingly work toward maintaining continuity. That's why a story like Andorwhich could have fit into any science-fiction universehit with audiences who were about to give up on Disney+'s Star Wars projects entirely. Sure, Disney gave us Babu Frik and Baby Yoda. The Mouse House even let them meet, thank the lord! But at this very moment, Ahsoka isn't a story that's one more Babu Frik appearance away from making any sense.

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EXETER  Still life--food, florals, found objects--and landscapes are the subjects that interest me, says SAA exhibiting artist Marlene Zychowski of Barrington about her September solo show at the Seacoast Artist Association, The Joy of Still Life. Especially the variety of flowers and peonies I grow from my gardens. I enjoy color and use it freely.

Jar of Happiness an oil by Marlene Zychowski

I work from life using my own setups and from photos I have taken. I also paint en plein air with local groups and in competitions but prefer the solace and comfort that my well-lit home studio provides. I utilize warm and cool lighting with which I am still experimenting. As I learn and grow, my still life paintings will become more complex. I have five shelves in my studio with interesting objects Ive collected including colorful glass, pitchers, plates and mugs.

Ode to Spring an oil by Marlene Zychowski

My painting style is ever-evolving, leaning from realism to impressionism. I work in oils and pastels, painting subjects that make me happy in hopes they will please others as well. My work tends to be tight and I am trying to loosen up my approach. I strive for the greatness of Sargent and Hopper and am influenced by contemporaries such as Daniel Keys, Kathleen Dunphy, Alex Kelly and Kathy Anderson.

Zychowski was first introduced to oil painting when she received a set of paints at age 10. Born and raised in Waterbury, Conn., she graduated from University of Bridgeport with a BFA degree Cum Laude in Graphic Design. Zychowski has won awards locally and is a juried member of the New Hampshire Art Association, Kittery Art Association, and a gallery member of the Seacoast Artist Association.

Fabric artist Carol Powley quotes Kahlil Gibrans line Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky, when talking about her show Trees, A Sense of Wonder. She adds, Trees are unique drawings of nature. Each individual branch maintains its own shape, color and design. By machine drawing with silk thread on my painted cotton fabric I am able to express that trees are a harbinger of spring, their buds bursting open with lovely greens and glorious pastels. During the summer you can hear the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze. You are rewarded with blazing color in autumn. In winter the trees lift their limbs up to God to pray.

Swirling Tide a fabric art by Carol Powley

My free motion machine embroidery on cotton is a spontaneous response to the color, texture, and design of the trees that thrive in our natural environment here in New Hampshire and Maine. I hand paint the surface of white cotton panels with transparent water color paint made specifically to be used on cotton and silk fabrics. My sewing machine is placed in front of my second floor studio window which overlooks a forest of Pine, Oak and Birch trees. The seacoast shore and Great Bay area serve as a background for my tree drawings. I have discovered an art form that I love and am able to apply my education as an artist in order to create beautiful landscapes.

Spring Awakening a fabric art by Carol Powley

Powley has a degree in Fine Art from Rowan University Summa Cum Laude, 1977. She learned to quilt during the 90s and found that her knowledge of color, design and painting could be adapted to the fiber medium. Powley relocated to Kittery, Maine, in 2007, from New Jersey, where she had exhibited her paintings and Fiber Art throughout New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. She maintains a studio in her home in Kittery, Maine. She is a juried member of the New Hampshire Art Association. Kittery Art Association, Seacoast Artist Association and Seacoast Area Fine Artists (SAFA),

These two shows will be up through Sunday, Oct. 1. The public is invited to meet the artists at a Second Friday reception on Sept. 8, 5 to 7 p.m. All artwork is for sale. The Seacoast Artist Association is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. See more at seacoastartist.org and follow them on Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Two solo shows open at Exeter Gallery on Aug. 30
Prime Video has debuted Taylor Swift s Look What You Made Me Do (Taylors Version) in its first teaser for its U.K. original series, Wilderness.

The rerecorded track from Swifts Reputation album will serve as the opening title song for the upcoming psychological thriller starring Jenna Coleman and Oliver Jackson-Cohen, which is set to debut globally Sept. 15.

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The series sees Liv (Coleman) and Will (Jackson-Cohen) living a near-perfect existence, with a rock-solid marriage and a relocation from their provincial hometown to New York, where they can live out the glamorous new life ahead of them.

But Liv becomes the actress starring in Wills bad dreams, according to Prime Video in a play on the Look What You Made Me Do lyric, when the British couples holiday  a road trip across America through its epic National Parks proposed by Will, and something that Liv has dreamed about since she was young  becomes a nightmare. Thats because she discovers Will has been having an affair with a woman named Cara (Ashley Benson).

The revelation turns Livs dream into something more twisted: a revenge fantasy through the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Las Vegas. While Will sees the vacation as a chance to make amends, for Liv, Americas wide open spaces offer the perfect backdrop for her rage  a series of landscapes where accidents happen all the time.

A story of heartbreak turned to fury and revenge, the Wilderness teaser  with the help of Swifts 2017 hit  promises a fiery, smashing relationship drama that has viewers on the edge of their seats  and Will on the edge of a cliff.

Based on B.E. Jones novel, Wilderness was created by Marnie Dickens, directed by So Yong Kim and executive produced by Elizabeth Kilgarriff. The series also stars Eric Balfour, Claire Rushbrook, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Morgana Van Peebles, Jonathan Keltz and Talia Balsam.

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EXCLUSIVE: Principal photography has wrapped in Northern Ireland on the coming-of-age comedy-drama The Wise Guy from local production outfit Out of Orbit, starring Darrell DSilva (Wrath Of Man).

The Wise Guy is the debut feature from writer-director Sam OMahony and tells the story of Francis Burns, a lonely boy (and devout atheist) who desperate for guidance and protection, finds an unconventional mentor hiding in the nearby woods; an American Gangster.

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The screenplay was developed through Northern Ireland Screens New Writer Focus scheme, with production funding coming from Northern Ireland Screens New Talent Focus Fund supported by Invest NI and from post-production house Yellow Moon.

Previous feature films to come through Northern Ireland Screens New Talent Focus scheme include Out of Orbits The Dig, A Bump Along the Way by Shelly Love, Bad Day for the Cut by Chris Baugh, and The Devils Doorway by Aislinn Clarke.

DSilva stars alongside Senan Jennings (Vivarium), Lisa Dwyer-Hogg (The Fall), Paul Mallon (Derry Girls), and Joanne Crawford (Blue Lights) with Leon Coole producing. Executive producers are Jon Beer, Brian J. Falconer, and Ursula Devine.

Shooting The Wise Guy here in Northern Ireland over the last few weeks has been so much fun. I dont remember the last time I laughed as much. I cried a bit too, OMahony said.

Watching my script come to life through the immense talent of my brilliant cast and crew has been exciting and humbling. I always hoped this film would find the sweet spot between comedy and drama and with Senan Jennings and Darrell DSilva leading our cast, I know we found it. As we approach the edit, I feel more confident than ever that this is a story that will resonate emotionally and entertain in equal measure. I was beyond thrilled to have had the support of Northern Ireland screen and Out of Orbit on my debut feature and look forward to the exciting road ahead.

Check out the image above.

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Zendayas much-loved bob haircut just got a nice refresh.

The Emmy winner modeled her trendy do in an Instagram Story on Tuesday after seemingly just getting her hair done. She accessorized her dark brown, curled, voluminous hair with a cropped white t-shirt, blue jeans and a brown belt.

Needed a little refresh, she wrote in a text overlay of the post.

Zendayas bob has garnered a lot of attention since she debuted the haircut in December. She memorably rocked the style on the 54th NAACP Image Awards red carpet months later in February, wearing a jaw-dropping green and black vintage Versace gown.

Several celebrities  including Zendayas boyfriend, fellow actor Tom Holland  raved over her look at the time.

Can you get any more beautiful?? actor Jodie Turner-Smith wrote in the comments section of Zendayas Instagram post showcasing her red carpet look.

DIVINE wrote legendary model Naomi Campbell.

Holland commented on the post with a string of heart-eyed emojis.

Zendaya photographed at the 54th NAACP Image Awards on Feb. 25, 2023, in Pasadena, California.

Zendaya photographed at the 54th NAACP Image Awards on Feb. 25, 2023, in Pasadena, California.

Zendaya is no stranger to rocking trendsetting looks.

The actor is often celebrated for her impeccable style. She won the Fashion Icon Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2021.

During her acceptance speech, she thanked her longtime stylist, Law Roach, and said that fashion had been a creative outlet for her.

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Bus carrying locals and migrants crashes in Mexico, killing 16

At least 16 people were killed and 36 others were injured in a bus crash in central Mexico on Tuesday, authorities said.

A passenger bus carrying locals and migrants -- mostly from Venezuela -- collided with a trailer truck on the Cuacnopalan-Oaxaca highway near the border between the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Puebla early Tuesday morning, according to the Puebla state government.

The reason for the crash was unknown.

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PHOTO: Tow trucks and authorities work at the area of a road accident, which left over a dozen passengers dead, in Tepelmeme Villa de Morelos, Oaxaca state, Mexico, on Aug. 22, 2023. (Jose De Jesus Cortes/Reuters)

There were 52 people on board the bus, including 10 from Venezuela. The migrants were traveling to an appointment with the United States Customs and Border Protection to legally enter the country, according to Mexico's National Institute of Migration.

Among the dead were 15 Mexican citizens and one Venezuelan national. Nine Venezuelans were among the injured, three of whom remain hospitalized in Tehuacan, the National Institute of Migration said.

ABC News' Ellie Kaufman contributed to this report.

Bus carrying locals and migrants crashes in Mexico, killing 16 originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The disgraced founder of the 2017 Fyre Festival, Billy McFarland, is selling tickets for a follow-up event and customers are buying them, he said in recent posts on Instagram.

An initial batch of tickets for Fyre Festival 2 sold out just two days after they went on sale, McFarland said on Tuesday.

"FYRE is about people from around the world coming together to pull off the impossible," McFarland said. "This time we have incredible support."

The follow-up event is set to take place in the Caribbean toward the end of 2024, McFarland said in an announcement video. He has yet to provide further details about musical acts, an exact date or a venue.

A tentative date for Fyre Festival 2 is set for Dec. 6, 2024, according to a festival website. Forthcoming rounds of ticket sales will feature passes ranging from $799 to $7,999, the website says.

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All ticket sale revenue will be held in escrow until the final date is announced, McFarland said, adding that he plans to hold pop-up events around the world in the meantime.

In 2018, McFarland pleaded guilty to scheming thousands of people out of money from the Fyre Festival. He was later sentenced to six years in federal prison for defrauding investors.

PHOTO: In this March 6, 2018 file photo Billy McFarland, the promoter of the failed Fyre Festival in the Bahamas, leaves federal court after pleading guilty to wire fraud charges in New York. (Mark Lennihan/AP, FILE)

Customers and investors lost over $26 million in two separate fraud schemes, according to the Department of Justice. The festival was supposed to take place in the Bahamas in 2017.

The calamitous festival was the subject of two documentaries: Netflix's "Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened" and Hulu's "Fyre Fraud."

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McFarland unsuccessfully tried to get released from an Ohio prison in August of 2020 due to COVID-19 conditions in the facility.

In a court filing, federal prosecutors argued that McFarland had a disciplinary violation, which counts against his release.

According to court documents, McFarland had a pen with a USB recording device inside the prison that he initially denied knowing about.

During a seven-month stint in solitary confinement, McFarland put together a 50-page plan to capitalize on the interest garnered by the Fyre Festival, he said in the video posted on Sunday.

"It has been the absolute wildest journey to get here," McFarland said.

Fyre Festival 2 tickets on sale and customers are buying, disgraced founder says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Juncal Alzugaray poses with models from Alooa. Silvia Oselka

Juncal Alzugaray, 41, laments the masculinized bias in medicine. She gives the example of how lab guinea pigs are selected. Laboratory experiments on animals are done with male specimens, because researchers say that females are more difficult because they are cyclic, the Basque physiotherapist and pelvic floor expert explains. And that bias also influences how anatomy is taught. In 2020, Alzugaray took advantage of the downtime as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic to address the issue and create a tool that, oddly enough, did not exist anywhere in the world in the 21st century. I asked a friend in the United States if she could look there, and she couldnt find one either. I was quite surprised, but I said to myself: Well, if it doesnt exist, lets create it, she says. So, she set to work to manufacture a pioneering hyperrealistic anatomical model of the vagina.

Alooa, as this prototype is called (a play on the words alua  vagina in Basque  and aloha, hello in Hawaiian), is gradually becoming a highly useful tool in teaching and in the work of doctors and other health professionals. Made in a specialized Barcelona makeup and special effects studio, Alooa consists of silicone and foam to approximate the real thing as closely as possible. Unlike the replicas that were used before  things made of crochet or cloth, which really infantilize womens genitalia, or models of porn actresses vulvas, Alzugaray says  this model replicates the vaginas complete anatomy: the outer and inner lips, glans and clitoral hood, urethral orifice, vaginal orifice, vaginal canal... Alzugarays friend volunteered to serve as a model.

There are already several professionals who rely on Alooa for their work. One of them is Begona Caldera Brea, the clinical director of FisioMedit, a personalized physiotherapy clinic in Madrid, Spain. I am a physiotherapist who specializes in pelvioperineology, and in my work such a natural, lifelike model is crucial to approaching this area and explaining anatomy in my classes in an experiential and real way. Right now, it is essential to my daily work, she says. She adds that her students are shocked when they discover the model.

Nuria Caballe, a physiotherapist and teacher at the Gimbernat University School of Nursing and Physiotherapy (Spain), mentions another use for Alooa: I use it with my pelvic floor patients, so that they become aware of their pelvic sphere and gain self-knowledge of their genitals. When theres pain or pelvic symptoms, this area is usually erased in our body and mental schema. She also employs it in her classes. The students barely have any real knowledge of the female genitals, and they are amazed to be able to practice with an almost real model, feeling the urethra, the cervix, and all the real external genitalia with a texture that is very different from the anatomical models we had before, she says.

Juncal Alzugaray recalls some of her first experiences with Alooa. I often support women who have been victims of sexual abuse, who have a brutal disconnection from their genitals, their sexuality, their pleasure... The first time I dared to take [Alooa] out [with] one of these patients, she started crying... I did not expect that. My patient hugged me and said: Thank you so much, you dont know what you have just done for all of us. At that moment, I told myself that maybe I had done something big.

Alzugaray received public funding for her project through the Basque governments Ekintzaile program and the Business Project Development Program of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia. Amid the pandemic, she had to make an online presentation for the Basque government. Most of the people listening were men of a certain age... I dont think they understood the project very well. They asked me questions like whether I intended to set up a factory in the Basque Country, when I was content to develop my product the way I wanted it and get it to see the light of day..., she says.

Now, following Alooas success (orders are even starting to come in from abroad), Alzugaray is considering new prototypes: A penis at rest, for example, because all the models we see are erect ones, when it is normal for the member to be at rest. Just as there arent any references of female genitalia that dont have to do with porn, the same thing happens with male genitalia, right? Maybe she will end up setting up her own factory after all.

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India becomes fourth country to land a spacecraft on the moon

India on Wednesday became only the fourth country in the world to land a spacecraft on the moon, and the first to do so in the lunar south pole region.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the mission, known as Chandrayaan-3, in mid-July, with the spacecraft traveling a forty-day, fuel-efficient course before touching down at 8:34 a.m. ET.

India now joins the U.S., Russia and China as the only countries to successfully land a spacecraft on the lunar surface.

"Chandrayaan-3 Mission: 'India, I reached my destination and you too!" the ISRO announced upon touchdown. "Chandrayaan-3 has successfully soft-landed on the moon!"

A "soft landing" is one in which the spacecraft touches down intact, with little to no damage.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared in a video stream displayed in the ISRO control room as he watched the landing from South Africa, where he is attending a conference, and expressed his pride in the mission's success.

"India's successful moon mission is not just India's alonethis success belongs to all off humanity, and it will help moon missions by other countries in the future," Modi said. "We can all aspire for the moon and beyond."

PHOTO: The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft seconds before its successful lunar landing on the south pole of the Moon in an image from the live video feed on Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) website, Aug. 23, 2023. (Indian Space Research Org. via AFP/Getty Images)

Now that the soft landing has occurred, the remaining objectives of the Chandrayaan-3 mission are to demonstrate the rover moving on the moon and "to conduct in-situ scientific experiments."

The lander and rover will be functional for about two weeks, during which time researchers will study several things, including the temperature of the lunar surface, lunar seismic activity, the chemical composition of rocks and soil, and any variation in the moon's thin atmosphere.

The lunar south pole in particular is a desirable region for study due to the detected presence there of frozen water, but it has not been well explored due to its rugged terrain, which includes impact craters.

India previously attempted to reach the moon in 2019, but its Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft failed due to a last-minute software glitch, resulting in the lander crashing onto the moon's surface.

Chandrayaan-3's successful landing comes just four days after Russia's Luna 25 spacecraft, launched on Aug. 11, crashed into the lunar surface as the country attempted to return to the moon for the first time since Luna 24's successful landing in 1976.

MORE: NASA says 98% of astronauts' urine, sweat can be recycled into drinking water

NASA has previously announced that for its Artemis II missions, which will send American astronauts back to the moon, it is also looking to reach the lunar south pole.

In June, when Indian Prime Minister Modi visited the U.S., he and President Joe Biden issued a joint statement hailing the countries' relationship and their collaboration in several fields, including space.

In the statement, NASA announced it will provide training to Indian astronauts at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, "with a goal of mounting a joint effort to the International Space Station in 2024."

India becomes fourth country to land a spacecraft on the moon originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Ramaswamy breaks from GOP orthodoxy on foreign policy, sparks pushback ahead of first debate

Tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has seen a boost in the polls, surpassing established politicians on a platform of revamping the federal government to root out "wokeness." Now, though, he's taken his anti-establishment message to foreign policy -- and sparked backlash along the way that he's likely to confront on stage at the Republican National Committee's first primary debate Wednesday.

ABC News has reviewed some of Ramaswamy's recent remarks to lay out how he plans to tackle foreign policy if elected president.

PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during a campaign stop, Aug. 5, 2023, in Vail, Iowa. (Charlie Neibergall/AP)

MORE: 1st Republican presidential primary debate: Who's in, who's out

Ukraine and Russia

In recent days, Ramaswamy has doubled down on his view that Washington's support for Ukraine is not in America's best interest.

Ramaswamy said he would let Russian President Vladimir Putin keep parts of Ukraine under Moscow's control in exchange for severed ties with China, telling ABC News that "the China-Russia military alliance is the single greatest military threat to the United States" and it's imperative that it be dismantled -- a take he views as a bipartisan, "pro-American policy."

"I will ensure that I'm not a wartime president by actually de-escalating. Make sure that we're in a position to pull apart that alliance, do a deal that yes, Vladimir Putin would do because he comes out of it rationally ahead of where he is now. But we come out even further ahead of where we are," he said, breaking from the opinions of Senate Republicans such as Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Ramaswamy, who said he would prioritize a trip to Moscow in his first year in office, said he would make a "hard commitment" that NATO should never admit Ukraine, provided that Putin exit Russia's military partnership with China.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called Ramaswamy's position on Ukraine unsubstantial.

"Vivek is Trumps wingman. Theres no substance to what Vivek Ramaswamy is saying on this issue," Christie told The Washington Post in August.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ramaswamy responded, "Shamefully @GovChristie and the rest of the bipartisan Establishment are spouting off more nonsense about Ukraine," adding that they are trying to bring the U.S. into "potential nuclear war" against Russia.

PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during a campaign stop, Aug. 5, 2023, in Vail, Iowa. (Charlie Neibergall/AP)

Ramaswamy unveiled his foreign policy vision at the Nixon Presidential Library Thursday, promoting a vision with less involvement in foreign affairs that do not directly concern the U.S. Additionally, he said he would push other nations to be "the first protectors of their own national security" and to not "mess with" the U.S. in the western Hemisphere.

China and Taiwan

Ramaswamy also appeared to put a timeline on when the U.S. would no longer intervene in deterring a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, the self-governing island that bipartisan lawmakers have said the U.S. should defend if Beijing invades.

In his remarks at Erick Erickson's "Gathering" in Atlanta, Georgia, last week, Ramaswamy said he would discourage China from invading Taiwan only until the U.S. achieves semiconductor independence. The U.S., through legislation such as the CHIPS Act, is working to bolster its chip-making technology as a national security measure.

PHOTO: The skyline of Taipei, Taiwan, is shown in this undated file photo. (STOCK IMAGE/Getty Images)

MORE: CHIPS Act will strengthen US national security by boosting access to semiconductors: Raimondo

"I think it is certainly the most important foreign policy objective for the next U.S. president: to declare economic independence from China, to deter China from going after Taiwan for so long as we rely on Taiwan for our semiconductors while avoiding war in the process," he said.

Ramaswamy has also advocated for arming and training every Taiwanese household with AR-15s and suggested the National Rifle Association open a branch in the country to further deter any conflict. The NRA is currently only directly operational in the United States.

Should China decide to invade Taiwan, Ramaswamy has said he would not be willing to risk the lives of American troops to fight on Taiwan's behalf.

Israel and the Middle East

Ramaswamy set a similar expiration date on financial support for Israel, saying that while he wanted an "Abraham Accords 2.0" that would create more normalization deals between Israel and other countries, financial aid for Israel shouldn't be given indefinitely or regularly as it is now.

"I want to get Israel to the place where it is negotiated back into the infrastructure of the rest of the Middle East. We should not be worried about holding one nation or one region hostage over one particular question relating to Palestine," Ramaswamy said in an interview with actor and activist Russell Brand in early August.

Ramaswamy's discussion of a second round of Abraham Accords, a 2020 deal where Israel established normalization agreements with multiple Middle Eastern countries, notably echoes a key foreign policy achievement of Donald Trump's administration with bipartisan support. The Biden administration has reportedly been exploring a similar normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia, although officials have cautioned that any deal is a long way out.

PHOTO: In this Sept. 15, 2020, file photo, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump, and Foreign Affairs Minister of the UAE Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan participate in the signing ceremony at the White House. (Alex Wong/Getty Images, FILE)

MORE: 'Wanting to be famous': How Vivek Ramaswamy sought podcast stardom prior to White House run

Ramaswamy has framed the "2.0" accords as allowing Israel "to stand on its own feet" and thus needing less foreign aid from the United States.

Ramaswamy's proposal about aid to Israel has faced some pushback. Republican Jewish Coalition CEO Matt Brooks wrote in a letter to Ramaswamy that "now is not the time to end an aid program that provides so much benefit to our nation, strengthens our key strategic ally Israel, and contributes to the stability of the Middle East."

Fellow GOP contender and former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley condemned Ramaswamy's stance on ending "preferential treatment from the United States, even though our relationship with Israel has advanced American interests," saying that "his foreign policies have a common theme: they make America less safe."

Ramaswamy's spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin responded to Haley's comments saying they wish her well "on her future endeavors in corporate America's boardrooms."

9/11 and the U.S. government

Ramaswamy has expressed skepticism about the U.S. government's 9/11 Commission and recounting of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2021. Though the candidate has said that this is not a core campaign issue for him, he wrote that the government may have been misleading about foreign involvement in 9/11 and told a reporter for the Atlantic that he wanted to find "the truth" about 9/11, echoing spurious claims about the day.

"I think it is legitimate to say how many police, how many federal agents, were on the planes that hit the Twin Towers," Ramaswamy told the Atlantic in a discussion about Jan. 6, 2021.

Ramaswamy and his campaign later claimed his remarks were misconstrued and he was talking about federal agents on Jan. 6, 2021; in response to those claims, the Atlantic released a transcript and recording of his remarks about 9/11 that show Ramaswamy was quoted accurately and in the context of a 9/11 discussion.

MORE: Vivek Ramaswamy insists only 2 candidates matter in GOP primary race: Him and Trump

"We are grateful that the Atlantic released the audio after we repeatedly asked them to do so. The audio clearly demonstrates that Vivek was taken badly out of context and even this small snippet proves that," McLaughlin said in a statement to ABC News. "We continue to encourage the Atlantic to release more of the recording, rather than their carefully selected snippet, so that full context and reality is exposed."

Former Vice President Mike Pence, another candidate in the race, has called Ramaswamy's skepticism of the 9/11 Commission offensive.

PHOTO: FILE - Presidential candidate and former Vice President Mike Pence speaks at The Gathering in Atlanta, Aug. 18, 2023. (Ben Gray/AP, FILE)

"I understand he was probably in grade school on 9/11 and I was on Capitol Hill," Pence told the New Hampshire Union Leader in early August. "I think comments like that, conspiracy theories like that, dishonor the service and sacrifice of our armed forces who fought against our enemies determined to kill us."

Ramaswamy, who turned 38 earlier this month, was in high school on 9/11.

Ramaswamy responded to Pence's criticism in a post on X (formerly Twitter) defending his distrust and comments as part of his search for "the truth" against alleged government lies.

ABC News' Rachel Scott, Libby Cathey, Abby Cruz and Ben Siegel contributed to this report.

Ramaswamy breaks from GOP orthodoxy on foreign policy, sparks pushback ahead of first debate originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Yevgeny Prigozhin  an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin until launching a failed insurrection with his Wagner Group mercenaries in June  was aboard the private jet that crashed Wednesday northwest of Moscow, the Russian aviation agency Rosaviatsia said.

All 10 people on the flight from Moscow to St. Petersburg  seven passengers and three crew members  were killed when the plane came down about 185 miles from the capital, according to officials cited by Russias state-run news agency Tass.

Prigozhin, 62, was listed as a passenger but it was initially unclear whether he was on board the flight, which went down on a field in the Tver region. A Telegram post in the Wagner-linked Grey Zone channel said Prigozhin "died as a result of the actions of traitors to Russia.''

A closer look: Prigozhin listed aboard deadly plane crash in Russia, maps and graphics explain

Unconfirmed media reports said the plane belonged to Prigozhin, who led his forces on a march that came within 120 miles of Moscow before turning around June 24. Prigozhin and the Wagner soldiers were granted asylum in Belarus as part of a deal to end the rebellion, but he was later seen in Russia and Africa.

The authorities said they were investigating. Unverified video footage shows what appears to be Prigozhin's plane plummeting from the sky despite showing no previous signs of trouble, according to flight-tracking data. The Interfax news agency, citing emergency officials, reported early Thursday that all 10 bodies had been recovered and the search operation had ended.

This photograph posted on a Wagner linked Telegram channel @grey_zone on August 23, 2023, shows a burning plane wreckage near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region. A private plane crashed in Moscow's Tver region and Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the list of passengers, Russian agencies said on August 23, 2023. (Photo by Handout / TELEGRAM/ @grey_zone / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by HANDOUT/TELEGRAM/ @grey_zone/AFP via Getty Images) ORIG FILE ID: AFP_33RU3FE.jpg

Before getting confirmation of Prigozhin's fate, President Joe Biden told reporters he would not be surprised if the mercenary leader met an untimely death. Asked if Putin was behind it, Biden said: Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putin's not behind. But I dont know enough to know the answer. ''

Prigozhin gained prominence as a caterer to Kremlin events, a role that earned him the nickname "Putin's Chef,'' before he founded the Wagner private military company. Wagner forces were instrumental in the grinding, months-long battle over the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, a source of Prigozhin's frequent criticism of the Russian Ministry of Defense and its leadership.

Contributing: Francesca Chambers

In this image taken from video released by Razgruzka_Vagnera telegram channel on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the owner of the Wagner Group military company speaks to a camera at an unknown location.

Developments:

 A Russian missile slammed into a school in the northern Ukraine city of Romny, killing the school director, deputy director, secretary and librarian, authorities said. Four passersby were injured.

 Canada imposed sanctions against four people and 29 organizations from Russia associated with the military, nuclear and finance industries, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced.

 A U.S.-made P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance plane owned by Norway was approaching the Russian border when it was intercepted by a Russian MiG-29 jet and turned back, the Russian military said Wednesday. Norway, a NATO member, had no immediate comment.

 Eight Ukrainian pilots and more than 60 technical and support personnel have now arrived at Skrydstrup Air Force Base in Denmark to begin training on flying, servicing and maintaining F-16 combat aircraft, the Danish military said.

 A Russian helicopter was hijacked by its pilot defector and landed in the Kharkiv region of northwest Ukraine loaded with spare parts, Ukrainian military officials told Ukrainian Pravda. Two crew members were "eliminated," the military said.

Russia's 'General Armageddon' fired as air force chief

A notorious officer, dubbed General Armageddon for his brutal tactics in Syria before leading the Russian military effort in Ukraine, has been fired from a lesser position as chief of the air force, Russian media reported.

Gen. Sergei Surovikin's name had been loosely linked to Wagner's brief coup attempt two months ago, and though no direct connection between him and the insurrection has been established, he has not been seen in public since, state media website RBC reported.

Surovikin was replaced by Gen. Viktor Afzalov as chief of staff for Aerospace Forces. Surovikin had been appointed commander of the troops in Ukraine in October but lost that post in February. In the ensuing months, Wagner head Prigozhin repeatedly criticized the Russian Defense Ministry for failing to provide his troops with sufficient weaponry. Prigozhin lauded Surovikin, however, saying when he led the war effort, ammunition was no problem.

What price peace? 90% of Ukrainians unwilling to give up land to Russia

More than 90% of Ukrainians are unwilling to give up land to Russia to end the war, while less than 5% are willing to do so, a new survey found. Giving up future membership in NATO drew a bit more interest  18% of respondents said they could support that. About the same percentage of respondents are ready to give the Russian language official status or to abandon the policy of decommunization in favor of the Kremlin.

Almost half of Ukrainians (49%) believe their country is moving in the right direction, about a third (32%) believe it's going in the wrong direction and the rest are undecided.

"The vast majority of Ukrainians continue to demonstrate their unwillingness to compromise with the aggressor in order to end the war," the survey managers said. The survey of more than 2,000 adults was conducted by the Ilko Kucheriv Foundation and financed by the Netherlands Embassy in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy supports Ukraine's military tactics amid criticism

Ukraine President Volodymr Zelenskyy dismissed a New York Times report citing unnamed U.S. officials saying Kyiv's offensive has struggled because of tactical mistakes. The report says Kyiv's troops are spread too thin between the east and south while firepower should be concentrated on punching through Russia's southern defenses to sever its land bridge with occupied Crimea.

"We will not give up Kharkiv, Donbas, Pavlograd or Dnipro," Zelenskyy said. "Even if all the analysts of the world" disagree.

Blasts rip Russians in Crimea, Moscow

A missile defense system in Russian-held Crimea was destroyed and a Moscow building was damaged Wednesday, prompting pro-Kremlin bloggers to chastise their own military for failing to neutralize Ukraine's ability to strike.

The attacks were part of Kyiv's continuing quest to make Russians feel pain from the 18-month-old war that has ripped Ukraine apart while leaving Russia virtually untouched. The Ukraine military published video of what it said was a strike that destroyed a Russian anti-aircraft missile system at Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea, occupied by Russia since 2014.

"The installation itself, the missiles installed on it and the personnel were completely destroyed," the military said in a release. Ukraine officials called it a "painful blow" to a vital piece of Russia's defenses that could turn the tide in Kyiv's push to take back Crimea.

Russian blogger Rybar said the strike also hit a fuel truck and theorized the blast came from a missile fired from a Ukraine ship.

"A systematic defeat of the entire Ukrainian fleet is needed, and this requires changes in the organization of the Russian Navy," Rybar wrote.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ukraine updates: Wagner chief who plotted coup presumed dead in plane crash
Former President Donald Trump's multiple criminal indictments have led to unprecedented times in the country's legal system, particularly when it comes to the allegations of his interference with the 2020 election, legal experts said.

Prosecutors in Georgia and the federal special counsel have charged Trump with racketeering and conspiracy charges, respectively, with similar allegations including targeting states like Georgia and Arizona with misinformation tactics, and multiple attempts to pressure former Vice President Mike Pence into not certifying the election, and goading his followers before the riot at the Capitol.

Trump is expected to turn himself into the Fulton County sheriffs office in a Georgia court this week on his charges and has pleaded not guilty to the federal indictment. He has consistently contended he has done nothing illegal.

Erica Hashimoto, a professor at Georgetown University Law Center, told ABC News that it's not uncommon for federal and state criminal cases that involve similar charges against a defendant to run consecutively, and likely one jurisdiction will hold off its trial while the other goes forward with its case.

PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump speaks at the 56th annual Silver Elephant Gala in Columbia, S.C., Aug. 5, 2023. (Artie Walker Jr./AP)

However, the complexities of both probes against Trump and other co-defendants, and his two other indictments in New York and Florida, will complicate the prosecutions, and could lead to completely different types of prosecutions and defense arguments, she said.

MORE: As charges mount, here's a look at Trump's legal and political calendar

"Multiple trials have been scheduled in other cases. Four is a lot," Hashimoto told ABC News.

Dovetailed charges use similar allegations, evidence

The Jan. 6 indictment by Special counsel Jack Smith listed instances where the former president allegedly conspired with others to overthrow the results of the 2020 election.

This included targeting key states - Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin- and trying to get fake electors, according to the indictment.

MORE: What's in the Jan. 6 Trump indictment

The federal indictment also cites Trump's tweets saying he falsely claimed Pence had the power to not certify the election and the former's president's speech during the rally on Jan. 6 where he repeated those falsehoods.

PHOTO: In this Jan. 6, 2021, file photo, President Donald Trump arrives to speak to supporters from The Ellipse near the White House in Washington, D.C. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' indictment of Trump and 18 other defendants on racketeering charges also included similar allegations that Trump and his co-defendants targeted Georgia and the six other states with a fake elector scheme.

MORE: What's in the sweeping Trump racketeering indictment in Georgia

The Georgia indictment also lists Trump's tweets and words before the Jan. 6 riot that promoted his false claims about Pence's role in certifying the election in its arguments.

Scheduling complications will arise

Hashimoto and other legal experts said a key factor in both the Georgia and federal cases is timing. She said that if the cases go to trial, it's highly unlikely they will be scheduled at the same time, and this creates more strategies for the defense and prosecution in the case that goes second.

"The prosecutors in the second case will have a good look at how his defense lawyers will defend him and be more prepared," she said. "The defense will also adapt and learn how to make their arguments for the same allegations."

David Sklansky, a law professor at Stanford Law, told ABC News, that he predicts the special counsel's trial will take place before the Georgia trial, given that the state case involves 19 defendants.

"There may be defendants in the Georgia case who want to go soon, but if other defendants are interested in delaying, that will create a complication," he said.

PHOTO: Special Counsel Jack Smith arrives to remarks on a recently unsealed indictment including four felony counts against former President Donald Trump, Aug. 1, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Smith said in an Aug. 10 court filing that he is seeking a start date for Jan. 2, 2024, in the federal trial and indicated it would take no longer than four to six weeks to present his case to a jury.

Trump's attorneys have pushed for a 2026 trial date.

MORE: Sweeping 37-count indictment alleges Trump hoarded national secrets, orchestrated obstruction of investigation

PHOTO: Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis speaks in the Fulton County Government Center during a news conference, on Aug. 14, 2023, in Atlanta. (John Bazemore/AP)

Willis proposed a March 4, 2024 start date for her trial against Trump and the 18 other defendants. They have been given a deadline of Friday to turn themselves in and be arraigned on their charges.

Attorney strategies hinge on specific court, timing

The special counsel's office and Wills's office will likely have discussions on the timing of their trials, but it is highly unlikely that they will share any evidence, grand jury testimony or other prosecution materials before their trials Hashimoto said.

Instead, the prosecutors in the second case will likely use testimony from the first case to help formulate their arguments. This situation also puts more pressure on the defense, according to Hashimoto, who previously served as a federal public defender.

"It is unlikely that President Trump will testify," she said. "Anything that he says in one trial can be used against him in the other."

PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump sits next to his attorney Todd Blanche as he faces charges before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya at federal court in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 3, 2023, in a courtroom sketch. (Jane Rosenberg/Reuters)

Sklansky, who previously served as an assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, said despite the overlap in charges and similarities, the public should expect to see two different cases play out in Washington D.C. and Georgia.

Sklansky said the federal government's conspiracy indictment is more narrow since there is currently only one defendant and focuses only on his actions that they allege defrauding the country and depriving Americans of their voting rights.

MORE: John Eastman is 2nd defendant to surrender in Georgia election interference case

In Georgia, there are more allegations and criminal counts including the intimidation of witnesses and alleged theft of voting equipment that are not part of the federal case, he noted.

"There is significant overlap and things the fed indictment does and the state does and vice versa, but in the end, the federal case is more narrow, and more focused," he said.

PHOTO: The front entrance of the Fulton County Courthouse is shown after a grand jury indictment against former President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants for 2020 election interference in Atlanta, on Aug. 21, 2023. (Erik S. Lesser/EPA via Shutterstock)

Sklansky reiterated that the multiple criminal and civil cases against Trump, who is still campaigning around the country will leave the legal community in uncharted territory, and there may be other factors and complications to come before any of the former president's trials begin.

"It's not something we have useful precedence for," he said.

Trump indictments in DC, Georgia see overlapping charges, complications: Experts originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A man holds his back in pain; red highlights the site of his pain in his lower back

A man's severe back and belly pain turned out to be caused by a rare disease that causes pockets of pus to build up in a long muscle called the psoas.

The 67-year-old man arrived at an emergency room in Togo, a country in West Africa, with severe pain in his right abdomen and lower back that had developed over the course of eight days. According to a case report published online on Aug. 12 in the International Journal of Surgery Case Reports , the man's doctors noted that he had hip flexor pain when lifting his right knee, and they could feel a "firm mass" on the inner surface of that hip bone.

Bloodwork revealed an abundance of immune cells, hinting at an infection. However, at that point, the doctors were unable to reach a diagnosis, so they ordered a computerized tomography (CT) scan.

Related: Woman's 'extra breast' under her armpit developed a wart-like tumor in unusual case

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This revealed fluid pooling in the man's right psoas muscle, which runs from the right side of the lumbar spine, over the hip and to the inside of the upper thigh bone. The team diagnosed him with primary psoas abscess, a rare psoas infection typically caused by a pathogen, like bacteria, traveling to the muscle from the blood or lymph nodes.

A general surgeon pierced the muscle to drain the built-up substance, releasing roughly 5 ounces (150 cubic centimeters) of "purulent fluid," more commonly known as pus. This approach also enabled the surgeon to remove any damaged tissue that might pose a risk of future infections.

Doctors prescribed the patient a regimen of antibiotics and discharged him from the hospital; a follow-up appointment was "satisfactory," and the patient exhibited zero complications six months later.

Little is known about what causes primary psoas abscess, a disease that was first described in 1881 by Dr. Henry Mynter, according to the National Institutes of Health .

The infection is often linked to the bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli, but it's typically unclear how the germs entered the muscle and sparked infection in the first place. By comparison, a similar disease called secondary psoas abscess is better understood, as it's caused by germs spreading from nearby organs, as in infections of the intestines or tuberculosis of the spine .

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In their case report, the doctors wrote that primary psoas abscess is a "rare disease" that is most commonly found in developing countries and often affects "frail subjects" with weakened immune systems. But in this case, the patient was in good health. The team didn't discover any specific germs in the patient's pus, but that "can be explained by the way the samples are stored," they wrote.

They added that the disease's "insidious evolution makes its diagnosis difficult and delays management. Imaging plays a considerable role in the diagnosis of psoas abscesses. The disease is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and requires early and appropriate treatment."
Cars.com is out with its annual Car Seat Fit Report Card listing the top models.

Fact checked by Sarah Scott

One of the biggest purchases parents make is a new car, and one of the first questions they may ask is how well a car seat fits in the make and model they're considering. That's where Cars.com's 2023 Car Seat Fit Report Card comes in.

Every year, Cars.com unveils its Car Seat Fit Report Card which shows the vehicles that are the most accommodating when it comes to buckling your kids safely. This year, trained, certified child passenger safety technicians, including Cars.com editor-in-chief Jenni Newman and Cars.com news editor Jennifer Geiger, examined the latch systems, lower anchors, and ease of installation in 56 vehicles.

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"Each car seat typeinfant, convertible, and boosteris designed to function differently to meet the safety needs of that age of the child; however, car seats all have one goal in common: keeping your child safe during a collision," Geiger says.

What Types of Cars Get the Top Grades?

There are many excellent choices for parents on the Cars.com Car Seat Fit Report Card with top grades. Newman and Geiger tested two-row SUVs, three-row SUVs, minivans, pickup trucks, EVs, PHEVs, Hybrids, and sedans.

The six top-place cars are:

2023 Acura RDX

2022 and 2023 Audi E-Tron

2023 Chevrolet Equinox

2023 Kia EV6

2023 Volkwagon ID.4

2023 Volkswagon Tiguan

Geiger says that for parents on a budget, looking into the used car market might make the most financial sense. "The 2015 Honda Odyssey and 2014 Toyota Highlander are a couple of affordable and roomy options," says Geiger. "There are also many cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs that fit three car seats easily, and we keep a running list on Cars.com. There, you can find vehicles going back to 2011 that our teams have tested and found will comfortably fit three car seats."

Which Electric Cars Made The Grade?

For parents looking into electric vehicles (EVs), one problem they may have encountered is that EVs have tended to include tight, compact interior spaces, which are not always ideal for car seats.

But since EVs are becoming more in demand, that may soon change. As the technology for EVs grows by leaps and boundsand demand for them increases, parents may be delighted to find that EVs are becoming more car seat-friendly.

Three of the six cars earning straight A's on the Cars.com 2023 Car Seat Fit Report Card are electricthose vehicles include the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4, 2023 Kia EV6, and 2022/2023 Audi E-Tron.

What Does a Car Seat Do To Keep Your Child Safe?

When properly installed and used correctly, a child's car seat can reduce the risk of severe injury and death by up to 80% by stopping your child from freely moving around during a crash. But how exactly does it do that, and why does it matter how a car seat fits in your caror how the straps fit on your child?

"Each car seat typeinfant, convertible, and boosteris designed to function differently to meet the safety needs of that age of a child; however, car seats all have one goal in common: keeping your child safe during a collision," says Geiger.

Picking the correct car seat size and using the correct inserts for the seats is critical, says Cindee Joy Ivker, MD a pediatrician at Phelps Memorial Hospital, part of Northwell Health.

"Starting in infancy, babies have a lower muscle tone, making them appear floppy. They cannot sit upright, and their heads tend to shift to one side," Dr. Ivker says. "As they get bigger, their tone and strength changethis means that they may be able to keep their head in the middle, move their arms and legs more, and try to shift in their car seat. That is why picking the right size seat and using the correct inserts is important."

Babies and children must be properly strapped into their car seats for the protective features to work. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), that means using a 5-point harness that attaches at the shoulders, hips, and in between the legs.

Booster seats protect young kids by adjusting the seatbelt restraints and straps to go over the bony prominences of the pelvis, ribs, and shoulder. But children have to meet certain height and weight requirements to fit properly in a booster seat, explains Maryann Buetti-Sgouros, MD, FAAP, the chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Northern Westchester Hospital.

"I often have parents visualize what would happen if the straps of a seatbelt became taut over the lateral neck and the abdomen of a child who is not large enough to have these belts over the hip bones and shoulder," she says. "I remind them that a seatbelt that is pressing against their jugular vein is not a good idea! A lap belt that digs into the mid abdomen can cause internal organ damage if suddenly taut."

Geiger adds from a technician's perspective, choosing a solid car seat isn't the only serious considerationparents need to evaluate the vehicle they plan to use to ensure that the car seat fits and is easy to install. Cars made after September 1, 2002, are required by law to have a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system. That usually consists of two lower LATCH anchors and three top tether anchors to secure the seats.

"This is an area we specifically grade vehicles for in our Car Seat Fit Report Card, as while LATCH systems are federally required, not all are easy to use," says Geiger. "Having a vehicle with an easily accessible, clearly labeled LATCH system not only makes the car seat installation process smoother, but it also helps ensure parents are properly installing the car seat."

Incorrect Car Seat Installation Is Far Too Common

According to Cars.com Car Seat Fit Report Card, 60% of parents have car seats that are installed incorrectly, and some don't notice their error for over a week.

When a caregiver is ready to install the child restraint, it is imperative that they read the manual that came with the seat. That manual will guide them, and they should always carry that manual with the seat. Some seats even have dedicated spaces to store the manual, says Vanessa Deyhle, a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST).

Geiger explains that incorrect car installations may be common, but they can also be easily fixed in a few ways, including:

Read and understand the car seat manual and the vehicle owner's manual.

Visit a hospital or fire station and meet with a certified car seat technician.

Before purchasing a car, take your car seat to the dealership and test it.

Caregivers should find a certified CPST or locate 'check-up' events or inspection stations nearby to help them hands-on," adds Deyhle. "While some dealerships, firehouses, and police stations may have certified CPSTs on staff, it is not a guarantee. It is important to find someone who has received the certification. CPSTs can help with any stage seat, whether for a newborn (or not yet born!), toddlerhood, childhood, or beyond.









"While some dealerships, firehouses, and police stations may have certified CPSTs on staff, it is not a guarantee. It is important to find someone who has received the certification. CPSTs can help with any stage seat, whether for a newborn (or not yet born!), toddlerhood, childhood, or beyond."

Vanessa Deyhle, CPST







What to Look For When Buying a New Car

The only way to know for sure if your car seat will fit safely in a new carEV or otherwiseis to take it to the dealership and test it. "Prior to purchasing a vehicle, nearly half of parents brought their car seat to the dealership to test it in-vehicleand almost 90% of those parents said the dealership was able to answer questions about the installation process," says Geiger.

Deyhle recommends parents consider a few important tips when looking at a new vehicle.

I would look to see which vehicles have the most conducive layout in regards to tether anchors (a crucial part of forward-facing car seat installation) and seat belt layout as well," Deyhle explains. "For example, if you plan to have three forward-facing car seats in the second row, I would ensure that that vehicle has three tether anchors available there.

She also recommends ensuring seatbelts don't overlap when car seats are installed. Deyhle suggests asking other parents which vehicles they found worked well with car seats and even checking Facebook groups. There are often CPSTs in those groups who would love to offer their services. Our main goal is to get as many children as possible riding as safely as possible.

But remember, even if you find the perfect car seat to fit in your vehicle, that doesnt mean it will always be a safe and reliable option.



"Car seats change with time. A safe car seat sold years ago may not be considered safe by today's standards," says Dr. Ivker. "Check the serial number before using an older seat, especially if it is a hand-me-down, and look at the manufacturer's website for that information."

You can learn more about car seat safety guidelines at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, using the handy calculator to determine your childs best car seat options.



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Belgium-based Devan, a specialty chemicals firm and division of Pulcra Chemicals, just launched a new textile finish in the U.S.

The R-Vital NTL textile treatment uses microencapsulated bio-based polymers to distribute natural, beneficial substances like moisturizing avocado seed oil and aloe vera, relaxing CBD, a multivitamin containing vitamins D, C and E and ginger, as well as skin-protective vitamin E to the skin. All of these inputs are sourced in Europe and one, the avocado oil, is sourced from the seed only and therefore makes use of the waste of the plant. The effort builds on Devans previous work with CBD microencapsulation.

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The initial successful application of R-Vital NTL was on a 100 percent knitted cotton fabric although it can be successfully applied to woven textiles, as well as synthetics like polyester and cellulosic fibers and natural wool and linen, according to Ricardo Costa, Devans technical manager for health and wellness, based in Porto, Portugal.

R-Vital NTL is targeted to adults and used on textile products that touch the skin like pajamas, T-shirts, underwear and socks, in addition to sheets and pillow cases, Qinghua Yin, global business development manager, told Sourcing Journal.

Costa noted that the textile finish is not geared to children because of the potential for skin sensitivity issues and allergic reactions.

The finish is billed as remaining effective for up to 50 washes, more than the usual 20 or 30 washes that is the industry standard.

There is a hang-tag program in the works, but that will be up to the discretion of the brand using R-Vital NTL, according to Sook Dekempe, marketing manager for Devan.

While the product has been on the market in Europe for several months, Devan declined to say which brands were on board. The cost of the textile finish is not available. Spokespersons prefer instead to frame it as an added value proposition. Cost, they said, is up to the brand.

Devan was acquired for an undisclosed sum in July 2021 by Pulcra Chemicals Company, based in Geretsried, Germany, and founded in 1876. The purchase of Devan from Pentahold, a Belgian private equity firm, was Pulcras first acquisition in its more than 140-year history.

Devan is known for developing finishing textile technologies, including bio-based Bio-flam flame retardant, a bio-based anti-microbial called BI-OME, and Tones of Cool Bio, a bio-based phase change material, or PCM, that helps cool the body. The company is active in creating products that offer flame retardant, thermoregulation, odor control, stain release, and health and wellness properties.

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When blurred-out photos of her new ink were posted online, a lot of people thought Angelina Jolie shaded Brad Pitt with tattoos.

Pitt and Jolie were married in 2014 for just two years after dating for 12. She filed for divorce in 2016 and in court documents shared with CNN, more details of an alleged incident on their private jet were brought to light, purportedly taking place just five days prior to Jolies filing of the divorce papers.

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If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) for confidential support.

In the section titled Why Jolie Separated from Pitt of her counterclaim against her ex, the document alleges Pitt got into an argument with one of their six children. When Jolie asked Pitt what was wrong, he allegedly verbally attacked her and grabbed Jolie by the head and shook her, and then grabbed her shoulders and shook her again before pushing her into the bathroom wall. The document also claims Pitt choked one of the children and struck another in the face. Some of the children pleaded with Pitt to stop. They were all frightened. Many were crying.

Click here to read the full article.

In response to these new allegations, Pitts rep emphatically denied them. They told CNN that Jolies story continues to evolve each time she tells it with new, unsubstantiated claims. Brad has accepted responsibility for what he did but will not for things he didnt do. These new allegations are completely untrue. Some of the details of the document had been reported on before with the release of a heavily redacted FBI report in August 2022.

No arrests or charges were made at the time in relation to the incident. In response to allegations made following a flight within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States which landed in Los Angeles carrying Mr. Brad Pitt and his children, the FBI has conducted a review of the circumstances and will not pursue further investigation. No charges have been filed in this matter, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said in a statement to CNN at the time. After some fresh ink, some fans are wondering if Angelina Jolie shaded Bradd Pitt through tattoos. Heres what we know.

Angelina Jolies Brad Pitt tattoos

Angelina Jolies Brad Pitt tattoos are well, have nothing to do with Brad Pitt, actually. New York-based tattoo artist Mr. K shared a blurred out snap of her new ink etched into her fingers.

@angelinajolie Still cant believe that I actually grabbed her hand and tattooed her. Guess what she got on her palm? #angelinajolie #mrktattoo, the caption read. Although an un-muzzed photo of her new ink has yet to be posted, many guesses thought it had something to do with Jolies ex-husband. Fk. Brad, one follower wrote, while another wrote, Had A/Brad Time. Other followers guessed that the tattoos could be a warning label for prospective suitors, or something spiritual.

Indeed, in the comments section, the tattoo artist himself said the ink had NOTHING to do with her ex and on close inspection of some street-style photos of Jolie which were taken on August 20, 2023, her left handat the very leastfeatures a very simple cross or wave-length shaped artwork. So maybe not as salacious as followers would like to believe.

Jolie has an estimated 16 tattoos, all with special meanings. In an interview with Harpers Bazaar in 2019, she said: I have a tattoo, A prayer for the wild at heart kept in cages. I got it when I was 20. I was with my mom one evening, and I was feeling lost. I was restlessalways. I still am, she reflected, in answer to a question about feeling misunderstood.

We were driving to dinner, and she talked about spending time with Tennessee Williams and how much she loved his words. She told me he wrote that, about the wild at heart. We drove to a tattoo parlor, and I got it inked on my left arm. What she did for me that night was to remind me that the wild within me is alright and a part of me.

Photo by MEGA/GC Images

In an interview with Vogue India in June 2020, Jolie gave a reason, albeit a vague one, for her split from Pitt. I separated for the wellbeing of my family. It was the right decision, she said. I continue to focus on their healing. Some have taken advantage of my silence, and the children see lies about themselves in the media, but I remind them that they know their own truth and their own minds. In fact, they are six very brave, very strong young people.

Pitt, meanwhile, recently showed a collection of his own artwork at an exhibition in Finland, in collaboration with Australian musician Nick Cave and sculptor, Thomas Houseago. Its about, you know, where have I gotten it wrong in my relationships? Where have I misstepped? Where I am complicit? he said in an interview with Finnish broadcaster, YLE. It was born out of ownership of really what I call a radical inventory of self, getting really, brutally honest with me and  taking account of those I may have hurt and moments Ive just gotten wrong.

Pitt told GQ in an interview in 2017 that he was drinking too much alcohol the year prior. Personally, I cant remember a day since I got out of college when I wasnt boozing or had a spliff, or something., he told the magazine. And you realize that a lot of it is, umcigarettes, you know, pacifiers. And Im running from feelings. Im really, really happy to be done with all of that. I mean I stopped everything except boozing when I started my family. But even this last year, you knowthings I wasnt dealing with. I was boozing too much. Its just become a problem.

He also alluded to trying to overcome some toxic masculinity issues. I grew up with a Father-knows-best/war mentalitythe father is all-powerful, super stronginstead of really knowing the man and his own self-doubt and struggles, he said. And its hit me smack in the face with our divorce: I gotta be more. I gotta be more for them. I have to show them. And I havent been great at it.

Long before his marriage and eventual divorce from Jolie, Pitts ex E.G. Daily (whom he dated in the 80s) said he was a really intense personbut not for reasons youd expect. I think he was really intense about his work, Daily said. When you saw him, it was more like seething in him underneath, she said in a clip from his True Hollywood Story episode, which aired in April 2021. What I could feel from him was a really strong, visceral drive towards something really big.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think youll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission from the sale.

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A persons DNA constitutes a recipe book for the proteins that are essential for life, such as myosin for the muscles and hemoglobin to carry oxygen in the blood. Now, an international consortium of scientists has just announced that it finally managed to read the last blurred page of that book: the hitherto indecipherable Y chromosome, which is involved in determining the male sex and in the production of spermatozoa, but also, when something goes wrong, in serious diseases like cancer. The breakthrough, the result of more than 30 years of work, was published this Wednesday in the journal Nature.

The challenge was massive. With the current technology, it is not possible to read a persons entire DNA (their genome) in one go, so researchers have to decipher millions of tiny jumbled fragments and then put them together. It is like reconstructing a text of more than 3,000 million letters from a series of shuffled sentences and paragraphs. The Y chromosome only has 62 million letters (2% of the total), but the difficulty level was tremendous because its structure is very confusing, riddled with repeated sections. To give an example, if the genome were the song American Pie, it would be easy to reorganize its chorus based on its misplaced fragments: Miss American pie, bye bye, but the levee was dry, drove my Chevy to the levee. However, it would be much more cumbersome to learn that this chorus appears seven times throughout the song, or to guess the repetition in Thisll be the day that I die, thisll be the day that I die.

A persons DNA is present in each of their cells, grouped into 46 packages  the chromosomes  which are structures shaped like a hank of yarn. Two of the chromosomes, X and Y, determine sex. Most women have two X chromosomes; in men, it is common to have one X and one Y. The Y chromosome contains the genetic information that causes the male genitalia to develop in the embryo, but it also has other essential roles. Men who lack a Y chromosome in some of their cells (due to causes such as tobacco addiction and aging) are at increased risk of cancer, Alzheimers and heart disease.

The consortium, named T2T and led by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, had already published last year the first complete human genome, letter by letter, but the entire enigmatic male sex chromosome had yet to be read. It was the last unexplored territory of human DNA, according to biologist Tomas Marques Bonet from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology in Barcelona.

Amazing variability

Another international team of scientists, the Human Genome Structural Variation Consortium, published this Wednesday the almost complete sequences of another 43 Y chromosomes of people from different parts of the world, showing an astonishing variability. There are men with 45 million letters on their Y chromosome, while others are close to 85 million. This is especially important for biomedical research, since the structural variants of the Y are at the root of many traits and diseases, explains Marques Bonet, who did not participate in this research.

Biologist Bernardo Rodriguez explains that half of the Y chromosome had been resisting for decades. The half that is highly repetitive was missing. If it were a puzzle with the picture of a landscape, it would have been the pieces forming the blue sky, says Rodriguez, from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, in Heidelberg, Germany. The T2T consortium estimates that the human genome has about 20,000 genes (short segments of DNA), each with its own recipe for making proteins, but only 106 of them are in the Y chromosome. One is the SRY gene, known as the male-determining gene because it causes the testicles to form in the embryo.

Geneticist Karen Miga, co-director of the T2T consortium and researcher at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Nick Gonzales/UC Santa Cruz

Rodriguez points out that the existence of 41 of these Y chromosome genes was unknown. Now we have to see what role they play. In addition, these missing regions are turning out to be the most variable in the genome, because, being very repetitive, they change a lot from one individual to another, explains the researcher, a member of the Human Genome Structural Variation Consortium. Accessing the Y chromosome can lead to the discovery of new variants associated with diseases, including cancer, he says. Geneticist Karen Miga, co-director of the T2T consortium and researcher at the University of California, Santa Cruz, said in a statement that their goal is to make the data available to the international scientific community.

Half of men will suffer a malignant tumor before the age of 85, compared to just a third of women, according to the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology. The greater male susceptibility to tumors is explained by the higher consumption of tobacco and alcohol, but also by biological intricacies such as the loss of genetic material from the Y chromosome that happens throughout life, as shown in 2020 by the team of bioinformatician Juan Ramon Gonzalez. This study opens up new perspectives to understand how the loss of the Y chromosome is associated with a higher incidence of certain diseases and mortality in men, says Gonzalez, from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health.

Genomic science picks up speed

Technological advances made the conquest of the Y chromosome possible. The machines of the British company Oxford Nanopore now allow millions of consecutive letters to be read, with errors that are corrected with the American tool PacBio, achieving an accurate reading of sections of more than 20,000 letters. Gonzalez applauds that there is finally a reference sequence for the Y chromosome: The main advantage of this study lies in its applicability, as it enables the efficient analysis of millions of genomes from different populations, he celebrates.

The bioinformatician emphasizes that this work could also be crucial in forensic medicine and human evolution research, as a man inherits the Y chromosome from his father, who inherited it from his father, forming a direct line. A mans male sex chromosome will be virtually identical to that of his brothers and other paternal relatives. That information is very useful, both for identifying a serial killer by his DNA and for tracking migrations over the centuries.

The current reference genome, called GRCh38, is a mosaic of genetic information, of which 70% comes from a man who volunteered in 1997 for the Human Genome Project in the United States after reading an advertisement in The Buffalo News. The first draft was presented in 2001 to great fanfare, despite being very incomplete, and since then the scientific community has used it to search for genetic variants associated with diseases.

The T2T consortium has now completed its version: the truly complete sequence of a human genome, named CHM13, now including the Y chromosome. However, the ancestors of this genome are mostly European, so another international consortium is finalizing a pangenome that it will include 350 complete genomes from all around the world to reflect the genetic diversity of humans.

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Just two out of 16 brands, namely C&A and Marks & Spencer, claimed to have acted responsibly in the aftermath of Turkeys devastating earthquakes earlier this year, both with respect to order delays and aid to suppliers, according to new research from the Worker Rights Consortium, or WRC.

In fact, while nearly every brand assessed by the Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group said that their sourcing teams did not bargain for lower prices on any post-disaster orderssave for Boohoo Group, which said that its test-and-repeat model means that it always negotiates when it rebuys based on increased volumeshalf of them admitted to diverting from their original payment schedules, suggesting that suppliers that were forced to deliver late were also paid late, exacerbating their financial situation even as they dealt with the widespread damage and mounting death toll.

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And when asked whether they had, in the case of delivery delays, adopted a policy to pay suppliers on the originally agreed upon date had on-time delivery been achievable, only sevenBenetton, Bestseller, C&A, Marks & Spencer, Next, Calvin Klein owner PVH Corp. and Primarksaid yes.

At the same time, just six out of the 16C&A, Inditex, Kiabi, Marks & Spencer, Tchibo and The North Face parent VF Corp.said that they offered any form of direct assistance, such as accelerated payments, improved payment terms on new orders or low-interest loans or grants. Only fourBestseller, C&A, Kiabi and Marks & Spencersaid that they provided financial assistance to the families of Tier 1 and Tier 2 workers who had been killed in the earthquake. (Boohoo said that the question was moot because its suppliers did not report any fatalities, while Primark said it hadnt received an explicit request for such support.)

The worst performersi.e. brands that neither maintained their original payment dates for delayed orders nor offered any extra assistance to suppliersincluded Boohoo, H&M Group and S.Oliver, the WRC said.

The organization came to its conclusions based on responses to a recent questionnaire to brands from the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre, additional information provided by brands to the WRC, and the results of a survey of more than 200 impacted Turkish garment and textile producers by researchers from Middle Eastern Technical University.

The twin earthquakes, which shook southern and central Turkey, along with northern and western Syria on Feb. 6, were the regions worst in nearly a century, killing more than 50,000 people and injuring another 100,000. A total of 9.1 million were affected, including 3 million who were displaced. Some 350,000 people, comprising one-third of the entire sectors workforce, worked in the roughly 1,600 companies and 1,300 textile mills across the 11 worst-hit provinces, which in turn made up 15 percent of Turkeys garment and textile industry. Support to Life, a humanitarian organization that published an update on conditions last week, estimates that 90 percent of the people who lost their homes still reside in temporary settlement areas.

Both the Ethical Trading Initiative and the Fair Labor Organization, multistakeholder organizations to which many of the brands belonged, urged their member brands at the time of the earthquakes to play a role in their suppliers recovery, including extending delivery deadlines, advancing payment for goods received, lending financial assistance, helping ensure structural safety and refraining from seeking discounts on future orders.

The group of brands that the WRC looked at consisted of Benetton, Bestseller, Boohoo, C&A, Esprit, H&M, Zara owner Inditex, Kiabi, Marks & Spencer, Next, Primark, PVH Corp., S.Oliver, Tchibo, Varner and VF Corp. Among them, Benetton, Bestseller, Boohoo, H&M, Inditex, PVH Corp., S.Oliver, Varner and VF Corp. were identified by the polled suppliers as buyers.

The university survey generated a more dismal picture of Turkeys sourcing landscape following the earthquakes, with less than 2 percent of suppliers agreeing that their customers supported workers and producers after the quake, although its unclear if the discrepancy is due to a mismatch with the 16 brands self-reporting or because it involves a larger pool of buyers.

The impact of the disasterand, according to the WRC, insufficient brand supporton production, however, was undeniable. Nearly half (46 percent) of the respondents said they lost at least four weeks of working days, less than half (48 percent) said that they were able to pay workers their full salary, and almost one-third (33 percent) said that they were forced to place workers on unpaid leave during temporary closures.

Though all 16 brands tolerated delivery delays without imposing penalties, according to the WRCs findings, this wasnt a universal move. Some 35 percent of respondents said that their buyers did not extend production deadlines after the temblors.

A full 69 percent reported that they did not hear from their buyers after the disaster, while nearly half (48 percent) said that they had their order volumes reduced in its wake. A mere five of the 202 respondents said that brands offered them and their workers any support.

The brands working with producers of this region have failed to demonstrate their declared responsibility and solidarity in the aftermath of a major earthquake, said Derya Gocer, an assistant professor in the Department of Area Studies, and Serif Onur Bahcecik, an associate professor in the Department of International Relations, at the Ankara-based institution.

S.Oliver said that it stayed in constant contact with its affected suppliers following the earthquakes, acting to the best of our knowledge and providing them with the support they had asked for and that was needed the most during this difficult time. It said that it donated relief supplies, such as food, warm clothing and hygiene kits, while acting upon the suggested steps of its partners at the Fair Wear Foundation.

We are taking this very seriously and recognize that there is always more that could be done, a representative for the German purveyor said. Therefore, we remain committed to the trustful partnership we have with our suppliers in Turkey and will continue to support them in the future.

VF Corp. said that it worked closely with its affected suppliers to provide support for them and their communities, including making a donation of more than $100,000 through its foundation.

In summary, we did not penalize suppliers for delivery delays and offered low-interest loans to give suppliers access to funds quickly, a spokesperson said. For all impacted factories, we conducted extensive safety checks.

Bestseller said that the brand has a history of providing favorable and reduced payment terms to suppliers facing crisis situations, but that none of the suppliers it was in close contact with had requested such assistance.

Our efforts, therefore, focused on ensuring that factories were structurally secure before work was restarted and on assisting communities affected by the earthquake, a representative said. The company donated urgently needed winter outerwear, including more than 10,000 jackets for children, women and men, to AFAD, the Turkish disaster and rescue authority, and provided 200-plus container houses to the affected regions, the representative added.

H&M, too, said that it maintained close dialogue with its suppliers in the affected area to understand their need for support.

Despite the severe situation in the area the majority of our suppliers factories were not heavily affected, a spokesperson said. Given the difficult situation, we were flexible with deliveries and accepted delays from the very first moment, meaning we have not charged any penalties or re-negotiated prices on placed orders.

As part of its regular payment terms, suppliers can opt to receive payment approximately three days after sending an invoice, the representative said, adding that this was also applied to affected factories that received payments roughly four days after sending an invoice, though it is not possible to make a payment without an invoice and the invoice is sent when goods are shipped.

Similarly, Tchibo said that it contacted all suppliers with active factories in the region after the earthquake.

We have maintained in regular contact, accepted product shipment delays and provided situation-specific support to the workforce, a representative said. For this, we build upon our dialogue-based WE Program that has been running in Turkey for years. WE activities were adopted to the needs that arose after the earthquake, for example offering online sessions on dealing with trauma. One partner asked us to support emergency housing for workers which we provided.

Primark said that it took the decision as a business to accommodate order delays resulting from the earthquake where needed, but that no orders experienced any disruptions. It said that its payment terms remain at 30 days and it will continue to liaise with its suppliers in Turkey on payment and cashflow issues, should they arise. Meanwhile, the retailer has taken steps to assess the structural integrity of its supplier factories within the earthquake region and has plans to roll out its structural integrity program to all facilities in Turkey in the coming months.

The relationships we have with our suppliers are crucial to our business and to our commitment to ethical trade, and we work hard to nurture these, a spokesperson said, adding that Primark donated 200,000 pounds ($254,000) through UNICEF. Following the devastating earthquake in Turkey, we offered our suppliers with a presence in the country our full support, alongside our commitment for this to continue in the months ahead, including taking the decision to accommodate order delays resulting from the earthquake where needed. This remains unchanged, and we remain in close contact with our suppliers to monitor the situation, alongside the ongoing work of our ethical trade team on the ground in Turkey.

While PVH Corp.s suppliers didnt make any requests for aid, the company said that it was and remains flexible on any delivery delays resulting from the earthquake. It also said that it paid the affected suppliers on the same payment schedule as it would have for on-time deliveries. Meanwhile, the PVH Foundation sent a monetary donation to the Red Cross and it worked closely Humanitarian Resources International Foundation to make in-kind product donations, the Tommy Hilfiger parent added.

PVH is also aware that our suppliers supported the impacted families directly as needed. a spokesperson said. Some suppliers opened their undamaged factories to be used as temporary shelters until the workers and their families were able to find a place to stay. Many of our vendors also contributed financially and with in-kind donations to the relief efforts.

C&A declined to make any further statements, while the other brands named in the white paper did not respond to requests for comment.

The Istanbul Apparel Exporters Association, better known as IHKIB, previously praised the valuable support of Turkeys international partners, several of which have contributed to relief efforts. H&M Group, for instance, donated $100,000 to AFAD, and the H&M Foundation, the philanthropic vehicle operated by the retailers founding family, shelled out $500,000 to the Red Cross/Red Crescent and Save the Children. Inditex, meanwhile, doled out 3 million euros ($3.3 million) to the Red Crescent.

But the WRC said brands, particularly those that command substantial financial resources, need to do more, including undoing any harm, say, from not sticking to the original payment dates on delayed orders. All buyers, even those that have reported providing some financial aid to workers, should also rethink the level of support they are providing, rising to their suppliers levels of need through the disbursements of low- or no-interest loans, higher prices or direct cash aid. Certainly, those that have reduced order volumes need to restore them to pre-disaster levels while offering improved payment terms. They should ensure that suppliers have metand continue to meettheir legal obligations to workers regarding employment, wages and severance.

Scott Nova, the WRCs executive director, compared the industrys Turkey response to that of the Covid-19 pandemic, when retroactive cancelations left suppliers on the hook for billions of dollars in ordersnot as bad, but not great, either. Ultimately, very few brands went beyond the bare minimum. And as usual, he said, it is workers who are suffering the consequences.

While many leading apparel brands extended delivery deadlines, they could have and should have done much more, Nova said. With a few notable exceptions, the worlds apparel brands looked at the calamity in their Turkish supply chains and basically decided to abandon workers to their fate.

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As Marie Claire reported on recently, King Charles is reportedly calling an urgent summit at Balmoralwhere he arrived yesterdaythat is set to include his wife, Queen Camilla, and his son and daughter-in-law, the Prince and Princess of Wales. Topics du jour include the future of the monarchy (no small subject there), each of the fours precise roles, the importance of the Commonwealth, and how to leverage William and Catherines star quality as Charles moves into his second year on the throne.

King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Coronation

The Mirror reports that the royal foursome is likely to address five major issues during the Balmoral summit, ranging from family members to the aforementioned Commonwealth to being overworked. The first possible issue is tensions within the Commonwealth and Charles plans to use William and Catherine specifically to bind the Commonwealth together. (The Commonwealth of Nations, or simply the Commonwealth, is made up of 56 countries, the vast majority of which are former territories of the British Empire. Of the 56 countries, 15 consider Charles kingthese are known as the Commonwealth realmsand five other countries have other monarchs. The remaining 36 countries are republics.) The king wants to bring Commonwealth countries closer to Britain and plans to make the Commonwealth at the very heart of his reign, a source close to the king said. He sees it as his utmost duty to fulfill the sincere wish of his late mother, that one of his central roles must be to ensure not only the survival but the robustness [of the organization].

Of Charles, [he] hopes to use the symbolism tied into his mothers legacy to offer a hand of friendship, which might get harder as the years go by, a senior civil servant said. To this point, Charles has plans to visit both Canada and Australiaboth Commonwealth realmsnext year, in line with requests from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

King Charles, Queen Camilla

The proposed second item on the summit agenda is the threat of republicanism, not just overseas but in the U.K., where anti-monarchy protests have followed Charles throughout his first year on the throne. Specifically, the anti-monarchy campaign group Republic has demonstrated at several engagements the king has been on this year, including at his Coronation in May. The Mirror reports that lone protestors have also been seen at some of William and Catherines events, too. Charles, at least publicly, seems unfazedhe has been seen this year walking directly past protestors wearing T-shirts with the slogan Not My King emblazoned on them.

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The third and fourth bullet points on the agenda bring it far closer to home: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and, separately, Prince Andrew . Though a family, the monarchy is also a family business, and Charles is particularly concerned about Andrew, who a Palace aide speaking to The Times said Charles has no desire to come out of the freezer.

Prince Andrew

Andrew is more of a long-term problem than Harry and Meghan, a royal source told the outlet. It feels like more stuff is going to come out on [Jeffrey] Epstein and there are still unexploded bombs there. That said, Charles and Andrew are still brothers, and Charles reportedly offered Andrew an olive branch by inviting him to stay at Balmoral with him, with Andrew reportedly the first family member to join Charles in Scotlanda significant move towards improving their relationship, The Mirror reports. Andrew was accompanied by his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, to the seven-bedroom Craigowan Lodge on the estate.

Prince William and Kate Middleton

The fifth and final issue is the increasing workload amongst the four most senior royals. With three senior royals downHarry, Meghan, and Andrewthe work has shifted to Charles, Camilla, William, and Catherine, supported by Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. The other working royals that round out the team are the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra (who are in their eighties) and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who are in their late seventies. Though Charles has long expressed a desire for a slimmed-down monarchy, the workload is intense: The current [working royals] have to be realistic about how much they can take on and, you know, maybe the thousands of patronages and engagements that they carry out and have always done between them is something thats going to need to be redressed, said royal expert Katie Nicholl, speaking on True Royalty TVs The Royal Beat. You look at the Prince of Wales and the model that hes adopted, which is very much consolidating, and you wonder if perhaps theres going to have to be an element of that for the wider royal family, too.

The summit is expected to take place within the next couple of weeks.
Ive got big news for anyone who is a fan of Hailey Bieber, her skincare brand Rhode, and the viral strawberry girl summer aesthetic. On 28th August, Hailey is dropping a new (!!) Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment flavour called Strawberry Glaze.

For the limited-edition launch, Hailey collabed with iconic doughnut brand Krispy Kreme to nail down the flavourand let me tell you, its absolutely delicious. When I was a kid, my favourite doughnut ever was a strawberry-frosted doughnut with sprinklesits just so nostalgic, Hailey told me via Zoom. Equally as yummy and exciting as the new Peptide Lip Treatment, Krispy Kreme is bringing their beloved Strawberry Glaze Doughnut out of retirement in the US to celebrate Rhodes latest Strawberry Glaze flavour.



I chatted with Hailey over the weekend, who is legit as sweet as her new strawberry lip treatment smells, and got all of the juicy details behind the collab, her inspo for the new launch, the timing of her new Rhode cream blushes (yes, theyre coming!!), and her thoughts on watching Sex and the City for the very first time.

Keep scrolling for the full interview, and dont forget to shop Haileys go-to strawberry girl products before summer is over.

How did your new Rhode collab with Krispy Creme come about? Its clear you have a love of strawberriesand glazed-doughnut skinbut what made you decide you wanted to do this?



Ive always loved the comparisons to beauty and foodits just so silly and cute and imaginative. And since Ive always said I wanted to look like a glazed doughnut when I go to bed, I knew that if there was a world in which I could do something fun with Krispy Kreme, I wanted to do it.

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It was a long conversation about what might make sense, but then last year I did my smoothie with Erewhon and it was called Strawberry Glaze Skincare Smoothie so this Strawberry Glaze flavour just started existing in my orbit and life. And then I decided that I wanted to make a scent that was reminiscent of strawberry, in general, but strawberry glaze specifically because when I was a kid my favourite doughnut ever was a strawberry-frosted doughnut with sprinkles. So this is a really nostalgic flavour for me because I would still go and get that doughnut to this day, thats how much I love it.

And then when we were trying to figure out a flavour with Krispy Kreme, which is such an iconic brand, I found out that in the past they had a strawberry glazed doughnut that was a limited time kind of thing. So its been fun to do something with them that is a nostalgic flavour theyve had before. And, honestly, I feel like when you smell the doughnut, the doughnut and the lip treatment smell exactly the same, so Im just happy because its just been so fun and creative. And, like, who doesnt love a Krispy Kreme doughnut?!



I also just loved that everyday strawberry makeup look you created...and your voiceover was so freaking soothing!

Thats so funny, thank you. I get so awkward with that stuff. Im like, I dont know if this sounds silly or what, but I was actually lying in bed and I was talking a little more quietly than usual, I dont even know why, but it was at night, so I was just speaking soft and calm.

When you are creating or re-creating a makeup look on social, do you ever have an inkling that something is going to go viral or are you just doing you and then something pops off naturally?

Everything I do or re-create, like trying on the latte makeup, is just really fun for me. I like playing around just the same way everyone else does on TikTok, trying different trends and looks. When I did the strawberry makeup video it was obviously that was a little hint to what we had coming out, but I also said that because my cheeks were really red and my freckles were showing and it gave off a strawberry vibe. So the strawberry makeup was just a happy accident.

I like when makeup looks monochromatic, putting what I have on my cheeks on my lips, so it looks flushed the same way. And I like enhancing my frecklesit feels very sweet and fresh. But anything I show online is just my version of it and how I would do it or how Im incorporating it into my day-to-day life. But then we have this strawberry collaboration coming out, so it all just fits perfectly into the vibe and Im just having fun with it all.

And whats the lip liner that youre gravitating toward to pair it with the Strawberry Lip Treatment?

There are three that I always switch between. The Make Up For Ever one I still use all of the time called Anywhere Caffeine , and then Fara Homidi has her lip contour pencils that are really nice, and then Ive been loving RMS Lip Pencils , which are newer I think. My makeup artist Leah Darcy used them on me and I was into them. Sometimes, I also mix twoI really like when it looks like your lips are contoured, like if you almost used bronzer on your lips, so I like mixing different lip liner shades for that effect.

We need to talk about cream blushes because I saw people freaking out in the comments of your video. Can you give us some sort of time frame where we can all expect another Rhode launch for cheeks?

So I think everybody was under the impression that we were teasing cream blushes as the next Rhode launchsadly, its not, but its coming in the new year.Thats all I can say!

Okay, well, were all just really excited and counting down the days.

Nobody is more excited than me, I promise you! Like, one of the worst parts of this process for me is that Im using this stuff for so long before it comes out and I get so excited about it and fall in love with it and want everyone to be able to have itbut there are so many steps to the process to get it out to the world and I just cant contain myself!

Like, Im not going to not use it in my routine, so I end up teasing it out because these are the things Im really using and I want to be forthcoming about that. But it just sucks because when I do tease something, everybody gets excited and Im like, Sorry, its not coming out yet. I literally did that with Rhode for like a year!

Why did you decide on cream blushes over powder?

I love to combine things, Ill use a cream and put a little powder over it. But I like to be able to have something that I can dab on my fingers and can apply on the go. I like things that have convenience to them, like a stick blush or even a liquid blush, which is just easier for me to touch up on the go and something that you can throw in your bag.

Well be patiently waiting, but alsoeep!hurry! Okay, back to food-related beauty, are you dreaming up any future collaborations besides Krispy Kreme?

Im really excited about seeing how the Krispy Kreme partnership goes. Its been in the works for so long, but I love the food association, so Id love to do more of it in the future.

I love makeup looks that are food related, so Im always going to stay on that train, but its funny, I see so many people comment things like, Why do we have to name everything after a food? and Im just like, its fun, who cares! But, yes, there are other collabs in the food space that are so nostalgic that Im hoping to do, so well see!

Speaking of makeup, in general, is there a look that is your go-to for date night?

With all of the makeup I do or wear, I take a skin-first approach. I love my skin to show through and Im notoriously known for not wearing a lot of foundation. So in terms of date night, I want to look like myself.

I feel sexiest and beautiful in my own skin when I dont have a ton of makeup caked on. I also love to look bronzed and do a little bit of a cheek or a little eyeliner but with no mascara. Recently, I have been really into enhancing my own frecklesI just feel like there is this youthfulness that comes from it, and I adore the look of freckles, so Ive been adding them every day and date night.

Okay, last Q, and Im totally switching gears to television here, but WE ALL NEED TO KNOW: How is it even possible that youre only watching Sex and the City for the first time right now?!

I swear on my life that Ive never seen the entire series before! I would catch little clips on E! or something when it would replay, but I have never sat there, as an adult and watched from season 1 to the end and Im already on the last season!

Oh my gosh, you got through that fast!

Well, theyre only 20-minute episodes, so you can literally get through like half a season if you binge for, like, three hours. Ive been going show by show by show, like I just rewatched Scandal and I just started How to Get Away With Murder. So, I was like, Sex and the City, Ive just never taken the time to do it, but, like, what was I doing before?!

I literally was pausing the show and zooming in on Carries outfits and taking a picture and sending it to my stylist saying, This is the vibe, obviously, and she was like, Hailey, come on, weve known that this is the vibe for years....Carrie Bradshaw is the blueprint of everything. But, like, the Carrie and Big saga, I cant deal, but Im so invested now.

I know, its a whole roller coaster.

But, like, where do I stop?! Ive heard that after the first movie, I should just be done. Do I go into the new show or...?

The first movie I thought was great, but the second movie I wasnt that into. As for the new show, it will never be SATC regular, but I cant get enough of Carrie, so I kind of cant stop watching.

Thats probably going to be me. I guess Ill just roll it over into the new one.

You for sure will, but also, who is your favourite character?

I like all of them for different reasons, but I think Samantha is just the funniest in terms of not giving a fuck. But I do think they do a really great job, on the show, of displaying the humanness of each character.

Like, even though Samantha puts up this front of not caring about anything, you still see her humanness come out. I relate to each character in different wayslike, Ive been there and Ive done this, and I was like that, and Im not exactly like that character but in ways, yes. Its just such a well-written seriesI dont want it to end. Im sad!

Im glad youve finally joined the club, welcome.

I know, Im so late. Everyone in the comments were like, What is happening? Literally, Kim [Kardashian] was like, Are you okay?! and Im like, I guess not! Like I was getting so many text messages, like Youre joking, right? And Im, like, no, I genuinely didnt think me saying that was going to get this kind of response.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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The Manuel Crescencio Rejon International Airport in Merida, Mexico has experienced 103 percent growth in passengers.

Its been a record-setting year for a regional airport in a coastal region of Mexico that may not be on most travelers radar.



The Manuel Crescencio Rejon International Airport in Merida, Mexico has experienced 103 percent growth in passengers, along with multiple record-setting months, according to the airport and local media reports.

The airport is situated in the Yucatan region, on the opposite end of Cancun and is known for its beach towns of Sisal, Progreso, and Telchac Puerto.



Yucatan Magazine notes that discount domestic trips as well as increased flight loads as contributors for the surge in popularity. The airport is a 41-minute drive from the nearest beach town of Progreso, Mexico, and has become a popular tourist spot.

Merida is known for its unique culinary scene, rainforest hikes, and is also home to several Mayan archaeological sites. It's hotels also range in not only price range but style.



Travelers from the United States have multiple options to visit the area, including service on both American Airlines and United Airlines.



American operates nonstop service to the region from Miami on a 2-hour and 12-minute flight, on a Airbus 319. American also operates a seasonal flight from Dallas-Ft Worth Airport, which takes 2 hours and 26 minutes, also on an Airbus 319.



United offers nonstop service from Houston on a 2-hour and 5-minute flight aboard a Boeing 737-800.



The United States Department of State encourages travelers to exercise normal precautions when traveling in the region, and does not list any travel advisories for the community.



There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in: Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid, the Department of States website says.



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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
Nearly a year-and-a-half after settling a trademark infringement suit, Lycra launched a new intellectual property enforcement initiative to protect its FitSense technology.

The technology is an aqueous dispersion of Lycras branded polymer, which can be printed onto fabrics and garments to add shaping and compression benefits. FitSense is primarily used in garments such as shape wear, activewear, swimsuits, leggings and intimate apparel. It allows lightweight single-layer printed fabrics the same benefits of double-layer or heavier fabrics, resulting in fewer materials being used.

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As the benefits of Lycra FitSense technology are significant, we are beginning to see products that are attempting to replicate our offering, said Vincent Hu, vice president of Asia, apparel, and president of the APAC region. Given our ownership of the intellectual property for this unique technology, it is appropriate that we exercise our rights to take the necessary legal action to deal with infringers.

Lycra has a global patent portfolio related to print technologies that modify garments for shaping purposes by altering the stress-strain properties of fabrics. The companys patents cover the use of aqueous polyurethane dispersions such as FitSense, as well as the composition of the formula, production method, application and benefits.

This means that producing in, or shipping and/or selling any fabric or garments into China, the U.S.A., or other countries where The Lycra Company holds patents over these technologies, is restricted to The Lycra Company and its customers or other legitimate users of its technology, said Catherine Spicer, chief legal officer of The Lycra Company. We have recently engaged expert legal counsel based in Shanghai to identify infringers of Lycra FitSense technology. We intend to use all available means to deal with those who infringe upon our patents and intellectual property.

Lycras new IP enforcement initiative builds on the lawsuit the company settled in 2022 against four companies in China found to be infringing on its dual core patents for denim. In October 2021, the Chinese National Intellectual Property Administration issued a formal decision in support of the Lycra Company for its dual core and multi-core patents for denim against third parties in China.

The Lycra Company actively searches online marketplaces to find fabric and garments attempting to capitalize on the brands name despite its products not being used. The company holds more than 950 patents with nearly 80 granted or filed in 2022.

Click here to read the full article.
Meta is bowing to legal inevitability in the European Union: It's just announced it will finally comply with regional privacy regulations by giving users a free choice to deny its behavioral advertising.

The tech giant is subject to an ongoing regulatory procedure over the legal basis it claims to run microtargeted ads which had been expected to conclude around the middle of this month. But in an update to a blog post today it announced its "intention" to switch to a consent-based legal basis for targeted advertising.

With the blog post, Meta looks to be trying to get out ahead of the regulatory outcome and potentially influence the implementation timeline as well as seeking to shape the narrative about what the looming switch means for its business, such as by claiming advertisers will still be able to run "personalized" ad campaigns on its platform.

Its blog post does not include a date for when it expects to make this change -- with the company offering nothing more specific than a vague reference to "the months ahead" -- but of course the exact compliance timeline is not in Meta's gift; it will be up to EU regulators to decide.

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On that front an emergency intervention by Norway's data protection authority last month slapped a temporary ban on Meta from running behavioral advertising on Facebook and Instagram in the market unless it obtained users consent to the processing. So if the implementation timeline isn't a speedy one we may see other concerned EU regulators issuing their own local bans that are effective immediately.

News of Meta's intention leaked earlier today in a Wall Street Journal article which reported that the company was under pressure from privacy regulators.

Citing people familiar with Meta's proposal, the WSJ report suggests Meta has offered to move to consent by the end of October, apparently claiming the switch would need at least three months to implement. Although the report also floats the idea that Meta has suggested waiting even longer -- until early next year! -- in order to align with additional incoming legal requirements related to a separate piece of EU digital regulation, called the Digital Markets Act, which imposes new limits on how data can combined and used for behavioral ads.

Of course there's no requirement that compliance with one piece of EU law needs to wait on any other. So a 2024 implementation timeline sounds like pure wishful thinking by Meta. (A company spokesman did not respond when we asked it to confirm or deny the WSJ report -- he just emailed a link to its blog post.)

The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), which leads on privacy oversight of Meta in the EU, declined to comment on Meta's announced intention to switch to consent given the existence of the ongoing procedure. "I can confirm that we've received correspondence from Meta in relation to this but have nothing further to add at this point because the process is ongoing," deputy commissioner Graham Doyle told TechCrunch.

Only a few months ago, in the same blog post Meta has today refreshed with its consent intention, the company laid out its justification for switching from claiming a contractual basis to process people's data for targeted ads to a so-called legitimate interest basis. But, as we reported last month, that "legitimate interests" escape hatch was slammed shut by a Court of Justice of the EU ruling -- which essentially left Meta with no option but consent. At the start of this year, its prior claim of performance of a contract as the legal basis for the ads processing was also blasted as in breach of the bloc's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

In short, then, Meta's privacy-hostile forced surveillance behavioral ads business model has finally run out of road in the EU. And Meta giving users a choice not to be tracked is the only choice it has left to operate legally.

Of course it's not going to provide this choice universally. U.S. users can whistle for it. As can U.K. users (the country no longer being in the EU); Meta stipulates it will offer a free choice to users in the EU, EEA (European Economic Area) and Switzerland. But, well, Americans might start to feel like second class citizens in their own country if they see a US giant offering Europeans something they're not getting.

Asking its users if they want to be tracked and profiled is certainly not how the social media behemoth has operated up to now. Rather it has sought to make tracking and profiling an inescapable fact of services like Facebook and Instagram (not to mention its latest platform, Threads). But as EU privacy campaigners have been pointing out for literally years, forced commercial mass surveillance is simply not compatible with EU law.

In the event it's taken well over five years for privacy campaigners and EU courts to compel the bloc's regulators to force Meta to stop trampling on EU users' fundamental rights. So this major win is tempered with equally major frustration that enforcement has taken so long. Add to that, Meta's actual privacy abuse hasn't stopped yet -- there may still be months, plural, before it provides EU users the simple 'yes/no' choice it is legally required to.

But the fact the adtech giant is at last being forced to reform a privacy hostile business model suggests the 'move fast and break things' era of untouchable platform giants and their apparent immunity to the rule of law is -- finally, finally -- on the wane.

So, five years+ in, maybe the GDPR is just starting to get into its groove?

Update: Max Schrems, the privacy campaigner who the filed the original forced consent GDPR complaint against Meta back in May 2018, has reacted to its announcement of an intent to switch to consent by warning he'll be watching to see how it implements the choice -- including ensuring it applies to all its processing of personal data for ad targeting.

"We will see if Meta is actually applying the consent requirement to all use of personal data for ads," he said in a statement via his privacy rights not-for-profit, noyb. "So far they talk about 'highly personalized' or 'behavioural' ads and it's unclear what this means. The GDPR covered all types of personalization, also on things like your age, which is not a 'behaviour'. We will obviously continue litigation if Meta will not apply the law fully."

In further remarks critical of how long it's taken to enforce the GDPR against Meta, Schrems added: "After more than five years of litigation, Meta finally comes to the conclusion that it must ask people if its allowed to spy on them for ads. It took litigation by NGOs and a German [competition] authority to get where we are now -- while the Irish regulator [DPC] has consistently protected Meta."
Milwaukee native Cristina Gonzales started Gonzales Wine Co. in Portland, Oregon, in 2010. She sources most of her grapes from vineyards in southern Oregon and eastern Washington.

Cristina Gonzales always knew the value of the food on her table. She grew up the granddaughter of migrant farmworkers who landed in Wisconsin to pick cherries, in search of better pay and opportunities.

As an adult, she fell in love with the wine industry while traveling in South America. That set her on her own path, and she spent years traveling the world doing every possible job she could to learn about the wine industry.

After working harvests from California to Tasmania, she worked a harvest in Oregon and fell in love with the region. She settled in Portland, Oregon, in 2009, and in 2010 founded her own winery, Gonzales Wine Company.

The Milwaukee natives heritage and travels all influence her approach. Youll see it in the grapes she uses and how she chooses to make wine, from her love for malbec and petit verdot to featuring Emiliano Zapata on the labels for her Revolutionary wines. Shes a small, hands-on producer, making around 500 cases per year.

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Last year she was in Milwaukee for a wine dinner at The Diplomat, 815 E. Brady St., with James Beard Award winner and fellow Whitefish Bay High School graduate Dane Baldwin.

On Aug. 31, Gonzales will visit Milwaukee for a wine tasting and dinner at Engine Co. No. 3. Wines featured will include her 2021 Revolutionary Petit Verdot, 2021 Oasis Vineyard Malbec, 2022 Oasis Vineyard Riesling, 2022 Revolutionary Rose of Petit Verdot, and the newly released 2022 Alad Vineyard Gewurztraminer. Tickets are $75, at enginecompany3.com.

Gonzales ships her wines nationwide, and in Wisconsin they are distributed by McFarland-based Left Bank Wine. They can be found at select shops including Thelma Carol Wine Merchants, 605 W. Virginia St.; Thief Wine, in the Milwaukee Public Market at 400 N. Water St.; and Waterford Wine & Spirits, 2120 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee, and 631 Genesee St., Delafield.

Gonzales recently talked by phone to share her story ahead of her Milwaukee visit.

Milwaukee native Cristina Gonzales started Gonzales Wine Co. in Portland, Oregon, in 2010. She sources most of her grapes from vineyards in southern Oregon and eastern Washington and makes about 500 cases of wine every year.

Her Wisconsin roots

I am biracial. My mom is Polish American, my dad Mexican American. My dads family, they were a migrant farm-working family, amongst other things. ... They picked cotton and watermelon, whatever was in season, then heard that in Wisconsin you got better pay. They went to pick cherries in Wisconsin. My grandpa and great uncle, they ended up settling in Wisconsin. Weve got a clan in Waukesha and Milwaukee. ... I graduated from Whitefish Bay High School (in 1998). I was a chapter 220 student. I went to UW-Madison for my first year and a half. Then my parents moved to Santa Rosa, California. I wanted to be closer to my parents. I transferred and finished at Humboldt State in northern California.

I fell in love with wine while studying abroad. It was cheaper for me to go to South America than to go to Mexico City, so I ended up in South America  Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina. It was in Argentina that I really started to get interested in wine. ... Then having my parents living in Sonoma County in northern California, that was pinot country. I just got a job in a tasting room and started asking questions. I got a job in a cellar in Alexander Valley in Sonoma, then started harvest hopping to gain knowledge. It was a way for me to gain the most experience I could in a short amount of time.

She showcases varietals with intention

I love aromatic whites and bold reds, so thats what I like to make. I also kind of pick things that are out of the box, out of the status quo.

Here in Oregon, most of the status quo is chardonnay and pinot noir. I like to focus on more obscure varietals and to show people what else Oregon and Washington have to offer, besides what they already know. I do a malbec every year. Thats an homage for how I fell in love with wine in Argentina. My malbecs are not Argentine style in any way. They are more light, fruit-forward. Im using oak barrels that are seven to 12 years old. Youre not getting that oak influence youd see in newer oak barrels. Theyre basically just acting as holding vessels. Im trying to showcase the fruit, who is farming, the grapes, and to showcase the wine when it is in bottle.

Vineyard workers are 'the beating heart' of the industry

The farming aspect resonates, thats part of my family history as farmworkers. ... Without our vineyard stewards, there are no grapes, there is no wine. I do call them the beating heart of our industry. Im on the board of a non-profit, AHIVOY, a Hispanic association of the wine industry and community in Oregon. This organization started in 2009 with three Latino winemakers and grape growers in the Willamette Valley: Sofia Torres-McKay, Miguel Lopez, and Jesus Guillen. ... They wanted to do something for our vineyard stewards. This is a way to give back. They started an education program, a 16-week program, partnered with a community college and university in the Willamette Valley to offer enology and viticulture classes along with wine business, marketing, wine education and hospitality, to give them the whys of what theyre doing in the vineyard, and also to see what happens to the grapes after they are picked.

The Revolutionary Rose of Petit Verdot from Gonzales Wine Co. features the images of Emiliano Zapata, in honor of owner Cristina Gonzales' heritage. Her father is named Emiliano, her son Julian's first name is Emiliano, and he was born where the Zapatista movement was based in Mexico.

A statement wine with a statement label

I started (making) the Revolutionary in 2014. I just wanted to give my son Julian a birth wine. I came across a petit verdot, a blending grape much like malbec was, and I found a little bit of it. It came out so good that we continued to do it year after year. We put Emiliano Zapata on the label because Julians first name is Emiliano and where he was born (in Mexico) is the base of the Zapatista movement. My dads first name was also Emiliano, and it is a wine to honor our heritage. ...

Actually, the Revolution is two wines now, the Rose of Petit Verdot and Petit Verdot. Not many people have that as a single varietal wine; just like malbec, they are used mostly for blending. I like to champion underdog wines. ... I want to show people these grapes can produce outstanding wines when given the chance. The Rose of Petit Verdot is lovely and bright with acidity and has these strawberry notes and a little bit of citrus, lemon curd, that I get from it as well. This year I topped it up with a little gewurtzraminer and riesling. ... So the 2022 Rose of Petit Verdot is nice with this little lift from the gewurtztraminer and riesling. Im excited for people to try it.

How an urban winemaker gets her grapes

I purchase from other growers. I make my wine in Portland. Im considered an urban winemaker, but I source most of my grapes from southern Oregon and eastern Washington, and recently I started getting some grapes from Willamette Valley, like the gewurtztraminer.

Her favorite grape

Malbec. That will always be my first love. The white malbec in 2021, thats one of my favorites that Ive ever made. It is such a fun grape to work with and ferment. It is definitely my favorite. ... It is coming back for this year, 2023.

Milwaukee native Cristina Gonzales started Gonzales Wine Co. in Portland, Oregon, in 2010.

What she wants you to think about the next time you buy wine

It is important that people support small producers, especially small producers from marginalized communities who are making wine in an ethical way. Because if you dont come from a winemaking family or money already, this is a really hard business to eke out a living. First and foremost, Im a small business owner and a Latina winemaker, and there are not a lot of us out there.

When she comes home, this Milwaukee natives first stop always includes food

Usually, my first stop is to hit up the first cheese store I see. I am definitely going to be making my way to Mars Cheese Castle and going to Kopps for custard and a burger. Then Rocky Rococo, always.

If she could only choose one wine to represent her style, this is it

It is the malbec for sure, the Gold Vineyard Malbec. That is some of the first fruit I ever got when I started Gonzales Wine Company and making malbec in my style, where it is not oak influenced and it is really just showcasing that fruit and where it is from. That fruit in particular is from southern Oregon. Having people be able to taste malbec by itself, thats what I love to show people.

Starting in September shell have her own wine bar

I am opening my own tasting room in Portland with a friend (who operates RAM Cellars). It is called Community Wine Bar, and she is the first trans-woman winemaker in the United States I believe, but definitely here in Oregon. Were both urban winemakers who have never had a tasting room. ... Well showcase our wines, but were trying to build a welcome and safe space for the BIPOC and queer communities and to make wine accessible, because generally speaking, wine is considered a luxury product. It can be this great tool and conduit for bringing people together, but you have to be able to afford it. You have to create a space.

Fork. Spoon. Life. explores the everyday relationship that local notables (within the food community and without) have with food. To suggest future personalities to profile, email clewis@journalsentinel.com.

More: At 50, Wollersheim Winery has a woman winemaker in the wings

More: This Baraboo couple got an early start on their retirement dream of owning a winery

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Cristina Gonzales honors her family's heritage through her wine company
Throughout the art world, the provenance of certain pieces is always top of mind. And recently, Christies was unintentionally offering up that informationor at least some version of it.

The British auction house apparently allowed anyone online the opportunity to see where certain artworks were being stored, The Washington Post reported on Monday. The flaw was identified by two cybersecurity researchers, Martin Tschirsich and Andre Zilch. And while the pair alerted Christies to the problem more than two months ago, it seems like the company took steps to rectify it only recently.

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Unfortunately, it only took us a few minutes to come across this serious vulnerability, Tschirsich told the Post. The vulnerability is so simple that it can be exploited by anyone with a browser within a few minutes.

Christies allows potential sellers to upload images of artwork that the auction house will evaluate, estimating the pieces value and deciding whether its interested in putting them under the hammer. But those photos can include the GPS coordinates of where they were taken, with the researchers estimating that about 10 percent of the Christies images had that precise geolocation. In all, they say that hundreds of possible clients were exposed to the flaw.

For its part, Christies declined to answer questions from The Washington Post, and it would not confirm Tschirsich and Zilchs findings. We continuously assess our security safeguards, thoroughly address issues relating to the security of our clients information, and comply with our legal and regulatory obligations, the company said in a statement. However, it seems like Christies only fixed this specific vulnerability after the newspaper reached out about the issue. An executive at the auction house had declined the researchers help in resolving the problem around June. The researchers told the Post that they were not looking for a bounty for having found the issue.

While Christies has been aware of the issue since then, its not clear whether the company has alerted any of its potential clients to the problem. The Post spoke with a German professor who had uploaded images to its website, and he said that the auction house had not yet reached out to him. He only found out about the issue when the outlet got in touch with him.

Especially with a renowned house like Christies, he said, I would not have expected that.

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Attorney John Eastman stands at left as former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani speaks in Washington at a rally in support of President Donald Trump, on Jan. 6, 2021.

John Eastman, the conservative attorney who pushed a plan to keep Donald Trump in power, turned himself in to authorities Tuesday on charges in the Georgia case alleging an illegal plot to overturn the former presidents 2020 election loss. Eastman was booked at the Fulton County jail and is expected to have an arraignment set in the coming weeks in the sprawling racketeering case.

He was indicted last week alongside Trump and 17 others, who are accused by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis of scheming to subvert the will of Georgia voters in a desperate bid to keep Joe Biden out of the White House. It was the fourth criminal case brought against the Republican former president.

Trump, whose bond was set Monday at $200,000, has said he will surrender to authorities in Fulton County on Thursday. His bond conditions prohibit him from intimidating co-defendants, witnesses or victims in the case, including on social media. He has a history of attacking the prosecutors leading the cases against him, including Willis, often using racist language and stereotypes.

Eastman said in a statement provided by his lawyers that he was surrendering Tuesday to an indictment that should never have been brought. He lambasted the indictment for targeting attorneys for their zealous advocacy on behalf of their clients and said each of the 19 defendants was entitled to rely on the advice of lawyers and past legal precedent to challenge the results of the election.

A former dean of Chapman University law school in Southern California, Eastman was a close adviser to Trump in the run-up to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by the presidents supporters intent on halting the certification of Bidens electoral victory. He wrote a memo laying out steps Vice President Mike Pence could take to interfere in the counting of electoral votes while presiding over Congress joint session on Jan. 6 in order to keep Trump in office.

The indictment alleges that Eastman and others pushed to put in place a slate of alternate electors falsely certifying that Trump won and tried to pressure Pence into rejecting or delaying the counting of legitimate electoral votes for Biden, a Democrat.

Bail bondsman Scott Hall, who was accused of participating in a breach of election equipment in rural Coffee County, also turned himself in to the Fulton County Jail on Tuesday morning.

Two other defendants, former Justice Department lawyer Jeffrey Clark and former Georgia Republican Party chair David Shafer, have filed paperwork to transfer the case to federal court. Willis has filed paperwork in Fulton County Superior Court, where the indictment was filed, seeking a March 4 trial date. Legal maneuvering, such as the attempts to move the case to federal court, could make it difficult to start a trial that soon.

Lawyers for Clark argued in a court filing Monday that he was a high-ranking Justice Department official and the actions described in the indictment relate directly to his work at the Justice Department as well as with the former President of the United States. Shafers attorneys argued that his conduct stems directly from his service as a Presidential Elector nominee, actions they say were at the direction of the President and other federal officers.

Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows last week made similar arguments in a federal court filing, saying his actions were taken in service to his White House role.

Clark was a staunch supporter of Trumps false claims of election fraud and in December 2020 presented colleagues with a draft letter pushing Georgia officials to convene a special legislative session on the election results, according to testimony before the U.S. House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Clark wanted the letter sent, but Justice Department superiors refused.

Shafer was one of 16 Georgia Republicans who signed a certificate declaring falsely that Trump had won the 2020 presidential election and declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors, even though Biden had won the state and a slate of Democratic electors was certified.

Lawyers for Shafer and the district attorneys office on Tuesday agreed to a bond of $75,000. Also Tuesday, a court filing showed that bond has been set at $10,000 for Shawn Still, another of the fake electors who was elected to the Georgia state Senate in November 2022 and represents a district in Atlantas suburbs.

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Europe is home to some of the most beautiful coastal cities in the world. Its top coastal cities offer amazing seafood, surreal landscapes and turquoise clear waters.

Theres a coastal city for every traveler type. If you want seclusion and less people, then visitors will find solice in the Albanian Riveria where the region remains untapped by visitors. For travelers looking for a luxurious coastal destination, Mallorca, Spain, and Biarritz, France provide, provide that luxury. Barcelona, Spain, and Cinque Terre, Italy, are perfect destinations for affordable vacations along Europes coast.

Here are the top 10 coastal cities to visit in Europe and why.

Lagos, Portugal

Lagos is located on Portugals southwestern coast. It makes up the beautiful Algarve region, where you find stunning beaches decorated with majestic rocky formations in the water and cliffs.

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For the most picturesque experience, head to Ponta da Piedada. Its not a beach because theres no sand to lay on rather an experience. Its a group of rock formations along the coastline with yellow-golden cliff-like rocks stretching more than 65 feet high. Ponta da Piedade is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Portugal.

Sarande, Albania

Stretching along the Albanian Riviera is the beautiful coastal resort town of Sarande. Its an untapped destination with some of Europes most beautiful hotels and beaches. When visiting, head to Pulebardha Beach. Its a tranquil oasis hidden and surrounded by rocks and turquoise clear water.

Sarande is also one of the safest places for you to travel. According to Visit Saranda, Albanias safe reputation is embedded in the traditional culture, which includes the old code of besa. Besa translates to faith or oath. It refers to a pledge of honor. It means you should look out for each other and never break your promise.

Cagliari, Sardinia

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 20 regions of Italy. On this island, you will find the coastal hidden gem of Cagliari. Cagliari is one of the most beautiful and exciting places in the world. There are thousands of years of history to explore, great beaches, and a diverse landscape, so you make the most of your trip with various activities.

You can sightsee, go on nature walks, explore the local cuisine on food tours and swim in clear blue waters that make locals proud.

Poetto Beach is a favorite among locals and visitors. Its a small paradise steps away from the city, so you get the best of both worlds. You can relax during the day followed by a nice bar or lounge at night.

Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca is the largest island of Spains Balearic Islands, just off the Barcelona coast. The coastal city is a piece of heaven on Earth and has inspired writers, musicians and other artists.

Theres much to explore in Mallorca, so its best to start visiting the lively capital, Palma. Palma is a walkable city where you should visit must-see attractions, including the Cathedral, Es Baluard Museum, and the Bellver Castle.

The town of Soller should be next on your list to explore. The towns cobbled streets are well-preserved, and you will find excellent restaurants and cafes during your visit.

Dalmatia Region, Croatia

Croatias southern region, known as Dalmatia, offers a healthy mix of adventure, history, stunning beaches, beautiful architecture, and excellent culinary and wine experiences. Its a destination that lets you have it all.

Your visit to the Dalmatian Coast should include exploring Dubrovnik, the Makarska Riviera, Split, and Zadar.

The seaside city of Zadar is where visitors can see interesting historic sites, including churches, ancient Roman ruins and Venetian city gates. The Makarska Riviera is among the few places to find sandy beaches versus pebbled beaches.

Cinque Terre, Italy

If youre looking for a destination in Italy thats less popular than the Amalfi Coast, but just as stunning, head to Cinque Terre.

Cinque Terre tourism is a string of five old fishing villages that sit high on the Italian Riviera in the Liguria Region. According to Cinque Terre Tourism, the area was only accessible by rail or water until recently. Of the five towns, Monterosso is the largest. You will find sandy beaches, bars and restaurants here. The rest of the cities are worth exploring for the day.

Vernazza has beautiful houses, seafood restaurants, and bars, while Corniglia is best for nature lovers who enjoy hiking. Manarola has excellent views of the Sea, and Riomaggiore is the most romantic place to stay in Cinque Terre. Couples should visit for the sunset.

Ayia Napa, Cyprus

The southeast coast town, Ayia Napa, has picturesque beaches. Its an incredible place to visit, as its surrounded by the best of Mother Nature. From the natural sea caves, formidable rock formations, and hidden passageways, the worst part about your visit will be leaving.

Dont take your time or opportunity to visit Ayia Napa for granted. The iconic sea caves should be at the top of your itinerary list. Theres a reason why the sea caves here in Cyprus are known as some of the most beautiful in the world. Next, visit Nissi Beach, surrounded by golden sand and a relaxing environment. If youre traveling with your significant other, check out the Love Bridge. Its one of the most romantic landmarks in Cyprus.

Sicily, Italy

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. Theres no shortage of awe of fun in Sicily. Theres history that dates back centuries, ancient architecture, cathedrals and ruins across the island to explore. The island is surrounded by three seas. This means there are abundant resort-style beaches for the public to enjoy that contain white sands and sheltered coves.

San Vito lo Capo is one of the best beaches in Sicily. Crystal-clear waters and palm trees surround the town. Mondello Beach is one of the closest beaches to Palermo, known for its white sand and serene blue water.

For sand dunes, Sapieri Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily. Its a different vibe than the other beaches in Sicily, mostly filled with rocky shores because of golden dunes.

Biarritz, France

Biarritz is a stylish coastal town on Frances southwestern coast. Its beaches and therapeutic environment make this coastal city stand out. Biarritz is also a surf town. The surf culture is embedded in its culture.

Biarritz has nearly four miles of beaches with fine sand and large amounts of seaweed. The seaweed adds iodine to the water, which can benefit the body. The ocean water is used for thalassotherapy in Biarritz. It is a form of therapy used by seawater.

La Cote des Basques, Plage de la Milady, Port Vieux Beach, Miramar, and La Grande Plage are the best beaches in Biarritz.

Barcelona, Spain

Another destination that offers the best of both worlds for relaxation and fun is Barcelona. It is a great coastal city in Europe that isnt as expensive as Biarrtiz.

Barcelona is home to over a dozen beaches stretching across the Mediterranean. Playa de Barceloneta is one of the most popular beaches in Barcelona. Its easily accessible by train, and its a great beach to catch a sunrise or sunset.

With Barcelonas location on the Balearic Sea, seafood is one of the best things to consume. After your beach day, head to the Port Olimpic area for the best parties, beach clubs, and nightlife in the city.
When you think about surfing in Indonesia, what comes to mind?

Padang Padang? Keramas? Maybe Macaronis, HTS or Kandui?

This edit is not that.

But Indonesia is about so much more than than just big barrels in Bali and the Mentawais. With over 15,000 other islands, there's still lots of undiscovered zones to surf and explore, which is one of the main drivers of the Drifter Surf crew.

Recently, a few from the Drifter family in Bali  Vera Dewi, Sierra Anderson, and Komang Kopral  joined Arif Mencos for a lap around his unique childhood stomping grounds in Java.

While this isn't your typical high-performance Indo edit, it's a rad look at a group of stylish surfers traveling in an area of Indo that's a far cry from Bali in basically every way. It's 3-minutes of smooth cross-stepping and nose-riding, with a few shortboard turns and tubes thrown in for good measure. Mostly, it's a reminder to get out and explore.

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For more from the trip, click here.

***

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When it comes to off-the-beaten-path destinations, Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, stands out as a true Eurasian gem. Situated on the shores of the Caspian Sea and surrounded by the Caucasus Mountains, Baku offers a unique blend of ancient history, stunning architecture and vibrant culture. Travelers seeking a seldom highlighted destination should consider adding this captivating city to their list.

From the charming streets of the old town to the modern marvels of contemporary design, there is something for every traveler. Whether youre exploring the ancient walled city or immersing yourself in the vibrant arts scene, Baku offers an unforgettable experience.

Where is Baku?

Bakus strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia has shaped its rich history and cultural heritage. The city proudly showcases its fusion of Eastern and Western influences, creating a captivating blend of old and new. From the ancient walled city of Icherisheher to the modern skyline dotted with futuristic skyscrapers, Baku is a testament to its multicultural past.

Stunning Architecture and Landmarks

One of the most alluring aspects of Baku is its stunning architecture and iconic landmarks. The city boasts an impressive array of architectural styles, ranging from medieval to contemporary masterpieces. Any Baku trip should include a visit to the iconic Flame Towers, a trio of skyscrapers that illuminate the citys skyline with mesmerizing light shows at night. The Heydar Aliyev Center is another architectural marvel that showcases the citys commitment to modern design.

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For history enthusiasts, Icherisheher is a must-visit. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to centuries-old mosques, caravanserais and palaces, offering a glimpse into Bakus ancient past. Be sure to visit the Maiden Tower, an iconic symbol of the city that has stood for over 800 years, as well as the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a large royal complex that has been dubbed by UNESCO as one of the pearls of Azerbaijans architecture.

Cultural Delights and Festivals

Baku is a city that knows how to celebrate its culture and traditions. Throughout the year, there are a plethora of festivals and events that take place, showcasing Azerbaijans rich heritage. The Novruz Festival, a celebration of the Lunar New Year, is a highlight of the Baku calendar. During this time, the city comes alive with vibrant street parades, lively music, traditional dance performances and an abundance of delicious food. Festivals that occur in the city throughout the year include Baku International Jazz Festival, the Pomegranate Festival, Gara Garayev International Music Festival and Maiden Tower Internatinal Art Festival.

The Arts

For art enthusiasts, Baku is a treasure trove of galleries and museums. The Azerbaijan National Art Museum houses an extensive collection of both local and international artworks, while the Museum of Modern Art showcases contemporary works by Azerbaijani artists. The Carpet Museum is another must-see attraction where visitors can marvel at the intricate beauty of Azerbaijani carpets. The art of skillfully crafted rugs are recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Tourists can also take part in a variety of immersive experiences, such as coffee and tea tours, pottery classes and beer tastings.

Gastronomy

No visit to Baku is complete without indulging in its tantalizing cuisine. Azerbaijani cuisine embraces a unique blend of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Central Asian flavors. From savory kebabs and aromatic pilaf to the famous Azerbaijani pomegranate sauce called narsharab, the city offers many culinary delights.

For a truly immersive dining experience, make sure to visit the capitals vibrant food markets. The Taza Bazaar is a bustling market where you can savor the freshest fruits, vegetables and spices. The Nizami Street Market showcases a variety of local delicacies, pastries and traditional sweets.
Nearly 55 years after he was killed protecting fellow soldiers in Vietnam, Army Warrant Officer William Warren Breece Jr., 20, of Yardley, was honored by Bucks County.

The county named a bridge in his honor just a short walk from where he grew up. The Letchworth Avenue bridge, known to the county until now as Bridge 313, on the Delaware Canal now bears his name.

The dedication and renaming ceremony of Bucks County Bridge no.313 in honor of Warrant Officer William Warren Breece Jr., who was killed in action during the Vietnam War in 1968, in Yardley on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

William Warren Breece, Jr., of Yardley, in an undated photo.

Who is William Warren Breece?

Breece, called Warren by family and friends, but known as Bill by his fellow soldiers, was born May 3, 1948 and grew up in Yardley Borough. His parents, Bill and Ruth, owned the Yardley Florist shop on S. Main Street. He, his parents an his younger brother, Jim, lived in the floor above the shop.

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He attended Pennsbury schools and was a member of the Pennsbury High School Class of 1966. He loved motorcycles and flying. When he saw an ad in the Trenton Times for Army flight training, he joined and become a chopper pilot.

What happened to William Warren Breece?

Warrant Officer Breece was assigned to fly a Hughes OH-6A light helicopter in support of ground troops. His mission on Dec. 5, 1968 was to draw fire from the enemy as he supported American ground forces in Rach Gia, the capitol city of Kien Giang province in South Vietnam.

He came under fire, was shot in the arm and shoulder, and even though critically wounded, continued to protect fellow soldiers on the ground.

"Although bleeding profusely and fully realizing the danger involved, he initiated another attack on the enemy emplacement, at which time he was again struck by an enemy round which mortally wounded him," according to his citation for the Silver Star.

He is buried in Newtown Cemetery. He was 20 years old.

Remembering Breece by the bridge in Yardley and in Vietnam

Warrant Officer Breece is survived by his younger brother, Jim, a college professor in Maine, who could not make it to the the bridge dedication.

However, he sent a note that was read. The Letchworth Avenue bridge evokes sentimental memories.

The dedication and renaming ceremony of Bucks County Bridge no.313 in honor of Warrant Officer William Warren Breece Jr., who was killed in action during the Vietnam War in 1968, in Yardley on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

"Both Warren and I often walked and rode our bikes over this bridge to see friends and play along the canal," he wrote. "Recently my wife and I ventured to Vietnam and traveled near to some of the locations where Warren was stationed. This was a bit of a difficult trip for me but in the end, our local tour guide, who was born long after the war, aksed us to please remind our friends at home that 'Vietnam is a country, not a war.'

"I think Warren would agree with that statement."

Ken Walker, from Doylestown, looks at the dedication sign after the dedication and renaming ceremony of Bucks County Bridge no.313 in honor of Warrant Officer William Warren Breece Jr., who was killed in action during the Vietnam War in 1968, in Yardley on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

Why is Bucks County renaming a bridge?

The county commissioners, with the Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans Fund, determine which of 136 Bucks County young men who died in Vietnam will have a bridge named for them. Their intention is to name a bridge for each Bucks Countian killed in that war. Warrant Officer Breece is the the sixth local soldier to have a bridge named for him.

Bucks County Commissioner Board Chair Bob Harvie, left, shakes hands with Ron Delia, right, from Bensalem, alongside other Warriors Watch Riders before the dedication and renaming ceremony of Bucks County Bridge no.313 in honor of Warrant Officer William Warren Breece Jr., who was killed in action during the Vietnam War in 1968, in Yardley on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

Bridge memorial in Levittown Levittown bridge now bears name of Marine killed in Vietnam. His memory lives on in Bucks County

JD Mullane can be reached at 215-949-5745 or at jmullane@couriertimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Yardley bridge named in honor of Vietnam vet, 20, killed in action
Donald Trump s rivals in the Republican White House race are due to convene for the first debate of the campaign Wednesday, as they jostle for position behind the front-running former president.

Trump has said he will skip the Fox News showdown, joining Tucker Carlson for an interview in the same time slot and letting his commanding national lead do the rest of his talking.

Still, the debate in Milwaukee should allow a small army of long-shot contenders to sell their campaigns, with the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucus more than four months away.

Here are five things to watch.

1. Will Trump show?

The wise-cracking, bomb-throwing Trump made a mark on the first GOP debate in 2015, attacking Rosie ODonnell when a moderator, Megyn Kelly, asked him about his history of sexist comments.

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This time around, it seems Trump will sit the debate out  a standard choice for a politician with a large polling lead. On Tuesday, a FiveThirty Eight average of primary polls put Trump up 38 percentage points over his closest competitor, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida.

The public knows who I am, Trump said on his Truth Social platform Sunday.

But an air of suspense still hangs. Mike Pence, Trumps one-time vice president and now a rival, has suggested he would not be surprised if the 45th president decides to show up at the last minute.

I served alongside the president for a long time, and one thing I realized about him is its not over till its over, Pence said in an ABC News interview that aired Sunday.

2. How will the pack handle Trump?

Trumps post-presidency  marked by a myriad of election lies, an assortment of endorsements of failed candidates and four criminal indictments  seems to provide plenty of fodder for rivals.

But some candidates have seemed to pull punches, a tacit acknowledgment of the stranglehold Trump has over the GOP electorate. Candidates like DeSantis have often seemed uncomfortable taking shots at Trump, fearing a backlash.

With Trump rising in the polls, though, more hopefuls may rip the band-aid. Earlier this month, DeSantis declared Trump did not win the 2020 presidential election.

I would expect Trumps name to be mentioned hundreds of times, said Alex Conant, a Republican strategist. If its not, the candidates are basically ceding the nomination to Trump.

3. Can Christie make a splash?

One candidate who seems unafraid to take on Trump is former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who was criticized as a domineering force when he led New Jersey, but whose debate skills are hard to question.

On a debate stage in 2016, then-GOP presidential candidate Christie filleted a flustered Sen. Marco Rubio, functionally ending the Florida senators run in some peoples eyes.

Christie plainly craves a chance to carve up Trump, whom he once advised and supported. But if the former president does not attend the tilt Wednesday, Christie may be left to train his fire elsewhere.

Christies very good at the multi-candidate debates, said Doug Heye, a Republican strategist. Hes like a bumper car. Hell be bumping into anyone he can.

Christie is scoring about 3% of the vote nationally, according to FiveThirtyEight.

4. How much heat will DeSantis take?

DeSantis, long seen as the primary GOP threat to Trump, has been struggling throughout the summer and recently replaced his campaign manager. Opponents may smell blood.

A campaign memo circulated by his campaign said we are fully prepared for Gov. DeSantis to be the center of attacks.

A strong DeSantis performance could clarify his alternative-to-Trump status. A weak showing could open the field.

This is as close to a do-or-die moment as a candidate can have, Conant said of DeSantis.

5. Will candidates focus on immigration?

President Joe Bidens handling of Americas southwestern border has been a point of sharp Republican criticism over the last year, as waves of migrants have headed northward  stretching resources in places like New York City.

But Republican strategists suggested the debate is likely to offer more mudslinging than substantive policy debate from the candidates.

I havent seen any really robust policy discussions from any of them, said Jay Townsend, a New York political consultant who advises candidates from both parties.

The debate starts at 9 p.m. EST on the Fox News Channel.

_____
A New York bank manager allegedly tried to hire a hitman to kill her brother-in-law, but things were swiftly derailed when the hired gun informed the manone day prior to when the deed was supposed to be donethat he was the target of an assassination plot.

Reshma Massarone, a 39-year-old mother of two, was arrested Monday and charged with racketeering/murder-for-hire, according to federal court filings unsealed Tuesday. She agreed to pay $10,000 to have the brother-in-law shot dead, locking it in with a $2,500 down payment sent from a suburban Walgreens, the criminal complaint against her states.

Massarone, nee Bhoopersaud, remained detained on a judges orders on Tuesday, as a danger to the community. Reached by phone, Massarones husband Jeffrey told The Daily Beast, You have to talk to my lawyer, before hanging up. Mark Gombiner, Massarones court-appointed federal defender, did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.

Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union customers who visit Massarones branch webpage are greeted by her headshot, along with the quote, It is a pleasure assisting the MHV membership while working in Woodstock, the home of renowned artists, unique shops and specialty restaurants. As of Tuesday afternoon, the page was still live. MHV did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

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The case against Massarone can be traced back to July 20, when she got on Facebook Messenger and contacted a police officer she knew in Guyana, according to the complaint. The unidentified cop had known Massarones brother-in-law for years, and provided security for him and his family whenever they visited the South American country, the complaint says.

Massarone told the officer she wanted her brother-in-law dead, and that because of the preexisting friendship between [the officer] and [Massarones brother-in-law], Massarone believed that [her brother-in-law] and his wife would never expect that [the officer] would murder [the brother-in-law], according to the complaint.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

In conversations over Facebook and WhatsApp, Massarones police officer pal told her that he couldnt do the actual shooting himself, but that he knew a hitman who could get the job done, the complaint states.

You take care of business and you be a rich man, Massarone wrote to the officer, according to screenshots included in the complaint.

I do hope that when we get rid of [your brother-in-law] for you, you dont roll us over, the officer replied. Its all about trust.

Swear on my kids, Massarone wrote back.

On July 21, Massarone went to a Walgreens in Orange County, New York, and sent $2,500 to the officer in Guyana, via Western Union, the complaint states, noting that Massarone can be seen on store security video counting out 25 $100 bills and handing them to the Western Union clerk. She sent a photo of the transaction receipt to the officer, who wrote back, Delete my contact. Or store my name as fake name, suggesting, Officer Smith.

On July 24, Massarones brother-in-law and his wife went to the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana, where he accused Massarone of having taken a hit out on him, according to the complaint. He said he learned of the hit because [the officer] had told him about it, and that the hit was supposed to take place the next day, July 25, in Guyana, it states. Although the complaint against Massarone does not explicitly lay out a motive, it says the brother-in-law told embassy officials that he and Massarone had an ongoing civil litigation matter pending in New York.

In a July 25 phone call, the officer told Massarone that everything was set, that he had hired the hitman, and that he had secured a car to use for the job. He then checked one last time that she only wanted the brother-in-law killed.

Just he, just he, Massarone replied, according to a transcript included in the complaint.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2177371465764709&set=ecnf.100004756309437

The officer said the hitman was waiting for the brother-in-law to leave home.

We have to do it in a fast and smart way, the officer told Massarone. They shoot him from the road, you understand. So why I call you back, you understand, to make sure I let you know everything goes as planned and there is no turning back.

Right, Massarone replied, before asking the officer to delete her number. No turning back.

But there was a hitch in the plan, because the hit didnt happen. On July 27, the complaint says Massarone and the officer spoke again, gaming out their next move.

So, who there with them? Massarone asked.

Nobody there with them, the officer said. Everything stick the plan. Everything set for today. Everything planned already.

The officer told Massarone that the hitman would make the murder look like a robbery, the complaint states. Once its done, Massarone cant move wild, you understand? the officer warned. Watch the town.

Again, the hit didnt come to fruition, according to the complaint, which says Massarone and the officer, who appears to have in fact been working closely with police, continued to communicate as recently as August 16. According to the complaint, the officer turned his communications with Massarone over to U.S. law enforcement.

Five days later, Massarone would be in handcuffs. If convicted, she faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. Massarone is due back in court on Sept. 5.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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SINGAPORE - Eighteen locations around Singapore, including government buildings, embassies and other places of interest, underwent security checks on Wednesday (23 August) after alleged bomb threats.

The Singapore Police Force said they were alerted to the alleged bomb threats at around 9.10am, and coordinated with security officers at the respective premises for the checks.

'No items of security concern' were found, the police said.

While the police did not reveal more details about the locations, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) had said on social media that there was a bomb threat at the Environment Building at 40 Scotts Road.

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The police also said they were aware at similar reports of email bomb threats, seemingly by the same person, in South Korea recently. Those had turned out to be a hoax.

"The police take all security threats seriously and will not hesitate to take action against those who intentionally communicate false information on bomb threats," they said.

The police said they were investigating into this case of communicating false information of a harmful thing under Section 268A of the Penal Code 1871.

The offence carries an imprisonment term of up to seven years, a fine which may extend to $50,000, or both.

The police also urged members of the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious persons or items, citing as examples persons with unusual attire and suspicious behaviour, or parcels with stains, wires, or emitting a strange smell.

"In the event that similar threats are received at building premises, security officers or Auxiliary Police Officers (APOs) should conduct a search for suspicious items," the police said.

Tell tale indicators included "items atypical of the environment, or with overt characteristics such as wires".

"Security officers and APOs have received training on how to assess whether suspicious items are of concern and how to handle such situations appropriately," the police added.

Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube.

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Oklahoma authorities have named Dennis Rader, also known as the "BTK" serial killer, as the prime suspect in multiple unsolved missing persons and murder cases  and on Wednesday, police officers searched his former residence to collect new evidence.

The Osage County Sheriff's Office announced in a news release that investigators conducted a search at Rader's former Park City, Kansas, home to collect evidence in connection with the case of Cynthia Dawn Kinney, who went missing in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, in 1976.

Authorities recovered multiple items of interest during the search that will undergo examination to determine if they are relevant to the ongoing investigations, according to authorities. / Credit: The Osage County Sheriff's Office

Ongoing investigations uncovered potential connections between Rader and other missing persons cases and unsolved murders in the Kansas and Missouri areas, authorities said.

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During the search, officials recovered multiple items of interest, which will undergo examination to determine if they are relevant to the ongoing investigations, according to authorities.

"At this stage, Dennis Rader is considered a prime suspect in these unsolved cases, including the Cynthia Dawn Kinney case from Pawhuska," authorities said.

Rader terrorized Witchita, Kansas, beginning in the mid-1970s during a 17-year crime spree in which he was linked to 10 murders.

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CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif.  Crews in mountain and desert towns worked to clear away mud and debris Tuesday in the aftermath of the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years.

The system was dissipating as it moved over the Rocky Mountains.

Hilary dumped record rainfall over Californias deserts, including in the stark Death Valley that experienced its single-rainiest day on record Sunday.

As Hilary moved northeast into the neighboring state of Nevada, flooding was reported, power was out and a boil-water order was issued for about 400 households in the Mount Charleston area, where the only road in and out was washed out. The area is about 40 miles west of Las Vegas.

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Hilary first slammed into Mexicos arid Baja California Peninsula as a hurricane, causing one death and widespread flooding before becoming a tropical storm. So far, no deaths, serious injuries or extreme damages have been reported in California, though officials warned that risks remain, especially in the mountainous regions where the wet hillsides could unleash mudslides.

In one dramatic scene, rescue officials in the desert community of Cathedral City, near Palm Springs, drove a bulldozer through mud to a swamped care home and rescued 14 residents by scooping them up and carrying them to safety, Fire Chief Michael Contreras said.

We were able to put the patients into the scoop. Its not something that Ive ever done in my 34 years as a firefighter, but disasters like this really cause us to have to look at those means of rescue that arent in the book and that we dont do everyday, he said at a news conference.

It was one of 46 rescues the city performed between late Sunday night and the next afternoon from mud and water standing up to 5 feet.

Hilary is the latest potentially climate-related disaster to wreak havoc across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Hawaiis island of Maui is still reeling from a blaze that killed more than 100 people, making it the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. Firefighters in Canada are battling that nations worst fire season on record.

Hot water and hot air were both crucial factors that enabled Hilarys rapid growth  steering it on an unusual but not quite unprecedented path that dumped rain in some normally bone-dry places.

The wet weather might stave off wildfires for a few weeks in Southern California and in parts of the Sierra Nevadas, but widespread rain is not expected in the most fire-prone areas, University of California, Los Angeles, climate scientist Daniel Swain said in an online briefing Monday.

Flooding and mudslides were reported across Southern Californias inland desert and mountain areas.

In the San Bernardino Mountains, crews worked to clear mud that blocked the homes of about 800 residents, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Alison Hesterly said.

Hilary shattered daily rain records in San Diego and dumped the equivalent of a full years worth on Death Valley National Park, forcing the park to be closed indefinitely and leaving about 400 people sheltering at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs until roads could be made passable, park officials said.

It was the rainiest day on record Sunday as the storm hit dumping 2.2 inches on the desert area, according to John Adair, senior meteorologist at NWS Las Vegas.

A tropical storm last roared into California in September 1939, ripping apart train tracks, tearing houses from their foundations and capsizing many boats. Nearly 100 people were killed on land and at sea.

Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Harold made landfall on the South Texas coast Tuesday, where it is expected to bring wind gusts of up to 50 mph in areas along the U.S.-Mexico border and produce 2 to 4 inches of rain with some isolated amounts of up to 6 inches in South Texas through Wednesday.
Hot and humid conditions return to the region Wednesday.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a heat advisory from noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday. An excessive heat watch is also in effect Thursday afternoon and evening.

Expect heat index values up to 100 on Wednesday. Dangerously hot and humid conditions with heat index values up to 110 will be possible on Thursday. Heat index values will drop slightly to the upper 90s to lower 100s on Friday.

Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.

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Take precautions by drinking plenty of fluids, wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, staying in an air-conditioned room and out of the sun, and checking up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in minutes.

There will be a chance for showers and storms Thursday and Friday. More typical summer temperatures will return to the region this weekend with reduced opportunities for precipitation.

The region is also under an "orange" air quality alert due to smoke from wildfires in Canada. The "orange" alert on the air quality index means it is unhealthy for members of sensitive groups to be outdoors, particularly young children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.

The alert is in effect until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday and impacts Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana.

Heat & humidity back on the rise today, with the worst of it yet to come. Tonight, a complex of storms will ride along the northern periphery of the upper ridge. Some of these storms may reach our northern counties late tonight, possibly containing strong to damaging wind gusts. pic.twitter.com/3e9h1icQhg  NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) August 23, 2023

Detailed Cincinnati forecast

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 100.

Wednesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 76.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m., then a slight chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 107.

Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 78.

Friday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97.

Friday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 83.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

Source: National Weather Service, Wilmington.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Heat advisory Wednesday in Greater Cincinnati, index values reach 100
Then-South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, center right, joins hands with Sen. Tim Scott, right, at a memorial service at Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, S.C., on June 18, 2015.

In 2015, Nikki Haley and Tim Scott attended the funerals of those slain by a racist gunman at Mother Emanuel AME Church. Scott would later tear up on the Senate floor recounting the faith of the fallen and their families. Haley would go on to write that she leaned on God and her faith deepened as she grappled with the trauma of the Charleston shooting.

If the states first Asian American governor and its first Black senator since Reconstruction embodied how far South Carolina has come on race, the murders of the Emanuel Nine showed just how far it has to go.

Eight years later, the region around Charleston, known as the Holy City, is home to the two Republicans presidential campaigns. Scott grew up in North Charleston, and after leaving her post as U.N. ambassador, Haley moved to nearby Kiawah Island.

Both are still waiting for a breakthrough moment, possibly in the first GOP debate on Wednesday. Both have been part of influential S.C. churches, and as candidates of color must appeal to their partys white evangelical base to have a prayer against former President Donald Trump, whose hold on the GOP and its Christian voters remains strong.

These two have managed to make their mark nationally, in part because they are candidates of color, and they have done it without emphasizing that fact, said Danielle Vinson, a political science professor at Furman University. Its still a bit of a necessity in a Republican Party that wants to focus on a colorblind society that has made great strides.

For Haley, an Indian American raised Sikh before converting to mainline Christianity, faith is just one of many differences she learned to navigate as a brown girl in a black-and-white world, as she likes to say.

For Scott, raised in the Black church tradition by his single mother before becoming a born-again Christian, faith is a central part of his pitch. He is counting on his fellow evangelicals to help him in the crowded GOP field.

On a recent Sunday in August, while Scott was on the campaign trail, nearly 6,000 people gathered at his home congregation  the flagship location of Seacoast Church in the well-heeled suburb of Mt. Pleasant. The congregation, like the neighborhood, is predominantly white. With 14 locations, it reaches nearly 21,000 people in-person and online every weekend.

Here, Tims just Tim, said Jack Hoey III, the churchs creative director.

Founding pastor Greg Surratt said he has met monthly with Scott for more than two decades. Scott has served on the church board and for a time considered leaving politics for the ministry.

He and I both tell the story differently and kid each other about it. He says I fired him before he got a job, Surratt said, recalling how he counseled Scott to stay in politics.

I said, Tim, wed love to have you, but you have a bigger platform in your future, and I think that politics is going to be your platform. I really felt at that time that someday he would be a national voice.

Shortly after Scott became a senator, Surratt got a call on a Monday from the churchs facilities director. The senator, he learned, was in the mens restroom scrubbing the floor.

He really felt like if he was going to serve in a public way in high levels, he needed to serve in low levels where no one was going to see him, Surratt said.

Two hours inland from Seacoast sits Mount Horeb, South Carolinas largest Methodist church and Haleys longtime spiritual home when she lived in Lexington County.

Ive been blessed to see how God has been at work in Governor Nikki Haleys life over the years, wrote the churchs pastor, the Rev. Jeff Kersey, in an email. I believe her faith guides and inspires her compassion, courage, and convictions.

Kersey added, I am concerned that the decisions Mt. Horeb has made concerning our convictions and compassions have been and will be politicized when it comes to Governor Haley.

This year, Mount Horeb left the United Methodist Church  part of a wave of conservative congregations defecting because they dont support LGBTQ unions or pastors. Mount Horeb has joined the newly formed Global Methodist Church, and hosted the states first GMC conference.

Kersey prayed at a service before Haleys first inauguration. Back then, Haley had walked a fine line between honoring her Sikh heritage and professing her Christian faith. A state legislator had called her a racial slur, and whisper campaigns about her religion abounded. Her website was revised to mention not only her belief in God but also Christ.

Haleys parents  from prominent families in Punjab  immigrated to rural South Carolina, where her father taught at Voorhees, a historically Black college. They stood out: He wore a turban and her mother a sari. When her parents place of worship, called a gurdwara, opened a new building in 2013, Haley spoke.

I dont feel like Im standing here as your governor, she told the crowd. I feel like Im standing here as the little girl that you raised. I see all my uncles and aunties here.

Her parents taught her that there was more than one path to God. She was married in both Sikh and Christian ceremonies. Unlike GOP presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, who remains Hindu, Haley converted.

We chose Christianity because of the way we wanted to live our life and raise our children, she told The New York Times in 2012.

Like fellow GOP candidate Ron DeSantis, Haley doesnt wear her faith on her sleeve. Longtime aides say she isnt one to quote Bible verses, but religion is important to her.

At the U.N., Haley championed religious minorities, and she has forged ties with evangelical leaders, particularly Christian Zionists like John Hagee, head of Christians United for Israel.

On the stump, her ally-turned-rival Scott sounds like the preacher he didnt become. Except for Mike Pence, no other candidate touts their evangelical bonafides like Scott.

As a college student, Scott had an evangelical conversion experience at Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His speeches invoke both his Black Baptist roots and the upbeat tenor of evangelicalism.

The way he speaks about encouragement, opportunity, optimism, finding our best selves, so much of it is resonant with the language and the feel of a modern megachurch, said Melani McAlister, American studies professor at George Washington University. Listening to him, I thought he could be Joel Osteen.

When discussing personal hardships or tragedies like the Charleston church shooting, Haley and Scott prefer to focus on the positive, denying that America is structurally and irredeemably racist.

I know America is a land of opportunity, not a land of oppression, Scott says in his speeches.

The Rev. Joseph Darby of Nichols Chapel AME knows Mother Emanuel touched anyone with a heart, especially South Carolinians like Haley and Scott.

But Darby, who mentored Emanuel pastor Clementa Pinckney, who was killed in the attack, takes issue with a kumbaya response that emphasizes the Black communitys forgiveness at the expense of systemic change.

There wasnt a moment of revelatory grace extended to the Black community beyond the Emanuel event, said Darby, also a Charleston NAACP leader. We have not seen Senator Scott much. Weve not seen Governor Haley much. They are appealing to white evangelicals, following the GOP party line.

The GOP party line still leads straight to Trump, according to polls. Haley and Scott are in low single digits nationally.

Chip Felkel, a former GOP strategist in South Carolina and a Never-Trumper, wishes Scott and Haley  along with religious leaders  would come out stronger against Trump.

In a state like South Carolina, until religious leaders are willing to engage as forcibly against him as they have been for him, hes still going to be in good shape.

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CLOVIS, NM  A man was arrested and charged with arson in connection to a house fire last week in Clovis, New Mexico.

On Thursday, Aug. 17 at about 7:09 p.m., officers from the Clovis Police Department and the Clovis Fire Department were dispatched to 515 E. Grand Street for a report of smoke coming from a residence, police said in a news release posted Tuesday.

On arrival to the area, personnel from the Clovis Police Department notified fire personnel of a person possibly barricaded in a building that was on fire. Police said the fire was quickly extinguished, and no one was found inside the building.

During the initial inquiry into the fire, it was learned that Isaiah Macias, 22, was possibly responsible for this fire. "The Clovis Police Department responded to this fire and spoke to family members who reported that Isaiah may have caused the fire," the news release states. "Isaiah was also located near the residence and after being interviewed by detectives from the Clovis Police Department. Isaiah admitted to smoking a cigarette and throwing it on a pile of clothing in the residence. Macias also reported seeing some of the clothing on fire shortly after disposing of the lit cigarette."

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Macias was taken into custody and faces a charge for arson.

Anyone who may have information related to this incident is asked to contact the Clovis Police Department at 575-769-1921. Information can be provided anonymously by using the Clovis Police Departments tip411 program online at www.police.cityofclovis.org or to the Curry County Crime Stoppers at 575-763-7000.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Clovis officers fight house fire, arrest arson suspect
At least 115 people are dead and hundreds are still missing after deadly wildfires raged through the Hawaiian island of Maui.

The fires, which are now the deadliest in the US in the last century, erupted on three of Hawaiis islands forcing visitors to flee and residents to seek emergency shelter.

Photos and videos from Maui show the destruction the fires have caused, with some neighbourhoods including the historic town of Lahaina, nearly burned to ash.

Search and recovery efforts then began as firefighters worked to contain and put out the fires.

On 21 August, President Joe Biden travelled to the Hawaiian island to meet with first responders and survivors as the state begins efforts to rebuild in the wake of the disaster.

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But a frenzy of questions still remain about how the fires started in the first place and how disasters like this can be prevented in the future.

Heres everything we know about how the Hawaii wildfires started.

How did the wildfires start?

August is part of Hawaiis typical dry season when parts of the island experience abnormal to severe droughts.

Since the beginning of August, most of Maui has been under an abnormally dry level of drought, according to the US Drought Monitor.

But beginning on Tuesday, 8 August, a portion of Maui escalated to a severe drought level making the area more susceptible to wildfires.

Though the islands are no stranger to some wildfires, the number of fires has increased exponentially over the past century due to human activity and an increase in invasive, flammable grasses, according to the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO).

Nonnative grasslands and shrublands now cover nearly one-quarter of Hawaiis total land area and, together with a warming, drying climate and year-round fire season, greatly increase the incidence of larger fires, the HWMO wrote in a factsheet.

This photo provided by County of Maui shows fire and smoke filling the sky from wildfires on the intersection at Hokiokio Place and Lahaina Bypass in Maui (AP)

The invasive grasses, which grew tall during the wet season, quickly dried out during the dry season  making them extremely flammable.

The dry vegetation combined with the drought conditions made for the perfect environment for wildfires.

But what may have caused the explosion in wildfire conditions is the strong winds brought on by Hurricane Dora, a Category 5 hurricane located several hundred miles off the coast of Hawaii.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a red flag warning to the Hawaii National Guard due to the high winds, low humidity and drought, according to The Washington Post.

This graphic shows the location of fires on the island of Maui, Hawaii (AP)

The biggest utility company in Hawaii is now coming under scrutiny as questions mount if it took enough precautions to prevent a wildfire as the heavy winds began to hit Maui last week.

Attorneys representing Lahaina residents are suing Hawaiian Electric, claiming that its equipment wasnt strong enough to handle the winds coming in over the island, adding that the company should have shut down the power before the winds struck the area, according to The New York Times.

Wildfire experts who have looked into the fires in California over the last 20 years see problems with Hawaiian Electric.

Officials on the state and local levels have not yet determined a cause for the fire almost a week after they began, but the conditions were similar to other parts of the US where wildfires have been started by electrical equipment, namely old infrastructure, high winds, and dry, easily flammable brush.

Many US wildfires start when powerlines are blown down, or when branches or other things land on powerlines leading to flashes of electricity, prompting some utility companies to shut power down ahead of strong winds.

The chief executive of the Frantz Law Group, James Frantz, told The Times that we allege that many of the regulatory laws that require maintenance of equipment were broken.

The group is one of several firms going up against Hawaiian Electric.

Theres got to be some accountability, he said.

Investors in the utility company appear to be concerned as its share price dropped more than a third of its value on Monday 14 August. The company may have to pay large amounts to settle lawsuits from homeowners and businesses, and also invest in fireproofing its current infrastructure.

Stock analyst Shahriar Pourreza told The Times that the issue becomes whether they did everything they could that was reasonable to prevent this incident.

Was there gross negligence, was there imprudence? he added.

The CEO of Hawaiian Electric, Shelee Kimura, said during a press conference on 14 August that they didnt have a shutdown programme and that shutting down the power may have led to problems for people using certain kinds of medical equipment.

She noted that turning the power off would have required coordination with the emergency services.

In Lahaina, the electricity powers the pumps that provide the water and so that was also a critical need during that time, she said. There are choices that need to be made and all of those factors play into it.

A home burned to ashes is seen in foreground as the sunset colors the sky in Kula, Hawaii, Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, (AP)

Mr Pourreza noted that Hawaiian Electric could be liable for more than $4bn. In June, the company had $314m in cash.

Whisker Labs is a private firm that monitors the electrical grid in cities for issues that may lead to a home fire. Its data seems to show major incidents on powerlines close to where the fire is thought to have begun, according to The Times.

Late on 7 August and into the early hours of 8 August, the data shows that power lines started to lose voltage, which can occur when branches and other types of vegetation begin to affect wires, lines, poles, or other types of equipment.

The firm said it has nearly 1,000 sensors in Hawaii and around 70 on Maui. While all of the sensors on Maui sensed a fault, the strongest one was near Lahaina. Its co-founder and chief executive Bob Marshall told The Times: Something on the grid was very unhappy for eight seconds and trying to recover from a shock.

In a 2022 regulatory filing, Hawaiian Electric outlined efforts to reduce the risk of fires. It stated that the firm was hardening poles to be able to handle strong winds and that it was removing vegetation, citing Lahaina as a priority area.

Safety measures take time and may be expensive for a company to carry out.

Standford climate and energy policy scholar Michael Wara told The Times that burying power lines costs between $3m and $5m for every mile, with those costs usually added to bills for customers. The rates for electricity in Hawaii are already the highest in the US, the US Energy Information Administration states.

Why did they not do the cheap thing, turn the power off? Mr Wara asked.

Where did the wildfires start?

The fires broke out on three islands: Hawaii, Maui and Oahu with the deadliest fires being on Maui.

It is unclear where the fires first began but from the time they started, they moved extremely quickly.

The town of Lahaina, located in western Maui, was seemingly hit the hardest with the speed at which the fire moved on making it difficult for firefighters to contain the massive blaze.
314776_165246083563403_423778657_n - Credit: Larry Rudolph/Facebook

Lawrence Rudolph, the dentist convicted of murdering his wife, Bianca, during a 2016 hunting trip in Zambia and mail fraud, will spend the rest of his life in federal prison and have to pay nearly $7 million in financial penalties.

The Department of Justice announced Rudolphs sentence Monday, Aug. 21. Along with life-in-prison for murder, Rudolph will serve a concurrent sentence of 20 years for defrauding multiple life insurance companies. He will also have to pay about $4.8 million in restitution, plus a fine of $2 million (and a $200 special assessment to cap it all off).

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This result shows that no matter how much money, prestige, or power you have, you will be held accountable for your crimes, U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan said in a statement. The fact that justice arrived today is no accident. It was part of a dedicated effort by public servants committed to the cause of justice. We are grateful to the attorneys, staff, and investigators who made todays result possible.

Rudolphs lawyers, David O. Markus, Margot Moss, and Lauren Doyle, rebuffed the sentencing in a statement shared with Rolling Stone, saying they plan to appeal. Larry is innocent. He did not murder his wife. We are looking forward to the appeal in this matter, in which we have a number of very promising issues.

As Rolling Stone reported last year, Rudolph was a prominent member of the big-game hunting community, even serving as president of the Safari Club International. In 2016, he and Bianca went to Zambia on a hunting trip, and as they were packing to travel back to the U.S., Bianca was killed by a shotgun blast. Larry claimed that he was in the bathroom at the time and that Bianca had been putting the gun into its travel bag when it went off accidentally.

Prosecutors, however, argued that Rudolph not only killed his wife but that it was premeditated murder. They argued that Rudolph was able to cash nearly $5 million in life insurance and use that money to create a lavish life for himself and his longtime girlfriend, Lori Milliron.

Rudolph and Millron were both arrested in 2021. On top of Rudolphs conviction on murder and mail fraud charges, Milliron was found guilty of being an accessory to murder, obstruction of justice, and two counts of perjury. She was previously sentenced to 17 years in federal prison.

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Click here to read the full article.
"Thankfully, the little girl was healthy and able to return to her mother," the sheriff's office said Friday

Heroic first responders came to the rescue after an 8-month-old infant was accidentally locked inside his mother's hot van in Georgia last week.

A Fayette County sheriff's deputy and a Fayette County marshal responded after they received a call about the girl trapped in the car in 85-degree heat, the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post Friday.

Mary Davenport, the baby's mother, told Fox affiliate WAGA-TV that before help arrived, she tried to force the door open with a pickaxe and tried to break into a window to grab her daughter, but to no avail.

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Related: 5-Year-Old Boy Found Dead After Being Left in a Hot Car Outside a Texas Elementary School

She said the dramatic ordeal began when the infant accidentally tripped the car lock. When mom closed the door, she realized her baby was locked in, and she immediately called 911.

Eventually, Deputy Daniel Molina, who was off-duty at the time, and Fayette County Marshal Sgt. Bryan Clanton responded after receiving the all-hands-on-deck emergency of a baby locked in a car, according to WAGA-TV.

Related: 12-Year-Old Girl Wins $20K After Creating Car Seat Device That Helps Prevent Hot Car Deaths

In the caught-on-camera rescue, Molina can then be seen smashing into Davenport's car through a car window. The video shows the deputy pulling the baby out of the car and finally to safety.

The toddler was then brought into the air conditioning before paramedics arrived, WAGA-TV reported.

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Fayette County Sheriff Office

"Thanks to their quick response and teamwork, they were able to remove her safely and have Fayette County Fire & EMS do a medical evaluation," officials said. "Thankfully, the little girl was healthy and able to return to her mother."

Davenport  who did not wish to be interviewed or her daughter named  told the station that the 8-month-old is doing okay after the emotional ordeal.

Related: 5-Year-Old Left in Hot Car, Possibly for Hours, Dies in What Va. Police Call 'Tragic Accident'

"Thank you to all of the county services involved for your heroic actions!" the department said.

As of Jan. 1, the sheriff's office said there have been over 800 reported calls to the 911 center for keys locked in a car. Over 70 of those involved a child or pet being locked inside.

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Read the original article on People.
John McGivern is coming back to Milwaukee PBS, nearly three years after his folksy neighborhood/travel show was dropped by the public television outlet.

"John McGivern's Main Streets," the show that McGivern launched after Milwaukee PBS ended production of "Around the Corner With John McGivern," will air on Milwaukee PBS' WMVS-TV (Channel 10) on Thursdays at 7 p.m. starting Oct. 5.

The episodes airing this fall are from the second season of "Main Streets," which launched in January but didn't air on Milwaukee television. Season 2's 11 episodes include visits to Holland, Michigan; Bloomington, Minnesota; Iowa City, Iowa; and Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley.

The show's 12-episode third season, which is in production, will air on Channel 10 starting in January. Season 3 includes stops in Springfield, Illinois; Marquette, Michigan; Goshen, Indiana; and Waukesha and Madison in Wisconsin.

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Begun in January 2022, "Main Streets" takes McGivern to travel destinations in six upper Midwest states: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan and Indiana. Emmy Fink, former host of "Discover Wisconsin," is co-host.

Its first season was carried on about a dozen stations, including WITI-TV (Channel 6) in Milwaukee. "Main Streets' " second season was picked up by PBS Wisconsin, the public TV outfit that covers all of the state outside the Milwaukee area. But local viewers could watch it on the PBS Video app.

All of "Main Streets'" first two seasons' episodes are available for streaming at mainstreets.tv.

The decision by Milwaukee PBS to pick up "Main Streets" brings McGivern full circle.

"Around the Corner With John McGivern" ran for nine seasons on Milwaukee PBS before the public TV outlet decided to discontinue production in December 2020. "Around the Corner" took McGivern to a different Wisconsin community or neighborhood each episode; he visited more than 100 communities and neighborhoods over the show's nine-year run.

Technically, "Around the Corner" never left: Milwaukee PBS has aired reruns of the show since the decision not to renew the program.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: John McGivern is coming back to Milwaukee PBS with 'Main Streets'
Former OpenSea employee Nathanial Chastain has been sentenced to three months in prison over an NFT (non-fungible token) insider trading scheme. Chastain, who was found guilty of wire fraud and money laundering, used "confidential information about which NFTs were going to be featured on OpenSeas homepage for his personal financial gain," according to the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.

Back in 2021, an X (then known as Twitter) user claimed that Chastain was buying NFT drops before the public could get their hands on the digital items. Chastain, who selected which NFTs would appear on OpenSea's homepage, was accused of selling the tokens he bought in advance for a profit after they became broadly available and interest in them soared. OpenSea admitted that Chastain had carried out such a scheme and said it would ban employees from using confidential information to trade NFTs.

The incident caught the attention of federal prosecutors, who treated the case in a similar fashion to regular insider trading. The US Attorney's Office noted that Chastain sold the NFTs for between two and five times the original purchase price.

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Along with his prison sentence, Chastain must serve three months of home confinement and three years of supervised release. He also needs to pay a $50,000 fine and forfeit the Ethereum he obtained from his illicit NFT trading.

"Nathanial Chastain faced justice today for violating the trust that his employer placed in him by using OpenSeas confidential information for his own profit," US attorney Damian Williams said in a statement. "Todays sentence should serve as a warning to other corporate insiders that insider trading  in any marketplace  will not be tolerated.
John Eastman, the conservative lawyer who devised a strategy to help maintain former President Donald Trump 's hold on power, doubled down on his false claims of election fraud after being booked at the Fulton County jail on Tuesday.

In a statement issued by his lawyers, Eastman said that his surrender was prompted by an indictment that, in his view, "should never have been brought."

Eastman told a reporter that there was "no question" in his mind that the 2020 election had been stolen from the former president.

"I am confident that, when the law is faithfully applied in this proceeding, all of my co-defendants and I will be fully vindicated," Eastman said.

Vitali: Do you still think the election was stolen?



Eastman: Absolutely. No question pic.twitter.com/nxy02FuXIV  Acyn (@Acyn) August 22, 2023

Eastman was indicted last week alongside 18 other other co-conspirators in Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' sprawling racketeering investigation. He turned himself in to Georgia authorities on Tuesday on charges linked to his attempts to undermine the integrity of the 2020 election.

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"John Eastman is previewing his defense, which appears to be a good faith belief that the election was stolen," former U.S. Attorney Barb McQuade, a University of Michigan law professor, told Salon. "The prosecution will have the burden of proving either that he knew that statement was false, or that he used means he knew to be illegal to overturn the election results. His public statements can be used against him a trial if he should take an inconsistent position."

Eastman served as a close adviser to Trump leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by the president's supporters, who aimed to disrupt the certification of President Joe Biden's electoral win.

As the mastermind behind a plot to undermine the certification of the Electoral College vote, Eastman wrote a memo outlining a series of actions that then-Vice President Mike Pence could potentially take during his role overseeing the joint session of Congress on that day to prevent the tallying of electoral votes and extend Trump's tenure in office.

He and fellow co-defendant Rudy Giuliani provided remote testimony before Georgia lawmakers in late 2020. During this session, they asserted that there existed substantial evidence of extensive fraud in the 2020 election held in Georgia.

Despite facing nine charges including Violation of the State's RICO Act, conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer and conspiracy to commit filing false documents, Eastman has maintained that the 2020 election was stolen.

"Of course, many defendants are publicly defiant at the time they are charged, and ultimately enter guilty pleas and cooperate once they review the discovery material and understand the likelihood of conviction," McQuade said.

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

Eastman also criticized the indictment for targeting "attorneys for their zealous advocacy on behalf of their clients" and said each of the defendants was entitled to rely on the advice of lawyers and past legal precedent to challenge the results of the election.

"There is no more fundamental ethical obligation for a lawyer than that of upholding the constitution," James Sample, a Hofstra University constitutional law professor, told Salon. "John Eastman asserting that legal ethics required him to subvert the constitution is the height of hypocrisy."

Trump's attorneys also met with Fulton County prosecutors on Tuesday to establish the terms of his bail arrangement.

As part of the agreement, the ex-president will need to post a $200,000 bond, commit to not partake in any additional criminal activities, attend court appearances as mandated and abstain from issuing any form of "explicit or implied threat" against his co-defendant, unindicted co-conspirators, witnesses or victims.

Earlier this week, Trump posted to Truth Social that he plans to surrender on Thursday afternoon writing: "Can you believe it? I'll be going to Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday to be ARRESTED by a Radical Left District Attorney, Fani Willis, who is overseeing one of the greatest Murder and Violent Crime DISASTERS in American History. In my case, the trip to Atlanta is not for "Murder," but for making a PERFECT PHONE CALL! She campaigned, and is continuing to campaign, and raise money on, this WITCH HUNT. This is in strict coordination with Crooked Joe Biden's DOJ. It is all about ELECTION INTERFERENCE!"

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about the Fulton indictment
The first codefendant in Donald Trump s Georgia criminal case has shown signs of turning on him, claiming that he was only following the former presidents orders when he took part in the election interference plot.

David Shafer, the former chairman of the Georgia Republican Party and a longtime member of the Georgia state Senate, claimed in a court filing on Monday that he merely acted at the direction of the incumbent President and other federal officials.

Attorneys for the President and Mr. Shafer specifically instructed Mr. Shafer, verbally and in writing, that the Republican electors meeting and casting their ballots on December 14, 2020 was consistent with counsels advice and was necessary to preserve the presidential election contest, the filing states.

Mr Shafer is also seeking to have the criminal case moved to federal court.

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His filing suggests that he  and potentially others  could turn on the former president in the case.

Mr Shafer is one of 19 defendants charged with running a criminal enterprise to keep Mr Trump in power at all costs.

He is charged with eight counts over his part in the scheme where he allegedly played a pivotal role in the fake electors plot in the state.

According to the indictment, Mr Shafer convened 16 fake electors in the Georgia state capitol on 14 December 2020 to sign a certificate falsely declaring Mr Trump as the winner of the state.

Mr Shafer surrendered to authorities on Georgia in the early hours of Wednesday morning to face charges.

Online jail records reveal that he was arrested on Wednesday 23 August by Fulton County Sheriffs Office and was booked into Fulton County Jail. Cathy Latham was also booked.

They were both released from the jail in the early hours of Wednesday, records show.

He is one of four codefendants who have so far turned themselves into authorities.

David Shafer (seen in 2020) is among four codefendants who have so far surrendered to authorities in Georgia (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Scott Hall, a former bail bondsman in Atlanta, was the first co-defendant to surrender on Tuesday.

Attorney John Eastman then also surrendered the same day.

Mr Trump and his 18 co-defendants have each been given a deadline of midday on Friday 25 August to surrender to authorities in Fulton County and be arrested on the charges.

On Monday, the former president claimed in a post on his Truth Social platform that he will turn himself in on Thursday.

Can you believe it? Ill be going to Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday to be ARRESTED by a Radical Left District Attorney, Fani Willis , who is overseeing one of the greatest Murder and Violent Crime DISASTERS in American History, he fumed.

In my case, the trip to Atlanta is not for Murder, but for making a PERFECT PHONE CALL! She campaigned, and is continuing to campaign, and raise money on, this WITCH HUNT.

This is in strict coordination with Crooked Joe Bidens DOJ. It is all about ELECTION INTERFERENCE!

Mr Trumps bond has been set at $200,000  an amount agreed upon by his attorneys but which he also railed against on Monday night.

In another Truth Social post, he claimed that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis insisted on the $200,000 bond to because she fears he will fly far away, maybe to Russia, Russia, Russia, share a gold domed suite with Vladimir, never to be seen or heard from again.

Mr Trumps arrest in his fourth criminal case will come just hours after the first Republican presidential debate gets under way in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Wednesday evening.

Scott Hall (left) and John Eastman (right) in mugshots (Fulton County Sheriffs Office)

Eight candidates  all hoping to beat the former president to secure the GOP nomination  have passed the threshold to take part.

Mr Trump, meanwhile, has refused to take part in the event hosted by Fox News.

He is instead believed to be taking part in a rival, but pre-recorded, interview with ousted Fox News personality Tucker Carlson.

Both events are likely to be overshadowed by Mr Trumps looming arrest.

On 14 August, a grand jury in Fulton County returned an indictment charging the former president and 18 of his staunchest allies over their efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election in the state.

Defendant Donald John Trump lost the United States presidential election held on November 3, 2020, the indictment reads.

One of the states he lost was Georgia. Trump and the other Defendants charged in this Indictment refused to accept that Trump lost, and they knowingly and willfully joined a conspiracy to unlawfully change the outcome of the election in favor of Trump.

That conspiracy contained a common plan and purpose to commit two or more acts of racketeering activity in Fulton County, Georgia, elsewhere in the State of Georgia, and in other states.

Charged under Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute, the 19 defendants are accused of running a criminal enterprise with the goal of ensuring that Mr Trump remained in power at all costs.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis announces the indictment (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The RICO statute is a Richard Nixon-era racketeering law originally passed to prosecute organised crime groups and mafia crime syndicates.

The indictment accuses Mr Trump and his allies of orchestrating and running a criminal enterprise in Fulton County, Georgia, and elsewhere, to accomplish the illegal goal of allowing Donald J. Trump to seize the presidential term of office, beginning on January 20, 2021.

The criminal organisations members and associates engaged in various related criminal activities including, but not limited to, false statements and writings, impersonating a public oficer, forgery, iling false documents, iniuencing witnesses, computer theft, computer trespass, computer invasion of privacy, conspiracy to defraud the state, acts involving theft, and perjury.

In the sweeping indictment, Mr Trump was charged with 13 criminal counts: violating RICOs statute, conspiracy to impersonate a public officer, two counts of conspiracy to commit forgery, two counts of conspiracy to make false statements under oath, two counts of conspiracy to file false documents, two counts of solicitation of a public officer, filing false documents, conspiracy to solicit false statements, and making false statements.

The other co-defendants include former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani  who was also hit with 13 charges  former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, Kraken lawyer Sidney Powell and Kanye Wests former publicist Trevian Kutti  face fewer charges.

In total, Mr Trump is facing a combined 91 charges across two state and two federal cases and the prospect of the remainder of his life behind bars.
A seven-member commission on Tuesday nominated three appeals court judges to fill the vacancy on the Missouri Supreme Court left by Judge George W. Draper III, who retired earlier this month.

After interviewing more than 20 applicants, the Appellate Judicial Commission unanimously selected Kelly C. Broniec, chief judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District in St. Louis; Michael E. Gardner, who also serves as a judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District in St. Louis; and Ginger K. Gooch, a judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District in Springfield.

Gov. Mike Parson , a Republican, has the power to appoint one of the three judges to fill the vacancy left by Draper within 60 days. If he does not make a pick, the commission will select the appointee.

The appointment will mark the second time that Parson has named a judge to the states highest court. He did so in 2021 when he appointed Judge Robin Ransom. Later this year, the Republican governor will make his third appointment when Judge Patricia Breckenridge retires after turning 70, the courts mandatory retirement age.

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The seven-member commission, chaired by Chief Justice Mary R. Russell, announced the three nominations after nearly eight hours of interviews over the past two days and deliberating for roughly three hours on Tuesday.

Broniec, who lives in Montgomery City, earned a degree in business administration from Williams Woods University in Fulton and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law in 1996.

Gardner, who lives in Cape Girardeau, earned a political science degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2001 and graduated with a law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law in 2004.

Gooch, who lives in Springfield, earned a degree in English and philosophy, law and rhetoric from Stephens College in Columbia in 1997. She also received a law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law in 2000.

Tuesdays announcement means that Parson will not be able to consider any applicants from the Kansas City area for the vacancy on the court. One of the applicants was state Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, a Parkville Republican who successfully passed legislation last year to force Kansas City to spend more on police.

Jackson County Judge Kenneth R. Garrett III, who hails from Kansas City, also was one of the applicants and was the only Black person to apply.

Garrett, through a spokesperson, declined comment on Tuesday. Luetkemeyer did not respond to a request for comment.
Shelby Count Justice Center can be seen here at 201 Poplar Avenue on August 14, 2023 in Memphis, Tenn.

Leaders of a jail health care provider have been left confused and bewildered after Shelby County denied their proposal to provide health care to the county's correctional facilities. MEDIKO Correctional Health, headquartered in Virginia, applied for the Shelby County contract in December and finally received the non-award verdict in June.

Despite ongoing questions about inmate health and previous litigation between the county and Wellpath over a previous contract, the correctional health care provider yet again received the contract. Documents provided by MEDIKO show that Wellpath received a lower score from the selection committee. Per the documents, MEDIKO was told they did not receive the contract due to cost.

Kaveh Ofogh, a doctor and the founder and CEO of MEDIKO, prides himself on the "zero judgment" record. The company has never been taken to court in its 26 years of operation. MEDIKO currently provides correctional health to 25 jails around the United States, including one in Tennessee. Ofogh said that the care MEDIKO provides is unmatched compared to its competitors.

"What is unique about MEDIKO is that because I'm the sole owner and I happen to be a physician, I have taken a Hippocratic Oath," Ofogh said. "And as a result of that, we have kept the DNA of MEDIKO to be medically and not financially driven."

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Ofogh said he became interested in contracting with Shelby County because of news reports that surfaced about the medical care in the Shelby County detention facilities. In an appeal letter MEDIKO sent to the county after it was denied the contract, the company cited reporting from The Daily Memphian as one of the reasons why the health care contract for the jail should change hands.

"When I was reading the disturbing news, I thought that enough is enough. Maybe we can help them because I have been able to help other facilities that used to be on the news all the time, such as Richmond City Justice Center in Richmond, Virginia," Ofogh said.

Shelby Count Justice Center can be seen here at 201 Poplar Avenue on August 14, 2023 in Memphis, Tenn.

A recent Commercial Appeal investigation showed mortality rates have been rising at the Shelby County Jail and there have been 52 deaths in the facility since 2016. Reporting from The CA also showed suicide is a leading cause of death for Shelby County Jail inmates.

Ofogh said because of this trend, MEDIKO's extra staff training for custody personnel would allow for risk assessment of inmates upon arrival at the jail, in addition to extra training for jail security personnel.

"We're going to provide training for the security personnel of the jail how to be more vigilant and aware of indicators for risk of suicide high-risk patients," Ofogh said.

The CA reached out to Wellpath but did not recieve a response by publication time.

MEDIKO denied because of cost, adding new positions

According to documents provided to The CA, MEDIKO outscored all other vendors who responded to the request for proposals from the selection committee. The county said the cost of the proposal MEDIKO gave was the reason why the county chose a different vendor. The proposed cost of MEDIKO's contract was over $36 million for one year, while their competitor, Wellpath, was $28 million for a year.

Ofogh said the reason their bid was much higher was because of the increase in staffing MEDIKO would provide. The proposal that MEDIKO provided the county included 35 more full-time licensed health care professionals, while the county was only asking to provide four to five more employees per the request for proposals, Ofogh said.

"Of course, it'd be more expensive these are not construction workers," Ofogh said.

In February 2022, Tennessee Corrections Institute found deficiencies in medical services at the Shelby County Jail, commonly known as 201 Poplar, saying 14-day physicals were not up to date for inmates. That deficit was corrected by an April 2022 reinspection. Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner has acknowledged the need for more correctional staff overall. Bonner has said he wants to add 300 more correctional officers.

Mayoral candidate Floyd Bonner, current Shelby County Sheriff, answers a question during a forum hosted by the Greater Memphis Chamber at the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts and Education in Memphis, Tenn., on Thursday, August 17, 2023.

The proposal Wellpath submitted also did not meet the requirements to use 20% of the funds from the contract towards locally-owned small businesses and minority and women business enterprises in Shelby County, according to MEDIKO's appeal. The appeal letter claims Wellpath has only contributed 6.75% of its contract funds to locally-owned businesses and 3.375% to minority- or woman-owned businesses in fiscal year 2021.

Ofogh said MEDIKO's proposal included 24% of funds going towards businesses that met the requirements.

Another reason for the substantial price difference between Wellpath's contract and MEDIKO's is due to the salary increase for health care staff. The salary for health care employees at the jail has to be competitive so there are limited vacancies, Ofogh said.

Wellpath controversial history

On June 21, MEDIKO received a three-sentence letter telling the company that Shelby County had gone with a different vendor. Wellpath has been the health care provider for Shelby County detention facilities for the last 17 years, and the tenure has come with its share of controversy.

In their appeal letter, MEDIKO questioned whether Shelby County violated its own ordinances preventing the county from entering a contract with a company or individual who has pled or been found guilty of crimes involving governmental sales or purchases. MEDIKO cited a portion of the Shelby County Code they allege the County violated in their appeal letter.

The Walter L. Bailey Jr. Shelby County Criminal Justice Center at 201 Poplar Avenue.

Former CEO of Wellpath, Gerard Francis Boyle, pled guilty to federal bribery charges after engaging in a 13-year scheme. The bribes were sent to a now former sheriff in order to insure Wellpath would continue to have a contract with the Virginia jail they were servicing.

Kelly Roberts, strategic communications manager for the Shelby County Government, provided the following response to multiple questions the CA asked: The normal procurement process is underway. We are currently in contract negotiations. We dont typically comment on this process until its completed, Roberts said in an email.

CNN also published an investigation into Correct Care Solutions, now known as Wellpath. The investigation showed hundreds of inmates in facilities where Wellpath provided health care died preventable deaths.

The CA has filed a public information request for the proposal Wellpath submitted to Shelby County but has not received any documents as of Tuesday.

More: This health condition is a leading cause of death in the US. And in the Shelby County Jail

In September 2020, Wellpath sued Shelby County because the contract for inmate health care services was rescinded by the county. Court documents show the case was dismissed on July 19, 2021.

The new contract has not been officially given to Wellpath as the Shelby County Board of Commissioners still needs to vote on the expenditure. Any contract over $50,000 has to be approved by commissioners. There is no information on when this contract will appear in front of the commission as of Tuesday.

Ofogh said he wants to implore the Shelby County Board of Commissioners to do the "right thing," and reverse the award to Wellpath. All County Commissioners have been contacted about the matter by Ofogh, but he said none of them have responded.

Brooke Muckerman covers Shelby County Government for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at Brooke.Muckerman@commercialappeal.com and followed on Twitter/X @BrookeMuckerman.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Why Shelby County denied MEDIKO's bid for jail's health care contract
China's top legislator calls for strengthened cooperation with Hungarian National Assembly

Xinhua) 08:29, August 23, 2023

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Marta Matrai, deputy of the speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

BEIJING, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji met with Marta Matrai, deputy of the speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, on Tuesday in Beijing.

Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that bilateral relations have maintained healthy and stable growth since the two countries established diplomatic ties 74 years ago.

Zhao said that bilateral relations have entered their best period since the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries in 2017.

Zhao said the NPC is willing to work with the Hungarian National Assembly to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, provide legal guarantees for the development of bilateral relations, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation on legislative supervision, environmental protection and green development.

Matrai expressed the hope that exchanges and cooperation between the legislative bodies would be strengthened to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between Hungary and China, saying the Hungarian National Assembly is ready to contribute to enhancing the friendship between the two peoples.

Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, held talks with Matrai on the same day.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Marta Matrai, deputy of the speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
American civil rights campaigner Martin Luther King and his wife Coretta Scott King lead a black voting rights march from Selma, Alabama, to the state capital in Montgomery, in 1965.

The March on Washington of 1963 is remembered most for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.s I Have a Dream speech  and thus as a crowning moment for the long-term civil rights activism of what is sometimes referred to as the Black Church.

At the march, King indeed represented numerous other Black clergy who were his colleagues in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. But the march was the product of sustained activism by a broader coalition. Black and white labor leaders, as well as white clergy, played pivotal roles over many months ahead of the event.

Moreover, the Black Church was not monolithic then  nor is it now. Many Black pastors and their congregations steered clear of civil disobedience and other nonviolent confrontational tactics in the civil rights era, just as some now steer clear of the Black Lives Matter movement and shun progressive Black pastors engagement on behalf of abortion rights and LGBTQ+ rights.

The issues are multiracial. Its too simplistic now to say, Black church/white church, said the Rev. William Barber, who in 2018 became co-chair of a national anti-poverty initiative called The Poor Peoples Campaign. It took its name from a movement launched by King and other SCLC leaders in 1968 shortly before Kings assassination.

Barber, now director of the Center for Public Theology and Public Policy at Yale Divinity School, admires King immensely yet is critical of those who water down the March on Washington to one man, one speech.

Thats a political strategy to undermine the purpose of mass protest, he said. It must be a mass movement, not just a mass moment.

Barber said the new manifestation of the Poor Peoples Campaign has drawn active support from thousands of clergy of different races and faiths.

There are Jews, Quakers, some predominantly white congregations that are pro-civil rights and pro-LGBT community  that care about immigrants and womens rights and voting rights, he said. Any efforts today that are not engaging all these issues on an every day basis is not truly moving in the spirit of the March on Washington.

In the decades before and after 1963, Black churches and denominations have had diverse priorities and political approaches.

Many Black faith leaders in the early 1900s supported Booker T. Washingtons call for Black progress to occur through education and economic self-sufficiency, rather than through direct challenges to segregation laws. In later decades, self-sufficiency was touted by the Nation of Islam as part of its advocacy of Black Nationalism. Some other Black pastors  notably Father Divine and Reverend Ike  became wealthy with optimistic promises of heaven-on-earth prosperity for their followers.

Currently, there are large numbers of Black pastors in two different categories, according to Robert Franklin, professor of moral leadership at Emory Universitys Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. Some of them, Franklin says, engage energetically in social-justice activism, envisioning themselves as prophetic radicals in the tradition of King.

Others have a more conservative, individualistic outlook, Franklin said. They are a little mushy on the activism and the risk-taking.

In many respects, they have declared victory, purchased their own buildings, he said. There are fewer prophetic sermons and more concern with institutional maintenance. How to do we keep the lights on, pay the bills.

One notable trend in recent decades has been a rise in the number of multiracial congregations across the country. Kings former church in Atlanta, Ebenezer Baptist Church, is among them, drawing increasing numbers of white and Hispanic worshippers.

Barber suggested King would be pleased by that.

Dr. King was fighting for the beloved community which included all people regardless of race, Barber said. He brought in everybody from different faiths and traditions.

In New York City, one of the oldest Protestant churches, Middle Collegiate Church, is now a politically progressive, thoroughly multiethnic congregation. Its senior minister, the Rev. Jacqui Lewis, is a Black woman proud to be carrying on her familys tradition of civil rights activism.

Theres something in our blood that will never release us from our responsibility to make heaven here on earth, she said.

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s was not just Black male clergy in the south, she said. It was women who decided to march and not get on the buses (during the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955-56 ). It was white people who decided to pick up Black people in their cars and drive them to work. All the everyday, ordinary people who participated in this southern freedom movement.

Lewis agreed that the Black Church  as an umbrella term  may be of limited use now.

Lets look at Black faith instead, she said. Its both inside and outside the church. Black Church is standing in the streets for abortion rights, for immigrants. If there are two Black people in the streets chanting We shall overcome, thats Black Church.

It is perhaps a sign of the times that there is no single faith-based group listed among the organizations serving as co-chairs of the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington that will be celebrated on Aug. 26. Among the co-chairs are the NAACP, the National Urban League, the Anti-Defamation League and Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

However, the nations six largest historically Black denominations  partners in the Conference of National Black Churches  will be participating in the anniversary events.

The Black Church was the foundation of the Civil Rights Movement, which is why we are resolved to play a continued role in the fight for equality, said the CNBC board. While we have made strides over the decades, recent events threatened to impact the right to vote, to quality education, and to good-paying jobs. The COVID-19 pandemic was a reminder that we have a long way to go, in so many aspects of life, as we strive for equality and justice.

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Duran Howell of Springfield cools off at a cooling center at the Washington Street Mission in Springfield Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

As heat indices blasted past the 110-degree mark Wednesday, Duran Howell, who described himself as "kind of homeless," made his way along with dozens of others into the Washington Street Mission to beat the heat.

Having a place for air conditioning, a bottle (or two) of water and a bite to eat is enough of a reason for Howell to appreciate the mission. But he said there's more -- feeling a sense of respect from people who run the mission which is now serving as a haven from the heat.

"A lot of people look at these people (the homeless) as the forgotten people," said Howell. "They're still all people, they're all people to me. The staff here is a great staff. There's a lot of great things that go on here."

More: On move-in day, UIS optimistic about enrollment numbers for the fall

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About 130 people pass through the mission on a normal day, said Eldon Davis, director of operations. But during the excessive heat, the number can vary from 60 to 160 because other city-designated cooling centers are open, he said.

City Water, Light and Power spokesperson Amber Sabin also noted that Lincoln Library had seen an increase in visitors as a result of the heat, with more than 100 additional visitors than normal each day. She also said that Municipal Centers East and West, both open as cooling stations, weren't seeing a noticeable increase in people coming in to cool off.

The need to find a cool spot became more acute Wednesday as central Illinois remains in a late-summer heat wave. An excessive heat warning for much of central Illinois has been extended to Friday and temperatures are likely to approach record highs later in the week.

Heat warning extended for central Illinois

The National Weather Service in Lincoln extended the heat warning Tuesday for areas south of Interstate 74, including Morgan, Cass, Menard, Logan, Sangamon, Christian, Macoupin, and Montgomery counties, until 10 p.m. Friday. Temperatures are likely to exceed 95 degrees through the end of the week.

Payzlie West, 6, of Springfield cools down from this week's hot temperatures at the splash pad at Comer Cox Park Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

Those high temperatures will be paired with extreme humidity, enough to push heat indices up over the 110-degree mark. For Wednesday, high temperatures are expected to hit 96 degrees in Springfield  five degrees below the record high for Aug. 23 set at 101 degrees in 1936, according to NWS. As for the heat index, it hit 112 degrees as of 12:52 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport  dangerously hot conditions that could put the elderly and young children, at risk of heat illnesses.

Thursday's forecast is expected to be even warmer, with temperatures approaching 100 degrees  just shy of the 101-degree record for Aug. 24 set in 1936 and 1947. Heat indices could also hit 113 degrees. The dangerous heat will continue into Friday, with temperatures reaching 95 degrees, but with a slightly lower heat index.

Trying to keep cool in the midst of the heat

With the extent of the heat, places like the Washington Street Mission can be an oasis for those who struggle to find a good place to stay cool.

Angelia Beard is one of those people. She lives in Springfield in her car, a place that can be none too kind on a sweltering summer day.

"All the heat is really bad," Beard said. "It doesn't have (air conditioning). It has a broken window, in fact, so I can't leave my car too long."

She's thankful for the Washington Street Mission, providing not just shelter on a hot day, but also a place that helped to begin her recovery from drug addiction.

Jason Lemons of Springfield, front, and Micky Henson, also of Springfield, take a break from the heat Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at a cooling center located at the Washington Street Mission in Springfield.

"These lovely people have helped me get into treatment  I went through Gateway (Foundation) for the very first time," Beard said. "I have not picked up heroin since. I am here on a daily, weekly basis to their AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meetings. Anything that needs to be done, I am willing to help out. There's a way (out)."

For operations manager Davis, while the weather outside is atypical, they're just doing what they do on a daily basis  try to build relationships with the homeless and shake the stigma.

"We're trying to build community with them," Davis said. "The reason we do what we do is so they'll have some hope and have some faith in people and we do that by supporting them every day. When you see a homeless person, it's somebody's father, mother, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, daughter (or) son. They're not disposable people, they're not all quitters."

Kim Ayers, director of administration and community relations at the mission, agreed, saying that it wasn't just a place that threw their doors open and let people in. Rather, they worked with them and gave them a place to go, both when it's hot and when it's cold.

"We want to collaborate that community with them to build trust with them, that they will be finding hope here and that hope will lead people to seek services," Ayers said. "That's the biggest thing  we really try to establish relationships with the community members that come here."

Fairgrounds farmers market called off

The heat has led to one significant event casualty for Thursday, as the weekly Illinois Product Farmers Market at the Illinois State Fairgrounds has been canceled for this week due to the hot conditions.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture cited the need to protect customers, vendors and staff as a key reason why they have called off this week's event.

The farmers market will resume, weather permitting, on Aug. 31.

Hospitals report heat-related illnesses

With Springfield city workers out and about on the job Wednesday, the city is adjusting schedules in order to ensure safety during the hottest parts of the day.

Sabin said that the city's divisions are making adjustments to hours along with providing what's needed to keep workers hydrated and safe. In addition, she said that the Springfield Fire Department was rotating responders out of incidents in order for firefighters not to get overheated during extended periods of operation and the Springfield Police Department said that they were reminding their officers to keep themselves cool and hydrated while they were out on duty.

SFD and SPD also will be on the lookout for anyone needing assistance as a result of the heat. Sabin said that she was hopeful people would follow the advice of public health professionals to keep cool.

"Public safety is key," Sabin said. "We hope all take in the seriousness of the heat warnings and follow the tips that public health and medical providers recommend, in particular too for the more vulnerable to dehydration and exposure  those that are ill, infants, and older populations.

SFD says the best advice is for the public to stay hydrated, and not to do activities outside during excessive heat warnings. Any that must be outside are encouraged to stay out of the sun and take frequent rest periods."

Sabin also said that CWLP would not disconnect non-paying customers from their electric services this week due to the heat wave. As the heat will make air conditioning and other services run harder, Sabin said that people should try to find ways to reduce usage when they could and check on anything blocking their AC unit.

"Residents can check to make sure debris, leaves and nothing else is blocking air flow to an air conditioning unit," Sabin said. "Some recommend shading a unit but keeping air flow optimal is most important."

Local hospitals are also starting to treat patients suffering from the effects of the heat wave.

According to Memorial Health, 10 people had been admitted over the past three days due to the heat. None of the conditions were serious enough to keep them hospitalized.

More: District 186 calls on retirees, substitutes to shore up classrooms

What to do if you have to be in the heat

NWS recommends that people stay in an air-conditioned area while drinking plenty of fluids and staying out of the sun. If a person has to go outside, officials recommend that it be done in the early morning or evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.

For those working outside, NWS recommends wearing loose, lightweight, and lightly colored clothing while taking frequent breaks in the shade or going inside to air-conditioning.

With the hot conditions comes an increased risk of heat stroke. Experts advise keeping a close watch for symptoms, such as dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

Call 911 if a person exhibits signs of heat stroke. Also, move the person to a cooler area, loosen clothing, remove any extra layers, and cool them down with water or ice while waiting for emergency services.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Heat indices expected to top 110 degrees; heat warning extended t
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare failed to follow state law when it distributed millions in federal child care grants, according to an audit released Monday.

The grant program has been the center of a legal battle between the health department and Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador. State lawmakers called for an audit earlier this year after a lobbyist raised concerns that the health agency didnt properly distribute $72 million in Community Partner grants, which addressed learning loss among children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lawmakers had previously dictated that the federal funding go to programs serving kids 5 to 13. State health officials failed to follow those instructions, according to a 55-page report released Monday. Auditors with the Idaho Legislative Services Office found that nearly 30% of grant applicants planned to use the funds on programs that served children outside that age range.

Based on the evidence available, the lack of controls related to expenditures of public funds allowed for grant recipients to use the funds for ineligible purposes and for ineligible age groups that did not meet the purposes specifically defined in the appropriation laws, the report said.

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Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen rejected all of the audits findings.

All along, we have welcomed independent, unbiased review of the departments administration of the Community Partner grants, Jeppesen said in a Monday news release. We will meet any review, audit or investigation with cooperation because we stand by our work.

DHW officials say they followed laws

Health officials said in the report that they complied with lawmakers age requirements. Legislation authorizing the grants said that they shall be used for serving school-aged participants ages 5 through 13 years, as allowable by federal guidance.

Federal guidance allowed the grants to be used on programs serving children up to 13 years old, and state lawmakers should have included the word only in their legislation if they wanted to preclude the funds from going to children younger than 5, the health officials said.

According to the report, the Department of Health and Welfare also didnt keep sufficient documentation of the grants; some grant recipients received more than the maximum amount allowed; the department provided no evidence that it ensured the age requirements were followed; and the department didnt properly review applications to verify eligible grant expenses.

The auditors identified a lack of internal controls throughout the program that resulted in several deficiencies, and the findings were serious enough to report to the Idaho attorney general, the report said.

Labrador, the first-term Republican attorney general, is separately investigating the grants and in March issued investigative demands to Jeppesen, two other high-ranking department officials and dozens of Community Partner grant recipients. The health officials and grant recipients sued to block the investigative demands.

Sadly, it seems that the auditors adopted the same flawed interpretation of the law that the attorney general has embraced in the last few months, Greg Chaney, a Caldwell attorney and former Idaho House member who is representing the grant recipients, said in a news release Tuesday.

The health officials also pointed to 4th Judicial District Judge Lynn Nortons recent decision in their case against Labrador. A former deputy attorney general assigned to the Department of Health and Welfare twice issued a legal opinion that said the department followed the law while distributing the grants. Nortion ruled this month that health officials were justified in relying on those opinions.

We await the (attorney generals) next step with confidence knowing the grants were distributed legally, as affirmed by his office, Jeppesen said.
PRATT, Kan.  State wildlife officials have decided to prohibit trail cameras on Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks land and waters on Friday.

The KDWP said in a press release that the decision to ban trail cameras came after seven public meetings over the course of two years, KSNT reports.

Dont fish with a gun in Kansas, game wardens say

The decision was reached following increasing amounts of public concerns brought to the KDWP on the use of trail or game cameras on public lands. Past concerns the KDWP referenced included the ethics of fair chase, issues of theft and privacy concerns.

As the number of trail cameras on the landscape increased, so did the number of reports made by constituents citing camera theft and misuse, Ryan Stucky, KDWP Public Lands assistant director said. There were also concerns about trail camera users disturbing wildlife with frequent visits to check on those cameras.

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Top 5 most popular Kansas state parks revealed

KDWP staff and commissioners agreed that the regulation change, now in effect, should state that no person shall place, maintain or use a trail or game camera on department lands, or use any images or video from a trail or game camera including location, time or date, for any purpose on KDWP lands and waters, according to the press release. The use of mapping systems or programs remains a legal activity.

The full regulation can be found by clicking here or in the document below:

R-08-25 by Matthew Self on Scribd

This embedded content is not available in your region.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Legal experts called out former Trump Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark after he asked for an emergency stay of criminal proceedings against him in Fulton County and demanded a response from a judge within hours.

An attorney for Clark, a former environmental Justice Department lawyer that former President Donald Trump sought to elevate to acting attorney general to pursue his debunked election fraud claims, filed an emergency motion on Tuesday seeking to prevent Fulton County District Attorney Fani Wilis from issuing a warrant for his arrest after he was indicted by a grand jury alongside Trump and 17 others on racketeering charges.

Clark, who like several other co-defendants is also seeking to move the case to federal court by arguing that the indictment relates to his official duties as a federal official, asked U.S. District Judge Steven Jones to respond by 5 pm on Tuesday to avoid "the choice of making rushed travel arrangements to fly into Atlanta or instead risking being labeled a fugitive."

Jones rejected Clark's request and gave Willis until 3 pm on Wednesday to respond and will not allow Clark to file a reply.

UPDATE: The judge handling efforts by Trump's codefendants to remove their cases to federal court gives Fani Willis until tomorrow at 3pm to respond to Jeff Clark's motion to stay the proceedings. He won't permit Clark to reply. https://t.co/hbhMk5cbMR pic.twitter.com/73fnkYfyo9  Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) August 22, 2023

Legal experts were stunned at Clark's request.

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"This indictment was unsealed Monday night. Clark could have filed motions and sought some kind of relief *before* today. Hey Jeff Clark: Don't look now, but your entitlement is showing," MSNBC legal analyst Katie Phang wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

"I must confess that in my thirty years as a litigator, not once did I have occasion to tell a federal judge that he had a deadline he had to meet so that I would not have to make 'rushed travel arrangements,'" quipped attorney George Conway.

Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance said Clark's "ridiculous" filing was the "strangest motion so far of any of Trump's co-defendants in Georgia."

"Clark's 'emergency motion' makes him the Karen of criminal defendants," Vance wrote on Substack. "He has hired a lawyer whose bio suggests that he has handled many complicated civil matters involving business litigation, breach of contract, fraud, will contests, conservatorship, guardianship, and trusts and estate work, but no criminal law. Clark might have done well to heed the advice that Trump White House Counsel's Office lawyer Eric Herschmann gave Clark's co-defendant John Eastman: 'Get a great effing criminal defense lawyer.'"

Clark, as well as former chief of staff Mark Meadows, are seeking to remove the charges to federal court, where they argue that they are immune from state charges under the Constitution because they were carrying out their duties as federal officials. Clark is also arguing that the case should be civil because it was initially handled by a special-purpose grand jury.

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

"This argument is laughably wrong," Vance wrote. "A grand jury proceeding is criminal, not civil in nature, operating under criminal rules of procedure and adjudicating criminal matters. Nor is there any grand jury matter left to remove. The special grand jury's work is complete, and they played no role in indicting the case. That decision was left up to a separate grand jury. That's how Georgia law works, whether Clark likes it or not."

Meadows is also asking a federal judge to intervene before prosecutors issue a warrant for his arrest. Meadows' attorney asked Willis to delay his arrest until Jones can make a ruling, which is expected next week, which the district attorney rejected.

"I am not granting any extensions," Willis wrote in an email to Meadows' attorneys Tuesday morning, according to Politico. "I gave 2 weeks for people to surrender themselves to the court. Your client is no different than any other criminal defendant in this jurisdiction. The two weeks was a tremendous courtesy."

"At 12:30 pm on Friday I shall file warrants in the system," Willis warned.

Read more

about the Fulton indictment
The latest COVID-19 strain is being described as reminiscent of the early days of omicron.

Its yet not clear whether the emergence of the highly mutated coronavirus variant labeled BA.2.86 means there could be a repeat of last years record-breaking surge in COVID-19 cases thanks to omicron.

But scientists are paying attention.

Related

Theres a little bit of deja vu all over again, Adam Lauring, a virologist and infectious-disease physician at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, told the science journal Nature this week.

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Former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha posted recently that BA.2.86 has some experts concerned. Why? Because it has more than 30+ additional mutations on spike protein compared to circulating variants.

Count Kelly Oakeson, chief scientist for next generation sequencing and bioinformatics for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, among those who are keeping close watch on what the variant is doing.

Thats an alarming number of mutations to have all of a sudden arise, Oakeson said, adding hes concerned. Thats kind of comparable to what we saw in omicron, when it first arose. We know what omicron did in terms of case counts and hospitalizations.

In contrast, the Eris variant that currently makes up the largest percentage of COVID-19 cases in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is said to have only a single notable mutation.

That variant, officially known as EG.5, accounted for an estimated 20.6% of cases nationwide for the week ending Aug. 19. The next most common variant, called Fornax, makes up about 13% of cases, CDC projections show.

According to Nature, the emergence of the latest variant, BA.2.86, is reminiscent of the early days of the Omicron variant in late 2021, when scientists in southern Africa noticed a weird-looking lineage that quickly went global.

Related

As of Monday, there had been six cases worldwide linked to BA.2.86, in the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel and Denmark, the journal reported. By midday Tuesday, two new cases in South Africa and another in the U.S. had been added to the list.

Almost certainly there are going to be other cases that will start popping up, said Lauring, whose Michigan laboratory has already identified a person infected with BA.2.86. The second U.S. case was seen in Virginia.

So far, the new variant hasnt been detected in Utah, Oakeson said. The state lab is sequencing samples weekly that are collected from sewage treatment plants located throughout Utah as well as from positive tests for COVID-19.

Its a matter of time. If it does take off and spread, it will end up in Utah. Is that tomorrow? Is that next month, next week? I cant really say right now. Its hard to predict, Utahs chief scientist said, adding, it is something we want to keep an eye on.

That the small but increasing number of cases is spread across multiple countries is not a good sign, Oakeson said. Its moving fast. He said the case in Virginia was someone who had recently traveled overseas.

The new variant, now considered a variant under monitoring by the World Health Organization, is related to the BA.2 variant known as stealth omicron that circulated in early 2022.

Still, Nature said most scientists dont anticipate BA.2.86 will hit as hard as omicron.

Theres good reason to think it wont be like the omicron wave, but its early days, Lauring said.

Jha, now a public-health researcher at Brown University in Rhode Island, posted more data is needed but he suspects the new variant may be more transmissible, likely wont cause more severe disease and vaccines, tests and treatments will continue to work.

Related

He posted, too, that even though BA.2.86 is a little more out of left field than other recent variants, its not really a surprise. Its key, he said, to track emerging variants with strong surveillance.

Oakeson said Utah is in a good position to do that, with the state already routinely monitoring wastewater for COVID-19 as well as other indicators of spread, including emergency room visits.

This is going to keep happening. ... Viruses mutate. This is what they do, he said, adding the last time there were so many mutations at once to the coronavirus, it was a really significant change and caused a lot of illness. We just want to make sure were prepared.
Vladimir Putin , president of Russia, speaks by way of videotaped message on the first day of the BRICS summit at Sandton Convention Center on Tuesday in Johannesburg, South Africa. For war crimes in Ukraine, Putin faces an active warrant for his arrest by the International Criminal Court -- of which South Africa is a member. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI

Aug. 22 (UPI) -- The leaders of China, Russia, India and Brazil gathered with dozens of dignitaries in South Africa for a three-day summit that seeks to build a coalition of currently unaligned powers that would counter Western influence throughout the world.

Russian President Vladimir Putin joined the conference virtually due to an active warrant for his arrest by the International Criminal Court -- of which South Africa is a member -- for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

Representatives from more than 67 countries gathered Tuesday at Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg for the 15th annual BRICS summit, as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi , Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, and a number of other leaders from across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Leaders are discussing expanding the organization's membership, with more than 40 countries wanting to join BRICS, including Ethiopia, Iran, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia.

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About two dozen nations at the conference have formally applied to join the budding alliance as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine was driving increased global divisions while economic arm twisting was forcing many small nations to pick a side.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva addresses attendees of the BRICS summit on Tuesday in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI

The countries represented at BRICS wield enormous economic power on the world stage, representing one-quarter of global GDP, which could pose a threat to the United States' standing at the top of the world economy.

In a televised address before the conference, Ramaphosa said South Africa would remain neutral in discussions that were expected to advance an anti-American agenda, vowing to "not be drawn into a contest between global powers" and "competing camps."

Narendra Modi, prime minister of India, speaks at the BRICS summit on Tuesday in Johannesburg, South Africa. Modi, who signed a package of defense and technology deals with President Joe Biden during a visit to the White House in June, is seen as someone who would oppose any plan that would seek to impose anti-western policies. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI

"Our decision not to align with any one of the global powers does not mean that we are neutral on matters of principle or national interest," he said.

The leaders were expected to discuss ways to devalue the U.S. dollar throughout the global supply chain, which would provide a boost to a Russian economy that has been racked by international sanctions for more than a year.

South Africa's Minister of Trade and Industry Ebrahim Patelon speaks on the first day of the BRICS summit at Sandton Convention Center on Tuesday, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI

China was seeking to build a broad axis of developing countries that would work to expand its influence, but more importantly, help Beijing gain more economic leverage in Washington.

"The traditional global governing system has become dysfunctional, deficient and missing in action," Chen Xiaodong, the Chinese ambassador to South Africa, said ahead of the summit, adding that the Brics alliance was "increasingly becoming a staunch force in defending international justice."

South African Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, delivers remarks during a readiness display of the security forces safeguarding the BRICS summit at Innes Free Park in Johannesburg, South Africa, on August 21, 2023. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI

The stakes were similar for Russia, with Moscow using the summit to reaffirm relations with developing nations throughout Africa after Putin hosted several African leaders at a summit in St. Petersburg in July.

African leaders were seeking a stronger bargaining position at the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank.

Members of the South African Special Task Force and Police Force stand in formation. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI

Meanwhile, diplomatic experts said Indian Prime Minister Modi, who signed a package of defense and technology deals with President Joe Biden during a visit to the White House in June, would oppose any plan that sought to impose anti-western policies.

"India is looking to ensure that this platform doesn't just drift off into [being] an openly anti-western platform, and there is a danger of that with both Russia and China having a certain agenda," said Professor Harsh Pant of the Observer Research Foundation.

Wang Wentao, minister of commerce of the People's Republic of China, addresses attendees of the BRICS summit on Tuesday in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI

"India and least of all Modi have no interest in shaping India's foreign policy in an anti-western direction. BRICS was conceived as a geoeconomic platform but is drifting into a geopolitical role and India is not likely to be comfortable with that."

BRICS -- an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa -- was formed in 2009 and meets annually with the aim expanding cooperation on mutual interests and common values, but coalition members remain largely split due to divergent geopolitical goals.

The summit is set to run through Thursday.
We see a diver at the lake floor, where there are lots of wooden sticks in the ground.

Archaeologists in the Balkans have discovered the likely remains of an 8,000-year-old village built out over an ancient lake  the earliest-known village of any kind in Europe.

The lake, located on the border between Albania and North Macedonia, holds hundreds of tree-trunk stilts that the archaeologists believe formed the foundations of the prehistoric village. The researchers can't yet estimate the settlement's original size  but their discovery of a defensive palisade of tens of thousands of wooden spikes, now underwater, indicates the village was relatively large.

Albert Hafner , an archaeologist at the University of Bern in Switzerland who led the excavations, told Live Science that divers sampled wood from the submerged tree trunks and wooden spikes near the Albanian village of Lin on the western shore of Lake Ohrid a few weeks ago.

We see the green coast of a vast lake.

The results of dating tests won't be available for months. But Hafner said the submerged wood is probably the same age as wooden foundations unearthed on the shore, which his team determined date from between 5800 B.C. and 5900 B.C.

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This would mean it's the oldest settlement archaeologists have found anywhere in Europe, he said.

Related: Back to the Stone Age: 17 key milestones in Paleolithic life

Hafner's team also found evidence of similar "pile dwellings" built over the water at the underwater prehistoric site of Ploca Micov Grad on the eastern shore of the lake  part of North Macedonia  but those remains date to a few hundred years later.

We see an inflatable black boat with researchers in it near the coast of a lake.

It now seems both villages were built on opposite sides of the lake in phases over hundreds of years, and that the later building phases had obscured the earliest, he said.

"It seems to be quite typical that we have multiple phases of settlements, with sometimes long gaps in between," he said. "It now looks like Lin dates mostly from the sixth millennium [B.C.] in several phases, starting in about 5900 and ending in 5000."

First farmers

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Divers excavate underwater site at possible oldest village in the world.

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Divers excavate underwater site at possible oldest village in the world.

Hafner has led the EXPLO project for several years, examining lakes in the Balkans for traces of settlers from Anatolia  now Turkey  to Europe about 8,000 years ago. They are thought to be the first people to bring farming to Europe from around Mesopotamia .

The early farmers interbred with hunter-gatherers who had already occupied Europe since about 45,000 years ago during the Upper Palaeolithic period, and who probably arrived from Africa via the eastern shores of the Mediterranean.

And both ancestries interbred with nomadic proto-Indo-European peoples like the Yamnaya , who arrived in Europe from the Eurasian Steppe about 5,000 years ago. Most modern Europeans show a genetic mix of all three ancestries.

Hafner explained that the many large lakes in the Balkans region held clear traces of the early migration from Anatolia.

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Divers excavate underwater site at possible oldest village in the world.

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Divers excavate underwater site at possible oldest village in the world.

Lake dwellers

Hafner's team has so far investigated more than half a dozen sites across the Balkans.

Research into some of the lake settlements was conducted in the 1960s. But the latest excavations use refined techniques like very accurate radiocarbon dating and dendrochronology, which can determine when logs of wood were felled by looking at tree growth rings, Hafner said.

A diver carries an excavation tool near the bottom of the lake.

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Most of the former piles and stilts underwater near Lin are now covered by silt, but a few protrude from the lake floor. And archaeologists are unsure if the settlement was built in deep water or above mostly marshy ground.

Ancient people were likely drawn to the lakes because of water and plants there. But exactly why prehistoric people chose to build their houses on piles or stilts above a lake or wetland isn't clear  though the practice is seen throughout Europe, from the Balkans to the Baltic .

Hafner thinks that under normal conditions it would have been easy to get between houses with dugout canoes. But the large palisade of wooden spikes indicates the village was sometimes attacked, he said; and houses on the water were more easily defended (although perhaps not always successfully .)
Lori Poland (on left after she was rescued aged three and on right 40 years later) (Lori Poland/ENDCAN)

The traumatic event that would forever change Lori Polands life unfolded just steps from her home in the town of Sheridan, Colorado.

Then just three years old, the little girl was lured into a strangers car with the promise of candies and kidnapped in broad daylight after her father briefly stepped inside to get her and her five-year-old brother a popsicle.

Within minutes of her abduction, shocked neighbours and children who had been playing outside moments earlier rushed to Ms Polands home trying to provide her parents with clues  a physical description, a licence plate, anything  about her kidnapper.

Now, on the 40th anniversary of her abduction, Ms Poland tells The Independent that the next few hours on that excruciating day of 22 August 1983 are still something of a haze.

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What she does know is that her 37-month-old body was abused in unimaginable ways by then-21-year-old Robert Paul Thiret.

And that, after a disturbing sexual assault, Thiret threw her into a remote 15-foot outhouse toilet, where she was left for almost four days before being saved by a couple of birdwatchers.

Because I was so young, my capacity to have memory was minimal on a conscious level, but on a subconscious level my memory is fairly strong, Ms Poland tells The Independent.

I get very triggered by the smell of faeces and urine, I get triggered being in dark places or when Im alone or have the sensation Im not protected or abandoned.

Her remarkable story of survival grabbed the nations attention back in 1983, with TV filming crews present in her hospital room as she reunited with her parents.

Forty years on from the attack that rocked her and her familys world, Ms Poland  now a licensed therapist and the executive director of the National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (ENDCAN)  continues to heal through her advocacy work.

I live here now

Ms Polands abduction was the embodiment of every parents worst fear.

Her father had been gone mere minutes before he came back to his front yard to find his daughter gone and her pants lying on the curb, according to local media reports at the time.

Lori Poland was kidnapped on 22 August 1983. She was sexually assaulted and thrown into a toilet pit (ENDCAN/Lori Poland)

Ms Poland, then too young to understand stranger danger, has blocked out much of the memories of the attack but she remembers the ride with her abductor to the toilet pit and the abuse she underwent while on the passenger seat of Thirets orange Datsun Sedan.

The cars model was spotted by a neighbour of the Polands, who gave the first part of the licence plate to police. In the following days, two individuals came forward with accounts of thwarted abductions similar in detail to Ms Polands.

The tips ultimately led police to Thiret, whose car and house were searched, but he denied any involvement in Ms Polands kidnapping.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the latrine, Ms Poland developed a serious infection on her legs from injuries she sustained during the fall and worsened due to the chemicals and substances in the pit.

She spent four days without any water or food, largely unaware that she was running out of time to survive and preoccupied with trivial thoughts.

I had just gotten potty trained and I remember being upset that I was going to make my mom mad because I wet my pants and I didnt want to let her down, Ms Poland recounts.

Ms Polands parents issued public pleas for her safe return (NBC News)

Then, a couple who were driving through the area stopped at the outhouse toilet and heard Ms Polands cries.

When asked what she was doing there, the little girl simply answered: I live here now.

When I was rescued, the man came into the hole on a harness and he said hold on, Ms Poland tells The Independent.

I remember holding on and not wanting to let go. Thats [one of the] few things that I do have recollection around. Some of its a blessing and a curse because you want to have an understanding of what happened.

Doctors first thought Ms Polands infection was so serious that they would need to amputate her legs in order to save her, but the little girls condition soon improved.

She identified her abductor in interviews with prosecutors and gave testimony used to convict Thiret.

Thiret had initially been charged with her attempted murder, sexual assault, and kidnapping. But after his wife provided an alibi for him, prosecutors struck a controversial plea deal to sentence him to 10 years in prison on kidnapping charges.

He ended up spending only six years behind bars after his sentence was reduced for good behaviour.

Thiret is now living in San Pedro, California, as a registered sex offender.

You matter

Augusts are especially difficult for Ms Poland.

On a rational level, she knows that the circumstances that led to her kidnapping were outside of her control.

However, she keeps going back to that yes moment after she was offered candy and the lifetime of suffering that this unravelled, she tells The Independent.

I know I was a baby and I know that its not really my fault but I still said yes, I still got in that car and the weight of carrying the consequences of that word has been a heavy burden, Ms Poland says.

Every July and August, I struggle emotionally. Last night was my night of struggle. And so I was just sobbing, wondering why? What is my purpose? Why did that happen and why did I say yes?

The ripple effect that child sexual abuse has on victims and their families does not end with the assault, she says.

Ms Polands was rescued from the toilter pit after a couple of birdwatchers who needed to use the outhouse bathroom and heard her cries (ABC/Screengrab)

In the aftermath of her abduction, she has struggled with her mental health and survivors guilt.

There were a lot of normal experiences. There was a lot of joy and there was a lot of hard in living with [having] a decision that I made impact my family the way that it did, and then how that spread into extended family and friends and community, Ms Poland says.

Its hard to live in a world where I see abuse all of the time and its hard being in this field.

Part of the solution is ending the stigma.

Theres so much to do and we are in a society and culture where people just dont want to talk about [child sexual abuse], Ms Poland tells The Independent. We dont engage not because we dont support [victims], but because we dont know how to respond and so.

Ms Poland says she was inspired to help others at a very young age as she understood herself how pivotal support is for victims.

She worked as a therapist for years before joining ENDCANs board at the request of former University of Colorado School of Medicine Dean Dr Richard Krugman, who had treated her as a child after her rescue.

Ms Poland has devoted her life to helping victims of child sexual abuse (ENDCAN/Lori Poland)

Dr Krugman was also a mentor to Ms Lorand when she was in college. During one of their many conversations before ENDCAN was founded, Ms Poland says that Dr Krugman brought up the fact that child abuse survivors are more vulnerable to many health issues.

Our first priority is to change the conversation about child abuse and neglect from just being seen as a social and a legal issue to also being seen as a health issue and a mental health issue, Ms Poland tells The Independent.

Theres such a correlation between cancer, heart disease, mental illness, diabetes, stroke.

ENDCAN focuses on prevention, education, advocacy and research about child abuse. The organisation also hosts fundraisers and charity events with child abuse survivors to empower victims at every stage of their healing journey.

Just because you have this story [of abuse] as part of your timeline doesnt necessarily mean that life is all bad. It just means that its part of your story, says Ms Poland.

The one thing I would say is, you matter. And I think that when we believe that we matter, theres just a shift ... When we believe we matter, we can do big things.
Police have made an arrest after a man allegedly exposed himself to a student during the first week of classes at N.C. State University.

Around noon on Tuesday, a female student reported that a man exposed her genitals to her inside DH Hill Library on NC States campus.

By the time the student reported the incident and police responded, the man had left the area, according to Lauren Barker, a spokesperson for NC State.

Later in the day, the same student reported that the man had returned to the library.

Campus police then arrested Courtney Lawan Mitchell, 45. He has been charged with indecent exposure and resisting a public officer.

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Barker said the resisting a public officer charge came after Mitchell repeatedly provided officers with false names and dates of birth.

Mitchell, a resident of Raleigh, has now been charged with indecent exposure eight times since 2012. He pleaded guilty in six of those cases, and one was disposed by the court, according to court documents.

He is not a registered sex offender in North Carolina.

Barker said in an email there was no physical contact between the suspect and victim, nor were there any threats or weapons involved.

Indecent exposure is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Hundreds of sexual abuse cases have forced the Catholic Church in San Francisco to declare bankruptcy. The heads of 88 parishes in three Bay Area counties announced the decision in a statement, arguing that the process is necessary because it will help the Church manage and resolve more than 500 allegations of child sexual abuse perpetrated between the 1960s and 1980s. The legal strategy, known as Chapter 11 in U.S. law, has been widely used by other archdioceses facing the same problem.

The unfortunate reality is that the Archdiocese has neither the financial means nor the practical ability to litigate all of these abuse claims individually, Archbishop of San Francisco Salvatore J. Cordileone notes in the statement, which was made public Monday night. It is the best way to bring much-needed resolution to survivors while allowing the Archdiocese to continue its sacred mission to the faithful and those in need, Cordileone added. Many of these cases are resolved in the United States through out-of-court settlements, a way for perpetrators to avoid a public trial.

The archdiocese has reported that the process, which will take place in the Northern California judicial district, allows each of the claims to be evaluated on their own merits, something intended to add transparency when it comes to paying damages to victims of clerical pedophilia. Chapter 11 is a court-supervised process [...] and gives claimants a voice in the outcome, the document states. The archdiocese claims that the overwhelming majority of the more than 500 claims involve priests who are no longer active in ministry or who are deceased.

Cordileone stated in the document that today, occurrences of abuse within the Catholic Church are very rare. Given the educational and preventative measures now in place, I believe the Church has set the standard for other organizations, showing what can and should be done to protect our children, he added. Among the measures adopted were carrying out criminal background checks for clergy, employees, and volunteers who work with youth access to counseling and assistance for the survivors of abuse, in addition to the removal from ministry of Priests or deacons who are under investigation for alleged child sexual abuse. The archbishop added that his diocese, which serves some 442,000 Catholics, began making changes even before the General Convention adopted a child protection plan in 2002.

This is the second time the Catholic Church has faced a wave of sexual abuse lawsuits in California. Twenty years ago, the state government created a window allowing survivors to denounce abuses in court that were time-barred in the judicial system. During the #MeToo movement in 2019, California instated a similar period for victims to file civil legal claims. The deadline was in effect until December 31, 2022.

According to the archdiocese, the Catholic Church in California has paid $70 million in legal settlements with abuse survivors since 2003. This money was obtained using insurance funds and the sale of Church-owned properties in San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin counties. Monsignor Cordileone has stated that contributions and alms given by parishioners will not be used to settle abuse claims. According to a very ancient legal and moral principle, the intention of the donor must always be respected, the archbishop said in another letter.

This is the third time a San Francisco-area diocese has had to file for bankruptcy to deal with an avalanche of accusations. Earlier this year, Catholic representations in Oakland and Santa Rosa took the same route. Oakland faces 330 alleged cases of clerical pederasty, while Santa Rosa, north of San Francisco, says it must settle some 150 claims filed in recent years. In 2007, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Californias largest, paid a record $660 million in compensation to victims of clerical abuse. In total, 22 dioceses have reached million-dollar out-of-court settlements with survivors.

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A Louisiana man was arrested Monday on suspicion of second-degree murder after authorities said he had been driving around for a month with a womans body in the car.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs Office said they discovered the body of Sheila Ortega, 72, on Monday in her own SUV after family members reported her missing. Relatives told sheriffs deputies that they had not spoken to Ortega, who lived in Lake Charles, for about a month.

Detectives found Ortegas SUV in a mall parking lot as part of their missing persons investigation and discovered her body inside. They then identified Christopher T. Cater, 41, as a person of interest in their investigation and found him at a nearby business.

Sheila Ortega in a photo she posted on Facebook in May 2018.

Sheila Ortega in a photo she posted on Facebook in May 2018.

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According to detectives who interviewed Cater, he admitted to killing Ortega a month earlier and had obtained several loans in her name after her death.

Cater was also arrested on suspicion of unlawful disposal of human remains and identity theft. He is being held without bond in the Calcasieu Correctional Center in Lake Charles.

The sheriffs office did not elaborate on Caters relationship with Ortega, saying only that he was an acquaintance.

We have seen some strange cases here in Calcasieu Parish, but this case is definitely an unusual one for us, Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso said in a news release. We have never seen someone drive around with a dead body in the SUV for 30 days. My prayers go out to the family and friends of Mrs. Sheila, this is a senseless and inhumane tragedy. The body has been sent off for further testing and to determine the cause of death.

In a Facebook post Monday, one woman who called Ortega a friend described her as a very nice woman with a big heart who trusted too many people. She recalled the hardships Ortega had faced after hurricanes hit the area in 2020 and said Ortega had rented out rooms in her house and let people stay in campers in her yard because she needed help with repairs.

Kayla Vincent, the spokesperson for the Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs Office, told HuffPost that no other details would be released at this time. The Calcasieu Parish District Attorneys Office did not respond to a request for comment. An attorney for Cater could not be immediately located.

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A Mississippi police officer who took a 10-year-old to jail for peeing is out of a job.

The Senatobia Police Department admitted it was an "error in judgement" to take the boy to jail.

Officers will receive additional juvenile training from the department going forward, police said.

A Mississippi police officer who took a 10-year-old boy to jail after he peed behind his mom's car is now out of a job, police say.

Senatobia Police Department Chief Richard Chandler admitted his officers made an "error in judgment" by taking Latonya Eason's son to jail on August 10.

According to Eason, she was waiting inside an attorney's office when a police officer spotted her son, Quantavious, urinating behind her car, WHBQ reported.

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"This is to ridiculous something really need to be done," Eason wrote in a Facebook post about the incident.

Chandler initially stood by the officer's decision to refer the boy to youth court because the officer saw him committing "acts that would be identical for an adult under identical circumstances" and deemed him "in need of services."

Still, Chandler said it was an "error" for the officer to take Quantavious to jail because his mother was there as a "reasonable alternative" to transport him to the police station.

Now, Chandler said in a statement on Monday that the police officer who took Quantavious to jail is no longer employed by the department "as a result" of an internal investigation into the incident.

The department will also discipline the other officers involved in Quantavious's detainment and give additional juvenile training for all officers, according to the statement.

"We deeply value your trust and support, and we are dedicated to continually improving and learning from our mistakes," Chandler said.

Mississippi on the Move, a coalition that looks to empower Black Mississippians, started a GoFundMe fundraiser for Eason and her son. It has raised nearly $1,000 to help find the family more stable housing.

According to the page, Eason was consulting with a local attorney about getting help enrolling her children in school because of housing displacement.

Read the original article on Insider
Japan said Tuesday that North Korea intends to conduct a second attempt to launch a spy satellite into space before the end of this month. File Photo by KCNA/ EPA-EFE

Aug. 22 (UPI) -- North Korea has informed Japan of its intent to launch a reconnaissance satellite into space between Thursday and Aug. 31, Tokyo said Tuesday, months after Pyongyang failed an earlier launch attempt.

The office of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced in a statement that it had been informed of the launch window.

It said Japan, the United States and South Korea "strongly urge" North Korea against carrying out the launch while stating Tokyo's ministry of defense maintains "the necessary readiness for demolition measures."

"North Korea's series of actions, including its repeated ballistic missile launches, threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region and the international community," the office said, adding that a launch of a spy orbital using ballistic missile technology by Pyongyang violates relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

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The prime minister's office added on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter that it was also taking "all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of the Japanese people, including fully preparing for contingencies."

North Korea previously attempted to launch a spy satellite into space aboard its new Chollima-1 rocket on May 31, but it splashed down into the Yellow Sea. Pyongyang blamed the failed flight on "abnormal starting of the second-stage engine."

The launch received strong condemnation from Seoul, Washington and Tokyo, with the latter accusing North Korea of using the launch as cover to test ballistic missile technology. Following salvage operations to retrieve the orbital, the South Korean military said early last month that it had "no military utility."

Prior to the unsuccessful launch, Pyongyang had notified Tokyo and the International Maritime Organization of its intent to launch the mission between May 31 and June 11.
One of the most dangerous places in the world right now is the Taiwan Strait. Free, democratic Taiwan stands just over 100 miles off the coast of authoritarian China, with the latter openly building up the military strength necessary to take the island by force.

The war in Ukraine has reminded the world just how destructive modern warfare is, and how having the necessary weapons is crucial in stopping an invasion. But is Taiwan buying the right weapons?

One Job

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Todays Republic of China military has one job: defend Taiwan from invasion. Everything else is a distant second. Chinas refusal to rule out reuniting the two Chinas by force, and its persistent military buildup over the last three decadeswith particular emphasis on forces useful in a cross-strait invasionmake defending the island its overwhelming, and arguably only, priority.

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Still, Taiwan continues to spend its underfunded defense budget on what amounts to a distractionsuch as large warships, amphibious ships, and other less-than-useful weapons platforms. In the old days, the Kuomintang, the party of Nationalist China that evacuated to the island in 1949, maintained strong land and sea forces on the premise that someday it would retake the island. That was never actually a viable proposition, but since China couldnt invade the country, it was a relatively harmless gesture.

Its not so harmless anymore. Guided-missile destroyers and amphibious assault ships, useful in crossing the Taiwan Strait going west, are not useful in stopping a crossing going east. Chinas overwhelming superiority over Taiwan in aircraft carriers (3-0), surface warships (56-26), and submarines (33-2), means Taiwan cannot hope to halt an invasion in a big fleet action. Taiwans amphibious fleet, 31 ships strong, would face an air and sea environment so lethal it could not hope to even redeploy the army from one part of the island to another.

The Right Weapons

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A recent survey from the Oryx blog , a Dutch open-source intelligence defense analysis site, shows that Taiwan is buying many weapons that can successfully oppose an invasion. On the ground, Taiwan is upgrading more than 900 older tanks, including 450 CM-11 tanks (American-made M60 main battle tank hulls with M48 tank turrets) and 460 M60A3 tanks. While newer tanks are available, the lighter CM-11 and M60A3 tanks can more easily traverse Taiwans mountainous road network, especially bridges. While the older 105-millimeter M68 gun is less powerful than the world standard 120/125-millimeter, the Chinese Marine Corps will initially land lightly armored ZBD-05 amphibious assault vehicles armed with 30-millimeter guns and anti-tank missiles. The M68 will make easy work of Chinas amphibious vehicles, and the older tanks carry more ammunition (55 rounds) than those with bigger guns (40 rounds).

In the event of an invasion, Taiwan will need to defend its airspace for as long as possible, preventing Chinese air power from striking its forces on the ground. The Republic of China Air Force will eventually field a force of more than 200 F-16V Fighting Falcons, the largest F-16 fleet in Asia . While the F-16V is not stealthy like Chinas J-20 fighter, it includes advanced radar and avionics that are as good as, if not better than, the J-20. Thats in addition to more than 140 older Mirage 2000 and F-CK-1 fighters.

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Anti-invasion naval forces are where Taiwan is making the most progress, and for good reason: an invasion of the island will stand and fall based on how many troops China can rush to the island, and the number one priority of the war will be sinking transports. Small, heavily armored missile boats capable of hiding in small fishing ports and then unleashing barrages of missiles at amphibious transport ships, are ideal. Taiwan is building 12 Tuo River-class corvette catamarans, each equipped with eight Hsiung Feng II subsonic and eight Hsiung Feng III supersonic anti-ship missiles. Another 30 Kuang Hua IV fast missile boats will carry four more Hsiung Feng II anti-ship missiles.

Taiwans big naval acquisition will be the construction of eight indigenous diesel-electric attack submarines. No one will sell Taiwan attack submarines, due to Chinese political pressure, so Taiwan is designing and building its own. Eight submarines, equipped with American Mk-48 ADCAP heavyweight torpedoes and UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, will cause Peoples Liberation Army Navy admirals many sleepless nights.

The Wrong Weapons



Taiwan Presidential Office

Among ground weapons, Taiwan is buying 108 M1A2T (T for Taiwan) main battle tanks, a variant of the U.S. Armys M1A2 SEPv2. The M1A2T will weigh approximately 71.2 tons, a factor that will impede its tactical mobility in a mountainous country like Taiwan. Taiwan can certainly use a modern main battle tank, and there are factors that are desirablelike the M1s firepower and protectionbut the tank will be restricted in where on the island it can operate, and China will make educated guesses about where and when it might defend the island.

While Taiwan is making many good naval decisions, it is also making a veritable fleet of bad decisions. The island republic maintains four ex-U.S. Navy Kidd-class guided-missile destroyers. The four destroyers, each more than 40 years old, are outdated and require a total of about 1,400 crew. Each carries just four anti-ship missiles. Taiwans main reason for keeping these destroyers in service seems to be just to say it has destroyers.

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Another questionable segment of the fleet is the flotilla of ex-U.S. Navy Knox- and Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates. All 16 have crews of more than 200, yet carry half or less than half the anti-ship missile armament of the smaller, more agile Tuo River class.

Finally, Taiwan has a bafflingly high number of amphibious ships: 31, according to the U.S. Department of Defense . Taiwan does garrison a handful of islands near mainland China, and it claims some disputed islands in the South China Sea, but the number and type of ships is far greater than its requirements. The new Yushan-class amphibious platform dock is a particularly bizarre example of a large, expensive ship that would be quickly destroyed in a conflict, taking hundreds of Taiwanese sailors and marines with it.

The Takeaway

Until recently, Taiwan spent just 2 percent of GDP on defense, compared to 3.5 percent for the United States. The invasion of Ukraine seems to have jolted Taiwanese officials to action, with the number set to rise to 2.4 percent in 2023 . Will it be enough? If Taiwan trims wasteful programs and sets realistic expectations, sure. If not, Taiwan may some day wake up to a sky darkened by Chinese missiles and fighter jets, armed with weapons it does not need.

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In Uganda, which has one of the harshest anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the world, police arrested four people Sunday for acts of homosexuality at a massage parlor.

The arrests occurred in Buikwe, a town about 35 miles east of the capital, Kampala.

The police operation was carried out following a tip-off by a female informant to the area security that acts of homosexuality were being carried out at the massage parlor, police spokeswoman Hellen Butoto told Agence France-Presse. Two of those arrested were women.

Uganda adopted the Anti-Homosexuality Act in May. It provides for the death penalty for what it calls aggravated homosexuality, including sex with a minor, sex while HIV-positive, and incest. Those convicted of having same-sex relations that are not of the aggravated variety can be imprisoned for life.

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A previous anti-homosexuality law that did not include the death penalty, although that was considered when the measure was discussed by legislators, was struck down in court in 2014, not because of its content but because of the manner in which it was passed by Parliament.

The Anti-Homosexuality Act has been condemned by world leaders, including President Joe Biden, and human rights groups. Democrats in Congress have pushed for an amendment to the pending National Defense Authorization Act to prohibit aid to Ugandas army or police forces.

This month, the World Bank announced it would provide no new funding for public projects in Uganda because of the law. Officials with the bank said they will try to negotiate additional measures to prevent anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination in the country. The bank will meet previous commitments and will consider private-sector loans selectively, while taking any steps necessary to assure there wont be discrimination.
A Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) gas station in Naucalpan, Mexico. Luis Antonio Rojas (Bloomberg)

A trial in the United States involving Mexicos state-owned oil company, Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex), and Swiss energy giant Vitol is now underway. On August 21, Javier Aguilar, a 49-year-old U.S. citizen, appeared before a federal judge in Texas and admitted to paying bribes to Pemex officials in Mexico, Ecuador, and Brazil.

U.S. federal prosecutors have charged Aguilar with violating the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). According to a statement from the US Department of Justice (DOJ), Aguilar, a former oil trader for Vitol Inc., is alleged to have conspired with others to bribe Mexican officials in order to secure contracts with the Mexican government through Pemex Procurement International (PPI). The five-count indictment returned on August 3 also charges Aguilar with money laundering in connection with this scheme. Vitol Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of the Vitol group, one of the largest global energy traders.

In December 2020, Vitol executives confessed to U.S. authorities that they paid bribes to Petroleos Mexicanos as well as public officials in Brazil and Ecuador, seeking inside information to secure contracts. The case was initially filed in New York, but it was dismissed by a judge who decided it was the wrong jurisdiction for the case. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador then initiated a parallel investigation in Mexico.

A few months later, Pemex CEO Octavio Romero said that Vitol offered Pemex $17 million to compensate for the damages caused by the corruption. Vitol also committed to completing the work for the contracts at no cost. Lopez Obrador later said Vitols compensation payments amounted to $30 million. In June 2021, Lopez Obrador announced in a press conference that Vitol was obligated to disclose the names of the Pemex employees involved in the bribery case. In September 2021, Reuters reported that Pemex had initially canceled its contracts with Vitol, but then resumed negotiations a year later.

The DOJ says Aguilar allegedly met with procurement managers at PPI between September 2017 and April 2018 and agreed to pay bribes for confidential, inside information to assist Vitol in winning business from PPI, including a contract to supply ethane to Pemex through PPI. In particular, Aguilar allegedly agreed to make payments totaling approximately $600,000 in order to assist Vitol in winning the ethane contract. To promote the bribery scheme and to conceal the proceeds derived from it, Aguilar and his co-conspirators caused the bribes to be paid through a series of transactions and shell companies, according to the charges, said the DOJ statement.

According to federal authorities in the U.S., although PPI operates as a private company, its employees should be treated as public officials because PPI is a wholly owned subsidiary of a state-owned company. This could potentially impact the case of two former employees of CFE International, the private foreign arm of Mexicos Federal Electricity Commission (CFE). These individuals are currently facing a civil trial in the U.S. for allegedly awarding influence-peddling contracts to an unnamed U.S. company.

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A journalist has released unedited audio and a complete transcript of an interview he conducted with GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy , disproving the latters claim that he was misquoted.

About the quote: The article in question was written by reporter John Hendrickson and published by The Atlantic on Monday, Aug.21. The piece features Ramaswamy questioning how many federal agents were on the planes that crashed during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The candidate was quoted as saying:

"I think it is legitimate to say how many police, how many federal agents, were on the planes that hit the Twin Towers. Maybe the answer is zero. It probably is zero for all I know, right? I have no reason to think it was anything other than zero. But if we're doing a comprehensive assessment of what happened on 9/11, we have a 9/11 commission, absolutely [that] should be an answer the public knows the answer to." More from NextShark: Kimchi Company Co-Founder Fatally Stabbed in Portland Home

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About the denial: During an interview with CNN's Kaitlan Collins on Monday night, Ramaswamy vehemently denied making the statement, claiming that he was misquoted. According to Ramaswamy, what he actually said was that on Jan. 6, 2021, when a pro-Trump mob attacked the U.S. Capitol, he believed there were many federal agents in the field and we deserve to know who they are. He then added that the government lied about Saudi Arabias involvement in 9/11.

Releasing proof: In response to Ramaswamy's claims, Hendrickson released the full audio and transcript of the interview, which clearly indicate that Ramaswamy did make the statement quoted in The Atlantic's article. The released materials also provided additional context to Ramaswamy's views, including his questions about the presence of government agents during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and his skepticism about the official narrative surrounding the 9/11 attacks.

Vivek Ramaswamy was not misquoted in my story. Here is the unedited audio and a transcript of our exchange about 9/11 and January 6: https://t.co/TSvpOnKDB0 More from NextShark: Bidet Sales Skyrocket 10X Because of Toilet Paper Hoarders  John Hendrickson (@JohnGHendy) August 22, 2023

Tricia McLaughlin, Ramaswamy's campaign spokesperson, has since responded to the release of the audio, emphasizing that the recording shows Ramaswamy was taken "badly out of context." The Atlantic, however, maintains that the quotes in their article accurately represent Ramaswamy's statements.

More from NextShark: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist draws backlash after mocking Indian cuisine in humor column
LAHAINA, Hawaii  Long before a wind-whipped wildfire blasted through the island of Maui, tension existed between Hawaii's kamaaina, or longtime residents, and the visitors some islanders resent for turning their beaches, mountains and communities into playgrounds.

It's a love-hate relationship that dates back generations. But now that tension is building in the aftermath of a blaze that killed over 100 people and scorched the historic town of Lahaina, making it the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century.

A week after the fire, a state flag blew upside down in the breeze along a road leading to a neighborhood designated for residents of Hawaiian descent, signifying that the community is in distress. Beneath the flag, a sign scrawled in blue paint ordered tourists to "KEEP OUT."

"Tourism has definitely been a hindrance at this point because we need to take care of our families  our ohana," said Kapali Keahi, who lives in the neighborhood. Keahi said those affected by the fire, himself included, are still "getting out of the survivor mode."

Long before a wildfire blasted through Maui, there was tention between Hawaii's longtime residents and the visitors some islanders resent for turning their beaches, mountains and communities into playgrounds.

The Maui Economic Development Board says tourism is "irrefutably" the economic engine of Maui, which saw 1.4 million visitors in just the first half of 2023. About 70% of every dollar generated in Maui can be attributed to tourism, according to the board.

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Yet as the island looks to rebuild, residents like Keahi wonder what role tourism should play in the long road ahead to recovery. Experts say there's no easy answer.

More: 'Help is pouring in': How to assist victims in the Maui wildfires in Hawaii

"You do have this time where you have to stop everything and focus on the disaster, but there does come a time when you have to start to rebuild, and that means keeping people employed," said Rafael Villanueva, a member of the Tourism Expert Network, which provides consulting services to businesses like hotels.

Villanueva said that's the general roadmap he and his then-colleagues at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority followed in 2017 after the deadliest mass shooting in modern America unfolded at a country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip. Support the victims and the community first, then worry about the tourists.

Within an hour of the shooting that would leave 60 dead and hundreds more injured, the publicly funded body promoting Las Vegas had halted its advertising, promising "What Happens Here, Stays Here." Villanueva said they filled billboards with a message that the community instead could rally around: "Vegas Strong."

Then they opened up their convention center for recovery efforts, including victim notifications. But eventually, they shifted their messaging, inviting visitors back to a Strip that they promised was a safe tourist destination.

"You need to do what you can to not let the situation snowball into something much worse," Villanueva said.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said in a statewide address Friday night that tourists should avoid fire-ravaged West Maui while emphasizing that the rest of the island and state were open and safe.

The aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii.

"We continue to welcome and encourage travel to our beautiful state," he said, "which will support the local economy and help speed the recovery of those who have already suffered so much."

Green also has said it would be "catastrophic" if Maui's tourism industry came to a halt right now, warning that it could lead to a "mass exodus" of residents.

It's a situation that Maui resident Julie Sumibtay said she wants to avoid, even if she understands how other locals want the space to grieve and deal with their profound pain without the prying eyes of outsiders.

Encouraging words were painted on a tunnel near Lahaina, Hawaii, on Thursday.

"Some of us need work," said Sumibtay, who works at the front desk of a condominium complex in Kihei, where some of the units are used as vacation rentals. "So if they're saying Maui is closed, then there are no tourists coming in, and then we lose our jobs."

Already the deadly fire and its aftermath have prompted some would-be tourists to change their plans, opting to head to other islands instead.

Tom Bailey and his family from the Sacramento area of California arrived on Maui the week before the fire spread from hillsides and raced toward historic Lahaina.

They had seen the smoke in the distance from their hotel in Kaanapali, just up the road from Lahaina. At first, they were reassured that the blaze posed no immediate danger. But in the night, the glow of the fire intensified, prompting hotel officials to suggest guests voluntarily evacuate.

Bailey and his family packed up and left to spend the final five days of their vacation on Oahu.

"We just wanted to stay out of the way," Bailey said, adding that he understands the local residents "need time."

Yamat reported from Las Vegas.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why locals are asking tourists to support Maui's recovery
Wally Lake Fest, first held in 2010, remains an annual highlight for the late summer in the greater Hawley Lake Wallenpaupack area. The festival takes place Friday, Aug. 25, through Sunday, Aug. 27, celebrating with concerts, crafts, boats, vintage cars, a motorcycle ride around the lake and many more events.

Wally Lake Fest is hosted by the Chamber of the Northern Poconos. "This celebrates the whole region; it's the end of summer celebration," said Executive Director Debbie Gillette.

The weekend before Labor Day Weekend had typically been the slowest for local businesses as the summer winds down. Since the festival began, she said, local businesses report they do very well, bringing more people together to enjoy what the Hawley Lake Region has to offer.

Each year, new attractions are added, and schedules are shifted based on the feedback the event organizers receive. Gillette said more Friday activities were asked for, so the popular Open Market Fair, held outside the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center, and the Boat Show, held at the high school parking lot, have been extended to Fridays as well as Saturday and Sunday.

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More in Hawley: Bandstand renamed for Bingham Park engineer Christopher Ellingsen

More children's activities have been introduced, including a 40-foot mobile arcade on Friday afternoon at the high school and "small kids' zone" at Gresham's Chop House.

Live music is always big at Wally Lake Fest. There is music by land and by lake  right on the lake, with bands performing on a barge. What started as Battle of the Bands in 2011 was named Wallypalooza in 2015. An instant hit, one may expect to see people lined up on Tafton Dike or enjoying the concerts from their boats, adding to the scene as watercraft anchor in a wide arc around the floating musicians.

Wallypalooza is a big attraction at Wally Lake Fest, with three bands set to perform on a floating stage on Lake Wallenpaupack Saturday, Aug. 26.

Between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, the Wallypalooza floating stage brings three groups. New to Wally Lake Fest is headliner Ten 02, hailing from Alberta, Canada, and performing pop music. Next is Sydney Irving, back for his third time, with a mixture of country, alternative and pop tunes. Cooper Greer, a rising country music performer from Nashville, is here for the first time.

The South Sid Five plays Friday at 6 p.m., and Mike Miz and the Northeast Extension plays Saturday night at 6 p.m. at Harmony in the Woods.

Ritz Company Playhouse in Hawley hosts "A Bedful of Foreigners," described as a hilarious farce, Saturday at 8 p.m.

On Sunday, catch the tunes live from the Palmyra Public Beach at Lake Wallenpaupack and other venues. Many local restaurants also feature musicians.

The 11th annual Ride for the Lake takes place Saturday at 10 a.m. (or Sunday if it rains). This motorcycle event begins and ends at Wallenpaupack Area High School. Proceeds benefit the work of the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District in promoting good water quality in the lake. The bikers take a 41-mile loop completely around the lake.

See a restored 1940 REO Speedwagon firetruck at Lake Life Pursuit, 289 Route 507 in Tafton, Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Rent a pontoon boat, kayak, or stand-up paddle board at Lake Wallenpaupack.

There will be music on Palmyra Public Beach, on the water at Lake Wallenpaupack, on the Wallypalooza floating stage and at various restaurants during Wally Lake Fest, Aug. 25-27, 2023.

Just some of the other activities/events include Wallenpaupack scenic boat tours; "Pollinators and the Effects of Habitat Fragmentation," an educational presentation by Pike County Conservation District; vendor fair; artisan craft fair; brewery tours; car cruise and auction; Van Scott Nature Reserve Scavenger Hunt; sailboat rides; fire company BBQ and a pancake breakfast;

Gillette said that free parking is available at the Wallenpaupack North Primary/North Intermediate and Middle School complex on Atlantic Avenue. Do not park at the high school. There is a free shuttle from the parking area on Saturday and Sunday, with two buses, one red and the other blue, designated for different stops for festival events.

Lighthouse Harbor Marina has been the event's premier sponsor since Wally Lake Fest was started by Downtown Hawley Partnership in 2010. Gillette said that the festival could not happen without help from its many sponsors. The hotel lodging tax also assists in paying for promotion. She said there are many expenses, such as paying for bands, traffic control and marketing. With help of Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau and other partners, the festival is made known far and wide across the northeastern United States.

Visit wallylakefest.com for the entire schedule and other festival information.

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Celebrate end of summer at Lake Wallenpaupack this weekend
Western officials criticized Ukrainian counteroffensive tactics.

But a think tank defended Ukraine's strategy of attacking several parts of the front line at once.

Ukraine is making slow progress in its counteroffensive to drive back Russian forces.

A leading US think tank has defended Ukraine after Western officials said it was making faltering progress in its counteroffensive against Russia because of faulty tactics.

The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington, DC-based think tank, pushed back against claims by US officials in the New York Times Tuesday.

They said that Ukraine was failing to achieve a breakthrough because it was spreading its forces too thinly across the 600-mile Russian defensive line, instead of focusing them in the south to achieve a breakthrough.

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But the ISW said that by attacking several parts of the front line, Ukraine was fixing Russian units in place and preventing them from reinforcing areas where Ukraine could achieve a breakthrough.

"Criticisms of continued Ukrainian efforts in other sectors and calls for Ukraine to concentrate all available reserves on a single axis are thus problematic," it said.

It said Ukrainian attacks in Bakhmut in east Ukraine were preventing Russia from reinforcing an area further to the south, where Ukraine was seeking to break through Russian defenses.

It also defended Ukrainian tactics on the southern front, where troops are trying to break through in the direction of occupied Melitopol.

"Ukrainian offensive operations south of Velyka Novosilka proceeding in parallel with operations toward Melitopol present Russian defenders with multiple dilemmas and the need to choose which axis to reinforce," it said.

"Sound campaign design requires balancing between weighting a decisive main effort and avoiding allowing the enemy to concentrate all reserves on stopping a single obvious thrust."

In recent weeks Ukraine has been fighting a grueling counteroffensive, trying to breach Russian positions defended by miles of mines, and protected by heavy artillery fire.

But as Ukraine struggles to make a decisive breakthrough, differences are emerging with Western allies over the tactics it's using.

Ukraine has abandoned some of the large-scale frontal attack plans its forces were trained to use when they didn't achieve a decisive breakthrough, and some Western equipment has proved ineffective at breaching Russian lines.

A core aim of the counteroffensive is to cut off Russian supply routes between Russia and occupied Crimea. US and other Western officials told the Times that Ukraine is focusing too many forces in areas such as Bakhmut, and not enough on the southern front that they say should be the main focus of the counteroffensive.

Some analysts believe that Ukraine has to achieve a decisive breakthrough in its counteroffensive soon, as a protracted conflict would be to Russia's advantage.

Vitaliy Kryukov, a loitering-munition commander for the elite Adam Tactical Group previously told Insider's Sinead Baker that Ukraine has to pick tactics that save as many of its soldiers as possible: "I think for the Ukrainian army, it's no other choice but to make sure our loss is not drastic losses, even despite of the assault campaign."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Voters in November could close the only library in Columbia County, the result of a yearlong dispute over the placement of young adult books that address gender, sexuality and race. (Dean Rutz / The Seattle Times)
The Mexican government of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and the U.S. Republican Party have locked horns once again. U.S. Congressman Dan Crenshaw  who proposed classifying drug cartels as terrorist organizations  has attacked the Mexican president over the disappearance of five young men from the city of Lagos de Moreno.

I have a question for the president of Mexico: how much more violence can you endure? When will you reach your limit? asked Crenshaw in a video shared on Instagram on Tuesday.

It is time to declare enemies of Mexico and the United States, added Crenshaw, addressing Lopez Obrador. Its time to stop the political games and work together to combat this threat.

Crenshaw and the Mexican president have clashed before over the congressmans call to categorize drug cartels as terrorist groups, which would allow the U.S. to authorize the use of military force within Mexico, and over the Texan politicians criticisms of the Mexican governments security policy.

Youve said before that I want to invade Mexico, but you know thats not true, said Crenshaw in the video, which he delivers in Spanish. Its time to let us help you, added the congressman, who is a veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

Crenshaw is not the first person to call for the U.S. army to fight the Mexican cartels. The proposal emerged under the Barack Obama administration and gained strength during the government of Donald Trump. Although it has never come into effect, the plan has gained further momentum in the midst of the fentanyl crisis, which claims tens of thousands of lives in the United States every year. Mexicos Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel have been blamed for trafficking the drug into the U.S.

Last March, Crenshaw and other members of the Republican Party used the murder of two Americans in the border city of Matamoros to argue that Lopez Obradors policy against organized crime had failed. In response, the Mexican president said that Mexico was not a colony of the United States and that using weapons on Mexican territory was a violation of international law. He also lashed out at Republican lawmakers, calling them interventionists and arrogant wimps.

At the end of July, in an exclusive interview with EL PAIS, Crenshaw said that his proposal had been misinterpreted and that he would never support an invasion of Mexico  an argument he repeated in Tuesdays Instagram video. Just as Crenshaw spoke out in March after the death of the two U.S. citizens, his most recent message comes in the wake of the Lagos de Moreno case, which has shocked Mexico. The case involves five men who have been missing since August 11. Days after they were reported missing, a disturbing video emerged of them being held by gang members. The footage shows two of the boys lying on the ground, covered in blood, while in the background  in a horrific scene  one of the boys is being forced to kill one of his friends. The case has dominated the news in Mexico and sparked public outrage.

Mexican authorities have been trying to locate the bodies of the victims, who were aged between 19 and 22. This week, officials announced that they had discovered bone segments on a secured property, but the Jalisco state government later said they were not related to the Lagos de Moreno case.

In his video, Crenshaw blamed the Jalisco New Generation Cartel for the murders, saying the only crime of the victims was refusing to join the cartel.

Mexico and the United States will both head to the polls next year to elect a new president. Most experts argue that the Republican Party will continue to use the wave of violence in Mexico, as well as the issue of migration, to win over voters. Presidential hopefuls such as Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron de Santis have both taken a hard-line stance on immigration, supporting the use of deadly force at the border, including against immigrants in transit.

Mexico is going to be a topic throughout the election and the crux of the Republican Partys campaign, said Marcelo Ebrard, the presidential candidate for Morena, in an interview with EL PAIS last weekend. Whoever their candidate is, they will be anti-Mexican, in fact, it is one of the few elements that brings the party together, added Ebrard, who acknowledged that the presidential campaigns in each country may elevate diplomatic tensions.

We have to act now, before more innocent people get killed. Your country is on the line, said Crenshaw, who added in his Instagram post that he is to meet with the Mexican president to put their disagreements behind them.

After months of friction with different sectors in Washington, Lopez Obrador has avoided addressing the controversy. A new open wound for Mexico can reignite the tensions between the two countries.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
By Keita Nakamura, KYODO NEWS - Aug 23, 2023 - 10:22 | All, Japan, World

One of Japan's major challenges in successfully carrying out the release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear complex into the Pacific, set to start Thursday, is a diplomatic one as China continues its attempt to politicize the discharge plan.

China is very unlikely to change its position on Japan's water release, part of the power plant's decommissioning work, and may even tighten its restrictions further on Japanese food imports implemented since the complex's nuclear disaster triggered by a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011, diplomacy experts say.

But experts believe Tokyo needs a cool-headed response to Beijing's opposition, widely seen as a politically motivated action amid their strained bilateral ties, urging Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government to persistently explain the water release's environmental impact, which a U.N.-backed agency has concluded as negligible, to the international community and gain wider support.

Beijing has aired strong opposition to discharging the water currently stored in tanks to the sea since April 2021 when Japan decided to release it. The water was used to cool down melted nuclear fuel.

The plant operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc., keeps over 1.3 million tons of treated water at the complex and is running out of storage capacity.

The treated water with trace amounts of tritium will be diluted to one-40th of the concentration permitted under Japanese safety standards before being released via an underwater tunnel 1 kilometer off the power plant.

Tokyo's decision came after the International Atomic Energy Agency concluded that Japan's approach to the treatment and release of the radioactive water is consistent with international standards.

"China has demanded the suspension of water release, but it is unrealistic that China would actually force Japan to stop releasing the water," said Naoko Eto, a professor of political science at Gakushuin University and Japan-China relations expert.

"China may have other intentions" such as using the Fukushima water issue "as a diplomatic tool to discredit Japan," she added.

The two Asian powers are already at odds over a number of issues, including those related to the Tokyo-controlled, Beijing-claimed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, China's increasing joint military activities with Russia near Japan amid the war in Ukraine, and the self-ruled democratic island of Taiwan, seen by Communist-led China as its territory to be reunified with the mainland.

Japan's ally, the United States, was quick to announce its support of the IAEA conclusion, while the European Union completely lifted its import restrictions on Japanese food products on Aug. 3.

China cast doubt on the U.N. nuclear watchdog's conclusion, saying it "failed to fully reflect views from experts that participated" in the safety review and that its conclusion should not be the "green light" for the discharge of "nuclear-contaminated water."

China has imposed a ban on almost all the food imports from Fukushima and nine other Japanese prefectures and recently began blanket radiation testing for Japanese seafood imports after the IAEA published its report on the water discharge.

Fresh seafood and other products from Japan have reportedly been held up at Chinese customs due to their strengthened inspections.

Beijing raised the issue at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-related ministerial gatherings in Jakarta in mid-July, urging Indonesia, the 27-member forum's chair this year, to express opposition to the water release plan in the chair statement, according to a diplomatic source.

The chair's statement after the ASEAN Regional Forum made no reference to the matter.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi told China's top diplomat Wang Yi that Japan opposes "politicizing" the water release issue when they met on the fringes of the ASEAN talks.

In June, Henry Puna, secretary general of the 18-member Pacific Island Forum, said in a statement, "Our people do not have anything to gain from Japan's plan but have much at risk for generations to come."

China issued a joint statement with the Solomon Islands in July, urging "relevant countries to fulfill their international obligations" and "prudently handle issues such as the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water," when the Pacific state's Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare visited Beijing.

Yumi Iijima, a research fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs with expertise in China's environmental diplomacy, said the responses by the Pacific island states might have resulted from China's diplomatic maneuvers.

"Now that it has become difficult for Japan to have science-based communication with China, which has denied the IAEA's review, Japan will have to take measures to prevent other nations from going along with China," she added.

Experts especially warned that China's alleged diplomatic attempts could resonate with opposition parties and public opinion in South Korea, where objections to the Fukushima water release have been deep-seated, even though the government led by President Yoon Suk Yeol has softened its stance toward the issue.

Seoul still maintains its import ban on some Japanese marine products.

Yoon took office in May last year with a pledge of improving the worsened relationship with Japan and places importance on building a closer trilateral security partnership with Tokyo and Washington to address North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.

Not only for Pyongyang but for Beijing, it is "unfavorable" that the three democracies ramp up their collaboration, said Hideki Okuzono, a professor of international relations at the University of Shizuoka.

"Therefore, the (Fukushima water) issue is highly useful for China since it may be possible to drive a wedge into the three-way cooperation" by influencing South Korean public opinion, said Okuzono, well-versed in South Korean politics and diplomacy.

In South Korea, the water discharge plan has become "a tool for political strife" ahead of a quadrennial national parliamentary election scheduled for April 2024, Okuzono said.

If the ruling People Power Party loses to opposition parties at the upcoming election, Yoon's administration will become a lame duck, meaning it is all the more important for Kishida to continue improving relations with Seoul and keep the country's public sentiment toward Japan from deteriorating, he added.

Related coverage:

China protests Fukushima water release, South Korea sees no problem

H.K. seafood sector braces for impact from Fukushima water release

Fishermen, locals decry Japan gov't Fukushima nuclear plant water discharge
KYODO NEWS - Aug 24, 2023 - 12:23 | All, World

TOKYO - North Korea said Thursday it made an unsuccessful second attempt to launch a military reconnaissance satellite, as the Japanese government condemned Pyongyang for suspected use of ballistic missile technology.

Pyongyang's state-run media reported the nation is planning a third try in October. The Malligyong-1 satellite was launched on a Chollima-1 "new type" rocket early Thursday but the attempt "failed due to an error in the emergency blasting system during the third-stage flight," according to the Korean Central News Agency.

The launch came as South Korea and the United States conduct joint military exercises and after a trilateral summit between Tokyo, Washington and Seoul during which their leaders reaffirmed a commitment to jointly deal with the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters that while North Korea's latest launch was a "failure," any projectile launch using ballistic missile technology violates U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Tokyo said parts of the North Korean missile may have fallen in the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea and waters east of the Philippines in areas outside those previously announced by North Korea and Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Speaking at a hastily convened press conference, Japan's top government spokesman, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, said the missile was fired from Tongchang-ri at around 3:51 a.m. and is presumed have passed over Okinawa into the Pacific. He said there were no reports of damage after the launch.

Photos taken by Kyodo News from the northeastern Chinese province of Liaoning showed a projectile rising from the direction of a satellite launch site in North Korea.

The Japanese government issued a J-Alert warning before 4 a.m., urging citizens in Okinawa to seek shelter.

The J-Alert satellite-based system enables authorities to swiftly send alerts regarding natural disasters or attacks on Japan directly to residents via television, radio, smartphone and other devices.

The launch of the projectile took place after North Korea pledged to put a rocket carrying a military reconnaissance satellite into orbit "as soon as possible" following a failed launch in May.

South Korea's military said North Korea had launched a "space projectile" southward.

Matsuno said North Korea's missile launches have "seriously threatened" regional security, adding Japan had lodged a stern protest with Pyongyang through its embassy in Beijing.

While Tokyo did not issue a destroy order for the launch, it condemned the action "in the strongest terms," the spokesman added.

Later Thursday, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi held phone talks with his U.S. and South Korean counterparts, Antony Blinken and Park Jin, during which they agreed to boost their security collaboration to deter any provocations by North Korea, Tokyo said.

On Tuesday, the Japan Coast Guard said it had been notified by Pyongyang of its intention to designate three maritime danger zones in which an object could fall during the launch period between Thursday and Aug. 31.

Two of the designated areas are located to the west of the Korean Peninsula and the third to the east of the Philippines. All three are outside of Japan's EEZ.

On five previous occasions, North Korea launched a "satellite" within the first three days of a window after informing relevant nations and organizations that it would do so.

After North Korea's notification in May, Japan's Self-Defense Forces were ordered to destroy any projectile expected to fall within the country's territory by ground-based Patriot Advanced Capability-3 interceptor missiles and Aegis-equipped destroyers.

Last Friday, the leaders of Japan, the United States and South Korea agreed during a trilateral summit near Washington to beef up cooperation in opposing North Korea's rapid development of nuclear and missile capabilities.

The three nations remain on alert for further actions by Pyongyang, including an intercontinental ballistic missile test timed to coincide with large-scale military exercises between Washington and Seoul that began Monday.

Related coverage:

North Korea resumes international passenger flights after COVID hiatus

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversees cruise missile launch drill

North Korea intends to launch "satellite" within week from Aug. 24
Cum ne distrugem bateria telefonului fara sa realizam: opt obiceiuri proaste pe care trebuie sa le evitati

Pastrarea intr-o stare cat mai buna a smartphone-ului este o dorinta comuna pentru toti utilizatorii, iar asta nu se rezuma doar la ecran si carcasa. Bateria, unul dintre elementele [citeste mai departe]
KYODO NEWS - Aug 23, 2023 - 09:00 | All, World

U.S. President Joe Biden will travel to India from Sept. 7 to attend a summit of the Group of 20 countries, with a plan to focus in particular on the enhancement of multilateral development banks in the face of China's "unsustainable" lending practices, the White House said Tuesday.

Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the president's trip will run through Sept. 10, during which he will also hold a number of bilateral meetings with leaders from the world's 20 biggest economies on the margins of the summit in New Delhi.

Sullivan also told reporters on a conference call that Vice President Kamala Harris will visit the Indonesian capital of Jakarta for four days from Sept. 4 to take part in the East Asia Summit and other Association of Southeast Asian Nations-related meetings in lieu of Biden.

During the G-20 summit, participants are expected to address global issues such as climate change and the economic repercussions of Russia's war on Ukraine. Biden will also devote himself to the modernization of multilateral development institutions, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, given the scale of China's "coercive and unsustainable lending through the Belt and Road Initiative," Sullivan said.

"We have heard loud and clear that countries want us to step up our support in the face of the overlapping challenges they face, so as we continue to extend critical support to Ukraine, we're going to be delivering for the rest of the world as well," he added.

While referring to China, the adviser said, "I am suggesting the World Bank and IMF are a positive, affirmative alternative to what is a much more opaque, more coercive method" employed by Beijing when offering development aid.

His remarks came hours after the United States announced a four-day trip by Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to Beijing and Shanghai from Sunday.

Her visit for talks with senior Chinese officials is the latest in a series of high-level meetings the world's two largest economies have held since U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing in mid-June.

"Her trip is an encapsulation of the approach that the Biden administration is taking, where we are engaged in an intense competition with (China) but intense competition requires intense diplomacy to manage that competition so that it doesn't tip over into conflict," Sullivan said.

"Secretary Raimondo will carry with her the message that the United States is not seeking to decouple from China but rather to de-risk, and that means protecting our national security and ensuring resilient supply chains alongside our allies and partners, while we continue our economic relationship and our trade relationship," he said.

As part of the increased communications, Biden is hoping to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year, despite disagreements over major political and economic issues.

Biden said Friday he anticipates a meeting with Xi "this fall," making the comment at a press conference following a summit with the leaders of Japan and South Korea at his rustic presidential retreat of Camp David near Washington.

The Biden administration is seeking to arrange a formal summit between the presidents of the United States and China on the sidelines of this year's summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in November in San Francisco.

Whether Biden and Xi will hold a one-on-one conversation during the G-20 summit remains an open question that has drawn media attention. During the conference call, Sullivan did not specify with whom Biden may meet in the Indian capital.

Related coverage:

U.S., Japan to finalize missile development arrangement in 2024

FOCUS:Japan-South Korea-U.S. summit symbolic but judgment of history awaits

U.S., Japan, South Korea to vow "to consult" on contingency: White House
A total of 1,385 foreign people-smugglers had been released from prisons by August 4, the National Corrections Institute revealed in an answer sent to the website 24 on Monday.

Under the so-called reintegration detention, if police see that the released people-smuggler has not left Hungary within 72 hours following his or her release, or has returned to Hungary within that period, then the convict is captured and taken to the closest prison. In that case the convicted person must serve the punishment meted out without conditional release.



The Corrections Institute and police say six people have been taken back to prison to date for violating the conditions of their release.
A right-wing analyst predicts that liberal Hungarian NGOs will not be left without western funding, while a liberal observer lambasts a government luminary who compares the Soros network to an occupying army.

The Open Society Foundations announced that most grants to NGOs within the EU will be terminated, because EU institutions are already allocating significant resources to human rights, freedom and pluralism. Reacting to the announcement, Cabinet Minister Balazs Orban wrote on Facebook that he would believe the news about the departure of Soross occupation forces when the last occupying soldier leaves Europe and Hungary.



On hvg.hu, Gabor Horn a former leading liberal politician and founder of the Republikon thinktank enumerates various projects financed by the Soros Foundation since the mid-1980s in Hungary and dismisses it as tasteless to compare the Open Society Foundations to the Soviet Army which held Hungary captive for four decades. He also finds it regrettable that instead of stepping in to replace the OSF in supporting NGOs, the government is looking for new enemies.



On Mozgaster.blog, Zoltan Kiszelly writes that the European Union will replace the Soros Foundations in financing those whom he calls globalist NGOs, as it is already devoting large funds to them.



EU institutions often base their political decisions on the opinions of those NGOs and in exchange finances their operations, he adds. In his concluding remark, Kiszelly writes that just as Radio Free Europe has re-started its Hungarian service (in the form of a multi-media website), the Soros Foundations might also return to Hungary one day.



This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher.

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YORK  After decades of discussion among concerned citizens, county officials and local law enforcement, it has been announced that automated arms will finally be installed at the Road K railroad crossing just northwest of York.

York County Highway Superintendent Harvey Keim made the announcement this week, during his regular report to the county commissioners.

Keim said he recently met with representatives of the Burlington Santa Fe Railroad and the Nebraska Department of Transportation, about that crossing and safety concerns.

He said the state and the railroad will be putting in the crossing arms, and it will not cost the county anything.

In the past, it was noted, the county has had to financially participate in the installation of arms at other problematic crossings.

That wont be the case this time, Keim said. They prioritized this crossing because there have been three fatalities there.

Three people have died in recent years at that crossing, after their vehicles collided with trains. There have also been a number of non-fatal accidents at that crossing, in which people were injured but not killed.

Unfortunately, there had to be fatalities in order for it to become a priority, said Commissioner Chairman Randy Obermier. Are there any other crossings in York County they are looking at?

Keim said there was a conversation about the crossing at Road O, but he said state and railroad officials did not see enough issues to prioritize it at this time.
Google on Tuesday formally confirmed what many in Lincoln have known for years: The search engine giant is planning to build a data center in Lincoln.

The company made the announcement Tuesday at its data center in Papillion, saying it will expand into Lincoln as part of a $1.2 billion investment in Nebraska this year.

In addition to the Papillion center and one in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Google also is building a new data center on the northwest side of Omaha, near State Street and Blair High Road.

But it's the Lincoln project that has been shrouded in secrecy since it was first revealed more than four years ago.

Project Agate, as it has been known, includes a phased buildout of a site on the northwest corner of the 56th Street interchange on Interstate 80 that could eventually consist of 2 million square feet of space.

Google, through a subsidiary, paid about $18.6 million for for about 600 acres of land at the site. Another subsidiary applied for $600 million in state tax incentives in 2020.
Tata Nexon is by far the best-selling product of the indigenous carmaker. It has been on sale for quite some time now and has received a mid-cycle update, so far. The compact SUV has now started to show its age in certain aspects in comparison to its rivals. It is now out and loud that Tata Motors is preparing the 2024 Tata Nexon Facelift, which has been spied numerous times by now. Also, the car was recently snapped without camouflage, revealing its redesigned front fascia. A media report has also revealed the interior design of the upcoming Nexon facelift. Thus, heres all that you should know about the upcoming avatar of the SUV.

2024 Tata Nexon Facelift: Design

Over to the nose, the SUV will now feature a vertically-split headlamp design. The thick black ribbon grille will extend all the way to the sides, to push the headlamps down to the bumper. The theme is inspired by the Harrier EV showcased at the Auto Expo this year. With the new design language, the Nexon facelift will look sharper than ever before. Also, around the rear fascia, there will be a significant amount of changes, with a new bumper and tail lamp setup.

2024 Tata Nexon Facelift: Interior

As for the dashboard layout, it will remain largely unchanged. However, the small 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit will be replaced with a large free-standing unit, while the instrument cluster will get a full LCD panel. The interior will use an all-black theme this time, and the Nexon will come with increased features like wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, air purifier, powered front seats and more. The steering wheel will be a two-spoke unit with a backlit Tata logo.

Also Read - Meet Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail With Rs 211 Crore Price Tag: Design, Features, Specs - IN PICS

2024 Tata Nexon Facelift: Specs

Powering the Tata Nexon Facelift will be two engine choices - 1.2L turbo-petrol and 1.5L turbo-diesel. The oil burner is expected to be carried over from the outgoing model, while the turbo-petrol motor will be a new direct-injection engine. It is expected to produce increased output. Gearbox options will include a 6-speed MT and a DCT this time. Also, Tata Motors could tweak the suspension setup for a better balance of ride and handling.

2024 Tata Nexon Facelift: Launch Date & Price

The Nexon facelift is expected to go on sale by either end of this year or early next year. The compact SUV will certainly get slightly pricier with the aforementioned changes. Once launched, the SUV will continue to fight with its existing set of rivals - Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue and likes.
Ahmedabad Police has found an innovative way to battle the heat for the personnel working outside during hot weather. The police department has started using portable AC helmets. The officers on duty wear these helmets to keep their heads cool controlling traffic in the scorching heat of summer. It is to be noted that these helmets are battery-operated devices for which the police personnel can carry the battery packs on their waist.

With a distinctive design, the helmets are easy to spot with a plastic top covering a built-in fan-like part. The batteries used in the helmet can make it last for up to 8 hours on a single charge. Furthermore, the helmets have glass to cover the faces of the officers providing protection from pollutants and dust. It is to be noted that these helmets outweigh the regular helmets by around 500 gms.

Also read: Bharat NCAP: Automakers React To India's Car Safety Rating Programme

The helmet works by moving air inwards by using a fan. Specifically, it draws the surrounding air, cooling the person inside it. However, the helmet leaves out the dust and pollutants and directs the air toward the wearer's face. The helmets have been developed by Noida-based Karam Safety Private Ltd.

AC helmets provided to traffic police in Gujarat



It provides a 4 to 5-degree relief from the heat

Pirana, Thakkar Nagar, and Nana Chiloda in Ahmedabad are selected for the pilot project

If this pilot project succeeds, it will be given to all the traffic policemen in the pic.twitter.com/xsjnnQ8ooH  The Index of Gujarat (@IndexofGujarat) August 19, 2023

Based on the report, the helmets are currently in a trial phase which began on August 10. These helmets have been brought to use after multiple testing. If the officers use these helmets they won't need to wear pollution masks. As per the information available on social media, currently, officers posted in three locations namely Pirana, Thakkar Nagar and Nana Chiloda in Ahmedabad have been provided with these devices. Furthermore, if the trial phase is completed successfully more of the police personnel will be provided with these AC helmets.
An IndiGo plane from Varanasi made an emergency landing at the Delhi airport on Tuesday evening due to a hydraulic issue, according to a source. The source said there were more than 160 passengers onboard flight 6E-2232 that was en route to Delhi.

There was a hydraulic issue with the aircraft and a full emergency was declared at the airport, the source in the know of the matter said. There was no immediate statement from IndiGo on the incident.

Also read: Air India Partners AccesRail: Offers Passengers Train, Bus Connections To 100 Cities In Europe

Meanwhile, in another incident, a Mumbai-Ranchi IndiGo flight was diverted to Nagpur after a medical emergency onboard. Passengers on the flight fell sick prompting an emergency landing, as per ANI's report.

The flight touched down at Nagpur airport, after which the passenger was transferred to the hospital for medical assistance. ANI quotes, IndiGo said, "Unfortunately, the passenger did not survive. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones."
KYODO NEWS - Aug 23, 2023 - 20:08 | All, World, Japan

The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News.

----------

Japan prepares to release treated water from Fukushima nuclear plant

TOKYO - Preparations were underway Wednesday at the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan for beginning the discharge of treated radioactive water into the sea the following day.

The plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc., measured the concentration level of tritium in the treated water, which is diluted with seawater to ensure it is below one-40th of what is permitted under Japanese safety standards, before discharging it via an underwater tunnel 1 kilometer from the complex.

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Biden to visit India in early September for G-20 summit

WASHINGTON - U.S. President Joe Biden will travel to India from Sept. 7 to attend a summit of the Group of 20 countries, with a plan to focus in particular on the enhancement of multilateral development banks in the face of China's "unsustainable" lending practices, the White House said Tuesday.

Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the president's trip will run through Sept. 10, during which he will also hold a number of bilateral meetings with leaders from the world's 20 biggest economies on the margins of the summit in New Delhi.

----------

Japan's gas price at 15-yr high, as gov't mulls steps to curb rise

TOKYO - The average retail gasoline price in Japan has risen for the 14th consecutive week to climb to a new 15-year high, industry ministry data showed Wednesday, a day after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ordered the ruling party to prepare more measures to alleviate the impact of high fuel costs.

The average price for regular gasoline stood at 183.70 yen ($1.26) per liter as of Monday, advancing 1.80 yen from a week earlier and hitting its highest level since August 2008, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

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2 men arrested for sending bomb threat to Tokyo college

TOKYO - Two men have been arrested for allegedly faxing a bomb threat to a Tokyo college, police said Wednesday, adding that the pair are suspected of sending over 300,000 similar faxes to other schools, firms and local governments across Japan.

Sho Okuma, 26, and Nao Sato, 22, were arrested by police on suspicion of obstructing the business of Tokyo College of Music on Jan. 23 by sending a fax stating that 334 bombs were planted at the school and that they would be set off if 300,000 yen ($2,000) was not paid.

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Philippine fishers, H.K. activists protest Fukushima water release

MANILA/HONG KONG - An alliance of activist fishing groups in the Philippines and demonstrators in Hong Kong have expressed opposition to Japan's plan to start Thursday the release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean.

The National Federation of Small Fisherfolk Organizations in the Philippines, or Pamalakaya, with over 100,000 individual members, said Tuesday it is coordinating with environmental groups in Japan and Taiwan to hold simultaneous protests this month.

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Tsai vows to bolster Taiwan self-defense on China bombardment anniv.

TAIPEI - Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen pledged Wednesday to bolster the island's self-defense capabilities as she visited an outlying island county that bore the brunt of artillery bombardments from mainland China during the 1958 Taiwan Strait crisis.

Tsai visited Kinmen, a group of islands located off the coast of mainland China governed by Taiwan as a county, for the 65th anniversary of the "823 Artillery Bombardment," which began on Aug. 23, 1958, and saw more than 470,000 artillery shells fired at the islands over 44 days.

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Japan students urge end to nukes in 1st visit to U.N. Geneva in 4 yrs

GENEVA - A group of Japanese high school students called for the abolition of nuclear weapons on Tuesday as they visited the U.N. office in Geneva as peace messengers for the first time in four years after the COVID-19 pandemic halted any trips.

The 22 female students from 16 prefectures, aged 15 to 18, submitted some 625,000 signatures that they had collected since 2020 to push for the abolition of nuclear weapons and attended the U.N. conference on disarmament, dedicated to a discussion on the elimination of nuclear weapons.

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Baseball: Keio high school ends 106-year national championship drought

NISHINOMIYA, Japan - Kanagawa Prefecture's Keio high school ended a 106-year drought, winning Japan's prestigious national summer high school baseball championship and dethroning last year's champs Sendai Ikuei high school 8-2 in Wednesday's final.

Sendai Ikuei, from Miyagi Prefecture, last year became the first school from Japan's northeastern Tohoku region to win one of each year's two big tournaments held at Hyogo Prefecture's historic Koshien Stadium near Osaka.

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Video: Japanese basketball team in Okinawa for World Cup
A Vistara flight flying from Pune to Delhi was forced to return to Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) after a crack developed in the windshield of the aircraft. The incident occurred after half an hour of take-off. It is to be noted that the carrier's flight came across turbulence mid-air causing the crack in the glass of the windshield. As per data shared on the flight tracking website, FlightRadar24, the incident occurred with the airline's Airbus A320 aircraft with registration VT-TQA.

At the time of the incident, the Airbus Aircraft was performing flight UK 991 which took off from Delhi at around 5:20 pm. Following the return of the aircraft to IGIA, passengers on the aircraft took to social media to share the details of the incident. One of the passengers informed, that the "massive turbulence" encountered by the aircraft lasted for about 45 to 90 seconds. The incident caused panic among the passengers who started screaming during the flight.

Also read: 'Scary Landing': Sparks Fly As Plane's Wing Hits Ground During Touchdown, Aircraft Severely Damaged

One of the passengers on social media said, "Was on Vistara UK991 that took off from Delhi around 17.50 At about 18.20, the plane was hit by massive turbulence that continued for 45-90 seconds. It definitely seemed longer when it was happening. It was bad." It is to be noted that, at the time of the incident the aircraft had 100 passengers on board.

Hi Harsh, thank you for sharing your kind thoughts with us. We understand heavy turbulence can be a bit unsettling. Please be assured that the safety of our customers is of utmost priority. We hope you have a pleasant flight. ~Gorika  Vistara (@airvistara) August 22, 2023

While another passenger said, "@airvistara UK991 #Aircraft made an #Emergency landing at Delhi Airport after super turbulent ride. PNR 6W42WL @DGCAIndia @Ministry_CA Credit to Captain and crew to ensure safe return with calmness."

Vistara Airlines' X (Twitter)handle addressed the tweets by the passengers and assured them of safety even during turbulence. One of the tweets from the airline said, "We understand heavy turbulence can be a bit unsettling. Please be assured that the safety of our customers is of utmost priority. We hope you have a pleasant flight."

Addressing the incident, Vistara Airline spokesperson said, " "We confirm that Vistara flight UK 991, flying from Delhi to Pune, encountered adverse weather soon after take-off, resulting in a crack in its windshield. As a precautionary step, the pilots decided to turn back and the aircraft landed at the IGI Airport, Delhi. An alternative aircraft was immediately arranged. The inconvenience caused to customers is deeply regretted. As always, safety of out customers and crew is most important to Vistara."
New Delhi: In the Agriculture and its allied sector, there are opportunities galore, the only factor being --if it matches or aligns with your expectations. New age entreprenuers are today embracing many endeavors like animal husbandry, fish farming, poultry, and dairy, fruits, vegetables farming --one among various such allied agriculture business one option is that of Pack House.

The Relevance Of Pack House Business?

If you think about all the fruits and vegetables being grown across India -- a huge chunk is also exported to other countries after being harvested. However, to send them safely, they need to be packaged properly --and here comes Pack House. These are places where fruits and vegetables are packaged carefully and hygienically.

Additionally, to provide more stable income opportunities in the Pack House business, the Bihar government is also providing subsidy scheme. Depending on whether an individual is starting the business or a group of farmers is doing it together, the subsidy can cover either 50% or 75% of the cost.

This support is extended under the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission Scheme by the Bihar Agriculture Department's Directorate of Horticulture. The upper limit of the unit cost for setting up a pack house has been set at Rs 4 lakh.

For individuals, the government is covering up to Rs 2 lakh under by the subsidy scheme, which is half of the cost. Meanwhile, if a group of farmers or Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO / FPC) comes to start this business, they can get up to Rs 3 lakh subsidy --which is 75 percent of the cost.

How To Apply For Pack House Business

The application process for this subsidy scheme is also very easy. You have to apply online and submit the form along with some important documents to the Horticulture Department in your district. Once you've set up your pack house, the Agriculture Department will come and verify it. Once the verification is over, the alotted subsidy amount is provided to the beneficiary farmer.

Pack House Business Subsidy Website

For those interested in availing the Subsidy Scheme on Pack House (MIDH) provided by the Bihar Agriculture Department's Directorate of Horticulture, detailed information and applications can be accessed on the official portal: horticulture.bihar.gov.in.

(Disclaimer: This article is for sole information purpose. The earning calculator is also mostly based on assumptive figures to give an example of certain type. The article does not intend to give any financial advice of any sorts. For initiating any venture, you must do your own due diligence and market research.)
**Johannesburg, South Africa, August 23, 2023** - A wave of unity and nationalism has swept across the globe as millions from diverse religious backgrounds join hands in prayer for the successful landing of India's Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's enigmatic South Pole. Regardless of their faith, people worldwide are coming together to offer their unwavering support to this monumental mission, symbolizing the unifying power of space exploration.

Chandrayaan-3, the latest endeavor by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is scheduled to make history with its attempt to softly land on the uncharted lunar south pole at approximately 18:04 hours IST today.

### Global Prayers for Chandrayaan-3

From the sacred banks of the Ganges at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh to the heart of the United States, special rituals, prayers, and ceremonies have been fervently conducted to invoke blessings for Chandrayaan-3's triumph.

Religious ceremonies spanning various faiths have been carried out across India, seeking divine intervention for the mission's success. Notably, a Ganga Aarti was dedicated to India's lunar quest, underscoring the spiritual significance attached to this remarkable space odyssey.

### PM Modi's Virtual Presence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently in South Africa to attend the 15th BRICS Summit, will virtually witness this historic lunar landing attempt. His presence underscores the mission's importance not only for India but also on the global stage.

### Indian Diaspora Joins the Prayers

Indian students and research scholars in Uxbridge, London, came together at the Adya Shakti Mataji Temple to offer their prayers for Chandrayaan-3's triumphant landing. Their sentiments echoed the hopes of Indians worldwide, as they collectively wished for a smooth and successful mission.

In Virginia, USA, members of the Indian diaspora conducted a havan (fire ritual) at a temple to invoke divine blessings for Chandrayaan-3's mission. This outpouring of support from the Indian community abroad exemplifies the strong bonds that connect them to their homeland.

Chandrayaan-3's ambitious mission to explore the uncharted lunar terrain has not only captured the imagination of the nation but has also united Indians across the globe. This sense of nationalism and shared pride transcends borders and faiths, reaffirming the enduring power of India's space endeavors.

As the world waits with bated breath for Chandrayaan-3's historic landing, the collective prayers and hopes of millions stand as a testament to the spirit of unity and nationalism that space exploration can inspire in a nation and its global diaspora.
Johannesburg: Highlighting the economic reforms and the technological leap undertaken by India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that India will emerge as the growth engine of the world in the coming years. Speaking at BRICS Business Forum in South Africa, PM further said that the people of India have resolved to turn India into a developed nation by 2047. Meanwhile, he congratulated the BRICS Business Council on its tenth anniversary and said that BRICS Business Council has played a very vital role in enhancing our economic cooperation.

"Many many congratulations and best wishes to the BRICS Business Council on its tenth anniversary. In the last ten years, the BRICS Business Council has played a very vital role in enhancing our economic cooperation. When the first BRICS summit was held in 2009, the world was coming out of a massive financial crisis. At that time BRICS emerged as a ray of hope for the global economy," he said.

"In the present time also amongst the COVID pandemic tensions and disputes the world is dealing with e-economic challenges. In such times once again the role of BRICS countries is important," he said. In his address at the BRICS Business Forum Leaders` Dialogue in Johannesburg, he said that India will soon be a 5 trillion dollar economy and in the coming years will be the growth engine of the world.

"Despite the turmoil in the global economy, India today is the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Very soon India will become a five trillion dollar economy. There is absolutely no doubt that in the coming years, India will be the growth engine of the world and the reason for this is that India has converted crisis and difficulties into opportunities for economic improvements. The people of India have resolve to become a developed nation by 2047," PM Modi said.

Prime Minister further said that "In the last few years we have carried out reforms and mission modes and these factors have helped continuously improve doing business in India. We have also reduced the compliance burden and removed red tape. There has been a boost in investor confidence due to the introduction of GST and the implementation of insolvency. We have focused on public service delivery and good governance."

He further mentioned that more than 360 billion dollars in transfers have been made by direct benefit transfer. "Today in one click millions of people in India get direct benefit transfers. This has increased transparency in service delivery, reduced corruption and middlemen. India is among the most economical countries in terms of cost per gigabyte of data. Today in India UPI is used at all levels from street vendors to large shopping malls. Today among all countries in the world, India is the country with the highest digital transaction. Countries like UAE, Singapore, and France are joining this platform. There are many possibilities of working on this with BRICS countries as well," he added.

Meanwhile, the scenario of the country is changing due to large-scale investment in India`s infrastructure."In this year`s budget, we have kept a provision of about USD 120 billion for infrastructure. By way of this investment, we are laying a strong foundation for a new India of the future. Rapid changes are coming into effect in all areas of rail, water, infrastructure and airways," the PM added.

He further said that today, new highways are being constructed in India at a speed of ten thousand kilometres per year. The number of airports has doubled in the last nine years.Moreover, to promote investment and production, we have implemented a Production Linked Incentives scheme.

"India`s manufacturing sector is becoming competitive due to reduction in logistics cost. India is one of the world leaders in the field of Renewable Energy. We are making active steps to make India a global manufacturing hub in areas like solar energy, wind energy, electric vehicles, green hydrogen, green ammonia," he said.

Naturally, this will create a big market for renewable technology in India. Today India has the third-largest start-up ecosystem in the world. There are currently more than a hundred unicorns in India, he said. Emphasizing the vision of "Make in India, Make for the World" he said that in sectors like IT, Telecom, FinTech, AI and semiconductors we are moving forward."All these efforts have had a direct positive impact on the lives of common people. The income of the people has increased almost three times in the last nine years," he said at Business Forum.

Highlighting the role of women in all sectors, the PM said that there has been a strong participation of women in the economic development of India.

"From IT to Space, from banking to healthcare women are contributing to the progress of the country shoulder to shoulder with men," he added.PM Modi further invited all the countries to be part of India`s development journey. Despite the attendance of South Africa`s Cyril Ramaphosa, Brazil`s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and India`s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jingping was notably absent from the event.Russia`s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov was present at the event.

Soon after the Business Forum, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Summer Place in Johannesburg to participate in the BRICS Leaders Retreat where the leaders of the grouping will deliberate on global developments and explore how to utilize the BRICS platform effectively to address and resolve global challenges.PM Modi was welcomed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.Brazil`s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia`s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are attending the BRICS Leaders Retreat.

PM Modi arrived in South Africa earlier on Tuesday to attend the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg from August 22-24 at the invitation of the countrys president Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa.This will be PM Modi`s third visit to South Africa and the trip marks the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between India and South Africa.This year`s BRICS is under the presidency of South Africa. The theme of this year`s summit is: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism."
Gurugram: Authorities have denied permission to hold on August 28 the VHP's Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra in Haryana's Nuh that was disrupted after communal violence in July, police said on Tuesday. The Nuh district administration on Tuesday evening rejected the application for permission moved before it by the organizers of the yatra.

The development comes over a week after a 'mahapanchayat' by Hindu outfits at Pondri village in Palwal on August 13 decided to resume the VHP yatra from Nalhar temple in Nuh. Nuh Superintendent of Police Narender Bijarnia confirmed that the application seeking permission for the procession has been rejected.

When contacted, local VHP leader Devender Singh said he is not aware of the rejection of permission and asserted that there is "no need for any permission" for the yatra. At the 'Sarva Jatiye Mahapanchayat' on August 13, it was decided that the yatra will resume from Nalhar temple in Nuh and pass through Firozpur Jhirka's Jhir and Shingar temples in the district.

Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, died in the clashes that erupted in Nuh after the VHP procession was attacked by mobs on July 31. Gurugram also witnessed stray incidents of violence.


New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted searches at the premises of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's political advisor and an Officer on Special Duty (OSD). The exact case in connection with which the raids were conducted was not yet known. Reacting to the ED's action, Baghel, who turned 62 on Wednesday, said that this is a 'priceless birthday gift' from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

"Respected Prime Minister and Mr Amit Shah! Thank you very much for the priceless gift you have given me on my birthday by sending ED to my political advisor, OSD and close aides," the Congress leader said in a post in Hindi on X, formerly known as Twitter.

       !



           OSD     ED      ,    .  Bhupesh Baghel (@bhupeshbaghel) August 23, 2023

The searches were reportedly conducted at CM Baghel's political advisor Vinod Verma's residence in the Officers Colony at Devendra Nagar in the state capital Raipur and the houses of OSDs Ashish Verma and Manish Banchhor in the old Bhilai area of Durg.

Banchhor, who is an employee of SAIL's Bhilai Steel Plant, is posted as the CM's OSD on deputation.

Security personnel were also seen outside the house of businessman Vijay Bhatia in the Nehrunagar area of Bhilai in Durg.

The ED has been investigating different cases in Chhattisgarh pertaining to an alleged coal scam, liquor scam, irregularities in the District Mineral Foundation fund and an online betting application.

In the last two days, the ED also conducted searches at several locations in Raipur and Durg, apparently in connection with online betting activities.

Earlier in December last year, the law enforcement agency arrested Saumya Chaurasia, a state cadre officer who was posted as deputy secretary in the Chief Minister's Office, in connection with its investigation into the alleged coal scam in which, as per the agency, an 'illegal levy of Rs 25 was being extorted for every tonne of coal transported in Chhattisgarh by a cartel involving senior bureaucrats, businessmen, politicians and middlemen.'

Two IAS officers Sameer Vishnoi and Ranu Sahu are also among others arrested in the coal levy case.

Such 'cheap tactics' won't work: Congress slams BJP after ED searches

The Congress on Wednesday said the Enforcement Directorate raids in Chhattisgarh were a reaction to the pre-poll surveys predicting a 'massive rout' for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and asserted that its government would not get bogged down by such 'threats' and 'cheap tactics'.

Condemning the raids, Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal alleged that the BJP was deploying its 'dirtiest tricks' to intimidate Congress.

"Strongly condemn the ED raids on the staff members of Chhattisgarh CM Sh. Bhupesh Baghel ji. Completely out of the race in the upcoming elections, the BJP is trying its dirtiest tricks to intimidate and rattle the Congress. However, we have the support of 3 crore Chhattisgarhis and such cheap tactics will not affect us, but they only show the BJP's desperation," Venugopal said.

Reacting to the development, Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said, "The ongoing ED raids in Chattisgarh are a clear reaction to all the pre-poll surveys that have predicted a massive rout for the BJP."

"Our pro-people Congress government will not get bogged down by such threats. We have the power of the people behind us," Khera added.
Shimla: Amid heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, vehicular traffic movements have been stopped at Chakki near Parwanoo for safety reasons, State traffic police informed on Wednesday. The India Met Department has predicted moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in many places in the state today. Very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is likely to occur at a few places in the Districts of Bilaspur, Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, Una, Hamirpur, Mandi, and Kangra, and heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at isolated places in the Districts of Chamba, Kullu, Kinnauri and Lahul and Spiti for next two to three hours, IMD predicted.

Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Tuesday told ANI that now, due to heavy rains this year, the state has incurred a 10,000 crore loss due to damages to public and private property.

"In the rain-related damages, the state has incurred a loss of 10,000 crore till now. In the rain-related incidents, 348 people have died, 38 people are missing and more than 300 people are injured till now," Jagat Singh Negi said.

The effect of the monsoon will remain until August 27 in Himachal Pradesh. After that, the weather is expected to be normal, officials said. It is pertinent to mention that due to the heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh from August 13 to August 18, landslides at many places in the state caused a lot of damage, and many people lost their lives.
New Delhi: Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh has always been an exceptional talent in Indian cinema, and time and again the actress has proven herself by taking up different kinds of roles and nailing them. While this is how the young actress carries herself on screen, her off-screen persona is equally commendable and speaks volumes about the strong persona that she carries.

A recent example of it was witnessed when Fatima Sana Shaikh visited Ludhiana as a young, influential mind to address the youth at Initiators of Change (IOC). The event was attended by more than 1,000 students.

Initiators of Change (IOC) is an NGO that has worked towards youth empowerment and leadership, educational development, and humanitarian aid since 2015. Fatima is one of the prominent names, and she is the right one to address the youth of today.

As the actress visited there, she was welcomed with a lot of love from the students. During the interview, she witnessed an overwhelming love from her admirer, who was waiting for Fatima Sana Shaikh outside, and the moment she saw the actress in front of her, she busted into tears and got frozen after watching her.

Fatima, who is always known to take care of her fans, consoled the fan, greeted her with a warm hug, and clicked a selfie.

Following this, Fatima Sana Shaikh interacted with the students presented there, did a Q&A session, and empowered them with her words.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Fatima will be seen in Sam Bahadur , she also has a performance-centric remake of the Tamil film Aruvi, along with that she will be seen in Dhak Dhak and Metro In Dino.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday noticed the Indian flag lying on the floor during the group photo at the BRICS Summit in South Africa's Johannesburg. He immediately picked it up and kept it in his pocket. As soon as PM Modi picked up the national flag, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who had already stepped on his country's flag, also picked up his flag. The flags of the member countries of the BRICS were kept to denote the standing position of the global leaders.

VIDEO | During the group photo at BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, PM Modi noticed the Indian Tricolour on the ground, which was kept to denote standing position of leaders. PM Modi immediately picked the national flag and kept it with him. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, pic.twitter.com/9lDMUhD8hs  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 23, 2023

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi held a bilateral meeting with Cyril Ramaphosa during which they reviewed the progress made in bilateral ties, exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues and also on ways to work jointly to strengthen the voice of the Global South.

"Both leaders reviewed the progress made in bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved in various fields including defence, agriculture, trade and investment, health, conservation and people-to-people ties," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release.

Modi and Ramaphosa also exchanged views on continued coordination in multilateral bodies and regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. Ramaphosa expressed full support for India's G20 presidency and appreciated India's initiative for giving the African Union full membership of G-20, the release said, adding that the president conveyed that he looked forward to visiting New Delhi for the G-20 Summit.

Had an excellent meeting with President @CyrilRamaphosa. We discussed a wide range of issues aimed at deepening India-South Africa relations. Trade, defence and investment linkages featured prominently in our discussions. We will keep working together to strengthen the voice of pic.twitter.com/xhxEClr1Dl  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2023

The G-20 Summit will be held in New Delhi from September 8-10. It will be the first-ever G20 summit to be held in India as well as in South Asia.

Modi congratulated Ramaphosa on the successful hosting of the BRICS Summit and accepted the president's invitation to pay a state visit to South Africa at a mutually convenient date, the release said.

Prime Minister Modi, who is on a three-day visit to South Africa and Greece, reached Johannesburg on Tuesday at the invitation of President Ramaphosa to attend the 15th BRICS Summit being held under the South African Chairmanship from August 22-24.

This is the first in-person BRICS Summit after three consecutive years of virtual meetings because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is notable that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not travelled to Johannesburg for the annual summit of the BRICS nations comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
India is home to numerous ancient crafts that have yet to be found. Even though it is not a secret art, the centuries-old carpet weaving business is sometimes one of the least recognised. Today, not only in the nation but also globally, it is one of the greatest handicraft industries.

Carpet weaving has its roots in mediaeval times, when Persia, China, and Afghanistan contributed their knowledge and experience to the industry. The technique was then only widely used in North Indian villages and small towns. However, the current carpet weaving business is thriving in several states, each of which has its own distinctive style.

In an exclusive interview with Zee News English, Angelique Dhama, CEO, Obeetee Carpets- Retail talks about the value of handcrafted and handmade weaving even in the 21st century.

Angelique says, "The value of handcrafted and handmade is something that is unmatched even in the 21st century, when machines can basically create anything you program them to. However, there is something utterly special about the beauty of handcrafted, and that is its human essence. From the time immemorial, artisans have been crafting beautiful accents, furnishings, and even wearables weaving their threads with utmost passion, and their generationally inherited skills. Hand knotted Carpets, which date back as old as the regime of Emperor Jahangir, are even today the most sought furnishings."

The art of handcrafting is one of our cultural history, it is one of craft that transcends time, and it is a nostalgia which weaves itself in the soft, plush canvases of hand knotted rugs and carpets.

Many influential homeowners acquire these furnishings today to adorn their homes with something exceptional and unique, while art connoisseurs collect them as art pieces for their walls or floors.

While you can find these handcrafted furnishings in almost any state you reside in, or visit, there are only a few that actually master in the craft of handcrafting these meticulous carpets. The most prominent one that stands firm as a hub of carpet weaving today is Mirzapur and Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh.

You mightve even heard the name in the popular OTT series called Mirzapur, and one of its leading character kaleen Bhaiya whos the owner of a carpet manufacturing/exports unit. The reason that even the makers of the web series made Mirzapur the talking point with reference to carpet making says a lot about the magnitude of handcrafting in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Emergence of Traditional Handcrafted Rugs in Mirzapur

The art of carpet weaving, a tapestry that would eventually enrich the cultural fabric of the Mirzapur region, emerged through a confluence of historical events and skilled craftsmanship. While the origins of carpet weaving in Mirzapur can be traced back to the ancient roots of India's textile heritage, it was during the late 19th century that the region gained prominence as a hub for this exquisite craft.

"The aftermath of the 1857 war, known as the Indian Mutiny, brought about a significant migration of skilled carpet weavers to the Mirzapur area. Amid the turmoil and upheaval, these artisans sought refuge in the tranquil embrace of this region, finding solace in their age-old craft. The village of Madhosingh, situated along the G.T. Road between Bhadohi and Mirzapur, became a sanctuary for these weavers. Here, on a small scale, the weaving of carpets began anew," highlights Angelique Dhama.

"However, it wasn't until the late 19th century that the true potential of carpet weaving in Mirzapur would come to light. Observing the skilled hands at work, individuals like Mr. Brownford recognized the economic viability of this craft.This realization led to the establishment of carpet-making companies such as M/s. E. Hill and Co. in neighbouring Khamaria. This marked the initial spark that would ignite the flame of Mirzapur's carpet industry."

As the industry gained momentum, Mirzapur's reputation as a weaving centre grew. The artistry and precision of the weavers, who inherited the craft through generations, combined with the introduction of innovative designs and techniques, lent a distinctive charm to the carpets produced in the region.

Angelique Dhama points out, "The legacy of Mr. A. Tellery and his factory in Bhadohi, alongside the emergence of Indian Masters like Peer Mohammad, further solidified Mirzapur's reputation as a hub for carpet weaving and export."

Emergence of handknotting in the city of Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh

Flowing through the banks of India is the river Ganges, touching the shore of a district in Uttar Pradesh called Bhadohi.

"Being the oldest carpet weaving hub of India, Bhadohi constitutes over 60 percent of the sub-continents rug-making industry. Furthermore, the craftspeople have the utmost respect for their craft as it has been passed down to them from their descendants," mentions Angelique Dhama- CEO, Obeetee Carpets (Retail).

Keeping their craftsmanship away from the rapid wave of westernization, the talented artisans have kept the outstanding craft of carpet weaving alive for generations. The advent of this exquisite craft ranges back to the 16th century which entered the streets of Bhadohi through the hands of artisans who visited the region through grand trunk road which is a major trade route for travelers from many national and international regions.

The craft technique is just as intriguing as the history of this magnificent craft. Every carpet that is woven in Bhadohi is hand knotted, as each artisan ties between six & nine-thousand knots a day. It will be an overstatement to state that craftsmen of Bhadohi do not just create knots in their carpets, but they weave stories.

"Each of these stories represent the spirit of solidarity among the craftsmen, the strong knit' between their families, and the humble Tehzeeb of the artisans in the district," continues CEO, Obeetee Carpets.

When it comes to quality of handcrafted rugs, a crucial factor that determines the quality of a carpet is the amount of knots tied and the materials used in the making of a carpet.

Ensuring the same, a single Bhadohi carpet can boast up to 425 knots per sq. inch- the ideal figure in premium quality carpets. The materials used in the handcrafted carpets can range from soft blended wool to premium quality silk, or a combination of both.

Types of weaving

Hand-Knotted Rugs

An ancient art form, hand-knotted rugs are the pinnacle of rug making, born from the skilled hands of artisans in UP. These masterpieces, with their intricate designs, require not only a loom but a profound mastery of the craft. Over the course of months, artisans weave these rugs by hand, utilizing natural materials like wool, silk, cotton, and viscose.

The quality and value of each rug are intricately tied to the number of knots per square inch, with a higher density signifying superior craftsmanship. This technique breathes life into traditional rugs like Persian, Moroccan, and Tibetan styles.

Hand Tufted Rugs

Hand tufted rugs, another gem in the crown of the states craft, blend tradition with modernity. Craftsmen employ both handwork and specialized mechanized tools to create these rugs, where woollen threads are punched into a canvas mounted on a frame.

The process, faster than hand-knotting, introduces an element of affordability without compromising on quality. The distinct hallmark of hand tufted rugs lies in their backing, secured with a scrim fabric. Completion comes with the addition of fringes, sewn or glued.

Flat Weaves

Flat weaves feature a weaving technique reminiscent of textiles. Crafted by interlacing warp and weft threads, these rugs embody artistry that spans centuries. Dhurries, hailing from India, and Kilims, originating in Persia, represent just a fraction of the myriad forms flat weaves take. Woven into each thread is a chapter of cultural heritage, woven with intricate patterns and vibrant colours, each telling its own unique tale.

Handwoven Rugs and Carpets

The meticulous artistry of handwoven rugs and carpets captures the essence of the craft of Uttar Pradesh. From design selection to intricate loom setup, skilled artisans weave their stories into each piece.

Whether through knotting or flat weaving techniques, every knot and weft thread speaks to a tradition of excellence. Precision, attention to detail, and colour blending create carpets that transcend mere floor coverings, becoming functional masterpieces.

The legacy of Indian carpet making emanates from the heart of skilled artisans in Uttar Pradesh. Through centuries, they have woven a rich canvas of tradition and innovation, creating textiles that are a reflection of India's cultural mosaic.

With patterns that bridge past and present, these rugs embody both artistry and history. With designs that are a remarkable concoction of intricacy, details, and aesthetics, the artistry of Uttar Pradesh is keeping a centuries old craft alive even in the 21st century.
KYODO NEWS - Aug 23, 2023 - 09:11 | All

Episode 8: Bullet climbing Mt. Fuji

Please don't try to hike up Japan's highest mountain without a break!

Two Kyodo News journalists  Yamaguchi-san and Toma  and intern Kimura-san talk about the recent trend among visitors of attempting to climb Mt. Fuji without any sleep, a practice dubbed "bullet climbing" which is greatly frowned upon. Also listen to their childhood camping stories and their experiences of the outdoors.

Article mentioned in the podcast:

Locals warn Mt. Fuji-climbing visitors to take challenge seriously

Kyodo News presents a bilingual podcast for English learners about the ins and outs of news writing and how to translate tricky Japanese phrases into English. Have fun listening to journalists discuss recent articles as they occasionally go off on unrelated tangents.

Related coverage:

Podcast [English World] Episode 7: Pay hikes

Podcast [English World] Episode 6: Tourism and vandalism

Podcast [English World] Episode 5 - Torrential Downpour
Male or female, hair is undoubtedly a vital component of the human body since, in addition to enhancing your physical appearance, having excellent, healthy hair can also make you feel more self-assured and optimistic. But what happens if you start losing your priceless hair all of a sudden? Because of significant hair loss or baldness, many of us have at some point thought of getting a hair transplant.

In conversation with Zee News English, Dr B L Jangid, Dermatologist and Hair Transplant Surgeon from SkinQure Clinic in Saket, New Delhi helps debunks that anyone in the future needing a hair transplant can go for it without hesitation or fear.

Dr Jangid says, "Hair is certainly a significant part of the human body. Having great, healthy hair can boost your confidence in addition to improving your physical look."

Many of us have at some point considered getting a hair transplant due to excessive hair loss or baldness. There are, however, several misconceptions regarding this approach that raise doubt about its effectiveness.

Common Myths And Doubts About Hair Transplant

Doubt 1: Transplanted hair looks unnatural

Reality: No, your hair will grow naturally like the rest of the hair. In the hands of an experienced and certified Hair Transplant Surgeon, you will get a natural look and hairline without worrying about appearance.

Doubt 2: The brain or the eyes may be affected by hair transplantation

Reality: No, that's not true. The brain is not affected by hair transplantation, which is a minimally invasive technique. Actually, hair transplantation is done on the top (upper part) of the scalp, and the epidermis beneath the scalp is unaffected. Therefore, during the treatment, neither your brain nor your eye can be harmed.

Doubt 3: Anyone's hair can be used for hair transplant

Reality: No, you can only have your own body's hair transplanted. The hair is removed from any area of your body, including your chest, arms, legs, facial hair, and scalp. Any other person's hair will not be accepted by your body.

Doubt 4: Hair transplant is an excruciating painful procedure

Reality: Under local anaesthesia, a hair transplant procedure is performed. As a result, the procedure will be painless for the person undergoing it. There can be some mild pain once the anaesthesia wears off, but your doctor will likely prescribe medicines for that.

Doubt 5: Too much blood is lost during hair transplant procedure

Reality: No, there is not much blood loss when using advanced procedures like FUE. When the surgeon removes the hair graft from the donor area, you might suffer relatively mild bleeding. A hair transplant is a daycare procedure and you can return home the same day after having a hair transplant.

Doubt 6: You may develop cancer after a hair transplant surgery

Reality: There is absolutely no connection between a hair transplant surgery and cancer. This surgery cannot cause any illnesses or other health issues.

Doubt 7: Hair Transplant is more effective in young men

Reality: Male Pattern Baldness is one of the most prevalent causes of hair loss in men and can begin as early as 20 to 25 years of age. As a result, young candidates may choose to get hair transplantation if their doctor recommends it. However, this does not imply that those in their 40s and 50s cannot undergo this kind of treatment. If your hair loss is stable, there is enough donor area available, and you are physically fit, you are an excellent candidate for a hair transplant procedure.

Doubt 8: Hair transplant is only for men

Reality: No, this is a false statement. Since men suffer mostly from Male pattern baldness so it is thought that HT is only for them. Anyone suffering from hair loss/ baldness can get a Hair transplant done. It has nothing to do with gender.

Doubt 9: The results of hair transplantation are only temporary

Reality: The results are near to permanent. You will be able to notice the proper outcome of the surgery only after 3 to 4 months. In the initial 5 or 6 weeks, you will notice shedding of hair which is a natural occurrence followed by new hair growth from the grafts. You should be able to see a head full of hairs within 8-10 months.

Dr Jangid concludes, Hair Transplant (HT) is certainly a successful Hair Restoration technique that offers the best results when done by an experienced person. Since Hair Transplantation is a surgical process it is imperative for all HT seekers to cross-check the experience of the doctor who is going to perform the surgery along with the technique he/

she will be using. For treating baldness, the two techniques that are often used are FUE and FUT Hair Transplant. Which approach is best for you depend on your unique features, and requirements which a medical practitioner can only suggest. But both procedures offer greater results when performed by an experienced and qualified hair transplant surgeon.
Johannesburg: On the second day of the 15th BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Later in the day, PM Modi is scheduled to attend open and closed plenary sessions in Johannesburg. The plenaries will be followed by a cultural performance and a banquet dinner hosted by President Ramaphosa. The opening day of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg was witness to the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue.

In his address at the BRICS Business Forum Leaders` Dialogue, PM Modi said India will soon be a 5 trillion dollar economy and in the coming years will be the growth engine of the world. PM Modis special message to the dialogue was that mutual trust and transparency can help create a big impact, especially in the Global South.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa said as the country has an urbanised population and can provide a stable workforce in future, BRICS countries have an opportunity to contribute to and participate in Africa`s growth story. "Africa has a young digitally connecting and urbanizing population. A population that provides a stable workforce for companies in future. The investment in skills... continues to grow," President Ramaphosa said.

Soon after the Business Forum, PM Modi arrived at the Summer Place in Johannesburg to participate in the BRICS Leaders Retreat where the leaders of the grouping will deliberate on global developments and explore how to utilize the BRICS platform effectively to address and resolve global challenges.

Brazil`s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia`s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attended the event.PM Modi arrived in South Africa earlier on Tuesday and received a ceremonial welcome at Waterkloof Air Force Base.

Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora chanting `Vande Mataram` and the members of the Indian community were waiting for PM Modi`s arrival to welcome him with `dhols` outside the Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg.Women members of the Indian diaspora tied `Rakhi` to the wrist of PM Modi as they welcomed him to the country.

The prime minister also inspected a model of the Swaminarayan Temple in Johannesburg.The under-construction temple once completed by 2025 will be the largest Hindu temple in Africa and Southern Hemisphere. This is PM Modi`s third visit to South Africa and the trip marks the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between India and South Africa.

Initially formed as BRIC, a visionary concept coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim ONeil in 2001, BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, and China - a collective representation of burgeoning emerging markets brimming with current and future economic prowess.

In a momentous development in 2010, South Africa joined the bloc, prompting a change in the acronym to BRICS.BRICS stands as a beacon of economic optimism, presenting an alternative global order to challenge the dominance of traditional institutions.


NEW DELHI: In a momentous achievement, India has entered an exclusive league of nations successfully landing a spacecraft on the moon. Chandrayaan-3, the country's third lunar mission, has touched down near the moon's South Pole, embarking on a journey to explore uncharted territories in this enigmatic region. This remarkable feat places India alongside the former Soviet Union, the United States, and China, all of whom have accomplished soft landings on the moon, even bringing back samples of lunar soil and rocks to Earth.

Breaking boundaries and opening new chapters in lunar exploration, Chandrayaan-3's landing marks the first time any spacecraft has reached this specific part of the moon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that this achievement would reshape our understanding of the moon.

Historically, not all lunar missions have succeeded on their initial attempts. The Soviet Union achieved its lunar impact on the sixth space flight, with Luna-2 crashing onto the moon on September 14, 1959, becoming the first human-made object to impact another celestial body.

Similarly, NASA's early lunar missions faced numerous failures before achieving success on July 31, 1964, with Ranger 7. This mission provided crucial images that aided in identifying safe landing sites for the later Apollo missions.

China's Chang'e Project initially focused on orbiter missions, producing detailed maps of the lunar surface to select future landing sites. The success of the Chang'e 3 and 4 missions, with soft landings and rover exploration, solidified China's presence on the moon.

India's lunar endeavors commenced with Chandrayaan 1, launched on October 22, 2008, which orbited the moon and conducted comprehensive mapping. Unfortunately, its mission life was curtailed in 2009. A decade later, Chandrayaan-2, featuring an orbiter, lander, and rover, was launched on July 22, 2019, but encountered an unsuccessful landing due to a software glitch.

Meet the Visionaries Behind the Triumph

S Somanath, ISRO Chairman: S Somanath assumed leadership of ISRO in January 2022, becoming a driving force in India's ambitious lunar pursuits. Formerly the director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, his expertise encompasses rocket technology development. Under his guidance, missions like Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1 (Sun exploration), and Gaganyaan (India's maiden manned mission) have thrived. His mastery spans launch vehicle system engineering, architecture, propulsion, and integration.

P Veeramuthuvel, Chandrayaan-3 Project Director: Leading the Chandrayaan-3 project since 2019, P Veeramuthuvel, a Ph.D. holder from IIT Madras, emerged as a key player. He steers the mission with determination, hailing from Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district. Veeramuthuvel's past roles include Deputy Director at ISRO's Space Infrastructure Programme Office.

S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of VSSC: As the Director of VSSC in Kerala, S Unnikrishnan Nair's leadership was pivotal in developing GSLV Mark-III. His meticulous oversight and guidance contribute significantly to Chandrayaan-3's success.

M Sankaran, Director of URSC: Taking charge in 2021, M Sankaran leads URSC, responsible for crafting diverse satellites fulfilling India's communication, navigation, remote sensing, and planetary exploration needs. URSC's contributions are vital to India's satellite endeavors.

This dedicated team's unwavering efforts have ushered India into the forefront of lunar exploration, showcasing the nation's technological prowess and unwavering commitment to scientific advancement.
New York: As India prepares to land its third lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's south pole on Wednesday evening, the Indian-American community here is filled with excitement and anticipation. Many of them believe that the mission will establish India as a global leader in space technology and inspire millions of young minds to pursue science, physics and astronomy. Chandrayaan-3's Lander Module (LM), which consists of the lander (Vikram) and the rover (Pragyan), is scheduled to touch down on the lunar surface at 6.04 pm, making India the first country to explore the unexplored region of Earth's only natural satellite.

"I am very excited about what Chandrayaan-3 can achieve for us," news agency PTI quoted Sandeep Daga, a New York-based commodity trader and Physics enthusiast as saying. He said that Chandrayaan-3 will boost India's space programme and the ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). "It will propel India as a global leader in space technology and it will inspire millions of kids to take up science, physics and astronomy as their area of pursuit. That's the way to go," he said.

Daga is among the many Indian-Americans who are following Chandrayaan-3's countdown to land on the Moon later today, joining the elite club of nations that have landed a rover on the moon. So far, only the US, China and the former Soviet Union have achieved this feat.

"I am very excited about Chandrayaan-3. We will be only the fourth country in the world to land a rover on the moon," Daga said. He called the lunar mission a "moment of pride for India? and highlighted its huge economic impact.

"We know that the space economy is worth more than half a trillion dollars every quarter. So it is a pretty big deal. I see (Chandrayaan-3) as a vindication of India's technological prowess. And what's even more amazing is that we have achieved this mission at a cost of less than USD 75 million, which is much lower than what a Hollywood space movie would cost today," he said.

"With this, we are firmly in the race to make a permanent establishment on the moon". Daga also pointed out that India will be the first country to land a rover on the lunar south pole, which is more challenging and rewarding than landing on the equator.

"All prior missions have landed on the equator of the moon where the surface is quite flat and smooth. Trying to land it on one of the poles is extremely difficult because they have a large number of craters and mountains and it becomes technically quite challenging to land safely," he said.

Daga said that Chandrayaan-3 can provide valuable data about water at the southern pole of the moon, which can be crucial for having some permanent presence on the lunar surface.

"As a physics enthusiast, I'm quite excited about the fact that Chandrayaan-3 is going to scan the surface and give us more insights into the constituents of the Moon? including how Earth's natural satellite was formed.

"I am really looking forward to answers to some of these questions," he said, hoping that Chandrayaan-3 will deliver them.

Alok Kumar, Chairman of Bihar Foundation of US (East Coast Chapter) and former President of Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), visited the Om Sri Sai Balaji Temple and Cultural Centre in New Jersey with his family and friends to pray for Chandrayaan-3's success.

"We pray that Chandrayaan-3 achieves success. The mission will write a new chapter in India's space programme and history," Kumar said.

Dr Avinash Gupta, a cardiologist based in New Jersey, said that the Indian-American community is very eager and excited to watch Chandrayaan-3's successful landing on the Moon.
Chandrayaan-3 Moon Landing Watch Free Live Telecast On Mobile, Streaming At isro.gov.in- Check Direct Link And Other Important Details Here. Chandrayaan 3 is set to make a landing on the moon today, Wednesday, August 23. Chandrayaan 3 landing is slated to take place at about 6.04 pm IST on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. Chandrayaan-3 landing can be watched live on the official ISRO website, its official YouTube channel, ISROs Facebook page and DD National from 5:27 pm onwards on August 23. You can also tune into Zeenews for the live broadcast. Space enthusiasts can also check out ZeeNewsEnglish live blog for the latest updates.

ISRO Chandrayaan 3 LIVE TELECAST Link: https://www.isro.gov.in/

ISRO Chandrayaan 3 Youtube LIVE TELECAST Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLA_64yz8Ss

Chandrayaan-3 Moon Landing: Important Details

- Date: August 23, 2023

- Time: 6:04 PM IST

- Location: Southern polar region of the Moon

- Live stream: ISRO website, YouTube channel, Facebook page

Where To Watch Chandrayaan 3 Landing LIVE Online?

Chandrayaan 3 Moon landing LIVE telecast will also take place on ISRO's official Youtube channel and ZEE News Youtube channel. You can also watch Moon landing of Chandrayaan 3 ISROs Facebook page. How to watch Chandrayaan 3 landing on TV?

How And Where To Watch Chandrayaan 3 Landing On TV?

Chandrayaan 3 Moon landing will be LIVE telecast one various news channels. Chandrayaan 3 landing date and time has been announced by ISRO. According to ISRO, the lander is expected to set its foot near the South Pole of the moon on August 23, 2023 at around 6.04 p.m. The primary communication channel will be the Mission Operations Complex at ISRO Telemetry. Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), Bengaluru to Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module which in turn would talk to the lander and the rover. Chandrayaan 3 landing LIVE telecast will start from official ISRO channel at 5.45 pm.

Chandrayaan 3 Mission Updates

The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft consists of a lunar orbiter, a lander, and a rover. The orbiter will remain in orbit around the Moon, while the lander will touch down on the surface and deploy the rover. The rover will then explore the lunar surface for up to 1 lunar day (about 14 Earth days). Chandrayaan-3 mission is a major milestone for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It will be India's first soft landing on the Moon since the Chandrayaan-2 mission in 2019. Chandrayaan-2 mission was aborted after the lander Vikram lost contact with the ground station during its descent to the Moon.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission is also significant because it will be the first mission to land in the southern polar region of the Moon. This region is thought to be rich in water ice, which could be a valuable resource for future human exploration of the Moon.
New Delhi: Bigg Boss OTT 2 contestant and actor Avinash Sachdev turned a year older on August 22 to celebrate the occasion, he hosted a grand birthday bash and invited his friends from the industry. Avinash's close friend and BB OTT 2 contestant Falaq Naaz was seen cutting the cake with Avinash. They even posed together for the cameras at the event.

Falaq was seen in a bright fuchsia-cloured halter neck dress.

Bebika Dhurve, who was seen in the Bigg Boss OTT 2 house, was seen attending Avinash's birthday bash. She wore a sequined hoodie and a ripped pair of denim. A dentist and astrologer-turned-actress, The actress shared that currently she is resting but soon she shall update fans about her upcoming projects. Bebika said, "36 ka tag hatt chuka hai, finally he is growing and he did set a strong example in the show as well. We are here to cherish his 37th birthday and his journey."

Aashika Bhatia, who entered the Bigg Boss OTT 2, attended Avinash's birthday bash, held in Mumbai on Tuesday night. She came dressed up in a black shimmery jumpsuit.

A few other TV celebs including Aashita Dhawan, Shailesh Gulbani, Suyyash Rai, Kishwer Merchantt, and others were also seen attending the birthday bash and shared their best wishes for Avinash Sachdev.

The buzz is strong that Avinash Sachdev will join Salman Khan's Bigg Boss Season 17. Falaq Naaz, Manisha Rani, and Abhishek Malhan, who were seen in BB OTT 2 are rumoured to be doing the next season of Bigg Boss 17. However, there is no confirmation of the same.
New Delhi: Popular Bengali actress Swastika Mukherjee, who has been quite active in the OTT space as well recently addressed body issues which arise after hitting her 40s with a bunch of hot mirror photos with a towel tied around her. She proudly embraced her body issues and even addressed it in her long and meaningful caption. She is 42.

Swastika Mukherjee wrote: Getting mirror selfie. Embracing my boobs as they are supposed to be at 40 for MY BODY TYPE (no they cannot be like Cameron Diazs) Feeling okay with BRA strap marks ( for women who wear a bra for more than 12 hours at a stretch these marks stay longer than heartbreaks ) Absolutely fine with my freckles, rather in with them ( No they are not some kind of skin disease that needs urgent treatment and they dont appear with age ) Flaunting my chotto jhunti, when you grow your hair after 15 years this feeling is lit.

The actress is known for her Bengali films including 'Abar Byomkesh', 'Bhooter Bhabishyot' and 'Jaatishwar'. She featured in a segment of the Hindi film 'Mumbai Cutting' but it was in 2015 Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! by Dibakar Banerjee that she hogged attention.

Swastika Mukherjee is the daughter of actor Santu Mukhopadhyay. She made her screen debut with Devdasi, a Bengali TV series. She made her big screen debut with Hemanter Pakhi (2001). Her first leading role came with Mastan (2004).

She starred in many popular OTT shows including Paatal Lok, Criminal Justice: Adhura Sach and Black Widows among others.




New Delhi: Rakhi Sawant is currently ruling the headlines with her accusations and controversies with ex-husband Adil Khan Durrani. As Adil returned to Mumbai, he made many shocking statements about Rakhi and to counter him, she too organised a press conference making big revelations. Now, Rakhi's BFF Rajshree has filed a police complaint against her.

Rajshree has said that she will share the details of the complaint with the media soon. "Rakhi threatened me the day Adil made his first appearance and there is more that I will reveal to media," she told the paparazzi.

She even revealed that she has financed Rakhi Sawant many times and not the other way around. Driver, car, clothes, sandals, purse, all that she wears is all Rajshree's and Rakhi is unwell and all her accusations are fake.

On Wednesday (August 23), Rakhi said that she was shocked to know about the police complaint against her. Talking to the paps, she said, "She always stood besides me in my worst times. Even I stood by her during her bad times. She will always be my friend forever. I'm shocked. I don't know what's going on in my life."

Earlier this week, Rakhi organised a press conference in Mumbai to reveal her side of the story amid her ugly fight with ex-husband Adil Khan Durrani. Since the last few days, Rakhi and Adil have been levelling serious and shocking allegations against each other.

Adil too organised a press conference yesterday and unveiled the hidden truths and controversies of his marriage and divorce with Rakhi Sawant.

A few months ago, Rakhi had alleged that Adil has another woman in his life. A part of her statement to the media said, 'Kehte ho na media mein kyun aati ho, baat ghar pe hi rakho. Ghar pe reh ke na mujhe fridge me nahi jana hai.' She later accused him of assault, stealing money and jewelry from her flat without her knowledge, performing unnatural sex and harassment for dowry, among other charges.

Adil was then brought to the Oshiwara police station for questioning and later placed under arrest.

Rakhi Sawant and Adil Khan Durrani got married in July last year.
KYODO NEWS - Aug 23, 2023 - 14:54 | All, Japan, World, 3/11 Fukushima

Preparations were underway Wednesday at the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan for beginning the discharge of treated radioactive water into the sea the following day.

The plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc., measured the concentration level of tritium in the treated water, which is diluted with seawater to ensure it is below one-40th of what is permitted under Japanese safety standards, before discharging it via an underwater tunnel 1 kilometer from the complex.

The Japanese government announced Tuesday that the discharge would begin on Thursday if weather conditions permit, while Japan's fisheries industry and some neighboring countries such as China remain opposed to the move, with local fishermen and businesses fearing reputational damage to their products.

In parallel to TEPCO, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Japan Atomic Energy Agency also monitor the radiation concentration levels by analyzing samples of treated water to ensure safety.

For carrying out the monitoring, TEPCO utilizes advanced technologies such as a "smart glasses" wearable device, which provides procedural and analytical guidance to prevent mistakes for critical tasks, and a data management system introduced in 2020 that uses barcodes to process information.

The system's introduction helped the company significantly reduce errors and data processing times compared to previously, where workers had to manually fill in data on paper.

"We will be continuously monitoring tritium during the discharge. We do our best to prevent errors," Junichi Suzuki, a TEPCO manager, said.

TEPCO expects to increase its monitoring and expand its analytical infrastructure after the discharge begins, as it is likely to take 30 years or more.

The water used in the cleanup efforts for the 2011 nuclear disaster, caused by a massive earthquake and tsunami, has been kept in tanks that were installed at the site after undergoing treatment through an advanced liquid processing system, which removed most radionuclides except tritium.

The tanks, which now total over 1,000 and contain about 1.34 million tons of water, are nearing their full capacity and are expected to do so as early as 2024, with the plant operator claiming they must initiate the water release as a result.

The government and TEPCO have said that further increasing the number of tanks is difficult and that releasing the water into the ocean is necessary for continuing with the decommissioning work, which requires space and facilities for storing debris on the site.

Related coverage:

IAEA to regularly share Fukushima nuclear plant water info with South Korea

H.K. seafood sector braces for impact from Fukushima water release

Fishermen, locals decry Japan gov't Fukushima nuclear plant water discharge
At the initiative of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IRIA), important meetings were held with various institutions within the framework of the visit of representatives of a number of leading Israeli companies to Azerbaijan. These meetings are aimed at exploring and strengthening partnerships and developing cooperation in various sectors, Azernews reports, citing IRIA.

The information notes that the Israeli delegation was represented by Raycom, Cysourse, Sensorz, and Fincom companies working in telecoms, cyber security, system integration, and financial technologies respectively.

During the visit, during a meeting with representatives of the innovation company PASHA Holding, the possibilities of joint work with Israeli companies in the field of innovation were evaluated.

They discussed the realization of joint efforts to develop the innovation and technology ecosystem and the implementation of knowledge exchange.

Israeli guests also visited the "Azercell" company and exchanged ideas on possible cooperation. The discussions covered a wide range of topics: from improvement of network infrastructure to development of innovative services and applications.

It should be noted that the visit of Israeli companies to Azerbaijan took place within the framework of the Technopark Residency, which provides tax incentives and privileges to global and local ICT companies.






KYODO NEWS - Aug 23, 2023 - 15:57 | World, All

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was moved to a hospital from prison around midnight Tuesday complaining of chest tightness and high blood pressure, Thai authorities said, after the ousted prime minister returned home earlier in the day from self-imposed exile.

Doctors at the Bangkok hospital diagnosed Thaksin, 74, with multiple underlying health issues including heart disease, based on his medical records from aboard, the hospital's Department of Corrections said Wednesday.

According to a source close to the former prime minister, his condition was not serious.

Thaksin on Tuesday began serving an eight-year sentence on corruption and other charge after he arrived at Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport.

Thaksin served as prime minister from February 2001 until September 2006, when he was toppled by a military coup while visiting the United States.

He returned to Thailand briefly in February 2008 and left again in August 2008. While in exile, he lived primarily in Dubai and was convicted in absentia.

Related coverage:

Thai parliament selects Srettha Thavisin of Pheu Thai party as PM

Ex-Thai PM Thaksin returns home after years in exile
KYODO NEWS - Aug 23, 2023 - 12:12 | All, World, 3/11 Fukushima

The International Atomic Energy Agency said Tuesday it will regularly inform the South Korean government about Japan's discharge of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea.

The two sides have agreed to set up the information-sharing framework to address public concern in South Korea, with Japan set to start releasing the water on Thursday, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said in a press release.

While the planned discharge has raised concern among local fishermen and neighboring countries, the IAEA said Japan's plans "are consistent with IAEA Safety Standards, which serve as a global reference for protecting people and the environment."

The agency, which has set up a permanent office at the plant, will continue to monitor the water discharge to ensure it meets international safety standards and will "provide up-to-date information" to South Korea, the press release said.

The IAEA will also publish near real-time monitoring data on the discharge, it said.

The IAEA and the South Korean government are also planning to hold online meetings periodically, while South Korean experts will regularly visit the agency's office at the plant, according to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency.

"The only way to address legitimate concerns of the public is to keep them informed," Grossi said in the statement.

Since a nuclear crisis at the plant triggered by a devastating earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, water used in cleanup efforts has been stored in more than 1,000 tanks installed at the site.

In a safety review report released by the IAEA in July, the organization said "the discharges of the treated water would have a negligible radiological impact to people and the environment."

Related coverage:

Japan to begin contentious Fukushima radioactive water release Aug. 24

Fishermen, locals decry Japan gov't Fukushima nuclear plant water discharge

China protests Fukushima water release, South Korea sees no problem
By Matthew Carland, KYODO NEWS - Aug 23, 2023 - 10:31 | All, World

Some businesses on Hawaii's Maui Island have cut back on staff and reduced their operating hours in the wake of the deadly wildfires, with the state government's guidance to travelers evolving as recovery efforts proceed.

In emergency proclamations issued in the days after the fires broke out on Aug. 8, the office of Hawaii Gov. Josh Green asked tourists to leave the affected area as soon as they could safely do so, and "strongly discouraged" nonessential travel to the island. Tourists heeded the messages, with more than 46,000 people leaving Maui by Aug. 13, according to local media reports.

"(Customers) are down 50 percent at least," Penny Putnam, general manager of Moose McGillycuddy's, told Kyodo News of the bar and restaurant chain's Kihei location in West Maui.

Putnam, 64, said the lack of business has forced her to cut staff hours for about 100 employees at three locations. The establishment has had a local presence since 1980, with the Kihei location opening in 2005.

"We don't want everybody to go back to unemployment again. We just got out of all of that. We're just rebuilding from COVID."

An estimated 2,002 passengers flew to Maui on Sunday, compared to 6,852 on the same day last year, marking over a 70 percent decrease, according to Hawaii's official tourism data.

Tourism drives Maui's economy. Around 70 percent of every dollar can be traced back to visitors, according to the Maui Economic Development Board.

Hawaii's governor last week shifted his tone on tourism during a press conference, saying visitors are welcome in Maui but should not visit the west side.

"What we are saying now is travel should not be to West Maui, but the other parts of Maui are safe and the rest of the state of course is safe," Green said.

"We want people to travel to the state to the extent that they are not impacting the hard work that these extraordinary people are doing," he added, referring to first responders.

As of Monday, 115 fatalities have been confirmed. According to Green, more than 1,000 people remain unaccounted for.

Darren Byler, 37, general manager of Cafe O'lei Kihei, a local restaurant that opened its first location in 1997, had to lay off about 25 percent of his 200 staff.

"I don't know if it is ever too late...but the damage has definitely been done," Byler said.

Customer turnout has dropped by 50 percent, he estimated, noting it has been worse at his Maui Tropical Plantation location in Waikapu in central Maui, which caters primarily to tourists.

"I think it is an opportunity to showcase the other beautiful sides of the island," Byler said. "We have a lot of beauty to share and the best way to help us with our recovery is to come and enjoy this beautiful island."

Don Russel, 60, a tourist from Phoenix, Arizona, enjoyed sunbathing on an empty beach this past weekend. He had made arrangements to island-hop from Kauai to Maui before the wildfires devastated the Lahaina community.

"We still came here and we just stay where we are, we don't go to the west side" of the island, Russel said. "You can't cut off the whole island, everyone else still expects to survive."

Related coverage:

FEATURE: Lahaina not the only place affected by wildfires on Maui

Leader in Maui relief efforts sees model in post-tsunami Japan

Japan to give Hawaii $2 million in aid as wildfire death toll tops 100
KYODO NEWS - Aug 23, 2023 - 16:54 | All, World, Japan

A group of Japanese high school students called for the abolition of nuclear weapons on Tuesday as they visited the U.N. office in Geneva as peace messengers for the first time in four years after the COVID-19 pandemic halted any trips.

The 22 female students from 16 prefectures, aged 15 to 18, submitted some 625,000 signatures that they had collected since 2020 to push for the abolition of nuclear weapons and attended the U.N. conference on disarmament, dedicated to a discussion on the elimination of nuclear weapons.

The members are selected each year to convey the messages of the two Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which were devastated by U.S. atomic bombs in the final days of World War II.

"The peace maintained by the presence of nuclear weapons is not sustainable," said Koharu Osawa, a 16-year-old student from Nagasaki during a meeting with Carolyne-Melanie Regimbal, chief of service of the U.N. Office for Disarmament Affairs' Geneva Office.

Noting that "Nuclear weapons continue to be tremendous risks to our society," Regimbal said that "Japan has a long-standing commitment to peace, disarmament but also youth leadership," adding, "The U.N. remains determined to find solutions" with the peace messenger initiative.

Referring to the willingness of North Korea and Russia to develop their nuclear weapons capacities, the students urged states to act as soon as possible to prevent another human disaster.

"A peaceful world can only be achieved by someone willing to change the world, that's why we are here," said Momo Nagato, 16, from Hiroshima.

"I would like you to come to Hiroshima and Nagasaki and listen to the voices of the hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors)," she said during the meeting.

"We will strive to prevent people from becoming victims of another war and to achieve nuclear disarmament by showing the world how priceless peace is," added Ayaha Kurita, 15, from Tokyo.

The Peace Messenger initiative dates back to 1998, when India and Pakistan conducted nuclear tests, and since then more than 2,620,000 signatures have been collected and delivered to the United Nations.

Related coverage:

Special feature: How an Atomic Bomb Destroyed a Girl's Life

Nagasaki urges break from nuke deterrence at scaled-down A-bomb event

Hiroshima mayor calls nuke deterrence a "folly" at 78th A-bomb anniv.
"With great anger, we are here to show our strong opposition in front of the prime minister's official residence."

Despite the rain, hundreds of Japanese gathered in Tokyo to protest against the government's irresponsible decision to discharge nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the ocean.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service








Retired British soldier Brian Finch, who has been committed to collecting the historical documents on the Lisbon Maru, speaks during a special screening of the documentary of The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru in London, Britain, Aug. 15, 2023. A special screening of the documentary of The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru was held here on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

"It's the forgotten war, and I think through this type of film, not only here, the whole world would be able to know what went on and how they suffered for us to have freedom."

by Xinhua writers Xu Feng, Du Juan

LONDON, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru, a documentary about a lesser-known WWII tragedy involving Japanese fascists and British prisoners of war (POWs), has highlighted the impact of war on British families and brought into light the courage and humanity of Chinese fishermen.

In October 1942, "Lisbon Maru," a cargo vessel requisitioned by the Japanese army to carry more than 1,800 British POWs from Hong Kong to Japan, was hit by the U.S. army off the Zhoushan Islands in China's Zhejiang province. Local fishermen risked their own lives and rescued over 300 POWs.

A special screening of the recently-finished documentary was held at the British Film Institute Southbank theater in London last week. Some 400 relatives of the British POWs on board the Lisbon Maru were invited to watch the film.

Survivors of the Lisbon Maru incident interviewed by Fang Li, the documentary's producer and director, recalled in the film that after the ship was hit, the Japanese troops soon evacuated but left the POWs battened down below deck. When the POWs managed to escape the confinement and started jumping into the sea, they were shot by the Japanese troops. Chinese fishermen risked their lives amid the shooting and rescued as many POWs as possible using their small sampan boats.

Retired British soldier Brian Finch, who has been committed to collecting the historical documents on the Lisbon Maru, told Xinhua that the documentary exposed the cruelty of the Japanese soldiers and showed "the incredible courage and humanity" of the Chinese fishermen.

Audience attend a special screening of the documentary of The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru in London, Britain, Aug. 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

As the credits rolled, the audience gave the documentary a standing ovation. In tearful gratitude, Eileen Fletcher shared with the audience that her brother, a teenager when the Lisbon Maru sank, survived thanks to "the wonderful Chinese fishermen." Her brother later became an officer in the Royal Horse Artillery.

Fletcher later told Xinhua that the documentary brings to light a forgotten tragedy, and its long-lasting impact on the affected families was rarely known. When her brother was alive, he never spoke about it, and the trauma caused by the incident left him awake screaming at night.

"It's the forgotten war," she said. "And I think through this type of film, not only here, the whole world would be able to know what went on and how they suffered for us to have freedom."

Amanda Christian, whose grandfather went down with the Lisbon Maru, was among the first respondents to Fang's search for relatives of the Lisbon Maru POWs as he prepared for the documentary. She was moved to tears by the documentary and was happy that it was completed despite the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It (Lisbon Maru Incident) should never have been kept underneath. It should be spoken about years and years ago. My dad for years didn't know what actually happened on the Lisbon Maru," she told Xinhua.

Christian went to Zhoushan in 2019 with a group of POW relatives after the wreck of the sunken ship had been located by Fang and his team with the help of modern technology several years before. After paying respect to her grandfather throughout her life through an empty grave in Britain, she could finally properly remember him when a boat took her to the water directly above the sunken Lisbon Maru. During her stay in China, she also met with the last fisherman alive, who died less than a year after the meeting.

"It was just amazing, absolutely very, very honored to have been part of it," she said.

Granddaughter of Denise Wynn, daughter of a "Lisbon Maru" survivor Dennis Morley, shows a picture of Dennis Morley in Chalford, Britain, Aug. 26, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

In remarks delivered after the screening, Chinese Ambassador to Britain Zheng Zeguang said, "In the fight against fascist aggressors, China and the UK were allies, and the Lisbon Maru Incident is one of the best examples of people from both countries supporting each other at difficult times."

Zheng noted that history must not be forgotten and called for a joint effort to carry forward the shared remembrance and turn it into a new linchpin for friendship between the Chinese and British people.

Tony Banham, a British historian whose 2006 book The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru: Britain's Forgotten Wartime Tragedy, laid the groundwork for the documentary. He said he was delighted with how the documentary turned out and succeeded in emphasizing the impact of war on families.

"There's never been more important than it is at the moment for people from different countries to meet together and chat and understand that it doesn't really matter if you're born in London, or you're born in Beijing. You are people," he said. "And that message should be hammered home every day, in my opinion, because there is no more important message if we really want to survive as a species of human beings in the world."

Morgana Warren-Jones, a 28-year-old musician whose great uncle died in the Lisbon Maru tragedy, told Xinhua that she would spread the word about the documentary on social media and hopes to generate more discussion among the younger generation.

"This film shows that a world with peace is a so much better world," she said. "Making good relationships with people from different cultures and building bridges is a really important thing." 
YINCHUAN, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- In an industrial park in the coastal city of Xiamen in east China's Fujian Province, unmanned security vehicles were conducting patrols while transmitting real-time safety data to a cloud data center over 2,000 km away in Zhongwei City in the country's northwest Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, all within a mere 0.1 second.

The cloud data center belongs to the Ningxia branch of Chinese telecom giant China Unicom which has recently introduced a 5G solution for remote vehicle control. Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co., Ltd, one of the country's leading bus makers and the owner of the unmanned security vehicles, became the first user of this service.

The data transmitted to the cloud data center can undergo AI recognition, enabling the initiation of early warnings for safety hazards through computational processing, which can significantly strengthen the continuous security measures of the industrial park.

For many, the perception of Ningxia may be rooted in its inland setting, arid and chilly climate, and expansive deserts, which might appear as potential hindrances to economic progress. However, these very characteristics have transformed into advantages for the development of the big data and cloud computing industries in the region.

"Take Zhongwei as an example. The city boasts abundant new energy sources such as wind and solar power, with a dry and cold climate. The energy consumption of data centers here is at the lowest level nationwide, enabling them to offer enterprises ultra-low-cost computing power services," said Wu Lihua, from the Ningxia branch of China Unicom.

The computing industry is power-intensive, and high energy consumption has always been the main drawback of data centers. However, as China's first demonstration zone for new-energy comprehensive construction, Ningxia is a major green power supplier with abundant green energy resources.

According to the latest data, the share of installed capacity of new energy in Ningxia stood at 50.2 percent, and that of Zhongwei reached 86.18 percent. Today, data centers in Zhongwei transform green power into green computing power and channel the resources to the eastern areas.

Owing to these distinctive strengths, Zhongwei has been chosen to be developed as a national internet exchange center and a national hub for integrated computing networks, according to the city's mayor Ma Honghai.

The average power usage effectiveness (PUE) of these data centers stands at 1.2 -- the closer the value is to 1, the better the energy efficiency, whereas, for most newly-built data centers in China, the average PUE is 1.73.

So far, 13 large and ultra-large data centers have been established here, attracting more than 200 cloud computing and related enterprises. These centers provide data storage and cloud computing services to over 4,000 companies including the e-commerce platform Meituan, consumer electronics manufacturer Xiaomi, and lifestyle-sharing platform Xiaohongshu.

In Ningxia, a total of 18 large-scale data centers are providing diverse services in a wide range of fields such as education, healthcare, ecological preservation, food safety, and transportation security for many regions, covering key urban clusters such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

During the 2023 China Computational Power Conference held in Ningxia's capital Yinchuan last week, 36 strategic cooperation agreements were signed, with a total value of 157.1 billion yuan (about 21.82 billion U.S. dollars), and 45 investment project contracts were signed, with a total value of 83.2 billion yuan.

These efforts are expected to facilitate the broader and deeper integration of the data and computing power industries into various fields, creating new technologies, new models, and new business formats, said Mai Yanzhou, vice chairman of the regional government of Ningxia. 
Carlos Watson, representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in China, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Guo Peiran)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Cooperation among BRICS countries and others is crucial for "a better outcome in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda by 2030," said a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) official.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Carlos Watson, representative of FAO of the United Nations in China, emphasized the importance of BRICS as a crucial platform for South-South cooperation (SSC), adding that "China is in the front line of supporting developing countries to achieve their own development goals."

With a quarter of the global GDP and up to 42 percent of the world's population, BRICS continues attracting other countries. He said that ensuring cooperation among these countries is vital for achieving the SDGs on time.

Saluting the ongoing 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Watson underscored the "pivotal role" of SSC in accelerating progress towards the achievement of the SDGs, describing it as "an important means of enhancing access to science, technology and innovation, knowledge sharing as well as capacity building."

"In the agriculture sector, this cooperation between and among countries of the Global South can act as a key delivery modality to catalyze agricultural development, food and nutrition security, rural development and poverty reduction," he said.

He noted an example promoting hybrid rice in Madagascar, Uganda and other African countries within the framework of the FAO-China SSC project. "The yields have dramatically increased in these countries, providing a higher income for smallholders. In total, this program in Africa has improved the lives directly and indirectly of about 1 million people."

China is on the front line of supporting developing countries to achieve their own development goals. It is uniquely positioned to engage in South-South technical exchanges and knowledge-sharing initiatives, said Watson, who has worked in China since February 2021.

Impressed by China's development, "who has set the world an example by alleviating absolute poverty in 2020, 10 years ahead of the global agenda," he noted that "with a wealth of development solutions, knowledge, technologies, experiences, best practices and resources, accumulated during its rapid development process, China has a lot to offer in supporting sustainable agriculture development and food security in other developing countries."

Highlighting China's contribution to global food security, which is "listed as one of the eight priority areas of cooperation," he stressed that "the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative contributes to achieving the sustainable development goals, addressing the needs of millions of farmers and fisherfolk in the countries involved."

In 2021, China proposed the Global Development Initiative, which seeks to promote international cooperation in eight priority areas: poverty reduction, food security, COVID-19 and vaccines, financing for development, climate change and green development, industrialization, digital economy and connectivity.

FAO expects China to play a more significant role in attaining all the agriculture-related SDGs in the country, in the region and worldwide, Watson said. 

Carlos Watson, representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in China, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Guo Peiran)
Giant panda Xing Xing enjoys birthday treats at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Aug. 23, 2023. Giant panda couple Xing Xing and Liang Liang continue to play their role as "ambassadors" to Malaysia as the couple turned 17 on Wednesday.

In a ceremony, the giant pandas, who have played a prominent role in promoting the close and harmonious relationship between China and Malaysia since their arrival here in 2014, were presented with an "ice cake" as well as other treats to mark their special day at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara.

Crowds of onlookers turned up to mark the occasion, with many donning panda-themed clothing and accessories as they watched Xing Xing and Liang Liang enjoy their cakes. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Giant panda couple Xing Xing and Liang Liang continue to play their role as "ambassadors" to Malaysia as the couple turned 17 on Wednesday.

In a ceremony, the giant pandas, who have played a prominent role in promoting the close and harmonious relationship between China and Malaysia since their arrival here in 2014, were presented with an "ice cake" as well as other treats to mark their special day at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara.

Crowds of onlookers turned up to mark the occasion, with many donning panda-themed clothing and accessories as they watched Xing Xing and Liang Liang enjoy their cakes.

Besides the ice cakes, the couple were also treated to their favorite fruits, other cakes made of eggs, soybean, corn, rice, corn oil and calcium powder. The pandas wasted no time finishing their treats and enjoying the attention they were getting.

In his remarks to mark the occasion, Abdul Wahid Abu Salim, deputy secretary-general of the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry, stressed the diplomatic importance that the pandas have continued to play.

"The giant pandas serve as a special envoy from China, fostering understanding and close cooperation between our nations... From its inception, this project has come to embody the close friendship and collaboration between Malaysia and China. It represents our shared commitment to preserving these magnificent creatures and their habitats for generations to come," he said.

"Today's celebration extends beyond the borders of giant panda conservation in Malaysia. Let us contemplate the broader implications of our collective efforts. May this project stand as a luminous example of international cooperation, inspiring us to collaborate not only for the well-being of these incredible creatures but also for the prosperity and understanding of our nations," he added.

Zhang Jiexin, director of the China Cultural Center in Kuala Lumpur, said the primary goal of the panda cooperation in Malaysia is twofold: to promote research on panda reproduction and survival in both artificial and natural environments, and to spread knowledge about pandas, fostering a strong affection and support for panda conservation.

"Additionally, pandas serve as ambassadors of goodwill, strengthening the friendship between China and Malaysia," he said.

For his part, Zoo Negara Deputy President Rosly Rahmat Ahmat Lana said the couple represented a significant success in conservation efforts, having given birth to three cubs over their stay in Malaysia.

"These pandas are not just an adorable icon, they are ambassadors of goodwill and symbols of the enduring friendship between our countries. They have captured our hearts and minds, bridging cultural divides and inspiring us to work together for a better future," he said.

Meanwhile, Zoo Negara's administration director Ahmad Nizam Zainudin told Xinhua that it is a great pleasure to take care of pandas. "The offer to become a giant panda caretaker at Zoo Negara brought me immense delight. One particularly beautiful memory revolves around the birth of the first panda cub, Nuan Nuan. It stands out as a moment of pure happiness for both the team and me. This feeling remained just as strong when Liang Liang gave birth to her second and third cubs."

Xing Xing and Liang Liang, after arriving in Malaysia in 2014, delivered their first Malaysia-born giant panda cub Nuan Nuan on Aug. 18, 2015, while their second, Yi Yi was born on Jan. 14, 2018, and the third Sheng Yi was born on May 31, 2021. Nuan Nuan returned to China in November 2017 after turning two years old. 

Giant panda Xing Xing enjoys birthday treats at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Aug. 23, 2023. Giant panda couple Xing Xing and Liang Liang continue to play their role as "ambassadors" to Malaysia as the couple turned 17 on Wednesday.

In a ceremony, the giant pandas, who have played a prominent role in promoting the close and harmonious relationship between China and Malaysia since their arrival here in 2014, were presented with an "ice cake" as well as other treats to mark their special day at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara.

Crowds of onlookers turned up to mark the occasion, with many donning panda-themed clothing and accessories as they watched Xing Xing and Liang Liang enjoy their cakes. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

Giant panda Liang Liang enjoys birthday treats at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Aug. 23, 2023. Giant panda couple Xing Xing and Liang Liang continue to play their role as "ambassadors" to Malaysia as the couple turned 17 on Wednesday.

In a ceremony, the giant pandas, who have played a prominent role in promoting the close and harmonious relationship between China and Malaysia since their arrival here in 2014, were presented with an "ice cake" as well as other treats to mark their special day at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara.

Crowds of onlookers turned up to mark the occasion, with many donning panda-themed clothing and accessories as they watched Xing Xing and Liang Liang enjoy their cakes. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

Giant panda Xing Xing enjoys birthday treats at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Aug. 23, 2023. Giant panda couple Xing Xing and Liang Liang continue to play their role as "ambassadors" to Malaysia as the couple turned 17 on Wednesday.

In a ceremony, the giant pandas, who have played a prominent role in promoting the close and harmonious relationship between China and Malaysia since their arrival here in 2014, were presented with an "ice cake" as well as other treats to mark their special day at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara.

Crowds of onlookers turned up to mark the occasion, with many donning panda-themed clothing and accessories as they watched Xing Xing and Liang Liang enjoy their cakes. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

Giant panda Liang Liang enjoys birthday treats at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Aug. 23, 2023. Giant panda couple Xing Xing and Liang Liang continue to play their role as "ambassadors" to Malaysia as the couple turned 17 on Wednesday.

In a ceremony, the giant pandas, who have played a prominent role in promoting the close and harmonious relationship between China and Malaysia since their arrival here in 2014, were presented with an "ice cake" as well as other treats to mark their special day at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara.

Crowds of onlookers turned up to mark the occasion, with many donning panda-themed clothing and accessories as they watched Xing Xing and Liang Liang enjoy their cakes. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

Giant panda Xing Xing enjoys birthday treats at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Aug. 23, 2023. Giant panda couple Xing Xing and Liang Liang continue to play their role as "ambassadors" to Malaysia as the couple turned 17 on Wednesday.

In a ceremony, the giant pandas, who have played a prominent role in promoting the close and harmonious relationship between China and Malaysia since their arrival here in 2014, were presented with an "ice cake" as well as other treats to mark their special day at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara.

Crowds of onlookers turned up to mark the occasion, with many donning panda-themed clothing and accessories as they watched Xing Xing and Liang Liang enjoy their cakes. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

Giant panda Xing Xing enjoys birthday treats at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Aug. 23, 2023. Giant panda couple Xing Xing and Liang Liang continue to play their role as "ambassadors" to Malaysia as the couple turned 17 on Wednesday.

In a ceremony, the giant pandas, who have played a prominent role in promoting the close and harmonious relationship between China and Malaysia since their arrival here in 2014, were presented with an "ice cake" as well as other treats to mark their special day at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara.

Crowds of onlookers turned up to mark the occasion, with many donning panda-themed clothing and accessories as they watched Xing Xing and Liang Liang enjoy their cakes. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

Giant panda Liang Liang enjoys birthday treats at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Aug. 23, 2023. Giant panda couple Xing Xing and Liang Liang continue to play their role as "ambassadors" to Malaysia as the couple turned 17 on Wednesday.

In a ceremony, the giant pandas, who have played a prominent role in promoting the close and harmonious relationship between China and Malaysia since their arrival here in 2014, were presented with an "ice cake" as well as other treats to mark their special day at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara.

Crowds of onlookers turned up to mark the occasion, with many donning panda-themed clothing and accessories as they watched Xing Xing and Liang Liang enjoy their cakes. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

Giant panda Xing Xing enjoys birthday treats at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Aug. 23, 2023. Giant panda couple Xing Xing and Liang Liang continue to play their role as "ambassadors" to Malaysia as the couple turned 17 on Wednesday.

In a ceremony, the giant pandas, who have played a prominent role in promoting the close and harmonious relationship between China and Malaysia since their arrival here in 2014, were presented with an "ice cake" as well as other treats to mark their special day at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara.

Crowds of onlookers turned up to mark the occasion, with many donning panda-themed clothing and accessories as they watched Xing Xing and Liang Liang enjoy their cakes. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

Giant panda Xing Xing enjoys birthday treats at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Aug. 23, 2023. Giant panda couple Xing Xing and Liang Liang continue to play their role as "ambassadors" to Malaysia as the couple turned 17 on Wednesday.

In a ceremony, the giant pandas, who have played a prominent role in promoting the close and harmonious relationship between China and Malaysia since their arrival here in 2014, were presented with an "ice cake" as well as other treats to mark their special day at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara.

Crowds of onlookers turned up to mark the occasion, with many donning panda-themed clothing and accessories as they watched Xing Xing and Liang Liang enjoy their cakes. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

A child with a cartoon panda drawn on face is pictured at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Aug. 23, 2023. Giant panda couple Xing Xing and Liang Liang continue to play their role as "ambassadors" to Malaysia as the couple turned 17 on Wednesday.

In a ceremony, the giant pandas, who have played a prominent role in promoting the close and harmonious relationship between China and Malaysia since their arrival here in 2014, were presented with an "ice cake" as well as other treats to mark their special day at the Giant Panda Conservation Center in Zoo Negara.

Crowds of onlookers turned up to mark the occasion, with many donning panda-themed clothing and accessories as they watched Xing Xing and Liang Liang enjoy their cakes. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)
People walk near the venue of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 21, 2023. The 15th BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held from Tuesday to Thursday in South Africa. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong)



Carlos Watson, representative of FAO of the United Nations in China, emphasized the importance of BRICS as a crucial platform for South-South cooperation.

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Cooperation among BRICS countries and others is crucial for "a better outcome in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda by 2030," said a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) official.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Carlos Watson, representative of FAO of the United Nations in China, emphasized the importance of BRICS as a crucial platform for South-South cooperation (SSC), adding that "China is in the front line of supporting developing countries to achieve their own development goals."

With a quarter of the global GDP and up to 42 percent of the world's population, BRICS continues attracting other countries. He said that ensuring cooperation among these countries is vital for achieving the SDGs on time.





This photo taken on Aug. 21, 2023 shows a view near the venue of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. The 15th BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held from Tuesday to Thursday in South Africa. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong)

Saluting the ongoing 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Watson underscored the "pivotal role" of SSC in accelerating progress towards the achievement of the SDGs, describing it as "an important means of enhancing access to science, technology and innovation, knowledge sharing as well as capacity building."

"In the agriculture sector, this cooperation between and among countries of the Global South can act as a key delivery modality to catalyze agricultural development, food and nutrition security, rural development and poverty reduction," he said.

He noted an example promoting hybrid rice in Madagascar, Uganda and other African countries within the framework of the FAO-China SSC project. "The yields have dramatically increased in these countries, providing a higher income for smallholders. In total, this program in Africa has improved the lives directly and indirectly of about 1 million people."

China is on the front line of supporting developing countries to achieve their own development goals. It is uniquely positioned to engage in South-South technical exchanges and knowledge-sharing initiatives, said Watson, who has worked in China since February 2021.

Impressed by China's development, "who has set the world an example by alleviating absolute poverty in 2020, 10 years ahead of the global agenda," he noted that "with a wealth of development solutions, knowledge, technologies, experiences, best practices and resources, accumulated during its rapid development process, China has a lot to offer in supporting sustainable agriculture development and food security in other developing countries."

Signboards of the 15th BRICS summit are seen on a street of Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 17, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

Highlighting China's contribution to global food security, which is "listed as one of the eight priority areas of cooperation," he stressed that "the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative contributes to achieving the sustainable development goals, addressing the needs of millions of farmers and fisherfolk in the countries involved."

In 2021, China proposed the Global Development Initiative, which seeks to promote international cooperation in eight priority areas: poverty reduction, food security, COVID-19 and vaccines, financing for development, climate change and green development, industrialization, digital economy and connectivity.

FAO expects China to play a more significant role in attaining all the agriculture-related SDGs in the country, in the region and worldwide, Watson said. 
The Azerbaijani community in Toronto has held an information campaign to support the peaceful efforts of Azerbaijan, according to the State Committee for Work with the Diaspora. The campaign included a corner called "Garabagh is Azerbaijan!" in the center of Toronto, with posters featuring slogans such as "Azerbaijan wants peace, Armenia wants war" and "Armenia, sign a peace treaty!" Civic activists distributed pamphlets titled "Urgent Call to Action: Addressing Critical Issues in Azerbaijan" which detailed Armenia's war and environmental crimes, Azernews reports, citing Diaspora.

The campaign was part of a larger effort by the Network of Azerbaijani Canadians (NAC), a grassroots advocacy organization founded in 2020. The NAC seeks to strengthen Canada-Azerbaijan relations and advocates for the signing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The organization has urged the Prime Minister of Canada and Global Affairs Canada to condemn Armenia's actions following the 2020 Barda missile attacks. The NAC also works to raise public awareness about displaced Azerbaijanis that took place during the Nagorno Garabagh conflict in the late 1980s and the early 1990s.
URUMQI, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Loaded with goods such as walnuts and steel pipes, five vehicles bearing TIR signs departed from northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region for Pakistan on Tuesday.

Their departure marks the first TIR transport operation between China and Pakistan since they established diplomatic relations in 1951. The move enriches Xinjiang's cross-border transportation and opens up a new international logistics route along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

With the initiation of TIR transport between China and Pakistan, businesses will further benefit from streamlined customs clearance processes, thus enhancing trade facilitation and the efficiency of cargo transit, as well as reducing transportation time and costs, said Cheng Tao, deputy chief of Kashgar Customs in Xinjiang.

TIR is an international customs transit system to help save time and money for transport operators and customs authorities when moving goods across borders.

China joined the TIR Convention in July 2016 to simplify and streamline the administrative formalities of international road transport. 
KABUL, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan caretaker government's Supreme Leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada has issued a new decree regarding the growth of trade and industries in the country, state media reported Wednesday.

The leader ordered relevant ministries and departments to provide necessary facilities for commercial activities in ports, crossing points and highways and respond to the requests of private sectors in a timely manner, according to the state-run news agency Bakhtar.

The news agency added that one of the directives also mentioned these authorities are obliged to "use domestic products, if possible, for the purpose of promotion of domestic industries and self-sufficiency."

The decree aims to boost trade, increase exports, and create sustainable relations with foreign countries, Bakhtar said. 
HANOI, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Despite considerable changes in the global investment trend, Vietnam has drawn great interest from investors thanks to its improved infrastructure and investment environment, local media reported on Wednesday, citing experts.

Improvements in infrastructure development, administrative reform, and investment in innovation hubs in Vietnam are contributing to making the market more attractive to international investors, Vietnam News Agency reported, citing Troy Griffiths, deputy managing director of Savills Vietnam, a real estate service provider.

Vietnam has high demand as well as many prospects and advantages in the race to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) flows thanks mainly to political stability, geographical location and infrastructure, attractive incentives and high economic growth rates, rapidly increasing population size and improved quality of human resources, according to Nguyen Minh Phong, former head of Economic Research Department of the Hanoi Institute for Socio-Economic Development Studies.

In the immediate future, Vietnam needs to work on non-tax support solutions for FDI enterprises, to maintain the growth and its advantages, local newspaper Kinh te Viet Nam (Vietnam's Economy) reported, citing the expert.

The Southeast Asian country attracted an estimated foreign investment of more than 15.41 billion U.S. dollars in the first seven months of this year, down 7.1 percent year on year. In the same period, the disbursed FDI capital totaled 11.57 billion dollars, up 10.2 percent year on year, the highest seven-month figure recorded in the past five years, according to the General Statistics Office. 
SUVA, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Fiji Police Force is dealing with the presence of drugs among young children within school environments, according to Police Spokesperson Ana Naisoro on Wednesday.

Naisoro said more than seven students have been discovered in possession of drugs like marijuana this year, reported the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation news website.

Police are bolstering presence in schools and communities through awareness campaigns, the spokesperson said.

The country's Ministry of Education has also emphasized the importance of parental involvement.

The ministry is engaged in developing a bill focused on addressing volatile substance abuse, aiming to provide greater avenues for intervention in such matters. 
This photo taken on Aug. 23, 2023 shows the damaged building following a reported drone attack in Moscow, Russia. Russia has thwarted an attempt by Ukraine to attack Moscow with three drones, said the defense ministry Wednesday. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

MOSCOW, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Russia has thwarted an attempt by Ukraine to attack Moscow with three drones, said the defense ministry Wednesday.

The Russian air defense forces, it said, intercepted and destroyed two drones over the Mozhaysky and Khimki districts of the Moscow region, while the third one was jammed by electronic warfare and crashed into a building under construction in the Moscow-City complex.

No casualties were reported, the ministry said.

The Moscow airports Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky resumed normal operations, which were interrupted earlier by the drone attack, local media reported. 

This photo taken on Aug. 23, 2023 shows the damaged building following a reported drone attack in Moscow, Russia. Russia has thwarted an attempt by Ukraine to attack Moscow with three drones, said the defense ministry Wednesday. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

This photo taken on Aug. 23, 2023 shows the damaged building following a reported drone attack in Moscow, Russia. Russia has thwarted an attempt by Ukraine to attack Moscow with three drones, said the defense ministry Wednesday. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

This photo taken on Aug. 23, 2023 shows the damaged building following a reported drone attack in Moscow, Russia. Russia has thwarted an attempt by Ukraine to attack Moscow with three drones, said the defense ministry Wednesday. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

This photo taken on Aug. 23, 2023 shows the damaged building following a reported drone attack in Moscow, Russia. Russia has thwarted an attempt by Ukraine to attack Moscow with three drones, said the defense ministry Wednesday.

The Russian air defense forces, it said, intercepted and destroyed two drones over the Mozhaysky and Khimki districts of the Moscow region, while the third one was jammed by electronic warfare and crashed into a building under construction in the Moscow-City complex.

No casualties were reported, the ministry said. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

Workers prepare to replace a window glass for a damaged building following a reported drone attack in Moscow, Russia, on Aug. 23, 2023. Russia has thwarted an attempt by Ukraine to attack Moscow with three drones, said the defense ministry Wednesday.

The Russian air defense forces, it said, intercepted and destroyed two drones over the Mozhaysky and Khimki districts of the Moscow region, while the third one was jammed by electronic warfare and crashed into a building under construction in the Moscow-City complex.

No casualties were reported, the ministry said. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

This photo taken on Aug. 23, 2023 shows the damaged building following a reported drone attack in Moscow, Russia. Russia has thwarted an attempt by Ukraine to attack Moscow with three drones, said the defense ministry Wednesday.

The Russian air defense forces, it said, intercepted and destroyed two drones over the Mozhaysky and Khimki districts of the Moscow region, while the third one was jammed by electronic warfare and crashed into a building under construction in the Moscow-City complex.

No casualties were reported, the ministry said. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
PRETORIA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Amidst Western media's distorted reports accusing China of "colonizing" African nations, including South Africa, it is notable that South Africans describe their relationship with China as one of "comradeship" and "brotherly friendship."

Meanwhile, in face of numerous uncertainties and accelerating changes unseen in a century, as natural members of the Global South, China and South Africa's relationship holds significant global sway due to their shared commitment to advancing the voices and interests of developing nations.

BROTHERLY FRIENDSHIP TESTED BY TIME

The sense of unity stemmed from China's support to the South African people in fighting apartheid, and standing with the African National Congress (ANC) as comrades and friends, said ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.

Apart from strong ties of economic relationship, "it is a relationship that is formed by ties of anti-imperialism," said Mbalula in an interview with Xinhua on the eve of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to South Africa.

"President Xi's visit is one of comradeship between the two presidents in strengthening this important relationship which spends decades and decades of years between the African National Congress and the Communist Party of China," he added.

Xi arrived in South Africa on Monday to attend the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg and pay a state visit to South Africa.

In a meeting on Tuesday with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, Xi said that the key to the good relations between China and South Africa and their deep friendship lies in the fact that the two countries and the two parties share weal and woe on their respective development paths and have forged a profound friendship.

Ramaphosa described China as a sincere brother, friend and partner of his country, saying that China has provided valuable support to South Africa in the latter's struggle for national independence and liberation as well as its national development. He also mentioned China's timely support for his country during the COVID pandemic.

For Sifiso Mahlangu, editor-in-chief of South Africa's leading newspaper, The Star, South Africa and China have an unbreakable bond.

"Our history dictates that China has been our friend. The Chinese people, the People's Republic of China, and the Communist Party of China have been the friends of the South African people," said Mahlangu.

BILATERAL TIES LIFTED TO NEW LEVEL

The state visit coincides with the two countries' 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties and marks Xi's fourth trip to South Africa as Chinese President.

Xi received the Order of South Africa from Ramaphosa on Tuesday. During their meeting, the two leaders agreed to push for greater development of the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era.

Dakota Legoete, a member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress, told Xinhua that he expected the South Africa-China win-win cooperation in terms of "economic development, people-to-people exchanges, and inter-countries relations to be strengthened."

As the first African country to sign the Belt and Road cooperation document with China, South Africa has been China's biggest trading partner in Africa for 13 years in a row, as well as one of the African countries with the largest stock of Chinese investment, which has risen to 10 billion U.S. dollars.

More than 200 Chinese companies in South Africa have created over 400,000 local jobs and South African companies are also racing to invest in the Chinese market to seize its abundant business opportunities.

With deepening trade relations between the two countries, South Africa's wines, rooibos tea, and aloe vera gels are trending products in China. On Tuesday, Xi said that China is ready to import more quality products from South Africa and will continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in South Africa.

The Belt and Road Initiative has also facilitated investment in South Africa's infrastructure, including ports, railways, and roads. The improved transportation networks have enhanced trade within the country and strengthen its position as a regional trade hub.

MORE GLOBAL SOUTH EMPOWERED WITH MORE VOICES

China and South Africa must strengthen strategic coordination, practice genuine multilateralism and work to increase the representation and voice of the Global South countries in global governance, Xi said on Tuesday.

Xi's remarks came as BRICS leaders set to meet in Johannesburg from Aug. 22 to 24 to discuss issues including deepening BRICS cooperation, giving more voice to the Global South, and the BRICS group's expansion.

Xi and Ramaphosa will also co-chair the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue.

As a model for China-Africa relations, South-South cooperation, and unity and cooperation among emerging market countries, China-South Africa relationship has offered valuable experience for building an even stronger community with a shared future between China and Africa.

President Xi is advocating for building a multipolar world, instead of a "unipolar world of manipulation, of bullying others by one superpower," said Legoete. "We would agree with President Xi on that."

"That is what we would pursue as part of the outcomes of the BRICS Summit in South Africa," said the South African official. "It is a benefit shared by all people in the world."

The BRICS Summit in South Africa is being held "at a very critical time" when the global community is becoming "very divided and highly polarized," said Anil Sooklal, South Africa's BRICS Sherpa.

"The Global South continues to be marginalized ... We continue to be ignored in terms of global decision-making, and yet the world has changed," he said.

Today's reality is distinct in the sense that "the Global South has risen, it is no longer impoverished, and it cannot be neglected on the global stage," he said, calling BRICS "a catalyst to bring the Global South together."

"It is for the first time in recent geopolitics that you have such a collective and a powerful body representing the voice of the Global South." 
BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday expressed China's willingness to deepen solidarity and cooperation with other emerging markets and developing countries to push for a more just and equitable world order.

As a developing country and a member of the Global South, China breathes the same breath as other developing countries and pursues a shared future with them, and has resolutely upheld the common interests of developing countries and worked to increase the representation and voice of emerging markets and developing countries in global affairs, said Xi in a speech read out by Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao at the BRICS Business Forum 2023.

CRITICAL JUNCTURE

"Right now, changes in the world, in our times and in history are unfolding in ways like never before, bringing human society to a critical juncture," Xi warned in the speech titled "Enhance Solidarity and Cooperation to Overcome Risks and Challenges and Jointly Build a Better World."

"Should we pursue cooperation and integration, or just succumb to division and confrontation? Should we work together to maintain peace and stability, or just sleepwalk into the abyss of a new Cold War? Should we embrace prosperity, openness and inclusiveness, or allow hegemonic and bullying acts to throw us into depression? Should we deepen mutual trust through exchanges and mutual learning, or allow hubris and prejudice to blind conscience?" Xi asked. "The course of history will be shaped by the choices we make.

Our world today has become a community with a shared future in which we all share a huge stake of survival, Xi said, noting that what people in various countries long for is "definitely not a new Cold War or a small exclusive bloc; what they want is an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys enduring peace, universal security and common prosperity."

Such is the logic of historical advance and the trend of our times, Xi stressed, urging all countries to uphold the correct views of the world, of history and of our overall interests.

Noting that the global context is extremely complex nowadays, particularly in the economic and political fields, Eduardo Regalado, a researcher at the International Policy Research Center of Cuba, said the BRICS summit takes place at a time when more cooperation among countries is needed to bring prosperity and well-being to people worldwide.

The 15th BRICS summit is slated for Aug. 22-24 in Johannesburg, and leaders attending the event are to discuss issues including deepening BRICS cooperation, giving more voice to the Global South, and the BRICS group's expansion.

"Emerging countries are becoming more and more relevant in the international arena. This summit will very much contribute to the shaping of a new global economic and political order. It will help change the current situation when it comes to international relations," he said.

WAY FORWARD

In the speech, Xi underscores the importance of inclusive development, universal security, cultural exchange, and the collective rise of emerging economies and developing countries for a better world, expressing China's willingness to deepen solidarity and cooperation with other emerging markets and developing countries to make the international order more just and equitable.

"We need to promote development and prosperity for all," Xi said, adding that with perseverance, hard work and huge sacrifices, many emerging markets and developing countries succeeded in gaining independence, and "everything we do is to deliver better lives to our people."

"Every country has the right to development, and the people in every country have the freedom to pursue a happy life," Xi said, noting that China will work with all other countries to speed up cooperation under the Global Development Initiative, meet common challenges together and make life better for people across the world.

"We need to achieve universal security," Xi said, adding that only a commitment to a new vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security can lead to universal security.

China stands ready to jointly pursue the Global Security Initiative with all others, have dialogue and oppose confrontation, forge partnership but not alliance, and pursue win-win outcome and oppose zero-sum game, and work together to build a community of security, Xi added.

"We need to stay committed to exchanges among civilizations and mutual learning," Xi said, stressing that human civilization is colorful by nature, and deliberately creating division with the assertion of "democracy versus authoritarianism" and "liberalism versus autocracy" can only split the world and lead to clash of civilizations.

China, Xi said, welcomes all other countries to get involved in cooperation under the Global Civilization Initiative, promote the common values of humanity, encourage different civilizations to bring out their best and flourish together, and renew human civilization.

The collective rise of emerging markets and developing countries represented by BRICS is fundamentally changing the global landscape, Xi stressed, noting that whatever resistance there may be, BRICS, a positive and stable force for good, will continue to grow.

"We will forge stronger BRICS strategic partnership, expand the 'BRICS Plus' model, actively advance membership expansion, deepen solidarity and cooperation with other emerging markets and developing countries, promote global multipolarity and greater democracy in international relations, and help make the international order more just and equitable," Xi said.

CHINA OPPORTUNITY

China will remain an important opportunity for the world's development, Xi said in the speech, stressing China's firm resolution in advancing high-standard opening-up, fostering a world-class, market-oriented business environment governed by a sound legal framework, and building a globally-oriented network of high-standard free trade areas.

China enjoys several distinct advantages: a socialist market economy in systemic terms, a supersize market in terms of demand, a full-fledged industrial system in terms of supply, and abundant, high-caliber labor force and entrepreneurs in terms of human resources, the Chinese president said, emphasizing that the Chinese economy has strong resilience, tremendous potential and great vitality, and the fundamentals sustaining China's long-term growth will remain unchanged.

As it endeavors to achieve modernization for its more than 1.4 billion people, China will surely contribute even more to the global economy and provide even more opportunities for the global business community, Xi said.

China's GDP expanded 6.3 percent year on year in the second quarter of 2023 with total goods imports and exports expanding 2.1 percent year on year to 20.1 trillion yuan (2.81 trillion U.S. dollars), according to official data.

The Chinese economy is projected to grow 5.6 percent in 2023, led by a rebound in consumer demand. Capital spending in infrastructure and manufacturing is expected to remain resilient, according to a World Bank press release in June.

China's share of the global economy is crucial. By pursuing internal reforms and speeding up the opening up of its domestic market to foreign companies, China is offering opportunities to the rest of the world, said Lyazid Benhami, vice president of the Paris Association of French-Chinese Friendship.

"By investing in emerging countries, it is increasing the attractiveness and economic stability of countries that want to develop sustainably," said Benhami. Endtiem
PRETORIA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- China and South Africa have agreed to work together to push bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level and build a high-level community with a shared future for the two countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa here on Tuesday. The two leaders exchanged views on the development of bilateral ties in the new era and international and regional issues of common concern.

The key, Xi said, to the good relations between China and South Africa and their deep friendship lies in the fact that the two countries and the two parties share weal and woe on their respective development paths and have forged a profound friendship.

He added that China is ready to work with South Africa to carry forward friendship, deepen cooperation and strengthen coordination.

Xi emphasized that China and Africa have always been a community with a shared future. Facing a volatile world, China and Africa need to strengthen unity and cooperation more than ever before.

China firmly supports African countries in uniting for self-improvement, the African Union in joining the G20, and Africa in promoting industrialization and modernization of agriculture, Xi noted.

Xi said that he looks forward to co-chairing the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue with President Ramaphosa and working with other African leaders attending the meeting to draw a new blueprint for China-Africa unity and cooperation and promote the building of a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.

For his part, Ramaphosa said it is a great honor to receive Xi's fourth state visit to South Africa. China has provided valuable support for South Africa in its struggle for national independence and liberation as well as its national development, he added.

Calling China a sincere brother, friend and partner of South Africa, Ramaphosa noted that China has provided urgently needed assistance to South Africa during hard times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both South Africa and China pursue their own national development and prosperity, and share the same or similar positions on many major international affairs, Ramaphosa said, adding that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 25 years ago, South Africa has firmly adhered to the one-China principle, and the bilateral relationship has been flourishing.

He also mentioned that China's investment and cooperation have strongly promoted South Africa's economic and social development, and played a vital role in promoting the development and prosperity of African countries and countries in the Global South.

South Africa is ready to keep close party-to-party exchanges with China, carry out pilot cooperation in Chinese-style poverty reduction and expand cooperation in various areas including trade, investment, energy, infrastructure construction, manufacturing, science and technology, Ramaphosa said, adding that South Africa welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in the country. 
MACAO, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Sound of Music, a classic Broadway musical, concluded its two-week 16-performance tour in Macao on Wednesday, attracting over 10,000 audiences in total, according to the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government.

The musical features an international company of leading performers and young stars in the roles of the Von Trapp family, as the audience surrenders to the musical's charm and delight conveyed by songs like Do-Re-Mi, My Favourite Things and Climb Every Mountain.

The performances attracted audiences of different age groups from Macao and other places, mainly the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the bureau said. 
CANBERRA, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The mental health and wellbeing of Australian children have continued to decline in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, research has revealed.

The study, which was published by University of South Australia (UniSA) researchers on Wednesday, examined measures of wellbeing among more than 56,000 South Australian children aged 9-14.

It found that the mental health of children has gradually declined over the past six years, particularly in the time during and post-pandemic.

Female students, those at the top end of the age group and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were most likely to have poor wellbeing.

"During the pandemic, children had to change the way they learn, play and socialize, all the while living in an environment of widespread uncertainty and anxiety," Dot Dumuid, lead author of the study from the Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity at UniSA, said in a media release.

"Children and young people have dealt with school closures, isolation, social distancing and cancelled extracurricular activities, and this has led to decreased levels of physical activity and increased sedentary time."

"Now that pandemic restrictions have been lifted, life has not necessarily gone back to how it was pre-pandemic. And when we assessed how children have fared in terms of wellbeing across this period, the news was not good," Dumuid said.

Life satisfaction, optimism, happiness, perseverance, worry, sadness, emotional regulation and cognitive engagement were considered as measures of wellbeing.

Exercise and healthy eating were generally associated with higher wellbeing.

Researchers used the findings to call for urgent and equitable support for the wellbeing of all young Australians.

"Everyone has a responsibility to look out for the next generation. We all play a role in the overall wellbeing of our kids," Dumuid said. 
Western Azerbaijani Community condemns the biased statement made by the Belgian Foreign Ministry Hadja Lahbib in Yerevan on August 22, 2023, Azernews reports, citing a tweet by the Community.

The tweet reads:

"This is your second statement this month with a negative stance towards Azerbaijan. Actually, you should have raised the issue of the return of expelled Azerbaijanis to Armenia during your meetings in Iravan. However, it appears that you are either entirely unaware of the core issues of the past conflict or remain influenced by false narratives fabricated by Armenia. We would like to remind you that Belgium has not, for the past 30 years, called upon Armenia to cease the occupation of Azerbaijani territories. We reiterate our call on Belgium to discontinue the practice of double standards and to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Azerbaijan."
UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- UN humanitarians on Tuesday called for an end to renewed clashes in the Sudan conflict to allow for aid delivery to civilians, including in South Darfur and South Kordofan.

"We are deeply concerned about the impact of renewed fighting in several parts of the country," said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

OCHA said the International Organization for Migration reported at least 60 people killed and 250 injured in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur state. As many as 50,000 people fled their homes, and hostilities blocked relief trucks from delivering aid.

Fighting erupted about a week ago between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in the western part of Sudan.

According to the Nyala Emergency Room Initiative humanitarian group, the city is experiencing "catastrophic humanitarian conditions beyond all expectations."

OCHA said that in the capital of South Kordofan state, Kadugli, humanitarian partners reported food stocks were almost completely depleted and that fighting drove some 6,700 people from their homes to other neighborhoods.

"We call on the parties to the conflict in Sudan to cease hostilities and allow for the delivery of life-saving assistance to civilians in need," said the office.

OCHA said only a little more than a quarter of this year's 2.6 billion-U.S. dollar Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan has been received. 
A model presents a creation during a Chinese brands fashion show at the 2023 Apparel Textile Sourcing Trade Show in Toronto, Canada, on Aug. 22, 2023. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

A model presents a creation during a Chinese brands fashion show at the 2023 Apparel Textile Sourcing Trade Show in Toronto, Canada, on Aug. 22, 2023. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

A model presents a creation during a Chinese brands fashion show at the 2023 Apparel Textile Sourcing Trade Show in Toronto, Canada, on Aug. 22, 2023. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

A model presents a creation during a Chinese brands fashion show at the 2023 Apparel Textile Sourcing Trade Show in Toronto, Canada, on Aug. 22, 2023. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

A model presents a creation during a Chinese brands fashion show at the 2023 Apparel Textile Sourcing Trade Show in Toronto, Canada, on Aug. 22, 2023. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)
WELLINGTON, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Japan's decision to go forward with the release of the treated radioactively contaminated water is "not surprising, but certainly disappointing," a marine expert has said.

Despite public concerns and raging opposition from both home and abroad, the Japanese government announced Tuesday it has decided to start releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean on Aug. 24.

This decision violates the spirit of the UN Ocean Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) and the recently passed UN High Seas Treaty as well as the rights of indigenous Pacific communities, said Prof. Robert Richmond, director of the Kewalo Marine Laboratory at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Both Japan and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) can turn a challenging situation into an opportunity to explore and develop better approaches to nuclear disasters than ocean dumping, said Richmond, also a member of the Expert Scientific Advisory Panel to the Pacific Islands Forum.

"Considering the documented deteriorating conditions of ocean health and that of those communities who depend on it, we should expect far better from those in positions of authority and responsibility," he said.

"This is not the first such disaster nor will it be the last," Richmond said, adding this decision undercuts the premise that the nuclear power industry is viable and responsible in its ability to deal with its own mistakes and wastes.

"As the saying goes, those who do not learn from history are forced to repeat it, and this action will be to the detriment of future generations who will likely suffer the consequences of decisions that are made based on expediency, politics, and profit above people," he said.

Japan has treated the water to the point where officials say it is no longer harmful, and has decided to start releasing it into the Pacific Ocean.

The presence of cancer-causing nuclear fission isotopes cesium-137, strontium-90, and iodine-131 should be checked before the initial batch of water is released, said David Krofcheck, senior lecturer in physics, University of Auckland.

These isotopes, deposited into the Fukushima waters during and shortly after the 2011 disaster, are responsible for the radioactivity in seafood, and the subsequent fishing bans, Krofcheck said.

Hit by a massive earthquake and an ensuing tsunami in March 2011, the Fukushima nuclear power plant suffered core meltdowns and generated a massive amount of water tainted with radioactive substances from cooling down the nuclear fuel. 
BEIRUT, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), headquartered in the Lebanese capital of Beirut, Wednesday launched an initiative to develop innovative pathways for modernization and reform of public administration in the Arab region, according to a statement released by ESCWA.

The initiative was launched at a meeting attended by governmental representatives, researchers, and experts in the field of public administration from international and regional organizations, during which they discussed the means to reform and modernize public administration systems.

At the meeting, Youness Abouyoub, chief of the Governance and State-Building Section at ESCWA, stressed the need to reform and modernize public administrations to achieve the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

"While this poses a significant challenge to the region's countries, it is possible to achieve a qualitative leap through sustainable reforms based on new and innovative ideas," the statement quoted Abouyoub as saying.

The chief hoped that the meeting would encourage greater cooperation and exchange of experiences related to governance practices and public services among Arab countries, it added. 
BEIRUT, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese caretaker Health Minister Firas Abiad on Wednesday warned that COVID-19 cases have seen a remarkable increase in Lebanon recently, calling on citizens to take proper precautionary measures.

The situation at hospitals is under control so far, with the intensive care unit receiving only a few patients, a statement by the National News Agency quoted Abiad as saying.

"We reiterate our emphasis on prevention, and we advise patients who suffer from comorbidities and those who are most susceptible to infection to take the vaccine to protect themselves," he said, adding that those with symptoms should avoid contact with others.

The minister also called on citizens with immunity problems to use personal protective equipment such as masks.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Lebanon is 1,238,552 as recorded until Aug. 23, according to the World Health Organization COVID-19 dashboard. 
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (R) and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attend a joint press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, on Aug. 22, 2023. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Tuesday held talks with visiting Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan to discuss outstanding issues between the two countries, including Iraq's water share and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants based in Iraq. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

BAGHDAD, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Tuesday held talks with visiting Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan on Tuesday to discuss outstanding issues between the two countries, including Iraq's water share and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants based in Iraq.

At a joint press conference after meeting with Fidan, Hussein said the two sides discussed bilateral relations, including the issue of Iraq's water share as both countries have been affected by global climate change.

"The main water sources for Iraq's Tigris and Euphrates rivers come from Turkiye, and getting a fair share of water was an important topic of discussion during the meeting," Hussein said.

Iraq heavily relies on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which originate in Turkiye, to fulfill its water needs. But the water levels in the two rivers have declined significantly over the years as a result of drought, the construction of dams, and the diversion of water upstream.

Hussein thanked his Turkish counterpart "for presenting the idea of forming a joint committee on the water issue," saying that the two countries need to take joint actions to combat climate change and drought that threaten Iraq's economy and agriculture.

He said the strong bilateral trade relations benefit the peoples of both countries, noting that "about 850 Turkish companies are operating in Iraq, most of which work in the field of construction."

For his part, Fidan said that the volume of trade between Iraq and Turkiye has reached 25 billion U.S. dollars so far this year, but it is "lagging behind the real capabilities."

He added that the Turkish government "is closely following the water shortage in Iraq and dealing with the issue from a humanitarian point of view."

Hussein said the two sides also discussed the issue of resuming Iraq's oil exports via Turkiye.

As for the PKK problem, Fidan said that combatting terrorism was among other issues he discussed with his Iraqi counterpart. "Our common enemy, the Kurdistan Workers' Party, should not be allowed to influence our bilateral relations," he said.

Fidan arrived in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Tuesday afternoon on a two-day official visit. He is scheduled to meet with top Iraqi leaders, including the Iraqi president, prime minister and speaker of parliament, before heading to the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region in northern Iraq to meet the Kurdish leaders. 

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (R) shakes hands with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Baghdad, Iraq, on Aug. 22, 2023. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Tuesday held talks with visiting Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan to discuss outstanding issues between the two countries, including Iraq's water share and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants based in Iraq. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (R) shakes hands with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Baghdad, Iraq, on Aug. 22, 2023. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Tuesday held talks with visiting Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan to discuss outstanding issues between the two countries, including Iraq's water share and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants based in Iraq. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)
JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged BRICS countries to uphold fairness and justice, and improve global governance.

Xi, while addressing the 15th BRICS Summit, said strengthening global governance is the right choice if the international community intends to share development opportunities and tackle global challenges.

International rules must be written and upheld jointly by all countries based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, rather than dictated by those with the strongest muscles or the loudest voice, he said.

Xi also said ganging up to form exclusive groups and packaging their own rules as international norms are even more unacceptable.

BRICS countries, Xi said, should practice true multilateralism, uphold the UN-centered international system, support and strengthen the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, and reject the attempt to create small circles or exclusive blocs.

"We need to fully leverage the role of the New Development Bank, push forward reform of the international financial and monetary systems, and increase the representation and voice of developing countries," he added. 
KABUL, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The relations of the Afghan caretaker government with regional countries are on the track of strengthening, state media quoted Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi as saying.

According to the state-run news agency Bakhtar on Tuesday, Muttaqi said at a meeting of a government accountability program that 70,000 foreign tourists, including 10,000 Europeans, traveled to different parts of Afghanistan last year.

He said that the government has kept border routes with neighboring countries open so that Afghan products can be exported overseas, the press agency reported.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also working on a plan to solve the problem of Afghan refugees through a joint committee with regional countries, Bakhtar said. 
File photo shows a resident withdrawing 100-yuan banknotes from ATM machine at the Beijing Branch of the Bank of Communications in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese yuan weakened against a basket of currencies last week, according to the China Foreign Exchange Trade System (CFETS).

The CFETS yuan exchange rate composite index, which measures the yuan's strength relative to a basket of currencies, decreased 0.28 points from the previous week to 97.19, according to the CFETS.

The index compares the yuan's value with the value of 24 currencies, including the U.S. dollar, the euro, and the Japanese yen.

Last week also saw an index measuring the yuan against the Bank for International Settlements currency basket edge down 0.14 points from the previous week to 101.63.

The index measuring the yuan against the Special Drawing Rights basket fell 0.41 points week on week to 92.08. 




Offering access to new markets with an estimated population of over 80 million along the route, the Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, is gaining popularity as a key East-West connection. Obviously, following the Russo-Ukrainian war and subsequent sanctions, demand for opening the project became huge.

Besides, the Middle Corridor offers a route that is at least 2,000 kilometers shorter than the Northern Corridor, which passes through Russia. This translates to reduced travel time, with the potential to shorten the journey between China and Europe to as little as 12 days, while the Northern Corridor currently takes 19 days. The development phase of the route also opens up new opportunities for B2B and B2C engagements in logistics, transportation, and infrastructure construction, as the countries strive to modernize and expand their railway systems and seaports.

Despite all this, there are still certain knots in the full operation of the Middle Corridor project. Today, it still exists mainly on the corridor passing through the South Caucasus, that is, Zangazur.

It is a fact that the Zangazur Corridor is also considered the most important segment of the Middle Corridor project. Nevertheless, it is regrettable to note that the still unresolved conflict in the region is lingering the realization of many important prospects related to the Middle Corridor.

Middle East economist Kanan Guluzade in an interview with AZERNEWS spoke about the economic situation in the region, as well as the influence of other countries on the development of corridors.

Q: As we know, the South Caucasus is considered the most geostrategic region constituting part of the Middle Corridor. However, the factor of Iran and Russia raises questions about the Zangazur segment of this corridor. Iran, in particular, impedes the opening of the corridor. How do you think Iran's influence can be reduced here?

A: The approaches of Iran and Armenia to the Zangazur corridor are different. It can be seen that Russia is playing a positive role in the relevant process. With the opening of the Zangazur corridor, a logistics corridor was created as a result of connecting Turkiye with the railway through Azerbaijan. The trade turnover between the two countries is about 30 million US dollars. Here Russia acts rather as a seller. Shortening the road, connecting the railway, that is, a cheaper means of logistics, to the corridor, equipping the railway between the two countries is directly in the interests of Russia. Thanks to this logistics corridor, Russia can sell various types of its products both to Turkiye and through Turkiye to European countries.

As for Iran, there are two main reasons why the country opposes the project to open the Zangazur corridor. The first reason is that Iran provides logistics for Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan. The second and more important reason is that if the Zangazur Corridor is opened, the Middle Corridor will become relevant. Prices for logistics in the Middle Corridor will reduce the importance of Iran's logistics hub in the region. Thus, Iran will be deprived of its annual dividends. Therefore, Iran directed all its political power against this project. So, some time ago, this prompted the Islamic Republic of Iran to open a consulate in Gafan, which is the territory of present-day Armenia, but historically considered Azerbaijani land. In an unrenovated building, Iran opened its consulate and installed the flags of the two countries there. This means that the Zangazur corridor is completely contrary to Iran's interests. However, Azerbaijan has demonstrated its political will. This project is scheduled to be completed as soon as possible.

Q: There are also countries that are interested in this corridor. However, today they play a passive role against the backdrop of the Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict which is the key for opening the corridor. In other words, the decisive nuances do not appear within the framework of support for conflict resolution. What do you think is the reason?

A: In fact, the opening of the Zangazur corridor is a positive moment for the countries interested in the project. However, this project does not require strong political will. If they were, other countries would also be interested. For example, Kazakhstan. This country is considered the leading country in terms of reserves of natural resources and the 9th country in terms of area. Kazakhstan also took over the leading part of the "Middle Corridor". At the moment, along with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan also plays a big role in raising the relevance of the Middle Corridor and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. During the visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Tashkent, Samarkand, as part of an extensive visit by the head of state of Uzbekistan with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and government agencies, various documents were signed. And these documents show that relations between the two countries are at a very high level. I want to note that Uzbekistan is one of the first countries to recognize the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Also, trade relations between the two countries, especially in the field of logistics, are at a very high level. The relevance of the issue of logistics in the Zangazur corridor is considered an important issue for Uzbekistan.

Q: How do you think the end of the Russo-Ukrainian will affect the Middle Corridor project?

A: Currently, cargo terminals for various purposes, and multimodal terminals are being built along this corridor, and the number of containers, trucks, and ships in the Caspian basin is increasing. If the project is in full swing in the near future (construction of two ports in Uzbekistan, expansion of the Alat port, development of the Endijan multimodal terminal, purchase of cargo ships in the Caspian), the Middle Corridor will be able to maintain its relevance even after the end of the war. So to my thought, the end of the Ukrainian-Russian war will neither have any negative nor positive effects on the development of the "Middle Corridor". This road is the shortest between East and West. The trade turnover between China and the EU countries is more than 700 billion US dollars. Here the positive balance is on the side of China. China exports more products to Europe. Thus, lower logistics costs reduce the cost of multipurpose goods shipped from China to Europe. At the same time, I would like to inform you that the operation of the Chinese railway, the Russian railway, as well as the Yiwu-Madrid railway line (13,000 km long), operated by Deutsche Bank, which operated before the Russia-Ukraine war, is currently limited due to the ongoing conflict. In addition, insurance companies have suspended insurance of products passing through Russia. Also, the sanctions of the Russian railway Company also paralyzed this project.

Q: As is known the full operation of the Middle Corridor (including Zangazur) depends on the resolution of the conflict. Do you think the conflict will find its final solution?

A: It depends on the final resolution of the conflict. However, in the current situation, President Ilham Aliyev's demonstrating his political will, as well as the fact that Azerbaijan has become a winner and a leading state in the region for several years, and, moreover, the provision by Azerbaijan of its rights not by international law, but by force, is a guarantee that the Zangazur Corridor will be opened as soon as possible.

I think that President Ilham Aliyev has fully shown his full political will in this direction. We recognize the territorial integrity of the other side, and at the same time, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly made a statement on the recognition of the state borders and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. I think that the current progress toward a peace agreement is moving very quickly. The signing of an appropriate agreement between the two countries leaves no politically contradictory situation. Since the railway going west from Azerbaijan along the transit route, which includes various modes of transport, it can easily pass through the territory of Armenia (Nakhchivan-Turkiye-Europe). At the same time, after the peace agreement, Armenian citizens can use the territories of Azerbaijan to move to a third country. In the future, economic relations between the two countries may also develop. The products of the other side can be easily sold on the territory of Azerbaijan, just as products for various purposes produced in Azerbaijan were once sold to Armenia (in the former Soviet period). I think that if peace is signed, the war-torn country in a short period of time will turn into two peoples living in peace and friendly relations.
BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday evening issued yellow and blue alerts for mountain torrents in parts of the country.

From 8 p.m. Wednesday to 8 p.m. Thursday, mountain torrents are highly likely to occur in parts of Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan and Tibet, according to the yellow alert jointly issued by the Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration.

The two departments also issued a blue alert for mountain torrents in certain areas of Beijing, Hebei, Guangxi, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan and Tibet.

Local authorities have been advised to strengthen real-time monitoring and flood warning and prepare for possible evacuation among measures to avoid risks.

China has a four-tier weather-warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. 
TEHRAN, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday called for activating the joint economic cooperation commission with Algeria and preparing a roadmap for developing the bilateral ties in order to accelerate cooperation between the two sides.

In a meeting with Speaker of the People's National Assembly of Algeria Ibrahim Boughali in the Iranian capital Tehran, Raisi also highlighted the need to improve bilateral economic ties, according to a statement posted on the Iranian presidency's website.

Raisi said the Algerian speaker's visit to Tehran was a turning point in the already expanding bilateral relations, said the statement.

Noting that Iran had managed to turn the sanctions and pressure into opportunities for development, Raisi expressed his country's readiness to share its experiences and achievements with "friendly and brotherly" Algeria, it added.

Raisi also noted the two countries shared common attitudes toward regional and international issues and could "enhance their bilateral constructive and fruitful cooperation in line with the interests of the two nations and the Muslim world."

The Algerian speaker, for his part, said Iran is a pivotal Muslim power with a rich civilization and an ancient culture, adding Iran's power will further strengthen the Muslim world.

Boughali expressed satisfaction with the increasing diplomatic exchanges between the two countries, noting that Algeria is interested in boosting economic ties with Iran, according to the statement.

Boughali arrived in Tehran on Sunday as part of a five-day trip aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. On Monday, he met Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. 
BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- China's trade with Africa reported steady growth in the first seven months of the year, official data showed Wednesday.

Trade between China and Africa rose 7.4 percent year on year to 1.14 trillion yuan (about 158.36 billion U.S. dollars) during the January-July period, data from the General Administration of Customs showed.

China has remained Africa's largest trading partner over the past decade, with bilateral trade totaling 1.87 trillion yuan in 2022, up 14.8 percent year on year.

In the first seven months, the country's exports to Africa grew 20 percent year on year to 709.59 trillion yuan, while imports reached 426.65 billion yuan, customs data showed.

Exports of ships and automobiles surged 81.3 percent and 26.1 percent from a year ago, respectively, while that of mechanical and electrical products expanded 32.5 percent, contributing 50.1 percent to bilateral trade volume.

China has been the largest export destination for Africa, with crude oil, metal ore and ore sand, and agricultural produce as the main export goods, according to the customs authorities.

Among all African economies, South Africa was China's largest trading partner, followed by Nigeria and Angola in the first seven months.

Data showed that China-South Africa trade stood at 226.15 billion yuan in the first seven months of 2023, rising 10.5 percent year on year and accounting for 19.9 percent of China's trade with African countries. 
KHOST, Afghanistan, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Afghan security forces have seized a vast quantity of arms and ammunition following a series of operations in east Afghanistan's Khost Province in the past two months, an official said on Wednesday.

The seized weapons included 30 types of firearms, thousands of AK-47 and PKX bullets and shells, and other weaponry.

Moulavi Mohammad Rasool Watanmal, provincial director of counter-narcotics, said 22 people were arrested for illegally holding weapons and ammunition. The alleged suspects were taken into custody for further investigations.

In a similar crackdown, weapons caches were discovered in east Afghanistan's Parwan Province on Sunday. 
ISLAMABAD, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's export of pharmaceutical goods witnessed a growth of 8.87 percent year on year in July, according to figures from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

The country exported pharmaceutical goods worth 26.205 million U.S. dollars in July, compared to 24.069 million dollars recorded a year earlier, the PBS said on Tuesday.

In terms of quantity, the export of pharmaceutical goods increased by 144.27 percent to 5,125 metric tons during the period, data showed.

On a month-on-month basis, the export of pharmaceutical goods in July rose 19.58 percent from June, according to the PBS data. 
ANKARA, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) killed a senior member of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in a cross-border operation in northern Iraq, the state-run TRT broadcaster reported Wednesday.

The "neutralized" PKK member Bekir Kina, codenamed "Bawer Botan," was allegedly trained in Iraq's Sulaymaniyah province for assassination attempts against Turkiye's security forces, the TRT reported.

Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralized" in their statements to imply the "terrorists" in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

According to MIT, Kina, who joined the PKK in 2019 and received weapons training in Sulaymaniyah, intended to infiltrate Turkiye to carry out attacks.

The cross-border operation came as Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, former head of MIT, is about to visit northern Iraq on Wednesday for talks with officials from the Kurdistan Regional Government.

MIT has intensified cross-border operations in Iraq since last year and killed several other senior PKK members over the past months.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has rebelled against the Turkish government for more than three decades. 
URUMQI, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- A total of 360 investment and trade deals were inked at the 2023 (China) Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, organizers said Wednesday.

The deals had a total value of over 521 billion yuan (about 72.4 billion U.S. dollars), with the expo witnessing a record-high exhibition space and number of international exhibitors, Xing Tao, head of the regional commerce department, told a press briefing.

Over 1,300 enterprises attended the expo on the site and 4,600 more participated in the online expo. The organizers held 64 trade promotion activities in major local industries, such as green mining, grain and oil, cotton, textiles and clothing.

A total of 18,700 merchants, including over 1,000 international ones, participated in the expo. More than 800 guests, businessmen and renowned scholars from 40 countries and regions, as well as seven international organizations, attended the event.

The expo was held in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang, from Aug. 17 to 21, and attracted over 100,000 visitors, with on-site sales of exhibited products at the venue exceeding 100 million yuan. 
SYDNEY, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Police in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) announced on Wednesday that two 13-year-old boys have been charged in relation to a multi-story building blaze in central Sydney earlier this year.

Both teenagers had to face a number of charges, including destroying property in company by fire and entering enclosed land without a lawful excuse. One of them was also charged with two counts of shoplifting at a grocery store on Elizabeth Street.

At about 4:00 p.m. local time on May 25, emergency services responded to reports of a large building fire on Randle Street, Surry Hills.

More than 100 firefighters and over 30 trucks worked on the scene to contain and extinguish the blaze, which engulfed a heritage-listed property built in the early 20th century.

The former hat factory was completely destroyed, with two neighboring buildings also significantly damaged by the fire.

Dozens of people were forced to evacuate for safety concerns, while no injuries were reported at the time and no persons remain unaccounted for.

The boys are expected to appear at a children's court on Oct. 4. 
MOGADISHU, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- At least two soldiers were killed and five others wounded in simultaneous bomb attacks early Wednesday in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, the police confirmed.

Police spokesperson, Sadik Aden Ali said the 1:40 a.m. attack at the Kahda district police station left three soldiers and two civilians wounded.

He said the wounded two civilians were in a residential area near the scene.

The police and witnesses said al-Shabab militants targeted the police station, two security checkpoints, and the district administration office simultaneously in the Kahda district before the gunfight broke out.

"Al-Shabab fired several rounds of mortars to hit their target before leaving. They targeted the Somali security forces manning the police station and checkpoints," said a resident who declined to be named.

Al-Shabab extremist group which has staged such attacks in Mogadishu and elsewhere in the past, claimed responsibility for the attack in the restive city.

The Somali National Army (SNA) backed by African Union forces drove the al-Shabab militant group out of Mogadishu in 2011, but the Islamist group is still capable of conducting attacks, targeting government installations, hotels, restaurants and public places. 
People visit Qianmen Street in central Beijing, capital of China, June 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

China deals with Arab and African countries according to the "win-win rule," offering them investments in infrastructure without political strings attached, Egyptian expert Abu Bakr al-Deeb said.

CAIRO, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- China is witnessing rapid urbanization and integrated development in all fields, making the country a unique development model worldwide, said Egyptian expert Abu Bakr al-Deeb in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Al-Deeb, an advisor to the Cairo-based Arab Center for Research and Studies, has recently returned from what he described as "a very fruitful visit" to China, during which he got to take a closer look at the economic and social development in the giant Asian country.

"Once I set foot in Beijing airport, the civilized and visual coordination of everything caught my attention," the Egyptian expert told Xinhua.

Al-Deeb, also an expert in international relations and political economy, noted that he visited several provinces and cities as well as some villages during his recent trip to China.

This aerial photo taken on June 14, 2023 shows a view of Xushan Village in Nanhu District, Jiaxing City, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

He said that the streets of Beijing were characterized by "massive urban coordination" and friendly people. "We thought in the beginning that this urban and visual coordination was limited to Beijing, the capital, but we toured many provinces and cities and found such beauty everywhere," the expert said.

The Egyptian expert also hailed the significant development of Chinese technology in all fields, including agriculture, industry, architecture, communications and energy.

"China has also achieved rapid and tremendous progress in infrastructure, high-tech manufacturing, patents and commercial applications," he emphasized.

"The good thing is that China has not achieved its rise through colonizing and plundering others, but through the efforts of its loyal citizens and via drawing a path for its rise that combines both its intellectual heritage and the lessons learned from global experiences," the expert told Xinhua.

The Egyptian expert considered the Chinese experience "a unique development model" regarding the achievements made within a short period, noting that it is worth studying and learning from.

Visitors (L) shop various products at the Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center during the third China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, July 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

The Chinese economy, which accounts for a large slice of global GDP growth, has demonstrated its strength over the past decades and China's commitment to opening-up has injected momentum into the global economy, the Egyptian expert said.

Concerning China's relations with developing countries, al-Deeb said it deals with Arab and African countries according to the "win-win rule," offering them investments in infrastructure without political strings attached.

He also described China's relations with Egypt as "distinguished" and free from any conflict in strategic goals.

"The Egyptian-Chinese relations have recently witnessed remarkable development in all fields and (have) proven capable of keeping pace with international and regional transformations," the Egyptian expert told Xinhua. 
Turkiye has offered Greece help to fight ongoing wildfires in its neighbor, Turkish diplomatic sources said on Tuesday, Azernews reports, citing Yeni Safak.

Turkiye is ready to send two planes, two helicopters, and a 60-person ground support team to Greece to fight ongoing fires in the cities of Alexandroupolis and Rodopi, said the sources on conditions of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to media.

The offer was conveyed to Greek authorities on Monday, sources added.

Besides a wildfire that broke out on Saturday in the northeastern Alexandroupolis province, which has destroyed vast forest and agricultural areas, fires also erupted Monday in the northeastern regions of Kavala and Rodopi as well as on the Evia island and in the Boeotia province, both in the central part of the country, said state-run AMNA news agency.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa jointly meet the press after their talks in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

PRETORIA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that China-South Africa ties have gone beyond the bilateral scope and carried global sway.

Xi made the remarks when jointly meeting the press on Tuesday noon with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, after their talks.

Xi said he was delighted to accept the invitation of President Ramaphosa to pay a state visit again to South Africa, the beautiful "rainbow nation," adding that this is his fourth state visit to South Africa as the Chinese president.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of China-South Africa diplomatic ties, Xi said, noting that during the past 25 years, China-South Africa ties have achieved leapfrog development, with strategic mutual trust reaching a new height, cooperation in various fields moving forward in a comprehensive manner, and multilateral coordination becoming even closer.

Currently, the Communist Party of China is uniting and leading the Chinese people to push forward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts with Chinese modernization, and South Africa is actively and independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions as well, Xi said, adding China-South Africa relationship faces new development opportunities.

Recalling the fruitful meeting he just held with Ramaphosa, Xi said they exchanged views on the development of bilateral ties in the new era as well as the international and regional issues of common concern, reaching important consensus.

They also witnessed the signing of a series of important bilateral cooperation documents, he said, expressing full confidence on the future prospects of friendly cooperative relations between the two countries.

Xi said he and Ramaphosa agreed that China and South Africa should be strategic partners with high mutual trust, urging the two sides to keep the good momentum of high-level exchanges, strengthen communication and cooperation in various fields, continue to deepen political mutual trust, enhance communication in the experience of state governance, and continue to support each other on issues of core interests and major concern.

They agreed that the mutually beneficial and pragmatic cooperation between China and South Africa has achieved fruitful results, and both sides should be development partners for common progress, he noted.

Xi said the two sides need to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, implement the nine programs put forward at the China-Africa Cooperation Forum and the 10 Years Strategic Programme on Cooperation between China and South Africa (2020-2029), solidify the cooperation in areas of strength, and foster new growth points for cooperation.

China is ready to import more quality products from South Africa and will continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in South Africa, he noted, adding that the two sides will deepen bilateral cooperation in such areas as electric power, new energy as well as scientific and technological innovation.

Both sides highly value the empathy between the two peoples, and pledge to be friendly partners with mutual understanding and affection, Xi said, adding that the two countries must insist on putting people at the center of their cooperation, and let the cooperative results better benefit their people.

The Chinese side supports the South African government's efforts in strengthening vocational education and promoting youth employment, Xi noted, adding that both sides agreed to enhance exchanges and cooperation in areas such as education, science and technology, culture and tourism.

Xi said the two leaders agreed that as major developing countries and emerging economies with important influence, China and South Africa need to be global partners in safeguarding justice.

He urged the two sides to strengthen strategic coordination, practice true multilateralism and work to increase the representation and voice of the Global South countries in global governance.

China firmly supports African integration, backs the African Union to make substantial progress this year in joining the Group of 20, and encourages South Africa to play a bigger role in international and regional affairs.

Noting that the BRICS summit is about to open, Xi pointed out that under the current circumstance, this summit bears great significance for BRICS countries to solidify unity and cooperation, and promote the BRICS cooperative mechanism to develop and grow further.

As the rotating chair of BRICS, South Africa has made great preparation for the summit, which is highly appreciated by the Chinese side, Xi said, stressing that with the joint efforts of relevant parties, this year's BRICS summit is bound to be successful.

Xi said that he will co-chair with Ramaphosa the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue on Thursday, which is the first face-to-face group meeting between Chinese and African leaders since the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing his expectation to draw a new blueprint for China-Africa unity and cooperation with other African leaders, and inject fresh and strong vitality into the development of the China-Africa comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

For his part, Ramaphosa said he is delighted to receive Xi to pay his fourth state visit to South Africa at the time of the 25th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

The South African people are sincerely grateful to the Chinese government and the people for their valuable support to South Africa's anti-apartheid movement and national development, as well as the large amount of medical supplies assistance to South Africa in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, he added.

Ramaphosa said he reiterated with Xi that the two countries will continue to firmly support each other on issues of core interests and major concern.

The two leaders agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, further expand the mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as infrastructure, tourism, education and digital economy, and enhance international coordination on major international and regional affairs.

Ramaphosa thanked the Chinese side for its committed support to South Africa in successfully holding the 15th BRICS Summit, saying that he looks forward to working with Xi and other BRICS leaders to increase the voice of BRICS and the Global South countries in global governance, and promote the construction of a more just and rational international order.

He also expressed his expectation to co-chair the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue with Xi, and to discuss the deepening of Africa-China cooperation, which, the South African president believes, will definitely boost Africa's industrialization and integration processes, and help the Global South countries to achieve common development and prosperity. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa jointly meet the press after their talks in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a plenary meeting of the third session of the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 23, 2023. China's national political advisors on Wednesday shared their views on improving the sci-tech innovation system and accelerating the implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy at the meeting. (Xinhua/Gao Jie)

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- China's national political advisors on Wednesday shared their views on improving the sci-tech innovation system and accelerating the implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy at a meeting in Beijing.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attended the plenary meeting of the third session of the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC National Committee.

Thirteen members of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee delivered remarks on topics including basic research, enterprise innovation, biomedicine development, industrial software, artificial intelligence and science popularization.

Among them, Wang Zhigang and Huang Wei said to strengthen basic research, it is necessary to solve key technological problems from the root, and consolidate the foundation for sci-tech self-reliance and self-strengthening at higher levels.

Huang Runqiu said it is important to strengthen scientific and technological support with a problem-oriented and application-oriented approach for ecological environment building to promote the Beautiful China Initiative.

The meeting was presided over by Su Hui, vice chairperson of the CPPCC National Committee. 
JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Atlantis, a place that had long been referred to as the "forgotten town" amid the gorgeous surroundings of the City of Cape Town, South Africa, underwent a stunning metamorphosis about a decade ago.

This transformation was catalyzed by the establishment of a Hisense factory in the heart of this once-sleepy town. Prior to the arrival of the Chinese appliance and electronics manufacturer, Atlantis had been lying dormant in the shadow of Cape Town, its potential going unnoticed.

About 700 km east to Atlantis, Chinese automaker Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation (BAIC) has been rolling cars off the production line in its South African plant near the car export hub of Port Elizabeth since 2018.

The BAIC facility, a vast industrial complex, not only boasts cutting-edge automotive manufacturing technology but also plays a crucial role in providing employment opportunities for the local workforce.

Hisense and BAIC are among the many Chinese corporations participating in local economic development in Africa. In their interviews with Xinhua, African experts and officials said that as a member of the Global South, China has pursued a development path featuring win-win cooperation and mutual benefits, not least with other developing nations.

"Thanks to China, Kenya has certainly seen a lot of infrastructure development under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)," said Stephen Ndegwa, a lecturer in international relations at the Nairobi-based United States International University-Africa.

"We've seen infrastructure developments including ports, dams, road extension and even new highways and railroads, all of which have contributed significantly to Africa's social and economic growth," he said, adding that a project like the BRI "cannot succeed without amity, sincerity and honesty."

On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's commitment to championing common interests of the Global South in global affairs.

As a developing country and a member of the Global South, China breathes the same breath with other developing countries and pursues a shared future with them, and has resolutely upheld the common interests of developing countries and worked to increase the representation and voice of emerging markets and developing countries in global affairs.

Xi's remarks were made in a speech read out by Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao at the BRICS Business Forum 2023.

"China has been helping African countries to promote their industrial advancement, which is a commendable approach," said Zambian Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet-Finance and Economic Development Siazongo Siakalenge.

Noting that the majority of African countries have a significant infrastructure deficit, he said that China is assisting other developing nations "in order to provide them with the opportunity not only to create products locally but also to access both the Chinese and global markets."

"Xi's speech is fantastic. It has given a lot of hope to the developing world," said Siakalenge, who was present at the forum. "China is promoting equitable development not only throughout the (Global) South but throughout the world."

Over the last decade, China has proposed worldwide public goods such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative.

While the Global South has joined hands with China to promote global peace and common prosperity, some in the West have been bent on slinging mud, framing China as "attempting to disrupt the world order."

"The Global North is just panicking," said Thabo Sephuma, who works at Nelson Mandela Foundation. "The Global North is trying to protect their bread and butter, but we also need to grow our own bread and butter."

"For a long period of time, (our) voice has not been heard (or) taken seriously, and certain rules were made without (our) consultation," said Peter Ndoro, a broadcast journalist in South Africa.

"Once you start to aggregate all of the (Global South) nations together, you start to realize we actually have common issues, common problems, common hopes and common ambitions, and there are things we would like to see changed in the world," Ndoro said.

When countries come together as a grouping, such as the Global South, suddenly that voice cannot be ignored, he said. 
Turkish police work at a hideout of the suspected members of the Islamic State (IS) group in Bursa city, Turkiye, on Aug. 23, 2023. Turkish police have detained 12 suspected members of the Islamic State (IS) group in the northwestern city of Bursa, semi-official Anadolu Agency reported Wednesday, citing anonymous security sources. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

ANKARA, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police have detained 12 suspected members of the Islamic State (IS) group in the northwestern city of Bursa, semi-official Anadolu Agency reported Wednesday, citing anonymous security sources.

Counter-terrorism units of Bursa conducted simultaneous raids in the early morning hours at the hideouts of the suspects who were identified as foreign nationals.

A large amount of digital materials were seized at the suspects' homes, workplaces and vehicles, Anadolu reported.

The IS has claimed a number of deadly attacks in Turkiye, and the Turkish counter-terrorism units, in response, have been frequently conducting operations against the group. 

A suspected member of the Islamic State (IS) group is detained in Bursa city, Turkiye, on Aug. 23, 2023. Turkish police have detained 12 suspected members of the Islamic State (IS) group in the northwestern city of Bursa, semi-official Anadolu Agency reported Wednesday, citing anonymous security sources. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Wednesday that China will continue to firmly support Cuba in defending national sovereignty and opposing external interference and blockade.

China will also try its best to provide support for Cuba's economic and social development, said Xi in a meeting with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.

Xi recalled that President Diaz-Canel paid a successful state visit to China last November, when they reached a broad consensus on further deepening China-Cuba ties in the new era and agreed to work together to build a China-Cuba community with a shared future.

With the joint efforts of both sides, the consensus is being effectively implemented, Xi said. China is ready to work with Cuba to continue deepening political mutual trust, expanding practical cooperation, strengthening strategic coordination, and pushing for progress in the special friendly relationship between the two parties and the two countries, Xi added.

China praises Cuba's steadfast support for China in issues concerning its core interests, Xi said.

Xi stressed that the Group of 77 and China is an important platform for cooperation among developing countries, adding that Cuba, as the current chair of the Group of 77 and China, has made positive contributions to strengthening the unity of developing countries.

China attaches great importance to and supports Cuba in successfully holding the Group of 77 and China Summit next month, Xi noted. China is willing to work with Cuba and other members of the Group of 77 to better safeguard the common interests and development rights of developing countries, Xi said.

For his part, Diaz-Canel spoke of his successful state visit to China last November, saying that both sides are earnestly implementing the important consensus reached by the two leaders.

He said the current Cuba-China relations are at a historical peak, adding that the Cuban people deeply admire President Xi and are grateful for China's understanding and invaluable support for Cuba's just cause.

Cuba firmly supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Xi, he said, adding that Cuba is ready to work with China to deepen Belt and Road cooperation, build a Cuba-China community with a shared future, and advance on paths of socialism with respective characteristics.

The Caribbean country is ready to closely collaborate with China to ensure the success of the Group of 77 and China Summit, he said. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)
JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called on China and Bangladesh to push for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and give full play to their economic complementarity.

Xi, in his meeting with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also urged the two sides to step up cooperation in infrastructure, information technology, new energy and agriculture, among other areas. 
JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Wednesday that China will continue to firmly support Cuba in defending national sovereignty and opposing external interference and blockade.

China will also try its best to provide support for Cuba's economic and social development, said Xi in a meeting with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit. 
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Senegalese President Macky Sall on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met here on Wednesday with Senegalese President Macky Sall on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.

Noting that Senegal is an important partner of China in Africa, Xi said that with joint efforts in recent years, the two countries have enjoyed ever-deepening political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation in various fields.

Xi said that China firmly supports Senegal's endeavors in safeguarding national stability and development, adding that China stands ready to strengthen mutual support with Senegal and deepen cooperation in such areas as industry, agriculture, infrastructure and human resources, jointly safeguard their legitimate right to development, and push for greater development of their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

He stressed that currently, the international situation is undergoing profound and complex changes, and that China and Africa need more than ever to strengthen solidarity and cooperation.

Xi said China supports the African Union in joining the Group of 20, and stands ready to share with African brothers its development experience and opportunities, and push for the joint pursuit of a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era by continuously upholding the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith and pursuing the greater good and shared interests.

As co-chairs of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China and Senegal have supported and cooperated with each other and successfully held a series of important events including the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19, he said.

China, Xi added, stands ready to work with Senegal to continue to strengthen communication and coordination, push for the implementation of the nine programs announced at the FOCAC, and make new contributions to consolidating China-Africa solidarity and cooperation.

For his part, Sall said that Senegal and China are high-quality comprehensive strategic partners, hailing Xi as a great friend of Africa and Senegal.

He noted that the two sides, in the spirit of sincerity and friendship, have carried out mutually beneficial cooperation in a wide range of fields such as infrastructure, industry, agriculture and education.

Senegal, he said, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, appreciates China's foreign policy of peace, and hopes to work with China to deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

The vigorous Africa-China cooperation meets the development needs of Africa and has been implemented efficiently, which has strongly underpinned the economic and social development of African countries, he said.

Sall thanked China for taking the lead in publicly supporting AU's G20 membership, saying that his country, as a co-chair of FOCAC, will continue to closely communicate and work with China to promote the further development of Africa-China relations. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Senegalese President Macky Sall on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
Joakim Karlsson, CEO and president of Sweden's innovative waste collection company Envac AB, explains the company's waste collection system in Stockholm, Sweden, on Aug. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/He Miao)

Envac is the inventor of a pneumatic waste collection system, which moves the procedure underground and replaces manual waste collection from individual refuse chutes, reducing waste-related heavy traffic and its carbon emissions dramatically. This technology has been adopted by many smart-cities and hospitals in China.

STOCKHOLM, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Collaboration with China on the development of smart and sustainable cities is worth long-term commitment, the chief executive officer (CEO) and president of Sweden's innovative waste collection company Envac AB told Xinhua in a recent exclusive interview.

Joakim Karlsson said he is very impressed by China's leadership in and awareness to the pursuit of green, circular and low-carbon development.

Highlighting his Chinese partners' ambition and strong drive to use smart waste collection technologies, he said it is important to walk the talk -- "from words to ambitions actions to implement this (green development) with China speed."

Envac is the inventor of a pneumatic waste collection system, which moves the procedure underground and replaces manual waste collection from individual refuse chutes, reducing waste-related heavy traffic and its carbon emissions dramatically. This technology has been adopted by many smart-cities and hospitals in China.

Looking back on years of close collaboration, the CEO said that he understood "China speed" which he was "super impressed by." "With 'China speed', you are developing and implementing (the technology) so fast," he said.

Envac, he said, is committed to maintaining its long-term presence in the Chinese market, which in 2022 contributed to about 20 percent of Envac's total global revenue.

The CEO recalled that Envac established its business in China 15 years ago, and has already collaborated on 70-odd projects in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong. In 2022, the company saw the number of its projects in China increase by 70 percent year-on-year.

Photo taken on Aug. 21, 2023 shows the inlets of Envac's waste collection system in Hammarby Sjostad eco-city in Stockholm, Sweden. (Xinhua/He Miao)

Market demand for the development of smart and sustainable cities and hospitals is growing, Karlsson said, adding that the company's ambition to contribute to the development of smart and sustainable cities ties in well with China's ecological goals.

"I strongly believe also in the healthcare segment, because this is actually our fastest growing business segment in China," he said.

Noting China's advances in 5G technology and its innovative applications, Karlsson said he expects Envac to "absolutely" benefit from China's 5G ecosystem.

"I think we are in the beginning of good opportunities," he said. "And if we increase the cooperation, it's good for everyone."

Joakim Karlsson, CEO and president of Sweden's innovative waste collection company Envac AB, explains the company's waste collection system during an interview in Stockholm, Sweden, on Aug. 21, 2023. (Xinhua/He Miao)

Having visited China six times, Karlsson said: "I love your history and culture, and also the interaction with customers. We are proud to be able to contribute to China's development." 
LUANDA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel expressed his gratitude for Angola's consistent support in calling for an end to the U.S. economic and trade embargo on Cuba.

Addressing the National Assembly of Angola on Monday, Diaz-Canel said that Cuba is facing a complex socioeconomic situation primarily due to the prolonged economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States for over 60 years.

"Cuba relies on the support and understanding of our long-standing friends," he said, highlighting Angola's favorable vote on United Nations resolutions and similar actions within the African Union against the embargo each year.

During his three-day stay in Angola, the two countries highlighted their friendship and expressed an intention to strengthen economic and trade cooperation.

The Cuban president also invited his Angolan counterpart Joao Lourenco to participate in the Group of 77 and China Summit, scheduled to take place in Havana, the Cuban capital, on Sept. 15-16.

Diaz-Canel departed for Mozambique on Tuesday.

His visit to Angola was the third visit to the country by a Cuban head of state since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1975. 
The 15th summit of the BRICS group of nations, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, will begin in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. The summit is being chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and has been given the theme of BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism, Azernews reports, citing BRICS.

The BRICS group is an international relations conference attended by the heads of state or heads of government of the five member states. It was formally launched in 2009 and meets yearly at a summit hosted in rotation by one of the member countries. The meetings aim to assert their position, particularly in relation to the United States and the European Union.

The 15th BRICS summit is the first in-person BRICS meeting since 2019 and is expected to be attended by President Xi Jinping of China, Brazil's President Luiz Lula da Silva, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend in person due to a warrant for his arrest issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, something Moscow denies. Putin, who will be a virtual participant, will be represented in Johannesburg by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

The summit will also be attended by leaders from 67 countries across Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Caribbean, as well as business leaders and representatives from the United Nations, the African Union Commission, and the New Development Bank.

The agenda for the summit includes discussions on global geopolitics, trade and infrastructure development, and the possibility of BRICS expansion by adding new members. Twenty-three countries have formally applied to become new BRICS members, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Indonesia, Egypt, and Ethiopia.

The BRICS countries also aim to promote the recognition of a multipolar global order with economic and political balance, with the aim of breaking away from organizations formed in the post-World War II era, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). They are also seeking to dull Western economic domination in global affairs and to free themselves from the US dollar's predominance in world trade.

The BRICS group accounts for more than 40% of the world population and about 26% of the global economy and offers an alternative forum for countries outside diplomatic channels seen as dominated by traditional Western powers.
Abdoulaye Bathily, the UN secretary-general's special representative for Libya, briefs a Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, on Aug. 22, 2023. It is fundamental to restore Libya's stability to preserve regional security, the top UN envoy for the country said on Tuesday. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- It is fundamental to restore Libya's stability to preserve regional security, the top UN envoy for the country said on Tuesday.

Upholding Libya's stability is even more critical now in light of the latest events, including the recent clashes in Tripoli, as well as the regional turmoil in Sudan and Niger, said Abdoulaye Bathily, the UN secretary-general's special representative for Libya.

"Current events in Libya and the region demonstrate that interim arrangements are fraught with risks of violence and disintegration for countries," Bathily told a UN Security Council meeting.

Without an inclusive political agreement that paves the way for peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections across Libya, the situation will worsen and cause further suffering to the Libyan people, he noted.

"I therefore call on the political and moral responsibility of all leaders to close the open-ended interim arrangement, break the current impasse and stop frustrating the Libyans' legitimate aspiration for elections, peace and prosperity," he said.

Libya failed to hold general elections in December 2021 as previously scheduled, due to disagreements over election laws among the Libyan parties.

Ever since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country has struggled to make a democratic transition amid escalating violence and political division.

In his briefing to the Security Council, Bathily reiterated that all elections-related issues in Libya should be resolved through discussions and compromises between all relevant actors.

"Unilateral steps must be avoided at all costs if we are to advert further violent conflicts as experience has shown over the last ten years," he said. "The electoral landscape should be a level-playing field for all the candidates."

Libya needs more than ever to close the current page of institutional fragmentation. Citizens yearn for unified political, military, security, economic and social institutions to safeguard the territorial integrity and the national identity of the country, he said.

"In that regard, a unified government, agreed upon by the major players, is an imperative for leading the country to elections," said Bathily. 
CAIRO, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- China is witnessing rapid urbanization and integrated development in all fields, making the country a unique development model worldwide, said Egyptian expert Abu Bakr al-Deeb in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Al-Deeb, an advisor to the Cairo-based Arab Center for Research and Studies, has recently returned from what he described as "a very fruitful visit" to China, during which he got to take a closer look at the economic and social development in the giant Asian country.

"Once I set foot in Beijing airport, the civilized and visual coordination of everything caught my attention," the Egyptian expert told Xinhua.

Al-Deeb, also an expert in international relations and political economy, noted that he visited several provinces and cities as well as some villages during his recent trip to China.

He said that the streets of Beijing were characterized by "massive urban coordination" and friendly people. "We thought in the beginning that this urban and visual coordination was limited to Beijing, the capital, but we toured many provinces and cities and found such beauty everywhere," the expert said.

The Egyptian expert also hailed the significant development of Chinese technology in all fields, including agriculture, industry, architecture, communications and energy.

"China has also achieved rapid and tremendous progress in infrastructure, high-tech manufacturing, patents and commercial applications," he emphasized.

"The good thing is that China has not achieved its rise through colonizing and plundering others, but through the efforts of its loyal citizens and via drawing a path for its rise that combines both its intellectual heritage and the lessons learned from global experiences," the expert told Xinhua.

The Egyptian expert considered the Chinese experience "a unique development model" regarding the achievements made within a short period, noting that it is worth studying and learning from.

The Chinese economy, which accounts for a large slice of global GDP growth, has demonstrated its strength over the past decades and China's commitment to opening-up has injected momentum into the global economy, the Egyptian expert said.

Concerning China's relations with developing countries, al-Deeb said it deals with Arab and African countries according to the "win-win rule," offering them investments in infrastructure without political strings attached.

He also described China's relations with Egypt as "distinguished" and free from any conflict in strategic goals.

"The Egyptian-Chinese relations have recently witnessed remarkable development in all fields and (have) proven capable of keeping pace with international and regional transformations," the Egyptian expert told Xinhua. 
JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday that new realities call for a fundamental reform of the institutions of global governance so that they can be more representative and better able to respond to challenges.

He made the remarks when addressing the 15th BRICS Summit. 
People attend a farewell ceremony for 2023 Chinese government scholarship winners of Rwanda in Kigali, Rwanda, on Aug. 23, 2023. The Chinese government has this year provided 80 scholarships to Rwandan students to pursue their tertiary education in China, the highest number in recent years, an embassy official announced Wednesday. (Photo by Huang Wanqing/Xinhua)

KIGALI, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government has this year provided 80 scholarships to Rwandan students to pursue their tertiary education in China, the highest number in recent years, an embassy official announced Wednesday.

Among them, 75 students are to pursue master's degrees, two doctorates and three bachelor's degrees in science, technology and economics among other disciplines.

Speaking at a farewell ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda's capital, Wang Xuekun, the Chinese ambassador to Rwanda, urged the students to make good use of the study opportunity, aim high and pursue academic excellence.

Encouraging the students to connect personal ambition with national development, Wang said that Rwanda attaches great importance to education and the development of human resources, as it plays a key role in the country's transformation agenda.

Since the 1980s, more than 1,500 Rwandan students have completed their studies in China after being awarded Chinese government scholarships, according to official data.

The graduates from China are said to be working in different sectors of Rwandan society, contributing to the country's progress.

Rose Mukankomeje, the director general of Rwanda's Higher Education Council, highlighted the importance of cooperation between the Chinese government and Rwanda in terms of capacity building.

Besides knowledge from lecture rooms, she advised the students to embrace Chinese culture and society and come back upon completion of their studies with the necessary experiences to contribute meaningfully to the country's development.

The students are to study at first-tier universities in China.

Phillip Karenzi, the director general at Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the farewell ceremony as a key event in the history of China-Rwanda relations.

"This farewell reception is not just (a) symbolic event but a symbol of strong ties between Rwanda and China," he said, commending the leadership of Rwanda and China for the unwavering commitment to strengthening excellent relations between the two countries.

He noted that the commitment has yielded tangible results in various sectors such as infrastructure, health, agriculture, energy, technology and education. "The collaboration is a testament to the friendship that has flourished for over 50 years and it serves as the foundation for greater cooperation in the years ahead," said Karenzi.

Underlining the Rwandan government's appreciation to China for supporting Rwanda's human capital development, Karenzi emphasized that the country's education sector has greatly benefitted from the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Karenzi challenged the students to act as Rwanda's ambassadors in China and carry with them Rwanda's spirit of "agaciro," literally meaning value in Kinyarwanda, the national language of Rwanda, or dignity while remaining open to new ideas. He advised the students to not only gain classroom knowledge in China but learn from China's rich transformative experience from the community they will be part of.

Emmanuel Kamanzi, the adviser to the Rwanda-China Alumni Organization, advised the students against being swayed from their studies, when they reach China, noting there is a lot to learn there which can be helpful when they return to Rwanda, including language and Chinese culture.

Ian Jesse Mbanda, who spoke on behalf of the new scholarship beneficiaries, said their belief is that studying in China offers many rewards in terms of knowledge and skills. He said there is a lot to learn in terms of Chinese technology and industrial development.

Ambassador Wang also encouraged the students "to add fuel to China-Rwanda friendship," saying the relationship between the two countries is a model of state-to-state relations. "During your stay in China, I encourage you to visit various places, make more friends, and deepen your understanding of China, its people and culture." 
MAHMUD-E-RAQI, Afghanistan, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- A total of 98 development projects have started in east Afghanistan's Kapisa Province, regarding repairing roads and canals and constructing irrigation facilities, state media reported Wednesday.

According to the state-owned news agency Bakhtar, the investment in these projects totals 144 million Afghanis (about 1.7 million U.S. dollars) with the funds provided by the World Bank.

Completing this project will facilitate local transportation and supply water to more farmlands across Kapisa, Bakhtar said.

The Afghan caretaker government has promised to rebuild all the national infrastructures damaged or destroyed during the 20-year presence of foreign forces in the war-torn country. 
NEW YORK, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Japan's decision to release treated radioactive water is neither fully transparent nor adequately inclusive of important stakeholders, both in Japan and abroad, reported The New York Times (NYT) on Tuesday.

"This plants the seeds for what could be decades of mistrust and contention," noted the report.

This week Japan will begin releasing more than a million metric tons of treated radioactive water, now stored at the disabled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, into the Pacific Ocean, it said.

It further said that Japan's move is destructive to the environmental governance structure in Asia, where more than 140 nuclear power reactors are already in operation. "The most important questions here may not be the technical, scientific and radiological ones, but about the example being set," the report said. 
BISHKEK, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- A Kazakh military delegation led by Defense Minister Ruslan Zhaksylykov arrived in Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday for a working visit, the press service of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Defense reported.

During the visit, Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Defense Baktybek Bekbolotov met with his Kazakh counterpart.

The two sides discussed the issues of strengthening bilateral military and military-technical cooperation, and prospects for further joint work between the two nations, the report said.

"Cooperation in the military sphere is one of the important areas of interaction. The fraternal Republic of Kazakhstan is a reliable and faithful partner," Bekbolotov said.

Zhaksylykov expressed his gratitude for the reception and noted the high level of military cooperation between the two fraternal states.

The delegation will take part in the active phase of the special forces' joint exercise "Erdik." It will also visit several military facilities. 
PHNOM PENH, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia has welcomed a newborn Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphin, bringing the total number of newborn dolphin calves to six so far this year, the Fisheries Administration said in a news release on Wednesday.

The latest born dolphin calf was spotted by tourist boat operators on Monday at the Kampi dolphin pool in northeast Kratie province's Mekong River while swimming alongside seven adult dolphins, the news release said.

"The new calf is about two weeks old," it said.

According to the news release, six dolphin calves were recorded in 2022, and the same number was also reported in 2021.

The Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins have been listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species since 2004.

The Fisheries Administration estimated that there are approximately 90 Irrawaddy dolphin populations in the Cambodian portion of the Mekong River in the Kratie and Stung Treng provinces. 
NICOSIA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- The UN Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) said on Tuesday that the situation near a village of the island's buffer zone has calmed after an eruption of violence last week, but there were mixed reactions to the UN Security Council's (UNSC) statement on the incident.

The Security Council on Monday condemned an assault on UN peacekeepers and damage to UN vehicles in Cyprus by Turkish Cypriot personnel, which was confirmed by UNFICYP on Friday. The attacks took place in Pyla, a village in the buffer zone dividing the eastern Mediterranean island, on the southeastern coast where both Greek and Turkish Cypriots live.

While the Cypriot authorities on Tuesday welcomed the Security Council's statement, the Turkish Cypriot side was critical, saying "the UNSC has distorted the picture" and that UNFICYP's soldiers and vehicles had "displayed a provocative attitude."

The incident on Friday concerned an attempt by the Turkish Cypriot side to build a road between Pyla and another village located in the Turkish-controlled Cypriot area.

A Foreign Ministry statement said it expected "an immediate end to the illegal actions of the Turkish side, based on the call of the UNSC to remove all illegal constructions and prevent further such actions, military or non-military, within and along the ceasefire line."

It added that the continuation of the Turkish Cypriot actions in the buffer zone would "have a negative effect on the current efforts to restart negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus question, but also in relation to the future of EU-Turkish relations."

In a press statement issued on Monday, the UN Security Council members said that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute crimes under international law and reaffirmed their full commitment to the safety and security of all UN personnel.

The buffer zone, which is controlled by the UNFICYP, separates the part of Cyprus under the jurisdiction of the government from the part of the island controlled by Turkish troops since a military operation mounted by Turkey in 1974.

The Turkish Cypriot side has not given any indication whether it could heed the Security Council's demands to immediately stop the construction in the buffer zone.

On Tuesday, UNFICYP spokesperson Aleem Siddique said that the situation in the buffer zone was quiet. "All remains calm. We are monitoring the area closely," he was quoted by Cyprus Mail as saying. 
Customs officers of the Georgian Revenue Service seized 9.3 kilograms of Ketamine from a Ukrainian citizen at the Tbilisi International Airport in Georgias capital, the body said on Wednesday, Azernews reports, citing Agenda.

The Service said its professionals had discovered the material bundled in three packages of polyethylene bags following a search of the individuals luggage, with the items found in a concealed compartment.

The body also said the case had been handed over to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for further action.
MADRID, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish King on Tuesday nominated the right-wing Peoples' Party (PP) leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo as the candidate to try and form a government, following consultation with the main party leaders.

King Felipe made the decision after meeting earlier in the day with both Feijoo and acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is also the Socialist Party (PSOE) leader.

This is the second day of consultations between the King and main party leaders after the general election on July 23 failed to produce a candidate to form a new government.

The Spanish Constitution merely states that the Monarch has to name a candidate to try and win an investiture vote in Congress, but it does not specify whether this should be the leader of the party that has won the most votes, or the party leader who can gather the most parliamentary support.

"I will get in contact with the candidate to be Prime Minister to learn their opinion over the best opportunity to carry out the investiture debate and take a decision," Congress Speaker Francina Armengol told the press in the evening.

In the wake of the King's decision, Feijoo posted on social media: "I am grateful to His Majesty the King for his decision to name me as candidate to be Prime Minister. We will give a voice to the over 11 million citizens who want change, stability and moderation with a government that defends the equality of all Spaniards."

Earlier in the day, both Sanchez and Feijoo said they were willing to try and form a government, with Sanchez highlighting the progressive majority that saw Armengol elected as the Congress speaker last week.

"There is no alternative other than to reform a progressive government to consolidate the advances of the previous years. Those who questioned the previous government have not received either the votes or the seats to carry out their proposals," said Sanchez. However, he added that he would respect any decision made by the King.

Meanwhile, Feijoo said he had the support of Vox, Coalicion Canaria and the UPN from Navarre.

The PP leader will have two chances to become prime minister when the investiture vote is held. In the first vote he needs to win an overall majority of 176 seats in Congress. Otherwise, a simple majority (i.e. more votes in favor than against) would suffice in a second vote 48 hours later.

If he loses both votes, Sanchez would then have the chance to form a government, but if nobody is able to win the necessary support within two months, Congress would be dissolved and a new general election called 47 days later. 
Firefighters battle a forest fire at Turkiye's northwestern province of Canakkale, Aug. 22, 2023. Firefighters in the early hours of Wednesday continue battling flames spread by strong winds in Turkiye's northwestern province of Canakkale. The fire started around noon on Tuesday, pushing officials to evacuate several villages and suspend the shipping traffic in both directions along the Dardanelle Strait. (Canakkale Municipality/Handout via Xinhua)

ISTANBUL, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Firefighters in the early hours of Wednesday continue battling flames spread by strong winds in Turkiye's northwestern province of Canakkale.

The fire started around noon on Tuesday, pushing officials to evacuate several villages and suspend the shipping traffic in both directions along the Dardanelle Strait.

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli, who rushed to Canakkale to coordinate the efforts to contain the flames, said the fire affected an approximately 1,500-hectare area.

"We use all our strength to protect settlement areas," Yumakli tweeted in the morning, noting that the aerial intervention continues with seven fire-fighting aircraft and 22 fire-fighting helicopters.

Officials cut the power and natural gas in some neighborhoods, especially around a hospital. More than 1,250 people from nine villages were moved to safety.

A university campus was also evacuated, and officials warned that the flames threatened the city center.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said 54 people were affected by the smoke, adding that 48 received treatment in hospital. 

Firefighters battle a forest fire at Turkiye's northwestern province of Canakkale, Aug. 22, 2023. Firefighters in the early hours of Wednesday continue battling flames spread by strong winds in Turkiye's northwestern province of Canakkale.

The fire started around noon on Tuesday, pushing officials to evacuate several villages and suspend the shipping traffic in both directions along the Dardanelle Strait. (Canakkale Municipality/Handout via Xinhua)

Firefighters battle a forest fire at Turkiye's northwestern province of Canakkale, Aug. 22, 2023. Firefighters in the early hours of Wednesday continue battling flames spread by strong winds in Turkiye's northwestern province of Canakkale.

The fire started around noon on Tuesday, pushing officials to evacuate several villages and suspend the shipping traffic in both directions along the Dardanelle Strait. (Canakkale Municipality/Handout via Xinhua)

Firefighters battle a forest fire at Turkiye's northwestern province of Canakkale, Aug. 22, 2023. Firefighters in the early hours of Wednesday continue battling flames spread by strong winds in Turkiye's northwestern province of Canakkale.

The fire started around noon on Tuesday, pushing officials to evacuate several villages and suspend the shipping traffic in both directions along the Dardanelle Strait. (Canakkale Municipality/Handout via Xinhua)

Firefighters battle a forest fire at Turkiye's northwestern province of Canakkale, Aug. 22, 2023. Firefighters in the early hours of Wednesday continue battling flames spread by strong winds in Turkiye's northwestern province of Canakkale.

The fire started around noon on Tuesday, pushing officials to evacuate several villages and suspend the shipping traffic in both directions along the Dardanelle Strait. (Canakkale Municipality/Handout via Xinhua)
MADRID, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish King on Tuesday nominated the right-wing Peoples' Party (PP) leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo as the candidate to form a government, following consultation with the main party leaders.

King Felipe made the decision after meeting earlier in the day with both Feijoo and acting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is also the Socialist Party (PSOE) leader.

This is the second day of consultations between the King and main party leaders after the general election on July 23 failed to produce a candidate to form a new government.

Sanchez's PSOE won 121 seats in the general election, compared to 137 gained by the PP. The PSOE won the support of Basque, Catalan and Galician nationalist parties, as well as 31 seats of the left-wing party, Sumar. Therefore, Socialist Francina Armengol was elected as Speaker of the Congress last week, with 178 votes in the 350-seat chamber.

Although Santiago Abascal said his extreme-right wing party, Vox, would support Feijoo as candidate for prime minister, this would still leave Feijoo four votes short of the 176 needed for a Congressional majority, and with no chance of gaining support from the various nationalist parties.

After their meeting with the King, both party leaders said they were ready to try and form a new government.

"I have told the King of my will to work for a Parliamentary majority," said Sanchez.

"There is no alternative other than to reform a progressive government to consolidate the advances of the previous years. Those who questioned the previous government have not received either the votes or the seats to carry out their proposals," Sanchez said. However, he added that he would respect any decision made by the King.

The Spanish Constitution merely states that the Monarch has to name a candidate to try and win an investiture vote in Congress, but it does not specify whether this should be the leader of the party that has won the most votes, or the party leader who can gather the most parliamentary support.

"I am the candidate from the party that won the election on July 23," said Feijoo to the press after his meeting with the King.

The PP leader highlighted that with the support of the Vox, Coalicion Canaria and the UPN from Navarre, he would have 172 votes.

"That is four short of an absolute majority and I understand that means it is my duty to offer myself to the head of State," said Feijoo, insisting that the party that won the most seats should be given the first chance to form a government. 
by Xinhua writers Xu Feng, Du Juan

LONDON, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru, a documentary about a lesser-known WWII tragedy involving Japanese fascists and British prisoners of war (POWs), has highlighted the impact of war on British families and brought into light the courage and humanity of Chinese fishermen.

In October 1942, "Lisbon Maru," a cargo vessel requisitioned by the Japanese army to carry more than 1,800 British POWs from Hong Kong to Japan, was hit by the U.S. army off the Zhoushan Islands in China's Zhejiang province. Local fishermen risked their own lives and rescued over 300 POWs.

A special screening of the recently-finished documentary was held at the British Film Institute Southbank theater in London last week. Some 400 relatives of the British POWs on board the Lisbon Maru were invited to watch the film.

Survivors of the Lisbon Maru incident interviewed by Fang Li, the documentary's producer and director, recalled in the film that after the ship was hit, the Japanese troops soon evacuated but left the POWs battened down below deck. When the POWs managed to escape the confinement and started jumping into the sea, they were shot by the Japanese troops. Chinese fishermen risked their lives amid the shooting and rescued as many POWs as possible using their small sampan boats.

Retired British soldier Brian Finch, who has been committed to collecting the historical documents on the Lisbon Maru, told Xinhua that the documentary exposed the cruelty of the Japanese soldiers and showed "the incredible courage and humanity" of the Chinese fishermen.

As the credits rolled, the audience gave the documentary a standing ovation. In tearful gratitude, Eileen Fletcher shared with the audience that her brother, a teenager when the Lisbon Maru sank, survived thanks to "the wonderful Chinese fishermen." Her brother later became an officer in the Royal Horse Artillery.

Fletcher later told Xinhua that the documentary brings to light a forgotten tragedy, and its long-lasting impact on the affected families was rarely known. When her brother was alive, he never spoke about it, and the trauma caused by the incident left him awake screaming at night.

"It's the forgotten war," she said. "And I think through this type of film, not only here, the whole world would be able to know what went on and how they suffered for us to have freedom."

Amanda Christian, whose grandfather went down with the Lisbon Maru, was among the first respondents to Fang's search for relatives of the Lisbon Maru POWs as he prepared for the documentary. She was moved to tears by the documentary and was happy that it was completed despite the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It (Lisbon Maru Incident) should never have been kept underneath. It should be spoken about years and years ago. My dad for years didn't know what actually happened on the Lisbon Maru," she told Xinhua.

Christian went to Zhoushan in 2019 with a group of POW relatives after the wreck of the sunken ship had been located by Fang and his team with the help of modern technology several years before. After paying respect to her grandfather throughout her life through an empty grave in Britain, she could finally properly remember him when a boat took her to the water directly above the sunken Lisbon Maru. During her stay in China, she also met with the last fisherman alive, who died less than a year after the meeting.

"It was just amazing, absolutely very, very honored to have been part of it," she said.

In remarks delivered after the screening, Chinese Ambassador to Britain Zheng Zeguang said, "In the fight against fascist aggressors, China and the UK were allies, and the Lisbon Maru Incident is one of the best examples of people from both countries supporting each other at difficult times."

Zheng noted that history must not be forgotten and called for a joint effort to carry forward the shared remembrance and turn it into a new linchpin for friendship between the Chinese and British people.

Tony Banham, a British historian whose 2006 book The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru: Britain's Forgotten Wartime Tragedy, laid the groundwork for the documentary. He said he was delighted with how the documentary turned out and succeeded in emphasizing the impact of war on families.

"There's never been more important than it is at the moment for people from different countries to meet together and chat and understand that it doesn't really matter if you're born in London, or you're born in Beijing. You are people," he said. "And that message should be hammered home every day, in my opinion, because there is no more important message if we really want to survive as a species of human beings in the world."

Morgana Warren-Jones, a 28-year-old musician whose great uncle died in the Lisbon Maru tragedy, told Xinhua that she would spread the word about the documentary on social media and hopes to generate more discussion among the younger generation.

"This film shows that a world with peace is a so much better world," she said. "Making good relationships with people from different cultures and building bridges is a really important thing." 
MADRID, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The debate on the investiture of center-right People's Party (PP) leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo as Spain's new prime minister will be held on Sept. 26-27, Francina Armengol, speaker of Spain's Congress (lower house of Parliament) said here on Wednesday.

Feijoo was nominated to the post by King Felipe VI.

Feijoo needs to win the support of 176 deputies in Congress to succeed Pedro Sanchez in the post. However, he can only count on the PP's 137 deputies, plus on the 33 members of the far-right Vox party, and one vote each from the regional parties (Coalicion Canaria and UPN from Navarre).

With Basque nationalist parties Bildu and PNV and the Catalan nationalist ERC saying they will not support Feijoo, it looks as if his only hope is to win the support of Junts per Catalunya (Together for Catalonia, Junts), whose leader, Carles Puigdemont, has been in exile in Belgium since the October 2017 referendum on Catalan independence.

If Feijoo fails to win an overall majority on Sept.27, he would face a second vote in Congress on Sept.29, where a simple majority would be enough to secure his victory.

However, if he loses both votes, acting Prime Minister Sanchez would be given the chance to present his candidacy.

If both Feijoo and Sanchez fail, Spain's Constitution dictates that Congress will be dissolved 60 days after the first investiture vote and a new general election held 47 days later, which would be on Jan. 14, 2024. 
Changchun, China--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - The 14th China-Northeast Asia Expo was held from August 23rd to 27th in Changchun, China. This year's Northeast Asia Expo is aimed at creating a new highland for opening up and cooperation in Northeast Asia, injecting new momentum into the "Belt and Road" initiative and the revitalization of Northeast China.





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The Northeast Asia Expo is an international comprehensive expo approved by the State Council of China, co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and the Jilin Provincial Government. The six countries of Northeast Asia jointly participate in and carry out economic and trade cooperation, high-level dialogue, and cultural exchanges globally. It has played an important role in promoting trade and economic cooperation in Northeast Asia and promoting regional economic development.

Lv Haiqiang, Deputy Director of the Executive Committee of the Northeast Asia Expo, and Deputy Secretary General of the Jilin Provincial Government, indicated that this Northeast Asia Expo has 8 exhibition halls, including the Northeast Asia Commodity Hall and the International Commodity Hall. It is the first time to set up a modern equipment and new energy cooperation, digital economy, modern service industry, and modern agriculture halls. There are 3427 international standard booths, covering an exhibition area of about 70000 square meters, with 1006 exhibitors from home and abroad, including 201 exhibitors from 42 countries and regions including Northeast Asia, Europe, and the United States, countries along the "the Belt and Road," Chinese Hong Kong, Chinese Macao, and Chinese Taiwan.

During the expo, four thematic conferences are being held. Among them, the 5th Northeast Asia Industrial Park Dialogue is a multilateral conference, focusing on topics such as Northeast Asia industrial chain supply chain cooperation, building an open industrial park new economy, and creating new momentum for regional cooperation in Northeast Asia. About 100 government and enterprise representatives from China, Russia, Mongolia, and South Korea were invited to participate. The scale of the 2023 (Jilin) China Japan Economic Cooperation Conference is approximately 330 people, with 138 participants from 62 Japanese enterprises and institutions. There are 29 vice presidents and above from Fortune Global 500 and well-known multinational corporations in China, all of which have reached a record high in scale. During the Russian Business Day event, China and Russia conducted promotional and docking activities in fields such as agriculture and forestry, automobiles and parts, logistics, and finance. The theme of the South Korean Business Day event is "New Era, New Cooperation, and New Development". At the same time, the China South Korea Northeast Asia Health Forum was held, with delegations led by the Korean Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, the South Korean Trade Association, and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & FoodTrade Corp. participating.

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Lv Haiqiang stated, "This year's Northeast Asia Expo is paying more attention to expanding the scale of the Northeast Asian market and expanding domestic and international circle of friends. On the basis of focusing on inviting political leaders, envoys to China, international organizations, and institutional representatives from the five countries in Northeast Asia, we invite envoys from other countries in Northeast Asia to China and friendly cities to participate. We also invite influential representatives of domestic and foreign enterprises, business associations, and financial investment institutions to attend the meeting, focusing on expanding the circle of friends in Northeast Asia and boosting the development of Northeast Asia."

China-Northeast Asia Expo

Zou ZhiWei

zouzhiwei920@163.com

http://www.cneaexpo.org/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178232
In this article, we will look at the 15 highest paying countries for software engineers. We have also covered market shifts and emerging trends in the software industry. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, head straight to the 5 Highest Paying Countries for Software Engineers.

Market Shifts in Software Engineering

According to the Hired, the software engineering field is undergoing intriguing shifts which reveals significant insights into essential skills and earning potentials across both remote and local markets. For instance, Ruby on Rails has gained greater prominence, even overtaking Go to become one of the most demanded software engineering skills. To read more about programming languages, do read our article on highest-paying programming languages in USA.

Upon examination of data from May to December 2022, a comparison between remote and local engineering markets reveals that the highest-paying markets for remote software engineers include the tech hubs of the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and New York. The San Francisco Bay Area continues to lead in terms of salaries at $180,000 while Seattle experiences a modest $6,000 decrease, and New York witnesses a $7,000 dip in average salaries for local software engineers.

Despite these shifts, software engineers have one the most in-demand jobs for the future. It is also worth noting that United States and Switzerland are known as countries that offer the highest IT salaries in the world. On the other hand, the average base salary for software engineer in Europe per month can range from $54,823 to $109,645.

Moreover, machine learning engineers are the highest paid software engineers in the world with an average salary of $158,572.

Biggest Software Development Trends for 2023

We have identified the industries that are being revolutionized by AI and automation technologies, thus, staying a step in ahead in software development especially with regards to automation is essential for these businesses. To do so, it is pertinent for them to keep track of the latest trends in software engineering.

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Firstly, Gartner predicts that by 2026, 80% of software engineering organizations will establish internal platform teams to provide reusable services, components, and tools. This enables developers to leverage ready-made components from businesses alongside open-source software, hastening market feedback. Notably, AdminJS exemplifies this trend by simplifying admin dashboard creation. This shift empowers startups and innovators which means businesses should prioritize building in-house development platforms over vendor purchases for tailored solutions. Moreover, coding is evolving; developers will increasingly employ AI training and no/low-code platforms, even utilized by non-programmer citizen developers. This signals a transformative era, with developers assuming roles as algorithm trainers.

Secondly, industry cloud platforms provide specialized cloud computing including SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS for different industries which has been replacing traditional purchasing routes. 40% of surveyed North American and European enterprises are currently utilizing these platforms, and 15% are in the pilot phase whereas a projected 15% plan adoption by 2026. Gartner's forecast anticipates that by 2027, industry cloud platforms will accelerate over 50% of critical business initiatives, a substantial surge from the 10% observed in 2021. This trend underscores the software development industry's evolution, as these platforms offer tailored flexibility and relevance that enable swifter adaptation of processes and software applications.

Lastly, Blockchain technology which was initially popularized by cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, is transcending its origins to revolutionize enterprise systems. Its decentralized nature, distributed ledger, and security features offer transparency and efficiency, with smart contracts that ensure tamper-proof, irreversible processes that enhance trust and simplify contract management. The technology's potential is further pronounced by a projected market worth of $57.641 billion by 2025 which is growing at an impressive 69.4% CAGR

Across various industries, blockchain is leaving a significant impact. It improves supply chain management with traceability and smart contracts and transforms identity management through tamper-proof data and distributed ledger solutions. It also bolsters analytics reliability with immutable data, drives decentralization in business models through decentralized apps (DApps), and ensures robust IoT security by protecting device communications. To read more about IoT companies, check out our article on biggest IoT companies in the world.

Key Players in Software Development

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has forever been at the forefront of shaping the future of software development through its cutting-edge advancements and extensive ecosystem. The company's commitment to AI-driven innovation is evident, as showcased in the recent Microsoft Build event which involved over 200,000 registered attendees and more than 350 sessions.

Moreover, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)s focus on AI is evident in key achievements of holding a partnership with OpenAI to accelerate AI breakthroughs and an all-new AI-powered Bing search engine and Edge browser. Moreover, the company's Azure OpenAI Service has gained traction, with support for ChatGPT and the groundbreaking GPT-4 model that has served over 4,500 customers. Notably, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has also introduced copilots that are essentially AI applications that utilize large language models like GPT-4 to assist with complex tasks which also represents a paradigm shift in software development. However, this integration of AI also extends to Microsoft 365 Copilot that offers developers a platform for seamless integration of plugins, with more than 50 partners.

On the other hand, Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has recently introduced Project IDX which stands as a game-changer in the realm of software development and has cemented Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)s position as an innovation powerhouse. This all-in-one browser-based tool sets a new precedent by providing developers with an accessible and streamlined platform which will be accessible from any device. Its arsenal includes cross-device synchronization, AI-backed code assistance, and seamless integration with Firebase Hosting for hassle-free deployment.

Crafted atop Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)s Cloud, Project IDX taps into the prowess of the Codey model, an AI-driven text-to-code assistant that expedites coding while improving output quality. This dynamic tool not only expedites code generation but also enables real-time interactions which further allows developers to make contextual code action requests, such as elucidations or annotations, to the built-in chatbot. What truly sets Project IDX apart is its device-agnostic nature that extends its capabilities across Android, iOS, and desktop environments.

15 Highest Paying Countries for Software Engineers

Manczurov/Shutterstock.com

Our Methodology

To list the highest paying countries for software engineers, we identified the countries with the highest demand for software engineers and then made a list for 20 countries with the average salaries for software engineers. Of those 20, the 15 with the highest average salaries were selected and have been ranked. We acquired the data for average salaries of software engineers for each country from ERI Economic Research Institute. The list is presented in ascending order.

Here is a list of highest-paying countries for software engineers.

15. Japan

Average Salary: $69,946

Software engineering in Japan is undergoing a promising transformation. While historically restrained by risk-averse attitudes, the tech industry is now embracing entrepreneurship and innovation. Initiatives like Shibuya Startup Support and increased funding are fostering a newfound momentum. As Japan bridges its rich legacy with a surge of tech-driven enthusiasm, its software engineers are poised to contribute to global innovation.

14. Israel

Average Salary: $70,368

In the heart of Israel's vibrant tech ecosystem, software engineering has been on the rise with a unique flair. For Example, Wilco, a Tel Aviv-based startup, captures this spirit by offering software engineers a hands-on journey through immersive quests which mirror real-world scenarios. This dynamic approach not only keeps pace with the rapidly evolving industry but also reflects Israel's innovative prowess and commitment to continuous learning. Israel is one of the countries that pay the most to software engineers.

13. France

Average Salary: $78,607

France has a blooming tech ecosystem with 26 unicorns, 20 headquartered in Paris which highlights how robust the tech industry is there. Moreover, the French Tech visa attracts global talent, while AI and fintech sectors continue to dominate the markets, exemplified by companies like PayFit, Swile, and Shift Technology. Therefore, it is one of the best countries for software engineers in Europe.

12. Germany

Average Salary: $82,632

Amidst Silicon Valley job cuts in 2022-2023, Germany capitalized on the opportunity to recruit top software engineering employees with an aim to address labor shortages and technological leaps. Eager to tap skilled jobseekers, German firms offer competitive positions with simplified immigration process. Germany is also one of the best countries for software engineering studies.

11. New Zealand

Average Salary: $82,637

New Zealand offers one of the highest salaries for software engineers with its flourishing tech industry and competitive job market. With institutions like The University of Auckland constantly driving innovation across various tech fields, the country plays a pivotal role in shaping cutting-edge solutions in software development.

10. Singapore

Average Salary: $86,682

Singapore stands out as a hub for software engineering with remarkable salary growth in recent years. In 2022, software engineers saw a 7.6% surge in salaries with a median of $5,000 for junior, $8,000 for senior, and $13,750 for engineering managers. The tech talent demand, fueled by AI has made Singapore of the top countries for software engineers.

9. United Kingdom

Average Salary: $86,778

In the UK, software developers and engineers are in high demand owing to digitalization's rapid pace and increasingindustry needs. Essential hard skills like AI, Big Data, and Industry 4.0, along with soft skills and business knowledge, are highly demanded. Backend, full stack, and frontend developers are among the most needed engineers in the UKwith high salaries and strong job security.

8. Netherlands

Average Salary: $87,716

Becoming a software engineer in the Netherlands provides an opportunity for individuals to access a booming tech industry and achieve work-life balance. Owing to the innovation, international environment, and strong economy in Netherlands, it is also one of the highest paying countries for neurosurgeons.

7. Norway

Average Salary: $88,107

The reasons why Norway is one of the highest paying countries for software engineers are that the country is driven by a robust economy with a scarcity of skilled tech professionals and demand from innovative industries and tech sectors.

6. Canada

Average Salary: $93,096

Canada is also known to offer competitive salaries for software engineers because of its highly profitable tech sectorand welcoming immigration policies that attract global talent. It is also one of the highest paying countries for dentists.

Click here to see the 5 Highest Paying Countries for Software Engineers.

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Disclosure: None. 15 Highest Paying Countries for Software Engineers is originally published on Insider Monkey.
In this article, we will look at the 15 highest paying countries for veterinarians. We have also discussed challenges that veterinarians face and the companies that continue to contribute to the well-being of animals. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, head straight to the 5 Highest Paying Countries for Veterinarians.

While veterinarians are one of the most trusted professions in America, according to the 2022 Global State of Pet Care report, access to veterinary services exhibits huge disparity across global markets, with over 100,000 active veterinarians in the US compared to a few hundred in countries like Kenya. Developed countries predominantly focus on small animals, while developing markets emphasize livestock care, potentially lacking expertise for optimal pet health.

Rising veterinary caseloads impose burdens on the mental and physical health of veterinarians which is also evident through increasing burnout and stress levels across the profession. Moreover, medicine access poses a concern for 75%of veterinary associations which hampers their capacity to deliver quality service.

On the other hand, telemedicine has experienced a surge, especially in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, with over 60% of pet owners willing to pay for these services. This also explains why telemedicine has become one of the best work-from-home jobs for 2023. Yet, a shortage of veterinarians for pets is also evident globally as the US alone requires 41,000 veterinarians by 2030, which is also projected to fall short by 15,000. Speaking of shortages, New Zealand is one of the countries where veterinarians are most needed. It is also worth mentioning pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and agrochemical are top 3 industries that employ veterinarians. Animal caregivers are also one of the most in-demand jobs for the future.

Adtalem Global Education Inc (NYSE:ATGE) is actively addressing the pressing issue of global veterinary shortages through strategic partnerships and educational initiatives. In collaboration with Bishop's University in Quebec, Canada, Adtalem Global Education Inc (NYSE:ATGE)s institutions like Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM), are offering a number of career pathways for aspiring veterinarians to fulfill the growing demand for qualified professionals. Through RUSVM's Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, Adtalem Global Education Inc (NYSE:ATGE) prepares veterinary leaders who contribute to human, animal, and ecosystem health with unparalleled skillset which also aligns with the One Health Initiative.

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In addition, there are emerging innovations in veterinary care, such as gene therapy for cancer, reduced antibiotic usage tools, pet wearables, and varied pet nutrition options that also highlight some progress for pet care.

When we talk about progress in the field of veterinary, and while we also have established that healthcare is one of the major industries being revolutionized by AI and automation technologies, it is worth noting that AI in veterinary practices enhances efficiency without replacing expertise. To read about jobs that can be negatively effected, you can check out our article on Jobs That Will Disappear in the Future Due to AI.

Tasks like data entry and test analyses which are time-consuming for humans in any industry, are streamlined by AI. For the veterinary industry, specialized AI, such as VETSCAN IMAGYST and SignalPET, aids in diagnosing diseases. Moreover, generative AI shows promise for automated diagnoses and personalized treatments. This newly observed efficiency allows professionals to focus on treatments, care, and bonding. Hence, cost savings from automation can make higher-quality care affordable.

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc (NASDAQ:IDXX) is a big name in veterinary diagnostics and innovation, that has once again demonstrated its commitment to contributing to animal health with the launch of a groundbreaking diagnostic test. According to IDEXX' Laboratories, Inc (NASDAQ:IDXX)s survey, a one-third of kidney cases observed by veterinarians are linked to kidney injury, which is often a diagnostic challenge owing to its subtle symptoms. In response, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc (NASDAQ:IDXX) introduced the first IDEXX Cystatin B Test which is a veterinary diagnostic tool designed to detect kidney injury in cats and dogs. By providing an industry-first biomarker for kidney injury, IDEXX Laboratories Inc has empowered veterinarians to intervene earlier and facilitate more effective treatments,

However, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc (NASDAQ:IDXX)s impact on the industry extends beyond individual tests. As evidenced by the recent market trends that reveal how there is a significant 6% increase in same-store clinical visits and a 10% rise in same-store total practice revenue in the US. for the month of July in 2023. With a global presence spanning over 175 countries and a workforce of more than 9,000 dedicated individuals, IDEXX's positive impact reverberates across the veterinary industry and beyond.

On the other hand, Zoetis Inc (NYSE:ZTS) has taken a transformative approach to animal care through robust digital and data initiatives. Backed by a Fortune 500 status, Zoetis Inc (NYSE:ZTS) had an annual revenue of $8.1 billion and nearly 14,000 employees, with its medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics used in over 100 countries globally.

Zoetis Inc (NYSE:ZTS) promotes digital transformation through leveraging data-driven insights to help business growth and innovation. For example, Zoetis Data Science Forum is a platform that engages over 300 employees, including top executives, to share insights and external case studies.

Zoetic Inc (NYSE:ZTS)s Digital Fluency initiative further improves data literacy and communication across the organization. By aligning its digital and data strategy with value outcomes, Zoetis Inc (NYSE:ZTS) emphasizes its devotion to tangible results that improve animal health. This approach includes initiatives such as predictive analytics to understand customer requirements, supply chain optimization, and research acceleration. Hence, we see how Zoetis Inc (NYSE:ZTS) aims to create a community of citizen data scientists capable of leveraging data to solve real-world business challenges.

Highest Paying Countries for Veterinarians

Photo by Reba Spike on Unsplash

Our Methodology

To list the highest paying countries for veterinarians, we identified the highest paying countries for doctors and then made a list for 32 countries with the average salaries for veterinarians. Of those 32, the 18 with the highest average salaries were selected and have been ranked. We acquired the data for average salaries of veterinarians for each country from ERI Economic Research Institute. The list is presented in ascending order of average salary.

Here is a list of highest-paying countries for veterinarians

15. Ireland

Average Salary: $77,314

Apart from being one of the highest paying countries for veterinarians, Ireland is one of the best choices for veterinary education due to its recognition of esteemed qualifications. Graduates from Irish, UK (RCVS-accredited), US (AVMA-recognized), and Australian (AVBC-accredited) universities are accepted by the VCI.

14. France

Average Salary: $81,539

While France is one of the best countries for a veterinary job, it is also a popular choice for veterinary education withfour renowned grandes ecoles located in Lyon, Maisons-Alfort, Nantes, and Toulouse. A seven-year curriculum culminates in a prestigious state diploma of veterinary physician. Hence, this rigorous training, coupled with a vast clinical exposure, positions France as an excellent choice for veterinarians.

13. Germany

Average Salary: $82,436

To become a veterinarian in Germany, students pursue a six-year veterinary medicine degree that offers a blend oftheoretical and practical training. Work placements in sectors like food quality, slaughterhouse industry, and public veterinary services provide essential hands-on experience. This equips graduates for a successful veterinary career in Germany. It is also one of the highest paying countries for nurses.

12. Finland

Average Salary: $83,575

To obtain a license for veterinary practice in Finland, individuals who have completed a veterinary degree in a country outside the European Union or European Economic Area must fulfill additional requirements. The Finnish Food Authority issues a conditional licensing decision, which outlines the necessary supplementary studies and practical training. After fulfilling these requirements, applicants can apply for and receive a license to practice as a veterinary surgeon in Finland. The process involves theoretical knowledge exams, practical assessments, and clinical and food hygiene training, all overseen by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Finnish Food Authority.

11. Iceland

Average Salary: $85,755

Iceland offers a unique blend of geological wonders and creative culture for veterinarians. While language is essential for integration, opportunities for foreign vets exist, particularly in government roles. The balance between a fulfilling veterinary career and personal life, along with a supportive government, is what makes Iceland stand out for veterinarians around the world. The average veterinary doctor salary per month in Iceland is around $7200, making it one of the highest paying countries for veterinarians.

10. Canada

Average Salary: $86,048

To become a veterinarian in Canada, the first step is to research accredited veterinary schools and meet their admission requirements. Then complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program (including clinical training) and obtain a certificate of qualification by passing exams like NAVLE while fulfilling provincial licensing requirements. After that, individuals can consider specialization for additional training and career options. Active listening, compassion, and problem-solving are essential soft skills for veterinary job in Canada.

9. United Arab Emirates

Average Salary: $86,362

Choosing the UAE for a veterinary career can open door for a plethora of job opportunities, particularly in well-developed industries like pet centers, dairy farms, and clinics. The country's advanced infrastructure and industries provide roles for veterinary nurses, technicians, assistants, and surgeons. The UAE's recognition of clinical skills and work experience, along with a clear licensing process, make it one of the best country choices for vets. It is also one of the best paying countries for veterinarians.

8. Australia

Average Salary: $88,846

Becoming a veterinarian in Australia requires dedication, as it involves completing a rigorous bachelor's degree in veterinary science or a related field. Afterward, registration with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board is necessary. Specializations, such as in animal clinics, wildlife, or research, are also extensively available. Australia is also one of the highest paying countries for dentists.

7. Netherlands

Average Salary: $88,895

A career is veterinary in the Netherlands offers access to a modern healthcare system for animals with advanced research opportunities, a well-regulated profession, and a chance to contribute to animal welfare and public health.

6. Norway

Average Salary: $89,520

Becoming a veterinarian in Norway provides the opportunity to work in a well-regulated and progressive environment, which ensures high standards of animal health and welfare, and offers a lucrative career with a number of roles in veterinary medicine and research. Norway is also one of the highest paying countries for neurosurgeons.

Click here to see the 5 Highest Paying Countries for Veterinarians.

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Disclosure: None. 15 Highest Paying Countries for Veterinarians is originally published on Insider Monkey.
The total number of Azerbaijani citizens who visited foreign countries in January-July this year totaled 993.5 thousand people, Azernews reports, citing SSC.

Referring to the report of the State Statistics Committee (SSC), this figure is 19.8 percent higher than the same period last year.

The number of Azerbaijani citizens traveling to the Russian Federation increased 1.6 times, to Georgia - by 32.5 percent, to Turkiye - by 6.4 percent, while the number of citizens visiting Iran decreased by 24.7 percent. 42.5 percent of Azerbaijani citizens visited Turkiye, 22.7 percent - Russia, 9.2 percent - Georgia, 7.7 percent - Iran, and 17.9 percent - other countries. Among those who left, 66.5 percent were men, 33.5 percent were women.

During the reporting period, 68 percent of Azerbaijani citizens who visited foreign countries used air transport, 29.3 percent used rail and road transport, and 2.7 percent used sea transport.
In this article, we look at 15 states with the highest college tuition and fees. You can skip our detailed analysis on educational statistics in the US, and head over directly to our article, 5 States With The Highest College Tuition and Fees.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics in its findings established a direct link between an individuals earnings and level of education attainment. Last year, those who had less than a high school diploma earned $682 a week, whereas individuals with some college or associate degree were making a little over $1,000. On the other hand, bachelors and masters degree holders were earning $1,432 and $1,661, respectively, indicating that income tends to rise with more education.

According to the US Census Bureau, in 2021, about 14.9% of the American population aged 25 and above had some college education but not a degree, whereas 10.5% held an associate degree. In terms of higher education, 23.5% had completed a bachelors degree, while 14.4% had a masters or another advanced degree as their highest level of education.

Making College Education More Accessible

Several corporations in the US are making education more accessible by offering tuition reimbursement programs for their employees, and in some instances their children as well. This includes Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) which in 2021 announced to spend up to $1.2 billion on education and skills training for its workforce, including a program to pay 100% of the cost of education for hourly wage employees in the company, which would cover their tuition, fees, and books. Over 750,000 workers of Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) are eligible for this program.

Like Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), another company offering education incentives for its employees is FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX), where ground package handlers can claim up to $5,250 in tuition reimbursements. FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) also maintains a partnership with Robert Morris University, which allows employees who have completed college education to get enrolled for a university degree at a discount. Under this initiative, FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) workers can work and also attain higher education through online classes from anywhere they wish to.

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The Live Better U (LBU) education program was launched by Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) in 2021 to cover 100% of the college education costs of its employees. Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) plans on investing $1 billion over five years till 2026 on this initiative, which is likely to enable 1.5 million workers in the company to avail this incentive. Considering that Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) is one of the largest retail companies in the world, and the biggest private employer in the US, the Live Better U program has the potential to also boost the education industry on a whole along with increasing the level of educational attainment of its workforce.

Besides companies that offer reimbursement programs, it is worth mentioning the contribution of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)s Office 365 Education program in making education more affordable and accessible. Students and teachers at schools, colleges and universities can sign up for the program and avail free access to Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)s platforms such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more. All of these tools are taught in educational institutions across the world and are widely used in the job market as well.

Loan Repayment Assistance Programs

High costs of education often force students to take loans to pay their tuition and fees. $29,000 is owed on average by each borrower who took out a student loan. All 50 states in the US offer some kind of a loan relief program that could be availed to pay off all or part of your loan balance, in exchange for working or providing services in professions the state requires you to.

California, for instance, offers loan assistance up to $50,000 for full time healthcare workers who are willing to serve for at least two years in a federally designated shortage area with an underserved community. Kansas provides $15,000 in loan relief to students moving into the states Rural Opportunity Zones. While loan assistance programs and their requirements vary by state, it has been observed in a report by Forbes that professions like healthcare workers, dentists, veterinarians, and teachers qualify for these programs more than other occupations do.

Methodology

We have used the Annual Survey of Colleges released by The College Board in 2022 to rank states with the highest college tuition and fees in America. Average tuition and fees for in-district students enrolled in two-year college programs in public institutions of the US were considered. States are ranked in ascending order of average tuition and fees. Alaska is not part of our analysis, as results for the state were not included in the Annual Survey of Colleges.

If interested, you can also take a look at states that have the most affordable college education in our recent article, 15 States With The Lowest College Tuition and Fees.

15 States With the Highest College Tuition and Fees

Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock.com

Lets now head over to the list of states with the highest college tuition and fees.

15. Virginia

Two-Year College Tuition and Fees: $5,230

Virginia is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It ranks as the seventh most educated state in terms of higher education attainment, and also fares well when it comes to college education, with approximately 42% of the youth aged between 18 and 24 holding a college or associate degree.

14. Ohio

Two-Year College Tuition and Fees: $5,569

It is likely that high tuition and fees, income disparity and a poverty rate of over 12% are reasons why college educational attainment in Ohio comparatively remains lower (38.5%) than in some of its other counterpart states. An estimated 11.5% of the youth has not completed high school education either according to the Census Bureau.

13. North Dakota

Two-Year College Tuition and Fees: $5,649

North Dakota is located in the Midwest of the United States. The cost of college education in the state has dropped 4.70% over the last one year, according to the Annual Survey of Colleges. There are 14 public colleges and universities in the state, enrolling more than 40,000 students across different disciplines. Nearly half of the state's youth (48.8%) have a college or associate degree. This is one of the highest rates of college education attainment in the United States.

12. New Jersey

Two-Year College Tuition and Fees: $5,667

New Jersey ranks as the fourth most educated state in the US when it comes to attainment of higher education (bachelors degree or higher). More than 40% of the youth also hold a college or associate degree. While the cost of college education in New Jersey remains high, it has been on a steady decline having dropped by 2.80% over the last five years.

11. Kentucky

Two-Year College Tuition and Fees: $5,700

Nearly 40% of the population in Kentucky aged between 18 and 24 have completed some college or associate degree. It costs an average of $5,700 to complete a two-year college degree in the state. Berea College, Centre College, Alice Lloyd College, and Georgetown College are some prominent educational institutions in the southeastern state for college education.

10. New York

Two-Year College Tuition and Fees: $5,746

New York is among the most educated states in the country. Average cost spent by in-district students on college tuition and fees has reduced by more than 10% over the last five years, but despite that, New York ranks as the 10th most expensive state to get a college degree in. 41.7% of the youth in the state have some college or associate degree.

9. Pennsylvania

Two-Year College Tuition and Fees: $5,793

An estimated 37.9% of Pennsylvanias youth aged between 18 and 24 have a college degree. This is below the national average of 41% for this age group. Pennsylvania ranks ninth in the list of states with the highest college tuition and fees. However, cost of college education has come down over the last few years, dropping 9.20% since 2018.

8. South Carolina

Two-Year College Tuition and Fees: $5,940

More than 40% of South Carolinas youth have a college or associate degree. The southeastern state is home to prominent educational institutions such as Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Fortis College, and Southeastern College among others. A two-year college degree in South Carolina costs $5,940 according to the Annual Survey of Colleges, after a drop of 7.20% in average college expenses compared to last year.

7. Iowa

Two-Year College Tuition and Fees: $6,033

College tuition and fees have dropped 3.70% compared to last year in Iowa. However, it still ranks among states with costly college education, with a two-year degree on average costing over $6,000. Some prominent colleges in the state offering two-year college degrees are Des Moines Area Community College, Eastern Iowa Community College, and Marshalltown Community College. 46.9% of Iowa's population aged between 18 and 24 have a college or associate degree, according to the Census Bureau.

6. Minnesota

Two-Year College Tuition and Fees: $6,134

Located along the border with Canada in the Midwest, Minnesota is one of the most educated states in the US and is home to several quality educational institutions. More than 43% of the population aged between 18 and 24 have a college or associate degree despite tuition and fees being on the higher side.

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In this article, we will look at the 17 highest paying countries for accountants. We have also discussed key trends in the accounting industry and have analyzed the key players' impact on the accounting professionals. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, head straight to the 5 Highest Paying Countries for Accountants.

Remote Work for Accountants

The accounting profession has undergone considerable changes in work preferences and models since the COVID-19 pandemic. While businesses, including accounting firms, swiftly transitioned to remote work during lockdowns, this trend has persisted even as the pandemic recedes. Over 600 remote accounting positions were listed on Robert Half's job board as of May 2023 which showcases the viability of remote work with the right tools. A survey by ConvergenceCoaching found that the percentage of firms enabling regular or flexible remote work nearly doubled to 80% in 2022, with 43% incorporating remote recruitment into their talent strategy. This explains why accounting is one of the best work-from-home jobs in 2023.

Infact, as 41% of finance and accounting professionals planned to explore new job opportunities in the first half of 2023, 63% sought hybrid positions and 47% were interested in fully remote roles. Before the pandemic, only 29% of financial services firms had over 60% of their workforce working from home weekly. During the pandemic's peak, 43% of tax professionals were also predominantly remote and 48% claimed to have experienced positive health effects while 38% noted improved working practices.

How Likely is Automation in Accounting?

As we know various industries are being revolutionized by AI and automation technologies, the world of accounting is also on the brink of a big change. Even though people have been talking about automation for a while, we're just starting to see its real impact in accounting. Surprisingly, a recent study found that 75% of accounting tasks are still done by people, not computers. This shows that there's a lot of room for automation to make accountants' jobs easier. However, there's a challenge. Different people have different ways of doing things, which can make it tricky to use automation in accounting.

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Still, more and more companies are using automation in their accounting work. Automation doesn't just make things faster; it also helps to reduce mistakes. For example, when companies need to check their financial records, automation can help find mistakes and make things more accurate. There are a few areas where automation can really make a difference: making sure the books are correct, doing calculations for money coming in, and handling buying things for the company.

Moreover, while accounting is generally a high paying profession, chartered accountants and forensic accountants are one of the highest paying accounting jobs.

Key Players in Accounting Industry

Intuit Inc (NASDAQ:INTU) through its innovative platform QuickBooks, has largely impacted the accounting profession by leveraging technology to empower professionals and boost their capabilities. With a focus on automation and real-time analytics, Intuit Inc (NASDAQ:INTU) QuickBooks has transformed traditional accounting practices, allowing professionals to shift from manual data entry to value-added tasks.

According to a survey conducted by Intuit Inc (NASDAQ:INTU) in March 2023, 99% of Canadian accounting professionals using QuickBooks expressed a desire to use technology to dedicate more time to professional development, networking, mentoring, and consulting with clients. The platform's cloud-based, AI-driven features have enabled accountants to streamline workflows, automate data entry, invoicing, and expense categorization. This shift has led to improved efficiency and accuracy that enables accountants to engage in strategic planning and business advisory.

Furthermore, Intuit Inc (NASDAQ:INTU) QuickBooks' impact is evident in its ability to address industry challenges. The platform's AI-driven solutions, like Multi-Currency Bank Matching and Accounts Payable automation, have helped small businesses and accounting professionals save time on reconciliation and manual data entry.

In terms of employee satisfaction, on the other hand, Thomson Reuters Corp (NYSE:TRI) has cracked the code as it surveyed 100 CPAs to implement their preferences at work for better productivity. The survey revealed that 94% of new accounting professionals prioritize financial stability and 93% emphasize receiving competitive salaries. To ensure employees feel valued, Thomas Reuters Corp (NYSE:TRI) embraced these insights by offering fairer compensations. For example, a Finance Manager at Thomson Reuters Corp (NYSE:TRI) is paid an impressive annual salary of $206,416 on average, according to Glassdoor.

Highest Paying Countries for Accountants

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash

Our Methodology

To list the highest paying countries for accountants, we identified the countries with the highest demand for accountants and then made a list for 23 countries with the average salaries for accountants. Of those 23, the 15 with the highest average salaries were selected and have been ranked. We acquired the data for average salaries of accountants for each country from ERI Economic Research Institute. The list is presented in ascending order.

Here is a list of highest-paying countries for accountants.

17. Saudi Arabia

Average Salary: $52,000

To become a chartered accountant in Saudi Arabia, one has to pursue the ACA qualification or ICAEW CFAB, recognized globally. Then pass the required exams, gain practical experience while upholding ethical standards, complete modules in finance and accounting, and apply for ICAEW membership as a Chartered Accountant. Speaking of chartered accountancy, it is one of the most boring jobs that pay $100,000 or more.

16. Italy

Average Salary: $54,484

Accounting in Italy is guided by organizations like the National Council of Accountants and Chartered Accountants (CNDCEC) and the Italian Accounting Committee (OIC). The profession adheres to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and is influenced by legal and regulatory frameworks. Companies must follow specific accounting requirements, including financial statement publication. The European Accounting Guide and resources like LexisLibrary offer insights into Italian accounting practices, and ICAEW provides support for international accountancy matters.

15. Ireland

Average Salary: $60,129

Becoming an accountant in Ireland involves several key steps. One has to start with the IATI qualification as a foundation and then progressing to the ACCA qualification for broader expertise. Gaining practical experience, choosing a specialization, and effectively marketing oneself for potential clients or employers are the following integral steps. It's a rewarding career path with long-term potential. Ireland is known as a country that has the best chartered accountants.

14. Finland

Average Salary: $64,732

Accounting in Finland is guided by IFRS standards and overseen by organizations like Suomen Tilintarkastajat ry. The profession's structure, regulations, and qualifications are detailed in resources like the European Accounting Guide and World Accounting. Finland is one of the highest paying countries for accountants.

13. Canada

Average Salary: $66,018

To become a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in Canada, one must meet prerequisite education requirements, complete the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP), pass the Common Final Examinations (CFE), and obtain practical experience. Candidates typically take six to seven years, including university education, to earn their CPA designation. Foreign-trained individuals may have their credentials assessed for CPA eligibility. Canada is a country with a shortage of accountants.

12. United Arab Emirates

Average Salary: $66,803

In the UAE, ICAEW provides qualifications like the ACA and CFAB that enables individuals to become skilled Chartered Accountants. Students can earn exemptions based on prior learning, and ICAEW supports professionals seeking reciprocal agreements for membership.

11. Japan

Average Salary: $67,163

To practice as an accountant in Japan, you have to obtain the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license through exams and practical experience. The industry offers roles like public accountants, tax accountants, financial planners, and forensic accountants. Strong technical and soft skills are crucial that includes analytical abilities, communication, and adaptability. Salaries can vary based on roles and experience. Japan is one of the highest paying countries for accountants.

10. Austria

Average Salary: $70,080

To become a CPA in Austria, individuals have to acquire a relevant university degree and complete three years of work experience as a registered auditor-in-training with KSW. They are then required to pass the CPA examination, take the oath before the Ministry of Finance, and receive a CPA certificate from KSW.

9. Netherlands

Average Salary $70,329

Accounting in the Netherlands is guided by the Dutch Accounting Standards Board. The country adopts International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS. Professional accountants are regulated by the Nederlandse Beroepsorganisatie van Accountants (NBA). The Netherlands is also one of the highest paying countries for nurses.

8. Australia

Average Salary: $71,115

In Australia, accountants play a crucial role in financial management, taxation, and compliance. With a strong job outlook, employment for accountants is projected to grow, offering a promising career path. Accountants earn an average weekly salary of $1,660, higher than the national average, and typically work full-time hours. To become an accountant, one needs a relevant qualification such as a Bachelor of Accounting or completion of a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) program. Online courses, like those offered by Open Colleges, provide flexible learning options to gain necessary skills for a successful accounting career. Australia is one of the best countries for accounting.

7. Norway

Average Salary: $71,545

In Norway, applicants need a bachelor's degree in economics and business administration with a focus on external accounting to become external accountants. Professional practice of at least two years, including auditing and financial reporting, is essential. It is also mandatory to observe good conduct and financial trustworthiness, as well as residency in an EEA member state. The process is regulated by the Finanstilsynet and adheres to the new External Accountants Act as of 2023. Norway is also one of the countries with the highest standard of living.

6. Germany

Average Salary: $71,800

Achieving full certification as an accountant in Germany requires obtaining final approval from the Chamber of Public Accountants. This entails completing three years of practical experience and an additional two years focused on auditing expertise. Germany is also one of the countries with the highest demand for accountants.

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This article will list the largest recipients of international aid and examine their economic statuses to explain why these nations depend on foreign aid. If you'd like to skip our overview of why major aid-receiving nations like Yemen, Afghanistan, and Somalia aren't on this list, read 10 Countries That Receive The Most Foreign Aid Per Capita.

Countries that receive the most foreign aid per capita are not those getting the largest total amounts but the ones with smaller populations and consistent foreign aid flows. According to the OECD's report, developing countries in Oceania, i.e., Tuvalu, Nauru, Palau, and the Marshall Islands, are among the countries that receive the highest foreign aid per capita. Notably, donor countries that allocate humanitarian aid see more stable environments in smaller nations, courtesy of the focused attention and support they receive. Conversely, larger nations, despite receiving heftier sums, may not exhibit the same level of transformative change from foreign aid. Countries with the highest rates of poverty largely depend on foreign aid because of their limited resources and, oftentimes, high population growth rates.

According to the OECD, foreign aid reached an all-time high of $204 billion from all official donors, up from $186 billion in 2021. Alarming levels of food insecurity and the refugee situation have compelled developed countries to spend more on humanitarian aid. However, foreign aid is not as simple as seeing a country in need and giving it money to lift its economic status because the ground realities of monetary help often don't yield significant results.

For instance, billions have been poured into Afghanistan's reconstruction post-2001, a portion of which goes to the education sector. However, in the mid-2010s, journalistic investigations by BuzzFeed revealed that many schools in Afghanistan, built using foreign aid, either didn't exist or there were exaggerated claims about the number of students enrolled in them. These instances gave rise to the term "ghost schools," and the funds meant for these projects were believed to have been siphoned off by warlords and corrupt local officials. This is just one example of how well-intended foreign aid needs strict monitoring to yield the expected outcomes.

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When discussing opinions on foreign aid, William Easterly, an American Economist and professor of economics at New York University, critiques the foreign aid system for its inefficiency. In his book, "The White Man's Burden," Easterly is particularly critical of sweeping plans and initiatives to "eradicate poverty" or achieve similar grand goals without clear, measurable steps or accountability. He argues that such initiatives don't consider ground realities and fail to achieve their objectives.

On the other hand, Jeffrey Sachs speaks in favor of foreign aid and believes that many of the world's poorest countries are stuck in poverty traps. These traps are situations where they cannot achieve sustainable economic growth without external assistance. Notably, these poverty traps can be due to food insecurity, poor infrastructure, lack of access to education and health services, or geographical and environmental challenges.

Regardless of the opinions, substantial portions of foreign aid from OECD countries, namely the US, Germany, the EU, and the UK, go to the poorer parts of the world. We have already discussed the 25 Countries That Give the Most Foreign Aid Per Capita; read our article to know which nations allocate generous budgets to help others.

Spending Foreign Aid Smartly Is The Way Out

Natural disasters and humanitarian crises call for immediate monetary help. But what usually happens when they settle down? The affected countries are left to deal with the aftermath without a clear direction for the future. Therefore, economists like Nobel-prize winner Paul Romer have spoken about the importance of ideas and innovation in driving economic growth. Romer's "endogenous growth theory" concept explains the value of investing in knowledge and innovation, which are key components of startup and growth ecosystems.

If we talk about countries that have invested well in knowledge and innovation, South Korea and Japan come to mind. After the Korean War ended, South Korea received substantial foreign aid (over $13 billion from the US alone) to invest in its core sectors. Today, the country's companies, like POSCO Holdings Inc (NYSE:PKX) and SK Telecom Co., Ltd (NYSE:SKM), are worth billions and have created thousands of jobs in the country.

Notably, POSCO Holdings Inc (NYSE:PKX) is among the most valuable Korean companies in the world and is involved in power generation and the trading of steel & raw materials sectors. SK Telecom Co., Ltd (NYSE:SKM) provides wireless telecommunication and internet services; the company's products include mobile phones, wireless data, and information communication, among others. While SK Telecom Co., Ltd (NYSE:SKM) and POSCO Holdings Inc (NYSE:PKX) are not products of foreign aid, they surely depict how a country's resilience in technology and innovation can lift it out of adversity.

Likewise, after World War II, Japan received aid from the US, which was instrumental in rebuilding the country's economy. Japan then transformed into the third-largest economy in the world and became the 5th largest donor in terms of the dollar value of its foreign aid (ODA) to other countries, according to Princeton University. In the current economic landscape, Japan's Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) is one of the biggest car companies by sales, reflecting the country's immense progress.

Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) held its title as the world's top-selling automaker firmly in 2022. Besides employing over 300K people, the company's sales are also impressive, recording over 10 million vehicles sold worldwide in 2022. Notably, after World War II, Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) collaborated with the US to learn techniques and technology in vehicle manufacturing, making it one of the largest car companies in the world. This stamps our point about how investing in innovation and human capital can make countries self-sufficient rather than relying on foreign aid, which often leads to significant corruption scandals.

Let's now proceed with countries that receive the most foreign aid per capita.

25 Countries that Receive the Most Foreign Aid Per Capita

25 Countries that Receive the Most Foreign Aid Per Capita

Our Methodology

To compile our list of the largest recipients of foreign aid, we began by shortlisting 25 countries with regular foreign aid receipts and small to medium population sizes. This approach allowed us to identify nations with significant per capita foreign aid, even if their total lump-sum foreign aid was not as large. Using the OECD's "Geographical Distribution of Financial Flows to Developing Countries 2023: Disbursements, Commitments, Country Indicators" Report, we pinpointed countries receiving the highest per capita foreign aid. The comprehensive report explores financial interactions between developed and developing nations to offer a thorough understanding of global foreign aid distribution. We specifically focused on the category 'Net Disbursements Of ODA (Official Development Assistance) From All Sources Combined (USD million)' to determine the global foreign aid amounts. We extracted data for these 25 nations from 2017-2021 from the OECD report and then divided their total foreign aid by their populations for those years. This step allowed us to determine the per capita aid for each country over the 5-year period. By averaging these individual figures, we got our final rankings. Additional sources consulted for this study included the World Bank, Development Initiatives, and the World Economic Forum, among others.

Based on our findings, here are 25 countries with the highest per capita aid inflow:

25. Mauritius

Average Per Capita Foreign Aid Received Between 2017-2021: $115

Mauritius was once largely reliant on sugar exports but has diversified its economy over recent decades toward textiles and tourism. Currently, the country's per capita GDP is $10,216, prompting one to wonder why it would need foreign aid. According to the Borgen Project, foreign aid to Mauritius is used to secure future democratic peace and stability in Mauritius and, more broadly, throughout Africa. Given its small size and insular nature, Mauritius faces rising sea levels and other environmental challenges, necessitating international assistance.

24. Belize

Average Per Capita Foreign Aid Received Between 2017-2021: $127

Belize has a coastal economy that often faces the wrath of climate-induced adversities, such as hurricanes. Therefore, foreign aid to the Central American nation mainly focuses on disaster relief, environmental conservation, and sustainable growth. Also, poverty and underdevelopment in certain regions have led to international support, which currently stands at $127 per capita.

23. Moldova

Average Per Capita Foreign Aid Received Between 2017-2021: $147

Moldova, situated between Romania and Ukraine, ranks 1st among the Poorest Countries in Europe, with a current GDP of $440 per adult. The nation's political and economic challenges stem from the post-Soviet transition, making it a significant recipient of foreign aid. Assistance mainly targets institutional reforms and governance since Moldova's position frequently places it amidst East-West geopolitical tensions.

22. South Sudan

Average Per Capita Foreign Aid Received Between 2017-2021: $176

The world's youngest nation ranks high among the most aid-dependent countries due to its alarming food insecurity. Continued strife and civil unrest have created a dire humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. As a result, foreign aid to the country focuses on addressing food scarcity and supporting internally displaced populations.

21. Timor-Leste

Average Per Capita Foreign Aid Received Between 2017-2021: $182

Once under Portuguese and Indonesian rule, Timor-Leste gained its independence in 2002. Although this young nation is rich in natural resources, it struggles with the challenges of nation-building and has a per capita GDP of $2358. Foreign aid to Timor-Leste is geared toward meeting its developmental needs, including health, education, and infrastructure.

20. Kosovo

Average Per Capita Foreign Aid Received Between 2017-2021: $231

Kosovo is the 3rd poorest country in Europe in terms of per capita GDP, which stands at $6512. The country declared independence in 2008 after emerging from a tumultuous history marked by the Yugoslav wars. Foreign aid is pivotal to its nation-building as it supports institutional development, justice sector reform, and economic stabilization.

19. Lebanon

Average Per Capita Foreign Aid Received Between 2017-2021: $233

Lebanon's strategic significance in the Middle East is undeniable. However, political instability, regional conflicts, and a massive influx of refugees have stretched its resources thin. The country receives foreign aid to address these multifaceted challenges. The monetary aid focuses on supporting Syrian refugees, reconstructing areas affected by events like the 2020 Beirut explosion, and facilitating economic stability.

18. Fiji

Average Per Capita Foreign Aid Received Between 2017-2021: $258

Fiji, an archipelago in the Pacific, faces vulnerabilities due to climate change, particularly from cyclones and rising sea levels. Therefore, ODA (official development assistance) from developed countries is crucial for the island nation's climate adaptation and mitigation measures. As Fiji seeks to diversify its tourism-centric economy, international support bolsters its agriculture, health, and education sectors to ensure steady growth.

17. Maldives

Average Per Capita Foreign Aid Received Between 2017-2021: $264

The Maldives, another island nation, wrestles with the repercussions of climate change. Heavy rains often result in floods, and rising sea levels threaten the country's very existence. Although the Maldives doesn't require assistance with hunger relief, given its per capita GDP of $11817, most foreign aid is allocated to enhance its climate resilience.

16. Jordan

Average Per Capita Foreign Aid Received Between 2017-2021: $275

Jordan has consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience, hosting refugees from neighboring conflicts and enduring the challenging living conditions prevalent in neighboring countries like Iraq and Syria. As a result, the nation's socioeconomic fabric is strained by the influx of refugees (it has the second-highest number of refugees per capita). Consequently, foreign aid becomes essential for Jordan to support these refugee communities, alleviate water scarcity issues, and ensure stability amidst a tumultuous regional landscape.

15. Sao Tome and Principe

Average Per Capita Foreign Aid Received Between 2017-2021: $281

Sao Tome and Principe, with a per capita GDP of $2404, finds 15.6% of its population surviving on less than $2.15 a day. Located off the Central African coast, the small island nation is renowned for its cocoa production but combats economic vulnerabilities due to limited diversification. Foreign aid to Sao Tome and Principe targets agricultural practices and tackles public health concerns to enhance the quality of life for its residents.

14. St. Lucia

Average Per Capita Foreign Aid Received Between 2017-2021: $283

St. Lucia is located on the stunning Caribbean coastline and relies heavily on tourism. Foreign aid helps the country mitigate vulnerabilities associated with natural disasters (like hurricanes) and economic fluctuations.

13. Grenada

Average Per Capita Foreign Aid Received Between 2017-2021: $307

In the past, Grenada has experienced significant economic contractions following hurricane devastation. Its reliance on foreign aid primarily stems from the need for disaster recovery. Notably, under CBSI, Grenada receives counter-narcotics assistance from the United States. Alongside monetary aid, the US has also provided training and equipment to Grenadian security forces.

12. Solomon Islands

Average Per Capita Foreign Aid Received Between 2017-2021: $391

Australia stands as the main development partner of the Solomon Islands, having provided over $100 million to the country between 2021-2022 as ODA. This aid enhances connectivity between the islands, expanding educational outreach and bolstering the health infrastructure to be more prepared for emergencies.

11. Syria

Average Per Capita Foreign Aid Received Between 2017-2021: $501

The dire conditions in the Syrian Arab Republic are widely recognized. Consequently, the country receives substantial foreign aid from entities like the EU, Turkey, the UK, and OECD DAC (Development Assistance Committee) members. The nation's infrastructure, economy, and societal fabric have been severely damaged, especially after the start of the civil war in 2011. The recent earthquakes have further worsened Syria's challenges, positioning it among the most severe humanitarian crises. Foreign aid to Syria predominantly supports displaced communities and regions affected by war.

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Long-established in the Biotechnology industry, Affimed NV (NASDAQ:AFMD) has enjoyed a stellar reputation. It has recently witnessed a surge of 16.12%, juxtaposed with a three-month change of -37.91%. However, fresh insights from the GuruFocus Score Rating hint at potential headwinds. Notably, its diminished rankings in financial strength, growth, and valuation suggest that the company might not live up to its historical performance. Join us as we dive deep into these pivotal metrics to unravel the evolving narrative of Affimed NV.

Is Affimed NV Set to Underperform? Analyzing the Factors Limiting Growth

Understanding the GF Score

The GF Score is a stock performance ranking system developed by GuruFocus using five aspects of valuation, which has been found to be closely correlated to the long-term performances of stocks by backtesting from 2006 to 2021. The stocks with a higher GF Score generally generate higher returns than those with a lower GF Score. Therefore, when picking stocks, investors should invest in companies with high GF Scores. The GF Score ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 as the highest rank.

Based on the above method, GuruFocus assigned Affimed NV the GF Score of 61 out of 100, which signals poor future outperformance potential.

Introducing Affimed NV

Affimed NV is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a market cap of $89.6 million. The company is engaged in discovering and developing targeted cancer immunotherapies. Its product candidates are being developed in the field of immuno-oncology, which represents an approach to cancer treatment that seeks to harness the body's immune defenses to fight tumor cells. The company is also developing single and combination therapies to treat cancers and other life-threatening diseases. Geographically, it derives a majority of revenue from the United States and also has a presence in Europe and Germany.

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Is Affimed NV Set to Underperform? Analyzing the Factors Limiting Growth

Financial Strength Breakdown

Affimed NV's financial strength indicators present some concerning insights about the company's balance sheet health. Affimed NV has an interest coverage ratio of 0, which positions it worse than 0% of 388 companies in the Biotechnology industry. This ratio highlights potential challenges the company might face when handling its interest expenses on outstanding debt. It's worth noting that the esteemed investor Benjamin Graham typically favored companies with an interest coverage ratio of at least five.

The company's Altman Z-Scoreis just -5.39, which is below the distress zone of 1.81. This suggests that the company may face financial distress over the next few years.

Profitability Breakdown

Affimed NV's low Profitability rank can also raise warning signals. Affimed NV's Operating Margin has declined over the past five years ((-1,264,294.00%)), as shown by the following data: 2018: -88.73; 2019: -152.62; 2020: -123.40; 2021: -161.02; 2022: -215.16; .

With a Piotroski F-Score of 2, Affimed NV's financial health appears concerning. This score, rooted in Joseph Piotroski's nine-point scale, evaluates a firm's profitability, liquidity, and operating efficiency. Given its rating, Affimed NV might be facing challenges in these areas.

Conclusion

Given the company's financial strength, profitability, and growth metrics, the GuruFocus Score Rating highlights the firm's unparalleled position for potential underperformance. While Affimed NV has made significant strides in the biotechnology industry, its current financial health and profitability metrics suggest that it may struggle to maintain its historical performance. As value investors, it's crucial to consider these factors when making investment decisions.

GuruFocus Premium members can find more companies with strong GF Scores using the following screener link: GF Score Screen

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) has recently been in the spotlight, drawing interest from investors and financial analysts due to its robust financial stance. With shares currently priced at 132.85, Alphabet Inc has witnessed a surge of 2.92% over a period, marked against a three-month change of 7.99%. A thorough analysis, underlined by the GuruFocus Score Rating, suggests that Alphabet Inc is well-positioned for substantial growth in the near future.

Alphabet Inc's Winning Formula: A Deep Dive into Financial Metrics and Competitive Strengths

What Is the GF Score?

The GF Score is a stock performance ranking system developed by GuruFocus using five aspects of valuation, which has been found to be closely correlated to the long-term performances of stocks by backtesting from 2006 to 2021. The stocks with a higher GF Score generally generate higher returns than those with a lower GF Score. Therefore, when picking stocks, investors should invest in companies with high GF Scores. The GF Score ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 as the highest rank.

Alphabet Inc's GF Score components are as follows:

Each one of these components is ranked and the ranks also have positive correlation with the long term performances of stocks. The GF score is calculated using the five key aspects of analysis. Through backtesting, we know that each of these key aspects has a different impact on the stock price performance. Thus, they are weighted differently when calculating the total score. With high ranks in financial strength, profitability, and growth, and decent ranks in GF value and momentum, GuruFocus assigned Alphabet Inc the GF Score of 98 out of 100, which signals the highest outperformance potential.

Understanding Alphabet Inc Business

Alphabet Inc, with a market cap of $1.68 trillion and sales of $289.53 billion, is a holding company. Internet media giant Google is a wholly owned subsidiary. Google generates 99% of Alphabet revenue, of which more than 85% is from online ads. Google's other revenue is from sales of apps and content on Google Play and YouTube, as well as cloud service fees and other licensing revenue. Sales of hardware such as Chromebooks, the Pixel smartphone, and smart home products, which include Nest and Google Home, also contribute to other revenue. Alphabet's moonshot investments are in its other bets segment, where it bets on technology to enhance health (Verily), provide faster internet access (Google Fiber), enable self-driving cars (Waymo), and more.

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Alphabet Inc's Winning Formula: A Deep Dive into Financial Metrics and Competitive Strengths

Financial Strength Breakdown

According to the Financial Strength rating, Alphabet Inc's robust balance sheet exhibits resilience against financial volatility, reflecting prudent management of capital structure.

The Interest Coverage ratio for Alphabet Inc stands impressively at 237.41, underscoring its strong capability to cover its interest obligations. This robust financial position resonates with the wisdom of legendary investor Benjamin Graham, who favored companies with an interest coverage ratio of at least 5.

With an Altman Z-Score of 10.86, Alphabet Inc exhibits a strong defense against financial distress, highlighting its robust financial stability.

With a favorable Debt-to-Revenue ratio of 0.1, Alphabet Inc's strategic handling of debt solidifies its financial health.

Profitability Rank Breakdown

The Profitability Rank shows Alphabet Inc's impressive standing among its peers in generating profit.

Alphabet Inc Operating Margin has increased (11.07%) over the past five years, as shown by the following data: 2018: 23.82; 2019: 22.20; 2020: 22.59; 2021: 30.55; 2022: 26.46; .

Alphabet Inc's strong Predictability Rank of 4.5 stars out of five underscores its consistent operational performance, providing investors with increased confidence.

Growth Rank Breakdown

Ranked highly in Growth, Alphabet Inc demonstrates a strong commitment to expanding its business.

The company's 3-Year Revenue Growth Rate is 22.9%, which outperforms better than 73.74% of 514 companies in the Interactive Media industry

Moreover, Alphabet Inc has seen a robust increase in its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) over the past few years. Specifically, the three-year growth rate stands at 21.8, and the rate over the past five years is 25.4. This trend accentuates the company's continued capability to drive growth.

Alphabet Inc's Winning Formula: A Deep Dive into Financial Metrics and Competitive Strengths

Conclusion

Given Alphabet Inc's strong financial strength, profitability, and growth metrics, the GuruFocus Score Rating highlights the firm's unparalleled position for potential outperformance. This analysis underscores Alphabet Inc's robust financial health, consistent profitability, and impressive growth, making it a compelling investment opportunity for value investors.

GuruFocus Premium members can find more companies with strong GF Scores using the following screener link: GF Score Screen

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


The tentative American Airlines agreement includes changes aimed at more reliable passenger service, the union says.

The majority of American Airlines (AA) pilots have voted to ratify a tentative four-year contract with airline management that includes a 21% pay hike and work-rule changes aimed at ensuring more reliable passenger service and more predictable schedules for pilots.

The tentative agreement, reached Aug. 1 and valued at $9 billion, "is a big first step toward restoring the wages, benefits and work rules that were lost during the past two decades while our profession was under continuous assault, Capt. Ed Sicher, president of the Allied Pilots Association (APA) union that serves about 15,000 AA pilots, said in a statement. He also said the agreement provides substantial monetary gains and quality-of-life improvements.

For American Airlines, the agreement will help to immediately expand pilot training capacity to support under-used aircraft and provide opportunities for pilots to progress in their careers, AA CEO Robert Isom said in a statement .

About 73% of pilots voted in favor of the contract, which includes $1.1 billion in immediate one-time payments and ratification bonuses as well as annual pay rate increases for the contracts duration. It becomes amendable on Aug. 1, 2027, with a provision for the next round of bargaining to begin as soon as November 2026.

On July 27, the union and AA management reached an agreement in principle that included contingency clauses tied to United Airline pilots ratifying their separate agreement in principle with management by Jan. 1, 2024. The plan includes an agreement to raise American Airlines pay rates to match those of United and Delta airlines, the latter of which reached a deal with its pilots in March.

American Airlines flight attendants still eyeing strike

Several other pilots unions are still seeking new contracts or are in talks with their carriers, however. These include FedEx pilots, who rejected a tentative agreement with their carrier last month. Also, the federal National Mediation Board (NMB) denied Southwest Airlines Pilots Associations request to be released from mediation and halt talks with Southwest earlier this month.

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Meanwhile, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), the union representing more than 26,000 AA flight attendants, began a strike authorization vote on July 28, which is set to close on Aug. 29.

APFA made a filing with the NMB in April. The group said that that if it cannot reach an agreement with American Airlines management, it could request to be released in 30 days, after which its members would be free to strike.
By buying an index fund, investors can approximate the average market return. But if you buy good businesses at attractive prices, your portfolio returns could exceed the average market return. For example, the American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG) share price is up 94% in the last three years, clearly besting the market return of around 20% (not including dividends). However, more recent returns haven't been as impressive as that, with the stock returning just 8.2% in the last year , including dividends .

So let's investigate and see if the longer term performance of the company has been in line with the underlying business' progress.

See our latest analysis for American International Group

To quote Buffett, 'Ships will sail around the world but the Flat Earth Society will flourish. There will continue to be wide discrepancies between price and value in the marketplace...' One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement.

During three years of share price growth, American International Group moved from a loss to profitability. That would generally be considered a positive, so we'd expect the share price to be up.

You can see how EPS has changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values).

We know that American International Group has improved its bottom line over the last three years, but what does the future have in store? Take a more thorough look at American International Group's financial health with this free report on its balance sheet.

What About Dividends?

When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. In the case of American International Group, it has a TSR of 110% for the last 3 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.

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A Different Perspective

We're pleased to report that American International Group shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 8.2% over one year. And that does include the dividend. That's better than the annualised return of 4% over half a decade, implying that the company is doing better recently. Someone with an optimistic perspective could view the recent improvement in TSR as indicating that the business itself is getting better with time. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand American International Group better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for American International Group you should know about.

If you are like me, then you will not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
FILE PHOTO: A general view shows the brine pools of Albemarle Chile lithium plant placed on the Atacama salt flat

FILE PHOTO: A general view shows the brine pools of Albemarle Chile lithium plant placed on the Atacama salt flat

By Melanie Burton and Scott Murdoch

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Emerging Australian lithium companies are witnessing a surge in buyouts as their lower valuations and cash needs attract some of the world's top producers of the battery material and other suitors who are racing to secure supplies.

Driven by receding prices of lithium and by major producer Chile nationalising the industry earlier this year, companies such as Albemarle Corp, the world's biggest lithium producer, have been sniffing around for buys in Australia, which makes the most lithium in the world and has more than 80 lithium-related companies listed on its main stock exchange.

However, they are reluctant to pay up for listed producers whose market valuations have sky-rocketed on the back of booming prices, while offers have been rebuffed on the promise of soaring demand to come from sales of electric vehicles and the lithium-loaded batteries that power them.

That is forcing acquirers to shift their hunt to earlier stage lithium developers, including some who are drilling to quantify reserves, according to bankers, lawyers and mining analysts. Many of these firms are less pricey and are hungry for funds as they ramp up their activities.

"It seems like the cheapest way to get lithium units is via the drill bit," said analyst Kaan Peker of RBC in Sydney. "We'll see a lot of the exploration companies looking to increase their resources and reserves, so that usually puts them front of mind with the producers which are cashed up. So I think there's going to be some opportunistic acquisitions."

There is already evidence of frenzied deal activity involving pre-producing companies. Develop Global, a base metals explorer backed by diversified miner Mineral Resources, last month proposed to acquire lithium developer Essential Metals for A$152.6 million ($97.98 million). Essential Metals aims to ship ore by 2025.

And Chile's SQM, the world's second-biggest lithium producer, made an offer last month for Azure Minerals after buying a 19.95% stake in it for A$20 million in March.

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Azure, which is developing the Andover lithium project and has ambitions to be in production by 2030, said last week it had rebuffed the offer.

Albemarle's $3.7 billion bid earlier in 2023 for Liontown Resources before it starts producing the material next year was also rejected.

The deals mania comes as Australia is implementing a critical minerals strategy that envisages significant collaborations with investors and international partners in order to become a renewables superpower.

The country, which supplies around half of the world's lithium, needs A$100 billion of strategic national interest capital to attract A$200 billion-A$300 billion of private investment to turn the country into a clean energy powerhouse, according to Australian think-tank Climate Capital Forum.

Consultancy WoodMackenzie expects global demand for EV battery materials to grow five-fold by 2030.

"Even though battery chemistry is evolving and impacting certain metals, lithium is a mainstay and the demand story remains robust. The battery metals landscape, and lithium in particular, looks poised for further M&A activity, said Gavi Friedland, head of metals and mining at Goldman Sachs in Australia & New Zealand.

TACTICAL BUYERS

Consolidation of the industry is also being driven by companies expanding activities across the value chain.

Mineral Resources is deciding whether to build an Australian lithium battery chemical plant, while Albemarle is expanding production at its Kemerton hydroxide plant and SQM is also building a lithium hydroxide plant.

"Downstream facilities need product, so that continues to drive M&A," said Guy Alexander, head of M&A at law firm Allens.

Buyers want to put their foot on supply early ahead of a supply gap that will widen from around 2030, he said.

"I think there's still going to be more in this for the next couple of years."

Tactical buyers from major automobile producing nations could also step up their M&A deals.

Japan's Idemitsu raised its stake in developer Delta Lithium to 15% in June. Delta plans to start mining at its Mt Ida lithium project later this year.

The inbound investment trend will continue, said Tony Chong, a partner at law firm Squire Patton Boggs in Perth, adding that he expected to see more Japanese interest in Australian projects.

China's critical minerals interest, however, could be limited by national security concerns as Australia has been vocal in prioritising investment from its allies and blocked the acquisition of the Bald Hill lithium mine last month by a China-linked firm.

Australian projects also face increasing competition for suitors from Canadian ones, partly because of Canada's proximity to the U.S., the world's second-largest auto market.

Rio Tinto is looking at "a number of possible lithium opportunities" in a "pretty hot market" but any purchases require discipline, CEO Jakob Stausholm said earlier this month.

The world's second-biggest miner would not mind a lithium asset in Canada, Stausholm said.

And, Albemarle this month took a 5% stake in Patriot Metals, whose Corvette project in Quebec is not expected to be in production until the end of the decade.

But the Australians are not too worried.

"I guess Canada as a region,...is probably not as quick as Australia in terms of approvals and development timelines," Dale Henderson, CEO of independent lithium miner Pilbara Minerals whose market capitalisation has zoomed to A$14.5 billion now from around A$40 million in early 2020, told Reuters last month.

"I also see moves afoot to try to accelerate that. It will be interesting to see how that (industry) develops."

($1 = 1.5574 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Melanie Burton; Editing by Veronica Brown and Muralikumar Anantharaman)
Asensus Surgical, Inc.

First Site in Osaka Prefecture to offer Senhance System

Senhance Surgical System

The Senhance Surgical System is designed to increase surgeon control through the addition of machine vision, Augmented Intelligence, and deep learning capabilities.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asensus Surgical, Inc. (NYSE American: ASXC), a medical device company that is digitizing the interface between the surgeon and the patient to pioneer a new era of Performance-Guided Surgery, today announced that First Towakai Hospital has entered into an agreement to lease and utilize a Senhance Surgical System in their urology and gynecology centers (Urogynecology center) and gastroenterology department.



Were thrilled about our collaboration with First Towakai Hospital in Japan, especially in the Urogynecology department, said Anthony Fernando, Asensus Surgical President, and CEO. Their commitment to cutting-edge care aligns with our vision for growth in this crucial region. Dr. Masami Takeyama, head of the Urogynecology center, is a respected figure, and his pioneering efforts have contributed significantly to the growth of innovative surgical techniques in the region. As we expand our presence not only in Japan but also in other key regions worldwide, we are driven by the commitment to provide high-quality care for patients.

Our primary focus is on delivering the best possible care to our patients, and the Senhance System will play a significant role in strengthening our robotic surgery department and improving patient outcomes, said Dr. Kyouko Onishi, Owner and Chairman of Board of First Towakai Hospital. Dr. Masami Takeyama, head of the Urogynecology center further commented, We are also excited about Asensus Surgicals dedication to innovation. We look forward to exploring new possibilities together and continuously enhancing our surgical capabilities to provide even better care for our patients.

The Senhance Surgical System is designed to increase surgeon control through the addition of machine vision, Augmented Intelligence, and deep learning capabilities.





A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4b908d17-0606-41ba-a6cd-d99ec3f5e3ff

The Senhance Surgical System is designed to increase surgeon control through the addition of machine vision, Augmented Intelligence, and deep learning capabilities.

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About First Towakai Hospital

First Towakai Hospital is a prominent community-based medical institution situated in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture. Known for its unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare, the hospital continually integrates cutting-edge medical technology to ensure precise diagnoses and enhanced medical support. Dedicated to serving the community, First Towakai Hospital strives to empower the well-being of its patients through a combination of state-of-the-art medical advancements and personalized care. Established in June 1982, the hospital boasts 243 acute beds and excels in performing approximately 1,000 endoscopic surgeries annually. Among these, it specializes in 150 Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) cases each year.

About Asensus Surgical, Inc.

Asensus Surgical, Inc. is digitizing the interface between the surgeon and patient to pioneer a new era of Performance-Guided Surgery by unlocking clinical intelligence for surgeons to enable consistently superior outcomes and a new standard of surgery. Based upon the foundations of Digital Laparoscopy and the Senhance Surgical System, the Company is developing the LUNA Surgical System, a next generation robotic and instrument system as a foundation of its Digital Surgery solution. These systems will be powered by the Intelligent Surgical Unit to increase surgeon control and reduce surgical variability. With the addition of machine vision, Augmented Intelligence, and deep learning capabilities throughout the surgical experience, we intend to holistically address the current clinical, cognitive and economic shortcomings that drive surgical outcomes and value-based healthcare. The Senhance Surgical System is now available for sale in the US, EU, Japan, Russia, and select other countries. For a complete list of indications for use, visit: www.senhance.com/indications. To learn more about Performance-Guided Surgery, and digital laparoscopy with the Senhance Surgical System visit www.asensus.com.

Follow Asensus

Email Alerts: https://ir.asensus.com/email-alerts

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asensus-surgical-inc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AsensusSurgical

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AsensusSurgical

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/asxc

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asensus_surgical

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements relating to the Senhance Surgical System and First Towakai Hospital in Osaka, Japan initiating a program with the Senhance System. These statements and other statements regarding our future plans and goals constitute forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict, are beyond our control and which may cause results to differ materially from expectations and include whether First Towakai Hospitals commitment to cutting-edge care aligns with Asensus Surgicals vision for growth in the region and whether the Senhance Surgical System will play a significant role in strengthening First Towakai Hospitals robotic surgery department and improving patient outcomes. For a discussion of the risks and uncertainties associated with the Companys business, please review our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on March 2, 2023 and our other filings we make with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward looking statements, which are based on our expectations as of the date of this press release and speak only as of the origination date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

INVESTOR CONTACT:

Mark Klausner or Mike Vallie, 443-213-0499

invest@asensus.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Dan Ventresca

Matter Communications

AsensusPR@matternow.com

617-874-5488




One simple way to benefit from the stock market is to buy an index fund. But many of us dare to dream of bigger returns, and build a portfolio ourselves. For example, the Bank of Montreal (TSE:BMO) share price is up 37% in the last three years, clearly besting the market return of around 23% (not including dividends).

Since the long term performance has been good but there's been a recent pullback of 3.3%, let's check if the fundamentals match the share price.

Check out our latest analysis for Bank of Montreal

While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement.

Bank of Montreal was able to grow its EPS at 8.4% per year over three years, sending the share price higher. In comparison, the 11% per year gain in the share price outpaces the EPS growth. So it's fair to assume the market has a higher opinion of the business than it did three years ago. It is quite common to see investors become enamoured with a business, after a few years of solid progress.

The image below shows how EPS has tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail).

We consider it positive that insiders have made significant purchases in the last year. Having said that, most people consider earnings and revenue growth trends to be a more meaningful guide to the business. It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on Bank of Montreal's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

What About Dividends?

When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. As it happens, Bank of Montreal's TSR for the last 3 years was 55%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence!

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A Different Perspective

Bank of Montreal shareholders are down 11% for the year (even including dividends), but the market itself is up 0.01%. Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. On the bright side, long term shareholders have made money, with a gain of 5% per year over half a decade. It could be that the recent sell-off is an opportunity, so it may be worth checking the fundamental data for signs of a long term growth trend. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. To that end, you should be aware of the 2 warning signs we've spotted with Bank of Montreal .

Bank of Montreal is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Canadian exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Azerbaijani police detained gang members involved in illegal drug trafficking in the Binagadi district, Azernews reports, citing the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Fakhri Hasanzade, Talat Muradov, and his brother Nijat, who are engaged in illegal drug trafficking, were detained during the event held by the employees of the district police department.

The press service noted that detainees accepted that they had bought the drugs from a person named "Kenan". As a continuation of the operation, the same person - Kanan Safarov, a resident of Baku, was detained for a short time. A total of 20 kilograms of highly effective heroin, 2 kilograms of psychotropic methamphetamine, 127 psychotropic pills, and an electronic scale were found on him and at his address. Kanan Safarov said that he had acquired the drugs from an Iranian citizen he had met on the Instagram social network in order to deliver them to various addresses in the capital.

During another operation carried out by the Binagadi District Police Department, Rafig Mammadov, who was previously convicted of illegal drug trafficking, was also detained. More than 4 kilograms of heroin obtained for the purpose of sale were found on that person. Rafiq Mammadov stated that he obtained the drug from an Iranian citizen known by the name "Sarhad" from the social network "TikTok" with the intention of selling it.

The investigation department of the district police department continues to investigate each of the detained persons.
Best Buy customers beware. Scammers are pretending to be from Geek Squad, the company's tech-support arm, and tricking people into handing over their personal information.

The Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers are contacting consumers via text and email, and informing them that they'll be charged hundreds of dollars to renew their Geek Squad membership, and they need to call a phone number within 24 hours if they want to dispute the charge or cancel their membership.

When consumers call the phone number, scammers may ask for remote access to the computer to install spyware programs and gain personal information. Some ask for bank account information to refund money, then create a fake transaction to make it seem they've refunded too much. They then instruct the consumer to pay them back using gift cards.

Types of Best Buy scams

In addition to the warning from the FTC, Best Buy has warned customers on their website of the different scams and tactics scammers use.

 Gift card fraud scams: Scammers use this method to offer up cash for the gift card. They set up a conference call with the seller and the retailers gift card balance checker to confirm the cards value, but record the call and touchtones entered into the system. The scammer then uses a dual-tone multifrequency decoder, also known as a DTMF decoder, to convert the recorded tones into the gift card number and PIN. The scammer then drains money from the gift card.

 Tech support scams: This scam involves a person pretending to be with Geek Squad, and using that as a method to trick customers into handing over personal information. Best Buy warns that fraudsters contact people through a phone call, email, text messages, or a pop-up window, and claim their computer is infected with malware, a virus, or has some other fake technical issue. They then trick customers into giving away access to the computer giving the scammer full access to personal information like passwords.

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 Phishing, smishing, and vishing: Phishing targets people through email by getting them to click on a malicious link or to open an attachment, which lures them to give over personal information, passwords, or bank and credit card details. Scammers use text messages, known as "smishing" and voice calls, known as "vishing" to carry out similar scams.

How can you recognize a Best Buy scam?

 Best Buy warns that if someone calls unexpectedly and claims to be affiliated with Best Buy or Geek Squad, it should be treated suspiciously. The company doesn't make unsolicited calls to customers.

 On the back of each gift card, Best Buy warns customers to never use it for payment outside of Best Buy like for bills, bail, or taxes. It can only be used in the store or on the website. To reduce scams, Best Buy has also reduced gift card purchase limits.

 If in a text or email, you are told to call a number, don't. Scammers use this tactic to gain your personal information.

 The FTC warns that some scammers may ask for your bank account information to refund your money, then fake a transaction and make it look like they accidentally refunded you too much. To pay them back, they tell you to buy gift cards and give them the gift card numbers and PINs.

Make sure to be in contact with Best Buy directly by calling them at 1-888-BEST BUY, or 1-888-237-8289, or by contacts listed directly on their website.

FTC fines Experian: FTC fines Experian for littering inboxes with spam, giving customers no way to unsubscribe

How can I report a scam?

Best Buy advises that if you have given out your personal information, start out by changing your passwords that may have been compromised, and get in touch with your bank to stop unauthorized transactions.

You can report scams to the following entities:

 Your local police department.

 Federal Trade Commission - https://reportfraud.ftc.gov

 FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center - https://www.ic3.gov/

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Best Buy Geek Squad scam: How to protect yourself.
As Brics, the coalition of emerging economies made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, begin discussions at its 15th summit starting on Tuesday in Johannesburg, the biggest debates may revolve around a country that is not even a member: Argentina.

For the first time in 13 years - South Africa, this year's host, joined in 2010 - the group is considering expanding its ranks.

Argentina, which has applied for entry, regards membership as a way to improve its economy, which has endured inflation of 60 per cent this year alone, a significant devaluation of its peso and the refinancing of a US$46 billion debt to the International Monetary Fund.

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.

Brazil, fearing Brics would become an anti-Western club that could harm its interests in the US and Europe, has long resisted expansion, which was officially proposed by the Chinese in 2021.

When Luis Inacio Lula da Silva was elected Brazilian president last year, though, he changed the picture and for the first time spoke openly in favour of Argentina joining the group. It was the only one of five Latin American and Caribbean applicants - Bolivia, Cuba, Honduras and Venezuela were the others - that could count on his support.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the 15th Brics Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa on Tuesday. Photo: EPA-EFE alt=Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the 15th Brics Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa on Tuesday. Photo: EPA-EFE>

But the results of Argentina's presidential primaries - in which the far-right libertarian Javier Milei emerged as the favourite for the October election - may have jeopardised the nation's candidacy and renewed a sense of caution about admitting new members to Brics.

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Karin Costa Vazquez, a non-resident fellow at the Centre for China and Globalisation in Beijing, said that unlike most of the other 23 countries that have applied for membership into the group, Argentina is not under sanctions or facing international isolation.

Yet the South American nation faces serious liquidity issues. Argentina's interest in joining Brics is primarily motivated by its need for alternative financing for infrastructure projects.

Vazquez noted that full membership might also give Buenos Aires access to Brics' Contingent Reserve Arrangement, which offers options to member nations facing pressure on their balance of payments and could provide significant financial aid to Argentina.

Milei has made belligerent comments about Brazil - threatening to withdraw from Mercosur - and suggested he might freeze diplomatic relations with China. His remarks pose a problem for Argentina's Brics application, given the risk that if elected president, he might order an immediate withdrawal from the group.

Argentina has "a lot to benefit from" Brics membership, "but domestic policy dynamics will need to be taken into account", Vazquez said.

"The worst scenario would be for Argentina to enter and leave in a few months."

She added: "It goes against the interest of every member of the bloc, and there is no solution yet. How this is to be addressed remains at the heart of the matter."

While Brics might want to add Argentina for political reasons, given the country's influence in other world blocs like the G20 and its presence in the Latin American economy, Vazquez said that the risks the country might pose to the group if it shifts to the far right may lead to a more cautious approach to the bloc's overall expansion.

Javier Milei, the front runner in Argentina's presidential election in October, has made statements that could threaten the nation's application for inclusion into Brics. Photo: Bloomberg alt=Javier Milei, the front runner in Argentina's presidential election in October, has made statements that could threaten the nation's application for inclusion into Brics. Photo: Bloomberg>

She suggested that negotiations at the summit in Johannesburg should include either announcing specific requirements for membership or unveiling a package of rules, along with identifying the first applicants preapproved to initiate the admissions process.

Jorge Heine, a former Chilean ambassador to China, India and South Africa, said that membership could also bring diplomatic benefits to Argentina, considering that Brics "has made a consistent difference in international politics and in the politics of the Global South".

But the perception that Brics is slowly becoming "an anti-Western club" could raise eyebrows in European capitals and the US, complicating Argentina's renegotiations of its US$46 billion debt to the IMF, where Washington has veto power.

The issue, Heine said, goes beyond Milei. Even among progressive politicians in Buenos Aires, he noted, there is no consensus on whether Argentina should join Brics. Heine said that, between Brics members' caution and the opposition of some Argentines, he was sceptical about immediate membership.

"I think the possibility of Argentina joining Brics, at least in the short term, has considerably diminished," he said.

His fears are shared by Bernabe Malacalza, a senior researcher at Argentina's National Scientific and Technical Research Council, who said that Argentina applied to join Brics without any internal discussion on the purposes of membership and without outlining strategies that could benefit the country's foreign policy.

"Argentina currently requires support to navigate its economic and financial crisis, diversify its foreign relations, and secure financing from multiple actors. The central focus should be on strengthening a national development process with significant state contributions to science and technology," he said.

Malacalza said that he did not think that Argentina's possible election outcome was an impediment to its application, because he believed that Brics "needs to incorporate more actors as it has lost focus and cohesion over time".

If anything, he said, Buenos Aires would need to consider the risks a Brics membership would pose, because of the "growing Chinese dominance" that has turned the bloc into another piece of its conglomerate foreign policy that also includes the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Belt and Road Initiative.

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.
SHANGHAI, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At SuperZoo 2023 in Las Vegas, CATLINK's booth garnered attention for its innovative Smart Cat Litter Box. The CATLINK team engaged visitors through live demonstrations, highlighting the seamless integration of technology with pet health.

Say goodbye to common pet care woes and say hello to innovation. CATLINK proudly introduces its revolutionary line of smart products designed to cater to every aspect of your cat's well-being.

Introducing CATLINK: Pioneering Smart Pet Care

Founded in 2017, CATLINK is an innovative pet care brand dedicated to creating a seamless Internet of Things ecosystem that connects people, pets, and technology. In October 2020, we received a heartfelt letter from a user in Thailand, expressing gratitude for the life-saving intervention of our smart litter box. This moment propelled our mission: to use technology to enhance pets' health and happiness. Our commitment to "LINK EVERYTHING FOR CAT'S LIFE" drives all our efforts. Guided by cats' genuine needs and their caregivers, CATLINK has achieved remarkable recognition. Notably, CATLINK secured the No. 1 best seller spot on Amazon Prime Day and earned a place on Forbes' esteemed Chinese Emerging Brand List.

Solving Your Pet Care Dilemmas

Are you a cat parent who faces these common challenges?

Feeding Hassles: Juggling busy schedules and meal times for your feline friend?

Travel Woes: Pleading with friends and family to care for your cat while you're away?

Litter Box Fatigue: Tired of daily litter box cleaning?

Space Constraints: Hesitant to invest in a bulky intelligent cat litter box?

Health Concerns: Constantly worried about your cat's potential health issues?

Your struggles are over! CATLINK is thrilled to introduce a game-changing product line that promises to revolutionize the industry.

Innovative Smart Cat Litter Box - CATLINK Lite

Space-Efficient: Designed with small spaces in mind, CATLINK Lite has a compact footprint of 0.3 square meters, making it ideal for small living spaces.

Mobility: Equipped with two wheels, CATLINK Lite is easy to move around, ensuring convenience without compromising floor space.

Optimized Space: Despite its smaller size, CATLINK Lite maintains ample space for your cat's comfort. With a capacity of 65L, it accommodates even larger cats.

Affordable Solution: Priced at $499, CATLINK Lite offers affordability and accessibility to non-electric litter box users.

Safety Assured: CATLINK Lite boasts cutting-edge safety features, including non-cat jamming structure, infrared sensors, and electronic safety guards.

Health Monitoring: Utilizing an industry-exclusive cat health monitoring algorithm, CATLINK Lite's app collects and analyzes crucial health data to ensure your cat's well-being, even when you're away.

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Join Our Smart Revolution

Discover more about the CATLINK smart cat litter box and our commitment to elevating pet care on our official website: www.catlinkus.com. Introduce your feline friend to the future of smart pet care, providing them with enhanced comfort and well-being. For additional information or to schedule a meeting, please contact our sales team at business@catlink.cn.

Media contact: Minjun Wang, mj.wang@catlink.cn

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/catlink-revolutionizes-cat-care-with-new-smart-products-301908227.html

SOURCE CATLINK
Singapore, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NOMAD Caviar Singapore is committed to delivering only caviar sourced from the most sustainable farms to its customers. This is to make sure wildlife and the environment are not negatively affected. Not only has the company made caviar more accessible to customers in Singapore but it also ensures that it doesnt contribute to endangerment of the sturgeon species. For more information visit https://nomadcaviarsingapore.com.

Originally established in Hong Kong, NOMAD Caviar prides itself as the next-generation caviar supplier. The company procures the finest sturgeon eggs from sustainable farms throughout China and provides them to its clientele across Singapore, Hong Kong, and beyond at exceptionally competitive prices.

caviar singapore

The brainchild of Jason Cohen, the company's inception was sparked by his desire to cater to friends and family he hosted at his residence in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the lockdowns persisted, Cohen found himself placing larger and larger orders, which led him to realise the exorbitant cost of caviar found on traditional store shelves.

Cohen recounts, "I opted to eliminate intermediaries and established a direct connection with the farms. Eventually, farm proprietors took notice of my substantial orders and extended special pricing. Simultaneously, I recognised an unmet demand in the market. What began as personal caviar deliveries swiftly transformed into a fully-fledged entrepreneurial venture. Today, I'm channelling the advantages of the relationships I've cultivated with premier sturgeon farms across mainland China to cater to caviar enthusiasts in Singapore and Hong Kong."

Caviar has gained the reputation of being a very expensive food item and is therefore eaten in very small quantities and usually only by the wealthy. Jason Cohen explains, Sturgeons are a highly endangered species, being caught in the wild by the start of the 1900s, to World War II, all the way to the early 90s for its ever more valuable caviar. This is the first indicator of the generally high price set for caviar.

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As previously announced, with sturgeon aquaculture, sturgeons no longer have to be caught in the wild in order to get their eggs for caviar. This contributed to the lowering of the cost of caviar and allowed the industry to become sustainable. Still, sturgeon farming is an expensive process. Jason Cohen says, Unfortunately, the time and labour in raising and manufacturing farmed sturgeons are also one of the reasons it maintains its status as a luxury food with a price tag to match.

Furthermore, the demand for caviar has been on the rise because of its rarity, flavour, and newly-discussed health advantages. The result is that supply has always been trying to catch up with demand, and this is causing the price of caviar to increase further. While the pandemic had dampened demand, this was only temporary and the demand for caviar is once more on the rise. The industry is expected to grow exponentially, which tends to keep the price of caviar high.

NOMAD Caviar had to think of a way to further reduce caviar prices to make it accessible to more people. They thought of cutting out the middlemen by sourcing the caviar they offer to consumers directly from the most sustainable farms. It turned out to be the key to their goal of providing accessible caviar to their consumers.

Those who are interested in having caviar delivered by NOMAD Caviar Singapore can visit their website at https://nomadcaviarsingapore.com/collections/all.

###

For more information about NOMAD Caviar Singapore, contact the company here:



NOMAD Caviar Singapore

Jason Cohen

+85297732233

hello@nomadcaviar.com

30 Cecil St, # 19-08 PRUDENTIAL TOWER, Singapore 049712

CONTACT: Jason Cohen




CF Industries Holdings Inc (NYSE:CF) has experienced a daily loss of -3.19%, but over the past three months, the stock has gained 15.06%. The company's Earnings Per Share (EPS) stands at 12.08. Despite these fluctuations, is the stock modestly undervalued? This article conducts a detailed valuation analysis to answer this question. Read on to uncover the insights.

Introduction to CF Industries Holdings

CF Industries is a leading producer and distributor of nitrogen fertilizers with seven nitrogen facilities in North America. It also holds joint venture interests in the United Kingdom and Trinidad and Tobago. CF primarily uses low-cost U.S. natural gas as its feedstock, positioning it as one of the lowest-cost nitrogen producers globally. The company is also investing in carbon-free blue and green ammonia, which can be used as an alternative fuel to hydrogen or as a means to transport hydrogen.

CF Industries Holdings (NYSE:CF) is currently trading at $74.3 per share, while its estimated fair value, also known as the GF Value, stands at $90.61. This discrepancy suggests that the stock might be undervalued.

Is CF Industries Holdings Modestly Undervalued? An In-depth Valuation Analysis

Understanding the GF Value

The GF Value is a proprietary valuation method that calculates the intrinsic value of a stock. This calculation is based on historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on past returns and growth, and future business performance estimates. The GF Value Line provides an overview of the fair value at which the stock should ideally be traded.

According to the GF Value, CF Industries Holdings appears to be modestly undervalued. The GF Value suggests that the stock's fair value is derived from historical multiples, the company's past business growth, and analyst estimates of future business performance. If the share price is significantly above the GF Value Line, the stock may be overvalued and have poor future returns. Conversely, if the share price is significantly below the GF Value Line, the stock may be undervalued and have higher future returns.

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Given that CF Industries Holdings is relatively undervalued, the long-term return of its stock is likely to be higher than its business growth.

Is CF Industries Holdings Modestly Undervalued? An In-depth Valuation Analysis

Link: These companies may deliver higher future returns at reduced risk.

Financial Strength of CF Industries Holdings

Investing in companies with poor financial strength carries a higher risk of permanent loss of capital. Therefore, it's crucial to review a company's financial strength before deciding to buy its stock. A great starting point for understanding the financial strength of a company is looking at the cash-to-debt ratio. CF Industries Holdings has a cash-to-debt ratio of 0.99, better than 58.19% of 232 companies in the Agriculture industry. GuruFocus ranks the overall financial strength of CF Industries Holdings at 7 out of 10, indicating fair financial strength.

Is CF Industries Holdings Modestly Undervalued? An In-depth Valuation Analysis

Profitability and Growth of CF Industries Holdings

Investing in profitable companies, especially those with consistent profitability over the long term, is less risky. A company with high profit margins is usually a safer investment than those with low profit margins. CF Industries Holdings has been profitable 9 over the past 10 years. Over the past twelve months, the company had a revenue of $8.70 billion and Earnings Per Share (EPS) of $12.08. Its operating margin is 41.09%, ranking better than 95.61% of 228 companies in the Agriculture industry. Overall, the profitability of CF Industries Holdings is ranked 9 out of 10, indicating strong profitability.

Growth is probably one of the most important factors in the valuation of a company. If a company's business is growing, it usually creates value for its shareholders, especially if the growth is profitable. Conversely, if a company's revenue and earnings are declining, the value of the company will decrease. CF Industries Holdings's 3-year average revenue growth rate is better than 83.41% of 217 companies in the Agriculture industry. Its 3-year average EBITDA growth rate is 53.9%, ranking better than 83.98% of 206 companies in the Agriculture industry.

ROIC vs WACC Comparison

Another method of determining the profitability of a company is to compare its return on invested capital (ROIC) to the weighted average cost of capital (WACC). ROIC measures how well a company generates cash flow relative to the capital it has invested in its business. WACC is the rate that a company is expected to pay on average to all its security holders to finance its assets. When the ROIC is higher than the WACC, it implies the company is creating value for shareholders. For the past 12 months, CF Industries Holdings's ROIC is 28.16, and its cost of capital is 10.01.

Is CF Industries Holdings Modestly Undervalued? An In-depth Valuation Analysis

Conclusion

Overall, CF Industries Holdings (NYSE:CF) stock appears to be modestly undervalued. The company's financial condition is fair, and its profitability is strong. Its growth ranks better than 83.98% of 206 companies in the Agriculture industry. To learn more about CF Industries Holdings stock, you can check out its 30-Year Financials here.

To find out the high-quality companies that may deliver above-average returns, please check out GuruFocus High Quality Low Capex Screener.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2023 / Collect & Exchange , a multinational organization in financial technologies, announces the official launch of its state-of-the-art digital asset exchange platform. The cutting-edge service permits users to seamlessly trade cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies through more than 1500 trading pairs while embodying a user-centric approach to modern finance. Additionally, businesses can leverage the platform to accept payments in various cryptocurrencies from their customers.

Collect & Exchange, Wednesday, August 23, 2023, Press release picture

An AFSA-licensed digital assets institution, Collect & Exchange aims to set new standards in terms of onboarding and customer experience. Thanks to the implementation of modern KYC and AML procedures, Collect & Exchange offers a rapid onboarding experience, promising businesses and individuals alike a full setup in just a few days.

An advanced customizable dashboard further assures an intuitive, user-friendly experience. As Asaf Hanukaev, co-founder of Collect & Exchange, emphasizes, "Our new platform is a paradigm shift, streamlining how individual and corporate clients from various sectors, including Advertising, Forex, IT, e-commerce, gaming, and more engage with digital assets."

The platform also boasts versatile funding options, enabling users to deposit, withdraw, and make internal transfers with the utmost ease. From the beginning, Collect & Exchange will support a myriad of digital assets on major blockchain networks such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tron, and Binance Smart Chain. Traditional bank transfers, including top fiat currencies like US Dollar, Euro, Swiss Francs, Chinese Yuan, Emirati Dirham, and British Pound are integrated for seamless fiat funding and withdrawal.

"Our platform isn't just for the tech-savvy or finance-oriented. We've built Collect & Exchange to be accessible and beneficial for diverse sectors," remarks Yaron Noah, co-founder of Collect & Exchange.

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Further distinguishing itself in the market, Collect & Exchange provides every client with a dedicated support agent, guaranteeing tailored assistance for any queries or challenges.

"In the fast-paced world of digital asset trading, we believe that personal touch makes all the difference. Our dedicated support agents ensure that any arising issues will be dealt with immediately, highlighting our commitment to customer experience and transparency," says George Arakelov, CEO of Collect & Exchange.

About Collect & Exchange

Collect & Exchange, regulated by Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA), is a licensed digital assets services provider focused on simplifying fiat and crypto asset payments. With a suite of solutions tailored to both individual and corporate clients, Collect & Exchange strives for higher standards of transparency, speed, and customer satisfaction in the evolving digital trading world.

Media Contact

Simon Moser

PR Manager

simon@polygrowth-pr.com

contact@collectnexchange.com

SOURCE: Collect & Exchange





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/776287/Collect-Exchange-Launches-Innovative-Digital-Asset-Exchange-Platform




John Warnock, co-founder of Adobe. (Adobe Inc.)

In June 1969, John E. Warnock achieved a milestone of sorts at the University of Utah by producing the shortest PhD dissertation in the university's history.

A masterpiece of conciseness at 32 pages, the paper set forth a solution to the "hidden line problem," which applied to how computers could draw the outline of a form partially hidden behind another  for example, part of a triangle obscured by a ball  so that all the visible sides and angles line up convincingly.

Warnock, who died Saturday, went on to become one of the leading computer scientists of his era and co-founder in 1982 of Adobe Inc.

They just sat there in the meeting with blank stares. They had no idea what I was talking about.

John Warnock, describing the reaction of IBM executives to his desktop publishing software

For those of us tethered to the computer in our professional or personal lives, his more momentous role is that of co-inventor of the PDF, the "page description format" that allows documents to appear on screen and be printed out as their creator intended, no matter which software or hardware is used to create them.

The PDF standard revolutionized desktop publishing. It's a required, or at least preferred, format for court filings, academic papers, consumer manuals  virtually every imaginable document in our increasingly paperless society. ("PDF" now commonly stands for "portable document format.")

And it originated in a project code-named "Camelot" that Warnock launched at Adobe in 1991, when the company was still working to establish a comfortable niche in what was turning into an internet-connected world.

Camelot yielded another concise paper  six pages that outlined a vision for a software suite that would allow users to "capture documents from any application, send electronic versions of these documents anywhere, and view and print these documents on any machines." The suite that followed was known as Acrobat, and its underlying format was the PDF.

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Warnock's career traces the path of the computer industry in its earliest days. In the 1960s, the University of Utah became an important center of the still-fledgling discipline of computer science  so important, indeed, that in December 1969 it was among the first four nodes (along with UCLA, UC Santa Barbara and the Menlo Park-based research firm SRI) to be interconnected by the ARPANET, the network funded by the Pentagon's Advanced Research Projects Agency and the precursor to the internet.

Utah's specialty was computer graphics. Among Warnock's fellow students was Edwin Catmull, who would eventually become president of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios and who created, as a student project, a short video in which his left hand was converted into a computer image, a landmark in 3-D rendering. Warnock's PhD thesis advisors were Utah professors David Evans and Ivan Sutherland, whose company, Evans and Sutherland, produced pioneering flight simulators.

Read more: Column: Artificial intelligence chatbots are spreading fast, but hype about them is spreading faster

Warnock was a member of a generation whose work transformed ordinary life as never before. The 1970s (including a few years preceding and following that decade) were a period of extraordinary innovations.

In 1968, Douglas Engelbart of SRI staged what has gone down in history as "the mother of all demos," introducing hyperlinks, the mouse, videoconferencing and other inventions to a rapt audience in San Francisco. ARPANET was launched in 1969.

Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center, the legendary Xerox PARC, was established in 1970; in 1973 its first personal computer  the first personal computer  became operational, with an animated image of Sesame Street's Cookie Monster flashing across its screen.

The IBM Personal Computer was introduced in 1981 and the Apple Macintosh, arguably the first consumer desktop computer, in 1984.

John Warnock at the University of Utah in 1969 (Adobe Inc.)

Since then, technological innovation seems to have regressed into a morass of cryptocurrency scams, new ways to invade personal privacy, and robotaxis that collide with emergency vehicles, block traffic and drive themselves into wet cement. (One notable exception: the truly life-saving development of COVID-19 vaccines in record time.)

Warnock and his longtime professional partner, Charles M. Geschke, first collaborated at Xerox PARC. As I reported in my 1999 book about PARC, "Dealers of Lightning," there they worked to create a program to reconcile the incompatible image resolutions of computer screens and laser printers (another PARC invention).

Documents that looked perfect on the screens of PARC's personal computer, the Alto, turned into unintelligible gibberish when printed out. That made a mockery of another PARC innovation, Bravo, a word processing system built on the principle of "what you see is what you get," or WYSIWYG, meaning that the image on the screen could display varied fonts, boldface, shadows, even Russian cyrillic or Japanese kanji characters  and that the same features would appear on a printed page.

Warnock, Geschke and several collaborators finally invented Interpress, through which a printed document appeared exactly as it did on the screen. They then entered the hell of trying to persuade Xerox to integrate Interpress into its laser printers and other typographical products.

Read more: Column: Here's why you can't 'own' your ebooks

The experience prompted them to leave Xerox, joining a vanguard of PARC scientists and engineers who carried PARC's DNA into the outside world, frustrated at the company's inability to market their inventions to businesses and consumers.

"We spent months traveling around to all the divisions within Xerox and back to corporate selling this idea," Warnock would recall. Xerox eventually agreed to make Interpress a component of its entire product line, but refused to announce it until every product could be reengineered to accommodate it, a process that would take years.

Crestfallen, Geschke and Warnock told themselves, "We've spent two years of our lives trying to sell this thing and they're going to put it under a black shroud for another five," Warnock recalled. "You were seeing PCs get announced, and Apples, and it became sort of depressing."

They left to found Adobe. After some false starts they settled on a business plan that would turn Adobe into a billion-dollar company by 1999: the development of an Interpress-like typesetting program. This became Postscript, which was first bundled into Apple printers and soon became the de facto standard for computer printing. (Geschke died in 2021; he and Warnock served as Adobe's co-chairmen until 2017.)

Adobe became known for other aids to desktop publishing and professional imaging, notably Photoshop, which enables photographs to be altered in seemingly infinite ways. Its digital software, including Photoshop and Acrobat, its PDF-producing tool, remains the core of its business, which recorded $4.8 billion in profits on $17.6 billion in sales last year.

Read more: Column: How Bob Taylor assembled the team that invented personal computing: an appreciation

Acrobat was an offspring of Postscript. To Warnock's dismay, Acrobat was an unaccountably hard sell.

"Nobody got it," Warnock recounted. In a meeting at IBM, "I explained how it worked, what its advantages were and how, from any application, you could send a completely portable document across platforms. They just sat there in the meeting with blank stares. They had no idea what I was talking about."

Soon, influential users did get it. "The Centers for Disease Control was one of our earliest and most fanatical adopters," Warnock recalled. "They said, 'Do you know how many peoples lives we can save by sending these documents out to all of the field offices?'"

Yet most people still "didn't understand how important sending documents around electronically was going to be.... And in 1994, the world wide web hit, and then everybody said, 'Oh, well, you can use Acrobat to send documents.' What a concept!"

Before then, even the Adobe board had toyed with killing Acrobat. "I said, 'Theres just no way. This is solving an important problem, and we are going to hang in there until it works.'"

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BJs Wholesale Club will open a new location in Goodlettsville near the RiverGate Mall, marking its third warehouse in Tennessee and 244th nationwide, according to a Wednesday press release.

The business is similar to that of other warehouse club giants, Costco and Sam's Club.

BJs plans call for a 103,004-square-foot club to be built between Vietnam Veterans Boulevard and the former Sears building at RiverGate Mall. Part of the club will be built on current mall property and part will be built on undeveloped property, Goodlettsville City Manager Tim Ellis said in an interview with The Tennessean late last year.

Goodlettsville's site plans also include a gas station, the company's release said.

More: RiverGate Mall redevelopment: BJ's Wholesale seeks to join; multifamily plan revamped

The Goodlettsville location is expected to employ about 150 people and is currently hiring online.

Excitement over the club's fall opening has spread throughout the community, Goodlettsville city officials said.

I think its a wonderful thing, Goodlettsville Mayor Rusty Tinnin said. Its the best thing weve had in a long time. Hopefully, its a booster for good things to come.

Madison-Rivergate Area Chamber of Commerce President Laura Knotts agreed. She noted that people were thrilled to see more local shopping options.

Being able to have something that close is a lot more convenient," she said. "Their only options for buying in bulk like that is to go out of county and to have something closer by its just a lot more convenient for our residents in multiple ways."

This is also a good thing for RiverGate Mall, Knotts said. Anchored by Dillard's and JCPenny, the mall has seen several store closures in recent years.

A lot of people have been talking about how that may be revitalizing the mall area as well and bringing more traffic that direction, she said.

A BJs Wholesale Club opened in La Vergne earlier this year. Another is expected to open in Mt. Juliet this fall.

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More: BJ's Wholesale Club approved in Mt. Juliet as commercial building continues in the city

Weve seen tremendous demand in Tennessee for the unbeatable value and member benefits our BJs model delivers and are thrilled to continue to bring BJs incredible savings to more families within the state, said Bill Werner, executive vice president of strategy and development, in the company's release.

Were excited to open our club doors and welcome the Goodlettsville community in early 2024.

BJ's offers fresh foods, produce, a full-service deli, household essentials, pet supplies and several location exclusives. Clubs also carry seasonal items, home decor, family fashions, toys, tech and local products.

Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: BJs Wholesale Club to open third Tennessee location in Goodlettsville
BRICS ties give impetus for growth

08:33, August 23, 2023 By ZHONG NAN ( China Daily

This aerial photo taken on May 4, 2023 shows a cargo ship carrying corn imported from South Africa at a port in South China's Guangdong province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Expert: Cooperation holds promise of rejuvenating economic activities

Enhanced cooperation and better coordination among BRICS countries  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  will bolster their economic growth and fortify the multilateral trading system, said market watchers and business leaders.

By leveraging their collective strengths, these influential emerging economies can shape a more robust global economic resurgence, they said. Through increased trade, investment and technological innovation, BRICS countries can catalyze growth not only within their respective borders but on a global scale.

China's foreign trade with other BRICS economies amounted to 3.69 trillion yuan ($506.76 billion) in 2022, up 17 percent year-on-year, according to data released on Monday by China's General Administration of Customs.

China had consistently maintained its position as the largest trading partner of Russia, Brazil and South Africa, thereby giving them further development impetus.

Their foreign trade ties maintained notable growth momentum in the first seven months of this year, while China saw the value of its trade with other BRICS countries soar 19.1 percent year-on-year to 2.38 trillion yuan.

Consensus has been reached during the recent 13th BRICS trade ministers' meeting and the seventh BRICS industry ministers' meeting on issues such as cooperation frameworks for promoting the upgrading of the manufacturing sector and establishing sustainable industrial and supply chains.

These cooperative endeavors hold the promise of rejuvenating economic activities, said Ren Lin, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' National Institute of Global Strategy in Beijing.

Fostering collaboration

Such meetings have shown that BRICS countries pay more attention to the imperative of digital transformation, fostering collaboration among small and medium-sized enterprises, and reinforcing the resilience of industrial and supply chains, according to information released earlier this month by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Atul Dalakoti, executive director of the New Delhi-based Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said the importance of trade and investment among BRICS countries, along with their collaborative efforts in technological innovation, industrial transformation and the new digital economy, has been well established, providing impetus for growth in the BRICS countries.

"China has a well-developed, enviable infrastructure. All the BRICS countries can work together in areas such as artificial intelligence, big data, 5G and high-speed trains, and create physical connectivity among themselves," Dalakoti said.

Chen Wenling, chief economist at the Beijing-based China Center for International Economic Exchanges, said that by collectively harnessing the power of the digital era, the five countries can effectively navigate the complexities of the transformation of modern manufacturing.

These efforts will boost BRICS countries' foreign trade volume not only among themselves but also with other parts of the world, said Lin Meng, director of the Modern Supply Chain Research Institute at the Beijing-based Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.

The five countries should work together to build an open, inclusive, fair, just and nondiscriminatory environment for foreign trade, the digital economy and the green economy, she said.

Expanded trade

Besides traditional Chinese exports to other BRICS markets such as construction machinery, railway trains, manufacturing equipment, electronics, textiles and household appliances, Chinese-made passenger vehicles and solar cells have also become popular in these countries in recent years, according to Customs data.

In addition to metals, crude oil, natural gas and grains, shipments to China from Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa include passenger aircraft, timber, meat, steel, cotton, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.

Lyu Jun, board chairman of COFCO Group, China's largest food trader in terms of sales revenue, said the company will continue to import agricultural products from other BRICS countries in the coming years, since agriculture is one of the key areas of cooperation between China and these four trading partners.

After receiving 53,000 metric tons of South African feed corn for the first time in China at a port in Dongguan, Guangdong province, in early May, COFCO Group announced that it had procured 158,000 tons of corn from South Africa in the first half of this year.

In terms of intensifying its investment and trade cooperation in other BRICS economies, the company has been bolstering the construction of soybean crushing plants, refining facilities, sugar mills, ports and silos, as part of its processing and logistics infrastructure development in these four countries, Lyu said.

"COFCO Group has also fostered a strong partnership with local farms and agricultural households, forming a mutually beneficial community that contributes to local economic growth," he said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
With Saudi Arabia emerging one of the worlds fastest growing tourism destinations, the kingdoms hospitality sector is gearing up to attract an influx of tech-savvy regional and global tourists by investing heavily in new technology, which will revolutionise the Kingdoms hotel landscape.

From AI to IoT, to big data and robotics, Saudi Arabias hotel and hospitality sector is staying ahead of the curve by investing in new technology to optimise their revenue, guest-experiences and operational efficiency, said leading industry experts ahead of the Hotel & Hospitality Expo and its three-day conference, the Hospitality Leaders Summit, which kicks off next month in Riyadh.

To be held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre from September 10 to 12, these events will be co-located with Index Saudi Arabia and the Lighting Design & Technology Expo.

The show will connect manufacturers and suppliers in the hotel and hospitality industry with buyers in the kingdom, all while showcasing the latest technological advancements disrupting the countrys hotel sector.

Nadeem Zaman, Chief Strategy and Transformation Advisor for the Minister of Investment in Saudi Arabia, said the countrys efforts to boost tourism will see a rise in the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.

"As the industry looks to differentiate itself, the fourth industrial revolution  and in particular  AI and IoT are looking to make their impact. Expect to see enhanced guest experiences through personalised services, streamlined operations and efficient energy management solutions," stated Zaman, who will be one of the speakers at this years Hospitality Leaders Summit.

The event will see leading industry experts discuss how the hotel sector in the kingdom will leverage big data, AI and IoTs to maximise revenue and energy efficiency.

Manit Narang, Vice President, Hospitality for India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey, at Assa Abloy Global Solutions, a key exhibitor at the upcoming event, said both AI and IoT technologies represent game changers in hotels abilities to meet guest demands for faster, more convenient and personalised services.

"We are already seeing several industry businesses adopt solutions such as AI-based chatbots, IoT-enabled motion sensors and lights. These adoption trends are sure to continue increasing at faster paces as both technologies continue to improve and as more solutions become available," he added.

According to Zaman, the future of the hotel and hospitality landscape in the country lies with the rapid adoption of new technological solutions, some of which can be seen in the industry today.

"From smart room controls, voice-activated assistance like Amazon Echo or Google Home, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality to provide guests with a more immersive experience before arrival, and robotic concierge," he noted.

He pointed out that robots were expected to become more commonplace citing the case of the UKs Yotel Hotel.

"It is expected to open its doors in Oxagon NEOM in 2025 and will feature robotic concierge, motorised smart beds, and a plethora of other high-tech options," he added.

Nimirta H Lulla, Vice President of Operations, Middle East and Africa at FutureLog Middle East, believes that the growth of Saudi Arabias hospitality industry signals a massive opportunity and appetite for sustainable technological solutions.
Dave's Hot Chicken is opening its first location in the Green Bay area Thursday. The chain restaurant is famous for its extremely hot sauce and fries.

ASHWAUBENON  Are you a fan of chicken and spicy food? Then Dave's Hot Chicken is the place to go.

The franchise is opening its sixth Wisconsin location Thursday at 2674 Oneida St., with a grand opening planned for Friday. The company will add a total of 14 locations in six years in Wisconsin, as previously reported by the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Ron Stokes, chief operating officer of Roaring Fork Restaurant Group, the parent company of Dave's Hot Chicken and Qdoba, said he is excited to open in the Green Bay area.

"We think this product will blow people's minds," Stokes said.

He said people can expect a simple but "very powerful" menu that offers up to seven levels of spicy sauces, with "The Reaper" being the hottest.

The menu has chicken tenders and sandwiches, all which can be made with the customer's desired level of heat. And Stokes said there's more than just chicken.

"We will also have delicious Mac n' cheese and shakes," he said.

The restaurant's interior is decorated with graffiti-style art depicting Green Bay-area themes, which was created by Splatterhaus, a design studio from Los Angeles.

"They spent two days painting the walls," he said. "We did that to pay homage to the city (of Green Bay)."

Dave's Hot Chicken is open 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. For more information, visit daveshotchicken.com.

Ariel Perez is a business reporter for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. You can reach him at APerez1@gannett.com or view his Twitter profile at @Ariel_Perez85.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Dave's Hot Chicken to open first Green Bay area location this week
Yaroslav Astakhov / iStock.com

As anyone whos ever traveled by plane knows, airline ticket prices can fluctuate significantly depending on when you buy them. Purchasing tickets around certain holidays or special events can lead to higher prices, though you might be surprised to find that some holidays are cheaper to fly around than others.

Im a Travel Agent: 7 Costliest Mistakes People Make When Planning Vacations

Learn: How To Save $200 on Your Grocery Bill Every Month

If youre planning your next trip and have some flexibility in your schedule, you may want to consider booking your airplane tickets at least a month before or after these dates.

Christmas Eve or Christmas Day

Thinking about visiting family this Christmas? Book your airline tickets in October or November to potentially score some great deals.

Keep an eye on those Christmas bookings again in early October who knows what amazing discounts might pop up, said Raj Yadav, co-founder at Lowest Flight Fares.

Of course, you might also get cheaper tickets if you book slightly less than a month out of Christmas. Mac Steer, owner and director at Simify, recommended purchasing airline tickets within a month of the holiday you want to travel on.

In my experience, the holidays that are traditionally cheaper to fly around are not necessarily the ones youd expect, said Steer. For example, Christmas is usually a very expensive time of year to fly  but Thanksgiving is actually a much better time to book flights. You can usually find some great deals on flights if youre willing to travel during off-peak hours  like late night or early morning.

Airlines often offer sales and promotions around holidays, especially during the week leading up to them, added Steer. For example, there are usually lots of sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so if youre planning on traveling around those dates, it can be worth waiting to purchase your ticket until then.

Find Out: 4 Ways To Use ChatGPT To Find the Cheapest Airline Tickets

Valentines Day

For those who want to meet with their loved ones for Valentines Day, it might be wise to book tickets around the winter holidays.

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One relevant period when flights are cheaper is the shoulder seasons: September to October  yes, this one is just around the corner  and March to April, said Justin Albertynas, CEO at RatePunk. Keep an eye on the periods between major holidays or peak travel seasons. These shoulder seasons often offer more reasonable prices due to lower demand. For instance, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas or just after New Years can be favorable for cheaper fares.

Thanksgiving Day

You may not want to travel on Thanksgiving Day, but the days leading up to it could be cheaper to fly on.

If youre planning a Thanksgiving getaway, booking between Halloween and mid-November might score you some sweet deals, too, said Yadav. On the other hand, you could potentially save even more money on airfare if you book even sooner than that.

You might also get better deals if you keep your travel dates flexible and avoid traveling around the busy summer season or national holidays to cut airfare costs. However, you could get some surprisingly cheap airline tickets if you fly on certain holidays.

There are days around specific holidays when you can get the best deal, said Yadav. For example, if you are visiting your family on Thanksgiving Day, well, you may consider Turkey Day to travel, as Turkey Day itself tends to be the least expensive day for flying around Thanksgiving. The average airfare drops by 10% to 12% on Turkey Day, generally.

4th of July

The 4th of July is another big date for many travelers, but it can be pricey if you book too close to the day itself.

You should never expect to get a good last-minute deal around the big holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving or the 4th of July  unless you look for tickets on the actual day of the holiday itself, said Brittany Mendez, CMO of FloridaPanhandle.com. Most holiday travel is done in the weeks/days leading up to and following the holiday, not on the day, so you may be able to score a decent deal that way.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, is another expensive date to buy airline tickets around. In fact, trying to book tickets around a weekend holiday in general tends to result in more expensive tickets than other days of the year. So, if youre thinking about traveling around this time, be sure to book your flights early.

Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day

Booking tickets on Columbus Day  also called Indigenous Peoples Day  which is observed in October, could be a cost-effective option if youre planning to fly around Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Flying around less busy holidays like Labor Day or Columbus Day offer more affordable options. Avoid peak travel times for the best deals, said Katherine Fleischman, publicist, travel expert and CEO of Do Tell PR.

But if you want to reach your destination before Columbus Day itself, you may want to book at least a month in advance. This is because, just like with Memorial Day, this holiday falls on a Monday and is a peak time for many travelers looking for a long weekend getaway.

Halloween

Similar to other major holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, you might save money by flying on Halloween itself. But waiting to book your tickets until the holidays less than a month away could result in higher airfare costs.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Dont Buy Airline Tickets Less Than a Month in Advance for These 7 Holidays
Principal Inventor of Endari (L-glutamine oral powder) and Long-time Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Free to Purse New Projects

Company Appoints Interim Co-Presidents to Focus on Core Business

TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc. (OTCQX: EMMA), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company and leader in the treatment of sickle cell disease, today reported that on August 18, 2023 the Board of Directors, including Yutaka Niihara, M.D., Ph.D, determined that Dr. Niihara would no longer serve as Chief Executive Officer of Emmaus, or as Chairman of the Board, in order to allow Dr. Niihara to pursue business opportunities in Ube, Japan and in India previously initiated by Emmaus. Dr. Niihara was the principal inventor of Endari (L-glutamine oral powder), which is approved in the U.S. and most of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries for the treatment of sickle cell disease, and long-time the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Emmaus. No rights of the company have been granted to Dr. Niihara in these regards, and he remains a director of the company.

(PRNewsfoto/Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc.)

Emmaus also reported that on August 21, 2023, Willis Lee, who has long served as the Chief Operating Officer and a director of the company, and George Sekulich, the company's Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President Global Commercialization, were appointed as interim Co-Presidents of Emmaus, to serve pending the company's search for a Chief Executive Officer.

"Dr. Niihara's name and reputation will forever be associated with raising awareness of sickle cell disease among medical regulators and health practitioners in the U.S. and overseas, and we thank him for his dedicated service. We intend to continue to pursue his mission of alleviating suffering among sickle cell disease patients wherever we find them," remarked Mr. Sekulich.

"As interim Co-Presidents, George and I and the rest of the Emmaus team intend to focus on our core business of growing Endari sales in the U.S and in the Middle East North Africa region while evaluating possible reformulations of Endari to compete against generic versions that we expect to see beginning in 2024," remarked Mr. Lee. "In doing so, we intend to discontinue substantially all activities unrelated to Endari sales and improvements in an effort to reduce our operating costs and increase cash flow from operations," he added.

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About Emmaus Life Sciences

Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc. is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company and leader in the treatment of sickle cell disease. Endari (L-glutamine oral powder), indicated to reduce the acute complications of sickle cell disease in adults and children 5 years and older, is approved for marketing in the United States, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman and is available on a named patient or early access basis in France, the Netherlands, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where Emmaus' application for marketing authorization is awaiting final action by the Saudi Food & Drug Authority. For more information, please visit www.emmausmedical.com.

About Endari (prescription grade L-glutamine oral powder)

Endari, Emmaus' prescription grade L-glutamine oral powder, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2017 for treating sickle cell disease in adult and pediatric patients five years of age and older.

Indication

Endari is indicated to reduce the acute complications of sickle cell disease in adult and pediatric patients five years of age and older.

Important Safety Information

The most common adverse reactions (incidence >10 percent) in clinical studies were constipation, nausea, headache, abdominal pain, cough, pain in extremities, back pain, and chest pain.

Adverse reactions leading to treatment discontinuation included one case each of hypersplenism, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, burning sensation, and hot flash.

The safety and efficacy of Endari in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease younger than five years of age has not been established.

For more information, please see full Prescribing Information of Endari at: www.ENDARIrx.com/PI.

About Sickle Cell Disease

There are approximately 100,000 people living with sickle cell disease (SCD) in the United States and millions more globally. The sickle gene is found in every ethnic group, not just among those of African descent; and in the United States an estimated 1-in-365 African Americans and 1-in-16,300 Hispanic Americans are born with SCD.1 The genetic mutation responsible for SCD causes an individual's red blood cells to distort into a "C" or a sickle shape, reducing their ability to transport oxygen throughout the body. These sickled red blood cells break down rapidly, become very sticky, and develop a propensity to clump together, which causes them to become stuck and cause damage within blood vessels. The result is reduced blood flow to distal organs, which leads to physical symptoms of incapacitating pain, tissue and organ damage, and early death.2

1Source: Data & Statistics on Sickle Cell Disease  National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, December 2020.

2Source: Committee on Addressing Sickle Cell Disease  A Strategic Plan and Blueprint for Action -- National Academy of Sciences Press, 2020.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including statements regarding changes in management and business focus of Emmaus, the possibility of eventual marketing authorization of Endari in the KSA, the possible restructuring or refinancing of our outstanding indebtedness and the ongoing need for related-party loans or other financing to meet our current liabilities and fund our business and operations. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties which change over time, including factors disclosed in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2023, May 15, 2023 and August 14, 2023, respectively, and actual results may differ materially. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Emmaus assumes no duty to update them, except as may be required by law.

Company Contact:

Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc.

Willis Lee

Co-President and Chief Operating Officer

(310) 214-0065, Ext. 1130

wlee@emmauslifesciences.com

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emmaus-life-sciences-reports-management-changes-301907617.html

SOURCE Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc.
The board of EnerSys (NYSE:ENS) has announced that it will be paying its dividend of $0.225 on the 29th of September, an increased payment from last year's comparable dividend. This takes the annual payment to 0.9% of the current stock price, which unfortunately is below what the industry is paying.

View our latest analysis for EnerSys

EnerSys' Earnings Easily Cover The Distributions

The dividend yield is a little bit low, but sustainability of the payments is also an important part of evaluating an income stock. However, prior to this announcement, EnerSys' dividend was comfortably covered by both cash flow and earnings. This means that most of what the business earns is being used to help it grow.

The next year is set to see EPS grow by 27.5%. If the dividend continues along recent trends, we estimate the payout ratio will be 12%, which is in the range that makes us comfortable with the sustainability of the dividend.

EnerSys Has A Solid Track Record

The company has an extended history of paying stable dividends. Since 2013, the dividend has gone from $0.50 total annually to $0.90. This implies that the company grew its distributions at a yearly rate of about 6.1% over that duration. The dividend has been growing very nicely for a number of years, and has given its shareholders some nice income in their portfolios.

The Dividend Looks Likely To Grow

Investors who have held shares in the company for the past few years will be happy with the dividend income they have received. It's encouraging to see that EnerSys has been growing its earnings per share at 13% a year over the past five years. EnerSys definitely has the potential to grow its dividend in the future with earnings on an uptrend and a low payout ratio.

EnerSys Looks Like A Great Dividend Stock

Overall, a dividend increase is always good, and we think that EnerSys is a strong income stock thanks to its track record and growing earnings. Distributions are quite easily covered by earnings, which are also being converted to cash flows. All in all, this checks a lot of the boxes we look for when choosing an income stock.

It's important to note that companies having a consistent dividend policy will generate greater investor confidence than those having an erratic one. However, there are other things to consider for investors when analysing stock performance. For instance, we've picked out 2 warning signs for EnerSys that investors should take into consideration. 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.
Usually, when one insider buys stock, it might not be a monumental event. But when multiple insiders are buying like they did in the case of Helia Group Limited (ASX:HLI), that sends out a positive message to the company's shareholders.

While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares.

View our latest analysis for Helia Group

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Helia Group

In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when CEO, MD & Director Pauline Blight-Johnston bought AU$204k worth of shares at a price of AU$2.93 per share. Even though the purchase was made at a significantly lower price than the recent price (AU$3.78), we still think insider buying is a positive. Because the shares were purchased at a lower price, this particular buy doesn't tell us much about how insiders feel about the current share price.

While Helia Group insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn't sell. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below!

Helia Group is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

Insider Ownership

Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Insiders own 1.5% of Helia Group shares, worth about AU$18m. We've certainly seen higher levels of insider ownership elsewhere, but these holdings are enough to suggest alignment between insiders and the other shareholders.

So What Does This Data Suggest About Helia Group Insiders?

It doesn't really mean much that no insider has traded Helia Group shares in the last quarter. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. Overall we don't see anything to make us think Helia Group insiders are doubting the company, and they do own shares. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Helia Group. Our analysis shows 2 warning signs for Helia Group (1 can't be ignored!) and we strongly recommend you look at these before investing.

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But note: Helia Group may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Regulators want better detention time data to assess safety and costs. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

WASHINGTON  A long-standing quest for better data on how delays experienced by truck drivers waiting to load and unload affects safety and lost pay will get a fresh start by federal regulators.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration released on Wednesday the parameters of a new data collection it hopes will close an information gap preventing regulators from fully understanding the effects of truck driver detention time.

This research study will collect data on commercial motor vehicle driver detention time representative of the major segments of the motor carrier industry, analyze that data to determine the frequency and severity of detention time, and assess the utility of existing intelligent transportation systems solutions to measure detention time, according to an Information Collection Request (ICR) FMCSA plans to submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval.

The ICR points out that while a 2014 FMCSA study provided valuable insights on the effect of detention time on carrier and driver safety, it was limited, among other things, by a small sample size and the inability to separate legitimate time drivers spent loading and unloading from excess wait times.

Therefore, FMCSA needs additional data from a broader sample of carriers to understand the safety and operational impact of detention time, to better understand why detention time occurs, and to identify potential mitigation strategies the industry may use to reduce detention time while improving operational efficiencies and safety, the ICR notes.

To close the information gap, FMCSAs study will use data collected from electronic logging devices, transportation management systems, vehicle telematic systems, safety records and from questions using carrier dispatching systems.

The TMS, ELD, telematics, and safety data are already collected by carriers, the ICR states. The only additional data that will be collected will be the answers to questions submitted through the carriers dispatching systems. This information will allow FMCSA to identify the severity and frequency of detention time, the factors that contribute to detention time, and the administrative, operational, and safety outcomes of detention time.

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The agency wants to recruit approximately 80 carriers and 2,500 drivers to participate in the 12-month study. Most of the data is to be collected from clients of SpeedGauge, a San Francisco-based telematics company that generates data used by insurance companies to help make underwriting decisions for commercial carriers. FMCSA said it will also consider data from individual carriers that want to participate.

FMCSA outlined three primary objectives for the data collection:

Assess the frequency and severity of driver detention time using data that represents the major segments of the motor carrier industry.

Assess the utility of existing intelligent transportation systems solutions to measure detention time.

Prepare a final report that summarizes the findings, answers the research questions and offers strategies to reduce detention time.

Completing these research objectives will provide insight into any relationship between driver detention time and CMV safety, FMCSA stated.

Additionally, the findings from this study can contribute to a more complete understanding of these issues and facilitate private sector decisions that lead to reductions in detention time and improvements in safety and supply chain efficiency.

FMCSA is giving the public 60 days to comment on the ICR before submitting it to OMB.

Getting a better understanding of the effects of driver detention time on safety and driver pay has been a priority over the last five years of regulators and on Capitol Hill.

Predicted Crash Rates for Changes in Average Dwell Time

Note: Average dwell time in dataset used = 113 minutes in 2013.

Source: DOT OIG 2018 report

A 2018 analysis by the U.S. Department of Transportations Office of Inspector General estimated that a 15-minute increase in average dwell time (the total time spent by a truck at a facility) increases the average expected crash rate by 6.2%  the theory being, drivers paid by the mile or by the load have an incentive to make up lost time by speeding (see chart).

The report also estimated that detention reduces annual earnings by $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion for drivers in the truckload sector.

In 2020, Democratic lawmakers attempted to include in a highway reauthorization bill not only a detention time study but a follow-on rulemaking to establish limits on the amount of time a driver could be detained by a shipper or receiver before being required to be compensated for lost time. The provision did not make it into the final reauthorization passed in 2021.

Related articles:

Click for more FreightWaves articles by John Gallagher.

The post FMCSA details new truck driver detention time survey appeared first on FreightWaves.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser briefs the media after the cabinet meeting of the German government in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. The government plans to ease rules for obtaining the German citizenship. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

BERLIN (AP)  Germany plans to ease citizenship rules under legislation approved Wednesday by the Cabinet, a project that the government contends will bolster the integration of immigrants and help an economy that is struggling with a shortage of skilled workers.

The legislation passed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his ministers still requires approval from the lower house of parliament, where the socially liberal three-party coalition has a comfortable majority. It could take effect in January, depending on how quickly that happens.

The government plans to make people eligible for citizenship after five years in Germany, or three in case of special integration accomplishments, rather than eight or six years at present. German-born children would automatically become citizens if one parent has been a legal resident for five years, down from eight years now.

Restrictions on holding dual citizenship will also be dropped. In principle, most people from countries other than European Union members and Switzerland now have to give up their previous nationality when they gain German citizenship, though there are some exemptions.

We are creating a modern immigration law that does justice to our diverse society  and, I may add, finally, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told reporters in Berlin. She said the reform follows years of debates that unfortunately were often marked by exclusion, resentment and cheap propaganda, and that applicants for citizenship will no longer be forced to give up part of their identity.

Faeser also linked the plan to Germany's quest to attract more skilled workers to the country, which has Europe's biggest economy, and address labor shortages in a growing number of professions.

We are in the middle of a worldwide competition for the best people, she said, adding that Germany could only attract them if they can fully become part of our society in the foreseeable future, with all democratic rights" enjoyed by German nationals.

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Applicants will in most cases be required to prove that they can support themselves and their family without receiving state benefits. The new legislation will specify that antisemitic, racist or other inhumanly motivated actions rule out naturalization.

The government says that 14% of the population, more than 12 million of the country's 84.4 million inhabitants, doesn't have German citizenship and that about 5.3 million of those have lived in Germany for at least a decade. It says that the naturalization rate in Germany is well below the EU average.

Last year, about 168,500 people were granted German citizenship. That was the highest figure since 2002, boosted by a large increase in the number of Syrian citizens who arrived in the past decade being naturalized, but still only a fraction of long-term residents.

There can be no better incentive for successful integration than the prospect of quicker naturalization, Faeser argued.

The center-right opposition Union bloc contends that it would have the opposite effect.

Senior conservative lawmaker Andrea Lindholz said that the government is sending completely the wrong signals at a time when local authorities are struggling to cope with large numbers of new migrants, and that its priority should be the reduction of irregular immigration.

The Union objects to reducing the time people have to wait and to removing restrictions on dual citizenship. Integration takes time, and is more than work and language, Lindholz said.
Value investors are always on the lookout for stocks priced below their intrinsic value. One such stock that warrants attention is Golden Minerals Co (AUMN). The stock, currently priced at 1.03, recorded a daily gain of 16.38% and a 3-month decrease of 76.66%. According to its GF Value, the stock's fair valuation is $9.55.

Understanding the GF Value

The GF Value is a representation of the current intrinsic value of a stock, derived from our exclusive method. The GF Value Line on our summary page provides an overview of the stock's fair value. It is calculated based on three factors: historical multiples (PE Ratio, PS Ratio, PB Ratio, and Price-to-Free-Cash-Flow) that the stock has traded at, GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past returns and growth, and future estimates of the business performance.

We believe the GF Value Line is the fair value at which the stock should be traded. The stock price will most likely fluctuate around the GF Value Line. If the stock price is significantly above the GF Value Line, it is overvalued and its future return is likely to be poor. Conversely, if it is significantly below the GF Value Line, its future return will likely be higher.

Is Golden Minerals Co (AUMN) a Hidden Value Trap? Unpacking the Risks and Rewards

Despite its seemingly attractive valuation, investors need to consider a more in-depth analysis before making an investment decision. Certain risk factors associated with Golden Minerals Co should not be overlooked. These risks are primarily reflected through its low Piotroski F-score of 2, Altman Z-score of -50.5, and a Beneish M-Score of 0.43 that exceeds -1.78, the threshold for potential earnings manipulation. These indicators suggest that Golden Minerals Co, despite its apparent undervaluation, might be a potential value trap. This complexity underscores the importance of thorough due diligence in investment decision-making.

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Decoding the Piotroski F-score, Altman Z-score, and Beneish M-score

The Piotroski F-score, created by accounting professor Joseph Piotroski, is a tool used to assess the strength of a company's financial health. The score is based on nine criteria that fall into three categories: profitability, leverage/liquidity/source of funds, and operating efficiency. The overall score ranges from 0 to 9, with higher scores indicating healthier financials. Golden Minerals Co's current Piotroski F-Score, however, falls in the lower end of this spectrum, indicating potential red flags for investors.

The Altman Z-score, invented by New York University Professor Edward I. Altman in 1968, is a financial model that predicts the probability of a company entering bankruptcy within a two-year time frame. The Altman Z-Score combines five different financial ratios, each weighted to create a final score. A score below 1.8 suggests a high likelihood of financial distress, while a score above 3 indicates a low risk.

Developed by Professor Messod Beneish, the Beneish M-Score is based on eight financial variables that reflect different aspects of a company's financial performance and position. These are Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), Gross Margin (GM), Total Long-term Assets Less Property, Plant and Equipment over Total Assets (TATA), change in Revenue (?REV), change in Depreciation and Amortization (?DA), change in Selling, General and Admin expenses (?SGA), change in Debt-to-Asset Ratio (?LVG), and Net Income Less Non-Operating Income and Cash Flow from Operations over Total Assets (?NOATA).

Golden Minerals Co: A Snapshot

Golden Minerals Co is an exploration stage company engaged in the mining, construction, and exploration of precious metals and mineral properties. It owns and operates Velardena and Chicago precious metals mining properties and associated oxide and sulfide processing plants in the State of Durango, Mexico, the El Quevar exploration property in the province of Salta, Argentina, and a diversified portfolio of precious metals and other mineral exploration properties located in or near historical precious metals producing regions of Mexico.

Is Golden Minerals Co (AUMN) a Hidden Value Trap? Unpacking the Risks and Rewards

Analysis of Golden Minerals Co's Profitability

A positive return on assets (ROA) is a significant component of the F-Score. A closer look at Golden Minerals Co's ROA reveals a worrying trend of negative returns. This indicates the company's inability to generate profit from its assets - a fundamental concern for any investor.

Examining the decline in its return on assets (ROA) over the past three years, the data indicates 2021: -44.05; 2022: -5.75; 2023: -68.97, expressed in percentages. Such a decrease is concerning, as the Piotroski F-Score penalizes companies with lower current ROA compared to the previous period. This ongoing decline highlights another potential risk associated with investing in Golden Minerals Co.

Observing the financials of Golden Minerals Co, the cash flow from operations over the trailing twelve months (TTM) stands at $-10.32 million, whereas the net income in the same period is significantly higher at $-11.53 million. The Piotroski F-score considers this discrepancy as a potential red flag. The rationale behind this is that a company's operating cash flow is a more direct and less manipulated measure of its cash-generating ability than net income. If a company consistently shows lower cash flows from operations relative to its net income, it could indicate that the earnings quality is poor and the company might have difficulties sustaining its operations or financing its obligations, a fact which could negatively impact its financial stability and investor confidence.

Leverage, Liquidity and Source of Funds: A Worrying Trend

Is Golden Minerals Co (AUMN) a Hidden Value Trap? Unpacking the Risks and Rewards

Operating Efficiency: A Darker Picture

Examining the data provided: 2021: 6.50; 2022: 6.64; 2023: 7.12, it becomes evident that Golden Minerals Co has seen an increase in its Diluted Average Shares Outstanding over the past three years. This trend signals that the company has issued more shares. While issuing additional shares can provide immediate capital for the business, it can also lead to the dilution of existing shares' value.

Lastly, concerning operating efficiency, the Piotroski F-score examines changes in gross margin and asset turnover. Regrettably, Golden Minerals Co follows a discouraging trajectory with a decrease in gross margin percentage over the past three years, as demonstrated by the data provided: 2021: 39.13; 2022: 43.13; 2023: 11.08 (expressed in percentages). This contraction in gross margin suggests that Golden Minerals Co is grappling with either an escalation in the cost of goods sold or dwindling prices - both of which are inauspicious indicators for profitability.

Conclusion: Is Golden Minerals Co a Value Trap?

While the Piotroski F-score is not the only lens through which to view a potential investment, it is a robust and comprehensive tool for evaluating a company's financial health. Unfortunately for Golden Minerals Co, its current score suggests potential troubles.

A dissection of Golden Minerals Co's Altman Z-score reveals Golden Minerals Co's financial health may be weak, suggesting possible financial distress:

Is Golden Minerals Co (AUMN) a Hidden Value Trap? Unpacking the Risks and Rewards

Given the negative indicators highlighted by the Piotroski F-score, Altman Z-score, and Beneish M-score, it appears that Golden Minerals Co might indeed be a value trap. Therefore, potential investors should exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence before making an investment decision.

GuruFocus Premium members can find stocks with high Piotroski F-score using the following Screener: Piotroski F-score screener . GuruFocus Premium members can find stocks with high Altman Z-Score using the following Screener: Walter Schloss Screen . To find out the high quality companies that may deliver above average returns, please check out GuruFocus High Quality Low Capex Screener.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Long-established in the Metals & Mining industry, Golden Minerals Co (AUMN) has enjoyed a stellar reputation. It has recently witnessed a surge of 14.01%, juxtaposed with a three-month change of -77.68%. However, fresh insights from the GuruFocus Score Rating hint at potential headwinds. Notably, its diminished rankings in financial strength, growth, and valuation suggest that the company might not live up to its historical performance. Join us as we dive deep into these pivotal metrics to unravel the evolving narrative of Golden Minerals Co.

Golden Minerals Co's Rocky Road Ahead: Unraveling the Factors Limiting Growth

What Is the GF Score?

The GF Score is a stock performance ranking system developed by GuruFocus using five aspects of valuation, which has been found to be closely correlated to the long-term performances of stocks by backtesting from 2006 to 2021. The stocks with a higher GF Score generally generate higher returns than those with a lower GF Score. Therefore, when picking stocks, investors should invest in companies with high GF Scores. The GF Score ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 as the highest rank.

Based on the above method, GuruFocus assigned Golden Minerals Co the GF Score of 58 out of 100, which signals poor future outperformance potential.

Understanding Golden Minerals Co Business

Golden Minerals Co is an exploration stage company engaged in the mining, construction, and exploration of precious metals and mineral properties. It owns and operates Velardena and Chicago precious metals mining properties and associated oxide and sulfide processing plants in the State of Durango, Mexico, the El Quevar exploration property in the province of Salta, Argentina, and a diversified portfolio of precious metals and other mineral exploration properties located in or near historical precious metals producing regions of Mexico. The company's business is structured into two divisions, Mexico operations, and Corporate Exploration and Other.

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Golden Minerals Co's Rocky Road Ahead: Unraveling the Factors Limiting Growth

Financial Strength Breakdown

Golden Minerals Co's financial strength indicators present some concerning insights about the company's balance sheet health. The company's Altman Z-Scoreis just -50.5, which is below the distress zone of 1.81. This suggests that the company may face financial distress over the next few years.

Profitability Breakdown

Golden Minerals Co's low Profitability rank can also raise warning signals. Golden Minerals Co's Operating Margin has declined over the past five years ((-425,893.00%)), as shown by the following data: 2018: -0.98; 2019: -65.30; 2020: -156.11; 2021: -5.73; 2022: -43.57; .

With a Piotroski F-Score of 2, Golden Minerals Co's financial health appears concerning. This score, rooted in Joseph Piotroski's nine-point scale, evaluates a firm's profitability, liquidity, and operating efficiency. Given its rating, Golden Minerals Co might be facing challenges in these areas.

Next Steps

Given the company's financial strength, profitability, and growth metrics, the GuruFocus Score Rating highlights the firm's unparalleled position for potential underperformance. It's crucial for investors to consider these factors when making investment decisions. GuruFocus Premium members can find more companies with strong GF Scores using the following screener link: GF Score Screen

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


The total cost of a data breach for organisations in the Middle East reached SR29.9 million ($8 million) in 2023, an all-time high, said IBM Security in its annual Cost of a Data Breach Report.

This represents a 15% increase over the last three years and a marked 155.9% increase over the last decade. These figures highlight the importance of advanced solutions to protect businesses and entities across the Middle East in an increasingly connected world.

In the Middle East, four process-related activities drive the range of expenditures associated with an organisation's data breach. Lost business costs topped the list, reaching SR10.02 million. This was followed by post-breach responses at SR8.86 million, detection and escalation costs at SR8.36 million, and notifying relevant stakeholders at SR2.36 million.

Financial sector

The report highlights that the financial sector experienced the highest total cost of data breaches, reaching SR35.29 million. The regions energy industry ranked second, reaching SR33.75 million, while the healthcare sectors total cost of a data breach reached SR32.46 million.

At a time when digital transformation is reshaping the global economic landscape, presenting both opportunities and unprecedented challenges to businesses and organisations around the world, the IBM report outlines the scale and nature of security issues that Middle Eastern entities must contend with.

AI picks up speed

AI and automation had the greatest impact on the speed of breach identification and containment for studied organisations - showcasing the value of advanced technology and solutions to enhancing security. The 2023 report shows that organisations based in the Middle East that deployed security AI and automation extensively experienced significantly shorter data breach lifecycles  a total of 259 days. In stark contrast, organisations that did not deploy these technologies experienced data breach lifecycles of 393 days  134 days more.

The report also states that organisations that deployed security AI and automation extensively saw, on average, SR12.22 million lower data breach costs than organisations that did not deploy these technologies.

With the Middle East's rapid growth and development, there has been an increase in cyber-attacks, said Saad Toma, General Manager, IBM Middle East and Africa. Early detection and fast response can significantly mitigate the damage caused by a data breach. Investments in advanced threat detection and response technologies, using AI and automation, are essential for organisations to stay ahead of cybercriminals.

Unprecedented challenges

With each passing day, the global economic landscape grows more sophisticated, presenting new and unprecedented challenges for businesses to overcome, said Fahad Alanazi, General Manager, IBM Saudi Arabia.

This demands equally sophisticated solutions that are fully geared towards empowering organisations to scale the wide-ranging hurdles that line the road to lasting success. At IBM, we pride ourselves on pioneering world-class offerings that safeguard the people, entities and communities we serve. As data breaches become even more damaging and costly, these solutions are essential to helping businesses in the kingdom navigate the challenges of todays economic environment.

Additional key findings

Phishing was the most common cause for data breaches - constituting 16% breaches experienced in the region and costing businesses and entities SR32.2 million. Unknown (zero-day) vulnerabilities accounted for 15%, while attacks through stolen or compromised credentials represented 13% of breaches experienced in the Middle East.

Breaching Data Across Environments  Over 37% of data breaches studied resulted in data loss across multiple environments  showing that attackers could compromise multiple environments while avoiding detection. Data breaches impacting multiple environments also led to higher costs (SR33.20 million on average).

Reducing the Cost of a Data Breach  The IBM report pinpoints AI and machines learning-driven insights and attack surface management (ASM) tools as two of the most essential factors that can be deployed to reduce the cost of a data breach, reducing costs by SR1.13 million and SR1.08 million respectively.

The 2023 Cost of Data Breach Report is based on an in-depth analysis of real-world data breaches experienced by 553 organisations globally (including 36 in Saudi Arabia and the UAE) between March 2022 and March 2023. The research, sponsored and analysed by IBM Security, was conducted by Ponemon Institute and has been published for 18 consecutive years.-- TradeArabia News Service
The GPT college classroom is almost here, but professors say AI isn't the real threat. Getty Images

Universities across the globe are scrambling to draft AI policies before the new academic term.

But some educators say the real threat isn't AI, but a "lagging and outdated approach to education."

These educators say that schools can't avoid talking about ChatGPT in the classroom.

As the new school year approaches, universities are scrambling to draft new policies for a post-ChatGPT classroom.

Some schools have banned the tool entirely, over fears it would enable AI-assisted plagiarism. Some professors have opted to return to paper exams to fight students using ChatGPT, while one university even resorted to springing surprise checks on students suspected of using the tool.

Madison White, a student at Stetson University in Florida, told The Wall Street Journal about professors' widespread fears of AI-assisted cheating. "They often immediately assumed that it was a hack for students to get away from doing readings or homework," she said.

Insider spoke to six educators at universities based in Singapore, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, and the United States. Four of them said that fears over the use of AI in classrooms were overblown, and all six said schools can't afford to shut ChatGPT out of classrooms entirely.

One of them, Ian Chong, an associate professor of international relations at the National University of Singapore, said that he wasn't losing sleep about AI seeping into education.

"I like to tell my students if they use AI to write, I'll use AI to give comments and write their recommendation letters," he said.

Schools shouldn't rely on AI detection tools, the educators said

The concern over AI-assisted cheating has fueled a demand for tools to detect AI-generated content, but the would-be solution has introduced a new set of problems.

Rebecca Tan, a political science lecturer at the National University of Singapore, told Insider AI detection tools can be "notoriously inaccurate."

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As of July, plagiarism-checking software Turnitin's AI detection tool had been used to review over 65 million papers since its launch in April  despite concerns over its accuracy. Also in July, ChatGPT creator OpenAI quietly shut down its AI detection tool over concerns about its inaccuracy.

Instead of relying on AI detection tools, educators need to get innovative as AI tools become ubiquitous  through ideas like having students submit the introductions to their essays first, Tan said.

"It's short so students don't feel like they need to use ChatGPT, but it gives me a point of reference when I'm marking their longer essay to see if the final product deviates greatly from the initial introduction," she said of the tactic.

Educators are also rethinking how students are assessed. Chong said he's using more "complex, scenario-based" exercises with students, for which ChatGPT's responses remain inadequate. Michael Rivera, a lecturer at Hong Kong University's history department, recommends using live discussions and reflections as assessments.

But, "pursuing such an approach is only realistic if class sizes are kept small enough to pay personal attention to everyone and provide detailed feedback throughout the school term," said Shannon Ang, an assistant professor of sociology at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, who was critical of the pressures faced by universities to expand class sizes in the name of "efficiency."

Plus, an emphasis on getting around AI might be missing the point.

Schools can't afford to ignore teaching with AI

Educators Insider spoke to agreed that universities shouldn't shut ChatGPT out of classrooms entirely, as ignoring the chatbot might do more harm than good.

"What I do, for example, is to let students use AI tools to answer certain research questions, and then compare it to Wikipedia  their sort of second love in the pre-AI days  before comparing it to their textbooks," said Kai Jonas, a professor of applied social psychology at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

Jonas said the key is to embrace AI tools in the classroom and teach students how to fact-check ChatGPT's responses.

"We've already seen cases of AI generating false sources of information, and this would be a useful example to interrogate," said Joana Cook, an assistant professor of political violence at Netherlands' Leiden University, currently lecturing at Johns Hopkins University.

The need to vet information from AI stems from the technology's ability to "hallucinate," or present wrong information as fact. High-profile instances of this include the technology making up fake court cases to reference  leading to a law firm receiving a $5000 fine  and retractions by media outlets over errors made by AI.

The real threat to education isn't AI, it's boring lessons

When asked about threats to education, Nanyang Technological University's Ang said: "AI tools are not the threat  a lagging and outdated approach to education is."

Educators who take the time to provide thoughtful feedback are likelier to see engaged students who do the work, as students understand that "it is pointless to receive feedback on work that is not your own," said Ang.

That's because using AI tools like ChatGPT as a shortcut hints at students being unengaged or swamped, and thus not seeing the value of doing the work, echoed the National University of Singapore's Tan.

It takes work from professors and educators to overcome inertia and adapt to the technology while meeting students' needs, Jonas said: "I can see that some of them are hesitant to do so because they have to revise their curricula and teaching materials."

"I believe it is 100% the success or the failure of the teacher if students don't know how to use AI tools strategically in their education," said Hong Kong University's Rivera.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Grant Cardone

The popular proverb, Necessity is the mother of invention, rings true for Grant Cardone, author of The 10X Rule and creator of the 10X Profit Planner. Thats why he believes that everyone should operate as if they had no money to fall back on.

Grant Cardone Says Passive Income Is the Key To Building Wealth: Heres His No. 1 Way To Get It

Read: What To Do If You Owe Back Taxes to the IRS

Heres why Cardone has developed this philosophy, and how hes implemented it in his own life.

Operate Like Youre Broke

I have this philosophy that people should operate like youre broke, and theyll find a reservoir of creativity, Cardone told GOBankingRates. Money actually diminishes your ability to solve creative problems, because when you have money, you buy things and when you dont have money, you solve problems.

Cardone said that people who have less money are often more innovative.

I know people that dont have anything, he said. They sometimes have the most fun because they dont go to the store to buy games  they figure out how to play a game without buying something. Unfortunately, Americas really forgot how to do that. We think we always have to buy something.

Im a Financial Planning Expert: Here Are 5 Things You Should Never Spend Money on If You Want To Be Rich

Relationships Are More Valuable Than Money

When you dont have a lot of money, you have to rely more on other people. Cardone said that these connections are more valuable than cash.

He experienced this firsthand when he appeared on the show Undercover Billionaire, and had to build a $1 million business with just $100.

I was dependent upon relationships and people, he said. The first night, I had a guy give me a brand-new RV to sleep in. Another guy put $100 on a local restaurant tab. Another person introduced me to multiple business owners in the marketplace. When you dont have money, but you have a goal and you know the only thing that can help you is people, then you spend all your time making contacts with good people that can help you.

Story continues

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Grant Cardone: Heres Why Everyone Should Operate Like Youre Broke Even If You Have Money
TORONTO, August 23, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Greenland Resources Inc. (NEO: MOLY | FSE: M0LY) ("Greenland Resources" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Companys ongoing 2023 summer progress on its Malmbjerg Molybdenum Project (the "Project").

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823862063/en/

Highlights:

The Company continues to be very active with the process for debt and equity on capex financing with the banks that provided letters of intent as previously announced.

Molybdenum remains one of the best performing metals this year where molybdenum prices quoted by the London Metal Exchange closed yesterday at US$24.97/lb Mo, nearly 40% higher than the base case price used in the Companys NI 43-101 Feasibility Study.

The Company scheduled five trips to Greenland this summer. The first trip in July included a visit to the Project site from a global integrated mining company. WSP Denmark also joined the trip and conducted field work as part of comments received by the Environmental Agency for Mineral Resource Activities (EAMRA).

During the second trip in August, a mini bulk sample of 200 kg was taken from historic core storage in Kangerlussuaq for further metallurgical testing in a saline process water environment. The third trip this week consists of the Companys financial advisors and their team visiting the Project site as part of the work required by the banks that have expressed written interest in financing the project capex. Draft reports for the banks are expected to be ready during the month of September.

The fourth trip next week will include a visit to the Minister of Mineral Resources and meetings with EAMRA in Nuuk, to provide an update on the project permitting process. The fifth trip in early September is expected to include collecting additional saline and fresh water samples from the planned Noret tailings management facility in the Project area as part of the environmental studies.

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On July 12, 2023 the Company closed a financing with one of Denmarks leading asset management and private equity companies. Also on June 28, the Company, beyond legal obligations, expanded the scope of the financial sponsorship agreement to support the local community of Ittoqqortoormiit, the only nearby settlement.

The Greenland government has invited the Company to present the Project in relation to the upcoming EU-Greenland strategic partnership on raw material value chains in an event to be held in October with the participation of the Greenland government and the European Commission.

During the summer, the Company engaged the Danish international engineering and environmental consulting group COWI A/S on wind and solar energy alternatives. The study looks promising and could also help Ittoqqortoormiit. Currently, the Project is expected to require zero energy in nearly 45% of its operation due to the transport of the ore using gravity with an aerial rope conveyor, and the Company is committed to decarbonize at the same pace as end users.

The Company is scheduled to attend the 35th International Molybdenum (IMOA) Annual General meeting September 3-8 in Santiago Chile and is expected to meet, among others, the metallurgical steel and chemical companies that have signed with the Company documentation related to offtakes.

About Greenland Resources Inc.

Greenland Resources is a Canadian public company with the Ontario Securities Commission as its principal regulator and is focused on the development of its 100% owned world-class Climax type pure molybdenum deposit located in central east Greenland. The Malmbjerg molybdenum project is an open pit operation with an environmentally friendly mine design focused on reduced water usage, low aquatic disturbance and low footprint due to modularized infrastructure. The Malmbjerg project benefits from a NI 43-101 Definitive Feasibility Study completed by Tetra Tech in 2022, with Proven and Probable Reserves of 245 million tonnes at 0.176% MoS 2 , for 571 million pounds of contained molybdenum metal. As the high-grade molybdenum is mined for the first half of the mine life, the average annual production for years one to ten is 32.8 million pounds per year of contained molybdenum metal at an average grade of 0.23% MoS 2 , approximately 25% of EU total yearly consumption. The project had a previous exploitation license granted in 2009. With offices in Toronto, the Company is led by a management team with an extensive track record in the mining industry and capital markets. For further details, please refer to our web site (www.greenlandresources.ca) and our Canadian regulatory filings on Greenland Resources profile at www.sedar.com.

The Project is supported by the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) as stated in their press release EIT/ERMA_June 13, 2022 Press Release, a Knowledge and Innovation Community of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.

About Molybdenum and the European Union

Molybdenum is a critical metal used mainly in steel and chemicals that is needed in all technologies in the upcoming green energy transition (World Bank, 2020; IEA, 2021). When added to steel and cast iron, it enhances strength, hardenability, weldability, toughness, temperature strength, and corrosion resistance. Based on data from the International Molybdenum Association and the European Commission Steel Report, the world produced around 576 million pounds of molybdenum in 2021 where the European Union ("EU") as the second largest steel producer in the world used approximately 24% of global molybdenum supply and has no domestic molybdenum production. To a greater degree, the EU steel dependent industries like the automotive, construction, and engineering, represent around 18% of the EUs  US$16 trillion GDP. Greenland Resources strategically located Malmbjerg molybdenum project has the potential to supply in and for the EU approximately 25% of the EU consumption, of environmentally friendly high quality molybdenum from a responsible EU Associate country, for decades to come. The high quality of the Malmbjerg ore, having low impurity content in phosphorus, tin, antimony, and arsenic, makes it an ideal source of molybdenum for the high-performance steel industry lead worldwide by Europe, specifically the Scandinavian countries and Germany.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" (also referred to as "forward looking statements"), which relate to future events or future performance and reflect managements current expectations and assumptions. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "hopes", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: the Companys objectives, goals or future plans; construction and engineering initiatives for the Malmbjerg molybdenum project; statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, and their valuation, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions.

These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Companys current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include: future planned exploration and other activities on the Project; planned energy requirements of the Project; obtaining the permitting on the Project in a timely manner; no adverse changes to the planned operations of the Project; continued favourable relationships with local communities; current EU and other initiatives remaining in place into the future; expected demand for molybdenum in the EU and abroad; our mineral reserve estimates and the assumptions upon which they are based, including geotechnical and metallurgical characteristics of rock confirming to sampled results and metallurgical performance; tonnage of ore to be mined and processed; ore grades and recoveries; assumptions and discount rates being appropriately applied to the technical studies; estimated valuation and probability of success of the Companys projects, including the Malmbjerg molybdenum project; prices for molybdenum remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; availability of funds for the Companys projects; capital decommissioning and reclamation estimates; mineral reserve and resource estimates and the assumptions upon which they are based; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); no labour-related disruptions; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner or at all; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information include known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the favourable results of the SIA and EIA; favourable local community support for the Projects development; the projected demand for molybdenum both in the EU and elsewhere; the current initiatives and programs for resource development in the EU and abroad; the projected and actual effects of the COVID-19 coronavirus on the factors relevant to the business of the Corporation, including the effect on supply chains, labour market, currency and commodity prices and global and Canadian capital markets, fluctuations in molybdenum and commodity prices; fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar versus the Euro); operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mining (including environmental accidents and hazards, industrial accidents, equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or structure formations, cave-ins, flooding and severe weather); inadequate insurance, or the inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards; our ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner; changes in laws, regulations and government practices in Greenland, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations; legal restrictions relating to mining; risks relating to expropriation; increased competition in the mining industry for equipment and qualified personnel; the availability of additional capital; title matters and the additional risks identified in our filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com). Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable securities regulations, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update the forward-looking information. Neither the NEO Exchange Inc. nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823862063/en/

Contacts

Ruben Shiffman, PhD, Chairman, President

Keith Minty, P.Eng, MBA, Engineering and Project Management

Jim Steel, P.Geo, MBA, Exploration and Mining Geology

Nauja Bianco, M.Pol.Sci., Public and Community Relations

Gary Anstey, Investor Relations

Eric Grossman, CPA, CGA, Chief Financial Officer

Telephone: +1 647 273 9913

Email: info@greenlandresourcesinc.com

Web: www.greenlandresources.ca
Even when a business is losing money, it's possible for shareholders to make money if they buy a good business at the right price. For example, although software-as-a-service business Salesforce.com lost money for years while it grew recurring revenue, if you held shares since 2005, you'd have done very well indeed. But the harsh reality is that very many loss making companies burn through all their cash and go bankrupt.

Given this risk, we thought we'd take a look at whether Eclipse Metals (ASX:EPM) shareholders should be worried about its cash burn. For the purpose of this article, we'll define cash burn as the amount of cash the company is spending each year to fund its growth (also called its negative free cash flow). Let's start with an examination of the business' cash, relative to its cash burn.

See our latest analysis for Eclipse Metals

How Long Is Eclipse Metals' Cash Runway?

A cash runway is defined as the length of time it would take a company to run out of money if it kept spending at its current rate of cash burn. In December 2022, Eclipse Metals had AU$1.3m in cash, and was debt-free. Importantly, its cash burn was AU$2.0m over the trailing twelve months. Therefore, from December 2022 it had roughly 8 months of cash runway. That's quite a short cash runway, indicating the company must either reduce its annual cash burn or replenish its cash. Depicted below, you can see how its cash holdings have changed over time.

How Is Eclipse Metals' Cash Burn Changing Over Time?

Whilst it's great to see that Eclipse Metals has already begun generating revenue from operations, last year it only produced AU$6.3k, so we don't think it is generating significant revenue, at this point. Therefore, for the purposes of this analysis we'll focus on how the cash burn is tracking. Over the last year its cash burn actually increased by a very significant 82%. Oftentimes, increased cash burn simply means a company is accelerating its business development, but one should always be mindful that this causes the cash runway to shrink. Eclipse Metals makes us a little nervous due to its lack of substantial operating revenue. So we'd generally prefer stocks from this list of stocks that have analysts forecasting growth.

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Can Eclipse Metals Raise More Cash Easily?

Since its cash burn is moving in the wrong direction, Eclipse Metals shareholders may wish to think ahead to when the company may need to raise more cash. 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).

Eclipse Metals' cash burn of AU$2.0m is about 5.9% of its AU$34m market capitalisation. 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.

Is Eclipse Metals' Cash Burn A Worry?

Even though its cash runway makes us a little nervous, we are compelled to mention that we thought Eclipse Metals' cash burn relative to its market cap was relatively promising. Looking at the factors mentioned in this short report, we do think that its cash burn is a bit risky, and it does make us slightly nervous about the stock. Separately, we looked at different risks affecting the company and spotted 6 warning signs for Eclipse Metals (of which 4 are concerning!) you should know about.

Of course Eclipse Metals may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of companies boasting high return on equity, or this list of stocks that insiders are buying.

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.
huawei data centre

Huawei is secretly building a network of microchip factories that could allow it to bypass US sanctions, a trade body has claimed.

The Chinese technology giant has reportedly received as much as $30bn (23.7bn) from the Beijing government to build local plants, which comes amid a deepening trade war with US President Joe Biden.

Huawei, which is one of Chinas leading tech companies, has been under US sanctions since 2019 after White House officials deemed its equipment a spying risk.

The company has since shifted into chip production and will be boosted by the estimated $30bn investment from the state.

China has reportedly backed Huaweis high-tech capabilities despite sanctions as the country looks to become self-sufficient in semiconductors.

The Semiconductor Industry Association, which is based in Washington DC, said in a recent presentation seen by Bloomberg that Huawei has acquired two chipmaking plants and is building three others.

The plants are allegedly being operated by businesses without Huaweis name or branding, creating an opaque supply chain that could hinder US attempts to block exports of chipmaking equipment to sanctioned companies.

A Huawei spokesman declined to comment.

Huawei has been subject to increasingly harsh restrictions in recent years and most US companies are now blocked from doing business with it.

The company is at the heart of the US-China trade war after President Biden prioritised restrictions on Chinas tech sector to make it harder for domestic companies to purchase the most advanced semiconductors.

In October, the US went further and blocked the sale of manufacturing technology used to build artificial intelligence microchips over claims they could be put to military use.

Chinese companies can still buy less advanced technology for chip plants, although sales to Huawei require export licences that are rarely granted by US officials.

Amid the US ban, Huawei has been developing in-house microchips and building its own software to enable semiconductor design.

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In its presentation, the Semiconductor Industry Association found five factories backed by Huawei.

To combat US sanctions, China has been ramping up domestic subsidies worth tens of billions of dollars.

The country is still some years behind the US, Japan and Taiwan, but local companies are working towards more advanced microchips, which are smaller and more powerful.

The US Department of Commerce said: It is no surprise that they have sought substantial state support to attempt to develop indigenous technologies.

BIS [Bureau of Industry and Security] is continually reviewing and updating its export controls based on the evolving threat environment and, as evidenced by the October 7, 2022 rules, will not hesitate to take appropriate action to protect US national security.

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.
Rationalstat LLC

Nigeria Shampoo & Conditioners Market is expected to reach US$ 3.8 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of over 9.8%

Wilmington, Delaware, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nigeria Shampoo & Conditioners Market is valued at US$ 1.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of over 9.8% over the forecast period of 2023-2030, according to the latest market report by RationalStat

Market Definition, Market Scope, and Report Overview

Nigeria's population is quickly expanding, implying a greater market base for personal care items such as shampoo and conditioner. Furthermore, factors such as a young population and increased urbanization may increase demand for such products.

Consumers have greater purchasing power to spend on personal care items, such as higher-quality shampoos and conditioners, as the economy grows and disposable income levels rise. Changes in lifestyle are frequently brought about by urbanization, including higher appearance and grooming standards. To keep their appearance, city dwellers may be more likely to utilize hair care products.

According to a deep-dive market assessment by RationalStat, the Nigeria shampoo & conditioners market has been analyzed on the basis of market segments, including product type, form, application, distribution channel, and geography/regions (incl. North Central, North East, North West, South East, South, South West) . The report also offers global and regional market sizing for the historical period of 2019-2022 and the forecast period of 2023-2030.

Market intelligence for the Nigeria shampoo & conditioners market covers market sizes on the basis of market value (US$/EUR Million) and volume (Units/Tons) by various products/services/equipment, demand assessment across the key regions, customer sentiments, price points, cost structures, margin analysis across the value chain, financial assessments, historical and forecast data, key developments across the industry, import-export data, trade overview, components market by leading companies, etc.

In addition, the long-term sector and products/services 10-year outlook and its implications on the Nigeria Shampoo & Conditioners market. It also includes the industry's current state  Production Levels, Capacity Utilization, Tech quotient, etc. Key information will be manufacturing capacity by country, installed base, import volumes, market size, key players, market size, dynamics, market data, insights, etc.

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Request A Customization: https://store.rationalstat.com/store/nigeria-shampoo-conditioners-market/#tab-ux_global_tab





Nigeria Shampoo & Conditioners Market: Segmental and Market Share Analysis

On the basis of product type, the non-medicated sector is expected to hold a significant market share due to its broader uses among the general population. Cuticle nutrition, scalp balance, smoothening, and detoxifying capabilities are anticipated to acquire popularity.

On the basis of form, the liquid product segment, which can be readily applied and spread over damp hair, is the key driver driving its demand.

On the basis of distribution channel, Hypermarkets and supermarkets have a considerable market share because they allow customers to directly examine different brands' ingredients and packaging.

Report Synopsis

Report Metrics Details Base Year 2022 Forecast Period 2023-2030 Base Year Market Size US$ 1.8 billion Market Size Forecast US$ 3.8 billion Growth Rate 9.8% Key Market Drivers Wide Product Availability to Accelerate Market Growth

Focus on Product Customization to Foster Market Growth Companies Profiled Franemm Industries Limited

LOreal S.A.

N.N. FEMS Industries Ltd.

Godrej Group

Namaste Laboratories LLC

SoulMate Industries Limited

Procter & Gamble

Unilever

Marico Limited

Oriflame

Alberto-Culver Limited

Bhuman Waterless Skincare

AVON

Explore more about this report https://store.rationalstat.com/store/nigeria-shampoo-conditioners-market/#tab-ux_global_tab

Competition Analysis and Market Structure

These players adopt various strategies in order to reinforce their market share and gain a competitive edge over other competitors in the market. Mergers & acquisitions, partnerships and collaborations, and product launches are some of the strategies followed by industry players. Some of the key developments in the Nigeria shampoo & conditioners market include,

In March 2023, Rein introduced a trendy anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner to strengthen hair and eliminate dandruff. The launch will assist the company in expanding its product portfolio and revenue.

In May 2022, Cholayil Private Limited debuted a new hair care product, Total care shampoo, under the Medimix brand. Natural herbs and other vital elements are included in Medimix Total Care Shampoo.

Some of the prominent players and suppliers operating and contributing significantly to the Nigeria shampoo & conditioners market growth include Franemm Industries Limited, LOreal S.A., N.N. FEMS Industries Ltd., Godrej Group, Namaste Laboratories LLC, SoulMate Industries Limited, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Marico Limited, Oriflame, Alberto-Culver Limited, Bhuman Waterless Skincare, AVON among others.

Get A Free Sample: https://store.rationalstat.com/store/nigeria-shampoo-conditioners-market/#tab-ux_global_tab

RationalStat has segmented the Nigeria shampoo & conditioners market based on product type, form, application, distribution channel and region

Nigeria Shampoo & Conditioners Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units/Tons), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Product Type Medicated/Special-purpose

Non-medicated/Regular

Nigeria Shampoo & Conditioners Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units/Tons), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Form Liquid Solid

Others

Nigeria Shampoo & Conditioners Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units/Tons), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Application Men Women

Children

Nigeria Shampoo & Conditioners Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units/Tons), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Distribution Channel Hypermarkets/Supermarkets Convenience Stores Online Stores

Others (Salons, Pharmacies, etc.)

Nigeria Shampoo & Conditioners Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units/Tons), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Region North Central Benue FCT Kogi Kwara Nasarawa Niger Plateau North East Adamawa Bauchi Borno Gombe Taraba Yobe North West Kaduna Katsina Kano Kebbi Sokoto Jigawa Zamfara South East Abia Anambra Ebonyi Enugu Imo South Akwa-Ibom Bayelsa Delta Edo South West Ekiti Lagos Osun Ondo

Ogun

For more information about this report https://store.rationalstat.com/store/nigeria-shampoo-conditioners-market/

Key Questions Answered in the Nigeria Shampoo & Conditioners Report:

What will be the market value of the Nigeria shampoo & conditioners market by 2030?

What is the market size of the Nigeria shampoo & conditioners market?

What are the market drivers of the Nigeria shampoo & conditioners market?

What are the key trends in the Nigeria shampoo & conditioners market?

Which is the leading region in the Nigeria shampoo & conditioners market?

What are the major companies operating in the Nigeria shampoo & conditioners market?

What are the market shares by key segments in the Nigeria shampoo & conditioners market?

Explore Our Trending Reports

Research Methodology

RationalStat has developed a state-of-the-art research methodology to crunch numbers and provide the best possible real-time insights to clients. We combine a varied range of industry experience, data analytics, and experts viewpoint to create a research methodology for market sizing and forecasting.

RationalStat combines a mix of secondary sources as well as primary research to assess the market size and develop a forecast. Key steps involved in accurately deriving the market numbers are:

Defining the problem by understanding the type of market and data required by the client.

Data gathering and collection through relevant paid databases, publicly available sources, company reports, annual reports, surveys, and interviews.

Formulating a hypothesis to create market numbers, forecasts, influencing factors, and their relevance.

Evaluating and analyzing the data by referring to data sources utilized and leveraged.

Validating, interpreting, and finalizing the data by combining the details gathered from primary and secondary sources with the help of experienced analysts.

To get any Deep Down Insight on the Report- Raise a Query

About RationalStat LLC

RationalStat is an end-to-end global market intelligence and consulting company that provides comprehensive market research reports, customized strategy, and consulting studies. The company has sales offices in India, Mexico, and the US to support global and diversified businesses. The company has over 80 consultants and industry experts, developing more than 850 market research and industry reports for its report store annually.

RationalStat has strategic partnerships with leading data analytics and consumer research companies to cater to the clients needs. Additional services offered by the company include consumer research, country reports, risk reports, valuations and advisory, financial research, due diligence, procurement and supply chain research, data analytics, and analytical dashboards.

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JAKARTA, Indonesia, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a rapidly evolving digital era, Plugo, an e-commerce trailblazer from Indonesia, has carved a significant niche within the direct-to-consumer (D2C) market space.

Kyungmin Bang, CEO of Plugo, expressed gratitude to attendees at Plugo Brand Appreciation Day 2023 and announced the platform's strategic expansion to Thailand.

During the Plugo Brand Appreciation Day 2023 held on August 22 at The Langham Jakarta, attended by industry leaders, brand representatives, and various stakeholders, Plugo announced its ambitious move into the Southeast Asian market.

Plugo's remarkable achievements in 2023 speak to its rising prominence in the e-commerce sector:

Plugo's highest GMV in a month reached 99.6 billion rupiah.

The total number of visitors to brands' websites was a staggering 26 million.

The most products sold in a single day stood at 47,000.

The avg. conversion rate from a buyer's visit to a purchase was an impressive 9%.

At the event, Izki Aldrin Iswarna, Plugo's Country Director, shared, "Our 2023 milestones underscore Plugo's commitment to serving brands and facilitating their growth. Our adaptability and innovative approach are key pillars in navigating this fast-paced digital market."

But it's not just about numbers and milestones. Understanding and addressing the needs of both brands and consumers lies at the heart of Plugo's strategy. Plugo's success was underpinned by the interplay between marketplaces and D2C platforms.

Thailand, with its vibrant e-commerce landscape, is the next destination on Plugo's expansion map. Aiming for an official launch by the end of 2023, the move is set further to consolidate Plugo's leadership in the D2C e-commerce sector.

Reflecting on this venture, Plugo's CEO, Kyungmin Bang, commented, "Our expansion into Thailand isn't just a business decision; it's a commitment. We see Thailand as a land of immense growth opportunities and are eager to bring our D2C expertise to its dynamic brands."

About Plugo

Founded in 2022 in Singapore, Plugo is an all-in-one e-commerce platform targeting direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. The platform offers services ranging from customizable e-commerce websites to integrated payment systems, omnichannel, and advanced marketing tools.

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The company secured $9 million in its Series A funding round in late 2022, with investments from firms like Altos Ventures and Access Ventures.

Plugo is entirely cloud-based and hosted, allowing users to access and manage their businesses from anywhere at any time while on the go.

In addition to its Singapore headquarters, the company has expanded its presence with offices in Jakarta and Seoul, with the latter housing a team of seasoned tech specialists.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/indonesias-e-commerce-solution-platform-plugo-announces-expansion-to-thailand-reflecting-on-its-2023-milestones-301907589.html

SOURCE Plugo
What trends should we look for it we want to identify stocks that can multiply in value over the long term? In a perfect world, we'd like to see a company investing more capital into its business and ideally the returns earned from that capital are also increasing. Basically this means that a company has profitable initiatives that it can continue to reinvest in, which is a trait of a compounding machine. Speaking of which, we noticed some great changes in A2B Australia's (ASX:A2B) returns on capital, so let's have a look.

Understanding Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)

Just to clarify if you're unsure, ROCE is a metric for evaluating how much pre-tax income (in percentage terms) a company earns on the capital invested in its business. The formula for this calculation on A2B Australia is:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.24 = AU$32m  (AU$185m - AU$51m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2023).

Thus, A2B Australia has an ROCE of 24%. In absolute terms that's a great return and it's even better than the Transportation industry average of 7.2%.

See our latest analysis for A2B Australia

roce

Historical performance is a great place to start when researching a stock so above you can see the gauge for A2B Australia's ROCE against it's prior returns. If you're interested in investigating A2B Australia's past further, check out this free graph of past earnings, revenue and cash flow.

What Does the ROCE Trend For A2B Australia Tell Us?

A2B Australia is showing promise given that its ROCE is trending up and to the right. More specifically, while the company has kept capital employed relatively flat over the last five years, the ROCE has climbed 104% in that same time. Basically the business is generating higher returns from the same amount of capital and that is proof that there are improvements in the company's efficiencies. The company is doing well in that sense, and it's worth investigating what the management team has planned for long term growth prospects.

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The Key Takeaway

To bring it all together, A2B Australia has done well to increase the returns it's generating from its capital employed. And since the stock has fallen 17% over the last five years, there might be an opportunity here. That being the case, research into the company's current valuation metrics and future prospects seems fitting.

A2B Australia does have some risks though, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for A2B Australia that you might be interested in.

If you'd like to see other companies earning high returns, check out our free list of companies earning high returns with solid balance sheets 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.
NAIROBI (Reuters) -A Kenyan court has given Facebook's parent company Meta and content moderators suing it for unfair dismissal 21 days to resolve their dispute out of court, a court order showed on Wednesday.

The 184 content moderators are suing Meta and two subcontractors after they say they lost their jobs with one of the firms, Sama, for organising a union.

The plaintiffs say they were then blacklisted from applying for the same roles at the second firm, Luxembourg-based Majorel, after Facebook switched contractors.

"The parties shall pursue an out of court settlement of this petition through mediation," said the order by the Employment and Labour Relations Court, which was signed by lawyers for the plaintiffs, Meta, Sama and Majorel.

Kenya's former chief justice, Willy Mutunga, and Hellen Apiyo, the acting commissioner for labour, will serve as mediators, the order said. If the parties fail to resolve the case within 21 days, the case will proceed before the court, it said.

"We are pleased to be moving into a mediation phase as we believe it is in the best interest of all parties to come to an amicable resolution," Sama said in a statement.

A Majorel spokesperson said the company could not comment on matters involving pending or active litigation.

Meta did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

A judge ruled in April that Meta could be sued by the moderators in Kenya, even though it has no official presence in the east African country.

The case could have implications for how Meta works with content moderators globally. The U.S. social media giant works with thousands of moderators around the world, who review graphic content posted on its platform.

Meta has also been sued in Kenya by a former moderator over accusations of poor working conditions at Sama, and by two Ethiopian researchers and a rights institute, which accuse it of letting violent and hateful posts from Ethiopia flourish on Facebook. Those cases are ongoing.

Meta said in May 2022, in response to the first case, that it required partners to provide industry-leading conditions. On the Ethiopia case, it said in December that hate speech and incitement to violence were against the rules of Facebook and Instagram.

(Reporting by George Obulutsa; Writing by Hereward Holland; Editing by Mark Potter and David Evans)
Toll Brothers (TOL) CEO Douglas Yearley wasnt shy to call out the state of the countrys housing stock  a key reason that fueled the homebuilders latest busy quarter.

What is sitting on the market is the old, tired inventory, which actually makes it even better for us," Yearley said on the company's earnings call Wednesday after blowing past quarterly orders expectations and raising its sales guidance late Tuesday. "Because not only is the resale market really tight, but the quality of what's sitting on the resale market is lousy.

Yearley's comments also come as government data on Wednesday showed that new home sales rose higher than expectations in July  a reminder that new construction remains a bright spot in today's odd housing market.

The market for new homes is solid, and we are well positioned with the right strategy in place to take advantage of it, Yearly said on the call with analysts.

The current backdrop has favored builders to expand spec homes, build smaller homes, lower prices regionally to seek out buyers, and re-polish their outlook for the year. Toll Brothers is no exception.

We attribute the solid demand for new homes, at least in part, to the well-publicized shortage of existing homes for sale, Yearley said. Existing homeowners are clearly reluctant to give up their low-rate mortgages. And while rising rates remain a challenge for the overall industry, they further cement the lock-in effect that has kept the resell inventory at historically low levels.

More spec homes

The combination of steady demand and a focused spec home strategy helped the builder to clock in another terrific period during its fiscal third quarter. Toll, which touts itself as the affordable luxury builder, defines spec as any home without a buyer that has a foundation poured.

Toll Brothers delivered 2,524 homes in the third quarter, up 5% from the same period last year. Sales revenues increased 19% year over year to $2.7 billion.

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Demand for spec homes made up about 40% of the builders home orders in the quarter, and the builder expects the trend to hold ground in the future. Additionally, specs were 28% of deliveries in the third quarter, while 2,400 specs are still under construction.

Demand for spec homes made up about 40% of Toll Brothers' home orders in the quarter. (Rogelio V. Solis/AP Photo)

The builder also sells specs at various stages of construction with a preference to sell before completion, so buyers can personalize their homes.

But Toll isnt the only builder pulling these moves. Competitor PulteGroup (PHM) said in its second quarter earnings that the homebuilder was able to meet stronger demand with available spec inventory, allowing it to slightly exceed its closing guidance.

Along with the balance between our build-to-order and spec production, we are appropriately diversified across all the buyer groups consistent with our long-term goal of having 40% first-time, 35% move-up, and 25% active adult, Ryan Marshall, president and CEO at PulteGroup, said on the earnings call with analysts.

Why is this important? The different financial profiles associated with each buyer group can mean different responses to changing market dynamics, such as today's rising rate environment, which may hinder first-time buyers, but be less of a headwind among active adult consumers, Marshall added.

With mortgage rates hovering around 7%, home affordability continues to weaken. Builders remain eager to offer prospective homebuyers incentives  including more affordable rate buydowns.

It does work well as a lead marketing headline for the spec inventory that can deliver over a four-month period of time. So we may advertise for spec inventory that will take a 7.5% rate down to 5.5%, Yearley said.

Looking forward, the luxury homebuilder expects to deliver between 9,500 and 9,600 homes, an increase of about 200 homes at the midpoint of its previous guidance. Additionally, the builder increased its guidance for the full-year average delivered price to between $1.05 million and $1.15 million.

Demographic and migration trends continue to provide long-term support for the industry with millennials forming families and buying their first home later in life when they have higher incomes and accumulated wealth, Yearley said. Baby boomers who are either retiring or planning for it are also moving as they adjust to their new lifestyles. There also appears to be an increase in generational wealth transfer with parents helping their kids buy homes.



Dani Romero is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @daniromerotv.

Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks

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The GCC was the top export and re-export market destination for Dubai Chamber of Commerce members during the first half of 2023, with Saudi Arabia being the top destination for members exports. Members exports to Saudi Arabia recorded year-over-year growth of more than 15% to reach AED35 billion ($9.5 billion).

Members exports to Kuwait during H1 2023 were valued at AED12.8 billion, while exports to Qatar grew by 39.3% compared to the same period in 2022 to reach a value of AED12.4 billion. Exports to Oman achieved year-over-year growth of 20% in the first half of 2023, amounting to AED7.8 billion, while exports and re-exports to Egypt reached a total of AED5.3 billion. Meanwhile, exports to Iraq soared to AED4.7 billion, representing year-over-year growth of 95.8%.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President & CEO of Dubai Chambers, commented: The diversity of our members' export and re-export markets reflects their flexibility in responding to rapidly evolving global market conditions and is supported by our efforts to provide international investment opportunities.

Vital role

Lootah highlighted the vital role of Dubai International Chambers representative offices and the introduction of various commercial investment opportunities, which have been instrumental in increasing the value of members' exports and re-exports by 7% during the six-month period to reach a total of AED137.6 billion ($37.46 billion).

He added: Dubai Chambers remains committed to achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda and accelerating sustainable economic development. We are keen to enhance access to new markets for the emirate's business community to meet our strategic targets, serve the interests of the private sector, and further boost the competitiveness of Dubais dynamic business environment.

According to data from Dubai Chamber of Commerce, high rates of growth in the value of members exports and re-exports during H1 2023 were recorded for countries in various regions across the globe. Key growth markets included Estonia, Latvia, Eswatini, Suriname, Zambia, Nicaragua, Djibouti, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Panama, Peru, and Portugal.

Specific regions

Exports and re-exports of chamber members to specific regions also witnessed significant increases during H1 2023. The Southern Africa region topped the list, recording year-over-year growth of 81% to reach a total value of AED477.2 million  up from AED264 million in H1 2022.

Central Asia recorded the second-highest growth rate at 66%, with a total of AED1.2 billion in exports and re-exports during H1 2023  up from AED708.3 million during the same period last year. Eastern Europe was third, with an increase of 63% and a total value of AED717.1 million, up from AED440.9 million in H1 2022.

Northern Europe achieved a growth rate of 60% to reach AED517.4 million, up from AED323.6 million during H1 2022. East Africa recorded the fifth-highest increase, with the value of its members' exports and re-exports achieving year-over-year growth of 60% to reach AED4.9 billion in H1 2023, up from AED3.1 billion during the first six months of 2022.-- TradeArabia News Service
The rate of suicide in the U.S. increased by 30% from 2000 to 2020. 1

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children aged 1014 and adults aged 3544, and the third leading cause of death for young people aged 1524.2

FRISCO, Texas, August 23, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Magellan Healthcare, Inc., the behavioral health division of Magellan Health, Inc., today announced it will host two free webinars and provide additional resources to increase awareness about the signs of suicide, the importance of speaking up if you are concerned about someone who may be struggling or you are experiencing suicidal feelings. Magellan offers these resources in recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September.

Magellan Federal will host a webinar to discuss the prevalence of suicide in the military and resources and strategies to help reduce military suicides from 2-3 p.m. EDT on Thursday, September 7. Expert panelists will include:

Jason Kuttner, supervisor, Adolescent Support and Counseling Service;

Scott Harris, LMFT, LPC, regional supervisor, Military & Family Life Counseling Services;

Diona Emmanuel, consultant, Employee Assistance Program

Attendees will learn about the risks and warning signs of suicide and walk away with tips and tools to help protect service members, veterans, and family members. Visit here for more information and free registration.

Magellan Healthcare will also host the webinar, "Say more, save a life" from 2-3 p.m. EDT Friday, September 29. Expert panelists will include:

Andrew Sassani, M.D., Magellan vice president and chief medical officer for California;

Lyle Forehand, M.D., medical director;

Abe Robertson-Gordon, CPSW, recovery support navigator

The discussion will include a personal story from someone who previously struggled with suicidal ideation and will offer advice on how to speak up and talk about suicide to get the necessary help for you or someone you know. Visit here for more information and free registration.

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Additional Suicide Prevention Awareness Month community resources include:

Individuals who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, or any other emotional distress, should call or text 988. Those who are worried about someone else can also contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is available 24/7 and offers free, confidential support.

Visit Magellanhealthcare.com/Prevent-Suicide for Magellan events, downloads, and other resources for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Recovery Month.

Visit the Magellan Health Insights blog for posts on suicide prevention throughout September and all year long.

"According to the CDC, in this country, one death by suicide takes place every 11 minutes," said Dr. Andrew Sassani, Magellan vice president and chief medical officer for California. "Thats why its so important that we learn about the risk factors and warning signs to help a person in need before it is too late. The focus on suicide prevention during Septembers Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is noteworthy because it is the first full year since the debut of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline."

About Magellan Health: Magellan Health, Inc. supports innovative ways of accessing better health through technology while remaining focused on the critical personal relationships that are necessary to achieve a healthy, vibrant life. Magellan's customers include health plans and other managed care organizations, employers, labor unions, various military and governmental agencies, and third-party administrators. For more information, visit MagellanHealth.com.

About Magellan Healthcare: Magellan Healthcare, Inc., the healthcare business unit of Magellan Health, Inc., offers solutions for complex conditions in the areas of behavioral health. Magellan Healthcare and its subsidiaries serve commercial health plans, employers, state and local governments, and the federal government, including the Department of Defense. For more information, visit MagellanHealthcare.com.

(MGLN-GEN)

1 CDC, Leading Causes of Death.

2 CDC, Leading Causes of Death.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823807216/en/

Contacts

Lilly Ackley, ackleyl@magellanhealth.com
MILFORD  A Mendon development company headed by Imperial Cars owner Kevin Meehan recently added to its real estate holdings with the purchase of a pair of plazas off Fortune Boulevard that formerly housed a Best Buy, a Bed, Bath & Beyond and a TGI Friday's.

Meehan Realty Management Corp. made the acquisition through its affiliate Quarry Place Three, LLC, for $10.3 million. Tony Pinto, of Pinto Real Estate, told the Daily News that Quarry Place Three purchased two lots on the Granite Heights property.

The seller was Newton-based National Development, which used Pinto Real Estate as its broker.

Meehan, who has owned Imperial Cars for more than 30 years, told the Daily News on Tuesday that he does not plan to construct a new car dealership at the location.

The former Bed, Bath & Beyond store at 230 Fortune Blvd. in Milford last September. The store closed after 150 of its stores were closed due to underperformance and its workforce was cut by 20%.

Random act of kindness: Car dealer Kevin Meehan donates $50,000 to families in need

"The plan right now is to find the right tenant to reposition the marketplace," he said. "It's a different marketplace than when it was built."

Meehan compared his plans of "repositioning" to Stop & Shop and T.J. Maxx/HomeGoods replacing what was formerly Kmart on Medway Road (Route 109).

Meehan bought the "Upper Lot," occupied by Petco and formerly by Best Buy, at 208-210 Fortune Blvd. and the "Lower Lot," which is occupied by Staples and formerly housed Bed, Bath & Beyond, at 220-240 Fortune Blvd. The Lower Lot also contains a former T.G.I. Friday's location.

Granite Heights was built by Cranshaw Construction, an affiliate of National Development, at a cost of $16.4 million, according to the Cranshaw's website.

Several vacant spaces are up for lease

The former sites of Best Buy, Bed, Bath & Beyond and T.G.I. Friday's are all currently up for lease. The Bed, Bath & Beyond store closed last fall as part of a broader closure of 150 underperforming stores. The home goods chain has since gone bankrupt.

National Development bought the property in 2006 for just under $2.6 million, according to Milford's tax assessor's database.

Imperial Cars includes five dealerships in Mendon and Milford, including Imperial Toyota at 300 Fortune Blvd. and Imperial Hyundai on East Main Street (Route 16) in Milford.

This article originally appeared on The Milford Daily News: Former Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond spot in Mendon bought by car dealer
FILE PHOTO: Colonel Assimi Goita, leader of Malian military junta, looks on while he stands behind Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou during a photo opportunity after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) consultative meeting in Accra

By Felix Njini and Tiemoko Diallo

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Some of Mali's top gold producers said a new law to allow the military-led government to increase its ownership of mines should not apply to existing operations, but analysts said it was likely to deter future investment.

In line with a rise in resource nationalism across the world, spurred on by strong commodity prices, the code adopted by Mali's Parliament - would allow the state and local investors to take stakes as high as 35% in mining projects compared with 20% now.

It will become effective once signed by President Assimi Goita, although it is unclear when that will be.

Mining companies operating in Mali said producing mines would be safeguarded by previous conventions, which could allow them to seek international arbitration if necessary.

The world's second largest gold miner Barrick said its CEO Mark Bristow has personally engaged with the current leadership over their proposed law.

"We are optimistic that, as in the past, we will find a mutually acceptable way to keep gold shining for Mali," a spokesperson told Reuters, saying Barrick has had "constructive relationship with successive governments".

Gold mining accounts for 9% of Mali's gross domestic product and half of state revenues.

Lassana Guindo, the ministry of mines' technical adviser told Reuters Mali wants to maintain its attractiveness, stability and respects commitments to investors, although he declined to say when the law would come into force and whether it would only impact new projects.

"We will have to wait for its promulgation and the implementing decrees, especially the implementing decrees. There are things that are still in progress," he said.

Until now gold mines, concentrated in the south of Mali and around the capital, away from the more unstable north of the country, have been largely shielded from instability and volatile tax regimes that have deterred investment in much of West Africa.

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Vancouver-based B2Gold Corp, which is expanding output at its flagship Fekola mine in Mali, said the operation is unlikely to be materially impacted by the law change during its lifespan.

"An existing mining project like Fekola Mine with a convention in compliance with the mining in place at the time the convention was entered into should not be impacted by the new mining code," B2Gold told Reuters.

Another operator Hummingbird Resources said investors would be monitoring developments.

"It would ultimately need to be factored into any future investment decision for potential projects that fall under the jurisdiction of this new mining law," a Hummingbird spokesperson told Reuters.

Analysts predicted investment would shrink as miners anticipated the new law could herald deeper change.

"It will likely discourage existing operators from developing new projects, deter foreign miners from investing in Mali," Mucahid Durmaz, senior Africa analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, said.

"There is a risk the new mining law is the thin end of the wedge. Miners will be concerned about the potential for further demands down the line, such as re-negotiating existing contracts."

(Reporting by Felix Njini; editing by Barbara Lewis)
BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) which will be commemorated with an elegant 50th Anniversary Gala in Washington, DC on September 14, 2023. Celebrating 50 years of education, prevention, and impact, the gala will recognize the work of NFID and the inspirational public health heroes who have helped protect the lives of millions.

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) will celebrate public health history with an elegant 50th Anniversary Gala in Washington, DC on September 14, 2023.

NFID was incorporated on August 23, 1973 as a non-profit corporation by a small group of visionaries who believed that a national organization was needed to raise awareness about the impact of infectious diseases. NFID founders John P. Utz, MD, and Richard J. Duma, MD, PhD, of the Infectious Disease Division at the Medical College of Virginia were concerned that research grant monies were becoming scarce. At the time, the National Institutes of Health was ending some of its training grants, reallocating its priorities, and drastically cutting back extramural research funding. Many organizations were devoted to helping fund cancer, heart disease, cystic fibrosis, and other such problems, but no one seemed to pay any attention to infectious diseases, Duma recalled. "Why not create an infectious disease organization to help support and fund infectious disease research?"

Throughout its history, NFID has worked to raise awareness and educate and engage both the public and healthcare professionals about the importance of immunization across the lifespan. NFID professional education programs include the Annual Conference on Vaccinology Research, the Clinical Vaccinology Course, and complimentary webinars on vaccine recommendations and other timely infectious disease topics. Public outreach initiatives include an annual news conference to kick off cold and flu season as well as advocacy for public health recommendations on COVID-19, hepatitis B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

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"I first became involved with NFID almost 20 years ago because, in the course of my work as director of the National Immunization Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), I witnessed the vital role that NFID played in convening a wide range of multidisciplinary partners to speak with one strong voice on public health issues," said Walter A. Orenstein, MD , who served as NFID president in 2016-2018.

NFID has been at the forefront of promoting awareness and education on infectious disease prevention and treatment across the lifespan. "Our mission is to help people understand the importance of protecting themselves, their families, and their communities, including staying up to date on recommended vaccines," said NFID Medical Director Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD . "In an era marked by mistrust and misinformation, the role of NFID as a trusted voice has never been more important."

One of the things that distinguishes NFID from other professional medical groups is the fact that NFID is not a membership organization. "It is a foundation dedicated to educating consumers and healthcare professionals of all typesdoctors, nurses, pharmacists, and anyone who is associated with the medical profession," said NFID spokesperson William Schaffner, MD, who served as NFID medical director from 2015 to 2023. Although NFID does not develop recommendations for the use of vaccines, antimicrobials, or other interventions, it works to educate healthcare professionals and the public about the recommendations made by CDC and other professional organizations. "We are essentially an amplification organization," Schaffner said. "We have this broad educational rolea mandate really, that is the whole purpose of NFIDand an operational mode to bring people under one tent to give the information more standing and greater acceptance."

That inclusivity of expertise is reflected in the current NFID Board of Directors, which includes the first pediatric nurse practitioner Patricia (Patsy) A. Stinchfield, RN, MS, CPNP , to serve as NFID president and the first pharmacist to serve as NFID president-elect, Jeffery A. Goad, PharmD, MPH .

"As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of NFID, we acknowledge that none of these successes would have been possible without the generous support of our donors and partners, and the dedicated efforts of NFID staff who continue to support NFID on a daily basis, working to ensure the far and wide impact of our work," said Marla Dalton, PE, CAE , NFID executive director and chief executive officer.

NFID supporters and public health luminaries will gather in Washington, DC to celebrate the remarkable history and notable accomplishments at the NFID 50th Anniversary Gala on September 14, 2023. NFID will also launch the new 1973 Society to recognize major donors who support the organization's vision of healthier lives for all through the effective prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Tickets and information are available at www.nfid.org/50Gala . An NFID 50th Anniversary Commemorative Book that looks back at the history of NFID and celebrates the trailblazing efforts of NFID leaders and public health heroes over the past 5 decades is also available for purchase online.

About the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases

Founded in 1973, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to educating and engaging the public, communities, and healthcare professionals about infectious diseases across the lifespan. For additional information, visit www.nfid.org .

Contact: Diana Olson at dolson@nfid.org

50 Years of Education, Prevention, and Impact (PRNewsfoto/National Foundation for Infectious Diseases)

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nfid-celebrates-50th-anniversary-with-gala-honoring-public-health-heroes-301907439.html

SOURCE National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
Chinese President Xi Jinping failed to show up at the Brics Business Forum on Tuesday in South Africa, where he was expected to deliver a speech alongside his counterparts. In his place, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao read the speech that criticised the US over its tendency toward "hegemony".

Xi, in the speech read by Wang at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, said the US tended to fight countries that threaten its dominance in global affairs and financial markets.

The speech said that every country has a right to development and that people should have the freedom to pursue a happy life. But one country, he said in a thinly veiled swipe at the US, is "obsessed with maintaining hegemony, has gone out of its way to cripple the emerging markets and developing countries".

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.

"Whoever develops first becomes their target of containment. Whoever is catching up becomes its target of obstruction," Xi added.

Although he had arrived in South Africa on Monday evening, Xi skipped the business forum and no explanation was given, prompting a reaction from China watchers.

Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the Indo-Pacific Programme at the German Marshall Fund, wondered if his absence meant something was "amiss".

Xi Jinping fails to show up at the BRICS Business Forum. Something is amiss? https://t.co/Xkz8puYmtE

- Bonnie Glaser /   (@BonnieGlaser) August 22, 2023

"This should be 'stop the presses' news!" Jorge Guajardo, a former Mexican ambassador to China, said in response to Glaser's post. "An unannounced absence, especially in a multilateral forum (which the PRC seldom misses), after all the ground work with India, is truly newsworthy. If true, something is certainly amiss."

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Earlier in the day, Xi met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and he was expected to attend an evening dinner organised by his host.

Brics is a group of leading emerging markets and developing countries that comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

More than 30 other heads of state and leaders from global organisations, including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, are attending the event.

It is the largest gathering of the Global South countries from Africa, the Caribbean and South America, as well as from the Middle East, West Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Tops on the summit agenda is the admission of new members into the bloc, which is seen as a way to moderate the West's dominance in global geopolitics, as well as the use of national currencies for global trade to challenge the American dollar's dominance in global trade.

Feeling dissatisfied with a world order that is dominated by the US and Western allies, 23 countries have applied to join the bloc, while many others are said to be considering joining, according to South African officials.

The countries believe Brics as a multilateral instrument will help counterbalance Western dominance on the international bodies such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

In the speech, Xi said the collective rise of emerging markets and developing countries represented by Brics was "fundamentally changing the global landscape".

He said whatever resistance there may be, Brics, as a positive and stable "force for good", will continue to grow. He said China supported the expansion of Brics and looked forward to "a stronger Brics strategic partnership, expand the Brics-plus model and actively advance membership expansion ... and help make international order more just and equitable".

He said the gathering of Brics countries and more than 50 countries from Africa "is not an exercise of asking countries to take sides, and not an exercise to create bloc confrontation. Rather it's an endeavour to expand the architecture of peace and development."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) shakes hands with China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao at the Brics forum on Tuesday. At right is Dilma Rousseff, chair of the New Development Bank and former president of Brazil. Photo: AFP alt=Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) shakes hands with China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao at the Brics forum on Tuesday. At right is Dilma Rousseff, chair of the New Development Bank and former president of Brazil. Photo: AFP>

Ramaphosa said there was a need for a fundamental reform of global financial institutions so they could be more agile and responsive to the challenges facing developing economies.

He said the New Development Bank, established by Brics countries in 2015, was leading the way. Since its formation it has demonstrated its ability to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development in emerging economies without conditions, he said.

Russia is represented by Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov, with President Vladimir Putin taking part virtually. Putin is not attending in person because the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him in March over war crimes in Ukraine.

Anil Sooklal, South Africa's ambassador at large for Asia and a Brics sherpa, said the ministers were to meet on Tuesday to finalise their recommendations to the heads of state, who will make a final decision on the expansion of Brics.

Sooklal said that 23 countries had formally approached Brics to become full members.

During a foreign policy speech on Sunday, Ramaphosa indicated that South Africa supported the expansion. He said an expanded bloc would represent a diverse group of nations with different political systems that share a common desire to have a more balanced global order.

There has also been talk about having a unified or common currency for the Brics, or allowing member countries to trade in national currencies in order to cut the US dollar's dominance in payments.

Additional reporting by Robert Delaney

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.
Value-focused investors are always on the hunt for stocks that are priced below their intrinsic value. One such stock that merits attention is Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NYSE:NCLH). The stock, which is currently priced at 17.19, recorded a loss of 0.41% in a day and a 3-month increase of 18.45%. The stock's fair valuation is $59.59, as indicated by its GF Value.

Understanding the GF Value

The GF Value represents the current intrinsic value of a stock derived from our exclusive method. The GF Value Line on our summary page gives an overview of the fair value that the stock should be traded at. It is calculated based on three factors: historical multiples (PE Ratio, PS Ratio, PB Ratio and Price-to-Free-Cash-Flow) that the stock has traded at, GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past returns and growth, and future estimates of the business performance.

We believe the GF Value Line is the fair value that the stock should be traded at. The stock price will most likely fluctuate around the GF Value Line. If the stock price is significantly above the GF Value Line, it is overvalued and its future return is likely to be poor. On the other hand, if it is significantly below the GF Value Line, its future return will likely be higher.

Is Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings a Hidden Gem or a Value Trap?

Considering the Risks

However, investors need to consider a more in-depth analysis before making an investment decision. Despite its seemingly attractive valuation, certain risk factors associated with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings should not be ignored. These risks are primarily reflected through its low Altman Z-score of -0.2, and the company's revenues and earnings have been on a downward trend over the past five years, which raises a crucial question: Is Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings a hidden gem or a value trap? These indicators suggest that Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, despite its apparent undervaluation, might be a potential value trap. This complexity underlines the importance of thorough due diligence in investment decision-making.

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Understanding the Altman Z-Score

Before delving into the details, let's understand what the Altman Z-score entails. Invented by New York University Professor Edward I. Altman in 1968, the Z-Score is a financial model that predicts the probability of a company entering bankruptcy within a two-year time frame. The Altman Z-Score combines five different financial ratios, each weighted to create a final score. A score below 1.8 suggests a high likelihood of financial distress, while a score above 3 indicates a low risk.

A Snapshot of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

Norwegian Cruise Line is the world's third-largest cruise company by berths (at more than 60,000), operating 30 ships across three brands (Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas), offering both freestyle and luxury cruising. The company had redeployed its entire fleet as of May 2022. With seven passenger vessels on order among its brands through 2028 (representing 19,000 incremental berths), Norwegian is increasing capacity faster than its peers, expanding its brand globally. Norwegian sails to around 700 global destinations.

Is Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings a Hidden Gem or a Value Trap?

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings's Low Altman Z-Score: A Breakdown of Key Drivers

A dissection of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings's Altman Z-score reveals Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings's financial health may be weak, suggesting possible financial distress:

The Retained Earnings to Total Assets ratio provides insights into a company's capability to reinvest its profits or manage debt. Evaluating Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings's historical data, 2021: -0.13; 2022: -0.33; 2023: -0.38, we observe a declining trend in this ratio. This downward movement indicates Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings's diminishing ability to reinvest in its business or effectively manage its debt. Consequently, it exerts a negative impact on its Z-Score.

The Bearish Signs: Declining Revenues and Earnings

One of the telltale indicators of a company's potential trouble is a sustained decline in revenues. In the case of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, both the revenue per share (evident from the last five years' TTM data: 2019: 28.67; 2020: 21.68; 2021: 0.08; 2022: 5.74; 2023: 16.54; ) and the 5-year revenue growth rate (-32%) have been on a consistent downward trajectory. This pattern may point to underlying challenges such as diminishing demand for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings's products, or escalating competition in its market sector. Either scenario can pose serious risks to the company's future performance, warranting a thorough analysis by investors.

Is Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings a Hidden Gem or a Value Trap?

The Red Flag: Sluggish Earnings Growth

Despite its low price-to-fair-value ratio, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings's falling revenues and earnings cast a long shadow over its investment attractiveness. A low price relative to intrinsic value can indeed suggest an investment opportunity, but only if the company's fundamentals are sound or improving. In Steelcase's case, the declining revenues, EBITDA, and earnings growth suggest that the company's issues may be more than just cyclical fluctuations.

Without a clear turnaround strategy, there's a risk that the company's performance could continue to deteriorate, leading to further price declines. In such a scenario, the low price-to-GF-Value ratio may be more indicative of a value trap than a value opportunity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, despite its seemingly attractive valuation, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings presents significant investment risks. The company's declining revenues and earnings, coupled with its low Altman Z-score, suggest that it may be a potential value trap. Investors are advised to conduct thorough due diligence before making an investment decision.

GuruFocus Premium members can find stocks with high Altman Z-Score using the following Screener: Walter Schloss Screen . Investors can find stocks with good revenue and earnings growth using GuruFocus' Peter Lynch Growth with Low Valuation Screener.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


BULIISA, Uganda (AP)  Alex Wakitinti is worried about the sacred natural sites he tends in the large swath of bushy grassland near Lake Albert. It's the same slice of his homeland that oil companies are developing in order for Uganda to become an oil producer by 2026.

But French oil company TotalEnergies and others working toward that goal are recklessly ignoring the significance of Wakitinti's spiritual work, he said, as well as that of the other custodians minding hallowed natural sites in the remote district of Buliisa near the Congo border.

"According to the program of Total, custodians are not there," said Wakitinti, chief custodian of sacred sites in Buliisa. We are not in their program.

That is a mistake, he said, making note of the bad luck that can come from disturbing these special places without performing the necessary rituals or making sacrifices to spirit mediums  like the tree Wakitinti recently knelt under to pray and present a bird's nest.

Sacred natural sites here range from single trees in the bush to the rift in the land where the Nile River merges with Lake Albert, creating a spectacular landscape that intensifies the Bagungus respect for nature. They believe these sites are repositories of occult mediums with the power to solve problems that range from a thief in the community to a sickness in the family.

As TotalEnergies invests billions into oilfield development and acquires more and more land, Wakitinti and other Bagungu people who practice traditional beliefs worry the spiritual power of at least 32 sacred natural sites in Buliisa keeps deteriorating. There are already signs, like the region's prolonged dry spell some say is proof the sanctity of some sites has already been breached.

You can see we have no rain.  We are crying, said farmer William Byabagambi, who noted that communal offerings to spirits will be fewer as community members move out to make way for oil infrastructure.

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Uganda is estimated to have recoverable oil reserves of at least 1.4 billion barrels, and officials see future oil earnings lifting millions out of poverty. Investors from Australia, Ireland, China and, most recently, France have been involved over the years.

TotalEnergies  the top shareholder in Uganda's oil project  faces a legal challenge and pressure to pull out because of concerns over a heated pipeline that campaigners say undermines the Paris climate accord.

A TotalEnergies spokesperson in Uganda did not immediately respond to detailed requests for comment on the concerns of the Bagungu.

In 2006, a commercially viable amount of oil was discovered in Buliisa, which is home to less than 100,000 Bagungu, a community of farmers and others who depend on the Albertine area for everything from food to religious practice. Their traditional beliefs are seen as peculiar in this Christian-majority country of 45 million people, contributing to the sense of injustice thats now driving a campaign to protect their sacred natural sites from oil activities.

The sites are threatened, said Robert T. Katemburura, an activist with the Uganda-based African Institute for Culture and Ecology.

Most families in Buliisa maintain small shrines to ancestral spirits close to home but sometimes take trips to sacred natural sites, seeking revelations and blessings in response to their more serious matters.

While the sites remain largely intact, the sanctity of two has been violated by a nearby pipeline and a processing facility. Excessive noise from oil-related work is believed to anger spirits, he said.

We fault the oil companies because they have taken their roads and infrastructure through the sacred natural sites," he said.

In 2020, Irish firm Tullow Oil completed the $575 million sale of its Ugandan assets to TotalEnergies, raising hopes of oil production after delays due to corruption scandals and tax disputes. But the French company faces challenges as some campaigners go to court and others urge banks to withdraw support.

European lawmakers last year passed a resolution that urged TotalEnergies to suspend its activities in the region. This year the company faced a second lawsuit in Paris over its East Africa project. Filed in June by French and Ugandan civic groups, the lawsuit accuses the company of failing to comply with France's duty of vigilance law and seeks compensation for six years of alleged land and food rights violations.

TotalEnergies has long denied the charges, saying its deploying state-of-the-art design  including horizontal drilling  to minimize ecological damage.

In Buliisa, the land rush destroyed the cultural commons as landowners fenced off their properties in anticipation of compensation, said Wilson Kiiza, founder of the Bugungu Heritage and Information Centre. He pointed out that unmarked natural sites in the jungle are especially vulnerable amid a cash bonanza.

Human Rights Watch last month published a report that warned of a looming disaster, asserting that households affected by land acquisitions are worse off than they had been. The land acquisition process has been marred by delays, poor communication, and inadequate compensation, that report said.

Newplan, a company contracted by TotalEnergies to handle the environmental aspects of relocations, didnt respond to the AP's questions. It contends that graveyards and shrines have been relocated respectfully, with family members themselves paid to carry out the appropriate rituals.

The oil boom caught people off guard, with community leaders too slow to identify possible threats to sacred natural sites after oil deposits were discovered, said Gilbert Tibasiima, the second-in-command official in Buliisa.

Attempts to remedy that have stalled. The Buliisa assembly passed a bylaw in 2020 that would restrict access to sacred sites and impose fines for disturbances. But it is yet to be ratified by the office of Uganda's attorney-general, underscoring the politically prickly nature of the matter.

The discovery of oil and gas found people when they were not prepared for the industry. These are people who did not know the potential impacts that come along, said Tibasiima, a Mugungu raised in Buliisa. Had they known earlier, probably, maybe, they could have developed their local means of preserving the environment in general, including protection of their sacred sites.

Custodians of sacred sites were not able to predict the impact of compulsory land acquisitions, especially with oil contractors withholding information about project pathways to keep compensation costs down. Now some authorities regard the Bagungus concern over sacred sites as a nuisance that could only delay the start of oil production, he said.

Wakitinti, the chief custodian, said he sees prolonged dry conditions in Buliisa these days as a sign the spirits are not happy with oil activities. He also cited the elephants that run rampant from the nearby Murchison Falls National Park, where TotalEnergies is digging oil wells, and trample peoples crops.

Those are signs of bad luck, he said.

___

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.
Selangor Dredging Berhad (KLSE:SDRED) shareholders will doubtless be very grateful to see the share price up 34% in the last quarter. But that doesn't change the fact that the returns over the last five years have been less than pleasing. You would have done a lot better buying an index fund, since the stock has dropped 29% in that half decade.

Now let's have a look at the company's fundamentals, and see if the long term shareholder return has matched the performance of the underlying business.

Check out our latest analysis for Selangor Dredging Berhad

While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement.

During five years of share price growth, Selangor Dredging Berhad moved from a loss to profitability. Most would consider that to be a good thing, so it's counter-intuitive to see the share price declining. Other metrics might give us a better handle on how its value is changing over time.

The steady dividend doesn't really explain why the share price is down. However, revenue has declined at a compound annual rate of 14% per year. With revenue weak, and increased payouts of cash, the market might be taking the view that its best days are behind it.

You can see below how earnings and revenue have changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image).

This free interactive report on Selangor Dredging Berhad's balance sheet strength is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further.

What About Dividends?

It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. We note that for Selangor Dredging Berhad the TSR over the last 5 years was -25%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence!

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A Different Perspective

We're pleased to report that Selangor Dredging Berhad shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 27% over one year. And that does include the dividend. There's no doubt those recent returns are much better than the TSR loss of 5% per year over five years. This makes us a little wary, but the business might have turned around its fortunes. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. To that end, you should learn about the 5 warning signs we've spotted with Selangor Dredging Berhad (including 3 which are concerning) .

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies we expect will grow earnings.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Malaysian exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Stronger-than-expected economic data has forced some on Wall Street to push back, or even remove, calls for a recession once widely considered a sure thing.

But one recession indicator is still flashing a code red signal on the US economy: the Treasury yield curve.

The inverted yield curve indicator, which occurs when the yield on three-month Treasury bills exceeds the yield on 10-year notes, is a perfect 8-for-8 in preceding every recession since World War II.

Its inventor, Duke professor and Canadian economist Campbell Harvey, still sees a recession on the horizon even if the economic narrative has skewed optimistic in recent weeks. "It's way too early to say this is a false signal," Harvey told Yahoo Finance. "Way too early."

Because of Harvey's work, investors have long focused on an inverted yield curve as a sign of a pending economic downturn.

Some track the spread between two-year and 10-year Treasury notes for signs of an inverted yield curve. But Harvey's definition uses the difference between three-month bills and 10-year notes, a spread which turned negative nine months ago in November 2022.

Ahead of the last eight US recessions, the average time between an inversion of the yield curve and the start of a recession has been 11 months, per Harvey's research. Over the past four recessions, the average lead time has been longer at 13 months. This time, Harvey sees a recession likely starting in early 2024.

"The longer we go [without a recession] after the inversion, people start to doubt the indicator, which is fine." Harvey said. "I characterize it as a lull before the storm."

'The Narrative Turns'

A 2023 recession was widely forecasted at the start of this year. But that hasn't played out, with the staff of the Federal Reserve recently joining the growing list of market participants that no longer see a recession befalling the US economy.

This conversation has, in part, called into question whether the yield inversion is still a good indicator.

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In a July research note titled "The Narrative Turns," Goldman Sachs chief economist Jan Hatzius moved down the firm's likelihood of a recession in the next 12 months to 20% from 25%.

Hatzius cited resilient economic data and cooling inflation as well as noting, "We dont share the widespread concern about yield curve inversion."

"The argument that the inverted curve validates the consensus forecast of a recession is circular, to say the least," Hatzius wrote.

Not the 'end of the story'

In January, Harvey posted on LinkedIn that he had "reasons to believe" the yield curve was "flashing a false signal."

At the time, he noted key components of the pandemic-era, stimulus-fueled economy remained in play. Excess labor demand, a strongly positioned consumer, and healthy financial sector were all indicating the US may avoid a recession.

"The major wildcard is the Fed," he wrote in early January. "I believe the time to end the tightening is now."

Since then, the Fed has raised its benchmark interest rate by more than 100 basis points to its highest level since 2001.

A regional banking crisis unfolded, culminating with the failures of three sizable banks. That slowed lending from big banks in the second quarter and credit conditions are expected to remain tight through the end of the year.

This, Harvey argues, is key to why the economic slowdown has still yet to come. While a historically low unemployment rate might be something raised in an argument for why the economy remains resilient, that's a lagging indicator.

The yield-curve indicator should be seen as a warning sign for things yet to come.

"A lot of people think of [the yield-curve inversion] as sort of the cause of recessions," Charles Schwab chief investment strategist Liz Ann Sonders told Yahoo Finance. "That's not really one of the ways to think about it. It's the conditions that develop that cause the inversion of the yield curve, that ultimately are the things that cause the contraction in the economy, too."

Both Sonders and Harvey explained that the yield-curve inversion itself means banks are put in a tough spot.

Financial institutions typically borrow short and lend long.

For many consumers, for instance, the interest rate they pay on a 30-year mortgage  long-term money the bank has lent to them  might be below the rate this consumer is being paid for parking cash in a high-yield savings account, money the bank is essentially paying the consumer to borrow.

In the second quarter, for instance, deposit rates being offered by banking giants like JPMorgan (JPM) and Wells Fargo (WFC) rose sharply, pushing interest costs higher at these firms.

Higher rates also pressure the value of assets like mortgages and other long-term loans that may be held on a bank's balance sheet, a dynamic that investors learned all about after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.

"That constrains lending and in turn constrains investment and the economy," Sonders said.

A U.S. flag waves during winds while storm clouds pass by the Empire State Building and middle Manhattan in New York City as seen from Hoboken, New Jersey, U.S., December 23, 2022. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

Warnings of potential stress in the financial sector have been piling up in recent weeks, too.

On Monday, S&P Global downgraded its bond ratings for several US regional banks. This followed Moodys downgrading 10 mid-sized institutions earlier this month, and a warning from a Fitch Ratings analyst that the entire industry could be downgraded to A+ from AA-.

"The Fed did not stop [raising rates] and this created other stresses, like on the financial system," Harvey said. "We've seen that realized in March and I don't think it's the end of the story."

Josh Schafer is a reporter for Yahoo Finance.

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
Dubais premier fresh-food destination, the Waterfront Market has joined forces with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority to hold the highly anticipated Murals and Art Competition that has showcased artistic talent in the emirate for six successful years.

Art for Change is the theme for this edition that aligns with the forthcoming COP28 event in Dubai and its vision to create a more sustainable world. Additionally, this theme supports the governments declaration of 2023 as the Year of Sustainability and aligns with the countrys commitment to achieving a positive environmental change.

The competition that aims at supporting local homegrown talent and contributing to the vibrant arts scene in Dubai, encourages artists to channel their creativity through powerful murals, employing their art as a catalyst for change, raising awareness about pressing environmental challenges, and inspiring actions toward a more eco-conscious and sustainable world.

The winning artist will be awarded a prize of AED 30,000 and the opportunity to showcase his/her mural at the Waterfront Market as part of the coveted Dubai Art Season (DAS) 2024, organised by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

Additionally, the winner will have their mural displayed permanently at the Waterfront Market, alongside murals created by previous year's winners, offering the public a chance to admire and appreciate their artwork.

Waterfront Market Manager Mohammad Al Madani, said: This year's theme focuses on harnessing the power of art to drive positive change in society, while raising awareness and advocating for urgent environmental issues in alignment with COP28, scheduled to take place in Dubai later this year.

We are thrilled to witness the incredible artworks that will be brought to life by our talented local artists and eagerly await the winner's mural, which will be proudly displayed at a prominent location at the Waterfront Market and celebrated as part of Dubai Art Season (DAS) 2024.

A panel of judges carefully selected for their passion in supporting and growing the local art scene including Khalil Abdulwahid Hassan, Director of the Fine Arts Department at Dubai Culture, Maitha Al Marri, and Lachlan Gyde, Executive Director  Asset Manager, Nakheel will select the winner of the Waterfront Market Murals and Art Competition.

Khalil Abdulwahid Hassan, Director of the Fine Arts Department at Dubai Culture, said: The Murals and Art Competition exemplifies our joint dedication to fostering a platform that empowers creatives in their expressions in a time of major environmental considerations.

To take part in the competition, one must be a UAE resident aged 18 years and above. The deadline for submission of entries is November 10, 2023. To register and submit, participants can visit the application page accessible through the Waterfront Markets website: https://murals.waterfrontmarket.ae/.

- TradeArabia News Service
FILE - A CSX freight train passes through Homestead, Pa., Feb. 12, 2018. The nation's largest railroad union wants federal regulators to do more to ensure conductors are properly trained in the wake of two recent trainee deaths, according to a statement issued Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. The union said the recent deaths of two CSX trainees on different occasions in Maryland over the past two months highlight the need for better training. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  The nation's largest railroad union wants federal regulators to do more to ensure conductors are properly trained in the wake of two recent trainee deaths.

The Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers union that represents conductors wants the Federal Railroad Administration to establish clear standards for how long new employees are trained and who mentors them to teach them the craft after they finish their formal training.

The union said the recent deaths of two CSX trainees on different occasions in Maryland over the past two months highlight the need for better training. The FRA did put out a safety advisory earlier this month about conductor training after the latest death, but the union wants regulators to take firm action. Earlier this year, a third conductor  this time one with 18 years experience on Norfolk Southern  was killed in an accident at a steel plant in Ohio.

FRA officials didn't immediately respond to the union's statement Wednesday, but the head of the agency sent a letter to all the CEOs of the major freight railroads earlier this week expressing similar concerns. Administrator Amit Bose is urging the railroads to improve their training but the agency isn't requiring changes with formal rules.

FRA believes that correcting the underlying deficiencies in railroads' training, qualification and operational testing programs is critical to reducing the risk associated with the conduct of certain tasks, Bose wrote.

In the most recent death, Travis Bradley died Aug. 6 after he was crushed between the train he was riding on the side of several parked locomotives. Earlier this summer, Derek Scott D.S. Little died in late June after he fell off a railcar and was struck by a train. Both deaths happened in railyards.

Railroad safety has been a key focus this year ever since a Norfolk Southern train derailed near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border on Feb. 3. Thousands of people had to evacuate their homes after authorities released hazardous chemicals and set fire to them to keep five tank cars from exploding.

Story continues

Congress and regulators called for reforms after that derailment and railroads announced some plans to improve safety. But little has changed in the industry and a bill requiring railroads to make changes has stalled in the Senate.

The SMART-TD union said the trainings issues are especially important now because the major freight railroads have been hiring new conductors as quick as possible and rushing them out to work on the rails. And generally there is little training for the experienced conductors who serve as mentors.

In a work environment as dangerous as our countrys railroads have proven to be historically, it is unthinkable that there is not a program in place to train the trainers. It is in most scenarios still the luck of the draw, the union said.

CSX and Norfolk Southern both announced agreements with SMART-TD last month to enhance conductor training. CSX said it planned to extend its classroom training by a week to five weeks while Norfolk Southern announced a more comprehensive list of reforms.

A CSX spokesperson said the safety of the railroad's workers is a priority, and CSX responded to the recent deaths with intensive training about safety rules and the hazards of riding on trains as well as extending training for new hires.

CSX continues to mourn the loss of Travis and Derek, and our thoughts are with their family and loved ones. At CSX, our goal is zero accidents and injuries, and we remain vigilant in working toward that effort, the spokesperson said.

Norfolk Southern didn't immediately respond to the union's concerns Wednesday, but when it announced its training changes CEO Alan Shaw said the moves were meant to make sure our newest employees  our conductor trainees  have the skills and knowledge to get the job done as safely as possible.
Key Insights

Using the Dividend Discount Model, Romande Energie Holding fair value estimate is CHF37.43

Romande Energie Holding's CHF50.20 share price signals that it might be 34% overvalued

When compared to theindustry average discount of -60%, Romande Energie Holding's competitors seem to be trading at a greater premium to fair value

Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of Romande Energie Holding SA (VTX:REHN) by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Believe it or not, it's not too difficult to follow, as you'll see from our example!

We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model.

View our latest analysis for Romande Energie Holding

Crunching The Numbers

We have to calculate the value of Romande Energie Holding slightly differently to other stocks because it is a electric utilities company. Instead of using free cash flows, which are hard to estimate and often not reported by analysts in this industry, dividends per share (DPS) payments are used. This often underestimates the value of a stock, but it can still be good as a comparison to competitors. The 'Gordon Growth Model' is used, which simply assumes that dividend payments will continue to increase at a sustainable growth rate forever. The dividend is expected to grow at an annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 0.01%. We then discount this figure to today's value at a cost of equity of 4.0%. Relative to the current share price of CHF50.2, the company appears potentially overvalued at the time of writing. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

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Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate)

= CHF1.5 / (4.0%  0.01%)

= CHF37.4

dcf

The Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. 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 Romande Energie Holding 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 4.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for Romande Energie Holding

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Weakness

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Electric Utilities market.

Expensive based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Opportunity

Annual revenue is forecast to grow faster than the Swiss market.

Threat

Paying a dividend but company has no free cash flows.

Next Steps:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Can we work out why the company is trading at a premium to intrinsic value? For Romande Energie Holding, we've put together three important elements you should assess:

Risks: We feel that you should assess the 1 warning sign for Romande Energie Holding we've flagged before making an investment in the company. Future Earnings: How does REHN's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every 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.
As part of National Dog Day, Scooter's Coffee is releasing their Pumpkin Spice Pup Cup on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023.

Pumpkin Spice fans and dog owners can take part in a sweet deal on Scooter's Coffee locations for National Dog Day.

On National Dog Day, which is Saturday, Aug. 26, dogs can get a free Pumpkin Spice Pup Cup from any Scooter's location. The treat is made with dog-friendly ingredients, including whipped cream, a pumpkin dog treat and cinnamon. The first 15 dogs will also receive a bandana imprinted with the Scooters Coffee signature Smiley logo, according to a news release.

We know how much dogs mean to our customers, and with the upcoming launch of the Scooters Coffee fall menu and popular pumpkin offerings, we wanted to provide something special for our pup friends to celebrate National Dog Day, said Bill Black, Scooters Coffee Chief Community Officer. Its always fun to see our customers Pup Cup photos, and we look forward to seeing how their dogs enjoy the new Pumpkin Spice Pup Cups.

The company is also launching a search for their first Scooters Coffee Dogfluencer. People can enter their dogs into the contest by:

LIKE and FOLLOW Scooters Coffee on Facebook or FOLLOW Scooters Coffee on Instagram.

LIKE the Aug. 25 Facebook or Instagram post that announces the contest and TAG three friends in the comments.

VISIT a Scooters Coffee location during operating hours on Aug. 26 and take a photo of participants dog enjoying a free Pumpkin Spice Pup Cup.

UPLOAD the photo to participants Facebook or Instagram betweenAug. 26 and Aug. 27, utilizing the hashtag #ScootersPupCup and tagging Scooters Coffee in the post.

Then, between Aug. 28-29, people can visit Scooter's Facebook or Instagram to vote on their favorite finalist. The dog with the most votes will be announced on Aug. 30 and will be featured on a billboard in Omaha, Nebraska, where Scooter's is based. The winning dog's owner will also receive a "doggy bag full of fun surprises and free coffee for a year, via a credit through the Scooters Coffee Mobile App."

The remaining finalists will also earn a doggy bag.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Scooter's Coffee to give free Pup Cups on National Dog Day
Fortune Business Insights

Key companies covered in stainless steel sheet market are POSCO (South Korea), Aperam (Luxembourg) , Yieh United Steel Corp (Taiwan), Nippon Steel (Japan), Outokumpu (Finland), Acerinox (Spain), Baosteel Group Hu (Baowu) (China), Tata Steel Ltd (India), AB STEEL (U.S.), Rajguru Steel Industries (India), and more players profiled.

Pune, India, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global stainless steel sheet market size was valued at USD 107.19 billion in 2022 and is expected to be worth USD 112.43 billion in 2023. The industry is projected to be valued at USD 167.48 billion by 2030, recording a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period.

Stainless steel sheets are widely used to produce various equipment, industrial components, machinery, greenhouse equipment, irrigation pipes, and other machines where corrosion is a big risk. These sheets are also utilized in white goods as they can resist corrosion, offer great mechanical properties over different temperatures, can achieve diverse aesthetic finishes, and can be easily fabricated.

Fortune Business Insights presents this information in a report titled, "Global Stainless Steel Sheet Market, 2023-2030."

Get a Sample PDF Brochure:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/stainless-steel-sheet-market-104122

List of Key Players Profiled in the Global Stainless Steel Sheet Market Report:

POSCO (South Korea)

Aperam (Luxembourg)

Yieh United Steel Corp (Taiwan)

Nippon Steel (Japan)

Outokumpu (Finland)

Acerinox (Spain)

Baosteel Group Hu (Baowu) (China)

Tata Steel Ltd (India)

AB STEEL (U.S.)

Rajguru Steel Industries (India)

Report Scope & Segmentation:

Report Attributes Details Forecast Period 2023-2030 Forecast CAGR 5.9% 2030 Value Projection USD 167.48 Billion Market Size in 2023 USD 112.43 Billion Historical Data 2019-2021 No. of Pages 132 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends Segments Covered By Form

By Production Process

By Application Regions Covered North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East and Africa Stainless Steel Sheet Market Growth Drivers Rising Demand from General Manufacturing Consumer Goods Industry to Drive Market Growth

Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/stainless-steel-sheet-market-104122

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COVID-19 Impact:

COVID-19 Pandemic Caused Supply Chain Disruptions, Reducing Production Capacity

The COVID-19 outbreak forced many nations to impose a wide range of restrictions on transportation and material supply, which disrupted the supply chain of stainless steel manufacturing companies. This resulted in severe shortage of various raw materials, thereby hampering the stainless steel sheet market growth.

Segmentation:

304 Stainless Steel Sheets Widely Demanded for Their Beneficial Characteristics

Based on type, the market is divided into 304 sheets, 310 sheets, 316 sheets, and others. The 304 stainless steel sheet segment held the largest market share as it has excellent strength and offers exceptional corrosion resistance.

Manufacturing Industry to Use Stainless Steel Sheets for Varied Applications

In terms of application, the market covers construction, manufacturing, automotive, consumer goods, and others. The manufacturing segment captured the largest stainless steel sheet market share in 2022 as these sheets are used in this sector for applications, such as ship containers, pipelines, exhaust systems, and cable trays.

Inquire Before the Buying the Report:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/queries/stainless-steel-sheet-market-104122

Report Coverage:

The research report offers a detailed market analysis and highlights crucial aspects, such as leading types, companies, products, and applications. It also provides quantitative data with respect to volume & value, research methodology for market data, market analysis, and insights into the latest industry trends. The report covers vital industry developments and the competitive landscape. Besides the abovementioned factors, the report mentions various factors contributing to the market's growth in recent years.

Drivers and Restraints:

Robust Demand from Consumer Goods and General Manufacturing Sectors to Boost Market Growth

Stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance properties that makes it a key part of food, manufacturing, textile, transportation, chemical, aerospace, and construction sectors. This alloy is mostly used to make sinks, machinery parts, coils in vaporizers, screws, automobiles, food processing equipment, water filtration devices, and airplanes.

However, wide availability of substitutes can hamper the market expansion.

Regional Insights:

Asia Pacific to Increase Reliance on Stainless Steel Sheets to Boost Infrastructure Development Efforts

The Asia Pacific market size reached USD 78.63 billion in 2022. The rising technological advancements and growing efforts to boost infrastructural development will drive the market growth. Moreover, other factors, such as growing investments in research and development programs, increasing steel production, and the ever-expanding construction industry in the developing economies will help the regional market grow.

Moreover, as far as North America is concerned, the U.S. is expected to lead the market. The regional industrys growth can be credited to the rising demand for stainless steel components from the engineering and electronics sectors.

Ask for Customization:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/ask-for-customization/stainless-steel-sheet-market-104122

Detailed Table of Content:

Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities

Key Insights Key Market Trends Key Developments: Mergers, Acquisition, Partnership, etc. Insights on Regulatory Scenario Latest Technological Advancement Porters Five Forces Analysis Qualitative Insight on Stainless Steel Sheet Thickness

Qualitative Insights on Impact of COVID-19 on Global Stainless Steel Sheet Market Supply Chain Analysis & Challenges due to Covid-19 Steps taken by Government / Companies to Overcome this Impact Potential Challenges and Opportunities due to COVID-19 Outbreak



TOC Continued...!

Competitive Landscape:

Organizations to Grow Their Business Operations to Retain Top Market Position

Key producers operating in the market are POSCO, Aperam, Nippon Steel, and Outokumpu Industries. These organizations are trying various strategies, such as capacity improvements, product innovations, collaborations, and acquisitions to retain their top position in the market.

Notable Industry Development:

June 2022 - Outokumpus plate service center in Castelleone, Italy, was taken over by the Mariotti Stainless Steel Group. All plate operations and solutions in Castelleone, as well as machines and stock will be transferred to Mariotti.

Have a Look at Related Research Insights:

Plastic Market Size Worth $ 643.37 billion by 2029 | Exhibiting a CAGR of 5.0%

About Us:

Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in.

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Starbucks' (SBUX) Pumpkin Spice Latte is back, signaling the unofficial start to fall.

Twenty years after the drink was first floated to consumers, it has evolved into a cultural phenomenon and prompted other seasonal offerings at Starbucks and beyond.

The highly anticipated Pumpkin Spice Latte  or PSL, as Starbucks trademarked it  returns to Starbucks locations on Thursday, August 24, and will stay until the return of the holiday menu.

Beyond the PSL, the fall lineup now consists of the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew for the fifth year alongside a new addition created by customers "hacking the menu"  the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, a chai tea latte, topped with pumpkin cream cold foam and pumpkin spice dust.

Starbucks' fall menu has expanded beyond pumpkin too. The fall menu lineup also includes an apple crisp oat milk macchiato and a shaken espresso version of the drink as cold drinks continue to trend well for the brand.

At its high-end Reserve locations, Starbucks offers the Pumpkin Spice Latte, in addition to a pumpkin spice espresso martini and a pumpkin spice whiskey barrel-aged iced latte.

Starbucks fall beverage lineup, including 3 out of 5 pumpkin offerings (Courtesy: Starbucks).

Boost to Starbucks' bottom line

It all started with a piece of pumpkin pie and espresso, Peter Dukes, one of the original creators of PSL told Yahoo Finance. Believe it or not, the PSL was almost called the Fall Harvest Latte.

At the time, Dukes was a product manager on the espresso team and was tasked with replicating the success Starbucks found with its mocha holiday offering in 2002. Little did he and his team know, they were on the brink of tapping into what is now a nearly billion-dollar business.

Starbucks first launched the Pumpkin Spice Latte in 100 stores in Washington, D.C., and Vancouver, British Columbia, on Oct. 10, 2003.

The coffee chain then rolled out the PSL nationally in 2004. It gained momentum around 2014, in part due to the rise of Instagram (META) and social media buzz, and now, the pumpkin spice flavor business is a key sales driver.

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A reporter's pumpkin spice latte, purchased at a Starbucks in Baltimore. (Christina Tkacik/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

In the US and Canada, the company has sold "hundreds of millions" of Pumpkin Spice Lattes, a Starbucks spokesperson told Yahoo Finance.

But given that Starbucks keeps its exact PSL sales well-guarded, it's hard to break out just how much pumpkin spice boosts sales.

"The challenge is those numbers are already reflected in 2022's sales base," Morningstar analyst Sean Dunlop told Yahoo Finance, "so there's not necessarily an 'incremental' lift from those sorts of platforms on a year-over-year basis."

Regardless, the PSL effect gets people in the door at the coffeehouse.

Foot traffic typically jumps after Starbucks brings back its fall menu, data from Placer.ai shows, and the hype is only growing each year.

In 2019, traffic jumped 14% in the seven days following the launch compared to average weekly visits five weeks prior.

And in 2022, when Starbucks brought back its fall menu on August 30, that foot traffic nearly doubled, with a 25.7% increase in store visits. In the company's Q4 2022 earnings call, Starbucks' former CEO Howard Schultz said the reintroduction of pumpkin spice in 2022 led to its biggest sales week in the company's history.

Starbucks rival Dunkin saw a similar, but smaller success, with its rollout on August 17 last year. Foot traffic jumped 9.5% in 2022, up from 6.7% in 2019.

A nearly billion-dollar business

The pumpkin market that Dukes tapped into in 2003 has become a gold mine for food and consumer brands.

As of the week ending July 29, 2023, the business of the "pumpkin flavor" itself is worth over $802 million, per data from NielsenIQ obtained by Yahoo Finance.

The market for pumpkin-flavored products has grown 14.9% from the same time period the year before, though the overall number of sales slipped for the second year, down 1.5%.

Unsurprisingly, others have looked to capitalize on the flavor too.

Wendy's (WEN) is reportedly launching a pumpkin spice frosty. Meanwhile others, including 7-Eleven, Krispy Kreme (DNUT), Goldfish (CPB), Hostess (TWNK), Nestle Toll House (NSRGY), and General Mills's Cheerios (GIS), have put out pumpkin spice products of their own.

Dukes said all the "copycats" are flattering.

"I always looked at copycats as the most sincere form of flattery possible," he said. "I think it's helped grow this platform. ... You could down a grocery aisle now, there's a whole industry trade around [it]."

And while some customers complain that brands are introducing their fall menus earlier and earlier, many still flock to get a first sip of fall in the days after the launches.

"It's obviously a huge business for brands like Starbucks, which is why it keeps getting rolled out earlier every season," Dunlop said.

But do expect to pay more for the drink than the typical latte. The PSL now costs between $5.75-$6.75. Back in 2005, it cost a mere $3.35.



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
There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. For example, although software-as-a-service business Salesforce.com lost money for years while it grew recurring revenue, if you held shares since 2005, you'd have done very well indeed. But while history lauds those rare successes, those that fail are often forgotten; who remembers Pets.com?

So should Antipa Minerals (ASX:AZY) shareholders be worried about its cash burn? For the purpose of this article, we'll define cash burn as the amount of cash the company is spending each year to fund its growth (also called its negative free cash flow). First, we'll determine its cash runway by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves.

See our latest analysis for Antipa Minerals

Does Antipa Minerals Have A Long Cash Runway?

A cash runway is defined as the length of time it would take a company to run out of money if it kept spending at its current rate of cash burn. When Antipa Minerals last reported its balance sheet in December 2022, it had zero debt and cash worth AU$8.9m. In the last year, its cash burn was AU$13m. So it had a cash runway of approximately 8 months from December 2022. To be frank, this kind of short runway puts us on edge, as it indicates the company must reduce its cash burn significantly, or else raise cash imminently. Depicted below, you can see how its cash holdings have changed over time.

How Is Antipa Minerals' Cash Burn Changing Over Time?

Whilst it's great to see that Antipa Minerals has already begun generating revenue from operations, last year it only produced AU$210k, so we don't think it is generating significant revenue, at this point. Therefore, for the purposes of this analysis we'll focus on how the cash burn is tracking. Given the length of the cash runway, we'd interpret the 44% reduction in cash burn, in twelve months, as prudent if not necessary for capital preservation. Clearly, however, the crucial factor is whether the company will grow its business going forward. For that reason, it makes a lot of sense to take a look at our analyst forecasts for the company.

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Can Antipa Minerals Raise More Cash Easily?

While Antipa Minerals is showing a solid reduction in its cash burn, it's still worth considering how easily it could raise more cash, even just to fuel faster growth. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. One of the main advantages held by publicly listed companies is that they can sell shares to investors to raise cash and fund growth. By looking at a company's cash burn relative to its market capitalisation, we gain insight on how much shareholders would be diluted if the company needed to raise enough cash to cover another year's cash burn.

Since it has a market capitalisation of AU$58m, Antipa Minerals' AU$13m in cash burn equates to about 23% of its market value. That's not insignificant, and if the company had to sell enough shares to fund another year's growth at the current share price, you'd likely witness fairly costly dilution.

Is Antipa Minerals' Cash Burn A Worry?

Even though its cash runway makes us a little nervous, we are compelled to mention that we thought Antipa Minerals' cash burn reduction was relatively promising. Summing up, we think the Antipa Minerals' cash burn is a risk, based on the factors we mentioned in this article. Separately, we looked at different risks affecting the company and spotted 6 warning signs for Antipa Minerals (of which 2 are potentially serious!) you should know about.

If you would prefer to check out another company with better fundamentals, then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt or this list of stocks which are all forecast to grow.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



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.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a political rally while campaigning for the GOP nomination in the 2024 election at Erie Insurance Arena on July 29, 2023 in Erie, Pennsylvania. Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

Former President Donald Trump is proposing a universal baseline tariff for imports into the US.

He also told Fox News he'd implement a "matching tax" on certain countries.

The ideas are part of his economic platform for his 2024 presidential campaign.

Donald Trump's return to the White House could bring about seismic changes to US trade policy, as the Republican frontrunner proposed setting up a universal tariff on imports entering the country.

He also proposed a "matching tax" on certain countries that would be equivalent to high tariffs on US products.

While Trump laid out the idea of a universal tariff months earlier, he appeared to get more specific last week.

"I think when companies come in and they dump their products in the United States, they should pay automatically, let's say a 10% tax," he told Fox News on Thursday. "That money would be used to pay off the debt. It's a massive amount of money."

He later added, "I do like the 10% for everybody."

Trump aides told the Washington Post that a tariff percentage has not yet been determined, with other sources saying that it's an ongoing discussion among his inner circle.

The former president also proposed what he called a "matching tax" on countries that impose high tariffs on US products, particularly if the foreign tariffs greatly exceed what Trump envisions for a US tariff.

"If they charge us, we charge that  very simple," Trump said on Fox News. "Now two things will happen, one of two things: either they'll wipe out the tax and so will we, or we'll take in a lot of money, and that's OK, too."

Although Trump said a universal US tariff would allow the government to reduce corporate taxes on American companies, it would raise costs for US firms that rely on essential imports as well as for consumers who likely would pay higher prices as companies pass on the tariff expenses.

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Added to that, commentators warned it would worsen trade relations with the US, potentially fueling an international trade war.

"This would directly lead to a global trade war. We tried this approach  big tariffs on foreign goods  in the 1930s. It led to the global depression and the rise of fascism in response and thus to the Second World War. Bad idea," tweeted retired Admiral James Stavridis, who is now vice chair at the Carlyle Group.

Protectionist tendencies are no new thing to Trump, who raised tariffs on China during his White House tenure that targeted $200 billion worth of Chinese imports in 2018.

While the policy has been criticized for costing Americans billions and creating few new jobs, many of the tariffs have continued under the Biden administration.

In February, Trump floated the universal tariff idea as he began laying out an economic agenda for his campaign platform.

The tariff could rise if nations were to devalue their currency, Fox News reported. The plan represents the "linchpin of a new Strategic National Manufacturing Initiative," Trump said, according to Fox.

Read the original article on Business Insider
There has been an unsettling 8% surge in global weekly cyberattacks in the second quarter (Q2), the most significant increase in two years, according to Check Point Research (CPR).

The report highlights how attackers have cunningly combined next-gen AI technologies with long-established tools like USB devices to conduct disruptive cyberattacks.

In its 2023 Mid-Year Security Report Check Point showcases how ransomware attacks have escalated in the first half of the year with new ransomware groups coming into the scene.

Triple extortion

From the triple extortion attack on the University of Manchester to the rise of new group Anonymous Sudan targeting western organisations, the 2023 Mid-Year Security Report uncovers the trends and behaviours that have defined the year so far.

Key insights from the 2023 Mid-Year Security Report include:

Ransomware groups have stepped up their game, exploiting vulnerabilities in commonly used corporate software and shifting their approach from data encryption to data theft.

USB Devices have resurfaced as significant threats, with both state-affiliated groups and cybercriminals deploying USB drives as vectors for infecting organisations globally.

Hacktivism has seen a rise, with politically motivated groups launching attacks on selected targets.

Artificial Intelligence misuse has amplified, with generative AI tools being used to craft phishing emails, keystroke monitoring malware, and basic ransomware code, calling for stronger regulatory measures.

48 ransomware groups

In H1 2023, 48 ransomware groups have breached over 2,200 victims, with Lockbit3 being the most active, reporting a 20% increase in victims compared to H1 2022. The emergence of new groups like Royal and Play is associated with the termination of Hive and Conti Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) groups. In terms of geography, 45% of victims are in the US, with an unexpected rise in Russian entities due to the novel actor "MalasLocker", which substitutes ransom demands with charitable donations. The manufacturing and retail sectors have seen the most victims, suggesting a shift in ransomware attack strategy.

Criminal activities have continued to rise in the first half of the year, with an 8% surge in global weekly cyberattacks in the second quarter marking the highest volume in two years. Familiar threats such as ransomware and hacktivism have evolved further, with threat groups modifying their methods and tools to infect and affect organisations worldwide. Even legacy technology such as USB storage devices, which have long been gathering dust in desk drawers, have gained popularity as a malware messenger, said Maya Horowitz, VP Research at Check Point Software.

Cyber resiliency

Organisations need to build a cyber resiliency strategy and strengthen their defences by adopting a prevention-first, integrated approach to cyber security. Cyberattacks are inevitable but can be largely prevented by proactive measures and the right security technologies.

The 2023 Mid-Year Security Report provides a comprehensive account of the cyber-threat landscape. The findings are based on data drawn from the Check Point ThreatCloud Cyber-Threat Map which looks at the key tactics cybercriminals are using to carry out their attacks.--TradeArabia News Service
Justin Kase Photography / Shutterstock.com

Social Security is expected to be a big issue in the 2024 elections, especially for older voters who worry how lawmakers might reform the program as it heads toward a funding shortfall. Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump has said he wont touch Social Security if he gets re-elected, but some of his GOP opponents have already floated ideas that could lead to cuts.

Social Security: 20% Cuts to Your Payments May Come Sooner Than Expected

See: 3 Ways To Recession-Proof Your Retirement

In a January post on his Truth Social network, Trump wrote, Under no circumstances should Republicans vote to cut a single penny from Medicare or Social Security to help pay for Joe Bidens reckless spending spree.

Explore: 4 Social Security Shakeups from Biden That Could Hit Your Wallet by 2024

That position was hardly revolutionary  most politicians steer clear of proposing cuts or other radical reforms to Social Security because of the massive backlash they will face from voters. But 2024 marks the first presidential election when the possibility of a major funding shortfall is less than a decade away.

That shortfall is tied to Social Securitys Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund, which is expected to run out of money by 2033. When the fund is depleted, the program will have to rely solely on payroll taxes  and those only cover about 77% of current benefits.

Because of the looming shortfall, some politicians have proposed raising taxes to bolster Social Security or cutting benefits to save money.

Donald Trump ruled Social Security and other benefits out of bounds politically, Bill Galston, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, told The Washington Post. But there are still Republicans, including some leading Republicans, who understand we wont make serious progress on our fiscal problems until everythings on the table. Theyre trying to open that discussion, without it immediately being shut down.

Trump has decided to sit out this weeks GOP candidate debate in Milwaukee, so voters wont be able to hear whether his position on Social Security has changed. But eight other candidates will be taking part. Heres a look at their positions on Social Security.

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Ron DeSantis

As recently as March, DeSantis told Fox News that Republicans are not going to mess with Social Security, CNBC reported. But the Florida governor might be shifting his position.

As the WaPo reported over the weekend, DeSantis told Fox News that Social Security will need to be revamped by cutting benefits for future generations.

When people say that were going to somehow cut seniors, that is totally not true, DeSantis said. Talking about making changes for people in their 30s and their 40s so the programs viable  thats a much different thing, and something I think theres going to need to be discussion on.

Mike Pence

As previously reported by GOBankingRates, the former vice president has proposed privatizing Social Security by giving younger Americans the ability to take a portion of their Social Security withholdings and put that into a private savings account. This is not a new idea, but it remains an unpopular one because it essentially amounts to gutting the current Social Security system in favor of a market-driven program.

Nikki Haley

Haley, the former South Carolina governor and U.N. ambassador, has proposed raising the Social Security retirement age for workers currently in their 20s and limiting Social Security and Medicare benefits for the wealthy, CNN reported. Raising the full retirement age  currently 67 years old for most Americans  also amounts to a cut in benefits because it delays when eligible beneficiaries qualify for the full payments they are owed.

What you would do is, for those in their 20s coming into the system, we would change the retirement age so that it matches life expectancy, Haley told Fox News in March.

Chris Christie

The former New Jersey governor made a lot of noise over the weekend when he said Social Security will be bankrupt in 11 years and accused some of his fellow candidates of being liars and cowards for not tackling Social Securitys funding problems head-on.

Christie has proposed raising the Social Security benefits age for Americans currently under 50 years old, The Hill reported.

We can make real savings over the long term by playing with eligibility age, he said. We have got to have this conversation. And other than me, nobody in this race is willing to talk about it. Its ridiculous.

Tim Scott

The South Carolina senator says he would not touch Social Security or Medicare benefits, The Washington Post reported. However, Scott says the U.S. should examine the state of entitlements to tame the tiger.

Vivek Ramaswamy

Ramaswamy, co-founder and executive chairman of Strive Asset Management, has said that proposals to reform Social Security come from a good place, according to the WaPo. He also believes the government should honor its commitment to those who paid into the system.

If the government has made you certain commitments that you have lived your life and paid in as you have over the last number of years in your life, that you cant just pull that rug out from under them, Ramaswamy said.

Doug Burgum

The North Dakota governor signed legislation that ends taxing Social Security income. Like Ramaswamy, Burgum believes the U.S. government should honor its commitment on Social Security.

Asa Hutchinson

According to The Washington Post, the former Arkansas governor opposes changes to Social Security such as raising the retirement age for all workers. One reason is that such a move would hurt some workers more than others.

We have got to protect Social Security and Medicare, Hutchinson said. When you look at the long-term concerns about it, we have got to bring in more workers.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: GOP Presidential Debate: How Can These 8 Republican Nominees Impact the Future of Social Security?
Insiders who bought Belluscura plc (LON:BELL) stock in the last 12 months were richly rewarded last week. The company's market value increased by UK6.1m as a result of the stock's 12% gain over the same period. In other words, the original US$490k purchase is now worth US$813k.

While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether.

View our latest analysis for Belluscura

Belluscura Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Non-Executive Director David Poutney for UK450k worth of shares, at about UK0.25 per share. Although we like to see insider buying, we note that this large purchase was at significantly below the recent price of UK0.41. Because it occurred at a lower valuation, it doesn't tell us much about whether insiders might find today's price attractive.

Happily, we note that in the last year insiders paid UK490k for 1.96m shares. On the other hand they divested 235.33k shares, for UK106k. Overall, Belluscura insiders were net buyers during the last year. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Belluscura Insiders Bought Stock Recently

Over the last three months, we've seen significant insider buying at Belluscura. Overall, three insiders shelled out UK490k for shares in the company -- and none sold. This makes one think the business has some good points.

Insider Ownership

Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. A high insider ownership often makes company leadership more mindful of shareholder interests. Insiders own 18% of Belluscura shares, worth about UK9.9m. While this is a strong but not outstanding level of insider ownership, it's enough to indicate some alignment between management and smaller shareholders.

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So What Does This Data Suggest About Belluscura Insiders?

It is good to see recent purchasing. And the longer term insider transactions also give us confidence. However, we note that the company didn't make a profit over the last twelve months, which makes us cautious. When combined with notable insider ownership, these factors suggest Belluscura insiders are well aligned, and that they may think the share price is too low. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Belluscura. Case in point: We've spotted 5 warning signs for Belluscura you should be aware of, and 2 of them make us uncomfortable.

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Key Insights

Significant control over UMW Holdings Berhad by sovereign wealth funds implies that the general public has more power to influence management and governance-related decisions

The largest shareholder of the company is Permodalan Nasional Berhad with a 61% stake

29% of UMW Holdings Berhad is held by Institutions

A look at the shareholders of UMW Holdings Berhad (KLSE:UMW) can tell us which group is most powerful. The group holding the most number of shares in the company, around 61% to be precise, is sovereign wealth funds. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn).

And institutions on the other hand have a 29% ownership in the company. Institutions often own shares in more established companies, while it's not unusual to see insiders own a fair bit of smaller companies.

Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about UMW Holdings Berhad.

See our latest analysis for UMW Holdings Berhad

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About UMW Holdings Berhad?

Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing.

UMW Holdings Berhad already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This can indicate that the company has a certain degree of credibility in the investment community. However, it is best to be wary of relying on the supposed validation that comes with institutional investors. They too, get it wrong sometimes. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at UMW Holdings Berhad's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

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UMW Holdings Berhad is not owned by hedge funds. Looking at our data, we can see that the largest shareholder is Permodalan Nasional Berhad with 61% of shares outstanding. This essentially means that they have extensive influence, if not outright control, over the future of the corporation. Meanwhile, the second and third largest shareholders, hold 9.3% and 7.9%, of the shares outstanding, respectively.

Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily.

Insider Ownership Of UMW Holdings Berhad

The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it.

Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances.

Our information suggests that UMW Holdings Berhad insiders own under 1% of the company. Keep in mind that it's a big company, and the insiders own RM300 worth of shares. The absolute value might be more important than the proportional share. It is always good to see at least some insider ownership, but it might be worth checking if those insiders have been selling.

General Public Ownership

With a 10% ownership, the general public, mostly comprising of individual investors, have some degree of sway over UMW Holdings Berhad. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

Next Steps:

It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand UMW Holdings Berhad better, we need to consider many other factors. For example, we've discovered 2 warning signs for UMW Holdings Berhad (1 is a bit concerning!) that you should be aware of before investing here.

If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Value-focused investors continually seek stocks priced below their intrinsic value. One such stock that merits attention is My Size Inc (NASDAQ:MYSZ). The stock, currently priced at $2.6, recorded a day's gain of 13.04% and a 3-month increase of 102.42%. Its fair valuation stands at $86.97, as indicated by its GF Value.

Understanding the GF Value

The GF Value represents the current intrinsic value of a stock derived from our exclusive method. The GF Value Line on our summary page provides an overview of the fair value at which the stock should be traded. It is calculated based on historical multiples, GuruFocus adjustment factor, and future business performance estimates.

If the stock price significantly deviates from the GF Value Line, it indicates potential overvaluation or undervaluation, affecting its future return.

Unpacking the Value Trap: A Deep Dive into My Size Inc (MYSZ)

Identifying Potential Risks

Investors need to consider a more in-depth analysis before making an investment decision. Despite its seemingly attractive valuation, certain risk factors associated with My Size should not be ignored. These risks are primarily reflected through its low Altman Z-score of -13.13, and a Beneish M-Score of 5.84 that exceeds -1.78, the threshold for potential earnings manipulation. These indicators suggest that My Size, despite its apparent undervaluation, might be a potential value trap. This complexity underlines the importance of thorough due diligence in investment decision-making.

Decoding Altman Z-score and Beneish M-Score

The Altman Z-score, developed by Professor Edward I. Altman, is a financial model that predicts the probability of a company entering bankruptcy within a two-year time frame. A score below 1.8 suggests a high likelihood of financial distress, while a score above 3 indicates a low risk.

Developed by Professor Messod Beneish, the Beneish M-Score is based on eight financial variables that reflect different aspects of a company's financial performance and position. A high M-Score may indicate potential earnings manipulation.

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Company Snapshot

My Size Inc is a US-based technology company that focuses on the development of an application that assists consumers in accurately measuring their body for clothing fitting using a smartphone. The company generates its revenue through selling products to customers, and licensing cloud-enabled software subscriptions and associated software maintenance and support.

Unpacking the Value Trap: A Deep Dive into My Size Inc (MYSZ)

Dissecting My Size's Low Altman Z-Score

Analysis of My Size's Altman Z-score reveals potential financial distress. The company's Working Capital to Total Assets ratio has been declining over the past few years (2021: 0.90; 2022: 0.39; 2023: -0.09), suggesting potential liquidity issues. Moreover, a contraction in its Gross Margin over the past three years (2021: 0; 2022: 43.88; 2023: 4.75) could negatively impact the company's profitability.

Furthermore, an increase in the company's asset quality ratio over the past three years (2021: 0.01; 2022: 0.07; 2023: 0.38) might signal underlying issues, potentially misrepresenting the company's actual financial position. Lastly, a significant surge in revenue in the last 12 months, with a rise of 553.33%, could potentially signal aggressive income recognition or sales manipulation tactics.

Unpacking the Value Trap: A Deep Dive into My Size Inc (MYSZ)

Conclusion: A Potential Value Trap?

Despite the seemingly undervalued price, the financial indicators suggest that My Size might be a potential value trap. The low Altman Z-Score and high Beneish M-Score, coupled with declining working capital and gross margin, raise concerns about the company's financial health. Therefore, investors should exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence before investing in My Size.

For GuruFocus Premium members interested in finding stocks with high Altman Z-Score, you may use the Walter Schloss Screen . To discover high-quality companies that may deliver above-average returns, please check out the GuruFocus High Quality Low Capex Screener.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Cadence Design Systems Inc (NASDAQ:CDNS) has recently been in the spotlight, drawing interest from investors and financial analysts due to its robust financial stance. With shares currently priced at $232.88, Cadence Design Systems Inc has witnessed a surge of 3.27% over a period, marked against a three-month change of 13.06%. A thorough analysis, underlined by the GuruFocus Score Rating, suggests that Cadence Design Systems Inc is well-positioned for substantial growth in the near future.

Unveiling Cadence Design Systems Inc's Market Potential: A Comprehensive GF Score Analysis

Decoding the GF Score

The GF Score is a stock performance ranking system developed by GuruFocus using five aspects of valuation, which has been found to be closely correlated to the long-term performances of stocks by backtesting from 2006 to 2021. The stocks with a higher GF Score generally generate higher returns than those with a lower GF Score. Therefore, when picking stocks, investors should invest in companies with high GF Scores. The GF Score ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 as the highest rank.

Each one of these components is ranked and the ranks also have positive correlation with the long term performances of stocks. The GF score is calculated using the five key aspects of analysis. Through backtesting, we know that each of these key aspects has a different impact on the stock price performance. Thus, they are weighted differently when calculating the total score. With a high financial strength rank and profitability rank, and a slightly lower GF Value rank, GuruFocus assigned Cadence Design Systems Inc the GF Score of 92 out of 100, which signals the highest outperformance potential.

Understanding Cadence Design Systems Inc's Business

Cadence Design Systems Inc, with a market cap of $63.3 billion and sales of $3.8 billion, is a provider of electronic design automation software, intellectual property, and system design and analysis products. EDA software automates the chip design process, enhancing design accuracy, productivity, and complexity in a full-flow end-to-end solution. Cadence offers a portfolio of design IP, as well as system design and analysis products, which enable system-level analysis and verification solutions. Cadence's comprehensive portfolio is benefiting from a mutual convergence of semiconductor companies moving up-stack toward systems-like companies, and systems companies moving down-stack toward in-house semiconductor design. The resulting expansion in EDA customers, alongside secular digitalization of various end markets, benefits EDA vendors like Cadence.

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Unveiling Cadence Design Systems Inc's Market Potential: A Comprehensive GF Score Analysis

Financial Strength Breakdown

According to the Financial Strength rating, Cadence Design Systems Inc's robust balance sheet exhibits resilience against financial volatility, reflecting prudent management of capital structure.

The Interest Coverage ratio for Cadence Design Systems Inc stands impressively at 33.47, underscoring its strong capability to cover its interest obligations. This robust financial position resonates with the wisdom of legendary investor Benjamin Graham, who favored companies with an interest coverage ratio of at least 5.

With an Altman Z-Score of 19.11, Cadence Design Systems Inc exhibits a strong defense against financial distress, highlighting its robust financial stability.

With a favorable Debt-to-Revenue ratio of 0.17, Cadence Design Systems Inc's strategic handling of debt solidifies its financial health.

Profitability Rank Breakdown

The Profitability Rank shows Cadence Design Systems Inc's impressive standing among its peers in generating profit.

Cadence Design Systems Inc Operating Margin has increased (58.25%) over the past five years, as shown by the following data: 2018: 19.05; 2019: 21.42; 2020: 24.41; 2021: 26.04; 2022: 30.15; .

Furthermore, Cadence Design Systems Inc's Gross Margin has seen a consistent rise over the past five years, as evidenced by the data: 2018: 87.90; 2019: 88.60; 2020: 88.61; 2021: 89.73; 2022: 89.57; . This trend underscores the company's growing proficiency in transforming revenue into profit.

Cadence Design Systems Inc's strong Predictability Rank of 3.5 stars out of five underscores its consistent operational performance, providing investors with increased confidence.

Growth Rank Breakdown

Ranked highly in Growth, Cadence Design Systems Inc demonstrates a strong commitment to expanding its business.

The company's 3-Year Revenue Growth Rate is 15.9%, which outperforms better than 67.38% of 2391 companies in the Software industry

Moreover, Cadence Design Systems Inc has seen a robust increase in its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) over the past few years. Specifically, the three-year growth rate stands at 25.5, and the rate over the past five years is 21.9. This trend accentuates the company's continued capability to drive growth.

Unveiling Cadence Design Systems Inc's Market Potential: A Comprehensive GF Score Analysis

Conclusion

With its impressive financial strength, profitability, and growth metrics, the GuruFocus Score Rating highlights Cadence Design Systems Inc's unparalleled position for potential outperformance. This analysis underscores the company's robust financial health and its potential to deliver substantial returns to investors. As Cadence Design Systems Inc continues to leverage its strengths and capitalize on its opportunities, it remains a compelling investment prospect.

GuruFocus Premium members can find more companies with strong GF Scores using the following screener link: GF Score Screen

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Lam Research Corp (NASDAQ:LRCX) has recently been in the spotlight, drawing interest from investors and financial analysts due to its robust financial stance. With shares currently priced at $675.42, Lam Research Corp has witnessed a surge of 1.29% over a period, marked against a three-month change of 18.33%. A thorough analysis, underlined by the GuruFocus Score Rating, suggests that Lam Research Corp is well-positioned for substantial growth in the near future.

Unveiling the Investment Potential of Lam Research Corp: A Comprehensive GF Score Analysis

Decoding the GF Score

The GF Score is a stock performance ranking system developed by GuruFocus using five aspects of valuation, which has been found to be closely correlated to the long-term performances of stocks by backtesting from 2006 to 2021. The stocks with a higher GF Score generally generate higher returns than those with a lower GF Score. Therefore, when picking stocks, investors should invest in companies with high GF Scores. The GF Score ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 as the highest rank.

For Lam Research Corp, the GF Score components are as follows:

Each one of these components is ranked and the ranks also have positive correlation with the long term performances of stocks. The GF score is calculated using the five key aspects of analysis. Through backtesting, we know that each of these key aspects has a different impact on the stock price performance. Thus, they are weighted differently when calculating the total score. With high ranks in financial strength, profitability, and growth, and decent ranks in GF value and momentum, GuruFocus assigned Lam Research Corp the GF Score of 94 out of 100, which signals the highest outperformance potential.

Understanding Lam Research Corp Business

Lam Research Corp, with a market cap of $89.5 billion, is a leading manufacturer of equipment used to fabricate semiconductors. The firm is focused on the etch, deposition, and clean markets, which are key steps in the semiconductor manufacturing process, especially for 3D NAND flash storage, advanced DRAM, and leading-edge logic/foundry chipmakers. Lam's flagship Kiyo, Vector, and Sabre products are sold in all major geographies to key customers such as Samsung Electronics, Micron, Intel, SK Hynix, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The company's sales stand at $17.43 billion with an operating margin of 29.93%.

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Unveiling the Investment Potential of Lam Research Corp: A Comprehensive GF Score Analysis

Financial Strength Breakdown

According to the Financial Strength rating, Lam Research Corp's robust balance sheet exhibits resilience against financial volatility, reflecting prudent management of capital structure. The Interest Coverage ratio for Lam Research Corp stands impressively at 27.98, underscoring its strong capability to cover its interest obligations. With an Altman Z-Score of 9.09, Lam Research Corp exhibits a strong defense against financial distress. With a favorable Debt-to-Revenue ratio of 0.29, Lam Research Corp's strategic handling of debt solidifies its financial health.

Profitability Rank Breakdown

The Profitability Rank shows Lam Research Corp's impressive standing among its peers in generating profit. Lam Research Corp Operating Margin has increased (3.19%) over the past five years, as shown by the following data: 2019: 25.53; 2020: 26.62; 2021: 30.64; 2022: 31.24; 2023: 29.93. Lam Research Corp's strong Predictability Rank of 4.5 stars out of five underscores its consistent operational performance, providing investors with increased confidence.

Growth Rank Breakdown

Ranked highly in Growth, Lam Research Corp demonstrates a strong commitment to expanding its business. The company's 3-Year Revenue Growth Rate is 24%, which outperforms better than 75.49% of 865 companies in the Semiconductors industry. Moreover, Lam Research Corp has seen a robust increase in its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) over the past few years. Specifically, the three-year growth rate stands at 27, and the rate over the past five years is 21.

Unveiling the Investment Potential of Lam Research Corp: A Comprehensive GF Score Analysis

Conclusion

Given Lam Research Corp's strong financial strength, profitability, and growth metrics, the GuruFocus Score Rating highlights the firm's unparalleled position for potential outperformance. This analysis underscores the importance of comprehensive financial evaluation in making informed investment decisions. GuruFocus Premium members can find more companies with strong GF Scores using the following screener link: GF Score Screen.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) ("Forum" or the "Company") announces that Uranium Energy Corp. ("UEC") has acquired the 60% interest in the Henday uranium project with Forum as the 40% partner (see UEC news release dated August 22, 2023). Under terms of the initial option agreement, Uranium Energy Corp. has the right to earn an additional 10% interest in and to the property by sole funding $20,000,000 in expenditures or delivering a feasibility study on the property, whichever occurs first.

Rebecca Hunter, VP, Exploration commented, "The Henday property has tremendous potential as it is located in the highly sought after Wollaston-Mudjatik transition zone and northeast of several major uranium deposits including the Midwest and Roughrider deposits. The project hosts several favourable EM conductor trends that require additional follow-up. We look forward to working with UEC to progress this well-situated and prospective project.

The Henday Project consists of 3 claims covering 7,204 hectares at the north-eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan (Figure 1). The property is strategically located northeast of UEC's Roughrider uranium deposit, the Denison/ORANO Midwest Lake project and nearby McClean Lake mill, and north of Cameco/ORANO's Dawn Lake project.

A total of 53 drill holes were drilled on the Henday project by previous operators from 1978 to 2005. Forum Uranium acquired the project in 2007 and completed a series of ground gravity surveys, airborne EM surveys, a resistivity survey and diamond drill programs in 2008, 2010 and 2011 for a total of 56 holes and 12,754 metres. Rio Tinto Canada Uranium Corporation ("RTCUC") completed 15 holes on three target areas in 2016 on the property. Up to 1,750 ppm uranium associated with altered basement rocks in the Hollow Lake area has yet to be followed up with additional drilling.

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Rebecca Hunter, Ph.D., P.Geo., Forum's VP, Exploration and Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.





Figure 1: Uranium Energy Corp. (Operator - 60%) / Forum Energy Metals Corp. (40%).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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About Forum Energy Metals

Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) is a diversified energy metal company with uranium, copper, nickel, and cobalt projects in Saskatchewan, Canada's Number One Rated mining province for exploration and development, a strategic uranium land position in Nunavut and a strategic cobalt land position in the Idaho Cobalt Belt.

For further information: https://www.forumenergymetals.com .



ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS



Richard J. Mazur, P.Geo.

President & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information contact:



Rick Mazur, P.Geo., President & CEO

mazur@forumenergymetals.com

Tel: 604-630-1585

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178225
north sea oil

A North Sea developer has warned it is being forced to cancel projects and reduce production because of the severe impact of the Governments windfall tax.

Ithaca Energy, which is behind the controversial Cambo oil field, has told investors it is writing $74m (58m) off the value of assets as a direct impact of the Energy Profits Levy.

Production is expected to fall next year by at least 6pc as a result of the lower investment, it said.

It came as the company said the return of lower gas prices had squeezed profits.

Gilad Myerson, Ithacas executive chairman, said: The Energy Profits Levy continues to have a direct impact on investment in the UK North Sea and Ithaca Energys own investment programme across its diverse high-quality operated and non-operated asset base.

We continue to constructively engage with the UK government to highlight the impact of the current fiscal regime to the industrys outlook and to the UK governments stated energy security and net zero ambitions.

On Wednesday, Ithaca said its statutory net profit had tumbled from $1.6bn to $160m in the six months to June 30.

Ithaca blamed the drop on a reduction in planned activity caused by the windfall tax.

It said the tax had already resulted in the deferral or cancellation of investment in assets in the Greater Stella Area, the Montrose Arbroath Area and the Elgin Franklin Area.

For example, in the Greater Stella Area, Ithacas production in 2024 is expected to fall by more than 5,000 barrels of oil a day.

The company has forecast it will produce between 68,000 and 74,000 barrels of oil a day in 2023, meaning the potential reduction amounts to at least 6.6pc of annual output.

In an update to the stock market, Ithaca said: As capital investment plans are being drawn up for 2024 and beyond, both Ithaca Energy and our diverse partner groups are reconsidering the attractiveness of capital deployment opportunities in the context of an enduring Energy Profits Levy in what we would consider to be a return to normal commodity prices.

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As an inevitable consequence of the current fiscal environment, our medium-term production outlook will be impacted, such that we now anticipate production in 2024 to fall below 2023 levels.

We strongly believe that further amendments are required to the Energy Profits Levy.

The blow comes after repeated warnings from Ithaca and other oil and gas producers that the windfall tax would hurt investment in the North Sea, threatening jobs.

Rishi Sunak  when he was chancellor  first announced the levy in May 2022 under pressure from opposition Labour MPs, as a way of paying for support for households during the energy crisis.

Jeremy Hunt, the current Chancellor, increased and extended the levy in November 2022, which puts oil companies under an effective tax rate of 75pc until 2028.

It prompted stark warnings that the levy would make a string of oil and gas projects less viable and jeopardise their financing.

This is because banks lend working capital to oil and gas companies based on their total recoverable reserves - and how much it will cost to extract them.

The Treasury announced a price floor to the levy in June this year, although the move was deemed largely futile by industry insiders - with even Whitehall analysis concluding it would never be triggered.

Gareth Davies, the Exchequer Secretary, insisted at the time that the changes would give the industry certainty to invest in domestic energy.

A further meeting is expected to take place between the Treasury and banks on Friday as officials try to convince them to lend to North Sea producers.

The North Seas output is in long-term decline but in 2021 the UK still produced enough oil to meet 72pc of its needs, and enough gas to meet 43pc.

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Beyond Green, a global portfolio of planet Earths most sustainable hotels, resorts, and lodges, has launched four new itineraries as part of the brands Plan Your Trip programme, which provides custom, turnkey booking and facilitation services for travellers seeking holiday experiences that support sustainable tourism.

The all-inclusive trips have been designed in partnership with Nomadic Expeditions and will include Mongolia, Bhutan, Nepal, and India as the host destinations.

Each meticulously crafted journey is designed to have a positive impact on nature, uplift local communities, and preserve cultural heritage, aligning with Beyond Green's steadfast commitment to making travel a force for good.

Nomadic Expeditions - renowned for their transformative travel experiences and as a premier provider of customised travel services to Mongolia, India, Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan - will provide travellers with an unparalleled level of personalised service to seamlessly book both pre-designed itineraries and tailor-made expeditions incorporating Beyond Green member properties and other hotels on Beyond Greens itinerary booking platform. Their dedicated team keeps travellers well-informed and inspired, assisting with activity arrangements, transfers, reservations, and tours guided by experts, along with help navigating any relevant travel restrictions, if needed.

The new carefully curated travel experiences are ready for booking on the dedicated Plan Your Trip platform at StayBeyondGreen.com/plan-your-trip/asia and include:

 7-day Bhutan Explorer Journey (season: September  April): Experience Bhutans unparalleled natural beauty and rich cultural heritage through a range of activities, including hiking through lush forests, exploring ancient monasteries, and savouring local cuisine. Highlights of the trip include discovering the countrys capital of Thimphu; visiting Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful and well preserved dzongs (fortress) in Bhutan; taking an awe-inspiring hike to the legendary Tigers Nest; and seeing the black-necked cranes of Phobjikha. Visitors will also learn about local sustainability initiatives, including conservation of Bhutanese culture and heritage, waste reduction and management, local sourcing of food, and community engagement.

 12-day Iconic Nepal (on demand departures from September  April): This cultural tour begins by exploring the sites in and around Nepals Kathmandu Valley. Travellers will wander the ancient temples and bazaars of Kathmandu, meet with the Tibetan Buddhist community at Bodnath, and explore the Hindu temple complex at Bhaktpur and Patan. After experiencing the best of Kathmandu, visitors will head to Pokhara, the second largest city in Nepal. Nestled in the lushly forested Pokhara Valley, the city of Pokhara is surrounded by the towering Himalaya mountain range, including several of the ranges legendary peaks  Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, the iconic fish-tail peak of Machhapucchare, and the redoubtable Annapurnas. The tour ends in the Terai, the plains and jungles of Nepal, for four days that will blend relaxation with the thrill of a safari in Chitwan National Park.

 9-day Mongolia Explorer (private journey offered from May-October): This journey offers travellers the opportunity to explore the storied realm of nomadic adventure, ancient culture, and otherworldly beauty that is Mongolia. Guests will connect deeply with one of the wildest places on Earth by strolling through the monastery grounds and museums of the capital of Ulaanbaatar, camel trekking across seas of dunes, discovering fossils at the iconic Flaming Cliffs, and taking in the natural beauty of Yol Valley National Park and Terelj National Park. Guests will stay in luxuriously appointed traditional gers and meet eminently hospitable local people to embrace a timeless way of life.

 12-day India - Exploring Rajasthan (private departures From September  March): A region abounding with magnificent forts and palaces, Rajasthan is the fabled land of the Maharajas of India. This tour offers a captivating journey through the enchanting state of Rajasthan with immersive experiences showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and sustainable initiatives. The tour begins with a visit to Jaipur, the vibrant capital city known for its palaces and bustling markets. From there, participants will venture into the rural heartland, exploring traditional villages and witnessing the authentic lifestyle of the locals. The itinerary also includes visits to iconic landmarks such as the majestic Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur and the exquisite Lake Palace in Udaipur. Along the way, guests will engage in meaningful activities like wildlife conservation and eco-friendly initiatives, promoting sustainable practices and supporting local communities. This tour offers a unique perspective on Rajasthan, allowing travellers to delve deep into its cultural tapestry while contributing to its preservation for future generations.

Beyond Green is also making it easier to explore the world by car with the debut of its new road trip itineraries providing sustainable roadmaps for travellers seeking unforgettable adventures, while minimising their global climatic impact. The California Road Trip takes travellers on a scenic route encompassing some of the most remarkable roads in the United States. From picturesque Laguna Beach in Southern California northwards to Big Sur, San Francisco, and Napa Valley, the route extends all the way to the Stateline of Nevada.

Along the way, travellers can stop at Beyond Greens five exceptional and eco-conscious hotels and resorts in California and Nevada to experience the breathtaking beauty of the West Coast while minimising their environmental footprint. For an international adventure to Europe, wanderlusters can embark on a road trip across the Italian countryside, savouring each regions unique landscapes, history, culture, and cuisines while experiencing Beyond Green's exceptional collection of sustainable accommodations in Tuscany, Piedmont, Lake Garda and the Dolomites.

Continuing its dedication to leveraging travel as a positive force, Beyond Green also recently introduced a new e-directory that can be found here. This empowering platform enables travellers to make conscious travel choices by providing easy access to a comprehensive directory of the brands sustainable hotels, resorts, and lodges around the globe. With detailed information about each property's unique amenities, experiences, and sustainability initiatives, the e-directory enables travellers to foster deeper connections with the people and places they encounter, thereby creating more meaningful experiences along their way. - TradeArabia News Service
Over the past decade, drug overdoses have been the leading cause of unnatural deaths in Virginia, outpacing fatal vehicle crashes and gun-related deaths.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin visited a Stafford County church on Monday to talk with faith leaders about a behavioral health crises largely related to drug abuse.

The governor, and a pair of local candidates running for statewide office, talked with the group about work being done to deal with the growing drug problem and behavioral health treatment. They also wanted to get ideas and insights from community leaders.

We recognize clearly the crisis that were in, the governor told the group at Vision Community Church, off Deacon Road, just down the street from the Woodlawn Shopping Center, where a proposed methadone clinic has stirred up opposition and controversy.

The system is not capable of dealing with the volume, the governor said. It is not because we dont have dedicated people who absolutely have their hearts so committed to serving people. The numbers and the extent of the challenge is truly overwhelming the system.

Youngkin said his administration has worked to overhaul and transform our behavioral health system, highlighting the Right Help Right Now program, a three-year endeavor the governor hopes reverses Virginias behavioral health system from one of the nations worst into a top U.S. program.

There is no magic wand to fix the behavioral health crisis, Youngkin said. We have to come together and make it work.

Vehicle crashes topped the list of unnatural deaths all but one year between 2007 and 2013, followed by gun-related deaths. Fatal drug overdoses were a distant third over that period, according to Virginia Department of Health data.

But in 2013 drug overdoses topped the list and increased each year through 2021, when 2,669 fatal overdoses were reported. Last year there were 2,557 fatal overdoses reported, according to preliminary VDH data.

The VDH says opioids, specifically illicit fentanyl, have been the driving force behind the large increases in fatal overdoses.

Youngkin was joined by a pair of local candidates in the midst of campaigns for the November elections: Lee Peters III, a captain in the Stafford County Sheriffs Office and 12-year veteran of the Marine Corps who is running for District 65 Delegate seat; and Del. Tara Durant, a Republican running for the 27th District Senate District. She won the 28th District House seat in 2021.

Peters told the crowd hes lost friends, from his military and law enforcement circle, because of a behavioral health system that wasnt prepared to help them. He said people in crisis shouldnt be handled by police and handcuffed to beds.

Ive seen people who need help and cant get it, he said. Peters added that its encouraging to hear the governor pledge money to address the problem.

Durant said she has consistently heard about the drug problem from residents since she became an elected official. Still, she added many dont understand the increased risk of unintentional overdoses caused by drugs laced with fentanyl, which is much more potent, and deadly, than heroin and cocaine.

The governor touted the Right Help Right Now program, highlighting key tenants of the program, which aims to offer real-time help for people suffering behavioral health issues.

The key tenants of the program include offering same-day care for people suffering a mental health crisis; relieve the burden on law enforcement and decriminalize some of the issues that can arise; increase capacity for people in need of help; establish improved mobile treatment for people who suffering substance use disorders; strengthen the behavioral health system; and identify innovations to fill capacity gaps in the system.

The governors last budget included more than $660 million for the program, and he is seeking another $230 million in new funding.

The programs initial plan calls for more mobile crisis teams, more spots at crises centers and a Medicaid waiver priority waitlist.

The governor said the Right Help Right Now program addresses many issues for the system, but said they are looking for more input.

One problem the governor, Peters and Durant said needs addressing are penalties for drug dealers.

Youngkin mentioned a bill passed this year by state lawmakers designating fentanyl as a terrorist weapon which includes a sentence of up to 10 years for anyone distributing substances with the drug in it. He also highlighted a bill he supported that would institute a felony homicide charge for dealers involved in fatal overdoses, but said politics blocked it.

The governor took several questions from the crowd, and the leading issue mentioned were government hurdles blocking faith-based groups from funding for programs that could fill the gaps in behavioral health system.

Vision Community Church Bishop Ron Willis said they opened a counseling center recently and realized there is a much bigger need than expected.

Its a start, he said.

Youngkin said forming community partnerships is a good idea to create a pipeline of help.

Others in the crowd said they have created similar programs or wanted to, but they have been handcuffed because of their religious status.

Michael Zello said the government puts up a firewall that keeps faith-based groups like his familys  Beauty for Ashes Women and Childrens Home, which provides help for women struggling from behavioral or substance abuse problems  from getting funding to help run their programs.

The governor said freedom of religious expression shouldnt impede the help such groups want to provide. Let me work on it.
Memorial services for Ed Loftis will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, at Alder Grove United Methodist Church in rural Craig. Burial will be in Craig Cemetery. A visitation is set for Thursday, August 24, 2023, 5-7 p.m., at Pelan Funeral Services in Oakland. A Craig native, Loftis passed away peacefully on August 13, 2023, at the age of 63.

Edwin Guy, fondly known as Ed, was born to Robert Parke Loftis and Veda Joyce (Reinert) Loftis, on Aug. 3, 1960, in Omaha, Nebraska.

Ed was one of two students in his class at the Alder Grove District 21 country school, a two-room school house two miles from his house. He then transferred to Oakland-Craig and graduated in 1978. During these years his heart became divided between accounting and hogs.

A graduate of the University of Nebraska with a BA in business administration (emphasis in accounting), Ed moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma, to work for Conoco/ ConocoPhillips for 33 years. He held various accounting positions in the comptrollers and tax departments. His work had the family moving several times, including to Texas; Alberta, Canada; and then back to Oklahomabut his heart was always in Nebraska.

After retirement, Ed returned to his childhood farm in Craig and raised Berkshire hogs.

During their years in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Ed was an active member at the Bartlesville Presbyterian Church where he served as trustee and worked the audio and video for Sunday services.

Ed loved vacationing with his family. Camping when the kids were young morphed to camping on the high seas in later years, also known as cruising. Ed was a loyal Huskers fan and enjoyed their season tickets. He also enjoyed playing cards with friends and family and doing virtual game nights with his kids and grandkids.

Since returning to the area in retirement, Ed was an active member of the Alder Grove United Methodist Church where he was baptized and confirmed serving as the treasurer to the church and parish. He also was active in his community, serving as the treasurer of the Craig Community Foundation and in supporting the local youth in agriculture.

Ed is survived by his wife Tammy and three children, Anne (Joseph) Frana, Amber (AJ) Fallgren, and Darrin (Liz) Loftis; seven grandchildren: Eden, Eli, Grace, and James Frana, Owen Tupper, Elsie and Bentley Loftis; siblings, Gary (Sharon) Loftis, Cindy (Tim) Jensen, and Steve (Mary) Loftis; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Veda Loftis.

Memorials are suggested to Alder Grove United Methodist Church, 181 County Road 21, Craig, NE 68019; or Craig Community Foundation, % Henry Unwin, 1790 County Road H, Craig, NE 68019.

Pelan Funeral services is in charge of the arrangements.
The Fremont Police Department (FPD) lost two more police officers last week, with two state-certified law enforcement street officers working their last days on Aug. 15 and Aug. 18.

Both officers resigned in good standing, with one taking a new law enforcement job in California and the other stating on a state form that he was leaving the law enforcement field to pursue a new career.

With the two departures, the Fremont Police Department has had a total of seven staff resign since March 3, including one detective, five street patrol division officers and the lone mental health services liaison officer.

The two latest resignations take the departments unofficial roster down to 33. Normally, the department has 40 staff. One new officer was hired on July 11, but he is still in his Field Training Officer (FTO) status and not allowed to patrol alone until he completes the training period.

Requests via email and telephone for comment on the latest resignations made to Fremont Police Chief Jeff Elliott were not responded to as of the Tribunes press time on Tuesday, Aug. 22.

The FPD is working hard to recruit new officers, with an advertisement posted at the citys employment webpage as well as multiple social media posts made on the police department and City of Fremont Facebook pages.

The FPD hosted a meet and greet event on both Aug. 16 and Aug 19 during which potential applicants could meet FPD officers and learn more about the application process as well as job duties and hiring requirements.

Officer Brandon Ramirez worked his last day at the FPD on Friday, Aug. 18. He was hired on July 12, 2022, after relocating to Fremont from Hesperia, California.

According to a mandatory state Personal Change-in-Status form submitted to the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island, Ramirez accepted a new job with the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Office.

The other officer to depart the FPD last week was Officer Derick Leaman, who had worked with FPD since April 2019. According the Fremont Police Department 2021 Annual Report, he graduated from the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in 2019.

In a Dec. 19, 2019, post to the Fremont Police Department Facebook page, officials announced that Leaman had successfully completed his field training officer period and had become an official police officer able to patrol alone.

According to his biography in the citys 2021 annual police report, Leaman was a 2018 graduate of Hasting College, majoring in sociology along with an emphasis in criminology. He also received a minor in communication.

In his mandatory state Personal Change-in-Status form submitted to the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island, Leaman was listed as, leaving law enforcement and (has) no new position.

In late July, community services supervisor and animal control officer Kelli Brown, and patrol division officer Christopher Williamson both resigned from FPD in good standing to take new jobs at other regional law enforcement agencies.

Brown was hired by the Bellevue Police Department and Williamson was hired by the Bennington Police Department.

On March 3, FPDs mental health co-responder officer Rachel Wesely resigned and worked her last day. Attempts by the Tribune to verify her employment status with the department were not responded to.

Longtime and respected FPD Detective Matt Hultquist resigned from the department to take a new job with the Saunders County Sheriffs Office as of Monday, April 24. Hultquists last day of employment with the FPD was listed as Friday, April 21. Hultquist had worked at the FPD for more than 26 years.

The third officer to resign since March 1, 2023, was former FPD patrol officer Payton L. Boston, who resigned effective April 24, 2023, after he was arrested on April 2 for suspicion of DUI in Iowa.

Boston pleaded guilty on July 12 to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, first offense, a serious misdemeanor in Iowa. On July 11, Boston was charged with three Class I misdemeanor charges: suspicion of third degree domestic assault; and two separate counts of suspicion of child abuse.

On July 25, Boston pleaded not guilty to all three charges. His next court appearance is a pre-trial hearing scheduled for 9 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 29.
A 62-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of child abuse resulting in death after a 1-year-old girl was left in a van Monday outside an Omaha day care center.

Ryan Williams was booked into the Douglas County Jail about 8 p.m. Monday. He is accused of causing the death of Ra'Miyah Worthington, who was found unresponsive in a van outside of Kidz of the Future II day care at 5001 Leavenworth St.

An Omaha police spokesman said Tuesday that the van belonged to the day care center. Omaha Fire Department medics were called to the scene shortly after 3 p.m. and transported the child to the Nebraska Medical Center where she was declared dead.

According to a social media post seeking money to help with funeral expenses, Ra'Miyah has five siblings. Her mother and father were identified as Sina Johnson and Rianna Worthington, respectively.

Lt. Neal Bonacci said the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Phone messages seeking comment that were left on the day care center's voice mail service were not immediately returned.

The air temperature measured 96 degrees shortly before 3 p.m. on Monday, according to National Weather Service data recorded at Eppley Airfield. The heat index was measured at 113 degrees.
New research from the Buffett Early Childhood Institute shows Nebraska is moving in the wrong direction to achieve full funding for high-quality early childhood education, something that has been lacking in many communities for years.

In a study published earlier this month, the institute warns that a looming federal funding cliff for child care providers could further strain Nebraskas already underfunded early childhood education system.

In 2021, the total investment needed to fund high-quality child care in Nebraska was just more than $1 billion, according to the latest data available in the study. Funding for that year barely topped $438 million, leaving a 57% funding gap. In 2017, the funding gap was 51%.

Cathey Huddleston-Casas, the studys author, said the gap will continue to widen following the expiration of Nebraskas $312 million federal COVID-19 relief package. This federal aid has been used by providers since 2021 as a way to help keep child care afloat during the pandemic, but the majority of the funds must be spent by September. A small amount has an expiration date in the fall of 2024.

When this money goes away, theyre going to have to look at the teachers theyve hired and say, I cant continue to pay you this much because I dont have this money coming in the door anymore,  Huddleston-Casas said. And those teachers will leave. When centers lose teachers, they cannot serve as many children, and when centers cannot serve as many children, families lose access to child care.

For Lisset Christian, owner of Dianas Learning Center in South Omaha, the end of the pandemic aid will make it harder to give her one staff member meaningful pay increases.

I try my best to provide her with as big of a wage as I can, but it leaves me kind of breaking even at the end of the day, Christian said. Im not getting rich off of this.

Christian said she and other metro providers have been holding their breath in hopes of the state issuing more grants. Early childhood education receives roughly half of its funding from state and federal sources, while the other half is from the private sector, such as parent payments.

But Huddleston-Casas said state funding has been lacking for years. While Nebraskas gross domestic product grew $8 billion between 2017 and 2021, early childhood education funding has decreased.

Huddleston-Casas said the state is moving away from the goal of the Nebraska Early Childhood Workforce Commission, which calls for fully funding the states early childhood system by 2030.

Right now, Huddleston-Casas said the system is subsidized by paying its workforce low wages with no benefits.

Even before COVID, child care was already not at its strongest, Christian said. You are struggling to find employees while also providing a living wage for yourself. We are struggling  even if COVID had never happened.

Nebraska has experienced a net loss of nearly 10% of its child care programs since before the pandemic, according to the institute. Nearly 91% of counties reported not having enough child care slots to meet local demand and families in 11 counties lack access to even a single licensed provider.

Huddleston-Casas said the study was distributed to lawmakers and state education officials  but its not known who will take action.

I feel like if we all recognize that when we spend money on quality early care and education, its investing because it comes back to us. It comes back to us in academic achievement, employment, taxes paid, not paying for correctional facilities, and so on and so forth, Huddleston-Casas said. But typically, those kinds of returns on investment take years. And elected officials dont necessarily have years to demonstrate their own impact. And so that makes it very difficult to compete with all of the priorities that theyre asked to consider.

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Two local companies are considering investing nearly $30 million combined to expand operations in Colorado Springs and adding almost 700 new high-paying jobs to the community in the coming years.

The Colorado Springs City Council on Monday heard two financial incentive requests that could persuade both companies to grow their companies in the city; the first was a proposed $102,590 sales and tax use rebate over 10 years for an unidentified Colorado Springs-based high-tech small business, code name "Project Star Trek," considering an expansion that over the next three years would add an estimated 200 jobs, with an average annual wage of $140,000.

The second proposed agreement was to provide $82,379 in sales and use tax rebates over 10 years to Colorado Springs defense contractor Infinity Systems Engineering. The company is considering adding 459 jobs to the area over the next decade, with an average salary of $143,625 a year.

"This is another potential big win," said Bob Cope, Colorado Springs' economic development officer who will retire from the role Sept. 2 after 15 years of employment with the city. "This is a large number of jobs at very high salaries."

City staff recommended Monday the council approve, at its regular meeting Sept. 12, resolutions authorizing two 10-year economic development agreements between the city and each of the companies. Both are also considering expanding into other locations, making them competitive projects, staff said.

Project Star Trek, which provides technology services and software products to government and commercial customers, is considering spending $15 million over two years to expand locally. A staff presentation on Monday showed the unidentified company plans to remodel an existing commercial location, mostly of office space and secure facilities.

The company plans to create 200 new jobs as a direct result of expansion, but the project could create 340 jobs indirectly or through induced demand over the proposed agreement term, bringing the total of new permanent jobs up to 540. Another 105 construction jobs could also be created, the city's Senior Economic Development Specialist Shawna Lippert said.

Colorado Springs would offer up to $102,590 in incentives for the project, including a $55,510 sales and use tax rebate on the company's purchase of business personal property like machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures; and a $47,080 rebate on its purchase of construction materials, a staff presentation shows.

Lippert estimated the agreement would grow the local economy by about $455 million over 10 years and would generate, after incentives, about $4.5 million in new city revenues during that time.

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If the company's current operations remained in Colorado Springs and it also expanded, Lippert said over the proposed 10-year agreement it will result in 729 combined permanent jobs, the local economy will grow by $628 million and it will generate about $6.13 million in new city revenues.

Infinity Systems Engineering provides systems engineering, integration and testing services to major prime integrators and the Department of Defense. Cope said Monday the company, under code name "Project Thoroughbred," could spend $14.7 million over 10 years to create 459 new jobs in that time.

The company plans to add a new product line that will incorporate new software using artificial intelligence and machine learning into its systems engineering services. The business expansion requires additional renovated commercial space, Cope told the council.

Infinity Systems Engineering could create another 780 jobs through induced or indirect demand, for a total of 1,239 permanent jobs. Forty-five more construction jobs could also be created as part of the expansion, Cope said.

The city plans to offer as much as $82,379 in incentives for Project Thoroughbred. This includes $18,160 in sales and use tax rebates for business personal property and $64,219 in rebates for purchases of construction materials.

Cope said this agreement would grow the local economy by about $605 million over 10 years. After incentives over that period, it's expected to generate around $5.9 million in new city revenues.

Should Infinity Systems Engineering remain and expand in Colorado Springs it will create 1,819 combined permanent jobs, the local economy will grow by $1.14 billion and it will generate about $10.3 million in new city revenues, Cope said.

The Colorado Economic Development Commission on Thursday approved up to $4.26 million in state tax credits for Project Thoroughbred.

The proposed financial incentive requests are among a series of economic development announcements in Colorado Springs over the last year that would add 2,300 jobs  many paying significantly more than El Paso County's average wage of $60,151.

The council is scheduled to formally consider a 10-year agreement with Swiss solar cell manufacturer Meyer Burger at the board's regular meeting Tuesday. If approved, the city would agree to provide up to $3.04 million in rebates to the international company.
Denver Public Schools (DPS) was once a national model for school innovation and reform. District leadership focused on student learning and giving parents choices to find the best fit for their children.

Now, the DPS board is stacked with directors beholden to the Denver Classroom Teachers Association. Its so ideologically married to the unions self-interests  and so incompetent  that it continually tests the citys capacity for outrage.

One recent edict stripped Beacon Network Schools of its innovation zone status. Innovation zone schools are free, public schools that operate independently from the DPS board. Given the current boards misplaced priorities, its understandable why parents seek tuition-free schools liberated from DPS.

BNS mostly low-income and minority students benefit from research-based interventions that are helping them catch up to their wealthier peers. Autonomy from district bureaucracy also allows BNS to tailor learning to students needs and use data to track progress.

Theres a 13:1 student-teacher ratio at one Beacon campus  hard to find outside of expensive private schools. No wonder parents are furious at a board seizing control for controls sake.

Teachers are also unhappy. Under Colorado law, district schools become innovation schools when a majority of teachers vote in favor of joining a zone.

In Beacons case, 100% of its teachers voted to become zone schools. Unlike completely independent public charter schools, innovation schools waive some policies but are still governed by DPS.

Ignoring parents and teachers is the boards standard operating procedure. Last spring, it declared DPS bureaucrats could run Beacon better than Beacon administrators. After refusing to allow Beacon testify in its defense, it voted to suck Beacons Kepner Beacon and Grant Beacon Middle Schools back into the district.

Beacon appealed to the Colorado State Board of Education. In July, some state board members suggested DPS give Beacon more time for academic improvement. Others encouraged DPS to wait for the 2022-2023 Colorado Measure of Academic Success results before upending Beacons community.

While DPS power-drunk board is unlikely to heed the state boards recommendations, the 2023 CMAS published Thursday prove it embarrassingly wrong, again.

Beacon improved English language arts and mathematics test scores, in some cases by whopping margins. In English, 8% more Grant Beacon Middle School students tested meeting or exceeding proficiency than in 2022, with nearly 47% at or above grade level. In math, Grant Beacon grew by 6%, with 30% of students proficient. Its sixth graders alone improved almost 20% in math and 11% in English.

For context, Paul Vallas, retired superintendent of four large school districts, said, A good goal is 10% growth, but anything above 5% is success.

By comparison, West Middle School, a traditional DPS campus with similar demographics, backslid. In 2022, 16% of West students met or exceeded English standards while 6% did in math. In 2023, Wests English proficiency shrunk to 15% while math stayed static at 6%.

Apparently, Beacon does know what its doing.

While celebrating Beacons progress, Executive Director Alex Magana acknowledges a ton of work remains. Kepner Beacon also improved in every subject, but only 26% in ELA and 7% in math are on grade level. To Maganas credit, although the DPS board publicly maligned him, he has no intention of abandoning his students  some of DPS neediest.

Magana says because of Beacons CMAS scores, DPS Superintendent Alex Marrero promised Magana the flexibility he needs to achieve the dramatic strides his students need.

Meanwhile, DPS board members are required to discuss the state boards recommendations this week. They could vote to restore Beacons innovation zone status. But that would mean admitting an error in judgement  not this boards style.

Conversely, exhibiting grace that is almost startling, Magana says whatever happens, he will strive to find common ground with DPS and work cooperatively with Marrero.

After all, Magana says, This was always supposed to be a partnership.

He notes that policy watchers, including Reinventing Americas Schools author David Osborne, labeled Denvers innovation zone school model the Third Way, meaning an alternative to both district-operated schools and autonomous public charter schools. Regarding DPS current state of affairs, he says, Maybe I can find a Fourth Way as long as DPS gives me the same level of flexibility  I just have to ride this out.

The ride may be short. Three board seats are up for reelection, and this tempest is just one in a string of DPS divisive brawls.

Tressa Pankovits is co-director of the Reinventing Americas Schools Project at the Progressive Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. Her nephew is enrolled in Denver Public Schools.
An Army deputy chief of staff charged with modernizing installations and improving quality of life toured Fort Carson this week and found some room for improvement with housing, but noted the Army has no plans to move away from housing contractor and maintenance provider Balfour Beatty Communities.

Fort Carson residents voiced their strong disapproval of their housing in the Army's 2022 tenant satisfaction survey, where they ranked the base the lowest out of all Army installations with privatized housing for overall tenant satisfaction. Fort Carson's overall score was 55.7 or very poor. Scores below 55 are classified as crisis.

When asked about resident frustration, Lt. Gen. Kevin Vereen, said garrison leadership told him that Balfour Beatty Communities is showing improvement and there is no discussion about changing companies.

"We're nowhere close to even having a discussion about changes," he said. While the Army does not provide the housing on Carson, it is charged with oversight of companies.

As part of modernizing housing, Balfour Beatty is building about 160 homes in the Cherokee West neighborhood, a project that started last summer with demolition, an effort Vereen cited as one of the improvements Balfour Beatty is making. The homes will replace 239 units that were torn down.

"They are moving in a positive direction," he said.

In April, Congressman Doug Lamborn raised concerns about the construction delay of those homes with Army Secretary Christine Wormuth, in addition to poor maintenance.

"I am still deeply concerned by the poor living conditions at Fort Carson," he said at the time.

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So far in Cherokee West some ground clearing has started ahead of construction, Vereen said.

When asked about what could be done to improve the company, Vereen pointed to quality control, among other steps.

"We've got to be able to provide enough overhead inside of their management offices, to be able to do the quality control and quality assurance requirements that they're all obligated to do," he said.

He would also like to see good customer service and follow-up to ensure that if residents report an issue, someone follows up to ensure the issue is fixed.

Beyond Fort Carson, Balfour Beatty has faced consequences for poor management through the Department of Justice.

In late 2021, Balfour Beatty pleaded guilty to committing major fraud against the United States related to lying about repairing service members' homes, according to a news release.

Instead of promptly repairing housing for U.S. service members as required, BBC lied about the repairs to pocket millions of dollars in performance bonuses, said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco in a statement. This pervasive fraud was a consequence of BBCs broken corporate culture, which valued profit over the welfare of servicemembers.

As part of the deal Balfour Beatty agreed to pay $33.6 million in fines and over $31.8 million in restitution to the U.S. military, serve three years of probation and engage an independent compliance monitor for a period of three years, the department said. It also agreed to resolve its civil liability for $35.2 million.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday released the name of a man fatally shot during a confrontation with law enforcement in southeast Colorado Springs on Thursday.

Benjamin Annaboli, 37, was shot at least once by Colorado Springs police after he brandished a gun while officers tried to arrest him in the 1700 block of Aeroplaza Drive, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Annaboli, a violent felon, was wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and parole officers with the Colorado Department of Corrections, according to a news release. He had a warrant for his arrest in Jefferson County and faced charges related to felony menacing, court records show.

Police found Annaboli sitting in a vehicle parked in a Super 8 parking lot.

As officers tried to arrest Annaboli, he fled in his vehicle before trying to escape on foot by running toward the front door of the hotel.

When officers deployed a police dog, Annaboli brandished a handgun, according to the release. At least one city police officer fired at Annaboli, who died after being rushed to a hospital.

The El Paso County Coroner's Office has yet to release Annaboli's cause and manner of death.
Sean Dorsey, superintendent of Manitou Springs School District 14, understands that the doors to his district can swing in both directions.

Of the 1,450 students currently attending Manitou schools, 666 reside in other area districts, including 390 from Colorado Springs District 11 and 147 from Woodland Park. But Dorsey, whom the Manitou Board of Education unanimously selected as superintendent in April, knows his students are equally free to seek their education elsewhere.

We are a district that is built on choice, Dorsey said. Almost 50% of our kids live outside the district. But while we want to attract students and families, we also want to retain the ones we have, and the way to do that is to make sure this remains a great place for parents to send their kids.

The way to do that, Dorsey said, is to continue to provide challenging academics, engaging electives and enriching after-school programs including Connect 14, an initiative that offers students a broad spectrum of activities ranging from animal husbandry to robotics.

I believe in this district, said Dorsey, who fills the leadership role vacated when Elizabeth Domangue stepped down in January. Thats why Im excited to bring my kids here with me. Theyre ninth graders, and theyre coming here instead of Sand Creek High School, because I believe Manitou provides a great educational experience for students.

Dorsey started out as a special education teacher at Greeley West High School, where he fell in love with teaching and began to develop a hands-on approach that has served him well in his various leadership roles.

But I never really imagined that I would (be a superintendent), Dorsey said.

Serving as an assistant principal in the Fountain-Fort Carson and Widefield school districts helped Dorsey hone his leadership skills, and his 13-year tenure as assistant superintendent of District 49s Sand Creek zone helped him learn to manage the diverse needs of a large staff and student body, he said.

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(Sand Creek) is a large zone. We were responsible for between 4,000 and 5,000 kids, Dorsey said. It was a big job, I did it for a long time, and I felt like it really prepared me to serve here.

Staff turnover will be another significant challenge, according to Dorsey. In recent years, District 14 has consistently been one of the Pikes Peak regions highest-performing school districts, but parents and former staff members have expressed concerns about the districts staff turnover rate, which went from 8.41% in 2019, to 23.56% in 2022, employment data show.

We obviously want to attract and retain quality staff, the superintendent said. Competitive salary and benefits are important in attracting staff, but theyll only stay if they enjoy coming to work.

Staff members want to believe that someone is listening to them, Dorsey said.

We need to authentically engage with staff on a regular basis and make sure they have the time, tools and resources to do their job well, he said. We need to understand whats working well for (teachers), and whats not. And we need to make sure they have input on decisions that affect their jobs.

Years from now, when Dorsey looks back on his tenure at Manitou Springs, he wants to be able to say he abided by the campground rule  to leave the district better off than it was when he arrived.

I want to make sure students are having a great experience, that parents and community members are being served well, that this is a great place for staff to work, and a great place for parents to send their students, he said. If I can do that, then my time here will have been a success.
The GDP contribution of the US travel and tourism sector is forecast to top $2.2 trillion in 2023 with job numbers hitting 17.4 million.

A report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), together with WTTC members ForwardKeys and Mabrian Technologies, has unveiled new insights into the strong expansion of the US travel and tourism sector.

According to WTTCs Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2023 Global Trends Report, the GDP contribution of the US Travel & Tourism sector grew by 16.9% in 2022, to reach $2 trillion. Additionally, the sector also created 2.7 million more jobs compared to 2021.

This impressive growth was fuelled by a strong resurgence in demand from international visitors, whose spending increased by more than 150% year-on-year, to reach $115.7 billion in 2022.

The report also shows that domestic visitor spend has nearly regained its pre-pandemic levels with figures reaching $1.18 trillion in 2022, close to the $1.2 trillion spent by domestic visitors in 2019.

Measured by economic contribution, and spending by international and domestic visitors, the US led, boasting the largest travel and tourism sector in the world, in both 2019 and 2022.

Outbound travel trends

Data from ForwardKeys reveals a 13% increase in forward-looking US outbound travel, with prime growth destinations such as Greece, the Dominican Republic, Italy, Jamaica, and Mexico seeing increases ranging from 30% to 63%. Families are leading the travel recovery, with family-sized groups witnessing a 21% growth over 2019.

The top international destinations for US visitors are Mexico, Canada, and the UK, together making up 52% of all outbound departures in the US in 2022.

Increased passenger numbers

The resurgence in travel is also reflected in US airport statistics.

Statistics from Mabrian Technologies reveal that the US continues to host some of the worlds busiest airports. Denver International has witnessed the highest inbound passenger growth of any US airport with almost 2.2 million more passengers between 2019 and 2023.

Orlando International also experienced a rise in inbound traffic, accommodating 1.8 million more travellers in 2022 compared to 2019. The recently rebranded Harry Reid International Airport in Nevada ranks third, with 1.7 million more travellers passing through its gates in 2023 as opposed to 2019.

Other major US airports, such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Dallas Fort Worth International and OHare International, are also all forecast to be amongst the top 10 busiest airports in the US in 2023 in terms of total inbound passenger numbers.

Together, these figures underscore that the airports across the US welcomed a combined 9.6 million more passengers last year in comparison to the period just before the pandemic hit.

Future outlook

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said, "The US's performance is more than just numbers; it shows the resilience and enduring demand for Travel and Tourism.

In 2019, one in 10 jobs globally were in the travel and tourism sector and its set to contribute $9.5 trillion to the global economy this year alone.

Shift in destination preferences

US travellers have remained steadfast in their continued preferences for southern European destinations. Searches for vacations to southern Europe only saw a minimal 0.3% decrease according to ForwardKeys, highlighting Americans sustained interest in the region, despite high summer temperatures.

With contributions reaching pre-pandemic levels, the US travel and tourism sector's positive trajectory signals optimism and growth, reflecting the sector's resilience and potential. - TradeArabia News Service
Its hard for some people to imagine life without a computer, but the digital divide remains wide for many in the Pikes Peak region who dont have a computer or internet service, dont know how to use a device or just arent sure they want to venture into the murky domain of technology.

A new Digital Equity Program thats launching next week aims to link low-income people in the community who want to become computer savvy for personal or business applications with an opportunity to learn.

Digital inclusion is the work of Maria Mendez, who was hired in June for a new position, digital equity program manager, at the Hanifen Employment Center at Catholic Charities of Central Colorado, which is based in Colorado Springs.

There is a lot of interest, she said. A lot of people are really excited that it will be helpful and benefit many in the community, so everyone has what they need for participation in the economy and society.

The Digital Equity Program kicks off with a presentation at 6 p.m. on Aug. 31 at Hillside Community Center, 925 S. Institute St.

Anyone can learn about the free courses being offered, get introduced to the budget laptop Chromebook and find out if their household income qualifies them for discounted access to high-speed internet service and electronic devices through the Community Economic Defense Fund Affordable Connectivity Program of the Federal Communications Commission.

As the Digital Equity Program rolls out, a traveling lab with 10 Google Chromebooks and four hot spots for internet access will provide public courses and workshops at community centers and organizations primarily in southeast Colorado Springs, where the need is the greatest, Mendez said.

Classes also will be offered at the Hanifen Employment Center at the Marian House campus, which serves homeless and low-income people.

The trainings will be available in Spanish and English, and volunteers are needed for digital literacy instruction, technical support and other work. If interested, email Mendez at digitalequity@ccharitiescc.org. People can also sign up for workshops and courses at that email or by calling 719-866-6285.

Each course consists of seven classes covering computer basics  from how to turn on a device to proficiency with emails and internet searches to privacy issues and word processing.

Participants will receive one-on-one technical support with tasks such as resume writing, searching for jobs or other information, downloading and uploading forms, and filling out applications for housing, financial assistance and food supplements.

Things that require more (than) our phones can provide, Mendez said.

Participants who finish all four courses of Northstar Digital Literacy will receive a free Chromebook and certification of completion.

This is going to be a pretty robust, individualized and in-depth program that will help people get those skills they need for their own personal use or to get a new job, said Rochelle Schlortt, spokeswoman for Catholic Charities of Central Colorado.

A community survey at https://forms.office.com/r/3aSUcsnEtX will help further identify the needs, Mendez said.

Digital diversity has been a concern since the turn of this century, but glaring consequences became obvious during the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools scrambled to equip all students with electronic devices and internet connectivity so they could do lessons and assignments online at home.

Still, some students, parents and even teachers had to use parking lots at schools or public places, such as coffee shops with free wireless connection, to complete schoolwork.

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Higher rates of not being able to afford or not having access to computers or the internet appear nationwide among low-income families; Black, Hispanic, Indigenous and multilingual households; rural residents; older adults; and people with disabilities, Mendez said during a recent presentation.

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that 10 million American households had no computer of any kind in 2020, and 17.7 million American households had no internet subscription.

Part of the problem is access. Data technology company BroadbandNow estimates that 42 million Americans have no access to broadband services, with rural America having the largest amount of no-service zones where connectivity isnt available.

Legislation Colorados General Assembly passed this year enables local governments to advance broadband internet services without voter approval to reach a goal of connecting 99% of Colorado households to high-speed broadband by the end of 2027.

Of the states 200,000 unemployed adults, an estimated 66,000 lack foundational digital skills, Mendez said, and 77% of jobs in Colorado require computer capabilities.

Catholic Charities received just over $194,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding distributed by the city of Colorado Springs four months ago to improve digital equity to underserved residents. Other grant recipients of the $800,000 fund are:

 Boys and Girls Club of the Pikes Peak Region, to teach youths online safety, typing skills, web searching, coding and gaming.

 CommunityWorks, for basic computer literacy and using technology for employment.

 Centro de la Familia, to help clients develop English language skills, access government and social resources, and participate in the workforce, education and civic life.

 Solid Rock Community Development Corp., to start a Digital Community Hub.

 Pikes Peak Library District Foundation, to extend Wi-Fi signals and install outdoor remote lockers to boost circulation of Chromebooks and internet access after-hours.

 Silver Key Senior Services, to assist seniors in breaking through the technology barrier and use electronic devices to enrich their lives.

Three of the organizations, Silver Key, Solid Rock and Centro, are working on collaborating to cross-refer people and share program materials once their efforts are underway, said Silver Key President and CEO Jason DeaBueno.

Offerings at Silver Keys new computer lab, which has obtained hardware and trainers, will debut in early October with classes at its Connections Cafe at 1625 S. Murray Blvd., he said.

Computer acumen helps seniors complete Medicare paperwork, for example, and broadens their horizons, DeaBueno said.

One of the most pressing and tangible issues we're addressing is the digital equity initiative's potential to mitigate the competitive challenges faced by older adults seeking rental apartments, he said.

Traditional paper-based applications are difficult for seniors who lack transportation to fill them out in person, DeaBueno said.

By offering technology training, were helping level the playing field, he said.
A former Rocky Ford police officer is facing charges of tampering with evidence, theft and official misconduct in connection with crimes investigators say he committed while working at the rural police department in southeast Colorado.

George Ibarra, 41, was arrested Tuesday by the Rocky Ford Police Department, Otero County Sheriffs Office and Colorado Bureau of Investigation and booked into the Bent County jail, authorities announced Wednesday.

Ibarra was arrested in 2021 on two misdemeanor counts of harassment, which prosecutors later dismissed, court records show.

Rocky Ford is about 95 miles southeast of Colorado Springs.
The Pueblo Police Department has asked the public to avoid the area near the Fourth Street Bridge as officers investigate a suspicious package.

The investigation is occurring near the 700 block of Elmhurst Place, police announced Tuesday morning on social media.

The area was announced clear at 12:20 via an X post.

This is a developing story. This article will be updated once more information is received.
Five Coloradans have died from the West Nile virus, and 74 cases have now been confirmed scattered throughout the state.

The counties where people contracted the virus and died are Weld, Pueblo, Boulder, Jefferson County and La Plata, confirming that the mosquitoes that carry the virus are not gathering in a particular area.

The Boulder County Health Department on Tuesday morning reported that a West Nile virus death in the county was a Longmont resident, who died from meningoencephalitis, which happens when there is inflammation or infection of the meninges (spinal and cranial membranes) and brain at the same time.

The Longmont patient contracted the virus from an infected mosquito, which then caused the meningoencephalitis.

"The increase in Culex mosquitoes is astonishing," said Shawn Hollister, a spokesman for Boulder County Health.

The Culex is the species which is the most likely to transfer the West Nile virus.

Colorados fifth death, coupled with the fact that 43 people have been hospitalized from the virus this season, has public health officials warning folks to take mosquitoes seriously.

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This is a sharp increase from what we saw last week and it is more cases than what we normally see this time of year, said Annemarie Harper, Communications Director for the Colorado Department of Health and Environments Disease Control and Public Health Response.

On average, Colorado would normally have seen less than 10 cases by this point in the year.

Lane Drager, Boulder County Public Health Consumer Protection Program Coordinator, recommended that Coloradans should take precautions, including "eliminating any standing water around your home, avoiding being outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active and wearing insect repellant containing DEET and long sleeves and pants when outside after dusk."

This year, during which Colorado saw one of its wettest spring and summer months on record, entomologists and public health officials have been holding their breath as the West Nile virus numbers steadily creep upward. The state's first death from the virus occurred in Weld County earlier this month.

The county with the most cases so far is Larimer with 14. Weld has 13 and Denver and El Paso counties have reported seven each. The average age of Coloradans who have been affected by the virus is 55, with the ages of those affected ranging from 90 to seven, according to the health department.

Most people that end up getting infected with West Nile virus via a mosquito bite don't end up showing symptoms, though some can ultimately develop an illness with deadly potential. Last year, 20 people were killed by West Nile virus in Colorado among 206 reported cases. People aged 60 and older are at greater risk, as well as those with certain health conditions, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants.
PESHAWAR/ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (Reuters) - Rescuers in Pakistan pulled five of seven children to safety after they became stranded with their teacher in a cable car high over a ravine, but a helicopter rescue operation was called off as night fell, media and a security source said.

Flood lights were installed and a ground-based rescue operation was continuing more than 12 hours after their cable car snagged, leaving it hanging at an angle, a security source said.

The source added that cable crossing experts had been sent by the military to the remote area north of Islamabad and were trying to rescue the children one by one by transferring them on to a small platform along the cable.

"Three more children have been rescued in Pakistan army's rescue operation," the military said after the helicopter had been withdrawn. "Five children have been rescued so far. Operation is continuing."

A video shared by a rescue agency official showed more than a dozen rescuers and locals lined up near the edge of the dark ravine, pulling on a cable until a boy attached to it by a harness reached the hillside safely to cries of "God is great".

Residents said community members from surrounding areas who had experience rescuing people this way had also arrived.

'SLOW AND RISKY'

"It is a slow and risky operation. One person needs to tie himself with a rope and he will go in a small chairlift and rescue them one by one," said Abdul Nasir Khan, a resident.

One of the cable lines carrying the car snapped at around 7 a.m. (0200 GMT) as the students were travelling to school in a remote mountainous area in Battagram, about 200 km (125 miles) north of Islamabad, officials said.

Two children were rescued by helicopter, one by one, district official Shah Fahad and the military's media said. Television footage showed one child being lifted off the cable car by a helicopter in a harness, swinging side to side before being carried to the ground.

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The cable car became stranded half way across the ravine, about 275 metres (900 feet) above ground, Shariq Riaz Khattak a rescue official at the site, told Reuters.

The helicopter rescue mission had been complicated by gusty winds in the area and the fact that the helicopters' rotor blades risked further destabilising the lift, he said.

"Our situation is precarious, for god's sake do something," Gulfaraz, a 20-year-old on the cable car, told local television channel Geo News over the phone. He said the children were aged between 10 and 15 and one had fainted due to heat and fear.

The rescue effort has transfixed the country, with Pakistanis crowded around television sets, as local media showed footage of an emergency worker dangling from a helicopter cable close to the small cabin, with those onboard cramped together.

Crowds of villagers gathered on the hillside anxiously watching the operation.

Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar said he was tracking progress of the rescue.

"Thanks to the efforts of our army personnel, students stuck in the chairlift have started returning to the ground safely," Kakar said in a post on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

(This story has been refiled to say that five of eight have been rescued so far, in the second bullet)

(Reporting by Asif Shahzad and Gibran Pehimam in Islamabad and Mushtaq Ali in Peshawar; Writing by Gibran Peshimam and Shivam Patel; Editing by Sharon Singleton, Nick Macfie and Hugh Lawson)
After a decade of stagnant achievement, declining enrollment, and lackluster district leadership, Woodland Park School District voters ushered in reform-minded candidates to the school board in 2021 with a clear message: Our students deserve a world-class education, and their parents deserve district accountability.

These candidates were unequivocal in their convictions. During the pandemic, school closures and contentious mask mandates hindered student progress.

The districts transparency with parents and the community was inadequate, particularly regarding education options, discipline, grading, facilities and finances. The reform school board candidates emphasized the need to expand parental choice in schooling. They secured victory in all four seats contested in the November election.

The voters spoke loudly in endorsing a new direction for Woodland Park schools, and the newly elected conservative majority has responded accordingly.

At the heart of the campaign was the fight over Merit Academy, then a contract school led by passionate and empowered parents who wanted a creative option for their children. The union-friendly majority on the school board had rejected their proposal for a charter school, despite the boards outside expert advising that they approve the strong application.

The conservative slate pledged to reverse that decision. In electing the conservative majority, voters were endorsing the charter school over the objections of the self-serving union.

In May 2022, Merit Academy received district charter school approval under the new board. The district went even further to ensure equitable access to the school by extending bus service to Merit Academy students at no additional cost to the district. Ken Witt, the new superintendent, stated, Choice only matters if, in fact, you can access your choices.

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There is a lot of rhetoric in modern politics about equity and opportunity in education, but most of the time it is performative. In the case of Woodland Park schools extending bus service to help students access their school of choice, the new leadership was fostering equitable opportunity in a real and practical way.

Despite these positive efforts to deliver an exceptional learning environment for all students, those who lost power in the 2021 election have been quick to attack the new board. One of the new school board members was harassed into resignation. The opposition has used a playbook, written by a teachers union, titled How To Oust A Right-Wing School Board. This is the same union that, just this year, declared their organization as directly opposed to capitalism. In no way do those anti-American values represent residents of Woodland Park.

Alongside expanding choice, the district revised its social studies standards, adopting the American Birthright framework to ensure that Woodland Park students cultivate critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of our nations founding principles. Given that only 18% of young Americans express extreme pride in being American, emphasizing civics in social studies is a long-overdue measure. While the standards cover much of American history, the district uses additional standards to meet state requirements around, for example, financial literacy.

The districts positive transformation has shown results. Enrollment rose nearly 16% in 2022-2023, primarily due to Merit Academys approval, defying statewide enrollment declines. The board also approved the largest staff pay increase in district history. Although opposition persists and appears to be loud, it thankfully remains a minority voice.

Statewide and national media can contemplate how or why Woodland Park voters decided to take their school district in a new direction, but it is no mystery to those who live within district boundaries. It is also not surprising that dismantling a failed governing philosophy is met with resistance.

Instead of questioning why Woodland Park voters decided to try something new, perhaps the media should question why those in power have stood by for so long as our public education system has crept away from the peak of customer service and toward the cliff of mediocrity.
The federal appeals court based in Denver has reinstated a legal challenge to Colorado's regulations on groups advocating for or against ballot initiatives, which require registration with the state and, in some instances, disclosure of donors.

Previously, a trial judge threw out the lawsuit from the Colorado Union of Taxpayers after finding the conservative advocacy group had not shown the government was likely to take enforcement action against the organization for failing to comply with transparency rules.

But a three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided on Wednesday that the group had a reasonable fear of drawing a complaint about its spending-without-registration, and, therefore, had the ability to sue over Colorado's campaign finance regulations.

"Under Colorado law, the authority to file a complaint extends beyond prosecutors and agencies to any person," wrote Judge Robert E. Bacharach in the panel's Aug. 23 order. CUT "could fear complaints from political opponents trying to gain an edge on hotly contested ballot issues."

The lawsuit now returns to the trial court, where a judge will decide whether to block enforcement of certain requirements imposed on issue committees through the state constitution and related laws.

"With this appeal behind us, we look forward to returning to the trial court and getting to the heart of the important First Amendment issues at stake here," said attorney Daniel N. Nightingale on behalf of the Colorado Union of Taxpayers.

Secretary of State Jena Griswold, the defendant in the lawsuit, said in a statement that she "will always fight against dark money. I am optimistic that the facts of the case will result in another dismissal at the trial level."

Although the 10th Circuit declined the group's invitation to address the merits of its constitutional challenge on appeal, Bacharach did point out that Colorado's regulations on issue committees, its laws and its constitution contain conflicting language. Griswold and the organization's attorneys both declined to comment on the discrepancy in Colorado's campaign finance framework.

Case: Colorado Union of Taxpayers v. Griswold Decided: August 23, 2023 Jurisdiction: U.S. District Court for Colorado Ruling: 3-0 Judges: Robert E. Bacharach (author) Mary Beck Briscoe Michael R. Murphy Background: Judge denies advocacy group's attempt to suspend Colo. campaign finance enforcement

Colorado law imposes various obligations on groups that engage in ballot initiative advocacy, known as issue committees. "Small-scale" issue committees that spend or raise between $200 and $5,000 in an election cycle must register with Griswold's office and maintain a separate bank account. Issue committees that handle more than $5,000 have additional disclosure requirements on donations.

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Two years after Colorado first enacted registration requirements for issue committees in 1974, the Colorado Union of Taxpayers was founded. The group largely advocates for decreased government spending, publishes ratings of bills and names lawmakers who are "taxpayer guardians."

The group has never registered with the government. In 2019, it "arranged for" radio advertisements to advocate against Proposition CC, a taxation ballot measure. The expenditure was for $5,001, which would have required the group to both register and disclose its donations. The next year, it spent almost $3,500 on advertisements for two more initiatives.

The group then filed suit against the state seeking to void the requirements applicable to issue committees. It argued Colorado had no valid interest in regulating the political speech of groups that do not primarily advocate on ballot initiatives. Further, the $5,000 threshold, enacted in the wake of another court decision, was arbitrary. Finally, the organization contended the regulations needlessly apply to ballot initiatives that are still in the signature-gathering phase, many of which do not end up appearing before voters.

In March 2022, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Christine M. Arguello dismissed the group's claims because it lacked standing to sue. Arguello explained it needed to show the government's credible threat of enforcement was deterring the organization from engaging in advocacy.

"Plaintiff continues to spend money on advertisements and argues in favor of proposed initiatives," she wrote. "There is no evidence that Plaintiff faces a credible threat of enforcement. Since its founding in 1976, CUT has never faced an enforcement action related to an allegation that it is an issue committee."

The group appealed to the 10th Circuit. In arguing that CUT did, in fact, face consequences from the state, it cited 303 Creative v. Elenis, in which a Colorado graphic designer preemptively sued to stop the state from enforcing its anti-discrimination law against her. The 10th Circuit found the plaintiff had standing to sue, and the U.S. Supreme Court did not dispute that conclusion when it reviewed the case this past year.

The 10th Circuit agreed with the group. Bacharach noted Griswold's office pursued enforcement action against another advocacy group while CUT's lawsuit was ongoing. Although its expenditures were far less in comparison, the panel believed the organization's fear was reasonable.

"Though theres no evidence of an enforcement action against small-scale issue committees, the defendants didnt disavow enforcement and any person could file a complaint," Bacharach wrote.

He also noted a discrepancy in Colorado's campaign finance regime. Regulations define an issue committee as a group whose "major purpose" involves ballot issue advocacy and also has accepted more than $200 related to ballot issues. The state constitution, on the other hand, only requires an issue committee to satisfy one of those criteria.

Bacharach further pointed out that state law offers a different interpretation of "major purpose" than the regulations do. The effect, he explained, is that the group is more likely to be in violation of the registration requirement.
A panel of state lawmakers who lead in the water and agriculture space said any water conservation program Colorado conceives of shouldn't go into place until after California and Arizona first take action.

The bipartisan panel spoke Wednesday at Colorado Water Congress about the water policies passed in the last legislative session, and where they see Colorado water policy headed in the next year.

"We're at a place where we know that Colorado is not the reason why the Colorado River is threatened. It is Arizona and California's overuse," Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Eagle, said. But it would be foolish for the state of Colorado to simply lock itself into that position of "we want the lower basin to do everything" because the political realities don't bear that out.

Those realities include that the speaker of the U.S. House is from California, a state that has many more members of Congress than Colorado does.

The intention of a state-created task force has to be to create solutions to protect farms, protect municipalities, and protect the environment, in the event the federal government gets involved and imposes across the board water cuts, Roberts said.

He added "any program we start in Colorado" should not begin until after California and Arizona do their part.

"But we shouldn't be ignorant to the fact that it could happen in the near future where the federal government says people across the [Colorado River] Basin need to cut their water use, including water users here in Colorado."

House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, told the audience that having a legislative leader such as herself who represents rural Colorado and the Western Slope brings a "renewed invigorated focus on water" and a stronger partnership with the executive branch. That includes the governor and the Department of Natural Resources.

House Minority Leader Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, sat in for Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, the House minority's acknowledged expert on water.

"There is an appetite and opening of the door for serious water conversations," Lynch said.

Roberts, who chairs the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, also bristled at a suggestion that there hasn't been enough action on water from either the water community or the legislature.

In January, both Gov. Jared Polis and McCluskie announced water would be a priority in the 2023 session.

The session produced successful legislation on stream restoration and restoration projects, as well as an aborted effort at a major bill to address the Colorado River and drought.

That was instead turned into a short-term task force on drought, required to produce a report with recommendations to the legislature's water resources review committee, due by Dec. 15. The task force has so far held two meetings, the most recent on Aug. 10. But it has little so far to show for it with less than four months before the report is due.

Roberts insisted the legislature did make water a priority in 2023, noting the annual water projects bill, which in 2023 got its biggest funding ever, about $90 million.

As to the drought task force, Roberts said the point of that group is to have conservations "about what we should be working on." He believes many good ideas will come from the Water Congress and a meeting of the water review committee later in the day. He was one of its sponsors of the bill.

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The bill creating the task force was a bipartisan effort, Roberts noted. The intention was "not to cram a policy through the legislature," but to get the best minds in this space together and encourage them to have those hard conversations, knowing that not everything would be agreed upon, he said.

"Our constituents are demanding action. They see the future. They see climate change," he said

Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, who chairs the House Water, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, recently had a conversation about what makes a bill a solid piece of policy.

"It's giving (the legislation] the opportunity to go through a process" with the potential that it might look a lot different than where it started, even when the conversation slows down. "This task force is allowing that slowing down process, longer conversations, more voices to be heard."

She added that she's been advising people to pay attention to what happens on the Colorado River, whether they live in the basin or not. "Every sector of our economy, every inch of the state will be impacted by what happens on the Colorado River system. "What happens in the Colorado River will impact all of us," she added.

"I want you to be alarmed anytime you hear the word task force, because it's good news and bad news," Lynch said. The good news is the attention to the issue. The bad is that it's a task force and that mean's something will come from it.

That implies deliverables, Lynch said, and that requires people in the water space to be at the table. "You'd better make sure you're ahead of it and that your voice is heard."

One of the questions put to the panel was what difference it has made for Democrats to hold a supermajority in the House. "When it comes to water, it certainly isn't Republican or Democrat," McCluskie said. She pointed out that she continued the commitment to keep Catlin, a Republican, as vice chair of the House Agriculture Committee. Catlin had been put into that position by the previous House speaker, but McCluskie said she wanted to keep that bipartisan leadership on the committee because that matters when it comes to water.

Roberts said people also also see the future where there could be drastic cuts imposed along the Colorado River, including in Colorado. The intention of the task force wasn't to force through any particular policy, "but to have the conversation about what we do within our state to prepare for the future in those worst case scenarios."

This is not a time to retreat to the corners, Roberts said. "This is not a time to put our heads in the sand. This is the time to put things on the table, talk through them" and give the legislature guidance on what Colorado should be doing next.
Two local companies are considering investing nearly $30 million combined to expand operations in Colorado Springs and adding almost 700 new high-paying jobs to the community in the coming years.

The Colorado Springs City Council on Monday heard two financial incentive requests that could persuade both companies to grow their companies in the city; the first was a proposed $102,590 sales and tax use rebate over 10 years for an unidentified Colorado Springs-based high-tech small business, code name "Project Star Trek," considering an expansion that over the next three years would add an estimated 200 jobs, with an average annual wage of $140,000.

The second proposed agreement was to provide $82,379 in sales and use tax rebates over 10 years to Colorado Springs defense contractor Infinity Systems Engineering. The company is considering adding 459 jobs to the area over the next decade, with an average salary of $143,625 a year.

"This is another potential big win," said Bob Cope, Colorado Springs' economic development officer who will retire from the role Sept. 2 after 15 years of employment with the city. "This is a large number of jobs at very high salaries."

City staff recommended Monday the council approve, at its regular meeting Sept. 12, resolutions authorizing two 10-year economic development agreements between the city and each of the companies. Both are also considering expanding into other locations, making them competitive projects, staff said.

Project Star Trek, which provides technology services and software products to government and commercial customers, is considering spending $15 million over two years to expand locally. A staff presentation on Monday showed the unidentified company plans to remodel an existing commercial location, mostly of office space and secure facilities.

The company plans to create 200 new jobs as a direct result of expansion, but the project could create 340 jobs indirectly or through induced demand over the proposed agreement term, bringing the total of new permanent jobs up to 540. Another 105 construction jobs could also be created, the city's Senior Economic Development Specialist Shawna Lippert said.

Colorado Springs would offer up to $102,590 in incentives for the project, including a $55,510 sales and use tax rebate on the company's purchase of business personal property like machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures; and a $47,080 rebate on its purchase of construction materials, a staff presentation shows.

Lippert estimated the agreement would grow the local economy by about $455 million over 10 years and would generate, after incentives, about $4.5 million in new city revenues during that time.

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If the company's current operations remained in Colorado Springs and it also expanded, Lippert said over the proposed 10-year agreement it will result in 729 combined permanent jobs, the local economy will grow by $628 million and it will generate about $6.13 million in new city revenues.

Infinity Systems Engineering provides systems engineering, integration and testing services to major prime integrators and the Department of Defense. Cope said Monday the company, under code name "Project Thoroughbred," could spend $14.7 million over 10 years to create 459 new jobs in that time.

The company plans to add a new product line that will incorporate new software using artificial intelligence and machine learning into its systems engineering services. The business expansion requires additional renovated commercial space, Cope told the council.

Infinity Systems Engineering could create another 780 jobs through induced or indirect demand, for a total of 1,239 permanent jobs. Forty-five more construction jobs could also be created as part of the expansion, Cope said.

The city plans to offer as much as $82,379 in incentives for Project Thoroughbred. This includes $18,160 in sales and use tax rebates for business personal property and $64,219 in rebates for purchases of construction materials.

Cope said this agreement would grow the local economy by about $605 million over 10 years. After incentives over that period, it's expected to generate around $5.9 million in new city revenues.

Should Infinity Systems Engineering remain and expand in Colorado Springs it will create 1,819 combined permanent jobs, the local economy will grow by $1.14 billion and it will generate about $10.3 million in new city revenues, Cope said.

The Colorado Economic Development Commission on Thursday approved up to $4.26 million in state tax credits for Project Thoroughbred.

The proposed financial incentive requests are among a series of economic development announcements in Colorado Springs over the last year that would add 2,300 jobs  many paying significantly more than El Paso County's average wage of $60,151.

The council is scheduled to formally consider a 10-year agreement with Swiss solar cell manufacturer Meyer Burger at the board's regular meeting Tuesday. If approved, the city would agree to provide up to $3.04 million in rebates to the international company.
U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert doesn't plan to sign a candidate pledge released by the Colorado Libertarian Party as part of a deal struck with state Republicans to avoid potential third-party spoiler candidates next year in competitive races.

Neither does Boebert's GOP primary challenger, Grand Junction attorney Jeff Hurd.

State Libertarians agreed earlier this summer to refrain from nominating candidates in races they might "spoil" by pulling votes from Republicans  if the Republican nominees meet the minor political party's standards.

Under an unprecedented agreement negotiated between Colorado GOP Chairman Dave Williams and his Libertarian counterpart, Hannah Goodman, the Libertarians last week released lengthy pledges for federal and state candidates to sign.

"Together we can break the stranglehold of Democrats' one-party rule over Colorado," the state Libertarians' governing board said in a social media post announcing the pledges, which each include more than a dozen positions ranging from opposing U.S. military aid to Ukraine to supporting the right of Coloradans to drink raw milk.

Boebert's campaign manager told Colorado Politics that the Silt Republican, who is seeking a third term in what's shaping up to be one of the most competitive congressional races in the country next year, isn't going to sign the pledge and will instead stand on her record.

"Congresswoman Boebert is not planning to sign the pledge," Drew Sexton said in an email. "The only two pledges the congresswoman does take are the Pledge of Allegiance and a pledge directly to her voters in the 3rd District to uphold the Constitution. Any organization can clearly see the principles she has consistently stood by and immediately understand what kind of legislator she is and will continue to be."

Last year, Boebert won reelection in Colorado's 3rd Congressional District in the closest U.S. House race in the country, with the Silt Republican defeating Democratic challenger Adam Frisch by just 546 votes out of more than 325,000 votes cast. A poll released Tuesday by a Democratic firm working for Frisch, who is seeking a rematch with Boebert, showed Frisch leading the incumbent by 2 percentage points, within the survey's margin of error.

Hurd, who declared his candidacy last week, doesn't intend to sign the pledge either, a campaign spokesman told Colorado Politics.

No, the spokesman said, adding that Hurd is "looking forward to engaging the voters on where he stands on all issues of importance, as he continues to campaign across the district.

Williams said last week that he "[didn't] think any serious candidate seeking our nomination in any competitive seat can ignore this," referring to the Libertarians' pledges, but on Monday said he isn't concerned after Colorado Politics asked him about Boebert's decision.

"She may not have to given her record," he said in a text message. "The Libertarians are always willing to consider these questions on a case-by-case basis. Ultimately, its the candidates call."

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Added Williams: "We are more focused on the open seats or seats with incumbent Democrats anyway, so this probably wont be an issue."

A spokesperson for the lone Republican so far running to represent Colorado's other toss-up U.S. House seat, the 8th Congressional District, wouldn't say whether Weld County Commissioner Scott James plans to take the pledge.

We received the pledge from Chairman Dave Williams and very much look forward to the dialogue as the campaign moves forward," James' spokesperson told Colorado Politics in a text message.

James is challenging Democratic U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo, a former state lawmaker from Thornton, who won election in the newly drawn district last year by less than 1 percentage point  far less than the nearly 4% of the vote received by Libertarian nominee Richard Ward.

Like Boebert's district, the 8th CD has landed on target lists released by both national parties.

State Republicans have also said they plan to target at least 10 legislative seats currently represented by Democrats.

Asked about Boebert's decision, the state Libertarians' communications director, Jordan Marinovich, had this reaction: "We will continue to assess the situation as we get closer to the election."

Last week, Goodman made clear that the Libertarians intend to run candidates "against any Republican candidates who do not sign this pledge."

In June, Goodman told Colorado Politics' news partners at 9News that she isn't sure if Boebert met the party's requirements.

"Is Lauren Boebert a strong liberty candidate? That is to be determined," Goodman said. "I don't necessarily think that Lauren Boebert... is a strong liberty candidate, in my opinion."

While the 3rd CD was the only one of Colorado's eight congressional districts without a third-party candidate on the ballot last year, two minor party candidates have already declared that they're running for the seat in next year's election.

Gary Swing, who has run for office in Colorado and other states on numerous tickets over the years, is seeking the Unity Party nomination, and Mark Elworth Jr., who has run for office in Nebraska as a Libertarian, a Democrat and the Legal Marijuana Now Party's nominee, is seeking the Libertarian nomination in the 3rd District.
Shovel Ready at City Aud, an innovative, advanced hospitality and culinary apprenticeship program, launched in February at The Well food hall and is off to a great start.

Its the first educational program to be launched as part of the Community Cultural Collective workforce program, which is an extension of The Community Cultural Collective at the City Auditorium. According to Madison Ward, CCC workforce navigator, with the completion of the fifth cohort (class or group of students), there has been an 84% placement rate.

Jay Gust, owner of three local eateries, is one who has benefited from the programs work.

I hired Noland King to work at Pizzeria Rustica, Gust said. He was a graduate of the first cohort and he is still working for us.

Ward listed 23 locally owned restaurants where apprentices have found employment, including The Rabbit Hole, The Steakhouse at Flying Horse, Formosa Bites, The Carter Payne, IV by Brother Luck and Bonnie & Read.

With the exception of one student who went back to school, all of the students who have been placed in a restaurant are still on the staff with that restaurant, Ward said.

For each cohort, 10 applicants are accepted for the intensive eight weeks of training. Students are paid $17.50 per hour of work-training.

Recently another opportunity has opened up for Shovel Ready at the City Aud.

The El Paso County Citizens Service Center has afforded us the opportunity to stand up an additional Shovel Ready location in the cafe space, said Linda Weise, CEO and president of The Community Cultural Collective at the Colorado Springs City Auditorium.

The team is working out the logistics of opening the restaurant at the service center. But its an indicator of the need for this type of program in the community and for the restaurant employers and employees.

Since the pandemic, the restaurant industry has been challenged to hire and keep staff, Gust said. Some restaurant employees now want to work from home. Others went to jobs they had always wanted to do before the shutdown. Some employees looking for work have only entry level skills, or lack advanced hospitality training. As a restaurant community, we needed to do something to help fill the gap of worker shortages.

Gust, with a group of like-minded chefs and leaders of nonprofit organizations, entered into discussions to find a means for offering culinary training to interested job seekers. The result was Shovel Ready City Aud restaurant.

Gust, Brother Luck, owner of two restaurants, and Justin Miller, from The Broadmoor, joined forces with Weise and Traci Marques of the Pikes Peak Workforce Center, with input from Pikes Peak State College, to design a curriculum for the program.

There are seven cultural pillars of the Community Cultural Collective, and arts, culture and education are three Weise said. The CCC is a 501(3) nonprofit, which is under federally approved funding as one of the workforce development programs during the pre-construction period of the City Auditorium. The Advanced Hospitality and Culinary Apprenticeship touches on all these pillars. And, because of this funding, we can pay teachers and the 10 apprenticeship holders.

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With the program guidelines determined and financing secured, all that remained was a venue from which to launch the program. Gust spotted a possibility at The Well, a downtown food hall.

The Well was opening four new food incubator concepts at the first of the year, which I thought would be the perfect place to test our culinary program, Gust said. In construction terms, the space was shovel ready. In other words, we would immediately have a physical place to get people in the kitchen with knives in their hands for training.

With a facility in place, the working team recruited Ben Hoffer as executive chef and lead mentor for training the apprentices. Kate Doncilovic, another well-established culinarian, came on board as Hoffers sous chef and assistant mentor, and Sami Posey was named junior sous chef and assistant mentor.

The first week of each cohort (class) is chaotic, Hoffer said. Most of them dont know anything about running a restaurant.

Keep in mind, Shovel Ready is an actual working restaurant in The Well. Hoffer and his chef team have to keep the kitchen functioning seamlessly for paying customers, during the transitions of one class starting and graduating, and the beginning of a new group of apprentices.

We have hired another junior sous chef and assistant mentor, said Doncilovic.

Its an exemplary team, Weise said. We are now able to hire some of our own.

Nicole Soto, a graduate of the fourth class, has been hired to mentor.

She is going to be a great addition to our team, Doncilovic said.

In addition to gaining hands-on culinary training, including advanced food preparation, creative expression and fine-dining menu building, students also get training in business and resource management, finance and ordering.

They are paid for 25 hours of work per week during the eight-week training program. Graduates of the program receive a $3 per hour bonus, a completion certificate, a high-caliber chefs knife and monetary support toward certificates exams such as ServSafe, Food Service Professional or Sous Chef. Graduates also get assistance in job placement within the independent local restaurant community.

Its a wonderful program, Hoffer said in a recent interview. Were teaching and training in real time. That means my staff turns over every eight weeks.

Word is spreading in the culinary community about this innovative program and is a good indication about the need for this type of educational opportunity. Onlookers say they can only imagine what other programs envisioned by the architects of the Community Cultural Collective will bring to the Springs.

Contact the writer: 636-0271.
A father was sentenced to nearly three years in prison for shooting his adult son.

Albany resident Steven Earl Worthen, 54, was handed a 34-month sentence on Friday, Aug. 18 in Linn County Circuit Court after he pleaded no contest to felony first-degree assault with a firearm.

Worthen was arrested in April 2022 and charged with second-degree attempted murder with a firearm, first-degree attempted assault with a firearm and two counts of unlawful use of weapon.

During the arraignment, the victim  with his arm in a sling  told the judge he wasnt shot intentionally but by accident. However, investigators and prosecutors said Worthen shot his son on purpose and meant to kill him.

Police were called to the Plum Tree Apartments at around 10 p.m. April 24, 2022, according to court records, which state multiple 911 callers reported hearing a single gunshot and a lot of yelling. Callers said they saw several people running toward an apartment and a Toyota truck with a camper fleeing the scene.

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A witness told police someone had been shot and was headed to the hospital, the records state, and a few minutes later Albany General contacted the Police Department about a man with a gunshot wound to his upper chest. The bullet reportedly exited out the back of the victims lower left armpit.

The shot was fired at such close range that it left unburned gunpowder around the bullet hole in the victims sweatshirt, investigating officers reported.

The shooting arose from a dispute between Worthen and his son, who lived with him at the Hill Street apartment, according to court records. Worthen told police his son had been mouthing off and saying inappropriate things in front of younger children, so they stepped outside the apartment for a fatherly conversation.

Worthen gave police inconsistent accounts of what led up to the shooting on an outside staircase, court records state, and did not confess firing the bullet. But he did admit to owning a 9mm Glock handgun for home defense.

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The victim would only say the shooting happened outside and only one shot was fired, according to the records, which state he requested that the District Attorney give the suspect a warning.

Worthen was also fined $200 and sentenced to three years of post-prison supervision. The charges of attempted murder and unlawful weapon use were dismissed.
Japan's move to discharge wastewater 'irresponsible'

08:40, August 23, 2023 By JIANG XUEQING in Tokyo and MO JINGXI in Beijing ( China Daily

Japan announced on Tuesday that it will start releasing nuclear-contaminated water from the destroyed Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean as early as Thursday, a move that sparked widespread criticism from the international community and local residents.

China voiced strong opposition after the announcement, saying that the act is "extremely selfish and irresponsible". It strongly urged the Japanese government to reverse its wrong decision.

On Tuesday, Vice-Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoned Japanese Ambassador to China Hideo Tarumi and lodged solemn representations over the decision.

Sun said that Japan's move disregards the strong concerns and firm opposition of the international community.

Condemning the decision as "extremely selfish and irresponsible", Sun said that Japan is putting its own interests above the long-term well-being of the entire humanity. "China is gravely concerned and strongly opposed to this," he said.

If Japan insists on the discharges, China will take all steps necessary to protect the ocean, ensure food safety and safeguard people's life and health, he added.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida gave the final go-ahead to the radioactive water discharge plan on Tuesday and said the government will oversee the release of "treated water", which he called "essential" for the safe decommissioning of the Fukushima plant.

Kishida said that authorities will address the concerns of local communities and fishermen over reputational damage and continuation of business, but his assurances have failed to ease doubts among Japan's people.

As the Kishida Cabinet cleared the plan, people from across the country staged a protest outside the prime minister's office on Tuesday.

Shigeru Tokiwa, a book editor in Tokyo who joined the protest, said: "This administration has been lying from the very beginning. It is just shameful, isn't it?"

Naomi Hori, a tour guide from Chiba Prefecture, said: "Nobody is convinced about the safety of the plan. The Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Co (the operator of the plant) are just piling up lies. Basically, no one is taking responsibility."

A massive earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011, destroyed the Fukushima plant's cooling systems, causing three of its reactors to melt and contaminate their cooling waters.

Sei Tamamori, a resident of Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, said, "The government calls the water 'treated', but it is actually contaminated water that the government is trying to rebrand."

At a regular news briefing on Tuesday in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that the legitimacy and safety of Japan's ocean discharge plan have been questioned over and over again for the past two years.

China strongly urges Japan to rectify its wrong decision, revoke the ocean discharge plan, communicate with neighboring countries with sincerity and goodwill, dispose of the contaminated water in a responsible manner and accept rigorous international oversight, he added.

On Tuesday, John Lee Ka-chiu, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, announced an immediate ban on importing Japanese food products.

The Macao Special Administrative Region has also announced a ban on the import of live and fresh food products from 10 prefectures and regions of Japan. The ban will take effect on Thursday.

Xi Tianqi and Prime Sarmiento in Hong Kong contributed to this story.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Lisa Greer brings more than 20 years of experience in hospitality, retail and marketing to her job as manager of the Danville Visitor Center.

Greer, who started in the position April 3, is passionate about every aspect of her job.

I love tourism, I love hospitality, I love the city, I love the county, she said during an interview in the visitor center lobby Monday afternoon.

She gets to interact with travelers passing through the area and discover for herself where they are going and what they want to see.

I love talking to people, Greer said. I love greeting people and finding out what their traveling goals are.

Greer comes to the visitor center with a background in hotel management. She worked for 11 years on and off for Daly Seven, which owns hotels in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. She also worked a decade in retail and marketing.

People who believe no one from outside the region comes to visit Danville, think again. More than 100 people came into the visitor center lobby Saturday and engaged with the travel counselors there, and nearly 90 dropped in Sunday, Greer said.

Travelers from all over  north, south, east and west  stop by the center. Many of them will ask about the new Visit SoSi brand adorning items and displayed in the lobby.

Visitors smile when we say, SoSi  So much to see, so much to do, Greer said.

Greer and the five employees, or travel counselors, at the center do not just randomly give recommendations to visitors on what to see in the region. They engage travelers, asking them what their interests are.

They will let history buffs know about tours available in the Old West End or those with the Pittsylvania Historical Society in the county. There is also the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History or the Danville Historical Society, she pointed out.

For families with young children, there is the Danville Science Center and area playgrounds. Theres ziplining offered at Dan Daniel Memorial Park, she added.

Other options for travelers interested in exploring the region  Danville and Pittsylvania County  include the Riverwalk Trail, Anglers Park and the Community Market, Greer said.

For those seeking locally made beer or wine, the region offers Ballad Brewing, 2 Witches Winery and Brewing Co. and The Homeplace Vineyard.

Our new focus is on the complete visitor experience, said Danville Tourism Manager Lisa Meriwether. We offer diverse opportunities to extend their visit by providing exceptional customer service.

Meriwether also referred to a hub-and-spoke methodology used when visitors ask about a local attraction.

If the visitor asks for one attraction, our team will promote others in the area to give them a variety to possibly extend their time in our community, Meriwether said.

Engaging with more than 100 visitors a day at the visitor center is not unusual, she said.

We expect that number to continue to increase as more and more visitors discover our community as a tourist attraction, Meriwether said.

Just days before a temporary casino opened in Danville in May, the new Visit SoSi regional tourism brand was unveiled by tourism officials.

The new marketing piece ties in the affiliation with Southside Virginia with a new twist by playing off the sounds of so and see.

Tourism brings in about $14 million in tax revenue to the region each year. Danvilles tourism program budget is about $768,000, and that includes the visitor center facility, operations and tourism staff, marketing, advertising and promotional materials including brochures, maps and website.

Each week, we review what we expect would bring visitation to our community such as college move-ins and graduation, festivals, racing events, concerts and more, Meriwether said.

When the full Caesars Virginia casino opens next year, more than 2 million visitors are expected to flood into Danville.

But beyond the casino, the region already offers tourism draws like motorsports, boating, fishing and hiking.

Rita McClenny, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, said during the May unveiling that she expects new development within the city with new hotels, eateries and experiences.

The work that you do every day in Danville and Pittsylvania County contributes to the economic vitality of the region, she said Wednesday. You have so much to be proud of and we stand there with you.

Over a nine-month period that included about 2,000 surveys and 16 focus groups, Visit SoSi emerged as the top winner for the areas new slogan.

The concept was developed by Eddy Alexander, a marketing and public relations agency founded in Roanoke in 2011.

Officials said in May that about 20,000 new guides  developed with the Visit SoSi reveal  would be placed in welcome centers throughout the state.

As for the visitor center, the Danville Office of Economic Development and Tourism  under the new Visit SoSi tourism program  assumed operation of the center in July 2022.

The state used to own the visitor center before turning it over to the city.

Meriwether pointed to Greers experience as the main reason she was hired.

Lisas extensive background in hospitality and management made her a great fit and she has already begun to implement new customer service strategies making for more memorable and meaningful visits for our tourists, as well as our local businesses, Meriwether said.

The Danville Visitor Center is different from a Virginia Welcome Center, which is owned an operated by the Virginia Department of Transportation. Welcome centers have space within their facilities where Virginia Tourism Corporation staff promote attractions, destinations and lodging establishments throughout the state.

There are 12 such welcome centers in Virginia, acting as gateways and first-stop destinations for travelers in the state.

The Visit SoSi visitor guides have been distributed to Virginias welcome centers as well as the more than 65 certified tourist information centers across Virginia, Meriwether said.

Visitor centers, on the other hand, are unique to the communities they serve, Meriwether pointed out.

Also known as certified tourist information centers, they are owned, operated and/or contracted by a public entity or supported by the communitys tourism program who has jurisdiction over the locality where the center is located, Meriwether said.

There are more than 65 certified tourist information centers across the commonwealth, she said.

To become one of those centers, you must meet certain criteria such as regular hours of operation, be in a convenient and accessible location for ease of travelers, display a variety of brochures and other literature providing information on destinations, attractions, events, shopping, dining establishments and accommodations within the area or region the center represents, Meriwether said.

The main goal of the visitor center manager and travel counselors are to be an ambassador for the city of Danville, she said.

We must be the determining factor for a positive impression of the city of Danville, Meriwether said.
GREENSBORO  A lawsuit alleging violation of open meetings law by the Guilford County Board of Education can proceed, a judge ruled this week.

The suit was filed by Republican Michael Logan and two GOP members of the Guilford County school board against the other school board members and the Board of Education as a whole.

The three plaintiffs are suing over the majority-Democrat boards appointment of Republican Bill Goebel to a school board seat the plaintiffs say rightfully belongs to Logan. They claim the actions leading to Goebels appointment violated open meetings law.

In their complaint, they allege Chairwoman Deena Hayes-Greene held a series of small meetings with the other six Democratic board members of the school board to determine if they would support appointing Goebel to fill the seat. Under open meetings law, those conversations should not have happened outside a publicly announced meeting, they say.

The attorney for the defendants argued in an email earlier this month that there was no violation of the Open Meeting Law.

As a legal remedy to the alleged open meetings violation, Logan and board members Crissy Pratt and Linda Welborn ask the court to order Goebel not to serve on the board and to void his appointment.

Its possible that request could be moot, given that the North Carolina General Assembly recently passed a law to strip Goebel of his seat.

The three are also seeking court costs, as well as a declaration that the open meetings laws were violated, and asking for the court to order the Democratic members of the board not to, hold secret serial meetings to subvert open public meetings.

Responding to a motion by the defendants to dismiss the case, Superior Court Judge Brad Long ruled this week that Logan, Welborn and Pratt can proceed with the claims as individuals, although not in their official capacity as school board members.

In an email, the defendants attorney, Michael Crowell stressed the judges action did not mean the plaintiffs had won the lawsuit.

It means only that the judge decided they had made sufficient claims to be able to go to trial, he wrote. Whether the open meetings law was violated will be determined after witnesses are heard and other evidence is introduced and considered to determine what actually occurred.

Even if the open meetings law was not followed, it does not automatically void the appointment, it will be in the courts discretion whether that is the proper remedy, he wrote.

In a separate email, the plaintiffs attorney Jonathan Kreider wrote, Judge Long has determined that, if our allegations are true, that the actions taken by the defendants would violate North Carolina open meetings laws.

If the allegations are true, the judge could then void the appointment of Mr. Goebel, he wrote. Further, the judge could issue an injunction that would prevent the Democrat members of the Board of Education and Mr. Goebel from further and future violations of the open meetings laws, namely, secret serial meetings between them that are not noticed, not public, and amount to the majority of the Board conducting the peoples business in secret.

The political warring over the school boards District 3 seat dates back to December.

State law charged the Guilford County GOP with choosing a successor to Republican Pat Tillman. They picked Logan, a longtime educator.

However, the school boards Democratic members repeatedly voted to reject Logan, eventually issuing a joint statement calling him out over social media posts that they viewed as representative of bigotry and racial prejudice.

The General Assembly then passed a law intended to help Logan secure the post.

Instead, at the very school board meeting when Logan assumed he would take the seat, the boards attorney revealed an interpretation of the new law that few saw coming: The GOPs nomination was no longer valid, because while the old law stated that just the executive committee members from District 3 could vote on the nominee, the new law removed that provision.

The board attorney told the board that, without a valid nominee, they were free to choose Tillmans successor.

That lead to the boards Democrats swiftly voting Goebel into office.

Logan and the two other Republican school board members then sued. Originally, their lawsuit also claimed that the boards action not to seat Logan was illegal, but the latest version of that suit drops that claim, instead just focusing on the open meetings law complaint.

And once again, the General Assembly has stepped in, passing a law last week to strip Goebel of the seat, and open it up for the county GOP to pick a successor.

Goebel and his attorney say the provision removing him violates the state constitution, and is therefore invalid. He said, if the district will have him, hes planning to stick around.

Reached by phone Thursday, Goebel said he still hasnt heard back from the school district on whether he is considered on or off the board at this point. Hes still attending district events as a board member.

He said board attorney Jill Wilson, in an email sent to the whole board, said something to the effect thats theres nothing to do right now, prior to the boards next meeting. Thats currently scheduled for Sept. 19.

Goebel said his impression is Wilson is still trying to figure things out, as far as what her stance will be on the matter.

The Guilford County GOP executive committee plans to conduct a meeting on Aug. 30 to elect a nominee to fill the District 3 seat.
In a 4-3 vote, the Catawba County Schools Board of Education voted to remove the library book Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez from its high school media centers.

Beyond Magenta, a book by Susan Kuklin, will stay.

The board held a special meeting from 6 to 11 p.m. on Monday night to discuss the fate of the books, which were first challenged by Michelle Teague in March 2022. Since then, Teague has been elected to the board of education.

The meeting room was packed with interested members of the public. All 60 seats in the boardroom were full. There was also an overflow room with 75 seats.

Teague gets her vote

Teague did not recuse herself from a vote on the books, even though she was the original challenger. Board member Leslie Barnette motioned to recuse Teague, saying it was not personal, only a matter of ethics. Board member Jeff Taylor seconded. The motion did not carry, because Teague and board members Don Sigmon, Tim Settlemyre and Annette Richards dissented.

Teague said that as a board member it is her moral and legal responsibility to serve the people of Catawba County by participating in the hearing. She cited the board policies on conflicts of interest and ethics, as well as several state statutes. The policies largely state that conflicts of interest occur in circumstances where a board member would have personal or financial gain. Teague said she has not crossed any lines.

This is a book hearing, Teague said. Books dont have due process rights. And to the extent that the members of the public have due process rights in connection with a book hearing, those rights are met  by providing the public notice and an opportunity to be here. The hearing is about whether the books are educationally unsuitable, pervasively vulgar or inappropriate for the age, maturity or grade level of the students. The hearing is not about me. Lets keep the focus where it belongs, on the best interest, and the educational welfare of the children.

Teague was met with applause from the audience.

Deliberation

Board member Taylor said it would do students a disservice to remove books such as Out of Darkness because the book depicts horrific situations that are an unfortunate reality for some students.

These students live in environments where those things happen, Taylor said, referring to the scenes of violence and a stepfather assaulting his stepdaughter in the book. Theyre not something in a novel. They live it.

Taylor, a former high school principal, said he has seen students in similar situations. I think that any material we can give them to show them theyre not alone, that there are other people going through the same kinds of things, is doing them a service, Taylor said.

Taylor also said the two books had been checked out less than 10 times since they were added to media centers in 2015.

Board member Richards disagreed.

Youre talking about, This is going to help them. How is it going to help them? It doesnt tell how to stop it. (The main characters) neighbors said she should marry the man. Then it says the preacher said they should get married, Richards said. She added that the book depicts slavery. Were taking down statues for slavery because its not politically correct anymore," Richards said. "Well, this (book) is not politically correct. There is nothing in here that  (shows how) to fix what is wrong. And its very explicit.

Board member Barnette reminded Richards that the book is written in the historical context of 1930s Texas. The two main characters are a Mexican-American girl and a Black boy.

Teague stated again that she finds the depictions of oral sex, rape and violence in Out of Darkness to be vulgar and much too explicit for minors. Barnette agreed parts were vulgar but said she did not think the book met the criteria of pervasively vulgar.

Barnette also said that the books have gone through both school reading committees and district reading committees, both of which decided to leave the books in high school media centers.

For us to go against what (professionals have) recommended in four different cases here means that we dont trust them, Barnette said. And I do (trust them). I see no reason to reverse a decision thats been made by the people (media coordinators) we gave that job to.

There was little to no conversation on Beyond Magenta except Taylors comment that reading about different perspectives broadens ones own perspective. Teague said there are depictions of oral sex and pedophilia in Beyond Magenta.

The meeting ended with Richards motioning to remove Out of Darkness. Sigmon seconded. The motion carried in a 4-3 vote, with Teague, Sigmon, Richards and Settlemyre voting in favor. Taylor, Barnette and Chairman Ronn Abernathy dissented.

Teague motioned to remove Beyond Magenta, seconded by Sigmon. The motion failed 3-4. Teague, Sigmon and Settlemyre were in favor of the motion, but Taylor, Richards, Barnette and Abernathy dissented.

Teague said after the meeting she is disappointed Beyond Magenta was not removed but is glad that Out of Darkness was. Under current policy, it will be one year before Beyond Magenta can be challenged again.
Helena Toys for Tots donated more than 2,000 childrens toys to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services on Tuesday for use in their family visitation rooms across the state.

Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras joined DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton to accept the toys and various furnishings from local community partners at the Child and Family Services Division (CFSD) office in Helena.

Establishing strong partnerships with faith and community organizations is critical in helping provide that extra boost of support for Montanas children and families, Juras said in a news release. Many organizations are wanting to lend a hand, and this is an excellent example of local organizations coming together to make a difference.

The initiative was organized by DPHHS Office of Faith and Community Based Services, Helena Toys for Tots, Buffalo Church, Promise 686 and CFSD staff that worked together to make improvements to three visitation rooms located in Helenas Arcade Building. The rooms are used for safe parenting time between children in foster care and their parents.

This project is designed to provide additional accommodations for families and to support them as much as possible. This effort started with conversations between Toys for Tots  Helena co-coordinator Howard Mears and Set Free Ministries Church Pastors Murph and Kim Powers, who are also foster parents in Helena, Faith and Community Based Services Coordinator Rob Lawler said.

Angie Fillinger of Toys for Tots Helena said the organization has been looking to expand its support beyond Christmas-time toy donations to support the child welfare system throughout the year. This is another way we can give back to the community outside of the holiday season, and were proud to partner with DPHHS, Fillinger said.

She said Toys for Tots has been growing its footprint nationally, such as expanding into support for foster care, and this is now happening in Montana.

In 2022, Helena Toys for Tots donated nearly 19,000 toys to about 2,500 children, and todays donation includes about 2,000 more toys.

DPHHS officials say the ability to have donated toys on-site that are appropriate for youth of all ages is extremely helpful during safe parenting time because it allows a way for parents and children to interact.

In addition, Buffalo Church, a partnering Promise 686 church, is supplying furnishings such as infant changing tables for all three rooms, lighting and decorations to instill a family room atmosphere.

We appreciate the opportunity to pitch in and help the families in this community that we love, and this is an amazing chance for us to give back to our city and help make a positive difference, said Buffalo Church Lead Pastor Todd Nicholson.

The Office of Faith and Community Based Services is a conduit between DPHHS and faith and community organizations across Montana creating a two-way flow of information, resources and programs to serve each community most effectively, the news release states.

Lawler said there are plans to replicate these types of volunteer partnerships in other communities to better support Montanas child welfare system.

This work also connects to recently passed legislation. Senate Bill 163, which establishes a volunteer program to support child protective services activities.

Lawler said in the coming months, DPHHS will establish an online registration portal to refer potential volunteers to faith and community-based organizations offering volunteer opportunities that support child protective services activities.

Were looking forward to providing an easy avenue for Montanans interested in partnering with us, Lawler said in the news release. We know that organizations are more than eager to help and thats exciting.
A few tables were scattered behind the Iron Front Hotel on Wednesday morning, sitting next to a handwritten sign pointing at them that said Free.

A charcoal grill, cradling a tinier grill, was chained to a post near the building. And on the other side of the sidewalk a large trash bin hugged the street.

And among all that was a hearty row of golden sunflowers, standing tall along a fence just east of the building.

Residents continued to move out of the Iron Front Hotel that morning, some getting help with transitional housing while at least one other resident said he was still looking.

Josh Stumberg, maintenance coordinator with Bigfoot Management, which manages the building owned by Gotlieb's Five LLC, was there to let people in and help them retrieve items.

Its terrible, he said. Its been a really intense week.

Stumberg said there were efforts underway to find housing for the nearly 30 residents displaced by the Aug. 14 electrical fire. There were time slots set up throughout the week when people could arrive. Residents had been moved to shelters or found lodging elsewhere.

He said they are still discussing remediation efforts and could not say when residents could move back in.

It could take six months, it could take a year, he said, adding it will likely be a real long process.

Its real unfortunate and just sucks for everybody, he said.

On Wednesday, a group that helps people transition from jail to society was among the first to get into the Front, where four clients were staying. They asked their names not be used, fearing public outcry.

Other Front residents were expected to show up during the day.

One of them was a man who asked to be called Junior.

Im doing good, he said as he grabbed a clean kitchen garbage can sitting next to the trash bin to carry his belongings. Its a setback, thats all it is.

The 40-year-old Junior said some of his clothes got water-damaged in the fire.

Its been pretty hectic, he said.

He offered a challenge to his fellow residents:

They are adults, he said. They need to get their heads out of their behinds and get moving.

Junior, a former Great Falls resident, had lived at the Iron Front Hotel for two years.

It was a quiet, tiny place, he said of the old building at 415 N. Last Chance Gulch. I liked it very much.

The Helena Area Community Foundation established an emergency relief fund (https://bit.ly/3qzkciw) for those affected by the fire.

The Tri-County Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) unit dispatched case workers last week to help those displaced by the fire register for housing assistance programs.

The COAD, United Way of the Lewis and Clark Area, the Helena Area Community Foundation, Red Cross, and Salvation Army as well as other groups, are all working to support these residents, the community foundation said on social media.

Emily Frazier, executive director of the foundation, said Wednesday that $16,775 had been raised so far to help the residents. She expected the site to remain up for a month from the day of the fire.

Funds collected will be distributed to the residents and/or the organizations providing support to them in this time, the website reads. People who do not want to donate online can send a check to the Helena Area Community Foundation at 901 N Benton Ave, Helena MT 59601. Note "Iron Front" support with any mailed checks.

Three businesses impacted by the fire included the General Mercantile coffee shop, which reopened Monday. Others include J-Macs pottery and the Windsor at Iron Front event venue. JMacs pottery sustained heavy damage and may open elsewhere in the building, it was reported recently.
Shareholders of the Original Montana Club Cooperative Association voted late Tuesday to authorize its board to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in an effort to allow them to reorganize, negotiate with creditors and preserve the historic but financially strapped club in Helenas downtown.

Members were told the filing allows the club to remain open.

It also will stay the ongoing lawsuit and allow payments over time, prevent a court-ordered liquidation, keep employees and allow for a thoughtful sale of assets as necessary.

The voice vote was unanimous among the nearly 40 people in the room, who also carried about 30 proxies from among 477 shareholders.

Board President Charles Robison said the Montana Club Cooperative had been sued by the Montana Club Building Condominium Owners Association, who are the other owners of the Montana Club building at 24 W. 6th Ave., for nearly $500,000 in unpaid assessments and interest, which comes to about $700,000.

The 76-page lawsuit was filed Oct. 7, 2022, against the Original Montana Club Cooperative Association and others, seeking foreclosure. It claims the defendants failed to pay regular monthly dues and assessments for the condos minimum expenses. It asks, among many allegations, for the court to foreclose a lien for common expenses and find the cooperative in breach of contract.

The condo association has asked a judge for a summary judgment against the cooperative. That decision is expected in October. In the meantime, the cooperative has put the Rathskeller bar in the basement up for sale in the hopes of raising nearly $600,000, a price tag that shareholders were told Tuesday night did not seem likely.

They were told there have been queries about the Rathskeller from across the country, but most were from local groups. They also reported on current revenues and said the Montana Club's dining room has been progressing every month.

Cooperative members on Tuesday were presented with five options the club could take in the hopes of resolving its financial problems.

Were a plane looking for the right place to land, Robison said.

Option 1 was allowing court-ordered liquidation to proceed.

Members were told this leads to the other building owners winning their sale and joining with developers to buy the club at a sheriffs sale, then convert the building into condominiums.

That is the destination we are headed toward now, members were told in a memo. That is the destination nearly all of us in the room want to avoid. That would be the end of the Montana Club.

Robison described it as a crash landing.

A second option, which would preserve the club, would be to sell the Rathskeller bar in the buildings basement and the sixth floor, where a dining room is located.

The proceeds would be used to pay past-due assessments and build a full kitchen on the second floor. The cooperative would then operate the club on the second and third floors.

A third option would be to sell the club bar and restaurant to a new owner, but allow the cooperative to preserve the club and open it to the public under private ownership.

A fourth option is for the cooperative to collaborate with other building owners to sell the building to a new owner. They said this is similar to what was done with the Baxter hotel in Bozeman, the Hotel Finlen in Butte and Wilma Theater in Missoula.

A fifth option was to have shareholders pay a monthly ownership assessment.

If the 480 shareholders each paid $20 a month, that revenue would sustain building costs and financing to repay unpaid assessments.

Robison said the board did not have an option it preferred. The proposals will be sent to shareholders later for a vote.

The bankruptcy discussion followed the presentation of the five options.

According to UScourts.gov, cases filed under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code are frequently referred to as a "reorganization" bankruptcy.

"Usually, the debtor remains 'in possession,' has the powers and duties of a trustee, may continue to operate its business, and may, with court approval, borrow new money. A plan of reorganization is proposed, creditors whose rights are affected may vote on the plan, and the plan may be confirmed by the court if it gets the required votes and satisfies certain legal requirements," the website states.

The Montana Club was founded in 1885 as local business people did not want outsiders to think of Helena as a mining camp. A seven-story building was built.

In 1903, a fire started on the sixth floor and the building burned to the ground, along with its valuable art collection. Members vowed to rebuild and the new building went up in 1905.

The Original Montana Club sold portions of the building and formed the condominium association in 1980. The fourth and fifth floors, and portions of the first floor, each belong to a separate owner. The Original Montana Club Cooperative Association owns the Rathskeller, the second, third and sixth floors and an office on the first floor.

Bruce Spencer, who is on the condo association board, said shareholders should follow the bankruptcy plan.

Bankruptcy will give you a little bit of control, he said.

Tori Walker, cooperative association treasurer, said a lot of information was pushed on to shareholders Tuesday.

At the end of the day, we cant promise you we will save the Montana Club, she said. But in no way are we admitting defeat and giving up.

The Montana Club of 1885 doesnt exist, Walker said.  We want to make sure this facility is open to the public and we'll do everything in our power to make that happen.
Anyone looking for a job that changes daily should apply to work anywhere in the fertilizer industry.

While a pile of potash might be boring in itself, the world around it and the entire fertilizer world is dynamic, including supply, demand, pricing, international intrigue and many other esoteric facets.

Grandpa would spread manure on the field to supply nitrogen. Then he would have phosphate and potash delivered to his field and use an 8- or 10-foot wide spreader to dribble out granules over an 80-acre field by the time the sun was below the horizon. He would be amazed at fertilizer today.

Todays cost of fertilizer is one of the biggest dynamics in agriculture. Anhydrous ammonia, the primary source of nitrogen for most farmers, was less than $500 per ton when it was applied in the fall of 2020. It topped about $1,600 per ton in the spring of 2022. It was entirely caught up in the sanctions placed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

With ammonia requiring natural gas for its production, the bans on Russian natural gas, high natural gas costs in Europe due to cold weather, and other factors caused farmers to shell out more for nitrogen for their 2022 corn crop. There was still price spillover for fall 2022 and spring 2023 anhydrous application to corn ground. During the spring and summer it has plummeted nearly $1,000 per ton, and 33% just since the first of August.

Other forms of nitrogen such as urea and UAN have also declined in price to be competitive. But in some locations, those products have dropped faster in price than anhydrous ammonia and farmers are calculating the possibility of changing their typical choice of nitrogen for their next corn crop after a price comparison.

The location makes a big difference also, which may dictate the source of the fertilizer, and how it was shipped to the dealer. Normally most of the fertilizer applied in the Corn Belt is delivered by barge on the Mississippi River, originating from Florida phosphate mines, or imported from other nations and delivered to Gulf terminals.

Russia and Belarus supply major quantities of global potash demand. Morocco has phosphate reserves, but its exports are subject to tariffs because of Moroccan government subsidies. China is a source of phosphate, when it needs money, and opens its supply to the world. Both of those are just now happening. Then India will periodically jump into the global market and take off large quantities that change the global supply availability.

Then there are major North American fertilizer suppliers, whose revenue has declined too far lately due to over-supply and have decided to restrict production by various means to regain a handle on the supply and restore their desired profitability.

Something in the fertilizer industry makes headlines everyday in Reuters and Bloomberg, and based on the annual needs of the Corn Belt farmers, they may be pushing their farm kid to learn the fertilizer industry before returning to the farm.
So, Ron DeSantis gets it after all.

"A movement can't be about the personality of one individual," DeSantis told the Florida Standard. "If all we are is listless vessels that's just supposed to follow, you know, whatever happens to come down the pike on Truth Social every morning, that's not going to be a durable movement."

He prefaced his "listless vessel" line by noting that the case for Trump has been "totally detached from any type of substance." Conservatism and the Republican Party have got to be about the question, "What are you trying to achieve on behalf of the American people? And that's got to be based in principle."

It's a bit frustrating that DeSantis is only saying this now, as some of us have been saying this for the better part of a decade. Years of listlessness have created an environment where Republican voters now say they think Trump tells the truth more than religious leaders or their own families. I'm not convinced they actually believe this, but the response certainly speaks to the dysfunction on the right.

Even more annoying: DeSantis is himself a recovering listless vessel. His most famous ad in his 2018 bid for governor showed him reading bedtime stories to his baby about Donald Trump and teaching his daughter to read with Trump's "Make America Great Again" yard signs.

The Trump world's response to DeSantis' "listless vessel" line -- which was clearly not intended as an insult, given that he referred to "we" -- was not only predictably whiny, it largely proved his point. All weekend, with ample boosting from Fox News, Trump surrogates tried to spin the comments as a replay of Hillary Clinton's "deplorables" moment. The spokesperson for the aptly named MAGA Inc. declared, "DeSantis must immediately apologize for his disgraceful insult."

Given that DeSantis' campaign motto is "Never Back Down," one would hope he won't give in to Trump's patented crybullying.

But that's not assured. Before Wednesday's GOP presidential debate in Milwaukee, a debate prep memo from a super PAC supporting DeSantis was made public. It advised DeSantis to: "1. Attack Joe Biden and the media 3-5 times. 2. State (DeSantis') positive vision 2-3 times. 3. Hammer Vivek Ramaswamy in a response. 4. Defend Donald Trump in absentia in response to a Chris Christie attack."

It revealed how scared DeSantis' campaign is of Trump. Of course, DeSantis is not alone. With the exception of Christie, Asa Hutchinson and the underrated Will Hurd, the other candidates are all desperately running to come in second to Trump.

Mike Pence, by his own book-length eyewitness account of the events that led to Trump's federal and state criminal indictments, argues that Trump tried to violate the Constitution and overturn the election. Yet now he says Trump should be given the "presumption of innocence" and that he "would have preferred that these matters be left to the judgment of the American people." That's fine for legal punditry, but rhetorically weird for someone running against the quarce-indicted Trump.

To one extent or another, all of the candidates -- Christie included -- have been complicit in turning the GOP into a vast armada of listless vessels. But at least Christie's trying to atone by honestly and full-throatedly addressing Trump's unfitness for office.

The rest are waiting for a deus ex machina to remove the runaway front-runner for them. Of course, the only plausible mechanism for that deus ex machina is the criminal justice system, which all of the candidates have spent their days attacking and delegitimizing.

I'm glad DeSantis sees the mess he helped create so clearly, but identifying the problem is only the first step to remedying it. What's required is more truth-telling and listfulness than the GOP crowd wants, which is why both qualities are in such short supply.
ABINGDON, VA.  Sen. Mark Warner stopped by the Virginia Highlands Incubator in Abingdon, Virginia, on Wednesday, where he toured the offices of Wize Solutions and met with local officials, community leaders and entrepreneurs.

In his remarks, Sen. Warner emphasized that in many ways, Wize Solutions embodies the promise and vision that drew him to the technology sector as a young entrepreneur in the 1990s and highlighted that since its inception five years it has become a model for anyone seeking to start a business not just in Southwest Virginia, but rural communities across the country.

Wize Solutions, 35 folks working for a variety of companies. They could be working anywhere else in the state or the country, but they chose to stay here in Abingdon in Washington County, Warner said. Weve got to take this model and duplicate it a dozen times over.

Sen. Warner spoke about his ongoing efforts to set up an R&D-style tax credit that would incentivize companies to invest in the training of their employees.

We still have a system in this country that really focuses and benefits capital and physical goods over human beings, Warner said. I think we ought to create the equivalent in R&D tax credit for businesses that invest in skilling up their people.

If ultimately Wise Solutions wants to go public, you guys ought to be viewed as assets to them, Warner added.

Sen. Warner highlighted that at the end of the day, the goal is to create the opportunities that will allow young people to stay in their communities, If you go to college or you go to graduate school, and frankly, even if you dont and you get technical training, you ought to have the choice to stay in your community.

During his stop, Warner also answered questions about everything from housing to public education and sewer lines. He also spoke about Southwest Virginias energy sector and his belief in the future of small modular reactors.

Southwest Virginia and the coal industry powered Americas economy, thats going through transition, Warner said. The way the new law says you can get a 50% discount if youre investing some of the newer energies in coalfield areas and, I believe, small modular nuclear. It is safe, It is reliable.

Southwest Virginia understands energy. Its got to be the future for energy production in the 21st century, he said.
Burke County could be getting its first Sheetz convenience store.

And a North Carolina coffee chain also is looking to move into Morganton.

Sheetz, the popular convenience store chain, has applied for permits for a location at the intersection of Carbon City Road and Independence Boulevard in Morganton. The location address is 400 Carbon City Road and sits across from Taco Bell.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation confirmed that Sheetz has submitted an application for a driveway permit at 400 Carbon City Road. Driveway permits determine the entrance and exit locations of a property.

The Sheetz team is continuing development of a plan that meets state transportation requirements for a driveway permit connecting to a state-maintained facility (Carbon City Road), said David Uchiyama, a spokesman for NCDOT.

Uchiyama said NCDOT engineers anticipate receiving a plan that meets the requirements and issue the driveway permit later this year.

Wendy Smith, director of development and design for the city of Morganton, said Sheetz has made a zoning application to the city for 13 acres at the property but nothing has been approved at this point.

She said the reason for the zoning application is to make sure that use is appropriate at that location and to meet the requirements of the zoning ordinance to do so. That would involve the design of their building, their landscaping, their infrastructure and their parking, all of the elements of the zoning ordinance that anybody has to do for any building anywhere in the city, Smith said.

The 25.89-acre property is currently owned by Erno LLC, whose president is local businessman Jerry Norvell, according to Burke County land records and state LLC records.

In January, FMG Development LLC signed a memorandum of option agreement with Erno LLC to buy 13 acres out of the 25.89-acre parcel, according to deeds and LLC records. FMG Development is a real estate development enterprise based in Raleigh and Fred G. Mills, as manager of FMG, signed the agreement, according to deed records. The option to buy the 13 acres expires on April 1, according to the agreement.

The 25.89 acres that makes up the property at 400 Carbon City Road is valued at $487,959, according to county land records.

Sheetz.com says each store has a fully stocked ready-to-eat selection of items such as hot breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit, cheeses, yogurt and much more. The stores also offer a bakery and authentic, hand-made espresso beverages created on traditional Italian espresso machines, according to its website.

Waterbean Coffee

Waterbean Coffee also plans to put a location in Morganton. The coffee chain confirms on its website that a Morganton location is coming soon. The city of Morganton issued a pending zoning permit on July 21 for Waterbean for the former Fumiyoshi Japanese restaurant location at 815 S. Sterling St. for an expansion and interior up-fit.

Smith said her department does have a set of plans to review for Waterbean for the location, but nothing has been finalized. She said most developments go through four or more sets of plans in addition to coming and talking to the city a few times before they submit plans.

The former Fumiyoshi building is currently owned by Sullivan & Vo Real Estate LLC, is headquartered in Cornelius and its managing members are Robert Sullivan and Truong Van Vo, according to state LLC records. They bought the property, valued at $393,226, in March, according to county land records.

Waterbean Coffee has two locations in Hickory and multiple other locations throughout the state, including Charlotte, Huntersville, Pineville, Concord, Winston-Salem, Belmont and Cornelius, where it was first established in 2013, according to its website. It was founded by Tony Vo and his wife, Annie.

Pelicans SnoBalls

In addition, Morganton now has a new Pelicans SnoBalls at 216 Avery Ave. Smith said the business opened up about two weeks ago.

Taste Happy Enterprise, based in Hickory, opened the location on Avery Avenue after the previous Pelicans on Burkemont Avenue closed.
A former kindergarten teacher and childrens director was charged Tuesday with a child sex crime.

Aaron Doyle Mirtsching, 41, of Morganton, was charged with three counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor Tuesday, according to an arrest report from the Burke County Sheriffs Office.

The charges came after investigators received a tip from Internet Crimes Against Children, according to a news release from the sheriffs office.

Warrants filed at the Burke County Courthouse accuse Mirtsching of possessing material containing explicit visual representations of two female children and a male child.

The ages of the victims ranged from 8 to 13 years old, the warrants say.

A Feb. 11, 2022, post on the New Dimensions School Facebook page indicated Mirtsching was a kindergarten teacher that school year.

In a statement to The News Herald, New Dimensions School Director Lisa Ervin said Mirtsching resigned at the end of the 2022-23 school year. She said the school is cooperating with all authorities involved with the investigation and they are not aware of any allegations involving the school.

Mirtsching also was the childrens director at Thrive Church in Morganton, according to a news release from the church.

The release said Mirtsching was immediately relieved of his duties with the church once the senior pastor was notified of the charges. Church staff had no prior knowledge of any on-going investigation before Mirtsching was arrested, the release said.

We issued a public statement and made decisions (Tuesday) as soon as we learned the charges (were) filed, said a statement sent from the churchs senior leadership team to The News Herald. We are cooperating with any and all law enforcement and authorities. There are no charges or accusations about Thrive Church being involved in this case at all other than him being a recent employee.

Thrive Church said it conducts a background check on all church leaders, employees and staff, and offers its full cooperation and support to law enforcement.

Mirtsching was arrested without incident, the news release from the sheriffs office said. His bond was set at $20,000 secured, and hes due to appear in court Thursday.
An $8,500 trash-catching device was placed in Horseford Creek in Glenn Hilton Park last week by the City of Hickory and the Catawba Riverkeeper nonprofit as a collaborative effort to reduce litter. The device is called a Trash Trout, said Catawba Riverkeepers Watershed Manager for the Northern Basin Grant Buckner. It was created by Asheville GreenWorks, Buckner said, and was deemed safe for wildlife by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The City of Hickory is contracting with the Catawba Riverkeeper group to maintain the device for $5,000 per year for three years, Hickory Public Works Director Steve Miller said at a city council meeting in May.

The device has two long, yellow Styrofoam arms extending to either side of the creek. The arms funnel trash floating down the river into a box in the center of the creek. The box has no top or bottom so any wildlife that stumbles into the trap can escape, Buckner said.

Heavy rainfall causes litter to wash into creeks and rivers, and much of it in Northwest Hickory flows into Horseford Creek, Miller said. The device was placed at a narrow point in the creek and is far enough out of the way that most people in the park will not encounter it, Miller said. City of Hickory Communications Specialist Sarah Killian said there will be a sign placed near the device soon. That way, people who do encounter it know what it is.

The Catawba Riverkeeper group currently maintains four trash traps, according to a press release from the City of Hickory. There are trash traps in Mill Creek in Old Fort, Freedom Park in Charlotte, Duhart Creek in Gastonia and Steele Creek in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Buckner said the traps capture hundreds of pounds of litter with each heavy rain.

Its kind of a stark image to see this thing full of Styrofoam cups, plastic bags, drink bottles and diapers, Buckner said, adding that this is the educational aspect of the devices.

People who come down here and stumble upon this end up asking us, Whats going on here? Buckner said. Well, this is (where trash from the road) goes when it rains. So, connecting those dots together with people is a really big part of it, and then getting people involved in the community to get out here and do cleanups.

After cleanups, Buckner said many people were inspired to clean their neighborhoods.

During a city council meeting in May, City Manager Warren Wood said this could be the beginning of a pilot program and that he would like to see other surrounding counties implement this as well. At the site, Miller said if this device works well, the city and the Riverkeeper organization may install another in Falling Creek.
The North Carolina Zoo is transferring its flock of 15 Chilean flamingos to the Greenville Zoo in South Carolina next month, according to a zoo news release.

The flamingos, which have been a part of the zoo for 41 years, have to go because the N.C. Zoo is demolishing its aviary. The aging aviary building closed in 2022 and is beside the flamingo habitat.

The flamingos, several of which are from the original flock that arrived in 1982, will join 19 other flamingos at the Greenville Zoo. Flamingos can live up to 50 years under human care, compared to 25 to 30 years in the wild, according to the release.

Zoo officials say flamingos are social birds and the chance to be part of a larger flock will enrich them. This will also make the transition easier because flamingos follow the flock to find food and get in and out of the pool. The Greenville Zoo has a large spring-fed natural lagoon for the flamingos, the release said.

Flamingos can grow up to 51 inches in height. Chilean flamingos are considered near threatened, according to the news release

The N.C. Zoo is hoping to get funding to rebuild a new aviary, but officials said it is too soon to know if flamingos will be included in those plans.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, flamingo keepers will host a special Farewell Flamingos, event at the habitat. Guests are encouraged to wear pink to honor the iconic birds.
" " This canceled postage stamp shows the names of the Five Civilized Tribes who were forced to resettle in what is now Oklahoma. traveler1116/Getty Images

There are currently 574 federally recognized Indian nations (also known as tribes, bands, communities and by other terms) in the U.S. according to the National Congress of American Indians. About 229 are located in Alaska and the rest are in 35 other states. Of that number, five were called the "Five Civilized Tribes," a term which didn't save them from being forcibly removed to "Indian Territory," in the 19th century. So, where did that term come from and who were they?

By the time the first European settlers arrived in America, there were already more than two dozen Native American tribes living in and farming the fertile soil of the Southeast, in the area today encompassing the states of North Carolina down through Georgia, Florida and the Gulf Coast. Like other Native peoples who came in contact with Europeans, these Southeastern tribes were ravaged by diseases like smallpox. Over time, they learned to adapt to the encroaching white culture in ways that they believed would secure their survival and sovereignty.

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Many members of these Southeastern tribes converted to Christianity, for example. They took to wearing European-style clothing and living in frame houses. They adopted the agricultural practices of their Southern white neighbors, including ownership of enslaved people, and sold goods in a market economy. They intermarried with whites, spoke English, and sent their kids to schools run by Christian missionaries.

As a result, by 1800, five of the largest Southeastern tribes were routinely referred to by U.S. government officials as "civilized," explains Andrew Frank, a scholar of Indigenous and Seminole history at Florida State University.

"American officials drew a distinction between these five tribes  the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek and somewhat the Seminole  and what they would call the 'wild, wandering and uncivilized' tribes elsewhere," says Frank.

The Cherokee were the largest of the "civilized" tribes. By 1830, they had a written constitution with a democratically elected assembly and chief, and they published a newspaper in both Cherokee and English.

"Among Southern whites, those earmarks of 'civilization' suggested that there was a willing assimilation into American culture," says Mark Hirsch, an historian with the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian.

But Frank says that appearances can be deceiving. If you look back deeper into Native American history, Native peoples always incorporated new technologies and customs from their neighbors. And when circumstances in their environment changed  a drop in wild deer population or the introduction of maize  the people changed with them.

"But in almost every instance, the adoption of these new outside things was done for the purpose of protecting Indigenous people, not abandoning them," says Frank. "Despite the appearance of 'civilized' customs, Native people had no interest in becoming part of the United States. They had no interest in assimilating into a white norm. How better to resist the oppressors than to learn their language?"
NEW LONDON  Clayton Supply, part of Clayton Home Building Group, will create 263 jobs as it locates a new facility in Stanly County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The companys project will locate in New London.

Manufacturers trust North Carolina because they know weve earned our reputation for having the best advanced manufacturing workforce in the nation, said Governor Cooper. From our central, east coast location that makes it easy to reach customers, to our world-class transportation infrastructure and workforce training systems, North Carolina offers everything these companies need to succeed.

As a leading national home builder dedicated to attainable housing, Clayton Home Building Groups portfolio includes a comprehensive range of off-site and site-built housing. The project in Stanly County will expand Clayton Supplys capabilities to support the growing market demand the company is seeing in the housing industry.

North Carolina is the number one manufacturing state in the Southeast United States, said Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. This leadership depends on a strong, well-trained workforce. As our First in Talent strategic plan makes clear, investing in our people and educational systems creates economic opportunities for everyone.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce led the states support for the company during its site evaluation and decision-making process.

Although wages will vary depending on the position, the average salary for the new positions will be $59,388. The current average wage in Stanly County is $41,612.

Clayton Supplys project in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the states Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the states economy by $649 million. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the new jobs and a capital investment of $46.6 million, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $2,063,700, spread over 12 years. State payments only occur following performance verification by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation and investment targets. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grants reimbursement payments to a given company.

Because Clayton Supply chose a site in Stanly County, classified by the states economic tier system as Tier 2, the companys JDIG agreement also calls for moving just over $229,300 into the states Industrial Development Fund  Utility Account. The Utility Account helps rural communities finance necessary infrastructure upgrades to attract future business. Even when new jobs are created in a Tier 2 county such as Stanly, the new tax revenue generated through JDIG grants helps more economically challenged communities elsewhere in the state.

A quality company like Clayton Supply is a welcome addition to Stanly County, said N.C. Senator Carl Ford. Were the perfect location for leading-industries and Im confident the company will find the people and the support they need to thrive and grow in our community.

Its great to see Clayton Supply choose Stanly County for the next phase of their companys growth, said N.C. Representative Wayne Sasser. We welcome these new jobs and this significant investment, which will lift our region to a welcome new level of prosperity.

Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Department of Revenue, Stanly County, the Town of New London and the Stanly County Economic Development Commission.
All Peoples Church

of Jesus ChristSunday school at 9:30 a.m. and worship at 10 a.m. Sunday at American Legion Post 172. Pastor: Prophet Roland Jordan. Sermon: The Revelation of God by the Holy Spirit. Scriptures John 14:26.

Ann Street United Methodist Church335 Ann St., Concord. Pastor: The Rev. Randy L. Wall. In-person and Facebook Live worship at 11 a.m. Sermon: Hallelujah Anyway. Scripture: Acts 7:51-60.

Bethpage United Methodist Church109 Fellowship Ave. at West C St., Kannapolis. 704-932-5296. Pastor: The Rev. McKenzie Sefa. Christian education at 9 a.m. Worship at 10 a.m.

Bogers Chapel United Methodist Church1775 Flowes Store Road E., Concord. Pastor: Pastor Eric Shaver. Sunday school at 9 a.m. Worship in-person, Facebook, or YouTube, at 10 a.m.

Calvary Lutheran Church950 Bradley St., Concord. 704-782-6923. Pastor: The Rev. Debbie Frye. In-person worship at 8:30 a.m. (casual worship) and 11 a.m. (traditional worship). Coffee/Cookie Social, 9:30-11 a.m. Adult Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Rally Day on Sept. 10. Childrens area and nursery available all times. All services live-streamed and available anytime on the Calvary Lutheran Concord Youtube channel  easy access through our website http://www.clconcord.org or church app Calvary Lutheran Church  NC. All are welcome. Sermon Series: Is Your God Big Enough? Sermon: Who Do You Say That I Am?

Center United Methodist Church1119 Union St. S, Concord. Pastor: The Rev. Brian Crady. Sunday school for In Betweens and young adults at 9 a.m. Worship at 10 a.m. Nursery is provided during the worship service. Website is www.centerumcconcord.org. Look forward to you joining us for our service! Sermon: Gods Church is Pentecostal, or Established by The Holy Spirit. Scripture: John 14:15-26; Acts 2:1-4.

Cold Springs Global Methodist Church

2550 Cold Springs Road, Concord. Pastor: The Rev. Cliff Wall. Worship at 10 a.m. on Sundays. Visit online at https://youtube.com/@coldspringschurchconcord.

Crossroads Church

220 George W. Liles Parkway, Concord. Pastor: Lowell McNaney. Live worship streamed on Facebook, Crossroads Concord Church app or mycrossroads.co website at 9:30 a.m. and 11:11 a.m.

Crown Pointe Baptist Church

703 Tennessee St., Kannapolis. Pastor: The Rev. Doug Crawley. Sunday school at 9 a.m. Worship at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary, or view online at our Facebook page. Series: Bridge Builders. Sermon: He Threw a Party. Scripture: Luke 15:11-32 ESV.

Eastside Missionary Baptist Church199 Elgin Drive, Concord. Pastor: The Rev. Stephen Burrow. In-person services: Sunday school, 9:30 a.m. Worship services, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Recorded worship services and other information at EastsideMissionaryBaptist.org. You will be welcomed. Practice social distancing.

Epworth United Methodist Church1030 Burrage Road NE, Concord. Pastor: The Rev. Dennis Marshall. Sunday school at 9 a.m., followed by worship at 10 a.m. We welcome all to join us in person, or you may livestream or watch the recorded service at our website at www.epworthnc.com.

Forest Hill United Methodist Church

265 Union St. N., Concord. Senior Pastor: The Rev. Mandy Jones. Associate Pastor: The Rev. Wes Judy. We are open for in-person worship. Contemporary worship, 9 a.m. Sunday school/small groups  10 a.m. Traditional worship  11 a.m. Both the contemporary and the traditional worship services will also be live-streamed at foresthillumc.org or facebook.com/foresthillumc, in case you dont feel like being here in person.

Harmony United Methodist Church

101 White St., NW, Concord. Pastor: The Rev. Thad Brown. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. followed by our worship service in the sanctuary at 11 a.m. Sermon: The Mercy Seat. Scripture: Hebrews 9:27-28, John 3:16-18, John 5:22 & 27, Matthew 7:2, Ephesians 2:8-9, Revelation 21:47, Revelation 3:4-5, Revelation 20:15, Romans 3:4, Revelation 20:12, II Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10-12, Romans 8:12. We welcome you to join us in worship! Service is live on Facebook.com/HarmonyUnitedMethodistChurch and we welcome all who are unable to join us in person to worship with us online. For more information, you can call the Pastors phone 704-791-2883 or the churchs phone 704-782-8237.

Jackson Park United Methodist Church

715 Mable Ave., Kannapolis. Pastor Laurie Knoespel. Adult Sunday school, 9:30 a.m. Worship at 10:30 a.m. Nursery will be provided during worship service.

Kirkwood Presbyterian Church

900 Klondale Ave., Kannapolis. Pastor: The Rev. Dennis B. Craft. Worship at 11 a.m. in church sanctuary on Sundays. No mask restrictions.

McGill Baptist Church

5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, in-person services. Pastor: The Rev. Steve Ayers. If you have not taken the COVID-19 vaccine, please wear a mask. McGill will stream a worship service Sunday at 10 a.m. on www.facebook.com/mcgillbaptistchurch/ and on YouTube. The services will be live and also available on recording afterwards. Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Sermon: Using Our Gifts. Scripture: Psalm 124; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20.

Midway United Methodist Church

108 Bethpage Road, Kannapolis. Pastor: The Rev. Craig Allen. Come join us on Sunday morning at 9 a.m. for Sunday school and 10:30 a.m. for worship. Our service is also livestreamed on the web at midwayunitedmethodistchurch.org or facebook.com/midwayUMC. Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Sermon: Nows Not the Time. First Reading: Isaiah 51:1-6. Second Reading: Matthew 16:13-20.

Mt. Mitchell United Methodist Church

6001 Old Salisbury-Concord Road, Kannapolis. Pastor: Joel Locklear. Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. (adult and children classes). Worship at 11 a.m. in-person or Facebook. Sermon: Who Do You Say I Am? Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20.

Multiply Church Concord150 Warren C. Coleman Blvd. N, Concord. Pastor: The Rev. Douglas Witherup. 8:30 a.m. service held at 280 Concord Parkway S, Suite 15, Concord. Services at 150 Warren C Coleman Blvd. N, are worship and sermon at 9:30 a.m. and worship and sermon at 11:15 a.m.

New Gilead Reformed Church, ECO

2400 Old Salisbury-Concord Road. 9:40 a.m.  Adult Bible Study. 10 a.m.  Sunday School. 11 a.m.  Worship in the sanctuary, also live on Facebook.

Oak Grove Baptist Church

200 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg. Pastor: The Rev. Franklin D. Watkins. 10 a.m. In-person worship service and Facebook Live and YouTube Live.

Second Presbyterian Church

1578 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis. Pastor Sue Black, minister. The Rev. Aaron Price, assistant pastor. Sunday school at 10 a.m. Worship at 11 a.m. Sermon: Part of the Covenant. Scripture: Genesis 19:3-8.

St. Johns Reformed Church

901 N. Main St., Kannapolis. Pastor: The Rev. Chris King. Sunday school for all ages  9:30 a.m. Worship service  10:30 a.m. Website  www.ourstjohns.org. Email/Phone- ourstjohns@gmail.com / 704-932-3656. Sermon: Accountability to Christ. Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20.

Trinity United Church of Christ38 Church St., Concord. Pastor: The Rev. Nathan King; Pastor of Evangelism: The Rev. Dr. Cathy Cook. Worship at 11 a.m., in person or Facebook live. Website: commachurch.com. Sermon: Out of the Bag. by Rev. Nathan King. Scripture: Matthew 16:1-20. Youre invited!
Two teenagers have been found guilty of involvement in a number of attacks that included breahes of Uber, Nvidia and Rockstar Games, the BBC reported .

The so-called Lapsus$ attacks were reported in 2021 and 2022 and the two who were found guilty on Wednesday were charged out of a group of seven teens arrested on 25 March 2022.

One of the teens was not named as he is 17. The other was identified as Arion Kurtaj and was claimed to be a key member of the group which attacked a number of well-known companies.

The pair was charged in April 2022. The court was told that Kurtaj leaked clips of Grand Theft Auto 6, an as yet unreleased game at the time, while he was out on bail.

He was deemed unfit to appear in court due to being autistic. The other teenager is also autistic. The trial, held in Southwark Crown Court in London, lasted seven weeks.

The jury was asked to decide whether Kurtaj was guilty of the acts, not whether he had any criminal intent in carrying them out.

After the arrests, the group announced it had breached Globant, an IT and software consultancy company based in Luxembourg.

Lapsus$ breached Microsoft, Samsung and identity services provider Okta, the last-named through an outsourced firm.
Vietnamese telecommunications company Viettel has picked Juniper Networks MX960 Universal Routing Platform for its network upgrade, which will help Viettel scale its consumer mobile and fixed broadband services.

Vietnam is home to over 77 million internet users. As the country advances its digital transformation program aimed at enhancing connectivity among its population, Viettel embarked on a transformative journey to foster the growth of Vietnams digital society.

Viettel has relied on Junipers routing and security solutions for their core, edge, and metro access networks for more than a decade.

Its recent partnership with Juniper Networks saw the telco company pick the MX960 Universal Routing Platform and MX-SPC3 service cards to enhance its carrier-grade network address translation (CGNAT) capacity to meet traffic growth and leverage processing power required for network address translation.

With our experience-first solutions, we are confident that Viettel will continue to be able to seamlessly scale its network and meet the growing demands for digital services. Being a part of a nation's digital growth is always a fulfilling endeavour, and we look forward to supporting Viettel in their mission to connect more people in Vietnam and beyond, said Juniper Networks area vice president Asean and Taiwan Perry Sui.
Last month, Canada offered a three-year work permit to anyone holding a U.S. H-1B visa, the most common entry permit for immigrants working in the tech sector. The program, aimed partly at workers laid off in Silicon Valley's recent downturn, drew 10,000 applicants in its first 48 hours  "a strong indication of just how competitive Canada is on the global stage," a spokesman for the country's immigration ministry said.

It was also a reflection of frustration among migrants who find the U.S. visa system difficult and slow. According to one estimate, only about one in 10 people who register for the annual H-1B lottery get a visa.

"A Canadian visa is much easier," Gireesh Bandlamudi, a 29-year-old software engineer from India, told me. With a U.S. job offer in hand, he considered his chances of winning an H-1B and applied to Canada instead. He now works remotely with AtoB, a San Francisco firm that provides financial services to trucking companies, from his new home in Vancouver.

"My visa happened in four weeks, max!" he marveled.

The United States and Canada are both trying to lure the world's best technologists, but they're using very different strategies when it comes to immigration policy.

U.S. policy has been self-limiting, if not self-defeating.

Since 1990, U.S. law has a fixed cap of 65,000 new H-1B visas every year, plus 20,000 for holders of master's or doctoral degrees from American universities. U.S. tech industry groups have long complained that those limits are too low, but efforts to raise them have been stymied by the partisan divide over immigration policy.

In contrast, Canada is deliberately seeking a big surge in immigration as part of a broader strategy to grow its economy.

The Liberal Party government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has boosted immigration more than 40% in the last five years, admitting more than 400,000 new permanent residents in 2021.

On a per capita basis, that's more than four times as many immigrants as the United States admits. The U.S. issues roughly a million permanent resident permits each year, but the U.S. population is more than eight times the size of Canada's.

Canada is also fast-tracking applications for work permits for anyone with a sought-after skill, a category that includes not only high-tech, but healthcare workers, carpenters, plumbers and pipefitters, who are also in short supply north of the border. That's how Bandlamudi got to Vancouver, with the help of a technology consulting firm called MobSquad.

In the United States, an immigration policy like that would touch off ferocious debate in Congress, where Republican hardliners have argued that legal immigration should be reduced.

Not in Canada. Here, increased immigration has long been supported by most of the country's major parties.

When Trudeau announced higher immigration goals last year, the initial criticism from the opposition Conservative Party wasn't that the numbers were too big, it was that the government wasn't approving applications quickly enough.

More recently, debate has focused on the country's housing shortage; more new immigrants are arriving than new housing units are being built, and home prices in Toronto and Vancouver have reached or exceeded Los Angeles levels.

But those worries have merely produced suggestions that the government should slow the immigration surge, not reverse it.

"There's an argument that the government is moving too fast, but it's not being made on anti-immigration grounds per se," said Doreen Barrie, a political scientist at the University of Calgary. "If we bring in millions more immigrants and the economy goes south, that could change. Canadians are not all saints. There are people who would prefer a more homogeneous society."

So far, though, Canada's conservatives have avoided making immigration a major political issue  unlike U.S. Republicans.

Conservative Party leaders have supported more legal immigration for the same reason as Trudeau's Liberals, as a strategy for economic growth. And Canadian conservatives have been competing for votes in immigrant communities for decades, with considerable success.

But it also reflects a basic difference between the two countries.

"We don't have a border with Mexico," Barrie noted. "In Canada, we get to choose who comes in."

For the United States, immigration as a political issue revolves around unauthorized entries across the southern border, a problem Democrats and Republicans have attempted to solve without much success.

For Canada, illegal immigration is a smaller, more manageable issue. Last winter, some 20,000 migrants walked into Canada on a rural road from northern New York state into Quebec  an upsurge big enough that it touched off political controversy. Under pressure from conservatives, Trudeau negotiated a deal under which Canadian authorities could return asylum seekers to the United States, making Canada look not so different from other countries after all.

Still, there ought to be a lesson for us in Canada's broad support for increased high-skill immigration. A similar bipartisan consensus almost certainly exists in Congress, between pro-immigration Democrats and pro-business Republicans. But in our case, shouting matches over the southern border keep getting in the way.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Previously:

 07/05/23: Bizarre standoff with Wagner Group's Prigozhin weakens Putin. But don't count him out

 06/27/23: Blinken tried to build a floor under US-China relations. He may have to keep doing it

 05/09/23: With just weeks left to strike a deal, it's time to worry about the debt ceiling

 05/02/23: A centrist, third-party alternative for 2024 is a nice idea --- but a nightmare in practice

 04/25/23: Trump seems to have a firm grip on GOP polls --- but his rivals think they can do better

 04/04/23: Ukraine is counting on its spring offensive against Russia. Biden has a stake in it too

 03/22/23: Silicon Valley Bank's collapse may be a blessing in disguise

 03/07/23: DeSantis wants to displace Trump as the GOP's 2024 nominee. But he has hurdles to overcome

 02/21/23: Biden's 2024 presidential campaign harks back to past Dem triumphs

 02/14/23: Chinese balloon is gone, but it's still making US-China relations harder to manage

 01/24/23: Biden said the pandemic is over. But, aw shucks!, the pandemic just won't cooperate

 01/17/23: The war in Ukraine could become a long, frozen conflict. Are we ready for that?

 01/10/23: The real winner from the House fight?

 12/28/22: Why Trump will never go to jail over Jan. 6

 12/20/22: Democracy around the world is looking a little healthier, at least next to the alternative

 12/13/22: Biden's policy makes Ukraine fight by rules Russia doesn't follow

 12/09/22: Iran protests have shoved the nuclear issue off center stage. It will be back

 09/20/22: Biden sent the wrong message on COVID. He can still fix it

 09/20/22: Putin's brutality in Ukraine can get worse. Get ready for a chilly winter

 09/13/22: China's economy is slowing, its population aging. That could make it dangerous

 06/28/22: To deter China on Taiwan, Biden needs to reassure

 05/24/22: India has become a US partner in countering China --- a limited partner, that is

 05/11/22: Slow Joe's premature self-congratulation won't help the US in Ukraine

 05/03/22: Can the US deter Putin from using his arsenal of battlefield nuclear weapons in Ukraine?

 04/08/22:Biden's budget is big. Dems will vote to make it bigger

 03/22/22: Ukraine's resistance offers a useful lesson to Taiwan

 03/15/22: China wanted to appear neutral between Russia and Ukraine. It isn't

 02/22/21: Who needs an invasion? Putin's offensive against Ukraine has been underway for a long time

 02/09/21: If Putin wants an exit from the Ukraine crisis, the offramps are open

 11/30/21: Biden wants to focus on China. Putin has another idea

 11/23/21: Our oldest president just turned 79. He might have something to learn from the second-oldest

 11/16/21: Can Biden and Xi talk their way out of a slide into conflict?

 10/13/21: Congress has a chance to take bipartisan action on Facebook. Don't let it slip away

 09/24/21: Can Dems win on crime issues with murders rising? Biden thinks so

 06/29/21: Can Dems win on crime issues with murders rising? Biden thinks so

 04/20/21:Afghanistan's war -- and America's stakes in it -- won't end when the troops leave

 03/31/21: Here's why our new cold war with China could be a good thing

 02/25/21: Sen. Joe Manchin drives Dems crazy. Here's why they need more senators like him

 08/11/20: Goodbye to traditional political conventions --- and good riddance



 05/19/20: We won't end COVID-19 with 'test and trace'

 04/07/20: Joe Biden is stuck in his basement. It just might help him win

 03/10/20: Where did Bernie's revolution go wrong?

 03/05/20: Dems give Trump good reason to smile

 02/18/20: Who will be the Un-Bernie?

 02/11/20: Buttigieg wants to be the Goldilocks candidate. It just might work

 01/21/20: The world according to Bernie

 09/04/19: Trump's draft deal with the Taliban looks ugly, but it may be the best we can get

 04/22/19: Something is missing from media-fawning Buttigieg campaign --- his stance on major issues

 03/14/19: Biden, If He Runs, Will Face A Cruel Irony

Doyle McManus

Los Angeles Times

(TNS)

Doyle McManus is an American journalist, columnist, who appears often on Public Broadcasting Service's Washington Week.
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It was not a great start to the robotaxi revolution. One day after California officials allowed a massive expansion of autonomous vehicle taxi service in San Francisco earlier this month, nearly a dozen self-driving Cruise vehicles came to a stop in the middle of a busy neighborhood, blocking other cars and tying up traffic for about 15 minutes until the cars woke up and moved along.

The problem was caused by cell connectivity issues, according to Cruise. So many people were in the area for a music festival that cellular networks were overwhelmed and the company couldn't communicate with the cell-connected cars.

Nobody was harmed and the delay was relatively minor. But the incident again raised alarm over the commercial rollout of robotaxis that are still having technical problems, including blocking streets and interfering with emergency responders. What happens if there's an earthquake that knocks out cell service? Will the streets become clogged by disabled autonomous taxis?

A few days later a Cruise vehicle drove past cones into a construction area and became stuck in wet concrete. Cruise will have to pay to repave that portion of the road, a city official said.

More concerning, a Cruise robotaxi carrying a passenger drove into an intersection Thursday night and was hit by a fire truck going to an emergency. The truck had its lights and sirens on at the time. On Friday, the Department of Motor Vehicles ordered Cruise to reduce its fleet of robotaxis by half while the agency investigates the recent incidents.

Autonomous vehicles "learn" by operating in real-world situations. In theory, this compendium of mistakes in San Francisco is making the technology better and safer for the future. But that ignores the effect the vehicles are having right now.

California's bifurcated system of regulating robotaxis doesn't help. The Department of Motor Vehicles permits self-driving cars to operate on public roads and regulates general safety issues with the vehicles. The California Public Utilities Commission regulates commercial passenger service and is focused on the safety of riders inside the robotaxi. Cities, where the rubber meets the road, have no say in how, where and when AVs can operate.

That's a problem, particularly as more companies plan to expand self-driving taxis to Los Angeles, Santa Monica and other cities across the state. Cities have to rely on the willingness of companies to collaborate; they have little power to curtail robotaxi operations if vehicles continuously block traffic, impede bike and bus lanes or flood a particular neighborhood.

Contrast that with the authority local governments have over electric scooters. When they first arrived several years ago, rental companies Bird and Lime dropped thousands of scooters in cities across the state, inundating some neighborhoods, blocking sidewalks and fueling chaotic interactions between riders, drivers and pedestrians. But cities have the power to regulate scooters, and they quickly moved to create permits, operating standards and data-sharing requirements.

Today, Los Angeles and Santa Monica, for example, consider scooters a valuable piece of the local transportation system, providing clean, car-free short trips. The cities collect real-time data on where and how scooters are operating, which helps the cities understand demand and where they need to add scooter parking or bike lanes to accommodate users, or create no-go areas if scooter use is causing a problem in a neighborhood. The companies are expected to ensure their vehicles abide by the rules  and they're supposed to respond immediately if a scooter is blocking a sidewalk. The cities can yank permits if the companies are not responsive.

That local oversight doesn't exist for autonomous vehicles. That's one reason why San Francisco officials urged the California Public Utilities Commission to slow the expansion of Cruise and Waymo self-driving taxis until the vehicles perform better and the companies turned over more detailed information on their operational snafus. It was a common-sense request but it was ignored by the commission, which gave the companies permission to operate and collect fares throughout San Francisco 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

California should not blithely turn over public streets to private companies to develop their products. Its not anti-innovation to expect that autonomous vehicles demonstrate they can follow the rules of the road before giving them free rein. Nor is it heavy-handed to allow cities to regulate self-driving taxis operating on local streets. The CPUC or state lawmakers should require that robotaxi companies share data and coordinate their operations with cities.

There's an assumption that autonomous vehicles will ultimately be such a significant improvement over human-driven cars  providing safer, cheaper, more efficient transportation that can replace car ownership  that we should give companies leeway to experiment and we should tolerate a period of disruption. Perhaps. The technology does hold great potential for safer driving without human error.

But there's no guarantee that autonomous vehicles are a panacea for all transportation problems. It's quite possible robotaxis could end up worsening traffic congestion, with driverless vehicles endlessly circling blocks between passengers. The AV companies need to serve their bottom line. It will take regulation and government oversight to ensure the autonomous vehicle revolution really does improve life in cities.

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The first Republican debate of the 2024 presidential primaries was held Wednesday in Milwaukee. But the first votes, of course, will be cast in Iowa.

Now, a new survey from the leading pollster in Iowa gives us a picture of how the race stands there. In particular, it sheds light on how likely Republican caucusgoers view former President Donald Trump's legal problems, in the form of four indictments and 91 felony counts.

The short answer is: They're not concerned. The poll, by the Des Moines Register and NBC News, asked likely GOP caucusgoers: "Thinking about the investigations into Donald Trump, do you think that he has or has not committed any serious crimes?" A big majority, 65%, said they did not think Trump has committed any serious crimes, while a far smaller number, 26%, said they do think Trump has committed serious crimes. Nine percent were not sure.

A quirk in timing gave the pollsters a unique look at Republican reaction to Trump's indictments. As it happened, the polling began on Aug. 13 and lasted until Aug. 17. And then, as it happened, on Aug. 14, with the polling underway, Trump was indicted in Georgia. The timing of it gave the pollsters an unexpected look, in real time, at Republican reaction to a Trump indictment. As it turned out, they saw Trump's support increase before their very eyes.

"Before the announcement [of the Georgia indictment], when about one-third of the Iowa Poll respondents had been interviewed, Trump was named as a first choice, second choice, or candidate being 'actively considered' by 55% of those polled," the Des Moines Register reported. "Among those polled after the Georgia indictment  about two-thirds of the total respondents  that climbed to 67%."

Pollster Ann Selzer, a veteran of many Iowa polls, told the Des Moines Register, "This is the strongest evidence I've seen to date that these indictments, or at least this Georgia indictment, helped him."

Overall, the new poll showed Trump with a big lead over the rest of the field in Iowa. The former president is the choice of 42% of likely caucusgoers, while Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) is second, with 19%. That 23-point lead is consistent with other polls of Iowa in recent weeks. In third place is Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), with 9%, and former Vice President Mike Pence and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley are tied for fourth, with 6% each. In sixth place is former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, with 5%, and in seventh position is Vivek Ramaswamy, with 4%. Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND) is in eighth place, with 2%, and all the others are somewhere less than 1%.

When you put this poll together with other Iowa polls, Trump has a 26-point lead over the field in the Real Clear Politics average of Iowa surveys. That is less than the former president's lead over the field in national polls, which stands at 40.9 points. In the other early-voting states, Trump has a 31-point lead in New Hampshire and a 28-point lead in South Carolina.

Which means we have not yet seen any indication that Trump's indictments have affected his standing with Republican voters. That might not change for quite a while, or it might never change. And it certainly might not change after the first GOP debate this week. A few days ago, I reported that DeSantis "appears fully prepared to trail Trump for the rest of this year, counting on a major change to occur in mid-January, when voting actually begins." That is a reference to Iowa, where the caucuses will be held on Jan. 15. So change could be months away.

And right now, at least, Trump remains strong in the first-voting state.

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SPRINGFIELD  Starting in late August, a sample of producers around the country will receive Agricultural Survey questionnaires from the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Agricultural Statistics Service. The agency is taking a comprehensive look into the 2023 production and supply of small grains, including wheat, oats, barley, and rye.

The small grains industry is an important part of Illinois agriculture. It is crucial for all involved to have accurate data about this key sector of the economy, said NASS State Statistician Mark Schleusener. We will contact more than 2,500 producers in Illinois to accurately measure 2023 acreage, yield, and production for small grain crops. The data collected from this survey will be used along with additional information to help set small grain acreage, yield, and production estimates at the county level, which will be available this December in NASSs Quick Stats database at quickstats.nass.usda.gov.

NASS will contact Illinois producers to gather information on their 2023 small grains production and the quantities of corn, soybeans, and wheat stored on the farm. Additionally, NASS will survey commercial grain storage operations to determine estimates of grain stocks stored in any off-farm facility. Producers are encouraged to respond online at agcounts.usda.gov. They may also return their completed surveys by mail. Producers who have not responded by August 31 may be contacted by a NASS representative to schedule a time to help fill out the survey.

NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents, by keeping responses confidential and publishing the data in aggregate form only, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified, stated Schleusener. We recognize that farmers and ranchers time is valuable, but the information they provide becomes useful data for decision-making on the farm, for federal farm programs, and the markets. I urge everyone to respond survey and I thank them in advance for their time and cooperation.

NASS will publish state and national data in the annual Small Grains Summary and quarterly Grain Stocks reports Sept. 29 on the NASS website. These survey data also contribute to USDAs World Agricultural Outlook Boards monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

For assistance with the survey, or for more information, contact the NASS Heartland Regional Field Office at 800-551-1014 or nassrfohlr@usda.gov.
MATTOON  Some student musicians will be playing multiple roles Saturday evening during the second Band Aid fundraising concert for Mattoon school band programs.

They are scheduled to perform with the Mattoon High School band at approximately 4:50 p.m. and then take the stage later that night with their respective rock bands at this concert, set for 4-10:15 p.m. at the Lytle Park bandshell. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.

Those rock bands include Black Vinyl and Celestial Apparitions, which all played at the inaugural Band Aid and are set to return this year.

Celestial Apparitions vocalist Madison Parks, a tenor drummer at the high school, said she appreciates that the concert's audience members are looking out for school band program needs. She noted that the high school band's uniforms include some that are more than 20 years old.

Parks and Black Vinyl drummer Keenan Kersh, who plays in the high school drum line, said that the concert provides an opportunity for local bands to be at center stage rather than just providing background music at a sporting event or festival.

"It's a lot of people who like music all in one place," Kersh said. Black Vinyl lead guitarist Cullen Price added that, "It was pretty fun (last year). The crowd was nice."

Jane Doe band member Dusty Maninfior, who is a Mattoon school band alumnus, has partnered with fellow community members and the Mattoon Arts Council once again to present this fundraising concert, which includes raffles.

Maninfior, said school band programs continue to be in need of support, such as replacing aging instruments at the high school and the middle school. He also noted that the middle school had 30 more musicians than expected join this year.

"That's a great problem to have, but they are definitely going to have a shortage of uniforms," Maninfior said. His son Jack is a school band member and part of the Invisible Spiders rock band.

The concert will feature the Mattoon Community Concert Band, 4:05 p.m.; high school band, 4:50 p.m.; Legacy Performing Arts of Central Illinois, 5:35 p.m.; Invisible Spiders, 6:10 p.m.; Sully Cornell, 6:40 p.m.; Celestial Apparitions, 7 p.m.; Black Vinyl, 7:45 p.m.; Katzmandu, 8:30 p.m.; and Jane Doe 9:30 p.m.

Scheduled times for the performances are approximate. Kari Jones the Comedienne will serve as the emcee for Band Aid, where concessions will be available from the La Luna Mexican Restaurant Food Truck and Big Al's Shakeups.

Black Vinyl's Kersh and Price said they want to thank Maninfior and everyone else who organized Band Aid, Sound Source Music Center in Mattoon for mentoring young musicians in local rock band, and school band parents for always being boosters.

"Parents help with the bands a lot," Maninfior, adding that they serve as unofficial roadies and wardrobe managers. "They help with the uniforms, and they help with moving stuff."

Photos: 2023 Mattoon High School Senior Parade
MATTOON  The Mattoon school district has announced that Arland D. Williams Elementary School will dismiss at 12:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday for air conditioning system repairs.

Williams dismissed at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday due to problems with the building's air conditioning system, which started to malfunction on Monday.

The district reported that the early dismissals on Thursday and Friday, at Williams only, are in preparation for a replacement part installation and repair for the cooling compressor. It said parents and guardians have been contacted with further details concerning dismissal.

"Our primary concern is for the health and safety of our students and staff," the district stated. "The air conditioning at Williams has been functioning at 70% this week."

The district reported that, "Due to increasing temperatures and the continued delay in the replacement part, we believe early dismissals are the best course of action at this time. We hope this allows ample time for families to plan in advance."

The National Weather Service in Lincoln has extended its excessive heat warning for much of Central Illinois through 10 p.m. Friday.

Heat index values reaching near 115 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, especially for anyone working outside, the service said in a news release this week.

Both the Mattoon and Charleston districts have canceled outdoor sporting events through Thursday due to the heat.

JG-TC meteorologist Matt Holiner advised that Central Illinois residents should try to avoid outdoor activity during the afternoon hours as much as possible, and take other safety measures.

Drinking water is a must for anyone who will be out in the afternoon. People can quickly become dehydrated in these conditions. Frequent breaks should be taken from any outdoor activities, at least in the shade, but better yet indoors in an air-conditioned building.

"Finally, outdoor pets should not be forgotten either. Make sure they have access to water and shade during the afternoon hours each day," Holiner said.

Photos: Hot weather has US, world sweltering
A Winston-Salem man was spared further imprisonment Wednesday after he pleaded guilty to a charge related to him firing a gun into a Little Caesars Pizza restaurant in March, authorities said.

Christopher Paz, 29, pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm into occupied property, the Forsyth County District Attorneys Office said.

Paz was initially also charged with misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon, misdemeanor assault by pointing a gun, discharging a gun within city limits and injury to personal property, Winston-Salem police said.

Under a plea agreement, Judge Michael Duncan of Forsyth Superior Court sentenced Paz to serve 3 months in the Forsyth County Jail, according to a court record. However, Duncan also gave Paz credit for 106 days that he spent in the jail awaiting his court hearing.

In addition, Duncan gave Paz a suspended sentence of 18 months to 34 months in prison, the district attorneys office said. Duncan also ordered Paz to undergo a mental health and anger management evaluation.

Duncans ruling means that Paz will not serve any further confinement.

Benjamin Porter of Winston-Salem, Pazs attorney, declined to comment on the case.

Paz was driving a pickup on March 2 when he stopped and ordered a pizza through the drive-thru window at Little Caesars at 1401 Silas Creek Parkway, the district attorneys office said.

After Paz was handed his pizza at the pick-up window, Paz was not satisfied that his pizza was cooked properly and ordered a new one, the district attorneys office said.

Paz became upset with the staffs response and demanded a full refund, the district attorneys office said. Before the cashier could process his refund, Paz revealed a handgun.

The cashier then moved away from the window, and Paz fired a bullet into the business, the district attorneys office said. No injuries were reported.

Paz also was accused of pointing a gun toward an employee and firing a bullet at the employee, according to an arrest warrant.

The bullet went through the window and struck an adjacent, interior wall of the business, the district attorneys office said. The gunshot caused about $200 in damage to the building.

Video surveillance captured the incident, and the footage showed Pazs pickup at the business on March 2.

Paz, who was driving the pickup during the shooting, turned himself in to authorities on March 6, police said.
Senate Bill 9 started out innocently enough.

A pair of state senators filed it in mid-January under the working title Apex Town Council to Appoint Town Clerk. It was all of three paragraphs long.

But by the time SB 9 was voted on, it had morphed into a 13-page document so contentious that state Sen. Paul Lowe, D-Forsyth, labeled it racist.

By the time it passed well after dark last Wednesday, the bill had sprawled to include the creation of civil service boards for police and firefighters in Winston-Salem and Greensboro, waded into a fight over filling a seat on the Guilford County Board of Education and made local elections in Madison County partisan.

Confusing? Yes. Surprising? Also yes.

But racist and vitriolic? That depends on whos talking.

City Council didnt ask for it. The police chief didnt ask for it. The police department, the fire chief, the city manager  Nobody asked for it, Lowe said. Its a terrible deal.

I tried to stop it. I tried to pull Winston-Salem out of the bill. But I got beat.

Conference committees

Law-making, particularly as practiced in Raleigh, has been compared  not unfairly  to making hot dogs.

Its not pretty. And no one wants to know what went into the final product.

And when legislators are rushing to finish the years business, the process is often worse. Thats how a bill to allow Apex to appoint a town clerk turned into something so divisive.

The bills short title was changed to the Local Omnibus Bill, which allowed legislators to load it up with all sorts of unrelated subjects.

One  a clarification over how an open seat on the Guilford County school board gets filled  was a topic about which most observers were aware.

Pat Tillman, a Republican school-board member, resigned his seat last year after being elected to the Board of County Commissioners. The county Republican Party nominated Michael Logan as his replacement and that didnt sit well with the Democratic majority, which declined to seat him.

State Rep. Jon Hardister, R-Guilford, said all along that he was going to push a legislative clarification that would make clear that the final choice rested with local political parties.

It was a second addition, pushed in a House-Senate conference committee to iron out differences between similar bills passed in both chambers, that sparked controversy.

According to summaries of changes made to the bill, provisions for civil-service boards in Winston-Salem and Greensboro were inserted last Wednesday.

A model for the wording of the bill has been around for years  similar boards are in place in Asheville, Charlotte and Raleigh  but the standalone version languished. Until it was added into the omnibus bill.

Under it, the classified services  defined as police and fire departments  will have five-member Civil Service Boards that will handle employee grievances about such matters as dismissals, demotions/promotions, suspensions and uniformity in job classifications and qualifications.

One member will be picked by the City Council, one by firefighters, one by police officers and one by mutual agreement of the fire and police chiefs. The fifth member will be elected by a majority vote of the other four; if no majority is reached, City Council will choose.

It was a House bill, said state Sen. Joyce Krawiec, R-Forsyth, the Senate chair of the conference committee. I didnt know much about it until the end. It gives rank-and-file police and first responders an extra layer of transparency as it involves more than one person being in charge.  An appeals process.

Its not clear what prompted the creation of Civil Service Boards only for Greensboro and Winston-Salem  or what prompted Lowe to label it racist.

I would say its done. Its about fairness, Lowe said Monday evening. Its a racist bill. Im not going into detail. Call city officials for that.

Asked for clarification, Lowe added that someone, my understanding is that a person was fired for not doing their job and had an opportunity to come back to the police department but not in the job they previously had.

Its just putting something between the police and the chief and other city employees.

For her part Krawiec said she believes the idea for civil service boards came up following an incident in Greensboro.

Earlier this year, Greensboro City Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba upheld the firing of Capt. Dustin Jones, a veteran of the city fire department, over social media posts that demeaned the Black Lives Matter movement and transgender people.

Jones, who is white, was dismissed May 12. Jaiyeoba cited Jones history of disrespectful and dehumanizing Facebook posts and referenced his unwillingness to attend sensitivity training or heed warnings made by fire department supervisors.

In response, Jones filed a lawsuit against the city claiming that his First Amendment Rights had been infringed and enlisted the support of Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a leading Republican candidate for governor.

Very much opposed

Mayor Allen Joines said Tuesday that once they realized what was happening, city officials tried to fight it  just as Lowe said.

We were very much opposed to it, he said. It strikes at the very heart of the council-manager form of government by taking away the power to make decisions.

Irritating, too, Joines said, is the way Senate Bill 9 came about with little notice or chance to push back.

Its done now, he said. There needs to be some technical corrections, which (City Attorney) Angela Carmon is looking at now.

He also said he understood that the push for civil-service boards began in Greensboro but that Winston-Salem was added due to a police sergeant, a female, who felt she hadnt been treated well in a discipline issue.

Police Chief William Penn and Fire Chief William Trey Mayo of Winston-Salem declined comment.

Which is understandable. Neither wants to be collateral damage in a political dispute involving state legislators.

Whatever the particulars, the reasons behind disciplinary actions and/or terminations are not matters of public record. Theyre covered by state employment privacy laws.

Still, its not hard to see why Lowe would be critical.

A police chief needs to have the ability to use appropriate personnel in the jobs theyre doing, he said. Why do you need it (a civil board) at all? Why was it handled the way it was handled? Winston-Salem, the city, didnt ask for it.

But Krawiec emphatically said that race did not play a role.

I dont know how it could be racist, she said. It affects the rank and file. The rank and file are definitely for it. They lobbied hard for it.
A major renovation project is set to proceed on the former Whitaker Park manufacturing campus, but with a new owner-occupant with Cook Medical bowing out and Purple Crow preparing to step in.

Cook confirmed Wednesday plans to sell its 850,000-square-foot section on the massive production campus.

Although Cook did not disclose the buyer, Purple Crow chief executive and president Dan Calhoun said his group has a contract in place to purchase the property.

Steps, such as incentives and due diligence, are progressing ahead of schedule, and closing will take place as soon as those matters are resolved, Calhoun said Wednesday.

Cook said selling the property is in response to the medical-devices manufacturers evolving work-from-home policies that were accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Like other companies, including those in the medical device industry and around the globe, our work model has changed significantly over the last few years, and we no longer need the physical space that Whitaker Park offers, said Tamisha Clark, general manager for Cook Medicals operations in Winston-Salem.

Were fortunate to have found a potential buyer that is interested in the property and supporting the Winston-Salem community.

Cook paid $4 million in July 2021 for the section that features 39.3 acres after announcing in January 2019 its high-profile plans to acquire the property from Whitaker Park Development Authority Inc.

Purple Crow also is the company behind the Project Fiesta incentive request currently before the Winston-Salem City Council, as well as a planned request to the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners. Council will hold a Sept. 5 public hearing on the request after it was recommended unanimously by the committee.

Purple Crow said the brand remains distinctive among the competition for providing deeply authentic Mexican products, and the sole image on our expanding line of fresh cheeses, creams, meats, yogurts and snacks.

During the Aug. 15 meeting of the councils Finance committee, Mayor Allen Joines said the proposed building for Project Fiesta is vacant.

Joines said Wednesday that we are delighted that Purple Crows success continues to allow them to grow and has placed them in a position to purchase the former RJR facility at Whitaker Park.

This is the largest building in the complex, so were thrilled that this company stepped forward to utilize this space.

Cook pledged in January 2019 that it would move its local workforce of 650 to the former R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. cigarette facility, as well as add 50 jobs over 10 years.

Purple Crow said in the Project Fiesta incentive request to the city that it would create 274 jobs at an average wage of $72,000, as well as retain more than 300 local employees.

Purple Crow would spend $50 million on capital investments  $31 million on real property and $19 million on personal business property  over five years. The facility is projected to be operational by end of 2024.

In return, it is requesting up to $694,218 in performance-based incentives, also over five years. It would be required to operate in the facility for at least 10 years.

Cooks decision

Cook is a privately owned family business based in Bloomington, Ind., with facilities around the world.

It designs, develops and manufactures medical devices that are used to perform minimally invasive medical procedures, such as colonoscopies that use long flexible tubes with cameras to examine colons.

We see Whitaker Park as an impact project in that we are converting a facility that manufactured cigarettes into a modern facility producing life-saving medical devices, Barry Slowey, president of Cooks Winston-Salem location, said in January 2019.

Weve been in Winston-Salem since 1983, and acquiring the Whitaker Park facility signifies a renewed commitment to this community.

Slowey said the company expects to spend in the tens of millions of dollars on the overall project.

The project represented a near fourfold gain in space compared with the 200,000 square feet the company has in seven buildings it owns and one leased building off of Hanes Mill Road.

We have outgrown our current space for a couple of years, so this gives the opportunity to expand appropriately into all of the Whitaker Park space, Slowey said.

On Wednesday, Clark said that because many of our employees work a hybrid role and only come to campus a few days a week, this has created space on our current campus, which allows more room for growth to better fit our future needs without moving to a new facility.

Clark said Cook is moving to transfer employees working at Whitaker Park back to its main Winston-Salem campus.

Were very excited about having all our employees located on our main campus once again, supporting increased collaboration, Clark said.

Opportunities to add operations and corresponding staff to our current campus as needs arise will continue to be evaluated.

Purple Crow plans

Joines said the company behind Project Fiesta started off fairly small and continues to grow. This is a major step for them, and they will take the building to good use.

According to a city development project analysis form, the company recently completed an expansion of its existing facility and needs to relocate its headquarters and operations to accommodate projected growth.

The company is considering several sites, including other communities in North Carolina and in Georgia.

The company would be required to post job vacancies related to their sites with the N.C. Employment Security Commission, the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, the county Department of Social Services and the Winston-Salem Urban League until at least Dec. 31, 2024.

In June 2020, the city council approved up to $203,904 in performance-based incentives for Purple Crow, then known La Tortilleria LLC that was founded in 1995.

La Tortilleria committed to spending $13.3 million on capital investment over five years to expand its local operations. The investment primarily would involve machinery and equipment.

Background

When Reynolds opened Whitaker Park in 1961 at a cost of $32 million, it was considered the worlds largest and most modern cigarette-manufacturing plant. In todays dollars, the plant would cost $270.2 million to build, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

At its peak, Whitaker Park had more than 2,000 workers.

Reynolds announced plans in May 2010 to close Whitaker Park as part of shifting production to its 2-million-square-foot plant in Tobaccoville. That shift was completed in 2012.

Reynolds donated what has been known as Building 601-1 to the authority when it handed over the keys to 120 acres and 13 buildings in April 2017.

The Cook portion represents about half of the 1.7 million square feet donated by Reynolds.

The authority is a nonprofit corporation created in 2011 by Winston-Salem Business Inc., the Winston-Salem Alliance and Wake Forest University.

The authoritys goal with the donated properties is to make the campus a magnet for manufacturing, industrial, warehousing and distribution operations, but also possibly retail and residential space, with an overall potential capital investment of more than $200 million.

Don Flow, the authoritys chairman, said in April 2017 that were confident that this project will yield more than 10,000 good-paying jobs for the community, creating new energy and vitality to this historic site.

However, some economists have questioned whether the jobs placed in Whitaker Park represent a net gain for the local community or just a shifting of local operations, such as what Inmar Inc. did when it moved its headquarters from Indiana Avenue to become an anchor tenant in Wake Forest Innovation Quarter and then to the One West Fourth tower.

Not included in the donation is the central property in between, where Reynolds continues to operate tobacco-processing and warehousing operations. Those consist of 18 buildings and 100 acres.
A fire that broke out at a Near South apartment building Tuesday night caused $230,000 in damage and left the building without power, displacing the residents of 10 apartment units, officials said.

Lincoln Fire and Rescue crews responded to the building, at 831 S. 17th St., just before 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and found flames coming from the building's roof, said MJ Leirman, the fire department's spokeswoman.

Firefighters found flames in the building's attic and extinguished the blaze within 15 minutes, Leirman said in a statement.

But the fire levied $200,000 in damage to the structure and $30,000 worth of damage to contents, she said. The flames breached one of the building's 10 units.

Authorities called the Red Cross to the scene to help relocate all of the building's residents, about 10 to 15 occupants in total, Leirman said.

All of the residents had evacuated the building by the time firefighters arrived, she said. No one was injured in the fire.

Leirman said inspectors determined the fire was caused by a failure in the building's service drop  the overhead electrical line running from the apartment to a utility pole.

The building, which sits along 17th Street between F and G streets, is classified in Lancaster County Assessor records as a condominium, built in 1953.

Photos: Firefighters in action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action
A former Nebraska State Patrol trooper already serving two prison sentences was sentenced Wednesday to a third lengthy prison term for the 2022 sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl.

Brandon Dolezal, 26, pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree sexual assault on a child and was sentenced to 30 to 50 years in prison by Douglas County District Court Judge Molly Keane. The sentencing hearing on Wednesday came after Dolezal pleaded no contest in June to the two charges and in exchange prosecutors dismissed five other charges.

Prosecutors said Dolezal twice sexually assaulted the girl he first met on the social media app Snapchat. Both incidents occurred in Dolezals pickup truck. Omaha police arrested Dolezal in a parking lot at Skutt Catholic High School, where the girl was a student, on Nov. 1, 2022.

In court, Dolezal apologized to the girl and her family. Matthew Knipe, Dolezal's attorney, said his client recognizes what hes done and wants to rectify his problem.

Prosecutor Nathan Barnhill said Dolezals behavior is a part of a calculated and methodical pattern.

Keane said Dolezal has shown a disregard for the law given Dolezals recent convictions in Scotts Bluff and Sarpy counties for similar offenses. She also relayed a statement from the girls family submitted as part of a presentence investigation report.

In the statement, the family said the girl suffers from issues related to the trauma including difficulty trusting people.

This will be something they will deal with for their entire lives, Keane said.

The Douglas County sentencing was the latest in Dolezals court proceedings.

In Scotts Bluff County earlier this year, Dolezal was ordered to serve 40 to 56 years in prison after being found guilty of four counts of possession of child pornography and two counts of attempted child enticement. He will be eligible for parole in 20 years under state sentencing guidelines. With good time, Dolezal could serve 20 to 28 years.

His Scotts Bluff sentence stems from sexting with two girls under 16 years old. At the time the offenses occurred, Dolezal was a state trooper stationed in the Panhandle. Dolezal was fired by the State Patrol in March 2021 after an internal investigation.

In Sarpy County, Dolezal was sentenced 20 to 40 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in Bellevue. In that case, Dolezal must serve 10 years in prison before he is eligible for parole and 20 before he must be released.

Dolezal's latest prison sentence out of Douglas County will run consecutively to his prior sentences from Scotts Bluff and Sarpy counties, meaning he will have to complete those prison terms before starting his new sentence from Douglas County.

Top Journal Star photos for August 2023
A judge on Wednesday found probable cause to bind a Lincoln teens case over to district court for the fatal shooting of Damien Brave at a house party in March, over the defense argument that there was no evidence of premeditation.

Kashuan McCree, 17, is charged with first-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony for Braves killing March 31.

McCree didnt know Brave, 18.

At a preliminary hearing, Lincoln Police Investigator Jason Drager testified that within the first few days of Braves killing, police had received numerous tips identifying McCree as the shooter.

One witness told them he had run into Brave, who he knew from high school, just as he arrived at the party at a rental house near 27th and Fair streets around 11:30 p.m. In a conversation in the mudroom near the door they spoke about how it seemed like the type of party where people would be carrying firearms.

Drager said he told police Brave specifically said he didnt have a gun and didnt like them before they both went in.

Soon after, the same witness said he noticed a guy eyeballing Brave from the kitchen. Within minutes, the man  allegedly McCree  was talking to Brave and heard to have said something like If I were to shoot you would there be anything of interest in that bag?

He said he then witnessed the individual pull out a tan gun and shoot Mr. Brave, Drager said.

The officer said Brave was struck in the stomach, right thigh and knee, the shot to his abdomen was fatal. Despite attempts by witnesses to get him to a hospital, he was pronounced dead.

Drager said police found three shell casings, all of which were fired from the same gun and had McCrees DNA on them, according to testing at the Nebraska State Patrols crime lab.

On April 6, McCree was arrested in a Detroit suburb on a warrant for Braves murder.

In an interview, Drager said McCree alleged that a guy at the party, who ended up being Brave, had been asking to buy marijuana. He said he didnt have any.

In response, McCree alleged, Brave showed him a handgun in his waistband.

Mr. McCree stated that he then grappled and wrestled with Mr. Brave. He said Mr. Brave fired off a shot in a New York minute, Drager said, before McCree fired at Brave.

Asked if McCrees version matched multiple witness accounts, Drager said partly. Others said the two did grapple.

However, they said Damien was the one attempting to grapple with McCree and get McCrees gun, Drager said. No other witnesses stated that Damien Brave had a firearm.

Defense attorney Tim Sullivan asked if he had any reason to believe McCrees actions were premeditated.

I guess it depends on your definition of premeditated, the officer answered, adding that comments heard by witnesses could be inferred that way.

Asked if his investigation revealed that there may have been a sudden quarrel over Braves backpack, Drager agreed.

Sullivan argued that while the evidence may support second-degree murder, a killing upon a sudden quarrel, it falls short of establishing premeditation.

On the other side, Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Jessica Murphy argued statements like McCrees before the shooting showed both premeditation and an attempt to commit a robbery, which would qualify as felony murder.

In the end, County Judge Thomas Zimmerman said, that for the purposes of the hearing, he found probable cause to believe a crime was committed and that McCree had committed it.

And he set McCrees arraignment in district court for next month.

Remembering Lincoln's homicide victims of 2023 1. Julian A. Martinez 2. Rudy Requejo Jr. 3. Ronald Gonzalez Rivas 4. Christopher Karmazin 5. Damien Brave 6. Mark Kruger 7. James Baylor
A New Jersey man is in jail in Lincoln after deputies found more than 2 ounces of cocaine in his SUV amid an Interstate 80 traffic stop Monday, authorities alleged in court filings.

Members of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Criminal Interdiction Unit stopped Cecil Marshall, 31, for following too closely in the interstate's eastbound lanes near mile marker 399 in Lincoln, Lincoln Police Officer John Hudec alleged in the probable cause statement for Marshall's arrest.

Authorities searched Marshall's 2019 Dodge Durango after smelling marijuana, Hudec said, and found 61.5 grams of cocaine and 145 grams of ecstasy tablets in a duffel bag. Police also found $806 in his wallet.

Police took the 31-year-old to the Lancaster County Jail.

Prosecutors charged the Garfield, New Jersey, man Tuesday with possession of amphetamines with intent to deliver, possession of cocaine with intent to deliver and possession of money while violating a drug law.

A judge set his percentage bond at $250,000, meaning he must pay $25,000 to be released.

Most dangerous cities in Nebraska Dangerous Cities in Nebraska 6. South Sioux City 5. Scottsbluff 4. North Platte 3. Lincoln 2. Grand Island 1. Omaha A note about the numbers
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The work of a Washington artist may soon appear near 11th and G streets  colorful paintings of whimsical city scenes on three 7-foot-tall clay pipes.

Patrick Silers artwork comes to Lincoln via Public Art Lincoln, a city advisory board that solicits artwork from across the nation for public art in the capital city, said Allison Speicher, the parks and recreation representative on the board.

The three pieces are on loan to the city, but the advisory board hopes they can become permanent art pieces in Lincoln.

Siler, who taught art at Washington State University for 33 years, depicts ordinary experiences through the paintings and drawings that decorate ceramics hes created, as well as other surfaces  including a series of clay pipes he painted during a residency at a ceramic pipe factory in Arizona.

Three of those clay pipes are coming to Lincoln, and city officials and the advisory board would like to put them at 11th and G streets, an area identified in the citys public art master plan as a greenway or potential art walk area.

Speicher said that there are already sculptures on that corner and the intersection has landscaped beds and widened sidewalk areas  and a coffee shop, restaurant and ice cream shop.

Its kind of a commercial hub that brings people to the area, she said.

Because the intersection is part of the Everett Landmark District, the citys Historic Preservation Commission reviewed  and approved  the placement of the clay pipes there, but before the city makes a final decision it wants to reach out to residents and businesses in the area.

Theyre playful conversation starters, Speicher said, and the city hopes they end up at the intersection.

We certainly hope the community likes them, she said.

TIF and the Haymarket

The city hopes to use tax-increment financing  an often controversial financing tool to help improve blighted areas  on some additional public improvement projects in the South and West Haymarket.

First, though, the city must update redevelopment plans for the West and South Haymarket to reflect current estimates of projects that use tax-increment financing  updates the City Council approved Monday.

Despite that approval, the city must still get council approval for the projects before they move forward.

The updates illustrate how things have changed since the West Haymarket Redevelopment Project was created in 2007.

At the time, city officials estimated the area would include $84 million in private investment that would generate $15 million in tax increment financing, or TIF, said Hallie Salem, redevelopment manager for the citys urban development department.

Over the next 16 years, the project unfolded differently than city officials had envisioned: more offices, more residential space and more square footage in what has become a multi-use district.

Today, based on existing projects and anticipated future development, city officials estimate private investments in the West Haymarket will total as much as $290 million and will generate nearly $58 million in TIF.

Of that estimated $290 million in private investment in the West Haymarket, $180 million has already been realized with existing projects, which are using $29 million in TIF, Salem said. The remainder is what city officials believe will happen with future development.

In at least one existing project  a hotel and condo project at Canopy and Q streets  the increase in property values means the loans will likely be paid off early, and city officials want the option of using that extra TIF financing for public improvements.

Wed like the ability to capture that additional increment to finish some projects laid out as part of the original West Haymarket Project, Salem said.

To do that, state law says the plans must reflect the increased estimates of private investment and TIF  thus the changes to the plans.

A little background: TIF is a way to help finance projects in blighted areas using a portion of property taxes generated over a 15- or 20-year period. In a nutshell, TIF is the difference  or increment  between the value of a blighted property and what it is estimated to be worth once the project is finished.

Developers enter into an agreement with the city and take out a loan to pay for any number of upfront costs such as site acquisition, as well as energy enhancements, facade and streetscape improvements, and use that increment to pay off the loan over 15 or 20 years.

Cities can also create TIF districts  using that increment financing from redevelopment projects for neighborhood improvements.

The West and South Haymarket redevelopment projects are sort of a combination of both: The city adopted plans for what it wants to see developed in those areas, but the redevelopment projects are private projects and  for the most part  the TIF is used just for those projects. By having a plan for the whole district, the city makes sure the private projects and streetscape improvements connected to them are part of a larger plan for the district.

Now, city officials would like to use the additional TIF from the hotel and condo project to help pay for parking and streetscape improvements under a portion of the Harris Overpass, as well as a pedestrian crossing near 7th and N streets from the parking garage to the future park.

The council also approved expanding the South Haymarket to include an area that encompasses South Haymarket Park so the city can use TIF from an existing project in the expanded area.

Top Journal Star photos for August 2023
The 1-year-old girl who died Monday had been left for about five hours in a day care van outside of a midtown Omaha child care center as the heat index climbed to triple digits, according to court documents.

A day after her death, RaMiyah Worthington's family and friends demanded answers and justice for the little girl.

As the heat index reached 110 degrees late Tuesday morning, about 40 people gathered outside Kidz of the Future II Childcare Center.

Under the blistering sun, RaMiyah's friends and family chanted her name as they wiped away sweat and tears.

If were hot just standing out here now, Crystal Johnson, a cousin of RaMiyahs mother, said through tears, Imagine how RaMiyah must have felt.

Omaha Fire Department medics were called to the day care center, located at 50th and Leavenworth streets, shortly after 3 p.m. Monday. RaMiyah was unresponsive when paramedics arrived, and she died after being transported to the Nebraska Medical Center with CPR in progress.

When RaMiyah arrived at the hospital, her body temperature was approximately 109 degrees, according to court documents. Based on the route of the van and surveillance footage from the day care, it's estimated that RaMiyah was in the van for about five hours.

The air temperature measured 96 degrees shortly before 3 p.m. Monday, according to National Weather Service data recorded at Eppley Airfield. The heat index was measured at 113 degrees.

The vans driver, 62-year-old Ryan D. Williams, was arrested Monday night on suspicion of felony child abuse by neglect resulting in death. He is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday morning.

RaMiyah's parents told police Williams picked up RaMiyah and two of her siblings on Monday and took them to day care, like he does every morning.

RaMiyahs mother, Sina Johnson, said in an interview that on Monday she received a text from Charkel Smith, the day cares director and coordinator, at 2:57 p.m. When Johnson called Smith, Smith was screaming hysterically and told Johnson to come to the day care immediately.

Sina Johnson said when she arrived at the day care, neither Smith nor police were on scene. She went inside and was told by Keesha Wesson, who is listed in state records as the day cares owner, that RaMiyah was at the hospital.

Williams later told police he had nine children in his van when he arrived at the day care and became distracted when a young boy did not want to get out of the van, according to an arrest affidavit. Another staff member came to help Williams and they got the boy out of the van. Then Williams closed the van.

Williams said he normally conducts a "sweep" of the van to make sure no one is left behind but did not on Monday, the affidavit said. When he went out several hours later, he found RaMiyah lying on the floor in the backseat, picked her up and rushed her inside to call 911.

Williams said "he was the only staff member in the vehicle and had made a mistake in forgetting the child in the van," the affidavit said.

RaMiyah's death leaves five siblings without their baby sister, her parents heartbroken and an entire community demanding answers.

They forgot my daughter in the van, Sina Johnson said. But we wont forget her. I want the center shut down. I want this to be RaMiyahs corner.

Sina Johnson said three of her children, including Ra'Miyah, had attended the day care center for about five years without any prior issues.

Voicemails left with Smith and Wesson were not immediately returned Tuesday.

At Tuesdays protest outside of the now-closed day care center, attendees called for the center to be shut down and for the driver, as well as other employees of the center, to face consequences.

Aside from seeking justice for her death, family members are dedicated to keeping Ra'Miyah's memory alive. The girl's aunts and parents recalled her bright smile and infectious laugh, and noted that she never cried  unless she wanted her dad, her favorite person, to hold her.

"She was my whole world," said Rianna Worthington, Ra'Miyah's father. "She was always, always happy. I got my life together because of her."

State records show that Kidz of the Future II is owned by Wesson, and Smith's voicemail identifies her as the director and coordinator of the center. A recent unannounced inspection in May found that proof of liability insurance was not available at the time of inspection, but that violation was fixed the same day.

The day care, when located in another building, was placed on corrective action status, a type of probationary license, after a 2017 incident in which a 5-year-old child was allegedly left unattended for at least 10 to 15 minutes at Gene Leahy Mall during a field trip. The child was found by someone in the park, who called police. The probationary period expired in February 2018.

Amber Rollins, director of Kids and Car Safety of Olathe, Kansas, said four children in Nebraska have died since 1990 as the result of being in a hot vehicle. Ra'Miyah is at least the 19th child to die in a hot car nationwide in 2023 and first in Nebraska since 2019, she said.

More than 1,050 children have died in hot cars nationwide since 1990 and at least another 7,300 survived with varying types and severities of injuries, according to data at kidsandcars.org. "Approximately 87% of children who die in hot cars are age 3 or younger and the majority, 56%, were unknowingly left by an otherwise loving, responsible parent or caregiver," Rollins said. "Of the children who were unknowingly left, about 12% were left by a childcare provider." A GoFundMe has been set up to cover Ra'Miyah's funeral expenses.

Photos: Family, community members gather outside Kidz of the Future Il day care after death of one-year-old
A 39-year-old DuBois man died in a house fire sometime early Saturday morning, the Richardson County Sheriff's Office said.

Authorities found Daniel L. Kaster dead at around 7 a.m. Saturday morning after responding to the fire, which destroyed Kaster's house at 63473 703 Trail, east of DuBois, the sheriff's office said in a social media post.

A village of less than 200 people, DuBois sits less than three miles north of the Nebraska-Kansas border.

Investigators determined the fire broke out sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning, according to the post. It's unclear what caused the blaze.

"The Richardson County Sheriffs Office would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to Mr. Kasters family and friends," the office said in the post.

The Humboldt Fire Department and Dawson Fire Department responded to the scene Saturday alongside deputies.

Photos: Firefighters in action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action
Dawson County District Judge James E. Doyle IV has been named the recipient of the 28th Annual William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence, one of the highest judicial recognitions in the country.

Doyle will receive the award from Chief Justice John Roberts at a recognition ceremony at the United States Supreme Court in November.

The award, presented by the National Center for State Courts, honors state court judges who demonstrate the outstanding qualities of judicial excellence, "including integrity, fairness, open-mindedness, knowledge of the law, professional ethics, creativity, sound judgment, intellectual courage and decisiveness."

Mary McQueen, president of the National Center for State Courts, said Doyle has spent his more than two decades of judicial service focused on solving problems for the people of central Nebraska.

"The solutions he has developed have served as models for other courts across rural America," she said.

McQueen said he also has promoted the use of technology to allow people in his rural community to more easily access justice.

"Judge Doyle is a state court judge who reflects Chief Justice Rehnquists view that 'a certain humility should characterize the judicial role. Judges and justices are servants of the law, not the other way around,'" she said.

Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Heavican nominated Doyle for the honor, highlighting his many career accomplishments, and also noting that Doyle  who is set to retire Aug. 31 has provided leadership in a part of America that seldom gets the spotlight.

He said Doyle's home court in Lexington, a town of about 10,000 people, is heavily Hispanic but includes other immigrants of various nationalities.

"Many of this diverse citizenry work at a large meat packing plant. Judge Doyle also serves in three other very rural counties near Lexington. Those counties are sparsely populated, frequently needing services provided by Zoom or other electronic technology, Heavican wrote.

Justice Jeffrey Funke praised Doyle for his "strong legal acumen, his commitment to the rule of law and his respect for all who appear before him or work with him."

Doyle, who has been a judge since 2001, was appointed in 2008 to chair the problem-solving court committee of the Nebraska Supreme Court. Under his direction, the state has established a problem-solving court in every judicial district.

In April, Doyle was awarded the Legal Pioneer Award by the Nebraska State Bar Foundation for his innovative contributions to the improvement of justice.

During the pandemic, Doyle had the novel idea of using YouTube for court proceedings, got approval for a pilot program and currently is the only judge in the state who broadcasts his court proceedings live online.

He is an innovator, and this pilot program has provided many benefits to the public and the media, Nebraska Court of Appeals Judge Frankie Moore said then.

Top Journal Star photos for August 2023
Arline Morris teeth are failing fast. She cant eat much, and struggles with constant pain while taking medication that makes her teeth even more fragile.

Shes been offered appointments at Lincoln and Omaha dental clinics that will accept her Medicaid insurance. But Arline lives in Stratton, in southwest Nebraska  more than 200 miles from the nearest dentist who will take her.

Its an eight-hour round trip, plus hours of dental work, and thats all but impossible. A long car ride can leave Arline suffering in bed for days. Medicaid doesnt cover an overnight stay.

John Morris, Arlines husband, spends his days phoning for help. Hes talked to more than 50 dentists offices, with no luck.

Either you hurt with your teeth, or you hurt for several days in your bed and you cant move or eat, John Morris said.

Each year, fewer dentists can afford to treat Nebraskas Medicaid patients. In the past five years, the number of dental providers treating Medicaid-eligible patients nosedived 37%.

The problem is severe in western Nebraska. Only two dozen dentists west of Kearney have been paid for treating a Medicaid patient this year.

Forty-three Nebraska counties, many in the states western half, have zero dentists helping low-income Nebraskans like Arline Morris.

Within a 90-mile radius of the Morris home, only three dentists offices accept new Medicaid patients. One is a pediatric practice. The other two are separate small offices for one dentist.

Arline needs major work that her last dentist couldnt do in her satellite office in Paxton.

That dentist has since stopped taking new Medicaid patients, John Morris said, because the office was overwhelmed with a 100-patient waitlist.

Then, on Aug. 1, the Paxton office closed, leaving the Medicaid patients of western Nebraska with one fewer option.

***

In 2017, nearly 600 dental providers treated at least one Nebraska Medicaid patient, according to reimbursement records from Nebraskas Department of Health and Human Services.

By 2022, that number had fallen to 378.

Why? Because it doesnt pay.

State government reimbursements have fallen far below market levels, said Dr. Jessica Meeske. They fail to cover the costs of most dental procedures, leading to what Meeske calls a crisis level of patients who cant get care.

Meeske, a Hastings pediatric dentist, said her clinic turns away 15 families a day because they are overloaded and booked out. The pediatric dentists at a North Platte office are in the same quandary.

Were hearing multiple reports that patient families from western Nebraska are having to go all the way to Lincoln for dental care, Meeske said.

Five or six urgent calls per day come to Kim Danehey-Nibbe at Central Community Colleges dental hygiene program. Medicaid patients are phoning, often in serious pain.

Central Community College is one of only three providers accepting new Medicaid patients in Hastings.

A lot of the comments Ill get is, youre probably the 40th place Ive called, and nobodys taking, said Danehey-Nibbe.

***

Nebraskas Medicaid program picked up the tab for 39% of the average cost of dental work in 2021, according to a Nebraska Dental Association survey. Thats far below private insurance and lower than some neighboring states Medicaid programs.

Rising costs and more patients due to Medicaid expansion have made it tougher for dentists to manage the financial hit, Meeske said.

Grocery stores dont sell food for 40% of their price to SNAP customers. Why is health care partially financed by the professionals providing the service? said David ODoherty, director of the Nebraska Dental Association, in an email.

Nebraskas Medicaid program, run by DHHS, sets its rates inside the budget allocated by the Nebraska Legislature.

As a public service, funded by the state, those rates are limited by the appropriation from the Legislature, said Collin Spilinek, a DHHS spokesperson. As a result, there is only so much that Medicaid can do to address this concern directly.

The Legislature has made some attempts to improve the situation, and did boost Medicaid reimbursement rates by 3% this year  though that bump was far smaller than is needed, dentists say.

Gov. Jim Pillen line-item vetoed the rate increase in the two-year budget, holding it stagnant for 2024.

Meanwhile, John Morris keeps an eye on Facebook posts about dentists. People are constantly asking if anyone knows an office accepting new Medicaid patients near North Platte or McCook. There are rarely answers.

People cant stay in business if theyre losing money every time they make a transaction, he said.

***

Alison McAleese-Reents went to sleep on Dec. 23, 2020, with her jaw hurting. By morning, the side of her face had swelled like a balloon.

She went to Hastings Convenient Care. The nurse sent her straight to the hospital.

My friend sent me in with her phone number pinned to my shirt because I was pretty out of it, McAleese-Reents said. I didnt realize how bad it was.

She was immediately wheeled into emergency surgery at Hastings Mary Lanning hospital. An infection had spread from one bad tooth into her jawbone. Her surgeon acted quickly.

When she awoke on Christmas Eve, all 32 teeth were gone. Her mouth was empty, her life altered.

I can't even tell you what that was like to wake up to.  I start feeling around my mouth like whoa, whoa, what's this about? McAleese-Reents said. I thought they got the wrong patient at first.

McAleese-Reents has long lacked adequate dental care, she said, because options for Medicaid patients are limited near Hastings. Before she qualified for Medicaid, McAleese-Reents couldn't afford dental insurance.

You cant afford to go, and then when you qualify for Medicaid, theres nowhere to go, she said.

Patients who cant get regular dental care often rush to emergency rooms when pain becomes severe. Some 79% of those visits should happen at a dental office, said Kelsey Arends, a Nebraska Appleseed health care attorney.

Preventative, consistent dental care costs far less than ER treatment, Arends said  making it less burdensome on taxpayers. In-office care has other benefits, she said. One: Fewer opioid prescriptions.

***

When McAleese-Reents awoke with no teeth on Christmas Eve, she immediately worried about what was next.

How am I going to pay for dentures? she said.

Nebraskas Medicaid adult dental benefits are capped at $750 per year. McAleese-Reents worried she wouldnt have anything left for other dental care.

Her hospital care team contacted Smile Dental Group, who donated high-quality dentures and fitting appointments.

The dentures usually for Medicaid are cheaper and theyre very thick, McAleese-Reents said. When I look at mine, Im just blown away.

***

In January, the annual $750 benefits cap will be lifted, alongside other changes to Medicaid dental coverage.

We feel that this change will allow our members to receive needed care in a timely fashion and will allow appropriate compensation to the dentists  Spilinek said in an email.

Nebraska Medicaid is also changing reimbursements to better pay dentists for dentures and wisdom teeth. Providers are optimistic the changes will help more Nebraskans get care.

When open enrollment begins in November, patients will have a choice between three plans, each including dental work.

Patients hope the new setup makes it easier to find dentists and cuts down their pointless phone calls.

The repeated calls are wearing on John Morris. Repeatedly asking for help is frustrating, he said. Embarrassing.

Recently, Morris called DHHS while sitting with his wife in their home 200 miles from Lincoln. He said the employee who answered repeatedly yawned into the phone.

Everybody wants to feel like theyre the only person that matters when somebodys talking to them, but obviously that just isnt possible, Morris said. Its just hard. You dont know where to turn, its hard to get answers.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Top Journal Star photos for August 2023
Nebraska could spend as much as $2.6 million this summer helping Texas secure its southern border with Mexico.

Thats the anticipated cost of deploying 61 Nebraska Army National Guard soldiers to the border for August plus sending 10 members of the Nebraska State Patrol for two weeks in late May, according to State Budget Director Lee Will.

Gov. Jim Pillen defended the expense Monday, after visiting the border with Nebraska National Guard Adj. Gen. Craig Strong. The two met with troops and got a security briefing from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

Based on what I saw today, the cost of the two recent deployments of National Guard troops and State Patrol troopers is worth the prevention of having illegal drugs and criminals pour through the southern border at ever-increasing numbers each day, Pillen said.

The National Guard soldiers left Nebraska on Aug. 2 and are slated to return in early September. They were to assist the Texas National Guard by observing and reporting border crossings. The cost of their deployment could be up to $2 million, Will said.

State officials earlier said that the cost would be picked up by the federal government. But Will said the money will come out of the military departments state budget. Those dollars, in turn, will be replaced with federal pandemic relief dollars.

He said the federal American Relief Program Act money can be used to pay for state government services but not for the border mission, which was undertaken in response to a request from Texas emergency management officials issued through the national Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

The Nebraska State Patrol covered the $600,000 cost of sending troopers to Texas earlier this summer out of its own budget. The troopers, who volunteered, spent two weeks assisting with drone surveillance.

Typically, the cost of assistance provided through the multi-state EMAC is paid by the requesting state. But Texas has made previous requests to states for help at the border without providing reimbursement. Former Gov. Pete Ricketts sent 32 troopers to Texas in summer 2021 at Nebraska expense.

On Monday, Pillen joined Abbott and three other Midwestern governors for a press conference in Eagle Pass, Texas. The three included Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, all Republicans.

They are among 14 governors who have deployed military and law enforcement personnel to Texas in support of Operation Lone Star, an initiative launched by Abbott in 2021 to ramp up enforcement at the border.

Pillen expressed disbelief about what he called misrepresentation concerning the border. He said there is misrepresentation about who is coming across the border.

I mean we are fighting cartels that are trying to kill our kids, he said. We are going to protect our kids. We have to do the work, and Biden administration and federal government: Do your dadgum job.

Pillen also said there was misrepresentation about the buoys installed by Texas as a floating barrier in the Rio Grande River. The circular buoys are about 4 feet in diameter and are separated by circular blades with saw teeth on the outer edge.

The buoys are a deterrent, he said. They dont cause a Band-Aid and, if they do, I say, what the heck, stay on your side of the river.

But Domingo Garcia, president of the League of United Latin American Citizens, a Latino civil rights group, expressed deep concern over the governors visit to Texas. He said they should redirect their attention to their own states and refrain from becoming pawns in a failed policy of hatred and fear.

Garcia criticized Operation Lone Star as a cruel and barbaric waste of taxpayer dollars. In particular, he said the buoys, along with concertina wire, have led to injury and death along the border.

A federal judge was to hear arguments Tuesday in a case filed by the U.S. Justice Department seeking to have the buoys removed. The lawsuit claimed that the barrier constituted an unauthorized and illegal structure obstructing U.S. waters in violation of river protection laws, while Texas has argued that the federal government has failed to defend the border and the state has a constitutional right to defend itself.

Like Pillen, the other governors speaking Monday criticized President Joe Biden and the federal government. Iowas Reynolds said the current president had created a crisis by repealing policies put in place by former President Donald Trump.

The result has made every state a border state, she said, with Mexican cartels and human traffickers making their way to the Midwest and bringing fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Top Journal Star photos for August 2023
RACINE  Eric Rannow has wanted to be an educator since second grade, when his teacher created an excellent classroom environment based on respect and relationships.

Rannow hopes to eventually emulate that teacher. He was one of five Racine Unified 2023 high school graduates who recently signed a letter of intent to teach at RUSD after graduating college with an education degree.

The letter comes with a guaranteed job placement and $5,000 signing bonus.

Rannow, a Park High School graduate, soon will start college at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, which he picked in part because of its education program.

He wants to teach third or fourth grade. That became clear during rehearsal for Parks spring musical when Rannow worked with students in those grades.

Theyre so innocent and so chaotic but really sweet, Rannow said.

Mike Lynch, Park workplace learning coordinator, worked with Rannow during his senior year to help him receive teaching experience.

Early in an initial conversation, Lynch knew Rannow was serious about pursuing an educational career.

It was pretty much a no-brainer, Lynch said.

Rannow was a Jerstad-Agerholm K-8 School special education assistant the past school year. He worked at the building every other day during the first semester and every day during the second semester.

Rannow appreciated the teachers he worked with and was inspired by how educators balanced personal and professional responsibilities.

It was such an eye-opening experience, Rannow said.

Rannow believes quality instructors emphasize relationships with students, are relatable and treat everyone with understanding and patience.

You can find parts of yourself in a really good teacher, Rannow said.

Lynch agreed and said being personable and caring about students is key.

If youre not able to form those relationships, its really, really difficult to get that academic piece through, Lynch said. Everything will naturally follow from that.

A lot can change in four years, but Rannow is not fretting about potential adjustments to his career path, saying he will deal with those if they arrive.

If that does end up happening, Ill cross that bridge when I get there, Rannow said. I dont like to worry about things in the future that I cant control.

The revamped RUSD program aimed at incentivizing area young people to return to Racine as teachers completed its second year in 2022-23, according to Lynch.

Lynch, who is from Chicago, said being from the area ideally makes it easier for instructors to form connections with students.

I think its important to have those roots, if possible, Lynch said. Understanding the climate and culture in Racine is important, and to keep the talent in Racine, I think, just makes us a stronger community.

Rannow said hometown teachers are important because they know the city and can relate to students experiences.

They know the people, they know the buildings, Rannow said. Theyre way more familiar with it than anybody else would be. They can relate to the students more than a new person. Theyve been in their shoes, exactly in their shoes. They know what theyre talking about.

A second grade teacher impacted Rannow, and he hopes to have a similar impact on Racine students in a few years.
ROCHESTER  Another Racine County community is considering significant changes in fire protection services, including taking over a private fire and ambulance company.

The Village of Rochester is reviewing its relationship with the Rochester Volunteer Fire Company, which is paid more than $250,000 a year to serve the villages estimated 3,800 residents.

Among the options under consideration is making the fire company a village department, just as the Town of Norway is doing with the private Wind Lake Volunteer Fire Company.

Other possibilities include negotiating changes in the contract with Rochester Volunteer Fire Company, or joining a county-led movement to consolidate with neighboring fire departments.

The issue was spelled out in a report last week to the Rochester Village Board, whose members requested more information from village staff to fully examine the situation.

Village Administrator Betty Novy said Rochester, like other communities, faces a growing demand for fire and ambulance service at a time when state tax caps limit funding and when volunteer firefighters are increasingly difficult to find.

Its not just a Rochester problem, Novy said. Its a problem  period  for most municipalities.

The Village of Waterford is wrestling with a budget crunch in its fire department, while the neighboring villages of Union Grove and Yorkville are seeking options for building a new firehouse to serve both communities.

Norway is preparing to take over the Wind Lake fire company by acquiring its assets and making its firefighters and paramedics employees in a new town-operated fire department.

Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave, meanwhile, has brought together leaders from several municipalities to discuss streamlining fire and ambulance service through regional consolidation.

Rochester Volunteer Fire Company Chief Jack Biermann said he supports Rochester village officials wanting to consider whether better options exist for serving their community.

Biermann said he, too, is watching to see whether the county-led group comes up with a consolidation strategy.

Youve never going to move forward, Biermann said, if you dont look at the options that are out there.

Rochester taxpayers this year paid $269,129 for the fire companys operations, plus another $168,287 for improvements to the fire station. Calls for ambulance service have nearly tripled in the past 12 years, from 183 calls to 482.

The villages budget this year is $1.4 million.

The report last week to the Village Board states that some people get confused when they learn that the fire company is a private organization and that village officials have no authority over hiring or operations.

Novy wrote in the report that officials should consider whether organizational changes might provide more consistency and stability to the fire department.

Novy said she has not decided yet whether to recommend any specific option to the Village Board.

Its too soon to do that, she said. Weve got to flesh out some of the details.

Remembering the life of Rochester Fire Volunteer Co. Assistant Chief Cathy Wagner IN PHOTOS Cathy Wagner assistant fire chief Rochester Rochester Fire Co. Assistant Chief Cathy Wagner Spooky City 2019 Flooded Burlington Pep talk at Racine County Fair four years ago Cathy Wagner and her daughter Shelby Wagner at the firehouse "We will take it from here" Final call for Rochester Volunteer Fire Company Assistant Chief Cathy Wagner Funeral of Cathy Wagner Cathy Wagner funeral Cathy Wagner funeral Cathy Wagner funeral Cathy Wagner funeral Cathy Wagner funeral Cathy Wagner funeral Cathy Wagner funeral Cathy Wagner funeral
ATLANTA  Rudy Giuliani turned himself in at a jail in Atlanta on Wednesday on charges related to efforts to overturn then-President Donald Trump's loss in the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.

The former New York mayor was indicted last week along with Trump and 17 others. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said they participated in a wide-ranging conspiracy to subvert the will of the voters after the Republican president lost to Democrat Joe Biden in November 2020. Bond was set at $150,000, second only to Trump's $200,000.

Giuliani, 79, is accused of spearheading Trump's efforts to compel state lawmakers in Georgia and other closely contested states to ignore the will of voters and illegally appoint electoral college electors favorable to Trump.

Georgia was one of several key states Trump lost by slim margins, prompting the Republican and his allies to proclaim, without evidence, that the election was rigged in favor of his Democratic rival Biden.

Giuliani is charged with making false statements and soliciting false testimony, conspiring to create phony paperwork and asking state lawmakers to violate their oath of office to appoint an alternate slate of pro-Trump electors.

Leaving his apartment in New York on Wednesday morning, Giuliani said he was "fighting for justice" and has been since he first started representing Trump.

"I'm feeling very, very good about it because I feel like I am defending the rights of all Americans, as I did so many times as a United States attorney," Giuliani told reporters.

Trump, the early front-runner in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, has said he plans to turn himself in at the Fulton County Jail on Thursday. He and his allies have characterized the investigation as politically motivated and have heavily criticized District Attorney Willis, a Democrat.

Giuliani criticized the indictment of lawyers beside himself who had worked for Trump and said the justice system was being politicized. He also highlighted the fact that some of the people indicted are not household names.

"Donald Trump told you this: They weren't just coming for him or me," Giuliani said. "Now they've indicted people in this case I don't even know who they are. These are just regular people making a normal living."

Willis has set a deadline of noon on Friday for the people indicted last week in the election subversion case to turn themselves in. Her team has been negotiating bond amounts and conditions with the lawyers for the defendants before they surrender at the jail.

Read more:

___

Associated Press writers Jeff Amy in Atlanta and Michael R. Sisak in New York contributed reporting.

___

A look at the 19 people charged in the Georgia indictment connected to Trump's election scheme Key people in the Georgia election fraud case Donald Trump Rudy Giuliani John Eastman Mark Meadows Sidney Powell Kenneth Chesebro Prosecutors have said Chesebro, an attorney, worked with Republicans in numerous swing states Trump lost, including Georgia, in the weeks after the November 2020 election at the direction of Trumps campaign. Chesebro worked on the coordination and execution of a plan to have 16 Georgia Republicans sign a certificate declaring falsely that Trump won and declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors. Jeffrey Clark Jenna Ellis Ray Smith A Georgia-based lawyer, Smith was involved in multiple lawsuits challenging the results of the 2020 election in Georgia. He also gathered witnesses to provide testimony before Georgia legislative subcommittee hearings held in December 2020 on alleged issues with the states election. Robert Cheeley A Georgia lawyer, Cheeley presented video clips to legislators of election workers at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta and alleged the workers were counting votes twice or sometimes three times. He spoke to the lawmakers after Giuliani. Michael Roman A former White House aide who served as the director of Trumps election day operations, Roman was involved in efforts to put forth a set of fake electors after the 2020 election. David Shafer Shawn Still He was one of 16 Georgia Republicans who signed a certificate falsely stating that Trump had won the state and declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors. Still was the finance chairman for the state GOP in 2020 and served as a Georgia delegate to the Republican National Convention that year. He was elected to the Georgia state Senate in November 2022 and represents a district in Atlantas suburbs. Stephen Cliffgard Lee Prosecutors say Cliffgard Lee, a pastor, worked with others to try to pressure Georgia election worker Ruby Freeman and her daughter after Trump and his allies falsely accused them of pulling fraudulent ballots from a suitcase during the vote count. Lee allegedly knocked on Freemans door, frightening her and causing her to call 911 three times, prosecutors said in a court filing last year. Harrison William Prescott Floyd Also known as Willie Lewis Floyd III, he served as director of Black Voices for Trump, and is accused of recruiting Lee to arrange a meeting with Freeman and Chicago-based publicist Trevian Kutti. Trevian C. Kutti Prosecutors allege Kutti, a publicist, claimed to have high-level law enforcement connections. They say Freeman met with Kutti at a police precinct, where she brought Floyd into the conversation on a speakerphone. Prosecutors say Kutti presented herself as someone who could help Freeman but then pressured her to falsely confess to election fraud. Cathy Latham Scott Graham Hall An Atlanta-area bail bondsman, Hall was allegedly involved in commandeering voting information that was the property of Dominion Voting Systems from Coffee County, a small south Georgia jurisdiction. Also charged in the scheme were Powell, Latham and former county elections supervisor Misty Hampton. Misty Hampton She was the elections director in Coffee County. Hampton was present in the county elections office on Jan. 7, 2021, when a computer forensics team copied software and data from the countys election equipment. She also allowed two other men who had been active in efforts to question the 2020 election results to access the elections office later that month and to spend hours inside with the equipment. Read the Trump indictment in Georgia Your browser does not support the iframe HTML tag. Try viewing this in a modern browser like Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Internet Explorer 9 or later.
Killeen, TX (76540)

Today

Windy with a few showers this evening. A steady, soaking rain developing overnight. Low 37F. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. Higher wind gusts possible..

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Windy with a few showers this evening. A steady, soaking rain developing overnight. Low 37F. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. Higher wind gusts possible.
1. Yes. If KHA cant continue to run it, the city should step in. Its a necessary asset to the area.

2. Yes. The city already uses it as a warming and cooling center. It would be a smart move.

3. No. It may be in the citys interest to help subsidize insurance for the center, but nothing more.

4. No. The city doesnt need the added burden of staffing and insuring the center. Its a bad idea.

5. Unsure. It may be seem like a good idea, but other options should be explored as well.

Vote

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As you stare down your freshman year of college and contemplate living away from home, youre probably facing a few firsts in terms of challenges: first roommate who isnt a sibling, first time fending for yourself to make sure youre eating properly. And if you have nasal allergies, food allergies or asthma, this could be the first time youre in charge of keeping your symptoms under control.

Your health, particularly regarding allergic diseases, shouldnt be among the last things you prepare for as you make plans to leave home for the first time. There are many details to handle before you depart, so start planning now for your allergy and asthma care.

Some of the things youll need to consider as you plan for your first year away include the following.

What will health care visits look like? If you have an allergist youve been seeing for years, youll have to consider who youll consult while away. Ask your allergist for a recommendation or contact the health care service at your school to find out if they have an allergist you can work with. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology has an allergist locator that can help you in your search to find an allergist in your new town.

What other health factors will change? Will your prescriptions need to be transferred to a new pharmacy? Are your prescriptions up to date? Will you be in a different climate that could possibly affect your symptoms? Do some research to find out which local grasses and pollens you might have to deal with. If you suffer from severe allergies that can cause anaphylaxis, find out where the nearest hospital is and make sure youll be able to get there in case of emergency. Make sure you have your own insurance card and know how youll be paying for visits surrounding your allergies or asthma.

While cafeteria food has improved, food choices must be safe. If you have food allergies, no matter how good (or bad) the food at school may be, you cant consume it if it contains anything to which you are allergic. Many schools have special accommodations for students with food allergies, so notify school officials ahead of your arrival. Talk to food handlers about safety standards and ask about ingredients at every meal. Look into having a small refrigerator in your room where you can store foods that are safe for you to eat. Be aware that some dorm-style refrigerators are not designed to chill food to safe temperatures, so research products and monitor the actual temperature inside the fridge.

Anything that impairs judgment is a danger. If your judgment is impaired due to drugs, alcohol or lack of sleep, youll be less aware of your risk for accidental exposure to foods that may cause anaphylaxis. Tell your friends and others in your circle, such as your resident advisor, about your allergies and asthma so they can help you avoid allergic triggers. They should know what to do if you show signs of anaphylaxis. You should also recognize there are risks associated with intimacy and the potential for partners to transfer food allergens through saliva. Discussions surrounding drugs, alcohol and sexual activity can be difficult, but your allergist might be a place to start if youre looking for resources on these topics.

Cleaning skills can come in very handy. Although dorm rooms are notoriously messy and a bit gross in general, knowing how to clean means you have the power to get rid of allergens like dust and mold. Use sheet and pillowcase covers, along with HEPA air filters, to protect your nose and eyes from allergens. If your residence hall happens to be near a major road, you may find pollutants affecting your asthma.

Air conditioning is your friend. If your dorm has air conditioning, the filtration it provides will help keep pollen out. Open windows can cause allergic issues for those suffering from seasonal allergies. Some colleges will make accommodations by allowing or providing air conditioning for students with allergies, even if all dorm rooms are not equipped. However, air conditioners must be kept clean in order to help.

Heading to college is a great adventure for most young people  a chance to meet interesting new people and advance your academic skills. To get the most of your freshman year, make sure youve created a solid plan for dealing with potential allergens and symptoms before you leave home in the fall.
The Winona Public Library is partnering with CareerForce to host a job fair from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, according to a press release.

The job fair is scheduled to be held at the Jaycee Shelter at 340 Lake Park Drive but will move to the East End Rec Center at 210 Zumbro St. in the event of rain or temperatures above 90 degrees. Thursdays high is forecast to be 90 degrees.

The release says all attendees will receive a free tote bag and portfolio from the library and information from CareerForce.

Participating employers include Ashley Furniture, Benchmark, CD Terminal, the city of Winona, Cotter Schools, Express Employment Professionals, Family & Childrens Center, Fanatics, First Student, Hiawatha Valley Education District, Home and Community Options, Legacies LLC, Lifespark  Sugar Loaf Senior Living, McDonalds Courtesy Corporation, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Olmsted County, Partners in Excellence, Semcac, Semcac Clinic, Solvay, Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Winona Area Public Schools, Winona Health and Winona State University.
Completing service projects is not unique at Cotter Schools. In fact, service is one of Cotters four core values, along with community, faith and respect. Cotters mission statement states: Cotter Schools challenges students to achieve their full potential and use their lives in the service of others.

This summer a group of Cotter students did just that, as 23 Cotter students and four chaperones traveled to the Dominican Republic in June for an eight-day trip that mixed service and leisure activities.

Students who had completed at least a Level 2 Spanish class were invited to sign up for the trip two years ago. To offset some of the costs of the trip, students participated in a fundraiser by selling chocolate and coffee.

Being able to do community service in the Dominican Republic allowed me to immerse myself in a different culture by interacting with various groups of people, from the citizens at the geriatric center to our waiters at the hotels where we stayed. The trip allowed me to give back on a global level while still having fun and making memories that I will always have with me, said Savanna Loken, a Cotter senior who took part in the trip.

The groups first stop was a hotel in the heart of the capital city of Santo Domingo. They toured the capital and learned about its history, the voyages of Christopher Columbus, the indigenous people, the slave trade and the commercial trade between Europe and the Americas.

Students then traveled north to Jarabacoa, located in the center of the Dominican Republic near the mountains. They stayed in a beautiful lodge located right on the Yaque del Norte River. For their first service project, they were shown the ins and outs of a tree nursery and then were put to work. Their jobs were to prepare new flats for planting trees and remove weeds from tree flats that were already planted.

Their second service project was spending time at a geriatric center. The residents were excited for the students to be there. The students painted nails, gave leg and foot massages, spent time talking with the residents and sang a few songs, even taking the initiative to use some of the instruments to accompany the songs. Chaperones Uli and Gordon Hoffert taught the students a song they sang to the residents and they ended up continuing to sing different songs for the residents until they left. This experience was definitely one the students will never forget.

Another service project included students picking up trash along the same river that flowed next to their hotel. After their hard work, they enjoyed horseback riding to a waterfall and cooling off in the water.

The trip was organized and led by Cotter Spanish teacher Amber Atkinson.

The students were enthusiastic about using their Spanish on the trip with people they met. This trip was a memorable experience in which they will take the stories, the people, the culture and history with them for a lifetime, Atkinson said.
Area activists and the attorney of the Black family involved in the controversial arrests inside a Kenosha Applebees last month decried actions of local law enforcement agencies, the district attorneys office and the chain restaurant during a press conference Wednesday afternoon in the parking lot of the bar and grill.

They strongly criticized the actions of some police officers who they said injured and unnecessarily detained a Black man, and traumatized his partner and baby boy at the Applebees restaurant. Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie police responded.

The now-viral incident, which took place the night of July 20, occurred after a hit-and-run crash at Green Bay Road and Highway 50 when police arrested the Zion, Ill., couple Jermelle English Jr. and Shayna Boyd. The couple had nothing to do with the hit-and-run.

The actual suspects were later found hiding in the restaurants bathroom, 6950 75th St.

The incident has sparked headlines across the nation.

In the viral video of the arrest, English tells police attempting to subdue him to let him go while a woman screams to someone telling them to get the baby. English and the 1-year-old baby are then seen on the floor when English tells at least two officers to let him go and someone appears to pull the child away. Officers continue to wrestle English to the ground until they handcuff him behind his back.

Officers later learned English and Boyd were not involved in the hit-and-run.

English, 24, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting an officer. Boyd, 21, was arrested on the same charges and for possession of THC. They are expected to appear in court Friday.

Those at Wednesdays press conference also said pepper spray was used inappropriately by a police officer inside the restaurant, that the baby was injured in the incident and that English was struck by an officer.

The family, their attorney and civil rights activists are demanding a independent review of the Kenosha Police Department and Pleasant Prairie Police Department, an investigation by the Wisconsin and U.S. justice departments of local law enforcement agencies, for the Kenosha County District Attorneys Office to drop the charges against English and Boyd, and for Applebees to issue an apology, among other things.

A spokesperson for Applebees was not immediately available for comment.

Several employees of the restaurant have said they believe local police officers used excessive force while taking the couple into custody. The incident is currently undergoing an internal review by the Kenosha Police Department.

Attorney Kevin OConnor said being Black and being out here and having dinner is not safe enough for them.

Apparently, there was a hit-and-run accident that happened out here. Instead of police officers like they should  asking questions, taking a breath, doing something, and Ill explain why in a minute  rushed into Applebees, OConnor said, adding that he believes the officers immediately started harassing, grabbing and spraying pepper spray at the family.

This was no accident, OConnor said. You have numerous officers  I couldnt even count, six at least that I could count  standing around with nobody else in the restaurant, no threat theyre going to leave, start to get aggressive without asking questions. What is the first thing that officers are taught? To de-escalate a situation. Come on in, find out whats going on. This is an investigation that theyre doing regarding an accident. This isnt a murder. This is about a hit-and-run accident thats going on outside.

OConnor said the family was inside the restaurant for a long time well before this accident ever happened.

All you had to do was ask a few questions that would take what 10 seconds? Thirty seconds? To avoid any of this happening, OConnor said.

But no. Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie as their sidekick have a history that they act first and ask questions later, especially if youre the wrong color. This has been a pattern that theyve done. They come out, they get aggressive, they beat and then they ask questions later. Simply being Black and having to go to dinner is not a crime. And then on top of it, to throw salt on the wounds, they decide in the next step to start charging these parents with resisting arrest and obstruction of the police officers when the actual people were hiding in the bathroom.

Bishop Tavis Grant, of Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition, said he and his nationally-recognized organization are outraged.

What happened at this Applebees is unconscionable for any family, particularly a Black family, Grant said. Over and over again we are profiled driving while Black, jogging while Black, now having dinner while Black.

Grant said he watched the video of the horrific evening and it is immoral and we believe its illegal.

Grant said the necessary parties should be held accountable for the excessive use of force.

Grant said Applebees gave a marginal apology and needs to sit down with this family.

Grant also called on the departments of justice to investigate the Kenosha Police and Kenosha County Sheriffs Department for pattern and practice.

Tanya McLean, executive director of Leaders of Kenosha, a local social justice nonprofit, has worked to keep this incident in the public eye. McLean said all body camera footage of the incident must be released.

We want full transparency, McLean said.

Today is the third anniversary (of) when Jacob Blake was shot viciously seven times in the back by officer Rusten Sheskey. So, clearly not much has changed in the last three years. Its just unfortunate that were here before you again with another young African American family whose child witnessed their parents harmed as Jacobs children witnessed him shot in the back seven times. This has to stop.

McLean said she wants to hear from elected leaders from the governors office all the way down to local alderpersons on the situation.

You know whats happening in Kenosha and your silence in complicit, McLean said.

Grant said the family has not heard from local leaders including the mayor of Kenosha or county executive of Kenosha County.

It has been deafening and disrespectful that this family has not heard from the mayor, has never heard from the political leadership, county executive. Has not heard officially from the heads of Applebees. It is absolutely unconscionable. How could this happen regardless of what side youre on? Grant said.
Amateur sleuths with a taste for the supernatural will be glued to their screens this weekend in a bid to try and discover the truth behind Scotlands biggest mystery.

Monster hunters from as far away as Japan and New Zealand will be tuning in to livestreams of Scotlands Loch Ness in the hope of settling a longstanding debate as to whether or not the famed monster, affectionately named Nessie, actually exists.

The legend of the Loch Ness Monster dates back to ancient times, though the story really gathered momentum after 1933 when sightings of a dragon or prehistoric monster were reported in the Scottish press.

The news spurred a host of investigations, much of which has since been discredited as a hoax.

Paul Nixon, manager of the Loch Ness Centre, told CNN in an phone interview that about 100 volunteers will be looking out for signs of life on the banks of the loch itself, while about the same number again will be surveying the site remotely.

Volunteers, who can still sign up to participate online, will have to keep their eyes peeled as they focus on footage taken from four webcams at strategic points around the lake.

The volunteers are going to be watching the water, said Nixon. If they spot something, hopefully they will film it and then submit it to our online portal.

Loch Ness is one of the largest bodies of water in the British Isles, at 22 miles in length and more than 750 feet deep.

The center, which reopened earlier this year following a $1.9 million refurbishment project, sits on the site of the old Drumnadrochit Hotel, where 90 years ago its then manageress Aldie Mackay reported seeing a water beast.

Now the interactive attraction has joined forces with Loch Ness Exploration (LNE), an independent and voluntary research team, to scour the waters like never before in the hope of uncovering some answers.

Each morning volunteers will be briefed by Alan McKenna, LNEs founder, on what to look out for, including signs of red herrings and other marine movements that can be disregarded.

Organizers say it is the biggest surface watch since the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau (LNIB) studied the Loch in 1972, when volunteers were also on the lookout for the mythical beast  but without the hi tech equipment.

Dubbed the quest, the event will involve surveying equipment that has never previously been used there, such as thermal drones to produce images from the air using infrared cameras and a hydrophone to detect acoustic signals under water.

Nixon said: Whats different about our search this time is that obviously our volunteers will be armed with mobile phones and will be able to capture any movement more accurately and more regularly.

McKenna said in a press release: Since starting LNE, its always been our goal to record, study and analyze all manner of natural behavior and phenomena that may be more challenging to explain.

Appealing to budding monster hunters to sign up, he added: Its our hope to inspire a new generation of Loch Ness enthusiasts and by joining this large scale surface watch, youll have a real opportunity to personally contribute towards this fascinating mystery that has captivated so many people from around the world.

Nixon said that once the weekend is over, the sightings will be collated and analyzed and the findings made public.

He said: I think theres a very strong possibility that something will be spotted this weekend but then, of course, it raises the question as to what it will be.

We will certainly have enough eyes on the water  we just need some good spotting conditions, he added.

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Former French President Sarkozy Believes Diplomacy and a Neutral Ukraine Are Only Way Out

Aug. 22, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)On Aug. 16, on the occasion of the publication of Nicolas Sarkozys new book Le Temps des Combats (The Time of Battles), Le Figaro Magazine published a long interview with the former French President in which he, plainly speaking as a voice of a more realistic faction of the French foreign policy establishment increasingly furious at Macron, summarizes again his views on Russia.

Sarkozy first honored the just deceased, highly respected Russia expert Helene Carere dEncausse. Then Sarkozy said:

The Russians are Slavs, they are different from us. Discussion is always difficult, and has given rise to many misunderstandings in our shared history. Despite this, we need them and they need us. I have had profound disagreements with Vladimir Putin, and I took my responsibilities in 2008, when I was president of the European Council. I convinced him to withdraw his tanks, which were 25 km from Tbilisi. He had started to invade Georgia. But at the same time, Angela Merkel and I showed him that we were aware of his red lines. Thats why we refused to allow Ukraine and Georgia to join NATO, despite strong American pressure. We didnt want to let Putin drift into the anti-Western paranoia that has long been the temptation of Russian leaders. The Kremlins encirclement complex is an old story. Putin was wrong. What he has done is serious and has resulted in failure. But once youve said that, you have to move on and find a way out. Russia is and will remain Europes neighbor.

Sarkozy, clearly anticipating that the truth of the Western defeat will become known very soon, said:

We cant stick to the strange idea of making war without making war. Well have to clarify our strategy, especially if this war is to last. Diplomacy, discussion and exchange remain the only means of finding an acceptable solution. Without compromise, nothing will be possible, and we run the risk of things degenerating at any moment. This powder keg could have fearsome consequences.

Le Figaro: The Allies say they will support Ukraine all the way. Are they right?

Sarkozy:

The words are strong and definitive. ... Does it mean taking back the Donbass? Take back Crimea too? Or go all the way to Moscow? The annexation of Crimea in 2014 was a clear violation of international law. But when it comes to this territory, which was Russian until 1954 and where a majority of the population has always felt Russian, I think that any return to the past is illusory; even if I believe that an indisputable referendum, i.e., organized under the strict control of the international community, will be necessary to ratify the current state of affairs.

Le Figaro: And what about the rest of Ukraine?

Sarkozy:

If the Ukrainians dont succeed completely [in taking back their territory], the choice will be between a frozen conflictwhich we know will inevitably lead to a new hotbed of conflict tomorrowor a way out from the top, once again through referenda strictly supervised by the international community, to settle these territorial issues definitively and transparently.... First of all, we need to agree on Ukraines vocation. Joining the EU? I dont think so. Ukraine is a bridge between West and East. It has to stay that way. Were in the process of making false promises that wont be kept. Just like those made to Turkiye for decades. Not just because Ukraine is not ready and does not meet the criteria for membership. But because it must remain a neutral country. I dont see how this neutrality would be an insult. It could, moreover, be guaranteed by an international agreement providing for extremely strong security assurances, to protect it against any risk of new aggression.

The French daily Liberation, historically known as a money and propaganda conduit of the U.S. Embassy and the Anglo-American war party, immediately reacted with unfriendly fire. Responding to Sarkozys interview, Liberation on Aug. 21 ran two articles smearing the former President. The first, written by the Trotskyite former chief editor, Serge July, locates Sarkozys views as part of an overall neo-dictatorial temptation, putting in the same bag Trump, Melenchon, Sarkozy, and Fillon, all presented as crypto-putinists tempted to become strongmen while already on trial for their illiberal behavior.

Thomas Legrand then expresses his worries about Sarkozys books, which are finding their way to the public. For several days, complains Legrand, Russian TV and media, and also former President Dmitry Medvedev, have been paying honor to Sarkozy! A shame. For Legrand, Sarkozys position, as opposed to official French policy, is a complete break from the tradition of elementary decency of former heads of state, who are not supposed to express views opposed to the incumbent President. Sarkozys ideas are not original, writes Legrand, they only reflect those of the worrisome U.S. billionaire Elon Musk.
EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR WEDNESDAY AUGUST 23, 2023

BRICS XV: Rise Like Lions!

Aug. 22, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)The Schiller Institute Appeal to the Citizens of the Global North: We Must Support the Construction of a New Just World Economic Order began to circulate yesterday as the 15th Conference of the BRICS nations convened in Johannesburg, South Africa. Hundreds have already endorsed it (see below), and thousands more should circulate it, together with the specially-prepared Economic Development Package designed to accompany it. That Development package consists of the Zepp-LaRouche Ten Principles of a New International Security And Development Architecture and several documents illustrating some of the salient physical-economic ideas of the great economist and statesman Lyndon LaRouche, so that people can learn how to think clearly, and economically, in this time of crisis.

LaRouches 1975 International Development Bank proposal is still, today, the best conceptual statement of the intent that must inform the BRICS New Development Bank. As for the United States itself, only by correcting the last three generations mistaken ideas about labor, credit, technology, production, money, banking and economic growthdiscredited ideas still held, even despite multiple catastrophes, such as the 2007-2008 financial meltdowncan we hope to return our nations to sanity. With the assistance of the BRICS summit, millions are now being awakened from their Malthusian slumber.

Perhaps our efforts may be in enough time to prevent the State Department mediocrities that believe they are geniuses, the royal screw-ups of the British/European oligarchy and their American cohorts, from triggering thermonuclear war, and perhaps not. But the International Peace Coalition initiative, and the Appeal just now circulating, are intersecting a force for optimism in the world, assembled now in Johannesburg, which potentially represents an Alliance for Progress among the majority of the human race. That is surely the precondition to stop world war. As CGTN journalist Zhang Shanhui said during a symposium on the BRICS summit aired in Algeria last night, Its that, today, the developing countries, their voices need to be heard, their presence needs to be seen, their force needs to be felt today, in this world. And also, how to bring these different forces together, to contribute to the larger possibility of humanity. This is one of the most important issues to be talking about. The time must now come, in order that humanity survive, when the idea, the new name for peace is development, become synonymous with the concept of the General Welfare in the minds of nations.
On 22 August Chiles foreign ministry announced that it had accepted the voluntary resignation of Chiles ambassador to the UK,

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The words we use to speak, write, and read are called our vocabulary. We need a strong vocabulary to share ideas.

Teaching tips for vocabulary

An English teacher should focus heavily on building vocabulary. When you teach your students new words, use strategies and activities that allow them to draw, read, write, and repeat new words as much as possible.

heavily on building vocabulary. When you teach your students new words, use strategies and activities that allow them to draw, read, write, and repeat new words as much as possible. Use examples suited to the age of your students. If you teach the word happy to younger students, your example might be, My friend gave me a toy. I felt happy. But you probably would not use that example with an older student. In that case, an example might be, My job makes me happy.

to the age of your students. If you teach the word happy to younger students, your example might be, My friend gave me a toy. I felt happy. But you probably would not use that example with an older student. In that case, an example might be, My job makes me happy. Create a sentence frame for the students to use. Sentence frames help students use a word quickly and in a complete thought. They are ready-made sentences. Sentence frames for the word happy could be:

I feel happy when ______.

_______ makes me happy.

Use visual aids and appeal to all your students senses. When you teach a new word, show a picture. If you teach the word bug, show or bring in a bug! If you teach the word happy, show them happiness. Have them act it out. Use the senses often.

aids and appeal to all your students senses. When you teach a new word, show a picture. If you teach the word bug, show or bring in a bug! If you teach the word happy, show them happiness. Have them act it out. Use the senses often. Once you teach a new word, use it often. The more students use a new word, the more likely they are to learn and remember it.

Use vocabulary across subject matter. Include words you use in other classes like math and science. Students are more likely to learn a word if they use it in different situations.

Finish the new word lesson with a question or quick activity. You could ask, What do people look like when they are happy? Can you show me? Then have each student show happiness.

Strategies for vocabulary

Strategy: First Teach Important Words and Ideas

Before reading a story, your students should understand the words and ideas in the story. Make a vocabulary list of key words in the text. Post the list in the classroom. Say the words with students. Talk about the meanings. Also explain any new ideas in the story.

Strategy: Active Read-Aloud

This strategy can be used for vocabulary and comprehension.

When reading aloud to your class, ask questions about a new or important word. Let students answer in their home language or English. Correct or add to the students' answers.

Here is an example:

TEACHER: What does it mean to hate somebody?

STUDENT: You do not like them.

TEACHER: Yes. But a little or a lot?

STUDENT: A lot. You do not like them a lot.

Explain the meaning of the word. Give a definition, related words, and examples. Use your face, objects, pictures, or physical movements to show word meanings while they read aloud.

Strategy: Word Map

A Word Map is like a picture. It organizes information in a visual way. Word Maps help students to think about new words in different ways.

On the board or on paper, write the new word in the middle of the map. Tell the students to think about the word. Then they fill in the rest of the map with a definition, sentences using the word, related words, unrelated words, and pictures to explain the word. Do this as a whole class or in small groups.

Assessment for vocabulary

Assessing, or testing, vocabulary in your students is very important. Here are some ways to assess vocabulary of early and advanced learners.

Match words with visuals

This type of assessment is very helpful for early learners and learners with a very low English level. Choose the target words the words you want to test. Then, collect or draw pictures to go with each word. You can also use objects. Say the word and then have the student choose the correct picture or object.

Interviews

Chose the target words and ask the student questions:

- Can you use this word in a sentence?

- What word in your language means the same thing?

- Use your face and body to show the words meaning.

In their own words (Summarize)

Give students a short text to read. Make sure the text has target vocabulary. Students then can show their understanding of the vocabulary by re-telling, describing, or explaining the text. You can also ask students to talk about a character or favorite part of the story using the target vocabulary.

Role-plays

Role-plays are a form of acting. Give students a text to read and have them act it out. More advanced students can write a play using the target vocabulary. Students can play the role of the teacher and review vocabulary with the class.

Use these tips, strategies, and assessment methods that best serve you and your learners. Change them to fit your students and teaching situation.

Im Anna Matteo. And Im Caty Weaver.

Anna Matteo wrote this article for VOA Learning English. It is part of a larger collection of Early Literacy Materials.

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Words in This Story

focus  v. the center of activity, attraction, or attention

suit  v. to meet a persons needs or desires

visual  adj. something that is seen

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Resources

Reading Rockets;

University of Torontos Balanced Literary Diet;

Put Reading First  Kindergarten Through Grade 3, The Research Building Blocks for Teaching Children to Read, U.S. National Institute for Literacy;

Teaching Our Youngest, U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Early Childhood-Head Start Task Force, Washington, D.C. 2002;

For Students Who Are Not Yet Fluent, Silent Reading Is Not the Best Use of Classroom Time, Hasbrouck, J., American Educator, Summer 2006, 30(2);

What Does Research Tell Us About Teaching Reading to English Language Learners? Suzanne Irujo, Reading Rockets;

Types of Informal Classroom-Based Assessment, Reading Rockets;
India became the fourth country to successfully land a spacecraft on the moon on Wednesday. It also became the first country to land a spacecraft near the moons south pole.

Its moon lander, called Chandrayaan-3, touched down near the moons south pole just after 6 p.m. in India.

The landing brought cheers and applause from space scientists who were watching in the control center in city of Bengaluru. After a failed landing almost four years ago, India joined the United States, the Soviet Union and China as the only countries to send a spacecraft to the moon.

"This moment is unforgettable. It is phenomenal. This is a victory cry of a new India," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India is on the moon, said S. Somanath, the head of the Indian Space Research Organization.

The moons south pole is thought to be an important area for exploration. Scientists believe it has important resources, including frozen water and minerals.

Just days earlier, Russias Luna-25 spacecraft tried to land in the same area but spun out of control and crashed. It would have been Russias first moon landing in 47 years.

People across India gathered in shops, offices, restaurants and their homes to watch the landing on television.

The name Chandrayaan means moon craft in the Sanskrit language.

The Indian Space Research Organization discussed the mission ahead of the landing. The organization called the possible landing a remarkable milestone  a significant step forward for Indian science, engineering, technology and industry.

The group discussed the sense of pride that comes from the success and suggested it will lead to more innovation from India.

The previous landing attempt broke down because of a software problem, according to Indias space organization.

The moon vehicle will take up to one day to come out of the spacecraft and will operate for two weeks. It will run experiments on the minerals on the moons surface, Somanath said.

Observers say the successful landing shows Indias interest in demonstrating its strength in technology and space exploration. The landing should be an important part of Modis campaign to keep his government in power leading up to the countrys general election in 2024.

Many countries want to know about the moons south pole because it could hold resources that may help future space missions. Other countries and private companies are trying to land there.

The Indian landing comes after the failed Russian mission, plus recent crashes by spacecraft from both Japan and Israel. Japan will launch another mission this weekend. Two private U.S. companies have attempts planned by the end of 2023. And the American space agency NASA hopes to send astronauts to the moons south pole in coming years.

Im Dan Friedell.

Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a report by The Associated Press and Reuters.

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Words in This Story

applause n. a show of approval or appreciation at a play, speech, sporting event, etc., in which people strike their hands together over and over

phenomenal adj. very good or great : unusual in a way that is very impressive

spin v. to move over and over in a circle, often without being in control

milestone n. an important achievement, or notable event

significant adj. used to describe something important or memorable in magnitude

We want to hear from you. What do you think India will find on the moons south pole?
Recent satellite images suggest China is a building a military site on disputed land in the South China Sea. The pictures show an airfield structure on Triton Island, a part of the Paracels island group. China, Taiwan and Vietnam all claim ownership of Triton.

The airfield structure appears to be a long runway toward the east. The company Planet Labs PBC recorded the images in August. The structure is not in pictures gathered in March of this year.

The Associated Press news agency studied the satellite photos and reported last week about the runway. The AP said the images showed two large fields marked with Chinese national and political symbols. The island is about 4,000 feet long by 2,000 feet wide, and was unpopulated until recently.

Bill Conroy is with URSA Space, which provides intelligence analysis. He has a different theory about the structure in the pictures. He says it might be a levee, a structure to protect low land from tide waters.

"We're estimating that there's about 70,000 square meters of land that would be reclaimed from the sea" by the levee, he said.

Experts at the U.S.-based non-profit Center for Strategic and International Studies said they believe the structure could be a runway. But, they suggested it could also be a raised roadway.

Levee, roadway or runway?

Ray Powell is director of Stanford Universitys SeaLight program. It studies Chinese naval strategy. He said the new structure on Triton Island could be both a levee and roadway once completed.

Hoang Viet is an expert on South China Sea disputes at the National University of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. He said that if it is an airstrip, Chinese military planes could use the island as a refueling station for actions in the area.

The island is of equal distance from Vietnam and China. China has built on other disputed territory in the South China Sea. The structures include seawalls, airfields and buildings across several islands. China has said such building projects are for scientific research.

Relations with neighbors

China has claimed ownership of 90 percent of the South China Sea. It is one of the busiest waters in the world, with one-third of all shipping traffic. Almost all the countries that border the waters claim territory in the sea, including, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Speaking to reporters Thursday, the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, "All activities in the Paracel Islands conducted without Vietnamese permission are violations of Vietnam's sovereignty."

China has finished building military centers on three islands in the Spratly group to support its territorial claims. China says its actions in the South China Sea are aimed at "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan, which it considers a rebel province.

A Taiwanese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Monday that Taiwans "rights over land and related waters in the area cannot be questioned."

Im Dan Novak.

Jiha Ham and Christy Lee wrote this story for Voice of America. Dan Novak adapted it story for VOA Learning English.

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Words in This Story

symbol  n. an action, object, event, etc., that expresses or represents a particular idea or quality

strategy  n. a careful plan or method for achieving a particular goal usually over a long period of time

conduct  v. to plan and do

sovereignty  n. a country's independent authority and the right to govern itself
Although they dont call Nebraska home, these fly-by residents have been regular visitors to the central Platte Valley for centuries. The yearly spring migration of 500,000, 4-foot tall, gray-feathered birds with jaunty red caps, who arrive in March and are usually gone by mid-April, has made an impact in both the birds' numbers and in our response to them. Visitors from around the country come to watch them fly from their roost on the river in the morning and stalk the corn stalks during the day from buses and blinds, and all of that is good for the state. The most recent economic study estimates that crane-related tourism in 2009 generated $8.08 million in direct economic impact by visitors in central Nebraska. And a survey done in 2010 showed that more than 70,000 crane watchers spent an average of 1.3 days in the region (75 percent of those who came to see the cranes were planning on spending at least one night).

And in the past 30 years, groups have worked to protect and maintain this river-side environment, with more than 10,000 acres of habitat set aside.
Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has begun his purge of cabinet members and officials involved in the failed coup four days ago.

Two of the three ministers who signed the committees takeover decree, defence minister Dmitri Yazov and KGB chief Vladimir Kryuchkov, have been arrested.

The third, interior minister Boris Pugo, committed suicide to avoid arrest.

Mr Gorbachev also sacked his prime minister, Valentin Pavlov, and foreign minister Aleksandr Bessmertnykh. Dozens of other party officials and senior army officers resigned or were dismissed.

During an address to the Russian Parliament, the leader said his entire government should resign for failing to oppose the takeover.

But Mr Gorbachev was unable to prevent his political rival, Russias president Boris Yeltsin, capitalising on support he gained from opposing the coup and suspending the Russian Communist Party.

The exchanges between the Russian President and Soviet leader in parliament appeared to indicate that the balance of power in post-coup Moscow is rapidly shifting away from Mr Gorbachev.

Mr Yeltsin forced him to read out a list of those who had supported the takeover, taken from notes of the cabinet meeting on the morning of the coup.

When Mr Gorbachev had finished reading the notes, the president said: Now, on a lighter note, I will sign this decree suspending the Russian Communist Party.

Mr Gorbachev pleaded with him not to sign the document, telling parliament he would never agree to something that infringed the interests of millions of workers and peasants.

You cant say that the whole Communist party supported the conspirators  if we do things like this it will be a witch hunt, he added.

But Mr Yeltsin responded by saying he was not banning the party, merely suspending it prior to investigation of its involvement in the coup  and signed the document to loud applause.

Mr Gorbachev praised the Russian Parliament and Mr Yeltsin for their role in defeating the coup, but was frequently heckled during his speech.

During his description of what happened during the takeover attempt one member of the parliament shouted: We all know that. Talk about the reasons.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

The Soviet Union collapsed four months later and Mr Gorbachev resigned on 25 December 1991.

Russia, Ukraine and Belarus formed the Commonwealth of Independent States, an alliance which was eventually joined by all the former Soviet republics except the Baltic states.

In 1992, Russia took the former USSRs seat at the United Nations.

Mr Yeltsins path to democracy was far from smooth. In 1993 he suspended parliament and called for new elections after a series of disagreements with his MPs.

When they barricaded themselves into the parliament building, he was forced to order the army in to recapture it.

Mr Yeltsin resigned in 2000 and was replaced by Vladimir Putin.

The 1991 coup plotters were pardoned in 1994.
An American research firm has been fined $1.5 million by Chinas government in a crackdown on information-gathering that has rattled foreign investors.

Mintz Group was one of a series of foreign consultants that were raided starting in April after Chinese leader Xi Jinpings government announced expanded anti-spying rules that left companies unsure what they were allowed to do.

Mintz Group illegally engaged in foreign-related statistical investigation activities without obtaining approval, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Statistics said in a notice dated July 14 on its website. It gave no details of the violation but said Mintz Group was fined 10.7 million yuan ($1.5 million).

Mintz Group does background checks on employees and business partners and gathers other information for corporate clients.

Xis government has tightened the ruling Communist Partys control over the economy and society, including by launching data security crackdowns and expanding restrictions on what information can be moved abroad.

That has shaken foreign companies at a time when Xis government is trying to revive investor interest in China as part of efforts to reverse a deepening economic slump.

Mintz Group said in April its Beijing office was raided by police and five employees detained. Bain & Co. said its staff in Shanghai were questioned by police. State media said in May offices of Capvision were raided by the foreign intelligence agency in Beijing, Shanghai and at least two other cities. MDT/AP
A jailed university student who pleaded guilty to inciting secession in Hong Kong lost his bid to reduce his five-year sentence in a court ruling yesterday that is expected to set the bar for other cases brought under the national security law.

Lui Sai-yu pleaded guilty in April 2022 and admitted that content on a Telegram channel he administered incited others to separate Hong Kong from China or alter the legal status of the city unlawfully.

But his timely guilty plea did not get him a one-third reduction in the length of his imprisonment  like in many other cases under Hong Kongs common law system  because the security law imposed minimum jail terms for serious offenses.

Lui is one of the some 260 people who were arrested under the security law as Beijing tried to crush dissidents following the massive protests in 2019. The top courts ruling on his appeal may guide sentencings in other national security cases, including for the citys most prominent democracy leaders who also pleaded guilty.

The judges unanimously dismissed Luis appeal and ruled that the minimum penalty of five years is mandatory for those committing serious offenses in relation to secession as stipulated by the security law.

They said in a written judgment that the appellant had sought to argue the three conditions capable of triggering the mitigating benefits in Article 33 of the security law were not exhaustive.

One condition under that article is that offenders voluntarily stopped committing the offense or voluntarily and effectively forestalled its consequence during the process. The other two conditions are that offenders surrender themselves and give a truthful account of the crime; and that offenders report on offenses committed by other persons with their accounts verified to be true or providing material information that assists in solving other case.

The judges ruled the three conditions specified in Article 33 are exhaustive and the article does not accommodate guilty pleas.

In sentencing him last year, a judge at a lower court originally planned to jail Lui for 44 months after giving him a one-third sentence reduction due to his guilty plea. But she amended the sentence after the prosecution argued the crime Lui committed was of serious nature and therefore the minimum penalty should be five years.

Lui appealed the decision but lost.

Lui was not a prominent pro-democracy activist. He was the fourth person jailed under the sweeping security law. He was studying civil engineering when he was first arrested in September 2020.

According to a previous judgment, his Telegram channel carried messages containing slogans often chanted by protesters in the 2019 movement that roiled the city for months.

The protests waned with the arrests and exiles of democracy activists, the COVID-19 pandemic and the security law.

Observers expect yesterdays judgment to guide other cases, including the future sentencing for 31 of the 47 activists who pleaded guilty to the subversion charges for their alleged involvement in an unofficial primary election in 2020. Those activists included former student leader Joshua Wong.

Critics say the freedoms promised when Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 have greatly declined after the enactment of the law. But the Hong Kong government praised it for restoring stability. KANIS LEUNG, HONG KONG, MDT/AP
The judges of the Court of Second Instance (TSI) have amended a ruling from the Court of First Instance (TJB) regarding the payment of compensation by a tenant to his landlords because of fire damage caused to the housing unit.

In the first instance, the TJB had decided the tenant did not have to pay compensation to the apartment owners as it had not been proven that the fire was caused by the tenants misconduct.

Dissatisfied with the decision, the four owners appealed to the TSI. Upon review, the TSI ordered the tenant to pay compensation of MOP82,497.71 to the landlords. Interest at a predetermined rate was added to the compensation amount from the date of the delivery of the decision.

The judges of the TSI said, Under the provisions of Articles 1025 and 1026 of the Civil Code, in the event of loss or deterioration of the thing [the apartment], it is presumed that the tenant is at fault and assumes the responsibility of compensate [the owner] unless he can prove that the loss or deterioration is due to normal use or not attributable to him.

As such, the judges of TSI considered that it was the tenant who bore the burden of proving that the fire could not be attributed to him to avoid the obligation to pay compensation to the landlords, rather than the opposite, as the TJB previously ruled.

The compensation calculated by the TSI took into account the cost of repairing the damage caused by the fire (MOP544,343) as well as the loss of monthly rent from the apartment for an eight-month period during which the repairs were conducted (equivalent to MOP64,890). The total compensation amount excludes any amount of compensation received by the owners from their insurance company, being the equivalent of MOP505,105.29.

The same court denied a second request for compensation from the owners, who made a claim for an additional MOP1 million from the tenant in respect of emotional harm that they claimed based on profound shock, trauma, deep suffering and deep sadness, despair, constant stress, insomnia, constant irritation and anxiety.

The TSI said that compensation for non-pecuniary damage arises from serious damage which was not proven on the facts presented.
Montana is asking a federal judge to allow its law banning new downloads of the video-sharing app TikTok to take effect in January while a challenge filed by the company and five content creators is decided by the courts.

The state filed its response Friday to the plaintiffs motion in July that asked U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy to temporarily prevent the law from being implemented until the courts can rule on whether it amounts to an unconstitutional violation of free speech rights.

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen had the bill drafted over concerns  shared by the FBI and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken  that the app, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, could be used to allow the Chinese government to access information on U.S. citizens or push pro-Beijing misinformation that could influence the public. TikTok has said none of this has ever happened.

The federal government and more than half the U.S. states, including Montana, have banned TikTok from being used on government-owned devices.

The federal government has already determined that China is a foreign adversary. And the concerns with TikTok are well documented at both the state and federal level, the brief said. The Montana law, therefore, furthers the public interest because it protects the public from the harms inseparable from TikToks operation.

Disallowing Montanas regulation of TikTok would be like preventing the state from banning a cancer-causing radio merely because that radio also transmitted protected speech, the brief argues.

There are other applications people can use to express themselves and communicate with others, the state argues. The plaintiffs have said their greatest social media following is on TikTok.

TikTok has safeguards to moderate content and protect minors, and would not share information with China, the company has argued. But critics have pointed to Chinas 2017 national intelligence law that compels companies to cooperate with the countrys governments for state intelligence work.

Montanas law would prohibit downloads of TikTok in the state and would fine any entity  an app store or TikTok  $10,000 per day for each time someone is offered the ability to access the social media platform or download the app. The penalties would not apply to users. MDT/AP